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For the purposes of the definition, "mental disorder" is given the same meaning as under the Mental Health Ordinance. This covers mental illness, arrested or incomplete development of mind, psychopathic disorder and any other disorder or disability of mind. The Administration is currently re-examining this definition in the context of a review of the Mental Health Ordinance. Subject to the approval of the Executive Council a Bill to amend that Ordinance will be introduced in this Council in the near future.
The Bill is not intended to affect any question as to the validity or revocation of a power of attorney created before the Bill comes into operation as law. Clause 3 therefore specifically provides that such questions would continue to be decided in accordance with the existing law.
The desirability of the proposed new definition of mental incapacity became evident in the course of preparing the Enduring Powers of Attorney Bill, which I have just introduced. However, since the new definition should apply to all types of powers of attorney, it is appropriate to place it in the Powers of Attorney Ordinance.
Thank you Mr President.
End
Freight Containers (Safety) Bill
Following is a speech by the acting Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Leo Kwan, in moving the second reading of the Freight Containers (Safety) Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move that the Freight Containers (Safety) Bill be read a second time.
The purpose of this Bill is to implement in Hong Kong the International Convention for Safe Containers 1972. The main objective of this Convention is to ensure the safe and efficient transport of containers. It standardises requirements for the testing, inspection and approval of containers, and prescribes procedures for their maintenance, examination and control. It applies to containers used for international transport by sea and on land, but excluding containers specially designed for air transport.