1969 — Page 126

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for the year 1967-68. But as I explained at the last Council Meeting (in reply to a question by Mr. Hu) a lot of the litter come from the upper floors of multi-storey buildings and the problem for the staff is to identify the offenders or catch them in the act. The answer to the last part of the question is that, in view of the success obtained by the anti-litter squads, it is proposed to request two more such squads in next year's estimates. It is also proposed to review the existing anti-litter films with a view to producing a film for television and theatre screening.

MR. BLAKER:—Mr. Chairman, Dr. HUANG tells us that there has been no appreciable increase in the amount of litter. May I ask him whether figures are maintained showing the amount of litter collected? If so, what he means by no appreciable increase. If figures are not maintained, how does he reach this conclusion?

DR. HUANG-Mr. Chairman, I think we do maintain figures, and I suggest if you read the September Monthly Report you will find that so far this year, the litter collected was less than last year.

CHAIRMAN:-I could perhaps clarify that, Mr. BLAKER. I do not think we keep separate figures for litter on the streets and refuse generally. I should imagine it is by observation of the staff.

MR. NG-Mr. Chairman, can I be enlightened as to the size of the anti-litter squads and how do they operate, two squads in Hong Kong?

CHAIRMAN: --Anti-litter squads, one in Hong Kong, one in Kowloon. Each squad consists of one overseer, one foreman and one labourer. The squads operate between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

MR. NG: Mr. Chairman, do you think that with a population the size of Hong Kong, these two squads are enough?

CHAIRMAN:-We have asked for two more; perhaps we could review this figure, but I think it is a little late for this year.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, in paragraph (iii), I was interested in the anti-litter squads too, except that it has been found that these squads have met with some success in the areas in which they operate. Am I to understand that some are privileged and some are under- privileged areas?

CHAIRMAN: Obviously the squads cannot operate everywhere all at the same time, and obviously they must work from one district to another and this is what they do. I think they try to concentrate on the worst areas first.

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MRS. ELLIOTT:-I asked the question, Mr. Chairman, would you clarify, would you confirm that they have been operating in the least troublesome areas like Tsim Sha Tsui?

CHAIRMAN:-I really need notice of that question, Mrs. ELLIOTT.

MR. BLAKER:Mr. Chariman, what is the maximum fine actually imposed in all this?

CHAIRMAN: I would need notice of that question, Mr. BLAKER.

MR. HU:-Mr. Chairman, I would ask a supplementary. Para- graph (iv) it says "But as I explained at the last Council meeting" in reply to a question by me "a lot of the litter comes from the upper floors of multi-storey buildings". I would ask you, Mr. Chairman, whether in the "Keep Your District Clean" campaign there is also some efforts to advise people not to throw litter from multi-storey buildings? Did we actually advise people in this campaign not to throw rubbish from multi-storey buildings. Then I would like to know what efforts have been made?

CHAIRMAN:-It was put across to people that they should not throw rubbish from windows and doors on to the street.

MR. HU:-Yes, but did you have any pamphlets or any loud- speakers or anything that would be of help to them, or any prosecution? So far as I remember the "Keep Your District Clean" only dealt with hawkers and nothing else probably has been done. Am I correct in saying that?

CHAIRMAN:--I do not know if Mr. RAFEEK could help us on this one, because he attends quite a number of these cleansing campaigns?

MR. RAFEEK: --Mr. Chairman, in all the figures of the "Keep Your District Clean" campaigns sponsored by the Kaifongs together with the Urban Services Department and various other Government departments, Kaifong members were all out to distribute leaflets to people in multi-storey buildings, and particularly to all who are Kaifong members, pointing out to them the importance of keeping the district clean, and also I remember there were many Kaifongs using squads going round from time to time with loudspeakers and urging the people not to throw things from upper storeys.

MR. BLAKER: Mr. Chairman, I am informed by one of my learned colleagues that the maximum fine is $500. May I ask whether the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee would give consideration to the inadequacy of the fines being imposed by comparison with the maximum, and bring this question to the attention of the judiciary if it is able to do so?

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