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Conclusion
Mr President, the current system of advisory and statutory bodies serves us well. It is an integral part of our system of government that has evolved over time. The roles and functions of the bodies concerned should not be confused with that of the three-tier system of representative Government. They play complementary not rival roles. The system of advisory boards and statutory bodies works because it is flexible. A key element of this flexibility is Government's ability to appoint from a The wide cross-section of the community on the basis of individual merit. introduction of restraints on the current freedom of appointment would bring unwelcome and damaging rigidity.
The relevant policy secretaries and heads of departments will continue to keep the individual advisory and statutory bodies for which they are responsible under constant review to ensure that they meet the changing needs and expectations of the community. There is no need to undertake an overall review of the roles and functions of all advisory and statutory boards and committees as proposed by Honourable Members. A comprehensive review would only be appropriate if there was good reason to believe that the system is in need of fundamental change. We reject any such suggestion. The system is working well and needs no overhaul.
With these remarks, I urge Honourable Members to reject the motion moved by the Honourable Bruce Liu and the amendment proposed by the Honourable Ip Kwok- him.
Thank you.
End
Deregulation of pay TV market inevitable: SRC
The Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr T H Chau, told the Legislative Council today (Wednesday) that he hoped it would be possible in 1998 to move quickly to full deregulation of pay TV and Video on Demand (VOD) programme services, and to set out the timetable for allowing new terrestrial TV services using digital technology.
"It is tempting to offer a guarantee that we shall do so, but, with the benefit of experience, Members will understand if I do not attempt to pre-empt developments in the future," he said.