Replies to Questions from Finance Committee Members

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2003-04
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY TO
WRITTEN/SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Head : 194 Water Supplies Department Subhead (No. & title) :
Programme : 1 Water Supply : Planning and Distribution
Controlling Officer : Director of Water Supplies
Director of Bureau : Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works
Question :
According to the document, the estimate for next year has to be increased by $22.1m due to
the increase in the provision for the purchase of water. In view of this, will the Government
inform us :
(a) the details of the increased provision for the purchase of water, such as the increase in the
amount (in cubic metre) of Dongjiang water imported, or other purposes for which the funds
will be used; and
(b) whether the increase in provision will be submitted to the Legislative Council for
consideration. If yes, when will it be submitted, and if no, what are the reasons ?
Asked by : Hon. IP Kwok-him
Reply :
(a) We have included $2,510 million in the Draft Estimates 2003-04, representing an
increase of $25.9 million over the revised Estimate of 2002-03, for the purchase of
810 million cubic metres (mcm) of Dongjiang water which is 10 mcm more than that
of 2002 in accordance with the Agreement with the Guangdong Authorities.
(b) The proposed increase in provision of $22.1m is included in the 2003-04 Draft
Estimates under Head 194 Water Supplies Department which is being considered by
the Legislative Council.
Gototop
Signature
Name in block letters
Post Title
Date
P W CHAN
Ag. Director of Water Supplies
20 March 2003
Reply Serial No.
ETWB(W)040
Question Serial No.
1186