MAR 17 '87 16:12 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT
1204
the same time, both the Administration and the Ad Hoc Group recognized the circumstances and pressures under which the media operate, and agreed to the need for providing an improved defence for the accused. Under the new subsection (2), it shall be a defence for the accused to publish news if he can prove that he had reasonable grounds for believing that the news to which the charge relates is true,
Sir, suggestions for these amendments were mode by members of the Ad Hoc Group of the Legislative Council and adopted by the Administration at their request. Their aim was to liberalise the section and officials readily occeded to their suggestions.
As I mentioned earlier, the media have an important watchdog role te play in our society. Government has no intention to place unwarranted restrictions or controls on the media. On the contrary, as i have fully explained steps are being taken this ofternoon to remove a wide range of statutory controls on publications.
P.6
Page 210Page 211
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.