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"If it goes on unchecked, our waste disposal facilities will have been completely exhausted within 16 years from now."

Mr Law indicated that it would be extremely expensive and practically difficult to add to the existing waste disposal facilities, having regard to Hong Kong's small physial size and other topographical constraints.

He revealed that the Government was formulating a draft Waste Reduction Plan based on a major consultancy study and the plan should be available for public consultation in early 1997.

The consultancy study confirmed that an integrated strategy incorporating elements of waste avoidance, minimisation, recycling and bulk waste reduction would be the most desirable approach to waste management for Hong Kong.

Speaking of the role for the commercial and industrial sectors, Mr Law said: "What we have in mind here is to encourage participation in waste reduction schemes on an individual sectoral basis with specific waste reduction targets.

"We anticipate the need for the Government to provide some form of technical support or incentives, such as advisory services and demonstration projects, to assist companies to develop suitable waste minimisation techologies or initiatives that will work in Hong Kong."

End

Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Amendment Bill

The Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 1996 will be gazetted this Friday (November 1).

The objectives of the Bill are to improve the administration of the First Registration Tax (FRT) system, to facilitate trade operation, to minimise disputes in tax assessment and to further reduce opportunities for tax evasion.

A government spokesman said: "The current amendment did not propose any major changes to the FRT system which was introduced in August 1994.

"We have reviewed the system and have identified some areas which need improvements.