Page 432 of 606
2006
Page 432 of 606
420
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
possible. Every responsible government should be committed to create a friendly, harmonious and equitable trading environment which not only stimulates local and overseas investors to invest but also increases employment opportunities. Some people may compare the Council to a struggling "lame duck", but during the past year, this "lame duck" still made silent efforts to serve the public. In February last year, the Council took the lead to freeze all licence fees and other charges for one year. In July, we approved a reduction of licence fees and other permit fees by 30% for one year. In September, the basic rentals paid by traders were reduced by 30%, also for one year. We may say the Council was the first public organization to freeze and reduce fees, charges and rentals. It has also induced other government departments and public utility organizations to adopt the same policy of freezing fees and charges. This has clearly reflected that it is a council with foresight, which understands the hardship of the people and is always close to them. It is a pity that most other departments and organizations have only taken the first step of freezing charges, but have not followed the Council's example to take the second step of reducing charges.
On behalf of members of the public, small traders, merchants, market-stall operators and street traders who have been benefited, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our colleagues of the Council and the Department for the support they gave to the above policy to reduce fees, charges and rentals, and the drive for Government to tide over difficult times with the public. With our economy still in its trough, reduction of licence fees and rentals by the Government not only implies monetary support to small or medium enterprises and small traders, but also signifies a benevolent administration which understands the hardship of its people and provides them timely help.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
THE HON. SZETO WAI (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman.
The speech I deliver today will focus on the statement of aims of the Council this year, of which the most crucial one is to safeguard the right of existence of the Council and to veto Mr. TUNG Chee-hwa's proposal on the disbandment of the Council, thereby realizing our consensus of implementing the proposal of "One Council, One Department". However, can this most crucial aim be achieved? Paradoxically enough, it is neither hard nor easy. So, what is the point? As long as all Councillors who are representatives of political parties uphold the principle of "One Council, One Department" and veto the relevant bill at the Legislative Council, the proposal on the disbandment of the Council will then be turned down. Yet, why is it not easy then? This is because some political parties are reluctant to turn away from their intrinsic submissiveness and resonance towards the Government. They tend to alter their course wontedly and will give up the principle of "One Council, One Department" which they uphold whenever they are intimidated by threats or lured by promises of gain. I have no doubt on the elected members' bona fide intention:
Page 432 of 606
2006
Page 432 of 606
420
PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
possible. Every responsible government should be committed to create a friendly, harmonious and equitable trading environment which not only stimulates local and overseas investors to invest but also increases employment opportunities. Some people may compare the Council to a struggling "lame duck", but during the past year. this "lame duck" still made silent efforts to serve the public. In February last year, the Council took the lead to freeze all licence fees and other charges for one year. In July, we approved a reduction of licence fees and other permit fees by 30% for one year. In September, the basic rentals paid by traders were reduced by 30%, also for one year. We may say the Council was the first public organization to freeze and reduce fees. charges and rentals. It has also induced other government departments and public utility organizations to adopt the same policy of freezing fees and charges. This has clearly reflected that it is a council with foresight, which understands the hardship of the people and is always close to them. It is a pity that most other departments and organizations have only taken the first step of freezing charges, but have not followed the Council's example to take the second step of reducing charges.
On behalf of members of the public, small traders, merchants, market-stall operators and street traders who have been benefited, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our colleagues of the Council and the Department for the support they gave to the above policy to reduce fees, charges and rentals. and the drive for Government to tide over difficult times with the public. With our economy still in its trough, reduction of licence fees and rentals by the Government not only implies monetary support to small or medium enterprises and small traders, but also signifies a benevolent administration which understands the hardship of its people and provides them timely help.
Mr. Chairman, with these remarks, I support the motion.
THE HON. SZETO WAI (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman.
The speech I deliver today will focus on the statement of aims of the Council this year, of which the most crucial one is to safeguard the right of existence of the Council and to veto Mr. TUNG Chee-hwa's proposal on the disbandment of the Council, thereby realizing our consensus of implementing the proposal of "One Council, One Department". However, can this most crucial aim be achieved? Paradoxically enough, it is neither hard nor easy. So, what is the point? As long as all Councillors who are representatives of political parties uphold the principle of “One Council, One Department" and veto the relevant bill at the Legislative Council, the proposal on the disbandment of the Council will then be turned down. Yet, why is it not easy then? This is because some political parties are reluctant to turn away from their intrinsic submissiveness and resonance towards the Government. They tend to alter their course wontedly and will give up the principle of "One Council, One Department” which they uphold whenever they are intimidated by threats or lured by promises of gain, I have no doubt on the elected members' bona fide intention:
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