PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAKES SEVEN REVENUE PROPOSALS . 1
RECORD SURPLUS FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 1977-78 ............ 3
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE FOR 1978-79 UP 26 PER CENT . 4
'BALANCED BUDGET’ FOR 1978-79 ........................ 6
NINE PER CENT GROWTH IN GDP FORECAST.................. 9
GDP GROWTH RATE EXPECTED TO SLOW DOWN IN MID-1980S. 11
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE ........................................... 12
FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINS PRICING POLICY FOR
PUBLIC UTILITIES .................................... 15
REVALUATION OP RATEABLE VALUES DEFERRED ............ 17
OVER 51,000 MILLION BUDGETTED FOR LAW AND ORDER
SERVICES ............................................ 18
MORE THAN $800 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON HOUSING IN 1978-79 ............................................. 19
DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENTS SEEN IN SOCIAL WELFARE ........ 20
$1,967 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON EDUCATION IN 1978-79. 21
EXPENDITURE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN 1978-79 AMOUNTS TO $891 MILLION ..................... 22
PUBLIC SECTOR ENTERS NEW ERA ........................ 23
TELEVISION TALK ON BUDGET............................ 23
PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
PROGRAMME ........................................... 26
FIRE HAZARD CHECKS ON TWO HOUSING ESTATES ........... 27
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD ................................................ 28
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAKES SEVEN REVENUE PROPOSALS
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY MADE SEVEN REVENUE PROPOSALS IN HIS BUDGET FOR 1978-79.
ONE INVOLVED AN INCREASE IK POSTAL CHARGES AND SIX ARE CONCERNED WITH INDIRECT TAX.
THE FIRST PROPOSAL IS DESIGNED TO STOP CONFERRING ON SOME 20,330 TAX DEFAULTERS, THE BENEFIT OF THE TWO TAX INSTALMENT SYSTEM. SC, WITH EFFECT FROM 1978-79, TAX NOTICES WILL CARRY THE WARNING THAT IF THE FIRST INSTALMENT IS NOT PAID BY THE DUE DATE, THE SECOND WILL AUTOMATICALLY BECOME DUE.
THE SECOND PROPOSAL SEEKS TO INCREASE EXCISE DUTY ON IMPORTED CIGARETTES IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE INCIDENCE OF DUTY WHICH HAS DROPPED AS A RESULT OF LESS TOBACCO (BY WEIGHT) EE ING USED IN IMPORTED CIGARETTES.
THE INCREASE, WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT AT 2.30 P.M. TODAY, WILL RAISE THE AMOUNT OF DUTY LEVIED ON A PACKET OF 20 IMPORTED CIGARETTES BY SIX CENTS AND BRING AN ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT 310 MILLION IN 1978-79.
THE THIRD PROPOSAL IS TO RENDER UNLAWFUL THE USE OF KEROSENE FOR AUTOMOTIVE PURPOSES. THIS IS BECAUSE KEROSENE DOES NOT ATTRACT DUTY AT PRESENT, AND CERTAIN USERS OF PASSENGER AND GOODS VEHICLES HAVE BEEN ABUSING THIS CONCESSION BY MIXING KEROSENE WITH DIESEL OIL IN THEIR ENGINES.
THIS PRACTICE IS ALSO OBJECTIONABLE ON ENVIRONMENTAL GROUNDS BECAUSE DIESEL/KEROSENE MIXTURES GIVE RISE TO A GREAT DEAL OF SMOKE.
THUS, MAKING THE USE OF KEROSENE FOR AUTOMOTIVE PURPOSES ILLEGAL WILL HAVE THE DUAL EFFECT OF REMOVING A NUISANCE, AND OF STOPPING A LOSS OF REVENUE OF ABOUT J2 MILLION A YEAR.
THE FOURTH PROPOSAL IS TO INCREASE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ON PRIVATE CARS THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF A SCALE WHICH WILL DISTINGUISH BETWEEN BASIC, SEMI-LUXURY AND LUXURY CARS. THESE TERMS ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS IN RELATION TO THE LANDED (OR CIF) VALUE (WHICH IS NOT THE SAME AS SALE PRICE) OF PRIVATE CARS:
* BASIC....... UP TO 320,033
* SEMI-LUXURY ....... 320,003 TO 333,303
* LUXURY ...... OVER 333,000.
/the bate of .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
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THE RATE OF TAX ON EASIC CARS REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 30 PER CENT. THE RATES FOR THE SEMI-LUXURY AND LUXURY CARS HAVE BEEN INCREASED TO 35 PER CENT AND 40 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE NEW RATES, WHICH COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (MARCH 2), .ILL RAISE AN ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT 315 MILLION IN 1978-79.
SALES OF BASIC CARS REPRESENT ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF TOTAL SALES IN HONG KONG AND FOR THOSE IN THE SEMI-LUXURY AND LUXURY CATEGORIES THE MAXIMUM EFFECT OF THE PROPOSALS ..ILL BE TO INCREASE RETAIL PRICES BY BETWEEN 2 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE FIFTH PROPOSAL IS A REVENUE CONCESSION. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PROPOSES TO ABOLISH STAMP DUTY ON A LARGE VARIETY OF TRANSACTIONS, EXCEPT ON CONTRACT NOTES IN RESPECT OF SHARES AND .MARKETABLE SECURITIES, ASSIGNMENTS OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTY AND LEASES AND ASSIGNMENTS OF LEASES.
THE ESTIMATED LOSS TO GOVERNMENT REVENUE FROM THIS PROPOSAL IN 1978-79 IS 3130 MILLION.
THE SIXTH PROPOSAL IS TO REDUCE STAMP DUTY ON CONTRACT NOTES SO AS TO REMOVE AN ALLEGED DISINCENTIVE TO TRADE IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES.
FROM NEXT MONDAY (MARCH 6), TRANSACTIONS IN THE STOCK MARKET WILL ATTRACT STAMP DUTY AT THE RATE OF 36 PER MILLE (COMPARED WITH 38 PER MILLE AT PRESENT). THE COST TO REVENUE IS ESTIMATED TO BE 325 MILLION.
THE COST OF THE TWO REVENUE CONCESSIONS IS ESTIMATED AT 3155 MILLION. THE INCREASE IN REVENUE ARRIVING FROM THE FIVE OTHER REVENUE PROPOSALS IS 335 MILLION. THUS, THE GOVERNMENT IS EFFECTIVELY FOREGOING REVENUE OF 3120 MILLION.
AS A RESULT OF THESE PROPOSALS THE ESTIMATED OUTTURN FOR 1978-79 IS A SMALL DEFICIT OF 320 MILLION MADE UP AS FOLLOWS:
ILL ION
ESTIMATED REVENUE ....................... 10,366
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ................... 10,266
DIFFERENCE ............................. + 100
COST OF REVENUE PROPOSALS .............. - 120
ESTIMATED OUTTURN ...................... - 20.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
3
FINANCIAL SECRETARY PREDICTS RECORD SURPLUS * * *
THERE WILL BE A RECORD $1,150 MILLION SURPLUS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS AT THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR AS A RESULT OF +AN UNEXPECTED FLUSH OF REVENUE RATHER THAN A FAILURE OF EXPENDITURE*, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, REVEALED TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE 1978/79 APPROPRIATION BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE REVISED ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1977/78 ARE $9,235 MILLION AND $8,160 MILLION RESPECTIVELY, RESULTING IN A SURPLUS OF $1,375 MILLION.
+ THIS FIGURE IS FAIRLY CLOSE TO THE ESTIMATE OF THE SURPLUS DERIVED FROM THE TREASURY’S CASH BOOK AT FEBRUARY 16 LAST, BUT NOT QUITE CLOSE ENOUGH.
+ACCORDINGLY, WHEN CONSIDERING OUR FINANCIAL POSITION AT APRIL 1 NEXT, I SHALL EE USING A FIGURE OF $1,150 MILLION BEING MY PREDICTION OF THE SURPLUS,* HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DESCRIBED THE SURPLUS -- EQUAL TO 11.6 PER CENT OF TCTAL REVENUE -- AS +RATHER REMARKABLE, EVEN FOR THIS VERY REMARKABLE PLACE*, PARTICULARLY AS IT IS THE HIGHEST ON RECORD.
THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF REVENUE FOR 1977/78 AT $9,235 MILLION, MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED, EXCEEDS THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE OF $8,275 MILLION BY $960 MILLION, OR 12 PER CENT.
+RECURRENT REVENUE IS UP EY A NET $735 MILLION, OR BY 13 PER CENT, ON THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE.
+N0 LESS THAN .449 MILLION OF THIS EXCESS IS DUE TO MY UNDER-ESTIMATING THE MARKED EFFECT OF THE SHARP RECOVERY IN 1976 ON EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAXES AND THE GROWING EFFICIENCY OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT' AND BETS AND SWEEPS TAXES YIELDED $73 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT, MORE THAN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE,* HE EXPLAINED.
IN ADDITION, CAPITAL PER CENT, ON THE ORIGINAL HAVE YIELDED $199 ' ILL ION
REVENUE IS UP BY $225 MILLION, OR 24 ESTIMATE AS PREMIA FROM LAND TRANSACTIONS MORE THAR EXPECTED.
THE INCREASE WAS DUE TO A LARGER NUMBER OF MODIFICATIONS AND RE-GRANTS, HIGHER LAND PRICES AND A PRONOUNCED TENDENCY FOR PREMIA TO BE PAID I' LUMP SUMS RATHER THAI, EY ANNUAL IKSTAL. .Ei.TS.
ON EXPENDITURE, MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS A ,.ET OVER-SPENDING EUT ONLY OF .12 MILLION OR RECURRENT ACCOUNT DESPITE THE 1977 CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES REVISION ..HIGH COST $263 ' ILL ION.
/this .as .....
'.VEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
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THIS WAS DUE TO SAVINGS IN MOST PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS SUBHEADS AS IT TOOK LONGER THAN EXPECTED TO FILL NEW VACANT POSTS, HE ADDED.
AS FOR CAPITAL ACCOUNT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THERE IS A NET UNDER-SPENDING OF $97 MILLION (ORIGINAL ESTIMATE $2,009 MILLION- REVISED ESTIMATE 31,912 MILLION). THIS REPRESENTS A MUCH BETTER PERFORMANCE THAN IN THE LAST TWO YEARS WHEN IN 1976-77 ..= UNDERSPENT „556 MILLION AND IN 1975-76, BY $415 MILLION.
OVERALL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACHIEVED THE TARGETS ORIGINALLY SET AT THE BEGINNING OF 1977-72, AS THE REVISED EXPENDITURE ESTIMATE, AT 38,163 MILLION, IS FOR THE THIRD RUNNING, LESS THAN THE APPROVED ESTIMATE, BUT THIS TIME BY ONLY 385 MILLION, OR BY ONLY ONE PER CENT OF THE APPROVED ESTIMATE OF >8,245 MILLION, MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED.
TURNING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S FISCAL RESERVES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ESTIMATED THAT THE RESERVES, AT $3,713 MILLION AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, WILL STAND AT $4,890 MILLION AT THE BEGINNING OF 1978-79.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT NEED TO EARMARK AT LEAST $3,200 MILLION OF OUR RESERVES TO SECURE OUR CONTINGENT LIABILITIES WHICH WILL STAND AT AROUND 36,400 MILLION AT MARCH 31, 1979, RISING TO 39,500 MILLION BY MARCH 31, 1982. (THE LIABILITIES INCLUDE GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES IN RESPECT OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION’S LOANS AND GUARANTEES IN RESPECT OF MORTGAGE LOANS BY BANKS MADE UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.)
+THAT LEAVES $1,690 MILLION FOR SHORT TERM DIFFICULTIES AND TO FINANCE OUR SEASONAL DEFICITS AT 16.5 PER CENT, THIS IS A LITTLE BETTER THAN OUR GUIDELINE OF 15 PER CENT OF ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE IN THE ENSUING YEAR,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
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GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE FOR 1978-79 UP 26 PER CENT
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THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL EXPENDITURE FOR 1978/79 IS ESTIMATED AT $10,266 MILLION — AN INCREASE OF 26 PER CENT ON THE 1977/78 REVISED ESTIMATES AND TWICE THE ACTUAL EXPENDITURE IN 1974/75.
DEALING WITH THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE BY THEIR FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE ANNOUNCED THAT $7,323 MILLION WILL GO TO RECURRENT SERVICES AND $2,943 MILLION TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ON RECURRENT SERVICES FOR 1978/79 REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF $1,075 MILLION, OR 17 PER CENT, OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATES FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR OF $6,248 MILLION.
/CIVIL SERVICE
.TEDKESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
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31/IL SERVICE SALARIES AND ALLO./ANCES ACCOUNT FOR 32,771
' ILLI?'. ” 37. :E- CE"T C- "ECL'.'RE'T " -ELD IT'JR.E. THIS CO'PARES
.. IT.-. 38.5 ’ER CENT I 1977/72, AVERAGE OF 43.4 PER CENT
OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEA?. 3.
THE FINANCIAL SECRET-"Y NOTED T:'T OVER THE THREE YEARS ENDING ARCH 31, 1977, THE APPROVED ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE .-.OSE BY 4,677 TC 117,495, 0". EY FOUR PER CENT. IN 1977/72, THE ESTABLISHMENT HAS GRO*N BY A FURTHER 3,414 POSTS, OR BY 7.2 PER CENT, TO 125,939 POSTS.
DEPARTMENTAL OTHER CHARGES (I.E. RECURRENT EXPENSES OTHER THAN SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES), AT '1,364 MILLION, TAKE UP 14.5 PER CENT CF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FOR 1973/79. THIS COMPARES WITH 14.2 PER CE'-.'T I'1 1 ">77/73 AND A" AVERAGE OF 16.7 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS.
+1 CONSIDER THAT, FCR DEPARTMENTAL OTHER CHARGES TO EE KEPT EELOv. 15 PER CENT OF TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS A REFLECTION OF THE CONTINUED CONCERN OF DEPARTMENTS .ITH COST-EFFICIENCY,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
PUBLIC .ORKS RECURRENT EXPENDITURE (I.E. RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON THE 'A INTENAMCE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PHYSICAL ASSETS), AT ,473 .".ILL ICR, ACCOUNTS FCR 6.5 PER CENT OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE. THIS COMPARES WITH 7.5 PER CENT IN 1977/78 AND AN AVERAGE OF SIX PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS.
".ECU."E:-.T SUBVENTION'S, INCLUDING THOSE TO EE DISBURSED DY THE UI IVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, WILL ABSORB ,1,857 ILLI": ." 25.4 PER CE'T OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE. THIS COMPARES ..IT.-. 2".7 PER DENT I; 1977/73 AND AH AVERAGE OF 26.1 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS. +OVERALL,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +TAaI - '-'ECURF.ENT AND CAPITAL SUBVERT I ONO TOGETHER, A FIFTH OF TOTAL EXPE'DITU E IS DISBURSED EY SUBVERTED CEGAI ISATICNS.+
ON THE COST OF UPKEEP I .NG THE ARMED FORCES HERE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INDICATED THAT HONG KONG’S CONTRIBUTION WILL BE ,358 MILLION 0 3.5 PER CENT OF T .E TCT’.L EXPENDITURE IN 1975/7?, COMPARED ..ITH 3.8 -EP CE'T I'. 1977/73.
TURN. I'.C TO CAPITAL EXPENDITUEE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE PROVISION OF ,2,943 ".ILL ID!' IS MADE UP OF ,0353 MILLION FOR -UOLIC ..ORKS M THE URBAN AREAS, .1,150 MILLION FCR PUBLIC ..CFKS IN THE E.. TO,M.S AND 0.' HOUSING, AND ..935 MILLION FCR SUCH ITEMS AO C-'PIT-.L G" TO FOR EDUCAT I \ND "EDICAL CERVICES, THE UK I VERS IT IES AND THE CLYTECHHIC ( 105 ILLI/). DEPART.’ EHTAL SPECIAL E; <■ D ITU" ■ (I.E. DE? ' "T”"' T'L 0 "l""L EXPENDITURE 0” PLANT AND E^lP.Ei.T) ..ILL A: OU .T TC ,201 ILL-ICI. THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ILL REQUIRE ANOTHER. 3°9 ■ ILL IC! AND DEFENCE CAPITAL WORKS ,114 ." IL_ IC' .
AS FOE THE PATTERN OF EX?£ OITU'E PROVIDED FOR II THE D-AF' ESTIMATES FOR 1973/79, i'R. HADD/-0, 'E SAID GENERAL SERVICES (INCLUDING LAN AND ORDER) .. I_L ABSORB 1 .7 PER CENT OF TOT AL EXPENDITURE- ECONOMIC SERVICES SEVEN PEE CENT- COMMUNITY SERVICES 20.4 PE" Z-. “= SOCIAL SERVICES 42.' PE" CENT, AMD ALL OTHER SERVICE
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 - 6 -
+BALANCED BUDGET* FOR 1978/79 * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY PROPOSED A +EALANCED BUDGET* FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1978-79.
+ THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MY ESTIMATE OF REVENUE OF $13,366 MILLION SHOWN IN THE REVENUE ESTIMATES AS PRINTED AND THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE AMOUNTING TO $13,266 IS $130 MILL ION,+ HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
2UT, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT $120 MILLION, THE NET COST TO THE REVENUE IN IMPLEMENTING REVENUE PROPOSALS, IT WILL TURN THE BUDGET INTO A SMALL DEFICIT OF $20 MILLION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
HE SAID THE ESTIMATE OF RECURRENT REVENUE, AT .,9,133 MILLION, REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF $1,056 MILLION, OR 13 PER CENT, OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1977-73 CF .,8,374 MILLION.
EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAX ACCOUNTED FOR $3,990 MILLION, OR 44 PER CENT, OF TOTAL RECURRENT REVENUE. +THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF $615 MILLION OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1977-78. THANKS TO THE SURGE CF INCOMES IN 1976, THE FIRST YEAR OF RECOVERY AFTER THE RECESSION,* HE SAID.
THE YIELD FROM GENERAL RATES ESTIMATED AT $795 MILLION, IS Ai! INCREASE OF $85 MILLION, OR 12 PER CENT, OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1977-78 OF $713 /.ILL ION. +THIS INCREASE ALLOwS FOR TH EFFECT OF THE SECOND YEAR CF THE SCHEME DESIGNED TO CUSHION THE IMPACT OF THE ME- VALUATION LIST APPLICABLE FROM 1977-78, THE FURTHER EXTENSION OF RATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE YIELD FROM NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE URBAN AREAS WHICH ..ILL BECOME LIABLE TO RATES FOR THE FIRST TIME,* HE SAID.
THE YIELD FROM STAMP DUTIES, ESTIMATED AT $550 MILLION, IS AN INCREASE CF $63 MILLION, CR 12 PER CENT , OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1977-78. +THIS IS ALMOST ENTIRELY DUE TO ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS OF PROPERTY WHICH a ILL CONTRIBUTE NEARLY 55 PER CENT TO TOTAL STAMP REVENUE, ABOUT THE SAME AS IN 1977-78, BUT WELL UP ON THE THREE PREVIOUS YEARS,* HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ESTIMATED THAT REVENUE FROM BETS AND SWEEPS TAXES WOULD YIELD NO LESS THAN $480 MILLION IN 1978-79.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ESTIMATED CAPITAL REVENUE TO EE 71,236 .'ilLLIC! AN INCREASE OF ,75 MILLION ON THE REVISED ESTIMATE FCR 1977-7-CF $1,161 MILLION. +THIS INCREASE IS MADE UP CF AN ADDITIONAL „123 MILLION FOR TAXI CONCESSION'S AND $15 MILLION FOR ESTATE DUTY AND A DECREASE OF $61 .'ILLICN FROM LAND SALES, PRIVATE TREATY GRANTS, MODIFICATIONS AND RE-GRANTS,+ HE SAID. If. SPITE CF THIS DECREASE HE POINTED CUT THAT, AT $874 ILLICN, EXPECTED REVENUE FROM LAND TRANSACT I CMS ..AS LGUYAET EY HISTORICAL STANDARDS AND THAT LAND SALES SHCULL YIELD ,669 ilILLIC'.
/AS FOR .....
'WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1976
AS FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FCR THE YEAR 1978-79, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAIL THE TOTAL CF DEPARTMENTS’ 'Air zSTIMATcS, BAStD O'. i r.E PROVISIONAL ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF EXPENDITURE PREVIOUSLY GIVER TO THE', AMD THEIR SUBSIDIARY ESTIMATES FCR HE.. SERVICES GIVE' HIGH PRIORITY EY THE GOVERNMENT, FINALLY CAME TO 37,323 '.ILLICN. ON THE FINANCING CF NEW SERVICES, HADDON-CAVE MADE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
♦NEVERTHELESS, HAVING REGARD TO THE LIKELY OUTTURN FOR 1977-73, THE LIKELY SIZE OF THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT IN 1978-79, AND SEVERAL POLIO DECISIONS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND SECONDARY EDUCATION FIELDS TAKEN AFTER THE FORECAST RETURNS HAD DEEN SUBMITTED (WHICH ..ERE ESTIMATED TO COST 3160 MILLION II THE FIRST YEAR), I TOOK THE VIE.. THAT SOME L'223 MILLION COULD EE AFFORDED FCR NEW PROPOSAL' CONTAINED IN THE FORECAST SUBMISSIONS IN 1978-79,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE FINANCE BRANCH TOCK AS THEIR STARTING POINT FOR THE PREPARATION CF THE ESTIMATES THE GUIDELINE FIGURE CF .3,353 MILLION WHICH HE SUGGESTED LAST YEAR WOULD EE ACCEPTABLE. BUT, HE ADDED, ♦HAVING REGARD TO THE SPENDING CAPABILITY CF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, A FIGURE CF 32,338 MILLION WAS EVENTUALLY INSERTED IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES. A FIGURE OF 3935 MILLION WAS INSERTED FCR ALL OTHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURE MAKING A TOTAL CF „2,943 MILLION,* HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINED OUT THAT IN CONSTRUCTING THE BUDGET, HE HAD BORNE IN MIND SIX CONSIDERATIONS.
+FIRST, THE LIKELY LEVEL OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT I 197?= SECONDLY, THE IMPORTANCE OF ACHIEVING A GROWTH RATE CF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN REAL TERMS NEXT YEAR HIGH ENOUGH TO BRING THE AVERAGE GRO..TH RATE OVER THE FIVE YEAR PERIOD 1974-75 TC 1978-7? UP TC THE 13 PER CENT GUIDELINE DEFINING STEADY PROGRESSION' THIRDLY, THE STATE OF OUR FISCAL RESERVES' FOURTHLY, THE DIFFERENT MONETARY CONSEQUENCES OF A PUBLIC SECTOR (CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT) WHICH IS IN BALANCE, DEFICIT CR SURPLUS' FIFTHLY, THE GUIDELINES WHICH DEFINE THE DESIRABLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND THE ROLE .'.HIGH RECURRENT REVENUE SHOULD PLAY 11. THE FINANCING CF THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT' AND FINALLY, THE ABSOLUTE LEVELS AT WHICH THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT SHOULD BE FIXED,* HE SA ID.
/ON TH3 .....
WSDNSSDAY, MARCH 1, 1972
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OK THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND THE G.D.P., THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT ASSUMING NO CHANGES IN BUDGETARY OR FISCAL POLICIES, THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS MEASURED BY THE RATIO OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE TO THE G.D.P. WOULD, OR SHOULD, EXHIBIT CYCLICAL VARIATIONS, PERHAPS EVEN ON A SLOWLY RISING TREND. + THAT IS TO SAY, IT ..ILL (OR SHOULD) INCREASE ON THE DOWNSWING PHASE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND DECREASE ON THE UPSWING, AND TEND TO INCREASE AGAIN AS THE RECOVERY PHASE MATURES,* HE SAID. +THUS THE RATIO DECREASED FRCi A HIGH OF 13.8 PER CENT IN THE TROUGH YEAR 1974-75, TO AN AVERAGE OF 16.5 PER CENT IN THE T.<C UPS.. ING YEARS 1975-70 AND 1976-77 AND THEN INCREASED AGAIN TO 17.2 PER CENT IN 1977-78 AS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY (IN MONEY TERM) DECELERATED (FROM 27 PER CENT IN 1976 TO 15 PER CENT IN 1977),+ HE SAID. + IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, 1978-79, IF THE PUBLIC SECTOR’S SPENDING PERFORMANCE MATCHES FUNDS AVAILABLE AND THE G.D.P. FORECAST (FOR 1978) IS ACCURATE, THE RATIO WILL INCREASE FURTHER TO 18.4 PER CENT,* HE ADDED.
ON THE GROWTH RATE OF GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IK REAL TERMS, THE INCREASE BUDGETED FOR IN 1973-79 WAS 21 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 16 PER CENT IN 1977-78 (REVISED ESTIMATE) AND 3.4 PER CENT II. 1976-77 (AND ..AS NO LESS THAN A 46 PER CENT INCREASE CM 1974-75). +TnUS THE GRO..Th RATE OVER THE FIVE YEARS 1974-75 TO 1978-79 INCLUSIVE WILL DE VIRTUALLY UP TC THE STEADY-PROGRESS I ON GUIDELINE CF ID PER CENT PER ANNUM,+ HE SAID.
ON THE STATE OF OUR FISCAL RESERVES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, +ALTHOUGH THE LEVEL CF CUR FISCAL RESERVES MUST KEEP IN STEP .. ITH THE LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE, AS THE FREE ELEMENT IN CUR RESERVES AT APRIL 1, 1978 ..'ILL EE 16.5 PEP. CENT CF ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE, I SEE NO NEED TC BUDGET DELIBERATELY FOR A SURPLUS.*
+ 1 REGARD ..HAT IS, IN EFFECT, A BALANCED BUDGET TO EE -QUITE ADEQUATE TC SECURE OUR FINANCIAL STABILITY EVEN IN THESE UNCERTAIN' TIMES, PARTICULARLY AS I HAVE PROVIDED QUITE GENEROUSLY FOR TRANSFERS TC THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUMD AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
9
NINE PER CENT GROWTH IN GDP FORECAST *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY FORECAST A NINE PER CENT GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR 1978 - SAME AS THE TREND GROWTH RATE BETWEEN 1961 AND 1977, BUT HIGHER THAN THE RATE THAT CAN BE EXPECTED TO BE MAINTAINED THROUGH TO THE MID-1980S.
MAKING A FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE PROSPECT FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GROWTH RATE OF G.D.P., AT CURRENT PRICES, FOR THE YEAR AHEAD IS ABOUT 17 PER CENT, BRINGING IT TO A VALUE OF *63,500 MILLION.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO GAVE A BREAKDOWN OF THE GROWTH RATE FORECAST IN REAL TERMS BY COMPONENTS OF EXPENDITURE ON G.D.P. FOR THE YEAR AHEAD AS FOLLOWS:
* PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE - 10 PER CENT
* GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE - 14 PER CENT
* GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION - 15 PER CENT
* EXPORTS OF GOODS - SIX PER CENT
* IMPORTS OF GOODS -NINE PER CENT
* EXPORTS LESS IMPORTS OF SERVICE - 10 PER CENT AND
* STOCKS - SIX PER CENT
ON PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, HE SAID THE GROWTH RATE FOR 1978 IS ABOVE THE AVERAGE 8.4 PER CENT EXPERIENCED OVER THE PERIOD FROM 1971 TO 1977, BUT HE STRESSED THAT THIS RATE CAN ONLY BE SUSTAINED IN THE MEDIUM AND LONG TERM IF EXPORTS SHOW A CORRESPONDINGLY STRONG GROWTH RATE.
TURNING TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION, MR. HADDON-OAVE SAID THE GROWTH RATE OF INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY SHOULD REMAIN HIGH AND HE FORECAST A TEN PER CENT GROWTH RATE OF INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY IN 1978.
HE EXPECTED THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTTON IN 1978 WOULD BE LESS THAN THAT IN 1977. THE GROWTH RATE IN PUBLIC SECTOR’S INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE AND ,MTR CAPITAL WORKS WOULD BE IN THE REGION OF 30 TO 40 PER CENT, RESULTING IN A FURTHER SHIFT IN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN FAVOUR OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
MR. HADDON-CAVE PREDICTED CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT TO GROW BY ABOUT 15 PER CENT AND PRODUCTIVITY BY ABOUT FIVE PER CENT IN 1978, SO THAT THE CAPACITY OF THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY MAY EXPAND BY ABOUT 20 PER CENT.
/ON EXPORTS, ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
- 10 -
ON EXPORTS, HE SAID A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE PROSPECTS FOR THE GROWTH IN OUR VARIOUS MARKETS IN 1978 WAS UNDERTAKEN FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING AN ECONOMETRICALLY BASED FORECAST OF GROWTH IN TOTAL EXPORTS.
+ALTHOUGH OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING WILL BE AFFECTED BY RECENTLY NEGOTIATED QUOTA RESTRICTIONS, ALBEIT PERHAPS LESS SEVERELY IN 1978 THAN LATER ON, THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER TRADING-UP REMAINS AND THE PROSPECTS FOR EXPORTS OF GOODS OTHER THAN CLOTHING AND TEXTILES CONTINUE TO BE GOOD.+ THE FORECAST IS, FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO GROW IN 1978 BY SIX PER CENT.
ON IMPORTS, MR. HADDON-CAVE FORECAST A NI NE PER CENT GROWTH, THE EMPHASIS BEING ON CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS.
ON PRICES, MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO PREDICTED THAT THE WORLD PRICES FOR PRIMARY PRODUCTS ON THE WHOLE WOULD REMAIN FAIRLY STABLE WITH FOOD PRICES FALLING SLIGHTLY AS A RESULT OF GOOD HARVESTS, AND PRICES FOR RAW MATERIALS AND METALS AND MINERALS RISING SLIGHTLY.
+WORLD PRICES FOR MANUFACTURES ARE FORECAST JO INCREASE BY SIX PER CENT IN 1978.
+0N THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WILL BE STABLE DURING 1978, I EXPECT CONSUMER PRICES GENERALLY TO INCREASE BY ABOUT FIVE PER CENT WITH HIGHER INCREASES FOR HOUSING AND SOME PERSONAL SERVICES.+ HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PRICE INCREASES OF THE OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE G.D.P. COMBINE WITH THIS FORECAST INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES WOULD GIVE A DEFLATOR OF SEVEN PER CENT IN 1978 - HIGHER THAN THE INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES.
HE GAVE TWO REASONS FOR MAKING THIS FORECAST, +FIRSTLY, THE INVESTMENT PRICES WILL BE HIGHER THAN THIS AT 10 PER CENT DUE TO HIGHER BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS AND HIGHER IMPORT PRICES FOR CAPITAL GOODS.
+SECONDLY, I EXPECT EXPORT PRICES TO INCREASE SLIGHTLY FASTER (FIVE PER CENT) THAN THE INCREASE IN IMPORT PRICES (FOUR PER CENT) PARTLY REFLECTING QUALITY UPGRADING WHICH MAY NOT BE FULLY ACCOUNTED FOR BY OUR QUANTUM INDEXES OF EXPORTS AND PARTLY REFLECTING INCREASES IN LABOUR COSTS,+ HE SAID.
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/11
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
11
SLOW DOWN IN GDP GROwTH RATE * * * * *
EXPECTED IN MID-1980’S *
A QUESTION MARK NOW HANGS OVER THE EXTENT TO WHICH HONG KONG CAN MAINTAIN INTO THE MID-1980S THE SEVEN PER CENT GROWTH RATE OF G.D.P. PER CAPITA WHICH IT HAS ENJOYED SO FAR IN THE 1973S, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID AS FAR AS GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR WORLD TRADE WERE CONCERNED, THE FORECAST FOR THE THREE YEARS 1979 TO 1981 AT PRESENT APPEARED TO EE MODERATELY EXPANSIONARY, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE UNCERTAINTIES CONCERNING THE ECONOMIES OF THE UNITED STATES AND GERMANY.
+ONE PROMISING FEATURE IS THAT THE OUTLOOK IS FOR THE RATE OF INFLATION TO CONTINUE TO FALL,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID. + THE IMPLICATION OF THIS IS THAT THERE MAY BE LESS OPPOSITION TO EXPANSIONARY POLICIES THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE THE CASE.+
+BUT THE MAIN UNCERTAINTY REMAINS: TO WHAT EXTENT WILL HONG KONG BE ABLE AND, PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT, BE ALLOWED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANY GROWTH IN WORLD TRADE THAT RESULTS FROM THESE POLICIES?* HE SAID.
+A FURTHER FACTOR WHICH WILL, IN ANY CASE, SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF G.D.P. BY THE MID-1980S IS THE SLOW DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE POPULATION OF WORKING AGE FROM THE PRESENT THREE PER CENT PER ANNUM TO JUST OVER ONE PER CENT,* HE ADDED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE G.D.P. FORECAST FOR 1978 — AT NINE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS -- WAS THE SAME AS THE TREND GROWTH RATE EXPERIENCED BETWEEN 1961 AND 1977, BUT WAS HIGHER THAN THE RATE HE BELIEVED HONG KONG COULD EXPECT TO MAINTAIN THROUGH TO THE MID-1980S.
+FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THE RATHER RESTRICTIVE TEXTILES AGREEMENTS WITH THE UNITED STATES, THE E.E.C. AND OTHER COUNTRIES, THE GROWTH PROSPECTS FOR EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING ARE DEFINITELY LESS THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE THE CASE,* HE SAID.
+ALTHOUGH, AS FAR AS TEXTILES AND CLOTHING EXPORTS TO THE E.E.C. ARE CONCERNED, THE IMMEDIATE EFFECT IN 1978 HAS ALREADY BEEN DISCOUNTED TO A GREAT EXTENT BY VIRTUE OF THE RELATIVELY LOW LEVEL OF EXPORTS IN 1977, THE NEW AGREEMENTS ARE SUCH THAT EOTH GROWTH AND FLEXIBILITY PROVISIONS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS HAVE BEEN REDUCED SUBSTANTIALLY.
+THIS SHIFT TO PROTECTIONISM IS MOST WORRYING FOR, AFTER ALL, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING DO REPRESENT ABOUT HALF OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT PRESENT,* HE ADDED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSEQUENCES OF PROTECTIONISM IN TERMS OF THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY MUST DEPEND ON HONG KONG’S ABILITY EOTH TO TRADE UP IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AND TO FIND NEW MARKETS FOR THESE TRADITIONAL EXPORTS’ AND TO DEVELOP MARKETS FOR OTHER PRODUCTS.
SUSPBCT
TffiDNSSDAY, MARCH 1, 1976
+ l SUSPECT THAT, AT OUR STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, WE MAY FIND THAT THE SCOPE IN RESPECT OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IS LIMITED,* HE SAID. +SUPPOSING, AS MAY JELL BE THE CASE, THE GROWTH RATE OF EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IN REAL TERMS IS HALVED, THEN, TO MAINTAIN OUR DESIRED GROWTH RATE OF G.D.P., EXPORTS OF OTHER PRODUCTS MIGHT HAVE TO INCREASE DY SOMETHING OVER 12 PER CENT PER ANNUM (COMPARED WITH A RECENT TREND OF EIGHT PER CENT).
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID A SHIFT TO SUCH PRODUCTS WOULD INVOLVE GREATER UNCERTAINTY.
+FOR EXAMPLE, OUR EXPERIENCE WITH ELECTRONICS INDICATES WE SHALL TEND TO DEPEND ON SUDDEN DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY. THEN AGAIN, MANY OF THESE PRODUCTS ARE FAR MORE DURABLE THAN THE PRODUCTS OF THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES- AND THE MARKETS FOR THEM ARE MORE EASILY SATURATED,+ HE SAID.
+FURTHERMORE, IN ANY CASE, HONG KONG LACKS THE ADVANTAGE OF A LEAD IN TERMS OF EXPERIENCE, ONE OF THE MANY POINTS WHICH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION WILL BE DEALING WITH,+ HE ADDED.
- - 0 -
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE ******
THE RECOMMENDATIONS EY THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE ON TAXATION TREATMENT OF INTEREST, DIVIDEND .WITHHOLDING TAX AND THE EXISTING SURCHARGE OF TWO PERCENTAGE POINTS ON CORPORATE PROFITS TAX TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL RELATIVELY MINOR RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY DY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID A SMALL PARTY OF OFFICIALS CHAIRED BY HI’ TO EXAMINE THE RECOMMENDATIONS C" THE COMMITTEE HAD' FOUND EIGHT OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS TO DE UNACCEPTABLE.
+THESE DEAL .. ITH A WORKING WIFE’S ALLOWANCE, THE EXTENSION OF PROFITS TAX TO PROFITS WHICH A BUSINESS ACTIVELY CARRIED ON IN HONG KONG OBTAINS WITHOUT THE SUBSTANTIAL INTERVENTION OF ANY BRANCH ELSEWHERE, THE TAXATION TREATMENT OF CERTAIN FRINGE BENEFITS, THE TAXATION TREATMENT OF QUARTERS OCCUPIED BY DIRECTORS OF DI RECTOR-CONTROLLED COMPANIES, SUBSCRIPTIONS TO PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES, PREMIUMS FOR SHORT LEASES AND GIFTS IN KIND TO CHARITIES.+
/m. haddwi-cave,
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
13
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE REMAINING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE ARE STILL EE ING EXAMINED BY THE OFFICIAL WORKING PARTY. THESE INCLUDE T-..0 MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO MANDATORY ASSESSMENTS OF AGGREGATE INCOME AND THE CONSEQUENTIAL TREATMENT OF PROPERTY INCOME AS BUSINESS PROFITS, A RECOMMENDATION RELATING TO THE TAXATION OF SHIPPING PROFITS AND A SUGGESTION THAT THE PRESENT TAELE OF RATES OF DEPRECI AT ICI COULD, ..ITH ADVANTAGE, EE SIMPLIFIED.
ON THE TAXATION TREATMENT CF INTEREST, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE EXISTING CHARGE ON INTEREST AS SUCH, AND ON INTEREST WHICH FORMS PART OF THE PROFITS OF A BUSINESS, SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE RESTRICTED TO INCOME ARISING IN OR DERIVED FROM HONG KONG, BUT THAT THE CRITEP. IOI. LEEDS TO BE REINFORCED BY LEGISLATION.
+FIRST, IN RESPECT OF INTEREST GENERALLY, THE REVIEW CCM ITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THIS REINFORCEMENT SHOULD EE BY WAY OF EXTENDING THE TERRITORIAL SOURCE CRITERION, SO AS TO TAX INTEREST RECEIVED ON FUNDS USED BY THE BORROWER TO PRODUCE PROFITS CHARGEABLE TO HONG KONG TAX UNLESS, OF COURSE, THE INTEREST IS ALREADY BEING TAXED UNDER THE PROVISION CF CREDIT TEST.
♦SECONDLY, THE REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT, IN RESPECT OF INTEREST ..HIGH FORMS PART CF THE PROFITS OF BANKS AND OTHER DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS, THE REINFORCEMENT SHOULD EE EFFECTED EY INCLUDING ALL INTEREST WHICH A BANKING BUSINESS ACTIVELY CARRIED CN IN HONG KONG OBTAINS WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL INTERVENTION OF ANY BRANCH ELSEWHERE,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, TAX IS LEVIED AT THE STANDARD RATE ON INTEREST ARISING IN OR DERIVED FROM HONG KONG.
BUT THE ORDINANCE LAYS DOWN NO TEST FOR DETERMINING THE PLACE ..HERE THE INTEREST ARISES IN OR IS DERIVED FROM.
♦HOWEVER,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +EASED OH CASE LA.., IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE TEST TO BE USED IS THE PROVISION OF CREDIT TEST, THAT IS TO SAY, THE PLACE ..HERE THE CREDIT IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE BORROWER.+
♦THE PROVISION OF CREDIT TEST TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE CF INTEREST CHARGEABLE TO TAX HAS PROVED OPEN TO MAK IPULATIC . +
.. ITH THE EMERGENCE OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE AND .. I TH MORE SOPHISTICATED INSTRUMENTS NOW BECOMING AVAILABLE, ’.. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT EVEN FURTHER EROS IC CF THE YIELD FROM INTEREST TAX WILL EE EXPERIENCED.
♦IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT LOAN AGREEMENTS CAN EE SO STRUCTURED THAT INTEREST ESCAPES HONG KONG TAX COMPLETELY EVEN WHEI THE PROCEEDS ARx ADMITTED BACK TO HONG KCNC FOP. USE nEf.E,+ HE SAID.
/LIB. HADDON-CAVE.....
.ffiDNSSDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
14
n. HADDON-CAVE SAID EECAUSE OF THESE REASONS, THE GOVERNMENi AGREED ..ITH THE ..ORKING PARTY THAT THE REVIEW COMMITTEE’S --COMMENDATION ON TAXATION TREATMENT OF INTEREST SHOULD Bt ACCEPTED AS IT STANDS AND A BILL TO AMEND THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE ..ILL EE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, IF PASSED INTO LArt, WOULD BE EFFECTIVE FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1978-79.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THIS CHANGE IN THE LAW WILL HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR PROFITS FROM TWO SEPARATE TYPES OF ACTIVITY.
+FIRSTLY, AS REGARDS PROFITS DERIVED FROM INCOME RECEIVED ON FUNDS BORROWED IN HONG KONG, BUT INVESTED OVERSEAS, SUCH OVERSEAS ASSETS ARE NORMALLY DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES, BUT NOT NECESSARILY.
+THE ADDITIONAL TAX LIABILITY WOULD BE 17 PER CENT OF THE NET PROFITS DERIVED FROM, SUCH INTEREST EARNINGS.
+THESE OVERSEAS ASSETS ARE NORMALLY ACQUIRED PARTLY BECAUSE BANKS >.CULD NOT OTHERWISE BE AELE TO MEET THEIR STATUTORY LIQUIDITY REQU IREMENTS, PARTLY TO SERVICE THE FOREIGN CURRENCY REQUIREMENTS OF HONG KONG CUSTOMERS, AND PARTLY BECAUSE OF A LACK OF SUITAELt INSTRUMENTS IN HONG KONG.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AFTER-TAX PROFITABILITY OF BANKS ..ILL BE REDUCED AND BANKS WITH LARGE NET FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITIONS WILL EE PARTICULARLY AFFECTED.
HOWEVER, HE SAID +BANKS AND SIMILAR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE AT PRESENT IN A VERY PRIVILEGED TAX POSITION COMPARED .. I TH BUSINESSES GENERALLY, AMD EVEN TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ANY FOREIGN TAX PAYMENTS, T.-.EY PRESENTLY ENJOY AN EFFECTIVE RATE OF TAX HERE WELL BELOW 17 PcR CENT.+
THE SECOND TYPE OF ACTIVITY AFFECTED BY THIS CHANGE IN TH- LAW IS THE SO-CALLED OFFSHORE BUSINESS CONDUCTED BY BANKS AND OTHER -INANCI AL INSTITUTIONS: LENDINGS TO NON-RESIDENTS ARE FINANCED, NOT BY BORROWINGS OF HONG KONG DOLLARS, BUT BY BORROWINGS OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES FROM ABROAD.
MF. HADDC -CAVE SAID THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS HAS BEEN
GRO.. ING VERY RAPIDLY AND IS CONDUCTED BOTH BY LONG-ESTABLISHED LOCAL BANKS AND OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS RECENTLY ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG SOLELY FOR THIS PURPOSE.
AT PRESENT, SUCH INSTITUTIONS DO NOT HAVE TO PAY PROFITS TAX ON ANY INTEREST GENERATED BY SUCH BUSINESS, EVEN THOUGH THE BUSINESS IS CARRIED OH I' HONG KONG.
BUT UNDER THE PROPOSED A'E’D'ENi TO THE LAW ALL SUCH PROFITS ..ILL TAXABLE.
/MR. HADD0N-CAV3 .....
'.7ZDN3SDAY, LURCH 1, 1978
- 15 -
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED CUT THAT IX MANY CASES PROFITS EARNED IN HONG KONG EY A FOREIGN BALK ARE LIABLE TO TAX IN THE COUNTRY ..HERE THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE SANK IS SITUATED.
HE SAID: +WHERE THERE EXISTS UNILATERAL RELIEF FROM DCUELE TAXATION, THE Cf.LY EFFECT ..ILL EE TO REDUCE THE TAX PAID TO THE COUNTRY ./HERE THE HEAD OFFICE IS SITUATED.
+3UT WHERE THERE IS Al.' INCREASE IN THE OVERALL TAX LIABILITY, IT COULD EE ARGUED THAT A DANGER COULD EXIST OF THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS BEING TRANSFERRED ELSEWHERE.*.
ON BALANCE, MR. HADDON-CAVE DID I CT BELIEVE THAT A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF SUCH BUSINESS WOULD BE LIKELY BECAUSE +NCT ONLY ARE BANKS RELUCTANT TO ASCRIBE A TAX MOTIVE TO THE FORM IK WHICH THEY DO BUSINESS, BUT ALSO HONG KONG’S TAX .ADVANTAGES ARE CERTAINLY HOT THE ONLY REASON WHY OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS DECIDE TO CONDUCT OFFSHORE ACTIVITIES HERE,* HE SAID.
Ill I Ij
BASED ON PRESENT INFORMATION IN THE INLAND REVENUE DEPART* AND ON VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING INTEREST RATES AND COVERAG THE ADDITIONAL TAX YIELD WILL BE ABOUT *145 MILLION IN 1979-80 AND THEREAFTER ABOUT U8O MILLION PER ANNUM, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
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F.3. EXPLAINS PRICING POLICY FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES H ft
THE BASIC PRINCIPLE BEHIND THE PF ICING POLICY THE GCVE*.'"E/T MUST ADOPT FOR GCVERKN.ENT-CWKEL AND OPERATED PUBLIC UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS MUST EE THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD EE CHARGED THE FU__ COST OF THE RESOURCES CONSUMED EY EACH UhDEF.TaK I NG UNLESS +CONSCIOUS POLICY DECISIONS DICTATE OTHERWISE ON SOCIAL 0.. POLITICAL GROUNDS*.
+ THIS PRINCIPLE IS NOT INVALIDATED SIMPLY BECAUSE THE SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED EY THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR BECAUSE THEY ARE OF A TYPE THAT ONLY THE GOVERNMENT CAN PROVIDE,* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HOM. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. HADDON-CAVE WARNED THAT A REVISION OF uATEF. CHARGES IS INEVITABLE THOUGH HE HAS DECIDED THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD AIT UNTIL IT HAS MORE EXPERIENCE WITH ITS NE.. COMPUTERISED NIL-IMG SYSTEM.
THE WATERWORKS ACCOUNTS, HE SAIL, ERE EARELY I DAL.'OE IN 197-5/77 AND ARE ESTIMATED TC EE ll< DEFICIT EY 3200 . ILL IC 1977/78.
/+THS RE7‘. hi;...
•.TEDX’SSDAY, MARCH 1, 197E
16 -
+THE RETURN CM AVERAGE NET FIXED XO.\ NIL AND NEXT YEAR THE UNDERTAKING OF NEARLY ,253 MILLION.
ASSETS EMPLOYED IS ..ILL INCUR A LOSS
+FURTHER DEFICITS JILL DE INCURRED IM THE THREE-YEAR FORECAST PERIOD AMOUNTING TO NEARLY 0433 MILL ION.+
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED CUT THAT THE DIRECTOR OF ..ATE.' SUPPLIES ESTIMATES THAT EVEN ..ITH THE COMPLETION OF THE ..IC-ISLAND SCHEME, DEMAND ..ILL ONCE AGAIN HAVE CAUGHT UP ..IT.-! SUPPLY EY THE EARLY 19333 AND T..AT, IF REGULAR RESTRICTIONS ARE TO EE AVOIDED, THE SUPPLY SYSTEM ..ILL HAVE TO EE FURTHER EXTENDED.
HOWEVER, CONVENTIONAL METHODS GF DEVELOPING WATER RESOURCES WITHIN HONG KONG, EY EXTENDING CATCHMENT AREAS AND BUILDING NEW RESERVOIRS, ARE PRACTICALLY EXHAUSTED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID UNLESS DEMAND CAN EE KEPT DOWN EY VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION OR RESTRICTIONS AND THE RISK OF LONG-TERM RESTRICTIONS ONCE AGAIN ACCEPTED, IT ..ILL EE NECESSARY TO MAKE USE OF NON-CON'VENTIONAL METHODS OR TO TRY TO ARRANGE FOR A LARGER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
+NON-CONVEHTIONAL METHODS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE, REQUIRE A LONG LEAD TIME AND, III THE MAIN, INVOLVE NE.v TECHNOLOGY WHICH HAS YET TO EE TRIED IN HONG KONG OR, INDEED, TRIED O’. A LARGE SCALE ANYWHERE.
+THESE METHODS ..ILL INVOLVE COSTLY A.'.D TIME CONSUMING INVESTIGATIONS AND TRIALS. HAVING TO RESORT TO THEM ..CULL MEAN THAT INEVITABLY THE COST OF WATER MUST F;ISE,+ MR. HADDOI-CAVE SAID.
TURNING TO POSTAL SERVICE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DISCLOSED THAT CERTAIN POSTAL CHARGES .ILL EE INCREASED FROM APRIL 1.
+THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POST OFFICE IS EASED ON TIE IDENTIFICATION OF VARIOUS COST CENTRES, SOME OF WHICH_ ARE PRESENTLY MAKING A LCSS,+ HE SAI^, ADDING THAT THtRc IS NO REASON WHY SEVERAL OF THESE COST CENTRES SHOULD IE CROSS-SUED IDISED.
THE REVISION INVOLVES MODEST INCREASES IN THE CHARGES FOP INLAND PRINTED PAPERS, RE-DIRECTION OF MAIL AND FOR THE BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE.
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/17
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
- 17 -
REVALUATION OF RATEABLE VALUES DEFERRED *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY PROPOSED TO DEFER, FOR THE TIME EE ING, THE REVALUATION OF RATEABLE VALUES WHICH WAS INTENDED TC EE CARRIED OUT THIS YEAR.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THERE WAS HO HER IT IN MOUNTING SUCH AN EXERCISE IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY INDICATION THAT THE CURRENT VALUES WERE FAILING TO MEET OUR OBJECTIVES, BECAUSE + A REVALUATION EXERCISE IS, TO SAY THE LEAST, DISRUPTIVE IN ITS EFFECT BOTH ON RATEPAYERS AND ON THE STAFF OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.+
+THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION HAS RE-EXAMINED THE 1977-78 VALUATION LISTS IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT MARKET RENTALS AND IS SATISFIED THAT THERE ARE, AS YET, NO ESTABLISHED TRENDS v.HICH MAKE IT ESSENTIAL TO REVISE THE EASE VALUES THIS YEAR,+ HE SAID.
ON THE BASIS OF THE EXISTING GENERAL RATE APPLIED TO THE 1977-78 VALUES, AND HAVING REGARD TO THE SCHEME OF RELIEF, MR. HADDON-CAVE ESTIMATED THAT RATES REVENUE SHOULD INCREASE FROM 0710 MILLION IN 1977-78 (REVISED ESTIMATE) TC 0795 MILLION IN 1978-79, CR EY NEARLY 12 PER CENT.
+THE FORECAST IS THEREAFTER FOR AN INCREASE OF 7.2 PER CENT IN 1979-89,+ HE SAID.
+THIS INCREASE, IF ACHIEVED, IS ACCEPTABLE AND I DC NOT AT THIS STAGE ENVISAGE ANY CHANGE IN THE GENERAL RATE FOR 1979-80 AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFERMENT OF THE REVALUATION,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
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/ie
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
- 18 -
OVER $1,OOOM BUDGETTED FOR LAW AND ORDER SERVICES
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, HAS BUDGETTED $1,024 MILLION FOR EXPENDITURE ON LAW AND ORDER SERVICES IN 1978-79 —$638 MILLION OF WHICH WOULD GO TOWARDS THE COST OF MAINTAINING THE REGULAR POLICE FORCE.
THIS REPRESENTS 10 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE FOR 1978-79.
THE LA’.. AND ORDER SERVICES INCLUDE THE IMMIGRATION, I.C.A.C., JUDICIARY, LEG^L DEPART’ DAT, PRISON'S, REGISTRAR GENERAL AND THE POLICE.
PRESENTING HIS SEVENTH BUDGET TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. HADDC -CAVE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHARED THE CONTINUING PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE PREVALENCE OF CRIME, BUT POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF VIOLENT CRIMES HAD CONTINUED TO FALL SINCE 1974-75.
♦MOREOVER, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1971-72, THERE IS LIKELY TO BE A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF SERIOUS CRIMES IN 1977-78,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
+MC DOUBT THE INCREASE IN POLICE MANPOWER HAS CONTRIBUTED VERY LARGELY TO THIS IMPROVED SITUATION, AND THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO SEE THAT THE DOWNWARD TREND IS MAINTAINED,* HE ADDED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO REVEALED THAT THE v638 MILLION ALLOCATED TC THE POLICE FORCE INCLUDES THE PROVISION’ FOR 1,987 NE?. POSTS, YET TO BE APPROVED, AMD THE ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT.
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/19
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
19
MORE THAN S82OM TO BE SPENT ON HOUSING IN 1978/79 *****
MORE THAN ^820 MILLION IS EXPECTED TO BE SPENT ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IN THE CONING FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HO". PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, INDICATED IN HIS BUDGET TODAY.
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ESTIMATED AN EXPENDITURE OF ABOUT £696 MILLION ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR RENTED ACCOMMODATION, uHILE THE PUBLIC -ORKS DEPARTMENT ENVISAGED SPENDING $125 MILLION ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES DURING 1978/79.
IN ADDITION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SPEND ANOTHER $89 MILLION ON PROVIDING COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THESE ESTATES, SO AS TO ENSURE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN HOUSING.
MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY HAD DURING THE PAST FOUR YEARS COMPLETED ACCOMMODATION FOR 348,030 PEOPLE.
+OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, 1978/79 TO 1981/82, ACCOMMODATION FOR A FURTHER 953,300 PERSONS IS EXPECTED TO EE COMPLETED, INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION FOR ABOUT 80,303 PERSONS TO BE EUILT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME,+ HE SAID.
WORK ON FURTHER ESTATES WOULD BE IN PROGRESS AT THE END OF 1981/82 FOR COMPLETION IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS, HE ADDED, +S0 WE CAN EXPECT THAT, BY 1984, ADEQUATE PUBLIC HOUSING WILL EE AVAILABLE TO A VERY LARGE PROPORTION OF THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS.*
REFERRING TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID .THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TRANSFER $400 MILLION FROM GENERAL REVENUE INTO THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND IN 1978/79. PHASE II OF THE SCHEME, INCLUDING A FURTHER 3,200 FLATS, WILL BEGIN NEXT YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SOON INVITE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS TO SUB' IT TENDERS FOR TWO SITES — ONE IN NEW KOWLOON AND THE OTHER IN TUEN MUN — FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLATS FOR SALE TO PEOPLE WITHIN THE ELIGIBLE INCOME RANGE.
+IF THIS EXPERIMENTAL JOINT VENTURE SCHEME SHOULD PROVE TO EE A SUCCESS, IT MAY OPEN UP AN ALTERNATIVE WAY BY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT CAN PROMOTE HOME OWNERSHIP,* HE SAID.
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/20 ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1972
20
DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENTS SEEN IN SOCIAL WELFARE ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY THAT NE SHOULD SEE THE MOST DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL .ELFARE IN THE CONING YEAR.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IF THE POLICIES SET OUT IN THE THREE GREEN PAPERS --THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUTH AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM. -- AMD THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION oERVICES ARE IMPLEMENTED IN FULL, THE ADDITIONAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OVER THE PERIOD 1978-79 TO 1981-82 WOULD DE NEARLY $800 MILLION.
+THIS IS A CONSIDERABLE FIGURE. NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT IS PROCEEDING ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT FUNDS WILL EE AVAILABLE FOR ALL THESE PLANS,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE EXPENDITURE ALLOCATED FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IT WOULD BE $535 MILLION, OR 5.2 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE.
+ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE IN 1978-79 ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, ON ..ELFARE ALLOWANCES AND OTHER FORMS OF SOCIAL SECURITIES IS $337 MILLION AND ACCOUNTS FOR NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF THE PROVISION IN 1978-79 FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL '..’ELFARE,+ HE SAID.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF $88 MILLION, OR 35 PER CENT, OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATES FOR 1977-78, MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED.
+THE PROVISION FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN 1978-79 ON SOCIAL WELFARE ALSO INCLUDES $100 MILLION FOR SUBVENTIONS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AN INCREASE OF 41 PER CENT OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATES FOR 1977-78 AND A NEAR DOUBLING OF EXPENDITURE IN THE SHORT SPACE OF TWO YEARS,+ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
21
S1.967M TO EE SPENT ON EDUCATION IN 1978/79 % K
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALLOCATED 31,967 MILLION FOR EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YcAR, REPRESENTING 19.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE.
THIS INCLUDES 350 MILLION EARMARKED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON.
PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THAT AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF PROVIDING PLACES FOR EVERY CHILD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE (SIX TO TEN YEARS) +HAS BEEN MORE THAN ACHIEVED FOR SOME YEARS NOW.+
HOWEVER, NEW PRIMARY CLASSES ..'ILL BE OPENED IN 1978-79 AND . I TH THE SHIFT OF POPULATION TO THE NEW TOWNS, THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 11,115 NE.. PLACES IN DEVELOPING AREAS TO EE OFFSET BY A REDUCTION IN AREAS OF OVER PROVISION, HE ADDED.
IN RESPECT OF PLACES IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN,MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID OVER 14,500 SUCH PLACES ALREADY EXISTED, AND THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 5,300 PLACES DURING THE FORTHCOMING YEAR.
ON SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID A FORM I PLACE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL PRIMARY SIX LEAVERS IN 1978. +THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDE FOR THE NUMBER OF FORM I PLACES TO EE INCREASED FROM 74,000 AT THE PRESENT TIME TO 100,900,+ HE SAID. EDUCATION AT THE JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL IS TO EE FREE AS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR IN SEPTEMBER.
REFERRING TO THE LEVEL OF SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID AN ADDITIONAL 11,331 PLACES IN FORMS IV AND V aOULD BE PROVIDED BY THIS SEPTEMBER, SO AS TO BUILD UP THE STOCK OF SUCH PLACES TOWARDS THE APPROVED TARGET OF 40 PER CENT OF THE 15-16 AGE GROUP.
TO PHASE OUT THE BUYING OF PLACES IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND FLOTATION OF CLASSES IK EXISTING SCHOOLS, ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE BEING BUILT. TO DATE 31 SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN BUILT AND A FURTHER 21 a ILL BE COMPLETED IN 1978-79.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID THAT IN SEPTEMBER 1978, THE FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL HAVE A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF ABOUT 3,400 FULL TIME STUDENTS AND 8,600 STUDENTS ON PART-TIME DAY RELEASE COURSES, AN INCREASE OF 1,030 AND 4,900 RESPECTIVELY.
AT TERTIARY LEVEL, THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC WOULD MOVE INTO A NE;. PLANNING PERIOD DURING THE COURSE OF THIS YEAR, THIS TIME A TRIENNIUM COVERING THE ACADEMIC YEARS 1978-79 TO 1930-81.
THE NECESSARY PROVISION FOR THE CONTINUATION OF CURRENT COMMITMENTS AT THE THREE INSTITUTIONS AND FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT DURING THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY,'MARCH 1, 1978
22 -
$891’ EARMARKED FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES * * * *
THE GOVERN ENT WILL SPEND j891 MILLION, OR 8.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EUDGETTED EXPENDITURE, ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH_SERVICES I.’, THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES’ REGIONALISATION SCHEME WHICH WILL IMPROVE THE UTILISATION OF BEDS AND OTHER FACILITIES BY ENABLING THE TRANSFER OF ’ATIENTS BETWEEN HOSPITALS.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE SCHEME MUST INVOLVE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, AS HAD BEEN DONE WITH THE BUDDHIST AND POK 01 HOSPITALS DURING 1977-78, AND WOULD CONTINUE .JTH THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL AND THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE IN 1978-79.
+THIS IS NOT ONLY A COSTLY TREND, BUT ALSO INVOLVES THE GOVERNMENT HAVING A MUCH CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED, THE IMPLICATIONS OF WHICH ARE NOT YET, PERHAPS, FULLY REALISED,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE NET INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF BEDS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITALS IN 1978, WOULD EE 823, AND THERE WERE SEVERAL MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE PLANNING PIPELINE. CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THESE PROJECTS WOULD BEGIN DURING THE NEXT YEAR OR SO.
+PERHAPS THE MOST SPECTACULAR JILL EE THE NEW 1,409-BED TEACHING HOSPITAL AT SHA TI N= I AM CURRENTLY DISCUSSING w I TH THE \SIAV DEVELOPMENT BANK THE POSSIBILITY OF A LOAN TO HELP FINANCE THIS INTEREST! G PROJECT,* HE SAID.
+CONSTRUCTION OF A BLOOD TRANSFUSION CENTRE WILL BEGIN FOR THE HCNG KONG RED CROSS TO ENABLE IT TO PROVIDE A CENTRALISED BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE, AND PLANNING HAS STARTED ON THE DEVELOP-: ENT OF EDD-MED CARD I O-THOR AC IC CENTRE AT THE GRAMTHAR HOSPITAL,* .-E SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CONTRIBUTION WHICH THE TU”G .AH GROUP OF HOSPITALS HAD MADE OVER THE YEARS, ARD ..ILL EE MADE M" THE FUTURE, TOWARDS THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERV ICES.
BUT HE PCI TED CUT THAT SOME RECPGANISATION OF ITS MEDICAL DIVISION .E. I j__ TO EE OCKSIL'ERcD AND TH I3 wAS TO EE TACi'Lc-JOINTLY ITH THE "EDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS THIS DIVISION WAS FINANCED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY FROM PUBLIC FUNDS.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 197?
- 23 -
PUBLIC SECTOR ENTERS HE'.. ERA * * * “
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SA IL TODAY THE PUBLIC SECTOR, BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATIONS LAID IN THE 1953S AND 1963S AND THE ECONOMY OF WHICH IT FORMS SUCH A VITAL PART, HAS BEEN LIFTED +TC A NEW ORDER OF MAGI'ITUDE.+
CONCLUDING HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, N-R. HADDON-CAVE SAID: +30, WHILST OUR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS HAVE STOOD US IN GOOD STEAD OVER THE YEARS, AND OVERHEAD COSTS HAVE EEEL KEPT VERY LOL BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, THEY MAY NOT EE ENTIRELY SUITABLE FOR PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES.
+IT WILL, THEREFORE, BE NECESSARY FOR CAREFUL THOUGHT TO BE GIVEN TO THE WAY IN WHICH OUR ADMINISTRATION MIGHT BE ADAPTED TO BEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE YEARS AHEAD OF US,+ HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT AS WE MOVE TOWARDS THE END OF THE 197DS AND START THINKING Aj>OUT THE ^ARLY YEARS OF TH~ NEXT DECADE, WE SHOULD BEGIN TO ASSESS THE IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR SYSTEM CF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION, AND FOR THE ORGANISATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INTERNAL ADM I IB I STR AT 101.’ AS A WHOLE, OF THE PRESENT SIZE AND SCOPE OF CUR ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID: +WHETHER ONE CONSIDERS THE TOTAL VOLUME OF GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS CF OVER BED,ODD MILLION IN l?7.°-7?, OR OF CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT TRANSACT IONS CF OVER 6-23,303 I ILLI‘L (NOT TO MENTION THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION), IT IS OBVIOUS THAT OUR SITUATION HAS CHANGED OUT CF ALL RECOGNIT ION.+
THE DEBATE OH THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1973-79 WAS,ADJOURNED.
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TELEVISION TALK
* H +
BUDGET
THE FINANCIAL SECRET.'.'. Y, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SPOKE ON THE 197S/79 BUDGET IN : TELEVISION BROADCAST THIS ('..ED'ESDAY; 7V - ' 11 'G
THE FCLLOi. IMG IS THE FULL TEXT OF HIS TALK:
GOOD EVENING,
+TNIO AFTERNOON I PRESENTED N.Y SEVENTH BUDGET TO THE -EBIOCOUNCIL; THE BUDGET "BT. 0?7r-7', T AT ID TO 3. Y -B' 7 B "I YEAR -EB- I I ■- Of; ..PE IL T.-.B 13 I.
+CN THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY I Vf'-.O ’ DLE TO REPCFT T B r.AD FOLLOWED UP CUE P0ST-RECE3SI N BCC." YEA' Br 1976 ..I TH B B. PROSPEROUS YEA:'.. IN 1977 -<- • ECJ.BNY ... DY 12 PER Cd." I TEF.nS -- -fCTAL CUT-UT CF SOODS AND SERVICES. AT THE SAME TIME, CONSUMER PRICES INCREASED ONLY . ODESTLY _Y 5-6 PER CENT IN 1977 COMPARED ITH 1976.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
24
+THIS YEAR WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHER EXPANSION OF OUR ECONOMY BY ABOUT 9 PER CENT. THIS '..ILL EE ACHIEVED, DESPITE THE FACT THAT EXPORTS ARE LIKELY 7" GROW ONLY A LITTLE F.3TER THAN LAST YEAR, BECAUSE DOMESTIC DEMAND FOR CONSUMER GOODS AND BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW RAPIDLY. CUB GROWTH RATE IN 1979 AND BEYOND '..ILL DEPEND UPON MANY FACTORS, DY FAR THE MOST IMPORTANT OF WHICH WILL EE OUR ABILITY TO IMPROVE C: CUR RECENT EXPORT PERFORMANCE.
♦THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS ARE ALSO IN A HEALTHY STATE. I i. THE
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, 1977-78, THAT IS TO SAY THE FINANCIAL YEAR. ENDING ON THE 31ST OF MARCH, WE SHALL SPEND ALMOST EXACTLY AS MUCH AS WE PLANNED TO - ABOUT 8,230 MILLION DOLLARS- AND THIS MEANS THAT ..E SHALL HAVE MET OUR TARGETS IN ALL THE MAIN FIELDS OF OUR ACTIVITIES. AND YET, EECAUSE REVENUE HAS BEEN MUCH MORE BUOYANT THAN I EXPECTED A YEAR AGO, WE SHALL ADD SUBSTANTIALLY TO CUR FISCAL RESERVES. AS A COMMUNITY DEPENDENT 01: THE STATE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING ECONOMY WE HAVE TO LIVE ..ITH MANY UNCERTAINTIES. AND SC THESE RESERVES PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE MEANS OF AT LEAST MAINTAINING THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC SERVICES SHOULD WE EVER RUN INTO SHORT TERM DIFFICULTIES. THEY ALSO GUARANTEE OUR CREDIT-WORTHINESS ABROAD.
+IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR WE PROPOSE TO SPEND OVER 10,333 MILLION DOLLARS OR 25 PER CENT MORE THAN THIS YEAR- OR, TO PUT THIS FIGURE IN A BROADER HISTORICAL CONTEXT, WE PLAN TO SPEND TWICE AS MUCH AS WE SPENT A MERE FOUR YEARS AGO. MOREOVER, AS I TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WE SHALL EE DOING THIS WITHOUT HAVING TO RAISE TAXES, WITHOUT HAVING TO RESORT TO BORROWING AND WITHOUT HAVING TO CALL UPON OUR RESERVES.
+ INDEED, I FELT ABLE TO PROPOSE THAT A WIDE RANGE OF STAM? DUTIES SHOULD EE ABOLISHED IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE AND TO RELIEVE A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE OF A PARTICULAR TAX BURDEN. I AM THINKING, FOR EXAMPLE, OF THOSE WISHING TO RAISE MORTGAGES WITH WHICH TO BUY THE IP OWN HOMES.
+1 ALSO PROPOSED A 25 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE COST OF BUYING AND SELLING SHARES ON THE STOCK MARKET. THE PRESENT RATE OF STAMP DUTY ON SUCH TRANSACTIONS WAS FIXED IN A TRADING CLIMATE VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE PRESENT DAY AND I THINK A LOWER RATE OF DUTY IS NOW CALLED FOR.
+IT IS TRUE I FELT OBLIGED TO PROPOSE SMALL INCREASES IN THE EXCISE DUTY PAYABLE ON IMPORTED CIGARETTES, IN THE TAX PAYABLE 01.' FIRST REGISTRATION OF THE MORE EXPENSIVE MAKES OF CARS AMD IN CERTAIN MINOR POSTAL CHARGES.
+BUT IN REVENUE CONCESSIONS I MILLION DOLLARS AND ONLY SOUGHT TO MILLION DOLLARS.
GAVE AWAY, AS IT WERE, 15
RAISE EXTRA REVENUE OF 25
/+S0.......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
- 25 -
+SC, DESPITE A BUDGET OF OVEF. 13,303 MILLION DOLLARS THE TAXPAYER CAN SURELY FEEL RELIEVED FOR, ONCE AGAIN, THE BENEFIT OF STABLE FISCAL POLICIES HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED. I HOPE OUR CONTINUING ABILITY TO BALANCE OUR BUDGETS EVER AT THESE EVER HIGHER LEVELS WILL HELP TO SUSTAIN CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG, AT HOME AND ABROAD.
+BUT THE QUESTION ON EVERYONE’S MIND MUST BE: ./HAT PRECISELY IS THE GOVERNMENT INTENDING TO DO WITH ALL THIS MONEY IT IS PROPOSING TO SPEND? AFTER ALL, MONEY SHOULD NOT BE SPENT IF IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SPEND IT. AND WHEN IT IS NECESSARY TO SPEND IT PLANS FOR DOING SO SHOULD EE CAREFULLY THOUGHT OUT.
WELL, I CANNOT DESCRIBE THE EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES IN DETAIL, BUT I CAN SAY THAT NEARLY 43/ OF TOTAL RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, OR 4,333 MILLION DOLLARS, WILL BE DEVOTED TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES- HOUSING WILL BE COMPLETED FOR 128,330 PEOPLE- THE FIRST PHASE OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FOP OVER 43,330 PEOPLE .'ILL EE ..ELL ON THE WAY TO COMPLETION EY M10-1979= THERE '..'ILL BE SUFFICIENT AIDED PLACES AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER IN FORMS I TO ACCOMMODATE THE 133,030 CHILDREN LEAVING PRIMARY 6 CLASSES THIS SUMMER- FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME- NEW WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE INAUGURATED- THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM WILL EE IMPROVED- THE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL, WELFARE AND MEDICAL FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE HANDICAPPED WILL BE EXTENDED- AND ANOTHER 833 HOSPITAL BEDS WILL BE READY FOR USE. INCIDENTALLY, NEARLY ONE HALF OF THE TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICES WILL EE SPENT BY SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS WELFARE AGENCIES, AIDED SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS, THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC.
+OUT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET OF 10,330 MILLION DOLLARS ABOUT 23 PER CENT WILL BE SPENT ON THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WHICH COMPRISES A VAST RANGE OF CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TOWNS. IN MANY WAYS, THE MOST DRAMATIC ASPECT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IS CONCERNED WITH HOUSING: TOGETHER WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S OWN FUNDS, OVER 933 MILLION DOLLARS WILL EE SPENT ON THE RENTED HOUSING PROGRAMME AND, AS I HAVE JUST SAID, FLATS FOR 128,303 PEOPLE WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1978-79. BUT EQUALLY DRAMATIC, BUT PERHAPS SOMEWHAT OVERLOOKED, IS THE SIZE OF OUR INVESTMENT IN LAND FORMATION, ROADS, FLYOVERS, TUNNELS, WATER SUPPLIES AND OTHER MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS. IN 1978-79 WE SHALL BE SPENDING OVER 1,230 MILLION DOLLARS Cl. SUCH WORKS AND THE BENEFITS OF THIS EXPENDITURE WILL EE WIDESPREAD IN BOTH SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC TERMS.
+S0, WITH OUR ECONOMY IN FAIR SHAPE DESPITE WORLD TRADING UNCERTAINTIES AND GIVEN OUR ABILITY TO COPE WITH THE EVER INCREASING CALLS MADE ON THE PUBLIC SERVICES, I THINK WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THE YEAR OF THE HORSE .. ITH CONF IDEIICE.+
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
26
COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE URGED TODAY TO PLEDGE FULL SUPPORT TO THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME BY PARTICIPATING IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF ISLAND EAST, MRS. HENRIETTA CHEN, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (COMMUNITY WORK) SPOKE OF THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THIS LONG-TERM COMMUNITY-WIDE PROGRAMME.
+IN ADDITION TO PUBLICITY MATERIALS DESIGNED TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST, MASS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TALKS, SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS, OUTDOOR ITEMS, FAMILY CAMPS AND COMPETITIONS WILL BE ORGANISED,* SHE SAID.
MRS. CHEN POINTED OUT THAT THESE ACTIVITIES WERE ALSO MEANS TO HELP INDIVIDUALS ABSORB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN CONNECTION WITH HUMAN GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, BEHAVIOUR IN RELATION TO HIS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS HIS FAMILY.
SHE NOTED THAT THE NEED FOR THIS KIND OF EDUCATION WAS OBVIOUS AS EVERYONE NEEDS SOME TYPE OF ORIENTATION OR PREPARATION IN ORDER TO FULFIL HIS DUTIES WITHIN THE FAMILY, AND THE RAPIDITY OF SOCIAL CHANGES UNDERLINED THIS NEED.
+WITH RAPID SOCIAL CHANGES, INTER-GENERATION COMMUNICATION BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER, RESULTING IN CONFUSION, IGNORANCE AND MIS INTER PRETATION OF LOVE, MARRIAGE, PARENTHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DISCIPLINE,* SHE ADDED.
MRS. CHEN SAID THAT SOCIAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS ILLEGITIMACY, DIVORCE, DESERTION OF FAMILIES, NEGLIGENCE AND ILL-TREATMENT OF CHILDREN ARE NATURAL CONSEQUENCES CF UNPLANNED AND UNPREPARED MARRIAGES.
+TO PREVENT THIS KIND OF FAMILY PROBLEMS WHICH WOULD DIRECTLY AFFECT SOCIAL ORDER, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS NEEDED TO EQUIP ONESELF WITH THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE.*
SHE STRESSED THAT THE ENTIRE POPULATION MIGHT BE BENEFITED FROM THIS PROGRAMME WHICH EMBRACED HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND CHILD CARE- SEX EDUCATION AND PREPARATION FOR RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOODHUMAN ROLES AND RELATIONSHIPS- NUTRITION-1 HEALTH EDUCATION AND HOME MANAGEMENT.
TURNING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME, MRS. CHEN SAID THAT FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS A TEAM OF 19 EXPERIENCED SOCIAL WORKERS, HEADED BY HERSELF, HAD BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF 11 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ON THE OVERALL PLANNING, COORDINATION AND CONSCIOUS PROMOTION OF THE SERVICE.
/+WHILE......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
- 27 -
♦WHILE INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, THE 10 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION OFFICERS, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE RESPECTIVE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS, WILL ASSESS THE NEEDS, COORDINATE THE PROVISION OF SERVICE AND ORGANISE DISTRICT PROGRAMMES,+ SHE SA ID.
WITH THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES AS THEIR BASE OF OPERATION, SHE SAID, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION OFFICERS ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING AND DEVELOPING INDIGENOUS RESOURCE MATERIAL TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE POPULATION.
♦WE HOPE THAT THROUGH OUR PROMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE CAN BE IMPROVED, AND THAT .. 1TH HEALTHY FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY, WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A SOCIETY WITH HARMONY, ORDER AND STEADY PROGRESS,+ SHE SAID.
FIRE HAZARD CHECKS ON TAO ESTATES
******
OFFICERS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT THIS MORNING INSPECTED JORDAN VALLEY ESTATE AND PART OF UPPER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE IN KOWLOON TO LOOK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS TO MEANS OF ESCAPE AND THE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS WITHOUT A LICENCE.
DURING THE THREE-HOUR OPERATION WHICH STARTED AT 9.30 A.M. MORE THAN 9,270 UNITS AND SHOPS WERE INSPECTED. AS A RESULT, 20 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR GENERAL OBSTRUCTIONS.
FIFTY-FOUR SHOPS WERE FOUND TO HAVE STORED KEROSENE OR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS IN EXCESS OF THE LIMIT WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE OWNERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED ..ITH A LETTER ADVISING THE? ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE. THE LETTER ALSO WARNS THAT A FURTHER INSPECTION GF THE PREMISES WILL BE MADE BY FIRE OFFICERS IN A MONTH’S TIME WHEN LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF THEY ARE STILL IN POSSESSION OF SUCH GOODS MORE THAN THE EXEMPTED QUANTITY.
DURING THE INSPECTION, FIRE OFFICERS ALSO FOUND TWO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON ROOFTOPS, TWO FACTORIES IN DOMESTIC PREMISES AND TWO CASES OF GENERAL OBSTRUCTIONS ALONG CORRIDORS. DETAILS OF THESE VIOLATIONS WILL BE PASSED TO THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR ATTENTION.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978
28
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD * * * * fc
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, FROM 11 P.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 4) TO 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5) TO FACILITATE ■He DIVERSION OF TRAM TRACKS IN THAT AREA.
THE LAST TRAM TO AND FROM HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
KENNEDY TOWN TO HAPPY VALLEY — 10.13 P.M.
SHAU KEI WAN TO HAPPY VALLEY — 13.26 P.M.
HAPPY VALLEY TO KENNEDY TOWN — 10.54 P.M.
HAPPY VALLEY TO SHAU KEI WAN -- 10.24 P.M.
MEANWHILE, THE JUNCTION OF BROADWAY ROAD AND THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A BOX JUNCTION WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 3).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP AT THESE LOCATIONS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
|gis| |m|
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST TRAINING CENTRE FOR SEVERELY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN OPENS .......................................... j
*26 MILLION CONTRACT FOR LAND FORMATION IN YUEN LONG. 2
MORE NEW VOTERS REGISTERED .............................. 3
VALUATION LISTS FOR NEW RATING AREAS IN NT............... 4
HIGHWAYS AND FLYOVERS -- A MARK OF IMPROVED ROAD COMMUNICATION ........................................ 5
BUSY YEAR FOR HONG KONG PORT IN 1977 .................... 6
BANKING STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1978 .................. 7
EMPLOYMENT SURVEY .................................... 9
TEXTILES TALKS WITH CANADA WELL UNDERWAY ............. 10
NICHOLS ATTENDS FISHERIES CONFERENCE IN MANILA .... 10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG FOR +WALK FOR A MILLION* ............................................. 11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
1
THUxtSDAi, ujLrtun i^/o
FIRST TRAINING CENTRE FOR SEVERELY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN OPENS ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) RENEWED HIS SUPPORT FOR A MODERN CONCEPT ON THE CARE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PO LEUNG KUK KWAI SHING CHILDREN’S TRAINING CENTRE - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG - MR. LEE SAID THIS NEW CONCEPT, WHICH EMPHASISED ON PERSONAL CARE AND TRAINING, WOULD HELP EASE THE DEMAND FOR MENTAL HOSPITAL BED SPACES AND ALSO BRING ABOUT SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THE FIELD OF REHABILITATION.
+ACCORDING TO OBSERVATION AND RESEARCH WHICH BACK UP THIS VIEW, MOST PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM MENTAL DISABILITY DO NOT NEED LONG-TERM MEDICAL CARE IN HOSPITALS,* HE SAID.
MR. LEE NOTED THAT IF THIS THEORY WERE SUCCESSFULLY TRIED OUT IN HONG KONG, THE HANDICAPPED WOULD HAVE GREATER CHANCES OF REALISING THEIR POTENTIALS.
+WITH AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 2,903 CHILDREN BELONGING TO THIS CATEGORY IN OUR COMMUNITY AT PRESENT, A LOT OF TRAINING CENTRES WOULD NEED TO BE SET UP IF THIS NEW CONCEPT PROVES PRACTICABLE,* HE SAID.
THE KWAI SHING CENTRE HAS COME INTO BEING FOLLOWING AN APPEAL MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR FOR DAY OR RESIDENTIAL CENTRES TO BE SET UP BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE BASIC CARE AND SIMPLE TRAINING FOR THE RETARDED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BAS IS.
MR. LEE SAID THAT TWO MORE WELFARE ORGANISATIONS HAD AGREED TO SET UP SIMILAR TRAINING CENTRES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
DESCRIBING THE KWAI SHING CENTRE AS +PART OF A PILOT PROJECT TO TESTIFY THIS MODERN CONCEPT*, MR. LEE SAID THAT THE CENTRE’S SERENE ENVIRONMENT, COUPLED WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT AND WELL-COORDINATED SERVICES, WOULD BE CONDUCIVE TO THE REHABILITATION PROCESS.
BEING THE FIRST INSTITUTION TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM PROTECTIVE CARE FOR THE SEVERE GRADE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE CENTRE POSSESSED A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT TRAINING PROGRAMME.
+THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME CONDUCTED AGAINST A FAMILY-STYLE SETTING, THE 53 FEMALE RESIDENTS AND 30 DAY TRAINEES AGED SIX TO 16 WOULD BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE SELF-CARE SKILLS, THE WAYS TO COMMUNICATE AND GET ALONG WITH OTHERS, AS WELL AS TECHNIQUES THAT CATER TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT DUE ATTENTION HAD ALSO BEEN PAID TO OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, NURSING SERVICE, AND TRAINEES’ RELATIONSHIPS ..I TH FAMILY MEMBERS TO ENSURE THAT THE HANDICAPPED WERE ACCORDED THE BEST CARE ON THEIR WAY TO INDEPENDENT LIVING.
MR. LEE THANKED THE KUK’S CHAIRMAN, MR. CHENG ENG-KUAN, DIRECTORS AND OTHER MEMBERS FOR THEIR QUICK RESPONSE IN SETTING UP THE TRAINING CENTRE.
-------0 - - - -
/2......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
2
PWD SIGNS $26M CONTRACT FOR LAND FORMATION * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $26 MILLION CONTRACT TO THE HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. FOR THE FORMATION OF 14.5 HECTARES OF LAND IN YUEN LONG.
THE CONTRACT, WHICH IS PART OF THE YUEN LONG DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR. BERNARD NEWMAN, GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), AND MR. GEOFFREY YEH, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.
IT IS THE THIRD CONTRACT AWARDED SO FAR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG UNDER THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, DRAINS AND SEWERS.
MR. NEWMAN SAID THAT THE WORK WOULD BEGIN NEXT WEEK AND TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THAT THE LAND FORMED TO THE EAST OF THE TOWN WOULD BE USED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING OPEN SPACES AND A NEW POST OFFICE, A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND A PRIMARY AND A SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE SOUTH-WESTERN SITE NEAR THE EXISTING SPORTS STADIUM, HE ADDED, WOULD BE USED FOR A NEW SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, BASKETBALL COURTS, OPEN AREAS AND CAR PARKING SPACE WHILE THE SITE TO BE FORMED TO THE EAST OF SHU I PIN WAI WOULD BE DEVELOPED AS A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WITH A PLANNED POPULATION OF 11,000.
FACILITIES WITHIN THE ESTATE WOULD INCLUDE A NURSERY, KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY SCHOOL, MARKET AND COOKED FOOD STALLS.
+A TRAINING CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN SERVING THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT IS ALSO PLANNED TO BE SET UP WITHIN THE ESTATE,* MR. NEWMAN SAID.
+ THE COMPLETION OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN DECEMBER 1980 WILL ENABLE MAJOR CLEARANCES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE TOWN TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT IN THOSE AREAS.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THOSE CLEARED WOULD BE REHOUSED AND THIS WOULD PERMIT THE COMPLETION OF THE PACKAGE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN YUEN LONG TOWN BY MID-1980’S.
THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, BINNIE AND PARTNERS (H.K.), WHO DESIGNED THE ENGINEERING WORKS, WILL SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
-5
MORE NEW VOTERS REGISTERED * X * *
MORE PEOPLE HAVE REGISTERED AS NEW VOTERS SINCE THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION REGISTRATION CYCLE BEGAN TWO WEEKS AGO.
ACCORDING TO LATEST FIGURES, OVER 780 PEOPLE HAVE REGISTERED, AN INCREASE OF 472 COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF THE LAST REGISTRATION EXERCISE IN 1976.
MR. KUO KET-CHEN, REGISTRATION OFFICER FOR 1978 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION REGISTRATION AND SEXENNIAL INQUI RY,SA ID! +1 AM PLEASED THAT THESE PEOPLE HAVE RESPONDED SO QUICKLY AND I HOPE THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING FORWARD TO REGISTER EACH DAY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AS WE MOVE ALONG THIS REGISTRATION CYCLE.+
REGISTRATION FOR NEW VOTERS STARTED ON FEBRUARY 15 AND THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION BY POST IS JUNE 15, 1978. REGISTRATION FORMS FOR NEW VOTERS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL POST OFFICES, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HEAD AND BRANCH OFFICES OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE. THESE FORMS MAY BE COMPLETED IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE.
MEANWHILE, NOTICES OF INQUIRY ARE ALSO BEING SENT BY REGISTERED POST TO EACH OF THE ELECTORS ON THE CURRENT REGISTER TO FIND OUT WHETHER THEY ARE STILL ELIGIBLE TO REMAIN ON THE REGISTER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND WHETHER THEY WISH TO CHANGE THEIR POLLING STATIONS.
MR. KUO CALLED ON THESE VOTERS TO CONTINUE TO SHOW THEIR INTEREST BY COMPLETING THE FORMS AND RETURNING THEM AS SOON AS POSS IBLE.
HE REMINDED VOTERS THAT IF THEY FAILED TO CONFIRM THEIR REGISTRATION THEIR NAMES WOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE NEW ELECTORAL ROLL AND SO THEY WOULD LOSE THEIR OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE IN THE NEXT URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
+IF ANYONE WHO KNOWS, OR BELIEVES, HIMSELF TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT REGISTER HAS NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE OF INQUIRY BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, IT PROBABLY MEANS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE HIS CORRECT ADDRESS. I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IT THESE PEOPLE WOULD CONTACT THE ELECTORAL AND JURY SECTION, EITHER BY TELEPHONING THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE ON 5-765912 OR BY WRITING TO HIM AT 7TH FLOOR, KA CHEONG BUILDING, 4, SUNNING ROAD, HONG KONG, SO THAT A NOTICE MAY BE SENT TO THEM WITHOUT DELAY,+ SAID MR. KUO.
/4......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
4 -
VALUATION LISTS FOR NEW RATING AREAS IN NT * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR. RAYMOND FRY, TODAY DECLARED THE VALUATION LISTS FOR THE 12 AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WERE SPECIFIED FOR RATING LAST NOVEMBER.
THE LISTS HAVE BEEN HANDED OVER TO THE COLLECTOR OF RATES WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES. RATES, BASED ON THESE VALUATION LISTS EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1, THIS YEAR, WILL BE CHARGED BY THE COLLECTOR.
THEY CONTAIN SOME 1,900 ASSESSMENTS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WITH A TOTAL RATEABLE VALUE OF ABOUT $47 MILLION:
AREA F5 - 7 — AN AREA IN THE VICINITY OF CASTLE PEAK
ROAD FROM SAN TIN TO HUNG SHU I KIU, KAM TIN, SHEK KONG, PAT HEUNG AND LAU FAU SHAN
AREA G5 -- AN AREA AROUND TAI PO MARKET INCLUDING
HONG LOK TSUEN’
AREA H5 -- AN AREA AROUND YING PUN-
AREA J3 -- AN AREA AROUND SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING,
PING CHE AND KWU TUNG”
AREA K2 -- AN AREA AROUND TUEN MUN AND LAM TEI-
AREA L4 - 5 — AN AREA IN THE VICINITY OF SHA TIN-
AREA M5 -- AN AREA SOUTH OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD- AND
AREA N2 - 3 — AN AREA AROUND NAM WAI, CHUK KOK AND SHA
KOK ME I IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID: +THE PREPARATION OF THESE LISTS IS IN FURTHERANCE OF GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF EXTENDING RATING TO DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THIS, BEING THE FIFTH PHASE, COMPLETES THE MAINLAND SECTOR OF THE CURRENT PROGRAMME,+ HE ADDED.
THE VALUATION LISTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY THE PUBLIC AT THE OFFICE OF THE COLLECTOR OF RATES AT THE TREASURY, ROOM 202, HANG CHONG BUILDING,- SECOND FLOOR, 5, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, FOR 21 DAYS FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 9. COPIES OF THE RELEVANT LISTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
ANYONE AGGRIEVED ON ANY OF THE GROUNDS LAID DOWN IN THE RATING ORDINANCE MAY, DURING THE 21 DAYS, LODGE A PROPOSAL IN THE SPECIFIED FORM TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION FOR THE ALTERATION OF AN ASSESSED RATEABLE VALUE.
-----o------
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
5
HIGHWAYS AND FLYOVERS - A MARK OF IMPROVED ROAD COMMUNICATION
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS BUILT A NUMBER OF MAJOR ROAD LINKS AND FLYOVERS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, RESULTING IN MUCH IMPROVEMENT ON ROAD COMMUNICATION.
THIS WAS STATED BY DR. NIP KAM-FAN, ACTING GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER (WORKS) OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, AT A MEETING CF THE LIONS CLUB OF CASTLE PEAK THIS EVENING.
MUCH OF THE EXPANSION OF THE ROAD NETWORK, HE ADDED, HAD BEEN IN THE FORM OF MULTI-LANE HIGH CAPACITY URBAN ROADS WITH GRADE SEPARATED INTERSECTIONS.
DR. NIP NAMED A FEW MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS WHICH HAVE BEEN OR ARE TO BE COMPLETED SHORTLY. THESE INCLUDE THE SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL AND THE TUEN MUN ROAD WHICH WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFF IC LATER THIS YEAR.
BESIDES THESE, HE SAID, THERE WERE NUMEROUS OTHER ROAD PROJECTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXISTING ROADS WERE WIDENED AND IMPROVED WHILE OLD ROADS WHICH HAD REACHED THE END OF THEIR ECONOMIC LIFE, WERE RECONSTRUCTED.
+IN ALL OF THESE VARIOUS ROAD PROJECTS, UTILITY COMPANIES ARE INVARIABLY INFORMED OF THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS SO THAT THEY COULD PUT IN HAND THEIR PLANNED NEW INSTALLATIONS OR IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING SERVICES AT THE SAME TIME SO AS TO MINIMISE THE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC,* DR. KIP SAID.
+IT IS A STANDING PRACTICE IN THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE THAT TRENCH OPENINGS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN A CARRIAGEWAY CONSTRUCTED OR RECONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS OR RESURFACED WITHIN THE PAST YEAR UNLESS THE UTILITY COMPANY CONCERNED COULD PROVE THAT THE NEED FOR THE OPENING COULD .'.CT HAVE BEEN ANTICIPATED AND THAT THERE IS NO PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVE.*
APART FROM THESE ROAD WORKS, HE SAID, THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE EACH MONTH HAD TO MANAGE OVER 1,000 TRENCH OPENINGS MADE DY UTILITY COMPANIES’ EXAMINE OVER 80 DEVELOPMENT PLANS, SUBMITTED BY AUTHORISED ARCHITECTS, 'WHICH MAY AFFECT THE HIGHWAY SYSTEM’ RESPOND SWIFTLY TO 2,500 COMPLAINTS ABOUT BLOCKED DRAINAGE AND MAINTAIN 1,100 KILOMETRES OF ROAD AND OVER 300 SETS OF TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS TO FACILITATE THE MOVEMENT OF OVER 200,000 VEHICLES. THESE aERE ALL PART OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE’S WORK.
TO DEAL ..ITH THESE PROBLEMS, DR. NIP SAID, THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE HAD AN ESTABLISHMENT OF OVER 2,000 PEOPLE.
+ HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT BUILDING BOOM IL HC G KONG AND THE INTENSIVE CONSTRUCT ICI. WORK UNDERTAKEN EY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, THERE IS DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING ADEQUATE ENGINEERS AND TECHNICAL STAFF,* HE
/♦THE GREATEST PROBLEM......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
+THE GREATEST PROBLEM LIES IN THE SHORTAGE OF STAFF AT THE WORKS SUPERVISOR LEVEL.+
DR. NIP POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT ONLY 66 PER CENT OF THE WORKS SUPERVISOR POSTS WERE FILLED.
HE SAID THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE +WE DEPEND ON THEM FOR WALKING AND INSPECTING EVERY PART OF THE ROAD SYSTEM AND FOR REPORTING WHATEVER DEFECTS THAT MAY EXIST AND FINALLY IN OVERSEEING THAT REMEDIAL WORKS ARE CARRIED OUT PROPERLY.+
IN THIS RESPECT, DR. NIP CALLED ON THOSE PRESENT TO ASSIST BY REPORTING +ANYTHING ABOUT HIGHWAYS WHICH DO NOT APPEAR PROPER
THIS CAN BE DONE EITHER BY WRITING TO THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, OR BY TELEPHONING THE COMPLAINTS OFFICER, MR. JOHN DODWELL, AT 5-244744.
----0----
EUSY YEAR FOR HONG KONG PORT IN 1977 j* * H H X K
A TOTAL OF 23.8 ."ILL ION TONNES OF CARGO WERE HANDLED THROUGH THE PORT OF HONG KONG LAST YEAR - AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 11.2 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED EY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY.
CONTAINERISED CARGO REPRESENTED 48.9 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CARGO TONNAGE DISCHARGED AND LOADED LAST YEAR, COMPARED ..ITH 44.6 PER CENT IN 1976.
IN TERMS OF T.E.U.3 (TWENTY FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS) TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT WAS 1.26 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 22.3 PER CENT OVER THE 1976 THROUGHPUT OF 1.33 MILLION T.E.U.S.
THE STATISTICS ALSO SHOWED THAT 8,916 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS «ITH A COMBINED NET TONNAGE OF 42.8 MILLION ARRIVED HERE IN 1977, AS COMPARED WITH 8,371 IK 1976.
RIVER TRADE (MAINLY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU) SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE IK 1977 -1 TH 71,433 VESSELS OF 11.6 MILLION NET TONS ENTERING AND CLEARING, COMPARED WITH 73,823 VESSELS OF 11.4 MILLION MET TOKS THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
CARGO FROM THE RIVER TRADE THAT WAS LOADED AND DISCHARGED HERE AMOUNTED TO 1.8 MILLION TONS, SLIGHTLY MORE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM. MACAU INCREASED BY ABOUT TEN PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO 5.1 MILLION.
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
- 7 -
BANKING STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1978 *****
BANKING DEPOSITS AT THE END OF JANUARY THIS YEAR STOOD AT 3*4,478 MILLION, COMPRISING 313,360 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, 320,326 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $20,792 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING THE MONTH WAS 45.08 PER CENT.
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF JANUARY.
THE FOLLOWING TABLES GIVE A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH.
^MILLION
LIABILITIES
1. DEPOSITS 54,478
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 39,043
3. OTHER LIABILITIES 9,938
TOTAL LIABILITIES 103,459
ASSETS
1. CASH 1,333
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD:
(1) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS 29,961
(2) TIME DEPOSITS 5,625
------ 35,586
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES:
(1) HONG KONG 37,944
(2) ABROAD 19,321
------ 57,265
4. INVESTMENTS:
(1) HONG KONG 3,846
(2) ABROAD 74
------ 3,920
/5. OTHER ASSETS:
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
- 8 -
5. OTHER ASSETS:
(1) HONG KONG ' 3,954
(2) ABROAD 1,401
----- 5,355
TOTAL ASSETS 103,459
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH 45.08%
MONEY SUPPLY
MONTH ENDED
31ST JANUARY 1978
SMILLION
1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN
CIRCULATION (A)
(1) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 6,470
(2) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 693
----- 7,163
2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL
TENDER COINS AND NOTES (B) 1,333
3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS
OF NON-BANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) = (C) 5,830
4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D) 13,360
5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) + (D) = (E) 19,190
6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F) 20,326
7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G) 20,792
8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E)+(-)+(G)=(H) 60,308
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
9
EMPLOYMENT SURVEY
******
A TOTAL OF 268,030 PEOPLE WERE EMPLOYED IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR --AN INCREASE OF SOME 4,000 PERSONS OR 1.5 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1977 AND DECEMBER 1976, ACCORDING TO A RECENT EMPLOYMENT SURVEY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED THAT 118,243 PERSONS WERE WORKING IN RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, AN INCREASE OF 1,660 PERSONS OR 1.4 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1977. COMPARED WITH 106,890 PERSONS IN DECEMBER 1976, THE FIGURE REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF OVER 13 PER CENT.
DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/ EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN DECEMBER AND SEPTEMBER 1977 AND A COMPARISON EETWEEN THEM ARE GIVEN' BELOW:
PERSONS ENGAGED IN SEPTEMBER 1977 PERSONS ENGAGED IN DECEMBER 1977 CHANGE OF DEC. 1977
OVER SEPT. 1977
WHOLESALE 37,883 33,420 PERSONS + 540 % + 1.4
RETAIL 131,990 133,500 +1,510 +1.1
IMPORT/EXPORT 94,270 96,100 +1,830 +1.9
RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS 99,450 100,700 +1,250 + 1.3
HOTELS AND FOARD ING HOUSE S 17,143 17,543 + 400 +2.3
TOTAL 333,733 386,270 +5,543 +1.5
0 - - - -
/10......
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 197S
10
TEXTILES TALKS .71 TH CANADA WELL UNDERWAY
******
+THE NEGOTIATIONS DETWEEK HONG KONG AND CANADA ARE PROCEEDING SLOWLY EUT SURELY,+ MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, DIRECTOR OF TRADE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
'•R. I ILLS SAID: + .E HAVE EXAMINED IMPORT AND EXPORT STATISTICS COVERING THE ITEMS ON WHICH CANADA IS SEEKING RESTRAINT AND THESE HAVE REVEALED CERTAIN DIFFERENCES IN CLASSIFICATION OF PRODUCTS AT THE EXPORT AMD IMPORT ENDS OF THE TRADE.+
HE SAID THAT, AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE TWO SIDES HAVE SET UP A TECHNICAL GROUP TO IDENTIFY THESE DIFFERENCES AND TO AGREE ON DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PRODUCTS IN QUESTION.
+AS SOON AS THIS WORK IS COMPLETED, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE CONSULTATIONS WILL BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON IDENTIFYING ITEMS FOR RESTRAINT, THE LIMITS THAT MIGHT EE APPLIED TO THEM AND ALL THE OTHER ELEMENTS ..HICH GO INTO MAKING A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE AGREEMENT.+
THE DISCUSSIONS WILL RESUME TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND MAY CONTINUE OVER THE WEEKEND.
NICHOLS ATTENDS FISHERIES CONFERENCE IN MANILA
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. TED NICHOLS, LEFT HONG KONG TODAY FOR A TWO-WEEK FISHERIES CONFERENCE IN MANILA.
MR. NICHOLS IS THE SENIOR ALTERNATE DELEGATE OF THE BRITISH CONTINGENT ATTENDING THE EIGHTEENTH SESSION OF THE INDO-PACIF IC FISHERY COMMISSION.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE IS THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND MARKETING, MR. A.K. MURRAY.
PART OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE DEVOTED TO A SYMPOSIUM ON FISH UTILISATION AND MARKETING v.lTHIN THE INDO-PAC IF IC REGION. THE PURPOSE OF THE SYMPOSIUM IS TO BRING TOGETHER FISH TECHNOLOGISTS AND MARKETING EXPERTS FROM GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, UNIVERSITIES AND INDUSTRY TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS FOR THE FISHING INDUSTRY IN THE REGION.
THE COMMISSION WILL ALSO UPDATE DELEGATES ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS CONCERNING THE LAW OF THE SEA. THIS SESSION WILL ENABLE MEMBERS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON HO.'. NATIONAL FISHERY POLICIES MAY HAVE TO EE MODIFIED IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXTENDED ZONES OF JURISDICTION OVER FISHERIES.
MR. MURRAY IS ALSO A DELEGATE TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RESOURCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, WHICH ./ILL STUDY REPORTS ON INLAND FISHERIES PRIOR TO THE COMMISSION MEETING.
0
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978
11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR +WALK FOR A MILLION* * * * M
SEVERAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KWON TONG ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5) IN CONNECTION WITH THE +WALK FOR A MILLION*, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
PO LAM ROAD, THE UNNAMED LINK ROAD BETWEEN SAU MAU PING ROAD AND ANDERSON ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF ANDERSON ROAD BETWEEN THE UNNAMED LINK ROAD AND PO LAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 2 D.M.^.
SERVICE OF KMB ROUTE NO. 90 WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 8.30 A.M. TO 11.30 A.M.
JUNK BAY ROAD FROM LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO SAU MAU PING ROAD EXCEPT THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM KAI TIN ROAD TO LEI YUE MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 7.30 A.M. TO ABOUT 11.30 A.M.
DRIVERS REQUIRING ACCESS TO LAM TIN ESTATE BETWEEN 7.30 A.M. AND 11.30 A.M. SHOULD PROCEED VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD. KMB ROUTE NOS. 15C AND 16 WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD ON JOURNEYS TO LAM TIN ESTATE.
MOTORISTS IN RENNIES MILL, KO CHIU ROAD, SHUNG SHUN STREET, TUNG YUEN STREET, KO FAI ROAD, CHA KWO LING ROAD, YAU TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND GIVE WAY TO THE WALKERS.
POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS AND ASSIST WALKERS.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRI PAY, MARCH 3, 197«
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPOINTMENTS TO URBCO ..................................... 1
GOVERNMENT TO START TB CASE FINDING CAMPAIGN ............. 9
DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU ISLAND.............................. 3
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR DECEMBER 1977 ..................... 5
1978-79 VALUATION LISTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION .......... 6
MARCH LABOUR FORCE SURVEY................................ 7
AMS HOLDS FAMILY DAY ...................................... q
SALT WATER STOPPAGE IN ABERDEEN ........................... q
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1978
FOUR RE-APPOINTMENTS AND TWO NEW APPOINTMENTS TO URBAN COUNCIL ***********
FOUR MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR FOUR YEARS AND TWO NEW MEMBERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED FOR THE SAME TERM.
RE-APPOINTED ARE MR. A. DE 0. SALES, MR. H.M.G. FORSGATE, MR. KENNETH T.C. LO AND MR. SHUM CHOI-SANG.
THE APPOINTMENTS. WHICH ARE ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), DATE FROM APRIL 1.
MR. SALES HAS SERVED WITH THE COUNCIL SINCE 1957 AND WAS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN IN 1973 WHEN THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS RE-CONSTITUTED. MR. FORSGATE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SELECT COMMITTEE, MR. LO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE AND MR. SHUM IS AT PRESENT CHAIRMAN OF THE HAWKERS SELECT COMMITTEE.
THE TWO NEW MEMBERS ARE MR. STEPHEN LAU MAN-LUNG AND MR. HOWARD YOUNG. THEY WILL TAKE THE PLACES OF MR. R.H. LOBO AND MR. S.C. WONG, WHO WILL BOTH BE RETIRING AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
MR. LAU, AGED 32, IS A DIRECTOR OF THE KONG SUN WEAVING COMPANY. HE WAS A DIRECTOR OF THE PO LEUNG KUK IN 1974/75 AND PRESIDENT OF THE KWUN TONG LIONS CLUB IN 1976/77. HE IS AT PRESENT A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARDS, THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION COMMITTEE, THE FILM CENSORSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. HE IS MARRIED AND HAS TWO CHILDREN.
MR. YOUNG IS AGED 29. HE JOINED THE SWIRE GROUP SHIPPING DEPARTMENT IN 1968 AND, SINCE AUGUST, 1976, HAS BEEN LINE MANAGER IN CHARGE OF SWIRE SHIPPING (AGENCIES) LIMITED’S AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND SERVICE. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, THE SOUTH ASIA/ PACIFIC AREA COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE YOUNGER MANAGERS’ CLUB AND WAS FOUNDING CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG OUTWARD BOUND (ALUMNI) ASSOCIATION.
MR. LOBO HAS SERVED WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR 13 YEARS AND MR. WONG FOR FIVE YEARS.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1973
- 2 -
GOVERNMENT TO START TB CASE FINDING CAMPAIGN
*****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CHEST SERVICE IS TO START A LONG-TERM +TUEERCULOSIS CASE FINDING CAMPAIGN+ NEXT WEEK IN AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO FURTHER REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF THE DISEASE.
THE OBJECT OF THE CAMPAIGN IS TO GET PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS ■OF PERSISTENT COUGH FOR MORE THAN ONE MONTH TO ATTEND THE GOVERNMENT’S CHEST CLINICS FOR A CHECK-UP SO THAT APPROPRIATE TREATMENT CAN BE GIVEN AT THE EARLY STAGE OF INFECTION. TE, UNTIL RECENT YEARS, HAD BEEN ONE OF THE TOP KILLER DISEASES IN HONG KONG.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A COMBINED EFFORT INVOLVING VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE HONG KONG ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS AND THORACIC DISEASES ASSOCIATION AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL BODIES. IT AIMS TO EDUCATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA, WHAT THE DISEASE IS ALL ABOUT AND, ABOVE ALL, HOW AND WHERE PATIENTS CAN BE TREATED. TO ACHIEVE THIS, THERE WILL EE DISPLAY OF POSTERS AT PUBLIC PLACES, DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION LEAFLETS, RADIO SLOGANS, TV FILMS AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT INCREASING THE AWARENESS OF THE COMMUNITY OF THIS PROBLEM WOULD ENABLE THE HEALTH AUTHORITIES TO MAKE RAPID PROGRESS IN THE ELIMINATION OF TUBERCULOSIS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH ADVANCES MADE IN THE TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS MOST PATIENTS TODAY NEED NOT GO INTO HOSPITAL AND IN FACT ARE GIVEN VERY EFFECTIVE AND FREE TREATMENT ITHOUT DISRUPTION TO THEIR NORMAL WORK.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS HAS SUBSTANTIALLY DECLINED OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES THE PROELEI-IS STILL A LARGE ONE.
IN 1952, THERE WERE 14,821 NOTIFICATIONS OF TB CASES, OR 697.2 PER 133,000 POPULATION, WITH 3,573 DEATHS, OR 168.4 PER 130,030 POPULATION. THE NOTIFICATION RATE HAS DROPPED TO 159.3 PER 130,000 IN 1977 WITH THE DEATH RATE DOWN TO AN ALL-TIME LOW OF 11.8 PER 100,030 POPULATION.
DURING THIS PERIOD TE DEATHS IN THE POPULATION FELL FRCP 18.4 PER CENT TO 2.3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL DEATHS AND IN THE TEN TOP CAUSES OF DEATH IT FELL FROM SECOND TO EIGHTH PLACE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WIDER APPLICATION OF BCG VACCINES TO NEWBORN BABIES HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE DECLINE OF TUBERCULOSIS INCIDENCE, ESPECIALLY IN THE VERY YOUNG AGE GROUPS.
STARTED IN 1952 WHEN FOUR PER CENT OF THE NEWBORNS WERE VACCINATED, COVERAGE NOW IS 98 PER CENT, THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD, HE SAID.
/PHIOR TC .....
TRIDAY, ?.CARCH 3, 1278
3
PS ICR TC THE INTRODUCTION OF ECG VACCINATION, THERE WERE EETWEEN 1,300 AND 2,000 DEATHS IN YOUNG CHILDREN EVERY YEAR, BUT THIS FELL TC ONLY FOUR IN THE UNDER FIVE AGE GROUP IN 1976, HE ADDED.
♦NEVERTHELESS, THERE WERE STILL OVER 7,000 NEW CASES WITH 530 DEATHS REPORTED IN 1977, ..HIGH INDICATE THAT WHEREAS PROGRESS IS BEING MADE THERE MUST BE NO SLACKENING IN THE DRIVE AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FIGURES FROM THE wORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION SHOW THAT TUBERCULOSIS REMAINS A MAJOR MENACE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT EIGHT MILLION CASES IN ALL WITH ABOUT ONE MILLION NEW CASES NOTIFIED EVERY YEAR.
TUBERCULOSIS STILL KILLS SOME 400,300 PEOPLE A YEAR THROUGHOUT THE WORLD a I TH A LARGE NUMBER OF DEATHS OCCURRING IN SOUTH EAST ASIA.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESENT TREATMENT FOR TUBERCULOSIS HAS PROVED TC BE VERY EFFECTIVE AilD IS IMPROVING ALL THE TIME, AND IS COMPLETELY FREE. THE LIKELIHOOD OF COMPLETE CURE WITHIN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD IS VERY HIGH INDEED.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT THREE FULL-TIME CHEST CLINICS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND FIVE IN KOWLOON IN ADDITION TO PART-TIME CLINICS IN THE NEw TERRITORIES.
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De veLOPT _,.TS ON LANTAU ISLAND
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY OUTLINED THE DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU ISLAND AND SAID THE NEXT FE.. YEARS ..OULD SEE A TREMENDOUS INCREASE IN THE USE OF SOUTH LANTAU FOR RECREATION, HOLIDAY LIVING AND ENJOYMENT.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING CF THE ROTARY CLUE OF KOWLOC ..O.'.T-, . AKERS-JONES Sa ID NORTH L T.h., HC..EVER, REMAINED nC ;
KONG’S LARGEST UNDEVELOPED LAND RESOURCE.
HE SAID THE AREA ..AS NOT EASILY DEVELOPED- AND BECAUSE IT ..AS SUCH A LARGE LAND RESOURCE, AN I N'VEST IGATION HAD STARTED TC EXPLORE T-E FEASIBILITY CF DEVELOPING THE NORTH LANTAU COAST.
+AT THE SAME TINE, CONSULTANTS ARE TO EE APPOINTED TO CC DUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE FEASIBILITY CF CONSTRUCTING EITHER -LONG-SPAN BRIDGE, .1 HIGH CLEA'A'DE FROM TSI NG Yl AND MA WAN TC LANTAU, OR AN IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL,* HE * ID.
AS THE GOVERNOR SAID M LONDON LAST A DECISION OK ..HETHER TC GO AHEAD . I TH A TO BE MADE IN EARLY 1979.
AUTUMN, HE POINTED OUT, FIXED CROSS I G IS LI .ELY
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1?7E
REFERRING TO SOUTH LARTAU, AKERS-JONES DESCRIBED IT AS c::e of the most beautiful country areas in hong kong and said THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ENDEAVOUR IMG TC ENSURE THAT IT REMAINED SO.
♦BEHIND THE COAST, A COUNTRY PARK IS TC EE CREATED, ..HICH wILL INCLUDE ALL THE 'CURTAIN AREAS. AT CHEUNG SHA, I TH ITS LONG AND_ SA DY REACH, FACILITIES FCR BATHE'S AND CAMPERS ARE BEING PROVI~...
YR. AKERS-JONES SAID LAN'TAU HAD CHANGED PERHAPS HUNDREDS OF YEARS AKE IT JAS ONLY IK THREE YEARS THAT A MOMENTUM HAD DEVELOPED.
VERY LITTLE FOR
THE LAST T..0 OR
NOW THE ROAD ALONG THE SOUTH LAiiTAU COAST IMPROVED, AT A COST OF 335 ILL ICT, TO PROVIDE SAFE HIGHWAY EET.EEN ONE END OF THE ISLAND AND
WAS BEING STEADILY
A two-lane,
THE OTHER, HE SAID.
+ A REGULAR BUS SERVICE NO'.. RUNS OK THE ISLAND FROM THE FERRY AT MUI WO TC THE MONASTERY AT NGONG PI KG AND TO THE SMALL TC..
OF TAI O.+
ON PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES, E. AKERS-JONES SAID PRELIMINARY WORK HAD BEGUM ON BUILDING THE LANDING PIERS AT DISCOVERY BAY AS A PRECEDENT TO FULL SCALE DEVELOPMENT.
HE DESCRIBED DISCOVERY BAY AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST PRIVATE PROJECTS EVER UNDERTAKEN IK HONG KCKG AND SAID THE '.'.HOLE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING THE SURROUNDING HILLS COVERED AN AREA OF ABOUT 900 ACRES.
+PLANS INCLUDE A GCLF COURSE, A HOTEL, RECREATIONAL ACCOMMODATION FOR UP TO £3,333 PEOPLE, AND A FULL RANGE OF RESORT AND ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
TO THE SOUTH OF THE ISLAND, FACING CHEUNG CHAU, NR. AKERS—JOi c SAID THE RESORT AREA KNOWN AS THE SEA RANCH '.AS ALREADY ..ELL ABOVE THE GROUND. IT ..OULD CONSIST CF 152 APARTMENTS, OF ..HIGH HALF HAVE ALREADY BEEN SOLD.
HE SAID PRISONERS OF THE VARIOUS PRISONS DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONS ON LAHTAU HAD ALSO DONE MUCH OVER THE YEARS TC PL. T TREES AMD TC COMPLETE OTHER I.''PROVE':E'.TS C'i THE ISLAND.
0---------
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1978
5 -
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT FOR DECEMBER ******
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR DECEMBER 1977 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) SHOW A SURPLUS OF $23 MILLION, COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $152.2 MILLION IN DECEMBER, 1976.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $213 MILLION FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $61 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD OF THE LAST FISCAL
TOTAL EXPENDITURE, AT $745.1 MILLION, WAS $182.2 MILLION MORE THAN IN DECEMBER, 1976.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS, AT .$768.1 MILLION, WERE $53 MILLION MORE THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH IN 1976.
0
FRIDAY, KARCH 3, 1978
6
VALUATION LISTS FOR 1978-79 AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION * * * *
THE 1978-79 VALUATION LISTS FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON AND THE ASSESSED PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM THURSDAY (MARCH 9), IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE LISTS .JILL BE CH DISPLAY DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS FOR 21 DAYS TILL .'■'ARCH 2? AT THE OFFICE OF THE COLLECTOR OF RATES IN HANG CHONG BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, ROOM 232, 5 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
A SPOKESMAN -OR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DURING THIS PERIOD ANY PERSON .•.HO DISAGREES WITH THE ENTRY OR OMISSION OF A TENEMENT IN OR FRO." A LIST, OR THE RATEABLE VALUE ASSESSED, MAY LODGE A PROPOSAL TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION TO AMEND THE LIST.
FORKS FOR THIS PURPOSE ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES AT 1 GARDEN ROAD (TEL: 5-249321) AND NEW MERCURY HOUSE, 17TH FLOOR, 22, FENWICK STREET, WAN CHAI (TEL: 5-281424).
+THERE IS A FURTHER RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL SHOULD THE COMMISSIONER NOT AGREE TO A PROPOSAL SERVED ON HIM,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT PERSONS DISSATISFIED >. I TH THEIR ASSESSMENTS AND I TENDING TO LODGE A PROPOSAL ARE INVITED TO FIRST GET IN TOUCH .. ITH THE VALUER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AREA IN WHICH THE PREMISES ARE SITUATED, ...4Ehi ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE J ILL GLADLY EE GIVEN.
♦GENERALLY, ENQUIRIES IN THIS RESPECT SHOULD EE DIRECTED TO NE.. MERCURY HOUSE BUT THOSE li. RESPECT OF PREMISES SITUATED IN THE NE'..’ TERRITORIES SHOULD EE MADE AT 1, SARDEN ROAD,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE EMPHASISED THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE LODGING OF A PROPOSAL OR AN APPEAL, RATES .iUST DE PAID BY THE DUE DATE.
+ li. THE CASE OF RATE DEMANDS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1978 THIS MEANS THAT PAYMENT MUST EE "ADE DY THE END OF APRIL. ANY SUCH PAYMENTS MADE AFTER THE END OF APR IL ..ILL EE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1978
7 -
MARCH LABOUR FORCE SURVEY *****
THE FIFTH CF THE SERIES OF THE SIX-MONTHLY LABOUR FORCE SURVEYS W ILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH.
THE SURVEY, AIMED AT COLLECTING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION 01'.' THE ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION, WILL BE TAKEN ON A SAMPLE BASIS COVERING ABOUT 16,000 HOUSEHOLDS THROUGHOUT ALL DISTRICTS.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID EEFORE THE FIELD ENUMERATION, AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WOULD EE SENT TO HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED IN THE SAMPLE EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND SEEKING THEIR CO-OPERATION IN PARTICIPATING.
A NUMBER OF ENUMERATORS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WOULD VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS ON A DAY BETWEEN MARCH 8 AND 22. EACH OF THEM WOULD CARRY AN OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARD WITH HIS PHOTOGRAPH ON IT FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦QUESTIONS TO EE ASKED WILL CONCERN PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD DATA SUCH AS AGE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, EMPLOYMENT STATUS, OCCUPATION, EARNINGS, HOURS OF WORK AND TENURE AND RENT. INFORMATION WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON EXPENDITURE ON DURABLE GOODS AND WHETHER ANY HOUSEHOLD MEMBER HAD CONSULTED A DOCTOR IN THE REFERENCE ..E£K,+ HE SAID.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL EE KEPT IK THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
0 --------
/£
FR I DAY, MARCH 3, 1978
8
AMS HOLDS FAMILY DAY * * * *
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL FAMILY DAY AT THE INDIAN RECREATION CLUE, SO KQN PO, HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (MARCH 5).
MORE THAN 3,300 SERVING AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE AMS AND THEIR FAMILIES'ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 1 P.M.
THERE WILL EE POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMED EY AMS POP BAND, MARCHING MUSIC BY AMS BRASS BAND, AS WELL AS LION DANCE, A VARIETY SHO.., A BEER DRINKING CONTEST AND A RAFFLE DRAW.
GAMES STALLS FOR CHILDREN, ORGANISED EY AMS MEMBERS, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME ALONG WITH AN EXHIBITION PUT UP EY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND A RIFLE SHOOTING RANGE ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).
DR. K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WHO IS ALSO THE UNIT CONTROLLER OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE, ..ILL EE PRESENT TO ADDRESS THE GATHERING. •
THE ANNUAL FAMILY DAY PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AMS MEMBERS FROM DIFFERENT DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NE.. TERRITORIES TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE ANNUAL FAMILY DAY AT THE INDIA: RECREATION CLUE, SO KON PO, ON SUNDAY AT 1 P.M.
- - 0 - -
STOPPAGE OF SALT WATER SUPPLY TC ABERDEEN # * H
SALT ..ATER SUPPLY TC ALL PREMISES IN ABERDEEN WILL EE TURNED OFF FROM. 9 A.M. SUNDAY (MARCH 5) TO 5 P.M. ON MONDAY.
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE IS TC FACILITATE .'ATER MAI! DIVERSION WORKS EY THE ..ATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH A, 1 97B
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DUKE OF KENT ARRIVES IN HONG KONG TOMORROW ............. 1
PRESS BADGES FOR VISIT OF THE DUKE OF KENT.............. 2
NEW HONG KONG YEAR-BOOK ON SALE......................... 3
PROPOSAL TO WIDEN SECTION OF GILLIES AVENUE ............ 4
HONG KONG DELEGATION TO ATTEND ESCAP CONFERENCE ... 5
RE-ROUTING OF BUS SERVICES ............................. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1978
1
DUKE OF KENT ARRIVES JN HK TOMORROW * * * *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE CF KENT, A COUSIN OF THE QUEEN
AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG AT 5 P.M.
TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT IN HIS CAPACITY AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TRADE BOARD (BOTB).
THE DUKE WILL EE WELCOMED AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
9 • •
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, WILL THEN TRAVEL EY CAR TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
9
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS’S PROGRAMME DURING THE VISIT:
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
5 P.M. ARRIVE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
MONDAY, MARCH 6
11.15 A.M. OPEN THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION AT KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION, HUNG HOM
2.30 P.M. SECOND VISIT TO THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
10.24 A.M. VISIT TSI NG Yl POWER STATION
11.20 A.M. VISIT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8
9.30 A.M. THIRD VISIT TO THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION
12.45 P.M. ATTEND LUNCHEON OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT THE HILTON HOTEL
8 P.M. ATTEND UMELCO DINNER AT THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL
THURSDAY, MARCH 9
8.40 A.M. DEPART FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
/NOTE TO EDITORS:
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1978
2
ROTE TO EDITORS:
ACCREDITED PRESS 'EPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE 'LET LE T THE PRESS "CCi S' THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE Al SPORT TEE I Kal. BUILD I'-G AT LEAST 30 । -UTES BEFORE THE ARRIVAL
TIME. THEY .ILL PE ESCORTED TC THE PRESS POSITION EY G.I.S.
OFF ICERS.
-----0------
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESS BADGES FOR VISIT OF THE DUKE OF KENT
*****
PRESS BADGES FOR THE VISIT OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF KENT ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION. PLEASE SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COLLECT THE BADGES IN BULK FROM THE ENQUIRIES DUTY OFFICER IN THE G.I.S. NEWSROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
ON COLLECTING THE BADGES, YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE SOME IDENTIFICATION PAPERS AND SIGN TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT.
0 -------
/3
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1978
- 3 -
NEW HONG KONG YEAR-BOOK ON SALE *****
+HONG KONG 1978+, THE LATEST IN A LONG LINE OF BEST-SELLING YEAR-BOOKS PRODUCED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
IT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND LEADING BOOKSHOPS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG NEXT WEEK.
NOTING THAT SALES OF THE YEAR-BOOK HAVE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS, A G.I.S. SPOKESMAN SAID: +IN 1977, WE SOLD A RECORD 35,000 COPIES — A 40 PER CENT RISE OVER THE 1974 FIGURE.+
+THIS YEAR WE EXPECT TO SELL 40,000 COPIES — 33,000 IN ENGLISH AND 7,000 IN CHINESE -- WHICH IS A VERY HIGH FIGURE FOR BOOK SALES IN HONG KONG WHERE A PUBLICATION IS CONSIDERED TO BE A BEST-SELLER IF ONLY 4,000 COPIES ARE SOLD,+ HE ADDED.
+THERE IS AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR THE CHINESE EDITION, SALES OF WHICH ARE NOW GROWING AT A FASTER RATE THAN THE ENGLISH EDITION.+
THE PRICE OF +HONG KONG 1978+ REMAINS UNCHANGED AT $15.
LIKE PREVIOUS YEAR-BOOKS, IT IS A DETAILED WORK OF REFERENCE AIMED AT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KEEP UP WITH THE WIDE RANGE OF ADVANCE MADE BY HONG KONG IN THE PAST YEAR.
THE FIRST CHAPTER OF +HONG KONG 1978+ IS A SPECIAL REVIEW OF THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN OUTDOOR RECREATION OVER THE PAST DECADE AND DESCRIBES IN DETAIL WHAT IS BEING DONE TO MEET THE LEISURE-TIME BOOM.
THE OTHER 21 CHAPTERS LIST THOUSANDS OF UP-TO-DATE
FACTS ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
A NEW FEATURE WHICH GIVES THE BOOK A UNIQUE APPEAL IS A SERIES OF CHINESE SEALS USED TO ILLUSTRATE EACH CHAPTER HEADING. THESE HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY HONG KONG’S FOREMOST AUTHORITY ON CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND SEAL-MAKING, MR. FUNG HON-HAU.
+HONG KONG 1978+ IS EXTENSIVELY ILLUSTRATED WITH MORE THAN 100 COLOUR PLATES ON SUCH DIVERSE SUBJECTS AS COUNTRY PARKS, INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, URBAN AMENITIES, THE FISHING INDUSTRY, SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS AND VICTORIA HARBOUR.
A NEW MAP SHOWING POPULATION DENSITIES IS ALSO INCLUDED.
0 -------
/4......
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1978
4
PROPOSAL TO WIDEN SECTION OF GILLIES AVENUE ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN AND RECONSTRUCT A SECTION OF GILLIES AVENUE BETWEEN WU HU STREET AND STATION LANE.
THE PROPOSAL AIMS TO PROVIDE A THREE-LANE APPROACH TO THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLED JUNCTION AT GILLIES AVENUE AND WU HU STREET, VIA THE VEHICULAR SUBWAY WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AS PART OF THE WU HU INTERCHANGE.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
PLANS OF THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKINGS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE- AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 495, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON- OR AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KOWLOON CITY), MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1, MA TAU KOK ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSALS MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS SO AS TO REACH THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR NOT LATER THAN APRIL 3, 1978.
ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST SPECIFY THE PROPERTY WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKING AND THE INTEREST OF THE PERSON MAKING THE CLAIM IN THE PROPERTY AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PROPERTY WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING.
ANY SUCH CLAIM MUST ALSO SPECIFY AN ESTIMATE OF THE PECUNIARY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO THE PROPERTY WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE CAUSED BY THE UNDERTAK ING.
ANY PERSON MAKING A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST SEND HIS CLAIM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS SO AS TO REACH THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR NOT LATER THAN MAY 3, 1978.
/5
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1978
- 5 -
HK DELEGATION TO ATTEND ESCAP CONFERENCE * * * *
A HONG KONG DELEGATION, LED BY EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR. Q. >1. LEE, IS TO ATTEND THE ?4TH PLENARY SESSION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP) IN BANGKOK NEXT WEEK.
THE 10—DAY SESSION, WHICH WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY (MARCH 7), IS THE MAJOR ANNUAL MEETING TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS ESCAP’S WORK OVER THE PAST YEAR.
ALSO IN HONG KONG’S DELEGATION WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR. DAVID JEAFFRESON, AND TWO GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT OFFICERS, MR. ADOLPH HSU AND MR. NICHOLAS K.C. LO.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ESCAP IS THE MAJOR UNITED NATIONS BODY IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC FOR FACILITATING REGIONAL CO-OPERATION AND ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID HONG KONG IS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE ORGANISATION AND PARTICIPATES IN ITS ACTIVITIES MAINLY IN THE FIELDS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE, SHIPPING, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, STATISTICS AND MANPOWER TRAINING. A HONG KONG DELEGATION HAS BEEN ATTENDING THE ESCAP PLENARY SESSIONS FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS.
MR. LEE AND MR. JEAFFRESON WILL LEAVE ON TUESDAY (MARCH 7), WHILE THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION WILL LEAVE THE DAY BEFORE.
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1978
6
RE-ROUTING OF BUS SERVICES * * * *
TWO KMB BUS ROUTES ARE TO BE RE-ROUTED FROM 10 A.M. ON
MONDAY (MARCH 6) TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE LAI KING HILL ROAD AREA AND LAI YIU ESTATE, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE TWO BUS ROUTES AFFECTED ARE ROUTE NUMBERS 30 AND 45A.
SOUTHBOUND JOURNEYS OF ROUTE 30 WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE VIA LAI KING HILL ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE.
NORTHBOUND JOURNEYS TO TSUEN WAN FERRY WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE VIA PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE, LAI KING HILL ROAD AND THE NEWLY OPENED FLYOVER LEADING TO KWAI FUK ROAD.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE RE-ROUTINGS rtOULD BRING A DIRECT BUS SERVICE TO JORDAN ROAD AREA TO THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE IN LAI KING HILL ROAD.
THE FREQUENCY OF ROUTE 30 WILL ALSO BE INCREASED DURING PEAK HOURS.
ROUTE 45A, WHICH IS NOW A CIRCULAR ROUTE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN FERRY AND LAI KING WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN FERRY AND LAI YIU ESTATE. THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF THIS ROUTE WILL ALSO BE INCREASED.
THE RE-ROUTING OF ROUTE 45A WILL PROVIDE RESIDENTS IN LAI YIU ESTATE WITH A DIRECT BUS SERVICE TO TSUEN WAN FERRY.
LAI YIU ESTATE WILL THEN BE SERVED BY THREE BUS SERVICES — BUS 45A TO TSUEN WAN FERRY, BUS 46 TO SHAM SHU I PO AND COACH 246 TO STAR FERRY.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DUKE OF KE'T TO VISIT TUEM MUN ............................. 1
DUKE OF KENT TO OPEN BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION .. 3
MAKI'G RECREATION ’A REALITY’ FOR ALL ..................... 3
COLLECTION HOURS I '.’T .................................... 6
CYC ’•'EMBERS JOIN CHARITY WALKATHON ....................... 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ....................................... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
1
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT TUEN MUN * K M *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT WILL SEE HOW THE FORMER FISHING VILLAGE OF TUEN MUN IS GRADUALLY BEING TRANSFORMED l?TC A MODERN METROPOLIS DURING HIS VISIT TO HONG KONG THIS WEEK.
THE DUKE, A COUSIN OF THE QUEEN AND THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH, ARRIVES TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT IN HIS CAPACITY AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TRADE BOARD. HE WILL OPEN THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION TOMORROW (MONDAY).
HIS ROYAL' HIGHNESS WILL VISIT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ON TUESDAY TO SEE THE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT WORKS NOW UNDERWAY TO CREATE A MODERN, SELF-SUPPORTING TOWNSHIP WITH A FULL COMPLEMENT OF SERVICES, INDUSTRY AND HOUSING BY THE MID-EIGHTIES FOR AN EVENTUAL POPULATION OF 533,DOO.
THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO SPEND AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF SOME .3,500 MILLION ON TUEN I UN’S DEVELOPMENT BY THE MID-EIGHTIES, AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IS EXPECTED TO INJECT A SIMILAR AMOUNT INTO THE PROJECT.
THE DUKE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED AT TUEN MUN BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR. CHAN YAT-SAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. LAU WONG-FAT, TWO PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD RECENTLY SET UP TO ADVISE ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WELL-BEING CF INHABITANTS IN TUEN MUN.
THE DUKE ..ILL VIEW THE VARIOUS WORKS UNDERWAY FROM A VANTAGE POINT OVERLOOKING THE NEW TOWN AND WILL EE BRIEFED ON THE BUILDING AND ENGINEERING PROGRAMME BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER TUEN MUN, MR. PETER NG, AND THE NEW TOWN’S PROJECT MANGER, MR. S.A. BARDEN.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, WHO SERVED WITH THE ROYAL SCOTS GREY IN HONG KONG BETWEEN 1962 AND 1963, MAY REMEMBER TUEN MUN (OR CASTLE PEAK AS IT WAS THEN KNOWN), AS A RATHER 'QUIET, REMOTE MARKET COMMUNITY NESTLING IN THE SHADOW OF CASTLE PEAK RIDGE.
TODAY, AS THE NEW TOWN IS BEGINNING TO TAKE SHAPE, MODERN SKYSCRAPERS, SCHOOLS AND FACTORIES DOT THE SKYLINE AND THE SHORELINE OF CASTLE PEAK BAY ITSELF IS BEING PUSHED BACK FURTHER BY MASSIVE RECLAMATION TO PROVIDE NEW SITES FOR A RANGE OF HOUSING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES, AND INDUSTRY.
ALREADY, ''ORE THAI.' 103 HECTARES OF NEW LAND HAS BEEN FORMED AND SERVICED AND WORK IS PROGRESSING STEADILY ON PRODUCING ANOTHER 143 HECTARES.
AT PRESENT TUEN' MUN NEW TOWN HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 63,03'3. DY THE MID-EIGHTIES, THE DUKE ..ILL LEAR?., THE POPULATION .ILL HAVE SWELLED TO SOME 528,333, ..ITH ABOUT 73 PER CENT LIVING I.'. SELF-CONTAINED PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, COMPLETE WITH SHOPPING COMPLEXES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
/THE DUKE, ......
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
- 2 -
THE DUKE, WHO TAKES A KEEN AND ACTIVE INTEREST IN INDUSTRY, ..-ILL PARTICULARLY WISH TO KNOW AEOUT THE PROVISIONS FOR INDUSTRY IN THE NEW TOWN.
HE .-.ILL LEARN THAT A MAJOR GCAL IN PLANNING THE NEW TOWN HAS BEEN TO ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FULL RANGE OF INDUSTRIES, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. TO ACHIEVE THIS, SOME 126 HECTARES HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE,
ALREADY SOME 23 FACTORIES HAVE STARTED OPERATION IN THE NEW TOWN, AND ANOTHER 53-63 ARE EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR UNDER PLANNING.
THE DUKE WILL ALSO EE BRIEFED Of.' THE PROVISIONS FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY AND FOR LAND-INTENSIVE FACILITIES, SUCH AS A DESALINATION PLANT AND THE PLANNED NEW CHINA LIGHT AND POWER STATION.
BUT BASICALLY, THE DUKE WILL BE A ’YOUNG CITY’, WITH ONE-THIRD LIKELY TO BE UNDER THE AGE OF 15.
LEARN, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WILL OF THE PROJECTED POPULATION
TO CATER FOR ITS YOUTH, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WILL HAVE A TOTAL CF 26 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 22 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ALL WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE OF THE MAIN RESIDENTIAL AREAS. THE DUKE WILL ALSO EE INTERESTED TO LEARN THAT SITES FOR A LOCAL POLYTECHNIC AND TWO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE PLANNED TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR THE SKILLED TRADESMEN AND TECHNICIANS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE-NEW INDUSTRIES GF TUEN MUN.
SERVING THE NEW TOWN WILL BE A NETWORK OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ROADS, HIGHLIGHTED BY THE 3333 MILLION TUEN MUN HIGHWAY WHICH IS DUE TO OPEN LATER THIS YEAR. THE THREE-LANE HIGHWAY WILL SLASH TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN, 19.3 KM TO THE EAST, TO A MERE 15 MINUTES AND. PROVIDE A CONVENIENT DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE NEW TOWN AND THE REST OF HONG KONG.
BUT DESPITE THE IMMENSE SCALE OF THE PROJECT, THE DUKE WILL EE INTERESTED TO FIND THAT MUCH OF TUEN MUN’S NATURAL BEAUTY AND SOME OF ITS HISTORICAL FEATURES ARE EE I NG- RETA I NED — SUCH ■ AS YEUNG SHIU HANG VILLAGE AND THE 1,533-YEAR OLD TSING SHAN MONASTERY -- SO THAT WHILE THE NEW TOWN’S FUTURE RESIDENTS ..-ILL HAVE ALL BASIC MODERN FACILITIES, THEY WILL STILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A LINK WITH THEIR CULTURAL PAST.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
3
DUKE OF KENT TO OPEN BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION
* * * *
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF HRH THE DUKE OF KENT’S PROBRAMME FOR TOMORROW (MONDAY):
11.15 A.M.
2.30 P.M.
OPEN THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION AT KOWLOON RAILJAY STATION, HUNG HOM (TRANSPORT FOR ACCREDITED PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES’ CARPARK AT 10.3D A.M. SHARP.)
SECOND VISIT TO THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL
EXHIBITION (PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ASSIGNED TO COVER TRIS EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE STATION MASTER’S OFFICE AT THE STATION CONCOURSE BEFORE 2.15 P.M.)
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MAKING RECREATION ’A REALITY’ FOR ALL * * * *
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF OUTDOOR RECREATION IN HONG KONG, EMPHASISING THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEISURE-TIME PURSUITS, IS CONTAINED IN THE NEWLY-PUBLISHED HONG KONG 1978 YEAR-BOOK.
THE BOOK IS NOW ON SALE IN SEPARATE ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS AT 315 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND OTHER OUTLETS.
DESCRIBING THE ENORMOUS GROWTH IN OUTDOOR RECREATION AS +A SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT+ IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE YEAR-BOOK SAYS THE ONLY PROBLEM IS KEEPING PACE WITH DEMAND.
+MUCH THOUGHT IS BEING GIVEN TO THIS UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, WHICH WAS SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1973 TO FOSTER AND EXPAND THE USE OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING FACILITIES, AND TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS,* THE YtAR-EOOK REPORTS IN ITS FIRST CHAPTER +OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: A FULLER LIFE FOR ALL+.
TO GIVE IMPETUS TO THE OUTDOOR LEISURE BOOM, THE GOVERNMENT AND NUMEROUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE ALREADY PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNG AND FIT AND THE OLD AND HANDICAPPED.
COMMENTING ON THE GROWTH IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, MR. NIGEL FRENCH, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION BRANCH, SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S GOAL WAS TO MAKE RECREATION FOR EVERYONE A REALITY.
+THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES ARE NECESSARY TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
/♦IN THE PAST .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
4
+ IN THE PAST TWO YEARS THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASED EMPHASIS ON RECREATION AND AS WELL AS PROVIDING NEW FACILITIES, WE HAVE BECOME MORE ACTIVE IN AREAS SUCH AS THE PROMOTION OF RECREATION, CAMPAIGNS FOCUSING ATTENTION ON SAFETY GUIDELINES IN LEISURE PURSUITS AND POLLUTION AND FIRE CONTROL.*
ONE IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT IS THE OPENING OF NEW COUNTRY PARKS, EACH WITH ITS OWN SET OF MANAGEMENT BUILDINGS AND STAFF. IN 1977, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY DESIGNATED FIVE PARKS COVERING AN AREA OF 4,023 HECTARES AND AN ADDITIONAL FOUR PARKS A YEAR ARE PLANNED IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
THE FIVE PARKS DESIGNATED IN 1977 ARE KAM SHAN, SHING MUN AND LION ROCK 'IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND TAI TAM AND ABERDEEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
+ANOTHER SPECIAL AREA OF INTEREST IS OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE,+ MR. FRENCH SAID.
+THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE HAS BEEN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL, PROVIDING A MULTITUDE OF ACTIVITIES, RANGING FROM SWIMMING TO CANOEING, ROLLER-SKATING, ARCHERY AND HIKING TO GROUPS SUCH AS YOUTHS, FACTORY AND OFFICE WORKERS, FAMILIES AND THE HANDICAPPED.
+AS A RESULT, WE ARE PROCEEDING WITH A SECOND OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT THE NEW TSO KUNG TAM PARK IN TSUEN WAN AND THERE ARE PLANS FOR OTHER CENTRES.TO BE BUILT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.+
THE YEAR-BOOK ATTRIBUTES THE RECREATION BOOM TO HONG KONG’S RISING STANDAND OF LIVING, ADDING THAT IT HAS BEEN GIVEN ADDED IMPETUS BY LEGISLATION THAT ASSURES WORKERS OF A WEEK’S PAID ANNUAL LEAVE AS WELL AS STATUTORY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
IT POINTS OUT THAT MOST PEOPLE LIVE IN DENSELY POPULATED URBAN AREAS WHERE THE HIGH-RISE ENVIRONMENT PRODUCES STRESSES THAT MAKE RELIEF AND DIVERSION OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE.
WORKING TO EXPAND, IMPROVE AND PROMOTE RECREATION ARE AUTHORITIES SUCH AS THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS MANY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
+THE NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER VOLUNARY ORGANISATIONS HAVE CONTRIBUTED A TREMENDOUS.AMOUNT TO SPORT AND RECREATION OVER THE YEARS. NOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS MOVING INTO THIS FIELD, WE ARE TRYING TO ASSIST AND BUILD ON THESE EFFORTS SO THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AND PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM INCREASING LEISURE OPPORTUNITIES,* MR. FRENCH SAID.
+SUCH A WIDESPREAD INVOLVEMENT MEANS MORE PEOPLE CAN ENJOY A FULLER LIFE BY INDULGING IN SOME FORM OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY.*
THE YEAR-BOOK SAYS THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH ITS LONG EXPERIENCE IN MANAGING PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, SWIMMING POOLS AND BEACHES, AND ORGANISING SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT, IS PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE WITH AN INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED AND INNOVATIVE APPROACH.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
5
IMPORTANT NE;. URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS INCLUDE A RECREATION CETNRE AT THE VAN CHAI RECLAMiAT I QI TC BE COMPLETED IN THREE STAGES STARTING THIS .'EAR, A TENNIS COMPLEX AT WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ..HIGH v ILL EE READY NEXT YEAR AND FACILITIES FOR PLEASURE BOATING AT THE LONG NAI CHUNG RESERVOIR PARK.
IK THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT .'.ILL EUILD 15 MORE SWIMMING POOLS -- TWO ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TWO IN KOWLOON AND 11 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. TEN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES ARE ALREADY OPERATING.
THESE POOLS a ILL SUPPLEMENT AO EXISTING GAZETTED BEACHES.
FACILITIES FOR FOOTBALL-AND ATHLETICS ARE ALSO BEING EXPANDED ..ITH PROJECTS SUCH AS THE NEwjjIO MAN TIN STADIUM, ADDITIONAL SPORTS COMPLEXES AND MORE RUNNING TRACKS AND FOOTBALL PITCHES.
+SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN OCTOBER 1974, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS DONE MUCH TO BOOST HEALTHY LEISURE ACTIVITIES,* THE YEAR-BOOK SAYS.
+AS A MEASURE OF ITS IMPACT, MORE THAN 300,000 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE ACTIVITIES IN 1977 — AND THE FIGURE IS EXPECTED TO TREBLE BY 1981.+
PROGRAMMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED ARE ALSO BEING IN ITIATED.
A NEW PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND ABLE-BODIED (PHAB) ASSOCIATION CAMP AND RECREATION CENTRE IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR NEAR THE POK FU LAM RESERVOIR. SPONSORED JOINTLY EY THE GOVERNMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUE AND PHAE, THE CAMP WILL EE THE SECOND OF ITS TYPE IN THE WORLD PROVIDING FACILITIES SUCH AS SWIMMING, HORSE-RIDING, ARCHERY, EADMINTON AND BASKETBALL.
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE JOCKEY CLUE ARE ALSO WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AT SHA TIN WHICH WILL TRAIN AND COACH ATHLETES FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS.
+ A TEAM OF COACHES OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING WILL TRAIN BOTH PROMISING SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN AS WELL AS LOCAL COAHES,* THE YEAR-BOOK SAYS.
+THIS, IN TIME, SHOULD RESULT IN VASTLY IMPROVED STANDARDS AND BOOST HONG KONG’S CHANCES OF MAKING AN INTERNATIONAL NAME FOR ITSELF IN SPORT*.
IN ADDITION TO THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, TWO STADIA OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD — THE HUNG HOM STADIUM AND THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM — ARE BEING BUILT EY THE GOVERNMENT TC PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR MORE SPORTING COMPETITIONS.
+ THERE HAS BEEN A REMARKABLE GROWTH GF PART IC I PAT I ON II. RECREATION AMONG HONG KONG’S 4.5 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND WE ARE MOVING AHEAD TC ESTABLISH MORE FACILITIES TC KEEP UP WITH THIS GROWING DEMAND,* MR. FRENCH SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT FEELS THAT RECREATION AND SPORT ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF HONG KONG’S PROGRESS.*
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
6
COLLECTION HOURS IN NT * * * *
THE REVISED COLLECTION HOURS OH SATURDAYS IN ALL DISTRICT ACCOUNTING OFFICES AND COLLECTION CENTRES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH HAVE BEEN IN FORCE ON A TRIAL BASIS FOR THREE MONTHS, ARE TO BECOME PERMANENT.
THE TRIAL WAS INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER WHEN THE COLLECTION HOURS IN THESE ACCOUNTING OFFICES -- FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON --WERE SHORTENED BY HALF AN HOUR FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE.
AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGE, ALL DISTRICT ACCOUNTING OFFICES HAVE OPERATED FROM 9 A.M. TO 11.30 A.M. ON SATURDAYS SINCE THEN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY THE CHANGE WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS HOURS LEFT NO TIME FOR THE SHROFFS TO BALANCE THEIR ACCOUNTS AS THEIR NORMAL OFFICE HOURS ALSO ENDED AT NOON ON SATURDAYS.
HE SAID: +THE THREE-MONTH TRIAL IS NOW OVER AND IT SHOWS THE REVISED HOURS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
+IN VIEW OF THE FAVOURABLE PUBLIC RESPONSE, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO IMPLEMENT THE REVISED COLLECTION HOURS ON A PERMANENT BAS IS.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HEUNG YEE KUK, RURAL COMMITTEES, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND THE FEDERATION OF SOCIETIES HAD ALREADY BEEN INFORMED OF THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE REVISED HOURS.
THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN REQUESTED TO BRING THE CHANGE TO THE NOTICE OF THEIR MEMBERS, HE ADDED.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
7
CYC i'.i JO 11. CHARITY ..ALKATHO?.
* * *
ABOUT 1,500 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUE MEMBERS TODAY (SUNDAY'! TOOK PART IN THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S ..ALK-f CR-A-M ILL ION IN K.-.U? TONG.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT C.Y.C. MEMBERS.WEAR I NG SMART ..HITE CAPS ..ITH THE RED C.Y.C. LOGO, PARTICIPATED IN THE CHARITY AALK ORGANISED DY THE COMMUNITY CHEST THIS YEAR.
THE PRESENT C.Y.C. MOVEMENT ..AS FORMED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF CLEAN YOUR CITY-COUNTRYSIDE GROUPS ARD COVER A ..IDE RANGE OF COMmUN ITY-OF. IEKTE3 ACTIVITIES. ITS .EMBERSHIP Io OPE:. TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE UPPER PRIMARY AND LOWER SECONDARY FORMS.
+A TOTAL OF .5,393 .-AS RAISED DY C.Y.C. CHARITY WALK HELD IN TSUE" WAN I" JANUARY,+ A EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
MEMBERS IN THz.
SPOKESMAN FOR THE
♦AS THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS THIS TIME HAS TRIPLED T.-.AT ■OF THE LAST TINE, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE TOTAL SUN OF MONEY RAISED TODAY .--ILL INCREASx,+ THz SPOKESMAN ADDED.
+JITH THE AIM CF SERVING THE C-DHKUN ITY, C.Y.C. MEMBERS .ILL CONTINUE TO SHO.. THE IE SUPPORT TC CHARITY PROGRAMME OF THIS NATURE .HE:.EVER THEY ARE HELD.+
PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY’S ..ALK ..ERE C.Y.C. GROUPS FROM MORE THAN 15 SCHOOLS, .••'.A INLY I' KCaLCC'.. THE BIGGEST NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS CAME FRO HOLY ..ORD SCHOOL ..ITH MORE THAN 393 C.Y.C. MEMBERS.
THE SCHOOLS THAT TOOK PART ..ERE: THE HONG KONG FUNG CLoK ASSOCIATION SCHOOL’ JORDAN VALLEY PR 1i. ARY SCHOOL- BETHEL l.'O.j PRIMARY SCHOOL’ LAM TIN METHODIST P'I"'’Y SCHOOL’ MU KU/’ 0 PRIMARY SCHOOL- PC OK COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL- HOLY SCHOOL- BUDDHIST CHI KING PRIMARY SCnOCL- ST. BONAVENTURE PPI. ~Y SCHOOL’ MORAL TRAINING ENGLISH COLLEGE- LOK SIN TONG YU KAL HING SCHOOL- CHRISTIAN FAIT- COLLEGE’ LC SIL TONG’ KEI HAU SECONDARY SCHOOL- MUDSANG COLLEGE AND EETHEL HIGH SCHOOL.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1978
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
KO#
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ALL MOTOR VEHICLES OF CVER TWO TONS ..ILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING ELG I' STREET AND THE SECTION OF PEEL STREET BETWEEN STAUNTON STREET AND CAINE ROAD F-CM 13A.K. ON TUESDAY (MARCH 7) TO I °RCVE ROAD SAFETY IN THE AREA.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT SEVERAL TEMPORARY TRAFFIC T A'.GEMENTS -ILL EE IMPLEMENTED IN CHAI WAN ON MARCH 8 AND 9 TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN FOOTERIDGE.
FROM 1 A.M. TO 6 A.M. OR MARCH 8, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHAI .AN ROAD IN FRONT OF THE SALESIAH SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED AND EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ..ILL EE DIVERTED ONTO THE EXISTING WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
DURING THE SAME HOURS ON MARCH 9, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHAI WAN ROAD IN FRONT OF THE SALES IAN SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL EE DIVERTED ONTO THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO ASSIST MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONPAY, MARCH 6, 1
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
DUKE OF KENT OPENS BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION ... 1
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT TSING Yl POWER STATION AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ....................................
S2F MILLION RAISED FOR QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND..................................................
300 MORE TAXI LICENCES TO BE ISSUED NEXT MONTH ........ b
GOVERNMENT HOUSE OPEN DAY ............................. A
$22 MILLION CONTRACT FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1978
DUKE OF KENT OPENS BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION ******
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT, SAID TODAY THAT TRADE AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND HONG KONG WOULD BE PROMOTED TO A +MUCH HIGHER LEVEL+ WITH THE LAUNCHING OF THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION HERE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AT THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION, HUNG HOM, THE DUKE SAID THE EXHIBITION --THE THIRD AND BIGGEST BRITISH NATIONAL EXHIBITION TO BE HELD HERE IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS — WAS AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE TRADING RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.
+ THIS EXHIBITION IS THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND THAT WE ARE MOUNTING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THIS YEAR AND IT REAFFIRMS BRITAIN’S BELIEF IN THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AS JELL AS OUR EAGERNESS TO PLAY A FULL PART IN HELPING YOU TO REALISE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE,+ THE DUKE SAID.
THE DUKE NOTED THAT HONG KONG AND BRITAIN HAVE BEEN DOING BUSINESS TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS, AND ALTHOUGH THAT THE TRADE BETWEEN THEM HAS BEEN STEADILY GROWING, BRITAIN’S TRADING ACHIEVEMENT HERE HAS NOT REACHED ITS +TRUE POTENTIAL*.
+WE HAVE SEEN A RAPID AND IMPRESSIVE EXPANSION OF THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG, TREMENDOUS STRIDES IN YOUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE UNDERTAKING OF MANY LARGE AND AMBITIOUS PROJECTS,* THE DUKE SAID.
THE DUKE ADDED THE +WIDE-RANGI NG AND STRIKING* DISPLAY REPRESENTS THE PRODUCTS OF MORE THAN 140 BRITISH FIRMS AND IS AIMED AT SECTORS WHICH HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS BEING OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO HONG KONG SUCH AS MACHINE TOOLS, SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS, INDUSTRIAL PLANT AND ELECTRONICS.
+IT IS SUPPORTED BY THE PRESENCE OF MANY OF OUR LEADING INDUSTRIALISTS AND IT CARRIES THEIR ABSOLUTE DETERMINATION AND THEIR WHOLE-HEARTED COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL AND MUTUALLY REWARDING PARTNERSHIP WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS HERE,* HE ADDED.
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MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1978
2
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT TSI NG AND TUEN MUN NEW ******
Yl POWER STATION TOWN
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF HRH THE FOR TOMORROW (TUESDAY):
DUKE OF KENT’S PROGRAMME
1'3.24 A.M.
11.15 A.M.
VISIT TSI NG Yl POWER STATION (TRANSPORT FOR ACCREDITED PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES’ CARPARK AT 2.45 A.M. SHARP)
VISIT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN (TRANSPORT FOR ACCREDITED PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ..ILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES’ CARPARK AT 9.3'3 A.M. SHARP)
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ASSIGNED TO COVER THE DUKE’S VISIT TO TSI NG Yl POWER STATION WILL NOT EE AELE TO COVER HRH’S VISIT
TO TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
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MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1978
5
S25 MILLION RAISED FOR QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS EVENING RECEIVED TaO CHEQUES TOTALLING 525 MILLION AS CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL COMMITTEE, MR. Q.W. LEE, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR 312.5 MILLION TO THE GOVERNOR, FOLLOWED BY MR. P.G. WILLIAMS, CHAIRMAN OF THE STEWARDS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUE, WHO ALSO PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR THE SAME AMOUNT.
THE GOVERNOR THEN HANDED OVER THE TWO CHEQUES TO SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE BOARD.
AT A BRIEF SPEECH, SIR MURRAY PRAISED THE DONORS FOR THEIR +MAGNIFICIENT+ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE APPEAL FUND.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT ALSO ADDED HIS CONGRATULATIONS AND TOLD THE GATHERING THAT HE WILL INFORM HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE CHARLES, ..HO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL IN ERITA IN, OF THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT.
THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND WAS LAUNCHED IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR TO RAISE MONEY FOR PROJECTS THAT WILL BENEFIT YOUNG PEOPLE HERE.
THE .25 MILLION WILL THEREFORE BE SPENT ENTIRELY IN HONG KONG. IT IS ENVISAGED THAT INITIALLY THE FUNDS ..ILL EE USED TO PROVIDE SOME OF THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES AT THE PLANNED JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AT SHA TIN.
THE SPCRTS CENTRE WILL EE BUILT ON 41 ACRES OF RECLAIMED LAND AT THE WESTERN END OF THE NE.. RACE COURSE AT SHA TIN. WHEN COMPLETED OY ABOUT 1981, THE SPORTS CENTRE, WHICH WILL EE DIFFERENT F’.C ■ SPORTS -agilities ever built IN HC.’.G KONG, will provide THAI' l"C COACHING BY "ATIONAL AND I"TERNATIOMAL EXPERTS TO RAISE ir.E LEVEL .F SPORT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND STIMULATE INCREASING PARTICIPATION I'. SPORT.
THE LA .3 O' ..HIGH THE SPCRTS CENTRE IS TO EE EUILT IS EE I i.G MADE AVAILABLE EY THE JCCAEY CLUE THE GCVEFN''E'T IS PUTTING UP "9 A Illi. T T I • ■ I 7 I • I r ~ : T t i r • ~ r to
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MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1978
4 -
300 MORE TAXI LICENCES TO EE ISSUED NEXT MONTH ******
IN ACCORDANCE WITH PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED POLICY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE OFFERING A FURTHER 300 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES FOR PUBLIC TENDER EARLY NEXT MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT FULL DETAILS -OF THE TENDER WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND IN THE NEWS MEDIA ON APRIL 7.
HE SAID THAT THE 300 TAXI LICENCES WOULD BE ISSUED TO SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AT THE RATE OF 100 A MONTH STARTING FROM MAY, WITH THE HIGHEST TENDERS RECEIVING PRIORITY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SIMILAR TENDERS WOULD BE CALLED ABOUT EVERY FOUR MONTHS.
- - - - 0 -----------
GARDENS GF GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO BE OPENED TO PUBLIC ******
THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12) FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. TO ENABLE THEM TO SEE THE AZALEAS IN FULL BLOOM.
THIS IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN THE FLOWERS ARE AT THEIR COLOURFUL BEST AND THE ANNUAL OPEN DAY OF THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE HAS BEEN HELD SINCE 1968 CL A SPECIFIED SUNDAY DURING THE BLOOMING OF THE AZALEAS.
LAST YEAR, A RECORD 107,000 PEOPLE VISITED THE GARDENS AND LARGE CROWDS ARE AGAIN EXPECTED THIS YEAR.
WHEN VISITING GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON MARCH 12, VISITORS ARE REQUESTED TO ENTER BY THE MAIR GATE AND LEAVE BY THE SIDE GATES SO THAT ALL CAN ENJOY THE FLOWERS WITHOUT CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO OTHERS.
THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT ONLY THE GARDENS WILL BE OPEN AND THEY SHOULD NOT ENTER THE HOUSE ITSELF.
SCOUTS AND POLICEMEN WILL EE PRESENT AND VISITORS ARE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEM TO AVOID OVERCROWDING.
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/5
MONDAY, MARCH 6, 1973
5
■NOTE TO EDITORS:
^22 MILLION CONTRACT FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
******
m ri
A $22 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE QUEEN LIZABETH STADIUM, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE MORRISON HILL INDOOR TADIUM, ..ILL EE SIGNED AT A CEREMONY AT THE PUBLIC WORKS EPARTMENT TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE SIGNING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE P.W.D.’S CONFERENCE SCO!', "URR/'Y BUILDING, 213T FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, AT NOON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SENE A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHEF. TC COVER THE EVENT.
TELEVISION CRE..S ARE ASKED TC ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY ..ILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Monday, March 6, 1978
SPEECH BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF KENT, AT THE OPENING OF THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION f , ’ '■ . £ ' , . - r -Id, .. .
* * * * *
>
The following is the full text of the speech by HRH, the Duke of Kent, at the opening of the British Industrial Exhibition at the Kowloon Railway Station, Hung Hom today •
This exhibition is an important event in the history of the trading relations between Britain and Hong Kong and I am proud to be associated with it.
As soon as I heard that a major British Industrial Exhibition was to be held in Hong Kong, I decided that I ought if possible to be present - so that it is with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction that I now find myself back in this territory among so many old friends whom we welcome here today.
Hong Kong and Britain have of course been doing business together for a great many years, and although that trade has been steadily growing, I don!t think anyone would pretend that Britain1 s trading achievement here has reached anything like its true potential.
/tfe have been .
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
We have seen a rapid and impressive expansion of the economy of Hong Kong, tremendous strides in your industrial development and the undertaking of many large and ambitious projects. These we believe provide the opportunity for a much higher level of trade and co-operation between us, which is why today we are launching the third - and biggest -British national exhibition to be held here in the last four years.
This wide-ranging and striking display represents the products of more than 140 British firms and is aimed at sectors which have been chosen as being of special interest to Hong Kong such as machine tools, scientific instruments, industrial plant and electronics. It is supported by the presence of many of our leading industrialists and it carries their absolute determination and their whole-hearted commitment to developing a successful and mutually rewarding partnership with their counterparts here. This exhibition is the laxgest of its kind that we are mounting anywhere in the world this year and it reaffirms Britain s belief in the importance of Hong Kong's economy as well as eagerness to play a full part in helping you to realise your ambitions for the future. We are deeply indebted to everyone in Hong Kong who has helped in planning and mounting this exhibition.
I hope that all those who visit the exhibition will find something to interest them and will see that British industry is a powerful force with a great deal to offer to Hong Kong at this crucial point in her development.
I should like to wish everyone concerned - exhibitors and visitors al ike - a most successful and fruitful week. And now, if you would be kind enough to join me, I shall move across and formally open the exhibition.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GREEN PAPER PROPOSALS ON EDUCATION ARE CONSTRUCTIVE SAYS TOPLEY .............................................. 1
OPTIMISM ON FUTURE OF TEXTILE INDUSTRY ................... 3
MOVES TO RESUME TEXTILES TALKS WITH NORWAY ............... 4
CONTRACT FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM SIGNED .............. 5
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS .............................. 6
DUKE OF KENT TO ATTEND LUNCHEON WITH HK GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .............................................. 6
DSW TO ATTEND OPENING OF NURSERY ......................... 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN LAI CHI KOK ...................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1978
1
GREEN PAPER PROPOSALS ON EDUCATION ARE CONSTRUCTIVE, SAYS TOPLEY
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID TODAY THAT ALTHOUGH THE FORMAL TIME LIMIT WAS THE END OF FEBRUARY FOR SENDING IN COMMENTS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, LETTERS WERE STILL COMING IN.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR. -TOPLEY SAID THERE HAD BEEN ALREADY ABOUT 100 FORMAL WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS.
APART FROM DIRECT COMMENTS SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES THERE HAD BEEN A STRONG REACTION TO THE GREEN PAPER, PARTICULARLY IN CERTAIN QUARTERS, HE NOTED.
MR. TOPLEY POINTED OUT THAT WHEN THE GREEN PAPER WAS LAUNCHED, AFTER CAREFUL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT OF PRIORITIES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD HOPED THAT SOMEONE WOULD READ IT +AS A WHOLE,+ AND PUT FORWARD NEW ILLUMINATING FACTS, BETTER IDEAS.
+WELL, WE ARE GOING THROUGH NOW THE ASSEMBLED COMMENTS LOOKING FOR JUST THAT,* HE SAID.
+1 HAVE BEEN READING SOME OF THE FORMAL WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THE GREEN PAPER AND I ALSO RE-READ THE GREEN PAPER ITSELF, I MUST SAY WITHOUT ANY SHAME OR EMBARRASSMENT. A GREAT DEAL OF IT HAS NOT FIGURED IN THE DEBATE SO FAR. THE DEBATE HAS SETTLED ON ONE OR TWO ISSUES IMPORTANT IN THEMSELVES BUT NOT CENTRAL TO THE ACTUAL GREEN PAPER NOR, I BELIEVE, FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG EDUCATION.
+PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER ARE, I BELIEVE, CONSTRUCTIVE PROPOSALS AND INTENDED TO LEAD TO CONSTRUCTIVE CHANGE AND EVEN CONSTRUCTIVE CHANGE USUALLY CREATES PROBLEMS FOR SOMEONE.
+THERE HAS BEEN DISCUSSION,+ HE SAID, +BUT THAT WHICH HAS BEEN MOST IN PUBLIC VIEW HAVE BEEN DOGMATIC AND SOMETIMES DRAMATIC REACTIONS, BURNING OF THE GREEN PAPER AND SO ON.
+WE HAD HOPED THAT THE DEBATE OF THE ISSUES OF THE GREEN PAPER WOULD BE ITSELF EDUCATIONAL.
+IN ADDITION, THE CONCENTRATION ON CERTAIN ISSUES, NOTABLY THE LENGTH OF THE COURSE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND THE STATUS OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, HAS DIVERTED ATTENTION FROM OTHER ISSUES MORE OR EQUALLY IMPORTANT AND FROM WHAT THE GREEN PAPER WAS TRYING TO D0,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
THE IDEA OF A GREEN PAPER -- AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOW ISSUED EIGHT GREEN PAPERS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS -- IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC DISCUSSION BEFORE GOVERNMENT POLICY IS FORCED AND FINALISED, THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT.
AFREQf PAPERS, .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
2
+GREEN PAPERS, OF COURSE, CARRY GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS, BUT THEY ARE NOT FINAL PROPOSALS,* HE EMPHASISED.
+AT ANY RATE,* MR. TOPLEY SAID, +THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE ACCUSED OF NOT SAYING WHAT IT THINKS. WE HAVE BEEN STRAIGHTFORWARD. THE PUBLIC WOULD HAVE BEEN ILL-SERVED HAD WE MADE AN ARRANGEMENT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES BEFORE PRODUCING OUR CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT. THE GREEN PAPER THEN WOULD HAVE REPRESENTED HARDLY ANY FRESH THINKING AT ALL ALTHOUGH WE WOULD HAVE HAD THE SUPPORT OF SOME IMPORTANT CLIENTS.
+IT IS TO BE EXPECTED,* MR. TOPLEY CONTINUED, +THAT THOSE WHO ARE NOT SINGLED OUT FOR THE MORE FAVOURABLE KIND OF TREATMENT WILL BE AGGRIEVED AND WILL PROTEST. BUT THE FEAR OF PROTEST SHOULD SURELY NOT DETER THE GOVERNMENT FROM SURVEYING THE SCENE AND PUBLISHING ITS FINDINGS. TO DO LESS WOULD BE A DISSERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.*
MR. TOPLEY SAID: +WE ARE NOT YET NEAR THE END OF THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS. THE IDEAS OF THOSE WHO HAVE WRITTEN IN HAVE STILL TO BE ANALYSED AND ASSESSED. MEETINGS ARE BEING HELD WITH THE VARIOUS BODIES CONCERNED. UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS ARE STUDYING THE VARIOUS ISSUES.*
IN DUE COURSE, A DRAFT WHITE PAPER MUST BE CONSIDERED BEFORE THE ACTUAL WHITE PAPER IS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+THERE IS MUCH TO DO THIS YEAR. FINALLY, WE MUST MAKE OUR MINDS UP TO GET ON WITH THE WORK BECAUSE IT WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE IF CONSULTATION, VERY GOOD IN ITSELF, BECAME THE ONLY END-PRODUCT OF GOVERNMENT THINKING,* HE CONCLUDED.
/3......
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1978
OPTIMISM ON FUTURE OF TEXTILE INDUSTRY
* * * * *
THE PURSUIT OF DIVERSIFICATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT HONG KONG MUST WRITE OFF ITS TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES.
THIS FACT WAS BROUGHT HOME SHARPLY BY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN, AT THE OPENING TODAY OF THE JOINT CONFERENCE OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE’S HONG KONG SECTION AND THE SHIRLEY INSTITUTE OF ENGLAND.
MR. JORDAN TOLD DELEGATES THE FACT THAT SUCH A CONFERENCE WAS BEING HELD AT THIS TIME INDICATED THAT THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES DO NOT SHARE THE GLOOMY VIEW OF THEIR FUTURE THAT SOME PEOPLE TAKE.
+THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED TEXTILE AGREEMENT WITH THE EEC AND THE UNHAPPY OUTCOME OF THE GENEVA DISCUSSIONS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA REVIVED THE CALL IN HONG KONG FOR MORE DIVERSIFICATION OF OUR ECONOMY - AND THIS MAKES SENSE.+
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS VERY DEPENDENT ON A NARROW RANGE OF INDUSTRIES. +THE MORE WE CAN BROADEN OUR INDUSTRIAL BASE THE STRONGER OUR ECONOMY WILL BE - PROVIDED THAT WE DO NOT PURSUE DIVERSIFICATION AS AN END IN ITSELF.*
MR. JORDAN ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO LONG-TERM ADVANTAGE IN ATTRACTING TO HONG KONG INDUSTRIES THAT WERE ONLY MARGINALLY VIABLE. HE STRESSED ALSO THAT, +THE PURSUIT OF DIVERSIFICATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE HAVE WRITTEN OFF THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES.*
MR. JORDAN SAID THAT DESPITE THE ENORMOUS GROWTH IN MANUFACTURING CAPACITY AND EXPORTS IN RECENT YEARS, THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES STILL ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT HALF OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS AND CONTINUED TO PROVIDE ABOUT HALF OF INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT.
BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF DIVERSIFICATION AND TRADING UP SO THAT THE STRUCTURE OF THESE INDUSTRIES HAD CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY IN RECENT YEARS.
+ IN TALKING TO TEXTILE PEOPLE RECENTLY, I HAVE NOT FOUND THEM PESSIMISTIC ABOUT THEIR FUTURE. I HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED BY THEIR DETERMINATION TO CONTINUE THEIR DIVERSIFICATION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY. THERE IS PLENTY OF SCOPE FOR IT AND THEY ARE GOING TO DO IT.*
MR. JORDAN SAID THAT TEXTILE MANUFACTURERS HAD ALWAYS ADAPTED TO CHANGING CONDITIONS AND THEY WOULD NOT GIVE UP NOW.
+ THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES THEY HAVE AND ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES WILL EE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.*
0 - - - -
A
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1978
MOVES TO RESUME TEXTILES TALKS WITH NORWAY * * * *
tuat tlJR™5aJN!?USTRY AND cusTOMS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY ™AY HAS REQUESTED CONSULTATIONS WITH NORWAY ON
TEXTILES IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG.
.,Ur., K0NG-AND NORWAY LAST HELD CONSULTATIONS IN DECEMBER 1977 WHEN THE NORWEGIANS DEMANDED AN AVERAGE OF 40 PER CENT CUTBACKS IN TEXTILE QUOTAS. NO AGREEMENT WAS REACHED AT THE TIME AND HONG KONG OFFERED — TO ALLOW TIME FOR REFLECTION AND MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO TRADE — TO UNILATERALLY LIMIT EXPORTS OF CERTAIN TEXTILE PRODUCTS TO NORWAY DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1978. THE NORWEGIANS HOWEVER DECIDED TO INTRODUCE +TEMPORARY IMPORT RESTRICTIONS* WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1978.
IT IS HOPED THAT RESUMPTION OF CONSULTATIONS WILL LEAD TO MUTUALLY AGREED ARRANGEMENTS ON THE EXPORT OF TEXTILES TO NORWAY.
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/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1978
- 5
CONTRACT FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM SIGNED ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $22 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TO THE FOOK WAH CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY AT P.W.D. HEADQUARTERS BY MR. K.M. TSENG, P.W.D.’S CHIEF ARCHITECT, AND MR. YEUNG SHUNG-CHOI, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
THE 12-STOREY COMPLEX IS BEING BUILT ON A 3,000-SQUARE METRE SITE BETWEEN 01 KWAN ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
IT WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTING FACILITIES FOR BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND FACILITATE OTHER IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES.
MR. TSENG SAID WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WOULD START LATER THIS MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THAT THE $43 MILLION STADIUM, THE FINEST OF ITS KIND IK SOUTH EAST ASIA, WOULD PROVIDE A NEW MAJOR SPORTING CENTRE FOR HONG KONG’S YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN.
♦THE STADIUM WILL HAVE FACILITIES FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY SPORT — FROM TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON TO ATHLETIC AND GYMNASTIC EVENTS,+ MR. TSENG POINTED OUT.
♦IN ADDITION TO TRAINING ROOMS, LECTURE AND COMMITTEE ROOMS, THERE WILL BE A 40-R00M HOSTEL, WITH CANTEEN FACILITIES, TO ACCOMMODATE VISITING TEAMS.+
MR. TSENG SAID ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE COMPLEX WOULD BE A LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM WITH A SEATING CAPACITY OF ABOUT 3,500 SPECTATORS.
THE STADIUM WOULD HAVE A CENTRAL ARENA OF ABOUT 290 SQUARE METRES.
♦THE HOSTEL WILL OCCUPY THE UPPER FLOORS WHILE THE LOWER FLOORS WILL PROVIDE SUCH FACILITIES AS WARM-UP GYMS, TABLE TENNIS PRACTISING HALLS, CHANGING ROOMS AND SHOWERS, AS WELL AS CONFERENCE ROOMS,<• HE SAID.
IN THE BASEMENT WILL BE THREE SQUASH COURTS AND A MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS AND GAMES HALL.
THE STADIUM, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS CONTRIBUTED $5.1 MILLION TOWARDS THE COST OF THE PROJECT.
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1'7?
6
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS
******
THE BUILD TIG AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED VC. 112 MAIN STREET, AP Lcl CHAU TO EE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND BUILDING N'C. 114 IL THE SAME STREET LI AZLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING THE PRINCIPAL SEVER 'E" LJILZI G SURVEYOR SAIZ TAT THESE 3-STCREY PRE-.AF BUILDINGS HAD DEEL UNDER OESER VATIC’ FOR SEVERAL YEARS. RECENT INSPECTIONS HAD 3 '0..': ’-'AT FRESH MOVEMENT HAD OCCURRED TO THE EXPOSED PARTY ..ALL OF Z. 112 "Al?. STREET AND THE FRONT ..ALL OF THt SAME BUILDING HAD ALSC SHO'..",' SIGN'S OF FURTHER OUT..A.:_ < v VE.■ — ?. ।.
AS THERE IS A RISK CF A COLLAPSE OF NO. 112 MAIN STREET, IT IS .NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING. THE REMAINING ADJOr i'.G EL'ILDI' G ‘.T "0. 114 MAIK STREET ILL ALSC HAVt TO BE DEMOLISHED SINCE IT IS UNLIKELY TO SURVIVE DUE TZ THE WEAKNESSES ALREADY AF=ARE"T I' THE ERICK WORK.
ACCC-Z I 'GLY NOTICES CF IKTEL'TIOM TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS I . VICTORIA DISTRICT COL’7T AT ?.3D A.". ON "ARCH 21 197E WERE POSTED TODAY.
0 . . . .
DUKE OF KENT TO ATTEND LUNCHEON WITH HK GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE *****
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF HRH THE DUKE OF KENT’S PROGRAMME FOR TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) :
9:30 A.M. THIRD VISIT TO THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION AT KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION, HUNG HOM.
(ACCREDITED PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE STATION MASTER’S OFFICE AT THE STATION CONCOURSE BEFORE 9:15 A.M.)
12:45 P.M. ATTEND LUNCHEON WITH HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT THE HILTON HOTEL.
(ACCREDITED PRESS REPRESENTATIVES MUST ASSEMBLE AT THE FIXED PRESS POSITION NEAR THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE HOTEL BEFORE 12:30 P.M.)
8 P.M. ATTEND UMELCO DINNER AT THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL.
(ACCREDITED PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE AT THE FIXED PRESS POSITION IN THE LOBBY OF THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL NEAR THE WEST ENTRANCE BEFORE 7:45 P.M.)
O - - - -
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1978
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO ATTEND OPENING OF NURSERY *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHIU YANG NURSERY AT FUNG LOK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 157-163, WING LOK STREET, CENTRAL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 3 P.M.
THE NURSERY, RUN BY THE CHIU YANG ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG WITH GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO FINANCE ITS CAPITAL COST, IS THE SECOND NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND SELF-SUPPORTING CHILD CARE CENTRE IN HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN LAI CHI KOK * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M.
ON SATURDAY (MARCH 11), 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE SLIP ROAD THAT LINKS THE UNNAMED ROAD FOR EASTBOUND TRAFFIC WITH THE UNNAMED ROAD FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC UNDER THE LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS AND LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS AT ANY TIME ON THIS ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTIONS WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED ON THE WHOLE LENGTH OF MEI LAI ROAD BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
FURTHERMORE A U-TURN BAN WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THE NORTHERN END OF THE CENTRAL DIVIDER IN MEI LAI ROAD NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE UNNAMED ROAD FOR EASTBOUND TRAFFIC.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO ASSIST MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DUKE OF KENT PRAISES HONG KONG’S SUCCESS .................... 1
DUKE OF KENT TO LEAVE HONG KONG ............................. 3
CORONER’S INQUIRY INTO DEATH OF LIU PING-HON TO RE-OPEN .. 3
SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR 1978 ........... 4
MORE NURSERIES FOR MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES ................... 5
AUCTION OF +SPECIAL+ CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ............... 6
PWD’S HIGHWAYS SUPERINTENDENT RETIRING ...................... 7
SENIOR ASSISTANT REGISTRAR RETIRING ......................... 8
WALDEN TO VISIT TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL ................... 8
CLOSURE OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD .............. 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1978
1
DUKE OF KENT PRAISES HONG KONG’S SUCCESS
* * M * *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT TODAY PRAISED HONG KONG’S CONSPICUOUS SUCCESS IN GENERATING AN INCREASINGLY HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING BY PRODUCING MORE AND MORE SOPHISTICATED HIGH-TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT THE HILTON HOTEL, THE DUKE SAID: + TO HAVE DONE THIS IN THE TEETH OF SUCH FIERCE WORLD-WIDE COMPETITION AND TO HAVE SUSTAINED SUCH A HIGH RATE OF GROWTH, ONLY BRIEFLY INTERRUPTED BY THE RECESSION OF 1974/75, SURELY DISPLAYS MANAGERIAL SKILL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT OF AN UNUSUALLY HIGH ORDER.+
HE SAID THESE ARE THE QUALITIES WHICH ARE STILL VERY MUCH ADMIRED IM BRITAIN EVEN IF THEY MAY HAVE SEEMED TO BE SOMEWHAT DORMANT IN RECENT YEARS.
+THEY ARE I ASSURE YOU BY NO MEANS DEFUNCT, AS A LOOK AT ALMOST ANY OF OUR MAJOR EXPORTING COMPANIES WOULD QUICKLY REMIND YOU,+ HE SAID.
THE DUKE WAS GLAD THAT THERE ARE REAL SIGNS OF A STRENGTHENING OF TRADE LINKS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG AND SAID HE HAD REMARKED ON THE EARLY INDICATIONS OF THIS TREND IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE ANNUAL DRAGON BOAT DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION IN LONDON LAST SUMMER.
HE SAID: +IT IS THEREFORE ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND THAT IN 1977 WE RECORDED A SUBSTANTIAL RISE IN OUR EXPORTS TO HONG KONG AND INCREASED OUR SHARE OF THE MARKET EVEN THOUGH THE VISIBLE TRADE IMBALANCE REMAINS HEAVILY IN HONG KONG’S FAVOUR.*
THE DUKE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM TOOK PRIDE IN HER RECORD OVER THE YEARS, BOTH IN PROVIDING A SUBSTANTIAL OUTLET FOR HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS AS WELL AS IN ASSISTING HONG KONG TO OPEN UP NEW MARKETS.
+IN FACT SINCE 1971 THE TERRITORY’S EXPORTS TO BRITAIN. WHICH LAST YEAR REACHED OVER 450 MILLION POUNDS STERLING, HAVE MULTIPLIED ALMOST THREEFOLD.
+FOR HONG KONG, BRITAIN MUST BE RATED A HIGHLY IMPORTANT MARKET, TAKING AS SHE DOES ROUGHLY 10 PER CENT OF YOUR EXPORTS AND I HAVE NO DOUBT IT WILL REMAIN SO FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
HE ALSO ASSURED THAT BRITAIN, WITH ITS ESTABLISHED OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION, WILL CONTINUE WHEREVER POSSIBLE TO ASSIST HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN TO OPEN UP THIRD MARKETS.
/THE DUKE .....
.7SDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1978
2
THE DUKE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE TWO SIMILARITIES BETWEEN BRITAIN AND HONG KONG WHICH ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED +BOTH Si^ETSETOAnr0^LnJneoS-rLIV,NG CL0SE T° THE SEA AND B0TH HAVB HAD TO TRADE IN ORDER TO SURVIVE.
+IT IS NOT THEREFORE SUPRISING THAT OVER HAVE BECOME PARTNERS IN TRADE,+ HE SAID.
MANY YEARS WE
.. -r1JH^.P^KE S*,D THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TRADE BOARD OF WHICH HE HAS A KEEN INTEREST IN SEEING A GENERAL INCREASE IN BUSINESS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND HONG-KONG AND IT MAKES USE OF VARIOUS MEANS TO TRY AND PROMOTE THIS.
+BY FAR THE LARGEST PROMOTIONAL EFFORT THIS YEAR AND OF COURSE THE CHIEF REASON FOR MY COMING TO HONG KONG IS THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION WHICH I OPENED ON MONDAY MORNING,* HE SAID.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS DELIGHTED TO HEAR THAT THE INTEREST AND SUPPORT FROM HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN TO THE EXHIBITION HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS.
THE DUKE DESCRIBED THE EXHIBITION AS +A WORKING DEMONSTRATION OF THE CAPABILITIES OF BRITISH INDUSTRY* WHICH PRODUCES SO MANY OF THE PRODUCTS THAT HONG KONG NEEDS IN ITS PROGRAMME OF EXPANSION.
+MORE THAN THAT, IT IS I THINK AN EXPRESSION OF THE STRENGTH OF LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BRITAIN,* HE ADDED.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS SAID DURING THE PAST THREE DAYS IN HONG KONG HE WAS ASTONISHED BY ITS AMBITIOUS AND IMPRESSIVE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE AND THE RATE OF DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE SINCE HIS LAST VISIT HERE 15 YEARS AGO.
HE WAS MORE FIRMLY CONVINCED THAN BEFORE THAT HONG KONG IS +A MARKET, A TERRITORY, WHICH WITH ITS HISTORICALLY VERY CLOSE TIES WITH BRITAIN, OFFERS TO OUR BUSINESSMEN OPPORTUNITIES WHICH MUST BE ALMOST UNIQUE AND WHICH THEY WOULD BE FOOLISH TO IGNORE.*
+THAT IS THE MESSAGE WHICH I SHALL CERTAINLY TAKE BACK WITH ME TO LONDON,* THE DUKE SAID.
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/3
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1973
- 3 -
DUKE OF KENT TO LEAVE HONG KONG * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF HRH THE DUKE OF KENT’S PROGRAMME FOR TOMORROW (THURSDAY):
DEPART FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ACCREDITED PRESS REPRESENTATIVES MUST ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS ROOM OK THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 8.20 A.M. G.I.S.
OFFICERS ..ILL ESCORT THEM TO THE FIXED PRESS POSITION SAME AS THAT FOR ARRIVAL.)
-----0------
CORONER’S INQUIRY INTO DEATH OF LIU PING-HON TO RE-OPEN
******
.THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS ORDERED THE CORONER’S INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF LIU PING-HON TO BE RE-OPENED FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS BY THE POLICE.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ORDERED THE RE-OPENING OF THE INQUIRY IN EXERCISE OF HIS POWERS UNDER SECTION 20 OF THE CORONERS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 14) SO THAT EVIDENCE BY CERTAIN PERSONS NOT PREVIOUSLY HEARD BEFORE THE CORONER’S JURY MAY NOW BE CONSIDERED BY THEM.
ANY PERSON WHO HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN INTERVIEWED BY THE POLICE AND WHO MAY HAVE INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF LIU PING-HON IS INVITED TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE CORONER, MR. D.J. LEONARD, SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, TO BE HEARD AT THE RE-OPENED INQUIRY.
THE DATE OF THE CONTINUED INQUIRY WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
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/4
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1978
4
SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR 1978 ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR 1978 EASED ON THE VIEWS OF ABOUT 500 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, INCLUDING SOME OF THE LARGEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES.
THE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH EMPLOYED MORE THAN 100 WORKERS, WERE SELECTED TO REPRESENT VIEWS OF THE TEN MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THE SURVEY' ..AS CARRIED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1977, RESULTS OF WHICH HAVE BEEN RECENTLY PUBLISHED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE ECONOMIC PROSPECTS SURVEY PROVIDED INDICATIONS OF MANUFACTURERS’ VIEWS OF PROSPECTS FOR THEIR INDUSTRIES AND WAS ONE OF THE MANY SOURCES OF INFORMATION THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TOOK INTO ACCOUNT IN DRAWING UP HIS FORECASTS FOR THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IN 1978 GIVEN IN THE BUDGET SPEECH.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, MANUFACTURERS WERE CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PROSPECTS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1978. THEY EXPECTED AN OVERALL INCREASE OF ABOUT 3 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, WITH THE UNITED STATES MARKET BEING SEEN AS THE MAJOR CAUSE OF THEIR OPTIMISM.
MANUFACTURERS EXPECTED LITTLE OR NO CHANGE IN THE EXPORT DEMAND FOR PRODUCTS OF THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES IN REAL TERMS. AMONG OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS, EXPORTS OF METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLICANCES WERE EXPECTED TO SHOW FASTEST GROWTH.
CAPACITY UTILISATION AND EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING WERE EXPECTED, BY THOSE MANUFACTURERS COVERED IN THE SURVEY, TO INCREASE DURING 1978. IN ADDITION, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY MANUFACTURERS JAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 13 PER CENT TO 14 PER CENT.
PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING WERE EXPECTED TO REMAIN FAIRLY STABLE, AS WERE EXPORT PRICES. ON THE OTHER HAND, WAGE RATES IN MANUFACTURING WERE EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 6 PER CENT.
IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE INDUSTRY’S EXPECTED EXPANSION IN ITS OPERATIONS IN 1978, CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY EXPECTED AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND EXPECTED TO ENGAGE 9 PER CENT MORE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS. WAGE RATES IN THIS INDUSTRY WERE EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT.
0
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1978
5
MORE NURSERIES FOR MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED FOR THE SETTING UP OF MORE NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND SELF-SUPPORTING CHILD CARE CENTRES BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO HELP MEET THE NEEDS OF MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHIU YANG NURSERY, THE SECOND OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, MR. LEE UNDERLINED THE DEMAND OF THIS PARTICULAR INCOME GROUP FOR GOOD AND REASONABLY-PRICED CHILD CARE SERVICE.
+FAMILIES WITHIN THE MIDDLE-INCOME BRACKET CANNOT AFFORD THE HIGH FEES CHARGED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, NOR ARE THEY ELIGIBLE FOR SUBVENTED CHILD CARE PLACES,* HE POINTED OUT.
HE SAID THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND SELF-SUPPORTING NURSERIES BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, WITH GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO COVER THE INITIAL CAPITAL OUTLAY, WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO WORKING MOTHERS.
+IN RECENT YEARS, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN HAVE INCREASED CONSIDERABLY AND AS A RESULT, MANY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN LEFT UNCARED FOR AT THEIR HOMES WHILE THEIR PARENTS GO OUT TO WORK,* HE SAID.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE CHIU YANG NURSERY, 60 MORE CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS OF AGE WILL NOW EE ABLE TO ENJOY NURSERY CARE SERVICE OF A HIGH STANDARD WHILE THEIR PARENTS ARE AT WORK.
MR. LEE THANKED THE CHIU YANG ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG WHICH RUNS THE NURSERY, FOR THEIR CONTINUING EFFORTS IN PROMOTING aELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
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/6
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1978
- 6
AUCTION OF +SPECIAL+ CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS
******
MOTORISTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE OF BUYING +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS FOR THEIR CARS AT THE WEEKEND WHILE AT THE SAME TIME HELPING LOCAL CHARITIES.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER OF 'JS REGULAR AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MARCH 11). THE AUCTION WILL START AT 10 A.M. IN THE 8TH FLOOR LECTURE
HALL OF THE
CITY HALL.
TWENTY NUMBERS WILL BE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC. THEY ARE:
HK 393 AA 8000 AE 21 3209
XX 12 AA 9999 BH 2 298
AA 63 HK 3300 BJ 600 239
AB 28 AD 123 AE 789 9955
BM 300 BB 9 BB 88 AK 4
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSE OF BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE CAR REGISTRATION NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS
OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
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/7
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1978
7
P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS SUPERINTENDENT RETIRING ******
MR. W.J. MACDONALD, P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS SUPERINTENDENT, ..ILL GO ON PRE-RET I RcfiENT LEAVE THIS FRIDAY (MARCH 10) AFTER MORE THAL 26 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
MR. MACDONALD FIRST JOINED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN 1951 AS AN INSPECTOR OF WORKS, CLASS II IN THE THEN PORT WORKS OFFICE. -----
HE WAS LATER TRANSFERRED TO THE ROADS OFFICE WHICH IS NOW THE HIGHWAYS (H.K.) DIVISION.
MR. MACDONALD WAS PROMOTED TO INSPECTOR OF WORKS, CLASS I IN FEBRUARY 1962 AND TO HIS PRESENT POST IN JANUARY 1972.
IN RECOGNITION OF HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN DEALING a I TH THE AFTERMATH OF THE RAINSTORMS IN 1966 AND 1972 AND HIS UNFAILING ENTHUSIASM FOR WORK, MR. MACDONALD WAS AWARDED THE M.E.E. IN JUNE 1974.
WITH MR. MACDONALD’S DEPARTURE THE TITLE OF HIGHWAYS SUPERINTENDENT BECOMES OBSOLETE AMD WILL BE REPLACED BY THAT OF CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER.
MR. MACDONALD IS A PAST PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR BOXING ASSOCIATION AND HAS SERVED AS HON. PIPER TO HONG KONG ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS.
HE IS STILL A KEEN SQUASH PLAYER AND IS AN HONORARY •■EMBER OF THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCIATION.
HE EXPECTS TO SPEND HIS RETIREMENT IN HIS HOME TOWN IN DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND.
0 --------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 1978.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SENIOR ASSISTANT REGISTRAR RETIRING * * * *
THE SENIOR ASSISTANT REGISTRAR, MR. TAN SZE-SUI, WILL GO ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE NEXT WEEK AFTER SERVING IN THE GOVERNMENT FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS.
MR. TAN JOINED THE GOVERNMENT ON JANUARY 24, 1949 AS A TEMPORARY TRANSLATOR AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT POSITION ON APRIL 1, 1964.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR. PIERS JACOBS, WILL PRESENT A GIFT TO MR. TAN ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE RECEPTION ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AT 5 P.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 10).
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION.
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..ALDEN TO VISIT TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL ******
THE THE TUNG MORNING.
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL VISIT WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL AT SO KUN PO TOMORROW (THURSDAY)
DURING THE VISIT MR. WALDEN WILL TOUR INSPECT SOME OF ITS FACILITIES.
THE HOSPITAL AND
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR. WILSON CHEUNG- DIRECTORS OF ,T^ GRCUP= AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WAN CHAI), MR. BOWEN Lx UNG.
THE TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL HOSPITALS OPERATED BY THE TUNG WAH GOVERNMENT.
IS ONE OF THE THREE CHARITABLE GROUP WITH SUBVENTION FROM THE
MAJOR FAC ILITIES OF THE 330—BED HOSPITAL INCLUDE THREE OPERATION THEATRES, TOO X-RAY ROOMS AND A LABORATORY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TC rnJ?p hpE !^'TED T0 SE;''D A REPORTER/PHCTOGRAPHER
^OVtR MR ^ALDE. o VISIT TO THE TUNG ..AH EASTERN HOSPITAL IN cAiTORN HOSPITAL ROAD, iC KUN PC, HONG KONG, AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW.
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/9
■W*
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1978
- 9 -
CLOSURE OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD
• ’ '
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 11 P.M.
ON SATURDAY (MARCH 11) TO 6 A..’. ON SUNDAY THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS Of TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES TO FACILITATE THE DIVERSION OF TRAM TRACKS.
IN THIS CONNECT IC", THE LAST TPA’M TO AND FROM HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
* KENNEDY TOWN TO HAPPY VALLEY -- 13.13 P.M.
* SHAU KEI WAN TO HAPPY VALLEY -- 13.26 P.M.
* HAPPY VALLEY TO KENNEDY TOWN — 13.54 P.M.
* HAPPY VALLEY TO SHAU KEI ..AN — 13.24 P.M.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS ..ILL EE SET UP TO ASSIST MOTORISTS.
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PR 33.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Wednesday, March 8, 1973
SPEECH BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF KENT, TO THE HONG KONG GUJERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
* * * * *
The following is the full text of speech by HRH, the Duke of Kent, delivered today (March 8) to the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon gathering at the Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel.
Let me first of all tell you how very pleased and honoured I am to have this opportunity of addressing such a distinguished gathering of members and friends of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
Visiting Hong Kong is always an exciting and stimulating experience. No one who comes here can fail to be struck by its spectacular beauty or to be impressed by its extraordinary vitality. In my own case I have good reasons for being particularly happy to be back here since, as some of you will know, I lived for a year with my family in the New Territories as a soldier. That is now fifteen years ago but my wife and I both have nothing but the happiest recollections of that time and this is therefore very much more than just a routine visit as far as I am concerned. It is in every sense a happy return, enabling me to renew many old contacts and friendships as well as to see something of the progress that lias been made here in the intervening fifteen years. My interest in Hong Kong therefore is, as well as being professional, a very close and personal one.
/This time .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
This time I am in Hong Kong not as a soldier, although I spent a most interesting day with the armed forces in the New Territories yesterday, but as Vice-Chairman of the British Overseas Trade Board. My visit comes at a time when, I am glad to say, there are real signs of a strengthening of the trade links between the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Last summer I had the pleasure of addressing the Hong Kong Association in London at the Dragon Boat dinner and I was able to remark then on the early indications of that trend. It is therefore encouraging to see that it has been maintained and that in 1977 we recorded a substantial rise in our exports to Hong Kong and increased our share of the market even though the visible trade imbalance remains heavily in Hong Kong’s favour.
My Board has naturally a keen interest in seeing a general increase in business between Britain and Hong Kong and it makes use of various means to try and promote this. By far the largest promotional effort this year and of course and chief reason for my coming to Hong Kong is the British Industrial Exhibition which I opened on Monday morning. And I must say, at the risk of seeming immodest, that it is a pretty impressive display. There is a very wide range of the most up to date industrial machinery and technology available from Britain and I am delighted to hear that the interest and support we have had from Hong Kong businessmen has been tremendous.
Because this is really much more than just an exhibition. It is a working demonstration of the capabilities of British industry, which produces so many of the products that Hong Kong needs in its programme of expansion. More than that, it is I think an expression of the strength of the links between Hong Kong and Britain. Indeed, such was the enthusiasm and interest shown by companies in the United Kingdom that if space had been available we should have had no difficulty in filling an exhibition half as large again. There were many would-be exhibitors who were disappointed, but I am sure they are sufficiently intci’ostod in Hnng Koug to make their own appi'oach here.
/I have quite .....
3
I have quite often heard it suggested that British businessmen in general have tended to neglect Hong Kong, either because they Imagine it is virtually a captive market anyway and so they needn’t make any effort to sell here, or because they greatly under-rate its sophistication and spending power and probably reckon it not worth their attention.
Such views may have been held in the past, and how wrong they were, but I am reasonably sure they are a good deal less common now. The lesson is gradually being learned that Hong Kong is not just another far distant market with a population of only million people but an exceptionally important and crucial one, not only in its own right, which being among the world’s top 20 traders it undoubtedly is, but because of its very special position in regard to other markets of South East Asia who see it as a trading centre and shop window for goods from all over the world. That lesson is being learnt at home but I certainly hope to see more being done to ensure that it gets across.
What I do- find encouraging and what has undoubtedly had considerable effect in stimulating awareness of the potential of this market has been extensive British involvement in major projects in Hong Kong. A British company completed the cross harbour tunnel in 1972, in 1976 we were awarded important contracts for the first stage of the Mass Transit Railway and only recently the General Electric Company received a letter of Intent to supply equipment for the first stage of a proposed new power station for the Kowloon Peninsula. These are projects carrying tremendous prestige both for Hong Kong and for the companies involved in them and I have no doubt that they have opened the eyes of British companies to the expanding prospects for trade with Hong Kong. From the interest shown V ’ - ( ••
in our industrial exhibition too I would judge that there are many other areas where British industry and technology can make a solid contribution to Hong Kong’s future as a major trading partner.
/l think .....
4
I think that there are two similarities between Britain and Kong Kong which are often overlooked. Both have dense populations living close to the sea and both have had to trade in order to survive. It is not therefore surprising that over many years we have become partners in trade.
Any trading nation has to produce goods and services that people want to buy, in order to earn its living. Britain has- of course managed to do this over a long period, but I think we ought to pay tribute to Hong Kongfs conspicuous success in generating an increasingly high standard of living, not by producing cheap basic goods, but by taking exactly the opposite road and going progressively for more and more sophisticated high-technology-products. To have done this in the teeth of such fierce world-wide competition and to have sustained such a high rate of growth, only briefly interrupted by the recession of 1974/75, surely displays managerial skill and entrepreneurial spirit of an unusually high order. These are qualities which I may say are still very much admired in Britain even if they may have seemed ..to be somewhat dormant in recent years. They are I assure you by nc means defunct, as a look at almost any of our major exporting companies would quickly remind you.
On the United Kingdom’s side I think that we can certainly take pride in our record over the years, both in providing a substantial outlet for Hong Kong's products as well as in assisting Hong Kong to open up new markets. In fact since 1971 the territory's exports to Britain, which last year reached over 450 million pounds sterling, have multiplied almost threefold. For Hong Kong, Britain must be rated a highly important market, taking as she does roughly 10^ of your exports, and I have no doubt it will remain so for many years to come. Hong Kong must of course trade to survive and Britain, with its established overseas representation, will continue wherever possible to assist Hong Kong businessmen to open up third markets.
/Ladies .....
5
Ladies and gentlemen, you will probably have noticed by now that I have the warmest regard and affection for Hong Kong and its people and I know that this feeling is widely shared among my own countrymen. I am sure we are right to recognise that relations aven between old friends should never be taken for granted, but do need working at and occasionally burnishing, but at the same time we must acknowledge that many people contribute in a practical way to sustaining the links between us and to fostering the sense of understanding of each others’ problems which is so important.
The Hong Kong Association is one body which is certainly active in doing this. You, Mr. Chairman, have kindly mentioned your Chamber’s close links with the British Trade Commission in Hong Kong and I, for my part should like to praise particularly this Chamber and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council who together are doing so much to promote business between the two markets. Only last month in London I had pleasure of meeting the leader of your Chamber’s buying mission, Mr. Daniel Koo, who in spite of difficulties with the weather was evidently well pleased with what he had found in Britain. Mr. Koo told me that he and the influential group of store-owners who were with him had been much impressed by the wide range and the quality of goods that British companies had been able to show them. I believe that missions of this kind, in both directions, are an excellent way of finding customers and suppliers and we should have more of them.
These three days in Hong Kong have left me not only astonished by the rate of development that has taken place in only 15 years - and your plans for the future are no less ambitious and impressive - but also even more firmly convinced than before that here is a market, a territory, which with its historically very close ties with Britain, offers to our businessmen opportunities which must be almost unique and which they would be foolish to ignore. That is the message which I shall certainly take back with me to London.
/I am more than •••• •
6
।
I am more than grateful to you for your kind hospitality today
and for giving me this chance of speaking to you. I wish continued
success and prosperity to all members of this Chamber.
— o —
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 197R
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GIVEN HIGH PR,0RITY IN PLANNING ■ * t w । \j wn
TENDERS FOR TUEN MUN SITES ?
S44M CONTRACT SIGNING FOR HUNG HOM STADIUM 3
SNT TO OPEN SCHOOL ON TSI NG Yl
OPENING OF KWAI SHING COMMUNITY HALL ‘ 4
REGISTRATION SERVI CE AT TAI PO 4
CLOSURE OF PARKING SPACES
Issued by Government Information Services. Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1978
- 1 -
EDUCATION GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY IN PLANNING NEW TOWNS, SAYS SECRETARY FOR HOUSING *****
THE PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES IS ALWAYS GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY BY TOWN PLANNERS AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS PLEASED TO ASSIST IN MEET.ING THE SCHOOL NEEDS OF ITS TENANTS’ CHILDREN, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY.
MR. SCOTT WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK NO. 5 PRIMARY SCHOOL AT TAI HING ESTATE. MRS. SCOTT OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
HE SAID THAT THE IMPORTANCE TRADITIONALLY ACCORDED TO EDUCATION COULD BE REFLECTED BY THE FACT THAT IN PLANNING NEW TOWNS PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WERE ITEMS WHICH APPEARED IN THE EARLIEST STAGES OF PLANNING, TOGETHER WITH HOUSING AND OTHER COMMUNAL FACILITIES.
+SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TOWNS WILL BE PLACED ACTUALLY IN OR AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, WHERE MOST OF THE POPULATION WILL BE LIVING,* MR. SCOTT SAID.
HE ADDED THAT TO BUILD SCHOOLS CLOSE TO HOMES WAS OBVIOUSLY DESIRABLE AS SCHOOL PREMISES WERE MUCH USED FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AFTER SCHOOL HOURS.
+WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY FROM THE DAYS WHEN IT WAS NECESSARY TO USE ROOFTOPS FOR SCHOOLS- AND IT IS VERY GOOD TO SEE FACILITIES SUCH AS THOSE AROUND US BEING PROVIDED FOR THE CHILDREN OF TODAY’S HONG KONG.*
MR. SCOTT ALSO COMPLIMENTED THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR THE HELP IT HAS GIVEN TO NEEDY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS- AND IN PARTICULAR IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE PAST TEN YEARS.
♦THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL, I AM SURE, ALWAYS BE WILLING TO HELP THE KUK IN IMPLEMENTING THEIR EDUCATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMME, WHICH SO WELL DESERVES TO GROW FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH,* MR. SCOTT SAID.
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/2.....
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1978
TENDERS CALLED FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL SITES AT TUEN MUN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE TWO LOTS COMPRISING A TOTAL AREA OF MORE THAL' 2,300 SQUARE METRES ARE LIMITED TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED DY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE TUEN MUM DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. VINCENT CHU SAID: +THE TWO SITES ARE AMONG ’PRIME LOTS’ LOCATED NEAR THE TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE WHICH WILL HAVE MANY MODERN AMENITIES INCLUDING A CULTURAL COMPLEX.+
THE FIRST LOT OF 1,530 SQUARE METRES CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF 33,230,003 OVER THREE YEARS, '..'HILE THE SECOND LOT OF 847 SQUARE METRES CARRIES A DU ILDI NG COVENANT OF 31,800,303 FOR THE SANE PERIOD. APPLICATION'S FOR THE TWO LOTS MUST EE SUBMITTED DY MARCH 28 AND 31 RESPECTIVELY.
THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS OF BUILDINGS TO BE ERECTED ON BOTH SITES SHALL NOT EE USEE FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAR RESIDENTIAL OR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
APPLICATIONS MUST DE SUBMITTED TOGETHER WITH A CHEQUE FOR 010,000, AND SHOULD DE PLACED IN THE APPLICATION BOX IM THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE ME.. TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1978
NOTE TO EDITORS:
$44M CONTRACT FOR HUNG HOM INDOOR STADIUM
******
A $44 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE HUNG HOM INDOOR STADIUM WILL BE SIGNED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR. JACK STEAN, P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, WILL SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MR. CHIU SZE-DUEN, DIRECTOR OF TECHNIC CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD., WILL SIGN FOR HIS COMPANY.
THE SIGNING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SITE, WHICH IS ADJACENT TO THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY TERMINUS, AT 3 P.M.
HOWEVER, IF THE WEATHER IS BAD, THE SIGNING WILL BE HELD IN G. I.S. THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, AT THE SAME TIME.
A DECISION ON THE VENUE WILL BE MADE BY NOON TOMORROW AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE INFORMED ACCORDINGLY OVER THE G.I.S. TELEPRINTER AND FASCIMILE SYSTEMS.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
AFTER THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY, MR. S.C. KWAN, P.W.D.’S CHIEF ARCHITECT, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW.
-----0------
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SNT TO OPEN SCHOOL ON TSI NG Yl * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHAN LAI SO-CHUN MEMORIAL SCHOOL ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 P.M. AT THE SCHOOL AT BLOCK 1, CHEUNG CHING ESTATE ON THE ISLAND.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 2088) WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 3.20 P.M.
A.....
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1978
OPENING OF KWAI SHING COMMUNITY HALL ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KWAI SHING COMMUNITY HALL WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 4 p.M.
MR. DEACON CHIU, A
--------------------- COMMUNITY LEADER, ALONG WITH MR. THOMAS 0F S0C,AL WELFARE, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY.
?WAI SH,NG COMMUNITY HALL, LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE to blocks 6 AND 8, KWAI SHING estate, rs the COMPLETED RECENTLY AS PART OF A PROJECT AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO THE cy^T- PR£SS TRANSPORT HAS BEEN ARRANGED. A SPECIAL ^OACH (AM2143), WILL LcAVE FROM QUEEN’S PIER AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW.
REGISTRATION SERVICE AT TAI PO
* * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION TODAY REMINDED RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, FAN LING, SHEUNG SHU I, SHA TAU KOK AND SAI KUNG NORTH THAT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS SUB-OFFICE AT TAI PO PROVIDES VARIOUS SERVICES FOR THEIR BENEFIT.
THE SUB-OFFICE IS SITUATED AT DRAGON COURT, 89-91 WAN TAU STREET, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO MARKET. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 12-666545.
THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE INCLUDE THE REGISTRATION OF JUVENILES ON REACHING THE AGE OF 11, RE-REGISTRATION OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS ON REACHING THE AGE OF 18, REPLACEMENT OF IDENTITY CARDS, REGISTRATION OF NEW ARRIVALS WHO HOLD PASSPORTS AND ACKNOWLEGEMENT OF NOTIFICATIONS OF CHANGES OF REGISTERED PARTICULARS SUCH AS ADDRESSES, OCCUPATIONS, DEPARTURES FROM AND RETURNS TO HONG KONG.
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CLOSURE OF PARKING SPACES * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT PARKING SPACES NOS. 13 TO 30 AND 111 TO 113 AT THE MURRAY BARRACKS CAR PARK IN CENTRAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROV = A.M. CO MONDAY (MARCH 13) TO 8 P.M. ON APRIL 17 TO ENABLE DRAINAGE 70RKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
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PRH 7
[FKlSffll iGISl Iml
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE N0,
RIGHTS OF UNBORN CHILDREN GAZETTED .........................
FIREMEN RECEIVE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVERY ...........
CONTRACT FOR HUNG HOM STADIUM SIGNED .......................
NEW SCHOOL IS PART OF TSI NG Yl’S DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT......
PARALLEL BETWEEN GROWTH OF TELEPHONE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG ....................................
.NEW COMMUNITY HALL OPENS IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN .............. 7
TWO SENIOR PWD STAFF RETIRE .................................. 3
TYPHOON EXERCISE BY CAS ...................................... 9
OPENING OF KWAI CHUNG’S FOURTH PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE ......... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
1 -
BILL GIVING RIGHTS UNDER THE LA.. TO UNBORN CHILDREN GAZETTED ******
A BILL PROPOSING TO GIVE UNBORN CHILDREN RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW FOLLOWING BIRTH IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL, KNOWN AS THE LAW AMENDMENT AN'ff REFORM (consol Nation) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, IS BASED ON A UNITED KINGDOM ACT PASSED IN 1976 WHICH IMPLEMENTED RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN A LAW COMMISSION REPORT ON INJURIES TO UNBORN CHILDREN.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED LAW.WOULD NOT CREATE ENTIRELY NEW LIABILITIES, BUT WOULD ENSURE THAT A CHILD BORN ALIVE WOULD HAVE A RIGHT OF ACTION ACCRUING AT BIRTH IN RESPECT OF INJURY EITHER SUSTAINED BY THE CHILD AFTER CONCEPTION AND BEFORE BIRTH, OR RESULTING FROM INJURY SUSTAINED BY ITS MOTHER DURING PREGNANCY DUE TO THE FAULT OF A THIRD PARTY.
+0F COURSE, IT WILL STILL EE NECESSARY FOR FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE TO EE PROVED,+ HE EMPHASISED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM ACT WAS PASSED AS A RESULT OF THE LENGTHY AND OFTEN EXPENSIVE LITIGATION INVOLVING THE THALIDOMIDE BIRTH CASES. IN THESE CASES, HE SAID, A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND MONEY WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN MORE PROPERLY DEVOTED TO COMPENSATING THALIDOMIDE VICTIMS, WAS SPENT IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT UNBORN CHILDREN HAD RIGHTS, BEFORE GIVING ANY ATTENTION TO WHETHER MANUFACTURING THALIDOMIDE AND SUPPLYING IT TO PREGNANT WOMEN, WAS WRONG.
IN THE EVENT, THE COURTS HELD THAT A CHILD DID HAVE RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF INJURIES OR WRONGS CAUSED TO ITS MOTHER WHEN IT WAS STILL UNBORN.
IN HONG KONG, HOWEVER, THERE WAS SOME DOUET WHETHER UNBORN CHILDREN HAD THESE SAME RIGHTS AND IT WAS NECESSARY THAT THEIR STATUS BE CLARIFIED WHICH THIS PROPOSED BILL WILL NOW DO.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT CHILDREN BORN DISABLED AS A RESULT OF NO ATTRIBUTABLE FAULT - THROUGH DISEASE FOR EXAMPLE - WERE NOT AFFECTED BY THE BILL.
THERE WAS NO LIABILITY FOR INJURIES IF PARENTS KNEW OF OR WERE WARNED ABOUT PARTICULAR RISKS AND WENT AHEAD AND ACCEPTED THEM ANYWAY.
NEITHER WERE PROFESSIONAL MEN SUCH AS DOCTORS LIABLE IF THEY GAVE TREATMENT OR ADVICE ACCORDING TO ORDINARY AND ACCEPTED STANDARDS OF PRACTICE AND CARE.
FINALLY, A CHILD HAD TO SURVIVE FOR 48 HOURS BEFORE ANY RIGHT OF ACTION AROSE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
2
TWO FIREMEN RECEIVE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVERY *****
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN HAS AWARDED THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT TO TWO FIREMEN FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY ACTION IN A FIRE RESCUE OPERATION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
THE AWARDS TO SENIOR FIREMAN NG CHOI-LEUNG AND FIREMAN CHEUNG CHING WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
MR. NG AND MR. CHEUNG, IN DISREGARD OF THEIR PERSONAL RISKS. HAD LEAD SOME 37 PEOPLE WHO WERE TRAPPED INSIDE A BURNING BUILDING TO A PLACE OF SAFETY DURING A FIRE THAT OCCURRED ON APRIL 14 LAST YEAR FOLLOWING AN EXPLOSION IN A SUPERMARKET WHICH OCCUPIED THE. GROUND FLOOR AND THE COCKLOFT OF A FOUR-STOREY BUILD ING.AT NO. 176 PRATAS STREET, KOWLOON.
THE FIRE IMMEDIATELY SPREAD THROUGH THE STAIRCASES TC THE UPPER FLOORS.
MR. NG AND MH. CHEUNG WERE AMONG THE FIRST CREWS TO ARRIVE AT THE SCENE.
ON RECEIVING AN ORDER FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER, THEY MADE A DETERMINED EFFORT TO ENTER THE BURNING BUILDING BY THE MAIN STAIRCASE TO THE UPPER FLOORS WHERE A LARGE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS WERE REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN TRAPPED. THEIR FIRST ATTEMPT WAS STOPPED BY THE. INTENSIVE HEAT.
THEY THEN SOAKED THEIR CLOTHING IN WATER AND MADE A SECOND ATTEMPT. THIS TIME THEY SUCCEEDED IN REACHING THE OCCUPANTS WHO WERE IN A STATE OF PANIC.
MR. NG AND MR. CHEUNG MANAGED TO LEAD THE PEOPLE THROUGH THE SMOKE-LOGGED STAIRCASES TO THE SAFETY OF THE ROOF BY COVERING THEIR FACES WITH WET CLOTH. LATER THE PEOPLE WERE BROUGHT DOWN FROM THE ROOF BY A TURNTABLE LADDER.
FIREMEN NG AND CHEUNG THEN RETURNED TO THE BUILDING TO MAKE THEIR FINAL SEARCH BUT FOUND NO OTHER PERSONS iN IT.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
HUNG HOM STADIUM TAKES ANOTHER STEP * * * * *
TOWARDS COMPLETION
KONG’S +INVERTED PYRAMID* SPORTS STADIUM IN HUNG HOM TOOK ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS COMPLETION TODAY WITH THE SIGNING
**i"'LL'0N CONTR4CT F0R THE °"nst»iSnTSf ?fsSIGNING oureno IKULI URE.
THE CONTRACT WAS AWARDED BY THE TO TECHNIC CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. AND STEAN, P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF BUILDING SZE-DUEN, DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WAS SIGNED BY MR. JACK DEVELOPMENT, AND MR. CHIU
THIS CONTRACT P.W.D. THIS WEEK. AT MORRISON HILL.
WAS THE SECOND OF ITS KIND SIGNED BY THE THE OTHER WAS FOR THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
AT THE SIGNING CEREMORY, MR. STEAN SAID THAT WORK ON THE HUNG HOM STADIUM WOULD BEGIN’LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 33 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
, -r„T?.E SAI$ THAT THE SPECTATOR STAND OF THE STADIUM, WHICH COST A TOTAL OF 393 MILLION, COULD SEAT ABOUT 12,500 PEOPLE.
AND, ONE OF THE FEATURES OF THE STADIUM WOULD BE A FOUR-$C?EEN’ suspended above the centre of the arena, and INCORPORATING SCOREBOARD AND CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION FACILITIES.
+WITH SUCH AN EQUIPMENT, LARGER-THAN-L1F£CLOSF-IIP^ m instant REPLAYS, ALL IN COLOUR, ARE POSSIBLE,* HE SAID. PS AND INSTANT
THE STADIUM, WHICH WOULD BE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED, WOULD HAVE FACILITIES FOR EVENTS RANGING FROM GYMNASTICS AND BASKETBALL TO THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES AND MAJOR EXHIBITIONS.
+ THREE-QUARTERS OF THE SEATS IN THE UPPER SECTIONS OF THE SPECTATOR STAND WILL BE OF REINFORCED MOULDED SHELL,WHILE THOSE IN THE LOWER TIERS-AND ON THE RETRACTABLE STANDS WHICH EXTEND ONTO THE ARENA FLOOR WILL BE UPHOLSTERED,* HE ADDED.
THERE WOULD BE SPECIAL SECTIONS FOR VIP’S AND THE PRESS.
+SEATING ON THE ARENA FLOOR WOULD BE VARIABLE AND DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS ARE POSSIBLE, DEPENDING ON THE PARTICULAR EVENT,* MR. STEAN SAID.
ALL SEATS ON THE SPECTATOR STAND WOULD BE ARRANGED IN SMOOTH CONTOURS, OFFERING A COMPLETE VIEW OF THE 1,600 SQUARE METRE ARENA.
THE ARENA ITSELF WOULD BE LARGE ENOUGH FOR TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, VOLLEYBALL COURTS OR TENNIS COURTS, OR FOR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS OR 24 TABLE-TENNIS TABLES AT ONE TIME.
/OTHER FACILITIES WOULD
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
OTHER FACILITIES WOULD INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, MEETING ROOMS, GENERAL OFFICES, A LARGE EQUIPMENT STORE, FURNITURE STORE, CONTROL BOOTHS, BOOKING OFFICES AND TOILETS.
MR. STEAN SAID THAT THE STADIUM TO EE BUILT ON THE PODIUM ABOVE THE TRACK OF THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY TERMINUS WOULD BE IN THE SHAPE OF AN INVERTED PYRAMID BUILT BELOW THE ROOF STRUCTURE.
WORK ON THE 10,303 SQUARE METRE ROOF FRAME HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THE FRAME, WEIGHING ABOUT 1,330 TONNES, WAS RECENTLY LIFTED FROM GROUND LEVEL TO A HEIGHT OF 23 METRES TO REST ON TEMPORARY STEEL TOWERS.
MR. STEAN SAID THAT THE SPECTATOR STAND AND INTERIOR OF THE STADIUM WOULD BE BUILT BENEATH IT.
ONCE THIS WORK WAS COMPLETED, HE ADDED, THE ROOF WOULD THEN BE LOWERED ONTO THE CONCRETE RIM OF THE SPECTATOR STAND, AND TH=. TEMPORARY STEEL TOWERS SUPPORTS CUT AWAY.
THE STADIUM SHOULD BE READY BY THE BEGINNING OF 1981 WHEN IT WILL EE HANDED OVER TO URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
5
NEW SCHOOL FORMS PART OF TSING Yl’S DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT ******
THE NEW CHAN LAI SO CHUN MEMORIAL SCHOOL FORMS PART OF THE DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENTS OF TSING Yl AND SYMBOLISES THE.GOVERNMENT’S HOPES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SCHOOL, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID: +THE YOUNG CHILDREN WHO GO TO THIS SCHOOL WILL GROW UP TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING Yl INTQ A TOWN.OF 180,000. PEOPLE.*
+THEY WILL PROBABLY SEE, BEFORE THEY LEAVE SECONDARY SCHOOL, AN ADDITIONAL BRIDGE TO TSING Yl AND THE ROAD FROM THE BRIDGE SWEEPING ACROSS TSING Yl AND ON OVER ANOTHER BRIDGE TO LANTAU. IT IS AN EXCITING PROSPECT.+
MR. AKERS-JONES REMINDED THE GATHERING THAT THE BRIDGE TO TSING Yl WAS OPENED FOUR YEARS AGO ON FEBRUARY 28, AND REITERATED WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAD SAID AT THE BRIDGE’S OPENING CEREMONY— +T0 LIVE, HONG KONG MUST CONTINUE TO GROW. GROWTH REQUIRES NEW LAND FOR INDUSTRY AND FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN INDUSTRY TO LIVE ON AND ENJOY.+
THE GROWTH OF TSING Yl SINCE THEN HAS BEEN REMARKABLE, A NUMBER OF MAJOR FACTORIES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AND ARE IN PRODUCTION. TWO MAJOR SHIPYARDS ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED, AND ARE ALREADY PARTLY IN OPERATION.
A HOUSING ESTATE FOR 67,000 PEOPLE IS BEING BUILT AND 12,000 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY MOVED INTO THE ESTATE.
+WITHOUT THE BRIDGE AND THE INITIATIVE AND ENTERPRISE OF THOSE PRIVATE COMPANIES WHO SAW TO ITS CONSTRUCTION, NONE OF THIS ASTONISHING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE,* SAID MR. AKERS-JONES.
HE SAID THE SCHOOL WAS A REMINDER OF TWO FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS OF OUR SOCIETY. +FIRSTLY, RESPECT AND VENERATION FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROGRESS OF HONG KONG, AND SECONDLY, THE PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE LIVING TO THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE.*
MR. AKERS-JONES PRAISED MR. CHAN PAK-KEUNG WHO HAS GENEROUSLY DONATED MONEY TO BUILD THE SCHOOL IN MEMORY OF HIS LATE MOTHER AND THE SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WHICH MANAGES THE NEW SCHOOL. . - . ,
+MR. CHAN PAK-KEUNG AND MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION HAVE CONTRIBUTED NOT ONLY TO THE MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL, BUT ALSO BY THEIR INVOLVEMENT AND CONCERN WILL HELP IN FUTURE TO SHAPE THE GROWTH, AND PROMOTE THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE NEW COMMUNITY ON TSING Yl,+ SAID MR. AKERS-JONES.
/6
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
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PARALLEL BETWEEN GROWTH OF TELEPHONE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG * * * *
IT WAS NOT FANCIFUL TO SEE A PARALLEL BETWEEN THE GROWTH IN TELEPHONE SERVICES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG FROM A MODERATELY SUCCESSFUL TRADING CENTRE OF LARGELY REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE INTO ONE OF THE MAJOR FINANCIAL, BANKING AND INDUSTRIAL CENTRES OF THE WORLD.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY,SIR DENYS ROBERTS, AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE INSTALLATION IN HONG KONG OF THE ONE MILLIONTH TELEPHONE EXCHANGE LINE.
SIR DENYS SAID THAT, AS HONG KONG HAD GROWN, SO HAD THE IMPORTANCE TO US OF FIRST CLASS COMMUNICATIONS, BOTH INTERNAL AND INTERNATIONAL.
+AND WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT THIS NEED HAS BEEN FULLY RECOGNISED, AND SUCCESSFULLY MET, BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY, WHICH HAS DEVELOPED A TELEPHONE SYSTEM OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY,* HE SAID.
THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY, SIR DENYS SAID, WERE AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE (OF WHICH HONG KONG HAD MANY) OF THE ADVANTAGES OF ENTRUSTING THE PROVISION OF UTILITY SERVICES TO PRIVATE COMPANIES WHICH INVARIABLY RAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES WITH MORE SKILL AND EFFICIENCY THAN A BUREAUCRATIC ORGANISATION.
HE ADDED: +THE COMPANY HAS ALSO SHOWN, AS ANY PUBLIC UTILITY ENTERPRISE WHICH ENJOYS A MONOPOLY OUGHT TO DO, THAT IT RECOGNISES THAT SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD SOMETIMES BE GIVEN MORE WEIGHT THAN PROFITS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS OBLIGATION, THE COMPANY HAS IN RECENT YEARS CARRIED THROUGH AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME IN THE MORE REMOTE PARTS OF HONG KONG, BRINGING TO MANY ISOLATED VILLAGES THE CONVENIENCE, THE FEELING OF SECURITY AND THE SOCIAL AND BUSINESS CONTACTS WHICH ARE AMONG THE MAJOR BENEFITS OF THE TELEPHONE.*
THE NUMBER OF TELEPHONES HAD DOUBLED IN THE PAST SEVEN YEARS. THIS NUMBER WOULD DOUBLE AGAIN, TO TWO MILLION LINES, IN LESS THAN 15 YEARS, IF HONG KONG CONTINUED, AS HE BELIEVED IT WOULD, TO DEVELOP IN THE SAME EXCITING AND REMARKABLE WAY AS IT HAD IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.
+WHATEVER THE DEMANDS WHICH THE FUTURE MAY MAKE UPON IT, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE COMPANY WILL MEET THEM WITH THE SAME GOOD SENSE AND SKILL AS HAVE GUIDED ITS FORTUNES IN RECENT YEARS.*
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/7
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
7
NEW COMMUNITY HALL OPENS IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY HALL AT KWAI SHING ESTATE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY - THE THIRD IN TSUEN WAN.
TWO MORE FOR KWAI FONG AND SHEK YAM ESTATES WILL SOON BE READY TO SERVE AS A FOCUS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, A TSUEN WAN COMMUNITY LEADER, MR. DEACON CHIU, DESCRIBED THE SETTING UP OF COMMUNITY HALLS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE BETTER RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE FAST-DEVELOPING NEW TOWN OF TSUEN WAN.
MR. CHIU SAID THESE COMMUNITY HALLS, APART FROM PROVID I NG A FOCAL POINT OF SOCIAL GATHERING FOR ESTATE RESIDENTS, WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS PROMOTING A SENSE OF LOCAL IDENTITY.
+FOR THE 50,000 PEOPLE LIVING IN THESE 19 MAMMOTH HOUSING BLOCKS OF KWAI SHING ESTATE, THE COMMUNITY HALL IS A CONVENIENT MEDIUM THROUGH WHICH NEIGHBOURLY CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL CONCERNS COULD BE ACHIEVED,* HE SAID.
THE KWAI SHING COMMUNITY HALL PROVIDES DIRECT SERVICES SUCH AS GUIDANCE TO VOLUNTEERS, TUITION CLASSES FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS AND SPECIAL GROUPS AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES.
STAFF OF THE HALL ARE ALSO ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN LIAISON WORK WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
MR. CHIU SAID: +WITH VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS GOING ON IN THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN, PARTICULARLY ON PUBLIC HOUSING, THE PROVISION OF THIS KIND OF SOCIAL FACILITY IS INDEED INSTRUMENTAL LN THE BETTERMENT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.* । KWifcN LAL^LH THE
HE PRAISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR INITIATING THIS PROJECT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OF 20,000 TO 50.000 RESIDENTS, AS THE +NEED FOR SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES BECOMES MORE EVIDENT WITH THE RAPID URBANISATION WITNESSED IN THE LAST 20 YEARS.*
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/8......
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
- 8 -
TOO SENIOR PWD STAFF RETIRE *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY BID FAREWELL TO TOO OF ITS SENIOR STAFF WHO HAVE A COMBINED TOTAL OF 40 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
THEY ARE MR. ALEX MEYERS, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER AND MR. WILLIE MACDONALD, HIGHWAYS SUPERINTENDENT.
AT A CEREMONY-HELD THIS AFTERNOON, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, SAID THAT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MR. MEYER HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT, THE TOWN PLANKING BOARD AND TO TOWN PLANNING IN HONG KONG IN GENERAL.
MR. MEYERS FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1959 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT POST IN AUGUST 1973.
+AS A VERY KEEN SAILOR HE HAS TAKEN PART IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA RACE AND HAS THE DISTINCTION OF HAVING WON THE RACE IN 1963,+ SAID MR. MCDONALD.
+HE WILL AGAIN BE PARTICIPATING IN THE RACE NEXT WEEK, THIS TIME SAILING HIS OWN YACHT.
+AFTER THE RACE, HE WILL GO BACK TO NEW ZEALAND FOR A SHORT HOLIDAY AND WILL PROBABLY RETURN TO HONG KONG TO WORK WITH A CONSULTANTS FIRM OR MIGHT EVEN SET UP HIS OWN PRACTICE.+
MR. MCDONALD PRESENTED MR. MEYERS WITH A SOUVENIR ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE DEPARTMENT.
AT ANOTHER CEREMONY, MR. NICKY CHAN, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, PRESENTED A GIFT TO MR. WILLIE MACDONALD, HIGHWAYS SUPERINTENDENT, WHO HAS SERVED THE DEPARTMENT FOR 26 YEARS.
MR. MACDONALD WAS AWARDED THE M.B.E. IN JUNE 1974 FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH OF THE RAINSTORMS IN 1966 AND 1972 AND HIS UNFAILING ENTHUSIASM IN HIS WORK.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1978
9
TYPHOON EXERCISE BY CAS * * * * *
MORE THAN 800 CIVIL AID SERVICES PERSONNEL IN KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES WILL TAKE PART IN AN OPERATIONS PXEftCISE ON TYPHOON EMERGENCY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12).
THE EXERCISE IS AIMED AT TESTING OUT THE PREPAREDNESS OF ALL C.A.S. PERSONNEL IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES BEFORE THE START OF THE TYPHOON SEASON.
DURING THE EXERCISE, THE REGIONAL COMMAND HEADQUARTERS FOR KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SITUATED IN THE C.A.S. KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204 ARGYLE STREET WILL BE FULLY MANNED AND CONTROLLING DEPLOYMENT OF C.A.S. PERSONNEL AT FIVE OPERATIONAL +DISASTER SITE.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER
TO COVER THE EXERCISE BY THE C.A.S. PRESS MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE C.A.S. KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 10.30 A.M. ON SUNDAY (MARCH 12). THEY C.A.S. OFFICER AND LATER TAKEN AROUND THE
AT 204 ARGYLE STREET WILL BE BRIEFED BY A +DISASTER SITES.+
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
OPENING OF KWAI CHUNG’S FOURTH PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE * * *
ANOTHER PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 10 A.M. TO SERVE THE RESIDENTS OF THE LAI KING ESTATE AND IN NEIGHBOURING AREAS.
THE CENTRE - THE FOURTH IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE SEVENTH IN THE ENTIRE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT - IS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF YAT KING HOUSE, LAI KING ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, MR. FOK TZE= TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, MR. CHAU HAU-CHEN AND MRS. LAM MOK SAU-HING- AND THE HOUSING MANAGER OF LAI KING ESTATE, MR. LEE CHUN-HO.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 2088) WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 9.20 A.M. TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND LATER BACK FROM KWAI CHUNG.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY,
■'■■ARCH 11, 1273
CO’.'TE'.'TS
PAGE MO.
?F GCVEr "E'T PFJ -W SCHOOL TEACHERS
GOVERNOR TO VISIT ’’’’ITAP'
LADY ACLEHOSE TO VISIT CE'.TRE FOR THE DEAF
KOHG TO HOST RTE.R ’ AT 10 AL SPEEDPCST
CO.'FERc DE .............................
chuVU5UC e';qui?y ce?;tses FLAWED/OR n\
^'CTIO^CF VEHICLE •■VEERS FETCHES ’’EARLY
-s f ...............................• ■••••••••••*•
CONTROLS C’" USE CF PLEASURE CRAFT ................
CECRUARY CLOUDIER AmD DRIER .......................
JOP'T SCHOOL SOCIAL ;ORK EXHIDITIC’ ...............
"E.V TELEPHONE LI’S OF XCVLGD ERA'.O’ " . P........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1978
1
SURPLUS OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS REDUCED
******
THE NUMBER OF ESTIMATED SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS BY SEPTEMBER 1903 HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 1,103 TO 853.
THE REDUCTION IS THE RESULT OF ABOUT 253 SURPLUS TEACHERS BEING REDEPLOYED .. ITH IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT I' OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND THE APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS FOR EARLY RETIREMENT.
IN A JOINT STATEMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION SAID: +IN ORDER TO EXPLORE WAYS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM CF SURPLUS TEACHERS, FOUR MEETINGS HAVE BEEN HELD SINCE DECEMBER 16 LAST YEAR BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR CF EDUCATION AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNION.+
THE FOLLOWING POINTS HAVE BEEN AGREED:
(1) IF THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ SURPLUS TEACHERS PROBLEM CAM BE SOLVED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1979 EY MEANS OTHER THAN COMPULSORY RETIREMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST , THEN THE REGULATION PROVIDING FOR SUCH COMPULSORY RETIREMENT IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WILL NOT EE APPLIED IN RESPECT OF THE SCHOOL YEAR COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1983. IF THE PROBLEM RECURS AFTER 1983, APPLICATION OF THE REGULATION ..ILL EE AVOIDED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
(2) BOTH PARTIES HAVE EXPRESSED SINCERITY IN SEEKING VIGOROUSLY OTHER WAYS CF SOLVING THE SURPLUS TEACHERS PROBLEM. AND AGREED TO CONTINUE TO HOLD DI CUSS IONS.
(3) THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS GIVEN AN ASSURANCE THAT AG FAR AS POSSIBLE SUFFICIENT POSTS ..ITHIN THE DEPARTMENT ..ILL BE ARRANGED (AS STATED IN THE STATEMENT F JULY 6, 1977) FOR THE REDEPLOYMENT OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL SURPLUS TEAC ERS. TO DATE, ABOUT 253 SURPLUS TEACHERS HAVE BEEN REDEPLOYED .. ITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ACCEPTED OFFERS CF APPOINTMENT IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS OR HAD APPLICATIONS FOR EARLY ..ST I RE: .ENT APPROVED, THUS REDUCING TO 353 THE ESTIMATED SURPLUS EY SEPTEMBER 1983. CONVERSELY, IF T.-.E PUPIL POPULATION CF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS SHOULD RISE I THE CONING T.’C YEARS, TLE :UNDER CF SURPLUS TEACHERS ..ILL ALSO LE FURTHER REDUCED.
(4) AS PREVIOUSLY '.‘'MOUNCED, T " EUUCATIOI DEPARTMENT REITERATES ITS DETER.: ILATICI. TO RETAIN AND IMPROVE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL. AID VARIOUS ’EASURES TO ACHIEVE THIS Al’’ ARE BEING 'ISCUSSED.
/(5)
•L’V'n
SATOBDAY, MARCH 11, 1978
2 -
(5) THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION HAS GIVEN AN ASSURANCE THAT FULL CO-OPERATION WILL EE GIVEN EY THE UNION IN THE RETENTION AND IMPROVEMENT CF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND THE REDEPLOYMENT OF TEACHERS WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE STATEMENT ADDED: +DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE AND IT IS HOPED THAT FURTHER MEASURES TO HELP RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WILL HAVE BEEN AGREED BEFORE THE START OF THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR.+
IT WILL BE RECALLED THAT IN JULY 1977, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED A DECISION THAT THERE WOULD BE A PERMANENT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SECTOR, BUT THAT IF THE PUPIL POPULATION OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS CONTINUED TO DECLINE, THE OPERATION OF EMPTY SCHOOLS WITH TEACHERS ON THE PAYROLL COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED.
AT
JtALT,E IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF SURPLUS tv ^3NTr 'rT^R ARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WAS MORE THAN 650, AND THAT EY SEPTEMBER 1980 IT COULD BE IN THE REGION OF 1,100*
. ^PLAINED THAT THE TEACHERS CONCERNED WERE FACED WITH
A NUMBER OF CHOICES - TO CONTINUE TEACHING IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO RETIRE IN THE ' PUBLIC INTEREST IN 1980, APPLY FOR RETIREMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST BEFORE THAT DATE, OR APPLY FOR ANOTHER POST IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OR ELSEWHERE IN THE
CIVIL SERVICE RETAINING THEIR ADVANTAGE.
THEIR EXISTING SALARY SCALE IF IT WAS TC
IN ADDITION, IT WAS STATED THAT THE CONSULT THE STAFF SIDE AS TC HOW EE3T TC
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WOULD IMPLEMENT THIS DECISION.
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/3
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1973
3
GOVERNOR TO VISIT UNITED KINGDOM * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IS GOING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM NEXT MONTH FOR ROUTINE TALKS AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALT.. OFFICE. HE WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR AND GIVE A LECTURE AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY.
SIR MURRAY WILL LEAVE GN APRIL 21 AND RETURN AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
HE ..ILL MEET OFFICIALS AND MINISTERS AT THE FCO ON APRIL 24 AND DELIVER A LECTURE TO THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY WILL SPEAK AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE CONFEDERATION OF BRITISH INDUSTRIES OH THE POTENTIALITIES OF THE HONG KONG MARKETS.
HIS ENGAGEMENTS IN LONDON '..ILL INCLUDE A VISIT TO HONG KONG HOUSE.
ON APRIL 27, SIR MURRAY ..ILL GO TO OXFORD UNIVERSITY TO DELIVER A LECTURE TO THE ALISTAIR BUCHAN CLUB, AND MEET MEMBERS CF THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE ON THE OXFORD COURSE.
SIR MURRAY GOES ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM TWICE A YEAR. HE WAS LAST THERE IN NOVEMBER 1977.
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LADY ,'ACLEHOSE TO VISIT CENTRE FOR THE DEAF
*****
LADY ’’ACLEHOSE 'JILL VISIT THE HONG KONG HOST LIONS CENTRE
^arcfHi4DHufsday) H0SP,TAL R0AD’ SAI Y|NG puw* AT 10 A-M-
lady \aclehose will then tp’jp tmp ^rr-
SERVICES ANS FACItlTIES IT PRcmES FOR ThPIeJ® ™ **«*
TO COVER THE '"VITe" T' - ’SM«TO»/M»TOS«'AF TEN
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SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1972
4
HONG KONG TO HOST INTERNATIONAL
******
SPEEDPOST CONFERENCE
ABOUT 30 DELEGATES FROM 13 POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE ORLD WILL BE ATTENDING THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL SPEEDPOST CONFERENCE WHICH OPENS IN HONG KONG ON MONDAY (MARCH 13).
THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN THE FAR EAST, ’..ILL EE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, AT THE SHERATON HOTEL.
THE CONFERENCE IS HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE AND WILL BE CHAIRED EY MR. A.C. HEATHCOTE, DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL.
AMONG THE COUNTRIES ATTENDING ARE DELEGATES FROM AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND U.S.A. SEVERAL COUNTRIES, INCLUDING CANADA, MALAYSIA AND KOREA WHICH HAVE NO SPEEDPOST SERVICES, WILL ALSO ATTEND.
SPEEDPOST IS A HIGH SPEED POSTAL SERVICE FOR PRIORITY MAIL, AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES OPERATING THIS QUALITY SERVICE '..’ILL INCREASE AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE DISCUSSIONS NEXT WEEK.
SPEEDPOST HAS LIVED UP TO ITS PROUD BOAST OF BEING THE QUICKEST AND MOST RELIABLE WAY OF CONVEYING URGENT MATERIAL OVERSEAS, AS EVIDENCED EY THE DAILY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS AND THE VOLUME OF SPEEDPOST ITEMS POSTED.
MAJOR BANKS, CREDIT CARD COMPANIES AND EXPORTERS ARE ALL REGULAR USERS OF THIS SERVICE.
THE SERVICE HAS EXPANDED IN BOTH THE RANGE OF FACILITIES AND THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES USING THE SERVICE, AND THE CONFERENCE WILL DISCUSS PROCEDURES WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT THE HIGH STANDARD OF THE SERVICE WILL EE MAINTAINED IN THE FACE OF THIS RAPID EXPANSION.
MR. HEATHCOTE SAID THE MAIN REASON FOR THE SERVICE WAS THAT IT HAD PROVED TO EE A FAST AND OF GETTING IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND MATERIALS TO OVERSEAS.
GROWTH OF THE DEPENDABLE WAY AND FROM PLACES
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE PROVIDES HIGH SPEED MAIL CONVEYANCE TO AND FROM AUSTRALIA, BELGIUM, BRAZIL, FRANCE, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN.
THERE ARE CONTRACT SERVICES DESIGNED FOR CUSTOMERS WHO NEED TO SEND PACKAGES TO THE SALE ADDRESSEE OVERSEAS ON A REGULAR BASIS WHILE THE ON-DEMAND SERVICE IS USEFUL FOR CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT HAVE A NEED TO SEND CONSIGNMENTS ACCORDING TO FIXED SCHEDULE, HE SAID.
/MR. HEATHCOTE ...
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1976
5
MR. HEATHCOTE SAID; +THE MER IT OF SPEEDPOST IS ITS RELIABILITY AND SPEED IN CONVEYING DOCUMENTS, MERCHANDISE, SAMPLES, CONTRACTS, PUNCHED CARDS, MAGNETIC TAPES, DRAWINGS, CHEQUES AND SIMILAR MATERIAL DIRECTLY TO OVERSEAS ADDRESSEES.+
HE POINTED CUT THAT THE HONG KONG BUSINESS COMMUNITY NEEDS EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE COMMUNICATION I TH OTHER COUNTRIES AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO MEET THESE NEEDS.
CITING AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE OPERATES
MR. HEATHCOTE SAID: +A PACKAGE POSTED IN HONG KONG BY 6 P.N. ON A MONDAY COULD EE DELIVERED ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM NOT LATER THAN WEDNESDAY MORN ING.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY ..HICH STARTS AT 3 P.N. ON MONDAY (MARCH 13) IN THE SILVER BALLROOM OF THE SHERATOI HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE CEREMONY.
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/6
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1978
6
MORE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES PLANNED FOR KWAI CHUNG * * * H K K
MORc PUBLIC ENQURIY SERVICE CENTRES ARE BEING PLANNED FOR THx HIGHLY-URBANISED TOWNSHIP OF KWAI CHUNG TO MEET AN INCREASING NEED FOR PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES.____________________________
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE KWAI CHUNG TOWN OFFICER, MR. "ER EK GOULD TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN HE ADDRESSED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF YAT KING HOUSE, LAI KING ESTATE — THE FOURTH SO FAR IN KWAI
CHUNG.
THE NEW CENTRE BRINGS TO SEVEN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH CENTRES IN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT. THE NUMBER WILL BE FURTHER INCREASED AS ANOTHER TWO NEW CENTRES FOR LEI MUK SHUE AND KWAI SHING ESTATES ARE ALREADY IN THE PIPELINE.
MR. GOULD SAID KWAI CHUNG HAD SEEN RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND A HUGE IN-FLOW OF RESIDENTS IL THE PAST FEW YEARS.
IN ORDER TO KEEP ABREAST OF THIS EXPANSION, HE SAID, GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN CONTINUALLY WIDENING THE SCOPE OF ITS CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC.
+TO THIS END, IT HAS ESTABLISHED THE KWAI CHUNG TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND ITS FOUR PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES AT KWONG FAI CIRCUIT, SHEK LEI, KWAI CHUNG AND, NOW, LAI KING ESTATE,+ HE SAID.
+THIS IS AN ONGOING COMMITMENT AND WE INTEND TO SET UP ADDITIONAL CENTRES TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE IN PUBLIC DEMAND FOR THE SERVICES THEY OFFER.+
ON THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRES, MR. GOULD EXPLAINED THAT EACH CENTRE WAS RUN TO PROVIDE AN ENQUIRY SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, TO DISTRIBUTE GOVERNMENT FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS, AND TO ADMINISTER STATUTORY DECLARATIONS.
HE SAID: +LIA ISON OFFICERS EASED IN EACH CENTRE PROMOTE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS AND WORK CLOSELY WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND OTHER BODIES TO ORGANISE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
+IN HAND WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THEY WORK TOWARDS ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENTS.+
THE LAI KING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE WAS JOINTLY OPENED THIS MORNING BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, MR. FOK TZE= TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, MR. CHAU HAU-C.iEK AND MRS. LAM MOK SAU-HING= AND THE HOUSING MANAGER OF LAI KING ESTATE, MR. LEE CHUN-HO.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1973
AUCTION CF +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS REALISES 0426,500
******
T..ENTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION LUMBERS ..ERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF 5426,500 WHICH ..ILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION.’, HELD IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SA'.. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER BB 38 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF 381,333.
ANOTHER NUMBER 9955 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE CF .,‘55,300 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE ..AS 32,000 FOR 3209.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE
FOLLOWING 298 PR ICES: ,41,333 AA 9999 550,333 AE 21 36,500
HK 393 39,030 AD 28 ,7,330 EH o CL. ,31,333
XX 12 310,ooo AD 123 35,500 EJ 630 ,9,303
AA 63 ,7,333 EM 300 ,7,333 HK 3300 513,033 ■
AA 8000 ,13,030 BE 9 ,43,303 239 532,333
AK 4 ,5,330 THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED a ILL EE ASSIGNED OHLY TO VEHICLES
REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS '..I TH I!. 12 ".CTHS CF THE DATE CF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 3cTH ORGANISED EY THE TRANSPORT DEPART EI.T SINCE ’AY 1973, DROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT CF .'OLEY REALISED.SC FAR TO ,7 MILLION.
/e
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SATURDAY, MARCH 11,
1?72
- 8
CONTROLS OK USE *
CF PLEASURE CRAFT * K H *
MORE CONTROLS ON THE USE OF PLEASURE VESSELS WILL EE l.'iPCSED UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PLEASURE VESSELS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1973 .. ICH .AS GAZETTED OK FRIDAY.
UNDER THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS, TO DE ENFORCED AT A LATER DATE, THE DEFINITION OF PLEASURE VESSEL IS WIDENED TO COVER KOT ONLY LAUNCHES, YACHTS, INFLATABLE VESSELS, JUNKS OR L0RCHA3, EUI ALSO ANY OTHER VESSEL WHICH HAS AN ENGINE AND IS USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR PLEASURE PURPOSES.
A DEFINITION CF LICENSED OWNER PROV IDc.D TO TRANSFER IK-ic OBLIGATION REGULATIONS FROM THE LEGAL OWNER TO THE LICENCE IS ISSUED.
OF A PLEASURE VESSEL IS ALSO TO COMPLY ..ITH THE PRINCIPAL THE LICENSED OWNER TO WHOP
IN ADDITION, THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS ALSO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO SUSPEND OR CANCEL THE LICENCE OF A PLEASURE VESSEL FOR BREACH OF LICENCE CONDITION OR CF ANY OF THE PRINCIPAL REGULATIONS.
THE NEW REGULATIONS ALSO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS AN UNLICENSED PLEASURE VESSEL .vHILE UNDER THE PRINCIPAL REGULATIONS, IT IS Ai’ OFFENCE TO USE AN UNLICENSED CRAFT.
OTHER AMENDMENTS CONCERN THE LICENCE CONDITIONS, THE NOTIFICATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE OF ARY CHANGE IK THE REGISTERED PARTICULARS OF THE VESSEL AKD THE CORRECT USE CF SUCH VE 3 3 E L 3.
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/?
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1978
9
FEBRUARY CLOUDIER AND * * * * *
FEBRUARY .JAS CLOUDIER BUT SLIGHTLY USUAL, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY.
DRIER
WARMER AND DRIER THAN ROUND-UP PUBLISHED EY
IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, THE AMOUNT OF CLOUD COVER WAS
79 PER CENT, OR EIGHT PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL- WHILE THE TOTAL RAINFALL WAS 16.2 MM, ONLY 36 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE FOR FEBRUARY.
THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH WAS 24.9 DEGREES
CELSIUS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 9 AND 10, AND THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE
OF 7.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 18.
DUE TO THE DRY CONDITIONS, ON 18 DAYS OF THE MONTH.
FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN FORCE
DURING THE MONTH ONLY ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY WAS COLD AND RAINY BUT CONDITIONS BEGAN TO IMPROVE ON FEBRUARY 2 AND THE FOLLOWING EIGHT DAYS WERE MAINLY CLOUDY WITH SUNNY PERIODS.
TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITIES ROSE PROGRESSIVELY AND FROM FEBRUARY 6 TO 10, A WARM AND HUMID AIRSTREAM COVERED SOUTH CHINA AND CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG BECAME MISTY, WITH FOG AT SEA.
DURING THIS PERIOD VISIBILITIES WERE REDUCED TO A MINIMUM OF 100 METRES AT WAGLAN ISLAND, 303 METRES AT CHEUNG CHAU AND 1,233 METRES AT THE AIRPORT.
COOLER AIR ARRIVED HONG KONG EARLY ON FEBRUARY 11 AND SOON CLEARED THE MIST AND FOG, BUT THE WEATHER BECAME OVERCAST AND DULL WITH LIGHT RAIN DURING THE FOLLOWING FIVE DAYS.
A COLD FRONT PASSED HONG KONG ON FEBRUARY 12 , CAUSING A FURTHER FALL IN TEMPERATURE. STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED ON FEBRUARY 15 AND 16 WITH THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL HOISTED FOR 15 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON FEBRUARY 17 AND CONDITIONS WERE VERY DRY UNTIL FEBRUARY 22 WHEN A DEEP UPPER WESTERLY TROUGH APPROACHED HONG KONG AND BROUGHT PERIODS OF RAH .
IT AGAIN IMPROVED ON FEBRUARY 25 AND THE REST OF THE MONTH WAS FINE AND MILD.
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/IO .....
SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1976
- 10 -
JOINT SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK EXHIBITION
•4 K r 7r t:
THE HEAD OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERV LIVISIr‘ MRS EVELYN DOE, ..'ILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE JOINT SCHOOL SOCIAL '.'.’ORK EXHIBITION TOMORROW
ICES
(SUNDAY) AT 1.15 P.M.
INTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG, '.'.'ILL EE HELD AT THE SCHOOL QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG.
THE EXHIBITION, JO GROUPS OF EIGHT SCHOOLS HALL OF WAH YAK COLLEGE
THE THEME OF THE EXHIBITION WOULD CENTRE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, HANDICAPPED AND UNMARRIED MOTHERS.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TC COVER THE EVENT.
NEW TELEPHONE LIRE FOR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE KOWLOON ERANCH
H r n
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FRc 2..^ Y (MARCH 13) ALL DIRECT EXCHANGE LINES IN ITS KOWLCO’ ^T CANTON ROAD ..ILL BE CHANGED OVER TO A PRIVATE AUTOMATIC BRANCH EXCHANGE SYSTEM.
3'iMB-RS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TC INQUIRE ABOUT MATTERS Of' T”~„' ^GISTRATION OF PERSONS FRO.” THE BRANCH OFFICE SHOULD CALL AT 3-633111 EXTENSION 554 INSTEAD OF 3-007354. L
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 197S
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE ............. 1
RAF KAI TAK TO BE HANDED OVER TO GOVERNMENT IN JUNE ......................................... 2
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG CONCLUDED .................................... 3
OVER 40,000 SUMMONSES ISSUED TO LAP SAP CHUNGS LAST YEAR .................................... 4
CROWN LAND SALES FORECAST ................. 5
NE.. BUFFER HALL OF AIRPORT TO OPEN .......... 6
FIRING PRACTICE .............................. 6
• ■•' r
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUMDAY, MARCH 12, 1973
1
EMBARGO MOTE TO EDITORS
THE FOLLOW ING IS AN EMBARGOED ITEM. WHICH MUST NOT BE USED E c A..". MONDAY (MARCH 13).
GUEEfJ’S
commonwealth day message n K H H H K
THE QUEEN, 'TN HER COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE THIS YEAR, SAID THAT THE CO.' HE .EALTA TARES ITO YOUNG PEOPLE SERIOUSLY — AND RIGHTLY SC — BECAUSE THEY LADE UP ABOUT HALF OF ITS POPULATION OF NEARLY 903 MILLION.
+1 AT GLAD THAT THE HEADS CF GOVERNMENT, WHO GATHERED IN LONDON I JUNE, HAVE DECIDED TO CONTINUE THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME WHICH ENCOURAGES THE .-ANTICIPATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN ALL ASPECTS CF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR SOCIETIES.*
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE QUEEN’S MESSAGE
♦DURING ALL CUR VISITS TO MANY PARTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH
IN THE COURSE CF MY VERY HAPPY JUBILEE YEAR I WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED ARD DEEPLY MOVED DY THE LIVELINESS AND THE SPONTANEOUS ENTHUSIASM OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO GREETED US.
+THE COMMONWEALTH TAKES ITS YOUNG PEOPLE SERIOUSLY - AND RIGHTLY 30 - BECAUSE THEY MAKE UP ABOUT HALF ITS POPULATION OF NEARLY 033 MILLION. I AM GLAD THAT THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT, wHC GATHERED IN LONDON IN JUNE, HAVE DECIDED TO CONTINUE THE CCi"'CN..EALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME WHICH ENCOURAGES THE PARTICIPATION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT CF THEIR SOCIETIES.
♦THOSE ..'HO CONTRIBUTED SO GENEROUSLY TO THE JUBILEE APPEAL ALSO HAD IN MIND THE YOUNG PEOPLE CF THE COMMONWEALTH. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SILVER JUBILEE TRUST, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PRINCE CF ..ALES, ..ILL DENE" IT THS YOUNG PEOPLE CF ALL COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES. IT ..ILL HELP THE;'. TO CARRY OUT COMMUNITY PROJECTS IL' OTHER COUNTRIES AND TO BROADEN THEIR UNDERSTAND I KG CF THEIR FELLOW-CITIZENS CF THE COMMONWEALTH AND THEIR ..AYS CF LIFE.
♦ DR THIS COMMON..’sALTH DAY — E SECOND TO DE OBSERVED SIMULTANEOUSLY IK ALL N.EMDER-OOUNTR IES - AND IL A YEAR W..EK OUR YOUNG ATHLETES ..ILL LATE IE ‘ 7. BRING AT THE "AMES AT EDMONTON IN CANADA, IT 10 ' “U'AL 7 '7 MY THOUGHTS SHOULD DE WITH THE MILLIONS OF YOUNG -EOPLE :• 7 E 0 _'...E'L7 . I
WISH THEM COURAGE, HAPPINESS ' "D FULFILMENT AS T..EY ' EET THE CHALLENGE CF FASHICNI'J '. DE--:' SOCIETY FOR 7..E.' SELVES AUD FOR FUTUr.Z 2 Z ‘. 2 . AT ICL2.+
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/2......
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1973
RAF KI TAK TC EE HANDED OVER TO GOVERNMENT IN JUNE
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE STATION AT KAI TAK WILL EE HANDED OVER TO THE GOVERN ".ENT AT THE END OF JUNE, THREE MONTHS LATER THAN ORIGINALLY INTENDED.
REVEAL INO THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DATE HAD SEEN PUT BACK. DECAUSE SOME OF THE QUARTERS AND OPERATIONAL BUILDINGS AT SEN KONG, ..HERE THE STATION IS BEING RELOCATED, ..OULD BE COMPLETED A FE’.. ..NiEKS LATER THAN' SCHEDULED.
HE SAID THAT, BECAUSE OF THE HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IN THE LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, CO' TRACTORS HAD EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN -RECRUITING SUFFICIENT SKILLED LABOUR.
+ .10..EVER IT IS COMMENDABLE THAT THE VERY TIGHT SCHEDULE LAID DO'.'.'N FOR COMPLETIO: OF Tl 10 COMPLEX PROJECT HAS SC NEARLY — J. .L . . L 1 . — Ct- t C, •
SUPPORT FACILITIES '..ILL MO'J START ; OVING TC SEN. KONG CM APRIL 10, ..HILE PERSONNEL AND THE I? FAMILIES ..ILL BEGIN MOVING AT THE SA E TINE 0 THE HELICOPTERS IN THE MIDDLE OF HAY.
+T”E ROYAL Al' FORCE STATION AT KAI TAK '..'ILL BE FULLY RELEASED TO THE ..OR' ..ONO GOVE' NO ENT ON JUNE 33 ..HEN THE MOVE ..ILL,HAVE DEEN FINALLY COMPLETED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE PLAN TO START BUILDING A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE ON PART OF THE VACATED AREA AT THE BEGINNING OF ['EXT YEAR ..OULD NOT DE DELAYED. HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT PART OF THE STATION HAD BEEN HANDED OVER NINE MONTHS EARLIER THAN ORIGINALLY AGREED TO ALLO'.. THE . IDEM ING OF KWUN TONG ROAD T w , , r. r. — ~. •
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SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1978
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG CONCLUDED
* * ¥.
THE CHAIRMEN OF THE CANADIAN AND HONG KONG DELEGATIONS IN HONG KONG MR. C.D. ARTHUR, DIRECTOR GENERAL, OFFICE OF SPECIAL IMPORT POLICY, CANADA AND MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, DIRECTOR OF TRADE, "■HONG KONG ANNOUNCED THAT A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING PROVIDING FOR RESTRAINTS ON CERTAIN TEXTILE PRODUCTS EXPORTED FROM HONG KONG FOR IMPORT INTO CANADA HAD BEEN INITIALLED.
FULL DETAILS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ARE EXPECTED TO 3E RELEASED AS SOON AS IT HAS BEEN FORMALLY SIGNED BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS LATER IN THE YEAR.
AS AN IMMEDIATE MEASURE, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO RESTRAIN EXPORTS TO CANADA OF BED SHEETS, COTTON TERRY TOWELS, WASH CLOTHS AND SETS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE,INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED FOR BED SHEETS, COTTCN TERRY TOWELS, WASH CLOTHS AND SETS a ILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS IN THE USUAL WAY.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1973
4 -
OVER 43,333 SUMMONSES ISSUED TO LAP SAP CHUNGS LAST YEAR r r H * r ¥t
_TSUEN WAN’S LAP SAP CHUNGS RECEIVED THE LARGEST NUMBER OF LITTER SUMMONSES ISSUED DY i HE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY.
a T^TmL cr 41,£73 SUMMONSES ’..E£E ISSUED BY THE USD DUR 117 THE 12 MORTH PERIOD AMD 4,984 WENT TO LITTERBUGS IN TSUEN WAnI'
AREA'.; ISE, THE BREAKDOWN OF STATISTICS SHOWS THAT 15 435 ..zRE ISSUED,JR THE NEW TERRITORIES, 15,211 ON HONG KONG ISLAND offenOF «s tgtal *«owtof fines paid by litter*’
crrc.iW-.no .Mo
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR TH-USD CLEANSING DIVISION SAID : +THERE IS AN IND ICATIO’1 THAT LITTER OFFENDERS ARE USUALLY FOUND IN DENSELY POPULATED AR=A o.
+AND CM AVERAGE, ABOUT 3,374 LITTER OFFENDERS ARE CONVICTED EACH MONTH.+ ARE
NCR
SINCE MID-MARCH LAST YEAR, THE DEPART OF OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG NE.'. TERRITORIES, IN A BID TO DETER PEOPLE* _THAN 703 OPERATIONS WERE CARRIE "" — i '.' 0 .
<\C..L00i\ AND THE FROM LITTERING. CUT BY THE USD LITTER
BEACHES DETERRE HADE US;
+THL^'TZ OPERATIONS WERE PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL AT E-bALou- in_ * azSuiiCz Tr. c. LITTcP SQUADS MA * r0|F^TL?yf‘^?E?Si.AKB AS a'rEsSlTKObTfeOPLE 0. i,._ L ITT^RB Ii\S, + (He SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 1978 - 5 -
CEO'..'.' LAND SALES FORECAST
..nineteen lots of crown land with a total area of about 38,333 SQUARE RETRES ARE TO DE PUT UP FOR AUCTION DURING THE next six months fro:: April i to September 33 by the p.w.d.’s LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT.
AHMOU’.'CI-HG THIS TODAY, F.D. ROOKE, P.W.D.’S GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, SAID THE LOTS COMPRISED 17 NON-1NDUSTRI AL olTES, CHE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE AND ONE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODCL'N PURPOSES.
HE SAID THAT THE NON-1NDUSTRI AL SITES COMPRISED A TOTAL r>r»iA Or 03,022.2 ouUARx ..^TR^o.
OF THE 17 HOI!-INDUSTRIAL SITES, FIVE ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND 12 IN KO..LOON.
THE MAJOR HCN-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SITES ARE LOCATED AT QUEENSWAY, '..'AN CHAI RECLAMATION AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
MR. RCCME SAID THAT THE AREAS FOR THESE SITES VARIED FROM 1,530 SQUARE METRES TO 5,SOD SQUARE METRES.
+THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE TO DE OFFERED FOR SALE, MEASURING AECUT A,433 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT TIN HAU TEMPLE RCAD,+ HE SAID.
+THE INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GCDC'..'N SITE IS SITUATED AT YIP KAM STREET, ABERDEEN. IT HAS AN AREA OF 3,753 SQUARE METRES.+
MR. RCCME EMPHASISED THAT THE PROGRAMME '..AS ONLY A PROVISIONAL ONE AND SUBJECT TO CHARGE.
SALES DATES FOR EACH LOT WOULD DE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND ADVERTISED IN EWGPAPERS, HE SAID.
DETAILS OF CONDITIONS OF SALE AMD SALE PLANS '..’ILL IE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF ADVERTISIN'', FROM THE P.W.D.’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE AND AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, ICE HOUSE_ STREET.
PARTICULARS OF THE LAND SALES FORECAST TOGETHER WITH PLANS SHOWING THE LOCATION CF TAE LOTI TO EE OFFERED FOR SALE KAY DE SEEN '7 7. E P.W.D.’S CE' LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDI.G, ARLEN DC :, D . . - KOLLCCN LR ON OFF I CE, 1 - . rL-0 -., .. - - • - • -. Or r I Oxc,
ROAD, KO..LOCK.
THEY "NY EE l"GPEO“ED AT LL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE NEL TERRITORIES ADM IGTAA-': ' '.--ICES AT I "TH NO. LOCI' MAG I S . ... w . , «.AT - . - ~ - ■ -.'Joi,; -I c ■ ,
CONNAUGHT ROAD CE ~ L.
COPIES ~ 7’ E - '. — .. . ' - I _ - .- r .i _
CF CHARGE F.'.L 1 '< OF ~ ES£ OFFICES OR BY WRITTEN REQUEST TE " E S'S.' L.'EE ' . E. '-TiSE 7 E PUBLIC
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 197?
;CTE TC EDITORS:
JFFER HALL OF AIRPORT TO OPEL it r r ?: r S
THE KE..' 11,□O'’ SQUARE-FOOT DUFFER HALL AND A ROW OF NEW CUSTOMS CHxCK POINTS AT THE HONG KCKG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WILL COME INTO USE OR WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15).
AS THE DUFFER HALL ..'ILL DE RESTRICTED TC THE PUBLIC, A PRESS PREVIEW OF THE AREA ..ILL EE HELD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 14).
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TC ASSEMBLE AT AIRPORT PRESS ROOM OK THE GROUND FLOOR OF TERMINAL BUILDING BEFORE 11 A..".. CM TUESDAY WHERE STAFF OF CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT .ILL DE PRESENT TO ASSIST.
firing practice will
T..C DAYS NEXT ..EEK.
<-•: iyric>TLu. PEAK RANGE ON
- - 0 - -
i E PRACTICE TIMES ARE
KARCH 1c (THURSDAY)
MARCH 17 (FRIDAY)
- 5 P.K
- 0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
• . • -t
MOHDAY, 'MARCH 13, 1973
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR DENYS OPENS INTERNATIONAL SPEEDPOST CONFERENCE ............ 1
SURVEY OF EMPLCYYE'.’T AT CD-STRUCT! O'! SITES ................ 2
"ETEOROLOGISTS FRO' CHINA VISIT ROYAL OBSERVATORY............ 3
f
HONG KONG CO’'?'ISS IOrER TO GIVE F'ESS CO"FERE"CE ............ 3
TRAFFIC ARRA'GENESTS AT GARDE- ROAD AND HA HEUNG ROAD .... 4
KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL I'STITUTE OPE’ DAY ....................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
. Monday, march 13, 1973
- 1 -
CHIEF SECRETARY OPENS INTERNATIONAL SPEEDPOST CONFERENCE r- r - H H- H
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DE’.'YS ROBERTS, SAID TODAY THE SPEED-POST SERVICE HAD DROUGHT VALUABLE BENEFITS TO BUSINESSMEN AND SHOULD BE "XP\KD"D
+THE ENTERPRISE OF THOSE POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS WHICH HAVE ESTABLISHED SPEEDPOST LINKS HAS PROVED THE HEED FOR SUCH A SERVICE AND THAT 17 "RINGS SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS TO BUSINESSMEN IK THOSE COUNTRIES WHERE IT IS AVAILABLE,+ HE SAID.
+the Larger the number cf postal administrations participating IN THIS SERVICE, THE HORE VALUABLE DOES IT BECOME TO THE TRADERS, + HE ADDED.
SI.". DENYS ..AS ADDRESSING DELEGATES AT THE OPENING CF THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL SPEEDPOST CONFERENCE BEING HOSTED BY THE POST OFFICE AT THE SHERATON HOTEL.
BY THE DEPUTY POSTMASTER IP.3T CF ITS KIND TO BE HELD DELEGATES FROM. 18 COUNTRIES JAPA , KOREA, MALAYSIA, THc.
E U. S. A.
THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE, CHAIRED GENERAL, MR. A.C. HEATHCCT-, I- i..- ■ HCNG KONG ARD IS BEING ATTENDED EY 33 IKCLUD I KG AUSTRALIA, CAKAD,-., FRANCE, NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND T
IN
OPENING THE CONFERENCE, 'WAS ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS.
SIR DENYS SAID THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD CF INTER-
+IT IS A FINE ACHIEVEMENT THAT POSTAL PACKAGES CAN DE COLLECTED IN ONE COUNTRY AND DELIVERED IN ANOTHER THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY IN A HATTER CF ONE OR. T..C D/>Y3,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO SELL ITS MANUFACTURED GOODS IN HIGHLY COMPETITIVE OVERSEAS MARKETS DEPENDED TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT UPON THE SPEED AND RELIABILITY OF ALL FORMS OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION'S, OF WHICH THE POSTAL SERVICES WERE PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT.
SIR DENYS SAID SPEEDPOST HAD EXPANDED RAPIDLY SINCE ITS MODEST BEGINNINGS IK 1971, WHEN A T..M- '.Y SERVICE MAS ESTABLISHED EET.'.EEK THE UNITED KINGDOM '.MD THE UNITED STATES.
SPEEDPOST VAS SINCE BEEN INTRODUCED BY 12 POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS MOST CF THEM N'ST C"L\ 0. TEH, UNES'. CO'.'T ACT, FOR EUSII.ES3NE: WISHING TC SEND DOCUMENTS TS PARTICULAR H EST I TI ON 3 AT REGULAR INTERVALS, BUT WERE ALSO DEVELOPING _IL,.~E L AGREE.' ENTS ,'ITH EACH OTHER FOR THOSE WHO . TED .0 USE T E 0 . I 0 . I' . _ I ■ TzNTLY.
+HC KG KCKG 'AS ADE SUC . _ . i _ . I < . j I /. AD । I. I ; I .. S
AND HOPES TO CONCLUDE SM'ILAF .'. EE E"~. ITS TEE REMAINDER,* HE Sh I — ■
/*ZBSRS CAC .....
MONDAY, LURCH 13, 1978
2
+THERE CAM SURELY DE NO DOUBT THAT THERE IS A PRESSING REED FOR ITS EXPANS ICR,+ HE SAID. +THROUGH CUT THE WORLD BUSINESSMEN CFTE SUFFER SEVERE DISADVANTAGE FROL THE FACT THAT SPEEDPCST SO FAR SERVES ONLY A MINORITY OF COUNTRIES.-*-
SIR DENYS SAID THE COHERENCE PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR DELEGATES TC IMPROVE THE '..'CP'/, ING ARRANGEMENTS OF THE SERVICE AND TC DISCUSS AND RESOLVE THE DIFFICULTIES WHICH INEVITABLY AROSE IN A HIGH-SPEED SERVICE OF THIS NATURE.
+'..'E HOPE THAT AS A RESULT OF YOUR DISCUSSIONS AT THIS CONFERENCE, THE DAY '..'ILL DE CLOSER ON WHICH LONG DISTANCE, HIGHSPEED, EXPRESS MAIL ..ILL EE AS MUCH AN ACCEPTED PART OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AS IS ORDINARY AIR NAIL,-*- SIR DENYS SAID.
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URVEY OF BUILDING AND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR £ J4 * 14 •-
CONSTRUCTION SITES
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING THE FIRST QUARTERLY SURVEY FOR THIS YEAR . EMPLOYMENT AT BUILDING AND CO .’STRUCT ICK SITES IL' THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
ACCORD! G TO RESULTS OF THE LAST SURVEY, A TOTAL OF 63,013 MANUAL ZORKERS .'ERE EMPLOYED -T VARIOUS MORK SITES IN THE LIDDLE OF DECEMBER LAST YEAR, OF .ZHICN 3£,D?1 -ERE INVOLVED IN BUILDING ARD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR. THE DEPARTMENT SAID LETTERS AND SURVEY FORMS FOR THE MARCH SURVEY HAD BEEN SENT TC CONTRACTORS SEEKING . . lf,r-Ot-;.v.r»T1ON OR THE LUMBER OF ’.UAL .<Cr.Xc.iS1 AT EACH.SITE UNDER THEIR CHARGE AS AT MARCH 15, 1?7R.
♦SURVEY OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, EACH CARRYING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, ' ILL VISIT THE RESPECTIVE SITES FROM, MARCH 15 TC 17 TC COLLECT T..E COMPLETED SURVEY FORMS,+ HE SAID.
♦THE CENSUS AND STATISTIC' DEPARTMENT APPEALS TC CONTRACTORS AND THEIR SITE STAFF FOR THEIR CC-OPERATI CM IN THE SURVEY.+
♦INFORMATION RELATING TO INDI IDUAL CONTRACTORS OF SITES ..ILL DE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND LILL DE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLE.,* SPCKESMA'' EMPHASISED.
xH'-'UIIcS CONCERNING , H I D _LT DE NAD c RD . R. CHA.'. TUNG-..., ST TI STIC IM (I.DU.^'Y) 7 J- 7\
"CNDAY, MARCH 13, 1978
- 3 -
METEOROLOGISTS FROM CHUA V 13 I T-F.O-YAL OBSERVATORY U - - » u.
A GROUP OF FIVE METEORCLOG I GTS FROM CHINA, LED BY PROFESSOR TAO SHIH-YEN OF THE INSTITUTE OF ATMOSPHERIC PHYSICS IN THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, VISITED THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (MONDAY).
THE DELEGATION VISITED THE CENTRAL FORECASTING OFFICE AND' THE DA i« ACQUlolTI^N AND PROCESSING SECTIONS AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS A’D THE UPPER-AIR I.WEST I GAT I ON SECTION AT KING’S PARK.
AFTER THE METEOROLOGICAL
VISIT, PROFESSOR TAO GAVE A SHORT TALK ON RESEARCH AS7I.ITIE- IN PEKING.
PROFESSOR 7A0 AND T..'C OTHER METEOROLOGISTS RECENTLY ATTENDED THc SEVENTH SESSION OF THE ORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION COMMISSION FOR AT C3PHERIC SCIENCES HELE IN MANILA, AT WHICH HONG KOilG ..'AS REPRESENTED DY NR. S.Y. LAN, SCIENTIFIC OFFICER OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
THE OTHER TWO N.ETECRCLOC I STS FROM THE CENTRAL LEATHER BUREAU, PEKING PARTICIPATED IN "EETMG OF THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION’S .'CRKHIG GROUP OK ' ETE OROLOG ICAL TELECOM: .UN (CATIONS FOR THE ASIA REGION IK SINGAPORE L ST '..EEK. DR. K.S. TSUI, SCIENTIFIC OFFICER OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, REPRESENTED HONG KONG AT THIS MEETING.
PROFESSOR TAO RETURNS TO EKING TCMORRC.. (TUESDAY) IN' ORDER TO ATTEND .HE NATIONAL CONGRESS ON SCIENCE ARD TECHNOLOGY DUE TO OPEN LATER THIS ..EEK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
HONG KONG COM: ISSICNDR TO GIVE 'F.ESS CONFERENCE
_MR. DEi’IS_D~MY,_H0i G KOKO 0C_" ISO ICN’ER - LONDON, '..ILL GIVE A - ; zw~0~...-^. _.O_.;ll.. . ...... (MARON 1C-) I' 7EG.I.S.
THEATRE, FIFTH “LOO', DEMON ” ! EDO 01 E.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITE? 7? DEMO .'.EPRESEKTATtVES TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
TELEVISION ARD RADIO ORE 3 ARE REQUESTED 70 /.RR IVE E. 'LY SC THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO . 07 U 7 .EI E UIP' E..7.
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/4.....
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1978 - 4 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TAELE:.' ECAD AND HA HEUNG ROAD
H H r *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE SLIP ROAD ... TH; garde:: road roundabout leading feci: garden ecad into mki.scn road is .empcrarily closed to ALL TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 A. .. -.D '.30 .. . FRO' TODAY (MONDAY).
VEHICLES TRAVELLING FROM GARDEN ROAD TC ROBINSON ROAD KILL DE _lVERTED TO TAKE A U-TURN AT MAGAZINE GAP ROAD.
THE CLOSURE, ..HIGH ..ILL LAST TILL MARCH 19 IS TC FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF GARDEN ROAD ROUNDABOUT IMPROVEMENTS.
TH; DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 13 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15), HA HEUNG ECAD IN KO..LCCN CITY ..ILL EE RE-ROUTED ORE ..AY NORTHBOUND DET..EE': SZE CHUEN STREET AND LOK SHAM ROAD
I.. .v I. /F.UV; FRArF IC TLC.. IH THE AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE BEEN TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
SET UP IN THE TWO AREAS
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KWAICHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OPEN DAY 'J. LL XL XL XL
THE I CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ..ILL HCLD ITS OPEN DAY CN MARCH 19 AND 23.
THE INSTITUTE - NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR CF OPERATION - KILL DE OPEN TC THE PUBLIC FROM. 0 . TC 5 P.l . Cl! THE FIRST DAY
<.::o from. io ... . i noon and d .... to 5 . on the second.
IT HAS A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF 3,21A STUDENTS AND RUNS 15 FULL-
TIME DAY CLASSES, 35 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE CLASSES, AND 49
EVENING CLASSES. IT HAS 55 TEAC H’S STAFF AND 43 SUPPORTING STAFF.
THERE ARE FIVE TEACHING DEPARTMENTS IN THE INSTITUTE - CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIED, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEER INS, AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
COURSES RUN DY THESE DEPARTMENTS ARE DESIGNED TO MEET TH; DEMAND CF LOCAL INDUSTRIES AT DOTH THE TECHNICIAN AUD CRAFTSMAN L;;LS.
.(..Al CHUNG TECHNICAL I ’_ST I TUT;_ I 0 O’; CF THE FOURjECHNICAL INSTITUTES ..'HIGH ..ERE PLAI.N DY ..; EDUCATION uEPARTM;NT ,.ITH THE ADVICE OF THE HONG KCNO TRAI’ IIG COUNCIL IM CLOSE LIAISON ..I TH THE HONS KOHS POLYTECHNIC. THE INSTITUTE OPENED II. SEPTEMBER 1975.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND ' E.-" ESEI’TATIVES TO COVER THE OPEN DAY AT THE IN.Al CHUNG TEO- IO-_ INSTITUTE, 11 NG SHING ROAD, K..AI CHUNG, KC..LCC::, AT 2 ?. . ! 0; 19 .0 O' A.". THE FCLLCWM S
DAY.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONCESSION SCHEME FOR CONVERSION OF CROWN LAND LICENCES TO SHORT TERM TENANCIES ..................... 1
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLACEMENT SERVICE TO BE REACTIVATED IN MAY ................................... 3
CONTRACT VITAL FOR OVERSEAS JOB ........ 4
NEW TYPHOON SHELTER FOR CHEUNG CHAU .................. 5
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW ............................... 6
NEW PASSENGER SERVICE AREA TO OPEN AT AIRPORT ........ 7
HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ANNUAL RECEPTION ............. 8
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT VISITS WORK SITES ........................................... 3
RTHK TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ........................ 9
DRAMA COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION ................. 9
RETIREMENT OF PRISON INSTRUCTOR ..................... 10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................................ 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
1
CONCESSION SCHEME FOR CONVERSION OF CROWN LAND LICENCES TO SHORT TERM TENANCIES ******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) A STAGED CONCESSION SCHEME RELATING TO CONVERSIONS OF CROWN LAND LICENCES TO SHORT TERM TENANCIES.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE RENTALS PAYABLE BY THE EX-LICENSEES WILL BE GRADUALLY BROUGHT UP TO THE CURRENT STANDARD RATES OF $65 PER SC. METRE ($6 PER SQ. FOOT) PER ANNUM FOR OPEN STORAGE AND $130 PER SQ. METRE ($12 PER SQ. FOOT) PER ANNUM FOR BUILT-OVER AREAS OVER FOUR YEARS.
ALSO THE STANDARD RATE IN RESPECT OF BUILT-OVER AREAS WILL ONLY BE INTRODUCED AFTER THE TENANT HAS REACHED THE STAGE OF PAYING AN UP-TO-DATE RENTAL FOR OPEN AREAS. AT THE SAME TIME THE LICENSEE WILL BE GIVEN A SIX-MONTH NOTICE TO CHANGE-OVER AND DURING THIS PERIOD HE WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD A LICENCE AT THE MUCH LOWER CROWN LAND LICENCE FEE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT SINCE 1974 IT HAS BEEN THE OFFICIAL POLICY TO CONVERT ALL CROWN LAND LICENCES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR AGRICULTURAL AND DOMESTIC PURPOSES TO SHORT TERM TENANCIES, WHICH GIVE THE TENANTS A BETTER DEFINED SECURITY OF TENURE. AT THE SAME TIME THE TENANTS SHOULD PAY THE MARKET RENTAL FOR THE VALUE OF THE LAND FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES INSTEAD OF THE STATUTORY LICENCE FEE WHICH DOES NOT AT ALL REFLECT THE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THE USE OF THE LAND.
HE ADDED THAT CONVERSION CF CROWN LAND LICENCES TO SHORT TERM TENANCIES HAS BEEN A CONTINUING PROCESS AND UP TO NOW, 145 CROWN LAND LICENCES HAVE BEEN CONVERTED.
THE UMELCO RECOGNISED THAT THE CHANGEOVER FROM PAYING THE Lu.v LICENCE FEES TO THE STANDARD RENTALS MAY CAUSE HARDSHIP TO SOME OF THE LICENSEES AND PROPOSED THE INCREASE IN RENTALS SHOULD BE PHASED IN UNTIL THE CURRENT MARKET RENTS ARE REACHED. THIS HAS NOW BEEN ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
/UNDER THE NEW
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
2
UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, FROM THE TIME OF THE FIRST APPROACH
MADE BY THE CROWN LAND AND SURVEY OFFICE TO THE LICENSEE, THE
STAGING WILL BE AS FOLLOWS •
DURING SIX MONTHS OF NOTICE: $11 PER SQ. METRE PER ANNUM
FIRST YEAR $33 > » J > 9 9 9 9 9 9
SECOND YEAR $49 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
THIRD YEAR $65 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
FOURTH YEAR $65 99 99 99 99 99 fQR
OPEN
STORAGE.
$130 99 99 99 99 99 fTQft
BUILT-OVER AREAS.
FOR THOSE EX-LICENSEES WHO HAVE ALREADY AGREED TO THE STANDARD RATES PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS STAGED SCHEME, APPROPRIATE REDUCTIONS WILL BE MADE IN THE NEXT YEAR’S RENTAL.
THE SPOKESMAN CLARIFIED THAT THE STAGED IMPLEMENTATION APPLIES ONLY IN CONVERSION CASES AND WILL NOT APPLY TO EXISTING SHORT TERM TENANCIES, THE RENTALS OF WHICH HAVE BEEN RECENTLY REVIEWED AND ARE NOW ASSESSED AT THE STANDARD RATES.
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/3
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
5 -
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLACEMENT SERVICE TO BE REACTIVATED IN MAY ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE WILL GO INTO ACTION IN MID-MAY TO FIND ALTERNATIVE JOBS FOR REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR. LAM TAT-LAU, SAID THAT THE MOVE WAS PART OF THE CONTINUED ACTION OF THE DEPARTMENT IN EASING THE LOT OF DISPLACED TEACHERS ARISING FROM A GRADUAL MOVEMENT OF POPULATION TO NEW AREAS AND A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THE APPROPRIATE AGE GROUP WHICH HAD LED TO A PHASING OUT OF SERIOUSLY UNDER-UTILISED CLASSES IN RECENT YEARS.
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE WILL BE HEADED BY A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR. CHAN SAI-BUN, AND WILL START WORKING FROM MAY 15.
MR. LAM STATED THAT EVERY EFFORT WAS BEING TAKEN TO ABSORB THE REDUNDANT TEACHERS WHEREVER POSSIBLE BY OPENING NEW CLASSES IN AIDED SCHOOLS AND AGAINST VACANCIES IN SCHOOLS FOLLOWING THE RETIREMENT OF TEACHERS, RESIGNATIONS AND DEATHS.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AROUND 400 CLASSES WOULD BE CLOSED IN SEPTEMBER 1978, RESULTING IN SOME 440 REDUNDANT TEACHERS, MR. LAM SAID. BUT ABOUT THE SAME TIME SOME 200 NEW CLASSES WOULD BE OPENED IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TOWNS, IN THE NEW ESTATES IN DEVELOPING AREAS, AND IN AREAS WITH SHORTAGES OF AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES.
+THIS SHOULD ABSORB AN ESTIMATED 220 TEACHERS IN THE SCHOOLS STRAIGHT AWAY,+ HE ADDED.
AS FOR THE REMAINING 220 REDUNDANT TEACHERS, THEY COULD BE READILY ABSORBED IN 235 VACANCIES IN SCHOOLS ARISING FROM RETIREMENT AND OTHER NORMAL WASTAGE, NOT TO MENTION OPENINGS IN SPECIAL CLASSES.
MR. LAM ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ADDITIONAL SPECIAL CLASSES IN ORDINARY AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WOULD NEED 116 TEACHERS, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VACANCIES TO 571.
IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, THE PLACEMENT SERVICE HAD PUT UP A CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE OF PLACING MORE THAN 750 TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS/ REPRESENTING MORE THAN FIVE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SERVING TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS. IN 1977, THE SERVICE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING ALTERNATIVE TEACHING JOBS FOR 400 TEACHERS. IT HELPED PLACE 165 TEACHERS IN 1976 AND 187 TEACHERS IN 1975.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EMPHASISED THAT WHILE THE PLACEMENT SERVICE DID ITS BEST TO PLACE REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN ALTERNATIVE JOES, IT DID NOT GUARANTEE EMPLOYMENT.
+THE SERVICE IDENTIFIES VACANCIES,+ HE SAID, +AND BRINGS SCHOOL MANAGERS AND TEACHERS TOGETHER WITH A VIEW TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM. MUCH DEPENDS ON THE WILLINGNESS OF THE TEACHERS CONCERNED TO TAKE UP APPOINTMENTS, THE COOPERATION OF MANAGERS TO ACCEPT TEACHERS AND THE SUITABILITY OF TEACHERS WITH SUBJECT SPECIALISMS WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT MATCH VACANCIES.*
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TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
4
BEWARE OF OVERSEAS JOBS WITHOUT CONTRACT
******
MANUAL WORKERS TAKING UP OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT WERE TODAY URGED TO ENTER INTO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS WITH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACTS OF OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO PROTECT THEIR OWN INTEREST.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS. SOO MOK SAU-HA, SAID THAT WRITTEN CONTRACTS DULY ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT ONLY CLEARLY DEFINE THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES, EUT ALSO ENSURE THE REASONABLENESS OF THE TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
SHE SAID: +ALL EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS MUST INCLUDE DETAILS OF PAY, NATURE AND HOURS OF WORK, PAYMENT OF SICKNESS ALLOWANCE AND WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION, REPATRIATION ARRANGEMENTS, AND PROVISIONS FOR DEPENDANTS. _
+AS A DOUBLE SAFEGUARD TO PROTECT WORKERS, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD, PRIOR TO ATTESTATION, REQUIRE AN EMPLOYER TO NOMINATE SOMEONE LIVING IN HONG KONG, OR A LOCAL FIRM TO SIGN A LETTER OF GUARANTEE OR FURNISH A BOND FOR THE GENERAL PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACT BY THE EMPLOYER.+
+WITHOUT A CONTRACT, A WORKER WOULD, IN FACT, BE DOING HIMSELF INJUSTICE AND THE CONSEQUENCES ARE OBVIOUS,+ MRS. SOO ADDED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE OVER EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS, THE WORKER WOULD FIND HIMSELF IN A MOST DISADVANTAGEOUS POSIT ION.
SHE SAID: +VERBAL AGREEMENTS WHICH USUALLY DO NOT ADEQUATELY COVER ALL ASPECTS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE ALWAYS A SUBJECT OF CONTENTION. MOREOVER, THE ABSENCE OF AN ATTESTED CONTRACT WOULD TO A GREAT EXTENT IMPEDE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FROM INTERVENING INTO DISPUTES.+
+TO PUT IT IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE, A WORKER SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO WORK IN FOREIGN ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT THE PROTECTION OF A PROPERLY ATTESTED CONTRACT.+
MRS. SOO CALLED ON THOSE WORKERS WHO WISHED TO TAKE UP OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT TO CONSULT THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT 99, QUEENSWAY OR TELEPHONE 5-281035 ON THE PROPER COURSES TO FOLLOW.
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/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 197"-
5
;40 MILLION TYPHOON SHELTER FOR CHEUNG CHAU H * * K
PUBLIC ..CRKS DEPARTMENT CONTRACTORS WILL BEGIN WORK SHORTLY ON THE J40 MILLION, NEW CHEUNG CHAU TYPHOON SHELTER. IT WILL EE CARRIED OUT IN TWO STAGES. -
MR. HOWARD CHAMBERLAIN, P.W.D.’S CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, SAID THAT WORK ON STAGE ONE OF THE PROJECT. WOULD BEGIN IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
IT 'WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THREE BREAKWATERS AT CHEUNG CHAU WAN aT THE WEST SIDE OF THE ISLAND.
+THESE BREAKWATER FOUNDATIONS WILL BE ABOUT 630 METRES, 323 METRES AND 230 METRES LONG RESPECTIVELY AND WILL SUPPORT THE FUTURE RUBBLE BREAK..ATERS WHICH, ON COMPLETION, WILL PROVIDE A GROSS TYPHOON SHELTER ARE.'. OF ABOUT 63 HECTARES, + MR. CHAMBERLAIN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE POSITION OF THESE BREAKWATERS HAD BEEN DETERMINED AFTER CONSULTATION ..IT:-. THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE AND WAS AGREEABLE TO THE LOCAL PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE FISHERMEN BASED ON CHEUNG CHAU.
THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT, INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RUBBLE BREAKWATERS, WOULD BEGIN FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN SAID THAT THE TYPHOON SHELTER, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD MEET THE DEMAND FOR SHELTERED ANCHORAGE IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN APPROACHES TO HONG KONG HARBOUR.
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/6
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
6
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW
* * * * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL RAISE A TOTAL OF 19 QUESTIONS ON VARIOUS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
DR. THE HON. HENRY HU WILL ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON WHETHER THE FRANCHISE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE ENLARGED AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS IN THE COUHCfi' INCREASED
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE THE LATEST POSITION REGARDING THE UNILATERAL ACTION TAKEN BY NORWAY TO RESTRICT IMPORTS OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS FROM HONG KONG. HE WILL ALSO ASK WHAT REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT ON THE MATTER AND IF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ASKED TO INTERVENE ON THE MATTER ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG.
THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH WILL RAISE A QUESTION ON THE EXTENT OF FRESH WATER BEING USED FOR FLUSHING AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO MINIMISE THIS IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF FRESH WATER.
ON THE QUESTION OF CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SERVANTS, THE HON. WONG LAM WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE IF ITS CONSULTATIVE PROCEDURES WITH CIVIL SERVANTS ARE ADEQUATE AND WHAT IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING PLANNED IN VIEW OF THE DISSATISFACTION RECENTLY EXPRESSED BY SOME CIVIL SERVANTS WITH THEIR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS.
THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WILL ASK IF STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE NEWS MEDIA DO NOT DISCLOSE THE NAMES AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF VICTIMS OF RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONCERN COMPASSIONATE HOUSING SCHEME, FIRE PREVENTION IN MULTI-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS, FACILITIES FOR LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, CORRIDOR LIGHTING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND VILLAGE STREET LIGHTING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TWO BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE LAW AMENDMENT AND REFORM (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
DEBATES WILL RESUME ON THREE OTHER BILLS. THEY ARE THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS) BILL 1978.
0 -------
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1973
- 7 -
NEW PASSENGER SERVICE AREA AT AIRPORT OPENS TOMORROW ******
A NEW PASSENGER SERVICE AREA WILL COME INTO USE AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WITH THE OPENING OF THE BUFFER HALL FOR ARRIVING PASSENGERS.
THE BUFFER HALL ACCOMMODATES COUNTERS FOR THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, THE HOTELS ASSOCIATION, THE TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION, A MONEY EXCHANGE SHOP AND TELEPHONE BOOTHS.
OCCUPYING ABOUT 11,300 SQUARE FEET, THE HALL IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR CF THE EXTENDED PASSENGER TERMINAL. ARRIVING PASSENGERS WILL STEP INTO THIS SPACIOUS AREA AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE CUSTOMS CHECKPOINTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE BUFFER HALL WAS DESIGNED TO CENTRALISE VARIOUS SERVICES FOR THE AIR TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
+TOURISTS IN PARTICULAR WILL NOW BE ABLE TO FIND THE NECESSARY SERVICES AND GUIDANCE FROM OFFICES ALL UNDER ONE ROCF,+ HE SAID.
THE BUFFER HALL WILL EE SOLELY FOR THE USE OF ARRIVING PASSENGERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL EE RESTRICTED FROM ENTERING.
FROM THIS AREA, PASSENGERS WILL LEAVE THE TERMINAL BUILDING BY WAY OF THE ARRIVALS HALL OR THE DIRECT GROUP EXIT.
ALONG WITH THE OPENING CF THE BUFFER HALL, A NEW ROW CF CUSTOMS CHECKPOINTS IN THE TERMINAL EXTENSION WILL ALSO BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION. ALL CHECKPOINTS ARE INSTALLED ..ITH MECHANISED BAGGAGE CONVEYOR BELTS.
THE EXIT FROM THE CUSTOMS AREA AT PRESENT USED FOR ARRIVING PASSENGERS IN THE OLDER PART CF THE TERMINAL BUILDING WILL EE CLOSED. REDEVELOPMENT OF THIS PART OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL WILL THEN START.
+THE OPENING OF THE BUFFER HALL ..ILL MARK ANOTHER STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+WHEM THE ENTIRE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IS COMPLETED EY 1981 WITH THE £LDER PART OF THE TER.' INAL BUILDING MODERNISED, THE PASSENGER HANDLING CAPACITY WILL RISE FROM THE PRESENT 4,5'33 PERSONS AN HOUR TO OVER 5,503 ERSONS a;; hour,+ he added.
- 0 --------
/8 ...
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
8
HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ANNUAL RECEPTION *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL ATTEND THE ANNUAL RECEPTION TO BE GIVEN BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ON THURSDAY (MARCH 16) AFTERNOON AT THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT, CENTRAL.
ABOUT 1,000 GUESTS HAVE BEEN INVITED. THEY INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, URBAN COUNCIL, REPRESENTATIVES OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AS WELL AS KAIFONG LEADERS.
MR. F.K. LI, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND MR. JOHN WALDEN, DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS AS WELL AS OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE THE GUESTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL RECEPTION WHICH WILL START AT 5.30 P.M. AT THE CITY HALL RESTAURANT.
----0-------
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT VISITS WORK SITES *****
MR. DAVID STEAD, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SPENT THE DAY TODAY TOURING SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS P.W.D. PROJECTS.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY CHIEF ENGINEERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MR. STEAD FIRST VISITED THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WHICH IS UNDER RENOVATION.
FROM THERE HE PROCEEDED TO TAI PO ROAD TO SEE THE WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT, INVOLVING THE SECTION OF ROAD BETWEEN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND TAI PO CAUSEWAY.
MR. STEAD WAS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE $12.4 MILLION PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS SUMMER.
OTHER WORK SITES VISITED TODAY INCLUDED TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS STAGE I AND THE REMODELLING OF SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION, WHICH INVOLVES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PROVISION OF FOUR TRACKS THROUGH THE STATION INSTEAD OF THE EXISTING THREE AND TWO ISLAND PLATFORMS.
MR. STEAD ALSO INSPECTED THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE. FORMATION OF LAND FOR STAGE I OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS ARE UNDERWAY WHILE WORK ON STAGE II IS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS.
■0 --------
/9
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 197
;OTE TO EDITORS
,".THK TO KOLB PF.E33 COi'FEREKCE
******
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG .ILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORRC.. ('..'EOHESB'.Y) TO I'PRODUCE OKE EPISODE OF +THE COMMON SENSE* SERIAL -- ’ OU.'.VEY OF -2',. SCENES OK FILM’.
THE CONFERENCE, ..HIGH ..ILL DE ATTENDED DY THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, ' . DONALD KEN , .ILL DE HELD NT 11.30 .”. -T TELEVISION' PRODUCT I ON CENTRE, 7" "CAB-CAST DRIVE. EXCERPTS FROM THE EPISODE .ILL ALSO EE ON'.." .
YCU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE' EVERT.
INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
******
WINNERS OF THE FIRST INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 8 P.M.
THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. DONALD KERR, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. ARTHUR BROWN AND THEIR WIVES WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
THE INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION IS SPONSORED BY THE +YOUTH CALL* PROGRAMME OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST DRAMA, THE BEST DIRECTOR, THE BEST ACTOR, THE BEST ACTRESS AND THE BEST SCRIPT WRITER. THERE WERE OVER ENTRIES FOR THE COMPETITION.
THE PLAYS, EACH LASTING NOT MORE THAN 15 MINUTES ARE PRODUCED ENTIRELY BY THE STUDENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG SAID: +THE COMPETITION WILL BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT. THE WINNING PLAYS WILL APPEAR IN THE +YOUTH CALL* PROGRAMMES WHICH WILL BE BROADCAST BY THE THREE CHINESE TELEVISION CHANNELS.*
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 15) AT 8 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 1978
10
RETIREMENT OF PRISON INSTRUCTOR ******
PRISON INSTRUCTOR, MR. LIU TAO-KWAN, WILL GO ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE SHORTLY AFTER 23 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD TODAY AT THE TAI LAM ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PRISONS (INDUSTRY), MR. CHOW SAI-WING, PRESENTED MR. LIU WITH A LETTER OF COMMENDATION FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS FOR HIS LOYAL AND FAITHFUL SERVICE. HE ALSO RECEIVED A FAREWELL GIFT FROM HIS COLLEAGUES.
MR. LIU JOINED THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IN 1955 AS AN INSTRUCTOR WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHING INMATES RATTAN WORK. HE ALSO AT ONE TIME SERVED AS AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT IN THE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL FOR LONG AND EXEMPLARY SERVICE IN 1973.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT NORTH POINT ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN NORTH POINT FROM FRIDAY (MARCH 17).
FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY ON THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF MARBLE ROAD :-
* BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SHU KUK STREET AND HOUSE NO. 19=
* BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 47 AND HOUSE NO. 65" AND
* BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 80 AND THE JUNCTION OF MARBLE ROAD AND TIN CHIU STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES ON THE SECTION OF MARBLE ROAD BETWEEN SHU KUK STREET AND KAM HONG STREET WILL BE CANCELLED AND TRAFFIC ON THIS SECTION WILL EE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY EASTBOUND FROM 13 A.M. ON FRIDAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FOREIGN BANKS MAY NOW APPLY FOR HONG KONG BANKING LICENCE .................................................. 1
HK-NORWAY MAY RESUME TEXTILE TALKS LATER THIS YEAR ....... 3
BILL TO PROHIBIT DISCLOSING NAME OF COMPLAINANTS IN RAPE CASES ............................................... 4
PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL WELCOMED ................................................. 5
LEGAL AID TO CRIMINAL CASES IN DISTRICT COURTS EFFECTIVE NEXT MONTH ..................................... 7
LEGCO APPROVES RATE PERCENTAGES FOR NT.................... 8
SALT WATER FLUSHING SYSTEM BEING EXTENDED ............... 9
VOTE ON ACCOUNT MOTION APPROVED ......................... 10
SURVEY ON USE OF PRIVATE CLUB FACILITIES ................ 11
FACILITIES FOR LEISURE IN COMMUNITY CENTRES ADEQUATE ... 12
VILLAGE LIGHTING SCHEMES ................................ 13
STAFF CONSULTATION ON DEPARTMENTAL ISSUES ............... 14
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO TRADE UNIONS ............................................ 15
BACKLOG OF COMPASSIONATE HOUSING CASES NOT LARGE ........ 15
MEDIUM-WAVE FREQUENCIES TO BE CHANGED ................... 17
HOLIDAY CAMPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES .................... 18
FIRE-PREVENTION IN MULTI-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS ....... 18
/STATIONING .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
STATIONING OF TRAFFIC WARDENS AT ROAD CROSSING ........... 19
IMPROVEMENTS TO ESTATE CORRIDOR LIGHTING ................. 19
NO CHANGE IN URBCO FRANCHISE AND MEMBERSHIP .............. 20
AMBULANCE SIRENS NECESSARY EVEN AT NIGHT ................. 20
TRAFFIC LIGHTS OPERATIONAL DELAY EXPLAINED ............... 21
BILLS PASSED ......................................... . 21
HK-S INGAPORE SIGN SPEEDPOST AGREEMENT.................. 22
CAREERS SEMINARS END .................................... 23
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ..................................... 23
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
•1
FOREIGN BANKS MAY NOW APPLY FOR HONG KONG BANKING LICENCE * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED ITS DECISION TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM FOREIGN BANKS FOR BANKING LICENCES IN HONG KONG AND AT THE SAME TIME TIGHTEN THE CONTROL OVER THE OPERATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
IN A STATEMENT OF POLICY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID +FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION+ FOR A HONG KONG BANKING LICENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO FOREIGN BANKS WHICH MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA :
* THAT THE APPLICANT BANKS ARE INCORPORATED IN COUNTRIES WHOSE MONETARY AUTHORITY EXERCISE EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION AND HAVE, WHERE NECESSARY, APPROVED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BANK IN HONG KONG-
* THAT THE APPLICANT BANKS ARE OF A SUBSTANTIAL SIZE WITH TOTAL ASSETS, NET OF CONTRA ITEMS, EXCEEDING THE EQUIVALENT OF US$3,000 MILLION- AND
* THAT SOME FORM OF RECIPROCITY IS AVAILABLE IN THE APPLICANT’S COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION TO HONG KONG BANKS.
+THESE CRITERIA ARE ARBITRARY AND SIMPLISTIC AND THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AS LICENSING AUTHORITY RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO GRANT A LICENCE WHEN TO DO SO WOULD EE AGAINST HONG KONG’S INTEREST, NOTWITHSTANDING THAT AN APPLICANT NEETS THE THREE CRITERIA,* MR. HADDON-CAVE EMPHASISED.
COMMENTING ON THE DECISION TO EASE THE EXISTING MORATORIUM ON FULL BANKING LICENCES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THIS WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE FINANCIAL SECTOR WAS IN A SUITABLY COMPETITIVE STATE IN THE GENERAL INTEREST OF OUR ECONOMY.
+ 1 AM AWARE OF THE ARGUMENT THAT HONG KONG IS OVER-BANKED, BUT AS LONG AS THERE ARE INSTITUTIONS THAT WISH TO DO THE FULL RANGE OF BANKING BUSINESS AS DEFINED IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE THERE IS A PRIMA FACIE CASE THAT THE 12-YEAR MORATORIUM ON THE GRANTING OF BANKING LICENCES DOES, IN FACT, RESTRAIN COMPETITION.*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE REGULATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
/THESE ARE THAT .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
2
THESE ARE THAT DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WILL EE
M REQUIRED TO FURNISH MONTHLY REPORTS TO THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING-
* SUBJECTED TO PERIODIC INSPECTION- AND
* SUBJECTED TO LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT A LILL SUITABLY AMENDING THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE WOULD SHORTLY BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
COMMENTING ON THE MOVE TO CONTROL THE OPERATION OF
THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ALONG THE LINES OF A FULLY-FLEDGED BANK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS.
+AS THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ARE DEPENDENT TO A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE ON LICENSED BANKS AS A SOURCE OF FUNDS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED THAT THE SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES,* HE SAID.
+THIS BRINGS ME TO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER COMPETITION WITHIN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR ITSELF, PARTICULARLY BETWEEN LICENSED BANKS AND THOSE FOREIGN BANKS REGISTERED AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, IS EQUITABLE.
+SOME HAVE ARGUED THAT DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES EFFECTIVELY HAVE AN UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THAT THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS.
+THE LICENSED BANKS ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE AREAS IN WHICH THE COMPANIES CANNOT COMPETE, BECAUSE OF THE DEFINITION OF BANKING BUSINESS IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE AND BECAUSE OF THE 350,000 MINIMUM DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS, EUT CONTEND THAT RETAIL BANKING IS NO LONGER OF ITSELF VERY PROFITABLE.
+THE SOLUTION PROPOSED IS THAT THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE SHOULD EE AMENDED TC PROVIDE FOR LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS SIMILAR TC THOSE IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE APPROPRIATE PERCENTAGE RATIO TC BE IMPOSED ON DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WOULD BE SPECIFIED LATER UPON THE ADVICE OF THE COMM ISSIC’ER OF BANKING.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1973
- 3 -
HK-NORWAY MAY RE-OPEN TEXTILE TALKS LATER THIS YEAR
*****
TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS EETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY WILL POSSIBLY EE RE-OPENED LATER THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN,SA ID TODAY.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. JORDAN SAID HE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING FROM THE NORWEGIAN CONSUL-GENERAL THAT +THE NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES WILL NOT OPPOSE RESUMPTION OF THE TEXTILE CONSULTATIONS WHICH WERE OPENED IN DECEMEER LAST YEAR.*
BECAUSE OF OTHER BILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS AND ALSO INTERNAL PREPARATION FOR THE APRIL MEETING OF THE TEXTILE COMMITTEE WITHIN THE GATT, THE NORWEGIAN CONSUL-GENERAL SAID +IT ..•ILL NOT EE POSSIBLE TO ENTER INTO NEW CONSULTATIONS UNTIL AFTER THE SAID TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETING*, MR. JORDAN TOLD THE COUNCIL.
IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE RESUMED CONSULTATIONS TAKE PLACE IN OSLO AFTER THAT MEETING.
THE NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES HAD INTRODUCED WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 UNILATERAL IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS OF CERTAIN TEXTILE PRODUCTS FROM HONG KONG AT UNSPECIFIED LEVELS.
MR. JORDAN SAID +THIS DISCRIMINATORY ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG HAS DISRUPTED THE NORMAL TRADE IN THESE PRODUCTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY.*
HE ALSO SAID THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN OSLO HAS, AT THE REQUEST OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND ON INSTRUCTION FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, DELIVERED A FORMAL NOTE TO THE NORWEGIAN AUTHORITIES ASKING THAT THE RESTRICTIONS, +WHICH WE BELIEVE TO BE NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GATT OR THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT, SHOULD EE REMOVED, OR FAILING THIS, THAT THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENTER INTO CONSULTATIONS WITH HONG KONG, UNDER THE GATT, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.*
MR. JORDAN ADDED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ALSO EXPRESSED ITS CONCERN ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG TO THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT AND HAS PRESSED THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT TO RE-OPEN NEGOTIATIONS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.
-----o------
A
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1973
4 —
BILL TO PROHIBIT DISCLOSING NAME OF COMPLAINANTS IN RAPE CASES *****
THE DRAFTING OF A BILL TO AMEND THE LAW SO AS TO PROHIBIT DISCLOSURE OF THE NAME OF COMPLAINANTS IN RAPE CASES HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED AND WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL LATER THIS MONTH, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT, MR. THORNTON SAID IF THE BILL IS ENACTED THEN THE PUBLICATION OF NATTER LIKELY TO LEAD MEMBERS CF THE PUBLIC TO IDENTIFY A WOMAN AS THE COMPLAINANT IN A RAPE CASE WOULD CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE, UNLESS A JUDGE HAS SPECIFICALLY AUTHORISED PUBLICATION. THE BILL IS MODELLED ON THE ENGLISH SEXUAL OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) ACT OF 1976.
MR. THORNTON SAID THE POLICE WERE ALWAYS CAREFUL IN RELEASING INFORMATION TO THE MEDIA NEVER TO REVEAL THE IDENTIFY OF COMPLAINANTS IN RAPE OR INDECENT ASSAULT CASES.
HE ADDED: +1 AM INFORMED THAT RESPONSIBLE SECTIONS OF THE MEDIA DO NOT AS A MATTER OF PRACTICE PUBLISH THE NAMES OR PHOTOGRAPHS OF COMPLAINANTS IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES.+
REFERRING TO THE QUESTION OF REVEALING THE IDENTITY OF VICTIMS OF INDECENT ASSAULT, MR. THORNTON SAID A FREE PRESS AND COURTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ARE CORNERSTONES OF OUR HONG KONG WAY OF LIFE AND IT TAKES AN EXCEPTIONAL CASE TO JUSTIFY INTERFERENCE WITH THESE.
+IT IS FELT THAT RAPE CASES DO PROVIDE SUCH A JUSTIFICATION BUT THE CASE FOR INDECENT ASSAULT IS MUCH LESS STRONG.+
MR. THORNTON ALSO SAID THE REPORT OF THE ADVISORY GROUP ON THE LAW OF RAPE, WHICH PRECEDED THE ENGLISH LEGISLATION, INDICATES THAT THE GROUP DID CONSIDER ANONYMITY IN RELATION TO OTHER OFFENCES THAN RAPE BUT IT MADE NO RECOMMENDATION.
HE SAID: +THE GROUP FELT THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS PECULIARLY AND SPECIFICALLY APPLICABLE TO THE CRIME OF RAPE WHICH JUSTIFIED TREATING RAPE DIFFERENTLY FROM OTHER OFFENCES.
+IT ACCEPTED THAT THE VERY FACT OF HAVING BEEN INVOLVED IN A RAPE CASE IS LIABLE TO HAVE EMBARRASSING OR EVEN DAMAGING CONSEQUENCES FOR A WOMAN.
+INDECENT ASSAULT IS, OF COURSE, A LESS SERIOUS OFFENCE THAN RAPE AND IT IS ONE WHICH CAN VARY A GREAT DEAL IN ITS SERIOUSNESS. MEN, WOMEN OR CHILDREN MAY EE V ICT IMS,+ MR. THORNTON SAID.
- - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
- 5 -
PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL WELCOMED ******
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU— WAH AND THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WELCOMED THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES (AMENDMENT) BILL AT ITS SECOND READING TODAY BUT URGED THAT FURTHER PROVISION BE MADE TO ENABLE YOUNG GIRLS WHO ARE IN NEED OF HELP TO BE MORE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED.
THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE BILL WOULD INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY WITH WHICH YOUNG PERSONS WOULD BE PLACED UNDER SUPERVISION BY COURT ORDER AND MAKE THIS SUPERVISION MORE EFFECTIVE, MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH SAID.
SHE RECOMMENDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE SCOPE OF PROTECTION, A SECTION IN THE BILL SHOULD BE WIDENED TO EXTEND THE POWER OF THE POLICE TO TAKE GIRLS BETWEEN THE AGE OF 16-18 WHO ARE IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION TO A PLACE OF REFUGE.
SHE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT A SECTION OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE BE WIDENED TO EMPOWER THE AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH GIRLS IN THIS AGE GROUP WHO ARE LIKELY TO BE EXPOSED TO ANY MORAL OR PHYSICAL DANGER.
THE REV. BENNETT ALSO URGED THAT THIS SECTION BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL POWERS TO PROTECT GIRLS OF 16 OR 17 WHO ARE NO LONGER CHILDREN OR YOUNG PERSONS AS DEFINED IN LAW.
SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE BILL AS PROPOSED DID NOT PLUG THIS LOOPHOLE ALTHOUGH IN 1973 WHEN SHE CONSULTED THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ABOUT THE REASON WHY THE POLICE HAD NO POWER TO PUT THESE GIRLS IN A PLACE OF REFUGE SO THAT THE PARENTS WERE HELPED TO CONTROL THEM, THE REPLY WAS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS AWARE OF THE LOOPHOLE.
+OUR WOMEN POLICE ARE DOING A FINE JOB TO HELP PROTECT YOUNG FEMALES AND CHILDREN. DO NOT LET US TIE THEIR HANDS BY ALLOWING THE LAW TO BE UNCLEAR AND PROVIDING LOOPHOLES FOR THEM NOT TO TAKE ANY ACTION,+ SHE SAID.
THE TWO UNOFFICIALS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF HOMES FOR GIRLS WHICH PROVIDE REFUGE FOR YOUNG GIRLS.
MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH POINTED OUT THAT EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE RELIES ON THE CO-OPERATION AND HARD WORK OF THESE INSTITUTIONS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND THE POLICE, AND EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION DEPENDS TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT ON THEIR QUALITY AND QUANTITY.
THE REV. BENNETT COMPLETE ITS STAFFING WE I GIRLS’ HOME WHICH 144 GIRLS.
CALLED ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO PLANS- SOON FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE NEW MA TAU WILL BE READY THIS SUMMER AND BE ABLE TO HOUSE
/SHE ALSO POINTED
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
SHE ALSC POINTED OUT THAT THE AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW v
WOULD BE MEANINGLESS WITHOUT THE EFFICIENT AND SYMPATHETIC EXECUTION OF IT BY THE POLICE, THE JUVENILE COURTS AND THE PLACES OF REFUGE.
MRS. KWAN KO S iti-WAH IN ADDITION HOPED THAT WHERE A PERSON IS STILL UNDER 16 WHEN THE SUPERVISORY PERIOD ORDERED BY THE COURT IS OVER,' CONS(DERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO REFERRING HIM TO ONE OF THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH PROVIDE VOLUNTEER AFTER-CARE SERVICES.
+THE YOUNG PERSON WILL THEN FEEL THAT HE STILL HAS SOMEONE WHO CARES AND UNDERSTANDS HIS PROBLEM AND TO WHOM HE CAN TALK AND TURN TO, AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE FORMAL SUPERVISION PERIOD.
+IN THIS WAY HE CAN CONTINUE TO DEVELOP HIS POTENTIAL AND SET OUT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO MAKE HIS WAY IN THE COMMUNITY,* SHE SAID. - -
DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
LEGAL AID TO CRIMINAL CASES IN DISTRICT COURTS EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL *******
THE EXTENSION OF LEGAL AID TO COVER ALL CRIMINAL CASES IN THE DISTRICT COURT WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM NEXT MONTH.
THE ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, IN MOVING THE RESOLUTION UNDER THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE IN, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SAID THIS WAS MADE.POSS IBLE AS A RESULT OF GOVERNMENT’S IMPROVED FINANCIAL POSITION.,
MR. THORNTON TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE OF THE EXTENSION OF LEGAL AID TO COVER ALL CRIMINAL CASES IN THE DISTRICT COURT WAS GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL IN AUGUST 1974, BUT THE LIMITED FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE NEW SERVICES, AND OTHER CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S RESOURCES IN 1975 AND 1976, PRECLUDED THE IMMEDIATE INTRODUCTION OF THE EXTENSION.
MR. THORNTON SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE INCREASE IN THE-NUMBER OF CASES WHICH WILL ATTRACT LEGAL AID AS A RESULT OF THE EXTENSION CANNOT BE ESTIMATED ACCURATELY, IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR AID FOR DISTRICT COURT CASES GRANTED IN 1978/79 MIGHT BE ABOUT 1,080, COMPARED WITH OVER 900 IN 1977/78 AND 666 IN 1976/77.
♦EXPENDITURE AT $2.9 MILLION IS LIKELY TO BE ABOUT $0.8 MILLION HIGHER THAN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER THE PRESENT SCHEME.
+IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE RESOURCES OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION ARE SUFFICIENT FOR THE INCREASED WORKLOAD TO BE HANDLED SATISFACTORILY,+ MR. THORNTON ADDED.
UNDER THE EXISTING RULES LEGAL AID IS AVAILABLE SUBJECT TO MEANS TESTED LIMITS OF A MONTHLY DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $1,500 AND A DISPOSABLE CAPITAL OF $10,000 TO DEFENDANTS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF CRIMINAL CASES:
* ALL CRIMINAL TRIALS IN THE SUPREME COURT-
* ALL CRIMINAL APPEALS TO THE COURT OF APPEAL FROM THE SUPREME AND DISTRICT COURTS-
* ALL CRIMINAL APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT FROM MAGISTRATE COURTS- AND
* CASES IN THE DISTRICT COURT INVOLVING AN OFFENCE CARRYING A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 14 YEARS OR MORE.
- - 0
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
- 8 -
LEGCO APPROVES RATE PERCENTAGES FOR NT
* * * * * *■**' t
| i. .
A MOTION TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE RATE PERCENTAGES IN THE NE.; TERRITORIES FOR 1978-79 WAS APPROVED BY.THE LEG ISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY. - • • - - .
MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE,SA ID UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE, THE LEGISLATIVE.. . COUNCIL MAY, 3Y RESOLUTION, DETERMINE FROM TIME TO TIME THE. PERCENTAGE OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF TENEMENTS TO BE CHARGED AS GENERAL AND URBAN COUNCIL RATES.
HE STRESSED THAT THE SOLE OBJECT OF THE RESOLUTION IS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE EXISTING POLICY ON THE PHASING IN.OF THE RATE CHARGES FOR NEWLY RATED AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND SAID NO CHANGE IN EITHER THE GENERAL RATE OR THE URBAN COUNCIL RATE WAS PROPOSED FOR 1978-79.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY FOR THE EXTENSION OF RATING TO THE DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE GENERAL RATE FOR NEWLY ASSESSED AREAS, FROM AREA F ONWARDS, IS BEING PHASED IN ON A GRADUAL BASIS — THAT IS TC SAY, IN THE FIRST YEAR 50 PER CENT OF WHATEVER THE GENERAL RATE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES MIGHT BE, IN THE SECOND YEAR 60 PER CENT, IN THE THIRD YEAR 70 PER CENT AND SO ON UP TO 100 PER CENT . IN THE SIXTH YEAR.
HE SAID THE GENERAL RATE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES IS 11 PER CENT. FOR 1978-79, THE PERCENTAGE TO EE APPLIED TO AREAS F TO M (FOP THEIR THIRD YEAR OF ASSESSMENT) IS, THEREFORE, 70 PER CENT OF 11 PER CENT, OR EIGHT PER CENT. FOR AREA N (FOR ITS SECOND YEAR OF ASSESSMENT), IT IS 60 PER CENT OF 11 PER CENT, OR SEVEN PER CENT.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE SCHEDULE IN THE MOTION ALSO INCLUDES 12 NEW AREAS TO BE BROUGHT INTO ASSESSMENT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1978 UNDER THE FIFTH PHASE OF THE EXTENSION OF RATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
BUT AS THESE 12 AREAS ARE EXTENSIONS TO AREAS F TO N, THE CORRESPONDING PERCENTAGES WILL APPLY, HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
SALT WATER FLUSHING SYSTEM BEING EXTENDED ******
REDUCTION IN THE CONSUMPTION OF FRESH WATER FOR FLUSHING PURPOSES IS BEING ACHIEVED BY EXTENDING EXISTING AND CONSTRUCTING NEV. SALT WATER SYSTEMS, THS HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH, HE SAID THE CURRENT QUANTITY OF FRESH WATER SUPPLIED FROM MAINS FOR FLUSHING PURPOSES WAS ABOUT 23,009 CUBIC METRES OR FIVE MILLION GALLONS A DAY.
HOWEVER, MR. MCDONALD ADDED THAT THERE WERE, AT PRESENT, 13 ITEMS RELATING TO SALT WATER SUPPLIES IN CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AT VARIOUS STAGES OF COMPLETION, WITH A FURTHER 11 ITEMS IN CATEGORY B AND FOUR IN CATEGORY C.
+A PRIME CONSIDERATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SALT WATER SYSTEMS IS THE LOCATION OF THE SEA WATER INTAKE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN ACCEPTABLE QUALITY CF WATER FOR DISTRIBUTION,* HE EXPLAINED.
+IN A NUMBER OF CASES SUITABLE SITES ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL RECLAMATIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE AND SO THE ADVANCEMENT CF ITEMS IN THE PROGRAMME IS GEARED TO THE TIMING OF THE RECLAMATION .vORKS. +
MR. MCDONALD ADDED, HOWEVER, FOR AREAS WHERE SUBSTANTIAL LOCALISED DEMANDS WERE ARISING OR WERE LIKELY TO ARISE BEFORc THE PERMANENT INTAKE AND ASSOCIATED WORKS COULD BE COMPLETED, A STUDY WAS IN HAND TO DETERMINE WHETHER INTERIM MEASURES COULD EE INTRODUCED TO MINIMISE THE CONSUMPTION OF FRESH WATER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN CERTAIN HIGH LEVEL SITUATIONS OR AREAS OF SMALL LOCALISED DEMAND, IT WOULD EE UNECONOMIC TO PROVIDE SEPARATE SALT WATER FLUSHING SYSTEMS AND THERE MIGHT, THEREFORE, ALWAYS BE A SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY USING FRESH WATER FOR FLUSHING.
THE QUANTITY OF WATER USED IL THESE SITUATIONS AT PRESENT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 4,500 CUBIC METRES OR ONE MILLION GALLONS A DAY, MR. MCDONALD ADDED.
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/10......
,'EDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 197'-
10 -
VOTE ON ACCOUNT ••'CT ION APPROVED * H * r
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ADOPTED A MOTION WHICH ENABLES THE GOVERNMENT TO USE FUNDS TO CARRY ON EXISTING SERVICES BETWEEN THE START OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR AND THE ISSUE OF THE GENERAL .'ARRANT FOLLOW ING THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE.
MOVING THE NOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID IT ..AS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL IS TO BE EXTENDED INTO NEXT MONTH TO ALLO'.. COUNCILLORS MORE TIME TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR 1973-79.
HE SAL THE FUNDS SOUGHT UNDER EACH HEAD HAVE BEEN DETERMINED I?! ACCORDANCE .IT.-. RULES ..'HICK HAVE BEEN AGREED EY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID EXPENDITURE ..ILL EE REGULATED IN ACCORDANCE I TH THE HEADS AMD SUBHEADS SHOWN IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES 1973-79.
+A VOTE ON ACCOUNT WARRANT WILL EE ISSUED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AUTHORISING Hl:’ TO MAKE PAYMENTS UP TO THE AMOUNT SPECIFIED IN THIS MOTION, AND .ILL LIMIT THE EXPENDITURE Il ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREED RULES.
+THE PROVISION UNDER THE VOTE 01! ACCOUNT WILL BE SUBSUMED UPON THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPR I ATI 0*' ORDINANCE, AND THE GENERAL ^ARRANT ISSUED AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE '.ILL REPLACE THE VOTE Ci ACCOUNT ..ARRANT AND BE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
MF.. HADDON-CAVE ADDED THAT UNDER THE APPROPRIATION-IN-AID SYSTEM CERTAIN RECEIPTS, CONSISTING OF FEES AND CHARGES, ..ILL E APPROPRIATED-IN-AID AND USED TO OFFSET EXPENDITURE INSTEAD OF BEING CREDITED TO GENERAL REVENUE.
+THE MOTION ALSO SEEKS THE AUTHORITY OF THIS COUNCIL TO ENABLE i.E TO DIRECT THAT SUCH RECEIPTS SHOULD BE APPLIED IN THIS WAY DURING THE PERIOD COVERED BY THE VOTE Ci. ACCOUNT,* HE SAID.
0
/11
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
11
SURVEY ON USE OF PRIVATE CLUB FACILITIES ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY TO DETERMINE, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, THt EXTENT TO ./HIGH THE FACILITIES OF PRIVATE RECREATIONAL CLUBS HAVE BEEN USED BY OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS AND THE FREQUENCY OF REFUSAL BY THE LESSEES BECAUSE OF MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS OR BECAUSE THE APPLICATIONS INTERFERE WITH THE CLUBS’ OWN USE.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY HE HON. T.S. LO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. LC HAD ASKED: +HAS PROPER USE BEEN MADE BY GOVERNMENT OF THE RIGHT RESERVED TO IT IN THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF RECREATIONAL LEASES TO REQUIRE THE LESSEES TO ALLOW ITS SPORTING FACILITIES TO BE USED BY SCHOOLS, YOUTH CLUBS OR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS?*
MR. LI SAID : +WHEN THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY HAVE BEEN ANALYSED, GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT TO DETERMINE HOW' THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF GRANT CAN BE MODIFIED ON RENEWAL SC AS TO ALLOW FOR MORE CONTROLLED USE OF THE SPORTING FACILITIES.*
MR. LI REVEALED THE MAJORITY OF THE PRIVATE LEASES FALL DUE FOR RENEWAL IN 1981 AND 1932.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE SPECIAL CONDITION MENTIONED IN MR. LO’S QUESTION IS NOT ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY FOR TWO REASONS.
+FIRSTLY, A CLUB IS ONLY REQUIRED TO MAKE AVAILABLE ITS GROUNDS FOR OUTSIDE USE, BUT NOT ANY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE ERECTED ON THE LOT= CONSEQUENTLY, A CLUB IS NOT OBLIGED TO MAKE ITS CHANGING AND TOILET FACILITIES AVAILABLE.
+SECONDLY, THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY FOR THE SPECIAL CONDITION MUST BE SATISFIED THAT USAGt BY SCHOOLS AND OTHERS WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LOT OR THE CLUB’S OWN USE,* HE SAID.
BUT MR. LI SAID THAT IN MAI’Y CASES THE FACILITIES WERE QUITE WIDELY USED BY OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND i.CT RESTRICTED TO SCHOOLS, YOUTH CLUBS OR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.
LAST YEAR THE RECREATION Ai\L SPORT SERVICE HAD ORGAN ISED A TOTAL OF 333 COACHING SESSIONS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION LESSONS AND INTER-SCHOOLS COMPETITIONS US MG T E FACILITIES OF PRIVATE RECREATIONAL LEASES, MR. LI POINTED CUT.
NO STATISTICS WERE KEPT BEFORE 1977, HOWEVER, NCR HAVE ANY STATISTICS BEEN KEPT IN RESPECT OF DIRECT APPROACC TO' THE LESSEES EY SCHOOLS, YOUTH CLUZ3 OR ELFARE ORGANISATIONS.
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/12......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
12
FACILITIES FOR LEISURE IN COMMUNITY CENTRES ADEQUATE ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT THE EXISTING FACILITIES FOR LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY CENTRES ARE ADEQUATE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
REFERRING TO FACILITIES PROVIDED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, MR. LEE RECALLED HIS REPLY TO THE HON. WONG LAM’S QUESTION ON FEBRUARY 15 IN WHICH HE OUTLINED GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO MAKE COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES AVAILABLE DURING WEEKENDS.
HE ADDED THAT IF AND WHEN, IN ADDITION TO FACILITIES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT CENTRES, THE NEED FOR A VOLUNTARY AGENCY CENTRE IN A PARTICULAR LOCATION TO BE OPEN ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS COULD BE DEMONSTRATED AND ESTABLISHED, CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO ENABLE THIS TO BE DONE.
+WE SHOULD, HOWEVER, BEAR IN MIND THAT STAFF OF VOLUNTARY AGENCY CENTRES, LIKE THOSE IN GOVERNMENT CENTRES, ALREADY ORGANISE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR MEMBERS DURING WEEKENDS AND THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD NOT EE CURTAILED AND THAT.STRENGTHEN ING THE FAMILY AS A SOCIAL UNIT SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED,*.MR. LEE _ POINTED OUT.
+IT IS ALREADY KNOWN THAT MANY FAMILIES PREFER TO SPEND THEIR WEEKENDS TOGETHER. THIS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE ENCOURAGED,* HE SAID. . .
- - - - 0 ---------
/13
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
13
FIRST EXPERIMENTAL VILLAGE LIGHTING SCHEME TO BE COMPLETED THIS MONTH *******
CONTRACTS FOR SEVEN LIGHTING SCHEMES COVERING 16 VILLAGES HAVEBEEN LET AT A COST OF S45O,OOO AND THE FIRST SCHEME WILL EE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
V1_,„ AND 0N PRESENT EXPENDITURE FORECASTS FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL JEAR, /'Ontracts FOR A FURTHER 20 TO 25 SCHEMES WILL BE LET AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF '1 MILLION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID: +PROGRESS IN THIS ESSENTIALLY EXPERIMENTAL STAGE HAS BEEN SATISFACTORY.+
DURING THE COURSE OF THIS PRESENT FINANCIAL YEAR, HE SAID, THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SCHEME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF LIGHTING TO VILLAGES WHICH FOR REASONS OF LOCATION WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE INCLUDED IN THE STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME.
ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID IT WAS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PROVIDE ALL NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES WITH STREET LIGHTING.
+CLEARLY SMALL AND REMOTE VILLAGES AND AREAS OF SCATTERED HABITATION MUST RATE A VERY LOW PRIORITY,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE INTENDED TO EXAMINE THE STAFF AND FUNDS REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH A FORMAL VILLAGE LIGHTING PROGRAMME.
+1 AM NOT YET, THEN, IN A POSITION TO SAY WHEN STREET LIGHTING WILL BE INSTALLED IN THOSE VILLAGES WHERE EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS ON PROVIDING LIGHTING COULD BE JUSTIFIED, BUT IT IS MY INTENTION TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS ON THE OVERALL REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR TO FIVE YEARS, PROVIDED STAFF AND FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE,* SAID MR. AKERS-JONES.
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/14.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
14
STAFF CONSULTATION ON DEPARTMENTAL ISSUES
******
THE EXISTING CONSULTATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEALING WITH SERVICE-WIDE ISSUES WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE +SEEMS TO BE WELL SUITED TO OUR PRESENT NEED+, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. RONALD BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. BRIDGE ADDED THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW LOOKING INTO MORE FORMALISED ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSULTING STAFF ON DEPARTMENTAL ISSUES, AS RECENT EXPERIENCE APPEARS TO SHOW SUCH A NEED.
+WE HOPE TO EE ABLE TO OPEN DISCUSSIONS ON THIS WITH THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS BY THE EARLY SUMMER,* HE SAID.
MR. BRIDGE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. WONG LAM WHO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT IF ITS CONSULTATIVE PROCEDURES WITH CIVIL SERVANTS ARE ADEQUATE AND WHAT IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING PLANNED +IN VIEW OF THE DISSATISFACTION RECENTLY EXPRESSED EY SOME CIVIL SERVANTS WITH THEIR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS*.
EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURES, MR. ERIDGE SAID: +CCNSULTATI ON IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TAKES PLACE AT T..0 LEVELS, DEPENDING ON ..HETHER OR NOT THE ISSUE IS OF SERVICE-WIDE OR DEPARTMENTAL INTEREST.
+SERVICE-WIDE ISSUES, SUCH AS THE OVERALL_LEVEL OF SALARIES AND LEAVE EARNING RATES, ARE DISCUSSED WITH THE THREE MAK oTAFF ASSOCIATIONS IN THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL.
+THE 1968 AGREEMENT WITH CONSULTATION WITH THEM BEFORE INSTANCES, FOR DISPUTES TO BE OF INQUIRY.*
THESE ASSOCIATIONS PROVIDES FOR MAJOR CHANGES ARE MADE AMD, IN SOME REFERRED TO AN INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE
FOR DEPARTMENTAL ISSUES, MR. BRIDGE SAID, THEY WERE FIRST DISCUSSED DY HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS ITH STAFF REPRESENTATIVES EITHER DIRECTLY OR IN DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS.
+ IF THEY CONCERN PAY OR ANY OTHER QUESTION THAT HAS IMPLICATIONS FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS, THE CIVIL SE.-VICE BRANCH ALSO HAS TO EE INVOLVED,* HE ADDED.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1973
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO TRADE UNIONS
* * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ABLE TO PROVIDE TRADE UNIONS IN HONG KONG WITH ASSISTANCE IN THEIR ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT.
THIS WAS STATED EY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS, II. REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHI.'.S IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+VE RESPOND TO REQUESTS FROM UNIONS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO SEND SPEAKERS TO COURSES RUN BY THEM AND THERE IS A UIDE RANGE OF GUIDES AND PAMPHLETS ON LABOUR MATTERS WHICH ARE FREELY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST,* MR. WILLIAMS SAID.
+THESE INCLUDE BOOKLETS ON SIMPLE TRADE UNION ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION,* HE ADDED.
MR. '-ILL I AMS ALSO SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ABLE TO ASSIST ANY UNION I?. FINDING THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING FOR ITS OFFICIALS AND WITH SPECIFIC ADVICE r’: MANAGE BIT AND ORGANISATIONAL PROBLEMS.
- - 0 - -
BACKLOG OF COMPASSIONATE HOUSING CASES NOT LARGE
******
THERE IS NOT A LARGE BACKLOG OF NEEDY FAMILIES WAITING FOR COMPASSIONATE HOUSING, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE -r .. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG, .HO HAD ASKED: +IN VIEW GF Tn. CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF NEEDY FA ILIES ..AITING FOR HOUSING UNDE THE COMPASSIONATE HOUSING SCHEME, ILL GOVERNMENT EXPLAIN ..!’Y THE ANNUAL QUOTAS FOR THIS SCHEME FCr 1976/77 AND 1977/7* ..ERE NOT FULLY ALLOCATED?*
MR. LEE SAID: +DR. FANG IN HIS QUESTION REFERRED TO THE CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF NEEDY FAMILIES .SITING FOR HOUSING Dr. THE COMPASSIONATE HOUSING SCHE..S. FIR.T, LET ME ASSURE FANG THAT THIS IS, FORTUNATELY, NOT TIE SASE.*
MR. LEE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT ANYBODY ..HOSE FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL OR MEDICAL POSITION .AS -’SFISSIC ALLY ASSESSED , REQUIRING IMPROVED ACCOr’.CD ATI:...Q DE "_COI ENDED -COMPASSIONATE HOUSING.
EXPLAINING WHY ONLY HALF OF THE SCI-PASS |O> ATE J<UCT« 75-FLATS WAS TAKEN UP I’ 1976/77, *. LIE AID TrE'I *D -I. _ -
REASONS FOR THIS.
/THESE INCLUOSD
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
16
THESE INCLUDED THE FACT THAT ..HILE NUMERICALLY ONLY 367 FLATS ..ERE ALLOCATED, 530 CASES WERE ASSISTED BECAUSE SOME OF THE FLATS WERE OCCUPIED BY TWO OR EVEN THREE UNRELATED PEOPLE' ADDITIONALLY, 91 OTHER CASES RECOMMENDED WERE UNSUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THE APPLICANTS WERE STILL IN HOSPITAL OR SOME OTHER INSTITUTION.
ADDITIONALLY, SOME APPLICANTS DECLINED FIRST OFFERS OF HOUSING AND PREFERRED TO WAIT FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFERS IN ESTATES OF THEIR PREFERENCE' OTHERS CHOSE TO LIVE IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
+F INALLY, WE INCREASED RENTAL ALLOWANCES IN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME SUBSTANTIALLY IN 1976, AND MANY FAMILIES .HO COULD EE CONSIDERED FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING PREFERRED TO CONTINUE LIVING IN PRIVATE HOUSING BECAUSE OF LOCATION AND FAMILY REASONS,* SAID MR. LEE.
CONCERNING COMPASSIONATE HOUSING IK 1977/73, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE 429 FLATS ALLOCATED SO FAR WERE PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR A TOTAL OF 1,691 PEOPLE.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION FROM DR. FANG ABOUT COMPASSIONATE HOUSING, EXPLAINED THAT UP TO 1975/76 ALLOCATIONS .ERE .'.ADE TO NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, BUT FROM THEN ONWARDS COMPASSIONATE HOUSING /.AS ALLOCATED IN TERMS OF FLATS, NOT PEOPLE.
HE GAVE THE FOLLOWING FIGURES:
1973/74 -QUOTA ...
ACTUAL ALLOCATION 1974/75 QUOTA ...
ACTUAL ALLOCATION 1975/76 QUOTA ... ACTUAL ALLOCATION 1976/77 QUOTA ...
ACTUAL ALLOCATION 1977/78 QUOTA ...
ALLOCATIONS SO FAR
3,503 PEOPLE 2,941 PEOPLE
3,330 PEOPLE 1,919 PEOPLE 1,390 FLATS
981 FLATS
753 FLATS
367 FLATS
530 FLATS
429 FLATS
MR. SCOTT SAID THAT ALL COMP ASS I CATE HOUSING CASES ..ERE SUBJECT TO THE PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
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/17......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1973
- 17 -
MEDIUM-WAVE FREQUENCIES TO EE CHANGED ******
HONG KONG’S MEDIUM-WAVE BROADCASTING FREQUENCIES WILL BE CHANGED FROM THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR TO IMPROVE RADIO RECEPTION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE MEASURES TO IMPROVE RADIC RECEPTION IN RESPECT OF CHINESE CHANNELS IN TAI PC DISTRICT.
THERE ARE FOUR CHINESE LANGUAGE RADIO CHANNELS IN HONG KONG, THREE IN THE MEDIUM FREQUENCY BAND (AM) AND ONE IN THE VERY HIGH FREQUENCY BAND (FM).
RADIC TELEVISION HONG KONG OPERATES THE FM SERVICE AND ONE OF THE AM SERVICES AND THE OTHER WO AM SERVICES ARE OPERATED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO.
+AM RECEPTION IN THE NORTHERN NE.. TERRITORIES IS NOT ALWAYS SATISFACTORY AS IT SUFFERS FROM. INTERFERENCE FROM DISTANT TRANSMITTERS USING FREQUENCIES SIMILAR TO THOSE ALLOCATED TO HONG KONG.+ MR. LI SAID.
+RECEPTION DETERIORATES 'T MIGHT 'WHEN INTERFERENCE CAN BE EXPERIENCED FROM TRANSMITTERS AT A DISTANCE OF UP TO 5,000 MILES,+ HE ADDED.
IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE RECEPTIOI OF THIS TYPE, MR. LI SAID, THE 1975 GENEVA CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION DECIDED ON WORLD-WIDE CHANGES I." LONG-WAVE AND MEDIUM-WAVE EROADCASTING FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AI Th EFFECT FROM THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
AS REGARDS RTHK’S Fi'. CHINESE LANGUAGE SERVICE, MR. LI ADDED, MOST LISTENERS IK THE TAI PO LIST1'ICT SHOULD BE ABLE TO DETAIN A SATISFACTORY RECEPTION AT ALL THIS . I TH THE AID OF AN EXTERNAL AERIAL, ALTHOUGH HILLY TERRAL I; CERT/. I AREAS DOES PRECLUDE RECEPTION OF AR ADEQUATE Fi’ SIGNAL.
♦HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT IS .A _ F T-.IS PROBLEM, AND IS CONSIDERING HO.. I''PPOVEt’EN'TS I' ‘EOE Tl.' UALITY CAI! PE OBTAINED,+ MR. LI SAID.
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/18
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 197"
- 18 -
HOLIDAY CAMPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES *****
THE SECRETARY “OR THE NE.. TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JC' ES, SAID TODAY HE HOPED TC EE ABLE TO REPORT REAL PROGRES I LOCATI ‘ SITES FQF HOLIDAY CAMPS I'. THE ME;. TERRITORIES AND ISLANDS WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
HE ..AS REPLYING IM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO A QUESTION FRO' THE HON. HILTON CHEC-'G-LEiN ..HO ASKED ABOUT PROGRESS OF THE FORKING PARTY t-ORF.ED TO LOCK ,.T ..HELE HOLIDAY CAMPS MIGHT BE ESTABLISHED.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID HE REGRETTED THAT NO EFFECTIVE PROGRESS ON LOCATING SITES HAD BEE." MADE BY THE WORKING PARTY,
AUSE THz ,x . Tc . . I TOP I cS AD’. I ’ I ST.r . T I Cl HAD 1 ’E CESS AR IL Y, DURING TH- LAST rz . ’ O’.THS, BEEK CONCENT.; T£_ OH GIVING THE COUNTRY PARK* AUTHORITY SUPPORT AMD ASSISTANCE IN ESTABLISHING AND IN GIVING LEGAL STATUS TO COUNTRY PARKS.
+THE BOUNDARIES OF ALMOST ALL THE COUNTRY PARKS HAVE NOW BEEN ESTABLISHED AAD I HOPE TC EE ABLE TC REPORT REAL PROGRESS IN LOCATING SITES FOR HOLIDAY CAMPS ..ITAI’ THE NEXT FE . MONTHS,+ SAID HR. AKERS-JO.\’ES•
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FIRE PREVENTION IN MULTI-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS ******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE PRIORITY TO PREVENT OCCUPIERS OF MULTISTOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS FROM IGNORING FIRE SERVICES REGULATIONS AND ALLOWING MATERIALS TO BE STORED IN CORRIDORS AND STAIRCASES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURI DAVIES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. S.L. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
TY, THE HON.
CHEN IN THE
•iR. DAVIES SAID: +THE STEPS vHICH ARE TAKEN ARE MAINLY BY INSPECTIONS BY THE STAFFS OF T D DEPARTMENTS.+
HE ADDED THAT A NE.v DEVELOP''-’ - I AGREE E''’T ■/1 TH T’JE PLASTICS INDUSTRY CODE ?F PRACTICE 7HICH SHOULD HELP ’r'-THIS INDUSTRY.
S THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED THE I ’TFODUCTIO’. OF A
I’ PROVE FIRE SAFETY I
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/19......
.'EDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
- 19 -
STATIONING OF TRAFFIC WARDENS AT ROAD CROSSING ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID TODAY TRAFFIC POLICE OR TRAFFIC WARDENS WERE STATIONED AT ANY ROAD JUNCTION OR CROSSING IF THE SITUATION WARRANTED IT.
THIS, HE SAID, ALSO APPLIED TO JUNCTIONS AND CROSSINGS WHERE IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO INSTALL TRAFFIC LIGHTS.
MR. JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WHO ASKED WHETHER TRAFFIC POLICEMEN OR TRAFFIC WARDENS WOULD BE PUT ON POINT DUTY AT SUCH LOCATIONS UNTIL TRAFFIC LIGHTS WERE INSTALLED.
MR. JONES ADDED THAT EVERY SITUATION HAD TO BE CONSIDERED ON ITS merits AND |V THE LIGHT OF OTHER DEMANDS THERE MAY BE FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL PERSONNEL.
MOST MAJOR ROAD INTERSECTIONS IN HONG KONG WERE ALREADY CONTROLLED BY TRAFFIC LIGHTS, HE SAID, AND DECISIONS TO INSTALL OTHERS AT NEW LOCATIONS WERE USUALLY TAKEN BEFORE BUILD UP TO LEVELS VHERE LIGHTS VERE REALLY ’EEDED.
-------0 -
PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE LIGHTING IN ESTATE CORRIDORS
******
THE CORRIDOR LIGHTING OF SONE OF THE OLDER GROUP A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IS TO BE l.’iPRCVED AS PART OF THE NORMAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, AT A COST OF A. 5 ILL ION.
THESE DETAILS WERE GIVEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, SECRETARY FOP HOUSING, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FRO:- THE HON. HILTON CHEUNG-LEE!..
CONCERNING GROUP B ESTATES, .. SCOTT SAID THAT THE PROGRA. E TO IMPROVE LIGHTING IN INTERNAL CO’ErDOFS OF 265 BLOCKS WAS COMPLETED ONE YEAR AGO, AT A COST OF v4.? MILLION.
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/20
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1973
20
NO CHANGE IN URECO FRANCHISE AND MEMBERSHIP
******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SAID TODAY THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO PLANS TO ENLARGE EITHER THE FRANCHISE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL OR THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS ON THE COUNCIL.
HE '..AS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HENRY HU.
DR. HU HAD ASKED FOR A GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON WHETHER THE FRANCHISE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE ENLARGED AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS IN THE COUNCIL INCREASED.
- - 0 -
AMBULANCE SIRENS NECESSARY EVEN AT NIGHT
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO,SAID TODAY THAT IT WOULD BE INADVISABLE FOR AMBULANCE TO GO ABOUT THEIR ERRANDS WITHOUT USING SIRENS IN ORDER TO REDUCE NOISE AND DISTURBANCES AFTER 11 P.M.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HO SAID THE REASON WAS THAT TRAFFIC HAZARDS WERE POSSIBLY GREATER DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS WHEN, FOR EXAMPLE, MOTORISTS MIGHT BE INCLINED TO TAKE LIBERTIES BECAUSE OF THE ABSENCE OF TRAFFIC.
HE ADDED THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES HAS ASSURED THAT AMBULANCE SIRENS WERE ONLY USED WHEN RESPONDING TO EMERGENCY CALLS AND WHEN IT WAS APPARENT THAT TIME WAS A CRITICAL FACTOR IN GETTING A PATIENT TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.
- - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1978
TRAFFIC LIGHTS OPERATIONAL DELAY EXPLAINED ******
THERE HAS BEEN A DELAY IN THE ELECTRICAL CABLING WORKS FOR THE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN KWUN TONG, DUE MAINLY TO THE INABILITY OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE DIVISION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE TO KEEP UP WITH ITS VERY HEAVY PROGRAMME OF WORKS.
THIS WAS STATED EY THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUELIC WORKS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION EY THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
THc REV. BENNETT HAD ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD STATE THE REASON FOR THE DELAY IN BRINGING INTO OPERATION THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT THE JUNCTION OF MUT WAH STREET AND HONG NING ROAD IN KWUN TONG WHICH WERE INSTALLED IN THE SUMMER OF 1977 BUT ONLY BROUGHT INTO USE LAST WEEK.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT THE LIGHT SIGNALS IN QUESTION FORMED ONLY A PART OF A GENERAL TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN THE KWUN TONG AREA.
ALTHOUGH THE CCMPARATIVELY SIMPLE TASK OF ERECTING SIGNAL POSTS AT THE HONG NING ROAD/MUT WAH STREET JUNCTION WAS EXECUTED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AS PART OF THE CIVIL WORKS, HE SAID, THE ELECTRICAL CABLING WORKS FOR THE ..'HOLE SYSTEM AND THE INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF THE LIGHT CONTROLLER HAD STILL TO BE CARRIED OUT.
+IT WAS IN THIS PHASE THAT A DELAY OCCURRED, DUE MAINLY TO THE INABILITY OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE DIVISION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE TO KEEP UP WITH ITS VERY HEAVY PROGRAMME OF WORKS,+ HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT A SUBMISSION TO ALLOW FOR STAFF INCREASES AND RE-ORGANISATION OF THIS PART OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHA? ICAL OFFICE HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE ’HICH HOPEFULLY WOULD EE APPROVED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.
---0------
E ILLS PASSED
* * *
TWO BILLS WERE PASSED MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
INTO LA AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
THEY ARE THE BUILDINGS (AME-..' El.T) E ILL 1°78 AND THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (CAPITAL "E UI'E’ENTS) ZILL 1978.
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/22......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 1973
22
HONG KONG AX'D SINGAPORE SIGN SPEEDPOST AGREEMENT
******
THE POST OFFICE TODAY TOCK A FURTHER STEP IN EXTENDING ITS SPEEDPOST SERVICE .. ITH THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT WITH SINGAPORE.
THE AGREEMENT ..AS SIGNED THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON BETWEEN T. L IF: KAY-YEEK, REPRESENTING THE POSTMASTER GENERAL OF SINGAPORE, AND T. KYLE EAMFORD, POSTMASTER GENERAL OF HONG KONG.
THE EXTENSION OF THE SERVICE TC SINGAPORE WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, 1973. SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS ALREADY AVAILABLE TO AUSTRALIA, BELGIUM, BRAZIL, FRANCE, GREAT BRITAIN, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, AND THE U.S.A.
UNDER THIS FACILITY, PACKAGES OF BUSINESS PAPERS, DOCUMENTS, COMPUTER DATA AND MICROFILMS ARE GIVEN FAST AND RELIABLE DOOR TO DOOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE. PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHTS OUT OF HONG KONG ARE USED FOE THESE DESPATCHES AND THE PACKAGES ARE SPECIALLY DELIVERED TO THE OVERSEAS ADDRESSEES.
THE SERVICE TO SINGAPORE IS AVAILABLE ON A CONTRACT BAS IS AND +CN-DEMAND+. PACKAGES HANDED I' OR COLLECTED BEFORE NOON IL HONG KONG '..ILL BE DESPATCHED ON A FLIGHT LEAVING KAI TAK IN THE AFTERNOON AND ARRIVE SINGAPORE THE SAME EVENING. SUBSEQUENT SPECIAL DELIVERY ..ILL BE I ADE THE FOLLO.. I !G MORNING.
FOP CONTRACT SERVICES, SENDERS SIC A CONTRACT FOR A ■ I'.II-.UM PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, .ITH A I J.T' - E EGULAR PRE-DETER I NED POSTING PER .'.Ct TH. TIMES OF COLLECT ICK AMD DELIVERY OF PACKAGES ARE SPECIFIED AND AGREED >. ITF THE CUST EF.
THE COST OF THE SERVICE .ILL IE ' BASIC CHARGE OF .73 FOR THE FIRST POUND PLUS .5 PE? EACH ADDITIONAL POUND OR PART OF A POU L. THIS ..ILL INCLUDE PICK UP AT 7. E CUSTOMERS PREMISES AT A TIME AGREED BY THE CUSTOMER, AND DELIVERY DIF OCT 7.‘ THE ADDRESSEE.
THE +CN DEMAKD+ SERVICE IS FT VIDEO TO EET THE REQU IREi- tXTS OF CASUAL USERS OF SPEEDPOST C TO SUPPLEMENT A CUSTOMER’S CONTRACT SERVICE. +CN DEi'.AKD+ ITE ~ ,Y IE TED I . AT SPECIALLY DESIGNATED COUNTERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSI' SHA TSUI AND KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE .ITHCUT THE NEED TO MAKE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE POST OFFICE. FOR +ON DEMAND* ITEi S A FEE OF S20 IS PAYABLE IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC CHARGES.
CUSTOMERS .FISHING MORE IKFCC TIC! ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE POST OFFICE PE.- ECE T 7 IVE C’1 5-2671105.
/23
..EDI.ESDAY, P.ARCH 15, 1978
- 23 -
CAREERS SEMINARS END
ft ft K H ft
___A SERIES OF 12 CAREERS SEMINARS ORGANISED EY THE LABOUR DzFART: c\T S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE ENDED TODAY v. I TH THE LAST ONE BEING HELD IN YUE'.' LONG.
_ "H,CH EEGAr: FEBRUARY 23 ATTRACTED MORE THAN
3,333 toTUDtNTS FRO! SOME 63 SCHOOLS.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN DESCRIBED THE RESPONSE FROM PART IC I PA?,'TS AS + CST ENC0URAG1HG+,
+THERE WAS A GOOD FLO?.' OF lUESTICIS RANGING FROM SIMPLE ENTRY r>t«UIR=...ii.TS TO COMPLICATED SATELLITE TRANSMISSIONS, AND FROM SALARY SCALE TO MENTAL PRESSURE AS . ELL AS JOB SATISFACTION,* HE SAID.
+IT IS •NDtED HEARTENING TO FIND THAT THE YOUNG ARE SHOWING MOR= INTEREST I.' TRAILING FACILITIES THAN I Mi EDIATE MONETARY GA INS,+ HE ADDED.
TO HELP PARTICIPANTS
TO RETAI'' THE VALUABLE INFORMATION
TncY AvyUihED FROM THE SEMINARS, _ T-E BENEFIT OF THOSE '..HD MSoED THE OCCASION, THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE IS PUTTING OUT A ’CAREERS SPECIAL’ ’■ A. PHLET AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
IT ..ILL FEATURE TOPICS COVEf POINTS OF INTEREST BROUGHT UP D.Y
ED I'' iHE SEMINARS AND HIGHLIGHT 3.-ZC I AL I STS OF VARIOUS FIELDS.
THc ’CAREERS SPECIAL’ ISSUED I THE FORM OF A NEWSLETTER ..ILL DE -ISTRIEUTED TO ALL ScCO’-.DA.'Y 3CA0L3 AUD YOUTH CENTRES. STUDENTS ...HO .. ISH TO OETAI? A COPV ...IC ..'ILL EE DISTRIBUTE*. FREE OF CHARGE CN A ’FIRST COME Fl 57 3EF.VE0’ I S IS ARE INVITED TO CALL THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT .TO, Y O.E. .ICE ON 5-282523 EXT. 50 OR 3-322732.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT KWUN TONG ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TING ON STREET AND TING FU STREET, KWUN TONG WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FRO!’ 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 13) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE:-
ft THE SOUTHERNMOST SECTION OF TING ON STREET, SOUTH CF TING FU STREET, WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE-WAY TRAFFIC, IN THE SOUTHBOUND DIRECTION AND
ft ON THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF TING FU STREET THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE REVERSED FROM ONE-WAY NORTH;. EST-BOUU TO ONE-WAY SOUTHEAST-BOUND.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS ..ILL BE SET UP TC GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1973
CONTENTS PAGE N0-
FIRST ECONOMIC CENSUS ON HONG KONG TRADES ............... 1
GOVERNOR JOINS YOUTHS IN PEACH CLEAN-UP ...............
* 2
SIR DENYS VISITS U.S....................................
P’.VD AWARDS LANDSCAPING CONTRACTS ....................
SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES OPENS PO LEUNG KUK SCHOOL ............................................
TEACHERS TO ATTEND COURSE ON MUSHROOM CULTIVATION . •
AMS TO SHOW THEIR SKILLS ..............................
TEf-'PORARY ROAD CLOSURES .............................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1978
1 -
FIRST ECONOMIC CENSUS ON HONG KONG TRADES * * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONDUCTING IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS THE FIRST ECONOMIC CENSUS OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IM PORT/EXPORT TRADE AS WELL AS RESTAURANT AND HOTEL BUSINESSES.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WAS PART OF ITS CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME OF ECONOMIC CENSUSES COVERING ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY. THE DATA TC EE COLLECTED RELATE TO THE YEAR 1977 AND .'iOULD INCLUDE EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COST, OPERATING COSTS, PURCHASES, SALES, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND STOCK.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO ALL ESTABLISHMENTS IN THIS SECTOR EMPLOYING MORE THAN 23 PERSONS AS WELL AS TO A SAMPLE OF SMALLER CONCERNS RANDOMLY SELECTED.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO MANAGEMENTS OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING THESE QUESTIONNAIRES TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORMS BY JUNE 33, 1978, USING POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
+CENSUS OFFICERS CARRYING GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS WILL, UPON REQUEST, VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES,* HE SAID.
HE EMPHASISED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS ..ILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE AND.BE USED.SOLELY FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES. ... .......
+DATA OBTAINED FROM THE CENSUS WILL EE OF USE TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES IN DECISION-MAKING, TRADE PROMOTIONS, MARKET ANALYSIS, AND INTER-TRADE COMPARISONS. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN EVALUATION OF THIS SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG. KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT,* HE SAID.
THE CENSUS IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS ORDER, 1978, PROVIDED IN THE CENSUS ORDINANCE.
0
/2.....
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1973
2
NOTE TO EDITORS:
GOVERNOR JOINS YOUTHS IN CLEAN-UP OF NEW TERRITORIES BEACH
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL JOIN 70 MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND BOYS SCOUTS TO CLEAN-UP LA I CH I WO . LEACH I." THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SUNDAY (MARCH 19).
THE CLEANING UP OPERATION OF THE UNGAZETTED BEACH NEAR SHA TAU KOK .ILL START AT 10.30 A.M. AND FINISH AT 3.30 P.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD MEET GI3 OFFICERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR PARK IN FRONT OF THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT NOT LATER THAN 8 A.M. ON SUNDAY.
HOWEVER, THOSE USING THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD MEET GIS OFFICERS AT TAI PO KAU PIER AT 9.15 A.M.
IN ORDER THAT PROPER TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENT MAY EE MADE, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM MR. PETER CHOI OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AD' I’’I STR AT I OK (TEL. NO. 3-3502465 AND 3-0502485) BY 5 P.M. . TOMORROW (FRIDAY) THE NAMES OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- 0 - -
SIR DENYS VISITS U.S * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, LEFT HONG KONG THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON FOR AN EIGHT-DAY TOUR OF THE UNITED STATES TO PROMOTE HONG KONG AS A BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
DURING HIS TOUR, SIR DENYS WILL VISIT SAN FRANCISCO, LOS ANGELES AND CHICAGO AND MEET BUSINESSMEN AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CF THE THREE CITIES.
WHILE IN CHICAGO, SIR DENYS WILL ADDRESS A GROUP OF HIGH LEVEL BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
THE TOUR IS LINKED TO AN EFFORT BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO BOOST BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
SIR DENYS WILL RETURN ON MARCH 24.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1978 “ 3 “ - -
PWD AWARDS LANDSCAPING CONTRACTS
-ORE THAN 113,330 TREES AND SHRUBS ARE TO EE PLANTED IN SELECTED AREAS ALONG TUEN MUN ROAD TO BLEND THE CUT SLOPES INTO THE EXISTING COUNTRYSIDE.
THE WORK, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES AFTERCARE AND FERTILISATION, IS COVERED BY TWO LANDSCAPING CONTRACTS WHICH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED TO BLUET GARDEN.
THE TWO CONTRACTS ARE WORTH A TOTAL OF MORE THAN $3 MILLION.
MR. T.S. NG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS’MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT PLANTING WOULD EE CARRIED OUT DURING THE SPRING OF 1979 AND I960.
THIRTEEN DIFFERENT KINDS OF PLANTS, INCLUDING ACACIA CONFUSA, AL’iUS FORMOSANA AND PHYALLANTHUS EMELICA, MEASURING BETWEEN 35 CM AND 73 CM WOULD BE PLANTED.
MR. NG SAID THAT LANDSCAPING DONE PREVIOUSLY FOR OTHER ROAD PROJECTS AS Cl A PIECEMEAL BASIS.
+THIS IS THE FIRST TIME LANDSCAPING ON SUCH A LARGE SCALE HAS EVER BEEN CARRIED CUT EY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE,* HE SAID.
LEA '...'I- ILE, WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE $390 MILLION TUEN MUN ROAD IS NEARING COMPLETION. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC vITH IN TWO MONTHS. ...
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND STAGE WILL BEGIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT T.C-AND-A-HALF YEARS TCftMISH.
..HEN COMPLETED, THE 17“K ILOMETRE TUEN MUN ROAD WILL CONSIST OF A HIGH CAPACITY DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ROAD LINKING TSUEN WAN WITH TUEN . :U'.’ NEW TOWN IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1978
SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES OPENS SECOND PO LEUNG KUK SECONDARY SCHOOL * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. E.P. HO, TODAY PRAISED THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR ITS UNTIRING EFFORTS TO PROMOTE EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK WU CHUNG COLLEGE IN BILLOW STREET, TAI KOK TSUI, MR. HO SAID THAT, WITHIN A SHORT SPAN OF TIME, THE KUK HAD ESTABLISHED SIX PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS, PROVIDING SOME 13,300 AIDED SCHOOL PLACES.
THE NEW SCHOOL WILL HAVE FOUR FORM I CLASSES FOR 160 PUPILS TO START WITH, BUT BY 1981 THERE WILL EE 18 CLASSROOMS FOR 720 STUDENTS.
+ALL THESE SCHOOLS ARE RUN EFFICIENTLY AND HAVE PRODUCED STUDENTS WHO ACHIEVE IMPRESSIVE RESULTS,* MR. HO SAID.
+THIS IS CERTAINLY WELL APPRECIATED BY ME AND THE PUBLIC.*
MR. HO SAID THAT, AS A VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION ESTABLISHED BY THE CHINESE COMMUNITY, THE PC LEUNG KUK PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES WHICH HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIELDS OF SOCIAL WELFARE, EDUCATION, ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH, THE CARE OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AS WELL AS GIRLS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE. f
+THESE SERVICES ARE INVALUABLE TO THE COMMUNITY AND WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE DEDICATION OF THE KUK’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BOTH PAST AND PRESENT, AND THE SUPPORT IT HAS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
MR. HO THANKED MR. WU CHUNG AND HIS FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATIONS TO THE KUK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1978
5
BIOLOGY TEACHERS TO ATTEND COURSE ON MUSHROOM CULTIVATION
******
THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND T £ HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A +TALK AND WORKSHOP ON THE GROWING OF MUSHROOMS I.. SCHOOL LAEORATORIES+ AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ON SATURDAY ('ARCH 13) FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHERS AND Laboratory technicians.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. A.G. BROWN, WILL ADDRESS THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY .HIGH IS SCHEDULED AT 10 A.M.
DR. S.T. CHANG, READER IN BIOLOGY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, ./ILL GIVE A TALK ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF MUSHROOMS AND THE METHODS OF CULTIVATION, FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION AND A WORKSHOP. C: THE CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOMS IN SCHOOL LABORATORY USING AQUARIA AS CONTAINERS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE CHAIRED BY MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS. — •- •
ABOUT 233 PARTICIPANTS WILL ATTEND.
THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO ACQUAINT IN-SERVICE TEACHERS WITH THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF MICROBIOLOGY IN DAILY LIFE AND . ITH THE METHODS OF ACTUAL GROWING OF STRAW MUSHROOMS IN SCHOOL LABORATORIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 18) AT THE LECTURE HALL OF NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, BONHAM ROAD ANNEXE,
9A, BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/6
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 1978
, - : _ I J — L? I Tv i * O •
AMS TC SHOV THEIR SKILLS * * * *
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE WILL GIVE A DEMONSTRATION ON FIRST AID AND CASUALTY HANDLING TECHNIQUES AT 01 MAN ESTATE, HC .AN TIN, ON SUNDAY (MARCH 19)._________. ___________
THE FIRST-AID DEMONSTRATION ALONG WITH SOME ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, WHICH INCLUDE BAND MARCHING, SINGING AND A DRAGON DANCE, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE NO. 2 CAR PARK IN THE’ ESTATE AT 10 A.M.
AN AMS SUB-UNIT WILL ALSO BE FORMED IN THE ESTATE TO ATTRACT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE SERVICE SO THAT THEY CAN SERVE THEIR NEIGHBOURS IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY.
URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR. AMBROSE CHOI KWOK-CHING, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE BY AMS MEMBERS AND ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN ?!ORTH POINT AND SHEUNG WAN * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TWO STREETS IN NORTH POI"T AND SHEUNG WAN.
BOAT STREET IN NORTH POINT ..ILL ZE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BET.. 13 A.M. AND 11 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO FACILITATE CABLE LAYl •.0RK3.
IN SHEUNG WAN, THE SECTION OF BRIDGES STREET BETWEEN LADDER STREET AND TANK LANE WILL EE CLOSED BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY (MARCH 19) TO ENABLE A GAMES MEETING TO BE HELD BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR YOUTHS IM CENTRAL DISTRICT.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS ..ILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS IN THESE AREAS.
fl I o rn
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1978
CONTENTS ■ PAGE NO.
MORE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FROM APRIL ................. 1
MOTOR VEHICLE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL .... 3
INDUSTRIAL CENSUS FOR 1977 ............................... 4
ROLE OF PARAMEDICAL STAFF HIGHLIGHTED .................... 5
DIRECTOR OF TRADE OFF TO EUROPE FOR TALKS ................ 6
AIRPORT FLOWER SHOP TO LET........................... 7
MORE COUNTRIES TO START SPEEDPOST ........................ 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ....................................... 8
RELOCATION OF MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT OF
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT .................................... ’9
FIRING PRACTICE ............................................ 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1973
1
MORE SOCIAL SECURITY I IMPROVEMENTS FROM APRIL
* * * H H
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO IMPLEMENT AS FROM APRIL 1 FURTHER MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES WHICH WILL PROVIDE FOR NEW BENEFITS AND COVER MORE PEOPLE IN NEED OF WELFARE ASSISTANCE.
THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BENEFIT A MAJORITY OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS IN THE FORK OF OLD-AGE SUPPLEMENT, LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT, AND +DISREGARDED INCOME+ IN WORKING OUT THEIR AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE.
PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE WELFARE ALLOWANCE SCHEME, KNOWN AS THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME, ALSO INCLUDE THOSE LIVING IN INSTITUTIONS.
PREVIOUSLY WILL NOW-
IN ADDITION, AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL BOARD WILL BE SET UP TO PROVIDE A SPEEDY KEANS OF REDRESS FOR ANYONE WHO IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE SOCIAL .-.ELF ARE DEPARTMENT’S DECISIONS ON SOCIAL SECURITY APPLICATIONS.
ANNOUNCING THE IMPROVED SCHEMES, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (GENERAL), MR. STEPHEN LA.., SAID TODAY THEIR IMPLEMENTATION ,/OULD COST AN ESTIMATED 349 MILLION IN THE YEAR 1978-79. ...
MR. LAW SAID THEY WERE PART OF A PHASED PROGRAMME OF PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE GREEN PAPER CM SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
HE SAID THAT WHILE A SURVEY OF PUBLIC OPINION WAS CONTINUING ON THE GREEN PAPER AS A WHOLE, PARTICULARLY ON THE PROPOSED SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME, AN INTERIM ASSESSMENT HAS INDICATED BROAD ACCEPTANCE OF THESE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS WHICH WERE SUGGESTED FOR IMPLEMENTATION NEXT MONTH.AFTER SEEKING THE VIEWS OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO INTRODUCE THESE MEASURES ..ITHOUT DELAY.
DETAILS OF THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED NEXT MONTH ARE:
* OLD-AGE SUPPLEMENT —THIS ..ILL BE PAYABLE EACH MONTH TO THOSE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS AGED 60 AND OVER UNLESS THEY ARE RECEIVING A DISABILITY OR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE. THE AMOUNT ..ILL EE EQUAL TO THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WHICH IS NOW A MONTH. (FOR UNIFORMITY, THE RETIREMENT AGE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CLIENTS WILL GO UP FROM 55 TO 60).
* LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT — THIS ..ILL BE AN ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT OF 3533 FOR A FAMILY OP 3253 FOP A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAVE BEEK RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR. .•ORE THAN 12 '-’OLTHS, IN ORDER TO HELP REPLACE HOUSEHOLD AND DURABLE GOODS.
/» DISHEGABDED......
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1978
2
t DISREGARDED INCOME — I” 'DORKING OUT THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTA'IC FOR THOSE AGED OVE? 63 AND THOSE WHO ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER . ITS THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AS A CONDITION OF RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, THEIR FIRST .50 EARNINGS .ILL BE DISREGARDED ENTIRELY AND HALF OF THEIR NEXT j233 EAF’.'IL'GS .ILL ALSO ZE DISREGARDED. THIS WILL ALLOW A i'AXHIU" TOTAL OF .150 IN DISREGARDED INCOME A MONTH. ANY EARNINGS ABOVE 3253 ..ILL EE TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT AS ASSESSABLE INCOME. FOR EXAMPLE, IF AI! OLD PERSON TAKES UP A PART-TIME JOE AND EARNS 3283 A MONTH, 1.150 IS DISREGARDED AND THE RENAT TIG 3130 IS THE?.' CONSIDERED AS ASSESSABLE INCOME WHEN FORKING OUT THE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE. IN CASES ..'HERE 'ORE THAN CUE FAMILY MEMBER REPORTS MARGINAL EARNINGS, THEIR INCOMES ..OULD BE POOLED TO DETERMINE THE TOTAL AMOUNT GF DISREGARDED INCOME.
* EXTENSION OF THE .’ELFARE ALLOWANCE -- THE ALLOWANCE ..ILL "O'.. BE PAYABLE TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE, WHETHER OR iOT THEY ARE T I ,'STITUTIONAL CARE.
APPEAL BOARD -- THIS ..ILL BE A BOARD CONSISTING OF
UIICFF ICIALS, COMPRISING A CHAIRMAN AND TWO OTHER MEMBERS TO CONSIDER APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CM APPLICATIONS MADE FOR HELP UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OR THE .ELFARE ALLOWANCE SCHEME. HEARINGS WILL BE INFORMAL AID CONDUCTED IN CHINESE, WITHOUT LEGAL REPRESENTATION.
EXPLAINING THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS, HR. LAW SAID THE OLD-AGE SUPPLEMENT ..'.S DESIGNED TO HELP NEEDY CLD PERSONS WHO WERE NOT YET ELIGIBLE FOP. THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, FOR ..HIGH THE QUALIFYING AGE WAS NOV. 75.
THE LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT, HE SAID, AIMS AT MEETING MORE EFFECTIVELY THE HOUSEHOLD NEEDS OF FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS .vHO HAVE TO RELY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOE LONG PERIODS.
+AT PRESENT, IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THESE FAMILIES TO COPE WITH EXPENSES LIKE HOUSEHOLD REPLACEMENTS, AND A LUMP SUM EVERY YEAR .'.OULD EFFECTIVELY MEET SUCH NEEDS, + HE SAID.
MR. LAW SAID THE QUALIFYING LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT AS PROPOSED BE REDUCED TO ONLY 12 MONTHS.
PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS FOR THE IN THE GREEN PAPER WOULD NOW
REFERRING TO THE DISREGARDED II'COI'E PROVISION, HR. LAW SAID IT ..AS INTENDED AS AN INCENTIVE TO ENCOURAGE SELF-HELP AMONG THE NEEDY EY UtiDERTAK I NG SOME PART-TIME WORK.
+ IT IS CONSIDERED TO EE OF PARTICULAR VALUE TO A '.. IBC'.
WITH YOUNG CHILDREN WHO WISHES TO INCREASE HER INCOME, BUT ..HO IS UN.. ILL I NG OR UNABLE TO GO CUT TC WORK FULL TIME.
+ IT . ILL ALSO HELP AN ELDERLY PERSON .'HO '..OULD DOTH LIKE AID BENEFIT FROM A PART-TIME JOB BUT WOULD NATURALLY EXPECT TC EEK I' SOME FINANCIAL RETURN FROM HIS EFFORTS,* HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES ON THESE INNOVATIONS CAN EE .'ADE FROM AMY SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UI'IT.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1978
- 3 -
MOTOR VEHICLE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL
*****
A BILL, '/HIGH SETS OUT NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RECOVER FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES THE COST OF HOSPITAL CARE FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, IS PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, WHICH '/ILL EE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
UNDER THE BILL, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, RATHER THA' THE HOSPITALS THEMSELVES, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES EXPENSES INVOLVED IN TREATING VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHO ARE IN-PATIENTS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF INSURERS IN RESPECT OF IM-PATIENT HOSPITAL EXPENSES SHOULD BE $2,500. THIS LEVEL IS BASED APPROXIMATELY ON THE AVERAGE COST OF IN-
PATIENT TREATMENT FOR A PERIOD OF 15 DAYS IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL.
A SIMILAR PROCEDURE WILL APPLY IN GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, BUT THE COLLECTION OF EXPENSES WILL BE MADE THROUGH THEIR OWN HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT.
THE BILL EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR TO WAIVE AT HIS DISCRETION RECOVERY OF THE COST OF OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES OR INSTITUTIONS CARRYING THEIR OWN THIRD PARTY RISKS ARE ALREADY REQUIRED BY THE EXISTING LAW TO PAY SUCH EXPENSES.
+THE PRINCIPLE OF THIS PROVISION IS THAT SUCH EXPENSES SHOULD BE BORNE BY VEHICLE OWNERS THROUGH THEIR INSURERS, RATHER THAN BY TAXPAYERS AT LARGE THROUGH THE GENERAL REVENUE,* HE SAID.
THE CURRENT MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF INSURANCE COMPANIES IN RESPECT OF HOSPITAL EXPENSES, BASED ON THE COST OF IN-PATIENT TREATMENT IN 1951 WHEN THE ORDINANCE VAS FIRST ENACTED, IS FIXED AT *400.
I’ ACTUAL PRACTICE HOWEVER, GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAVE NOT RECOVERED THESE EXPENSES FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES IN THE PAST AS IT VAS THOUGHT THAT THE SUH THAT COULD BE RECOVERED DID '.’OT JUSTIFY THE COST OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES WHICH UNDER THE BILL HAVE NOW BEEN STREAMLINED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN CONSULTED ON' AND HAS AGREED TO THE PROPOSED REVISION OF THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF HOSPITAL EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY INSURANCE COMPANIES, /HIGH IN REAL TERMS HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE 1951.
IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE BILL WILL COME INTO EFFECT O' AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1978
4
INDUSTRIAL CENSUS 1977 * # * #
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS INDUSTRIAL CENSUS FOR THE YEAR COVERING MINING AND QUARRYING, CF ELECTRICITY AND GAS.
DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONDUCTING AN 1977 IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, MANUFACTURING, AND THE SUPPLY
A SPOKESMAN' FOF. THE DEPARTMENT SAID INFORMATION TO1 BE COLLECTED •OULD INCLUDE TYPE OF O’.'"E‘SH I ?, ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT BY NATIONALITY, NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED, LABOUR COST, CONTRACT AND COMMISSION. -ORK, PURCHASES OF MATERIALS AMD SUPPLIES, OPERATING EXPENSES, SALES -ND OTHER RECEIPTS, STOCKS, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND THE VALUE OF ALL ASSETS.
QUESTIONNAIRES WOULD DE SENT OUT DY THE END CF THIS'MONTH TO ABOUT 9,333 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS EMPLOYING MORE THAN 53 PERSONS AND TC A RANDO” SAMPLE OF THOSE CONCERNS I TH LESS THAN 50 EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID STATISTICS COLLECTED IN THE CENSUS WOULD HELP THE GOVERNMENT IN FORMULATING ECONOMIC POLICIES, AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES IN DEVISING PLAN’S FOR I I.'VESTI-'ENT AND BUSINESS EXPANSION.
+IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE USED FOR UPDATING THE INDUSTRIAL CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, AND FOR DEPICTING CHANGES IN THE TYPE OF COMMODITIES PRODUCED BY LOCAL INDUSTRIES,* HE ADDED. ’
He EMPHASISED THAT INFCRMAT10I! RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTAELISH-MeNTS -ILL BE TREATED II. THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE AND BE USED SOLELY FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS RECEIVING THE QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION li; THE CENSUS.
THEY ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORMS EY MAY 21, USING POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPES PROVIDED EY THE DEPARTMENT.
CENSUS OFFICERS CARRYING GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS WILL, UPON REQUEST, VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED AND ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 197?
5
ROLE OF PARAMEDICAL STAFF HIGHLIGHTED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY THAT PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL ’..'ERE PLAYING A VERY IMPORTANT RCLt IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY SUPPORT FOR THE HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE 12TH ANNUAL CAREERS MASTERS SEMINAR JOINTLY ORGANISED EY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS .MASTERS AND THE BANG SENG BANK THIS MORNING, DR. THONG SAID THAT PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL WERE ESSENTIAL MEMBERS CF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH TEAM, --■'PRISING DOCTORS, NURSES, MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND OTHER RELATE HEALTH WORKERS.
I?-’ >MU3£UtAR, HE SAID, THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC'SERVICES SUCH AS THE MEDICAL LABORATORIES, X-RAY DEPARTMENTS, DENTAL LABORATORIES AND THE PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC LABORATORIES COULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WITHOUT THEM.
DR. THONG SAID PARAMEDICALS ALSO CARRIED OUT ESSENTIAL DUTIES II: THE REHABILITATIVE SERVICES SUCH AS PHYS IOTHERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AS WELL AS NURSING AND MIDWIFE SERVICES.
_r.z POINTED CUT THAT THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ’cDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES I’.' HONG KONG SETS OUT CLEARLY THE -EJcCTIVES FOR SUBSTANTIAL EXPANSION CF THE SERVICES IN ORDER TO ENSURE BETTER FACILITIES AMD MORE EFFECTIVE COVERAGE OF CUR POPULATION.
IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SAID DR. THONG, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER CF . xDICAL PROJECTS AS DESCRIBED IN THE TEN YEAR MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WERE EXPECTED TO DE COMPLETED.
THESE WOULD INCLUDE THE PSYCHIATRIC WING OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL, THE SHA TIN HOSPITAL, THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL AND .NO LESS THAR EIGHT GENERAL CLINICS AND POLYCLINICS. IN ADDITION, THE ..HITE PAPER OX REHABILITATION SERVICES ENVISAGED CONSIDERABLE EXPANSION CF THE EXISTING SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED.
♦NATURALLY, THE DEVELOPMENT \i!D EXPANSION OF REHABILITATION AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES CF SUCH MAGNITUDE NECESSITATES AN INCREASING COMPLEMENT OF TRAINED MEDICAL AI!D PARAMEDICAL STAFF,+ SAP DR. THONG.
THE DIRECTOR SAID TRAINING FACILITIES ..ERE AT PRESENT AVAILABLE WITHIN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR CERTAIN GRADES OF PARAMEDICALS SUCH AS PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, RADIOGRAPHERS, MEDICAL LABOR.'TO “Y TECHNICIANS, DISPENSERS AND PROSTHETISTS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IN VIE,' CF THE SIZABLE REQUIREMENTS FOR MORE PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL, THE EXISTING FACILITIES WERE NOT THOUGHT TO EE ADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED DEMAND.
/TO provide.....
FRIDAY, MARCH 17» 1978
- 6 -
TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES, AN INSTITUE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE HAS BEEN' ESTABLISHED IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, ...ICH .ILL EE ORGAN'ISli'G COURSES FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, RADIOGRAPHERS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TEC "-IC IAN'S.
+ IT IS ENVISAGED THAT I TH SUCH TRAINING FACILITIES, THE TOTAL require.-e-:ts for p.,tamed ical personnel could be met to a considerable EXTE.T,+ SAID DR. THC"G.
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DIRECTOR OF TRADE OFF TO EUROPE FOR TALKS
******
MR. LAWRENCE "ILLS, DIRECTOR TOMORROW, (SATURDAY) FOR TALKS Of!
OF TRADE, LEAVES FOR EUROPE TRADE MATTERS.
HE IS TRAVELLING FIRST TO GENEVA FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH HR. PETE' TSAO, COUNSELLOR HONG KONG AFFAIRS IN GENEVA, AND I TH REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST CONCERNING THE MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
-PC THERE "R. ".ILLS '..'ILL TRAVEL TO BRUSSELS TO SEE MR. CLAUDE BURGESS, HONG KONG’S I NISTER FOR COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND "EMEER STATES. MR. MILLS ..ILL ALSO HOLD TALKS I TH EEC OFFICIALS ON VARIOUS TECHNICAL MATTERS REGA.-.DI .G THE OPERATION OF THE HK-EEC TEXTILE AGREEMENT.
THE!. FROM BRUSSELS MR. ."ILLS ..ILL TAKE SIX WEEKS’ LEAVE EEFORE RETURN'I NG TO HONG KONG IN EARLY MAY.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1973
FLOWER SHOP TO LET AT AIRPORT ******
THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A FLOWER SHOP TENANCY AT THE ARRIVAL HALL OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE SHOP, NO. 56A WHICH IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE AIRPORT INFORMATION COUNTER, IS FOR A TENANCY OF THREE YEARS STARTING ON OR ABOUT MAY 1, 1978.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE SECRETARY OF CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT OR THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER.
ALL TENDERS SHOULD EE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEFORE NOON ON MARCH 31.
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MORE COUNTRIES TO START SPEEDPOST ******
SEVEN MORE COUNTRIES, INCLUDING SUCH IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNERS OF HONG KONG AS CANADA, WEST GERMANY AND SWITZERLAND, WILL IMPLEMENT SPEEDPOST SERVICES BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
THIS JAS ANNOUNCED TODAY EY THE DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL, HR. A.C. HEATHCOTE, AT THE CLOSE OF THE VERY SUCCESSFUL 4TH INTERNATIONAL SPEEDPOST CONFERENCE HOSTE’S EY THE POST OFFICE AT THE SHERATON HOTEL.
THE OTHER FOUR COUNTRIES WHICH ..ILL BE IMPLEMENTING SPEEDPOST SERVICES ARE KUWAIT, NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, AND SWEDEN.
+SPEEDPOST HAS PROVED TO BE A MOST RELIABLE SERVICE FOR HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN AND THE EXTENSION OF' THIS PRIORITY SERVICE TO ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES ..ILL EE OF GREAT ASSISTANCE TO COMMERCE, + MR. HEATHCOTE SAID.
THE CONFERENCE WAS THE FIRST CF ITS K IND TO EE HELD IN HONG KONG AND JAS ATTENDED DY 33 DELEGATES FROM 1c POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 19 7~
8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS I” THREE DISTRICTS * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPART ENT HAS ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN KOWLOON AND OH . .- . G x - ,:G I SLA _ .
I' .OL'LCO: , THE T-3-..AY TRAFFIC C? THE SECTION OF CLEARWATER DAY -DAD NEAR THE CONSTRUCT 1O’ SITE OF CHOI ..AN ESTATE, PHASE I I A, ..ILL EE DEDUCED TO C"E LA ’ E DET..EEC ID P.i . AND 6 A.M. FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE IGHTS FRO.-: SUNDAY (MARCH 1?) TO FACILITATE THE const;uctr- of a focteridge.
EL IRC T.-IS PERIOD, TRAFFIC ON THIS SECTION OF CLEARWATER DAY "C.-.D .ILL DE DIRECTED DY MANUALLY OPERATED LIGHT SIGNALS.
MOTORISTS SOUND FOR KOWLOON ARE REQUESTED TO DRIVE CARE .-.HE' APPROACHING THIS ROAD SECTION.
WITH EXTRA
THE SITUATION ..’ILL RETURN TO NORMAL FROM 6 A.M. ON MARCH 23.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 13 A.M. OK MARCH 20 (MONDAY) THE SLIP ROAD AT WATERLOO ROAD JUNCTION '.. ITH BOUNDARY ST-EET .ILL DE CLOSED FCF ADOUT T..’O WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD A I TENAMCE WORKS.
EASTDOU’-’D TRAFFIC FRO" COL"" RY STREET . ISHING TC TRAVEL
C~Tr .1. T. IS SLIP ROAD ..ILL LE DIVERTED iORTHWARDS OK CUMBERLAND ROAD AND THE EASTWARDS C. LINCOLN ROAD TO 'EJOIL WATERLOO RCA-AT ITS JUNCTION -ITE LINCOLN’ ROAD.
MEANWHILE, CN HONG KONG PROHIBITED FRO' E TECH'S THE SHAU KEI .A FCC ID a.’’, OL
ISLAND, LEARNER DRIVERS -ILL EE ACCESS ROAD TO SHING ON VILLAGE IN "ARCH 23 (MONDAY).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGHS ..ILL EE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1973
9
RELOCATION OF MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT OF VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION ******
THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT OF THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE HAS NOW MOVED FROM ITS CAUSEWAY LAY OFFICE TO 132, CANTON ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE UNIT IS 3-660881.
THE AIM OF THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT IS TO ORGANISE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH THE TECHNIQUES IN THE USE OF AUDIO-VISUAL MEDIA IN TEACHING AND LEARNING.
THE UNIT ALSO HELPS TEACHERS TO DESIGN AND MAKE SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE TEACHING MATERIALS WITH LOCAL RESOURCES TO SUIT THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS IN CLASSROOMS. FACILITIES FOR PRODUCTION ARE AVAILABLE IN SUCH AREAS AS PHOTOGRAPHIC, REPROGRAPHIC, GRAPHIC, SCREEN PRINTING, PICTURE PRESERVATION, MODEL MAKING AND AUDIO RECORDING.
• THE UNIT IS OPEN FOR TEACHERS TO PREPARE AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCE MATERIALS ON WEDNESDAYS BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M. AND 2 P.M. TO 4.30 P.M. AND ON SATURDAYS BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 11.30 A.M.
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FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FOUR DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DATE HOURS
APRIL 17 (MONDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
APRIL 13 (TUESDAY) 3 A.M. - 5 P.M.
APRIL 1? (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
APRIL 25 (TUESDAY) 3 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1?78
CONTENTS ‘PAGE NO.
ADEQUATE PROVISION OF FAMILY PLA'" l''G CLINICS ........ 1
OVER 2,003 APPLY FOR REGISTRATIO AS URECO VOTERS .. 3
EXPLORATION OF NORTH LANTAU FORESHORE .................. 4
GOVERNOR TO MEET BRITISH ’-‘INISTER .................... 5
HEAD OF SPECIAL POLICE ADVISERS FROM UK RETURNS TO HK ..................................................... c
OPEN DAY AT VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF .......... 6
CULTIVATION OF "USHROOMS IN SCHOOL LABORATORIES .... 7
TOPLEY TO OPEN AIDS TO ENGLISH EXHIBITION FOR TEACHERS ............................................... ?
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1978
THERE MUST BE ADEQUATE PROVISION OF FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS, SAYS SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED ITS FIRST OVERALL REVIEW OF POLICIES RELATING TO THE GROWTH OF POPULATION IN HONG KONG AND HAS CONCLUDED THAT THERE MUST BE AN ADEQUATE PROVISION OF FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS.
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. E.P. HO, STATED THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A FAi ILY LIFE EDUCATION RESOURCE WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
■R. HO SAID THE GOVERNMENT .'AS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE VALUABLE SERVICES THAT THE FAI ILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION WAS RENDERING IN PROMOTING FAI ILY LIFE EDUCATION.
+'"C"2 ITS ....Y - •. ISEWORT Y Al S AND OBJECTIVES, THE
ASSOCIATION HAS SUCCESSFULLY E’..EAVCUFED TO TAKE A LEAD I.. EDUCATING THE PUBLIC — ESPECIALLY T..E YOUNG — IN THE FJELD OF FA ILY LIFE, POPULATION AND CONTRACEPTION' MATTERS AND ALSO TO COLLECT A D PRODUCE RESOURCE MATERIALS AND TO DISSEMINATE KNOWLEDGE OF FA: ILY PLAIN. I LG, FAMILY LIFE AND POPULATION,* MR. HQ SAID.
HE ADDED THAT, . I TH IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ASSUMED -FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROVISION OF FAMILY PLANNING FACILITIES I' ITS OWN CLINICS AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES FOLLOWING THE PIONEERING EFFORTS OF THE FAMILY FLAN'.'IMG ASSOCIATION. T E GOVERNMENT HAD MORE "ECENTLY COMPLETED THE FIRST OVERALL REVIE.. OF ITS POLICIES '.EL-'.TM'E TC T E GROWTH OF POPULATION II, HONG KONG. +OUR CONCLUSION IS THAT THERE MUST EE ADEQUATE PROVISION OF FAMILY PLAN": I NG CLINICS.+
MR. HO SAID THAT, IN ADDITION, MEASURES SHOULD ALSO EE TAKEN TO PROMOTE THE TEACHING OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
+IT MUST BE REALISED, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT MORE AND . ORE GIRLS ARE REACH I’’G THE CHILD BEA" TIG E D . E CAW CT AFF'RD TO EE COMPLACENT,* E SAID.
THE RECENT GREEN PAPER 0" THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONAL SOCIAL iCT.K AMONG YOU’C "EOPLE 1.....0 WG ALSO RECOGNISED
THAT, IM A FAST E OLVI'C B'CIETY LI..E OURS, FW’ILY LIFE EDUCATION SERVICES I . IDE' W £'E ' EEDEO W ;
CONTINUING BASIS.
/ON THE CLINICAL
SATURDAY, MARCH, 18, 1978
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ON THE CLINICAL SIDE, HR. HO SAID THERE HAD BEEN A VERY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE "DDE'S OF PEOPLE ATTENDING CLINICS. AT PRESENT A REASONABLY COMPREHENSIVE DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH CLINICS EXISTED ..'I TH!' THE URBAN AREA, BUT THERE WAS STILL SCOPE FOR IMPROVING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE AND FOR ENCOURAGING THEIR USE BY MEANS OF VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS AND MASS MEDIA PROGRAMMES.
+l AM PLEASED TO NOTE,* HE CONTINUED, +THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER OF SCHOOLS ARE NOW CONDUCTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES. LAST YEAR, I BELIEVE, THEY '.'EFE ATTENDED BY 45,332 STUDENTS.+
THESE PROGRAMMES, HOWEVER, ARE LOT CONFINED TO CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS : CHINESE TELEVISIO" CHANNELS ARE CURRENTLY SCREENING 12 ..EEKLY PROGRAMMES E"TITLED ’UNDER THE SAME ROOF’ WHICH ARE PRODUCED BY RTHK IN CO-OPEL. .TI OH I TH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. FURTHERMORE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE ALSO ORGANISING SEMINARS, GROUP DISCUSSIONS, EXHIBITIONS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS TO H*L? ADULTS UNDERSTAND THE ADVANTAGES THAT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAN OCT IDUTE TOWARDS A HAPPY ENVIRONMENT.
+TO ENSURE THAT THIS VERY SENSITIVE SUBJECT IS PUT ACROSS SUCCESSFULLY, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE PROGRAMMES ARE EFFECTIVELY PRODUCED. THE OBJECT OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION RESOURCE .'ORKSHOP IS TO BRING TOGETHER ALL THOSE WHO ..ILL PARTICIPATE IL THESE PROGRAMMES, BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT, AND TO DEMONSTRATE THE VARIOUS TEACHING METHODS AND FACILITIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.*
MR. HO SAID HE HOPED THAT ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES ;.CULD TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPO'TUI! ITIES T .. T THE WORKSHOP OFFERED AND PAID TRIBUTE TO THE N Y "B"DERZ OF THE FA' ILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION +WHC DEVOTE SO MUCH OF THEIR C..L TINE AND ENERGY TO SUCH A ..ORTH HILE CAUSE : : ELP ING TO MAKE HONG KONG A HAPPIER PLACE TO LIVE l".+
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/3
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1978
OVER 2030 APPLY FOR REGISTRATION AS URECO VOTERS IL1 ONE MONTH
K H H
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATION'S RECEIVED FROM WOULD-BE VOTERS SINCE THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION REGISTRATION CYCLE BEGAN A MONTH AGO HAS NOW TOPPED THE 2,330 MARK.
+THIS REPRESENTS NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NEW VOTERS REGISTERED DURING THE LAST REGISTRATION CYCLE IN 1976,+ SAID MR. KUO KET-CHEN, REGISTRATION OFFICER FOR THE 1978 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION REGISTRATION AND SEXENNIAL INQUIRY.
SO FAR, 13,239 VOTERS WHO ARE ON THE CURRENT REGISTER HAVE RETURNED THE COMPLETED SEXENNIAL INQUIRY FORMS TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER. THE TOTAL NU" EER OF VOTE’S ON THE REGISTER IS 37,174.
+WE HOPE MORE PEOPLE ..ILL GIVE THEIR SUPPORT BEFORE THE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JUNE 15,+ .'R. KUO ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAM OBTAIN REGISTRATION FORMS'FROM ALL POST OFFICES, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES IM THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HEAD ARD BRANCH OFFICES OF THE IMMIGRATION-DEPARTMENT AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE. THESE FORMS KAY EE COMPLETED r: EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE.
MR. KUO ALSO REMINDED REGISTERED VOTERS THAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO A CHOICE OF POLLING STATION'S.
+THE FACILITY E'OADLI'G ELECTORS TO STATE THEIR PREFERENCE OF POLLING STATIONS ..AS IMPLEMENTED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE VOTERS SO THAT THEY COULD CAST THEIR VOTES NEAR THEIR PLACES OF WORK OR RES IDE'.'CE, + HE EXPLAINED.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, "EXT YEAR’S URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION WILL DE SPREAD OVER 13 POLLING STATIONS, .. ITS FOUR OR HORS KOHS ISLAND, SIX I" KO LOCI AND THREE IN THE "E, TERRITORIES.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1978
4
EXPLORATION OF NORTH LANTAU FORESHORE
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED TENDERS FOR THE EXPLORATION OF SOIL CONDITIONS ALONG THE FORESHORE OF NORTH LANTAU.
MR. WONG WAN-MING, ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, SAID _ THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS AIMED AT OBTAINING INFORMATION.ON GEOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE FORESHORE.
♦THE RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR STUDYING THE ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING NORTH LANTAU,+ HE SAID.
THE INVESTIGATION WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR. WONG SAID THAT THIS WOULD BE THE SECOND SITE INVESTIGATION TO BE CARRIED OUT ON NORTH LANTAU.
WORK ON THE FIRST ONE, WHICH IS FOR INVESTIGATION ON LAND, WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT TEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
COVERING THE AREA BETWEEN THE KAP SHU I MUN CHANNEL AND TUNG CHUNG, IT FORMED THE FIRST STEP IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING THE NORTH LANTAU COAST, MR. WONG SAID.
RESULTS OBTAINED WOULD BE USED TO COMPILE COMPREHENSIVE SOILS INFORMATION IN THE AREA NECESSARY FOR DETAILED ENGINEERING STUDIES.
THE SOIL EXPLORATIONS HAVE BEEN PLANNED AND THE WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE P.W.D.
/5
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1978
- 5 -
GOVERNOR TO MEET BRITISH MINISTER * * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL MEET THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD G0R0WY-R0BERT3, AT THE AIRPORT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) EVENING WHEN HE MAKES.A BRIEF STOPOVER IN HONG KONG ON HIS WAY TO THE PHILIPPINES*
LORD GORONWY-ROEERTS IS DUE TO ARRIVE ON A BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHT AT 5.05 P.M. AND DEPART FOR MANILA AT 6.50 P.M.
HE IS TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR THREE DAYS ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT BEFORE FLYING TO KUALA LUMPUR WHERE HE WILL SPEND TWO.DAYS.
LORD GORONWY-ROEERTS WILL LEAVE KUALA LUMPUR ON MARCH 24 TO RETURN TO LONDON.
HEAD OF SPECIAL POLICE ADVISERS FROM UK RETURNS TO HONG KONG TODAY
* * *
MR. J.W.D. CRANE, HEAD OF THE THREE-MAN TEAM OF SPECIAL POLICE ADVISERS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, RETURNED TO HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY).
CRANE'S
ALFRED WALLEN
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, DURING MR.
ABSENCE. HIS TWO COLLEAGUES, CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ------ ----
AND CHI^F SUPERINTENDENT ERIC HUMPHREY, HAD CARRIED OUT EXTENSIVE
STUDIES INTO ALL ASPECTS OF THE WORKINGS AND STRUCTURE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND WOULD BE DISCUSSING THEIR FINDINGS
WITH MR. CRANE.
0 -------
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1978
f> -
VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL FOR * * * *
THE DEAF OPEN DAY
MISS ELIZABETH ROWE, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (SPECIAL EDUCATION), TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SCHOOL, THE STAFF AND THE PUPILS OF VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF FOR THE QUALITY OF THE WORK THEY HAD ACHIEVED IN +ONE OF THE MOST DEMAND I NG.TASKS IN EDUCATION.+
SPEAKING AT THE OPEN DAY HELD AT THE SCHOOL THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON, MISS ROWE SAID THE SCHOOL OVER THE LAST.18 YEARS HAD EXPANDED ITS FACILITIES AND ESTABLISHED TWO SPECIAL CLASSES FOR DEAF CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL HANDICAPS.
SHE NOTED THAT THE PROGRESS THESE CHILDREN WERE MAKING IN THE SPECIAL CLASSES WAS CONVINCING PROOF OF THE CAPABILITY OF THESE SEVERELY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN TO BENEFIT FROM EDUCATION.
MISS ROWE ADDED: +IT WILL ALSO SERVE AS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ALL PARENTS WHO SUSPECT THEIR CHILD MAY HAVE HEARING IMPAIRMENT, OR INDEED ANY OTHER PROBLEMS, TO SEEK ADVICE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. TECHNIQUES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR ASSESSING HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN BABIES AS YOUNG AS SIX MONTHS AND THE EARLIER A CHILD CAN BE ASSESSED THE EARLIER REMEDIAL TREATMENT CAN BE STARTED AND FULL USE MADE OF THE CHILD’S RESIDUAL HEARING.
+AS A RESULT OF THE HIGH STANDARD OF WORK BEING ACHIEVED IN THE SCHOOL, SEVERAL PUPILS EACH YEAR ARE NOW MAKING SUFFICIENT PROGRESS IN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT TO BE ABLE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO SPECIAL CLASSES IN ORDINARY PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THIS IS MOST ENCOURAGING.*
MISS ROWE ALSO POINTED OUT THE FACT THAT SO MANY PUPILS WERE NOW SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATED IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE SKILL AND DEDICATION OF THE STAFF OF THIS SCHOOL.
IN HER ADDRESS, THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL, MRS. KATHERINE LEUNG, THANKED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE GUIDANCE” THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR THE ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING HEARING AIDS AND AUDIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT” THE Y.W.C.A. FOR PROVIDING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE, AND THE VARIOUS SCHOOLS, PARTICULARLY ST. STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE AND THE RED CROSS CADETS, FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHOOL’S INTEGRATION PROGRAMMES.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1978
MUSHROOM CULTIVATION IN SCHOOL LABORATORIES ******
MR. ARTHUR BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), TODAY SAID THE PRODUCTION OF STRAW MUSHROOMS COULD INCREASE IN THE WORLD’S SUPPLY OF PROTEIN.
OPENING AN EXHIBITION-WORKSHOP ON +THE CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOMS IN SCHOOL LABORATORIES* AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE, MR. BROWN SAID THAT 40 PER CENT OF THE DRY WEIGHT OF STRAW MUSHROOMS IS PROTE IN.
+AS YOU KNOW THERE IS A LACK OF PROTEIN FOOD IN THE WORLD TODAY. PERHAPS THE PRODUCTION OF STRAW MUSHROOMS SHOULD EASE THE WORLD’S PROBLEM OF PROTEIN SUPPLY,+ HE SAID.
THE WORKSHOP WAS ATTENDED BY DR. P.G. MILES FROM THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO, DR. BOB CALLOW FROM THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, AND OTHER SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS. IT WAS ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION,
DR. S.T. CHANG, READER IN BIOLOGY AND DEAN OF SCIENCE FACULTY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, GAVE AH ILLUSTRATED TALK ON THE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF MUSHROOMS AND THEIR CULTIVATION IN SCHOOLS. MRS. LOUISE 40K, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS CHAIRED THE SEMINAR.
CALLING BIOLOGY A +LIVING PRACTICAL SUBJECT+ WHICH REQUIRED BOTH BRAIN AND HAND WORKING TOGETHER, MR. BROWN DESCRIBED THE ROLE OF THE BIOLOGY TEACHER AS NOT ONLY MAKING THE SUBJECT INTERESTING BUT ALSO RELATING ITS STUDY TO OUR DAILY LIVES.
+WE APPRECIATE THAT TOPICS SUCH AS THE NITROGEN CYCLE, CARBON CYCLE, RECYCLING OF WASTES, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF FOOD SUPPLY HAVE BEEK RECEIVING THEORETICAL TREATMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS. IT IS GRATIFYING TO SEE THE POSSIBILITY OF FORMULATING A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO THESE TOPICS BY INTRODUCING THE CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOMS IN OUR SCHOOL LABORATOR IES,+ HE SAID.
MRS. MOK, IN HER ADDRESS, REFERRED TO THE CHANGE IN SCHOOLS AWAY FROM THE +CHALK AND TALK* METHOD TO THE NEW EMPHASIS ON EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH. +THE WORKSHOP WOULD PROVIDE US WITH THE NECESSARY SKILLS AND MATERIALS IN CULTIVATING STRAW MUSHROOMS WHICH ARE LOCAL LIVING MATERIALS,* SHE SAID.
THE WORKSHOP HAD AROUSED A LOT OF INTEREST AMONG TEACHERS AND THE PUBLIC, MRS. MOK ADDED. MORE THAN 220 TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS HAD APPLIED FOR THIS COURSE, BUT THE LIMITED LABORATORY ACCOMMODATION HAD FORCED THE ORGANISERS TO ACCEPT ONLY ABOUT 50 PARTICIPANTS FOR THE WORKSHOP.
MRS. MOK MENTIONED THAT IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC ENQUIRIES, THE HONG KONG COMMITTEE FnR SCIENTIFIC CO-ORDINATION WOULD SOON ARRANGE A PUBLIC LECTURE O’* THE +CULTIVATION OF STRAW MUSHROOMS* BY DR. S.T. CHANG AND HIS COLLEAGUES AT THE CITY HALL AS PART OF THE ’POPULAR SCIENCE’ SERIES.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1978
8
TOPLEY TO OPEN AIDS TO ENGLISH EXHIBITION FOR TEACHERS * X X * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING TWO EXHIBITIONS ON +AIDS TO ENGLISH* FOR TEACHERS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE HELD SEPARATELY AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRES ON HONG KONG AND IN KOWLOON BETWEEN MARCH 21 AND APRIL 8.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, WILL OPEN THE EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG CENTRE AT 9A, BONHAM ROAD ON TUESDAY (MARCH 21). IT WILL BE ON UNTIL MARCH 29.
THE EXHIBITION AT KOWLOON WILL BE HELD AT 1, MA TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN APRIL 3 AND 8.
BOTH EXHIBITIONS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M. DAILY, EXCEPT ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE TAPED TEACHING MATERIALS, LANGUAGE PRACTICE KITS, POLYSTYRENE FOAM MODELS, SLIDE-PICTURE SERIES AND OTHER TYPES OF AIDS PRODUCED BY SCHOOL TEACHERS, INSPECTORS OF ENGLISH, AND OFFICERS OF THE CENTRES.
ACCOMPANYING EACH EXHIBIT WILL BE INFORMATION ON ITS PRODUCTION, COST AND USE. DEMONSTRATION IN THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF EXHIBITS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN BY OFFICERS OF THE CENTRES.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE +AIDS TO ENGLISH EXHIBITION* AT 10.30 A.M. ON MARCH 21 AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
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PRH 7
IgisI Wm
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1979
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR HELPS CLEAN BEACH IN NT ................;. 1
PUBLIC VIEWS ON DISABILITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME.URGED .. 2
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TELEPHONE SERVICES REPORT .... 3
HONG KONG’S IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE FIGURES FOR 1976 AND 1977 ........................................... 4
MORE DISABLED FOUND JOBS IN FEBRUARY ............... 6
TENDERS FOR SEWAGE PUMPING STATION ................ 7
FIRING PRACTICE .................................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
1
GOVERNOR HELPS CLEAN BEACH IN NT
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (SUNDAY) JOINED 70 MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND BOY SCOUTS IN CLEANING UP LAI CHI WO BEACH NEAR SHA TAU KOK.
SIR MURRAY ARRIVED AT THE UNGAZETTED BEACH AT 10.30 A.M. AND WAS MET BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR. CLIVE OXLE-Y AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR. HARNAM GREWAL.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO RENEW HIS ACQUAINTANCE MlTH THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. LAU YAM-MAN, THE 1ST VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR. LAU TIN-FUK AND THE 2ND VICE-CHAIRMAN, \MR. YIP SING, WHOM HE HAD MET DURING THE CLEANING UP.OF THE.BEACH LAST YEAR.
SIR MURRAY WAS ALSO INTRODUCED TO OTHER VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE AREA.
JOINING THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS HEADED BY THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER (FRONTIER), CHIEF INSPECTOR CHAN PO-KWONG AND BOY SCOUTS LED BY THEIR NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR. CHEUNG CHI-FAN, WERE STUDENTS FROM THE LOCAL SIU YING PRIMARY SCHOOL.
AFTER A BRIEF CHAT WITH THE WELCOMING PARTY, SIR MURRAY GOT DOWN TO WORK. HE WAS JOINED BY THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND RURAL LEADERS.
THE CLEANING UP OPERATION, ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, LASTED FIVE HOURS AND A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF BASKETS OF LITTER WERE PICKED UP AND BURNT AT SELECTED POINTS ON THE BEACH.
IN APPRECIATION OF THE ENTHUSIASM AND CIVIC MINDEDNESS OF THE YOUNGSTERS AND RURAL LEADERS, THE GOVERNOR LATER TREATED THEM TO A PICNIC LUNCH IN THE VILLAGE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND.
0
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
2 -
PUBLIC VIEWS ON DISABILITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME URGED ******
A SENIOR SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICIAL TODAY CALLED ON THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO EXPRESS FULLY THEIR VIEWS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE DEAF.
SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MRS. ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID SHE WOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR VIEWS WERE THOROUGHLY STUDIED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN DECIDING ON WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST POLICY FOR THE FUTURE.
MRS. GOODSTADT, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION DIVISION, WAS ADDRESSING A FORUM ON ’DISABILITY ALLOWANCE FOR THE DEAF’ ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE DEAF.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS SUPPOSED TO SERVE THE PUBLIC AND THIS COULD BEST BE DONE WHEN MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS STRONGLY AND CLEARLY.
+IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE DOING AND WHAT YOUR REASONS ARE FOR WANTING THE . _ GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE ITS POLICIES OR TO CONTINUE WITH THE PRESENT POLICIES,+ SHE TOLD THE FORUM.
GIVING AN OUTLINE OF THE DISABILITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME, MRS. GOODSTADT SAID IT WAS A FLAT-RATE, NON-CONTRIBUTORY.AND NON-MEANS-TESTED ALLOWANCE FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED WHO FORMED THE MOST VULNERABLE GROUP IN THE COMMUNITY.
THIS ALLOWANCE, SHE SAID, AIMS AT PROVIDING EXTRA-CASH TO A FAMILY WITH THE BURDEN OF CARING FOR A DISABLED MEMBER, ENCOURAGING THE FAMILY TO CONTINUE CARING FOR THE DISABLED AT HOME WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, AND ENABLING THE BENEFICIARY TO MAKE SOME CONTRIBUTION TO THE FAMILY ’BUDGET’ THUS MAKING HIM FEEL LESS OF A BURDEN.
MRS. GOODSTADT SAJD THE SCHEME COVERED PERSONS WHO WERE CERTIFIED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES. AS SEVERELY DISABLED - THOSE WHO ARE PHYSICALLY INJURED OR BLIND, WHO ARE IN DISABLING PHYSICAL OR MENTAL CONDITION, OR WHO REQUIRE CONSTANT ATTENDANCE.
SHE MENTIONED TWO IMPORTANT POINTS UNDER THE SCHEME. THE FIRST IS THAT THE DISABILITY MUST BE EQUIVALENT TO 100 PER CENT LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY AND THE SECOND IS THAT THE PERSON MUST ALSO BE MEDICALLY CERTIFIED AS LIKELY TO BE SEVERELY DISABLED FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR AN ALLOWANCE.
AT PRESENT, SHE SAID, ANY ELIGIBLE DISABLED PERSON OR CHILD IS ENTITLED TO THE FULL RATE OF DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, WHICH IS $200 A MONTH, THE SAME AS THE SCALE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
+IT IS LINKED WITH THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCALE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEW AND INCREASES CORRESPONDINGLY WHENEVER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES ARE INCREASED,* SHE SAID.
/3.....
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SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
- 3 -
REPORT ON ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TELEPHONE SERVICES PUBLISHED * * * * *
THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY CONNECTS 94 PER CENT OF ALL APPLICANTS WITHIN SEVEN WORKING DAYS OF RECEIVING A REQUEST FOR SERVICE, ACCORDING TO THE 19TH PERIODICAL REPORT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TELEPHONE SERVICES (ACTS) COVERING THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1976 TO OCTOBER 31, 1977.
THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS THIS AS +SATISFACTORY+.
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE ACTS IS CONCERNED THAT A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF APPLICANTS FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE HAVE HAD TO WAIT A NUMBER OF MONTHS FOR INSTALLATION OF A TELEPHONE,+ ADDS THE REPORT.
+THIS WAS PARTICULARLY TRUE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHERE DELAYS OCCURRED FOR VARIOUS REASONS SUCH AS WHEN LANDOWNERS CANNOT BE TRACED OR REFUSE TO CONSENT TO A CABLE BEING LAID ACROSS THEIR PROPERTY.*
THE COMMITTEE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS NO OVERALL CO-ORDINATING BODY WITHIN GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE RAPID PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR LAYING TELEPHONE CABLES OR ERECTING TELEGRAPH POLES AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT EXAMINE IN DETAIL ITS ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES WITH A VIEW TO STREAMLINING THEM.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THIS RECOMMENDATION WAS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION.
THE REPORT STATES THAT A SUB-COMM ITTEE HAS BEEN ENGAGED IN EXTENDING THE TELEPHONE NETWORK TO; REMOTE AREAS~OF THE NEW . TERRITORIES AND TO OUTLYING ISLANDS. FOUR NEW TELEPHONE EXCHANGES WERE OPENED IN THE PAST YEAR +MARKING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF MAXIMUM REQUIRED PENETRATION OF THE TELEPHONE NETWORK THROUGHOUT THE RURAL AREAS.* —
THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED A PROPOSAL TO PRODUCE A COMBINED HONG KONG/KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES BUSINESS DIRECTORY ANNUALLY AND FOR SEPARATE RESIDENTIAL DIRECTORIES TO BE ISSUED EVERY TWO YEARS, BUT DECIDED IT SHOULD NOT BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE TESTING PUBLIC DEMAND.
THE TELEPHONE COMPANY HAS ACCORDINGLY AGREED TO BRING FORWARD PUBLICATION OF THE NEXT RESIDENTIAL DIRECTORY FOR HONG KONG ISLAND.
WITH REGARD TO FUTURE EXPANSION OF THE TELEPHONE NETWORK AND THE PURCHASE OF NEW EXCHANGE EQUIPMENT, THE REPORT STATES THAT THE COMMITTEE IS +REASONABLY SATISFIED* THAT THE TELEPHONE COMPANY HAS THE SITUATION UNDER CONTROL.
THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE ACTS INTRODUCED A 24-HOUR RECORDED TELEPHONE COMPLAINTS SERVICE IN FEBRUARY, 1977, FOR A ONE-YEAR TRIAL PERIOD. A TOTAL OF 171 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED UP TO THE END OF OCTOBER, 1977, EACH OF WHICH WAS THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND A FULL EXPLANATION GIVEN TO THE COMPLAINANT.
/+THE COMPLAINTS .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
4 -
+THE COMPLAINTS SERVICE HAS BEEN USED LESS FREQUENTLY WITH THE PASSING OF TIME AND, AS A RESULT OF EXAMINING THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED SO FAR, THE ACTS CONSIDERS THAT THIS SERVICE IS NOT ESSENTIAL,+ THE REPORT STATES. THE ACTS IS GIVING CONSIDERATION TO ENDING THIS SERVICE FROM JUNE.
THE REPORT CONCLUDES BY RECOMMENDING:
* THAT THE POSTMASTER GENERAL SHOULD HOLD REGULAR FORMAL MEETINGS WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF TELEPHONE SERVICE AND EQUIPMENT- AND
* THAT THE FUNCTIONS AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE CHANGED IN VIEW OF THE MONITORING OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY PERFORMED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
A GoyERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAD ALREADY BEEN ACCEPTED.
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MARKET SHARE DISTRIBUTION OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS AND IMPORTS 1976 AND 1977
* X *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY ISSUED TRADE FIGURES SHOWING THE MARKET SHARE DISTRIBUTION OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS IN 1976 AND 1977.
ACCORDING TO THE ..STATISTICS, THE I INI JED STATEJS* -HhKQ.tKlAGE SHARE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE FROM 34.4 PER CENT IN 1976 TO 38.7 PER CENT IN 1977.
A SLIGHT INCREASE OF 0.2 PERCENTAGE SHARE WAS ALSO RECORDED LAST YEAR IN THE
POINT IN THE MARKET CASE OF SINGAPORE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EIGHT OUT OF THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS SAW A DECLINE IN THEIR MARKET SHARES OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS LAST YEAR.
AS REGARDS THE MARKET SHARE DISTRIBUTION OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC IMPORTS, JAPAN REMAINED THE MAJOR SUPPLIER WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 21.6 PER CENT IN 1976 AND 23.7 PER CENT IN 1977.
THE INCREASE MAINLY COMPRISED RAW MATERIALS AND CAPITAL GOODS.
THE FOLLOWING TWO TABLES SHOW THE TOP TEN MARKETS FOR HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS BY VALUE IN 1976 AND 1977:-
/MAJOR MARKETS .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
5
PERCENTAGE SHARE OF
MAJOR MARKETS HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS
1976 1977
U.S.A. 34.4% 38.7%
F.R. OF GERMANY 12.2% 10.5%
UNITED KINGDOM 10.1% 8.7%
JAPAN 4.3% 4.0%
AUSTRALIA 4.2% 3.6%
CANADA 4.3% 3.3%
SINGAPORE 2.4% 2.6%
NETHERLANDS 2.3% 2-2%
SWEDEN 2.2% 1.7%
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 2.0% 1.6%
PERCENTAGE SHARE OF
MAJOR SUPPLIERS HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC IMPORTS
1976 1977
JAPAN 21.6% 23.7%
CHINA 17.9% 16.6%
U.S.A. 12.3% 12.5%
TAIWAN 7.1% 6.7%
SINGAPORE 5.8% 5.9%
UNITED KINGDOM 4.2% 4.5%
SOUTH KOREA 3.8% 3.5%
F.R. OF GERMANY 3.0% 3.0%
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 2.6% 2.7%
AUSTRALIA 2.1% 2.0%
MEANWHILE, WHEN EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE IMPORTS OF HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS IN 1976, HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS CONSTITUTED 0.5 PER CENT FOR JAPAN AND THE NETHERLANDS, COMPARED TO ONE PER CENT FOR F.R. OF GERMANY, CANADA, SWEDEN AND SWITZERLAND, 1.4 PER CENT FOR U.K., TWO PER CENT FOR THE U.S., 2.4 PER CENT FOR SINGAPORE AND 2.6 PER CENT FOR AUSTRALIA.
FIGURES FOR 1977 WILL BE AVAILABLE LATER.
/6.....
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
- 6 -
MORE DISABLED FOUND JOBS IN FEBRUARY * * * * *
placement unit of the social welfare DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH (FEBRUARY) FOUND JOBS FOR 31 DISABLED PERSONS, BRINGING TO 429 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL JOB PLACEMENTS SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY AMONG THOSE PLACED TO WORK DURING FEBRUARY WERE FIVE BLIND, 13 PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, SIX DEAF, TWO EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AND FIVE MENTAL RETARDATES.
HE SAID MOST OF THEM WERE ENGAGED IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FIELDS AS GENERAL WORKERS, ASSEMBLERS AND MACHINE OPERATORS, WHILE OTHERS WERE EMPLOYED AS TYPISTS AND TELEPHONE OPERATORS.
+THEY ARE PAID EITHER MONTHLY SALARIES RANGING FROM $520 TO $940, OR AT A DAILY RATE AVERAGED AT $19, WITH ONE GETTING A DAILY WAGE AS HIGH AS $80,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MORE AND MORE EMPLOYERS WERE REALISING THAT DISABLED PERSONS COULD WORK JUST AS WELL AS ANY ABLED PERSON.
THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT WAS STARTED IN 1967 WHEN IT FOUND JOBS FOR 46 DISABLED PERSONS, COMPARED WITH 526 DURING THE YEAR 1976-77.
+S0 FAR, THE UNIT HAS FOUND JOBS FOR A TOTAL OF 3,062 DISABLED PERSONS,+ HE SAID.
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/?
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
7 -
TENDERS FOR SEWAGE PUMPING STATION
******
A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION IS TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO SHORTLY TO SERVE THE FIRST PHASE OF THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE TOWN.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM FOR THE AREA, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
MR. BERNARD NEWMAN, GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), SAID THAT THE WORK, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE THE LAYING OF A RISING MAIN ALONG TING KOK ROAD, WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY AND TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THAT THE EIGHT-METRE-HIGH PUMPING STATION, WITH TWO LEVELS BELOW GROUND, WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED IN REINFORCED CONCRETE.
IT WOULD ACCOMMODATE FOUR PUMPS AND INCORPORATE AN ELECTRICITY TRANSFORMER ROOM, STAFF WASHROOMS AND A VENTILATION SYSTEM.
+THE RISING MAIN PIPELINE WHICH IS TO BE LAID UNDER THE FOOTWAY AND VERGE ALONG TING KOK ROAD WILL BE 1,560 METRES LONG AND WILL BE CONNECTED TO A GRAVITY SEWER LEADING TO THE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT PRESENT UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE,+ MR. NEWMAN SAID.
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE DEVELOPMENT IN TAI PO, WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1980, WOULD TAKE PLACE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TING KOK ROAD, NEAR THE VILLAGE OF NAM HANG ON LAND RECLAIMED FROM TOLO HARBOUR. IT WOULD INCLUDE THE TAI YUEN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR 32,000 PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED, AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED, BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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/8.....
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1978
- 8 -
FIRING PRACTICE
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DATE HOURS
MARCH 21 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 11 P.M.
MARCH 22 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 11 P.M.
MARCH 23 (THURSDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 5 P.M.
PRH 7
i-h i» |gis| Iffigia
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO VISIT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN NT . 1
HONG KONG NEEDS COMPETENT TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN ........................................ 2
EASTE° HOLIDAY TRAIN SCHEDULE .................... 4
PRIZES FOR BEST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER AND SLOGAN ........................................... 5
GOVERNMENT CLINICS EASTER HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 29,1978
GOVERNOR TO VISIT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NE.; TERRITORIES
* K * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL START A ROUND OF VISITS TO THE NEWLY-CREATED DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TOMORROW' (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR MURRAY, WHO WILL EE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS AND DISCUSS THEIR PLANS AND PROBLEMS.
SIR MURRAY WILL ARRIVE AT YEUNG UK SPORTS GROUND IN TSUEN WAN AT 2.25 P.M. HE WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 2.45 P.M.
THE GOVERNOR WILL LEAVE TSUEN WAN AT 3.30 P.M. AND CONTINUE HIS VISIT IN TUEN MUN.
NOTE T3 EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TOMORROW (TUESDAY). TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. IT WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FOR TSUEN WAN AT 1.3'3 P.M. SHARP.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PRESS TO INTERVIEW A SENIOR OFFICER OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE VISIT AFTER THE GOVERNOR’S MEETING WITH THE DISTRICT’S ADVISORY BOARD.
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/2
MONDAY, KARCH 20, 1978
2
HCMG KONG NEEDS COMPETENT TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN ******
J'5U'?,T7IAL DIVERSIFICATION AND THE MOVE TOWARDS MAKING HIGHER yUALITY PRODUCTS FOR HONG KONG WOULD EE DIFFICULT TO REALISE i. ITHOUT COMPETENT TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN, LR. I.T. TSANG, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (TECHNICAL^, SAID TODAY AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUE OF KWUN TONG.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A SOUND SYSTEM OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION ..ITH A CONTINUED ELEVATION OF THE STATUS OF TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN MIGHT ATTRACT MORE ABLE STUDENTS INTO TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS.
MR. TSANG MADE THESE REMARKS AS HE FEARED THAT TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN THE NEAR FUTURE WOULD NOT EE ATTRACTING YOUNG MEN OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE AT THE LOWER LEVEL COURSES.
HE SAID THAT MOST PEOPLE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES STILL HAD A MUCH GREATER URGE TO BECOME WHITE-COLLAR WORKERS BECAUSE -r HIGHER STATUS AND BETTER PROMOTION PROSPECTS.
HCNG KONG, MR. TSANG SAID, HAD A VERY GOOD EMPLOYMENT RECORD AND FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES OF CRAFT COURSES.
DESPITE THIS AND THE INCREASED NUMBER OF PLACES PROVIDED IK THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS FOR FULL-TIME BASIC CRAFT COURSES HAD REMAINED CONSTANT OVER THE LAST T..0 YEARS. ALSO THE DUALITIES OF THE APPLICANTS WERE FOUND TO EE DECLINING, HE SAID.
MR. TSANG THEN OUTLINED GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION. THESE INCLUDED: OPENING A FIFTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON TONG IN SEPTEMBER 1979, WHICH WOULD ALSO PROVIDE COURSES SUITABLE FOR PHYSICALLY-HANDICAPPED STUDENTS- BUILDING THREE NEW PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AT SAU MAU PING, SHA TIN AND CHAI WAN BEFORE 1980-AND EXPANDING THE STUDENT POPULATION OF THE EXISTING FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE 13 PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
HE STATED THAT EACH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, COULD ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 1,333 FULL-TIME, 2,800 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE AND ABOUT 4,003 EVENING STUDENTS WITH THE FURTHER USE OF OUTSIDE CENTRES IM SCHOOLS. THE ENROLMENT IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR STOOD AT ABOUT 2,203 FOR FULL-TIME, 4,633 FOR PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE, AND 12,530 FOR EVENING COURSES.
IN TERMS OF OUTPUT, MR. TSANG SAID THAT THERE WOULD EE
A 53 PER CENT INCREASE THIS YEAR OVER LAST YEAR IN THE INSTITUTES. IN 1977, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAL AM OUTPUT OF 1,002 GRADUATES FROM THEIR FULL-TIME COURSES- 633 OF THEM WERE AT THE BASIC CRAFT LEVEL.
/MR. TSANG SAID .....
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1978
MR. TSANG SAID PAST EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS REVEALED THAT 83 PER CENT OF THE GRADUATES OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WERE EMPLOYED WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION, 13 PER CENT PURSUED FURTHER STUDIES AND 4 PER CENT REMAINED UNEMPLOYED.
MOST GRADUATES WHO WERE EMPLOYED PURSUED FURTHER PART-TIME STUDIES RELATED TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT. ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF THE BASIC CRAFT GRADUATES RETURNED TO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR PART-TIME STUDIES.
MR. TSANG ALSO SAID THAT THE AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY FOR FULL-TIME GRADUATES FROM TECHNICIAN COURSES WAS ABOUT $1,000 AND THAT FOR GRADUATES FROM FULL-TIME BASIC CRAFT COURSES DURING THEIR THREE-YEAR APPRENTICESHIP WAS ABOUT $500, ABOUT ^150 LESS THAN THAT EARNED BY COMMERCIAL GRADUATES. ON COMPLETION OF THE CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP, THEIR MONTHLY INCOME VARIED FROM TRADE TO TRADE AND RANGED FROM $850 TO $1,600.
THE SURVEYS ALSO REVEALED THAT 53 PER CENT OF THE GRADUATES EMPLOYED, PARTICULARLY AT THE CRAFT LEVEL, WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THEIR PRESENT EMPLOYMENT. THE GRADUATES FELT THAT THEIR PAY WAS LOW AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS WERE NOT BRIGHT.
AS REGARDS PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, MR. TSANG SAID THAT THE DEMAND FOR THESE SCHOOL PLACES IN THE PAST WAS ENCOURAGING. FIRST YEAR PLACES WERE ALWAYS HEAVILY OVER-SUBSCRIBED. THESE SCHOOLS HAD AN ANNUAL INTAKE OF ABOUT 3,000 STUDENTS AND A CURRENT OUTPUT OF ABOUT 1,000 GRADUATES. ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THESE GRADUATES JOINED INDUSTRY AS APPRENTICES. WHEN THE THREE NEW PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1980, THE ANNUAL OUTPUT .WOULD GO UP TO 3,500 GRADUATES.
_ 0 --------
A
I?
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1978 ’
■ j
EASTER HOLIDAY TRA I SCHEDULE *
*******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT PASSENGERS TRAVELLING BEYOND LO ;.U DURING THE EASTER AND CHING MING HOLIDAYS .. IL_ BE ABLE TO BUY ORDINARY CLASS PERIOD RETURN TICKETS AT KOWLOON STATION FROM WEDNESDAY (MARCH 22) UNTIL APRIL 9.
THE FARE OF AN ORDINARY CLASS RETURN TICKET IS $3.80 AND EACH SUCH TICKET WILL EE VALID FOR THE JOURNEY FROM KOWLOON TO LO WU ON THE DATE OF ISSUE AND FOR A RETURN JOURNEY-ON ANY DAY FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE UNTIL APRIL 9.
THE KCR ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FIVE SPECIAL UP-TRAINS AND FIVE DOWN-TRAINS ..ILL EE OPERATED DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM MARCH 24 TO 27.
THE FIVE UP-TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 9.56 A.N., 10.50 A.M., 12.35 P.M., 1.35 P.M. AND 3.39 P.M.
THESE TRAINS, ALONG WITH ALL REGULAR TRAINS FROM KOWLOON STATION, ..ILL NOT STOP FOR PASSENGERS AT MONG KOK STATION BEFORE 1 P.M. DURING THESE FOUR DAYS.
AS FOR THE DOWN-TRAINS, TWO WILL DEPART FROM LO WU AT 11.34 A.M. AND 12.58 P.M. WHILE THE OTHER THREE WILL LEAVE FAN LING AT 2.14 P.M.., 2.42 P.M. AND 4.52 P.M.
THESE TIME SCHEDULES, HOWEVER, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
OWING TO THE EXTENSION OF THREE NORTHBOUND TRAINS FROM TAI PO MARKET TO FAN LING OR LO WU, THE SCHEDULED TRAINS LEAVING TAI PO MARKET FOR KOWLOON AT 10.55 A.M., 11.47 A.M. AND 1.29 P.M. WILL NOT RUN ON THESE FOUR DAYS.
THE TRAINS FRO! KOWLOON TO THE NEW TERRITORIES BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 1 P.M. AND THE TRAINS BACK TO KOWLOON BETWEEN 3 P.M. AND 7 P.M. WILL PROBABLY BE FULL. THEREFORE TICKETS FOR TRAINS TO KOWLOON ..ILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT MONG KOK STATION DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
FURTHER SPECIAL TRAILS WILL BE RUN IN THE LATE EVENINGS IF THERE IS A PUBLIC DEMAND.
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/5
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1978
5
NOTE TO ED I TORS:-
PRIZES FOR BEST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER AND SLOGAN ******
WINNERS OF THE TENTH INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER AND SLOGAN COMPETITION ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 22) AFTERNOON.
MR. J.C.A. HAMMOND, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (DESIGNATE), WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3.30 P.M.
-----o------
GOVERNMENT CLINICS EASTER HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS ******
the MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT SIX GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS (FROM MARCH 24 - 27) FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
™ESE CLINICS ARE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND THE SHAU KEI WAN ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND* ™UN ™G R0YAL H0NG K0NG JOCKEY CLUE CLINIC, YAU MA TEI ROYAL ^N5«K0NG J°CKEY CLUB CLINIC AND THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN KOWLOON, AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN.
ALL GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND EVENING CLINICS PFRmnTHAN TH03E LISTED WILL EE CLOSED DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAY • t r\ I UU •
- - 0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN NT ........... 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR FEBRUARY ........................ 2
TOPLEY OPENS AIDS TO ENGLISH EXHIBITION .................. 4
CHING MING STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER .................... 5
EASTER HOLIDAYS POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ...................... 6
FAMILY SHOWS FOR EASTER HOLIDAYS ......................... 6
FIREMEN TO COMPETE' IN PEAK RELAY ........................ 7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD ............................ 7 '
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1978
1
GOVERNOR VISITS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES
* M * * M X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (TUESDAY) BEGAN A ROUND OF VISITS TO THE NEWLY-CREATED DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SIR MURRAY, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, FIRST WENT TO TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE’BOARD IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, AND HOW IT INTENDS TO SPEND THE $1.5 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT FUNDS AT ITS DISPOSAL.
SIR MURRAY WAS TOLD THAT THE BOARD’S VARIOUS SUB-COMMITTEES HAVE ALREADY MAPPED OUT CONCRETE PROPOSALS WHICH INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:
* RECREATION AND SPORTS - A JOINT PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS HAS BEEN DRAWN UP IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WHICH WILL COST $500,000, WITH THE BOARD MEETING HALF THIS COST.
THE BOARD ALSO PLANS TO GRANT AN ADDITIONAL $200,000 TO LOCAL AGENCIES AND ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE PROMOTION OF RECREATION AND SPORTS ON AN INDIVIDUAL AGENCY BASIS IN MEETING THE INCREASED LEVEL OF THEIR ACTIVITIES.
* CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES - A YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMME OF EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE APPROPRIATE SUB-COMMITTEE AND $250,000 HAS BEEN SET ASIDE TO IMPLEMENT IT. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE THE PROMOTION OF DRAMA, MUSIC, DANCE AND CULTURAL EXHIBITIONS TO BE STAGED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TSUEN WAN CULTURAL AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION.
X ENCOURAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT - THE BOARD PLANS TO GRANT FUNDS SO THAT THE ESTATE AND SUB-DISTRICT +DAYS+ SIMILAR TO THOSE HELD AT CHEUNG CHING AND KWAI SHING ESTATES LAST WEEK CAN BE CONTINUED ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT IS INTENDED THAT EACH HOUSING ESTATE AND SUB-DISTRICT IN THE NEW TOWN WILL HAVE AN ANNUAL +COMMUNITY DAY+.
* ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS - THE BOARD HAS GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY TO PLANS TO CLEAN UP MANY OF THE URBAN AREAS OF TSUEN WAN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER LOCAL BODIES WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO BEAUTIFY THE IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS OF THEIR AREAS BY PUTTING IN SUCH THINGS AS FLOWER BOXES. FUNDS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THIS.
/THE BOARD
TUESDAY-, MARCH 21, 1978
2
TMFTIri F?MR2r1^Li7A^SO^^n?CATE FUNDS T0 SUPPLEMENT AND EXTEND K0NG+ CAMPA,GN WITH THE HELP OF TSUEN WAN’S
MFT mfmrfqr T° THE TUEN MUN ^STRICT OFFICE, AND
sIve^icialsTndTkh? uN?fI[cRI'5Js“V'S0RV ”“D which cokprises
wen 5?s™Tc?AL>irig^E?oSSTsngEMT?j,^*iS7f jsiji? ?i the NOVEMBER LAST YEAR. DURING ITS FORMATIVE STAGE EMPHASIS IS PLACED TucGnZLiNe MEMBERS FAMILIARISED WITH OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF oTMRW’,?P?^T¥lISE,rTJETs^sT.OF VARI0US
DES i15SEI Dn 1 °N ™
**LL ”AVE 5300,000 IN GOVERNMENT FUNDS IN THE COMING fmTnSlfLACT^iT?^U^mIN THE PROMOTION OF RECREATIONAL AND n?cJo?rT ACTIV,TIES AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE
1/ lb In I C I .
CAI rlf GquaRt?n ^SIT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS OF ISLANDS, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO AND YUEN LONG AT LATER DATES.
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CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR FEBRUARY ******
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR LAST MONTH (FEBRUARY) WERE BOTH 123, EACH BEING TWO POINTS HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P. I. (A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN C.P. I. (B). INCREASED DEMAND DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PUSHED UP THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH FRUITS. ON ACCOUNT OF REDUCED SUPPLY, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH-WATER FISH AND PORK ALSO ADVANCED . MOVEMENTS IN RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WENT UP BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P.I. (A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN C.P. I. (B) OWING TO HIGHER FARES BEING CHARGED BY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.
/HIGHER .....
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1978
3
HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIR DRESSING BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CAUSED THE INDEX FOR SERVICES TO RISE BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B).
INCREASES OF ONE POINT EACH WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR DURABLE AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND C.P.I. (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, OPTICAL GOODS, CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES AND FRESH FLOWERS.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE C.P.I. (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 - $1,499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I. (B), BETWEEN $1,500 - $2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973/74.
THE SECTION INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY 1978 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1977 ARE
INDICATED BELOW: C.P. 1. (A) c. p. 1. (B)
SECTION FEB. 78 JAN. 78 FEB. 77 FEB. 78 JAN. 78 FEB.77
FOODSTUFFS 120 116 116 120 117 116
HOUSING 127 127 121 126 126 119
FUEL AND LIGHT 135 135 133 134 134 132
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 137 137 131 133 133 128
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 102 IOS 101 101 101 101
DURABLE GOODS 112 111 108 109 108 106
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 128 127 124 125 124 121
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 121 117 117 . 124 122 120
SERVICES 136 134 130 137 135 129
ALL ITEMS 123 121 118 123 121 118
0 MM
/4
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1978
4
TOPLEY OPENS AIDS TO ENGLISH EXHIBITION
X X X X X X
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY ENCOURAGED TEACHERS TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN AUDIO AND VISUAL AIDS TO HELP TEACH ENGLISH IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
MR. TOPLEY WAS INAUGURATING THE +AIDS TO ENGLISH* ^'B< I ION AT THE ENGL,SH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE IN BONHAM *°ABA ™E E™lB'T,0N’ ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, PRESENTS TAPED TEACHING MATERIALS, LANGUAGE PRACTICE KITS POLYSTYRENE FOAM MODELS, SLIDE AND PICTURE SERIES.
won DISPLAYE° aT THE EXHIBITION WERE MADE BY TEACHERS
WHO HAVE ATTENDED IN-SERVICE COURSES IN THE CENTRE.
+WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE COURSES RUN HERE IS THAT THEY ARE ^.nA-ruAA$I,CAL NATURE — THEY GET THE TEACHERS DOING THINGS AND THE TEACHERS AFTERWARDS ’RE-DO’ THEM IN THE CLASSROOM, AND SURELY THAT IS THE WHOLE POINT OF A TEACHING CENTRE,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
MR. TOPLEY, HOWEVER, CAUTIONED THE TEACHERS IN THE USE OF AIDS.
+WE ARE TOLD THAT THEY CAN BRIGHTEN UP THE CLASSROOM AND BRING MORE VARIETY AND INTEREST INTO THE LANGUAGE LESSON, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A DANGER OF THE AIDS SEEMINGLY TAKING OVER A LESSON WITH THE TEACHER BEING LOST IN THE PROCESS, BURIED BENEATH ALL THE WALL CHARTS AND FLASHCARDS AND PAPER CHAINS. SO YOU HAVE GOT TO BE CAREFUL, STAY IN CONTROL AND USE THEM RATHER THAN LETTING THEM USE YOU,* HE SAID.
+AIDS ARE FINE,* MR. TOPLEY ADDED, +BUT THEY CANNOT REPLACE THE TEACHER. IT FOLLOWS, HOWEVER, THAT THE TEACHER SHOULD KNOW HOW TO MAKE THE FULLEST USE OF THEM. AND THAT IS WHAT THIS EXHIBITION IS ALL ABOUT.*
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE ON VIEW AT THE CENTRE UNTIL MARCH 29 BEFORE IT MOVES TO THE KOWLOON CENTRE AT 1, MA TAU KOK ROAD WHERE IT WILL BE HELD BETWEEN APRIL 3 AND 8.
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/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1978
5
APRIL 5 IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT APRIL 5, THE DAY OF THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, IS ONE OF THE TEN STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
MR. WILLIAMS EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED TO ALL EMPLOYEES.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY. THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOWEVER, IF DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE BUSINESS, AN EMPLOYER REQUIRES HIS EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST THEN GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48 HOURS’ NOTICE, AND HE MUST GIVE THE EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
'■—- . -■ —— - -
IF THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST NOTIFY HIM 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE. AND IF AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM HIS EMPLOYEE OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: FOR HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 63= KOWLOON EAST 3-205638= KOWLOON WEST 3-231652= KWUN TONG 3-898520= TSUEN WAN 12-422096 AND TUEN MUN 12-760261 EXT. 82.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1978
6
EASTER HOLIDAYS POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS
******
THE POST OFFICE TODAY ANNOUNCED POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM MARCH 24 - 27.
ON GOOD FRIDAY (MARCH 24), THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY AND ALL POST OFFICES WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
ON SATURDAY (MARCH 25) AND EASTER MONDAY (MARCH 27), HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL. 32 POST OFFICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, WILL ALSO BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON.
ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
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FAMILY SHOWS FOR EASTER HOLIDAYS *****
THE HOLIDAYS
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED FOR THE EASTER THREE VARIETY SHOWS AS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES FOR THE CURRENT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
THE SHOWS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MARCH 24 - 26) AT THE OCEAN PARK, THE LAI CHI KOK AMUSEMENT PARK AND THE VICTORIA PARK RESPECTIVELY.
WELL-KNOWN ARTISTES FROM THREE TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS WILL ENTERTAIN THE AUDIENCE AND PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CONCEPT WITH SHORT DRAMAS AND A QU IZ SHOW. THERE WILL ALSO BE DANCES, SONGS, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC DISPLAYS.
AN OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE ON HAND AT A NEARBY COUNTER TO ANSWER QUERIES ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF A BOOKLET CONTAINING INFORMATION ON VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND S.W.D. OFFICES OFFERING THIS SERVICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE THREE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SHOWS AT: OCEAN PARK ON MARCH 24 AT 2 - 3.30 P.M., LAI CHI KOK AMUSEMENT PARK ON MARCH 25 AT 2.30 - 4 P.M., AND VICTORIA PARK ON MARCH 26 AT 3 - 4.30 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1978
NOTE TO EDITORS
FIREMEN TO COMPETE IN PEAK RELAY ******
THE HONG KONG COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS SECOND INTER-DIVISIONAL PEAK RELAY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
EIGHT TEAMS, EACH CONSISTING OF FIVE RUNNERS, WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE 11-MILE RACE WHICH STARTS AND ENDS AT THE LARGE OPEN GROUND NEAR THE PEAK CAFE. EACH OF THE FIVE RUNNERS HAS TO COMPLETE THE 2.2 MILES CIRCUIT VIA HARLECH AND LUGARD ROADS.
THE WINNING TEAM WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A TROPHY BY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR. J.W. MCCARTHY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THIS EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW. YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE PEAK CAFE WHERE THEY WILL BE TAKEN TO THE STARTING POINT BY FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE-OC— SLIP ROAD UNDER LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (MARCH 27), THE SLIP ROAD ABOUT 400 FEET EAST OF THE BUS TERMINUS UNDER THE LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY FOR THREE DAYS TO FACILITATE TELEPHONE CABLE LAYING WORKS.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO ANOTHER SLIP ROAD ABOUT 170 FEET EAST OF THE TERMINUS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUEEN EXTENDS GOVERNOR’S TERM OF OFFICE ................. 1
GOVERNOR’S PRESS STATEMENT .............................. 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY .................. 2
LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONCERNED WITH OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS ............................... 4
TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AT LAI KING HEADLAND ............ 5
HONG KONG DONATES CRANES TO USA ......................... 5
METHADONE TREATMENT CENTRES OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS ................................................ 6
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LEE GARDEN ROAD .................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1978
QUEEN EXTENDS GOVERNOR’S TERM OF OFFICE
*****
THE QUEEN HAS APPROVED THE EXTENSION OF THE GOVERNOR’S TERM UNTIL AUGUST 1979.
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ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE FOLLOWING IS THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS EXTENSION OF HIS TERM OF OFFICE:
STATEMENT ON THE
+THE ENTHUSIASM OF MY WIFE AND MYSELF FOR HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE IS WELL KNOWN, AND WE ARE OF COURSE BOTH DELIGHTED TO HAVE THIS EXTRA TIME HERE. BUT, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IN HONG KONG, WE ARE HERE TO WORK.
♦THE OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF HONG KONG AT THIS TIME ARE THE CONFIDENCE ENGENDERED BY THE EXCELLENT STATE OF ANGLO/CHINESE RELATIONS, AND THE RAPID ADVANCES THAT ARE BEING MADE WITH HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC EXPANSION, SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, AND FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND CORRUPTION.
♦PROGRESS AND CHANGE OF THIS SPEED AND ON THIS SCALE HAVE BROUGHT PROBLEMS - FOR INSTANCE QUITE UNFAIR PROBLEMS FOR OUR EXPORTERS ABROAD, AND TEMPORARY PRESSURES OR INCONVENIENCE FOR MANY INDIVIDUALS AT HOME, AND PROBLEMS OF ADMINISTRATION AS THE SCALE OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY INCREASES. THE RAPID IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW POLICIES ALSO PROVIDES FOOD FOR HEALTHY CONTROVERSY. NEVERTHELESS THE REMARKABLE UPWARD TREND ON SO MANY FRONTS IS THE MAIN FEATURE, AND TO MAINTAIN IT IS CLEARLY THE WHOLEHEARTED WISH OF THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG.
+DURING THE NEXT 17 MONTHS THE OBJECT OF MY WORK WILL BE TO PRESERVE AND FORTIFY THE PROGRESS AND REDUCE OR RESOLVE THE ACCOMPANYING PROBLEMS.+
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1973
2
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY
******
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR LAST MONTH (FEBRUARY) WAS $2,125 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $3,910 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $778 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT’S PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1977 TO FEBRUARY 1978 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 4.8 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 16.3 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 13.9 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PER-IOD DECEMBER 1976 TO FEBRUARY 1977.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1977, INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $531 MILLION OR 15.7 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $118 MILLION OR 17.9 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS AND A DECREASE OF $129 MILLION OR 5.7 PER CENT IN EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES, FEBRUARY 1978 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1978, SHOWED DECREASES OF $595 MILLION OR 21.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, .379 MILLION OR 8.8 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND $105 MILLION OR 11.8 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THESE DECREASES APPEAR TO BE MAINLY DUE TO SEASONAL FACTORS.
THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM MARCH 1977 TO FEBRUARY 1978 COMPARED WITH THOSE FOR THE PREVIOUS CORRESPONDING 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF FIVE PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 12.2 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 10.2 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
FOLLOWING ARE COMPARATIVE TRADE FIGURES:-
LATEST 3 MONTHS
DOMESTIC EXPORTS
IMPORTS
RE-EXPORTS.
DECEMBER 1977 TO
FEBRUARY 1978
$ MN.
8,423
13,115
2,634
DECEMBER 1976 TO
FEBRUARY 1977
INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN.
3 MN. %
+ 387 + 4.8
+1,839 +16.3
2,312 + 322 +13.9
/SAME MONTH LAST YEAR
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1978
- 3 -
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR FEBRUARY FEBRUARY INCREASE OR
1978 1977 DECREASE
3 MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 2,125 2,254 -129 - 5.7
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (73.2%) (77.4%)
IMPORTS 3,910 3,378 +531 +15.7
RE-EXPORTS 778 659 . +118 +17.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (26.8%) (22.6%)
LAST MONTH FEBRUARY JANUARY INCREASE OR
1978 1978 DECREASE
3 MN. 3 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 2,125 2,721 -595 -21.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (73.2%) (75.5%)
IMPORTS 3,910 4,288 -379 - 8.8
RE-EXPORTS 778 882 -105 -11.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (26.8%) (24.5%)
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN.-FEB. JAN.-FEB. INCREASE OR
1978 1977 DECREASE.
3 MN. 5 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 4,846 4,944 - 98 - 2.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (74.5%) (76.7%)
IMPORTS 8,198 7,210 +939 +13.7
RE-EXPORTS 1,660 1,500 +160 +13.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.5%) (23.3%)
LAST 12 MONTHS MARCH 1977 MARCH 1976
TO TO INCREASE OR
FEBRUARY 1978 FEBRUARY 1977 DECREASE
3 MN. 3 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 34,906 33,242 +1,665 + 5.0
IMPORTS 49,690 44,283 +5,407 +12.2
RE-EXPORTS 9,989 9,062 + 927 +10.2
o-
/4
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1978
- 4 -
LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONCERNED WITH OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS *****
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE MATTERS OF GREAT CONCERN TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHICH AIMS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BY EDUCATION, PERSUASION AND ADVICE, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (DESIGNATE), MR. J.C.A. HAMMOND, SAID TODAY.
BUT, HE ADDED, IF THESE METHODS FAILED TO MAKE A WORKPLACE SAFE, THEN FAIR AND FIRM PROSECUTION WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN.
MR. HAMMOND WAS SPEAKING AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING THE PRESENTATION OF CASH AWARDS TO EIGHT STUDENTS WHO WON PRIZES IN AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER AND SLOGAN COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS.
MR. HAMMOND CONTINUED: +IN THE END, SUCCESS IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY WORK RESTS WITH EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS ALIKE REALISING THAT IT IS ENTIRELY IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS TO AIM AT AND TO ACHIEVE SAFER WORKING CONDITIONS AND PRACTICES.+
REFERRING TO LAST YEAR’S STATISTICS, HE SAID THERE WERE 49,854 OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS.
HE SAID ACCIDENTS CAUSED MUCH SUFFERING TO WORKERS CONCERNED AND BROUGHT MISERY TO THEIR FAMILIES. THEY ALSO DISRUPTED PRODUCTION AND COULD INVOLVE CONSIDERABLE FINANCIAL LOSS FOR EMPLOYERS.
MR. HAMMOND PRAISED THE STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPETITION FOR THEIR INTEREST AND CONCERN ABOUT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION.
HE SAID:+1 AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT YOU, THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF HONG KONG, HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.+
MORE THAN 367 ENTRIES FROM 23 SCHOOLS WERE RECEIVED THIS YEAR AND THE FIRST PRIZE OF $300 CASH WAS AWARDED TO ALAN LEUNG CHUN-MAN OF BISHOP BIANCHI COLLEGE OF CAREERS.
THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES OF $250 AND $200 WENT TO LAW SAI-KEUNG OF KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND YAN WAI-YEE OF BISHOP BIANCHI COLLEGE OF CAREERS RESPECTIVELY.
FIVE CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $100 EACH WERE AWARDED TO : ALLAN JIM KWOK-FAI OF DELIA MEMORIAL SCHOOL- LO SIU-FUN OF ST. CATHERINE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS- CHAN WAI-MAN OF C.M.A. PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL- AU KWOK-CHOI OF BISHOP BIANCHI COLLEGE OF CAREERS- AND ELEENA YU OF BISHOP BIANCHI COLLEGE OF CAREERS.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1973
- 5 -
TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AT LA I KING HEADLAND
*****
TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WITH ACCESS ROADS AND A DRAINAGE SYSTEM WILL BE BUILT SOON ON THE HILLTOPS OF LAI KING HEADLAND IN TSUEN WAN.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS CALLING TENDERS FOR THE WORK WHICH FORMS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
MR. NORMAN TUCKER, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT WORK ON THE CONTRACT WOULD BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
+THE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS ARE REQUIRED TO MEET CLEARANCE COMMITMENTS ARISING FROM THE EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN TOGETHER WITH FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW T0WN,+ HE ADDED.
MR. TUCKER SAID THAT THE HILLTOPS, WHICH WERE USED AS BORROW AREAS, HAD NOW BEEN FORMED INTO PLATFORMS BY THE DEVELOPERS OF THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL.
INITIALLY, HE POINTED OUT, THE PLATFORMS WOULD BE USED AS TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS BUT WOULD EVENTUALLY BE DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
HONG KONG DONATES CRANES TO USA
*****
SIX WHITE-NECKED CRANES WERE FLOWN TO THE U.S.A. THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING AS GIFTS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
THE CRANES WERE SEIZED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT EARLY LAST YEAR UNDER THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE. •
+THE CRANE IS INCLUDED IN THE ENDANGERED SPECIES CATEGORY AND THE SEIZURES WERE IN RELATION TO ILLEGAL POSSESSION AND ILLEGAL EXPORTATION OF THE SPEC IES,+ THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID.
SINCE THEN THEY WERE KEPT AT THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS UNTIL ARRANGEMENTS COULD EE MADE FOR THEIR FUTURE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CRANES WERE SENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL CRANE FOUNDATION IN WISCONSIN, U.S.A., FOR EREEDING PURPOSES.
HE ADDED THAT THE OFF-SPAING OF THESE CRANES .;0ULD BE SENT TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD TO HELP ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPECIES.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 177?
6 -
METHADONE TREATMENT CENTRES OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS
******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT ALL THE METHADONE TREATMENT CENTRES J ILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
ALL THE 16 EVENING DETOXIFICATION CENTRES WILL BE OPEN FROM 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M., WHILE THE DAY DETOXIFICATION CENTRES WILL BE OPEN ONLY IN THE MORNING FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
THE FOUR MAINTENANCE CENTRES WILL BE OPERATING AS USUAL FROM 7 A.M. TO 9.30 P.M.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LEE GARDEN ROAD * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE
SECTION OF LEE GARDEN ROAD BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND KAI CHIU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 6 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 24) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN THE AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1978
CONTE NTS
PAGE NO.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OPENING MORE EVENING STUDY ROOMS ........................................... 1
FAMILY LIFE DRAMA FOCUSES ON YOUTH .................... 2
NEW FLYOVER TO OPEN AT GARDEN ROAD ROUNDABOUT ......... 3
RESULTS OF CYC SLOGAN COMPETITION ..................... 3
MAX I CAE ROUTE S TO BE I 'PROVED ..................... 4
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT ............ 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1978
1
EDUCATION' DEPARTMENT OPE'I'G MORE EVENING STUDY ROOMS r # X- ft W
'ORE CLASSROOMS ARE TO EE OPENED IN THE EVENINGS THIS
YEAR AS TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS FOE STUDENTS ..HO NEED A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 36 CLASSROOMS .’COLD EE OPENED FROM APRIL 3 TO JUNE 33 IN 13 GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 25 AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NE-. TERRITORIES COMPARED JI TH 58 RCC-'S IN 21 GOVERNMENT FRTAEY SCHOOLS IK HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LAST YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ./I TH AIDED SCHOOLS TAKING PART THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 4,30'3 SEATS .OULD EE AVAILABLE NIGHTLY -AS AGAINST 2,613 PLACES IK 1977. THE SEATS ;.OULD EE ALLOTTED ON A FIRST-CCME-FIRST-SERVED EASIS FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND ALSO ON SCHOOL AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE EXPANSION I". STUDY ROOM FACILITIES FOLLOWS LAST YEAR’S TRIAL <HICH +PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR, PARTICULARLY DURING THE - D .THS OF APRIL AND MAY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE INCREASED NUMBER OF ROOMS OPENING THIS YEAR WOULD MEET A PRESSING SHORT-TERI- NEED FOR QUIET PLACES FOR CHILDREN TO STUDY AND DO HOMEWORK, ESPECIALLY BEFORE AND LURING SCHOOL AND FUEL 10 EXAMINATIONS,* HE ADDED.
+SUPERVISCRS OF THE STUDY -OOMS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO COACH CHILDREN AS PART CF THEIR EVENING DUTIES,* THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED. +THE STUDY ROOMS ARE SPECIFICALLY FOR PUPILS TO CARRY CUT PRIVATE STUDY AND THE SUPERVISORS’ DUTIES ARE TO ENSURE THAT THE ROOMS ARE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.+
IN ADDITION TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL LIBRARIES, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY CENTRES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES PROVIDE STUDY ROOM FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS. THIS COMBINED EFFORT ’RINGS THE TOTAL -UMBER CF SEATS TO MORE THAN 16,333.
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/2
2 THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1978
FAMILY LIFE DRAMA FOCUSES ON YOUTH
******
SOME OF THE TYPICAL EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS AND EXPERIENCES ..HICl- ARE 3ART-AND-PARCEL CF A YOUNGSTER’S GROWING UP PROCESS ARE PORTRAYED IN A TRUE-TO-LIFE TELEVISION DRAMA TO BE SCREENED OK THREE CHINESE CHANNELS THIS '..EEK STARTING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) NIGHT.
THE PROGRAMME IS THE FOURTH EPISODE OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION DRAMA SERIES +UNDEE THE SAME ROOF+ PRODUCED AS PART OF THE CURRENT CAMPA IGO EY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FA. ILY AS A UNIT.
AS THE TITLE +THE LOST YCUTH+ IMPLIES, THE PLOT OF THIS HALF-HOUR DRAMA CENTRES UPON THE DILEMMA AND AMBIVALENCE FACED OY A YOUNGSTER Of THE EVE CF HIS TRIP OVERSEAS TO START AFRESH ..IS SOMEWHAT FRUSTRATED CAREER IM HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THE SCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE, LIKE THE OTHER NINE OF THE SERIES, ..AS EASED UPON INFORMATION DRAWN FROM CASES HANDLED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME. . . .
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +ALTHOUGH DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PLOT APPEARS TO EVOLVE AROUND THE LEADING CHARACTER’S CHOICE OF HIS CAREER, MANY FACETS OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INSTABILITY DURING PUBERTY ARE ALSO DELINEATED.+
THROUGH THE REACTION OF VARIOUS CHARACTERS TOWARDS THE YOUNG WAN’S IMMINENT DEPARTURE, HE SAID THE EXTENT OF THE SACRIFICE INVOLVED IN HEADING TOWARDS A BRIGHT FUTURE AND THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES l“ ADOPTING THE WRONG SET CF VALUES ARE ALSO APTLY CONVEYED.
+THE LOSS CF A DEEPLY CHERISHED TEENAGE ROMANCE, THE FEAR OF ONE’S INABILITY TO ADAPT TO A FOREIGN PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT, THE SEPARATION FROM WINS AND LONG-TIME FRIENDS ALL CONTRIBUTE TO THE SENSE OF INSECURITY, MELANCHOLY AND LONELINESS FELT DY THE ’LOST YOUTH’,+ HE SAID.
AS A CONJECTURAL EPILOGUE TO THIS PORTRAYAL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A GROUP CF YOUNG PEOPLE, IN DISGUISE AS THE DEPARTED YOUNGSTER’S FRIENDS, JOIN IN A DISCUSSION TO EXPRESS THEIR PERSONAL FEELINGS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ANY GENERALISED OR PRACTICAL SOLUTION WAS DELIBERATELY AVOIDED AS THE SERIES JAS PRIMARILY AIMED AT STIMULATING THE COMMUNITY’S AWARENESS AND CONCERN TOWARDS SITUATIONS WHICH MIGHT BE CAUSES OF SERIOUS FAMILY OR EVEN SOCIAL PROBLEMS IF EASILY DISMISSED AS MERE FACTS OF LIFE.
+AS FAR AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS CONCERNED, IN DEPTH THINKING OF PROELEMS CR SITUATIONS IS If, ITSELF AN EDUCATIONAL PROCESS,+ HE SAID.
+ THE LOST YOUTH+, PRODUCED EY RTHK, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, .-.ILL BE SCREENED ON TVE JADE TOMORROW AT £.33 P.M. , ON RTV CH AN?,'EL I ON SATURDAY AT 7.33 P.M. AND ON CTV ON SUNDAY AT 6.33 P.M.
- - - - 0 - - - - /3....
3
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT THE GARDEN ROAD ROUNDABOUT * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE'NEW FLYOVER AT THE JUNCTION OF GARDEN ROAD, MAGAZINE GAP ROAD, AND ROBINSON ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 2 P.M. ON TUESDAY (MARCH 28).
TRAFFIC MOVING DOWN MAGAZINE GAP ROAD BOUND FOR GARDEN ROAD WILL TRAVEL ON THE SOUTHERN LANE OF THE NEW FLYOVER WHICH ..ILL PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS INTO GARDEN ROAD.
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON MAGAZINE GAP ROAD PROCEEDING TO ROBINSON ROAD WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE EXISTING GROUND LEVEL LANE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF MAGAZINE GAP ROAD.
EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON ROBINSON ROAD BOUND FOR MAGAZINE GAP ROAD WILL TRAVEL ON THE NORTHERN LANE OF THE NEW FLYOVER, AND EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON ROBINSON ROAD BOUND FOR GARDEN ROAD WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE EXISTING GROUND LEVEL ROUTE.
SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON GARDEN ROAD BOUND FOR MAGAZINE GAP ROAD AND ROBINSON ROAD WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE EXISTING GROUND LEVEL ROUTES.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
_ _ 0 - -
RESULTS OF CYC SLOGAN COMPETITION * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS OF A CHINESE SLOGAN COMPETITION DESIGNED TO PUBLICISE THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUE’S (CYC) ACTIVITIES.
THE FIRST PRIZE IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL DIVISION WENT TO CHEUNG MAN-CHUN, A FORM 3 STUDENT OF HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL. THE BEST ENTRY IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL DIVISION CAME FROM A JOINT EFFORT OF TANG WAI-KEUNG AND CHOW KONG-KUEN, TWO PRIMARY 5 STUDENTS OF TAT TAK PUBLIC SCHOOL, PING SHAN.
A CASH PRIZE OF S5OO WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNER IN EACH DIVISION WHILE THE FIRST AND THE SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL EACH RECEIVE A CASH AWARD OF 3300 AND 3200 RESPECTIVELY.
THE WINNING SLOGANS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FROM MORE THAN 200 ENTRIES BY A PANEL OF THREE ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LIONS CLUE AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
DETAILS OF A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.
THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUE, WHICH WAS SET UP IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, NOW HAS A TOTAL OF 14,5’00 MEMBERS. THE ROLE OF A CYC MEMBER IS TO HELP PROMOTE COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO TAKE PART IN THE CLEAN HONG KONG ACTIVITIES.
- 0 -
V
!•
I
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1978
MAX I CAB
THE MAX I CAE ROUTE 8
4
5
ROUTE 8 TO EE IMPROVED * * * * *
.nine ... 7 ----- * SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND BAGUIO
aILL EE IMPROVED FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 28) WITH THE ADDITION OF ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROUTE.
THIS ADDITION WILL ALLOW THE SERVICE TO START HALF AN ~av" 52/'^ 3T0P THR^ QUARTERS OF AN HOUR LATER ON ALL DAYo, INCLUDING SUNDAYS AND PUELIC HOLIDAYS.
... e. ^yR!!!G WEEK DAYS THE cff-peak OPERATING FREQUENCY WILL ALSO Et INCREASED TO 12 MINUTES I'.'STEAD OF 15 MINUTES.
0 -
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMEf^fOR MARINE DEPARTMENT
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT ITS PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS IN THE VAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN -.'AN DISTRICTS AND THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE .ILL EE OPEN AS USUAL THROUGHOUT THE EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD FROh -ARCH 24 TO 27.
HOWEVER, OFFICES OF THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT WILL 0 .LY "PERATE FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY THROUGHOUT THIS PER I CD.
THE OFFICE OF THE VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING SECTION WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 25) AND MONDAY (MARCH 27) WHILE ENTRY AND CLEARANCE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 25) ONLY.
ALL OTHER SECTIONS THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED THROUGHOUT
I -------------o -----------------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT ........................ 1
TENDERS FOR KOWLOON TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ........... 2
USD SETS UP MORE PICNIC WARDEN POSTS ................... 3
CAS RESCUERS TO TRAIN IN U.K............................ 4
INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE STARTING NEXT MONTH ............................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1978
1
MORE TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
* * * *
A RECORD 2,047.3 MILLION COMMUTERS MADE USE OF PUBLIC ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES LAST YEAR — AN INCREASE OF 144.2 MILLION OR ,7.6 PER CENT OVER 1976.
ON THE AVERAGE, THIS WORKS OUT AT 5.61 MILLION PASSENGERS TRAVELLING EACH DAY BY BUS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUS, TAXI, TRAM, TRAIN AND PUBLIC HIRE CAR.j
FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT 1,052.5 MILLION COMMUTERS TRAVELLED BY BUS LAST YEAR. 136.4 MILLION BY TRAM, 229.2 MILLION BY TAXI AND PUBLIC HIRE CAR, 13.8 MILLION BY TRAIN, AND 587.65 MILLION BY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS AND MAX I CAB.
OF THE 1,052.5 MILLION BUS COMMUTERS, KOWLOON MOTORS BUS CARRIED 810.9 MILLION, REPRESENTING 2.22 MILLION PASSENGER
JOURNEY-S PER DAY. THIS EXCEEDED LAST YEAR’S RECORD BY 13.5 PER CENT.
THE KMB LAST YEAR OPERATED MORE THAN 150 FRANCHISED BUS
SERVICES AND A NETWORK OF FRANCHISED LUXURY COACH SERVICES IN
KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, AS WELL AS A SHARE OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL SERVICE TO HONG KONG ISLAND. THE-COMPANY HAS A FLEET OF 1,220 DOUBLE-DECKERS, 387 SINGLE-DECKERS AND 102 SINGLE-DECK COACHES.
THE CHINA MOTOR BUS CARRIED A TOTAL OF 239.6 MILLION PASSENGERS DURING THE YEAR, OR 656,000 A DAY, ON ITS 70 ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND. THIS IS AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 9 MILLION OR 3.9 PER CENT OVER THE 1976 FIGURES.
CMB ALSO JOINTLY OPERATED 14 CROSS-HARBOUR BUS SERVICES UNDER A POOLED MILEAGE SCHEME BASED ON ROUTE LENGTH WITH KMB. CMB CARRIED 154,000 PASSENGERS A DAY ON THESE ROUTES, AN INCREASE OF 8.9 PER CENT OVER 1976.
AT THE END OF 1977, CMB HAD A LICENSED FLEET OF 751 VEHICLES, MOST OF THEM ONE-MAN OPERATED. ON AVERAGE, EACH BUS CARRIED 1,120 PASSENGERS DAILY.
LAST YEAR ALSO SAW AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS USING THE FIVE BUS ROUTES OPERATED ON LANTAU ISLAND. BUS PASSENGER TRAFFIC ON THE ISLAND ROSE TO TWO MILLION PASSENGER JOURNEYS, COMPARED TO 1.69 IN 1976.
DURING THE YEAR, HONG KONG TRAMWAYS CARRIED 134.46 MILLION PASSENGERS, 4.9 PER CENT MORE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, WHILE ANOTHER 1.94 MILLION PEOPLE USED THE PEAK TRAM - A RISE OF 6.6 PER CENT.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 10.5
PER CENT IN PASSENGER VOLUME WHICH ROSE TO 13.8 MILLION LAST YEAR.
/MORE PEOPLE .....
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1978
2
MORE PEOPLE ALSO USED TAXIS LAST YEAR. THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ESTIMATED THAT 665,000 PEOPLE TRAVELLED BY TAXI EACH DAY LAST YEAR, COMPARED WITH 591,000 IN 1976.
THE NUMBER OF COMMUTERS USING PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND MAXICABS ALSO ROSE FROM 1.595 MILLION A DAY IN 1976 TO ABOUT 1.615 MILLION LAST YEAR.
HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE USING PUBLIC HIRE CARS DROPPED FROM 47,000 PER DAY IN 1976 TO 33,000 LAST YEAR. THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE PHASING OUT OF PUBLIC HIRE
CARS WHICH ARE IN PRIVATE CARS WITH
THE PROCESS OF BEING CONVERTED INTO TAXIS OR CONTRACT HIRE CAR PERMITS.
------ O • • - -
• TENDERS FOR KOWLOON TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN WORK SHORTLY ON A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON TONG.
THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO STAGES.
• TENDERS FOR THE WORK ON STAGE ONE WERE CALLED TODAY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE P.W.D.
MR. PATRICK LEE, P.W.D.’S SENIOR ARCHITECT, SAID THAT THE INSTITUTE, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF JUST OVER TWO HECTARES, WOULD BE SITUATED AT THE CORNER OF RENFREW ROAD AND HEREFORD ROAD AND OPPOSITE TO THE OSBORNE BARRACKS.
THE SCHOOL BUILDING COMPRISES A FOUR-STOREY ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK AND A FIVE-STOREY TEACHING BLOCK WITH 55 CLASSROOMS, SPECIAL ROOMS AND WORKSHOPS PROVIDING COURSES FOR ENGINEERING, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, FOOTWEAR TECHNOLOGY AND PRACTICAL DESIGN.
MR. LEE SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE AN ASSEMBLY HALL WITH COVERED PLAY AREA AND CANTEEN FACILITIES ON THE GROUND FLOOR. IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD BE QUARTERS FOR MINOR STAFF.
HE SAID THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE, INCLUDING EOTH THE TEACHING AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCKS, SHOULD EE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE 1979-80 ACADEMIC YEAR.
WORK ON OTHER PARTS OF THE SCHOOL WOULD TAKE ANOTHER SEVEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1978
3
USD SETS UP MORE PICNIC WARDEN POSTS
* * * *
MORE POSTS TO PUBLICISE THE PICNIC WARDEN SCHEME HAVE BEEN JJET UP RECENTLY BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN KOWLOON, SAI KUNG AND YUEN LONG.
THEY ARE LOCATED AT THE JORDAN ROAD FERRY PIER- TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER- PAK SHA WAN FERRY PIER AND TAI MONG TSAI IN SAI KUNG- SHEK KONG VILLAGE AND CHUNG HAU VILLAGE IN YUEN LONG.
THE NEW POSTS WILL REINFORCE THE EXISTING ONES AT KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION, THE OUTLYING FERRY PIER AND THE CHOI HUNG ESTATE BUS TERMINUS.
THE PICNIC WARDEN SCHEME INITIATED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS INTRODUCED IN JUNE 1976 TO HELP PICNIC GROUPS TO APPOINT THEIR OWN VOLUNTARY WARDENS TO ENSURE THEY DO NOT LEAVE LITTER DURING THEIR OUTINGS.
PAMPHLETS AND PICNIC WARDEN BADGES ARE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO PICNICKERS AT ALL POSTS.
ANY GROUP ORGANISING PICNICS, BARBECUES, HIKES AND BOAT TRIPS AND WHICH REQUIRES MORE THAN ONE BADGE CAN OBTAIN THEM FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON REQUEST.
ACCORDING TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, A TOTAL OF 113,000 PAMPHLETS AND 13,500 BADGES HAVE BEEN GIVEN OUT TO THE PUBLIC SINCE THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED TWO YEARS AGO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S CLEANSING SECTION SAID, +AS THE NUMBER OF PICNICKERS IS INCREASING IN HONG KONG, WE ARE LOOKING FOR SUITABLE SITES TO SET UP MORE POSTS TO PUBLICISE THIS PICNIC WARDEN SCHEME IN THE FUTURE.*
HE ALSO URGED THE PICNICKERS TO GUARD AGAINST VANDALISM AND THE RISK OF FIRE.
REPORTS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT LITTER BINS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS ARE NOW MORE POPULARLY USED THAN BEFORE.
-----0------
/4
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1978
CAS RESCUERS TO TRAIN IN U.K. * * * *
FIVE OFFICERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES’ MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT WILL UNDERGO ADVANCED TRAINING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 'IN THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESUCE.
THE GROUP LEAVES IN MAY AND IS THE SECOND TEAM OF CAS PERSONNEL TO UNDERGO SUCH TRAINING. THE FIRST GROUP WENT THROUGH A TOUGH SERIES OF COURSES IN 1976.
COMMENTING ON THE NEED FOR ADVANCED TRAINING OF THESE OFFICERS, MR. JOHN FORTUNE, CAS CHIEF STAFF OFFICER SAID: +REGRETTABLY, AS MORE AND MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE TO THE HILLS TO GO HIKING AND CLIMBING, THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS WILL INCREASE. IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT HONG KONG’S MOUNTAIN RESCUERS SHOULD BE TRAINED IN THE MOST MODERN AND ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN ORDER TO HANDLE ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION WHICH MAY ARISE.+
THE FIVE OFFICERS WILL BE TRAINED IN THE RUGGED MOUNTAINS OF WALES AND SCOTLAND FOR TWO MONTHS AND WILL THEN UNDERGO SEVERAL WEEKS OF OPEN SEA CANOE TRAINING.
THE TRAINING COURSES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE LAND RESCUE SERVICE AND THE U.K. CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR PHYSICAL RECREATION.
' IN ANOTHER EFFORT TO ENHANCE ITS OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, THE CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT HAS RECENTLY ADDED THE LATEST BELL RESCUE STRETCHER TO ITS ARRAY OF EQUIPMENT.
IT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE USED OUTSIDE EUROPE.
THE BELL STRETCHER WEIGHS ONLY 21 LBS AND CAN BE WINCHED TO A HOVERING HELICOPTER DURING AIR RESCUE MISSION. IT CAN BE SEPARATED INTO THREE PARTS FOR EASY AND SPEEDY TRANSPORTATION OVER MOUNTAINS TO THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT. IT IS ALSO SLIGHTLY LONGER THAN USUAL MOUNTAIN RESCUE STRETCHERS TO ACCOMMODATE TALLER CASUALTIES.
MR. FORTUNE SAID THAT THE NEW STRETCHER WOULD BE IDEALLY SUITED FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG, AS ACCIDENTS IN OUR HILLS NORMALLY OCCURRED OVER TERRAINS WHERE MOVEMENT OF BULKY AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT WOULD ADD DIFFICULTIES TO THE RESCUING GROUP, PARTICULARLY WHEN THEY WERE TRAVERSING MOUNTAINS AT NIGHT OR IN LOW LYING CLOUDS WHEN HELICOPTERS COULD NOT BE USED TO TRANSPORT HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO THE SITE OF ACCIDENT.
ACCORDING TO MR. CHENG SUNG-NGAR, COMMANDER OF THE 56 MEMBER CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT, MORE BELL STRETCHERS WILL BE PURCHASED IN THE FUTURE, BUT THE EXISTING OLDER STRETCHERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED.
HE SAID THE UNIT, APART FROM CARRYING OUT RESCUE DUTIES, ALSO PROVIDES BRIEFING TO YOUTH GROUP LEADERS AND FACTORY GROUP ORGANISERS ON HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL HIKE INTO THE HILLS AND WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY. BRIEFINGS ARE GIVEN ON SUNDAYS, AND THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED MAY CALL TEL. NO. 3-015011.
-------0
/5
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1978 5 -
INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE STARTING IN APRIL
*****
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE BLOCK RELEASE INDUSTRIAL TRADE 'INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE COMMENCING LATE APRIL.
THE COURSE IS LIMITED TO 20 TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS. IT WILL ENABLE THEM TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING TO CARRY OUT THEIR DAY-TO-DAY TEACHING DUTIES. FROM THIS COURSE THEY WILL LEARN TO IMPROVE THEIR METHODS OF TEACHING, STUDY EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY.
THE COURSE WILL REQUIRE ATTENDANCE AT THE COLLEGE FOR TWO WEEKS FULL-TIME AND ON-THE-JOB GUIDANCE AT PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ANOTHER TWO WEEKS.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE EMPLOYED AS TRADE OR WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS AND MUST BE FULLY SKILLED IN THEIR TRADES. THEY SHOULD HAVE ADEQUATE SECONDARY EDUCATION.
THE FEE FOR THE COURSE IS $60. THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE CHINESE, WITH USAGE OF SOME ENGLISH TERMINOLOGY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG K6NG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 -QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG, AND SHOULD-BE RETURNED ON OR BEFORE APRIL 8.
_ _ o - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LION ROCK TUNNEL CARRIES RECORD TRAFFIC ................ 1
THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR TSUEN WAN ON THE'
WAY .... . 2
ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO START SOON ........... 3
DEMAND FOR SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION GROWING .... 3
PRINTING DEPARTMENT COPING WITH INCREASED WORKLOAD ............................................... k
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1978
1
LION ROCK TUNNEL CARRIES RECORD TRAFFIC
* * * * *
A RECORD 6.36 MILLION VEHICLES USED THE LION ROCK TUNNEL LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY EY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 1,176,000 VEHICLES OR NEARLY 23 PER CENT COMPARED WITH FIGURES FOR 1976, AND BROUGHT THE OVERALL TOTAL SINCE THE OPENING OF THE TUNNEL 10 YEARS AGO TO 40.1 MILLION VEH ICLES.
PRIVATE CARS MADE UP ABOUT 66 PER CENT OF THE TRAFFIC WHILST HEAVY AND MEDIUM VEHICLES REPRESENTED 19 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE RECORD TRAFFIC VOLUME OF THIS MOST IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS RESULTED FROM THE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENTS AT SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE INTRODUCTION OF FIVE NEW TERRITORIES BUS ROUTES THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE HEAVY TRAFFIC. BUS TRIPS IN 1977 REACHED A NEW PEAK OF 33,770, ABOUT 18 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE STATISTICS ALSO REVEALED THAT THE HIGHEST DAILY TUNNEL TRAFFIC EVER RECORDED AT LION ROCK WAS 23,731 VEHICLES. IT WAS ACHIEVED ON SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1977. THE PREVIOUS RECORD WAS 22,480 VEHICLES.
1977 WAS ALSO A BUSY YEAR FOR THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL. A TOTAL OF 21,870,331 VEHICLES USED THE TUNNEL, AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
MEANWHILE, CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE ABERDEEN AND AIRPORT TUNNELS — BOTH ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1980 — IS PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE.
THE 1.8 KILOMETRE-LONG ABERDEEN TOLL TUNNEL — WHICH WILL FORM PART OF ROUTE 1 CONNECTING THE DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRIAL-CUM-RESIDENTIAL AREA OF ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU WITH THE NORTHERN SHORES OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND THEN, THROUGH THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO THE MAINLAND — WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1980.
IT WILL HAVE TWIN TUNNELS, EACH WITH TWO LANES OF SINGLE DIRECTIONAL TRAFFIC. THE TOLL PLAZA AND TUNNEL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING WILL BE AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE TUBES WHERE SITE FORMATION WORK IS NOW WELL UNDERWAY.
THE AIRPORT TUNNEL LYING ON ROUTE 3 CURVES UNDER THE RUNWAY OF KAI TAK AIRPORT AND WILL PROVIDE A MUCH NEEDED ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO AND FROM KWUN TONG.
/TH3 1.3 KILO'GTTRS-LONG .
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1978
- 2 -%
*’**»
THE 1.3 KILOMETRE-LONG TUNNEL WILL PROVIDE FOUR LANES FOR TRAFFIC IN EARLY 1980.
’ ALTHOUGH NO TOLLS WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE USE OF THIS TUNNEL, IT WILL BE EQUIPPED AND STAFFED TO PROVIDE THE FULL RANGE OF TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE, CONTROL AND RECOVERY SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN THE OTHER TUNNELS.
WHEN COMPLETED THE TWO TUNNELS WILL COME UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE NEW TUNNEL MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
-----o------
THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR TSUEN WAN ON THE WAY * * * *
THREE GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE TO BE BUILT SHORTLY IN TSUEN WAN TO COPE WITH THE NEED RESULTING FROM THE^DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
. THEY ARE SHEK YAM, LEI MUK SHUE AND TAI PA STREET SCHOOLS.
THESE THREE SCHOOLS, RANGING FROM 5,685 SQUARE METRES TO 6,100 SQUARE METRES IN SIZE, FORM PART OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
MR. PATRICK LEE, P.W.D.’S SENIOR ARCHITECT, SAID THAT WORK ON THE SCHOOLS WOULD BEGIN IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE THREE SCHOOLS WILL BE IDENTICAL IN DESIGN.
+THE MAIN TEACHING BLOCK COMPRISES 24 CLASSROOMS ON THE UPPER FLOORS WITH ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS ON THE GROUND FLOOR WHICH ALSO HOUSES AN ASSEMBLY HALL WITH COVERED PLAY AREA,+ MR. LEE SAID.
THERE WILL ALSO EE A BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, A LIBRARY AND WORKSHOPS.
/3
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1978
3
ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO START SOON * * * * *
MR. ARTHUR BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), HAS APPEALED TO TEACHERS TO HELP PROMOTE 'AMONG STUDENTS THE ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WHICH IS DUE TO START NEXT MONTH.
THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION WILL EE LAUNCHING THE CAMPAIGN IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE EDUCATION, TRANSPORT, AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENTS.
IN A SCHOOL CIRCULAR, MR. BROWN ASKED ALL TEACHERS, PARTICULARLY OF THE ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL STUDIES, TO EXTEND THEIR SUPPORT AND EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE -OF SAFETY IN USING THE ROADS.
HE STRESSED THAT PUPILS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED NOT TO BOARD OVERCROWDED BUSES, BUT TO QUEUE UP IN AN ORDERLY FASHION AT BUSSTOPS, NOT TO STEP OUT INTO THE ROAD WHILE WAITING FOR BUSES, AND TO OBSERVE THE CODE FOR CROSSING THE ROAD.
- 0 -
DEMAND FOR SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION GROWING
*****
&
THE GOVERNMENT SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION UN IT-WILL-SOON EXTEND ITS SERVICE TO COVER THE MEETINGS OF NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS.
ACCORDING TO THE CHIEF INTERPRETER OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT’S COUNCILS BRANCH, MR. Y.P. CHENG, SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WAS FIRST INTRODUCED AT THE PREDECESSOR OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN RECREATION AND AMENITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS IN JUNE 1976.
IT WILL BE EXTENDEDTQ COVER THE MEETING* OF THE OTHER-JUT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS'.
THE EXTENSION OF ITS SERVICE TO THE. NEW TERRITORIES HA-& BROUGHT ABOUT GREATER DEMANDS ON- THE UNIU MR. CHENG SAID.
+FURTHERMORE, TO MEET THE INCREASING NEED OF THE SERVICE BY VARIOUS OTHER COMMITTEE AND BOARDS IN THE URBAN AREAS, A NEW SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION BOOTH IS BEING BUILT AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. IT WILL BE OPERATIONAL VERY SOON.
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED RECRUITING MORE INTERPRETERS TO JOIN THE UNIT,+ MR. CHENG ADDED.
THE UNIT WAS FORMED IN 1972 FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF SIR KENNETH P.F. FUNG. IT NOW HAS SEVEN INTERPRETERS, OF THESE FOUR ARE ON PART-TIME BASIS.
/+CirjLT<730US
SATUBDAY, MABCH 25, 1??8
- 4 -
♦SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE,* MR. CHENG SAID.
+ONE OF THE MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IS THAT IT CAN ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE WITH SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO JOIN THE VARIOUS STATUTORY CONSULTATIVE BODIES SO THAT THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC.
+EEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE, THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED FROM DOING SO BY THE LANGUAGE BARRIER,* MR. CHENG ADDED.
ON TO THE PROFESSION ITSELF, MR. CHENG-DESCRI BED THE JOB OF A SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETER AS +DEMANDING AS WELL AS CHALLENGING*.
+IN ADDITION TO THE FLUENCY IN BOTH LANGUAGES, A SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETER HAS TO BE QUICK-WITTED AND SHARP-MINDED DURING THE f^EETINGS WHEN HE HAS ONLY A SPLIT SECOND TO THINK.*
+HE ALSO HAS TO KNOW SOMETHING OF EVERYTHING, FOR HE MAY OFTEN COME ACROSS TALKS ON HIGHLY-SPECIALISED SUBJECTS.
+IT IS SAID, WITH TONGUE IN CHEEK, NO DOUBT, THAT A SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETER SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN A HEARTTRANSPLANT, ALTHOUGH HE IS NOT ABLE TO PERFORM ONE,* HE ADDED.
-----o------
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1978
- 5 -
PRINTING DEPARTMENT COPING 'a'I TH INCREASED WORKLOAD * * H
THE WORKLOAD OF THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT HAS DOUBLED IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS AND THE PAPER TONNAGE USED ALSO INCREASED BY THE SAME RATE IN TEN YEARS, MR. DENNIS RICK, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, SAID TODAY.
AT THE MOMENT, HE ADDED, STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE NOW WORKING FULL SWING TO COPE WITH THE 'WORKLOAD IN ITS BUSIEST PERIOD OF THE YEAR.
MR. RICK SAID: +EETWEEN DECEMBER AND MAY EACH YEAR THE DEPARTMENT HAS TO PRINT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF COPIES OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS INCLUDING THE BUDGET SPEECH BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND ITS SUPPORTING STATEMENTS, THE HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS AND A LARGE QUANTITY OF PUBLIC EXAMINATION PAPERS.
♦THIS YEAR WE PRINTED 42,000 COPIES OF THE HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT,' AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT IN THE ENGLISH EDITION AND 30 PER CENT IN THE CHINESE EDITION COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.
+THE VOLUME OF PUBLIC EXAMINATION PAPERS FOR THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR WILL INCREASE BY 12 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.
THE MAJOR INCREASE IS IN OFF-SET COLOUR PRINTING.
MR. RICK SAID: +DURING LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER OF COLOUR TRANSPARENCIES WE PROCESSED FOR PRINTING DOUBLED THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR.+
HE STRESSED THAT THE QUALITY OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S OUTPUT HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY THE INCREASING WORKLOAD.
+WE STRIVE TO PRESERVE THE STANDARD AND TO GIVE OUR CUSTOMERS THE BEST SERVICES WE CAN. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE QUALITY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS WHICH HAS EARNED FAVOURABLE COMMENTS IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG,+ MR. RICK SAID.
MR. RICK REVEALED THAT A PLAN TO MOVE THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT TO A NEW SITE WITH BIGGER ACCOMMODATION IS ON THE DRAWING BOARD, AND A SITE CLOSE TO THE EXISTING PLANT IN NORTH POINT IS BEING CONSIDERED.
HE SAID: +THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO ACTIVELY CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF COMPUTERISING THE TYPE COMPOSITION FACILITIES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE.+
MR. RICK SAID IT 'WAS SIMPLER TO OPERATE PHOTO TYPE-SETTING WITH A COMPUTER WHICH HAD AN ENORMOUS STORAGE CAPACITY FOR ALL PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS.
+WE CAN UPDATE ANY INFORMATION EASILY AND QUICKLY TO ENABLE US TO PRODUCE PUBLICATIONS IN A VERY SHORT TIME.+
HE SAID THAT COMPUTERISATION OF CHINESE CHARACTERS COMPOSITION WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED WHEN THE MARKET CCULD PROVIDE SUCH ADVANCED EQUIPMENT.
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WARNINGS AGAINST DEFECTIVE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT ........................................... 1
DROP IN FERRY COMMUTERS ............................. 2
SEMINAR AND DISPLAY ON ECONOMICS TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ................................ 3
HOME AFFAIRS HANDLE RECORD ENQUIRIES ................ 4
FIRING PRACTICE ..................................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1978
1
..ARKIIIGS AGAINST DEFECTIVE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY CALLED ON BUILDING OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AS REQUIRED UNDER THE LAW.
THE APPEAL FOLLC . ■ ROUTINE INSPECT 1013 EY FIRE OFFICERS DURING ..HlC’-i T E INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT IN A LARGE NUMBER OF BUILDINGS ..ERE FC Ui D iC l; DEFzCTIVW..
+ IN i-ICST BUILDINGS, HOSE REELS WERE FOUND WITHOUT NOZZLES, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS EMPTY ..I TH MANY IN A HIGHLY DETERIORATED STATE AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS OUT CF ORDER,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
+THE LAW HAS LAID DOAN FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS AND IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF OWNERS TO HAKE SURE THAT SUCH EQUIPMENT WILL ALWAYS FUNCTION,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ..ARMED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THOSE WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS.
UNDER THE FIRE SERVICE (INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS, THE OWNERS CF ANY FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION OR EQUIPMENT WHICH IS INSTALLED IN ANY PREMISES MUST KEEP SUCH INSTALLATION OR EQUIPMENT I" EFFICIENT WORKING ORDER AT ALL TIMES.
THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO HAVE IT INSPECTED EY A REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE CONTRACTOR AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
+ IF ANYONE IS H! DOUBT,* HE SAIL, +WE SUGGEST THEY CONSULT A REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR, A LIST OF ’..HI CH CAN EE AVAILABLE AT NO COST AT THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, ALY FIRE STATION OR CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.*
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS TO FORWARD A COPY OF CERTIFICATE TO THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE COMPLETION OF MAINTENANCE TO THE INSTALLATION AND EQUIPMENT OF A BUILDING.
UNDER THE LAW, ANY CONTRACTOR WHO FAILS TO DO SO OR ISSUES OR FORWARDS A CERTIFICATE ..HI CH IS FALSE OR MISLEAD It'D SHALL EE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FILE OF .2,DOD AND TO SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
+IN ADDITION, DISCIPLINARY ACTION COULD ALSO BE TAKEN UNDER
THE FIRE SERVICE (INSTALLATION CC’.TACTCRS) REGULATIONS
AND THE HEAVIEST PENALTY, WHICH COULD BE IMPOSED, IS TO DE-REGI STEM THE CONTRACTOR,* i'E ADDED.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1973
2
DROP IN FERRY COMMUTERS
******
Tr.E '.’UMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED ACROSS THE HARBOUR BY FERRIES LAST YEAR DROPPED BY MORE THAN 2.8 MILLION WHILE 'PASSENGERS USING THE OUTLYING DISTRICT FERRY SERVICES ROSE _Y SOME 1.2 ILLIO." COMPARED . I TH 1976.
ACCO-DI G TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY EY THE TRANSPORT ^EPAET'Ei.T, h TOTAL OF 166.7 ILLIOK PASSENGERS USED THE 16 CROSS-HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES LAST YEAR. THIS REPRESENTED A _R0- OF 1.7 PER CENT SHE? COMPARED LI TH THE FIGURE OF 169.5 . ILlIC: i;. 1976.
COM..'’ENT I NG :■:< THE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT 2EPARTME: T SAID THE DECREASE IK FERRY PASSENGERS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE COMPETING SERVICES OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR BUSES. BUT r.E ADDED THE RATE OF DECLINE ;AS CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN THAT I. 1976.
I' TH-.T YEAR, 6.6 PER CENT OR 12 MILLION FEUER COMMUTERS ..ERE CARRIED ACROSS HO' G KONG HARBOUR COMPARED I TH 1975.
OF THE 166.7 MILLION PASSENGERS, 115.7 MILLION TRAVELLED
CL VESSELS OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY'AH ILE THE ‘ENA INDER WERE CARRIED BY THE +STA. + FERRY COMPANY.
LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS USING THE YAUMATI FERRY CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES DROPPED EY 3.1 MILLION COMPARED ..I TH 1976.
+FARxS OH H.Y.F.’S CROSS—HARBOUR Sx. VICES ERE RAISED FROM 33 TO 43 CENTS IN JULY LAST YEA-., BUT THE LOSS OF PASSENGERS AS A RESULT OF THIS INCREASE .AS SURPRISINGLY LO»,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE YEAR OF REVIEW, 17.8 . ILLI'. PEOPLE USED THE CUTLYI’.'G DISTRICT FERRY SERVICES, AH INCREASE OF 7.4 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE OF 16.5 . ILLIGL IL 1976.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT PASSENGER SERVICES TO CUTLYING DISTRICTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE LARGELY BECAUSE OF LEISURE TRAFFIC AND THE GRO.. I LG POPULARITY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
+THE DEMAND FOR DECREATIC.’AL SE. VICES SHOULD CONTINUE TC INCREASE IN FUTURE I Th ME.. LEG I SLATIREv.UI. ING EMPLOYERS TC PROVIDE LONGER PAID HOLIDAYS,+ HE ADDED.
THE TWO STAR FERRY SERVICES — FROM. EDINBURGH PLACE TO T3 I .-SHA TSUI AND TO HUNG HOI — CARRIED A TOTAL OF 53.96 MILLION co; r.UTERS I?. 1977, 3.5 PER CELT . . T ' 1976, .. I TH. THE EDI BURGH PLACE TC TSI SHA TSUI SERVICE CC ' TRI BUT I NG 96 PER CERT OF THE TOTaL.
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/3
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1978
SEMINAR AND DISPLAY ON ECONOMICS TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
******
A SEMINAR AND DISPLAY ON ECONOMICS TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS .JLL BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FROM MARCH 29 TO 31. r
THE Air OF THE EVENT IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ECONOMICS TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND TO DISCUSS ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST.
THE ECONO!-. ICS AND PUBLIC aFFAIRS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, ARE ORGANISING THE DISPLAY AND SEMINAR. ABOUT 2'30 TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
THE THREE-DAY DISPLAY ..ILL ZE OPENED AT 10 A.K.. ON MARCH 29
BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING, AND THE HEAD OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, PROFESSOR N.A. BRIMER.
IT ..ILL EE ON VIEW TILL 1 P.M. ON MARCH 31.
THE TOPICS OF DISPLAY BY 13 SCHOOLS INCLUDE : INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS EY LA SALLE COLLEGE" LOCATION OF INDUSTRY BY COGNITIO COLLEGE AND PUI SHING MIDDLE SCHOOL MONEY AND BANKING BY VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL" • AND THE HONG KONG ECONOMY BY KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL AND RAIMONDI COLLEGE.
THE SEMINAR CM ECONOMICS TEACHING ..ILL EE INAUGURATED EY MR. ARTHUR EROi.K, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), AT 9.30 A.M. CH THURSDAY A-.’D JILL EE HELD FOP T..C DAYS, MARCH 30 AND 31. HR. P. MORRIS OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WILL MAKE A WELCOMING SPEECH.
DISCUSSIONS AT THE TWO-DAY SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE: EDUCATIONAL THEORY AND ECONOMICS EDUCATION BY MR. MORRIS" OBSERVATIONS ON THE MACRO-ECONOMICS OF HONG KONG BY DR. ALAN MCLEAN, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, ECONOMIC SERVICES" AND THE AVAILABILITY OF AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS FOR ECONOMICS TEACHING BY MRS. S.L. KWOK, VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TD COVER THE FOLLOWING AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON :
(1) THE OPENING OF THE DISPLAY CL ECONOMICS TEACHING ,.T 10 A.M. ON MARCH 29, AND
(2) THE SEMINAR OPENING AT 9.33 A..'. ON MARCH 30.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1973
HOME AFFAIRS HANDLE RECORD ENQUIRIES * * * * *
THE 22 PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES CF THE HONE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT .LAST YEAR HANDLED A RECORD 2,515,973 ENQUIRIES.
THIS COMPRISED 1,17'3,470 ENQUIRIES AND CASES HANDLED AND 1,345,503 FORMS AND BOOKLETS DI STR I LUTED AS. COMPARED WITH 1,313,292 AND 1,311,733 IN 1976, AN INCREASE OF 15.5 PER CENT AND 33 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE SUBJECTS ON WHICH MOST QUESTIONS WERE RAISED CONCERNED GOVERNMENT JOBS AND VACANCIES AMD APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
0 --------
FIRING PRACTICE * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE CM THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME CF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE :
DATE HOURS
MARCH 28 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 11 P.M
MARCH 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 11 P.M
MARCH 30 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M
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PRH 7
[FKlfiiM] IgisI |»l
*- J
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIREMEN MORE VIGILANT ........................ 1
OVER 15,000 MORE VEHICLES REGISTERED LAST YEAR . 2
FIRE WARNING TO FARMERS ........................ 3
NEW MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTOR ................ 4
6,000 NOTICES FAILED TO REACH VOTERS ........... 5
TENDERS CALLED FOR RESIDENTIAL SITE AT FEI NGO SHAN . 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1978
FIREMEN MORE VIGILANT
* * * *
THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS CARRIED OUT A RECORD 269,000 INSPECTIONS ON PREMISES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IN 1977, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 8.7 PER CENT OVER THE 1976 RECORD.
AT THE SAME TIME, MORE THAN 10,850 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES WERE ISSUED AND 3,400 PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT, RESULTING IN FINES AMOUNTING TO OVER 51.3 MILLION BEING IMPOSED IN RESPECT OF VARIOUS CONTRAVENTIONS OF FIRE REGULATIONS.
COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTED FOR SOME 64 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL INSPECTIONS, WITH 142,745 RELATING TO MEANS OF ESCAPE . AND 29,826 CONCERNING VARIOUS OTHER HAZARDS.
APART FROM INVESTIGATING THESE COMPLAINTS, STAFF OF THE BUREAU ALSO CARRIED OUT 15,157 REGULAR VISITS TO BUILDINGS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR COMMON CORRIDORS AND EXITS WERE FREE.FROM OBSTRUCTIONS.
DURING THE YEAR, MORE THAN 46,370 INSPECTIONS OF FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES AND 6,555 INSPECTIONS OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRY WERE UNDERTAKEN.
INSPECTIONS RELATED TO THE MANUFACTURE AND STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS TOTALLED 6,535.
THERE WERE ABOUT 17,400 VISITS RELATED TO RESTAURANTS, NIGHT CLUBS, SCHOOLS, FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, CINEMAS, MATSHEDS, DANCE HALLS, BILLIARD ROOMS, TIMBER YARDS AND NEON SIGNS.
IN ADDITION, 1,912 INSPECTIONS WERE MADE ON VEHICLES USED FOR CARRYING COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND 2,128 INSPECTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT ON CHILD CARE CENTRES.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE BUREAU FINALISED 8,223 NEW BUILDING PLANS AND ISSUED OR RENEWED 3,513 DANGEROUS GOODS AND TIMBER YARDS STORAGE LICENCES.
FIRE OFFICERS ALSO INVESTIGATED 72 FIRES IN DEPTH AND CONDUCTED 182 LECTURES AND EXHIBITIONS ON THE RUDIMENTS OF R|RE-FIGHT ING FOR STUDENTS AS WELL AS STAFF OF PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
0 -------
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1973
2
OVER 15,000 MORE VEHICLES REGISTERED LAST YEAR ******
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES IN HONG KONG-STOOD AT 207,521 AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 15,775 OR 8.22 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY, THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE RISE IN OWNERSHIP OF PRIVATE CARS FROM 113,665 TO 122,853 AND IMPORTS OF GOODS VEHICLES FROM 36,553 TO 42,131.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED DRIVERS ALSO ROSE BY SIX PER CENT TO 555,715 AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE OF A CHANGE OF POLICY IN MARCH 1977, LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCES WERE NOW AELE TO OBTAIN.HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCES WITHOUT A TEST.
LAST YEAR ALSO SAW A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS FOR PRIVATE CAR AND MOTOR CYCLE DRIVING TESTS.
BY THE END OF 1977, THERE WERE 113,854 CANDIDATES WAITING FOR WRITTEN TESTS ON HIGHWAY CODES AND FOR ROAD TESTS ON THESE TWO . CLASSES OF VEHICLE, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 43.9 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
AT THE SAME TIME, A TOTAL OF 11,162 CANDIDATES WERE AWAITING TO TAKE THEIR DRIVING TESTS FOR LICENCES TO DRIVE TAXIS, __ . PUBLIC (HIRE) CARS, GOODS VEHICLES, OMNIBUSES AND LIGHT BUSES.
DURING THE YEAR, THE INDOOR DRIVING TRAINING CENTRE RUN BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS PROVED TO BE POPULAR AS ALL COURSES WERE FULLY BOOKED. MORE THAN 3,000 PEOPLE RECEIVED INSTRUCTIONS AT THE CENTRE LAST YEAR, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 11,339 SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN JUNE 1974.
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/3
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1978 - 3 -
FIRE WARNING TO FARMERS
* * * * *
FARMERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE BEING INSTRUCTED ON THE CORRECT METHODS OF BURNING-OFF SCRUB AROUND THEIR' CROPS DURING A CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO CURE THE INCIDENCE OF BUSH FIRES.
DURING THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, OFFICERS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S AGRICULTURAL LIAISON UNITS AND COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT CENTRES TOGETHER WITH CIVILIAN INFORMATION TEAMS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL MAKE PERSONAL VISITS TO THE FARMERS, ADVISING THEM OF THE CORRECT METHODS OF BURNING-OFF
THE FARMERS WILL BE GIVEN WALL POSTERS ILLUSTRATING THE DOS AND DON’TS OF LIGHTING FIRES AS WELL AS LISTS OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF AGRICULTURAL AND COUNTRY PARKS UNITS IN EACH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. . . _
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE FOLLOWED-UP WITH REGULAR RAD 10 ANNOUNCEMENTS AND TELEVISION COMMERCIALS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY SPRING WAS THE SEASON WHEN FARMERS CLEARED AND BURNT-OFF SCRUB AROUND THEIR CROPS. THE PERIOD WAS CHOSEN AFTER THE DRY WINTERS AND.BEFORE THE NORMALLY WET SUMMER MONTHS.
HE SAID THAT THE RECENT ABOVE AVERAGE RAINFALL HAS CURTAILED THE BURNING-OFF ACTIVITIES AND FARMERS WERE EXPECTED TO START CLEARING THE SCRUB AS SOON AS THE WEATHER CLEARED.
SO FAR THIS YEAR 80,000 TREES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED IN 519 BUSH. FIRES QXER-AIUkBEA OF 484 HECTARES. FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, 600,□□□TREES ..ERE DESTROYED IN 888 FIRES OVER 1,326 HECTARES OF COUNTRYSIDE.
+THE PURPOSE OF THE PRESENT CAMPAIGN IS TO ADVISE FARMERS OF THE POSSIBLE DANGERS IN BURNING-OFF AS WELL AS INSTRUCTING THEM ON THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHEN LIGHTING FIRES.
+FARMERS ARE ADVISED THAT BEFORE BURNING-OFF, THEY SHOULD CALL AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT UNIT NEAREST TO THEIR FARM SO THAT NECESSARY ACTION COULD BE TAKEN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE _ DESTRUCTION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 197u
NEW MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTOR * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL SOON PLACE AN ORDER FOR A SOPHISTICATED HARBOUR REFUSE COLLECTION CRAFT TO JOIN ITS POLLUTION CONTROL FLEET AT ABERDEEN THIS YEAR.
MR. MICHAEL SEALE, MARINE OFFICER, POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT, SAID THAT THE CRAFT WAS THE LATEST EQUIPMENT IN USE IN.MORE THAN 15 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND cnirtpBS^DFLLVGRED LN-NOVEMBER.
THE DEVICE, MANUFACTURED IN BRITAIN AT A' COST OF» $300,000, CAN SCOOP UP 10 TONS OF FLOATING RUBBISH PER HOUR, AND IT NEEDS ONLY ONE MAN TO OPERATE.
AT PRESENT, EACH HARBOUR SCAVENGING FLEET OF THREE CRAFT IN OPERATION HERE CAN ONLY COLLECT ONE TON OF REFUSE A DAY.
MR. SEALE SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ALSO HAD A FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE HARBOUR SCAVENGING SERVICE. UNDER THE PROGRAMME FOUR MORE FLOATING MECHANICAL REFUSE COLLECTORS WILL BE ACQUIRED FOR USE AT YAU MA TEI, CAUSEWAY BAY, CHEUNG CHAU AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TYPHOON SHELTERS.
+WHEN THE NEW CRAFT ARE OPERATING BY 1982-83, COST OF SCAVENGING SERVICE WILL BE GREATLY REDUCED AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN LOCAL WATERS MUCH IMPROVED,* MR. SEALE SAID.
APART FROM THE DAILY ANT I-POLLUTION WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE HARBOUR, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDES SHIP-TO-SHIP REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE FOR OCEAN-GOING SHIPS. NEARLY 50 VESSELS, CONSISTING OF MOTORISED CARGO BOATS AND SAMPANS, ARE EMPLOYED IN THIS OPERATION.
THE COST OF CLEANING UP THE HARBOUR IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR IS BUDGETTED AT 32.5 MILLION COMPARED WITH $1.47 MILLION IN 1976-77 FISCAL YEAR. IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, IT.COST 31.98 MILLION TO COLLECT MORE THAN 4,130 TONS OF FLOATING REFUSE.
MR. SEALE ESTIMATED THE COST OF THE CLEANING-UP AND DISPOSING OF THIS REFUSE RANGED FROM 3300 TO 3800 PER TON.
MR. SEALE SAID THE LARGE QUANTITY OF FLOATING REFUSE IN THE HARBOUR WAS MAINLY CAUSED BY REFUSE BEING WASHED OFF THE LAND INTO THE SEA THROUGH NULLAHS AND DRAINAGE OUTLETS, INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC, THE FLOATING POPULATION AND PASSING VESSELS.
0
/5
c
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1978
- 5 -
6,000 NOTICES FAILED TO REACH VOTERS ■K * # #
THE REGISTRATION OFFICER IS APPEALING TO ALL URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION VOTERS WHOSE NAMES ARE IN THE CURRENT REGISTER BUT WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED NOTICES OF SEXENNIAL INQUIRY TO CONTACT HIM.
MR. KUO KET-CHEN, REGISTRATION OFFICER FOR THE 1978 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION REGISTRATION AND SEXENNIAL INQUIRY SAID, IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS, HE HAD SENT OUT 37,174 NOTICES OF INQUIRY BUT OVER 6,000 COULD NOT BE DELIVERED BY THE POST OFFICE.
+THIS IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN TO INFORM US OF THEIR NEW ADDRESSES,* MR. KUO SAID.
+1 SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IF THESE PEOPLE WOULD CONTACT THE ELECTORAL AND JURY SECTION, EITHER BY TELEPHONING THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE AT 5-765912 OR 5-704002 OR BY WRITING TO HIM AT SEVENTH FLOOR, KA CHEONG BUILDING, 4 SUNNING ROAD, HONG KONG 30 THAT A NOTICE MAY BE SENT TO HIM WITHOUT DELAY,* HE ADDED.
TENDERS CALLED FOP RESIDENTIAL SITE AT FEI NGC SHAN * * * K
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITE AT FEI NGO SHAN, CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, SAI KUNG.
'APPLICATIONS FOR THE LOT WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,369 SQUARE ."ETRES ARE LIMITED TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE CHIEF ESTATE SURVEYOR (DISTRICTS) CF THE NEW TERRITORIES
ADMINISTRATION, MR. MALCOLM MCGRAW SAID: +THE SITE IS VERY ATTRACTIVE, BEING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BUT ALSO VERY CLOSE TO THE KOWLOON URBAN AREA.
+IT IS LOCATED IN A HIGH-CLASS RESIDENTIAL AREA AND ENJOYS VERY GOOD SEA VIEWS.*
THE LOT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT CF $510,333 OVER THREE YEARS. BUILDINGS TO BE ERECTED ON THE LOT WILL BASICALLY EE RESTRICTED TO TWO STOREYS.
APPLICATIONS 7 THIS YEAR.
FOR THE LOT MUST BE SUBMITTED EY NOON ON APRIL
APPLICATIONS MUST EE SUBMITTED ALONG ..ITH A CROSSED CHEQUE FOR $10,000 ' ADE PAYABLE TO THE HC’.'G KONG GOVERNMENT, AND SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE APPLICATION BOX I' THE RECEPTION LCEEY OF THE , NEW TERRITORIES \D.’ IN I STRATI ON, HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, 131 PRl"CES3 MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
CONTENTS ■ PAGE NO.
CONSULTANTS TO ADVISE ON KCR ELECTRIFICATION ............. 1
ROLE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION .............................. 2
WORK COMPLETED ON MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE .........•...... 4
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE SETS UP MORE BRANCH OFFICES ..... 5
BUDGET DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW ........................... 7
NT LAUNDRY LICENCES TO BE ABOLISHED ...................... 7
SPORTS DAY FOR DISABLED PEOPLE ........................... 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT SECTION OF PO TUNG ROAD ........... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
1
CONSULTANTS TO ADVISE ON HOW ELECTRIFICATION OF KCR TO BE CARRIED OUT ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE RECOMMENDATIONS BY A FIRM OF CONSULTANTS THAT THE HUNG HOM TO LO WU SECTION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SHOULD BE ELECTRIFIED. A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY A FINAL DECISION WOULD BE MADE AFTER THE CONSULTANTS HAVE ADVISED HOW THIS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT.
THE CONSULTANTS PREDICT A MASSIVE INCREASE IN PASSENGERS USING THE RAILWAY OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND ADVISE THAT THIS INCREASED DEMAND FOR SERVICES CAN ONLY BE MET IF THE LINE IS ELECTRIFIED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE ESTIMATED COST OF ELECTRIFICATION WOULD BE ALMOST $400 MILLION.
HE SAID THE CONSULTANTS WERE BEING ASKED TO DRAW UP A PROGRAMME OF PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRIFICATION AND TO RECOMMEND HOW EARLIEST POSSIBLE COMPLETION WOULD BE ACHIEVED.
HE SAID THEY WERE ALSO BEING ASKED TO IDENTIFY THE MOST SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR MAINTAINING, STABLING AND SERVICING ROLLING STOCK- TO AGREE PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AGAINST ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE- TO AGREE THE FUTURE SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM- AND TO SPECIFY ROLLING STOCK REQUIREMENTS.
THE COST OF THIS STUDY WILL BE JUST UNDER $600,000.
THE CONSULTANTS ESTIMATE 153 MILLION PASSENGER TRIPS A YEAR BETWEEN HUNG HOM AND LO WU BY 1991 COMING MAINLY FROM THE EXPANDING NEW TOWN OF SHA TIN. ACCORDING TO THE CONSULTANTS A DAILY SERVICE OF 180 TRAINS WILL BE NEEDED TO COPE WITH THIS DEMAND.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AN ELECTRIFIED KCR WOULD PROVIDE THE CAPACITY REQUIRED TO CARRY THE HEAVY INCREASE IN PASSENGERS PLUS A FASTER AND MORE FREQUENT SERVICE AND AN IMPROVED STANDARD OF TRAVEL.
HE SAID THAT, PROVIDING NO UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS AROSE, THE FIRST CONTRACTS FOR THE PROJECT COULD BE LET IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR.
+IF THIS TARGET IS MET,+ HE SAID, +ELECTRIFIED TRAINS WILL BE RUNNING BY 1981.+
HE SAID THAT THE $400 MILLION RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME WOULD BE ADDITIONAL TO THE CONSIDERABLE CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME ALREADY IN HAND TO ASSIST THE KCR TO SERVE THE INCREASING POPULATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TO SUPPORT EXPANDING FREIGHT TRAFFIC FROM CHINA.
/THERE WERE ALREADY .....
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
2
THERE WERE ALREADY 12 PROJECTS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS
PROGRAMME COSTING MORE THAN $240 MILLION, THE PRINCIPAL OF WHICH WERE DOUBLE-TRACKING ALL 34 KILOMETRES OF SINGLE LINE TRACK FROM HUNG HOM TO LO WU INCLUDING A NEW DOUBLE-TRACKED BEACON HILL TUNNEL*8 CONSTRUCTION OF A MARSHALLING YARD AT LO WU- AND A LOOP LINE AND STATION TO SERVICE THE NEW RACECOURSE AT SHA TIN.
HE SAID THE CONSULTANTS HAD BEEN ENGAGED TO CONSIDER FURTHER MODERNISATION BECAUSE, IN SPITE OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE EXISTING TRACTION SYSTEM AND ROLLING STOCK MIGHT NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR THE FUTURE ROLE ENVISAGED FOR THE KCR AS A MODERN, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL RAILWAY PLAYING AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN HONG KONG’S OVERALL TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS.
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ROLE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
* * *
TECHNICAL EDUCATION IS A MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF EDUCATION AS A WHOLE, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR. TOPLEY SAID THE MODERN SYSTEM OF EDUCATION GRADUALLY EVOLVED RATHER THAN ANALYTICALLY DESIGNED. IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONTINUOUSLY ADJUST THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AND CURRICULUM TO PRESENT NEEDS, HE ADDED.
MR. TOPLEY SAID TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN ITS BROADEST SENSE COULD BE CONCEIVED AS A FULL EDUCATION, DESIGNED FOR SOMEONE ENTERING INDUSTRY. MORE SPEC IFICALLY, IT COULD BE VIEWED AS THE TEACHING OF TECHNICAL SUBJECTS MAINLY WITH A VIEW TO AN INDUSTRIAL VOCATION.
+BUT TECHNICAL EDUCATION CAN ALSO BE CONCEIVED AS EDUCATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY — AND IN THIS FORM IT IS A PART OF EDUCATION VALUABLE FOR EVERYONE.+ HE SAID.
/HR. TOPLEY .....
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
- 3
MR. TOPLEY NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF GENERAL OR ACADEMIC SUBJECTS HAD IMPORTANT VOCATIONAL USES. KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGES, OF MATHEMATICS, WAS VITAL IN ORDER TO WORK EFFECTIVELY IN THE WORLD.
HE SAID THAT EDUCATION NEEDED TO PREPARE THE YOUNG FOR LIFE AND NOT ONLY FOR WORKING LIFE.
♦IT IS NECESSARY TO LEARN TO UNDERSTAND AND RELATE TO ONE’S ENVIRONMENT, TO LEARN TO GET ON WITH OTHER PEOPLE, TO MANAGE ONE’S PERSONAL AND FAMILY AFFAIRS, TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCEITY AND ITS GOVERNANCE AND TO LEARN TO ENJOY ONE’S LIFE,+ HE ADDED.
THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT IN TRADITIONAL TIMES AGRICULTURE ABSORBED THE MAJORITY OF THOSE WORKING, AND THERE WERE FEW OTHER VOCATIONS. EDUCATION IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES WAS LARGELY VOCATIONAL AND LEARNING WAS FROM ONE’S FAMILY OR THE MASTER TO WHOM ONE WAS APPRENTICED. IT WAS OFTEN CLEAR AT BIRTH WHAT VOCATION A CHILD WOULD FOLLOW.
♦TODAY,+ HE SAID, +OUR FATES ARE NOT SEALED AT BIRTH OR EVEN WHEN WE LEAVE SCHOOL. MANY MORE OPPORTUNITIES ARE OPEN AND MANY CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY WILL TAKE PLACE DURING A LIFE TIME. THUS WE MUST EDUCATE FOR CHANGE AND AS FAR AS POSSIBLE PREPARE PUPILS WITH A BROAD BASIS OF UNDERSTAND I NG.+
AS REGARDS TECHNICAL SUBJECTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO GIVE TO AS MANY PUPILS AS POSSIBLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THROUGH TECHNOLOGY, TO MAKE INTELLIGENT CHOICES ABOUT THEIR SCHEMES OF STUDY AND TO PROVIDE AN ENLIVENING MIXTURE OF SUBJECTS IN SCHOOLS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WERE DEVISED IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL. THERE WAS ALSO CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE POLYTECHNIC TO ENSURE THAT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COURSES WERE CONSISTENT WITH POLYTECHNIC COURSES AND THAT STUDENT TRANSFER WAS FULLY POSSIBLE. COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES CONVEYED SPECIFIC SKILLS BUT WITH A BASIS OF THEORETICAL UNDERSTANDING SO THAT STUDENTS COULD LATER ADD NEW SKILLS TO THEIR REPERTOIRE.
COURSES IN PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WERE INTENDED TO BE PRE-VOCATIONAL AND TO READY THE PUPILS BOTH FOR LIFE AND FOR WORK IN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, HE ADDED.
----o------ A
TUESDAY, KARCH 28, 1978
WORK COMPLETED ON MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE ******
COMMUNITY LEADER AND WELL-KNOWN PHILANTHROPIST, SIR SHIU-KIN TANG, TODAY PERFORMED THE TOPPING-OFF CEREMONY ON THE ROOF OF THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE NINE-STOREY BUILDING.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE DENTAL COMPLEX, WHICH WILL BECOME THE NERVE CENTRE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S DENTAL SERVICE, BEGAN IN LATE JANUARY 1976 AFTER THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, HAD LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE BUILDING.
THE BUILDING ON MORRISON HILL, WAN CHAI WILL HOUSE A TRAINING SCHOOL FOR DENTAL NURSES AND A SCHOOL CHILDREN DENTAL CLINIC, BOTH OF WHICH WILL BE NAMED AFTER SIR SHIU-KIN, WHO HAS DONATED MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE PROJECT.
IT WILL ALSO ACCOMMODATE THE HEAD OFFICE AND DENTAL SURGERIES OF THE GOVERNMENT DENTAL SERVICE, PRESENTLY LOCATED IN THE WAN CHAI DENTAL CLINIC AT KENNEDY ROAD.
THE CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AT 37 MILLION AND AN ADDITIONAL .1 MILLION TO EQUIP AND FURNISH. IT WILL COST ABOUT $5 MILLION A YEAR TO RUN THE CENTRE.
THE PROJECT IS ONE OF THE ACCEPTED RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE 1974 WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF , TED I CAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG. IN THE WHITE PAPER, THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR A SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SCHEME TO PROVIDE A BASIC DENTAL SERVICE AT PRIMARY SCHOOL LEVEL.
THE PROPOSED SCHEME, WHEN IMPLEMENTED, WILL PROVIDE REGULAR EXAMINATION AND SIMPLE TREATMENT, INCLUDING FILLINGS AND EXTRACTIONS.
THE DENTAL CENTRE WILL OF DENTAL NURSES AND DENTAL DENTAL CONSERVATION SERVICE PRIMARY ONE.
PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE TRAINING HYGIENISTS WHO WILL BE RUNNING THE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN ENTERING
THE FIRST TRAINING OF DENTAL NURSES AT THE CENTRE WILL START IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND THE SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SCHEME WILL START IN 1983.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT AS THE SCHEME GETS INTO ITS STRIDE FOUR MORE SCHOOL DENTAL CLINICS WILL EE EUILT, TWO IN KOWLOON AND IWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
5
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE SETS UP MORE BRANCH OFFICES ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL EXTEND ITS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES WITH THE OPENING OF TWO MORE OFFICES OF ITS LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (L.E.S.) ON THURSDAY (MARCH 30).
THE NEW BRANCHES — IN MONG KOK AND HUNG HOM -- BRING TO 12 THE NUMBER OF SUCH OFFICES, WHICH SERVE BOTH JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS REQUIRING STAFF. TWO MORE BRANCHES, AT WONG CHUK HANG AND CHAI WAN, WILL ALSO BE OPENED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THE NEW MONG KOK OFFICE IS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 185, FA YUEN STREET, AND IT WILL SERVE NOT ONLY THE MONG KOK AREA BUT ALSO TAI KOK TSUI.
THE HUNG HOM BRANCH IS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 125, DOCK STREET, WHAMPOA ESTATE, PHASE 1, AND IT WILL COVER THE MA TAU CHUNG, MA TAU WAI, HO MAN TIN, TO KWA WAN AND HUNG HOM AREAS.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF THE TWO NEW OFFICES MARKS ANOTHER EFFORT OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO REACH OUT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO ITS CLIENTS.*
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE L.E.S. IS A FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AND REMINDED THOSE WHO WISH TO REGISTER WITH THE SERVICE FOR JOBS TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH.
EMPLOYERS WANTING TO RECRUIT STAFF NEEDED ONLY TO TELEPHONE ANY OF THE L.E.S. OFFICES AND GIVE DETAILS OF THEIR REQUIREMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ALL L.E.S. OFFICES, EXCEPT THE SAI KUNG SUB-OFFICE, ARE MANNED ON WEEK-DAYS FROM 9 A.M. TO 5.33 P.M., INCLUDING THE LUNCH HOUR. THE SAI KUNG SUE-OFFICE OPENS ONLY ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS.
/FOLLOWING ARE......
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
6 -
FOLLOWING ARE THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE OTHER L.E.S. OFFICES:
HEAD OFFICE: NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG, TELEPHONES 5-273276, 5-27'0515/6 AND 270622=
NORTH POINT OFFICE: WAH HOI MANSION, GROUND FLOOR, 264, ELECTRIC ROAD, HONG KONG, TELEPHONES 5-711351/4=
CANTON ROAD OFFICE: CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR, KOWLOON, TELEPHONES 3-695525/8=
SHAM SHUI PO OFFICE: POST OFFICE BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, UN CHAU STREET, KOWLOON, TELEPHONES 3-700293/5=
SAN PO KONG OFFICE: PARIS THEATRE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 7, KING FUK STREET, KOWLOON, TELEPHONES 3-265121/4=
KWUN TONG OFFICE: KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON, TELEPHONES 3-420486 AND 3-424251/3=
TSUEN WAN OFFICE: CHARTERED BANK BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR, SHA TSUI ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES, TELEHPONES 12-^20154/6=
TAI PO OFFICE: 52, KWONG FUK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, NEW TERRITORIES, TELEPHONES 12-665183/5=
TUEN MUN OFFICE: 31, TAK CHING COURT, GROUND FLOOR, NEW TERRITORIES, TELEPHONES 12-819300/2= AND
SAI KUNG SUB-OFFICE: 63, MAN NIN STREET, GROUND FLOOR, TELEPHONE 3-2813793.
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/?.....
7
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
BUDGET DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW * * * *
THE BUDGET DEBATE WILL RESUME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHEN NINE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SPEAK ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS. IT WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY WITH TEN MORE UNOFFICIALS SPEAKING.
TOMORROW’S SPEAKERS ARE THE HON. SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, THE HON. Q.W. LEE, THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE, THE HON. ROGER LOBO, THE HON. JAMES WU, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, THE HON. F.W. LI, DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG AND THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH.
THE SPEAKERS ON THURSDAY ARE THE HON. T.S. LO, THE HON.
FRANCIS TIEN, THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT, THE HON. S.L. CHEN, THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, DR. THE HON. HENRY HU,- THE REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN, THE HON. WONG LAM, DR. THE HON. RAYSON HUANG AND THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG.
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL GIVE LIVE BROADCAST TO THE TWO-DAY DEBATE ON RHK2 (CHINESE) AND RHK4 (ENGLISH) STARTING FROM 2.30 P.M. ON BOTH DAYS.
- - 0 -
LAUNDRY LICENCES WASHED OUT * * * * *
LAUNDRY LICENCES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE ABOLISHED FROM NEXT MONTH. THIS FOLLOWS THE ABOLITION OF LICENCES IN THE URBAN AREAS LAST AUGUST.
AS LAUNDRIES ARE INSPECTED QUARTERLY BY A DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTOR, THE MOVE WILL RELEASE OTHER CLERICAL STAFF AND HEALTH INSPECTORS WHO HAVE TO CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS AND PROCESS LICENCES.
THERE ARE 46 LAUNDRY AND 17 DEPOT LAUNDRY LICENCES IN FORCE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND THE .)10,0D3 INCOME FROM LICENCES MERELY COVERS THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
LICENSING WAS ORIGINALLY INTRODUCED TO STOP THE SPREAD OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES THROUGH LAUNDERED ARTICLES, BUT THE USE OF SOPHISTICATED AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES, STEAM PRESSERS AND EFFECTIVE DETERGENTS, ALONG WITH HIGH LABOUR COSTS, HAVE REDUCED HAND WASHING IN LAUNDRIES TO A MINIMUM.
THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTAMINATION EY UNHEALTHY WORKERS CAN NOW BE DISCOUNTED, ESPECIALLY AS LAUNDERED ARTICLES DO NOT SUPPORT BACTERICAL GROWTH, AND ARE NOT LIKELY TO TRANSMIT INFECTION.
'8
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1978
8
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SPORTS DAY FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
******
FOUR HUNDRED DISABLED PEOPLE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S 15 REHABILITATION CENTRES WILL COMPETE IN A SERIES OF SPORTING EVENTS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM, KOWLOON.
THE EVENT, THE SECOND TO BE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION DIVISION, AIMS AT GIVING THE DISABLED A DAY OF RECREATION AND FUN. ABOUT 1,000 FELLOW-INMATES OF THE CENTRES WILL WATCH THE GAMES.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SPORTS DAY AT A CEREMONY STARTING AT 10 A.M. PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED AT 4 P.M.
PARTICIPANTS WILL COMPRISE THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, THE DEAF, THE MENTALLY RETARDED AND EX-MENTAL PATIENTS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY AND COVER THE DAY’S EVENTS.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT SECTION OF PO TUNG ROAD
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M ON APRIL 3 (MONDAY), PO TUNG ROAD IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF THE SAI KUNG BUS TERMINUS LEADING TO THE ROAD NETWORK IN SAI KUNG PENINSULA WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE
PUBLIC LIGHT EUSES, UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE AUTHORITY, WILL EE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS SECTION OF PO TUNG ROAD.
THE MEASURE TO RESTRICT THE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THIS PART OF SAI KUNG PENINSULA IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GAZETTING OF THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTION.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
CONTENTS PACE NO.
SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG STRESSES NEED FOR SPEEDING UP DEVELOPMENT OF EXPORT-ORIENTED INDUSTRIES ................. 1
SUPPORT FOR FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET PRESENTATION .. 6
CONCERN OVER GOVERNMENT’S MANAGEMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE .. 9
GOVERNMENT URGED TO STEP UP EFFORTS TO HELP HONG KONG COMPETE WITH INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES ....................... 12
TAX RESPITE FOR MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES ADVOCATED ......... 15
RENEWED CALL FOR INDEPENDENCE OF GOVERNMENT UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS ............................................. 19
JOHN BREMRIDGE WARNS OF COST-CUTTING TACTICS OF RUSSIAN SHIPPING ......................................... 22
MORE SPENDING ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES URGED ....... 25
CALL FOR MORE FUNDS FOR EXPANDING SOCIAL SERVICES ........ 28
NEW POSTAGE RATES COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1 ............ 32
PRISONS DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT CHEQUE TO COMMUNITY CHEST. 33
TWO AP LEI CHAU BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ............. 33
IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS IN REHABILITATION PROCESS UNDERLINED ............................................... 3*
NEW KWAI CHUNG FOOTBRIDGE OPENS TOMORROW................. 35
FORTY PROBATIONARY CUSTOMS OFFICERS GRADUATE ............. 35
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND LAI CHI KOK ....... 36
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
1
SPEED UP DEVELOPMENT OF EXPORT-ORIENTED INDUSTRIES URGES SIR SZE-YUEN * * * *
SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG MUST EXPORT TO LIVE AND CANNOT RELY ON DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES, AS IT. SEEMS WE ARE TENDING TO DO NOW, TO RAISE OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
IN AN ANALYSIS OF OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HE GAVE IN TODAY’S RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID OUR GDP GROWTH RATES, DESPITE THE INFLATIONARY EFFECT IN THE EARLY 1970’S, WERE HIGH BY ANY STANDARDS.
AT CURRENT MARKET PRICES IT ROSE ALMOST 200 PER CENT OR BY AN AVERAGE OF NEARLY 17 PER CENT ANNUALLY FROM $18,670 MILLION IN 1970 TO $54,444 MILLION IN 1977. ITS PER CAPITA RATE ALSO ROSE BY AN AVERAGE OF 14 PER CENT ANNUALLY FROM $4,716 TO $12,100.
HE NOTED SIGNS OF CONCERN HOWEVER OVER THE CHANGE OF IMPORTANCE IN THE COMPONENTS OF OUR GDP.
OUR EXPORT-ORIENTED MANUFACTURING SECTOR CONTRIBUTED OVER 31 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL GDP IN 1970. IT WAS ONLY 26.6 PER CENT IN 1975 AND WENT DOWN FURTHER, POSSIBLY TO ABOUT 24 PER CENT LAST YEAR. IN ADDITION, THE SPENDING OF LOCAL PEOPLE OUTSIDE HONG KONG WAfi RISING MUCH FASTER THAN THE RECEIPT FROM INCOMING TOURISTS. WHILE EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ABROAD IS A NET OUTFLOW OF FUNDS, ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE AVERAGE TOURIST DOLLAR IS RETAINED BY US.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID, THE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR GDP FROM DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY FROM CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE, HAS BEEN AND IS STILL RISING QUITE FAST. *
GIVEN HONG KONG’S LACK OF NATURAL MATERIAL RESOURCESAND SUFFICIENT ARABLE LAND, RAISING OUR GDP THIS WAY IS NOT A LONG-TERM POSSIBILITY. BESIDES, THE INCREASING CIVIL CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE MTR IS FINANCED FROM BORROWED FUNDS, EVERY DOLLAR OF WHICH HAS TO BE REPAID, HE SAID.
IN VIEW OF THESE CHANGES, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO ACCELERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR EXPORT-ORIENTED INDUSTRIES AND SERVICES AND HE ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED MORE ACTIVELY IN THIS DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID THERE IS A GROWING BODY OF LOCAL OPINION THAT WE IN HONG KONG SHOULD NOT IGNORE THE FACT THAT SUCH INVOLVEMENT IS A MAJOR REASON FOR THE SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN JAPAN AND MORE RECENTLY IN SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN.
QUOTING THE EXAMPLE OF THE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY IN SOUTH KOREA, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID THEIR EXPORTS IN 1972 VERE MERELY HALF OF OURS. WITHIN FIVE YEARS, THEIR EXPORTS WENT UP SEVEN TIMES AND OVERTOOK BY 50 PER CENT OURS WHICH HAD ONLY INCREASED BY ONE AND A QUARTER TIMES.
/IN THE WAY .....
WJiCB 29, 1978
2
IN THE WAY OF GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE AND INVOLVEMENT. OUR COMPETITORS HAVE AN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WHICH CARRIES OUT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR INDUSTRY, AND AN INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
THEY ALSO HAVE AN ELECTRONIC ,TECHN IC I AN TRA I NING’ CENTRE AND A FINE INSTRUMENT CENTRE, BOTH SET UP WITH PUBLIC FUNDS.
+IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG, THE QUESTION NOW IS NOT WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BUT TO WHAT EXTENT THE INVOLVEMENT SHOULD BE,+ HE SAID.
SIR SZE-YUEN REFERRED TO THE WORK OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ■ON INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION, WHICH HAD MET SIX TIMES SINCE LAST OCTOBER AND EXPECTED SEVEN MORE MEETINGS DURING THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
HE THOUGHT THE COMMITTEE HAD NO EASY TASK AND SHOULD NOT BE PUSHED INTO DRAWING SUPERFICIAL CONCLUSIONS AND MAKING HASTY RECOMMENDATIONS.
+THE FORMULATION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC POLICIES IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE FINDINGS AND PROPOSALS OF THIS COMMITTEE,+ HE SAID.
SIR SZE-YUEN SPOKE ON HONG KONG’S FRESH WATER SUPPLY AND WATER CHARGES, WHICH HE SAID HAD DRAWN MOST FREQUENT PUBLIC COMMENT IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET.
ON WATER CHARGES, HE SAID THE MORE URGENT PROBLEM IS'HOW' TO BE FAIRER TO THOSE WHO LIVE IN FLATS WITHOUT INDIVIDUAL WATER METERS AND THOSE FAMILIES WHO SHARE ONE APARTMENT AND ONE METER.
- HE NOTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S ESTIMATES OF DEFICITS IN WATERWORKS ACCOUNTS IN THE CURRENT AND COMING FINANCIAL YEARS.
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER, THAT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF WATERWORKS, THE GOVERNMENT MAS FAILED ON MANY OCCASIONS TO PROVIDE SUPPLY ON DEMAND BY ALLOWING SUPPLY TO LAG BEHIND, AND HAS FAILED TO A CERTAIN EXTENT TO ACHIEVE THE LOWEST COSTS AND CHARGES.
THESE, IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING AN EFFICIENT, DEPENDABLE AND QUALITY SERVICE, ARE BASIC OBJECTIVES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES.
QUOTING COMPARATIVE COST FIGURES, SIR SZE-YUEN SHOWED THAT OF OUR THREE SOURCES OF SUPPLY, WATER FROM THE EAST RIVER, AT $3.47 PER THOUSAND GALLONS ($0.25 IN CAPITAL COST PLUS $3.22 IN RECURRENT COST), GIVES THE MOST ECONOMICAL OPTIMUM. IT IS ALSO MUCH MORE DEPENDABLE THAN CONVENTIONAL RESERVOIRS AS IT NEVER DRIES UP.
HE SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO LEARN THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE AGREED TO INCREASE THEIR SUPPLY TO 30,000 MILLION GALLONS DURING THE CURRENT PERIOD AND TO 37,000 MILLION GALLONS ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, MAKING MAXIMUM USE OF THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF EXISTING PIPELINES.
/IT WOULD SEEM
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1978
5
IT WOULD SEEM LOGICAL IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, HE SAID, FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO APPROACH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO NEGOTIATE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SECOND SET OF PIPELINES TO, SAY, DOUBLE THE QUANTITY OF SUPPLY. TOGETHER WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, THIS WILL SOLVE OUR WATER PROBLEM FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
+WITH THE PRESENT EXCELLENT SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS, I BELIEVE, AS MANY PEOPLE DO, THAT OUR REQUEST FOR MORE WATER FROM THE EAST RIVER WILL RECEIVE A VERY SYMPATHETIC AND FAVOURABLE RESPONSE BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES,* HE SAID.
SIR SZE-YUEN COMMENTED ON TWO OF THE SEVEN REVENUE PROPOSALS.
HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE LOGIC OF THE PROPOSED PENALTY ON THOSE WHO DEFAULT ON THEIR PROVISIONAL TAX PAYMENT.
MAKING THE SECOND INSTALMENT DUE AUTOMATICALLY IF THE FIRST INSTALMENT IS NOT PAID ON THE DUE DATE +WILL AGAIN NOT MEET THE ORIGINAL OBJECTION THAT TAX PAYMENTS WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE BEFORE EARNINGS OR PROFITS HAD BEEN RECEIVED,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE PRESENT PENALTY OF A 5 PER CENT SURCHARGE ON THOSE WHO FAIL TO PAY ANY INSTALMENT ON THE DUE DATE IS BADLY DESIGNED. T^E TAX DEFAULTER TENDS TO DELAY PAYMENT BECAUSE THERE IS NO FURTHER PENALTY TO PROMPT HIM.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A BETTER WAY TO ENCOURAGE PAYMENT IS TO INTRODUCE A SURCHARGE WHICH PROGRESSIVELY INCREASES WITH THE TIME OF DELAY.
AS TO THE INCREASE IN EXCISE DUTY ON IMPORTED CIGARETTES, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID THE UNOFFICIALS WERE VERY PLEASED THAT LOCAL : CIGARETTE MANUFACTURERS, WHO HAD EARLIER APPEALED THROUGH UMELCO TO THE GOVERNMENT, WOULD NOW BE ABLE TO DEVELOP A GREATER VOLUME OF SALES AND REGAIN SOME OF THEIR SHARE IN THE MARKET THEY LOST IN RECENT YEARS. ■.
HE WONDERED HOWEVER WHY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOT FOLLOWED A PRINCIPLE PUT FORWARD BY HIS PREDECESSOR IN THE 1966 BUDGET DEBATE OF REVISING THE DUTY ON TOBACCO BY MULTIPLES OF TEN CENTS.
IN THIS INSTANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MENTIONED THAT THE INCREASE IN DUTY WOULD ONLY RAISE THE PRICE OF A PACKET OF 20 IMPORTED CIGARETTES BY SIX CENTS. RETAIL PRICES HOWEVER HAVE BEEN INCREASED BY MORE THAN SIX CENTS SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL RECEIVE ABOUT $7 MILLION LESS IN REVENUE PER ANNUM WHILE THE MANUFACTURES AND DEALERS WILL OBTAIN A WINDFALL OF THE SAME AMOUNT.
THIS IS RATHER UNFORTUNATE, HE SAID, AS THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED AN UNNECESSARY OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSUMER FXPICITATION.
/REFERRING TO .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
4 -
REFERRING TO THE PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE FREE AND COMPULSORY JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID THERE HAS EMERGED A DIVERGENCE OF VIEWS DURING THE COURSE OF DISCUSSION AMONG THE UNOFFICIALS, ABOUT NINE OF WHOM WILL SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT FOLLOWING HIM DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE.
ALTHOUGH THE MAJORITY SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL, THERE IS A MINORITY WHO BELIEVE THAT THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS WOULD BE BETTER SPENT ON SUBSIDISING FIVE YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH REMISSION OF FEES FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD THEM.
SIR SZE-YUEN SAID WHILE HE AGREED WITH A SYSTEM OF FEES REMISSION AT THE HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL SO AS NOT TO USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO SUBSIDISE THE RICH AND POOR ALIKE, HE TOTALLY DISAGREED WITH IT IN THE CONTEXT OF NINE YEARS OF GENERAL EDUCATION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION CANNOT BE MADE COMPULSORY IF IT IS NOT FREE SINCE WE CANNOT FORCE POOR PARENTS TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL AND AT THE SAME TIME ASK THEM TO APPLY FOR REMISSION OF FEES.
BESIDES, IN A WORLD OF INCREASING SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, IT IS ONLY RIGHT FOR HONG KONG TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT SUCH EDUCATION IS THE BIRTHRIGHT OF EVERY CHILD, WITHOUT REQUIRING HIM TO +GO THROUGH THE AGONY AND HUMILIATION OF EXPOSING THE STRAITENED FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THEIR PARENTS.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT TEN YEARS AGO WHEN HE SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF FREE AND COMPULSORY PRIMARY EDUCATION HE HAD ENVISAGED THAT THE GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OF OUR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS WILL BE RAISED AT THE SAME TIME AS OUR INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY IS UPGRADED.
HE ADDED THAT THERE IS ALSO A NEED TO RAISE THE GENERAL LEVEL OF EDUCATION OF OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS-
ON BEHALF OF ALL HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, SIR SZE-YWN WELCOMED THE EXTENSION GF THE GOVERNOR’S TERM OF OFFICE. UNDER THE A3LE LEADERSHIP OF THE GOVERNOR, HE SAID, +WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.+
OK THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET CALCULATIONS FOR l°78-79, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE FORECAST OF '9,130 MILLION IN RECURRENT REVE UE IS VERY NEAR TO HIS OWN FIGURE OF *9,300 MILLION WHICH HE DERIVED FROM STATISTICAL ANALYSIS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S ESTIMATES FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND TOTAL EXPENDITURE, AT 7,323 MILLION AND *10,266 MILLION RESPECTIVELY, JERE PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL AS IN PAST YEARS, TO HIS FORECASTS OF "7,300 MILLION AND *10,000 MILLION.
HE RECALLED THAT IN THE 1^76 BUDGET DEBATE HE HAD CALCULATED A RECURRENT REVENUE FOR 1^76-77 OF AROUND S7,000 MILLION, WHICH WAS CLOSER TO THE ACTUAL FIGURE OF ^6,349 MILLION THAN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S '6,370 : ILLION.
/HIS CALCULATION .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
5
HIS CALCULATION OF $8,000 MILLION LAST YEAR FOR 1977-78 WAS ALSO CLOSER TO THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF $8,074 MILLION THAN THE BUDGET ESTIMATE OF ^7,474 MILLION.
+ALLOW ME TO MAKE ONE POINT VERY CLEAR, + HE SAID. +THESE COMPARISONS DO NOT IMPLY THAT I AM BETTER THAN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN ESTIMATES. ANY MAN IN HIS POSITION WOULD HAVE TAKEN A MORE CAUTIOUS AND CAREFUL ATTITUDE.+ IN FACT, HE ADDED, HE SUBSCRIBED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PRUDENCE LAST YEAR IN THE LIGHT OF THE RATHER UNCERTAIN OUTLOOK OF WORLD ECONOMY AT THAT TIME. •
ALL IN ALL, HE SAID, THE 1978-79 BUDGET IS GENERALLY I hl LINE WITH OUR PAST TRENDS AND ACCEPTABLE GUIDELINES AND HE BELIEVED HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES SHARE HIS SUPPORT FOR IT.
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/6
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
6
SUPPORT FOR FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET PRESENTATION ******
THE HON. Q.W. LEE SUPPORTED THE COMPREHENSIVE WAY IN WHICH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PRESENTED HIS ANNUAL BUDGET WHICH, HE SAID, REFLECTS SOUND MANAGEMENT AND GENERATES INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONFIDENCE VITAL TO OUR CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. LEE EXPLAINED THAT OUR POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADER HAS CHANGED WITH OUR OWN UNCEASING GROWTH AND UNEVEN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS ELSEWHERE. WE ARE NOW MUCH MORE VULNERABLE TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND OUR FISCAL, MONETARY AND ECONOMIC POLICIES MUST BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS AND CONFIDENCE.
AS OUR POLICIES ARE OF INTEREST TO PEOPLE INVOLVED IN BUSINESS WITH US, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WHAT WE DO AND PLAN TO DO ARE CONSISTENT WITH SOUND PRINCIPLES AND FULLY EXPLAINED, EVEN THOUGH PEOPLE MAY NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO AGREE WITH ALL OF THEM, HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS YEAR’S BUDGET, AS IN THE PAST, LIES IN OUR ABILITY TO FINANCE AN EVER-1NCREASING PACKAGE OF PROGRAMMES ..ITHOUT STRAINING THE ECONOMY OR THE GOVERNMENT’S CREDIT WORTHINESS, AND IN THE EXISTENCE OF A RATIONAL BODY OF WELL-FOUNDED POLICIES-.
MR. LEE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE INADEQUATE PROVISION OF LAND FOR OUR DEVELOPMENT.
HE APPRECIATED WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE SO FAR WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND PRODUCTION. HE NOTED HOWEVER THAT AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT, THE AMOUNT OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR SALE NEXT YEAR +IS NOT ENTIRELY SAT ISFACTORY+ WHEN THERE ILL ONLY BE 88 ACRES, COMPARED WITH 136 ACRES SOLD IN 1976-77 AND 115 ACRES IN 1977-78.
ONLY 23 OF THE 38 ACRES ARE TC EE INDUSTRIAL LAND. THIS DOES NOT COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH PREVIOUS RECORDS, +WHEN INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION IS SO MUCH IN OUR MIND,+ HE SAID.
EVEN IF THIS TREND CAN EE REVERSED IN THE LONG TERM, HE CONTINUED, THERE IS STILL A PROELEM OF LAND PRICES RISING AT SUCH A RATE THAT THEY TAKE UP A DISPROPORTIONATE PART OF PRODUCTIVITY COST AND THUS HINDER DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ECONOMY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RATIO Of LAND COST TO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COST WAS GENERALLY ABOUT 1 TC 1 FOR RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION AND 3.5 TO 1 FOR FLATTED FACTORIES A FEW YEARS AGO. IT HAS NOW REACHED THE AVERAGE LEVEL OF BETWEEN 2 AND 3 TO 1 FOR RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION, ABOUT 1.5 TO 1 FOR FLATTED FACTORIES AND BETWEEN 2 ALB 4 TC 1 FOR COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION, NOT COUNTING THOSE If! CENTRAL DISTRICT THC RATIO OF WHICH IS EVEN MUCH HIGHER.
/he proposed .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1972
7
HE PROPOSED THAT HAVING DEVOTED OUR EFFORTS TO PRODUCING LAND, WE SHOULD NOW FOCUS ATTENTION ON MAXIMISING ITS USE.
HE HAS TWO SUGGESTIONS, TOUCHING ON PRESENT LAND USE LIMITATIONS AND ON PLANNING STANDARDS.
HE THOUGHT THAT IT IS NECESSARY NOW TO STUDY THE POSSIBILITY OF EASING PRESENT RESTRICTIONS ON PLOT RATIOS AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IN THE URBAN AREA, OTHER THAN HEIGHTS IN THE FLIGHT PATH TO KAI TAK, AND IN THE NEW TOWNS.
TOGETHER WITH THIS STUDY, THE GOVERNMENT’S DENSITY ZONING POLICY COULD ALSO BE REVIEWED, WITH CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO RE-DESIGNATING SOME ZONE 3 AREAS AS ZONE 2 AND SOME ZONE 2' AREAS AS ZONE 1.
IF THESE PROPOSALS ARE FEASIBLE, AND MR. LEE ASKED THAT THEY BE STUDIED URGENTLY BECAUSE OF THE IMMEDIATE POTENTIAL EFFECT, THE PREMIUM FOR THE INCREASED BENEFIT WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID BY THE LANDOWNERS.
AS TO PLANNING STANDARDS, HE ASKED WHETHER THOSE USED. TO RESERVE LAND FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY USES IN DEVELOPING AREAS COULD NOT EE REVISED.
ALTHOUGH HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PRESENT STANDARDS ARE, HE NOTED THAT THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND PRODUCTION SHOWS LAND RESERVED FOR SUCH USES AMOUNTING TO AS MUCH AS 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL QUANTITY OF LAND TO BE PRODUCED IN AREAS COVERED BY DEFINITE „GRKS PROJECTS.
HE REALISED THAT HIS SUGGESTIONS HAVE ENVIRONMENTAL, POPULATION DENSITY AND ENGINEERING SERVICES IMPLICATIONS BUT POINTED OUT THAT EVEN IN 1961, A PWD WORKING PARTY, WHICH RECOMMENDED THE PRESENT BUILDING RESTR ICT IONS, HAD RECOGNISED THAT HIGH DENSITIES FOR BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS MUST BE ACCEPTED. THESE RESTRICTIONS, MR. LEE POINTED OUT, WERE CONSIDERED UNDER ECONOI IC CIRCUMSTANCES 17 YEARS AGO AND THEREFORE SHOULD EE RE-CONSIDERED UNDER PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE HOPED THE LAND DEVELOP,ENT POLICY COMMITTEE, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND GOVERNMENT DEP\RTNE!'TS CONCERNED WOULD RE-EXAMINE THE SITUATION, TAKING I..TC ACCOUNT NOT ONLY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION AND PLANNING STANDARDS, BUT ALSO THEIR COST TO THE ECONOMY AS AGAINST THE BENEFITS IN RELAXING THEM.
MR. LEE WELCOMED THE ALMOST 15 PEP CENT INCREASE IN SPENDING ON EDUCATION AND FULLY SUPPORTED THE INTRODUCTION OF FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION. HE NOTED THAT THIS MEASURE HAS GENERATED A FAIR AMOUNT OF PUBLIC ARGUMENT. HE THOUGHT HOWEVER THAT THE COMMUNITY SHOULD REGARD EASIC EDUCATION AS A SOCIAL RIGHT FOR ALL.
PROVIDED THAT THE COST CAN EE AFFORDED, HE WOULD PERSONALLY WELCOME MORE OF THIS EASIC SERVICE TO EE INTRODUCED IN AN ORDERLY SEQUENCE, FIRST EY MAKING PLACES AVAILABLE TO ALL, THEN MAKING THEM FREE, AND Fl'ALLY CO' SOF Y.
/COnSHTING.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1978
8
COMMENTING ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S FISCAL POLICY, MR. LEE RECALLED THAT THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED THE TAXING OF INTEREST RECEIVED ON FUNDS USED BY A BORROWER TC PRODUCE PROFITS CHARGEABLE TO HONG KONG TAX.
THIS WAS EASED ON THE VIEW THAT ALL SIGNIFICANT FLOWS OF INCOME WHICH ARE THE RESULT CF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY CARRIED ON IN HONG KONG SHOULD EE TAXED.
THE GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY ACCEPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION AND WITH A VIEW TO OBVIATE PROBLEMS CF APPORTIONMENT OF FUNDS, CONCLUDED THAT A SUPPLEMENTARY SOURCE TEST RELATED TO THE . ACTIVITIES OF THE BORROWER SHOULD EE APPLIED.
IN THE EVENT HOWEVER, LEE S' ID, THE GOVERNMENT TOOK THE VIEw THAT THE IMPLICATIONS OF APPLYING SUCH A TEST WERE UNACCEPTABLE, THUS GIVING RISE TC A TAX LOOPHOLE AND REVERTING THE SITUATION TO THE TIME WHEN THIS LOOPHOLE WAS FIRST REFERRED TC THE REVIEW COMMITTEE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE.
+ALREADY,* HE SAID, +WE HAVE SEEN HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS PROVIDED FROM FUNDS IN HONG KONG BEING STRUCTURED TO AVOID INTEREST TAX. THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION MAY FURTHER ENCOURAGE MOVEMENTS TC STRUCTURE FUTURE LOANS I THIS WAY.+
THIS WILL RESULT IN EE UNFAIR TO THE SMALLER WILL NOT FIND IT EASY TO
FURTHER LOSS CF REVENUE, AND ..ILL BORROWERS, ..HO UNLIKE THE SOPHISTICATED, ARRANGE SUCH AH' INTEREST-TAX-FREE LOAN.
ON THE FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE VOLUME CF TRANSACTION IN THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT AND CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT, AT <23,003 MILLION AND 323,330 MILLION RESPECTIVELY IH THE CCr ING YEAR, HAS GROWN VERY SUBSTANTIALLY.
ALTHOUGH MORE FINANCIAL AUTHORITY AND FLEXIBILITY HAVE BEEN ALLOWED HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, BY DIRECT DELEGATION FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND INDIRECTLY BY REQUIRING FE..ER ANNUALLY RECURRENT SUB-HEADS TC BE SHC..K IN THE ESTIMATES, +THESE WERE CHANGES CF DEGREES AND NOT CHANGES IN THE BASIC SYSTEM,* HE SAID.
HE RECOMMENDED THAT A WORKING PARTY, HEADED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, EE FORKED TC STUDY ..HETHER ANY BASIC CHANGE IN THE DIRECTION CF S I.'PL IF IC. T I O’ A ;D DELEGATION IS CALLED FOR, TO ACHIEVE GREATER PRODUCTIVITY AND EXPEDIENCY.
THE WORKING PARTY KAY ALSO INCLUDE SOME L..OFFICIALS OF THE COUNCIL, AS THERE WOULD BE FURTHER RELAXATION OF VOTE CONTROL EY THE LEGISLATIVE.
WITH THE PROPOSED PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE SOON COMING INTO BEING TO WORK : ITH THE DIRECTOF CF AUDIT, MR. LEE WAS SURE THAT CAREFULLY DEVISED "EASURES FOR SIMPLIFICATION AND DELEGATION ..ILL ONLY ASSIST TC MONITOR THE SPENDING OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE VALUE AND PURPOSE THEY J-E VOTED FOR.
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/9
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
9
LOBO EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER GOVERNMENT’S MANAGEMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE
* * * *
THE HON. ROGER LOBO TODAY EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S MANAGEMENT OF THE 126,030 STRONG CIVIL SERVICE WHICH HE SAID REPRESENTS DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY THE ASPIRATIONS AND AIMS OF PERHAPS HALF A MILLION PEOPLE.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CASES OF DISPUTE WITHIN THE SERVICE ARE NO LONGER RARE AND REFERRED TO DISSATISFACTION EXPRESSED BY THE SENIOR NON-EXPATRI ATE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, GOVERNMENT STENOGRAPHERS, SOCIAL WELFARE WORKERS, AND +THE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT* LAST NOVEMBER WHICH INVOLVED, AS HAS SINCE BEEN POINTED OUT HE SAID, +A QUESTION OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT*.
MR. LOBO POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING WHETHER THIS UPSURGE IN THE NUMBER OF DISPUTES REFLECTS GROWING DISSATISFACTION GENERALLY WITHIN THE SERVICE, STRONG MINDED MINORITY GROUPS EXERCISING THEIR INFLUENCE, OR OPPORTUNISM ON THE PART OF THOSE ALREADY EATING FROM 'IRON RICE BOWLS’.
IT COULD EE CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC DIFFERENCES OR IT COULD EE THAT CIUIL SERVANTS, PARTICULARLY AT THE JUNIOR LEVELS, ARE NOW GENERALLY BETTER EDUCATED AND THUS INCLINED TO BE MORE VOCAL.
ALL THE SAME, HE THOUGHT THERE ARE STRONG GROUNDS FOR CONSIDERING WHETHER SUFFICIENT ATTENTION IS PAID AT THE VARIOUS SUPERVISORY LEVELS OF DEPARTMENTS TO THE VITAL AREA OF STAFF RELATIONS.
HE SAID WE HAVE COMMISSIONED SOPHISTICATED AND COSTLY STUDIES OF THE POLICY-MAKING AND DECISION-MAKING MACHINERY OF THE GOVERNMENT BUT MUST HAVE AN EQUALLY SOPHISTICATED APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE LARGE STAFF WHICH CARRY OUT THESE POLICIES AND DECISIONS.
HE DID NOT KNOW WHETHER THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE SECRETARIAT, WHICH PLAYS THE PART OF PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT, HAS FORMAL MACHINERY FOR +KEEPING ITS FINGER ON 126,333 PULSES, BUT CLEARLY THAT FINGER HAS BEEN LIFTED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION*.
HE EMPHASISED THE NEED TO SUSTAIN MORALE AND FOSTER INCENTIVE WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE. +IT HAS OFTEN BEEN FOUND THAT GRIEVANCES EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF PAY COMPARISONS OR PROMOTION PROSPECTS HAVE THEIR ROOTS IN A GENERAL FEELING OF NEGLECT5AND OF BELONGING TO A LARGE MACHINE,* HE EXPLAINED.
HE WARNED THAT IN THIS DAY AND AGE STAFF RELATIONS CANNOT BE IGNORED OR HANDLED HAPHAZARDLY AND POINTED OUT THAT PROPER PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT COULD DO MUCH TO ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS AND TO RELIEVE THEM, AS WELL AS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC SERVICE MORE EFFECTIVE.
/HE RAISED
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
10
HE RAISED THREE QUESTIONS:
(A) >.HY SO LITTLE HAS BEEN DONE TO LOCALISE THE TOP LEVEL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH WHERE LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATION AMD UNDERSTANDING ARE SC VITAL TO GOOD STAFF MANAGEMENT?
(B) HOW THE GOVERNMENT CAN IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH THE PEOPLE WHEN COMMUNICATION '..I TH IN ITSELF IS DEFICIENT, AND ALTHOUGH THERE ARE CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS WITHIN DEPARTMENTS THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IS QUESTIONABLE?
(G), GOULD,,. 11.BE THAT IN THE COURSE OF BUILDING UP AND' TRAINING THE PUBLIC SERVICE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS OVERLOOKED THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A GOOD EMPLOYER?
MR. LOBO SAID OUR ECONOMY IS DEPENDENT AMONG WHICH IS THE CONFIDENCE HONG KONO CAN TO ATTRACT BUSINESS AND INFLOW OF CAPITAL.
ON MANY FACTORS, GENERATE OVERSEAS
+WE MUST NOT OVERRULE THE POSSIBILITY OF DISPUTES WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE BEING EXPLOITED EY THOSE WHO ARE ANTI-HONG KONG, IF THIS HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN DONE.
♦CIVIL, SERVANTS’ PROTESTS COULD SC EASILY BE USED IN PROMULGATING THE MYTH OF THE HONG KONG SWEAT SHOP. IF GOVERNMENT IS NOT SEEN TO EE LOOKING AFTER ITS OWN, HOW CAN IT EXPECT OTHERS TO DO EETTER?+ HE ASKED.
TURNING TO PUBLIC HOUSING, MR. LOBO SOUGHT
ASSURANCE FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT OVERLOOK ITS RECENT COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND SUCH CAPITAL AS IS NEEDED FROM TIME TO TIME TO FINANCE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME.
HE SOUGHT THE ASSURANCE BECAUSE THERE APPEARS TO EE SONE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIS UNDERSTANDING GF THE FINANCIAL SITUATION AND -HAT WAS SAID EY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY I’.' HIS BUDGET, VmHICH SHOWED A SHORTFALL OF ..296 MILL I O I . THE AUTHOR ITY’S ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE NEXT YEAR.
HE COMPLIMENTED THOSE vHC HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WHICH HE SAID HAS GOT FF TO A RUNNING START AND HAS ITS INITIAL MODEST PLAN DOUBLED IN ADDITION TO PHASE II.
HE SAID THE TEL- YEAR HOUSING PROGRAMME .-.HIGH IT COMPLEMENTS IS MOW REACHING TOP GEAR AGAIN AFTER. THE HICCUP CAUSED BY THE RECESSION, ./HILE THE BIGGEST REDEVELOPI'EWT PROGRAMME IN THE ..ORLD IS MOVING AHEAD SMOOTHLY TO UPDATE THE STANDARDS OF FORMER RESETTLEMENT ESTATES. I’. ADDITION A L. E PROGRAMME IS I.. FULL SWING TO CONSTRUCT PAPT-DUILT 1T~UCT'JFES I: A LARGE NUMBER OF TEMPORARY -iOUSI.IG AREAS TO r' '.IDE .T. BUT REASONABLE HOUSING.
/HAVING B2EIJ
WSDNBSDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
11
HAVING BEEN DIRECTLY CONNECTED . ITH PUBLIC HOUSING FOR OVER 13 YEARS, HE SAID, HE IS CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT IT IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S GREATEST SUCCESSES, -EGARDLESS OF WHAT SOME ARDENT CRITICS MAY SAY.
♦HOWEVER, I HAVE OFTEN WONDERED WHAT PERCENTAGE OF OUR POPULATION IS TO BE HOUSED EVENTUALLY IL PUBLIC HOUSING, APPRECIATING THAT SOME VERY AND QUITE ..ELL-TO-DO PEOPLE ARE ALREADY PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS.*
HE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT, ABOUT 47 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION ARE oUCH TENANTS PAYING All AVERAGE OF ONLY 4.3 PER CENT OF THEIR INCOME ON RENT AS COMPARED TO 6.3 PER CENT IN 1971, WHILE THE FIGURE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TODAY IS 19.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 19.3 PER CENT IN 1971.
♦THE RENT GAP BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING IS WIDENING YEAR AFTER YEAR AND THIS COULD „ELL BECOME AN INSOLUBLE PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
HE HOPED THAT IN THE COURSE OF THE BUDGET DEBATE, HE WOULD RECEIVE SOME ANSWERS REGARDING THE DIRECTION AND EXTENT PUBLIC HOUSING SHOULD GO, AND WHETHER THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD BE LEFT TO DO ITS FAIR SHARE OF PRCVIDI RS HOUS I 'G.
/12
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1973
12
GOVERNMENT URGED TO STEP UP EFFORTS TO HELP HONG KONG COMPETE WITH INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES ******
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. JAMES WU, TODAY CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP ITS EFFORTS TO HELP HONG KONG COMPETE WITH OTHER INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, MR. WU SAID +A CORRECT ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION A.”D THE WILL AND MEANS TO TACKLE IT+ WERE NECESSARY IF HONG KONG ...AS TO MAINTAIN A DESIRED GDP GROWTH RATE.
+A GREAT DEAL MORE INPUT, INCLUDING A CHANGING ATTITUDE, WOULD HAVE TO COME FROM GOVERNMENT,+ MR. WU STRESSED.
CITING JAPAN AS AN EXAMPLE, MR. JU SAID JAPAN FOR SOME TIME FLOURISHED IN LIGHT INDUSTRIES FOR CONSUMER GOODS IN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS, TOYS AND METAL WARE, BUT . I TH MASSIVE INVESTMENT FROM GIANT BANKS AMD TRADING HOUSES AND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE, THEY BEGAN TO RE-DEVELOP NOT SO LONG AGO THEIR HEAVIER AND MORE SOPHISTICATED INDUSTRIES IN THE FIELD OF AUTOMOBILES, ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, i.CHINERY, PETRO-CHEMI CALS, STEEL AND SHIP-BUILDING.
MR. WU ADDED THIS ENABLED JAPAN TO TRADE-UP OR EXPAND INTO MORE SOPHISTICATED FIELDS EMPLOYING HIGHER TECHNOLOGY ..HEN THEIR.LABOUR INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES LR MARGINAL TECHNOLOGY JERE THREATENED BY COMPETITION FROM LO'ER-COST REGIONS.
+THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE IN A MATTER OF 20 TO 30 YEARS TO REBUILD FROM RUINS AND TO BEAT THE AMERICANS AND EUROPEANS AT THEIR OWN GAME IN THE ELECTRONICS, IRON AND STEEL, AUTOMOBILES AND PETRO-CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES IS A GREAT TRIBUTE TO THEIR POLICIES AND EFFORTS, .. I TH GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS WORKING IN A CONCERTED MANNER AS ONE ’JAPAN INC.’,+ MR. WU SAID.
REFERRING TO HONG KONG, MR. „U SAID II THE LAST 20 TO 30 YEARS WE HAVE DEVELOPED OUR OWN LIGHT INDUSTRIES TO THE EXTENT THAT WE HAVE BEEN QUITE SUCCESSFUL I' COMPETING WITH JAPAN TAKING OVER THE LEADERSHIP IN GAEJ ENTS, TOYS AND SIMPLER ELECTRONICS.
SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN, BOTH CLOSELY FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS AND METHODS OF JARA- , HAVE SCORED GREAT SUCCESSES IN A .IDE I DUSTRIAL SPECTRUM, -. ,.U NOTED. +OESERVERS ARE LIKE’ I G IT TC THE STATE OF JAPANESE DEVELOPMENT SOME 15 TC 2D YEARS AGO,+ ME. ,.U SAID.
+AT OUR PRESENT STAGE OF DEVELCPME T, AND i.ITH LITTLE NEW INDUSTRIES AMD FOREIGN I‘.'VESTI'E'73, THE GROWTH WILL EE FAR SHORT OF THE "AGOITUDE E 'E USED TO '.RO.., IF LEFT BY ITSELF .. ITHOUT MASSIVE EFFORTS AaD I PUT FRO” DOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS,+ IE .-.DDE .
/'JR. 7U ALSO
AY, MARCH 29, 1978
7EDN;
- 13
MR. WU ALSC DISAGREED WITH SHOULD EE TAKING CARE CF ITSELF HIDDEN SUBSIDY OF AMY NATURE.
THE IDEA THAT INDUSTRY
AND NOT ACCEPT ASSISTANCE OR
+l STRESS THAT WE MUST EE PRAGMATIC. AS IN MANY INSTANCES, CERTAIN TYPES OF CONCERTED EFFORTS COULD ONLY EE MARSHALLED WITH OFFICIAL PARTICIPATION, GIVEN THE MANY SMALL INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS .E HAVE, AND THE INDIVIDUALISTIC NATURE OF OUR ENTREPRENEURS THAT ARE BOTH OUR STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS.
♦FOR EXAMPLE, OUR TEXTILES AND GARMENT INDUSTRY’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE PAST WAS DUE IN NO SMALL MEASURE TO THE EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR, AND SUBSEQUENT IMPLEMENTATION CF, THE QUOTAS THAT HAVE TAKEN A CONSIDERABLE PART OF THE RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT, WORKING IN CLOSE CONCERT WITH INDUSTRY.+ MR. .U SAIL.
MR. WU SUGGESTED THAT SUCH CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE BE ♦INITIATED, ORGANISED OR EXPANDED ..ITH RELEVANT AND APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN MATTERS RELATING TO ALL ASPECTS OF TRADE, MAKPC ER UTILISATION AND AMENITIES, APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRANSFER, AS HAVE ALREADY BEEN STARTED ..ITH THE FORMATION OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL.* .
♦GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP OF, AND CONTRIBUTION IN THE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES WILL HAVE A CATALYTIC EFFECT ERINGING ABOUT VERY REWARDING RESULTS.
♦THESE ARE FULLY PROVEN APPROACHES AND I SUGGEST THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INVEST A MINUTE FRACTION OF OUR RECORD 31 BILLION SURPLUS TO THIS USE FOR ■ IC.; DIVIDENDS THAT ARE TO COME BY JAY OF INCREASED PROFITS ALL REVENUE BEFORE LONG,+ MR. WU SAID.
ON THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, MR. .U AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THE REDUCED DEMAND FROM THE EEC MARKETS MIGHT HAVE DEEN A FACTOR CCNFRU..T I LC INDUSTRIALISTS AND INHIBITING THE GROWTH, EUT FELT THAT THE MAIN FACTORS WERE INCREASES IN RENTS, RATES AND INDUSTRIAL LAND PRICES TO AS MUCH AS 50 PER CENT, TOGETHER .ITH INCREASES IN WAGES TO AS HIGH AS 30 PER CENT, PLUS INCREASES IN MATERIAL COSTS AND BURDENS DUE TO NEWLY INTRODUCED LABOUR LEGISLATION.
ON THE ISSUE CF ..ATER, 'R. .'J WARNED AGAINST RAISING WATER CHARGES AS IT ..AS +ULTI. ELY AND U CALLED FOR.+ +IT WILL GREATLY ENDANGER OUR SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES IN DYEING AND FINISHING AND -ETAL FINIS.IIL2,+ -E SAID.
♦ I ALSO CONSIDER THAT .HE. THE CO' UNITY’S ..ELL-BEING DEPENDS SC MUCH ?!! THE VI' ILITY OF Cl" MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, ANY EASURE T-I..T T-.REATE .CRT A SECTOR. THAT CAN PREJUDICE THE '.'.HOLE SHOULD '.ST EE TAKE: , AS IN THE LONG RANGE VIEW, THE COMMUNITY ..DULL IM TUR. BENEFIT FROM aNY SUCCESS WE HAVE IN OUR EXPORT I‘’DUSTP IES, + R. ..U La ID.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1978
- 14 -
MR. WU ALSO NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD INDICATED THAT IN THE 1970’8 CUR TERTIARY OR SERVICE INDUSTRIES HAD BEGUN TO GROW IN RELATIVE IMPORTANCE WHILE OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES HAD DECLINED IN IMPORTANCE.
BUT MR. WU SAID THAT CONSIDERING THE NATURE OF THESE SERVICE INDUSTRIES, +IT IS DIFFICULT TC VISUALISE THAT THEY TOGETHER COULD BECOME NET CONTRIBUTORS TO OUR BALANCE OF PAYMENTS AND THEREFORE EE SELF-SUSTA I i'I KG. +
+OUR MIND WILL THEREFORE NOT EE AT EASE UNTIL IT HAS BEEN PROVEN CONCLUSIVELY THAT OUR TERTIARY OR SERVICE INDUSTRIES AS SUCH ARE NET CONTRIBUTORS TC OUR BALANCE OF PAYMENTS, HOWEVER DIFFICULT IT MIGHT EE FOR SUCH PROOF TO BE ESTABLISHED.+
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/15
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
- 15 ~
TAX RESPITE FOR MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES URGED ******
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, ASKED FOR TAX RESPITE FOR MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES AND. HAS DRAWN ATTENTION TO DEFICIENCIES IN AREAS OF PUBLIC SERVICE WHICH REQUIRE MORE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT OR ACTION.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY MR. CHEONG-LEEN POINTED OUT THAT SPIRALLING COSTS TO HOME BUYERS AND THE RECENT INCREASES ALLOWED BY GOVERNMENT ON RENTS OF CONTROLLED PREMISES ARE AFFECTING THESE FAMILIES, A GREAT MANY OF WHOM.ARE TENANTS AND TAXPAYERS.
MEANWHILE, SIZEABLE AMOUNTS OF MONEY ARE FALLING INTO THE GOVERNMENT COFFERS DERIVED FROM THE SALE OF LAND AT HIGH PRICES.
HE THOUGHT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY COULD WELL AFFORD TO EASE THEIR BURDEN BY INCREASING PERSONAL ALLOWANCES BY BETWEEN $500 TO $1,000 A PERSON WHICH WOULD ALSO HELP THEM TO TIDE OVER THE 5 PER CENT INFLATION THIS YEAR.
HE REFERRED TO THE UNWILLINGNESS OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO REINTRODUCE THE DEPENDENT PARENTS’ ALLOWANCE, +DUE EITHER TO A LACK OF APPRECIATION OF THE WIDER NATURE OF THE PROBLEM OR TO SHEER INTELLECTUAL OBSTINACY+, AND URGED HIM TO GIVE IT SYMPATHETIC AND UNBIASED CONSIDERATION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT FOR THE ALLOWANCE, THE TAXPAYER COULD BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT:
* A COPY OF HIS PARENT’S IDENTITY CARD WITH THE APPLICATION, AND
.* ANY OF THE PARENT’S INCOME SO LONG AS IT DOES NOT REQUIRE A SEPARATE TAX RETURN CAN BE DISREGARDED.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT COMPUTER FACILITIES BE EMPLOYED TO AVOID DUPLICATION OF CLAIMS.
ON HOUSING, MR. CHEONG-LEEN"WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HONG KONG TURNING INTO +A CITY OF SLUMS+ AND ASKED THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO ENSURE THAT THE MINIMUM STANDARD FOR THE SMALLER FLATS.IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT ARE AT LEAST ON A PAR WITH THE STANDARD IN THE NEWER HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, AND NOT TO ACQUIESE TO LOW STANDARDS IN THE NAME OF RAPID DEVELOPMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT LACK OF PROFESSIONAL HOUSING MANAGEMENT HAS HAMPERED THE ACTIVITY OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNER CORPORATIONS AND SUGGESTED THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OR HOUSING SOCIETY COULD LEND A TEAM OF MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL TO THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO GIVE HELP AND ADVICE.
/HE SAID ...
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 197^
16
HE SAID IT WAS VITAL THAT THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC FLATS DO NOT BECOME SO INFLATED THAT THEY ARE BEYOND THE REACH OF THOSE MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES WHO ARE NOT YET CATERED FOR BY THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AN IMPORTANT FACTOR LEADING TO SPIRALLING COSTS OF BOTH DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES HAS BEEN GOVERNMENT’S TENDENCY TO STIMULATE LAND SPECULATION BY DELIBERATELY RATIONING OUT LAND FOR AUCTION, ALTHOUGH MORE LAND IS AVAILABLE.
HE STRESSED THAT LAND PRICES SHOULD BE KEPT AT REASONABLE LEVELS TO KEEP LIVING STANDARDS STABLE AND TO AVOID HONG KONG’S EXPORT-ORIENTED ECONOMY BECOMING UNBALANCED.
FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, HE ADVOCATED THAT MORE EFFORT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ENSURE THAT THE REDEVELOPED OLD BLOCKS (FORMER MARK I AND I I ESTATES) DO NOT RE-ACQUIRE THE ’RESETTLEMENT’ OR SLUM ATMOSPHERE, BY REPAINTING THEM AT LEAST ONCE EVERY TWO INSTEAD OF FOUR YEARS AND DOING SOME SIMPLE LANDSCAPING TO THE OPEN SPACES IN-BETWEEN THEM.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN COMMENDED THE WORK OF THE HOUSING SOCIETY AND URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE SOCIETY’S CAPABILITIES IN ORDER TO PUT MORE STEAM INTO THE SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE MORE CROWDED URBAN DISTRICTS, WHERE THERE ARE STILL QUITE A NUMBER OF PRE-WAR PREMISES IN A VERY DILAPIDATED CONDITION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS WHEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILD LUG PROGRAMME IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES'tS 4U FULL'STR IDE, IT COULD DEPLOY SOME OF ITS RESOURCES IN THIS AREA OF URBAN RENEWAL.
ON EDUCATION, MR. CHEONG-LEEN WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO PROVIDE PLACES IN FORMS I TO III TO ALL PRIMARY 6 LEAVERS BY 1981 BUT WAS WORRIED THAT THE RAPID BUILD-UP OF EDUCATION WOULD UNDERMINE THE QUALITY OF TEACHING STANDARDS. a
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPEDITE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR TEACHERS TO ELIMINATE SUB-STANDARD JUNIOR SECONDARY.EDUCAT I ON, AND TO ENSURE-THAT ALL TEACHERS IN THE JUNIOR FORMS WOULD EVENTUALLY BE ON COMPARATIVELY EQUAL SCALES-QE‘_gAJC^_
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, WE SHOULD AIM TO PROVIDE BETWEEN NOW AND 1981 TWO YEARS OF SUBSIDISED UNIVERSAL EDUCATION AFTER FORM III, WHETHER IN A GRAMMAR SCHOOL OR IN A TECHNICAL SCHOOL, IF WE ARE TO PROGRESS TOWARDS MORE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HIGHER LIVING STANDARDS.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN NOTED THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT GIVES TO MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG AND SUGGESTED SETTING UP,MORE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UNITS AS AGAINST THE MORE STATIC POLICE REPORTING CENTRES, AND EXPANDING HOUSING FACILITIES AS WELL AS PROMOTION PROSPECTS FOR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS.
/he also .....
WEDNESDAY, j&BcS 2$ ,'197®
- 17 -
HE ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT FOR THE FORCE AND HOPED THAT COMMUNICATION WOULD BE IMPROVED BETWEEN THE UPPER AND LOWER ECHELONS WITHIN THE FORCE AND EETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE PUELIC.
THE USEFULNESS AND IMPORTANCE OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE SHOULD NOT EE OVERLOOKED TOO, AND HE URGED THAT THEIR ESTABLISHMENT BE STRENGTHENED, PARTICULARLY THE CAS WHICH HAD CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO FOREST-FIRE FIGHTING, CROWD-CONTROL AND DUTIES IN NATURAL DISASTERS.
HE WAS CONCERNED THAT OVER HALF OF THE OFFENCES RECORDED BY THE POLICE IN THE MISCELLANEOUS CATEGORY RELATED TO HAWKING WHILE THE MAIN THRUST OF POLICE ACTIVITIES SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON REDUCING VIOLENT AND SERIOUS CRIME.
ESPECIALLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NEW TOWNS, HE SAID, UNLESS THE GOVERNMENT ACTS MORE DECISIVELY IN PROVIDING THE USD WITH ADDITIONAL STAFF AND MORE LAND FOR HAWKER BAZAARS AND MARKETS, THE SITUATION WILL DEGENERATE UNTIL, AS IN MANY OF THE HAWKER CONGESTED AREAS IN.KOWLOON, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE USD BARELY HAVE CONTROL.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN QUERIED THE CUT-BACK IN THE NUMBER OF MAGISTRATES NEXT YEAR FROM 30 TO 25 IL' SPITE OF THE LONG WAIT FOR HEARINGS AND COMPLAINTS BY THE PUBLIC.
IF GOVERNMENT WISHES TO IMPROVE THE PROCESSES OF LAW AND ORDER AND GAIN EVEN MORE CO-OPERATION FROM THE PUBLIC, IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO INCREASE BOTH THE NUMBER OF COURTS AND OF MAGISTRATES, HE SAID.
HE ALSO ASKED THAT RECRUITMENT FOR QUALIFIED STAFF FOR THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION UNIT EE PROCEEDED WITH DESPATCH, NOW THAT GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS DERIVING FROM SEA, LAND, AIR Ai.L NOISE POLLUTION.
HE PRESSED FOR QUICK ACTION FROM GOVERNMENT TO LOCATE AND DEVELOP SITES FOR HOLIDAY CAMPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SO THAT YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE CAN GET AWAY ON REST DAYS FROM THE UREA! AREAS.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE RECORD NUMBER CF 13,862 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN 1977 WHICH RESULTED IN 372 PEOPLE KILLED, 6,031 SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 11,454 SLIGHTLY INJURED, AND PEDESTRIAN CARELESSNESS WHICH MAINLY CONTRIBUTED TO THESE ACCIDENTS.
HE WANTED MORE AND SUSTAINED GOVERNMENT EFFORT IN PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY, INVOLVING POSSIBLY THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND MORE WIDESPREAD COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION C: THE SCALE OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
/HE DepLOR • • • • •
VffiDNESDAY, .'.ARCH 2$, 1978
ie
HE DEPLORED THE LACK OF CO-ORDINATION AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EET'EE" THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR Hi THE PROVISION OF CAR PARKS, PARTICULARLY III THE HEAVILY BUILD-UP AREAS. IT IS DISQUIETING THAT A LONG-TERM CAR-PARKING POLICY WITH FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS HAS HOT YET BEEN FULLY WORKED OUT, HE SAID.
HE WELCOMED THE OPENING OF THE ARTS CENTRE. AND THE SETTING UP OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE MUSIC ORCHESTRA AND THE HONG KONG REPERTORY COMPANY OH A PROFESSIONAL EASIS LAST YEAR -AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE DISTRICT ADVISORY SOARDS li’ THE NEW TERRITORIES LIKEWISE BUILD UP THE ARTISTIC TALENTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TO THE EXTENT GF THE RESOURCES THEY HAVE AVAILABLE.
HOWEVER, HE HOPED THE GOVERN; iEiiT WOULD SOON ALLOCATE A SUITABLE SITE TO HELP THE URBAN COUNCIL TO BUILD A SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM, TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE A GREATER INTEREST IN TECHNICAL AND SCIENCE EDUCATION.
HE ALSO ASKED THAT AN EARLY DECISION BE MADE TO SET UP AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF. COUNCIL, AS PREVIOUSLY ADVOCATED BY OTHER UNOFFICIALS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG IS MEETING STIFFER COMPETITION FROM LOW-COST COUNTRIES li ASIA, li’ PRODUCT-LINES WELL-ESTABLISHED HERE, AND HAS TO WITHSTAND ILLOGICAL AMD OFTEN EMOTIONAL ATTACKS ON OUR EXPORT PERFORMANCE, .HILE THE MOVEMENT TO DIVERSIFY INDUSTRY HAS STILL TO BUILD UP MOi-c/TUM. . ■
THE SOONER SUCH A BOARD IS ESTABLISHED THE MORE PRODUCTIVE THE RESULTS ..ILL BECOME, HE SAID, AS THERE ..ILL BE EVEN CLOSER CO-ORD I HAT I OH BETWEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT IN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION ON A BASIS OF ’SELECTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT’ OF SUITABLE HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES aND TARGET OVERSEAS COMPANIES.
IT aOULD BE PREFERABLE, HE ADDED, THAT SUCH A BOARD IS CHAIRED DY AN UNOFFICIAL 30 THAT GOVERNMENT ..ILL EE SEEN TO BE ENCOURAGING AND ASSISTING RATHER THAI- DIRECTING AND CCNROLLING.
IN GENERAL, MR. CHEONG-LEE?’ AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S MODERATE AMD CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO THE BUDGET BECAUSE OF THE CONT I"UI KG EXPORT DIFFICULTIES, AND BECAUSE IF LAND SALES IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR HAD NOT EXCEEDED THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE BY OVER „1,DOO .ILL ION, THERE ..OULU HARDLY HAVE BEEN ANY SURPLUS.
/19
wcvi'icovh r
rwnin <;?, irro
RENEWED CALL FOR INDEPENDENCE OF GOVERNMENT UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS ******
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO, HAS CALLED AGAIN ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TURN SOME OF ITS UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS INTO INDEPENDENT CORPORATIONS, WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS NOMINATED TO THEIR BOARDS.
SPEAKING AT THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LI ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO BEGIN ASSESSING THE IMPLICATIONS OF ITS PRICING POLICY FOR HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION, AND FOR THE ORGANISATION OF ITS ‘ INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION AS A WHOLE.
THE UNDERTAKINGS MR. LI THOUGHT COULD EE RE-CONSTITUTED ARE THE WATERWORKS, THE POST OFFICE, THE AIRPORT, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
HE SAID THE RESOURCES INVOLVED ARE LARGE, +BUT THAT ALONE SHOULD NOT RULE OUT MY PROPOSAL SINCE THE ASSETS PLACED AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ALREADY AMOUNT TO $1,142 MILL ION,+ NOT INCLUDING CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AR IS l-NG FROM GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES FOR ITS LOANS.
MR. LI SAID ANY HIVING OFF OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES WOULD HAVE STAFF IMPLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE TRANSFER OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO THE NEV.' CORPORATIONS, BUT THE CIVIL SERVICE WOULD-BE REDUCED TO MORE MANAGEABLE PROPORTIONS.
+THIS wOULD IN TURN LEAD TO GREATER PRODUCTIVITY, WITH THE TAXPAYER GETTING VALUE FOR HIS MONEY,+ MR. LI SAID.
HE SAID HE HAD ADVOCATED THIS IDEA WHEN SPEAKING ON THE 1976 BUDGET, BUT THE SUGGESTION WAS DISMISSED OUT OF HAND BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
MR. LI POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DELIVERED HIS BUDGET THIS YEAR HE REFERRED TO THE PRICING POLICY WHICH MUST BE ADOPTED FOR GOVERNMENT OWNED AND OPERATED PUBLIC UTILITY UNDERTAKINGS. THIS POLICY IS, ACCORDING TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THAT CONSUMERS - BE THEY INDIVIDUALS OR TRADES AND INDUSTRIES - SHOULD BE CHARGED THE FULL COST OF THE RESOURCES CONSUMED BY EACH UNDERTAKING UNLESS CONSCIOUS POLICY DECISIONS DICTATE OTHERWISE ON SOCIAL OR POLITICAL GROUNDS.
+SUCH A PRICING POLICY IS IN ACCORDANCE .< I TH COMMERCIAL PRACTICE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ :R. LI NOTED.
REFERRING TO THE BUDGET, MR. LI CONGRATULATED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR HIS PRESENTATION OF HONG KONG’S FIRST $10,000 MILLION BUDGET FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, AND ITS FIRST $1,000 MILLION SURPLUS FCE THE CURRENT YEAR. +HE HAS SURPASSED ALL RECORDS,* HR. LI SAID.
/ON THE SEVEJ;
.'.'SDNBSDAY, LURCH 29, 19?f
20
OK THE SEVEN REVENUE PROPOSALS BY NE. LI SUGGESTED THAT THE ONE DESIGNED INCURRED Of. CERTAIN POSTAL SERVICES EE
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, TO REDUCE LOSSES BEING ABANDONED.
HE SAID THE INCREASES IN THIS PROPOSAL WERE INSIGNIFICANT, BRINGING IN A MERE JS MILLION NEXT YEA', AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST INVOLVED I MAKING THE CHA GEO ’IGHT ..ELL SWALLO.. UP THE ADDITIONAL REVE (UE.
+ l FAIL TO SEE ANY MERIT I' THE INCREASED CHARGES FOR THESE BASIC COMPONENTS IH OUR CCMMU: ICATION NETWORK. AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, I FEEL THAT TAXPAYERS AND THE PUBLIC ARE ENTITLED TO THESE SERVICES,* MR. LI SAID.
+AFTER ALL, THE POST OFFICE, AS A ..HOLE, IS NOT A LOSS-MAKING PROPOSITION.*
SPEAKING ON HONG KONG’S RESPONSE TO PROTECTIONISM IN CERTAIN COUNTRIES, MR. LI SAID ..E SHOULD EE A ’LEADER’ RATHER THAN EE CONTENTED ..'ITH BEING a ’FOLLOWER’ IN INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION, AND URGED THAT GOVE'"’ET TAKE THE INITIATIVE.
OUR NATURAL RESOURCES ARE LIMITED, BUT HE THOUGHT MUCH MORE CAN EE DONE IN THE ALLOCATION OF LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW INDUSTRIES.
MR. LI AGREED ..ITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN CALLING FOR +CAREFUL THOUGHT TO BE GIVEN TO THE ;.AY H ..HICH THE ADMINISTRATION ’IGHT EE ADAPTED TO ’ EET THE CHALLENGES OF THE YEARS AHEAD*. BUT FIRST, NR. LI SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT REASSESS ITS PRESENT ACTIVITIES AHL CONSIDER .HAT OUR PRIORITIES ARE, ..HETHE- THERE IS A "EED FC: A ASTER PLAN AND HO BEST E CAI. CARRY CUT Of -II TO ' M'I'C HCI.G KONG A EETTER PLACE TO LIVE I...
+THERE IS CLEARLY INSUFFICIENT PL ' IMG I! CERTAIN AREAS. ALSO, r OTHER AREAS HAT .AS AT CUE TIE ADEQUATE NEEDS TC DE UP-DATED. CO-ORD 11 AT I ON fD PHASING OF ACTIVITIES CAN ALSO BE IMPROVED,* HE ADDED.
+ .C.. THAT „E HAVE GONE THROUGH . EOESSIOi. ..ITHOUT HAVING SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE TC THE EC.f'Y N'C E ON THE UPSWING, I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE TC TAKE f'CM -.GAI',.*
HE SAID .E SHALL -AVE TO CONS IDE* "O'. THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE CIVIL SERVICE IGHT BE MODIFIED TC DEAL .< I TH FUTURE PROBLEMS.
COM E.'TIMC- T-E INCREASING SIZE - THE CIVIL SERVICE, NR. LI STRONGLY URGED THAT EXT-EKE CARE BE TAKEN TO ONLY ALLO.. INCREASES ..HICH ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.
HE ALSO SAID IT IS TIME UE HAVE OTHER CLOSE LOOK AT THE STRUCTURE OF THE ADM I IGT'.A“I ' , I-" PE' WPS SOME ATTEMTIC
GIVE. TO PROGRESS -ADE i: ThE LOCAL l'.,TI K OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND C. “ E I T'ODUCTr." OF ' A."A'E"E"T PRINCIPLES.
/L®. LI ......
WEDNESDAY, LURCH 29, 1978
21
MR. LI SAID HE WAS NOT SUGGESTING ANOTHER MCKINSEY STUDY, EUT FELT STRONGLY THAT WE SHOULD SATISFY OURSELVES WHETHER THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS WORKING EFFECTIVELY AND WHETHER THE LEVEL OF PRODUCTIVITY IS SUFFICIENTLY HIGH.
FINALLY, MR. LI SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT RE-EXAMINE THE PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA GOVERNING APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND, WHICH WILL HAVE AN ESTIMATED SURPLUS OF $30 MILLION NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID THERE ARE REGULAR INDICATIONS FROM SOCI AL WELFARE AGENCIES THAT INADEQUATE FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO THEM FOR THEIR EXPANSION PROGRAMME. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE FUND, ESPECIALLY ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEETING SUCH NEEDS, SHOWS A HEALTHY SURPLUS AT THE END OF EACH FINANCIAL YEAR.
+IT HAS BEEN SOME 13 YEARS SINCE THIS FUND WAS CREATED BY RESOLUTION OF THIS COUNCIL AND MANY CHANGES HAVE EVOLVED DURING THIS PERIOD WHICH MAY WARRANT SOME MODIFICATIONS TO ALLOW-ITS ASSETS TO BE EMPLOYED MORE EFFECTIVELY,* HE SAID.
-----o------
/ 22......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 197S
- 22 -
BREMRIDGE WARK'S OF COST-CUTTING TACTICS OF RUSSIAN SHIPPING * * * * *
,rt->.„UN?£FlCIAL L£G,'3l-ATIVc COUNCILLOR, THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE, TO^AY WARNED OF THE THREAT POSED ON OUR ECONOMY BY THE COST-CUTTING TACTICS OF RUSSIAN LINER SHIPPING.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S BUDGET DEBATE.
MR. BREMRIDGE SAID THESE TACTICS MUST BE WELCOME TO SOME EXTENT EY MERCHANTS, TUT IT IS FOOLISH TO LET THIS GET OUT OF HAND.
REASONS ARE CLEAR. THEY COULD AT ANY TIME WITHDRAW IN Af EFFORT TO PUT VARIOUS TYPES OF PRESSURE UPON US. AND THEY CERTAINLY WOULD WITHDRAW IN ANY SORT OF MAJOR EMERGENCY, AND NO DOUBT TAKING CUR CARGO WITH THEM*
HE SAID COMPETITION — ACTUAL OR THREATENED — MUST EXIST.
AND SHOULD BE WELCOME TO THE EXTENT THAT IT IS FAIR.AND
DOES NOT RESULT IN SHIPPING TARIFFS BECOMING COMPLETELY UNCERTAIN AS A RESULT OF ANARCHY.
BUT THE RUSSIANS CHARACTERISTICALLY DO NOT COMPETE FAIRLY. +THERE IS CLEARLY ALSO THE OVER-RIDING CONSIDERATION THAT THERE IS A POINT BEYOND WHICH i.'O COMMUNITY CAN ALLOW A VITAL INTEREST TO BE HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY THOSE IT DOES NOT TRUST,* HE SAID.
RUSSIAN SHIPPING OPERATES . I TH CREWS THAT ARE PAID WELL BELO.. NORMAL STANDARDS, AT ABOUT .,450 MONTHLY, COMPARED WITH OVER 32.300 FOR A HONG KONG SEAMAN. THEIR SHIPS GENERALLY SPEAKING ARE REPAIRED AND DRY-DOCKED I' RUSSIA, ARE VICTUALLED WITH RUSSIAN FOOD, ARE BUNKERED WITH RUSSIAN FUEL TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT, AND THEIR DEPRECIATION POLICY IS QUITE ENIGMATIC, AS ARE CALCULATIONS OF BUILDING COST AND OVERALL PROFIT, HE SAID.
THEY CAN CARRY A FAIR SHARE OF THEIR OWN IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, HE CONTINUED, BUT IN CROSS TRADES THESE BUILT-IN FACTORS MUST SURELY REQUIRE AN IMPOSED DISCIPLINE.
♦UNLESS WISDOM PREVAILS — WHICH SEEMS UNLIKELY — OR UNLESS OTHERWISE CHECKED THE RUSSIANS COULD l,\ THEORY CONTINUE TO EXPAND ALMOST TO THE EXTINCTION OF ..'ESTERN SHIPPING EY THEIR PRESENT POLICY OF UWvERCUTTI NG TARIFFS _Y ABOUT 25 PER CENT.*
MR. BREMRIDGE QUOTED LAST YEAR’S FIGURES ON HONG KONG’S MAJOR AND VITAL EXPORT ROUTES TO EUROPE AW'D WEST COAST U.S.A. WHICH, TO HIM, SEEMED TO EE NUDGING ON THE TOLERABLE LIMITS.
TO EUROPE VIA THE TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY, THE RUSSIANS LIFTED ABOUT 134,333 TONS OR AECUT 7.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL MOVEMENT AND TO THE WEST COAST OF THE U.S.A. THEY LIFTED 104,330 TONS CR ABOUT 2.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.
+WHILE THERE 13 AS YET \'O CAUSE FOR UNDUE ALARM I MUST SUGGEST THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD HOW EEG II TO CONSIDER ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT THE RUSSIA'S DC ST INCREASE THEIR CARRYINGS,* HE SAID.
/referring to .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
23
REFERRING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS TO BRING IN THREE YEARS FREE AND COMPULSORY SECONDARY EDUCATION, MR. BREMRIDGE SAID THERE HAS DEEN A CLEAR-CUT A'.’D HONEST 01 FFEDEI’CE OF OPINION BOTH AMONG THE UiXOFl- IC I ALS OF THE COUNCIL ADD OUTSIDE.
HE HIMSELF BELIEVED THAT A MI'’IMUR REASONABLE BASE EDUCATION, SAY NINE YEARS,+ MUST EE MADE COMPULSORY, AND THUS FREE, ON THE GROUNDS THAT OUTSIDE GENERAL TAXATION IT IS QUITE UNFAIR TO COMPEL A MAN TO SPEND •’.ONEY.+
THERE ARE HOWEVER THOSE WHO BELIEVE, IN THE HONG KONG CONTEXT, THAT WHILE SUFFICIENT EDUCATION SHOULD EE MADE AVAILABLE AND INDEED BE COMPULSORY, IT SHOULD NOT EE FREE TC THE EXTENZ.THAT THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY FOR IT WHOLLY OR IN PART SHOULES’DO SO.
THIS WOULD RELEASE SOME TAXPAYERS’ MONEY FOR OTHER PRIORITIES, BUT, MR. BREMRIDGE POINTED OUT, WOULD INVOLVE ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS.
HE ADDED THAT EVERY ADVANCED WESTERN COUNTRY AND NEARLY ALL OUR EASTERN NEIGHBOURS NOW SUPPLY FREE EDUCATION AT LEAST TO THE EXTENT OF NINE YEARS COMPULSORY SCHOOLING. DISSUADING THE GOVERNMENT FROM ITS RECENT POLICY WOULD CERTAINLY NOT ASSIST OUR IMAGE OVERSEAS. BESIDES, THE ARGUMENT FOR MEANS-TESTED SECONDARY EDUCATION COULD APPLY TO PRIMARY EDUCATION.
HE SAID HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN HUMAN RIGHTS PER SE BUT DOES BELIEVE THAT AN ADEQUATE FREE AML COMPULSORY EDUCATION IS A CONCOMITANT OF ANY CIVILISED SOCIETY.
+l DO NOT PRECLUDE THE PARALLEL AVAILABILITY OF SOME INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WHOSE COSTS ARE COVERED EY FEES. BUT AT LEAST NO PARENT SHOULD BE FORCED TO PAY SCHOOL FEES EECAUSE ADEQUATE FREE EDUCATION IS NOT OTHERWISE AVAILABLE,* HE SAID.
MR. BREMRIDGE WELCOMED THE DRIVE TC INCREASE U.K. EXPORTS
TC HONG KONG, WHICH ROSE BY 32 PER CEi T IL 1977, AND HOPED THAT THE RISING TREND WILL CONTINUE.
THIS IS BECAUSE, HE SAID, U.K. IMPORTS REPRESENT GOOD VALUE FOR MANY, BECAUSE HE BELIEVES VERY STRONGLY IN BILATERAL TRADE, BECAUSE THIS RELIEVES WORRYING UNEMPLOYMENT IN U.K. AND BECAUSE THIS UNDERLINES HONG KONG’S AND BRITAIN’S MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP.
HE POINTED OUT THAT U.K. EXPORTS TC HONG KONG ARE NOW OF THE SAME ORDER AS THOSE TC INDIA AMD EXCEEDS THE TOTAL TO INDONESIA, THAILAND, AND THE PHILIPPINES. JAHAN ..ITH 30 TIMES CUR POPULATION TOOK 469 MILLION POUND STERLING, HILE WE TOOK OVER 270 MILLION POUND STERLING WORTH OF U.K. IMPORTS LAST YEAR.
TURNING TO THE NEED FOR BUILDING A SECOND AIRPORT, MR. BREMRIDGE SAID IT IS PERFECTLY CLEAR TO ANYONE WHO CAN SENSE THE VARIOUS NUANCES THAT A DECISION FOR GOVERN! ENT IS FRAUGHT WITH SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES.
CONSEQUENTLY, HE SAID, HE I , KES ' ? CEITICISM BUT HE BELIEVE., THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE THE FACTS .. IDELY h.:0WN, FOR IT I-CLEAR THAT IN THE LATER 19893, .. ITH FULL UTILISATION OF THE_ SINGLE RUNWAY AT KAI TAK, OU? TOURIST GROWTH ..ILL HALT AND T. IS HAS FAIRLY WIDE RANGING ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS.
•JBDJMSDAY, MAfiCH 29, 1978
ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS, MR. PROPOSED INCREASED EXPENDITURE 01.' DECISION TO BRING IN DIFFERENTIAL
EREMRIDGE SAID HE APPRECIATED THE THE I.C.A.C. AND WELCOMED THE TAXATION ON EXPENSIVE MOTOR CARS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MIGHT IN 1979 CONSIDER OTHER INCREASES BEARING Oil CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION FOR WHICH THERE IS A DEVELOPING TENDENCY IN HONG KONG.
MR. EREMRIDGE NOTED THAT THERE ARE MANY INCREASINGLY VOCIFEROUS MINORITY GROUPS IN HONG KONG. +SOEE ARE -..ISE. OTHERS ARE NOT. GENERALLY SPEAKING THEY COMPLAIN RATHER THAN PRAISE. THIS IS THE NATURE OF A FREE SOCIETY. SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT LACK OF COMMUNICATION MAY HAVE A FOUNDATION. IN OTHER CASES.WHAT IS DEPLORED IS THAT THOSE WHO CARRY THE DURDEN OF RESPONSIBILITY DC NOT AGREE WITH THE COMPLAINERS. THIS IS HOWEVER WHAT RESPONSIBILITY IS ALL ABOUT.+
HE SAID ONLY FOOLS CAN BELIEVE THAT ALL IS PERFECT AND MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE IN HONG KONG PARTICULARLY FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED.
+EUT WE ARE NOW MOVING FAST IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION — PERHAPS FASTER THAN OTHER SIMILAR COMMUNITY. THIS PROCESS OF CHANGE AND IMPROVEMENT CAN NEVER END, AND INDEED FAIR CRITICISM IS PART OF IT,+ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
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'DR. FANG OUTLINES AREAS FOR MORE EXPENDITURE
* * * *
DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG SAID TODAY THAT A DECREASING PROPORTION OF PUBLIC FUNDS IS EE I MG SPENT ON MEDICAL SERVICES IN RECENT YEARS AND HAS PINPOINTED AREAS WHERE THERE IS NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT.
HE POINTED OUT AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUDGET DEBATE THAT THERE IS LIKELY TO EE UNDERSPENDING OF SOME $46 MILLION ON MEDICAL SERVICES THIS YEAR, AND ALTHOUGH THE EXPENDITURE FOR NEXT YEAR IS ESTIMATED AT $891 MILLION, IT IS ONLY 8.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE.
IN 1971-72 AND THE FOUR YEARS 1974-78, THE PROPORTION WAS 11.3, $.4, 9.3, 9.8 AND 9.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. +IN OTHER WORDS, A DECREASING SLICE OF THE CAKE IS GOING TOWARDS A VERY BASIC AND ESSENTIAL SERVICE,* HE SAID.
HE ASKED WHETHER THE RATE OF EXPANDING HOSPITAL BEDS COULD BE ACCELERATED, FOR ALTHOUGH THE PLANNING TARGET WAS 5.5 BEDS PER THOUSAND POPULATION, WE WILL ONLY ACHIEVE 4.3 BEDS BY’1978-79 AND 4.62 BEDS BY THE END OF 1982.
DR. FANG NOTED THAT WE ARE PARTICULARLY SHORT OF OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, AND URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH MORE OF THEM AS PART OF ITS MEDICAL REGIONALISATION PLANS.
HE SUPPORTED THE OPENING OF CLINICS ON SUNDAYS AND IN THE EVENINGS, BUT CONSIDERED THIS NOT A SATISFACTORY LONG TERM SOLUTION.
+AS IT HAS ALREADY BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED IN THIS COUNCIL THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT ONE OF STAFF SHORTAGE BUT PHYSICAL LIMITATION, WE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR PRESENT SURPLUS POSITION TO CORRECT THIS DEFICIENCY,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE AREA OF WORKERS’ HEALTH, DR. FANG SAID THE VERY IMPORTANT WORK UNDERTAKEN BY THE INDUSTRIAL HEALTH DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS BEING SERIOUSLY UNDERMINED BY ITS PREOCCUPATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION LEGISLATION.
AS HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE REPORT SUBMITTED LAST JUNE BY AN OVERSEAS ADVISOR APPOINTED TO EXAMINE THE ENTIRE SERVICE, HE URGED THAT A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT BE MADE SOON ON THE STEPS THAT WILL BE TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATION.
HE PRESSED THE GOVERNMENT AGAIN FOR EARLY INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION ON PROFESSIONS SUPPLEMENTARY TO MEDICINE. HE EXPLAINED THAT WITHOUT MINIMUM STIPULATED STANDARDS, THERE WOULD EE NG INCENTIVE FOR ANYONE TO ENGAGE IN FORMAL TRAINING, WHILE THE NEED FOR TRAINED PERSONNEL IS ESSENTIAL FOR IMPLEMENTING THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION AND THE GREEN PAPER ON THE ELDERLY.
/+THI3 LEGISLATION .....
..EDK3SDAY, lilfiCH 29, 1976
26
+THIS LEGISLATION HAS BEEN UNDER PREPARATION FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS AND I MUST URGE THAT IT BE ENACTED DURING THE CURRENT SESSION,* HE SAID.
ALSO ON TRAINING, HE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROVISION OF CLINICAL TEACHING STAFF FOR THE SECOND MEDICAL SCHOOL WHICH ..ILL RECEIVE ITS FIRST INTAKE OF STUDENTS IN 1982.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE TEACHERS THERE WILL HAVE TO BE ABLE TO RELATE TO AND COMMUNICATE IN CHINESE WITH THE PATIENTS WHO WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TEACHING PROCESS.
HE ASKED THAT THEY BE RECRUITED LOCALLY, TO CONFORM WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S LOCALISATION POLICY AND TO SAVE TAXPAYERS’ MONEY. FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, OUR LOCAL GRADUATES HAVE A HIGH REPUTATION AND MEASURE UP WELL TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. HE RECOGNISED THAT UNIVERSITIES ARE AUTONOMOUS EUT SINCE PUBLIC FUNDS ARE INVOLVED, HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT AND THE AUTHORITIES WILL CONSIDER THESE POINTS.
DR. FANG ALSO ASKED FOR A BETTER DEAL IN PUBLIC HOUSING FOR THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY.
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE FROM THE GREEN PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY THAT A QUOTA WOULD BE SET ASIDE FOR THEM, EUT WANTED THIS TO BE EXTENDED TO THE DISABLED WHO ARE ALSO A CLEARLY DEFINABLE VULNERABLE GROUP.
HE SUSPECTED THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS THROUGH THE COMPASSIONATE HOUSING QUOTA DO NOT WORK WELL FOR THEM NOT BECAUSE THE DEMAND IS NOT THERE EUT BECAUSE THE CRITERIA IS UNDULY RESTRICTIVE.
HE SUGGESTED THAT WHEN BUILDING NEW HOUSING ESTATES, THESE SEPARATE QUOTAS OF FLATS BE INCORPORATED INTO THE.DES I GN TO REMOVE THE NEED FOR FURTHER EXPENSIVE ALTERATIONS...
HE FURTHER PROPOSED THAT SOME PRIORITY CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, SINCE THIS WOULD ACT AS A POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT TOWARDS SELF-RELIANCE.
CIVIL SERVANTS WHOSE EARNINGS RENDER THEM INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ALSO DESERVE A SPECIAL HELPING HAND AND PERHAPS A QUOTA OF FLATS MAY EE EARMARKED FOR THEM, HE ADDED.
STILL ON THE SUBJECT OF HOUSING, DR. FANG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, THE RULES OF WHICH SEEM TO CONFLICT WITH ITS AIM OF PROMOTING HOME OWNERSHIP.
/an eligible .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
AN' ELIGIBLE OFFICER OCCUPYING HIS OWN FLAT RECEIVES A HOUSE ALLOWANCE OF A CERE TWO OR THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS COMPARED WITH A PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE OF SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR ANOTHER WHO DOES NOT LIVE IN HIS OWN FLAT. THE SCHEME ALSO INVITES ABUSE THROUGH OFFICERS BUYING PROPERTIES UNDER ASSUMED NAMES, WHILE FINANCIALLY, IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO THE GOVERNMENT WHETHER THE ALLOWANCE IS PAID OUT IN RENT, IN MONTHLY INSTALMENTS, OR IN LOANS FOR OFFICERS TO BUY THEIR OWN FLATS, HE SAID.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER LONG TERM LOANS AT CONCESSIONARY RATES OF INTEREST TO ASSIST ITS EMPLOYEES, BOTH LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE, TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES.
DR. FANG STATED THAT AS CONVENER OF AN Ui'ELCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE GREEN PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY HE FELT DUTY BOUND TO ASK THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO RECONSIDER REINSTATING THE DEPENDENT PARENTS’ ALLOWANCE.
THE OSTENSIBLE REASON FOR ABOLISHING IT IN 1973 WAS TO SIMPLIFY AND ASSIST ADMINISTRATION AND DISCOURAGE EVASION BUT THIS CANNOT EE VALID NOW, HE EXPLAINED.
THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN STAFF FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AND THE PLANNED INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTERISATION SHOULD ALSO SIMPLIFY ADMINISTRATION. +IT SEEMS QUITE WRONG IN PRINCIPLE TO PENALISE THE MAJORITY BECAUSE A FEW UNSCRUPULOUS TAXPAYERS ABUSED THE SCHEME,+ HE SAID.
ADMITTEDLY, HE CONTINUED, THE ABOLITION OF THE ALLOWANCE WAS PART OF A QUID PRO QUO FOR AN INCREASE IN PERSONAL, WIFE AND CHILD ALLOWANCES BUT ANY BENEFITS IN REAL TERMS DERIVED FROM THIS PACKAGE DEAL HAVE LONG SINCE BEEN ERODED BY INFLATION.
+THE COMMUNITY HAS SPOKEN WITH ONE VOICE ON I HOPE THAT IT JILL MOVE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STAND,* HE SAID.
THIS ISSUE AND
TO RECONSIDER HIS
DR. FANG SUPPORTED THE MOVE TOWARDS SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION ON A UNIT RATE BASIS SINCE THIS WILL GIVE GREATER SECURITY AND CONFIDENCE TO THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN HELPING TO IMPLEMENT THE VARIOUS GREEN AND WHITE PAPER PROPOSALS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT IF THE 37 MILLION ALLOCATION RESERVED FOR THE PROPOSALS FOR THE YOUNG AND THE ELDERLY EE NOT SPENT IN 1978-79 SINCE THE GREEN PAPERS TAKE TIME TO TURN WHITE, IT EE MADE AVAILABLE FOR EXPANSION IN EXISTING SERVICES IN OTHER FIELDS.
DR. FANG DREW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO ADEQUATELY REMUNERATE THE AUXILIARY POLICE. HE POINTED OUT THAT THEIR PAY AND ALLOWANCES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED SINCE 1972 DURING WHICH Tlf.E THEIR REGULAR COUNTERPARTS HAVE HAD FOUR SALARY INCREASES ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. IN ADDITION IN NOVEMBER 1973 A SPECIAL REVISION WAS MADE FOR THE REGULAR RANK ARD FILE.
HE NOTED THAT THE ESTIMATES FOR NEXT YEAR WOULD SOON PUT THIS RIGHT BUT HE WARTED TO EE ASSURED THAT IE LI ,E ..ITri THE LAST INCREASE FOR THE WHOLE CIVIL SERVICE, THE REVISED SALARY CCALES WOULD EE MADE RETROSPECTIVE TO /.ARIL 1, 1977.
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/a8......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?,
-■r/d
28
MORE FUNDS NEEDED FOR EXPANSION OF SOCIAL SERVICES ******
THE HON. MRS. KWAN KC SIU-JAH HAS ASKED, IN VIEw'CF THE SURPLUS LAST YEAR, AND IN THE COKING YEAR IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT PUBLIC REVENUE WILL EXCEED EXPENDITURE, WHETHER MORE RESOURCES WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DIRECTED TO THE EXPANSION OF SOCIAL SERVICES WITHOUT ..A IT I NG UNTIL THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SHE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE ALLOCATION FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR IS TO INCREASE BY 399 MILLION TO >15 MILLION, A LARGE PART OF THE INCREASE, ABOUT 90 PER CENT, ..ILL EE ABSORBED BY THE EXPANSION OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AMD WELFARE ALLOWANCE SCHEMES AND SUBSEQUENT STAFF INCREASES.
APART FROM SOCIAL SECURITY, THE ALLOCATION WILL ALLCi. LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPANSION, LET ALONE IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER WELFARE SERVICES AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY REQUIRE PERSONNEL WITH SOCIAL WORK TRAINING. WHEN ALLOCATING BUDGET FUNDS THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REGARD THEM SEPARATELY SO AS TO DO JUSTICE TO THEM BOTH.
THERE WILL EE A NEED FOR CLOSE CO-ORDINATION AND EFFECTIVE REFERRAL PROCEDURES BETWEEN THE TWO BUT SOCIAL SECURITY SHOULD HAVE ITS OWN ADMINISTRATION TO INCREASE ITS EFFICIENCY, SHE SA'..
AS TO THE 3103 MILLION TO EE SUBVERTED TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MRS. KWAN KC SIU-JAH SAID THE INCREASE OF 323 MILLION APPEARS SUBSTANTIAL BUT CLOSER EXAMINATION SHOWS THAT 35.8 PER CENT WILL EE USED TO COVER THE COST OF MAINTAINING EXISTING SERVICES, SALARY INCREMENTS, RENT AND RATES INCREASES, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO PROVIDENT FUNDS.
A MERE 7 PER CENT ..'ILL EE AVAILABLE FOR CARRYING OUT THt MANY PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPERS. THE >33 MILLION ALLOCATED
WILL NOT EE ENOUGH NOT ONLY FOR THE AGENCIES TO CARRY OUT THEIR PROGRAMMES IN THE FIVE-YEA*. PL.'. SHE SAID.
THE GREEN PAPERS BUT ALSO FOR EXISTING PROGRAMMES AND THE
FC- SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT,
IN FACT THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS ESTIMATED THE REQUIREMENTS TO EE ABOUT >16 MILLION IF THE EXISTING PROGRAMMES ARE TO CONTINUE AND ESSENTIAL "E. SERVICES ARE TO EE IMPLEMENTED, SHE ADDED.
SHE STRONGLY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ACT MORE POSITIVELY TO ENSURE THAT DEVELOPMENT °LAN. ARE '.'CT DELAYED BECAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT. +T..S ' SOURCES AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE GOVERNMENT GIVE NG REASON FOR CAUTIC' I' THIS AREA/+ SHE SAID.
/R3P2RPJCJG TO.......
WHDN3SDAY, MAHCH 29, 1978
- 2? -
REFERRING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S SUBVENTION POLICY, SHE THOUGHT THAT IN SOME AREAS, SUCH AS THE NURSERY SERVICE WHERE SUBVENTION IS CALCULATED OH « FIXED SU’ FOR EACH CHILD EACH MONTH, GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BASED ON UNIT COST MAY BE APPROPRIATE, ALTHOUGH THERE IS A NEED TO ENSURE THAT STANDARD SETTING AND EVALUATION OF THE SERVICES ARE HOT NEGLECTED.
CALCULATING ON A UNIT COST BASIS ..OULE HOWEVER BE DIFFICULT FOR SERVICES WHICH ARE NOT EASILY QUANTIFIED AND MEASURED. SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE ,HCLE ' ATTER NEEDS TO BE THOROUGHLY STUDIED AND SUGGESTED FC. EXAMPLE THAT THE GOVERNMENT • IGHT CONSIDER EXPAND 100 THE PURCHASE OF CERTAIN SERVICES OF HIGH PRIORITY AT FULL COST FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
MEANWHILE THE COMMUNITY CHEST SHOULD COMPLEMENT GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS I!. SUPPORTING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES DY PARTLY FINANCING PILOT PROJECTS, ENHANCING THEIR PIONEERING ROLE AND HELPING .JTH VALUABLE PROGRAMMES NOT CONSIDERED OF TOP PRIORITY EY THE GOVERNMENT.
SHE FURTHER ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A FRtSH LOCK AT THE WAY OF DETERMINING SUBVENTIONS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE OPERATION OF THE ONE-LINE VOTE. SHE POINTED OUT THAT COoT INCREASE OTHER THAN SALARY INCREASES I.' PROVIDING OR MAINTAINING A SERVICE IS OFTEN '■EGLECTED IN CALCULATING SUBVENTIONS.
SHE HOPED THAT IN DETERMINING THE REQUIREMENTS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN FUTURE THE GOVERNMENT JILL ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED FOR EXPANDING a.'.D IMPROVING THE SERVICES Ai.u THE INFLATED COST OF PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES.
SHE WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE '..ILL BE SUFFICIENT SOCIAL WORKERS TO COPE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAM,MES AND HOPED THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDS WILL EE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE UNIVERSITIES QB OTHER POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS FOR PROVIDING MORE PLACES TO TRAIN THEM.
AS REGARDS DEVELOPMENT PLAF'.'IMC, SHE SAID THERE HAS NOT BEEN SUFFICIENT RESEARCH TO FOR, A EAi IS FOR REALISTIC DECISIONS, AS lb THE CASE OF THE NURSERY SERVICE, WITH RESULTING WASTE IN TIME AND MONEY. SHE SUGGESTED THAT A SUB-COMMITTEE BE FORMED UNDER THE SOCIAL .'ELFAF.E ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO PLa' AND INITIATE THE NECESSARY RESEARCH ..HIGH ..ILL EE CONDUCTED EY INDEPENDENT BODIES.
MRS. K.7AN KO SIU-.,AH ALSO P. Il’TED CUT THE DISPARITIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FO MAFtFIE." FEMALE OFFICERS IT THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SHE HOPED THAT A ..JRkI: . PARTY ..ILL BE FORMED TO REVIE.. THIS UNSATISFACTORY SITUATI TO GIVE EQUAL BENEFITS TO MALE AND FEMALE CIVIL SEFVA TO, . ET E' T iY BE STOLE T .'ARNIE.. SAFEGUARDS CAN DE PROVIDED T. ,</ClD ALY OVERLAPPING BENEFIT-IN CASE POTH HUSBAND /.'.'D ., IFE ARE CIVIL SERVANTS OR IF EITHER OF THE; IS ,'.L.'E _Y EOEM IC C,LC:' E. EFITS li. THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
/MRS. CTAIL KO .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
30
MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH STRESSED THAT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE SACRIFICED FOR THE SAKE OF INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL PLACES. SHE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCORD THE HIGHEST PRIORITY TO UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AS OVER HALF OF THE FORM 1 PLACES WILL EE BOUGHT IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN 1978-79.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER SUGGESTED THAT TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMMES, BOTH PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE, BE STRENGTHENED” THAT HELP BE GIVEN TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS WHICH WANT AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME PROPERLY AIDED, AND THAT THE UNDESIRABLE FLOATING CLASS SYSTEM EE DISCONTINUED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
SHE PROPOSED THAT FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR ALL BE POSTPONED TEMPORARILY, IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES TO COPE WITH THE OTHER SUGGESTIONS. DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, A SCHEME FOR FREE PLACES FOR THOSE WHO REALLY NEED THEM SHOULD BE DEVISED TO ENSURE THAT NO HARDSHIP ARISES, SHE SAID.
THIS IS BECAUSE PARENTS WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN SHOULD DO SO AND IN SO DOING, PART OF THE GOVERNMENT FUNDS COULD EE RELEASED FOR USE IN OTHER AREAS SUCH AS IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
SHE ALSO HOPED THAT THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT SUBSIDISED PLACES AT THE SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL FOR THOSE WHO WANT IT.
SHE ALSO THOUGHT THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO CHARGE TONG FAI AND OTHER SUBSCRIPTION CHARGES IF THEY SO CHOOSE SO THAT THEY CAN USE THE CHARGES ON IMPROVING SCHOOL FACILITIES AND PROVIDING VARIOUS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
ON THE COMMUNITY NURSING SCHEME, MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH QUERIED THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S DECISION NOT TO EXPAND THE SERVICE DURING ITS THREE-YEAR EVALUATION PERIOD ENDING 1979-83.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN LAST OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 591 REFERRALS HAD TO BE REJECTED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT STAFF.
+ONE.YEAR OF THE THPEE-YEAR EVALUATION PERIOD HAS ELAPSED AND A LOT OF INFORMATION OH THE DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ASSESSMENT.+
FURTHERMORE, SHE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT GREEN PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY HAS RECOMMENDED EARLY EXPANSION OF THE PRESENT RESTRICTED SCOPE OF THE SERVICE AND ESTIMATED THAT NO LESS THAN 91 NURSES WOULD DE REQUIRED IN 1978 AND 130 BY 1986.
ON THE REVENUE PROPOSALS BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH SUPPORTED THE INCREASED TAXATION ON IMPORTED CIGARETTES AND EXPENSIVE CARS AND WANTED IT TO BE EXTENDED TO OTHER LUXURY GOODS.
SHE DISAGREED HOWEVER . ITH THE SITUATION WHERE AN ENORMOUS SUM OF #480 MILLION TO BE EXPECTED FROM TAXES ON GAMBLING ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY HOPSE RACING.
/she pointed ...
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
- 31 -
SHE POINTED OUT THAT MANY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO INDULGE IN GAMBLING ARE THE SOCIALLY VULNERABLE OLES AND THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT NEED TO SPEND A LOT ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND LAW AND ORDER AS A RESULT OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS ARISING FROM GAMBLING ACTIVITIES.
+THE TIME HAS COME FOR GOVERNMENT TO LOOK CAREFULLY INTO THE MATTER AND DO SOMETHING TO STOP ANY FURTHER EXPANSION OF GAMBLING ACTIVITIES,* SHE SAID.
SHE WAS ALSO DISAPPOINTED THAT TAX ALLOWANCES FOR DEPENDENT PARENTS AND WORKING WIVES WERE NOT INTRODUCED, AND SUGGESTED THAT LARGER ALLOWANCES OR A LOWER RATE OF TAXATION, SUCH AS 2 PER CENT, ON THE FIRST 510,000 NET TAXABLE INCOME, EE CONSIDERED.
+TAX ALLOWANCES IN THESE AREAS WOULD HAVE SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS IN STRENGTHENING COHESION BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS,* SHE STRESSED.
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/32
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
32
MEW POSTAGE RATES EFFECTIVE NEXT MONTH * * * * *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM SATURDAY (APRIL 1) THE POSTAGE RATES FOR INLAND PRINTED PAPER AND PARCEL, AND.FEES FOR REDIRECTION AND BUSINESS REPLY SERVICES WILL BE INCREASED.
DETAILS OF THE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWi-•
INLAND PRINTED PAPER RATE —
WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING OLD RATE ($) NEW RATE ($)
1 OZ. 0.10 0.20
2 OZ. 0.10 0.20
4 OZ. 0.20 0.30
8 OZ. 0.40 0.50
1 LB. 0.80 1.00
2 LB. 1.30 1.70
INLAND PARCEL RATE
WEIGHT EXISTING (3) WEIGHT NEW RATE ($)
FIRST 2 LBS. 3.00 1 FIRST 2 LBS. 3.00
EACH ADDITIONAL 2 LBS. 0.50 EACH ADDITIONAL 1.00
1 LB.
REDIRECTION SERVICE
EXISTING ($) NEW RATE (S)
FIRST 3 MONTHS FREE FREE
NEXT 12 MONTHS 15.00 60.00
EACH SUCCEEDING 12 MONTHS 30.00 60.00
BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE
EXISTING
NEW RATE
HANDLING FEE PER ITEM
5 CENTS 10 CENTS
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/33
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1?7;
33 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRISONS DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT CHEQUE TO COMMUNITY CHEST H “
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR. T. ECOB, WILL PRESENT A CHEQUE ON BEHALF OF PRISONS DEPARTMENT STAFF TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST AT 11 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 31) AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI.
RECEIVING THE CHEQUE WILL BE MRS. R.R. KAPAHI OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 1OTH FLOOR OF GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
- 0 -
BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS * * * * M
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NOS. 95 AND 99 MAIN STREET, AP LEI CHAU, TO BE INA DANGEROUS CONDITION AND NO. 93 IN THE SAME STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THESE TWO-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD BEEN OBSERVED TO BE IN A DILAPIDATED CONDITION AND A DETAILED INSPECTION WAS THEREFORE MADE.
THE ENCLOSING WALLS TO NOS. 95 AND 99 MAIN STREET WERE FOUND TO BE SEVERELY FRACTURED AND BULGED. IN ADDITION A HIGH PROPORTION OF THE STRUCTURAL WOODEN MEMBERS SUPPORTING THE FLOORS AND ROOFS WERE DEFECTIVE.
AS THERE IS A RISK OF THESE BUILDINGS COLLAPSING IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THEM.
NO. 93 MAIN STREET IS UNLIKELY TO SURVIVE THE DEMOLITION OF THE ADJOINING BUILDING AT NO. 95 DUE TO WEAKNESSES IN THE SEPARATING PARTY WALL AND DEFECTIVE STRUCTURAL WOODEN MEMBERS AND WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.
ACCORDINGLY, NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON APRIL 19, 1978 WERE POSTED TODAY.
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1978
- 34 -
IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS IN REHABILITATION PROCESS STRESSED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE REHABILITATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE. ? ?
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SPORTS DAY FOR THE DISABLED HELD TODAY AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM MR. LEE ’SAID: +APART FROM BEING A GOOD MEANS OF HEALTH IMPROVEMENT, PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS EVENTS CAN HELP SHARPEN ONE’S INITIATIVE AND DEVELOP THE SENSE OF DISCIPLINE.*
MR. LEE ADDED THAT BECAUSE OF THIS CHARACTER BUILDING ELEMENT. SPORTS ACTIVITIES, LIKE OTHER FORMS OF TRAINING AND SERVICES, WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE RAPID REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED.
MR. LEE ALSO ADVISED COMPETITORS NOT TO ATTACH TOO MUCH IMPORTANCE TO TROPHIES AND MEDALS SO FAR AS THEY HAD TRIED THEIR BEST.
A TOTAL OF 400 PARTICIPANTS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S 15 REHABILITATION CENTRES, COMPRISING THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, THE DEAF, THE MENTALLY RETARDED AND EX-MENTAL PATIENTS COMPETED IN 51 INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM EVENTS WATCHED BY A CHEERING CROWD OF 1,000 FELLOW-INMATES.
IN ADDITION TO BEAN-BAG RELAYS, RELAYS ON WHEELCHAIRS, SHORTDISTANCE RUNS, SHOT PUT, JUMPS AND TOSS, TWO OPEN EVENTS FOR FORMER TRAINEES AND A TUG-OF-WAR FOR STAFF MEMBERS WERE ALSO ORGANISED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN AT THE SPORTS DAY FOR THE DISABLED WILL BE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
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/35
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 197b
- 35 -
CASTLE PEAK OF A TEMPORARY
KWAI CHUNG FOOTBRIDGE OPENING TOMORROW
* * * * *
RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG WILL BE ABLE TO CROSS ROAD SAFELY AS FROM TOMORROW FOLLOWING THE OPENING FOOTBRIDGE NEAR LAI YIU ESTATE.
MR. C.L. AU, SENIOR ENGINEER OF P.w.D.’S HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION, SAID TODAY THAT DUE TO THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA PEDESTRIANS WERE FINDING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO CROSS THE ROAD. " '
+WITH THE COMPLETION OF THIS TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGE THEY SHOULD NOW BE ABLE TO CROSS THE RCAD SAFELY,+ HE SAID.
THE TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE USED FOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS PENDING THE COMPLETION OF A PERMANENT ONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TAI WO TSUEN INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT, MR. AU SAID.’
NOTE TO EDITORS:
&
CUSTOMS OFFICERS PASSING OUT PARADE
******
FORTY PROBATIONARY CUSTOMS OFFICERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED A TWO-MONTH TRAINING COURSE WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING CUT PARADE ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1) AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE
‘ SERVICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
SUPERINTENDENT GRAHAM CROOKDAKE, WHO WILL RETIRE AFTER 30 YEARS WITH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE PARADE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OCCASION WHICH WILL START ,.T 11.15 A.M. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT COACH (AM 5606) WILL LEAVE FROM THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 9.30 A.i . ON SATURDAY FOR THE TRAINING SCHOOL.
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/36
EDNESDAY, MARCH .29, 1973
- 36
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND LAI CHI KOK * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE ALj TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING OF SEVERAL STREETS II KWAI CHUNG AND LAI CH I KOK.
IN KWAI CHUNG, TA CHUEN PING STREET BETWEEN SHEK KIN STREET AND CHUN PIN STREET HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO .vATER MAINS.
AS A RESULT, THE SECTION OF TA CHUEN PING STREET BETWEEN WO Yl HOP ROAD AND SHEK KIM STREET HAS BEEN RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO T.O-.AY, AND CHUI.' PIC STREET BETWEEN LAM TIN STREET AND TA CHUEN PING STREET RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK.
IN LAI CHI KOK, YUET LUI! STREET HAS BEEN RE-RQUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY FROM LAI CHI KOK ROAD TO PC LUN STREET TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION. THIS ARRANGEMENT IS EXPECTED 'TO LAST FOR TWO WEEKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE BEEN POSTED TO GU iDt MOTORISTS IN THESE AREAS.
0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LO WARNS — MTR MAY NOT BE VIABLE ........................... 1
DIVERSIFICATION — DO NOT LEAVE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY OUT IN THE COLD ...................................... 3
INADEQUATE STANDARD OF NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS ............... 5
FACTORY OWNERSHIP SCHEME SUGGESTED.......................... 7
NEED FOR URGENT REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT’S CENTRAL COORDINATING AND POLICY MAKING ................................ 9
VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES DESERVE ADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT ...................................................... 11
OPPOSITION TO FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR WEALTHY CHILDREN ..........................................
TAXATION SYSTEM UNFAIR TO MIDDLE INCOME GROUP -- WONG LAM . 15
DR. HUANG COMMENTS ON THE PROVISION FOR FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION .......................................... 17
PLEA TO IMPROVE SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ............ 18
VALEDICTORY TO P.B. WILLIAMS, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ...... 21
ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE TO OPEN ON APRIL 1 .............. 22
IN-LAW RELATIONSHIP FEATURED IN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION DRAMA ........................................................ 23
LADY MACLEHOSE TO ATTEND HK PONY CLUB CAMP ................. 24
FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUNG CHUNG AND SHA LO WAN ............ 25
LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT OPENING AT TUEN MUN .................................................. 26
SHIP NIGHT SIGNAL CHANGE ................................... 26
PRISONS DEPARTMENT ANNUAL SPORTS MEET ...................... 27
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
1
LO WARNS — MTR MAY NOT BE VIABLE * * * *
THE HON. T.S. LO HAS ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO FORESTALL THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY MAY NOT BE VIABLE, AT LEAST IN ITS EARLY YEARS.
MR. LO SAID IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY HE KNEW THIS PESSIMISM IS SHARED BY A CONSIDERABLE BODY OF OPINION BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT. + IT IS NOW TIME TO TAKE STOCK AND TO SEE WHETHER WE OUGHT NOT TO MAKE SOME CONTINGENCY PLANS.*
HE REFERRED TO THE + ILLUSORY* FISCAL RESERVES OF $4,890 MILLION HONG KONG WILL HAVE BY THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, AGAINST A CONTINGENT LIABILITY OF $6,403 MILLION, RISING TO $9,500 MILLION BY 1982.
TO HAVE ONE THIRD OF HONG KONG’S LIABILITIES COVERED BY FISCAL RESERVES, WITHIN THE GUIDELINES SET BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WOULD SEEM PERFECTLY SOUND IF THEY HAVE A BETTER THAN 3 TO 1 CHANCE OF NEVER BEING CALLED.
IN HIS VIEW HOWEVER, SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THEM WILL IN ALL PROBABILITY BECOME ACTUAL LIABILITIES BECAUSE MUCH MORE THAN HALF OF THEM RESULT FROM GUARANTEES COVERING M.T.R. LOANS.
MR. LO STATED THAT HE WAS OPPOSED TO GOVERNMENT USING ARTIFICIAL METHODS TO IMPROVE THE M.T.R.’S VIABILITY IN THE EARLY YEARS BY IMPROVING ITS COMPETITION FOR PASSENGERS SUCH AS BY REROUTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR BY BUS COMPANIES INCREASING THEIR FARES BY 5 TO 6 TIMES. +...... TO INCREASE FARES DRASTICALLY AT A
TIME WHEN THEY ARE MAKING BUMPER PROFITS WOULD SEEM NOT ONLY GROSSLY UNFAIR BUT ALSO UNLIKELY,* HE SAID.
THE SOLUTION HE SUGGESTED IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY IN FURTHER CAPITAL SUMS OUT OF ITS RESERVES TO THE M.T.R. TO REDUCE ITS DEBT SERVICING CHARGES.
THIS WILL ENABLE THE M.T.R. TO PAY OFF AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF ITS LIABILITIES OR TO DELAY FURTHER BORROWINGS, AND WILL HAVE THE ANCILLARY ADVANTAGE OF CORRECTING A FALSE IMPRESSION OF OUR WEALTH CREATED BY THE RESERVES AND REDUCE UNWARRANTED JEALOUSY OR DISCRIMINATION AGAINST US OVERSEAS.
FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF BILLS
MR. LO STRESSED THE +UNDERPI NN I NG FACT* THAT HONG KONG CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT BEING ECONOMICALLY VIABLE, AND URGED THAT WHEN NEW BILLS ARE PRESENTED FOR DEBATE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXPLAIN BOTH THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC AS WELL AS THE SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS
INVOLVED
/HE KNEW
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
2
HE KNEW THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL USUALLY CONSIDERS THE COST OF ADMINISTERING THE LAW BEFORE AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE ANY PROPOSED EXPENDITURE AFTER THE BILL PASSES THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, BUT THEY MEET IN CAMERA.
THE PUBLIC ARE THUS IGNORANT OF THE VITAL INFORMATION AT THE TIME WHEN THEY ARE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR OP IN ION.
IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO WEIGH THE SOCIAL BENEFITS PROPOSED AGAINST THE COSTS INVOLVED. WHEN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ULTIMATELY DOES LOOK AT THE COST ITS MEMBERS WOULD ALREADY HAVE VOTED IN FAVOUR OF THE BILL.
HE SAW NO REASON WHY A FINANCIAL PARAGRAPH CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN THE EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM SECTION OF PUBLISHED BILLS.
MR. LO THOUGHT IT EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE ECONOMIC
EFFECTS OF A BILL ARE DISCLOSED AND HE FEARED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT SYSTEMATICALLY ANALYSE THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF EACH.
PROPOSED MEASURE.
HE SAID THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE IGNORANT OF THE PRICE THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING. +HOWEVER COMPLICATED THE EFFECTS OR COUNTER EFFECTS MAY BE OR AGAINST ANY MEASURE WE HAVE TO COME TO GRIPS WITH IT. WE CAN NO LONGER BLITHELY LEAVE IT TO THE RESILIENCE OF OUR PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.
HE ASKED THAT IN FUTURE, THE MEMBER INTRODUCING A EILL WOULD MAKE AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF IT, APPROPRIATELY DURING ITS SECOND READING.
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE SEA
ANOTHER POINT MR. LO RAISED REFERS TO THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF OUR SEA, ONE OF OUR FEW NATURAL RESOURCES WHICH, HE THOUGHT, WE ARE NOT USING WELL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT OUR DRY LAND IS EASILY CARVED OUT FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR MULTIFARIOUS USES BUT THERE IS NO SIMILARITY IN THE CASE OF LAND COVERED BY SEA WATER HOWEVER SHALLOW, BECAUSE OF ARCHAIC LAWS.
HE THOUGHT WE SHOULD ALLOW OUR SEA TO EE DEVELOPED WITH THE SAME FLEXIBILITY SO THAT WITHOUT AFFECTING SHIPPING IT CAN BE PROPERLY DEVELOPED FOR RECREATION AND MARINE CULTURE.
THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL IS UNKNOWN BUT MAY BE QUITE SUBSTANTIAL EVEN IN EXPORT TERMS. HE URGED THAT THE LAWS EE ADAPTED QUICKLY, +FOR ANY WORTHWHILE DEVELOPMENT INVOLVING HEAVY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE CAN HARDLY BE EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE UNTIL AFTER THAT IS DONE.+
/r^KUTO THE BEST......
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
3
MAKING THE BEST USE OF OUR LAND
MR. LO FULLY AGREED WITH THE HON. Q.W. LEE WHO HAD EARLIER IN THE BUDGET DEBATE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW OUR PLANNING-AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS TO SEE WHETHER WE ARE USING OUR SCARCE LAND RESOURCE TO ITS BEST WHILE PRESERVING A REASONABLE ENVIRONMENT.
HE REJECTED THE ARGUMENT, WHICH HE SAID HE HEARS FROM TIME TO TIME, THAT WE SHOULD SUBSIDISE CERTAIN LAND INTENSIVt INDUSTRIES. EVEN IN THE CASE OF LABOUR INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES, SUBSIDISATION IN LAND COST IS A +SLIPPERY DOWNHILL PATH+ BECAUSE THE MORE LAND IS TAKEN AWAY IN THIS WAY THE LESS WOULD THERE BE LEFT AND THE MORE EXPENSIVE.
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DIVERSIFICATION — DO NOT LEAVE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY OUT IN THE COLD ******
HONG KONG MUST NOT IGNORE THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY WHILE TRYING TO BROADEN ITS INDUSTRIAL BASE THROUGH DIVERSIFICATION, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE
SPEAKING AT THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR. TIEN SAID +THERE IS EVERY EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THE STRENGTH OF OUR GARMENT INDUSTRY AND, ON PAST FORM, THERE SEEMS TO BE NO REASON WHY WE SHOULD NOT EXPECT THIS SECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY FURTHER TO TRADE UP AND INCREASE ITS SHARE IN OUR TOTAL EXPORTS.+
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE INDUSTRY ACHIEVED A 200 PER CENT GROWTH RATE OVER THE LAST FIVE TO SIX YEARS.
+EVEN IN 1977 WHAT WAS REGARDED BY MOST TRADERS AS A BAD YEAR' THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HOLD GROUND,+ MR. TIEN ADDED.
HE HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER BODIES SHARING RESPONSIBILITY IN FORMULATING FUTURE POLICY ON FURTHER INDUSTRIALISATION AND DIVERSIFICATION WOULD HAVE REGARD TO THE FACT THAT +WE HAVE DIVERSIFIED WITHIN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY, TO THE GENERAL GOOD OF HONG KONG= AND THAT THIS INDUSTRY IS CAPABLE OF FURTHER DIVERSIFICATION, UPWARDS INTO INCREASINGLY HIGHER BRACKETS OF OUR OVERSEAS MARKET.+
T,EN SA,D AN ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT FIGURES WOULD SHOW THAT +WHEN W'E BECAME LESS COMPETITIVE IN YARNS, WE MOVED INTO FABRICS= THEN HIGHER GRADE FABRICS AND THEN GARMENTS AND, AS A CONSEQUENCE OF WHAT TO HONG KONG IS THE NATURAL PROGRESSION, THE HIGHER GRADE GARMENTS.
/+CJDBSD......
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
4
+ INDEED CURRENT TRADE FIGURES SHOW THAT GARMENT EXPORTS IN 1977 ACCOUNTED FOR 84 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL TEXTILE EXPORTS AS COMPARED WITH 77 PER CENT IN 1970. GARMENT EXPORTS REPRESENTED 39 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1977, AS COMPARED WITH 35 PER CENT IN 1970,+ HE ADDED.
ON THE QUESTION OF LABOUR, MR. TIEN SAID HONG KONG WAS EXPERIENCING AN +ACUTE SHORTAGE+ OF SKILLED LABOUR DUE TO THE RAPID EXPANSION OF OUR INDUSTRIES OVER THE PAST DECADE.
THIS WOULD BE FURTHER AGGRAVATED BY GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION OF PROVIDING FREE AND SUBSIDISED EDUCATION AS ENVISAGED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, MR. TIEN SAID.
+THERE IS A DANGER THAT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE THAN EVER BEFORE WILL CHOOSE TO CONTINUE FULL-TIME EDUCATION RATHER THAN EMPLOYMENT IF THEY HAD THE CHOICE,* HE ADDED.
+A SITUATION MAY THEREFORE ARISE WHERE FEW FORM III LEAVERS WILL CHOOSE TO ENTER EMPLOYMENT AS CRAFT APPRENTICES OR SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS TO THE DETRIMENT OF INDUSTRY GENERALLY.*
MR. TIEN SAID ANOTHER FACTOR WHICH WOULD AGGRAVATE THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR IN THE MID-1980S WAS THE SLOWDOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE POPULATION OF WORKING AGE FROM THE PRESENT THREE PER CENT PER ANNUM TO JUST OVER ONE PER CENT AS MENTIONED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY THAT OF THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING SECTOR WHICH EMPLOYS THE LARGEST NUMBER OF WORKERS, MR. TIEN ASKED IF ANY ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RELAX THE IMMIGRATION LAWS TO ALLOW ENTRY INTO HONG KONG OF PERSONS FROM NEIGHBOURING TERRITORIES TO ALLEVIATE THIS SHORTAGE.
COMMENTING ON THE WORK OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR. TIEN PRAISED ITS EFFORTS IN KEEPING HONG KONG’S NAME IN THE FOREFRONT OF THE MINDS OF OUR OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID WHILE THE COUNCIL WAS PURSUING THESE COMMENDABLE EFFORTS, IT SEEMED TO LACK REAL EXPERTISE ON THE GARMENT INDUSTRY.
MR. TIEN POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS NOT A SINGLE GARMENT MANUFACTURER ON THE COUNCIL WHICH HAD A BUDGET OF $38.33 MILLION FOR 1976/77, 40 PER CENT OF WHICH CAME FROM GARMENT EXPORTS.
+THIS IS A MOST UNSATISFACTORY STATE OF AFFAIRS IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC WELL-BEING.*
MR. TIEN ALSO NOTED THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE COUNCIL’S MEMBERSHIP SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT BY STATUTE IN 1966 WHILE ITS BUDGET HAD INCREASED NEARLY THREEFOLD FROM $18.14 MILLION IN 1970/71 TO $49.72 MILLION’IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
/Hu UiiGED •....
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
5
ciHTAniEvUHH*? THAT THE APPOINTMENT of a number of
™ IurLL2UA(:IF IED PERS°NS FROM THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TO SERVE occlT^TTBnnrE^F2^IDERED + ,N 0RDER T0 ACHIEVE A PROPER BALANCE TO ? ELE£T ”°RE/L°SELY THE POSITION NOW OCCUPIED BY THE INDUSTRY kDChh PROMOTERS OF HONG KONG’S GARMENTS ABROAD TO
lr OURLOVEfiSEASSAm?l™/HE L0CAL SCENE AND THE SENSIEILmES
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INADEQUATE STANDARD *
OF NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS K K M
THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT HAS DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE INADEQUATE STANDARD OF NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW URBAN AREAS AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING TODAY AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS BENNETT SAID SHE WAS MOST ALARMED TO DISCOVER.THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM WERE NOT TO BE FULLY-AIDED SCHOOLS. +INSTEAD THEY ARE TO BE PER CAPUT SCHOOLS, WHERE TEACHERS WILL NOT BE PAID AS MUCH AS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS AND WHERE THE SCHOOLS WILL NOT THEREFORE ENGAGE A HIGH PROPORTION OF TEACHERS TRAINED IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.+
IF THEY DO ENGAGE GOOD, TRAINED GRADUATES, THEY WILL BE CONTINUALLY IN DANGER OF LOSING THEM TO OTHER SCHOOLS WHERE THE PAY IS BETTER, SHE ADDED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THERE ARE NOW SEVEN SUCH SCHOOLS, IN 1978-79 THERE WILL BE 21 AND IN 1979-80 THERE WILL BE 33.
THE RATIO OF THESE SCHOOLS TO GOVERNMENT AND FULLY AIDED SCHOOLS IN 1978-79 ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE 19 TO 51, IN KOWLOON 21 TO 77 BUT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES 21 TO 37. IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR 1979-80, THE RATIO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE 33 TO 41.
IN THE NEW TOWNS OR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THERE WILL BE A COMPARATIVELY SMALL CHANCE OF GOING TO A GOVERNMENT OR FULLY AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOL.
SHE THOUGHT IT SHORT-SIGHTED AND FALSE ECONOMY TO BUILD SUCH PER CAPUT SCHOOLS WITH GOVERNMENT MONEY. +THE GOVERNMENT IS CORRECT IN RECOGNISING THE NEED TO HELP BUILD SCHOOLS TO BE RUN BY SPONSORS. BUT IT MUST SEE THAT THESE SPONSORS CAN RECEIVE ENOUGH IN FEES AND/OR SUBSIDY TO RUN THEIR SCHOOLS WITH PROPERLY TRAINED AND PROPERLY PAID TEACHERS,+ SHE SAID.
MISS BENNETT SAID THE ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE CLEARLY STATES THAT AIDED SCHOOLS ARE SUBSIDISED ACCORDING TO THE CODE OF AID FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ARE REQUIRED TO PAY TEACHERS THE SAME LEVEL OF SALARY TO WHICH THEY WOULD BE ENTITLED IN A GOVERNMENT SCHOOL. AT THE SAME TIME IT ALSO DESCRIBES THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT ARE ASSISTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN DIFFERENT WAYS AND REFERS TO 41 SUCH SCHOOLS AT PRESENT, 36 OF WHICH ARE TO BE BROUGHT ON TO FULL AID FROM THIS SEPTEMBER.
/THclSE PHIVATE-r...
THUHSDAY, MAKCH 30, 1978
6
THESE PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR MANY YEARS TRIED TO RUN EFFICIENTLY AND GIVE FAIR TREATMENT TO THEIR STAFF AS REGARDS SALARY AND TERMS OF SERVICE BUT ARE CONTINUALLY LOSING THEM TO THE AIDED AND GOVERNMENT SECTORS.
THIS HAS TO BE KEPT IN MIND WHEN WE LOOK AT THE PER CAPUT SCHOOLS, SHE SAID. THE TEACHERS IN PER CAPUT PRIVATE NON-PROFIT MAKING SCHOOLS CANNOT BE PAID A SALARY CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT SATISFACTORY.
AS TO TRAINING OF TEACHERS FOR THE NEW JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES, MISS BENNETT POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY PROVISION TO EXPAND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, NEITHER IN SIZE NOR IN RANK, NEXT YEAR.
SHE SAID HONG KONG CANNOT AFFORD, IF WE ARE TO MAINTAIN THE STRENGTH OF OUR ECONOMY AND DIVERSIFY OUR INDUSTRY, TO.RELY ON HAVING SO MANY OF OUR CHILDREN EDUCATED AT SECONDARY LEVEL BY UNTRAINED TEACHERS.
+THERE HAS BEEN MUCH HIGH-SOUNDING TALK OF AN IMPROVE JUNIOR SECONDARY CURRICULUM, WITH MORE EMPHASIS ON PRACTICAL SUBJECTS. UNTRAINED TEACHERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT THIS NEW CURRICULUM. UNTRAINED TEACHERS TEACH ONLY IN THE WAY THEY WERE TAUGHT THEMSELVES,* SHE EXPLAINED.
SHE QUOTED THE CASE OF AN UNTRAINED REGISTERED TEACHER WHO COMPLAINED TO UMELCO ABOUT BEING REFUSED ADMISSION TO AN IN-SERVICE COURSE. THE REASON FOR THE REFUSAL WAS BECAUSE THE COURSE WAS FILLED VERY EASILY WITH OTHERS WITH BETTER QUALIFICATIONS, SO THAT THAT TEACHER WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO TEACH WITHOUT TRAINING IN A SCHOOL WHICH IS GIVEN SOME AID BY THE GOVERNMENT AND WHERE THE CHILDREN RECEIVE BOUGHT PLACES.
+WHAT NONSENSE THAT MAKES OF HIGH-SOUNDING STATEMENTS ABOUT ATTEMPTS TO BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION,* SHE SAID.
ON THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE, MISS BENNETT POINTED OUT THAT NO EXPANSION HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR THIS IN THE COMING YEAR.
+THIS CONTRADICTS THE PROMISE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT PROVISION WAS BEING MADE IN THE BUDGET FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GREEN PAPERS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD,* SHE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE GREEN PAPERS WOULD BE DEBATED IN DE.TAIL LATER, ♦SUFFICE IT TO SAY NOW THAT COMMUNITY NURSES CANNOT APPEAR OVERNIGHT TO SERVE THE ELDERLY AND INFIRM.*
SHE SAID SHE WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE NO EXPANSION OF THE SERVICE DURING THE CURRENT THREE-YEAR TRIAL PERIOD, BUT ON FURTHER ENQUIRY LEARNED THAT ABOUT 20 NURSES WOULD BE TRAINED THIS SUMMER TO PERMIT A MODICUM OF EXPANSION DURING THE FORTHCOMING YEAR.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT A NURSE HAS THE HEAVY JOB OF VISITING EIGHT TO TEN PATIENTS IN ONE DAY. THE NURSE ALSO PROVIDES MEDICAL CARE FOR THE PATIENTS FAR MORE CHEAPLY THAN IF THEY WERE IN HOSPITAL, AT 320 A VISIT, COMPARED WITH $140 FOR A HOSPITAL BED A DAY.
/*PATiarns......
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
7
+PATIENTS ARE BEING TURNED OUT OF OUR HOSPITAL UNABLE TO WALK BECAUSE THEIR BEDS ARE NEEDED,* SHE SAID. +WHEN THEY ARE NOT REFERRED TO THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE THEY WILL BECOME BED-RIDDEN AND THE FAMILY DISTRAUGHT AS THEY DESPAIR OF CARING FOR THEIR LOVED ONES SATISFACTORILY.*
THE SCHEME HAS TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL IN THE WHOLE HEALTH CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY. +WHEN WE CAN DEPLOY OUR MEDICAL STAFF BETTER IN THIS WAY, THE HOSPITAL BEDS CAN BE RESERVED FOR ACUTE PATIENTS DEMANDING CONSTANT MEDICAL SUPERVISION AND NURSING CARE,* SHE SAID.
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FACTORY OWNERSHIP SCHEME SUGGESTED
* * * *
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON. S.L. CHEN, TODAY CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A +FACTORY OWNERSHIP SCHEME* TO HELP SMALL INDUSTRIAL OPERATORS TO OVERCOME THE PRESSURE OF RENT INCREASES.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. CHEN SAID SUCH A SCHEME WOULD NOT ONLY HELP REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER PROBLEMS, BUT ALSO HELP PROVIDE THE OPERATORS WITH A MEASURE OF SECURITY THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR MAINTAINING STABILITY IN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION. HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S THRIVING ECONOMY OWES AS MUCH TO THEIR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS AS TO THAT OF LARGE COMPANIES.
+OWNING A FACTORY WOULD NO DOUBT MEAN AS MUCH TO A SMALL MANUFACTURER AS WOULD OWNING A .HOME TO A MAN IN THE STREET,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO STATISTICS, MR. CHEN NOTED THAT THERE WERE 34,196 OUT OF A TOTAL 37,135 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS (OR 92 PER CENT) EMPLOYING 49 OR LESS WORKERS. FEW OF THESE OPERATORS OWN THEIR FACTORY PREMISES AND MANY ARE OPERATING IN PREMISES NOT SUITABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES AND IN THE WORST CASES, IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES.
+THIS NOT ONLY GIVES RISE TO PROBLEMS SUCH AS FIRE HAZARDS, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND OVER-CROWDING, A MATTER OF GREAT CONCERN TO BOTH GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC, BUT ALSO RESULTS IN OPERATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT INSTABILITY,* HE SAID.
MR. CHEN ALSO DREW THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION TO ITS ROLE IN DEVELOPING OUR TWO SCARCE RESOURCE - LAND AND MANPOWER - TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND MAXIMISE THE RETURN FROM THEIR UTILISATION.
THE TIME HAD NOW COME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE ITS INVOLVEMENT IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, WHICH HAS HITHERTO BEEN LEFT IN THE HANDS OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, MR.. CHEN SAID.
THUBSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
8
+WHILE THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE ADMIRABLE EFFORTS IN THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS, IT HAS NOT PLACED SUFFICIENT EMPHASIS ON THE PRACTICAL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER, PARTICULARLY AT THE HIGHER TECHNICAL LEVELS,+ HE SAID.
+ IT WOULD BE BOTH FRUSTRATING AND POINTLESS TO TALK ABOUT BROADENING AND UPGRADING OUR TECHNOLOGICAL BASE UNLESS WE ARE PREPARED TO PROVIDE THE BASIC INGREDIENTS FOR ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVE,* HE ADDED.
AS REGARDS THE HIGH COST OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, HE SAID THAT THIS NOT ONLY DISCOURAGED OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS FROM COMING TO HONG KONG BUT ALSO GREATLY RESTRICTED THE PATTERN OF OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
+THERE IS THEREFORE A NEED TO REVIEW OUR PRESENT LAND POLICY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW NOT ONLY OF PRODUCING AN AMPLE SUPPLY OF LAND BUT ALSO OF ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOME LAND-INTENSIVE HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES SO AS TO DEVELOP A MORE BALANCED OVERALL INDUSTRIAL BASE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED: +l DO NOT SEE THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG IN MAKING LAND ESPECIALLY INEXPENSIVE FOR, OR IN OTHER WORDS SUBSIDISING, THOSE LAND-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH WE WANT TO ATTRACT TO HONG KONG IF HONG KONG WILL BENEFIT ECONOMICALLY IN THE LONG RUN.*
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC SPENDING, MR. CHEN SUGGESTED VARIOUS WAYS FROM WHICH ADDITIONAL BENEFITS COULD BE DERIVED.
* OVERSEAS CONSULTANCY SERVICES — HE FELT THAT SUCH WORK COULD BE DONE ON A JOINT VENTURE BASIS BETWEEN OVERSEAS AND LOCAL CONSULTANTS TO ENSURE THAT SOME OF THE EXPERTISE SOUGHT IS RETAINED LOCALLY. FURTHERMORE THE GOVERNMENT COULD ALSO MAKE THE PROVISION OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR GRADUATES A CONDITION FOR THE CONSULTANT’S APPOINTMENT.
* PRISONS MANPOWER — MR. CHEN SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE FULL USE OF PRISON MANPOWER ESPECIALLY IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION WORK. HE ESTIMATED THAT THE ANNUAL WORK OUTPUT FROM THE PRISONERS COULD BE WORTH SOMETHING OF THE ORDER OF 330 TO $40 MILLION WHICH IS ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
COMMENTING ON WATER SUPPLY, MR. CHEN PRODUCED A SET OF STATISTICS WHICH SHOWED THAT ’TRADE’ CONSUMPTION OF WATER ROSE ABOUT 94 PER CENT AND ’DOMESTIC’ CONSUMPTION BY 37.7 PER CENT FROM 1968 TO 1976.
WHILE THE INCREASE IN ’TRADE’ USE REFLECTS THE INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, COMMERCE AND SERVICES, THE INCREASE IN ’DOMESTIC’ USE WOULD SHOW A CHANGE IN PEOPLE’S LIVING HABIT, SINCE THE POPULATION INCREASE IN THE SAME PERIOD WAS ONLY 16.4 PER CENT.
/+PUTTHJG IT......
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
9
+PUTTING IT MORE PLAINLY, PEOPLE ARE BEING MORE EXTRAVAGANT IN USING WATER,+ MR. CHEN SAID, WHICH IS NOT IN UNLIMITED SUPPLY IN HONG KONG.
TO DETER SUCH WASTEFUL USE, HE SUGGESTED INTRODUCING A STEEP TARIFFF STRUCTURE FOR DOMESTIC USERS WHICH WOULD HAVE REGARD TO THE MINIMUM AMOUT OF WATER REQUIRED TO KEEP A FAMILY ALIVE AND HEALTHY AND WHICH WOULD NOT HURT THE CAREFUL USERS.
HE CAUTIONED AGAINST ANY INCREASE IN CHARGES FOR INDUSTRY. TO DO SO WHEN IT IS ALREADY FACING MANY PROBLEMS THREATENING THE VIABILITY OF CERTAIN SECTORS IS, IN HIS OPINION, CONTRARY TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC INTEREST.
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NEED FOR URGENT REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT’S CENTRAL CORRDINATING AND POLICY MAKING ROLE *****
THE HON. LYDIA DUNN SAID TODAY THAT THERE IS AN URGENT AND POLICY MAKING ROLE OF THE OF A VOLUME OF TRANSACTIONS OF SERVICE OF OVER 126,000.
AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE
NEED TO REVIEW THE CENTRAL COORDINATING
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN THE LIGHT
OVER $20,000 MILLION AND A CIVIL
ARE:
OTHER AREAS WHICH MISS DUNN THOUGHT DESERVE URGENT ATTENTION
* THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND DEPARTMENTS,
* THE ADEQUACY OF PRESENT MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES, AND
* THE WAY IN WHICH SENIOR OFFICERS ARE DEPLOYED.
SHE DID NOT ADVOCATE THE USE OF PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS BUT THOUGHT AN ’IN-HOUSE’ EXERCISE WOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND LESS DISRUPTIVE.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE PRESSING QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE SIZE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, WHICH WILL BE EXPANDED BY A FURTHER 10,000 POSTS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR TO 135,000 - 136,000 AT A TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $2,800 MILLION.
MISS DUNN ASKED WHETHER SUCH A SIZEABLE INCREASE IS REALLY JUSTIFIED, AND WHETHER SUCH A COMPLEMENTING AND GRADING PROCEDURES ENSURE MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY FROM EXISTING STAFF BEFORE ADDITIONAL POSTS ARE APPROVED.
SHE FELT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HIMSELF WAS NOT TOO CONFIDENT ABOUT THIS IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
/she noted.......
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
10
SHE NOTED THAT SOME 550 EXPATRIATES, REPRESENTING ABOUT 25 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPATRIATE OFFICERS, WERE RECRUITED IN 1977.
WHILE SHE RECOGNISED THAT HONG KONG IS TOO SOPHISTICATED A PLACE FOR IT TO BE WISE- OR NECESSARY TO PURSUE A POLICY OF LOCALISATION FOR ITS OWN SAKE, MISS DUNN SAID SHE HAS A DISTINCT FEELING THAT SOME EXPATRIATES ARE RECRUITED +SIMPLY BECAUSE STAFF REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT FORESEEN IN ADVANCE.+
SHE ASKED WHETHER SUITABLE LOCAL RECRUITS ARE SOUGHT AFTER AGGRESSIVELY ON THE BASIS OF RATIONAL, FORWARD PLANNING, AND WHETHER THE CAREER PLANNING OF SERVING LOCAL OFFICERS MAXIMISES THE USE OF THEIR TALENTS.
ON THE WORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, WHERE UNOFFICIALS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AND EVEN INVOLVED IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS, MISS DUNN THOUGHT THAT A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THEIR MANNING IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE CAREER PLANNING OF LOCAL OFFICERS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND SHE DOUBTED WHETHER THEY ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY ENOUGH BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SHE ASKED WHETHER THEY ARE REVIEWED PERIODICALLY TO SEE WHETHER CHANGES ARE CALLED FOR- WHETHER THERE ARE NOT SOME WHICH ARE OBSOLETE OR WHOSE TERMS OF REFERENCE NEED UPDATING- WHETHER THEIR ROLE IS SUFFICIENTLY WELL DEFINED, THE COMPOSITION OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP APPROPRIATE, AND WHETHER MORE OF THEM SHOULD NOT BE CHAIRED BY UNOFFICIALS.
MISS DUNN WANTED TO KNOW WHAT ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE FOR SEEKING OUT A WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE TO SERVE ON THESE COMMITTEES, WHICH ARE OFTEN CLAIMED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS OUR UNIQUE STYLE OF ADMINISTRATION.
AS TO THE FINANCIAL PROCEDURES OF THE GOVERNMENT, MISS DUNN SUGGESTED A GREATER DEGREE OF DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY, NOW THAT THE VOLUME AND COMPLEXITY OF TRANSACTIONS ARE SO MUCH GREATER, ALTHOUGH SHE WOULD BE OPPOSED TO ANY ABROGATION OF CONTROL BY THE FINANCE BRANCH AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
THIS WOULD AVOID UNDUE DELAYS IN THE APPROVAL OF PROJECTS,•AVOID INADVERTENT OVERSIGHTS AS A RESULT OF THE WORKLOAD, AND ENSURE THAT THE CASE FOR REALLY SIGNIFICANT EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS IS REALLY PROPERLY SCRUTINISED, SHE SAID.
SHE HOPED THE FINANCE BRANCH WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE MORE TIME TO ENSURING THAT DEPARTMENTS ARE ACHIEVING VALUE FOR MONEY, AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ABLE TO PAY SUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO THE POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS.
SHE STRESSED HOWEVER THAT ANY FURTHER DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY DOWNWARDS FROM FINANCE BRANCH AND FINANCE COMMITTEE WOULD NEED TO BE LINKED WITH A REAPPRAISAL OF CONTROL PROCEDURES AT DEPARTMENTAL LEVEL.
MISS DUNN ALSO COMMENTED ON THE PATTERN OF OUR BUDGETARY EXPENDITURE WHICH SHE THOUGHT REQUIRES A BALANCE BETWEEN GENERAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY SERVICES, ECONOMIC SERVICES, AS WELL AS SOCIAL SERVICES.
/while the......
THURSDAY, MABCa^O, 1978
WHILE THE -RIGHT BALANCE IS A MATTER OF OPINION, +THERE SEEMS TO BE A TENDENCY WITHIN GOVERNMENT CIRCLES, AND ELSEWHERE, TO ASSUME THAT THE LARGER THE SHARE OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE DEVOTED TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES THE BETTER. THERE IS NO LOGICAL BASIS FOR THIS ASSUMPTION,* SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT AS HONG KONG BECOMES BETTER OFF, IT IS BOTH POSSIBLE AND RIGHT THAT MORE SHOULD BE SPENT TO IMPROVE THE LOT OF THE LESS FORTUNATE AND AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MORE FORTUNATE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME THE GENERAL QUALITY OF LIFE MUST BE IMPROVED AND SHE FEARED THAT PRIORITIES ARE INFLUENCED BY THIS GROUNDLESS ASSUMPTION.
MISS DUNN REFERRED TO OUR FISCAL SYSTEM, WHICH HAS BEEN HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL, THOUGH NARROWLY BASED AND COUPLED WITH A LOW AND RARELY CHANGED STANDARD RATE OF TAX. SHE SAID THAT IN THIS FISCAL CONTEXT, +ONLY A LIMITED RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SUCH AS PRIMARY EDUCATION, SHOULD BE PROVIDED FREE ON A NON-MEANS TESTED BASIS ... ALL OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR, REMISSION OF FEES BEING ARRANGED FOR THOSE UNABLE TO PAY.*
+THIS PRINCIPLE IS ACCEPTED BY THE VAST MAJORITY OF CHINESE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.+
SHE THEREFORE THOUGHT IT INCONSISTENT WITH THIS PRINCIPLE THAT JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION IS TO BE FREE FROM THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR. EVEN THOUGH MANY PARENTS MAY BE WILLING AND CERTAINLY MANY ARE WELL ABLE TO PAY THEIR CHILDREN’S SCHOOL FEES, THEY WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY IN FUTURE, SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THE COST OF THIS, AT $89 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR, COULD BE MORE PROPERLY SPENT ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM OR ON OTHER SERVICES.
SHE KNEW THE GOVERNMENT REGARDS SUCH FREE EDUCATION AS BEING A CONSEQUENCE OF UNIVERSAL, COMPULSORY EDUCATION AT THIS LEVEL BUT SHE THOUGHT IT HAS AN OBLIGATION TO SPELL OUT THE LOGIC OF THIS ARGUMENT SO THAT ITS VIEWPOINT CAN BE BETTER ASSESSED.
- 0 - -
VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES DESERVE ADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT *****
DR. THE HON. HENRY HU TODAY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE ADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES TO ENABLE THEM TO DEVELOP THEIR SERVICES.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR. HU SAID THAT WHILE THE 3199 MILLION PROVIDED IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR SUBVENTING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES REPRESENTED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OVER PREVIOUS YEARS, A LARGE PROPORTION OF IT WOULD ACTUALLY GO TOWARDS MAINTAINING EXISTING SERVICES, SALARY INCREASES AND RENTS AND RATES.
/+ONLY A SMALL
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
12
+0NLY A SMALL AMOUNT HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE MANY PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPERS,+ HE ADDED.
DR. HU WELCOMED THE PROPOSED INCREASED SPENDING ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER TO GIVE GREATER ASSISTANCE TO THE ELDERLY AND THE NEEDY.
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT ONLY ONE-THIRD OF THE 3535 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR SOCIAL WELFARE WOULD BE SPENT ON SUCH WELFARE SERVICES AS GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK, FAMILY SERVICES, TRAINING AND COUNSELLING.
+VIEWED FROM THIS ANGLE, ARE WE REALLY DOING ENOUGH IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WELFARE?* HE ASKED. +WHY SHOULD WE HOLD BACK EXPENDITURE ON THOSE ESSENTIAL SERVICES SUCH AS SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN WITHOUT PARENTAL CARE, TRAINING OF THE DISABLED FOR EMPLOYMENT, COUNSELLING OF THOSE IN DISTRESS OR AT RISK AND CARE OF LONELY OLD PEOPLE?*
DR. HU SAID HE APPRECIATED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S CONCERN ABOUT INCREASING EXPENDITURE ON SUBVENTIONS TO AGENCIES, AND HE AGREED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO REVIEW THE MATTER.
HE ALSO ASKED WHETHER THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE COULD BE STRENGTHENED TO ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS OF THE AGENCIES AND THEIR CLIENTS WERE ADEQUATELY MET.
REFERRING TO PROPOSALS FOR ADOPTING UNIT COSTING AND STANDARD SETTING OF THE WELFARE SERVICES, DR. HU STRESSED THAT SUCH STANDARDS SHOULD BE SET AT A REALISTIC LEVEL TC ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES PROVIDED WERE ADEQUATE.
IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT, HE ADDED, TO ESTABLISH PARITY OF PAY BETWEEN SOCIAL WORKERS OF SIMILAR QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING IN THc. PUBLIC AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY, DR. HU SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN DEVELOPING HONG KONG AS A TOURIST AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
+FOR ONE THING, THERE IS STILL MUCH MORE ROOM FOR EXPANSION OF OUR TOURIST AND FINANCIAL INDUSTRIES AND IN THIS RESPECT MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE OUR PORT, BANKING, INSURANCE AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES.*
DR. HU POINTED OUT THAT +TERTIARY OR SERVICE INDUSTRIES* HAVE GROWN IN RELATIVE IMPORTANCE WHILE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES HAVE DECLINED.
HE SAID THIS TREND WAS BORNE OUT BY THE FACT THAT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ACCOUNTED FOR 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OUTPUT IN 1971 BUT ONLY 26 PER CENT IN 1977.
/+IN COMPARISON.......
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
13
+ IN COMPARISON, THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS INCREASED FROM 20 TO 23 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD WHEREAS FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES INCREASED THEIR CONTRIBUTION FROM 18 TO 20 PER CENT,* DR. HU ADDED.
FROM THE EMPLOYMENT ANGLE, HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR EMPLOYED 47 PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE IN 1971 AS AGAINST 44 PER CENT IN 1977, WHILE EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, FINANCIAL SERVICES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS INCREASED FROM 16 TO 20 PER CENT DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
THE DECREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, DR. HU SAID, HAD BEEN ABSORBED BY THE GROWING TERTIARY OR SERVICE INDUSTRIES. +THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT AND I HOPE GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON IT.*
HE HIGHLIGHTED THE UNCERTAINTY IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY IN VIEW OF THE POSSIBLE DECREASE IN TEXTILE AND CLOTHING EXPORT AND THE RECENT SHIFT TOWARDS PROTECTIONISM BY MANY OF HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS.
+ IN THIS RESPECT I HOPE BOTH GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY WILL MAKE GREATER EFFORTS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SO AS TO PLACE HONG KONG IN A BETTER POSITION TO BENEFIT FROM DIVERSIFICATION.*
ON THE ISSUE OF WATER CHARGES, DR. HU SUGGESTED THAT THE NUMBER OF UNITS OF WATER NOW CHARGED AT THE LOWER RATE AFTER THE FREE ALLOWANCE BE RAISED. AND HE SAID THAT ANY INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES WOULD HAVE GREATER ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE POOR THAN ON THE RICH.
+WATER IS A BASIC NECESSITY AND SHOULD BE SUPPLIED BY GOVERNMENT TO THE PUBLIC AT A REASONABLY LOW PRICE, EVEN IF THIS ENTAILS SUBSTANTIAL SUBSIDY BY GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
DR. HU, HOWEVER, ADVOCATED IMPOSING HEAVIER TAX ON PETROL AS A MEANS OF GENERATING REVENUE THAN INCREASING WATER CHARGES.
HE SAID THAT THE MASSIVE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF ROADS AND FLYOVERS WHICH AMOUNT TO .,1,288 MILLION OR 12.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGETTED EXPENDITURE FOR THE 1978-79 FINANCIAL YEAR WERE FOR THE BENEFIT OF MOTORISTS.
IN VIEw OF THIS, HE SAID, IT WOULD NOT BE UNFAIR FOR THEM TO BEAR PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS.
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/14
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
OPPOSITION TO FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY
EDUCATION FOR WEALTHY CHILDREN
******
THE REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN IS OPPOSED, ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL GROUNDS, TO THE POLICY OF MAKING JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION FREE FOR ALL IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
SPEAKING AT THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY HE SAID IF THE HIGH COST OF FREE EDUCATION IS NOW ACCEPTABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH WAS NOT ENVISAGED IN THE 1974 WHITE PAPER ON +SECONDARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG OVER THE NEXT DECADE+, THERE ARE STILL GREATER NEEDS ON WHICH THE AVAILABLE MONEY COULD BE SPENT.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, WORKING MOTHERS ARE SPENDING HARD WON DOLLARS ON VERY HIGH KINDERGARTEN FEES, PARTLY TO GET THEIR CHILDREN OFF THEIR HANDS WHILE THEY GO TO WORK, AND PARTLY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR CHILDREN CAN COMPETE WITH RICH CHILDREN IN THEIR ENTRY INTO, AND PROGRESS THROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, EXTREME MEASURES, SUCH AS EISESSIONALISM, OVERCROWDED CLASSROOMS AND OTHER MEASURES WHICH LED TO LOWER STANDARDS, TAKEN IN THE MID-SIXTIES TO IMPLEMENT THE CRASH PROGRAMME OF PROVIDING PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR ALL, WERE MEANT TO BE TEMPORARY BUT ARE STILL WITH US.
THE WORKING PARTIES ON PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION WILL HAVE MANY SUGGESTIONS FOR URGENTLY SPENDING MONEY, HE SAID.
IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, HE SAID HE COULD SUGGEST SUCH +EXPENSIVE AND NECESSARY REFORMS* AS THE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OF MANY MORE PERSONNEL FOR CAREER AS WELL AS PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
+IT IS A LONG LIST AND A BIG BILL, EVEN WITHOUT MOVING OUT OF THE FIELD OF EDUCATION, AND WITHOUT DEALING WITH THE GREEN PAPER, ESPECIALLY THE SADLY NEGLECTED FIELD OF ADULT EDUCATION,* HE SAID.
FATHER MCGOVERN REALISED THAT HIS STATEMENT OPPOSING FREE EDUCATION FOR ALL IS OPEN TO MISINTERPRETATION.
HE WAS NOT SAYING THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS SPENDING 350 MILLION TOO MUCH ON EDUCATION, HE WAS SAYING THAT THE MONEY COULD BE BETTER SPENT ON THINGS OTHER THAR WHAT IS, +IN EFFECT, A SUBSIDY TO THE RICH WHC COULD WELL AFFORD TO PAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION,* HE EXPLAINED.
FATHER MCGOVERN STRESSED THAT HE IS It; FAVOUR OF FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR ANYONE WHO CARNOT AFFORD TO PAY, EUT IS OPPOSED TO IT FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD.
/HD DISAGHDZD
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
- 15 -
HE DISAGREED WITH THE LOGIC CF THE ARGUMENT THAT THE COROLLARY TO MAKING JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION COMPULSORY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS THE ABOLITION CF FEES.
+ IN MY LOGIC IT WOULD EE SUFFICIENT TO SAY THAT THE COROLLARY TO MAKING JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION COMPULSORY IS THE REMISSION CF FEES IN WHOLE OF. IN PART FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY IN WHOLE OR IK PART.+
HE SAID THE REASON FOR THE RICH TO PAY IS BASED ON A SOUND AND WIDELY ACCEPTED SOCIAL PRINCIPLE THAT THE PRIMARY RIGHT AND DUTY OF EDUCATION LIES WITH THE PARENTS, NOT WITH THE STATE, WHETHER THE EDUCATION IS LEGALLY COMPULSORY OR NOT.
HE SAW THE RIGHT AND DUTY OF PARENTS AS TWOFOLD: THEY SHOULD PROVIDE A SUITABLE LEVEL OF EDUCATION TO THEIR CHILDREN FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S OWN SAKE, AND FOR THE SAKE OF THE COMMUNITY. AN UNEDUCATED, OR AN INSUFFICIENTLY EDUCATED CHILD, BECOMES A LIABILITY ON THE COMMUNITY. THE PARENTS’ OBLIGATION EXISTS QUITE INDEPENDENTLY OF ANY STATE COMPULSION.
THIS, HE SAID, IS WELL UNDERSTOOD IN HONG KONG, WHERE PARENTS MAKE TREMENDOUS SACRIFICES TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN. +PARENTS IN HONG KONG ALSO HAVE SELF RESPECT, AND IN MY CONSIDERED OPINION WOULD WELCOME A SYSTEM CF REMISSION OF FEES, READJUSTED IF NECESSARY TO COVER MORE PEOPLE, RATHER THAN A FREE HAND-OUT SYSTEM.+
HE ADDED: +WHEN PARENTS GIVE UP THEIR OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN THEY IN FACT TEND ALSO TO LOSE THEIR RIGHTS, WITH CONSEQUENCES TOC PAINFULLY VISIBLE TO NEED COMMENT.+
THIS BROADER SOCIAL IMPLICATION, HE SAID, HAS HAPPENED ELSEWHERE IN MODERN SOCIETY. IT COULD HAPPEN IN HONG KONG.
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TAXATION SYSTEM UNFAIR TO MIDDLE INCOME GROUP — WONG LAM
*******
THE PRESENT TAXATION SYSTEM IS UNFAIR TC THE MIDDLE INCOME CLASS WHO EARN ABOUT J25,O33 TO j7D,30D PER ANNUM, UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. WONG LAI- SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, MR. WONG SAID IN RELATION TO THEIR INCOME, THE PERCENTAGE WHICH THE MIDDLE INCOME CLASS PAID AS TAX WAS USUALLY HIGHER THAN OTHER CLASSES OF TAXPAYERS.
HE SAID WHILE THE MIDDLE CLASS HAD TO PAY TAX AT
A PERCENTAGE ALMOST EQUIVALENT TO OR I. SOME CASES HIGHER THAN THAT PAID BY THE WEALTHY, THEY DID NOT ENJOY AS MANY FORMS CF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, INCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING, AS PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO THE LOWER INCOME GROUP.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
16
MR. WONG ALSO CRITICISED THE CLAW-BACK SYSTEM, WHEREBY
FOR ANY INCOME IN EXCESS OF 012,500, A SPECIFIC PERCENTAGE OF THE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE CLAWED BACK.
HE SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S INCREASE OF THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE FROM 010,000 TO $12,500, WAS AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE FACT THAT THE MINIMUM ANNUAL COST OF SUBSISTENCE FOR A PERSON IS $12,500.
+WHY THEN FOR EVERY EXTRA DOLLAR OF INCOME EARNED BY THE MIDDLE INCOME RANGE PEOPLE, A PERCENTAGE OF THE SUPPLEMENTED ALLOWANCE ($12,500) HAS TO BE CLAWED BACK? ARE WE TO BELIEVE THAT FOR EVERY EXTRA DOLLAR THEY EARN, THEIR COST OF LIVING WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE LOWERED TO THE LEVEL OF THE BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE?* MR. WONG ASKED.
HE ADDED THAT TO THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP, +THIS SYSTEM MEANS EXTRA BURDEN AND WORKS AGAINST THEM.*
+ IN THIS CONNECTION, I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STRAIGHT FORWARDLY RAISE THE BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE TO A MORE REASONABLE LEVEL AND ABOLISH THE PRESENT CLAW-BACK SYSTEM,* HE SAID.
MR. WONG ALSO SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDER REINTRODUCING DEPENDENT PARENTS’ ALLOWANCE +IN DEFERENCE TO POPULAR WISH.*
AS REGARDS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARK THAT AN INCREASE OF WATER CHARGES HAD TO BE PUT BACK, MR. WONG SAID THIS WARRANTED SECOND THOUGHT BY GOVERNMENT. ACTUALLY, HE SAID, HE CANNOT AGREE MORE TO FREEZING WATER CHARGES AT THE PRESENT LEVEL FOREVER.*
HE SAID: +IT IS GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATION TO SUPPLY THE DRINKING WATER WE NEED. AND, FROM THE STANDPOINT OF INDUSTRY, ANY INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON THE ALREADY HARD HIT TEXTILE AND DYEING INDUSTRIES.*
MR. WONG ALSO SAID THE QUESTION OF REVISION OF WATER CHARGES PROMPTED HIM TO DOUBT THE EFFICIENCY OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
HE SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS REPEATEDLY HINTED AT THE INCREASE. +IT FOLLOWS THAT THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED (ESPECIALLY THOSE CONCERNED WITH COMPUTER) SHOULD HAVE MADE PREPARATIONS FOR YEARS. ONE FAILS TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE WORK IS STILL OUTSTANDING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS.*
MR. WONG ADDED: +IN A CASE INVOLVING REVENUE COLLECTION, THE EFFICIENCY SHOWN BY THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IS YET SO LOW THAT ONE CANNOT HELP WONDERING WHAT IT WILL EE WHEN THE NATURE OF WORK DOES NOT GENERATE REVENUE EUT IS PURELY PROVISION OF SERVICE.*
HE RECOMMENDED THAT GOVERNMENT SHCULD CONDUCT A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE EFFICIENCY OF ALL DEPARTMENTS +T0 ENSURE THAT THE TAXPAYERS’ MONEY IS USED TO THEIR LEST ADVANTAGE.*
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/17......
17
DR HUANG COMMENTS ON THE PROVISION FOR FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION
* K H K
IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, DR. THE HON. RAYSON HUANG CONGRATULATED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON A HEALTHY EUDGET AND ON A EUDGET WHICH SUPPORTS THE CONTINUATION OF THE TREND, ESTABLISHED IN RECENT YEARS, OF MAKING GREATER PROVISION FOR THE AREAS OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND EDUCATION.
WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION FOR EDUCATION, DR. HUANG SAID HE WOULD LIKE IN PARTICULAR TO REFER TO THE SUM EARMARKED FOR THE PROVISION OF FREE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION AS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, AMOUNTING TO $50 MILLION IN 1978-79, AND $83 MILLION FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL YEAR THEREAFTER.
HE SAID THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING LIKE UNANIMITY IN THE COMMUNITY ON THE MOVE TO PROVIDE FREE EDUCATION FOR ALL AT THE JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL. WHILE NO CHILD SHOULD BE PREVENTED, SOLELY BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL DISADVANTAGE, FROM CONTINUING EDUCATION UP TO THE END OF FORM III, THIS IS A VERY DIFFERENT THING FROM THE INDISCRIMINATE PROVISION OF FREE PLACES FOR THE RICH AND POOR ALIKE, PARTICULARLY WHEN THIS MEANS EITHER HAVING TO ACCEPT A PLACE IN A SCHOOL WHICH IS HOT OF ONE’S CHOICE OR RECEIVING NO FEE REMISSION OR SUBSIDY FOR A PLACE IN A SCHOOL WHICH ONE HAS CHOSEN.
UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM OF ALLOCATION FOR FORM I EDUCATION, HE EXPLAINED, A PARENT WILL BE FACED WITH THE CHOICE OF ACCEPTING THE PLACE ALLOCATED TO HIS CHILD IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL OR OF PAYING FULL FEES IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL OF HIS CHOICE. WHILE RICH PARENTS CAN AFFORD TO MAKE A CHOICE, LESS WELL-OFF PARENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD ANOTHER SCHOOL FOR WHICH THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY FULL FEES, AND THESE PARENTS WILL BE WORSE OFF THAN UNDER THE PRESENT SUBSIDISED SCHEME WHERE THEIR CHILDREN MIGHT EXPECT SOME REMISSION IN THE FEES OF THEIR SCHOOLS.
AT PRESENT SUBSIDISED SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE LOWER FORMS HAS ALREADY ACHIEVED EQUABLE FINANCIAL PROVISION TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT NOT MANY CASES OF HARDSHIP REMAIN. BY USING A SMALL PART OF THE PROPOSED EXPENDITURE TO EXTEND THE EXISTING PROVISION FOR REMISSION OF FEES THE REMAINING CASES OF HARDSHIP COULD BE ELIMINATED, HE SAID.
DR. HUANG POINTED CUT THAT OUR PRIMARY GOAL IN EDUCATION SHOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT EVERY CHILD IS EDUCATED UP TO A LEVEL AT WHICH HE CAN FIND HIS WAY IN SOCIETY. TO MOST PEOPLE THIS MEANS EDUCATION UP TO FORM V LEVEL, AND UNTIL OPENINGS INTO THE CRAFT AND TECHNICAL VOCATIONS ARE ESTABLISHED AND PROPERLY PROVIDED FOR, WE CAN EXPECT PRESSURE TO ENTER FORM IV TO CONTINUE.
IT SHOULD THEREFORE BE OUR PRIOR AIM TO PROVIDE MORE SUBSIDISED PLACES IN FORMS IV AND V ..ITH AN EXTENSION OF THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME FOR THOSE IN NEED, HE SAID. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE $80 MILLION COULD BE USED TO SUBSIDISE EDUCATION IN FORMS IV AND V IN CERTAIN SELECTED PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS, THUS HELPING TO REMOVE THE BOTTLENECK BETWEEN FORMS III AND IV.
/33. HU AIT
THURSDAY, LURCH 30, 1978
18
DR. HUANG SAID IT SHOULD ALSO EE RECOGNIZED THAT IF THE JUNIOR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IS HOT TO EE INSTITUTED, AS NOW SEEMS LIKELY, IT ..'ILL BE NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH RELIABLE MEANS BY WHICH THE APTITUDE OF THE PUPILS CAN BE ASSESSED, AND NOT MERELY HAVE THIS DONE THROUGH INTERNAL SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS. THIS IMPLIES THE NEED FOR STUDENT COUNSELLORS AS WELL AS TEACHERS TRAINED TO TEACH A CURRICULUM IN WHICH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL, AND NOT THE EXAMINATION, IS THE GOAL.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, THROUGH THE PROVISION OF TRAINED PERSONNEL AND GREATER INVESTMENT IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IMPROVED SCHOOL AMENITIES, AND THE REMOVAL OF PRESSURE IN OUR CROWDED CLASSROOM, WE WILL, HOPEFULLY, BE ABLE TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION OFFERED TO OUR YOUNG.
DR. HUANG SAID IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT DIFFICULTIES ARE BEING ENCOUNTERED BY GOVERNMENT IN THE PROVISION OF TRAINED PERSONNEL FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS GROWING SCHEMES FOR EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE. FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THERE WERE DIFFICULTIES IN THE RECRUITMENT OF STAFF FOR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES DURING 1977-78, WHILE GOVERNMENT’S EXPANDING SOCIAL WELFARE PLANS ALSO REQUIRE A HIGH INPUT OF SKILLED STAFF WHICH aILL TAKE TIME TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN IN THE NUMBERS REQUIRED. HE ASKED THAT ACTIVE MEASURES BE TAKEN TO FULLY UTILISE THE LOCAL RESOURCES IN THE TRAINING OF PERSONNEL.
IN CONCLUSION, DR. HUANG THOUGHT THAT WE SHOULD USE THE Q80 MILLION, PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR FREE EDUCATION AT THE LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL, TO BEGIN TO REMOVE THE BOTTLENECK BETWEEN FORMS III AND IV, ENSURING AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE EDUCATION PROVIDED IS OF ACCEPTABLE STANDARD THROUGH THE ADEQUATE PROVISION OF TRAINED PERSONNEL. ONLY WHEN THESE NEEDS HAVE BEEN MET SHOULD NE CONTEMPLATE FREE EDUCATION AT THE LOWER SECONDARY LEVEL, HE Sa ID.
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PLEA TO IMPROVE SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES
******
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, TODAY APPEALED TO THE GOVERNMENT TO SPEND MORE ON THE VARIOUS SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SO AS TO RAISE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL AREAS.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. YEUNG SAID THAT ..HILE THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES AND AMENITIES IK THE NEW TERRITORIES, MUCH MORE HAS TO EE DONE BEFORE ITS QUALITY OF LIFE COULD MATCH THAT NOW ENJOYED BY URBAN DWELLERS.
/:.□. Y3LUG..........
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
- 19 -
MR. YEUNG FIRST- TOUCHED ON LAND COMMUNICATIONS AND URGED THAT PRIORITY BE GIVEN TO THE PROVISION OF FEEDER ROADS AND VILLAGE ACCESS ROADS TO THE LESS ACCESSIBLE PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+AS AND WHEN THE NETWORK OF SUBSIDIARY ROADS IS IMPROVED OR EXPANDED, THE BETTER LAND COMMUNICATIONS WILL FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE NEW TOWNS AND MARKET TOWNS AND EXTENSION OF SOCIAL AND COMMUNAL SERVICES TO THE VILLAGES.
+THIS WILL IN TURN PROVIDE VILLAGERS WITH GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND FOR MARKETING THEIR PRODUCE AS WELL AS RAISING THEIR STANDARD OF LIVING,* HE SAID.
ON HOUSING, MR,. YEUNG ASKED THE GOVERNMENT +T0 TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENCOURAGE AND TO FACILITATE THE PLANS OF PRIVATE DEVELOPERS, WHETHER THESE BE FOR HOUSING IN THE URBAN OR RURAL AREAS*.
+GOVERNMENT ITSELF SHOULD CONSIDER ALSO CONSTRUCTING LOW COST HOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OFFER TO SELL THEM TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC WITHIN THE LOW INCOME BRACKET WITH PRIORITY ACCORDED TO VILLAGERS AND THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERR ITOR IES.
+SUCH GOVERNMENT-BUILT HOUSES WOULD BE COMPLEMENTARY TO THE URBAN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, AND WILL ALLOW BOTH URBAN AND RURAL FAMILIES TO ACQUIRE THEIR OWN HOMES IN A VARIETY OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATION LOCATED IN VARIOUS SURROUNDINGS,* MR. YEUNG SAID.
MR. YEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE RECENT UPROOTING OF MANY VILLAGES TO MAKE WAY FOR MAJOR PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT HAS RESULTED IN RESENTMENT AND DISSATISFACTION AMONG VILLAGERS.
HE SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVES TO THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF SUCH DISRUPTION: CONSTRUCTION OF AN ENTIRELY NEW VILLAGE OF HOUSES IN A SUBURBAN AREA FOR THE AFFECTED VILLAGERS, OFFER OF A CHOICE OF VARIOUS TYPES OF HOUSING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IN OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG, HELP IN BUYING OR GRANTING OF LAND IN THE RURAL AREA TO AN INDIVIDUAL TO REBUILD HIS OWN HOME, OR ALLOWING THE WHOLE VILLAGE TO EE REDEVELOPED IN SITU WITH PROPER PLANNING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TOWN LAYOUT.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF EDUCATION, MR. YEUNG EXPRESSED FEAR THAT THE PROPOSAL TO SUBSIDISE MORE THAN HALF OF THE NEW AIDED SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES UNDER THE CAPUT SCHOOL SYSTEM WOULD RESULT IM A LOWERING OF STANDARD, AS THE FACILITIES WHICH WOULD EE AVAILABLE WILL EE LESS AND THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF TEACHERS ..ILL EE JEOPARDISED BY THE INSUFFICIENCY AND UNCERTAINTY OF FUNDS.
+T0 MAINTAIN THE EXISTING STANDARDS OF EDUCATION I WOULD THEREFORE RECOMMEND THAT ALL SUCH i!EW SCHOOLS SHALL BE UNDER THE PRESENT CODE OF AID WITH FULL GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY,* HE SAID.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
20
IN THE CASE OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS, MR. YEUNG PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDE THE FULL COST OF CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AND THAT THEIR SUBSIDY FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BE ENLARGED TO INCLUDE EXTRA STAFF AND MATERIAL TO CATER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS.
AS REGARDS RECREATION, MR. YEUNG SAID THERE IS STILL A +SERIOUS DEFICIENCY* OF PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, SPORTS FIELDS AND OTHER OPEN RECREATIONAL SPACES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE MARKET TOWNS AND THE RURAL TOWNSHIPS AND IN THE VILLAGES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE PROPERTY TAX AND RATES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO MANY AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER ALLOCATING A PORTION OF THE RATES FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, AS IN THE CASE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, TO EMBARK ON THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES FOR THE BUILDING OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS AUDITORIA AND LIBRAR IES.
WITH THE FORMATION OF THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS TO COVER ALL PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. YEUNG SAID, A GREATER RANGE OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES MAY NOW BE QUICKLY IMPLEMENTED WITH SPECIALLY ALLOCATED GOVERNMENT FUNDS.
MR. YEUNG WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO SET UP MORE COUNTRY PARKS, BUT HE FELT THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MANAGE, PATROL AND MAINTAIN THESE GREEN BELTS SHOULD NOT FALL SOLELY ON THE STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
HE SUGGESTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE EXISTING YOUTH AGENCIES BE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH PRACTICAL PROJECTS EY SERVING AS +AUTONOMOUS GROUPS* IN A CORPS OF VOLUNTARY FOREST RANGERS AND PARK WARDENS.
MR. YEUNG SAID THE PLAN WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXTEND GREATER FACILITIES TO THESE AGENCIES, PROVIDING THEM WITH FUNDS AND TRANSPORT.
ON CRIME, HE SAID THE BEAT RADIO SYSTEM OF THE POLICE SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WHILE THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND THE VILLAGE GUARDS SYSTEM SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED. HELICOPTERS SHOULD ALSO EE USED IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
MR. YEUNG ALSO SUGGESTED A TERRITORY-WIDE HEALTH CARE SCHEME TO BE SET UP WITH VOLUNTARY HEALTH FUNDS.
A PARTICIPANT IN THE SCHEME WOULD EE REQUIRED TO PAY A PRESCRIBED FEE ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND AFTER A QUALIFYING PERIOD WOULD EE ELIGIBLE FOR HEALTH BENEFITS.
WHEN HE ATTENDS A DOCTOR OR ENTERS A HOSPITAL, HE CAN OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE TO QUALIFY FOR A REFUND OF THE EXPENSE INCURRED, UP TO THE MAXIMUM OF THE COMMON CHARGE FOR THE PARTICULAR MEDICAL EXAMINATION FIXED EY THE GOVERNMENT IK CONSULTATION WITH MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS.
/thd PATiarr......
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
21
THE PATIENT CAN THUS CHOOSE HIS OWN DOCTOR AND THE
GOVERNMENT CAN DIRECT SERVICES AND TC CARING THE SCHEME.
ITS RESOURCES TO UPGRADING EXISTING FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO JOIN
IF SUCH A SCHEME IS COMMENDABLE, MR. YEUNG SUGGESTED THAT THE VARIOUS ASPECTS WOULD NEED TO EE INVESTIGATED BY A WIDELY REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRITAIN AND HONG KONG, MR. YEUNG ASKED THAT MORE FUNDS AND FACILITIES EE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE HONG KONG LONDON OFFICE AND THAT HONG KONG VISITORS TO BRITAIN BE ENCOURAGED TO ACT AS GOODWILL AMBASSADORS.
HE ALSO WANTED MORE PRE-RELEASE CENTRES AND HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF DISCHARGED PRISONERS AND ASKED FOR EQUITABLE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR WOMEN IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
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VALEDICTORY TO P.B. WILLIAMS, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS AFTERNOON PAID TRIBUTE TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. P.B. WILLIAMS, WHO WILL RETIRE SHORTLY AFTER 25 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT. // ncD SHAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID: +HIS DEPARTURE WILL LEAVE A VERY BIG GAP IN HONG KONG AND IN THIS dSr?ngLhis 25-year^service!CT IN "ANY FIELDS of government
-rnc PARTICULARLY BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS WORK IN
THE SOCIAL oERVICEo BRANCH, /HERE HE PLAYED SUCH A LARGE PART IN DRAWING UP THE PLANS ON WHICH THE EXPANSION OF OUR EDUCATIONAL. MEDICAL, AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES HAVE SINCE BEEN BASED.
AND ALSO HE DREW UP MUCH OF OUR PROGRAMME OF LABOUR LEGISLATION + SIR MURRARY SAID. ’
+MORE RECENTLY, AS COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR HE HAS BEEN ABLE TC MAKE A SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION IN THIS FIELD, AND IN PUSHING FORWARD LEGISLATION AND IN PLANNING THE REORGANISATION AND EXPANSION OF THIS DEPARTMENT.+
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, THE HON. SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, ALSO PRAISED MR. WILLIAMS FOR H IS+INVALUABLE SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY DURING HIS LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH GOVERNMENT.+
SIR SZE-YUEN SAID ALTHOUGH MR. WILLIAMS HAS BEEN THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR LESS THAN A YEAR, +HE HAS IN THAT TIME .,CK THE RESPECT OF THOSE WHO ARE CONNECTED WITH HIS AREA OF RESPONSIBILITIES.*
+FOR HIS WORK IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND HIS MANY OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WELL BEING OF HONG KONG DURING THE PAST 25 YEARS, HE WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED,+ SIR SZE-YUEN SAID.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
22
ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE TO OPEN ON APRIL 1
* * * *
THE 23RD ANNUAL ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (APRIL 1 AND 2).
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE, ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, IS +NEW TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADULT EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.+ THE CONFERENCE WILL OPEN AT 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY AND WILL INCLUDE THEME LECTURES, PRIZE DISTRIBUTION, AND SEMINAR DISCUSSIONS. ON SUNDAY IT WILL START AT 9.30 A.M.
MR. COLVYN HAYE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WILL GIVE THE WELCOMING SPEECH. SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, WILL OFFICIATE AND DELIVER THE THEME LECTURE.
MORE THAN 1,200 PART-TIME TEACHING STAFF AND FIELD WORKERS OF THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION AND GUESTS FROM FELLOW ORGANISATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BY MR. HAYE TO PART-TIME STAFF OF THE SECTION WITH OVER 10 OR 20 YEARS’ SERVICE.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE MAIN THEME, WHICH WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR. C.S. TANG, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (ADULT EDUCATION). OTHER PANELISTS INCLUDE: MR. JOHN WINFIELD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), MR. DANIEL WATERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), AND MR. T.W. CHU, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (TECHNICAL).
SEMINARS WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON AND WILL INCLUDE SUCH TOPICS AS TEACHING OF CHINESE AND IN CHINESE CULTURE, RECEPTION OF ’MIXED ABILITY GROUPS’ AND ’CURRICULA INTEGRATED SUBJECTS,’ AND ADULT EDUCATION AND FURTHER ADVANCEMENT OF THE WORKING POPULATION.
THE PROGRAMME ON THE SECOND DAY (SUNDAY) INCLUDES A PANEL DISCUSSION ON ’EXTENSION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE - FROM CENTRE TO COMMUNITY’ AND ’EXTENDED PROGRAMMES FOR VOLUNTARY HELPERS’, AND OTHER GROUP DISCUSSIONS. SOME 700 ORGANISERS, ASSISTANT ORGANISERS, TRAINEES AND VOLUNTARY HELPERS OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES WILL TAKE PART.
THE ANNUAL ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE PROVIDES A FORUM FOR PARTICIPANTS TO KEEP UP WITH MODERN TRENDS, UPDATE THEIR SPECIAL SKILLS, EXCHANGE VIEWS, DISCUSS PROBLEMS, AND SHARE EXPERIENCES IN THE FIELD OF ADULT EDUCATION.
THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OPERATES NINE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COURSE IN 141 CENTRES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, RENDERING SERVICE TO AN ESTIMATED 60,030 PARTICIPANTS.
/TOTS TO ZDITOHS:
9 9 9 9 9
THURSDAY, LURCH 30, 1978
23
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPORTERS TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE 23RD ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1) AND ALSO THE LECTURE AND DISCUSSIONS STARTING FROM 9.30 A.M. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY (SUNDAY).
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IN-LAW RELATIONSHIP FEATURED IN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION DRAMA ******
MINOR CLASHES AMONG MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW WHICH LEAD TO MANY DOMESTIC SKIRMISHES DISRUPTING THE HARMONY OF A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF LOCAL FAMILIES ARE TRANSFORMED INTO A LIGHT-HEARTED TELEVISION DRAMA TO BE SCREENED FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) NIGHT.
THE HALF-HOUR DRAMA TRACKS OFF FROM THE MORE IMMEDIATE HUMAN PROBLEMS SUCH AS THOSE ON MARRIAGE, ADOLESCENCE OR PARENTAL LOVE AND FOCUSES ON THE OFTEN NEGLECTED RELATIONSHIP AMONG IN-LAWS.
IT IS THE FIFTH EPISODE OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SERIES +UNDER THE SAME ROOF+ PRODUCED BY THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AS PART OF THE CURRENT FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
WITH THE OPENING SCENES CONVEYING THE HAPPY MOOD OF A TRADITIONAL CHINESE WEDDING BANQUET, THE PLOT OF +EVER SINCE+ UNVEILS STEP BY STEP THE SOUR-TURNING PROCESS OF AN APPARENTLY WELL-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO LEADING CHARACTERS, WHOSE ATTITUDES TOWARDS EACH OTHER BECOME MORE HOSTILE EVER SINCE THE BIRTH OF THE FIRST CHILD.
+EVER SINCE+ WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB JADE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 8.3Q P.M., ON RTV CHANNEL I ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1) AT 7.30 P.M. AND ON CTV ON SUNDAY (APRIL 2) AT 6 P.M.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT ALTHOUGH THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW WORKED AS A DISC JOCKEY, A PROFESSION REPRESENTING ONLY A MINORITY OF THE MODERN GIRLS IN HONG KONG, HER BEHAVIOUR IN THE PLAY WAS HOWEVER TYPICAL OF TODAY’S YOUNG WOMEN, BEING CONFIDENT OF HER ABILITY IN HANDLING HtR OWN AFFAIRS AND REFUSING TO COMPROMISE WHEN ANYONE ATTEMPTED TO INTRUDE INTO HER PRIVATE LIFE.
+WHEREAS THE MOTHER-IN-LAW, KIND AT HEART BUT NONETHELESS STUBBORN AND EQUALLY CONFIDENT OF HER DEEP-ROOTED EXPERIENCE IN LIF_, COULD BE EASILY IDENTIFIED,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TRIFLE HAPPENINGS WHICH LETO THE FINAL OUTBREAK BETWEEN THE TWO GENERATIONS WERE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON ONES FOUND IN CASE HISTORIES HANDLED EY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
/•HIUTOAL .
THUHSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
24
+MUTUAL SUSPICION, OVER-SENSITIVITY, CHARACTERISTIC POSSESSIVENESS TOGETHER WITH THE DIFFERENCES IN UPBRINGING WILL RESULT IN MAJOR DISAGREEMENTS WHEN A BONE OF CONTENTION APPEARS.
+THROUGH JUXTAPOSITION OF THE TWO FEMALE LEADS’ REACTION TOWARDS EVERYDAY DETAILS, AND THE CONSTANT PLAYBACK TO SHOW THE CONTRAST BEFORE THE YOUNG COUPLE’S MARRIAGE, THE AUDIENCE ARE GIVEN A BETTER VIEW OF THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PROBLEM,+ HE SAID.
IN THE DRAMA, HE SAID, IN ORDER TO GIVE A MORE OBJECTIVE DIAGNOSIS OF THE DETERIORATION, KOT ONLY THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE TWO WOMEN IS GIVEN ATTENTION, THE BLUNDERS AND EMBARRASSMENT OF THE MAN PLAYING THE ROLES OF BOTH SON AND HUSBAND ARE ALSO DEPICTED.
+WE HOPE THAT THIS REALISTIC PORTRAYAL WOULD HELP THE PUBLIC GAIN INSIGHT INTO THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE WHICH INDIRECTLY LEADS TO MANY FAMILY BREAKDOWNS,+ HE SAID.
NOTE TO ED I TORS:-
LADY MACLEHOSE TO ATTEND HK PONY CLUB CAMP
* * * * *
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL ATTEND THE OPEN DAY OF THE HONG KONG PONY CLUB CAMP 1978 AT THE BRIGADE OF GURKHAS’ SADDLE CLUB, CASS INO LINES, NEW TERRITORIES AT 2.33 P.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1).
THE CAMP SITE IS NEAR SAN TIN BETWEEN 31 AND 32 MILESTONES, CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT NINE-SEATER VAN WILL LEAVE FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR PARK AT 1 P.M. SHARP TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CAMP.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
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FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUNG CHUNG AND SHA L0 WAN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION ON A LIST OF SUITABLE OPERATORS FOR A NEW MINOR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUNG CHUNG AND SHA LO WAN IN THE NORTHERN PART OF LANTAU ISLAND.
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TUNG CHUNG AND SHA LO WAN IS 2.2 NAUTICAL MILES.
AT PRESENT, THE FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TAI 0 OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMAT1 FERRY COMPANY CALLS AT BOTH TUNG CHUNG AND SHA LO WAN. THIS FERRY SERVICE WILL STOP CALLING AT TUNG CHUNG IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAIDs+IT IS, THEREFORE, ANTICIPATED THAT APART FROM SERVING THE LOCAL PEOPLE IN TUNG CHUNG AND SHA LO WAN THIS MINOR FERRY SERVICE WILL CARRY A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RECREATIONAL TRAFFIC BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SERVICE WOULD PROVIDE, FOR EXAMPLE, INTERCHANGE FACILITY FROM TUNG CHUNG TO SHA LO WAN WHERE THE FERRY SERVICE OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY CONTINUED TO CALL. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE MINOR FERRY SERVICE WOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CHEK LAP KOK AT A LATER STAGE.
THE LAUNCHES PROVIDED FOR THE MINOR FERRY SERVICE MUST BE COMPLETELY DECKED AND EXCEED A REGISTERED LENGTH OF 40 FEET, AND LICENSED AS CLASS II OR CLASS III LAUNCHES UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (LAUNCHES AND FERRY VESSELS) REGULATIONS.
THESE LAUNCHES WILL BE PERMITTED TO CARRY PASSENGERS AS WELL AS CARGO.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OPERATION OF THIS MINOR FERRY SERVICE WOULD BE SUBJECT TO AN APPROVED SCHEDULE OF SERVICE SPECIFYING TIMETABLE AND FARES.
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE INITIALLY OFFERED A TEMPORARY LICENCE TO OPERATE THE FERRY SERVICE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR. THE LICENCE IS RENEWABLE SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY RECORD OF SERVICE.
IF REQUIRED BY THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT, THE SERVICE CAN BE OPERATED FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF NOT MORE THAN THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE ISSUE OF THE TEMPORARY LICENCE IS CONSIDERED.
APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION ON THE LIST OF SUITABLE OPERATORS FOR THE ABOVE MINOR FERRY SERVICE SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI. HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE APRIL 14, 1978 AND SHOULD BE CLEARLY MARKED: +APPLICATION FOR THE MINOR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUNG CHUNG AND SHA LO WAN+.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1978
26 -
LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT OPENING AT TUEN MUN
*****
THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP A SUB-OFFICE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S TUEN MUN BRANCH OFFICE AT 33, TAK CHING COURT ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1) TO SERVE FACTORIES IN THE DISTRICT AND NEARBY AREAS.
THE SERVICES IT WILL PROVIDE INCLUDE RECEIVING OVERTIME REPORTS FROM INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, APPROVING NOTICES OF HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT AND INTERVALS FOR REST AND MEAL BREAKS FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS AS WELL AS GIVING ADVICE ON THE FIXING OF THE HOURS OF WORK FOR FACTORY WORKERS.
THE AREAS COVERED BY THE SUB-OFFICE ALSO INCLUDE TAI LAM CHUNG, SO KWUN WAT, CASTLE PEAK BAY, LAM TEI AND CHUNG UK TSUEN.
ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES WILL BE 12-818393.
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SHIP NIGHT SIGNAL CHANGE
******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE NIGHT SIGNAL WHICH ALL SHIPS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG ARE REQUIRED TO HOIST FOR IMMIGRATION EXAMINATION WILL BE CHANGED FROM NEXT MONTH.
THE PRESENT IMMIGRATION EXAMINATION SIGNAL IS A SET OF FOUR LIGHTS COLOURED +WHITE-RED-WHITE-RED+, DISPLAYED VERTICALLY.
FROM SATURDAY (APRIL 1), THE SIGNAL WILL BE A VERTICAL DISPLAY OF THREE WHITE LIGHTS.
THE NEW SIGNAL, WHICH IS PRESCRIBED IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, WILL REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT COLOURED LIGHTS TO BE HOISTED. IT WILL ALSO BENEFIT THOSE SHIPS ARRIVING, PARTICULARLY SMALLER VESSELS, WHICH ARE NOT FITTED WI TH SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF LIGHTS FCR THE EXISTING SIGNAL.
/27
THURSDAY, MARCH 33, 1973
NOTE TC EDITORS
PRISONS DEPARTMENT ANNUAL SPORTS MEET
******
THE ANNUAL SPORTS MEETING OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, ORGANISED EY THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY (APRIL 1) AT THE STANLEY FOOTBALL FIELD FROM 2 P.M. THE OCCASION ALSO MARKS THE SILVER JUBILEE YEAR OF THE ASSOCIATION.
THE MAJOR COMPETITORS WILL EE NINE COMPOSITE TEAMS REPRESENT I.. ALL INSTITUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT. THERE WILL ALSO BE RACES FOR VETERANS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND CHILDREN OF ITS STAFF.
MRS. P.B. WILLIAMS, WIFE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, WILL PRESENT PRIZES AND TROPIES TO WINNERS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CRIMES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL ........................ 1
OPEN HUNTING ON WILD PIG............................... 2
TENDER FORMS FOR 300 TAXI LICENCES AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK ..............................................
RECLAMATION AT WESTERN DISTRICT ...................... 4
WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT MOVES TO CAUSEWAY BAY ... 5
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS OFF TO EUROPE FOR STUDY .......... 5
TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE ............................ g
BRITISH EXPERT TO SERVE AS CONSULTANT ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES .......................................... 7
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION ................................. 7
CYC MEMBERS TO VISIT CHILDREN OF PO LEUNG KUK ......... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
1
BILL PROPOSING ANONYMITY FOR RAPE VICTIMS GAZETTED TODAY
******
AMENDMENTS TO THE CRIMES ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH COMPLAINANTS IN RAPE CASES WOULD NOT BE NAMED IN WRITTEN PUBLICATIONS OR BROADCASTS ABOUT RAPE TRIALS, EXCEPT IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, ARE CONTAINED IN A BILL PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. f
THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED 1^ THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY, ALSO CONTAINS A CLAUSE DEFINING RAPE OFFENCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, IN THE NEW SECTION PROVIDING THAT COMPLAINANTS SHOULD BE ANONYMOUS, A DEFENDANT COULD APPLY TO A JUDGE FOR THE RESTRICTIONS TO BE LIFTED, BUT PERMISSION WOULD ONLY EE GIVEN IF THE JUDGE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE PARTICULARS NEEDED TO BE MADE PUBLIC IN ORDER TO TRACE WITNESSES FOR THE DEFENCE AND THAT, OTHERWISE, THE DEFENCE WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY PREJUDICED.
HE SAID THERE WAS ALSO POWER IN THIS SECTION TO REMOVE OR RELAX THE RESTRICTIONS IF THEY IMPOSED A SUBSTANTIAL AND UNREASONABLE LIMITATION ON REPORTING THE TRIAL, CONTRARY TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES PENALTIES OF ;iE),000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR THOSE WHO BREACH THE SECTION DEALING WITH ANONYMITY OF COMPLAINANTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE LAW OF HONG KONG REGARDING RAPE WAS IDENTICAL TO ENGLISH LAW BEFORE THE PASSING OF THE SEXUAL OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) ACT 1976. HE SAID THAT AN ADVISORY GROUP ON THE LAW OF RAPE IN BRITAIN HAD RECOMMENDED THAT:
* THE DEFINITION OF RAPE SHOULD EE SET OUT IN STATUTORY
FORM-
* THE LAW SHOULD DECLARE THAT THE ISSUE WHICH THE JURY HAD TO CONSIDER WAS WHETHER THE ACCUSED AT THE TIME WHEN SEXUAL INTERCOURSE TOCK PLACE BELIEVED THAT THE WOMAN WAS CONSENT ING=
* THE PREVIOUS SEXUAL HISTORY OF THE COMPLAINANT WITH MEN OTHER THAN THE ACCUSED SHOULD EE INADMISSIBLE- AND
* COMPLAINANTS WHO ALLEGED RAPE SHOULD REMAIN ANONYMOUS.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE ACCEPTED AMD ENACTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC SUPPORT IN HONG KONG FOR LEGISLATION SIMILAR TO THAT PASSED IN BRITAIN TWO YEARS AGO. HE SAID IT ..AS FELT THAT MANY OF THE FINDINGS CF THE ADVISORY GROUP IN ERITAI' CONCERNING THE PREVIOUS SEXUAL HISTORY OF A COMPLAINANT AND-HER A C"Y' ITY JERE RELEVANT TC HONG KONG.
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/The government
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
2
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF RAPE VICTIMS DID NOT REPORT ATTACKS ON THEM BECAUSE OF THE DISTRESS THIS MIGHT CAUSE THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES AND ALSO THROUGH A FEAR OF DISGRACE.
+HAVING REGARD TO THESE FACTORS AND PUBLIC CONCERN REGARDING THE PRESENT LACK OF ANONYMITY OF VICTIMS, THERE IS A STRONG CASE FOR CHANGING HONG KONG LAW ALONG THE LINES OF THE 1976 ENGLISH ACT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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OPEN HUNTING ON WILD PIG X K K *
WILD PIG CAN NOW BE HUNTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
PREVIOUSLY, THE HUNTING OF WILD PIG (SCIENTIFICALLY KNOWN AS SUS SCROFA) WAS PROHIBITED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1 AND SEPTEMBER 30 UNDER THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR. MARTIN LEWIS SAID TODAY THERE HAD BEEN MORE THAN 50 COMPLAINTS FROM FARMERS SINCE OCTOBER 1 CONCERNING DAMAGE TO CROPS CAUSED BY THE WILD PIGS. MOST OF THESE COMPLAINTS CAME FROM THE PLOVER COVE-SHA TAU KOK AREA. NO COMPENSATION IS AWARDED TO FARMERS FOR SUCH CROP DAMAGE WHICH HAS BEEN ASSESSED AT “35,000.
+WE CAN NO LONGER IGNORE THE COMPLAINTS OF FARMERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE AT THE SUBSISTENCE LEVEL. THEY DO NOT SEE THE ATTRACTIONS OF PROTECTING AN ANIMAL WHICH MANY WOULD CONSIDER AS VERMIN.
+THERE IS VERY LITTLE CHANCE GF THE ANIMAL BECOMING EXTINCT. THEY ARE EXTREMELY CUNNING, NOCTURNAL IN HABIT AND USE THE STEEP TERRAIN AND THICK BUSH EXCEEDINGLY SKILFULLY. THEY ARE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SHOOT IN LARGE LUMBERS.
+NEVER-THE-LESS, WE ARE INTENDING TO CAPTURE A SOW AND SOME PIGLETS AND BREED THEM IN CAPTIVITY AT ONE OF CUR FARMS,+ SAID MR. LEWIS.
HE ADDED THAT TO ASSIST FARMERS IL THE LAI CHI WO AREA, SKILLED POLICE AND ARMY MARKSMEN ..ILL EE DEPLOYED TO SHOOT WILD PIGS IN THE AREA ON TUESDAYS, .EDNE3DAYS AND THURSDAYS FROM APRIL 19 TO MAY 25.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
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TENDER FORKS FOR 303 TAXI LICENCES AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK * * H *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT TENDER FORMS FOR 333 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS.OF THE PUBLIC FROM APRIL 7.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE TENDER FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED ONLY IN PERSON FROM EITHER THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK OR FROM THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE IN PUI CHING ROAD, HO MAN TIN.
THE 333 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES ARE BEING OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC BY SEALED TENDER IN THE FORM OF A PREMIUM IN RESPECT OF ONE OR MORE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXIS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A TENDERER MAY SUBMIT ONE TENDER FORM FOR ONE OR MORE LICENCES, BUT NOT EXCEEDING 300.
HE MAY ALSO SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE TENDER FORM, BUT IF A TENDER FOR MORE THAN ONE LICENCE IS SUBMITTED, ONLY ONE FIXED PREMIUM SHOULD BE OFFERED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID:+IF THE NUMBER OF AVAILABLE LICENCES IS LESS THAN THE NUMBER REQUIRED BY A TENDERER, THEN A SMALLER NUMBER OF LICENCES MAY EE ALLOCATED TO HIM AS APPRCPRIATE+.
HE SAID THAT A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE IF THE UNIT PREMIA OFFERED ARE IDENTICAL.
COMPLETE TENDER FORMS IN DUPLICATE TOGETHER WITH THE ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IK SEALED ENVELOPES, ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE ENTRANCE HALL ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE'GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, (KAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON APRIL 20, 1978
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TAXI LICENCES WOULD EE ISSUED TO SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AT THE RATE OF 100 PER MONTH STARTING FROM MAY, WITH THE HIGHEST TENDERS RECEIVING PRIORITY.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS LIKELY THAT FURTHER SIMILAR CALLS TO TENDER WOULD BE MADE ABOUT EVERY FOUR MONTHS.
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
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MORE RECLAIMED LAND FOR WESTERN DISTRICT
*****
ANOTHER 18 HECTARES OF RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE ADDED TO THE WESTERN'WATERFRONT UNDER THE SECOND STAGE OF THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
THIS WILL BRING TO 28 HECTARES THE TOTAL AREA TO BE RECLAIMED IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT.
MR. HOWARD CHAMBERLAIN, P.W.D.’S CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT PRIOR TO THE SECOND STAGE RECLAMATION, A SEAWALL WOULD HAVE FIRST TO EE BUILT.
WORK ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE SEAWALL WILL BEGIN IN MAY AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SEAWALL ITSELF.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN EMPHASISED THAT THE FOUNDATION WORK COULD BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT BLOCKING MARINE ACCESS TO THE EXISTING SEA FRONTAGE AS THERE WOULD EE AN ADEQUATE DEPTH OF WATER OVER THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE TYPE OF VESSEL AT PRESENT USING THE PIERS IN THE AREA.
♦WHEN THE SEAWALL IS COMPLETED, IT '..ILL PROVIDE FOR THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 18 HECTARES OF LAND OFF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST BETWEEN SUTHERLAND STREET AND WATER STREET WITH A SEA FRONTAGE OF ABOUT 900 METRES,+ HE SAID.
+THE USE OF THE LAND TO EE FORMED HAS NOT YET BEEN PLANNED BUT A SECTION OF IT IS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR THE WIDENING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.+
MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF WESTERN RECLAMATION, WHICH CONSISTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL AND RECLAMATION WORK AND ASSOCIATE DRAINAGE WORK, IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY.
THE WORK ON THE SEAWALL IS EXPECTED TO EE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN SAID THAT WESTERN RECLAMATION STAGE ONE WOULD, ON COMPLETION, PROVIDE 10 HECTARES OF LAND FOR A CARGO-HANDLING AREA, THE WIDENING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PART OF THE PCX FU LAM/CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST LINK ROAD AND THE REPROVIS 101J NG GF THE KENNEDY TOWN WHOLESALE MARKET.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
5
WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT MOVES TO CAUSEWAY BAY ******
THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL OPERATE FROM THE HEART OF BUSY CAUSEWAY BAY ON APRIL 3.
THE NEW OFFICE WILL OCCUPY THE 13TH TO 13TH FLOORS OF THE LcIGHTCN CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD. IT COVERS A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 60,033 SQ. FT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOTE THAT FROM APRIL 3, GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND THOSE RELATED TO WATER ACCOUNT MATTERS SHOULD EE DIRECTED TC THE CONSUMER ENQUIRY COUNTER ON THE 11TH FLOOR OR DIAL 5-798344, 5-797744 AND 5-797265.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, MR. T.H. TOMLINSON, SAID THE REASON FOR THE MOVE WAS TO ALLO.. FOR THE EXPANSION OF BOTH THE ..ATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER P....D. OFFICES REMAINING AT MURRAY BUILDING.
+ THE MOVE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE AND IMPROVE FACILITIES, ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL FEATURES OF THIS BEING A SPECIALLY DESIGNED CONSUMER RECEPTION AREA ON THE 11TH FLOOR WHERE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE THEIR ENQUIRIES DEALT WITH EXPEDITIOUSLY AMD IN A PLEASANT ENV IRONMENT+, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, WHICH IS DESIGNED ON AH OPEN PLAN BASIS, IS QUITE ROOMY AND COMFORTABLE AND WILL UNDOUBTEDLY IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THOSE SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WHICH, PRIOR TO THE MOVE, SUFFERED VERY CRAMPED CONDITIONS.
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IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO STUDY I MM. I GRAT I OR PROCEDURES IE EUROPE
*****
THREE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT a ILL LEAVE FOR EUROPE NEXT WEEK TC STUDY IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE AND THE NETHERLANDS.
THE THREE OFFICERS -- MR. WANG TSI, MR. TANG CHIU-SHING AND MR. YEUNG CHUN-KWONG -- WILL JOIN ANOTHER OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR. CHAN CHING-BOR, ..'HO IS ALREADY IN EUROPE.
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FOUR OFFICERS WILL VISIT BRANCHES OF THE HOME OFFICE CONCERNED WITH I: IGRATICL AND NATIONALITY MATTERS, AS WELL AS LONDON AIRPORT, AND IMMIGRATION OFFICES AT DOVER, FOLK-STONE, SOUTHAMPTON AND MANCHESTER.
THEY WILL ALSO ATTEND A SHORT MANAGEMENT COURSE AT STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY
/AT A BRIEFING .....
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
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AT A BRIEFING BEFORE THE DEPARTURE OF THE THREE OFFICERS, THt DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. RON BRIDGE, SAID HE ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OFFICERS OF HIS DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHING CONTACTS J I TH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND ALSO LEARNING FROM. THE EXPERIENCE OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICES CF OTHER COUNTRIES.
MR. BRIDGE SAID HE HOPED ANOTHER FOUR TO EUROPE FOR TRAINING LATER THIS YEAR.
OFFICERS WOULD EE GOING
FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE * * * *
YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WITH EXPERIENCE IN HOTEL-KEEPING AND CATERING ARE INVITED TO ENROL IN A ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE STARTIUG_ IN SEPTEMBER, 1978 AT THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.
THE COURSE IS INTENDED FOR MATURE STUDENTS WITH SOME YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN HOTEL-KEEPING AND CATERING WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND IN PASSING ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
INDUCEMENT GRANTS WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS ON THIS COURSE AT A ■ MINIMUM OF 01,300 PER MONTH UP TC - _ A . MAX IMUM OF $1,990 PER MONTH, CALCULATED ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF YEARS OF POST-QUALIFICATION INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE.
APPLICANTS MUST EE HOLDERS OF ORDINARY NATIONAL DIPLOMA (UK) IN HOTEL AND CATERING OPERATIONS OR EQUIVALENT WITH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE RELATED FIELDS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN
HONG KONG TECHNICAL
CHAI, HONG KONG.
ALL COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY APRIL 13, 1978.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1976
7
BRITISH EXPERT TO SERVE AS CONSULTANT ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
******
A BRITISH EXPERT IN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES LEGISLATION WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO SERVE AS CONSULTANT TO THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.
HE IS MR. C.A. HOWARD-LUCK, WHO HAS W-YEARS^QELEXPERI.HKE IN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES LEGISLATION AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BRITAIN. MR. HOWARD-LUCK WILL BE HERE FOR ABOUT SIX aEEKS ON ASSIGNMENT UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH FUND FOR TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION.
IN BRITAIN HE IS HEAD OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OF STRATHCLYDE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SCOTLAND. HE HAS ADVISED BOTH THE JAMAICA AND FIJI GOVERNMENTS CM LOCAL LAWS AFFECTING CONSUMERS.
HE WAS PREVIOUSLY THE CHIEF TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER IN THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAINING STANDARDS OFFICERS, AND ACTED AS AN ADVISER ON CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATION AND RELATED MATTERS.
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FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SHOW
*****
THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION VARIETY SHOW LAST EASTER FRIDAY DUE TO RAIN WILL EE HELD AT THE OCEAN PARK FROM 10.33 A.M. TO NOON.
WHICH WAS POSTPONED ON SUNDAY (APRIL 2)
TWO OTHER FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SHOWS HELD AT THE LAI CHI KOK AMUSEMENT PARK AND THE VICTORIA PARK ON i.ARCH 25 AND 26 RESPECTIVELY HAD ATTRACTED LARGE HOLIDAY CROWDS AND PROVED TO EE A SUCCESS.
PROGRAMMES FOR THE SUNDAY SHOW WILL A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION QUIZ AND SONGS.
INCLUDE A SHORT DRAMA,
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL EE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUERIES ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF A BOOKLET CONTAINING INFORMATION ON VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND S.W.D. OFFICES OFFERING SUCH SERVICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SERB EEPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SHOW OK SUNDAY (APRIL 2) AT 13.33 A.M. AT THE OCEAN PARK.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1978
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CYC MEMBERS TO VISIT CHILDREN OF PO LEUNG KUK
* * H K
MORE THAN 30 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUE MEMBERS FROM THE PO KOK GIRLS’ VOCATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL VISIT PO LEUNG KUK TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY WITH THE ORPHANS.
DURING THE VISIT, THEY WILL DISTRIBUTE PRESENTS TO THE CHILDREN THERE. THE PRESENTS ARE DONATED BY THE MEMBERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WHI CH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING THE C.Y.C. ACT IV ITIES,SA ID THE VISIT WAS PLANNED AND ORGANISED BY THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES AS PART OF THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE.
+WE HOPE THE C.Y.C. GROUPS OF THE PO KOK GIRLS’ VOCATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER C.Y.C. GROUPS I.’. INITIATING COMMUNITY PROJECTS ON THEIR OWN,+ HE SAID.
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