As many as 51 amendments may be made to the national security bill, the Secretary for Security says.

Speaking to reporters after a Fight Crime Committee meeting today, Regina Ip said she believes that these amendments to Article 23 of the Basic Law have addressed all legitimate concerns about threats to rights and freedoms.

"I have to stress fundamental rights and freedoms will not be affected," she said. "There is no truth whatsoever in the assertion that after passage of the Bill, people will not be able to voice criticism of Government or march on the streets."

When a reporter asked if these amendments, had been made in haste, Mrs Ip countered: "You could call it haste, you could call it a high degree of efficiency. We are also doing what people are pressing us to do: responding swiftly and positively."

When asked about the public meeting and procession on July 1, she stressed that the Police have been in close touch with the organisers and that there is a consensus that all parties will make an effort to ensure both will be peaceful and orderly.

"The Police have asked the organisers themselves to provide more monitors to keep order and the Police, in view of the large turnout to be expected, will do their part in making available the necessary space for the gathering and making sure that there is enough space for the public to walk on the streets," she said.

In response to a query about the sharp rise in quick-cash crimes, Mrs Ip said the rate of such crimes has actually slowed in the first five months.

She suggested the economic downturn may have something to do with these crimes.