A Legislative Council subcommittee today completed the negative vetting of two pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung met the media after attending a meeting of the Subcommittee on Two Items of Subsidiary Legislation Made under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance this afternoon.

Mr Lam said that in relation to the subsidiary legislation concerning the power of the Office for Safeguarding National Security, there are only 15 provisions. As to the declaration concerning prohibited places, it only refers to six premises.

He also noted that more than five hours were spent on the vetting, with the number of questions and opinions expressed by lawmakers exceeding 150.

“So I think any reasonable person would have agreed that the whole process is extremely serious and a thorough discussion had been given to all relevant provisions.”