rocus attention on the post-1997 position, and especially, given recent comments in the UN Human Rights Committee hearing in New York, on the fact that the Bill of Rights does not entrench the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights beyond 1997 and that there are alleged inconsistencies between the Basic Law and the Covenant.
35
On the other main area of amendment, inter-citizen rights, there will be much less concern. The general public not be aware of the arguments from the business sector on the need to remove these.
will
PUBLICITY
36
of
as
There will be no publicity, and no Legislative Council Brief will be issued, at this stage. Depending on the outcome developments in the Ad Hoc Group, a suitable PR strategy will be developed. The basic line will be that the amendments to clauses 2(3) and 4 and the Long Title, etc are intended to minimize the possibility of the Bill being inconsistent
perceived with the Basic Law. If necessary, we would also make clear that they have no operational effect on the Bill. The amendment to clause 7 is intended to avoid creating an uncertainty in law and does not mean that Government is retreating from its commitment to strengthen the protection of human rights. Meanwhile a holding press line to answer media enquiries on progress with the Bill will be prepared.
{
Law Officer
citor General, Mr F STOCK, (International Law), Mr D M EDWARDS, Assistant Solicitor General, Mr PJ DYKES and Senior Assistant Law Draftsman, Mr R C ALLCOCK, will attend for this item).
20 APRIL 1991 (CAB B3/11)
CONFIDENTIAL
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