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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
THE HONOURABLE Szeto Wah asked (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, according to a report in the Sing Pao Daily on 1 July 1995, the karaoke in question during the period from 1992 to February 1995 has had a record of selling liquor without license 11 times, 4 times for possession of liquor and 1 time for possession of 261 cans of beer. It also says that Councillor, Mr. Ip Kwok-chung had claimed that because of the sincerity shown by the applicant, he was given a chance. I would like to ask two questions. First, whether Mr. Ip had actually made the above statement? Secondly, is the sincerity of the applicant substantiated by facts?
Chairman (in Cantonese):—Mr. NG, as you were there as Vice-Chairman, and you were present at the meeting, can you answer the two questions which are based on facts?
MR. NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese):—These are questions based on facts. The decision was made at the closed session of our meeting. According to the Standing Order of the Urban Council, I do not consider it fit and proper to have an in-depth discussion in an open meeting.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—That is correct. Mr. SZETO WAH, are you satisfied with the answer?
THE HONOURABLE Szeto Wah (in Cantonese):—Of course I am not satisfied but we have to follow the rules. However, I would say that since the information was revealed to reporters, I don't think there was hardly any confidentiality on the matter. If this was indeed confidential, what was the reason for revealing it to reporters?
MR. LAI HOK-LIM (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, according to section 8 of the Standing Order of the Urban Council, we have the right to suggest that confidential items be revealed. If this particular item involves public interest, will this Council consider making public the minutes of that meeting and no longer treat it as confidential?
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—Under Standing Order 8, there are 3 items. There is no mention of whether a particular member can disclose or express his opinion on a matter of confidentiality. So, I think this should be discussed at the Liquor Licensing Board.
MR. AMBROSE Cheung Wing-SUM (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, I have a question. Regarding the problem that we are facing, we have different scenarios. First, the Chairman of the LLB is not here and the Vice-Chairman of the LLB is in a difficult and embarrassing position and is therefore not suitable to answer the question. A member also asked whether the minutes of that meeting can be disclosed. Procedurally, can this question be passed to the Standing Committee of the whole Council for discussion? If this were to be referred to the LLB, I don't think that is proper. So, my question to you
£185
Page 142 of 485
Page 142 of 485
Page 142 of 485
118
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
THE HONOURAble Szeto Wah asked (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, according 10 a report in the Sing Pao Daily on 1 July 1995, the karaoke in question during the period from 1992 to February 1995 has had a record of selling liquor without license 11 times, 4 times for possession of liquor and 1 time for possession of 261 cans of beer. It also says that Councillor, Mr. Ip Kwok-chung had claimed that because of the sincerity shown by the applicant, he was given a chance. I would like to ask two questions. First, whether Mr. Ip had actually made the above statement? Secondly, is the sincerity of the applicant substantiated by facts?.
Chairman (in Cantonese):—Mr. NG, as you were there as Vice-Chairman, and you were present at the meeting, can you answer the two questions which are based on facts?
MR. NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese):-These are questions based on facts. The decision was made at the closed session of our meeting. According to the Standing Order of the Urban Council, I do not consider it fit and proper to have an in-depth discussion in an open meeting.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—That is correct. Mr. SZETO WAH, are you satisfied with the answer?
THE HONOURABle Szeto Wah (in Cantonese):~~Of course I am not satisfied but we have to follow the rules. However, I would say that since the information was revealed to reporters, I don't think there was hardly any confidentiality on the matter. If this was indeed confidential, what was the reason for revealing it to reporters?
MR. LAI HOK-LIM (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, according to section 8 of the Standing Order of the Urban Council, we have the right to suggest that confidential items be revealed. If this particular item involves public interest, will this Council consider making public the minutes of that meeting and no longer treat it as confidential?
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):-Under Standing Order 8, there are 3 items. There is no mention of whether a particular member can disclose or express his opinion on a matter of confidentiality. So, I think this should be discussed at the Liquor Licensing Board.
MR. AMBROSE Cheung Wing-SUM (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, I have a question. Regarding the problem that we are facing, we have different scenarios. First, the Chairman of the LLB is not here and the Vice-Chairman of the LLB is in a difficult and embarrassing position and is therefore not suitable to answer the question. A member also asked whether the minutes of that meeting can be disclosed. Procedurally, can this question be passed to the Standing Committee of the whole Council for discussion? If this were to be referred to the LLB, I don't think that is proper. So, my question to you
£185
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