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Second, the Bill proposes to give the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries additional powers to search, seize and forfeit evidence, detain the protected wild animals and eggs so seized and the conditions for releasing or disposing the protected wild animals and eggs. The additional powers would enable the Director to discharge his duties under the Ordinance more effectively.
Third, the Bill revises the level of fines under the Ordinance. These fines have not been reviewed since the enactment of the Ordinance in 1976. The Bill now proposes four levels of fines, with each level reflecting the seriousness of the different offences.
Finally, the Bill adds new provisions for appeals. It is proposed that a person aggrieved by a decision of the Director of Agriculture & Fisheries in cancelling his permit or not granting him a permit can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board. This is in line with the government's practice to open up channels for appeal.
Thank you, Mr President.
End
Progress of the Athletes Fund
Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Cheng and a reply by the Secretary for Broadcasting. Culture and Sport, Mr Chau Tak-hay, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The Government has recently announced the setting up of the Athletes Fund (the Fund) and pledged to match community donations to the Fund on a dollar-for- dollar basis (with the Government's commitment being capped at $8 million) until the size of the Fund reaches $16 million. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
of the latest progress of the Fund;
whether, in the event of public donations to the Fund falling short of the expected $8 million, the Government will consider injecting more money into the Fund so as to ensure that the size of the Fund reaches the target of $16 million; and