TNAG-1692-FCO40-2342-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 6

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view could not be obtained.

My colleagues speaking this

afternoon will no doubt elaborate further on the points at

issue.

I shall speak first on the Control of Publications Consolidation (Amendment) Bill 1986. As pointed out by the Chief Secretary in moving the second reading of the Bill, suppression provisions on local newspapers have been used most sparingly during the existence of the Ordinance, which was enacted in 1951. In fact, these provisions have not been invoked since 1967. The proposed deletion of 10 sections relating to control and suppression of local newspapers is therefore supported by the Group as a positive step towards enhancing freedom of our press.

The Group also supported the proposal to retain and rationalize the sections relating to registration of newspapers and to retitle the principal Ordinance as 'Registration of Local Newspaper Ordinance'.

However, whilst accepting the Bill in principle,

Members called for certain refinements regarding

(i)

The definition of newspaper; and

(ii) The Schedule listing publications to be

excluded from the definition of newspaper.

Members were also concerned with the amount of personal details required under the Regulations, such as the requirement to provide photographs, home addresses and home telephone numbers.

The Administration was receptive to our proposals and it has been agreed that some of the particulars required for registration such as those mentioned above would be dispensed

At the committee stage, the Chief Secretary will move an

with.