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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. IP Kwok-CHUNG (in Cantonese):—On whether the use of metric units for market scales and our habitual use of catties or pounds as units are reasons for their low usage. I personally feel they are inter-related. However, as we are promoting the metric system, unless Members see the need to promote the pounds concept, I believe we should continue with the metric system.
Secondly, in terms of damage to market scales, I do not have information in hand. From February 1995 up to now, experiments conducted by the Department show that people basically accept market scales. Two such scales are placed at the market offices and two are placed in the passageway linking the market entrance and the market office. I believe staff have done well to keep watch of them so that we have not received any report of damage.
THE HON. LI WAH-MING (in Cantonese):-36 more markets will be provided with such scales. I hope more citizens will make use of them. I just want to know if it is practicable to show all three systems (kilograms, catties and pounds) concurrently on the scales so that the public will know clearly at a glance.
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-Thank you for your question, Mr. Li. If Members so wish. I will take the issue back to the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee for discussion and a decision. If we agree on all three systems on the same scale, it should not be something insurmountable.
MR. STEVEN HUNG CHUNG-FUN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Albert Lau just mentioned Customs and Excise Department. I believe that the general public often feel cheated and short-changed when buying food at markets. If the Urban Council wants to improve publicity on the work of Customs and Excise Department in this respect, will you consider displaying publicity materials about its monitoring measures at locations where 'metric scales' are placed?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-That is a good suggestion. Legislation on weights and measures is enforced by Customs and Excise and the law provides that the highest penalty is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months. Enforcement of this legislation is the responsibility of Customs. We have placed complaint telephones near 'public scales'. If there is need for more publicity on methods of complaining or related legislation, I think we can arrange putting publicity materials next to the ‘public scales'.
(4) Mr. CHAN CHOI-HI asked the following question:-
(a) Apart from the Kowloon Park, will the Council consider setting up 'Conservation Corners' at its other parks? If yes, please give details of the action plans for promoting environmental awareness and implementing future concepts. Please also list out the facilities provided in the existing 'Conservation Corners'.
Page 38 of 654
Page 38 of 654
Page 38 of 654
36
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. IP Kwok-CHUNG (in Cantonese):—On whether the use of metric units for market scales and our habitual use of catties or pounds as units are reasons for their low usage. I personally feel they are inter-related. However, as we are promoting the metric system, unless Members see the need to promote the pounds concept, I believe we should continue with the metric system.
Secondly, in terms of damage to market scales, I do not have information in hand. From February 1995 up to now, experiments conducted by the Department show that people basically accept market scales. Two such scales are placed at the market offices and two are placed in the passageway linking the market entrance and the market office. I believe staff have done well to keep watch of them so that we have not received any report of damage.
THE HON. LI WAH-MING (in Cantonese):-36 more markets will be provided with such scales. I hope more citizens will make use of them. I just want to know if it is practicable to show all three systems (kilograms, catties and pounds) concurrently on the scales so that the public will know clearly at a glance.
MR. JP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-Thank you for your question, Mr. Li. If Members so wish. I will take the issue back to the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee for discussion and a decision. If we agree on all three systems on the same scale, it should not be something insurmountable.
MR. STEVEN HUNG CHUNG-FUN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Albert Lat just mentioned Customs and Excise Department. I believe that the general public often feel cheated and short-changed when buying food at markets. If the Urban Council wants to improve publicity on the work of Customs and Excise Department in this respect, will you consider displaying publicity materials about its monitoring measures at locations where 'metric scales' are placed?
MR. IP KWOK-CHUNG (in Cantonese):-That is a good suggestion. Legislation on weights and measures is enforced by Customs and Excise and the law provides that the highest penalty is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months. Enforcement of this legislation is the responsibility of Customs. We have placed complaint telephones near 'public scales'. If there is need for more publicity on methods of complaining or related legislation, I think we can arrange putting publicity materials next to the ‘public scales' .
(4) Mr. CHAN CHOI-HI asked the following question:-
(a) Apart from the Kowloon Park, will the Council consider setting up
'Conservation Corners' at its other parks? If yes, please give details of the action plans for promoting environmental awareness and implementing future concepts. Please also list out the facilities provided in the existing 'Conservation Corners'.
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