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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 11) at 2.30pm in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on the demands on the Budget.
The motion, to be proposed by Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong, says: "That this Council demands that, when drawing up the 2004-05 Budget, the Government do not substantially reduce its spending on social welfare, medical services and education, and continue to freeze the government fees and charges which directly affect people's livelihood."
Hon CHAN Kam-lam and Hon Mrs Selina CHOW will move separate amendments to Dr Hon LAW Chi-kwong's motion.
Members will also debate a motion on border industrial zone. The motion, to be moved by Hon Mrs Sophie LEUNG, states: "That this Council urges the Government to expeditiously formulate planning and support measures which are conducive to the development of a border industrial zone, and take the initiative to consult the relevant Mainland authorities with a view to seeking a synergy of the strengths of the Mainland and Hong Kong in supporting the development of the advantaged industries and related trades, so as to attract local, Mainland and foreign investors, promote Hong Kong's economic growth, and create more local employment opportunities."
Hon SIN Chung-kai will move an amendment to Hon Mrs Sophie LEUNG's motion.
Meanwhile, the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands will move a resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to amend Sections 14(4) and 15(2) of the Housing Ordinance (Cap. 283) to transfer the functions exercisable by the Chief Secretary under these two sections to the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands. The relevant functions are to lay a statement of accounts, an audit report and an annual report of the Housing Authority on the table of the Legislative Council each year before specified dates.
On bills, the Undesirable Medical Advertisements (Amendment) Bill 2004 and the Construction Industry Council Bill will be introduced into the Council for First and Second Readings. Debates on these bills will be adjourned.
Members will also resume the Second Reading debate on the Construction Industry Levy (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2003. 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 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, February 9, 2004
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