Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Bill to be introduced into the Council for First Reading and Second Reading
******************************************************************************************
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (January 31) at 11.30am (or immediately after the meeting for the Chief Executive's Question Time to be held at 11am) in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Bill will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
The Second Reading debate on the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants (Amendment) Bill 2017 and the Employment (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2017 will resume. If the Bills are supported by Members and receive their Second Reading, they will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bills and their reports are adopted by the Council, the Bills will be set down for the Third Reading.
On Government motions, the Secretary for Home Affairs will move a proposed resolution under the Legal Aid Ordinance to amend Section 5 and Section 5A of the Legal Aid Ordinance as set out in Appendix 1.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare will move two proposed resolutions under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance and the Pneumoconiosis and Mesothelioma (Compensation) Ordinance respectively to amend Third Schedule of the Employees' Compensation Ordinance and Second Schedule of the Pneumoconiosis and Mesothelioma (Compensation) Ordinance as set out in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3.
On Members' motions, Ms Starry Lee will move a proposed resolution under section 34(4) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules) Order 2018 laid on the table of the Council on January 24, 2018 to the meeting of March 21, 2018.
Mr Chu Hoi-dick and Mr Charles Mok will move three motions respectively under Articles 73(5) and 73(10) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China as set out in Appendices 4 to 6.
Meanwhile, Mr Jimmy Ng will move a motion on establishing a comprehensive "re-industrialisation" policy regime. The motion states: "That given the new opportunities brought about by global reforms in industrial technologies, many countries or places are proactively developing high value-added advanced manufacturing industries, and Hong Kong is no exception; the Government has already made it clear that re-industrialisation is a potential new area of economic growth for Hong Kong, and announced the establishment of a committee on innovation, technology and re-industrialisation; in this connection, this Council urges the Government to conduct a timely review and elevate the positioning of the 're-industrialisation' policy, with a view to upgrading the existing industrial policy regime led by innovation and technology to a comprehensive industrial policy regime which is more independent, forward-looking and systematic; the Government should also examine the role of industries in the local economic structure and societal development, and study the 'external development' feature of Hong Kong's industries, with the aim of providing tax support for those offshore Hong Kong manufacturers engaging in manufacturing and production industries, thereby consolidating the economic foundation of Hong Kong and promoting the diversification of industries."
Mr Ho Kai-ming, Mr Kenneth Leung, Dr Chiang Lai-wan, Mr Wu Chi-wai, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Charles Mok and Mr Jeremy Tam will move separate amendments to Mr Ng's motion.
Mr Ho Kai-ming will move a motion on conducting a comprehensive review of labour legislation to improve labour rights and interests. The motion states: "That this Council urges the Government to make safeguarding labour rights and interests its priority task and expeditiously conduct a comprehensive review of and make amendments to the various legislation relating to labour matters, so as to ensure that such legislation keeps pace with the times."
Mr Luk Chung-hung, Dr Kwok Ka-ki, Dr Helena Wong and Mr Andrew Wan will move separate amendments to Mr Ho's motion.
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 to the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo website.
Ends/Monday, January 29, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:28
Issued at HKT 20:28
NNNN