Council meeting (Minutes) 7 and 8 Apr 98

Provisional Legislative Council

PLC Paper No. CB(3) 907

Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 7 April 1998 at 2:30 pm and Wednesday 8 April 1998 at 9:00 am respectively

Members present:

President
Members present:

President
The Hon Mrs Rita FAN, JP
The Hon WONG Siu-yee
The Hon James TIEN Pei-chun, JP
The Hon David CHU Yu-lin
The Hon HO Sai-chu, JP
The Hon Edward HO Sing-tin, JP
Dr Hon Raymond HO Chung-tai, JP
The Hon NG Leung-sing
Prof Hon NG Ching-fai
The Hon Eric LI Ka-cheung, JP
Dr Hon David LI Kwok-po, JP
The Hon LEE Kai-ming
The Hon Allen LEE, JP
The Hon Mrs Elsie TU, GBM
The Hon Mrs Selina CHOW, JP
The Hon Mrs Peggy LAM, JP
The Hon Henry WU
The Hon NGAI Shiu-kit, JP
The Hon Henry TANG Ying-yen, JP
The Hon Ronald ARCULLI, JP
The Hon YUEN Mo
The Hon MA Fung-kwok
The Hon CHEUNG Hon-chung (absent on 8.4.1998)
Dr Hon Mrs TSO WONG Man-yin
The Hon LEUNG Chun-ying, JP
Dr Hon LEONG Che-hung, JP
The Hon Mrs Sophie LEUNG LAU Yau-fun, JP
The Hon MOK Ying-fan
The Hon HUI Yin-fat, JP (absent on 7.4.1998)
The Hon CHAN Choi-hi
The Hon CHAN Yuen-han
The Hon CHAN Wing-chan
The Hon CHAN Kam-lam
The Hon TSANG Yok-sing
The Hon CHENG Kai-nam
The Hon Frederick FUNG Kin-kee
The Hon Andrew WONG Wang-fat, JP
Dr Hon Philip WONG Yu-hong
The Hon Kennedy WONG Ying-ho
The Hon Howard YOUNG, JP
Dr Hon Charles YEUNG Chun-kam
The Hon YEUNG Yiu-chung
The Hon IP Kwok-him
The Hon CHIM Pui-chung
The Hon Bruce LIU Sing-lee
The Hon LAU Kong-wah
The Hon LAU Wong-fat, JP
The Hon Mrs Miriam LAU Kin-yee, JP
The Hon Ambrose LAU Hon-chuen, JP
The Hon CHOY Kan-pui, JP
The Hon CHENG Yiu-tong
Dr Hon TANG Siu-tong, JP
The Hon Timothy FOK Tsun-ting
The Hon KAN Fook-yee
The Hon NGAN Kam-chuen
The Hon LO Suk-ching
Dr Hon LAW Cheung-kwok (absent on 7.4.1998)
The Hon TAM Yiu-chung, JP
The Hon CHOY So-yuk

Member absent:

The Hon Paul CHENG Ming-fun, JP

Public officers attending:

on 7.4.1998 and 8.4.1998

The Honourable Mrs Anson CHAN, JP

The Chief Secretary for Administration

The Honourable Donald TSANG Yam-kuen, JP

The Financial Secretary

Mr I G M WINGFIELD, JP

The Secretary for Justice

Mr Peter LAI Hing-ling, JP

Secretary for Security

Mr Bowen LEUNG Po-wing, JP

Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands

Mr KWONG Ki-chi, JP

Secretary for the Treasury

Mr David LAN Hong-tsung, JP

Secretary for Home Affairs

Mr Leo KWAN Wing-wah, JP

Secretary for Economic Services

Mr Matthew CHEUNG Kin-chung, JP

Secretary for Education and Manpower

on 7.4.1998

Mrs Rita LAU NG Wai-lan, JP

Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport

Mr Kevin HO Chi-ming, JP

Secretary for Transport

on 8.4.1998

Mr Michael SUEN Ming-yeung, JP

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs

Mr CHAU Tak-hay, JP

Secretary for Trade and Industry

Mr Dominic WONG Shing-wah, JP

Secretary for Housing

Mrs Katherine FOK LO Shiu-ching, JP

Secretary for Health and Welfare

Mr LAM Woon-kwong, JP

Secretary for the Civil Service

Mr LEE Shing-see, JP

Secretary for Works

Clerks in attendance:

on 7.4.1998 and 8.4.1998

Mr Ricky FUNG Choi-cheung, JP,

Secretary General

Mr LAW Kam-sang, JP,

Deputy Secretary General

on 7.4.1998

Mrs Justina LAM CHENG Bo-ling,

Assistant Secretary General (2)

on 8.4.1998

Ms Pauline NG Man-wah,

Assistant Secretary General (1)

Mr Ray CHAN Yum-mou,

Assistant Secretary General (3)

Papers

The following papers were laid on the table pursuant to Rule 21(2) of the Rules of Procedure:

Subsidiary Legislation

L.N. No.

Marriage and Children (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 1997 (69 of 1997) (Commencement) Notice 1998

199/98

Sessional Papers

No.106	--	Report of changes to the approved Estimates of Expenditure approved during the third quarter of 1997-98 (Public Finance Ordinance : Section 8)
No.107	--	Report of the Broadcasting Authority September 1996 - August 1997
No.108	--	Employees' Compensation Insurance Levies Management Board Annual Report 1996/97
No.109	--	Employees Compensation Assistance Fund Board Annual Report 1996/97
No.110	--	Occupational Safety and Health Council Annual Report 1996-1997

Reports

Mrs Selina CHOW, Chairman of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, presented the Committee's Report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mr Ambrose LAU, Chairman of the Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mr YEUNG Yiu-chung, Chairman of the Panel on Education, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Dr Mrs TSO WONG Man-yin, Chairman of the Panel on Environmental Affairs, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mrs Peggy LAM, Chairman of the Panel on Home Affairs, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Miss CHAN Yuen-han, Chairman of the Panel on Housing, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Ms CHOY So-yuk, Chairman of the Panel on Information Policy, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mr CHAN Kam-lam, Chairman of the Panel on Manpower, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mr IP Kwok-him, Chairman of the Panel on Public Service, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mrs Selina CHOW, Chairman of the Panel on Security, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mr WONG Siu-yee, Chairman of the Panel on Welfare Services, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Dr TANG Siu-tong, Chairman of the Panel on Health Services, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mr NGAI Shiu-kit, Chairman of the Panel on Trade and Industry, presented the Panel's report 1997/98 and addressed the Council.

Mr Kennedy WONG, Chairman of the Bills Committee on Adaptation of Laws (Interpretative Provisions) Bill, presented the Committee's report and addressed the Council.

Mrs Miriam LAU, Chairman of the Bills Committee on Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 1998, presented the Committee's report and addressed the Council.

Mr Ambrose LAU, Chairman of the Bills Committee on Adaptation of Laws (Nationality Related Matters) Bill, presented the Committee's report and addressed the Council.

Mr Ronald ARCULLI, Chairman of the Bills Committee on Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Bill, presented the Committee's report and addressed the Council.

Mr IP Kwok-him, Chairman of the Bills Committee on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill 1998, presented the Committee's report and addressed the Council.

Mr Eric LI, Chairman of the Bills Committee on Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998, presented the Committee's report and addressed the Council.

Mr Eric LI, Chairman of the Bills Committee on Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998, presented the Committee's report and addressed the Council.

Mr Edward HO, Chairman of the Panel on Planning, Lands and Works, presented the Panel's report 1997/98.

Addresses

Mr CHAN Wing-chan, Mrs Selina CHOW, Mr WONG Siu-yee and the Secretary for Economic Services addressed the Council separately on the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulation 1998, the Food Business (Urban Council) (Amendment) Bylaw 1998 and the Food Business (Regional Council) (Amendment) Bylaw 1998, which are subsidiary legislation laid on the Table of the Council on 4 March and 11 March 1998 respectively.

Questions

1. Mr Howard YOUNG asked Question 1.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands replied.

Five Members asked supplementaries and the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands replied.

2. Prof NG Ching-fai asked Question 2.

The Secretary for Education and Manpower replied.

A Member asked supplementaries and the Secretary for Education and Manpower replied.

3. Mr Kennedy WONG asked Question 3.

The Secretary for Home Affairs replied.

Five Members asked supplementaries and the Secretary for Home Affairs replied.

4. Mr CHAN Choi-hi asked Question 4.

The Secretary for Home Affairs replied.

Five Members asked supplementaries and the Secretary for Home Affairs replied.

5. Mr CHOY Kan-pui asked Question 5, under Rule 26(6) of the Rules of Procedure, on behalf of Dr TANG Siu-tong who was not present.

The Secretary for Transport replied.

Three Members asked supplementaries and the Secretary for Transport replied.

6. Mr LAU Kong-wah asked Question 6.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands replied.

Four Members asked supplementaries and the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands replied.

Written replies to Questions 7 to 20 were tabled for Members information.

Bills

Adaptation of Laws (Courts and Tribunals) Bill

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 11 February 1998 resumed.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Adaptation of Laws (Courts and Tribunals) Bill.

Question that clauses 1 and 2 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that the schedule stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Chief Secretary for Administration moved amendments to items 2, 9, 19, 23, 28, 41, 53, 69, 98, 99 and 136 in the schedule and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that the schedule, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Chief Secretary for Administration reported that

the Adaptation of Laws (Courts and Tribunals) Bill

had passed through Committee with amendments. She moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Adaptation of Laws (Interpretative Provisions) Bill

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 25 February 1998 resumed.

Six Members spoke on the motion.

Mr Andrew WONG rose to move the following motion without notice under Rule 40(1) of the Rules of Procedure:

That the debate on the Second Reading of the Adaptation of Laws (Interpretative Provisions) Bill be now adjourned.

Question on the motion proposed and put.

Mr Andrew Wong claimed a division. The President then ordered the Council to divide under Rule 47(4) of the Rules of Procedure.

The President announced that there were six votes for the motion, 47 votes against it and no abstention. (Voting record in Appendix I.) She declared that Mr Andrew WONG's motion was negatived.

Another two Members spoke on the motion of the Second Reading.

The Secretary for Justice replied.

Question on the Second Reading put. The President said that she thought the motion was carried.

Mr K K FUNG claimed a division. The President then ordered the Council to divide under Rule 47(4) of the Rules of Procedure.

The President announced that there were 47 votes for the motion, six votes against it and no abstention. (Voting record in Appendix II.) She declared that the motion was carried.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Adaptation of Laws (Interpretative Provisions) Bill.

Question that clauses 1, 3, 5 to 23, 25 to 42 and 44 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 4 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Justice moved an amendment to the definition of "High Court" in clause 4.

Question on the amendment put and agreed to.

The Secretary for Justice moved an amendment to the definition of "State" in clause 4 and addressed the Committee.

A Member spoke on the amendment.

Question on the amendment put and agreed to.

Question that clause 4, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 2 and 24 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 43 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that the schedule stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for Justice reported that

the Adaptation of Laws (Interpretative Provisions) Bill

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed and put. The President said that she thought the motion was carried.

Mr K K FUNG claimed a division. The President then ordered the Council to divide under Rule 47(4) of the Rules of Procedure.

The President announced that there were 46 votes for the motion, six votes against it and no abstention. (Voting record in Appendix III.) She declared that the motion was carried.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 1998

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 11 February 1998 resumed.

Two Members spoke on the motion.

The Secretary for Justice replied.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 1998.

Question that clauses 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 to 11 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 3, 5 and 7 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Justice moved amendments to clauses 3, 5 and 7 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 3, 5 and 7, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

The Secretary for Justice moved an amendment to the long title.

Question on the amendment proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for Justice reported that

the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 1998

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Adaptation of Laws (Nationality Related Matters) Bill

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 25 February 1998 resumed.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Adaptation of Laws (Nationality Related Matters) Bill.

Question that clauses 1 and 2 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that schedules 1 and 2 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Security moved amendments to items 3 and 8 in and the addition of item 10A to schedule 1, and amendments to items 2(b), 4, 7 and 8 in schedule 2 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that schedules 1 and 2, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for Security reported that

the Adaptation of Laws (Nationality Related Matters) Bill

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Adaptation of Laws (Crown Land) Bill

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 11 February 1998 resumed.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Adaptation of Laws (Crown Land) Bill.

Question that clauses 1 to 5, 7 to 52 and 55 to 105 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 6, 53 and 54 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved amendments to clauses 6, 53 and 54 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 6, 53 and 54, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Heading before new clause 48A and new clause 48A read the first time.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved the Second Reading of the heading before new clause 48A and new clause 48A and addressed the Committee.

Question on the Second Reading of the heading before new clause 48A and new clause 48A proposed, put and agreed to.

Heading before new clause 48A and new clause 48A read the second time.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved the addition of the heading before new clause 48A and new clause 48A to the Bill.

Question on the addition proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that the schedule stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved the deletion of item 46 from the schedule and the amendment to item 55 in the schedule and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that the schedule, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands reported that

the Adaptation of Laws (Crown Land) Bill

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Bill

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 21 January 1998 resumed.

Four Members spoke on the motion.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands replied.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Bill.

Question that clause 1 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 2, 5, 6, 7 and 9 to 15 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved amendments to clauses 2, 5, 6, 7 and 9 to 15 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 2, 5, 6, 7 and 9 to 15, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 3 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved amendments to clause 3 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clause 3, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 4 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved amendments to clause 4 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clause 4, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 8 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved amendments to clause 8 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clause 8, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

New clauses 9A and 15A read the first time.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved the Second Reading of new clauses 9A and 15A and addressed the Committee.

Question on the Second Reading of new clauses 9A and 15A proposed, put and agreed to.

New clauses 9A and 15A read the second time.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved the addition of new clauses 9A and 15A to the Bill.

Question on the addition proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that schedules 1, 2 and 3 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved amendments to schedules 1, 2 and 3 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that schedules 1, 2 and 3, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

New schedule 4 read the first time.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved the Second Reading of new schedule 4 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the Second Reading of new schedule 4 proposed, put and agreed to.

New schedule 4 read the second time.

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands moved the addition of new schedule 4 to the Bill.

Question on the addition proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands reported that

the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Bill

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill 1998

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 4 March 1998 resumed.

Two Members spoke on the motion.

The Secretary for the Treasury replied.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill 1998.

Question that clauses 1, 4 to 10, 13 to 17 and 19 to 24 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 2, 3 and 11 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved amendments to clauses 2, 3 and 11 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 2, 3 and 11, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 12 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved amendments to clause 12 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clause 12, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 18 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved an amendment to clause 18 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendment put and agreed to.

Question that clause 18, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Heading before new clause 25 and new clause 25 read the first time.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved the Second Reading of the heading before new clause 25 and new clause 25 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the Second Reading of the heading before new clause 25 and new clause 25 proposed, put and agreed to.

Heading before new clause 25 and new clause 25 read the second time.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved the addition of the heading before new clause 25 and new clause 25 to the Bill.

Question on the addition proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for the Treasury reported that

the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill 1998

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 4 March 1998 resumed.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998.

Question that clauses 1 to 6, 10, 12 to 18, 20, 24, 26 to 29 and 31 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 7, 9, 21, 22, 23 and 25 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved amendments to clauses 7, 9, 21, 22, 23 and 25 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 7, 9, 21, 22, 23 and 25, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 8 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved amendments to clause 8 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clause 8, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 11 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved an amendment to clause 11 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendment put and agreed to.

Question that clause 11, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clause 19 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved an amendment to clause 19 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendment put and agreed to.

Question that clause 19, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 30 and 32 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved amendments to clauses 30 and 32 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 30 and 32, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

New clause 7A read the first time.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved the Second Reading of new clause 7A and addressed the Committee.

Question on the Second Reading of new clause 7A proposed, put and agreed to.

New clause 7A read the second time.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved the addition of new clause 7A to the Bill.

Question on the addition proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for the Treasury reported that

the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998

Second Reading

The debate on the Second Reading which had been moved on 4 March 1998 resumed.

A Member spoke on the motion.

The Secretary for the Treasury replied.

Question on the Second Reading put and agreed to.

Bill read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole Council.

Committee Stage

The Council went into Committee and considered the Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998.

Question that clauses 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 3, 6 and 10 stand part of the Bill proposed.

The Secretary for the Treasury moved amendments to clauses 3, 6 and 10 and addressed the Committee.

Question on the amendments put and agreed to.

Question that clauses 3, 6 and 10, as amended, stand part of the Bill proposed, put and agreed to.

The Council then resumed.

Third Reading

The Secretary for the Treasury reported that

the Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 1998

had passed through Committee with amendments. He moved that the Bill be read the third time and do pass.

Question on the Third Reading proposed, put and agreed to.

Bill read the third time and passed.

Motion

Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance

The Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport moved the motion in Appendix IV and addressed the Council.

Question on the motion proposed, put and agreed to.

Members' Motions

Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance

Mr Henry WU moved the following motion and addressed the Council:

That the Securities and Futures Commission (Fees) (Amendment) Rules 1998, published as Legal Notice No. 166 of 1998 and laid on the table of the Provisional Legislative Council on 11 March 1998, be repealed.

Question on the motion proposed.

A Member spoke on the motion.

Mr Henry WU replied.

Question on the motion put and agreed to.

The President suspended the meeting at 8:55 pm.

The Council resumed at 9:00 am on 8 April 1998.

Formulating development strategies

Mr CHENG Yiu-tong moved the following motion and addressed the Council:

That this Council urges the Government to expeditiously formulate development strategies for Hong Kong's long-term needs and goals.

Question on the motion proposed.

17 Members spoke on the motion.

At 11:00 am, the President's Deputy took the chair during the temporary absence of the President.

Another seven Members spoke on the motion.

At 11:45 am, the President resumed the chair.

One further Member and the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands spoke on the motion.

Mr CHENG Yiu-tong replied.

Question on the motion put and agreed to.

Attracting foreign investments in developing innovative industries

Mr Henry TANG moved the following motion and addressed the Council:

That this Council urges the Government to vigorously create an investment environment to attract foreign investments in developing innovative industries in Hong Kong.

Question on the motion proposed.

A Member spoke on the motion.

At 12:48 pm, the President's Deputy took the chair during the temporary absence of the President.

Another 11 Members spoke on the motion.

At 1:45 pm, the President resumed the chair.

The Secretary for Trade and Industry spoke on the motion.

Mr Henry TANG replied.

Question on the motion put and agreed to.

Valedictory Motion

Dr LEONG Che-hung moved the following motion and addressed the Council:

That this Council concludes its historic mission and wishes for the smooth formation of the first Legislative Council to continue to serve the people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Question on the motion proposed.

27 Members spoke on the motion.

At 4:20 pm, a man in the Public Galleries clapped hands and laughed loudly. The President ordered the security assistants to remove the man from the meeting.

Another two Members spoke on the motion.

At 4:30, there was an uproar in the Public Galleries caused by six men yelling loudly and noisily. The President ordered that these men be removed.

13 more Members and the Chief Scretary for Administration spoke on the motion.

Dr LEONG Che-hung replied.

Question on the motion put and agreed to.

Close of Session

The President made a closing statement and announced that the session was concluded. She then adjourned the Council until further notice.

The Council was adjourned accordingly at 5:36 pm.

(Mrs Rita FAN)
President

Council Chamber
Hong Kong