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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
In conclusion I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all members of this Council for the assistance and support they have given me during the last twelve months and in particular those who have given so much time and attention to resettlement problems as members of the three resettlement Select Committees. (Applause).
DR. P. H. TENG --- Mr. Chairman, with your permission I shall now reply to some of the questions raised by my learned friends on this Council.
First, the sampling of milk, ice-cream and water is one of the routine functions of the Urban Services Department. If there should be a public health indication, the number of samples could be increased, but it has always been possible to examine either bacteriologically or chemically. My colleague in his speech indicates that these laboratory facilities should be under the control of the Council. With due respect to him, I cannot agree and I cannot see any additional advantage in the Council setting up and staffing separate bacteriological and chemical laboratories to carry out the functions which are at present undertaken satisfactorily by the existing laboratories under the Medical Department. On the other hand I would mention that increased facilities will be provided in the new Sai Ying Pun Out-patients building in which will be housed a more commodious and better equipped public health laboratory. Whilst still on the subject of infectious disease control, I would take this opportunity to appeal to registered medical practitioners to report all cases of infectious diseases so that public health measures could be instituted immediately.
Turning to the question of anti-mosquito measures, I am sure that members will agree with me that much has been done to awaken public interest and enlist public co-operation by our annual anti-mosquito campaigns. More intensive health education is being planned in this connexion during the current year. Still on the subject of pest control, I will mention our rodent control measures. This silent aspect of the work of the Urban Services Department is being carried out systematically and in a manner consistent with approved modern methods of rodent control.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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Mention was made of the establishment of Health Inspectors. I am in full agreement with my medical colleague in the contention that it is too much to expect one Health Inspector to deal with 1,800 floors. Much thought has been devoted to this subject, but it has been agreed that the load should be reduced progressively to 1,200 floors. Our training facilities have been somewhat limited by lack of space, not only in the Urban Services Department, but also in connexion with practical instruction in the Public Works Department. It must also be pointed out that there are other factors besides the actual training which preclude a more rapid absorption of new recruits.
As members know, the whole question of the duties of Health Inspectors is being very carefully examined departmentally, one of the objectives being to ensure that Health Inspectors exercise more supervision of licensed premises.
Reference was made to the work of the air-conditioning Select Committee. This Select Committee has formulated a set of principles on this matter which will apply to certain places of public entertainment and it is hoped that a translation of these principles into new legislation will not be long delayed. I am grateful to my medical colleague for the emphasis he has placed on the necessity to insist on adequacy of ventilation in licensed premises and he has my assurance that the health staff are fully aware of this important requirement.
Another medical colleague has expressed fear that many licensed premises are not complying with the Council's conditions. As members are aware the conclusions of Dr. Black's report are now being studied departmentally and necessary action arising out of the recommendations contained in Part 1 of this report will be studied by the relevant Select Committees, or departmentally. I fully agree that the unsatisfactory state of affairs in some food establishments calls for close and constant supervision by all ranks of the Inspectorate and this objective will not be lost sight of. The suggestion that members of the relevant Select Committees visit licensed premises has merits. Members may be glad to note that there will soon be a Senior Health Inspector whose function will be to handle and plan health education. It has been clearly shown by the recent survey of licensed premises that infringement of some of the Council's conditions and by-laws could be attributed to ignorance on the part of licensees or their employees. With more health education to enlighten those in the trade it is hoped that there will be an improvement in the sanitary state of all kinds of food premises. Finally I am indeed
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