TNAG-1365-FCO40-1811-Hong-Kong-Legislative-Council-(Powers-and-Privileges)-Bill-1-1985 — Page 107

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Secondly, it has brun suggested that there should be no

restriction on reporting on the procedure of the closed deor meetings of the Council or committee; md that the press zasv judge whether

the reporting on such proocedings in in the public interest. I can

see the concern of the ; rows and media on such restrictions and I agree that Clause 20, and in particular Clause 20(0), should be

deleted from this Bill, and I algo agre; with their critisions that our own members should first be subjected to punishment before we penalise athers. But I believe that appropriate legislative measures should be introduced in future to safeguard the interest of a witness tho gives

evidence in camera, or the disclosure of sensitive information given

before a committoe. It would be prudent to adopt the practice in the courts on proovelings in camera, am restrictions on report on

evidence heard in oumora, a practice with which the Hong Kong press

and media are well familiar. I also believe that the Chairman of

committee or the President of the Council must exercise his judgement on

how to protect public interest, without abdicating such a responsibility

and leaving it to the press.

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