TNAG-0317-FCO40-353-Policy-of-housing-and-resettlement-in-Hong-Kong-problem-of-s-1971 — Page 29

4

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

concept whereby in the future our markets would look somewhat different whilst providing better facilities to keep up with modern trends and, in so doing, also allow for full economic use of the sites.

However, I think that your department should not delay any longer in reviewing the antiquated By-laws and the old-fashioned methods of supervision. Markets have become big business, the demand for refri- geration facilities and different type commodities is ever increasing and we must keep up with modern times. We need new type of manage- ment in our markets rather than a system based mainly on hygienic control.

I would also like to see greater emphasis being put in the building of the modular markets where the needs are great, specially in the existing old resettlement estates, to provide better market facilities to residents in those areas and to overcome the hawker problem. The modular markets have proven useful and successful in housing estates and they should likewise be in resettlement estates, given the proper management.

MR. A. de O. Sales:—Mr. Chairman, a convention has grown up around the presentation of the Statement of Progress each year in this Council. It is my understanding, Sir, that you wish that I be compelled to speak on this occasion about the development of our cultural services so, if I take up this Council's time, it is understood that I do so under duress. (Laughter).

Sir, the paragraphs under Nos. 96 to 106 relating to the cultural services provided by this Council make most interesting reading. Council can well take quiet pride and satisfaction from the great expansion of the service we render the public and the increasing variety of presentations that we make in the City Hall. As I have been a member of the City Hall Committee ever since the start in 1950 or 1951, I can well recall that when the City Hall was suggested it was thought by many people in high places that it would be a "white elephant". Even today, after more than ten years of existence and notwithstanding a very great record of service to the public, when the City Hall and all its facilities appear to be virtually "bursting at the seams", there are still people in high places who would like Govern- ment to play the role of "Doubting Thomas" whenever this Council makes the self-evident proposal that there should be complementary facilities in Kowloon.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to emphasize today two points made in this Statement of Progress as our immediate targets. First, we should impress upon the Government the importance of granting a block vote to the Cultural Affairs Select Committee just as there is a

•