TNAG-1690-FCO40-2340-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 150

1987-07-09 09:28 COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)

852 5 845 0995

P.02

Sir,

Speech by The Hon. Michael Thomas, QC

Attorney General, in the Legislative Council

on Wednesday 8th July, 1987

I should like to intervene at this stage of the debate

to deal with the matters of law that Mr. Martin Lee has raised.

Others, including my friend the Chief Secretary, will deal with

the more general arguments that he has advanced and the political

considerations that justify the regulations in the form in which

they have been tabled. Members will however wish to have an

early assurance from the Government that they do not breach

international law in that form.

2.

I am sure all Members appreciate the trouble Mr. Martin

Lee has taken over this matter. It is now some three months

since Dr. Jayawickrama of the Hong Kong University suggested

that the form of legislation proposed in the white bill was not

compatible with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil

and Political Rights. This Covenant and its twin, the

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

are expressly referred to in the Joint Declaration in the

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