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I am not in favour of other ideas like those I mentioned just now, but I support the message of environmental protection.
Mr. Ronnie Wong Man-chiu (in Cantonese):—I think all of us should be responsible to promote environmental protection. It is everyone's business to do so. Occasions such as Lunar New Year fairs are visited by hundreds of thousands of people. To publicize environmental protection on such occasions will be particularly effective. I support Mr. To's motion.
As for the mention of education on environmental protection in the motion, I agree that it is easier to educate our next generation than to educate our older generation. I think we should see if other groups are doing this kind of work because I believe we should make the best use of resources and avoid duplication.
Lastly, I want to refer to Mr. To's mention of calling on other green groups to assist in spreading the message of environmental protection. I note that many groups have been doing this for years and they are doing better than USD staff in terms of promotion, lobbying and explaining methods of protection. The Lunar New Year fairs are soon to be held, we cannot be sure if we can manage to arrange for such work at the venues this year. I hope the Department will plan for this in advance in years to come. The assistance of green groups will be invaluable.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—If no other Members wish to speak on this topic, will Mr. Daniel To Boon-man exercise his right of reply?
MR. DANIEL To Boon-Man (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, in terms of figures, we are facing a big problem of 120 tons of refuse to be cleared away in 9 hours. Our staff need to work overtime and it is clearly an expenditure item. If we can reduce the amount of refuse, we are saving Council expenditure and manpower needs, and the cut in cost will be positive and one with good intention. We can compare this to drinking water as well. We know that those who refuse to drink water despite advice are prone to suffer from kidney or bladder stones. It happens more often to aged people. It is something verified by medical practitioners, but then, despite repeated advice, many people still refuse to listen. What we are discussing here is simple truth, but that truth is disregarded by very many people. So let me say this again—environmental protection work is worth our support and continued efforts. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—The question is now put to the vote. Please enter your votes through the computer system.
The question was put to the vote.
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