The Housing Secretary, Winnie Ho, said on Saturday that a clear definition of below standard subdivided housing is needed, before her team can find ways to ban and prevent it.

She made the comment on a radio programme after the subdivided flat task force held its first meeting on Friday.

Ho said they would be taking into consideration the amount of space in the unit, ventilation, and whether there is a separate area for the toilet.

"We are targeting poor-quality units. People often see on the news that some toilets in these units don't even have walls, or a door, to separate the space," she said.

"I have seen situations where the toilet is right next to where the person sleeps. Such a terrible sanitary environment will definitely not be allowed."

Ho said a comprehensive report of their findings would be submitted to the Chief Executive, John Lee, within ten months.

Lee established the task force in his policy address last month, with the aim of improving living conditions in subdivided units.