Page 77 of 212
86
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
that in the past we have looked into this matter and we have in fact converted parts of a market into playground and other facilities in the same way.
MR. HU (In English):-Mr. Chairman, I would ask how many vacant stalls now we have altogether?
MR. LOBO (In English):-Offhand, I could not give the exact number. I have it written here that we have an average of about 6% of all stalls, the total of stalls empty.
MR. HU (In English):-Mr. Chairman, I would ask the last supplementary to the Chairman of the Markets Select Committee. Have any practical measures been taken in this direction to give the illegal food caterers some place?
MR. LOBO (In English):-I could only say that in Tang Lung Chau Market we have been making this conversion, and perhaps it will be of interest to Members if Committee Paper MAB/7/73 were circulated, because it gives the Committee's views and various ideas discussed into conversion of the markets and what we intend to do by making the best use of the vacant stalls.
STATEMENTS
MR. HENRY H. L. HU (In English):-Members of the Hawkers Select Committee have recently paid a visit to areas in which the Force operates and have spoken to members of the Force and discussed their problems.
It is obvious from what was seen that the Hawker Control Force is doing a difficult job well in those areas of Hong Kong Island in which it operates.
The Hawker Control Force is the Cinderella of the disciplined forces, lacking both the equivalent pay and fringe benefits which go with other forces. On the other hand, the work is arduous, unpleasant, and if done well frequently subject to criticisms from the hawkers themselves, and in the past I regret to say from some members of the Council.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I would like it placed on record that I consider that although depleted in strength, and whilst only operating in a limited area the Force is doing a good job and deserves the thanks of this Council and the public at large for its work.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
87
MR. T. S. LO (In English):-Mr. Chairman, on a point of order, I gather that only Chairman of Select Committees should make reports dealing with their select committees. Mr. NG here is also making his report as Chairman of the Youth Week Organizing Committee. Perhaps he might delete that part of his speech which is not within the Standing Orders.
CHAIRMAN (In English):-The point of order is well taken, but it is not exactly accurate because it is as Chairman of the Entertainment and Advertising Select Committee that Mr. NG serves as Chairman of the Youth Committee.
MR. NG (In English):-Mr. Chairman, I think Mr. Lo is anticipating my speech. I have not read it yet, he doesn't know which part I am going to delete. (Laughter). Anyhow, Mr. Chairman, the Urban Council has planned a long series of events for its Summer Entertainment and Recreation Programme and to start the ball rolling we are beginning with the "Hong Kong Youth Week '73" this coming Sunday, 15th July.
This project will concentrate a variety of items in the public entertainment and recreational fields into a programme aimed at making a major impact upon young people at the start of the Summer school holidays. The programme is largely based upon well-established items, but does include some new ones in areas where it is desirable to achieve a balanced approach between pure entertainment and active recreational pursuits in which young people can involve themselves.
This project will thus replace the series of Fun Weeks, swimming parties and launch picnics arranged last year, and accords with Urban Council policy of community involvement and of taking varied programmes of entertainment to the citizens of Hong Kong.
Doubtless, Members will have seen a copy of the production schedule outlining the Youth Week's programme. It will be noted that listed therein are some 137 items covering a great many subjects, some old and some new.
Amongst the new items I should like to mention a couple of particular significance. For example, we are pleased to have the Royal Hong Kong Police doing a show with us aimed at providing both enjoyment for the general public and also education as part of the "Fight Violent Crime" Campaign.
Last year a "Swimming Melody" was held for the first time and proved to be very successful. It has been decided to include a similar
Page 77 of 212
86
...
Page 78 of 212 (expected but not in the original snippet)
...
Page 87
becomes87
as "Page 87" is not in original snippet. The corrected response is as above, directly outputting HTML using `` for paragraphs.