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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. EDMUND W. H. CHOW (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, I am glad to hear the Chairman mention about the stayput of 4% of the rate for the coming year. I understand that the Urban Council has a lot of programmes concerning capital investment and because of that we have the deficit. As the Chairman mentioned we would try to have a kind of internal arrangement with the Government so that we may be able to get more percentage from the total rate. I think this suggestion would be welcomed by the general public of Hong Kong because this is only a reasonable and fair proposal. I only hope that the Government could let the Urban Council have more of the rates paid by the ratepayers. I think this is a logical step. Although the Urban Council is able to get some $420 million as rate in the forthcoming year, unfortunately we have to pay out $407 million odd as personal emoluments. I think all the other Councillors would agree with me that we should try and negotiate with the Central Government for a revision of the percentage.
With these comments, I support your motion.
CHAIRMAN (in English):- Does any other Member wish to speak on the motion? Then are you ready for the question? I will not exercise my right of reply because you are all in support of the retention of the rate percentage even though it may have been misunderstood by a member of the fair sex. (Laughter).
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
2. MR. PETER P. F. CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE MARKETS AND ABATTOIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:- RESOLVED that the Abattoirs (Amendment) By-laws 1979 be made under section 77(1)(L) of the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'
He said (in English):- Mr. Chairman, as Chairman of the Markets and Abattoirs Select Committee, I rise to move the motion standing in my name.
The cost of operating the abattoirs at Kennedy Town and Cheung Sha Wan has increased considerably over the past few years. Following a recent comprehensive costing study which showed a substantial deficit, an increase in fees is necessary to close the gap.
The Markets and Abattoirs Select Committee has carefully considered the new fees as shown in the proposed By-laws. These proposed new fees, which will come into operation on 1 January 1980, have also been endorsed by the Finance Select Committee and the Standing Committee of the Whole Council.
Sir, I beg to move.
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MISS CECILIA L. Y. YEUNG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE MARKETS AND ABATTOIRS SELECT COMMITTEE (in Cantonese):- Mr. Chairman, I second the motion proposed by Mr. Peter CHAN.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
3. MR. SHUM CHOI-SANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:- RESOLVED that the Hawker (Permitted Areas) (Amendment) (No. 2) Declaration 1979 be made under By-law 4(1) of the Hawker By-laws.”
He said (in English):— Mr. Chairman, I rise to move the motion standing on my name:
THAT the Hawker (Permitted Area) (Amendment) (No. 2) Declaration 1979 be made under By-law 4(1) of the Hawker By-laws.'
This amendment to the Schedule to the Hawker (Permitted Area) Declaration 1975 revokes until 1 June 1980 the setting aside as a Hawker Permitted Area a length of road amounting to 31.5 metres in front of a building site at Nos. 1-17 Tung Choi Street, Kowloon in order that vehicular access may be gained to the site. The hawkers using this particular section of the street may continue to hawk elsewhere in the Hawker Permitted Area and will be permitted back when building works have been completed.
I beg to move.
MR. CHAN CHI-KWAN (in English):- I have much pleasure in seconding the motion.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT- 4.45 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):- Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 11 December 1979, at 4 p.m.
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