A.D. 1886.] LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (WITNESSES). [No. 13.
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Legislative Council as to
2. The Legislative Council of the Colony and any committee thereof Powers of may administer an oath to any witness examined before such Council or committee, and for that purpose shall have all such and the like powers, rights, and privileges as are now possessed or exercisable by the House of Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland or 34 & 35 Vict. s. 1. any committee thereof in respect of
(1) the enforcing the attendance of witnesses, and (2.) the punishing persons guilty of contempt.
examination of witnesses.
3. (1.) Any person examined as aforesaid who wilfully gives false Punishment evidence shall be liable to the penalties of perjury.
of false evidence, etc.
(2.) Any witness to be examined under this Ordinance who, being a Christian, conscientiously objects to take an oath may make his solemn affirmation and declaration in the words following: -
“I, A.B., do solemnly, sincerely, and truly affirm and declare that the taking of any oath is, according to my religious belief, unlawful, and I do also solemnly, sincerely, and truly affirm and declare,” etc.
(3.) Any witness to be examined under this Ordinance who is not a Christian may, in lieu of an oath, make the following declaration, which shall be duly interpreted to every such witness who is ignorant of the English language:
“I, A.B., do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare that the evidence which I am about to give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
(4.) Any solemn affirmation and declaration or declaration alone as aforesaid shall be of the same force and effect and shall entail the same consequences as an oath taken in the usual form.
(5.) Any oath or affirmation and declaration or declaration alone as aforesaid may be administered by the presiding member of the said Council or any committee thereof.
ORDINANCE No. 13 OF 1886.
AN ORDINANCE to enable the Governor to appoint Commissions under the Seal of the Colony and to confer certain Powers upon Commissioners so appointed necessary for conducting Inquiries.
14th December, 1886.]
BE it enacted by the Governor of Hongkong, with the advice of the Legislative Council thereof, as follows:
A.D. 1886. Ordinance No. 27 of 1886.