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into this matter without delay. The simplest way to defeat this undesirable practice is, I think, to restore these licences to the 'dummies', and in this connexion identity cards would be very useful.
Cases have come to light where the financier violated the law in spite of repeated warnings from the licensee. When this happens in future, this Council should take strong action against the financier and at the same time seek the co-operation of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Licensed Hawkers' Association to assist the licensee to carry on his trade without the assistance of the financier.
The hawker problem is an extremely important problem as it affects a very large section of the community. It is certainly very difficult, Sir, to strike the golden mean whereby hawkers can carry on their trade without undue inconvenience and annoyance to the general public. I believe that eventually the problem will be tackled successfully when the Urban Council, the Police Department and the hawkers themselves can work together for the common good. To ensure this, I beg to suggest, Sir, that before new legislation concerning hawkers is introduced, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Licensed Hawkers' Association should be consulted. Of course, the views of the hawkers are not necessarily those of this Council, but to seek their co-operation it is essential to consult them on questions affecting their livelihood.
With these remarks, Sir, Chairman, I have pleasure to support your motion.
Mr. R. C. LEE :—Mr. D. C. Bray and the Hawkers Select Committee are to be congratulated for the excellent Report which they have produced. I agree with many of the recommendations which have been made although I cannot help commenting on one or two points.
According to the South China Morning Post, the estimated number of hawkers some ten years ago fluctuated between 40,000 and 70,000,
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I think there is a real need for Government to exercise effectual control over hawkers. Hong Kong offers no exception to the rule that where the administration is weak unlawful elements will try and carve out spheres of influence. I trust that Government will make a real effort to supply the necessary control.
The idea of Hawker Bazaars is not a new one. The Chinese Recreation Ground at Hollywood Road (A) and Public Square Street, Yaumati were, for all practical purposes, bazaars of this nature. Lower Lascar Road, commonly known as Cat Street is another example. I am confident that with adequate Government control, this bazaar idea could be successfully implemented. I consider, therefore, that the organization of bazaars will be an ideal solution.
Regarding cooked food stalls, I do not think that the licencees should be allowed to sub-let; and I strongly urge that provisions against sub-letting should be strictly enforced.
I am not sure whether I would entirely agree that owners of wall stalls could be considered as hawkers. As the owners of such stalls have Business Registration Certificates they must be considered to be permitted to trade. In any case, they have paid a fee higher than that for a hawker's licence unless such a fee has been partially or totally remitted while on the other hand hawkers need not pay an annual Business Registration Fee. Moreover, the owners of wall stalls have to file an annual return for the purpose of Profits Tax. I would suggest that for the present at least, we leave well alone as long as all owners of wall stalls pay an annual fee for Business Registration. After all many of these owners display their wares neatly in showcases and they each have a permanent address.
MR. FUNG PING FAN—I have read through carefully the Report as presented before this Council, and consider it the best one can expect in the circumstances obtaining today, as much care and attention must have been devoted to its preparation. The recommendations made in the Report are considered the best possible, and although some may not regard the Report and the recommendations as perfect, I do personally believe that they meet the need of the case, namely, the better control of the hawkers. Of course, as time goes on, and as experience will
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