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38
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As we have explained at the Legislative Council Panel on Housing Subcommittee on Long Term Housing Strategy Review on 9 and 24 April 1997, the 4,300 hectares of "vacant development land" refers to land intended for development purposes which is vacant, under temporary uses or with construction in progress. Such land is intended for a number of purposes including commercial, industrial, community facilities, and housing, etc. Examples include the new airport at Chek Lap Kok, the new land formed in North Lantau for Tung Chung New Town and other development, West Kowloon Reclamation, etc. These are classified as "vacant development land" until the designated development is completed
As part of the Government's overall plan to develop the territory, the development of "vacant development land" follows an engineering programme which governs the implementation of infrastructure engineering works in accordance with the layout plans. The major steps in the programme include funding approval for and conducting of site investigation, detailed design and construction works, and compliance with statutory procedures. The infrastructure engineering works include the construction of roads, bridges, drains and sewers, and the laying of public utility facilities.
End
Anti-illegal immigration operations on child IIs
Following are a question by the Hon Eric Li and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Security, Mrs Carrie Yau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is reported that the number of child illegal immigrants (child IIs) from the Mainland intercepted by the Police has increased significantly in recent months. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
whether Police officers will take into account the fact that these child IIs are under the influence of their parents or illegal immigrant smugglers in attempting to enter the territory illegally, and thus accord these child Ils appropriate treatment while carrying out their interception duties;
whether handcuffs have been used in arresting these child IIs; if so, what the reasons are;