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Rental allowance to District Board members to be introduced

Following is a question by the Hon Ambrose Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It is mentioned in the Policy Commitments published by the Government last year that an accountable office rental allowance of $4,500 will be introduced to assist District Board members to set up ward offices in their constituencies so that they could discharge their duties more effectively. Will the Administration inform this Council -

(a) of the effective date of the introduction of the allowance;

(b) whether the Administration agrees with the prevalent view of District Board

members that the amount of the allowance is insufficient for such purpose;

(c) whether the Administration will consider raising the allowance to a more

realistic amount to achieve the intended purpose;

(d) whether maximum flexibility will be allowed in the use of the allowance so

that its intended purpose can be achieved; and

(e) whether the procedural steps for the disbursement of the allowance will be

kept to a minimum?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a) We intend to submit a proposal for introducing a new Office Rental Allowance for District Board members to the Finance Committee on 8 March 1996. Subject to Finance Committee's approval, the allowance will be payable to District Board members from 1 April 1996.

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