Hong Kong lawmakers backed a call last night for long-term measures to improve air quality. Following a heated three-hour debate, members voted in favour of a motion sponsored by Edward Ho Sing-tin of the Liberal Party. "According to the World Health Organisation's report, the current air pollution situation in Hong Kong would cut short the lifespan of 2,000 people per year," Mr Ho said. He urged the Government to offer adequate financial incentives, such as interest-free loans, to encourage the taxi trade to switch to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).