33
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(a)
(b)
Answer:
Mr President,
of the basis of the HD's rejection of the SWD's recommendations; and
why the HD does not directly investigate the family background of the applicants concerned and instead asks them to seek assistance from the SWD in the first instance, bearing in mind that the HD can determine whether or not to accept the SWD's recommendations?
The Housing Department receives about 200 requests each month from households living in public rental housing for transfer to other flats or for additional flats as a result of splitting of households. Each application is considered on its merits. The majority of requests can be resolved by the Housing Department. If it appears that there may be social or medical grounds which support a request, or that professional counselling may help to resolve the problem faced by an applicant, the Department will refer the case to the Social Welfare Department for advice.
The Housing Department normally accepts the Social Welfare Department's advice. Where the Housing Department does not concur, the two departments will jointly reassess the situation and reach an agreed conclusion on how to handle the case. There is no question of the Housing Department rejecting the Social Welfare Department's advice.
End
Cross harbour tunnels toll charges
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Samuel Wong Ping-wai, and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It has been reported that the Western Harbour Crossing will be completed ahead of schedule and open to traffic at the beginning of next year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether: