XN000022-1995-06-14 — Page 44

29

We have heard just now that both the Honourable Mr Simon Ip and the Honourable Dr C H Leong are in favour of expanding the Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme to cover professional negligence against all professions. We are concerned however, that any further expansion at this stage to cover more new types of cases would jeopardise the financial viability of the scheme. Furthermore, we have a practical problem in defining "all professions" for this purpose. But however let me say it for the record and let me reassure Members that we will keep the operation of the scheme under review and negligence claims against members of other specific professions will be considered for inclusion at a later date when we consider that the scheme is financially capable of further expansion.

Finally, in the light of the operational experience of the Legal Aid Department, the Bill includes a number of detailed amendments to formalise or to improve the practices relating to the provision of legal aid in both civil and criminal cases. For cxample, it recognises the present practice whereby the Director of Legal Aid does not impose a first charge on maintenance payment to children.

Mr President, with these remarks, and subject to the Committee Stage Amendments proposed by the Administration, I commend the Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill 1995 to Honourable Members for approval.

End/Wednesday, June 14, 1995

Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill 1995: committee stage

Following is the speech by the acting Chief Secretary, the Hon Michael Suen, at the committee stage of the Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill 1995, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President.

I move that the clauses specified be amended as set out in the paper to Members.

circulated

The amendment to clause 2 seeks to expand the definition of "domestic proceedings", to include cases under the "Matrimonial Causes Ordinance (Cap 179)" and "the Guardianship of Minors Ordinance (Cap 13).