Page 207 of 606
Page 207 of 606
204
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
Actually the Council had earlier endorsed the proposal of studying the setting up of a flea market, but there were of course many aspects which required further study. Nevertheless, we could not distinguish a flea market from a Hawker Permitted Area, or a unique Illuminated Night Fair. We could not tell their difference at all. Since there is no great difference, why should a similar study be proposed hurriedly before a conclusion on the flea market is reached?
Meanwhile, we have reservation about the existence of a temporary Hawker Permitted Area. Take the temporary Hawker Permitted Area in Mong Kok for instance. It has been "temporary" for 20 years. It is always easy to set up such Hawker Permitted Areas but difficult to close them down. Experience shows that the Council has kept on building new markets, hoping that the number of hawkers on the streets will be reduced. If we re-set up a temporary Hawker Permitted Area, we would only be undermining the Council's efforts made in the past.
Ms. Jennifer CHOW also suggested that the old airport site be included in the site selection, but the motion recommends that "some venues under the Council be studied". It is obvious that the old airport site is not one of the Council's venues and we wonder how the old airport site can be included in the scope of study.
Since there are a lot of problems which might duplicate the problems associated with the setting up of a flea market, the Democratic Party does not support Ms. Jennifer CHOW's motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. CHIANG SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese): I support Ms. Jennifer Chow's motion. In fact a motion concerning a flea market and an art bazaar was moved earlier at a monthly meeting of the Council but regrettably, it was objected to by the Democratic Party.
I consider the Illuminated Night Fair to be an organized market where, under the Department's arrangements, suitable and interested parties may provide various types of activities. Handicraft, art bazaar, art performances, painting by artists etc. may be considered. Generally speaking, apart from reactivating the economy and creating more jobs, it would stimulate the local tourist industry. Indeed, the Council and the Department are equipped with a strong personnel and in terms of resources and manpower, we are much better off than the Tourist Association.
I consider that this sort of service should be included in our municipal services. If we look around the cities all over the world, we will find that this type of service is provided, that is, a business-friendly environment with effective management and cleaning services, for which rent is payable. This is more than simply increasing the number of hawkers as commonly conceived. They are not hawkers. They are business operators. We are providing a business-friendly environment, that is, an opportunity to them in the form of a
Page 207 of 606
Page 207 of 606
204
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
Actually the Council had earlier endorsed the proposal of studying the setting up of a flea market, but there were of course many aspects which required further study. Nevertheless, we could not distinguish a flea market from a Hawker Permitted Area, or a unique Illuminated Night Fair. We could not tell their difference at all. Since there is no great difference, why should a similar study be proposed hurriedly before a conclusion on the flea market is reached?
Meanwhile, we have reservation about the existence of a temporary Hawker Permitted Area. Take the temporary Hawker Permitted Area in Mong Kok for instance. It has been "temporary' for 20 years. It is always easy to set up such Hawker Permitted Areas but difficult to close them down. Experience shows that the Council has kept on building new markets, hoping that the number of hawkers on the streets will be reduced. If we re-set up a temporary Hawker Permitted Area, we would only be undermining the Council's efforts made in the past.
Ms. Jennifer CHOW also suggested that the old airport site be included in the site selection, but the motion recommends that "some venues under the Council be studied. It is obvious that the old airport site is not one of the Council's venues and we wonder how the old airport site can be included in the scope of study.
Since there are a lot of problems which might duplicate the problems associated with the setting up of a flea market. the Democratic Party does not support Ms. Jennifer CHOW's motion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. CHIANG SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-I support Ms. Jennifer Crow's motion. In fact a motion concerning a flea market and an art bazaar was moved earlier at a monthly meeting of the Council but regrettably, it was objected to by the Democratic Party.
I consider the Illuminated Night Fair to be an organized market where, under the Department's arrangements, suitable and interested parties may provide various types of activities. Handicraft, ลง art bazaar, art performances, painting by artists etc. may be considered. Generally speaking. apart from reactivating the economy and creating more jobs, it would stimulate the local tourist industry. Indeed, the Council and the Department are equipped with a strong personnel and in terms of resources and manpower, we are much better off than the Tourist Association.
I consider that this sort of service should be included in our municipal services. If we look around the cities all over the world, we will find that this type of service is provided, that is, a business-friendly environment with effective management and cleaning services, for which rent is payable. This is more than simply increasing the number of hawkers as commonly conceived. They are not hawkers. They are business operators. We are providing a business-friendly environment, that is, an opportunity to them in the form of a
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