1977 — Page 52

Urban Council Proceedings 市政局議事錄 All AI Reviewed

Page 52 of 174

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

collection vehicles has been provided, refuse is collected from the buildings themselves at specified hours everyday.

The present system of collection from households appears satisfactory, since all domestic refuse is removed within a comparatively short time. However, a cleansing review is at present being carried out, and the results will be studied to see whether we could improve on the operations.

USD staff carry out regular inspections of restaurants specifically for the purpose of rat control and prevention. They give practical advice on structural improvements, rat-proof storage, the elimination of rat harbourage and garbage disposal.

Cinemas are a less serious problem but Rodent Control staff are called in to assist District Health staff whenever necessary.

Finally, I must stress that direct action against rats can produce only temporary results and the long-term solution depends on the elimination of the food and breeding places which rats require. Also, improvement in the living habits of our people and of their environment will help rodent control.

(Mr. Edmund W. H. CHOW arrived at this point.)

CHAIRMAN (in English):—It is my intention, as the answer has been given to 3 questions together, to invite the Members who put the original questions in turn, to put supplementaries if they wish. These supplementaries must be in accordance with Standing Order 12(15) in order to be fair to all concerned. Subsequently, if the Members who put the original questions wish to take the floor again, they may do so at their discretion. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, first.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—Mr. Chairman, several years ago I asked a question on the estimated number of rats in the urban areas, and if my memory serves me correctly I was told that the estimated number was approximating the number of population. Does this situation still apply at the present time?

MRS. HO (in English):—Mr. Chairman, from the figures which are given since 1973, which come from the number of complaints of rats in premises and the average number of rodents collected from the disinfestation duties carried out by the USD staff, they seem to be diminishing. For instance, in 1973/74 the number of complaints was 3,886 and the number of rats collected was 46,944, then in 1974/75 complaints went down to 3,762 and the number of rats collected was 47,973. In 1975/76 complaints had gone down to 3,445 and the number of rats collected was 42,323 and the latest figures for 1976/77 show that complaints had gone up a bit to 3,658, the number of rats collected was 33,237. I think if Mr. CHEONG-LEEN would refer to our normal monthly report, it does give figures. I have checked the May and June figures, which show an increase of 248 in the number of rodents trapped in June and an increase of 28 in the number of complaints received.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN (in English):—Thank you. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN?

MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—I thank the Chairman of the Select Committee for providing detailed information on the number of complaints which have been received and the number of rats which have been collected, but from her answer, in which she states that there is no significant increase in the rat population since 1973, I would understand that the situation basically is no different from what it was several years ago when the number of rats in the urban areas was approximately that of the human population. Could I have an answer to that question?

MRS. HO (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I am not sure where Mr. CHEONG-LEEN gets his figures. I am sure that anybody dealing with pest control would welcome figures that he can produce and for the areas where they come from, so that effective action can be taken. I am afraid we haven't got a census of the rat population in Hong Kong.

MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—On a point of clarification, these figures were produced by the department.

CHAIRMAN (in English):—I thought this information was privy only to the Legislative Council and not available to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee. (Laughter).

MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—This information is available in Urban Council, by way of correction, Mr. Chairman. May I proceed with my supplementaries? How many different types of baits are currently used?

CHAIRMAN (in English):—Mrs. Ho, there was no bait in the original question No. 1. (Laughter).

MRS. HO (in English):—Yes, Mr. Chairman, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN when coming up on the lift did the courtesy of thrusting a piece of paper at me to say that he will be asking these supplementaries. (Laughter). I have managed to get answers to them, so with your permission, could I answer this one in case he says that I am avoiding his question?

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Page 52 of 174 68 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL collection vehicles has been provided, refuse is collected from the buildings themselves at specified hours everyday. The present system of collection from households appears satisfactory, since all domestic refuse is removed within a comparatively short time. However, a cleansing review is at present being carried out, and the results will be studied to see whether we could improve on the operations. USD staff carry out regular inspections of restaurants specifically for the purpose of rat control and prevention. They give practical advice on structural improvements, rat-proof storage, the elimination of rat harbourage and garbage disposal. Cinemas are a less serious problem but Rodent Control staff are called in to assist District Health staff whenever necessary. Finally, I must stress that direct action against rats can produce only temporary results and the long-term solution depends on the elimination of the food and breeding places which rats require. Also, improvement in the living habits of our people and of their environment will help rodent control. (Mr. Edmund W. H. CHOW arrived at this point.) CHAIRMAN (in English):—It is my intention, as the answer has been given to 3 questions together, to invite the Members who put the original questions in turn, to put supplementaries if they wish. These supplementaries must be in accordance with Standing Order 12(15) in order to be fair to all concerned. Subsequently, if the Members who put the original questions wish to take the floor again, they may do so at their discretion. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, first. MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—Mr. Chairman, several years ago I asked a question on the estimated number of rats in the urban areas, and if my memory serves me correctly I was told that the estimated number was approximating the number of population. Does this situation still apply at the present time? MRS. HO (in English):—Mr. Chairman, from the figures which are given since 1973, which come from the number of complaints of rats in premises and the average number of rodents collected from the disinfestation duties carried out by the USD staff, they seem to be diminishing. For instance, in 1973/74 the number of complaints was 3,886 and the number of rats collected was 46,944, then in 1974/75 complaints went down to 3,762 and the number of rats collected was 47,973. In 1975/76 complaints had gone down to 3,445 and the number of rats collected was 42,323 and the latest figures for 1976/77 show that complaints had gone up a bit to 3,658, the number of rats collected was 33,237. I think if Mr. CHEONG-LEEN would refer to our normal monthly report, it does give figures. I have checked the May and June figures, which show an increase of 248 in the number of rodents trapped in June and an increase of 28 in the number of complaints received. HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 69 CHAIRMAN (in English):—Thank you. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN? MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—I thank the Chairman of the Select Committee for providing detailed information on the number of complaints which have been received and the number of rats which have been collected, but from her answer, in which she states that there is no significant increase in the rat population since 1973, I would understand that the situation basically is no different from what it was several years ago when the number of rats in the urban areas was approximately that of the human population. Could I have an answer to that question? MRS. HO (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I am not sure where Mr. CHEONG-LEEN gets his figures. I am sure that anybody dealing with pest control would welcome figures that he can produce and for the areas where they come from, so that effective action can be taken. I am afraid we haven't got a census of the rat population in Hong Kong. MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—On a point of clarification, these figures were produced by the department. CHAIRMAN (in English):—I thought this information was privy only to the Legislative Council and not available to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee. (Laughter). MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—This information is available in Urban Council, by way of correction, Mr. Chairman. May I proceed with my supplementaries? How many different types of baits are currently used? CHAIRMAN (in English):—Mrs. Ho, there was no bait in the original question No. 1. (Laughter). MRS. HO (in English):—Yes, Mr. Chairman, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN when coming up on the lift did the courtesy of thrusting a piece of paper at me to say that he will be asking these supplementaries. (Laughter). I have managed to get answers to them, so with your permission, could I answer this one in case he says that I am avoiding his question? Page 52 of 174

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Page 52 of 174 --- 68 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL collection vehicles has been provided, refuse is collected from the buildings themselves at specified hours everyday. The present system of collection from households appears satis- factory, since all domestic refuse is removed within a comparatively short time. However, a cleansing review is at present being carried out, and the results will be studied and see whether we could improve on the operations. USD staff carry out regular inspections of restaurants specifically for the purpose of rat control and prevention. They give practical advice on structural improvements, rat-proof storage, the elimination of rat harbourage and garbage disposal. Cinemas are a less serious problem but Rodent Control staff are called in to assist District Health staff whenever necessary. Finally, I must stress that, direct action against rats can produce only temporary results and the long-term solution depends on the elimination of the food and breeding places which rats require. Also improvement in the living habits of our people and of their environment will help rodent control. (Mr. Edmund W. H. CHOW arrived at this point.) CHAIRMAN (in English):—It is my intention, as the answer has been given to 3 questions together, to invite the Members who put the original questions in turn, to put supplementaries if they wish. These supple- mentaries must be in accordance with Standing Order 12(15) in order to be fair to all concerned. Subsequently, if the Members who put the original questions wish to take the floor again, they may do so at their discretion. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, first. MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—Mr. Chairman, several years ago I asked a question on the estimated number of rats in the urban areas, and if my memory serves me correctly I was told that the estimated number was approximating the number of population. Does this situation still apply at the present time? MRS. HO (in English):-Mr. Chairman, from the figures which are given since 1973, which come from the number of complaints of rats in premises and the average number of rodents collected from the disinfestion duties carried out by the USD staff, they seem to be diminishing. For instance, in 1973/74 the number of complaints was 3,886 and the number of rats collected was 46,944, then in 1974/75 complaints went down to 3,762 and the number of rats collected was HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL Page 52 of 174 69 47,973. In 1975/76 complaints had gone down to 3,445 and the number of rats collected was 42,323 and the latest figures for 1976/77 show that complaints had gone up a bit to 3,658, the number of rats collected was 33.237. I think if Mr. CHEONG-LEEN would refer to our normal monthly report, it does give figures. I have checked the May and June figures, which show an increase of 248 in the number of rodents trapped in June and an increase of 28 in the number of com- plaints received. CHAIRMAN (in English):-Thank you. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN? MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-I thank the Chairman of the Select Committee for providing detailed information on the number of complaints which have been received and the number of rats which have been collected, but from her answer, in which she states that there is no significant increase in the rat population since 1973, I would understand that the situation basically is no different from what it was several years ago when the number of rats in the urban areas was approximately that of the human population. Could I have an answer to that question? MRS. Ho (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I am not sure where Mr. CHEONG-LEEN gets his figures. I am sure that anybody dealing with pest control would welcome figures that he can produce and for the areas where they come from, so that effective action can be taken. I am afraid we haven't got a census of the rat population in Hong Kong. MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-On a point of clarification these figures were produced by the department. CHAIRMAN (in English):-I thought this information was privy only to the Legislative Council and not available to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee. (Laughter). MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-This information is available in Uuban Council, by way of correction, Mr. Chairman. May I proceed with my supplementaries? How many different types of baits are currently used? CHAIRMAN (in English):-Mrs. Ho, there was no bait in the original question No. 1. (Laughter). MRS. Ho (in English):—Yes, Mr. Chairman, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN when coming up on the lift did the courtesy of thrusting a piece of paper at me to say that he will be asking these supplementaries. (Laughter). I have managed to get answers to them, so with your permission, could I answer this one in case he says that I am avoiding his question?

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Page 52 of 174

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

collection vehicles has been provided, refuse is collected from the buildings themselves at specified hours everyday.

The present system of collection from households appears satis- factory, since all domestic refuse is removed within a comparatively short time. However, a cleansing review is at present being carried out, and the results will be studied and see whether we could improve on the operations.

Cinemas are a less serious problem but Rodent Control staff are called in to assist District Health staff whenever necessary.

Finally, I must stress that, direct action against rats can produce only temporary results and the long-term solution depends on the elimination of the food and breeding places which rats require. Also improvement in the living habits of our people and of their environment will help rodent control.

(Mr. Edmund W. H. CHOW arrived at this point.)

CHAIRMAN (in English):—It is my intention, as the answer has been given to 3 questions together, to invite the Members who put the original questions in turn, to put supplementaries if they wish. These supple- mentaries must be in accordance with Standing Order 12(15) in order to be fair to all concerned. Subsequently, if the Members who put the original questions wish to take the floor again, they may do so at their discretion. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, first.

MRS. HO (in English):-Mr. Chairman, from the figures which are given since 1973, which come from the number of complaints of rats in premises and the average number of rodents collected from the disinfestion duties carried out by the USD staff, they seem to be diminishing. For instance, in 1973/74 the number of complaints was 3,886 and the number of rats collected was 46,944, then in 1974/75 complaints went down to 3,762 and the number of rats collected was

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

Page 52 of 174

47,973. In 1975/76 complaints had gone down to 3,445 and the number of rats collected was 42,323 and the latest figures for 1976/77 show that complaints had gone up a bit to 3,658, the number of rats collected was 33.237. I think if Mr. CHEONG-LEEN would refer to our normal monthly report, it does give figures. I have checked the May and June figures, which show an increase of 248 in the number of rodents trapped in June and an increase of 28 in the number of com- plaints received.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-Thank you. Mr. CHEONG-LEEN?

MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-I thank the Chairman of the Select Committee for providing detailed information on the number of complaints which have been received and the number of rats which have been collected, but from her answer, in which she states that there is no significant increase in the rat population since 1973, I would understand that the situation basically is no different from what it was several years ago when the number of rats in the urban areas was approximately that of the human population. Could I have an answer to that question?

MRS. Ho (in English):-Mr. Chairman, I am not sure where Mr. CHEONG-LEEN gets his figures. I am sure that anybody dealing with pest control would welcome figures that he can produce and for the areas where they come from, so that effective action can be taken. I am afraid we haven't got a census of the rat population in Hong Kong. MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-On a point of clarification these figures were produced by the department.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-I thought this information was privy only to the Legislative Council and not available to the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee. (Laughter).

MR. CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-This information is available in Uuban Council, by way of correction, Mr. Chairman. May I proceed with my supplementaries? How many different types of baits are currently used?

CHAIRMAN (in English):-Mrs. Ho, there was no bait in the original question No. 1. (Laughter).

MRS. Ho (in English):—Yes, Mr. Chairman, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN when coming up on the lift did the courtesy of thrusting a piece of paper at me to say that he will be asking these supplementaries. (Laughter). I have managed to get answers to them, so with your permission, could I answer this one in case he says that I am avoiding his question?

1977 — Page 52

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