XN000022-1972-08-02 — Page 13

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Wednesday, August 2, 1972

GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS BILL

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The Guradianship of Minors Bill 1972, which received its first

and second readings in today's Legislative Council meeting, introduces two

underlying principles relating to the guardianship and custody of, and

maintenance for, minors.

Moving its second reading, the Acting Attorney General, the

Hon. G.R. Sneath, told the Council that one principle was that the mother

would have equal rights with the father regarding the right to be a

guardian or to appoint one.

Another principle, he said, was that the court shall have regard

to the welfare of the minor as the first and paramount consideration in

deciding any question regarding matters of guardianship, custody and

maintenance.

"To safeguard this principle, the bill provides that the courts

are to exercise control in all these matters," he said.

Mr. Sneath said the existing law on this subject was to be

found partly in the common law, partly in an English statute of 1660 and

partly in the Infants Custody Ordinance which was to be repealed.

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