HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL · - 11 January 1989
香港立法局 一九八九年一月十一日
28
rules apply as would apply for premises which are not subject to registration or licensing; that is to say that if electrical installations are thought to be unsafe the case can always be referred to the relevant power company, or to the Fire Services Department for appropriate action.
PROF. POON: Sir, it appears from the Secretary's answers that at present there is no proper means to ensure the proper maintenance of electrical wiring. Will the Secretary inform this Council if the legislation to be introduced later this year will provide better means to do so?
SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: Sir, the new Electricity Bill to be introduced this year will, I understand, make provision essentially for it to be the responsibility of the owner of an electrical installation to ensure that it is properly maintained. It does make provision for the authority who would be the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services to enter premises to inspect electrical installations to ensure compliance with the Ordinance. So, there is more accent on maintenance in the proposed new legislation.
MR. PETER WONG: Sir, the Secretary has just said the onus is on owners to have safe electrical installations. However, will the Government introduce legislation to control the standards of the electricians plying for business so that the public can be assured of safe electrical installations in their households?
SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: The new Electricity Bill does precisely that, Sir.
MR. TAI: Sir, in view of the fact that we have an increasing number of old buildings in Hong Kong, will the Secretary for Lands and Works consider making it a statutory requirement for owners of old buildings to apply for a "Certificate of Satisfaction" as regards wiring in the building?
SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS: Sir, that is not the intention of the present legislation, but it will surely be considered.
Curbing of inflation
8. MR. PETER WONG asked: Will the Administration inform this Council whether the recent reduction of foodstuff imports from China and the increase in the price of such imports have accelerated the rate of inflation in Hong Kong,