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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, I am sure that the Urban Council would like nothing better than to be able to set up a zoo in Hong Kong. (Laughter).
MR. MACKENZIE:-No comment. (Laughter).
(7) MR. JOHN MACKENZIE asked the following question
Some public concern has been expressed on the importation of civet cats for edible purposes, and on the methods used in the slaughter of these creatures. May this Council be informed:
(i) details of the numbers of civet cats imported for edible purposes during last year, and the controls which are exercised thereon?
(ii) the information available to Urban Services Department concerning the method of slaughter?
(iii) what steps this Council is taking, or can take, to ensure that the method of slaughter is as quick and as painless as can be devised?
THE CHAIRMAN, URBAN COUNCIL, replied as follows:-
The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries is the competent authority for approving the importation of civet cats under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance, Cap. 139. The Department permits the import of such cats into designated premises which are subject to routine inspection to ensure animal health and the prevention of cruelty. I am informed that some 2,700 civets were imported from China during 1971.
Such information as is available to the department indicates that the animals are slaughtered by having their throats cut, having first been plied with wine or wine-treated food to make them drowsy. Strangulation and drowning are, I believe, other methods.
Cruelty to animals does not fall within the jurisdiction of this Council. Health staff are, however, empowered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance to take action against any person who they have reason to believe is guilty of an offence under that ordinance. The staff have been reminded of their obligation in this respect, but I am sure it will be appreciated that if any cruelty is committed, it is unlikely to take place whilst health staff are around.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. MACKENZIE:-Mr. Chairman, some comment has been made about the health hazards involved in the importation of these creatures. Are you in a position to comment on that?
CHAIRMAN:-Not really, Mr. MACKENZIE this is the task of the Director of Agriculture & Fisheries.
(8) MR. RAYMOND Y. K. KAN asked the following question:
In August, 1970, I inquired about the possible redevelopment of the Central Market into a multi-storeyed market complex with ancillary facilities. Can the Chairman inform this Council if a feasibility study has been carried out and completed? If so, what are the recommendations, and what actions will be taken in the near future to implement these recommendations?
MR. R. H. LOBO, CHAIRMAN OF THE MARKETS SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows:-
I share Mr. KAN's concern about the existing Central Market and agree there is an urgent need for comprehensive redevelopment. Several other members have also shown great concern and this question was put to Government for consideration.
I am now pleased to inform Mr. KAN that an item has been included in the 1972-73 Public Works Programme to permit a full-scale investigation of the redevelopment requirements not only of Central Market but the two blocks comprising Western Market. The investigation will be wide-ranging and will cover, in addition to the basic siting, architectural and engineering aspects of redevelopment, the question of what facilities other than marketing facilities should be provided.
MR. KAN:-Mr. Chairman, I was just wondering when we may expect some indication on the findings of this investigation?
MR. LOBO:-I am afraid I am not able to answer this question at the moment, Sir.
MR. PETER P. K. NG:-Mr. Chairman, the answer indicated in the Public Works Programme, what category, "E" or "D" or "M"?
MR. LOBO:-Perhaps the Director could answer this?
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: -Mr. Chairman, if an item is put in for investigation, it means just that, "investigation", which means
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