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us do all we can to assist and convenience the public so that our parks become a matter of congratulation and praise rather than as at present the reverse.
In conclusion, may I add a word of warning about attempting to compare the situation in Hong Kong with other parts of the world. It is so easy to talk about the rates for parking and other facilities provided say in the United States of America or indeed in the United Kingdom, and our present rates may well compare very favourably with many other parts of the world. On the other hand I could cite you places where the rates are very much less than in Hong Kong. At the municipal car parks in most of the big cities in South Africa for instance the rates are sixpence per half day, less than half our own.
I think we must mainly consider the peculiar problems that do arise in Hong Kong and on that basis work out the matter for ourselves. May I say, finally, that I would not like my words to be taken as a criticism of the very hard work that the Select Committee on the car park have obviously put into its organization, and they deserve credit and praise for it. The fact remains however that as is inevitably the case with a new venture, the opening of the car park has brought to light those matters which in my opinion as the proposer of this motion could be remedied.
MR. CHAN SHU WOON Seconded.
He said: In view of the Multi-storey Car Park monthly report, I am kind of disappointed at the returns which were so low that the said Car Park has not been fully utilized by the public. This lack of support must be attributed to the high charges. I would like to see the rate of charges be reconsidered and re-adjusted in order to have the Car Park advantageously used. I wish, therefore, to second the motion by Mr. Bernacchi.
MR. LI YIU BOR I rise to support the motion moved by my learned Colleague Mr. Bernacchi.
Being a great believer in the work of the Select Committees, I support the motion with all the more pleasure as it refers to the appropriate Select Committee two points: namely, the parking charges and the method of their collection. The Select Committee is, in my opinion, very well represented, and I have no doubt that when it reviews the two questions raised in the motion, Mr. Bernacchi will be able to accept its decision in good faith.
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I do not intend to waste Council's time by discussing at any length the two points raised in the motion because when this motion is passed they will be fully considered by the Select Committee concerned, but I should like to mention that the collection of parking fees was originally fixed on an experimental basis, subject to review from time to time and as experience might justify. With regard to the charges themselves, they are quite a different matter. I cannot say that I will support any reduction, if any such reduction would mean that there will be an increase in the burden on taxpayers.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks I have pleasure to support the motion.
CHAIRMAN: If no other member wishes to speak I will briefly state the official policy towards this motion. The Official Members will of course raise no objection to the reference of these matters to the Select Committee concerned.
I was glad to hear Mr. Bernacchi say towards the end of his remarks that they were not in any sense a criticism of the work which had been done by the Select Committee. If that had not been made clear I should have supposed that there was a good deal of criticism and that the arrangements had been subjected to an examination in terms which suggested that practically nothing was right. However, I suppose that was set right in his concluding remarks.
Dealing first with the question of organization, we have paid careful attention to all criticisms and suggestions which have so far been put forward by the public; a number of changes and, I think, improvements have already been made in the light of such suggestions, and also of experience. It is quite appropriate at this time that the lessons we have learned from experience and the changes we have made should be laid before the Committee, and it is also timely that the Committee should now be asked whether further changes are desirable. I would however say that we believe that the best possible use is being made at the present time of the existing staff and any further changes intended to meet further the convenience of users of the car park may lead to additional expenditure.
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