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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Market, Tai's Club and they also offer fresh meat, vegetables, seafood, daily items and other food stuff. These items are displayed neatly and the prices are reasonable. They are a definite attraction to shoppers and they bring fun in shopping.
How should we react to this trend? If we do not consider this carefully and conduct feasibility reports as suggested in the motion, we will lose our market competitiveness and sooner or later, we will be knocked out. So, today, if Urban Council has the foresight, it should accept this paper. Not only should it accept this paper, but it should also look seriously at the failures and wastages of the past in order to plan for the future. We want to see our new markets modern, neat, clean, convenient, well-displayed and of good value for price. We have to provide the environment for traders to survive before we can survive. Mr. Chairman, I have so spoken in support of the motion. Thank you.
MR. STANLEY NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese): Mr. LEE Kwok-keung addressed you in details about his motion. I just want to add a few things here.
In fact, when we speak about market design and planning, we need to do it scientifically. For example, the Council often worries that a market of more than two storeys may lose competitiveness. But if we look at busy areas such as Wan Chai, Mong Kok and others, a good design will break the rule and get over the limit. I find that the Urban Services Department is often bound by the past. On one hand, the Department can conduct feasibility studies to learn about the purchasing power of estates. On the other, consultant firms can be retained when necessary to provide service in planning, design and project supervision. I support the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese): Will the original mover Mr. LEE exercise his right of reply?
Mr. Lee Kwok-KEUNG (in Cantonese): Thank you for your support.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
(2) MR. IP Kwok-chung moved the following motion:
'Since the sovereignty of Hong Kong will be returned to China on 1 July 1997, RESOLVED that the Council should co-operate with Government and the Association for the Celebration of the Return of Hong Kong to give assistance and organize different cultural, entertainment, recreational, sport and related activities on handover celebration to mark the historical moment.'
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