The July 1 procession will run smoothly if organisers and participants co-operate with Police and comply with their instructions en route, Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang says.

He told legislators today Police have always handled public meetings and processions in accordance with the law, and the same approach will be adopted this time.

It will take into account experience gained from last year's event and make suitable arrangements after liaising with organisers, to ensure the march proceeds safely and smoothly.

Mr Tsang said last year's July 1 procession was sparked by a number of issues, namely anxiety over the proposed legislation to implement Basic Law Article 23 and dissatisfaction over Hong Kong's governance.

"Furthermore, quite a number of people were worried about the economic situation at that time. This was further aggravated by the outbreak of SARS," he said, adding people also expressed their aspirations over constitutional development.

Mr Tsang said the Government is fully aware of the keen public expectation for it to improve governance and to better respond to the people's aspirations.

In his Policy Address this year, the Chief Executive put forth a number of measures to improve governance, emphasising enhanced public policy research and collection of more middle-class opinion.