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We believe that the two revised notices now represent a reasonable compromise. The new approach has the advantage of being flexible and could provide parents with adequate advice. At the same time, it will not impose undue restrictions on the film industry.
Let me now turn to the second amendment. At present, the Film Censorship Ordinance provides that the Board of Review shall consist of the Secretary for Recreation and Culture as the ex-officio member, 6 non-official members, and 3 official members, namely, the Secretary for Home Affairs, the Director of Social Welfare and the Director of Education. One of the 6 non-official members shall be appointed by the Governor as the chairman.
The Bill proposes to increase the number of non-official members to 8 with a view to bringing in a wider range of community views into the Board. The Bills Committee, however, considers that this could be achieved by replacing the 3 official members with non-officials without the need to increase the size of the Board.
Having carefully considered the Bills Committee's view and having consulted the Secretary for Home Affairs, the Director of Education and the Director of Social Welfare, we have now agreed not to increase the size of the Board as originally proposed but just to replace the 3 existing official members with non-officials. The Secretary for Recreation and Culture will, however, remain on the Board as the ex- officio member to advise on matters of policy.
Mr President, with these remarks, I commend the Bill to Members subject to the amendments I intend to propose at the Committee Stage. Thank you.
End/Wednesday, July 19, 1995
Film Censorship (Amendment) Bill 1995: committee stage
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr James So, at the committee stage of the Film Censorship (Amendment) Bill 1995 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move that the clauses specified be amended as set out in the order paper circulated to Members.