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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
will not just stand by with folded arms when the operators run into financial difficulties.
As to the discussion of the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee in January that was mentioned by Mr. WONG Chung-ki just now, I consider that it was a very different situation then. In fact last week when members of the ADPL and commercial tenants of the Housing Authority had a meeting with the upper echelon of the Housing Authority, the Authority was considering the measure of rent reduction for its commercial tenants.
If you have seen the press or television coverage today, you should know that commercial tenants of private organizations are also asking for rent reduction from the landlord. This indicates that today's situation is quite different from that in January. I am very surprised that Mr. WONG Chung-ki should query us as to why we are still considering the measure of rent reduction, but obviously, Mr. WONG Chung-ki will seek rent reduction for commercial tenants in the Shamshuipo market and this is what surprises us most.
As to Ms. Jennifer CHOW's further amendments, basically we welcome such a direction. This reflects that our colleagues in the Liberal Party are also in favour of the direction of and spirit behind the amended motion proposed by the ADPL. The only difference is that the scope is expanded. Of course, Mr. CHIANG Sai-cheong, Chairman of the Finance Select Committee, might have a better understanding of the financial situation of the Council. I would not say that such an expansion would bring about the financial burden described by Mr. WONG Chung-ki just now. Members of the ADPL have adopted a liberal attitude but we have yet to see what Ms. Jennifer CHOW has to say to find out how the prevailing pressing problems are tackled.
Lastly, I wish to point out that our main concern has been the stall lessees because their services would directly affect the public's patronage of market stalls and cooked food centres. The impact on the livelihood of the general public would be very great. I also hope that the Council will target its resources at helping those who are affected most and propose some effective relief measures.
Mr. Chairman, I hereby move the amended motion.
MR. CHOW KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):--Mr. Chairman, I second Mr. TAM Kwok-kiu's amended motion.
Chairman (in Cantonese):-Thank you. Further amendments to Mr. TAM Kwok-kiu's amended motion were proposed by Ms. Jennifer CHOW under Standing Order 21(12A). Would Ms. CHOW move her amendments and speak?
(4)(d) Ms. JENNIFER CHOW KIT-BING moved further amendments under Standing Order 21(12A) as follows:-