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and the words "only, that is to say" could be deleted as superfluous; and the dash could be replaced by a colon.
4. Our Legal Counsellor has also suggested some drafting amendments to RI XXIV (2)(b) because she does not feel that the words "for that purpose" clearly refer to a particular purpose. She has suggested the following revision:
(b) "A public officer whom the Governor has designated to make such a proposal under Clause XXI (B), paragraph 2; or".
She also thinks that RIXXIV (2) (c) should be revised for similar reasons and that the word "him" should be replaced by "the Governor". The revised (c) would read:
(c) A Member of the Legislative Council expressly authorised or permitted by the Governor to make such a proposal.".
5.
We would also like to revise the language of RI XXIV which reflects the existing language to read: "Any Member of the Legislative Council may propose any question...".
6. Regarding the timing for bringing the amendments into operation, I would be grateful if you could let me know why you think that it makes no difference whether the Audit Ordinance refers to "the Governor as the President of the Legislative Council" or simply to "the President of the Legislative Council".
7. It seems unlikely that we will be able to get these amendments to the December Privy Council meeting given our deadlines for submitting to Ministers and for getting the papers to the Privy Council. However, we will certainly try to do so. We will, therefore, need to have your comments on the above proposals deskby 0900Z on 8 December.
Yous snicevery, fridget this
Bridget Paris
Hong Kong Department
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