TNAG-1690-FCO40-2340-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 128

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restrictions on the freedom of the individual should be

imposed. I hope that those members who have expressed

reservations about the need to retain this regulation in

the longer term will study the proposed legislation most

carefully. I believe they will find much comfort in the

changes we have proposed. The new bill, which was

published in April for public information and comment,

will further limit the powers of the censors. Under the

bill, the composition of the Film Censorship Appeal Board

will be changed substantially, This will enable greater

public participation in the censorship process and will

indeed place the final decision as to whether or not a

film is shown in the hands of a majority of unofficials

rather than a majority of officials as at present. At

will also provide further legal safeguards to ensure that

the censor does not misuse his authority. The bill also

has provision for a degree of liberalisation of the

existing censorship criteria through the classification of

films into three categories. The philosophy behind these

proposals is to strike a balance between giving the public

a chance to see what they wish to see, whilst at the same

time providing safeguards against what the community et

large feels should

should not be publicly exhibited. These

proposals we understand are likely to be welcomed by the

public and the film industry-

Following further discussion with the Ad Hoc

Group and the film industry it is our intention, subject

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