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English translation of the Chinese letter at encl.
Letter to : Regional Secretary, New Territories
From
: Heung Yee Kuk
Date
Subject
:
Text
Annex D
(42
1
1.2.85
K
Opinion of the Xuk on review of Hawker Licence Pitch fees in the N.T.
We refer to your letter dated 2nd January 1985 requesting the Kuk to discuss at the 29th Executive Committee Meeting the question of "Review of Hawker Licence and Pitch fee in the NT." As the increase of fees directly affects the interests of hawkers in the NT, the Kuk cannot make any immediate decision and re- gards it necessary to solicit views of hawkers in different. parts of the NT. On 31st January 1985, the Kuk invited the Tuen Mun Small Scale Business Merchants Mutual Aid Association, Tsuen Wan Licenced Hawkers Association, Yuen Long Small Scale Business Merchants Mutual Aid Association, and Sha Tin Markets Mutual Aid Committee to hold a discussion with the Industry and Commerce
Committee of the Kuk.
1.
The following points were raised at the meeting:
The increase rate of 35% is not, as your
letter stated, a small amount which will not cause economic hardship to hawkers in the N.T. If the rate increases by geometric progression each year, the hawkers will not be able to afford and will either be forced
to cease business or become unlicensed hawkers in order to make a living. Public
disorder will ensue.
12.