Replies to Questions from Finance Committee Members

Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2003-04
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY TO
INITIAL WRITTEN QUESTION
Head : 100– Marine Department Subhead (No. & title) :
Programme : (2) Port Services
Controlling Officer : Director of Marine
Director of Bureau : Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works
Question : (a) How much resources will be allocated for marine refuse scavenging?
(b) What measures will be taken to achieve floating refuse reduction?
Asked by : Hon. WONG Yung-kan
Reply : (a) $50 million will be allocated for marine refuse cleansing services in 2003-04.
(b) We will continue to adopt a three-pronged approach to address the problem of
floating refuse –
Gototop
Reply Serial No.
Clean-up : In addition to providing intensive daily marine refuse cleansing
services, we carry out joint operations with other departments to clear coastal
refuse that may be washed into the sea and to stop the refuse at source from land.
Education and Publicity : We conduct publicity programmes with various
District Offices and Non-Government Organizations to raise the public awareness
including the focussed campaigns in typhoon shelters during the Lunar New Year
and Close Fishing Period every year. We have also provided a video disc “A
New Era of Harbour Cleanliness” to 823 primary schools to educate students.
When carrying out school visits to promote the Marine Department’s activities, we
disseminate messages promoting a clean harbour. We also participate in various
forums to appeal to the public to support our work in maintaining a cleaner marine
environment.
Enforcement : To provide a deterrent effect, our officers take enforcement
actions against marine littering, either as part of routine duties or as special
operations after normal office hours, and on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Signature
Name in block letters S.Y. TSUI
Post Title Director of Marine
Date 19 March 2003
ETWB(E)067
Question Serial No.
0326