DANGEROUS GOODS STORES
195. A major problem is developing in the matter of dangerous goods storage. The rapidly changing face of Hong Kong's public thoroughfares, which when largely open country-side were used and licensed for the storage of dangerous goods, now requires that in the public interest new and safer sites must be found.
196. Related problems are expected to reach considerable propor- tions in this field during the next two years.
SCHOOLS
197. Whilst the economic factors involved in operating private schools in a variety of premises not designed, or solely used for educa- tional purposes, is understood by Fire Officers, the simple fact that overcrowding is a serious hazard to life cannot be ignored.
198. Parents are entitled to expect that the Government agencies involved enforce, by law if necessary, the safety of their children.
199. Education cannot be at the expense of children's lives and in this context the Fire Service must be accepted by the public, as it is by the Government as the 'competent authority'.
200. Only by exercising constant supervision against overcrowding can life disasters in certain types of premises used for educational purposes be avoided.
PUBLICITY
201. In co-operation with the Information Services, Kaifongs and other organizations the Fire Prevention Bureau has continued to reach all sections of the public with its anti-fire propaganda. Whilst the 70% increase in fires during the past year suggests the continuing need for publicity, the fact, despite the exceptional risk in Hong Kong, that fire calls
per capita are less than those in Britain can be taken as an encourag- ing sign that our publicity measures are not wasted efforts.
STAFF ASSOCIATIONS
202. Relations with Fire Service Association continue to be cordial, but as in the majority of instances the issues raised are ones arising from Government policy the Director's action is limited to presenting Govern- ment's views to Association delegates.
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