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at which the resolution was debated: Provided that this Standing Order shall not apply to motions moved in pursuance of the report or recommendation of a Committee.' Now apparently, Mr. Kenneth Lo drew the attention of this Council's effect that if we vote on the amendment proposed by Mr. Walter SULKE, it would virtually have the same meaning as the first motion which was defeated. So may I draw Members' attention to this Standing Order No. 22.
MR. C. K. CHAN (in English): I want to seek clarification whether adding the word 'independent' actually puts this motion exactly back to the original motion as a matter of opinion. I propose that according to Standing Order, we take a vote on the amendment. If the amendment is defeated, we put a vote on the original motion. That would be technically 100% correct rather than subject to challenge in the future date.
CHAIRMAN (in English): I simply draw this Standing Order to Members' attention. I do not want Members to discuss whether or not the interpretation by Mr. Kenneth Lo is acceptable or not, and therefore if no other Members wish to speak on the amendment, I will now ask Members to vote on the amendment by Mr. SULKE and which has already been seconded.
MR. SULKE (in English): Mr. Chairman, you seem to have implied that I did something wrong. I believe that my motion is completely different to the amendment I have moved.
CHAIRMAN (in English): May I just clarify the point. Firstly, Mr. Kenneth Lo has expressed a view; secondly, I have drawn Members' attention to Standing Order 22; thirdly, I do accept the point raised by Mr. Peter C. K. CHAN that it is a separate matter for discussion whether or not Mr. Kenneth Lo's interpretation can be accepted by Members and therefore we should find ourselves voting on the amendment as proposed by Mr. SULKE.
MR. WONG (in English): By voting on the amended motion, we already endorse in the sense that this amended motion is different from the first one because there is a chance of winning.
CHAIRMAN (in English): We are voting on the amendment, i.e. add the word 'independent'.
MR. LAWRENCE FUNG (in English): Mr. Chairman, if someone would second me, I would like to propose that we adjourn consideration of the motion because as I said earlier, this is such a paramount issue involving the whole of Hong Kong. But in the last 15/20 minutes, we have been involved in a parliamentary bickering. We have lost sight of the fact that we are now trying to resolve an issue for the common good of all. Can I suggest we adjourn consideration to this motion. Mr. Chairman, would you be kind enough to support me?
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MR. C. K. CHAN (in English): There is an amendment to the motion, and it is a motion outstanding. I think trying to do this would be very awkward. May I move under Standing Order 21 (16)(g) that the question be now put, that is, we now vote on the amendment and after the amendment, we vote on the motion amended or otherwise. I think that is a correct procedure.
CHAIRMAN (in English): I think Mr. FUNG's motion has taken precedence.
MRS. CHOW (in English): A question of order. A motion has been moved and seconded. How can you have another motion moved?
CHAIRMAN (in English): I think under Standing Order 21 (16)(b), 'when the motion is under debate, no other motion shall be moved except the following-' Let us vote on that first.
Mr. Lawrence FUNG's motion was moved and seconded, but was lost.
MR. C. K. CHAN (in English): My motion is merely interrogative, that is to say, now let us take a vote. All those who are in favour of it, let us take a vote.
CHAIRMAN (in English): Let's take a vote on the amendment.
MRS. ELLIOTT (in English): Mr. Chairman, a point of order, you haven't given Mr. SULKE his right of reply.
CHAIRMAN (in English): Mr. SULKE has no right of reply under Standing Order 21(17). We shall now vote on Mr. SULKE's amendment.
The amendment to the motion was put.
The amendment was lost with 3 votes for, 22 against.
MRS. CHOW (in English): I'd like to move another amendment. The amendment is: THAT this Council requests the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee to consider setting up a special working party to conduct a scientific review of hawker and related policies together with the department.
MR. C. K. CHAN (in English): 'Conduct' is changing the nature of the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in English): I think it is entirely a separate motion. Now shall we take a vote on the original motion which has been moved by Mr. SHUM Choi-sang and seconded by Mr. C. K. CHAN: THAT this Council requests the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee to consider setting up a special Working Party to review hawker and related policies together with the department.