1988 — Page 87

Urban Council Proceedings 市政局議事錄 All AI Reviewed

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# HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

## ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in English):—Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order.

## MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 1988, were confirmed.

CHAIRMAN (in English):—I do realize that Members congratulated Mrs. Tu formally at the last open meeting of the Urban Council on her election to the Legislative Council. I, too, would like to add my congratulations formally. (Applause)

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Nellie FONG on being appointed to the same body by His Excellency the Governor. It is appropriate that this Council is represented on our legislative body by two ladies as this Council has been blessed with lady members for more years than the Legislative Council and it is only right that we should share our good fortune with them.

I understand also that Mrs. Eleanor LING has been appointed to the Provisional Hospital Authority and I wish her well in her endeavours there.

I would also like to thank the Vice-Chairman for looking after matters so well during my period of leave and would like to thank all Members for the support given to her in my absence.

The agenda for today is rather small, however, I hope that this compensates Members in some small way for having to attend the Council meeting for two afternoons last month.

## PAPER

The following paper was laid on the table:---

(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of September 1988.

## QUESTIONS

1. MR. PETER CHAN CHI-KWAN asked the following question on behalf of Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—It has been reported in the press that according to an Environmental Protection Department survey of swimming-related diseases, about 26 out of every 100 swimmers of the territory's beaches picked up diseases which non-swimmers did not, including ears, nose, throat and eye infections, as well as gastrointestinal and urinary problems; what further steps can the Urban Council take in the interest of public health to encourage residents to use more frequently Urban Council swimming pools and less frequently the beaches, especially the more heavily polluted beaches?

MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): This question concerns the findings of a recent Environmental Protection Department (EPD) survey on swimming-related diseases and asks what the Urban Council can do to encourage the public to avoid beaches with polluted water.

In 1986 EPD, in conjunction with the Community Medicine Department of the University of Hong Kong, undertook a survey to determine whether there is any link between beach water pollution and the incidence of certain types of diseases among the Hong Kong population. Preliminary findings have now been completed and in September this year some of the findings were released to the press.

The epidemiological study was based on interviews with a total of 24,308 people at 9 beaches in the territory, including Deep Water Bay, Shek O, Stanley Main and Repulse Bay Beaches in the urban area.

Initial findings showed that out of every 1,000 people swimming at all beaches in Hong Kong, for beaches where beach water is currently graded 'good' the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints would be approximately 5 persons per thousand. The incidence increases to approximately 10 and 15 persons in a thousand for beaches graded 'acceptable' and 'poor' respectively. Beaches where the water quality is lower than this are not gazetted and thus are effectively closed.

To put this into context the findings of studies in the United States, which is the only other country to have carried out such tests, show an average incidence rate of 19 persons per thousand suffering gastrointestinal complaints.

The Urban Council has long been concerned with the water quality of beaches in the urban area. Prior to 1986 Urban Services Department staff carried out regular monitoring of beach water quality. In April 1987 responsibility for this was passed to EPD, but the Council continues to receive regular reports on water quality at beaches. In July 1987, Council supported proposals to grade beach water quality and to provide information on this to the public. The release of beach water grading data allows swimmers sufficient information to make a rational decision whether to swim at a particular beach.

Where water quality consistently fails to reach minimum acceptable standards, for example at Rocky Bay, Council has taken a decision to withdraw all services; effectively closing the beach for public use.

Swimming is one of the most popular recreational pastimes in Hong Kong and clearly the majority of people choose to swim at beaches. It is therefore essential that steps are taken to ensure that these major recreational resources

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Page 87 of 182 167 166 # HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL ## ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN (in English):—Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. ## MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 1988, were confirmed. CHAIRMAN (in English):—I do realize that Members congratulated Mrs. Tu formally at the last open meeting of the Urban Council on her election to the Legislative Council. I, too, would like to add my congratulations formally. (Applause) I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Nellie FONG on being appointed to the same body by His Excellency the Governor. It is appropriate that this Council is represented on our legislative body by two ladies as this Council has been blessed with lady members for more years than the Legislative Council and it is only right that we should share our good fortune with them. I understand also that Mrs. Eleanor LING has been appointed to the Provisional Hospital Authority and I wish her well in her endeavours there. I would also like to thank the Vice-Chairman for looking after matters so well during my period of leave and would like to thank all Members for the support given to her in my absence. The agenda for today is rather small, however, I hope that this compensates Members in some small way for having to attend the Council meeting for two afternoons last month. ## PAPER The following paper was laid on the table:--- (1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of September 1988. ## QUESTIONS 1. MR. PETER CHAN CHI-KWAN asked the following question on behalf of Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—It has been reported in the press that according to an Environmental Protection Department survey of swimming-related diseases, about 26 out of every 100 swimmers of the territory's beaches picked up diseases which non-swimmers did not, including ears, nose, throat and eye infections, as well as gastrointestinal and urinary problems; what further steps can the Urban Council take in the interest of public health to encourage residents to use more frequently Urban Council swimming pools and less frequently the beaches, especially the more heavily polluted beaches? MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): This question concerns the findings of a recent Environmental Protection Department (EPD) survey on swimming-related diseases and asks what the Urban Council can do to encourage the public to avoid beaches with polluted water. In 1986 EPD, in conjunction with the Community Medicine Department of the University of Hong Kong, undertook a survey to determine whether there is any link between beach water pollution and the incidence of certain types of diseases among the Hong Kong population. Preliminary findings have now been completed and in September this year some of the findings were released to the press. The epidemiological study was based on interviews with a total of 24,308 people at 9 beaches in the territory, including Deep Water Bay, Shek O, Stanley Main and Repulse Bay Beaches in the urban area. Initial findings showed that out of every 1,000 people swimming at all beaches in Hong Kong, for beaches where beach water is currently graded 'good' the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints would be approximately 5 persons per thousand. The incidence increases to approximately 10 and 15 persons in a thousand for beaches graded 'acceptable' and 'poor' respectively. Beaches where the water quality is lower than this are not gazetted and thus are effectively closed. To put this into context the findings of studies in the United States, which is the only other country to have carried out such tests, show an average incidence rate of 19 persons per thousand suffering gastrointestinal complaints. The Urban Council has long been concerned with the water quality of beaches in the urban area. Prior to 1986 Urban Services Department staff carried out regular monitoring of beach water quality. In April 1987 responsibility for this was passed to EPD, but the Council continues to receive regular reports on water quality at beaches. In July 1987, Council supported proposals to grade beach water quality and to provide information on this to the public. The release of beach water grading data allows swimmers sufficient information to make a rational decision whether to swim at a particular beach. Where water quality consistently fails to reach minimum acceptable standards, for example at Rocky Bay, Council has taken a decision to withdraw all services; effectively closing the beach for public use. Swimming is one of the most popular recreational pastimes in Hong Kong and clearly the majority of people choose to swim at beaches. It is therefore essential that steps are taken to ensure that these major recreational resources Page 87 of 182 167 168

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Page 87 of 182 Page 87 of 182 167 166 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN (in English):—Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 1988, were confirmed. CHAIRMAN (in English):-I do realize that Members congratulated Mrs. Tu formally at the last open meeting of the Urban Council on her election to the Legislative Council. I, too, would like to add my congratulations formally. (Applause) I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Nellie FONG on being appointed to the same body by His Excellency the Governor. It is ap propriate that this Council is represented on our legislative body by two ladies as this Council has been blessed with lady members for more years than the Legislative Council and it is only right that we should share our good fortune with them. I understand also that Mrs. Eleanor LING has been appointed to the Pro- visional Hospital Authority and I wish her well in her endeavours there. I would also like to thank the Vice-Chairman for looking after matters so well during my period of leave and would like to thank all Members for the support given to her in my absence. The agenda for today is rather small, however, I hope that this compensates Members in some small way for having to attend the Council meeting for two afternoons last month. PAPER The following paper was laid on the table:--- (1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of September 1988. QUESTIONS 1. MR. PETER CHAN CHI-KWAN asked the following question on behalf of Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—It has been reported in the press that ac- cording to an Environmental Protection Department survey of swimming-related diseases, about 26 out of every 100 swimmers of the territory's beaches picked up diseases which non-swimmers did not, including ears, nose, throat and eye in- fections, as well as gastrointestianl and urinary problems; what further steps can HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL the Urban Council take in the interest of public health to encourage residents frequently Urban Council swimming pools and less frequently the beaches, especially the more heavily polluted beaches? to use more MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): This question concerns the findings of a recent Environmental Protection Department (EPD) survey on swimming related diseases and asks what the Urban Council can do to encourage the public to avoid beaches with polluted water. In 1986 EPD, in conjuction with the Community Medicine Department of the University of Hong Kong, undertook a survey to determine whether there is any link between beach water pollution and the incidence of certain types of diseases among the Hong Kong population. Preliminary findings have now been completed and in September this year some of the findings were released to the press. The epidemiological study study was based on interviews with a total of 24 308 people at 9 beaches in the territory, including Deep Water Bay, Shek O, Stanley Main and Repulse Bay Beaches in the urban area. Initial findings showed that out of every 1000 people swimming at all beaches in Hong Kong, for beaches where beach water is currently graded 'good' the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints would be approximately 5 persons per thousand. The incidence increases to approximately 10 and 15 persons in a thousand for beaches graded ‘acceptable' and 'poor' respectively. Beaches where the water quality is lower than this are not gazetted and thus are effectively closed. To put this into context the findings of studies in the United States, which is the only other country to have carried out such test, show an average incidence rate of 19 persons per thousand suffering gastrointestinal complaints. The Urban Council has long been concerned with the water quality of beaches in the urban area. Prior to 1986 Urban Services Department staff carried out regular monitoring of beach water quality. In April 1987 responsi- bility for this was passed to EPD, but the Council continues to receive regular reports on water quality at beaches. In July 1987, Council supported proposals to grade beach water quality and to provide information on this to the public. The release of beach water grading data allows swimmers sufficient infor- mation to make a rational decision whether to swim at a particular beach. Where water quality consistently fails to reach minimum acceptable standards, for example at Rocky Bay, Council has taken a decision to with- draw all services; effectively closing the beach for public use. Swimming is one of the most popular recreational pastimes in Hong Kong and clearly the majority of people choose to swim at beaches. It is therefore essential that steps are taken to ensure that these major recreational resources

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Page 87 of 182

167

166

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

CHAIRMAN (in English):—Ladies and Gentlemen, the meeting is called to order.

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 1988, were confirmed.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-I do realize that Members congratulated Mrs. Tu formally at the last open meeting of the Urban Council on her election to the Legislative Council. I, too, would like to add my congratulations formally. (Applause)

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Nellie FONG on being appointed to the same body by His Excellency the Governor. It is ap propriate that this Council is represented on our legislative body by two ladies as this Council has been blessed with lady members for more years than the Legislative Council and it is only right that we should share our good fortune with them.

I understand also that Mrs. Eleanor LING has been appointed to the Pro- visional Hospital Authority and I wish her well in her endeavours there.

I would also like to thank the Vice-Chairman for looking after matters so well during my period of leave and would like to thank all Members for the support given to her in my absence.

The agenda for today is rather small, however, I hope that this compensates Members in some small way for having to attend the Council meeting for two afternoons last month.

PAPER

The following paper was laid on the table:---

(1) Report to the Urban Council by the Director of Urban Services and

Secretary, Urban Council, for the month of September 1988.

QUESTIONS

1. MR. PETER CHAN CHI-KWAN asked the following question on behalf of Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—It has been reported in the press that ac- cording to an Environmental Protection Department survey of swimming-related diseases, about 26 out of every 100 swimmers of the territory's beaches picked up diseases which non-swimmers did not, including ears, nose, throat and eye in- fections, as well as gastrointestianl and urinary problems; what further steps can

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

the Urban Council take in the interest of public health to encourage residents frequently Urban Council swimming pools and less frequently the beaches, especially the more heavily polluted beaches?

to use more

MR. SAMUEL P. W. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): This question concerns the findings of a recent Environmental Protection Department (EPD) survey on swimming related diseases and asks what the Urban Council can do to encourage the public to avoid beaches with polluted water.

In 1986 EPD, in conjuction with the Community Medicine Department of the University of Hong Kong, undertook a survey to determine whether there is any link between beach water pollution and the incidence of certain types of diseases among the Hong Kong population. Preliminary findings have now been completed and in September this year some of the findings were released to the press.

The epidemiological study study was based on interviews with a total of 24 308 people at 9 beaches in the territory, including Deep Water Bay, Shek O, Stanley Main and Repulse Bay Beaches in the urban area.

Initial findings showed that out of every 1000 people swimming at all beaches in Hong Kong, for beaches where beach water is currently graded 'good' the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints would be approximately 5 persons per thousand. The incidence increases to approximately 10 and 15 persons in a thousand for beaches graded ‘acceptable' and 'poor' respectively. Beaches where the water quality is lower than this are not gazetted and thus are effectively closed.

To put this into context the findings of studies in the United States, which is the only other country to have carried out such test, show an average incidence rate of 19 persons per thousand suffering gastrointestinal complaints.

The Urban Council has long been concerned with the water quality of beaches in the urban area. Prior to 1986 Urban Services Department staff carried out regular monitoring of beach water quality. In April 1987 responsi- bility for this was passed to EPD, but the Council continues to receive regular reports on water quality at beaches. In July 1987, Council supported proposals to grade beach water quality and to provide information on this to the public. The release of beach water grading data allows swimmers sufficient infor- mation to make a rational decision whether to swim at a particular beach.

Where water quality consistently fails to reach minimum acceptable standards, for example at Rocky Bay, Council has taken a decision to with- draw all services; effectively closing the beach for public use.

1988 — Page 87

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