Public Relations Adviser of LegCo London Office advised that the "British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill", introduced by Lord Willoughby de Broke, had its successful Third Reading in the House of Lords on 29 January 1997. It was then introduced to the House of Commons and was scheduled for Second Reading debate within February 1997.
The Chairman of the House Committee wrote to the UK Prime Minister on 4 February 1997 urging the UK Government to support the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill.
The written answer from Mr Michael HOWARD, Home Secretary, to a question raised in the House of Commons on 4 February 1997 is attached at Annex 1.

4. The Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) Bill 1995

In the course of deliberations of the Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) Bill 1995, the Administration undertook to conduct a review on whether the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance and the Organised and Serious Crime Ordinance should be exempted from the provisions of the Bill one year after the provisions were brought into effect in early 1996. The Administration agreed to revert to the Panel upon conclusion of the review in early 1997.

The Clerk wrote to the Administration on 1.2.1997 enquiring when it would be ready to report to the Panel. Its reply was being awaited.

5. The Prevention of Bribery (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 1995

The Bills Committee on the Prevention of Bribery (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 1995 has referred the following issues to the Panel :

request for discussion papers of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)s Review Committee;
ICACs power of arrest and procedure after arrest;
coordination between the ICAC and the Police;
bribery in relation to auctions; and
the territorial scope of section 9 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

6. Harassment and Intimidation by Private Developers on Residents in the New Territories

Raised by Hon Zachary WONG at the Panel meeting on 28.10.1996. A brief note from Mr WONG is attached at Annex 2.

7. Interception of Communications Bill

Raised by the Chairman on 11.12.1996. He would like to brief the Panel on the above Members Bill which would be introduced into the Legislative Council in early 1997.

(To be discussed at the Joint Meeting with the Information Policy Panel on 18.2.1997.)

8. Abuse of Power by Police Officers

Raised by Hon Zachary WONG on 13.12.1996. A brief note from Mr WONG is attached at Annex 3.

9. Visa Applications for Visiting Hong Kong beyond 1 July 1997

Raised by Hon Howard YOUNG on 13.1.1997. As visas for visiting Hong Kong issued by British Embassies may not be valid on or after 1 July 1997, Mr YOUNG is concerned :

whether it is necessary for overseas visitors who intend to stay in Hong Kong beyond 1 July 1997 to apply for another visa from the Chinese side; and
whether the Chinese side will only process visa applications from the overseas visitors concerned on or after 1 July 1997.

Mr YOUNG proposed to discuss this item in April 1997.

LegCo Secretariat
12 February 1997

Last Updated on 21 August 1998

LegCo Panel on Security Outstanding Items for Discussion (as at 12.2.1997)

A. Items raised by Members

1. Deployment of Mainland Troops in Hong Kong

2. Permanent Residency after 1997

3. Follow-up on Issues of Non-Chinese Ethnic Minorities