TNAG-1735-FCO40-2448-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 76

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 1 June 1988

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DR. IP: I disagree with what the Secretary has said, because I think there is a difference. However, I would like to ask whether there is any difference between cooked food which is prepared from animals slaughtered in the local abattoirs, and cooked meat from animals not slaughtered in local abattoirs? If there is, then how does Government distinguish between these two types of cooked meat at the point of sale?

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I am afraid on this rather subtle point, I shall have to consult my colleague, the Secretary for Municipal Services, and write to Dr. IP. (See Annex II)

MR. CHAN KAM-CHUEN: Sir, how do the inspecting officers know that these cooked meats are not dog meat, horse meat or meat from an endangered species?

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I am sure that if one is an inspector for this purpose, one either by training or experience becomes aware of the different types of meat and how to recognise them.

DR. IP: This is a more simple question, Sir. Could the relevant Secretary inform this Council of the quantity of cooked food items brought in by individual travellers that would arouse the suspicion of customs officers that they may be for resale and not for personal consumption?

SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE: Sir, I do not think there is any maximum weight or size prescribed, but I am sure the officers would use their discretion in determining what appears to be a reasonable amount for personal consumption.

Observation of the codes of aid by aided schools

6. MR. SZETO asked (in Cantonese): Will Government inform this Council whether aided schools must observe the codes of aid and in cases of contravention by aided schools, what actions will be taken by the Education Department?

SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, the codes of aid set out the conditions on which schools may receive government grants. Their purpose is to ensure that grants are spent as intended, that is, to maintain educational standards.

If the Education Department has reason to believe that a school is not complying with the requirements of a code of aid, it investigates the matter and discusses it with the school authorities. If a school persisted in disregarding the requirements, the department could reduce or withdraw any grant made to that school, but in practice this has never proved necessary.

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