XN000022-1995-05-10 — Page 62

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Monitoring the use of dangerous chemicals

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In view of the recent poisonous gas incidents in the underground railway in Japan and the death of a Hong Kong University of Science and Technology research student after inhaling fumes from toxic chemicals, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Of its policies on the monitoring of schools (universities and secondary schools), factories or related organisations over the storage and use of chemicals which can be used to manufacture dangerous articles, so as to prevent such chemicals from being taken and turned into articles that can be used to endanger public safety and used for illegal purposes;

Whether it will regularly review the measures to monitor dangerous chemicals in the territory, so as to ensure that chemicals stored in schools (universities and secondary schools), factories or related organisations are adequately monitored;

Whether, in the event of serious incidents such as poisonous gas leakage, the Government has any contingency measures in place including warning the public well in advance, so as to minimise the casualties and damage to property caused by such serious incidents;

What experience the Government has gained from the above-mentioned two incidents in order to prevent and tackle similar incidents?