Employment opportunities for Hong Kong people will not be affected when entry restrictions on Mainland professionals are relaxed, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang says.

Speaking at the Legislative Council's House Committee this afternoon, Mr Tsang stressed that the Government is concerned with the issue.

The Executive Council must first endorse the Task Force on Population Policy's proposals to admit Mainland professionals and talent in the latter half of this year. It will also need to endorse proposals aimed at attracting investment immigrants to Hong Kong.

Turning to the round-the-clock operation of the Lok Ma Chau crossing, Mr Tsang said it is well-received by the public.

However, the Government has no plan as yet to extend the operating hours of other boundary crossings.

A number of factors have to be considered, he said, including cost-effectiveness, manpower deployment and supporting transport infrastructure.

On the newly established Council for Sustainable Development, Mr Tsang said items to be discussed during the Council's first meeting include sustainable development strategies and the setting up of a sustainable development fund.

The fund will be used to subsidise community group projects that promote sustainable development or related studies.

The Government has set aside $100 million for the fund, he added.