***************************************************
Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at a media session on the Competition Ordinance and the Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2014 after visiting the office of the Competition Commission today (December 7):
Reporter: Will the Government consider allocating more resources and manpower after the law takes effect?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Yes, we have already allotted financial resources to the Commission to carry out its whole array of work. We will keep in very close contact with the Commission. We will ensure that the Commission will have enough resources to carry out all the work.
Reporter: Mr So, are you happy that the bill may be more easily passed because so many amendments have been rejected by the LegCo President?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: We awaited the ruling by the LegCo (Legislative Council) President, which has just been handed down. We abide by the rules of the LegCo to handle all proceedings according to (the Rules of Procedures), which will be starting this Wednesday.
Reporter: Are you happy that the bill may be more easily passed?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I am neither happy nor unhappy. I will co-operate with LegCo members and to explain the content of the bill, and hope that the process will be very smooth.
Reporter: ... filibuster... What do you think are the chances of this bill being passed in LegCo?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I would just say this. Filibuster is not really in anybody's interest. I think that we should constructively debate the merit of this bill. I am quite happy to hear that some members are, you know, even though they are not in favour of the bill, are not filibustering. They are saying that they will express their views as they should be and will not unduly prolong the debate so that they are just going through the motion than filibuster. I think that's the right attitude.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, December 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:33
NNNN
