QUESTION-X
MR. LIU (in Cantonese):
Sir, before we are able to clear
all squatter population there, has the Government drawn up any measures to control the pollution problem?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I can only say that the various measures which I mentioned in my reply will gradually take effect. The ban on livestock keeping as from June
should have quite a significant effect in that there are several pig farms in the area. The clearance is also due to start in June and meanwhile the Buildings and Lands Department
will continue with their action to require offending factories
to improve the situation.
PROF. POON:
Sir, of the 12.
factories mentioned
in the Secretary's answer, how many of them have responded positively to warning letters and what types of work are carried out in these factories?
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I am not sure exactly
how many have so far responded positively but what they would need to do would be to connect the discharges, which at present
are running straight into storm water drains and thence into
the
nullah,
into
foul
water
sewers.
In some cases it would be necessary for the discharges to be
treated before they were suitable for discharge even into the
foul water sewers.
MRS. NG (in Cantonese): Sir, in the second paragraph of the answer it is said that among the 34 factories, 12 factories have directed their effluent into the storm water drains wrongly.
What are the causes for the wrongful connection, and
what measures will the Government take to prevent other factories from commiting the same offence?