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Critics question 'unfair system'

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LEGISLATORS have expressed disappointment at the Government's reluctance to introduce regulatory controls on Towngas charges.

Democrat Fred Li Wah-ming described the proposal for a committee which would require Towngas to consult and brief legislators ahead of price rises as a 'gesture'.

'Yes, it is a step forward. But it is only a very small step,' he said.

And he questioned whether it was fair for Towngas to escape a stringent regulatory system when the other two power companies were made to operate under controls.

Party colleague Lee Wing-tat asked when the Government would deem it necessary to introduce regulation. 'Will it be five years, 10 years - or when prices have inflated severely and the public is suffering?' Deputy Secretary for Economic Services Leo Kwan Wing-wah said regulation was unnecessary - there was no evidence the company was abusing its dominant position.

Official figures showed Towngas had two-thirds of the market share, while electricity and liquified petroleum gas had the rest.

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