Sir,
UMELCO
DRAFT SPEECH BY HON WONG PO YAN, OBE, JP
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
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30.7.86
Fire Services (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 1986
I have listened to the views of owners of small sized factories on the Fire Services (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 1986; they consider that the proposed penalties contained therein are rather severe. I have also listened to the views of other industrialists who however, consider that the Bill is not unacceptable. My own views are as follows:
It is noted that in 1985 there were 14,722 fire calls leading to 29 deaths and 630 injured; the corresponding figures for 1984 were 14,693 fire calls, 52 deaths and 727 injured. Since the outbreak of fire poses a threat to human lives and property, the Government has been doing its best over the years to prevent fire hazards through publicity and surveillance. However, despite a substantial increase of the penalties in May 1982, it is not achieving the desired result and so I consider that a more effective deterrent is now called for.
This Bill aims to deter people from obstructing
escape routes or locking up fire exits.
I consider that it is
a highly irresponsible act for anyone to commit such offences and expose those living or working in the multi-storeyed residential or industrial buildings to fire hazards. further development of our industries, I hope that industrialists will, indeed they should, be more conscious of the consequences of a fire on their industrial operations. also hope that they will realise the risks to themselves and others and exercise self-discipline by refraining from committing such offences.
With
I
UMELCO