1989 — Page 9

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

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and all the roller shutters are closed and the entire Complex is patrolled by the be sent. I will make sure that it will be sent as soon as possible. As regards the security guards from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. in the morning.

MISS CECILIA L. Y. YEUNG (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I understand then are more burglary cases as the complicated reporting procedures prevent people from making reports to the Police. I also heard that some unsuccessful burglar even damaged the goods and other equipments of the stall-holders. Although understand that the roller shutters are very useful, the partitioning wall was no very high, some people can gain entry into the premises quite easily by using the bicycle parking on the wall. I want to know whether additional security measure can be strengthened?

second point, I think we will have to wait until the watchman clocks arrive, have been installed and see how useful they are and if they are found to be as useful as anticipated, I am sure the Department will have to consider installing the same in other markets as well.

MR. ARTHUR Y. T. CHAM (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, according to Mr. CHEONG-LEEN's reply, the market section will be closed after 8 p.m. everyday and the security guards will patrol the area from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. I want to know who would be responsible for security during 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.?

MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (in English):—Mr. Chairman, the responsibility rests with the USD. We are only speaking about the security in this particular complex. I am sure that there is no time hiatus as regards the responsibility.

MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-Mr. Chairman, the Police can only be guided by reports which were made and if other cases of burglary that haw taken place or will take place in future, I hope those who have suffered, wil make complaints to the Police as soon as possible. By so doing, it will help to improve the security in the market. As for the point raised by Miss Cecilia MOTIONS YEUNG, I am sure that it will be put to the Department to see whether any improvements can be made. But I am satisfied that the Department from what said is using a special effort to improve the security in the market and we would welcome any other suggestions.

MR. PAO PING-WING (in English):—Mr. Chairman, according to the Chairman of the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee's reply, there are thre incidents of theft and burglary. Since December 1988, the first case happened in December 1988, second case in February 1989 and the third case in March 198 and also from his reply that he said the security company employed to provid security service to the premises will be issued with a warning letter. It means th letter had not been issued out. So it is already over a month's time, so I like to ask the Chairman whether he is satisfied with the Department's efficiency of handling this case. The second question is: according to Mr. CHEONG-LEEN's reply, the Department has already ordered two watchmen clocks and will be installed in the Kowloon City Complex. I would like to ask whether the Chairman will take this up and discuss in the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee whether this watchmen clock is a good measure for other complexes to prevent this simila incident in future? Whether he will be willing to discuss it and install this in all ow markets and complexes?

1. MR. B. A. BERNACCHI, CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to be back on the Urban Council again and in my old appointment by its Members. As Chairman of the Finance Select Committee, I now rise to move the motion standing in my name:

'RESOLVED that the Urban Council (Fees for Official Signatures and Miscellaneous Services) (Amendment) By-laws 1989 be made under section 41A of the Urban Council Ordinance, Chapter 101.'

These amending by-laws arise from Council's decision to revise the fees payable from $65 to $75 for official signatures and miscellaneous services provided by public officers on behalf of the Urban Council.

This increase brings these Fees into line with the Government's own increase for similar services which was introduced on the 3 March 1989. Whilst not compulsory for the Urban Council to follow suit, it is obviously administratively convenient to have uniformity in this matter. Also the increase is reasonable, bearing in mind the type of the services and the general rise in the cost of living.

Sir, I beg to move.

DR. THE HON. ELSIE TU, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE SELECT COMMITTEE, seconded the motion (in English):—Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.

The question was put.

MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN (in English):-Mr. Chairman, it does seem rathe odd the letter should be sent at such a late date. But normally the work of the security guards in the market and particularly speaking about this market, the work of the guards are normally checked by supervisors of the Security Guard Company and separately the Department also carries out separate checks from time to time to ensure punctuality and a sufficient number of staff is provided But as Mr. PAO pointed out, the letter had not previously been sent, but it wil The motion was carried unanimously.