31.   In November, the parliament scrapped a law protecting the coup plotters, many of whom were given diplomatic assignments by successive governments.

32.   In his five years of office Lee has scrapped draconian laws against sedition and freed hundreds of people jailed for criticising the government and supporting Taiwan independence.

33.   It also recommended scrapping laws introduced by Governor Chris Patten to widen the democratic nature of local elections.

34.   But it is also expected to sit in the meantime, approving or scrapping laws in decisions that will take effect on the handover.

35.   During the meeting, US officials called on Japanese officials to review price-fixing practices and scrap the law limiting the opening of large-scale retail stores, they said.

36.   The plan to scrap the laws was put forward by the legal sub-group of the Beijing-appointed Preparatory Committee.

37.   The Provisional Legislature is expected to meet over the next six months, approving or scrapping laws in decisions that will take effect on the handover.

38.   They came after a fresh union ultimatum to scrap the law by midnight Tuesday or see the strikes spread.

39.   Tung did, however, hint that after the existing laws were scrapped they may not necessarily be replaced by the previous, tougher colonial laws.

40.   Zia Sunday rejected the demand to scrap the law, which she said would remain in place for two years and help wipe out crime.