WK LO's LegCo Express 

1. Funding requests approved by the PWSC

On 10 June, the PWSC approved a funding allocation to the Tung Chung New Town Extension at an estimated cost of $20.6 billion. On 24 June, the PWSC approved another funding request of $42.4 billion for Central Kowloon Route. The administration estimates that the proposed Project will create about 4,800 jobs (900 for professional/technical staff and 3,900 for labourers) providing a total employment of about 390,000 man-months. On 4 July, the PWSC also approved a funding request of $3.6 billion to carry out the third stage of construction works of the integrated basement to dovetail the phased implementation of the West Kowloon Cultural District and support its early phases of development. The works will be commenced in the third quarter of 2017 for substantial completion in phases by around 2021.

 

2. Funding request approved by the FC 

On 23 June, the Finance Committee approved a funding request of HK$31.9 billion for Kai Tak Sports Park construction works. The sports park is set to be the largest in Hong Kong. The 28-hectare project has key facilities such as a stadium with a 50,000-seating capacity for sports and entertainment events, a sports ground that can hold 5,000, and an indoor sports arena that is roughly the size of 30 standard badminton courts.

 

3. Chairman report on the Subcommittee on Promotion of Recycling and Proper Disposal (Electrical Equipment and Electronic Equipment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2016 (Commencement) Notice 2017 and Product Eco-Responsibility (Regulated Electrical Equipment) Regulation

I delivered Chairman report on the Subcommittee at the LegCo meeting on 5 July. In examining the Regulated Electrical Equipment (REE) Regulation, the Subcommittee has focused on issues including provision of recycling labels and removal services for REE, submission of returns and payment of recycling levies by registered suppliers, and cancellation of registration of registered suppliers. The administration’s amendment to the REE Regulation passed at the LegCo meeting on 5 July. No amendment was proposed from the Subcommittee. 

 

4. Construction sector appealed against filibustering in the LegCo  

Together with Chairman of the Finance Committee, I received the petition from construction industry representatives outside LegCo Complex on 23 June. They expressed their discontent against filibustering in the LegCo as the public works projects have been severely affected. About two hundred workers joined the protest and some 50 truck drivers staged a slow-drive protest around the LegCo complex. The filibustering has caused severe delay on approving funding for infrastructure projects. 

 

 

 

5. Raised an oral question regarding the Recycling Fund at the LegCo meeting

At the LegCo meeting on 21 June, I asked the administration on the procedure for the application for subsidies of the Recycling Fund, and whether the Government would set up a centre for industrialisation and development of environmental protection technologies. The administration replied that a category of Small-scale Standard Projects (SSPs) has been established under the Enterprise Support Programme. As at the end of May 2017, the Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund has approved 85 applications, amounting to over $70 million of funding in total. To view my question and the reply from the Government, please visit this link: 

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201706/21/P2017062100552.htm?fontSize=3

 

6. Subcommittee on Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2017

The Subcommittee was set up in June to discuss on the implementation of third phase of Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme. The Subcommittee finished the deliberation on the Amendment Order and had no objection to it. The Administration will move the resolution on the Amendment Order at the Council meeting of 12 July 2017. I joined the Subcommittee in June. 

 

7. Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill 2017

This Bill aims to improve the complaint investigation and disciplinary inquiry mechanism of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK), increase lay membership in MCHK, and enable MCHK to approve applications for limited registration for a period from not exceeding one year to not exceeding three years. The Bill was published in the Gazette on 2 June 2017 and introduced into LegCo on 7 June 2017. I joined the Bills Committee in June.