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system of prior registration. Maybe I can liaise with the USD and see if I can get hold of the information for Ms. Au. If Members would like to have a further discussion on this matter, this can be done at a Public Health Select Committee meeting.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—A Member asked whether the suggestions to improve the present arrangements can be discussed at the Public Health Select Committee and your answer is yes.
MR. JOSEPH CHAN Yuek-sut (in Cantonese):—Yes, that is correct.
Mr. Wu Chi-wat (in Cantonese):—I do not agree with Mr. CHAN and I hope to have a fruitful result if the matter is to be discussed at the PH Select Committee meeting.
Since we are serving the public I think we should identify measures to improve the situation. In fact, there are always vacated niches but the residents and ordinary people don't know about it and it is known to the undertakers who can monopolise the situation.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—This is not a question and there is no need to answer.
(6) MR. NG WING-FAI asked the following question (in Cantonese):—According to the Liquor Licensing Board's previous rulings, if an establishment under application and the domestic section of the building use a common entrance or passageway and the residents object to the application, a liquor license will not be issued. But a recent case overturned this principle. I would like to ask:
(a) Whether the Liquor Licensing Board must be bound by the new ruling in the future?
(b) Are there any means by which the Liquor Licensing Board could make itself accountable to the public? If not, is there not a problem with the existing system?
A judgment of the Urban Services Appeal Board has pointed out that Urban Council should draw up policy guidelines on the issue of liquor licenses to set out related conditions concerning property, districts, streets, etc. When will the related work start and when is it scheduled to be completed?
Chairman (in Cantonese):—This question is to do with the Liquor Licensing Board. Since Mr. San Stephen WONG, Chairman of the LLB is absent today, it is normal practice for the Vice-Chairman to answer it. However, Mr. No, as you are Vice-Chairman of the LLB and are asking the question in your name, it is difficult for the question to be asked and answered by you. Therefore, I have asked the Secretary to table the written reply (Appendix I). Any supplementary questions?
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