The Buildings and Fire Services Departments had jointly inspected 6,041 out of the 9,000 old composite buildings in Hong Kong by the end of February.

Acting Secretary for Security John Lee told lawmakers today the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance came into operation in 2007, stipulating that the fire safety of composite and domestic buildings constructed on or before March 1, 1987, should be enhanced to better meet the requirements of today.

The departments have been conducting joint inspections on target buildings in two phases, which cover 9,000 old composite buildings and 3,000 old domestic buildings.

"A total of 112,803 Fire Safety Directions were issued to owners or occupiers of 3,358 buildings out of those inspected," he said, adding 23% of them have been complied with.

Owners or occupiers can be prosecuted if they fail to comply with Fire Safety Directions.

"As at the end of February, a total of 38 prosecutions, involving 11 buildings, were initiated against building owners, occupiers or owners' corporations. Among the buildings concerned, seven are 40 years old or more."

Mr Lee said enforcement authorities normally give owners or occupiers a year to comply with Fire Safety Directions and, without compromising basic fire safety, adopt a flexible and pragmatic approach in handling individual cases.

"There are 87,000 outstanding Fire Safety Directions, and 77% have been given an extension of the deadline from one year to five years, while the remaining 23% have not reached their deadlines yet."

Acting Secretary for Security John Lee said the Government does not see any justification or need to change the existing One-way Permits scheme or Mainland authorities' approval arrangements, nor to add screening criteria.

In response to a question in the Legislative Council today, Mr Lee said Mainland residents who meet Mainland authorities' eligibility criteria can apply to come to and settle in Hong Kong.

“The policy objective of the One-way Permits scheme is to allow Mainland residents to come to Hong Kong for family reunion in an orderly manner through approval by the Mainland authorities in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Mainland.”

From July 1, 1997, to December 31, 2012, 762,044 Mainland residents came to settle in Hong Kong under the scheme. About half reunited with their spouses and half reunited with their parents, while a small number reunited with their children.

The Immigration and Home Affairs Departments collect information on new arrivals at Lo Wu control point and Registration of Persons Offices, compiling the data into a quarterly report for government departments and non-government organisations. 

This information is used by the Census & Statistics Department when making population estimates, which helps the Government make long-term plans for education, housing, transport, social services, and medical services, he said.

Mr Lee added the Government will listen to public viewpoints and consider the overall interest of the community, while continuing to exchange views on the One-way Permits policy with Mainland authorities, and will provide feedback as appropriate.