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Urban Council, there are 500 vehicles using diesel. This is not a large number, as there are about 145,000 diesel vehicles in Hong Kong. Although 500 is not much when compared with 145,000, it still takes a certain percentage of the total number of diesel vehicles. Why do I move this motion? The first reason is that, at present, exhaust emitted by diesel vehicles is the leading culprit of pollution to the environment in Hong Kong. Diesel contains an important substance called suspended particles. At present, the concentration of these particles in air has reached such a level that it directly affects the health of the people. Regarding this, you, Mr. Chairman would know most clearly the impact of suspended particles on health.
What measures can we adopt then? We can give considerations to several aspects. Firstly, we can consider what kinds of vehicles and fuel that are more environment-friendly can be used for the vehicle fleet of the Urban Council. Actually, we can consider several kinds of fuels and vehicles which are widely used in the world, for instance, L.P.G. (liquefied petroleum gas), C.N.G. (compressed natural gas), electrical or alcoholic vehicles, etc. At present, we can consider the more environment-friendly vehicles in the market, or try out new vehicles such as the electrical vehicles. Besides, we can consider improving the facilities in our depots in order to prepare for the use of more environment-friendly vehicles in the future.
In January this year when we had an Annual General Debate, I mentioned that the Council should take the lead in doing more on environmental protection. I think, Mr. Chairman, that it is the right time now. I would like to know what the Council has done on environmental protection and whether we can do something positive for the health of the public.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With these remarks, I move my motion.
Mr. Lee Kwok-keung (in Cantonese): I support Mr. Chan's motion. I have nothing to add. I hope we can all support the motion.
Ms. Jennifer Chow Kit-bing (in Cantonese): Mr. Chris Patten in his first Policy Address in 1992 laid the objective for a greener government to promote environmental protection. However, we could see that the policies of other government departments were not tied with this objective. Therefore, I agree that the Council, as a government institution closely linked to the people's livelihood, should take the lead. We should set an example by starting to make improvements in our fleet, that is, our vehicles can use more environment-friendly fuel instead in order to improve the deteriorating air quality of Hong Kong. Regarding the scope of the Council, I support a phased programme to have existing vehicles converted and to purchase new vehicles using more environment-friendly fuel. To speed up the progress, the Government can arouse public support while implementing this program. The Government should let the public know clearly about the hazardous effect of the pollution caused by diesel vehicles on people. According to information, in 1993 the EPD spent about $2 million to commission a consultancy
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Urban Council, there are 500 vehicles using diesel. This is not a large number, as there are about 145 000 diesel vehicles in Hong Kong. Although 500 is not much when compared with 145 000, it still takes a certain percentage of the total number of diesel vehicles. Why do I move this motion? The first reason is that, at present, exhaust emitted by diesel vehicles is the leading culprit of pollution to the environment in Hong Kong. Diesel contains an important substance called suspended particles. At present, the concentration of these particles in air has reached such a level that it directly affects the health of the people. Regarding this, you, Mr. Chairman would know most clearly the impact of suspended particles on health.
What measures can we adopt then? We can give considerations to several aspects. Firstly, we can consider what kinds of vehicles and fuel that are more environment-friendly can be used for the vehicle fleet of the Urban Council. Actually, we can consider several kinds of fuels and vehicles which are widely used in the world, for instance, L.P.G. (liquefied petroleum gas), C.N.G. (compressed natural gas), electrical or alcoholic vehicles, etc. At present, we can consider the more environment-friendly vehicles in the market, or try out new vehicles such as the electrical vehicles. Besides, we can consider improving the facilities in our depots in order to prepare for the use of more environment-friendly vehicles in the future.
In January this year when we had an Annual General Debate. I mentioned that the Council should take the lead in doing more on environmental protection. I think, Mr. Chairman, that it is the right time now. I would like to know what the Council has done on environmental protection and whether we can do something positive for the health of the public.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With these remarks, I move my motion.
Mr. Lee Kwok-KEUNG (in Cantonese):-I support Mr. Chan's motion. I have nothing to add. I hope we can all support the motion.
MS. JENNIFER CHOW KIT-BING (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chris PATTEN in his first Policy Address in 1992 laid the objective for a greener government to promote environmental protection. However, we could see that the policies of other government departments were not tied with this objective. Therefore, I agree that the Council, as a government institution closely linked to the people's livelihood, should take the lead. We should set an example by starting to make improvements in our fleet, that is, our vehicles can use more environment-friendly fuel instead in order to improve the deteriorating air quality of Hong Kong. Regarding the scope of the Council, I support a phased programme to have existing vehicles converted and to purchase new vehicles using more environment-friendly fuel. To speed up the progress, the Government can arouse public support while implementing this program. The Government should let the public know clearly about the hazardous effect of the pollution caused by diesel vehicles on people. According to information, in 1993 the EPD spent about $2 million to commission a consultancy
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