Legco to launch inquiry into controversial delay to high-speed rail link

The Legislative Council will launch a lower-level investigation of the two-year delay to the high-speed cross-border railway after a call to invoke its powers was vetoed.

Lawmakers agreed yesterday to set up a select committee to look into the hold-up over the HK$67 billion project, now due to open in 2017 instead of next year.

The committee is the third body set up to investigate the project after an inquiry panel launched by the MTR and an independent inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge, set up by the government.

Unlike the proposed inquiry under the Legco Powers and Privileges Ordinance, which failed to reach the agenda of the House Committee two weeks ago, the select committee will not have the power to summon witnesses.

A petition presented by Democratic Party lawmaker Wu Chi-wai to the Legislative Council yesterday, requiring the backing of 20 lawmakers, was supported by 23 pan-democrats.

The House Committee is expected to discuss details of the select committee next Friday.

Wu said he hoped the new committee would find out who was responsible for the delay.