HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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As regards the proposal of supplying a black list of seawater suppliers to food establishments, I think it is impractical because such suppliers can easily change their names. Besides, it is still doubtful whether water supplied by those who are not on the list is hygienic. Who should be responsible for undertaking the above monitoring work is also dubious.
I consider that at future Select Committee meeting, we can obtain more information and devise a more comprehensive policy.
Mr. Chan Kwok-leung (in Cantonese):—In view of the deterioration of water quality in Victoria Harbour, at present we do not have any effective measures to completely prevent seawater suppliers from drawing water from contaminated areas. That is why the Democratic Party considers that the Council should monitor and control suppliers of seawater to ensure that the seawater is in compliance with hygienic standards so as to protect public health. I do not intend to discuss further on the deterioration of water quality in Victoria Harbour.
At present, only relying on health inspectors to inspect water tanks in restaurants is a passive means as it depends on the availability of manpower and the frequency of inspections. Last year, this Council took the first step to enact legislation on the quality of water to keep seafood. If we can introduce a licensing system and mechanism for seawater suppliers to control the water quality, standards of water albeit as a short term measure, this would at least serve to meet the immediate needs. Even if we could have a licensing system for suppliers of seawater, we should still frequently inspect supplied water by seawater suppliers to restaurants and examine the water quality to ensure that the system can run effectively. Stallholders in markets with water tanks should also be subject to such inspection and control.
Last year's amendment had already included stallholders in markets but we have heard cases of fish vendors using flushing water from toilets to keep seafood. Finally, I would like to reiterate that to improve the water quality in Victoria Harbour is a means to solve the problem at its root. With these remarks, I support the motion.
Ms. Jennifer Chow Kit-bing (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have always concerned myself with water pollution and I also monitored people drawing seawater from the typhoon shelter and favourite areas where seawater lorries often draw water. I am very concerned about the health hazard posed to the public by drawing such water, so I support the motion urging the Government to amend the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance so as to make sure that water supplied by suppliers of seawater must comply with specific hygienic standards. It is because seafood is a favourite food item of members of the public. To consume continuously any contaminated seafood would pose a very serious health hazard to members of the public. Therefore as a responsible Government, it should enact legislation to safeguard public health. In principle,
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