HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
2 November 1988
香港立法局
一九八八年十一月二日
22
operate equipment. Sir, I just want to ask the Secretary if operators of such devices mentioned in the main question should also be suitably qualified?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I would imagine that if medically qualified persons are treating patients with the use of laser and other equipment, they will be supervising persons operating such equipment.
Mr. ARCULLI: Will the Secretary for Health and Welfare inform this Council what possible objection can there be to the licensing of these devices or methods as injury caused may not become apparent immediately?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, there is no objection to licensing them. I said in my main reply that because we have so far not received any specific complaints about their abuse, we feel that there is no need at present to introduce legislation to control the use of such devices. But as I said in reply to an earlier supplementary, the working group on laser safety is at the moment looking into the question of the extent of usage of laser equipment in Hong Kong and to identify potential problems that may need to be addressed and also to examine laser safety issues. I think before the working group has come to a conclusion and make its recommendations to the Committee on Science and Technology it would be premature for us to come to a separate conclusion ourselves that it is necessary to license such equipment.
DR. IP: Sir, is Government aware that laser is being applied by acupuncturists in the treatment of patients and if so, is this legal? Is Government aware that massage establishments are using shortwaves in the treatment of clients and if so, is this legal? And is Government aware that beauticians are using ultrasonic waves and electrical stimulation in the treatment of clients and if so, is this also legal?
ATTORNEY GENERAL : To drop on a point of order, could I just respectfully remind Dr. IP that questions which seek the elicitation of opinions come very close to offending the Standing Orders.
DR. IP: My last phrase is based on the various legislations.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: With respect, you are seeking an opinion.
HIS HONOUR THE PRESIDENT: I think we shall refer this question for a subsequent meeting, Dr IP. On the question of a point of order on whether you
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