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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
our health as they fortify our immunity system. However, if seriously contaminated food is discovered, we do confiscate it. Under the existing bylaws, when we see food not placed under cover, we will ask shops to put it back to a proper place. Let me repeat that I am not a doctor and cannot confirm there is medical support for what I have just said. Perhaps the Chairman as a doctor can give his opinion. The fact remains that we consume bacteria all the time through air and suspended particles in air.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese)—Medically speaking, yes. Consumption of some bacteria increases immunity. Take German Measles or even Hepatitis, if we consume a small amount of bacteria that will not make us ill, we develop immunity. But then of course we must not consume a large amount of bacteria, or else we become ill.
Ms. GRACE AU YUK-HAN (in Cantonese):—I agree with the reply by the Chairman, but I do not agree with the point raised by Mr. CHAN just now. We are targeting at food not placed under cover in busy areas and common thoroughfares with a lot of dust and a lot of vehicular movement. When we look back at last year's figures, we realise that there were only 7 or 8 cases of prosecution in 2 years. In fact, such a figure warrants concern. Mr. Chan said just now that our present inspection frequency was adequate; I have reservations. I want to ask if the Department can consider Mr. Lai's proposal. I feel that for shops which make no improvements after repeated advice, Mr. Lai's proposal should be taken up in addition to prosecution by summons. Can we ask the Department of Health to examine food so picked up so that confiscation to a certain extent may be enforced as a deterrent? I wonder if Mr. Chan will consider this and take it to the meeting of the Public Health Select Committee for discussion?
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):—I will take this proposal to the Select Committee for detailed discussion. Since existing measures carry the deterrent effect, shops will not go against repeated advice. The Department administers the demerit points system by suspending a shop licence on deduction of 5 points and cancelling the licence on deduction of all 15 points. So, shops do take heed of our advice. In any case, we continue to monitor the situation. If the situation becomes aggravated, the Department will consider confiscating contaminated food.
(5) MR. DANIEL TO BOON-MAN asked the following question (in Cantonese): Concerning shark prevention nets installed at beaches managed by the Council, besides maintenance by the contractors:
1. Regarding refuse at the nets under the sea, refuse brought in by the tides, and the under-water plants clinging on to the nets:
a. how will the cleaning work be carried out?
b. who will be responsible for such work?
£198
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