TNAG-1243-FCO40-1557-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 167

CONFIDENTIAL

PURPOSE

3. Please list the various topics to be covered by the Bill, briefly indicating the purpose in each case. This list should cover all the substantive topics likely to be included. Because of their impact on drafting capacity and parliamentary handling, the business managers and other members of Legislation Committee are likely to resist attempts to make substantial additions later on.

DEPARTMENT

4. It is sufficient to use the short form: eg "DHSS", "DTp".

POLITICAL ASPECTS

5. Please state briefly what, if any, firm public commitments have been

Please given by the Government about the Bill's introduction or timing. also cover briefly

a. its likely reception in Parliament, including whether it is likely to arouse particular interest in the House of Lords;

b. what the attitude of the official Opposition is likely to be;

whether it is likely to be controversial politically or for any other reason;

C.

d. whether there is pressure for the Bill from groups representing particular interests;

whether it is likely to appeal to or be strongly opposed by any particular sections of the community.

e.

LENGTH

6. An estimate of the length of the Bill is needed so that the demands on drafting capacity and Parliamentary time can be assessed at the earliest possible stage. It will not normally be possible to give an accurate forecast of the number of clauses and schedules, but some indication such as 'very short' (not more than 4 clauses), 'short' (5-12 clauses), 'medium' (13-25 clauses), 'substantial' (26-50 clauses) or 'long'

over 50 clauses) would be useful. If the Bill would be short but the schedules large please say so. Where a Bill would cover more than one distinct topic, please indicate roughly what proportion of the Bill would be devoted to each topic.

TIMING

7. For 'essential' and 'contingent' Bills, please give with reasons the date by which Royal Assent is needed. For other Bills, please give a target date only if Royal Assent is essential or desirable before the end of the session. Please make it clear in each case whether Royal Assent by a particular date is essential - eg because borrowing limits will otherwise be exceeded or desirable but not essential.

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CONFIDENTIAL