1987-07-09 09:24
COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)
852 5 845 0995 P.07
- 6
we have had this regulation for some 14 years and
have never seen the need
seen the need to extend it to any other
form of media. I see no reason why we should ever
change that view. If it were ever proposed that such
restrictions should be applied to other forms of
media, new legislation would of course be required.
There can be little doubt that opposition in the
community to such a move would be strongly reflected
in this Council and would, I suggest, ensure that no
such measure could pass into low,
Sir, as Members are aware, the extension of
these regulations is on a strictly temporary basis,
In considering the new film censorship bill we have
again applied the principle that only the minimum of
restrictions on the freedom of the individual should
be imposed. I hope that
that those members who have
expressed reservations about the need to retain this
regulation in the longer term will study the proposed
legislation most carefully, I believe they will find
much comfort in the changes we have proposed. The
new bill, which was published in April for public
information and comment, will further limit the
powers of the censors, Under the bill the
composition of the Film Censorship Appeal Board will
be changed substantially, This will enable greater
public participation in the censorship process and
will instead place the final decisions as to whether