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was referred to and that it was required to be stated on the label of the package. This term implies that the food contained should best be used before the specified date, in order to retain its specific properties, if properly stored. That is why words such as 'best used before', 'sell by', 'consume by' or some other similar terms are used. Although the term 'expiry date' is sometimes used by some manufacturers, it does not carry the common denotation of the term 'expiry' which usually means that after expiry, it will become void and invalid like our driving licence or our passport, or in the case of food, it will become harmful to health or unfit for human consumption.

Minimal durability as stated on the label is determined by the manufacturers. This will serve as an indication to the vendors in their stock rotation, and also to the purchasers in making an informed choice of avoid buying those kept after the minimal durability period.

There is no stipulated requirement in the regulations to compel the retailers to resume their products upon the expiry date from their shelf. Nor is there any provision for penalty for selling them. Stringent legal requirements may lead to malpractices and the retailers may change the date on their own. The best safeguard would therefore be to educate the public not to buy any goods kept after the expired date.

On the complaints of sale of food after the expiry date by any department store or supermarket, our departmental staff will usually advise the vendors to observe proper stock rotation. Although the law does not prohibit sale of food bearing an expired date, the food inspectors may take samples for analysis to see whether the food has contravened other provisions in the regulations, or that the food itself does not comply with original composition and properties. If the food is found to be harmful, of course, proper actions will be taken.

As regards to publicity, it is an ongoing effort. Our Food Section constantly offers free advice to the food traders and consumers. We have the intention of stepping up this publicity in our public health education program in the future. Perhaps I should make the move today by soliciting the cooperation of our press friends in the gallery to publicize this message. Some advice to the public will, therefore, be in order here. Apart from not buying food bearing an expired date, and those left on the shelf for a long time, this is very simple by just casual observations, we can see that the packet has been left on the shelf for a long time. The public should also note, when buying prepackaged food, in regard to its ingredients and additives to which some individuals may be allergic. The special conditions required for storage of the food after purchase in order to keep the food properly before consumption should also be observed. It is also advisable for the public to know that they should examine whether the packet has been tampered with or that the seal has been broken. In case of canned food, the can container should not be indented or deformed.

In summary, it is always prudent to note these points before making a purchase. The axiom 'buyers beware' is applicable here.

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RESUMPTION OF ANNUAL CONVENTIONAL DEBATE

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CHAIRMAN (in English):--Ladies and Gentleman, I shall now exercise my right of reply in resuming debate on the motion "That this Council endorse the Statement of Aims for 1990/91'.

The reply to the speeches made at the Annual Conventional Debate in the past was I believe not easy when we had 24 members. It became more difficult when there were 30 members and it would be a major task, now we have 40 members, if I was to attempt to respond to all the matters raised by members. Thus, I will only deal with some of the points made which lie within the Council's jurisdiction. However, the Secretary has sent all speeches to the Government Secretariat for it to contemplate the advice given on constitutional and other subjects.

I do not consider it appropriate to deal with proposals for individual projects, as these will be considered by Select Committees where detailed consideration can be given.

Hawkers

Several Members, like today dealt with hawker problems. I remind you that one of the reasons the forerunner of the Urban Council, 'the Sanitary Board', was set up in 1883 was to regulate hawkers. This problem has been with us ever since.

The simple solution to the problem of illegal hawkers made by one member was to advise housewives not to buy from them and they will soon go out of business. A course of action for consideration by our District Boards colleagues.

Notwithstanding this, on average the staff working for the Council arrest some 180 illegal hawkers each day and the court fines amount to some $14 M. per annum. Illegal hawkers also have their goods confiscated by the Courts.

Hawker control work is unpleasant and often dangerous as illustrated by Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN today and coupled with probable triad involvement in some areas is no easy task.

Now that hawkers are required to wear badges, the general public will know from whom they should buy. So there should be no excuse for patronizing illegal hawkers.

The Council has, for some years, been trying to upgrade the pay and conditions of service of the staff involved to give some financial incentives to make this work more attractive. The staff involved are Government servants and all the intricacies of the Government's Civil Service Branch and the Finance Branch need to be overcome to do this, but we do seem to be making some progress.

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