XN000022-1994-12-14 — Page 31

Second reading debate on Sewage Services Bill

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, at the resumed second reading debate on Sewage Services Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I am most grateful to the Honourable Ronald Arculli, the Chairman of the Bills Committee to study the Sewage Services Bill, and to members of the Bills Committee for their very careful consideration of this important Bill, and for their general support for the proposals in it. The constructive suggestions made by the Bills Committee are reflected in the few amendments which I will propose at the Committee Stage.

Mr President, I will begin by reminding members of the important debate on sewage charges in this Chamber just one year ago. Yes, it does take a long time. In that debate I began by saying:

"Today should be a landmark day in Hong Kong's environmental history. It should be the day Members seize the opportunity to show their unequivocal support for the Polluter Pays Principle, reinforcing the general support indicated in the Adjournment Debate two years ago. This is not just a matter of community leadership but it would also be a message to the world that we are taking our responsibilities seriously."

In the debate a year ago this Council endorsed the Polluter Pays Principle, a principle now enshrined in the Sewage Services Bill, which will introduce sewage charges, and which is now ready for Members' final approval.

Before I turn to the conclusions of the Bills Committee, let us refresh our memories on the Polluter Pays Principle and the state of water pollution in Hong Kong. First, and obviously, water pollution in Hong Kong is at a critical state. This is evident to the eyes and nose and from the occurrence of cholera this summer, and in the rising trend of criticism, both here and abroad, that a territory of our first world resources tolerates such third world pollution. And tolerates it right at the heart of our community, in our harbour, the focus of so much attention internationally.

Second, to tackle this problem, we propose a cost-effective sewerage programme for the territory including an $8 billion High Priority Programme to We are committed to provide urgent relief to the serious pollution in the harbour.

abate that pollution and no responsible Administration would. I suggest, do anything less. We are therefore committed to building the High Priority Programme, the entire capital costs of which will be met by the Government.