TNAG-1731-FCO40-2444-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 193

ways.

Will the

MR. LAI (in Cantonese) : Sir, when the consultation document is

issued, the general public have very diverse views,

views, and may

interpret the provisions in the draft Basic Law in different

So, the situation is rather chaotic.

Administration therefore consider compiling the diverse views

SO that the general public can really understand this

consultation document? And, at the same time, there should be

sufficient time for people to reflect their views.

CHIEF SECRETARY : Sir, the time allocated for the consultation

period is five months;

months;

As to the method of of

Basic Law, we believe

Consultative Committee.

that is

that is a considerable period of time.

consultation and the explanation of the

that is a matter for the Basic Law

MR. Desmond LEE : Sir, the

Sir, the Chief Secretary mentioned that the

Governments of Hong Kong and Britain were studying the draft

Basic Law. May I ask whether or not departures from the Joint

Declaration have been identified?

CHIEF SECRETARY : Sir, the consultation is in its early period;

as I have explained, we still have five months to go. I do not

think it would be appropriate for me to comment on individual

sections of the Basic Law at this stage.