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Wednesday, July 5, 1972
EMERGENCY AMENDMENTS TO BUILDINGS ORDINANCE
An amending bill designed as an emergency measure to relieve
pressure on the Buildings Ordinance Office following the recent rainstorm
disasters was passed by the Legislative Council this afternoon.
In moving the second reading of the Buildings (Amendment)
Bill 1972 at today's meeting, the Director of Public Works, the Hon.
J.J. Robson, said the Buildings Ordinance Office was now heavily committed
in inspecting and making safe properties endangered or damaged by the
recent disasters.
"Over 300 requests for assistance or to inspect private buildings
have been received by the Office since June 17 and around 70 orders closing
buildings have had to be made," he said.
All staff of the Office previously processing plans and inspecting
building schemes had been diverted to this emergency work, he added.
In consequence, Mr. Robson said, it was now quite impossible to
approve plans or give consent to building or street works or to issue
occupation permits within the statutory periods laid down under the Buildings
Ordinance.
"If, however, these approvals, consents or permits are not given
within the statutory periods then under the Ordinance they are deemed to have
been granted by default," Mr. Robson said.
/The bill,