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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Under the Government's General Regulation 740 permission to fell trees on Crown Land must be sought from either the Director of Urban Services or Director of Agriculture and Fisheries as appropriate. It is the Urban Services Department's experience that this Regulation is well understood by Government Departments. Although in this particular case there was some confusion of procedure in the first instance the facts are that the Lands Department obtained advice from both the Urban Services Department and the Agriculture and Fisheries Department before reaching the original decision to remove the trees in question. The Urban Services Department's detailed advice was that the retention of the trees was desirable but, having regard to concern over their general health and stability, not essential. Decisions on these matters are based on an assessment of the factors involved by the Council's professional officers. But, as in this case, they can be subject to review. It is most unlikely that such cases will occur in future.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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MR. SULKE (in English):---I think my friend misunderstood my question, I was hoping that he would persuade his committee to support an inventory of trees?
MR. HOWARD YOUNG (in English):-Well, as mentioned, the department is looking at the question of inventory of trees not only for the Stanley area but also the urban area in general. I think that is supported in principle. How it will be implemented and the resources that will be needed, of course, is another question.
The third part of the question concerns an inventory of old and historic trees. The Urban Services Department has some records of this type. But they are not comprehensive. Consequently the Department is considering whether a major tree study can be implemented with the assistance of the Conservancy Association and Hong Kong University in order to identify and record the substance and quality of the existing tree cover. The Department will also continue to encourage planners to incorporate trees when planning new developments.
The fourth and final part of the question concerns the fate of the Banyan Trees at Stanley Market Road. The Government has already advised that the sale of the site has now been deferred for an indefinite period in order to examine the feasibility of alternative development which would not necessitate removal of the trees. The prospects for survival of the trees would therefore seem to have much improved, though whether that would be in conjunction with commercial or open space development has yet to be resolved.
(Mr. Augustine S. K. CHUNG arrived at this point—2.38 p.m.)
MR. SULKE (in English):-I would like to thank my friend for that very comprehensive answer, but I wonder whether he is aware of the disquiet in my ward at Stanley, that the banyan trees are only the tip of the iceberg and that a lot more trees are at risk there. Under these circumstances, I hope that he and his committee would agree to support the tree inventory which has now been suggested.
MR. HOWARD YOUNG (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I think not only myself but also the committee members of Recreation Select Committee did discuss this problem. We are aware of the sentiments of many residents in Stanley area with regard to the major development which is taking place in that area. However, as to whether I can give a commitment on supporting all requests of this nature for preservation of trees, I think that would really be for the committee to decide on a case by case basis, and judging every case on its own merits.
2. MR. WALTER M. SULKE asked the following question (in English):—I asked some time ago whether it would be possible to institute 'Speaker's Corners' in two of our parks. Could I please be told what replies have been received from the Police and other Government Departments and whether it will be possible to implement my suggestion?
MR. HOWARD H. W. YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese):-The question asks what replies have been received from the Police and other Government departments to the suggestion of instituting 'Speaker's Corners' in two of the Council's parks and whether it would be possible to implement the suggestion.
In reply to the question suggesting setting up 'Speaker's Corners' in two of the Council's parks at the February Urban Council meeting, the Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee proposed to have the suggestion referred to the Commissioner of Police for comments before the Council consider such a development further.
The Commissioner of Police has requested the views of the Secretary for Security whose reply is still awaited. The Secretary for Security in turn is consulting the Secretary for District Administration and the Secretary for Administrative Services and Information. The Department is keeping the Recreation Select Committee informed of progress on this issue and when there is something substantial to report I will ensure that Mr. SULKE is advised. Therefore, in the meantime it appears the current parks will remain as such, but I assure the member concerned that we will keep an open mind on the issue.
(Miss Cecilia L. Y. YEUNG arrived at this point—2.45 p.m.)
3. MR. WALTER M. SULKE asked the following question (in English):—Over a year ago I asked for figures and comparisons of our safety record. The answer given then was not entirely satisfactory and I would be interested to learn whether our safety record for the year 1984 showed any improvement over previous year?
DR. THE HONOURABLE KIM Y. S. CHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):—This question concerns the
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