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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (October 23) at 2:30 pm in the Legislative Council Chamber. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on reducing transport fares.

The motion, to be moved by Hon Andrew CHENG, says: "That, in view of the enormous transport expenses borne by the public, this Council urges the Government to discuss with various public transport operators with a view to reducing expeditiously the fares of transport services and, at the same time, establishing a fare adjustment mechanism, so as to alleviate the burden on people's livelihood."

Hon LAU Kong-wah will move an amendment to Hon Andrew CHENG's motion. Whereas Hon WONG Sing-chi will propose an amendment to Hon LAU Kong-wah's amendment.

Members will also debate a motion proposed by Hon CHOY So-yuk on "Local Agenda 21" and sustainable development. Her motion says: "That this Council urges the Government to actively respond to the spirit of the Earth Summits convened by the United Nations on sustainable development in 1992 and 2002 and to expeditiously implement the relevant agreements on sustainable development, including formulating and implementing strategies for sustainable development, a "Local Agenda 21" and action plans; to this end, the Government should set up the Council for Sustainable Development as soon as possible, commence dialogues with different sectors of society, including non-governmental organizations, District Councils, local groups and private organizations, so as to work out a package of specific strategies, agendas, goals and timetables that suit local circumstances, provide sufficient resources, devise a mechanism for public participation, implement action plans, and to report to the public regularly on the progress and achievements of its work."

During the meeting, Members will 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 (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.

End/Monday, October 21, 2002

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