TNAG-1687-FCO40-2337-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 114

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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Thirdly, in the sad event of a future government being determined to restrict press freedom, the absence or presence of a law would not inhibit it, as every journalist who has worked in certain parts of Asia (outside Hong Kong) will know.

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It has also been suggested that the Ordinance was enacted with 'undue haste'. This is untrue. The bills were first gazetted on 19 December 1986 and introduced into the Legislative Council on 7 January 1987. Thereafter, government officials responsible discussed the bills at length with an ad hoc group of the Legislature on three occasions. At the group's request, debate on the bills was deferred twice. Chief Secretary moved an amendment at the committee stage which was suggested by the ad hoc group and agreed with other members of Legislative Council. The amendment made certain improvements to the law. For example, the original bill referred to local newspapers; this was removed by the amendment so that the print media would not be singled out for control.

Hong Kong Government Office

23 March 1987

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