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"The IRC will also assist branches and departments to make qualitative improvements to existing home pages and to fully utilise the potential of this important new medium of communication."
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Prior to this, Mr Suen said a Code on Access to Information has been extended progressively throughout the Government. To date, 82 out of 90 branches and departments had subscribed to the Code. Its extension to the rest of the government machinery would be completed in 1996.
He also pointed out that the Code was underpinned by a complaints channel through the independent Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (COMAC), who would be empowered to investigate Code-related complaints against the Police and ICAC under an amendment Bill to the COMAC Ordinance.
Describing freedom of expression as one of the most important rights protected and guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, Mr Suen affirmed the Government's commitment to maintaining an "environment in Hong Kong in which a free and active press can operate under the minimum of regulation which does not fetter freedom of expression or editorial independence."
He declared that it was vitally important that the media continued to exercise this freedom without self-censorship.
"We have reviewed the Laws of Hong Kong to remove provisions which impose an unjustified restriction on press freedom and freedom of expression. As a result of the review, 32 provisions in 15 ordinances have been amended or repealed. A further four provisions in two ordinances are being considered by the Legislative Council," Mr Suen said.
End
CS sees environmental protection works
The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, today (Thursday) visited the Environmental Protection Department to meet its staff and see different operations of their works.
Accompanied by the Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Robert Law, Mrs Chan was briefed on various environmental programmes and facilities covering air, water, waste and environmental planning and assessment.