TNAG-1729-FCO40-2442-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 294

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The deterrent effect of penalties under the

Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation has declined over the years and a review in 1987 showed that fines needed to

be increased to maintain their value in real terms. In

proposing the new

the new levels of fines account has been taken

of inflation of about 400 and wage increases of about

cent 700% over the period since 1968. There are now five maximum levels of fines, and it is proposed to reduce these to three: $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000. When

reviewing the levels of fines we have also considered

introducing custodial sentences for very

serious

offences. Proposals are being developed and I hope to put these to this Council before the end of this legislative

session.

increase

Sir,

2.

the

purpose of the present Bill is to

fines şo as to restore their original deterrent effect. The Bill has the support of the Labour Advisory

Board.

move that the debate on this motion be

adjourned.

Question on adjournment proposed, put and agreed.