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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (November 16) at 11am in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on fair competition law.
The motion, to be proposed by Hon Lee Wing-tat, says: "That this council supports the expeditious enactment of a cross-sector law on fair competition and the setting up of a fair competition commission with the powers of investigation and the privilege of confidentiality."
Members will also debate a motion on reducing and remitting the duty on ultra low sulphur diesel. The motion, to be moved by Hon Miriam Lau, states: "That, as the persistently high oil prices and high diesel prices have significantly increased the costs of doing business, and have hit various trades and industries, especially the public transport trade and the whole transport industry, weakened the competitiveness of Hong Kong's logistics industry and seriously affected people's livelihood, this council urges the Government to adopt effective measures to assist the transport industry in opening up new sources of income and cutting expenditure, and to actively consider reducing and remitting the duty on ultra low sulphur diesel for one year until the end of 2006, by which time the situation should be reviewed, so as to alleviate the hardship of the transport industry, relieve public transport operators' pressure to increase fare, and strengthen the position of Hong Kong's logistics industry."
Hon Sin Chung-kai will move an amendment to Hon Miriam Lau's motion.
Meanwhile, the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works will move a resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to amend the Construction Workers Registration (Fees) Regulation laid on the table of the Legislative Council on October 19, 2005.
On bills, Members will resume Second Reading debate on the Marriage (Introduction of Civil Celebrants of Marriages and General Amendments) Bill. 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).
People 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, November 14, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:21
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