TNAG-1449-FCO40-1953-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 168

Sir,

UMELCO

DRAFT SPEECH BY HON MRS SELINA CHOW, OBE, JP

-

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - 7 MAY 1986

DEFAMATION (AMENDMENT) BILL

Compared to most other legislative amendments proposed or advocated by the Consumer Council, the Defamation (Amendment)

Bill before us

is exceptionally speedy work on the part of the Administration, for it was only one year ago that it was drawn to our attention that what appeared to be the few teeth the Council has got were ineffective dentures

the incapable of

of exposing

For in spite of the fraudulent practices of unethical traders. Council's efforts to protect the public by informing them of trading malpractices, the media are reluctant to report the names

of

those

responsible,

traders might succeed publishing these names.

for

in defamation

whether the named unsure they are

them action against

for

The amendment will extend qualified privilege to fair of future and accurates newspaper television and radio reports of Consumer Council notices.

On behalf of the Consumer Council, I welcome this long

and hope the media will awaited legislative clarification,

will at

last be able to join

to join us in sinking our

in sinking our teeth in to this rather

meaty problem.

0035D

HKK 013

RECEIVED INʼREGISTRY

30 MAY 1986

DESK OFFIC INDEX

PA

GISTRY

Action Taken

AB30

UMELCO

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