TNAG-1366-FCO40-1812-Hong-Kong-Legislative-Council-(Powers-and-Privileges)-Bill-1-1985 — Page 136

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There is no doubt in my mind as to the merits of the

principles that have been embodied in the Bill. We are moving

away from the colonial era. We are moving towards legislature "constituted by elections" enjoying a high degree of autonomy. Legislators must feel free to speak their minds and their right to do so should be clearly stated in the law of Hong Kong. These principles are sound and reasonable and timely. To vote against this Bill today would imply that I did not accept these

principles. I do. I shall vote in favour of reading this Bill

a second time.

I have followed the public comment. I agree with many of the criticisms of particular aspects of the Bill. But this is not the stage in the legislative procedure when detailed

changes in the words of the Bill, to take account of sound

points of substance, can be settled. In the next stage, the Committee Stage, we shall be required to vote on the Bill Clause by Clause, on amendments proposed, on Clauses as amended and ultimately, in the Third Reading, on the amended Bill as a whole. There is still some way to go.