TNAG-1690-FCO40-2340-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 120

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

avoid any abuse of power in the enforcement of the legislation.

The

public should really consider this problem in a comprehensive per-

spective.

Today, after all, we are arguing on a matter of principle. Therefore, we should be calm and cooperative in order to have more

exchange of views so that we can come up with a satisfactory solution.

Sir, I fully appreciate the view of certain sectors of the community who fear that this interim measure once adopted will be adhered to indefinitely.

I, therefore, urge the Government to complete the review of the existing legislation on film censorship as soon as possible.

Sir, with these remarks I oppose the Motion.

MR ANDREW WONG (in Cantonese): Sir, I cannot support the

c15 Motion raised by Mr. Martin Lee because of two reasons.

16

17

18

19

lo 20

21

22

23

Firstly, I feel that to delete the criteria of damaging good relations with other territories at this stage is untimely. The background of the Film Censorship Regulations have been stated by other Councillors, so I am not going to repeat those points. I just want to point out that for 3A of the Regulation in fact

Regulation

a set of eight criteria have been mentioned and they are similar to the original film censorship standards.

The 1987 Film Censorship Regulations are only an interim 24 measure. We are still awaiting the final decision when we come to

debate the Film Censorship Bill.

25

26

27

2 2 2 2 2 2 8

22872 m

29

30

Secondly, because of the fact that I feel it is unwise to delete the criteria relating to damaging good relations with other territories at this stage, whether the enactment of this particular criteria would be incompatible with the international covenant on civil rights and political rights, we have solicited legal opinion. 31 But the views differ tremendously, and the FCO feels that this is not & 32

in breach of the international covenant. However, Mr. Barendt feels that this would be incompatible with the international covenant. 34 Also, we are not too certain of the situation in other territories.

Therefore, instead of rushing into a decision I think we should step up our examination of this issue. Also, even if we delete this

33

35

36

Page 120Page 121