End
(b)
39
As mentioned in the preamble to this reply, only applications for imported workers from the employers direct will be accepted under any of our importation of labour schemes. As such, no other agencies or companies are allowed to import workers under any of our existing labour importation schemes.
Any person or agency engaged in the business of deploying illegal workers for employment by employers commits the offence of aiding and abetting the breach of condition of stay under both the Immigration Ordinance and the Criminal Procedures Ordinance, for which he is liable on conviction to the maximum penalty of a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years. The Immigration Department conducts regular and surprise raids at places and districts where ample opportunities of illegal employment are believed to exist. In the course of such operations, any persons or agencies suspected to be aiding and abetting the employment of illegal workers will be investigated with a view to prosecution under the above two Ordinances.
Functions of Rice Advisory Committee
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Cheung-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Trade and Industry, Miss Denise Yue, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
how the Rice Advisory Committee (RAC), which comprises mainly of rice importers, determines the prices at which rice is sold to retailers; and
whether it has any specific plan to change the existing system of allowing the RAC to determine the prices of rice; if so, what the details are?