1959

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN:-Before proceeding to the business of the meeting, I feel sure that members will join me in welcoming to this Council the Hon. P. C. M. Sedgwick, who has taken over as Hon. Secretary for Chinese Affairs during the absence of Mr. McDouall.

He is no stranger either to the Department or to the Council and his association with both goes back to 1937 when he was the Administrative Assistant. He acted as Chairman of the Council for various periods in 1948, 1951 and 1954.

MINUTES.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 7th July, were confirmed.

PAPERS.

THE CHAIRMAN laid upon the table the following papers:

(1) Report on the work of the Urban Council and Urban Services Department for the month of July, 1959. (2) Urban Council and Urban Services Department Statistical Report for the period 1st April, 1959 to 30th June, 1959. (3) Report by the Commissioner for Resettlement on the progress of clearance and resettlement operations during the period 1st April, 1959 to 30th June, 1959.

QUESTIONS.

MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:-

"Many, many months ago I asked two questions concerning:

(a) the provision of lighting at the fountain situated at the Causeway Bay Roundabout Fountain; and

(b) the putting up of a fountain, with lighting if feasible, at the Kowloon Star Ferry Terminus.

Will the Chairman please advise what is the present position?”

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-

"(a) Funds were originally released last August by Select Committee for the installation of floodlighting equipment at Causeway Bay Fountain. Some of the fittings had to be ordered from overseas, as a result of which, it was not possible to complete the work in 1958/9. In May of this year a repeat release of funds was authorized by the

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Urban Amenities Select Committee and during the past week the work of installing the fittings was completed. The new floodlighting was first turned on at 8 p.m. on 29th July.

(b) You will be pleased to know that Messrs. Leigh & Orange have been appointed as Architects for this scheme-the one situated at the Kowloon Ferry-and that a first sketch has already been received for a fountain at this concourse. Alternative proposals are being prepared by the Architects and as soon as they are received, Members of the Select Committee concerned will be given an opportunity to state which they would prefer."

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:---Just one supplementary question, Chairman, on (b). You think you are in a position to give an indication how soon it would take to have the fountain at the Star Ferry concourse completed?

CHAIRMAN:-I am not in a position to give any such indication of the time for completion.

MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:

"Will the Chairman please advise to what extent is the Urban Services Department concerned about over-crowding in new premises?

In view of the reported thousands of empty flats in the urban areas would the Chairman agree to give consideration to this question at this time?"

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:

"The question of overcrowding is covered by Section 45 of the Public Health (Sanitation) Ordinance, 1935, which prescribes a minimum, per adult, of 35 sq. ft. of habitable floor space and 350 cu. ft. of clear and unobstructed internal air space. These provisions apply to both old and new buildings. With the population pressure, it has been impossible to maintain these standards.

The Department is naturally concerned about problems of overcrowding and disease resulting therefrom, but has no responsibilities in the matter of slum clearance.

I have neither facts nor figures about the allegedly empty flats which are privately owned and have nothing whatever to do with this Council or the Housing Authority. I frankly doubt whether the numbers are so great as is commonly imagined, as there is always a distinct time-lag between completion, letting or sale, and occupation."

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