TNAG-1333-FCO40-1765-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-1985 — Page 148

CODE 18-77

Mr BurrowS (Legal Advisers WH218)

Reference

HKK 040/53

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

06 NOV 1984

57

DESK OFFICER

REGISTRY

PA

Action Taken

HONG KONG AGREEMENT: LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE

1.

INDEX

Having read the "Guide to Legislative Procedure", be grateful for your advice on the following questions relating to the preparation of a Hong Kong Bill:

2.

Iklan will

I

would

a) We need to write formally to

to the Lord Privy Seal seeking authority for the drafting of a bill by Parliamentary Counsel. I attach a draft letter from the Secretary of State. Is it in the correct form?

b) Could you let us have an example of "Notes on Clauses" which we can use for preparation of notes for Ministers on the Hong Kong bill?

c) Will our bill affect the prerogative? If it does the "Guide to Legislative Procedure" suggests that we need to consult the Queen.

d) At what state would we be able to put the bill itself to QL?

The Guide spends a good deal of time on the creation of a Divisional Team to deal with this legislation. In the Department we intend to deal with this matter on an ad hoc basis through Mr Galsworthy, Mr Hum, Mr Hoare and myself. Will you be supported by another legal adviser?

31 October 1984

CC:

Mr Galsworthy, HKD Mr Hum,

HKD

Jonathan R11.

JN Powell

Hong Kong Department