HC Deb 08 December 1969 vol 793 cc33-4
46. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State or Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with the Government of Hong Kong in order to increase the rights of public assembly.

Mr. Luard

We have been consulted by the Governor in the preparation of a draft Bill to amend the Public Order Ordinance. One of the purposes of the Bill is to ameliorate some provisions of the Ordinance relating to the rights of public assembly.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is quite good news? Can he say whether the discussions will reach a stage when we can say that three people are no longer a crowd and four have ceased to be a mass demonstration? Can we look forward to a situation of that kind, with reasonable opportunity for people to gather together in this British dependency to enjoy a little British liberty?

Mr. Luard

I have already told my hon. Friend that the provisions of the new Ordinance will in many ways improve the existing situation. It is designed to give better protection for the public against any misuse of powers or possible conviction of persons innocently involved in a situation which constitutes an offence under the Ordinance.