(Translation)

Minutes of the 21st Meeting of the Community Affairs Committee of District Council (5th Term)

Date: 23 May 2019 (Thursday) Time: 9:30 a.m. Venue: Conference Room, Council

Present

Chairman Mr LEE Wing-man

Members Mr CHAN Kwok-wai (Arrived at 12:15 p.m.) Mr CHAN Wai-ming, MH, JP Ms CHAN Wing-yan, Joephy (Arrived at 10:20 a.m.)

Mr CHENG Wing-shun, Vincent, MH Mr CHEUNG Wing-sum, Ambrose, BBS, MH, JP Ms CHOW Wing-heng, Zoé (Arrived at 9:40 a.m.) Mr CHUM Tak-shing (Arrived at 11:10 a.m.) Mr HO Kai-ming, Kalvin (Arrived at 10:30 a.m.; left at 11:03 a.m.) Mr KONG Kwai-sang Ms LAU Pui-yuk Mr LEUNG Man-kwong Ms NG Mei, Carman Ms NG Yuet-lan (Arrived at 9:35 a.m.) Mr TAM Kwok-kiu, MH, JP (Arrived at 9:50 a.m.) Mr WAI Woon-nam (Left at 11:47 a.m.) Mr WONG Tat-tung, Dennis, MH, JP (Arrived at 9:50 a.m.; left at 11:46 a.m.) Mr YAN Kai-wing (Left at 11:47 a.m.) Mr YEUNG Yuk (Arrived at 10:25 a.m.)

Co-opted Members Ms LAM Po-yu Mr LI Kam-kuen Mr TSANG Tsz-ming

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In Attendance

Miss MAN Ka-wing, Kelly Assistant District Officer (Sham Shui Po) 1 Ms CHAN Tsz-yee, Emily Senior Liaison Officer 1, Sham Shui Po District Office Ms LAM Suk-wah, Amy Senior Community Relations Officer, West Regional Office, Independent Commission Against Corruption Ms CHOW Wai-ying Housing Manager (Kowloon West and Sai Kung 8), Housing Department Mr YEUNG Chi-shing Neighbourhood Police Coordinator, Police Relations Office, Shamshuipo District, Police Force Ms KAN Hoi-yan, Amanda Chief School Development Officer (Sham Shui Po), Education Bureau Ms LEUNG Wai-ling, Betty Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Sham Shui Po) 2, Social Welfare Department Ms HO Wing-sze, Marianna Senior Manager (Kowloon West/Cultural Services), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LAU Siu-mui, Lily Manager (Kowloon West) Marketing, Programme and District Activities, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr YEUNG Chi-kuen, Roy Assistant District Leisure Manager (Sham Shui Po) District Support, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms WONG Sau-ling, Vicky Deputy District Leisure Manager (Sham Shui Po) District Support, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms YEUNG Siu-ping, Grace Senior Librarian (Sham Shui Po), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr CHENG Koon-hang Chief Health Inspector 2, Sham Shui Po District, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr TAM Kui-shang, Eric Town Planner/Yau Tsim Mong 1, Planning Department Mr FUNG Chi-keong Town Planner/Sham Shui Po 2, Planning Department

Secretary Miss NG Ka-fu, Kathy Executive Officer (District Council) 2, Sham Shui Po District Office

Absent with Apologies

Members Mr LAM Ka-fai, Aaron, BBS, JP Mr LEUNG Yau-fong

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Absent

Member Mr LEE Tsz-king, Dominic

Co-opted Member Mr WONG Wing-wai

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Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed all members and representatives of government departments to this meeting. He also welcomed Ms Amanda KAN, Chief School Development Officer (Sham Shui Po) of the Education Bureau (“EDB”), to attend this meeting in place of Ms LO Ying-yue, Anna, Mr YEUNG Chi-shing, Neighbourhood Police Coordinator, Police Relations Office, Shamshuipo District of the Hong Kong Police Force (“HKPF”), to attend this meeting in place of Mr CHOI Kwok-wai, and Ms Grace YEUNG, Senior Librarian (Sham Shui Po) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”), to attend future meetings in place of Miss CHAN Wai-yam, Eunice.

2. The Committee noted the absence applications from Mr Aaron LAM and Mr LEUNG Yau-fong.

Agenda Item 1: Confirmation of minutes of the 20th meeting held on 21 March 2019

3. The Committee confirmed the above minutes without amendment.

Agenda Item 2: Matters for discussion

(a) Urge the authorities to carry out proper planning for the land sites borrowed for the express rail link in Nam Cheong Park as soon as possible (CAC Paper 30/19)

4. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming introduced Paper 30/19.

5. The Chairman said that the Secretariat had invited the Drainage Services Department, the Lands Department (“LandsD”) and the Town Planning Board (“TPB”) to attend the meeting, yet the parties concerned could not send a representative to attend. He asked members to refer to the relevant written responses (Papers 43/19 and 47/19).

6. Ms Vicky WONG introduced Response Paper 44/19.

7. Mr Eric TAM introduced Response Paper 48/19. He also added that he thanked the Committee for inviting TPB to attend the meeting, yet the Planning Department (“PlanD”) was responsible for general community planning matters (including attending the meetings of the District Council (“DC”)).

8. Mr YEUNG Chi-shing introduced Response Paper 50/19.

9. Mr WAI Woon-nam raised the following views and enquiries: (i) some land sites in Nam Cheong Park which had been lent to other departments for constructing underground facilities had already been returned to LCSD, yet the Department had not advised of the future use of the land sites concerned; (ii) it was learnt that a land site had been reserved - 5 - Action by for HKPF to set up a police station but the land site was only used for placing mills barriers at the moment. He enquired how long the mills barriers would be placed there, which police district the new police station would belong to and the planning schedule; (iii) he enquired whether LCSD would provide toilets in Nam Cheong Park near Hoi Fai Road and whether MTR Corporation Limited (“MTRCL”) would consider beautifying the ventilation facilities in Nam Cheong Park.

10. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he enquired whether the ramp from Hoi Fai Road to Sham Mong Road would cause inconvenience or danger to vehicles accessing the new police station; (ii) since there was a police station in the vicinity of the Government Offices already, he enquired about the necessity of another police station within such a short distance and whether the Sham Shui Po Division Police Station would be relocated to Nam Cheong Park; (iii) if the new police station did not belong to Sham Shui Po District (“SSP District”), he enquired whether it meant that some areas in SSP would be under the command of another district.

11. Ms Zoé CHOW said that it was learnt that the “Government, Institution or Community” site was reserved for setting up a police station. However, the site was located in between Sham Shui Po Division Police Station and Yau Ma Tei Division Police Station. She enquired the necessity of constructing an additional police station and whether nearby residents had been consulted on the planning of the land site.

12. Ms Vicky WONG responded that due to inadequate budget, MTRCL could not provide toilets when restoring the borrowed sites. However, space had been reserved for LCSD for the purpose. The toilets concerned would be built by the Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”) and would be opened together with other facilities.

13. Mr Eric TAM responded that according to archival information, the “Government, Institution or Community” site had been reserved for setting up police station many years ago. Since PlanD did not have information about whether a consultation had been conducted at the moment, the information would be provided afterwards.

[Post-meeting notes by PlanD: according to the record of PlanD, the Department had consulted the Sham Shui Po District Council (“SSPDC”) on 24 August 1992 on the draft West Kowloon Reclamation Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K20/C and the West Kowloon Reclamation Development Outline Plan (including the reservation of the land site for the purpose of setting up a police station). On 15 January 1998, the Department had consulted SSPDC on the proposed amendments (including minor extension of the boundaries of the “Government, Institution or Community” zone (which referred to the site reserved for setting up a police station) of the land site) in respect of the draft South West Kowloon Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K20/3. So far, the land use zoning and planning of - 6 - Action by the land site remained unchanged. In general, since the land site had been reserved for the department concerned for setting up police station, DC would be consulted again after the department concerned implemented the development project.]

14. Mr YEUNG Chi-shing responded that since HKPF was conducting a preliminary study on using the land site for setting up a police station, the future use of the land site could not be finalised. After drawing up a preliminary proposal, HKPF would submit the proposal to DC.

15. Mr WAI Woon-nam raised the following enquiries: (i) he enquired to which police district the new police station would belong to and hoped that HKPF could provide relevant documents; (ii) he enquired whether it was spacious inside the box culvert mentioned in the response paper and where it would lead to.

16. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming raised the following views and enquiries: (i) the land site should not be used for placing mills barriers only. He enquired whether HKPF would release the site for providing other facilities such as toilets; (ii) the departments concerned should consult nearby residents on the land use.

17. Ms LAU Pui-yuk raised the following views and enquiries: (i) residents hoped that toilets could be provided in Nam Cheong Park near Tai Kok Tsui area. She enquired whether the Department had drawn up a timetable for the suggestion; (ii) she suggested the Department consult the users of Nam Cheong Park when planning the toilets so as to better cater their needs; (iii) she hoped that the works for Nam Cheong Park could be completed as soon as possible.

18. Mr LI Kam-kuen said that the residents in Pak Tin area and area always hoped that Shek Kip Mei Police Station could be reopened to improve the law and order in the vicinity. However, the Police disregarded the request and instead planned to build a police station in Nam Cheong Park. He opined that this arrangement was unfair to the residents in Shek Kip Mei.

19. Mr YEUNG Chi-shing gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The construction of a new police station was still at the preliminary planning stage. When the professionals carried out an assessment, the possibility of underground facilities at the site affecting the construction would be taken into consideration.

(ii) If the site was suitable for constructing police station, HKPF would submit the plan concerned to DC for discussion. If the site was not suitable for the - 7 - Action by

purpose and HKPF planned to use the site for other purposes (e.g. placing mills barriers), HKPF would consult DC as well. If the use concerned was not supported by DC, HKPF might surrender the site.

(iii) The site was located within Mong Kok Police District. As for the new police station, including which police district it would belong to and whether other police stations or the Kowloon West Regional Headquarters would be relocated to there, these could be considered after the construction of a new police station was finalised.

(iv) Shek Kip Mei Police Station had been closed for many years, and the building was currently used as the operational base of the Police Tactical Unit and the offices of different departments of HKPF. The police reporting centre there was convenient for the residents in Shek Kip Mei area, thus there was no plan to reopen the police station for the time being.

20. Ms Vicky WONG responded that ArchSD was discussing the works arrangements with LCSD. However, as the sewage and drainage problems were rather complicated, the works schedule for the construction of toilets was not available at the moment. LCSD would report the progress to DC in a timely manner.

21. Mr Eric TAM responded that PlanD would first examine whether the site was suitable for setting up police station. If the site was suitable for the purpose, the planning on the site would remain unchanged, otherwise, the Department would alter the planning.

22. The Chairman said that as Nam Cheong Park was managed by LCSD, MTRCL was not invited to the meeting. He then concluded as follows: (i) the Committee was concerned about the use of the concerned land site. The departments were open-minded towards the matter and hoped that members could know more about the views of local residents and relay them to the departments concerned so that the departments could make appropriate arrangements; (ii) since toilets were necessary ancillary facilities, it was hoped that LCSD and ArchSD would expedite the construction of the toilets to benefit the residents.

[The Chairman handed over the chair to Mr Ambrose CHEUNG temporarily.]

(b) Request for finalising the plan for developing the Cheung Sha Wan Cooked Food Market site into social welfare complex (CAC Paper 31/19)

23. Ms Zoé CHOW introduced Paper 31/19.

24. Mr Ambrose CHEUNG said that the Secretariat had invited the Labour and - 8 - Action by

Welfare Bureau (“LWB”), LandsD and the Transport Department (“TD”) to attend the meeting. LandsD and TD could not send staff to this meeting. LWB said that the Social Welfare Department (“SWD”) would attend the meeting on its behalf. He asked members to refer to the relevant written responses (Papers 46/19 and 52/19).

25. Mr CHENG Koon-hang introduced Response Paper 45/19.

26. Mr FUNG Chi-keong introduced Response Paper 49/19.

[Mr Ambrose CHEUNG handed back the chairmanship of the meeting to the Chairman.]

27. Ms Vicky WONG introduced Response Paper 51/19.

28. Ms Betty LEUNG responded that SWD welcomed the construction of more social welfare facilities in the district. After confirming that the site was suitable for long-term use for providing social welfare facilities, the Department was willing to provide detailed information about relevant services. At the moment, the demand for rehabilitation and elderly services had been the most pressing.

29. Ms Zoé CHOW said that it was learnt that SWD needed more rehabilitation and elderly service facilities. She hoped that LWB and SWD would actively consider using the site for providing social welfare facilities to meet the community needs.

30. Mr Ambrose CHEUNG raised the following views and enquiries: (i) the short-term use of the site was subject to the suggestions of the departments. Regarding its long-term use, considering that the suggestion in the paper involved many departments, he suggested the Development Bureau (“DEVB”) take a leading role in the project and be responsible for exploring the suitable long-term use of the site and coordinating with various departments; (ii) he enquired the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”) of the cost of demolishing the existing facilities. If the cost was high, considerations should be given to the temporary uses and long-term uses which could be compatible with the existing facilities.

31. Ms Carman NG said that the waiting time of children with learning disabilities (e.g. Hyperactivity Disorder) for relevant services was long, while formative years were very essential to children. Therefore, she enquired whether early education service could be included in the social welfare facilities to shorten the waiting time of the children.

32. Mr CHENG Koon-hang responded that FEHD maintained close communication with LandsD and ArchSD regarding the demolition of the Cheung Sha Wan Cooked Food Market, and learnt that ArchSD estimated the demolition cost to be more than $10 million. - 9 - Action by

In accordance with the temporary land allocations of LandsD, FEHD had to completely demolish the structures in the site concerned before surrendering the site. Hence, the Department was applying for funding and would report to DC if there was further update.

33. Mr FUNG Chi-keong responded that according to the Outline Zoning Plan, temporary uses, which were five years or less and complied with relevant regulations and requirements, were always permitted. Concerning the long-term use, since the requirements on different kinds of proposed facilities varied, PlanD would consider the matter in a holistic manner after receiving relevant information (e.g. the sensitivity of facilities to noise, requirements on transport accessibility, etc.).

34. Ms Betty LEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) SWD needed to consider different factors (e.g. location, transport ancillary facilities, etc.) in order to decide whether the site could be used for rehabilitation and elderly service facilities.

(ii) The Department had all along been planning for the provision of more early education service. At present, when the Government was identifying suitable premises for welfare purpose, it had been actively reserving space for providing rehabilitation services which included early education service.

(iii) Since the provision of social welfare facilities was not the only proposed use of the site, LWB or SWD would not be the lead department.

35. Mr Ambrose CHEUNG raised the following views: (i) he suggested the Committee give suggestions to DEVB and request the Bureau to act as the lead department, and consider using the site for multi-purpose development, which included the provision of social welfare facilities and suggestions proposed in the paper, and change the land use if necessary; (ii) since the site was close to MTR lines, he believed that it would be rather difficult to build an underground car park; (iii) he suggested FEHD and LandsD work closely in exercising flexibility on the deadline for demolition to allow the department which temporarily used the site to carry out demolition only when it surrendered the site so as to save cost.

36. Ms Zoé CHOW raised the following views: (i) she hoped that the suggestion on constructing a social welfare complex could be implemented; (ii) the problem of illegal parking was serious in SSP District and the demand for parking facilities was keen. She hoped that relevant departments would carry out investigation and explore whether an underground car park could be built at the site; (iii) it was necessary for relevant departments to consult local residents before deciding on the short-term use of the site. - 10 - Action by

37. Ms Carman NG said that no matter which department would take a leading role in the matter, she hoped that the site could be reserved for the proposed uses as soon as possible. In addition, since the cost of assessing on learning disabilities was so high that not all families could afford it, she hoped that relevant departments could follow up on the above suggestion as soon as possible.

38. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views: (i) at present, the temporary uses of lands in the district were mainly for transitional housing or temporary car parks. He hoped that FEHD could ascertain whether there was any department interested in using the site for temporary use and consult DC as soon as possible; (ii) the demand for the above services was keen in the district, he agreed to urge DEVB to consider members’ views and expedite the development; (iii) he hoped that MTRCL would provide a location map of MTR facilities so that DC would know more about the feasibility of constructing an underground car park at the site; (iv) he was open-minded towards the construction of a ground-level car park at the site.

39. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming raised the following views: (i) in view of the lack of various services and facilities in the district, he opined that an extensive consultation could first be conducted in the district to decide on the short and long-term uses of the site; (ii) Paper 52/19 showed that TD was open-minded towards the arrangement of “single site, multiple use”. He hoped that part of the site could be used as temporary car park at present stage and a car park could be provided in the complex in the future to alleviate the problem of inadequate parking spaces.

40. Ms NG Yuet-lan said that social welfare facilities were insufficient in Hong Kong, while some parents could not afford the assessment or treatment cost of their children, which caused family problems. Besides, parking spaces were inadequate in the district. Therefore, she hoped that various departments could work together in utilizing the land for multi-purpose development as far as possible.

41. The Chairman said that if there were underground MTR facilities, other underground facilities could not be built within a certain area surrounding the location concerned. However, a ground-level car park could still be constructed.

42. Mr CHENG Koon-hang responded that FEHD was open-minded towards the short-term use of the site concerned. If any department was interested in using the site, the Department would take complementary measures.

43. Mr FUNG Chi-keong responded that since PlanD was not the responsible department for railway matters, it could not advise the technical constraints caused by - 11 - Action by

MTR on the proposed facilities. However, it was necessary to conduct a multifaceted technical assessment before developing the site. Hence, the department which initiated the project had to first provide basic information about the proposal, then consult the views of relevant technical departments and take all these into joint consideration.

44. Ms Betty LEUNG responded that due to the keen demand of children for pre-school rehabilitation services, the Government would include “On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services Scheme” in the regular services to provide training quotas to children with special needs who were studying in kindergartens or kindergarten-cum-child care centres. Besides, in order to respond to the demand for pre-school rehabilitation services, the Department would reserve space for providing early education and training centres if there were suitable premises in development projects of newly built or redeveloped public housing estates and those of the Urban Renewal Authority. Apart from that, children who were on the waiting list of subvented pre-school rehabilitation services could apply for the training subsidy provided by SWD to acquire self-financing pre-school training services.

45. The Chairman concluded as follows: (i) parking facilities and social welfare facilities, especially rehabilitation facilities for pre-school children, were inadequate in the district. The Committee hoped that a complex which included the above facilities could be constructed at the site; (ii) since it was suggested that a multi-purpose complex be constructed at the site, the Committee would issue a letter to DEVB after the meeting to relay the Committee’s views to the Bureau and request the Bureau to review the feasibility of the suggestions concerned.

46. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu enquired about the arrangement for the temporary use of the site.

47. The Chairman added that he hoped that relevant departments would actively consider short-term uses for the site such as car park and optimise usage of the existing facilities to save demolition cost.

(c) 2019-20 Work Plan of Shamshuipo District Social Welfare Office under the Social Welfare Department (CAC Paper 32/19)

48. Ms Betty LEUNG introduced Paper 32/19.

49. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views: (i) there were more elderly people in need of mental health care in old housing estates. Although SWD had provided support services through elderly centres and day care centres for the elderly, the needs of the elderly were easily neglected due to limited service scope. Therefore, SWD should - 12 - Action by collaborate with the Housing Department (“HD”) and non-governmental organisations (“NGOs”) of housing estates to provide assistance regularly; (ii) ethnic minority families were rather poor, he hoped that SWD would know more about the needs of the these families and provide assistance through the measures mentioned in paragraphs 3.16 and 3.17 of the paper.

50. Ms Carman NG raised the following views: (i) as some residents of Estate had suffered from emotional problems due to relocation, she believed that the residents of Pak Tin Estate would need the assistance of social workers during relocation; (ii) two cases of child abuse and elder abuse had occurred earlier in Chak On Estate. The performance of the frontline staff of Tai Hang Tung Integrated Family Service Centre was commendable since they had not only handled the cases promptly, but also helped the children return to school as soon as possible.

51. Mr YEUNG Yuk said that the population in the reclamation area had gradually increased and the existing services of integrated family service centres had fallen short of demand. As a result, residents living in the neighbourhood of the reclamation area had to travel to Social Security Field Unit which was further away to seek assistance, while that unit also needed to handle numerous cases. He expected that the number of cases in Un Chau would increase. Considering the long processing time for cases of housing estates, he enquired whether the Department planned to set up an integrated family service centre or a social security field unit in the reclamation area.

52. Mr KONG Kwai-sang raised the following views and enquiries: (i) the integrated family service centre of Hong Kong Christian Service had been relocated from Lei Cheng Uk Estate to several years ago, which had caused great inconvenience to the residents. He enquired whether SWD could liaise with the organisation and relocate the centre back to Lei Cheng Uk Estate; (ii) the “dual option” arrangement of the Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services (“SCNAMES”) provided protection and elderly services to the elderly people with deteriorating health conditions in a timely manner. Hence, he strongly opposed the Department’s suggestion on cancelling the “dual option”.

53. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views: (i) he hoped that SWD would review the location of the integrated family service centre of Hong Kong Christian Service and consider relocating the centre back to the neighbourhood of Lei Cheng Uk Estate; (ii) he hoped that the Department would help promote bazaar activities to facilitate the development of bazaar activities in SSP District, this could help build social capital. (iii) he hoped that SWD would provide more information about cancelling the “dual option” at the next meeting.

54. Mr LI Kam-kuen said that since some of the mental patients in the housing estates - 13 - Action by lacked support, he enquired whether SWD or the Hospital Authority could arrange community nurses to pay home visits and offer assistance.

55. Ms Betty LEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The Department would hire ethnic minorities to set up three dedicated outreach teams to identify, actively approach and assist ethnic minorities in need through outreaching. SSP District was one of the service regions, and the district social welfare office would also coordinate relevant services when needed.

(ii) The Department would establish a support network, which included the provision of emotional support, for residents of the new housing estates through a collaborative platform.

(iii) In view of gradual completion of new housing estates, the Department was reviewing the scope of service of integrated family service centres.

(iv) In respect of the revised SCNAMES, relevant information could not be provided at the moment.

56. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the 2019-20 Work Plan of Shamshuipo District Social Welfare Office under SWD.

(d) Report by LCSD on recreational and sports activities organised in Sham Shui Po District (CAC Paper 33/19)

57. Ms Vicky WONG introduced Paper 33/19.

58. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the contents of the report.

(e) Report by LCSD on district free entertainment programmes and district arts and cultural activities in Sham Shui Po District (CAC Paper 34/19)

59. Ms Marianna HO introduced Paper 34/19.

60. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the contents of the report.

(f) Report by LCSD on the extension activities and utilisation of public libraries in Sham Shui Po District (CAC Paper 35/19)

61. Ms Grace YEUNG introduced Paper 35/19.

62. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu said that since the existing oral history mainly relied on the - 14 - Action by collection of academics and individuals, the information was not comprehensive. Therefore, he hoped that the Department would consider utilizing the platform of public libraries to promote the work on district oral history, convert the collected information about district oral history into documentary records and keep them in district public libraries. He believed that schools would also be interested in participating in this matter.

63. Ms Carman NG said that Shek Kip Mei Public Library (“SKMPL”) was popular among residents but there were limited seats and no self-study room in the library. Residents suggested that temporary self-study rooms could be provided at the space outside the library during examination season. She enquired whether LCSD would study the suggestion concerned with HD.

64. Ms Grace YEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) Hong Kong Public Libraries placed great importance on and was committed to the preservation of historical and cultural resources. Since 2014, the Department had set up a “Cultural and Historical Resources Corner” in designated public libraries in 18 districts to provide information and documents of various aspects such as culture, history and community development of the districts concerned and make them available to the public. The libraries had also collaborated with NGOs and historians to organise subject talks on the culture and history of the districts concerned. The recordings of the talks would also be uploaded onto the multimedia information system of the library so that the public could listen to the recordings. In addition, Hong Kong Central Library also set up the “Hong Kong Oral History Collection” and the “Hong Kong Memory” website. Among these, “Hong Kong Voices” was an oral history archive keeping interviews collected through collaboration with different academic institutions, community organisations and academics, including the interviews with indigenous inhabitants in SSP District. The Department would continue to look for opportunities to collaborate with different organisations and academics in the district in order to increase collections of this aspect.

(ii) The self-study rooms in the two libraries (Lai Chi Kok Public Library and Po On Road Public Library) in the district provided over 380 seats in total. The utilisation rate had all along been stable and the seats provided should be able to meet the demand. The Department noted member’s views on the self-study rooms, yet they should be set up at a quiet place and certain space is required. Besides, since a new library which would soon be built would also be equipped with self-study rooms, she believed that the needs - 15 - Action by

of local residents could be met.

65. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu said that he hoped that LCSD could show its work on district oral history in its work plan and consider the implementation of a scheme for collecting information about the history of the SKMPL district. For instance, a record could be kept for Tai Hang Sai Estate in the form of oral history before its redevelopment.

66. Ms Carman NG raised the following views: (i) the self-study rooms at Po On Road or in Lai Chi Kok would be too far for residents in Shek Kip Mei area, thus she hoped that a self-study room could be provided in Sham Shui Po East; (ii) the demand for self-study rooms was keen in the district. She hoped that the Department would provide study space for students in Shek Kip Mei area during examination season; (iii) the equipment of the self-study room in Po On Road Public Library was rather old. The Department should carry out renovation works in a timely manner to meet the needs of students.

67. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming said that the examination season of schools started after the end of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. Since people in the district had a keen demand for self-study rooms, he believed that if there were new self-study rooms, a lot of people would use them.

68. Ms Grace YEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) Member’s views on the oral history were noted. The Department would pay attention to the development of the district and the possibility of working with local organisations when developing the collection concerned, and relay the views to the staff who were maintaining the “Hong Kong Oral History Collection”.

(ii) EDB was responsible for coordinating the matter of facilities of self-study rooms; whereas the libraries were responsible for the facilities of self-study rooms in the libraries. Hence, she could not provide advice on providing self-study rooms at places outside the libraries.

(iii) The Department noted that the facilities of the self-study room in Po On Road Public Library were rather old, and it would carry out improvement works gradually and renovate the facilities concerned to provide a comfortable environment to the public.

69. Ms Amanda KAN responded that self-study room service was provided by different units including LCSD and voluntary agencies. EDB was only responsible for collecting the information provided by self-study rooms annually, instead of coordinating the matter of facilities of self-study rooms as a whole. She would relay the views concerned to - 16 - Action by relevant departments.

70. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the contents of the report.

Agenda Item 3: Report from Working Group under the Committee

(a) Vetting Sub-Committee (CAC Paper 36/19)

71. Mr WAI Woon-nam said that at an earlier meeting of the Vetting Sub-Committee (“VSC”), it was found that gift coupons were used as gifts in some activities applying for reserved funds. At that time, he had suggested using book coupons instead. He enquired whether VSC could discuss in future meetings whether to suggest organisations not to use gift coupons as gifts.

72. Ms LAU Pui-yuk said that she did not have strong views on whether to use gift coupons or book coupons as gifts. Some organisations had distributed gift coupons for specific items such as rice coupons, rice vermicelli coupons, etc. She opined that organisations would have different considerations when organising activities, therefore it might be better to allow organisations to decide themselves.

73. Mr TSANG Tsz-ming said that regardless of distributing book coupons or gift coupons, there was suspected transfer of benefits. He enquired whether organisations would be restricted from distributing any forms of coupons and whether the Independent Commission Against Corruption (“ICAC”) had any guidelines on the distribution of gift coupons.

74. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views: (i) the Sham Shui Po District Office (“SSPDO”) should enquire the Home Affairs Department (“HAD”) of the guidelines on distribution of gift coupons; (ii) the activities should not involve the distribution of relief payment but gift coupons and rice coupons, etc. gave people an impression that these were related to relief payment. On the other hand, book coupons could encourage self-enhancement and were flexible in nature, which could be used for purchasing books and stationery, etc. Hence, he opined that book coupons were more suitable as gifts.

75. The Chairman said that book coupons, gift coupons, gifts, etc. were all valuable items. He enquired whether the distribution of these items during activities would contravene the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (“POBO”).

76. Ms Amy LAM responded that the definition of advantage in POBO referred to all valuable items in general, thus gift coupons, book coupons, gift packs, etc. belonged to advantages in law. In accordance with the legislation, if an agent intended to accept an - 17 - Action by advantage when handling the business of a principal, the agreement/permission from the principal must be obtained. Otherwise, this might be in breach of POBO. However, the focus of this discussion was whether the funds allocating party would allow applying organisations to use the funds to purchase sensitive items such as gift coupons and book coupons which were equivalent to cash, which was not covered by POBO.

77. The Chairman concluded as follows: (i) it was hoped that SSPDO would enquire HAD of the relevant guidelines. If there were further views, VSC would discuss this matter again; (ii) the Committee noted and endorsed the above working group report.

(b) Working Group on Elderly and Rehabilitation Services (CAC Papers 37/19 and 38/19)

78. The Committee noted and endorsed the above working group reports.

Agenda Item 4: Any other business

(a) 2018/2019 Sham Shui Po District Council Allocation Monitoring Programme – LCSD 4th Quarter Activities Assessment Report (CAC Papers 39/19 to 41/19)

79. The Committee noted and endorsed the above three assessment reports.

(b) Funding applications to Vetting Sub-Committee (CAC Paper 36/19)

80. The Chairman stated that VSC, at its meeting on 21 May this year, had vetted the applications for reserved funds and non-reserved funds for organising activities during the period from 1 July to 30 September 2019, and endorsed an allocation of $1,117,593 of reserved funds for organising 23 activities and an allocation of $761,823 of non-reserved funds for organising 25 activities. The applications for reserved funds and non-reserved funds were listed in Annex A and Annex B respectively. He asked members to consider whether to endorse the above funding applications and reminded members to make declaration of interests in accordance with the Sham Shui Po District Council Standing Orders.

Application No: 190075 - 190081

81. The Committee endorsed the above funding applications.

Application No: 190082

82. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views and enquiries: (i) the proposed allocation of SSPDC funds of this fiscal year had not yet been endorsed. He enquired whether the organisations were allowed to organise the activities in advance; (ii) since the - 18 - Action by amount of the funding application was over $100,000, it was necessary to submit the funding application to DC for vetting. However, he believed that DC could not vet the funding application before 2 July this year, which was the scheduled date of the activity, thus the organisation could not organise the activity as scheduled. Otherwise, this would violate the funding guidelines. He hoped that the Secretariat would pay attention to the problem regarding activity dates.

83. The Chairman said that in general, for activities using DC funds, the organisations would pay all of the expenses first and submit an application to the Secretariat for reimbursement afterwards. Besides, organisations applying for funding would receive an approval letter in respect of the funding application after the completion of all vetting procedures. The organisations could start organising the activities only after receipt of the approval letter.

84. The Committee endorsed the above funding application.

Application No: 190083 - 190094

85. The Committee endorsed the above funding applications.

Application No: 190095

86. Ms LAM Po-yu declared interests, stating that she was a committee member of Sham Shui Po Arts Association Limited.

87. The Chairman ruled that as there were substantive duties in the position, Ms LAM Po-yu could not participate in the discussion, decision-making and voting but did not need to withdraw from the meeting.

88. The Committee endorsed the above funding application.

Application No: 190096 -190098, 190100 - 190105

89. The Committee endorsed the above funding applications.

Application No: 190106

90. Ms LAM Po-yu declared interests, stating that she was the President of Nam Wan Opera Musical Troupe.

91. The Chairman ruled that as there were substantive duties in the position, Ms LAM Po-yu could not participate in the discussion, decision-making and voting but did not need - 19 - Action by to withdraw from the meeting.

92. The Committee endorsed the above funding application.

Application No: 190107

93. The Committee endorsed the above funding application.

Application No: 190108

94. Ms LAM Po-yu declared interests, stating that she was the Honorary Chairman of Sound Plus Song Association.

95. The Chairman ruled that as there were no substantive duties in the position, Ms LAM Po-yu could participate in the discussion, decision-making and voting.

96. The Committee endorsed the above funding application.

Application No: 190109

97. Ms LAM Po-yu declared interests, stating that she was the Honorary Chairman of Nanqu Opera Association.

98. The Chairman ruled that as there were no substantive duties in the position, Ms LAM Po-yu could participate in the discussion, decision-making and voting.

99. The Committee endorsed the above funding application.

Application No: 190110 -190112

100. The Committee endorsed the above funding applications.

Application No: 190119

101. Ms LAU Pui-yuk declared interests, stating that she was the Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Lau Chan Siu Po Kindergarten Parent-Teacher Association.

102. The Chairman ruled that as there were substantive duties in the position, Ms LAU Pui-yuk could not participate in the discussion, decision-making and voting but did not need to withdraw from the meeting.

103. The Committee endorsed the above funding application. - 20 - Action by

Application No: 190132

104. Mr CHAN Wai-ming declared interests, stating that he was the Honorary President of Friends of Hoi Lai Society.

105. The Chairman ruled that as there were no substantive duties in the position, Mr CHAN Wai-ming could participate in the discussion, decision-making and voting.

106. The Committee endorsed the above funding application.

Application No: 190133 -190141

107. The Committee endorsed the above funding applications.

108. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu enquired whether Application No. 190119 was a graduation dining activity for the above Po Leung Kuk Kindergarten.

109. Ms LAU Pui-yuk said that the activity of the application concerned was an open activity.

(c) Arrangements regarding the dedicated funding for arts and cultural activities in Sham Shui Po District (CAC Paper 42/19)

110. The Secretary introduced Paper 42/19.

111. Members had no comments on the funding arrangements.

112. The Chairman concluded that the Committee endorsed the funding arrangements and proposed timetable in Paper 42/19 and passed the funding applications to VSC for vetting. After the meeting, the Secretariat would invite district groups/organisations to apply for the funds via DC’s website. The funding applications would be vetted by VSC at its meeting in July this year.

113. Ms Carman NG enquired about the definition of “one activity” mentioned in item (b) under any other business in the VSC report.

114. The Chairman responded as follows: (i) due to limited amount of non-reserved funds allocation in each quarter, a subsidy ceiling of $60,000 would be set so that more organisations would be able to obtain funding; (ii) in the past, some applications involving a series of activities had caused difficulties in the vetting procedures. Therefore, VSC suggested that each application should organize one activity only; (iii) letters would be sent to the organisations to notify them of the latest arrangements after the meeting. - 21 - Action by

115. Ms Carman NG said that she noted that some organisations included a number of activities in one application. She opined that this practice was not fair to other organisations, yet she was concerned that the organisations might have other views on the restriction on the number of activities.

116. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he enquired whether the reserved funds would be handled by the same principle; (ii) some organisations were capable of organising thematic activities, thus the restriction concerned might reduce the influence of the activities. He hoped that the matter could be handled by other approaches.

117. The Chairman responded as follows: (i) although some organisations were capable of handling large-scale serial activities, it was rather difficult to identify this kind of organisations. Members’ views could be discussed at the VSC meeting afterwards; (ii) organisations applying for reserved funds were more capable of handling serial activities, thus the same restriction should not be applied to reserved funds.

118. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu said that he suggested dividing non-reserved funds into two parts for applications concerning single activities and thematic activities in order to cope with needs of different activities.

119. Mr CHAN Wai-ming raised the following views: (i) the amount of non-reserved funds was only around $400,000 to $500,000 each quarter. If there were applications for serial activities in the quarter, this might take up a large portion of the funds. Hence, setting a subsidy ceiling could allocate resources evenly and benefit more organisations; (ii) considering the allocation of funding this year, it was rather difficult to divide the non-reserved funds into different subjects; (iii) apart from DC, many different institutions such as the Commission on Youth also provided subsidies to meet the needs of organisations.

120. Ms LAU Pui-yuk raised the following views: (i) DC provided different kinds of subsidies such as the funding of working groups and the dedicated funding for arts and cultural activities. More capable organisations or organisations which planned to organise serial activities could consider applying for these kinds of funding; (ii) organisations which applied for VSC funding were usually owners’ corporations and residents’ organisations. DC had all along been encouraging the allocation of funding to different kinds of organisations. In view of a limited amount of allocation in each quarter, more organisations should be benefited from that.

121. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu said that he agreed with the setting of a subsidy ceiling. However, setting an upper limit on the number of activities would reduce the flexibility, - 22 - Action by thus it was necessary to further consider whether to adopt this approach. He opined that organisations which could use limited resources to organise more activities should be encouraged.

122. The Chairman said that he hoped that the suggestion of VSC could be implemented on a trial basis and a review could be conducted afterwards.

123. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu said that setting a subsidy ceiling was a consensus of the Committee, yet he opined that more views on setting an upper limit on the number of activities should be collected.

124. The Chairman concluded that for each application, no more than two activities could be organised. The Secretariat would notify the organisations of the arrangement by letter after the meeting. After implementing the restriction concerned on a trial basis, a review would be conducted as appropriate.

Agenda Item 5: Date of next meeting

125. The next meeting would be held at 9:30 a.m. on 11 July 2019 (Thursday).

126. There being no other business, the meeting ended at 12:25 p.m.

District Council Secretariat Sham Shui Po District Office July 2019