XN000022-1995-03-29 — Page 55

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Diesel Vehicles

A few Members expressed concern about the proposal to require light-duty vehicles to switch to unleaded petrol from diesel. Vehicle emissions, especially those from diesel vehicles, have been identified as one of the major sources of air pollution in the urban areas. The Administration is therefore examining how our reliance on light-duty diesel vehicles can be reduced in favour of the cleaner unleaded petrol alternatives which are readily available on the market. We are well aware of the potential impact of such a switch on the operating costs of the vehicles and on transport fares. We are therefore examining this and other related problems and we intend to consult the transport trade and the public on our proposals soon. We are also monitoring developments, both locally and overseas, in the field of electric vehicle technology.

Waste Reduction

We have heard some recycled comments on Hong Kong's recycling efforts. I wish to point out once again that our recycling record is a good one by international standards. In 1994, our recovery rate for waste paper was 56%, for non-ferrous metals 73% and for ferrous metals 80%. However, we accept that there is no room for complacency. Once our study on waste reduction has been completed, we intend to devise plans to reduce our reliance on valuable landfill disposal space. The public will be consulted on these plans later this year.

Environment and Conservation Fund

A Member expressed concern about the allocation criteria for the Environment and Conservation Fund. To assist potential applicants to formulate proposals which fall within the ambit of the Fund, we have issued guidelines and drawn applicants' attention to them in the application form. Very simply, the main allocation criterion is the extent to which a proposal can bring direct and practical benefit to the local environment. The application of this criterion involves a degree of subjective judgement and each application has to be considered on its merits. Nevertheless, we will seek to ensure that applicants will have a clear idea of how they should present their proposals and budget for expenditure items. Although the Fund is still in its early days, we have already approved grants amounting to over $8.2 million for 24 projects. Interest in the Fund remains keen.