1. Raised over 50 questions regarding Budget 2013-14
I have raised over 50 questions regarding the Budget 2013-14, which covered policy areas on housing, environment, planning and lands, commerce, public works and transportation. To view my questions and replies from the Government, please click the following link:
http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr12-13/english/fc/fc/agenda/fc20130408.htm

In the LegCo debate of 2013 Budget on April 17, I pointed out in my speech that the overall view of the Budget is pragmatic and prudent. This Budget has accepted some of the recommendations from the BPA in support of SMEs and middle-class families. However, it failed to come up with effective measures to address issues relating to deep contradictions in Hong Kong, such as the high land price policy and disparity between the rich and the poor. In my speech in the debate, I covered three aspects: (1) infrastructure planning and engineering, (2) industry development, (3) promoting environmental protection. I prompted the Government to introduce forward-looking and long-term policy measures, so as to invest in the future and to improve Hong Kong's economic development and people's livelihood. To view my speech, please click the following link:
http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr12-13/chinese/counmtg/floor/cm0417-confirm-ec.pdf (page 174-177)

2. Subcommittee on Import and Export (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2013
Due to the adjournment of LegCo meeting for lack of a quorum on 17 April, the Government and LegCo members lost the chance to amend the regulation concerning export of powdered formula with immediate enforcement on 1 March. It is provided under the regulation that no more than a total net weight of 1.8 kilograms of powdered formula can be carried by each person aged 16 or above, but such exemption is only applicable to a person on his/her first departure from Hong Kong within a 24-hour period. I proposed to amend the clause from “first departure from Hong Kong ‘within a 24-hour period’ ” to ‘within the same day’. My amendment got good supports from members, but unfortunately it was not passed due to the abortion of meeting. I also suggested the administration allowing passengers carrying excess quantity of powdered formula to have the last chance to dispose the excess amount at the boundary control points. The administration responded positively to this suggestion and has identified nine boundary control points for the provision of such receptacles.

3. Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Bill 2013
In response to the release of the new Air Quality Guidelines by the World Health Organization for global application for protection of public health, the administration launched a four-month public consultation in 2009 to gauge the public's response to a set of new Air Quality Objectives. Various concerns were expressed by the public by then. A Bills Committee was set up to study the Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Bill 2013 in details, and I have joined this committee. The Bill, if enacted, will come into effect on 1 January 2014. 

4. Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) Ordinance
To fully implement the licensing scheme for residential care homes for persons with disabilities under the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) Ordinance, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare has made the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) (Commencement) Notice 2013 to appoint 10 June 2013 as the day on which Part 2 of the Ordinance will come into operation. A subcommittee was formed to discuss the Ordinance in details and I have joined this subcommittee. LegCo Members and the rehabilitation sector generally expressed concern that some private residential care homes might cease operation, resulting in displacement of residents. The administration promised to closely monitor the operation of private residential care homes and make suitable arrangements as appropriate.

5. Funding application for the construction of Tuen Mun - Chek Lap Kok Link
The Government is seeking the funding approval from the LegCo and plans to commence the construction works within this year, for completion of the Southern Connection by end of 2016 in tandem with the commissioning of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao-Bridge, and the completion of the Northern Connection by end of 2018 to satisfy the local traffic demand. I support the construction of the link and I expressed concern on how to minimize the traffic impact on disposal of construction waste from the sites. The Director of Highways responded they would try to minimize the nuisance by transporting some of the waste via sea route. 

6. Enhancing land supply strategy: reclamation outside Victoria Harbour
I support reclamation outside Victoria Harbour as it is one of the important land supply strategies for meeting housing, social and economic development needs. The results of stage 1 Public Engagement conducted previously showed that the respondents generally agreed on the initial site selection criteria with the impact on the local community and the environment being the most important ones. The Government has selected 5 near shore reclamation sites comprising Lung Kwu Tan, Siu Ho Wan and Sunny Bay, Tsing Yi Southwest and Ma Liu Shui for further consideration.
 
7. Funding request of implementation of projects by District Council 
The Government will roll out a Signature Project Scheme this year, under which $100 million will be earmarked for each district, so that the District Councils concerned can launch one to two large projects of benefit to local residents. I support the funding request and to give District Councils increased responsibilities to carry out programmes and larger scale projects for the community. I expressed concern on the actual implementation of these projects, and the administration responded that District Councils are encouraged to partner with relevant non-profit-making organizations, business sector or statutory bodies possessing the capability to deliver the project. In cases where government departments are in a better position to construct, manage and maintain the facilities, a District Council may consider partnering with government departments in implementing the project.