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

The Legislative Council will hold a two-day meeting this Wednesday (April 2) and Thursday (April 3) at 2.30 pm in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Appropriation Bill 2003 will resume.

The Bill, introduced into the Council on 5 March 2003, seeks to provide authority for expenditure of $279,468,734,000 for the services of the Government in the financial year commencing on 1 April 2003. Members will speak on the Bill.

Meanwhile, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology will move a resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to amend the Trade Marks Rules. The Secretary for Economic Development and Labour will also move two resolutions under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance and the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance respectively to amend the levels of medical expenses.

Members will also ask the Administration 20 questions on various policy areas, all of which require written 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.

End/Monday, March 31, 2003

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