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some sort of reduction. On the other hand, there is no mechanism whereby those commercial tenants paying the basic rent may be given any sort of relief in rent.
In view of the financial implication on the Council and the principle of equity in the determination of rental level, we have moved amendments to the original motion. Our motion is different from the original one in principle as the expenditure of the Council is involved. The Democratic Party's recommendation is made after taking into consideration the equity in policy and the Council's financial situation. We should initially reduce the rental of those commercial tenants who have entered into contracts with the Council on the basis of basic rent by 30% across the board and should implement this as soon as possible.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I move the amended motion. I hope Members will support it.
The Hon. Li Wah-ming (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I second the amended motion put forth by Mr. Eric WONG.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—Good, I will call upon Members to speak on the original or amended motion in the order shown on the computer. Mr. Tam Kwok-kiu please.
Mr. Tam Kwok-kiu (in Cantonese): –The ADPL is in absolute agreement with the general principle, direction and spirit of both Mr. Eric WONG's amended motion and Mr. Chiang Sai-cheong's original motion, which are to tide over the difficulties together with the general public at this time of economic recession.
In some similar motions moved at the beginning of the year, we supported the proposal of reducing the rental of the Council's market stalls or food premises as well as the fee of various licences. Our main consideration was the impact that these market stalls and food premises had on the livelihood of the general public. Hence our stance is in line with that of the original and amended motions. Nevertheless, the ADPL does not support the original motion or the amended motion this time, because the two motions cover different venues including the museums, cultural complexes, recreational venues etc. and we believe that different venues vary in circumstances. Further study is needed for the implementation of the measure of rental reduction. Actually if we patronize the food premises in some of these recreational venues, we will find that the situation is not as bad as we imagine. I myself have had such an experience. The ADPL will therefore abstain from voting. We hope the select committee concerned will make a further study of the spirit of the motion and have it implemented as early as possible.
Mr. Chairman, these are my remarks. Thank you,
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