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Following are the opening remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at a media session at the Office of the Chief Executive at Tamar today (August 13):
A Chief Executive (CE) in Council decision has just been made to set up an independent Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance to inquire into the incidents of excess lead found in drinking water.
The CE in Council appointed the Honourable Mr Justice Andrew Chan Hing-wai, Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, as Chairman and Commissioner, and Mr Alan Lai Nin as Commissioner, of the Commission of Inquiry.
The Terms of Reference of the Commission are to:
(a) ascertain the causes of excess lead found in drinking water in public rental housing developments;
(b) review and evaluate the adequacy of the present regulatory and monitoring system in respect of drinking water supply in Hong Kong; and
(c) make recommendations with regard to the safety of drinking water in Hong Kong.
The Commission will conduct a comprehensive, in-depth and independent investigation into the incidents of excess lead in drinking water, identify the reasons and recommend measures to ensure the safety of drinking water in Hong Kong to alleviate the public's concern.
I expect the Commission to report within nine months. If necessary, the Commission may make an interim report.
Justice Andrew Chan is currently a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, while Mr Lai has served as Commissioner of ICAC and the Ombudsman. I trust they will conduct an independent, fair and comprehensive investigation by drawing on their qualifications and substantial experience in public service.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)
Ends/Thursday, August 13, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:44
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MP4 format
