script format question

script format question

Hello - I'm making a javascript update within a javascript block on an aspx page. This page was written by a previous developer. Here's a basic example of the structure of the script block:
 
 <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">

     <!--

     function Test() {
         alert('test');
     }

     --> 

 </script>
 
Is there any purpose to having the html comment symbols wrapped around the js functions?  When I started web programming 15 years ago I seem to remember that there might have been a reason for this, maybe cross compatability with certain browser versions? 

However, this webpage is having some quirky behavior for different users (IE8/IE9) and I wonder if the html comment around the js functions could be causing some of this behavior?