TNAG-1689-FCO40-2339-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 138

MAY 05 *87 15:36 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT

S

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Since it has become clear that questions could be

raised about the legal authority of the present

regulations, the Government thinks it right that the

present censorship process should now be regularized and

that the principles of censorship currently exercised

administratively through the 'note of guidance' be

embodied in law. The reasons for this approach are as

follows

***

(a) the principles are consistent with the

community's expectation of film censorship;

(b) it would provide guidance to the film industry as

to what might be acceptable to the public and

would explain the reasons for any excision or

disapproval;

(c) it is desirable to circumscribe the powers of the

Censor; and

(d) it is advisable to embody the principles of

censorship in law to safeguard against possible

abuses by the censor or the Film Censorship

Authority.`

P.12