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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
14L
education has a lot to do with it. There are no such curriculum in our school text books. We need to coordinate efforts in environmental protection work. The Education Department should see that it is included in school curriculum.
Environment officers should be provided at schools, community centres, private and public bodies as well as government offices. They should be charged with the duty of publicising and implementing environmental protection work. Posts similar to administration officers in schools should be created as environmental officers. May be in the initial stage, we can try appointing environmental officers in private and public bodies as a first step.
Many people from different parts of South East Asia and the Mainland of China come to Hong Kong everyday. Their environmental awareness is even thinner than ours. Some people are used to a living environment less desirable than we have here and they do not have the concept of environmental protection at all. They have a pounding effect on our habits and policies built up over the years.
Mr. Chairman, I support both parts of the motion.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—Will the original mover exercise his right of reply?
Mr. Chan Choi-Hi (in Cantonese):—I would like to thank Members for their comments and their basic support. Mr. Francis TANG and Mr. Mok Ying-san spoke about a survey by the Environmental Protection Department. In fact, the nature of that survey is different from the one I am proposing. I have actually studied the one they referred to, it is completely different. If my motion is carried and a survey is conducted, it will be the first ever of this kind conducted in Hong Kong. This is my first point in response.
Secondly, I agree with Mr. Joseph CHAN that education is important. I believe that the Education Department should play a coordinating role.
My third point has to do with Ms. Grace Au's suggestion for the survey to go hand in hand with the work of a 'waste reduction' group. The two are not contradictory and they can proceed simultaneously. The 'waste reduction' group should define the objective, strategy and manpower deployment of this Council as soon as possible. I believe by proceeding with work in both fields at the same time, we can move forward faster. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The question was put.
The motion was carried unanimously.
(3) Mr. Joseph Lai Chi-keong moved as follows:-The impetus generated by the maritime trade was important in transforming Hong Kong from a fishing port into a famous world metropolitan city nowadays. RESOLVED
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