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given as examples only. I am sure the Department can name all of the 50 species, but will that make the reply too long? There may be a difference in views on this.
As regards the formulation of a time-table for removing all poisonous plants, I can discuss with the Department at the meeting of Recreation Select Committee to see whether it is necessary to remove all the poisonous plants. As far as I know, the toxicity of poisonous plants grown in UC parks is in fact very low and these poisonous plants have never harmed any member of the public in the past ten years. Anyway, I will refer the issue to the Recreation Select Committee for consideration.
The erection of warning signs is based on the same reason. Many poisonous plants are planted at locations not easily accessible to the public. Hence, it is doubtful whether the erection of warning signs is necessary. Anyway, I will bring all these issues back to the Recreation Select Committee so as to seek other members' opinions.
Mr. Chan Choi-Hi (in Cantonese):—Can I have the names of the 50 species of poisonous plants after the meeting?
Mr. Ronnie Wong Man-chiu (in Cantonese):—Yes, that can be done.
Mr. Kam Nat-wai (in Cantonese):—I have a follow-up question. Mr. Wong said that the degree of toxicity and harm is low, is it confirmed that all those 50 species of plants will not lead to fatal harm to the public and what is the degree of toxicity?
Mr. Ronnie Wong Man-chiu (in Cantonese):—Common contact or swallowing of the plants will not do serious harm, but of course it depends on how much you swallow. Eating too much rice will also do you harm.
Mr. Joseph Lai Chi-keong (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask another question. As regards the roadsides of parks, we know that there are many people passing and playing by the side of the roads of our parks. Besides, as the periphery of parks are mostly footpaths, planting of poisonous plants at those locations may cause inconvenience to passers-by. In this respect, will the Department consider taking some measures to avoid people being harmed by the poisonous plants when using the roads at the periphery of parks or footpaths inside the parks, because the media reports have worried the public.
Mr. Ronnie Wong Man-chiu (in Cantonese):—As I have said, whether or not we will erect warning signs, or whether or not some of the poisonous plants will be removed will be discussed at the meetings of the Recreation Select Committee.
2. Mr. Daniel To Boon-man asked the following question (in Cantonese):— During holidays, areas of the Edinburgh Place in the vicinity of the Urban Council
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