4.
During the trial period, HKTC will commission an on-site survey to collect responses and comments from payphone users.
At the completion of the trial, OFTA will assess the information and feedback collected to find out the opinion of the public on such a charging scheme and whether such a payphone charging system is helpful to ease the long queue.
"This exercise is conducted to collect the views of the public to overcome the problem of long queues on payphones. It has no connection whatsoever with the exercise on timed local calls for residential and business lines", the spokesman said.
End
Recommendations on winding up allowance accepted
The Commission on Remuneration for Members of the Legislative Council has completed its consideration of the report on Review on Winding Up Allowance for LegCo Members and accepted most of the recommendations contained in it.
The report was submitted by the Legislative Council Subcommittee on Review of Allowances for Members of the Legislative Council.
"The Commission's report has been fully accepted by the Government," a Government spokesman said today (Thursday).
"The Commission's recommendations, which are of general application, have taken into account LegCo Members' practical needs and at the same time maintain the accountability principle. We will seek the approval of the Finance Committee next month to implement these proposals," he added.
The main recommendation of the Commission is that the winding up allowance should no longer be set at $180,000, but should consist of two elements-
(i)
a fixed amount equivalent to the total monthly operating expenses reimbursement and district office allowance, payable on a reimbursement basis (for example, a total of $92,780 at present rates), of which $10,000 may be claimed against certified claims of expenses incurred, to enable LegCo Members to cover all expenses incurred (including liabilities arising from premature termination of tenancy agreements) when they have to leave office for reasons beyond their control; and