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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. A. DE O. SALES :- May I ask a supplementary question on 1, 2 and 3 with regard to Ap Lei Chau? In the first instance it is really a point of information. Do I take it that the questions and the replies refer to one and the same place in view of the fact that different spellings are involved?
CHAIRMAN :- Perhaps we ought to spell them in Chinese!
MR. SALES :- How you wish to spell it is not my concern - it is yours and Dr. Raymond's.
CHAIRMAN :- I think ours is the official spelling.
MR. SALES :- Thank you.
In which case, Mr. Chairman, arising from your reply, may I ask you whether the spelling in your memorandum USD 58/15 is the official spelling or not? Page 4 of your memorandum for the fortnight ended 26th July, 1958. It is spelt Dr. Lee's way.
CHAIRMAN :- I should be very happy to spell it as you think fit, Mr. Sales.
MR. SALES :- The supplementary question is a serious one. Your memorandum refers to the responsibility of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs in regard to certain areas. Section 5, “Administration of the non-urban areas of the Colony". Paragraph 2, paragraph 3 and paragraph 4.
CHAIRMAN :- I am afraid that I am a bit lost. To what are you referring?
MR. SALES :- Responsibility of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs for non-urban areas. I am referring you to your memorandum and I am asking a supplementary question now.
CHAIRMAN :- This does not arise out of the original question.
MR. SALES :- You have not heard the supplementary question. How do you know that it does not arise? I have referred you to this paper and I am asking you a supplementary question: whether the replies you have given today have been made in consultation with the Secretary for Chinese Affairs because they fall under his responsibility. It is quite clearly stated and I think that this Council cannot take any steps concerning Ap Lei Chau without the Secretary for Chinese Affairs being consulted. That is the memorandum here.
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(Mr. Sales sat down and the Chairman consulted the Secretary for Chinese Affairs).
CHAIRMAN :- Perhaps you would stand up and explain your question.
MR. SALES :- Thank you. I explained it in the first instance and you declined to listen to me and you wanted to rule me out of order, and then I put the question to you.
On 26th July (fortnightly memorandum) you drew the attention of all concerned to a circular from the Colonial Secretariat in reference to the administration of the non-urban areas of the Colony. This attracted my attention. I see included in the spheres of responsibility for the Secretary for Chinese Affairs is Ap Lei Chau. Just now we entertained three questions from a member which are in perfect order today, and replies have been made to these three questions. Naturally I would get up and ask whether the Secretary for Chinese Affairs has been consulted because Ap Lei Chau apparently falls within his sphere of interest and responsibility. So the relevant Select Committees in considering the points made by Dr. Lee should first be informed of the opinion of the distinguished member of this Council, the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. It is natural - is that not so - that one should associate the question with the ruling laid down in your memorandum?
CHAIRMAN :- With regard to question 2, I can assure you that this will be referred to the local Kaifong through the medium of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. And the same will also apply to question 3.
MR. SALES :- Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
DR. R. H. S. LEE asked the following question :----
"Is the Chairman aware that flooding of East Main Street in front of Shau Kei Wan Market on rainy days causes the users of the market to wade through water ankle and sometimes knee deep in order to reach it? Will he take appropriate measures to remedy this at the earliest possible date?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
This concerns flooding around Shau Kei Wan Market at the far end of Shau Kei Wan Village.
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