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MR. L. H. KWAN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I think it is more appropriate for the Medical and Health Department to tell you whether the virus infection will spread further. However, I can tell Mr. CHEONG-LEEN and assure him that our Inspectorate has tried their utmost to tell the food establishments as well as the public that they should have very good personal hygiene habits and to prepare food in a clean environment.
DR. RONALD D. B. LEUNG (in English): We are fully aware that the offending agents—the virus is more likely to harbour in certain food products, so may I ask whether anything is being done to check certain suspected food products for the hygiene standard e.g. shellfish and particular oysters?
MR. L. H. KWAN (in Cantonese): Under by-law 30 of the Food Business (UC) By-laws, certain shellfishes which have been collected in Hong Kong Harbour, the harbour of Aberdeen are not allowed to be sold for human consumption because the water there are heavily contaminated and polluted. Our Health Inspectors have paid particular attention to shellfish and have taken samples of the shellfish for bacteriological examination. If it is found that such products are polluted and contaminated, they will not be allowed to be sold.
DR. RONALD D. B. LEUNG (in English): Mr. Chairman, I am aware that oysters imported from overseas countries have their hygiene certificate, but some imported oysters from the People's Republic of China may not have such certificate. May I ask why and when will the Department introduce some control measures in this regard?
MR. L. H. KWAN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, regarding imported food products from overseas, the USD as well as the Regional Services Department would always take samples for checks, so they have got the hygiene certificates. However, it is rather difficult to control those oysters sold by local fishermen who collect oysters from coastal water.
CHAIRMAN (in English): The Secretary of Urban Council has advised that it is the function of the Secretary for the Municipal Services on the question of certification of imported crustacean, so possibly we can pass on your request to that organization. Anything else you want to add?
DR. RONALD D. B. LEUNG (in English): Mr. Chairman, I think that it may be the only venue for this Council to voice our opinions through the Municipal Services Branch to execute such measures which I think is quite important for our public health.
CHAIRMAN (in English): I am sure that it will be done.
MR. CHOW WAI-KEUNG (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I understand that as it is very cold now, a lot of people are used to utilize steam pots to cook their food.
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Would the Council consider telling the public how they can cook certain food products thoroughly even in a steam pot or can we warn them that certain food products can not be eaten in that way of cooking?
CHAIRMAN (in English): I wonder whether this is a fair question for L. H. KWAN to answer? May be one of our lady Members who really is an expert on this form of cooking.
MR. L. H. KWAN (in Cantonese): The Council will not particularly recommend to the public which food products are tasteful or not. However, in the simple publication leaflet, people will see in due course especially for hepatitis type A, they should cook everything thoroughly especially shellfish products. According to the opinion given to us by the Medical and Health Department, all sea products if cooked in boiling water of 100°C for a few minutes are safe for eating. As to whether our citizens would use the steam pot to boil the food, it is up to their choice. However, we will appeal to the public that whenever they cook their food they have to heat and boil them for a few minutes so that the virus can be killed.
CHAIRMAN (in English): L. H., you have really started to have a great deal of information about kitchen activities.
STATEMENTS
1. MR. STEPHEN M. L. LAU, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE (in English): Mr. Chairman, first of all, I would like to thank you for your compliments on behalf of five newly reappointed Members. Thank you for your guidance in the past and Members' assistance. Under your leadership in future, we will continue to serve the Council and the public in our best abilities.
There was some criticism at the last Council meeting that this Council had not considered political developments concerning the Council and had thus lost some kind of political advantage. I am making this statement as this is manifestly untrue.
As long ago as 1985, this Council set up a Working Party to discuss and examine ideas on the Further Development of Local Administration, both those requiring re-structuring of the Council and those requiring non-structural arrangements.
One of the possibilities examined and indeed finding considerable support from within the Council was a proposal to have District Board representatives serve on the Urban Council and, by and large, many of the Appointed Members of the Council thought that this was indeed a way forward and one which the