MY 05 '87 15:39 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT
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13.
The need for film censorship has been recognised
and strongly supported by the general public for many
years.
14.
Legislation enpowering the Government to censor
films has been on the statute book since 1953. The main
effects of the amending legislation are to restrict the
instances for censoring films, to provide a clearer
definition of what is and what is not acceptable for
public exhibition, and to provide greater community
involvement in the review process.
15.
Legal opinion within Government has for some time
been concerned that, because of legal technicalities, the
legal basis for existing regulations might be challenged.
It cannot be said that the existing censorship practices
are illegal as they have yet to be tested in a court of
law. However, it is accepted the present situation is
unsatisfactory as it leaves the Government open to
challenge.
16.
(If pressed) When it was first brought to the
Administration's attention that the legality of the
existing process was in doubt, the Administration accepted
there was a need to remedy the situation but was
apparently reluctant to highlight a long-standing defect
P.16