22
c. 52 s. 16.
First Schedule:
Form No. 11.
No. 7:]___ THE ORDINANCES OF HONGKONG: [A.D 1891
46 & 47 Vict. affairs, verified by affidavit, and showing particulars of his assets, debts and liabilities, the names, residences, and occupations of his creditors, whether in the Colony or elsewhere, the securities held by them respectively, the dates when the securities were respectively given, and the debtor's personal expenses and, if any, business expenses for the last preceding three years.
Proceedings at public examination of debtor.
Ib. s. 17.
(2.) The statement shall be made and deposited with the Official Receiver within seven days of the making of the receiving order, unless the time is extended by the Court.
(3.) If the debtor fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the requirements of this section, he may be punished for a contempt of Court, and the Court may, on the application of the Official Receiver or of any creditor, adjudge him bankrupt forthwith.
Public Examination of Debtor.
17.—(1.) As soon as may be after the time limited for filing the statement of affairs, the Court shall hold a public sitting on a day to be appointed, for the examination of the debtor, and the debtor shall attend thereat and shall be examined as to his conduct, dealings, and property.
(2.) The Official Receiver and any creditor may take part in the examination of the debtor, and the Court may put such questions as it may deem expedient.
(3.) The Official Receiver may, if specially authorized by the Court, employ a solicitor, with or without counsel, to conduct such examination, but no solicitor or counsel shall be allowed to take part in the examination on behalf of the debtor.
(4.) The debtor shall be examined upon oath, and it shall be his duty to answer all such questions as the Court may put or allow to be put to him, and it shall not be lawful for the debtor to refuse to answer any question on the ground that the answer might tend to criminate him under the provisions of this Ordinance.
(5.) Such notes of the examination as the Court thinks proper shall be taken down in writing, and shall be read over to and signed by the debtor and may thereafter be used in evidence against him.
(6.) The examination may be adjourned from time to time, and shall not be concluded until after the day appointed for the first meeting of creditors.
(7) The examination may be held by a Commissioner of the Court, if the Court so orders, and in such case the Commissioner appointed shall have all the powers of the Court with respect to the examination.