Comment
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Mr President, this Bill is an essential step in reaffirming the ICAC's mandate in the light of present day circumstances and the changing expectations of the people of Hong Kong 20 years after the establishment of the ICAC.
End/Wednesday, October 18, 1995
Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in moving the second reading of the Gas Safety (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1995 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move that the Gas Safety (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1995 be read a second time.
The purpose of the Bill is to provide for control, in the interests of safety, over the carrying out of construction works in the vicinity of gas pipes. The Bill was first introduced into this Council on 8 March 1995 but was subsequently deferred to the current session due to pressure of business.
The Bill has four main provisions. First, it empowers the Governor in Council to make regulations to control the carrying out of works in the vicinity of gas pipes.
Secondly, it increases the maximum penalty that may be provided for in regulations made under the Gas Safety Ordinance. This will increase from the existing level of a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment of 6 months and, in the case of a continuing offence, a daily penalty not exceeding $5,000, to a fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for 12 months and, in the case of a continuing offence, a daily penalty of $10,000.
Thirdly, it enables the Gas Authority, who is the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, to inspect works in the vicinity of a gas pipe and to require, through the issue of an improvement notice, the person concerned to take such measures as the Gas Authority considers necessary in the interests of gas safety.