XN000022-1972-12-13 — Page 12

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Wednesday, December 13, 1972

CONTROL OF ADVERTISING SIGNS

Changes in Law Under Consideration

Urgent attention is being given to tighten existing regulations

governing the installation and control of advertising and decoration signs.

This was stated today in the Legislative Council by the Director

of Urban Services, the Hon. D.R.W, Alexander, in answer to a question raised

by the Hon. Szeto Wai.

Mr. Alexander said that under the existing legislation the Director

of Fire Services was authorised to order the removal or repair of any hoarding

or sturcture which, in his opinion, constituted a fire hazard or obstructed

fire escape exits in buildings.

Prior approval from the Director was also required for the erection

of neon signs, and the Director was empowered to order the removal of such

signs if they constituted a serious fire risk.

Mr. Alexander said the Director of Fire Services fully supported the

proposed changes in the existing legislation.

"However, because of limitation of staff and the priorities set by

the Fire Services Department, all affecting the well being and safety of the

community, it will not be possible for the Director to embark on urgent action

to order the removal of all signs contravening the regulations," Mr. Alexander

said.

He added that the Director would continue to do whatever he considered

necessary for this purpose.

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