HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
611
I appreciate Mr. Li Wah-ming's concern in moving the motion. His concern is very appropriate but the solution he recommends is too idealized. Proposals have been put forth by a number of Members but they are by no means practicable. Source registration system, import quarantine, production requirements to be met by sources of supply (that is, visiting Australia to inspect the oyster production requirements), hygiene standards etc are all options which are difficult to implement.
The quality of seawater is mentioned in the speech on the original motion, but it is not related to the original motion. In the last paragraph, it is mentioned that the seawater used for fish rearing is seriously contaminated. Again, this has nothing to do with his motion.
I therefore consider that there are two disadvantages in implementing in full the motion if it is carried. Firstly, there are difficulties in implementation. Secondly, unrealistic safety grading will be given to members of the public, who might misunderstand that with the source registration certificates, the food is of the first grade in terms of hygienic safety. If members of the public are so misled, they will be jeopardized because there are difficulties in implementing the system.
I therefore consider that although the mover has a good intent, he is not doing any good. He is not doing any harm either. He has a good intent, but the good intent cannot be materialized. There is a Japanese saying about taking puffers, 'One risks one's life in taking puffers. It is a fool not to take puffers because they are so delicious, but then it is also a fool to take too many puffers because they are poisonous.' There are one or two fatal cases every year caused by the consumption of puffers.
I consider that the problem has been brought out. To solve the problem is in future a matter for the Select Committee. The duty of the Council is to promote awareness of personal and environmental hygiene. In other words, restaurants should be thoroughly inspected to confirm the amount of bacteria, especially colibacillus, in the seawater for fish rearing. As for the kitchens at home, hygiene should be maintained and health education should be promoted among housewives. In particular, we should take only well-cooked food as advocated by Mr. WONG Kwok-hing. Thank you.
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I wish to move a procedural motion.
Just now I have heard a lot of Members mentioning the problem of implementation, and in particular, the impact on fishermen. Mr. Li Wah-ming in his speech recommended a source registration system. The practical problem that needs to be solved is how to get the source certificates or import quarantine certificates when the fishermen return from the sea. I consider that should Mr. Li's motion be carried today, it would be very difficult to solve these problems.
Do
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