Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands,
Mr Patrick Lau, in moving the committee stage amendments to the Lifts and Escalators (Safety) (Amendment) Bill 1998 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Chairman:
I move that the clauses 2, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17, 28, 29, 33 and 37 be amended as set out in the paper circularized to Members. The amendments are mainly drafting and technical in nature and are supported by the Bills Committee.
Clause 7 has been amended to introduce the requirement of being a "registered professional engineer" in order to be eligible for appointment of an engineering representative to the disciplinary board panels. Clause 17 has been amended to impose the same requirement for appointment to the appeal board panel, and to include structural engineers as eligible candidates for appointment. Clause 33 has been amended to reflect the present limit of jurisdiction of the District Court. Clause 37 has been amended to effect the extension of the grace period of 12 months upon the commencement of the Bill before safety requirements concerning mechanized vehicle parking systems and service lifts under the Bill apply. Clauses 2, 6, 11, 14, 28 and 29 have been amended to improve the wording and drafting of the Bill.
Chairman, I beg to move.
End/Wednesday, January 20, 1999
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