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05 '87 15:31 TIB(0OU) HK GOVT
00261
A Note on the Retention of the 'False News" provision in Hong Kong Laws
P.2
Annex A
Introduction
This note sets out the consideration for retaining the 'false news' provision (in the Public Order Ordinance (Chapter 245)) in the context of reviewing the - Control of Publications Consolidation Ordinance (Chapter
268) (which originally contained this provision).
Background
(a) FCO's concern
2.
The Control of Publications Consolidation Ordinance contained a number of control provisions (e.g. power to prohibit the importation of publications, power
At the time of its to seize printing presses etc.). enactment in 1951, the FCO expressed concern over these measures and asked HKG to keep under review the need to A number of in them on the Hong Kong statute book.
ews have since been undertaken and on each occasion, HKG came to the conclusion that, for security reasons, these provisions should not be repealed for the time being.
(b) Local sentiments
3.
Over the years, there had been little public pressure for Government to repeal these control provisions, largely because these measures were used most sparingly (not at all after 1967) and there were very fe occasions indeed which justified prosecution.