THE Government last night ruled out legislation to protect children left alone by working parents, despite the fire-related deaths of two unattended toddlers and another blaze which left two children fighting for their life.
But Legislative Councillors and the Government made renewed calls to parents not to leave children alone and to use available child care facilities and services.
The onus is being put on parents to act responsibly in the wake of several incidents in the past few years, where unattended children have died or been maimed.
''Parents must not think that because they have not encountered accidents that the matter does not concern them. They should realise that a little neglect on their part can cost lives,'' said councillor Mr Eric Li Ka-cheung.
Six-year-old Shek Fu-hing and his 11/2-year-old brother, Shek Fu-sing, were last night critically ill after inhaling fumes in a fire that broke out in their Tseung Kwan O home.
Earlier yesterday, a similar incident in Tai Po took place where two toddlers, left unattended by the parents, were burned to death.
