To enforce the proposed film classification system, a number of additional posts will be required to undertake regular checks of all cinemas and to initiate prosecutions against offending operators.
21
To permit adequate coverage of all cinemas showing Category III films, estimated at ten to fifteen per cent of the 115 cinemas in the territory, five inspectors, at the rank of Senior Foreman, will be required at an estimated annual cost of $450,000. It is proposed to issue the inspectors with light mototcycles at an estimated capital cost of
of $72,000. These motorcycles will be shared with the inspection team which enforces the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance. Any application for additional resources will be processed in the normal manner.
22
Subsidiary legislation will provide for fees to be fixed at levels which enable the Film Censorship Authority to recover all expenditure incurred in the examination of films.
Public Consultation
23
The Group and representatives of the film industry have been consulted. The Group supports the proposal to introduce a film classification system. Many Group Members agree that we should retain the right to censor films on "political" grounds. A few Members have, however, queried the need for such a provision and challenged its compatibility with the Covenant.
24
Representatives of the film industry generally support the proposals in the draft Bill. Although not strongly opposed to the provision to censor films on "political" grounds, they felt that any such decision should rest with the Governor in Council rather than with a censor.
25
Upon request, we attended meetings of 11 District Boards which the Film Censorship Bill 1987 was discussed. There was general support for the proposed film classification system. As regards the "political censorship" provision, the reaction was generally supportive. A few Boards, while expressing general support and accepting the need for provision, called for clearer guidelines.
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