HC Deb 16 December 1968 vol 775 cc241-2W
70. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to remove the emergency regulations in Hong Kong which permit any person to be detained for up to a year without trial.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

My right hon. Friend has discussed this matter with the Governor, who has under continuous review the need to retain these powers. They will not be retained longer than is essential in the interests of security.

Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consult with the Government of Hong Kong, with a view to repealing Regulation 31 of the Emergency (Principal) Regulations which enables the Hong Kong Government through the Colonial Secretary to detain a person for a period of one year without trial and without giving a reason, and at the expiration of one year to renew the detention.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston, North (Mr. Ronald Atkins).

Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations were held prior to the promulgation of the emergency regulations, including the public ordinance, following the disturbances in Hong Kong in 1967; and if he will make copies of these instruments available to Members of this House.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

My right hon. Friend the then Commonwealth Secretary was fully consulted before the promulgation of Emergency Regulations in connection with last year's disturbances in Hong Kong, and before the enactment of the Public Order Ordinance. Copies of the instruments in question are already available in the Library of the House.