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interested in improving the amenities in Kowloon in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, would it be possible for a copy of that report to be circulated?
CHAIRMAN :—I personally have not seen the report and cannot throw any light on it. I will look into the matter.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN :— Can the Chairman also state when a copy of that report could be available to the public?
CHAIRMAN :—I can forward your comments to Government.
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question :-
"In view of the fact that Southorn Playground is very much in use at night by the residents of Wan Chai, will the Chairman take steps to improve the rather poor lighting facilities of this playground?”
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows :--
"Proposals have been agreed with the relevant Select Committee for the construction of a grandstand in this playground, at the opposite end from the present floodlights, and the question of improving the lighting of the ground will in any event require reconsideration in the light of this development.”
MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question :
"Will the Chairman state whether or not he has been advised by Government that the Naval Dockyard lands will be made available to Government after the dockyard run-down has been completed and that a part of these lands will be handed over to the Urban Council for the purpose of improving the urban amenities of the area?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
"The answer to your question, Mr. Cheong-Leen, is that I have not been advised by Government on this point, but I have no doubt that the urban amenities will be given due consideration in any future planning for this area."
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DR. R. H. S. LEE asked the following question :-
"In view of the noticeable number of derelict vehicles abandoned in the streets which interferes with street cleansing operations, will the Chairman take the necessary measures to remove these obstructions as soon as possible?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-
"For some time, there have been standing arrangements with the Traffic Branch of the Police whereby the presence of derelict cars is reported direct to them by the Health Inspectors in charge of scavenging. The Traffic Branch thereupon undertake removal of the vehicles. A recent survey of all streets in Health Units in both Hong Kong and Kowloon, with a view to reporting all abandoned cars, has just been completed. The number of vehicles totalled 35, mostly in Kowloon. Recently, I informed the Divisional Superintendent, Traffic, that the situation was getting so bad that the time might come when I should have to make representations also about vehicles that apparently had owners but were rarely used."
MR. SALES :—May I ask a supplementary question? I notice that most of the abandoned cars are in Kowloon. May I inquire what is the reason for this availability of space in Kowloon for derelict cars, if there is any reason known to you?
CHAIRMAN :—I am afraid no reason is known to me, Mr. Sales.
MR. SALES :—Can you give this Council an assurance that derelict cars are not pushed across the harbour by the Traffic Police?
CHAIRMAN :—I can give you an assurance that such action has never been taken in the Department.
DR. R. H. S. LEE asked the following question :—
"Is the Chairman aware of the existence of gambling games operated by hawkers who prey on school children near the entrance of private schools in Sai Ying Pun and Sham Shui Po? Will he take the appropriate steps to stop this undesirable practice?"
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