XN000022-1996-12-06 — Page 3

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JLG Joint Communique

The Joint Liaison Group held its 38th meeting in Hong Kong from December 4 to 6, 1996.

The group had a discussion about the Transfer of Government, including the transitional Budget and related matters, transfer of Archives, Government assets, the Handover Ceremony etc; matters relating to Hong Kong's international rights and obligations; Hong Kong's Air Services Agreements; Civil Service matters; the Defence of Hong Kong and Public Order; franchises, contracts and major infrastructural projects extending beyond 1997; Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements between Hong Kong and relevant countries; Surrender of Fugitive Offenders Agreements between Hong Kong and relevant countries; the Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in civil and commercial matters between Hong Kong and foreign countries; the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreements; Agreements on Mutual Legal Assistance in criminal matters between Hong Kong and foreign countries; Localisation of Laws; Adaptation of Laws; the Court of Final Appeal; the implementation of the provisions of the Joint Declaration relating to the Right of Abode in Hong Kong after 1997; Visa Abolition Agreements; and Vietnamese Migrants in Hong Kong (boat people and refugees).

The next meeting of the Joint Liaison Group will take place at a time and place to be decided.

End

Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance effective in fortnight

The core provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance will come into force on December 20. The commencement notice bringing them into effect was published in the Gazette today (Friday).

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Branch said with the implementation of the core provisions, an individual (a data subject) will have the right to find out from data users, such as private firms or Government departments, whether they hold his or her personal data. If they do, the individual will have the right to obtain a copy of such data and correct any mistake of the records.