1972 — Page 111

Page 111 of 206

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MR. HU: Mr. Chairman, I would like to know from Mr. NG what are the requirements for the licensed food caterers? Do the same requirements apply to licensed food caterers?

MR. NG: Mr. Chairman, I am not quite clear.

MR. HU: What are the requirements for licensing the food factories under paragraph 4 in your reply?

MR. NG: Well, the requirements for the licensing of food factories have recently been simplified and altered, and if Mr. Hu wants, I can always give him a copy.

MR. HU: Thank you. I want to know would the same standards apply to the food caterers?

MR. NG: Mr. Chairman, I do not see any reason why we should prejudice or give preference to any one particular trade.

MR. BERNACCHI: Mr. Chairman, arising out of the last question and answer, does the Food and Food Premises Select Committee consider there is a case or there is not a case for a different sort of license for food factories and for food caterers?

MR. NG: Mr. Chairman, as I said in the answer, a survey is now being conducted and until the survey is completed, I do not think the Select Committee can make any decision.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, seeking a clarification of fact, has not the business of supplying meals for delivery to people in the Central District and to workers been in existence even before the last War rather than since the last War as stated in the reply?

MR. NG: Well, Mr. Chairman, I think Mr. CHEONG-LEEN is older than I am and maybe he is right.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, I am not the one who is answering the question. Could Mr. NG tell us whether his reply is so in fact or whether this practice had been in existence even before the last War which I presume is World War II?

MR. NG: Mr. Chairman, that could have been the case, but it is not to my knowledge.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, now I accept the fact that he is much younger than I am. (Laughter).

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MR. SALES: Sir, although Mr. NG has given a very well-reasoned answer, may I recall that at the last meeting of the Standing Committee of the Whole Council, I asked you for an assurance that when this matter had been investigated, as you said it would be, that the Whole Council would be kept closely informed and that before a decision is taken, the Council would be a party to it, on this very important matter which is now causing much public concern.

CHAIRMAN: That is correct, Mr. SALES.

MR. SALES: Will that be brought to the attention of the Select Committee concerned, so that no action would be taken until the Council as a whole had time to consider it?

CHAIRMAN: Certainly, Mr. Sales.

MR. HU: Mr. Chairman, just a supplementary concerning the beginning of page 2. Do I understand correctly that up to now there was no complaint concerning food poisoning or accident arising from unhygienic food from caterers?

MR. NG: Not to my knowledge.

MR. HU: Also, Mr. Chairman, arising from the so-called domestic food business, am I right in thinking that we do not need a licence for cooking in our kitchens?

CHAIRMAN: That is correct, Mr. Hu, but you need it if you are supplying members of the public.

(10) MR. PETER P. K. NG asked the following question:

(a) Can the Chairman advise the Council:

(i) the regulations and by-laws governing the booking and use of the Hong Kong Stadium?

(ii) when were those regulations and by-laws last reviewed by the Council?

(iii) have the regulations and by-laws been enforced to the satisfaction of all parties concerned?

(iv) in particular would the enforcement of the regulations and by-laws hinder the proper development of football sports in Hong Kong generally?

(b) There has recently been discussion about the standard of maintenance of the Hong Kong Stadium, can the Chairman advise the Council: