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manpower, deployment of staff and possible requirement of additional personnel. I believe the Department is considering all these problems, which is probably the reason for it to have taken such a long time to reach an option. It may have to consider the fourth point too, and that is, the relationship with the policy on hawkers. I don't know whether it is because of this consideration that despite such a long time, they still have not come up with a confirmed or feasible option for our discussion and implementation. I hope the Department will submit an option for the implementation of the proposal at an early date. In fact, I have several points to make in connection with the operation of a flea market.
1.
2.
There is no need for the Council to pledge that the Department will be responsible for the operation. I consider that this is not necessarily so. The project can be contracted out. We may even invite performing groups, retailers, wholesalers, volunteers, etc. to carry out the project. We could consolidate the efforts of various sectors of the community in turning the idea into reality. I consider that this is absolutely workable. There is no need for the Department or Council to shoulder the entire project. This is by no means the only alternative. I consider that other options may be worked out. We could even solicit the cooperation of the Tourist Association in accomplishing the task. I believe that we would make it if we could combine the efforts of various sectors. As for the question of revenue, I consider that it would become a good source of income to the Council, because we could charge the operators payment at a certain percentage of the turnover or the net proceeds. I consider that this idea would generate a handsome income for the Council. I hope that Members will actively consider this aspect. I hope the Department will give me a reply soon (say next Tuesday), telling me what exactly they are thinking and what their fears are. If there are no fears, then they should submit an option telling us that they could make it. Don't give us a ‘no' for an answer.
THE HON. Ambrose Cheung Wing-sum (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I support Mr. Chiang Sai-cheong's motion.
A number of colleagues have already given their views on the questions of economy, employment, additional revenue, and the argument that the tourist element of Hong Kong should be enhanced.
I wish to express my views on three points: (1) Management, that is, the relationship between the management of flea markets and the policy on hawkers; (2) Site selection; and (3) The way to handle the Department's attitude.
The first point is about management. I agree that there is a direct relationship between the management of flea markets and the policy on hawkers. The successful organization of a flea market would mean the
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