Media and public interest in the subject of film censorship will be revived by publication of the White Bill. The main focus will be on political censorship. Critics of the provision, including some Legislative Councillors and some representatives in the film industry, will again challenge the need for it. It will be argued that the provision contravenes Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and is being retained to curry favour with China. The industry will also be interested in other details of the Bill, particularly the review procedures.
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Internationally, publication of
of the White Bill may spark some renewed interest. There was considerable coverage, all negative, at the time of the original expose in the Asian Wall Street Journal. In downbeat reports about Hong Kong, film censorship on political grounds can be quoted together with other items (e.g. Public Order Ordinance, emigration statistics/confidence and direct elections in 1988).
Publicity
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A press release will be issued when the White Bill is published announcing the consultation period.
(The Secretary for Administrative Services and Information, Mr PETER K.Y. TSAO, the Deputy Secretary for Administrative Services and Information, Mr MICHAEL WU, the Commissioner for Television and Entertainment Licensing, Mr DARWIN CHEN, the Deputy Solicitor General, Mr E.H. MARTIN, and the Senior Assistant Law Draftsman, Mr G.A. FOX, will attend before Council for the discussion of this item.)
(ASI B/I CR 23/1036/71 XII) 22 October 1987
COUNCIL CHAMBER
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