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MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-All I understand is that it is under review;— it could mean anything. Has representation, in other words, been made already to higher authority?
COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT: —That is correct.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Thank you.
(2) MR. H. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:-
(a) Is the Chairman aware of the fact that the exhaust gases from the increasing number of motor vehicles in this Colony constitute a danger and a serious nuisance to residents in the urban areas?
(b) Is the Chairman aware of the fact that exhaust pipe filters are now available in the United States at about HK$80 each, which can cut out about 85% of exhaust gases?
(c) Can the Chairman inquire from the Traffic Department whether it will be possible to introduce legislation for the mandatory use of such exhaust devices by all cars, trucks and buses within a reasonable period; say within the next two years?
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES replied as follows:
On the first part of the question, it cannot be denied that exhaust gases from motor vehicles do pose a hazard and a serious nuisance in the urban areas.
In regard to the second and third parts of the question, which I would like to deal with together, information has been previously obtained regarding an exhaust pipe filter or exhaust control device. I understand from the Commissioner of Police that this device is still being tested in the United States and apparently only the State of California has as yet legislation requiring car owners to fit such a device to their cars. This exhaust control device is only applicable to petrol engines, and its effectiveness is still being ascertained. Apparently no device has yet been manufactured to minimize diesel exhaust fumes, and in Hong Kong motor vehicles fitted with diesel engines present a much greater problem of excessive exhaust smoke than petrol engines.
So far, the Commissioner of Police has been unable to obtain a sample of exhaust control device now in use in the United States. The agents have stated that this device has not been thoroughly tested in the United States of America and, in consequence, they are reluctant to allow the device to be used outside the United States of America.
I am informed that it is unlikely this device will be available on the local market within two years; hence there would be no point in introducing, at the present, mandatory legislation concerning a device which cannot be obtained.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, may I ask the Vice-Chairman whether it is suggested in Paragraph 3 that the Police Department propose waiting until there is a device for minimizing diesel exhaust fumes before getting on to the problem of petrol engines?
ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: The device I mentioned in my reply, Mr. Chairman, is a device for petrol engines, and that will not be available here for two years.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Mr. Chairman, for the record, may I read a very short press report which was sent to me from the United States:-- "California's 'anti-smog' drive is speeding up, and each of the state's nine million cars and trucks feels the breeze.
Last week the Governor signed into law a bill that makes crankcase and exhaust pipe filters mandatory and gives the state highway patrol broad powers of enforcement and inspection.
All new cars, beginning with the 1966 models, must be factory equipped with crankcase and exhaust control devices. All 1963-65 autos, most of which are factory equipped, must have crankcase devices.
All 1955-62 cars in smog-control districts must have exhaust devices installed when the ownership or title is transferred.
New foreign cars get a reprieve-until 1968.
There are devices now selling in the US$15 to US$20 range that can cut out 85 per cent of the exhaust gases. And smog experts say the problem will be half licked in the near future. But it's too early to notice any difference."
Since this was sent to me Mr. Chairman, I understand that the price of these devices has now come down to ten U.S. dollars in the case of certain automobile manufacturers. Can I ask the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Chairman, whether it is not possible for the Commissioner of Police— (I am not sure I am asking the right person--just yet it has nothing to do with the Commissioner of Police)--but since this question is coming from me, I would like an answer;-is it not possible for the Commissioner of Police to start off with petrol engines because that, at least, is a step forward?
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