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in this regard. It is hoped that through the demerit point system, we can also achieve deterrent effect. The Department is studying the system so as to make the system a continuous one, for instance, the demerit points accumulated from the previous licensee should be brought forward to the new licensee as a result of transfer of licence. We are also studying whether we can copy the practice of the Consumer Council to declare openly certain premises that constantly extend their business illegally. We hope this can achieve a deterrent effect.
MR. PAO PING-WING (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, in paragraph 2 of Mrs. Wong's reply, it is mentioned that 124 prosecutions had been taken out against these 18 restaurants. In paragraph 3, it is mentioned that there is a Demerit Points System which will result in a suspension of licence for two days upon accumulation of 15 points. So it is very obvious that since 124 prosecutions against these 18 restaurants did not result in any suspension or cancellation at all, there must be some problem with the system. From the figures and information provided by Mr. Wong, the situation is far from satisfactory. So a question for Mr. Wong is: apart from the points you have made in the answer, will there be a comprehensive review of the system and practices as it seems that the practices adopted now are completely ineffective?
MR. WONG SHUI-LAI (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, yes, there will be further reviews. We will do it in conjunction with the Regional Council and will submit proposals to the relevant select committees for further detailed discussions.
MR. JUSTIN WONG CHUN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, about illegal extension of business, some members have mentioned that the food premises in question do create nuisance to the environment. Has consideration been given that for the particular notorious one, we can deduct 15 points at one go resulting in suspension of licence immediately?
MR. WONG SHUI-LAI (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, that will not be possible under the present system. But whether the system is too lenient or not, we can have detailed discussions at our S/C meeting. I wonder whether Mr. Wong will join the Select Committee to present his views in this regard.
CHAIRMAN (in English): Any other follow-up? If not, then we will go on to the question to be asked by the Hon. Li Wah-ming.
2. THE HONOURABLE LI WAH-MING asked the following question (in Cantonese): To avoid misunderstanding, I am going to ask the question concerning the Hong Kong Stadium. The Urban Council has already advanced more than $170 million for the interior decoration of the redeveloped Hong Kong Stadium. In addition, over $5 million will be spent on the opening ceremony, not to mention the time of the many departmental staff members spent on planning for the opening and operation of the stadium. Has the Department got any financial plans to recoup the amount so advanced?
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CHAIRMAN (in English): In accordance with Standing Order 12, paragraph 9, I have the right to delegate any member to answer on my behalf as Chairman of the Board of Governors. On this occasion, I delegate Mr. Stephen Lau Man-lung to answer the question.
MR. STEPHEN LAU MAN-LUNG replied as follows (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I have been asked by the Chairman of the Board of Governors to answer the question raised by the Hon. Li Wah-ming.
Mr. Li asked if the Department has any plans to recoup the expenditure for the fitting-out costs of the Hong Kong Stadium. At the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Whole Council held on 16 November 1993, the Council agreed to a ceiling limit of $175 million for the fitting-out costs. At its Triennium Negotiation with the Government on 7 January 1994, the Council did raise the question of the fitting-out costs, and the Government's view was that it was up to the Urban Council to decide whether or not this expenditure should be recovered from the proceeds generated by the Stadium, and to assess the implications of this on resources allocated to the promotion of sport.
The Board of Governors will carefully monitor the finances of the Stadium during the financial year 1994/95. Based on present projections, a surplus should be generated in the first year, but it is, of course, difficult to provide accurate estimates for a new facility with no proven track record.
Should any surplus indeed arise, it will be up to the members of this Council to consider how the surplus is to be applied. So after the meeting, any members can suggest ways to spend the surplus either by telling us verbally or in written form. I am sure the Board of Governors will consider the proposals carefully.
Regarding the Opening Ceremony, the Council approved a net maximum expenditure of $5 million. The Board of Governors, on behalf of the Council, is working hard to reduce it to a lower figure as far as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
THE HONOURABLE LI WAH-MING (in Cantonese): Mr. Stephen Lau has given an answer to my question but I do not think he has really addressed the issue. The Chairman or Members of the BOG have made statements in public regarding the projection for the recovering of the expenditure. The optimistic view is three years and the pessimistic view is seven years to recover the fitting-out costs. So my question is: Now we have got an estimated time frame of between 3 and 7 years. I assume that behind such an assumption, there must be some sort of financial plan. Mr. Stephen Lau did not answer my question. He simply mentioned about a possible surplus. I want to know whether there is a financial plan and whether it is to be kept confidential and not to be made known to other members.
CHAIRMAN (in English): What Mr. Lau explained were the plans and the bookings of the stadium to give you...
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in this regard. It is hoped that through the demerit point system, we can also achieve deterrent effect. The Department is studying the system so as to make the system a continuous one, for instance, the demerit points accumulated from the previous licensee should be brought forward to the new licensee as a result of transfer of licence. We are also studying whether we can copy the practice of the Consumer Council to declare openly certain premises that constantly extend their business illegally. We hope this can be achieve a deterrent effect.
MR. PAO PING-WING (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, in paragraph 2 of Mrs. Wong's reply, it is mentioned that 124 prosecutions had been taken out against these 18 restaurants. In paragraph 3, it is mentioned that there is a Demerit Points System which will result in a suspension of licence for two days upon accumulation of 15 points. So it is very obvious that since 124 prosecutions against these 18 restaurants did not result in any suspension or cancellation at all, there must be some problem with the system. From the figures and information provided by Mr. Wong, the situation is far from satisfactory. So a question for Mr. Wong is: apart from the points you have made in the answer, will there be a comprehensive review of the system and practices as it seems that the practices adopted now are completely ineffective?
MR. WONG SHUI-LAI (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, yes, there will be further reviews. We will do it in conjunction with the Regional Council and will submit proposals to the relevant select committees for further detailed discussions.
MR. JUSTEIN WONG CHUN (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, about illegal extension of business, some members have mentioned that the food premises in question do create nuisance to the environment. Has consideration been given that for the particular notorious one, we can deduct 15 points at one goal resulting in suspension of licence immediately?
MR. WONG SHUI-LAI (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, that will not be possible under the present system. But whether the system is too lenient or not, we can have detailed discussions at our S/C meeting. I wonder whether Mr. WONG Will join the Select Committee to present his views in this regard.
CHAIRMAN (in English):-Any other follow up? If not then we will go on to the question to be asked by the Hon. Li Wah-ming.
2. THE HONOURABLE LI WAH-MING asked the following question (in Cantonese): To avoid misunderstanding, I am going to ask the question concerning the Hong Kong Stadium. The Urban Council has already advanced more than $170 million for the interior decoration of the redeveloped Hong Kong Stadium. In addition, over $5 million will be spent on the opening ceremony, not to mention the time of the many departmental staff members spent on planning for the opening and operation of the stadium. Has the Department got any financial plans to recoup the amount so advanced?
Page 103 of 132
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CHAIRMAN (in English): In accordance with Standing Order 12, paragraph 9, I have the right to delegate any member to answer on my behalf as Chairman of the Board of Governors. In this occasion I delegate Mr. Stephen Lau Man-lung to answer the question.
MR. STEPHEN LAU MAN-LUNG replied as follows (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have been asked by the Chairman of the Board of Governors to answer the question raised by the Hon. Li Wah-ming.
Mr. Li asked if the Department has any plans to recoup the expenditure for the fitting-out costs of the Hong Kong Stadium. At the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Whole Council held on 16 November 1993, the Council agreed to a ceiling limit of $175 million for the fitting-out costs. At its Triennium Negotiation with the Government on 7 January 1994, the Council did raise the question of the fitting-out costs, and the Government's view was that it was up to the Urban Council to decide whether or not this expenditure should be recovered from the proceeds generated by the Stadium, and to assess the implications of this on resources allocated to the promotion of sport.
The Board of Governors will carefully monitor the finances of the Stadium during the financial year 1994/95. Based on present projections, a surplus should be generated in the first year, but it is, of course, difficult to provide accurate estimates for a new facility with no proven track record.
Should any surplus indeed arise it will be up to the members of this Council to consider how the surplus is to be applied. So after the meeting any members can suggest ways to spend the surplus either by telling us verbally or in written form. I am sure the Board of Governors will consider the proposals carefully.
Regarding the Opening Ceremony, the Council approved a net maximum expenditure of $5 million. The Board of Governors, on behalf of the Council, is working hard to reduce it to a lower figure as far as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
THE HONOURABLE LI WAH-MING (in Cantonese):—Mr. Stephen LÂU has given an answer to my question but I do not think he has really addressed the issue. The Chairman or Members of the BOG, have made statements in public regarding the projection for the recovering of the expenditure. The optimistic view is three years and the pessimistic view is seven years to recover the fitting-out costs. So my question is: Now we have got an estimated time frame of between 3 and 7 years. I assume that behind such an assumption, there must be some sort of financial plan. Mr. Stephen LAU did not answer my question. He simply mentioned about a possible surplus. I want to known whether there is a financial plan and whether it is to be kept confidential and not to be made known to other members.
CHAIRMAN (in English):--What Mr. LAU explained the plans and the bookings of the stadium to give you .. ..
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