TNAG-1688-FCO40-2338-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 99

FOR PRU USE ONLY

Co. Restricted.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

For WRITTEN ANSWER on

April 3rd, 1987

RESTRICTER

COVERING CONFIDENTIAL

TEXT OF QUESTION :- SECRET

Head of HKD 89.

HKD(

Please submit :

39

a draft Answer

& Background

3

to Parliamentary Unit

before Noon 2/4/87

Party

C

52 Mr Robert Atkins (South Ribble): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Com- monwealth Affairs, what representations he has had about the Hong Kong Public Order (Amendment) Bill; and if he will make a statement.

to P/S

MR. RENTONI

(Minister)

30/1

for answer.

RELEVA

HEN

16 APR 1967

(Minister)

INDE

for approval by

ANSWER

Wam April

NOON

PQS

REPLY(S)

REGISTRY

tion Taken

2/4

We have received а number of representations about

this Ordinance. In reply we have made clear that while

this is primarily a matter

matter for the Hong Kong Government

we support the action

taken. they have

legislation passed by a large majority in the Legislative Council of Hong Kong on 11 March included the repeal of a number of stringent provisions of the Control of

Publications Ordinance that had been part of the laws of

The

for need a large Hong Kong for many years, but which have not prevented the

Answer, whicci

X,

explain are of

Ke backgrima

copy to

Private Secretary

PS/

(Minister)

Parliamentary

Clerk

Fine

поли

Thanks

Hong Kong media from being among the most free and out- spoken in Asia. In reviewing this legislation and

deciding upon these repeals, the Hong Kong Government considered that in such a small and densely-populated place as Hong Kong, it was nevertheless necessary to retain

some power to act against anyone publishing false news likely to cause alarm to the public or disturb public order. The provision is not, therefore, a new one, and the result of the legislation passed on 11 March represents a major liberalisation compared with the position before that date.

R.

authorised

CSA

(Head of Dept)