TNAG-1859-FCO40-2634-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 18

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE

COUNCIL

18 October 1989

香港立法局——————————一九八九年十月十八日

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SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, as I said in my original reply, by the middle of 1990.

Fossil fuel

3. MR. MCGREGOR asked: Given the increasing concern worldwide over the inefficient use of fossil fuel to produce energy and the resultant threat to the world environment, will Government advise this Council whether it has an established energy policy for the future and, if so, what the policy seeks to achieve?

SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES: Sir, our current energy policy is to ensure that there is an adequate and reliable supply to meet consumers' demands and that such supply is provided efficiently and at reasonable prices. Within this broad framework Government encourages energy conservation both on the part of consumers and the supply companies but does not normally intervene unless absolutely necessary such as during the oil crises in 1973 and 1979.

With the increasing worldwide concern over the adverse impact of fossil fuel usage on the environment, the Government is reviewing current policy to determine what further measures need to be taken to protect our environment whilst at the same time catering for essential economic growth.

MR. MCGREGOR: Sir, in reviewing current policy on energy utilization and conservation, will Government seek the views of the various organizations interested in this vital sector of the economy, such as the Association of Energy Engineers, and will Government consider publishing a consultative paper seeking more general advice?

SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES: Sir, the answer to the first part of Mr. McGREGOR's question is yes. As regards the publication of a consultative document, I will consult my colleague, the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, to consider what the best measure of consultation with the public and with interested parties will be.

MR. PAUL CHENG: Sir, could the Administration clarify if the review of their current policies will be on a formal basis involving consultants? And if so, when will the study be scheduled for completion?

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