TNAG-1365-FCO40-1811-Hong-Kong-Legislative-Council-(Powers-and-Privileges)-Bill-1-1985 — Page 23

HK2ADH

POINTS TO MAKE

CONFIDENTIAL

CALL ON MR LUCE BY MR JOHN MORRIS QC MP

1215 MONDAY 24 JUNE

NEED FOR BILL

1. As part of its plans for the development of representative

Government in the territory, Hong Kong Government consider it

necessary to set down in law the powers and privileges of LEGCO

members before the new LEGCO meets in October. The new LEGCO will

have for the first time a group of elected members, without

previous experience of LEGCO and with close ties to the various

groups and interests that have chosen them.

2. Aim of Bill is essentially to reflect in one piece of

Legislation Long accepted conventions concerning parliamentary

privileges and immunities and the jurisdiction of the courts, both

here in Westminster and in a number of colonial territories.

CONTENT OF BILL AND CONSULTATION

3. Bill has been examined in detail by a LEGCO sub-committee since

Late last year, and was amended by them. It was considered and

endorsed by EXCO in May, then published for comments. In view of

wide range of comments received after First Reading, Second Reading

was deferred by 2 weeks to allow more time for these.

4. The original Bill has been substantially amended to take account

of public comments. Amended Bill to be further debated at Committee

State on 26 June, when Hong Kong Government will also propose amendments to Clause 8 (3) (to include references to the need for a

Council resolution) and 19 (A) (to remove reference to "insults").

These amendments have gone a long way to meet public comment on the

Bill. Any further concerns of "Justice" or others, eg their representaions that clauses 8(2) and 23 should also be amended,

& should be brought to Hong Kong Government or UMELCO attention before

26 June.

CONFIDENTIAL