******************
Following is a question by the Hon Fred Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (February 28):
Question:
Officials of the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau visited Japan in November last year to study the introduction of corrugated cardboard coffins into Hong Kong, with a view to reducing the amount of emissions from cremation and shortening the cremation time. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) how the retail prices of paper coffins compare with those of the traditional wooden coffins;
(b) of the effectiveness of promoting the use of paper coffins in Japan, including the current market share of paper coffins;
(c) whether it has sought the views of members of the funeral trade as well as the public on the use of paper coffins; if so, of the details;
(d) of the anticipated reduction in the waiting time for cremation following the introduction of paper coffins into Hong Kong; and
(e) whether it has plans to promote the use of paper coffins; if so, of the details?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) To our knowledge, no paper coffins are made in Hong Kong at present. Retail prices of paper coffins in Mainland China generally range from around several hundreds to over a thousand Hong Kong dollars. As for traditional wooden coffins, local retail prices range from several thousands to several tens of thousands Hong Kong dollars.
(b) We understand that Japan has only recently introduced eco-coffins made of corrugated cardboard. The effectiveness and the market response have yet to be assessed.
(c) The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has sought the views of members of the funeral trade on the introduction of paper coffins. They have no in-principle objection to employing environmental protection measures, but have reservations about whether the structures of paper coffins are suitable for use in Hong Kong. FEHD is of the view that it would take a period of promotion and education, before the public accept environmental-friendly paper coffins for funeral use.
(d) Despite that the cremation time of paper coffin is shorter than that of wooden coffin (about 26 minutes), the time achieved saved does not increase the number of cremations of old design cremators correspondingly. If eco-coffins are popularly used, FEHD anticipates that its performance pledge on cremation will be improved from the existing 15 days to 14 days.
(e) To promote the use of eco-coffins, FEHD has put up notices at its cremation booking offices, and disseminated relevant information via its website. Publicity leaflets have been prepared and distributed to the public at public mortuaries, hospitals, elderly homes and non-government organisations providing care services for senior citizens. Furthermore, FEHD will take the lead in using eco-coffins for cremating unclaimed bodies, and is planning to invite contractors to supply eco-coffins by open tender.
Ends/Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:11
NNNN
