行政長官2019年施政報告 - 主頁 - MESSAGEThis year, the Hongkong Post celebrates its 160th Anniversary. We will continue to provide high quality postal services and seek improvements

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MESSAGE

Energy supply is crucial to Hong Kong’seconomic development and the livelihood of itspeople. Hong Kong relies on the private sector tomeet its energy needs. The Government plays aregulatory and monitory role to ensure thatconsumers enjoy reliable and safe supply of energyat reasonable prices. With this objective, we willcontinue to take forward several initiatives. First,we aim to complete a detailed technical study onincreased interconnection between the two powercompanies by the end of 2001 and to map out in2003 the broad directions for future developmentof the electricity supply sector. Secondly, we plan to conduct a study toexamine the viability of introducing a natural gas based common carriersystem in Hong Kong. We will also introduce a statutory approval schemefor domestic gas appliances to further improve gas safety standard.

This year, the Hongkong Post celebrates its 160th Anniversary. Wewill continue to provide high quality postal services and seek improvementsto meet the needs of the business community and the general public.

We will continue to provide high standard weather informationservices to meet the needs of the general public and specialised sector,improve on their scope and mode as appropriate.

Competition is a means to increasing economic efficiency. TheAdministration is committed to promoting competition. We are co-ordinatingefforts on this front, and will continue to encourage new initiatives topromote competition in different sectors.

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2nd Floor, Main Wing, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Hong KongFax No.: 2523 1973 E-mail Address: [email protected]

Website: http://www.info.gov.hk/esb

We will continue to devote efforts to enhance protection of consumerinterests. In particular, we will step up our work in consumer educationand strengthen our co-ordination with the Consumer Council.

(Ms Sandra Lee)Secretary for Economic Services

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Energy, Postal Services, MeteorologicalServices, Competition and Consumer

Protection

Policy Objectiveand

Key Result Areas

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Our Policy Objective is to ensure the provision of sufficient, reliableand reasonably priced supplies of energy for Hong Kong, promote theeconomical and safe use of energy, ensure that Hong Kong has quality postalservices to support its economic development, ensure a high standard ofweather information services to meet community expectations, promotecompetition to enhance economic efficiency and free trade, and to enhanceconsumer protection.

Overall Targets

Our targets this year in pursuing this Policy Objective are –

l to maintain reliability of electricity and gas supply at above99.8%

l to continue to promote competition in the energy markets

l to provide quality postal services to meet demand

l to provide weather forecast of a high standard to meet communityexpectations

l to further encourage initiatives to promote competition

l to further enhance consumer protection

Progress

We have regrouped our Policy Objectives. The following is a progressreport on the 2000 Policy Objective Booklet on “Energy, Postal Services,Meteorological Services and Competition”. We have also included a progressreport on the enhancement of consumer protection from the 2000 PolicyObjective Booklet on “Tourism”.

ENERGY, POSTAL SERVICES, METEOROLOGICAL

SERVICES, COMPETITION AND CONSUMER

PROTECTION

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In 2000, reliability of electricity and gas supply was maintained bythe companies concerned at a level exceeding 99.8%. Following theconsultancy study on interconnection and competition in the electricitysupply sector, we have commissioned a detailed technical study on increasedinterconnection in February 2001. We have also set up a multi-disciplinaryteam to examine options for the post-2008 regulatory regime for theelectricity supply sector after expiry of the current Scheme of ControlAgreement. To further improve the gas safety standard in Hong Kong, weare implementing a voluntary code of practice for cylinder liquefiedpetroleum gas (LPG) distributors and stepping up enforcement of the GasSafety Ordinance.

We have effective postal services. About 99% of local letters weredelivered by the next day. The majority of the performance pledges by theHongkong Post were achieved. Performance targets for some services wereimproved. Based on an independent public perception survey, 97% to 98%of customers in the general public, business and philately areas were satisfiedwith the services provided.

We have also maintained a high level of accuracy in weatherforecasting: at least 75% accuracy as measured by public surveys and atleast 90% accuracy as measured by survey of the aviation and shippingsectors.

We continued to make good progress in the review of Governmentpolicy and practices from the competition angle, leading to six new initiativesto promote competition in various sectors last year.

On consumer protection, the Consumer Council has maintained a verysuccessful record in handling consumer complaints: 68% of the caseshandled by the Council were resolved satisfactorily (i.e. traders were ableto provide satisfactory and acceptable explanations) and 21% of them werenot pursuable. On consumer education, the Council continues to step up itsefforts in cultivating a consumer culture.

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We also achieved the following progress in our eight Key Result Areas(KRAs).

1 Identify energy needs and sources of supply

The indicators used to measure progress in this area were the abilityof power and gas companies to maintain reliable supply to satisfymarket requirements and to secure reliable sources of fuel. Thereliability of electricity and towngas supply in 2000 was maintainedat over 99.8%. There was no significant disruption in the supply ofmajor fuels.

2 Administer regulatory arrangements for the energy sector

The indicators used to measure progress in this area were thecompletion of tariff, audit and other reviews in accordance with theterms of the Scheme of Control Agreements and compliance of thetowngas supplier with the Information and Consultation Agreement.We have, in consultation with the power companies, completed therelevant tariff and auditing reviews. The towngas supplier publishedcorporate information for 2000 in compliance with the Informationand Consultation Agreement.

3 Ensure energy needs are met efficiently and safely

The indicators used to measure progress in this area were the timelyassessment and approval of the proposed new facilities and theconduct of inspections and enforcement action to check compliancewith statutory safety requirements. Following the consultancy studyon interconnection and competition in the electricity supply sectorcompleted in November 1999, we have commissioned in February2001 a detailed technical study on increased interconnection. We havealso set up a multi-disciplinary team to examine options for post-2008regulatory regime for the electricity supply sector after the expiry ofthe current Scheme of Control Agreements, with a view to mappingout the broad direction for future development of our electricity sectorbefore the next interim review of the Scheme of Control Agreementsscheduled for 2003. In respect of safety regulation, the Electrical

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Product (Safety) Regulation has been brought into full operation witheffect from December 2000. To ensure that electrical products on salein Hong Kong are in compliance with the Certificate of SafetyCompliance Scheme, the Electrical and Mechanical ServicesDepartment (E&MSD) has intensified market surveillance and tested12 models of air-conditioners so far. We have introduced a series ofmeasures to strengthen the regulatory requirements for gas safety,including the implementation of a voluntary code of practice forcylinder LPG distributors and stepping up enforcement of the GasSafety Ordinance. A six-month “E & M Safety Campaign” coveringvarious aspects of electrical, mechanical and gas safety was alsolaunched in July 2001.

4 Promote demand side management in the electricity sector

The indicator used to measure progress in this area was the amountof capacity savings from demand side management measure proposedby power companies. We signed the Demand Side ManagementAgreement with the two power companies in May 2000 and thecompanies launched the demand side management programmes on1 July 2000. The programmes have been making good progress andare expected to achieve the targetted saving of 33 megawatts in thethree-year programme period. We commenced in July 2001 a reviewon the effectiveness of the demand side management programmesincluding the need to extend the rebate programme for the purchaseof energy efficient appliances and equipment to residential customers.

5 Enhance the quality of postal services

The indicators used to measure progress in this area were the numberof quality improvement initiatives implemented against plan and thecustomer satisfaction level as measured by public perception survey.We have organised an international philatelic marketing symposiumfor postal administrations to exchange information on marketingphilatelic products, provided at all post offices the PayThruPostservice for the acceptance of payment for electricity and towngas bills;organised a world class stamp exhibition “Hong Kong 2001 StampExhibition”; extended the serving area of Local Courierpost and

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extended the business hours of selected post offices. All the fiveinitiatives were implemented as scheduled. Based on an independentpublic perception survey, 97% to 98% of customers in the generalpublic, business and philately areas were satisfied with the postalservices.

6 Enhance the quality of weather information services

The indicators used to measure progress in this area were the accuracyand comprehensiveness of meteorological information provided, andthe effectiveness of information delivery. We have maintained aforecasting accuracy of at least 75% as measured by public surveys,and 90% as measured by survey of both the aviation and shippingsectors. In reviewing the effectiveness of the windshear andturbulence detection system at the airport, we have devisedmethodologies to improve windshear alerts and are now evaluatingthem. We have placed order for equipment to detect low levelwindshear under fine weather conditions for installation in 2002.

Additional information provided through the Hong KongObservatory’s website include radar-based weather images, HongKong Observatory publications and education material onmeteorology, geophysics and related subjects. We will continue withthe pilot study on the issue of seasonal weather forecast. In thedelivery of meteorological information, by making availablebroadband access, users can now download meteorologicalinformation for flight operation from the Hong Kong Observatoryten times faster than before. We have set up an audio webpage tofacilitate access of meteorological information by the visuallyimpaired. We will continue to take forward the initiatives to provideadditional official weather information on world cities through theInternet, and to deliver weather information to mobile phone users.Our plan to install a ground reception system for data from a next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite system has been puton hold as a result of an unsuccessful launch of the satellite in Japan.A new satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2003. The timing andprocurement arrangements are under review.

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7 Promote economic efficiency and free trade throughcompetition thereby benefiting consumer welfare

The indicators used to measure progress in this area were thecontinued maintenance of no restrictions on trade, capital flow andforeign investment, the consideration of the impact on competitionin policy formulation and regular review of Government policy andpractices from the competition policy standpoint. In the past year,we continued to make satisfactory progress in the review of theexceptions to the competition policy and new initiatives to promotecompetition identified or proposed by policy bureaux and departments.Various rectification actions and new initiatives have been taken andreported in a Competition Policy Advisory Group Report publishedin July 2001.

8 Enhance consumer protection

In the past, we have made good progress in enhancing consumerprotection. The Consumer Council has a successful track record inhandling consumer complaints and continues to maintain its goodwork. The Customs and Excise Department will also continue toenforce the various consumer protection legislation. The drafting ofa proposed Bill on civil liability for unsafe products is at an advancedstage, and issues raised during public consultation are being reviewed.We are updating the safety standards for toys and children’s products.

Progress on each previously announced initiative under the aboveKRAs is set out in the “Detailed Progress” section of this report.

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Looking Forward

To achieve our overall targets this year, we will undertake thefollowing initiatives and targets under each of the KRAs for the coming yearunder the revised KRA structure –

l Ensure reliable sources of energy supply

l Administer regulatory arrangements for the energy sector

l Ensure energy needs are met efficiently and safely

l Promote demand side management in the electricity sector

l Enhance the quality of postal services

l Enhance the quality of weather information services

l Promote economic efficiency and free trade through competition

l Enhance consumer protection

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Hong Kong relies on the private sector to supply energy to meetmarket requirements. As all of Hong Kong’s energy supplies originate fromexternal sources, it is important that our sources of fuel and energy are welldiversified and that arrangements are in place to tide us over short-termdisruptions to supply.

Natural gas is an environmentally cleaner fuel than coal or oil. TheGovernment will consider promoting the use of natural gas as a fuel forpower generation and other uses, where feasible and economically viable.

We will assess our performance in respect of this KRA against thefollowing indicators –

l Ability of power and gas companies to maintain reliable supplyto satisfy market requirements. Our target is to achieve reliabilitylevel of over 99.8%.

l Ability of power and gas companies to secure reliable sourcesof fuel.

1 Ensure reliable sources of energy supply

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The Government has Scheme of Control Agreements with the twopower companies which limit their rates of return and provide for monitoringof their electricity-related financial affairs, to protect the interests of theconsumer.

The Government also has an Information and Consultation Agreementwith the sole supplier of towngas to increase the transparency of thecompany’s operations and its justification for tariff increases. The agreedarrangements include disclosure of additional corporate information andbriefing of the Energy Advisory Committee and the legislature.

These agreements enable the Government to monitor the performanceof the power and towngas companies to ensure that they operate efficientlyand that their tariffs are reasonable.

As regards the major fuels market, the Government will continue toclosely monitor and take appropriate measures to enhance competition andtransparency.


l Completion of tariff, audit and other reviews in accordance withthe terms of the Scheme of Control Agreements. Our target is100% completion.

l Compliance of the towngas supplier with the Information andConsultation Agreement. Our target is 100% compliance.

2 Administer regulatory arrangements for the energysector

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Proposals by energy suppliers to build major new facilities areexamined by the Government with a view to ensuring that they are justifiedby forecast demand, will meet various regulatory requirements and functionefficiently. The performance of the power and towngas companies ismonitored to ensure that they operate efficiently.

Safety standards for electricity and gas are enforced through theElectricity Ordinance and the Gas Safety Ordinance and related regulations.Among other things, the ordinances cover the registration of gas supplycompanies, electrical workers and contractors and gas installation workersand contractors, approval of electrical installations, safety standards forelectrical products, gas appliances and tubing standards, as well as safedistribution and use of electricity and gas.


l Assessment and approval or otherwise of proposed new facilities.Our target is to give timely approval of facilities that may bejustified.

l Conduct of inspections and enforcement action. Our target is fullcompliance with the safety requirements in the ElectricityOrdinance and the Gas Safety Ordinance and related regulations.

l Public awareness of the safety requirements for electrical and gasappliances. Our target is to encourage/enhance communityawareness of basic electrical and gas safety requirements.


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The efficient use and conservation of energy is promoted throughdemand side management programmes covering lighting, appliances andelectrical plant in buildings. The objective is to reduce longer term growthin demand for electricity.

We will assess our performance in respect of this KRA against thefollowing indicator –

l Capacity savings achieved during the three years’ demand sidemanagement programmes of the two power companies. Our targetis 33 megawatts.

4 Promote demand side management in the electricitysector

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Initiative TargetTarget

Reliable, efficient and cost effective postal services are importantfactors which contribute to Hong Kong’s development as a leading businesscentre. We will improve the quality of postal services as appropriate to meetthe needs of Hong Kong and our international postal obligations.

To ensure prompt response to the changing needs of customers,Hongkong Post engages professional consultants to carry out market researchand customer surveys to regularly review individual postal services andproducts. It has established a Customer Liaison Group to solicit customers’opinions and suggestions.


l The number of quality improvement initiatives for postal servicesimplemented against plan. Our target is to implement twoinitiatives in 2001-2002.

l Customer satisfaction level as measured by public perceptionsurvey.

We will pursue the following initiatives and targets to deliver resultsin this area –


To extend PayThruPost Service toaccepting Treasury bill payment

(Hongkong Post (HKP))

To commence the extended servicein October 2001

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Initiative Target

To upgrade counter servicethrough :

a. Accepting postage prepaymentitems at General Post Officeand Tsim Sha Tsui Post Officeon Sundays

b. Accepting Speedpost and LocalCourierPost at Mobile PostOffices

(HKP)

To complete upgrading of counterservice by end-2001

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Initiative Target

We aim to provide the public with meteorological services andinformation in the interests of public safety and economic development andto meet the expectations of the public. Advance warnings of rainstorms andtropical cyclones enable the public to take precautions and transport andutility operators to make contingency plans and adjust services as necessarybefore hazardous conditions develop. We will upgrade the quality of ourweather information services in line with advances in technology and inresponse to public requirements. We will also provide the aviation andshipping sectors with meteorological services in compliance withinternational safety requirements.


l Accuracy of meteorological information provided. Our target isto maintain an accuracy of around 75% for the public and around90% for aviation and shipping as measured by perception surveys.

l Number of initiatives to improve weather forecast services anddelivery of weather information. Our target is to launch theseinitiatives in 2002.



To provide a climate informationservice for travel planning

(Hong Kong Observatory (HKO))

To place monthly climatologicalinformation of key weatherstations in the world on HKO’swebsite in early 2003

To enhance the weather satelliteinformation service

(HKO)

To provide high resolution cloudimageries from polar orbitingsatellite on the HKO website in2002

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Initiative Target

To implement ISO standards inaviation weather service

(HKO)

To obtain certification in 2003

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The Government is committed to nurturing proactively competitionto enhance economic efficiency and free trade, thereby also benefitingconsumer welfare. We believe that competition is best nurtured by allowingthe free play of market forces and keeping intervention to the minimum.Nevertheless, when a business practice limits market accessibility or marketcontestability and impairs economic efficiency or free trade, to the detrimentof the overall interest of Hong Kong, the Government will not hesitate totake appropriate rectification action.

The Competition Policy Advisory Group (COMPAG), chaired by theFinancial Secretary, was established in December 1997 to provide a high-level and dedicated forum to review competition-related issues which havesubstantial policy or systemic implications, and examine the extent to whichmore competition should be introduced in the public and private sectors. Itpromulgated a Statement on Competition Policy in May 1998 to provide anoverarching policy framework to guide sector-specific efforts to promotecompetition. COMPAG has also been giving advice to bureaux anddepartments in reviewing policies and practices from the competitionstandpoint, and in proposing new initiatives to promote competition indifferent sectors.


l The continued maintenance of no restriction on trade, capital flowand foreign investment.

l The consideration given to the impact on competition in policyformulation.

l Regular reviews of Government policy and practices from thecompetition policy standpoint.

Our target is to promote adherence by the public and private sectorsto the statement on competition policy and to encourage them to adoptsector-specific measures to ensure fair competition.

7 Promote economic efficiency and free trade throughcompetition

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We are committed to safeguarding the legitimate interests ofconsumers, both visitors and local residents alike. Work in this area isprimarily geared towards ensuring that the products consumers purchasedare safe, the quality is up to their expectation, and the contract terms offeredare fair. We also provide aggrieved consumers access to conciliation orappropriate legal remedies.

Economic Services Bureau (ESB) maintains a close workingrelationship with the Consumer Council on matters pertaining to consumerprotection. While the Council assumes the front-line role in handlingcomplaints and conducting tests and surveys on products and services, ESBassesses policy proposals and contemplates necessary legislative measures.Where appropriate, cases would also be referred to the Police or the Customsand Excise Department (C&ED) for enforcement actions.


l The extent to which enforcement action is taken to safeguard theinterests of consumers –

(a) The number of spot checks conducted by C&ED on thesafety of consumer goods. Our target is 1 350.

(b) The number of spot checks conducted by C&ED on thesafety of toys and children’s products. Our target is 1 450.

(c) The number of investigations conducted by C&ED on thesafety of consumer goods. Our target is 300.

(d) The number of investigations conducted by C&ED on thesafety of toys and children’s products. Our target is 400.

8 Enhance consumer protection

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Initiative Target

l The extent to which consumers exercise their rights by makingenquiries, lodging complaints and the extent to which suchcomplaints are positively addressed –

(a) The number of enquiries handled by the Council. Our targetis 120 000.

(b) The percentage of total complaints settled by the Council.Our target is 55%.

(c) The percentage of substantiated complaints settled by theCouncil. Our target is 70%.


To review the web-based servicesof the Consumer Council and itsnetwork infrastructure forcomputer applications

(Consumer Council (CC))

To commission consultancyservices in 2002-2003 forreviewing website and web-basedservices and its networkinfrastructure for computerapplications

To continue to liaise with theretail sector to promote awarenessof consumer protection legislation

(Customs and Excise Department)

To conduct four visits to themanagement of major retail chainstores by March 2002

To align safety standards for moretypes of toys and children’sproducts set out in the Toys andChildren’s Products SafetyOrdinance with internationalstandards

(Economic Services Bureau)

To update the safety specificationsand standards listed in theSchedule to the Ordinanceregularly

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Energy, Postal Services, MeteorologicalServices, Competition and Consumer

Protection

Detailed Progress

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To achieve results in this area, various initiatives have been undertakenin the past years. Details are set out below –

1 Identify energy needs and sources of supply

Initiative * Target # Present Position +

To lay the groundworkfor possibleintroduction of acommon carrier systemfor piped gas supply

(Economic ServicesBureau (ESB)/Electrical andMechanical ServicesDepartment (E&MSD))

To map out around2004 broadinstitutional,infrastructural andregulatory frameworknecessary for possibleintroduction of anatural gas basedcommon carrier system,pending the availabilityof a secure and reliablesource of gas supply

(2000)

We are studying theoperational and regulatoryarrangements for gasmarkets in relevantoverseas countries.

(Action in Progress: OnSchedule)

To study the feasibilityand potential for furtherapplication and use ofalternative forms ofpower generation,including solar andwind power, in HongKong and the meansof promoting andimplementing thosewith potential

(ESB/E&MSD)

To commence the studyin 2000

(1999)

The study commenced inNovember 2000.

(Action Completed)

* the bracketed information denotes the agency with lead responsibility for the initiative# the bracketed information denotes the year in which the target was set+ the bracketed information denotes the status of the target

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To achieve results in this area, the following initiatives have beenundertaken in the past year. Details are set out below –

2 Administer regulatory arrangements for the energysector

Initiative Target Present Position

To encourage/co-ordinate efforts ofconcerned Governmentbureaux anddepartments inenhancing competitionin the fuel market

(Economic ServicesBureau (ESB))

To ensure timelyfollow-up to theCompetitionSubcommittee’srecommendations byconcerned Governmentbureaux anddepartments

(2000)

Of the variousrecommendations of theCompetitionSubcommittee, five havebeen completed, and therest, such as identificationof more petrol fillingstation sites, are on-going.


To conduct regularanalysis of the prices ofmajor fuels

(ESB)

To complete the thirdyearly analysis of theprices of major fuelsbefore mid-2001

(2000)

The analysis wascompleted in June 2001.

(Action Completed)

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To strengthen theregulatory requirementsfor gas safety

(Electrical andMechanical ServicesDepartment (E&MSD))

l To introduceregulations for anew gas applianceapproval schemeinto the LegislativeCouncil by 2002

l Draft regulations arebeing prepared.


l To implement avoluntary code ofpractice for cylinderliquefied petroleumgas (LPG)distributors in 2001

l The module relating tothe computerisation ofcustomer database isbeing implemented bythe LPG industry.E&MSD is conductingaudit checks for theLPG distributors.Meanwhile, the moduleon appointment andmonitoring of LPGdistributors has beenissued to the industryfor comment.

(Action Completed)

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l To step upenforcement ofthe Gas SafetyOrdinance andrelated regulationsin 2001 byincreasing randominspections

l Staff strength deployedfor random inspectionsof illegal parking ofLPG cylinder wagonshas been increased toan average of over 500man-hours per month.Meanwhile, E&MSD isworking on a newcomputerisedoperational controlsystem to enhancefurther the efficiency ofthe inspection work.We expect that uponimplementation of thissystem, the randominspections will bedoubled and inspectionvisits, averaging 100 permonth, will beconducted on LPGdistributors.


l To complete thereview of the penaltyprovisions underthe Gas SafetyOrdinance and itsrelated regulationsin 2001 and tointroduce, asappropriate,legislativeamendments into theLegislative Councilby 2002

(2000)

l The review is on-going.


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To increase publicawareness of electricaland gas safety

(E&MSD)

To carry out a series ofpublicity programmesin 2001-2002

(2000)

A six-month “E & MSafety Campaign”covering various aspects ofelectrical, mechanical andgas safety was launched on10 July 2001.


To implement theCertificate of SafetyCompliance Scheme forelectrical products onsale in Hong Kong

(E&MSD)

To ensure compliancewith the schemethrough intensifiedmarket surveillance andproduct sampling ofover 30 models ofelectrical products peryear

(2000)

For 2001-2002, 12 modelsof air-conditioners havebeen tested. Testing ofother products is beingarranged.


To work out the post2008 regulatory regimefor our electricitysupply sector afterexpiry of the currentScheme of ControlAgreements

(Economic ServicesBureau (ESB)/E&MSD)

To examine options andmap out the broaddirection for futuredevelopment of theelectricity supply sectorbefore the next interimreview of the Schemeof Control Agreementsscheduled for 2003

(2000)

A multi-disciplinary teamhas been established. Therelevant study is inprogress.


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To enact newlegislation to controlelectricity supplystandards

(ESB/E&MSD)

To introduce legislativeamendments into theLegislative Council in2001

(2000)

The requirement forlegislative amendmentswill be considered in thecontext of the review onthe post-2008 regulatoryregime for the electricitysupply sector taking intoaccount the findings ofthe detailed technical studyon increasedinterconnection.

(Action in Progress: UnderReview)

To conduct furtherstudies required asfollow up to theconsultancy study oninterconnection andcompetition in theelectricity supply sector

(ESB/E&MSD)

To commence detailedstudies in 2000-2001

(1999)

The study commenced inFebruary 2001.

(Action Completed)

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To achieve results in this area, the following initiative has beenundertaken in the past year. Details are set out below –

4 Promote demand side management in the electricitysector


To review theeffectiveness of thedemand sidemanagementprogrammes includingthe need to extend therebate programme forthe purchase of energyefficient appliances andequipment toresidential customers

(Economic ServicesBureau/Electrical andMechanical ServicesDepartment)

To commence a reviewin mid-2001

(2000)

Review on theeffectiveness of demandside managementcommenced in July 2001.

(Action Completed)

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To achieve results in this area, various initiatives have been undertakenin the past year. Details are set out below –



To organise aninternational philatelicmarketing symposiumfor postaladministrations toexchange informationon marketing philatelicproducts

(Hongkong Post(HKP))

To organise thesymposium in February2001

(2000)

The symposium wasorganised in February2001.

(Action Completed)

To provide at all postoffices the PayThruPostservice for theacceptance of paymentfor electricity andtowngas bills

(HKP)

To provide the serviceat all post offices in thelast quarter of 2000

(2000)

The service commenced inJuly 2000.

(Action Completed)

To organise a worldclass stamp exhibition“Hong Kong 2001Stamp Exhibition”

(HKP)

To organise theexhibition in February2001

(2000)

“Hong Kong 2001 StampExhibition” was organisedin February 2001.

(Action Completed)

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To extend the servingarea of LocalCourierpost toadditional areas

(HKP)

To complete theextension to more areasby the end of 2000

(2000)

The extension wascompleted in December2000.

(Action Completed)

To extend the businesshours of selected postoffices

(HKP)

To complete extensionof the business hours tomore post offices byMarch 2001

(2000)

The extension of thebusiness hours wascompleted by March 2001.

(Action Completed)

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To make available tousers broadband accessto the Hong KongObservatory’s AviationMeteorologicalInformationDissemination System

(Hong KongObservatory (HKO))

To reduce downloadtime of meteorologicalinformation for flightoperation by about tentimes by end-2001

(2000)

Broadband access by usersavailable since July 2001.For ten organisations usingbroadband access,download time ofmeteorological informationwas reduced by aboutten times.

(Action Completed)

To provide a long rangeweather forecastingservice

(HKO)

To complete a pilotstudy on seasonalweather forecast byend-2002

(2000)

Major climate factorsaffecting annual rainfalland tropical cycloneactivity in Hong Kongwere identified. Anexperimental forecast for2001 was issued in March2001. Other climatefactors are being studied.


To make availableweather and othergeophysicalinformation morereadily to members ofthe community withspecial needs,especially the visuallyimpaired

(HKO)

To set up an audiowebpage on weatherand other geophysicalinformation in 2001

(2000)

Audio webpage launchedin July 2001.

(Action Completed)

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To improveaccessibility to weatherinformation

(HKO)

To start deliveringweather information tomobile phone users in2001

(2000)

A Wireless ApplicationProtocol (WAP) site fordelivering weatherinformation to mobilephone users was set up andput into operational trial.


To provide additionalofficial weatherinformation on worldcities through theInternet

(HKO)

To provide theinformation on theHKO website by 2002

(2000)

A database was set up.Design of the webpagesand updating proceduresare underway.


To provide radar-basedweather images

(HKO)

To start providing theinformation on theHKO website in 2001

(2000)

Radar-based weatherimages placed on HKOwebsite since May 2001.

(Action Completed)

To acquire equipmentto detect low levelwindshear andturbulence around theHong KongInternational Airportunder fine weatherconditions

(HKO)

To install theequipment in 2002

(1999)

Order placed in middle of2001 for installation in2002.


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To review theperformance of thewindshear andturbulence detectionsystem for the HongKong InternationalAirport with a view toimproving its detectionand warning capability

(HKO)

To complete the reviewin 2001

(1999)

Analysis of data forverification largelycompleted. Methodologiesfor improving windshearalerts were devised andbeing evaluated.


To place HKOpublications andeducational material onmeteorology,geophysics and relatedsubjects on HKO’sInternet homepage topromote publicunderstanding of thesesubjects

(HKO)

To complete theplacing of theadditional informationon the HKO Internethomepage in stagesaround the end of 2000

(1999)

Educational materialplaced on homepage infirst half of 2000.Publications put onhomepage in December2000.

(Action Completed)

To install a next-generationgeostationarymeteorological satellitesystem

(HKO)

To install the system in2000

(1998)

Installation of thereception system isintended to dove-tail thelaunch of a new satellite inJapan. Procurement of thesystem put on hold as aresult of an unsuccessfullaunch of the satellite inlate 1999. Timing andprocurement arrangementsare under review.


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To achieve results in this area, the following initiative has beenundertaken in the past year. Details are set out below –

7 Promote economic efficiency and free trade throughcompetition thereby benefiting consumer welfare


To continue toencourage newinitiatives to promotecompetition

(Economic ServicesBureau)

To continue toencourage the adoptionof sector-specificmeasures to ensure faircompetition wherenecessary

(2000)

New initiativesimplemented by policybureaux and departmentsto promote competitionwere detailed in theCompetition PolicyAdvisory Group Report2000-2001 published inJuly 2001.

(Action Completed)

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8 Enhance consumer protection1

To enhance liaison andpromote awareness ofconsumer protectionlegislation

(Customs and ExciseDepartment (C&ED))

To conduct four visitsto the management ofmajor retail chainstores by March 2001

(2000)

The target of conductingfour visits by March 2001has been achieved.

(Action Completed)

To provide a clear legalbasis for consumers toseek compensationfrom producers,retailers, etc., for lossor injury arising fromthe use of unsafeproducts

(Economic ServicesBureau (ESB))

To expedite drafting ofthe proposed Bill oncivil liability for unsafeproducts by addressingissues raised duringpublic consultation by2001

(2000)

To complete drafting ofthe proposed legislationin 1999

(1998)

Drafting of the proposedBill is at an advancedstage. Issues raised duringpublic consultation arebeing reviewed.


1 This Key Result Area and its initiatives were under the Policy ObjectiveBooklet “Tourism” in 2000.

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To introduce multiplesafety standards formore types ofchildren’s products setout in the Toys andChildren’s ProductsSafety Ordinance toallow traders morechoices

(ESB)

To introduce multiplesafety standards for all13 categories ofchildren’s products by2000

(1998)

Multiple standards havebeen introduced for 11categories of productswhere such multiplestandards are available. Inaddition to usinginternational standards, theinternational/regional forahave also focused onalignment and mutualrecognition of domesticstandards. Further actionto be subsumed under anew initiative “To alignsafety standards for moretypes of toys andchildren’s products set outin the Toys and Children’sProducts Safety Ordinancewith internationalstandards”.

(Action Completed)

Documents

行政長官2019年施政報告 - 主頁 - MESSAGEThis year, the Hongkong Post celebrates its 160th Anniversary. We will continue to provide high quality postal services and seek improvements