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The Essential Services Corps Ordinance was enacted in 1949. The main objective of the Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation was to establish units of trained persons capable of assisting in the Government's response to natural disasters or other emergencies. The AMS Unit was established in 1950, and the CAS Unit was established in 1952 both under this Ordinance.
At its inception, the AMS was intended essentially as a standby medical unit for emergencies whilst the CAS mainly carried out civil defence duties. With the passage, of time, the units have expanded their activities into non-disaster related areas. They provide supplementary resources to augment the regular forces, both in times of emergency and in other situations.
The Essential Services (AMS) Corps Regulations and the Essential Services (CAS) Corps Regulations are too generalised for the requirements of today. They do not describe the current operational functions of the AMS and CAS; nor do they provide for the training and other activities of their members and cadets. We therefore propose to introduce separate and updated legislation for the Services.
The purpose of the two Bills is to provide for the establishment of the AMS and the CAS in order to replace the AMS Unit and the CAS Unit currently established under the Essential Services (AMS) Corps Regulations and the Essential Services (CAS) Corps Regulations respectively. The provisions of the Bills include the constitution and functions of the Services, calling out and performance of voluntary duties, disciplinary matters, and the establishment of the AMS Cadet Corps and the CAS Cadet Corps.
The Legislative Council Panel on Security was briefed on 2 December 1996, and supported the proposal to introduce separate legislation for the AMS and the CAS. Early enactment of the Bills will be welcomed by members of the AMS and the CAS, who have contributed, and will continue to do so in the future, so much in support of the regular forces' efforts to maintain public order and safety of the community.
I urge Honourable Members to give the Bills speedy consideration.
Thank you, Mr President.
End
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