TNAG-1733-FCO40-2446-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 109

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This specialist orientation would be particularly useful

when it comes to entering private premises under warrant in search of escaped mental patients suspected of suffering from a mental disorder and is in need of care and control.

In some countries in Eastern Europe, one hears now and then of patients being deliberately consigned to a mental hospital for political or other repressive reasons.

I have looked at the Bill with the possibility of this happening very much in mind. I think that the Ad Hoc group has recommended as many safeguards for the liberty of the individual consistent with the public interest as is practicable. legislature will have to monitor the efficacy of the provisions of the Bill in the years ahead.

The

What is disquieting is the Administration's admission that it will require another four years before there will be sufficient psychiatric service back-up in hospitals for the proper enforcement of the Bill. The legislature should monitor progress by the Administration in this regard, otherwise many provisions in the Bill will be unenforceable due to shortage of professional

medical staff.

I believe that with the passage of this amendment Bill, a reasonable balance will have been struck between the protection of the public and the civil rights of the individual.

Sir, I support the Bill.

S4Speech4

le.