1964 — Page 136

Urban Council Proceedings 市政局議事錄 All AI Reviewed

Page 136 of 312

248

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

management in these establishments.

At present, on account of the multiple duties of the District Inspectors, the restaurants are not visited as often as they should be.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES replied as follows:

At the meeting of the Food and Food Premises Select Committee held on 31st July, you raised this matter, Sir, and it was agreed that as a first step a paper should be prepared detailing the present organization of the health staff. A paper has accordingly been prepared and sent to Members of the Food and Food Premises Select Committee for consideration at their next meeting.

I should perhaps add that at the same meeting the question was raised of grading restaurants according to their standards. A paper has been issued dealing with this suggestion also, which if accepted will permit staff to concentrate on improving substandard premises.

DR. Woo: Mr. Chairman, I have just received your paper this morning. May I take it from the reply that it would be preferable for my question to be discussed in the Select Committee and not in this Council?

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: That is the intention, Sir.

DR. Woo: Mr. Chairman, can you give me the reason why it is not to be discussed in this Council?

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: You asked, Sir, if the possibility of creating a special squad could be considered. I do not think this Council should consider it; it should be considered first by the Select Committee concerned.

DR. Woo: But the impression I got from the meeting was that the Department did not seem to be keen on having this squad and that some Members suggested that we should prepare a paper.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: The papers asked for, Sir, have been prepared and must be considered before this question can be decided.

(17) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question:

(a) Is it correct that the Urban Council aims at discouraging able-bodied young men from hawking in favour of limiting it to older and infirm people?

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

249

(b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, is it logical to insist on pedlar hawkers keeping on the move using antiquated carrying poles and baskets?

(c) Is it true to say that pedlar hawkers have for several years been permitted to remain stationary in permitted areas, provided they did not cause obstructions and did not occupy more than a certain limited area? (d) Are you aware, Sir, that hawkers not exceeding the space limit are being summonsed in some areas on "obstruction" charges?

(e) Are you aware that some hawkers are summonsed without being aware of any breach of regulations, and that recently two licensed hawkers were fined for hawking "without a licence"?

(f) May we have your assurance that no hawker will be penalized for making a peaceful appeal against a charge he considers to be unjust, or for protesting through legal channels against a regulation he considers unreasonable in his efforts to make a livelihood?

MR. B. A. BERNACCHI: Before answering this question, I wish to thank Mr. CHEONG-LEEN for his taking the chair of the Hawkers Select Committee whilst I have been away. Usually, August is our annual select committee holiday, but I understand this has not been possible with the Hawkers Select Committee and Mr. CHEONG-LEEN and his Committee have had to go through a considerable amount of work in the months of the end of July and August. So, I wish to take this opportunity of saying to Mr. CHEONG-LEEN: "Thank you”.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Thank you.

MR. BERNACCHI then replied as follows:

The first part of the question raises, as indeed do the second and third parts, considerations of a general nature as regards hawkers which have been exercising the minds of all Members of this Council and of the Hawkers Select Committee in particular. I think it is a correct reflection of Members' opinion to say that in view particularly of the number of vacancies in industry, the Council would like to see able-bodied young men turning towards such jobs as industry offers for their livelihood rather than to hawking. To talk in terms of limiting hawking to the older and infirm people at this stage, however, would be wrong, as at present the issue of pedlar hawker licences is unlimited.

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Page 136 of 312 248 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL management in these establishments. At present, on account of the multiple duties of the District Inspectors, the restaurants are not visited as often as they should be. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES replied as follows: At the meeting of the Food and Food Premises Select Committee held on 31st July, you raised this matter, Sir, and it was agreed that as a first step a paper should be prepared detailing the present organization of the health staff. A paper has accordingly been prepared and sent to Members of the Food and Food Premises Select Committee for consideration at their next meeting. I should perhaps add that at the same meeting the question was raised of grading restaurants according to their standards. A paper has been issued dealing with this suggestion also, which if accepted will permit staff to concentrate on improving substandard premises. DR. Woo: Mr. Chairman, I have just received your paper this morning. May I take it from the reply that it would be preferable for my question to be discussed in the Select Committee and not in this Council? DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: That is the intention, Sir. DR. Woo: Mr. Chairman, can you give me the reason why it is not to be discussed in this Council? DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: You asked, Sir, if the possibility of creating a special squad could be considered. I do not think this Council should consider it; it should be considered first by the Select Committee concerned. DR. Woo: But the impression I got from the meeting was that the Department did not seem to be keen on having this squad and that some Members suggested that we should prepare a paper. DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: The papers asked for, Sir, have been prepared and must be considered before this question can be decided. (17) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question: (a) Is it correct that the Urban Council aims at discouraging able-bodied young men from hawking in favour of limiting it to older and infirm people? HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 249 (b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, is it logical to insist on pedlar hawkers keeping on the move using antiquated carrying poles and baskets? (c) Is it true to say that pedlar hawkers have for several years been permitted to remain stationary in permitted areas, provided they did not cause obstructions and did not occupy more than a certain limited area? (d) Are you aware, Sir, that hawkers not exceeding the space limit are being summonsed in some areas on "obstruction" charges? (e) Are you aware that some hawkers are summonsed without being aware of any breach of regulations, and that recently two licensed hawkers were fined for hawking "without a licence"? (f) May we have your assurance that no hawker will be penalized for making a peaceful appeal against a charge he considers to be unjust, or for protesting through legal channels against a regulation he considers unreasonable in his efforts to make a livelihood? MR. B. A. BERNACCHI: Before answering this question, I wish to thank Mr. CHEONG-LEEN for his taking the chair of the Hawkers Select Committee whilst I have been away. Usually, August is our annual select committee holiday, but I understand this has not been possible with the Hawkers Select Committee and Mr. CHEONG-LEEN and his Committee have had to go through a considerable amount of work in the months of the end of July and August. So, I wish to take this opportunity of saying to Mr. CHEONG-LEEN: "Thank you”. MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Thank you. MR. BERNACCHI then replied as follows: The first part of the question raises, as indeed do the second and third parts, considerations of a general nature as regards hawkers which have been exercising the minds of all Members of this Council and of the Hawkers Select Committee in particular. I think it is a correct reflection of Members' opinion to say that in view particularly of the number of vacancies in industry, the Council would like to see able-bodied young men turning towards such jobs as industry offers for their livelihood rather than to hawking. To talk in terms of limiting hawking to the older and infirm people at this stage, however, would be wrong, as at present the issue of pedlar hawker licences is unlimited. Page 136 of 312 248 ... 249

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Page 136 of 312 248 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL management in these establishments. At present, on account of the multiple duties of the District Inspectors, the restaurants are not visited as often as they should be. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES replied as follows: } At the meeting of the Food and Food Premises Select Com- mittee held on 31st July, you raised this matter, Sir, and it was agreed that as a first step a paper should be pre- pared detailing the present organization of the health staff. A paper has accordingly been prepared and sent to Members of the Food and Food Premises Select Com- mittee for consideration at their next meeting. I should perhaps add that at the same meeting the question was raised of grading restaurants according to their standards. A paper has been issued dealing with this suggestion also, which if accepted will permit staff to concentrate on improving substandard premises. DR. Woo: Mr. Chairman, I have just received your paper this morning. May I take it from the reply that it would be preferable for my question to be discussed in the Select Committee and not in this Council? DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES:-That is the intention, Sir. DR. Woo:-Mr. Chairman, can you give me the reason why it is not to be discussed in this Council? DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: -You asked, Sir, if the possibility of creating a special squad could be con- sidered. I do not think this Council should consider it; it should be considered first by the Select Committee concerned. DR. Woo:-But the impression I got from the meeting was that the Department did not seem to be keen on having this squad and that some Members suggested that we should prepare a paper. DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES:-The papers asked for, Sir, have been prepared and must be considered before this question can be decided. (17) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question: (a) Is it correct that the Urban Council aims at discouraging able-bodied young men from hawking in favour of limit- ing it to older and infirm people? ! HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 249 (b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, is it logical to insist on pedlar hawkers keeping on the move using anti- quated carrying poles and baskets? (c) Is it true to say that pedlar hawkers have for several years been permitted to remain stationary in permitted areas, provided they did not cause obstructions and did not occupy more than a certain limited area? (d) Are you aware, Sir, that hawkers not exceeding the space limit are being summonsed in some areas on "obstruction" charges? (e) Are you aware that some hawkers are summonsed with- out being aware of any breach of regulations, and that recently two licensed hawkers were fined for hawking "without a licence"? (f) May we have your assurance that no hawker will be penalized for making a peaceful appeal against a charge he considers to be unjust, or for protesting through legal channels against a regulation he considers unreasonable in his efforts to make a livelihood? MR. B. A. BERNACCHI: --Before answering this question, I wish to thank Mr. CHEONG-LEEN for his taking the chair of the Hawkers Select Committee whilst I have been away. Usually, August is our annual select committee holiday, but I understand this has not been possible with the Hawkers Select Committee and Mr. CHEONG-LEEN and his Committee have had to go through a considerable amount of work in the months of the end of July and August. So, I wish to take this opportunity of saying to Mr. CHEONG-LEEN: "Thank you”. MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Thank you. MR. BERNACCHI then replied as follows: The first part of the question raises, as indeed do the second and third parts, considerations of a general nature as re- gards hawkers which have been exercising the minds of all Members of this Council and of the Hawkers Select Committee in particular. I think it is a correct reflection of Members' opinion to say that in view particularly of the number of vacancies in industry, the Council would like to see able-bodied young men turning towards such jobs as industry offers for their livelihood rather than to hawking. To talk in terms of limiting hawking to the older and infirm people at this stage, however, would be wrong, as at present the issue of pedlar hawker licences is unlimited.

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Page 136 of 312

248

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

management in these establishments.

At present, on account of the multiple duties of the District Inspectors, the restaurants are not visited as often as they should be.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES replied as follows:

}

At the meeting of the Food and Food Premises Select Com- mittee held on 31st July, you raised this matter, Sir, and it was agreed that as a first step a paper should be pre- pared detailing the present organization of the health staff. A paper has accordingly been prepared and sent to Members of the Food and Food Premises Select Com- mittee for consideration at their next meeting.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES:-That is the intention, Sir.

DR. Woo:-Mr. Chairman, can you give me the reason why it is not to be discussed in this Council?

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: -You asked, Sir, if the possibility of creating a special squad could be con- sidered. I do not think this Council should consider it; it should be considered first by the Select Committee concerned.

DR. Woo:-But the impression I got from the meeting was that the Department did not seem to be keen on having this squad and that some Members suggested that we should prepare a paper.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES:-The papers asked for, Sir, have been prepared and must be considered before this question can be decided.

(17) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question:

(a) Is it correct that the Urban Council aims at discouraging able-bodied young men from hawking in favour of limit- ing it to older and infirm people?

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

249

(b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, is it logical to insist on pedlar hawkers keeping on the move using anti- quated carrying poles and baskets?

(e) Are you aware that some hawkers are summonsed with- out being aware of any breach of regulations, and that recently two licensed hawkers were fined for hawking "without a licence"?

(f)

May we have your assurance that no hawker will be penalized for making a peaceful appeal against a charge he considers to be unjust, or for protesting through legal channels against a regulation he considers unreasonable in his efforts to make a livelihood?

MR. B. A. BERNACCHI: --Before answering this question, I wish to thank Mr. CHEONG-LEEN for his taking the chair of the Hawkers Select Committee whilst I have been away. Usually, August is our annual select committee holiday, but I understand this has not been possible with the Hawkers Select Committee and Mr. CHEONG-LEEN and his Committee have had to go through a considerable amount of work in the months of the end of July and August. So, I wish to take this opportunity of saying to Mr. CHEONG-LEEN: "Thank you”.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN:-Thank you.

MR. BERNACCHI then replied as follows:

The first part of the question raises, as indeed do the second and third parts, considerations of a general nature as re- gards hawkers which have been exercising the minds of all Members of this Council and of the Hawkers Select Committee in particular. I think it is a correct reflection of Members' opinion to say that in view particularly of the number of vacancies in industry, the Council would like to see able-bodied young men turning towards such jobs as industry offers for their livelihood rather than to hawking. To talk in terms of limiting hawking to the older and infirm people at this stage, however, would be wrong, as at present the issue of pedlar hawker licences is unlimited.

1964 — Page 136

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