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as the site, but up to this moment, when others have also begun to propose the setting up of a short-term market or alternatively an industrial products exhibition, the Department has not yet come up with any specific option. Hence, besides supporting the recommendation that the Council's venues be included in the site selection, I propose that the old airport site should also be considered. There are still a lot of hotel facilities in the vicinity of the old airport and a lot of visitors stay in these hotels in Kowloon City. As the airport has been relocated, there is a need to keep the visitors attracted. "There are some sightseeing spots such as the Wong Tai Sin Temple, 'Walled City Park, and many cateries in the district. The setting up of an Illuminated Night Fair will expose the visitors to the living culture of the people of Hong Kong.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support Ms. Jennifer Chow's motion.
Mr. Wen Cho-Yin (in Cantonese):—Councillors who are members of the DAB appreciate the spirit of Ms. Jennifer CHOW's motion, which is aimed at stimulating the economy by increasing job opportunities and providing inexpensive activities to local residents and tourists. However, we consider that the proposal of setting up a Hawker Permitted Area in a venue of the Council, the so-called Illuminated Night Fair, warrants careful deliberation. We are not objecting to the active study proposed in the motion, but we recommend that in the course of study, we must listen to the views of various District Boards and consult the public. As mentioned by Mr. Ambrose CHEUNG just now, different voices were heard over the issue concerning the setting up of a flea market. I therefore consider that in our study of the issue, we must seek the positive views of various District Boards and members of the public. I also believe that we should take into account the submission the Department made to the Council today, because it has, in light of the actual situation, drawn our attention to some of the problems that need to be considered. I hope the feasibility will be considered in the course of our study. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):—When the Democratic Party received Ms. Jennifer Chow's motion, we discovered a problem. The motion says that in view of the recent economic downturn, weak consumer spending and record high unemployment rate in Hong Kong, it is hoped that the Council will work out some relief measures.
All along we have not objected to the idea of carrying out some studies, but isn't it a simplification of the problem of unemployment? There are various factors for the economic transformation of Hong Kong, which has resulted in a rising unemployment rate and weak consumer spending. Is the setting up of a temporary Hawker Permitted Area or a unique Illuminated Night Fair a workable solution for the prevailing problems? I consider that the problems have been over-simplified.
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