Claims of cover-up by CLP rejected

A barrister's allegations of a cover-up by China Light & Power (CLP) over the deaths of two employees were rejected yesterday by the Court of Appeal.

The judges said Michael Ford had presented 'no real evidence' that the company had conspired to mislead a coroner's inquest.

Mr Ford had asked the court's permission to appeal against a 1995 ruling that he should pay $321,270.13 in damages for retaining confidential documents he had been given when representing the firm at the inquest.

He alleged the company attempted a cover-up over the deaths of Wong Kwong-yu, 38, and Yip Ka-pui, 40, in a massive gas explosion at Castle Peak power plant on August 29, 1992.

He said he needed the papers to prove the conspiracy and show he was not involved. Britain's Privy Council, in one of its last rulings on the territory, returned the case to Hong Kong with instructions to consider some written evidence from Mr Ford.

However, the Court of Appeal said yesterday that Mr Ford had lodged his notice of appeal 17 months after the first ruling that he was liable for damages. The deadline for appeals is six weeks.

The court said the long delay, the lack of reasons for the delay and 'no real prospect of success' meant the court would not over-ride the time limits and hold a full hearing.