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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
we are aware of such a case or any blackspot in this connection, we will report it to the Immigration Department. I can assure Mr. CHAN that we will do so.
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):—I want to refer to the last sentence in paragraph 8 of the reply. The present number of unlicensed hawkers is expected to drop significantly over the next few years. However, it was stated in paragraph 2 that the initial forecast of establishment growth would be from 3,000 to 4,000. Why is there a need to increase manpower substantially by one-third in the next five years when the number of unlicensed hawkers is expected to drop significantly?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):—Thank you, Mr. LEE. As I have said in my reply, it is after all an estimate. The contents of paragraph 8 are no more than an estimate. It is not possible at this stage to tell whether the estimate will materialise, because it is merely an estimate. So, I think that when the Department considers the projection, it naturally goes along the line of population growth necessitating manpower growth. That is why manpower growth in this connection has been included in the forecast. In paragraph 8 of the document, it is mentioned that there may be fluctuation in accordance with Hong Kong's economy. If at any point of time, the economy of Hong Kong faces a dim future, the number of hawkers may increase. That is one factor. On the other hand, when drawing up statistics, we have considered a factor for a decrease in the number of hawkers. I mean if measures to implement the licensed hawker scheme are effective, there will be a significant drop in the number of unlicensed hawkers as described in paragraph 8. As to whether such measures will be implemented on schedule, no final decision has yet been made. So I can only tell Mr. LEE that these two aspects are forecast, and projection only.
MR. AMBROSE Cheung Wing-sum (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, referring to paragraph 7 of the reply, I want to ask if the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee has a timetable or handling procedures in respect of the policy for licensed itinerant hawkers? If so, when will we implement this policy? Do we have some directions to follow when we negotiate with licensed hawkers during the review of the policy? Do we need to consult them and are we going to explain to them how we handle or review the policy? Are we going to explain to them the procedures so that they can grasp fully what is going to happen when the policy is further reviewed?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):—Thank you, Mr. CHEUNG. The first thing is how to implement the policy. As I have said in paragraph 7 of the reply, according to our present schedule, licensed hawkers will be asked in a year or two to return their licences. At present, this is our agreed policy. Of course, Mr. CHEUNG has raised the point that when we implement this policy, many people including street traders have raised objections.
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