TNAG-2557-FCO40-3732-Hong-Kong-Bill-of-Rights-Immigration-(Amendment)-Bill-1992-1992 — Page 12

CONFIDENTIAL

XCC(92)63

Legislative Timetable

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Subject to Members' approval of the introduction of this bill into the Legislative Council, the legislative timetable will be -

Publication in the Gazette

16 April 1992

First Reading and commencement

6 May 1992

Resumption of Second Reading,

Committee stage and

Third Reading

To be notified

FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPLICATIONS

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The proposals have no financial or staffing implications.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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Because the subject is sensitive, we have considered public consultation to be inappropriate.

PUBLIC REACTION

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While welcoming the amendments, it is likely that some people (academics, politicians, religious groups, members of the legal profession, and other human rights groups) will say that the changes do not go far enough. They will, we think, call for further amendments to the Ordinance.

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On the other hand, the general public is likely to view the amendments with caution. Some might be concerned that effective immigration control will be weakened. Others may criticise the Government for bending over backwards to accommodate the human rights lobby.

Reaction from China

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It is unlikely that these proposals would, in themselves, be objectionable to the Chinese. But if we were to bring them to their attention, they might make use of the opportunity to reiterate their concern over the BOR. In any case, the proposed amendments do not touch on subjects

Executive Council