XN000022-1997-04-09 — Page 42

-

25 -

The repeal of redundant legislation is an on-going exercise which all policy branches carry out from time to time.

As was explained in the answer to the first question, legislation is not enacted before the need for it has arisen. There is, however, a practical need for statutory powers to be drafted in such a way as to enable the authority responsible for making, or enforcing, subsidiary legislation to do so effectively. This is not contrary to legal policy.

End

Allocation of housing resources

Following is a question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding the calculation of household income of a public housing applicant, will the Government inform this Council whether it is aware if the Housing Authority will consider revising the existing method of calculating the applicant's income, or relaxing the income limit, so that the applicant's immediate family members in China awaiting approval to settle in Hong Kong would be taken into account when assessing his application for public housing?

Answer:

Mr President,

Applications for public rental housing are subject to the eligibility criteria set by the Housing Authority. The main ones include residence requirement and maximum income limits. Only family members of an applicant actually residing in Hong Kong may be included in the application, although other family members on arrival in Hong Kong may be added.

The rationale behind this policy is that scarce housing resources should be allocated to meet the needs of eligible households with family members residing in Hong Kong. Given the high level of demand for public rental housing, the Housing Authority has no intention of reviewing this policy.

End