************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (June 4) at 11am in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on opportunities to Hong Kong brought about by the thawing cross-strait relations.
The motion, to be moved by Hon Tam Yiu-chung, states: "That, as the new political situation in Taiwan presents major opportunities for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the "Three Direct Links" across the Taiwan Strait may hopefully be established earlier, this Council urges the SAR Government to expeditiously strengthen, through various channels, the close ties between Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as study and implement various proactive measures in respect of finance, economic and trade, aviation and transportation, tourism, technology and immigration arrangements, etc, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness and facilitating the four places on both sides of the Strait to achieve a win-win situation."
Hon Albert Ho, Hon Alan Leong Kah-kit, Hon Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung and Hon Howard Young will move separate amendments to Hon Tam Yiu-chung's motion. Meanwhile, Hon Miriam Lau will move an amendment to amend Hon Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung's amendment.
Members will also debate a motion on promoting the development of local football. The motion, to be proposed by Hon Mrs Sophie Leung, says: "That, as football, being a very popular sport in Hong Kong, is well liked and widely supported by the community, the Government should capitalise on this favourable condition to promote the development of local football and establish team brands, which will not only raise the standards of sports activities, but can also promote social integration and enhance social cohesion; in this connection, this Council urges the Government to:
(a) immediately conduct a detailed study to position the development of local football, formulate an overall development plan, set long-term and short-term goals, and implement the relevant initiatives, etc;
(b) develop football training schemes for local youngsters and enhance the training for young football players with potential, so as to lay a good foundation for the development of local football;
(c) provide support to promote the professionalisation of local football, such as assisting the football sector in drawing up a clear framework and targets for the development of professional football players as well as career paths for coaches and managers, etc to be promoted to the management of football teams, thereby encouraging more football players to take up the sport as their career and facilitating the enhancement of the professional standards of the sport;
(d) provide support for football teams to conduct overseas training and participate in overseas matches, so as to encourage exchange of experience and learning, and become stronger teams; and
(e) draw reference from successful examples in Europe and America to create a favourable environment for establishing local football team brands."
Hon Choy So-yuk and Dr Hon Yeung Sum will move separate amendments to Hon Mrs Sophie Leung's motion.
Meanwhile, Hon James To will move a resolution under the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance to extend the period for repealing the Fugitive Offenders (Ireland) Order, laid on the table of the Legislative Council on May 7, 2008, to the meeting of June 25, 2008.
Hon Kwong Chi-kin will move a resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Pension Benefits Ordinance (Established Offices) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2008, laid on the table of the Legislative Council on May 7, 2008, to the meeting of June 25, 2008.
Hon Audrey Eu will move a resolution under the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending the Sewage Services (Trade Effluent Surcharge) (Amendment) Regulation 2008, laid on the table of the Legislative Council on May 14, 2008, to the meeting of July 2, 2008.
Hon Tsang Yok-sing will move a resolution under Article 75 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China to amend the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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 Legislative Council InfoFax Service (Tel: 2869 9568) or the Legislative Council web site (http://www.legco.gov.hk).
Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Legislative Council Chamber. They may reserve seats by calling 2869 9399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Members of the public can also listen to the meeting via the audio webcast system on the Legislative Council homepage.
Ends/Monday, June 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:27
NNNN