TNAG-1690-FCO40-2340-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 166

1987-07-09 09:24

COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)

852 5 845 0995 P.07

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we have had this regulation for some 14 years and

have never seen the need

seen the need to extend it to any other

form of media. I see no reason why we should ever

change that view. If it were ever proposed that such

restrictions should be applied to other forms of

media, new legislation would of course be required.

There can be little doubt that opposition in the

community to such a move would be strongly reflected

in this Council and would, I suggest, ensure that no

such measure could pass into low,

Sir, as Members are aware, the extension of

these regulations is on a strictly temporary basis,

In considering the new film censorship bill we have

again applied the principle that only the minimum of

restrictions on the freedom of the individual should

be imposed. I hope that

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 instead place the final decisions as to whether