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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
It is fair to comment that though the regular admission charges represent a subsidy of some 80%, admission for competitions is subsidized even more. So an offer of free admission after a competition represents a compounded subsidy.
It would, however, be premature to rule out this as a possibility since the Department is, I understand, considering various means whereby more people can be attracted to make use of our excellent swimming facilities this year.
(Mr. Joseph Y. S. CHAN arrived at this point—2.48 p.m.)
DR. CHAM (in English):—Mr. Chairman, the issue of free admission tickets to winners of swimming competition may have the effect of encouraging the winning swimmers to practise even more for pleasure or for more practice at a free admission to our swimming pools. Will the committee consider this incentive for practice and also for pleasure, all for the good for having better swimmers for future?
MR. Lo (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I have said in my reply that the Department is considering various possibilities and may be this is one of the possibilities. However, I must express my personal view that I do not think it is a good idea.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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Mr. Chairman, the proposed exemption applies to the licensing aspect only and does not exempt an operator from complying with the other provisions of the Food Business By-laws or those of the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance. These establishments will, therefore, still be subject to regular inspections by the health inspectorate and there will be no relaxation of control of hygiene standards.
Mr. Chairman, I beg to move.
MR. EDMUND W. H. CHOW, Vice-Chairman OF THE FOOD HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, seconded (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT—2.55 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):—That concludes the business of today's meeting. The meeting stands adjourned until Tuesday, 8 May 1984 at 4.00 p.m.
MOTION
THE HONOURABLE Maria W. C. Tam, CHAIRMAN OF THE FOOD HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE moved the following motion:
'RESOLVED that the Food Business By-laws (Exemption from By-law 32(1)) Notice 1984 be made under By-law 32(7) of the Food Business By-laws.'
She said (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, as Chairman of the Food Hygiene Select Committee, I rise to move the motion standing in my name.
'RESOLVED that the Food Business By-laws (Exemption from By-law 32(1)) Notice 1984 be made under By-law 32(7) of the Food Business By-laws.'
When adopted, the notice will exempt a person who is engaged in the business of tea processing from holding a food factory licence under the Food Business By-laws. This exemption is proposed because the processing of tea does not give rise to any health risk.
Tea processing involves unpacking of products from import-packages, sorting out of tree twigs, sifting to get rid of small fragments, heating in metal drums or trays to get rid of excessive moisture and repacking into tins and paper bags. The risk of contamination through handling is negligible.
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