HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
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HON. MR. KOTEWALL asked:-
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In view of the Government's intention to introduce universal meterage as soon as possible, will the Government state:-
(i) Whether it will lay on the table at an early date a statement giving a history of the rider-main system.
(ii) What is the number of meters applied for but not yet installed in (a) rider-main districts and (b) other districts; and when will they be installed.
(iii) Whether there is an adequate supply of meters in the Colony to meet all demands for meters to be installed in the rider-main districts and other districts.
(iv) How long will it take to have meters installed in all the unmetered houses in the rider-main districts due regard being given to the possibility of installing a meter on each floor of every tenement-house.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS replied:-
(i) This statement has been laid on the table to-day.
(ii) (a) 2,100.
(b) Including Kowloon 400.
(c) It is hoped that under the system by which the Government proposes to supersede rider mains all existing applications will have been dealt with by the end of November.
(iii) There are approximately 9,000 houses in the rider main districts of which 5,600 are without meters. There are 600 meters in stock in the Colony and further supplies totalling 3,650 are due by the end of October in fortnightly consignments from now on: more meters will be ordered as required. These meters will be installed in accordance with the Government scheme for the abolition of rider mains which will be explained in connection with the Resolution for the abolition of the rider main system.
(iv) This will depend on the rate of application and the number of applicants. The outstanding number of houses is 5,600 and 2,100 applications for meters have been received. To give separate meters to each floor of a tenement house throughout the Colony would