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diseases here in Hong Kong underlines the need for strict control over the distribution, preparation and sale of food for public consumption. To ensure such control a vast amount of detailed legislation is required; however, such legislation cannot be expected to remain satisfactory for an indefinite period, particularly in view of the rapid scientific progress which is the hallmark of the present century, and a certain allowance must be made for periodical amendment in the face of changing condi- tions. I would like to assure Mr. FUNG that this legislation is kept under constant examination.

However, legislation in this sphere is but a guide to the protection of food from contamination or adulteration, and constant and under- standing co-operation by all those engaged in the trade is required if the highest standards are to be achieved. The food hygiene training courses have shown marked success, but these have been on a voluntary basis and consequently have only been accepted by more enlightened managements. The suggestion by Mr. FUNG and Dr. Woo that a certain understanding of these principles be statutorily required of people engaged in the catering trade is a very attractive one. I am doubtful whether in the first instance it would be possible to apply such a require- ment to all employees in the trade due to the large numbers and a considerable and ever-changing force of casual labour. However, on superficial examination, it would appear both desirable and practicable that key personnel in each catering business, perhaps the licensee him- self or his manager or supervisor, should be required to undergo such training. This will be examined in detail and the findings presented to the Food and Food Premises Select Committee.

Mr. FUNG also called for the establishment of a separate laboratory for the Food Certification Branch of the Department. This branch is still very much in the embryonic stage and consequently it is not pos- sible to make any forecast of requirements for laboratory work nor even to assess whether or not an independent laboratory separate from the laboratory under the Government Chemist of the Medical and Health Department would be a feasible or economic proposition. It has been appreciated, however, that a considerable increase in the collection of food samples can be expected in the next few years and expansion of the existing chemical and pathological laboratories is already in hand.

Mr. MARDEN mentioned air pollution and I agree with him that this is a mounting problem due to increasing tempo of industrialization and urban life. A careful watch is being kept on the level of such pollution and constant liaison is maintained between all Government departments concerned with the problem. Certain specific points were raised by Mr. MARDEN and I would like to deal with them seriatim. On the question of raising the exhaust pipes of all diesel fuel vehicles

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above the driver's cab, this might be possible for larger types of vehicle, as has been done in some of the department's refuse collection lorries, but if applied to taxis and saloon cars would tend to aggravate the nuisance as the fumes are somewhat heavier than air; furthermore I would like to stress that proper maintenance of diesel vehicles can reduce the pollution and the nuisance considerably. Turning to the incineration plants now being built, I understand that not only will they not emit smoke or odour in objectionable proportions but also that the chimneys will be fitted with efficient cyclone dust extractors which should reduce the discharge of dust to practically nothing. The public utility planning to build the new power station on Ap Lei Chau has made detailed investigations of all aspects of this problem and has worked closely with all Government departments concerned; I am sure that the inhabitants of the Wah Fu Estate at Pok Fu Lam will not be exposed to any danger or annoyance. Mr. MARDEN's suggestion for a commission on pollution has been noted and will be submitted to the various departments concerned for their consideration.

Several members have referred to the poor standard of sanitation in multi-storey buildings. Members may be aware that in March last year the Colonial Secretary in the Legislative Council outlined the difficulty of introducing any compulsory factoring system and stated that Government was examining the possibility of encouraging voluntary factoring by giving private management Committees, or managers appointed by flat owners in subdivided buildings, the legal powers with which to carry out their work. Since that date a scheme of action has been produced encouraging voluntary management and the Governor- in-Council's approval in principle for this will be sought very shortly. Thereafter, if approved, consideration of the detailed implementation of this scheme will proceed as rapidly as possible leading to the drafting of the necessary legislation and I understand that this Council will be consulted at that stage. I am informed that in the meantime the Secretariat for Chinese Affairs will continue to give such assistance as they are able to encourage the formation of associations for the better management of these buildings. A series of short training courses for the caretakers of multi-storey buildings were organized this year but In the meanwhile the the response has not been very encouraging. department continues to take action under the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance to abate statutory nuisances discovered in the course of regular inspections of these buildings.

Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN made a number of suggestions on the subject of spitting and these will be referred to the Urban Services Department and to other Government departments for their considera- tion. I can assure Mr. CHEONG-LEEN that the department will continue to maintain its anti-spitting campaign.