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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
I think we can have some communication before an option is proposed or the question is put. Does any Member want to speak? Members can speak first to avoid ...... Mr. Stanley NG Wing-fai, please.
MR. STANLEY NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese):—I think the difference is not on the matter itself, only on the way to handle it. Actually, both parties base on the same piece of information which is a practice note issued by the Buildings Department to architects or authorised persons. It says:
'For buildings installed with air conditioning systems, measures should be adopted to provide built-in systems to prevent water dripping from air conditioners.'
Before air conditioning systems are installed in any building, consideration must be given to dripping and as far as possible, a built-in condensed water collector system should be provided.
On the strength of this practice note, the Democratic Party has studied the case and we feel that there is need to legislate this requirement for new developments. As for old buildings already completed, Mr. WU has already said in his speech that the Department should urge Government to advise the additional installation of collector pipes as a part of the inspection scheme for buildings over 20 years old. That is why in our motion, we suggest measures to require the installation of collector pipes in new buildings. With old buildings, the situation has been gone over before. I therefore do not think there is any special problem. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):--I contacted the Deputy Director of the Buildings Department over this motion and discussed with him the present situation of buildings. I have established that there are no collection pipes for drippings in most old buildings. The practice note mentioned by Mr. NG just now applies to new buildings, but the practice note does not have legal effect. I went over this point with the Deputy Director and asked if the Buildings Department would object to the Council asking for legislation to this effect. He said he was unable to give an immediate reply.
In fact, the power to legislate lies with the Legislative Council. Requirements in buildings including specifications for new developments come under the ambit of the Buildings Department. What we do is to recommend to Government. So the wording in our motion is mild. We urge Government to study into measures. We give examples such as the installation of collector pipes in new residential buildings. In fact, our motion reflects our respect for another Council (The Legislative Council) and Central Government.
I hope this consensus can be maintained. If not, many motions will become instructions to Central Government or the future SAR Government asking for certain actions. In such a case, our motions will have to contain details. Mr.
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Page 24 of 654
24
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
1 think we can have some communication before an option is proposed or the question is put. Does any Member want to speak? Members can speak first to avoid ...... Mr. Stanley NG Wing-fai, please.
MR. STANLEY NG WING-FAI (in Cantonese):—I think the difference is not on the matter itself, only on the way to handle it. Actually, both parties base on the same piece of information which is a practice note issued by the Buildings Department to architects or authorised persons. It says:
'For buildings installed with air conditioning systems, measures should be adopted to provide built-in systems to prevent water dripping from air conditioners."
Before air conditioning systems are installed in any building, consideration must be given to dripping and as far as possible, a built-in condensed water collector system should be provided.
On the strength of this practice note, the Democratic Party has studied the case and we feel that there is need to legislate this requirement for new developments. As for old buildings already completed, Mr. WU has already said in his speech that the Department should urge Government to advise the additional installation of collector pipes as a part of the inspection scheme for buildings over 20 years old. That is why in our motion, we suggest incasures to require the installation of collector pipes in new buildings. With old buildings, the situation has been gone over before. I therefore do not think there is any special problem. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):--I contacted the Deputy Director of the Buildings Department over this motion and discussed with him the present situation of buildings. I have established that there are no collection pipes for drippings in most old buildings. The practice note mentioned by Mr. No just now applies to new buildings, but the practice note does not have legal effect. I went over this point with the Deputy Director and asked if the Buildings Department would object to the Council asking for legislation to this effect. He said he was unable to give an immediate reply.
In fact, the power to legislate lies with the Legislative Council. Requirements in buildings including specifications for new developments come under the ambit of the Buildings Department. What we do is to recommend to Government. So the wording in our motion is mild. We urge Government to study into measures. We give examples such as the installation of collector pipes in new residential buildings. In fact, our motion reflects our respect for another Council (The Legislative Council) and Central Government.
I hope this consensus can be maintained. If not, many motions will become instructions to Central Government or the future SAR Government ask for certain actions. In such a case, our motions will have to contain details. Mr.
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