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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. SUEN KAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):—I think this zero growth policy no longer exists at the present stage.
Mr. Wu CHI-WAI (in Cantonese):~Mr. Chairman, the changes in staff establishment are in fact directly linked to our annual budget planning. I want to ask Mr. SUEN if it is possible, when we draw up the budget for a new year in the foreseeable future, to include an additional item on changes in establishment so that we may learn of the future manpower planning and that the Administration Select Committee may discuss the issues at its meeting.
MR. SUEN KAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-Yes, that can be arranged.
Mr. Joseph Lai CHI-KEONG (in Cantonese):-The question covers 1995/96 as well as the budget for 1996/97. It is about the budgets for two years. However, as pointed out by Mr. Wu just now, we need to understand the trend of staff establishment. In this respect, is it possible to make the budget planning more far-sighted, for example for two more years or for a period of five years? This way, we can foresee the future trend. At the same time, we know that the Urban Council's work continues to expand and increase in manpower is normal. I want very much to know which kind of work is heading for increase. If a clear list can be provided for us, we can tell the public. I want to look at this by way of a flow chart, not just on two years. I hope the Chairman can accept my proposal on this.
MR. SUEN KAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-It can certainly be arranged.
(3) MS. JENNIFER CHOW KIT-BING asked the following question (in Cantonese):-According to section 10(B) of the Food Business (Urban Council) Bylaws, it is an offence for anyone to bring dogs into any food premises, or for any responsible persons of food premises to permit the presence of dogs in the food premises. However, I have received several complaints about dog owners bringing their dogs into food premises. I am worried that this would affect food hygiene of other customers in the food premises. In this connection, I would like to ask the following questions:
(a) Has Section 10(B) of the Food Business (Urban Council) Bylaws been effectively enforced? Are prosecution actions in this respect sufficient? Does the law have sufficient deterrent effect? Has the Urban Services Department considered imposing heavier penalty?
(b) Does the existing legislation clearly stipulate that pets such as cats and dogs should not be allowed to use the utensils in the food premises? Is there any penalty to be imposed on the offenders?
(c) Has the Urban Council launched any publicity on the relevant legislation? Does the existing legislation strictly stipulate that the responsible persons of food premises have to display these notices at the entrances?
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