Hong Kong Regulations

BANKRUPTCY RULES - RULE 23

Appointment and remuneration of shorthand writer

(Past version on 30/06/1997).

Shorthand notes

(1) The court may at any time in any proceedings, if it considers that it
would be desirable so to do, appoint a person (in these rules
called a "shorthand writer" (速記員) ) to take down, in shorthand or
otherwise, the evidence of the debtor or of any witness examined at any public
or private sitting, examination or meeting under the Ordinance.

(2) A shorthand writer (if any) attached to the Official Receiver's office
shall be deemed to be duly appointed under paragraph (1), and it shall not be
necessary to make any application to make such an appointment, and a general
declaration by such shorthand writer adapted from Form 56 shall be deemed to
apply to all proceedings in which notes are taken by him of any such evidence.

(3) Any document purporting-

   (a)  to be a transcript of the notes taken by a shorthand writer appointed
        under paragraph (1) or by a shorthand writer attached to the Official
        Receiver's Office; and

   (b)  to be signed by such shorthand writer, shall until the contrary is
        proved be sufficient evidence that the questions and answers therein
        set forth were so put and answered respectively.

(4) Every person appointed to be a shorthand writer under this rule shall be
paid a sum not exceeding $2000 or as the court directs for each hour or part
thereof during which he is engaged in such appointment or in the preparation
of any transcript of the evidence that may be required. (L.N. 143 of 1985;
L.N. 77 of 1998)

(5) The fees of a shorthand writer shall be paid by the party at whose
instance the appointment was made, or out of the estate, as may be directed by
the court.

(6) If the person appointed to be the shorthand writer under this rule is a
public servant the fees payable under paragraph (4) shall be paid forthwith by
the person responsible for such fees to the Official Receiver for payment into
the general revenue. (L.N. 231 of 1984) (L.N. 39 of 1976) [cf. S.I. 1952/2113
rr. 69 & 70 U.K.]

"shorthand writer" (速記員)