TNAG-2212-FCO40-3172-Hong-Kong-annual-report-for-1990-1991 — Page 128

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two Covenants after 1997 is provided for in the Sino-British

Joint Declaration.

29.

Preparatory work on a justiciable Bill of Rights to give effect in local law to the relevant provisions of the ICCPR progressed satisfactorily in 1990. A draft Bill fe

public consultation was published in March 1990. A total of

800 submissions were received during the 3 month

consultation period. A Hong Kong Bill of Rights 1990, which

took into account the views expressed during the public

consultation period, was introduced into the Legislative

Council in July. The legislation is expected to be enacted

in the course of 1991. To complement the protection afforded by the Bill of Rights, the Letters Patent for Hong Kong will be amended so as to ensure that no law of Hong

Kong can be made that restricts the rights and freedoms

enjoyed in Hong Kong in a manner which is inconsistent with the ICCPR as applied to Hong Kong.

VIII GENERAL ECONOMIC SITUATION

30. The rate of economic growth in Hong Kong remained

modest in 1990, continuing the cyclical slow-down started in

1989. GDP growth in real terms was 2.4 per cent, following

increases of 7.9 per cent in 1988 and 2.3 per cent in 1989. The slow-down in economic activity was attributable partly to more moderate demand from overseas for Hong Kong's products, and partly to the supply constraints caused by several years of very rapid growth from 1986 to 1988. While there was some improvement in economic performance in the

latter part of 1990, the Gulf crisis gave rise to some uncertainty in the short term.

Footnote Detailed facts and figures on the economy as a whole and on

individual sectors are given in the Annual Report "Hong Kong 1991" which is available in the library of the House .

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