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LCQ16: Institutional structure for alleviating poverty
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    Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Financial Secretary , Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council today (April 18):

Question

     Regarding the work in alleviating poverty, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it will consider extending the term of office of members of the Commission on Poverty, which will expire at the end of June this year, and expanding the functions of the Commission so as to ensure the continuation of the work in alleviating poverty;

(b) of the progress in setting up the Family Commission, and how this commission's organisational structure and mode of operation will enable it to coordinate and tie in with the work in alleviating poverty undertaken by other commissions and the relevant advisory bodies (for example, the Commission on Poverty, the Elderly Commission and the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee, etc.); and

(c) whether it has plans to reorganise the existing policy bureaux and government departments with a view to taking forward the work in alleviating poverty in a more effective manner, and whether it will consider transferring the duties of implementing policies concerning employment and welfare services, which are now undertaken by the Economic Development and Labour Bureau and the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau respectively, to a newly-established and dedicated body?


Reply

Madam President,

Reply to (a)

     Assisting the needy has been an established policy.  The Commission on Poverty is examining existing policies and programmes relating to poverty alleviation and prevention, to identify areas of improvements for implementation in the short as well as longer-term, and to make recommendations for continued work.

     The Administration attaches great importance to the work on poverty alleviation and prevention.  The next Administration will decide on the most suitable institutional structure to continue the work.


Reply to (b)

     As set out in the 2006-07 Policy Address, the Administration is currently studying whether we should set up an integrated, holistic and high-level Family Commission responsible for policies and initiatives relating to family support, and if so, the re-organisation and resources re-allocation that need to follow, including its interface with other relevant advisory bodies.  The study is now in progress and will be completed by mid-2007.  A final decision will be made by the next Administration.


Reply to (c)

     Promoting work is core to alleviating poverty and achieving self-reliance.  The Administration will continue to enhance the employability of our workforce, provide effective employment support, promote employment opportunities, and where appropriate provide suitable work incentives to encourage work.  The next Administration will decide on the most suitable institutional structure to continue the task.

Ends/Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:51

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