Response to Hon Cheng Kar-foo's comments in Legislative Council
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In response to press enquiries concerning the comments made by the Hon Cheng Kar-foo at the Legislative Council meeting today (April 21), a spokesman for the Constitutional Affairs Bureau made the following statement:
"On January 7, the Chief Executive (CE) announced the establishment of the Constitutional Development Task Force. The Chief Secretary for Administration leads the Task Force in liaising with the relevant departments of the Central Authorities, listening to views of the Hong Kong community and reflecting theses views to the Central Authorities; the Secretary for Justice provides legal advice; the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs continues to be responsible for the policy and practical work relating to constitutional development.
"The establishment of the Constitutional Development Task Force reflects the importance which the Hong Kong SAR Government places on this issue and the team work among Principal Officials.
"In the last three months, we have made progress with work relating to constitutional development. The Task Force has issued reports number one and number two. Following the interpretation of the relevant provisions of Annexes I and II of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC), we have a clear set of legislative procedures to follow. Once the NPCSC has made a decision on the CE's report, we hope that we can take things forward on constitutional development.
"The above work has been based on the research undertaken by the Constitutional Affairs Bureau (CAB). Constitutional development and other policy matters for which the CAB is responsible do require the steer and supervision by a Principal Official."
Ends/Wednesday, April 21, 2004
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