HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKSAR Government Press Releaseshttp://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/today.htmhttp://www.info.gov.hk/gia/rss/rss_logo_en.gifHKSAR Government Press Releaseshttp://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/today.htmHKSAR Government - Press Releasesen-UKCopyright, HKSAR Governmentirc@isd.gov.hkThu, 09 Nov 2023 09:41:02 GMTTue, 12 Jul 2016 11:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Secretary for Health delighted by acceptance of Hong Kong, China as observer of International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/09/P2023110800638.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/09/P2023110800638.htmThu, 09 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0800has formally accepted Hong Kong, China as its observer at the assembly meeting held in the Czech Republic on October 31, which is an important step for Hong Kong in moving towards the establishment of a registration mechanism of drugs and medical devices based on "primary evaluation" in the long run.

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, was delighted by the good news and said that "Our objective is to take progressive steps to bloom from the current 'secondary evaluation' approach towards the establishment of a 'primary evaluation' approval mechanism recognised internationally and by the Mainland. In that event, approval of drugs, medical devices and technologies in Hong Kong will no longer rely on the approval from other reference drug regulatory authorities but directly base on supporting clinical data and expert advices. This would enable patients to get early access to new drugs, and at the same time attract more local, Mainland and overseas pharmaceutical and medical device enterprises to conduct research and development (R&D) and clinical trials in Hong Kong, thereby gradually building up the capacity, recognition and status of the approval mechanism of drugs and medical devices of Hong Kong to ensure that the eventual mechanism would be widely recognised by the Mainland and internationally.

"To this end, a series of key initiatives was announced in 'The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address'. Following the implementation of the '1+' mechanism for registration of new drugs on November 1, another initiative is the accession of Hong Kong, China to the ICH as an observer so that we can get familiarised with the latest development of drug regulation and take forward the development of the drug regulatory system in Hong Kong. This would also enable us becoming more on par with the World Health Organization-Listed Authority, paving the way for developing Hong Kong into an internationally recognised regulatory authority for drugs and medical devices in the long run."

He added, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the National Health Commission and the National Medical Products Administration for fully supporting Hong Kong, China in the application for accession to the ICH as an observer, as well as their unfailing support, guidance and assistance in the work of drug approval in Hong Kong. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the DH for their extensive work in making this happened, including sending delegates to the Czech Republic to introduce our work and stringent standards in drug approval and regulation at the ICH Assembly."

The ICH is an internationally recognised association. At present, there are 15 regulatory members comprising drug regulatory authorities from Mainland China, Europe, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, where "primary evaluation" approach is adopted. The mission of the ICH is to harmonise the technical requirements for drug registration among its members and to promulgate various guidelines on safety, efficacy and quality that are being recognised as the highest global standards. In compliance with the relevant guidelines, drug regulatory authorities in various parts of the world can mutually accept or recognise the clinical trial data generated in accordance with the ICH guidelines for drug registration. The accession to ICH as an observer will lay the foundation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in advancing the implementation of the ICH guidelines in Hong Kong, with a view to strengthening the local capacity of drug approval, and facilitating relevant software, hardware and manpower development, with becoming an ICH regulatory member as the ultimate goal.

The DH and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (a statutory body set up under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, Cap. 138 of Hong Kong Legislation) are currently responsible for the approval of registration of pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong. The Policy Address has announced the setting up of a preparatory office next year to study the potential restructuring and strengthening of the regulatory and approval regimes for medicine, medical devices and medical technology. The preparatory office will also put forward proposals and steps for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) which will be a step towards the transition to the "primary evaluation" approach in approval of drugs, medical devices and technologies, and explore the upgrading of the CMPR as a standalone statutory body in the long run. This will help expedite the launching of new drugs and medical devices to the market, and foster the development of R&D and testing of medical products and related industries.]]><![CDATA[Government steps up publicity and education work on bedbug (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800757.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800757.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 23:26:00 +0800
     The FEHD stepped up publicity and education work at the Hong Kong International Airport from today by distributing promotional leaflets to travelling citizens and incoming visitors. The FEHD, together with the Port Health Division of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), also reminded airlines and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) to pay attention to the environmental hygiene of aircrafts as well as the Airport. Relevant government departments will conduct a site visit later at the Airport in conjunction with the AA to provide technical advice on bedbug prevention and control. Furthermore, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Ms Irene Young, today met with representatives from the hotel industry, providing them with suggestions on bedbug prevention and control and exchanging with them views on the measures and related matters.

     A Government spokesman said, ”Although information shows that bedbugs will not spread diseases, bedbug bites may cause skin allergy and itchiness and make people feel unwell. The Government therefore takes swift actions to minimise the chance of transmission of bedbugs from overseas to the local community. The Government's work requires the co-operation of the public and relevant trade sectors. We will therefore step up publicity and education work, maintain close communication with relevant sectors and provide different parties with information in order to prevent and control the spread of bedbugs together."

     The spokesman said that bedbugs typically hide near where human sleep, such as under mattresses, carpets and baseboards, inside bedsteads, behind wallpapers and walls, and inside the cracks of furniture. For effective prevention and control of bedbug, members of the public are advised to maintain a clean domestic environment, such as cleaning and vacuuming the premises regularly, washing bedding and clothing thoroughly with hot water, avoiding the use of second-hand furniture, replacing worn-out wallpapers soonest possible, and sealing cracks/crevices on walls and the floor promptly.

     The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay vigilant and check if there are bedbugs in hotel rooms or public places while travelling abroad. To prevent bringing bedbugs back home, upon returning to Hong Kong, members of the public are advised to check their personal luggage for bedbugs and wash clothes in hot water (60 degree Celsius) when necessary.

     Information on bedbug has been uploaded onto websites of the FEHD and the CHP of the DH (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/library/pdf_pest_control/bedbugs.pdf, and www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/460/107441.html) to help the general public better understand how to prevent and control bedbugs. Where necessary, members of the public may consider engaging a reputable pest control company to tackle bedbugs in private premises.

]]><![CDATA[SDEV begins visit to Beijing (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800541.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800541.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 20:58:52 +0800
     During her visit to the Zhongguancun Science City, Ms Linn was briefed by representatives from the relevant authorities on the development plan of the Zhongguancun Science Park, as well as the progress of building up high-tech industries and their mode of development. They also exchanged views. Ms Linn said that while the Government is forging ahead with the development of the Northern Metropolis including the San Tin Technopole, the experience of developing large-scale projects on the Mainland is a valuable source of inspiration and reference for Hong Kong.

     Ms Linn then called on the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and briefed its Minister, Mr Ni Hong, on the development of land and construction industry in Hong Kong. They exchanged views on various areas of co-operation for building works, such as promoting the use of Modular Integrated Construction method and innovative technologies, setting up the Building Testing and Research Institute, advocating the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area standards, fostering exchange of young professionals, and collaboration in training for construction workers.

     Ms Linn thanked the Ministry for being very supportive of the work of the Development Bureau. Both parties will continue to maintain close liaison and work together for better development of the construction industries of both sides.

     The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, and the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Mr Vic Yau, also joined the visit.

     Ms Linn will continue her visit to Beijing tomorrow (November 9).

]]><![CDATA[SITI attends World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800647.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800647.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 20:21:08 +0800
     In the morning, Professor Sun attended the opening ceremony and plenary session of the 2023 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Conference, with President Xi Jinping delivering a video speech at the opening ceremony. The Summit, with the theme "Creating an Inclusive and Resilient Digital World Beneficial to All — Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace", is hosted by the World Internet Conference and undertaken by the People's Government of Zhejiang Province.

     In the afternoon, Professor Sun travelled to Hangzhou, where he conducted a study on the Hangzhou Headquarters of H3C, a subsidiary of Unisplendour Corporation Limited, by visiting the headquarters’ future factory and innovation experience centre. He learned more about the enterprise's development in smart production, generative artificial intelligence (AI), smart solutions and digital infrastructure, as well as the enterprise’s achievement in facilitating digital transformation for different industries.

     He then visited the Alibaba Cloud Valley Park, where he was briefed by the park’s management on the business plan of the park, and the latest developments in cloud computing infrastructure and operating systems, data management and services, as well as AI systems. He also observed demonstrations of the Large-scale AI Model, smart city and smart public service.

     The Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Tony Wong, also joined the visit programme today.

     Professor Sun will attend and deliver an opening speech at the Cross-Strait, Hong Kong and Macao Internet Development Forum of the Summit tomorrow (November 9). He will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on the same day.

]]><![CDATA[Conclusion of "Conversations with Global Investors" seminar of Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800592.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800592.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 19:15:00 +0800
     The "Conversations with Global Investors" seminar brought the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong to a successful close today (November 8).

     About 300 overseas and local leaders from the financial, business, and public sectors attended the seminar, which was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF).

     Under the Summit's theme "Living with Complexity", today's seminar featured 20 global leading investors, who shared their investment insights and latest approaches to navigate a challenging landscape.

The Chief Executive of the HKMA and Chairman of the AoF, Mr Eddie Yue, said "This is the second year that Hong Kong has hosted the Investment Summit, and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the HKMA. I am heartened to see the enthusiastic response to the Summit. The active participation in the Summit, and the very packed schedule of many of our guests while they are here, reflect the vibrancy and significance of Hong Kong as an international financial centre."

The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, said "The seminar, as well as the Summit as a whole, is a testament to the strong appeal of Hong Kong to global investors as a financial market of choice both regionally and worldwide. I am confident that participants at the event have all walked away with better insights into both global and Asian investment opportunities that will prove valuable to their firms and clients amid prevailing macro risks."

     Overall, the three-day Summit welcomed over 350 participants, including more than 90 group chairmen or CEOs from the world's top financial institutions, representing banks, securities firms, asset owners, asset managers, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and insurers.

]]><![CDATA[Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area visits Zhuhai (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800341.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800341.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 18:54:00 +0800
Ms Chan departed for Zhuhai via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) in the morning. Upon arrival, she called on Deputy Mayor of Zhuhai Mr Li Chong, and met with the representatives of Zhuhai Municipal Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Bureau, Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Commerce, Office of Zhuhai Leading Group for the Development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Zhuhai Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, to learn about the latest developments in Zhuhai and exchange views on jointly promoting the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area).

Ms Chan said that Hong Kong and Zhuhai have close geographical ties and have always been close partners in the areas of trade, investment and air transport. For example, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been co-operating with the Zhuhai Municipal Government in the operation and management of Zhuhai Airport since 2006, and signed the Zhuhai Municipal Government and AAHK Co-operation Memorandum of Understanding last November, which has effectively combined the strengths of the two airports in Hong Kong and Zhuhai to create new opportunities for joint development. The implementation of "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" on July 1 this year has also enabled Hong Kong and Zhuhai to better embrace opportunities brought by the HZMB and has further enhanced the connectivity between the two places.

Ms Chan added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been actively supporting Hong Kong people and enterprises in pursuing development in the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area. For example, in April 2023, the HKSAR Government set up the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre under the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong, which is co-operating strategically with the GoGBA Business Support Centre established by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Hengqin, Zhuhai, to provide appropriate support for Hong Kong enterprises seeking development in Zhuhai. Blessed with the strong support of the country and the close connection to the world, Hong Kong is the only world-class city that can capitalise on both the China advantage and the international advantage. She welcomed Zhuhai enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's world-class financial, commercial, management and professional services, as well as the extensive international networks which Hong Kong enjoys, to open up and develop international markets together.

In the afternoon, Ms Chan visited an enterprise specialising in biomaterials and high-end medical devices in Zhuhai to learn about the latest position on local I&T development. The Greater Bay Area is home to many leading I&T enterprises, while Hong Kong has world-class financial services and scientific research capabilities. Hong Kong and other cities of the Greater Bay Area can leverage their complementary strengths to jointly promote co-ordinated economic development.

Later on, Ms Chan visited the first phase of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Logistics Park to learn about its latest developments. The Park will enable the cross-boundary logistics industry to make better use of the HZMB and to further explore development opportunities in Zhuhai and other places in the western part of Guangdong. The HKSAR Government welcomes enterprises in the Greater Bay Area to capitalise on Hong Kong's advantages in intermodal transportation and professional services through making use of Hong Kong as a regional distribution centre, develop e-commerce and high value-added freight and logistics services to achieve mutually beneficial development.

]]><![CDATA[Update on Cluster of Candida auris cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800574.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800574.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 18:42:00 +0800
     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital gave the following update today (November 8):

     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more male patient aged 70 in the surgical ward was also identified as a carrier of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. The patient was discharged.

     The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patient in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:

Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.

     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patient. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.]]><![CDATA[Contractor fined for violation of safety legislation]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800537.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800537.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 18:20:00 +0800
     The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on November 18, 2021, at a sewage treatment plant in Siu Ho Wan. During pipe maintenance work of a wet well carried out by a group of five workers, sewage suddenly flowed into the wet well. Three workers working inside the wet well lost consciousness successively. Two other workers who originally stayed outside the wet well also lost consciousness after entering the wet well trying to rescue them. One of the workers died while the other four workers regained consciousness but were injured.]]><![CDATA[Update on investigation of suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800515.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800515.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0800
     The CHP has set up for the related cases an enquiry hotline (2125 2372), which operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm to receive enquiries. The hotline was set up on November 3, and as of 3pm today, 18 calls were received, among which six females, aged 25 to 32, said that they had received relevant injection services and developed symptoms. They have been defined as cases of the infection cluster to receive follow-ups.

In addition, the CHP has not identified new venues where injections took place, or relevant Instagram social media accounts today. The CHP again appeals to persons who have patronised the premises announced on November 7, or have arranged and received relevant injections via relevant Instagram social media accounts after which they presented with relevant symptoms, should seek medical attention and call the hotline immediately. Officers of the CHP will assess their condition and arrange for follow-ups as appropriate.

     Based on information obtained in a preliminary investigation, the CHP cannot rule out the possibility of illegal medical practice. Investigations are ongoing.

     The DH reminded members of the public that injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience. The DH also urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving injections:

Understand the procedure, potential risks and complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to the injection, or infection or inflammation on the injection site;
Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
If symptoms develop, such as fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

     The public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services and the Drug Database of the Drug Office for more information.]]><![CDATA[Special traffic and transport arrangements to be implemented in Central District for car racing event from Friday afternoon to Monday morning]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800517.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800517.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 17:42:00 +0800
     During the period, road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in the vicinity of Central Harbourfront including Lung Wo Road and Yiu Sing Street. Twenty-six bus routes and three green minibus (GMB) routes traversing the affected area will be subject to temporary diversions and relocation of stopping points correspondingly.

     The TD anticipates that traffic in the affected areas in Central, in particular Man Yiu Street and Connaught Road Central, will be more congested than usual. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to these areas unless necessary. They should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion and follow instructions given by the Police.

     Public transport commuters going to Central, especially those going to Airport Express Line Hong Kong Station and Central Ferry Piers for taking ferry services, should pay attention to the arrangements for route diversions and bus/GMB stopping points relocation. Since the travelling times and frequencies of affected public transport services may become unstable, members of the public are advised to plan their journeys early, allow extra travelling time to cater for unexpected delays and make use of railway services as far as possible.

     For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or mobile application "HKeMobility". Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.

     The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements, subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or "HKeMobility".]]><![CDATA[Chief Executive's Council of Advisers holds second meeting (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800234.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800234.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 17:33:00 +0800
The Chief Executive announced his second Policy Address last month, introducing an array of measures to consolidate the existing advantages of Hong Kong and explore new growth potential for the economy. The Government strives to adopt an industry-oriented approach as the policy priority, boost the economy through investment, drive growth through infrastructural creation and expand the economic capacity of Hong Kong.

The Council meeting was held in the Central Government Offices. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; the Director of Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip; and the Head of Chief Executive's Policy Unit, Dr Stephen Wong, were in attendance, alongside some members participating in the discussion through videoconferencing.

Apart from focusing on the relevant strategic measures on economic development covered in the Policy Address, the Council also held in-depth discussions on the trend of global economic development and geopolitics in the coming year, as well as on how Hong Kong could grasp the opportunities and address the challenges for creating strong impetus for growth and improving people's livelihood amid the unprecedented changes currently at play.

     The advisers were supportive of the policy directions put forth in the Policy Address, and agreed that Hong Kong should continue its efforts of capitalising on the unique advantage of having the strong support of the country and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems". The advisers also supported that Hong Kong should proactively integrate into the country's development, while maintaining a high degree of internationalisation and strengthening regional and global collaboration, exemplifying the role as an important node of the national and international dual circulation.

Mr Lee said, "I sincerely thank the advisers for their support for my new Policy Address, which has showcased the Government's all-out efforts of introducing immediate as well as short, medium and long-term measures for Hong Kong as it fully recovers from the epidemic. The Policy Address covers micro and internal perspectives for Hong Kong on one hand, and deals with macro and external factors on the other. It also introduces policy measures to connect Hong Kong with the country and the rest of the world. In order to bring Hong Kong to new heights while managing the underlying risks, we must fully appraise the possible impact of the external environment on Hong Kong to ensure that the measures covered in the Policy Address can be implemented effectively.

"The Council has a strong line-up of domestic and international elites, who have in-depth knowledge of and insights into global political and economic developments and trends. The meeting today has provided my team and myself with a lot of valuable advice and useful reference, which will help us take forward the initiatives introduced in the Policy Address, so that we can build a better Hong Kong together by leveraging our unique advantage of converging both the China and global opportunities."

The Government established the Council in March 2023 to advise the Chief Executive on the strategic development of Hong Kong, leveraging opportunities from national and global developments.

]]><![CDATA[Women Sector Dialogue on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" (with photo)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800402.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800402.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0800
During the dialogue, Miss Mak introduced the key initiatives related to the facilitation of family and women's development in the Policy Address. She pointed out that the Government attaches great importance to the support of women's development. Following the allocation of additional funding to establish the Women Empowerment Fund last year, the HYAB will set up a dedicated Women Affairs Team and designate the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs to steer work related to women's affairs. The HYAB's key initiatives in the aspect of family and women's development for the coming year include launching a one-stop family and women information portal; organising the first Family and Women Development Summit; introducing a maintenance mediation pilot scheme through the Community Care Fund, launching a new five-year Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education, etc.

Participants attending the dialogue responded positively to the relevant measures. In particular, the designation of the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs responds to the aspiration of the women sector. Participants also actively shared their views on taking forward various initiatives in relation to the promotion of women matters and facilitation of family education, and more.

]]><![CDATA[LCQ20: Measures to enhance slope safety]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800457.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800457.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 16:55:00 +0800
Question:

     It has been reported that the once-in-a-century torrential rain in September this year caused a number of landslide incidents, in which cases involving unauthorised building works (UBWs) carried out by some private owners on slopes were uncovered. Regarding the measures to enhance slope safety, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the current respective numbers of government and privately-‍owned man-made slopes and natural hillsides in various districts; whether it has conducted regular examination and assessment on the level of risks of such slopes; if so, of the number of slopes with landslide risks (set out in a table), and whether it will carry out comprehensive inspections on such slopes before the advent of the new rainy season; if so, of the relevant work plan and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) of (i) the respective numbers of landslides which occurred on privately-owned natural hillsides and man-made slopes, as well as the resultant casualties, and (ii) the number of non-compliant Dangerous Hillside Orders issued by the authorities and the main reasons for non-compliance, in each of the past three years;

(3) whether it (i) carried out inspections on private slopes to verify the existence of UBWs, (ii) issued removal orders to and instigated prosecutions against the relevant owners, and (iii) made assessments on the number of such slopes having the danger of collapse, with the relevant owners being required to undertake slope upgrading works, in the past three years; if so, of the details and numbers; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) in order to prevent the problem of UBWs on slopes, whether the authorities will increase the penalties or even impose criminal liabilities, including imposing progressive penalties against cases of non-compliance with removal orders within the deadline, as well as recovering the costs of repair works from the relevant non-compliant owners?

Reply:

President,

     The Government has been implementing an effective slope safety system to improve slope safety in Hong Kong and has kept enhancing the capability in coping with landslide risk through the following strategies:

(i) carrying out regular inspection and preventive maintenance for government slopes, requiring private owners to fulfill their duties in maintaining their slopes, and exercising geotechnical control on public works and private development projects to ensure slope safety;

(ii) continuing the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme (LPMitP) to systematically carry out slope upgrading works for government man-made slopes, safety screening studies for private man-made slopes and risk mitigation works for natural hillside catchments according to a risk-based approach for strengthening slopes against inclement weather; and

(iii) reviewing the slope management in Hong Kong and advising the Government on technical aspects by international experts regularly, with the aim of continuously improving the quality of slope management.

     At present, the overall landslide risk in Hong Kong has been substantially reduced compared with that existed in the 1970s and the 1980s, reaching the international best practice in risk management.

     My respective replies to the various parts of Dr the Hon Ng’s question are as follows:

(1) As at September 2023, there are about 61 000 registered man-made slopes in different districts in the Catalogue of Slopes kept by the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) under the Civil Engineering and Development Department. Among them, about 45 000 are government man-made slopes and about 16 000 are private man-made slopes.

     According to the Guide to Slope Maintenance published by the GEO, relevant government departments are required to inspect their man-made slopes with maintenance responsibility every one to two years, and to carry out necessary maintenance, e.g. strengthening the slope surface cover and improving the drainage system. Meanwhile, the Slope Maintenance Audit Unit in the GEO also provides technical assistance and advice to the maintenance departments. Private owners should also follow the same requirements to carry out inspection and maintenance for all slopes on their private lots and in areas specified under the land lease conditions.

     Hong Kong has a hilly terrain with many natural hillsides. Compared with man-made slopes, natural hillsides are mostly located in remote areas with relatively low potential risks. For those natural hillsides closer to existing developments, there is a buffer zone between them and the residential buildings and roads in general. At present, the GEO has identified about 3 300 natural hillside catchments relatively close to existing buildings and important transport corridors for study.

     Before every wet season, the GEO will remind private owners to complete all regular slope inspections and the necessary slope maintenance before the onset of wet season through pre-wet season media briefings, letters, social media posts, television and radio Announcements in the Public Interest, etc. This can reduce the chance of landslides and safeguard public safety.

     In addition to routine inspection and maintenance to ensure slope safety, the GEO also continues the LPMitP to further systematically upgrade man-made slopes and natural hillside catchments. Among about 45 000 government man-made slopes, there are about 17 000 slopes with relatively low potential impacts (e.g. locating near lightly used access roads, remote places and country parks); and there are about 15 000 slopes with relatively high potential impacts (e.g. locating near residential buildings, hospitals, and schools) and moderate potential impacts (e.g. locating near major infrastructures, heavily used roads and footpaths) that have been upgraded in the early years. Under the LPMitP, the GEO will deal with about 13 000 remaining man-made slopes with moderate potential impacts. Furthermore, the GEO will select private slopes for safety-screening studies every year. At present, screening has been completed for about 6 400 private man-made slopes. The GEO also implements risk mitigation measures for about 3 300 identified natural hillside catchments in an orderly manner, based on their potential impacts to the surroundings.

     Through the above measures, the number of landslides in recent years has been significantly reduced, and the casualties caused by landslides have also been noticeably reduced. In response to the recent Super Typhoon and the torrential rain, the Government will adopt a more pre-emptive and strategic approach, and strengthen the resilience of dealing with landslides as follows:

(i) exploring ways to use big data, artificial intelligence and other technology to improve our risk assessment capabilities; and

(ii) conducting systematic investigations and studies on major landslide incidents triggered by extreme rainstorms and devising focused measures of landslide mitigation for more natural hillsides.

(2) and (3) Owners are responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of all slopes on their private lots and in areas specified under the land lease conditions. To further enhance public safety, the GEO will select private slopes for safety-screening studies under the LPMitP every year, and recommend the Buildings Department (BD) to issue Dangerous Hillside Orders (DHO) to the relevant private slope owners based on the study findings. At present, screening has been completed for about 6 400 private man-made slopes. When a private man-made slope is found to be dangerous or liable to become dangerous by the GEO or the government departments received reports, the BD will serve a DHO on private slope owners under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123), requiring them to carry out investigation and necessary remedial/preventive works to the slope (slope works).

     In the past three years, the GEO did not receive any landslide report in natural hillside within private land. The number of landslide reports on private man-made slopes and casualties involved are tabulated in Table 1 below:

Table 1
Year	Private man-made slopes
Year	Number of landslide reports received by the GEO	Casualties
2020	12	0
2021	13	0
2022	6	0

The number of DHOs issued by the BD and the number of expired DHOs which have not been complied with and the number of prosecutions in the past three years are tabulated in Table 2. The BD does not compile breakdown statistics on inspections of unauthorised building works (UBWs) on slopes or relevant removal orders and prosecutions.

Table 2
Year	Private man-made slopes and natural hillsides
Year	Number of DHOs issued	Number of expired DHOs which have not been complied with	Number of prosecutions
2020	59	16	4
2021	45	27	14
2022	35	29	21

Note: As the handling of a case may straddle different years, the numbers of expired DHOs which have not been complied with and the number of prosecutions in a year may not correspond with the number of DHOs issued within the same year.

     It is understood that one of the reasons for non-compliance with DHOs is that, when the slopes are located in the common areas with shared ownership, co‑owners may need time to discuss and agree on matters related to investigation and repair works, including appointment of professionals, concrete proposals for the works, estimated expenditure and cost apportionment. In addition, disputes over ownership and maintenance responsibility, owners or occupiers’ refusal to grant access to the premises to work staff, financial difficulties and other factors would also impede the progress of compliance with orders. The BD will continue to follow up with non-compliance with expired DHOs, including to consider instigating prosecution against the owners concerned whom without reasonable excuse.

(4) If owners, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with the DHOs in carrying out investigation and the slope works required, the BD will consider instigating prosecution against the owners concerned. They shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for one year; and to a further fine of $5,000 for each day during which the situation of failure to comply with the order has continued. For failure to comply with removal orders against UBWs without reasonable excuse, the owners shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for one year; and to a fine of $20,000 for each day during which the offence has continued. The BD may also carry out the works in the event of default by the owners in accordance with the BO, and recover the costs of such works, together with supervision charges and surcharges of not exceeding 20 per cent of the costs, from the owners concerned upon completion of the works.

     As announced in the Policy Address, we will comprehensively review the BO to strengthen the BD’s enforcement power by exploring raising the penalties, considering streamlining the prosecution procedures and lowering the prosecution threshold to effectively combat UBWs and other contraventions of the BO. We will put forward the proposed amendments next year.]]><![CDATA[CFS announces test results of targeted surveillance on nutrition labelling of prepackaged instant noodles]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800463.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800463.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 16:26:00 +0800
     "The CFS collected samples from different retail outlets for the targeted food surveillance project. Tests were conducted to check if the energy content and specified nutrient content (total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugars, sodium, protein, carbohydrates, and more) are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels," a spokesman for the CFS said.

     The Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations (Cap. 132W) require all applicable prepackaged foods to list the ingredients and the content of energy plus seven core nutrients, namely carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugars, and regulate any associated nutrition claims.

     Nutrition labelling can assist consumers in making informed food choices, encourage food manufacturers to apply sound nutrition principles in the formulation of foods, and regulate misleading or deceptive labels and claims. According to Section 61 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), if any person falsely describes food or misleads as to the nature, substance or quality of the food on a label of the food sold by him or her, he or she shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

     The CFS will continue to conduct surveillance on other food samples to check if their energy content and specified nutrient content are consistent with the declared values on their nutrition labels, and the results will be released in due course. The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law, and urged members of the public to pay attention to the information on nutrition labels when purchasing food to make informed food choices so as to achieve a balanced diet and stay healthy.]]><![CDATA[LCQ17: Provision of diagnoses and treatments for eczema patients]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800410.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800410.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 16:10:00 +0800
Question:

At present, the Hospital Authority does not offer specialist outpatient services on dermatology, and relevant services are provided by the nine dermatology clinics under the Department of Health (DH). However, it has been reported that the waiting time for such clinics is too long. Regarding the provision of diagnoses and treatments for eczema patients, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it knows the number of eczema patients seeking consultation at public hospitals because of eczema in each of the past five years;

(2) whether it knows the respective numbers of patients with severe eczema who were referred to the dermatology clinics for follow-up through private healthcare institutions and public hospitals in each of the past five years;

(3) whether it knows the longest, shortest and average waiting time of new cases at the dermatology clinics in each of the past five years (set out in a table);

(4) whether it knows the total number of specialists in dermatology in the public healthcare system at present and, among them, the respective numbers of those working in DH and those who are residents at public hospitals; and

(5) whether it will consider establishing a "dermatology specialist treatment centre" to centrally handle severe eczema cases, and setting up a fleet of "mobile clinics for dermatology specialist services" to provide nursing care for eczema patients with relatively mild conditions in the community, so as to divert eczema patients to different units for receiving services; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

Eczema is a common group of skin diseases. The main symptoms are itch, redness, swelling or dryness and cracking of the skin. Most cases presented with mild symptoms, and are diagnosed and managed mainly by doctors in primary healthcare. Generally, the condition can be improved and controlled after being prescribed mild to moderate topical steroid ointments and strengthening skin care. For more serious or urgent cases, doctors would refer the patients to dermatology clinics under the Social Hygiene Service of the Department of Health (DH).

In dermatology specialists' service, topical steroids or non-steroid ointments and oral anti-itch drugs of different strengths are prescribed according to the conditions of the patients, with strengthened skin care education, checking and avoiding of skin irritants or possible allergens that may be exposed in daily life, and follow-up on medication compliance. For some of the cases where the condition of the patient is not satisfactorily improved, the use of systemic oral drugs or light therapy would be further considered according to the therapeutic ladder.

The reply, in consultation with the DH and the Hospital Authority (HA), to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:

(1) The numbers of patients diagnosed with eczema in the General Out-patient Clinics (GOPCs) of the HA in the past five years are as follows:

	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23
Number of eczema patients in GOPCs	82 093	77 054	81 843	74 768	56 028

Note: The Specialist Out-patient Clinics under the HA does not maintain statistics on eczema patients.

(2) and (3) According to the data maintained by the DH, in 2022 (full year) and 2023 (as at September 30), there were 32 696 and 25 104 new cases respectively referred to the DH (including referrals from private medical institutions and public hospitals). Among them, 3 923 (12 per cent) and 3 665 (14.6 per cent) cases respectively were assessed and triaged as new cases with serious skin diseases. The DH does not maintain the statistics of patients with severe eczema referred to dermatology clinics from private medical institutions and public hospitals respectively.

With effect from 2018, the Social Hygiene Service under the DH has adopted a triage system for new cases in dermatology specialty to ensure new cases with serious skin diseases will be cared with priority. This type of new cases will in general be arranged to be seen within eight weeks.

The DH started to maintain the information of case waiting time systematically since the fourth quarter of 2021. In 2022 and 2023 (as at September 30), all new cases with serious skin diseases were arranged to be seen within eight weeks according to the performance pledge, with a median waiting time of 2.7 and 2.9 weeks respectively. As for other new cases with stable condition, the median waiting time was both 90 weeks, while the overall longest waiting time was 178 weeks and 183 weeks respectively.

(4) and (5) Currently, there are 116 specialists in Dermatology and Venereology on the Specialist Register of the Medical Council of Hong Kong in Hong Kong where most are in private practice. There are 29 doctors serving in the Social Hygiene Service under the DH. Among them, nine are specialists in Dermatology and Venereology, while the remaining 20 doctors are members of the Hong Kong College of Physicians and have finished Basic Physician Training. For the HA, there are eight doctors providing dermatology services, among whom four are specialists in Dermatology and Venereology. In addition to consultation, specialists in the Social Hygiene Service under the DH also provide support and coaching to other doctors in the Social Hygiene Service to maintain and improve the service quality of local dermatology specialty and to train more local specialists in Dermatology.

Eczema patients with relatively mild conditions are generally manageable by the primary healthcare doctors whom they are familiar with in a holistic approach and most cases do not require referral to dermatology clinics for follow-up. There are a total of nine clinics under the Social Hygiene Service of the DH that provide specialist dermatology service in different districts. These clinics can provide convenient and accessible service for cases with more serious or urgent cases which require referral to dermatology clinics. There is no current plan for the Government to set up treatment centre to treat serious eczema cases in a centralised way.]]><![CDATA[LCQ8: Measures to prevent the spread of Mpox]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800424.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800424.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 16:07:00 +0800
Question:

It has been reported that a number of confirmed cases of Mpox have been recorded in Hong Kong this year, whilst the National Health Commission has since September this year included Mpox in the management of Class B infectious diseases, which is on a par with the Coronavirus Disease 2019. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of people who have received Mpox vaccination under the Mpox vaccination programme for high-risk groups since the programme was launched by the authorities in October last year;

(2) of the current promotion and publicity programmes for Mpox vaccination for high-risk groups; and

(3) of the current measures to prevent the spread of Mpox from overseas into Hong Kong?

Reply:

President,

Mpox is a zoonosis caused by monkeypox virus. The first case of human infection of monkeypox virus was reported in 1970. Since May 2022, there has been an outbreak of Mpox in many places around the world, and most cases involved sexual contact. As of November 5, 2023, a total of 52 confirmed cases of Mpox were recorded in Hong Kong.

Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. Proper personal and hand hygiene can help prevent getting infected via contact. However, human-to-human transmission is also possible through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact or direct contact with body fluids.

The first few days after infection with Mpox are characterised by fever, intense headache, myalgia and lymphadenopathy. Lesions in mouth and rashes in other part of the body appear about one to three days after onset of fever. The rashes progress from maculopapules to vesicles, pustules and followed by crusts within a period of ten days to two weeks and the rashes typically progress simultaneously at all parts of the body. Patients of Mpox can usually recover on their own with symptoms lasting from 14 to 21 days. The case fatality in previous outbreaks has been between 1 per cent and 10 per cent. In principle, treatment of Mpox includes relief of symptoms, management of complications and prevention of long-term sequelae.

Taking reference to the recommendations of the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, the Government has commenced the Mpox Vaccination Programme in October 2022, using a third-generation vaccine for contacts of confirmed cases as well as individuals at high risk of exposure on a voluntary basis. With reference to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommendation, Mpox cases would be isolated in public hospitals, until all infectious lesions are resolved and the patients become non-infectious. Their local contacts would also be required to undergo medical surveillance. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is committed to implementing related prevention and control measures to prevent massive spread of Mpox in the local community and will continue to keep in view the latest development of international prevention and control strategies.

The reply, in consultation with the Department of Health (DH), to the questions raised by Dr the Hon Dennis Lam is as follows:

(1) Under the Mpox Vaccination Programme for high-risk groups, the following high-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination on a voluntary basis at selected centre or clinics under the DH and the Hospital Authority:
　
(i) individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. men who have sex with men, having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
(ii) healthcare workers responsible for caring of patients with confirmed Mpox;
(iii) laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
(iv) Animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrence in animals in Hong Kong.

Since the commencement of the programme to October 29, 2023, a total of 14 397 doses of vaccines were administered.

(2) The CHP has been disseminating Mpox information to the public and encouraging high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccination through various online and offline channels, including broadcasting Announcements in the Public Interest on television, radio and social media platforms. The CHP has established a dedicated webpage and regularly issues press releases to update the public on the latest developments regarding Mpox.

The CHP has tailored a promotional video specifically for the high-risk target groups and disseminated through dating apps more commonly used by the target groups, as well as collaboration with key opinion leaders on social media platforms. Furthermore, the CHP distributes posters, leaflets and promotional materials through relevant non-governmental organisations at locations likely to be visited by the high-risk target groups as well as in relevant events, with a view to encouraging these high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccine. The CHP has also set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm, which enables persons who suspect or are concerned they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients, to make enquiries and receive relevant health advices.

In addition to the Vaccination Programme, the CHP also holds health talks for staff working at locations with high risk of Mpox infection, which aimed to enhance their understanding of Mpox, recommend infection control measures against Mpox, and provide details of Mpox vaccination.

(3) Having regard to the WHO’s recommendation, the DH has been implementing port health measures to prevent Mpox from being introduced into Hong Kong, including dissemination of health message to travellers (e.g. inflight broadcast, distribution of leaflets, promulgating travel health news on its website and posting posters); and measuring body temperature for travellers arriving Hong Kong at the seaport, Hong Kong International Airport and land boundary control points where those with fever would be further assessed and referred to healthcare facilities for medical assessments.

The DH will continue to maintain close contact with the WHO and closely monitor the Mpox infection cases recorded overseas, as well as the WHO’s latest recommendations of port health measures.

Same as locally acquired cases, imported Mpox cases would be isolated in public hospitals, until all infectious lesions are resolved and the patients become non-infectious. The CHP would also conduct contact tracing and their local close contacts would be required to undergo 21 days of medical surveillance. This is to prevent the confirmed Mpox cases to further spread the disease in the community and to lower the risk of the public being exposed to Mpox infection.]]><![CDATA[LCQ7: "Night Vibes Hong Kong" Campaign]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800374.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800374.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0800
Question:

     The Government announced on September 14 this year the commencement of the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" activities. Different sectors of the community play their part in staging a wealth of attractive night-time events with local characteristics all over the city starting from mid-September, covering, among others, diversified leisure, harbourfront leisure, festive and vibrant, as well as art and cultural experiences to attract patrons to different districts and stimulate consumption. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has compiled interim statistics or made interim estimations on the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" Campaign; if so, of the following information to date: (i) the number of activities held, (ii) the number of participating commercial organisations, (iii) the number of communities involved, and (iv) the number of participants in various activities; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) of the number of "Night Vibes Hong Kong" activities to be held between now and the next Lunar New Year, and whether it has estimated the number of additional tourists and the economic benefits to be brought to Hong Kong by these activities; if so, of the specific details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) whether it has plans to regularise some of the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" activities; if so, of the specific details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) whether it has formulated short to medium term plans for developing the night-time economy as a whole; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     The Government launched the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" Campaign in mid-September this year, staging in collaboration with various organisations a wealth of attractive night-time events with local characteristics covering entertainment, arts, culture, consumption and more across the city. The campaign aims to unite different sectors of the community in creating a dynamic vibe, so that citizens and tourists may experience the vibrancy and energy of Hong Kong's nightlife. Apart from participating in various exciting activities, citizens and tourists may also enjoy special offers from different organisations.

     My reply to the Hon Benson Luk's question is as follows:

(1) Since mid-September this year, more than 25 "Night Vibes Hong Kong" events have been or are being held to date. In addition to events organised by government departments, we received overwhelming support from various organisations for the campaign. Night-time activities were held and special offers were provided at over 80 shopping malls, fare concessions were offered by public transport operators and major events such as the National Day Fireworks Display and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival were held. Details of the events could be found at: www.nightvibeshk.gov.hk/en/events.php.

     The "Night Vibes Hong Kong" Campaign has received positive feedback from citizens and tourists since its launch. In respect of night-time events organised by government departments, the lantern carnivals held during the Mid-Autumn Festival recorded an accumulated attendance of around 660 000, with more than 300 000 visited the lantern carnival at Victoria Park. Starting from September 29, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum have extended their opening hours on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, with special programmes featured on Saturday evenings. As at October 29, the three museums received a total of over 7 200 visitors during the evening extended hours. Victoria Habour is a symbol of Hong Kong and as at October 31, some 270 000 people have visited the night-time events on the three harbourfront sites. Other "Night Vibes Hong Kong" activities were also well-received. For instance, the National Day Fireworks Display attracted over 430 000 spectators on both sides of Victoria Harbour, while some 140 000 people participated in the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival held at the Central Harbourfront. Individual shopping malls also recorded an increase in visitor flow.

(2) to (4) A series of "Night Vibes Hong Kong" events will continue to be rolled out. We will continue to provide more choice of activities for citizens during the festivals to enhance the joyful atmosphere. These events include festive activities over Christmas, New Year countdown celebrations and Lunar New Year fairs. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will also actively promote the organisation of activities in various districts in the first half of next year. The Government will continue to encourage different organisations to stage attractive night-time events with local characteristics. Citizens and tourists may visit the thematic website "Night Vibes Hong Kong" (www.nightvibeshk.gov.hk/) for the latest event updates.

     A variety of events across the territory could create a lively festive atmosphere in Hong Kong and at the same time, bring more businesses for different sectors, such as tourism, retail consumption and catering. Some shopping mall operators have indicated that the Government's promotion of night-time events has stimulated citizens' willingness of spending. Individual retailers have also said that business has seen an increase by 20 per cent to 30 per cent. Relevant governemt departments will continue to proactively co-ordinate and provide appropriate assistance to the event organisers. We have not made any specific estimation of the number of additional tourists and extra economic benefits that the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" Campaign may bring.

     The change of lifestyle habits following the global pandemic would take time to adjust. "Night Vibes Hong Kong" provides more choices of night-time activites in Hong Kong, allowing citizens and tourists to participate in them according to their interest while revitalising the city's nightlife at the same time. We will continue to consider the views of the public, review the effectiveness of the campaign in a timely manner and listen to stakeholders' views on the potential future development. Meanwhile, the Government will keep exploring every possible means to boost our overall economy, including night-time economy.]]><![CDATA[Effective Exchange Rate Index]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800168.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800168.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:55:00 +0800<![CDATA[Inspection of aquatic products imported from Japan]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800422.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800422.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:43:00 +0800
For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt, and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.

As the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water is unprecedented and will continue for 30 years or more, the Government will closely monitor and step up the testing arrangements. Should anomalies be detected, the Government does not preclude further tightening the scope of the import ban.

From noon on November 7 to noon today (November 8), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 127 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt" category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS's thematic website titled "Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan" (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).

In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO's website
(www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).

From August 24 to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 12 973 samples of food imported from Japan (including 8 602 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 3 758 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests.]]><![CDATA[LCQ22: Work of Research and Development Centres]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800408.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800408.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:40:00 +0800
Question:

The Government established five Research and Development (R&D) Centres in April 2006, namely the Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, and Nano and Advanced Materials Institute. Regarding the work of these R&D Centres, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will consider reviewing the role and positioning of the aforesaid R&D Centres, as well as the need for restructuring, so as to dovetail with the strategies set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint and achieve the objective of developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre;

(2) whether it has set key performance indicators for the aforesaid R&D Centres in respect of their work on enhancing social benefits; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will consider setting such indicators;

(3) of the respective numbers of new R&D projects undertaken by the aforesaid R&D Centres in each of the past five years and, among them, the number of those for which patents were granted;

(4) of the respective numbers of patents owned by the aforesaid R&D Centres, the patent maintenance costs involved and the number of patent transactions made in each of the past five years;

(5) of the respective numbers of cases of successful transformation and realisation of patents by the aforesaid R&D Centres in each of the past five years and, among them, the number of those which generated revenues for the R&D Centres concerned and the amount involved;

(6) of the respective numbers of patents of the aforesaid R&D Centres which were not renewed in each of the past five years, and the criteria and procedure for determining whether such patents should be renewed; and

(7) whether it will consider drawing up relevant guidelines on patent management for the aforesaid R&D Centres?

Reply:

President,

In response to the various parts of the question raised by Professor the Hon William Wong, the reply is as follows:

(1) and (2) The Government has established five Research and Development (R&D) Centres, i.e. Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM), Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, and Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre (APAS), to drive and co-ordinate applied R&D in selected focus areas. The five R&D Centres have clear positioning and play an important role in driving applied R&D, conducting technology transfer and commercialising R&D outcomes, thereby offering more innovative technologies for the industry in Hong Kong and boosting the competitive edge of Hong Kong enterprises. The current positioning of the R&D Centres is at Annex I. Besides, the Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address that the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) will be established in 2024 to lead and facilitate collaboration in research and application of microelectronics, as well as industry development among universities, R&D Centres and the industry, which will include jointly exploring the third-generation semi-conductor core technology.

The R&D Centres play an important role in creating a vibrant innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and act as a focal point for technology collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, thereby complementing the implementation of the relevant development directions and strategies under the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint and developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. In this connection, the Government has been closely monitoring the operation of the R&D Centres. To evaluate the overall work progress and performance of various aspects of the R&D Centres, the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) has been adopting the following six indicators since 2017-18:

(i) Level of industry income;
(ii) Number of on-going projects involving industry participation;
(iii) Number of companies participating in the on-going projects;
(iv) Number of organisations benefitting from the Public Sector Trial Scheme;
(v) Number of researchers engaged under the Research Talent Hub; and
(vi) Number of patents filed and granted.

Regarding the aforementioned indicator (i) (i.e. level of industry income), the ITC has raised the target from 30 per cent to 35 per cent from 2023-24, and subject to steady economic growth, gradually raises the target to 50 per cent in a few years' time.

Regarding the indicators (ii) to (vi), as the scale and focal points of the R&D Centres are different, it is difficult to devise a set of uniform quantifiable key performance indicators. However, in the regular progress report on the R&D Centres to the Panel on Commerce, Industry, Innovation and Technology of the Legislative Council, the ITC will set out the Centres' respective performances under items (ii) to (vi) of the indicators. Besides, as a standard practice, the R&D Centres are required to prepare and submit annual plan, quarterly and annual reports and annual audited accounts for approval by their respective Board and the ITC every year.

On bringing social benefits, a number of R&D outcomes generated by the R&D Centres have been adopted by public organisations or public service providers. For example, the low-floor height e-minibus developed by APAS is supporting the Government's trial of electrification of public light buses; ASTRI and MTR Corporation Limited jointly developed a non-contact smart visual system to measure the gaps in escalators, replacing manual inspection, to ensure public safety by enhancing measurement and maintenance efficiency; LSCM has developed a combination-type wireless radio frequency identification tags for use in road tolling systems, and the technology has been applied to the HKeToll system. These R&D outcomes help Government departments and other public organisations enhance their service quality and efficiency, making people's daily living more convenient, comfortable and safe, thereby providing a greater sense of fulfilment. As such, it is difficult to quantify these benefits and devise quantifiable key performance indicators.

In the past few years, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, different industries have been affected to different extents. Despite facing such adverse circumstances, the R&D Centres have continued to drive applied R&D in selected focus areas and closely collaborated with the industry to understand their needs and the latest technological trends. As at end-March 2023, there were 405 on-going projects, including 243 projects (around 60 per cent) involving participation from 470 companies, representing an increase of about 13 per cent over the past year. This shows that the R&D Centres' applied R&D projects can address market needs and solve industry pain-points, thereby assisting the industry in grasping the opportunity for restructuring and upgrading. The Government will continue to review and adjust the resources provided to the R&D Centres (including MRDI which will be established soon), as well as their roles, positioning and key performance indicators taking into account the needs of the industry and technological development in accordance with the aforementioned mechanism. In the meantime, the Government will continue to encourage collaboration amongst the R&D Centres to achieve synergy.

(3) to (7) The five R&D Centres bear the public mission of conducting technology transfer to the industry, and their objective for conducting applied R&D and technology transfer is not about making profits. If an industry partner contributed at least 50 per cent of the total project cost, it is entitled to the intellectual property (IP) generated from that R&D project. Besides, as it often takes years to apply for a patent, some R&D Centres will opt to directly transfer technological know-how to the industry to help them cope with the ever-changing market in time. The patent-related figures and commercialisation and other income of the five R&D Centres in the past five financial years are at Annex II. The ITC does not keep the number of patents which have been successfully commercialised and the income concerned.

Owing to the difference in technological areas between the R&D Centres and the fast-changing technological development, the Centres devise their own strategies for managing their patents, and will decide whether they will extend their patents according to their own mechanisms. Generally speaking, the R&D Centres will consider a basket of factors when making such decision, including the commercialisation income generated by the patent, the maintenance cost, the likelihood for the patent to be a background IP for R&D projects in the future, whether there are similar patents utilising more advanced technologies in the market, and whether the patent is still relevant to the Centres' future development, etc.]]><![CDATA[Hong Kong Customs combats counterfeit and infringing goods activities involving cross-boundary transshipments and local deliveries (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800379.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800379.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0800
     Through risk assessment, Customs inspected seven containers arriving in Hong Kong from Nansha, Guangdong, at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound from October 20 to November 2. After inspection, Customs officers seized about 15 000 suspected counterfeit goods and about 13 litres of suspected duty-not-paid liquor, with a total estimated market value of about $23 million and a duty potential of about $90,000 therein, successfully detecting seven related cases.

     Moreover, through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigations, Customs detected 21 related cases at various local logistics companies. Customs officers identified and carried out strike-and-search operations at about 30 logistics companies in Kwai Chung, Tuen Mun, Mai Po, Tsing Yi and Yuen Long. About 62 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including watches, mobile phone accessories, glasses, clothes and footwear, with a total estimated market value of about $44 million, were seized.

     After follow-up investigations, Customs believed that some of the suspected counterfeit goods would have been sold locally while the rest would have been re-exported to overseas destinations. Also, Customs officers organised controlled delivery operations in respect of two batches of local delivery consignments. On October 27, a 33-year-old female consignee and a 32-year-old woman were arrested in an industrial building unit in Wong Chuk Hang, and about 400 items of suspected counterfeit and infringing goods with an estimated value of about $20,000 were seized inside. Later, Customs on October 30 raided an upstairs retail shop in an industrial building in Kwun Tong, seizing about 300 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $70,000. A 35-year-old male manager was arrested.

     Investigations of the above-mentioned cases are ongoing. The three arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or websites and to check with the trademark or copyright owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt to avoid buying counterfeit or infringing goods.

     Customs reminds practitioners in the logistics industry to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and to check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt when handling cargoes. The department also reminds traders or online sellers not to sell counterfeit or infringing goods and to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit or infringing goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.

     Customs will continue to step up inspections and conduct intelligence-led enforcement to vigorously combat different types of counterfeit and infringing goods activities.

     Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

     Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting or infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

]]><![CDATA[LCQ6: Exploring tourism projects relating to the history of the disciplined services]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800369.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800369.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0800
Question:

     "The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address" proposed to continue to promote characteristic local tourism and encourage the tourism industry to develop tourism products with cultural and heritage elements. There are views that some of the buildings relating to the disciplined services, such as the old Yau Ma Tei Police Station which is listed as a Grade II historic building, are currently "check-in" hotspots for inbound tourists. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the current number of buildings graded by the Antiquities Advisory Board as historic buildings that are being managed by each disciplined service and, among them, the number of those which are open to the public;

(2) whether it will study, without affecting the normal operation of the old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, allowing a reasonable degree of access to the Police Station for public visits, so as to complement scenic spots such as the Temple Street night market and Tin Hau Temple in Yau Ma Tei and introduce characteristic tourism elements into the district; and

(3) whether it will set up a disciplined services museum to exhibit decommissioned equipment and modes of transport of historical value from various disciplined services, so as to attract tourist visits?

Reply:

President,

     The development of heritage tourism involves different aspects including policies on tourism, as well as the usage, promotion and revitalisation of historic buildings, etc. Having consulted the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Development Bureau and other relevant departments, my reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:

(1) Currently, 32 of the graded historic buildings in Hong Kong are managed by the disciplinary/auxiliary forces under the Security Bureau. Among them, 2 are accorded with Grade 1 status, 16 with Grade 2 status and the remaining 14 with Grade 3 status. The details are set out in the attachment.

     The Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry (on G/F of Rawlinson House of the old Victoria Barracks) managed by the Immigration Department is a Grade 1 historic building. It provides marriage-related services including solemnisation of marriages to members of the public. People may visit the premises during the office hours as long as their visits will not affect the provision of public services. Another Grade 1 historic building is the Stanley Mosque under the management of the Correctional Services Department (CSD). The Stanley Mosque is located within the restricted area of the CSD. For security reasons, the Stanley Mosque mainly caters for the religious needs of the Muslim staff members of the CSD. If members of the public wish to use the Stanley Mosque, they may make applications to the CSD in advance.

     The other historic buildings are mostly used as departmental facilities (such as police stations, fire stations, staff training venues and office premises). On operational and security considerations, these historic buildings are in general not opened for public visit. However, group visit appointments would be accepted for some of the historic buildings if such visits do not affect daily operation and provision of emergency services. Besides, our departments will organise open days in these historic buildings on special occasions like department anniversaries to let members of the public know about the historic buildings and have a better understanding of the work of the departments.

     Apart from historic buildings currently owned by the disciplinary/auxiliary forces, the disciplinary forces have released buildings or facilities of historic value that are no longer in-use to relevant government departments for other uses. Examples include the former Central Police Station and former Victoria Prison (now Tai Kwun), and the former Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters (now PMQ) in Central, as well as the old Tai O Police Station (now Tai O Heritage Hotel).

(2) The old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is a Grade 2 historic building. The old wing of the building is now used as Police offices and therefore not suitable for public visit. The new wing of the building is now temporarily occupied by the Highways Department as the work site of the Central Kowloon Route.

     To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the centenary of the establishment of the old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) held a four-day "Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station 100th Anniversary Open Days" event in August 2022, showcasing the HKPF's rich history and remarkable achievements. As aforementioned, our disciplinary/auxiliary forces will continue to organise public visits to these historic buildings on special occasions as appropriate.

     I understand that public opening of the old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is not within the scope of the Temple Street night market initiative.

(3) Currently, of the six disciplinary forces, five (excluding the Government Flying Service (GFS)) have their own departmental museums/exhibition galleries. Among them, the Police Museum and the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum are open to the general public and tourists. For the Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum, the Customs Headquarters Building Exhibition Gallery and the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development Training Gallery, individuals (including tourists) or organisations may make visit appointments. Admissions to these museums/exhibition galleries are free of charge.

     Our departments have devoted constant efforts to renew exhibitions and exhibits in their museums and galleries, and curate thematic exhibitions from time to time in order to enhance the attractiveness of the museums and galleries. For instance, the Police Museum, located at the former Wan Chai Gap Police Station, underwent a revitalisation project in mid-2020 and re-opened to the public on September 15, 2022 with a new look. Through the revitalisation, new interactive technologies and interesting elements are added to the Museum to help citizens and tourists better understand the history, development and daily operation of the HKPF. The project has served to preserve the historical heritage of the Police in a more effective manner and promote related historical research.

     Equipment and vehicles play a vital role in the daily operation of the disciplinary and auxiliary forces. The forces have made every effort to preserve and display their retired equipment and vehicles in order to facilitate public education. For instance, subsequent to the retirement of two Jetstream 41 fixed-wing aircraft in 2016, the GFS has made available one of them to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for exhibition at the Kai Tak Runway Park. Furthermore, the Energizing Kowloon East Office and the Hong Kong Science Museum have undertaken to arrange a long-term public exhibition for the recently retired aircraft of the GFS including one Super Puma helicopter, one EC155 helicopter and one fixed-wing aircraft. The long-term exhibition will tentatively commence in 2027.

     Besides, the museums and exhibition galleries of the disciplinary forces mentioned above also display an array of retired vehicles and equipment. The forces will continue to explore different means of preserving and displaying retired equipment and vehicles with relevant departments and organisations.

     Other than the display of retired vehicles and equipment as exhibits, the disciplinary and auxiliary forces will from time to time showcase their serving vehicles and equipment on occasions like government events (such as parades), departmental open days and other public education activities (such as the Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day). Most of these activities are open to the public and tourists.

     President, building on the existing foundation, the Security Bureau, together with the disciplinary and auxiliary forces, will continue to explore how to better utilise our historic buildings, museums, vehicles and equipment, etc, to facilitate understanding of the work of our disciplinary and auxiliary forces among the public and tourists, and to tell the good stories of Hong Kong.

     Thank you, President.]]><![CDATA[LCQ4: Management of Tenants Purchase Scheme estates]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800315.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800315.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0800
Question:

It has been reported that while the Subsidised Housing Committee of the Hong Kong Housing Authority endorsed in May this year the implementation of enhanced measures for the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement (the Marking Scheme), the misdeed items applicable to public rental housing flats in Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS) estates continue to remain at 14, and the misdeeds under the Marking Scheme are still not applicable to the public areas of such estates, resulting in the management of such estates failing to improve with the implementation of the enhanced measures. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the situation of the tenants of TPS estates being allotted penalty points in each of the past five years (with a tabulated breakdown by District Council district and misdeed); among such cases, the respective numbers of those in which the tenancies of the tenants concerned were terminated and their flats were recovered due to the allotment of 16 penalty points or more to them;

(2) whether it knows the number of complaints received by the authorities (including the Owners' Corporations (OCs) of TPS estates) about the hygiene and noise in public areas of TPS estates in each of the past five years, as well as the details and the follow-up situations of those complaints; and

(3) whether it will launch targeted actions in respect of the management of TPS estates, such as enhancing the Marking Scheme, and coordinating or taking joint actions with OCs; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

In Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS) estates, more than 80 per cent of flats have been sold and become private properties. The general estate management is no different from that of private properties, which is undertaken by their respective Owners' Corporations (OCs) by virtue of the powers granted under the Building Management Ordinance (Cap. 344) and the Deed of Mutual Covenant (DMC).

As regards the public rental housing (PRH) flats in TPS estates, the tenants are currently subject to 14 misdeed items under the "Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement" (the Marking Scheme) of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA). In support of the Government's measures to tackle territory-wide environmental hygiene issues, the HA approved in May 2023 the implementation of enhanced measures of the Marking Scheme. Among the enhanced measures, three are applicable in TPS estates, including "causing noise nuisance", of which the penalty points will be increased from five to seven, and "using leased premises for illegal purpose" and "damaging down/sewage pipes causing leakage to the flat below", of both the penalty points will be increased from seven to 15, while the warning system for the latter misdeed will no longer be applicable. When 16 points or above have been allotted to a tenant, the HA will also issue a notice-to-quit. The enhanced measures will take effect from mid-December 2023.

Regarding the common areas of TPS estates, if a resident commits misdeed such as damaging environmental hygiene or creating nuisance, irrespective of whether he/she is an owner or a tenant, the property management company (PMC) appointed by OC can take action to regulate the misdeed in accordance with the provisions of the DMC. If OC or PMC refers any case involving PRH tenants committing misdeed in the common areas to the Housing Department (HD), the HD will take follow-up action, including conducting investigation, carrying out joint operation with PMC or other departments, and taking tenancy enforcement action, such as issuance of warning letters, against the offending tenant. For serious cases, the tenancy will be terminated to recover the PRH flat.

My consolidated reply to the questions raised by Dr the Hon Ngan Man-yu is as follows:

At present, there are about 30 000 PRH households in the 39 TPS estates. In the past five years (2018 to 2022), the number of points allotment cases under the Marking Scheme in TPS estates per year by 18 districts is set out in the Annex. The misdeeds mainly include not allowing the HA staff or its authorised persons to enter the premises for inspection and carrying out works, keeping animal inside the premises, accumulating a large quantity of refuse inside the premises creating hygienic nuisance. Among the cases, there was one case where the tenancy was terminated and the PRH flat was recovered after seven penalty points were allotted thrice due to accumulating a large quantity of refuse inside the premises.

In the past five years, the HA received about 800 complaints and enquiries relating to hygienic and noise nuisances in the common areas of TPS estates. The HD had relayed these cases to the respective OCs and PMCs and requested them to follow up. Upon receiving reports from OC or PMC on misdeeds committed by PRH tenants in the common areas of TPS estate, the HD will interview the tenant concerned and ask him/her to rectify. Written warning will be issued to unco-operative tenants. For serious cases, the HD may consider terminating the tenancy concerned. The HD staff will also discuss with PMCs or other government departments on whether to conduct joint operations, for example, to investigate noise nuisance, water dripping from air conditioners, and throwing objects from heights. For individual tenants with special circumstances, such as having the need for medical or counselling services, upon obtaining their consent, the HD will refer their cases to relevant government departments or social welfare organisations with a view to providing appropriate assistance and counselling to them. The HA does not have information on complaints relating to the common areas received by OCs direct.

The HA has all along been actively participating in and supporting the estate management work of TPS estates. Through participating in the management committee, the HD staff will proactively tender advice and information on property management, share the HA's management experience in particular on matters relating to building safety, public facilities, environmental hygiene and good management practices. The HA will seriously implement tenancy management policies and stop misdeeds through tenancy management and the Marking Scheme.

The HA will promote the enhanced measures of the Marking Scheme to the tenants through different channels, explain the salient points of the enhanced measures to OCs and PMCs, communicate proactively with OCs to maintain close co-operation, and conduct joint operation against the misdeeds of PRH tenants.

Regarding Member's suggestion of incorporating the misdeeds committed by PRH tenants in the common areas of the TPS estates into the Marking Scheme, the HA will seriously consider the proposal and will communicate with OCs and PMCs to study the details, targeting to formulate specific recommendations to the HA's Subsidised Housing Committee in the second quarter of 2024.]]><![CDATA[LCQ3: Government-subsidised Chinese medicine outpatient services]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800351.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800351.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:12:00 +0800
Question:

To tie in with the objective announced by the Government in the 2022 Policy Address, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) established by the Hospital Authority, non-governmental organisations and local universities under a tripartite collaboration model in the 18 districts across the territory have increased their annual disc quota for government-subsidised Chinese medicine outpatient services (subsidised disc quota) to 800 000 since the 1st of last month. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it knows the total attendance at each CMCTR since January this year, as well as the current number and salary levels of Chinese medicine practitioners employed by each CMCTR;

(2) whether it knows, following the increase in subsidised disc quota, the approximate daily service disc quota that can be provided by each CMCTR, as well as the criteria adopted by the authorities for allocating the subsidised disc quota; and

(3) given that many members of the public have relayed that, following the increase in subsidised disc quota, it is still difficult to make an appointment for the relevant services and it is even "so hard to secure one single disc", whether the authorities will consider formulating new measures to meet the demand of members of the public; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

I would like to thank Professor Hon Chan Wing-kwong for his question. In consultation with the Hospital Authority (HA), the reply is as follows:

Chinese medicine (CM) is an integral part of Hong Kong's healthcare system. To promote the professional development and manpower training for CM in Hong Kong, we have established Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) in all 18 districts across the city. They are run by the HA, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and universities under a tripartite collaboration model, with daily operation undertaken by the respective NGOs. In addition to the government-subsidised outpatient services, the CMCTRs also provide citizens with the option of other non-government-subsidised services. The CMCTRs also support services such as integrated Chinese-Western medicine and Civil Service Chinese Medicine Clinic services, and bear the functions of nurturing CM talent and taking forward scientific research projects.

The CMCTRs provide services for over 1.2 million attendances each year on average, of which the annual quota of government-subsidised outpatient services has increased by more than 30 per cent from about 600 000 to 800 000 since October 1 this year. Recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and recipients aged 75 or above of the Old Age Living Allowance are entitled to waiver of charges. The total number of attendances at CMCTRs from January to September 2023 is in Annex I.

As at the end of 2022, there were a total of 419 Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs) of various ranks employed by CMCTRs across 18 districts. The relevant information is set out in Annex II. The terms of employment and remuneration package of the CMPs concerned are determined by their NGO employers. The respective NGOs review and adjust the salary level of CMPs from time to time based on the market situation every year. According to the information submitted by these NGOs at the end of 2022, the monthly salaries of CMP trainees at the 18 CMCTRs ranged from $24,000 to $34,000, while the monthly salaries of other CMPs of various ranks ranged from $35,000 to $110,000 depending on their experience, qualifications and duties. To our understanding, the salaries of the CMPs concerned would also be increased by about 4-5 per cent based on the personnel management mechanisms of individual NGOs in 2023-24. The aforementioned CMP trainees are newly graduated and registered CMPs who have chosen to work at the 18 CMCTRs to accumulate clinical experience. As indicated by the very positive responses of job applications received, the work nature and remuneration packages of the CMP trainees are attractive to applicants to a certain extent.

As regards the distribution of government-subsidised service quotas, the annual service quota of 800 000 are distributed evenly among the 18 CMCTRs. Generally speaking, half of the service quota distributed to each CMCTR will be allocated for appointment by patients with episodic illnesses, and the other half for follow-up consultation for patients. In addition, CMCTRs in various districts will flexibly adjust the allocation of their daily service quotas according to clinic operation and manpower arrangements, hence such quotas may vary. In line with the increased service quotas, CMCTRs in various districts have taken corresponding measures, including increasing the number of consultation rooms and treatment rooms, upgrading facilities and fittings of outpatient clinics, employing extra manpower.

Since the further increase of the service quotas, the overall service capacities of the 18 CMCTRs have risen in the first two weeks of October 2023 (Note). A service quota of about 2 900 is available daily, which is an increase of over 60 per cent compared with the same period last year (a daily quota of about 1 800). The average daily service quota of each CMCTR is about 130 to 160, a significant increase compared with the same period last year (about 90 to 110 daily).

On booking methods, at present, patients with episodic illnesses may call individual CMCTRs in the 18 districts or use the HA's "18 CM Clinics" mobile application to make an appointment for government-subsidised CM services. Citizens who have previously registered for services at any of the CMCTRs may use the mobile application to make an appointment. Alternatively, they may ask their relatives or friends to do so on their behalf.

We will continue to work with the HA to review the usage of and demand for government-subsidised CM outpatient services, and increase the service capacities through re-provisioning of some CMCTRs. Hong Kong's CM services will also be greatly enhanced when the first Chinese Medicine Hospital in Hong Kong starts to commence service by phases in 2025. In parallel, we wish to liaise with the CM sector to formulate a Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint, in which we will conduct a comprehensive review on the long-term strategies and planning for the development of CM services as well.

I would also like to stress that CM outpatient services constitute an integral part of the primary healthcare system, and private service providers in Hong Kong play a significant role in delivering primary healthcare services. Contributing the majority of resources in the CM sector, the private sector has recorded around 10 million attendance for CM outpatient services per year. Currently, apart from providing subsidies for CMCTR services, the Government also offers Elderly Health Care Vouchers for elderly persons aged 65 or above to pay for private primary healthcare services rendered by CMPs. In 2022, the amount claimed for CM services was about $850 million, with around 1.65 million transactions of voucher claims. We will continue to develop various primary healthcare services (including CM services) in accordance with the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, thereby optimising the use of resources in both the public and private CM sectors.

Thank you, President.

Note: From October 1 to 15, 2023.]]><![CDATA[LCQ18: Electric public transport]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800364.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800364.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0800
Question:

"The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address" stated that the Government would announce a roadmap for the promotion of electric public transport and commercial vehicles by 2025, and introduce about 700 electric buses and about 3 000 electric taxis by the end of 2027. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as it is learnt that currently under the Pilot Scheme for Electric Public Light Buses (the Pilot Scheme), there are a total of six suppliers of electric public light buses (PLBs) complying with the prequalification requirements, of the following information on the PLBs supplied by such suppliers under the Pilot Scheme: (i) the amount of subsidies involved, (ii) the prices of the vehicles, (iii) the number of the vehicles, (iv) the PLB routes involved in the trial, (v)‍ the commencement and completion dates of the trial, as well as (vi) the locations and (vii) the number of the charging stations (set‍ out in Table 1);

Table 1

Supplier complying with the prequalification requirements	(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(iv)	(v)	(vi)	(vii)

(2) as the Government indicated in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on May 26, 2021 that the Government had identified various public transport interchanges on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in the New Territories which were suitable for conducting the trial of electric PLBs, of the relevant details;

(3) as the Government indicated in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on May 17 this year that as at the end of April this year, there had been a total of five pure electric taxis in Hong Kong, representing less than 1 per cent of the total number of 18 163 taxis, of the measures put in place by the Government to increase the number of electric taxis to 3 000 by the end of 2027, and the specific target number of electric taxis at the end of each year from this year to 2026 (set out in Table 2);

Table 2

Year	Target number of electric taxis
End of 2023
……
End of 2026

(4) whether it will identify sites for constructing large charging yards for taxis; if so, of the details (including the number of charging piles involved);

(5) as it has been reported that earlier on, some franchised bus companies applied to the Government for opening up the charging facilities in their bus depots for use by other electric public transport (e.g. electric taxis and PLBs) during the daytime, of the total number of relevant applications received by the Government, and the progress of the vetting and approval of such applications;

(6) of the current number of electric buses in Hong Kong, and whether such number meets the Government's expectation; the measures put in place by the Government to ensure that the target of introducing about 700 electric buses by the end of 2027 will be met; and

(7) as a paper provided by the Government at the meeting of the Panel on Environmental Affairs of this Council on April 21 this year indicated that in the coming three years, the Government would provide charging facilities for an additional 7 000 parking spaces in government premises to be completed soon as well as those just completed, whether such parking spaces will be made available for use by electric public transport, and of the locations of such government premises and the number of the additional parking spaces concerned?

Reply:

President,

Green transport is an important element for Hong Kong to attain carbon neutrality before 2050. The Government has targeted to announce a roadmap for the promotion of electric public transport and commercial vehicles by 2025 to achieve zero vehicular emissions before 2050. In view that more brands of electric buses (e-buses) and electric taxis (e-taxis) will enter the Hong Kong market, "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" (Policy Address) has announced that the Government will expedite the formulation of a citywide green transformation roadmap and timetable for public buses and taxis; as well as provide support to realise the goal of introducing about 700 e-buses and about 3 000 e-taxis by end-2027.

In consultation with the Development Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Transport Department, my reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan is as follows:

(1) To take forward the Pilot Scheme for Electric Public Light Buses, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has publicly invited suppliers interested in providing electric public light buses (e-PLBs) to submit proposals for becoming "prequalified suppliers" under the scheme. Currently, six suppliers are participating. Details of the suppliers, the e-PLB models and the agreed prices of e-PLBs under the Pilot Scheme are as follows:

Prequalified suppliers	e-PLB Model	Price (HK$)
Green Mobility Innovations Limited	THOR	1,383,060
Jupiter EV HK Limited	WD6757BEVRG01	1,500,000
E. Tech Dynamic Technology Co. Limited	XML6722JEV	1,680,000
Shui Cheong Motors Limited	SOLUTION	1,800,000
Shun Hing New Energy Co., Ltd.	GTQ6721BEVBT30	2,000,000
China Dynamics New Energy Technology Company Limited	YST6700BEVG/ APEX MINI	2,280,000

The Government will implement the Pilot Scheme in phases. The first trial points are the Kwun Tong Yue Man Square and Kowloon Tong (Suffolk Road) Public Transport Interchanges (PTIs), where charging facilities will be provided. Green public light bus operators may apply for participation in the first phase of the scheme until November 17, 2023. The Government will provide successful operators with a subsidy of 80 per cent of vehicle cost for each e-PLB participating in the trial. For each operator, the number of participating e-PLBs at each PTI shall not exceed 10 per cent of the operator's fleet, or a maximum of two vehicles, whichever is higher. The EPD expects to complete vetting and approval of applications by December 2023. They will confirm the number of participating e-PLBs, trial routes and dates with the operators by then, with a view to commencing the first phase trial in the first quarter of 2024.

(2) The green minibus termini or PTIs for implementing the Pilot Scheme must be suitable for installing quick charging facilities and have adequate power supply. Apart from the abovementioned Kwun Tong Yue Man Square and Kowloon Tong (Suffolk Road) PTIs located in Kowloon, the EPD has conducted on-site inspections and identified the Yuen Long (North) PTI in the New Territories for conducting trial. Tenders will be invited in the fourth quarter of 2023 to engage a contractor for installing, operating, managing and maintaining quick charging facilities there. Besides, the EPD is identifying a suitable PTI in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. We expect to invite tenders for installing charging facilities and providing charging services to e-PLBs in the first quarter of 2024.

(3) With the Government’s active promotion and preparation, more e-taxi models begin to enter the Hong Kong market. The New Energy Transport Fund (NET Fund) currently provides subsidies for trials of e-taxis. As at October 2023, trials of 40 new generation e-taxis have been approved under the Fund.

To realise our goal of introducing about 3 000 e-taxis by end-2027, the Government will continue to provide adequate policy support, including facilitating vehicle suppliers to introduce more e-taxi models for the trade's selection, as well as announcing in the Policy Address to earmark $50 million to subsidise the trade to purchase wheelchair accessible e-taxis. Moreover, we are actively establishing charging facilities, including setting up dedicated quick chargers for e-taxis, offering incentives for petrol filling station (PFS) operators to add electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities, as well as supporting the conversion of PFS sites to EV quick charging stations. The Government has also launched the Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis, which enables taxi owners to take out loan with a better interest rate for purchasing e-taxis. We are confident that the above range of policy measures will help provide a conducive market environment for the trade to accelerate their pace of shifting to e-taxis in coming few years. The target is that the number of e-taxis would grow exponentially in coming years, reaching 3 000 by end-2027.

(4) Taxis in Hong Kong have a unique operational mode, requiring a quick charging network covering the territory. The Government has refined land lease conditions to incentivise PFS operators to install EV charging facilities in available space within the about 180 existing PFSs in Hong Kong. We will also gradually convert some existing PFSs, as well as dedicated and non-dedicated liquefied petroleum gas filling stations to quick charging stations in the medium to long term. Such quick charging stations will serve different types of vehicles, including e-taxis. Tenders will be invited in the first quarter of next year for the conversion of two vacant PFS sites to EV quick charging stations. In addition, the Government is identifying suitable locations (such as taxis stands, government premises, short term tenancy sites) across the territory for setting up dedicated e-taxi charging facilities. The NET Fund has also newly included trial projects on e-taxi charging mode, subsidising the trade to set up dedicated e-taxi quick charging facilities and mobile charging systems. The Government will closely monitor the market development and charging needs of e-taxis, as well as actively communicate with the trade, so as to review the needs for more dedicated and non-dedicated e-taxi charging facilities in a timely manner.

(5) The Lands Department (LandsD) received 11 applications in the first half of this year from bus operator applying for opening up their charging facilities in bus depots for use by other public transport, including four lease modifications and seven short term tenancy modifications for amending the relevant terms in the land documents, which would expand the permitted use from that related to bus operation to covering commercial services in providing charging services to other public transportation. The applications are being processed in accordance with established procedures. Policy support from the Environment and Ecology Bureau was received for all relevant applications, and the LandsD is conducting consultation with other relevant government bureaux/departments on the technical details and obtaining further supporting information from the applicant per relevant bureax/departments' request, including how to ensure the proposal would not affect existing use (i.e. daily operation of the depot), as well as clarifying the details of the proposed use (e.g. the standard of the charging facilities). If everything goes smooth, (including reaching an agreement with the bus operator on the terms and amount of premium reflecting the additional commercial services or the revised rental), the LandsD will grant approval for the applications as soon as practicable.

(6) Since the Government's promulgation of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles in 2021, some franchised bus companies have already announced their timelines towards a full zero-emission bus fleet. A new generation of single- and double-deck e-buses has begun to provide services. According to the information provided by the Transport Department, there were 65 electric franchised buses first registered in Hong Kong as at end-August 2023. The Government is pleased to see that the green transformation of public buses has taken off. The citywide green transformation roadmap and timetable for public buses and taxis to be formulated in the first half of 2024 will set out further policy measures and directions, with a view to helping realise the goal of introducing about 700 e-buses by end-2027.

(7) "The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address" announced that an additional 7 000 parking spaces with EV chargers would be provided in government premises. These chargers are mainly medium chargers for vehicles' use while parking. E-taxis could also use these chargers for top-up charging. To achieve this target, relevant departments will increase the number of EV chargers in government buildings under construction or planning, so long as the provision is technically feasible and will not affect the progress of the works. For example, the Kai Tak Sports Park under construction will provide medium chargers in all of its some 600 parking spaces. The additional 7 000 EV chargers will be provided for public use by suitable types of EVs, subject to the operational arrangements and needs of individual car parks. According to current planning, around 300, 2 000 and 4 700 chargers will be added in the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories respectively.]]><![CDATA[Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Denmark and Hungary suspended]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800386.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800386.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 14:55:00 +0800
     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Hungary for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 630 tonnes and about 270 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Denmark and Hungary respectively in the first nine months of this year.

     "The CFS has contacted the Danish and Hungarian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.]]><![CDATA[Missing man in Sheung Shui located]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800388.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800388.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 14:40:41 +0800
     Chu Siu-ming, aged 71, went missing after he left a caring centre on Wo Tai Street on November 1 morning. The staff of his caring centre made a report to Police on the same day.

     The man was located in a hospital on Yan Chai Street in Tsuen Wan last night (November 7). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.]]><![CDATA[Speech by FS at Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit (English only) (with photo/video)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800370.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800370.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 14:21:00 +0800
Eddie (Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue), Tim (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Mr Tim Lui), Julia (Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. Very glad to see you on the second day of the Investment Summit. And welcome to the session on Conversations with Global Investors.

     We all know the complex and challenging investment environment facing us today. Julia has already alluded to this in her address just now.

     And in such circumstances, investors tend to be risk-averse. A decline in risk appetite often goes hand in hand with less investment. Yet, whether this conventional wisdom would necessarily mean good yield is questionable: it may work from a short-term perspective, but not so much in the medium to long term.

     Look no further than Hong Kong for a case attesting to this. The cycles that Hong Kong has gone through in the past have all confirmed one thing: our unique advantages have remained throughout, and each time, we have come out from a challenge with new strengths and opportunities.

     So, at a time of increasing complexity and uncertainty, Hong Kong presents a window of enormous investment opportunities with great potential returns. Let me explain. Basically, three points:

New technologies

     First, innovation and technology (I&T). Hong Kong is determined to develop I&T as a core engine of growth. We released the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint last December, outlining our vision, clear development direction and roadmap in this important area. And we have put money to where our mouth is - our Government has been the biggest investor in this area, investing over $200 billion to build, consolidate and enrich the I&T ecosystem in recent years.

     Despite the challenges we face, not least the geopolitical situation, the I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong has grown more vibrant, with exciting achievements in nurturing start-ups, attracting enterprises and talent, and realising the transformation of R&D (research and development) outcomes.

     Take artificial intelligence (AI) sector as an example. It is fast developing and driving revolutionary changes to financial and other businesses. But it is data intensive. Many Mainland AI firms are keen to come to Hong Kong because of our unfettered access to international data and information. But so would many international AI companies because they will be able to access Mainland data here in the future. With the support of the central authorities, Hong Kong is actively working towards cross-boundary data flow within the GBA (Greater Bay Area).

     Such convergence of data is not only benefitting the AI industry; it will also be conducive to the development of other sectors like pharmaceuticals and biomedicine, for which data is an essential ingredient for R&D. In fact, many foreign pharmaceutical giants, and the future stars of the industry, are highly interested in setting up their R&D facilities in Hong Kong. For example, AstraZeneca will expand its R&D centre in our Science Park. And it is our vision to develop Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub.

     Tech companies looking to Hong Kong also set sights on our world-class research capabilities and a deep pool of talent. Five universities here are among the global top 100; we are also home to numerous award-winning scholars and researchers. Of course, tech companies at different stages of development are also looking to our vibrant capital markets, from venture capital and private equity to our listing platform, to realise their growth ambitions.

     You can reasonably expect that Hong Kong will give birth to more unicorns in the next five to 10 years. Investments in companies with such potential are certainly good deals that investors should not miss.

New modes of business

     Technological advancements such as the development of blockchain have created new business models and disrupted traditional ones. We have seen efficiency being significantly improved, threshold for entering a market much lowered for businesses.

     As the second largest economy in the world, China not only embraces I&T as well as digitalisation at an unprecedented speed; the country itself has been a major cradle of breakthrough tech solutions and start-ups.

     With the unique "one country, two systems" advantages, Hong Kong can provide investors with a second-to-none platform in observing first-hand and up-close the rapid development of technological research and application in our country, gaining deeper insights into the new modes of business; and at the same time, staying connected with the international market and capital, and most importantly, helping investors source the right deals.

     Another game-changing trend that I should highlight is ESG (environmental, social and governance). The transition to a lower carbon economy is irreversible, as this is a global agenda. Hong Kong is at the forefront of green and sustainable finance. We issued more than one-third of Asia's green and sustainable bonds last year. We are also making great strides in areas such as climate-related disclosure standards, green classification framework, green certification and green capacity building.

     But what should not be underestimated is Hong Kong's green tech prowess. We have a vibrant green tech landscape. With strong basic research and entrepreneurial spirit, we are already home to hundreds of green tech companies, some of which are already selling their solutions across different parts of the world. With the respective strengths of Hong Kong and sister cities in the GBA, we will rise as an international green tech and green fin centre, creating a complete financial and industry chain that will drive global green transition.

New capital

     Geopolitics may be posing challenges, but with challenges come opportunities. While some countries have been advocating, reshoring, friend-shoring or on-shoring, many other countries, such as those in the Middle East and Europe, have actually been driven to diversify their investments to this part of the world.

     Here in Hong Kong, we are keen to capture these opportunities. Over the past year, the Hong Kong team has been actively stepping up collaboration with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the Middle East. And we are seeing good outcomes. We will shortly be welcoming Asia's first ever ETF (exchange traded fund) investing in Saudi Arabia to be listed here on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This is certainly a milestone signifying more two-way fund flows, and an important step towards mutual market access between Hong Kong and the Middle East.

     Ladies and gentlemen, in a complex investment environment, the key to good investing is always to find new areas that have the best growth potential. And you are the experts. And our Hong Kong Investment Corporation will be delighted to work with you. I am now looking forward to listening to your enlightening perspectives.

     Thank you, and I wish you a most rewarding and productive second-day Summit.

]]><![CDATA[LCQ15: Combating unfair trade practices]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800290.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800290.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 14:20:00 +0800
Question:

Regarding combating unfair trade practices, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it knows the number of complaints about unfair trade practices received by the Consumer Council (CC) in the past three years, together with a breakdown and percentage by trade practice;

(2) whether it knows the number of complaints about the pre-payment mode of consumption received by the CC in the past three years and the total amount of money involved, together with a breakdown by industry (including the beauty and fitness industries);

(3) of the corresponding measures taken in the past three years by the Government to combat unfair trade practices, and whether it has assessed the effectiveness of such measures; and

(4) given that the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau launched a three-month public consultation in 2019 to solicit views on the proposal to implement a statutory cooling-off period through legislation to regulate beauty and fitness services consumer contracts, but the relevant work was affected by factors such as the social environment and the economic situation at the time, whether the authorities will, after assessing the current social environment and economic situation, expeditiously review the relevant proposal; if so, of the specific work and timetable; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

Currently, various laws in Hong Kong protect consumers' rights and interests. Among others, the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362) (the Ordinance) prohibits traders from subjecting consumers to certain unfair trade practices, including false trade descriptions, misleading omissions, aggressive commercial practices, bait advertising, bait-and-switch and wrongly accepting payment. The Ordinance covers goods and services, and is applicable to the trade practices of both physical and online traders. Traders who contravene the relevant provisions of the Ordinance are liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.

The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) is the principal enforcement agency of the Ordinance.

In addition, the Consumer Council (Council) endeavours to study and promote the protection of consumers' rights and interests, and carries out its statutory functions in accordance with the Consumer Council Ordinance (Cap. 216), including receiving and examining complaints concerning goods and services from consumers and giving advice to them.

The numbers of complaints received by the Council in the past three financial years, categorised by the unfair trade practices prohibited under the Ordinance, and the respective percentages (a number in brackets is the percentage of the number of complaints of a certain category as compared to the total number of complaints received in that financial year) are set out in the table below:

Category (Note)	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23
False trade descriptions	1 092 (66.5%)	1 005 (61.2%)	824 (58.0%)
Misleading omissions	224 (13.6%)	236 (14.4%)	207 (14.6%)
Aggressive commercial practices	182 (11.1%)	157 (9.6%)	135 (9.5%)
Bait advertising	21 (1.3%)	31 (1.9%)	65 (4.6%)
Bait-and-switch	14 (0.9%)	19 (1.2%)	54 (3.8%)
Wrongly accepting payment	109 (6.6%)	193 (11.8%)	135 (9.5%)
Total	1 642 (100%)	1 641 (100%)	1 420 (100%)

The Council does not compile breakdowns of the statistics based on the criterion of whether or not a complaint involves pre-paid mode of consumption.

As the principal enforcement agency of the Ordinance, the C&ED adopts a three-pronged approach to combat unfair trade practices. Among others, the C&ED is given the authority to conduct criminal investigations into and prosecutions on unfair trade practices, with a view to combatting non-compliant conducts at source. These, coupled with the sentences imposed by the court, cause deterrent effects on unscrupulous traders. In addition, the C&ED also carries out compliance promotion and conducts publicity and public education in collaboration with the Council, so as to promote regulatory compliance among traders and the concept of "smart consumption" among consumers.

During the period from 2020 to the end of September 2023, the C&ED mounted six special operations to combat unfair trade practices. A total of 40 004 complaints received by the C&ED and other cases proactively developed by the C&ED were consolidated into 444 detailed investigation cases (more than one complaint may be involved in certain cases). During the above period, the C&ED had completed the investigation of 470 cases, and had:

(i) issued warning or advisory letters to the traders and sales staff concerned in 73 cases, urging them to comply with the relevant statutory requirements; and

(ii) completed 276 prosecution cases, among which 251 were convicted cases, representing a successful prosecution rate of over 90 per cent and covering different sectors. The court imposed imprisonment in 77 cases (39 persons were imposed imprisonment, including 31 persons subject to immediate custodial sentence and eight subject to suspended sentence), with the maximum term of imprisonment of 27 months. The court also imposed fines in 154 cases, with the amount ranging from $500 to $160,000.

The case with a term of imprisonment of 27 months abovementioned is the one with the heaviest prison sentence so far. The case concerned the staff of a fitness centre having engaged in aggressive commercial practices in the course of selling fitness service contracts, with the victims suffering losses of over $820 000 in total.

On compliance promotion, by proactive visits to different industries and conducting briefings, the C&ED provides traders with advice and guidance on the legal requirements under the Ordinance as well as measures that should be taken for complying with the Ordinance. Among others, the C&ED held a total of 77 outreach talks, seminars and meetings for various industries during the above period.

On publicity and public education, the C&ED, in collaboration with the Council, launches extensive publicity and education programmes, so as to raise consumers' awareness of unfair trade practices, promote the concept of "smart consumption" and also promote good practices among traders. Among others, in the past three financial years, the C&ED arranged personnel to conduct patrols and distribute promotional leaflets at shopping hotspots during festive seasons, with a view to strengthening travellers' understanding of unfair trade practices and the ways and channels to seek assistance from the C&ED. The C&ED also published tips on "smart consumption" and promotional videos on its official social media accounts, including those on the platforms of Douyin and WeChat, to promote the key points about "smart consumption" to consumers.

In the past three financial years, the Council received a total of 89 793 complaints, and facilitated in the conciliation of 63 462 pursuable cases among the above complaints. The Council does not have the breakdowns of the complaints by categories.

The Government notes that unfair trade practices involving pre-paid mode of consumption is a matter of concern in society, in particular those that concern the trade practices of fitness centres and beauty parlours, including the use of aggressive tactics to sell services that involve large amount of pre-payments. In this regard, the Government launched a three-month public consultation in 2019 to solicit views on the proposal to stipulate a statutory cooling-off period for beauty and fitness services consumer contracts through legislation. However, shortly after the completion of the public consultation, there have been drastic changes in the social environment, economic situation and consumption sentiment since the second half of 2019. As Hong Kong has only started resuming normalcy in full this year, enterprises (especially small and medium enterprises) are still facing various challenges in their operations. We will continue to, having regard to the prevailing circumstances including the economic situation and relevant complaint and enforcement statistics, critically review the relevant proposal before deciding the way forward.

Meanwhile, the enforcement agencies will continue to spare no efforts in enforcing the Ordinance and combatting common unfair trade practices at source. The Government will also continue to closely review the trend of unfair trade practices, so as to formulate appropriate strategies in protecting consumers' rights and interests.

Note: The categorisation is by the unfair trade practices prohibited under the Ordinance. If a complaint involved more than one category of unfair trade practice, it would be counted towards the most relevant category.]]><![CDATA[Secretary for Health calls on National Medical Products Administration (with photo)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800227.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800227.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0800
Professor Lo and his delegation met with Deputy Commissioner of the NMPA Mr Zhao Junning. The two parties exchanged views on boosting closer collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong on matters such as approval of drugs and medical devices, and clinical trial work.

Professor Lo introduced the announcement of developing Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address last month, with an aim to establish a drug approval authority based on "Primary Evaluation" in the long run.

Professor Lo said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will leverage the city's medical strengths in a more proactive and efficient manner. The specific measures to establish a drug approval authority based on 'Primary Evaluation' in the long run include the set-up of a preparatory office for the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation; accession to the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use; the establishment of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute; promotion of clinical research and trials under the Hospital Authority (HA); and the establishment of the new '1+' mechanism for expediting the approval of new drugs."

"We anticipate to attract more local, Mainland and overseas pharmaceutical and medical device enterprises to conduct research and development and clinical trials in Hong Kong, and build up the capacity, recognition and status to ensure that the eventual approval mechanism of drugs and medical devices of Hong Kong would be widely recognised internationally and by the Mainland. As such, we have rolled out/will roll out a series of measures."

Members of the delegation include the Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan; and the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko. The delegation will return to Hong Kong tonight.

]]><![CDATA[LCQ1: Government initiatives on encouraging childbearing]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800274.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800274.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 13:21:00 +0800
Question:

     The 2023 Policy Address has proposed a number of initiatives to encourage childbearing. Many members of the community have expressed their agreement to the initiatives, with some members of the public holding the view that the Government may improve the relevant initiatives and step up efforts in their implementation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will consider disbursing an annual cash bonus of $40,000 to each newborn baby of the grass-roots until the baby reaches the age of 5 to 6; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) as there is a proposal that the Government should introduce a child tax allowance to be calculated on a progressive basis to encourage childbearing among middle-class families, i.e. a tax allowance of $150,000, $300,000 and $600,000 for the first, second and third child respectively, whether the authorities have studied and considered the proposal; if so, of the reasons for not adopting the proposal; if not, whether they will consider the proposal; and

(3) as there is a proposal that the Government should introduce a tax deduction for the expenses of employing foreign domestic helpers ("FDHs") in order to encourage childbearing, reduce the expenses of young families on employing FDHs after childbirth, and unleash the female labour force, whether the authorities have studied and considered the proposal; if so, of the reasons for not adopting the proposal; if not, whether they will consider the proposal?

Reply:

President,

(1) All countries and places worldwide are facing a decline in fertility rate. Hong Kong is no exception. Our birth rate remains at a low level, falling to a low point of mere 0.9 in 2022. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has the longest life expectancies in the world. The proportion of elderly persons aged 65 and above will increase from 20 per cent of Hong Kong's population to nearly one-third in ten years' time.

     In the face of such challenges, the Government must formulate measures to raise fertility rate. During the Policy Address consultation exercise, aspirations for the Government to take measures in this regard came through loud and clear. As such, the Chief Executive announced in his 2023 Policy Address an array of measures to promote fertility by adopting a "combination punches" approach. These measures, including giving families with newborns priority on flat selection and allocation, enhancing child care support, increasing tax concessions and providing newborn baby bonus etc, aim to encourage fertility by creating a conducive environment for childbearing. We strive to deliver a strong message to society that the Government is making every effort to boost childbirth, so as to reverse the low level of local birth rate, to provide the manpower required for the long-term economic development of Hong Kong and to alleviate the problem of an ageing population.

     Under the newborn baby bonus scheme, the Government will provide a cash bonus of $20,000 to eligible parents (that is either parent must be a Hong Kong permanent resident at the time of application) for each baby born in Hong Kong on or after October 25, 2023. The scheme would run for three years.

     The question proposes to disburse an annual cash bonus of $40,000 to each newborn baby of grass-root citizens until the baby reaches the age of 5 to 6. In other words, each newborn baby would be disbursed with $200,000 to $240,000 within a span of five to six years. A preliminary estimate of the expenditure incurred by the proposal is that it would reach tens of billions of dollars. This is a colossal financial burden and not a good use of resources either. The Government has no plan to adopt the proposal concerned.

     As mentioned earlier, the provision of the newborn baby bonus is only one of the whole array of measures to promote fertility. Right from the inception of contemplating such policy initiatives, the Government does not consider that the introduction of the baby bonus scheme alone would be able to substantially increase the fertility rate. Therefore, what we have proposed is a host of measures. Among them, setting aside a quota for families with newborns to ballot for Subsidised Sale Flats and giving them flat selection priority as well as reducing the Public Rental Housing waiting time for such families are policy breakthroughs and quite attractive. We hope that these measures coupled with enhancement of child care support and increase in tax concessions etc would help make young families to positively consider adding new members to their families.

(2) Starting from the year of assessment 2023/24, the basic child allowance and the additional child allowance for each child born during the year of assessment have been raised from $120,000 to $130,000. In addition, to support families with newborn children, the Chief Executive proposed in the recently delivered Policy Address that, starting from the year of assessment 2024/25, the deduction ceiling for home loan interest or domestic rents will be raised from $100,000 to $120,000, for taxpayers who live with their first child born on or after October 25 this year until the child reaches the age of 18. We believe that these existing or announced tax measures will help alleviate the financial burden of taxpayers from raising children.

     When considering proposals in respect of allowances under salaries tax, it is essential that the Government takes into account the impact of the proposals on public finance and whether the proposals are in line with the principles of simplicity and fairness of the tax regime, so as to strike a balance between reducing taxpayers' tax burden and maintaining healthy public finance. Based on our preliminary assessment, if allowances of $150,000, $300,000 and $600,000 are granted for a taxpayer in respect of his/her first, second and third child respectively, it is estimated that government revenue will decrease by about $4.2 billion per year, which is about 5 per cent of the total revenue from salaries tax and tax under personal assessment in 2022-23. As the proposal will significantly increase the financial burden on the Government, the Government has no plan to adopt the proposal concerned.

(3) As for the proposal to introduce tax deduction for the expenses of employing foreign domestic helpers, as in our reply on child allowances given above, in considering tax measures, including whether to introduce new tax deductions, it is essential for the Government to carefully scrutinise the impact of the proposals on public finance, and whether the proposals are in line with the principles of simplicity and fairness of the tax regime. The ultimate objective is to strike a balance between reducing taxpayers' tax burden and maintaining healthy public finance.

     As mentioned in our reply to part (1) of the question, the Chief Executive has announced a series of initiatives in this year's Policy Address to promote fertility through a multi-pronged approach. Regarding the proposal of introducing tax deduction for expenses on the employment of foreign domestic helpers, the Government has no plan to adopt the proposal concerned.]]><![CDATA[LCQ13: Budget for housing production of Hong Kong Housing Authority]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800247.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800247.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0800
Question:

     According to the budgets and financial forecasts released by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in January this year, the HA's cash and investment balance will decrease from around $58.9 billion at the beginning of April 2022 to around $49.7 billion by the end of March 2027, while construction and operating expenditures will continue to increase over the period. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the average (i) maintenance and improvement works costs, (ii) ‍management costs and (iii) construction costs per public rental housing (PRH) flat in each of the past five years;

(2) whether it has estimated the rates of increase in the average construction and operating expenditures per PRH flat in each of the next three years; and

(3) of the HA's specific policies or plans to generate revenue and manage costs?

Reply:

President,

     Regarding the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam on the budget of public housing expenditure for the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), my reply is as follows:

(1) Information on the average (i) maintenance cost, (ii) management cost, and (iii) construction cost per public rental housing (PRH) unit of the HA from 2018/19 to 2022/23 is set out in the tables below:

(i) Annual average maintenance cost per PRH unit (comprises costs of relevant maintenance works incurred at estate level)

Financial Year	($)
2018/19	4,496
2019/20	4,751
2020/21	4,980
2021/22	5,120
2022/23	5,380

(ii) Annual average direct management cost per PRH unit (comprises recurrent expenditure for property management incurred at estate level)

Financial Year	($)
2018/19	5,880
2019/20	6,108
2020/21	6,480
2021/22	6,770
2022/23	6,980

(iii) Average construction cost per PRH flat

From 2017/18 to 2021/22, the average construction cost per flat (Note) of PRH/Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) based on the costs of building tenders approved by the HA is set out below:

Financial Year	($'000)
2017/18	800
2018/19	660
2019/20	610
2020/21	650
2021/22	760

(2) There is no data under the HA for projecting average construction and operating expenditure per PRH unit for the next three years. However, based on the budget and financial forecast released by the HA in January this year, it is assumed that in the next three years (i.e. 2023/24 to 2025/26), the construction expenditure and PRH operating expenditure during the period will increase annually by approximately 7 per cent and 4 per cent respectively.

(3) To meet the public housing supply target, the HA envisages that construction expenditure will likely continue to increase. As such, the HA will remain vigilant in exercising prudent financial control, and will conduct annual rolling of the five-year budgeting exercise, and assess and review the relevant expenditure budget.

     For estate management, the HA has all along been adopting the principle of prudent financial management and cost control during the preparation of financial budget. The HA also conducts review on the repair and maintenance contracts and management services contracts of estates from time to time, with a view to keeping the expenditures within the financial budget. In addition, the HA has been implementing a series of measures in public housing estates to savecost, such as installing energy-saving lighting fixtures in the corridors of residential buildings, implementing lift modernisation scheme for aging lifts, etc. The HA will also adopt innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things sensors, artificial intelligence and mobile devices to help daily estate management.

The HA has all along been adhering to the design principle of "functional and cost effective" and adopting Modular Flat Design to maximise the development potential of the land and achieve economic efficiency. The HA will continue to closely monitor the tender price movements, and follow the established mechanism in approving project budgets for implementing public housing development programmes. In addition, the HA will continue to apply innovative construction technologies, including the adoption of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) approach, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), MultiTrade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP), etc, to enhance productivity and shorten construction time. With such technologies becoming more popular and mature, it will help decrease the construction cost in the long run.

Note: The average construction cost per PRH/GSH flat is calculated based on the costs of building tenders of projects approved by the HA in the preceding financial year. As the number of building tenders approved by the HA and other factors such as scale and design of the projects, as well as market conditions are not the same in each financial year, the average construction cost for each financial year varies.]]><![CDATA[LCQ21: Tree management]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800277.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800277.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:45:00 +0800
Question:

     Regarding the Government's tree management work, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of trees that collapsed or were severely broken due to inclement weather, including typhoons and rainstorms, in each of the past five years, with a tabulated breakdown by species;

(2) as it is learnt that some tree species are undesirable (e.g. Leucaena leucocephala, which will grow rampantly in the suburb and impede the natural succession of native species), whether the Government has drawn up guidelines to exclude such species from its greening plans; if so, of the details and the timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) whether it has considered removing the currently undesirable tree species; if so, of the details and the timetable; if not, the measures in place to ensure that these trees will not pose a danger to the public; and

(4) as it is learnt that the roots of many roadside trees are currently enclosed by concrete, resulting in poor root growth, and that the disproportionate growth of the roots and the tree crown increases risks of failure, whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the current number of such trees in Hong Kong, and whether inspection and maintenance work will be stepped up; if so, of the details and the timetable; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     The Government is committed to the proper management of trees to ensure healthy tree growth while emphasising the need to safeguard public safety. Regular and proper tree maintenance and systematic tree risk assessment are effective ways to reduce the risk of tree failure. The Tree Management Office of the Development Bureau (DEVB) co-ordinates tree management departments before the onset of wet season every year in conducting tree risk assessment in areas with high pedestrian and vehicular flow according to the "Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement" issued by the DEVB and in taking appropriate mitigation measures, including crown pruning and removal of dead branches. If trees with risks of failure are identified, the departments will remove them as soon as possible.

     During typhoons and extreme weather, government departments will urgently remove fallen trees when feasible for public safety and restore normal community operations as soon as possible. When the Hong Kong Observatory changes the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 or above to the Strong Wind Signal No. 3, or when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is cancelled, the tree management departments will immediately start inspections in various districts and take timely mitigation measures which include removing fallen trees and those that have not fallen but have become unstable due to heavy wind and rain, removing hanging broken branches, stabilising leaning trees back to an upright position and supporting them with cables and supports, and cordoning off trees yet to be handled, to ensure the safety of citizens.

     The reply to several parts of the question raised is as follows:

(1) The species and number of trees fallen or severely broken due to inclement weather, including typhoons and rainstorms, involved in the past five years are set out below:

Year	2019		2020		2021		2022		2023 (as end of October)
Number of trees fallen or severely broken (Note 1)	850		1 040		2 070		1 320		4 790
Major tree species (Note 2)	Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'	68	Bauhinia x blakeana	72	Leucaena leucocephala	214	Acacia confusa	111	Bauhinia x blakeana	485
	Acacia confusa	46	Acacia confusa	58	Acacia confusa	116	Bauhinia x blakeana	76	Acacia confusa	421
	Bauhinia x blakeana	44	Spathodea campanulata	48	Bauhinia variegata	94	Hibiscus tiliaceus	61	Hibiscus tiliaceus	316
	Hibiscus tiliaceus	38	Bauhinia variegata	48	Plumeria rubra	76	Spathodea campanulata	57	Albizia julibrissin	284
	Spathodea campanulata	36	Leucaena leucocephala	43	Bauhinia x blakeana	69	Casuarina equisetifolia	48	Leucaena leucocephala	269
	Bauhinia variegata	32	Hibiscus tiliaceus	29	Spathodea campanulata	62	Bauhinia purpurea	41	Lagerstroemia speciosa	181
	Leucaena leucocephala	26	Bauhinia purpurea	26	Tabebuia chrysantha	60	Leucaena leucocephala	38	Tabebuia chrysantha	180
	Bauhinia purpurea	19	Callistemon viminalis	26	Ficus benjamina	58	Bauhinia variegata	32	Bauhinia variegata	180
	Lagerstroemia speciosa	19	Elaeocarpus hainanensis	22	Bauhinia purpurea	53	Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa	29	Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa	151
	Casuarina equisetifolia	18	Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'	20	Hibiscus tiliaceus	53	Delonix regia	25	Bauhinia spp.	110

(2) and (3) In the selection of tree species, the DEVB promotes the "Right Tree, Right Place" principle, which means the tree species selected for planting should suit the environment while being able to deliver the designed functions and grow healthily in a sustainable manner. On this, the DEVB has formulated the "Street Tree Selection Guide" (Selection Guide) and released guidelines to promote the use of native plant species for departments' reference, with a view to selecting suitable tree species and encouraging the diversity of urban tree species. Leucaena leucocephala mentioned in the question is not included in the Selection Guide. It is an invasive alien species that grows mainly in wasteland or at the edge of sparse woodlands. It is hardy and can hinder the natural succession of native species. Its branches are brittle and can easily break or collapse in strong winds, posing hazard. Government departments remove Leucaena leucocephala during regular vegetation management work to avoid any impact on ecology or public safety.

(4) In September 2022, the DEVB established a task force to review the existing tree management guidelines and related implementation work. Ten improvement measures were proposed in early 2023 which are currently being implemented progressively as scheduled.

     Among the aforementioned measures, the coverage of "Individual Tree Risk Assessment" under the "Tree Basis Assessment" is expanded to conduct risk assessments for more relatively large trees along existing roads, and take timely risk mitigation measures to protect public safety. The DEVB has updated the "Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement" accordingly and has implemented the above measures in the 2023 tree risk assessment and management work cycle.

     However, some trees have become unsuitable for the existing locations due to changes and development in the surrounding environment. These trees do not exhibit imminent risk but may have potential risk in the long run. Hence, the abovementioned measures included a holistic review on the criteria and scoring system for determining suitability and sustainability of existing roadside trees, identifying large roadside trees that may have potential risk in the long run systematically, and devising appropriate measures for different scenarios that may include treatments or removal plan in phases. The relevant study is in progress and it is expected that preliminary recommendations on the scoring system and criteria will be available in 2024, and the overall study would be completed in 2025.

Note 1：Numbers rounded to the nearest 10.
Note 2：The ten species with the highest number of collapse or severe breakage and their numbers.]]><![CDATA[LCQ2: Improving weather forecast operation]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800267.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800267.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:45:00 +0800
Question:

It has been reported that the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) plans to introduce new measures to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts, including the development of new weather radars and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in weather forecasting. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as the HKO has pointed out that it attained a weather forecast accuracy of 92 per cent last year, but a public opinion survey conducted last year indicated that the percentage of the HKO's weather forecasts considered accurate by the public was 77 per cent, whether the HKO has examined the reasons for the discrepancy between these two figures; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) of the progress of introducing AI in weather forecasting, and whether it has studied how AI enhances the accuracy of weather forecasts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) as some members of the public are of the view that, in respect of the issuance of weather warnings linked to the arrangements for the suspension of work and classes (e.g. Black Rainstorm Warning Signal and Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher), the advance notice given by the HKO is too short, and they are dissatisfied with the timing of issuing such signals, whether the HKO has studied the room for using technology for further improving the issuance of weather warnings; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

(1) As a scientific department dedicated to serving the public, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has always adhered to rigorous and objective scientific methods in developing weather forecast products and regularly evaluates its service quality.

To assess the accuracy of weather forecasts, the HKO calculates the "percentage of accurate weather forecasts" using an objective verification method. This objective method takes into account the differences between the Local Weather Forecast and actual observations for each day of the year, including weather elements such as temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, visibility and rainfall, etc, to objectively calculate the accuracy of weather forecasts. In 2022, the "percentage of accurate weather forecasts" was 92 per cent, with the average percentage for the past 10 years (2013 to 2022) exceeding 90 per cent.

To collect feedback from users and to understand their needs regarding weather services, the HKO has been commissioning independent survey companies to conduct annual opinion surveys. Survey results show that, over the past five years (2018 to 2022), the average percentage of forecasts perceived as accurate by the public was 78 per cent, which is a slight increase compared to the average of 76 per cent in the previous five-year period (2013 to 2017). In addition, the HKO also conducts opinion surveys among frequent users of its forecast services, such as airlines and ship captains. The results show that the accuracy of weather forecasts as perceived by these users was over 95 per cent, which is even higher than the "percentage of accurate weather forecasts" calculated from the HKO's objective verification method.

We note that the accuracy of the HKO's forecast services as perceived by frequent users was over 95 per cent. On the other hand, the results of public opinion surveys also reflect to a certain extent public concern about changes in weather conditions. Furthermore, as weather information becomes more widely available, the expectations of the public about weather forecast services continue to rise. The HKO will strive to enhance service levels and develop new services with reference to public opinion. Such efforts include the continuous introduction of new instruments and technologies, such as the deployment of a new and more advanced radar system at Tai Mo Shan next year, and active participation in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations to enhance knowledge exchange with members with advanced forecasting technology to keep the overall service quality up to date.

(2) As regards the provision of rainfall nowcast, the HKO has started to apply artificial intelligence in recent years to optimise its rainfall nowcasting system. This system can generally provide alerts at ten to several tens of minutes before the rainfall amount reaches the rainstorm warning criteria. However, the development of rainstorms is highly random and can change drastically within a short period of time, making the prediction of rainstorms a major challenge for the global scientific community. The HKO, with its internationally recognised technical capabilities, has been designated by the WMO as one of the three Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres for nowcasting. Nevertheless, we will continue to strive to identify ways to improve the effectiveness of rainfall nowcasting.

As for tropical cyclone warnings, global numerical weather prediction models are important forecasting tools. As regards the application of artificial intelligence, the HKO has been conducting trials of an artificial intelligence weather prediction model since the middle of this year to provide forecasts for wind direction, wind speed, temperature and sea-level pressure to provide references for compiling the 9-Day Weather Forecast and the forecast track of tropical cyclones. In October this year, the HKO also launched the weather forecast charts of the "Pangu Computer Model" on its website to provide users with more information about future weather changes. However, the application of artificial intelligence in this area is still in the preliminary stage, and further accumulation of data is necessary before we can ascertain its effectiveness in improving forecast accuracy.

(3) Tropical cyclones and rainstorms are two different weather systems. Tropical cyclones generally have a larger geographical coverage compared to that of rainstorms. The HKO closely monitors each tropical cyclone when it is relatively far away from Hong Kong and issues the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals No.1, No.3, and No.8, etc, as appropriate. The HKO typically issues an advance notice two hours before the issuance of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.8 to allow the public to make preparations.

However, it is important for the public to understand that, when a tropical cyclone edges closer to Hong Kong, even slight changes in its position and intensity can result in different wind conditions from the previous forecast. If these changes lead to a rapid increase in local wind strength, it may be necessary to upgrade the warning signal from No.8 to No.9 or higher within a short period of time. The HKO will make every effort to provide advance notices to the public whenever feasible.

In recent years, the HKO has actively employed more reliable computer forecast models to predict tropical cyclones. However, there are still limitations in the world-leading computer forecast models in predicting the subtle changes of tropical cyclones as they approach Hong Kong, including insufficient spatial resolution, etc. When a tropical cyclone gets close to the territory, it is often necessary to continuously assess the latest storm situation based on actual observations and the latest forecasts to issue warnings.

Compared to tropical cyclones, the geographical coverage of rainstorms is usually smaller. The average lead time for issuing rainstorm warnings has increased in the past few years. However, the development of rainstorms is highly random, and significant changes can occur within a short period of time. There are still technological limitations that prevent further extension of the lead time for issuing rainstorm warnings. The HKO will continue to utilise the latest technologies and actively collaborate with meteorological agencies, including those within the Greater Bay Area, to enhance forecasting capacities. In addition, the HKO will actively follow up the measures proposed in this year's Policy Address to develop a risk-based decision support system. By utilising artificial intelligence and big data technology to analyse historical and real-time rainfall and flooding data, a flood risk alert system will be established to assist relevant departments in taking prompt response actions.

Thank you, President.]]><![CDATA[LCQ5: Purchase of premises for provision of welfare facilities]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800258.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800258.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:40:00 +0800
Question:

In the 2019-2020 Budget, the Government announced that $20 billion would be allocated for the purchase of 60 properties for accommodating more than 130 welfare facilities. The relevant funding was approved by the Finance Committee of this Council in June 2020. However, it has been reported that notwithstanding the plummeting prices of industrial and commercial properties during the epidemic, the Government had only made sporadic purchases. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the details of the premises purchased by the Government under the aforesaid initiative in the past three years, including the location and purchase price of the premises, as well as the welfare facilities to be accommodated;

(2) whether the authorities have encountered any difficulties in the process of extending an open invitation under the aforesaid initiative for the submission of sale proposals by owners with potentially suitable premises; and

(3) whether it will set key performance indicators for implementing the aforesaid initiative; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

The Government has all along been adopting a multi-pronged approach with long, medium and short-term strategies to identify suitable sites or premises for the provision of welfare services to meet their acute demand.

As a long-term strategy, we have reinstated the population-based planning ratios in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) in respect of subvented elderly facilities, with a view to reserving necessary sites and space for these facilities early in the planning process of new and redeveloped areas. Similarly, we have incorporated the population-based planning ratio for the provision of subvented child care centre places into the HKPSG to facilitate the planning and reservation of suitable premises for the provision of child care facilities. We have also incorporated population-based planning ratio for the rehabilitation facilities, including pre-school rehabilitation, day rehabilitation, residential care and community support services, with a view to reserving suitable premises for setting up relevant rehabilitation facilities.

As regards the medium-term strategy, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) has been maintaining close contact with relevant departments to identify suitable sites in the development or redevelopment of public housing estates and urban renewal projects for providing welfare facilities. The Government also endeavours to increase the provision of welfare facilities as appropriate through the Land Sale Programmes and the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses. In addition, we will make the best use of available government accommodation including vacant school premises and explore whether they are suitable for conversion into welfare facilities.

In parallel, the SWD also takes forward the short-term initiative of purchasing premises in the private property market.

My reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Jimmy Ng is as follows:

(1) With the assistance of the Government Property Agency (GPA), the SWD has been striving to identify suitable premises for purchase through different channels for the provision of welfare facilities. To oversee the premises purchase exercise and make decisions on the purchase of premises, the Government has set up a Steering Committee, with the Director of Social Welfare as the Chairman and the Government Property Administrator as a member, with a view to ensuring that premises are purchased at a reasonable price, and that public funds are used prudently.

As at March 31, 2023, the SWD has incurred approximately $150 million in actual expenditure on "purchase of welfare premises" under the Capital Works Reserve Fund, covering the payment for four premises, which are located in Sham Shui Po District, Central and Western District, Eastern District and Kwun Tong District respectively, for operating a Parents/Relatives Resource Centre and a Support Centre for Persons with Autism, as well as providing on-site pre-school rehabilitation services.

(2) and (3) The GPA is responsible for assisting the SWD in publicly inviting owners in 18 districts across the territory who may have potentially suitable premises available for sale to submit their sale proposals for consideration. The GPA will forward the received sale proposals to the SWD for assessing the suitability of the premises.

The progress of the purchase of premises will be subject to the availability of suitable properties in the market and various external factors, including the availability of suitable fire safety and barrier-free access facilities in the premises, whether their size and location meet the operational requirements, the compatibility of the surrounding land uses with welfare uses, and whether the prices offered by owners are within the acceptable price ranges determined by the GPA with reference to market value. In this regard, we consider it not appropriate to set a performance indicator for the purchase exercise.

The SWD and the GPA are at present continuing to identify suitable premises for purchase, and have already earmarked a provision of $789 million for the relevant work in 2023-24.]]><![CDATA[LCQ16: Arrangements for operation of the securities market under inclement weather]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700400.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700400.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:15:00 +0800
Question:

     It has been reported that the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is examining with the Government and regulatory bodies the arrangements for maintaining the operation of the market under inclement weather. Some members of the industry have relayed that before implementing the relevant arrangements, HKEX must adequately consult the industry and stakeholders, and ensure the work safety of the employees concerned as well as the smooth functioning of cross-bank fund transfers and the clearing and settlement systems. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) how it co-ordinates the efforts of various stakeholders to support securities brokers in physical cheque clearing and settlement under inclement weather, so as to ensure the smooth functioning of cross-‍bank fund flows and transfers, as well as provides clear guidelines on raising the limit for electronic fund transfers and introduces standardised procedures for fund withdrawals and deposits, so as to facilitate large-value fund transfers;

(2) as some securities brokers are worried that the technical upgrade of the trading and settlement systems carried out to tie in with maintaining the operation of the market under inclement weather will increase their operating costs, and banks will also charge them the relevant additional fees, whether the authorities have put in place measures to reduce the relevant operating costs of the industry; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether it will draw reference from the experience of maintaining the operation of the markets in other international financial centres under inclement weather, and consider providing the industry with flexible implementation plans, such as allowing securities brokers to defer clearing and settlement, or permitting some of them to choose not to carry out transactions under inclement weather?

Reply:

President,

     In consultation with the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the Securities and Futures Commission and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, a consolidated reply to the three parts of the question is as follows.

     As an international financial centre, Hong Kong's securities market is deeply integrated with markets and investors around the globe. In recent years, mutual access with the financial markets of the Mainland has also expanded continuously with gradually increasing trading days and market turnover. The Government and relevant regulators have been working with the HKEX in taking forward enhancements to the trading mechanism, with a view to strengthening the overall competitiveness of the Hong Kong market.

     Among the major stock markets around the world, trading is maintained under severe weather in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in the Mainland, the US and European markets such as New York, London, Paris and Amsterdam, as well as Asian markets such as Japan and Singapore. For enhancing the competitiveness of the Hong Kong stock market, developing a more diversified product suite, and promoting our securities market to overseas markets and capital sources, the demand and importance for facilitating market participants to trade as usual during typhoons or rainstorms will continue to grow.

     As mentioned by the Financial Secretary in the 2023-24 Budget, the HKEX is exploring arrangements for maintaining market operation under severe weather, so as to facilitate investors' transactions and meet market development needs. The initiative is also supported by the Task Force on Enhancing Stock Market Liquidity as one of the short term measures to enhance the competitiveness of the securities market.

     The main purpose of the initiative is to facilitate global investors to continue trading Hong Kong stocks and derivatives as well as Mainland A-shares through Northbound trading of Stock Connect, and to adjust their investment and risk management (Note 1) strategies in response to changing market and company-specific fundamentals, without being affected by the adverse local weather conditions in Hong Kong. The arrangements will further consolidate Hong Kong's role as the two-way gateway and bridge for international and Mainland investors and capital, hence enhancing the attractiveness of Hong Kong's market to domestic and foreign investors. It will also allow the prices of Hong Kong stocks, especially those with dual primary listing in overseas securities markets or secondary listing in Hong Kong, to adjust continuously based on different factors and in tandem with other markets.

     In light of market development needs and increasing prevalence of electronic transactions and remote working with technological advancements, the HKEX is, with the Government's support, working with financial regulators to examine a feasible implementation plan for maintaining trading under severe weather. We believe that promoting the operation of the securities and futures markets during severe weather could address global investors' aspirations, and accord greater convenience and price certainty for investors, hence enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness. At the same time, the initiative could foster continuous modernisation of local financial market infrastructure and upgrade the operations of local financial services sector, respond to the ongoing trend of developing a paperless and digitalised securities market in Hong Kong, and align with global market practices, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong's status as one of the leading international fundraising and trading platforms.

     The Government understands that implementing trading arrangements under severe weather would require not only resolving various technical issues and providing related support, but also collaboration among different stakeholders including securities brokers, the banking community, index compilers, etc. To this end, the HKEX and financial regulators have discussed with industry representatives different specific issues regarding the operational model under severe weather, so as to fully comprehend the practical circumstances faced by relevant sectors and co-ordinate different operational needs.

The HKEX will commence a public consultation within November this year on the proposed model and relevant arrangements for operating the stock market under severe weather. The consultation document will set out the details covering trading and settlement, share registration, banking services, payment and other necessary support, and solicit views of the public.

Note 1: Such as trading futures and options based on local and international market indices.]]><![CDATA[Appeal for information on missing man in Hung Hom (with photo)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800275.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800275.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:13:05 +0800
     Lee Kai-yin, aged 27, went missing after he left a caring centre on San Lau Street in the small hours on October 30. The staff of the caring centre made a report to Police on the same day.

     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 48 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt, black trousers and sport shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8038 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

]]><![CDATA[LCQ19: Promoting green procurement]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800198.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800198.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0800
Question:

According to government information, there are already 183 items of products and services with green specifications, which are under 24 categories, on the current green procurement list of the Government. On promoting green procurement, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the Government's annual expenditure on green procurement in the past five years; whether it has plans to expand the categories of products and services covered by the green procurement list;

(2) given that the Government's long-term target is to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, of the measures the Government has put in place to facilitate the achievement of the carbon neutrality target in the aspect of the Government's procurement work, in addition to requiring various policy bureaux and government departments to include green specifications in drawing up tender specifications in the Stores and Procurement Regulations; and

(3) of the further plans to encourage public organisations to implement green procurement?

Reply:

President,

The Government has all along led by example by adopting green procurement for implementation of the concept of environmental protection. The Government's Stores and Procurement Regulations require bureaux and departments (B/Ds) to take environmental factors into consideration in drawing up tender specifications, so as to allow for fair competition of compliant products and services on a cost-effective basis, thereby promoting green procurement while ensuring the prudent use of public funds. Having regard to the practices and standards generally adopted in the market, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) has developed a set of green specifications and guidelines for the products and services commonly used by the Government, so that B/Ds may practise green procurement in accordance with the relevant specifications. Since 2000, the Government has introduced a green procurement list, setting out products with green specifications therein. In light of market development over the years, the Government has gradually expanded the green procurement list to cover suitable new products and services, and updated relevant green specifications. In addition, the EEB has also developed easy-to-use green procurement tips for designated products and services to assist B/Ds in carrying out small amount purchases (i.e. value not exceeding $50,000 per order).

The reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Siu-hung is set out below.

(1) The total annual expenditure on green procurement by government B/Ds in the past five years is tabulated as follows:

Year	Total Expenditure ($ billion)
2018	1.77
2019	2.02
2020	1.55
2021	2.80
2022	6.63

In July 2021, the Government further expanded the scope of green procurement by increasing the number of products and services covered in the green procurement list from 150 items to 183 items, as well as updating the green specifications of each item and providing more green procurement tips. In 2022, government B/Ds altogether procured green products and services with a total value of $6.63 billion, which is an increase of over 1.3 times as compared to $2.80 billion in 2021. The Government will review the green procurement list from time to time to keep abreast of the latest market development and the procurement needs of B/Ds.

(2) and (3) The Government has all along encouraged all sectors of the community, including public and private organisations, to join hands in the procurement of products and services that incur minimal adverse environmental impacts (including decarbonisation, reduction in air pollutant emissions and waste reduction). As many of these products are made of recycled materials, practising green procurement can boost the demand for recycled materials and create business opportunities for the recycling industry, thereby fostering a circular economy. To promote green procurement, the Government has uploaded the latest green procurement list and the relevant specifications, green procurement tips as well as local and international best practices onto the EEB's website for reference by the public. The Government also encourages about 60 "Carbon Neutrality" partners from various sectors, including property development, public utilities, finance and professional bodies, to take the lead in supporting the implementation of green procurement. Some enterprises are also willing to make available to the public their targets and efforts in green procurement.

The Government will continue to promote and publicise green procurement to public and private organisations. Apart from disseminating the green procurement list and other practical information through the information portal, the Government has also encouraged trade associations and organisations to formulate trade-specific green procurement guidelines based on the trades' actual situations and needs, with a view to promoting the implementation of green procurement to all sectors of the community. With concerted efforts of the Government and the community in practising green procurement, we hope to boost the market demand for green products and services, as well as to facilitate the development of a circular economy, thereby further fostering the achievement of carbon neutrality.
]]><![CDATA[LCSD's new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system to officially launch tomorrow]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700396.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700396.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0800
Booking of facilities

As usual, users can continue to make advance bookings of leisure facilities within seven days (i.e. booking for the current date to November 15 can be made on November 9) on a first-come, first-served basis after the implementation of the new system. They can make their bookings via the SmartPLAY's mobile app (My SmartPLAY) (from 7am) and website (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/home) (from 7am), Smart Self-service Stations (from 7.15am) or service counters (from 7.15am) at major leisure venues.

There are also new check-in arrangements for facility bookings. All hirers can proceed the self check-in procedures starting from 15 minutes before the booked session. They can place their Hong Kong Smart ID Cards on the card reader of a check-in device or a Smart Self-service Station at leisure venues for verification. Meanwhile, hirers without a Hong Kong identity card (for example children aged below 11 and visitors registered as temporary patrons) must proceed with the check-in procedures at the service counter.

Regarding the balloting/booking of turf soccer pitches, users can submit a balloting application for available turf pitches within 14 to 20 days via SmartPLAY's mobile app and dedicated website, or the Smart Self-service Stations at leisure venues (please refer to Annex I for details) after the implementation of SmartPLAY tomorrow. Each user can submit a total of three balloting choices on the same day in one application and the applications submitted can be altered before closing of the application period. Users can book the remaining sessions, if any, via SmartPLAY on a first-come, first-served basis within seven days. Since transitional arrangements of booking (for the transitional arrangements, please see the separate press release www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/02/P2023110200221.htm) will be implemented during the transfer between the systems, online balloting for the sessions of turf soccer pitches from November 17 to 21 will be suspended. Users can book the available sessions within seven days from the current date from November 11 to 15 on a first-come, first-served basis (i.e. bookings for the current date to November 17 can be made on November 11).

Concerning the booking and check-in arrangements of turf soccer pitches, hirers currently must fill in the patron numbers of four other users when submitting balloting applications for turf soccer pitches. The hirer and three of the users named in the application must check in and be present during the use of the booked session. To further combat suspected touting activities, the above-mentioned arrangements will be extended to the booking of turf soccer pitches on a first-come, first-served basis after the launch of SmartPLAY tomorrow.

Booking of recreation and sports programmes

The LCSD has arranged the publicity of recreation and sports programmes and enrolment for the month of December to be commenced in advance (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202309/28/P2023092800215.htm). After the launch of SmartPLAY tomorrow, users can book the remaining sessions in December, 2023, or before through the new system on a first-come, first-served basis. They can submit an online balloting application within the first seven days of each month for the programmes to be held by the District Leisure Services Offices (DLSOs) in 18 districts, water sports centres, the Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre as well as the Green Campaign Section in the following month. As regards the arrangement of competitions to be held in February 2024 or later, users only need to submit one online balloting application from the eighth to the 14th days in every month to enrol in sports competitions to be held two months later. The balloting arrangement for competitions is similar to that of the training courses and recreation activities (please refer to Annex II for details).

In respect of balloting applications for all recreation and sports programmes, users can submit one online balloting application per month for various training courses and recreation activities, or sports competitions. Each online application can select up to 10 programmes or 10 competitions, and a maximum of three programmes/three competitions can be allocated. Any remaining unfilled places after balloting will be open for enrolment on a first-come, first-served basis to all applicants. Meanwhile, applications will only be accepted if the time of the training courses and recreation activities that a user has applied for on a first-come, first-served basis or submitted a balloting application for did not overlap with that of the programmes he/she has successfully enrolled in.

The LCSD reminds the public that starting from tomorrow, all people, including existing Leisure Link patrons, must register with the new system and complete an identity authentication process before using the new system to enrol in programmes and book leisure facilities. The LCSD has provided 375 new Smart Self-service Stations at around 240 leisure venues (including DLSOs in various districts). Members of the public who have yet to be registered can submit their registration, and complete identity authentication and account activation procedures at these Smart Self-service Stations starting from tomorrow (November 9). A dedicated website and a mobile app are also provided for user registration. If users complete their registration through "iAM Smart", they can have their SmartPLAY accounts instantly activated.

For more information on SmartPLAY, please call the SmartPLAY hotline at 3954 5150 or visit the website (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk) after the implementation of SmartPLAY.]]><![CDATA[Hongkong Post to issue "Development of Railway Services in Hong Kong" special stamps (with photos)]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700216.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700216.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0800
   Since the opening of Hong Kong's first urban railway line running between Kwun Tong and Shek Kip Mei on October 1, 1979, the local railway network has been expanding continuously. In recent years, besides the construction of new railway lines, there have also been extensions of and connections to existing lines of Hong Kong railway services. This has made the railway network more comprehensive and fostered community development. At present, the city's 271-kilometre railway network, consisting of 10 railway lines, Light Rail and the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section), serves all 18 districts across the territory and connects to a number of control points.

   Hongkong Post will issue a set of six stamps, two stamp sheetlets and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Development of Railway Services in Hong Kong" featuring the characteristics of different railway lines and train types. It demonstrates that the railway services in Hong Kong have strengthened the connections among the local communities as well as between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

   Official first day covers for "Development of Railway Services in Hong Kong" will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post's online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from tomorrow (November 9). This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and on ShopThruPost from November 23, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps and postage prepaid picture cards (air mail) will be available at philatelic offices only.

   A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on November 23 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. Collection points will be set up at all post offices on the same day for submission of the covers requesting the hand-back date-stamping service.

   Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) and in the ShopThruPost mobile app.

]]><![CDATA[LCQ14: Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800174.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800174.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0800
Question:

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission have jointly launched the Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland (the Scheme), sponsoring eligible non-governmental organisations to organise youth exchange tours to the Mainland. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of organisations that received funding support under the Scheme in each of the past five financial years, and set out, by type of such organisations, their names and the amounts of funding granted;

(2) whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the Scheme in each financial year and put in place any improvement measures; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that at present an eligible participant for sponsorship under the Scheme must be aged between 12 and 35, whether the Government will consider raising the age ceiling; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) as it is learnt that at present, some Hong Kong young people aged between 12 and 35 are non-holders of a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card (PIC), whether the Government will consider removing the restriction that participants under the Scheme must hold a PIC; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

Under the Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland (FSYEM), the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Youth Development Commission (YDC) provide funding for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to organise youth exchange projects in the Mainland for Hong Kong young people to enhance their awareness and understanding of the country's development and strengthen their sense of national identity through fostering exchange with the Mainland people. Our reply to the Hon Lillian Kwok's questions is as follows:

Information of the funded NGOs and approved funding amount under the FSYEM from 2018-19 to 2019-20 are set out in Annex. The FSYEM was suspended from 2021-22 to 2022-23 due to the pandemic, but it has been resumed earlier this year.

The HYAB has been evaluating the effectiveness of the FSYEM in every financial year. Upon completion of an exchange project, participants are invited to fill in evaluation questionnaires from which we can understand their views on the project for monitoring its effectiveness and quality. This will also form part of the track record when we assess future applications submitted by the same organisation. Based on the feedback collected from participants in the previous round of the FSYEM, over 90 per cent of the respondents considered the FSYEM beneficial in deepening their understanding of the Mainland.

In addition, we appointed an independent third-party organisation earlier on to conduct a research study on the FSYEM and the Funding Scheme for Youth Internship in the Mainland to gauge views from participants of the schemes and other stakeholders by way of focus group discussions with a view to further enhancing the schemes. The study report revealed that the exchange/internship projects under the funding schemes were deemed effective by participants, organisers and employers. Over 90 per cent of the participants agreed that the two schemes achieved the intended outcomes and considered the completed exchange/internship projects fruitful, especially in areas such as understanding the local culture and development opportunities, boosting one's employment advantage and promoting personal development. We will continue to enhance the breadth and depth of the Mainland exchange programmes to further enhance Hong Kong youth's understanding of the country.

The HYAB would review the operation of the FSYEM from time to time and introduce enhancement measures when necessary. For example, we made a number of adjustments to the FSYEM in 2019-20, which included relaxing the eligibility requirements of participants from aged 12 to 29 to 12 to 35 to cover young people of different age groups and development stages; and providing funded support staff in order to strengthen immediate support to the exchange activities in the Mainland, etc.

We are now finalising the details of the FSYEM in 2024-25, among which we would consider a number of enhancement measures, e.g. expanding the eligibility requirements of participants to provide NGOs with more flexibility in recruitment, increasing the number of funded support staff to strengthen the support for younger participants, etc. We will announce the details when the scheme opens for applications. ]]><![CDATA[LCQ12: Construction of barrier-free facilities]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700567.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700567.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 11:28:00 +0800
Question:

     Regarding the construction of barrier-free facilities, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will change the current practice of outsourcing projects of barrier-free facilities to consultancy firms and instead, by drawing reference from the practices of the Governments of the Shenzhen Municipality and the Shanghai Municipality, sign long-term collaborative research agreements with tertiary institutions, so that the design of such facilities will not be overly homogeneous and can better cater to the needs of the community;

(2) given that the cost of each project under the Universal Accessibility Programme is capped at $75 million at present, and it is learnt that the cost of a similar project in the Shenzhen Municipality is just about 30 per cent of the cost of a project under the Programme, whether the authorities have studied the reasons for that, and whether they have plans to adopt measures to reduce the cost of such projects; and

(3) as there are views pointing out that currently all the lifts built under the Programme have adopted the design of transparent glass external walls, and such design will incur additional cleaning, repair and electricity costs (due to the absorption of a large amount of heat energy by the mechanical parts), of the reasons for adopting such design?

Reply:

President,

     The Government launched the Universal Accessibility (UA) Programme in August 2012 to proactively provide more barrier-free access facilities (i.e. lifts and ramps) at existing walkways such as footbridges or subways that could meet the criteria of the UA Programme, with a view to facilitating access by the public in need. My reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan is as follows:

(1) In taking forward the projects under the UA Programme, we will engage consultants to carry out the investigation, design and supervision of construction works, etc. The design of lift retrofitting works has to take into account the actual environment and constraints of individual sites, as well as the future operation and maintenance arrangements, and be cost-effective. During the design stage of each lift retrofitting project, we will consult the public and relevant stakeholders, including District Councils, nearby residents and representatives of non-governmental organisations (including those related to the welfare of persons with disabilities) on the preliminary design of the lifts in order to meet the needs of users as far as possible. In addition, we will also consult the Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS), which comprises representatives from various professional bodies and the department of architecture and design of tertiary institutions, on the design of the lifts. The ACABAS will scrutinise and provide comments on the design of the lifts from the aesthetic visual and greening perspectives. In the past, when implementing projects under the UA Programme, the Highways Department had, in response to the comments of the ACABAS, revised the design of the lifts. For example, appropriate colour for the lift tower and its link bridge, and a slimmer structure for the link bridge, etc, were adopted with a view to making the lift(s) compatible with the neighbouring environment and striking a balance between aesthetics and the community's needs.

(2) According to the works contracts awarded in the past, the average project cost of retrofitting a lift at an existing walkway is about $16 million. Apart from the construction cost, it also includes the costs of feasibility study, project investigation, design and supervision, etc. Other projects may require the construction of more than one lift and the demolition of the associated ramps, depending on the actual conditions of the pedestrian walkway concerned. Some projects may involve more complicated geotechnical conditions and traffic diversion arrangements and need to deal with congested underground utilities, which may affect the design, thereby resulting in higher costs. In order to ensure that the block allocation of the UA Programme can meet the funding needs of most projects (including individual projects that are more complicated or involve retrofitting more than one lift), we set the financial cap for each project at $75 million.

     The construction industry in the Mainland and Hong Kong has its own unique characteristics, as illustrated by differences in labour costs, design standards and statutory requirements, etc. Therefore, it is not appropriate to make a direct comparison of the construction costs between the two places. The design of each lift retrofitting project under the UA Programme adopts the "no-frills" principle and will be procured in accordance with the established procedures for Government's public works projects. The tendering procedures of each works contract are open to qualified contractors for open tendering, and the most competitive tender bid will be selected to maximise the cost-effectiveness of the works.

(3) In designing the lifts, we take into account the comfort of the users and at the same time comply with the Government's policies on environmental protection, energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. The external walls of the lift towers are mostly made of concrete walls or steel structures in appropriate proportion. Considering the need for security management inside the lift and to minimise the visual impact, an appropriate amount of transparent glass will be installed for the lift towers and the lift cars, along with the adoption of glass materials that can block solar heat, thereby reducing the temperature inside the lift shafts. At the same time, we are also conducting tests on a number of materials and devices, such as nano-self-cleaning coatings and nanofiber filters, to reduce the accumulation of dust and dirt. We will continue to evaluate and test the effectiveness of the above materials and devices for adoption in lifts when appropriate.]]><![CDATA[LCQ11: Measures to support persons with hearing impairment]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800202.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800202.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 11:05:00 +0800
Question:

Some concern groups have relayed that in its "Special Topics Report No. 63 – Persons with disabilities and chronic diseases" published in 2021, the Census and Statistics Department adopted a definition for "persons with hearing difficulty" (the updated definition) that is different from the one adopted in its previous surveys (the original definition). According to the updated definition, there were about 47 900 persons with hearing difficulty in 2020, while the number would be over 240 000 under the original definition. Such a change in definition would have an impact on the Government's policy towards persons with hearing impairment (HI) and might lead to reduced supporting resources for persons with HI. Regarding the measures to support persons with HI, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will consider reverting to the original definition in compiling statistics on persons with HI;

(2) as it has been learnt that the grant currently provided by the Social Welfare Department for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients with binaural hearing loss is only enough for purchasing a monaural hearing aid with the most basic features, but quite a number of recipients have relayed that the given hearing aids are useless, whether the authorities will consider providing such recipients with binaural hearing aid fitting and upgrading the quality of the hearing aids, as well as reviewing the existing service mode;

(3) whether it has compiled statistics on the current total number of sign language interpreters in Hong Kong; what specific policy is in place to ensure the service quality of sign language interpreters;

(4) whether it has compiled statistics on the current number of counselling experts or psychologists who are able to provide services in sign language for persons with HI; in respect of improving the mental health of persons with HI, whether the authorities will formulate guidelines for counselling experts or psychologists on the provision of mental health services for persons with HI; and

(5) of the existing channels through which students with HI may apply to the Education Bureau for the provision of sign language interpretation service in class; of the amount of funding set aside by the University Grants Committee for application by hearing impaired students with special educational needs in each of the past five years, and the number of students benefited annually?

Reply:

President,

Having consulted the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the Health Bureau and the Education Bureau (EDB) on the Member's question, I set out below a consolidated reply:

(1) The C&SD has updated the definitions for selected types of disability (including hearing difficulty) when conducting the survey on persons with disabilities and chronic diseases from August 2019 to December 2020 in relation to the latest international development in collecting statistical data on disability. This update was based on the recommended question sets developed by the United Nations Washington Group on Disability Statistics, which are based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and have been widely adopted internationally. Before adopting the updated definition in this round of the survey, the C&SD had consulted stakeholders including relevant Government bureaux/departments (B/Ds), statutory bodies, the academia and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The responses were generally supportive.

In spite of the update in the statistical definition, in order to cater for the needs of different statistical data users on disability statistics, the C&SD continued to collect information on persons with disabilities under the original definition and released the survey results in "Special Topics Report No. 63". Data users can apply different sets of data depending on the situation. The C&SD plans to continue to collect and disseminate information on persons with disabilities under both definitions in future. Relevant B/Ds may take into account the survey results in the "Special Topics Report No. 63" as well as other factors such as the current service demand from persons with disabilities in their service planning.

(2) The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme provides a safety net of last resort for people who cannot support themselves financially due to old age, ill-health, disability, single parenthood, unemployment, low-earnings or for other reasons to help them meet their basic needs. CSSA recipients with hearing impairment (HI) receive higher standard rates than able-bodied CSSA recipients, and are provided with a number of supplements and special grants to cater for their special needs.

In particular, CSSA recipients with HI may apply for a special grant from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to cover the cost of hearing aids on an actual cost basis, subject to recommendations from recognised health professionals of the Hospital Authority (HA), Department of Health, the SWD or NGOs subvented by the SWD. The SWD will process such applications based on the assessment and recommendations of recognised health professionals. There are no restrictions on the types of the hearing aids.

(3) The Government does not maintain statistics on the number of sign language interpreters in Hong Kong. As regards the service quality of sign language interpreters, the Labour and Welfare Bureau in September 2015 included sign language in the domain of language courses under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) and accepted applications from course providers for registration of their sign language courses as the CEF courses. In addition, the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee and the Hong Kong Joint Council for People with Disabilities/Hong Kong Council of Social Service have established the List of Sign Language Interpreters in Hong Kong for voluntary registration since June 2016, which sets out the information of sign language interpreters (including professional qualifications, work experience and contact means) to facilitate organisations and the public to choose sign language interpretation services. It is expected that the setting up of the List can help promote the learning and use of sign language, and will also be conducive to fostering the development of sign language interpretation as a profession in the long run.

(4) The Government does not maintain statistics on the number of counselling professionals or psychologists who are able to provide services in sign language for persons with HI. The HA currently does not have guidelines for counselling professionals or psychologists on the provision of mental health services to persons with HI. Nevertheless, the multi-disciplinary psychiatric teams of the HA, comprising doctors, nurses, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, medical social workers, etc, have all along been providing holistic healthcare services for patients with mental health needs (including those with HI). Healthcare professionals will provide appropriate in-patient, out-patient, day rehabilitation training and community support services for patients according to their clinical condition and needs. In the course of medical treatment or consultation, the hospital or clinic concerned will arrange interpretation service (including sign language) to facilitate communication if required by patients or healthcare professionals.

(5) For primary and secondary schools, the Government adopts a dual-track mode in the implementation of special education. The EDB will, subject to the assessment and recommendation of specialists and with parents' consent, refer students with more severe HI or those students with HI who cannot construct knowledge because of inadequate speech abilities (i.e. those students who may need to use sign language in communication and learning) to the School for Children with Hearing Impairment to receive intensive support services. Other students with HI will attend ordinary schools for integrated education.

With the support of the EDB, the School has all along been implementing various projects of Sign-assisted Instruction, including the Development of New Vocabulary of Sign Language for New Senior Secondary Curriculum Programme and the Removing Communication Barriers in Sign Language and Oral Language Holistic Support for Students with Hearing Impairment Programme, to continuously integrate and develop new sign vocabularies needed in teaching for teachers. The School has also compiled a visual sign language dictionary that contains daily and subject-based sign vocabularies for public use. In addition, the School has set up a Sign Language Teaching Resources Centre to provide consultation services for students, parents and teachers in need.

As regards public sector ordinary primary and secondary schools, the EDB has all along been providing additional resources to support students with special educational needs (SEN), including students with HI. If schools consider it more appropriate to adopt sign language or combine the use of sign language to assist students in learning, schools may deploy the additional resources, such as the Learning Support Grant, holistically and flexibly to employ teachers or teaching assistants who know sign language, or hire professional services including sign interpretation service to cater for the needs of the students with HI.

For the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities, they may, under the principle of institutional autonomy, flexibly deploy their recurrent subventions allocated in the form of a block grant by the Government for various purposes, including the allocation of resources to support students with HI. In addition, the UGC allocates additional resources to the eight UGC-funded universities in the 2022-2025 triennium by providing an additional special funding of $67.5 million for the Special Grant to Enhance the Support for Students with Special Educational Needs, which seeks to enable the universities to enhance the teaching and learning experience of students with SEN, strengthen staff training and promote campus integration. All students with HI are among the beneficiary groups. Based on the data provided by the universities, the numbers of students with HI enrolled in the UGC-funded programmes in the past five years (2018/19 to 2022/23 academic years) are 98, 104, 89, 98 and 98 respectively.]]><![CDATA[LCQ10: Enhancement of the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800195.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800195.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 11:05:00 +0800
Question:

There are views that the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System (LSGSS) implemented since 2001, while boosting the motivation and creativity of social service organisations, has at the same time given rise to various problems, and needs to be comprehensively reviewed and improved in a timely manner. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as the assessment criteria for the District Services and Community Care Teams include (i) being patriotic and loving Hong Kong and being able to support and follow the Government's leadership, (ii) having a certain level of district network and service experience, (iii) possessing cross-district mobilisation capability, and (iv) being able to consolidate and seek community resources, whether the Government will consider adopting the same assessment criteria for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receiving lump sum grant subvention (particularly those receiving recurrent subvention); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) given that in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on the Estimates of Expenditure 2023-2024, the Government indicated that 127 of the Funding and Service Agreements (FSAs) signed between the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and NGOs are non-time-defined, whether the Government will review the relevant mechanism (including formulating guidelines and performance indicators) to enhance the autonomy of such organisations, and convert such non-time-defined FSAs into time-defined ones; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) as there are views pointing out that currently some NGOs are unable to seize the opportunity of the system reform by redeploying their resources so as to keep abreast of the times (e.g. increasing support for young people), whether the authorities will formulate long-term plans and relevant guidelines to help such organisations redeploy their resources; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) as the Government indicated in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on July 5 this year that the funding and sponsorship programmes under Government bureaux and departments would require the recipient organisations to properly acknowledge the source of government funding through relevant funding conditions, whether the SWD has currently formulated relevant guidelines to require compliance by organisations receiving funding under the LSGSS; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

The Social Welfare Department (SWD), by adopting a "services-based" approach, provides subvention to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating welfare services for serving those in need. To cater for the ever-changing service demands of the society, the Government reviews publicly-funded services and projects from time to time, and provides different types of subsidy to NGOs. This facilitates NGOs to not only enhance and improve existing services, but also to develop innovative modes of welfare service provision, with a view to meeting the latest social development needs of the community and keeping abreast of the times. The SWD implemented the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System (LSGSS) to allocate subventions to NGOs to operate welfare services as stipulated in the Funding and Service Agreements (FSAs). The LSGSS seeks to focus on the effectiveness of service delivery and replace the previous subvention mode where allocations were approved on an item-by-item basis, with a view to allowing NGOs greater flexibility and higher efficiency in utilising subventions and providing appropriate welfare services.

My reply to the Hon Tang's question is as follows:

(1) The SWD requires all NGOs operating subvented welfare services to take all necessary measures to safeguard national security and comply with the Hong Kong National Security Law when operating and providing services. If NGOs engage in acts or activities that are likely to cause or constitute the occurrence of offences endangering national security or which would otherwise be contrary to the interest of national security, the SWD may immediately terminate the FSAs signed with them. When appointing NGOs to operate welfare services, the SWD will, depending on factors such as the service nature and the specific needs of service users, take into account the NGOs' relevant service experience as one of the assessment criteria. The applicants shall also specify in their proposals how they plan to implement the services specified by the SWD and effectively carry out related work through their district networks.

(2) At present, there are time-defined or non-time-defined FSAs. Prior to the implementation of the LSGSS, the SWD signed non-time-defined FSAs with NGOs based on the previous subvention system. To ensure that subvented services align with the Government's policy objectives, the SWD will specify the objectives, nature, content and target groups of the services in the FSAs, and all subvented service units must comply with the relevant requirements and standards prescribed by the SWD, including essential service requirements, output/outcome standards and the service quality standards. The SWD will conduct reviews for different services as necessary, and convert non-time-defined FSAs into time-defined FSAs following the reviews, so as to meet the ever-changing service needs and relevant requirements.

(3) The Government published the Review Report on Enhancement of Lump Sum Grant Subvention System in July 2021 and put forward a number of recommendations of enhancement of the LSGSS, including conducting systematic service reviews to keep pace with the changing needs of users of various types of welfare services, improving utilisation of reserves, human resource management, financial planning, and enhancing accountability and corporate governance of NGOs. Among all, the scope of service reviews included reviewing the service targets, service nature and notional staffing establishment, etc., so as to timely respond to the service needs of users. The SWD, in accordance with the relevant recommendations, is gradually reviewing different services, including residential child care services, sheltered workshops and integrated vocational rehabilitation services centres, integrated home care services (ordinary cases), district elderly community centres/neighbourhood elderly centres, etc.

(4) To fully demonstrate the Government's commitment to welfare services and facilitate the public in identifying subvented welfare services, the SWD will require all subvented welfare service units to clearly indicate on their premises and promotional materials that the relevant welfare services are subvented by the SWD. The SWD will inform the sector of the detailed arrangements in due course.]]><![CDATA[LCQ9: Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800193.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800193.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 11:05:00 +0800
Question:

Regarding the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the annual number of able-bodied CSSA recipients and their average time of stay on CSSA since 2021, and set out in the table below a breakdown by (i) economically active person (i.e. (a) employed persons and (b) unemployed persons) and (ii) economically inactive person (i.e. (c) homemakers, (d) students, (e) retirees and (f) unpaid carers);

Able-bodied CSSA recipients		2021	2022	2023 to date
(i)	(a)
(i)	(b)
(ii)	(c)
	(d)
	(e)
	(f)
Total
Average time of stay on CSSA

(2) of the annual number of cases of participation in the Support for Self-reliance Scheme since 2021; among such cases, the number of cases in which the participants successfully secured employment, as well as the number of cases in which the participants withdrew from the CSSA Scheme upon employment and the average time taken to do so;

(3) given that there are views that the current absence of a time limit for CSSA entitlement of able-bodied recipients under the CSSA Scheme is unable to motivate such recipients to actively secure employment and leave the CSSA net, whether the authorities will consider setting a time limit for CSSA entitlement of able-bodied recipients (for example, setting a cap at six months, and if such recipients still need to apply for CSSA after the relevant time limit, they must submit an application afresh and undergo the income and asset tests, or switch to apply for the Working Family Allowance), so as to motivate such recipients to actively join the labour market; and

(4) given that there are views that as the income and asset tests are currently conducted on a household basis under the CSSA Scheme, the amount of assistance received will be affected if individual family members join the labour market or have an increase in income, thus leading to objection by other family members to their employment, whether the authorities will consider disregarding the earnings of family members other than the CSSA applicants and their spouses when conducting the income and asset tests, so as to avoid affecting the CSSA applicants' continued entitlement to CSSA, and suitably raising the asset limits to allow CSSA recipient families to accumulate a certain amount of savings through work, thereby providing an incentive to encourage members of such families to join the labour market, and helping them become self-reliant and leave the CSSA net as early as possible?

Reply:

President,

The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme provides a safety net of last resort for people who cannot support themselves financially due to old age, ill-health, disability, single parenthood, unemployment, low-earnings or for other reasons to help them meet their basic needs.

The CSSA Scheme not only provides cash assistance to needy persons, but also assists recipients who may work to overcome employment barriers to achieve self-reliance. In January 2013, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) launched the Integrated Employment Assistance Programme for Self-reliance (IEAPS), under which non-governmental organisations (NGOs) provide services to relevant recipients to encourage and assist them to enhance employability and secure paid employment. In April 2020, the SWD launched the enhanced Employment Support Services (EmSS) to improve the NGOs' efficacy in providing the relevant services.

In general, unemployed able-bodied CSSA recipients aged 15 to 59 are required to receive the EmSS, unless they have justifiable reasons for not being able to work (such as pursuing studies, or having to look after young children, sick or disabled family members at home). They are required to undertake compliance with the relevant obligations (such as applying for a certain number of jobs within a specified period of time) in writing. In case of incompliance, they and their family members will become ineligible for CSSA and must repay overpaid CSSA. Able-bodied CSSA recipients aged 60 to 64 may receive the EmSS on a voluntary basis.

My reply to the four parts of the question raised by the Member is as follows:

(1) and (2) The numbers of unemployed or low-earning able-bodied CSSA recipients aged 15 to 64 from 2021-22 to 2023-24 are set out in Table 1 at Annex, while the median durations of CSSA unemployed or low-earning cases receiving CSSA are set out in Table 2 at Annex.

From January 2013 to September 2023, about 138 000 recipients had participated in the IEAPS and/or received the EmSS cumulatively, while about 27 600 recipients successfully secured employment or returned to mainstream education, including about 7 690 recipients leaving the CSSA net.

The SWD does not have other information sought in these two parts of the question.

(3) and (4) As explained above, the CSSA Scheme provides a safety net of last resort for people who cannot support themselves financially. In this connection, rigorous means tests (including income and asset tests) are put in place to ensure that finite public resources are used to cater for needy people. The asset limits are adjusted annually according to the established mechanism on the basis of the movement of the Consumer Price Index (A).

Upholding the concept of mutual support amongst cohabiting family members, CSSA recipients should first make use of economic resources of their family members to meet their basic needs. In this connection, the SWD considers an applicant's eligibility for CSSA on a household basis. In special cases such as an applicant having poor relationship with his/her cohabiting family members, the SWD will prudently consider exercising discretion and allow the applicant with special circumstances to apply for CSSA independently. The SWD will also refer the case to appropriate social service units for assistance.

Apart from the EmSS, the Disregarded Earnings (DE) arrangement under the CSSA Scheme provides additional financial incentives to encourage CSSA recipients to seek jobs and stay employed. The amount of assistance payable to CSSA applicants or recipients is the difference between their or their family's recognised needs and assessable income under the CSSA Scheme. When assessing the monthly household income, earnings from employment can be disregarded up to a prescribed level to raise the recipients' incentive to work. In February 2021, the Government significantly increased the maximum level of DE by 60 per cent to $4,000. Specifically, the monthly earnings that may be totally disregarded have been raised from the first $800 to the first $1,200, while up to half of the next $5,600 of earnings (i.e. $2,800) may be disregarded. The maximum total amount of DE is $4,000 per month. In addition, from February 2021, the Government has increased the totally disregardable earnings from a recipient's new jobs from the first month's earnings to the first two months' earnings, on condition that the recipient has not benefitted from such DE in the past two years.

To verify recipients' continued eligibility for CSSA, the SWD conducts regular reviews, spot checks and investigations (upon receipt of reports) on approved cases, including conducting income and asset tests. Nonetheless, considering that the CSSA Scheme provides a safety net of last resort for those who cannot support themselves financially, and that the predicaments faced by recipients and their causes differ, setting a uniform time limit for receiving CSSA may lead to practical difficulties in recipients' lives.]]><![CDATA[SFST to attend Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2023 in Beijing]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700563.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700563.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0800
The parallel forum will be held on November 9, with the theme of promoting Belt and Road development to foster regional co-operation and achieve mutual benefits. Mr Hui will deliver a speech at the forum.

     The Financial Street Forum was founded in 2012. The Annual Conference of the Financial Street Forum has been enhanced as a national, global and professional forum since 2020. More than 400 participants from over 30 countries and regions worldwide are invited to attend this year's annual conference to exchange views on current economic and financial hot topics.

Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong on November 10. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, will act as the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

]]><![CDATA[Labour Department to hold seminar on Employment Ordinance]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110100210.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110100210.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0800
     The main provisions of the Employment Ordinance and abolition of the Mandatory Provident Fund offsetting arrangement will be introduced.

     The seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and participation is free of charge. Interested participants should complete the registration form, which can be downloaded from the Labour Department's website (www.labour.gov.hk), and return it by email by November 22 (Wednesday). The quota will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For enquiries, please call 3575 8671.]]><![CDATA[Red flags hoisted at some beaches]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800158.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110800158.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 10:20:00 +0800
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 8) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.]]><![CDATA[Auction of personalised vehicle registration marks to be held on November 26]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700420.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700420.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 10:15:00 +0800
     "A total of 240 approved PVRMs will be put up for public auction. A list of the marks has been uploaded to the department's website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html," a department spokesman said.

     The reserve price of each of these marks is $5,000. Applicants who have paid a deposit of $5,000 should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price). Otherwise, the PVRM concerned may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.

     People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following points:

(1) Bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after successful bidding:

(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser (if the purchaser and the successful bidder are different persons);
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the purchaser is a body corporate); and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" or "The Government of the HKSAR". For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed. Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.

(2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the Memorandum will not be permitted.

(3) A PVRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.

(4) The display of a PVRM on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.

(5) Any change to the arrangement of letters, numerals and blank spaces of a PVRM, i.e. single and two rows as auctioned, will not be allowed.

(6) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the PVRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the PVRM within 12 months, allocation of the PVRM will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.

     "Upon completion of the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM, the purchaser will be issued a receipt and a Certificate of Allocation of Personalised Registration Mark. The Certificate of Allocation will serve to prove the holdership of the PVRM. Potential buyers of vehicles bearing a PVRM should check the Certificate of Allocation with the sellers and pay attention to the details therein. For transfer of vehicle ownership, this certificate together with other required documents should be sent to the TD for processing," the spokesman added.

     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes - Auction of PVRM, which is available at the department's licensing offices or can be downloaded from its website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_auction/index.html.]]><![CDATA[Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on November 25]]>https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700418.htmhttps://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202311/08/P2023110700418.htmWed, 08 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0800
     "A total of 340 vehicle registration marks will be put up for public auction. The list of marks has been uploaded to the department's website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html," a department spokesman said.

     Applicants who have paid a deposit of $1,000 to reserve a mark for auction should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price of $1,000). Otherwise, the mark concerned may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.

     People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following important points:

(1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:
(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" or "The Government of the HKSAR". (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.

(2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the memorandum will not be permitted.

(3) A vehicle registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.

(4) Special registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.

(5) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the mark will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.

     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes - Auction of Traditional Vehicle Registration Marks, which can be downloaded from the department's website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html.]]>