XN000022-1996-05-01 — Page 68

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Measures to prevent unlicensed storage of dangerous goods

Following is a question by the Hon Ip Kwok-him and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It has been reported that, in the course of investigation of a fire which broke out in a flat in the Western District last month, the Police had discovered dangerous goods being stored in the flat without licence. As the incident has aroused widespread public concern, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

of the number of cases concerning the storage of dangerous goods without licence in each of the past three years;

what measures are in place to prevent people from storing dangerous goods without licence; and

whether it has any plans to review or amend in the near future the existing system for regulating the issue of licences for storing dangerous goods?

Reply:

(a)

The number of cases concerning the illegal storage of dangerous goods prosecuted under the Dangerous Goods Ordinance in the past 3 years is:

(b)

Year

1995

1994

1993

No. of Cases

105

84

129.

The

The Fire Services Department, as the licensing authority, will inspect all dangerous goods stores before a licence is issued or renewed to ensure that these stores are maintained to the required standards. Department will also see if there is any illegal storage of dangerous goods during its inspections of premises, such as restaurants, schools and places of public entertainment, applying for other types of licences.