Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ14: Baby-sitting and breast-feeding facilities

Following is a question by the Hon Leung Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (November 22):

Question:

Regarding the provision of baby-sitting and breast-feeding rooms in public places, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) in respect of each type of public facilities, such as government buildings, parks, leisure and recreational facilities, of the number and percentage of such facilities in which dedicated rooms for baby-sitting and breast-feeding are provided at present; and whether it has assessed if these rooms are adequate;

(b) other than the maternal and child health centres of the Department of Health, whether it plans to provide baby-sitting and breast-feeding rooms in all suitable government premises; if so, of the details of such plan; if not, the reasons for that; and

(c) whether it plans to draw up guidelines or amend legislation to require the provision of adequate and proper baby-sitting and breast-feeding rooms in large shopping arcades; if so, of the details of such plan; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

The Department of Health is committed to promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. It has also formulated a Breastfeeding Policy that encourages and supports mothers to breastfeed their babies through different means, including making more mothers and their family members aware of the benefits of breastfeeding through publicity and education; provision of training to nurses and medical practitioners of Maternal and Child Health Centres so as to equip them with proper knowledge and skills to counsel mothers on breastfeeding; and setting up support groups for mothers to share their experience on breastfeeding. Complementary to this, baby-sitting and breastfeeding facilities are made available, according to needs, in some government premises and facilities frequented by the general public. The relevant figures are shown in the Annex. Besides, baby-sitting and breastfeeding facilities are also available in some shopping malls. We will discuss with other government departments and the private sector for further promotion of breastfeeding and explore the need and feasibility of setting up more breastfeeding places.





Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:08

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Attachment:
Annex to LCQ14