562835-1929-Minutes--No-4 — Page 4

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MAY 17, 1929.

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of the policy of enforcing a more modern interpretation of section 149 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1903 in the case of buildings erected prior to the enactment of that section in 1903, and of the power to enforce such an interpretation in the case of buildings which have been certified as com- plying with Ordinance No. 1 of 1903. This subject has from time to time engaged the attention of the Government and it is now a matter for con- sideration whether the interests of the public should not outweigh the hardship to owners of property. In view of doubts as to the legal posi- tion fresh legislation would be necessary amending section 149 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance and enabling modern safety requirements to be made enforceable in the case of all buildings irres- pective of age and prior certificates. The Government is not yet satisfied that drastic legislation of this kind is called for. It will be realized that the enforcement of such legislation would render necessary the recon- struction of much of the house property at present existing in Hong Kong.

Under the Law as it has existed since 1903, all buildings with floors more than 40 ft. above the level of the street are required to be provided with such means of escape in the case of fire for the persons dwelling or employed therein as the Building Authority may reasonably require, in accordance with section 149 of Ordinance 1 of 1903. This requirement has been regularly enforced since 1903 but opinions have varied from time to time as to what is reasonable, much stricter views having pre- vailed in recent years. The Building Authority now consults the Chief Officer, Fire Brigade, before expressing satisfaction under section 149. The section further requires any means of escape so provided to be maintained to the satisfaction of the Building Authority; but insuffi- ciency of staff has prevented regular inspections from being carried out to see that this part of the section is observed.

Certain classes of exceptional buildings such as Hotels, Cinemas' Theatres, etc., have for some years past been required by the Building Authority to have special protection against fire even though of a less height than those referred to in section 149. The Government is now considering whether similar safeguards should not be required in respect of all buildings of more than two stories.

It must be remembered that the plans of the King Edward Hotel were approved in 1902 and the building was certified in 1905 when less stringent views prevailed than those now enforced.

With reference to the detailed suggestions in paragraph (f) of the Honourable Member's question regarding Indicators, Electric Fire Alarms, etc., these suggestions are receiving the consideration of the Government; but it is probable that legislation will be necessary before they can be insisted upon in the case of buildings already certified.

8. The Hon. Mr. W. E. L. SHENTON, pursuant to notice, asked the following ques-

tions:

1. What steps have been taken by the Government to carry out the report of the Committee appointed to consider suggestions for the improvement of the fire-fighting organisation of the Colony, which was laid on the table of the Legislative Council on the 27th May, 1927 ?

2. If steps have already been taken, what further steps does the Govern-

ment propose to take?

The Colonial Secretary replied as follows:-

1. In matters of personnel and equipment the recommendations of the Com- mittee referred to have been generally adopted and either have been or are being carried out with certain minor exceptious the chief of which is that the Government considered it best to retain the Captain Superin- tendent of Police as Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade.