349. The representative of the State party recalled that his Government had contributed to the formulation of various international human rights instruments and had supported the establishment of monitoring bodies to which States parties should report regarding the fulfilment of their obligations. It was therefore quit8 natural for Sweden to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Committee. 350. In concluding the consideration of the third periodic report of Sweden, the Chairman thanked the representative of the State party for his cooperation. The discussion of provisions relating to discrimination had been particularly useful because in societies where gross violations did not occur such issues constituted a central element in the protection of human rights. United Kiaadnnof Great: andNorthern 351. The Committee considered the third periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (CCPR/C/56/Add.6, Add.11 and Add.12) at 1991 (see CCPR/C/SR.1045-1050). its 1045th to 1659th meetings, on 1 to 3 April * 352. The report was introduced by the representative of the State party, who noted that a Royal Commission had been appointed on 4 March 1991 to undertake a wide-ranging review, embracing all stages of the criminal justice process in England and Wales. to examine whether there were further ways in which the Significant measures had also administration of justice could be improved. been announced regarding the prison system, and a white paper was being prepared on that subject. The pace and completeness with which law, practice and capacity in the dependent territories could be aligned with norms codified under the Covenant varied according to their diversity, The aim of the Government was to provide dependent territories with security, political stability and efficient, honest and representative government while taking full account of local customs and views. Moreover, it was the Government~‘s policy to remain ready to respond positively when independence was the clearly and constitutionally expressed wish of the people. 353. Exceptional measures to help counter the threat of terrorism were still needed, and among them was the power to detain suspects for up to seven days under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act. In that latter respect, the Government had decided in December 1988 to avail itself of the right of derogation laid down in article 4 of the Covenant and in article 15 of the European Convention on HumanRights. 354. The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1964, under which Hong Kong would revert to the People’s Republic of Chine on 1 July 1997, made specific provision for the Covenant to remain in force after that date. The Basic Law for the future Bong Kong Special Administrative Region, which had just been promulgated, reproduced that provision in its article 39. Furthermore, a Bill of Rights, which, when enacted, would make justiciable the rights and freedoms contained in the Covenant, had been introduced into Bong Kong’s legislature. It was also the intention of the Government to seek an amendment to the Letters Patent to ensure that no future legislature could enact any law inconsistent with the Covenant. -86-