XN000022-1997-01-18 — Page 2

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Press statement on disclosure of reports

In response to media enquiries, a government spokesman today (Saturday) issued the following statement with regard to the remarks made by Chairman of the LegCo Select Committee, Mr Ip Kwok-him, yesterday concerning the disclosure of the ICAC Operations Review Committee Report and the Integrity Report.

The spokesman said: "We would like to make it abundantly clear that to date no decision on disclosure has been made.

"We were amazed that the Chairman of the Select Committee chose to say what he had said yesterday as his remarks might have led the public to believe that he had already made up his mind on the matter.

"Under section 14 of the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance and the procedures approved thereof by the LegCo, a witness before the Select Committee is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a witness before a court. If that witness claims public interest immunity in relation to any document, he is entitled to put his reasons before the Chairman for a ruling," the spokesman said.

"We are sure that if and when the Chairman faces a claim of public interest immunity, he will consider the claim and the grounds upon which it is made.

"Pending the next meeting of the Select Committee, it is unhelpful to speculate." the spokesman emphasised.

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr W K Lam, and the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, will attend the next Select Committee hearing on January 22, at 8.30 am and 11.30 am respectively.

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