Page 193 of 606
OT 606
190
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-The computer indicates that no more Member wish to speak. Mr. CHIANG Sai-cheong, are you going to exercise your right of reply? Mr. CHIANG please.
MR. CHIANG SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-Thank you, Mr. Eric WONG, for your explanation for the amended motion. In fact, if Mr. WONG had heard my speech at the meeting of the Standing Committee on 1 September, he would have known that the rent I refer to is the 'basic rent'. I have also explained that the current rent payable is the basic rent plus a percentage of the turnover,
The rent charged by the Council now falls into four main categories:
1. the rent is based on a certain percentage of the turnover;
2. The rent is based on a certain percentage of the turnover in addition to the basic rent:
3. The rent is based on the basic rent or a certain percentage of the turnover, whichever the higher; and
4. The rent is based on a certain percentage of the turnover and gross profit in addition to the basic rent.
A lot of big commercial tenants have been paying the basic rent for some time instead of paying a certain percentage of their turnover. It can therefore be seen that there is a need for reducing the rent by 30%.
I don't agree with the statement of Mr. Tam Kwok-kiu of the ADPL given just now. I consider that we should not merely take care of the small businessmen and neglect the big ones, who are in the same boat. Everyone is aware that under the prevailing economic situation, medium to small enterprises are faced with certain difficulties.
The most important thing is timing. I am happy to hear Mr. Eric WONG saying just now that he too hoped the proposal could be implemented as early as possible. If the motion is carried, I hope that all the commercial tenants entering into contracts in June or before this year may be given rental reduction. The number of contracts involved is only 98. I hope Members who are present will support either the amended motion or the original one so that the policy can be implemented as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese): In accordance with the voting procedures under the Standing Orders, Mr. Eric WONG's amended motion will be put to the vote first. If this motion is carried, then there will be no need to vote on Mr. CHIANG Sai-cheong's original motion.
Voting will now be cast on Mr. Eric WONG's amended motion. Those who are in favour of the motion please vote for it while those who are not please vote against it. Those who wish to abstain from voting please abstain from voting. The question is now put to the vote.
Page 193 of 606
OT 606
190