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Following is the remarks (English only) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, on the motion debate on "Resolution under Article 73(7) of the Basic Law and Section 7A of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance" in the Legislative Council today (July 3):

Madam President,

I have listened very carefully to the views expressed by members just now and I am particularly grateful for the support for my motion. The conduct of this whole exercise follows the modified procedures recommended by the AJLS panel of this council, and taking into account the experiences in the last two senior judicial appointment exercises, and I agree entirely with Miss Lau that this has been a very smooth exercise as far as the appointment of these three eminent judges is concerned. The administration appreciates the importance that members attach to the question of how LegCo could best discharge its constitutional duty under Article 73 of the Basic Law and will continue to co-operate fully. And indeed, in this exercise, we have provided all information relating to the current appointments so as to facilitate members in considering the proposed appointments. I also agree that the Court of Final Appeal as the highest appellate court in Hong Kong plays a very important role in upholding the rule of law here. And I am sure that the appointment of the Right Honourable The Lord Woolf of Barnes, the Right Honourable The Lord Scott of Foscote and The Right Honourable Sir Ivor Richardson will enforce the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong. With these remarks, I am grateful for members' endorsement.

End/Thursday, July 3, 2003

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