HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL · 18 January 1989
香港立法局
一九八九年一月十八日
44
As soon as we have the full report of what occurred in this case we shall work out urgently what long-term arrangements are necessary to ensure that there cannot again be a case where the wrong gas is used in an operation.
DR. LEONG: Sir, I have two supplementary questions if I may, but I suppose you would like me not to take them in sequence.
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT: Yes, would you please separate them.
DR. LEONG: The Secretary has just informed us that the control of oxygen and nitrogen currently is done through annual checks to ensure safety precautions against fire and explosion. Would the Administration consider legislative measures for more frequent regular checks to ensure the safety of the public in other directions?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, the Director of Fire Services at present does not check the manufacturing process or the quality of the gas being produced. I suppose there is now a need to look at whether that loophole can be covered, Sir.
MR. LI: Sir, the investigator of this tragedy is saying in effect that such a mistake could not have happened. Mrs. BOYDE's untimely death apparently indicates otherwise. What steps will the Government take to determine in the public interest and beyond a shadow of doubt who was responsible for the murder of Mrs. BOYDE, and to ensure that such a devastating tragedy can be prevented from happening again?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, as I said in my main answer, the case is under investigation by the police, and I do not think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the steps the police may be taking to carry out a full investigation, but I am sure that the police will explore all the possibilities and come to a conclusion and make a report to the coroner so that he may determine whether an inquest should be carried out. As regards measures to prevent the recurrence of such a tragic incident, Sir, I have already outlined in my main answer the immediate steps which the Director of Medical and Health Services, together with the subvented and private hospitals, have undertaken, and as I also indicated in my main answer, when we have found out the real reason for the tragedy we will immediately consider long-term steps which might or should be taken to prevent the recurrence of such a tragedy.
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