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(d)

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The investigation of the 1,200 canopies is just part of the overall programme of the Buildings Department to tackle the issue of "problem canopies". Other measures include acting on complaints by the public and referral from other Government departments, as well as proactive identification of dangerous canopies for removal. From 1994 to 1996, 1,657 dangerous unauthorised canopies and 1,022 unauthorised structures on approved canopies have been removed.

However, I must stress that building owners are also responsible for ensuring the safe conditions of their buildings. Hence, the Buildings Department announced the implementation of the voluntary building inspection scheme this month. Moreover, the department will consult the public on the proposed mandatory building inspection scheme in July this year. Through periodic inspection and early maintenance, safe conditions of buildings can be ensured.

Government will continue to closely monitor the property market

Following is a question by the Hon Leung Yiu-chung and an oral reply by the Secretary for Housing. Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding the current speculative activities in the residential property market, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

how the current speculative activities in the residential property market compare with those before the implementation of measures by the Government in 1994 to dampen property prices; and

apart from the measures adopted to curb speculative activities in the residential property market since the beginning of this year, whether, and if so under what circumstances, the Government will adopt further special measures to curb such activities?