HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
comment. In fact, the translation problem is with the Audit Department, not us. The Urban Services Department dares not take over the translation work because if we make any mistakes there, they may criticize us for distorting the contents.
The second question concerns privatization, the appointment of outsiders to study market 'dead stalls' and solutions to the problem. As pointed out by CUC just now, these concrete matters should be referred back to the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee. This is not the right forum for me to give my personal views.
MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese): I have 2 questions. First, how many of our 1000-odd vacant stalls are in new markets (meaning standard stalls) and how many are sub-standard stalls?
My second question has to do with paragraph 5 of the reply about improvement measures at markets such as combining stalls and improving the lighting. I want to know if there is a concrete timetable for members to follow up on the progress of improvement. As far as I can see, the improvement progress is rather slow.
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): As I could not get the content of the first question clearly, let me answer the second question first. Please go over the first question again later on.
The second question mainly concerns a time frame for market improvement works, the combination of stalls etc. I would like to inform Mr. Wu that we have 65 markets under the Department and it is difficult for us to devise a concrete timetable. In fact, respective market advisory committees have been set up. Their members are Urban Council Members, District Board Members, markets and street traders' representatives. The respective committees give advice on market facilities and improvement works. The Department will follow up on their advice. In addition, a market facilities working group has been set up under the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee to review improvements to and the existence of a different market at each meeting. If there is the view that one market at a time is too few, we can consider discussing about 2 markets at each meeting. We do have 65 markets. I hope Mr. Wu will understand this.
As for the first question, would you repeat it please?
MR. WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese): About the distribution of the 1000-odd vacant stalls. I mean, how many are in standard markets and how many in sub-standard ones?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): I am afraid I cannot give concrete figures. I can tell Mr. Wu that some are within new markets whereas others are in old ones. There are vacant stalls in markets built in early days too.
Page 414 of 498
458
100. Most of
Page 414 of 498