LC Paper No. CB(2) 1374/98-99(01)

LegCo Panel on Security
List of outstanding items for discussion
(as at 1.3.1999)

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Anti-illegal immigrants measures

Proposed by Hon CHEUNG Man-kwong on 11 February 1999. He expressed concern about a possible influx of illegal immigrants from the Mainland in the light of the recent judgment handed down by the Court of Final Appeal on cases relating to right of abode of persons born on the Mainland to Hong Kong permanent residents. He requested the Administration to brief members on the anti-illegal immigrants measures put in place to combat the problem. The Administration has been requested to provide an information paper on the subject by 5 March 1999.

7. Indebtedness of police officers

Members expressed concern about the situation of police officers with unmanageable debts when the subject of quality improvement in the Police Force was discussed by the Panel on 11 February 1999. The Chairman proposed to follow up with the issue in April or May 1999.

B. Items proposed by the Administration