TNAG-1752-FCO40-2472-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 95

ROBAFE

M.

FILM CENSORSHIP

THE NEED FOR CENSORSHIP

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The Hong Kong Government considers, and we agree, that they need some powers which can be used in extreme cases to control the

exhibition of films.

The Film Censorship Bill provides that the censor will take a number of matters into consideration in deciding whether a film is

suitable for exhibition, including whether there is a likelihood that the exhibition of the film would seriously damage good relations with other territories. The Hong Kong Government considers that this provision is necessary in the circumstances of

Hong Kong.

HONG KONG'S PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS WERE NOT LAWFUL

The Hong Kong Government acted to put the vires of their film

censorship provisions (which had operated without legal

challenge for 30 years) beyond legal doubt.

THE NEW LEGISLATION HAS BEEN RUSHED

In reviewing their legislation, the Hong Kong Government have conducted extensive consultation in Hong Kong, in particular with the Legislative Council Ad Hoc Group on Film Classification and Censorship, the District Boards, and the film industry. A bill was published for information and comment in April 1987, and the

extensive consultation I have referred to led to an amended bill

being published in November 1987. After allowing a further period for comment, Hong Kong Government introduced the amended bill into

the Legislative Council on 9 March. 1988.

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M