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Reply:
Mr President,
The Rice Advisory Committee (RAC) presently consists of 14 members, of whom only three are rice importers. Under its terms of reference, the RAC is required to advise the Government on the technical aspects of the operation of the Rice Control Scheme (1) and on all aspects of the rice trade, and to consider such matters concerning the import and distribution of rice as may be referred to it by the Director- General of Trade and to make recommendation accordingly,
Thus the RAC neither advises on nor determines the price of rice sold to retailers. Individual rice importers, wholesalers and retailers determine their own selling price of rice. Nevertheless, the RAC monitors the rice supply situation and the operation of the Rice Control Scheme to ensure that there is an adequate supply of rice at reasonable price in Hong Kong. It has, for example, tendered its advice on the Government's recent review of the Rice Control Scheme, on which the views of the Trade and Industry Panel of this Council will be sought shortly.
(1)
The Rice Control Scheme seeks to ensure a stable and reliable supply of rice in Hong Kong through a quota system on rice imports and by requiring importers to maintain a reserve rice stock to cushion against any short term fluctuation in supply)
End
Safety of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station
Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
In view of the public concern about the lack of information from independent sources on the safety of the Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station, will the Administration inform this Council whether it will consider appointing an independent advisory body to provide technical support to the Government in interpreting and assessing information on the safety of the Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station provided by the Hong Kong Nuclear Investment Company, and to assist the Government in reviewing its nuclear disaster contingency plan on a regular basis?