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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. But before I proceed with the agenda, may I congratulate those of our colleagues who have been re-elected and commiserate with those who have not been re-elected. Some win, some lose. It is the name of the game in politics.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 April 1991, were confirmed.
STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN (in English):-I feel that as this is my last meeting as your Chairman, last public meeting anyway, that I should say a few words. I'm not sure what to say in my last speech in an open meeting, so I have sought some inspiration from the 1965 Hansard.
Just 26 years ago, in my maiden speech to Urban Council, I drew attention to pollution problems in typhoon shelters and the generally poor state of the harbour. At that same meeting, Mrs. Elsie ELLIOTT, that she was then, our Dr. Tu she is now, asked about stand-pipes for water supply to squatters, Hilton, the same Hilton here today, pressed for an oceanarium, and we all know that was a successful bit of pressure politics. Brook BERNACCHI went on at great length about the hawker control force. So 26 years later, apart from Hilton's success for the Ocean Park, not much has changed. We are still grappling with many of our problems that are in different guise. But I would like to think that the Urban Council has left its mark during that period, especially since we gained financial autonomy and a great deal of independence in 1973. Looking at the account of proceedings in those far-off days, it is difficult to recall the feeling of frustration those Councillors experienced at that time, in comparison with the very real sense of achievement we feel today. In projects conceived by us and brought to fruition in the space of one's period of service.
For my part, it has indeed been an honour and privilege to serve as your Chairman for the past five years. I am most grateful for the co-operation and support you have all given me over these years. We have accomplished a great deal together. But there is still much to be done and I am sure the dedication and hard work you have displayed during my tenure of office will continue into the future.
But I wonder if I could tender just one piece of advice at the parting of our ways. It is on financial matters, a subject dear to my heart. We have had successful negotiations with the Government. This should enable Members to feel more comfortable about the future financial situations of the Council. However, may I suggest to my successors to adopt a realistic approach to keeping fees and charges in line with expenditure. Don't fall behind.
So I come to the end of my soliloquy by wishing you all remaining in this Chamber next month, happy decision making and don't give your new Chairperson too hard a time. (Applause)
PAPER
The following paper was laid on the table:
(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of April 1991.
QUESTIONS
1. MR. STEPHEN F. C. HO asked the following question (in English):-In summer, it is easy to have food poisoning after consuming unhygienic food, in particular soft ice-cream, 'Leung Fan'. As the season is just around corner, I wish to ask the Council as to what precautionary measures and enforcement actions have been or will be taken to ensure that the standard of food hygiene in premises licensed by the Council, or otherwise, is maintained at an acceptable level in order to safeguard the health of the public?
DR. RONALD D. B. LEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-Mr. Chairman, before I answer this question, may I request to say a little bit. At the SCWC meeting, you mentioned that some questions were longer than the answers and this would indicate that the Councillors who asked questions had an in-depth study and knowledge of the problems involved.
The first question was asked by Mr. Stephen HO and this question concerns the precautionary measures and enforcement actions that have been or will be taken by the Council to ensure maintenance of good standard of food hygiene in premises licensed by the Urban Council, at an acceptable level in order to safeguard the health of the public.
It is perfectly true that during the summer when the conditions are right for the multiplication of bacteria in unhygienic food. These give rise to bacterial contamination and toxins, resulting in gastrointestinal infection when such food is consumed.
In respect of all licensed food premises there is a comprehensive system of inspection by our District Health Inspectors. The Hygiene Division of the Department of Health separately inspects and samples food from all legally licensed food premises at the retail sale outlets.
Enforcement action is regularly taken by the Department against any breaches of good hygiene in premises licensed by us. The penalty may include suspension or cancellation of licence. In regard to food sampling and
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