1990 — Page 36

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

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However, the Architectural Services Department is now exploring the possibility of obtaining a new type of heat dissipating material from the United States. This is reported to provide a safe, cool, surface. If it can be imported, the Department will organize trials to compare the performance of this material with that of other tiles and of artificial turf.

STATEMENT

MR. FREDERICK K. K. FUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE PERFORMING COMPANIES SUB-COMMITTEE said (in Cantonese):- Chairman and members, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Hong Kong Dance Company have toured Japan and Taiwan in March and April this year. I am now pleased to give a brief report on these tours.

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra's Japan Tour (20-25 March 1990)

At the invitation of the 1990 Asian Music Festival (...) which is a large-scale international event aiming at promoting contemporary Asian music, a 43-member delegation of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra toured Japan from 20 to 25 March 1990. This was the Orchestra's second visit to Japan following its first visit in 1983.

Two concerts including a TV programme were given in Tokyo while a concert was given in Sendai. All concerts were well-received, with an audience of about 4,400 people, representing an average attendance rate of over 90%.

Wide publicity was generated both locally and in Japan on the Orchestra's visit. Councillor, Mr. Paul YOUNG, who headed the delegation, was interviewed by the NHK Television of Japan, in which he talked about the Council's efforts in promoting the performing arts in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Dance Company's Taiwan Tour (26-31 March 1990)

At the invitation of the Environment Musical Production (...), the Hong Kong Dance Company toured Taiwan for the first time and participated in the 1990 Taipei City Traditional Arts Festival (...) from 26 to 31 March 1990.

The delegation comprised 34 members, headed by Councillors Messrs. Man Sai-cheong and LAM Chak-piu. Two performances of 'Chinese Dance-Present and Past' (...) were given at the Taipei Society Education Hall (...) on 28 and 29 March, attracting a total of 2,150 people or achieving 97% average attendance. The performances were well-received by the audience and widely covered by the media.

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra's Taiwan Tour (31 March-4 April 1990)

At the invitation of the New Aspect Promotion Corporation (...), 84-member delegation of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, headed by Councillor Mr. Lam Chak-piu, toured Taiwan for the second time 31 March to 4 April 1990 to take part in the 9th International Arts Festival.

A total of three concerts were held at the National Concert Hall in Taipei, drawing an audience of about 5,000 people, representing an average attendance rate of 80%.

It is considered that the two Performing Companies' Taiwan and Japan tours have achieved the objectives of promoting cultural exchange, broadening the Chinese Orchestra and Dance Company's experience as well as enhancing their reputation and the image of the Urban Council through the wide publicity generated.

MOTIONS

1. DR. RONALD D. B. LEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE, moved the following motion (in English):—

'RESOLVED that the Abattoirs (Urban Council) (Amendment) By-laws 1990 be made under section 77 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'

Mr. Chairman, as Chairman of the Public Health Select Committee, I rise to move the motion standing in my name:

'RESOLVED that the Abattoirs (Urban Council) (Amendment) By-laws 1990 be made under section 77 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap. 132.'

The purpose of the amendment by-laws is to replace the Second Schedule to provide for an increase in fees for the slaughter of animals. With the endorsement of the Public Health Select Committee, Finance Select Committee and Standing Committee of the Whole Council, it has been agreed that slaughter fees at the two Urban Council abattoirs at Kennedy Town and Cheung Sha Wan should be increased by 12 per cent with effect from 1 August 1990.

The cost of operating the Urban Council abattoirs has increased over the past 14 months due to rise in the cost of staff and drop in slaughter throughput. It is expected that the proposed slaughter fee revision which is enshrined in this amendment by-laws together with proposed changes to other abattoir fees will raise the income of these two abattoirs by about $12 million per annum, thus helping to reduce the abattoirs' annual operating deficit at full costs from $104 million to $92 million or in terms of subsidy level from 47% to 40%.

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