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has been under serious study lately and I must stress the danger of placing too great reliance on spraying alone. The use of gammexane—once thought to be such a valuable insecticide—has resulted in the development of strong signs of resistance to it among the local fly population. This has happened throughout the world and must be expected to increase and become permanent. Although other insecticides which have an immediate "knock-down" effect on adult flies can be used under certain circumstances, the only real answer to this problem is the destruction of breeding places, especially in haphazard collections of refuse, and this is eventually going to be mainly a matter for the Cleansing Division.
Mr. Wilson WANG mentioned the need for medical clinics in Resettlement Estates. I can assure him that the Medical and Health Department will not forget its responsibilities in this connexion. A number of new clinics are already planned in or near Resettlement Estates, especially in Kowloon.
Mr. Ernest WONG and Mr. Li Yiu-bor referred to the dangers of smoking and to the recent report of the Royal College of Physicians in London, which has given considerable publicity to the potentially harmful effects of the habit. This report has already been commented on by the Chinese and British Medical Associations in the Colony, which have made certain recommendations to Government. I would mention, however, that the danger of heavy smoking is to the individual person indulging in the practice, and that there is no evidence that similar harmful effects arise in other people, however much they may be irritated by the surrounding smoke nuisance. Nevertheless, the question of smoking in public places, which come within the jurisdiction of this Council, merits consideration.
Finally, Sir, I would like to thank all Members for their constant interest and helpful suggestions regarding the public health of our community, and I look forward to their continued support during the year ahead.
Sir, I support the motion before Council. (Applause).
CHAIRMAN: — Ladies & Gentlemen, it remains for me to add my contribution to what my official colleagues have just said in their replies.
Matters pertaining to constitutional reform were raised by several Members. Their observations have been brought to the attention of the Colonial Secretary. I have also forwarded to the Colonial Secretary the remarks made by Members on rent control and on trade; Mr. MARDEN'S suggestion regarding the Government lottery; and Dr. LEE'S comments on our fishing industry.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
79
Mr. Li Fook-shu referred to the question of football spectators on hillsides, particularly at the Government Stadium, Caroline Hill. I understand that various proposals for dealing with this problem have been examined.
Mr. Li Yiu-bor referred to the question of pornographic literature and films. I understand that this matter is under review at the moment, with a view to deciding whether any specific measures are called for and would be useful in the interests of the public, particularly of young people.
Mr. SALES drew attention to the need for more children's play-grounds and recreation areas. He suggested that, if the Public Works Department was unable to carry out the many Council projects under the Urban Amenities Block Vote of $1 million, the planning of such projects should be entrusted to private architects.
The Block Vote was designed to finance the completion of small amenity projects, the main part of which would be carried out by the Gardens Section. Projects which involved the provision of any substantial buildings—that is, buildings other than small latrines or shelters—were excluded from the Block Vote. All major projects, costing more than $100,000, must be included in the Public Works Programme.
In practice, almost every project under the Block Vote requires Public Works Department assistance, even if it is only fencing and paving. In addition, the original conditions have been amended, and eighteen months ago, my friend, the Director of Public Works, agreed to undertake each year a maximum of six Block Vote projects involving buildings, in addition to small latrines or shelters.
The Block Vote puts a considerable load on the Public Works Department; it is not the magnitude of the projects, but their number, spread all over the Colony, which is so demanding on staff time. Our requirements have to be fitted into the Public Works Department's overall programme, and staff cannot be held available for us "on demand". To get the most out of the Block Vote, we must give the Public Works Department a forward programme of our requirements, with details of the facilities to be provided. It takes time to prepare plans, obtain the necessary approvals, call for tenders, let the contract, complete the works, and pay the bills. All this has to be done within the framework of government's financial and tender procedure and applies equally to works carried out by the Public Works Department or private architects. It is doubtful whether private architects could complete the projects or spend our money any quicker than the Public Works Department. Some of our larger projects have not started as
Page 50 of 150
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Page 47 of 150
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
has been under serious study lately and I must stress the danger of placing too great reliance on spraying alone. The use of gammexane- once thought to be such a valuable insecticide-has resulted in the development of strong signs of resistance to it among the local fly population. This has happened throughout the world and must be expected to increase and become permanent. Although other insec- ticides which have an immediate "knock-down" effect on adult flies can be used under certain circumstances, the only real answer to this problem is the destruction of breeding places, especially in haphazard collections of refuse, and this is eventually going to be mainly a matter for the Cleansing Division.
Mr. Wilson WANG mentioned the need for medical clinics in Resettlement Estates. I can assure him that the Medical and Health Department will not forget its responsibilities in this connexion. A number of new clinics are already planned in or near Resettlement Estates especially in Kowloon.
Mr. Ernest WONG and Mr. Li Yiu-bor referred to the dangers of smoking and to the recent report of the Royal College of Physicians in London, which has given considerable publicity to the potentially harmful effects of the habit. This report has already been commented on by the Chinese and British Medical Associations in the Colony which have made certain recommendations to Government. I would mention, however, that the danger of heavy smoking is to the individual person indulging in the practice and that there is no evidence that similar harmful effects arise in other people, however much they may be irritated by the surrounding smoke nuisance. Nevertheless the question of smoking in public places which come within the jurisdiction of this Council, merits consideration.
Finally, Sir, I would like to thank all Members for their constant interest and helpful suggestions regarding the public health of our com- munity, and I look forward to their continued support during the year ahead.
Sir, I support the motion before Council. (Applause).
CHAIRMAN:---Ladies & Gentlemen, it remains for me to add my contribution to what my official colleagues have just said in their replies.
Matters pertaining to constitutional reform were raised by several Members. Their observations have been brought to the attention of the Colonial Secretary. I have also forwarded to the Colonial Secretary the remarks made by Members on rent control and on trade; Mr. MARDEN'S suggestion regarding the Government lottery; and Dr. LEE'S comments on our fishing industry.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
79
Mr. Li Fook-shu referred to the question of football spectators on hillsides, particularly at the Government Stadium, Caroline Hill. I understand that various proposals for dealing with this problem have
been examined.
Mr. Li Yiu-bor referred to the question of pornographic literature and films. I understand that this matter is under review at the moment, with a view to deciding whether any specific measures are called for and would be useful in the interests of the public, particularly of young
people,
Mr. SALES drew attention to the need for more children's play- He suggested that, if the Public Works grounds and recreation areas. Department was unable to carry out the many Council projects under the Urban Amenities Block Vote of $1 million, the planning of such projects should be entrusted to private architects.
The Block Vote was designed to finance the completion of small amenity projects, the main part of which would be carried out by the Gardens Section. Projects which involved the provision of any sub- stantial buildings—that is, buildings other than small latrines or shelters -were excluded from the Block Vote. All major projects, costing more than $100,000, must be included in the Public Works Programme.
In practice, almost every project under the Block Vote requires Public Works Department assistance, even if it is only fencing and paving. In addition, the original conditions have been amended and eighteen months ago my friend, the Director of Public Works agreed to undertake each year a maximum of six Block Vote projects involving buildings, in addition to small latrines or shelters.
The Block Vote puts a considerable load on the Public Works Department; it is not the magnitude of the projects, but their number, spread all over the Colony, which is so demanding on staff time. Our requirements have to be fitted into the Public Works Department's overall programme, and staff cannot be held available for us "on demand". To get the most out of the Block Vote, we must give the Public Works Department a forward programme of our requirements, with details of the facilities to be provided. It takes time to prepare plans, obtain the necessary approvals, call for tenders, let the contract, complete the works and pay the bills. All this has to be done within the framework of government's financial and tender procedure and applies equally to works carried out by the Public Works Department or private architects. It is doubtful whether private architects could complete the projects or spend our money any quicker than the Public Works Department. Some of our larger projects have not started as
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