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probable location of this anchorage at this stage, as the counter-proposals have not yet been fully discussed in the Select Committee.
Mr. Sales:—Mr. Chairman, I wish to ask a supplementary question. Before I do so, may I say that you have been most helpful to the Club concerned, as has Mr. Wilson, in finding a solution. However, Mr. Chairman, I understand that they have been sent from pillar to post by other departments. Therefore may I have on record as part of the proceedings of this meeting that a solution has now been found?
CHAIRMAN:—As I have said, I have every hope of a very early settlement of this problem. I would rather not commit myself absolutely because the decision in this case rests largely with other departments, and this matter has not yet been fully discussed in the Select Committee.
MR. SALES:—Thank you, Mr. Chairman, but may I say that the Urban Council has found a solution for them, right? Am I not?
CHAIRMAN: I am under the impression that a mutually acceptable solution has been found so far as the Urban Council is concerned.
MR. SALES:—Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
MR. A. de O. SALES asked the following question:
"(a) What control does the Council exercise over the use of basements as car repair garages?
(b) What measures, if any, are being taken to prevent the excessive use of public roads as virtual extensions of such workshops?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
"(a) Apart from the requirements as to ventilation, lighting, drainage, etc., the Council has no control over the use of basement garages as car repair garages.
(b) No specific measures are being taken by the Urban Council to prevent the use of public roads as extensions of garage workshops since the Council has no power in this regard, except where any consequential sanitary nuisance arises."
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. SALES:—Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the fact that this Council has no authority, but may I ask you to convey this bad situation to the attention of the department concerned because the encroachment is causing a nuisance to many streets in Hong Kong.
CHAIRMAN:—I would be grateful if in a case like this, Mr. Sales, you would mention specific cases as they undoubtedly exist in certain parts of the Colony, but by no means universally. If there are any particular cases of which you have details I should be very happy to convey them to the appropriate authorities.
MR. SALES:—I would certainly convey that to you, Mr. Chairman, in such circumstances, but I think that the various Government departments are paid to serve the public interest and it is their job to find out where nuisances exist.
MR. R. C. LEE asked the following questions:
"Is the Chairman aware that at the recent Chinese New Year Fair on the Central Reclamation, many visitors had their shoes caught in the mud as the result of the rain on the 7th of February?
Will the Chairman please bear in mind the experience gained and avoid siting such Fairs in future years on unconsolidated reclaimed ground?"
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
"It will be convenient if I make one reply to your two questions.
The siting of the additional Chinese New Year Fair stalls on the reclamation resulted from a request by the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Licensed Hawkers' Association for the use of this land, to which the relevant select committee agreed. In advising the Hawkers' Association of this decision they were informed that 'the surface of this reclamation is rather uneven and covered in parts with rubble, and that should it rain heavily it will become a quagmire. If, therefore, you decide that in spite of these features the area is still suitable for your purpose, it is suggested that you might consider what can be done to improve its surface for the benefit of the stall-holders and their customers.'
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