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Mr. CHOW Wai-keung dealt with a number of matters, almost all district-based, and in particular centering on Central and Western District. He mentioned many matters ranging from entertainment programmes within that particular district and also a number of matters touching on environmental hygiene, food hygiene, and also had very interesting points to make on the Liquor Licensing Board policies. Whilst I realize we all have limited time at our disposal, Mr. CHOW's comments mainly concerned four Select Committees' responsibilities and could I suggest that since he has been returned unopposed he considers joining these Select Committees and giving them the benefit of his experience.
Control of environmental pollution
Mr. MAN Sai-cheong made a plea for better control of environmental pollution, as did Mr. TONG Kam-biu. I think in our limited sphere of responsibilities the Council has done its best to help but I agree a more concerted Government effort is required. However, it is interesting to note Mr. MAN's mention of 'global warming'. In his membership of EPCOM he is in a strong position to make a substantial contribution in the battle against environmental pollution. This Council will certainly back up EPCOM's efforts.
Mrs. CHOW in her speech spoke of the satisfaction she has obtained from serving on the Urban Council and I am sure we all wish she had decided to stand for election. We shall certainly miss her sensible and constructive comments and her warm personality in our Committees.
Miss Vicky CHAN questioned the Council's policy regarding impressarios covered in the Statement of Aims, which seem to imply that impressarios' presentations should be given preference over our own cultural presentations. I agree with her there is a fine balancing act to be followed.
Miss Juliana LI spoke on what she claims is her first and last occasion at this Annual Debate. This is a pity as I am sure she would have become a very useful Council Member. However, certainly the question she raised of illegal restaurants masquerading as private clubs is something that has been with us for a long time. Closing this loophole must be examined in the appropriate Committee.
Frederick FUNG, C. Y. LEE, TONG Kam-biu, Cecilia YEUNG, and Nellie FONG made powerful and eloquent pleas for political reform, of course, from different sides of the same question. Mr. FUNG made a remarkably detailed assessment of the selection process for choosing a Chief Executive for the SAR in 1997. I commend all their views to the relevant powers that be for careful consideration. Of course, Mrs. FONG is now in a position to make her views known to a wider forum and we wish her every success in LegCo but will miss her attractive personality in this Council.
I am not sure if Peter CHAN is really serious in giving up Cognac unless France takes the refugee problems off our hands. But it is a thought and Peter is in a position to verify the importance of brandy consumption in Hong Kong.
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Thank you all for contributing to a meaningful annual exercise in intellectual effort. But keep it up throughout the remainder of our term of office.
(Mr. PAO Ping-wing and Miss Victoria Y. CHIAN entered at 3.19 p.m.) Finally, I must congratulate on your behalf those Councillors who have been returned unopposed:
Dr. the Hon. Elsie TU, Mr. Joseph CHAN, Mr. PAO Ping-wing, Mr. CHOW Wai-keung
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
MOTION
1. MR. JOHN K. P. FAN, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion:-
He said (in English):—As Vice-Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee, I rise on the motion standing in my name:
'RESOLVED that the Public Health and Municipal Services (Public Pleasure Grounds) (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) Order 1989 and Public Swimming Pools (Designation) Order 1989 be made under sections 106 and 42A of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.’ The purpose of the amendment By-laws is to include 4 new venues, to set aside 40 other places as public pleasure grounds currently in use as public pleasure grounds but which have not previously been set aside as such by order and to delete 12 existing venues in the Fourth Schedule (Public Pleasure Grounds) and to include Kowloon Park Swimming Pool in the Fourteenth Schedule (Public Swimming Pools) of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.
Sir, I beg to move.
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN seconded the motion (in English):---Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT—3.30 p.m.
CHAIRMAN (in English):-That concludes the business of today's meeting. The Council stands adjourned until Tuesday, 14 March 1989 at 2.30 p.m.
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