Plan to cut Legco scrutiny of projects attacked
A government proposal to speed up capital works costing less than HK$30 million by bypassing legislative scrutiny met widespread opposition from legislators yesterday. Works costing more than HK$15 million require approval by the Legislative Council's Finance Committee, but the government hopes to double that limit. Pan-democrats said the proposal would further weaken the power of lawmakers. Liberal Party chairman James Tien Pei-chun said the ceiling could be raised, but only to HK$21 million to account for inflation.
Panel close to finishing arts hub report, officials say
An advisory committee is finalising the draft of a recommendation on the future of the West Kowloon cultural district project, the government says. At yesterday's final panel meeting, members discussed how to develop the cultural district and its economic impact. Afterwards a committee member said a commission would be set up to oversee the controversial project and would have the power to decide how, when and in how many stages government land on the site would be sold to fund it.
KCRC gives children free rides
