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speed, will Government consider supplying the street sweeping teams with a special eye-catching uniform to attract the notice of the motorist, since prevention is better than cure?
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
The answer to the first part of the question is that the uniform worn by Cleansing labourers of the Department is already standardized. It consists of khaki shorts or trousers and khaki shirt with a distinguishing U.S.D. badge. However, such labourers are recruited in the first instance on a daily basis and it is only after they prove satisfactory that a uniform is issued. This means that men are sometimes employed on Cleansing duties for up to three months before a uniform is issued. Labourers employed in parks and gardens are not provided with uniforms. Park-keepers wear a khaki uniform in summer and a blue serge uniform in winter with a blue peaked cap.
The answer to the second part of the question is that the Controller of Stores is at present conducting trials with a view to replacing the khaki material used for Government labourers' uniforms with an improved light-weight and light-coloured material. Mr. LOBO's question has already been copied to the Controller of Stores, who will no doubt take his point about an eye-catching uniform for sweepers into consideration.
MR. LOBO:- Thank you, I am glad the question has been copied to the Controller of Stores.
DR. BELL: Was Mr. LOBO perhaps thinking of a bright red uniform? (Laughter).
MR. LOBO:- Mr. Chairman, perhaps not red but bright, because in many parts of the world, especially on the highways, people do wear bright colours to attract the motorists.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Mr. Chairman, a quick supplementary. In putting forward Mr. Lobo's question to the Controller of Stores could you also ask him to consider having an eye-catching badge as well? I have looked at street cleansing coolies every day, but I have never been able to find their badge.
CHAIRMAN: Sir, it is there, I have looked for it myself. It is on the breast pocket. You must have been unfortunate. (Laughter).
MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Sir, well it must have been rubbed off in the process of street cleansing.
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(24) MR. R. H. LOBO asked the following question:—
May I know if private cemeteries have been included in the anti-mosquito drive now being conducted, because residents living nearby as well as visitors to these cemeteries have been complaining of mosquito nuisance?
THE DEPUTY Director of Medical and Health Services replied as follows:
Private cemeteries are included in the anti-mosquito campaign now being conducted.
2.
These cemeteries have been and are inspected by staff of the Urban Services Department approximately once a month. Little or no mosquito breeding has been found and potential breeding places have been of a very minor nature which can be dealt with on the spot—e.g. a vase filled with water which can be emptied and filled with sand.
3. No actual complaints of mosquito nuisance arising from private cemeteries have been received from the public during the last three months nor have any summonses been issued in this respect.
4.
If Mr. LOBO has any particular private cemetery in mind (Laughter) I will be glad to arrange for a special survey to be made, not only of the cemetery, but also of the surrounding area.
MR. LOBO:--- Mr. Chairman, perhaps there were no particular complaints made because the dead cannot complain but I have experience because I visit cemeteries, and since there are various matters relating to this, if I may I would like to take this matter up with Dr. Coombes.
CHAIRMAN:- Thank you, Sir.
MR. SALES: Sir, could this matter also be referred to the Cemeteries, Crematoria and Funeral Parlours Select Committee, unless rigor mortis has set in in that Committee. (Laughter).
ADJOURNMENT 6.35 P.M.
CHAIRMAN:- Ladies and Gentlemen, that concludes the business of this meeting. Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 4th October, 1966 at 4.00 p.m.
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