Chief Executive CY Leung says a commission of inquiry is an effective way to investigate lead-tainted water at some housing estates.
Mr Leung was responding to lawmakers’ calls to invoke the Legislative Council’s Powers & Privileges Ordinance to probe the issue.
The Government set up the commission last month to investigate the cause of the contamination and to make recommendations to ensure the safety of Hong Kong's drinking water.
Mr Leung said the commission will be independent, comprehensive and headed by a judge.
The Government will announce the commission’s chairman, membership and terms of reference soon, he added.