Government shuns rumours on ExCo revamp

Council has been operating smoothly, says CE.

According to a report, Chief Executive CY Leung says there is no plan to appoint a new ex-officio member to the Executive Council following Barry Cheung’s resignation.

He made the statement at a media session before attending the council’s weekly meeting today, and said there is no requirement concerning the number of council members.

“The council has been operating smoothly according to provisions of the Basic Law. At the moment, I do not have any intention to invite a new member to join nor to restructure the council,” he said.

Responding to a question on Mr Cheung’s appointment as Chairman of the Urban Renewal Authority, Mr Leung said it was made in accordance with standard procedures, in which candidates are nominated by responsible departments or bureaus.

Although there is a general rule requiring a public office holder to serve no more than six years in the same position and not hold more than six offices at the same time, there have been exceptions in the past, he said.

Mr Leung also noted the serious problem the Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee's survey revealed. Released yesterday, the survey suggests more than 170,000 people are living in subdivided units, some without a kitchen or toilet.

He said the Government has placed a high priority on resolving the housing problem. Measures to manage demand have shown some progress, and supply will be increased in both the short and long term, he said.

Short-term measures such as change of land use require the cooperation of local people and District Councils. The Government will also plan new towns in the northeastern New Territories, as well as large-scale land development through reclamation.

Hong Kong society will need to make difficult choices to solve the housing problem, he said.