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The Lo Wu project is, of course, just one of a series of proposed projects to ease over-crowding in prisons. Over the past five years, we have increased our penal capacity by about 1 250 places through redevelopment projects at existing institutions. But we still currently have a total shortage of about 3 000 penal places. We are now undertaking other redevelopment projects at existing institutions in Chimawan and in the Stanley Prison area. By early 1997, Chimawan (Lower) Detention Centre will have been converted into a female drug addiction treatment centre for up to 250 inmates transferred from existing female penal institutions. The redevelopment project in Stanley will generate, in two phases, about 700 additional penal places between 1998 and 1999. We are also looking into the feasibility of redeveloping Tai Lam Prison, Tai Lam Correctional Institution, which can generate up to 260 additional places. While these projects will bring significant relief to the current unacceptable situation, they are not enough. We have virtually exhausted the potential for redevelopment of existing penal institutions, and are thus looking for new sites for about 2 000 penal places. But developing new prison institutions takes several years. In the meantime, the Lo Wu project, though small, will provide an additional 300 places and thus bring some relief.

Issue of food premises licenses explained

Following is a question by the Hon Chan Wing-chan and a reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Recently a number of food establishment operators have applied to the Urban Council for food premises licences or permits, but the issue of such licences and premises has been held up due to the long period of time taken by the Buildings Department in processing such applications. This has led to a delay in the operators starting their business. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

of the average time taken by the Buildings Department to process an application for a food premises licence or permit;