MR CHAN KIN-POR (in Cantonese): Thank you, Deputy President. At present, dozens of insurers can underwrite taxi insurance but only less than 10 such companies in the market are willing to do so. It is because the operation of this type of insurance has long suffered losses for reasons including a high accident rate, insurance fraud and champerty. The Government’s main reply already mentioned ways to reduce accidents but what counteract measures does the Government have in tackling insurance fraud and champerty?
SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND HOUSING (in Cantonese): Deputy President, regarding insurance fraud and champerty, the Government will enforce the law through the Police, and we will closely liaise with the industry because the fraud and champerty that we are talking about here are criminal acts which actually go beyond taxi operation and even insurance. But anyway, we will seriously follow up these criminal offences. We also hope to have communication with the taxi industry so that firstly, when hiring taxi drivers, consideration will be given to their past criminal records, including first, records of safe driving and second, whether they are involved in other crimes, in the hope of hiring drivers whose work performance, service attitudes and integrity or conduct are trustworthy, so as to deliver quality services to the public and provide protection for the public. Of course, we understand that similar situations generally exist in the insurance industry, and we will ask IA to communicate with the relevant sectors and take follow-up actions. Thank you, Deputy President.