1998 — Page 349

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Page 349 of 606

PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL

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actively study the proposal to set up flea markets so as to create employment and business opportunities.

Food-related Diseases

Incidents of food-related diseases and food contamination occurred in 1998 and these included bird flu, ciguatera fish poisoning, cholera, clenbuterol in pig lung, and foot and mouth diseases. Some of these began to appear in 1997.

This Council and the Urban Services Department have taken a series of measures within our terms of reference to eliminate and avoid these health hazards. The Council has demonstrated in the handling of these incidents our concern for the consumers and the propriety of our role in monitoring the work of Government departments in this area.

Review of District Organizations

Turning to the review of district organisations, I wish to stress a few points. Firstly, on 14.7.98 this Council passed a motion for one council to be supported by one executive department in the territory-wide provision of municipal services. Secondly, the Regional Council passed a similar motion on 20.7.98. Thirdly, the Legislative Council passed a motion on 29.7.1998 for "One Municipal Council and One Municipal Services Department". Regrettably, the Government brushed aside the common majority view of the three Councils and decided to dissolve the two Municipal Councils at the end of 1999 without putting in place an alternative structure that can effectively replace it.

To put the concept of “One Municipal Council and One Municipal Services Department" to the test, the Provisional Urban Council and the Provisional Regional Council have formed a number of joint committees on food safety and on other municipal services. In the light of experience in the past few months, these joint committees have provided very useful forums for us to share our experiences, exchange views and address problems. This concept is therefore viable.

Other Major Projects/Incidents

Now I would like to speak briefly on a few incidents and projects which you may still remember:—

(a) In May last year, this Council terminated its management agreement with Wembley International and requested the Urban Services Department to resume management of the Hong Kong Stadium. (b) On finance, we have, with the support of the Finance Bureau, successfully applied for supplementary provision of $1.5 billion on 18.12.98 to cover our direct revenue loss consequential upon the Government's decision to give a rates rebate of one quarter to rates payers. However, owing to less buildings coming on stream, our rates

Page 349 of 606

Page 349 of 606