TNAG-2565-FCO40-3750-Hong-Kong-(Appeals)-Bill-1992 — Page 3

REVISED

CONFIDENTIAL

8

HONG KONG (APPEALS) BILL

34C

(Previously 34P)

Contingent

Department

FCO

Priority

6

Purpose

M. Buk

дели

the

under

CM

Extract from Legnila true Programone (neer proforma). Родните

Сп Craniali

24/ár

To abolish appeals

Prerogative to the Judicial Committee consequent on the establishment of a court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong.

Political Implications

The Bill would be controversial in Parliament because because of the hostile reaction 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 opposition to the Bill in Parliament although the Bill may be strongly opposed by some in the legal profession.

Length

Very short.

Parliamentary Procedure

LAST PAPER

House of Lords or Second Reading Committee

Royal Assent

No special requirement

Financial Aspects and EC Aspects

None

Manpower Implications

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 first quarter of 1993 at the earliest.

Remarks

None

CONFIDENTIAL

8