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Those manufacturers who take advantage of these measures should be able to respond effectively to the growing environmental pressures at home and overseas. In the short term, pollution controls will increase production costs in some industries, although the effect can be minimised by measures to reduce energy consumption and reduce wastage. In the longer term, the demand for products produced by environmentally-friendly processes is likely to increase, and manufacturers will be better equipped to compete with their counterparts in the region.

The Department will continue to keep track of proposed environmental legislation in Hong Kong, and of developments in overseas markets, and ensure that manufacturers are consulted and informed through their associations. It will also keep under review the adequacy of technical services, and seek improvements where

necessary.

End/Wednesday, January 25, 1995

Motion to reprove Government passed

The Legislative Council today (Wednesday) passed by 24 votes to 17 a motion put forward by the Hon Anna Wu to reprove the Government for withdrawing the Employment (Amendment) Bill 1994 after the Hon Lau Chin-shek's amendment to it was carried.

The motion also urged the Government to pledge its respect for the Council as a decision-making body on legislative matters.

During the sitting, a motion moved by the Hon Fred Li to urge the Government to set up a community-based comprehensive medical and health care plan for persons aged 60 or above was passed as amended by the Hon Tam Yiu-chung.

A motion moved by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Michael Sze, under Section 29 of the Public Finance Ordinance for establishing a Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund was passed, as were motions moved by other Government officials under the Public Bus Services Ordinance, the Legislative Council (Electoral Provisions) Ordinance, the Bankruptcy Ordinance and the Companies Ordinance.

Four bills were introduced into the Council for first and second readings. They were the Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill 1995, Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Bill 1995, the Employees' Compensation (Amendment) Bill 1995 and the Housing (Amendment) Bill 1995. Debates on them were adjourned.