TNAG-1362-FCO40-1808-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 124

2

3.

The working group has already concluded that such

a tribunal would serve at least four main purposes. That

is to say

-

(a) by virtue of its composition, it would be better

placed to reflect the views of the community;

Voluntary

(b) (pre-Aublication and pre-distribution submission

to the tribunal for a ruling would help

(c)

distributors and publishers avoid transgressing the law;

a degree of consistency in standards could be

attained; and

(d) definitive and speedier rulings could be obtained.

4.

The working group has also deliberated on a wide number of issues, including the tribunal's scope of work, composition, procedure for hearing and appeal, its interaction with the court system and provisions for more effective seizure actions once a ruling is passed. The working group will press on with the remaining issues, such as, enforcement of the tribunal's ruling, control of

sales outlets, servicing of a tribunal which is likely to have fluctuating workloads.

5.

I am happy to report that there has been widespread public support for the establishment of a tribunal to deal with obscene publications, and the Hong Kong Magistrates' Association has given support, in principle, to such a system. Government is well aware of the recent clamour for an early establishment of the

tribunal. Our intention is to develop an action plan, together with a realistic package of proposals, for the

Executive Council's consideration before the end of this

summer.

/6.

J.