§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will amend the Hong Kong Public Order Ordinance so as to place the burden of proof upon the authorities; and in what circumstances the Ordinance is now intended to be used.
§ Mr. WhitlockIn the case of all offences constituted under the Public Order Ordinance a burden of proof rests on the prosecution. My right hon. Friend is, however, examining certain provisions of the Ordinance, in consultation with the Governor, in the light of criticisms that have been made. The Ordinance forms part of the permanent law of Hong Kong and is used as circumstances require.