1. Urged the Government to take the lead in the use of biodiesel
Motion debate on “Urging the Government to eradicate ‘gutter oil’ and take the lead in supporting biodiesel” was held in the Council meeting on 27 March. I pointed out in my speech that the use and production of biodiesel in Hong Kong is still at the early stage. The future development and wider use of biodiesel in Hong Kong depend on the Government’s attitude as well as supporting policies and measures. We can take the reference of the UK that biodiesel currently makes up certain percent of the total road transport fuel. The European Community has also introduced a directive on the use of biodiesel and other forms of renewal energy in road transport. I urged the Government to make use of its green procurement policy to promote the use of biodiesel.
2. Raised question regarding measures to enhance lift safety
The lift accident in North Point in early March reflects that the regulatory system for the repair and maintenance of lifts is plagued with problems. In this regard, I raised a written question to the Government and asked if they will conduct a comprehensive review of the regulatory system, increase the resources needed and employ additional professional staff so as to step up its monitoring work. The Government replied that some enforcement actions will be taken, and one of which is factoring in flexibility and specific targets to the spot check ratio, making use of the current Registered Lift Contractors Performance Rating Scheme. The administration will also set up a Lift and Escalator Safety Advisory Committee shortly which comprises members drawing from both inside and outside the trade, to propose ways to ensure safe operation of lifts and escalators. Details of my question and the answer from the administration can be found in:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201303/20/P201303200360.htm
3. Incidents of gas explosion in telecommunications manholes
As there have been occasional incidents of gas explosion in telecommunications manholes in recent years, I raised a question regarding the threat of gas explosion in such manholes. I asked if the authorities have any solution to the problem of vent holes in manhole covers being sealed off or blocked by dust and debris, and whether the authorities will consider enacting legislation requiring members of the telecommunications industry to seal the connecting ducts in the telecommunications manholes. The Government replied that in accordance with the requirement of the Guidelines, fixed network operators implemented at least one of the mitigation measures in some 7600 manholes in the public streets by June 30, 2012. The Office of the Communications Authority also conducts sample checks to ensure that operators comply with the requirements. Details of my question and the answer from the administration can be found in:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201303/27/P201303270250.htm
4. Review and update of the Railway Development Strategy 2000
The Government is inviting public’s views on seven enhancement proposals for existing railway lines set out in the document of the Stage 2 public engagement exercise (PE2) of the Review and Update of the Railway Development Strategy 2000. As a railway project typically takes eight to ten years to go through the process from idea formulation, conceptual stage, stakeholder consultation, detailed design, to actual construction and commissioning, I urged the Government to make decision on the railway projects, covered in both stage 1 and stage 2 of the public engagement exercise as soon as possible. I also asked the Secretary for Transport and Housing at the LegCo meeting if the administration can finish the consultation next year. The Secretary replied that they will collate the public views collected at both stages, and explore the way forward for different railway projects with a view to reporting the results to the public in 2014.
5. Regulation of the export of powdered formula
To counteract parallel traders diverting large quantities of powdered formula away from the supply chain in Hong Kong, the administration amended the Import and Export Regulations by adding powdered formula as a specified article so that an export licence must be obtained in order to export powdered formula for consumption by infants aged under 36 months. At the meeting of the Subcommittee on the Import and Export Regulations, I expressed that such export control should only be a short term measure and be reviewed in 6 months’ time with an aim to restore normal business trading activities if the supply chain is back to normal.
6. Quality of Dongjiang water and water quality monitoring
The quality of Dongjiang water and water quality monitoring by the Water Supplies Department was discussed at the meeting of Panel on Development on 26 March. As Hong Kong lacks reliable natural water resources, I am concerned about the availability of local water supply in the event of any major contamination incident affecting the quality of Dongjiang water delivered to Hong Kong. The administration responded that the local reservoirs can support our water consumption for around four or six months. The Government will work closely with the Guangdong authorities to secure safe and affordable water supply and will continue to seek additional water resources.
7. Reviewed the work of the Community Care Fund Task Force
Since its establishment in early 2011, with the Government’s $5 billion injection and donations from the community, the Community Care Fund (CCF) has launched a total of 18 assistance programmes including Integrated Home Care Services for the elders. I asked the Government if there are any new measures or plans of the Residential Care Services for the elderly due to growing demand of residential homes. Chief Secretary for Administration said the Government will not rely solely on the private sector, but need to seek additional place in public housing estates or purpose-built complex for setting up residential homes for elderly. In addition to its subsidy programmes, I am also concerned about the situation of donation and investment of the CCF. The Secretary replied that helping the poor is the responsibility of the Government but donation from business sector is welcome. As at end February 2013, the balance of the CCF stood at around $5.93 billion and the return rate is 5 percent.