The Chinese side will recall that at JLG VIII (in November 1987) the two sides agreed on the principles for consultation on the localisation of laws exercise. The Chinese side will also recall that earlier, on 28 April 1987, the British side handed over a list of enactments which the United Kingdom had applied to Hong Kong. When handing over the list, the British side indicated that some of the enactments on the list would clearly not require to be localised and could be allowed to lapse on 1 July 1997.
2.
Work has subsequently been undertaken to identify which enactments should fall within the category of items which could be allowed to lapse. The British side are now pleased to inform the Chinese side that a first list of "can lapse" items has been produced [Hand over list]. No steps will be taken by the British side to localise any of the United Kingdom enactments on the list.
3.
The Chinese side will appreciate that the list is not at this stage exhaustive. Further lists of United Kingdom enactments currently applied to Hong Kong which can be allowed to lapse will be produced as and when more of such items are identified and the Chinese side will of course be informed accordingly.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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