50 -
AIDS Trust Fund
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Conrad Lam and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Shelley Lau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the operation of the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
(c)
whether the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund will consult the Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA) when it considers the priority of each project, bearing in mind that resources are limited and that one of the terms of reference of the ACA is to advise the Government on the policy relating to the control and prevention of AIDS; if not, why not;
of the procedures adopted, and the time required, by the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund for examining and approving applications for funds; and
whether the Government will consider appointing ACA members into the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund, so as to enhance communication between the two Councils; if so, when such arrangement will be made; if not, why not?
Reply:
The Council for the AIDS Trust Fund is appointed by the Governor. The Secretary for Health and Welfare is a member of the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund as well as receiving the advice of, and being represented on, the Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA). The Council for the AIDS Trust Fund considers the disbursement of ex-gratia payments and project grants on the recommendation of its three sub- committees, each of which has a member who is also a member of the ACA. Whilst we believe that the present interface between the ACA and the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund is satisfactory, we shall continue to monitor the situation and will consider strengthening the relationship between the two bodies as appropriate.