TNAG-2333-FCO40-3394-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Hong-Kong-Court-of-Final-Appeal-Hong-Ko-1991 — Page 16

ANNEX B

1993/94

GOVERNMENT BILLS PROPOSED FOR 1992/93

Category of Bill:

(Essential, Programme, Contingent or Uncontroversial)

Programme

Department:

FCO

Priority:

Title:

HONG KONG (APPEALS) BILL

Purpose:

To abolish appeals under the prerogative to the judicial committee from Hong Kong consequent on the establishment of a Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong.

Political Aspects:

The Bill could be controversial in parliament, because of the hostile reception in Hong Kong from the legal profession and the Legislative Council to the proposal for a Court of Final Appeal. No indication of official view from opposition parties. but they are likely to reflect the criticism in Hong Kong. The Bill may be strongly Length: opposed by some in the legal profession.

beryliamentary reedure:

House of Lords or Second Reading Committee

Royal Assent:

Financial Aspects:

None

Manpower Implications:

None

EC Aspects:

None

Timetable for Preparation:

Preparation will depend on agreement with the Chinese on draft legislation to establish the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong. This is unlikely to be complete before the Autumn of 1992. Thus the legislation is likely to be needed towards the Remarks: end of this year at the earliest.