TNAG-2565-FCO40-3750-Hong-Kong-(Appeals)-Bill-1992 — Page 19

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na. CFA Bill

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GOVERNMENT BILLS PROPOSED FOR 1992/93

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ANNEX B

Category of Bill:

(Essential, Programme, Contingent or Uncontroversial)

Contingent

Department:

FCO

Priority:

Title:

HONG KONG (APPEALS) BILL

Purpose:

To abolish appeals under the perogative to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council 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. A moderation of views in Hong Kong is necessary for the passage of legislation there. This is likely to reduce

Length: opposition to the Bill in Parliament although the Bill may be strongly

opposed by some in the legal profession. Parliamentary Procedure:

House of Lords or Second Reading Committee

Very Short (2-3 clauses)

Royal Assent:

Financial Aspects:

None

Manpower Implications:

None

EC Aspects:

None

Timetable for Preparation:

Preparation depends on agreement with the Chinese on draft Hong Kong legislation to establish the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong and its passage through the Legislative Council on which the Bill is contingent. This is unlikely to be Remarks:

completed before the, Autumn, of 1992. Thus the legislation is not, likely to be needed before the 1st quarter of 1993 at the earliest.