TNAG-1733-FCO40-2446-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 143

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As to the question whether it is a proper function of

a trade union to support electoral activities, I think this

should best he left to the union

itself ta decide. Naw

lc

Section 33A therefore provides for

members of the union to

✓

se

decide by secret ballot. There are other safeguards too It

an electoral fund is to be set up, contributions to the fund

are to be voluntary. If Ao electoral fund 14

-authorisation for electoral expenditure for a

for a partieulaz

election is required by a secret ballet of members present at

a general meeting. In any case sten expenditure will also be

subject to the limits on election expenses under the Corrupt

and Illegal Practices Ordinance, and I do not wish in particular to repeat them here, but obviously there are few of them which should work very well.

Sir, MI. Wong has also

controls on the use of funds by

x electoral purposes.

人

人

suggested

other because

tightening up

organisations

for

We do not agree/es to do so would not be

i

in line with the development of representative government.

Sir,

We have previously/considered Mr. Wong's other points

on limiting the scope of the amendments to only Legislative

Council elections and allowing trade unions to make specific

previously also

only.

donations to candidates We have concluded that it is only

fair to allow trade unions to do what other organisations can

do. Partial lifting of

lifting of the present restrictions is neither

equitable nor reasonable.

сар

сар.

Sir, I would like to point out again that the bill

seeks mainly, to put trade unions on an equal footing with

other organisations regarding the use of funds for electoral

therefore I commend the gill to this Council for approval.

purposes. Ijo

Sir, I beg to move.