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Do I understand that the work would have been completed much earlier if the funds were available?
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:-I did not say so.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-May I ask for a clarification of that, Sir?
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS:-I do not know what the Member is talking about, Mr. Chairman.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I am afraid the Honourable Director of Public Works' voice does not carry this far, Mr. Chairman, and I am exercising my right under Standing Orders to understand what was said.
CHAIRMAN:-What my friend the Director of Public Works said, Sir, was that he did not understand your question.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-May I ask him to repeat what he said a little while ago, because I did not hear him clearly?
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: I am sorry I am unable to repeat what I said before, because I do not know what the question was and I do not know what my answer was.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, I asked a simple question- whether the Honourable Director of Public Works would repeat the answer which he gave to Mr. SALES? I am exercising my right under Standing Orders and this is a point of order, Sir.
CHAIRMAN:-I am not disputing that, Sir. Could you elaborate a little more so that the Director of Public Works could understand which question you are referring to?
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: The last answer he gave to Mr. SALES concerning the swimming pool.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN continued:-Mr. Chairman, I can only assume then that the Honourable Director of Public Works does not remember what he said.
CHAIRMAN: No, Sir, he said several things and I think it is up to you to explain a little more clearly what you want him to say.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I am referring to the last supplementary question raised by Mr. SALES, Mr. Chairman, and to the answer which the Director of Public Works gave. I did not hear what he said.
MR. WATSON:-A point of clarification, Mr. Chairman. Does Mr. CHEONG-LEEN remember what that last question by Mr. SALES was?
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-I think it referred to the swimming pool and whether there was any delay in the completion of the swimming pool?
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MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, a point of order. If Mr. CHEONG-LEEN wishes the answer to be repeated, I think you should call upon the Secretary to give Mr. CHEONG-LEEN the answer.
It seems to me that the Director of Public Works does not wish to recall that answer.
(Pause)
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, since time is getting on and we do have additional business on the Agenda, I would prefer to leave it now and find out what the Honourable Director of Public Works said, after the meeting.
DR. BELL:-Mr. Chairman, under Standing Orders, I cannot find any rule to stop me from asking-what I wanted to do before Mr. CHEONG-LEEN stood up so rapidly to ask his series of questions-a supplementary question on what Mr. CHAN Shu-woon asked you. I wonder then if you could tell me what steps are being taken to abate the nuisances caused by the odour from these two nullahs referred to, at the present time, until decking will take place sometime in the future?
CHAIRMAN:-I had assumed, Dr. BELL, that the only satisfactory solution would be the actual decking itself.
DR. BELL:-In the meantime, Mr. Chairman, if there are, as it is suggested here, foul odours derived from these two nullahs, is there any way, or are there any steps, which this Council can take, to prevent this occurring? Could we look into the matter?
CHAIRMAN:-I think that most nullahs smell, but I will certainly look into the matter.
MOTIONS.
CHAIRMAN:-The next item on the Agenda is a motion by Mr. BERNACCHI. I am very sorry to say, however, that Mr. BERNACCHI is in hospital. He has asked that his motion should be postponed and I am sure that Members will have no objection to this. May I now ask if you would agree to postponement of the motion? Would those who agree please raise their hands?
(Members raised their hands to signify agreement)
I would like to take this opportunity-and I know that you will all join with me in this-of wishing Mr. BERNACCHI a speedy recovery from his illness.
MR. SALES:-Mr. Chairman, may the Appointed Members join with you in wishing Mr. BERNACCHI a speedy recovery.
MR. LI YIU-BOR:-Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Elected Members, may I associate myself with the remarks for the speedy recovery of Mr. Brook BERNACCHI.
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