TNAG-1287-FCO40-1638-Constitutional-development-in-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 20

Explanatory Memorandum

This Bill makes provision for the powers,

privileges and immunities of the Legislative Council,.

its members and officers.

2. Part I of the Bill makes provision for the

Ordinance when enacted to be brought into force by the

Governor, and also contains the interpretation

clause.

3. Part II provides for privileges and

immunities.

Immunity is conferred upon on members

by clause 3 from civil or criminal proceedings in

respect of matters said or documents brought before

the Council or any committee and by clause 4 from

arrest for civil debt whilst going to, attending or

returning from, any meeting of the Council or a

committee. Clause 5 prohibits the service of any

civil process within the precincts of the Council

unless that process relates to a person employed

within the precincts. Clauses 6, 7 and 8 make

provision for the conduct of strangers within the

precincts and enable the President to make orders

governing such conduct and to order strangers to

withdraw from the Council Chamber or the precincts of

the Council.

4. Part III makes provision governing

witnesses before the Council and its committees.

Clause 9 empowers the Council or any standing

committee to order the attendance of witnesses and the

production of books and documents. Clause 10