G.S. 84
XCR (78)188
9
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3
It is intended, with the approval of Honourable Members, that regulations be made shortly under Chapter 270 which would require the DPW to be satisfied that the opening of any section of the railway would not endanger the travelling public. Further, the DPW would be empowered to inspect the railway premises at any time, to obtain reports on failures and accidents, to hold inquiries thereon and to publicise the findings.
10
Although it would be some time before these regulations could be brought into effect, inspections by the DPW have already commenced and examination of plans of the railway and works executed has been proceeding for some time. Also, the MTRC has engaged competent professional engineers to supervise the contractors' work and have devised and brought into use compre- hensive working rules, based on current UK railway practice, for the safety of operational and constructional personnel. Thus, should the exemption sought in this memorandum be granted, inspections in the interim period before the coming into force of the Regulations would be performed in part by the MTRC personnel and in part by the PWD.
Publicity
11
It is not considered that publicity of any sort should be given to an exemption order granted under Electric Supply Regulation 42. Should questions be asked by the media the response should be that the MTRC is especially well equipped to perform the complex testing required to meet a tight programme and that inspections were being undertaken by the PWD.
Advice Sought
12
Honourable Members are asked to advise whether an order may be granted under Regulation 42 of the Electricity Supply Regulations exempting the China Light and Power Company Limited and the HongKong Electricity Company Limited from inspecting the electrical installations on the Mass Transit Rail- way Corporation's railway premises.
(The Mass Transit Adviser (Mr A. H. WILKINS) and the Principal Government Electrical and Mechanical Engineer (Mr G. J. OSBORNE) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
20th July 1978
(ECON 23/3231/70)
COUNCIL CHAMBER
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