LC Paper No. CB(2) 965/98-99(01)

LegCo Panel on Security
List of outstanding items for discussion
(as at 5.1.1999)

A. Items proposed by members

1. Travel convenience for visitors to come to Hong Kong

Proposed by Hon Mrs Selina CHOW on 30 July 1998. The Administration has been requested to provide advance information on the Administration's efforts to enhance travel convenience for overseas visitors and visitors from Taiwan to enter Hong Kong. The Administration has provided the requested information which was circulated to members vide LC Paper No. CB(2) 202/98-99(02) on 1 September 1998. Members to decide whether it is necessary to follow-up on the issue.

2. Visa-free access for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Passport holders

Proposed by Hon Howard YOUNG on 30 July 1998. He suggested that the Administration be requested to update members in early 1999 on the promotion of visa-free access for the HKSAR Passport holders. The Administration proposes to discuss the issue in March 1999.

3. Policy on Closed Area permit

Proposed by Hon Andrew CHENG on 5 November 1998. The subject of the existing policy on Closed Area permit (CAP) was discussed at a meeting between LegCo members and the Provisional North District Board members. As the Police will consult the relevant parties on the procedures for issue of CAP in early 1999, members agreed to decide whether it is necessary to follow-up on the issue pending the outcome of the consultation.

4. Assistance rendered to Hong Kong residents who get into trouble in the Mainland

Proposed by Hon CHENG Kai-nam on 5 November 1998. He proposes to discuss the assistance rendered by the Administration to Hong Kong residents who get into trouble in the Mainland, e.g. commit crimes in the Mainland, involve in business disputes and being detained by the Mainland authorities, or being kidnapped, so that the rights of the individual in question are safeguarded. The Administration suggests the timing of discussion be around May 1999.

5. Assistance rendered to Hong Kong residents who get into trouble in Taiwan

Proposed by Hon Albert HO on 5 November 1998. He proposes to discuss the assistance rendered by the Administration to Hong Kong residents who get into trouble in Taiwan, e.g. commit crimes in Taiwan, involve in business disputes and being detained by the Taiwan authorities, or being kidnapped, so that the rights of the individual in question are safeguarded. The Administration suggests the timing of discussion be around May 1999.

6. Quality improvement in the Police Force

Proposed by the Chairman on 5 November 1998. The subject of service culture : improvement to police stations was discussed by the Panel on 5 November 1998 at which the Chairman expressed concern about the improvement to the quality of the Police Force.

7. Dangerous Drugs Ordinance - products with hemp

Proposed by Hon Christine LOH on 16 November 1998. A copy of her letter is at Annex I. The Administration has been requested to provide advance information on the subject matter. The Administration has provided the requested information which was circulated to members vide LC Paper No. CB(2) 975/98-99(01) on 5 January 1999. Members to decide whether it is necessary to follow-up on the issue.

B. Items proposed by the Administration

Timing
1. Taking of intimates and non-intimate sampleFeb 1999
2. Proposed amendments to Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds) Ordinance to strengthen our anti-money laundering regimeFeb 1999
3. Proposed registration scheme of drug treatment and rehabilitation centresFeb 1999

Legislative Council Secretariat
5 January 1999