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BERLIN YAR
WATE
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
HONG KONG
20 July 1990
Thank you for your letter of 12 July 1990 in
which you write about your concern over the damaging
effect on Hong Kong's image of the trial of five members
of the United Democrats of Hong Kong on charges connected with the use of loudspeakers and the collection of money in public.
I am sure you will understand that it would not be right for me to comment on the details of the cases at this stage since the matter is sub-judice pending the outcome of the current court hearings. Nevertheless, and particularly because I know of the close and friendly interest you take in Hong Kong affairs, you might find it useful to have some background information on what may seem, in US terms, rather trivial offences.
Controls on the use of loudspeakers in public are provided under the Noise Control Ordinance (Cap 400) and the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap 228). You will, I am sure, understand that in Hong Kong's highly urbanised environment, with some of the highest population densities in the world, uncontrolled use of loudspeakers could easily cause excessive disturbance to the public. It is also important that there should be no unnecessary interference with attempts by the police to control crowds. The use of loudspeakers is allowed where no conflict with police operations is likely and where the degree of noise pollution is acceptable, taking account of all the circumstances.
Permits to collect money in public are issued by the Director of Social Welfare under the provisions of The aim of the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap 228). the legislation is to ensure that only bona fide organisations are allowed to solicit funds from the public, that the money is used for the purpose for which it is collected, and that appropriate accounting arrangements are made. Each year the Director of Social Welfare issues a large number of permits to a variety of organisations.
ostor Sam
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