TNAG-1286-FCO40-16372-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong.-Part-2-of-2-1984 — Page 240

CAP. 87.] Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges)

Freedom of speech and debate.

Immunity from legal proceedings.

Power to exclude strangers.

[1964 Ed.

galleries, courtyards, gardens and other places provided for the use or accommodation of members, officers or strangers, and any passages connecting such places, and any other places immediately contiguous thereto as may from time to time be designated by the Speaker;

"session" means the meetings of the Council commencing when the Council first meets after being constituted or after its prorogation or dissolution at any time, and terminating when the Council is prorogued or is dissolved without having been prorogued;

"Standing Orders" means the Standing Rules and Orders of the Council made under the Gibraltar (Constitution) Order, 1964, or any Order in Council amending or replacing them and for the time being in force;

"stranger" means any person other than a member or an officer.

PART I.-PRIVILEGES OF THE COUNCIL AND ITS OFFICERS.

3. There shall be freedom of speech and debate in the Coun- cil. Such freedom of speech and debate shall not be liable to be questioned in any court or place outside the Council.

4. No civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against any member for words spoken before, or written in a report. to, the Council or to a committee thereof or by reason of any matter or thing brought by him therein by petition, Bill, re- solution, motion or otherwise.

5. (1) No stranger shall be entitled, as of right, to enter or remain within the precincts of the Council Chamber and the Speaker or any officer authorized in that behalf by the Speaker may at any time order any stranger to withdraw therefrom.

(2) The Speaker may issue such orders as he may in his discretion deem necessary or desirable for the regulation of the admittance of strangers to, and the conduct of strangers with- in, the precincts of the Council Chamber.

(3) The exhibition in a conspicuous position in the precincts of the Council Chamber of a copy, duly authenticated by the Clerk, of any orders made by the Speaker under this scetion. shall be deemed to be sufficient notice to all persons affected thereby.

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