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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (February 19) at 2:30 pm in the Legislative Council Chamber. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on the 2003-04 Budget.
The motion, to be moved by Dr Hon YEUNG Sum, says: " That this Council demands the Government, when formulating the 2003-04 Budget, not to raise tuition fees, not to increase the government fees and charges that affect people's livelihood, not to cut spending across the board on government services, and not to introduce tax increases targeted at the middle class."
Hon YEUNG Yiu-chung and Hon Miriam LAU will move separate amendments to Dr Hon YEUNG Sum's motion.
Members will also debate a motion proposed by Hon Emily LAU on the Public consultation on constitutional reforms. Her motion saysĄG"That, as the Executive Authorities have undertaken in the Policy Agenda to begin to make suitable preparations for the review of constitutional developments after 2007, this Council urges the Administration to conduct as soon as possible a public consultation on constitutional reforms."
Dr Hon Philip WONG will move an amendment to Hon Emily LAU's moton; while Hon LAU Ping-cheung will move an amendment to Dr Hon Philip WONG's amendment.
In addition, the Secretary for Security will move a motion under the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance to seek the Council's approval on the notice, which specifies the revised criteria that a person must satisfy before the Commissioner of Police may, under
the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance, issue to him a permit to do security work.
On bills, the Foreshore, Sea-bed and Roads (Amendment) Bill 2003 and the Bills of Exchange (Amendment) Bill 2003 will be introduced into the Council for First and Second Readings. Second Reading debates on these two bills will be adjourned.
In addition, Second Reading debate on the Education Reorganization (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2002 will resume. If this 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 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, February 17, 2003
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