Pressing ahead: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa spelled out the top three priorities on the Government's agenda during his first question-and-answer session in the Legislative Council this term.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa spelled out the top three priorities on the Government's agenda during his first question-and-answer session in the Legislative Council this term. The first, he says, is to get on with the work relating to economic transformation so that the grassroots can share the fruit of recovery.

The second is to complete the constitutional development work ahead of the 2007 and 2008 elections, while the third is to improve governance.

Mr Tung told lawmakers he will thoroughly discuss these issues with members and listen to their views as much as possible.

On improving governance, Mr Tung said both he and the bureau heads will adopt a "people-oriented spirit" and listen directly to the public's views.

Bureau heads to visit districts, attend radio programmes

A schedule of district visits by the bureau secretaries will be worked out under the coordination of the Home Affairs Bureau, so they can discuss their respective policy areas and issues of concern with members of the public.

Mr Tung also said arrangements are being made with Radio Television HK for bureau secretaries to attend public affairs programmes on a regular basis, to elaborate on policies and strengthen communication with the people.

On his upcoming Policy Address, Mr Tung said he will start a new round of consultation soon and will meet legislators to collate their views. He promised to have open dialogues with them on a regular basis in LegCo as well as meetings to ensure smooth cooperation between the executive and the legislature.

In today's session, Mr Tung highlighted several issues members raised recently.

Need for Central reclamation 'inevitable'

Turning to the Central reclamation works, he said the need for the project is inevitable as it would alleviate the deteriorating traffic congestion in the area.

But he assured members that the reclaimed land will provide open space for people to get closer to the harbour, and only low-density facilities like food stalls and scenic galleries would be built to facilitate visitors along the promenade.

On projects put forward by the two municipal councils years ago, Mr Tung said Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho will actively follow up and submit a list of proposed cultural and recreation facilities in various districts within three months.

Minimum wage, maximum working hours to be further studied

Regarding the request from 25 democrats to arrange visit to Beijing to enhance communication, Mr Tung said he is working on that positively and will fix a meeting with them soonest possible to understand their thinking.

On the issue of legislating on minimum wage and maximum working hours, Mr Tung said it is a goodwill suggestion that will benefit the labour sector in the short term, but stressed it is a very complicated issue that needs further study on its long-term effectiveness.

He said the Labour Advisory Board and the Economic and Employment Task Force will study the matter in details.

Turning to the request from transport sector to reduce duties on diesels, Mr Tung said he fully understands the worries of impacts of surging fuel price on livelihood and performance of local exports.

He said Financial Secretary Henry Tang is conducting a comprehensive study on the rising fuel price, including the option of cutting duties on diesels.

On the consultation system, Mr Tung said there is plan to appoint more capable middle-class representatives and professionals, including more women and youths, to join advisory boards.

But he stressed the rule that prohibits a person from taking on more than six advisory board memberships and  serving a term of more than six years will be strictly implemented.