Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So has urged pan-democratic lawmakers to debate the existing Copyright Amendment Bill for its early passage.
He made the remarks after some pan-democrats today proposed a "fair use" provision be included in the bill.
Mr So made it clear that the copyright owners had already indicated that they were not prepared to accept that proposal because it had been floated for discussion for some time.
He added copyright amendment was about balancing the rights of owners and users and that a balance had been achieved in the current package embodied in the amendment bill that was now being deliberated in the Legislative Council.
With regard to broadcaster ATV, Mr So said the Government attaches great importance to whether the company can provide the services to fulfil its legal obligations and its responsibility to the employees.
He hoped that ATV, especially its liquidator could explain its plans clearly.
