TNAG-0675-FCO40-824-Legislation-on-interpretation-and-general-clauses-of-laws-of-1978 — Page 31

C

C.S. 84

XCR(77)26

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the advantages and disadvantages of GMT + 8 as against GMT+9 (which was adopted in the winter at the time of the oil crisis in 1973/74) and make their own choice on the basis of actual experience. The decision to propose the amendment providing for GMT + 8 was announced last August. This announcement in turn has generated its own opposition and criticism of the proposal has been voiced in English language papers and radio programmes in recent weeks. It is nonetheless proposed that GMT +8 should be tried next summer.

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If, after the experience of Standard Time throughout the winter of 1976 and summer of 1977, GMT+ 8 is still the favoured system, it would be adopted permanently. If this is not the case, the Legislative Council could, by resolution, effect a change in the law to establish the time system preferred. It may even turn out that the best course will be to revert to changing the clocks in spring and autumn.

Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) Bill 1977

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On the assumption that the proposal will be acceptable to Honourable Members, the Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) Bill 1976 has been revised by:

(a) substituting GMT + "8" for GMT + "9" as the initial Hong Kong Time which will, of course, remain subject to change by resolution of the Legislative Council under clause 3;

(b) redrafting the Explanatory Memorandum to reflect this

change and emphasise the flexible nature of the new provisions; and

(c) omitting a consequential amendment to the Railways

Rules, which is now being effected in another measure.

The revised version of the bill is at Annex C.

Fublic relations aspects

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The change from GMT + 9 to GMT + 8 will undoubtedly be wel- comed by those who at present favour GMT + 8 as well as by those who are indifferent to the matter because it shows that the Government is prepared to respond to expressions of public feeling on matters of general public interest. Inevitably, those who prefer GMT+9 will express their dissatisfaction when the clocks are not put forward on 17th April 1977. However, full publicity will be given through the media

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