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could discuss it at the meetings of the Standing Committee. It is hoped that when the decision is confirmed in July, the Department will be instructed to implement the scheme and that during the recess in August, the Department will have adequate time in making all the administrative arrangements. I hope that the specific plan and schedule for implementation will be ready by September. I don't think we should wait anymore. I consider that since the Council has discussed the matter twice, it is time for implementation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. STANLEY NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese): Both my colleagues in the Democratic Party and I can see and appreciate that it is particularly for the sake of the concept of an arts fair and improvement to the employment situation that the mover and seconder, Mr. CHIANG Sai-cheong and Mr. CHAN Noi-yue, put forth the motion.
However, as the motion clearly states that 'In view of ......, RESOLVED that at the piazza of the Hong Kong Coliseum', I consider that we should study Mr. Chiang's motion in line with a more stringent and prudent criterion. I would like to raise a few points about the motion in the context of site selection.
We strongly support the ideas of arts fairs and flea markets, because they may stimulate the employment situation and attract more tourists, thereby promoting the tourist industry. However, the site being proposed now is the Hong Kong Coliseum, which is mainly used as a venue for performances, while the proposal is a flea market. While the concept expressed in his motion is a 'flea market' in name, it is an 'arts fair' in practice. As Ms. CHRISTINA TING pointed out just now, if the proposed flea market was endorsed, the Market might need to close frequently, because the piazza is often requisitioned by hirers of the Coliseum whenever performances are held there.
I have raised a few in-depth questions concerning the site selection. A place embodying the concept of an arts fair should be one accommodating artists' performances and easily accessible by local residents, such as the pavilion in the Victoria Park, the Kowloon Park or the Morse Park. Artists should be able to give their performances comfortably under the shade while spectators should be able to enjoy the performances at ease instead of just stopping by with loads of luggage on their way to catch a train. The desirability of the performance site is therefore very important.
The second reason for my not supporting the motion is also the issue of site selection. The proposed site is cement or stone surfaced and in summer, it could be very hot. Under the hot sun, heat waves on the ground will become long waves by reflection, resulting in a ground temperature as high as 36–38 degrees Celsius while in winter the north wind could be very strong. I am sure that Members have been there. The site is therefore not very appropriate for performances with spectators gathering around.
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