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Reply:
(c)
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
(c)
what mechanism the Government has to facilitate the payment of financial assistance and compensation to persons who have to be treated in hospital and those who suffer permanent physical injuries due to gas attacks?
The source of the unidentified gas in respect of the incident referred to by the Honourable Member could not be established despite a thorough search of the school and the vicinity by the Fire Services Department. There was no evidence to suggest that the gas originated from the Tai Po Industrial Estate.
The Education Department has issued a circular to all schools, including those for the disabled, providing guidance on measures to be taken in the event of gas leaks or reports of unidentified gases or odours. These measures include the prompt removal of pupils from the affected area to a safe place with fresh air, care by a responsible member of staff for pupils not feeling well, and requesting for emergency services. Under these general guidelines to handle emergency situations, school heads are able to exercise their discretion to minimise adverse effect to the pupils while avoiding unnecessary anxiety or alarm.
Like any other patients suffer from gas attack and in financial hardship as a result of hospitalisation or permanent physical injuries may also apply for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA). For CSSA recipients, their treatment at public hospitals will be free of charge. Those who suffer permanent physical injuries due to gas attacks resulting in a disability broadly equivalent to 100% loss of earning capacity will be eligible for a Disability Allowance. There are no specific schemes for compensation to be paid to persons who suffered injuries as a result of a gas attack. However, under our legal system,
anyone
who believes that he has suffered a harm or loss as a result of an act or omission by another person may seek redress in the civil courts.
End