Question 1
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Preventing students from falling victim to scams and pitfalls
Hon Duncan CHIU to ask:
It is reported that according to the latest figures from the Police, there were 327 telephone scam cases involving Mainland students last year, resulting in an aggregate loss exceeding $230 million. On average, each student victim was defrauded of over $700,000. Furthermore, a recent case involved a Hong Kong university student from the Mainland who is suspected to have suffered a financial loss after falling victim to a telephone scam involving the impersonation of government officials, before subsequently jumping to her death. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the following information regarding scam cases involving students in the first nine months of this year: (i) the number of telephone and cyber scam cases involving local, Mainland and overseas students, (ii) the total amount of money defrauded, along with the highest individual amount, and (iii) the main countries or regions of origin of the overseas students who fell victim to these scams;
(2)
whether it has conducted an analysis of telephone and cyber scam cases involving students, including the deception tactics employed by fraudsters and the communication software or social networking platforms involved; if so, of the findings of such analysis and the countermeasures that the authorities will adopt, including whether they will work with local commercial entities, such as mobile network and social networking platform operators, to introduce enhanced measures to prevent students from falling victim to telephone and cyber scams and pitfalls; if so, the specific details;
(3)
whether it will consult with various local universities and formulate effective measures to strengthen awareness of telephone and cyber scam prevention among local, Mainland and overseas students, including requiring students to attend designated seminars on scam prevention and pass relevant assessments upon admission; and
(4)
whether the authorities have reviewed the current anti-scam promotional efforts and their effectiveness in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and universities, with a view to enhancing young people's awareness of and capability in scam prevention; whether the authorities have set specific targets to determine which anti-scam initiatives require further enhancement and updating, and formulated a timetable for implementing various enhancement measures?
Question 2
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Efforts to attract investment
Dr Hon SO Cheung-wing to ask:
The Global Investment Promotion Conference for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("the Conference"), jointly hosted by the governments of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao in Guangzhou last year, has become as an effective channel and important platform for cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("Greater Bay Area") to collaborate in investment attraction efforts. It has been reported that the Conference achieved remarkable results last year, drawing the participation of over 430 representatives from Fortune Global 500 companies and top-notch enterprises in the industries, with total investment commitments amounting to RMB 2.26 trillion. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
as it is reported that the Conference will be held annually as a regular event on 8 November, of the city which will host the Conference this year; whether an estimate is made on the number of foreign and Hong Kong enterprises to be invited; how the SAR Government will assist Hong Kong enterprises in securing new investment and trade projects;
(2)
among the 1 933 investment projects reportedly signed at last year's Conference, of those involving the participation of Hong Kong;
(3)
given that Invest Hong Kong and its Mainland counterpart have established the Pan-Greater Bay Area Inward Investment Liaison Group, of the number of promotional and other investment attraction activities organized by the Group over the past year; and
(4)
whether it will consider organizing overseas (such as in the Middle East and ASEAN countries) investment attraction activities in collaboration with other Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area?
Question 3
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Repair works for potholes on roads
Hon Edmund WONG to ask:
Hong Kong has experienced consecutive rainstorms during the summer holidays this year, and the Hong Kong Observatory had even issued Black Rainstorm Signal on a record-breaking five occasions within less than three weeks. It is learnt that after the rainstorms, some road users have complained about the numerous potholes of different sizes on road surfaces, which seriously affected road safety. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
regarding the Black Rainstorm Signal issued on five occasions during the summer holidays this year, of the number of reports or complaints received by the Highways Department ("HyD") concerning the occurrence of potholes on road surfaces after the rainstorms, with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory;
(2)
upon receipt of the reports or complaints mentioned in (1) by the authorities, of the minimum, maximum and average number of days required by the contractors responsible for road maintenance to complete the repair works; and
(3)
as some members of the public have pointed out that roads with repaired potholes were easily damaged again by rainwater, and the repaired sections are repeatedly sustaining damage, whether HyD has kept records of the roads concerned; whether HyD has imposed penalties on the contractors responsible for road maintenance due to quality problems of the aforesaid repair works for potholes over the past three years, or instructed the contractors concerned to comprehensively enhance the quality of repair and maintenance works of road surfaces; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Question 4
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Providing facilitation for visitors coming to Hong Kong to participate in short-term activities
Hon Kenneth FOK to ask:
There are views pointing out that the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors ("the STV Scheme") launched by the Government aims to provide immigration facilitation arrangements to visitors invited or sponsored by authorized host organizations to come to Hong Kong for undertaking short-term activities which are beneficial to the development of Hong Kong and allow them to participate in specified activities in 12 designated sectors during the period of their stay as visitor, which is of positive significance in promoting Hong Kong to develop the "eight centres". However, there are views pointing out that the 2025-2026 Budget proposes to introduce application fees for various talent admission schemes and increase visa fees, which will impose cost pressure on the organizations which has not been included in the list of authorized host organizations under the STV Scheme ("unauthorized organizations"). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the number of activities in which visitors coming to Hong Kong under the STV Scheme were allowed to participate in each of the past three years, with a breakdown by type of activities, duration of activities (i.e., 1 to 3 days, 4 to 7 days, 8 to 10 days, and over 10 days) and designated sector;
(2)
since the introduction of application fees for talent admission schemes and increase in visa fees, whether the Government has assessed the financial burden imposed on unauthorized organizations by such arrangements, as well as the impact on the number of activities organized by such organizations, including the number of activities cancelled due to financial pressure arising from additional visa fees; if so, of the outcome;
(3)
as some members of the industry have relayed that it may necessitate a reduction in international exchange activities due to the rising costs for visa application since organizations are required to apply for employment visas for visitors invited to Hong Kong to participate in short-term activities not covered by activities in the designated sectors under the STV Scheme, of the Government's specific measures in place to support such organizations, such as introducing extremely short-term employment visas at lower costs and streamlining visa application procedures;
(4)
to ensure that the STV Scheme remains relevant to industry needs, whether the Government has established mechanisms for regular review, including consulting the representatives from the relevant sectors to update the list of authorized host organizations; whether it will step up efforts in promoting the STV Scheme to the industry, so as to clearly explain the application eligibility and requirements, as well as the specific requirements for activities in each designated sector; and
(5)
as there are views that since only four organizations are recognized as authorized host organizations in the "art and cultural" sector under the STV Scheme (namely the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hong Kong Arts Development Council and West Kowloon Cultural District Authority), it is difficult for many arts and cultural groups ("arts groups") to benefit from the STV Scheme, which is contrary to the original intent of the Scheme, whether the Government will review the selection mechanism for authorized host organizations, including expanding the coverage of authorized host organizations in the "art and cultural" sector to include other recognized arts groups; if so, of the details and timetable?
Question 5
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Neighborhood Support Child Care Project
Hon TANG Ka-piu to ask:
The Government announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the service places under the Neighborhood Support Child Care Project ("the Care Project") would be increased to 2 500, providing flexible child care services for families in need. However, an incident took place last year in the Tuen Mun District involving a suspected case of abuse leading to serious injuries of an infant under the care of a home-based child carer ("HCC"), arousing public concern about the service quality of HCC. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
given that the Government has increased the incentive payment for HCCs since April last year and increased the service places for HCCs in the fourth quarter of last year, of the specific measures and mechanisms put in place by the Government to enhance and ensure the quality of HCCs, particularly whether additional training has been provided for HCCs who need to take care of young children under the age of three, ethnic minority children or children with disabilities; if so, of the details;
(2)
whether it has compiled statistics on the current number of HCCs, their academic qualifications or professional qualifications, with a tabulated breakdown by age group (each group covering 10 years of age);
(3)
whether it has compiled statistics on the current number of persons who work as HCCs and take care of their own children at the same time, as well as the number of surveillance cameras installed in their homes, and set out the breakdown in a table;
(4)
whether it has established a regular mechanism to access HCC services to ensure their service quality; if so, of the relevant assessment indicators;
(5)
of the respective numbers of children currently using the relevant services under the Care Project and HCCs in various districts;
(6)
it has been reported that the aforesaid child abuse incident took place more than 18 months ago, yet its investigation remains inconclusive, of the latest progress of the investigation into the incident; whether the Social Welfare Department has conducted an investigation into the organization providing the relevant HCC services after the incident; if so, of the investigation results; if not, the reasons for that;
(7)
as there are views that despite the dedicated efforts of healthcare personnel to treat the child injured in the aforesaid child abuse incident, the child's development is likely to be affected in the long run because of serious injuries, how the Government will provide appropriate support and assistance to the child in areas such as rehabilitation, welfare and education; and
(8)
in response to the aforesaid child abuse incident, whether the Government has proposed any targeted improvement measures to enhance the service quality of the Care Project; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Question 6
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Installation of traffic signal systems at roundabouts
Hon Michael TIEN to ask:
It is learnt that since the installation of a traffic signal system at Pok Oi Roundabout in Yuen Long on 9 February this year, members of the public and motorists generally consider that the system has effectively eased traffic flow and significantly improved traffic conditions at the roundabout. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the comparisons of the following traffic data at Pok Oi Roundabout before and after the installation of the traffic signal system:
(i)
the average traffic queue length (in metres) at each of the southbound and northbound entrances during peak hours (7:00 am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm);
(ii)
the time period during which the longest traffic queue occurred and its duration;
(iii)
the average time taken for vehicles to pass through the roundabout; and
(iv)
changes in the number of traffic incidents (set out by nature of the incidents); and
(2)
whether it has plans to, after obtaining data confirming that traffic signal systems can effectively improve traffic flow and safety at roundabouts, conduct a comprehensive study on installing a real-time adaptive traffic signal system at every roundabout in Hong Kong, with a view to using artificial intelligence and big data to monitor traffic flow and adjust signals in real time; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Question 7
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Sales model of "blind boxes"
Dr Hon Hoey Simon LEE to ask:
It is learnt that in recent years, the sale of products in the form of "blind boxes" (i.e. commodities whose contents are unidentifiable by consumers in advance) has become increasingly common among some merchants. However, such sales model has also aroused consumers' concerns about their rights and interests as well as its impact on minors. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
whether the authorities have regulated the sales model of blind boxes under the current legal and regulatory framework;
(2)
as there are views that under the sales model of blind boxes, consumers are more inclined to pursue the thrill and chance-taking mentality from not being able to identify the contents of the blind box items in advance rather than the items themselves, whether the Government has assessed the gambling elements that may be inherent in the sales model of blind boxes and its impact on minors;
(3)
it is learnt that some European Union countries, Singapore and the Mainland have imposed regulation on the sale of blind boxes, whether the authorities will consider drawing on the experience of the aforesaid countries to improve the current regulatory framework for the sales model of blind boxes;
(4)
it is learnt that in addition to blind boxes available for sale offline, consumers can also purchase blind boxes sold outside Hong Kong through online platforms, whether the authorities have assessed if the existing legislation and regulation are sufficient to guard against such risks relating to tax avoidance and prohibited articles that may be associated with blind boxes sold outside Hong Kong; and
(5)
as the State Administration for Market Regulation issued the Guidelines on Rules for Blind Box Business Operations (for Trial Implementation) in June 2023, which include a specific negative sales list prohibiting the sale of certain commodities such as medicinal products, medical devices as well as flammables and explosives in the form of blind boxes, while also imposing restrictions on products such as cosmetics and food that have a bearing on public health, whether the Government will consider drawing on such practice to regulate the sales practice of commodities relating to public health and safety?
Question 8
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Prevention of herpes zoster
Hon Benson LUK to ask:
It is learnt that there are at present over 80 recognized autoimmune disorders, with as many as 30 000 patients in Hong Kong suffering from such disorders who are at greater risk of contracting herpes zoster ("HZ") (commonly known as "shingles") than average persons. While various forms of HZ vaccination plans (commonly known as "shingles vaccine") are available at various prices in the private healthcare market, the charges are considerable, with ordinary medical groups charging no less than HK$5,000. Yet the vaccine provides effective protection for only 10 years and revaccination is necessary afterwards. Ordinary grass roots may not be able to afford the expenses. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
given that HZ vaccine is currently not included in the Government Vaccination Programme, and that in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on 20 November last year, the Government indicated that the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases considered that more local data from a cost-benefit analysis would be required for future consideration on whether to include HZ vaccine in the Government Vaccination Programme, whether relevant reviews have been conducted by the authorities; if so, of the details and the outcomes of the latest review; if not, the reasons for that;
(2)
as it is learnt that it is more difficult for patients with autoimmune disorders than average persons to ascertain whether they have HZ because they may often experience unknown pain, redness and various inflammations, and as a result these patients have to spend considerable time and expenses to identify the cause of their ailments, whether the authorities have formulated any established mechanism to assist such patients in early detection and treatment of HZ; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3)
in the long term, whether the SAR Government will consider including HZ vaccine in its Vaccination Programme when its public financial resources return to a sufficient level, so that grass-roots patients with autoimmune disorders or other high-risk individuals can receive subsidized vaccination services?
Question 9
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Promoting the development of private equity funds
Hon Robert LEE to ask:
The Government stated in the 2024 Policy Address that it would facilitate the opening of new distribution channels for private equity ("PE") funds through the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited ("HKEX"); and the 2025-2026 Budget further mentioned that in order to facilitate more PE funds to list in Hong Kong, the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") had clarified the relevant regulatory requirements to encourage sizeable alternative asset funds with regular income streams to raise funds. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
whether it will urge SFC and HKEX to work together on finalizing the details of the relevant regulatory policies as soon as possible, such as establishing valuation standards, setting up a fast-track approval mechanism, etc., to facilitate the listing of more PE funds in the form of limited partnership funds in Hong Kong;
(2)
whether, to attract more large overseas PE funds to list in Hong Kong, the Government will consider offering tax incentives and urge HKEX to reduce relevant listing fees;
(3)
whether it will enhance collaboration with the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority ("MPFA") to formulate guidelines for investing Mandatory Provident Fund ("MPF") assets in listed PE funds and clearly assign risk ratings (e.g. low, medium or high risk) to such funds so that MPF trustees can invest in suitable PE funds in accordance with their investment policies in the future; and
(4)
whether it will introduce measures in collaboration with SFC, HKEX and MPFA on investor education on PE funds, such as organizing seminars and developing risk disclosure handbooks, to raise the awareness of listed PE funds among retail and institutional investors, thereby promoting the development of PE fund business?
Question 10
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Industrial water supply
Dr Hon Wendy HONG to ask:
Some members of the industry operating data centres have recently relayed to me that the industrial water supply at Tseung Kwan O InnoPark (formerly known as "Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate") is insufficient, hindering the development of industries that require substantial industrial water usage. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the annual industrial water consumption over the past decade, and its percentage share of Hong Kong's total fresh water consumption;
(2)
whether it has compiled statistics on the water consumption of the three InnoParks managed by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (namely Tai Po InnoPark, Yuen Long InnoPark and Tseung Kwan O InnoPark) over the past decade, and their respective percentage shares of Hong Kong's total industrial water consumption;
(3)
whether the Government has made appropriate planning for the overall water supply to industrial areas and InnoParks, such as setting water supply caps for various industrial areas and InnoParks;
(4)
given that the Government began implementing pilot schemes involving the use of reclaimed water in Hong Kong in 2006, and it is learnt that Singapore began using reclaimed water for industrial purposes years ago, of the current scope of industrial application of reclaimed water in Hong Kong; whether it has plans to implement schemes involving the use of reclaimed water in InnoParks; and
(5)
given that Hong Kong is navigating through a period of "new industrialization", numerous data centres, microelectronics-related enterprises and artificial intelligence-related businesses are establishing their presence one after another, and that such enterprises typically require substantial industrial water supplies for operating cooling systems, whether the Government has forecast the water demand of these emerging technology enterprises and formulated planning proposals to address the anticipated sustained increase in industrial water consumption?
Question 11
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Government outsourced services involving employment of professionals
Hon LAM San-keung to ask:
This Council passed the motion on "Taking the lead by the Government to review the outsourcing system" at its meeting on 15 November 2023, urging the Government to take the lead to review and reform the outsourcing system, including giving priority to local enterprises which employ local professionals when outsourcing, so that local employees can gain work experience and enhance their competitiveness. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the number of vacancies in government professional grades (e.g. lawyers, accountants and engineers) in each of the past three years; whether it has reviewed which professional grades are facing chronic manpower shortages;
(2)
of the number of local professionals employed by the Government through outsourced service contracts or by outsourcing organizations in the past three years (set out by profession), and the amounts of money involved; and
(3)
of the criteria adopted by the Government for evaluating tenders for outsourced services involving the employment of professionals or the provision of professional services, such as whether it will require the services to be provided by local professionals?
Question 12
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Manpower for public healthcare
Hon Tony TSE to ask:
There are views pointing out that with manpower shortages faced by Hong Kong's public healthcare system, it has become a norm for frontline healthcare personnel to work overtime and this not only affects their physical and mental wellbeing but also the quality of healthcare services. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
whether it knows the average weekly working hours, overtime hours, frequency of duty shifts and on-site call duties of healthcare personnel in the public healthcare system in the past three years, with a breakdown by grade;
(2)
whether it knows the details of the current overtime compensation mechanism in the public healthcare system; the respective numbers of healthcare personnel of various categories who received overtime allowance or compensation, and the amounts involved, in the past three years; and
(3)
of the latest status of the implementation of various measures (including the recruitment of non-locally trained healthcare professionals) introduced by the Government as an effort to alleviate the pressure arising from manpower shortages in the public healthcare system (particularly among healthcare personnel in public hospitals); how the efficiency of healthcare personnel as a whole can be enhanced through smart healthcare and multi-disciplinary collaboration?
Question 13
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Barrier-free facilities in public housing
Hon YANG Wing-kit to ask:
Residents of certain aged public housing estates (including public rental housing ("PRH") estates under the Hong Kong Housing Authority ("HA") and rental estates under the Hong Kong Housing Society ("HS")) have relayed that there is a lack of adequate barrier-free access and facilities within their estates, which is non-conducive to the mobility of the elderly and persons with impaired mobility. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
whether it knows the plans of HA and HS to enhance barrier-free access and facilities in their aged PRH estates and rental estates (including the progress of ongoing projects); and
(2)
as it is learnt that the staircase connecting Kau Pui Lung Road to Blocks A to E of Lok Man Sun Chuen under HS serves as an essential access route to and from the estate, while there are views pointing out that this access route lacks barrier-free facilities, thereby causing inconvenience to the elderly and persons with impaired mobility in their daily access, whether the Government will urge HS to construct an access ramp or install a lift at the relevant location in Lok Man Sun Chuen to address this issue; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Question 14
(For written reply)
(Translation)
The measures of "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law" and "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong"
Hon Erik YIM to ask:
The Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement Agreement on Trade in Services ("Amendment Agreement II") brings the addition of "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law" and "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong" as facilitation measures for Hong Kong investors, supports Hong Kong-invested enterprises registered in the pilot municipalities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("GBA") to adopt Hong Kong law or Macao law as the applicable law in their contracts, and supports Hong Kong-invested enterprises registered in the nine Pearl River Delta municipalities in the GBA to choose Hong Kong or Macao as the seat of arbitration. In addition, the Supreme People's Court and the Ministry of Justice jointly issued the Opinion on Fully Leveraging the Functions of Arbitration to Serve the High-Quality Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in February this year to propose the extension details of the two measures. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
regarding the addition of the measures of "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law" and "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong" under Amendment Agreement II, whether the Government will clearly specify their scopes of application, including the industries and types of cases covered; if so, when the relevant details will be announced;
(2)
given the views that at present there are differences in the arbitral proceedings between the Mainland and Hong Kong (such as the emergency arbitrator system and application procedures for interim measures), how the Government will take part in formulating the relevant arbitration rules in implementing the measure of "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong", and whether it will promote the adoption of internationally accepted standards; and
(3)
given that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have agreed to jointly establish the Panel of GBA Arbitrators, how the Government will ensure that the professional qualifications of local arbitrators align with the standards adopted in the Mainland; whether it will further enhance the various talent admission schemes to attract more international arbitration experts to come to Hong Kong for development?
Question 15
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Assisting members of the public in relieving stress
Prof Hon Priscilla LEUNG to ask:
A research institute has recently announced that, according to the statistics of the Coroner's Court, the suicide rate in Hong Kong was estimated at 14.1 per 100,000 people last year. This represents an increase of 0.6 from 13.5 in 2023, which exceeds international standards. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
whether it will, in light of the latest situation, strengthen mental health and emotional support services in the community, as well as step up publicity and education efforts on social media to help citizens from diverse backgrounds relieve stress, so that they will know where to seek help; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2)
as it has been reported that the suicide rate among males aged between 25 and 39 saw the most significant increase last year, with 28.6% of male suicides attributed to financial problems such as debts, unemployment, gambling or business failures, whether the Government will consider collaborating with community organizations and professional bodies to provide targeted counselling services for male groups, assist them in channelling their emotions and formulate appropriate response plans; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3)
as it has been reported that a Mainland university student studying in Hong Kong has recently fell to her death after allegedly falling victim to phone scams, whether the Government will consider further strengthening cooperation with tertiary institutions by not only enhancing students' awareness of fraud prevention, but also strengthening the emotional support services for Mainland and overseas students, with a view to enabling them to focus on their studies and enjoy a simple and positive campus life in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Question 16
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Outside seating accommodation of restaurants
Hon Rock CHEN to ask:
The 2025 Policy Address announced that the Government will streamline the procedures to expedite the approval process of applications for outside seating accommodation ("OSA") of restaurants and introduce a licensing arrangement allowing operators to let dogs enter their food premises. There are views that the measures relating to OSA and allowing dogs to enter food premises are conducive to the expansion of business opportunities for food premises, thereby effectively unleashing the economic vitality of the community. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the number of applications for OSA licences of restaurants received and approved by the Government over the past three years, as well as the average number of days for vetting and approving those applications and the success rate; the anticipated average number of working days to be shortened to in vetting and approving those applications following the introduction of measures to expedite the approval process of OSA applications; whether there are plans to introduce artificial intelligence technologies to streamline the approval process; if so, of the specific timetable for implementing such technologies;
(2)
of the following information regarding restaurants approved by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to set up OSA in the past three years: (i) the number of prosecutions in respect of contraventions relating to OSA in each year; (ii) the average amount of fine and highest penalty imposed in such prosecution cases; (iii) the number of restaurants which had their restaurant licenses revoked due to contraventions relating to OSA; and (iv) the average amount of Government rent paid by restaurants for setting up OSA;
(3)
while introducing measures to expedite the approval process for OSA applications of restaurants, whether it will review the clauses for setting up OSA, e.g. requiring restaurants located in areas with high daytime but low nigh-time pedestrian flows to set up OSA during night time only; whether flexible approval procedures and management standards can be put in place for OSA applications of restaurants near venues of special events, such as those organizing "a mega event in every district", so as to stimulate the economic vitality of the community and meet the operational needs during the mega events; and
(4)
of the details of the research conducted by the Government on allowing dogs to enter food premises, including whether it has examined the specific practices of allowing dogs to enter food premises in the Mainland and overseas countries and regions (e.g. the type of applicable premises, conditions for dog access, operational management regulations, health safeguards and dispute resolution mechanism); whether relevant management measures and code of practice for the licensing arrangement allowing operators to let dogs enter their food premises would be developed based on the research findings, with a view to achieving a pet-friendly community while safeguarding restaurants and public health security?
Question 17
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Default on payment of wages to employees
Hon LUK Chung-hung to ask:
There are views pointing out that the economic development of Hong Kong faces many challenges, including a series of business closures and frequent wage default problems in the construction, catering and retail industries which impair workers' rights. Under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57), employers who fail to pay wages to employees within seven days after the expiry of the wage period is liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the number of cases of default on payment of wages to employees received by the Labour Department ("LD") in each of the past three years, as well as the average amount of wages in arrears per person in each case, together with a breakdown by industry;
(2)
of the number of cases in which LD initiated prosecutions against wage default cases in each of the past three years (including the cases in which fines, imprisonment or community service orders were imposed); among the cases with fines imposed, the average amount of fine in each case;
(3)
regarding wage default cases, of the criteria adopted by LD for determining whether criminal prosecution against the relevant parties will be initiated;
(4)
whether it has reviewed if the current penalties for wage defaults have sufficient deterrent effect; of the measures put in place by the authorities to further strengthen monitoring and regulation to eradicate defaults on payment of wages to employees and abuses of the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund; and
(5)
of the measures in place to further strengthen publicity and education efforts to remind employers not to default on payment of wages and risk violating the law?
Question 18
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Engaging in high-risk activities during inclement weather
Hon Nixie LAM to ask:
There are views pointing out that despite the Government's repeated appeals for members of the public to stay away from dangerous areas during inclement weather, many people ignore such appeals and go storm-chasing. Such acts not only pose a serious threat to their own lives but also add to the burden of Government rescue services and deplete public emergency response resources. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the total number of cases received by the Government in the past two years where members of the public disregarded the Government's appeals and engaged in high-risk activities (such as storm-chasing, wave-watching, swimming) when inclement weather warning signals (including Amber, Red or Black Rainstorm Warnings, and Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals No. 3 or above) were in force, subsequently encountering danger and seeking assistance; the average cost incurred by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department and the Government Flying Service in conducting search and rescue operations for such cases;
(2)
whether it will review the existing legislation to introduce clear penalties against the acts of members of the public of engaging in high-risk activities under inclement weather warnings, for example, imposing stringent penalties for going to high-risk locations (such as coastal areas, mountain creeks, and embankments) when a rainstorm warning signal is in force, so as to enhance the deterrent effect; if so, of the specific details (including timetable); if not, the reasons for that; and
(3)
as it has been reported that some parents still bring their children to high-risk areas during extreme weather, whether the Government will, in response to such reckless acts, further enhance the regulations concerning the care and supervision of children, including expressly defining such acts as illegal and stepping up the relevant penalties; how the Government will enhance parents' safety awareness during extreme weather through family education by means of home-school communication, community parent-child activities, etc.?
Question 19
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Spalling of mosaic tiles in public housing estates
Hon Kingsley WONG to ask:
I often receive complaints and requests for assistance from residents of public housing estates ("PHEs") about the spalling of mosaic tiles on the external walls of buildings, and it was reported that there were occasional accidents of members of the public being injured by spalled mosaic tiles detaching from the external walls of buildings. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the list of PHEs where mosaic tiles have been used as a major building material for external walls;
(2)
of the number of cases of mosaic tiles spalling (on external walls, walls of lift lobbies and corridors, etc.) in PHEs over the past three years and, among such cases, the number of those resulting in injuries to passers-by, as well as the estates involved in such cases (including the names of blocks) and their block types (e.g. Trident, Harmony, and Concord), their years of completion, and the causes of the spalling of mosaic tiles on the external walls;
(3)
given that the spalling of mosaic tiles will also occur at locations such as walls of lift lobbies and corridors in PHEs, whether the Government has measures in place to ensure the safe entry and exit of residents, such as arranging professionals to carry out regular checks and timely repairs;
(4)
whether it will conduct a general survey on the conditions of mosaic tiles in older PHEs (e.g. those aged 30 years or above) to facilitate early repair works, thereby safeguarding public safety; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5)
of the main reasons for using mosaic tiles as a material for the walls of buildings (including external walls, walls of lift lobbies and corridors) in PHEs; whether it will consider reducing the use of mosaic tiles and choosing other building materials that are equally aesthetic and practical but safer?
Question 20
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Safeguarding employment opportunities for local workers
Dr Hon NGAN Man-yu to ask:
The 2025 Policy Address has proposed measures to ensure employment priority of local workers. On the other hand, the Government has, since 30 June this year, introduced a new channel under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, allowing individuals meeting the qualifications under the Technical Professional List to come to Hong Kong to engage in eight skilled trades facing manpower shortage. However, there are views pointing out that the relevant arrangements may create negative impacts on the employment opportunities for local workers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
given that the 2025 Policy Address has proposed to tighten the manning ratio requirement for waiters/waitresses and junior cooks under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme ("ESLS") (i.e. a manning ratio of 2:1 for full-time local employees to imported workers), and change the current calculation method based on all posts being applied for by employers to the one based on individual posts being applied for, whether the Government has compiled statistics on the proportion of local workers in individual trades under the existing manning ratio requirement of ESLS; whether it has identified employers hiring local workers in different trades or on a part-time basis to meet the manning ratio requirement of ESLS; if such cases have been identified, of the Government's existing monitoring mechanisms and improvement measures;
(2)
whether it will consider extending the arrangement for tightening the manning ratio requirement mentioned in (1) to more post categories, and study prohibiting employers from hiring local workers on a part-time basis to meet the manning ratio requirement;
(3)
given that the 2025 Policy Address has proposed to step up efforts to combat illegal workers, including establishing a dedicated reporting hotline and promoting more inter-departmental joint operations, of the Government's specific plans and expected effectiveness in respect of the aforesaid measures;
(4)
as it is learnt that in recent years, some lawbreakers have arranged for illegal workers to come to Hong Kong to provide services after soliciting business through social media platforms (such as Xiaohongshu), and then arranged for such illegal workers to work in concealed locations, of the total number of surprise inspections conducted by the Government to combat illegal workers in the past year and the effectiveness of such enforcement actions, including the number of illegal workers and employers arrested in such actions, as well as the number of prosecutions instituted;
(5)
regarding the eight newly added skilled trades on the aforesaid Technical Professional List, of the respective numbers of applicants and approved quotas for each trade to date; whether it has plans to dynamically adjust the quotas for each trade based on the progress of local training and manpower supply; if not, whether it will consider establishing a mechanism which allows both additions and deductions to avoid excessive quotas and safeguard employment for local skilled personnel; and
(6)
whether the Government has grasped Hong Kong's employment situation in respect of dependants of individuals coming to Hong Kong under various talent admission schemes (including individuals coming to Hong Kong who meet the qualifications under the Technical Professional List), including information such as the trades in which they engaged, their income levels and educational backgrounds, and whether it has assessed the impacts of the employment situation of such dependants on the local labour market; whether the Government will compile statistics on the information of such dependants when conducting manpower projections or population censuses, so as to assess the relevant manpower supply and demand trends; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Question 21
(For written reply)
(Translation)
e-CNY wallets
Hon Holden CHOW to ask:
Hong Kong has become the first pilot area outside the Mainland where e-CNY wallets have been made fully available for setting up and use by residents since May last year. According to a press release issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") in May last year, Hong Kong users could top up their e-CNY wallets via the Faster Payment System ("FPS") through 17 local retail banks, with support for cross-border payments in 26 Mainland pilot areas (including Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area). It is learnt that while e-CNY wallets have been in operation for a year or so, public concerns have persisted over e-CNY wallets' usage restrictions, application scenario coverage and cross-border efficiency. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
whether it has compiled statistics on the total number of e-CNY personal wallets set up by Hong Kong residents and their utilization rate (i.e. at least one transaction per month) as at May this year; if it has not compiled such statistics, whether HKMA will collect such data in the future; whether the progress of setting up e-CNY wallets in Hong Kong meets the authorities' expectations as compared with other Mainland pilot cities (e.g. Shenzhen or Shanghai);
(2)
whether it has compiled statistics on the current coverage rate of Hong Kong retail merchants accepting e-CNY payments, and the respective distribution of such merchants across the three regions, namely Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories; if it has not compiled such statistics, whether HKMA will collect such data in the future; whether HKMA has assessed the effectiveness of its specific measures to promote the acceptance of e-CNY wallets by local merchants for payment;
(3)
as there are views that while the add value service via FPS offers convenience, the current limit per transaction and annual cumulative payment limit for e-CNY wallets are RMB 2,000 and RMB 50,000 respectively, whether the authorities have assessed if such arrangements are sufficient to meet Hong Kong people's cross-border consumption demand; whether the relevant limits will be relaxed specifically for business travellers or frequent users of e-CNY wallets;
(4)
in the Multiple Central Bank Digital Currency Bridge project jointly conducted by HKMA with other central banks, of the cumulative amount of cross-border trade settlement completed by Hong Kong enterprises using e-CNY and the reduction in handling fees; whether it knows the measures put in place by HKMA to enhance enterprises' participation in the project; and
(5)
whether it knows HKMA's specific timetable for rolling out functional upgrade (e.g. introducing real-name authentication and increasing personal transfer limits) to e-CNY wallets and expanding the application scenarios (e.g. supply chain finance and cross-border payment of wages) for enterprises?
Question 22
(For written reply)
(Translation)
Management of Government property
Hon Andrew LAM to ask:
The Financial Secretary Incorporated ("FSI") may hold and manage Government property, and for certain large development projects involving the Government such as the Cyberport, the Government will also set up companies owned by FSI to deal with the projects. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1)
of the projects FSI is currently engaged in or managing, directly and indirectly, and the companies or bodies owned by FSI (set out in a table);
(2)
for the projects in which FSI is directly or indirectly engaged as mentioned in (1), of the government departments responsible for the actual monitoring of such projects, and the management frameworks or mechanisms respectively; and
(3)
given that the 2025 Policy Address proposes to set up a Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models, to be led by the Financial Secretary, under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to formulate development and operation models for industry parks in the Northern Metropolis, taking into account their nature and scale, whether the Government will draw on the models and mechanisms previously employed in projects in which FSI was directly or indirectly engaged, or introduce other new models in taking forward and running the projects of various industry parks; if so, of the details?