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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1984
NEW RULES FOR ACCOUNTANTS
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MEASURES TO TIGHTEN CONTROL OF THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION WERE DETAILED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984.
SIR JOHN TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THE BILL SOUGHT TO MAKE A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS ORDINANCE (CAP 50) WHICH WERE CONSIDERED NECESSARY BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, THE PROFESSION'S STATUTORY REGULATORY BODY, IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS.
ONE AMENDMENT PROPOSED SEEKS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT A PRACTISING CERTIFICATE WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO A PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT UNLESS HE IS ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AND POSSESSES THE NECESSARY LOCAL EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL LAW AND PRACTICE.
OTHER PROVISIONS INCREASE THE NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM 12 TO 14, INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF ITS DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE FROM THREE TO FIVE, RELATE TO THAT COMMITTEE'S RULES OF PROCEDURE AND DEAL WITH RECEIPT OF COMPLAINTS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO MARCH 14.
GUARDIANSHIP OF HANDICAPPED
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IT IS INTENDED THAT LEGISLATIVE PROVISION FOR GUARDIANSHIP FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS OVER THE AGE OF 21, WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION LATER THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON SAID TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON SUCH GUARDIANSHIP BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
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