China's legislature is to review draft amendments to the laws on the protection of the disabled and fire control later this month.

The 2nd session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) was expected to convene from April 22-24, according to a statement issued after a meeting of the chairman and vice-chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over by top legislator Wu Bangguo on Tuesday.

Under the proposed agenda, lawmakers taking part in the session would review a draft amendment to the Law on the Protection of Disabled Persons and a draft amendment to the Fire Control Law.

During the session, lawmakers would also hear a report, tabled by the State Council (cabinet), on the disaster relief and reconstruction work that followed this winter's severe weather.

In addition, three international pacts were due to be ratified during the session: extradition treaties with Australia and France and a treaty with Kuwait on mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial affairs.

The meeting also decided to release the draft food safety law for public comment.

In his work report to the annual session of the 11th NPC in March, Wu promised to give the public more say in legislation on food safety and other matters "closely tied" to the public interest.

Tuesday's meeting also approved the NPC standing committee's working plan and legislation agenda for 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2008)