HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 28 February 1990
香港立法局
——————一九九0年二月二十八日
11
FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Sir, I think it is more likely that the enforcement agency will be the Customs and Excise Department.
Marble wall facing of Supreme Court Building
2. MR. CHENG HON-KWAN asked: Will Government inform this Council of the cause of the dangerous situation whereby extensive marble wall facing is liable to becoming detached in the Supreme Court Building?
SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS: Sir, four marble tiles became detached from their mortar backing on the lower ground floor of the Supreme Court Building and a further two on the seventh floor. As a result we have prised off the tiles which we suspect might become detached, and temporary hoardings have been erected in all the lift lobbies to make it impossible for any tile which might, despite prising, be so inclined to fall down
on anyone.
There are several possible causes for the tiles becoming detached. These are being investigated now and we expect to complete restoration work in about six months. I can assure you, Sir, that the situation is not dangerous, and I would also like to assure this Council that it is no impediment to the conduct of justice.
MR. CHENG HON-KWAN: Sir, judging from the extent of the restoration work which will take six months to complete, may I ask the Secretary who is responsible for the defects and who is going to pay for the remedial works?
SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS: Sir, this must depend upon the results of the investigation which is going on at present.
MR. MARTIN LEE: Sir, does the Administration appreciate that the temporary hoardings which are now erected are liable to pose even greater hazards to barristers than the marble tiles themselves because a barrister has a wig to protect himself or herself from a falling tile, whereas the same wig affords no protection to a barrister's foot against these temporary hoardings?