Page 21 of 485
254
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): Thank you, Mr. Lau. My statistics do not stipulate whether or not the vacant stalls include the poultry stalls, so I cannot answer your question now. Since the figure is so important, I will answer your question after this meeting.
Regarding whether stalls in new markets are included in the 15% or not, I can tell you that they are not included. We are talking about the stalls in the markets which are already in operation.
MR. WONG SHUI-LAU (in Cantonese): With regard to vacant stalls in our markets, in fact the Chairman of the MST Select Committee has made reference to the intrinsic factors, including the question of management. I think management is just as important as the design of the stalls. The question on management of the stalls has been discussed by the MST Select Committee and this Council many times already. We have only achieved slight improvement so far. During our site visits, we discovered that some of the stalls and spaces have been illegally occupied and as a result some of the less viable stalls have been left vacant because the passageways are blocked. Mr. CHIANG Sai-cheong and I have recommended that yellow lines be marked and as a result, we have already achieved some improvements so far but not all the markets are marked with yellow lines. I would like to ask Mr. Ip if he has carried out any reviews or offered any training to improve the efficient management of these markets.
Secondly, on the design of the stalls itself, I am not suggesting encouraging people to occupy the passageway illegally, but can we have such design as to make the stalls more viable? As in the case of supermarkets, if they are better designed, it would be more convenient for customers to shop and as a result, the market will be more attractive and orderly.
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): Thank you, Mr. Wong. I think Members are now addressing the problem in a more comprehensive way. We are now going into the question of management and design. I do not mind answering Members' questions to the best of my knowledge. As far as management is concerned, we have had some improvements. Mr. Wong has already said that we have already made a decision to maintain one metre passageway in the middle and yellow lines are marked on the floor to prevent stall operators from expanding their wares and obstructing the passageway to the inconvenience of shoppers. We have already made such improvements.
As far as design is concerned, we are constantly utilising different means such as market design competitions to obtain more information and ideas to improve on the design of our markets. In the near future, we will certainly continue our efforts in this respect. When Mr. Wong visits our new markets again, I am sure he will be able to see that some improvements have been made.
MR. CHAN KWOK-MING (in Cantonese): Reference is made to the Mong Kok Market in the answer. The very low occupancy rate of Mong Kok Market is attributable to the problem of licensed hawkers trading nearby which is still not resolved. If this market is to be refurbished or rebuilt, what arrangements will be made to resite these licensed hawkers? If we don't improve the situation, this will be a waste of money. Has this problem been considered?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): Thank you Mr. Chan for your suggestion. As far as Mong Kok Market is concerned, we have been paying special attention to it. In fact, a day or two ago, I did speak to AD (Kowloon) EH on this particular matter. For the Mong Kok Market, we will have a discussion on whether it should be refurbished or redeveloped. The question of illegal hawkers will be a topic of our discussions. There will be a review in the future and I hope that some time later I can have some good news for Mr. Chan.
MR. LEUNG KAM-TAO (in Cantonese): I would like to follow up on my previous question which has not been answered. I wonder if the Urban Council would consider setting up a working group to assist each and every market in improving the occupancy rate?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): The Market Sub-Committee is set up under the MST Select Committee. As to whether the Sub-Committee can take on the task mentioned by Mr. Leung, this has to be considered by the MST Select Committee. If the Market Sub-Committee cannot look into the problem mentioned by Mr. Leung, then maybe the MST Select Committee should consider whether a working group should be set up.
MOTION
1. MR. RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion: 'RESOLVED that the Public Health and Municipal Service (Public Pleasure Grounds) (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) (No. 3) Order 1995 be made under section 106 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'
He said (in English): As Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee, I rise on the motion standing in my name:
'RESOLVED that the Public Health and Municipal Service (Public Pleasure Grounds) (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) (No. 3) Order 1995 be made under section 106 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'
The purposes of the Order are to set aside Eastern Hospital Road Temporary Rest Garden, Mount Davis Service Reservoir Sitting-out Area, Urban Council Smithfield Complex Indoor Games Hall, Cornwall Street Park, Jordan Valley Playground, Ngau Chi Wan Street Temporary Sitting-out Area and Urban Council Hung Hom Complex Indoor Games Hall as Public Pleasure Grounds.
Page 21 of 485
255