TNAG-0405-FCO40-451-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 106

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Thursday, June 14, 1973

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COMMISSION OF INQUIRY CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE PUBLIC

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The newly appointed Commission of Inquiry is calling for public

assistance in its investigations into the circumstances in which a person, being investigated for alleged corruption, was able to leave Hong Kong.

Anyone who may have information relevant to this matter is urged to

report the details as soon as possible to the Commissioner, the Hon. Mr. Justice

Blair-Kerr, Supreme Court, Hong Kong.

The Commission stresses that it has to report to the Governor on the

first term of reference within three weeks and for this reason representations

must be submitted as a matter of urgency.

The Commissioner has been asked to report to the Governor on the second

term of reference, which relates to the effectiveness of the Prevention of

Bribery Ordinance, within three months.

Representations on this aspect are also required as early as possible.

The inquiry will involve the recording of evidence and will be held in Mr. Justice Blair-Kerr's own court in the Supreme Court Building.

Evidence given by any person before the Commissioner will be privileged, and will not be admissable against the person giving evidence in any civil or criminal proceedings, except where he is charged with an offence under the Perjury Ordinance or for any action which would amount to contempt of court if the proceedings were an ordinary trial.

The full terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry are:

(a) To report on the circumstances in which a person

whose prosecution under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance was, at an advanced stage of consideration, able to leave Hong Kong.

/(b) In the