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MR. BERNACCHI (In English):-Perhaps, Mr. Chairman, this question and the Chairman of the Hawkers Select Committee's answer could be referred to the Hawker Policy Select Committee, I think it's now the Hawkers Select Committee, for further consideration, not as to the scale of business which I agree with him is very difficult to determine, but to the questions of areas.
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (In English):-Mr. Chairman, I myself would have referred the question to Select Committee even if Mr. BERNACCHI hadn't suggested it. The main problem is how to implement the suggestion and I personally have an open mind on it.
(6) MR. B. A. BERNACCHI asked the following question (In English):-
Why should Tradesman Fixed Pitch Licensees now have to pay $500 per annum for the land they occupy?
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE HAWKERS SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (In Cantonese):-
The fee payable for a Tradesman Fixed Pitch site is $50 per annum and not $500 as stated in the question. In addition, there is a licensing fee of $50, making a total of $100.
MR. BERNACCHI (In English):-Mr. Chairman, I would thank the Chairman of the Hawkers Select Committee for pointing out to me the error in my figure. But now can I have an answer to the question? Why have Tradesman hawkers to pay for the land they occupy in addition to the licensing fees whether it is $50, $500 or even $5,000?
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (In English):-Mr. Chairman, all these have been agreed upon by the Select Committee of which Mr. BERNACCHI is a member.
MR. BERNACCHI (In English):-Not at that date.
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (In English):-Mr. Chairman, with respect, when the bill was passed I do not think Mr. BERNACCHI raised any objections.
MR. BERNACCHI (In English):-Yes, I refrained from voting.
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (In English):-Absence means acceptance on certain occasions, Mr. Chairman. But if Mr. BERNACCHI would like to raise the matter again in Select Committee, I am sure he will be welcome to do so under "Any Other Business" at any Select Committee meeting.
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MR. BERNACCHI (In English):-Thank you, I will, indeed. But I would like to ask a supplementary if, Mr. Chairman, I am in order, and that is has this division between the licensing fees and the fee for the land they occupy anything to do with the position when this Council obtains financial independence? In other words, will we get the full $100, or will $50 go to the Government and $50 go to us for licensing fees.
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (In English):-Mr. Chairman, could I refer that to the Finance and General Purposes Select Committee of which Mr. BERNACCHI is Chairman?
CHAIRMAN (In English):-I can say safely, ladies and gentlemen, that the fees which we collect will come to us, but I would like to seek clarification from Mr. BERNACCHI why he has selected "Fixed Pitch Tradesmen" for this question. It applies to all sites.
MR. BERNACCHI:-Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I selected Tradesmen for the simple reason that a tradesman specifically referred the matter to me. But, as you say, it applies to all sites and I thank you very much for the assurance that we will obtain the full fee and not have, in effect to pay half back to the Central Government.
(7) MR. JOHN MACKENZIE asked the following question (In English):-
Would the Chairman please comment on the circumstances under which the Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra (70 members) was invited by the Council to Hong Kong, and on the newspaper reports that no arrangements were made at the airport on their arrival? How many persons attended the Concert on Sunday, 17th December? Are you satisfied that this performance was properly publicized to schools and to the general public?
MR. KENNETH T. C. LO, CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURAL AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (In English):-
This question deals with the concert by the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School Orchestra on Sunday, 17th December, and in answer to it I do not think that I can do better than table a report by the City Hall management on the visit to Hong Kong by this Orchestra which answers the question. (Appendix II).
I am informed that this was an excellent youth orchestra and it was indeed disappointing that more people could not find the time to attend their very fine concert.
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