XN000022-1995-06-14 — Page 40

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Section 23(1) of the Road Traffic Ordinance provides for the Governor-in- Council to specify a limit on the number on any class of vehicles, whilst section 23(3) provides for the Legislative Council to extend the period for such a limit remains in force. In exercise of these powers, the number of public light buses (PLBs) has been limited to 4,350.

PLBs play an important supplementary role in our transport network, particularly in providing essential feeder services. That is why the Administration continues to convert non-scheduled red minibus services to green minibus services which operate on specified schedules along fixed routes at approved fares.

But the fact remains that PLBs are less efficient road users than high capacity franchised buses. They also cause traffic and other problems. That is why it has been our policy to limit their numbers.

The last major review of the policy on the role of PLBS was conducted in 1988. It is now time to undertake another comprehensive review and I intend to put this in train. In the meantime we need to maintain the status quo on the number of PLBs. Mr President, the motion before Honourable Members provides for this.

Sir, I beg to move.

End/Wednesday, June 14, 1995

Revision of the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance

Following is the speech by the acting Secretary for Security, Mr Ken Woodhouse, in moving the motion in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday) that the fees and charges specified in the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance be revised:

Mr President,

I move the first motion standing in my name on the Order Paper. This proposes increases in the fees specified in the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance for the registration of births and deaths and related matters.

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