Subsequent to the decision to proceed expeditiously with these two tasks, the Secretary said it would not be practicable to continue work on the Broadcasting Bill, pointing out that spending time on the Bill would make it more difficult to complete the higher priority tasks.
The Broadcasting Bill is primarily intended to be a consolidating bill, bringing the broadcasting provisions currently found in the Television Ordinance and Telecommunication Ordinance into one law, and creating a non-technological basis for licensing.
"It is a highly complex piece of legislation, and it is more important that we get it right," he stressed.
"We had intended that the Bill would amend Section 13C of the Telecommunication Ordinance, to bring it into line with the Bill of Rights Ordinance. This remains a high priority."
To avoid unnecessary delay, this will now be tackled together with other proposed amendments to the Ordinance, to be introduced after the Law Reform Commission has completed its scrutiny of the legislation.
Commenting on the recently-completed Consumer Council's report on broadcasting which was undertaken at the request of the Government, Mr Chau said he would give careful consideration to the recommendations as well as comments made by other interested parties.
He undertook to release the Government's considered response within six
months.
End