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Report of the Standing Committee on Pressure Grouns (SCOPG)
213
A
Annex A
Annex B
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Introduction
On 27th February 1978, having considered CSC Paper No. 4/78, the Chief Secretary's Committee decided that a small standing group, with the terms of reference at Annex A, should be set up to review and monitor the activities of pressure groups which use group mobilisation and propaganda techniques to highlight Government deficiencies in order to press for changes in Government policies.
2.
The Standing Committee on Pressure Croups (SCOPG) tas subsequently formed. Chaired by Deputy Secretary for Information, now DS(HA); its permanent members were from the flome Affairs and Security Branches, Information Services Department, Home Affairs Department and Special Branch. Of icons from relevant Branches/Departments were invited to SCOPG meetings when pressure group activities in areas of their concern vere discussed. An interim report of the Group vas made to the Chief Secretary in July 1978 and is attached at Annex 3.
3.
This final report outlines the conclusions reached by the Group and recommends an overall approach and certain gencral measures in dealing with pressure group activities.
4.
It goes without saying that pressure groups are not special, unique products of Hong Kong: like their counterparts in developed countries such as the UK and USA, pressure groups in Hong Kong might rell bring about desirable changes in the community,
In addition, provided they work within the framework of the law.
in a place where established political parties and a universal electoral system do not exist, it could be argued that pressure groups provide the local community with a useful and sometimes timely safety valve. On the other hand, Hong Kong's unique political, constitutional and geographical circumstances (let alone more practical considerations such as concentration and density of population) mean that unchallenged expression of extremist views carries the risk of very serious consequences for stability and security. There is, therefore, dlinys the dilemma of steering between repressive over-action on the one hand, and allowing a free rein on the other, with the danger of minority groups using questionable (albeit legal) mosas to gain objectives contrary to the riches of the majority and the well- being of the communit. The best delence against potential damago by pressure groups is always, therefore, a well-run administration, operating and seen to be operating in the interests of the population as a whole. Such an administration should be ready to admit its mistakes and change its policy when the interests of the community demand. In addition to those gencral points, other observations of SCOPC, together with collated information on various pressure groups and their activities are outlined in the following paragraphs.
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