BANISHMENT ORDINANCE (White Paper on amending legislation)

[Mr SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr D. S. Marshall asked the Chief Secretary whether Government will publish a White Paper indicating what action has been taken since April 1955 to prepare a Bill amending or replacing the existing Banishment Ordinance (Cap. 127) and when it is planned to have the first reading of the said Bill.

Mr S. T. Stewart: The answer is no, Sir. The Government does not propose to introduce at this juncture a Bill to amend or replace the existing Banishment Ordinance.

Mr Marshall: Will the Chief Secretary please read the question? I did not ask whether the Government was going to introduce a Bill. The question is: Is Government going to let us have a White Paper - a White Paper, Sir - indicating what action has been taken in the past, and action has been taken to prepare a Bill of amendment - a White Paper, Mr Chief Secretary.

Mr Stewart: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer is still no.

Mr Speaker: Mr David Marshall.

Mr Marshall: If it please you, Sir, could I ask the Chief-

Mr Speaker: Mr David Marshall.

Mr Marshall: If it please you, Mr Speaker, Sir, question No. 2.