Page 103 of 498
Page 103 of 498
Page 103 of 498
100
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
the authority to amend the bylaws and ask other departments to follow our instruction. Do we have the power to amend the ordinance and instruct other departments to work under our direction? That is my doubt. Mr. Chairman, I feel it is best to ask the Public Health Select Committee to discuss this motion in detail. If so, then I feel there is no need to move the motion here today. Mr. Chairman, I am against the motion.
MR. TIM S. MANUEL CHAN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, when we reviewed the 'delegated members' system, we were aware of the problems generated. There are a few factors resulting in delay in issuance of licences as accused by outsiders. First of all, this so-called 'panel' may not be able to work adequately. Secondly, for cases where no licence was issued after 1 or 2 years, it could be as pointed out by Mr. Christopher CHUNG Shu-kun that applicants did not follow the instruction in the letters of requirements to fix things up. Let me say here that the motion is backed by a good motive. I hope the public will not put pressure or affix responsibility on the USD. I can tell you what will happen when a case is taken separately. As it involves many departments in respect of the drains, oil filters, exhaust fans etc., a lot of communication will be necessary. If, say, the Buildings Department rejects an application, it tells the public and says a memo has been issued to the USD asking for comments but none has been received for 2 months, then it will be able to use that as an excuse to shift responsibility. As there is genuinely a lot of communication involved, it is going to be meaningless to blame each other when something gets amiss in the process.
I think there is a need to strengthen this 'panel' system on a district basis, say one for the Eastern District, one for the Southern District, and so on. A district representative should be appointed by each department so that more frequent meetings of the 'panels' may be arranged and licences may be issued more quickly. That is the first point.
The second point is that USD should cancel the applications of those who have not followed the advice to improve the fitting-out conditions. Prosecution actions should be stepped up against them too. An unlicensed operation is more advantageous than a licensed operation because there is no demerit points system for the unlicensed ones. Applicants who have not complied with the letters of requirements and who are unable to give adequate reasons for delay in so doing should be given summonses, have their applications cancelled and then be prosecuted. Only then can we clear the cases pending for a long time. That is the way to solve the problem.
Summing up my above two points, I find it difficult to support Mr. SUEN's motion although I do not doubt his good intentions.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese): Does Mr. CHIANG Sai-cheong wish to speak? Please try to be brief. We don't want the meeting to drag on until 7 p.m.
Page 103 of 498
Page 103 of 498
Page 103 of 498