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Following is a question by the Hon James To and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

After announcing the withdrawal of the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill, the Government has not publicly explained the way forward for the public consultation on the making of legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law (BL23). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) it will commence the making of the legislation concerned only after the Chief Executive and all Members of the Legislative Council are returned by universal suffrage; and

(b) it will publish a white bill for public consultation on the contents of the provisions of the bill to implement BL23?

Reply:

Madam President,

Enactment of legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law is a duty that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must fulfil. This duty under the Basic Law has no linkage with the constitutional development in Hong Kong.

As pointed out by the Chief Executive on September 5, the Security Bureau will review afresh the issues relating to the implementation of Article 23, and there is no fixed timetable for the task. In respect of the format of consultation to be conducted, the Government has an open mind and views from all sectors are welcome.

Ends/Wednesday, October 15, 2003

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