TNAG-2571-FCO40-3757-Future-of-Hong-Kong-adaptation-of-laws-Post-Office-Ordinanc-1992 — Page 6

INTRODUCTION

Adaptation of Laws

-

Post Office Ordinance Cap. 98

This

paper has been prepared as a basis for

with the principles

for

consultation in accordance consultation agreed with the Chinese side at JLG XVII on the way

in which the British side intends to adapt certain provisions in Hong Kong laws in order to ensure that they are consistent with the Basic Law.

2.

This is the first such paper and the subject chosen for it is the Post Office Ordinance (Cap. 98 of the Laws of Hong Kong) which regulates the whole postal system of Hong Kong.

PROPOSALS

3.

The

British side proposes to adapt the Post Office

Ordinance as follows-

(a) Remove from the definition of "contract ship" in section 2(1) the references to Her Majesty's Postmaster General and to the postal authorities of British possessions or protectorates.

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

Remove from the definition of "postage stamp" in section 2(1) the reference to Her Majesty's Postmaster General or the government of any British possession and substitute "any other Government or postal authority".

Remove from the definition of "Postmaster General" in section 2(1) the reference to Her Majesty's

Postmaster General.

Remove provisions relating to delivery of mails "On Her Majesty's Service" and substitute "On Government Service".

(This will require amendments to sections 22, 31(1) and 32(1) of the Ordinance and Regulation 6(1) of the Post Office Regulations.)

Where the phrase "any postal authority, British or foreign"

delete the appears,

words "British or foreign" as being unnecessary. (This will require amendments to sections 7(4), 31(1), 31(2), 32(1) and 36(1).)

Where the phrase "forfeit to the Crown" is used in section 32(5), delete the words "to the Crown" as being unnecessary.

Remove the word "British" from the phrase "British postal orders" in Regulation 20 of the Post Office Regulations.