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whether arranged in alphabetic order or according to the number of strokes which makes up the first character of my Chinese name. Therefore, a more desirable arrangement will be for you, Sir, in your capacity as President of the Council, to appoint Select Committees and their chairmen to deal with special
affairs of the Council.
Clause 15 of the Bill provides that when questions. relating to evidence and the production of documents arise, the Council and its Committee shall, in the interest of the public, make its decision in accordance with the former usage and practice prior to the commencement of the Ordinance. This provision is basically correct. However, both the Hong Kong Affairs Society and Meeting Point as well as the public are of the opinion that these former usage and practice should be clearly spelt out.
In line with the development of the Council, I think there should be some flexibility in this respect, so that hard and fast rules of former usage and practice need not be followd slavishly. I am glad to note that an amendment will be made to this Clause at the Committee Stage to provide that questions may be determined either in accordance with past usage and practice or by resolution of the Council.
Being a member of the Ad Hoc Group on this Bill, I have been involved in examining its spirit and wording. Moreover, I am also a member of the three existing select committees of the Council. Sir, I am willing to support the principle of this important Bill and selfishly hope to have the chance to vote on it and its amendments prior to the expiry of
my term of office on October 30.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.