Mr. Moreton
Parliamentary Office
with (143)
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The attached Parliamentary Question by lir. Bidwell (Southall)
is the second of two Questions by the same Member on detainees in
Hong Kong, both of which are for oral reply on 20 January, 1969.
Both Questions are concerned with the Committee of Review set up
under the Hong Kong Emergency Regulations.
2. The Committee of Review has no power to make decisions.
It is a statutory advisory body, and this was made clear by
Mr. Whitlock in reply to a Question by Mr. Abse on 17 December, 1968.
However, it is doubtful whether this particular Question could be
adequately answered merely by reference to the reply given to
Mr. Abse.
Since the Governor is responsible to the Secretary of
State for the maintenance of security in Hong Kong, it is clear
that the final decisions regarding the release of detainees must
rest with the Governor. In a recent discussion the Governor
told me that up to now he has been able in every case to accept
the recommendation of the Committee of Review.
3. Draft reply and Notes for Supplementaries are attached.
L. 5. Carter
(W. S. Carter)
Hong Kong Department
10 January, 1969
Wohnorch
10/1
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