2.
20
Explanatory Memorandum
The main objects of this Bill are
(a) to increase the financial limits of the jurisdiction
(b)
(c)
of the District Court and the Small Claims Tribunal;
to confer on the District Court additional jurisdiction
relating to cause in the fields of merchant shipping
matrimonial causes, proceedings and property, legitimacy
and adoption; and
to provide an additional appeal in labour matters and
small claims to the Court of Appeal.
Clause 2(1) increases the financial limits of the
jurisdiction of the District Court and the Small Claims Tribunal
by amending the relevant sections of the Ordinances mentioned in
the First Schedule. Clause 2(2) and (4) allow the amounts to be
amended in future by resolution of the Legislative Council.
clause
2(3) provides for the rate of interest on judgment debts to be
fixed by the Chief Justice.
3.
Clause 3 makes consequential amendments to the provisions
mentioned in the Second Schedule by tying the amounts concerned to
the sums mentioned in the District Court Ordinance.
4.
}
Clause 4 transfers the jurisdiction in appeals in cases
involving the registration of seamen from a judge of the High
Court to a judge of the District Court.
5.
Clause 5 provides that, subject to rules relating to the
transfer of proceedings and the variation of existing orders,
proceedings under the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance shall be
commenced in the District Court. Clauses 7 and 8 make similar
provisions in relation to proceedings under the Matrimonial
Pro eedings and Property Ordinance and under the Adoption Ordinance.