1982 — Page 126

Page 126,of 142

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construction in its market building programme in spite of the present recession. The planned construction of 20 new market buildings within the next three years is the maximum capacity, financially and otherwise, of the Council.

As regards keeping down the number of illegal hawkers, the General Duties Teams of the Urban Services Department are doing their utmost to fulfil their responsibilities with the support of the Police where necessary. It is true that there are insufficient General Duties Teams in certain districts in Kowloon, but additional teams are being trained to fill the gap later on in the year. Of course, this will cost additional funds, but what is the alternative? Also, the Urban Services Department is continuously reviewing how to improve the efficiency and the performance of the General Duties Teams so as to keep manpower requirements to the absolute minimum.

Therefore, bearing in mind that we are in the midst of a serious world recession and there is a higher level of unemployment and under-employment in Hong Kong as compared to previous years, the Urban Council with the support of the Police and the District Boards, has been doing everything possible to cope with the hawker situation. The various views put forward by the District Boards, the press, and by concerned individuals about hawkers are always studied carefully by the Council and the Urban Services Department. In any event, as stated in the Statement of Aims for 1983–84, it is the Council's aim to seek a gradual reduction in street trading as circumstances permit and to give established street traders legitimate status, that is, to be issued with licences at the most opportune point of time.

Squatters

It is estimated that there are at least 200 000 squatters in the urban areas. The Council has been particularly concerned about improving the environmental conditions for squatters by providing more cleansing services, toilets, bath- houses, and certain recreation facilities, wherever it is possible to do so. One suggestion which is being studied is to provide a portable library service in squatter areas by supplying library boxes through established M.A.C.S. Together with the District Boards and the Housing Authority, the Urban Council will do what it can to provide more and better municipal services within the squatter areas.

Clean Hong Kong Campaign

I am happy to see that the momentum on the Clean Hong Kong Campaign this year will not slacken. All Urban Councillors are actively involved in the Campaign in their respective districts. The voluntary support of District Board members and Area Committee members, and other members of the public- particularly among hawkers--has contributed much to the success of the Campaign.

Hong Kong today is a much cleaner place than it was ever before, and on behalf of the Council, I would like to thank all members of the public who have

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

supported the Campaign with dedication and much sacrifice of precious time and energy.

One continuing problem is the flotsam that pollutes the gazetted beaches and the Clean Hong Kong Committee will follow up on this regularly.

I am confident that the 1983 Campaign will be equally, if not more successful, providing all those concerned are not complacent and keep on exerting their utmost efforts to support the Campaign.

More Sports and Recreation

The Recreation Select Committee, through its Development Sub-Committee, Recreation Activities Sub-Committee and Indoor Stadia and Programmes Sub- Committee continuously reviews the wide range of recreation and sports activities of the Council that take place monthly. For example here are some of the major events which took place during December 1982 apart from numerous other sporting events:

(1) the Council sponsored the Asian Invitational Canoe Regatta 1982; (2) two sports carnivals jointly organized with the Recreation and Culture

Department were successfully held;

(3) 1200 children between the ages of 10 and 15 underwent a series of training courses as part of the Hong Kong Children's Football Development Scheme;

(4) two friendly football matches took place between Hong Kong teams and

the Rakuyo Boys' Football Club of Japan.

It is important to note that all activities of the Urban Council in recreation and sports are now reviewed by the Sub-Committees concerned not only in terms of the different types of games or sports, but also by district so as to ensure that each of the ten urban districts will get its fair share of the Council's resources both in terms of financial support and programme activities.

The suggestion by the Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee to open up the surrounding areas of reservoirs for recreational and sports activities is constructive and has been referred to Government for detailed investigation.

The Council will continue to expand-and get good value for money—the number of sporting activities for the largest number of sports people.

I look forward to the completion by Government of a Development Plan of sport for the whole territory.

The suggestion by the Vice-Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee on setting up a division which would go into various aspects including medical consultation and physiotherapy treatment to athletes is being considered by the Department concerned.

In addition, the Urban Council will support wherever it is able to do so excellence in a selected number of sports, and in this respect will co-operate