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my predecessor stated that there was justification for having a public telephone in each estate, and that appropriate action would be taken. I very much regret that, as in February 1963, only eight estates have public telephones and no action was taken until July this year when the department began to consider the most suitable locations within estates for telephone booths. I shall take immediate steps to remedy this situation.
Meanwhile, in an emergency, the public may use the official telephones of which there is at least one in every estate office. In all but the newest estates, there are also many shops which possess telephones.
MR. LI:- Mr. Chairman, may I thank the Commissioner for Resettlement, through you, for his very prompt action taken in this matter.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Mr. Chairman, purely as a matter of interest, in regard to the last sentence in the first paragraph of the Commissioner's reply, does he have in mind patronizing the newly formed Advisory Committee on Telephone Services?
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT:- I am not sure whether it is within the terms of reference of the Advisory Committee. I would like to look into that question.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- I think and hope it is, Sir.
(21) MR. CHEUNG WING-IN asked the following question:
The continual inability of the Department to clear accumulated rubbish in our city streets has reflected discredit on the Department and those serving on this Council. Will the Chairman confirm that for months the Unofficial Members have been clamouring for positive action and that the present breakdown of the cleansing work is due in no measure to their lack of vigilance or concern?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
The answer is "Yes". I am glad to confirm that there has been no lack of vigilance on the part of the Unofficial Members in this matter. (Laughter).
MR. CHEUNG:- Mr. Chairman, thank you. I am glad that the Unofficial Members are exonerated, but to the knowledge of some of your Department's staff at least, the labour problem had been brewing for some time. The waiting list of coolies has been exhausted over some seven months ago and nothing was done until there was a breakdown last month. In future, could I ask that all problems be made known to this Council so that we may avert possible trouble?
CHAIRMAN:- Sir, I must correct your statement that nothing was done about it until last month. This matter was first reported to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee in May or June of this year and it has been under fairly regular consideration by that Committee, besides the Department, since that time. I would like, if I may at this stage, to place on record my appreciation of the determination and support shown by the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee in this matter.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Mr. Chairman, to clarify this question further, has there been any lack of vigilance on the part of the Official Members? (Laughter).
CHAIRMAN: It is always open to question, I feel. It is a matter of opinion.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Mr. Chairman, is that not a straightforward question put in the same sentiment as the original question was put?
CHAIRMAN:- Sir, it is, but the original question was asked regarding the Unofficial Members, not the Official Members.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Mr. Chairman, you know very well how strong the esprit de corps is in this Council and I am simply trying to exonerate the Official Members, through you.
CHAIRMAN:- Sir, I am most grateful for your consideration in the matter.
MR. BERNACCHI:- Perhaps I can assist my friend, Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN. I think in reply to another question you have already said, Mr. Chairman, that the matter was reported to the Colonial Secretariat early in July, about the same time in fact as the Interim Report of the Select Committee on Election
MR. MARDEN:- On Electioneering? (Laughter).
MR. BERNACCHI:- ... I am sorry. The Standing Orders and Procedure Report was forwarded to the Colonial Secretariat, i.e., nearly three months ago.
(22) MR. CHEUNG WING-IN asked the following question:-
Will the Chairman give an account of the emergency steps taken to clear accumulated rubbish and debris and the reasons for the failure to clear the backlog?
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