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(c) Owners should have the duty to ensure that their properties are in proper maintenance condition. The Administration therefore proposes to introduce a mandatory scheme under which owners will be required to have their buildings inspected by professionals periodically. Details of this proposal are still being examined.

(d) There are at present 1,049 Authorised Persons and 363 Registered Structural Engineers in Hong Kong. Demand for their services will be taken into account before the Administration goes ahead with any mandatory building inspection

scheme.

End

Clearance of landslides debris

Following is a question by the Hon Fred Li Wah-ming and a written reply by the Secretary for Works, Mr Kwong Hon-sang, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

During the rainy season this year, there were many landslips caused by rainstorms and typhoons. In particular, there were a number of landslips and tree- falling incidents in the squatter areas at Lei Yue Mun and Cha Kwo Ling in Kwun Tong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) what procedures does the Government have to clear the mud sent down by landslips; and

(b) which Government departments are responsible for inspecting and dealing with trees dangling under the influence of rainstorms which may cause danger to residents in squatter areas?