HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ——— 12 July 1989
香港立法局 一九八九年七月十二日
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MRS. CHOW: Sir, it appears that there is a general lack of appreciation of the sense of urgency about Hong Kong in the United Kingdom. Will the Government undertake to put to Her Majesty's Government in the most effective way that this can best be remedied by inviting the Prime Minister to visit Hong Kong to see for herself the current mood in the territory?
CHIEF SECRETARY: Sir, as I have said in answer to an earlier question from Mrs. CHOW, I will certainly undertake to convey the sentiments expressed in the course of asking these questions.
Conservation of energy
3. PROF. POON asked: Will Government inform this Council whether it has any plans to introduce a programme for the conservation of energy in Hong Kong, including liaising with property developers on energy saving measures for adoption in major buildings and installations and nurturing a more energy- conscious community through education?
FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Sir, in establishing an energy conservation policy for Hong Kong, we must take into account two factors which are of particular relevance to our circumstances. First, Hong Kong is a very small user of energy by international standards, and secondly, we are totally dependent on imports of raw materials for energy generation.
In normal times when supplies are adequate we do not wish to be so restrictive that industries are adversely affected in any way. It is also not our wish to impose restrictions which may affect the lifestyle of our community.
However, we cannot afford to be complacent and we certainly see scope for conserving energy. The public sector has drawn lessons from the oil crises of 1973 and 1979 and has maintained a number of energy economy measures, such as the reduction of non-essential lighting and air-conditioning. The concept of energy conservation is included also in the curricula of both primary and secondary schools to nurture a more energy-conscious community.
In 1979, the Oil (Conservation and Control) Ordinance was enacted to empower Government to take swift action in regulating the supply and consumption of energy. From time to time we have imposed restrictions on the