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Following is a question by the Hon Chim Pui-chung and a written reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council today (March 2):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council whether it knows what types of documents and positions will enable their holders to use the VIP facilities and courtesy channels at ports of entry in the Macao SAR and the Mainland, and whether such persons include Members of the Legislative and Executive Councils of the Hong Kong SAR; if they are not included, of the reasons for that, and whether the Government will suggest to the authorities concerned in the Macao SAR and the Mainland that consideration be given to including Members of the Legislative and Executive Councils of the Hong Kong SAR?
Reply:
President,
The Government does not have information on the operation of and the criteria for using the VIP facilities and courtesy channels at ports of entry in Macao and the Mainland. Whether or not to offer such facilities to visitors at their ports of entry fall under the purview of relevant authorities of Macao and the Mainland. For an official delegation of Members of the Legislative Council or Executive Council travelling to Macao or the Mainland, the organising party can consider liaising with the relevant authorities in Macao or the Mainland to ascertain whether special immigration clearance at the relevant border control points can be provided.
Ends/Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:39
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