LEE MON
The Second Reading was therefore delayed until 12 June to give time for further representations, and during this period there was further criticism from some members of the legal profession, the press and a number of pressure groups.
While not accepting everything that was said against the Bill, the Hong Kong Government recognised that some valid criticisms had been made, particularly about clauses 16, 20 and 24. There were ample precedents for them, and indeed there is authority for virtually all of them in Erskine May. But it was accepted that, in the circumstances of Hong Kong, the clauses as drafted might not be entirely appropriate. As you will see, the wide-ranging
amendments now being put forward would remove virtually all, if not all, of the contentious material.
In the light of these amendments the controversy over the Bill may well subside. On present plans, the Committee Stage of the Bill will take place on 26 June, followed by the Third Reading. There will of course be time meanwhile for further discussion by interested parties in Hong Kong.
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