1485
14
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
I think to detect the sources of vegetable is very important and it has little to do with market management.
(2) MR. WONG KWOK-HING asked the following question (in Cantonese):—A permanent checkpoint near the border for spot-checking imported vegetables is being constructed. How is this project progressing? When is this checkpoint expected to be completed and put into full operation? Can this project cope with the increasing demand for imported vegetables caused by local population growth?
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman this question concerning the proposed Food Control Office at Man Kam To checkpoint can be divided into two parts.
2. The first part concerns progress in the construction of the project. The construction works for the proposed Food Control Office (FCO) in Man Kam To checkpoint was originally scheduled to start in October 1994 for completion in December 1995. However, there will be a delay of about 50 days for the project because the main contractor has encountered difficulties in taking possession of the site due to a dispute with the local villages over the site boundary and some problems with piling works. After overcoming these difficulties, construction works commenced in January 1995 and are expected to be completed in February 1996 and the checkpoint will become operational by March 1996, barring other unforeseen circumstances.
3. The second part of the question asks whether the project, after completion, can cope with the increasing demand for imported vegetables caused by local population growth.
It is expected that the new FCO can meet the demand for food inspection services, including spot-checking imported vegetables, at least for the next five years. If there is a need, the laboratory can be further expanded to cater for additional tests.
MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):—Thank you Mr. Chairman. I am concerned about the effectiveness of checking imported vegetables. When the FCO is in place, can we increase the ratio of spot-checking? I would also like to know the present ratio of spot checks and the future increase in ratio when the FCO is in operation?
Mr. Joseph Chan (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, once the FCO is in place, 80% to 100% of vehicles importing food into Hong Kong can be checked. At present, only 50% of the vehicles can be checked.
(3) MR. CHAN CHOI-HI, asked the following question (in Cantonese):- According to the existing Standing Orders, the Urban Council may invite co-opted members to join its committees. Would the Council consider introducing co-opted members to its committees, as appropriate? What would be the scope of their functions and powers? Would they have the right to vote?
1485
14
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
I think to detect the sources of vegetable is very important and it has little to do with market management.
(2) MR. WONG KWOK-HING asked the following question (in Cantonese):—A permanent checkpoint near the border for spot-checking imported vegetables is being constructed. How is this project progressing? When is this checkpoint expected to be completed and put into full operation? Can this project cope with the increasing demand for imported vegetables caused by local population growth?
MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman this question concerning the proposed Food Control Office at Man Kam To checkpoint can be divided into two parts.
2. The first part concerns progress in the construction of the project. The construction works for the proposed Food Control Office (FCO) in Man Kam To checkpoint was originally scheduled to start in October 1994 for completion in December 1995. However, there will be a delay of about 50 days for the project because the main contractor has encountered difficulties in taking possession of the site due to a dispute with the local villages over the site boundary and some problems with piling works. After overcoming these difliculties, construction works commenced in January 1995 and are expected 10 be completed in February 1996 and the checkpoint will become operational by March 1996, barring other unforseen circumstances.
3. The second part of the question asks whether the project, after completion, can cope with the increasing demand for imported vegetables caused by local population growth.
It is expected that the new FCO can meet the demand for food inspection services, including spot-checking imported vegetables, at least for the next five years. If there is a need, the laboratory can be further expanded to cater for additional tests.
MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):―Thank you Mr. Chairman. I am concerned about the effectiveness of checking imported vegetables. When the FCO is in place, can we increase the ratio of spot-checking? I would also like to know the present ratio of spot checks and the future increase in ratio when the FCO is in operation?
Mr. Joseph Chan (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, once the FCO is in place, 80% to 100% of vehicles importing food into Hong Kong can be checked. Ai present, only 50% of the vehicles can be checked.
(3) MR. CHAN CHOI-HI, asked the following question (in Cantonese):- According to the existing Standing Orders, the Urban Council may invite co-opted members to join its committees. Would the Council consider introducing co-opted members to its committees, as appropriate? What would be the scope of their functions and powers? Would they have the right to vote?
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