Up for discussion: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow hopes a paper on medical financing proposals can be issued in mid-2006 for public consultation.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says a paper on medical financing proposals will be issued in the middle of the year for public consultation, adding it is too early to decide whether the Hospital Authority should raise public medical fees.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Dr Chow said the Government and Hospital Authority have not yet discussed the results of its recent affordability study on the medical fee revision.

He said no hasty decision should be made, adding any fee adjustment should consider the situation of the lower and middle classes.

The secretary said the Government is doing a cost analysis and making reference to overseas countries' experience with regards to medical fee revisions.

On local poultry trade, Dr Chow said provided a proper risk-management system is in place, there is still room for Hong Kong to have a poultry-rearing industry.

Asked whether contractors are interested in running a central slaughtering plant in Hong Kong, Dr Chow said at least four have expressed an interest.

Noting the proposed slaughtering plant will be primarily machine operated, the secretary believed the plant's labour cost would not be too high.

He said the product quality is the top priority, adding the slaughtering plant can establish a brand name for itself if it succeeds in maintaining high quality services.

To enhance the proposed slaughtering plant's competitiveness, a 10-year exclusive contract would be awarded and the Government rent payable by the selected contractor would be just $1 a year.

Residents' concerns

On the concerns raised by the North District councillors and residents regarding the proposed Sheung Shui poultry slaughtering plant, Dr Chow said the proposed site is close to the boundary with the Mainland and local poultry farms, which would shorten the distance for transporting live chickens.

He hoped the residents and councilors will understand the Government's stance, adding discussions with the concerned parties will continue.