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LegCo to debate motion on legislating for safety of drinking water
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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (October 28) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on legislating for safety of drinking water.

     The motion, to be moved by Dr Kwok Ka-ki, states: "That since the discovery of excess lead in drinking water at consumers' taps in some public rental housing estates in Hong Kong in early July this year, more and more cases of excess lead in drinking water samples have been uncovered, including samples taken from Home Ownership Scheme flats, private housing estates, hospitals and even schools, but the Government has shown its ineptitude in handling lead in drinking water incidents, thus shattering Hong Kong people's confidence in the safety of drinking water; in addition, the relevant legislation on water supply in Hong Kong is outdated and unable to effectively regulate the drinking water quality in Hong Kong; in this connection, this Council urges the Government to immediately legislate for the safety of drinking water, so as to ensure that Hong Kong people are able to consume safe and reliable drinking water."

     Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Mr Chan Han-pan, Mr Chan Chi-chuen, Dr Helena Wong and Mr Cheung Kwok-che will move separate amendments to Dr Kwok Ka-ki's motion.

     Mr Martin Liao will move a motion on seizing the opportunities brought about by "One Belt One Road" and seeking new directions for Hong Kong's economy. The motion states: "That the 'Silk Road Economic Belt' and the '21st Century Maritime Silk Road' ('One Belt One Road') is a major strategy for the country's future long-term development, and is a new opportunity for promoting multi-faceted co-operation in regional economies and market development around the world; in this connection, this Council urges the SAR Government to lead and support various industries to seize the opportunities in a timely manner, and seek new directions for the sustainable development of Hong Kong's overall economy."

     Mr Christopher Cheung, Mr Chan Kam-lam, Mr Ng Leung-sing and Mr Ma Fung-kwok will move separate amendments to Mr Martin Liao's motion.

     Meanwhile, Mr Dennis Kwok and Dr Chiang Lai-wan will each move a proposed resolution under section 34(4) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance. Mr Dennis Kwok will move a proposed resolution to extend the period for amending the Live Television Link (Witnesses outside Hong Kong) Rules and the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2015 laid on the table of the Council on July 8, 2015 to the meeting of November 18, 2015. Dr Chiang Lai-wan will move a proposed resolution to extend the period for amending the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Suitors' Funds Rules; the High Court Suitors' Funds (Amendment) Rules 2015; the District Court Suitors' Funds (Amendment) Rules 2015; the Lands Tribunal (Suitors' Funds) Rules; the Labour Tribunal (Suitors' Funds) (Amendment) Rules 2015; and the Small Claims Tribunal (Suitors' Funds) (Amendment) Rules 2015 laid on the table of the Council on July 8, 2015 to the meeting of November 18, 2015.

     On bill, Members will resume Second Reading debate on the Peak Tramway (Amendment) Bill 2015. 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.

     In addition, the Chief Secretary for Administration will present the Government Minute in response to the Report of the Public Accounts Committee No. 63A and No. 64 and address the Council.

     During the meeting, Members will also ask the Government 22 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 on 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. Members of the public can also watch or listen the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website.

Ends/Monday, October 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:03

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