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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
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ahis. I suggest that we adjourn the meeting in order to study how to handle this matter of procedure.
*Chairman (in Cantonese):—Yes, I agree to the suggestion. I hope we can think about this during the adjournment.
Mr. Lai Hok-LIM (in Cantonese):--May I suggest an adjournment of 5 minutes before deciding to defer the motion or continue with it?
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-Good. That is the way to solve this. I will explain to you what to do. During the adjournment, we can consider Section 17 of the Standing Order, or to move an amendment or to close and defer the motion in accordance with Section 18. One of you can move after a speech by another for the matter to be referred to a certain committee or the question to be put or the debate to be deferred to the next meeting or indefinitely, or for the Council to ...... Please consider the above options during the adjournment that is coming up and come back in 5 minutes. It is now 3.51 and the meeting will be resumed at 3.56. Before the 5 minute break, can I have a seconder?
MR. SAN STEPHEN WONG HON-CHING (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman. I second it.
(Temporary adjournment)
Chairman (in Cantonese):-Time is up. I now resume the meeting. I believe you exchanged ideas during the adjournment.
My personal view regarding Section 17 is that suspension of it is a rather drastic action best to be avoided. The Standing Order is there to regulate meeting procedures. Suspension would mean meeting procedures are no longer subject to regulations. I do not think it is the appropriate course of action. It is best to be avoided unless there is an exceptional case.
Now, water dripping from air conditioners is a very common problem. The spirit of the motion is worthy of our support. So, my view is that unless we have a major issue in hand—this motion is not something that serious, it may not be appropriate to suspend Section 17.
As for Section 18 on whether to close or defer the motion, you can think about it. In any case, there are many options besides the closure or deferment of the motion. For example, we may refer this to the relevant Select Committee or defer the motion until the next meeting or discuss it after adjournment. In fact, even if the motion is carried, it will be followed up at the relevant Select Committee. So, there will not be serious consequences. That is my personal view for Members' reference.
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