WK Lo’s LegCo Express
Feb 2017
1. Construction sector appealed against filibustering in the LegCo
Together with Chairman of the Finance Committee (FC), I received the petition from construction industry representatives outside LegCo Complex on 24 Feb. They expressed their discontent against filibustering in the LegCo as the public works projects have been severely affected. At the time of this report, the FC has not approved any public works funding proposal yet due to filibustering.
2. PWSC approved funding request for block allocations of public Works
A HK$12.4 billion funding request for a bloc of 9,600 public works has been approved by the Public Works Subcommittee (PWSC) on 22 Feb after spending almost 15 hours. The application is then under deliberation at the Finance Committee.
3. Response to the Budget 2017-18
The Financial Secretary unveiled the Budget 2017-18 on 22 Feb. The Budget spelled out more proactive moves for the use of surpluses and land revenue forecasts to improve livelihood of people and stimulate economic growth. On review of the tax system, a policy unit will be set up to study the city's tax base and examine the international competitiveness of Hong Kong's tax regime, and explore enhanced tax reduction for I&T expenditure. I welcome the Government’s measures, which help to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness. I urged the Government to further share its economic achievements with our people and invest for the future.
4. Chairman report of the Bills Committee on Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2016
As the Chairman of the Bills Committee, I delivered a report at the LegCo meeting on 1 March. The Administration introduced the Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2016 (the 2016 Bill) into LegCo on 30 Nov 2016. The 2016 Bill is by and large a replica of the 2015 Bill but has incorporated the then agreed Committee stage amendments that regulations made by the CE in Council for the Registered Fire Engineer (RFE) Scheme and for regulating the RFEs, except those concerning fees to be charged in relation to the registration and de-registration of RFEs, are to be subject to the positive vetting procedure. The Bills Committee did not propose any amendments to the Bill. The Bills was passed at the LegCo meeting.
5. Raised question on admission schemes for outside talent, professionals and entrepreneurs
Regarding the implementation of various admission schemes for talents and professionals, I asked the Government of the situation of persons applying for entry to Hong Kong under those schemes at the LegCo on 1 March. The Government replied that there is an increase in applications of the General Employment Policy and Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals in the past three years. The Government will closely monitor the implementation of these measures, review their effectiveness, and make adjustments based on social and economic situation. Welcome to view the question and reply via the link:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201703/01/P2017030100553.htm?fontSize=3
6. Amendment to the motion on“Actively studying the establishment of a middle class commission”
On 1 March, I moved an amendment to the motion on “Actively studying the establishment of a middle class commission” at the LegCo. I urged the Government to expeditiously establish a middle class commission to explore and formulate permanent and focused policies and measures. As there was a similar motion amendment passed, I then withdrew mine. Welcome to view my motion wording via the link: http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr16-17/english/counmtg/agenda/cm20170301.htm
7. Amendment to the motion on “Reviewing and reorganizing the Government structure”
On 1 March, I moved an amendment to the motion on “Reviewing and reorganizing the Government structure” at the LegCo. I urged the Government to examine afresh the policy portfolios, functions and work objectives of various policy bureaux, particularly the policy portfolios of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Innovation and Technology Bureau, as well as the division of work between the Transport and Housing Bureau and the Development Bureau in respect of housing, land and infrastructure planning. However, my amendment was negatived. Welcome to view my motion wording via the link:
http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr16-17/english/counmtg/agenda/cm20170301.htm
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