Page 32 of 115
48
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
to consider any suggestions for improving facilities which, in Mr. Cheong-Leen's words, will "make the beaches more attractive to our growing tourist trade." As to the cleanliness of beaches, which Mr. Chan Shu Woon suggested needed closer supervision, the remedy of course lies mainly in the hands of the public. However, staff has again been increased this year, and all successful tenderers for beach concessions are required by their contracts to keep their areas clean.
As to public cemeteries, I regret that I cannot altogether agree with Mr. Chan Shu Woon that these are inadequate, and that the public is unaware how to make application. There are in fact two public coffin cemeteries in use, one at Wo Hop Shek and one at Sandy Ridge, and they provide ample space for burial. The same land has, of course, to be used again, and bodies buried in coffins are exhumed after five years and placed in urn cemeteries. It has recently been possible to set aside a section of the cemetery at Wo Hop Shek as an urn cemetery.
Over 85% of all burials take place in public cemeteries, and this fact does not seem to suggest that there is any widespread ignorance on the procedure to be followed. All undertakers, hospitals and funeral parlours know of the facilities offered by Government, and officers of the Urban Services Department are always glad to explain the procedure, which is very simple, to any person who inquires. While on the subject of funeral parlours, I share Dr. Lee's concern at the delay in freeing certain land which has been earmarked for these establishments. Unfortunately this land is still occupied by quite extensive concerns, such as foundries and a godown, which cannot be re-accommodated in domestic resettlement estates or in the proposed flatted factory building. I have already requested that a search for alternative sites for funeral parlours should be undertaken urgently.
As regards the new abattoir, about which Mr. Cheong-Leen inquired, the present position is that before building can start, it is necessary to reconstruct the Kennedy Town Wholesale Market for fresh water fish and vegetables in order to provide the required site. This reconstruction, and the further reclamation which is necessary at Kennedy Town, are both on the list of works to be undertaken during the present financial year.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
49
Dr. Woo and Mr. Li Yiu Bor raised the question of the permanency of the post of Secretary to the Council. I see no objection to seeking Government's views on this and I have in fact already done so. I am sure that in any event it would be readily agreed that continuity of service must be ensured, so far as is possible, and this is, I think, what Members would wish to have.
But
Finally, as we approach the end of this annual debate, I would refer to the remarks of the senior nominated Member on the subject of the debate itself. I do not think that the majority of members would support the view that this annual occasion serves no useful purpose and should be abolished. There does seem to me a good deal to be said for Dr. Gosano's suggestion that the debate should be on some general policy motion, or perhaps on some motion referring to the approval of the annual Estimates. However, this is not a question which requires an immediate decision, and Members may perhaps agree that this could be discussed in Committee of the Whole on a suitable occasion later in the year.
In conclusion I would like to express my thanks for the co-operation and assistance extended by all Members during the past year. (Applause).
REPORT OF THE JOINT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE FOOD AND MARKETS (POLICY) AND DISEASE PREVENTION (FOOD AND DRINKS) SELECT COMMITTEES.
CHAIRMAN:-I now present to the Council the report of the joint sub-committee of the Food and Markets (Policy) and Disease Prevention (Food and Drinks) Select Committees on the subject of the medical examination for certain diseases of employees in catering establishments. I would invite attention in particular to paragraphs 38 and 43 of the report wherein it is stated that in the opinion of the sub-committee it is not immediately practicable or feasible for the Urban Council alone to take any steps in the matter. Paragraph 38 of the report, however, also suggests that the report, together with complete records of the interviews and other representations, should be forwarded to Government for information and, if thought fit, for study by the departments primarily concerned, particularly the Labour and Medical departments. I am glad to give an undertaking that this will be done.
Page 32 of 115