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After careful consideration of the arguments presented by the Bills Committee, we have agreed to delete proposed amendments to Clause 8. The effect of this change is that the Broadcasting Authority will have the power to issue directions to a programme service licensee requiring it to ensure that its service is capable of being received in areas specified by the Broadcasting Authority. The Authority already has this power in respect of other licensees under the Television Ordinance. I am satisfied that the Authority will not exercise its powers unreasonably to require that a programme service licensee provide a service in an area where no effective means of transmission exists.

During the course of scrutinising the Bill, the need for a number of minor technical amendments has been identified both to clarify the meaning of the Ordinance as amended, and to remove inconsistencies. Accordingly, I propose amendments to clauses 3(1)(ba)(i), 9, 10, 17 and the Schedule under clause 19.

Mr Chairman, I beg to move.

End

Fugitive Offenders Bill: resumption of second reading

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, at the resumption of second reading debate of the Fugitive Offenders Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday).

Mr President,

I would like to thank the Honourable James To, Chairman of the Bills Committee, and the other members of the Committee for their close examination of this important Bill, and the useful suggestions they made to enhance the clarity of the Bill in many areas. In the light of the constructive suggestions made by the Bills Committee, I shall move amendments to this Bill at the Committee Stage.

Mr President, the Bill provides a statutory framework to implement Hong Kong's own bilateral agreements for the surrender of fugitive offenders, and sets out the conditions and procedures under which Hong Kong will surrender fugitives as well as the treatment which will be afforded to returned fugitives. This is essential to enable Hong Kong to maintain and enhance cooperation with other jurisdictions, in preventing criminals from escaping justice by moving from one jurisdiction to another. The Bill reflects existing practices, procedures and restrictions for handling requests for surrender. These procedures involve decisions by the courts and by the executive, with channels of appeal for the fugitive offender.