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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 11) at 11am in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on expediting the construction of the MTR South Island Line.
The motion, to be proposed by Hon Howard YOUNG, says: "That, given the successive completion of the Ocean Park's Redevelopment Plans from 2008 onwards and that works on the new tourism projects will be launched in Southern District, which are expected to further aggravate the already very heavy traffic in the district, to alleviate traffic congestion, complement tourism development and give impetus to the local economy, this Council urges the Government to expedite the construction of the MTR South Island Line, but should study in parallel how vicious competition of the new line with other public transport such as minibuses or buses can be avoided, thereby protecting the public's right to choose and their interests."
Dr Hon YEUNG Sum will move an amendment to Hon Howard YOUNG's motion.
Members will also debate a motion on comprehensive review of labour legislation. The motion, to be moved by Hon WONG Kwok-hing, states: "That, as the economic pattern and labour relations in Hong Kong have changed, the existing labour legislation cannot keep abreast of the times and fails to improve the protection of workers' rights and benefits, this Council urges the Administration to expeditiously conduct a comprehensive review of various legislation relating to labour matters."
Hon LEE Cheuk-yan, Hon LEUNG Yiu-chung and Hon Andrew CHENG will move separate amendments to Hon WONG Kwok-hing's motion.
Meanwhile, Hon TSANG Yok-sing will move a resolution under the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China to amend the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
On bills, Members will resume Second Reading debates on the Employment (Increase in Penalty for Offences under Section 63C) Bill 2005 and the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill 2005. If the Bills are supported by Members and receive their Second Readings, they will then go through the Committee Stage and be read the third time.
During the meeting, Members will also ask the Administration 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 web site (http://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.
Ends/Monday, January 9, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:36
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