HONG Kong will be served by a wider variety of satellite television services if laws to relax control on overseas operators are passed, said the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, James So Yiu-cho. The legislation, now being drafted, is part of a review of government licensing policy of overseas satellite television operators. Mr So said the proposal would be tabled to the Legislative and Executive Councils for approval early next year. It would also help Hong Kong to develop into a major regional centre for satellite broadcasting by allowing more broadcasters to base their services here. Pointing to the territory's first cable television licence, Mr So said the Government was determined to provide a wide choice of quality services at an affordable price. In his reply to legislators' comment on the arts policy outlined by the Governor, Chris Patten, in his second policy speech, Mr So appealed for greater support for the Provisional Arts Development Council. Mr So said it was ''regrettable'' that legislators had not reflected the ''strong sentiment'' of the public towards the setting up of the arts body. The Government was determined to promote arts as a way of life. The Provisional Arts Development Council had held two meetings and five specialist committees had been formed to look at areas such as arts policy and legislation. Responding to criticism of the absence of representatives from the performing and visual arts, Mr So said appointments would be made soon. Mr So also responded to fears of insufficient cash for arts promotion. The ''sizeable'' government funding to other arts activities would be transferred to the council to add to the $100 million seed money, Mr So said.
