Following is a question by Hon Ma Fung-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, in the Legislative Council today (January 9):

Question:

     Since the last school year, the Education Bureau and the Home Affairs Bureau have jointly launched the Opening up School Facilities for Promotion of Sports Development Scheme (the Scheme).  Through providing financial incentives, the Scheme encourages schools to hire out their facilities to sports organisations.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the details, as set out in the table below, of the programmes which were held/have been confirmed to be held under the Scheme (i) in the last school year and (ii) in the current school year (set out separately in tables of the same format as the table below); 

School year: _________
 

(2) as the authorities indicated that they would collect views on the Scheme from the schools and sports organisations concerned after the end of the last school year, of the views so collected; the enhancement measures taken by the authorities in the light of such views; whether these measures include (i) further encouraging sports organisations and schools to participate in the Scheme, and (ii) enhancing the matching between sports organisations and schools; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3)　as some sports organisations have relayed that the levels of the hire charges for school facilities levied by some schools are higher than the relevant levels of charges for the facilities under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, whether the authorities will (i) encourage such schools to lower their hire charges and (ii) provide subsidies to sports organisations for hiring school facilities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(4) whether the authorities will expand the lists of sports organisations eligible for participating in the Scheme; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(5) given that sports organisations participating in the Scheme are required to take out, on their own, insurance with adequate coverage (including third party risks insurance) for the programmes to be held by them in schools, whether the authorities will consider collectively purchasing the required insurance for such sports organisations so as to boost the incentives for sports organisations to participate in the Scheme; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     Since its launch in the 2017/18 school year, the Opening up School Facilities for Promotion of Sports Development Scheme (the Scheme) has been well received by the sports sector and schools.  In consultation with the Education Bureau (EDB), the consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Ma Fung-kwok is as follows:

(1) The details of the programmes organised under the Scheme in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 school years are at Annex.  

(2) According to the respective questionnaire surveys conducted by EDB and the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB), the feedback of participating schools and eligible sports organisations of the Scheme in its first year of operation was positive.  

     Participating schools were of the view that the Scheme could strengthen their community connection, enable the community to make effective use of schools' facilities and collaborate in the development of sports, provide more opportunities for students to participate in physical activities, and enhance the sporting culture on campus.  On the other hand, they also suggest that the Government should step up promotion of the Scheme and increase the number of eligible sports organisations so that more students and sports organisations could be benefited. 

     Sports organisations generally considered that the Scheme could provide a wider range of sports venues, facilitate promotion of their respective sports and reaching out to target participants, help build partnerships with schools, as well as contribute to the promotion of sports in the community.  

     Having regard to the feedback collected, we have implemented a number of improvement measures in the 2018/19 school year, which include:

• increasing the amount of subsidy for schools from $20,000 to $30,000 for the first programme, and from $15,000 to $20,000 for each subsequent progamme. The cap of the subsidy is also raised from $80,000 to $130,000 for each school per school year;
• extending the Scheme to the 72 schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme;
• increasing the number of eligible sports organisations from 81 to 117;
• encouraging participating schools to charge sports organisations at the reduced rates specified in the guidelines issued by EDB; and
• arranging briefing sessions for school representatives and sports organisations.

     For the 2018/19 school year, among some 130 schools which indicated willingness to open up their facilities under the Scheme,  31 schools have confirmed opening up their facilities to 25 sports organisations for around 180 squad and young athletes training and district sports activities.  In the 2017/18 school year, 12 schools opened up their facilities to 15 sports organisations for running 38 sports programmes in total, which demonstrates a significantly higher participation of the Scheme in its second year.  

(3) The daily operational expenses of public sector schools are mainly subsidised by the Government.  EDB has through the years been issuing guidelines to public sector schools to set out the recommended charges for the hiring of accommodations in schools.   Generally speaking, schools should charge hirers on a full-cost recovery basis.  Since the operation, target groups, management policies and funding sources of schools and leisure facilities under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are entirely different, their levels of charges are not directly comparable.  

     Nonetheless, to encourage more sports organisations to join the Scheme, EDB has in September 2018 updated the "Guidelines for Levying Charges for Hire of Accommodation in Schools" for public sector schools, and incorporated eligible sports organisations under the Scheme into the category of organisations eligible for reduced rates.   The discount rates range from 48 per cent to 86 per cent depending on the types of facilities hired. According to the information provided by schools participating in the Scheme in the 2018/19 school year, around 90 per cent of them have adopted the reduced rates or even lower fees when charging sports organisations.  Some schools even took the initiatives to waive the charges altogether. 

     Currently, most of the eligible sports organisations are receiving subvention from LCSD or the Home Affairs Department, which covers expenses associated with training, purchase of equipment and rental of sports venues.   We consider the present reduced rates adopted by schools under the Scheme are at an affordable level for these eligible sports organisations.  Therefore, we have no plan to provide additional subsidy for them.  

(4) Given some schools and parents concern that opening up school facilities may bring security and operational issues, and that some places of the sports programmes are also reserved for students, the Scheme is currently opened for "national sports associations" recognised by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and their affiliated club members, district sports associations and sports organisations subvented by LCSD.  These organisations are experienced with proven track record in organising sports programmes, so that the participating schools, students and parents could have more confidence in them.  If other organisations are interested in hiring school facilities to organise sports programmes, they may collaborate with eligible sports organisations to join the Scheme. 

     EDB and HAB will continue to enhance the Scheme and take into account schools' feedback in considering whether to further expand the list of sports organisations so that more school facilities can be used for sports activities.   

(5) To provide schools with appropriate coverage, EDB has taken out Block Insurance Policy (BIP) for aided schools and caput schools, which currently covers their public liability as the occupier and/or landlord and/or property owner.  If a school hires out school premises/facilities to outside organisations for holding activities and a user gets injured due to the use of facilities during the hiring period, it is covered by the Public Liability Insurance section of the BIP provided that the injury is caused by the negligence of the school.  However, the legal liability of outside organisations for accidents caused by their oversight when holding activities in schools falls outside the scope of the BIP. 

     Participating sports organisastions of the Scheme are required to take out adequate insurance policy for the use of school facilities, including third party liability insurance, and include the school as the insured as appropriate to ensure adequate protection for staff, property and facilities in the school premises.  Given the scale, type of sports, risks involved and number of participants of the programmes vary, and that the facilities hired are also different, it is more prudent and practical for sports organisations to procure suitable insurance separately having regard to the nature of the programmes organised.

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Chun-ying and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (January 9):
 
Question:
 
     To relieve the impacts of the Sino-United States trade conflicts on the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Hong Kong, the Government has put in place a number of measures since the middle of last year. Such measures include the three enhancement measures for the 80 per cent Guarantee Product under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (the Scheme) introduced by the HKMC Insurance Limited in November last year, namely, (i) increasing the maximum loan amount to HK$15 million, (ii) reducing the guarantee fee by 50 per cent, and (iii) lengthening the maximum loan guarantee period to seven years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether the number of applications received under the Scheme, and the total amount of loans involved in those applications, have increased since the introduction of the aforesaid enhancement measures; whether it has assessed if the effectiveness of such measures meets the expectations; if it has assessed and the outcome is in the negative, of the reasons for that, and the specific improvement measures in place; 

(2) given that the Scheme stipulates that "the loans must be used for providing general working capital for the enterprises' business operations, acquisition of equipment or assets in relation to the enterprises' business or refinancing any facilities with a guarantee issued under the Scheme", of a breakdown by usage of the amount of the loans approved under the Scheme since November last year and their respective percentages in the total loan amount; whether it has studied SMEs' demand for capital as reflected by these figures; if so, of the outcome; and 

(3) notwithstanding that China and the United States have restarted a three-month negotiation on their trade conflicts since early last month, there are comments that the trade conflicts are unlikely to be fully resolved in the short run, whether the Government has any medium and long term solutions to improve the business environment of SMEs (e.g. lowering various kinds of government fees and charges, reducing taxes, and attracting more tourists to Hong Kong so as to stimulate domestic consumption and sustain economic growth)?

Reply:
 
President,
 
     Our reply to the three parts of the question is as follow:
 
(1) The HKMC Insurance Limited (HKMCI) implemented several enhancements to the special concessionary measures under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) (i.e. the 80 per cent guarantee product) on November 19, 2018, including reducing the guarantee fee rates by 50 per cent; increasing the maximum loan amount from $12 million to $15 million; and lengthening the maximum loan guarantee period from five years to seven years. The enhancements would last till June 30, 2019. The Government has also extended the application period of the special concessionary measures to June 30, 2019. 

     Since the launch of the enhancement measures, there has been a marked increase in the number of applications received and the amount of loan involved for the 80 per cent guarantee product.
 
     The number of applications approved in December 2018 and the amount of loan involved have increased month-on-month by 31 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, and year-on-year by 46 per cent and 53 per cent respectively (see the table below for details).
 

     As seen from the number of approved applications in the above tables, enterprises reacted favourably to the enhancement measures, reflecting the effectiveness of the new measures in assisting enterprises in obtaining financing. The HKMCI will continue to maintain dialogue with business chambers and associations as well as participating lenders, and endeavour to reduce the financing burden of local enterprises and assist enterprises in obtaining financing through the SFGS.
 
(2) As shown from the applications approved under the special concessionary measures under the SFGS from November to end-December of last year, the loans applied are mainly for providing general working capital for enterprises' business operations. Details can be found in the table below:
 

     From the accumulated number of applications approved under the special concessionary measures under the SFGS since its launch to the end of last year, it is noted that the use of loan is also mainly to provide general working capital for enterprises' business operations. Details can be found in the table below:

(As at end-December 2018)

(3) The Government has been closely monitoring developments of the China-US trade conflict and their impact on Hong Kong economy, maintaining close communication and exchanging information with the trade, and discussing with them how to respond. The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Trade and Industry Department (TID) have met with major local chambers and associations of SMEs many times to gauge their views. TID has also set up a dedicated liaison platform for better communication with and dissemination of information to the trade. Apart from the enhancements to the SFGS as mentioned above, the Government has introduced a number of support measures last year, including:

(i) The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation has introduced in phases special enhanced measures to strengthen protection for Hong Kong exporters affected by the US tariff measures, including providing six free buyer credit assessments for each Hong Kong exporter; providing 30 per cent discount on premium for "Small Business Policy" (SBP) holders (i.e. Hong Kong exporters with annual sales turnover less than $50 million); increasing the credit limit on US buyers for SBP holders by 20 per cent to a maximum of $5 million; and providing free pre-shipment cover for SBP holders affected by the US tariff measures;

(ii) TID has been strengthening the dissemination of information in respect of the Hong Kong rules of origin to the trade and following up with the trade on the related review; and

(iii) The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) organises free seminars with expert speakers to help the trade understand the relevant trade measures and possible responses, and will also continue to help the trade develop emerging markets and production base through organising trade missions, business matching services, etc.

     In addition, the Government has also strengthened support to the trade in developing markets. The Government has launched the ASEAN Programme under the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) on August 1, 2018 to provide funding support to individual non-listed Hong Kong enterprises to undertake projects for enhancing their competitiveness and furthering business development in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. Enterprises can obtain a maximum funding of $1 million on a matching basis for carrying out up to 10 ASEAN projects. In addition, to strengthen support to SMEs in exploring new markets and new business opportunities, the cumulative funding ceiling per enterprise for the current SME Export Marketing Fund and the Mainland Programme under the BUD Fund has been doubled, i.e. from $200,000 and $500,000 to $400,000 and $1 million respectively.
 
     Moreover, the Government has capped the charge for each import and export declaration at $200 since August 1, 2018, so as to further lower the cost of importing and exporting high-value goods (Note 1) to and from Hong Kong, and enhance Hong Kong's advantage as a trading hub for these goods. SMEs can also benefit from the measure.
 
     The outcome of the meeting between the Chinese and US leaders on the margin of the G20 Leaders' Summit was positive. The Government is pleased to see that China and the US return to the negotiation table and continue dialogue on trade matters. The above progress can in the short run alleviate the tense sentiment in the market.     
 
     In the medium to long term, the Government will continue to closely monitor developments, maintain close communication with the trade and adopt a multi-pronged approach. The Government will continue to establish stronger bilateral ties with like-minded trading partners and deepen Hong Kong's economic integration with different parts of the world through negotiating and forging Free Trade Agreements and investment agreements. The Government will expand our overseas Economic and Trade Office coverage to new partners and markets with close economic and trade relations with Hong Kong and with development potential, so as to tap business opportunities and boost foreign direct investment into Hong Kong. The Government will continue to organise business missions with the TDC for the trade to explore business opportunities in new markets. The Government will also continue to assist the trade in grasping the opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
 
     In addition, the Government will continue to promote the development of tourism industry to drive spending and support the continued growth of the Hong Kong economy. The Government will support the Hong Kong Tourism Board's promotion work in overseas and Mainland source markets, nurture and develop tourism projects and products with Hong Kong and international characteristics, including culture, heritage, green and creative tourism, strengthen and enhance Hong Kong's status as a destination for Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition tourism, a regional cruise hub as well as the Events Capital of Asia to attract more visitors to Hong Kong.
 
Note 1: This refers to goods with value above $1.644 million. Prior to implementation of the cap, import and export of goods exceeding the above value threshold used to draw declaration charges above $200.

     Following is a question by the Dr Hon Pierre Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, in the Legislative Council today (January 9):
 
Question:
 
     The Engineers Registration Board (ERB) is a statutory body established under section 3 of the Engineers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 409), and is mainly responsible for handling matters relating to the registration and disciplinary offences of professional engineers, etc. Regarding the handling of the registration and disciplinary offences of engineers, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the existing channels and procedures for members of the public to lodge complaints to ERB about registered professional engineers committing disciplinary offences;
 
(2) of (i) the number of complaints about registered professional engineers committing disciplinary offences received by ERB and, among this type of complaints, the respective numbers of those (ii) which involved the disciplinary offences as stated in sections 20(1)(b) or (g) of Cap. 409, (iii) which were referred to an inquiry committee under ERB for conducting an inquiry, (iv) which were found unsubstantiated, and (v) the processing of which is not yet completed, in each of the past five years (set out in Table 1);
 
Table 1
 

 
(3) of the (i) average, (ii) longest and (iii) shortest time taken by an inquiry committee under ERB to process the complaints the processing of which was completed in each of the past five years;
 
(4) of the respective numbers of cases in each of the past five years in which an inquiry committee under ERB found that the registered professional engineers concerned had committed the following disciplinary offences (set out in Table 2):
 
(i) committing misconduct or neglect in any professional respect,
(ii) failure, without reasonable excuse, to attend before an inquiry committee when summoned either as a witness or as a person in respect of whom the inquiry committee was meeting, and
(iii) having been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of any offence which might bring the profession into disrepute and sentenced to imprisonment;
 
Table 2
 

 
(5) as section 28 of Cap. 409 provides that any person who is aggrieved by any disciplinary order made by an inquiry committee in respect of him may appeal to the Court of Appeal, of the respective numbers of appeals which were (i) lodged to the Court of Appeal, (ii) rejected, (iii) allowed and (iv) withdrawn, in each of the past five years (set out in Table 3);
 
Table 3
 

 
(6) of the respective numbers of (i) engineers whose names were removed from the register as they had been found to have committed disciplinary offences, (ii) applications made by these engineers for restoration of their names to the register, and (iii) cases in which those engineers were allowed to restore their names to the register, in the past five years (set out in Table 4);
 
Table 4
 

 
(7) apart from ERB, of the organisations and government departments which are responsible for handling the registration of engineers;
 
(8) given that the registration of an engineer under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618) was suspended last year, whether ERB has, in collaboration with the monitoring organisations and government departments mentioned in (7), established a reciprocal notification mechanism on irregularities/disciplinary offences of registered engineers, so that the ERB can take follow-up actions in accordance with the provisions under Cap. 409; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(9) of the number of lay members of ERB in each of the past five years?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     My reply to the Dr Hon Pierre Chan's question with regard to the handling of registration and disciplinary offences of professional engineers by the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) pursuant to the Engineers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 409) (the Ordinance) is as follows:
 
(1) Any person may lodge a complaint in writing to the ERB in relation to disciplinary offence of a registered professional engineer. Upon receipt of a complaint, the ERB shall appoint two members of the ERB to review the relevant facts and information in accordance with the provision of the Ordinance. The two members shall determine whether there is sufficient prima facie evidence of the complaint and report to the ERB.
 
     If there is prima facie evidence, the ERB shall refer the complaint to an inquiry committee comprising three persons to conduct a hearing. Upon completion of the hearing and the inquiry committee finds that the concerned individual has committed a disciplinary offence, the case together with the order made by inquiry committee will be submitted to a review committee comprising four persons appointed by the ERB for review before implementation.
 
     The ERB will inform the complainant of the decision with reason for any complaint that are found unsubstantiated due to insufficient prima facie evidence or by the inquiry committee after hearing.
 
(2) In the past five years, the number of complaints about registered professional engineers committing disciplinary offences were:
 
Table 1
 

 
(3) In the past five years, the time taken by an inquiry committee under the ERB to complete processing of the complaints were:
 
(i) the average time was one year and 11 months;
(ii) the longest time was two years and six months; and
(iii) the shortest time was 10 months.
 
(4) In the past five years, the number of cases in which an inquiry committee under the ERB found that the registered professional engineers concerned had committed the following disciplinary offences were:
 
Table 2
 

 
(5) In the past five years, the ERB did not receive any appeal case to the Court of Appeal.
 
(6) In the past five years, the numbers of engineers whose names were removed from the register as they had been found to have committed disciplinary offences; applications made by these engineers for restoration of their names to the register; and cases in which those engineers were allowed to restore their names to the register were:
 
Table 3
 

 
#For the second case of disciplinary offence found to have been committed by a registered professional engineer in 2014, the inquiry committee reprimanded the registered professional engineer in writing and recorded the reprimand on the register.
 
(7) The ERB is a statutory body established under the provision of the Ordinance. The ERB acts independently on matters related to registration of professional engineers, on which other organisations or government departments are not involved.
 
(8) The Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618) and this Ordinance are two independent pieces of legislation with different aspects of regulation. In handling matters on disciplinary offence of a registered professional engineer, the ERB will consider the relevant provisions of the Ordinance, but not the provisions of the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618). Hence, there is no such mutual notification mechanism.
 
(9) Pursuant to the provision of the Ordinance, the ERB consists of not less than 20 members appointed by the Council of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and, in addition, may include one member appointed by the Chief Executive. The abovementioned Council shall not appoint a person as a member of the ERB unless he is a member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (January 9):

Question:

     Earlier on, the Task Force on Prevention of Youth Suicides submitted a report (the Report) to the Chief Executive. The Report proposes 13 recommendations on enhancing the Government's strategies and services. The Report points out that "[e]xcessive homework and assessment … have been seen as sources of pressure for students", and it therefore recommends that schools should make efforts to improve the quality of homework and enhance assessment literacy. On the other hand, the Education Bureau (EDB) issued to schools in 2000, and thereafter updated from time to time, guidelines on homework and tests. Nevertheless, some parents have relayed to me recently that the problem of excessive homework and assessment remains serious. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) (i) of the new measures put in place by the EDB to ensure that the recommendations made in the Report will be implemented, and (ii) whether the EDB will consider afresh introducing measures to make it mandatory for schools to reduce homework and the number of examinations; if the EDB will, of the details; if not, the reason for that;
 
(2) when the recommendation made in the Report that one school social worker be provided for each primary school will be fully implemented; and
 
(3) given that the authorities launched the Joyful@School Campaign in the 2016-2017 school year to assist schools in promoting mental health and reducing the stigma attached by students to the help-seeking behaviour, of (i) the respective numbers of applications for grants under the Campaign received and approved, and (ii) the total amount of grants approved, by the authorities so far; the details and effectiveness of the activities funded?

Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government attaches great importance to the developmental needs and mental health of young people, and has been providing support to young people with mental health needs (including those with suicidal risk) through cross-sector and multi-disciplinary collaboration among different bureaux and departments. The Education Bureau (EDB) has been encouraging schools to adopt the Whole School Approach, synchronising the school policies, culture and practices with involvement of all stakeholders (including school personnel, parents and students) to promote mental health and to identify as well as support students with mental health needs. School professionals, including guidance teachers, school social workers and educational psychologists, provide support and counselling services for students with learning and adjustment difficulties (including those with mental health needs). The EDB has also been actively promoting diversified development programmes, continuously enhancing the school curriculum and promoting life education so as to facilitate students’ learning and development.
 
     In the earlier report submitted to the Chief Executive by the Task Force on Prevention of Youth Suicides, a number of recommendations were provided. Although the report pointed out that excessive homework and assessment had been seen as part of the sources of pressure on students, it also clearly stated: "If used appropriately, these are in fact useful and indispensable tools in school education. The EDB has called on schools to design homework that are stimulating can help students to consolidate and apply what they have learnt at school rather than giving out homework that has the effect of mechanical drilling only." This shows that we are concerned about pressure exerted on students, yet we should not focus excessively on the homework load, frequency of tests and examinations and assessment results, thereby neglecting the importance of quality homework and assessment in enhancing student learning. Thus, the focus of the report is on improving the quality of homework and enhancing assessment literacy of teachers.
 
     Regarding the questions raised by the Hon Chan Han-pan, my reply is as follows: 

(1) The purposes of homework are to enable students to consolidate their learning in class, stimulate thinking, enhance their understanding of lesson topics and construct knowledge. The amount of homework given should definitely not be excessive, nor should it be meaningless and mechanical copying/drilling. The EDB always emphasises that it is the quality rather than the quantity of homework that matters. We do not agree to simply equate homework with study pressure and thereby negate the positive educational functions of quality homework. This may mislead the public and students that affect the overall educational outcome in the long run. In fact, the education sector generally agrees that homework has positive educational functions in the learning and teaching process, and is conducive to revision and consolidation of learning.
 
     Regarding assessment, it facilitates students' learning by collecting evidence of their learning process and outcomes as reference for reviewing the effectiveness of curriculum implementation and students' learning so as to help refine the curriculum and teaching strategy. Assessments are not equivalent to examinations; they can be short tests, project work or daily coursework that assess students' performance continuously. Schools should formulate appropriate assessment policies in the light of their contexts and students' needs. Besides, schools should explain to parents these arrangements in a timely manner. 
 
     To enhance the assessment literacy of school leaders and teachers so that they can design quality assessment tasks, make good use of assessment data and communicate with parents appropriately, we will continue to provide them with effective supports, for example, organising professional training programmes for teachers and recommending good practices employed by schools; conducting school visits and inspections, etc. to gain an understanding of the school implementation of relevant policies and give feedback to schools; and reviewing and updating relevant circulars and curriculum documents in a timely manner. Besides, we will continue to maintain liaison with school sponsoring bodies and school councils on homework and assessment matters.
 
     We are of the view that it is not appropriate to set any rigid indicators/guidelines on homework load and frequency of tests and examinations for schools on an across-the-board basis. Instead, schools and teachers should be allowed to assign homework and formulate school-based assessment policies professionally based on their school contexts and students’ learning needs. As for individual students with learning difficulties, their schools/teachers should communicate with the parents, and adapt homework and assessment arrangements. 

(2) Starting from the 2018/19 school year, the policy of "one school social worker for each school" has been implemented in public sector primary schools. The new measure is implemented on the basis of the Comprehensive Student Guidance Service under which more resources are provided for schools. The objective of the new measure is to further enhance the overall quality of guidance services by ensuring that every public sector primary school is served by at least one school-based registered graduate social worker with professional qualifications.
 
     For schools currently not employing student guidance teachers, the EDB has provided a three-year transitional period for them to switch to the new funding mode under the policy of "one school social worker for each school" before the 2021/22 school year. In the 2018/19 school year, about half of the public sector primary schools have opted to change to the new funding mode and currently over 80 per cent of public sector primary schools employ registered social workers. In case schools need more time to handle personnel matters in respect of their serving student guidance personnel and cannot switch to the new funding mode after the three-year transitional period, they may discuss with the EDB separately.
 
     The EDB will continue to review the mode of collaboration between student guidance and social work services, and explore together with the sector various feasible proposals, so as to enable schools to adopt the best way to provide social work and guidance services for students.
 
(3) The EDB and Department of Health has jointly launched the Joyful@School Campaign to promote students' engagement in promoting mental well-being, cultivate positive culture and attitudes towards acceptance of help-seeking, raise students' knowledge and understanding of mental health through the three key elements of "Sharing", "Positive Thinking" and "Enjoyment of Life", so as to strengthen their ability to cope with challenging situations. One of the initiatives facilitating the implementation of the Joyful@School Campaign is the provision of additional resources by the Quality Education Fund (QEF) for proposals from schools, non-governmental organisations and tertiary education institutions through simplified procedures for mini-scale applications for organising activities related to the Joyful@School Campaign, including a series of activities to enhance students' awareness and understanding of mental health as well as strengthening their ability to cope with adversity. The proposals would also provide teacher development programmes to empower teachers with the related skills for identifying and supporting students with lower level of resilience. From September 2016 to November 2018, the QEF received more than 900 related applications among which about 740 applications were approved with a total amount of funding of over $140 million. Schools use different methods, including pre- and post-tests, focus group interviews and questionnaires to evaluate the effectiveness of the projects. The EDB also arranges visits to schools, observation of activities, and interviews with students, and conducts seminars for schools to share good practices, etc. to examine the progress of the projects. Overall speaking, schools find that the importance of mental health is promoted and students', as well as teachers', understanding of mental health is also enhanced through the project activities.

     Following is a question by the Hon Chung Kwok-pan and a reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (January 9):
 
Question:

     The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (the Terminal), built at a cost of over $8.2 billion by the Government, has been in operation for over five years since its commissioning in 2013.  It has been reported that as the Terminal received no cruise ship calls for about two thirds of the days of last year, coupled with the facts that the public transport plying the Terminal is inconvenient and the Terminal lacks facilities to attract visits by tourists and members of the public, the Terminal has often been left deserted like a ghost town.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 

1. of the number of ship calls at the Terminal, the cruise passenger throughput and its percentage in the total number of visitors to Hong Kong, their per capita spending in Hong Kong, the daily average visitor flow of the Terminal, as well as the percentage of the commercial floor areas leased out and the rental income therefrom, in each of the past five years;
2. whether it urged the terminal operator last year to conduct more promotional activities to boost the visitor flow of the Terminal; of the criteria adopted for assessing the performance of the operator, and the circumstances under which the authorities will remove and replace the operator; and
3. whether it will review afresh the modes of operation and management of the Terminal and hold more events and activities (such as conventions and exhibitions) at the Terminal, so as to boost its visitor flow?

Reply:
 
President and fellow members：
 
     Thanks to the Hon Chung Kwok-pan’s question.
 
     The Government has all along been committed to developing Hong Kong into a cruise hub in the region. Developing cruise tourism not only enriches our tourism portfolios in attracting a different mix of visitors, but its related economic activities also bring benefits to tourism, hotel, retail, transport as well as food and beverage industries in Hong Kong. In 2018, the Government formulated a set of comprehensive strategies and directions for cruise tourism development so as to drive the balanced, healthy and sustainable development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong.
 
     Since its commissioning in mid-2013, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) has been an important infrastructure in promoting cruise tourism in Hong Kong. Currently, KTCT has ship calls on almost half of the days each year. The overall utilisation of KTCT by cruises has exceeded the then projected performance.  Therefore, it is not factual to say that KTCT is vacant for most of the time.  With the continuous efforts of relevant Government departments, the transport connectivity of KTCT has greatly improved compared with the early days of its commissioning. At present, apart from daily services provided by franchised buses, green minibus and ferry operator, the terminal operator and some cruise lines would also arrange additional shuttle buses and feeder ferry services to ease cruise passengers’ flow. At the same time, the Government is carrying out various projects to improve transport infrastructure in the vicinity, so as to make KTCT more accessible.
 
     My reply to the three parts of the Hon Chung’s question is as follows：
 
(1) The number of ship calls at KTCT went up from 28 in 2014 (its first full year of commissioning) to 186 in 2017, while passenger throughput increased from 130 608 in 2014 to 784 073 in 2017.  Both recorded a surge of over 500 per cent. At present, KTCT has accounted for over 80 per cent of the number of ship calls and cruise passenger throughput in Hong Kong as a whole.

     Back in the earlier years when the Government was considering the construction of KTCT, it was projected that the number of ship calls and cruise passenger throughput in Hong Kong as a whole would range from 181 to 258 and from 564 102 to 1 041 031 respectively by 2023. With the joint efforts of the Government and the trade, the number of ship calls and cruise passenger throughput at KTCT in 2017 have both achieved the then projected performance by 2023. 

     As for the leasing condition at KTCT, all seven shops in the ancillary commercial area with a total area of about 5 600 square metres were leased. The rent of the shops is commercially agreed between the terminal operator and individual shop owners and it is not appropriate for the Government to disclose such information. It is worth noting that in addition to the fixed rent, the terminal operator is also required to pay a variable rent at a designated percentage based on rentals and other income.
 
     The KTCT is an infrastructure dedicated for cruise berthing and cruise passengers embarking/disembarking. As cruise passengers include local residents, it is inappropriate to make direct comparison between the cruise passenger throughput and the total number of visitors to Hong Kong. The Government also has no record of the daily average passenger flow of the KTCT.
 
     Other detailed figures in relation to the cruise tourism industry in Hong Kong and KTCT in the past five years are summarised at Annex.
 
 
(2) & (3) KTCT is a purpose-built infrastructure for berthing of cruise ships and handling large number of cruise passengers in immigration and customs control.  The ancillary commercial area is also mainly for supporting cruise operation.
 
     Currently, the cruise operation and ancillary commercial area of KTCT are operated on commercial principles by a terminal operator through open tender. The terminal operator is required to comply with various requirements as set out in the tenancy agreement, e.g. promote cruise tourism, ensure smooth operation of the terminal, engage regularly with the trade and report regularly to the relevant terminal management committee, comprising representatives from the Tourism Commission and relevant Government departments. The Government has been overseeing the performance of the terminal operator through various means such as meetings and site inspections, and has, from time to time, requested the terminal operator to make improvements in various aspects so as to ensure an orderly and effective operation at KTCT.
 
     Despite the positioning of KTCT is to receive cruise ships and handle passengers, the Government, in order to better utilise the existing facilities, has been working closely with the terminal operator and other parties concerned to attract more people flow and add vibrancy to KTCT.
 
     Without affecting cruise service, the terminal operator would lease out KTCT to hold various large scale private or public events, e.g. sport activities, product launches, media functions, carnivals, exhibitions, etc. In the past five years, there were about 230 days (including the time for set up, removal and reinstatement) with various events held at KTCT, attracting from hundreds to over fifty thousand participants. In the last year alone, KTCT was leased to hold a total of 10 non-cruise events.  The terminal operator will continue to liaise closely with event organisers, and actively put in resources to participate in trade fairs, including overseas large scale trade exhibition, so as to promote KTCT as an event venue and widen its usage.
 
     Looking ahead, the Government would continue to strengthen the transport connectivity in the vicinity of KTCT and support different organisations to make use of KTCT for holding events.  As various developments adjacent to KTCT, including hotels, office buildings, Kai Tak Sports Park, etc. will be completed progressively in the coming years, KTCT and the adjacent area will form a commercial and entertainment cluster, the synergy of which will greatly uplift the people flow and vibrancy there.
 
     Thank you, President.