1959 — Page 59

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- A supplementary question, Mr. Chairman. May I ask, in your dual capacity as Director of Urban Services, whether there is serious overcrowding in new buildings?

CHAIRMAN:- I am not in a position to answer that question, I am afraid.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- Isn't that a matter of fact?

CHAIRMAN:- I regret I am not in a position to answer that question.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- A supplementary question. Would you be good enough to have that referred to the Select Committee which would be in a position to consider this question?

CHAIRMAN:- I would be happy to refer your inquiry to the Select Committee.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:-

"During the last Annual Conventional Debate many Councillors had made suggestions to improve the machinery of future Urban Council Elections; when and how does the Chairman propose that this matter be followed up?"

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-

"The reference to the conduct of elections, which members made during the annual debate, were forwarded to Government. I understand that this question is receiving serious consideration by Government. As members are aware, certain proposals for the simplification of the preparation of the electoral register were agreed prior to last elections, but it was not practicable to introduce them in time for the past elections."

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:- May I have your assurance, sir, that you will take every step possible to bring to the attention of Government the advisability of seeing that the proposed simplifications will be in force for the next election?

CHAIRMAN:- I am satisfied that Government has already been informed of the importance of that.

MR. R. C. LEE asked the following question:-

"Is the Chairman in a position to give any information as to the date fixed for the construction of the new So Kon Po Market?"

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-

"The position is that Hon. Director of Public Works has requested authority to proceed with working drawings and to call for tenders to build the new Market. Government considers however that the plans already prepared should be modified to include an extra floor to provide barrack accommodation for personnel of the Hawker Control Section. I am therefore not in a position to give a specific date for the start of construction of this market. You may rest assured however that everything possible will be done to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay over this project."

MR. R. C. LEE asked the following questions:-

"Has consideration been given recently to the adequacy of the present marketing facilities for fresh food at North Point? Will the Chairman state whether a site has finally been chosen for a market at North Point?"

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-

"The fact that I have recommended the building of a new market at North Point indicates that I am not satisfied with present facilities there. The site for this Market has not yet been definitely fixed and is partly dependent on the market requirements which I hope will be finalized soon."

MR. A. DE O. SALES asked the following question:

"(a) To what extent does this Council exercise control over public bars and other such places where drinks are served? (b) Is this Council consulted before licences are issued?"

THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:-

"This Council has no control over public bars, and is not consulted before the issue of a licence by the Board of Licensing Justices. The Board informs the Council of liquor licences issued in respect of premises licensed by the Council as restaurants, after issue of the liquor licence."

MR. SALES:- May I ask a supplementary question? In respect of these places which are licensed as restaurants and bars, is the Council ever consulted as to the suitability of the licence being issued for both purposes?

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