Minutes of the 6th Meeting of Culture, Leisure, Community Building and Services Committee

Eastern District Council Date: 4 December 2018 (Tuesday) Time: 2:30 pm Venue: Eastern District Council (EDC) Conference Room

Present Time of Arrival (pm) Time of Departure (pm)

Mr TING Kong-ho, Eddie (Chairman) 2:30 end of meeting Mr WONG Chi-chung, Dominic 2:30 end of meeting Mr WONG Chun-sing, Patrick 5:30 end of meeting Mr WONG Kwok-hing, BBS, MH 2:30 5:00 Mr KU Kwai-yiu 2:35 5:00 Mr HO Ngai-kam, Stanley 2:30 end of meeting Ms LI Chun-chau 2:30 end of meeting Mr LAM Sum-lim 2:30 end of meeting Mr LAM Kei-tung, George 2:30 5:10 Mr HUNG Lin-cham, MH 2:30 end of meeting Mr CHUI Chi-kin 4:35 end of meeting Mr CHEUNG Kwok-cheong, Howard 2:43 end of meeting Mr LEUNG Siu-sun, Patrick 2:30 end of meeting Ms LEUNG Wing-man, Bonnie 2:45 end of meeting Mr KWOK Wai-keung, Aron, JP 3:55 4:45 Mr MAK Tak-ching 2:30 6:10 Ms CHIK Kit-ling Elaine 2:30 end of meeting Mr WONG Kin-pan, BBS, MH, JP 3:40 end of meeting Mr YEUNG Sze-chun 2:30 6:03 Dr CHIU Ka-yin, Andrew 2:30 end of meeting Mr CHIU Chi-keung, BBS 2:30 end of meeting Mr LAU Hing-yeung 2:30 5:05 Mr CHENG Tat-hung 3:22 4:35 Mr LAI Chi-keong, Joseph 2:30 end of meeting Mr NGAN Chun-lim, MH 4:00 end of meeting Mr KUNG Pak-cheung, BBS, MH 2:30 end of meeting Mr WONG Sze-chin, Ricky (Co-opted Member)

2:30 end of meeting

Ms NG Ching-ching (Co-opted Member)

2:30 end of meeting

Absent with Apologies Mr LEUNG Kwok-hung, David (agreed absence) Mr HUI Lam-hing (Vice-chairman) Mr HUI Ching-on Ms CHOY So-yuk, BBS, JP Mr WONG Kin-hing Mr CHENG Chi-sing Mr LO Wing-kwan, Frankie, MH In Regular Attendance (Government Representatives) Miss NGAI Lai-ying, Angora

Assistant District Officer (Eastern)1, Eastern District Office

Ms NG Yan Mei, Monie Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Eastern District Office

Ms WONG Sze-man, Queenie

Senior Liaison Officer (2), Eastern District Office

Ms CHANG Wai-man, Sunny

Senior School Development Officer (Hong Kong East)1, Education Bureau

Mr LEE Wai Keung, Ambrose

Deputy District Leisure Manager(Eastern)1, Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Mr WONG Hon-yui Senior Community Relations Officer, Independent Commission Against Corruption

Mr KWOK Wing-chuen Assistant Police Community Relations Officer, Police Community Relations Office (Eastern District), Hong Kong Police Force

Ms SHAW Ka Fung, Sally Social Work Officer 3 (Planning & Coordinating), Social Welfare Department

Ms CHAN Yu-shan, Sandy (Secretary)

Executive Officer I (District Council) 3, Eastern District Office

In Attendance by Invitation (Representatives from the Government and

Organisations) Dr WONG Hoi-yi, Karine Medical & Health Officer (Disease

Prevention) 2, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health

Ms NG Lap-hang, Janice Assistant Manager (Strategy and Action Plan)1, Department of Health

Ms CHAN Chui-mei, Carina Liaison Officer-in-charge (Community Affairs)2, Eastern District Office

Mr WONG Ka-keung Telecommunications Engineer (Regulatory 12), Office of the Communications Authority

Mr YEUNG King-hang, Kingsley

Head, Market and Competition 2, Office of the Communications Authority

Mr WONG Yik-kwan, John Regulatory Affairs Manager (Market & Competition 21)1, Office of the Communications Authority

Miss NG Wing-yee, Winnie Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager (Market & Competition 21) , Office of the Communications Authority

Ms CHEUNG Ka-man OC (Special Duty Squad 1) (Eastern District), Hong Kong Police Force

Mr MA Ming-lut Sub-Unit Commander (Patrol 3) (North Point Division), Hong Kong Police Force

Dr CHOI Wing-kin, Sam Senior Environmental Protection Officer, Environmental Protection Department

Ms CHOI Pui-ying, Alison Assistant Environmental Protection Officer, Environmental Protection Department

Dr CHAN Woon-tong, Joseph

Deputy Medical Superintendent, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital

Dr LAU Chor-chiu Chief Operating Officer, Eastern Medical Centre, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital

Dr Simon TANG Sai-kong Head of Development, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital

Ms Esme LAU Mee-yee Head of Corporate Affairs, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital

Mr LEUNG Wai-kin Head of Customer Business Development,

The Hong Kong Electric Co., Ltd. Ms SING Kit-tak, Catherine Senior Manager (Corporate and Community

Affairs), The Hong Kong Electric Co., Ltd.

Mr CHUNG Kwai-hon Acting Senior Engineer/Energy Efficiency A8, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department

Miss LUK Pui-kwan, Clare Acting Senior Engineer/Gas Standards B3, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department

Mr CHOW Chun-fai, Cyrus Building Surveyor/A5-3, Buildings Department

Mr LAI Wai-keung Senior Divisional Occupational Safety Officer, Labour Department

Mr LEE Wai-cheong Divisional Occupational Safety Officer, Labour Department

Mr YUNG Tak-ming Acting Divisional Officer (Hong Kong East), Fire Services Department

Mr HO Ka-chun Assistant Divisional Officer (Dangerous Goods), Fire Services Department

Ms LEE Cho-yi, Joey Assistant Secretary (Heritage Conservation) 3, Commissioner for Heritage’s Office, Development Bureau

Opening Remarks The Chairman welcomed all Members and government representatives to the meeting. Tabled Papers 2. One paper was tabled for Member’s reference during the discussion of agenda item XI:

(i) Invitation to Be the Partner Organisation of Vita Green Cycling for Health Marathon Challenge 2019.

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I. Confirmation of the Draft Minutes of the 5th Meeting of CLCBSC 3. The Culture, Leisure, Community Building and Services Committee (CLCBSC) confirmed the above drafted minutes without amendment. II. “Towards 2025: Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Control Non-

communicable Diseases in Hong Kong“ Community Engagement Funding Scheme

(CLCBSC Paper No. 49/18) 4. The Chairman welcomed Dr Karine WONG, Medical & Health Officer (Disease Prevention) 2 and Ms Janice NG, Assistant Manager (Strategy and Action Plan)1, Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH), and Ms Carina CHAN, Liaison Officer-in-charge (Community Affairs)2 of the Eastern District Office (EDO) to the meeting. Dr Karine WONG and Ms Janice NG of the DH briefed the meeting on Paper No. 49/18. . 5. The views and enquiries of 11 Members about the issue were summarised as follows:

(a) Mr KU Kwai-yiu pointed out that there were only three months left before the application deadline, and that he was worried that the DH would not be able to widely publicise the scheme to the community in such a short period of time. Therefore, he suggested that the DH extend the application deadline. He opined that the DH should be responsible for the approval work for the scheme as the proposed scheme involved professional knowledge.

(b) Mr WONG Kwok-hing welcomed the DH’s implementation of the scheme. In addition, he proposed that the law enforcement and prosecution work under the legislation of tobacco and alcohol control should be handed over from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office under the DH to the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), so as to facilitate more effective enforcement. He also urged the Government to impose a total ban on electronic cigarettes.

(c) Mr LAU Hing-yeung enquired of the DH about the measures it

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implemented to widely publicise the proposed scheme. He also suggested that the DH invite other organisations to participate in the scheme through various channels. He believed that the DH should participate in the approval process of the proposed scheme and directly provide the professional support concerned to applicant organisations.

(d) Mr LAM Sum-lim suggested that the DH widely disseminate

information on non-communicable diseases and urged the DH to follow up on the nutritional issue in the supply of school children’s lunch boxes, so as to ensure the health of school children.

(e) Mr HUNG Lin-cham opined that in addition to allocating funding to

promote healthy lifestyle to the community through the proposed scheme, the Government should also proactively improve the quality of life of the public and implement measures to help the public establish healthy lifestyle.

(f) Mr CHIU Chi-keung asked which unit would be responsible for vetting

and approval for the proposed scheme. He suggested setting up a task group to follow up on the scheme. He also hoped that the DH would provide professional support to the Eastern District Council and participating organisations.

(g) Mr Dominic WONG said that more than half of the deaths in 2017 were

caused by four major non-communicable diseases. He urged the DH to systematically and continuously disseminate the information concerned to the public. Besides, he enquired of the DH whether it had a long-term proposal to ensure the continuity of the proposed scheme.

(h) Ms LI Chun-chau said that the DH had not updated the ‘food pyramid’

in many years and thus she urged the DH to conduct a review to effectively promote a balanced diet to the public.

(i) Mr YEUNG Sze-chun said that the strategies on the prevention and

control of non-communicable diseases cover a broad and professional range of areas. He suggested that the professionals concerned in the DH participate in the vetting and approval work to ensure that the activities organised by community organisations would be able to disseminate accurate information.

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(j) Mr KUNG Pak-cheung asked whether the DH would send

representatives to attend meetings during the District Council’s deliberation over the funding items of the proposed scheme and during the course of activities, so as to help the Eastern District Council with the approval work and to ensure the dissemination of accurate health information.

(k) Mr Joseph LAI recommended that the DH allow organisations to submit

applications to the DH directly for the proposed scheme. 6. Dr Karine WONG of the DH responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The DH had held two briefing sessions on the proposed scheme earlier on and had invited organisations in the Eastern District to attend. The briefing sessions were well received and many organisations attended. The DH hoped to continue to promote the scheme to the organisations in the Eastern District through various channels. The DH would consider Members’ request to extend the deadline for applications under the scheme.

(b) The DH would continue to disseminate information on the strategies of

prevention and control of communicable diseases to the public through various action plans. The DH would also review the effectiveness of the scheme after it ended before deciding whether to implement a second round of the Community Engagement Funding Scheme.

(c) The DH hoped that the District Council would assume the responsibility

of vetting and approval work for the proposed scheme. Applicant organisations could raise enquiries to the DH via the District Council when necessary.

(d) The DH and the departments concerned would regularly review

different health information, including the ‘food pyramid’, so as to effectively promote the health information concerned to the public.

7. The Chairman responded that the DH was in regular attendance at each meeting of a working group under the CLCBSC. Therefore, the DH could

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provide professional advice to Members when necessary. As the aim of the Community Engagement Funding Scheme was to promote the scheme at the district level, the DH would not directly accept applications from organisations at the current stage. 8. After discussion, the CLCBSC agreed to accept the HKD250,000 grant from the DH for organising the proposed scheme, authorise the EDO to invite non-government organisations and district organisations to submit applications, and task the Working Group on Promotion of Civic Education, Eastern Healthy City, Culture, Leisure and Labour Affairs with the follow-up work. III. Review of the Number of Public Payphones

(CLCBSC Paper No. 50/18) 9. The Chairman welcomed Mr Kingsley YEUNG, Head, Market and Competition 2, Mr WONG Ka Keung, Telecommunications Engineer (Regulatory 12), Miss Winnie NG, Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager (Market & Competition 21) and Mr John WONG, Regulatory Affairs Manager (Market & Competition 21)1 of the Office of Communications Authority (OFCA) to the meeting. Mr Kingsley YEUNG briefed the meeting on Paper No. 50/18. 10. The views and enquiries of 9 Members about the issue were summarised as follows:

(a) Mr Joseph LAI said that mobile phones were becoming more and more popular. He was supportive of the OFCA’s removal of those kiosk payphones with extremely low rate of use so as to free up space on pedestrian roads. However, he said that the OFCA should keep the kiosk payphones along hiking routes. He also proposed providing additional emergency telephone help-lines to meet the contingency needs of the public.

(b) Mr LAM Sum-lim opined that payphone kiosks occupied space on

pedestrian roads and that he was supportive of the removal of those payphones hwith extremely low rate of use. He enquired whether the universal service provider had drafted any plans to prevent members of the public who used the service concerned from being affected if the kiosk payphones with wireless Internet access were removed.

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(c) Mr KU Kwai-yiu enquired whether the OFCA had negotiated a plan to

remove public payphones with the universal service provider, and whether the underground pipelines would also be removed after the removal of kiosk payphones. He pointed out that the public could not borrow a telephone for calls from any shops near Tsui Wan Street, so he suggested keeping the payphone kiosk (payphone kiosk No.: 1387) at Tsui Wan Street near Tsui Wan Estate Tsui Wan Shopping Complex.

(d) Mr CHIU Chi-keung suggested setting up devices for providing wireless

Internet access in all payphone kiosks.

(e) Ms Elaine CHIK said that some members of the public counted on the Internet access provided by the wireless Internet devices in public places. Therefore, she suggested that the OFCA set up Internet hotspots at the locations of payphone kiosks that would be removed and install wireless Internet access devices in payphone kiosks that would not be removed.

(f) Mr LAU Hing-yeung said that many hikers passed by Man Fu House of Hing Man Estate from time to time due to its proximity to Tai Tam Road. Therefore, he suggested that the OFCA keep the kiosk payphones (payphone kiosk No.: 1540) at the said location to facilitate hikers’ use in emergency. He also suggested that the OFCA consult the views of District Councillors of individual constituencies before making decision on the removal.

(g) Ms LI Chun-chau suggested that the OFCA should fully consult the

views of District Councillors of individual constituencies before making the decision on the removal, and to provide the public with sufficient time to express their views.

(h) Mr Andrew CHIU requested for the details of the review. He also

enquired whether wireless Internet access devices could be installed in all remaining payphone kiosks.

(i) The Chairman suggested that the OFCA consult the views of District

Councillors of individual constituencies before making the decision on the removal.

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11. Mr Kingsley YEUNG of the OFCA responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The aim of the present review was to identify and eliminate public payphones that no longer required the universal service contribution, and all the emergency numbers would be retained in full. The OFCA had already fully discussed and agreed on the principles of the review with the universal service provider and the telecommunications industry. The OFCA noted Members’ request to retain certain kiosk payphones, including the kiosk payphones at Tsui Wan Street and at Hing Man Estate, and also their request to provide additional emergency telephone help-lines.

(b) The universal service obligation did not include the provision of wireless Internet services, and the provision of the service concerned was merely a commercial decision of the universal service provider. The universal service provider had the discretion to decide whether to retain or remove payphone kiosks that had been removed from the universal service obligation (including payphone kiosks with wireless Internet access). In addition, the wireless Internet service could be provided at payphone kiosks and also at lampposts under the Multi-functional Smart Lampposts scheme mentioned in the 2017 Policy Address. Moreover, a number of public and private organisations had joined the government’s “Wi-Fi.HK” scheme to provide wireless Internet access at different venues and facilities. The number of wireless Internet hotspots had also increased.

(c) After a kiosk payphone was removed, the telephone lines concerned

located in the underground pipelines would also be removed. However, there were other telephone lines in the underground pipelines which would be retained, so as to avoid affecting the existing telecommunications services.

(d) The OFCA would contact District Councillors of individual

constituencies before making decision on removal so as to further gauge their views.

12. After discussion, the CLCBSC asked the OFCA to note the views of Members.

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IV. Request for Stamping out the Problem of On-street Prostitutes and

Restoring the Peace of Community (CLCBSC Paper No. 51/18) 13. The Chairman welcomed Ms CHEUNG Ka-man, OC (Special Duty Squad 1) (Eastern District), Mr MA Ming-lut, Sub-Unit Commander (Patrol 3) (North Point Division), and Mr KWOK Wing-chuen, Assistant Police Community Relations Officer, Police Community Relations Office (Eastern District) of the HKPF to the meeting. Mr HUNG Lin-cham briefed the meeting on Paper No. 51/18. 14. The views and enquiries of 11 Members about the issue were summarised as follows:

(a) Mr WONG Kwok-hing said that the problem of illegal prostitution in North Point area had troubled the residents of the district for many years and adversely affected the public order of the area. Therefore, the HKPF must continue to take enforcement actions to combat the illegal activities concerned. He urged the HKPF to proactively implement effective enforcement measures.

(b) Mr KU Kwai-yiu suggested that the departments concerned step up

publicity efforts targeting property owners’ of North Point area to inform them of the risks of renting residential units to illegal prostitutes or prostitution syndicates. He was also concerned about the illegal prostitution activities in foot spa centres and urged the departments concerned to strengthen supervision of the industries concerned.

(c) Mr George LAM suggested that the HKPF install a surveillance system

in areas with higher crime rate so as to achieve the effect of monitoring and deterrence.

(d) Mr HUNG Lin-cham suggested that the HKPF and the Immigration

Department (ImmD) step up patrols, take enforcement actions at Chun Yeung Street in North Point area and park a HKPF vehicle at North Point Market from time to time for a deterrent effect.

(e) Mr Ricky WONG said that a lot of illegal prostitutes were had been

arrested by the HKPF as at October 2018. He suspected that there were

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prostitution syndicates behind them. Therefore, he urged the HKPF to take enforcement actions against syndicated prostitution. He enquired about the penalties for persons arrested for illegal prostitution.

(f) Mr Andrew CHIU urged the HKPF and the Office of Licensing

Authority under Home Affairs Department (HADLA) to carry out joint operations with other departments, so as to step up the publicity on the risks involved in renting a residential unit to a prostitute to the real estate agents and building owners of North Point area.

(g) Mr KUNG Pak-cheung suggested that the HKPF strengthen its collaboration with the owners’ corporations of the buildings where illegal prostitution activities were rampant in North Point area by posting notices with the HKPF’s logo in various parts of buildings to remind the public to pay attention to illegal prostitution activities nearby and to achieve a deterrent effect.

(h) Mr CHIU Chi-keung suggested that the HKPF post notices in places

where prostitution was rampant to serve as a deterrent.

(i) Mr Aron KWOK said that the problem of illegal prostitution in North Point area had not been improved for many years and involved prostitutes who were “contravening the conditions of stay”. He requested the HKPF and the ImmD to step up enforcement actions by waging a series of large-scale enforcement operations.

(j) Mr CHENG Tat-hung enquired whether a person who had contravened

the conditions of stay would be refused entry to Hong Kong upon a new application made.

(k) The Chairman pointed out that the problem of illegal prostitution at

Chun Yeung Street in North Point area was serious and remained a nuisance to residents of North Point area. He urged the HKPF and the ImmD to conduct joint operations of inter-departmental nature to combat illegal prostitution syndicates at source.

15. Ms CHEUNG Ka Man of the HKPF responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

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(a) The HKPF had always been making best endeavour to combat illegal prostitution at Chun Yeung Street inNorth Point area. Apart from proactively prosecuting those who contravened the conditions of stay, the HKPF had also conducted investigation of prostitution syndicates in order to crack down crime at source.

(b) The HKPF would step up publicity in the area concerned by

disseminating information on illegal prostitution to various parties, including real estate agents, and by liaising with the owners’ corporations of buildings to carry out the education concerned and organise publicity activities for the owners of residential units. The HKPF would also provide the information of the persons who leased subdivided flats to illegal prostitutes in the form of an illegal hostel, to the HADLA for prosecution. The HKPF would also continue to carry out inter-departmental collaboration with the HADLA to combat the offences concerned.

(c) A number of the persons arrested for contravening the conditions of stay

would be transferred to the ImmD the next day for follow-up and deportation. It was understood that the ImmD had a list of the persons concerned and would restrict them from entering the territory for a certain period of time. Meanwhile, the HKPF would emphasize the penalties concerned to illegal prostitutes at each arrest operation as a warning. Moreover, any person who contravened the conditions of stay might also be prosecuted for a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.

HKPF/ ImmD/ Lands Department

16. The CLCBSC agreed to follow up on this agenda item.

V. Inviting Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital to Report on the Latest Progress of the HKSH Eastern District Advanced Medical Centre Project

(CLCBSC Paper No. 52/18) 17. The Chairman welcomed Dr Sam CHOI, Senior Environmental Protection Officer and Ms Alison CHOI, Assistant Environmental Protection Officer of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Dr Joseph CHAN, Deputy Medical

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Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (HKSH), Dr LAU Chor-chiu, Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Medical Centre of HKSH (EMC), Dr Simon TANG Sai-kong, Head of Development of HKSH and Ms Esme LAU Mee-yee, Head of Corporate Affairs of HKSH to the meeting. Mr George LAM briefed the meeting on Paper No. 52/18. 18. Dr Sam CHOI of the EPD supplemented that as the EMC had not been completed yet, the EPD had reviewed the records of the hospital in Happy Valley and found that the medical waste generated was collected by a licensed medical waste collector on a regular basis. There had also been no record of non-compliance since the Clinical Waste Control Scheme came into effect in 2011. 19. The views and enquiries of 18 Members about the issue were summarised as follows:

(a) Mr WONG Kwok-hing was pleased with the imminent completion of HKSH’s EMC in Eastern District. The first proton therapy centre in Hong Kong would be located in the EMC and would treat cancer with advanced equipment and procedures. Therefore, he believed that residents of the Eastern District would benefit from the EMC’s medical services. He also pointed out that there was a large difference between the fees of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (Eastern Hospital) and the EMC, and enquired how the EMC would be able to effectively divert patients from Eastern Hospital.

(b) Mr KU Kwai-yiu asked if the EMC would provide extra healthcare

concessions to residents of the Eastern District.

(c) Mr LAM Sum-lim said that the waiting time for public hospitals was long. The commissioning of the EMC in Eastern District would provide residents of the Eastern District with an additional option for medical treatment and would thus effectively help to divert members of the public from public hospitals. He enquired whether the EMC would provide extra concessions to residents of the Eastern District. He was concerned about the transportation facilities planning in the area after the completion of the EMC. He hoped that the HKSH and the departments concerned would implement the relocation plan of the temporary public toilets in A Kung Ngam area as soon as possible.

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(d) Mr George LAM remarked that there was poor hygiene at the temporary toilet in A Kung Ngam village. He enquired whether the EMC would allow the public to use its toilets when necessary.

(e) Ms Bonnie LEUNG was worried that the traffic of A Kung Ngam area

would be subjected to impacts after the completion of the EMC. She enquired about the details of the transport planning and the enhancement measures concerned for the project. She hoped that the HKSH would help to step up public health education in the Eastern District. She also requested that the HKSH should provide the presentation materials to Members for their reference after the meeting.

(f) Mr KUNG Pak-cheung enquired whether the project of EMC included

the construction of a hotel.

(g) Mr Andrew CHIU believed that the completion and commissioning of the EMC would help to alleviate the pressure on medical services of Eastern Hospital. He enquired about information on the traffic assessment for the project of EMC. He hoped that the EMC would strengthen its collaboration with District Council Members and provide health education services to the public in the area. He pointed out that there were typing mistakes in paragraph 16 of the paper and reminded the HKSH to make amendments accordingly.

(h) Mr Ricky WONG enquired about the number of staff and parking spaces

of the EMC. Given that the EMC would launch 24-hour out-patient services in the future, he enquired whether the HKSH had sufficient transport facilities, including taxi stands and public light bus stations, to meet the needs of the public. He was also concerned about the traffic congestion that might arise after the completion and commissioning of the EMC. Besides, he also suggested that the EMC should give residents of the Eastern District priority of employment.

(i) Ms NG Ching-ching said that the quality of the HKSH’s medical

services was excellent and that she was pleased with the imminent completion of EMC. She also believed that the location of the EMC in the Eastern District would help to divert patients from Eastern Hospital, although the effectiveness of such diversion would depend on the medical fees charged. She enquired whether the EMC could provide

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medical services with extra healthcare concessions to patients who had been referred from Eastern Hospital and whose families encountered financial difficulties. Moreover, she enquired about the parking fee at the EMC.

(j) Mr Dominic WONG welcomed the EMC that was soon to be completed

in Eastern District and its introduction of advanced equipment and procedures to treat cancer. He hoped that the EMC would not only provide quality medical services to the citizens of Eastern District and actively step up publicity work for cancer prevention.

(k) Mr Stanley HO expressed welcome to the completion and

commissioning of additional medical facilities in Eastern District. He hoped that the EMC would launch its 24-hour out-patient services as soon as possible.

(l) Mr WONG Kin-pan was pleased with the imminent completion and commissioning of EMC, particularly with its family medicine and cancer treatment services. He suggested that the HKSH should study the possibility of enhancing welfare measures for elderly medical services to benefit the elderly in the Eastern District. He also hoped that its 24-hour out-patient services would provide quality medical services.

(m) Mr CHIU Chi-keung believed that the EMC would help to divert

patients from Eastern Hospital and enhance the quality of medical services in the Eastern District. He also opined that the 24-hour out-patient services and the proton therapy centre would benefit the public. He was concerned that the EMC might lead to traffic congestion in the district after its completion, and hoped that the hospital and the departments concerned would implement effective measures to ensure that the completion of the EMC would not have a serious impact on the traffic of the district.

(n) Ms Elaine CHIK was pleased with the imminent completion of EMC in

the Eastern District, and she believed that the completion and commissioning of the EMC would help to alleviate the pressure on medical services of public hospitals. She also expressed support for the HKSH’s programme to step up public health education in the

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community. She enquired whether the EMC would provide extra concessions to residents of the Eastern District or patients referred by Eastern Hospital. Besides, she enquired about the traffic management measures that would be taken after the completion of the EMC.

(o) Mr Patrick LEUNG hoped that the EMC would bring quality medical

services to the Eastern District and help to step up public health education in the community. He also hoped that the EMC would strengthen its transportation network to facilitate public access to and from it. He enquired whether the EMC would provide day-time surgery services.

(p) Mr NGAN Chun-lim was pleased with the imminent completion of

EMC in the Eastern District. He suggested that the HKSH build an underground tunnel to connect the EMC to the MTR station for the convenience of the public.

(q) Mr Joseph LAI enquired about the difference between the medical

facilities provided by the EMC and Eastern Hospital. He hoped that the EMC would enhance its collaboration with Eastern Hospital and complement each other to provide quality medical services to the public.

(r) Mr MAK Tak-ching hoped that the EMC would provide inexpensive

and widely-received medical services and would enhance its collaboration with Eastern Hospital for the benefit of the general public. He was also concerned about the traffic impacts that might arise in the area after the completion and commissioning of the EMC.

20. Dr Joseph CHAN of HKSH responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The EMC had two medical buildings, both of which would be used for providing medical services. There would be three operation rooms providing surgical services to patients. The EMC would start to provide day-time medical services in 2019 and would provide the 24-hour out-patient services in 2022. Since 2000, the HKSH had invested resources to provide family medical services, and the prices of its day out-patient and night out-patient service fees were appropriate. The HKSH had also been committed to public health education across a wide

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range of age groups, including school students and the elderly. The EMC would provide medical services currently unavailable in Eastern Hospital, such as health checks, early cancer diagnosis and cancer prevention services. The HKSH aspired to benefit the public with the cancer treatment centre of the EMC. The HKSH has been in close contact with the Cluster Chief Executive of the Hong Kong East Cluster of the Hospital Authority to enhance the provision of quality medical services to the community. The HKSH was currently receiving assistance from various funds to support patients with financial needs, and it was believed that this approach would also be applicable to the EMC in the future.

(b) The HKSH was very concerned about the impact of the EMC on the

traffic of the area after its completion. The EMC had about 300 staff members, most of whom were able to use public transport to travel to and from the centre. HKSH employees who lived in Eastern District could apply for a transfer to work at the EMC. The HKSH currently had a feeder bus to transport staff to and from the HKSH and the specialist outpatient centre at Pacific Place in Admiralty. It would be necessary to make an appointment for the majority of the medical services of the EMC, and the HKSH would strengthen the regulation over the appointment process to control the flow of people to the EMC.

(c) The facilities of the EMC, including the toilets, would be open to the

public during the service hours of the EMC. The HKSH would continue to discuss the relocation plan of the temporary public toilet at A Kung Ngam with the various stakeholders.

21. The Chairman hoped that the HKSH would soon invite Members to visit the EMC which would be completed imminently. After discussion, the CLCBSC invited the HKSH and the EPD to note Members’ views. (Post-meeting notes: The presentation materials of the HKSH were forwarded to

Members on 6 December 2018.)

VI. Request for Elaborating on the Benefits That Will Be Brought to Eastern District by the Feed-in Tariff Scheme

(CLCBSC Paper No. 53/18)

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22. The Chairman welcomed Mr LEUNG Wai-kin, Head of Customer Business Development and Ms Catherine SING, Senior Manager (Corporate and Community Affairs) of the Hong Kong Electric Co., Ltd. (HK Electric) and Mr CHUNG Kwai-hon, Senior Engineer /Energy Efficiency A8 of the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to the meeting. When briefing the meeting on the paper, Mr Stanley HO supplemented that Ms NG Ching-ching was a co-signatory of the paper. He also invited Members to note the amendments to the paper concerned. 23. The views and enquiries of 9 Members about the issue were summarised as follows:

(a) Mr LAM Sum-lim enquired about the criteria for eligible tenants.

(b) Mr CHUI Chi-kin enquired about the number of users that applied for the Feed-In Tariff Scheme (the Scheme) in Eastern District, and whether HK Electric would enhance its cooperation with the Government to promote the Scheme.

(c) Mr Howard CHEUNG enquired about the funding details of the Smart

Power Care Fund.

(d) Mr Stanley HO said that some members of the public did not understand the Feed-In Tariff Scheme. He requested HK Electric to step up its publicity efforts for the Scheme and set clear guidelines for the installation of energy panels in buildings. He pointed out that large housing estates had more resources to participate in the Scheme, and urged the HK Electric to implement effective measures to encourage large housing estates to participate in the Scheme.

(e) Mr KUNG Pak-cheung believed that due to geographical constraints, it

would be more difficult to install energy panels on Hong Kong Island than in the New Territories. Therefore, he hoped that the HK Electric would work in line with various government policies to enhance the promotion of the Feed-In Tariff Scheme.

(f) Mr Andrew CHIU said that the implementation of various energy

schemes in large private housing estates would enhance the energy efficiency concerned. However, the residents concerned were often

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unable to participate in the schemes due to economic factors. Therefore, he suggested that the HK Electric increase the funding concerned as an incentive for the residents to participate in the schemes. Besides, he enquired about the details of the Smart Power Care Fund.

(g) Mr MAK Tak-ching enquired how the HK Electric would disseminate

information on energy schemes in the community. He also hoped that the HK Electric would step up the promotion of the Feed-In Tariff Scheme.

(h) Mr Patrick LEUNG said that the amount of investment in the Feed-In

Tariff Scheme was enormous and that some members of public were worried that the installation of the energy panels would affect the maintenance works of the buildings in future. He enquired of the HK Electric about the data on the returns concerned. Besides, he urged the HK Electric to clearly explain the technical issues involved in the Scheme to the public.

(i) Ms NG Ching-ching enquired whether persons who received half-level

and full-level grants of the School Textbook Assistance Scheme would be eligible to apply for the SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme.

24. Mr LEUNG Wai Kin and Ms Catherine SING of the Company and Mr CHUNG Kwai Hon of the EMSD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

The HK Electric

(a) The SDU Rewiring Subsidy Programme was available for subdivided unit residents who received the grants from Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme, Old Age Living Allowance, Working Family Allowance and the School Textbook Assistance Scheme. The vetting and approval work of the Smart Power Care Fund was handled by the vetting committee set up by the HK Electric. Each owner’s committee could apply independently for the fund. Due to resource constraints, the HK Electric would prioritise the processing of buildings with greater needs in accordance with the vetting criteria. The HK Electric would also pay heed to the views in the community, review the

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operation of the fund in a timely manner and make improvements accordingly.

(b) The HK Electric had received 50 applications for the Feed-In Tariff

Scheme, of which 15 were from the Eastern District and involved school buildings, residential buildings and commercial buildings. Since April this year, the HK Electric had started to promote the Feed-In Tariff Scheme in the community through means such as introducing the Scheme to the owners’ committees of various buildings, uploading the technical information involved in the Scheme for the reference of the public and so on. The HK Electric would also proactively provide briefing sessions and technical information to interested members of the public. The HK Electric had set up a hotline for public enquiry at 2843 3228. Members of the public were also welcome to make enquiries to the HK Electric by email.

(c) The HK Electric had always been promoting its work on energy

conservation to schools through the network of Happy Green Schools and would readily cooperate with District Councillors to organise various activities in the community to disseminate information on energy saving.

EMSD

(d) The application process for the Feed-In Tariff Scheme was set out in

detail on the “Hong Kong Renewable Energy Net” website of the EMSD. As long as the solar photovoltaic systems of private buildings met the installation requirements of the Minor Works Control System of the Buildings Department (BD), a qualified person could be hired according to the simplified requirements to carry out the project. For other works that do not meet the installation requirements, the building plans would have to be submitted to the BD for approval before the works could be launched.

25. After discussion, the CLCBSC invited the EMSD and the HK Electric to note Members’ views.

VII. Requesting the Government to Enhance Regulation and Inspection

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Concerning the Operational Safety of Garages in Urban Areas in order to Safeguard the Public’s Safety

(CLCBSC Paper No. 54/18) 26. The Chairman welcomed Mr Cyrus CHOW, Building Surveyor/A5-3 of the BD, Miss Clare LUK, Acting Senior Engineer/Gas Standards B3 of the EMSD, Mr LAI Wai-keung, Senior Divisional Occupational Safety Officer and Mr LEE Wai-cheong, Divisional Occupational Safety Officer of the Labour Department (LD), and Mr YUNG Tak-ming, Acting Divisional Officer and Mr HO Ka-chun, Assistant Divisional Officer (Dangerous Goods) of the Fire Services Department (FSD) to the meeting. Mr HUNG Lin-cham briefed the meeting on Paper No. 54/18. 27. The views and enquiries of 6 Members about the issue were summarised as follows:

(a) Mr WONG Kin-pan enquired of the EMSD about the prosecution dates of its prosecution cases and whether it had issued verbal warnings for other urban motor vehicle offences. He also enquired of the LD whether it had conducted any follow-up work on the offences other than transferring the cases which involved suspected storage of dangerous goods and obstruction of public escape routes to the FSD.

(b) Mr CHIU Chi-keung remarked that there were a lot of garages in

residential areas of Shau Kei Wan, such as Ngoi Man Street and Sai Wan Ho Street, and that the staff of the garages constantly parked vehicles on the roadside for conducting repair work. The situation involved occupational safety issues. He enquired of the LD whether it would follow up on such situation and whether the BD had stipulated an upper limit on the maximum number of vehicles when it was vetting and approving licenses for garages.

(c) Mr MAK Tak-ching pointed out that it was a common occurrence for

the staff of the garages to park vehicles on the roadside for conducting repair work, thus obstructing pedestrian flow and road traffic. He also expressed concern about the occupational safety problems involved and urged the EMSD, LD, HKPF and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to follow up on this issue. He noticed that the FSD and the HKPF conducted a patrol at Hing Man Street on 29 October 2018. He enquired of the FSD and the departments concerned about

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the follow-up action on the suspected conversion of the location concerned into an illegal repair workshop for public light buses.

(d) Mr HUNG Lin-cham opined that although the various departments

conducted frequent inspections of garages in urban areas, he had doubt on whether the departments concerned had strictly enforced the law to prevent illegal activities. He suggested that the government propose economic incentives to encourage garages to move out of residential areas so as to address the potential dangers of garages in urban areas could cause in the long run.

(e) Mr Andrew CHIU said that a number of policy bureaux were involved

in the safety issues of garages in urban areas. He believed that the departments concerned was currently unable to effectively collaborate and coordinate enforcement action. He enquired about the number of inspections conducted by the EMSD in the Eastern District within the past three years.

(f) Mr Joseph LAI was concerned about safety issues arising from the

garages in Sui Man Lane next to Cognitio College (Hong Kong). Examples of the safety issues included the environmental safety issues arising from welding and paint spraying processes and the excessive storage of dangerous goods. Moreover, the oil stains generated from the garages and the obstruction of the street by vehicles under repair also posed serious nuisances to the public. He urged the departments concerned to follow up accordingly and enforce the law strictly.

28. Mr Cyrus CHOW of the BD, Miss Clare LUK of the EMSD, Mr HO Ka-chun of the FSD, and Mr LAI Wai-keung of the LD responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

BD

(a) Upon the receipt of a report of the existence of a vehicle repair shop (commonly known as a garage) in a residential or mixed-use building or the receipt of a referral from a department concerned, the BD would conduct inspections in accordance with the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance and existing enforcement policies against unauthorised building works, and would take appropriate enforcement

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action in a risk-based approach. If a garage posed significant threat or imminent danger to life and property, was seriously harmful to public health or caused an environmental nuisance, the BD would take enforcement action against it. If the case concerned involved the occupation of the road by a garage, the referral of the case to the department concerned for follow-up might be considered. The BD noted Members’ suggestion of introducing economic incentives to encourage garages to move out of residential areas.

EMSD (b) The EMSD had been inspecting the garages that were located in

residential areas and that provided repair and maintenance services for LPG vehicles on a weekly basis. Other garages were also inspected at least once every year. In the past three years, the EMSD conducted more than 1,500 inspections. In 2016, three cases of excessive storage of LPG were found in January, September and October respectively in garages located in North Point and Chai Wan. Each of the persons-in-charge of the garages concerned had been convicted and fined HKD2,000.

FSD (c) It was not necessary to obtain a license from the FSD to operate a garage.

However, if the amount of dangerous goods stored by a garage exceeded the statutory exemption quantities, the garage would need to obtain a dangerous goods license from the FSD. In the past three years, the number of violations found in the Eastern District had been insignificant, and the FSD would take strict enforcement action when a violation was found. The FSD would supplement the information on inspections of garages at Hing Man Street as mentioned by the Member concerned to the CLCBSC after the meeting.

LD (d) The LD had always been committed to safeguarding the occupational

safety and health of employees. If the LD discovered high-risk processes, such as paint spraying, during its inspection of garages in urban areas, it would issue a prohibition notice to the person-in-charge

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of the garage. If further violations were found, the LD would take resolute enforcement actions to ensure the safety of garage staff.

BD/ EMSD/ LD/ FSD

29. After discussion, the CLCBSC agreed to continue to follow up on this agenda item.

(Post-meeting notes: The information supplemented by the FSD was forwarded to Members on 10 January 2019.)

VIII. Reports of the Working Group under CLCBSC (CLCBSC Paper No. 55/18 and 56/18) 30. The Chairman invited Members to declare interests for Paper No. 56/18 if necessary. No interest declarations were made by Members. 31. The CLCBSC endorsed the arrangements in paragraph 2 to 4 of Paper No. 56/18 and noted the two meetings’ minutes.

IX. Reports on Meetings of Other Advisory Bodies by EDC Representatives (CLCBSC Paper No. 57/18 and 58/18) (i) Report of the Regional Advisory Committee Meeting of Hospital Authority 32. The Chairman invited Members to note Paper No. 57/18. 33. The CLCBSC noted the report. (ii) Report of the Eastern District School Liaison Committee Meeting 34. The Chairman briefed the meeting on Paper No. 58/18. 35. The CLCBSC noted the report. X. Progress Report on Matters Arising from Previous Meetings (CLCBSC Paper No. 59/18)

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(i) (a) Urging the Government to Give an Account of the Conservation of the State Theatre in North Point

(b) Requesting the Government to Give an Account of the Assessment Report for the State Theatre and Take Actions for its Conservation to Recognise its Historical and Cultural Importance to Hong Kong 36. The Chairman welcomed Ms Joey LEE, Assistant Secretary (Heritage Conservation) 3, Commissioner for Heritage’s Office of the Development Bureau (DEVB) to the meeting. 37. The views and enquiries of 5 Members about the issue were summarised as follows:

(a) Mr Patrick WONG enquired how the DEVB would follow up on the situation if the conservation plan proposed by the developer was not satisfactory. He urged the DEVB to expedite its process in understanding the conservation plan from the developer and to inform the public of the latest progress.

(b) Mr CHUI Chi-kin expressed worry that the DEVB would no longer be

able to propose its views on the developer’s conservation plan after the completion of the process of compulsory auction. Therefore, he urged the DEVB to negotiate and accomplish an appropriate conservation plan with the developer as soon as possible.

(c) Mr Patrick LEUNG hoped that the developer would fully conserve the overall structure of the State Theatre. He urged the DEVB to proactively follow up on the situation and regularly update the CLCBSC and the public on the latest situation of conservation.

(d) Mr Joseph LAI hoped that the DEVB would meet with the developer on

a regular basis for relaying to the developer the views of the public, conservation experts and Members on the conservation of the State Theatre, and also for elaborating on the conservation regulations and guidelines concerned. Such meetings would ensure that the conservation plan of the State Theatre could better meet public expectations.

(e) Mr Howard CHEUNG enquired about the date on which the developer

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would have a meeting with the major owners of the State Theatre. He also enquired whether the meeting records and minutes concerned would be forwarded to the CLCBSC for reference.

38. Ms Joey LEE of the DEVB responded to the views and enquiries of Members as follows:

(a) The Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB) identified the State Theatre located at King’s Road, North Point as a Grade I historic building in Hong Kong. According to the definition of the grading system, Grade I historic buildings were “buildings of outstanding merit, which every effort should be made to preserve if possible”. The historic buildings grading system was only administrative in nature and did not affect the title, use, management and development rights of historical buildings. If a Grade I historic building required immediate statutory protection, the DEVB would consider declaring the historic building concerned as a proposed monument after consulting the AAB, so that the Government and the building owner could negotiate a conservation plan. According to the current heritage conservation policy, the Government could provide private owners with economic incentives to encourage them to agree to conserve their historic buildings in order to strike a balance between the preservation of historic buildings and respect for private property rights.

(b) According to the DEVB’s understanding, the major owners of the State

Theatre held proactive attitude towards the conservation of the State Theatre and said that they would cooperate with civil groups to carry out the community engagement activities concerned. The activities included collecting oral history and conducting guided tours. The DEVB did not currently have the date of the next meeting with the developer. The DEVB would keep in contact with the major owners of the State Theatre and would report to the CLCBSC upon further progress.

39. The CLCBSC noted that the due to re-organisation, the Antiquities and Monuments Office had been transferred from under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to under the C HO of the DEVB. The issue of the State Theatre would be followed up by the DEVB.

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CHO of the DEVB/ Antiquities and Monuments Office

40. The CLCBSC agreed to follow up on this agenda item upon further progress.

(ii) Identifying a Site for Relocation of Chai Wan Laundry as soon as possible

and Expanding the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital at the Current Site of the Laundry

41. The CLCBSC noted the written reply of the Hospital Authority, Planning Department and the Lands Department.

Hospital Authority/ Planning Department/ Lands Department

42. The CLCBSC agreed to follow up on this agenda item upon further progress.

(iii) (a) Request to Extend the Scope of the Elderly Dental Assistance Scheme,

Expand the Service of Dental Clinics With General Public Sessions and Study the Introduction of an Elderly Dental Care Scheme

(b) Concern about the Lack of Public Dental Services in Eastern District 43. The CLCBSC noted the written reply of the Food and Health Bureau and the Department of Health.

Food and Health Bureau/ Department of Health

44. The CLCBSC agreed to follow up on this agenda item upon further progress.

(iv) Request for the Government to Set up an Inter-Departmental Working Group

to Study the Installation of Renewable Energy Power Generation Systems (such as Solar Power Generation Equipment) in Government-owned Buildings

45. Mr CHUI Chi-kin invited the Environment Bureau to provide information on the renewable energy systems that the Government would install in the government-owned building in the Eastern District. 46. The Chairman invited the Environment Bureau to provide the information to the CLCBSC after the meeting.

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Environment Bureau/ DEVB

47. The CLCBSC agreed to follow up on this agenda item upon further progress.

(Post-meeting notes: The information supplemented by the Environment Bureau was forwarded to Members on 24 January 2019.) 48. Requesting the Government to Implement Universal Retirement Protection and Set a Timetable

Labour and Welfare Bureau/ Commission on Poverty

49. The CLCBSC agreed to follow up on this agenda item upon further progress.

XI. Any Other Business (i) Invitation to Be the Partner Organisation of Vita Green Cycle for Health

Marathon Challenge 2019 50. The Chairman stated that according to past practices, the Eastern District Council would not be a partner organisation of activities organised by other organisations. 51. After discussion, the CLCBSC agreed that the Eastern District Council would be a supporting organisation for the proposed event, and that the organiser would display the logo of Eastern District Council on its promotional materials and webpage. XII. Date of the Next Meeting 52. The meeting ended at 6:30 pm. The next meeting would be held at 2:30 pm on 29 January 2019 (Tuesday). Eastern District Council Secretariat January 2019