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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (January 17) at 11am in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on policy on conservation of monuments.
The motion, to be moved by Hon Audrey Eu, states: "That, as the demolition of the Central Star Ferry Pier by the Government has aroused wide concern in the community, which reflects an increasing public awareness of and participation in the conservation of monuments, preservation of cultural environment and good town planning, this council urges the Government to:
(a) establish a monuments conservation fund to enhance the conservation of monuments;
(b) formulate codes for the evaluation of social benefits and proper consultation procedures setting out in detail the cost-effectiveness of various options and their impact on monuments, having regard to the preservation of collective memories; and
(c) enhance the participation of such concern groups as District Councils, professional bodies and resident groups in the decision-making process of town planning."
Hon Wong Kwok-hing, Dr Hon Kwok Ka-ki, Hon Choy So-yuk and Dr Hon Yeung Sum will move separate amendments to Hon Audrey Eu's motion. Hon Howard Young will move an amendment to Hon Wong Kwok-hing's amendment; whereas Hon Albert Ho will move an amendment to Dr Hon Kwok Ka-ki's amendment.
Members will also debate a motion on retaining and supporting the development of commercial districts and bazaars with local characteristics. The motion, to be proposed by Hon Vincent Fang Kang, says: "That, as a number of Hong Kong's commercial districts and bazaars with local characteristics have been relocated due to the redevelopment of old areas and hence have fallen into decline, and the existence and development of many other similar commercial districts and bazaars are also facing the same threats, this Council urges the Government to:
(a) retain the existing commercial districts and bazaars with local characteristics at the town planning stage;
(b) formulate special management rules and regulations to balance the need to retain such commercial districts and bazaars and that for urban development and environmental hygiene; and
(c) make reference to the practices of major cities in the Mainland and overseas, such as Singapore's Chinatown, London's Covent Garden and Shunde's Old Town district, and provide support and assistance through various policy bureaux for the development of such distinctive commercial districts and bazaars, so as to enhance their vitality, promote the local business economy and ensure that local characteristics are passed on."
Dr Hon Kwok Ka-ki and Dr Hon Yeung Sum will move separate amendments to Hon Vincent Fang Kang's motion. Hon Albert Ho will move an amendment to Dr Kwok Ka-ki's amendment.
Meanwhile, the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works will move a resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to repeal the Air Pollution Control (Volatile Organic Compounds) Regulation, laid on the table of the Legislative Council on November 29, 2006.
On bill, Members will resume Second Reading debate on the District Councils (Amendment) Bill 2006. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will then go through the Committee Stage and be read the third time.
During the meeting, Members will also ask the Government 20 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the Legislative Council InfoFax Service (Tel: 2869 9568) or the Legislative Council website (www.legco.gov.hk).
Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Legislative Council Chamber. They may reserve seats by calling 2869 9399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Members of the public can also listen to the meeting via the audio webcast system on the Legislative Council homepage.
Ends/Monday, January 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:09
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