TNAG-0656-FCO40-805-Progress-reports-of-Environment-Branch-of-Government-of-Hong-1977 — Page 7

CONFIDENTIAL #

Subject

Purpose

Part I

Progress Made & Present Position

Next Quarter Targets

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

14

Environmental Legislation (CR 21/741/74)

To enact new legislation to control pollution and to provide the resources needed to put the new laws into effect.

a) The final report by Environ-

mental Resources Ltd., which is largely concerned with draft legislation, enforcement measures, and organisation for a wide range of environmental protection measures, was submitted in June. This report, together with an appreciation prepared by Environment Branch, will be discussed by the Advisory Committee on Environ- mental Polution (EPCOM) at the end of September. Following this, it is intended that there shall be further consultation with industry and other sectors of the community which are to be effected by the proposal, prior to the drafting of the necessary legislation.

b) The Environmental Protection

Adviser was appointed in July, and he is now engaged primari- ly upon :

(i) recruit the four Environ-

mental Protection Officers to staff his unit; and (ii) advising on the adoption

of recommendations set out in the consultants' final report.

(a) Arrange EPCOM

meeting for end September and make preliminary

arrangements for consultation with industry etc. between October and December.

CONFIDENTIAL **

(b)(i) Establish the working rela- tionship bebreer. the Environmental Protection Unit and other Government agencies. (ii) Agree main

points resulting from the ERL consultancy by October.

G.F. 323