Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau says the Government has no intention to enact tree-conservation legislation because the existing tree-protection measures are comprehensive and effective.

He told lawmakers today there have been cases in which trees, mainly Buddhist pines and incense trees, were illegally cut down in Hong Kong and transported to the Mainland. In most cases, Buddhist pines were totally uprooted while incense trees were cut into small pieces.

Since trees were usually recovered while being transported, the Government is unable to ascertain whether they were taken from country parks.

However, he said none of the damaged trees was listed on the Register of Old & Valuable Trees.

Anyone who vandalises or damages a tree shall be fined and/or imprisoned. Mr Yau said the penalty set out in the relevant legislation is appropriate and has a deterrent effect on the offenders. Therefore, the Government have no intention to increase the penalty.