1526
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 1 June 1988
He said: Sir, I move that the Hong Kong Polytechnic (Amendment) Bill 1988 be read the Second time.
As Members know, it is a common practice for institutions of higher education to confer honorary degrees. The purpose is to give public recognition to individuals for their contribution to the institution or to the community.
The University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong are specifically authorised in their respective Ordinances to confer honorary degrees, and they have done so over the years to many eminent academics and prominent community leaders. The City Polytechnic also has this authority in its Ordinance although it has not yet made use of it. However, there is not yet any such provision in the Hong Kong Polytechnic Ordinance or the Hong Kong Baptist College Ordinance. The main purpose of this Bill is therefore to put right this omission by giving the Hong Kong Polytechnic specific authority to confer honorary degrees. In a few minutes I shall be introducing another similar Bill in respect of the Baptist College.
Sir, the Ordinance already authorises the polytechnic to confer ‘academic awards' and 'honorary awards' but it has been suggested that it is not clear whether the term 'awards' includes 'degrees'. The Bill is therefore intended to clear up any uncertainty there may be on this point.
Sir, I move that the debate on this motion be adjourned.
Question on adjournment proposed, put and agreed to.
HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER moved the Second Reading of: 'A Bill to amend the Hong Kong Baptist College Ordinance'.
He said: Sir, I move that the Hong Kong Baptist College (Amendment) Bill 1988 be read the Second time.
I explained the reasons for this Bill just now when moving the Second Reading of the Hong Kong Polytechnic (Amendment) Bill 1988.
Sir, I move that the debate on this motion also be adjourned.
Question on adjournment proposed, put and agreed to.
PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY (AMENDMENT) BILL
1988
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER moved the Second Reading of: 'A Bill to amend the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance'.