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The Bill also sets out the safety requirements to be followed by the owner of the equipment and that of the registered contractor and registered examiner.

The requirements of the Bill will be controlled by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services who will examine certificates, test reports and maintenance log books and be in a position to stop the use of any unsafe installation.

The Bill requires the setting up of a disciplinary tribunal to regulate registered contractors and registered examiners, with an appeal procedure against any decision given by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services or the tribunal. The Builders' Lifts and Tower Working Platforms (Safety)(Fees) Regulation will be produced in due course and made by the Financial Secretary upon enactment of the Bill.

Mr President, this Bill aims to provide a regulatory framework for the control of Builders' Lifts and Tower Working Platforms and is supported in principle by the construction industry. I commend it to Members for favourable consideration.

Thank you, Mr President.

End/Wednesday, February 15, 1995

Insurance Companies (Amendment) Bill 1995

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services, Mr Michael Cartland, in moving the second reading of the Insurance Companies (Amendment) Bill 1995 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President.

I move the second reading of the Insurance Companies (Amendment) Bill 1995. This Bill seeks to amend the principal ordinance in a number of areas with a view to promoting efficiency in the Insurance Authority's administration of the insurance industry and the proposed changes also aim to enhance protection of policy holders' interests.