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The following is the statement given by the acting Chief Executive, Mrs Anson Chan, this (Saturday) afternoon after officiating at the 50th Anniversary Opening Ceremony cum Care for Family Day of the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society:-

"Yesterday's ruling by the Court of Final Appeal, I think, demonstrates that the rule of law is alive and well in Hong Kong, that our courts operate independently, and that human rights continue to be protected in Hong Kong. The Administration always tries to act in the best overall interests of the Hong Kong community. But, as yesterday's court ruling demonstrates, anyone is free to challenge the Administration's decisions and they can be assured of receiving a fair hearing from our courts.

We respect the Court's decision and we will act accordingly. But undoubtedly, the judgement of the Court of Final Appeal will increase the number of persons eligible for the right of abode in Hong Kong and, in the longer term, we believe, will put pressure on our services.

We will be meeting with the Mainland authorities early next week to assess the implications of the Court's decision and the size of the potential pool of eligible persons. Only then can we determine the likely demand for various services.

I do not believe that the Court's decision will lead to an influx of illegal immigrants. The Police and their Mainland counterparts have already stepped up border control. And I want to stress that any person without a Certificate of Entitlement illegally entering Hong Kong will be repatriated to the Mainland."

END/Saturday, January 30, 1999

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