Hong Kong Ordinances

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE - SECT 43

Protection of private information from publicity

(1) Any person may apply to the Secretary to withhold from public notification
or other public access under this Ordinance any specified information
concerning a discharge or deposit, whether appearing in a licence or an
application therefor or in any notice, return or other document.

(2) An application under subsection (1) shall be granted by the Secretary to
the extent that he is satisfied that public notification or other public
access to the information would-

   (a)  be contrary to the applicant's private interest to an unreasonable
        degree; or

   (b)  be contrary to the public interest.

(3) Where an application under this section is refused by the Secretary,
whether in whole or in part-

   (a)  notice of the refusal and of the reasons therefor shall be given in
        writing by the Secretary to the applicant;

   (b)  the information shall not be publicly notified or otherwise made
        accessible to the public until the time for appeal under section  29
        (3) has expired.