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rescue team of the Fire Services Department (FSD) arrived shortly thereafter and the injured child was sent to the United Christian Hospital. The accident was also reported to the Architectural Services Department (ASD), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the maintenance contractor of the escalator. A joint site investigation was promptly arranged with the parties concerned on 16 June 1995. Separate investigations are being conducted by the Police and FSD. ASD will coordinate a full report incorporating the Police and FSD findings. The report will be presented to the Council for information once available.
The second part of the question asks whether the establishment and strength of market management staff for the Ngau Tau Kok Market are adequate. The existing staff complement in the market consists of one Health Inspector, one Overseer, four Foremen and four Workman II. They work on shifts, covering the operational hours of the market which is from 0600 to 2300. The present strength of market staff for the Ngau Tau Kok Market is considered adequate for the duties expected of them. Given, however, that market management is becoming an increasingly complex and onerous job and there is an ever growing expectation from both the Council and the public for a highly efficient market service, the staff complement for the market will be kept under review by the Department and will be considered specifically once the results of the investigations are available.
The third part of the question asks whether the injured child will be eligible for any compensation. This Council is insured under the 'Public Liability Insurance' against any third-party risk associated with its activities and services. The incident at issue has already been reported to the relevant insurance company. On 22 June 1995, the father of the injured child also sent a letter to the Department to claim damages and the Council's insurance company has also been notified of this claim. As investigations are still being conducted, it is too early to determine at this stage whether or not the injured child will be eligible for compensation under the terms of the Council's or the contractor's own insurance policy.
THE HONOURABLE SZETO WAH (in Cantonese):-In paragraph 3 of the answer, it is said that the operational hours of the market are from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m., a total of 17 hours. The staff complement of the market consists of only 1 Health Inspector, 1 Overseer, and 4 Foremen. The Foreman can work on 2 shifts. But as there is only one Overseer to cover 17 operational hours, how can he carry out the patrolling duties? Is the manpower adequate in this respect?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-As far as market is concerned, if the number of Health Inspectors is considered not enough, we can review the situation, especially after this incident. As can be seen in paragraph 3 of the reply, we will keep the situation under review. After the results are available, can look into the manpower situation. The MST Select Committee will follow up on the matter.
we
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