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(b) The discussions with the Director of Education and his staff were helpful and certainly supported the case for something positive to be done to ensure maximum use of the facilities we provide.
(c) So far, I have not approached the Secretariat on this matter, as, of course, it will be necessary for me to have firm proposals (and arguments in support of them) before I do so.
MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend you for working during a typhoon. I was trying to get in touch with your department during that day to discuss problems raised by members of the public and nobody answered the 'phone. No doubt everyone was also at another meeting just as you were. Thank you very much.
(Mr. Peter P. F. CHAN left the meeting at this point).
(12) DR. DENNY M. H. HUANG asked the following question:-
In view of the anticipated extension of the scope of this Council and of the fact that this Council Chamber would not provide sufficient space for the public when simultaneous translation is put into practice, would you agree that the best solution of this situation is to have a Municipal Hall of our own? If so, would you be kind enough to put this request urgently to the Authority once again?
THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, replied as follows:-
Over the years, I have been questioned at intervals by Members about the possibility of the Council having its own separate premises and, similarly, at intervals over the years, I have reminded the Secretariat of this matter. The last time I answered a question about this, I replied that there were, at that time, no plans in hand for the creation of separate Urban Council premises and added that I presumed that a decision on this would hinge on Government's decision on the future scope of the Council.
In view of the statement made by me earlier in the meeting regarding a decision on the future scope of this Council, I would suggest that this question is perhaps a little premature and should be better put some time hence, when the Council should know just how it stands with regard to future development.
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DR. HUANG:-Mr. Chairman, would you assure me that this problem is not aborted but just premature, I mean we can wait for sometime and there will be something happening later on?
CHAIRMAN: We hope to hear soon about the future scope and I shall certainly keep on pressing the point about the separate premises.
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, is it not true that Government made a promise to Mr. Brook BERNACCHI, who is now asleep, (Laughter) at that time to provide the Urban Council with its own premises near where the General Post Office is?
MR. BERNACCHI:-I would thank my learned friend to withdraw that remark. (Laughter).
MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, I have got witnesses all along the line that Mr. BERNACCHI was asleep at the time.
CHAIRMAN: In fact if I remember correctly the proposition was that Urban Council premises would be provided in a building to be built on the reclamation but it was to be in the main General Post Office building.
MR. SALES: -Oh, was it intended then that the Urban Council would help to improve the efficiency of our postal services?
CHAIRMAN:-I much doubt it, Mr. SALES.
MR. SALES: You think the efficiency cannot be improved beyond salvation?
MR. BERNACCHI: -Mr. Chairman, has Mr. SALES withdrawn that remark?
MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, would Mr. BERNACCHI like to cross-examine the witnesses on this side of the table as to his condition?
MRS. SYMONS: -Mr. Chairman, my eye-sight is very bad.
(13) DR. DENNY M. H. HUANG asked the following question:-
For beaches licensed by this Council,
(a) Do we have sufficient lifeguards? And how is the present situation when compared with that of the last few years?
(b) Is this Council considering to take effective measures to reduce injuries suffered by the public from being lacerated by stones, shells, etc.?
(c) Can we provide more litter bins?
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