XN000022-1995-12-13 — Page 29

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c) the number of new residential flats completed has increased by 4%, 8% and 23% when compared with those in the past three years respectively immediately before the introduction of the new measures.

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Broadcasting Bill

Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Cheng Kar-foo and a reply by the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr T H Chau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

The Government indicated to this Council on 2 November 1995 that it would seek the views of interested parties and consult the Chinese side on the Broadcasting Bill (the Bill). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) how it will go about seeking such views; whether it will conduct public consultations on major issues arising from the Bill, such as the restrictions on "cross media ownership" and the regulation of "interactive multimedia services"; and

(b) what progress has been made to date in its consultation with the Chinese side on the Bill: and what are the specific details on the consultation?

Reply:

Mr President,

As drafting of the Bill is still underway, we have not yet decided precisely how the consultation should be conducted, and neither have we initiated consultations with the Chinese side. However, I can say that it is our intention that all interested parties will have an opportunity to comment on all matters in the Bill, and that all comments received will be considered carefully before the Bill is finalised for enactment.

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