Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13 Director of Bureau : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Session No. 12 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13
Question : The estimated expenditure for 2012-13 is 69% higher than the revised estimate for 2011-12. According to the Bureau, it is mainly due to the provision required for filling the position of Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and the creation of one position of Political Assistant. Since the performance of the Political Assistants remains unsatisfactory, their salaries have been criticised as being too high and the Government has indicated that it will review the system. What are the grounds for creating a position of Political Assistant at the present time? Asked by : Hon. LAM Kin-fung, Jeffrey Reply : Provision earmarked for filling the position of Political Assistant was included in the original estimate for 2011-12. Since the vacancy has not yet been filled, the unused provision was not included in the revised estimate for 2011-12. The estimate for 2012-13 is $4.9 million higher than the revised estimate for 2011-12 due to the provision temporarily earmarked for filling the vacancies of Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and the Political Assistant in 2012-13.
Question : The estimated expenditure for 2012-13 is about $80 million (834%) higher than the revised estimate for 2011-12. This is due to the provision for the establishment and operation of the Competition Commission. How many posts will be created for the Commission? What will be the estimated annual operational cost of the Commission? Asked by : Hon. LAM Kin-fung, Jeffrey Reply : Provision for Programme (4) in 2012-13 is higher than the revised estimate for 2011-12, mainly due to the provision of $80.7 million earmarked for the establishment and operation of the Competition Commission (the Commission) should the Competition Bill (the Bill) be enacted within 2012-13. It caters for the recruitment and employment of the Commission’s staff, the leasing of the Commission’s office accommodation, and research and promotional work of the Commission. The actual expenditure will depend on the legislative progress of the Bill. Resource allocation for subsequent years will be reviewed in light of the implementation of the law as well as the actual operation of the Commission. No civil service posts will be created under the above-mentioned provision. The Commission may employ staff and engage other persons on contract for services as it considers necessary to perform its functions.
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