TNAG-1447-FCO40-1931-Executive-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-meet-1986 — Page 206

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Chapter V - Film classification system

INTRODUCTION

5.1

Chapter V of FCC Report No. 4 reported that the Fight Crime Committee had endorsed the proposals for arrangements to enforce a film classification system. The Secretary for Administrative Services and Information (SASI) continued to take follow-up action in respect of the proposed amendments to the legislation and of the creation of the posts necessary to enforce it. This chapter summarises the work done during the period under review.

BACKGROUND

5.2

The three-tier film classification system proposed by the Film Censorship Authority is as follows

(a)

Category I films which are suitable for showing to people of all ages without restriction;

(b)

(c)

Category II - films which contain material that might be disturbing to young children, and which parents may prefer children under 14 years of age not to see; and

Category III - films which contain offensive or distasteful material and for which persons under the age of 18 years will not be admitted.

PRESENT POSITION

Legislative proposals

5.3

Upon the advice of the Law Draftsman, a separate ordinance on film censorship is now to be enacted. The format of the Film Censorship Bill follows basically that of the existing Film Censorship Regulations made under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance. A draft bill has been prepared and circulated to the departments and branches concerned for comments. As result of these comments SASI is now preparing a second draft Bill.

5.4

It is expected that the Bill will be ready for submission to the Executive Council for advice towards the end of this year. There will be wide public consultation before it is introduced into the Legislative Council.