TNAG-1449-FCO40-1953-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 298

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heard quickly when that is appropriate, as in the case

of a tourist's complaint.

6.

There is also a problem at the other end.

The workload of the Tribunal is such that it has

difficulty in always meeting the 60-day limit for the

hearing of a claim. It is proposed, therefore, that

this limit be extended to 90 days, which will accommodate

both the existing workload and the increase in workload,

anticipated from the increase in jurisdiction.

On the

other hand, the 90-day time limit will ensure that

claims are heard within a reasonable period of time.

7.

There are a number of other minor amendments

to the Small Claims Tribunal Ordinance which I shall

briefly mention. There is provision for deputy

adjudicators to be appointed.

8.

The rules are eased to enable a claim to be

signed by another person on behalf of a claimant.

9.

The Bill permits a party or witness to give

evidence on oath or unsworn, and to preserve the

informality of proceedings in the Tribunal, it is empowered

to receive any evidence which appears relevant, whether

or not it is strictly admissible in a Court of Law.

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