TNAG-2863-FCO40-4117-Article-XIX-(lobby-group-for-press-freedom)-and-Hong-Kong-Jo-1993 — Page 18

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CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BR

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"For example, under Prison Rules of the Prison Ordinance,

Cap. 234, it is a disciplinary offence for a Correctional Services officer to communicate to the press without proper authority any information. We propose to repeal this provision because it is considered inappropriate to single out disclosure to the press," the

spokesman explained.

As regards access to personal data, the spokesman pointed out

that the Law Reform Commission's Privacy Sub-Committee was looking into

a number of matters concerning privacy, including questions of data protection and access to personal records and the Sub-Committee has

issued a consultative document for public consultation. As an interim

measure new arrangements would be introduced next month to allow

private individuals to check personal data provided by them and held by the Government. "Clearly we will have to return again to this subject

in the light of public comment on the Sub-Committee's proposals", the

spokesman added.

On the question as to whether legislation was required to

ensure the freedom of information the spokesman said that in cerain

areas such as data protection and access to personal records the legislative route may well be followed. In addition it would be necessary for the Government to consider localising the existing

Official Secrets Acts before 1997. But the Government was not

convinced that an all embracing Freedom of Information Ordinance was

the best way forward.