658
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL-20 January 1988
After the enactment of these Bills, I think that the next step is for the Government to further review the constitutions of these boards and councils. In this connection, I am glad to hear that my hon. Colleague, Dr. Henrietta IP, also shares this view.
With these remarks, Sir, I support the motion.
MR. EDWARD Ho: Sir, I am a firm believer that established professions in Hong Kong should be responsible for maintaining their own professional standards and conduct. Through constant contacts with the tertiary educational institu- tions, allied professional bodies both local and international, and their own members, the professional institutions are in the best position to understand how professional standards can be attained, how they should be set to fulfil the needs of the community, and how professional conduct should be regulated.
Thus, although the Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill 1987, in re- moving the Director of Medical and Health Services as Chairman ex-officio of the Medical Council, introduces a simple amendment, it is a most significant step in the right direction of letting the profession regulate itself.
My remarks also apply to the Dentists Registration (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1987, the Nurses Registration (Amendment) Bill 1987 and the Midwives Registration (Amendment) Bill 1987.
Much attention has been given to the evolution of a more representative government for Hong Kong, but not enough progress has been made in the recognition of the contributions, expertise and responsibilities of the professions in professional training, accreditation and self-regulation for the interest of our community.
I share the views of my colleaques Dr. Henrietta IP and Dr. CHIU Hin-kwong that the present amendments can only be considered as a first step. It is time Government should now examine more carefully and fully various registration Ordinances to ensure that more autonomy will be given to the professions, and that these Ordinances will meet the needs of our community, not only for the present, but also in preparation for the changing circumstances of Hong Kong in the years to come.
I was encouraged to learn from the Secretary for Lands and Works in his annual policy debate speech on 11 November 1987 that Government is now actively pursuing the introduction of Professional Registration Ordinances for the architectural, engineering, surveying and planning professions. This should be treated with a degree of urgency, as, unlike the medical, the dentistry, the accounting and the legal professions, the registration of the four professions associated with the building industry is not governed by statute except when specifically required under the Buildings Ordinance.