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There are 85 health inspectorate staff working in the Hygiene Division of the Department of Health engaging in a wide range of duties including food surveillance and control of border entry points. About half of these 85 officers can be redeployed to deal with emergencies. Furthermore, as in the case of the recent recall of Vitasoy products, the department will conduct joint operations with the Urban Services Department and Regional Services Department to mobilise the maximum number of personnel within the shortest time possible.
The Department of Health has an established system to cope with public health emergencies, including public announcements and staff deployment. However, the actual measures to be taken must be carefully considered in the circumstances of each individual case to avoid causing undue public alarm. The number and nature of complaints received are among the factors taken into account before a decision is taken.
A surveillance programme is in place to carry out regular inspection and sampling of food products on sale in the local market to ensure that they are in compliance with the required standards.
End
HK Sports Development Board administration costs
Following is a question by the Hon Paul Cheng Ming-fun and a written reply by the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr T H Chau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
According to figures published in the Hong Kong Sports Development Board (SDB)'s 1994/1995 Annual Report, staff and administrative costs account for about 60 per cent of the SDB's total expenditure, leaving about 40 per cent being spent on activities relating directly to the promotion and development of sports in the territory. In this connection, will the Government provide this Council with the following information:
(a)
the proportion, in terms of the number and cost, of the coaching staff to the overall staff establishment in SDB;