HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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(CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Joseph CHAN Yuek-sut should still be out of town today, so arrangement was made for Mr. WONG Kwok-hing, Vice-Chairman of the Public Health Select Committee, to give a reply. It is not that Mr. CHAN is not interested. In fact, he is not only interested, but also working hard in his capacity. He had originally not expected to be able to make it back there today. In order to discuss the matter, he has shortened his leave to attend today's meeting. I know about this very clearly. I have asked Mr. WONG Kwok-hing to reply on his behalf.
The second question concerns Central and Kowloon City Districts. Kowloon City is my constituency and the district of the worst situation. I know the situation there very well. In fact, I launched a campaign there for people to make use of dog toilets.
MR. WONG KWOK-HING (in Cantonese):—On the second question, I think complaint and prosecution figures prove that the situation has improved after the installation of dog fouling collection bins. As to the need to make a scientific survey, I think it should be discussed at the Select Committee. From my own experience, say for Wharf Road within my constituency, the dog fouling situation improved a lot after the installation of dog fouling collection bins. That is my reply.
On the third question about the comparison between Central and Kowloon City Districts, I find no natural base for comparison. The situations in different districts vary. There are 5 dog fouling blackspots in Central and one dog-owner was prosecuted in 1996. They are facts. I just responded to the question.
As for a list of the locations of dog fouling collection points, if Mr. KAM wants it, the Department will provide him with one after the meeting. I just want to know which district's list he wants to have. If he wants lists for the whole territory, we can ask the Department to provide them.
Chairman (in Cantonese): I can add that there are more residents in Kowloon City and Kowloon Tong and therefore more people who keep dogs. There are more commercial premises in Central so that fewer people keep dogs there. I think there is no need to conduct any survey. When I see the cover of a dog fouling collection bin and dog excreta placed inside and when I find the streets cleaner than before, I think I have sufficient proof. Listing out blackspots is useful. Maybe we can discuss the blackspots after the meeting, say for the area of Marconi Road, Peace Avenue, Soares Avenue etc., I can tell you clearly.
MR. STANLEY NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese):—Of course I know that dog fouling collection bins are useful. Some of those bins have been stolen in my constituency. I hope the Vice-Chairman of the Select Committee will agree to
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