The bill on interception of communications and covert surveillance is expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council in a few weeks, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says, adding he is confident the law can be passed in six months.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mr Lee said consultation among political parties, human rights bodies, the legal profession and the media on the bill has been ongoing in the past few months, and drafting of the bill has entered the maturity stage.

He said the aim of the legislation has nothing to do with Basic Law Article 23, and the bureau is open-minded on views expressed by different sectors.

Mr Lee said LegCo's security panel will soon hold a special meeting during which the bureau will answer members' queries on the proposals and listen to their views before finalising the bill, adding the public can still voice opinions afterward.

He said the proposals have already included views collated in the previous consultation, such as limiting the regulating scope to Government agencies, approval for all communications interception and more intrusive covert surveillance will be given by a panel of High Court judges, and the setting up of an independent oversight authority to review compliance with law and a code of practice will be issued.

Tremendous improvement

Mr Lee said the bill will make tremendous improvements to the existing mechanism, and strike a balance in human rights protection, raising transparency and maintaining security.

He rejected criticism that the Government lacks sincerity in the legislation, adding that the ordinance passed in 1997 cannot be adopted because it did not include covert surveillance.

Also, it has not gone through the committee stage, and has many loopholes which may greatly reduce the investigative power of the law enforcement agencies.

Mr Lee added the proposed bill will be a better option as it has included an independent monitoring mechanism, which offers better protection to human rights.

Egypt crash update

On the coach crash in Egypt, Mr Lee said eight victims are still receiving treatment at hospitals in Paris and Zurich.

In view of the high cost of living there, he said the Home Affairs Department has rendered monetary assistance to accompanying family members of the victims.

Mr Lee said the mechanism established to help Hong Kong residents overseas after the South Asia tsunamis in 2004 has worked well in this incident.

He also commended Immigration officers and Hospital Authority staff attending scene for their professionalism.