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The following is issued on behalf of Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting this Wednesday (January 23) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on assisting the middle class.
The motion, to be moved by Dr Elizabeth Quat, states: "That the middle-class people in Hong Kong have all along 'paid large amounts of tax but enjoyed few welfare benefits', which, coupled with rampant inflation, persistently high property prices and uncertain economic prospects in recent years, results in their facing heavy pressure in their career and livelihood; in this connection, this Council urges the Government to put forward proactive measures focusing on areas such as taxation, housing, healthcare, transport, family-friendliness, education and further studies, as well as personal career development, so that public policies can better cater for the interests and aspirations of the middle-class people."
Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Dr Kwok Ka-ki, Mr Kenneth Leung, Dr Fernando Cheung, Mr Sin Chung-kai, Mr Frankie Yick, Mr Charles Mok, Mr Ng Leung-sing and Dr Priscilla Leung will move separate amendments to Dr Quat's motion.
Members will also debate a motion on optimising the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance for the unemployed. The motion, to be moved by Mr James Tien, states: "That this Council urges the Government to expeditiously adopt effective measures to motivate those with the ability to work to be self-reliant and eradicate abuse of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance for the unemployed, so as to focus resources on helping people with genuine needs."
Mr Frankie Yick, Dr Fernando Cheung, Mr Tam Yiu-chung, Mr Tang Ka-piu, Mr Chan Chi-chuen, Mr Ronny Tong and Mr Leung Yiu-chung will move separate amendments to Mr Tien's motion; while Mr Christopher Chung will move an amendment to Mr Leung's amendment.
Meanwhile, Mr Charles Mok will move a proposed resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Telecommunications (Telecommunications Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) (Amendment) Order 2012, laid on the table of the LegCo on January 9, 2013, to the meeting of February 27, 2013.
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 LegCo website (www.legco.gov.hk). Please note that the agenda is subject to change, and the latest information about the agenda could be found in the LegCo website.
Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. They may reserve seats by calling 3919 3399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Members of the public can also watch or listen the meeting via the web broadcast system on the LegCo website.
Ends/Monday, January 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:59
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