4
KICK 0119
1985
QUESTION NO. 1
Reply by the Hon. D. Akers-Jones, CMG, JP, Secretary for District Administration,
to the Hons. Pauline NG's Question in Legistative Council on Wednesday, 23 January 1985
Question:
Further to the question asked by Hon. CHAN Ying- lun on fire-watch teams on 14.3.84, can Government inform this Council :-
(a)
(b)
whether District Boards still meet the full cost of purchasing new equipment such as fire-extinguishers, loud hailers and helmets as well as the maintenance of such equipment including re-fill of fire-extinguishers?
whether Government is satisfied with the operation of the existing fire-watch teams in squatter areas?
Sir,
The funds for purchasing equipment for fire-watch teams and their replenishment are provided by District Offices, on the advice of the relevant District Board. Each Board examines the merits of each application against other competing claims, and recommends an appropriate amount of grant.
The standard equipment provided to a newly formed fire-watch team includes fire extinguishers, sand buckets, alarm gongs, arm-bands and handbooks.
The Administration is pleased with the operation of the existing fire-watch teams. They help the Government in educating and advising local residents, particularly hillside squatters, on fire prevention and on ways and means of reducing potential fire hazards in their homes. In the event of a fire, they play a useful role in raising the alarm and evacuating residents quickly. Having raised the alarm, it is then left to the professionals in the Fire Services Department to take over the job of fire fighting and rescue.