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The second part of the question asks about possible reasons for this year's poor response. The figures which I quoted just now in fact show that, while the response this year was not quite as good as last year, the response was far from poor. While there was a slight drop of 4.5% in the occupancy rate, the average bidding price, however, rose by over 9%. Feedback received from stall-holders indicates that the slightly less enthusiastic response this year might be due to concerns over the timing of the blooming of flowers because of the unusually warm weather over the winter period, plus perhaps the psychological effects of the downturn in the property and stock markets in the past year.
The third part of the question relates to a news report that an individual had profiteered by renting several stalls and then subletting them at higher prices.
Under the present Council's policy, the stalls in the fairs are let out through open auctions to the highest bidders. There is no restriction on multiple holding of stalls. In practice, there are some people who would bid for more than one stall to form twin stalls or bid for more stalls at strategic locations in order to enhance their businesses. We cannot rule out the possibility that some individuals holding a number of stalls may allow, with profit or otherwise, another party to trade in their stalls. We, however, do not believe that there is much room for speculation or monopoly in this regard given the availability of a good number of unlet stalls in the fairs. The case in question, which was reported in a weekly magazine, if it were true, would most probably be an isolated case. The Department has so far detected no incidents of either speculation or a monopoly, and there is no evidence to suggest that such problems exist.
THE HON. LI WAH-MING (in Cantonese):-The average successful bidding prices of stalls has increased by 9.2% over those of last year. My question is: how many stalls were let successfully on the lowest bid, i.e. the upset price. It is because the 9.2% mentioned by Mr. Ip is only part of the facts. If we know the number of stalls let at upset price, then I think we would be able to see the picture more in full. This is the first question.
Secondly, as far as wet goods stalls are concerned, it is evident that this year there is a lower occupancy rate than last year. Is it a trend that they are becoming less attractive? Can Mr. IP consider reviewing the ratio between dry and wet goods stalls?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): Concerning Mr. LI's first question on how many people have successfully got stalls at the upset price, I can say that the lowest bids are let at the upset price and bidders have not paid for less than the upset price. As regards the information requested by Mr. LI, I am afraid I don't have the information at hand. If he wants the information, i.e. how many stalls are let at upset price, then I will give him a written reply at the next meeting.
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Regarding the ratio between dry and wet goods stalls, and whether we need to review the situation, I don't rule out this possibility. But, as I stated in my main reply, I did emphasise that the unusual weather conditions this year (i.e. as we had a rather warm winter and flowers bloomed much earlier) has affected a lot of the people who intended to bid for wet goods stalls, especially those who wanted to sell flowers.
I think we would review this and look into your question at the MST Select Committee.
MR. STEPHEN M. L. LAU (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I also believe that Mr. Ip is correct that speculation, monopoly and profiteering are rare. Can he consider whether it is possible to let these stalls at the upset prices on a first come, first served basis after the bidding period, so that people would still be able to get their stalls for operation. By so doing, they would not need to sub-let the stalls from other successful stall holders and the situation of monopoly can be avoided.
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-Thank you Mr. LAU. From my understanding, I think all along we have let the stalls at the upset prices for unlet stalls in the hope that we can let them out. After the deadline of the bidding period, I can say that we have continued to let out these stalls as long as there are vacancies.
RESUMPTION OF ANNUAL CONVENTIONAL DEBATE
CHAIRMAN (in English):-On the motion moved by me at the meeting of the Council held on 10 January 1995, 'That this Council endorse the Statement of Aims for 1995/96', I shall now exercise my right of reply, in resuming the debate.
May I begin by thanking all Members who have participated in this debate for their very, very useful contributions on a wide range of topics in this annual exercise. It will not be possible for me to respond to all the points raised. As in the past, I shall devote my comments to those issues which are of greater concern to Members, leaving subjects of more individual interest or district-based nature to be followed-up by Select Committees concerned.
Members may also wish to note that, as is the usual practice, the Secretary of our Council has forwarded copies of all speeches to the Chief Secretary for consideration on matters which fall outside the jurisdiction of this Council.
Waste Disposal
Turning to specific points made in Members' speeches, I must first congratulate Professor LEUNG Ping-chung for his highly perceptive discourse on the problem of waste disposal. Professor LEUNG described his swan song as 'aggressive and accusative'; however, while listening to it, I found his tune passionate, penetrating and thought-provoking. Professor LEUNG has, indeed, re-affirmed
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