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Following is a question by Ir Dr the Hon Ho Chung-tai and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip (in the absence of Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works) at the Legislative Council meeting today (June 16) :

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of the total amount of public money spent for the purpose of capturing the crocodile at Shan Pui River?

Reply:

Madam President,

Since crocodiles are endangered species protected under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) had tried various measures to capture the crocodile found at Shan Pui River alive. Since the sighting of the crocodile on November 3, 2003, AFCD had spent about $300,000 on the operation. About one third of it was used for making capturing facilities including cage traps, snares, pit-falls and nets, and for setting up temporary outdoor camping facilities for the crocodile experts from Panyu upon their request. The rest was used to hire two security guards for 24-hour surveillance of the crocodile and the facilities since November 22, 2003. The costs incurred by the Australian expert and the Mainland experts for coming to Hong Kong to capture the crocodile last year were paid for by two local commercial newspaper companies. AFCD was mainly responsible for providing supporting manpower and supplies, and was not required to pay any extra cost.

Ends/Wednesday, June 16, 2004

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