XN000022-1997-03-12 — Page 8

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"Tun Fu" ceremonies

The following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Stella Hung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It is learnt that in major works projects undertaken by the Government in the rural area, a certain sum from the project vote will be set aside to meet the expenses incurred in connection with "Tun Fu" ceremonies. However, no funds are reserved for "Tun Fu" ceremonies in respect of minor projects, and this has resulted in a number of minor maintenance and improvement works not being proceeded with. In this regard, will the Government inform this Council whether it will review the budgets for minor works projects so that District Offices will be provided with adequate funds to meet "Tun Fu" expenses in special circumstance; if so, when the review will take place; if not, why not?

Answer:

Government does not set aside a sum of money from the project vote to meet expenses in connection with "Tun Fu" ceremonies for its works projects, regardless of the size of the projects concerned. Any claims for "Tun Fu" payments are considered on their own merits. If approved, these will be paid in the form of ex-gratia allowance under Head 701 "Land Acquisition" of the Capital Works Reserve Fund in the case of public works projects. Claims for non public works projects are paid from Head 91 Subhead 221 under the General Revenue Account.

Minor works projects undertaken by Government in rural areas mainly cover improvement and maintenance works and are funded under the Capital Works Reserve Fund. These are generally carried out at the request of the local community to improve local conditions. Claims for "Tun Fu" payments will be considered in accordance with the established procedures.

End