The Lands Department's scheme for curbing used-clothes collection cages and the nuisance they cause is having positive effects, Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen told legislators.

In a written reply to a lawmaker's query, Mr Suen noted the department received a total of 26 complaints about used clothes collection activities in 2003 and 2004 - but the number of such complaints surged to 2,598 in 2005.

The Lands Department put up 2,551 notices demanding the metal collection cages be removed with 24 hours. Otherwise, they would be confiscated. Most parties cooperated and removed the cages before the deadline, but 657 cages were confiscated.

Under the department's scheme, only applications from non-profit-making or charitable organisations will be accepted and approved.

"If anyone suspects the clothes collected are for profit, he or she may report the case to the Police who will follow up and take appropriate actions," Mr Suen added.

To ensure the scheme's effective implementation, District Lands Offices across Hong Kong have stepped up inspection of local black spots and taken action when officers find unauthorised cages.

Mr Suen said the Lands Department  also worked with the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, the Police, and the Home Affairs Department.

An inter-departmental group has also been formed to look for ways to resolve the problems of used clothes collection cages on the streets, and the environmental nuisance and street obstruction they cause.