The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, was briefed on the work of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) during a visit to the department today.

The Commissioner for Television and Entertainment Licensing , Mr Eddy Chan Yuk-tak, briefed the Chief Executive on initiatives being undertaken by the department to achieve its mission, which is to reflect community standards on taste and decency in broadcast monitoring and regulation, film classifications, and the control of indecent and obscene articles.

"Everyone, including parents and teachers, has an important role to play in caring for the development of our children and young people. I am pleased to note that continuing efforts will be made by the relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that our young people are protected from materials that would be harmful to their development", the Chief Executive said.

On broadcasting matters, Mr Tung noted that it would be in the long term interest of Hong Kong to develop a flexible regulatory framework which would be conducive to the growth of the broadcasting industry while at the same time meeting the needs and expectations of the community.

He was also briefed on the progress of establishing a Film Services Office which was announced in the Chief Executive's Policy Address in October 1997. The new Film Services Office would be established in TELA in April this year to facilitate the development of the local film industry.

The Chief Executive noted that Government had formed the departmental working group which would work closely with the industry to devise a licensing scheme for the use of pyrotechnics and dangerous goods in film production. The new Film Services Office will also look at measures to cut red tapes in granting approval for location shooting, the setting up of a data base relating to the local film industry.

"The film industry has not only contributed towards the cultural and entertainment needs of our community but also our economy by being one of the world's major film producers and exporters. It is therefore important that joint efforts should be made by both Government and the industry to help ensure sustainable growth in this field", the Chief Executive said.