港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1985 - DEC

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

• SEPTEMBER RETAIL SALES SURVEY z^ESULTS RELEASED .............. 1

MORE LAND TO BE FORMED IN JUNK BAY............................. 5

TEACHING KIT ON DISTRICT ADMINISTATION READY......... ......... 5

REMINDER TO APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS EARLY .................. 6

DISTRICT BOARD TAKES ON DISTRICT OFFICE ....................... 6

FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS FOR ELDERLY ............................ 7

+PLAY SAFE+ MESSAGE EMPHASISED................................. 7

MONTH-LONG ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ...................... 8

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSIC APPRECIATION ..................... 9

VILLAGE VEHICLE OPERATORS GET LICENCE OPTION .................. 9

MARATHON TO PROMOTE FIGHT CRIME ............................... 10

SALE OF REFRESHMENT AT TRIO BEACH ............................. 10

URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY ............................... 11

TAPS OFF IN SAI KUNG .......................................... 11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 198

SEPTEMBER RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED

*****

THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1985, ESTIMATED AT 45 562 MILLION, WAS ONE PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1984, WHILE THEIR VOLUME WAS ONE PER CENT LOWER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

RETAIL SALES FELL BY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE AND TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984.

COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER 1985 INCREASED BY THREE PER CENT IN VALUE AND ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME.

WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY FOUR PER CENT IN VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED INCREASES OF FOUR PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY THREE PER CENT IN VALUE AND ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT NO CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ FELL BY TWO PER CENT IN VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN VOLUME.

COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF SEVEN PER CENT IN VALUE BUT A DECREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY TWO PER CENT AND FUELS BY ONE PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES SHOWED NO CHANGE IN VALUE BUT A DECREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ DROPPED BY SIX PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED INCREASES OF SEVEN PER CENT IN VALUE AND FOUR PER CENT IN VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME WHILE +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ ROSE BY TWO PER CENT IN VALUE AND ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES DECREASED BY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE AND TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE FUELS SHOWED A DECREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

/ANALYSED BY .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1985

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984. DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS ALSO RECORDED INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. RETAIL SALES CF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES, HOWEVER, DROPPED SLIGHTLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. DEPARTMENT STORES RECORDED MODERATE INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME, WHILE SUPERMARKETS SHOWED SLIGHT INCREASES. ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED MODERATELY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS AND MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES SHOWED SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, WHILE CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES RECORDED SLIGHT DECREASES.

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL SALES FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1985 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER 1985.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF SEPTEMBER 1985 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF AUGUST 1985 AND SEPTEMBER 1984 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL

SALES IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THOSE IN THE SAME QUARTER

CF 1984 ARE ALSO GIVEN. GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT THE INDEX MOVEMENTS CF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM JANUARY 1983 TO AUGUST 1985.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE SEPTEMBER 1985

SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7216024.

/TABLE 1 ; .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, ^#5

- 3 -

TABLE 1 i TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Bales for September 1985 (Provieional Figure) • HX>5 >62 al Hi on fox Auguat 1965 (Revised Figure) - HXI5 413 million

TABLA 2 l VALUE AMD VOLUME UDE0E3 CT RETAIL BALES

____________FOR AUOU3T AMD SEPTBCJR 196>___________

(Monthly average of l$flO • 100)

Item Index of Retail Sales August 1985 September 1985 September I985 compared with August 1985 September I965 oom pared with September I984 July - Sept. 1985 00spared with July - Sept. 1984

(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points Pointe < Points

U) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES

Value 159 164 ♦ 4 *3 ♦ 2 4 1 - 2 - 1

Volume 110 111 ♦ 1 ♦ X - 1 - 1 - 3 - 2

(B) BI MAJOR TRADE 0R0UP3

Foodstuffs, alooholio drinks end tobaooo Value Volume 176 114 189 118 ♦ 13 ♦ 7 * 5 ♦ 4 4 8 ♦ 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 ♦ 3 4 2 4 2

Fuels Value 190 189 - 1 - 1 4 2 4 1 4 2 4 1

Volume 123 122 - 1 - 1 0 a 4 1 4 1

Clothing, footwear and allied products Value Volume 177 m 188 115 ♦ U 4 6 ♦ 3 *3 1 4 00 ♦ 5 - 4 4 12 - 2 4 7 - 1

Consumer durables Value 156 154 - 2 - 1 4 4 4 3 e e

Volume 115 113 - 2 - 2 4 2 4 1 - 1 - 1

Other consumer goods Value 145 148 ♦ 3 *2 - 3 - 2 - 9 - 6

Volume 104 105 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 - 4 - 3 - 7 - 6

Supermarkets Value 319 326 . ♦ 6 e2 4 16 ♦ 5 4 10 4 3

Volume 193 196 4 4 4 2 4 6 4 3 4 3 4 1

Motor vahioles Value 95 97 4 2 4 2 4 22 4 30 4 21 4 29

Volume 55 57 4 1 4 2 4 12 4 27 4 11 4 25

Consumer durables other ’.han motor vehicles Value Volume 198 156 193 152 - 5 -3 - 5 -3 - 9 - 6 - 4 - 4 - 14 - 9 - 7 - 6

Department stores Value 180 144 - 37 - 20 4 8 4 6 ♦ 13 4 9

Volume 129 102 - 27 - 21 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 9 ♦ 9

Sotes 1 1,

"Foodstuffs, alooholio drinks and tobaooo" Includes "eupermarJcats1

2. "Consumer durahIna" lnoludaa "motor vehicles".

3. "Other oonsumar goods" lnoludaa "department stores".

4. Figures denoting changes era derived from the unrounded index figures.

>. • denotes no change.

/Graph 1: .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1985

Volume index

Graph 2: Volume Indexes of Total Retail Sales

Volume index

Notes: (1) Monthy average of 1980 = 100.

(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using theX-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

SDN DAY, DRCWRER lr I9&5

MORE LAND

TO £E FORMED IN JUNK BAY * * * *

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR RECLAMATION AND SITE FORMATION WORK AT AP TSAI WAN AND HANG HAU IN JUNK BAY.

THE RECLAMATION, OF ABOUT 45 HECTARES WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUSING, PUBLIC HOUSING, VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

THE 3.8 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILL MATERIAL REQUIRED FOR RECLAMATION WILL BE OBTAINED FROM THE SOUTHERN TIP OF AP TSAI PENINSULA, EXCAVATIONS FOR THE EXTENSION TO LAM TIN SOUTH ESTATE AND THE BORROW AREA AT PAK SHEK KOK, JUNK BAY.

ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 900 METRES OF STORMWATER CULVERT.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 36 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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TEACHING KIT ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION READY * * * *

A TEACHING KIT ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN JANUARY TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AMONG YOUTHS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANGELA TSE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE TEACHING KIT, WHICH HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, CONSISTS OF A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS, FACT SHEETS, AND SETS OF SLIDES AND TRANSPARENCIES ON THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BADMINTON COMPETITION, MISS TSE SAID SHE HOPED TEACHERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS WOULD FIND THE KIT HELPFUL IN THEIR WORK IN ENHANCING CIVIC awareness and the sense of belonging among young people.

+IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING SOCIETY LIKE HONG KONG, IMPORTANCE MUST EE ATTACHED TO CIVIC EDUCATION WHICH IS VITAL IN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND THEM AND TO DEVELOP A CORRECT OUTLOOK ON LIFE SO THAT THEY CAN BECOME RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS,+ SHE SAID.

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BADMINTON COMPETITION WAS SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

bJt.DAY, DaCiMBfS A, J 985.

REMINDER TO APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS EARLY

*****

THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENT NO*. IF THEY INTENDED TO TRAVEL ABROAD DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

+THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING OUTSIDE HONG KONG WILL BE GREATLY INCREASED DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. IN ORDER TO AVOID LAST MINUTE RUSH, PEOPLE ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR PASSPORT AND CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE ON WHICH THEY INTEND TO TRAVEL,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

+IT NORMALLY TAKES 10 WORKING DAYS TO ISSUE THESE DOCUMENTS IF APPLICATIONS ARE MADE IN THE HEADQUARTERS BUT LONGER IF MADE IN THE BRANCH OFFICES. RE-ENTRY PERMIT AND DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES ARE NORMALLY ISSUED ON THE SAME DAY BUT DELAY IS LIKELY IF THERE ARE MANY APPLICANTS COMING AT THE SAME TIME,+ HE SAID.

+CHRISTMAS IS ONE OF THE PEAK SEASONS. BY APPLYING EARLY, IT WILL NOT ONLY SPREAD THE WORKLOAD OF THE DEPARTMENT BUT WILL ALSO GIVE APPLICANTS EXTRA TIME TO MEET ANY FURTHER VISA REQUIREMENTS WHERE NECESSARY,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE REMINDED TO MAKE USE OF THE TUFN MUN OFFICE AT TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, FIRST FLOOR. BESIDES NORMAL IMMIGRATION SERVICES, BOTH BIRTH AND MARRIAGE REGISTRATIONS ARE ALSO PROVIDED IN THE OFFICi.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 3-7333111.

- 0 -

DISTRICT BOARD TAKES ON DISTRICT OFFICE * * * *

IT WAS ALL TEAMWORK, CONCENTRATION AND SPORTSMANSHIP WHEN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF MET TODAY (SUNDAY) TO DO BATTLE IN THE BASKETBALL COURT.

THE MATCH wAS A FRIENDLY GAME TO LAUNCH THE wONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CUP BASKETBALL COMPETITION HELD IN MORSE PARK.

THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL.

+THE DISTRICT BOARD CUP IS A SYMBOL OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION,* WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE COMPETITION.

HE CALLED ON YOUTHS TO BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND TO BE PREPARED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY ISSUES.

/ALSO OFFICIATING

-JNDAY, DECJXBER 1, 1985

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG; PRESIDENT OF THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, MISS CECILIA YEUNG; AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR AUGUSTINE CHUNG.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON THREE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS wITH A TOTAL OF 32 TEAMS TAKING PART.

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FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS FOR ELDERLY * * * *

SCORES OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF SHA TAU KOK TODAY (SUNDAY) RECEIVED FREE MEDICAL EXAMINATION AT A HEALTH DAY FOR THE ELDERLY.

THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE ELDERLY ACTIVITIES AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORSHIP, WAS HELD AT THE OFFICE OF SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON.

CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG KUEN, SAID THE EVENT wAS AIMED AT AROUSING AWARENESS AMONG OLD PEOPLE OF THE IMPORTANCE. CF HEALTH.

A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AND MEMBERS OF THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE WERE ON HAND TO PROVIDE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTS AND WEIGHING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.

TODAY’S PROGRAMME WAS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE ELDERLY BY THE COMMITTEE, AND DURING CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR SEASONS, LOCAL SENIOR RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A CANTONESE OPERA AND A BANQUET.

-------0 ---------

+PLAY SAFE+ MESSAGE EMPHASISED

* * * *

tup IMPORTANCE TO PLAY SAFE IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS WAS FURTHER STRESSED mThe Ss UND SPORTS SAFETY DAY TODAY (SUNDAY).

eocAifiKir AT THF OPENING OF THIS YEAR’S LAND SPORTS SAFETY

UTY UKE HOnI KONG WHERE THE TEMPO OF LIFE WAS FAST.

IT IC Al cn TRUE THAT INHERENT WITH ANY OUTDOOR PURSUITS THERE*IS iSDEGR?E 2FEC™JfNGEHAN6, LESS NOTICEABLY, AN ELEMENT OF RISK OR DANGER.

tNTE^ ®

END LESS HAPPILY.+

/hr barnes .......

SUNDAY, DECiNBER 1, 1985

■'R BARNES SAID THE SAFETY DAY WAS THEREFORE ORGANISED TO CONVEY THE +PLAY SAFE* MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC AND IN PARTICULAR TO THE YOUTH LEADERS AND INSTRUCTORS IN LAND SPORTS.

Hc SAID THAT WITH PROPER PLANNING, PRECAUTIONS AND COMMON SENSE,’IT WAS NOT DIFFICULT TO MINIMISE DANGER.

MR BARNES ASKED THE HUNDREDS OF YOUTH LEADERS AND INSTRUCTORS ATTENDING THE SEMINARS TO HELP SPREAD THE +PLAY SAFE + MESSAGE AMONG THEIR FRIENDS AND ESPECIALLY AMONG THE GROUPS OF YOUTHS FOR WHOM THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE 1985 LAND SPORTS SAFETY DAY, MR P.E. BIRNEY, SAID THE SAFETY MESSAGE HAD TO BE RE-EMPHASISED THIS YEAR IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS OCCURRING IN LAND SPORTS, NOTABLY IN HIK ING AND HILL WALK ING.

HE SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT BY PUTTING THE SAFETY MESSAGE ACROSS TO LEADERS AND INSTRUCTORS IN LAND SPORTS, IT WOULD EVENTUALLY REACH A MUCH WIDER AUDIENCE.

-------c ---------

MONTH-LONG ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

* * * *

A MONTH-LONG WAN CHAI ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SUNDAY) TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AS ROAD USERS AND TO ENCOURAGE DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS TO OBSERVE TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, SAID: +THE FIRST TWO WEEKS WILL BE THE EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND THE FOLLOWING TwO WEEKS WILL BE THE ENFORCEMENT PERIOD.+

THE POLICE WILL ALSO ORGANISE ROAD SAFETY TALKS IN SCHOOLS AND DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AT THE TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS, NR GARCIA SAID.

THE CAMPAIGN WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED THE POLICE DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.N. FRITH; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP, MR ARTHUR CHAM YAU-TONG.

HIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY’S CEREMONY INCLUDED A MOTOR VEHICLE DISPLAY, AN EXHIBITION, A ROAD SAFETY TOwN, AND A TRAM AND CITY BUS PARADE.

--------C----------

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1935

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSIC APPRECIATION

*****

MUSIC, BOTH FOR APPRECIATION AND AS A PERFORMING ART, IS NO LONGER THE PRIVILEGE OF A FEW, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR MA NING-HEI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

MR MA WAS SPEAKING AT THE NT REGION STUDENTS’ CONCERT ORGANISE. BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

+WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE MUSIC OFFICE IN 1977, INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE NUMBER OF ITS TRAINEES IS INCREASING ALL THE TIME TOGETHER WITH A COMMENDABLE IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE,* HE SAID.

EARLIER, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO SAID IN HER WELCOME SPEECH THAT THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES LEARNING INSTRUMENTAL MJSIC WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE HAD INCREASED STEADILY TO ABOUT 4 OQO, WITH 1 500 IN THE NT REGION.

MRS HO ALSO THANKED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MUSIC TEACHERS AND PARENTS ATTENDING THE CONCERT FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT WHICH MADE THE MUSIC OFFICE’S INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME A SUCCESS.

THE CONCERT FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY THE TSUEN WAN CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES YOUTH STRING ORCHESTRA, BOTH CF THE MUSIC OFFICE, AS WELL AS THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL CHOIR.

--------o----------

VILLAGE VEHICLE OPERATORS GET LICENCE OPTION * * * *

OPERATORS OF VILLAGE VEHICLES IN NORTH DISTRICT CAN NOW APPLY FOR LICENCES TO OPERATE MAXICAB SERVICES, FOLLOWING THE EFFORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.

AT A RECENT MEETING, OWNERS OF EXCESS PASSENGER ^RMIT (EPP) VEHICLES WERE TOLD BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT THAT THE AUTHORITIES ACCEPTED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ALLOW THEM TO APPLY FOR THE OPERATION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS ROUTES ON CONDITION THAT THEY SET UP

GREEN

PROPERLY

INCORPORATED COMPANIES.

SIX ROUTES HAVE BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE OPERATION PUBLIC LIGHT BUS SERVICES IN NORTH DI STR I CT AND LOCAL OPERATORS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE APPLICATION WHICH CLOSES ON DECEMBER 13.

OF GREEN EPP EXERCISE

AT PRESENT THERE ARE ABOUT 43 ^PP VEHICLES OPERATI NG IN mtiptw DISTRICT SERVING REMOTE VILLAGES. THESt VEHIClclo CARRY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, BUT ARE LICENSED TO CARRY PASSENGERS

AS WELL.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1985

MARATHON TO PROMOTE FIGHT CRIME * * * *

AtOUT 153 YOUTHS TODAY (SUNDAY) TOOK PART IN A 12-KILOMETRE MARATHON IN YUEN LONG TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPA I GN.

CHAIRMAN OF SHUl-FAT SAID AT MS AN IMPORTANT

THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR LEUNG A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY THAT EDUCATION ASPECT OF PROMOTING THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE.

HE SAID: +GOOD PUBLICITY FOR THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN DOES NOT SIMPLY MEAN ASKING PEOPLE TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE, IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE EDUCATED ON STAYING AWAY FROM CRIME THROUGH HEALTH AND ACTIVE PURSUITS.+

THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO ORGANISED ESSAY, POSTER AND SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITIONS AS A PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS FOR YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT.

- - 0-----------

SALE OF REFRESHMENT AT TRIO BEACH

* * *

THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF A LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT TRIO BEACH IN SAI KUNG.

THE KIOSK IS LOCATED ON THE UPPER LEVEL OF A NEW TWO-STOREY BEACH BUILDING WHICH WAS OPENED FOR USE IN OCTOBER, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

FREQUENTED BY ABOUT 170 000 SWIMMERS SO FAR THIS YEAR, THE BEACH IS A POPULAR SCENIC SPOT IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. -C '■

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER FOR THE KIOSK WILL BE REQUIRED TO START OPERATION FROM FEBRUARY 1 NEXT YEAR UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 1988.

THOSE WISHING TO BID FOR THE CONTRACT CAN OBTAIN A TENDER FORM AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE RSD ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE PUT IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE RSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE 9 AM ON JANUARY 3.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE AT THE RSD’S SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE’S TELEPHONE 3-2813630.

/11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1985

URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY * * *

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 3), THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF YUN PING ROAD BETWEEN LAN FONG ROAD AND KAI CHIU ROAD WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY DAILY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM.

VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE.

MEANWHILE THE EXISTING CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SECTION CF JARDINE’S CRESCENT BETWEEN KAI CHIU ROAD AND JARDINE’S BAZAAR wILL BE LIFTED WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME TIME.

-----o------

TAPS OFF IN SAI KUNG * X * *

FRESH wATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL EE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 3) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND TAI 0 MUN INCLUDING MA YAU TONG, RENNIE’S MILL, PO LAM ROAD, HEAVEN ^0? HOPE SANITORIUM AND SHAW b STUDIO.

ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE H IRAM’S- H IGHWAY BETWEEN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND HO CHUNG, INCLUDING SILVER STRAND BEACH ROAD, SILVcr STRAND ROAD, SILVER CREST ROAD, SILVER TERRACE ROAD, A KUNG WAN, HANG HAU AND YAU YUE WAN.

ON THE SAME DAY SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE STOPPED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM FOR REPAIR WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, CLOUD VIEW ROAD, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD, YEE KING ROAD AND LAI TAK TSUEN ROAD, INCLUDING LAI TAK TSUEN.

- C -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

JI'S VISIT VALUABLE, GOVERNOR SAYS ............................ 1

GOVT COMMITTED IN TACKLING POLLUTION .......................... 2

FRONT SEAT BELT WEARING RULE EXTENDED.......................... 3

EEC MINISTERS TO RECONSIDER GSP PROPOSALS ..................... 4

TEXTILES ^UOTA BONUS ALLOCATION SCHEME REVISED ................ 5

SPIN-OFF BENEFITS FROM POLLUTION CONTROL STRESSED ............. 7

MORE WELL-TRaINED ACCCUNTJJITS NEEDED.......................... 8

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PROJECTS IN EASTERN........................ 9

DISTRICT BOARD MEETS aRE~ REPRESENTATIVES ..................... 10

PREMISES RESERVED FOR JELF.Jffi SERVICES ...................... 11

gas safety exhibition for sha tin ............................. 11

WARNING ON SUBSTANDARD BOILER REPAIRS ....................... 12

BANKING TRAINERS COURSE OFFERED ............................... 1J

REALIGNMENT WORK ON ROAD SECTION PROPOSED ..................... 14

STANDARD FACTORIES OFFER NEW OPTIONS TO MANUFACTURERS ......... 15

TAI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET ............................. 16

AWARD SCHEMES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS ......................... 16

GRASS SOCCER PITCH TO OPEN .................................... 17

TRaFFIC CHANGES ON ROBINSON ROAD .............................. 17

CLOSURE OF aIRPORT TUNNEL ..................................... 18

CALL TO SUPPORT NEIGHBOURHOOD WaTCH SCHEME .................... 18

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

JI’S VISIT VALUABLE, GOVERNOR SAYS

M M * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING THAT IT WOULD BE VERY VALUABLE FOR MR JI PENGFEI, STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, TO SEE AT FIRST HAND THE DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG AND FOR HIM TO MEET AS WIDE A RANGE OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AS POSSIBLE.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF POLMET ’85, SIR EDWARD SAID HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD VERY MUCH TO MEETING MR JI IN HONG KONG.

*A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS, AND I’M SURE IT WILL BE VALUABLE FOR HIM TO SEE IT AT FIRST HAND,* HE SAID.

ASKED WHAT THE MOTIVE BEHIND SENDING THE INVITATION TO

PR JI WAS, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT HE HAD MADE IT EVIDENT FOR SOME TIME THAT HONG KONG WOULD WELCOME CHINESE LEADERS COMING l£RE TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES.

+THE MOTIVE IS REALLY TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE IN PEKING TO SEE HONG KONG AT FIRST HAND AND FOR THERE TO BE A GREATER UNDERSTANDING ON BOTH SIDES OF WHAT IS HAPPENING AT EACH END.+

ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD REJECT A STATEMENT THAT THE INVITATION TO MR JI WAS NOT RELATED TO THE +POLITICAL DISPUTE* IN HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAIDi + IT IS RELATED TO THE NEED AND THE WISH THAT PEOPLE FROM BOTH SIDES SHOULD UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.

♦FOR SOME TIME NOW, WE’VE MADE IT CLEAR THAT CHINESE LEADERS WOULD BE WELCOME IN HONG KONG AND I’M VERY VERY GLAD THAT MR JI HAS TAKEN UP MY INVITATION,* HE SAID.

ON WHETHER MR JI WOULD ATTEND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PEETING OR HOLD ANY DISCUSSION WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, FE SAID +WE HAVEN’T DISCUSSED YET THE DETAILS OF HIS PROGRAMME.

+BUT CERTAINLY I SHALL BE HAVING HIM AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. OBVIOUSLY HE IS COMING AS AN OFFICIAL GUEST SO I SHALL BE HAVING HIM AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

+BUT THE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER,* « SAID.

ON WHETHER THERE WAS SOME MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS OVER THE ISSUE OF POLITICAL CHANGES IN HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAIDi + IF THERE IS ANY MISUNDERSTANDING, I’M SURE THAT EXCHANGES OF VIEWS CAN HELP TO ENSURE THAT IT IS REMOVED.*

/ASKED TO .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

nr-r-ASKED T0 C0MMENT ON MR JI’S REPORTED STATEMENT THAT POLITICAL REFORMS IN HONG KONG MUST GO IN LI NE WI TH THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, SIR EDWARD SAID + l THINK THAT EVERYBODY IS NOW CLEAR THAT REALLY WHAT I WAS SAYING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS THE FACT THAT BOTH SIDES ARE ALIVE TO THE CONCERNS OF THE OTHER ON THESE MATTERS.

+AS I SAID THEN, I BELIEVE THAT IN THE LIGHT OF THAT !£?F.??^ND,NG 0F THE CONCERNS OF EACH SIDE, THERE CAN BE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, THAT WE CAN BUILD A STRUCTURE WHICH WILL ENABLE A SMOOTH TRANSITION,* HE SAID.

-------0---------

GOVT COMMITTED IN TACKLING POLLUTION *****

OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS A TOTAL OF $1.5 BILLION HAVE BEEN INVESTED IN WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES AND THERE IS A COMMITMENT OF $2.4 BILLION FOR FURTHER INVESTMENT IN THESE FACILITIES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF POLMET ’85, SIR EDWARD SAID THERE HAD BEEN A PHENOMENAL ECONOMIC GROWTH IN HONG KONG IN THE PAST 30 YEARS, THE PACE OF WHICH WAS DETERMINED BY THE NEED TO ACCOMMODATE A POPULATION WHICH HAD GROWN FROM TWO MILLION TO FIVE-AND-A-HALF MILLION OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

+IN THE EARLY DAYS OF DEVELOPMENT, THE ENVIRONMENT CAME OFF SECOND BEST. QUALITY OF LIFE WAS A PHRASE WITH A VERY RESTRICTED WANING, WHEN THE BASIC CONCERN FOR MOST PEOPLE WAS A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS,* SIR EDWARD SAID.

+BUT TIME, TECHNOLOGY AND DEDICATED WORK BY MANY PEOPLE HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE IN MORE RECENT TIMES TO PLAN AND DEVELOP WITH A RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.*

SIR EDWARD SAID THAT WITHIN THE PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS OF HONG KONG, CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS WAS BEING ACHIEVED IN MEETING THE RISING EXPECTATIONS WHICH WERE A RESULT OF OUR AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.

+WE HAVE SOUGHT TO EXPAND OUR OPEN SPACES AND PRESERVE COUNTRY PARKS CLOSE TO THE URBAN AREA,* HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD SAID FORMAL STANDARDS HAD BEEN INCORPORATED INTO OUR PLANNING PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS WERE NOT OVERLOOKED.

/+WE ARE ......

MONDAY, DECH4BER 2, 1985

- 5 -

+WE ARE STEADILY REFINING OUR PROCEDURES AND UP-DATING OUR LEGISLATION. OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, WE HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT WE NEITHER OVER-LEG I SLATE TO THE DETRIMENT CF OUR INDUSTRY, NOR ALLOW OUR STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT TO BE COMPROMISED,* HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD SAID NO SOCIETY HAD FOUND IT EASY TO RECONCILE THESE TWO FACTORS AND A BALANCE MUST BE STRUCK AT EACH STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.

+BUT WE HAVE ALSO BEEN ENCOURAGED BY THE REPORTS FROM MANY COUNTRIES TO THE EFFECT THAT ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION — SENSIBLY CONCEIVED AND PROGRESSIVELY APPLIED — CAN HAVE A BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON INDUSTRY.

+ IT CERTAINLY TENDS TO ENCOURAGE ENERGY SAVING, HIGH MANAGEMENT STANDARDS AND THE PROFITABLE RECOVERY OF RAW MATERIALS FROM THE PRODUCTION PROCESS.

+THE MORE THAT INDUSTRY CAN BE CONVINCED OF THIS, THE MORE EASILY POLLUTION CONTROL CAN BE ENFORCED,* HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD SAID HONG KONG STILL FACED A FORMIDABLE TASK IN TACKLING THE TWIN PROBLEMS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND URBAN POLLUTION.

+IN THE ASIA AND PACIFIC REGION THE POPULATION WILL REACH THE TWO THOUSAND MILLION MARK BY THE END OF THIS CENTURY. ABOUT HALF OF THIS POPULATION WILL BE URBAN.

+l BELIEVE THAT THE HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE CAN CONTRIBUTE A USEFUL EXAMPLE ON WHICH OTHERS CAN DRAW IN MEETING THE NEEDS CF THIS POPULATION IN A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, BUT WE ARE VERY READY TO LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS,* SIR EDWARD SAID.

-----o------

FRONT SEAT BELT WEARING RULE EXTENDED *****

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE COMPULSORY WEARING OF FRONT SEAT BELTS TO TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES AND TO REQUIRE THE FITTING OF FRONT SEAT BELTS IN NEWLY-REGISTERED GOODS VEHICLES.

THE DECISION COMES IN THE WAKE OF A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF FRONT SEAT CASUALTIES IN PRIVATE CARS SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY SEAT BELT WEARING ON OCTOBER 1, 1983.

/A STUDY .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

A STUDY CARR I ED-OUT BY THE ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOWS THAT IN THE 12 MONTHS AFTER OCTOBER 1, 1983, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PRIVATE CAR FRONT SEAT CASUALTIES FELL BY 28 PER CENT FROM 3 814 TO 2 765. MOST IMPORTANTL' THE NUMBER OF FATAL AND SERIOUS CASUALTIES FELL BY 51 PER CENT FROM 1 385 TO 681.

THE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CASUALTIES WAS FAR GREATER THAN COULD HAVE BEEN EXPECTED FROM THE FALL IN THE NUMBER OF LICENSED CARS, AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF FRONT SEAT PASSENGER CASUALTIES WAS DUE TO PASSENGERS MOVING TO THE REAR SEAT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE STUDY BY THE ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION HAD DEMONSTRATED THAT COMPULSORY SEAT BELT WEARING HAD LIVED UP TO EXPECTATIONS AS A SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE AND PUBLICLY ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF REDUCING THE TOLL OF DEATHS AND INJURIES ON THE ROAD.

A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN ROAD SAFETY COULD BE ACHIEVED BY EXTENDING COMPULSORY WEARING TO THE FRONT SEATS OF TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES AND BY MAKING A START ON EXTENDING THE SEAT BELT LEGISLATION TO GOODS VEHICLES.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT EXISTING LEGISLATION REQUIRES EVERY TAXI REGISTERED AFTER 1980 TO BE FITTED WITH A SEAT BELT FOR THE DRIVER’S SEAT AND THE NEAR-SIDE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT BY JANUARY 1, 1986. LIGHT BUSES MANUFACTURED AFTER 1983 MUST ALSO BE FITTED WITH TWO FRONT SEAT BELTS.

THE FITTING OF SEAT BELTS IS NOT REQUIRED IN GOODS VEHICLES BUT IT IS NOW INTENDED TO EXTEND THIS REQUIREMENT TO NEWLY REGISTERED GOODS VEHICLES. IT WOULD NOT BE PRACTICABLE TO REQUIRE THE FITTING OF SEAT BELTS IN EXISTING GOODS VEHICLES BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF THEM LACK SUITABLE ANCHORAGE POINTS.

LEGISLATION WILL NOW BE DRAFTED TO AMEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (SAFETY EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS IN ORDER TO INTRODUCE THE COMPULSORY WEARING OF FRONT SEAT BELTS IN TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES AND THE COMPULSORY FITTING OF FRONT SEAT BETS IN NEWLY REGISTERED GOODS VEHICLES. IT IS THE AIM TO IMPLEMENT THESE MEASURES BY THE END OF 1986.

-----0------

EEC MINISTERS TO RECONSIDER GSP PROPOSALS

******

A PROPOSAL TO EXCLUDE 12 HONG KONG PRODUCTS FROM THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY’S GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES MAY BE DROPPED, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

rue PRODUCTS WILL, IT IS NOW SUGGESTED, REMAIN ON THE GSP LIST WITH A QUOTA LEVEL IN 1986 EQUIVALENT TO 50 PER CENT OF THAT FOR 1985.

/THE DEPUTY ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

- 5 -

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR JOSEPH WONG, SAID THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL WAS ACTIVELY OPPOSED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE LONDON AND BRUSSELS OFFICES WHOSE STAFF VISITED COMMISSION OFFICIALS AND MEMBER STATE REPRESENTATIVES TO PUT HONG KONG’S VIEWS.

TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT SPAIN AND PORTUGAL JOINING THE EEC, IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT QUOTA LEVELS AND CEILINGS FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS SHOULD IN GENERAL BE INCREASED BY 9.5 PER CENT.

THE NEW PROPOSALS WILL BE PUT FORWARD FOR FORMAL ADOPTION AT A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ON DECEMBER 16 OR 17, MR WONG SAID.

DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TO THE TRADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, HE ADDED.

THE 12 PRODUCTS INVOLVED ARE: TRAVEL GOODS OF MATERIALS OTHER THAN ARTIFICIAL PLASTIC SHEETING; PROTECTIVE GLOVES OF LEATHER OR LEATHER COMPOSITION FOR ALL TRADES; RUBBER FOOTWEAR; FOOTWEAR WITH OUTER SOLES OF LEATHER OR COMPOSITION LEATHER ; IMITATION jewellery; portable electric battery and magnetic lamps other THAN MINERS’ SAFETY LAMPS’ COLOUR TELEVISIONS DIODES, TRANSISTORS QUARTZ WATCHES; DOLLS; OTHER TOYS; EQUIPMENT FOR PARLOUR, TABLE AND FUNFAIR GAMES.

IN 1984, THE EXPORTS OF THESE 12 PRODUCTS TO THE EEC WERE WORTH $4 597 MILLION — OUT OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO THE EEC OF '27 766 MILLION. THEREFORE THEY REPRESENTED ABOUT 16.8 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL. HOWEVER, THE 1984 GSP QUOTA OF THE EEC FOR THE 12 AMOUNTED TO ONLY 3238 MILLION — OR ABOUT 5.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL $4 597 MILLION VALUE.

-----0------

TEXTILES QUOTA BONUS ALLOCATION SCHEME REVISED * * * *

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED A REVISION OF RULES FOR THE TEXTILES QUOTA BONUS ALLOCATION SCHEME FOR ALL RESTRAINED MARKETS WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT YEAR.

THE REVISION IS INTRODUCED FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE SCHEME AND ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.

UNDER THE REVISED SCHEME, ONLY TRANSFEREES i*HO NET TRANSFER IN QUOTA, ON A TEMPORARY BASIS, IN ANY CATEGORY IN ANY YEAR AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN 35 PER CENT OF THEIR QUOTA HOLDING IN TH,.; CATEGORY IN THAT YEAR SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A BONUS ALLOCATION IK THAT CATEGORY IN THE YEAR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, OF AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING THEIR UTILISED TEMPORARY TRANSFER-IN IN THE CATEGORY CONCERNED.

/A COMPANY

MONDAY, DECBIBER 2, 1985

A COMPANY WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANY BONUS ALLOCATION IF ITS CALCULATED BONUS IN THE CATEGORY CONCERNED IS LESS THAN THE FOLLOWING CUT-OFF QUANTITIES IN THE RESPECTIVE CATEGORIES:

CONTROL UNIT

CUT-OFF QUANTITY LESS THAN WHICH BONUS ALLOCATION IS NOT TO BE OFFERED

DOZEN PIECE 5

DOZEN PAIR 5

PIECE 60

PAIR 60

SET 60

SQUARE YARD 200

SQUARE METRE 200

POUND 60

KILOGRAM 30

A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +CALCULATED BONUS BELOW THE CUT-OFF QUANTITIES WILL BE POOLED AND ALLOCATED TO OTHER ELIGIBLE COMPANIES IN THE CATEGORY CONCERNED ON A PROPORTIONATE BASIS.+

THE REVISED RULES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM THE COMMENCEMENT CF THE RELEVANT TEXTILE YEAR IN 1986, TO TAKE EFFECT IN RESPECT OF BONUS ALLOCATIONS IN 1987 AND ONWARDS.

THE DATES FOR INTRODUCING THE REVISED RULES FOR THE VARIOUS RESTRAINED MARKETS ARE THE SAME AS THOSE FOR INTRODUCING REVISED QUOTA TRASFER RULES, AS FOLLOWS:

RESTRAINED MARKET

(A) U.S.A, CANADA, EEC AND FINLAND

(B) AUSTRIA

(D) SWEDEN

DATE

JANUARY 1, 1986

FEBRUARY 1, 1986 JULY 1, 1986 SEPTEMBER 1, 1986

FOR BONUS ALLOCATIONS IN 1986, THE EXISTING RULE REGARDING PERSISTENT TEMPORARY TRANSFEREES WILL CONTINUE TO BE APPLIED.

--------0

/7........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1935

SPIN-OFF BENEFITS FROM POLLUTION CONTROL STRESSED * * * *

THE SENSIBLE APPLICATION OF POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION, COMBINED WITH THE USE OF THE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT, COULD PRODUCE SPIN-OFF BENEFITS FOR INDUSTRY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE SAID THESE BENEFITS, PRODUCE ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, INCLUDED ENERGY SAVING, IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY AND MANAGEMENT AND THE PROFITABLE RECOVERY OF MATERIALS FROM THE PRODUCTION PROCESS.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF POLMET 85 EXHIBITION AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, MR CHAMBERS SAID IT SEEMED TO BE WIDELY BELIEVED THAT THE COST OF APPLYING POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES WOULD BLUNT HONG KONG INDUSTRY’S COMPETITIVE EDGE AND HARM THE PROSPECTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH.

+HOWEVER, IT IS BY NO MEANS INEVITABLE THAT POLLUTION CONTROLS HAVE SUCH ADVERSE EFFECTS,* HE POINTED OUT.

HE SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT GOVERNMENTS, INDUSTRIALISTS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS AND CONSEQUENCES OF POLLUTION AND THE MEANS BY WHICH IT WAS INTENDED TO CONTROL THEM IF EFFECTIVE CONTROLS ON POLLUTION WERE TO BE ACHIEVED.

♦BUT IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT THAT INDUSTRIALISTS AND OTHERS DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THESE CONTROLS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE TECHNOLOGY AND THE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW.

+ IT WAS IN MY VIEW A VERY SENSIBLE DECISION TO ARRANGE THIS EXHIBITION IN PARALLEL WITH THE POLMET 85 CONFERENCE,* HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS CONGRATULATED THE EXHIBITION COMMITTEE FOR PROVIDING HONG KONG WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT WHAT TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTS WERE AVAILABLE TO DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN THE ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION.

+THE NEED FOR SUCH PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IS GROWING AND WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AS NEW POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION IS INTRODUCED,* HE ADDED.

-------0 - -

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985 I

" 8 ' I

MORE WELL-TRAINED ACCOUNTANTS NEEDED * * * *

MORE QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANTS AND ACCOUNTING STAFF AT SUPERVISORY LEVEL ARE REQUIRED TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS IN ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS AND THE COMMERCE AND SERVICES SECTOR IN THE YEARS TO COME, ACCORDING TO A VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SURVEY REPORT.

FINDINGS IN THE 1984 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON ACCOUNTANCY ALSO SHOWED THAT THE ACCOUNTANCY MANPOWER ENGAGED IN THE SURVEYED PROFESSIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECTORS HAD A 20 PER CENT GROWTH AS COMPARED WITH THE RESULTS OBTAINED IN 1982.

BASED ON THE FINDINGS, THE ACCOUNTANCY TRAINING BOARD OF THE COUNCIL FORECAST THAT THE ACCOUNTANCY WORKFORCE OF THE FOUR SURVEYED GROUPS - ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, COMMERCE AND SERVICES SECTOR AND INDUSTRY - WOULD GROW BY FIVE PER CENT FOR 1985 AND THREE PER CENT FOR 1986.

COMPARISON OF DATA COLLECTED IN THE SURVEYS OF 1982 AND 1984 SHOWED A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH OF MANAGERIAL POSTS IN COMMERCE AND SERVICES SECTOR AND ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS IN THE LAST TwO YEARS.

THE NUMBER OF MANAGERIAL POSTS INCREASED BY 74 PER CENT IN THE COMMERCE AND SERVICES SECTOR AND 47 PER CENT FOR THE ACCOUNTANCY GROUP WHILE SUPERVISORY POSTS IN ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 35 PER CENT OVER THAT OF 1982, THE REPORT SAID.

THUS, THE TRAINING BOARD CALLED ON EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED TO TRAIN MORE QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANTS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS TO COPE WITH THE MANPOWER NEEDS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.

THE REPORT SAID ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS HAD HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF VACANCIES AND STAFF TURNOVER RATE THAN THE THREE OTHER SURVEYED GROUPS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS MOST LIKELY THAT WELL-TRAINED SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS IN ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS WERE BEING LURED AWAY BY COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL GROUPS WHERE THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF STAFF AT MANAGERIAL LEVEL WHO COULD BE PROMOTED FROM WITHIN.

THIS PHENOMENON MIGHT ALSO REFLECT THE INABILITY OF MANY ESTABLISHMENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, TO TRAIN THEIR OWN STAFF FOR MANAGERIAL POSITIONS.

TO HELP UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF THE WORKFORCE, THE TRAINING BOARD HAD PLANS TO PROMOTE AND ORGANISE SUITABLE COURSES FOR SERVING STAFF IN THE ACCOUNTANCY FIELDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/THE SURVEY..........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 19&5

- 9 -

THE SURVEY REVEALED THAT IN 1984 THE FOUR SPECIFIED GROUPS EMPLOYED AN ACCOUNTING WORKFORCE OF SOME 45 8OO PEOPLE, INCLUDING 5 900 MANAGERS, 8 700 SUPERVISORS AND 31 200 CLERKS.

ANNEXED TO THE BIENNIAL MANPOWER REPORT IS A SMALL SCALE SURVEY, CONDUCTED IN 1984, TO OBTAIN EMPLOYERS’ VIEW ON THE 1982-83 ACCOUNTING GRADUATES OF LOCAL INSTITUTIONS.

THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $12 A COPY.

-----0------

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PROJECTS IN EASTERN

* * * *

MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN EASTERN ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR SUBSIDY FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD TO CARRY OUT MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

♦THERE IS STILL A LIMITED AMOUNT OF UNCOMMITTED FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETAR I AT SAID.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDER THE SCHEME INCLUDE THE REPAIR OF FOOTPATHS, INSTALLATION OF DRAIN COVERS, PROVISION CF GUARDRAILS AND COMMUNAL LETTER BOXES FOR SQUATTER VILLAGERS AND OTHER MINOR WORKS.

AN ORGANISATION COULD APPLY TO THE DISTRICT BOARD TO SUBSIDISE PART OF THE COST BUT IT WOULD HAVE TO BEAR NOT LESS THAN 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦AN ORGANISATION CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO MEET THE COST OF BUILDING MATERIALS WHILE PROVIDING THE LABOUR,* HE SAID.

APPLICATIONS COULD BE FORWARDED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, WHICH WOULD CONSIDER EACH APPLICATION FOR ENDORSEMENT TO THE FULL BOARD.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 15, AND THESE COULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S CAUSEWAY BAY SUB-CFF |CE AT 9-11, WING HING STREET, SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE AT 243, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, AND THE CHAI WAN SUB-OFFICE AT BLOCK 2, HING WAH ESTATE.

-----o------

/1O........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1935

DISTRICT BOARD MEETS AREA REPRESENTATIVES

*****

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES IN MARCH NEXT YEAR TO STRENGTHEN TIES AND COMMUNICATION, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SOUTHERN, MISS ANGELA TSE, SAID.

THE GATHERING IS THE SEQUEL TO A SERIES OF SEMINARS ORGANISED FOR AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS.

IT IS HOPED THAT THE SEMINAR WOULD ENABLE AREA COMMITTEES TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, WHILE THE LATTER COULD OBTAIN FIRST-HAND FEEDBACK INFORMATION ON RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ABOUT ITS PERFORMANCE, MISS TSE SAID.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT DISTRICT BOARDS, AREA COMMITTEES AND RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS FORM AN IMPORTANT THREE-TIER CONSULTATIVE SYSTEM WHICH REFLECT THE VIEWS AND GAUGE THE NEEDS OF DISTRICT RESIDENTS.

DISTRICT BOARDS AND AREA COMMITTEES HAVE A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND VERY OFTEN EXCHANGE MINUTES OF MEETINGS IN ORDER TO COLLATE OPINIONS AND TO MONITOR EACH OTHER’S PERFORMANCE.

IN TURN, AREA COMMITTEES WORK CLOSELY WITH RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.

♦RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ARE EFFECTIVELY REFLECTED THROUGH MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES AND RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS, AND IN TURN THESE OPINIONS ARE PASSED ONTO THE DISTRICT BOARD,+ MISS TSE SAID.

+AT THIS LEVEL, RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON VARIOUS ISSUES OR POLICIES ARE THEN MADE KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT,+ SHE ADDED.

MISS TSE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ABERDEEN-AP LEI CHAU AREA COMMITTEE FOR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS IN THE CONSTITUENCY.

SHE COMMENDED THE ABERDEEN-AP LEI CHAU AREA COMMITTEE FOR THEIR INVALUABLE OPINIONS ON MANY LOCAL ISSUES, AND PARTICULARLY ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN ABERDEEN WHICH HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO ENSURING THAT TRAFFIC FLOWED SMOOTHLY DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE +ROAD THROUGH ABERDEEN* PROJECT.

NOTING THAT THERE WOULD BE GREAT CHANGES IN THE SOCIAL AND POPULATION STRUCTURE IN AP LEI CHAU WITH THE COMPLETION OF LEI TUNG ESTATE AND THE AP LEI CHAU NORTH RECLAMATION PROJECT IN A FEW YEARS’ TIME, MISS TSE URGED RESIDENTS ORGANISTIONS TO KEEP IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE AREA COMMITTEE TO HELP IMPROVE CONDITIONS IN THE DISTRICT.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1935

PREMISES RESERVED FOR WELFARE SERVICES * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS RESERVED 19 PREMISES IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE OPERATION OF NURSERIES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO APPLY FOR THESE PREMISES WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

THE WELFARE PREMISES WILL BE LOCATED IN EIGHT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND FIVE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR JUNK BAY, TSING Yl, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TAI PO, FANLING, MA ON SHAN, TSUEN WAN, QUARRY BAY AND CHAI WAN.

WHEN COMPLETED, THESE ESTATES AND BUILDINGS WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR MORE THAN 290 000 PEOPLE.

FIFTEEN OF THE NEW PREMISES WILL BE USED AS NURSERIES AND THE REMAINING FOUR AS SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.

A LIST OF THESE WELFARE PREMISES HAS BEEN SENT TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR THEIR INFORMATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE URGED INTERESTED AGENCIES TO APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT AT WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 19TH FLOOR, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31.

+SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENTITLED TO SUBVENTIONS OR LOTTERIES FUND GRANTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE MADE IN DUE COURSE AND EACH CASE WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS,* HE ADDED.

GAS SAFETY EXHIBITION FOR SHA TIN * * * *

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE GAS SAFETY £XH।BITI ON wILL Be HELD ON DECEMBER 8 (SUNDAY) AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA Tin.

THE THEME OF THE SEVEN-DAY EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE U ADVISER’S OFFICE AND ™E INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS ON THE SAFE USE OF GAS wATER HEATtR», GAS RUBBER TUBING AND LPG CYLINDERS.

/FIVE uAS .......

.-iONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

FIVE GAS COMPANIES AND APPLIANCE IMPORTERS ARE ALSO PARTICIPATING IN THE EXHIBITION.

A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM AT THE ATRIUM PLAZA, LEVEL 3, NEW TOWN PLAZA TO LAUNCH THE EVENT. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CONSULTANT ENGINEER, MR CHENG HON-KWAN; THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NG CHAN-LAM; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHA TIN DISTRICT, MR JOHNATHAN NG; THE PROJECT DIRECTOR OF NEW TOWN PLAZA, MR K.M. CHAN AND THE SECOND RUNNER-UP OF MISS HONG KONG 1985, MISS ELLEN WONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

------0--------

WARNING ON SUBSTANDARD BOILER REPAIRS

******

SUBSTANDARD REPAIRS BY UNQUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ARE NOT ONLY A DANGEROUS PRACTICE TO LIFE AND PROPERTY, BUT ALSO AGAINST THE LAW.

THE WARNING CAME FROM THE PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION, MR M.R. MIRZA, TODAY (MONDAY) FOLLOWING SEVERAL CASES OF BOILER ACCIDENTS IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS.

®».NAH»CEP!’l*NNTY‘>RePAT|RTSACTARRN?EED ™

BEPORR THt EWIPHEHTWAS ?UTE)fJ?<;NuiEBAVS{llNWP0INTED

+THE APPOINTED EXAMINERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT QUALIFIED PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED ON THE REPAIRS OF THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS AS LAID DOWN IN RECOGNISED ENGINEERING STANDARDS,+ MR MIRZA SAID.

+THEY CAN REFUSE THE ISSUING OF A CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS AFTER SUCH SUBSTANDARD REPAIRS RESULTING IN THE EQUIPMENT NOT BEING APPROVED FOR USE IN HONG KONG.+

HE SAID A LIST OF APPROVED APPOINTED EXAMINERS WAS AVAILABLE IN THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION AND COULD BE SUPPLIED ON REQUEST.

OWNERS OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT COMMITTED AN OFFENCE AND WERE LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF »10 000, MR MIRZA SAID.

/HE SAID .........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 198?

- 15 -

HE SAID THE SAME ORDINANCE ALSO

REQUIRED OWNERS OF BOILERS

DIVISION OF ANY ACCIDENT OR

AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS TO NOTIFY HIS DEFECT TO THEIR EQUIPMENT WITHIN 24 HOURS OF OCCURRENCE.

OUTSIDE NORMAL OFFICE HOURS, THEY MIGHT CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S AUTO-RECORDING TELEPHONE FOR REPORTING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AT 5-8150678.

FOR FAILURE TO COMPY WITH

♦OWNERS ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION FOR FAILURE TO COMPY W TH THIS PROVISION BECAUSE A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION CAN ARISE

FROM SUCH ACCIDENT OR DEFECT,* HE SAID.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE SATISFACTORY STANDARD OF REPAIRS, MR MIRZA SAID OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HIS DIVISION (AT TELEPHONE NUMBER: 5-8524182) FOR ADVICE ON THE METHOD OF REPAIRS AND NECESSARY INSPECTION BY AN APPOINTED EXAMINER.

HE ALSO REMINDED OWNERS THAT BOILER ATTENDANTS WERE EMPLOYED TO ENSURE SAFETY WHILE OPERATING A BOILER, FOR WHTHEY HAD THE RELEVANT CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

+HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT AUTHORISED TO SUPERVISE, UNDERTAKE OR ACCEPT REPAIR WORK ON BOILERS. THE APPOINTED EXAMINER CAN ADVISE OWNERS IN THE SELECTION OF BOILER REPAIRERS AND SUPERVISE THE WORK CF THE REPAIRERS,* HE SAID.

-----o------

BANKING TRAINERS COURSE OFFERED

* * * *

TRAINING OFFICERS OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ARE INVITED TO ENROL IN THE +INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUE* COURSE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.

THE FOUR-DAY COURSE WILL EXAMINE THE STRUCTURE AND PREPARATION OF TRAINING SESSIONS, INCLUDING THE FORMATION CF SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES, DESIGNING CONTENT, SELECTING VISUAL AIDS, VALIDATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING AND THE ANALYSIS OF TARGET AUDIENCE.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH OPPORTUNTIES TO EXPERIENCE, BOTH IN THE ROLE OF TRAINER AND THE TRAINEE, THE POSSIBLE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TRAINING TECHNIQUES IN CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE TRAINING SESSIONS.

THEY WILL ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN GROUP DISCUSSION EXERCISE, ROLE PLAYS AND CASE STUDIES.

/THE COURSE

MONDAY, DECBfflER 2, 1965

THE COURSE WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS' COLLEGE FROM JANUARY 28 TO 31, 1986.

COURSE FEE IS $370 AND CLASS IS LIMITED TO 16 PERSONS.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD, MR S.M. WOO AT 5-8932341 EXT 255 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

--------o - - - -

REALIGNMENT WORK ON ROAD SECTION PROPOSED * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CARRY OUT REALIGNMENT WORK TO A SECTION OF CHEONG WAN ROAD AT PODIUM-LEVEL OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION’S KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM.

THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS PART OF THE KCRC’S IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR THE KOWLOON STATION.

UNDER THE PLAN, THE PORTION OF CHEONG WAN ROAD RUNNING ALONGSIDE THE KOWLOON STATION BUILDING WILL BE DIVERTED TO RUN AROUND THE EDGE OF A PODIUM EXTENSION CURRENTLY BEING CONSTRUCTED TO THE EAST OF THE STATION BUILDING AND OVER THE KCRC’S GOODS YARD.

THE EXISTING PORTION OF CHEONG WAN ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED TO A BOARDING AND ALIGHTING AREA FOR PRIVATE VEHICLES.

ON COMPLETION OF REALIGNMENT, ALL OTHER VEHICLES PRESENTLY TRAVELLING THROUGH THE PORTION OF ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE REALIGNED SECTION OF CHEONG WAN ROAD ON THE PODIUM EXTENSION.

THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF A NEW BUS TERMINUS AND A COACH PARK ON THE PODIUM EXTENSION- AND THE PROVISION OF WALKWAY COVERS TO LINK THE BUS TERMINUS WITH THE STATION BUILDING.

THE EXISTING BUS TERMINUS LAYING TO THE NORTH OF THE STATION BUILDING WILL BE CONVERTED TO MAXICAB STANDS AND TAXI STANDS.

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORK CAN BE SEEN AT:

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG-

X DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON- AND

* YAU MAI TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.

OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 28.

/15........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

STANDARD FACTORIES OFFER NEW OPTIONS TO MANUFACTURERS -******

FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY WORD IN THE NEW SINGLE-STOREY STANDARD FACTORY BUILDINGS GOING UP AT THE TAI PO AND YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.

THE FACTORIES ARE BEING BUILT ON A SPECULATIVE BASIS TO OFFER A READY-MADE OPTION TO INDUSTRIALISTS, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID.

INITIALLY, SIX ARE BEING BUILT, WITH ONE DETACHED AND SEMI-DETACHED FACTORIES AT BOTH TAI PO AND YUEN LONG.

+THESE UNITS ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO BE FLEXIBLE IN WAY IN WHICH THEY CAN BE UTILISED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS WIDE SPECTRUM OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS,* HE SAID.

+THERE ARE HEAVY FLOOR LOADINGS, HIGH CEILINGS, LARGE STRUCTURE, AND AMPLE FACILITIES FOR LOADING, UNLOADING AND PARK ING.

TWO

THE

OF A

SPAN

♦IN SOME INSTANCES THE SITE AREA GIVES ROOM FOR ADDITIONAL INSTALLATIONS TO BE BUILT TO SUIT SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS.*

WITH

YUEN

THE GROSS FLOOR AREA OF EACH UNIT IS ABOUT 1 750 SQUARE METRES, ONE LARGER UNIT OF ABOUT 2 100 SQUARE METRES AVAILABLE AT

LONG.

THE FACTORY STRUCTURES CONSIST OF A STEEL POSTAL FRAME WITH

METRES CLEAR HEADROOM AT THE CENTRE AND 7.2 METRES AT EACH A TWO-STOREY REINFORCED CONCRETE ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

13.3 SIDE.

IS ATTACHED TO EACH FACTORY.

THF I ARGFST DETACHED UNIT AT YUEN LONG IS ON OFFER AT A PURCHASE PRICE OF $8.4 MILLION, WI ™ THE TWO ^MI-DETACHED UNITS AT $6 9 MILLION AND $6.7 MILLION. THc DETACHED UNIT AT TAI PO COSTS'$7.8 MILLION, AND THE TWO SEMI-DETACHED UNITS $7.3 MILLION AND $7.6 MILLION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

AN ARTIST IMPRESSION OF THE NEW FACTORY BUILDINGS AT YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK LATER TODAY.

0 -

/16

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1935

TAI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * *

_TRE YA । PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL RFcinMAi Suro’^o H0LD A MEET,NG TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TOD ISCUSS °AMONG OTHER THINGS, A PLAN TO REARRANGE HAWKER PITCHES AT LUK HFI.nP N LANE IN TAI PO AND AN EXTENSION OF THEIR bO™ESS HOURS

ENDORSEMENT WOULD ALSO BE SOUGHT FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR PROGRAMMES TO BE PRESENTED BY THE RSD AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE AND FOR APPLICATIONS FOR BOOKINGS OF THE CENTRE FROM VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS.

MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE RANGE OF RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE RSD IN SUPPORT OF THE TAI PO FESTIVAL AND THE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED AT THE TAI PO PUBLIC LIBRARY.

THE MEETING, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER AT TSUEN WAN STATION ^ToZ!T°REY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

-----0------

AWARD SCHEMES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS * * * *

VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN KWUN TONG ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT CANDIDATES FOR A COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE.

THE +KWUN TONG AWARD SCHEME+ IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING AND ASSISTING THOSE WHO WANT TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY.

THOSE WHO CAN SHOW THAT THEIR SERVICES BENEFIT RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT CAN BE NOMINATED FOR THE AWARD SCHEME.

FIVE NOMINATIONS SELECTED FROM THE ENTRIES WILL BE AWARDED $2 000 FOR THEM TO IMPLEMENT THEIR PROJECTS.

APART FROM THIS AWARD SCHEME, THE COMMITTEE IS ALSO ORGANISING A +MODEL KWUN TONG PERSON AWARD SCHEME+.

/MRSE MODEL.....

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

THREE MODEL FAMILIES, STUDENTS AND WORKERS WILL BE SELECTED AND AWARDED PRIZES.

BOTH AWARD SCHEMES ARE ACTIVITIES OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED IN MID-DECEMBER.

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE SCHEMES CAN OBTAIN AN ENTRY FORM OR NOMINATION FORM FROM THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315.

THE DEADLINE FOR THE +KWUN TONG AWARD SCHEME+ IS ON DECEMBER 12, WHILE THE +MODEL KWUN TONG PERSON AWARD SCHEME+ WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 14.

-------0---------

GRASS SOCCER PITCH TO OPEN

* * * *

A NEWLY-COMPLETED GRASS SOCCER PITCH AT KWU TUNG, SHEUNG SHU I, WILL BE OPENED ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) FOR SOCCER ENTHUSIASTS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.

THE SOCCER PITCH WILL OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM DAILY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

COSTING ABOUT S55O OOO, THE PROJECT IS JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.

THE PITCH, MEASURING 7 700 SQUARE METRES, IS MANAGED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

APART FROM THE MAIN SOCCER ARENA, THE PITCH ALSO INCLUDES LANDSCAPED AREA, AN OFFICE, A STOREROOM, CHANGING ROOMS AND PUBLIC TOILETS.

ANYONE WISHING TO BOOK THE PITCH CAN CONTACT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE RSD ON TELEPHONE 0-934649 OR 0-922892 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

-----0------

TRAFFIC CHANGES ON ROBINSON ROAD

* * * *

FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 4), ALL VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING ROBINSON ROAD BETWEEN PARK ROAD AND OAKLANDS AVENUE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH PARK ROAD FOR ROAD WORKS.

DURING THE PERIOD, VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PARK ROAD BETWEEN ROBINSON ROAD AND BREEZY PATH, LYTTELTON ROAD AND OAKLANDS AVENUE. HOWEVER, ROBINSON ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 105 AND 113 WILL BE CONVERTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FOR LOCAL ACCESS.

------0-------

/18......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1985

CLOSURE OF AIRPORT TUNNEL * * * * *

THE AIRPORT TUNNEL AND THE EAST KOWLOON WAY EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12.01 AM TO 5.30 AM FROM DECEMBER 5 TO 7 (THURSDAY TO SATURDAY) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK.

MOTORISTS FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND HUNG HOM HEADING FOR NGAU TAU KOK AND KWUN TONG WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL ON GROUND LEVEL ROADS.

MOTORISTS FROM KWUN TONG ROAD, WAI YIP STREET, KAI FUK ROAD AND KAI CHEUNG ROAD HEADING FOR HUNG HOM ARE ADVISED TO USE KWUN TONG ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST.

- - o -

CALL TO SUPPORT NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME * * * *

WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, TODAY (MONDAY) CALLED ON THE RESIDENTS OF WAN CHAI TO SUPPORT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME WHICH WOULD BE OF GREAT HELP TO THE POLICE IN THEIR EFFORTS TO FIGHT CRIME.

SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE SCHEME AT MAN ON HOUSE IN WAN CHAI THIS EVENING, MR GARCIA SAID THE EMPHASIS OF THIS YEAR’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN WAS ON THE PREVENTION OF BURGLARIES AND ROBBERIES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.

+UNDER THIS SCHEME, RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO FORM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS TO KEEP VIGILANCE NOT JUST ON THEIR OWN HOMES BUT ALSO THOSE OF THEIR NEIGHBOURS,* HE SAID.

+IT IS INDEED MOST ENCOURAGING TQ. KNOW THAT ALL THE TENANTS OF MAN ON HOUSE HAVE SHOWN THEIR FULL SUP'PORT BY JOINING THE SCHEME,* MR GARCIA SAID.

A TOTAL OF 40 NIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS HAVE BEEN FORMED BY 144 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE BUILDING, HE SAID.

+THIS NOT ONLY REFLECTS THE UNITY IN SPIRIT OF THE TENANTS, BUT ALSO THEIR DETERMINATION TO FIGHT CRIME,* HE SAID.

THE WAN CHAI POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR LAU TO-YEE ALSO THANKED TENANTS OF MAN ON HOUSE FOR SUPPORTING THE SCHEME AND JOINING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

OTHER GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE WAN CHAI POLICE DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.N. FRITH! CHAIRMAN OF THE MAN ON HOUSE OWNERS’ CORPORATION, MS ANNA TANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MRS PEGGY LAM, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI EAST AREA- COMMITTEE, MR HO FOOK-CHU.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SENIOR APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED................................... 1

SENIOR APPOINTMENTS TO UMELCO OFFICE............................ 2

THIRD QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS RELEASED....................... 3

NEW COMPLAINTS GROUP SECRETARIAT ON FC AGENDA................... 6

LEGCO TO DEBATE NATIONALITY WHITE PAPER......................... 9

PROFESSIONALS URGED TO CONTINUE SUPPORT ....................... 10

POLICY IS TO PROMOTE QUALITY OF EDUCATION ..................... 11

HK DELEGATION LEAVES FOR ILO CONFERENCE........................ 12

ADVANCED TYPESETTING TECHNOLOGY FOR TRAINEES .................. 13

LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS ..................... 14

ISLANDS DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET ............................ 14

EIGHT NEW SCHOOLS PLANNED FOR YU® LONG ........................ 15

HAWKERS PITCHES TO BE RE-ARRANGED.............................. 16

DETAILS ON IG/UN TONG FESTIVAL ................................ 17

ROAD SAFETY TEACHING KIT WINS AWARD ........................... 17

BOARD MEMBERS VISIT TDC ....................................... 18

WARNING ON DANGEROUS GOODS LORRIES ............................ 19

ISLANDS CLEARANCE EXERCISE COMPLETED........................... 20

IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY UNITY STRESSED ........................... 20

SEMINAR FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS ........................ 21

NEW YEAR RUN FOR KOWLOON CITY ................................. 22

NEW CHILDREN'S HOME OPENING ................................... 22

WEIGHT LIMIT ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER .............................. 2 3

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

SENIOR APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED *****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) ANOTHER SERIES OF APPOINTMENTS TO SENIOR POSTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

THEY ARE:

* MR TONY EASON TO BE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY IN JANUARY 1986. MR EASON WILL REPLACE MR PAUL WONG KAM-CHIU, WHOSE MOVE TO THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN ANNOUNCED J

* MR ALISTAIR ASPREY TO REPLACE MR EASON AS A DEPUTY SECRETARY IN THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH IN FEBRUARY 1986»

* MR RICHARD HOARE, CURRENTLY A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR ASPREY AS PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN JANUARY 1986, AND

* MR NICHOLAS NG WING-FUI HAS BECOME DEPUTY SECRETARY (CIVIL SERVICE) STAFF MANAGEMENT, REPLACING MR GORDON SIU KWING-CHUE WHO, AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, IS NOw SECRETARY GENERAL, UMELCO OFFICE.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

ALISTAIR ASPREY, AE, JP

AGED 41. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN SEPTEMBER 1965 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1981._ HE HAS HELD A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE, AND HIS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES SERVICE AS A DISTRICT OFFICER IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND AS A DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. HE HAS BEEN PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE SINCE FEBRUARY 1984.

ANTHONY EASON, JP

AGED 47. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 1962 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1982. HIS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES SERVICE AS A DISTRICT OFFICER AND AS A DtPUTY DIRECTOR IN THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT. HE HAS ALSO BEEN CLOSELY INVOLVED IN RECENT YEARS IN THE EVOLUTION OF GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE TERRITORY. HE HAS BEEN A DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS SINCE SEPTEMBER 1981.

/NICHOLAS_NG .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 198$

2 -

N ICHOLAS NG WING-FUI

AGED 39. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JUNE 197'3 AND rf/AS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN APRIL 1980. Hb HAS SERVED IN THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND wAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL, STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICt FROM 1981 TO 1984 SINCE JUNE 1984 HE HAS BEEN A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

RICHARD HOARE

AGED 36. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN SEPTEMBER 1972 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN APRIL 1981. HIS SERVICE INCLUDES EXPERIENCE IN THE FORMER SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SECURITY BRANCH AND CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH. FROM 1982 TO 1985 HE WAS SECONDED TO THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (HONG KONG DEPARTMENT), AND SINCE HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG EARLIER THIS YEAR HE HAS BEEN A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

------o-------

SENIOR APPOINTMENTS TO UMELCO OFFICE & 1k % #

UMELCO ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) TWO APPOINTMENTS TO SENIOR POSTS IN THE OFFICE.

MR RAFAEL HUI SI-YAN, FORMERLY ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL IN THE UMELCO OFFICE, HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE NEW POST OF DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL, UMELCO OFFICE.

MR HUI, AGED 37, JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 1970 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN APRIL 1930. HIS SERVICE INCLUDES EXPERIENCE IN THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, SECURITY BRANCH, ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND TRANSPORT BRANCH. HE HAS BEEN ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL, UMELCO OFFICE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1984.

MR JONATHAN DAW, DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL, HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS LEGAL ADVISER IN THE UMELCO OFFICE.

MR DAW, AGED 36, JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A CROWN COUNSEl. IN AUGUST 1978. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL IN APRIL 1980, TO ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CROwN COUNSEL IN SEPTEMBER 1982 mND TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF DEPUTY PRINCAIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN AUGUST 1983. HE HAS BEEN THE LEGAL ADVISER ON CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.

--------0

/3........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

3 -

THIRD QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS RELEASED * * *

QUARTER

TERMS OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD

WEAR ING

OF 1985, THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS WERE ------- APPAREL, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, AND BASIC PETALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.

THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 84 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE CF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS.

INDUSTRIES HAVING RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 WERE TOBACCO (+$155 MILLION) ^r^ECTR1CAL MACHINERY (+$133 MILLION), ELECTRICITY (+$61 MILLION), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (+$6O MILLION), FOOTWEAR fctu®sS!MG'<jl43AK?LL*ON5.AND PAPER PR0DUCTS' PRINTING AND

RELATIVE TERMS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASES OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 WERE TOBACCO (+157 PER CENT), ELECTRICITY (+101 PER CENT), BEVERAGES (+40 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (+31 PER CENT), AND NON-ELECTRICAL MACHINERY (+29 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 WERE RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-$2 233 MILLION OR -25 PER CENT), WEARING APPAREL (-$1 242 MILLION OR -14 PER CENT) TEXTILES (-$777 MILLION OR -11 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS >-$680 MILLION OR -17 PER CENT), BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (-$290 MILLION OR -16 PER CENT), AND CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (-$66 MILLION OR -16 PER CENT).

SIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE DECREASES WERE ALSO OBSERVED IN AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION (-81 PER CENT), RUBBER PRODUCTS (-33 PER CNET), NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (-32 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (-27 PER CENT), MINING AND QUARRYING (-26 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-25 PER CENT).

THE ABOVE ARE SOME OF THE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985. THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.

/THE CLASSIFICATION .......

T'JBSDAY, niXJEMBEH 3, 1985

- 4 -

THE CLASSIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL GRIG IN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (I.S.I.C.), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (S.l.T.C.) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

WHEN REFERRING TO THESE RE-CLASSIFIED FIGURES, A POINT OF CAUTION IS RELEVANT. CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION. IN SUCH CASES, THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH AN ITEM IS FINALlY PRODUCED IS NOT REALLY THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE VALUE. NEVERTHELESS, STATISTICALLY, THE OVERALL VALUE OF THE ITEM IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THAT INDUSTRY.

BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE ITEM IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.

FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR

MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE SEEN IN THE ATTACHED TABLE WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT TEL. 3-7224504).

A TABLE ON THESE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, SEPTEMBER 1985+.

VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR MERCHANDISE, RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 AND OF 1985

(HK$ ’000)

INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS

OF THE COMMODITIES --------------------------------------------------

EXPORTED 3RD QTR. 3RD QTR. VALUE % CHANGE

1984 1985 CHANGE

AGRICULTURAL, FORESTRY AND F ISH ING

AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION 3 709 688 -3 021 -81

FORESTRY AND LOGGING — — — —

OCEAN AND COASTAL FISH ING 52 764 52 800 36

MINING AND QUARRYING 1 359 1 012 -347 -26

/MANUfACTDRING .......

TUESDAY, LiEtaMiu Jt

- 5 -

MANUFACTUR ING

FOOD 307 398 314 593 7 195 2

BEVERAGES 42 343 59 197 16 854 40

TOBACCO 98 982 253 912 154 930 157

TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 7 203 873 6 427 303 -776 570 -11

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR AND KNITWEAR 8 987 329 7 745 733 -1 241 596 -14

LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS 136 319 131 568 -4 751 —

FOOTWEAR 147 136 193 143 46 007 31

WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES 198 575 183 926 -14 649 -7

PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING 600 777 643 518 42 741 7

CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 410 941 345 056 -65 885 -16

RUBBER PRODUCTS 43 867 29 602 -14 265 -33

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 4 082 953 3 402 517 -680 436 -17

NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS 173 900 117 989 -55 911 -32

BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 1 859 018 1 569 436 -289 582 -16

MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL 459 629 593 051 133 422 29

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 9 113 127 6 879 965 -2 233 162 -25

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 48 383 35 214 -13 169 -27

PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT 2 978 817 3 038 853 60 036 2

OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 2 222 683 2 381 001 158 318 7

/ELSCTBICITY

TUESDAY, B32HBKH i, 1985

ELECTRICITY

60 696 121 938 61 242 101

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

(E.G. DEVELOPED PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES AND FILM, ANTIQUES, AND WORKS OF ART)

13 591 12 710

-881 -6

TOTAL 39 248 170 34 534 726 -4 713 444 -12

INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES OF A COLUMN MAY NOT ADD UP EXACTLY TO THE CORRESPONDING TOTAL DUE TO ROUNDING.

* CHANGE OF LESS THAN 1 PER CENT.

-------o - - - -

NEW COMPLAINTS GROUP SECRETARIAT ON FC AGENDA ******

FUNDS FOR SETTING UP A SECRETARIAT TO SERVICE A NEW POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, WHICH WILL TAKE OVER THE MONITORING OF THE WORK OF THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE FROM THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP, WILL BE ONE OF THE SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION WHEN FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE PROPOSAL TO RECONSTITUTE THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP TO INCLUDE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND A SUPPORTING SECRETARIAT WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH.

IT FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDATIONS QF A WORKING GROUP, SET UP IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, TO EXAMINE HOW THE CAPABILITY OF THE MONITORING GROUP COULD BE ENHANCED THROUGH A BETTER DISTRIBUTION CF WORK.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MEMBERS OF THE EXISTING UMELCO POLICE GROUP MONITORED ABOUT 350 REPORTS FROM THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE EACH MONTH, AND THE WORKLOAD WAS SUCH THAT THE MONITORING CAPABILITY NEEDED TO BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED AND ENHANCED.

THE RECONSTITUTED GROUP WILL HAVE A CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN TO BE DRAWN FROM UMELCO, TOGETHER WITH AT LEAST EIGHT JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AS MEMBERS.

/♦BECAUSE OF .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985'

- 7 -

♦BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE AND THE PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORK INVOLVED, MEMBERS OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦ AS WITH THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP, THE ONLY OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE ON THE GROUP WILL BE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE.*

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT UNDER THE NEW SET UP, THE TOTAL UNOFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP WOULD BE 11 AS COMPARED TO THE PRESENT SEVEN.

♦ THIS SHOULD ENABLE MORE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO DEVOTE MORE TIME TO CONSIDERATION AND ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL REPORTS,* HE SAID.

THE NEW COMMITTEE, WHICH COMES INTO OPERATION IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR, WILL NO LONGER BE A UMELCO BODY AND ITS SECRETARIAT WILL OPERATE TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES AS A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT.

AS THE SECRETARIAT WILL HAVE TO BE ESTABLISHED BEFORE JANUARY, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A NEW HEAD OF EXPENDITURE ENTITLED +POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE*, WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $716 OOO FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 1985-86 FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE SECRETARIAT WILL BE HEADED BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C, WHO WILL BE SUPPORTED BY ONE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ONE SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL, FOUR SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, FOUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS I, ONE EXECUTIVE OFFICER II AND OTHER SUPPORTING STAFF.

SUITABLE PREMISES ARE NOW BEING SOUGHT TO ACCOMMODATE THE SECRETARIAT.

OTHER ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT TOMORROW’S MEETING INCLUDE:

* SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $5 MILLION TO MEET UNAVOIDABLE EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE LEGAL AID SCHEME,

* REPLACEMENT PORTABLE RADIO SETS FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT,

* INCREASED COMMITMENT TO ENABLE REMEDIAL WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SLOPE,

* REPLACEMENT OF 27 AMBULANCES OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT,

/» A HEJ.......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

* A NEW TURNTABLE LADDER AND OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT,

* FINANCIAL COMMITMENT FOR THE MARINE POLICE LAUNCH BUILDING PROGRAMME,

* GRANTS FOR THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, CITY POLYTECHNIC, AND THE MEDICAL SCHOOL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG,

M AN UPGRADED COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT,

* COSTS FOR REMOVING THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY FROM LEASED ACCOMMODATION TO A GOVERNMENT BU ILDING,

* A BLOCK VOTE OF $4 MILLION FOR BUYING MICROCOMPUTERS,

# FINANCIAL COMMITMENT FOR THREE OVERSEAS CULTURAL TOURS IN 1986-87,

* FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT TAKING OVER THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL,

* REPLACEMENT MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, TWO INCINERATORS AND A PORT HEALTH LAUNCH FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT,

* A REPLACEMENT FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE,

* A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM DOWNPAYMENT LOAN UNDER THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME FROM 10 PER CENT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE TO 20 PER CENT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, OR 18 MONTHS’ SALARY OF THE OFFICER CONCERNED, WHICHEVER IS THE LESS, AND

X FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ENHANCED COMMAND AND CONTROL COMPUTER SYSTEM AND AN INTEGRATED RADIO SERVICES SYSTEM FOR THE POL ICE.

/9........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

- 9 -

LEGCO TO DEBATE NATIONALITY WHITE PAPER * * * *

THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON J.J. SWA INE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

NINE OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS ON THE MATTER.

FIVE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED AND HAVE A SECOND READING. THEY ARE:

K INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985,

X EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985,

* COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985,

X BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985, AND

* PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.

OTHER BUSINESS WILL INCLUDE THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS’ MOTIONS, 11 QUESTIONS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, A MOTION AND A STATEMENT FROM UNOFFICIALS.

THE THREE OFFICIALS’ MOTIONS ARE THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) ORDINANCE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.

THE 11 QUESTIONS BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL DEAL WITH VARIOUS MATTERS INCLUDING MEASURES TO CONTROL NOISE NUISANCE, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARDS ADMINISTERING DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ON STUDENTS, AND PLANS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM CF EXCESSIVE NOISE AFFECTING SCHOOLS NEAR THE AIRPORT AND MAJOR ROADS.

THE HON J.J. SWAINE WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE REGARDING THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND.

A STATEMENT WILL ALSO BE MADE BY THE HON ALLEN LEE ON THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 1984-85.

-------o

/1O .......

Jt s TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1935

' - 10 -

0 '

. ' t • V' PROFESSIONALS URGED TO CONTINUE SUPPORT

- ' \ ****** j . V'

SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON PROFESSIONALS TO HELP SUSTAIN HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORY BY CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND REFINEMENT OF ITS INFRA-STRUCTURE.

+IF HONG KONG IS TO REMAIN A PROSPEROUS AND PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY, IT WOULD BE ABSOLUTELY VITAL THAT THE PROFESSIONALS SHOULD CONTINUE TO WORK WITH FULL COMMITMENT AND CONCERN FOR HONG KONG,+ MR LIAO SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE INTER-fROFESSIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS, MR LIAO SAID THAT PROFESSIONALS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY VOCAL IN EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS ON ISSUES NOT ONLY IN THEIR OWN FIELDS BUT ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE SOCIETY.

+THIS ENTHUSIASM IS A CLEAR SIGN THAT OUR PROFESSIONALS HAVE THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AT HEART, AND THEIR PURPOSE .IS NOT CONFINED TO JUST MAKING A BETTER LIVING FOR THEMSELVES,+ HE NOTED.

THE PROFESSIONALS HAVE PLAYED A FUNDAMENTAL ROLE IN MAKING HONG KONG THE DYNAMIC SOCIETY IT IS TODAY, AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INFRA-STRUCTURE TO COPE WITH A POPULATION THAT HAD GROWN NINE-FOLD SINCE THE WAR HAD BEEN PHENOMENAL, HE SAID.

MR LIAO SAID WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS IN THE 1970’3, NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES WERE OPENED TO PROFESSIONALS IN EVERY FIELD. THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN 198O’S RESULTED IN IMPROVEMENTS IN ROAD AND TRANSPORT NETWORKS, EDUCATION, MEDICAL SERVICES, AND RECREATION AND CULTURE.

HE SAID A NUMBER OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WILL HELP STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S INFRA-STRUCTURE AS AN INTERNATIONAL MARKET. THESE INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CONTAINER TERMINAL, THE LAYING OF A SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND FURTHER HARBOUR RECLAMATION PROJECTS.

+MAJOR NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY WHICH WILL RELIEVE MORE OF THE STRAIN ON THE OVERCROWDED URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG, AND A THIRD UNIVERSITY WILL RESULT IN FEW LOCAL STUDENTS TURNING TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS FOR PLACES ON POST-SECONDARY COURSES,+ HE SAID.

+MOREOVER, HONG KONG’S HISTORY, GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND COSMOPOLITAN ATMOSPHERE MAKES THIS A PLACE WITH CONSIDERABLE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE ARTS,+ HE ADDED.

MR LIAO SAID' IN THESE AREAS THE PROFESSIONALS WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY.

/+ANOTHBH IMPOKTANT .......

TUESDAY i DECEMBER 3, 1985

- 11 -

+ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT IN THE ROLE OF THE PROFESSIONALS IS THEIR INCREASED READINESS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,* HE SAID.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT MANY PROFESSIONALS HAVE DEVOTED TIME AND EFFORT TO MAKE VARIED CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORKING OF THE 35O-STRONG ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES IN HONG KONG.

THE ELECTION OF PROFESSIONALS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNDER THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTORAL COLLEGE CAN BE SEEN AS AN EXTENSION OF THAT TRADITION, HE SAID.

♦THERE ARE NO LESS THAN 17 PROFESSIONALS, BOTH APPOINTED AND ELECTED, AMONG THE 46 UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, AND THE LEAD TAKEN BY THE PROFESSIONALS IN PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IS UNDOUBTEDLY A KEY FACTOR IN ENSURING THE CONTINUED STABILITY OF HONG KONG IN THE YEARS AHEAD,* MR LIAO SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE PRIME OBJECTIVE OF PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS WAS TO SUPPORT THEIR MEMBERS IN SUSTAINING THEIR COMMITMENT TO AND CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY.

+1 HOPE THAT THE INSTITUTIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, AND THAT THEY WILL STIMULATE DISCUSSION AMONGST THEIR MEMBERS AND REFLECT THEIR VIEWS ON IMPORTANT ISSUES AFFECTING HONG KONG TO THE GOVERNMENT,* SAID MR LIAO.

-----o-----

POLICY IS TO PROMOTE QUALITY OF EDUCATION * * * * *

TO PROMOTE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IS THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BEST EDUCATION CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT THE BEST SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW EXTENSION AND THE GRADUATION AND PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF ST. FRANCIS CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, MR LEUNG SAID IT WAS THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF SCHOOLS WHILE FREE AND UNIVERSAL EDUCATION CATERED FOR THE GREAT MAJORITY IN RESPONSE TO SOCIAL DEMAND.

IT WOULD BE THROUGH BETTER TRAINED TEACHERS, MORE DIVERSIFIED CURRICULUM BEST SUITED TO THE NEEDS OF PUPILS, BETTER TEACHING AIDS AND METHODS, MORE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT AND BETTER FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND BUILDINGS, MR LEUNG SAID.

+BUT HOW A SCHOOL WILL PROMOTE AND IMPROVE ITS STANDARDS GIVEN ALL THESE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT MUST DEPEND UPON ITSELF — ITS LEADERSHIP, ITS WILL POWER AND DETERMINATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN STAFF, STUDENTS AND PARENTS,* HE ADDED.

/stressing that

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

- 12 -

STRESSING THAT THE MANIFESTATION OF A GOOD SCHOOL LAY IN ITS ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, MR LEUNG SAID THAT ST. FRANCIS CANOSSIAN COLLEGE HAD ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO STRIKE A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

+WITH THE PROVISION OF THE SCHOOL HALL AND COVERED PLAYGROUND, THE SCHOOL IS BETTER EQUIPPED TO EXPAND ITS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES TO CATER FOR AN EVEN WIDER RANGE OF STUDENTS’ INTERESTS AND NEEDS,* MR LEUNG SAID.

NOTING THE RECENT ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE SCHOOL’S STUDENT COUNCIL, MR LEUNG SAID IT WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE CF THE KIND OF CIVIC EDUCATION THAT YOUNG PEOPLE COULD BEST BENEFIT FROM SCHOOL.

+ IT IS MY FIRM BELIEF THAT IT IS THROUGH PARTICIPATION AS WELL AS ORGANISATION AND RUNNING OF THE CLUBS AND INTEREST GROUP THAT OUR STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO DEVELOP THEIR MORAL AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES SUCH AS SELF-DISCIPLINE, LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY AWARENESS, RESOLUTION IN FACING DIFFICULTIES AND CARE FOR OTHERS,* He. SAID.

-----0------

HK DELEGATION LEAVES FOR ILO CONFERENCE * * * *

A TRIPARTITE HONG KONG DELEGATION LED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR uABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE, LEFT FOR JAKARTA TODAY (TUESDAY) TO ATTEND THE 10TH ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.

THE 10-DAY CONFERENCE, WHICH STARTS TOMORROW, IS BEING HOSTED BY INDONESIA AND WILL BE ATTENDED BY SOME 300 PARTICIPANTS FROM 22 COUNTRIES IN THE REGION AS WELL AS OBSERVERS FROM THE ILO AND OTHER LABOUR ORGANISATIONS.

THE CONFERENCE WILL FOCUS DISCUSSIONS ON VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OF DISABLED PERSONS AND RURAL AND URBAN VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN GENERAL.

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDES MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS; MR JOHN CHEETHAM, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG, AND MR J0H.4 SUNG, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’a SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE.

MR TAM AND MR CHEETHAM WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AS REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG.

/MH BRIDGE .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

MR ERIDGE SAID THE CONFERENCE WOULD BE OF PARTICULAR

INTEREST TO HONG KONG AS THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE’S APPROACH

WAS BASED ON ILO PRINCIPLES.

+THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION HAS PROVIDED VALUABLE ASSISTANCE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN THE FORMULATION OF OUR REHABILITATION POLICY,+ HE SAID.

MR BRIDGE SAID HE WOULD ALSO BE PAYING A SHORT VISIT TO SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA AFTER THE CONFERENCE TO STUDY THE EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION SYSTEMS IN THE TWO COUNTRIES.

-----o-----

ADVANCED TYPESETTING TECHNOLOGY FOR TRAINEES

* * * *

TRAINEES OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN THE LATEST TYPESETTING TECHNOLOGY WITH A SET OF COMPUTERISED PHOTOTYPESETTING MACHINES DONATED BY INDUSTRY.

SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE PHOTOTYPESETTING INSTALLATION AT THE CENTRE THIS MORNING, MR ALEX WU, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, SAID THE TRAINING ON THESE MACHINES WOULD BROADEN THE TYPESETTING SKILLS OF THE TRAINEES AND ENABLE THEM TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL PRINTING INDUSTRY.

THE $700 000 TYPESETTING EQUIPMENT DONATED BY THE MORISAWA COMPANY INCLUDES ONE UNIT OF COMPUTER-AIDED CHINESE LANGUAGE PHOTO-TYPESETTER WITH VISUAL DISPLAY UNIT, TWO UNITS OF INPUT AND EDITING TERMINALS WITH SECONDARY KEYBOARD TERMINALS AND ONE UNIT OF CHINESE PRINTER.

+WITH THIS LATEST EQUIPMENT, TRAINEES WILL BE TRAINED NOT ONLY IN TYPESETTING CHINESE CHARACTERS BUT ALSO IN TYPESETTING MIXED LANGUAGE AND VARIOUS SYMBOLS SUCH AS THOSE USED IN MUSIC, CHEMISTRY AND MATHEMATICS.

+ALL THESE WILL FACILITATE THE PREPARATION OF BILINGUAL DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS, THE DEMAND FOR WHICH HAS BEEN INCREASING TREMENDOUSLY,+ MR WU SAID.

THE BROADENING OF TYPESETTING SKILLS WOULD ALSO HELP ENHANCE THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF TRAINEES, HE ADDED.

MR WU, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OVERSEEING THE TRAINING OPERATION OF THE CENTRE, EXPRESSED THE COUNCIL’S APPRECIATION OF THE MANY DONATIONS IT HAD RECEIVED FROM INDUSTRY ON IMPROVING THE TRAINING FACILITIES AND BRINGING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES TO TRAINEES.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS

* * * #

A LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE HAS BEEN ORGANISED OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS IN SHA TIN TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.

A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN LINED UP, INCLUDING SEMINARS, VISITS, DISCUSSIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT, FOR 120 MEMBERS CF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, YIN NGA I SOCIETIES AND BUILDING COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, IT IS ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS OF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

+THROUGH THESE FUNCTIONS, WE HOPE TO TRAIN UP POTENTIAL LEADERS FOR SHA TIN WHO WILL BE FACING GREAT CHALLENGES IN THEIR FUTURE WORK,+ DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM SAID.

+AS FRONT LINE COMMUNITY LEADERS, THEY WILL BE SERVING THE EVER-INCREASING POPULATION OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN WHO WILL NEED ASSISTANCE IN ADAPTING TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

♦THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO PLAY A MAJOR ROLE AS PART OF THE CONSULTATION PROCESS, WHICH HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL,+ MR NG SAID.

THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE WILL ALSO INCLUDE TALKS BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON LOCAL POLITICAL REFORMS, THE ROLE OF MAC’S, CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN; DISCUSSIONS ON THE WORKS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS; VISITS TO FACILITIES OF THE DISTRICT AND CAMPING.

- - 0 -

ISLANDS DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * *

THE ISLANDS DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE COMMISSIONING OF THE NEW COOKED FOOD MARKET NEAR THE FERRY CONCOURSE AT MUI WO AND THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT AT THE PUI 0 CAMP SITE ON LANTAU• ISLAND.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE WORKS PROGRAMME TO BE CARRIED OUT BY BEACH STAFF IN THE DISTRICT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, THE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT RUNNING SCHEME 1985.

/THE MEEMN

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

- 15 -

THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

-----0------

EIGHT NEW SCHOOLS PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG

*****

YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE LOCATION OF EIGHT NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT OVER THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS, AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 5).

THE PROPOSED SITES FOR THE SCHOOLS ARE LONG PING ESTATE, YUEN LONG TOWN, FAIRVIEW PARK AND THE TIN YIU ESTATE IN TIN SHU I WAI.

TO COINCIDE WITH THE TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT, BOARD MEMBERS a ILL BE BRIEFED ON THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SECURITY BUND BRIDGE AT TIN SHU I WAI.

THEY wILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON A REVIEW OF THE +MEET THE PUBLIC* SCHEME AND BE TOLD THAT 51 EVENING SESSIONS WERE HELD AND 130 CASES HANDLED DURING THE LAST YEAR.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE HONG KONG BRITISH NATIONALITY ORDER 1986, AND THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE SIXTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

.no ITED,T0 C0VtR ™E YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOmHD THURSDAY DECEMBER 5) AT 9.30 AM ON 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.

- o ----------

/1b........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

HAWKERS PITCHES TO BE RE-ARRANGED

*****

HAWKERS PITCHES AT LUK HEUNG LANE IN TAI PO WILL BE RE-ARRANGc TO IMPROVE THE VIABILITY OF THE HAWKERS’ BUSINESS.

DISCLOSING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT A MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE RSD’3 DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (TAI PO), MR CHAN CHAI-CHI, SAID THE EXERCISE WOULD PROVIDE MORE FRONTAGE FOR THE PITCHES TO DISPLAY GOODS AND MORE SPACE FOR CIRCULATION AND MOVEMENT OF CUSTOMERS.

MR CHAN SAID: +TO ACHIEVE THESE, THE 234 PITCHES WILL BE TURNED 90 DEGREES TO PROVIDE A SIX FEET FRONTAGE INSTEAD OF THE EXISTING FOUR FEET. THESE PITCHES WILL ALSO BE RE-ARRANGED IN GROUPS OF FOUR BACK TO BACK PITCHES. THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO Taken to provide for separate wet and dry goods zones.*

+IN response to a request from hawkers to improve the VIABILITY OF THEIR BUSINESSES FURTHER, THE BUSINESS HOURS WILL BE EXTENDED FROM 7 AM TO 2 PM DAILY TO 7 AM TO 6 PM DAILY AFTER THE RE-ARRANGEMENT EXERCISE IS COMPLETED IN JANUARY 1986,+ 14? CHAN ADDED.

MR CHAN SAID THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WAS AGREED ON AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS AMONG REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HAWKERS CONCERNED, THE TAI PO LICENSED HAWKERS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE RSD.

ON THE RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE RSD IN SUPPORT OF THE 1985 TAI PO FESTIVAL WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM LATE DECEMBER 1985 TO MID-FEBRUARY 1986, THE RSD’S DISTRICT LE’SURE MANAGER (TAI PO), MR MARCUS LEE, SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN REQUESTED TO ORGANISE FOUR MAJOR RECREATION AND SPORTS EVENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

+THEY ARE THE TAI PO DISTRICT BASKETBALL COMPETITION, TAI PO DISTRICT ROAD RACE, TAI PO DISTRICT OPEN FOOTBALL COMPETITION AND THE INTER-CONSTITUENCIES TELEMATCH,+ MR LEE SAID.

OVER 1 100 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE AIMED AT PROMOTING DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG TAI PO RESIDENTS.

AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE COMMITTEE MADE A NUMBER OF DECISIONS ON THE PROVISION OF CULTURAL AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN TAI PO.

IT DECIDED TO NAME THE SITTING-OUT AREA ADJACENT TO THE MAN PO TEMPLE, WHICH WAS DECLARED AN HISTORICAL BUILDING LAST YEAR, AS THE MAN MO TEMPLE GARDEN.

IT ALSO ENDORSED A SCHEDULE OF CULTURAL PROGRAMMES FOR PRESENTATION BY THE RSD AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE FROM DECEMBER 1985 TO MAY 1986. THESE INCLUDE CHINESE AND WESTERN ORCHESTRAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERTS, DANCE, DRAMA, CANTONESE OPERA DND PUPPET SHOWS AT A FREQUENCY OF ABOUT FOUR TO SIX PERFORMANCES PER MONTH.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

- 17 -

DETAILS ON KWUN TONG FESTIVAL * * * *

DETAILS OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 wVILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 5).

SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS, THE THREE-WEEK KWUN TONG FESTIVAL '85 WILL BE LAUNCHED IN MID-DECEMBER WITH MORE THAN 20 EVENTS FOR THE LOCAL PEOPLE.

ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK? THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TAMI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI J CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR EDDIE LAMB? AND THE CHAIRMEN CF THE FIVE SUB-GROUPS UNDER THE COMMITTEE.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM IN THE CALIPH ROOM ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

------o--------

ROAD SAFETY TEACHING KIT WINS AWARD

*****

THE ROAD SAFETY SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHING KIT HAS 'WON THE AWARD FOR THE OUTSTANDING PROGRAMME IN THE ARtA OF PEDESTRIANS AT THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL ROAD SAFETY CONFERENCE HELD IN HONG KONG.

THE FOUR-DAY CONFERENCE, ATTENDED BY 22 COUNTRIES, WAS CONCLUDED ON NOVEMBER 30.

THE AWARD IS ONE OF THE DOW CHEMICAL INTERNATIONAL ROAD SAFETY AWARDS, WHICH ARE DIVIDED INTO P>yEACATEGORIES THE OUTSTANDING ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMMES IN THE AREAS OF P^ESTRIaNs, DRIVERS, VEHICLES, ROAD DESIGN AND ENGINEERING AND THOSE NOT SPECIFICALLY CATEGORISED.

THE TEACHING KIT IS ONE OF THE ITEMS OF PUBLICITY MATERIAL PRODUCED BY THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO STRENGTHEN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION IN SCHOCLo.

/THIS BILINGUAL .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBEE 3, 1985

- 18 -

THIS BILINGUAL KIT CONTAINS TEACHING NOTES ON +PEDESTRIAN SAFETY* +CYCLING+, +TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS* AND +SCHOOL CROSSING PATROLS*, WITH SUGGESTED DISCUSSION TOPICS AND ACTIVITIES, AND THREE SHORT INSTRUCTIONAL FILMS ON THE FIRST THREE TOPICS.

THE KIT IS MADE AVAILABLE ON LOAN TO SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS THROUGH THE AUDIO VISUAL RESOURCE LIBRARY OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY STUDENTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE SAID: +THE WINNING OF AN AWARD AT AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PROVES THAT WE HAVE ADOPTED THE RIGHT APPROACH TO REACH THE SPECIFIC TARGET GROUP AND THAT THE STANDARD OF ITS PRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION HAS BEEN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED.*

HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THIS TEACHING KIT AIMED AT SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, A PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING KIT HAS ALSO BEEN PRODUCED FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS.

THE KIT, WHICH IS ALSO ON LOAN TO SCHOOLS, CONTAINS 17 DRAWING BOARDS WITH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AND ADOPTING A SIMPLER TECHNIQUE TO TEACH THE CHILDREN THE LANGUAGE OF THE ROAD AND ROAD SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS.

+SINCE, THERE IS SUCH A HIGH DEMAND FOR THESE TWO SETS CF TEACHING KITS, WE AIM TO EVENTUALLY PROVIDE EVERY SCHOOL WITH ONE KIT EACH,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR ARE A FURTHER 1 OOO SETS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING KITS, ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN.

BOARD MEMBERS VISIT TDC * * * * *

^AN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (TUESDAY) LEARNED ABOUT THE FUNCTIONS AND VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DURING A VISIT THERE.

LED BY THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, THE PARTY WAS MET BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TDC, MR JACK SO, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER CF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD.

THE SENIOR MANAGER (TRADE SERVICES), MR JAMES LAW, BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE WORK OF THE TDC AND ITS TRADE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.

/TSE PARTY .......

TUSSDAl', DECEMBER 3, 1985

- 19 -

THE PARTY THEN TOURED THE COUNCIL’S HEAD OFFICE, V ISITINGTHE DISPLAY CENTRE, CURRENTLY SHOWING A SELECTION OF ITEMS FROM THE RECENT HONG KONG TOYS AND GIFTS FAIR, THE COMPUTER DATA UNIT AND

THE LIBRARY.

TODAY’S TOUR WAS PART OF A PROGRAMME TO FAMILIARISE BOARD MEMBERS ON THE WORK AND OPERATIONS OF MAJOR ORGANISATIONS IN THE

DISTR ICT.

WARNING ON DANGEROUS GOODS LORRIES

*****

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) WARNED OWNERS AND DRIVERS OF DANGEROUS GOODS LORRIES NOT TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES LOADED WITH DANGEROUS GOODS UNATTENDED.

+THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOTICED THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SUCn CASES AND THAT WE ARE KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON THE SITUATION,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE TO LEAVE THEIR VEHICLES w I Tri DANGEROUS GOODS UNATTENDED.

+SUCH AN ACTION POSES A HAZARD AND ACTIONS WILL BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY WITH GOODS CONFISCATED ONCE A REPORT HAS BEEN MADE TO THE FIRE SERVICES EITHER FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OR THROUGH OUR REGULAR SPOT CHECKS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT OWNERS OR DRIVERS OF SUCH VEHICLES SHOULD DISPOSE ALL DANGEROUS GOODS TO A LICENSED GODOWN BEFORE PARKING AFTER EACH DAY OF BUSINESS.

UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO CONTRAVENES THE LEGISLATION IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF 525 OOO AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR A SINGLE OFFENCE. IN ADDITION, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES MAY APPLY TO A MAGISTRATE FOR THE CANCELLATION OF ANY LICENCE.

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/20 .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1935

ISLANDS CLEARANCE EXERCISE COMPLETED * * * *

THE LAST PHASE OF A MASSIVE CLEARANCE EXERCISE ON OUTLYING ISLANDS WAS COMPLETED IN YUNG SHUE WAN, LAMMA TODAY (TUESDAY), MARKING A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF JOINT EFFORTS BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE ISLANDS.

THE STREET OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE EXERCISE, INITIATED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT STREET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND ENDORSED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, WAS AIMED AT IDENTIFYING STREET OBSTRUCTIONS AND CLEARING THEM IN PHASES.

THE ISLANDS OF CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU, LANTAU AND LAMMA WERE DIVIDED INTO 17 ZONES BASED ON AN EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF STREET OBSTRUCTION CASES IN EACH ZONE. THE FIRST EXERCISE WAS CARRIED OUT ON CHEUNG CHAU IN NOVEMBER 1983.

THP TWO-DAY EXERCISE AT YUNG SHUE WAN INVOLVED THE REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL CANOPIES, DEBRIS, REFUSE, UNATTENDED GOODS AND ARTICLES.

CO-ORDINATED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.

COMMENTING ON THE OPERATION, THE ASSISTANT ISLANDS DISTRICT CFFICCR, MR WILSON FUNG, SAID THAT APART FROM ERADICATING THE EYESORES IN THE AREAS, THE CLEARANCE EXERCISE WOULD ALSO SERVE AS A REMINDER TO RESIDENTS, SHOP OWNERS IN PARTICULAR, OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.

HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE NORTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE, WHOSE APPEAL FOR CO-OPERATION FROM SHOP-OWNERS AND PARTIES CONCERNED HAD ENABLED THE EXERCISE TO BE CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY.

- - 0 - -

IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY UNITY STRESSED

******

FAMILY UNITY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN MAINTAINING SOCIAL STABILITY AND ACHIEVING A HEALTHY AND CARING COMMUNITY, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF HEEP YUNN SCHOOL, SHE SAID MANY OF THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS HANDLED BY HER STAFF EVERY DAY COULD BE TRACED TO BROKEN FAMILIES, MARITAL DISCORD AND FAMILY DISUNITY.

/iffiS CHAN ..

TUESDAY, ii£CjiMBER 3, 1985

- 21 -

MRS CHAN SAID THAT THE WOMAN PLAYED A UNIQUE AND I ND ISPENSIBLE ROLE IN HOLDING THE FAMILY TOGETHER, AND PROVIDING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH YOUNGSTERS COULD BE NURTURED TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND FUTURE LEADERS.

SHE THEREFORE URGED GRADUATES WHO ASPIRED TO CAREERS NOT TO OVERLOOK THEIR MORE TRADITIONAL ROLES AS WIVES, MOTHERS AND HOMEMAKERS.

HOWEVER, MRS CHAN CAUTIONED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE EASY TO STRIKE A PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN THE DEMANDS OF ONE’S FAMILY AND ONE’S CAREER.

IT HELPED IF YOU RECOGNISED YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES, AND SET YOURSELF REALISTIC GOALS, SHE SAID, ADDING THAT: + YOU MUST DECIDE WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU — IF NECESSARY BY SEEKING GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION — AND HAVING MADE YOUR DECISION, YOU MUST HAVE THE MORAL COURAGE TO STICK WITH IT. THIS IS WHAT EDUCATION IS ALL ABOUT.+

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SEMINAR FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS * * * *

A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 5).

ARRANGED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, SUBJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDE THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, LAW AND EDUCATION ON CORRUPTION AND CRIME PREVENTION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI KUNG.

KEEN INTEREST WAS SHOWN IN THE FIRST ENGLISH-SPEAKING SEMINAR ORGANISED IN JUNE THIS YEAR WITH MORE THAN 130 SAI KUNG RESIDENTS TURNING UP.

THE SEMINAR WILL START AT 7.15 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE THE SAI KUNG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, W RAYMOND LI; ICAC REPRESENTATIVE, MR KENNETH KWAN; DIVISIONAL COMMANDER (SAI KUNG), MR D.J. INGLIS; PROJECT MANAGER (JUNK BAY), NR NORMAN TUCKER; AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER, MR D.A. WEBSTER.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

- 22 -

NEW YEAR RUN FOR KOWLOON CITY * * * *

APPLICANTS ARE BEING I NV I TED FOR THE 1986 NEW YEAR HARRIER ROAD RACE WHICH WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 1.

THE ANNUAL EVENT,’ SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, THE LOK SIN TONG, THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE. • : •

THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS -- OPEN AND STUDENTS — AND IS RESTRICTED TO THOSE AGED OVER 14, AND LIMITED TO 600 PARTICIPANTS. : ’ ’

IT WILL START AND FINISH IN kOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND, COVERING A DISTANCE OF ABOUT NINE KILOMETRES AROUND KOWLOON TONG AkEA,

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID THE RACE WAS AN ANNUAL EVENT TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF A GOOD YEAR AND WAS A POPULAR ACT IV IT IY AMONG ATHLETES.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE RACE IS TO PROMOTE SPORTSMANSHIP AND RUNNING SKILLS AMONG ATHLETES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST SIX WINNERS OF EACH SECTION AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THOSE WHO CAN COMPLETE THE RACE.

DECEMBER 24 AND ENTRY FORMS CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN KAU

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES

AP.E NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON----- _

PUI LUNG ROAD, ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE IN BULKELEY STREET AND THE HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE AT THE HO MAN TIN ESTATE.

NEW CHILDREN’S HOME OPENING

* * *

LADY YOUDE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE SHA KOK CHILDREN’S HOME IN SHA TIN ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 5) MORNING.

THE.HOME, RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AIMS TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN ABANDONED, ORPHANED, OR WHO CANNOT BE ADEQUATELY LOOKED AFTER IN THEIR OWN FAMILIES.

/THE HOME........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1985

THE HOME, WITH ROOM FOR 40 PROV ID I NG FAMILY-LIKE GROUP LIFE FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN THREE AND EIGHT, '^LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF UNIT 1 TO 18, BEAN GOOSE HOUSE, SHA KOK ESTATE, SHA TIN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF SHA KOK CHILDREN’S HOME AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY.

TRANSPORT FOR THE MEDIA WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMlNT OFFICES CAR PARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, AT 10 AM SHARP.

WEIGHT LIMIT ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 5), VEHICLES WEIGHING OVER 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE NORTHBOUND UPRAMP OF CANAL ROAD FLYOVER LEADING FROM MORRISON HILL ROAD FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

• • ■■ ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION .SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

..................... '.............WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985 . ................................... CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'MEETING; LONDON TO GET FULL REPORT OF DEBATE - AG .................... 1

UK URGED-TO-LEAD TN RECOGNISING EN(O) PASSPORT............. 4

NEW PASSPORT MUST 'STATE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HK.............. 6

CALL TO OFFER BRITISH OR ’BBT CITIZENSHIP TO MINORITIES ... 7

MP' S ASKE2D TO BE HONEST WITH HK PEOPLE .................. 9

RIGHT. OF ABODE- STATEMENT ESSENTIAL IN NEW PASSPORT ...... 11

CONCERN OVER- ACCEPTABILITY OF BN(O) PASSPORT ............. 13

PROPER- STATUS FOR- NOtJ-CHINESE AFTER 1997 URGED.......... 13

THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IN AN EXTREME PREDICAMENT ............ 15

PASSPORT PACKAGE SHOULD BE IMPROVED ....................... 17

ACTION NEEDED TO NEGOTIATE PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE............. 18

EXTRA PROTECTION FOR INSURANCE POLICY HOLDERS ............. 20

EX-GRATIA PAYMENT PROPOSED FOR DISMISSED WORKERS........... 21

MOVE TO DEREGULATE PEAK TRAM FARES ........................ 24

TAVA SCHEME EXTENDED FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS.................. 25

PNEUMOCONIOSIS FUND LEVY REVISED .......................... 28

TAXI LIMIT DATE EXTENSION SOUGHT .......................... 31

MAJOR CAMPAIGN AGAINST FALLING OBJECTS SET TO START........ 31

COMMENTS SOUGHT ON DRAFT MAGISTRATES AMENDMENT BILL........ 32

TRAFFIC OFFENCE PROSECUTION EXPLAINED ..................... 33

ANTI-NOISE MEASURES PLANNED FOR NEW TRAM DEPOT............. 35

COMMUNITY CENTRE STAFF TO BE STRENGTHENED ................. 36

PUNISHMENT ON STUDENTS SHOULD BE APPROPRIATE............... 37

EXCESSIVE NOISE! AFFECTING SCHOOLS UNDER STUDY ............ 38

/RIGHT-HAND DRIVE

SIGHT-HAND DRIVE TO STAY..................................... 39

LOITERING LAW STRIKES +FAIR, EQjJITABLEf BALANCE............. 39

ASSISTANCE FOR TEACHERS TO HANDLE UNRULY PUPILS.............. 40

SERVICES TO HANDLE FAMILY PROBLEMS SATISFACTORY.............. 42

MOVE TO STUDY FUTORE WAR MEMORIAL FUND NEEDS ................ 42

HK PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SEEKS OWN BUILDING .................. 43

PAC CONCLUDES HEARINGS ......................................... 45

WANING SUPPORT FOR TEXTILE BILL INDICATED ...................... 46

BRIEFING ON JENKINS BILL ............................s-i.. 47

PRIVATE MEDICAL SECTOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WELCOMED............. 48

THAT OFFICIALS TRAINED ON TRAFFIC CONTROL ...................... 48

AIR-CONDITIONED AIRPORT COACHES LAUNCHED ....................... 49

PRESS CONFERENCE ON DB'S FORUMS ................................ 50

MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION' ........................................ 51

GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE APPLICATION TO CLOSE........................ 51

CONTAINER PARKING SITE FOR RENT ................................ 51

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WESTERN ........................... 52

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1935

LONDON TO GET FULL REPORT OF DEBATE - AG * * * *

A FULL REPORT OF TODAY’S ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1996 WILL BE SENT TO LONDON SO THAT ALL THE POINTS MADE BY MEMBERS ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN THE DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL COMES BEFORE PARLIAMENT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

WINDING UP TODAY’S ADJOURNMENT DEBATE, MR THOMAS SAID A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT ISSUES HAD BEEN RAISED IN THE DEBATE. THESE INCLUDED:

* THE NEED TO MAKE THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORT AS EFFECTIVE A TRAVEL DOCUMENT AS THE EXISTING BDTC PASSPORT;

* THE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE BN(O) PASSPORT ENJOY THE CONFIDENCE OF IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS OF THIRD COUNTRIES;

* THE NEED FOR HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT TO DO ITS UTMOST TO TRY AND ENSURE THAT THE BN(O) PASSPORT IS WIDELY ACCEPTABLE INTERNATIONALLY, AND POSSIBLY TO THIS END, INCLUDE IN THE PASSPORT FREEDOM OF ENTRY INTO THE UK;

* THE NEED TO GIVE SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION TO THE REQUEST FOR RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UK FROM HONG KONG BTDC’S WHO ARE NOT OF CHINESE ORIGIN, AND FROM FORMER SERVICEMEN IN HONG KONG; AND

* THE NEED TO ENSURE CONTINUED CONVENIENCE OF TRAVEL OF CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY (Cl) HOLDERS.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LAST POINT, THESE ISSUES WERE ESSENTIALLY MATTERS FOR HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT.

+WE SHALL ENSURE THAT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT SEE THE VIE*5 CF THE MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO ISSUES WHICH ARE WITHIN THE PROVINCE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, MR THOMAS SAID ONE ASPECT OF THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORT WHICH HAD GIVEN RISE TO DOUBT ABOUT ITS USEFULNESS WAS THE FACT THAT IT WOULD NOT CARRY A DIRECT +HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG+ ENDORSEMENT.

/+1GX3SRS WILL........

WEQJESDAY, DECEMBER 4> 1985

♦MEMBERS WILL HAVE SEEN THAT BARONESS YOUNG, THE MINISTER CF STATE OF THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, SAID IN REPLY TO A PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS YESTERDAY, THAT THE CHINESE SIDE, IN A RECENT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THE WORDING OF THE ENDORSEMENT SHOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:

♦THE HOLDER OF THIS PASSPORT HAS HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD NUMBER (SO AND SO) WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.+

+BY THESE WORDS IT WILL BE QUITE CLEAR THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG, AND THAT IT IS HIS IDENTITY CARD WHICH SPECIFIES HIS RIGHT OF ABODE, NOT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT.*

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY HAD HAD INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS WITH A NUMBER OF CONSULAR REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG ON THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE NEW PASSPORT IN THE PAST MONTH.

+IN THE LIGHT OF THESE DISCUSSIONS, WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT ALONG THOSE LINES SHOULD SATISFY IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS OF THIRD COUNTRIES OF THE HOLDERS’ RIGHT TO RETURN TO HONG KONG WITHOUT CALLING FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE IDENTITY CARDS THEMSELVES,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE TIME SCALE, MR THOMAS SAID HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT WOULD START APPROACHING THIRD COUNTRIES FORMALLY AFTER THE ORDER IN COUNCIL HAD BEEN MADE, +PROBABLY IN APRIL NEXT YEAR*, TO EXPLAIN THE NEW BN(O) STATUS AND TO ENSURE THAT HOLDERS OF BN(O) PASSPORTS WOULD ENJOY THE SAME ACCESS TO THIRD COUNTRIES AS HOLDERS OF BDTC PASSPORTS.

THE OBJECT WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT THE BN(O) PASSPORT WOULD BE AN EFFECTIVE TRAVEL DOCUMENT ALONE, AND THAT EXISTING ENTRY AGREEMENTS - ESPECIALLY THE VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS - WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY, HE ADDED.

AS FOR THE MECHANICS FOR PROCURING THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORTS, W THOMAS CONFIRMED THAT A BTDC COULD TRADE IN HIS BN(O) PASSPORT FOR A BDTC PASSPORT BEFORE 1997 IF HE BECAME DISSATISFIED WITH HIS BN(O) PASSPORT.

+BUT IN LINE WITH HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT’S ESTABLISHED PRACTICE ON THE ISSUE OF PASSPORTS, HE CAN ONLY HOLD EITHER A BN(O) OR A BDTC PASSPORT AT ANY ONE TIME,* HE SAID.

+ACCORDINGLY IF HE DOES NOT HOLD A BN(O) PASSPORT ON JULY 1, 1997, HE WILL HAVE NO BRITISH NATIONALITY OR BRITISH PASSPORT UNLESS HE WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS.

+FURTHERMORE, BDTC PASSPORTS ISSUED AFTER JULY 1, 1987 WILL MVE PROGRESSIVELY SHORTER VALIDITY PERIODS AS 1997 APPROACHES,* SAID.

/THE attorney .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ADDED THAT BN(O) PASSPORTS WOULD BE VALID FOR 10 YEARS, IN LINE WITH THE NORMAL VALIDITY PERIODS OF BRITISH PASSPORTS.

+AS THE PROCESS FOR REGISTRATION AS A BN(O) WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PROCESS FOR ACQUIRING A BN(O) PASSPORT, THERE WILL BE NO NEED FOR A BDTC SEPARATELY TO REGISTER AS A BN(O) ONCE HE HAS ACQUIRED A BN(O) PASSPORT,* HE SAID.

MR THOMAS SAID THERE WERE TWO MAIN REASONS WHY THE BN(O) PASSPORT WAS BEING INTRODUCED IN 1987.

+THE FIRST IS TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE BDTC PASSPORT WHICH FROM THAT TIME ONWARD WILL HAVE A PROGRESSIVELY SHORTER PERIOD OF VALIDITY.

+AND THE SECOND IS TO ALLOW IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS IN THIRD COUNTRIES PLENTY OF TIME TO GET USED TO THE NEW PASSPORT.

♦INTENTION IS, OF COURSE, THAT BY THE TIME THE BN(O) PASSPORT BECOMES AVAILABLE IN 1987, THIRD COUNTRIES WILL HAVE ACCEPTED IT AS A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT.+

AS FOR WHETHER IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR A RESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SAR TO HOLD CONCURRENTLY A BN(O) PASSPORT AND AN SAR PASSPORT, HE SAID THAT IN HIS VIEW PARAGRAPH 3 OF SECTION 14 OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION CLEARLY PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS TO THE SAR TO HOLD CONCURRENTLY AN SAR AND A BN(O) PASSPORT.

♦THERE CAN BE, SIR, NO OTHER INTERPRETATION,+ HE SAID.

AS FOR THE CALL FOR SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO THE REQUEST, FROM BDTC’S WHO ARE NOT OF CHINESE ORIGIN AND FORMER SERVICEMEN, TO BE GRANTED BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OR THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UK, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS A MATTER FOR HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT.

♦AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE ELOQUENT PLEAS MADE ON THEIR BEHALF BY THOSE IN THIS COUNCIL AND OTHERS OUTSIDE WILL REACH THE EARS OF THOSE IN WESTMINSTER BY THE TIME THE DRAFT ORDER COMES TO BE DEBATED,+ HE SAID.

♦BUT THERE IS NO QUESTION OF ANY PERSON WHO CEASES TO BE A BDTC ON JULY 1, 1997, BY VIRTUE OF PROVISIONS IN THE DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL, OR ANY CHILD BORN ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 1997 TO SUCH A PERSON, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THEM BECOMING STATELESS THEREAFTER,+ HE SAID.

♦ARTICLE 6 OF THE DRAFT ORDER PROVIDES THAT ANY PERSON WHO CEASES TO BE A BDTC ON JULY 1, 1997 SHALL AUTOMATICALLY BECOME A BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZEN IF HE WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS. ________________ _____________________

/+S0 FOH........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

+S0 FOR ANY CHILD OF A FORMER BDTC BORN ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 1997 THE GRANDCHILD OF A FORMER BDTC WILL HAVE AN ENTITLEMENT TO REGISTER AS A BOC WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIS BIRTH.

+THUS THE DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL PROVIDES FOR A FORM OF ITISH NATIONALITY TO BE GRANTED TO FORMER BDTC’S, TO THEIR ILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN IF THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS.

+BUT THE CHINESE BDTC’S AND BDTC’S WHO ARE NOT OF CHINESE ORIGIN WILL HAVE A RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 PROVIDED THAT THEY SATISFY THE CONDITIONS FOR ACQUISITION OF RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG SAR IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, AND IN ADDITION SIR, ARTICLE 7 OF THE CHINESE NATIONALITY LAW MAKES PROVISIONS FOR ALIENS TO ACQUIRE CHINESE NATIONALITY,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY, MR THOMAS SAID GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ACHIEVING SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS TO SAFEGUARD THEIR CONTINUED EASE CF TRAVEL.

+IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE OVER 1.7 MILLION RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG WHO QUALIFY FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY AND OVER 900 000 CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY ARE CURRENTLY IN CIRCULATION,* HE SAID.

+OVER THE YEARS THE CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY HAS ACHIEVED A HIGH REPUTATION AND WIDE INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTABILITY.

+1 UNDERSTAND, SIR, THAT THE ISSUE WILL BE DISCUSSED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS IN THE FRAMEWORK CF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP,* HE SAID.

-----o------

UK URGED TO LEAD IN RECOGNISING BN(O) PASSPORT

# # # #

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO DEVISE A SYSTEM CF RECOGNITION OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT SO THAT IT IS AUTOMATICALLY GOOD FOR TRAVEL TO THE UK WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SPECIFIC PERMISSION ON EACH OCCASION OR FOR A CERTIFICATE CF ENTRY.

THE SUGGESTION WAS MADE BY THE HON JOHN SWA I NE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

LEADING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986, MR SWA I NE SAID THIS WAS ONE FACET OF INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTABILITY WHICH WAS ENTIRELY WITHIN THE POWER OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

KSCALL2D •••••••

WEDNESDAY, DEEEMBEH 4, 1985

5 -

HE RECALLED THAT HE HAD SUGGESTED AN AUTOMATIC PERMISSION TO LAND ENDORSEMENT IN HIS SPEECH DURING LAST WEEK’S POLICY DEBATE.

+IF THAT PRESENTS A TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY (AS TO WHICH I AM NOT CONVINCED) THEN COULD NOT ANOTHER METHOD BE DEVISED WHICH WOULD BE TECHNICALLY ACCEPTABLE AND WHICH WOULD OBVIATE THE PROCEDURES UNDER THE IMMIGRATION RULES BEFORE LEAVE TO ENTER IS GIVEN?* HE ASKED.

+THE IMPORTANT THING IS FOR BRITAIN TO SET THE LEAD IN GIVING TO THE NEW PASSPORT THE STAMP OF INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTABILITY,* HE SAID.

+BRITAIN, I FEAR, IS RAPIDLY LOSING THE BATTLE FOR THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE: IT IS NOT TOO LATE EVEN NOW FOR SOME MEASURE OF GOODWILL TO BE REGAINED,* HE ADDED.

MR SWA I NE OBSERVED THAT THE NEW STATUS OF BN(O) CREATED BY THE DRAFT ORDER WOULD BE AN ODD STATUS IN THAT AS FROM JULY 1, 1997 THE BN(O) PASSPORT WOULD BE A TRAVEL DOCUMENT WITHOUT A HOME OF ITS OWN.

+IT DOES NOT CARRY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UK, AND WILL NOT CARRY ANY RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG BECAUSE THAT WILL BE GOVERNED BY ANNEX I ARTICLE XIV OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.

+RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WILL THEN BE EVIDENCED BY A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD TO BE ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT,* HE ANALYSED.

HE NOTED THE DILEMMA THAT THIS POSED HAD JUST BEEN RESOLVED BY THE NEWS THAT BRITAIN AND CHINA HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO THE FORM OF ENDORSEMENT ON THE BN(O) PASSPORT THAT THE HOLDER POSSESSES A HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WHICH STATES THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.

+IT REMAINS FOR BRITAIN NOW TO ENSURE THE INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTABILITY OF THE NEW PASSPORT WITH THIS ENDORSEMENT: EASE CF TRAVEL IS, OF COURSE, ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND WAY OF LIFE,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE OTHER FEATURE OF THE DRAFT ORDER, THE STATUS CF BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZEN, MR SWAINE SAID IT WAS EVEN MORE NEBULOUS THAN THAT OF BN(O) AND FURTHER REMOVED FROM IDENTIFICATION WITH A HOME.

IT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS ANOMALIES AND INJUSTICES WITH REGARD TO NON-CHINESE BRITISH NATIONALS, HE ADDED.

CONCLUDING, MR SWAINE MADE A SPECIAL PLEA FOR THE EX-SERVICEMEN OF HONG KONG BECAUSE HE BELIEVED NONE DESERVED IT MORE. _____

/he pointed........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

HE POINTED OUT THAT THEY FOUGHT IN DEFENCE OF HONG KONG AND IN OTHER THEATRES OF WAR-FOR KING £ND COUNTRY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

♦BRITAIN AND HONG KONG OWE THEM A DEBT OF GRATITUDE WHICH MUST BE HONOURED.

HE SAID HE RECKONED THEIR NUMBER WAS ABOUT 400 AND WAS DWINDLING.

♦ THEY FOUGHT IN DEFENCE OF A SYSTEM WHICH WILL RUN ITS COURSE IN HONG KONG IN 12 YEARS.

♦ BRITAIN MUST THEREFORE OFFER THEM A HOME. NOTHING LESS WILL D0,+ HE STRESSED.

MR SWA INE SAID THE WAY TO DO SO WAS PROVIDED BY THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT OF 1981 ITSELF.

UNDER SECTION 4 THE HOME SECRETARY HAD DISCRETION TO REGISTER A HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZEN AS A BRITISH CITIZEN AND TO WAIVE THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS IF HE HAD BEEN IN CROWN SERVICE, INCLUDING MILITARY SERVICES, HE OBSERVED.

♦ I APPEAL TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO MAKE IT KNOWN THAT IT WILL SYMPATHETICALLY CONSIDER ALL SUCH APPLICATIONS MADE BY OUR EX-SERVICEMEN,+ HE URGED.

------0-------

NEW PASSPORT MUST STATE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HK K X K *

THE NEW BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT WOULD ONLY BE ACCEPTABLE IF THE ENDORSEMENT COULD REMOVE ALL DOUBTS OF IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES REGARDING THE RETURNABILITY TO HONG KONG OF SUCH PASSPORT HOLDERS WITHOUT THE NEED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986.

RECALLING A SPEECH BY THE THEN BRITISH MINISTER OF STATE, M? RICHARD LUCE, DURING THE DEBATE OF THE HONG KONG BILL IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, DR HO SAID THERE WAS A CLEAR UNDERTAKING BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

/HE SAID .......

WEDNESDAY, DSC EMBER 4, 1985

- 7 -

HE SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD REAFFIRMED THAT A SOLUTION TO THE STATING OF THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG ON BN(O) PASSPORTS WOULD BE SOUGHT WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WHICH IN THE END WOULD NOT NECESSITATE THE CARRYING OF AN ADDITIONAL DOCUMENT BY THE HOLDERS OF SUCH PASSPORT WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD.

HOWEVER, SAID THE WORDING OF THE ENDORSEMENT ANNOUNCED THIS MORNING AND REPORTED IN THE PRESS HAD NOT FULLY ADDRESSED THIS PARTICULAR POINT.

DR HO HOPED THAT HOLDERS OF THE BN(O) PASSPORT COULD ENJOY THE SAME DEGREE OF CONVENIENCE IN TRAVELLING AS THE PRESENT BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS.

HE BELIEVED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD FIRM COMMITMENT TO MAKE THE STRONGEST REPRESENTATION TO THIRD COUNTRIES, TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THIS RELATIVELY COMPLEX ARRANGEMENT SO AS TO ESTABLISH INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR THE NEW-STYLE PASSPORT.

+ONLY IF THE BN(O) PASSPORT WERE ACCEPTED BY THIRD COUNTRIES SOON AFTER ITS ISSUANCE BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG BE ENCOURAGED TO COME FORWARD TO APPLY FOR IT,* DR HO SAID.

+COULD WE BE ENLIGHTENED THEN AS REGARDS HOW AND WHAT THE UK GOVERNMENT WILL DO TO PROMOTE THE ACCEPTANCE OF BN(O) PASSPORT IN A MORE DETAILED MANNER?* HE ASKED.

DR HO SAID HIS UNDERSTANDING FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS THAT RESIDENTS WHO AT PRESENT WERE ENTITLED TO HOLD BDTC PASSPORTS WOULD IN FUTURE BE ENTITLED TO USE BN(O) PASSPORTS AS A TRAVELLING DOCUMENT IN ADDITION TO THE ONE ISSUED BY THE FUTURE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT.

+IT WOULD DEFINITELY HELP TO DISPEL UNNECESSARY SUSPICION CONCERNING THE ENTITLEMENT TO CONCURRENTLY HOLDING BOTH TPYES OF PASSPORT IF THIS COULD BE CONFIRMED IN DUE COURSE BY BOTH THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS.

+THIS, I BELIEVE, WILL GO A LONG WAY IN EASING THE MINDS OF THOSE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE UP THE NEW-STYLE BRITISH PASSPORTS,* HE SAID.

*-----0-------

CALL TO OFFER BRITISH OR BDT CITIZENSHIP TO MINORITIES

* * * *

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD OFFER LOCAL NON-CHINESE ETHNIC MINORITIES BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZENSHIP IN ANOTHER BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON ALLEN LEE DURING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

/HE SAID ........

WEIWESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

HE SAID SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE ORDER, THERE WERE CONSIDERABLE CONCERNS AMONG THE MINORITIES IN HONG KONG THAT THEY WOULD BECOME STATELESS.

EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE OFFERED BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP (BOC) AFTER JULY 1, 1997, AND PROVISIONS WOULD BE MADE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN BORN AFTER 1997 FOR BOC STATUS, THERE WAS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY THAT THE THIRD GENERATION OF THE MINORITY GROUP WOULD BECOME STATELESS, HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE INDIAN COMMUNITY HAD MADE REPRESENTATION TO UMELCO AND EXPRESSED STRONGLY THAT EVEN IF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OBTAINED THE AGREEMENT FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THAT THEIR FUTURE DESCENDANTS COULD APPLY FOR CHINESE CITIZENSHIP THEY WERE RELUCTANT, AT THIS STAGE, TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO ACCEPTANCE.

+NO ONE SHOULD BECOME STATELESS DURING THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY NOR IN THE FUTURE,+ MR LEE SAID.

+THESE MINORITIES IN HONG KONG CHOOSE TO BECOME BRITISH NATIONALS BECAUSE THEY HAVE FAITH IN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

+IT IS UNETHICAL FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO TURN HER BACK AND WASH HER HANDS CLEAN WITH REGARD TO LESS THAN 10 000 MINORITIES IN THIS CATEGORY,* HE ADDED.

MR LEE SAID ONE ARGUMENT HE HAD HEARD WAS THAT EVEN FOR A BRITISH CITIZEN LIVING OUTSIDE BRITAIN FOR TWO GENERATIONS, THE THIRD GENERATION WOULD LOSE BRITISH CITIZENSHIP.

THE DIFFERENCE, HE POINTED OUT, WAS THAT THE BRITISH CITIZEN HAD THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE WHILE THE MINORITIES IN HONG KONG DID NOT HAVE THIS FREEDOM OF CHOICE.

+ANOTHER ARGUMENT IS THAT IF BRITAIN OFFERS BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OR BDTC STATUS TO THE MINORITIES IN HONG KONG, WHAT ABOUT THE ETHNIC CHINESE BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS? WHAT WOULD BE THEIR REACTION?

+1 HAVE TALKED TO QUITE A FEW CHINESE BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS, I CAN SAFELY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NO OBJECTION TO THE MINORITIES OBTAINING BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OR RETAINING THE BDTC STATUS! IN FACT, THEY WISH THE MINORITIES THE BEST OF LUCK,+ MR LEE SAID.

IT WAS A BRITISH RESPONSIBILITY TO OFFER THE LOCAL MINORITIES BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZENSHIP IN ANOTHER BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY, HE SAID.

♦FAILING TO TAKE UP THIS RESPONSIBILITY IS UNTHINKABLE.

+1 HOPE MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT WOULD CONSIDER THIS CASE CAREFULLY,* HE NOTED.

-----o------

/9........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 9 -

/ MP’S ASKED TO BE HONEST WITH HK PEOPLE * * * *

BRITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT HAVE BEEN URGED TO BE TOTALLY HONEST, NOT ONLY WITH THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE AND HONOUR, BUT ALSO WITH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHEN TAKING PART IN THE FORTHCOMING PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON THE NATIONALITY WHITE PAPER.

THE PLEA WAS MADE BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE ISSUE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR CHEONG ALSO SUGGESTED THREE AREAS WHICH MP’S MIGHT WISH TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION IN THEIR FUTURE DELIBERATIONS.

♦FIRST, PLEASE TAKE HEED OF THE REQUEST OF THE SMALL NUMBER (LESS THAN 10 □□□) OF BRITISH SUBJECTS OF HONG KONG WHO ARE NOT ETHNIC CHINESE,* HE SAID.

MR CHEONG POINTED OUT THAT THEIR FEARS ABOUT POSSIBLE BECOMING STATELESS PERSONS AFTER 1997 COULD BE VIEWED AND CONSIDERED WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF UNDERSTANDING AND SYMPATHY.

♦THEY DO DESERVE SPECIAL CONSIDERATION IF ONLY BECAUSE THE PLIGHT THEY CLAIM TO BE IN IS, IN MY VIEW, A PRODUCT OF THE LEGACY OF THE EMPIRE THAT WAS.

♦MANY OF THE FOREFATHERS OF OUR NON-CHINESE FRIENDS MIGHT VERY WELL HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO WORK AND EVENTUALLY SETTLED IN HONG KONG AS THEY WERE BROUGHT IN BY THEIR THEN COLONIAL MASTERS IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE NECESSARY PIONEERING WORK IN HONG KONG FOR THE GLORY OF THE THEN EMPIRE.

♦THE UNIQUENESS OF THEIR CASE MUST RANK EQUALLY WITH, IF NOT HIGHER THAN, THE CASE OF THE GIBRALTARIANS AND FALKLANDERS FOR IT IS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT DECIDED TO RETURN HONG KONG TO CH INA,♦ HE SAID.

MR CHEONG ADDED THAT HE COULD NOT SEE ANY REASON WITH BRITAIN SHOULD NOT GIVE SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT ETHNIC CHINESE IN HONG KONG IF THEY CHOSE TO CONCEDE TO GIBRALTARIANS AND FALKLANDERS. +AFTER ALL THE NUMBER IS MUCH LESS THAN THOSE OF GIBRALTAR.*

+IF THEIR REQUESTS WERE TO BE REJECTED, THEN THEY SHOULD AT LEAST BE ENTITLED TO AN HONEST EXPLANATION FOR, WITHOUT IT, THE DECISION OF REJECTION COULD EASILY BE LOOKED UPON AS ONE THAT CARRIES TINTS OF RACIALISM.

+IT WOULD NOT SERVE ANY USEFUL PURPOSE TO CONTINUE TO TRY TO PULL WOOLS OVER THE EYES OF THE GENTLE FLOCK,* HE SAID.

/SBCQNDLY, MR .......

WEENESDAY, DECEMBER 4» 1985

SECONDLY, MR CHEONG SAID HE HOPED THAT SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENT CF BRITAIN WOULD CONTINUE TO COMMIT TO THE LETTER AND SPIRIT CF THE BN(O) ORDER AND WOULD UNDERTAKE TO MAKE ALL THE NECESSARY INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE COMPLETE COMPATIBILITY OF THE DOCUMENT WITH THE BDTC PASSPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLING NOW AND IN THE ENSUING 50 YEARS AFTER 1997 SO THAT IT WOULD NOT BE MADE A MOCKERY THUS EFFECTIVELY DEGENERATING IT INTO A USELESS AND MEANINGLESS DOCUMENT.

THIRDLY, HE SAID, THE QUESTION ON BN(O) PASSPORT WAS NOT WHETHER IT wAs ACCEPTABLE TO THE THIRD COUNTRIES BUT WHETHER IT WAS EXEMPTED BY THIRD COUNTRIES FROM VISA REQUIREMENTS.

+1 THEREFORE URGE THAT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT CONSIDERS SERIOUSLY AND OBJECTIVELY THE SUGGESTIONS MADE BY THE HONOURABLE JOHN SWAINE THAT THE BN(O) DOCUMENT BE STAMPED WITH PERMISSION TO LAND IN BRITAIN SO THAT BRITAIN COULD BE SEEN TO TAKE THE LEAD IN UPHOLDING INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN THE FACT THAT THE BN(O) DOCUMENT IS INDEED A TOTALLY EFFECTIVE AND CONVENIENT TRAVEL DOCUMENT IN FACILITATING OUR BUSINESSMEN AND TOURISTS.

+AS ACCESSIBILITY TO INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACES BY OUR BUSINESSMEN IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO OUR FUTURE PROSPERITY, SUCH INITIATIVES MADE BY BRITAIN TO ENSURE THE EASE OF OUR ACCESS WOULD CERTAINLY DEMONSTRATE THAT BRITAIN IS BEING SERIOUS IN HER DECLARATION TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY,* MR CHEONG SAID.

HE RECALLED THAT IN 1981 EFFORTS MADE BY THE THEN UMELCO ►EMBERS TO SEEK CLARIFICATIONS ON THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE NEED TO SPLIT BRITISH NATIONALS INTO DIFFERENT CLASSES AND INTRODUCE THE NEW NOMENCLATURE FOR THOSE BRITISH SUBJECTS RESIDING IN HONG KONG AND TO FIGHT FOR HONG KONG HAD BEEN THWARTED BY PEOPLE USING STALLING TACTICS.

+WE WERE ADVISED BY PEOPLE WHOM WE IMPLICITLY TRUST THAT THE HOUSE OF LORDS WILL PASS THE BILL WITH A WIDE MARGIN SO THAT ANY FURTHER MOVES MADE BY HONG KONG OR INDEED BY ANY OTHER PLACES LIKE GIBRALTAR AND FALKLAND ISLANDS WOULD NOT HAVE ANY CHANCE OF SUCCEEDING.

♦WELL, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ONLY MANAGED TO SECURE THE MINISCULE MARGIN OF TWO VOTES AND TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY THE GIBRALTARIANS AND THE FALKLANDERS SUCCEEDED IN MAKING THEIR SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS CAME TRUE,+ HE SAID.

MR CHEONG SAID IT WAS POINTLESS TO DWELL ON THE PAST AND MOOT ON WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.

♦WE SHOULD NOT HARBOUR ANY GRUDGES FOR WE DO UNDERSTAND NOW THE REASONS WHY THE BRITISH SUBJECTS IN HONG KONG WERE SINGLED OUT FOR DIFFERENT TREATMENT.

/+ALTHOUGH WE........

Wednesday, DECEiffiEd 4, 1985

+ALTHOUGH WE MAY FEEL UNHAPPY ABOUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED BUT VE SHOULD BE COMPASSIONATE ENOUGH TO ACCEPT THE REALITY WITH DIGNITY.

+WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS TO TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THEIR COUNTRY FOR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A NIGHTMARE FOR ANY GOVERNMENT IN BRITAIN TO BE EXPOSED TO THE POSSIBILITY, HOWEVER SLIGHT, THAT THE ALREADY FEAVILY BURDENED SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM MIGHT WELL BE FURTHER STRETCHED,* HE SAID.

+NEVERTHELESS WE WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH HAPPIER IF SOMEHOW THOSE BRITISH POLITICIANS COULD BE SLIGHTLY MORE HONEST AND TOLD US THE TRUTH RIGHT FROM THE START.

♦IT IS WITH THIS THOUGHT IN MIND THAT I WISH TO PLEA TO WHOEVER THAT TAKES PART IN THE DEBATE IN WESTMINSTER TO RISE TO THE OCCASION THIS TIME AROUND, TO DO SOME HARD SOUL-SEARCHING AND TRY TO TAKE HEED OF OUR CONCERNS? LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO OUR SUGGESTIONS AND THE RATIONALE BEHIND OUR SUGGESTIONS; AND FINALLY PERSUADE THE U.K. GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT OUR PROPOSALS,* FR CHEONG SAID.

-----0------

RIGHT OF ABODE STATEMENT ESSENTIAL IN NEW PASSPORT # X K * X

A CLEAR ENDORSEMENT ON ALL BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS STATING CATEGORICALLY THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG ENJOYED BY HOLDERS IS ESSENTIAL TO FACILITATE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE DOCUMENT BY THIRD COUNTRIES, THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986, MRS CHOW REITERATED HER CALL FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT WHICH SHE FIRST MENTIONED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.

SHE SAID IT WAS LEARNT THAT THE UK AND CHINA HAD AGREED IN THE LAST ROUND OF TALKS AT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THAT THE ENDORSEMENT ON THE BN(O) PASSPORTS WOULD BE +THE HOLDER OF THIS PASSPORT HAS HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD NO. XYZ WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG*.

HOWEVER, SHE SAID THIS DIFFERED FROM THE EXISTING ENDORSEMENT IN BDTC PASSPORTS SAYING +THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG*.

♦IN MY VIEW, THE MENTION OF THE PERMANENT HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD, IN THE BN(O) PASSPORT MAY LEAD TO UNNECESSARY SUSPICION OF IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS IN THIRD COUNTRIES,* SHE SAID.

/she explained........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 12 -

SHE EXPLAINED THAT THERE MIGHT BE PROBLEMS IN GETTING IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS IN OTHER COUNTRIES TO ACCEPT THE PASSPORTS BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997.

SHE URGED THEREFORE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE EASE OF TRAVEL, AND SO AS NOT TO PLACE BN(O)’S IN A WORSE OFF POSITION TO BDTC’S THAT BRITAIN AND CHINA AGREED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE OF PUTTING A CERTIFICATE OF RIGHT OF ABODE WITH THE BN(O) PASSPORTS BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.

MRS CHOW NOTED THAT THE BDTC PASSPORT NOW REQUIRED NO VISA TO ENTER ABOUT 70 COUNTRIES AND WONDERED WHETHER THE VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS APPLICABLE TO BDTC PASSPORTS WOULD BE EQUALLY VALID FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS.

♦ UNLESS AND UNTIL BRITAIN CAN ASSURE HONG KONG BY THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF NEGOTIATION WITH AT LEAST THE COUNTRIES WITH WHICH WE PRESENTLY HAVE VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS, THE BN(O) PASSPORTS WILL CERTAINLY BE LESS ATTRACTIVE TO BDTC’S,* SHE SAID.

MRS CHOW MAINTAINED THAT ALTHOUGH BRITAIN MIGHT NOT BE IN A POSITION TO PREDICT THE OUTCOME OF SUCH NEGOTIATION, HONG KONG MUST BE TOLD WHEN SUCH TALKS WOULD START, AND BY WHEN THEY WERE EXPECTED TO BE CONCLUDED.

♦ BDTC’S WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR BN(O) PASSPORTS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE NEW DOCUMENT REQUIRES AND EXEMPTS,+ SHE STRESSED.

SHE WARNED THAT IF BDTC’S WERE KEPT IN A STATE OF UNCERTAINTY, OR IF THEIR PRESENT CONVENIENCE WAS ERODED, THERE WAS EVERY POSSIBILITY THEY WOULD POSTPONE THE APPLICATION FOR THE BN(O) PASSPORTS UNTIL DOUBTS WERE REMOVED.

FINALLY, MRS CHOW ECHOED HER SUPPORT FOR THE HON JOHN SWAINE’S CALL FOR AUTOMATIC PERMISSION FOR EVERY BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDER TO LAND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

♦ I BELIEVE SUCH A MOVE NOT ONLY REMOVES THE UNCERTAINTY THAT SURROUNDS THE EXISTING OPTIONAL CERTIFICATE OF ENTRY, BUT WILL ALSO HELP BRITAIN TREMENDOUSLY IN REACHING VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS FOR HONG KONG WITH THIRD COUNTRIES,* SHE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

CONCERN OVER ACCEPTABILITY OF BN(O) PASSPORT * * * *

THE NEW BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT MAY NOT HAVE THE SAME ACCEPTANCE AS THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZEN (EJTC) PASSPORT.

THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN VOICED HIS CONCERN OVER THIS AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE SAID HE PRESUMED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO LET A PERSON HOLDING A BN(O) PASSPORT AFTER JULY 1, 1987 RETAIN HIS UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997, UNLESS HE RENOUNCED IT OR WAS THAT STATUS BEFORE THAT DATE.

BDTC STATUS DEPRIVED OF

+WE IN THE BRITISH ENSURE THAT

HONG KONG ARE NATURALLY VERY CONCERNED AS TO WHETHER GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO CONTINUOUSLY THE BN(O) PASSPORT WILL BE GIVEN EQUAL STATUS AND BY COMMONWEALTH AND OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

RECOGNITION ______________

AS ARE CURRENTLY GIVEN TO BDTC PASSPORTS HELD BY HONG KONG

PEOPLE,* HE SAID.

MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEEK ASSURANCE THAT SHOULD A BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDER BE DISSATISFIED WITH THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THAT PASSPORT, HE WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE HIS BN(O) PASSPORT BACK FOR A BDTC PASSPORT, WITH EXPIRY DATE AS OF JUNE 30, 1997.

HE ALSO CALLED FOR CLARIFICATION AS TO WHETHER THE VALIDITY OF A BN(O) PASSPORT WOULD BE FOR 10 YEARS AFTER THE DATE OF ISSUANCE OR WOULD IT BE ONLY UP TO JUNE 30, 1997.

+IF THE VALIDITY DATE IS BEYOND 1997, WOULD THE HOLDER STILL BE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR BN(O) STATUS BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997?+ IE ASKED.

-----o------

PROPER STATUS FOR NON-CHINESE AFTER 1997 URGED * * * *

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT MUST ACCORD PROPER STATUS TO THE NON-CHINESE ETHNIC MINORITY POPULATION OF HONG KONG, IN PARTICULAR THE INDIANS, WHO ARE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZENS (BDTCS), AFTER 1997.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON THOMAS CLYDESDALE DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986.

/HE SAID .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, V&'j

- U

HE SAID THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE SHOULD, AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, BE ACCORDED FULL BRITISH NATIONAL STATUS WITH THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN BRITAIN OR, AT THE VERY LEAST, RETENTION OF THEIR BDTC STATUS WITH RIGHT OF ABODE IN A BRITISH TERRITORY.

MR CLYDESDALE SAID OF THE 10 000 NON-CHINESE BDTCS, SOME 6 000 WERE INDIANS, THE MAJORITY OF WHOM WERE FROM FAMILIES WHICH WERE SETTLED HERE BEFORE INDIAN INDEPENDENCE IN 1947.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE INDIAN COMMUNITY HAD CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY OVER A VERY LONG PERIOD OF TIME, AND THAT THEY WERE AT PRESENT RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST 10 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY VALUE AND FOR A VERY MUCH LARGER PERCENTAGE OF ITS TRADE WITH CERTAIN COUNTRIES.

IN ADDITION, A HIGH PROPORTION OF THE ORIGINAL INDIAN IMMIGRANTS WERE BROUGHT TO HONG KONG BY THEIR BRITISH EMPLOYERS.

♦THEY CAME FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS AND NOT SOLELY FOR ECONOMIC REASONS. THEY CAME, AMONG OTHER THINGS, BECAUSE HONG KONG WAS BRITISH AND BECAUSE THEY CLEARLY BELIEVED IT WOULD REMAIN S0,+ HE NOTED.

THEREFORE, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, AND INDEED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, COULD NOT EVADE DIRECT MORAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS GROUP OF CITIZENS AND MUST RESPECT THEIR WISH TO REMAIN BRITISH, K STRESSED.

♦THEY WERE AFTER ALL BRITISH SUBJECTS BEFORe THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1948 AND, AFTER THAT ACT, WERE IN MANY CASES REQUIRED TO RE-AFFIRM ALLEGIANCE TO BRITA IN,+ HE ADDED.

MR CLYDESDALE SAID THAT AFTER 1997, NON-CHINESE BDTCS WOULD BECOME BRITISH NATIONALS (OVERSEAS) OR BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS IF THEY HAD FAILED FOR ANY REASON TO APPLY FOR BN(O) STATUS, BUT THE PASSPORTS THEY WERE ENTITLED TO HAVE WOULD BE NO MORE THAN A TRAVEL DOCUMENT.

TO HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG, THEY HAD TO OBTAIN A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND IN DOING SO, THEY HAD TO MEET CERTAIN ELIGIBILITY RULES AS WELL AS TO SHOW HONG KONG WAS THEIR PLACE OF ^PERMANENT RESIDENCE+ THE PRECISE LEANING OF WHICH WAS NOT YET CLEAR, HE SAID.

♦CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF NON-CHINESE BDTCS BORN AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 WILL ACQUIRE BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZEN STATUS.

♦CHILDREN OF SUCH GRANDCHILDREN WILL, HOWEVER, BE STATELESS WHILE TO FURTHER COMPLICATE THE ISSUE, CHILDREN OF SUCH STATELESS CITIZENS IF BORN IN CHINA WILL BE CHINESE UNDER THE CHINESE NATIONALITY LAW,+ MR CLYDESDALE SAID.

/♦ALL OF .......

WEENESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 15 -

+ALL OF THIS IS EXTREMELY COMPLICATED AND UNSETTLING FOR THE NON-CHINESE BDTCS AND THEY ARE ENTITLED TO FEEL THAT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT IS IN EFFECT TELLING THEM THAT THEY EVENTUALLY WILL HAVE TO BECOME CHINESE NATIONALS OR ACCEPT THE FACT THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL BECOME STATELESS.

+IN SHORT, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS WASHING ITS HANDS CF ANY FUTURE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM AND THE NET EFFECT IS THAT HONG KONG IS LIKELY TO LOSE MANY OF THESE VALUABLE CITIZENS TO OTHER TERRITORIES OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS,+ IE ADDED.

+EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE BY THIS COUNCIL AND BY THE HONG KONG AUTHORITIES TO PERSUADE THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO ACCORD THESE FEWER THAN 10 000 PEOPLE THE PROTECTION OF BRITISH STATUS WITH THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN BRITAIN OR AT LEAST RETENTION OF BDTC STATUS,+ HE SAID.

♦THE NUMBER IS SMALL GIVEN THE POPULATION AND IMMIGRANT AND EMIGRANT LEVELS IN BRITAIN AT PRESENT,* HE ADDED.

--------o----------

THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IN AN EXTREME PREDICAMENT If * H * K

IT SEEMS THAT HONG KONG BDTC’S HAVE NO REAL ALTERNATIVE BUT TO APPLY FOR THE NEW PASSPORTS AFTER JULY 1, 1987, AND THIS IS AN EXTREME PREDICAMENT TO BE IN, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986, MR HUI SAID THE DRAFT ORDER WAS FORMALLY PROPOSED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WHEN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION TOOK EFFECT, INTRODUCING A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT TO REPLACE THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORT BY JULY 1, 1997, THE LATTER CEASING TO BE EFFECTIVE ON THAT DAY.

HE SAID THIS ACTION, FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S POINT CF VIEW, WAS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS LAID DOWN IN THE NEMORANDUM ATTACHED TO THE JOINT DECLARATION.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT WHAT THE MAJORITY OF HOLDERS OF BDTC PASSPORTS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT MOST WERE THE CONVENIENCE, RECOGNITION, AND ACCEPTABILITY BY THIRD COUNTRIES OF THE NEW PASSPORT WHEN IT WAS USED DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD (FROM NOW TO JULY 1, 1997) AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997.

/THEREFORE, HE........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4. 1985

THEREFORE, ME SAID, HE SUPPORTED THE HON JOHN SWA INE’S CALL FOR A CLEAR STATEMENT IN THE NEW PASSPORT THAT THE HOLDER WAS ENTITLED TO ENTER \THE UNITED KINGDOM WITHOUT HAVING TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ENTRY BEFOREHAND.

MOREOVER, HE SAID HE FELT, IT SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR THAT THE HOLDERS OF THE PASSPORT HAVE THE RIGHT OF PERMANENT ABODE IN HONG KONG.

♦THIS IS THE MINIMUM MORAL OBLIGATION WHICH BRITAIN HAS 10 TAKE UP AND THE RIGHTS TO BE ENJOYED BY THE HOLDERS OF THE NEW PASSPORTS,+ HE STRESSED.

MR HUI NEXT EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN ABOUT THE FUTURE PLIGHT OF SOME 960 000 CERT IFICATE-OF-IDENTITY (Cl) HOLDERS IN HONG KONG.

HE ESTIMATED THAT THERE WERE A FURTHER ONE MILLION MORE PEOPLE WHO WERE ELIGIBLE TO OBTAIN CI’S BUT, FOR WHATEVER REASONS, HAD NOT YET APPLIED FOR THEM.

+THIS SILENT MAJORITY, WHO ARE NOT BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS, WOULD BE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE NEW PASSPORTS ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 1987 UNLESS THEY ARE WILLING TO APPLY FOR NATURALISATION AS BDTC’S ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 1997 UNDER CLAUSE 18 OF THE BRITISH 1981 NATIONALITY ACT,+ HE SAID.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, IT WAS DOUBTFUL WHETHER THE Cl HOLDERS WOULD DO SO.

MR HUI POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION, THOSE PEOPLE WHO WERE BORN OR WHO HAD ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE WOULD BECOME CITIZENS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) AND WOULD BE QUALIFIED TO OBTAIN PASSPORTS OR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE SAR.

+BUT FOR PEOPLE CURRENTLY HOLDING CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY OR THOSE WHO WILL HOLD THEM IN THE FUTURE, IF THEY ARE UNWILLING AFTER 1997 TO BECOME CITIZENS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, (FOR EXAMPLE HONG KONG CHINESE FOR POLITICAL REASONS) IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THAT PROBLEMS OF NATIONALITY WOULD ARISE ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 1997.

♦IN THIS REGARD, I URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE ABOVE-MENTIONED SITUATION AND NEGOTIATE WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY AT AN EARLY DATE THE STATUS, RIGHTS, AND ALTERATIONS TO ISSUING PROCEDURES REGARDING CERTIFICATE-OF-IDENTITY HOLDERS DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD.

+THE PURPOSE IS TO OBTAIN A SATISFACTORY REPLY SO THAT CERTIFICATE-OF-IDENTITY HOLDERS NEED NOT HAVE ANY ANXIETY,* HUI SAID.

-----0------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1955

PASSPORT PACKAGE SHOULD BE IMPROVED

* * * *

THE PRESENT PACKAGE REGARDING THE NEW BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMPROVE ON IT BEFORE ASKING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO ACCEPT IT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE SAID HE HAD SPENT A LONG TIME TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE SO-CALLED ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A BN(O) PASSPORT.

+1 HOPE THAT A LOT OF BDTC’S WILL APPLY FOR THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORTS AS SOON AS THEY ARE INTRODUCED IN 1987? AND I PRAY THAT ONE DAY IN THE NOT SO DISTANT FUTURE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO THE BN(O) PASSPORT,+ HE SAID.

+BUT IN ALL HONESTY, I REALLY CANNOT RECOMMEND IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG NOW, UNLESS ITS DESIGNER WERE TO MAKE IT MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE - NOT JUST BY CHANGING ITS COLOUR TO BURGUNDY, BUT BY ENDORSING ON IT A STATEMENT THAT THE HOLDER HAS AUTOMATIC PERMISSION TO ENTER THE UNITED KINGDOM, OR WORDS TO THAT EFFECT, AS SUGGESTED BY MY HONOURABLE COLLEAGUE, ffi JOHN SWA I NE,+ HE ADDED.

MR LEE SAID HE AGREED WITH THE HON ALLEN LEE THAT THE MINORITY GROUPS IN HONG KONG DESERVED A BETTER DEAL THAN WHAT WAS NOW GIVEN TO THEM.

♦AS THEY ARE NOT OF CHINESE ORIGIN, THEY CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO SHARE THE SAME POSITIVE FEELINGS OF SOME CHINESE IN HONG KONG ABOUT THE RETURN TO MOTHERLAND.

+MANY OF THESE NON-CHINESE BRITISH NATIONALS HAD COME TO HONG KONG NOT BECAUSE IT WAS CHINESE TERRITORY, BUT BECAUSE IT WAS BR IT ISH,+ HE SAID.

HE CITED FROM THE PETITION BY THE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS SAYING THAT +THEY CHOSE HONG KONG ’BECAUSE THEY HAD FAITH IN THE LAWS AND THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT OF GREAT BRITAIN AND BECAUSE THEY CHOSE TO GIVE OR TO CONTINUE THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO GREAT BRITAIN’.*

MR LEE ALSO QUOTED A FEW PASSAGES FROM A VERY RECENT PUBLICATION BY +THE JOINT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF IMMIGRANTS* ENTITLED +A QUESTION OF BELONGING - BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW AND THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG+s

/+THAT LAW .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 18 -

+THAT LAW (THAT IS, BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW) WAS MORALLY INDEFENSIBLE AND HAS INDEED LEFT MANY CHINESE BDTC’S IN HONG KONG FEELING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SOLD OUT{ BUT IT WOULD BE DOUBLY UNJUST IF THEIR SITUATION WERE TO BE USED AS AN EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO ACT TO RELIEVE THE PLIGHT OF AN EVEN MORE DISADVANTAGED GROUP.+

ANOTHER PASSAGE READi + IT MUST BE AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY THAT THE BRITISH INVENTION OF ’ONE COUNTRY, SIX CITIZENSHIPS’ DOES NOT LEAVE ANYONE WITH ’ONE CITIZENSHIP, NO COUNTRY’.+

THEIR RECOMMENDATION WAS THAT +THE FEW THOUSAND BRITISH NATIONALS IN HONG KONG WHO DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER NATIONALITY AND ARE EFFECTIVELY STATELESS SHOULD THEREFORE BE GRANTED FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP.+

MR LEE SAID HE ALSO AGREED WITH MR SWA I NE IN HIS PLEA FOR THE 400 OR SO EX-SERVICEMEN IN HONG KONG.

HE POINTED OUT THAT EVERY YEAR ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD LINE UP BEFORE THE CENOTAPH AND PAY RESPECT TO +THE GLORIOUS DEAD+, MANY OF WHOM WERE THE DECEASED COLLEAGUES OF THESE 400 EX-SERVICEMEN.

♦IT IS OF COURSE RIGHT AND PROPER THAT WE SHOULD HONOUR OUR DEAD WARRIORSj BUT SHOULD WE NOT ALSO HONOUR THE LIVING?

♦HAS GREAT BRITAIN SHRUNK TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT SHE CANNOT EVEN ALLOW SUCH A SMALL NUMBER OF EX-SERVICEMEN TO LIVE THERE, IF THEY SHOULD WISH TO DO S0?+ MR LEE ASKED.

- - - - 0 ----------

ACTION NEEDED TO NEGOTIATE PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE

* * *

A CALL WAS MADE TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO PROVIDE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AN ACTION PLAN TO NEGOTIATE INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT, AND MAKE PROGRESS REPORTS TO THE PUBLIC AT REGULAR INTERVALS.

IT CAME FROM THE HON DESMOND LEE YU-TAI DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

DESPITE VERBAL ASSURANCE BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT THEY WOULD DO THIER BEST, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANTED TO KNOW HOW THEY CARRIED OUT NEGOTIATIONS, THE ACTUAL PROGRESS AND TIMESCALE, MR LEE SAID.

♦THIS ASSURANCE BY WORD OF MOUTH IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE PRAGMATIC AND WILL DEMAND ACTION,* IE STRESSED.

/MR LEB «... . • •

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 19 -

MR LEE SAID THE BN(O) PASSPORT MIGHT BE REGARDED AS A +TRAVEL DOCUMENT*, NOT A +NATIONALITY PAPER+, BUT MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD BE PREPARED TO ACQUIRE THE DOCUMENT FOR UTILITY REASONS, IF CONVENIENCE OF TRAVEL COULD BE ENSURED.

HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT IF THE BN(O) WAS TO SERVE ANY PURPOSE, IT MUST ENJOY THE SAME STATUS AS THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORT (BDTC), WHICH ENTITLED VISA EXEMPTION FOR ENTRY TO OVER 70 COUNTRIES.

MR LEE SUGGESTED THAT COMMUNITY LEADERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO ACQUIRE THE BN(O) AT THE EARLIEST STAGE AND TO TRY IT OUT IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, SO AS TO ESTABLISH ACCEPTABILITY.

HE ALSO CALLED UPON BRITAIN TO TAKE THE LEAD IN RECOGNISING THE BDTC AND BN(O) PASSPORTS SHE ISSUED.

HE SAID IT WAS NORMAL PRACTICE FOR HONG KONG BDTC’S TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ENTRY FOR TRAVEL TO BRITAIN WHILE NON-BRITISH NATIONALS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY ENJOYED AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO ENTER.

+IF BRITAIN IS WILLING TO RECTIFY THIS DISPARITY, IT IS ENTIRELY WITHIN HER AUTHORITY TO DO S0,+ HE ADDED.

MR LEE SAID THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG’S COMMUNITY DEPENDED ON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, AND FREE MOVEMENT AND TRAVEL WERE ESSENTIAL.

HE THEREFORE ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENSURE THAT FREEDOM OF TRAVEL WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ENJOYED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

MEANWHILE, MR LEE SAID, IF BRITAIN CONSIDERED SUPPORT FOR THE BN(O) WAS DESIRABLE, THE TWO MILLION HONG KONG BELONGERS WHO WERE HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY (Cl), A TRAVEL PAPER THAT DID NOT CARRY A NATIONALITY, SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR BDTC STATUS, WHICH WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSFER TO BN(O).

+MANY Cl HOLDERS HAVE LIVED HERE FOR MANY YEARS AND ESTABLISHED A CAREER. THEY ARE NO LESS OF A HONG KONG EELONGER THAN A BDTC, BUT CANNOT CLAIM A NATIONALITY LIKE THE LATTER,* HE SAID.

TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE, HE PROPOSED THAT THE CURRENT NATURALISATION PROCEDURES BE SIMPLIFIED AND EXPEDITED.

MR LEE ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF THE ETHNIC MINORITIES, AMONG WHICH THE INDIAN COMMUNITY WAS THE LARGEST GROUP.

HE SAID HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE INDIANS IN HONG KONG HAD STAYED HERE FOR MANY YEARS, INTERGRATED THEMSELVES WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND REGARDED HONG KONG AS THEIR PERMANENT HOME, AND MANY OF THEM WERE HOLDING BDTC PASSPORTS.

/however, he........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 19^5

20 -

HOWEVER, HE SAID THE CHINESE NATIONALITY LAW WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY PROVIDE A NATIONALITY FOR THOSE MI NOR ITIES UNLESS THEY APPLIED FOR BN(O) STATUS BEFORE 1997. THEIR BDTC STATUS WOULD BE CHANGED TO BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZEN (BOC) BY 1997.

IN THIS WAY THE INDIANS WERE WORRIED THAT THEY WOULD BECOME STATELESS BY THE TRANSFER DATE OF 1997, HE SAID.

+AS THE MINORITIES ARE MAKING USEFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, I THINK THEIR PETITION SHOULD DESERVE SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION,+ HE ADDED.

LASTLY, MR LEE SAID HE HOPED THE VIEWS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, BOTH ETHNIC CHINESE AND MINORITIES INCLUDED, WOULD BE CARRIED FORWARD TO BRITAIN FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE.

- 0 - -

EXTRA PROTECTION FOR INSURANCE POLICY HOLDERS * * * *

A BILL SEEKING TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MEASURES TAKEN BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF INSURANCE POLICY HOLDERS OR POTENTIAL POLICY HOLDERS WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1985, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID A SECTION OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE GAVE THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY POWERS TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS ON AN INSURER IN ORDER TO PROTECT POLICY HOLDERS AGAINST THE RISK THAT THE INSURER MIGHT BE UNABLE TO MEET ITS LIABILITIES.

+THE USUAL ACTION TAKEN BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY UNDER THIS SECTION IS THE ISSUE OF A NOTICE TO AN INSURER REQUIRING THE COMPANY TO MAKE A DEPOSIT WITH A BANK IN THE NAME OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY ACCOUNT FOR THAT PARTICULAR COMPANY, + HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE COMPANY WAS REQUIRED TO KEEP THE DEPOSIT FREE OF ANY CHARGES, LIENS, ENCUMBRANCES, EQUITABLE INTERESTS, AND THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.

+IF THIS REQUIREMENT IS BREACHED AND THE DEPOSIT BECOMES ENCUMBERED, IT CEASES TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS SET ASIDE, THAT IS AS AN INVIOLABLE FUND TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION FOR POLICY HOLDERS, SIR JOHN NOTED.

HE SAID THAT SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE 1983, THERE HAD BEEN ONE CASE WHERE A CHARGE WAS CREATED ON A DEPOSIT WHICH HAD BEEN REQUIRED BY A NOTICE ISSUED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

/+AS A.......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

♦ AS A RESULT, THE DEPOSIT PROVIDED NO PROTECTION FOR POLICY HOLDERS WHEN THE INSURER CONCERNED SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME INSOLVENT,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

HE SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE BY ADDING A NEW SECTION TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY REQUIRED AN INSURER TO MAKE A BANK DEPOSIT IN THE NAME OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY, TO BE HELD IN TRUST FOR THE INSURER PURSUANT TO A NOTICE ISSUED UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ANY CHARGE CF WHATEVER NATURE CREATED OVER THAT DEPOSIT SHOULD BE VOID AGAINST ALL PERSONS.

♦ ANY DEPOSIT MADE IS THUS PRESERVED AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE CF EXTRA PROTECTION FOR POLICY HOLDERS,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

IN ORDER TO HOLD THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS TRUSTEESHIP OF ANY DEPOSITS HELD BY WAY OF NOTICE UNDER THE ORDINANCE, SIR JOHN PROPOSED THAT THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY SHOULD PREPARE PROPER ANNUAL ACCOUNTS OF ALL DEPOSITS REFERRED TO IN THE NEW SECTION AND SUBMIT A STATEMENT OF THOSE ACCOUNTS TO THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT FOR HIS EXAMINATION.

- 0 -

EX-GRATIA PAYMENT PROPOSED FOR DISMISSED WORKERS

*****

A BILL REQUIRING AN EMPLOYER TO MAKE, IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A LONG SERVICE PAYMENT TO AN EMPLOYEE WHOSE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT I TERMINATED BY DISMISSAL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL FENDERSON, SAID EMPLOYEES DISMISSED BY REASONS OF REDUNDANCY HAD BEEN ELIGIBLE FOR A SEVERANCE PAYMENT FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS SINCE 1974.

IN THE CASE OF EMPLOYEES WHOSE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WAS TERMINATED UNDER OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, HE SAID, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE MERELY REQUIRED THE SERVICE OF AN AGREED OR STATUTORY PERIOD OF NOTICE OR THE PAYMENT BY THE EMPLOYER OF WAGES IN LIEU OF SUCH NOTICE.

♦ THE DISPARITY IN THE TREATMENT OF A DISMISSED EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN OFTEN CRITICISED AS UNFAIR, AND ESPECIALLY UNFAIR TO AGEING EMPLOYEES DISMISSED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN AND WHO HAVE SERVED THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR SEVERAL DECADES.

♦MANY OLDER EMPLOYEES AFTER DISMISSAL FIND IT ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT TO SECURE ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT, IN PARTICULAR MANUAL WORKERS,* HE SAID.

/MH WDEHSON

WEDNESDAY, DKEMBEtt 4, 1985

MR HENDERSON SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD FOR SOME Til'-BEEN CONSIDERING WAYS OF GIVING GREATER SECURITY 70 ELDER . LONG SERVICE EMPLOYEES.

HE SAID LEGISLATION ON UNFAIR DISMISSAL HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BUT THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES, IN PARTICULAR THE. UNITED KINGDOM, IN THIS FIELD OF LEGISLATION, HAD SHOWN THAT IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DEFINE WHAT CONSTITUTED UNFAIR OR UNREASONABLE DISMISSAL.

IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THE SCHEME WOULD REQUIRED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW TRIBUNAL OR AN EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING LABOUR TRIBUNAL TO HANDLE THE INEVITABLE DISPUTES WHICH WOULD ARISE IF LEGISLATION OF THIS KIND WERE INTRODUCED.

+INSTEAD, THE PRESENT LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED AS A PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE TO UNFAIR DISMISSAL LEGISLATION, BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT THE DISMISSAL OF AN ELDERLY LONG SERVICE EMPLOYEE WITHOUT SOME FORM OF PROVISION FOR HIS FUTURE IS ITSELF UNREASONABLE.

+A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR AN EMPLOYER TO MAKE A PAYMENT TO A DISMISSED EMPLOYEE, BASED ON HIS AGE AND LENGTH OF SERVICE, WOULD ACHIEVE MUCH THE SAME RESULT AS AN EMPLOYEE’S ENTITLEMENT TO MONETARY COMPENSATION UNDER UNFAIR DISMISSAL LEGISLATION WHILE AVOIDING THE NEED FOR COMPLEX AND EXPENSIVE PROCEDURES TO ESTABLISH THAT THE DISMISSAL HAD BEEN UNREASONABLE,* HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD IN THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL WERE AIMED AT THE OLDER EMPLOYEE AND TOOK INTO ACCOUNT HIS LENGTH OF SERVICE AS WELL AS HIS AGE.

HE SAID AN EMPLOYEE AGED 40 OR LESS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 10 YEARS’ SERVICE TO QUALIFY FOR A LONG SERVICE PAYMENT AND ABOVE THIS AGE, THE MINIMUM QUALIFYING SERVICE WAS PROGRESSIVELY REDUCED SO THAT AN EMPLOYEE AGED 45 OR MORE REQUIRED ONLY FIVE YEARS’ SERVICE TO QUALIFY.

+THE RATIONALE FOR PROGRESSIVELY REDUCING THE PERIOD OF QUALIFYING SERVICE AFTER THE AGE OF 40 IS THAT THIS AGE IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE THE PEAK OF AN EMPLOYEE’S WORKING LIFE BEYOND WHICH HE WILL FIND IT INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT,* HE SAID.

+IN THE CASE OF A MANUAL WORKER IT IS ALSO THE AGE BEYOND WHICH HIS ENERGY AND PRODUCTIVITY BECOME HARDER TO MAINTAIN,* IE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID IT WAS ALSO FELT THAT A YOUNGER EMPLOYEE WHO HAD SPENT 10 OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE YEARS OF HIS LIFE WITH THE SAME EMPLOYER ALSO DESERVED RECOGNITION FOR HIS LOYALTY, THOUGH BECAUSE THE PROPOSALS WERE PRIMARILY AIMED AT MORE ELDERLY EMPLOYEES, EMPLOYEES YOUNGER THAN 40 WOULD ONLY RECEIVE A PROPORTION OF THE STATUTORY PAYMENT.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 23 -

+IT IS PROPOSED, AS IN THE CASE OF SEVERANCE PAY, THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE PAYMENT SHOULD BE TWO-THIRDS OF A MONTH’S WAGE FOR EACH YEAR OF SERVICE, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES.

♦IT IS PROPOSED THAT A PAYMENT THUS CALCULATED WILL BE REDUCED BY A QUARTER IN THE CASE OF AN EMPLOYEE AGED 36 OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 40, AND BY A HALF IN THE CASE OF AN EMPLOYEE AGED LESS THAN 36.

♦SUCH EMPLOYEES BEING IN THEIR PRIME OF LIFE SHOULD HAVE LITTLE DIFFICULTY IN FINDING ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT AND THEREFORE HAVE LITTLE REAL NEED OF THE PROTECTION AFFORDED BY THIS BILL,* FE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID THE EMPLOYER WOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAKE THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, TOGETHER WITH OTHER SUMS DUE SUCH AS ARREARS CF WAGES OR WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER AN EMPLOYEE’S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WAS TERMINATED BY HIM, AND IN ANY CASE NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF TERMINATION, AND MUST GIVE HIM A WRITTEN STATEMENT INDICATING HOW THE AMOUNT HAD BEEN CALCULATED.

HE SAID THAT LIKE ANY OTHER PIECE OF SOCIAL LEGISLATION INVOLVING THE INTERESTS OF BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME REPRESENTED A WORKABLE COMPRISE BETWEEN WHAT WAS DESIRABLE AND WAS PRACTICABLE.

♦THE SCHEME HAS TO BE BOTH ACCEPTABLE TO EMPLOYEES AND AT THE SAME TIME AFFORDABLE TO EMPLOYERS AT LARGE.

♦THE PRESENT PROPOSALS ARE THE RESULT OF A PROLONGED DISCUSS IJN BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND ARE ACCEPTABLE TO BOTH SIDES,* HE SAID.

ALSO INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL WERE THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985 AND THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985 WHICH WERE CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO ACCORD LONG SERVICE PAYMENT THE SAME PREFERENTIAL STATUS AS SEVERANCE PAYMENT IN THE EVENT OF A WINDING-UP OR A BANKRUPTCY.

DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 24 -

MOVE TO DEREGULATE PEAK TRAM FARES * * * *

A BILL TO DEREGULATE FARES ON THE PEAK TRAM AND TO REPLACE THE EXISTING PERMIT FEE SYSTEM WITH A LONG-TERM RIGHT FOR THE PEAK TRAMWAY COMPANY TO OPERATE THE TRAMWAY WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, POINTED OUT THAT THE PEAK TRAM WAS NO LONGER AN ESSENTIAL FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND FEW PEOPLE RELIED ON IT FOR COMMUTING.

+AS THE PEAK TRAMWAY IS NOW LARGELY A RECREATIONAL FACILITY, FARE CONTROL BY GOVERNMENT IS NO LONGER JUSTIFIED,* HE SAID.

TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO DO USE THE PEAK TRAMWAY FOR COMMUTING, MR MACPHERSON SAID THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED THAT THE MONTHLY TICKET ISSUED BY THE COMPANY WAS NOT TO EXCEED 25 TIMES THE LOWEST FARE FOR A FULL DISTANCE SINGLE JOURNEY.

IN RESPONSE TO SUGGESTIONS BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THAT THE BILL SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED BY IMPOSING A FIRM OBLIGATION ON THE COMPANY TO ISSUE MONTHLY TICKETS, HE SAID HE WOULD MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO THAT EFFECT AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

ON A NEW SYSTEM TO CHARGE THE COMPANY FOR USING GOVERNMENT LAND TO OPERATE THE SERVICE, MR MACPHERSON SAID; +THE BILL GIVES THE COMPANY A RIGHT TO OPERATE THE TRAMWAY FOR 20 YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1984, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE PEAK TRAMWAY ORDINANCE AND THE PAYMENT OF A PREMIUM OF $2.6 MILLION.*

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE DELETION OF AN OBSOLETE PROVISION OF THE ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE POWER OF GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO PURCHASE THE COMPANY AFTER EXPIRATION OF 28 YEARS FROM THE TIME WHEN THE COMPANY WAS EMPOWERED TO CONSTRUCT THE TRAMWAY AND EVERY SEVEN YEARS THEREAFTER.

+THE ABOVE PACKAGE OF MEASURES SERVES TO REFLECT THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE PEAK TRAM AS A RECREATION FACILITY AND IT STREAMLINES THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE PEAK TRAM TO CONTINUE ITS OPERATION AS A COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKING,* M? MACPHERSON SAID.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1935

TAVA SCHEME EXTENDED FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS * * * *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADOPTED A MOTION APPROVING A SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL PROTECTION TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY INSURERS WHO ARE NOW INSOLVENT.

MOVING A RESOLUTION ON THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME PURSUANT TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THE PURPOSE CF THE SUPPLEMENT WAS TO USE SURPLUS FUNDS ACCUMULATED IN THE EXISTING TAVA FUND TO MAKE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS TO PERSONS WHO HAD SUFFERED BODILY INJURY AND TO THE DEPENDENTS OF THOSE WHO DIED AS A RESULT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING MOTOR VEHICLES INSURED WITH FIVE INSURERS WHO HAD BECOME INSOLVENT.

SIR JOHN SAID THE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS IN THE EXISTING TAVA FUND WAS ABOUT 8190 MILLION.

♦THIS IS FAR IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO MEET PAYMENTS UNDER THE EXISTING TAVA SCHEME, WHICH PROVIDES ONLY FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENTS TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS WHO SUFFER HARDSHIP IN THE AFTERMATCH OF A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT.

♦THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME WILL NOT AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE EXISTING SCHEME,+ HE SAID.

SIR JOHN SAID THE FULL FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME COULD NOT BE DETERMINED NOW BECAUSE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CLAIMS WOULD NOT BE KNOWN UNTIL THE SCHEME HAD BEEN APPROVED AND PUBLICISED.

♦ IT IS, HOWEVER, ESTIMATED THAT THE TOTAL VALUE OF ALL CLAIMS WILL BE BETWEEN $50 AND $70 MILLION.

+THE TAVA FUND CAN THEREFORE ABSORB THE COST OF IMPLEMENTING THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME WITHOUT REQUIRING AN INCREASE IN THE LEVIES ON VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES OR THE ANNUAL GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION WHICH FINANCE IT, FOR SEVERAL YEARS,+ HE SAID.

SIR JOHN SAID THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME WAS DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MOTOR INSURERS’ BUREAU ON NOVEMBER 1.

UNDER THIS AGREEMENT THE MOTOR INSURERS’ BURAEU HAS UNDERTAKEN TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE AN INSOLVENCY FUND SCHEME TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST THE INSOLVENCY OF ANY MOTOR INSURER WHICH MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.

♦BOTH THE INSOLVENCY FUND AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME ALSO PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF INSURED PERSONS WHO HAVE ALREADY PAID DAMAGES TO A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS AS A RESULT OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF A COURT JUDGEMENT OR AN OUT-OF-COURT SETTLEMENT+, SIR JOHN SAID.

/♦TAKEN TOGETHER, ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 26 -

♦TAKEN TOGETHER, THESE TWO SCHEMES PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND COMPENSATION FOR THE UNFORTUNATE VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHO, THROUGH NO FAULT CF THEIR OWN, ARE UNABLE TO RECOVER ANY OF THE DAMAGES DUE TO THEM BECAUSE THE INSURER CONCERNED HAS BECOME INSOLVENT,+ HE ADDED.

TWO UNOFFICIALS, THE HON K.C. CHAN AND THE HON MARIA TAM, SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION.

MR CHAN, CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON THE ISSUE, SAID THE PAYMENTS SHOULD BE EX-GRATIA OUT OF THE TAVA FUND AND SHOULD NOT CREATE A PRECEDENT.

HE NOTED THAT THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME MENTIONED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD MEAN THAT WE WERE STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN GROUND OF INSURING BANKRUPTCY OF BUSINESS AND HE WONDERED WHERE THE LIST OF BUSINESS WOULD END.

THE TREND IN THE BUSINESS CIRCLES NOWADAYS, HE SAID, WAS FOR THE TRADE TO ASK ITS MEMBERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO A FUND WHICH INSURED INSOLVENT MEMBERS AND PROVIDE LIMITED ASSURANCE TO THclK CLIENTS.

HE CITED AS EXAMPLES THE SHARE MARKET, GOLD MARKET AND TOURISM, ADDING THAT BUSINESS AS A WHOLE WAS NOW COLLECTIVELY CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROTECTION OF WAGES IN INSOLVENCY FUND.

WHY THE INSURANCE TRADE SHOULD BE AN EXCEPTION, HE ASKED.

♦ AS LONG AS WE LEGISLATE TO GOVERN THE COMPULSORY CONTRIBUTION, LEVY AND PROPER OPERATION OF A FUND, THEN WHETHER THE INSURANCE COMPANY CHARGES IT AS EXPENDITURE AND SHARES IT WITH THEIR CLIENTS IS ANOTHER MATTER.

♦ IT WOULD ADD TO THE IMAGE THAT THE FOUNDATION OF THE INSURANCE TRADE IS ON SOLID ROCKS,+ HE SAID.

MR CHAN FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THERE WERE GROUNDS FOR STREAMLINING OR AMALGANATING INTO ONE THE VARIOUS FUNDS MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERS OR DRIVERS WERE NOW PAYING FOR.

♦ THIS MAY RESULT IN SAVINGS BENEFICIAL TO THE INSURER OR INSURED,+ HE SAID.

HE ALSO FELT THAT A CEILING SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS ON DEATH OR TOTAL DISABILITY AND THERE SHOULD BE A SCHEDULE SCALING DOWN THE PERCENTAGE OF CLAIM FOR INJURIES.

THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER SCHOOL OF THOUGHT THAT COMPLETE PROTECTION OF THE GUILTY MOTORISTS BY INSURANCE MIGHT HAMPER EFFORTS TO PROMOTE GREATER ROAD SAFETY WHICH SHOULD ALSO BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

/HE said ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

HE SAID ALL THESE PROBLEMS MIGHT REQUIRE LENGTHY AND CAREFjL STUDY AND CONSIDERATION BEFORE SOLUTIONS COULD BE FOUND BUT FOR THE PRESENT HE DID NOT WISH TO HINDER THE PROGRESS OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS AND ABOVE ALL, HE DID NOT WISH TO PROLONG THE ANXIETIES AND SUFFERINGS OF THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

MISS TAM SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP HAD DECIDED TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PROPOSED PAYMENT OUT OF THE TAVA FUND WOULD ONLY BE AN +ONE-OFF+ EXERCISE.

SHE EXPLAINED THE PRINCIPLES UPON WHICH THE AD HOC GROUP HAD MADE ITS DELIBERATIONS.

♦FIRSTLY WE QUESTIONED WHY AN EXCEPTION HAS TO BE MADE FOR THESE FIVE COMPANIES AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO SIMILAR CASES IN THE FUTURE? SECONDLY WE QUESTIONED WHY GOVERNMENT SHOULD COME TO THE AID OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AND ALLOW MOTOR INSURANCE TO HAVE INSOLVENCY FUND AND WHETHER WE CAN DIFFERENTIATE MOTOR INSURANCE FOR OTHER TYPES OF INSURANCE WHERE THERE IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT BY LAW FOR A PARTICULAR CLASS OF PERSONS TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE, FOR EXAMPLE, EMPLOYERS FOR EMPLOYEES? AND THIRDLY, WHETHER THE PAY-OUT METHOD PROPOSED IS SATISFACTORY,* SHE SAID.

MISS TAM SAID THE AD HOC GROUP HAD BEEN ASSURED BY THE ADMINISTRATION THAT AFTER TWO AND A HALF YEARS OF ENFORCEMENT CF MORE STRINGENT PRUDENTIAL CONTROL OVER INSURANCE COMPANIES UNDER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE 1983, AND WITH FURTHER MEASURES TO FOLLOW, IT WAS NOT ENVISAGED THAT HISTORY WOULD KEEP REPEATING ITSELF.

♦WE HAVE ALSO CONSIDERED THAT THE DOCTRINE OF CAVEAT EMPTOR (BUYERS BEWARE) MUST ALSO BE RELEVANT HERE IN THAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD CHOOSE A SOUND AND NOT A CHEAP INSURANCE COMPANY TO PURCHASE THEIR POLICIES AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN ACTS IF THEY FAIL TO PICK THE RIGHT ONE.

HOWEVER, SHE SAID, IT WAS THE HARDSHIP ALL ROUND THAT WE WISHED TO GIVE RELIEF TO AND THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT WAS A FIN IT;. ONE, I.E. UP TO S1OQM.

AS THERE WAS A SURPLUS OF ABOUT 19OM IN THE TAVA’S FUND, WE THEREFORE, ON BALANCE, DECIDED TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME, SHE SAID.

ON THE SECOND ISSUE, MISS TAM EXPLAINED THAT THE MOTOR INSURANCE INDUSTRY HAD A LONG TRADITION IN THE OPERATIONS OF MOTOR INSURERS’ BUREAU IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES TO SET UP FUNDS TO REINSURE ITSELF- AND HENCE BY TRADITIONAL PRACTICE DEPARTED FROM THE REST OF THE INSURANCE POLICIES WHICH WERE MANDATORY UNDER THE LAW.

♦WE THEREFORE DO NOT CONSIDER IT IMPERATIVE THAT THE TAVA’S PAYMENT SHOULD FALL IN LINE WITH OTHER MANDATORY INSURNACE SCHEMES,♦SHE SAID.

/LASTLY, MISS........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 28 -

LASTLY, MISS TAM POINTED OUT THAT THE COOPERATION OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS VICTIMS WAS PARAMOUNT IN ENABLING THE PROPOSAL TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES BECAUSE UNDER THE LEGISLATION, TAVA’S FUND COULD ONLY BE PAID TO THE VICTIMS, BUT NOT THE INSURc

♦HENCE OF THE 135 CASES WHERE THE INSURED PERSON HAD PAID, IN PART OR IN FULL, DAMAGES TO THE VICTIMS, THESE INSURED PERSONS MUST NOW RELY ON THE VICTIMS TO CLAIM PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND AND SIGN AN UNDETAKING TO REIMBURSE THEM,+ SHE SAID.

+WE DO NOT SEE FIT TO AMEND THE TAVA’S ORDINANCE AND MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR PAYMENTS TO BE MADE TO THE INSURED BECAUSE THIS IS AN +ONE-OFF+ EXERCISE,♦ MISS TAM SAID.

-----o------

PNEUMOCONIOSIS FUND LEVY REVISED * * * *

A MOTION SEEKING TO LOWER THE LEVY TO FINANCE THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BY 25 PER CENT WAS ADOPTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD WAS ESTABLISHED TO ADMINISTER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND, WHICH WAS FINANCED BY A LEVY OF 0.2 PER CENT CF THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS WITH A VALUE OF AT LEAST $1 MILLION AND OF QUARRY PRODUCTS.

HE SAID THE BOARD AT PRESENT HAD A SURPLUS BALANCE OF SOME S30 MILLION AND IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE IMBALANCE BETWEEN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE THE BOARD HAD RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE RATE OF LEVY BE REDUCED BY 25 PER CENT, TO 0.15 PER CENT.

THE REVISED RATE OF LEVY WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 6 NEXT YEAR IF THE NECESSARY RESOLUTION WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE NOTED.

MR HENDERSON EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE BOARD BEGAN OPERATION, IT HAD TO DEAL WITH AN INITIALLY LARGE NUMBER OF CLAIMANTS, MANY CF WHOM WERE SERIOUSLY INCAPACITATED BY PNEUMOCONIOSIS.

THESE CLAIMS HAD NOW BEEN PROCESSED AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, COMPENSATION HAD BEEN PAID, HE SAID.

♦CLAIMANTS ARE NOW COMING FORWARD IN SMALLER NUMBERS AND AT an EARLIER STAGE OF THE DISEASE. AS A RESULT, THE BOARD’S EXPENDITURE ON COMPENSATION HAS FALLEN OVER THE LAST TWO YEARo WHILE ITS INCOME HAS REMAINED STEADY.

♦THIS TREND SEEMS LIKELY TO CONTINUE,* MR HENDERSON NOTED.

/SUPPORTING THE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBJB 4, 1985

- 29 -

SUPPORTING THE MOTION, THE HON HO SAI-CHU URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER EVENTUALLY ABOLISHING THE LEVY ON THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND QUARRY PRODUCTS FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUND AND TO REVIEW THE FUND’S AMBIT.

NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN A STEADY AND SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE INCOME OF THE COMPENSATION FUND SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1981, HE SAID ITS EXPENDITURE HAD BEEN FALLING FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AS A RESULT OF A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CLAIMANTS AND A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE.

+NATURALLY, THIS RESULTED IN HUGE SURPLUSES.

♦IN 1984 ALONE, THE SURPLUS ITSELF IS IN THE ORDER OF $23 MILLION AND THERE ARE REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT THIS TREND WOULD CONTINUE,* HE SAID.

MR HO SAID HE BELIEVED THE INTERESTS ON THE SURPLUS FUNDS ALONE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE OUTGOINGS OF THE FUND IN A MATTER OF THREE TO FOUR YEARS.

+IF THIS IS THE CASE, I SUBMIT THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER BE MEANINGFUL TO IMPOSE A LEVY ON THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND QUARRY PRODUCTS PRODUCED AND I AM PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO INTRODUCE THE RESOLUTION TO REDUCE THE RATE OF LEVY BY 25 PER CENT NEXT YEAR,* HE SAID.

MR HO SUGGESTED THAT THE SAME RATE OF REDUCTION COULD BE MADE IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AND THE LEVY COULD BE ABOLISHED Altogether when the fund itself could generate sufficient RESOURCES TO FINANCE ITS PRESCRIBED FUNCTIONS.

+ALTERNATIVELY, IF THERE ARE SOME COMPELLING REASONS TO MAINTAIN the LEVY, I SUGGEST THAT THE AMBIT OF THE FUND SHOULD BE REVIEWED SO AS TO ALLOW THE SURPLUS FUNDS TO BE USED FOR EVEh MORE GAINFUL PURPOSES SUCH AS EDUCATION, PUBLICITY AND RESEARCH IN CONNECTION WITH THE PREVENTION OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS AND IF APPROVED, WILL BE A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE FUND WAS SET UP.

+IT IS MY SINCERE BELIEF THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK IS TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF THE DISEASE AND THAT NO MOMENTARY COMPENSATION IS SUFFICIENT TO ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERINGS OF THE PNEUMOCON IOTICS,* MR HO SAID.

HE ADMITTED THAT HIS PROPOSALS MIGHT CARRY WITH IT CERTAIN IMPLICATIONS THAT MIGHT HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED.

+1 WOULD, HOWEVER, LIKE TO THINK THAT THE SPIRIT OF MY PROPOSALS IS NO DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE MOTION BEFORE THIS COUNCIL AND THAT IS, TO IMPROVE THE COMPENSATION SCHEME SO AS TO BETTER THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE WORKING IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES.

/+IT IS........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4> 1985

+IT IS WITH THIS COMMON OBJECTIVE THAT I URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE THE PROPOSALS ITS SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION,* HE SAID.

WELCOMING MR HO’S SUPPORT, MR HENDERSON SAID THE FUND BOARD, AMONG ITS OTHER FUNCTIONS, KEPT A CLOSE WATCH ON TRENDS IN ITS INCOME AND EXPENDITURE.

+l HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT WILL RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNMENT A FURTHER REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF LEVY IF THIS SEEMS DESIRABLE,* l£ SAID.

WHILE SYMPATHISING WITH MR HO’S MOTIVES, MR HENDERSON SAID FE WOULD BE RELUCTANT TO CONSIDER AN EXPANSION OF THE FUNCTIONS CF THE FUND BOARD.

+EDUCATION, PUBLICITY AND RESEARCH IN CONNECTION WITH OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES ARE DESIRABLE ACTIVITIES, BUT THEY SHOULD EE UNDERTAKEN IN A CO-ORDINATED MANNER WITH OTHER INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH MATTERS IN SUCH MANNERS AS RESOURCES AND PRIORITIES ALLOW.

+TO USE PART OF THE LEVY ON THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES FOR THESE PURPOSES WOULD ENTAIL TREATING THIS PARTICULAR ASPECT OF EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ON A DIFFERENT BASIS FROM THOSE AREAS COVERED BY THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND WOULD REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT DEPARTURE FROM THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH EMPLOYERS IN THE QUARRY AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES WERE CONSULTED BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEME IN ITS PRESENT FORM IN 1980,+ FR HENDERSON SAID.

HE SAID THE REASONS WHY COMPENSATION FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS WAS NOT DEALT WITH UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WERE FIRSTLY, THAT THE DISEASE WAS SPECIFIC TO THE QUARRY AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES AND SECONDLY, THAT IT COULD TAKE MANY YEARS TO BECOME APPARENT AND IT WAS THEREFORE DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, FOR LIABILITY FOR THE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO BE ATTACHED TO ANY PARTICULAR EMPLOYER.

- - - - 0 -----------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1935

TAXI LIMIT DATE EXTENSION SOUGHT

X X X X

A MOTION SEEKING TO EXTEND THE DATE LIMITING THE NUMBER OF TAXIS FROM DECEMBER 6 THIS YEAR TO JULY 17 NEXT YEAR WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID THE TAXIS (LIMITATION ON NUMBER) NOTICE 1984 PUBLISHED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 395 OF 1984 PROVIDED THAT THE NUMBER (F MOTION VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT BE REGISTERED AS TAXIS WAS AS FOLLOWS: 14 OOO FOR URBAN TAXIS, 2 638 FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS AND 40 IN THE CASE OF LANTAU TAXIS.

HE SAID A REVIEW OF THE LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF TAXIS WOULD BE CONDUCTED DURING THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR AND RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD THAN BE MADE ON THE LIMITS TO BE APPLIED AFTER JULY 17 NEXT YEAR.

+AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 395 OF 1984 REMAINS IN FORCE ONLY UNTIL DECEMBER 6 THIS YEAR, A RESOLUTION UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE WAS REQUIRED TO EXTEND THE CURRENT LIMITS TO JULY 17 NEXT YEAR,+ MR MACPHERSON SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF TAXIS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE SET BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON JULY 17, 1984 FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

AS REGARDS LANTAU TAXIS, DID NOT CALL FOR ANY REVISION CF VEHICLES, HE ADDED.

THEIR UTILISATION RATE AT PRESENT IN THE CURRENT LIMIT ON THE NUMBER

-----o------

MAJOR CAMPAIGN AGAINST FALLING OBJECTS SET TO START

* X * X

A SPECIAL TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR TO STRENGTHEN PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF FALLING OBJECTS, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADM IN ISTRAT10,'., THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE EXISTING ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST (API) ON TELEVISION WOULD BE REPLACED AND A NEw POSTER WOULD BE PRODUCED AND WIDELY DISTRIBUTED, HE SAID.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REVIEW EXISTING MEASURES TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, MR LIAO SAID THIS WAS BEING DONE FROM TIME TO TIME.

/HE SAID .......

-SDNESDAY, DECEMBEH 4, 1985

HE SAID WHERE FALLING OBJECTS OCCURRED AT BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR OR DECORATION, THE RESPONSIBILITY RESTED WITH THE CONSTRUCTORS CONCERNED, BUT POLICE INVESTIGATION OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS INVOLVING HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WAS ALWAYS FRAUGHT WITH DIFFICULTIES.

MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT SUCH INVESTIGATIONS WERE TIME-CONSUMING AND DID NOT ALWAYS PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULTS, AND THE POLICE’S SUCCESS DEPENDED ESSENTIALLY ON THE CO-OPERATION CF WITNESSES.

+ IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRAW ANY CONCLUSION ON THE EFFECTIVENESS CF THE POLICE ACTION, BUT EVEN THOUGH THE POLICE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CULPRITS IN EVERY REPORTED INCIDENT, DOOR TO DOOR ENQUIRIES BY THE OFFICERS DO PRODUCE A DETERRENT EFFECT ON SUCH CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR,+ HE SAID.

MR LIAO SAID PREVENTIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION INVOLVING DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WAS THE BEST APPROACH TO THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM.

+AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, DISTRICT OFFICERS AND THEIR STAFF THROUGH REGULAR LIAISON WITH MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, WILL CONTINUE THE TASK OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT SUCH ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR,+ HE ADDED.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT A SUCCESSFUL PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED IN WONG TAI SIN IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR BY THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WHERE POSTERS, STICKERS AND PAMPHLETS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS.

+A SIMILAR CAMPAIGN WAS ALSO ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD IN AUGUST THIS YEAR,* HE ADDED.

MR LIAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS MINDFUL OF THE NEED TO REVIEW THE ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ON THIS PROBLEM.

-----o------

COMMENTS SOUGHT ON DRAFT MAGISTRATES AMENDMENT BILL ******

A NEW DRAFT BILL ALLOWING A MAGISTRATE THE DISCRETION TO AMEND A DEFECTIVE COMPLAINT, INFORMATION OR SUMMONS HAS ALREADY BEEN SENT TO THE HON MARTIN LEE FOR COMMENTS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MR LEE HIMSELF, HE RECALLED THAT DRAFTING LEGISLATION ON THE MATTER HAD BEEN CIRCULATED FOR DISCUSSION SOME TIME AGO.

/MR THOMAS .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4» 1985

MR THOMAS SAID THAT MR LEE, THEN CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, ADVANCED SOME HELPFUL AND PENEJRATING CRITICISMS OF THE DRAFT AND THE POINTS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY CONSIDERED WITHIN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS.

+VARIOUS VIEWS WERE EXPRESSED BUT NO CONSENSUS WAS REACHED,* HE ADDED.

SINCE THEN, THERE HAD BEEN DELAYS IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM.

HAVING LOOKED INTO THE MATTER AS A RESULT OF MR LEE’S QUESTION, HE SAID THAT HE WOULD SEE WHETHER AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND IN CONSULTATION WITH ALL INTERESTED PARTIES.

+A PROPOSAL TO AMEND SECTION 27 OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE (CAP 227) TO ALLOW THE MAGISTRATE A DISCRETION IN RELATION TO TOP AMENDMENT OF A DEFECTIVE COMPLAINT, INFORMATION OR SUMMONS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED IN ISOLATION BECAUSE THE PROVISION CONCERNED “Section (i) of section 27) is linked with other subsections,* W THOMAS SAID.

+WHEN CONSIDERING AN AMENDMENT, IT NECESSARY TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE OF SECTION 27 TO CREATE AN ACCEPTABLE OVERALL PROCEDURE, HE ADDED.

- 0 -

TRAFFIC OFFENCE PROSECUTION EXPLAINED *****

ALTHOUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS THE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROSECUTION, THE DECISION WHETHER TO USE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (CAP 374) OR ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) ORDINANCE (CAP 375) IN DEALING WITH A TRAFFIC OFFENCE IS EXERCISED BY A POLICE OFFICER, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, HE SAID THE DECISION WAS BASED ON THE PERCEIVED SERIOUSNESS OF THE ALLEGED OFFENCE, WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE BEING USED FOR MORE SERIOUS OFFENCES.

ON THE QUESTION OF DISQUALIFICATION, MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) ORDINANCE (CAP 375), A MAGISTRATE MAY ORDER A DISQUALIFICATION WHERE AN OFFENDER HAS ACCUMULATED 15 OR MORE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS.

FOR OFFENCES WHICH WERE NOT COVERED BY THE FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) ORDINANCE, MR MACPHERSON SAID THE COURT HAD A GENERAL POWER UNDER SECTION 69 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO DISQUALIFY A PERSON CONVICTED OF ANY OFFENCE FOR SUCH A PER IOD AS IT THOUGHT FIT.

/FOB OFFENCES .......

WSHESDAY, DBCEMBJffi 4, 1985

- 34 -

FOR OFFENCES (OTHER THAN SPEEDING) WHICH ALSO GAVE RISE TO PENALTY POINTS UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) ORDINANCE, BOTH METHODS COULD BE USED.

♦ IF THE COURT DOES DISQUALIFY A PERSON, SUCH A PERSON IS NOT LIABLE TO RECEIVE THE PENALTY POINTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THAT OFFENCE. IT ADDITION ANY PREVIOUSLY ACCRUED POINTS ARE EXTINGUISHED.

+IF THE COURT DOES NOT DISQUALIFY THEN PENALTY POINTS WILL BE ACCRUED IN THE USUAL WAY, AS THEY WOULD IF THE FIXED PENALTY PROCEDURE WAS ADOPTED.

♦ IN THESE CASES THE TWO SYSTEMS CAN CO-EXIST WITHOUT DIFFICULTY,* MR MACPHERSON EXPLAINED.

ON THE PARTICULAR OFFENCE OF SPEEDING, MR MACPHERSON SAID SECTION 41(2) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE GAVE A SPECIFIC DIRECTION TO THE COURT TO IMPOSE A DISQUALIFICATION OF 12 MONTHS WHEN A CASE WHICH CAME BEFORE THE COURT ON INFORMATION INVOLVED A THIRD OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE.

♦ THE POSSIBILITY OF DISQUALIFICATION UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) ORDINANCE ARISES ON THE ACCUMULATION OF 15 POINTS.

♦ A CONVICTION UNDER SECTION 41 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE ATTRACTS THREE POINTS. FIVE SPEEDING CONVICTIONS ARE THEREFORE NECESSARY BEFORE A PERSON BECOMES LIABLE TO DISQUALIFICATION,♦ HE SAID.

IT IS THIS CATEGORY OF OFFENCES WHICH MIGHT CAUSE CONFUSION, NR MACPHERSON SAID.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD EXAMINED THE ANOMALY AND HE INTENDED TO RECOMMEND TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THE REMOVAL OF THE MANDATORY DISQUALIFICATION PROVISION UNDER 41(2) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.

♦ THE DISCRETIONARY POWER OF THE COURT TO ORDER DISQUALIFICATION UNDER SECTION 69 OF THE ORDINANCE WOULD REMAIN.+ MR MACPHERSON SAID.

---------0

/35

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1995

ANTI-NOISE MEASURES PLANNED FOR NEW TRAM DEPOT * * * *

EVERY POSSIBLE MEASURE WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT A SITE PROPOSED FOR A NEW TRAM DEPOT IN SAI YING PUN IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT TRAFFIC OR THE PROVISION OF AMENITIES IN THE AREA, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SITE WAS CURRENTLY USED A LORRY PARK AND THAT ♦A TRAM DEPOT IS UNLIKELY TO GENERATE MORE NOISE THAN IS PRODUCED BY THE HEAVY VEHICLES CURRENTLY USING THE LORRY PARK*.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS COMPANY LIMITED HAD UNDERTAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THREE MEASURES TO MINIMISE ANY NOISE NUISANCE.

FIRSTLY, IMPROVEMENT WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT TO THE TRAM TRACKS SO AS TO REDUCE NOISE FROM GEAR WHINE AND ROLLING STOCK. SECONDLY, THE TRACKS LEADING TO THE NEW DEPOT WOULD BE CAREFULLY ALIGNED TO AVOID SHARP TURNS AND THUS REDUCE WHEEL SQUEAL, AND LASTLY, THE DESIGN OF THE NEW DEPOT WOULD ENSURE THAT THE SIDINGS AND WORKSHOP WOULD BE SCREENED OFF FROM NEARBY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT BY THE COMPANY’S OWN BUILDING.

MR MACPHERSON SAID HE HOPED THESE NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES WOULD LEAD TO AN IMPROVEMENT IN NOISE LEVELS IN THE AREA.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT A TRAM DEPOT AT THIS SITE WOULD NOT CAUSE ANY MAJOR TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS.

♦TRAMS WOULD ONLY USE THE DEPOT OUTSIDE PEAK HOURS, WHEN TRAFFIC ALONG BOTH WHITTY STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WAS LIGHT,+ HE SAID.

♦NEVERTHELESS, NECESSARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE TRAM DEPOT WAS FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.

♦ IN THE LONGER TERM, CONSULTANTS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED TO EXAMINE THE UPGRADING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WOULD TAKE ACCOUNT CF A TRAM DEPOT AT THIS LOCATION IN DEVISING FUTURE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES IN THE AREA.*

MR MACPHERSON ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT ALTHOUGH THE SITE IN QUESTION WAS ORIGINALLY ZONED FOR LOCAL OPEN SPACE, IT WAS NOT AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION FOR SUCH USE SINCE IT FELL PARTLY UNDE0 A FLYOVER.

IN THE LATEST DRAFT LAYOUT PLAN FOR THE WESTERN RECLAMATION, IT HAD BEEN RE-DESIGNATED AS A TRAM DEPOT.

< AN ALTERNATIVE SITE, SOME 300 METRES TO THE EAST, HAS NOW BEEN DESIGNATED AS PARKLAND.

♦ THIS WOULD MORE THAN COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF THE ORIGINAL SITE SINCE IT IS NEARLY SEVEN TIMES LARGER,♦ HE SAID.

------o-------

/36......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

• - 36 -

COMMUNITY CENTRE STAFF TO BE STRENGTHENED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO HIRE MORE PEOPLE TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF COMMUNITY CENTRES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEE YU-TAI ON THE STAFF SITUATION AT THESE CENTRES, MR LIAO SAID THERE HAS BEEN NO REDUCTION OF GOVERNMENT STAFF ASSIGNED TO WORK IN COMMUNITY CENTRES, ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY HALLS, SINCE THEIR MANAGEMENT WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION LAST JUNE.

+ A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $1.5 MILLION HAS BEEN SOUGHT TO EMPLOY TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS IN 1985-86 TO ASSIST IN THE MANNING OF THESE FACILITIES,* HE SAID.

+IT IS ALSO INTENDED THAT THE MANNING SCALE BE INCREASED IN ORDER TO MAXIMISE UTILISATION OF COMMUNITY CENTRES,* HE ADDED.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO MAKE FULL USE OF COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES.

MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE NOW 415 STAFF (230 FROM SWD AND 185 FROM CNTA) WORKING IN THESE CENTRES, COMPARED WITH 394 SWD STAFF BEFORE THE TRANSFER.

*THE TRANSFER OF THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY CENTRES WAS TO RATIONALISE THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND CNTA SO THAT THE FORMER CAN CONCENTRATE ITS MANPOWER RESOURCES IN SOCIAL WORK SERVICES WHILE THE LATTER ASSUMES THE GENERAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY BUILDING,* HE SAID.

THIS ENTAILED THE REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF RESOURCES INCLUDING THE WITHDRAWAL OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN SOME CASES, MR LIAO SAID.

+AS THERE WAS NO OVERALL REDUCTION OF STAFF, IT WAS A MATTER CF HOW THE CHANGING-OVER OF MANAGEMENT HAD AFFECTED THE USE OF THESE CENTRES.

+WITH THE TRANSFER, WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS A WHOLE,* HE SAID.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT SOME GROUP ACTIVITIES PREVIOUSLY LED BY PROFESSIONAL STAFF MAY HAVE TO BE REPLACED BY OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY LOCAL BODIES.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 198:

PUNISHMENT ON STUDENTS SHOULD BE APPROPRIATE * * * *

SCHOOL AUTHORITIES SHOULD EXERCISE THEIR DISCRETION CAREFULLY IN DETERMINING THE KIND OF PUNISHMENT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE FOR AN OFFENCE BY A STUDENT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE AGE OF THE PUPIL CONCERENED, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUNG, MR HENDERSON SAID THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF DISCIPLINE INCLUDED DETENTION, COPYING FROM TEXTBOOKS AND ACCUMULATION OF DEMERITS WHILE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION MIGHT BE RESORTED TO IN SERIOUS CASES.

REGARDING CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, HE SAID, EDUCATION REGULATIONS 5B AND 59 SPECIFIED HOW AND TO WHOM IT MIGHT BE ADMINISTERED AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUED CIRCULARS FROM TIME TO TIME ADVISING HEAD TEACHERS TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE APPROPRIATENESS OF SUCH PUNISHMENT IN EACH INDIVIDUAL CASE.

+AS REGARDS SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION, DETAILED RULES ARE SET OUT IN THE CODES OF AID FOR AIDED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND IN THE RELEVANT REGULATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS,+ PR HENDERSON SAID.

IN PARTICULAR, HE ADDED, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MUST BE CONSULTED BEFORE ANY CHILD WAS EXPELLED.

HE SAID THAT WHERE PARENTS WERE DISSATISFIED WITH THE NATURE OR EXTENT OF THE DISCIPLINE ADMINISTERED TO THEIR CHILDREN, THE NORMAL COURSE WAS TO COMPLAIN TO THE HEAD TEACHER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.

♦ IF THE COMPLAINT IS REJECTED OR IF THE REPLY GIVEN IS UNSATISFACTORY, PARENTS CAN - AND DO - TAKE THEIR COMPLAINTS TO THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER WHO WILL INVESTIGATE AND TAKE ACTION AS NECESSARY WITH THE SCHOOL,+ MR HENDERSON ADDED.

HE SAID COMPLAINTS BY PARENTS OF USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT WERE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN AND TEACHERS WHO WERE FOUND TO HAVE ADMINISTERED SUCH PUNISHMENT IMPROPERLY OR EXCESSIVELY WERE WARNED.

+1N SERIOUS CASES, CONSIDERATION WOULD HAVE TO BE GIVEN TO CANCELLING THE TEACHER’S REGISTRATION OR TEACHING PERMIT,* PR HENDERSON SAID.

-----0------

/38........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4,

1985

- 38 -

EXCESSIVE NOISE AFFECTING SCHOOLS UNDER STUDY K X * X X

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY HAS BEEN CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM OF EXCESSIVE NOISE AFFECTING SCHOOLS NEAR TO THE AIRPORT AND MAJOR ROADS AND TO ASSESS VARIOUS MEANS OF IMPROVEMENT, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON SAID TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY PROF THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR HENDERSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS FACED BY CERTAIN SCHOOLS AS A RESULT CF INCREASED NOISE LEVELS IN THEIR VICINITY.

+THE STUDY HAS ESTABLISHED THAT THE MEASURES REQUIRED WOULD DEPEND UPON THE INTENSITY OF THE NOISE AFFECTING A PARTICULAR SCHOOL.

1 ' ■ ' • “ ' JI , i ■ Vf.-T

+ IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO INSTALL DOUBLE GLAZING, TO SEAL THE EXISTING WINDOWS OR SIMPLY TO KEEP EXISTING WINDOWS CLOSED.

+IN ALL THREE CASES, HOWEVER, AIR-CONDITIONING WOULD BE REQUIRED,* MR HENDERSON SAID.

HE THEN POINTED OUT THAT A SAMPLE SURVEY OF SCHOOLS INDICATED THAT A TOTAL OF SOME 10 000 CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS MIGHT REQUIRE TREATMENT OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER.

THE FULL COST OF THIS TREATMENT WOULD BE ABOUT $240 MILLION WITH A RECURRENT COST (IN RESPECT OF AIR-CONDITIONING) OF AROUND $50 MILLION PER ANNUM, HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON STRESSED THAT A VERY SUBSTANTIAL PROGRAMME WOULD BE REQUIRED IF NOISE WAS TO BE REDUCED TO DESIRABLE LEVELS IN ALL SCHOOLS CURRENTLY AFFECTED.

+ IT IS, HOWEVER, POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH ORDERS OF PRIORITY AND TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO SOME OF THE MOST SERIOUSLY-AFFECTED SCHOOLS FIRST.

+THIS IS INDEED THE APPROACH ENDORSED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION,* MR HENDERSON SAID.

HE ADDED THAT AN AGENDA ITEM PAPER WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN THE NEAR FUTURE ADVISING MEMBERS CF THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY AND SEEKING APPROVAL TO BRING FORWARD MORE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS DEALING INITIALLY WITH THE WORST-AFFECTED SCHOOLS.

+IN ORDER TO AVOID PROBLEMS OF THIS KIND,* MR HENDERSON SAID, +PLANNING GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN AMENDED TO ENSURE THAT NOISE LEVELS ARE TAKEN SPECIFICALLY INTO ACCOUNT IN THE ALLOCATION OF SITES.*

+WHERE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID A NOISY SITE, REMEDIAL NEASURES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT DESIGN AND THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL APPROVAL SOUGHT,* HE SAID.

------o-------

/ 39.....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

RIGHT-HAND DRIVE TO STAY * * *

NO CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO THE CONVERSION OF HONG KONG’S TRAFFIC SYSTEM FROM RIGHT-HAND DRIVE TO LEFT-HAND DRIVE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR MACPHERSON SAID HE DID NOT SEE THE NEED TO PLAN FOR SUCH A CHANGE.

LOITERING LAW STRIKES +FAIR, EQUITABLE-*- BALANCE *****

THE LOITERING PROVISIONS IN THE EXISTING LAW STRIKE A +FAIR AND EQUITABLE-*- BALANCE BETWEEN THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN PREVENTING CRIME, AND THE RIGHT OF INNOCENT INDIVIDUALS NOT TO BE UNDULY, HARASSED IN THE PROCESS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER C. WONG, MR THOMAS SAID THE POLICE BELIEVED THE PROVISIONS, WHICH HAD BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE 1979, WERE VALUABLE IN PREVENTING CRIME.

+IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SHOW HOW MANY SERIOUS CRIMES HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY TIMELY ARRESTS ON LOITERING CHARGES BUT IT IS A FACT THAT ABOUT 18 PER CENT OF PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR LOITERING ARE SUBSEQUENTLY CHARGED FOR MORE SERIOUS OFFENCES,+ HE SAID.

+THE POLICE CITE 18 RECENT CASES, IN WHICH 25 PERSONS WERE INITIALLY ARRESTED ON LOITERING CHARGES AND IN WHICH SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS LED TO FURTHER CHARGES IN RESPECT OF 47 ROBBERIES, 23 BURGLARIES, NINE RAPES AND FOUR INDECENT ASSAULTS,+ HE ADDED.

MR THOMAS SAID THE USE OF THE PROVISIONS HAD PRODUCED NOTABLE REDUCTIONS IN ROBBERY AND BURGLARY FIGURES IN CERTAIN AREAS.

♦THESE EXAMPLES INDICATE THAT THE PROVISIONS ARE IN MR PETER C. WONG’S WORDS, ’PERFORMING A USEFUL FUNCTION’,+ HE SAID.

MR THOMAS SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO CONSIDERED THAT THE POLICE HAD BEEN ENFORCING THE LAW IN A SATISFACTORY MANNER.

THE RELEVANT POLICE HEADQUARTER’S ORDER SET OUT CLEARLY THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH AN OFFICER SHOULD ACT, AND STATED THAT HE MUST WATCH THE SUSPECT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE TO OBSERVE A PATTERN OF BEHAVIOUR WHICH WAS GENUINELY SUSPICIOUS.

/IT ALSO

WEDNESDAY, DBCSMBEH 4, 1985

IT ALSO STATED THAT THE EXPLANATIONS OFFERED BY THE • .^h’ECT SHOULD BE CHECKED AT OR NEAR THE TIME HE GAVE THEM TO ENSURE THAT IF THE EXPLANATION WAS TRUE AND REASONABLE HE WOULD BE RELEASED IMMED IATELY.

MR THOMAS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW WAS REINFORCED DY THE FACT THAT IN THE FIVE AND A HALF YEARS SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE LOITERING PROVISIONS, THE CONVICTION RATE HAD NEVER BEEN LESS THAN 60 PER CENT IN ANY ONE YEAR AND HAD AVERAGED 72 PER CENT.

+FURTHERMORE, IN 1984, THE FIRST COMPLETE YEAR FOR WHICH STATISTICS WERE COMPILED, THERE WERE 2 644 PROSECUTIONS FOR LOITERING BUT IN ONLY 183 CASES WERE THERE COMPLAINTS LODGED WITH CAPO. ONLY FOUR OF THOSE WERE SUBSTANTIATED.*

HOWEVER, HE SAID, FOUR WEEKS AGO, THE COURT OF APPEAL, BY A MAJORITY DECISION, HAD INTERPRETED ONE OF THE LOITERING PROVISIONS IN A MANNER THAT APPEARED TO REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE. PROVISIONS IN PREVENTING CRIME AND WOULD LEAD TO CHANGES IN POLICE PROCEDURES.

+THE STRONG DISSENTING OPINION DESCRIBED THE COURT’S DECISION AS HAVING THE EFFECT OF MAKING THE PROVISION ’AN EMPTY SHELL’,* MR THOMAS SAID.

IN VIEW OF THE CONFLICT OF JUDICIAL OPINION, THE CROWN HAD DECIDED TO APPLY FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL AND THE APPLICATION WOULD BE HEARD ON DECEMBER 19, HE ADDED.

-----0-----

ASSISTANCE FOR TEACHERS TO HANDLE UNRULY PUPILS * * 4 *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO GIVE TEACHERS EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH UNRULY AND DELINQUENT PUPILS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, HE SAID A STAND IN COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1982 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO KEEP THE MATTER UNDER REVIEW AND TO CONSIDER CONSTRUCTIVE MEASURES TO ASSIST TEACHERS.

/HE SAID ........

- 41 -

« TUESDAY , DELia&fc 4»

HE SAID MEASURES SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO TRAINING INCULDED PROVISION OF REGULAR SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS FOR SERVING HEADS AND TEACHERS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE POLICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, INTRODUCTION OF COUNSELLING AS A UNIT OF STUDY IN THE PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE ONE-YEAR EXTRA MURAL COURSE IN SCHOOL COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE RUN BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

OTHER MEASURES, HE SAID, HAD INCLUDED SURVEYS ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR, PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE REMEDIAL AND GUIDANCE SERVICES, ISSUE OF SCHOOL CIRCULARS TO INFORM TEACHERS ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE SUSPECTED GANG ACTIVITIES, AND ISSUE OF PAMPHLETS TO SCHOOLS AND PARENTS TO INFORM THEM OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR HELPING CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS.

+IN ADDITION, THE EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGISTS, EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLORS AND SCHOOL INSPECTORS OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION CF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDE BOTH REMEDIAL SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AS WELL AS ADVISORY SERVICES FOR THE TEACHERS AND PARENTS CONCERNED.

♦THERE IS ALSO A PLAN TO SET UP A SCHOOL SUPPORT TEAM TO VISIT SCHOOLS AND TO RENDER ON-SITE ASSISTANCE TO TEACHERS RESPONSIBLE FOR GUIDANCE IN SCHOOLS,* HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID HE HOPED THAT THE SCHEME WOULD BE LAUNCHED ON A PILOT BASIS IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.

HE SAID DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR SUCH AS ACTS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE, GAMBLING, STEALING AND SUSPECTED INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 PER CENT OF TOTAL INCIDENTS RECORDED DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF INSTANCES RELATED TO COMPARATIVELY MINOR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS HABITUAL LATENESS, FAILURE TO HAND IN HOMEWORK AND NOT BRINGING TEXTBOOKS TO SCHOOL.

+ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE IN BOTH CATEGORIES BETWEEN 82-83 AND 83-84, THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT 84-85 WILL SHOW SOME IMPROVEMENT.

+CLEARLY, IT WOULD BE DANGEROUS TO SPEAK OF A TREND ON THE BASIS OF THE DATA AVAILABLE SO FAR,+ HE SAID.

a-ONESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

SERVICES TO HANDLE FAMILY PROBLEMS SATISFACTORY * * * *

THERE ARE 22 FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND 23 BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH OFFER COUNSELLING AND OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES WITH PROBLEMS SUCH AS MARITAL BREAKDOWNS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ANSWERING A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS, ON THE WHOLE, SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT PROVISION OF COUNSELLING SERVICES AND HAD NO PLAN TO SET UP AN ADVISORY BODY SPECIALLY TO DEAL WITH SUCH PROBLEMS.

HE SAID THAT THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES RULES REQUIED THE PETITIONER’S SOLICITOR IN DIVORCE CASES TO CERTIFY TO THE COURT WHETHER OR NOT HE HAD DISCUSSED WITH HIS CLIENT THE POSSIBILITY CF A RECONCILIATION AND GIVEN HIS CLIENT THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES CF PERSONS QUALIFIED TO ASSIST IN RECONCILIATION.

+THIS UNDERLINES WHAT I TAKE TO BE GOOD PRACTICE ON THE PART CF SOLICITORS IN HONG KONG,+ MR THOMAS SAID, +AND I AM ASSURED THAT IN THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AT LEAST THE PROSPECTS OF RECONCILIATION ARE ALWAYS DISCUSSED WITH PET ITIONERS.+

DURING THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1984 THE NUMBER OF LEGAL AID CERTIFICATES ISSUED FOR MATRIMONIAL CASES,' INCLUDING DIVORCE AND OTHER FAMILY RELATED PROCEEDINGS, WAS 8 453.

THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR OTHER CIVIL CASES WAS 17 246, NR THOMAS SAID.

-------o

MOVE TO STUDY FUTURE WAR MEMORIAL FUND NEEDS * * * *

A MOTION TO APPOINT A SELECT COMMITTEE TO MAKE AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND WAS MOVED BY THE HON JOHN SWA INE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

INTRODUCING THE MOTION, HE RECALLED THAT THE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE IN 1947 TO ENSURE THAT ALL WHO SERVED IN DEFENCE OF HONG KONG DURING THE LAST WAR, INCLUDING THOSE WHO BECAME PRISONERS OF WAR AND WHO WERE INCAPACITATED AND IN NEED WOULD BE ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR. ASSISTANCE WAS ALSO PROVIDED TO THEIR DEPENDANTS.

♦THE FUND IS ADMINISTERED BY A STATUTORY COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND COMPRISES RESPECTED SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO HAD WAR EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG OR ELSEWHERE PLUS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE,+ HE SAID.

/DUE TO .......

..jUKESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 43 -

DUE TO AN INCREASED ANNUAL EXPENDITURE SINCE 1979 CAUSED BY MORE BENEFICIARIES, MR SWAINE SAID THE FUND’S ASSETS HAD NEARED DEPLETION AND THIS YEAR FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ASKED TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION TO MEET EXPENDITURE FROM THE FUND.

+THE GOVERNMENT HAS GUARANTEED THAT THE FUND WOULD ALWAYS HAVE THE MEANS TO PAY BUT I BELIEVE THAT A SELECT COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL CAN BEST MAKE AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS OF THE FUND WHICH WOULD BE FAIR BOTH TO THE PUBLIC AND TO THE PRISONERS OF WAR AND OTHER BENEFICIARIES BEFORE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS ASKED TO VOTE FURTHER FUNDS FOR ITS CONTINUANCE,* MR SWAINE SUGGESTED.

SUPPORTING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID HE AGREED WITH MR SWAINE THAT IT WAS AN APPROPRIATE TIME FOR AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION TO DETERMINE FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUND WHICH WOULD BE FAIR BOTH TO THE PUBLIC AND TO THE BENEFICIARIES.

HE ADDED THAT GOVERNMENT AGREED THAT THE MOST APPROPRIATE WAY OF DOING THIS WAS BY MEANS OF A SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

-----o------

HK PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SEEKS OWN BUILDING

X * *

THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL WILL SEEK GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT TO ALLOCATE A SITE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE BUILDING TO ACCOMMODATE MOST OF ITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND FACILITIES UNDER ONE ROOF.

THIS WAS SAID BY THE HON ALLEN LEE WHEN TABLING THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 1984-65 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR LEE NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS, THE CONTINUED VIGOROUS GROWTH OF THE COUNCIL’S ACTIVITIES AND WORKFORCE HAD POSED A RECURRENT PROBLEM OF ACCOMMODATION.

THE COUNCIL, HE SAID, BELIEVED THAT WITH ITS INCREASING SIZE AND DIVERSITY, ONLY THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH A BUILDING TO MAXIMISE UTILISATION OF ITS RESOURCES, WOULD ENABLE IT TO SERVE MOST EFFECTIVELY, ESPECIALLY IN MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TASKS AND ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS.

+OUR GROSS RENTAL ACCOMMODATIONS HAVE BEEN AND ARE GROWING TO THE POINT WHERE WE BELIEVE THAT INVESTMENT IN OUR OWN BUILDING IS VIABLE,* HE ADDED.

/FOB THE .......

■'EDNSSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 44 -

FOR THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, THE DEMAND FOR THE COUNCIL’S SERVICES CONTINUED TO GROW.

♦THE FEE INCOME DERIVED FROM SERVICES INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT, WHICH FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, REPRESENTS SUBSTANTIAL REAL GROWTH,* HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A SUSTAINED DEMAND FOR THE COUNCIL’S WELL-ESTABLISHED CORE SERVICES.

IN TRAINING, THE COUNCIL ORGANISED 374 COURSES COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, WITH MORE THAN 8 000 PARTICIPANTS.

IN CONSULTANCY, THE COUNCIL UNDERTOOK 241 ASSIGNMENTS ASSISTING BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN EITHER ESTABLISHING NEW PLANTS, OR EXPANDING AND STREAMLINING THEIR MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS.

MR LEE SAID THE COUNCIL ALSO EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF ITS ACTIVITIES BY TAKING A MORE ACTIVE APPROACH IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.

♦PROJECTS AIMED AT SERVING MULTIPLE USERS REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN SYSTEMS AND THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF A COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE GARMENT INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.

DURING THE YEAR, THE COUNCIL EXPANDED ITS SUPPORT FACILITIES IN VARIOUS SURFACE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES, AND THERE WERE OVER 1 003 LOCAL COMPANIES USING THE COUNCIL’S SUPPORT FACILITIES, H£ NOTED.

THE COUNCIL ALSO ENDORSED A +UNIFIED APPROACH CONCEPT* TO TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

♦THE INTENTION OF THE UNIFIED APPROACH IS TO RATIONALISE THE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SEPARATE TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDIES AND TO GIVE EARLY IMPLEMENTATION TO PRIORITY PROJECTS UNDER ONE MANAGEMENT SO AS TO OPTIMISE THE USE OF RESOURCE.

+THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNIFIED APPROACH AND THE ADOPTION OF AN ACTIVE APPROACH TO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER REQUIRE A NEW LEGAL FRAMEWORK WHICH WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE ENLARGEMENT CF THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL,* MR LEE SAID.

CONSEQUENTLY, AN AMENDMENT BILL TO THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE WAS PREPARED AND RECEIVED THE ASSENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON AUGUST 7, 1985, HE ADDED.

/45........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 45 -

PAC CONCLUDES HEAR INGS * * * *

THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL CONCLUDE ITS OPEN HEARINGS FOR THIS YEAR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER TOMORROW (THURSDAY) STARTING FROM 9.15 AM.

APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS.

THE TIMETABLE FOR TOMORROW’S HEARINGS IS AS FOLLOWSs

9.15 AM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, PARAGRAPHS 58-62.

9.45 AM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND DIRECTOR

OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, PARAGRAPHS 63~68.

10.15 AM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, PARAGRAPHS 154-162.

10.45 AM SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, PARAGRAPHS 46-54.

11.15 AM DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, PARAGRAPHS 134-137.

11.30 AM DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, PARAGRAPHS 138-140.

2 PM DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, PARAGRAPHS 76-96.

2 45 PM SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, PARAGRAPHS 163-182.

3 45 PM DIRECTOR OF LANDS AND DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, PARAGRAPHS 25~38.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE OPEN HEARINGS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNT’S COMMITTEE ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG A COPY CF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR REFERENCE.

-----o------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 193'

WANING SUPPORT FOR TEXTILE BILL INDICATED * * * *

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAS PASSED THE TEX1ILE BILL BUT THE VOTING SIGNALS A FURTHER DECLINE IN SUPPORT FOR THE PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION. THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, HR PAUL WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL, PASSED BY 255 VOTES TO 161, WAS THE SAME AS THE VERSION PASSED 60 - 39 VOTES BY THE SENATE IN NOVEMBER. IT IS SIGNIFICANT HOWEVER THAT YESTERDAY’S VOTE IN THE HOUSE ONCE AGAIN FELL SHORT OF THE TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY IT WOULD NFED TO OVERRIDE A PERSIDENTIAL VETO.

YESTERDAY’S VOTING ALSO INDICATED A FALLING OFF IN HOUSE SUPPORT FROM AN EARLIER VERSION OF THE BILL WHICH WAS PASSED BY A MARGIN OF 262 TO 159 IN OCTOBER.

+ALTHOUGH THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL MARKS THE FINAL LEGISLATIVE HURDLE IN THE CONGRESS, IT STILL HAS TO GO BEFORE PRESIDENT REAGAN FOR SIGNING BEFORE IT BECOMES LAW AND ALL THE INDICATIONS CONTINUE TO POINT TO A PRESIDENTIAL VETO.

+WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE FACT THAT THE BILL HAS YET AGAIN FAILED TO WIN THE TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY THAT WOULD BE NEEDED TO OVERTURN A PRESIDENTIAL VETO,* MR WONG SAID.

HE SAID THAT SUPPORT FOR THE BILL HAD DECLINED ALTHOUGH THE BILL WAS AMENDED IN THE SENATE TO INCLUDE PROTECTION FOR THE FOOTWEAR AND COPPER INDUSTRIES.

AT THE PEAK OF ITS SUPPORT, THE BILL HAD ABOUT 290 CO-SPONSORS IN THE HOUSE.

+THE FIGURES SHOW A FALLING AWAY OF SUPPORT. CLEARLt OUR LOBBYING EFFORTS TO SHOW THAT THE BILL IS MISGUIDED AND M(SCONCE I HAVE HELPED TO TURN THE TIDE,* MR WONG SAID.

LOOKING AHEAD, HE SAID THE BILL WOULD PROBABLY BE SENT TO PRESIDENT REAGAN TODAY (U.S. TIME). THE PRESIDENT WILL THEN HAVE 10 DAYS (EXCLUDING SUNDAYS) TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO VETO IT. IF HE OPTS TO VETO THE BILL, IT WOULD BE REFERED BACK TO THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE WHERE A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY WOULD BE NECESSARY TO OVERRIDE THE VETO.

+0N YESTERDAY’S VOTING, IT SEEMS UNLIKELY THAT SUCH A PROPORTION COULD BE ACHIEVED, PARTICULARLY WHEN MAN.' CONGRESSMEN WHO MIGHT VOTE FOR THE BILL NOW WOULD THINK TWICE ABOUT THE MORE SERIOUS STEP OF OVERRIDING A PRESIDENTIAL VETO,* MR WONG SA ID.

/THE 7INAL .......

WEDNESDAY, DHSEHB® I, 198$

- 47 -

THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BILL WOULD CUT BACK MFA TEXTILE EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG BY ABOUT 12 PER CENT FROM ITS 1984 LEVEL. NON-MFA EXPORTS (SILK, RAMIE AND LINEN) WOULD BE CUT BACK BY ABOUT 70 PER CENT. THE OTHER TWO MAJOR EXPORTERS, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN WHO LIKE HONG KONG HAVE BEEN SINGLED OUT FOR TH' HARSHEST TREATMENT, WOULD FIND THEIR EXPORTS CUT BY ABOUT 30 PER CENT FROM THEIR 1984 LEVEL.

IT WOULD ALSO FREEZE IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES EXCEPT THE EEC AND CANADA AT THE 1984 LEVEL, WITH MINIMAL GROWTH.

MR WONG SAID THE IMPACT OF THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BILL ON HONG KONG WAS THE SAME AS THAT OF THE ORIGINAL VERSION INTRODUCED INTO THE CONGRESS IN MARCH. AN EARLIER AMENDMENT WHICH WOULD HAVE REDUCED THE IMPACT ON HONG KONG HAS BEEN MOD IFIED IN THE FINAL VERSION, SO THAT THERE IS NO CHANGE FROM THE ORIGINAL.

-----o------

NOTE TO EDITORS:

BRIEFING ON JENKINS BILL

* * X

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR PAUL WONG, WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS CF THE JENK INS BILL.

THE BRIEFING WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM IN THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

--------0----------

/48........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

PRIVATE MEDICAL SECTOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WELCOMED

*****

THE PUBLIC MEDICAL SERVICE wILL WELCOME AND FOLLOW WITH THE GREATEST INTEREST THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MORE EXPENSIVE AND SOPHISTICATED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR GUIDANCE IN ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG LITHOTRIPTER CENTRE AT ST PAUL’S HOSPITAL, DR THONG SAID THAT AS A MEDICAL ADMINISTRATOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, HE HAD TO ENSURE AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICAL SERVICES AND RESOURCES WHICH WERE PAID FOR FROM PUBLIC FUNDS AND TO UTILISE THESE RESOURCES IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.

+THERE MUST BE COMPETING PRIORITIES WHICH HAVE TO BE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN RESOURCES WHICH ARE NOT UNLIMITED,* HE SAID.

DR THONG PRAISED THE ST PAUL’S HOSPITAL FOR AGAIN TAKING THE LEAD IN HONG KONG IN INTRODUCING ADVANCED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT - THIS TIME A NEW TREATMENT METHOD FOR RENAL STONES.

HE RECALLED THAT THE HOSPITAL WAS ALSO THE FIRST ONE IN HONG KONG TO INSTALL THE CAT SCANNER IN 1977.

LITHOTRIPTER IS A NEW TREATMENT METHOD FOR KIDNEY STONES, USING SHOCK WAVES IN EXERTING PRESSURE ON THE STONES TO MAKE THEM CRUMBLE INTO SAND-GRAIN SIZE PARTICLES.

IT IS A NON-INVASIVE METHOD APPLIED EXTERNALLY TO THE BODY AND HAS A DISTINCT ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT PETHODS OF KIDNEY STONES FOR SUITABLE CASES.

- 0 -

THAI OFFICIALS TRAINED ON TRAFFIC CONTROL UK

FOUR SENIOR THAI OFFICIALS HAVE COMPLETED A SIX-WEEK TRAINING COURSE ON THE AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM (ATC) ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

THEY WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF iriE COMMITTEE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ROAD TRAFFIC, MRS SUMONTHA THUNYAPON- ENGINEER OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR, MR PREECHA LAOCHAREON- TRANSPORT OFFICER OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR, PR TONG NATICHIEM, AND CIVIL ENGINEER OF BANGKOK METROPOLITAN ADMINISTRATION, MR SOMKID WONGTANGSWAD.

/THEIrt THAIWING,

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 49 -

THEIR TRAINING, WHICH COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF AREAS RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ATC SYSTEM, WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE THAI OFFICIALS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE AN INDEPTH AND UP-TO-DATE TECHNIQUE OF THE SYSTEM.

DURING THEIR COURSE, THE THAI OFFICIALS WERE GIVEN ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AT VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE TRAFFIC CONTROL SURVEILLANCE DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT. THEY ALSO VISITED THE MONITOR ROOM, AIRPORT TUNNEL CONTROL ROOM, KOWLOON URBAN ATC AREA AND ABERDEEN TUNNEL AREA TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM.

MRS THUNYAPON SAID TODAY THAT THE TRAINING ENABLED HER AND HER COLLEAGUES TO LEARN AND APPRECIATE THE GENERAL METHODS OF IMPLEMENTING THE ATC SYSTEM IN VARIOUS AREAS OF HONG KONG AND CONSIDER HOW THEY MIGHT BE APPLIED IN BANGKOK.

--------o----------

AIR-CONDITIONED AIRPORT COACHES LAUNCHED

* * * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INAUGURATED THE NEW AIR-CONDITIONED AIRPORT COACH SERVICE OPERATED BY THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY.

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY AT THE AIRPORT TRANSPORT TERMINUS, NR LEEDS SAID GOOD TRANSPORT FACILITIES ON LAND WERE ESSENTIAL FOR THE EFFICIENT WORKING OF THE AIRPORT WHICH LAST YEAR SERVED 9.5 MILLION PASSENGERS.

HE SAID THERE WAS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING CAR-PARKING FOR PRIVATE CARS, TAXIS, LIGHT BUSES, HOTEL BUSES, AND THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICE FROM TSIM SHA TSUI AND TO CENTRAL DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

MR LEEDS SAID THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS SERVICES USING COACHES WITH SPACE FOR BAGGAGE WERE INTRODUCED BY THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY IN 1975.

CURRENTLY THESE SERVICES HAVE BEEN CARRYING ABOUT 110 000 PASSENGERS A MONTH AND OFFER A VALUABLE LINK BOTH FOR AIRLINE PASSENGERS AND FOR PEOPLE WORKING AT THE AIRPORT.

+TODAY WE SEE A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT OF THESE SERVICES w I TH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE FIRST OF THE NEW AIR-CONDITIONED COACHES.

/+THE COACHES .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

♦THE COACHES ARE AIR-CONDITIONED WITH THE LATEST EQUIPMENT WHICH HAS BEEN WIDELY USED IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD, AND TO ENSURE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE AIR-CONDITIONING THE BODIES HAVE BEEN INSULATED AND THE WINDOWS TINTED TO REDUCE HEAT TRANSMISSION.

♦THE CHASSIS DESIGN OF THE COACHES AND A FULLY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND AIR SUSPENSION WILL PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE RIDE FOR THE PASSENGERS,* MR LEEDS SAID.

THE INTERIOR WAS FINISHED TO A HIGH STANDARD WITH A CARPETED FLOOR AND HIGH BACK SEATS WITH ADEQUATE LEG-ROOM TO ENSURE COMFORT, l£ ADDED.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER, MR R.A. SIEGEL.

0 - -

PRESS CONFERENCE ON DB’S FORUMS

* * * *

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A SERIES OF PUBLIC FORUMS FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT THE POLICIES AND WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRED BY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, '-R CHAU HOW-CHEN, BOARD MEMBERS AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU.

IT WILL BE HELD AT 11.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

THE FIRST IN THE SERIES OF CONSULTATIVE PUBLIC FORUMS WILL BE A MEETING FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY).

THE BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE ALSO PLANS TO HOLD A FORUM FOR INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN IN THE DISTRICT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW.

-----0------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985

- 51 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION * X * *

THF CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, MR JOHN fortune WILL MEET THE MEDIA IN THE CIS PRESS CONFcRENCE ROOM ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 4 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

-----o------

GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE APPLICATION TO CLOSE * * * *

MORE THAN 1 000 APPLICATION FORMS HAVE BEEN DI STR IBUTED FOR OPERATING THE 24 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON HONG KONGISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESPONSE TO THE CURRENT EXERCISE WAS VERY ENCOURAGING AND HE REMINDED GREEN MINIBUS OWNERS THAT THt CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION WAS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13).

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY REGISTERED POST TO REACH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 31XTH FLOOR, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHA!, ON OR BEFORE THE DEADLINE. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

+IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE NEW ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN JULY NEXT YEAR,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

-----0

CONTAINER PARKING SITE FOR RENT * * * *

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCY OF A SITE AT TSING Yl ROAD, ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND.

THE 2.11-HECTARE SITE IS TO BE USED AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS ONLY.

TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.

/CLOSING DATE .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 19&5

- 52 -

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 20.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

-----0------

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WESTERN * * * *

_ „ ™E FLYOVER LINKING POK FU LAM ROAD AND BONHAM ROAD WILL

BE CLOSED FROM 11.30 PM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 7) TO 6.30 AM THE NEXT

“ f™lit?k8rSdP2ork.SUNI>AV (decebber 8) To 6 4B THE NEXT

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND POK FU LAM ROAD FADING FOR BONHAM ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HIGH STREET AND WESTERN STREET.

CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTES NO. 3 AND 23 WILL BE CONVERTED TO ----------------------- pARK RQAD 0NLYe CMB ROUTES

CIRCULAR ROUTES AND OPERATED TO .........

NO. 40 AND 40M ON THEIR CENTRAL-BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA POK FU LAM ROAD, WESTERN STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, GILMAN STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD

CENTRAL AND QUEENSWAY.

GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 8 AND 22 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL ^"OUJESNO. 28 AND 33 0N THE IR ARNEYS TO CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HIGH STREET AND WESTERN STREET TO REJOIN BONHAM

ROAD.

-----0------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BE PATIENT ON POLITICAL STRUCTURE, CS SAYS ...................... 1

CONSORTIUM FOR EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING ANNOUNCED................ 2

TRAVEL AGENTS LICENSING SCHEME TO START SOON .................... 3

PRICE, VOLUME CHANGES IN SEPTEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE ............... 5

SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION ................................... 10

HK-EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT EXTENDED ............................. 10

LDC’S STAND AT GATT MEETING BACKED ............................. 11

REPORT ON HOUSING GREEN PAPER TO BE MADE PUBLIC ................ 12

SPECIAL TAVA FUND FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS ......................... 13

ANNUAL INSPECTION FOR PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES ...................... 14

ALL-TIME HIGH FOR AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC......................... 15

BUILDING NO. 3 JOINS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME ................ 16

WORK ON NEW BORDER LINK TO START ............................... 16

KWUN TONG FESTIVAL LAUNCHED..................................... 17

NEW CHILDREN’S CENTRE PROVIDES HOME CARE........................ 18

ASSISTANT LABOUR COMMISSIONER RETIRES .......................... 19

POLMET DELEGATES VISIT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT .................. 20

ROAD MACHINE ON DISPLAY ........................................ 20

TENANCY SOUGHT FOR ABERDEEN SITE ............................... 20

ANTI-CRIME CAMPAIGN SLOGAN COMPETITION ORGANISED ............... 21

DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED ....................................... 21

NT ENTRIES TO SPEECH FESTIVAL UP 150 TIMES ..................... 22

SHA TIN TA CHIU CEREMONY ....................................... 22

BOARD TO DISCUSS NOISE NUISANCE ................................ 23

ART GROUP PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY ROLE ........................... 24

SPECIAL TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR CHARITY WALK........................ 24

SLIP ROAD IN KWUN TONG CLOSED .................................. 25

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

BE PATIENT ON POLITICAL STRUCTURE, CS SAYS

* * * *

HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD BE PATIENT AND ALLOW TIME FOR REFLECTION AND ADJUSTMENT TO THE EXISTING NEW POLITICAL STRUCTURE BEFORE PRONOUNCING ON THE NEXT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS NOW AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT ATTITUDE TO, AND INTEREST IN, GOVERNMENT’S ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE, JUST AS THERE HAD BEEN GREAT CHANGES IN THE PHYSICAL FACE OF HONG KONG.

+THIS CONTINUING PUBLIC DEBATE AND ENDLESS PRIVATE DISCUSSIONS WILL, I AM EQUALLY CONFIDENT, END IN A SATISFACTORY STRUCTURE EVOLVING,* HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF ALL THOSE OTHER THINGS IN OUR SOCIETY WHICH WERE IN NEED OF DEEP THOUGHT AND ATTENTION.

THESE INCLUDED THE FUTURE COURSE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT} THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION; THE NEED OF THE SICK, THE OLD AND THE DISABLED; THE PLANNING OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO RESPOND TO A MORE SERVICE-ORIENTED ECONOMY, AND, ABOVE AU. ELSE, GEN:R TING THE RESOURCES TO PAY FOR THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT WE HOPED TO ACHIEVE.

+SO MANY IMPORTANT PROBLEMS, SO MUCH TO BE DONE, TACKLING THEM. FINDING SOLUTIONS TO THESE PRACTICAL ISSUES IS ALSO AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CONTINUING PROCESS OF BUILDING A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY,* HE SAID.

SR DAVID RECALLED THAT HONG KONG WAS +D0WN IN THE DUMPS* WHEN HE LAST ATTENDED THE ASSOCIATION’S DINNER THREE YEARS AGO.

+TODAY, JUST THREE YEARS LATER, THE STOCK MARKET HAS FOR SOME MONTHS BEEN OVER THE 1 600 MARK, DOUBLE ITS LEVEL THREE YEARS AGO.

+FOR OVER TWO YEARS THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS BEEN STABLE, THANKS TO THE INGENIOUS LINK TO THE U.S. DOLLAR,* HE SAID.

°EOPLE WERE NOW ONCE MORE INVESTING IN ALL KINDS OF PROPERTY, AND MOST OF THE PROJECTS THAT DEMONSTRATED HONG KONG WAS STILL IN BUSINESS, SUCH AS THE ISLAND LINE, THE EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE TOLO HARBOUR HIGHWAY, THE NEW HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK HEADQUARTERS AND THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, WERE NOW THERE FOR ALL TO SEE, HE ADDED.

-----o------

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

CONSORTIUM FOR EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING ANNOUNCED *****

THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR IAN MACPHERSON, TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED AN OFFER FROM NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL CO. LTD. TO FINANCE, BUILD AND OPERATE THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING. THIS WILL BE A JOINT ROAD AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY FACILITY RUNNING FROM QUARRY BAY TO CHA KWO LING, EAST KOWLOON.

THE MAIN INVESTORS IN THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL CO. LTD. ARE KUMAGAI GUM I CO. LTD., LILLEY CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD., PAUL Y. CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. AND CHINA INTERNATIONAL TRUST AND INVESTMENT CORPORATION.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFER WAS CONDITIONAL ONLY UPON LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ENACTING THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD GIVE THE NECESSARY STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO THE FRANCHISES. HE SAID THE NEW ORDINANCE WOULD BE BROADLY SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL CRDINANCE.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THERE WOULD BE TWO SEPARATE FRANCHISES: ONE FOR THE ROAD OF 30 YEARS AND ONE FOR THE RAIL PORTION OF 22 YEARS, UNDER WHICH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION WILL OPERATE THE RAIL TUNNEL, INCLUDING ALL ROLLING STOCK.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN EARLY 1986 AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1989. AT THE OPENING OF THE ROAD CROSSING, THE TOLL FOR PRIVATE CARS AND TAXIS WILL BE $10. IT HAS BEEN AGREED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO PASSAGE TAX ON THE NEW ROAD TUNNEL FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS.

THE RAIL CROSSING WILL BE AN EXTENSION OF THE KWUN TONG LINE FROM KWUN TONG STATION TO QUARRY BAY AND THE FORECAST NET INCREMENTAL REVENUE ARISING WILL MORE THAN COVER THE COST OF THE PAYMENTS.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH A SHORT LIST OF THREE CONSORTIA HAD TAKEN EIGHT MONTHS AND THAT THE FINAL PACKAGE WAS BENEFICIAL BOTH TO MOTORISTS AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.

THE PRIME CONCERN OF GOVERNMENT IN THE EXERCISE HAD BEEN TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFIT TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC. HE SAID ALL THE SHORTLISTED PROPOSALS WERE OF A VERY HIGH STANDARD AND THAT IT HAD BEEN A CLOSE DECISION.

THE PROJECT EXPRESSED IN A VERY TANGIBLE FORM LONG TERM INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE.

_ . _ _ c ----

/J........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1935

TRAVEL AGENTS LICENSING SCHEME TO START SOON

* * * *

PREPARATION AND PLANNING WORK FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS LICENSING SCHEME IS NOW AT ITS FINAL STAGE, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE SAID THAT DRAFT TRAVEL AGENTS REGULATIONS WHICH SET OUT DETAILED PROCEDURES AND METHOD OF APPLICATIONS AND THE FEES REQUIRED WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNC IL.

HE TOLD THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHS +IF APPROVED, THE REGULATIONS WILL BE GAZETTED AND THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY WILL BE READY FOR BUSINESS.*

GIVING ADVANCE NOTICE TO ALL EXISTING TRAVEL AGENTS TO COME FORWARD TO APPLY FOR LICENCES, MR HIGGINSON SAID SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGULATIONS, THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY AIMED TO COMMENCE DISTRIBUTION OF THE APPLICATION FORMS AT ITS OFFICE ON DECEMBER 16.

♦ WE ALSO INTEND TO DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND APPLICATION FORMS THROUGH MAJOR TRAVEL ASSOCIATIONS, THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.

♦ AS WE HOPE TO COMPLETE THE LICENSING WORK OF ALL EXISTING BONA FIDE TRAVEL AGENTS BEFORE LUNAR NEW YEAR, AND AS IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS TO PROCESS EACH APPLICATION, IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF ALL EXISTING AGENTS THAT THEY SHOULD APPLY AS SOON .AS THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY COMMENCES OPERATION -- IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS TIME,+ HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT TRAVEL AGENTS WHO SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS TOO LATE, SAY AFTER MID-JANUARY, MIGHT NOT BE GRANTED LICENCES IN TIME FOR THE FULL OPERATION OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE.

♦ AGENTS WITHOUT A LICENCE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS AFTER THE APPOINTED DAY — WHICH WE HOPE WILL BE FEBRUARY 1, 1986,+ HE SAID.

SPEAKING OF THE TIMING OF THE LICENSING PROGRAMME, HE SAID MANY WOULD WISH TO KNOW WHETHER THE PROGRAMME COULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE NEXT LUNAR NEW YEAR — A BUSY PERIOD FOR HOLIDAY TOURS.

♦ AS SOON AS WE COMMENCE TO RECEIVE AND PROCESS APPLICATIONS, WE WILL START TO ESTABLISH THE IDENTITY OF APPLICANTS WHO INTEND TO CARRY ON BUSINESS AS A TRAVEL AGENT.

♦ I KNOW THAT THE INTENTION TO CARRY ON BUSINESS AS A TRAVEL AGENT IS ONE THING, WHEREAS WHETHER THE APPLICATION WILL BE SUCCESSFUL, RESULTING IN THE GRANT OF A LICENCE, IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT THING.

/NEVERTHELESS........

THURSDAY, DEC.tXE. R

♦NEVERTHELESS, A TRAVEL AGENT WHO DOES NOT APPLY FOR A LICENCE BEFORE, SAY, MID-JANUARY, MAY WELL HAVE NO INTENTION CF CARRYING ON BUSINESS AS A LICENCED AGENT; THIS IN ITSELF SHOULD FLASH A WARNING LIGHT TO POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT NOTICE OF EACH APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY AT SIXTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, EAST WING.

♦ WE BELIEVE THAT THE LICENSING OF ALL EXISTING BONA FIDE TRAVEL AGENTS BEFORE FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR IS POSSIBLE AND WOULD BE WELCOMED BY THE COMMUNITY.

+IF THIS PROVES TO BE SO, THEN BY EARLY FEBRUARY, WE WILL BE ABLE PUBLICLY TO GAZETTE THE NAMES OF ALL LICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS, WHOSE CUSTOMERS WILL BE AFFORDED PROTECTION UNDER THE ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.

MR HIGGINSON CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE IN SELECTING TRAVEL AGENTS DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND SUGGESTED THAT THEY COULD SEEK GUIDANCE FROM THE CONSUMER COUNCIL IF IN DOUBT OF THEIR CHOICE.

+1 BELIEVE THAT ACTION NOW PROPOSED TO BE SET IN TRAIN TO IMPLEMENT THE TRAVEL AGENTS LICENSING SCHEME, TOGETHER WITH PUBLIC VIGILANCE AND THE CO-OPERATION FROM BONA FIDE MEMBERS CF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, WILL LAY A SOUND FOUNDATION ON WHICH THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY CAN WORK TOWARDS ACHIEVING BETTER CREDIBILITY CF THE TRADE AND AFFORDING GREATER PROTECTION FOR THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC,* HE SAID.

ON THE QUESTION OF FEES TO BE PAID BY AGENTS, MR HIGGINSON SAID THE INTENTION WAS THAT THREE TYPES OF FEES WOULD BE PAYABLE BEFORE A LICENCE WAS GRANTED.

+THESE WOULD COMPRISE AN INITIAL APPLICATION FEE, THE ACTUAL FEE FOR THE LICENCE AND THE LEVY TO THE RESERVE FUND ALREADY FIXED AT $2 500 UNDER SECTION 33 OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORD I NANCE.

+ONLY THE APPLICATION FEE WILL BE PAYABLE AT THE TIME OF THE APPLICATION! THERE IS NO NEED FOR AN APPLICANT TO PAY A LICENCE FEE OR THE LEVY UNTIL AND UNLESS HIS APPLICATION IS APPROVED AND A LICENCE IS READY TO BE ISSUED,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY FOR A LICENCE, HE SAID THE ORDINANCE PROVIDED THAT A LICENCE MIGHT BE VALID FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS OR SUCH LESSER PERIOD AS MIGHT BE SPECIFIED.

+FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REASONS AND TO AVOID A CONCERTINA EFFECT ON RENEWALS, IT IS INTENDED, AT LEAST AT THE INITIAL STAGE, THAT SOME OF THE LICENCES ISSUED WILL BE FOR A SHORTER PERIOD, SAY SIX MONTHS.

/+THIS SHOULD........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

+THIS SHOULD IN NO WAY BE TAKEN AS A REFLECTION ON THE STATUS OF A LICENSEE. OF COURSE, A LESSER AMOUNT OF LICENCE FEE WOULD BE PAYABLE IN SUCH CASES,* MR HIGGINSON SAID.

MR HIGGINSON ALSO EXPLAINED BRIEFLY THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE, THE TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPLICATION FORMS AND PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE HONG KONG TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE 1985 TO DETER UNSCRUPULOUS ELEMENTS FROM TRYING TO OBTAIN A LICENCE BY MIS-REPRESENTATION.

-------0---------

PRICE, VOLUME CHANGES IN SEPTEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE

X X X *

COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1985 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED BY SEVEN PER CENT WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 32 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE OF SIX PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

IMPORTS INCREASED BY SEVEN PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY ONE PER CENT AND TWO PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE THOSE CF IMPORTS DROPPED BY THREE PER CENT.

PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE COMPILED. VOLUMES OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1985 WITH SEPTEMBER 1984, THE VOLUME (F TOTAL EXPORTS SHOWED NO CHANGE, WITH AN INCREASE OF 17 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OFFSETTING A DECLINE OF NINE PER CENT IN THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS DROPPED BY THREE PER CENT AND ONE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS DECREASED BY FOUR PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) ROSE BY TWO PER CENT.

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1985 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1984, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY FOUR PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE CF EIGHT PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.

MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY SEVEN PER CENT. PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY THREE PER CENT AND FOUR PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THAT CF IMPORTS DROPPED BY ONE PER CENT.

/THE CHANGES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

- 6 -

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR SEPTEMBER AND FOR JANUARY-SEPTEHBEr OF 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1984 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS FELL IN SEPTEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984. THESE INCLUDED DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-12 PER CENT); NETAL ORES AND SCRAP (-11 PER CENT) ; RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-10 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-NINE PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (-SEVEN PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (-SEVEN PER CENT); CLOTHING (-THREE PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-TWO PER CENT).

INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR SOME COMMODITY GROUPS SUCH AS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+THREE PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+TWO PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+ONE PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+ONE PER CENT).

THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-33 PER CENT)? METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-32 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-31 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-27 PER CENT) < TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-10 PER CENT) ; DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-10 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURERS (-EIGHT PER CENT) AS WELL AS CLOTHING (-SEVEN PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+16 PER CENT)^ WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+14 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+13 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE FABRICS (+S IX PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER AND FOR JANUARY-SEPTEMBER OF 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1984 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF NEARLY ALL END-USE CATEGORIES DECREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1985 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984. RANGING FROM ONE PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS TO EIGHT PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS. THE IMPORT PRICES OF CONSUMER GOODS IN SEPTEMBER 1985 REMAINED THE SAME AS IN SEPTEMBER 1984.

IN SEPTEMBER

MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984. S I GN IF I Cai.T GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; LIVE POULTRY; CEREAL AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR; MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS; VEGETABLES; SUGAR; FRUIT; RICE AS WELL AS SWINE. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLU/;_ WERE REGISTERED FOR TEA AND COFFEE, ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES, WHEAT AND FLOUR AS WELL AS FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS.

/OVER THE .......

THURSDAY, DECJMBER 5, 1985

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MANY CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY*. FOOTWEAR; WATCHES; TOBACCO MANUFACTURES? MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES CF TEXTILE MATERIALS AS WELL AS CLOTHING.

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS? ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AS WELL AS HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOME RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES FELL IN SEPTEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984, INCLUDING WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; RAW COTTON; LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS? CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS AS WELL AS WOOL, LUMBER AND CORK.

INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR SILK FABRICS; SPECIAL TEXTILE FABRICS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES; FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES-? WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS; BASE METALS, EXCLUDING IRON AND STEEL 5 YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES ; MAN-MADE FIBRES? DYEING, TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIALS AS WELL AS FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES.

IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER i984.

IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOME COMMODITIES DECREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1985 OVER SEPTEMBER 1984, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES, TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY. INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AS WELL AS SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER AND FOR JANUARY-SEPTEMBER OF 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1984 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF NEARLY ALL THE END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1985 WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1984, RANGING FROM SIX PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS TO 39 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS CF FUELS DECREASED BY 24 PER CENT.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1985 ISSUE CF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS+, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON DECEMBER 10 AT $2 PER COPY.

/Table 1 : .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

Table 1 : Changes in domestic exports by commodity group

Comparing September 1985 Comparing Jan.-Sep. 1985

Commodity group with September 1984 with Jan.-Sep. 1984

Value X Unit Value X Volume X Value X Unit Value X Volume X

Clothing -10 -3 -7 -8 +4 -11

Textile fabrics -1 -7 +6 -14 -3 -11

Textile yarn and thread + 19 +2 + 16 -25 +4 -27

Textile made-ups and -12 -2 -10 -6 +7 -12

Radios of all kinds -38 -10 -31 -28 -3 -27

Electronic components -31 +3 -33 -23 -I -22

Footwear +5 -7 + 13 -4 -5 + 1

Metal manufactures -7 +1 -8 -7 + 5 -11

Metal ores and scrap -39 -11 -32 -13 -18 + 7

Watches and clocks +3 -9 + 14 + 1 -9 + 11

Travel goods, handbags -26 +1 -27 -23 +6 -27

and similar articles

Domestic electrical -21 -12 -10 -11 -7 -4

appliances

All commodities -12 -3 -9 -7 + 1 -7

/Table 2 : .......

THURSDAY, DEC^BER 5, 1985

- 9 -

Iable 2 : Changes in imports by end-use category

Comparing September 1985 Comparing Jan.-Sep. 1985 with September 1984 with Jan.-Sep. 1984

Unit Unit

End-use category Value X Value X Volume X Value X Value X Volume X

Foodstuffs 410 -8 + 20 -2 -7 + 5

Consumer goods +6 A + 7 + 15 * + 16

Raw materials and semi- -5 -5 * -4 -3 -1

manufactures

Fuels -22 -6 -16 -13 -6 -7

Capital goods -7 -1 -7 + 19 -2 + 21

All commodities -2 -4 +2 +4 -3 + 7

Table 3 : Changes In re-exports by end-use category

End-use category Comparing September 1985 with September 1984 Comparing Jan.-Sep. 1985 with Jan.-Sep. 1984

Value X Unit Value X Volume X Value X Unit Value X Volume X

Foodstuffs + 39 A +39 + 13 + 1 + 12

Consumer goods + 14 -1 + 15 +32 + 1 +30

Raw materials and semi- + 19 -2 + 21 +28 +2 + 25

manufactures

Fuels -20 +5 -24 -20 +6 -25

Capital goods +8 +2 +6 +69 +4 +62

All commodities + 16 -1 + 17 +34 +2 +32

* Insignificant, i.e. less than 0.5X

/1C

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1^35

SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION

*****

THE TWO SIDES OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HAVE AGREED THAT THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE COMMISSION WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 1 THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE QUESTION OF THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION.

- 0 -

HK-EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT EXTENDED * * * *

THE CURRENT HONG KONG-EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER EXPORTS OF COTTON, WOOL AND MAN-MADE FIBRE TEXTILES TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL FOLLOWING THEIR ACCESSION TO THE EEC WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1986.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:

* ENTITLEMENTS TO QUOTA WILL BE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF SHIPMENTS LICENSED IN THE REFERENCE PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 1984 TO JUNE 30, 1985.

* ALLOCATIONS WILL BE SHARED ON A 50-50 BASIS BETWEEN THE EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS. IN THE CASE OF FINISHED PIECE-GOODS, QUOTAS WILL BE ALLOCATED ON A 40-30-30 BASIS AMONG EXPORTERS, FINISHERS AND WEAVERS. WHERE THE FINISHED FABRICS ARE PROCESSED FROM IMPORTED GREY FABRICS, THE SHARING WILL BE ON A 50-50 BASIS BETWEEN EXPORTERS AND F INISHERS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +ANY QUOTAS REMAINING AFTER ALLOCATION, INCLUDING THE ENTIRE 1986 RESTRAINT LIMITS OF THOSE CATEGORIES WHERE THERE WAS NO TRADE REGISTERED DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE TRADE IN A FREE QUOTA EXPORT AUTHORISATION SCHEME TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER.+

TO FACILITATE CALCULATIONS OF 1986 QUOTAS, EXPORTERS, INCLUDING MANUFACTURERS SHIPPING ON THEIR OWN BEHALF, ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT TO THE DEPARTMENT A RETURN SHOWING THEIR COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF SHIPMENTS OF ALL QUOTA ITEMS TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL WHICH WERE LICENSED DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 1934 TO JUNE 30, 1985.

♦INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE RETURNS MUST BE TRUE AND CORRECT. AMY COMPANY FOUND TO HAVE SUPPLIED FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE,* THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.

/RETURNS MUST

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 19F5

RETURNS MUST REACH COUNTER NO. 3 OF THE EEC TEXTILES CONTROL ERANCH ON 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 16. LATE RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS THAT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE QUOTA ALLOCATION, COMPANIES MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR TEXTILE CONTROLS PURPOSES.

EXPORTS OF RESTRAINED TEXTILES TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS AS THE REST OF THE EEC.

A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS CONTAINING DETAILS OF ALL THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S EEC TEXTILES CONTROL BRANCH ON 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

--------c ---------

LDC’S STAND AT GATT MEETING BACKED

* * * *

HONG KONG SUPPORTED A STATEMENT BY DEVELOPING NATIONS AT YESTERDAY’S MEETING OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE OF GATT WHICH EXPRESSED CONCERN AT THE PROGRESS OF THE JENKINS BILL AND THE POSSIBILITY OF TRADE-OFFS TAKING PLACE SHOULD IT BE VETOED.

THE DEVELOPING NATIONS SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN INTENSIVE DELIBERATIONS IN GATT RECENTLY AIMED AT LIBERALISATION OF TRADE AND THE STRENGTHENING OF THE DISCIPLINES OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.

+THE SITUATION IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AND, PARTICULARLY, THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE U.S. CONGRESS ARE IN STARK CONTRAST TO THESE EFFORTS,+ THE STATEMENT SAID.

REFERRING TO THE PASSAGE OF THE JENKINS BILL IT SAID: +WE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO CONCEIVE HOW DISCUSSIONS ON THE FUTURE CF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING COULD ADVANCE FURTHER UNTIL THERE IS A CLEAR REJECTION OF THIS BILL WITHOUT ANY EQUALLY DAMAGING COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME OBJECTIVES BY OTHER MEANS.+

HONG KONG’S DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TOLD THE MEETING IN GENEVA THAT THE TERRITORY FULLY SUPPORTED THE STATEMENT AND SHARED THE CONCERN + IN PARTICULAR ABOUT THE DANGER THAT A PRICE MIGHT BE SOUGHT FOR NOT ENACTING THE BILL. SUCH A PRICE COULD HAVE JUST AS DAMAGING AN EFFECT AS THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL ITSELF.+

/THE Ll£........

THUiiSDAl

THE LDC (LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES) STATEMENT ..EPEATED THE KEY QUESTIONS FACING THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE ON WHETHER TO EXTEND, MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT WHICH EXPIRES IN MID-1986. THEY ARE: ^WHETHER CONTINUED PROTECTION TO DEVELOPED COUNTRY TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES IS JUSTIFIABLE, WHETHER THESE INDUSTRIES CAN CONTINUE TO CLAIM SPECIAL TREATMENT IN THE FORM OF A DEROGATION FROM GATT RULES, AND WHETHER A CONVINCING CASE CAN BE MADE TO JUSTIFY PERSISTENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST DEVELOP ING COUNTRIES.+

MR MACLEOD SAID THE COMMITTEE IS ENGAGED IN A SELF-CONTAINED EXERCISE WHICH IS NOT PART OF THE GATT WORK PROGRAMME STEMMING FROM THE MINISTERIAL DECLARATION OF 1982.

♦NEVERTHELESS, IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT THE OBJECTIVES CF TRADE LIBERALISATION WHICH HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF INTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS IN GATT DIRECTED TOWARDS THE LAUNCHING OF A NEW ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD, IN PRINCIPLE, APPLY EQUALLY TO TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AS TO ALL OTHER SECTORS.

+IF THERE IS NO DEMONSTRATION OF WILLINGNESS TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE LONG-STANDING INSTITUTIONALISED PROTECTION IN THE TEXTILES SECTOR - AND THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE PROCESS PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SUCH A DEMONSTRATION - THEN THE EXPECTATIONS OF WHAT MIGHT BE ACHIEVED IN NEGOTIATIONS IN OTHER AREAS MIGHT PROVE TO BE SIMILARLY LIMITED.

+AT THE VERY LEAST IT SHOULD BE EXPECTED THAT ANY SUCCESSOR ARRANGEMENT THAT MIGHT EMERGE FROM THE PRESENT PROCESS SHOULD BE BASED UPON A COMMITMENT TOWARDS FULL LIBERALISATION AND ULTIMATE RETURN TO THE FULL APPLICATION OF GATT RULES AND SHOULD THUS PROVIDE, BOTH AT THE MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL LEVELS, FOR CONCRETE MEASURES TOWARDS ACHIEVING THESE AIMS,+ SAID MR MACLEOD.

MR MACLEOD WELCOMED THE EEC COMMISSION STATEMENT THAT THE EEC HAD CALLED ON PRESIDENT REAGAN TO VETO THE JENKINS BILL.

-----o------

REPORT ON HOUSING GREEN PAPER TO BE MADE PUBLIC * * * * *

THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING SUBSIDY TO TENANTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING TODAY WAS ASKED TO FURTHER STUDY PUBLIC OPINION AND COMMENTS ON THE GREEN PAPER AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN DUE COURSE.

AT ITS MEETING THIS MORNING MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSIDERED A REPORT ON PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE GREEN PAPER,_ AND NOTED THAT THERE WAS A GENERAL SUPPORT FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF THE GREEN PAPER.

/THEY DECIDED .......

IflUXUJJJAX , . . ' if7

_.„_ THEy DECID-C TU'T THE PRINCIPLE OF THE GRP-N = AP-s ‘‘MOULD R~ AS BEING ACCEpTA3l-E BUT WOULD LIKE THE COMMITTEE O-’ HOUS l«

SUBSIDY 0 CONSIDER THE DETAILS OF COMMENTS MADE. “

,^*L\.WAS A?PRECIATED THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL NEED SOMF Tl« TCAC.OMPLISH THE TASK OF SCRUTINISING ALL DETAILS OF MAK1\^

■ THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (ESTATE MANAGEMENT), «R FUNG

RECOMMENDATIONS,+ TUNG SAID.

ALL MEMBERS, FACTUAL.

HE SAID, AGREED THE REPORT WAS COMPREHENSIVE AND

MR FUNG SAID THAT THE REPORT WILL BE ENGLISH AND PUT ON SALE FOR MEMBERS OF THE SUBJECT.

PRINTED IN CHINESE AND PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE

HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIALITY. BE MADE PUBLIC.

VARIOUS REASONS, CHIEF OF WHICH BEING SUBMISSIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT

♦HOWEVER, THESE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION RY MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND UMELCO,+ HE ADDED.

-----o------

SPECIAL TAVA FUND FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) DETAILS OF A SPECIAL FUND TO PAY COMPENSATION TO THIRD PARTY VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING MOTOR VEHICLES INSURED WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES WHICH HAVE BECOME INSOLVENT.

THE FUND APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY, IS A ONE-OFF SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASS(STANCE SCHEME DESIGNED TO COVER TRAFFIC ACCIDENT CLAIMS AGA NST FIVE INSOLVENT COMPANIES, NAMED AS SINGAPORE INSURANCE CO LTD., KYOTO INSURANCE LTD., SCOTLAND INSURANCE CO. LTD CHINA UNDERWRITERS LIFE AND GENERAL INSURANCE CO. LTD., AND BEDFORD INSURANCE CO. LTD.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANY THIRD PARTY WHO HAS AN OUTSTANDING CLAIM FOR INJURIES OR (IN THE CASE OF A DEPENDENT) DEATH ARISING FROM A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING A MOTOR VEHICLE INSURED WITH ONE OF THESE COMPANIES, AND WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED THE FULL DAMAGES DUE TO HIM FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR AN EX-GRATIA PAYMENT UNDER THE SCHEME.

ALL APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED BY THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE SUBMITTED TO A COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE AMOUNT OF THE CLAIM. HOWEVER NO EX-GRATIa PAYMENT WILL EXCEED THE AMOUNT LEGALLY PAYABLE BY THE INSURtR IF THE INSURER HAD BEEN SOLVENT.

/APPLICANTS SHOULD .......

THURSDAY, DSC' '

. ’ ’*5

APPLICANTS SHOUL APPROACH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH CLOOR OF THE SI.CERE BUILDING, DES VOEUX ROAT CENTRAL, TAKING AL_ RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THEIR CLAIM, F POSS IE £, THEY SHOULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONING 5-457036 EXTENSION 206.

THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE CLAIMS AGAINST THE INSURANCE COMPANIES OR INSURED DRIVERS PENDING WITH THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID OR WITH PRIVATE SOLICITORS, MUST STILL APPLY UNDER THE TERMS OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PAYMENT.

WHERE AN INSURED DRIVER HAS PERSONALLY PAID A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM ALL OR A PART OF DAMAGES AWARDED BY THE COURT, THE ACCIDENT VICTIM WILL BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE FULLY THE INSURED DRIVER FROM THE PAYMENT HE HAS RECEIVED UNDER THE SCHEME.

THIS SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME COMPLEMENTS THE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MOTOR INSURERS’ BUREAU (MIB) ON NOVEMBER 1. UNDER THIS AGREEMENT THE MIB UNDERTOOK TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE AN INSOLVENCY FUND TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST THE INSOLVENCY OF ANY MOTOR INSURER WHICH MAY OCCUR IN THE FUTURE.

UNDER THIS SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME FINANCIAL PROTECTION IS AVAILABLE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS AFFECTED BY INSURERS WHO ARE NOW INSOLVENT.

TAKEN TOGETHER, THESE TWO SCHEMES PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND COMPENSATION FOR THE UNFORTUNATE VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHO, THROUGH NO FAULT CF THEIR OWN, ARE UNABLE TO RECOVER ANY OF THE DAMAGES DUE TO THEM BECAUSE THE INSURER CONCERNED HAS BECOME INSOLVENT.

- 0 -

ANNUAL INSPECTION FOR PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES

*****

PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1983 WHICH REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE ON OR AFTER APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO VEHICLE INSPECTION PRIOR TO RE-LICENSING.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE MEASURE WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 2, 1986 AND WOULD INCLUDE THOSE LIGHT BUSES PROVIDING SCHOOL SERVICES.

PRIVATE CARS AND CONTRACT HIRE CARS COME UNDER THE PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 28.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY 2 100 PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES WITH BETWEEN EIGHT AND 14 SEATS, OF WHICH 1 444 ARE LICENSED TO CARRY STUDENTS.

OWNERS OF PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED ARE ADVISED TO PRESENT THEIR VEHICLES FOR INSPECTION AT THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT CHEUNG YIP STREET.

THURSDAY, T-

15 ALL-TIME HIGH FOR AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC *****

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONA-AIRPORT, ITS ANNUAL PASSENGER THROUGHPUT IS EXPECTED TO EXCEED Tn_ ID-MILLION MARK, PROBABLY OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NE* YEAR PERIOD.

+THAT WILL BE A MILESTONE IN THE LIFE OF KAI TAK,+ SAID Tr.E DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR TREVOR THORPE, TODAY.

+ IT IS ALSO NOW 50 YEARS SINCE THE SITE, DEVELOPED BY MR HC KAI AND MR AU TAK IN THE 1920’S, RECEIVED THE FIRST EVER SCHEDULED AIR SERVICE CONNECTING HONG KONG TO EUROPE,+ MR THORPE SAID.

TO COPE WITH THE CONTINUING INCREASE IN AIR PASSENGERS, A MAJOR PROJECT TO DEVELOP THE FACILITIES AT KAI TAK HAS TEKAN a FURTHER STEP FORWARD FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF A CONTRACT LAST WEEK FOR A SUBSTANTIAL EXTENSION TO THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING.

+CONSTRUCT ION WORK FOR THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE ON SITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND JUST ABOUT THE SAME TIME AS THE ID—MILLIONTH PASSENGER ARRIVES,* MR THORPE SAID.

THE WHOLE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN 30 MONTHS’ TIME BY 1988, WHEN THE TOTAL ANNUAL CAPACITY OF KAI TAK WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT 12 MILLION TO 18 MILLION.

THE STAGE V DEVELOPMENT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTENSION OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING TO THE EAST TO PROVIDE A 33 PER CENT INCREASE IN PASSENGER PROCESSING CAPABILITY, INTERFACING AT BOTH ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES LEVELS WITH THE EXISTING BUILDING.

MR THORPE SAID: +AT DEPARTURES LEVEL, MAJOR FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE TWO MORE CHECK-IN ISLANDS PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 60 ADDITIONAL CHECK-IN COUNTERS, A SYSTEM FOR HANDLING GROUP AND OUTSIZE BAGGAGE, A NEW RESTAURANT AND NE* AIRLINE INFORMATION DESKS.

+THE ENLARGED AIRSIDE LOUNGE AREA WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL OUTBOUND IMMIGRATION CONTROL DESKS, SECURITY SEARCH CUBICLES AND AIRSIDE CONCESSION FACILITIES.*

AT THE ARRIVALS LEVEL, INBOUND IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS CHECK FACILITIES WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED. TWO NEW BAGGAGE RECLAIM LOOPS WILL BE PROVIDED.

THE BUFFER HALL WILL BE ENLARGED TO PROVIDE A WAITING AREA FOR GROUP PASSENGERS.

MR THORPE SAID: +A TWO-STOREY OFFICE BLOCK WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON TOP OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING EXTENSION TO PROVIDE 2 200 SQUARE METRES OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR GOVERNMENT USE AND FOR RENTING TO AIRLINES.*

/OVER THE .......

THURSDAY, DECS'.

OVER THE PAST 20 MONTHS ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE PROJECT HAVE CONCENTRATED ON THE NECESSARY REPROVISIONING 0” THOSE OPERATIONAL FACILITIES WHICH WERE LOCATED ON THE Si;E ITScLF EARMARKED FOR THE EXTENSION PROJECT.

THE REPROVISIONING EXERCISES INCLUDED THE AIRPORT STORES, INTER-LINE BAGGAGE AND CONTAINER STORAGE AREAS, REPLACEMENT ACCOMMODATION FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, A COACH HOLDING AREA, AND AN ELECTRICAL SUB-STATION.

WITHIN THIS PERIOD, MR THORPE SAID LANDSIDE ACCESS WAS ALSO IMPROVED, NOTABLY WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE TRANSPORT TERMINUS AND THE WIDENING OF OLYMPIC AVENUE IN JULY AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.

0 - -

BUILDING NO. 3 JOINS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME *****

SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEEL I WAN CHAI UNDER THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN LAST MONTH, T:._ RESPONSE FROM RESIDENTS HAS BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD wATCH SCHEME AT EVERWIN MANSION IN JOHNSTON ROAD, MR GARCIA SAID THE BUILDING WAS THE THIRD IN THE DISTRICT TO JOIN THE SCHEME.

ALL 151 HOUSEHOLDS OF THE BUILDING HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME TO FORM A TOTAL OF 24 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS.

MR GARCIA STRESSED AGAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCHEME IN HELPING THE POLICE TO PREVENT BURGLARIES AND ROBBERIES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. HE ALSO PRAISED RESIDENTS’ DETERMINATION TO FIGHT CFI._ BY SUPPORTING THE SCHEME.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE WAN CHAI POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR LAU TO-YEE; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI WEST AREA COMMITTEE, MR HSU CHUNG-CHI, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EVERWIN MANSION OWNERS’ CORPORATION, MR HUI HEE-MING.

- 0 -

WORK ON NEw BORDER LINK TO START * * * *

WORK ON THE LOK MA CHAU VEHICULAR BORDER LINK AND STAGE TwG CF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IN SAN TIN WILL START SHORTLY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT LAND FOR THE PROJECTS WAS DULY REVERTED TO GOVERNMENT BY RESUMPTION UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE ON SEPTEMBER 2 AND OCTOBER 2, 1085.

/HE ADDED

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 19&5

HE ADDED THAT ON THOSE DATES AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH

THE SPOKESMAN NOT ACQUIRED TITLE

EX-OWNERS’ RIGHT AND TITLE TO THE LAND CEASE' WAS REPLACED BY AN ENTITLEMENT TO COMPENSATE' THE ORDINANCE.

REFUTED ALLEGATIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT -Al TO THE LAND INVOLVED.

HE ADDED THAT

HE ADDED THAT LAND OWNERS WHO, SUBJECT TO ENDORSEMENT BY FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, STOOD TO BENEFIT FROM AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONAL EX-GRATIA PAYMENT RATES APPRCV... NOVEMBER 26, 1985 BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAVE ALREAD: r-t ADVISED OF THE REVISED PAYMENTS.

-----o------

KWUN TONG FESTIVAL LAUNCHED K * * * *

LARGE-SCALE VARIETY SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS, COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, COMPETITIONS AND SPORTS ALL FORM PART OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85, IN THE COMING THREE WEEKS.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR EDDIE LAMB, SAID THE FESTIVAL WOULD BE LAUNCHED ON DECEMBER 14 (SATURDAY) WITH AN ALL-STAR VARIETY SHOW PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND BY ASIA TELEVISION.

+THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE OF THE DISTRICT WILL BE SUSTAINED WITH A FOUR-HOUR DISCO NIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE PERFORMED BY DISC JOCKEYS FROM RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG+, HE SAID.

A POPULAR MUSIC CARNIVAL WILL ALSO BE HELD DURING THE THREE-WEEK FESTIVAL.

+THE CLOSING CEREMONY ON JANUARY 4 WILL BE TELECAST BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG+, MR LAMB SAID.

DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, AN EXHIBITION ABOUT KWUN TONG WILL BE MOUNTED AND GO AROUND THE DISTRICT WITH THE AIM OF ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THEIR OWN DISTRICT, AND PUBLICISING THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

A SPECIAL AWARD SCHEME HAS RECENTLY BEEN LAUNCHED TO SELECT COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS. ANOTHER AWARD SCHEME WILL SELECT THREE MODEL FAMILIES, MODEL STUDENTS AND MODEL WORKERS OF KWUN TONS.

I THREE-DAY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP AND AN ESSAY COMPETITION ENTITLED ’KWUN TONG UNDER MY EYES’ HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR STUDENTS in the'district.

+T0 FOSTER RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY, WE HAVE ENLISTED SOME 200 VOLUNTEERS TO KNIT SCARFS, GLOVES AND HATS AS GIFTS FOR RESIDENTS OF A LOCAL HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY,+ MR LAMB SAID.

/A FAMILY .......

—

THURSDAY, DECa'.Bha 5, 1985

A FAMILY COOKING COMPETITION, A MODEL-CAR RACING CONTEST AND A SERIES OF BALL GAMES HAVE ALSO BEEN ORGANISED AS PART 0-THE FESTIVAL.

♦WITH THE INCREASE IN POPULATION FROM 600 000 IN 1980 TO THE PRESENT 700 000 AND THE VAST HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPME IN THE DISTRICT, WE FELT THAT THERE IS A NEED TO ORGANISE A L RGE SCALE FESTIVAL TO ENHANCE A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS,* MR LAMB SAID.

KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, WHO IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS AN EXAMPLE THAT COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT COULD USE THEIR RESOURCES TO BENEFIT LOCAL PEOPLE, AND IT WAS HOPED THAT IN RETURN RESIDENTS WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY.

LEAFLETS CONTAINING A FULL PROGRAMME OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315.

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY LEADERS, THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

NEW CHILDREN’S CENTRE PROVIDES HOME CARE * * * *

THE NEW SHA KOK CHILDREN’S HOME WILL HELP MEET THE DEMAND FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN UNABLE TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A NORMAL FAMILY LIFE, LADY YOUDE SAID THIS (THURSDAY) MORN ING.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HOME, THE SECOND OF ITS KIND OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SHE SAID: + IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO CREATE A WARM AND HAPPY ATMOSPHERE FOR THESE CHILDREN TO HELP GIVE THEM A BETTER CHANCE IN LIFE AND I FEEL THAT THE PLANNERS OF THIS HOME TOGETHER WITH ITS DEDICATED STAFF WILL SUCCEED ADMIRABLY IN DOING THIS.*

LADY YOUDE SAID THAT THE 40 PLACES PROVIDED IN THE HOME FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF THREE AND EIGHT WOULD BE A WELCOME ADDITION AS THERE WAS A PRESSURE FOR SUCH PLACES AT THE CHUK YUEN CHILDREN’S RECEPTION CENTRE — THE FIRST CHILDREN’S HOME RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT.

CHILDREN IN THE HOME WOULD ATTEND LOCAL SCHOOLS WITH THOSE FROM SHA KOK ESTATE, AS WELL AS ENJOYING THE SAME FACILITIES OFFERED IN THE ESTATE.

/ik HiR........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

IN HER WELCOMING ADDRESS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE |vRS ANSON CHAN SAID SHA KOK CHILDREN’S HOME WOULD NOT ACCEPT DIRECT ADMISSIONS, BUT ONLY CHILDREN REFERRED FROM THE CHUK YUEN CENTRE WHO COULD NOT BE PROMPTLY DISCHARGED.

SUCH CHILDREN INCLUDED THOSE WHOSE PARENTS COULD NOT CARE FOR THEM OR THOSE FOUND ABANDONED AND THOSE IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION.

♦WHILE THE CHILDREN ARE IN CARE, SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL LOOK INTO THEIR BACKGROUND AND SPECIAL NEEDS.

♦THE EVENTUAL AIM IS TO REUNITE THE CHILDREN WITH THEIR FAMILIES, BUT IF THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE, REFERRALS WILL BE MADE TO OTHER CENTRES PROVIDING LONGER TERM CARE, AND FOR THOSE FOUND SUITABLE, WE WILL ARRANGE ADOPTION, EITHER LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS,* I4(S CHAN SAID.

ABOUT HALF THE ADMISSION TO CHUK YUEN CHILDREN’S RECEPTION CENTRE COULD BE DISCHARGED WITHIN SIX MONTHS.

FOR THOSE WHO MUST REMAIN IN CARE LONGER, THE NEW HOME AT SHA KOK WOULD PROVIDE A MORE HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT, SHE ADDED.

-----o------

ASSISTANT LABOUR COMMISSIONER RETIRES * * * *

AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS SOO MOK SAU-HA, HAS RETIRED THIS WEEK AFTER 32 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

MRS SOO FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1953 AS A COOPERATIVE OFFICER OF THE THEN CO-OPERATIVE AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT.

THREE YEARS LATER, SHE WAS APPOINTED AS LABOUR OFFICER AND PROMOTED TO SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN 1969. SHE HAS BEEN AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER SINCE 1979.

MRS SOO IS SUCCEEDED BY MR ALFRED CHAN WING-KIT, REGISTRAR OF TRADE UNIONS, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MATTERS CONCERNING LABOUR RELATIONS, WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS, DEVELOPMENT, PROSECUTION AND ADM INSTRAT ION.

MR MAK SAI-YIU, A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE REGISTRAR OF TRADE UNIONS.

OTHER RECENT STAFF CHANGES IN THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDE THE APPOINTMENTS OF MR CHOW TUNG-SHAN AS CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF LABOUR RELATIONS, AND MR YIP YUK-LUN AS CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR. THEIR APPOINTMENTS FOLLOWED THE RESPECTIVE RETIREMENTS CF MR DONALD CHAN AND MR CHAN SHIU-LAP.

------ o -----

/20......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, l°-5

POLMET DELEGATES VISIT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT * * * *

A GROUP OF 26 DELEGATES TO THE POLMET CONFERENCE ON URBAN POLLUTION YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.

DURING THEIR TOUR THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE PLANT IS CAPABLE CF TREATING SEWAGE FROM THE 300 000 PEOPLE CURRENTLY LIVING IN SHA TIN. WHEN THE SECOND STAGE OF THE WORKS IS COMPLETED THE PLANT WILL BE ABLE TO TREAT SEWAGE FROM 600 000 PEOPLE.

THEY ALSO LEARNED THAT THE PLANT DERIVES 50 PER CENT OF ITS OWN POWER FROM BURNING METHANE PRODUCED AS A BY-PRODUCT OF THE SEWAGE TREATMENT.

ON SATURDAY A VIP PARTY FROM POLMET CONSISTING OF ENVIRONMENTALISTS FROM CHINA WILL VISIT THE PLANT.

--------c----------

ROAD MACHINE ON DISPLAY * * * * *

ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE PRESS TO SEE THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S DEFLECTOGRAPH PROGRAMME IN OPERATION TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE PROGRAMME INVOLVES A SLOW MOVING TRUCK, KNOWN AS ROAD DEFLECTION DATA LOGGING MACHINE, WHICH IS ABLE TO GAUGE THE CONDITION OF BITUMINOUS ROADS IN THE TERRITORY.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE JUNCTION OF POK FU LAM RESERVOIR ROAD AND POK FU LAM ROAD (NEAR THE POK FU LAM PUBLIC RIDING SCHOOL) AT 11 AM.

-----0------

TENANCY SOUGHT FOR ABERDEEN SITE

X * X X -X

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A SITE AT SHUM WAN ROAD FACING PO CHONG WAN IN ABERDEEN.

THE 1 050-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS TO BE USED FOR BATCHING READY-MIXED CONCRETE, INCLUDING THE HANDLING OF AGGREGATE AND CEMENT.

/TENANCY IS .......

T..URSDAY, ^£C:>;S :3

- 21

TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 23.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE, AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/ HONG KONG (SOUTH), 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG- THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

-----0------

ANTI-CRIME CAMPAIGN SLOGAN COMPETITION ORGANISED * * * * *

RESIDENTS, WORKERS AND STUDENTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl ARE INVITED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR CREATIVE TALENT IN A CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN SLOGAN COMPETITION.

THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENT* TO ATTACH IMPORTANCE AND TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN FIGHT CRIME ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS : A SENIOR GROUP FOR THOSE AGED 16 AND ABOVE AND A JUNIOR GROUP FOR THOSE AGED 15 AND BELOW.

COMPETITORS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THEIR SLOGAN IN CHINESE, WHICH SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 14 WORDS. THE THEME OF THE SLOGAN SHOULD RELATE TO CRIME PREVENTION.

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNING PRIZES AND FIVE MERIT PRIZES FOR EACH GROUP. WINNERS WILL RECEIVE VALUABLE PRESENTS AND SOUVENIRS.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS DECEMBER 13 AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT OFFICE.

--------0----------

DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED

* * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF IMEX FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) CF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER b, 1932

NT ENTRIES TO SPEECH FESTIVAL UP 150 TIMES M M M M

THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES FROM NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS TO THE ANNUAL HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPEECH FESTIVAL HAS INCREASED BY OVER 150 TIMES IN THE PAST 22 YEARS.

THIS wAS DISCLOSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN HE PRESENTED PRIZES TO NEW TERRITORIES WINNERS OF THE 37TH ANNUAL EVENT.

HE SAID THAT WHEN THE FESTIVAL WAS FIRST HELD IN 1963, THERE WERE ONLY 29 ENTRIES. TODAY, 22 YEARS LATER, THE NUMBER CF ENTRIES HAS SOARED TO 4 400.

MR HAMMOND CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISERS OF THE FESTIVAL AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC AND SPEECH ASSOCIATION ON THE HARD WORK DONE IN MAKING THE EVENT 30 POPULAR AND SUCCESSFUL.

HE SAID THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST OCCASION ON WHICH THE NEWLY-FORMED REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ABLE TO ASSIST IN MAKING VENUES AVAILABLE SUCH AS THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, THE LUT SAU HALL AT YUEN LONG, AND THE NEWLY-OPENED CIVIC CENTRE AT TAI PO.

BY THE TIME NEXT YEAR’S SPEECH FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE, MR HAMMOND ADDED, TWO MORE CIVIC CENTRES WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN.

-----o------

SHA TIN TA CHIU CEREMONY M M M M

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES WILL OFFICIATE AT A TA CHIU CEREMONY IN SHA TIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.

TA CHIU, A TAOIST FESTIVAL OF PEACE AND RENEWAL OF FAITH, WAS LAST HELD IN SHA TIN IN 1975.

DURING TOMORROW’S CEREMONY, DR HAYES, TOGETHER WITH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR W.K. LAM, AND MEMBERS OF THE D|STRICT BOARD AND SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE WILL MAKE OFFERINGS AND JOIN IN A VEGETARIAN LUNCH WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

THE SHA TIN TA CHIU CELEBRATIONS, HELD EVERY 10 YEARS, IS ORGANISED BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE AT A COST OF MORE THAN 5>1 MILLION.

/THE CELEBRAOENS .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 19?5

- 23 -

THE CELEBRAOENS FEATURE FOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS OF OPERA PERFORMANCES AND PRAYERS STARTING YESTERDAY (DECEMBER 4).

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 11 AM AT AREA 17 NEXT TO THE SHA TIN RECREATION CYCLE PARK AT TIN SUM.

-----o------

BOARD TO DISCUSS NOISE NUISANCE

* * * *

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE NOISE PROBLEM GENERATED FROM THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT PRUDENTIAL CENTRE, NATHAN ROAD WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE NOISE NUISANCE HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINTS BY RESIDENTS IN TAK HING STREET FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE BURNING OF INCENSE ON PAVEMENTS NEAR A NUMBER OF TAOIST INSTITUTIONS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION CF PORTLAND STREET, HAMILTON STREET AND PITT STREET AND TUNG ON STREET.

THE REVIEW OF THE +MEET-THE-PUBLIC+ SCHEME, THE HANDLING CF COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS LODGED WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE PREPARATION OF A DISTRICT BOARD STUDY TOUR IN 1986 WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE EMPLOYMENT BILL 1985, APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS FOR THE IYY PEACE RALLY, THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF DB FUNDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM AND VARIOUS COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE.

------o-------

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1935

ART GROUP PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY ROLE * * ¥ *

WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRAISED THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION THEATRE FOR PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DRAMA PERFORMANCE OF THE THEATRE THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING, MR GARCIA SAID THE AMATEUR GROUP WAS ESTABLISHED TWO YEARS AGO UNDER THE DISTRICT’S ARTS, CULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

ITS OBJECTIVES WERE TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN DRAMA AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT AND TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR ITS MEMBERS, HE SAID.

THE THEATRE HAD PERFORMED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN DISTRICT FUNCTIONS AND HAD RECENTLY PUT UP A SPECIAL PLAY FOR THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN. IT WOULD ALSO PERFORM IN THE COMING WAN CHAI FESTIVAL IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR, MR GARCIA ADDED.

FOR ITS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE, THE THEATRE HAD PRODUCED TWO SPECIAL CREATIVE PLAYS AND WOULD PERFORM FOR TWO EVENINGS AT THE ARTS CENTRE.

SPECIAL TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR CHARITY WALK * * *

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO FACILITATE THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S WALK FOR MILLIONS.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE FOLLOWING REROUTE I NG MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 5.30 PM:

* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN HONG KONG STADIUM AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN HOI PING ROAD AND HONG KONG STADIUM WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND, TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE EASTS IDE LANE.

* BROADWOOD ROAD BETWEEN TAI HANG ROAD AND LINK ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY UPHILL, TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE UPHILL LANE.

* TRAFFIC ENTERING TAI HANG ROAD FROM STUBBS ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED NORTH DOWN BLUE POOL ROAD.

* LEFT TURNS FROM BLUE POOL ROAD INTO TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE BANNED.

/• TAI HANG

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1985

* TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN BROADWOOD ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND AND TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE.

* MOUNT BUTLER ROAD BETWEEN TAI HANG ROAD AND HENDERSON ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY UPHILL AND TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE.

* THE UPHILL SECTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL TENNIS COURTS AND THE ENTRANCE TO THE HONG KONG CRICKET CLUB WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE TRAFFIC.

* LINK ROAD BETWEEN BROADWOOD ROAD AND CAROLINE HILL ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY DOWNHILL, TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE. THE ROAD SECTION WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 9.30 AM.

FROM 9.30 AM TO 5.30 PM, DOWNHILL TRAFFIC ON MOUNT BUTLER ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED NORTH VIA PERKINS ROAD.

THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC:

* BLUE POOL ROAD SOUTH OF TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 8 AM AND NOON.

* TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD, EXCEPT A SHORT SECTION AT ITS WESTERN END, WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE OF RESIDENTS FROM 8 AM TO 3 PM.

* LINK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 9.30 AM.

* MOUNT BUTLER DRIVE AND PRICE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE OF RESIDENTS FROM 9.30 AM UNTIL ABOUT 5.30 PM.

* MOUNT PARKER ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 AM UNTIL ABOUT 2.30 PM.

ALL PARKING SPACES ON HONG KONG STADIUM SLIP ROAD, TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD, PRICE ROAD AND MOUNT BUTLER DRIVE WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 6 PM.

BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 11, 41 AND 62 AND GREEN MINIBUS ON ROUTES 5, 14M, 24M, 28 AND 30 WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE ROAD REROUTE ING AND CLOSURE MEASURES.

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SLIP ROAD IN KWUN TONG CLOSED

* * * M

THE SLIP ROAD LINKING WAI YIP STREET AND KAI CHEUNG ROAD IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12.30 AM TO 5.45 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) AND DECEMBER 9 TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.

MOTORISTS ON KWUN TONG ROAD HEADING FOR KOWLOON BAY AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE WAI YIP STREET AND KAI FUK ROAD.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, DECa-iBER 6, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

JI TO MEET WIDE RANGE OF HK PEOPLE .............................. 1

JACOBS TO SUCCEED SIR JOHN AS FS ................................ 1

SOPHISTICATED VEHICLE GAUGES ROAD CONDITIONS .................... 3

RE-APPOINTMENT TO KCRC BOARD................................... 5

RO OFFICERS ATTEND TROPICAL CYCLONES WORKSHOP ................... 5

DB DELEGATION TO RETURN FROM STUDY TOUR ........................ 6

EXHIBITIONS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ........................ 7

RECLAMATION PLANNED AT TAI LAI-1 ................................ 8

SELF-DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR MANAGERS .......................... 8

TSUEN KWAI SPORTS FESTIVAL TO CLOSE ............................. 9

CLEAN HK FUN DAY FOR EASTERN .................................. 9

BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FEES AMENDED ............................... 10

DANCE COMPETITION FOR THE ELDERLY .......................... 10

YAU MA TEI BUILDING MANAGEMENT SIMINAR ......................... 11

FRUIT MARKET WALL GETS NEW LOOK ................................ 11

FOREMAN COMMENDED FOR CATCHING LITTERBUGS ...................... 12

NEW LIBRARY TO OPEN IN FANLING................................. 12

GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS FOR RESIDENTS............................ 1?

DISTRICT HEALTH WEEK FOR RESIDENTS ........................... 14

COMMUNITY HALL CELEBRaTES ANNIVERSARY ........................ 11*

’AREA DAYS’ TO FOSTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT ......................... 15

+ARTS FOR ALL+ COMES TO A CLOSE................................ 16

HURRY UP FOR CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME ............................ 16

WAN CHAI SEMINAR FOR ELDERLY TO BE STAGED ..................... 17

ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION AT KWAI CHUNG ........................ 18

YOUTHS URGED TO JOIN CIVIC AFFAIRS ............................. 18

SEMINAR ON PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS ........................... 19

TRAFFIC CHANGES IF CENTRAL, WAN CHAI ........................... 19

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

JI TO MEET WIDE RANGE OF HK PEOPLE ******

STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR JI PENGFEI, WILL BE MEETING A WIDE RANGE AND CROSS-SECTION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE DURING HIS FORTHCOMING VISIT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE LOK WAH ESTATE IN KWUN TONG, SIR DAVID SAID MR JI WOULD BE MEETING SOME MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS THROUGHOUT HIS VISIT HERE.

ASKED WHY NO FORMAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR MR JI TO MEET UMELCO AND DB MEMBERS, SIR DAVID SAID +IT’S JUST NOT POSSIBLE TO FIT SO MUCH INTO A VERY TIGHTLY PACKED PROGRAMME.+

+HOWEVER, HE’LL BE MEETING A LOT OF THE DB AND LEGCO MEMBERS AT INFORMAL OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT HIS VISIT,* HE ADDED.

ASKED WHETHER ANY SPECIFIC TOPICS WOULD BE BROUGHT UP DURING MR JI’S VISIT, SIR DAVID SAID: +1 THINK THE IMPORTANT THING IS, AS I HAVE SAID PREVIOUSLY, THAT MR JI PENGFEI HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME DOWN TO HONG KONG, SEE HONG KONG FOR HIMSELF, SEE WHAT SORT OF A PLACE IT IS, AND TO MEET HONG KONG PEOPLE.*

IN REPLY TO A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ON WHAT WOULD BE DISCUSSED WHEN MR JI MEETS THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND HIMSELF, SIR DAVID SAID: +1 IMAGINE ANYTHING WHICH OCCURS TO HIM. HAVING SEEN HONG KONG, OUR VISITORS ARE USUALLY FULL OF QUESTIONS. I WON’T SUPPOSE HE WOULD BE SHORT OF QUESTIONS.*

ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION ON MR JI’S PROGRAMME, SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED MR JI WOULD DO WHAT MOST OF OUR VISITORS DO --THAT IS TO GET A GOOD LOOK OF HONG KONG AS A PLACE FROM THE AIR.

IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, SIR DAVID SAID THAT AS FAR AS IE WAS AWARE, MR JI WOULD NOT BE LIVING IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE DURING HIS VISIT.

-------0---------

JACOBS TO SUCCEED SIR JOHN AS FS * * *

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS, WILL SUCCEED SIR JOHN EREMR IDGE AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN MID 1936.

SIR JOHN nILL BE LEAVING THE PUBLIC SERVICE ON COMPLETION OF HIS CONTRACT AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY, A POST WHICH HE /.ILL HAVE HELD FOR FIVE YEARS.

/MR JACOBS .......

rrlDAY, DECiXBER 6, 985

7.^ 2 _ X '■ 5* ’ 4- *

MR JACOBS WILL RELINQUISH H-IS DUTIES AS SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES IN JANUARY 1986 AND WILL SPEND ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FAMILIARISING HIMSELF WITH HIS NEW RESPONSIBILITIES BEFORE TAKING OVER FROM SIR JOHN.

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED A RELATED SERIES, JOF MOVEMENTS OF OTHER SENIOR STAFF.

THESE ARE:

MR JOHN YAXLEY TO SUCCEED MR JACOBS AS SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES-

MR YEUNG KAI-YIN TO REPLACE MR YAXLEY AS DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY-

MR T.H. BARMA WILL BE SECONDED TO THE 'HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION AS" COMMISSIONER IN PLACE OF MR K.Y. YEUNG- AND

MR HAIDER H.T. BARMA WILL BECOME DEPUTY SECRETARY (CIVIL SERVICE) APPOINTMENTS IN PLACE OF MR T.H. BARMA.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE ANNEXED.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

PIERS JACOBS, OBE, JP

AGED 52. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A LEGAL ASSISTANT IN APRIL 1962 AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PROMOTED TO REGISTRAR GENERAL IN MARCH 1976. HE TRANSFERRED TO BECOME AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN SEPTEMBER 1982 AND *AS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN OCTOBER 1933. HE HAS BEEN THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES SINCE SEPTEMBER 1982.

JOHN YAXLEY, JP

AGED 49. JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN JUNE 1977 AFTER SOME FOURTEEN YEARS SERVICE IN OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIES AND TWO YEARj ATTACHMENT TO THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN SEPTEMBER 1985. HIS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY- IN THE FINANCE BRANCH, AND AS POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. HE HAS BEEN THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY SINCE JANUARY 1983.

/K.'i. YEUNG.............

FRIDAY, DECQ4BER 6, 1985

K.Y. YEUNG, JP

AGED 44. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN SEPTEMBER 1962 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN APRIL 1985. HE HAS WORKED MAINLY IN THE FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND TRADE RELATED FIELDS AND HAS BEEN AN ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THE FINANCE BRANCH, A DEPUTY COMMISSIONER IN THE FORMER TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, AND A DEPUTY SECRETARY IN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH. WHILE IN THE LATTER POST HE WAS SECRETARY OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION FROM 1978-79. HE HAS BEEN THE COMMISSIONER, HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION SINCE APRIL 1984.

T.H. BARMA, JP

AGED 52. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JULY 1967 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1982. HE HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE PARTICULARLY IN THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, AS AN ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THE FINANCE BRANCH, AND IN THE POST OFFICE WHERE — ------------------------------. HE HAS BEEN THE DEPUTY

IN CHARGE OF APPOINTMENTS SINCE

POSTMASTER GENERAL THE CIVIL SERVICE

HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MARCH 1984.

H. H.T. BARMA, JP

AGED 41, JOINED THE CIVIL AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT

SERVICE IN FEBRUARY 1966

RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1981. HE HAS HELD A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE, INCLUDING DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, DEPUTY SECRETARY (ADMINISTRATION) AND DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. HE HAS BEEN A DEPUTY DIRECTOR

IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SINCE DECEMBER 1983

-----0------

SOPHISTICATED VEHICLE GAUGES ROAD CONDITIONS *****

MOTORISTS AT NIGHT SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF THEY SPOT A LARGE YELLOW VEHICLE CRAWLING ALONG AT 2.5 KILOMETRES AN HOUR. IN FACT, THIS SLOW-MOVING TRUCK IS ENGAGED IN A SURVEY WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY RESULT IN BETTER MAINTENANCE FOR HONG KONG’S ROAD hETWORK.

KNOWN AS A ROAD DEFLECTION DATA LOGGING MACHINE (DEFLECTOGRAPH), THE $1.2 MILLION VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO HONG KONG BY THE MAKERS, WDM OF BRISTOL, ENGLAND, TO CARRY OUT A DEFLECTOGRAPH SURVEY OF ALL MAJOR BITUMINOUS ROADS IN THE TERRITORY.

/THE 35.5 MILLION .......

, DECK '

4QpC

THE 53.5 MILL IC . SURVEY, CARRIED OUT FOR THE IGHWAYS OFFICE CF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, STARTED IN SEPTEMBER AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY FEBRUARY. IT WILL COVER MORE THAN 330 KILOMETRES OF ROAD NETWORK.

SENIOR ENGINEER (RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT), MR F.T. TEAGUE, SAID: +THE DEFLECTOGRAPH IS A LARGE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE FITTED WITH SOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. IT HAS A BALLASTED CHASSIS WHICH GIVES A STANDARD LOAD ON A GIVEN AREA.

+AS THE VEHICLE MOVES ALONG IT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE DEFLECTION OR BOUNCE CREATED IN THE ROAD BY THE WEIGHT OF ITS OWN REAR AXLE.+

MR TEAGUE SAID THE INFORMATION ALONG WITH DATA ON TRAFFIC, COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF THE PAVEMENT WERE FED INTO A COMPUTER.

+HIGHWAY ENGINEERS ARE THEN ABLE TO PREDICT HOW LONG A PAVEMENT WILL LAST BEFORE MAJOR MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED. THEY CAN ALSO EVALUATE THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF ACCURACY,+ HE SAID.

MR TEAGUE SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE DEFLECTOGRAPH PROGRAMME WERE:

* TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE COMPUTER BASED INVENTORY OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS, CONSTRUCTION AND TRAFFIC LOADING:

* TO DEVELOP A ROAD MAINTENANCE DESIGN SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG-? AND

* TO INVOLVE LOCAL STAFF IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTORY AND DESIGN SYSTEM, FOR HONG KONG CONDITIONS.

+THE OBJECTIVE IS TO SURVEY 10 KILOMETRES OF ROAD A NIGHT IN THE RURAL AREAS AND FIVE KILOMETRES A NIGHT IN CITY AREAS. HOWEVER, THAT IS A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE AND WE EXPECT TO EXCEED THAT. WE ALSO EXPECT TO SURVEY A MINIMUM OF 500 KILOMETRES OF ROAD BUT WE COULD INCREASE THAT TOTAL BY 20 PER CENT.+ HE SAID.

EXPLAINING WHY THE SURVEY HAD TO BE CARRIED OUT AT NIGHT, NR TEAGUE SAID THIS WAS WHEN THE SLOW MOVING VEHICLE CAUSED THE LEAST DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC AND WHEN ROAD TEMPERATURES WERE LOWEST. BITUMEN IS VISCO-ELASTIC AND HIGH TEMPERATURES WOULD GIVE INACCURATE READINGS ON THE DEFLECTOGRAPH, WHEN ROAD ____

TEMPERATURES EXCEEDED 30 DEGREES CELSIUS. DURING THE DAY ROAD TEMPERATURES IN HONG KONG COULD EXCEED 50 DEGREES CELSIUo.

+WE ARE LOOKING AT WAYS TO CALIBRATE THE EQUIPMENT TO OPERATE IN HIGHER TEMPERATURES,+ HE SAID.

APART FROM SOME OPERATIONS IN WEST GERMANY THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WDM HAS OPERATED THE EQUIPMENT IN ASIA. A SPECIAL TEAM OF OPERATORS HAS BEEN SENT OUT FROM ENGLAND WITH THE VEHICLE.

/ALTHOUGH THIS ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

ALTHOUGH THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SUCH A DEFLECTOGRAPH SURVEY HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG ITS IMPORTANCE HAS BEEN RECOGNISED FOR SEVERAL YEARS IN BRITAIN.

+IN SOME PARTS OF BRITAIN LOCAL AUTHORITIES WILL NOT PROVIDE MONEY FOR MOTORWAY REPAIRS UNLESS A DEFLECTOGRAPH SURVEY HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT,+ MR TEAGUE SAID.

♦SUCH A SURVEY IN HONG KONG MAY COST MONEY IN THE SHORT TERM, BUT IN THE LONG TERM IT WILL SAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BY TAKING THE UNCERTAINTY OUT OF THE ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME.+

-----o------

RE-APPOINTMENT TO KCRC BOARD * * * *

A GAZETTE NOTICE TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF MR DAVID K.P. LI AND MR J.A. RICHARDSON TO THE BOARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM DECEMBER 1, 1985.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD IS MR H.M.G. FORSGATE AND OTHER AMBERS ARE MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR ALFRED TSO SHIU-WAI, MR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR CF THE CORPORATION.

-----o------

RO OFFICERS ATTEND TROPICAL CYCLONES WORKSHOP * * * * *

THREE OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RETURNED TO HONG KONG TODAY (FRIDAY) AFTER ATTENDING A SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON TROPICAL CYCLONES IN BANGKOK, THAILAND.

THIS WORKSHOP, HELD FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO DECEMBER 5, WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECASTERS, RESEARCHERS AND WARNING SPECIALISTS FROM ALL OCEANS AFFECTED BY TROPICAL CYCLONES GATHERED TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE.

THE GOAL OF THE WORKSHOP WAS TO ASSESS THE CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE OF TROPICAL CYCLONES AND LATEST TRENDS IN THE FORECASTING AND WARNING OF TROPICAL CYCLONES FROM AN INTEGRATED GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.

MR ROBERT LAU ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, ihin MR f Y LAM SENIOR SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, WERE SPONSORED BY THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP AS.INVITED EXPERTS. BOTH OF THEM PARTICIPATED IN THE REVIEW OF VARIOUS ASPECT^ OF THE TROPICAL CYCLONE PROBLEM.

/MRS HILDA LAM, .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 198?

6 -

MRS HILDA LAM, SCIENTIFIC OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S TROPICAL CYCLONE SECTION, ALSO ATTENDED THE WORKSHOP.

ALTOGETHER, 86 PARTICIPANTS FROM 28 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WERE PRESENT.

THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE WORKSHOP INCLUDED THE EXCHANGE CF MUCH VALUABLE INFORMATION ON TROPICAL CYCLONES, THE ESTABLISHMENT CF BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECASTERS AND RESEARCHERS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE PLANS FOR CLOSER INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AMONG ALL PARTIES CONCERNED WITH THE MITIGATION OF LOSSES AND DAMAGE CAUSED BY TROPICAL CYCLONES.

DURING THE WORKSHOP, THE PIONEERING ATTEMPTS OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN THE USE OF RADAR AND SATELLITE DATA TO ASSIST IN RAINFALL FORECASTING IN TROPICAL CYCLONE SITUATIONS WAS HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THE PARTICIPANTS.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION ON THE DIGITAL ELECTRONIC TECHNIQUES DEVELOPED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TO MODERNISE CONVENTIONAL RADARS WERE RECEIVED.

CONTACTS WITH RESEARCH INSTITUTES WHICH MIGHT SUPPLY USEFUL REFERENCE DATA WERE ALSO ESTABLISHED.

-----0------

DB DELEGATION TO RETURN FROM STUDY TOUR X X X * *

A DELEGATION OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) ON FOLLOWING A STUDY TOUR TO KAGOSHIMA AND TOKYO IN

FLIGHT JL

JAPAN.

731

THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE TRIP WAS TO OBSERVE AND ADMINISTRATION SYSTEMS, MUNICIPAL FACILITIES IN KAGOSHIMA- AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN JAPAN.

THE LOCAL ELECTION AND DEVELOPMENTS

AND CENTRAL

TO SUM UP THEIR NINE-DAY VISIT, DELEGATION MEMBERS WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 3 PM IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR CF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.

o---------

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1935

EXHIBITIONS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION X * * * *

A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE COMING MONTHS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.

THE EXHIBITION, ENTITLED +OUR HONG KONG+, IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION TELEVISION SECTION OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CITY AND NEw TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

IT COVERS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES CF A CITIZEN AND WILL COINCIDE WITH A TV PROGRAMME TO BE BROADCAST LATER THIS MONTH.

BOTH THE EXHIBITION AND THE TELEVISION PROGRAMME WILL PRESENT THE LOCAL POLITICAL SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIETY.

THE FIRST OF THE SERIES OF EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA.

A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.M. LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA.

OTHER GUESTS WILL INCLUDE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR SIMON LUN= MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, NRS RITA FAN, MR ANDREW WONG WANG-FAT, MRS ROSANNA TAM, AND THc DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY CENTRE OF ASIAN STUDIES,

l*R EDWARD CHEN.

THE EXHIBITIONS WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY AT ADMIRALTY, TSIM SHA TSUI, QUARRY BAY, SHEUNG SHU I, YUEN LONG AND TAI PO BETWEEN THIS MONTH AND FEBRUARY NEXT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE +OUR HONG KONG+ CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA.

- - o -----------

/B........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1935

RECLAMATION PLANNED AT TAI LAM * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 2 600 SQUARE METRES CF FORESHORE AND SEABED NEXT TO THE TAI LAM CHUNG MARINE POLICE BASE, TAI LAM.

THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SLIPWAY FOR THE MARINE POLICE BASE AND OTHER FACILITIES, INCLUDING BOAT PARKING, STORAGE OF BOATS, EQUIPMENT AND FUEL.

NO EFFECT ON EXISTING NAVIGATION RIGHTS, MOORING OR ACCESS TO THE FORESHORE IS EXPECTED.

ANY CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHTS SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE FEBRUARY 5, 1986.

THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR MANAGERS X * X

THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG WILL BE ORGANISING A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP FOR LOCAL MANAGERS INTERESTED IN THEIR OWN DEVELOPMENT.

THE WORKSHOP, CALLED +SELF-DEVELOPMENT - WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT+, WILL BE HELD AT ITS HARBOUR CENTRE, WAN CHAI, OFFICE ON DECEMBER 11 AND 12.

IT WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE SENIOR ADVISER OF THE CENTRE, MR JOHN BRIAN, AND DIRECTOR OF CROWN AGENTS FOR OVERSEAS GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIONS, MR PAUL TEMPORAL.

+THE WORKSHOP WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL MANAGERS TO LEARN ABOUT SOME INNOVATIVE APPROACHES DEVELOPED BY THE CENTRE ON MANAGEMENT SELF-DEVELOPMENT,* MR BRIAN SAID.

+INSTEAD OF RELYING ON FORMAL, TAUGHT COURSES, MORE AND MORE ORGANISATIONS ARE INTRODUCING PROJECT-ORIENTATED ACTION LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND SUPPLEMENTING THEM WITH VARIOUS SELF-DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES,* HE ADDED.

/SELF-DEVELOPMENT

FRIDAY, DECHMBER 6, 1985

SELF-DEVELOPMENT IS ALSO FOUND TO BE A HIGHLY COST-EFFECTIVE I'tTHOD OF DEVELOPING MANAGERS SINCE IT USES THE MANAGER AND HIS ORGANISATION AS KEY COMPONENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, THUS ENABLING ALL THE LEARNING TO BE DIRECTLY PRACTICAL AND ORGANISATIONALLY APPROPRIATE.

THE WORKSHOP IS IN A SERIES ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE FOR THOSE CONCERNED WITH TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS IN HONG KONG. THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT THE CENTRE’S DIRECTOR, DR R.l. 1RICKER AT 5-8932341 EXT. 370 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

- - 0 - -

TSUEN KWAI SPORTS FESTIVAL TO CLOSE * * * *

THE 1985 TSUEN KWAI SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) AFTER A MONTH-LONG SPORTS PROGRAMME.

THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 7 PM AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD SPORTSGROUND IN TSUEN WAN. THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, AND A COMMUNITY LEADER IN TSUEN WAN, MR CHAN PO-FONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING’S PROGRAMME WILL BE TWO PERFORMANCES BY SERVICEMEN OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON.

THE DRAGON COMPANY OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS WILL GIVE A PERFORMANCE ON TACTICS AND DRILLS, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A DEMONSTRATION BY A WELL-KNOWN MOTORCYCLING TEAM OF THE 29TH SQUADRON, ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT.

SOME 70 000 SPECTATORS HAVE ATTENDED VARIOUS EVENTS SINCE THE OPENING OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL ON NOVEMBER 9.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CLOSING CEREMONY AT 7 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD SPORTSGROUND.

- 0 -

CLEAN HK FUN DAY FOR EASTERN * * * *

A CLEAN HONG KONG FUN DAY WILL BE ORGANISED FOR THE RESIDENTS OF EASTERN DISTRICT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, WILL BE ABLE TO WIN ATTRACTIVE PRIZES BY TAKING PART IN QUIZZES AND GAMES.

/THEY WILL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

10 -

THEY WILL BE ENTERTAINED BY POPULAR SINGERS SHUM KUM-LING, MAK LAI-HUNG AND YEUNG SIU-CHING DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE PROGRAMME.

DURING THE OCCASION, PRIZES ILL BE PRESENTED TO REPRESENTATIVE CF SUN SING CENTRE, MAYSON GARDEN MANSION AND DRAGON PEAK FOR BEING THE CLEANEST BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE FOURTH ANNUAL +EASTERN DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG FUN DAY+ IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD OFFICE AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

EASTERN DI STR ICT

-----0------

BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FEES AMENDED

* * * X

A NUMBER OF FEES PAYABLE UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE HAS BEEN AMENDED.

THE AMENDMENTS, PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, ARE THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1985 AND BUILDING (OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1985.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE FEES HAD NOT BEEN REVISED FOR SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME AND THE PURPOSE OF THE INCREASE WAS TO RE-INSTATE THEIR VALUES IN REAL TERMS.

-----0 -

DANCE COMPETITION FOR THE ELDERLY

X X X X

MORE THAN 200 ELDERLY RESIDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR DANCING SKILL AT THE FIFTH HONG KONG DANCE COMPETITION TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE PARTICIPANTS, ALL AGED OVER 60, COME FROM SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HOMES FOR THE AGED AND KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. THEY HAVE FORMED 21 TEAMS AND WILL PERFORM TRADITIONAL CHINESE, WESTERN, KOREAN AND AEROBIC DANCES.

THE COMPETITION, SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND LOK SIN TONG, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT’S COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE HOLY CARPENTER CHURCH MULTISERVICES -CENTRE.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE EVENT ARE TO PROMOTE OLD PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN DANCING AND TO DEVELOP THEIR CONFIDENCE IN THEIR OWN CAPABILITIES.

/PHIZES WILL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS FOLLOWING THE COMPETITION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FIFTH HONG KONG DANCE COMPETITION FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

-----0------

YAU MA TEI BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

* * * *

A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE HALL OF THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE YAU MA TEI ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPA I GN.

SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE YAU MA TEI BUILDING CO-ORDINATION TEAM, MR WONG KAI-SHU AND THE HEALTH INSPECTOR OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, W CHEUNG KAI-CHUEN. OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU OF THE YAU MA TEI POLICE, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND AN INSURANCE COMPANY.

DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT 2 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR.

-------0----------

FRUIT MARKET .-.ALL GETS NEW LOOK * * * * *

WORK wILL START ON SUNDAY TO BEAUTIFY THE YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET SURROUNDING WALL BUILT TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT aT TH=.

MARKET.

THE WALL, AT THE JUNCTION OF FERRY STREET AND SHEK LUNG STREET, WAS BUILT AT THE COST OF >75 003 BY THE YAU MA Tel DISTR ICT BOARD.

/IT WILL .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

IT a ILL BE COLOURFULLY PAINTED BY THE SEAGULL CLUE. YAU YA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND SOME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO TAKE PART.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8).

- 0 -

FOREMAN COMMENDED FOR CATCHING LITTERBUGS

*****

A CLEANSING FOREMAN OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) COMMENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, NR TONY HAMMOND, FOR HIS PERFORMANCE.

MR SUN SHAO-HANG, A FOREMAN ATTACHED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, WAS COMMENDED FOR BRINGING 146 LITTER OFFENDERS TO COURT BETWEEN MAY AND OCTOBER. THIS REPRESENTED THE HIGHEST NUMBER RECORDED BY A SINGLE OFFICER OF THE RSD DURING THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD.

AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY, MR HAMMOND PRAISED NR SUN FOR HIS DILIGENCE IN TAKING ACTION AGAINST PEOPLE WHO DISCARDED REFUSE INDISCRIMINATELY.

- - 0 -

NEW LIBRARY TO OPEN IN FANLING

******

THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN A PUBLIC LIBRARY IN FANLING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 9) TO IMPROVE LIBRARY SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.

IT WILL BE THE SECOND LIBRARY IN THE DISTRICT AND THE 16TH LIBRARY MANAGED BY THE RSD IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS.

TO MARK THE OPENING, WINNING ENTRIES OF THE + NT IN PHOTO COMPETITION* AND THE +BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION* WILL Be DISPLAYED IN THE LIBRARY.

AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 3.30 PM OUTSIDE THE NEW LIBRARY AT UNITS NOS. 102-107 CHEUNG LOK HOUSE, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE FANLING. OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG KUEK.

/OTHER GUESTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

- 15 -

.GUESTS include the vice-chairman of the recreation ,CyLTURE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MS M!R!AM LAU KIN-YEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, M* PANG HANG-YIN, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES re MICHAEL SUEN. ’

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW FANLING PUBLIC LIBRARY, WHICH IS JUST A FEW MINUTES WALK FROM THE FANLING KCR STATION. REPORTERS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORT PROVIDED BY THE RSD SHOULD GATHER AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER NOT LATER THAN 2.15 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 9). INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

- - 0 - -

GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS FOR RESIDENTS * * * *

FIFTEEN MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE DISTRICT’S GOOD CITIZEN AWARD AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE LAU WONG FAT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 66 SYCAMORE STREET, TAI KOK TSUI.

PRIZES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE 1986 CALENDAR DESIGN COMPETITION WHOSE ENTRIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY.

CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, re CHAN LAI-SANG DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI MONG KOK POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR WONG TSAN-KWONG, AND INSPECTOR (ART)

OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR LEE SAU-KEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

NOTE TO ED I TORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

------0-------

/14

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

DISTRICT HEALTH WEEK FOR RESIDENTS X * * *

A HEALTH WEEK WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 9) TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS FOR RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl.

UNDER THE TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK SCHEME, MEDICAL STAFF OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE BLOOD AND URINE TESTS FOR RESIDENTS.

CHECK-UP SESSIONS WILL BE HELD EITHER IN THE MORNING FROM 9 AM TO NOON, OR 2 PM TO 5 PM AT 11 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS INCLUDING SCHOOLS, WELFARE ORGANISATION PREMISES AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES.

RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

ENQUIRE IS CAN BE MADE BY CALLING THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 0-4930671 OR THE KWAI CHUNG SUB-DISTRICT OFFICE ON 0-212855.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER

BOARD DIRECTORS OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL VISIT VENUE FOR THE MEDICAL CHECK-UP SCHEME AT THE LIU PO CHUEN IN TSUEN WAN AT 10.30

COLLEGE AT LUK YUEN SUN

(DECEMBER 9).

MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, AND

THE FIRST SHAN MEMORIAL AM ON MONDAY

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT.

-------o---------

COMMUNITY HALL CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

*****

tup uiwr WAH COMMUNITY HALL IN CHAI WAN WILL CELEBRATE ITS EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) WITH A NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT.

AT A BRIEF CEREMONY AT 7.45 PM.

/THERE WILL .......

FRIDAY, DECD4BER 6, 1985

THERE wILL ALSO BE S ING ING DANCING PERFORMANCES AND A LUCKY DRAW.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT 7.45 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) IN THE HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL (NEXT TO YU HING HOUSE IN HING WAH ESTATE PHASE 2), CHAI WAN ROAD.

-----0------

’AREA DAYS’ TO FOSTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT * * * *

SPECIAL EVENTS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED IN WEST KWAI CHUNG, CENTRAL KWAI CHUNG AND SOUTH KWAI CHUNG THIS WEEKEND TO FOSTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG RESIDENTS OF THE THREE AREAS.

THE EVENTS ARE ORGANISED BY THE AREA DAY ORGANISING COMMITTEES IN CENTRAL, SOUTH AND WEST KWAI CHUNG AND SPONSORED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR LAM YUK-TONG AND SIN CHUN-KAI WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE WEST KWAI CHUNG AREA DAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT THE TAI WO HAU COMMUNITY CENTRE.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW FOR THE ELDERLY AND PERFORMANCES BY ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF THE AREA.

AT 8 PM, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, rR HO TUNG-CHING, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (NORTH), M? PETER LEUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE CENTRAL KWAI CHUNG DAY AT THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND.

THERE WILL BE A SINGING PERFORMANCE BY POPULAR ARTISTES, MAGIC SHOW AND PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.

AT 7.15 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8), KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTH), MR JOHN DEAN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF SOUTH KWAI CHUNG DAY AT THE LAI KING ESTATE NO. 3 CAR PARK. A VARIETY SHOW FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA WILL FOLLOW THE CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF CENTRAL, WEST AND SOUTH KWAI CHUNG AREA DAYS.

0---------

/16........

rRILAt, DE.tr--. b, ->35

+ARTS FOR ALL + COMES TO A CLOSE * * * * *

EASTERN DISTRICT’S + ARTS FOR ALL + PROGRAMME, WILL COME TO A CLOSE AT VICTORIA PARK TOMORROW (SATURDAY) NIGHT, AFTER THREE WEEKS CF INTERESTING AND ENTERTAINING ACTIVITIES.

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, THE PROGRAMME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH THE HELP OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG: CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, MADAM CHRISTINA TING ; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE, EDUCATION AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY AT 7.30 PM.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN ALL-STAR SHOW BY ARTISTES AT FOOTBALL PITCH NO. 2.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT’S +ARTS FOR ALL+ PROGRAMME TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT FOOTBALL PITCH NO. 2 IN VICTORIA PARK.

-----o-----

HURRY UP FOR CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME * * * *

PARTICIPANTS OF THE +CLEAN AND GREEN+ SCHEME TO PROMOTE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED THAT MONDAY (DECEMBER 9) WAS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THEIR

SECOND STAGE ENTRIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, WHICH ORGANISES THE SCHEME, SAID A RECORD TOTAL OF 5 740 PEOPLE HAD JOINED AND COMPLETED THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT.

HE SAID: +THEY ARE QUALIFIED TO ENTER STAGE TWO WHICH WILL INVOLVE LITTER COLLECTION IN A MAXIMUM OF NINE COUNTRY PARKS AND A SIMPLE QUIZ TO TEST THEIR COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION

KNOWLEDGE.

/+IN ADDITION, .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1985

+IN ADDITION, THEY HAVE TO SUBMIT BEFORE DECEMBER 9 A PIECE CF DESIGN EITHER IN THE FORM OF A POSTER, A PAINTING OR A PHOTOGRAPH, ON THE THEME OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PREVENTION OR TREE PLANTING.*

THE FIRST 5 OOO TO COMPLETE THE SECOND STAGE WILL EACH RECEIVE A 1986 YEAR PLANNER AS SOUVENIRS.

EACH ACTIVITY WILL BE AWARDED MARKS AND 10 PARTICIPANTS WITH THE HIGHEST SCORES WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE THIRD AND FINAL STAGE TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 28 IN THE FORM OF AN OUTDOOR COMPETITION. TWO HUNDRED OTHERS WITH THE NEXT HIGHEST MARKS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES.

ONE OF THE 10 FINALISTS WILL WIN TWO RETURN AIR TICKETS TO AUSTRALIA AND TWO 15-DAY AUSSIE PASSES.

OTHER PRIZES WILL INCLUDE A TAIWAN MOUNTAIN CLIMBING PACKAGE TOUR, A CAMERA WITH ACCESSORIES, CAMPING EQUIPMENT AND HIKING GEAR.

-------0 ---------

WAN CHAI SEMINAR FOR ELDERLY TO BE STAGED * * * *

A SEMINAR ON THE ROLE OF THE ELDERLY IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE BAPTIST 01 KWAN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE.

THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AND THE BAPTIST 01 KWAN SOCIAL SERVICE.

+MANY OLD PEOPLE HAVE PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN SERVING SOCIETY BUT THERE ARE SOME WHO HAVE BEEN NEGLECTED,* THE CHAIRMAN CF THE WORKING GROUP FOR THE AGED UNDER THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MS ANNA TANG SAID.

+IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS SEMINAR, MORE PEOPLE WILL BECOME AWARE OF THE ACTIVE ROLE OLD PEOPLE CAN PLAY, SO THAT MORE WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.*

SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, AND VOLUNTEERS OF CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.

THE PUBLIC IS WELCOMED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR TOMORROW FROM 2.30 PM TO 4 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

-------0---------

/18........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1935

ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION AT KWAI CHUNG * * * *

A PICTORIAL EXHIBITION SHOWING THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUGS WILL BE MOUNTED ON THE PODIUM OF CHOI YIU ESTATE IN KWAI CHUNG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DSTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WILL BE HELD FROM 2 TO 6 PM.

A DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO AROUSE AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGSTERS, ON THE DANGERS AND DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS CF TAKING DRUGS.

SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG CHING COMMUNITY CENTRE ON DECEMBER 21- THE TAI WO HAU COMMUNITY CENTRE ON DECEMBER 28, AND SHEK LEI COMMUNITY CENTRE ON JANUARY 4.

-----q.----------

YOUTHS URGED TO JOIN CIVIC AFFAIRS

******

SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO. TODAY (FRIDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANT ROLE YOUNG SCHOOL GRADUATES HAVE TO PLAY IN PROMOTING AND PARTICIPATING IN CIVIC AFFAIRS.

WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE REPERTOIRE OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANNELS FOR PARTICIPATION HAVE INCREASED, HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE ST STEPHEN GIRLS’ COLLEGE SPEECH DAY, MR LIA' URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS IN CIVIC AFFAIRS AND HELP BUILD A FULL AND HAPPY LIFE FOR THE PEOl CF HONG KONG.

INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES HAS HELPED TO ENHANCE CIVIC VALUES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS, HE SAID.

♦MORAL AND CIVIC AWARENESS START FROM THE INDIVIDUAL’S WILLINGNESS TO CARE AND TO RESPOND TO OTHER PEOPLE’S NEEDS, WHILE UPON LEAVING SCHOOL, RESPONDING TO OTHER’S NEEDS IS LESS CONFINED TO THOSE IN YOUR IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT, BUT RATHER SOCIETY AT LARGE,+ HE SAID.

MR LIAO SAID IN A FREE SOCIETY, ONE COULD CHOOSE TO LEAD A MATERIALISTIC AND INWARD LOOKING LIFE OR A MORE BALANCED ONE BY EXERCISING ONE’S CIVIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.

/♦HAVING BEEN

rtlUAi, DECEMBER 6, 1985

- 19 -

♦HAVING BEEN TRAINED AS AN INTEGRATED PERSON, THE CHOICE FOR ALL OF YOU IS OBVIOUS,* MR LIAO SAID.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT AS ONE OF THE OLDEST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, ST STEPHEN GIRLS’ COLLEGE WAS WELL-KNOWN FOR PRODUCING MANY OF HONG KONG’S TALENTED LEADERS IN VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.

- 0 ----------

SEMINAR ON PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS * * * *

MORE THAN 500 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THE PROBLEM OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.

THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTR*CT rEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE AND SPONSORED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTR

BOARD.

IT IS AIMED AT AROUSING ON THE PROBLEMS AND ADVERSE PUBLICATIONS ON STUDENTS AND SUCH INFLUENCES.

TEACHERS’ AWARENESS AND CONCERN INFLUENCES OF PORNOGRAPHIC

TO DISCUSS METHODS TO COUNTERACT

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS FROM WAN CHAI EASTERN, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN THE TRUE LIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL ROAD TOMORROW FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM.

(HONG KONG) AT TAI HANG

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

-------o - -

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI

******

FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 9), BOTH THE WESTERN AND EASTERN LANES OF RUMSEY STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL * ILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY DAILY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM TO FAC ILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK.

WITHIN THE SECTION, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

/AT THE .......

FRIDAY, MCEMBKk 6, 1985

20 -

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE WESTERN LANE OF RUMSEY STREET SECTION BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION aITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH CF ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE RESCINDED.

THE EASTERN LANE OF RUMSEY STREET SECTION

THE RESTRICTED ZONE ON

EETWEEN DES VOEUX ALSO BE LIFTED.

ROAD

CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL

STAND ON THE WESTERN LANE OF RUMSEY STREET CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE MOVED TO WA LANE NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX

THE EXISTING TAXI NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH THE EASTERN LANE OF MAN

ROAD CENTRAL.

THE ABOVE MEASURES WILL LAST FOR THREE TO FOUR MONTHS.

MEANWHILE, THE SLIP ROAD LINKING JOHNSTON ROAD AND WAN CHAI ROAD NEAR FLEMING ROAD WILL BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY (DECEMBER 9) TO ALLOW RELOCATION OF A SIGNAL CROSSING AT WAN CHAI ROAD.

VEHICLES ON JOHNSTON ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR WAN CHAI ROAD WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA BURROWS STREET.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DEVELOPMENTS PLANS FOR CHAI WAN UNVEILED .................... 1

EIGHT MAJOR PROJECTS EARMARKED FOR TUEN MUN ................. 2

EFFORTS CONTINUE TO TRACK DOW ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ............ 3

CALL TO PARTICIPATE IN CIVIC AFFAIRS......................... 4

FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES MEET IN CONFERENCE.................... 4

ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE............................ 5

SHENZHEN RIVER IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED......................... 6

PEACE RALLY THEME SONG RECORDED ............................. 7

ALBANY SITE BORED PILE PLAN FOR INSPECTION .................. 8

VIP'S VISIT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS .......................... 8

OUTSTANDING AWARDS FOR HANDICAPPED VOLUNTEERS ............... 9

DRAWING COMPETITION FOR YOUNGSTERS .......................... 9

CONTESTS HELD TO FIGHT CRIME................................. 10

SCIENCE RESOURCE MATERIALS ON DISPLAY........................ 11

FANLING COMPETITION FOR LIFEGUARDS .......................... 11

PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ................................. 12

CHINESE MUSIC COURSE FOR TEACHERS ORGANISED ................. 12

TOP CHINESE PIANIST FOR TSUEN KWAI FESTIVAL ................. 13

SAI KUNG TOWN HALL READY SOON ............................... 14

SAI KUNG REST GARDEN TO OPEN ................................ 14

GAS SAFETY EXHIBITION TO OPEN ............................... 15

800 CHILDREN TO DANCE IN CaRNIVAL ........................... 1$

INDOOR GAMES HALL FOR SHA TIN ............................... 16

closure of tunnel approach road ............................. 17

PROHIBITED ZONES IN KOWLOON ................................. 17

6-DAY FIRING PRACTICE........................................ 17

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

DEVELOPMENTS PLANS FOR CHAI WAN UNVEILED * * * *

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE ON STREAM FOR CHAI WAN OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS IN HOUSING, EDUCATION AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER FOR EASTERN, DR SIMON VICKERS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPEN DAY OF THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, DR VICKERS SAID CHAI WAN WAS THE FASTEST DEVELOPING AREA OF HONG KONG, AND WITH THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE, TRANSPORT LINKS BETWEEN CHAI WAN AND OTHER AREAS HAVE IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY.

IN LINE WITH THIS, HE SAID, HOUSING WAS DEVELOPING RAPIDLY IN QUANTITY AS WELL AS QUALITY. IN THE CHAI WAN SOUTH AREAS, THERE WAS THE WAN TSUI ESTATE PHASE 3 HOUSING PROJECT FOR 7 OOO PEOPLE, THE INTAKE OF WHICH WOULD BEGIN NEXT YEAR! AND ANOTHER LARGE-^CALE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE SITUATED NEAR YUE WAN ESTATE WOULD BE BUILT TO HOUSE 9 500 PEOPLE BY 1988.

IN ADDITION, TWO PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS AT GREENWOOD TERRACE AND NEPTUNE TERRACE WOULD ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 15 000 RESIDENTS, WHILE THERE WERE ALSO PLANS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AT THE TWO MTR STATION PODIUMS IN CHAI WAN.

TURNING TO EDUCATION, DR VICKERS SAID A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WOULD BE BUILT SOUTH OF HENG FA TSUEN AND RECRUITMENT WOULD START IN 1987 FOR CRAFT COURSES FOR FORM THREE GRADUATES AND TECHNICAL COURSES FOR FORM FIVE GRADUATES.

THE MODERN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COULD ACCOMMODATE NEARLY 10 000 FULL-TIME, PART-TIME EVENING AND PART-TIME DAY RELEASE STUDENTS.

ON RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IN THE AREA, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WOULD BE BUILT ABOVE THE YUE WAN MARKET AND CARPARK BUILDING TO PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED RECREATION FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

IF APPROVED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THIS $20 MILLION PROJECT WOULD START NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN 1988, DR VICKERS SAID.

AS FOR LITTLE SAI WAN, CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE HAD ALREADY STARTED AND MAJOR RECLAMATION WORKS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PRIVATE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND A WATERFRONT PARK.

DR VICKERS SAID IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT THE PROJECTED POPULATION FOR LITTLE SAI WAN, WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED BY THE END OF 1990’S, WOULD BE ABOUT 35 000.

--------o----------

/2........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

EIGHT MAJOR PROJECTS EARMARKED FOR TUEN MUN *****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND $183 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF EIGHT PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS IN TUEN MUN IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, SAID THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE RECENTLY AGREED TO THE EIGHT PROJECTS FOR 1986-87 AT ITS ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING.

THE PROJECTS, WHICH WOULD START AT DIFFERENT STAGES IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, INCLUDE A PRIMARY SCHOOL AND A COMMUNITY CENTRE AT LEUNG KING-TIN KING ESTATE, A LAUNDRY AT THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL! A SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC? A LIBRARY, POST OFFICE BUILDING AND GARDEN INCORPORATED INTO THE CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX; PHASE II OF TUEN MUN TOWN PARK, DISTRICT OPEN SPACE; AND PHASE II OF THE BUTTERFLY BEACH RECREATIONAL AREA.

MR SELBY NOTED THAT THESE PROJECTS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP ON THE BASIS OF PROVIDING ESSENTIAL FACILITIES FOR BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.

AMONG THEM, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DISTRICT LIBRARY AND A POST OFFICE WERE THE MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TOWN CENTRE BECAUSE SUCH FACILITIES WERE BADLY NEEDED.

A CENTRAL GARDEN WOULD LINK THE BUILDING BLOCKS WITHIN THE CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX TO FORM A CENTRALISED FOCAL POINT WITHIN THE TOWN CENTRE.

A SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE BASIC DENTAL CARE SERVICES TO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, WOULD BE BUILT IN SEPTEMBER 1986 AND SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN AUGUST 1988.

THE CLINIC WOULD SERVE ABOUT 60 000 CHILDREN IN TUEN MUN WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SERVICE PROGRAMME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN.

IN ORDER TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THE SITE, AN ADDITIONAL TWO FLOORS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION WITH AN AREA OF SOME 1 850 SQUARE METRES, WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR FUTURE GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

FOLLOWING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK, A DISTRICT OPEN SPACE WOULD BE BUILT NORTH OF SIU SHAN COURT.

THE DISTRICT OPEN SPACE WOULD INCLUDE A FULL-SIZE ARTIFICIAL TURF SOCCER PITCH AND SPECIALLY DESIGNED CYCLING FACILITIES. CONSTRUCTION WOULD START IN DECEMBER 1986 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1988.

-----o------

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

EFFORTS CONTINUE TO TRACK DOWN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

*****

THE DRAGNET ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HIDING IN HONG KONG WAS FURTHER TIGHTENED UP THIS WEEK AS THE GOVERNMENT STEPPED UP OPERATIONS TO FERRET THEM OUT.

THE BLITZ BY THE POLICE, LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 41 SUSPECTED UNDERGROUND CITIZENS.

ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES AND THOSE CONFIRMED TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN AGAIN STRESSED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

♦ THIS WEEK’S OPERATION SHOULD AGAIN MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN OUR IMMIGRATION POLICY,* HE SAID. +WHENEVER AND WHEREVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE FOUND, THEY WILL BE SENT BACK.+

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.

♦THE SECURITY FORCES AND THE POLICE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDER,* HE SAID.

DURING THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OPERATION, POLICE INCREASED THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPECT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

THEY ARRESTED 37 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. ANOTHER 66 PEOPLE WERE SUMMONSED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER FIVE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF SI OOO.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 6 636 ESTABLISHMENTS TO CHECKS ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MIGHT BE WORKING THERE, AND TO ENSURE EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

A TOTAL OF 11 068 EMPLOYEES WERE CHECKED AND FOUR PERSONS IN FOUR ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. THEY HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

ANOTHER 27 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND TO BE KEEPING EITHER NO RECORD OR IMPROPER RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50 000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

-----o------

/4........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

CALL TO PARTICIPATE IN CIVIC AFFAIRS * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION IS TO GENERATE INTEREST AMONG PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN CIVIC AFFAIRS, DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL SPEECH DAY, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN MAKING AN EFFORT TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT CIVIC RIGHTS AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, SO THAT PEOPLE COULD GROW WITH A MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT AND PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC MATTERS.

SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS, MORE CHANNELS HAD BEEN PROVIDED FOR THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON POLICIES, MR CHAU SAID.

+BY VOICING THEIR OPINIONS, THE PUBLIC WOULD LEARN AND PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF CIVIC EDUCATION,* HE SAID.

MR CHAU URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO ATTEND OPEN MEETINGS OF DISTRICT BOARDS, URBAN COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO SEE HOW REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT OPERATES.

+PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS FIGHT CRIME, CLEAN HONG KONG, ANTI-NARCOTICS, AND ANTI-SMOKING ARE ANOTHER FORM OF CIVIC EDUCATION WHICH HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

MR CHAU SAID CIVIC EDUCATION ALSO ENHANCED MORAL STANDARD.

+THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF HUMAN RELATIONS, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO BUILD UP OUR MORAL STANDARDS AND VALUES,* HE SAID.

- 0 ----------

FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES MEET IN CONFERENCE

XXX

MEMBERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND 19 DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WILL MEET IN A CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT THE SHERATON HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI, ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 9).

THE PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO GET TOGETHER AND EXCHANGE VIEWS.

THE PROGRAMME OF THE CONFERENCE CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS -OPENING SESSION, GROUP DISCUSSION AND PLENARY SESSION.

/dubing the........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER ?, 1985

DURING THE OPENING SESSION, WHICH WILL BE FROM 9.30 AM TO 11.15 AM, THERE WILL BE SPEECHES BY THE CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN, DR HO KAM-FAIj CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES; COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANN I NG; ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS; AND SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO.

MORE THAN 280 DFCC UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, POLICE REPRESENTATIVES AND DISTRICT OFFICERS WILL BE THEN SPLIT INTO SEVEN GROUPS TO DISCUSS VARIOUS AREAS OF PUBLIC CONCERN.

THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SEVEN GROUPS WILL REPORT A SUMMARY OF THEIR DISCUSSION AT THE PLENARY SESSION FROM 3.40 PM TO 5 PM.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING SESSION AND THE PLENARY SESSION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE SILVER BALLROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR.

THOSE COVERING THE OPENING SESSION ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE BEFORE 9.15 AM. THERE WILL BE NO ADMISSION AFTER 9.30 AM WHEN THE CONFERENCE STARTS.

THOSE COVERING THE PLENARY SESSION SHOULD ARRIVE BEFORE 3.30 PM.

THE CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN, DR HO KAM-FAI; THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON; AND THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PLENARY SESSION AT 5 PM.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE CONFERENCE ARE REQUESTED TO REGISTER ON ARRIVAL AT THE PRESS DESK OUTSIDE THE SILVER BALLROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SHERATON HOTEL.

-------o----------

ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE

* * *

HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE IS THE FOUNDATION STONE TO A STABLE SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE +FAMILY MONTH 1985+ - THIS YEAR’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AT CHATER GARDEN, SHE SAID THAT OVER THE YEARS, BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTORS HAD ORGANISED CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE HARMONY IN FAMILY LIFE.

+FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT HELPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE AND PREVENTS FAMILY BREAKUPS,+ SHE SAID.

/THIS YEAR'S .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7» 1985

THIS YEAR'S THEME - +HONOUR YOUR PARENTS+, IS AIMED AT URGING THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO RECOGNISE AND TO APPRECIATE THEIR PARENTS’ EFFORTS IN BRINGING THEM UP.

+WE HOPE THIS WILL HELP THE TWO GENERATIONS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AND RESPECT EACH OTHER, ENHANCE BETTER COMMUNICATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF ONE’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES, THUS MAINTAINING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS,+ SHE SAID.

THE +FAMILY MONTH 1985+ IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.

NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE THEME WILL BE ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE MONTH.

THESE INCLUDE A FAMILY CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 22 (SUNDAY) AT THE VICTORIA PARK, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A FAMILY MONTH VARIETY SHOW IN THE EVENING.

A SERIES OF RTHK’S TELEVISION AND RADIO PROGRAMMES CARRYING THE FAMILY LIFE MESSAGE WILL BE BROADCAST TO HELP PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN.

------o--------

SHENZHEN RIVER IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RE-ALIGN, WIDEN AND DEEPEN SECTIONS OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER AT LOK MA CHAU AND LIU POK AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING IN THE AREA.

THE PROPOSAL IS A JOINT HONG KONG-SHENZHEN PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN AGREEMENT SIGNED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER OF HONG KONG AND THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE SHENZHEN MUNICIPALITY IN APRIL 1982.

THE AFFECTED AREA OF ABOUT 33 HECTARES HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.

THE NOTICE WITH ITS RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANLING.

ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED OF THE RIVER MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BY FEBRUARY 5, 1986.

--------0-----------

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

- 7 -

PEACE RALLY THEME SONG RECORDED *****

A SPECIAL RECORDING OF A SONG WAS MADE TODAY (SATURDAY) AS ONE OF HONG KONG'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.

SINGER MICHAEL KWAN AND SEVERAL RTHK AND COMMERCIAL RADIO DISC-JOCKEYS RECORDED THE THEME SONG FOR THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR PEACE RALLY.

THIS SONG WILL BE SUNG FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PUBLIC AT THE RALLY BY MICHAEL KWAN WHEN HE WILL JOIN THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PARTICIPANTS IN ITS SINGING.

THE PEACE RALLY ON DECEMBER 22 IS THE FINAL EVENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR IN HONG KONG AND IS THE RESULT OF THE PLANNING AND HARD WORK OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR (CCCIYY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CCCIYY COMMENTED, +THERE ARE ALWAYS WORTHY CAUSES TO SUPPORT AND MICHAEL KWAN TOGETHER WITH THE RADIO DISC-JOCKEYS FROM RTHK AND COMMERCIAL RADIO READILY HELPED OUT BY RECORDING THE SONG FOR US.+

THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE WILL ATTEND THE RALLY WHICH STARTS AT 3 PM AND WILL FEATURE SINGING, DANCING, DRAMA, BALLET, AND MIME PERFORMED BY FAMOUS ARTISTS, RADIO DISC-JOCKEYS, AND MORE THAN 40 CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC GROUPS.

IT IS SCHEDULED TO CONTINUE UNTIL THE EVENING AND THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE A CANDLE-LIT SINGING PARADE WHEN MICHAEL KWAN WILL LEAD THE PARTICIPANTS IN SINGING TOGETHER THE PEACE RALLY THEME SONG.

TICKETS COVERING BOTH THE 'PEACE RALLY’ AND THE ’PEACE HI-TOUCH EXHIBITION’, ANOTHER FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE CCCIYY TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 17-20 AT THE CITY HALL, LOW BLOCK, EXHIBITION HALL ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM TOM LEE MUSIC CO., LTD. AND OTHER SELECTED OUTLETS. FOR FULL INFORMATION MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THEIR DISTRICT OFFICE OR TELEPHONE 3-676226 OR 3-695923.

-----0------

/8 .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1935

ALBANY SITE BORED PILE PLAN FOR INSPECTION * * * *

PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF THE ALBANY SITE TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) MAY INSPECT A BORED PILE LAYOUT PLAN AND GENERAL BUILDING PLANS AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.

A GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR DUNCAN SCOTT-WILL, SAID THAT THE SITE, MEASURING 3 877 SQUARE METRES, CONTAINED SOME BORED PILES WHICH COULD BE OF VALUE TO AN INTENDING PURCHASER.

THESE ARE SHOWN ON A PLAN WHICH CAN BE INSPECTED TOGETHER WITH THE BUILDING PLANS AT MURRAY BUILDING. INTERESTED PARTIES CAN CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE NO. 5-251543 DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.

HE SAID THE BENEFIT OF ALL PLANS HELD BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS RELATING TO THIS LOT WOULD PASS TO THE SUCCESSFUL PURCHASER AFTER SALE, AND SPECIAL CONDITION NO. 3 OF THE CONDITIONS OF SALE WAS BEING AMENDED ACCORDINGLY.

--------G---------

VIP’S VISIT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS

*****

THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS DIVISION OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY OF CHINA, MR XIA KUNBAO, VISITED THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

MR XIA AND FOUR OTHER OFFICIALS FROM CHINA, WHO HAD ATTENDED THE POLMET CONFERENCE ON URBAN POLLUTION IN HONG KONG, WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, PR GRAHAM OSBORNE.

DURING THEIR TOUR THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE PLANT WAS CAPABLE CF TREATING THE SEWAGE FROM THE 300 000 PEOPLE CURRENTLY LIVING IN SHA TIN. WHEN THE SECOND STAGE OF THE WORKS WAS COMPLETED THE PLANT WOULD BE ABLE TO TREAT SEWAGE FROM 600 000 PEOPLE.

THEY ALSO LEARNED THAT THE PLANT DERIVED 50 PER CENT OF ITS OWN POWER FROM BURNING METHANE PRODUCED AS A BY-PRODUCT OF THE SEWAGE TREATMENT.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

OUTSTANDING AWARDS FOR HANDICAPPED VOLUNTEERS * * * *

ELEVEN HANDICAPPED YOUNG VOLUNTEERS TODAY WON OUTSTANDING AWARDS FOR THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY UNDER THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S +OUTSTANDING HANDICAPPED YOUTH VOLUNTEERS AWARD PROJECT+.

SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE SAID THE PROJECT AIMED TO ENCOURAGE HANDICAPPED YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICES IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THEIR SOCIAL AWARENESS AND SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, AND TO DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL.

SHE SAID RESPONSE TO THE PROJECT WAS VERY GOOD AND OVER 45 NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS AGENCIES.

THE AWARDEES CONSISTED OF THOSE MENTALLY RETARDED, DEAF, BLIND, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND EX-MENTAL PATIENT.

THEY WERE EACH AWARDED A GIFT COUPON OF $1 000 AND A SOUVEN IR.

MRS DOE SAID ALL THE PARTICIPANTS HAD DEMONSTRATED THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITHOUT DEPENDING ON OTHERS.

SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO THEM AND HOPED THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICES AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE OTHERS TO JOIN.

THE WINNERS OF THE OUTSTANDING AWARDS ARE ALL UNDER 40 YEARS CF AGE, WITH THE YOUNGEST AT 14.

- - 0 - -

DRAWING COMPETITION FOR YOUNGSTERS

*****

MORE THAN 400 PRIMARY STUDENTS IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE PAINTING WHAT THEY KNOW ABOUT THE AREA WHEN THEY ENTER A DRAWING COMPETITION AT THE HOI SHAM PARK TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CFFICE AND THE TO KWA WAN NORTH AREA COMMITTEE, IS DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS: THE JUNIOR SECTION FOR THOSE AGED SIX TO EIGHT.AND THE SENIOR SECTION FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN NINE AND 12.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPETITION ARE TO PROMOTE PRIMARY STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN ART AND TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND INTEREST IN THE SURROUNDINGS.

/NINE PRIZES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

10 -

NINE PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO aINNERS OF EACH SECTION AND SOUVENIRS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO ALL PARTICIPANTS.

THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF KOWLOON CITY, MR TOMMY YUEN= THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE TO KWA WAN NORTH AREA COMMITTEE, MR MAK KING-LUN AND MR LAW CHI-CHIU, WILL PRESENT PRIZES AT THE ONE-DAY COMPETITION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DRAwING COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE HOI SHAM PARK AT 9 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

------o ------

CONTESTS HELD TO FIGHT CRIME

******

YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN STORY-WRITING AND CARTOON-DRAWING COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE.

THE COMPETITIONS, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, IS AIMED AT AROUSING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF CRIME PREVENTION AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING

INVOLVED IN CRIME.

THE THEMES OF THE STORIES AND CARTOON SERIES ARE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD EFFORTS IN OPPOSING CRIME, THE HARM OF TAKING SOFT-DRUGS, AND OTHERS RELATED TO FIGHTING AND THE PREVENTION OF CRIME.

A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID ENTRIES SHOULD BE IN CHINESE AND SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE JANUARY 6, 1986. WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED GIFT COUPONS AND MEDALS.

THE STORY-WRITING COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SECTIONS. ARTICLES FOR THE SENIOR SECTION MUST NOT EXCEED 1 000 CHINESE CHARACTERS, WHILE THOSE FOR THE JUNIOR

SECTION MUST NOT EXCEED 400 CHARACTERS.

THE CARTOON-DRAWING COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THE BELOW 15 YEAR-OLD SECTION AND THOSE OVER THIS AGE. THE CARTOON SERIES SHOULD BE DRAWN IN EITHER FOUR, SIX OR EIGHT SQUARES EACH MEASURING FIVE SQUARE CENTIMETRES.

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD SEND THEIR ENTRIES WITH THEIR NAME, AGE, SEX, CLASS, NAME OF SCHOOL, CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER TO MISS JUDY KwOK, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE. DETAILS OF REGULATIONS FOR THE COMPETITIONS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

/11 ........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

SCIENCE RESOURCE MATERIALS ON DISPLAY * * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD AN EXHIBITION OF RESOURCE MATERIALS SUITABLE FOR USE IN THE TEACHING OF INTEGRATED SCIENCE FOR FORMS 1 TO 3 STARTING MONDAY (DECEMBER 9).

SCIENCE TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION AT THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM ON DECEMBER 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 AND 30, AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON ON DECEMBER 14 AND 21.

CONTENTS OF THE EXHIBITION INCLUDE EXPERIMENTS AND EQUIPMENT, TEXTBOOKS, REFERENCE BOOKS, PERIODICALS AND NEWSLETTERS, AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS SUCH AS EDUCATION TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, RESOURCES ON LABORATORY SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.

ENQUIRIES RELATING TO THE EXHIBITION CAN BE MADE TO THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON 5-8392467 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

FANLING COMPETITION FOR LIFEGUARDS * * * *

ABOUT 300 LIFEGUARDS WILL COMPETE IN A COMPETITION AT THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO RAISE THE STANDARD CF LIFEGUARDS AND TO CULTIVATE SPORTSMANSHIP AMONG PARTICIPANTS.

THE 1985 REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SWIMMING AND LIFE-SAVING COMPETITION, TO CONSIST OF SIX EVENTS, IS ORGANISED BY THE RSD AND ASSISTED BY THE HONG KONG LIFEGUARDS CLUB.

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF BOTH INDIVIDUAL AS WELL AS TEAM EVENTS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF WATER SAFETY OF THE HONG KONG LIFEGUARDS CLUB, MR DEFOE FONG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG LIFEGUARDS CLUB, NR KWOK HON-MING; THE CHIEF LEISURE MANAGER OF THE RSD, NR STANLEY LEE, AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER OF THE RSD, MR CHENG CHEUK-PING.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1935

- 12 -

PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY * * * *

THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SECOND BOOK REVIEW WILL BE HELD AT THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY, TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SPONSORED BY READER’S DIGEST.

IN VIEW OF THE POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM POST-SECONDARY STUDENT LAST YEAR, THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO SECONDARY STUDENTS, POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS AND OPEN-ENTRY GROUPS.

THE ADJUDICATING PANEL COMPRISES MR HU CHU-JEN, MR SHUM YAT-FAI AND SEVEN OTHER RENOWNED CULTURAL FIGURES.

ON BEHALF OF THE PANEL, MR HU WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ENTRIES AT THE CEREMONY.

THE GUEST OF HONOUR, PROF POON CHUNG-KWONG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO 18 WINNERS.

NOTE TO ED I TORS 8

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE GLOUCESTER ROOM OF EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

-----o------

CHINESE MUSIC COURSE FOR TEACHERS ORGANISED *****

TO GUIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHERS TO APPRECIATE THE VARIOUS CHARACTERISTICS OF CHINESE REGIONAL FOLK SONGS AND CANTONESE MUSIC. A COURSE ON THE APPRECIATION OF CHINESE MUSIC WILL BE HELD LATER ON DECEMBER 21 AND 23.

tup marMI MR—SPSS I ON COURSE WILL BE HELD AT HONG KONG SCHOOLS KJSIC™ND ^SPEECH ASSOCIATION, 54 JAFFE ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR, KAM CHUNG BUILDING, WAN CHA I ..

/a celebrated........

SATURDAY, DECOZBEH 7, 19$ 5

- 13 -

A CELEBRATED CHINESE MUSICIAN SPECIALISING IN THE PERFORMANCE OF CANTONESE MUSIC, MR LO KA-CHI, WILL BE TALKING ON THE APPRECIATION OF CANTONESE MUSIC WHILE RENOWNED SINGER, MR CHANG JU-CHIUN, WILL DELIVER A LECTURE ON THE APPRECIATION OF CHINESE REGIONAL FOLK SONGS DURING THE COURSE.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSE ARE REQUESTED TO APPLY TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MUSIC), MUSIC SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, BEFORE SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14).

-----o------

TOP CHINESE PIANIST FOR TSUEN KWAI FESTIVAL * * * *

WIDELY-ACCLAIMED CHINESE PIANIST, YIN CHENG-ZONG, WILL GIVE TWO RECITALS FOR THE 1986 TSUEN KWAI ARTS FESTIVAL.

THE PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 8 PM ON FEBRUARY 21 AND 22.

THE PROGRAMME FOR THE FIRST EVENING WILL INCLUDE GALUPPI’S +SONATA IN C MAJOR*, SCHUBERT’S FOUR IMPROMPTUS (OP. 90), LISZT’S +VENEZIA E NAPOLI* AS WELL AS THREE CHINESE PIECES.

IN THE SECOND CONCERT, YIN WILL PLAY GALUPPI’S +SONATA IN C MAJOR*, SCHUBERT’S FOUR IMPROMPTUS (OP. 90) AND SCHUMANN’S +ARABESQUE AND FANTASIE IN C MAJOR*.

YIN CHENG-ZONG, WINNER OF THE PIANO COMPETITION AT THE SEVENTH WORLD YOUTH PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL IN VIENNA IN 1959, ALSO TOOK THE SILVER MEDAL AT THE 1962 TCHAIKOVSKY COMPETITION.

BETWEEN 1968 AND 1974, HE GAVE RECITALS ALL OVER THE WORLD AND APPEARED WITH NUMEROUS PRESTIGIOUS ORCHESTRAS SUCH AS THE VIENNA PHILHARMONIC AND THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA.

TICKETS FOR HIS COMING RECITALS, PRICED AT $10, $15 AND $20 ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH POSTAL BOOKING UNTIL DECEMBER 20. HALF-PRICED TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO FULL-TIME STUDENTS UNDER 25 YEARS OLD

AND PEOPLE OVER 65 YEARS OF AGE.

BOOKING FOLDERS CONTAINING PROGRAMME DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL? TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG YI DISTRICT OFFICES; CITY HALL; GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRc AND MOST TV WEEK CONSUMER SERVICE CENTRES AT MTR STATIONS.

THE FESTIVAL IS PRESENTED JO INTLY_BY_THE ^^WAN^STI^I CT

BOARD, KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT BOARD TSUEN WAN CULTURl AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION, KWAI CHUNG PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

0 --------

/14........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

SAI KUNG TOWN HALL READY SOON * * * *

THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL WILL BE READY FOR USE EARLY NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES FOR CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTR ICT.

SAI KUNG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND LI, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES IN THE NEW TOWN HALL FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF AN ARTS EXHIBITION AT CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL, HANG HAU, MR LI SAID ARTS EXHIBITIONS OF VARIOUS KINDS WOULD BE HELD IN THE NEW TOWN HALL AFTER IT HAD COME INTO USE.

THE ARTS EXHIBITION OPENED TODAY WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT.

MR LI SAID THE EXHIBITION WOULD ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE AND INTEREST IN FINE ARTS AMONG YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT. HE PRAISED LOCAL ARTISTS FOR WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO PROMOTE ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE DISTRICT, AND FOR HELPING TO INSTILL THE SPIRIT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.

THIS FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SAI KUNG YOUTH FESTIVAL. IT IS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM DAILY.

SAI KUNG REST GARDEN TO OPEN

*****

A REST GARDEN WILL BE OPEN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN TSENG LAN SHUE, SAI KUNG, TO PROVIDE MORE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR VILLAGERS.

SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, AND AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MISS MARIA TAM, WILL BE AMONG THE GUESTS AT AN OPENING CEREMONY STARTING AT 11.30 AM.

THE GARDEN, FUNDED BY SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION AND DONATIONS FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS, CONSISTS OF A REST GARDEN FOR THE ELDERLY, A BASKETBALL COURT, A ROLLER-SKATING RINK, AND A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.

/CONSTRUCTION WORK

SATURDAY, DSCiMBEa 7» 1985

- 15 -

CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE GARDEN WAS THEMSELVES.

CARRIED OUT BY VILLAGERS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.

------o-------

GAS SAFETY EXHIBITION TO OPEN * * * *

THE GAS SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GAS ADV I SER’S OFF ICE AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT J1 J!® THE SAFE USE OF GAS WATER HEATERS, GAS RUBBER TUBING AND LP GAS CYLINDERS.

FIVE GAS COMPANIES AND APPLIANCE IMPORTERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE EXHIBITION.

TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE EVENT, A RIBBON-CUTTI NG CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE ATRIUM PLAZA, LEVEL 3, NEW TOWN PLAZA.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WILL BE AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHENG HON-KWAN: THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NG CHAN-LAM: ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHA TIN DISTRICT, MR JOHNATHAN NG; THE PROJECT DIRECTOR OF NEW TOWN PLAZA, PR K.M. CHAN AND THE SECOND RUNNER-UP OF MISS HONG KONG 1985, MISS'ELLEN WONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1935

800 CHILDREN TO DANCE IN CARNIVAL

*****

MORE THAN 800 CHILDREN WILL TAKE PART IN THE KWUN TONG CHILDRc'. DANCING CARNIVAL AT THE PODIUM OF THE PING SHEK ESTATE TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE CHILDREN, FROM 20 LOCAL SCHOOLS AND CHILDREN CENTRES, WILL BE PERFORMING FOLK DANCES FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD.

CHILDREN BETWEEN SIX AND 14 ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE DANCING AND SINGING DURING THE THREE-HOUR CARNIVAL WHICH STARTS AT 10 AM.

SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE} THE PING SHEK AND KAI YIP AREA COMMITTEE} THE PING SHEK AND KAI YIP AREA BRANCH OF THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION; MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF KAI TAI COURT, PING SHEK AND KAI YIP ESTATES, AND THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION.

NOTE TO ED I TORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN DANCING CARNIVAL HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE PODIUM OF PING SHEK ESTATE.

- - 0 - -

INDOOR GAMES HALL FOR SHA TIN

*****

AN INDOOR GAMES HALL IS TO BE BUILT ON A 7 750-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT YUEN WO ROAD, SHA TIN.

THE INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, TABLE-TENNIS, SQUASH, GYMNASTICS AND OTHER INDOOR GAMES.

ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE CHANGING ROOMS, SHOWERS, TOILETS, GAMES ROOM, OFFICES AND A MOVABLE SPECTATOR STAND.

THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WORK OF WHICH WILL START IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED BY MAY 1987.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1985

- 17 -

CLOSURE OF TUNNEL APPROACH ROAD

*****

THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL FROM CANAL ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 10) TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORK.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES FROM HAPPY VALLEY TO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE DOWN RAMP OF CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO VICTORIA PARK ROAD EASTBOUND, FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND AND THE FLYOVER LEADING TO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.

- - - - 0------

PROHIBITED ZONES IN KOWLOON *****

FROM 10 AM

ON DECEMBER 10 (TUESDAY), THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND TO THE TAXI-STAND ADJACENTTOTHE SOUTH OF DIAMOND HILL BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY. ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT TAXIS WILL BE

PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS AREA.

FROM THE SAME DAY, HEREFORD ROAD BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND CAMBRIDGE ROAD WILL BE DEISGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM.

ALSO FROM THE SAME DAY, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI NAN WEST STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 33 METRES WEST OF THE JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

-----o------

6-DAY FIRING PRACTICE

*****

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON SIX DAYS NEXT WEEK.

THE PUBLIC IS EARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

THE PRACTICE WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM BETWEEN MONDAY AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER 9-14).

0 --------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

SUI DAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SECRETARIAL EFFICIENCY IMPORTANT TO HK.................... 1

MOUNTAINEERING UNION L.UJDED FOR ENHANCING FITNESS ......... 1

GAS SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN FULL SUING .......................... 2

MOVE TO ENCOURAGE USE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES .............. 3

GAMES DESIGN COMPETITION ON PRODUCT SAFETY.................. 4

WARNING ON POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS.......................... 5

UK SOCIAL WORK EXPERTS HOLD WORKSHOPS ...................... 5

YAU MA TEI ENVIRONMENT TO BE IMPROVED ...................... 6

REMINDER ON SEAT BELT LAW FOR TAXIS ........................ 7

A TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA AT NEW YEAR DANCE...................... 8

532.8 MILLION PaRK TAKING SILiPE IN CaRPEi TER ROaD......... 8

TUEN MUN SQUASH COURTS OPEN TOMORROW ....................... 9

ARTS EDUCATION LECTURE FOR TEACHERS ....................... 10

30 TO BE COMMENDED FOR RESCUE.............................. 10

800 CHILDREN PERFORM AT CaRNIVAL .......................... 11

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF KWAl CHUNG GAMES PULL................ 11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

SECRETARIAL EFFICIENCY IMPORTANT TO HK * * * * *

HONG KONG IS A GREAT CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, AN IMPORTANT FINANCIAL CENTRE AND A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF SECRETARIAL EFFICIENCY IS NECESSARY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF SECRETARIES LTD., SIR DAVID SAID THE SPEED AT WHICH DECISIONS ’WERE MADE IN THE BUSINESS, FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL FIELDS HERE WAS PROBABLY UNPARALLELED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

+THESE DECISIONS HAVE TO BE SET DOWN AND TRANSMITTED. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT YOU?* HE TOLD THE GATHERING.

SIR DAVID SAID THE ASSOCIATION RIGHTLY RECOGNISED THAT HIGH STANDARDS COULD ONLY BE ATTAINED BY CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

+YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR CAREERS AS SECRETARIES MUST BE WELL EDUCATED AND TRAINED IN THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO USE THE NEW TECHNOLOGY OF YOUR PROFESSION: COMPUTERS, WORD PROCESSORS, TELEX MACHINES AND SUCH.

*THE DEMAND FOR HIGHLY TRAINED PERSONNEL INCREASES AND SO DOES THE DEMAND FOR AN EVER-1NCREASI NG EFFICIENCY, ADAPTABILITY AND A READINESS TO UPDATE KNOWN AND FAMILIAR SKILLS AS NEW OFFICE MACHINERY IS INTRODUCED,* HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID AN EQUALLY IMPORTANT ASSET WAS A WIDE KNOWLEDGE OF the ENGLISH LANGUAGE WHICH WAS THE INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE OF COMMERCE AND THE CORRECT USE OF IT BOTH WRITTEN AND SPOKEN WAS ESSENTIAL.

+YOUR ASSOCIATION HAS AS ITS AIM TO ENSURE THAT THE MEMBERS OF YOUR PROFESSION CONTINUE TO DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO RAISING STANDARDS.

+ THIS THE TASK YOU HAVE SET YOURSELVES AND I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT YOU WILL SUCCEED,* SIR DAVID SAID.

-----o------

MOUNTAINEERING UNION LAUDED FOR ENHANCING FITNESS

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SUNDAY) PRAISED THE HONG KONG MOUNTAINEERING UNION FOR ENHANCING THE STANDARDS OF FITNESS AND SAFETY IN HONG KONG AND EXTENDING THE ENJOVMENT OF THE HILLS AND THE MOUNTAINS TO MORE AND MORE PEOPLE.

HE SAID THAT TO HIM MOUNTAINEERING MEANT HIKING IN THE HIGH HILLS, WHILE TO OTHERS IT MEANT ROCK-CLIMBING AND CLIMBING PEAKS.

/SPaAKZNG hT •••••••

SUNDAY, DEC.-MBSH 8, 1985

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE UNION AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG THIS MORNING, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT THE UNION PROVIDED A FOCUS FOR THESE ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.

+ AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE MORE ADVENTUROUS, IT WILL TAKE THEM TO THE MOUNTAINS OF OTHER LANDS, AND I NOTE WITH GREAT INTEREST THAT OUR MORE ADVENTUROUS CLIMBERS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY SCALED A NUMBER OF PEAKS IN THE HIMALAYAS, IN NEW GUINEA AND IN AFRICA,* HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID IT SEEMED FITTING THAT THE UNION SHOULD CELEBRATE ITS INAUGURATION WITH A CROSS-COUNTRY RUN AS IT WAS +A CLEAR MANIFESTATION OF ENERGY AND PHYSICAL FITNESS NEEDED FOR MOUNTAINEERING*.

THE UNION WAS FORMALLY CONSTITUTED IN MARCH BUT FOR THE LAST 18 MONTHS HAD ORGANISED A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES: THE LANDS SPORTS PLAY SAFE DAY, SLIDE SHOWS AND TALK ON ROCK CLIMBS AND COURSES ON CLIMBING TECHNIQUES.

IT HAD ALSO ORGANISED FIRST AID COURSES FOR CLIMBING INSTRUCTORS AND ROCK-CLI MB I NG TRAINING COURSES FOR PROBATIONARY YOUTH AND PROBATION OFFICERS, HE ADDED.

- 0 -

GAS SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN FULL SWING * * * * K *

A GAS SAFETY EXHIBITION OPENED TODAY (SUNDAY) AMIDST SINGING AND DANCING WHEN AN OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW WAS STAGED AT NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE HON H.K. CHENG, LEGCO MEMBER AND CONSULTANT ENGINEER, URGED THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE THE SAFETY MESSAGES OF THE GAS SAFETY EXHIBITION AND TAKE CARE WHEN USING GAS WATER HEATERS AND LP GAS CYLINDERS.

+IN FEBRUARY-MARCH 1981, THERE WERE FIVE GAS-RELATED DEATHS WITHIN THREE WEEKS, ALL OF WHICH WERE CAUSED BY UNSAFE USE OF SU3-STANDARD GAS WATER HEATERS,* SAID MR CHENG.

QUOTING STATISTICS ON DEATH INCIDENTS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, HE RECALLED THAT IN 1984 THERE WERE SIX FATALITIES RELATED TO UNSAFE GAS WATER HEATERS COMPARED TO THREE IN 1983 AND FOUR IN 1982.

+ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN ONLY TWO FATALITIES SO FAR THIS YEAR, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY NEAR—MISSES WHERE PEOPLE, VERY LUCKILY, ESCAPED DEATH.*

/♦THIS CLBARLY

SUN UAL, UECiXBEB 3, 1985

+ THIS CLEARLY INDICATES THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT AND THE GAS INDUSTRY TO CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS IN IMPRESSING ON THE PUBLIC THE SERIOUS DANGERS OF UNSAFE INSTALLATIONS, AND IN INTRODUCING POSITIVE MEASURES TO IMPROVE GAS SAFETY,+ HE ADDED.

FOR PEOPLE WHO WISH TO LEARN ABOUT THE DANGERS OF SUB-STANDARD GAS WATER HEATERS OR THE SIMPLE SAFETY RULES FOR THE USE OF LP GAS CYLINDERS AND RUBBER TUBING, THE HON CHENG SAID THAT THE GAS SAFETY EXHIBITION PROVIDES AN IDEAL OPPORTUNITY.

PEOPLE WHO VISIT THE FOOTBRIDGE GALLERY OF THE NEW TOWN PLAZA BETWEEN DECEMBER 8-14 CAN ALSO PICK UP FREE LEAFLETS ON GAS SAFETY AND HOME SAFETY.

FEATURED IN THE EXHIBITION AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ARE TYPICAL SUB-STANDARD GAS WATER HEATERS. THERE ARE GRAPHS AND CHARTS SHOWING THE CONSEQUENCES OF INSUFFICIENT VENTILATION AND HOW ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED BY KEEPING BATHROOM WINDOWS WIDE OPEN.

FIVE GAS COMPANIES AND APPLIANCE IMPORTERS ARE ALSO DISPLAYING A RANGE O- SAFE MODELS OF GAS WATER HEATERS WHICH ARE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY GAS ADVISER’S OFFICE AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE ONGOING GAS SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

- - 0 -

MOVE TO ENCOURAGE USE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES *****

THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES FOR COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARE NOW CONSIDERING A MORE SIMPLE AND FLEXIBLE BOOKING SYSTEM, TO ATTRACT MORE USERS OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES, AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER FOR EASTERN, DR SIMON VICKERS SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

+THIS WILL ENABLE THE PUBLIC AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, YUE WAN COMMUNITY HALL AND HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL,+ HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE CELEBRATIONS CEREMONY FOR THE EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL, DR VICKERS SAID THE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DE°ARTMENT IN JUNE.

/IN THlb

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

IN THIS RESPECT, HE SAID, THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, WHICH ARE ADVISORY BODIES WITH THEIR DEEP KNOWLEDGE IN LOCAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURES, HAD A MORE IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN BEING THE KEY BODIES INVOLVED IN IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE HALLS AND CENTRES AND PROMOTING SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE AREA.

HE ALSO CALLED ON THESE COMMITTEES TO ENCOURAGE MORE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AS WELL AS PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THESE CENTRES AND HALLS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.

- - 0 -

GAMES DESIGN COMPETITION ON PRODUCT SAFETY

******

TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF PRODUCT SAFETY AMONG YOUNGSTERS, SCHOOL CHILDREN AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A GAMES DESIGN COMPETITION ON +PRODUCT SAFETY*.

THROUGH THE GAMES DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS WOULD LEARN THE COMPARATIVE SAFETY OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND THE CORRECT USE OF SUCH PRODUCTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ’YOUTH MAGAZINE’ OF THE HONG KONG TELEVISION BROADCASTS.

A BRIEFING SESSION WILL BE HELD AT LOK SIN TONG YU KAN HING SCHOOL, FU YUE STREET, WANG TAU HOM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) AND SCHOOLS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE JUDGED IN TWO STAGES INCLUDING DESIGN AND DEMONSTRATION AND ASSESSMENT WILL BE BASED ON THE THEME, CONTENT AND IMPACT.

AT DESIGN STAGE, SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO FIRST SUBMIT THE DESIGNS ON PAPER DESCRIBING THE PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN CARRYING OUT THE GAME, STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRODUCT SAFETY.

PARTICIPANTS MAY DEPLOY SIMPLE LABORATORY TECHNIQUES, CHEMICALS, COMPUTERS OR THE PRODUCT ITSELF TO DESIGN THE GAME. SUBMISSION CAN BE EITHER IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH.

THOSE SCHOOLS HAVING SUBMITTED THEIR ENTRIES THAT ARE CONSIDERED SUITABLE WILL BE INVITED TO DEMONSTRATE THE GAME. EACH DEMONSTRATION SHOULD NOT EXCEED FIVE MINUTES.

A SUBSIDY OF S5OO WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH ENTRY QUALIFIED FOR PRESENTING THE DEMONSTRATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

KTbiRE XILL

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

THERE WILL BE THREE MAIN PRIZES RANGING FROM $1 OOO TO 52 000 PLUS A TROPHY FOR EACH WINNING ENTRY AND FOUR MERIT AWARDS OF 5500 EACH.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRY FORMS FIRST TO THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ROOM 437, LEE GARDENS, FOURTH FLOOR, AND THEIR DESIGNSBEFORE JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR.

------0-------

WARNING ON POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THEY ARE PROHIBITED FROM ANY UNLICENSED POSSESSION OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS, FIRECRACKERS, PISTOL CAPS AND PARTY POPPERS.

UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO POSSESSES OR DISCHARGES ANY FIREWORKS WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF S2S 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, MR BORHYEN WANG, SUPERINTENDENT OF MINES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

HE SAID SPOT CHECKES WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS OF THE DIVISION, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR, TO SHOPS AND PREMISES SUSPECTED OF SELLING OR STORING SUCH GOODS.

MR WANG POINTED OUT THAT ANY UNLICENSED DANGEROUS GOODS FOUND WOULD BE SEIZED AND THE OFFENDERS WOULD BE PROSECUTED.

♦ANYONE ANY CATEGORY TO THE MINES

WHO FINDS HIMSELF IN POSSESSION OF ANY FIREWORKS OR GOODS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY HAND THEM OVER TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION,+ HE ADDED.

I DANGEROUS DIVISION OR

-------0 ---------

UK SOCIAL WORK EXPERTS HOLD WORKSHOPS X X * *

TWO VISITING BRITISH EXPERTS ON MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORK ARE HOLDING TWO FOUR-DAY WORKSHOPS FOR 45 SOCIAL WORKERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ENGAGED IN MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE AND FAMILY SERVICES.

THE EXPERTS, PROFESSOR ROLF ARE ON AN 18-DAY VISIT PROGRAMME

OLSEN AND MR BRIAN SHELDON AT THE INVITATION OF THE

DEPARTMENT.

THE WORKSHOPS, WHICH Al’’ AT DEVELOPING SOCIAL WORKERS’ SKILL IN WORKING WITH THE MENTALLY DISORDERED, IS BEING HELD AT THE TRAINING SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE. THE WORKSHOPS WILL -AST JNTIL DECEMBER 17.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

6 -

EARLIER, THE BRITISH EXPERTS HAD GIVEN A LECTURE TO 200 LOCAL SOCIAL WORKERS.

THEY GAVE DETAILED ACCOUNTS ON MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORK IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, FOCUSING ON LEGISLATION, POLICY, RESEARCH AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENTS.

PROFESSOR OLSEN AND MR SHELDON ARE AT PRESENT THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK COURSES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM AND THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON RESPECTIVELY.

-------0 ---------

YAU MA TEI ENVIRONMENT TO BE IMPROVED ******

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED THAT THE ENVIRONMENT IN HEAVILY POPULATED AREAS LIKE YAU MA TEI SHOULD BE IMPROVED AND THAT THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES SHOULD BE UP-GRADED, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

HE SAID THAT YAU MA TEI NORTH, JORDAN AND FERRY POINT AREAS HAVE ONLY SEVEN PER CENT OF OPEN SPACE, AS AGAINST THE DISTRICT’S AVERAGE OF ABOUT 17 PER CENT MOST OF WHICH IN YAU MA TEI EAST AND TSIM SHA TSUI.

+ THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE ACCEPTED, IN PRINCIPLE, THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY’S PROPOSAL FOR AN URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR AN AREA KNOWN AS THE YAU MA TEI SIX STREETS BOUNDED BY PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, CANTON ROAD AND TUNG KUN STREET,+ HE SAID.

MR CHENG WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR WHICH MARKED THE OPENING OF THE YAU MA TEI ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN.

THE URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 1 400 HOUSING UNITS, HALF OF WHICH WILL BE FOR SALE AND THE REMAINDER FOR RENT. THF HOUSING BLOCKS WILL OCCUPY ONLY ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF THE LAND AND THE REMAINING 80 PER CENT WILL BE RESERVED FOR THE MUCH NEEDED GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

♦THE SCHEME WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES, WITH THE FIRST PHASE TO START IN MID 1987. ALL ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS WILL BE REHOUSED EITHER UNDER THE NEW SCHEME OR IN OTHER HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES,* MR CHENG SAID.

RESIDENTS OF THE AFFECTED PROPERTIES WILL BE GIVEN THE OPTION OF BUYING FLATS IN THE SCHEME OR OTHER HOUSING SOCIETY IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES AT A CONCESSIONARY PRICE, WHILE ELIGIBLE COMMERCIAL TENANTS WILL BE GIVEN CASH COMPENSATION.

THE THREE-MONTH LONG ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN FEATURES A VARIETY OF A~TIVITIES, RANGING FROM A SEMINAR ON MULTISTOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO GENERAL 'LEANSING OPERATIONS.

/■fI’H-E AxMS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

♦THE aims of the campaign is to bring about a better living AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN YAU MA TEI DISTRICT,* MR CHENG SAID.

THE SEMINAR HELD TODAY FOCUSED ON GENERAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND THE WAYS TO TACKLE THEM. SPEAKERS AT ™E SEMINAR INCLUDED THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINATION TEAM OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, MR WONG KAI-SHU, AND THE HEALTH INSPECTOR OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG KAI-CHUEN.

MORE THAN 500 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AND OWNERS CORPORATION MEMBERS ATTENDED THE FUNCTION.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE THE CLEARANCE OF AND A COMPETITION ON THE KWUN CHUNG MARKETS.

BE HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD

14 ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS IN THE DISTRICT CLEANEST STALLS IN THE YAU MA TEI AND

TO IMPROVE CARRIED

AIMED AT HELPING RESIDENTS

A YEAR-END CLEAN-UP .... „r

THE ENVIRONMENT BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR WILL BE OUT IN FEBRUARY. THE CLEAN-UP EXERCISE WILL TAKE PLACE IN 30 BUILDINGS CHOSEN BY THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM.

DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, BOARD MEMBERS AND AREA COMMITTEES MEMBERS WILL PATROL THEIR CONSTITUENCIES TO IDENTIFY ENVIRONMENTAL BLACKSPOTS AND DAMAGED ROAD SURFACES.

THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED 530 000 FOR THE CAMPAIGN.

-------0 - -

REMINDER ON SEAT BELT LAW FOR TAXIS * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED OWNERS OF TAXIS REGISTERED FROM JANUARY 1, 1981 TO DECEMBER 31, 1983 TO INSTALL SEAT BELTS TO THE FRONT OF THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.

+UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (SAFETY EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS 1983, ALL TAXIS REGISTERED IN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED PERIOD WILL HAVE TO BE INSTALLED WITH APPROVED ANCHORAGE POINTS AND SEAT BELTS FOR THE DRIVER’S SEAT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BY JANUARY 1, 1986.

+ IN THE CASE OF A TAXI WHICH HAS A BENCH SEAT AT THE FRONT, A SEAT BELT SHOULD BE INSTALLED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THAT IS AWAY FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

HE SAID THAT SEAT BELTS WERE ALREADY MANDATORY FOR TAXIS REGISTERED FROM JANUARY 1, 1934 AND FOR PRIVATE CARS FROM AUGUST 1, 1976.

/+NON-COMPLIANCE .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

8 -

+NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS COULD RENDER OWNERS OR USERS LIABLE TO A FINE OF 35 000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT TAXI OWNERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE SEAT BELTS AND ANCHORAGE POINTS FIXED TO THEIR VEHICLES COMPLY WITH THE LAW. ENQUIRIES CONCERNING APPROVED SEAT BELTS AND ANCHORAGE POINTS COULD BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 5-8933111.

-------o --------

A TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA AT NEW YEAR DANCE

96 * X X X

THE TANGO, WALTZ AND LATIN AMERICAN DANCES WILL BRING A TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA TO THIS YEAR’S MONG KOK NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE AT MACPHERSON STADIUM.

MORE THAN 1 500 PARTICIPANTS, WHO WILL BE DANCING TO THE LATEST DISCO SOUNDS, WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH DEMOSTRATIONS OF SOME EF THE MORE REF I NED’DANCE STEPS OF THE PAST BY POPULAR DANCE GROUPS.

THE CHAMPION TEAM OF THE 1985 HONG KONG BALLROOM DANCING COMPETITION WILL PERFORM THE TANGO AND SLOW WALTZ, WHILE MEMBERS FROM THE HONG KONG DANCING ASSOCIATION WILL DEMOSTRATE LATIN AMERICAN DANCES, INCLUDING THE CHA CHA.

THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

♦ LAST YEAR SOME 700 DANCE ENTHUSIASTS TOOK PART IN THE EVENT + A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID. +IN VIEw OF THE POPULARITY OF THE EVENT, THIS YEAR THE COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED TO MOVE IT TO A BIGGER VENUE SO THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE.+

ADMISSION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE (3-809731), TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE (3-932288), POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE, MONG KOK POLICE STATION (3-800331) AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE (RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS) (3-887183).

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332.8 MILLION PARK TAKING SHAPE IN CARPENTER ROAD

X X X X X

A LARGE PARK IS GRADUALLY TAKING SHAPE ON A 5.9-HECTARE SITE IN CARPENTER ROAD, KOWLOON CITY, TO PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA.

STAGE ONE OF THE 332.8 MILLION PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED mI TH TWO CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS, A REST GARDEN AND A PAVILION.

/♦DUE TO.......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

♦ DUE TO SITE RESTRICTION, THIS U.2 MILLION STAGE OF THE PROJECT OFFERS MAINLY PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY.

HOWEVER, FACILITIES FOR ACTIVE RECREATION WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF STAGE TWO ON WHICH CONSTRUCTION WAS WELL UNDER WAY.

♦ THIS PHASE OF WORK, WORTH $6.7 MILLION, IS BEING CARRIED OUT ON A SITE OF 1.6 HECTARES,* HE SAID.

+IN THE MEANTIME, DESIGNS FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF STAGE TWO ARE BEING PREPARED.

+THIS WILL FORM THE CREAM OF THE WHOLE PROJECT WITH A VARIETY OF NOVEL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO BE BUILT.

+AMONG THESE FACILITIES WILL BE AN ELEVATED CYCLING TRACK, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE BUILT IN AN URBAN COUNCIL PARK.

♦APART FROM NORMAL CYCLING, IT IS DESIGNED ALSO FOR TRICK CYCLING BY EXPERIENCED CYCLISTS.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE ELEVATED CYCLING TRACK THERE WOULD BE A JOGGING TRACK WITH SEVEN FITNESS STATIONS.

♦ THE DESIGNERS HAVE COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF THE TWO-TIER TRACKS AS A WAY TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF SPACE,* HE SAID.

+IT WILL ENABLE TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ON ONE SITE WITHOUT CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD OR INTERFERENCE TO THE PARTICIPANTS.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID OTHER FACILITIES TO BE BUILT THERE WOULD BE TWO PAVILIONS AND A LANDSCAPED +ROCK GARDEN* FEATURING ROCKS OF DIFFERENT SHAPES, AS WELL AS PLANTS AND FLOWERS.

HE SAID THE SECOND PHASE OF STAGE TWO WOULD COST $21.9 MILLION AND COVER AN AREA OF 2.68 HECTARES.

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TUEN MUN SQUASH COURTS OPEN TOMORROW

MX***

_,,r. mum Ui II I MAVF ITS FIRST PUBLIC SQUASH COURTS TOMORROW (MOND™)" Iith the opening or THE TUEN MUN swimming pool squash

COURTS.

INCLUDING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

/TWO OF .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1985

TWO OF THE COURTS ARE BUILT WI TH GLASS-BACK WALLS AND SPECTATORS STANDS.

OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A CHANGING ROOM WITH TOILET, AND A BOOK ING OFF ICE.

THE ENTIRE PROJECT, COSTING $38.7 MILLION, WILL OCCUPY AN AREA OF 2.25 HECTARES AND THE SWIMMING POOL IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MAY NEXT YEAR.

THOSE WISHING TO BOOK THE COURTS CAN CONTACT THE TUEN MUN OFFICE OF THE RSD ON TELEPHONE 0-4513086 OR 0-4513089 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

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ARTS EDUCATION LECTURE FOR TEACHERS

* * * *

A LECTURE ON ARTS EDUCATION WILL BE HELD FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ARTS TEACHERS ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14).

THE LECTURE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE.

ENGLISH LECTURE WILL BE GIVEN BY MR TOBY JACKSON, EDUCATION OFFICER OF MUSEUM OF MODERN ART OF OXFORD, ENGLAND, AT THE RECITAL HALL OF HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AT HARBOUR ROAD ON SATURDAY BETWEEN 10 AM AND NOON.

SCHOOL HEADS WHO WISH TO NOMINATE THEIR ARTS TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE LECTURE ARE REQUESTED TO APPLY TO THE INSPECTOR (ARTS), ARTS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

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30 TO BE COMMENDED FOR RESCUE

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR PETER CHAN, WILL PRESENT HIS CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 10) TO 30 PEOPLE IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR BRAVE AND PUBLIC SPIRITED ACTION EFFECTING RESCUES IN HONG KONG WATERS.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM IN THE LECTURE ROOM (ROOM 1414), 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

/RCCIFIiNTS OF .......

SUNDAY, DhCrMBER 8, 1985

RECIPIENTS OF THE COMMENDATIONS WILL INCLUDE ONE CITIZEN, 17 CREW MEMBERS OF PUBLIC FERRY COMPANIES, SIX CREW MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PILOTS ASSOCIATION, FOUR POLICE OFFICERS AND TWO CARGO HANDLING ASSISTANTS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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800 CHILDREN PERFORM AT CARNIVAL * * * *

SOME 800 CHILDREN DEMONSTRATED THEIR PERFORMING TALENTS DURING THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN DANCING CARNIVAL AT THE PODIUM OF PING SHEK ESTATE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.

THE CHILDREN, FROM 20 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS, STAGED DANCING AND SINGING PERFORMANCES DURING THE THREE-HOUR CARNIVAL.

SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE CARNIVAL WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE THE PING SHEK AND KAI YIP AREA COMMITTEE3 THE PING SHEK AND KAI YIP AREA BRANCH OF THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF KAI TAI COURT, PING SHEK AND KAI YIP ESTATES, AND THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION.

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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF K*AI CHUNG GAMES HALL

*****

THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 16 (MONDAY) FOR IMPROVEMENT WORK OF THE LIGHTING SYSTEM.

THE IMPROVEMENT WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES AT THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG TANG SHIU KIN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.

THE RE-OPENING DATE OF THE GAMES HALL WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS SOON AS WORK IS COMPLETED, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

+COMHUNITY GOOD SENSE)- BEHIND STABLE SOCIETY................ 1

IMPORTANCE OF 'RULE OF LAW' STRESSED ........................ 2

INNOVATIVE SCHEMES HELP FIGHT CRIME.......................... 5

FIRST-EVER CONFERENCE FOR FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES............. 6

COMMUNITY CO-OPERATICN CRUCIAL IN ANTI-TRIAD FIGHT........... 8

BILINGUALISM POSES A DAUNTING TASK — SIR DAVID............... 9

MADAM XU ILL, NOT ARRIVING................................... 10

GOVERNMENT IN GOOD PLANNING POSITION WITH STUDIES ........... 11

$1 MILLION BOOST TO CHARITY FUND ............................ 12

SECOND LIBRARY FOR NORTH DISTRICT OPENS ..................... 13

CHINESE ENVIRONMENTALISTS VISIT SPA ......................... 14

MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND TO GET $2.7M SPECTATOR STAND........... 14

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR DJ WAN CHAI ..................... 15

DETAILS ON CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES........................ 16

LATEST DATE TO POST X'MAS CARDS ............................. 16

NORTH DISTRICT WALK CN SUNDAY ............................... 17

TEMPORARY MARKET TO BE REPROVISIONED ........................ 17

NEW POLYCLINIC FOR KWUN TONG ................................ 18

SELECT COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW............................ 18

COMMITTEE MEETINGS OPEN TO PUBLIC ........................... 19

QAS CENTRE OPENING........................................... 19

CHINESE EDITION OF REPORT RELEASED........................... 20

OPERATION AGAINST DANGEROUS GOODS .......................... 20

WATER STORAGE FIGURE......................................... 20

PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGES ...................... 21

TAI PO RESTRICTED ZONES ..................................... 21

SAU MAU PING WATER CUT ...................................... 21

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1935

♦COMMUNITY GvOD SENSE+ BEHIND STABLE SOCIETY ft ft ft ft ft

HONG KONG WAS A STABLE SOCIETY ONLY BECAUSE THE COMMUNITY HAD THE GOOD SENSE TO RECOGNISE THE DANGER AND THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CHANGES THAT WERE TAKING PLACE IN THE SOCIETY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE/DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CONFERENCE, HE SAlDi *TOO MUCH LITTER AND NEGLECT LED TO THE 'CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN’; CORRUPTION LED TO THE COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION; THE PROBLEMS OF DRUGS LED TO THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, AND THE RISING TIDE OF CRIME IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES LED TO THE FIGHT CRIME MOVEMENT AND THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES.

♦HONG KONG FOUGHT BACK AGAINST THE FORCE OF DECADENCE, DISEASES, CORRUPTION AND CRIME,♦ SIR DAVID SAID.

THE ♦NEVER-ENDING NATURE* OF THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME WAS AS TRUE OF HONG KONG AS IT WAS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, AS TRADITIONS, LOYALTIES AND MORAL VALUES CHANGED IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND CHANGES IN OCCUPATIONS AND ACTIVITIES.

♦WE LIVE IN TIMES OF RAPID AND RELENTLESS CHANGE,* HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME WAS NOT ONE OF SENSATIONAL VICTORIES, BUT WAS *A WAR OF ATTRITION*.

IT INVOLVED STEADY, UNRELENTING PRESSURE BY A WELL EQUIPPED POLICE FORCE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE COMMUNITY.

♦DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES PROVIDE THE VITAL LINK BETWEEN THE POLICE FORCE AND THE PUBLIC THEY SERVE,* HE SAID.

SPEAKING OF ACTIONS TO COUNTER TRIAD ACTIVITIES, SIR DAVID SAID THE +WORKING GROUP ON GANGS* OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD BEEN EXAMINING THE PROBLEM, AND WAS REVIEWING THE LAW TO SEE HOW AND WHERE IT MIGHT NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED.

♦THIS IS NOT EASY AND A BALANCE WILL HAVE TO BE STRUCK BETWEEN THE NEED TO ARREST AND PUNISH THE CRIMINAL AND TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL,♦ HE SAID. *BUT ULTIMATELY WE AS A COMMUNITY WILL HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT WE WANT TO DO.+

ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND YOUTH CRIME, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT SENSIBLE AND EARLY ACTION AT SCHOOL MIGHT TURN POTENTIAL CRIMINALS OF TODAY INTO THE GOOD CITIZENS OF TOMORROW.

HE THANKED MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEES FOR THE GOOD WORK THEY HAD DONE AND SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO STRENGTHENED COOPERATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

-----0------

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

IMPORTANCE OF ’RULE OF LAW’ STRESSED

*****

HONG KONG, WITH THE ESTABLISHED TRADITION OF THE COMMON LAW BEHIND IT, HAD AT ITS DISPOSAL POWERFUL WEAPONS WITH WHICH TO PRESERVE LIBERTY AND TO CHALLENGE OPPONENTS OF FREEDOM, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY.

THAT TRADITION WAS ACCORDED THE TITLE ♦RULE OF LAW,* W THOMAS SAID, IN A SPEECH AT THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CONFERENCE.

SPEAKING ABOUT *THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RULE OF LAW,* MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE PHRASE *THE RULE OF LAW* WAS A’FAMILIAR ONE, BUT MANY WHO USED IT READILY ENOUGH DID NOT FIND IT EASY TO EXPLAIN WHAT IT MEANT.

THE CONCEPT OF THE RULE OF LAW COULD PROBABLY BE BEST DESCRIBED AS A REFERENCE TO SOME OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES CF LAW, EVOLVED OVER MANY CENTURIES, THAT GOVERNED THE WAY IN WHICH POWER WAS EXERCISED.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT, UNLIKE IN SUCH COUNTRIES AS THE UNITED STATES, RUSSIA AND CHINA, WHICH HAD WRITTEN CONSTITUTIONS, THE PRINCIPLE OF THE RULE OF LAW IN BRITAIN AND HONG KONG WAS BASED ON COMMON LAW.

THOSE OTHER COUNTRIES, HE SAID, HAD ALL BEEN THROUGH REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES IN FAIRLY RECENT TIME, AND THERE HAD TO BE A NEW BASIS FOR LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT, NEW LAWS, NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EXERCISE OF POWER.

♦AND SO NEW CONSTITUTIONS WERE DRAWN UP TO SET OUT THE NEW RULES FOR ALL TO SEE.*

BRITAIN, HE SAID, HAD, THROUGHOUT ITS LONG HISTORY, AVOIDED REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE.

THE ABSOLUTE POWER OF ITS KINGS WAS TAMED GRADUALLY AND ON THE WHOLE PEACEFULLY: AT FIRST BY THE BARONS AND LATER BY ITS PEOPLE IN PARLIAMENT.

+IN THE MEANTIME, THE JURISTS WERE EXPOUNDING THE LAW AND THE JUDGES WERE APPLYING THEM TO CASES THAT CAME TO COURT.

♦ IN THIS WAY THE COMMON LAW DEVELOPED OUT OF THE TEXTBOOKS AND REPORTS OF DECIDED CASES. EVEN TODAY, LAWYERS CAN REFER A JUDGE TO A DECISION THAT WAS MADE HUNDREDS OF YEARS AGO TO SHOW WHAT THE LAW IS NOW,* MR THOMAS SAID.

HONG KONG HAD ITS LETTERS PATENT AND ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS BUT THEY WERE SKELETAL INSTRUMENTS ABOUT THE MODE OF GOVERNMENT. THEY DID NOT DEAL WITH THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THOSE WHO LIVED IN HONG KONG OR THE PRINCIPLES OF LAW AND ADMINISTRATION BY WHICH THEY WERE GOVERNED, HE SAID.

/THE POWER .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

THE POWER TO'MAKE NEW LAWS WAS ENJOYED BY PARLIAMENT WHO, WITH THE FORMAL ASSENT OF THE KING, MADE STATUTES, WHICH WERE JUST AS BINDING AS THE RULES LAID DOWN BY THE JURISTS AND JUDGES.

♦ BUT NOWHERE IS THERE TO BE FOUND A WRITTEN CONSTITUTION WHICH COMPREHENSIVELY SETS OUT (1) WHERE THE POWER LIES- (2) HOW POWER IS TO BE EXERCISED, AND (3) WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES CF INDIVIDUALS,* MR THOMAS SAID.

+THE ANSWER TO MANY OF THOSE QUESTIONS CAN BE FOUND IN THE POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY EXPRESSED BY THOSE WORDS +THE RULE OF LAW.*

MR THOMAS SAID THAT FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT, THE RULE OF LAW REQUIRED THAT THE POWERS OF THE CROWN AND OF ALL ITS SERVANTS, INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SHOULD BE DERIVED FROM LAW.

♦ THAT IS, THE LAW AS IT IS CLEARLY SET OUT AND LIMITED IN LEGISLATION AND BY THE JUDICIAL DECISIONS TAKEN BY INDEPENDENT COURTS.

+THIS IS TO BE CONTRASTED WITH A DIFFERENT STATE IN WHICH THE SOVEREIGN OR THE PRESIDENT OR THE GOVERNMENT CAN EXERCISE POWERS WHICH GO BEYOND THE REACH OF THE LAW,* HE SAID.

THE TYRANT, MR THOMAS SAID, COULD MAKE DECREES, CONFISCATE LAND, AND LOCK UP HIS OPPONENTS WITHOUT FEAR OF CHALLENGE EXCEPT THE BULLET OF THE ASSASSIN OR THE ANGER OF THE +M0B.+

+BUT AT THE HEART OF OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT LIES THE RULE THAT NO-ONE, FROM THE GOVERNOR DOWN THROUGH THE RANKS OF SECRETARIES, DIRECTORS, COMMISSIONERS. THE POLICE, ICAC, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, NO-ONE CAN DO ANYTHING THAT AFFECTS THE INDIVIDUAL, HIS HOME, HIS MONEY OR HIS FREEDOM, UNLESS HE CAN POINT TO SOME SPECIFIC PROVISION OF THE LAW WHICH AUTHORISES WHAT HE HAS DONE.

♦ IF HE CANNOT DO THAT, HE CAN BE SUED IN THE COURTS OF HONG KONG AND COMPELLED TO PUT RIGHT WHAT HE HAD DONE OR TO PAY COMPENSATION FOR THE WRONG THAT HE HAS DONE,* MR THOMAS SAID.

A SECOND FEATURE OF THE RULE OF LAW WAS SUMMARISED AS ■•EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW.*

IT WAS FUNDAMENTAL THAT ALL PERSONS, HIGH OR LOW, REGARDLESS CF RACE, POLITICS OR RELIGION, WERE SUBJECT TO THE ORDINARY LAW CF THE LAND ADMINISTERED BY THE ORDINARY COURTS OF LAW.

♦THIS MEANS THAT ANY ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO DRIVES WITHOUT THE RIGHT KIND OF LICENCE IS LIABLE TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS AND PUNISHED FOR HIS OFFENCE.

♦ EQUALLY, A POLICE OFFICER WHO ARRESTS AND DETAINS A MAN BY MISTAKE IS LIABLE TO PAY HIM COMPENSATION,♦ MR THOMAS SAID.

/THE THIRD .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

- 4 -

THE THIRD FEATURE OF THE RULE OF LAW WHICH HE LIKED TO STRESS WAS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COURTS AND THE LAWYERS TOO, bfl THOMAS SAID.

♦ THE COURTS PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS, AND THEY KEEP IN CHECK THE GROWTH OF STATE POWER AND DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH ITS ABUSE,* HE SAID.

THIS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED BECAUSE OF THE RESPECT ACCORDED BY THOSE IN POWER TO LANDMARK JUDICIAL DECISIONS FROM THE PAST.

THIS IN TURN AFFECTED THE ATTITUDE AND INFLUENCE OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, LEGAL DRAFTSMEN AND LEGAL ADVISERS WHICH TENDED TO BE CONSERVATIVE AND JEALOUS OF WELL-ESTABLISHED LEGAL RULES.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT IN THEORY, THE POWER OF THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE LAWS WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNDER LETTERS PATENT FOR +THE PEACE, ORDER AND GOOD GOVERNMENT* CF HONG KONG WAS A WIDE ONE. BUT IN REALITY THAT POWER WAS CAREFULLY CONTROLLED, IF ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS WIDELY DISPERSED.

MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW ORDINANCES - SECRETARIES AND PUBLIC OFFICERS WHO EVOLVED POLICY, THE ADVISORY AND DISTRICT BOARDS WHO WERE CONSULTED UPON POLICY PROPOSALS, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHICH DETERMINED POLICY AND APPROVED BILLS, INTERESTED PARTIES, THE bEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION WHO EXAMINED BILLS WHEN THEY WERE GAZETTED, AND FINALLY THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHO SCRUTINISED, DEBATED AND PASSED BILLS, WITH OR WITHOUT AMENDMENT, HE SAID.

SO LONG AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS RESPECTED THE SPIRIT OF +THE RULE OF LAW,* HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A FREE AND OPEN SOCIETY WOULD CONTINUE.

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WERE TO TRY TO OVERTHROW ESTABLISHED PERSONAL FREEDOMS, OR TO DISREGARD THE PROVISIONS OF HONG KONG’S ORDINANCES OR THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENANTS, OR TO CLAIM THE RIGHT TO INTERFERE WITH ACTIVITIES THAT ARE OPPOSED TO THEIR POLICIES, THE RULE OF LAW WOULD BE IN DANGER.

HONG KONG COULD THEN EXPECT PUBLIC OPINION, THE LEGISLATURE AND EVERY LAWYER TRAINED IN THE COMMON LAW TO STAND UP AND MAKE THEIR ARTICULATE PROTEST.

♦ IT WOULD BE UP TO THE PERSONS AFFECTED TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT OF ACCESS TO THE COURTS TO CHALLENGE UNLAWFUL ACTS OF THE EXECUTIVE. IT WOULD BE UP TO HONG KONG’S JUDGES, PROUD OF THEIR ROLE AS INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL GUARDIANS OF THE RULE OF LAW, TO EXERCISE THEIR JURISDICTION TO CHECK THE ABUSE OF POWER.

♦ IT IS OFTEN SAID THE ’THE PRICE OF LIBERTY IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE.’

/+TO BE........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

♦ TO BE ALERT IS ONE THING, TO BE ARMED IS ANOTHER. HONG KONG WITH THE ESTABLISHED TRADITION OF THE COMMON LAW BEHIND IT, HAS AT ITS DISPOSAL POWERFUL WEAPONS WITH WHICH TO PRESERVE LIBERTY AND TO CHALLENGE OPPONENTS OF FREEDOM.

♦ TO THAT TRADITION, WE ACCORD THE TITLE ’THE RULE OF LAW’,* THOMAS SAID.

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INNOVATIVE SCHEMES HELP FIGHT CRIME ft ft ft ft

INNOVATIVE SCHEMES WHICH REQUIRED LITTLE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES HAD PROVIDED VITAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

MOST FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WORKING AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL NOW ADMINISTERED VARIOUS AWARD SCHEMES TO ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO REPORT CRIME OR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE-DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CONFERENCE, MR LIAO SAID ONE SUCH SCHEME WAS THE MODEL CITIZEN AWARD WHICH HAD A SPECIAL TOUCH, SINCE THE PERSON BEING RECOGNISED AND GIVEN THE AWARD WAS NOT A ’FACELESS PERSON BUT WAS SOMEONE OF LOCAL IDENTITY.

♦ AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, THE MOST INVALUABLE RESOURCES MUST BE THE HUMAN ONE, AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME INVOLVES ORGANISING EXISTING HUMAN RESOURCES INTO CLOSELY-KNIT UNITS TO FACILITATE REPORT OF ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES TO THE POLICE,* SAID.

♦ IT INVOLVES MOBILISING EXISTING RESOURCES AND CAN BE READILY IMPLEMENTED.

♦ IT IS THIS TYPE OF INNOVATIVE MEASURES THAT I HOPE WILL BE FORTHCOMING THROUGH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES,* MR LIAO SAID.

SINCE THE FIRST DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WERE FORMED NINE YEARS AGO, NUMEROUS PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AGAINST CRIME, INCLUDING THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AND DRUG ABUSE.

MR LIAO SAID THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME WAS A RESPONSIBILITY FOR EVERYONE. WHILE THE POLICE AND DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WERE DOING THEIR UTMOST IN MAINTAINING INTERNAL SECURITY, THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES SERVED TO ASSIST AND COMPLEMENT GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN COMBATING CRIME.

/+THE COMMITTEES .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

♦THE COMMITTEES ARE BLESSED BY THEIR COMPOSITION IN HAVING A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO HAVE FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IS MOST NEEDED FROM A DISTRICT’S POINT OF VIEW AT A PARTICULAR POINT AND TIME,+ HE SAID.

♦I HOPE THAT WE WOULD MAKE THE BEST USE OF THIS CONFERENCE TO FREELY EXCHANGE VIEWS, AND TO CAPITALISE ON OUR POOLED TALENTS.+

-----0------

FIRST-EVER CONFERENCE FOR FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES XXX*

MEMBERS OF THE 19 DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY GOT TOGETHER TO SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND VIEWS ON LAW AND ORDER IN A CONFERENCE HELD TODAY (MONDAY).

THE CONFERENCE IN SHERATON HOTEL WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE. IT WAS ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE FCC AND SOME 300 UNOFFICIAL DFCC MEMBERS, POLICE REPRESENTATIVES AND DISTRICT OFFICERS.

IN HIS OPENING SPEECH, THE CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN, DR HO KAM-FAI SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE WAS TO PROVIDE A FORUM WHERE MEMBERS OF THE FCC AND DFCC’S COULD FREELY EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LAW AND ORDER AS PERCEIVED FROM THEIR OWN ANGLE.

ALSO, THIS GET-TOGETHER WAS INTENDED TO FOSTER A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CENTRAL FCC AND DFCC’S ON ONE HAND, AND AMONG THE VARIOUS DFCC’S ON THE OTHER, HE SAID.

DR HO SAID HE HOPED THAT THE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND GOODWILL WOULD HELP TO DEVELOP POLICIES AND LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS THAT WERE MORE EFFECTIVE IN COMBATTING CRIMES.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING SESSION WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE! THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS J THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING; AND THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO.

DELEGATES WERE LATER SPLIT UP INTO SEVEN GROUPS, EACH ASSIGNED TO DISCUSS A TOPIC OF CURRENT INTEREST. AN EXPERT ON EACH TOPIC GAVE A BRIEF TALK TO EACH GROUP TO STIMULATE DISCUSSION.

/THE SPEAKERS........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

THE SPEAKERS ON THE SEVEN TOPICS WERE:

(1) CRIME PREVENTION - MR NG TAK-LEUNG, CHIEF INSPECTOR, CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU

(2)

TRIADS AND ORGANISED CRIME -

MR A.P. LEE, STAFF OFFICER, CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE BUREAU

(3)

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - MR TSE POLICE

CHAN-FAI, ASSISTANT CHIEF

COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER

(4)

ROLE OF DFCC’S IN FIGHTING CRIME - MRS SOPHIA HO, FCC UNOFFICIAL MEMBER

(5) YOUTH AND JUVENILE CRIME - MR WONG WAH-CHIU, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT! AND MR YIP TAI-CHU, ASSISTANT DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER

(6) VIOLENT CRIME AND CONTROL OF FIREARMS - MR CHAN KAI-WING, V STAFF OFFICER,

ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME BUREAU

(7) SOCIAL CRIME - MR LEE KAI-FAT, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (BOARDS AND ENTERTAINMENT), ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY TOOK THE FORM OF A PLENARY SESSION WHERE THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SEVEN GROUPS REPORTED ON THE VIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED BY THEIR INDIVIDUAL GROUPS.

QUESTIONS RAISED DURING THE PLENARY SESSION WERE ANSWERED BY A PANEL HEADED BY DR HO KAM-FAI. OTHER PANELISTS WERE THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, OPERATIONS, MR LI KWAN-HA; AND FCC MEMBERS INCLUDING THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON; THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO; MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MRS SOPHIA HO AND MR PETER C. WONG.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 19

COMMUNITY CO-OPERATION CRUCIAL IN ANTI-TRIAD FIGHT

* * * *

ANTI-TRIAD OPERATIONS CANNOT BE COMPLETELY SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT GREATER CO-OPERATION FROM THE COMMUNITY, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, M? RAYMON ANN ING, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

CALLING FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR POLICE EFFORTS AGAINST ORGANISED GANGS, MR ANN ING SAID IT WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR POLICE TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN VICTIMISED OR THREATENED.

♦WITHOUT THEIR WILLINGNESS TO COME FORWARD AND GIVE INFORMATION AND, IN APPROPRIATE CASES, TO GIVE EVIDENCE AGAINST THOSE WHO HAVE THREATENED OR EXTORTED MONEY FROM THEM, POLICE ACTION ALONE CANNOT BE COMPLETELY SUCCESSFUL,-* MR ANN ING ADMITTED.

♦ A GREAT DEAL DEPENDS ON THE PUBLIC AND THE POLICE WORKING TOGETHER.+

SPEAKING AT THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CONFERENCE, MR ANNING SAID THAT TRIADS REMAIN A MENACE IN THE COMMUNITY AND SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED.

♦ WE IN THE POLICE ARE TAKING POSITIVE ACTION AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AT ALL LEVELS,* HE SAID.

ALTHOUGH TRIADS HAD HISTORIC ORIGINS, THEY HAD LONG SINCE DEGENERATED INTO CRIMINAL ORGANISATIONS OF THE +MOST BASE AND VENAL KIND.*

TURNING TO OTHER ASPECTS OF POLICE WORK, MR ANNING DESCRIBED SOME OF THE OLD AND NEW METHODS USED BY THE FORCE TO KEEP FLEXIBLE AND RESPONSIVE TO CHANGES IN CRIME TRENDS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS.

POLICE IN HONG KONG HAD AT THEIR DISPOSAL SOME OF THE MOST MODERN EQUIPMENT AND EXPERTISE THAT WAS AVAILABLE TODAY. YET, THERE WAS NO MORE EFFECTIVE DETERRENT TO CRIME THAN THE UNIFORMED CFFICER WALKING THE BEAT.

♦THIS BLEND OF OLD AND NEW IS, I BELIEVE, A MAJOR FACTOR IN WHAT I DESCRIBE, AT THE RISK OF BEING IMMODEST, AS SOME VERY REAL SUCCESSES IN THE TASK OF POLICING HONG KONG.*

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES IN THE COMING DECADE WOULD BE TO PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE RELATIONSHIP OF TRUST AND CO-OPERATION WITH THE PUBLIC.

+FROM THE OBSERVATIONS WHICH I HAVE MADE OVER THE YEARS, I CAN SAY WITH CONVICTION THAT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IS AHEAD CF MOST IN THE ASPECT OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS,* SAID MR ANNING.

/last yeas, .......

MONMY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

- 9 -

LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 621 000 PEOPLE SOUGHT ASSISTANCE OR ADVICE FROM THE POLICE, EVERY MONTH MORE THAN 3 000 YOUNG PEOPLE BECAME NEW MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, WHICH WAS NOW ONE CF THE LARGEST AND MOST ACTIVE YOUTH ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG; AND HONG KONG’S CITIZENS’ ARREST RATE NOW RANKED AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR ANN ING ASSURED CONFERENCE DELEGATES THAT A FACTOR THAT WOULD NOT CHANGE, WAS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE POLICE FORCE IN THE DAILY LIFE OF HONG KONG.

♦ IN THE QUEST FOR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, IT MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN THAT IT IS UPON THE POLICE FORCE THAT STABILITY ULTIMATELY RESTS AND THE CHANCES OF PROSPERITY WITHOUT STABILITY ARE SLIM.+

HE SAID HE BELIEVED THE POLICE FORCE WAS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE TO MEET THE WHATEVER CHALLENGES LAY AHEAD.

-----o------

BILINGUALISM POSES A DAUNTING TASK — SIR DAVID ft * ft ft ft *

HONG KONG FACED A DAUNTING TASK OF ENSURING THAT YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOPED SKILL AND CONFIDENCE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, LANGUAGES WHICH WERE A WORLD APART — ONE WITH ITS ORIGIN IN INDO-EUROPEAN, THE OTHER IN THE SINITIC GROUP, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION, SIR DAVID SAID THAT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION WAS ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG.

♦ WE ARE DEPENDENT — AS A CENTRE OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE — UPON OUR LINKS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD, WITHOUT ENGLISH THESE LINKS WOULD WITHER AND DIE.

♦ AT THE SAME TIME, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE VERY MUCH AWARE OF THEIR ROOTS WHICH THEY SHARE WITH CHINA AND LANUGAGE IS A VITAL ELEMENT OF THAT HER ITAGE,♦ HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT AN ACTIVE POLICY OF BILINGUALISM SHOULD BE PURSUED AS IT WAS VITAL TO HONG KONG’S VERY EXISTENCE.

♦ NOT A TOKEN BILINGUALISM, BUT A COMMITTED EFFORT TO ATTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF COMPETENCE IN BOTH LANGUAGES,♦ HE SAID.

♦ MOST SCHOOLS TEACH IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, USING ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS. THIS IS A SITUATION WHICH CLEARLY DOES NOT DO JUSTICE TO EITHER LANGUAGE.

I+taking ...

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

-10 -

♦APTER taking the advice of experts and after much consultation AND COGITATION, WE HAVE ADOPTED MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE OUR TEACHING OF BOTH LANGUAGES.* . ...

SIR DAVID SAID THAT BASICALLY THESE COULD BE SUMMED UP AS MORE TEACHERS AND MORE BOOKS. MORE NATIVE TEACHERS OF ENGLISH, NOT ONLY TEACHING THEMSELVES BUT TEACHING TEACHERS, AND MORE TEXTBOOKS WRITTEN IN CHINESE, HE ADDED.

EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION WAS THE PRODUCT OF THE VISION AND ENERGY OF TWO MEN — EVELYN WRENCH, AN ENGLISHMAN, AND ALEXANDER SMITH COCHRAN, AN AMERICAN — AFTER THE TWO WORLD WARS.

HE SAID THAT THE ESSENTIAL INSIGHT UPON WHICH THE UNION WAS FOUNDED — THAT PEACE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT DEPENDED UPON INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND THAT UNDERSTANDING DEPENDED IN TURN UPON COMMUNICATION — REMAINED EVERY BIT AS VALID TODAY AS IT WAS IN THE YEARS AFTER THE GREAT WAR.

+THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION —- WHICH THE UNION HAS DONE SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS TO PROMOTE — MUST BE SEEN IN THIS LIGHT.

+IT IS NO LONGER THE SPECIAL LINGUISTIC PROPERTY OF ANY NATION. IT IS A MEANS ALL OVER THE WORLD BY WHICH PEOPLE CAN TALK TO THE PEOPLE OF OTHER NATIONS! SCIENTIST TO SCIENTIST! TEACHER TO TEACHER! LEADER TO LEADER,* HE SAID. 0

.' THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT HONG KONG, WITH ITS DETERMINATION TO MASTER THE NEED TO LOOK INWARD TO ITS CULUTRAL AND LINGUISTIC FOUNDATIONS AND OUTWARD TO THE COUNTRIES OF THE REGION AND THE WORLD UNDOUBTEDLY FACED A CHALLENGE, BUT +YOU WILL HAVE SEEN HOW HONG KONG IS FACING ITS OTHER PROBLEMS.*

.jA ।

* 1 AM CONFIDENT THAT GIVEN THE GREAT INTEREST BEING SHOWN IN THIS QUESTION OF LANGUAGE IN HONG KONG, WE WILL MAKE A UNIQUE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SOULTION,* HE SAID.

------0-------

MADAM XU ILL, NOT ARRIVING

* * ft M

MADAM XU HANBING, WIFE OF CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANYING MR JI DURING HIS VISIT TO HONG KONG BECAUSE OF HEALTH REASONS.

MADAM XU’S VISITS TO THE PAK TIN SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 11), HAVE BEEN CANCELLED.

/THE REST .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

- 11 -

THE REST OF MR JI’S PROGRAMME FROM DECEMBER 10 TO 13 WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

m? jiFtomorr!!S ,S the press arra^ment FOR THE ARRIVAL OF 1 ■' vi ivrivnnUWl

HIS

THERE WILL BE A FIXED POSITION AT THE ARRIVAL HALL CF THE AIRPORT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER ARRIVAL. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLEAT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT ..............

TERMINAL BUILDING

NOT LATER THAN 10 AM.

-----0------

GOVERNMENT IN GOOD PLANNING POSITION WITH STUDIES * * * *

PLANNING WORK CARRIED OUT SINCE 1980 HAS PLACED THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS BEST POSITION EVER TO RESPOND TO THE PRESSURE FOR GROWTH, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON ON THE RECENTLY-PUBLISHED ♦PLANNING FOR GROWTH*, MR EASON SAID THAT WHEN STUDIES COVERED BY THE BOOKLET STARTED, POPULATION PROJECTIONS SAID THE TERRITORY WOULD EE HOME TO ABOUT SEVEN MILLION PEOPLE BY THE YEAR 2000.

REVISED POPULATION PROJECTIONS LATE IN 1984 PUT THE FIGURE AT 6.4 MILLION BY 2000.

+THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT OUR PLANNING WORK TO DATE HAS BEEN WASTED OR IS WRONG OR THAT HARBOUR RECLAMATION WON’T BE NEEDED,* MR EASON SAID.

♦POPULATION GROWTH MAY HAVE SLOWED BUT IT CERTAINLY HAS NOT STOPPED COMPLETELY. THE PRESSURE TO PRODUCE MORE LAND MAY HAVE LESSENED BUT IT HAS NOT DISAPPEARED ALTOGETHER.

♦THE WORK DONE ON OUR TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDIES IS SUCH THAT, PROVIDED IT IS REGULARLY UPDATED, IT CAN HELP US WITH OUR DECISION-MAKING ON DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING PROGRESSIVELY FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.*

♦MOREOVER, WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT OUR DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ARE NOT GENERATED PURELY BY POPULATION GROWTH BUT ALSO SPRING FROM ECONOMIC FACTORS SUCH AS THE TERRITORY’S ROLE AS A PORT AND ENTREPOT AND A FINANCIAL, TRADING AND TOURIST CENTRE.

/+THE NEXT .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9» 1985

12 -

♦THE NEXT BATCH OF HARBOUR RECLAMATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED AS MUCH FOR ECONOMIC REASONS AS FOR POUPLATION GROWTH. THEIR TIMING WILL NOT DEPEND PURELY ON DEMAND FOR HOUSING THEREFORE,+ HE SAID.

MR EASON SAID THAT BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE DECADE RECLAMATIONS WOULD TAKE PLACE AT KELLETT BAY, ALDRICH BAY AND HUNG HOM BAY.

THE FIRST WOULD BE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, THE SECOND FOR HOUSING AND AN IMPROVED TYPHOON SHELTER AND THE THIRD FOR EXPANDED KCRC OPERATIONS AND FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVED AMENITIES.

WITHIN THE SAME PERIOD, PLANNING FOR RECLAMATIONS BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN AND GREEN ISLAND, OFF WEST KOWLOON AND ALONG THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI WATERFRONTS SHOULD BE COMPLETED. THIS WOULD ALLOW WORK TO BEGIN TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE 199OS.

♦LATER ON IN THE DECADE WE WILL BE LOOKING AGAIN AT THE LONGER-TERM CHOICE BETWEEN FURTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT AROUND THE HARBOUR AND AN EXPANSION OF TIN SHU I WAI BEYOND ITS INITIAL PHASE OF ABOUT 140 000 PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.

♦IF THE PLANNING MOMENTUM OF THE PAST YEARS CAN BE MAINTAINED, MANY OF THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH WHICH HONG KONG IS ALL TOO FAMILIAR CAN BE ELIMINATED,* HE ADDED.

-----o------

SI MILLION BOOST TO CHARITY FUND

* * * *

THE TANG SHIU KIN-HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND HAS RECEIVED A GENEROUS DONATION OF $1 MILLION FROM A COMMUNITY LEADER WHO IS WELL-KNOWN IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY.

THE PHILANTHROPIST HAD ALSO MADE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR IN THE PAST.

THE FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDES IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES COPING WITH HARDSHIP BROUGHT ON BY UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES.

GRANTS ARE PROVIDED FOR THE EDUCATION OF A CHILD.. TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT OR TO MEET THE HIGH COSTS OF MEDICAL TREATMENT OR OTHER NEEDS ARISING FROM PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY OR CHRONIC ILLNESS.

THE FUND, IN PARTICULAR, HELPS VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS.

APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND CAN BE MADE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, PO LEUNG KUK OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

/SOCIAL WORKERS .......

MONDAY, DBCfMBER 9, 1985

SOCIAL WORKERS OF WELFARE AGENCIES MAY ALSO REFER HARDSHIP CASES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE FUND OR THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.

THE FUND, NOW TOTALLING MORE THAN $30 MILLION, WAS FOUND BY SIR SHIU KIN TANG AND MR HO TIM IN 1977.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IS THE TRUSTEE AND MR CHARLES LUI IS THE ADVISER TO THE FUND.

-----o------

SECOND LIBRARY FOR NORTH DISTRICT OPENS

* * * *

RESIDENTS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT WILL BENEFIT FROM THE WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES OFFERED IN A NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY.

’ri. . WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT COMM Itt 7 OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG KUEN, WHEN HL . CLARED OPEN THE FANLING PUBLIC LIBRARY TODAY (MONDAY).

LOCATED AT CHEUNG LOK HOUSE, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE. THE NEW LIBRARY IS THE 16TH PROVIDED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS, AND THE SECOND IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.

OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 284 SQUARE METRES, THE LIBRARY HAS AN INITIAL STOCK OF 14 000 CHINESE AND ENGLISH BOOKS, SA ID.MR CHEUNG.

IT OFFERS FREE LENDING SERVICES TO ADULTS AND CHILDREN, QUICK REFERENCE AND READERS' ENQUIRY SERVICE. NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS SERVICE AS WELL AS AUDIO CASSETTE LENDING SERVICE.

A WIDE RANGE OF LIBRARY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CONDUCTED VISITS FOR SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS, STORY HOURS, BOOK EXHIBITIONS, AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED.

TO MARK THE OPENING, WINNING ENTRIES OF THE *N.T. IN PHOTO COMPETITION* AND THE +BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION* WERE DISPLAYED IN THE LIBRARY.

GUESTS WHO ALSO TOOK PART IN THE CEREMONY TODAY WERE THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MRS MIRIAM LAU KIN-YEEJ CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR PANG HANG-YIN, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN.

-----0------

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

14 -

CHINESE ENVIRONMENTALISTS VISIT EPA * * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF THE CHINESE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, MR QU GEPING, LED A GROUP OF 11 OFFICIALS FROM THE CHINESE SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES ON A VISIT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.

THE VISITORS WERE GIVEN AN OVERVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORK OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, AND HIS SENIOR STAFF.

THEY ALSO SAW THE WORK OF THE AGENCY’S FOUR DIVISIONS INVOLVED IN AIR AND WATER POLLUTION, NOISE, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT.

MR QU AND THE PARTY ATTENDED THE POLMET ’85 CONFERENCE ON POLLUTION HELD IN HONG KONG LAST WEEK. HE ADDRESSED THE DELEGATES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICIES WITHIN CHINA.

MR QU HAS BEEN A DRIVING FORCE IN RAISING THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN CHINA.

-----0------

MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND TO GET S2.7M SPECTATOR STAND * * * *

THE URBAN COUNCIL IS TO BUILD A $2.7 MILLION PERMANENT SPECTATOR STAND AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN MONG KOK.

♦CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN SHORTLY AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1987,+ SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY.

HE SAID THE OLD STAND WAS DEMOLISHED IN 1982 AFTER IT WAS FOUND TO BE STRUCTURALLY UNSAFE.

♦SINCE THEN, THE COUNCIL HAS BEEN PROVIDING SEVERAL PORTABLE STANDS AS A TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT PENDING THE NEW PROJECT,♦ HE SAID.

♦THIS 1 OOO-SEAT STAND WILL BE A BOOST TO THE FACILITIES AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND WHICH IS A POPULAR VENUE FOR MINI-SOCCER MATCHES AND OTHER FUNCTIONS IN THE DISTRICT.

♦THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCORPORATE SUCH FACILITIES AS TOILETS, INCLUDING ONE FOR THE HANDICAPPED, CHANGING ROOMS, A REFEREE REST ROOM, STORE ROOMS, AN OFFICE AND A READING/CONFERENCE ROOM.+

--------Q-----------

/15........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

- 15 -

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN WAN CHAI * * * * *

ABOUT

MUTUAL AID MANAGEMENT

120 REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND COMMITTEES IN WAN CHAI WILL TAKE PART IN A BUILDING SEMINAR TOMORROW (TUESDAY) NIGHT.

THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE BRIEFED ON CRIME PREVENTION IN MULTISTOREY BUILDINGS AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME; THE DEED OF MUTUAL CONVENANT AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMON PARTS IN A BUILDING; AND THE RIGHTS AND POWERS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.

SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE WAN CHAI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DONNA WONG J DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER, MR LAU KONG; TAI HANG-SO KON PO AREA COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR WONG TAK-SHINSl AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM CF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.

PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN GROUP DISCUSSIONS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO THE WINNERS OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ESSAY AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITIONS.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM TOMORROW AT THE YU MAK YUEN YOUTH AND CHILDREN CENTRE ON THE 20TH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION ■AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

0 -

/16

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1935

DETAILS ON CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

* X * *

CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR LEE WING-TAT, WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO INTRODUCE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM CF KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), 166-174 HING FONG ROAD.

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHUI HONG-SHEUNG, AND A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE, MR LAI ON-KWOK, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

-----o------

LATEST DATE TO POST X’MAS CARDS

* * * X

THE LATEST DATE FOR POSTING CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR LOCAL DELIVERY IS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.

POSTINGS AFTER THIS DATE CANNOT BE GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO SEND THEIR CARDS EARLY TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE RUSH.

BUSINESS WOULD BE CONDUCTED AS USUAL ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DECEMBER 24) AND NEW YEAR’S EVE (DECEMBER 31), BUT ALL POST CFFICES WOULD BE CLOSED DURING THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, EXCEPT ON BOXING DAY, DECEMBER 26, WHEN 39 POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON.

THESE 39 POST OFFICES INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/TH3HS WILL .......

MONDAY, DJB34BEK y, lyo}

- 17 -

THERE WILL ALSO BE SPECIAL DELIVERIES OF LETTERS AND PARCELS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, AND ALSO ON BOXING DAY.

THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERIES ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM INDIVIDUAL POST CFFICES OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU AT 5-231071.

-----0------

NORTH DISTRICT WALK ON SUNDAY * * * *

THE NORTH DISTRICT WALK, ONE OF THE WALKS FOR MILLIONS ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST, WILL TAKE PLACE IN SHEUNG SHUI THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 15).

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE STARTING CEREMONY AT 10 AM IN THE FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL.

THE WALK WILL INCLUDE THREE ROUTES COVERING ABOUT SIX, SEVEN AND NINE KILOMETRES RESPECTIVELY WHICH WILL FINISH AT THE FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL.

THE LOCAL ORGANISER OF THE WALK, MR LAU KIN-WING, SAIDi ♦IT IS A RARE CHANCE FOR CITY DWELLERS TO ENJOY A COUNTRYSIDE WALK WITH RUSTIC SCENERY WHILE SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY CHEST.♦

SPONSOR FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST OFFICE AT 905 WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

--------0-----------

TEMPORARY MARKET TO BE REPROVISIONED

* * *

A TEMPORARY WHOLESALE POULTRY MARKET, WHICH WILL OCCUPY ABOUT ONE HECTARE, IS TO BE BUILT ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.

THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE WILL HAVE 14 TRADE STALLS, 36 PARKING SPACES, AN OFFICE AND A MINI-BANK.

WHEN COMPLETED AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR, IT WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY MARKET AT THE JUNCTION OF FORBES STREET AND DAVIS STREET, KENNEDY TOWN.

THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

-------0 -

/IB........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1935

- 18 -

NEW POLYCLINIC FOR KWUN TONG * * * *

TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW POLYCLINIC AT THE YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE AT CHA KWO LING ROAD, KWUN TONG.

THE NEW POLYCLINIC, TO BE KNOWN AS THE PAMELA YOUDE POLYCLINIC, WILL BE ON TwO EXTRA FLOORS ABOVE THE TWO-STOREY LOW BLOCK OF THE MEMORIAL CENTRE.

FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE AN OUT-PATIENT CLINIC, A SURGICAL-ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC, AN OBSTETRIC-GYNAECOLOGICAL CLINIC, AN EYE CLINIC, AN EAR, NOSE AND THROAT CLINIC, A DERMATOLOGICAL CLINIC, A RENAL DIALYSIS CENTRE, A PAEDIATRIC CLINIC, A CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE AND OTHER ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION.

WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN EARLY 1986 AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1987.

-----o------

SELECT COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW * * * *

THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ENDORSE TWO PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION.

THE AMENDMENTS ARE TO PROVIDE OFFICERS OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS WITH THE POWER CF ENTRY INTO SHIPYARDS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST MARINE LITTERING OFFENDERS AND TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES TO REFUSE THE TRANSFER OF PLACES OF AMUSEMENT LICENCES.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON TWO OTHER ISSUES, INCLUDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1986 LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS TO BE HELD IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS.

THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

-----0------

/19........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1935

- 19

COMMITTEE MEETINGS * * *

OPEN TO PUBLIC *

TWO COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE OPEN TO LOCAL RESIDENTS THIS WEEK.

ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 11), THE CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS FESTIVAL FOR 1986-87 AT 9.30 AM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) AT 4 PM AT THE SAME VENUE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH MEETINGS.

- 0

GAS CENTRE OPENING M * *

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, NEW SPECIAL GAS CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG OXYGEN COMPANY, AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, AT 3 (TUESDAY).

WILL OPEN THE AND ACETYLENE PM TOMORROW

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE WHICH WILL FOLLOW, AND TO TOUR THE

A SPECIAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE ONWARDS BETWEEN THE TAI PO STATION RAILWAY AND THE FACTORY.

CEREMONY, AND THE RECEPTION PLANT.

WILL OPERATE FROM 2 PM OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON

- 0

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

CHINESE EDITION OF REPORT RELEASED M * *

THE CHINESE EDITION OF HONG KONG NARCOTICS REPORT FOR 1984, ptiri irhfd BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (^AN), Is AVAILABLE AT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, ^LST^FLOOR, UNITED CENTRE, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

THE THE DRUG AGENC IES

.s 'sEHA?EPTsr v

ARE DOING TO COMBAT IT.

- - 0 - -

OPERATION AGAINST DANGEROUS GOODS * * *

THE

COMMAND OF DIVISIONAL COMMANDER TSANG KWONG-YU.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

TONG MEI ROAD BEFORE 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY/.

INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

- 0

WATER STORAGE F IGURE * * *

METRES.

TWIC TIMF LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 445.483 milliJ! cubic Hems of water, representing 76.0 per cent of CAPACITY.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1985

PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGES

* X * *

ROAD REPAIR WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD BETWEEN WYLIE ROAD AND THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER FROM 10 AM ON DECEMBER 12 (THURSDAY) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.

DURING THIS PERIOD, THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE REDUCED FROM THREE TO TWO LANES IN THE DAY-TIME AND AN ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANE

MAY ALSO BE CLOSED AT NIGHT.

-----0------

TAI PO RESTRICTED ZONES

XXX*

THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR YUEN CHAU TSAI, FROM A POINT 90 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KWONG WANG ROAD TO A POINT 130 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, AND THE SECTION J KWONG WANG ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TA’i PO ROAD AND A POINT 10 METRES NORTH OF SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY STARTING FROM 10 AM ON DECEMBER 12 (THURSDAY).

MOTOR VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.

-----o------

SAU MAU PING WATER CUT

XXX

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING ..ILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN SAU LAI STREET AND TAK WO STREET, INCLUDING BLOCKS NOS. 1 TO 17 OF SAU MAU PING ESTATE.

-----o------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

JI PENGFEI BEGINS HONG KONG VISIT ...................... 1

CMB CONTINUES PROGRESS, REPORT SAYS..................... 3

NEW ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY DRIVE LAUNCHED............... 4

JOINT EFFORT SEEN AS KEY TO GROWTH...................... 5

TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BECOMING MORE POPULAR.......... 6

TEN OFFICIAL MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT LEGCO DEBATE........... 7

LADY YOUDE VISITS SHA TIN .............................. 8

46 000 ALLOCATED PRIMARY ONE DISCRETIONARY PLACES....... 8

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ......................... 9

YUEN LONG PARKING METER DEPOT OPENS .................... 10

CLEARANCE OPERATION IN WAN CHAI ........................ 11

TSUEN WAN GROWTH SHOWN IN EXHIBITS ..................... 11

EXTRA $110 000 TO HELP GREEN HK......................... 12

YUEN LONG SEMINAR ON COWERCE, INDUSTRY ................. 12

CONSULTATIONS FOR DISTRICT RESIDENTS ................... 13

SURVEY ON CENTRAL, WESTERN DISTRICT .................... 14

SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEEH ..................... 14

MAINS LAYING TO IMPROVE TUEN MUN SUPPLY................. 15

KWAI CHUNG, FANNING TRAFFIC CHANGES .................... 15

01 KWAN ROAD RE-ROUTEING................................ 15

SALT WATER CUT ......................................... 15

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 198*

JI PENGFEI BEGINS HONG KONG VISIT

* * * *

CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, ARRIVED THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING FOR THE START OF HIS FOUR-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.

MR JI, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS DEPUTY, MR LI HOU, AND A PARTY OF SIX, WAS MET ON ARRIVAL FROM PEKING BY SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE.

IN A WRITTEN STATEMENT ISSUED AT THE AIRPORT, MR JI SAID: ♦AT THE INVITATION OF SIR EDWARD YOUDE, GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, AND THE FIVE HONGKONG-BASED VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE COMMITTEE FOR DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF HONG KONG OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, I AM VERY HAPPY TO VISIT HONG KONG ON THE EVE OF THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMAL SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.

♦DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE MET IN BEIJING QUITE A FEW FRIENDS FROM HONG KONG, WHO HAVE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT I COULD PAY A VISIT TO HONG KONG. I PERSONALLY SHARE THEIR IDEA.

♦THE MAIN PURPOSE OF MY CURRENT VISIT IS TO GAIN FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG, TO MEET OLD FRIENDS WHILE MAKING THE ACQUAINTANCE OF NEW FRIENDS, AND TO HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE OF ALL STRATA THEIR VIEWS ON THE MAINTENANCE OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG AND ON THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW. I BELIEVE THAT THIS VISIT WILL BE CONDUCIVE TO OUR DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG AND TO THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW.

♦IN CONCLUSION, I WISH TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY OF EXTENDING MY CORDIAL GREETINGS TO FRIENDS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND TO ALL THE COMPATRIOTS IN HONG KONG.+

ALSO PRESENT WERE THE DIRECTOR OF XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR XU JIATUN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, AND THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.

OTHERS FROM XINHUA NEWS AGENCY WHO MET MR JI WERE MR LI CHUWEN, fR ZHENG HUA, MR CHENG DAMING, MR CHEN BO IJI AN AND MR QIAO ZONGHUAI.

VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE WHO WERE PRESENT INCLUDED SIR YUE-KONG PAO, MR DAVID K.P. LI, MR T.K. ANN AND MR FEI YI-MIN.

/MH JIANG........

flHSSibu, DECEMBER '0, 1>85

MR JIANG WENGUI OF THE BANK OF CF CHINA RESOURCES CORPORATION WERE

CHINA AND MR ZHANG JIANHWA ALSO THERE TO GREET MR JI.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FOLLOWING IS THE PROGRAMME FOR MR Ji’S VISIT TOMORROW:

1. MEETING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

MR JI WILL ARRIVE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE FOR A MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR AT 10 AM. THERE WILL BE A FIXED POSITION OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE OF HIS ARRIVAL. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE GUARD ROOM OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 9.15 AM.

2. HELICOPTER TOUR

MR JI, ACCOMPANIED BY SIR EDWARD WILL BOARD A HELICOPTER FOR AN AIR VIEW OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AT 11 AM. THERE WILL BE A FIXED POSITION FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE OF THEM BOARDING THE HELICOPTER AT THE NORTH ARM OF HMS TAMAR. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE TO HMS TAMAR AT 10.15 AM.

3. LUNCH AT VICTORIA HOUSE

MR JI WILL ATTEND A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AT VICTORIA HOUSE AT 1 PM. THERE WILL BE A 10-MINUTE PHOTOCALL FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE OF HIM MEETING SIR DAVID AND OTHER GUESTS BEFORE LUNCH. PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE VICTORIA HOUSE AT 12.30 PM.

4. DINNER AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

MR JI WILL HAVE DINNER WITH THE GOVERNOR AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THE SAME EVENING. BECAUSE OF SPACE LIMITATIONS, POOL COVERAGE OF THE DINNER SPEECHES WILL BE PROVIDED BY GIS AND RTHK.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

CM3 CONTINUES PROGRESS, REPORT SAYS

*****

THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY CONTINUES TO MAKE STEADY PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE OUTSTANDING ITEMS Or THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORKING GROUP ON BUS MAINTENANCE.

ONE OF THESE IS THE RECRUITMENT OF A QUALIFIED ENGINEER. HE WILL 3E JOINING THE COMPANY IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR TO HEAD ITS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.

THIS WAS REVEALED IN THE SEVENTH PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPORT OF THE TAC WORKING GROUP ON CMB MAINTENANCE SUBMITTED AT A TAC MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE TAC NOTED THAT THE SAFETY STANDARD OF CMB BUSES, AS REVEALED FROM SPOT CHECKS, CONTINUED TO BE SATISFACTORY. THE NUMBER OF SAFETY DEFECTS PER BUS IN OCTOBER WAS 0.45 AS COMPARED TO 0.5 AND 0.6 IN SEPTEMBER AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE TAC EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE LOW LEVEL OF PENALTIES IN RECENT CASES OF BUS DEFECTS BROUGHT BEFORE MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

THP REPORT SHOWED THE MORALE OF CMB STAFF WAS GOOD. GOOD PROGRESS ALSO HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN CMB’S TRAINING PROGRAMME AND THE STANDARD OF WORK OF STAFF AT ALL LEVELS WAS GENERALLY MAINTAINED.

THE PROGRESS REPORT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE GENERAL STANDARD AND LEVEL OF CMB’S SERVICES HAD IMPROVED RECENTLY. THIS WAS REFLECTED IN THE DECREASES IN THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ON SERVICE INADEQUACIES AND BUS BREAKDOWNS.

THE TAC ALSO NOTED THAT CMB BUSES WERE GENERALLY CLEANER AND IN BETTER CONDITION AND THAT CMB MANAGEMENT WAS TAKING A MORE POSITIVE APPROACH IN TACKLING MISCONDUCT OF STAFF, IN PARTICULAR DRIVERS, TO IMPROVE SERVICE STANDARDS.

MEANWHILE, THE TAC EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE CMB WOULD SOON INFORM THE COMMITTEE OF THE RESULT OF THE ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT’S STUDY AND THAT THIS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED QUICKLY.

DEPOT RELOCATION

THE PROPOSAL BY HONGKONG TRAMWAYS (HKT) TO RELOCATE ITS TRAM DEPOT FROM SHARP STREET EAST TO TWO NEW SITES IN SHAU KEI WAN AND SAI YING PUN WAS SUPPORTED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY.

SUBJECT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL, THE MOVE SHOULD BE COMPL "ED BY MID-1937, FREEING THE SHARP STREET EAST SITE COR REDEVELOPMENT.

/ jx ........

.'UisUu^l, Uiliju'-uEii 10, 1^85

4 -

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ONE OF THE MAIN BENEFITS OF THE RELOCATION WOULD BE A FREEZE ON TRAM FARES UNTIL 1939 AS A RESULT OF A 7.5 PER CENT SAVING IN OPERATING COSTS. THE COMPANY SAID THIS SAVING COULD BE ACHIEVED BY REDUCED TRAM MILEAGE, REDUCED TRACK ’•'EAR AND FEWER OVERTIME PAYMENTS WHEN DEPOTS WERE PROVIDED AT EITHER END OF THE LINE, INSTEAD OF IN THE MIDDLE AS AT PRESENT.

IN ITS SUBMISSION INDICATED THAT SURPLUS STREET EAST SITE MIGHT FURTHER.

TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, HKT ALSO INCOME FROM REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SHARP DEFER THE NEED FOR A FARE INCREASE EVEN

FURTHERMORE, HKT HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO CHANNEL INCOME FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT TOWARDS IMPROVING THE TRAM SYSTEM OVER AND ABOVE THE CURRENT REFURBISHING PROGRAMME.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE THREE DISTRICT BOARDS AFFECTED HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO THE PROPOSAL, FOLLOWING ASSURANCES THAT MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE NOISE NUISANCE AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT THE NEW DEPOTS.

IN ADDITION, THE PREVIOUSLY DESIGNATED OPEN SPACE AT THE TWO NEW SITES WOULD BE MORE THAN COMPENSATED FOR BY USE OF ALTERNATIVE SITES. AT SAI YING PUN, THE 0.6 HECTARES ZONED FOR OPEN SPACE WOULD BE REPLACED BY FOUR HECTARES OF PARKLAND ABOUT 300 METRES TO THE EAST ALONG THE WESTERN RECLAMATION. AT SHAU KEI WAN, A MORE SUITABLE DISTRICT OPEN SPACE WOULD BE CREATED ON THE FUTURE ALDRICH BAY RECLAMATION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR HKT’S PERFORMANCE TO ENSURE THE PROMISED IMPROVEMENTS WERE CARRIED OUT AND FARES KEPT LOW.

NEW ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY DRIVE LAUNCHED *****

THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING DRIVE ENTERS A NEW PHASE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHEN A NEW PUBLICITY PACKAGE IS LAUNCHED TO URGE YOUNG PEOPLE NOT TO START SMOKING.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THAT THE NEW PACKAGE, IN THE FORM OF A 30-SEC0ND TELEVISION API (ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST) AND POSTER DISPLAYS, REFLECTS GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORT IN CAMPAIGNING AGAINST CIGARETTE SMOKING.

MOST OF THE PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN EFFORTS CONCENTRATED ON THE HEALTH HAZARDS SMOKERS ARE EXPOSED TO AND THE CONSEQUENTIAL RISKS AND DISCOMFORTS CAUSED TO NON-SMOKERS.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

+THE HARD-SELL APPROACH ACHIEVED THE OBJECTIVE OF AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE HEALTH PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING. TIME IS NOW RIPE TO ADOPT A LIGHTER APPROACH WHICH SHOULD APPEAL PARTICULARLY TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN ORDER TO PERSUADE THEM NOT TO START SMOKING,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

SIMPLE ANIMATION AND CARTOON DRAWINGS HAVE BEEN USED IN PRODUCING THE PUBLICITY ITEMS.

♦IT IS HOPED THAT THE TECHNIQUE WILL APPEAL TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION AND MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE BENEFITS OF NON-SMOKING IN TERMS OF BETTER HEALTH, APPEARANCE AND APPETITE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE NEW API WILL BE SCREENED ON ALL TELEVISION CHANNELS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

IN SUPPORT OF THE API, A NEW POSTER BEARING THE MESSAGE +DON’T START SMOKING — SMOKING TAINTS THE TASTE OF LIFE*, WILL BE DISPLAYED AT GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AS FROM TOMORROW.

NEW +DON’T START SMOKING* MESSAGES WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST ON THE RADIO.

- - 0

JOINT EFFORT SEEN AS KEY TO GROWTH X * * #

THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST 10 TO 15 YEARS WERE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR WORKING TOGETHER, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, TOLD A JOINT MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUBS THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.

HE WAS SPEAKING ON THE SUBJECTi +CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IN HONG KONG - COMBINING THE RESOURCES CF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.*

+IN THE AREAS OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT THE GOVERNMENT HAS ENCOURAGED THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PLAY TO THE LEADING ROLE,* HE SAID.

+A SHOWPIECE OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT IS THE CONTAINER PORT AT KWAI CHUNG AND AGREEMENT HAS RECENTLY BEEN REACHED WITH ONE OF THE OPERATORS ON THE TERMS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TERMINAL SIX.

*TW0 ADDITIONAL TERMINALS ARE ALSO PLANNED BETWEEN NO* AND THE MID-1990’S.*

MR CHAN SAID OTHER IMPRESSIVE EXAMPLES OF JOINT VENTURES BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE COMPANIES WERE EXCHANGE SQUARE AKD PHASE ONE OF THE HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.

/IN THS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1?85

IN THE TRANSPORT FIELD, SAID MR CHAN: +THE DECISION TO CONSTRUCT A SECOND SUBMERGED HARBOUR CROSSING IS PROVIDING ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN A PROJECT OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG'S INFRASTRUCTURE -

HE ALSO MENTIONED THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD A SUBSTANTIAL EQUITY AND THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY, FUNDED FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, AS EXAMPLES OF HOW HEAVY DEVELOPMENT COSTS HAD BEEN SHARED BETWEEN THE PUBLIC PURSE AND PRIVATE RESOURCES.

HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT HOUSING HAD BEEN THE LYNCH-PIN CF THE GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE PAST TWO DECADES.

SINCE THE SETTING UP OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN 1973, SOME $13 BILLION IN GRANTS AND LOANS HAD BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AND THE GOVERNMENT NOW HOUSED MORE THAN 2.5 mill ion people.

FOR THEIR PART, PRIVATE DEVELOPERS HAD MADE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE INCREASE IN HOUSING STOCK. DESPITE THE PROPERTY SLUMP THE LAST FEW YEARS HAD SEEN INVESTMENT IN SEVERAL VERY LARGE AND IMAGINATIVE PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS COMBINED WITH EXTENSIVt COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

MR CHAN CONCLUDED: *THE JUDICIOUS BLENDING OF RESOURCES OF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL AND, I AM CONFIDENT, WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.

♦THE PRESENT MOMENTUM OF DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE MAINTAINED TO THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND ALL wHO SHARE IN ITS PROSPERITY.*

--------o ---------

TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BECOMING MORE POPULAR * * * *

THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE TOLO HARBOUR HIGHWAY WHICH HAS DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE MAIN URBAN AREAS AND OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG OXYGEN AND ACETYLENE COMPANY’S NEW SPECIAL GAS CENTRE AT THE ESTATE, M? YAXLEY POINTED OUT THAT TAI PO WAS NOW A VERY CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES.

♦GIVEN THE CURRENT LEVEL OF INTEREST IN THE ESTATE, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE REMAINING AREAS WILL BE TAKEN UP RATHER QUICKLY,* HE SAID.

/MH YAXLEY .......

TUJouaY, :t 10, 1985

MR YAXLEY ADVISED INDUSTRIALISTS THINKING OF MOVING TO THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AREA OF TAI PO TO LOSE NO TIME »N CONTACTING THE MANAGEMENT TO REGISTER THEIR INTEREST.

t- IN PARTICULAR I RECOMMEND TO POTENTIAL INVESTORS THE CORPORATION’S NEW VENTURE IN SINGLE-STOREY PREFABRICATED STANDARD FACTORIES,* HE SAID.

OF THE 45 HECTARES CURRENTLY FORMED AT THE TAI PO ESTATE, 37 HECTARES HAVE BEEN LEASED LEAVING ONLY EIGHT HECTARES STILL AVAILABLE. AN ADDITIONAL 13 HECTARES IS BEING FORMED, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN 1987.

HONG KONG OXYGEN WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1962 AS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE BRITISH OXYGEN COMPANY LIMITED AND L’AIR L I QU I DE OF FRANCE TO MANUFACTURE A RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL GASES WHICH ARE WIDELY USED BY LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS.

IN THE NEW GAS CENTRE, MAJOR PRODUCTS WOULD INCLUDE HELIUM AND OTHER GASES REQUIRED FOR THE OFFSHORE OIL INDUSTRY IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, AND SPECIAL GAS MIXTURES FOR HOSPITALS, RESEARCH LABORATORIES AND TO SERVE THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY THE WAFER FABRICATION SECTOR.

OF HONG KONG OXYGEN’S SITE IN TAI PO, MR YAXLEY SAID IT WAS SPECIALLY SUITABLE SINCE A NUMBER OF ITS CUSTOMERS WOULD BE LOCATED THERE AND IT WOULD BE AN IDEAL DISTRIBUTION CENTRE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

TEN OFFICIAL MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT LEGCO DEBATE ******

TEN OFFICIAL MEMBERS, HEADED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BE SPEAKING WHEN DEBATE ON THE MOTION CF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS RESUMES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.

SIR DAVID WILL START THE DEBATE, AND WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE; THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO; THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO; THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON; THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS; THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON PANG YUK-LING; THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN; THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS.

SIR DAVID WILL ALSO BE WINDING UP THE DEBATE.

AT THE SAME MEETING, THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, WILL BE READ A SECOND TIME, BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, PRIOR TO ADJOURNMENT OF DEBATE ON IT.

/&.........

TUESDAY, DELlMjER . , 1935

LADY YOUDE VISITS SHA TIN * * *

LADY YOUDE TODAY VISITED SHA TIN TO SEE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

ACCOMPANIED BY SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR W.K. LAM, SHE FIRST TOURED THE NEW TOWN PLAZA WHERE SHE VISITED A WELL-KNO'a . BALLET SCHOOL.

THE PARTY THEN WENT TO KAU TO PAVILION WHERE LADY YOUDE WAS BRIEFED ON THE MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT. SHE WAS THEN TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE SHA TIN STADIUM AND THE JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.

THE NEXT STOP WAS THE LUNG HANG ESTATE, FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO THE CHE KUNG TEMPLE.

46 000 ALLOCATED PRIMARY ONE DISCRETIONARY PLACES

* * X *

ABOUT 46 000 CHILDREN WOULD BE OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AT GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR AND RESULTS OF THE ALLOCATION WOULD BE RELEASED BY ALL SUCH SCHOOLS ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13).

THE CHILDREN ARE AMONG MORE THAN 80 000 APPLICANTS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE UNDER THE POA SYSTEM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO RETURN TO THE SCHOOL AT WHICH THEY APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE ON FRIDAY TO FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS.

OPENING HOURS FOR THESE SCHOOLS ON THAT DAY ARE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14), SCHOOLS WOULD BE OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON.

REGISTRATION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WOULD TAKE PLACE NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 16) AND TUESDAY (DECEMBER 17) DURING SCHOOL HOURS.

PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A PLACE ARE ADV I Seb TO NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND ALL REQUIREMENTS BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS.

ITEMS TO BE BROUGHT ALONG INCLUDE THE PARENT’S COPY OF THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION APPLICATION FORM, AND THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS CF THE CHILDS AS REQUIRED BY THE SCHOOLS.

/rfSGisramoN or.......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

- 9 -

REGISTRATION OF THE CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WOULD BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENT.

PARENTS WHO FAIL TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH THE SCHOOL WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TWO-DAY PERIOD FOR PERSONAL REASONS SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED OR THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON TELEPHONE 5-724383 TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT FAILING THAT, THEY WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE OFFERED TO THEM.

UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL COULD ACCEPT CHILDREN TO FILL UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 65 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL PRIMARY ONE PLACES AS DISCRETIONARY PLACES WHILE THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT WOULD BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT A LATER STAGE.

♦AS SOME SCHOOLS ARE OVERSUBSCRIBED FOR THEIR DISCRETIONARY PLACES, A NUMBER OF CHILDREN HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR APPLICATION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PARENTS OF THOSE CHILDREN. HE ADDED, NEED NOT WORRY BECAUSE THE DEPARTMENT WOULD INFORM THEM TOGETHER WITH THOSE PARENTS WHO HAD NOT APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE INDIVIDUALLY BY LETTER SOME TIME NEXT MARCH TO GO TO A DISTRIBUTION OR COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT TO OBTAIN A 'CHOICE OF SCHOOLS’ FORM AND A LIST OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL THEN ALLOCATE A PRIMARY ONE PLACE TO CHILDREN WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT ACCORDING TO THE PARENTS’ CHOICES AND DETAILED PROCEDURE OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WOULD BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

- 0 ----------

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

THIRTY-FIVE SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE OFFERED FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:

AL1623 DE6789 DG1689 DH3345 DD79

BK2 BG120 7788 DH180 DG9008

DG120 DG229 DG288 DF888 BB7960

/DF9333 .......

TUESMY, OffiEMBEB 10, 1985

10 -

DF9333 DF1 DG990 DG5328 DG8388

CC5 DG628 DG3345 DH380 DF100

DG6090 DG338 DG188 DG1 DH310

DG118 BL820 DD14 DG948 AC1999

PAYMENT MUST BE IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL, AS USUAL, GO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE AUCTION WILL BE THE 101ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

--------0-----------

YUEN LONG PARKING METER DEPOT OPENS * * *

DEPOT WAS OPENED DISTRICT BOARD’S

THE YUEN LONG PARKING METER MAINTENANCE TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF YUEN LONG TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR MAN FOR-TAI AND THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (NEW TERRITORIES), MR RICHARD

l€AK IN.

THE DEPOT WOULD MAINLY SERVICING OF PARKING METERS CF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

HANDLE URGENT REPAIR AND ROUTINE INSTALLED IN THE NORTH-WESTERN PART

SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE POLICY OF

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT _ ....... . _ _

THE DEPARTMENT WAS TO PROVIDE MORE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ALLOWED AND WHERE DEMAND WAS HIGH, THE USE OF THE SPACES WAS REGULATED BY METERS.

AT PRESENT, THERE WERE 796 METERS IN TUEN MUN, AND THE DEPARTMENT WAS PLANNING ANOTHER 34 PARKING METERS IN YUEN LONG BY ADDED.

A TOTAL OF 2 958 PARKING METERS HAVE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

YUEN LONG AND 450 IN TO INSTALL

THE END OF THIS YEAR,

BEEN INSTALLED IN VARIOUS

/11 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

CLEARANCE OPERATION IN WAN CHAI * * * *

ELEVEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE REAR LANE OF TAI WONG STREET EAST IN WAN CHAI WERE REMOVED IN A CLEARANCE OPERATION THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.

FIVE OF THE STRUCTURES WERE FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND THE REST FOR STORAGE.

SEVEN PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED, FIVE OF WHOM HAVE BEEN RE-HOUSED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OR HOSTELS. TWO WERE FOUND TO BE INELIGIBLE FOR RE-HOUSING.

TODAY’S OPERATION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.

IT WAS ALSO THE THIRD CLEARANCE OPERATION CARRIED OUT THIS YEAR TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.

-----o------

TSUEN WAN GROWTH SHOWN IN EXHIBITS

* * * *

DEVELOPMENTS IN TSUEN wAN wILL BE ILLUSTRATED THROUGH MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND CHINESE PAINTINGS AT EXHIBITIONS TO BE HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL FROM TOMORROW TO SUNDAY.

THE EXHIBITIONS, ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, ARE PART OF THE BOARD’S YEAR-END ACTIVITIES.

SOME 50 CHINESE PAINTINGS BY LOCAL ARTISTS FEATURING LANDSCAPE, SCENERIES AND STREET SCENES OF TSUEN WAN, WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF THE TOWN HALL.

AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU- THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN- AND THE KwAI CHUNb AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING, OFFICIATING.

ANOTHER EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE TO SHOW THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN SINCE THE 195O’S WILL BE HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL MAIN FOYER.

PHOTOGRAPHS, STATIC MODELS, MAPS AND DIAGRAMS WILL ILLUSTRATE PAST EVENTS LEADING TO THE BUILDING UP OF THE PRESENT TSUEN WAN

NE w TOWN.

/THE OPENING........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE PERFORMED £ ™ P^J!CZ MANAGER 0F THE TSUEN NEW TOWN DEVELO^ENT C^’ DR £,G’ PRY0R AND THE chairmen of the tsuen wan and KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARDS AT 2.45 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE TwO EXHIBITIONS TO BE HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

--------0 - -

EXTRA $110 000 TO HELP GREEN HK X X X

THE URBAN COUNCIL’S 11 NURSERIES, ALBEIT VERY PRODUCTIVE, STILL FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO COPE WITH THE EVER-INCREASING +GREENING+ ACTIVITIES IN THE URBAN AREAS.

TO FURTHER ENRICH HONG KONG’S +GREEN LOOK,* THE COUNCIL’S TENDER BOARD APPROVED AT ITS LAST MEETING TENDERS FROM 13 COMMERCIAL NURSERIES TO SUPPLY MORE THAN 6 900 PLANTS OF 66 DIFFERENT TYPES AT A TOTAL COST OF $110 900.

♦THIS IS A COMPARATIVELY SMALL CONTRIBUTION TO THE BEAUTIFICATION OF HONG KONG,+ SAID AN URBAN COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY.

♦THE TARGET PRODUCTION OF THE 11 NURSERIES THIS YEAR IS ABOUT ONE MILLION TREES, SHRUBS, CLIMBING PLANTS, GROUND COVER PLANTS AND SEASONAL FLOWERS.*

-----0------

YUEN LONG SEMINAR ON COMMERCE, INDUSTRY * * *

A SEMINAR ON COMMERCE LONG ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER PROMOTE THEIR BUSINESS AND

AND INDUSTRY WILL BE HELD IN YUEN 12) TO HELP LOCAL MANUFACTURERS INVITE INVESTMENT TO THE DISTRICT.

THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND HONG KONG PRODUCT!V.TY COUNCIL, WILL START AT 2.15 PM WITH AN ADDRESS BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR TAI CHIN—wAH, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD'S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE.

/CTHcS SPmKEBS......

?UES^.'t, DECEMBER 10, 1^85

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, WHO WILL'TALK ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN YUEN LONG* THE MANAGER OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR LAU YIN-CHUEN, WHO WILL TALK ABOUT THE COUNCIL’S WORK AND HOW IT HELPS MANUFACTURERS; THE MANAGER OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CORPORATION, MR LEUNG KAM-PUI, WHO WILL SPEAK ABOUT THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE; AND THE SENIOR CONSULTANT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, MR ANDY NG, WHO WILL TALK ABOUT VARIOUS SERVICES THE COUNCIL PROVIDES TO THE MEDIUM AND SMALL-SIZED MANUFACTURERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ♦INDUSTRI AL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN YUEN LONG+ SEMINAR AT 2 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) FUNCTION HALL IN THE CLUB HOUSE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICi ASSOCIATION, TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

AT THE

SPORTS

--------0

CONSULTATIONS FOR DISTRICT RESIDENTS *****

A SERIES OF CONSULTATION FORUMS BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TO MEET THE COMMUNITY ON VARIOUS TOPICS WILL START TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE BOARD WILL USE THE FORUMS TO EXPLAIN ITS POLICIES AND IN RETURN INVITE VIEWS AND COMMENTS.

THE FIRST IN THE SERIES WILL BE A SCHOOL PRINCIPALS CONFERENCE AT WHICH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ARE INVITED TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON WIDE-RANGING ISSUES AFFECTING EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS TO DISCUSS CRIMINAL ELEMENTS AFFECTING STUDENTS.

IT WILL BE HELD IN THE CUTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

0---------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

- 14 -

SURVEY ON CENTRAL, WESTERN DISTRICT *****

A SURVERY WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM THIS WEEKEND (DECEMBER 14) TO FIND OUT COMMUNITY NEEDS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT AND RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS COMMISSIONED THE SURVEY RESEARCH HONG KONG LIMITED (SRH) TO UNDERTAKE THE TWO-WEEK SURVEY.

THE SURVEY WILL INCLUDE THE IDENTIFYING OF THE PRIORITIES CF THE COMMUNITY NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT WITH REFERENCE TO CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, TRANSPORT AND THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME.

THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD IN EARLY 1986.

- 0 ----------

SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * *

THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS SECOND MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

IT WILL DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF RECREATION AND AMENITIES FACILITIES ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER PROMENADES IN SHA TIN AND THE ORGANISING OF CULTURAL, SPORTS AND RECREATION PROGRAMMES BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1986.

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DECIDE ON THE NAMING OF THE CENTRAL LIBRARY AT THE SHA TIN CULTURAL COMPLEX.

THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTISTOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1985

- 15 -

MAINS LAYING TO IMPROVE TUEN MUN SUPPLY * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF 1 500 METRES OF FRESH AND SALT WATER MAINS IN TUEN HJN.

WITH DIAMETERS RANGING FROM 150 MM TO 600 MM, THE MAINS FORM PART OF THE SCHEME TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND LEUNG TIN ESTATE.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN A YEAR’S TIME.

0 - -

KWAI CHUNG, FANLING TRAFFIC CHANGES

* X * *

A SECTION OF ABOUT 90 METRES OF TAI WO HAU ROAD OUTSIDE BLOCK 25 OF KWAI CHUNG ESTATE WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.

ON THE SAME DAY. JOCKEY CLUB ROAD BETWEEN SAN FUNG AVENUE AND FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.

MOTORISTS MAY USE THE NEW ROAD PARALLEL TO JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.

------3 -----------

01 KWAN ROAD RF-ROUTEING * * *

01 KWAN ROAD IN WAN CHAI WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE 0 FACILITATE THE PO LEUNG KUK 19 DI STR ICTS AMATEUR SI NG I NG ONTEST TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM FROM 5.45 PM TO 11 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13).

AT THE SAME TIME, METERED PARKING SPACES ON 01 KWAN ROAD OPPOSITE THE STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED.

--------o -

SALT WATER CUT

W * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN HUNG HOM AND "0 KWA WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND 9 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12).

THIS IS TO FACILITATE MAINS WORK IN THE AREA.

----.0--------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;

PEOPLE'S SUPPORT URGED IN GOVERNING OF HONG KONG........ 1

SIR JOHN SERS BALANCE IN PUBLIC FINANCES................ 4

'GLOOM OVER DECLINING EXPORTS NOT JUSTIFIED' ........... 7

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TAKES BIG STEP FORWARD.......... 9

PLANS FOR NEW VALIDATING BODY BEING FINALISED .......... 11

VIEWS TO BE SOUGHT ON MEDICAL SERVICES REVIEW .......... 16

FREE LAND, LONG-TERM LOANS FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY........ 19

STEPS TO IMPROVE CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS CONSIDERED...... 21

BUS OPERATIONS UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY..................... 24

+NO EFFORT SPARED ON PASSPORT ISSUE)- .................. 26

'CORRECT BALANCE' SOUGHT IN DEBATES .................... 29

BILL SEEKS TO CLARIFY IRISH QUALIFICATION .............. 30

SIR EDWARD HOSTS DINNER FOR JI PENGFEI .................... 31

DISCUSSION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE............................. 34

GOVERNMENT HOUSE MEETING FOR JI PENGFEI ................... 34

JI PENGFEI ATTENDS VICTORIA HOUSE LUNCH ................... 35

DECISION ON ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING POSTPONED ............. 35

PRUDENT BUDGETARY POLICY TO CONTINUE....................... 36

PENALTIES FOR TV STATIONS ................................. 38

SAFETY CAMPAIGN CLOSES WITH TRIBUTE TO LIFEGUARDS.......... 39

MONG KOK BOARD TO DISCUSS HaWKER SURVEY.................... 39

RECREATION ..FACILITIES, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR SHA TIN .. 40

FOUR SITES TO BE SOLD aT AUCTION .......................... 41

SITES OFFERED FOR SHORT-TERM LEASE......................... 42

DETAILS ON TAI PO FESTIVAL ................................ 42

BOARD MEMBERS BRIEF INDUSTRIALISTS......................... 43

DETAILS ON CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ....................... 43

PROPER STAIRWAY FOR HO MAN TIN RESIDENTS .................. 44

SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY ..................................... 44

POK FU LAM, SHEUNG WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES .................... 45

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

PEOPLE'S SUPPORT URGED IN GOVERNING OF HONG KONG * ft * ft

THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO GOVERNING HONG KONG EFFECTIVELY WITH THE LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF HONG KONG IN MIND, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN DOING SO, IT WOULD REQUIRE THE UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT CF THE PEOPLE, HE ADDED, IN MAKING THE OPENING SPEECH IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON A MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS.

AND SPEAKING OF THE WORK OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE COUNCIL HAD TO DEVELOP ITS OWN NEW STYLE OF WORK TO REFLECT. NEW RESPONSIBILITIES CREATED BY AN INCREASED NUMBER OF MEMBERS AND BY THE DIFFERENT REPRESENTATIVE CHARACTER BUILT INTO THE NEW COUNCIL.

+WE NEED TIME TO EVOLVE AND ADJUST BEFORE WE CAN EVALUATE THE SYSTEM AND COME TO HARD AND FAST CONCLUSIONS ABOUT IT. THIS IS THE METHOD WE HAVE USED DURING THE PAST 17 YEARS, FIRST, MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE ACCESSIBLE IN THE DISTRICTS, THEN CREATING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES FOLLOWED BY AREA COMMITTEES, DISTRICT BOARDS, ELECTIONS TO DISTRICT BOARDS, AND LASTLY, ELECTIONS TO THIS COUNCIL.

♦ IT HAS BEEN A PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND AT EACH STEP WE HAVE LEFT AN INTERVAL TO LET THE CHANGES CONSOLIDATE AND TO ALLOW TIME FOR EVALUATION BEFORE TAKING THE NEXT STEP,+ HE SAID.

♦ THUS, WHILE NOTING THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS THAT MEMBERS HAVE MADE, IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, WE SHOULD NOT PRONOUNCE ON THESE IDEAS UNTIL THE 1987 REVIEW, BUT SHOULD CONTINUE PROGRESSIVELY TO EVALUATE THE WORKING OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM AT ALL LEVELS.

♦ AND IN DOING SO, IF I CAN ECHO YOUR WORDS, SIR, WE SHOULD BE CONFIDENT THAT ON fHESE FOUNDATIONS A FRAMEWORK OF ENDURING INSTITUTIONS CAN BE CONSTRUCTED, WHICH WILL ENJOY THE CONFIDENCE CF THE PEOPLE AND MAINTAIN OUR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.♦

THE MOTION OF THANKS, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT, WAS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S EVALUATION OF THE POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND PERFORMANCE CF THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE PAST YEAR, AND FOR HIS ENUNCIATION OF THE MEASURES IN HAND TO ENSURE, SO FAR AS WAS HUMANLY POSSIBLE, ♦THAT WE CONTINUE TO GET OUR PRIORITIES RIGHT, CONTINUE TO MAKE PROGRESS ON THOSE PRIORITIES, AND IN SO DOING MAKE CERTAIN THE GOOD GOVERNMENT AND STABILITY OF HONG KONGj AND, NOT ONLY MAINTAIN, BJT INCREASE AND EXTEND ITS PROSPERITY.+

SIR DAVID ALSO THANKED MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, FOR THE TIME AND EFFORT THEY HAD DEVOTED TO STUDYING THOSE PLANS AND PROPOSALS, AND FOR THEIR +PERCEPTIVE AND USEFUL COMMENTS AND ADV ICE.+

/SP24KING OF........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 19^5

SPEAKING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, HE SAID IT WAS AN EVENT WHICH OPENED A NEW CHAPTER IN THE LIFE OF HONG KONG AND LIFTED THE VEIL OF UNCERTAINTY, WHICH WAS ALREADY BEGINNING TO CLOUD LONG-TERM PRIVATE PLANNING AND INVESTMENT.

+HAD THAT AGREEMENT NOT BEEN CONCLUDED HONG KONG WOULD BE A VERY DIFFERENT PLACE TODAY.

♦ IN RESPONSE, THEREFORE, TO THE MANY VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS ON THE NEXT STEPS WE SHOULD TAKE IN REFORMING THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT I WOULD, LET US, AT A DISTRICT LEVEL, SEE HOW THE NEW DISTRICT BOARDS PERFORM AND DEVELOP THEIR FUNCTIONS, AND HOW THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE TWO REGIONAL COUNCILS EVOLVES.

♦ WE SHOULD DO THIS IF ONLY BECAUSE THE FACE OF HONG KONG IS CHANGING AT AN ASTONISHING PACE,+ SIR DAVID SAID.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING PLANS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD PROVIDE NEW HOMES FOR WELL OVER A MILLION PEOPLE. THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD NEED TO ADJUST TO THESE MAJOR SHIFTS IN POPULATION AND THE CHANGING URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND TO ADAPT THEIR ORGANISATIONS TO RESPOND WITH SENSITIVITY, NOT ONLY TO THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE BUT TO THEIR CHANGING NEfos AND ASPIRATIONS AND TO SHIFTING SOCIAL PRESSURES, SIR DAVID SAID.

♦ HOW THEY SET ABOUT AND ACCOMPLISH THIS TASK WILL HAVE A DIRECT BEARING ON HOW THE BOARDS AND THE COUNCILS EVOLVE AND CONTRIBUTE TO BUILDING THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT.

♦ BUT WE CANNOT PRONOUNCE ON THIS NOW BEFORE THE PROCESS HAS HARDLY BEGUN,+ SIR DAVID SAID.

ON THE SUGGESTION THAT SELECT OR STANDING COMMITTEES SHOULD BE APPOINTED FOR SPECIFIC AREAS OF WORK, HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS READY AND WILLING TO CONSIDER ANY PROPOSALS. A GOOD START HAD, MEANWHILE, BEEN MADE BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TWO SELECT COMMITTEES IN THIS SESSION.

AS FOR PROPOSALS FOR A REVIEW OF THE STANDING ORDERS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY COMMITTED ITSELF TO SUCH A REVIEW IN THE COUNCIL IN JULY THIS YEAR, AND HE FELT IT WOULD BE A SUITABLE TASK FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF ANOTHER SELECT COMMITTEE.

WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, THE POLICY OF LOCALISATION WHICH HAD BEGUN MANY YEARS AGO, WOULD CONTINUE, HAVING NOW, AS ONE OF ITS AIMS, THE NEED GRADUALLY TO ALIGN THE SERVICE WITH THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. HE ALSO NOTED A REMINDER THAT IN THE PROCESS THE EFFICIENCY AND THE MORALE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE MUST NOT BE JEOPARDISED.

HAND IN HAND WITH THE LOCALISATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, INCREASING USE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS WOULD BE A NATURAL PROGRESSION, HE SAID.

/THE GOVEHNMENT, .......

WEDNESDAY, DBCQiBEH 11, 1985

THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, WAS DRAWING UP A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR DEVELOPING A BILINGUAL AND BILITERATE CIVIL SERVICE BEFORE 1997.

WITH REGARD TO THE PROPOSAL FOR CONSULTATION WITH THE PUBLIC ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INSTITUTION TO ENQUIRE, ON AN INDEPENDENT BASIS, INTO COMPLAINTS ALLEGING MALADMINISTRATION BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID A WORKING PARTY CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, WAS CHARGED WITH REVIEWING ALL AVENUES CF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL.

SIR DAVID SAID ALSO THAT THE ADMINISTRATION’S WORKING PARTY ON LEGAL AID WAS NEARING THE END OF ITS TASK, AND HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE PRINCIPLE THAT LEGAL AID SHOULD BE INDEPENDENTLY ADMINISTERED, AS MENTIONED BY UNOFFICIALS, WAS ENDORSED BY THE WORKING PARTY.

♦WHETHER IT IS APPROPRIATE IN HONG KONG FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION OR AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER LEGAL AID, REMAINS OPEN FOR DISCUSSION. WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO LIVELY DISCUSSION ON THIS ASPECT OF THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID THAT THE CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT THE COOPERATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS AND THE INVALUABLE SUPPORT AND ADVICE OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK.

SIR DAVID REITERATED THAT THERE WAS NO INTENTION TO FORGET THE ROLE OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK NOR TO IGNORE THE VALUABLE PART IT HAD PLAYED OVER THE YEARS.

SPEAKING OF THE CALL FOR A POLICY TO ENCOURAGE THE CULTIVATION CF FALLOW ARABLE LAND, HE SAID IT COULD NOT BE DONE UNLESS THE LANDOWNERS, WHO FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER WERE NOT FARMING THEIR LAND, WERE PREPARED TO LEASE OR SELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO WOULD.

THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, DID WHAT IT COULD THROUGH SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

AS FOR THE CALL FOR MORE ATTENTION TO BE PAID TO WELFARE NEEDS, SIR DAVID SAID MUCH PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE, AND HONG KONG HAD BECOME A MUCH MORE CARING SOCIETY.

MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE AND WOULD BE DONE. HOWEVER, MUCH OF THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG DEPENDED ON VOLUNTARY EFFORT AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND HE WOULD BE AVERSE TO ANY WEAKENING OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND ADVERSE TO INCREASED DIRECT INTERVENTION BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT THERE WERE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIALOGUE AND EXCHANGE OF VIEWS, SIR DAVID SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO CONTINUING DISCUSSION AND DEBATE BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CHAMBER.

/4........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1935

SIR JOHN SEES BALANCE * * *

IN PUBLIC FINANCES *

NEX YEAR, GIVEN NO UNEXPECTED SHOCK, HONG KONG WILL RETURN TO EQUILIBRIUM IN ITS PUBLIC FINANCES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

AND PROVIDED THEREAFTER THAT OVER A PERIOD INCREASES IN PERCENTAGE TERMS IN REAL EXPENDITURE DID NOT EXCEED THE GROWTH RATE OF GDP, HE COULD SEE NO REASON FOR FURTHER INCREASES IN TAXATION AS OPPOSED TO MERELY KEEPING UP WITH INFLATION, HE ADDED.

♦CONSEQUENTLY, IN SIMPLE WORDS DIFFERENT ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE CAN BE VARIED LIKE DIFFERENT SIZED SLICES OF THE TOTAL PREDETERMINED EXPENDITURE CAKE. SO CAN INDIVIDUAL ITEMS OF REVENUE (INCLUDING . TAXES) PROVIDED AGAIN THAT THE DIFFERENT SIZED SLICES DO NOT EXCEED THE SIZE OF THAT CAKE.

♦OF COURSE NONE OF THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT DEFICITS OR NEW TAXES IF A MAJORITY SEEK MAJOR AND EXPENSIVE NEW SOCIAL AND OTHER RECURRENT PROGRAMMES,♦ SIR JOHN SAID.

HE REMAINED CONVINCED, SIR JOHN SAID, THAT IN VIEW PARTICULARLY OF HONG KONG’S EXPOSED POSITION. CONTINUING CONTROL OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE MERITED TOP PRIORITY.

♦IT IS NOW DOWN FROM 19 PER CENT TO UNDER 16 PER CENT OF GDP. SIMULTANEOUSLY, OUR ENTREPRENEURS MUST CONTINUE TO BE ENCOURAGED BY MINIMUM GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION, BY MAXIMUM RELIANCE ON MARKET FORCES AND BY THE LOWEST POSSIBLE DIRECT TAXATION,* SIR JOHN SAID.

SIR JOHN SAID ALSO THAT NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS WOULD EE SUPPORTED BY A COMPREHENSIVE FIVE-YEAR MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST. IT WOULD BE ONLY A PLANNING TOOL, BUT WOULD SHOW ALL ANTICIPATED REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES PLUS MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS.

DEALING WITH THE EMPHASIS PLACED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION IN FINANCIAL AFFAIRS, AND THE NEED TO THIS END FOR PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT IN VARIOUS ORDINANCES AND OTHER AREAS, SIR JOHN SAID HE WAS +WHOLLY IN SYMPATHY* WITH ALL THE POINTS RAISED AND WELCOMED THE SPUR THEY WOULD ADD TO THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS.

SIR JOHN SAID THAT WHILE THE +RAPIDLY CHANGING* ECONOMIC SCENE IN HONG KONG EMPHASISED THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF THE IMPORTANT SERVICES SECTOR, IT STILL REMAINED TRUE THAT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WAS VITAL TO HONG KONG.

ON THE QUESTION OF THE FORMATION OF A TRUE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT, WITH THE FULL SUPPORT.OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, WAS MOVING AS FAST AS IT COULD.

/EXPRESSING HIS .......

.'.^SSDaY, WEMbSR 11, 1985

EXPRESSING HIS SYMPATHY FOR THE CALL FOR SIMPLER TAXATION LEGISLATION, SIR JOHN SAID THAT THERE WAS ALSO A PRESSING NEED TO SUPPORT THE REVENUE.

+WE RAISE TAXES OF NECESSITY, NOT OUT OF JOIE DE VIVRE.

THERE MUST NOT ARISE A FEELING THAT THE RICH AND ADVANTAGED HAVE AN UNFAIR INNER EDGE IN ASSESSMENT OF PROFITS TAX. MOREOVER COMPLICATION IN TAX LEGISLATION IS IN THE MAJORITY OF CASES OCCASIONED BY THE NEED TO PROTECT WHAT IS PROJECTED AS THE SIMPLE TAX PAYER FROM THE TIGERISH INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT. IN FACT THESE ROLES ARE FREQUENTLY REVERSED,♦ SIR JOHN SAID.

THERE WAS A NEED TO FIND A MIDDLE GROUND IN THIS AREA THAT WAS SO BASED ON SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT, SIR JOHN SAID.

♦FEW ISSUES ARE BLACK OR WHITE — SHADES OF DULL GREY PREVAIL. I SHALL HAVE MORE TO SAY WHEN I INTRODUCE A MODIFIED TAX AVOIDANCE BILL. BUT LET ME NOW EXPRESS PUBLICLY MY APPRECIATION FOR THE ADVICE AND SUPPORT OF THE UMELCO AD HOC GROUP, WHO HAVE SPENT SO MUCH TIME ON THE DRAFT LEGISLATION,♦ HE SAID.

ON THE CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE HIGH COST OF INVESTIGATING COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES AND CRIMES, HE SAID THAT CONTROL WAS CLEARLY NEEDED. THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES WERE NOW WORKING ON A STUDY ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT WITHIN THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES CF A UNIT TO CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIONS EITHER ALONE OR IN SUPPORT CF INSPECTORS APPOINTED UNDER LEGISLATION.

WITH REGARD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A VENTURE CAPITAL MARKET, HE SAID HE WOULD BE ASKING THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH TO TAKE THIS UP WITH THE HON KIM CHAM AND THE SECURITIES COMMISSION.

ON THE CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT RISING PROPERTY VALUES ATTENDED BY GROWING SPECULATION, HE SAID IT WOULD BE +FOOLISH, INDEED, TO HAVE LEARNED NOTHING FROM THE SHAMING, INDEED DANGEROUS, EVENTS OF 1981-82, WHEN OF COURSE THERE WERE MANY FACTORS INVOLVED OTHER THAN JUST SPECULAT ION.+

THE GOVERNMENT HAD JUST RECENTLY COMPLETED A STUDY OF THE CURRENT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET, AND WAS WATCHING THE SITUATION CLOSELY, HE SAID.

AT THE MOMENT THERE APPEARED TO BE LITTLE REAL PROBLEM NOR WERE THERE SIGNS OF IMMINENT DANGER, HE SAID. AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS ANXIOUS NOT TO DISCOURAGE SOUND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT.

EXPRESSING HIS INTEREST IN THE +CONSTRUCTIVE PROPOSALS FOR A NEW APPROACH TO THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS,+ SIR JOHN SAID THE MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSALS WOULD BE DEALT WITH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE.

/as financial .......

.. UliSW, 11, 1/-j

6 -

AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY, HE SAID, HE COULD NOT COMMENT ON THE TAX IMPLICATIONS UNTIL THEY COULD BE QUANTIFIED IN CASH TERMS. EXTREME CAUTION WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE WORLD WAS LITTERED WITH DECENT PUBLIC MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEMES, THE MATHEMATICS OF WHICH HAD PROVED UNSOUND.

♦THERE IS, I SUGGEST, LITTLE FISCAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COSTLY NEW SCHEME AND ONE WHICH REQUIRES MAJOR TAX ABATEMENT FOR A PRIVILEGED NUMBER. WE NEED TO SEE THE TOTAL PLUSES AND MINUSES. AS A GENERAL OBSERVATION, IN A LOW TAX ADMINISTRATION LIKE HONG KONG THERE IS NOT MUCH SCOPE FOR MORE THAN A FEW SPECIAL TAX PRIVILEGES OR CONCESSIONS,+ HE SAID.

AS FOR POSSIBLE BANKING REFORMS, SIR JOHN SAID HE SHARED THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE — THE ENHANCEMENT OF HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AND STANDING AS ONE OF THE MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES OF THE WORLD.

EXPRESSING PLEASURE AT THE UNOFFICIALS’ AGREEMENT THAT IT WAS. AND REMAINED, THE RIGHT DECISION TO LINK THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR, HE SAID t +NOTHING IS PERFECT- BUT THE LINK IS WORKING WELL AND I HAVE NO INTENTION OF CHANGING IT.+

ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THERE WAS NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING HAD ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO IMPLEMENT ANY REFORMS TO PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION THAT MIGHT BE PUT TO, AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL, HE SAID IT HAD TO BE RECOGNISED THAT IT WOULD TAKE TIME TO BUILD UP THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE — A FACTOR WHICH PLAYED A PART IN THE INTENTION TO PHASE IN ANY NEW ARRANGEMENTS OVER A SIGNIFICANT PERIOD OF TIME.

ON THE QUESTION OF THE PROVISION OF LIQUIDITY TO THE BANKING SYSTEM, HE SAID ARRANGEMENTS EXISTED WHEREBY THE LARGER BANKS WOULD IN CASE OF NEED ASSIST SOUNDLY MANAGED SMALLER BANKS WHICH HAD TEMPORARY LIQUIDITY PROBLEMS.

IF FOR SOME REASON THE LARGER BANKS WERE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSIST IN A PARTICULAR INSTANCE, IT WAS ALWAYS OPEN TO AN INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTION TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION WITH THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS.

IF THE MATTER STILL COULD NOT BE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED, HE WOULD BE PREPARED TO CONSIDER ASSISTANCE BY THE EXCHANGE FUND, PROVIDED THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE SUCH AS TO PERMIT USE OF THE FUND’S RESOURCES. BUT IT MUST NOT BE ASSUMED THAT THE AUTHORITIES WOULD RESCUE A BANK OR ITS SHAREHOLDERS FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF STUPIDITY, MISMANAGEMENT OR FRAUD, HE SAID.

♦OUR INTEREST IS IN THE PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE SYSTEM. IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT PUBLIC MONEY CANNOT BE ENTRUSTED TO INCOMPETENT OR FRAUDULENT MANAGERS. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXCHANGE FUND, A RESPONSIBILITY WHICH I TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY INDEED,♦ SIR JOHN SAID.

/as foh

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

AS FOR THE SUGGESTION TO ALLOW LIMITED SERVICE BANKS TO OPERATE IN HONG KONG SUBJECT TO MINIMAL SUPERVISION AND REGULATION, HE SAID THERE WAS HEAVY OPPOSITION TO THIS PROPOSAL, BUT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE RE-EXAMINING IT.

+BUT I FEEL IT IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE BANKING SYSTEM IS FIRST ALLOWED PROPER TIME TO DIGEST THE MAJOR NEW LEGISLATION, WHICH WILL SHORTLY BE ANNOUNCED, BEFORE WE SEEK TO INTRODUCE ANY FURTHER CHANGES.

+NOR WILL WE DO SO WITHOUT A GENERAL IF NOT TOTAL CONSENSUS,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

EXPRESSING +UNDERSTANDING+ OF THE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS THAT THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD BE FACING, SIR JOHN SAID HE DID NOT INTEND TO SAY MORE NOW, AS HE WOULD LATER BE ADDRESSING THE RATES QUESTION SEPARATELY IN THE COUNCIL.

- - 0 - -

’GLOOM OVER DECLINING EXPORTS NOT JUSTIFIED’ ******

EXCESSIVE GLOOM OVER THE RECENT DECLINE IN HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS v<AS NOT JUSTIFIED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING ADDRESS, MR HO POINTED OUT THAT SUCH DECLINE HAD BEEN MEASURED AGAINST THE EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD YEAR OF 1984.

+ INDEED, WHEN COMPARED WITH 1983, WHICH IN ITSELF WAS ALSO A GOOD YEAR WITH SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN TRADE, THE VALUE OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1985 HAS REGISTERED GROWTH OF OVER 30 PER CENT.*

MR HO SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID HAVE A CONSCIOUS POLICY TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND THAT IT HAD TAKEN NECESSARY MEASURES TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE OUR ACCESS TO MARKETS.

+FOR THIS ACCESS WE RELY ON OUR RIGHTS UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).+

HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS WAS OPEN TO US TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS IN THE GATT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.

/in bespcnse

WEDNESDAY, D0OEMBEH 11, 1985

IN RESPONSE TO CONCERN EXPRESSED OVER THE SURGE IN PROTECTIONISM BY HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS, MR HO SAID +THE GOVERNMENT IS ALERT TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS THREAT. WE USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PRESS HONG KONG’S CASE, THROUGH OUR OVERSEAS OFFICE, COORDINATION WITH OTHER LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AT FORA ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE, HIGH-LEVEL VISITS BY BOTH UNOFFICIALS AND OFFICIALS, TO THE U.S. AND EUROPE, INTERVENTION BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THROUGH MINISTERS AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE AMBASSADOR IN WASHINGTON.+

♦WHILE THERE ARE NO ACCURATE MEASURES OF SUCCESS IT IS CLEAR THAT ALL THESE EFFORTS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO A BETTER UNDERSTANDING CF HONG KONG ESPECIALLY ITS OPEN MARKET, ITS GENUINE FREE TRADE POLICY AND ITS RECORD ON PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.+

HE ADDED THAT ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT WHICH MIGHT ASSIST IN OUR EFFORTS IN MAINTAINING AN OPEN MULTILATERAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT IS THE IMMINENT LAUNCHING OF A NEW ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS IN GATT WITH THE AIM TO RE-VITALISING THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.

ON THE CALL BY SEVERAL UNOFFICIALS FOR GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS POLICY OF POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION ISM TOWARDS INDUSTRY, MR HO SAID THE GOVERNMENT SAW ITS OBLIGATIONS AS FOLLOWS:

* PROVIDING AN EFFICIENT AND ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTUREj

K PROVIDING A STABLE ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT?

* ENSURING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF TRAINED MANPOWER;

fc ASSISTING IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY TO HELP INDUSTRIES TO UPGRADE THEMSELVES AND IN WHICH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICES AND ITS BACK-UP SERVICE IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY ALL HAVE A VITAL ROLE; AND

* PROVIDING TECHNICAL BACK-UP SERVICES INCLUDING THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY AND THE LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME.

+WE MUST STOP SHORT OF TELLING INDUSTRY WHAT TO DO, AS IT IS OUR CONVICTION THAT BUSINESS DECISIONS ARE BEST TAKEN BY BUSINESSMEN AND NOT BY BUREAUCRATS.*

HE ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT ADOPT THE POLICY CF SUBSIDISING INDUSTRY.

♦ NOT ONLY DO WE NOT BELIEVE IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH AN APPROACH, WE ARE ALSO VERY CONSCIOUS OF OUR INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION AS HONG KONG ACCEPTS THE GATT CODE ON SUBSIDIES AND COUNTERVAILING DUTIES.

Alep us......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

- 9 -

+LET US NOT FORGET THAT ASSISTANCE TO AN INDUSTRY MEANS THE TRANSFER OF RESOURCES FROM THE TAXPAYERS’ POCKETS ~ THAT IS INCLUDING THE POCKETS OF OTHER INDUSTRIALISTS. FURTHERMORE, THESE SUBSIDISES WILL COME TO NOUGHT WHEN THE GOODS THEY PRODUCED ATTRACT COUNTERVAILING DUTIES IN OVERSEAS MARKETS.*

ON INFORMATION AND HIGHER TECHNOLOGY, MR HO POINTED OUT THAT AN ON-GOING TASK OF THE ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER-AIDED-DESIGN/ COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING (CAD/CAM) SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD WAS TO IDENTIFY STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS IN RESPtCi CF ELECTRONICS, CAD/CAM OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

♦DISCUSSIONS WITHIN THE SUB-COMMITTEES INVOLVING INDUSTRIALISTS, ACADEMICS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE BEING HELD REGULARLY WITH A VIEW TO MAPPING OUT A STRATEGY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.*

AS REGARDS CONSUMER PROTECTION, MR HO SAID 1985 HAD BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION IN HONG KONG AND HE WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER THE GOVERNMENT’S THANKS TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR THE INVALUABLE WORK THEY HAVE DONE TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF CONSUMER ISSUES.

♦DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE TO STRENGTHEN ITS ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS,* HE ADDED.

-----o------

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TAKES BIG STEP FORWARD * * * *

THE SYSTEM OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAD TAKEN A BIG STEP FORWARD THIS YEAR, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING ADDRESS TO THE COUNCIL, MR LIAO SAID: +WITH THE INCREASE OF ELECTED MEMBERS AND THE ELECTION OF THEIR OWN CHAIRMEN, THE BAORDS HAVE BECOME MORE REPRESENTATIVE AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT.*

THEY HAVE ALSO CONTINUED TO TAKE INITIATIVES IN REFLECTING THE VIEWS AND ASPIRATIONS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS NOT ONLY ON DISTRICT MATTERS BUT ON IMPORTANT ISSUES OF TERRITORY-WIDE SIGNIFICANCE, HE SAID.

+D(STRICT BOARDS HAVE BECOME A WELL ACCEPTED AND INTEGRAL PART OF OUR CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY AND ARE EFFECTIVE IN FULFILLING THEIR FUNCTIONS,* HE ADDED.

/THE SYSTEM........

D3CEM312R 11, 1985

10 -

THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN FURTHER STRENGTHENED WITH THE ELECTION CF 10 DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS YEAR, MR LIAO NOTED.

+1 AGREE ENTIRELY WITH AN OBSERVATION THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENT IS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM WHEREBY CENTRAL POLICIES WILL BE MORE FIRMLY BASED ON THE WISHES OF THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.

MR LIAO ALSO AGREED THAT IF THERE WERE ANY CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, IT SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN A GRADUAL MANNER, AND THE ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE EXAMINED IN THE LIGHT CF THE SAME PRINCIPLE.

+WHILE SOME HAVE CONTENDED THAT THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARDS SHOULD BE EXPANDED, OTHERS BELIEVE THAT THE PRIME FUNCTION OF THE BOARDS SHOULD REMAIN ADVISORY, THUS ENABLING THEM TO EXERT INFLUENCE OVER A WIDER AREA OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS RATHER THAN BEING INVOLVED IN A NARROW RANGE OF DAY-TO-DAY EXECUTIVE DUTIES,* HE SAID.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS WERE INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN THEIR DISTRICTS THROUGH THE DISTRICT COMMITTEES SET UP BY THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.

+THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL BE EXPANDED WHEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TAKES UP ITS FUNCTIONS IN APRIL NEXT YEAR AND MAY NEED TO BE REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE,* HE SAID.

ON THE QUESTIONS OF PROVIDING MORE SECRETARIAT SUPPORT TO THE BOARDS AND SUBSIDISED OFFICE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MEMBERS, MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH RESOURCES WERE NOT UNLIMITED, ADDITIONAL STAFF MIGHT BE SOUGHT WHERE JUSTIFIED, AND THAT ACCOMMODATION WAS AVAILABLE IN ALL COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR MEMBERS TO HOLD THEIR ’MEET THE PUBLIC’ SESSIONS.

MR LIAO ALSO NOTED THAT THE HONORARIUM FOR BOARD MEMBERS WAS INCREASED FROM $2 000 TO $3 500 A MONTH TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF INFLATION AND THE INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BOARD BUSINESS.

*THE GOVERNMENT IS, HOWEVER, FULLY AWARE OF THE INCREASING WORKLOAD OF BOARD MEMBERS AND WILL REVIEW THE HONORARIUM FROM TIME TO TIME,* HE SAID.

+AT THE SAME TIME, GOVERNMENT IS ALSO LOOKING INTO WAYS IN WHICH THE AMBIT OF DB FUNDS COULD BE BROADENED AND MADE MORE FLEXIBLE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF DIFFERENT BOARDS,* HE ADDED.

TURNING TO YOUTH POLICY, MR LIAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP A NEW CO-ORDINATING BODY TO PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT FOR ORGANISING YOUTH ACTIVITIES.

/naOTHiSa SOLUTION .........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

ANOTHER SOLUTION WAS TO REVIVE THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR YOUTH WITH MODIFICATION IN ITS MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE IN LINE WITH CURRENT THINKING, SAID.

MR LIAO SAID PREPAIRING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME ASSETS TO THE COMMUNITY WAS AN IMPORTANT TASK.

♦GOVERNMENT OBVIOUSLY HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN PROVIDING A GOOD ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY,* HE SAID.

♦GIVEN THE WIDE SPECTRUM OF POLICIES RELATED TO YOUTH, THIS MUST BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS BY ESTABLISHED BODIES INCLUDING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES AS WELL AS ADVISORY COMMITTEES,* HE ADDED.

♦YOUTH CRIME, FOR INSTANCE, IS TACKLED BY THE FIGHT CRIME

tCVELOPMEHT OF YOUTH SERVICES, CONG-TERM 0ye?pTo£^ngvgLOPM£HT * DRAWN UP IN THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT,* MR LIAO ADDED.

PLANS FOR NEW VALIDATING BODY BEING FINALISED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WAS FINALISING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SETTING UP OF A HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ADCADEMIC AWARDS AS A LOCAL VALIDATING BODY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

♦IT IS INTENDED THAT THE PROPOSED NEW BODY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED AS A PREPARATORY BODY TO BEGIN WITH, TO CONSIDER IN DETAIL HOW LOCAL VALIDATION MIGHT BEST BE ARRANGED AND MANAGED,* HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMEN OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF FIRST-YEAR DEGREE PLACES TO OVER 7 500 HAD THE FIRM AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT CF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.

+THE ADMINISTRATION WILL SOON BE SEEKING THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON THE SETTING UP OF A PLANNING MECHANISM IN THE COMING YEAR TO PLAN AND OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROJECT,* HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

HE SAID THE EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AT THEIR CURRENT RATE WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO ACHIEVE ITS PRESENT TARGET OF PROVIDING FIRST-YEAR FIRST DEGREc PLACES FOR SIX PER CENT OF THE MEAN OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP IN 1989-90.

■•■THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF 7 500 WOULD PROVIDE FOR 9.5 PER CENT OF THE MEAN OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP BY THE MID-1990’S. THIS PROVISION ALMOST TREBLES THE PRESENT LEVEL OF ABOUT 3.5 PER CENT. SUCH AN INCREASE WITHIN THE TIME SCALE ENVISAGED COULD NOT BE DESCRIBED AS A SMALL BY ANY STANDARD,* HE SAID.

AS REGARDS FURTHER EXPANSION OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, M? HENDERSON SAID THERE WAS ALWAYS A LIMIT TO WHAT COULD BE ACHIEVED.

-••BESIDES PHYSICAL LIMITATION, EACH INSTITUTION HAS ITS OWN OPTIMUM RATE OF GROWTH MAXIMUM LIMIT OF EXPANSION, WHICH IS RELATED TO THE INSTITUTION’S PARTICULAR NATURE AND ACADEMIC PROFILE.

+IN MAKING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, THE UPGC HAS ALREADY TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE EXPANSION POTENTIAL OF THE EXISTING INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING,* HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WAS CURRENTLY STUDYING THE SUBJECT OF OPEN EDUCATION, INCLUDING PROVISION AT THE TERTIARY LEVELS BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE OTHER INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED.

♦WE CAN FURTHER CONSIDER THE SUBJECT WHEN WE HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WILL FORM PART OF ITS REPORT NO. 2,+ HE SAID.

ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES IN EDUCATION, MR HENDERSON SAID THE NINE YEARS’ COMPULSORY EDUCATION WAS TIED IN WITH THE AGE OF LEGAL EMPLOYMENT, AND ANY CONTRACTION OF THIS PERIOD WOULD RESULT IN CHILDREN BEING NEITHER IN SCHOOL NOR IN EMPLOYMENT, AND THAT SUCH A SITUATION HAD OBVIOUS DANGERS.

*1 MUST COUNSEL FURTHER AGAINST ANY THOUGHT OF REDUCING THE LEGAL AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT — TO DO SO WOULD BE A MOST RETROGRADE STcP IN SOCIAL POLICY,* HE SAID.

+1 DO NEVERTHELESS TAKE THE POINT THAT EDUCATION ACCOUNTS FOR A MAJOR PORTION OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE — AROUND 17 PER CENT IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR — AND THAT WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE COMMUNITY ACHIEVES THE MOST POSSIBLE RETURN ON THIS INVESTMENT.

♦IT IS PRECISELY FOR THIS REASON THAT, IN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IS REQUIRED TO HAVE SPECIFIC REGARD TO THE RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY,* He SAIu.

/MR HJiSDERSCK ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

MR HENDERSON SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAD A CONTINUING TASK TO PERFORM AND WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF ALL DEVELOPMENTS, POLITICAL AND OTHERWISE, AS IT FORMULATED ITS PROPOSALS.

HE ADDED THAT THE COMMISSION WAS ALREADY ADDRESSING A NUMBER OF MAJOR QUESTIONS ABOUT WHICH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD SPOKEN IN THE DEBATE, SUCH AS THE FUTURE OF SIXTH-FORM EDUCATION AND THE ATTENDANT PROBLEMS OF SYLLABUS CONTENT AND THE BURDEN OF EXAMINATIONS, POLICY TOWARDS KINDERGARTENS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPEN EDUCATION.

ON CIVIC EDUCATION, MR HENDERSON SAID THE GUIDELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION, WHICH WERE CIRCULATED TO SCHOOLS IN AUGUST, ADOPTED THE CURRICULUM-WIDE APPROACH WHICH SOUGHT TO RELATE THE CONCEPTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION MORE GENERALLY TO THE TEACHING PROGRAMME AND TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AS A WHOLE.

+MY OWN FEELING IS THAT THE GUIDELINES PROVIDE A GOOD STARTING POINT AND THAT, SINCE PROGRESS HAS SO FAR BEEN ENCOURAGING, THE APPROACH THEY OUTLINE SHOULD BE GIVEN A FAIR CHANCE,+ HE SAID.

REGARDING THE CONCERN THAT THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS INHIBITED THE TEACHING OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR HENDERSON SAID REGULATION 90 FORBIDS ANY EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY WHICH IS + IN ANY WAY OF A POLITICAL OR PARTLY POLITICAL NATURE AND PREJUDICIAL TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST OR THE WELFARE OF THE PUPILS OR OF EDUCATION GENERALLY OR CONTRARY TO THE APPROVED SYLLABUS.+

♦THE ’AND’ HERE IS IMPORTANT AS IT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST INDOCTRINATION. I SEE NOTHING IN IT WHICH NEED HAMPER CIVIC INSTRUCTION OR EDUCATION AS VERY BROADLY DEFINED

IN THE GUIDELINES,* HE SAID.

ON THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON PRIVAT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, NR HENDERSON SAID THE STATED POLICY *AS TO REDUCE INDEPENDENCE UPON THE BUYING OF PLACES IN LESS SATISFACTORY SCHOOLS.

+THIS, I SHOULD LIKE TO STRESS, DOES NOT IMPLY A COMMITMENT TO THE PHASING OUR OF ALL BOUGHT PLACES NOR DOES IT IMPLY THAT THERE IS A FIXED LIST OF UNSATISFACTORY SCHOOLS,* HE SAID.

+A WORKING PARTY, ESTABLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATIONS ADVISORY BOARD, HAS BEEN LOOKING INTO WAYS AND MEANS OF ASSISTING IN THIS PURPOSE. THE RESULTS OF ITS WORK WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY AND WILL, I HOPE, POINT A WAY FORWARD,* HE ADDED.

WITH RESPECT TO LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, MR HENDERSON SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION DEALT AT SOME LENGTH IN ITS REPORT NO. 1 wITH THE TEACHING OF LANGUAGE AND THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION.

/HE said ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 198$

- 14 -

HE SAID THREE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE AND ALL HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE TO ENCOURAGE ADOPTION BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL AUTHORITIES OF CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, TO PROVIDE FOR A GOOD SUPPLY OF TEXTBOOKS OF GOOD STANDARD IN CHINESE AND THAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE AND REINFORCE THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY LESSENING OF PROFICIENCY IN THAT LANGUAGE AS A RESULT OF THE MOVE TOWARDS INSTRUCTION IN THE MOTHER-TONGUE.

ON SUGGESTIONS TO MODIFY THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST UNDER THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION ARRANGEMENT, MR HENDERSON SAID THIS SYSTEM WAS BEING REVIEWED AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WAS SEEKING THE VIEWS OF SCHOOLS COUNCILS AND OTHER BODIES.

REFERRING TO TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, MR HENDERSON SAID THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAD CONSIDERED VERY CAREFULLY THP POSSIBILITY OF A TWO-YEAR RATHER THAN A ONE-YEAR FULL TIME CRAFT COURSE.

♦ IT HAS CONCLUDED THAT THE PRESENT COURSE LENGTH IS CORRECT, BUT ONE-YEAR BRIDGING COURSES WILL BE DEVELOPED TO MEET TO THE NEEDo OF CRAFT COURSE STUDENTS WHO MAY WISH TO GO ON TO TECHNICIAN LEVtL COURSES. SOME OF THESE NEW COURSES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM 1986,+ HE SAID.

SPEAKING ON ACAMEDIC EXCHANGES WITH CHINA MR HENDERSON SAID THE LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ALREADY CONDUCTED FREQUENT ACADEMIC EXCHANGES w I TH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN CHINA.

+IN 1984-85, FOR EXAMPLE, NO LESS THAN 98 VISITS WERE MADE TO CHINA BY MEMBERS OF OUR LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND 96 VISITS MADE TO LOCAL INSTITUTIONS FROM CHINA,+ HE SAID.

TURNING TO LABOUR MATTERS, MR HENDERSON SAID THREE ADD IT ONAL SETS OF REGULATIONS UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE WOULD BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1986.

+ONE OF THESE WOULD REQUIRE THE EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY SUPERVISORS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, ANOTHER WOULD LAY DOwN SPECIFIC PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE HANDLING AND USE OF ASBESTOS AND THE THIRD WOULD PROHIBIT OR CONTROL THE USE OF CERTAIN OTHER CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES,+ HE SAID.

HE SAID PROPOSALS WOULD BE PUT FOWARD TO AMEND THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO PROTECT THE ASSETS OF PROVIDENT FUND IN CASES OF INSOLVENCY. BY PROHIBITING DEDUCTION OF WAGES FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FUND THAT WAS NOT SET UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH CRITERIA TO BE DETERMINED.

+IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO INCLUDE A DEATH GRANT UNDER THE ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO HELP FAMILIES MEET THE IMMEDIATE FUNERAL EXPENSES CONSEQUENT UPON THE DEATH OF THEIR BREAD-WINNER.

/♦THE TRADE........

.JKES-.Y, DSKaiBER 11, 1985

- 15 -

+THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE IS MEANWHILE BEING REVIEWED aITH A VIE* TO UPDATING CERTAIN OF ITS PROVISIONS AND RELAXING CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS,* HE SAID.

ON A CALL TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND, IN PARTICULAR TO COVER WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE AND SEVERANCE PAY, MR HENDERSON SAID THE ORIGINAL DECISION TO RESTRICT COVERAGE TO WAGES OWED WAS THE RIGHT ONE.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF OPERATION HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING AND THE PROCEDURES HAD OPERATED QUITE SMOOTHLY AND THE ANNUAL LEVY OF S1OO ON BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES HAD PROVED QUITE ADEQUATE.

+AS A NEXT STEP, WE MIGHT THEREFORE CONSIDER EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF THE FUND TO COVER WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE UP TO THE PREFERENTIAL LIMIT,* HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID WE ALSO NEEDED EXPERIENCE WITH OPERATION OF THE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION FOR RECOVERY BY THE FUND OF PAYMENTS MADE FROM THE ASSETS OF COMPANIES ON LIQUIDATION.

*WHILE I WOULD NOT, THEREFORE, RULE OUT FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE FUND’S COVERAGE TO SEVERANCE PAYMENTS, I DO THINK WE NEED AT LEAST TWO YEARS’ EXPERIENCE BEFORE REASSESSING THIS PROPOSAL,*

>£ SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD AN OPEN MIND ON THE QUESTION OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND AND WOULD BE WILLING TO CONSIDER ANY SCHEME PUT FORWARD WHICH APPEARED WORKABLE AND LIKELY TO GAIN WIDESPREAD SUPPORT.

AS FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES, MR HENDERSON SAID THERE WAS INDEED A LONG-TERM PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE SERVICES.

+THE LAST MAJOR REVIEW WAS CARRIED OUT IN 1984, WITH SUBSTANTIAL AND VALUABLE INPUT FROM THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, AND WE SHALL CONTINUE TO REVIEW PROGRESS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS PENDING THE NEXT MAJOR RE-EXAMINATION OF POLICY

IN 1987,* HE ADDED.

--------o - -

/16........

ONfc AY, DECtJ'.BER 11, 198f

- 16 -

VIEWS TO BE SOUGHT ON MEDICAL SERVICES REVIEW

*****

THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO RECEIVE THIS WEEK A CONSULTANTS’ REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES, AND SUBJECT TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AGREEMENT, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PUBLISH IT AS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR CHAMBERS SAID HE FULLY AGREED WITH THE VIEW EXPRESSED THAT THE TOPICS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT WERE OF CONCERN TO VIRTUALLY EVERYONE IN HONG KONG.

♦THERE WILL NEED TO BE EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS BEFORE ANY DECISIONS ARE TAKEN ON MAJOR CHANGES TO THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM,♦ FE SAID.

ON UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ CONCERN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE PRIVATISATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS, MR CHAMBERS GAVE ASSURANCE THAT THIS WAS NO PART OF THE CONSULTANTS’ BRIEF,♦ AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION OF REDUCING ITS COMMITMENTS TO THE PROVISION OF SUBSIDISED HOSPITAL SERVICES.

♦THE CONSULTANTS WERE ASKED TO REVIEW THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND TO ADVISE WHETHER BETTER INTEGRATION WOULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AUTONOMOUS HOSPITAL AUTHOR IT IES,+ HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID HE HOPED THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD ALSO HELP THE GOVERNMENT TO IDENTIFY WAYS OF ACHIEVING COMMON STANDARDS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.

♦BUT,+ HE SAID, ♦WHATEVER CHANGES ARE BROUGHT ABOUT, IT IS THE INTENTION THAT THESE HOSPITALS SHOULD REMAIN WITHIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, AND THAT THEIR SERVICES SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE TO ALL THOSE WHO NEED THEM, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY.+

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE RANGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES HAD GREATLY EXPANDED SINCE THE 196O’S AND THERE HAD BEEN CHANGES ALSO IN THE CATEGORISATION OF SERVICES.

♦WHAT WE CAN ASSERT IS THAT MORE THAN $4 BILLION WILL BE SPENT ON MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR. WHICH IS OVER SEVEN TIMES GREATER THAN WHAT IT WAS A DECADE AGO, AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE PLANNED, I WOULD EXPECT MEDICAL EXPENDITURE TO CONTINUE TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN REAL TERMS,+ HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID ONE ASPECT OF THESE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/ HE GA VS......

JNE JAY, DECtSMBER 11, 1985

HE GAVE ASSURANCE THAT EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WAS READY BY THE SCHEDULED COMPLETION DATE OF 1988.

AS REGARDS SUBVENTED HOSPITALS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, W CHAMBERS SAID THEY WERE BUILT MANY YEARS AGO TO SERVE AS DISTRICT HOSPITALS FOR A LARGELY RURAL COMMUNITY.

♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECOGNISED THE NEED TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THESE HOSPITALS AND MORE THAN S35O MILLION ARE TO BE SPENT TO EXPAND AND UPGRADE THE POK 01 AND YAN CHAI HOSPITALS.

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEMES AS A MEANS CF IMPROVING MEDICAL SERVICES FOR MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES, NR CHAMBERS SAID PROPOSALS FOR A SCHEME LINKED TO TAX CONCESSIONS WOULD BE CONSIDERED FURTHER IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONSULTANTS’ OWN RECOMMENDATIONS ON MEDICAL INSURANCE AND THE PUBLIC’S RESPONSE TO THESE IDEAS.

AS FOR THE NEED FOR AN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, HE SAID THE RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S INQUIRIES FOR A SUITABLE OVERSEAS CHAIRMAN FOR A WORKING PARTY ON POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING WAS NOW MORE ENCOURAGING.

*1 NOW HOPE IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO SET UP THE WORKING PARTY IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF 1986; I INTEND IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO WRITE TO THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE TO BE REPRESENTED ON THE WORKING PARTY, INVITING THEM TO FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO ME, SO THAT THERE WOULD BE NO DELAY ON THIS ACCOUNT WHEN A SUITABLE CHAIRMAN IS FOUND,+ HE SAID.

TURNING TO SOCIAL WELFARE MATTERS, MR CHAMBERS SAID WHILE r£ WOULD ADMIT THAT THERE WERE NO VERY RADICALLY NEW PROPOSALS IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME, IN HIS VIEW THIS WAS BECAUSE THERE ALREADY WAS A COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TERM PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT CF WELFARE SERVICES IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER: SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1980’S.

♦THIS DOCUMENT WHICH WAS PRODUCED AFTER EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE BASIS OF THREE GREEN PAPERS, CONTAINS A BLUEPRINT FOR DEVELOPMENT IN ALL THE MAIN AREAS OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY.

+THE POLICIES SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER ARE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS REGULARLY UPDATED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTORS.+

ON A SUGGESTION THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD INCLUDE NOMINATED MEMBERS FROM THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE AGREED THAT THE TIME *AS NOW RIPE TO TAKE A NEW LOOK AT THE WAY IN WHICH THIS IMPORTANT COMMITTEE WAS CONSTITUTED.

JNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

MR CHAMBERS SAIL SPENDING ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES HAD GROWN FROM $365 MlLLiON IN 1976-77 TO $2 535 MILLION IN 1985-86, AND HAD ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IN EACH OF THE LAST 10 YEARS.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PAYING SUBVENTIONS TOTALLING $421 MILLION TO 133 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

♦BECAUSE OF THE LARGE SUMS OF MONEY INVOLVED, A FAIRLY TIGHT SYSTEM OF CONTROL OF THE USE OF SUBVENTIONS BY THE AGENCIES IS INEVITABLE - I FEAR THAT THE AUDITORS, LIKE THE POOR, WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US - AND THIS IS ONLY RIGHT AND PROPER.

♦THE NEW STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM WAS INTENDED TO ENSURE THAT AGENCIES WOULD BE ASSURED OF RECEIVING SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES UP TO AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD, WHILE ALLOWING THEM A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF THE MONEY PROVIDED.

♦ THERE HAVE BEEN SOME PROBLEMS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM, BUT I HOPE THAT THESE WILL SOON BE IRONED OUT TO ALLOW ITS EXTENSION TO MORE SERVICES,* HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT DESPITE FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS IN RECENT YEARS, STEADY PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE ON THE PROGRAMMES IN THE FIVE YEAR PLAN.

♦DURING 1984-85, 577 ADDITIONAL PLACES WERE PROVIDED IN HOSTELS, HOMES AND CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND 983 PLACES IN AIDED DAY NURSERIES. SEVEN SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, SEVEN CHILDREN’S CENTRES AND 10 YOUTH CENTRES WERE OPENED.

♦ WE HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO REACH THE TARGETS SET IN THE FIVE YEAR PLAN, BUT WE HAVE REGARD TO THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE PE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS ALSO EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THE INVALUABLE WORK BEING DONE BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND REITERATED THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THERE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AN IMPORTANT ROLE FOR A VIGOROUS, PROGRESSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, WHICH WAS WELL PLACED TO PIONEER NEW AND EXPERIENTAL PROJECTS, AND TO INVOLVE VOLUNTEERS IN WELFARE WORK.

REGARDING WELFARE FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S BASIC POLICY WAS TO PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY BY PROVIDING SERVICES THAT WOULD ENABLE THEM TO RETAIN THEIR SELF-RESPECT AND REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

HE ADDED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD SHORTLY BE SUBMITTING A STRATEGIC PLAN ON THE PROVISION OF HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION.

/MR CHAMBERS .......

WEDN3SDAY, DJEiMBER 11, 1985

- 19 -

MR CHAMBERS AGREED THAT WE NEEDED MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY. AT PRESENT THERE ARE 98 SUCH CENTRES, AND 13 MORE WERE PLANNED DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

HE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT USED VARIOUS TYPES CF PUBLICITY TO ENCOURAGE THOSE IN NEED TO APPLY FOR WELFARE BENEF ITS.

♦ THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS PUBLICITY EFFORT CAN BE GAUGED BY THE FACT THAT OVER 85 PER CENT OF ALL THOSE ELIGIBLE ARE RECEIVING THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, AND THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE RECEIVING DISABILITY ALLOWANCE INCREASED BY ABOUT 4 5OO CASES THIS YEAR.

REGARDING THE PROBLEM OF NOISE POLLUTION, MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE REINFORCED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING A NOISE CONTROL BILL WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEFORE THE END OF THE PRESENT SESSION.

-----o------

FREE LAND, LONG-TERM LOANS FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY

* * * X

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDING THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WITH FREE LAND AND LOANS REPAYABLE OVER 40 YEARS ON VERY FAVOURABLE TERMS FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON PANG YUK-LING, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MR PANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE AVAILABLE SOME $22 BILLION FOR THE PROGRAMME.

♦THAT APART, RENT LEVELS FOR DOMESTIC FLATS, WHICH ARE NOT RELATED TO BUILDING COSTS, ARE AS LOW AS 20 TO 30 PER CENT OF THOSE FOR COMPARABLE FLATS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* HE SAID.

THIS INFORMATION COULD BE FOUND IN THE AUTHORITY’S ANNUAL REPORTS AND AUDITED ACCOUNTS TABLED EVERY YEAR.

+ IN ADDITION, THE ACCOUNTS, WITH EXPLANATIONS IN LAYMAN'S TERMS, ARE PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPERS,* HE SAID.

MR PANG WAS REPLYING TO A VIEW EXPRESSED THAT IT WAS INACCURATE FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO SAY THAT PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS WERE ENJOYING HEAVY GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES.

*THE REALITY IS THAT GOVERNMENT DOES SUBSIDISE THE HOUSING PROGRAMME,* HE SAID.

/ON THE

WEDNESDAY, DKOtBER 11, 1985

- 20

ON THE GREEN PAPER ON HOUSING SUBSIDY TO PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS, HE SAID THAT THE THREE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION FROM AUGUST TO OCTOBER WAS A VALUABLE EXERCISE IN THAT A WIDE CROSSSECTION OF VIEWS AND COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED, AND DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD IN ALL 19 DISTRICT BOARDS AND WITH MANY INTEREST GROUPS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, ORGANISATIONS AND ACADEMICS.

HE SAID THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD ON DECEMBER 5 CONSIDERED THE REPORT AND RE-AFFIRMED ITS SUPPORT TO THE PRINCIPLE.

♦IT, HOWEVER, ASKED THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING SUBSIDY TO RECONSIDER IMPLEMENTING PROPOSALS IN THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC COMMENTS, AND TO EXAMINE OTHER PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES,* HE SAID.

IN DUE COURSE, HE SAID, THE COMMITTEE’S REVISED PROPOSALS CR RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. AND COUNCIL MEMBERS MIGHT THEN WISH TO DEBATE THE ISSUE PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

ON SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENTS, HE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL TAPPING OF WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY WAS BEING TACKLED ON THREE FRONTS.

X PROVISION OF A LEGAL SUPPLY,

X ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL TAPPING ACTIVITIES, AND

X EDUCATION OF RESIDENTS.

MR PANG SAID THAT IT WAS THE PRACTICE TO IMMEDIATELY DEMOLISH SQUATTER STRUCTURES AFTER THEIR OCCUPANTS HAD OBTAINED PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH THE WAITING LIST.

♦BUT PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES ARE SOMETIMES ENCOUNTERED WHERE THE STRUCTURE IS SHARED BY OTHER FAMILIES, OR WHEN THE SAFETY OF ADJOINING HUTS MAY BE AFFECTED,♦ HE SAID.

IN SUCH CASES, HE SAID, SUITABLE MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO PREVENT A NEW SQUATTER FAMILY FROM MOVING IN.

♦THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS RELATED TO SQUATTER AREAS LIES IN THE CLEARANCE OF SUCH AREAS. THE 10-YEAR PROGRAMME TO CLEAR AND REHOUSE ALL SQUATTERS IN THE URBAN AREAS HAS STARTED,+ W PANG SAID.

WITH NEW PUBLIC HOUSING BECOMING AVAILABLE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON FOR REHOUSING USE, HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE WORST CONCENTRATIONS OF SQUATTERS IN THE URBAN AREA COULD BE CLEARED BY THE EARLY 1990’S.

ON THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, MR PANG ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD BEEN ACTING IN A QUICK AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER IN TACKLING THE INHERITED PROBLEM.

/♦.BESE BLOCKS........

, JSLxXBjfii 11, 1?o>

- 21

♦THESE BLOCKS IN QUESTION ARE NOT UNSAFE. BUT, THE AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED TO REDEVELOP RATHER THAN REPAIR THEM, BECAUSE IT WOULD BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE TO DO SO AND MODERN FACILITIES CAN ALSO EE INCLUDED AT THE SAME TIME,* HE SAID.

HE ALSO MADE CLEAR THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND THE GREEN PAPER ON HOUSING SUBSIDY WERE UNRELATED MATTERS.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES, MR PANG SAID, WERE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S OPERATIONS.

+THEY GENERATE MUCH-NEEDED SURPLUS TO OFFSET THE AUTHORITY’S DEFICITS IN RUNNING ITS DOMESTIC UNITS AND CONTRIBUTE PARTLY TO THE CAPITAL COSTS OF CONSTRUCTING NEW ESTATES,* HE POINTED OUT.

TO ENSURE THAT ITS COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES WERE EFFICIENTLY HANDLED, HE SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD SET UP A NEW COMMERCIAL TENANCY DIVISION IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THAT SUITABLE PEOPLE WERE BEING RECRUITED FOR THE NEW POSTS.

MR PANG ALSO SPOKE ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.

+THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IS STILL GREAT AND IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN SO FOR THE COMING YEARS - DR CONRAD LAM AND OTHER HON NEMBERS CAN BE ASSURED THAT PUBLIC HOUSING DEMAND, HOUSING POLICIES AND THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAMMES WILL BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW, HAVING REGARD TO RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND THE NEEDS OF OTHER SOCIAL PROGRAMMES,*

SAID.

- - o------------

STEPS TO IMPROVE CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS CONSIDERED ******

AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS ARE BEING CONSIDERED WHICH WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR S OPENING ADDRESS, MR CHAN SAID THAT ♦ IMPROV ING STANDARDS IN BOTH THE public And private sectors is our objective*.

♦TO THIS END OUR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TO FIVE AREAS --IMPROVED TESTING FACILITIES, TECHN 'GAL STANDARDS, TRAINING, CONTROL CF CONTRACTORS AND LEGISLATION- AND A GREAT DEAL OF WORK HAS BttN

DONE IN THESE AREAS.

/♦AKCNG OTHhLt.......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

- 22 -

♦AMONG OTHER THINGS, AN IMPROVED CONCRETE SPECIFICATION NOW APPLIES TO ALL PUBLIC SECTOR CONTRACTORS, AND ALL FACETS OF CONCRETE QUALITY CONTROL ARE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW.+

MR CHAN SAID HE WELCOMED THE REMARKS OF SEVERAL MEMBERS, WHICH CLEARLY POINTED TO THE NEED TO CONSIDER DEVELOPMENT ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS AND FOR INTEGRATED PLANNING AND AN INCREASINGLY SENSITIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRIORITIES.

RESPONDING TO OBSERVATIONS MADE BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, MR CHAN CONF IRMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT o AIM WAS TO BUILD WELL-BALANCED TOWNS.

♦WHILE THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES PROVIDE THE PHYSICAL BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING A BALANCE BETWEEN POPULATION AND JOBS, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY INTERNAL BALANCE BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL TOWNS OR SUB-REGIONS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED QUICKLY OR COMPLETELY.

♦FIRST, THE PROVISION OF JOBS DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SO AS TO ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO ESTABLISH FACTORIES AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES. THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HOWEVER, REACHES ITS DECISIONS ON INVESTMENT INDEPENDENTLY,+ MR CHAN SAID.

SOME BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, HE ADDED, BECAUSE OF THEIR NATURE, WERE UNLIKELY TO SHIFT FROM THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. THERE WAS ALSO RESISTANCE TO CHANGE AMONG SOME INDIVIDUALS.

BECAUSE OF THESE FACTORS IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT A SATISFACTORY BALANCE BETWEEN HOMES AND JOBS IN THE NEW TOWNS WOULD BE ACHIEVED UNTIL THE SECOND OR THIRD GENERATION. IN THE MEANTIME, ADEQUATE TRANSPORT WAS ESSENTIAL TO LINK NEW TOWNS WITH OLD URBAN AREAS.

ON THE SUBJECT OF COMPENSATION FOR LAND RESUMPTION, MR CHAN REVEALED THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED PROPOSALS FOR RATIONALISING THE ZONAL COMPENSATION RATES BY MERGING THE PRESENT SEVEN ZONES INTO FOUR AND BY INCREASING THE MINIMUM COMPENSATION RATE FROM 20 TO 30 PER CENT OF THE BASIC LAYOUT RATE.

ONCE THE PROPOSALS HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE THEY WOULD BE INTRODUCED AND BACKDATED TO OCTOBER 1, 1985. THE ZONAL BOUNDARIES WOULD BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW AND REVISED TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.

ON THE QUESTION OF URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT, MR CHAN SAID A START HAD BEEN MADE ON STUDIES FOR THE RECLAMATION OF ALDRICH BAY, RECLAMATION BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN AND GREEN ISLAND AND OFF WEST KOWLOON FROM YAU MA TEI TO LAI CHI KOK AND ALONG THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI WATERFRONTS.

TURNING TO THE PROPOSED LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, MR CHAN SAID ITS AIM WOULD BE TO INVITE EXISTING PROPERTY OWNERS TO PARTICIPATE IN REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE CORPORATION WOULD BE PUT TO DISTRICT BOARDS AND RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL BODIES FOR CONSIDERATION SHORTLY.

/WEaaciG to .....

2&R.- v DECKBER 11, 1^85

REFERRING TO THE YAU MA TEI SIX STREETS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, MR CHAN SAID HE COULD CONFIRM THAT THE HOUSING SOCIETY HAD INCLUDED IT INTO THEIR PROGRAMME AND THAT A START HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE.

♦SYMPATHETIC TREATMENT WILL BE ACCORDED TO PEOPLE AFFECTED AND SUITABLE PUBLICITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROJECT,* HE ADDED.

ON PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE AMBIT OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE, MR CHAN SAID THESE HAD ALREADY BEEN PUT FORWARD BY THE GOVERNMENT AND DISCUSSIONS WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND OTHERS WERE UNDERWAY. FURTHER PROGRESS WOULD DEPEND ON THE OUTCOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS.

ON THE NEED TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL VILLAGES, PR CHAN SAID HE ACCEPTED THAT MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE. HOWEVER, MANY VILLAGES ALREADY HAD BETTER SERVICES AND MOST OF THOSE NEAR NEW TOWNS NOW HAD METERED WATER, ELECTRICITY AND TELEPHONES.

♦THE NEED FOR COMMERCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES IS OF COURSE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE PLANS FOR THE NEARBY NEW TOWNS THEMSELVES,* HE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO SQUATTER AREAS, MR CHAN SAID PRESENT PLANS WERE FOR METERED WATER SUPPLY TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL VILLAGES AND SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS, WHERE TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE, WITHIN THREE TO FOUR YEARS.

SETTLEMENTS WHICH COULD NOT BE REACHED BY MAINS SUPPLY OR WHICH WERE DUE FOR CLEARANCE WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD WOULD BE SERVED BY STANDPIPES.

ON THE CONTROL OF ADVERTISING SIGNS, MR CHAN SAID THIS WAS A FORMIDABLE TASK BUT THE PROBLEM WAS BEING EXAMINED.

HE ADDED THAT AS SOON AS SENSIBLE CONCLUSIONS WERE REACHED WHATEVER MEASURES WERE AGREED UPON WOULD .BE INTRODUCED. IN THE PEANTIME THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO INSPECT SIGNS AND REMOVE THOSE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS.

/24........

.. NESEAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

BUS OPERATIONS UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY * * * *

THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS AND THEIR ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO MEET CHANGING PASSENGER DEMANDS WERE KEPT UNDER VERY CLOSE SCRUTINY BY THE AUTHORITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS, MR MACPHERSON SAID + IT IS OUR CONSTANT CONCERN TO TRY AND ENSURE THAT IN OUR HIERARCHY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES, FROM FERRIES AND DOUBLE DECKER BUSES TO TAXIS, EACH PLAYS ITS NECESSARY ROLE IN A VIABLE AND EFFICIENT MANNER.*

IN REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIALS, MR MACPHERSON SAID IT WAS HELPFUL TO RESTATE THE THREE MAIN ELEMENTS OF OUR TRANSPORT POLICY, WHICH WERE +AS VALID TODAY AS THEY WERE WHEN PUBLISHED IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY.*

♦ THEY ARE: FIRST, THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE ROAD SYSTEM - BUILDING MORE ROADS? SECONDLY, THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT UPON WHICH 90 PER CENT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE DEPEND! AND THIRDLY, THE MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROAD SYSTEM, BY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND THROUGH RESTRAINT MEASURES.

+THESE THREE POLICY ELEMENTS MUST CONSISTENTLY AND VIGOROUSLY BE PURSUED IF WE ARE TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE OF KEEPING HONG KONG MOV ING,* HE SAID.

AS REGARDS ROAD BUILDING, MR MACPHERSON NOTED THAT THE ACHIEVEMENTS WERE ALREADY IMPRESSIVE.

RECENT MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED INCLUDED THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD FROM SHA TIN TO FAN LING, THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS AND THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, HE SAID.

AS REGARDS THE FUTURE ROAD BUILDING PROGRAMME, MR MACPHERSON SAID IT WOULD INCLUDE NEW ROADS SUCH AS ROUTE 5 BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN, A TUNNEL BETWEEN EAST KOWLOON AND SHA TIN UNDER TATE’S CAIRN AND A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT TO ROUTE 7 THROUGH CENTRAL DISTR ICT.

+1 CAN ALSO CONFIRM THAT PRIORITY IS BEING GIVEN TO A STUDY CF A NEW LINK BETWEEN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND WEST KOWLOON VIA TSUEN WAN,* HE ADDED.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT THIS PROGRAMME, EXCLUDING THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WHICH WOULD BE TOTALLY FINANCED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR AT A COST OF ABOUT $3 BILLION, WAS FORECAST TO COST IN THE REGION OF $1.8 BILLION PER YEAR OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

+THESE ARE IN MY VIEW IMPRESSIVE COMMITMENTS? THEY WILL TAKE UP SOMETHING LIKE 30 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN THESE YEARS,* HE NOTED.

/HOWEVER, HE........

DEC21.1BER 11, 1985

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE NO MORE EASY ROADS, AND MAJOR NEW PROJECTS WERE BECOMING INCREASINGLY EXPENSIVE AS THE ENGINEERING BECAME MORE DIFFICULT.

MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT IN THE CONTEXT OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE HE AGREED WITH THE VIEW THAT IN DEVELOPING THE PROGRAMME THERE SHOULD BE A PROPER REGARD FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, IN PARTICULAR NOISE POLLUTION.

HE ADDED THAT HE COULD ASSURE THAT NOT ONLY IN THE DESIGN OF ROADS BUT IN ALL ASPECTS OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE,* WE ARE NOW VERY SENSITIVE TO THE NEED TO LIMIT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT OF THESE NEW DEVELOPMENTS*.

ON THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND LINE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND TO ITS EXTENSION TO SHEUNG WAN IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

+TO THIS CAN NOW BE ADDED THE MTR LINK FROM QUARRY BAY TO KOWLOON TONG THROUGH LAM TIN, WHICH WILL BE BUILT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING ROAD TUNNEL, AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG, WHICH IS BEING CONSTRUCTED BY THE KCRC,* HE SAID.

IN THE OVERALL PLANNING OF THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, MR MACPHERSON SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT WE PROPERLY REFLECT STRATEGIC LAND-USE AND DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.

+IN THIS CONTEXT I AM SEEKING THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL FOR FUNDS TO CONDUCT A MAJOR REVIEW, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CONSULTANTS, OF THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY FIRST PRODUCED IN 1976 MAKING USE OF RECENT IMPROVEMENTS IN SOPHISTICATED COMPUTER MODELLING TECHNIQUES.*

ON THE MORE ECONOMIC USE OF THE ROAD SYSTEM, MR MACPHERSON SAID THE RECENT PUBLIC ATTENTION ON ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING HAD TENDED TO OBSCURE THE EXCELLENT AND PERHAPS MORE ORTHODOX WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE FIELD OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, SUCH AS CLEARWAYS, BUS-ONLY LANES, ONE-WAY SYSTEM AND IN SUCH AREAS AS COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROLS.

♦I MYSELF SET GREAT STORE BY THESE ENDEAVOURS AND THEY MUST CONTINUE,* HE SAID.

ON THE CONGESTION RESULTING FROM VEHICLES CIRCULATING IN BUSY AREAS BECAUSE OF A LACK OF OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES.

PR MACPHERSON SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF OFF-STREET PUBLIC CAR PARKS THROUGH PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION.

NOTING THAT 24 SITES HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AND SOME WERE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING DEVELOPED, HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO ALL IT COULD TO EXPEDITE THE PROGRAMME.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

♦ NO EFFORT SPARED ON PASSPORT IsSUE* *****

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL SPARE NO EFFORT IN URGING THE ERITISH GOVERNMENT TO DO ITS UTMOST TO ENSURE THAT HOLDERS OF THE f£w BN(O) PASSPORT WILL ENJOY THE SAME CONVENIENCE OF TRAVEL AS HOLDERS OF THE EXISTING BDTC PASSPORTS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR THOMAS ASSURED HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES THAT THEIR VIEWS ON THIS ISSUE HAD BEEN SENT TO LONDON.

WHILE IT MUST BE FOR INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO HOLD THE NEW BN(0) PASSPORT TO DECIDE WHETHER THEY WANTED TO APPLY FOR ONE BEFORE 1997, h€ SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXPLAIN TO THOSE ELIGIBLE AS CLEARLY A' POSSIBLE THE ADVANTAGES OF HOLDING THE NEW PASSPORT, THE OPTIONS OPEN TO THEM AND THE MECHANICS FOR PROCURING IT.

ON THE ISSUE OF A CHINESE VERSION OF THE STATUE LAW OF HONG KONG, MR THOMAS NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT IT WAS +THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO MAKE A START, IN DUE COURSE, ON PRODUCING AN AUTHENTIC CHINESE VERSION OF THE EXISTING STATUTE LAW+.

♦IN THE COURSE OF MY VISIT TO PEKING IN SEPTEMBER, I WAS STRUCK BY THE INTEREST SHOWN IN THIS PROJECT AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT I WAS GIVEN TO BRING IT ABOUT,+ HE ADDED.

POINTING OUT THAT THIS WAS +AN ENORMOUS TASK WHICH REQUIRED CAREFUL PLANNING,* MR THOMAS SAID OFFICERS OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY PUT IN A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TOWARDS MAKING A START.

HE SAIDt +A REPORT ON OUR PLANS AND THE PROGRESS MADE WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

♦WORKING DRAFTS OF THE LEGISLATION TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE AND THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY BASIS FOR A BILINGUAL SYSTEM HAVE BEEN PREPARED.*

HE SAID THAT BECAUSE THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS OF THE STATUTE WOULD BE EQUALLY AUTHENTIC, IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD BE IDENTICAL IN MEANING.

ON CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENT WHICH CONTRAVENED THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDIANCE AND THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENT ORDINANCE, MR THOMAS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIME CONCERN MUST BE THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND NOT THE PROTECTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

AND HE WAS NOT AWARE, HE SAID, OF ANY GREAT CONCERN BEING EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABOUT THESE ADVERTISEMENTS.

/itSF^RKING TO ........

'.VEDSESLAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

- <7

REFERRING TO THOSE WHO WERE NOT REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS BUT WHO HELD THEMSELVES OUT AS SUCH IN ADVERTISEMENTS PUBLISHED IN NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES, HE SAID THE MAIN IMPEDIMENT TO A SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION IN SUCH CASES WAS ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE MIS-REPRESENTATION.

♦THIS IS NOT ANY EASY MATTER WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE OFFENDER HIMSELF,♦ HE NOTED.

HE SAID HOWEVER, THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS AS THEY AROSE.

AS FOR CLAIMS ABOUT THE ABILITY TO CURE CERTAIN DISEASES, SAID MOST OF THESE ADVERTISEMENTS USED VEILED LANGUAGE WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO BRING THEM WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE LEGISLATION.

MR THOMAS SAID THE DIRECTOR' OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HAD PROPOSED IN JULY THIS YEAR THAT THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENT ORDINANCE SHOULD BE.REVISED TO MAKE IT MORE SYSTEMATIC, COMPREHENSIVE AND U,P-TO-DATE.

ON FIRE PREVENTION, MR THOMAS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HOPED TO BRING A BILL TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR, MAKING IT A DIRECT OFFENCE TO PLACE MOVABLE OBJECTS IN CORRIDORS OR ON STAIRCASES.

LOCKING GATES ACROSS ESCAPE ROUTES WOULD ALSO BE MADE A SPECIFIC OFFENCE, HE ADDED.

HE SAID THAT STAFF OF THE PUBLICITY SECTION OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU HEADQUARTERS WERE KEPT VERY BUSY GIVING SEMINARS AND TALKS BOTH IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS AND ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVES.

REFERRING TO THE AMOUNT OF LEGAL COSTS RECOVERABLE ON TAXATION IN THE DISTRICT COURT, MR THOMAS SAID THE MATTER WAS BEING ACTIVELY CONSIDERED BY THE DISTRICT COURT RULES COMMITTEE, AND IT WAS HOPED THAT AMENDMENTS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNTS RECOVERABLE WOULD BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT COURT CIVIL PROCEDURE (COSTS) RULES EARLY NEXT YEAR.

COMMENTING ON A SUGGESTION THAT A SECTION OF THE MAGISTRATES 'ORDINANCE SHOULD BE MORE WIDELY USED SO THAT PENALTIES COULD BE IMPOSED WITHOUT THE NEED FOR THE OFFENDER TO ATTEND AT COURT. HE SAID A TRIAL SCHEME WAS BEING CONDUCTED IN CENTRAL AND CHEUNG SHA WAN POLICE DIVISIONS FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

HE SAIDi +NATURALLY IT IS TOO EARLY TO DRAW CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROCEDURE.

♦AFTER THREE MONTHS THE JUDICIARY PLAN TO CONDUCT AN INTERNAL REVIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECT ON THE PROCEDURE.

/♦AS 1 ■..... .

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

23 -

♦ AS I INDICATED LAST YEAR, IF WORKING SATISFACTORILY, THOUGH CAN ITS USE,* MR THOMAS SAID.

THE PROCEDURE IS THEN BE GIVEN TO

FOUND TO BE EXTENDING

PENALITY NOTICES

OF ISSUING FIXED

TO PASSENGERS InATHEHFRONTSSEATSTQF TAXIS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FOR NOT WEARING A SAFETY BELT WAS BEING CONSIDERED.

♦ THE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF OFFENCES DEALT WITH IN THAT WAY, COULD BE CONSIDERED FURTHER WHEN THE RESULT OF THE TRIAL IS KNOWN,* HE SAID.

SPEAKING ON COMMENTS ON THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE EFFICIENCY AND MORALE OF THE POLICE FORCE, MR THOMAS AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD THE MORALE OF THE FORCE AND THAT ANY CHANGES THAT MIGHT BE INTRODUCED WOULD BE CONSIDERED WITH THAT VERY MUCH IN MIND.

HE SAID THAT THE POLICE HAD TO BE SUFFICIENTLY WELL EQUIPPED IN ORDER BETTER TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES, AND THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LAST WEEK APPROVED THE COMMITMENT OF $500 MILLION FOR AN ENHANCED COMMUNICATION AND COMMAND SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1990.

♦ IT WILL PUT EVERY POLICEMAN WALKING THE BEAT IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRES,* HE SAID.

ON THE GOVERNMENT’S BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS, MR THOMAS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD PRESENT TO THE EXECUTIVECOUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR A PAPER WHICH WOULD CONTAIN PROPOSALS DESIGNED TO ATTACK THE LAUNDERING OF DRUG MONEY.

MR THOMAS ADDED THAT +THE GOVERNMENT IS NEGLECTING NO MEASURE THAT HAS A REASONABLE CHANCE OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUPPRESSION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE*.

ON THE ISSUE OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, MR THOMAS SAID IT WAS ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW THE POLICE AND THE PEOPLE COULD FIGHT CRIME TOGETHER, AND THAT IT WOULD HELP TO COUNTER THE RISE IN THE NUMBER OF BURGLARIES.

♦ A RELATED SUBJECT IS THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD CF WATCHMEN, A BILL HAS BEEN DRAFTED AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL WITHIN THIS SESSION,* HE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE RECENT CHANGES IN THE NEIGHBOUR POLICE UNITS SCHEME, MR THOMAS SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO REDUCTION IN MNPOWER AVAILABLE IN ANY PARTICULAR DISTRICT BUT MORE POLICcMEN WERE NOW DEPLOYED ON THE BEAT.

TURNING TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS SCHEME, MR THOMAS SAID HE SHARED THE VIEW THAT IT SHOULD BE BROUGHT FORWARD AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

/AN CFFICI2R.........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

AN OFFICER FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WAS AT PRESENT ON AN ATTACHMENT PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM STUDYING THE OPERATION OF THE UK’S COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER SCHEME AT FIRST HAND, AND SUBJECT TO THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL RESOURCES BEING MADE AVAILABLE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ANTICIPATED THAT THE PILOT SCHEME COULD BE LAUNCHED IN 1987, HE SAID.

ON THE PROPOSED SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME, HE SAID THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE DISCUSSION PAPER PUBLISHED BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING, WITH THE MAJORITY FAVOURING THE INTRODUCTION OF A SCHEME.

HE SAID* +1 BELIEVE THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF A SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME IS VERY DESIRABLE. BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ANY SCHEME ADOPTED SHOULD HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE TO ENSURE THAT REHABILITATION IS REAL RATHER THAN MERELY APPARENT.

+IT IS MY INTENTION TO PRESENT A FIRM PROPOSAL TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR WHICH WILL REFLECT SO FAR AS IS PRACTICABLE THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THOSE RESPONDING TO THE DISCUSSION PAPER,+ HE SAID.

ON SOME MEMBERS’ CONCERN ABOUT TRIAD ACTIVITIES AND ORGANISED CR IMES, MR THOMAS GAVE ASSURANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY TAKING ACTION IN THESE AREAS.

HE SAID THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD ESTABLISHED A WORKING GROUP ON GANGS WHICH HAD BEEN SEEKING TO IDENTIFY AREAS OF ACTIVITY BY TRIADS AND GANGS AND TO DETERMINE ON OVERAL STRATEGY.

♦ THE WORKING GROUP IS ALSO CONSIDERING CHANGES IN THE LAW. EARLY NEXT YEAR THIS COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE A DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE LEGISLATIVE OPTIONS IDENTIFIED BY THE WORKING GROUP TO PROVIDE GREATER POWERS TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE ORGANISED CRIME.

+THE URBAN COUNCIL IS MEANWHILE CONDUCTING A MAJOR REVIEW CF THE PROBLEM OF TRIAD INTIMIDATION OF HAWKERS,* MR THOMAS SAID.

--------0 ---------

’CORRECT BALANCE’ SOUGHT IN DEBATES X * X * *

THE BREADTH AND RANGE OF TOPICS COVERED IN ALL THE SPEECHES WAS +A GOOD INDICATION OF THE SIZE AND COMPLEXITY OF THIS REMARKABLr PLACE AND THE EFFORT NEEDED IN ALL SECTORS TO SUSTAIN OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH, TO MAINTAIN THE RISING STANDARD OF LIVING AND THE RISING EXPECTATIONS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE*, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON

SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.

/WINDING UP........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

WINDING UP THE DEBATE, AND MOVING THE MOTION ™ANKS, SIR DAVID SAID ALSO: *OUR DEBATES ARE DEVOID OF AGGRESSIVE, ADVERSARIAL CONTROVERSY, THEIR OBJECTIVE IS TO CONTINUE TO MOVt HONG KONG FORWARD, TO FIND THE CORRECT BALANCE ^D EMPHASIS BETWEEN COMPETING DEMANDS, AND, TO ARRIVE AT A SENSIBLE ANTICIPATE-OF FUTURE NEEDS.

♦THE MEASURE OF OUR SUCCESS IS NOT THE AMOUNT OF HEAT GENERATED IN THIS CHAMBER, BUT THE CONTINUING DYNAMISM OF OUR ECONOMY THE CONTINUING VITALITY OF OUR SOCIETY, AND IN ALL THc SPEECHES IN THIS DEBATE THERE IS TO BE FOUND THE FIRM RESOLVE TO CONTINUE THE BUILDING OF THIS GREAT CITY BY COOPERATION AND IN CONSENSUS,* SIR DAVID SAID.

- 0

BILL SEEKS TO CLARIFY IRISH QUALIFICATION *****

A BILL SEEKING TO ALLOW HONG KONG BELONGERS WHO HAVE OBTAINED NEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS IN THE IRISH REPUBLIC ON OR AFTER APRIL 30, 1985 TO CONTINUE TO REGISTER IN HONG KONG WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE THE HOLDER OF AN IRISH MEDICAL QUALIFICATION WAS ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED AS A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER IN HONG KONG IF HE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM RECENTLY DECIDED THAT PERSONS WHO WERE NOT NATIONALS OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, AND WHO HAD OBTAINED A MEDICAL QUALIFICATION IN THE IRISH REPUBLIC AFTER APRIL 30, 1985, WOULD NO LONGER BE ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

♦THE EFFECT OF THIS DECISION IS THAT NON-EEC NATIONALS HOLDING IRISH MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS CEASED TO BE ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED IN HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DATE,* MR CHAMBERS SAID, ADDING THAT THIS HAD AFFECTED A NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG WHO HAD RECENTLY OBTAINED QUALIFICATIONS IN IRELAND.

HE NOTED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL WAS TO PLACE ALL HOLDERS OF UNITED KINGDOM OR IRISH MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS ON AN EQUAL FOOTING REGARDLESS OF THEIR NATIONALITY AND THUS ENABLE NON-EEC NATIONALS WITH IRISH QUALIFICATIONS TO CONTINUE TO REGISTER IN HONG KONG AS THEY HAD DONE IN THE PAST.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

SIR EDWARD HOSTS DINNER FOR JI PENGFEI *****

CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR JI PENGFE I, WAS THE GUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AT A DINNER AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

IN HIS DINNER SPEECH, SIR EDWARD SAID:

♦ YOUR EXCELLENCY, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.

+IT IS A VERY GREAT PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU STATE COUNCILLOR JI HERE WITH US THIS EVENING. YOU ARE NO STRANGER. MANY OF US HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING YOU IN PEKING. ON BEHALF OF ALL MY COLLEAGUES IN HONG KONG I EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO YOU AND ALL YOUR COLLEAGUES.

♦ WHILE YOU ARE HERE WE HOPE TO GIVE YOU A THREE DIMENSIONAL PROGRAMME AND TO SHOW YOU SOMETHING OF HONG KONG FROM THE AIR, ON THE LAND AND ON THE SEA. THIS WILL, I HOPE, GIVE YOU AN OVERALL PICTURE OF THE SCALE AND SPEED OF HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT.

♦ BUT MORE THAN THAT WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MEET A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE DURING YOUR STAY.

♦ YOU HAVE COME TO HONG KONG JUST ONE YEAR AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE NEGOTIATIONS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE, WHICH PRODUCED THE JOINT DECLARATION SIGNED BY THE PRIME MINISTERS CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND OF THE UNITED KINGDOM ON DECEMBER 19 LAST YEAR. WE ALL RECALL THE IMPORTANT PART WHICH YOU YOURSELF PLAYED IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS, AND IN SECURING A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME TO THOSE LONG AND COMPLICATED TALKS. THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE U.K. AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC CF CHINA HAVE REPEATEDLY COMMITTED THEMSELVES IN PUBLIC TO THE FULL AND FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.

♦HONG KONG IS GENERALLY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST DYNAMIC CITIES. ITS ABILITY TO SUSTAIN ITS POSITION AS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING, FINANCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE HAS ALWAYS DEPENDED ON OVERSEAS TRADE. THROUGH INGENUITY AND HARD WORK, HONG KONG’S FIVE MILLION PEOPLE PRODUCE A WIDE RANGE OF GOODS AND SERVICES OF HIGH QUALITY. IN ORDER TO SATISFY OUR OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS. il >1

♦HONG KONG’S TRADITIONAL MARKETS IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE REMAIN VERY IMPORTANT. THE RAPID GROWTH OF HONG KONG'S DIRECT AND ENTREPOT TRADE WITH THE MAINLAND IN RECENT YEARS HAS BEEN A WELCOME AND SIGNIFICANT NEW ELEMENT IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC LIFE.

/+A CITY .......

WEDNESDAY, DffiEMBER 11, 1985

♦ A CITY SUCH AS HONG KONG HAS HAD CONTINUOUSLY TO ADAPT ITS SOCIETY AND ITS ECONOMY TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF A COMPETITIVE WORLD AND THE ASPIRATIONS OF ITS RESIDENTS FOR A BETTER AND FULLER LIFE.

♦ TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION IT REQUIRES CONTINUING INVESTMENT IN THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE, ITS COMMUNICATIONS, BY LAND, SEA AND AIR, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL FACILITIES AND ALL THE OTHER SERVICES ESSENTIAL TO A SUCCESSFUL MODERN ECONOMY AND STABLE SOCIETY.

♦ I TRUST THAT WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND HEAR IN HONG KONG DURING YOUR VISIT WILL PROVIDE CONVINCING EVIDENCE OF OUR DETERMINATION TO MAKE THAT INVESTMENT AND TO PRESERVE ALL THOSE FEATURES OF LIFE WHICH HAS BEEN AT THE HEART OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS.

♦ STATE COUNCILLOR, I KNOW THAT YOU WILL FIND A WELCOME WHEREVER YOU GO. THOSE WHO HAVE PLAYED A PART IN PRODUCING THE ACHIEVEMENTS TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED ARE PROUD OF THEM, AND KEEN TO SHOW THEM TO YOU.

♦ AS YOU TALK TO THE MANY PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET YOU WILL HEAR, IN TYPICAL HONG KONG FASHION, A RICH VARIETY OF VIEWS ON MANY SUBJECTS BUT YOU WILL ALSO FIND IN THE COMMUNITY HERE A UNITY IN OUR DETERMINATION TO PRESERVE THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AND TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.

♦ FINALLY, MAY I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH YOUR WIFE, MADAM XU HANBING, A SPEEDY RECOVERY AND TO SAY HOW SORRY WE ARE THAT ILLNESS PREVENTED HER FROM COMING TO HONG KONG WITH YOU.

♦ NOW I SHOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE A TOAST:

* TO THE HEALTH OF HIS EXCELLENCY MR JI PENGFE I;

* TO THE HEALTH OF ALL FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES HERE PRESENT;

* TO THE SUCCESS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND THE CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG+

IN HIS ADDRESS, MR JI SAID:

♦ YOUR EXCELLENCY, SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE,

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

♦ IT IS A GREAT PLEASURE FOR ME TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT HONG KONG AND MEET ALL THE FRIENDS AT THE BANQUET HOSTED BY SIR EDWARD THIS EVENING. SIR EDWARD IS OUR OLD FRIEND WHO SERVED AS BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO CHINA AND TOOK PART IN THE TALKS BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG. THERE EXIST GOOD RELATIONSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN US.

/'+PLEASS ALLO rd

.vsiarssDAY, dbjember n,

33 -

BEHALF OF MY CHINESE , OUR THANKS TO SIR EDWARD

♦PLEASE ALLOW ME TO EXPRESS, ON COLLEAGUES PRESENT AND IN MY OWN NAME FOR HIS WARM HOSPITALITY.

♦THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS FORMALLY SIGNED THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG IN DECEMBER LAST ttAR. WE ARE PLEASED TO NOTE THAT OVER THE YEAR SINCE THEN THE HON KONG PEOPLE HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY CONFIDENT OF THE FUTURE, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SITUATION HAS BEEN FAIRLY GOOD, AND THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HAVE BEEN OPERATING SMOOTHLY.

♦ WE HOPE THAT THIS GOOD SITUATION WILL CONTINUE AND DEVELOP FURTHER.

♦ THE SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT OF THE HONG KONG QUESTION USHERED IN A NEW PERIOD IN SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS. THE EXCHANGES AND COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA’S MAINLAND AND HONG KONG IN THE ECONOMIC, TRADE, CULTURAL AND SCIENTIFIC-TECHNOLOGICAL FIELDS HAVE BECOME CLOSER AND DEVELOPED FURTHER.

♦ I HOPE AND BELIEVE THAT IN THE DAYS TO COME WE AND OUR BRITISH FRIENDS WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EFFORTS RESPECTIVELY IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, THE SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT IN 1997 AND THE FULL AND ACCURATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.

♦ AND I FEEL VERY SORRY THAT MY WIFE COULD NOT COME ON THIS TRIP. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONVEY MY WIFE’S REGARDS TO SIR EDWARD YOUDE AND LADY YOUDE.

♦ NOW, MAY I PROPOSE A TOAST

TO THE FRIENDLY RELATIONS AND COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM,

TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG,

TO THE HEALTH OF SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE, AND

TO THE HELATH OF ALL PRESENT HEREI+

AFTER THE SPEECHES, SIR EDWARD AND MR JI EXCHANGED SOUVENIRS. NR JI GAVE SIR EDWARD A CHINESE PAINTING WHILE SIR EDWARD GAVE IN RETURN A PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION OF MODERN THINGS IN HONG KONG.

ACCOMPANYING MR JI AT TONIGHT’S DINNER WERE MR XU JIATUN AND MADAM GU YIP ING, MR LI HOU, MR RONG KANG, MR ZONG GUANGYAO, NR LU YUCUN, MR LI CHUWEN, MR ZHENG HUA, MR QIAO ZONGHUAI, NR JI SHAOXIANG, MR LI RUOHE, AND MR SUN YANGHEN.

OTHER GUESTS INCLUDED SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES MRJOR-GENERAL T.A. BOAM SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, MR OSWALD CHEUNG, MR MICHAEL SANDBERG, MISS LYDIA DUNN, MR LEE QUO-*EI, MR ERIC HO, MR DONALD LIAO, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR DAVID LI, DOCTOR MA LIN, MR JUSTICE LI, LORD KADOORIE, SIR Y.K. PAO, MR JOHN BOYD, Mk JOHN TODD, MR LI KA-SHING, MR MICHAEL MILES, MR ROBIN HUTCHEON, MR FEI YIMIN, DOCTOR T.K. ANN, MR RONALD LI AND MR Y.P. CHENG.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1935

DISCUSSION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE * * * *

STATE COUNCILLOR, Jl PENGFEI, AND THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE MET AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS MORNING FOR NEARLY TWO HOURS. THEY HAD A FRIENDLY DISCUSSION, IN THE COURSE OF WHICH THE CO'.’E’p1 EXPLAINED THE PRESENT STATE OF DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG TO MR JI

GOVERNOR

PENGFE I.

MR JI GAVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE TIMETABLE AND PROCEDURES

ENVISAGE

FOR THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW.

THEY TOOK NOTE WITH SATISFACTION OF THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION SHOWN, DURING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT YEAR SINCE SIGNATURE.

THE PROGRESS MADE, AND OF THE INITIAL PERIOD OF THE DECLARATION DURING THE

SITUATION IN HONG KONG

AND “rEED THAT^SUCH EXCHANGES WERE USEFUL

AND SHOULD CONTINUE.

THEY EXPRESSED THEIR CONFIDENCE IN AND DETERMINATION TO PROMOTE THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG THROUGH THE FULL AND FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.

- 0

GOVERNMENT HOUSE MEETING FOR JI PENGFEI

*****

CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, STARTED HIS PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG THIS MORNING (WEDNESDAY) WITH A MEETING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES.

OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PRESENT AT TODAY’S MEETING WERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS; SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO; SECRETARY (GENERAL DUTIES), PETER WILLIAMS; POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD; DEPUTY

POLITICAL ADVISER, MR RICHARD GOVERNMENT HOUSE, MR ALISTAIR

MARGOLIS? AND PRIVATE SECRETARY ASPREY.

MR JI WAS ACCOMPANIED BY AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR

THE DIRECTOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS XU JIATUN; DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE

HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE

MR LI HOU J DIRECTOR OF THE

SECOND DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, RONG KANG! ACTING HEAD OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF

XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH) MR JI SHAOXIANG;

SECRETARY TO MR JI, MR ZONG GUANGYAO; RESEARCHER OF THE FIRST DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, M? LU YUCUN; AND MR LI RUOHE OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH).

/ 35

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1935

JI PENGFEI ATTENDS VICTORIA HOUSE LUNCH *****

CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON ATTENDED A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT HIS HOME IN VICTORIA HOUSE, BARKER ROAD.

ACCOMPANYING MR JI WERE THE DIRECTOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR XU JIATUN AND MADAM GU YIP ING; THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, W LI HOU; DIRECTOR OF THE SECOND DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR RONG KANG; ACTING HEAD OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR JI SHAOXIANG; SECRETARY TO MR JI PENGFEI, MR ZONG GUANGYAO; RESEARCHER OF THE FIRST DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR LU YUCHUN; INTERPRETER MR WU HONGBO; AND MR LI RUOHE OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH).

OTHER GUESTS AT TODAY’S LUNCH INCLUDED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS PRS RITA FAN, MRS ROSANNA TAM, AND MR LEE YU-TAI; URBAN COUNCILLORS LO KING-MAN AND MRS MARGARET LH PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL hEMBER MRS MIRIAM LAU? MR JOSEPH CHENG AND LAU SIU-KAI OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY; MR LEE MING-KWAN OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC; MR STEPHEN NG OF THE UNIVERSITY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION;

MR CHRISTOPHER LEONG OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVERS? MR MAN SAI-CHEONG CF THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY; MR LAU NAI-KEUNG OF MEETING POINT; DEPUTY SECRETARY (GENERAL DUTIES) MR JOHN CHAN; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MISS ALICE TAI.

-----o------

DECISION ON ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING POSTPONED *****

THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR IAN MACPHERSON ANNOUNCED IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD DECIDED THAT A DECISION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SHOULD BE POSTPONED.

HE SAID THAT THE ERP PILOT STUDY HAD ESTABLISHED THAT ROAD PRICING WAS TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE AS AN OPTION IN TACKLING TRAFFIC CONGESTION, BUT THERE WAS CONCERN AT THE MIXED PUBLIC REACTION TO THE PROPOSALS. HE NOTED THAT A MAJORITY OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD BEEN IN FAVOUR OF A POSTPONEMENT. THE USE OF ERP MIGHT BE RECONSIDERED AFTER A PERIOD OF SUSTAINED GROWTH IN VEHICLE OWNERSHIP AND/OR IF TRAFFIC CONGESTION INCREASED, HE SAID.

/HOWEVER, Tn-.........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

3b -

HOWEVER, THE USE OF THE ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE VOLUNTARY COLLECTION OF TOLLS AT TUNNELS SHOULD BE PURSUED. MR MACPHERSON SAID THIS SYSTEM WAS TO BE CALLED ’AUTOTOLL’.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE AUTOTOLL SYSTEM IN THE FIRST INSTANCE WOULD BE INTRODUCED AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL FOR BUSPS AND FLEET USERS. IT WAS HOPED TO HAVE THIS IN OPERATION BY THE MIDDLE OF 1986 AND TO EXTEND THIS TO OTHER USERS AND OTHER TUNNELS, SUBJECT TO FURTHER STUDY, BY THE MIDDLE OF 1987.

MR MACPHERSON ALSO SAID THAT CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN, IN DUE COURSE, TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A VOLUNTARY SCHEME OF ROAD PRICING. THIS WOULD BE LOOKED AT IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE WITH AUTOTOLL.

PRUDENT BUDGETARY POLICY TO CONTINUE

* X X X X

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW A PRUDENT BUDGETARY POLICY AND REMAIN COMMITTED TO A FREE-ENTERPRISE APPROACH TO ECONOMIC POLICY, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A SPEECH ENTITLED + AN ECONOMIC ROUND-UP FOR 1985+ GIVEN TO THE FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES INSTITUTE, MR JACOBS PLEDGED TO CONTINUE TO INVEST VIGOROUSLY IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH THE COMMUNITY REQUIRED FOR A BETTER FUTURE.

HE SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS BASICALLY HEALTHY +ALTHOUGH THE GDP GROWTH RATE IN 1985 IS LIKELY TO BE MODERATE, BOTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE RATE OF INFLATION ARE RELATIVELY LOW.

THE BUDGET DEFICIT IS LOW AND A BALANCED BUDGET IS IN SIGHT.*

HE POINTED OUT THAT OUR ECONOMY REMAINED, AS ALWAYS, CRUCIALLY DEPENDENT ON TRADE AND THUS VULNERABLE TO EXTERNAL FORCES OUTSIDE HONG KONG’S CONTROL.

THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT PROTECTIONIST MOOD IN THE UNITED STATES, HE ADDED, AND THIS MUST POSE A THREAT TO OUR TRADING POSITION.

MR JACOBS STRESSED THAT HONG KONG IMPOSED NO TARIFFS OR QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON THE IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN GOODS AND THE GOVERNMENT NEITHER SUBSIDISED EXPORTS OF MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS, NOR PROTECTED THE DOMESTIC MARKET FROM FOREIGN COMPETITION.

WEDNESDAY, GEIGER FT, T58J

- 37 -

♦WE ARE CONVINCED AND COMMITTED FREE TRADERS. OUR FREE-ENTERPRISE SYSTEM AND OUR FREE-PORT STATUS HAVE MADE HONG KONG AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT WE NATURALLY FELT DISAPPOINTED WHEN A TRADING PARTNER DISCRIMINATED AGAINST OUR EXPORTS.

MR JACOBS WARNED THAT ALTHOUGH DECISION ON THE JENKINS BILL STILL AWAITED THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENT’S POSITION, THERE WERE OTHER PROTECTIONIST MEASURES THAT HAD BEEN PROPOSED. MOREOVER, NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT TO BE RENEGOTIATED WERE LIKELY TO PROVE TOUGH.

+OF COURSE, THE GOVERNMENT WATCHES THE POSITION VERY CAREFULLY AND HAS, INDEED, BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN MAKING REPRESENTATION. YOU MAY REST ASSURED THAT MY COLLEAGUES ON THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY SIDE WILL REMAIN VIGILANT,* HE SAID.

HOWEVER, HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG SHOULD DEVIATE FROM THE CHOSEN AND SUCCESSFUL PATH DESPITE THE THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM.

+WE MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER OF HONG KONG BECAUSE IT IS THIS, PERHAPS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY THAT IS PROVIDED FOR BY THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND WILL ENSURE THE FUTURE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY CF HONG KONG.*

ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS CHINA HAD PROVIDED THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WITH A NEW SOURCE OF GROWTH WITH THE ADOPTION OF MORE LIBERAL ECONOMIC POLICIES BY CHINA.

HE SAID THAT CHINA WAS NOW HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, ALTHOUGH STILL WELL BEHIND THE UNITED STATES, AND HONG KONG'S ROLE AS A MAJOR ENTREPOT FOR CHINA HAD RE-EMERGED.

+AS WELL AS ABSORBING MORE IMPORTS OF GOODS, CHINA’S MODERNISATION PROGRAMME IS BEING HELPED BY THE IMPORTATION CF AN INCREASING RANGE OF SERVICES FROM HONG KONG.

+IN ADDITION, HONG KONG, AS THE MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, IS IN A POSITION TO CONTRIBUTE INCREASINGLY TO THE FINANCIAL AND RELATED SERVICES THAT LINK CHINA WITH THE REST CF THE WORLD,* SAID MR JACOBS.

MOVING ON TO THE DOMESTIC SCENE, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT PRIVATE SECTOR CONSUMPTION AND PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AS WELL AS ON PLANT AND MACHINERY WERE ALL FORECAST TO SHOW MODERATE GROWTH THIS YEAR.

+THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN THE TAKE-UP RATE FOR FINISHED PROPERTY, WITH PRICES AND RENTALS SHOWING SOME INCREASE. BOTH THESE INDICATORS SUGGEST SOME RETURN OF CONFIDENCE IN THE ECONOMY,* HE POINTED OUT.

/MR JACOBS .......

AiDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

- 38 -

MR JACOBS ATTRIBUTED THE ENCOURAGINGLY LOW RATE OF INFLATION TO THE LINK BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE U.S. DOLLAR.

+WITH THE RELATIVE STRENGTH OF THE U.S. DOLLAR UP TO THE FIRST PART OF THIS YEAR, THE LINK HAD A BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON IMPORT PR ICES,♦ HE SAID, POINTING OUT THAT THE SYSTEM HAD BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN RESTORING CONFIDENCE IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND IN STABILISING ITS EXCHANGE RATE.

MR JACOBS REITERATED SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE’S POINT THAT THERE WERE NO PLANS TO ALTER EITHER THE SYSTEM OR THE LINKED RATE ALTHOUGH THERE HAD BEEN OCCASIONS WHEN THE LINK HAD COME UNDER PRESSURE.

TURNING TO OUR WORK FORCE, HE SAID THAT DESPITE A FALL IN MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT OVER THE PAST YEAR, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDER-EMPLOYMENT HAD REMAINED STABLE AT RELATIVELY LOW LEVELS. THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF THE ENTREPOT TRADE AND OF THE FINANCIAL AND RELATED SERVICES SECTORS.

EARLIER, MR JACOBS HIGHLIGHTED THE RESULTS OF A RECENT SURVEY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WHICH INDICATED THAT FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER.

+AND THERE IS AN EXPECTATION THAT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WILL REMAIN SIMILAR,* HE ADDED.

+ AS FAR AS TRADE AND THE ECONOMY IS CONCERNED, I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRM COMMITMENT TO OUR PRESENT ECONOMIC SYSTEM IS PROVING A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO TRADERS AND INVESTORS.

♦ THE STEADY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION INSOFAR AS THE ECONOMY IS CONCERNED WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP CONFIDENCE,* MR JACOBS SAID.

OTHER POINTS MENTIONED BY MR JACOBS INCLUDED THE FALL IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, A SUBSTANTIAL AND CONTINUING GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS AND THE REVISED FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP.

PENALTIES FOR TV STATIONS

*****

AFTER OBTAINING ADVICE FROM THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD, THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY WILL BE IMPOSING A FINANCIAL PENALTY CF 510 OQO ON TVB FOR INDIRECT ADVERTISING WITHIN THEIR EYT PROGRAMME ON NOVEMBER 11, 1985.

THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY, FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD, WILL ALSO BE IMPOSING A FINANCIAL PENALTY OF $7 500 ON ATV FOR FAILING TO FORWARD A PROGRAMME SERIES FOR EXAMINATION BEFORE BROADCAST.

----- 0 ------

WEDNESDAY, DEC ELSER 11, 1?85

- 39 -

SAFETY CAMPAIGN CLOSES WITH TRIBUTE TO LIFEGUARDS

X X X X

IT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO ENJOY SWIMMING BUT AT THE SAME TIME TO AROUSE PUBLIC ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANT RULES OF WATER SAFETY, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, SAID TODAY.

MR HEYWOOD WAS SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1985 WATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB AND SPONSORED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AT THE WAN CHA I SPORTS GROUND.

HE SAID BOTH THE CLUB AND THE COUNCIL HAD A COMMON AIM WHICH WAS TO TRAIN AND PROVIDE QUALIFIED LIFEGUARDS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC.

♦THIS YEAR, 424 RESCUES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY THE COUNCIL’S LIFEGUARDS AND 132 BY HONORARY LIFEGUARDS OF THE CLUB,* HE SAID.

+TRAGICALLY, THERE WERE FIVE FATAL DROWNING ACCIDENTS AT THE URBAN BEACHES THIS YEAR. EVEN ONE SUCH TRAGEDY IS TOO MANY AND SO WE MUST EE ALWAYS ON THE ALERT TO PREVENT SUCH ACCIDENTS.*

MR HEYWOOD PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO OFFICERS OF WATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DRIVE.

HE ALSO PRESENTED AW SIAN SHIELDS FOR HONORARY LIFE GUARD SERVICES, AND HONG KONG RESCUE STARS AND CERTIFICATES TO RESCUERS FOR THE YEAR.

PRIZES WERE ALSO AWARDED TO 14 WINNERS OF THE 1985 WATER SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

------o-------

MONG KOK BOARD TO DISCUSS HAWKER SURVEY X X X X

THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF A SURVEY ON THt EFFECTS OF HAWKING ACTIVITIES IN THE TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKER

PERMITTED PLACE.

THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE DISTRICT’S SOUTH AREA COMMITTEE IN AUGUST FOLLOWING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS RECEIVED ABOUT NUISANCES GENERATED BY HAWKERS.

/QUESTIONNAIRES ON .......

WEDNESDAY, DECOffiSH 11, 1?85

QUESTIONNAIRES ON THE EFFECTS OF HAWKING ACTIVITIES WERE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS AND SHOP OWNERS IN THE VICINITY AND 584 OF THEM WERE COMPLETED AND RETURNED.

HAWKER REPRESENTATIVES WERE ALSO INTERVIEWED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS OPERATION TO PRESENT A BALANCE PICTURE OF THE SITUATION.

THE BOARD WILL ALSO STUDY A PROPOSAL ON AN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SCHEME WHICH IS AIMED AT SOLVING THE LONG-STANDING PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY TAPPING BY HAWKERS IN THE SECTION OF TUNG CHOI STREET BOUNDED BY NELSON STREET AND DUNDAS STREET.

UNDER THE SCHEME EACH HAwKER WOULD RECORD HIS OWN ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION WITH A SEPARATE METER INSTEAD OF RECORDING THE SUPPLY COLLECTIVELY THROUGH A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REVIEW ON THE SHORTAGE OF LORRY PARKING SPACE IN THE DISTRICT, THE POSITION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, AND THE PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES.

BEFORE THE MEETING, A BRIEF CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT WHICH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION WILL PRESENT A $50 000 CHEQUE TO THE BOARD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DISTRICT BOARD LANDMARK.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

RECREATION FACILITIES, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR SHA TIN * * * *

A TOTAL OF 35 RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMMES WOULD BE ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR 5 424 PARTICIPANTS IN SHA TIN DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.

SPEAKING AT THE MEETING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE RSD’S DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER (SHA TIN), MR LAU TAK-SHIU, SAID FUNDS UP TO $117 385 HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PROGRAMMES.

MR LAU ALSO DISCLOSED THAT A CHINESE NEW YEAR ROAD RACE, COVERING SEVEN KILOMETRES ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER PROMENADE, WOULD BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WOULD BE A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE RSD AND THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

/REFEHHING TC .......

rfiXNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

REFERRING TO RECREATION AND AMENITIES FACILITIES BEING BUILT ALONG THE PROMENADE, MR LAU SAID THESE WOULD INCLUDE FOUR CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, GARDENS, SITTING-OUT AND LANDSCAPED AREAS, A WATER FEATURE, A SKATING RINK, THREE REFRESHMENT KIOSKS, A BOAT HIRE KIOSK, PROMENADE WALKS AND CYCLE TRACKS, AND SPECTATOR STANDS AND A JUDGING STAND FOR BOAT RACING EVENTS.

+THE PROJECT WILL COST AN ESTIMATED $28 MILLION AND COVER A TOTAL AREA OF 6.88 HECTARES WHICH WILL BE EXTENSIVELY LANDSCAPED WITH SOME 1 500 TREES AND 110 000 VARIOUS OTHER PLANTS,* HE SAID.

+0N COMPLETION NEXT MONTH, THE PROJECT WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE OUTLOOK OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.*

ON THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PLANNED BY THE RSD FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, THE CULTURAL SERVICE* OFFICER, MR LO YIU-CHUNG, SAID THEY WILL INCLUDE A WIDE RANGE CF LIBRARY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BOOK EXHIBITIONS AND DISPLAYS, INTELLECTUAL GAMES, EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, FILM SHOWS, HI-FI CONCERTS, INTEREST GROUPS AND VIDEO SCREENING.

MR LO ADDED THAT LIBRARY SERVICES IN SHA TIN WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY EXPANDED WITH THE ADDITION OF A NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY AT THE SHA TIN CULTURAL COMPLEX NEXT OCTOBER, WHEN FITTING OUT WORa IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED.

AT THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE DECIDED TO NAME IT AS +SHA TIN CENTRAL LIBRARY*.

IN ADDITION TO ITS FUNCTION AS A DISTRICT LIBRARY, MR LO SAID, THE NEW LIBRARY, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 3 250 SQUARE METRES, WOULD PROVIDE SUPPORTING REFERENCE AND INFORMATION AND AUDIO-VISUAL SERVICES FOR DISTRICT LIBRARIES AT SHEUNG SHU I, FANLING AND TAI ?0.

-----0------

FOUR SITES TO BE SOLD AT AUCTION

* * * *

FOUR SITES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AT AN AUCTION TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM.

TWO OF THE SITES ARE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LOTS AT ALBANY ROAD AND KENNEDY ROAD, AND THE OTHERS ARE INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN LOTS AT KUT SHING STREET IN CHAI WAN, AND CHEUNG TAT ROAD ON TSING Yl.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

SITES OFFERED FOR SHORT-TERM LEASE

******

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO SITES AT THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.

THE FIRST SITE OF 3 700 SQUARE METRES, AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG YIP STREET AND HOI BUN ROAD, WILL BE FOR THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES OR STORAGE.

THE SECOND SITE OF ABOUT 1 950 SQUARE METRES IS NEXT Tn batch?ng°and^cement^or^sahd'handling oU? F0R CONCRETE 0R ASPHALT

TENANCIES FOR BOTH SITES WILL BE FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 27.

TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD HONG KONG.

---0------

DETAILS ON TAI PO FESTIVAL

* * *

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13) AT THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO FESTIVAL, MR HO YUNG-SANG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, MR KWONG KAI-TO, WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE.

THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL WILL START ON DECEMBER 15 AND LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY 23.

A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS, CULTURAL AND LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PLANNED.

THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO FESTIVAL CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, CO-ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1985

BOARD MEMBERS BRIEF INDUSTRIALISTS * * * *

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BRIEF INDUSTRIALISTS AND ENTREPRENEURS IN THE DISTRICT ON THE WORK OF THE BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE DURING A CONSULTATION FORUM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE FORUM, TO BE HELD AT THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB IN TSUEN WAN IS EXPECTED TO BE ATTENDED BY SOME 50 INDUSTRIALISTS AND ENTREPRENEURS. THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF A SURVEY TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE FEMALE WORKFORCE IN TSUEN WAN PRESENTED BY DR NG SEK-HONG, LECTURER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.

THE SURVEY IS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROBLEMS OF THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE.

THE FORUM WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 12.30 PM TO 5 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

VAN (AM 4738) FOR AT FOU WAH CENTRE, THE HILLTOP COUNTRY

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE FORUM. A ^nS^?TP?EnrNTATIVES W,LL LEAVE THE CARPARK 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN AT NOON FOR

CLUB.

--------0 -

DETAILS ON CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

KK IX

A MONTH-LONG CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN MONG KOK ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS WELL AS THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO PUBLICISE THE CAMPAIGN, INCLUDING A PUBLIC FORUM, TRAINING COURSES, COMPETITIONS AND FUN DAYS.

A PRESS CONFERENCE * ILL BE HELD TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE CAMPAIGN AT 1 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

/P&SSA’T AT........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1?85

- 44 -

PRESENT AT THE CONFERECNE WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, NF LAU TAK-KI: DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG PRODUCER, MR CHAN YUK-CHEUNG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

------o--------

PROPER STAIRWAY FOR HO MAN TIN RESIDENTS ******

RESIDENTS IN HO MAN TIN WILL SOON HAVE A PROPER FLIGHT OF STAIRS ON A SLOPE LINKING HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD AND HO MAN TIN STREET UNDER A PROPOSED PROJECT BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD.

THE SLOPE, WHICH IS STEEP AND COVERED WITH SCRUBS AND MOSS, IS EXTENSIVELY USED BY RESIDENTS AS A SHORT CUT.

IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL RISKS TO RESIDENTS. THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED PLANS TO BUILD A PROPER STAIRS WITH STREET LIGHTS AND HANDRAILS ON BOTH

SIDES.

THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST $180 000.

SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY

*****

THE WIFE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, LADY AKERS-JONES, WILL PERFORM THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY OF TSIM SHA TSUI EAST CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY PARK AT 5.45 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE LIGHTINGS AND CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, COSTING SI MILLION, ARE ORGANISED BY THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION.

/THE CHAlxiiUt. ..........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEH 11, 1985

- 45 -

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR LUI CHI-WO, WILL BE PRESENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

BE HELD AT 5.45 THE SEVEN SEAS

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY PARK OUTSIDE PLAZA TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

POK FU LAM, SHEUNG WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES K * » I X

THE EXISTING BUS-ONLY LANE ON THE NORTHBOUND KERBSIDE SECTION CF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN ABOUT 40 METRES AND 260 METRES NORTH CF BISNEY ROAD WILL BE LIFTED FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13).

OTHER VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ROAD SECTION BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY. THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.

MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY, ALL VEHICLES OTHER THAN BUSES AND COACHES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE LAYBY SOUTH OF THE MACAU FERRY BUS TERMINUS 24 HOURS DAILY.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

JI PENGFEI ATTENDS TDC DINNER.................................. 1

BUSY THIRD DAY FOR JI PENGFEI ................................. 2

LAND AUCTION ’SHOWS INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE’ .................... 3

NEED FOR FAMILY PLANNING STRESSED.............................. 4

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL OF YUEN LONG PROMOTED .................... 5

MONG KOK TO LAUNCH CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE ...................... 6

’TIGER’ GOLD COIN OFFER CLOSES SATURDAY ....................... 7

WARNING AGAINST IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES .................. 8

TUEN MUN SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION ........................... 8

BROADCASTING REPORT TO BE DISCUSSED ........................... 9

FIRMS URGED TO PROMOTE STAFF RECREATION ....................... 10

INSPECTION FOR PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES ............................ 10

DISPLAY TELLS ABOUT KWUN TONG ................................. 10

ANTI-NARCOTICS NIGHT ON SUNDAY ................................ 11

SEARCH FOR MODEL WORKERS LAUNCHED ............................. 12

JAZZ MASTER CLASS OFFERED...................................... 12

SAI KUNG YOUTH FESTIVAL CLOSES SATURDAY ....................... 12

CHARITY WALK TRAFFIC CH.LNGES ................................. 1J

RACE COURSE BUS ROUTE CHANGES.................................. 1J

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1985

JI PENGFEI ATTENDS TDC DINNER * * * * * *

CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR JI PENGFEI, WAS GUEST TONIGHT AT A DINNER ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE TDC’S INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO MEET HIM.

SPEAKING IN PUTONGHUA AT THE DINNER, THE TDC’S CHAIRMAN, MISS LYDIA DUNN POINTED OUT THAT MANUFACTURING AND THE EXPORT TRADE WERE THE TWIN PILLARS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.

♦TOTAL EXPORT VOLUME EACH YEAR AMOUNTS TO SOME 55 PER CENT CF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, WHILE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ACCOUNTS FOR 40 PER CENT OF THE ENTIRE WORK FORCE.

♦HONG KONG PRODUCTS ENJOY A HIGH INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION AND THE TERRITORY’S EXPORT VOLUME FOR GARMENTS, TOYS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS IS THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD,+ SHE SAID.

MISS DUNN STRESSED THAT DESPITE THESE ACHIEVEMENTS, THERE WAS NO PLACE FOR COMPLACENCY.

♦RISING PROTECTIONISM, COMPETITION IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE SLOWDOWN OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS IN RECENT YEARS HAVE POSED CONSIDERABLE PROBLEMS FOR HONG KONG’S EXPORT TRADE.

♦UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL STEPS UP ITS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES WORLDWIDE.

♦THIS WILL CREATE AND MAINTAIN A FAVOURABLE INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE TO FACILITATE THE TRADING ACTIVITIES OF HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS, THEREBY ENABLING THEM TO MAKE A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY,* SHE SAID.

ALSO SPEAKING IN PUTONGHUA AT THE DINNER, MR JI SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO MEET SO MANY FRIENDS FROM HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE SECTORS.

HE SAID FOR MANY YEARS, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAD ORGANISED MANY ACTIVITIES AND HAD DONE MUCH TO EXPAND HONG KONG’S EXPORT TRADE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND WISHED THE TDC WOULD PEET WITH EVEN GREATER SUCCESS IN PROMOTING HK’S EXPORT TRADE.

MR JI SAID SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION A YEAR AGO, CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN FAVOURABLE.

♦LOOKING AHEAD, WE ARE FULLY CONFIDENT IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY HAD BEEN THE COMMON WISH OF PEOPLE FROM ALL SECTORS IN HONG KONG AND THIS HAD ALSO BEEN CHINA’S BASIC POLICY.

/THE CHINESE .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1985

THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, WOULD ADHERE TO THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WOULD DO ITS BEST TOWARDS ITS FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION. HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THROUGH THE FRIENDLY COOPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN, THE JOINT DECLARATION WOULD BE CORRECTLY AND FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED.

MR JI SAID THERE WAS WIDE SCOPE FOR HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA AS CHINA DEVELOPED THE FOUR MODERNISATION PROGRAMMES.

HONG KONG COULD CONTRIBUTE MUCH IN BUILDING UP CAPITAL, INTRODUCING TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERTISE, AS WELL AS PROVIDING MARKET INFORMATION AND RE-EXPORT TRADE, HE SAID.

-----0------

BUSY THIRD DAY FOR JI PENGFEI

* * *

CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFE I, BEGAN THE THIRD DAY OF HIS HONG KONG VISIT TODAY (THURSDAY) WITH A TOUR OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY’S CONTROL CENTRE IN TAI PO.

IN ADDITION TO HIS DEPUTY, MR LI HOU, OTHERS IN MR JI’S PARTY INCLUDED MR RONG KANG, MR ZONG GUANGYAO, MR LU YUCUN, MR WU HONGBO, MR ZHENG HUA, MR JI SHAOXIANG AND MR LI RUOHE.

THE VISITORS WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE CHAIRMAN OF CHINA LIGHT, LORD KADOORIE, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, SIR SIDNEY GORDON, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR WILLIAM STONES.

FOLLOWING THE 45-MINUTE TOUR OF THE POWER CONTROL CENTRE, JI AND HIS PARTY TRAVELLED ALONG THE RECENTLY-OPENED TOLO HIGHWAY TO SHA TIN FOR LUNCH AS GUESTS OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO.

MR LIAO’S OTHER GUESTS FOR THE LUNCHEON AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB INCLUDED DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN, CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THE URBAN AND PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCILS, CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECTED FROM THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCY.

MR JI AND HIS PARTY THEN DROVE FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB GRANDSTAND AT THE RACE COURSE TO THE NEARBY HELIPAD TO JOIN THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, FOR AN AERIAL TOUR OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE REST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH HAD BEEN POSTPONED YESTERDAY BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.

SIR EDWARD’S HELICOPTER INCLUDED MR JI, THE DIRECTOR OF XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR XU JIATUN, MR LI HOU AND MR LIAO.

ON BOARD THE SECOND HELICOPTER WERE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AND MR RONG KANG, ZONG GUANGYAO, MR LU YUCUN AND MR WU HONGBO.

/FOLLOWING THE

THURSDAY, DEC Of BEK 12, 19b5

- t> -

FOLLOWING THE 45-MINUTE TOUR, MR JI MOVED ACROSS THE HARBOUR TO THE GREAT EAGLE CENTRE OFFICE OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.

MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE TDC’S CHAIRMAN, MISS LYDIA DUNN, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR JACK SO, THE CHINESE STATE COUNCILLOR LOOKED AT AN EXHIBITION OF HONG KONG’S HIGH TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY.

LATER IN THE EVENING, MR JI JOINED MISS DUNN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TDC FOR DINNER AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE.

FOLLOWING IS MR JI’S PROGRAMME FOR TOMORROW (FRIDAY): HARBOUR TOUR

MR JI, ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE, WILL GO ON A HARBOUR TOUR ON BOARD THE LADY MAUR INE BETWEEN 11 AM AND 12.30 PM. THERE WILL BE FIXED PRESS POSITIONS AT QUEEN’S PIER AND KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE OF HIM BOARDING AND DISEMBARKING FROM THE BOAT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT QUEEN’S PIER AT 10.30 AM FOR COVERAGE OF THE BOARDING, AND AT 12 NOON AT KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER FOR COVERING THE DISEMBARKATION.

POOL PHOTOGRAPHS OF MR JI ON BOARD THE LADY MAUR I NE WILL BE PROVIDED BY GIS.

VISIT TO ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS

AND LADY YOUDE, WILL

MR JI, ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR

VISIT THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND WATCH A SHORT PERFORMANCE IN THE AFTERNOON. MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE VISIT ^bLBE.!?0!!AS!RIES 0F F,XED POSITIONS ALONG HIS ROUTE. THERE WILL BE A FORMAL PERFORMANCE AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REMINDED TO BRING ALONG TELELENSES AS NO FLASH WILL BE ALLOWED W JI WILL ARRIVE AT THE ACADEMY IN WAN CHAI AT 5.30 PM AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE MAIN

ENTRANCE AT 5 PM.

-----o------

LAND AUCTION ’SHOWS INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE’ * * * *

A PRIME MID-LEVELS SITE - THE ALBANY - WAS SOLD FOR H99 MILLION TO ALDRICH BAY EAST LTD, A SUBSIDIARY OF SWIRE PROPERTIES, AT AN AUCTION TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE AUCTIONEER, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT MR TIM MILLS, DESCRIBED THE PRICE FOR THE 3 877-SQUARE-METRE SITE AS SATISFACTORY.

/+IT SHOWS .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1985

+IT SHOWS THE CONTINUED CONFIDENCE OF INVESTORS AND DEVELOPERS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.

+IT WAS ABOUT THE TOP PRICE WE HAD ESTIMATED AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN SURPRISED HAD THE BIDS GONE BEYOND $200 MILLION,* HE SAID.

BIDDING FOR THE SITE WAS BRISK, RISING RAPIDLY AT $1 MILLION BIDS FROM THE OPENING PRICE OF $140 MILLION. THERE WAS A KEEN COMPETITIVE ATMOSPHERE EMPHASISED BY THE SCATTERING OF APPLAUSE THROUGH THE CITY HALL THEATRE.

AFTER THE AUCTION MR MILLS EXPLAINED THAT THE SITE, NEXT TO THE BOTANICAL GARDENS, HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN OCCUPIED BY GOVERNMENT QUARTERS.

THE BUILDING CONDITIONS CALL FOR THE SITE TO BE DEVELOPED FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY WITH A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 11 630 SQUARE METRES.

THE BRISK BIDDING OF THE FIRST LOT CARRIED OVER TO THE SECOND LOT, A 800-SQUARE-METRE SITE ON KENNEDY ROAD JUST TO THE WEST OF THE PEAK TRAM LINE.

BIDDING OPENED AT $45 MILLION AND WENT UP BY $1 MILLION BIDS TO $55 MILLION WHEN IT WAS KNOCKED DOWN TO ALSO NEW COMPANY, A SUBSIDIARY OF SUN HUNG KAI.

ALBO TOWN COMPANY LIMITED, ANOTHER SUBSIDIARY OF SUN HUNG KAI BOUGHT THE THIRD LOT, A 1 521-SQUARE-METRE INDUSTRIAL SITE AT CHAI WAN FOR $14.7 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $12 MILLION.

THE FINAL SITE AT THE AUCTION, 2 554 SQUARE METRES OF LAND ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND WAS SOLD TO SOU LAM COMPANY LIMITED FOR $7 MILLION.

------0-------

NEED FOR FAMILY PLANNING STRESSED * * * *

FAMILY PLANNING WAS ESSENTIAL FOR A HAPPY AND STABLE SOCIETY, LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, SAID TODAY.

AND IT WAS NECESSARY TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY PLANNING TO HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE, SHE ADDED.

SPEAKING AT THE 30TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, LADY YOUDE SAID SHE HAD BEEN MOST IMPRESSED BY THE SUCCESS WITH WHICH THE ASSOCIATION WAS SPREADING THE MESSAGE THAT +A PLANNED FAMILY IS A HAPPY ONE.+

THE ASSOCIATION, SHE SAID, HAD ALREADY ACHIEVED SUCCESS THROUGH CLINICS, CAMPAIGNS AND EXHIBITIONS.

/♦FROM WHAT .......

THURSDAY, DECBIBER 12, 1985

- 5 -

♦FROM WHAT WE HAVE HEARD THIS EVENING, AND FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT, IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT THE WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT WITH EVER-INCREASING ENTHUSIASM,+ SHE SAID.

THE NEW YOUTH HEALTH CARE CENTRE AND THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS WOULD BE A GREAT HELP IN ACHIEVING THE AIM OF SPREADING THE FAMILY PLANNING MESSAGE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.

♦PARENTS AND TEACHERS TOO MUST BE INCLUDED AND IT IS TO BE HOPED THAT THEY, AS MUCH AS THE STUDENTS, WILL BENEFIT FROM THE NEW PROGRAMMES,* SHE SAID.

AT THE MEETING, LADY YOUDE ALSO ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO BECOME HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION.

-----0------

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL OF YUEN LONG PROMOTED * * * *

YUEN LONG IS HONG KONG’S LARGEST REMAINING SOURCE OF LAND WITH GOOD LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL, DISTRICT OFFICER, JAMES WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN YUEN LONG SEMINAR, ORGANISED FOR MANUFACTURERS AND BUSINESSMEN TO HELP THEM EXPAND fHEIR BUSINESS AND PROMOTE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

MR WILSON POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE GOOD ROAD NETWORK AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, TRAVEL TIME BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND THE URBAN AREAS HAD SHORTENED CONSIDERABLY.

HE ADDED THAT WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAILWAY TRANSIT AND THE LOK MA CHAU CROSS-BORDER LINK FURTHER IMPROVEMENT* WOULD BE MADE TO THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.

♦YUEN LONG HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 250 000, BUT WITHIN SEVEN YEARS, WHEN THE TWO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN YUEN LONG TOWN AND THOSE IN TIN SHU I WAI BEGIN TAKING IN NEW RESIDENTS, THERE WILL BE A FURTHER 130 000 PEOPLE,* HE SAID.

♦AGRICULTURE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN A STRONG ELEMENT IN THE DISTRICT’S ECONOMY, BUT NEW JOBS WITHIN THE DISTRICT MUST BE CREATED TO CATER FOR NEW RESIDENTS MOVING INTO THE AREA.

♦NEW FACTORIES ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TONG YAN SAN TSUEN AND THE TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, AND WITH THE EXPECTED SATURATION IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, INDUSTRIALISTS WILL DO WELL TO REALISE THE ADVANTAGES OF ESTABLISHING A BASE IN YUEN

LONG.

♦FROM 1986 ONWARDS 63 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL AVAILABLE IN THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE,* HE

LAND WILL BE ADDED.

/ALSO SPEAKING .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1985

ALSO SPEAKING IN THE SEMINAR WERE THE MANAGER OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MR LAU YIN-CHUEN; SENIOR CONSULTANT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL MR ANDY NG I AND MANAGER OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CORPORATION MR LEUNG KAM-PUI, THEY EXPLAINED THE VARIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MANUFACTURERS AND INVESTORS.

THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.

-------0----------

MONG KOK TO LAUNCH CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE

* * * *

MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT THROUGH A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN A MONTH-LONG CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN STARTING SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14).

DISCLOSING DETAILS OF THE CAMPAIGN AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, HR LAU TAK-KI SAIDi +THE CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT ENHANCING CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS AND AT FOCUSING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S GOVERNMENT SYSTEM.*

ENTITLED 'CIVIC EDUCATION 30’, IT WILL LAST UNTIL JANUARY 12, WITH A TOTAL OF 13 EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE UNDER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO PUBLICISE CIVIC EDUCATION.

TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN, A PUBLIC FORUM JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY IN MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND TO DISCUSS THE ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION.

GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, HRS ROSANNA TAM; SECRETARY OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LABOUR UNIONS, MR LEE KAI-MING; A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HR C.M. LEUNG AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FaI.

A SPECIAL SPORTS AND FUN DAY, ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE CF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL CONCLUDE THE CAMPAIGN ON JANUARY 12.

THERE WILL BE SPECIALLY DESIGNED GAMES AND COMPETITIONS EMPHASISING THE MEANING OF THE CAMPAIGN. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A CELEBRITY MATCH PLAYED BY FOUR TEAMS, REPRESENTING THE DISTRICT BOARD, TVB, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG AND WING ON COMPANY LIMITED.

/OTHER ACTIVITIES .......

THURSDAY, DEC3JBER 12,

OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDE A STUDY CAMP, BOOK EXHIBITION, QUIZ COMPETITION, CARTOON DRAWING AND ESSAY COMPETITIONS, TRAINING CAMP, VARIETY SHOW AND FUN FAIR.

♦SPECIAL EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DESIGN VARIOUS PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES SO THAT THERE WILL BE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE,* NR LAU SAID.

THE CAMPAIGN WILL COST ABOUT $90 000, WITH MORE THAN $70 000 CONTRIBUTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

MOST OF THE EVENTS ARE FREE AND APPLICATION FORMS AND ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 3-809731.

-------o ---------

’TIGER’ GOLD COIN OFFER CLOSES SATURDAY * * * *

FORMS FOR THE $1 000 YEAR OF THE TIGER GOLD COINS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE HANDED IN BY 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) WHEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

THE PROOF VERSION OF THE COIN COSTS $3 300 AND THE BRILLIANT, UNCIRCULATED COIN $2 200.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY REGISTERED MAIL AROUND JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR. THOSE NOT SUCCESSFUL WILL HAVE THEIR CHEQUES OR BANKER’S CASHIER ORDERS RETURNED BY POST AT THE APPLICANTS’ RISK AROUND JANUARY 14.

CHEQUES OR BANKER’S CASHIER ORDERS WOULD NOT BE PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT BEFORE DECEMBER 14, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE COINS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION BRANCHES.

COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH CROSSED CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO ’HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 1986 SPECIAL COIN ACCOUNT’ OR BANKER’S CASHIER ORDERS MUST REACH ANY OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK INS CORPORATION BRANCHES LISTED IN THE APPLICATION FORM BEFORE 12.33 P4 ON SATURDAY, HE STRESSED.

POSTAL APPLICATIONS SENT ON THAT DAY WOULD BE ACCEPTED.

-------o---------

/8........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1935

WARNING AGAINST IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES * * * *

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REITERATED ITS APPEAL TO HOLIDAY MAKERS RETURNING TO HONG KONG NOT TO BRING BACK ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS, CR THEIR STUFFED SPECIMENS.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DESPITE REPEATED WARNINGS AND CONTINUING PUBLICITY, ILLEGAL IMPORTATIONS OF ENDANGERED ANIMALS REMAINED HIGH.

♦IN THE PAST 11 MONTHS, THERE WERE 457 SUCH CASES OF ILLEGAL IMPORTATIONS WITH THE MOST COMMON ITEMS SEIZED BEING HAWKS, KESTRELS, OWLS, PANGOLIN, AND STUFFED SPECIMENS OF SEA TURTLES AND CROCODILES.

♦THIS REPRESENTS MORE THAN A TWO-FOLD INCREASE OVER 205 CASES FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1984,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION CF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 ON CONVICTION FOR A FIRST OFFENCE, AND $10 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE.

+DURING THE COMING FESTIVE SEASON, TEN OF THOUSANDS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT OTHER COUNTRIES.

+IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO REMEMBER NOT TO BRING BACK ANY PROTECTED ANIMALS AND PLANTS, OR THEIR SPECIMENS, SO AS TO AVOID ANY UNNECESSARY INCONVENIENCE AND PROSECUTION,* HE SAID.

- - o -

TUEN MUN SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION * * * *

A SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION FOR YOUNGSTERS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE HELD AT THE ON TING YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7.45 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE SEMINAR, WHICH IS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE +DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION - YOUTH CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP+, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN 1985 IYY ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE TUEN MUN GROUP AND COMMUNITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE.

A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY, MR WONG VW-CHUNG, WILL TALK ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE CHANGING witty *»€ «OMG _

/UNnr-'ICIAL

.'HURSDA1. DEC

- 9 -

UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SZETO «A«, A TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR ALFRED TSO, ILL ALSO BE SPEAKING ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

PARTICIPANTS OF THE SEMINAR WILL ALSO JOIN A TWO-DAY CAMP AT THE PO LEUNG KUK HOLIDAY CAMP IN PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG, ON DECEMBER 21 AND 22.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR AT 7.45 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE ACTIVITY HALL OF THE ON TING YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE, ON TING ESTATE, TUEN MUN.

-------0----------

BROADCASTING REPORT TO BE DISCUSSED * * * *

SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD REPORT.

THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE REHOUSING AND REPROVISIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME INVOLVING THREE BLOCKS IN PAK TIN ESTATE.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 39 TONKIN STREET.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING AS OBSERVERS AND RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 3-7204251.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

-----0------

/10........

HURSDAY, DECEM?"- '2,

FIRMS URfc-D TO PROMOTE STAFF RECREATION * * * *

THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (RECREATION AND SPORT) OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH. MR DICKEN YUNG TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED INDUSTRIALISTS AND HEADS OF CORPORATIONS TO SET UP LONG-TERM POLICIES IN PROMOTING STAFF RECREATION AND WELFARE.

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN, HONG KONG, MR YUNG SAID THAT SUCH POLICIES WOULD HELP PROMOTE BETTER RELATIONS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, IMPROVE HEALTH CONDITIONS AND FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND THUS RAISE OVERALL PRODUCTIVITY.

HE SAID THAT IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC BODIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAD WORKED TOWARDS UTILISING ALL TYPES CF FACILITIES TO PROVIDE WORKING PEOPLE WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIV(TIES.

THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, WAS PURSUING A POLICY OF PROVIDING RECREATION FOR ALL.

------0-------

INSPECTION FOR PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES * * * *

PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1983 WHICH REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1986 WOULD BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO VEHICLE INSPECTION BEFORE RE-LICENSING.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE MEASURE WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 2, 1986 AND WOULD INCLUDE THOSE LIGHT BUSES PROVIDING SCHOOL SERVICES.

OWNERS OF PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED ARE ADVISED TO PRESENT THEIR VEHICLES FOR INSPECTION AT THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT CHEUNG YIP STREET.

- - 0-----------

DISPLAY TELLS ABOUT KWUN TONG * * * *

KWUN TONG RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT FROM AN EXHIBITION WHICH STARTS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE EXHIBITION, ENTITLED +TO KNOW KWUN TONG+, WILL FEATURE PICTURES OF KWUN TONG OVER THE YEARS, HOW THE DISTRICT HAS EVOLVED INTO ITS PRESENT STAGE, AND ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS.

IT WILL ALSO DESCRIBE THE FUNCTIONS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

/THE EXHIBITION .......

rHlTCDAY, DEC2MBE? 12, 1985

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE FOR TWO DAYS AT THE TElFORD COMMERCIAL COMPLEX IN KOWLOON BAY AND WILL THEN BE TAKEN TO COMMUNIT) CENTRES IN VARIOUS AREAS OF KWUN TONG.

STAGED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL '85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE +TO KNOW KWUN TONG+ EXHIBITION IS A PRELUDE TO THE THREE-WEEK KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85, WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14).

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, ERIC BLACK, WILL OPEN THE EXHIBITION AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE +T0 KNOW KWUN TONG+ EXHIBITION AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE TELFORD COMMERCIAL COMPLEX (NEAR THE KLASSE DEPARTMENT STORE) IN KOWLOON BAY.

-------0 ---------

ANTI-NARCOTICS NIGHT ON SUNDAY * * * *

THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES ANTI-NARCOTICS NIGHT, ORGANISED RY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, WILL g JeLD AT S PH ON sum" (DECEMBER 15) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.

OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), PROFESSOR GERALD CHOA, TS?MiUlRM{GNAi?S|HEPREVENTliE EDUCATION/ND PUBLIC ITY Qiir—rriMM ITTFF OF THE ACAN. DR K.L. STUMPF, THE SECRtTAKY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE BY 7.40 PM.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1. 1 <? - =>

12 -

SEARCH FOR MODEL WORKERS LAUNCHED *****

INDUSTRIALISTS AND FACTORY WORKERS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl HAVE BEEN INVITED TO NOMINATE WORKERS TO COMPETE IN A MODEL WORKER AWARD SCHEME.

EACH EMPLOYER COULD NOMINATE NOT MORE THAN TWO WORKERS FOR THE COMPETITION, AND INVITATION LETTERS WHICH HAD BEEN SENT OUT, SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON OR BEFORE NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).

THE SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. IS AIMED AT CREATING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG WORKERS IN THE DISTRICT.

BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY EMPLOYERS, THE MODEL WORKERS WILL BE SELECTED FOR THEIR ABILITY, PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT. THE ID WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF $2 ODO AND A TROPHY.

WINNERS WILL ALSO VISIT FACTORIES IN THE DISTRICT AS WORKER AMBASSADORS.

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JAZZ MASTER CLASS OFFERED * * *

THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL WILL PRESENT A JAZZ MASTER CLASS BY AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED MUSICIAN, MR GRAHAM COLLIER, AND HIS JAZZ GROUP ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) FROM 10 AM TO NOON AT THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE.

THE GROUP CONSISTS OF SIX MEMBERS WHO PLAY THE SAXAPHONE, FLUTE, GUITAR, PIANO, BASS AND PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS.

ADMISSION TO THE MASTER CLASS IS FREE. MORE DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5-283257.

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SAI KUNG YOUTH FESTIVAL CLOSES SATURDAY * * * *

THE TWO-WEEK SAI KUNG YOUTH FESTIVAL WILL END WITH A VARIETY SHOW ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) EVENING AT MAN YEE REHOUSING ESTATc PLAYGROUND, SAI KUNG TOWN.

SEVERAL EVENTS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE FESTIVAL INCLUDING A YOUTH SEMINAR SPONSORED BY THE ICAC, A CHINESE SPEcCn COMPETITION FOR 18 REPRESENTATIVES FROM FOUR LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND A FOUR-DAY YOUTH ART EXHIBITION.

/THE VAKIETY .......

T'HRfDAY, DECEM??’P 12, 1?o

- 15 -

THE VARIETY SHO'*, TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM, IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL WITH PERFORMANCE BY RENOWNED SINGERS, FOLK SONGS BY STUDENTS, DANCING, MUSIC AND DRAMA PERFORMANCES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY AND THE VARIETY SHOW.

-----o -------

CHARITY WALK TRAFFIC CHANGES

KM**

JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND MAN KAM TO ROAD NEAR FUNG KAI SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE WALK FOR A MILLION IN NORTH DISTR ICT.

FROM 10 AM TO 10.30 AM ON DECEMBER 15 (SUNDAY), KMB ROUTE 73K (SHEUNG SHU I - MAN KAM TO) WILL ALSO BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.

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RACE COURSE BUS ROUTE CHANGES * X X X X

SHA TIN RACE COURSE RECREATION ROUTE 881, 882 AND 884 WILL CEASE OPERATION FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 15).

ROUTE 872 WILL ONLY OPERATE FROM SHA TIN RACE COURSE TO

TAI PO MARKET AFTER THE RACE MEETINGS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

+HK'S DYNAMIC CHANGES DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS* ................ 1

ANOTHER BUSY DAY FOR JI PENGFEI ............................. 3

PROSPECT OF CONTAINER PORT EXPAN SION STUDIED ............... 4

LICENSING SCHEME STARTS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS ................... 5

ACCORD ON LAND PRODUCTION COST .............................. 6

CANCER REMAINS MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM.......................... 6

BILL GAZETTED................................................ 8

KftUN TONG FEATURES IN DISPLAY .............................. 8

JOINT CLEAN UP EFFORT IN BUTTERFLY AREA ..................... 9

FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE FOR WAN CHAI ........................ 9

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK ......................... 10

FOUR SITES FOR SALE BY TENDER................................ 10

STARRY NIGHT FOR KWUN TONG................................... 11

FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY ......................... 12

BOARD TO DISCUSS REHOUSING, REPROVTSIONING................... 13

WORK ON MOORING DOLPHINS PLANNED ............................ 14

ELEVATED WALKWAY FOR CENTRAL ................................ 15

NANJING MJNICIPAL GOVERNMENT DELEGATION VISITS USD .......... 15

NEW ISLANDS OFFICER MAKES CALLS ............................. 16

ROAD SAFETY DAY FOR KWAI CHUNG .............................. 16

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS FUNDS ........................... 17

FORUM TO START OPE1 CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE.................... 17

ROAD SECTICN CLOSURE......................................... 18

TRAFFIC CHANGES ............................................. 18

ROAD CLOSURE IN SAI YING PUN ................................ 18

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1T35

+HK ’ S DYNAMIC CHANGES DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS* * * * *

THE DYNAMIC CHANGE IN HONG KONG, WHICH WAS FREE FROM THE RESTRAINTS OF A GUIDING POLITICAL IDEOLOGY, HAD ACQUIRED AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT DIMENSION FROM MOST OTHER PLACES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

AND CONSENSUS GOVERNMENT HAD ENABLED HONG KONG TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER, TO BECOME AN ECONOMIC MODEL AND A MODERN MIRACLE, l£ SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE HK OBSERVERS’ 1QTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE LECTURES, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE GROUP HAD LIVED THROUGH 10 YEARS CF THE MOST DRAMATIC CHANGE IN THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG.

♦THROUGHOUT THIS TIME YOU HAVE OBSERVED AND ARTICULATED YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN A WAY WHICH HAS NEVER FAILED TO STIMULATE DISCUSSION, EVEN THOUGH THAT DISCUSSION DID NOT ALWAYS END IN TOTAL AGREEMENT WITH YOUR OBSERVATIONS.

♦BUT THAT IS YOUR RIGHT AND IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE AND OUR FREEDOM, FROM TIME TO TIME, TO DISAGREE,* HE SAID.

ON HONG KONG’S CHANGES IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, SIR DAVID RECALLED THAT IN 1975, THE HOUSING PROGRAMME HAD JUST BEGUN AND WORK WAS STARTING ON THE NEW TOWNS. AND IN THE YEAR BEFORE - IN 1974 - 57 000 PEOPLE WERE HOUSED.

THIS YEAR - 1985 - 48 000 FLATS HAD BEEN BUILT, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FLATS ALMOST EQUALLING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE HOUSED IN A YEAR 10 YEARS AGO, SIR DAVID SAID.

+IN 1975 THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY, WHICH IS NOW SO MUCH PART CF OUR LIVES, HAD NOT BEEN BUILT; THE CONTAINER PORT NOW NEARLY THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD HAD JUST BEEN OPENED.

+IT WAS ONLY IN 1975 THAT SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION BECAME AVAILABLE TO ALL THE CHILDREN OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES IN SOCIETY, WHICH LED TO THE PRESENT STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT, ALSO BEGAN AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME.

AMONG THE HOUSING BLOCKS A NEW ORGANISATION HAD JUST COME INTO BEING - THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, WHICH NOW TOTAL 4 000.

BUT THERE WAS STILL NO COHESIVE, IDENTIFIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE GROUP TO REPORT AND DISCUSS LOCAL AFFAIRS AT A LOCAL LEVEL. AND SO, TO PROVIDE A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION OF RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND URBAN RESIDENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS WERE FORMED.

/Sia DAVID........

SIR DAVID SAID -iAT FAMILY TIES WERE CHANGING, THAT THE EXTENDED FAMILY wAS SHRINKING AND HOUSEHOLDS GROWING SMALLER.

+DRuGS, CRIME AND CORRUPTION WERE BECOMING A SCOURGE, BUT SOCIETY STRUCK BACK IN A CONCERTED WAY TO FIGHT THESE EVILS AND THEY HAVE NOW BEEN CONTAINED AND REDUCED ALTHOUGH NOT ELIMINATED,* HE SAID.

DISCUSSING THE ECONOMY, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE FLEXIBLE AND RESPONSIVE ECONOMIC SYSTEM RECOVERED QUICKLY FROM THE WORLD OIL CRISIS AND, SINCE 1974, IT HAD CONTINUED TO GROW AT AN AVERAGE OF NINE PER CENT A YEAR.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD OF 13 YEARS, HONG KONG HAD INVESTED ITS GROWING PUBLIC REVENUES IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE, IN HOUSING, MEDICAL, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES AND HAD STRUCK A BALANCE, WHICH HAD COMMANDED SUPPORT AND BROUGHT ACCEPTANCE BY CONSENSUS.

♦COUNCILS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND A WIDE VARIETY OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS CONSENSUS, HE SAID.

THE SHAPE OF THE GOVERNMENT TODAY WAS THE RESULT OF CONSENSUS, AND IT HAD GROWN STED BY STEP, PHASE BY PHASE, OUT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SOCIETY OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.

NOW, HONG KONG WAS ENTERING A NEW PHASE, HE SAID.

*0N THE ONE HAND THERE IS CONSULTATION IN HONG KONG ABOUT THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, AND, ON THE OTHER, A PERIOD OF ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW OF HOW THE PRESENT STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IS WORKING.

♦BUT, WHILE THIS IS GOING ON THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT DOES NOT AND CANNOT STOP,* HE SAID.

EXAMPLES OF THIS IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS WERE, HE SAID, THE OPENING OF THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, A NEW ROAD REACHING UP INTO THE NEW TERRITORIES AND EVENTUALLY ACROSS THE BORDER INTO SHENZHEN, THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CONTAINER PORT, THE ANNOUNCEMENT CF THE BUILDING OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY AND THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR ANOTHER HARBOUR TUNNEL.

+WE MUST BUILD CAREFULLY ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST AND WE MUST CONTINUE TO BUILD BY CONSENSUS,* SIR DAVID SAID.

FRIDAY, DtCi IB=R . , 1985

- 3 -

ANOTHER BUSY DAY FOR JI PENGFEI

M * * *

A LEiSURELY CRUISE ROUND THE HARBOUR THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING MARKED THE START 0" THE FOU-TH DAY’S PROGRAMME FOR VISITING CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR JI PENGFEI.

MET AT QUEEN’S PIER BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE, MR JI BOARDED THE LADY MAUR I NE FOR THE 90-MINUTE TOUR TO LOOK AT DEVELOPMENTS ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.

ON BOARD TO EXPLAIN SOME OF HONG KONG’S DYNAMIC PROGRESS THAT HAS CHANGED THE FACE OF THE SHORELINES REPEATEDLY WERE THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, A‘JD THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.

THE PARTY DISEMBARKED AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN WARM WEATHER FOR THE SECOND ENGAGEMENT FOR THE BUSY DAY - A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY SIR EDWARD AT THE REGENT HOTEL.

JOINING THE GOVERNOR AND MR JI AT THEIR TABLE FOR THE CHINESE LUNCH WERE MR LI HOU, MR RONG KANG, MR ZONG GUANGYAO, MR LI CHUWEN, MR LI RUOHE AND MR WU HONGBO FROM THE CHINESE SIDE AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL T.A. BOAM, ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS AND CHIEF INTERPRETER, MR Y.P. CHENG.

LADY YOUDE PLAYED HOSTESS AT THE NEXT TABLE TO MR LU YUCUN, MR ZHOU QUANCHENG, MR JI SHAOXIANG, MISS TAN FUYUN WHO WERE JOINED BY CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR ERIC HO, SECRETARY (GENERAL DUTIES), MR PETER WILLIAMS, POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD AND MR NICKY CHAN AND MRS WONG.

FOLLOWING A REST IN THE AFTERNOON, MR JI THEN WENT IN THE EVENING TO THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN WAN CHAI TO SEE THE SOPHISTICATED FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG FOR BUDDING ARTISTES.

ACCOMPANIED BY SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE FOR THIS, THE FINAL PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY, MR JI ALSO SAW A SHORT PERFORMANCE BY DANCE STUDENTS OF THE ACADEMY.

L'-xr, DE;:

- 4 -

PROSPER ' ONTAINER =CRT EXPANSION STUDIED • * * *

THE ROSPEC -URTHER EXPANSION IN CONTAINER PORT FACIl ’ io >£ING EaaMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO COPE WITH ThE ANTICIPATED -UTURE INCREASE IN TRADE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC E^VICES, MR °IERS JACOBS SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY HELD AT HUTCHISON HOUSE FOR CONTmINE- TEH. INaL NO. IN KWAI CHUNG TODAY (FRIDAY;, NF JACOBS SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT SOME 2.2 MILLION CONTAINERS WOULD USE THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER =ORT FACILITIES THIS YEAR.

+ THE CONTAINER PORT ALONE IS NOW OPERATING WELL ABOVE DESIGN CAPACITY AND NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED.

+FOR THE ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, AND TO ENABLE US TO KEEP OUR TRADE MOVING, IT IS VITAL THAT THE PORT CAN COPE *IT-THE EVER INCREASING DEMANDS PLACED UPON IT,+ HE SAID.

HE DISCLOSED THAT PLANNING FOR TERMINALS NO. 7 AND NO. 8 WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER EXPANS IO-WOULD BE EXAMINED IN THE PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY SO AS TO KEEP PACE WITH INCREASES IN TRADE.

+THE EXISTING SIX BERTHS FALL SHORT OF OUR FORECAST REQUIREMENTS TOWARDS THE END OF THIS DECADE.

+FORTUNATELY, EXISTING RESOURCES TOGETHER WITH THE BRINGING INTO USE OF THE BACKUP AREAS CURRENTLY BEING RECLAIMED IN K*AI CHUNG CREEK SHOULD BE ABLE TO COPE UNTIL 1989, THOUGH THIS DOES ASSUME FOR THE TIME BEING GREATER USE OF THE HARBOUR MOORINGS FOR CERTAIN CONTAINER MOVEMENTS.

+BUT TERMINAL NO. 6 WILL NEED TO BE IN A POSITION TO COMMENCE OPERATIONS IN THAT YEAR,* HE SAID.

MR JACOBS SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE DEVELOPER, HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS LIMITED, PLANNED TO HAVE THE FIRST BERTH OF TERMINAL NO. 6 READY TO HANDLE CONTAINERS BY THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989.

THE FULL THREE BERTH DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERMINAL SHOULD BE OPERATIONAL BY MID-1990 AND THE SCHEDULE IS BEING ADHERED TO.

MR JACOBS SAID ALSO THAT THE SIGNING OF THE CONTRACT WAS ANOTHER VISIBLE AND CONCRETE SIGN OF THE COMMITMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO INVEST IN HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM FUTURE.

+IT IS A STRIKING SYMBOL OF HOW QUICKLY HONG KONG IS GETTING ON WITH THE BUSINESS OF BUILDING ITS OWN FUTURE ON THE SOUND BASIS PROVIDED BY THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION,* HE SAID.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR JOHN TODD, AND THE DEVELOPER, THE HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS LIMITED, REPRESENTED BY M? LI KA-SHING.

------Q--------

/5.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, l-<35

LICENSING SCHEME STARTS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS * * * *

THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY, ESTABLISHED UNDER THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE 1985, wUL BEGIN RECEIVING AND PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR TRAVEL AGENTS LICENCES AT ITS OFFICE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, EAST WING, HENNESSY CENTRE, HENNESSY ROAD FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).

DETAILS OF PROCEDURES AND METHODS OF MAKING APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES, FEES FOR APPLICATION AND LICENSING, AND DUTIES CF A LICENSEE ARE SET OUT IN THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGULATIONS 1985, APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.

FOLLOWING THE INITIAL PHASE OF LICENSING, ALL TRAVEL AGENTS GRANTED A LICENCE ARE EXPECTED TO FULFIL THE DUTIES REQUIRED OF A LICENSEE UNDER THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT TO KEEP AND MAINTAIN PROPER BOOKS CF ACCOUNT OF ITS BUSINESS. TO ENSURE THAT THIS REQUIREMENT IS MET BY A LICENSEE, ALL LICENSEES WILL BE CALLED UPON TO SUBMIT AUDITED STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS FOR INSPECTION BY THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS BEFORE THEIR LICENCES ARE RENEWED.

THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGULATIONS ALSO STIPULATE, UNDER THE FIRST SCHEDULE, VARIOUS TYPES OF FEES PAYABLE, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING MAJOR ITEMS:

APPLICATION FEE FOR A LICENCE 300

ANNUAL LICENCE FEE 3 000

FEE FOR A DUPLICATE LICENCE FOR 500

EACH BRANCH OFFICE OF A TRAVEL AGENT

APPLICATION FORMS FOR LICENCES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY. THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION WILL ALSO ASSIST N THE DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICATION FORMS TO MEMBERS OF THEIR ASSOCIATIONS.

THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF APPLICATION FORMS:

(A) ONE FOR USE BY APPLICANTS AS AN INDIVIDUAL.

OR IN PARTNERSHIP; AND

(B) ANOTHER FOR USE BY APPLICANTS AS AN INCORPORATED BODY, FOR EXAMPLE, A LIMITED COMPANY.

/a COVSHNMffi;T..........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 196.5

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE APPLICATION FORM, TOGETHER WITH A STATEMENT OF PARTICULARS OF THE APPLICANT, SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE AND RETURNED TO THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY. THE NAMES OF APPLICANTS WILL BE LISTED AND EXHIBITED AT THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY FOR PUBLIC NOTICE, BUT THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THIS DID NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT THOSE LISTED WOULD BE GRANTED A LICENCE.

IT IS HOPED THAT THE LICENSING OF ALL EXISTING TRAVEL AGENTS WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN FEBRUARY 1986. IN THEIR OWN INTEREST, EXISTING TRAVEL AGENTS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS CAN BE PROCESSED IN TIME.

ENQUIRIES ON APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY OR BY TELEPHONE AT 5-764194 AND 5-764290. A LEAFLET OUTLINING THE PROCEDURES AND METHODS OF APPLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED, ON REQUEST, FROM THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY.

ACCORD ON LAND PRODUCTION COST

* * * *

THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HELD ITS SIXTH MEETING ON DECEMBER 12-13, 1985.

THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTS. FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR IS HK$1 400 PER SQUARE METRE.

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 16, 1986 TO DISCUSS THE ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREMIUM INCOME FROM LAND TRANSACTIONS.

------0-------

CANCER REMAINS MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM * * * *

CANCER REMAINED A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM AND ACCOUNTED FOR A QUARTER OF ALL DEATHS IN HONG KONG DESPITE INCREASING EFFORTS CF CONTROL AT EVERY LEVEL, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY, DR THONG SAID LUNG CANCER WAS THE MOST PREVALENT AND MOST FATAL FORM OF CANCER AND CONTINUED TO SHOW A WORRYING INCREASE.

/THE NUMBER.......

?aiDAY, 13, 1985

THE DUMBER OF DEATHS FROM LUNG CANCER HAD INCREASED FR' 1 073 IN 1974 TO 2 002 IN 1983, HE ADDED.

DR THONG, SPEAKING IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE SOCIETY’S PRESIDENT, POINTED OUT THAT CIGARETTE SMOKING WAS THE MAJOR RISK FACTOR FOR CONTRACTING CANCER AND THERE WAS A NEED TO STRONGLY DISCOURAGE THE HABIT.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONTRIBUTED ACTIVELY IN ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGNS THROUGH LEGISLATIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE AND PUBLICITY MEASURES, HE SAID.

THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN JJLY 1982 TO PROHIBIT SMOKING IN CONFINED PUBLIC PLACES. IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS, THREE MORE AMENDMENTS MADE IT MANDATORY FOR HEALTH WARNINGS AND TAR GROUP RATINGS TO BE CARRIED ON ALL CIGARETTE PACKETS AND ALL FORMS OF TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS.

IN ADDITION, A MAJOR EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN *AS LAUNCHED IN 1983 TO BRING HOME THE MESSAGE THAT SMOKING WAS HARMFUL TO HEALTH.

AS A RESULT OF THESE ANTI-SMOKING EFFORTS, THE OVERALL SMOKING RATE HAD DECREASED FROM 23.3 PER CENT IN 1982 TO 18.7 PER CENT IN 1984, ACCORDING TO A GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

+THIS IS MOST ENCOURAGING BUT THERE IS STILL NO PLACE FOR COMPLACENCY. THE SITUATION SHOULD BE MONITORED CLOSELY WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING FURTHER THE ADVERTISING STANDARDS,+ HE SAID.

DR THONG DISCLOSED THAT A CONFERENCE FOR COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE STRATEGIES OF SMOKING CONTROL WOULD BE HELD JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE INTERNATIONAL UNION AGAINST CANCER NEXT MONTH.

DR THONG ALSO PRAISED THE SOCIETY FOR ITS EFFORTS IN COMBATING THE DISEASE.

THE SOCIETY, WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HAS HELD TERRITORY-WIDE EXHIBITIONS ON THE DANGERS OF CANCER AND WAYS CF PREVENTING IT.

IN ADDITION, A SEMINAR ON CANCER FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS WAS ORGANISED BY THE SOCIETY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

IN THE FIELD OF RESEARCH, THE SOCIETY WAS ALSO ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN SPONSORING AND CO-ORDINATING STUDIES ON THE ROLE CF PASSIVE SMOKING IN THE AETIOLOGY OF LUNG CANCER IN CHINESE WOMEN.

- - - - 0

/e .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1935

BILL GAZETTED * * *

A BILL, WHICH WILL EXTEND THE APPLICATION OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WELFARE FUND TO CIVILIAN MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT HAo BEEN GAZETTED TODAY.

ANOTHER OBJECTIVE OF THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985 IS TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR OR THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES TO ORDER A SUBORDINATE OFFICER OR MEMBER OF THE RANK AND FILE TO COMPENSATE THE GOVERNMENT FOR ANY LOSS OF, OR DAMAGE TO, GOVERNMENT PROPERTY WHICH HE MAY HAVE CAUSED.

THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAID WOULD, HOWEVER, BE LIMITED TO ONE MONTH’S SALARY OF THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OR DAMAGE.

IN ADDITION, A SUBORDINATE OFFICER OR MEMBER OF OTHER RANKS COULD ONLY BE ORDERED TO PAY COMPENSATION WHEN THE COSTS INCURRED BY THE GOVERNMENT AROSE AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THAT PERSON’S NEGLECT OR FAULT.

- 0 -

KWUN TONG FEATURES IN DISPLAY * * *

MORE LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KWUN TONG IN THE COMING YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, M? DONALD LIAO, DISCLOSED THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL CROSSING LINKING CHA KWO LING AND TAI KOO SHING, THE LAM TIN EXTENSION, AND THE TSUI PING AND JORDAN VALLEY RE-DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

AS MR LIAO WAS SUDDENLY CALLED AWAY FOR. OTHER URGENT MATTERS, HIS SPEECH WAS DELIVERED BY KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, AT THE OPENING OF THE +TO KNOW KWUN TONG EXHIBITION-*- AT THE TELFORD COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.

MR LIAO DESCRIBED THE EXHIBITION AS A GOOD CHANNEL +TO LET LOCAL PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THEIR DISTRICT BETTER AND FOSTER MORE CONCERN IN THE COMMUNITY.+

THE EXHIBITION FEATURES SOME HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DISTRICT, INFORMATION ON THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.

STAGED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AS A PRELUDE TO THE THREE-WEEK FESTIVAL, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD FOR TWO DAYS AT THE TELFORD COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AND THEN TOUR AROUND VARIOUS AREAS OF THE DISTRICT.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1^35

JOINT CLEAN UP EFFORT IN BUTTERFLY AREA * * * *

A SPECIAL FOUR-DAY CLEAN-UP OPERATION, ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT WEEK IN THE BUTTERFLY AREA IN TUEN MUN.

THE OPERATION WILL START ON TUESDAY - TO PROMOTE AWARENESS CF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.

ALSO TAKING PART WILL BE THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

THE OPERATION WILL COVER THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE, SIU SHAN COURT, WU KING ESTATE, MELODY GARDEN, AND PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.

THE CHIEF HEALTH INSPECTOR FOR TUEN MUN, MR YUEN WING-CHEUNG, SAID THAT A BROADCASTING VAN WOULD TOUR THE AREA TODAY AND TOMORkJw TO TELL ABOUT THE CLEAN-UP.

THE RSD WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GENERAL CLEAN-UP, INCLUDING THE MARKET AND THE COOKED FOOD CENTRES AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.

CLEAR RODENTS AND INSECTS, AND CLEAN UP ALL THE FLOWER BEDS AND

AND DISTRIBUTE HYGIENE POSTERS AND

PEST CONTROL STAFF WOULD HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF WOULD LEISURE SPACES OF THE ESTATES

LEAFLETS TO SHOPPERS AND TENANTS.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WOULD HELP ORGANISE RESIDENTS’ CLEAN UP EFFORTS.

MR YUEN SAID THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE OPERATION WOULD DEPEND ON THE RESIDENTS’ COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

-----0------

FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE FOR WAN CHAI * * * *

THE THIRD IN THE SERIES OF FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITIONS PLANNED FOR THE WINTER MONTHS WILL BE STAGED AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 15) FOR THE RESIDENTS OF WAN CHAI.

APART FROM THE DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS AMPLIFYING THIS YEAR’S FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN THEME THAT CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRES, THERE WILL BE FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT ON SHOW.

/THS EXHIBI Tia; ......

PXTDaY, D2CEL3SR 13. 1985

10 -

THE EXHIBITION W .-L BE ON FROM 12 NOON UNTIL 3 PM.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAID THAT THE EXHIBITIONS ARE HELD TO REMIND FEMBFRS OF THE PUBLIC OF THE NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE Specially at this time of the year when the weather is dry.

VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE A USEFUL BOOKLET ON FIRE PREVENTION IN THE HOME AS WELL AS A 1986 CALENDAR CARD AND A BOOKMARK.

- 0 ---------

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK X * X *

DETAILS OF A LARGE-SCALE FESTIVAL CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT VICTORIA PARK WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).

+CHRISTMAS EVE AT VICTORIA PARK* IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE THREE OTHER DISTRICT BOARDS ON HON. KONG ISLAND, AND THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH.

THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MADAM CHRISTINE TING, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG, AND THE CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER (USD), MR DANIEL CHUNG, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 2 PM IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.

-----o------

FOUR SITES FOR SALE BY TENDER

* * * *

FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND - ONE IN KOWLOON AND THREE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE KOWLOON SITE AT BEECH STREET, TAI KOK TSUI, MAY BE USED FOR MULTI-STOREY CAR-LORRY PARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, BUT NOT FOR HOTEL, PETROL FILLING STATION, RESIDENTIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES. ___ ___________

/THE BUILDING .......

MEMBER 1**^*’

THE BUILDING COVENANT REQUIRES THE DEVELOPER TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 29 230 oQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE 4 200-SQUARE-METRE SITE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1990.

TwO LOTS ARE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG - ONE MEASURING 1 971 AND THE OTHER 2 242 SQUARE METRES.

THE SMALLER SITE, FACING SHU I PIN WAI ESTATE, IS FOR PETROL FILLING STATION, EXCLUDING ANY LUBRICATING OR SERVICING FACILITIES. THE OTHER ONE IS NEAR FUI SHA WAI AN IS FOR THE SAME USE, BUT INCLUDING LUBRICATING AND SERVICING FACILITIES.

BOTH STATIONS HAVE TO BE READY FOR OPERATION BY MARCH 31, 1968.

THE LAST LOT IS AT YIM TIN TSAI, TAI PO. IT MEASURES ABOUT 670.1 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR A MARINE PETROL FILLING STATION.

THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE STATION AND MAKE IT FIT FOR OPERATION WITHIN 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF AGREEMENT.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER OF THESE SITES IS NOON ON JANUARY 10, 1986.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPART.’IENI SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONe KONG, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON. YAU MA TEI cAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

TENDER DOCUMENTS MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

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STARRY NIGHT FOR KWUN TONG

* * *

A 40-METRE GOLDEN DRAGON, TWO CHINESE LIONS, AND AN ALL-STAR VARIETY SHOW WILL START OFF THE THREE-WEEK KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.

♦THE DRAGON AND LION DANCES SYMBOLISES GOOD LUCK FOR RESIDENTS, AND THE VARIETY SHOW PROMISES A NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.

+DURING THE VARIETY SHOW, ARTISTS AND SINGERS FROM ASIA TELEVISION WILL DRAMATISE THE VARIOUS FEATURES OF KWUN TONG THROUGH CHARACTER PERFORMANCES AND SONGS.

/+THE KWUN.......

r , DSJrXBl...

♦ TnE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS AND A LOCAL SCHOOL MATCH BAND WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT,+ HE SAID.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, YR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW AT 7.30 PM IN THE TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

THE SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST ON ATV CHINESE AT 9.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY.

THOSE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE FESTIVITIES MAY OBTAIN FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FROM THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES. LEAFLETS CONTAINING A FULL PROGRAMME OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE SAME OFFICES.

THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 OPENING CEREMONY CUM VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (DECEMBER 14) AT TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

0 --------

FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY

* * * * *

TAI PO’S MAJOR DISTRICT EVENT - THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL -STARTS ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 15), WITH NEARLY 60 COLOURFUL AND ENTERTAINING ACTIVITIES OVER A TWO-MONTH PERIOD.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CHAIRMAN CF THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, YR HO YUNG-SANG SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS THROUGH A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

/+HIGHLIG?ITS OP.........

FRIDAY, DECSNBSa 13, 1985

- 13 -

♦HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE A DISTRICT ART.

PARADE WHICH MARKS THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL ON SUNDAY, A HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION, A NEW YEAR LONG DISTANCE A PARTY FOR THE AGED AND AN INTER-CONSTITUENCIES TELEMATCH,+ SAID MR HO.

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE VARIOUS SPORTS COMPETITIONS, MUSIC AND CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, TRADITIONAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES, A DRAWING COMPETITION AND A PHOTO CONTEST.

THE FESTIVAL WILL COST ABOUT $800 000, OF WHICH $180 000 WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, $150 000 BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE REST DONATED BY LOCAL LEADERS AND ORGANISATION:,,

NR HO ADDED.

THE TAI PO FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE FIRST TAI CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT

PO FESTIVAL THE REGIONAL

OFF ICE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

CIVIC

A DISTRICT ARTS PARADE WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI PO CENTRE AT 5 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 15) TO MARK THE OPENING Or

THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - 0------------

BOARD TO DISCUSS REHOUSING, REPROVISIONING * * * *

WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS REHOUSING AND REPROVISIONING MATTERS OF AN EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. AT A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).

SIX ESTATE BLOCKS IN THE DISTRICT ARE INCLUDED IN THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. THEY ARE 01 NING HOUSE AT TSZ 01 ESTATc, MAN CHI HOUSE, MAN YUE HOUSE, MAN KIN HOUSE, MAN TAI HOUSx AND MAN YAN HOUSE AT TSZ MAN ESTATE.

MORE THAN 3 500 HOUSEHOLDS, NEARLY 200 SHOP TENANTS, SCHOOLS AND A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY ARE INVOLVED.

/CHISF HvY.iKG........

FRIDAY, 1j, 19&5

14 -

CHIEC HOUSING MANAGER (CENTRAL CHIEF MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR, MR R.N. OFFICIALS OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT MEMBERS ON THE PROGRAMME.

AND ISLAND), MR LO CHI-YUEN, CARPENTER, AND OTHER SENICr.

WILL BE PRESENT TO BRIEF

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SPECIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 16 (MONDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCc ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET.

-----0------

WORK ON MOORING DOLPHINS PLANNED

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOORING DOLPHINS AND A CONTROL PLATFORM WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.747 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED OFF HARBOUR ISLAND IN TOLO HARBOUR.

THE WORK, TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS CO. LTD. IS TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE IMPORT OF NAPTHA FEEDSTOCK FOR THE GAS PRODUCTION PLANT IN TAI PO.

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE FEBRUARY 12, l^R* .

THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED ON THE BEACH AT TOLO HARBOUR NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 1 TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NE/u TCRRITORIES.

-------0----------

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1 ■■

- 15 -

ELEVATED WALKWAY FOR CENTRAL * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT AN ELEVATED COVERED WALKWAY SYSTEM ALONG THE NORTHERN FRONTAGE OF THE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AT MURRAY ROAD, INTERLINKING THE ADMIRALTY STATION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, CHATER GARDEN, AND THE WALKWAY ON THE QUEENSWAY FLYOVER IN CENTRAL.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.

THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG NORTH, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG. AND THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, HONG KONG.

WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY FEBRUARY 11, 1986.

--------0 ----------

NANJING MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT DELEGATION VISITS USD X X I

A VISITING SEVEN-MEMBER DELEGATION FROM NANJING MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT IN CHINA TODAY SPENT A WHOLE DAY WITH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STUDYING THE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE IN HONG KONG.

FOLLOWING A COMPREHENSIVE BRIEFING BY THE DEPARTMENT STAFF, THE DELEGATION TOURED SEVERAL REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS TO SEE THE VARIOUS WAYS OF REFUSE COLLECTION AND THE OPERATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES. THEY ALSO VISITED THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATION PLANT AND MA YAU TONG CONTROLLED TIP.

- - 0 ----------

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 19

NEW ISLANDS OFFICER MAKES CALLS * * * * *

THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL WU TODAY (FRIDAY) CONCLUDED A THREE-DAY COURTESY VISIT TO THE EIGHT RURAL COMMITTcdo ON LANTAU, CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU.

MR WU, FORMERLY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY, REPLACED MR WILLAIM YAP TO HEAD THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO.

HIS VISITS TO THE RURAL COMMITTEES, WERE AIMED AT LEARNING FIRST HAND ABOUT THE OPERATION OF INDIVIDUAL COMMITTEES.

MR WU ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING THOSE OF REMOTE AREAS, ON SUCH MATTERS AS DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, AND IN PARTICULAR ON HOW TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AS THE HUB OF TOURISM IN THE FUTURE.

ROAD SAFETY DAY FOR KWAI CHUNG * * * *

A ROAD SAFETY DAY - HIGHLIGHT OF THE 1985 KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN - wILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 10 AM TO 1 PM AT THE KWAI CHUNG POLICE STATION IN KWAI CHUNo ROAD.

KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING. DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (KWAI CHUNG), MR B. ELEY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9.45 AM.

PROGRAMMES OF THE ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL INCLUDE BAND PERFORMANCES, ROAD SAFETY EXHIBITION, POLICE DOG SHOW, ROAD SAFETY PATROL. RESIDENTS AND CHILDREN ATTENDING THE EVENT WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY GAMES STALLS AND AN INFLATED GORILLA.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1985

- 17 -

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SPORTS FUNDS * * * *

THE RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL MEET ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).

IT WILL DISCUSS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE DEMARCATION CF RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDING SPORTS BETWEEN THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.

T- MEETING will be open to the public.

IT WILL START AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY AT THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER, 2ND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

NG TORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WILL BE PROVIDED.

-------o----------

FORUM TO START OFF CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE * * *

A PUBLIC FORUM WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND TO LAUNCH A MONTH-LONG CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN MONG KOK.

THE FORUM, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, IS AIMED AT EXPLAINING THE ROLE AND WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION.

GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS ROSANNA TAM J SECRETARY OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LABOUR UNIONS, MR LEE KA I-Ml NG; A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.M. LEUNG AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON) MR CHAU TAK-HAY; HEAD OF RADIO I, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, MR SIU LO-SIN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAU TAK-KI.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE PUBLIC FORUM ON THE MONG KOK CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK.

- 0 - -

/i£........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1?

- 18 -

ROAD SECTION CLOSURE

*****

TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK, THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEA< ROAD EETwEEN KAM TSIN AND HANG TAU WILL BE CLOSED FROM 2 Pv ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

MOTORISTS MAY USE A NEW ROAD PARALLEL TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD DUR ING THE CLOSURE.

KMB ROUTE 76K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND YUEN LONG WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED ONTO THE NEW ROAD.

------j-----------

TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *

FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 16), SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEI-:-“ED FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH BETWEEN 8 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNiNG TO FACILITATE MAINLAYING WORK AT THE JUNCTION O'7 HONG NING ROAD AND YUE MAN SQUARE IN KWUN TONG:

* MOTORISTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM SOUTHBOUND HONG NING ROAD TO EASTBOUND YUE MAN SQUARE. TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO KWUN TONG ROAD.

* GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 22M, 3*M AND 36 WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA HONG NING ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD AND TUNG YAN STREET.

--------0-----------

ROAD CLOSURE IN SAI YING PUN

* * * *

THE SECTION OF WESTERN STREET BETWEEN SECOND STREET AND THIRD STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK STARTING FROM 10 AM NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).

DURING THE CLOSURE, SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON WESTERN STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE SECOND STREET, POK FU LAM ROAD AND THIRD STREET TO REJOIN WESTERN STREET.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

OCTOBER EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED .................. 1

RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PART IN ELECTION .................... 9

NOTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR N® FACTORIES ...................... 10

ANTI-RAT CAMPAIGN FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST .................... 11

BUSINESS TEST FOR SCHOOLS.................................... 12

RECONSTRUCTION OF TONKIN STREET PROPOSED .................... 13

MAC'S URGED TO JOIN IN DRUG FIGHT ........................... 13

TAI PO ACTIVITIES MEETING NEEDS OF RESIDENTS................. 14

UC BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR TO BE PRESENTED...................... 15

RECLAMATION AT SANDY BAY PLANNED ............................ 16

SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORGANISED .................... 16

PRIVILEGED TREATMENT SCHEME FOR ELDERLY...................... 17

KWUN TCNG BACKLANE CLEARANCE OPERATION....................... 18

BOARD TO DISCUSS BROADCASTING REPORT ........................ 18

SURVEY ON YOUTH LIFESTYLES STARTS TOMORROW .................. 19

CHRISTMAS DISCO FOR 1 400 YOUTHS ............................ 19

CHANCE FOR DANCERS TO SHOW TALENTS .......................... 20

WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC CHANGES ............................ 20

KOWLOON CITY TAPS OFF

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

OCTOBER EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED

*****

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY-OCTOBER 1985, VALUED AT 55382 112 MILLION, INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1984, ACCORDING TO TRADE VALUE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY SEVEN PER CENT TO $106 107 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT TO $87 082 MILLION AND IMPORTS INCREASED BY THREE PER CENT TO $188 923 MILLION. TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY SEVEN PER CENT.

ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED HEREIN ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS ON THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR OCTOBER 1985 WILL BE RELEASED EARLY NEXT MONTH.

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

COMPARING THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1985 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. DECREASED BY NINE PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 414 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT)? OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1 232 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCE^, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $902 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $120 MILLION OR FOUR PER CENT) AS WELL AS CLOTHING (BY $104 MILLION OR ONE PER CENT).

MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO CHINA INCREASED RAPIDLY IN VALUE, PARTICULARLY OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $736 MILLION OR 248 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $533 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES, SPORTING GOODS AS WELL AS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF I (BY $528 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $44 MILLION OR THREE PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $37 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT).

/LSCRMsaS IN ......

SKLwiY, DECEMBER 15» 1965 •

DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHINu (tY $648 MILLION OR 18 PER CE.mT) j OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $402 MILLION UR 46 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $149 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR SANITARY, PLUMBING, HEATING AND LIGHTING FIXTURES AND FITTINGS (BY $8 MILLION 6r 14 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $3 MILLION OR TWO PER CENT).

DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $1 012 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT) AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $185 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS CF CLOTHING AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO JAPAN ALSO FELL (BY $339 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT AND BY $95 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $10 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT) AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $17 MILLION OR FIVE PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.

THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

DEMAND FOR GOODS IMPORTED FROM CHINA INCREASED IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS AS WELL AS JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES CF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATER IALS)(BY $692 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT)- CLOTHING (BY $573 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $386 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY U 281 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $377 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 068 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT); ROAD VEHICLES (INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY >736 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AS wELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $587 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).

I ON THii...........

SUNDAY, □K2MB .. ’5, 19E5

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY SI 302 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY 3670 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT).

DECREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. WERE MOSTLY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY SI 312 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $488 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $432 MILLION CR 69 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $319 MILLION OR 252 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $140 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT).

MEANWHILE, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN CF TEXTILES (BY $1 188 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $441 MILLION OR 229 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $25 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $608 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $307 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT). HOWEVER, AN INCREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $89 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).

TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIV IS ION.

THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

COMPARING THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1985 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED BY 89 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $2 752 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY 32 676 MILLION OR 150 PER CENT) AS wELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2 209 MILLION OR 150 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN MANUFACTURED FERTILIZERS (BY $110 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $81 MILLION CR 23 PER CENT).

/IN CREASES 12. .......

SoAUaZ, ESCu 1>, 19$ 5

INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. WERE MOSTLY OF MISCELLANEOU' MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS AS WELL AS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF) (BY $984 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT)5 CLOTHING (BY $395 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGo AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $379 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $^3 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AS WELL AS VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $61 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN WERE RECORDED IN NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $335 MILLION OR 428 PER CENT); TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $145 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT) AS WELL AS FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $82 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $60 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT) AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $60 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).

DECREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $481 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT) AS WELL AS CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $109 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FELL (BY S27P MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), AS DID PHOTOGRAHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. OPTICAL GOODo, wATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $48 MILLION OR EIGHT PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN CF NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $161 MILLION OR 106 PER CENT) AND FOR RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $129 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT).

TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.

THE OCTOBER 1985 ISSUE OF THE + HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE AVAILABLE NEXT wEEK AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 PER COPY.

A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, + HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH ADETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN OCTOBER 1985 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JANUARY 1986 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $13 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS AND ON TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, (TEL: 5-214375) AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL: 5-444436).

/TABL3 1 : .......

SUNDAY, DSCEMBER 15, 1985

TAELE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKET JAN.-OCT. 1985 (S MN.) JAN.-OCT. 1984 U mn.) INCREASE^)/ DECREASE(-) ($ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

U.S.A. 47 460 51 980 - 4 519 - 9

CHINA 12 686 8 609 + 4 078 +47

U.K. 6 808 8 511 - 1 703 -20

F.R. OF GERMANY 6 144 7 667 - 1 523 -20

JAPAN 3 730 4 331 601 -14

CANADA 3 574 3 774 200 - 5

AUSTRAL 1A 2 773 3 188 415 -13

SINGAPORE 1 841 2 203 - 359 -16

bETHERLANDS 1 636 1 964 328 -17

FRANCE 1 417 1 591 - 174 -11

TABLE 2 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

JAN.-OCT. JAN.-OCT. INCREASE^)/ PERCENTAGE

COMMODITY 1985 1984 DECREASE(-) CHANGE

DIV IS ION ($ MN.) ($ MN.) ($ MN.) (90

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSOR IES 35 947 38 728 - 2 780 - 7

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARR IAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 17 460 18 384 923 - 5

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. OPTICAL GOODS BATCHES AND CLOCKS f 8 775 8 610 + 165 + 2

/ELECTRICAL MACEu.ERY, .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15» 1985

6 -

electrical MACHINERY, APPARATUS

AND APPL IANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 8 376 9 639 - 1 263 -13

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND SOUND RECORD ING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7 474 9 105 - 1 630 -18

TEXTILE YARN,

FABR ICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6 229 7 239 - 1 011 -14

TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES

JAN -OCT. JAN.-OCT. INCREASED)/ PERCENTAGE

1985 1984 DECREASE(-) CHANGE f A.' \

MAJOR SOURCE ($ MN.) ($ MN.) ($ MN.) (%)

CHINA 46 334 46 035 + 299 + 1

JAPAN 44 560 42 679 + 1 882 + 4

U.S.A. 18 270 19 792 - 1 522 - 3

TA I wAN 17 270 14 038 ♦ 3 232 +23

SINGAPORE 9 376 10 396 720 - 7

. ...REPUBLIC OF KOREA 6 935 5 839 + 1 096 + 19

U.K*1, 6 806 7 211 406 - 6

F.R. OF GERMANY 5 459 4 440 + 1 018 +23

ITALY 2 902 2 416 + 486 +20

SWITZERLAND 2 349 2 727 + 121 + 4

/TABLE 4 : .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

- 7 -

TABLE 4 : IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION JAN.-OCT. 1985 (S MN.) JAN.-OCT. 1984 (S MN.) INCREASE(+)/ DECREASE(-) ($ MNJ PERCENTAGE CHANGE W

TEXTILE YARN, FABR ICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 26 549 27 177 - 629 - 2

ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPL IANCES, AND ELECTR ICAL PARTS THEREOF 16 169 18 583 - 2 414 -13

PHOTOGRAPH IC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPL IES, OPTICAL GOODS, BATCHES AND CLOCKS 10 938 9 668 + 1 270 +13

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 10 317 9 476 + 840 + 9

1ELECOMMUNCATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 10 241 8 004 + 2 237 +28

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) Q 203 7 918 + 1 285 + 16

/TABLE 5

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1?85

- 8

TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKET JAN.-OCT. 1985 (ft MN.) JAN.-OCT. 1984 ($ MN.) INCREASE(+)/ DECREASE(-) ($ MN.) PERCENTA CHANGE (%)_

CHINA 38 853 20 514 +18 339 4-89

U.S.A. 11 942 9 921 + 2 021 +20

JAPAN 4 477 3 740 + 737 +20

TAIWAN 3 600 4 085 486 -12

SINGAPORE 3 560 3 841 280 - 7

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3 050 2 897 + 153 + 5

MACAU 2 177 1 916 + 261 +14

INDONESIA 1 960 3 082 - 1 123 -36

PH ILIPP INES 1 224 1 220 + 3 + *

F.R. OF GERMANY 1 170 886 + 285 +32

* LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT

TABLE 6 s RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION JAN.-OCT. 1985 (S MN.) JAN.-OCT. 1984 (S mn.) INCREASED) ($ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (*>)

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 12 886 10 182 + 2 704 +27

ELECTR ICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPL IANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 7 682 6 792 + 890 +13

/articles o? .......

SUUDnY, DECEMBER 15. 1985

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES

6 152

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARR IAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS)

TELECOMMUNCATIONS AND SOUND RECORD ING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT

PHOTOGRAPH IC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPL IES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS

6 083

6 081

4 635

5 209 + 943 + 13

4 247 + 1 836 +43

3 151 + 2 930 +93

4 097 538 + 13

RESIDENTS URGED

TO TAKE PART * * * *

IN ELECTION

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE HAYES, TODAY URGED COMMUNITY-MINDED STAND AS CANDIDATES IN THE REGIONAL

NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES PEOPLE IN TAI PO TO

COUNCIL ELECTION NEXT MARCH.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE IRST TAI PO FESTIVAL IN THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE, DR HAYES SAID THE SUCESSS OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM AND THE URTHEF DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT DEPENDED '■> THE ACTIVE PART IC IPAT IC ■; CF RESIDENTS.

PRAISING THE EFFORTS '■ LOCAL LEASE-:- IN ORGANISING The FESTIVAL, HE SAID: + THE CONTRIBUTION Sr.OWS THEIR CONERN AN] ENTHUSIASM IN PROMOTING DISTRICT IDENTIT- AN- SENSE CF BELONGIN'. AMONG RESIDENTS.*

/iii; VOEiTidD.......

SUNDAY, DEC3MBEH 15. 1985

HE POINTED OUT THAT TAI °0 WAS A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING COMMON IT. AND THAT DURING THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT, PEOPLE MIGHT ENCOUNTtR PROBLEMS BUT THEY SHOULD ACCEPT NEw IDEAS.

+LOCAL LEADERS SHOULD BE UNITED AND WORK FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.

A DISTRICT ARTS PARADE FEATURING MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCE-MARKED THE OPENING OF THE TAI PO FESTIVAL WHICH WILL LAST FOR TwO MONTHS WITH ABOUT 60 EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES.

- - 0 - -

NOTIFICATION REQUIRED K * * *

FOR NEW FACTORIES * *

PROPRIETORS WHO INTEND TO SET UP FACTORIES ARE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OF PARTICULARS BEFORE THEY START AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS OR CARRY ON AN INDUSTRIAL OPERATION, CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT, MADE UNDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, HAD COME INTO OPERATION SINCE AUGUST THIS YEAR TO REPLACE THE FORMER REGISTRATION SYSTEM, HE SAID.

+FACTORY OWNERS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT TO GIVE THE PARTICULARS, IN A PRESCRIBED FORM OF A NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACE OR A RELEVANT CHANGE IN THE PARTICULARS, COMMIT AN OFFENCE AND ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10 000 ON CONVICTION,* HE SAID.

HOWEVER, WORKPLACES WHICH HAD BEEN REGISTERED OR PROVISIONALLY REGISTERED uflDER THE FORMER REGISTRATION SYSTEM WERE NOT REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT IF THERE WERE NO CHANGES IN THE LOCATION, NAME, INDUSTRIAL PROCESS OR OPERATION, OR THE IDENTITY OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE WORKPLACES, HE ADDED.

MR YIP SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO ISSUED LETTERS TO NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES WHICH WERE ALREADY ON THE RECORDS OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION BEFORE THE NEW SYSTEM CAME INTO EFFECT, EXEMPTING THEM FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF NOTIFICATION.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAK INGo ORDINANCE EMPOWERED THE COMMISSIONER POR LABOUR TO ISSUE A NOTICt TO PROHIBIT THE OPERATION OF A WORKPLACE IF HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE STANDARDS OF WORKPLACE.

THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR OPERATING A NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACE IN tREACH OF A PROHIBITION NOTICE wAo S30 000, HE ADDED.

PROPRIETORS WHO HAVE QUERIES ON THE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM MAY CONTACT THE DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR IN THEIR DISTRICT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

/11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

ANTI-RAT CAMPAIGN FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST * * *

A MONTH-LONG RODENT PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST NEXT WEEK AS PART OF CONTINUING EFFORTS TO STAMP OUT RATS IN THE AREA.

♦ THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN AN AREA WHERE THE MANY HOTELS AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS MAKE IT VULNERABLE TO RODENTS,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY.

ADDITIONALLY, THE BUILDINGS THERE WERE INTERPERSED WITH OPEN SPACES, AMENITY PLOTS, TREE PITS AND FLOWER BEDS WHICH PROVIDED POTENTIAL HARBOURAGES FOR RATS.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE, THE CAMPAIGN WILL TAKE A THREE-PHASE APPROACH.

+IT WILL START OFF WITH A LARGE SEMINAR ON WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 18, FOR ABOUT 100 TO 150 LICENSEES OF EXISTING AND PROSPECTIVE FOOD PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AT THE SEMINAR, HE SAID, A SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR FROM THE DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE LECTURES ON THE PROPER STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF FOOD AND FOOD WASTE, AS WELL AS ON RODENT-PROOFING MEASURES.

♦PHASE TWO OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE INSPECTION VISITS TO ALL FOOD PREMISES IN THE AREA IN EARLY JANUARY WITH A VIEW TO ADVISING THE OPERATORS ON PROPER METHODS OF FOOD STORAGE, WASTE DISPOSAL AND RAT PROOF I NG,+ HE SAID.

♦THE FINAL PHASE WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE LATER PART CF JANUARY WHEN ANOTHER SERIES OF INSPECTIONS OF FOOD PREMISES WILL BE MADE.

+DURING THIS TOUGHER FINAL PHASE, HOWEVER, PROSECUTION ACTION WILL BE TAKEN FOR BREAChES OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICE ORDINANCE.*

TO REINFORCE THE CAMPAIGN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PEST CONTROL AND RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE PARALLEL ACTION THROUGHOUT THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.

+RODENT CONTROL DEVICES *ILL BE PUT IN POTENTIAL RODENT HARBOURAGES INSIDE OTHER PREMISES AND IN OPEN SPACES IN THt AREA,* HE ADDED.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, AN EXTENSIVE ANTI-RODENT CAMPAIGN WAS CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA TO PREVENT THE RODENT SITUATION THERE FROM DETERIORATING. DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF This YEAR 99 DEAD RATS *ERE COLLECTED IN THE AREa AND 151 RAT HOLES AND 40 TREE PITS WERE FILLED IN.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

BUSINESS TEST FOR SCHOOLS * * * *

SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COMMERCIAL SUBJECT PROJECT COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY.

IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION, WHICH HAS THE THEME: +COMMERCE AND CIVIC EDUCATION*, THERE WILL BE SEVEN GROUPS OF ENTRIES WITH TITLES BEARING ON DIFFERENT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

+THESE TITLES ARE CHOSEN TO REFLECT PART OF THE CONTENTS CF THE COMMERCE SYLLABUS AS WELL AS THE RECOMMENDATION AS SUGGESTED IN THE GUIDELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ENTRIES MAY BE IN THE FORM OF ESSAYS, MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS SLIDES AND SOUND TAPES OR MIXED COMBINATION OF THESE METHODS 6r ANY OTHER METHODS APPROVED BY THE ORGANISERS.

THE PROJECT MAY BE IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE, AND SUBMITTED BY ONE STUDENT OR A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM ONE OR DIFFERENT SCHOOLS.

CASH PRIZES OF Si OOO, S800 AND $500, WILL BE AWARDED TO THE THREE MAIN WINNERS.

AND THE JUDGES MAY ALSO, AT THEIR ABSOLUTE DISCRETION GIVE GROUP AWARDS OF $500, $300 AND $200.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A NUMBER OF MERIT PRIZES OF $100 EACH. ALL PRIZE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.

FORM 6 AND 7 STUDENTS TAKING PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS OR BUSINESS STUDIES, MAY ALSO ENTER THE COMPETITION, BUT THEIR ENTRIES WILL BE SEPARATELY JUDGED. CERTIFICATE OF MERIT WILL BE AWARDED TO OUTSTANDING ENTRIES OF THIS GROUP.

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD SEND THEIR ENTRY FORMS TO THE COMMERCE SUBJECTS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 523, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE MARCH 15 NEXT YEAR, WHILE THE COMPLETED PROJECT SHOULD REACH THE SECTION BEFORE MAY 1.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

RECONSTRUCTION OF TONKIN STREET PROPOSED * * * *

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RECONSTRUCT THE SECTION OF TONKIN STREET, BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND TO BUILD A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY AT TONKIN STREET BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND TUNG CHAU STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO.

THE PROPOSED WORKS WILL PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS TO THE SHAM SHU I PO SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL IS THE PROVISION OF A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM AT THE JUNCTION OF TONKIN STREET AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.

A SINGLE CELL BOX CULVERT WILL ALSO BE BUILT PARALLEL TO THE EXISTING DECKED NULLAH IN TONKIN STREET, AND THE NULLAH WILL BE REPLACED BY A TWIN CELL BOX CULVERT.

THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, IN ENTRANCE LOBBY JONG KONGj THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, AND THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTR id OFFICE, 37~39 TONKIN STREET, SHAM SHU I

PO, KOWLOON.

OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE WORK OR THE USE, OR BOTH, MUST EE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY FEBRUARY 11.

MAC’S URGED TO JOIN IN DRUG FIGHT *****

MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WERE URGED TO HELP REPORT DRUG PUSHERS AS GOVERNMENT ALONE COULD NEVER WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT AND COOPERATION OF THE COMMUNITY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, PROFESSOR GERALD CHOA, AT THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES ANT I-NARCOTICS NIGHT CONCERT HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.

PROF CHOA SAID THE CONCERT WAS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT FOR MUTUAL AID committees.

SUNDAY। Dj£ji£MB£a 15, 1985

- 14 -

♦IT IS THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID, *THAT THE COMMITTEES, ON THE BASIS OF MUTUAL AID AND CONCERN FOR THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD, WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT DRUG PUSHERS AND TO COMBAT DRUG TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES.*

HE ALSO APPEALED TO PARENTS TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN AND HELP THEM REALISE THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE.

+OUR AIM IS A DRUG-FREE GENERATION, AND I SINCERELY HOPE THAT YOU WILL HELP US TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM,* HE SAID.

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR D.G. JEAFFRESON, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN SUB-COMMITTEE ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, DR KARL STUMPF, AND COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF THE CONCERT WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 1 000 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

THE NIGHT’S EVENT WAS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL POPULAR ARTISTES, DEAN IE IP, SANDY LAM AND DAVID LO, WHO ALSO CONVEYED THE ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE.

--------0 ---------

TAI PO ACTIVITIES MEETING NEEDS OF RESIDENTS * X * * *

THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD HAD BEEN ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY PROVIDE ACTIVITIES TO MEET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF RESIDENTS DESPITE CERTAIN RESTRAINTS.

CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR MICHAEL LAI, MADE THE REMARKS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE +HEALTHY FAMILY DAY* IN TAI PO PLAZA TODAY (SUNDAY).

HE POINTED OUT THAT ACTIVITIES HAD NOT BEEN CURTAILED IN SPITE CF THE SHORTAGE OP RESOURCES, AND THE BOARD HAD EFFECTIVELY ORGANISED EVENTS FOR RESIDENTS.

+THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE CONDUCTED TWO SURVEYS ON LIVING PATTERNS OF RESIDENTS AND RESULTS WERE USED AS A BASIS IN PLANNING COMMUNITY HEALTH PROUECTS,* EXPLAINED MR LAI.

TODAY’S PROGRAMMES FEATURED A CHILDREN'S DRAWING COMPETITION, A HEALTHY FAMILY EXHIBITION AND GAMES STALLS.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

UC BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR TO BE PRESENTED * M * *

THE URBAN COUNCIL BUDGET FOR THE 1^8o/87 FINANCIAL YEAR WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE COUNCIL’S MONTHLY MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 17).

OTHER TOPICS TO BE DEBATED AND RATIFIED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE MEETING WILL BE POLICY ON BILLIARD SALOONS AND PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF KWUN TONG FERRY PIER SQUARE AND NGAU TAU KOK COMPLEX EXTENSION. PROPOSED REPROVISIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR URBAN COUNCIL OPEN SPACES TO BE AFFECTED BY HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, AND REDEVELOPMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS IN KWUN TONG.

DURING QUESTION TIME, MR WALTER SULKE WILL ASK THREE QUESTIONS:-

A) WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE MAINTENANCE OF COUNCIL VEHICLES TO PREVENT THEM FROM EMITTING EXCESSIVE SMOKE

B) WHAT CHECKS ARE MADE ON USD STAFF LEAVE RECORDS

C) WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO RECOVER RECORDS STORED IN COMPUTERS IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS.

MR PAO PING-WING WILL ASK WHETHER IT IS FEASIBLE TO IMMEDIATELY SUSPEND THE LICENCES OF THOSE RESTAURANTS WHICH COMMIT SERIOUS FOOD HYGIENE OFFENCES INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR ONE YEAR ACCORDING TO THE COUNCIL’S PRESENT POLICY.

MR KWAN LIM-HO WILL ASK WHAT ACTION IS BEING TAKEN AGAINST UNLICENSED COOKED-FOOD STALLS IN YAU MA TEI WHICH OPERATE FROM 9 P.M. UNTIL THE SMALL HOURS IN THE MORNING, AND AGAINST THOSE EATING ESTABLISHMENTS AT FERRY POINT WHICH ILLEGALLY EXTEND THEIR SHOP SPACE ON THE PAVEMENT IN THE EVENING THUS CAUSING NUISANCE TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.

MR SAMUEL WONG WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE OPENING DATE OF THE TERRITORY’S FIRST BOATING PARK AT WONG NE I CHUNG RESERVOIR, AND WHETHER THERE IS A PlAN TO ENABLE THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA TO BE RUN INDEPENDENTLY ALONG THE LINES OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA.

NOTE TO ED I TORS:-

THE MEETING WILL START ~ 2.33 ON TUESDAY AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBER IN EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL. COVERAGE IS INVITED.

0---------

/'6 .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1935

- 16 -

RECLAMATION AT SANDY BAY PLANNED

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 6 100 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED NEAR SANDY BAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPHOUSE AND INTAKE CULVERT.

THESE WOULD PROVIDE COOLING WATER TO THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL WHERE A MAJOR EXTENSION AND OTHER IMPROVEMENT WORKS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT.

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED MAY WRITE IN THEIR OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE FEBRUARY 12.

A NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE AND ON SHA WAN DRIVE.

THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.

--------o -

SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORGANISED * * *

ABOUT 120 REPRESENTATIVES FROM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 17) NIGHT.

ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS, THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT INCREASING RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT COMMON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.

SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BUILDINGS ORGANISATION, MADAM JEANNIE CHOW, WHO WILL TALK ON LIAISON AMONG RESIDENTS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS! A CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER (BUILDING SERVICES) OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR WONG KAM-CHUEN, WHO WILL TALK ABOUT THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTS.

THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, MR LIN KA-TIN, WILL ALSO GIVE A RcPJK i CF THE TEAM’S WORK DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS.

/EASTS8N DISTRICT .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

- 17 -

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOwEN LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT hN OPENING CEREMONY AT 7 PM IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886, KING’S ROAD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

------o-------

PRIVILEGED TREATMENT SCHEME FOR ELDERLY

******

ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON CITY WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE +REDUCED MEDICAL FEE+ SCHEME NEXT YEAR.

THE SCHEME, INTRODUCED IN THE DISTRICT THIS YEAR, IS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY AND SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTR ICT BOARD.

UNDER THE SCHEME, RESIDENTS AGED 60 OR ABOVE PAY A REDUCED RATE WHEN THEY CONSULT THE DISTRICT’S PRIVATE DOCTORS WHO HAVE BEEN ENLISTED IN THE SCHEME.

A KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID RESPONSE TO THE SCHEME WAS ENCOURAGING AND MOST DOCTORS AND RESIDENTS SAID THEY WELCOMED THE SCHEME AND WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE PART NEXT

YEAR.

IN VIEW OF THIS, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND THt DISTRICT’S COUNCIL FOR WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY HAVE DECIDED TO CONTINUE THE SCHEME, AND SO FAR, 21 DOCTORS HAVE AGREED TO TAKE PART.

SOME 1 800 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME THIS YEAR AND IT IS HOPED THAT MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL JOIN THE SCHEME NEXT YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE IN BULKELcY STREET, THE HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE AT THE HO MAN TIN ESTATE OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT HUNG HOM BAY CENTRE.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

kwun tong backlane clearance operation

* * *

AN OPERATION TO CLEAR 39 EACKLaNE structures in kwun tong HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

ABOUT HALF OF THE STRUCTURES, SITUATED IN THE BACKLANE OF KA LOK STREET IN THE TOWN CENTRE, wERE USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSE^, WHILE THE OTHERS WERE DOMESTIC UNITS.

OF THE RESIDENTS AFFECTED, 10 wERE RE-SETTLED IN PUBL IC HOUS I NG ESTATES, AND 41 WERE ALLOCATED UNITS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.

EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TOTALLING 526 000 wERE ALSO GRANTED TO ELIGIBLE SHOP-OPERATORS.

THE CLEARANCE wAS PART OF A LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME ENTITLED ^OPERATION FAR FLING+ INITIATED BY THE KWUN TONG DI STR Ict MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IN DECEMBER 1983 WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

SO FAR ABOUT 400 ILLEGAL BACKLANE STRUCTURES HAVE BEEN ? CLEARED UNDER THE OPERATION.

- - 0 -

BOARD TO DISCUSS BROADCASTING REPORT * a A

«AN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT CF THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 17).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO RAISE A QUESTION ON THE DEFINITION OF THE BRITISH NATIONALS (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT AND THE ACTUAL RIGHTS IT « ILL BESTOW ON HONG KONG PEOPLE.

ANOTHER QUESTION WILL BE ON THE EFFECTS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT CF 26 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE BLOCKS AT A COST OF $800 MILLION.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF THE THOMSON ROAD PEDESTRIAN SCHEME, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN WAN CHAI CAUSED BY PIG REARING, PROGRESS REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS IN WAN CHAI, AND THE VARIOUS REPORTS FROM THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES, THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND AREA COMM ITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED T0 COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD FETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE wAN CHA I DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG wAH. MANSION, WAN CHAI.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1935

SURVEY ON YOUTH LIFESTYLES STARTS TOMORROW * * * *

STUDENTS FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT 250 HOUSEHOLDS IN KwAI CHUNG AND TSUEN «AN FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO CARRY OUT A SURVEY ON THE LIFESTYLE OF YOUTHS.

COMMISSIONED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD, THE SURVEY IS AIMED AT OBTAINING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MENTALITY, NEEDS, EXPECTATIONS, BEHAVIOUR AND PROBLEMS OF YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT TO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR THE BETTER PLANNING OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE YOUTHS AND A LONG TERM SOLUTION FOR YOUTH PROBLEMS.

THE SURVEY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS. DURING THE FIRST PART, YOUTHS BETWEEN 11 AND 13 YEARS OLD OF THE SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE INTERVIEWED ON THEIR FAMILY LIFE, SCHOOL LIFE, WORKING EXPERIENCE, LEISURE LIFE AND OPINIONS ON SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR SUCH AS SMOKING.

DURING THE SECOND PART, PARENTS OF THE YOUTHS WILL BE INTERVIEWED ON THEIR OPINIONS ABOUT BEHAVIOUR OF YOUTHS AND THE ADEQUACY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR YOUTHS.

LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE 250 HOUSEHOLDS WHICH WERE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW. AlL INTERVIEWERS WILL CARRY CHINESE UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARDS FOR IDENTIFICATION.

- 0 -

CHRISTMAS DISCO FOR 1 400 YOUTHS

* * *

A FIVE-HOUR DISCO PARTY FOR 1 400 YOUTHS WILL BE HELD IN AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AT KAI YIP ESTATE IN KWUN TONG ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

THE MARATHON PARTY, THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO NITE, WILL BE HOSTED BY NINE DISC JOCKEYS FROM RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.

THE PARTY, A PART OF THE CURRENT KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85, WILL ALSO FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY wELL-KNOwK ARTISTES AND A LUCKY DRAW FOR PARTICIPANTS.

ADMISSION TICKETS AT S20 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES. ENQURIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-400131.

THE CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO NITE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KwUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1985

CHANCE FOR DANCERS TO SHOw TALENTS

XXX

THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SCHOOLS, ORGANISATIONS, GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE PART IN A DANCE COMPETITION IN YUEN LONG.

THE EIGHTH YUEN LONG DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RSD, YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, YUEN LONG CITY HALL AND YUEN LONG ARTo ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 4.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CONTEST ARE TO AROUSE AN INTEREST AMONG RESIDENTS IN THE ART OF DANCING, AND TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AMONG PARTICIPANTS.

THE CONTEST, CONSISTING OF ORIENTAL DANCE, WESTERN DANCE AND MODERN DANCE, WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL.

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS.

ENTRY FORMS FOR THE CONTEST CAN BE COLLECTED AT THE RSD’S YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, ROOM 206, YUEN LONG CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFF ICE.

-----0-----

WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC CHANGES * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18), A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS wILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WESTERN DISTRICT.

THESE ARE:

* NORTH STREET SECTION BETWEEN CATCHICK STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN NEW PRAYA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, AND VEHICLES WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO EASTBOUND KENNEDY TOWN NEW PRAYA.

* NORTHBOUND VEHICLES IN NORTH STREET SECTION BETWEEN BELCHER’S STREET AND CATCHICK STREET WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO WESTBOUND CATCHICK STREET.

------o--------

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1!?, 1935

KOwLOON C ITY TAPS OFF * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR

THE AFFECTED PREMISES

CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO LEAKAGE TEST.

ARE BOUNDED BY PAU CHUNG STREET, INCLUDINg'mA HANG CHUNG ROAD, SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD AND PAK T i

STREET.

ALSO AFFECTED ARE MAIDSTONE LANE, MAIDSTONE ROAD AND HOP YAT ROAD.

--------0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

VISITORS WELCOMED TO SEE HONG KONG - SIR DAVID .............. 1

DEPJNDFNCE ON PRIVATE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION TO DROP........... 2

FS STRESSES NEED FOR 'SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT' ........... 3

PEACE - THROUGH HIGH-TECH.................................... 4

COMMERCIAL CRIME SELECT COMMITTEE NAKED .....................

ASIAN TEXTILE WORKERS DISCUSS PROTECTIONISM THREAT .......... 5

THREE-DAY LANGUAGE SEMINAR STARTS ........................... 6

APPROVED MARKINGS FOR IVORY TRADE REQUIRED .................. 7

CONCRETE REPAIRERS LIST PLANNED ............................. 8

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IN COMMONWEALTH SCHEME.................. 9

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK.......................... 10

PREQUALIFICATION CALLED FOR DIAPHRAGM WALLING WORK........... 11

cable to be laid across deep bay ............................ 12

CONTEST JILL LAUNCH FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN................. 12

STUDSNTS TO TAKE PART IN MOCK DB EXERCISE.................... 13

MUSICAL GALA NIGHT .......................................... 14

LORD YOUNG TO MEET PRESS .................................... 14

HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM TO 0P2J FRIDAY ..................... 15

WAYS AND MEANS SELECT COMMITTEE TO MEET ..................... 15

DETAILS OF FESTIVE LIGHTINGS ................................ 16

TWO LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICES MOVING......................... 17

SQUATTER INSPECTION .........................................

water storage figure ........................................ 18

TSU2N KWAI STREIT CLOSED..................................... 18

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

VISITORS WELCOMED TO SEE HONG KONG - SIR DAVID ******

AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE SHOULD COME TO HONG KONG AND SEE THIS PLACE AS IT IS TODAY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE FORTHCOMING VISIT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OE THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF CHINA’S STATE COUNCIL, MR LU PING.

THIS APPLIES TO PEOPLE FROM AMERICA, TO PEOPLE FROM BRITAIN AND TO PEOPLE FROM CHINA, HE TOLD REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING IN QUEENSWAY.

ASKED TO COMMENT ON CRITICISMS BY SOME URBAN COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS THAT THEY HAD LITTLE CHANCE TO TALK TO STATE COUNCILLOR MR JI PENGFE I AT THE RECENT LUNCH HOSTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SIR DAVID SAID MR JI HAD HAD AN EXTREMELY BUSY PROGRAMME SINCE HE WAS HERE.

+1 UNDERSTAND THAT HIS PROGRAMME FOR THE REST OF THIS WEEK IS REALLY VERY FULL INDEED, AND THAT HE IS MAKING A TREMENDOUS EFFORT TO SEE AND LISTEN TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.

ON MR JI’S VISIT, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS VERY GLAD THAT +THE WEATHER AFTER THE FIRST THREE RAINY WET DAYS HAS PICKED UP NOW AND HE IS SEEING HONG KONG AT ITS BEST*.

ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE ACTION AGAINST GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE 26 PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS FOUND TO BE SUB-STANDARD, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROBLEM WAS BEING THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND BY OTHER INVESTIGATORY AUTHORITIES SUCH AS THE ICAC.

+1 AM SURE THE INVESTIGATION WILL BE COMPLETELY THOROUGH.

+BUT YOU MUST REMEMBER THAT THESE BUILDING BLOCKS WERE PUT UP WELL OVER 15 YEARS AGO+, HE SAID, +THE CONTRACTORS PERHAPS ARE NO LONGER HERE AND PEOPLE WHO WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR BUILDING THEM ARE NO LONGER HERE. IT IS A VERY MISTY PAST. IT IS A LONG WAY AWAY.+

TURNING TO THE NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING WHICH WAS TOPPED OUT TODAY, SIR DAVID SAID THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT WAS TO BUILD A LARGE BUILDING WHICH WOULD ABSORB MANY OF THE OFFICES WHICH WERE IN LEASED ACCOMMODATION ALL AROUND CENTRAL.

SIR DAVID SAID SUCH LEASED OFFICES WERE SUBJECT TO RISING RENTS AND THE RENEWAL OF LEASES EVERY THREE OR FOUR YEARS.

SO IT WAS MUCH BETTER REALLY IN TE'/S OF PERMANENCE TO HAVE OUR OwN PURPOSE-BUILT OFFICE, HE SAID.

/as foh .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

AS FOR HOW MUCH MONEY THE NEW OFFICE BUILDING WOULD SAVE FOR THE GOVERNMENT, SIR DAVID SAID IT MUST BE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

+THERE MUST BE OVER THE LIFE OF THE BUILDING TREMENDOUS SAVING FOR GOVERNMENT. AND OF COURSE IT IS MUCH MORE CONVENIENT FOR THE PUBLIC TO HAVE A BUILDING IN WHICH THEY CAN FIND 10 OR 12 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALL IN ONE BUILDING. SO IT IS VERY BENEFICIAL TO THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT,+ HE ADDED.

--------j ----------

DEPENDENCE ON PRIVATE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION TO DROP

*****

THE GOVERNMENT’S OFFICE BUILDING PROGRAMME WOULD REDUCE ITS DEPENDENCE ON LEASED PRIVATE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, THE AVAILABILITY OF WHICH WAS NOT ALWAYS READY AND CERTAIN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.

SPEAKING AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN THE LONG RUN SUCH DELEASING WOULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL SAVINGS.

THE NEW BUILDING, STANDING AT A HEIGHT OF 202 METRES

ABOVE QUEENSWAY, IS THE TALLEST TO BE BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN HONG KONG.

IT CONSISTS OF SEVEN FLOORS OF LOW BLOCK AND A 49-STOREY HIGH BLOCK SITTING ON TOP OF A FOUR-STOREY PODIUM CAR PARK.

TO BE COMPLETED IN THREE STAGES, THE FIRST PHASE TO BE READY FOR OCCUPATION BY THE END OF THIS MONTH INCLUDES THE LOW BLOCK AND 16 FLOORS OF THE HIGH BLOCK. THIS WOULD ALLOW A USABLE FLOOR AREA OF 19 500 SQUARE METRES.

+THIS BUILDING IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DELIBERATE AND COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE PURPOSE-BUILT OFFICES IN CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG IN PLACES AS FAR APART AS SAI KUNG, TUEN MUN AND CENTRAL,* SIR DAVID SAID.

+THIS PARTICULAR BUILDING WILL ABSORB 14 DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN AND AROUND CENTRAL.

+THIS IS A VISUAL SYMBOL OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS, EFFICIENT AND CLOSE-AT-HAND SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC,* HE ADDED.

THE SECOND PHASE OF THE 56-STOREY BUILDING IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1'^86 TO GIVE AN ADDITIONAL 17 250 SQUARE METRES CF OFFICE SPACE, WHILE THE FINAL PHASE TO PROVIDE THE SAME FLOOR AREA WOULD BE READY BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

/THE LOW .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

- 3 -

THE LOm/ BLOCK OF THE $366 MILLION BUILDING IS LINKED TO THE HIGH BLOCK BY A SYSTEM OF ESCALATORS WHICH WOULD ENABLE PEDESTRIANS FROM QUEENSWAY TO HAVE EASY ACCESS TO THE HIGH BLOCK.

THERE IS ALSO A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY NETWORK WHICH CONNECTS THE BUILDING WITH THE NEW SUPREME COURT TO THE WEST AND TO FUTURE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT BEING CONSTRUCTED TO THE-EAST.

-----o------

FS STRESSES NEED FOR 'SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT’

*****

THE NEED FOR DEPARTMENTAL CONTROLLING OFFICERS TO EXERCISE SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT — TO BE MODERN MANAGERS — WAS STRSSED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN B^EMR IDGE.

OPENING A SEMINAR ON +F INANCI AL MANAGEMENT IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT,+ SIR JOHN TOLD THE GATHERING OF SECRETARIES OF POLICY BRANCHES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS THAT PROPER FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COULD ONLY BE EXERCISED IN DEPARTMENTS.

+THIS IS THE PLACE TO DEVELOP NEW IDEAS, IMPROVE COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RATIONALISE PROGRAMMES.+ SIR JOHN SAID THAT ALL MANAGERS DID THEIR BEST +IN A FREEISH REGIME.* AND HE SAW THE FINANCE BRANCH’S ROLE AS MONITORING AND GUIDING OVERALL FINANCIAL POLICY.

SIR JOHN SAID HE COULD SEE NO REASON WHY NEW INITIATIVE SHOULD NOT BE GRADUALLY INTRODUCED INTO THE GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPMENT PLANS.

THESE, HE SAID, COULD INCLUDE!

* INJECTING SOME INITIAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE TO ACHIEVE LONGER TERM RECURRENT SAVING

* INCURRING SLIGHTLY HIGHER RECURRENT SPENDING TO GENERATE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICES PROVIDED

A RATIONALISATION GENERALLY OF SERVICES PROVIDED REQUIRING THE CUTTING BACK OF SOME SERVICES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE OTHERS.

+WE

+WE ALL KNOW THAT ZERO-BASED BUDGETING IS IMPOSSIBLE. NEVERTHELESS SCOPE FOR CHANGE IS ENORMOUS THOUGH NEW ACCEPTABLE INITIATIVES ARE ONLY LIKELY TO ORIGINATE FROM WELL-FOUNDED

PLANS.

/+THIS MEANS .......

jfGNDAY, DJCEMBEH 16, 1985

4 -

+THIS MEANS THAT CONTROLLING OFFICERS AND THEIR SUBORDINATE STAFF HAVE TO HAVE A THOROUGH GRASP OF THE DAY TO DAY FINANC AL ASPECTS OF THEIR DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO ASSESS THE FULL IMPLICATE. ASSOCIATED WITH NEW IDEAS,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

THIS, HE ADDED, INCLUDED PROPER CAPITAL EXPENDITURE APPRAISAL CAREFUL MONITORING OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, AND WHERE APPROPRIATE MEASURING PRODUCTIVITY.

-t-IN OTHER WORDS, THEY MUST EXERCISE SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: THEY MUST BE MODERN MANAGERS,* HE SAID.

THE SEMINAR WAS ARRANGED BY THE TREASURY IN CONSULTATION WI Th THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIRECTOR, AT THE REQUEST OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE.

A MORE INTENSIVE SEMINAR wILL BE HELD FOR MIDDLE MANAGERS IN DEPARTMENTS NEXT YEAR.

PEACE - THROUGH HIGH-TECH

X * * X

THE IDEA OF USING HIGH-TECHNOLOGY TO ILLUSTRATE THE ABSTRACT NOTION OF PEACE AND PROJECT THE THEME IN A MULTIPLE MANNER WAS ORIGINAL AS WELL AS STIMULATING, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.

AND TO TURN THIS IDEA INTO REALITY HAD INVOLVED A LOT OF IMAGINATION, COURAGE AND HARD WORK, SIR DAVID SAID, WHEN OPENING AT THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR PEACE HI-TOUCH EXHIBITION TODAY.

HE CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISERS AND ALL THE HI-TECH PROFESSIONALS IN ACHIEVING THIS.

+ l AM ALSO IMPRESSED BY THE EXTENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THIS PROJECT, WHICH IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS AND SPONSORED BY LEADING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG,* SIR DAVID SAID.

THIS COMMUNITY SPIRIT, SIR DAVID SAID, EXEMPLIFIED THE THEME CF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR: PARTICIPATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE, THREE wORDS WHICH HAD SUCH DEPTH OF MEANING IN HONG KONG.

+1 HOPE EVERY VISITOR TO THE EXHIBITION WILL COME AWAY WITH THEIR RESOLVE STRENGTHENED TO FOLLOW THESE HIGH IDEALS,* SIR DAVID SA ID.

THE +PEACE HI-TOUCH EXHIBITION*, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1935 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS, IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.

FOLLOWING TONIGHT’S OPENING CEREMONY, THE EXHIBITION AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DECEMBER 19 FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM DAILY AND FROM 10 aM TO 5.30 PM ON DECEMBER 23.

/5........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1935

COMMERCIAL CRIME SELECT COMMITTEE NAMED * * *

THE GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS NOMINATED MR PETER C. wONG AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20 TO CONSIDER FURTHER AND REPORT ON THE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, INCLUDING CHANGES IN THE PROCEDURES BEFORE AND DURING TRIAL AND THE MODE OF TRIAL.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS NR JOHN SWA INE, QC, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, MRS RITA FAN, MR PETER POON, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM, MR HO SAI-CHU, DR RICHARD LAI, MR MARTIN LEE, QC, AND MR NGA I SHIU-KIT, AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE.

MR WONG CHAIRED THE PREVIOUS SELECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED ON MAY 1 1985 AND DISSOLVED AT THE END OF THE 1984/85 COUNCIL SESSION. THIS COMMITTEE HAD BEEN FORMED FROM MEMBERS OF THE UMELCO AD HOC GROUP TO HEAR REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE TRIAL OF

COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985.

THE FIRST MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 19) AT 11 AM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL.

-------o - - - -

ASIAN TEXTILE WORKERS DISCUSS PROTECTIONISM THREAT

X * X

WEAKENING MARKET DEMAND AND THE CONTINUING TREND TO PROTECTIONISM IN THE TEXTILE SECTOR WERE THREATS, THAT AFFECTED NOT ONLY OUR LOCAL ECONOMY, BUT ALSO THAT OF HONG KONG’S ASIAN NEIGHBOURS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE TEXTILES WORKERS’ ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE, MR BRIDGE SAID THESE THREATS *ERE OF CONCERN TO GOVERNMENTS, WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS ALIKE.

+1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS IS ONE OF THE THEMES YOU WILL BE WISHING TO DISCUSS DURING YOUR CONFERENCE,+ HE SAID.

MR BRIDGE RECALLED THAT 23 YEARS AGO THE TEXTILES WORKERS’ ASIAN REGIONAL ORGANISATION HAD HELD ITS FIRST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING IN HONG KONG.

Da 1, DrXJtMoart 16, 1985

SINCE THEN MANY PLACES IN ASIA, INCLUDING HONG KONG, HAD UNDERGONE CONSIDERABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGES, CREATING FRESH CHALLENGES FOR TEXTILE WORKERS, HE SAID.

+TO TAKE HONG KONG AS AN EXAMPLE, DURING THE FIRST PART OF THE PERIOD, WE SAW A CONTINUED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY COMPARED WITH THE REST OF THE ECONOMY.+

IN 1962, HE SAID, HONG KONG HAD 70 000 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TEXTILES, ACCOUNTING FOR 28 PER CENT OF THE MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE. BY 1976, THIS NUMBER HAD DOUBLED TO 137 000.

+HOWEVER IN THE LATE SEVENTIES, THE FIGURE TENDED TO STABILISE AT ABOUT 126 000. BY MARCH THIS YEAR, THE FIGURE STOOD AT 113 000, WHICH STILL REPRESENTED 13 PER CENT OF EMPLOYEES IN OUR MANUFACTURING SECTOR.+

MR BRIDGE SAID THAT AT ONE TIME STRUCTURAL ECONOMIC

CHANGE WAS A TOPIC OF KEEN CONCERN TO LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AND WORKERS, SOME OF WHOM WERE WORRIED THAT TEXTILES MIGHT GRADUALLY GIVE WAY TO OTHER HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES.

+IN PRACTICE THIS FEAR HAS SO FAR PROVED TO BE TOO PESSIMISTIC.

+OUR INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE HAS BEEN ABLE TO ABSORB THE ^-DISTRIBUTION OF MANPOWER FROM ONE SECTOR TO ANOTHER, AND ADAPT TO NEW TECHNOLOGY AND CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES,* MR BRIDGE SA ID.

+TODAY TEXTILE REMAINS OUR SECOND LARGEST INDUSTRY, SECOND ONLY TO THE GARMENT INDUSTRY AND TOGETHER THESE TWO INDUSTRIES MAKE uP OVER 40 PER CENT OF OUR WORKFORCE,* HE ADDED.

- 0--------

THREE-DAY LANGUAGE SEMINAR STARTS * * * *

A THRFE-DAY SEMINAR BEGAN TODAY (MONDAY) FOR LOCAL LANGUAGE

- DUCAT IONALI STS AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM 15 COUNTRIES TO -XCHANG" IDEAS ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION ■JITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO ENGLISH AND CHINESE.

THE +LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION : FUTURE DIRECTIONS* SEMINAR HELD SHANGRI-LA HOTEL WAS ORGANISED RY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND OPEN BY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER MR CHEN SHOU-LUM.

MR CH-N, IN HIS SPEECH, GAVE AN ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAD RECENTLY BEEN DONE IN HONG KONG TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF LANGUAGE TEACHING. HE REVEALED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF CARRYING OUT A NUMBER OF RESEARCH PROJECTS TO ASCERTAIN THE EFFECTS OF LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION ON EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF STUDENTS.

/ALSO AJIDRc.SuUIG ..•••••

XuC j• mUX X ) UX^ P.hfB.-.rt o । 1 ^6p

ALSO ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, vR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID LANGUAGE PLANNING WAS THE SUBJECT OF GROWING INTEREST TO LINGUISTS, SOCIOLOGISTS, AND ADMINISTRATORS INVOLVED IN FORMULATING EDUCATION POLICIES.

HE NOTED THAT TO IMRPVE LANGUAGE IDEAS OF PRACTICAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

HONG KONG HAD INTRODUCED A NUMBER OF MEASURES STANDARDS AND WAS READY TO CONSIDER MORE NEW VALUE AND APPROPRIATE TO THE LOCAL

ABOUT 60 PAPERS, HALF OF WHICH ARE FROM OVERSEAS SPEAKERS, WILL 3E PRESENTED AT THE SEMINAR. DISCUSSIONS TODAY CENTRED ON THE THEME +SOCIAL LINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVES IN LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION*.

TOMORROW, PARTICIPANTS WILL EXAMINE DEVELOPMENT IN LANGUAGE TEACHING. ON WEDNESDAY, THEY WILL EXPLORE THE NEW DIRECTIONS IN THIS DISCIPLINE OF EDUCATION BEFORE THEY ATTEND THE CLOSING CEREMONY WITH AN ADDRESS BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER MR PETER C. WONG IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

--------0

APPROVED MARKINGS FOR IVORY TRADE REQUIRED K *

NEw ARRANGEMENTS wILL BE INTRODUCED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT Y=... TO REQUIRE IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF RA* IVORY TO CARRY

ED IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES RTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

THE MOVE IS TO CONFORM a I TH A RESOLUTION RECENTLY ADOPTED ?Y THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES CF ILD FaUNA AND FLORA (CITES) ON THE CONTROL OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN RAW IVORY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WERE +ESSENTIaL -OR MAINTAINING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF HONG KONG IVORY PRODUCTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET.*

APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES TO IMPORT UNMARnED RA* IVORY aILL NO LONGER BE CONSIDERED AND ALL IVORY TUSKS HAVE TO BE PROPERLY MARKED BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO BE EXPORTED FROM hONG KONG, HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, aLL EXISTING STOCKS OF RA* IVORY MUST BE REGISTERED *ITH THE DEPARTMENT ON OR BE-ORE .AIjUARY 31, IP THERE IS ANY LIKELIHOOD THAT SUCn STOCKS wILL BE EXPORTED IN FUTURE.

THESE STOCKS WILL SUBSEQUENTLY BE INSPECTED BY STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.

/LCCaL TRANSACTION’ ........

MONDaY, DiJCmEK 1b, 1985

b -

LOCAL TRANSACTION OF EXISTING RAv. IVORY STOCK, TAKING -LACE AFTER JANUARY 1, oHOULD ALSO BE MADE KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT IN A PRESCRIBED FORM. THIS SHOULD BE DONE I' EDIATELY UPON COMPLETION OF EACH TRANSACTION.

LOCAL TRADERS HAVE BEEN INFORMED IN WRITING OF.THESE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEw ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE AND ;JIES OF THE PRESCRIBED FORM OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING THE DEPARTMENT'S FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION AT 3-688111 EXT. 201 OR 158.

CONCRETE REPAIRERS LIST PLANNED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS DR CONCRETE REPAIR.

TO DRAW UP A NEW LIST OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS

A LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID: •’■THE LIST IS DESIGNED TO OBTAIN A POOL OF SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS AND TO ENCORUAGE HIGH STANDARDS IN ORDER THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS IS CARRIED OUT EFFECTIVELY AND ECONOMICALLY.*

A WORKING PARTY FORMED LAST FEBRUARY RECOMMENDED TO THE LANDS AND WORKS STANDING COMMITTEE FOR CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY THAT SUCH A LIST BE DRAWN UP. THE WORKING PARTY SAID THAT SUCH A GROUP OF CONTRACTORS WAS NECESSARY TO DEAL WITH THIS SKILLED WORK.

CONTRACTORS WISHING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE LIST WILL BE VETTED FOR THE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS, SUPERVISORS, SKILLED LABOUR, AND THE ADEQUACY OF THEIR EQUIPMENT.

THEY WILL UNDERGO A PERIOD OF

BEFORE THEIR NAMES ARE INCLUDED IN

PROBATION AND A TRADE TEST THE LIST.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID: + IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT HIGH LEVELS OF SPECIALIST SKILL ARE MAINTAINED, THE PERFORMANCE OF CONTRACTORS .ILL BE MONITORED NOT ONLY DURING PROBATIONARY CONTRACTS BUT ALSO DURING SUBSEQUENT CONTRACTS.*

A NOTICE INVITING INTERESTED CONTRACTORS TO APPLY FOR INCLUSION I'. THE LIST HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1935

Q ✓

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IN COMMONWEALTH SCHEME

* * * * *

NOMINATIONS ARE BEING CALLED FOR THE BEST TWO COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE A/.ARDS SCHEME WHICH wAS LAUNCHED TO MARK THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.

THE AWARDS SCHEME, INITIATED BY THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, wILL CFFER UP TO FIVE AWARDS ANNUALLY wI TH NOT MORE THAN TWO AwAhDS BEING MADE TO COUNTRIES OF ANY ONE REGION.

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATING THE NOMINATIONS IN HONG KONG.

+ THE AWARDS SCHEME HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO RECOGNISE AND REWARD THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE DEVELOPMENT CF THEIR SOCIETIES) FOSTER CO-OPERATION, EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE AMONG COMMONWEALTH YOUTHS,* A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE AWARDS WILL BE IN THE FORM OF OVERSEAS STUDY TOURS NOT EXCEEDING ONE MONTH FOR UP TO TWO MEMBERS OF AWARD WINNING TEAMS) AS WELL AS PERSONAL MEMENTOES LIKE MEDALLIONS TO ALL TEAM MEMBERS.

FOR PROJECTS TO BE SELECTED, THEY SHOULD BE EXAMPLES OF EFFECTIVE TEAMWORK BY YOUNG PEOPLE, PREFERABLY AGED 15 TO 25, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.

*IN THIS REGARD, PARTICIPANTS SHOULD DEMONSTRATE THEIR AFLITY IN CO-OPERATING, PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF THEIR PROJECT) ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THt IMPLEMENTATION OF THE I- wORK UNDER AN AGREED PLAN; COMBINING ADVENTUROUS INNOVATIONS TO ACHIEVE THEIR OBJECTIVES; AND EVALUATING AND ALLOWING FOR FLEXIBILITY IN THE PROJECT AS IT PROCEEDS,* HE EXPLAINED.

APART FROM THAT, THE PROJECTS SHOULD REFLECT AND RESPOND TO LOCAL NEEDS, THUS CONTRIBUTING TO oOLUTIONS TO A TERRITORY-WIDE PROBLEM.

OTHER CRITERIA INCLUDE POTENTIAL LONG-TERM EFFECTIVENESS CF THE PROJECT AND HOW THEY PROVIDE A MODEL OR INSPIRATION TO OTHER PLACES, BOTH TIONALLY AND COMMONwEALTH-wIDE.

NOMINATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH DIVISION OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES, THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

+HOwEVER, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN The awARDo SCHEME CAN ALoO CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION wITHIN THIS MONTH,* "HE SPOKEMAN SAID.

, 'DOMINATION 3 //ILL ......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

NOMINATIONS w ILL BE ASSESSED BY A SELECTION BOARD IN JANUARY FOR SUBMISSION TO THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

A GROUP OF MEMBERS DRAwN FROM THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT a ILL SERVE AS AN INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT PANEL AND THE AWARDS a ILL EE ANNOUNCED IN MAY NEXT YEAR.

--------Q ----------

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK * * * *

A LARGE-SCALE CARNIVAL, FEATURING A WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, WILL BE STAGED AT VICTORIA PARK ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DECEMBER 24) TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON.

THE +CHRISTMAS EVE AT VICTORIA PARK+ IS THE SECOND REGIONAL CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL ORGANISED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOLLOWING ITS SUCCESS LAST YEAR.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND ASSISTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS OF wAN CHAI, SOUTHERN, AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND THE LIONS CLUB OF HOnG KONG NORTH.

DETAILS OF THE CARNIVAL’S PROGRAMME WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE CARNIVAL, MADAM CHRISTINA TING.

FOSTER COMMUNITY

+THE AIM OF THE CARNIVAL IS TO PROVIDE FREE ENTERTAINMENT TO RESIDENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND AT THE SAME TIME ....... '

SPIRIT AMONG LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND INTERESTtD

BODIES,* SHE SAID.

+THIS YEAR ONE OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS IS A LASER SHOW WHICH WILL FOCUS ON CARTOON CHARACTERS TO BRING ABOUT A FtSTlVc

ATMOSPHERE.*

THE EASTERN

THrRE to ILL ALSO BE SINGING PERFORMANCES BY DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR AAID THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, ORIENTAL DANCES, AND^VARIOUS OTHER ENTERTAINMENT.

THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM wILL BE OFFICIATtD BY EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT’S PROGRAMME wILL BE A TwO-HOUR ALL-STAR EXTRAVAGANZA FEATURING SOME OF HONG KONG’S TOP ARTISTES. THE SHOW IS PRODUCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.

/THE ............

MONIUY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

THE FINAL PROGRAMME OF THE CARNIVAL wILL BE CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGING AT MIDNIGHT BY THE BAPTIST COLLEGE CHRISTIAN CHOIR.

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOwEN LEUNG SAID TRAMS ANU BUSES *ILL BE RUNNING UNTIL THE CARNIVAL IS OVcR.

HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE TRANSPORTJN

GETTING TO AND FROM VICTORIA PARK, AND T0 C$~^R ATE a I TH THc ORGANISERS BY MAINTAINING ORDER DURING AND AFTER THE cVENT.

THE CARNIVAL IS BEING STAGED AT A COST OF ABOUT $56 □□□, UF wHICH $50 000 COMES FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

PREQUALIFICATION CALLED FOR DIAPHRAGM WALLING WORK * * * * *

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR INCLUSION IN A LIST OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DIAPHRAGM WALLING FOR THE PEDDER STRbET UNDERPASS.

THE UNDERPASS WHICH FORMS PART OF THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT POAD PROJECT WOULD CARRY TwO LANES OF TRAFFIC IN EACH DIRECTION -°CNG CONNAUGHT ROAD BENcATH THE GROUND LEVEL JUNCTION WITH PEDDER STREET.

A DIAPHRAGM WALLING OF ABOUT 600 METRES LONG WOULD HAVE TO BE INSTALLED FOR THE PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS CONSTRUCTION.

IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE MAIN CONTRACT WOULD START IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 AND THAT CONSTRUCTION OF DIAPHRAGM ..ALLS *OULD START SHORTLY AFTER THAT AND TAKE ABOuT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PREQUALIF ICAT I ON MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MESSRS. PETER Y.S. PUN AND ASSOC I ATES, FIRST FLOOR, LOCKHART CENTRE, 301-307 LOCKHART ROAD, wAN CHAI THE DESIGNERS FOR THE WORKS, wHO WILL ALSO BE SUPERVISING IT FOR THE HIGHWAYS office of the engineering development department.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT lOBEY ON THE LOWER GROUND LOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG

CENTRAL

KONG,

BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 10.

--------o - -

/l2 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

CABLE TO EE LAID ACROSS DEEP BAY

* * * *

ABOUT NINE KILOMETRES OF SUBMARINE ELECTRICITY CABLE ARE TO BE LAID ACROSS DEEP BAY FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY TO SHEKOU IN CHINA.

THE PROPOSED CABLE WOULD BE LAID BY CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED ABOUT TWO METRES UNDER THE SEABED NEAR LAU FAU SHAN TO THE SHEKOU COAST.

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE FEBRUARY 12.

THE NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORK TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY

DIV IS ION, YUEN LONG EUILDING,

FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

-----O------

CONTEST WILL LAUNCH

FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN * * * *

wONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A CROSS-.. ?RD PUZZLE COMPETITION WHICH WILL LAUNCH THE DISTRICT’S ANNUAL fire prevention campaign.

THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE wONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTR ICT BOARD.

A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PLANNED TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION IN THE DISTRICT, AND TO REMIND THE FIRE WATCH TEAMS IN SQUATTER AREAS OF THEIR DUTY AND VIGILANCE AS FIRE WATCHERS.

ENTRY FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE wONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE. CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20).

OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDE SLIDE SHOWS, SEMINARS AND A VARIETY SHOw.

THE SLIDE SHOWS WILL BE HELD AT THE uAU HEUNG YUEN SITTING-OUT AREA IN TAI HOM vILLAGE ON DECE'-'BER 22 AT 8.30 -AND AT FIRE BREAK (B), SOCIAL AVENUE ON DECEMBER 29 AT d.3O PM.

/PH3SE SLID£........

MONDAY, DaCSMBEti 16, 1985

THESE SLIDE SHOWS SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR RESIDENTS IN THE SCATTER AREAS, WILL FEATURE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AND EMERGENCY MEASURES IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.

FROM JANUARY. A SERIES OF SEMINARS WILL BE HELD-MEMBERS CF AREA COMMITTEE^ IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON FIRE PREVENTION.

AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR FIRE WATCH TEAMS AND FIRE PREVENTION VARIETY SHOW WILL ALSO BE HELD ON JANUARY 5.

MEANWHILE, THE WONG TAI SIN DI STR I CT OFF ICE AND THE FI RE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE PUT UP POSTERS AND BANNERS IN THE SQUATTER AREAS.

BOOKLETS ON +F IRE PREVENTION IN THE HOME+ HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO THE RESIDENTS AND THE FIRE WATCH TEAMS.

THE BOOKLETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FREE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE BRANCH OFFICE.

--------0 ----------

STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN MOCK DB EXERCISE * * * *

SECONDARY STUDENTS IN TAI PO WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO ACT AS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND DISCUSS DISTRICT PROBLEMS IN A MOCK DISTRICT BOARD EXERCISE TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH.

THE EXERCISE IS AIMED AT PROMOTING STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING ON THE FUCTIONING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE STRUCTURE OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

THIRTY STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES HAD THEIR FIRST MEETING * ITH MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT WORKING GROUP ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.

THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD BY THE SECRETARY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN KA-YIU, AND LATER DISCUSSED THE SETTING UP OF A MOCK DB EXERCISE.

A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR THE STUDENTS INCLUDING ATTENDING AN ACTUAL DB MEETING, DISCUSSIONS ON THE DE STRUCTURE AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND A MOCK DB MEETING.

THE WORKING GROUP WAS FORMED TO PROMOTE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

FOUR COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN SET UP TO ORGANISE SEMINARS, MOCK DB EXERCISE, COMMUNITY RESEARCH PROJECTS AND AN ESSAY COMPETITION.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS INCLUDE INCUMBENT DB MEMBERS, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND LOCAL PERSONALITIES.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1Q85

MUS ICAL GALA NIGHT

* * *

a oocQQ rnNFFRFNCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE GALA NIGHT CF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY RADIO PROGRAMME +MUSIC WH^E YOU WORK* wILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT RTHK, BROADCASTING HOUSE, BROADCAST DRIVE.

THE PROGRAMME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED FOR THE TH I RD SUCCESS IVt Y^ARS BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND RTHK TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMONG WORKERS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.

SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE CHIEF FACTORY 1NSP=CTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, AND HEAD CF THE CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICE OF RTHK MR CHU PUI-HING.

SINGERS JENNY YAN LUI FONG, LOWELL LO AND THE ISLAND BAND, AND DISC JOCKEY MR FRANCIS MAK, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THt PREoS CONFERENCE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FUNCTION.

- 0

LORD YOUNG TO MEET PRESS * * *

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EMPLOYMENT, LORD YOUNG, HILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTER VISITING CHINA.

HE WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 3 PM TOMORROW.

NOTE TO ED I TORS s

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

- 0

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM * * X *

THE HONG KONG RAILwAY MUSEUM wILL ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20), FOLLOWING THE AND FITTING-OUT WORK AT THE OLD TAI PO

TO OPEN FR IDAY

BE OFF IC I ALLY OPENED COMPLETION OF RESTORATION MARKET RAILWAY STATION.

SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (LEISURE SERVICES), MR ALEX NG, SAID. THE FACILITIES OF THE MUSEUM WILL INCLUDE THE ORIGINAL STATION BUILDING CONSTRUCTED IN 1913, A MUSEUM OFFICE BLOCK CONVERTED FROM THE FORMER STATION STAFF QUARTERS, A NEW EXHIBITION SHED aND A FULL-SIZED MOCK-UP OF AN ELECTRIC TRAIN COACH.+

THr 1913 STATION BUILDING. WHICH WAS BUILT IN A TRADITIONAL CHINESE STYLE AND GAZETTED A HISTORICAL BUILDING IN NOVEMBER 1 ,

2d BEEN RESTORED IN ITS ORIGINAL COLOUR SCHEME WITH DECORATIVE FEATURES PRESERVED, HE ADDED.

THE MUSEUM WOULD BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM DAILY, INCLUDING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. IT WOULD BE CLOSED ON TU_SDaYs FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE.

AT THE MEETING MEMBERS OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COi- lTTEc ENDORSED THE PROPOSED POLICY ON THE DEMARCATION OF ResfihslLlT? FOR FUNDING SPORTS BETWEEN THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION SPORT (CRS), THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS.

AND

FOE AND

UNDER THE PROPOSED POLICY, THE CRS SHOULD BE RESPONolBut NATIONAL COMPETITIVE SPORTING ACTIVITIES AND THE REGIONAL URBAN COUNCILS FOR REGIONAL, LOCAL AND RECREATIONAL EVtNTS.

WAYS

THE WAYS AND COUNCIL wILL HOLD

AND MEANS SELECT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * *

MEANS SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONS-A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

IT WILL DISCUSS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE APPOINTMENT °F £ 3 FOR THE FINANCIALLY AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL COUNCIL WHICH wILL COME INT) BE ING NEXT APR IL.

/THE MEETING,

MONDAY, DBCBMBER 1o, 1$>8S

—T?*- v ~--i - —-r-» -t. .■crrviT?3X_=»*e — ■ -‘tKr ——

- 16 -

THE MEETING, WHICH WILL EE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER AT THE SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN wAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED.

DETAILS OF FESTIVE LIGHTINGS * * * *

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAIL^ OF ALL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTINGS AND SPECIAL TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL PF hELD AT 11 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD.

DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, PR T.H. CHAU, a ILL BRIEF THE PRESS ON THE PUBLIC tNTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES PREPARED BY THE DISTRICTS.

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR SAM CnAN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

/17 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1985

T.vO LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICES MOVING * * * *

TwO OFFICES OF THE LABOUrx DEPARTMENT wILL MOVE IN TO THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN KOWLOON NEXT WEEK.

THE HUNG HOM DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE wOMEN AND YOUNG PEhbJrto DIVISION AT SHOPS 14-16 HUNGHOM BAY CENTRE WILL MOVE TO THc FOURTH FLOOR OF THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18).

THE OFFICE OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT UNIT, AT PRESENT LOCATED IN KwA I HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, * ILL OCCUPY THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 1Q).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRING ABOUT THE EMPLOYMENT OF ;-.>fN AND YOUNG PERSONS IN HUNG HOM MAY CALL 3-688756 FROM WEDNESDAY; THOSE ENQUIRING ON MATTERS RELATING TO EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT MAY TELEPHONE 3-b88111 EXT. 436 OR •^7 FROM THURSDAY.

--------0----------

SQUATTER INSPECTION * * * *

OFFICERS OF THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND WILL BE INSPECTING A number of squatter areas in kwun tong tomorrow (Tuesday) to IDENTIFY FIRE HAZARDS AND FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE ENV IRONMENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE INSPECTION. MEDl? REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT KWUN TONG FIRc STATION AT 426 hwUN TONG ROAD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) BEFORE 10.33 AM.

/1" ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1965

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 70.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 410.266 MILLION CUBIC i'ETRES.

RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 439.819 , REPRESENTING 75.0 PER CENT

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE '■'ILL ION CUBIC METRES OF WATER

CAPAC ITY.

TSUEN KWAI STREET CLOSED * * *

TSUEN KWAI STREET BETWEEN TSUEN WAH STREET AND TSUEN FU STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON DECEMBER 19 AND 20 (THURSDAY AND FRIDAY) BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.

TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE TSUEN WAH STREET AND TSUEN FU STREET.

THE SAME MEASURES w ILL BE REPEATED ON JANUARY 9 AND 10.

--------o-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

EXCO APPROVES HYF FaRE INCREASES ............................. 1

FUNDS SOUGHT FOR NE/i POSTaL SORTING SYSTEM................... 2

22 TO SPEAK ON PUBLIC HOUSING WORKS .......................... 4

EXTENDED TRANSPORT FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR.................... 5

DISTRICT-./'IDE YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS ARRANGED ............... 6

CHEUNG CHAU FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE EXTENSION OPENED ............. 7

BRIDGE CLOSED FOR SHA TIN SWITCH-ON CEREMONY ................. 8

APPEAL FOR CARE '.'/HEN LIGHTING COUNTRYSIDE FIRES ........... 9

REAR LANE TIDY-UP EXERCISE CARRIED OUT ....................... 10

KENNEDY TOW REAR LANE CLEARED................................. 11

NOVEMBER WARMER THAN USUAL ................................... 11

STAGE SET FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT ................... 13

CHRISTMAS VARIETY SHOW IN WAN CHAI ........................... 14

COMPETITIONS FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS ......................... 15

DISCUSSION ON MAN KAM TO TRAFFIC FLOW......................... 15

BOARD TO DISCUSS BROADCaSTING REPORT ......................... 16

SHA TIN MEETINGS Op HU TO PUBLIC ............................. 17

PRESS CONFERENCE ON FESTIVE LIGHTS ........................... 17

CONTEST OPENED TO AMATEUR DANCERS ............................ 18

UPGC SECRETARIAT ON THE MOVE.................................. 19

MORE HYGIENE FACILITIES FOR KOWLOON .......................... 19

WAN CHAI, SHAU KEI WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES ....................... 20

CENTRAL WATER CUT ............................................ 20

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1935

EXCO APPROVES HYP FARE INCREASES * * * *

AN APPLICATION BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY FOR A FARE INCREASE FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

THE LAST FARE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC FERRY SERVICES BY THE COMPANY WAS IN JANUARY 1984 AND THE LAST INCREASE FOR VEHICULAR FERRY FARES WAS IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

UNDER THE FERRY SERVICES (HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY, LTD) (DETERMINATION OF FARES) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDER 1985, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED THIS FRIDAY IN THE GAZETTE, FARES FOR PASSENGER SERVICES AND VEHICULAR FERRY WILL BE INCREASED BY AN AVERAGE OF 12 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

FARE INCREASES FOR VARIOUS ROUTE GROUPS ARE AS FOLLOWSt

(A) CROSS-HARBOUR PASSENGER FERRY SERVICES

FARES WILL BE INCREASED BY AN AVERAGE OF 14 PER CENT. FARES FOR ADULT ORDINARY CLASS WILL BE REVISED FROM $1.50 TO $1.70$ STUDENT/CHILD FROM 80 CENTS TO 90 CENTS 5 HOVERFERRY SERVICE FROM $4.50 TO $5 AND MONTHLY TICKETS FROM $62 TO $70.

HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE NO INCREASE FOR DELUXE CLASS FARES AND FARES FROM SAI WAN HO TO KOWLOON CITY. THEY WILL REMAIN AT $3 AND $2.50 RESPECTIVELY.

ADULT FARE FOR ORDINARY CLASS FROM JUBILEE STREET TO KWUN TONG WILL BE REVISED FROM $2 TO $2.50 AND FARES FOR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN WILL BE REVISED FROM $1 TO $1.30. MEANWHILE, FARES FOR HOVERFERRY SERVICE FROM NORTH POINT TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE INCREASED FROM $3 TO $4.

(B) NEW TOWN PASSENGER FERRY SERVICES

AVERAGE FARES INCREASE FOR THIS GROUP IS 0.9 PER CENT.

THERE WILL BE NO FARE INCREASE FOR THE HOVERFERRY SERVICES FROM TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN TO CENTRAL.

THE ADULT ORDINARY CLASS FARE FOR THE SERVICE BETwEEN TSUEN WAN AND CENTRAL WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $3 BUT THE FARE FOR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1.30 TO $1.50. ADULT FARE ON THE TSUEN WAN TO TSING Yl SERVICE WILL ALSO BE ADJUSTED FROM 80 CENTS TO $1.

/(C) OUTLYING ........

Tuesday, Daamaa 17, 1985

THE AVERAGE FARE INCREASE FOR THIS GROUP IS ABOUT 13 PER CENT. FARES FOR ADULTS DURING WEEKDAYS wILL BE INCREASED BY AN AVERAGE OF 12 PER CENT FROM $2 - $4 TO $2.50 - $4.50 FOR THE ORDINARY CLASS AND FROM S6 TO $6.50 FOR THE DELUXE CLASS.

THE 'SUNDAYS - PUBLIC HOLIDAYS’ FARES WILL RISE BY AN AVERAGE CF 15 PER CENT FROM $4 - $6 TO $5 - $7 FOR THE ORDINARY CLASS AND FROM $10 TO $11 FOR THE DELUXE CLASS.

THE 'SUNDAYS - PUBLIC HOLIDAYS’ FARES FOR ORDINARY CLASS wILL BE EXTENDED TO SATURDAY AFTERNOONS ON ALL SERVICES IN THIS GROUP EXCEPT THE TOLO HARBOUR AND INTER-ISLAND SERVICES. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS EXTENSION WILL NOT AFFECT REGULAR COMMUTERS SINCE MONTHLY TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON ALL SERVICES CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE LAMMA ROUTES WHERE SUCH TICKETS WERE INTRODUCED WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1, 1985. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO DECIDED THAT THE FARE FOR MONTHLY TICKETS ON OUTLYING ISLANDS ROUTES SHOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $165.

THE HOVERFERRY FARE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $10 TO $11.

(D) VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICES

AN INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT WILL BE IMPOSED.

(E) FREIGHT

CHARGES FOR FREIGHT WILL BE INCREASED BY A 18 PER CENT wEIGhED AVERAGE RATE. THIS wILL MEAN, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT CHARGES FOR FREIGHT CARRIED ON CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES WEIGHING 60 KG OR OF 0.12 CUBIC METRE IN VOLUME, WILL RISE FROM $5 TO $6.

--------0----------

FUNDS SOUGHT FOR NEW POSTAL SORTING SYSTEM * * * * *

THE POST OFFICE IS HOMING TO INTRODUCE IN TWO YEARS’ TIME A ‘ECHANISED LETTER SORTING SYSTEM INVOLVING +OPTICAL CHARACTER READING — OCR -- AND VIDEO CODING TECHNIQUES*.

FOR THE SYSTEM, WHICH IT HOPES TO BE ABLE TO SET UP AND OPERATE BY MAY 1988, IT WILL SEEK A LUMP SUM OF <128.33 MILLION AND ANNUAL RECURRENT SUM OF $5.72 MILLION FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, WHICH WILL EE MEETING AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING TOMORROW.

/PLANS POH .......

I’uasm, DECEMBER 17, 1985

PLANS FOR THE SORTING SYSTEM FOLLOW COMPLETION OF A STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF ELECTRONIC LETTER SORTING FOR THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE THAT HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY THE BRITISH POSTAL CONSULTANCY SERVICE — EPCS — IN 1984, AND COMPLETED EARLIER THIS YEAR, wITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, AT A COST OF $511 □□□.

AT PRESENT LETTERS ARE SORTED MANUALLY AND, DEPENDING ON THEIR DESTINATION, THEY MAY HAVE TO BE SORTED SEVERAL TIMES. AS A RESULT, THE PROPORTION OF STAFF COSTS IS GROWING IN RELATION TO OTHER FORMS OF EXPENDITURE, REFLECTING THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF STAFF EMPLOYED TO COPE WITH THE GROWTH IN POSTAL 1RAFF IC.

IN 1984-85 STAFF COSTS REPRESENTED 51 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE AS COMPARED WITH 41 PER CENT IN 1979-80. OVER THE SAME PERIOD THE VOLUME OF LETTER TRAFFIC HANDLED INCREASED BY 42 PER CENT FROM 370 MILLION ITEMS TO 524 MILLION ITEMS, REQUIRING AN EXTRA 132 SORTERS AND SUPERVISORS.

FOR 1985-86, A TEN PER CENT INCREASE IN MAIL TRAFFIC IS ENVISAGED, AND ADDITIONAL STAFF WILL BE REQUIRED ANNUALLY TO PROCESS THE EXTRA TRAFFIC.

AS POSTED MAIL CONTINUES TO INCREASE, THIS PROBLEM COULD ONLY BE SOLVED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF A SYSTEM OF MECHANISED LETTER SORTING.

THE PROPOSED NEw SYSTEM WOULD BE DESIGNED TO READ ADDRESSES TYPED OR MACHINE PRINTED IN ROMAN TYPE, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 53 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LETTER MAIL TRAFFIC, THUS AVOIDING THE NEED FOR A POSTCODE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.

POSTCODE SYSTEMS ARE NOT FAVOURED AS THEY HAVE NOT BEEN SUFFICIENTLY WIDELY USED BY THE PUBLIC DESPITE PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS BY A NUMBER OF POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS.

LETTERS REJECTED BY THE OCR EQUIPMENT BECAUSE OF UNREADABLE ADDRESSES — SUCH AS THOSE THAT ARE HAND WRITTEN, OR WHEN ADDRESSES ARE NOT WRITTEN IN REGULAR FORMAT, OR ARE IN CHINESE CHARACTERS — WILL BE DIVERTED TO VIDEO CODING DESKS.

OPERATORS WILL EXTRACT ALPHANUMERIC INFORMATION IN A STANDARDISED FORMAT FROM THE ADDRESSES TO ENABLE THE VIDEO CODING MACHINES TO PRINT THE RELEVANT BINARY CODES ON THE ENVELOPES. THEREAFTER THE ITEMS wILL BE SORTED ON Trit AUTOMATIC LETTER SORTING EQUIPMENT IN THE SAME MANNER AS TnE OCR CODED MAIL.

THE BPCS HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT »OULD BE POSSIELt TO CONVERT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE OCR SYSTEMS TO READ CHINESE PRINTED CHARACTERS, IF AND WHEN SUCH A FACILITY BECOMES COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE. THIS WOULD ENTAIL ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE AND THE TENDER SPECIFICATION WOULD INCLUDE PROVISION FOR SPARE CAPACITY TO HOUSE THE NECESSARY SOFTWARE •

IA.S SIKILAK ......

TUESDAY, DECSdBER 17, 1985

AS SIMILAR EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO EXTENSIVE USE UNDER OPERATING CONDITIONS IK OTHER COUNTRIES, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE PROPOSED SYSTEM WOULD NEET THE LONG TERM NEEDS OF THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE.

OTHER MAJOR SUMS SOUGHT WILL INCLUDE:

* 5115 353 OOO FOR THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS BUILDING PROGRAMMES

* 577 860 000 FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO FURNISH AND EQUIP EXISTING AND NEW BUILDINGS

* $17 552 000 FOR PLANT, VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT FOR

THE POLICE FORCE

$263 000 000 ADDITIONAL FOR LAND ACQUISITION FOR THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND

$20.9 MILLION CAPITAL COST FOR PROVIDING FOUR VERY HIGH FREQUENCY — VHF — RADIO SERVICES AND ONE ENHANCED MEDIUM FREQUENCY RADIO SERVICE FOR RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO IMPROVE ITS RADIO SERVICES TERRITORY-WIDE, AND

H $3 267 000 FOR HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE AND CONSULTANCY FOR COMPUTERISED PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLIES SYSTEM OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

22 TO SPEAK ON PUBLIC HOUSING WORKS * * * *

TWENTY-TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBtRS «ILL BE SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE TO BE HELD IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ON REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOk 2t PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS ANNOUNCED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ON NOVEMBER 21.

AND A STATEMENT WILL EE MADE BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY ON The ■WHITE PAPER ON THE ANNUAL REPORT 0. HONG KONG 1984-85 TO THE uh PARLIAMENT*, which will BE AMONG PAPERS TO BE TABLED aF THE MEETING.

THERE w ILL ALSO BE A STATEMENT ?Y THE /ON riL’ JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT 198a- 5.

DEBATE wILL RESUME ON SIX BILLS, AND TwO MOTIONS ILL BE KVED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINAi'iCi:

AND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.

/THS SIX........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1?85

THE SIX B ILlS ARE:

X INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1985

* ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1985

* EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985

fc COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(N0.2) BIlL 1985

* BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1985

* ■'EDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985

AT THE SAME MEETING, WRITTEN REPLIES WILL BE GIVEN TO FIVE QUESTIONS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS COMMERCIAL CRIME, RATES OF TURNOVER AND VACANCY SITUATION OF DOCTORS AND NURSING STAFF IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, SITUATION OF THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, oUBVE TED HOSPITALS AND GOVERNMENT’S PLAN OF AN INFIRMARY HOME I THE NT REGION.

- - - - 0 - -

EXTENDED TRANSPORT FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR

* * * *

EXTENDED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED OVER CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

APART FROM ADDITIONAL BUSES, THE FREQUENCY OF RUNNING SCHEDULES FOR BUSES, TRAMS, TRAINS, GREEN MINIBUSES AND FERRIES WILL BE INCREASED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE UNTIL EARLY THE FOLLOWING MORNINGS, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

DETAILS OF THE EXTRA SERVICES ARE:

X THE STAR FERRY’S KOWLOON POINT TO EDINBURGH PLACE ROUTE WILL RUN ALL NIGHT.

X HYF’S CENTRAL TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE WILL OPERATE UNTIL 1 AM.

* THE MTR’S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES WILL OPERATE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT. ITS NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICES WILL FINISH AT ABOUT 12.30 AM ON NEW YEAR’S DAY.

X KCR SERVICES ON DECEMBER 24, 25, 31 WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 1 AM.

* PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1.30 AM ON DECEMBER 25 AND JANUARY 1.

/♦ TRAM SERVICES.........

TU3SDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

- 6 -

* TRAM SERVICES, EXCEPT AROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP, V ILL OPERATE ALL NIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE. ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, IT WILL RUN UNTIL 2 AM.

* CMB wILL EXTEND SERVICES ON EIGHT MAJOR ROUTES - NOS. 2, 4, 7, 13, 23, 70, 72 AND 90M.

ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEw YEAR’S EVE, THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE 2 FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO MACAU FERRY WILL BE AT 1.10 AM AND 12.45 AM RESPECTIVELY; NO. 4 FROM WAH FU TO CENTRAL WILL Bl. AT 12.30 AM; NO. 7 FROM SHEK PAI WAN TO CENTRAL AT 2 AM AND 1 AM; NO. 10 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY TO KENNEDY TOWN AT 1 AM AND 12.30 AM; NO. 23 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY TO POKFIELD ROAD AT 12.30 AM; NO. 70 FROM ABERDEEN TO CENTRAL AT 12.45 AM AND 12.24 AM; NO. 72 FROM ABERDEEN TO CAUSEWAY BAY AT 12.50 AM AND 12.20 AM; AND NO. 90M FROM AP LEI CHAU TO CENTRAL AT 11.50 PM.

* KMB WILL ALSO BE EXTENDING SERVICES.

ON DECEMBER 24, THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE 1A FROM SAU MAU PING AND STAR FERRY WILL BE AT 12.39 AM AND 1.36 AM RESPECTIVELY; NO. 5 FROM CHOI HUNG AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.24 AM AND 3 AM; NO. 5C FROM TSZ WAN SHAN AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.10 AM AND 1.50 AM; NO. 6 FROM LAI CHI KOK AND STAR FERRY AT 1.17 AM AND 3 AM; NO. 9 FROM PING SHEK AND STAR FERRY AT 12.46 AM AND 1.30 AM; AND NO. 66M FROM TAI HING AND TSUEN WAN MTR STATION AT 12.30 AM AND 1.15 AM.

* MANY GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL ALSO FINISH LATER THAN USUAL; SUCH AS NO. 1 (PEAK TO HMS TAMAR) AT 4 AM; 16M (CHAI WAN MTR STATION TO CHUNG HOM KOK) AT 12.40 AM; 3 (TSIM SHA TSUI TO TAI TUNG SUN CHUEN) AT 2.30 AM; 7 (KOWLOON CITY TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST) AT 2 AM; 31M (MONG KOK MTR STATION TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST) AT 3.30 AM; 37M (TSZ WAN SHAN TO WONG TAI SIN MTR STATION) AT 3 AM.

--------0----------

DISTRICT-WIDE YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS ARRANGED

* * * *

A * IDE VARIETY OF FESTIVE ACTIVITIES COSTING ABOUT $1.5 MILLION HAS BEEN ARRANGED DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FOR THE PUBLIC IN A NUMBER OF DISTRICTS, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THOUSANDS OF GLITTERING AND COLOURFUL LIGHTS WILL ADL "0 SPLENDOUR OF THE SEASON IN SEVERAL AREAS WITH SPECIAL DECORATIONS PUT UP BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND PRIVATE COMPANIES.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, MR CHAU SAID THE DISTRICT-BASED ENTERTAINMENT, MOST OF -.ri I CH ARE FREE, WILL ENABLE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR WITHOUT HAVING TO TRAVEL TOC FAR FROM THEIR HOMES.

/HIGHLIGHTS 0? .......

PUBSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

- 7 -

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NUMEROUS ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL BE MANY OF THE MORE POPULAR EVENTS SUCH AS DISCOS AND POP CONCERTS FOR YOUTHS AND THE YOUNG-AT-HEART, AS WELL AS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT WITH CARNIVALS AND FUN FAIRS.

FUR DETAILS OF THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT CFFICES, DISTRICT BOARDS, URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND COMMERCIAL FIRMS, THE PUBLIC CAN MAKE INQUIRIES AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

MR CHAU NOTED THAT THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS IN SOME DISTRICTS WERE EVEN MORE SPLENDID AND IMAGINATIVE THAN THOSE IN PREVIOUS YEARS.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS HAVE BEEN PUT UP IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, TSIM SHA TSUI, CENTRAL, CHAI wAN, SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN.

THESE DECORATIONS, COSTING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, ARE SPONSORED BY LEADING COMMERCIAL AND REAL ESTATE FIRMS AND LOCAL BODIES SUCH AS DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

+THE DISPLAY OF DAZZLING LIGHTS WILL PROVIDE AN EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY TO CAPTURE SCENES OF HONG KONG DURING THIS FESTIVE TIME,* MR CHAU SAID.

+ H)wEVER, FOR THE PUBLIC’S OWN SAFETY AND COMFORT, I WOULD LIKE TO AHr L TO FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE w I TH OLD PEOPLE AND YOUNG CHILDREN, TO AVOID CONGESTED AREAS LIKE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND CENTRAL ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

+MOST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS wILL BE ON DISPLAY OVER A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME AND CAN BE ENJOYED MORE LEISURELY ON OTHER DAYS, BEFORE AND AFTER CHRISTMAS,* HE ADDED.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.K. LAM, AND CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MR SAM CHAN, WHO GAVE DETAILS OF TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SEVERAL AREAS DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.

- U - - - -

CHEUNG CHAU FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE EXTENSION OPENED

* * * *

AN EXTENSION TO THE CHEUNG CHAU ROUND TABLE FIRST VILLAGE, A REHOUSING SCHEME FOR LOCAL FISHERMEN AFFECTED BY TYPHOON, wAS OPENED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, HE DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS +AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE STRONG SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL HELP AMONG MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY*.

/jfi dIBDBLL-SWAK.......

- 8 -

PUESJAY, DhEEMB^ VI,

DR RIDDELL-SWAN RECALLED THAT WHEN TYPHOON MARY STRUCK JUNE 1960, MANY PEOPLE WERE LEFT HOMELESS- PARTICULARLY HAT Hi’ BOAT-DWELLING FISHERMEN OF CHEUNG CHAU.

HE ADDED THAT THE ROUND TABLE ASSOCIATION, WITH THE ACT' PARTICIPATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT CONCERNED, PROMPTLY LAUNCHED A REHOUSING SCHEME TO ACCOMMODATE VICTIMS.

+FORTY-TWO FAMILIES WERE HOUSED BY MARCH 1961 IN THE r RST VILLAGE AND A FURTHER 24 FAMILIES WERE HOUSED IN THE SECOND VILLAGE IN 1964,+ HE SAID.

DR RIDDELL-SWAN NOTED THAT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HIS DEPARTMENT, A BETTER LIVING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY WAS FORMED N MARCH 1961 TO MANAGE THE COMMUNAL AFFAIRS OF BOTH VILLAGES.

THE DIRECTOR PRAISED THE SOCIETY FOR ITS GOOD WORK DURING PAST 24 YEARS.

+THROUGH HARD WORK AND THE DEDICATION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS. THE TWO VILLAGES HAVE PROSPERED AND ARE NOW THRIVING COMMUNIT.' IN CHEUNG CHAU,+ HE SAID.

DR RIDDELL-SWAN ALSO UNVEILED A MEMORIAL STONE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW DOMESTIC UNITS OF THE VILLAGE.

--------o

BRIDGE CLOSED FOR SHA TIN SWITCH-ON CEREMONY * * * *

TO FACILITATE THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVE LIGHTING SWITCHING'S-CEREMONY IN SHA TIN, SAND MARTIN BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR AN HOUR FROM 5.30 PM TO 6.30 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20).

DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC CROSSING SHING MUN RIVER VIA SAND MARTIN BRIDGE WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE LION BRIDGE AND BANYAN BRIDGE.

KMB ROUTE 48 (wO CHE TO TSUEN WAN FERRY) WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA SHA KOK STREET, SHA TIN WAI ROAD, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, SHA TIN CENTRE STREET AND WANG POK STREET ON JOURNEYS TO WO CHE.

ON JOURNEYS TO TSUEN wAN FERRY, THE ROUTE WILL BE DIVERTcu TO TAM KON PO STREET, SHA TIN CENTRE STREET, PAK HOK TING STREE" SHA TIN CENTRE STREET, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, TAI CHUNG KIU > SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND SHA KOK STREET.

ROUTE 69 (CHOI YUEN TO YUEN CHAU KOK) WILL BE DIVERTED OPERATE VIA TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD AND YUEN WO ROAD ON JOURNZ TO CHOI YUEN.

/ON JOURNSYS . . . .

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

ON JOURNEYS TO YUEN CHAU KOK, THE ROUTE WILL BE DIVERTED TO YUEN wO ROAD, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.

ROUTES 70 (SHEUNG SHU I TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY) AND

72 (TAI PO MARKET TO SHAM SHU I PO FERRY) WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, SHA TIN WAI ROAD, SHA KOK STREET, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD AND YUEN wO ROAD ON JOURNEYS TO SHEUNG SHU I AND TAI PO MARKET.

ON JOURNEYS TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY AND SHAM SHU I PO FERRY, THE TWO ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE YUEN WO ROAD, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, SHA KOK STREET, SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND TA! CHUNG KIU ROAD.

ROUTE 81K (SUN TIN WAI TO SUI WO COURT) WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA SHA KOK STREET, SHA TIN WAI ROAD, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, TAI PO ROAD AND SHA TIN CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS ON JOURNEYS TO SUI WO COURT.

ON JOURNEYS TO SUN TIN WAI, THE ROUTE WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE wANG POK STREET, YUEN WO ROAD, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND SHA KOK STREET.

ROUTE 281 (BELAIR GARDENS TO SHA TIN CENTRAL) WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA YUEN WO ROAD, BANYAN BRIDGE AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD

JOURNEYS TO BELAIR GARDENS.

ON JOURNEYS TO SHA TIN CENTRAL, THE ROUTE WILL BE DIVERTED _^SE TAI CHUNG KIU R0AD» LI0N R0CK TUNNEL ROAD, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD. THE TWO STOPS ON SHA TIN WAI ROAD FOR THIS ROUTE WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DURING THE PERIOD OF

THE PER IOD OF

DIVERSION.

- - 0 - -

APPEAL FOR CARE WHEN LIGHTING COUNTRYSIDE FIRES

* * * *

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO BE CAREFUL WHEN LIGHTING FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH LOW HUMIDITY PREVAILING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.

THE APPEAL FOLLOWED NUMEROUS FIRES, INCLUDING THREE LARGE ONES, WHICH OCCURRED IN VARIOUS COUNTRY PARKS OVER THE WEEKEND.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 78 FIRES WERE

REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OVER THE WEEKEND, WITH THREE MAJOR ONES BURNING FOR MANY HOURS IN THE TAI MO SHAN, SAI KUNG EAST AND LANTAU COUNTRY PARKS.

/+THESE BIG........

fUBSDAY, DBCBMBER 17, 1985

10 -

+THESE BIG FIRES BROKE OUT AROUND NOON ON SUNDAY AND BURNED THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND INTO THE EVENING.

+THE TAI MO SHAN AND SAI KUNG EAST FIRES WERE EXTINGUISHED SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT WHILE THE FIRE IN LANTAU COUNTRY PARK WAS PUT OUT YESTERDAY AFTERNOON,+ HE SAID.

FIRE CREWS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TACKLED THE FIRES w I TH THE ASSISTANCE GF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES. THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ALSO ASSISTED IN WATER BOMBING OPERATIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS IN RECENT WEEKS HAD RENDERED THE COUNTRYSIDE EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO FIRES.

HE REVEALED THAT MORE THAN 410 FIRES HAD BEEN REPORTED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE SINCE LATE SEPTEMBER. THIS COMPARED WITH A TOTAL OF 277 FIRES DURING THE LAST FIRE SEASON.

+S0 FAR THIS SEASON, MORE THAN 116 000 TREES WERE DAMAGED AND 965 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND AFFECTED BY FIRES. THE DAMAGE IS VERY SEVERE INDEED WHEN COMPARED WITH 20 100 TREES AND 332 HECTARES OF AFFECTED GRASSLAND FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST SEASON, + HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED PICNICKERS TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS When visiting the countryside and to barbecue only in designated SITES.

HE ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER IF THEY BROUGHT ALONG PRECOOKED FOOD.

LIGHTING A FIRE IN A COUNTRY PARK OUTSIDE A DESIGNATED BARBECUE SITE WAS AN OFFENCE CARRYING A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF <>5 000 AND A YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT, HE WARNED.

0-------

REAR LANE TIDY-UP EXERCISE CARRIED OUT

*****

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, HAWKERS’ HANDCARTS AND BASKETS OF RUBBISH WERE REMOVED FROM A REAR LANE IN CHATHAM ROAD, HUNG HOM, TODAY (TUESDAY) DURING A JOINT OPERATION BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.

TODAY’S OPERATION WAS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF TIDY-UP EXERCISES TO ENSURE THAT REAR LANES IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON CITY AND TO KWA WAN WHICH WERE CLEARED IN 1982, CONTINUE TO EE FREE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS.

DURING THE 1982 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME, 42 CLEARANCE OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT AND MORE THAN 600 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN 72 REAR LANES WERE REMOVED.

/A KOWLOON .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

A KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A RECENT SURVEY SHOWED THAT MANY OF THESE LANES wERE RE-OCCUPIED BY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, HAWKERS’ HANDCARTS, OVERSIZED CANOPIES AND ILLEGAL OBSTRUCTIONS.

+TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND GOOD ENVIRONMENT, FOLLOw-UP CLEARANCE EXERCISES WILL BE CARRIED OUT REGULARLY UNTIL THE CONDITION HAS IMPROVED,* HE ADDED.

------ o ------

KENNEDY TOWN REAR LANE CLEARED * * * *

TEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE REAR LANE OF CATCHICK STREET^ AND BELCHER’S STREET IN KENNEDY TOWN WERE REMOVED IN A CLEARANCt OPERATION THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.

THE CLEARANCE, RECOMMENDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, WAS THE THIRD CARRIED OUT THIS YEAR TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN.

FIVE OF THE STRUCTURES WERE FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES WHILE THE REST WERE FOR STORAGE, WORKSHOP, AND KITCHEN.

OF THE THREE PEOPLE AFFECTED, ONE HAS ACCEPTED REHOUSING IN A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND ONE WORKSHOP WAS GRANTED EXGRAT IA PAYMENT.

TODAY’S OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.

-----o------

NOVEMBER WARMER THAN USUAL X * *

NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WAS WARMER THAN USUAL, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTED.

THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 22.4 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR THE MONTH wAS THE SIXTH HIGHEST ON RECORD WHILE THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATUkc CF 20.6 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD.

WEATHER ON THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS OF THE MONTH wAS MAINLY FINE AND SUNNY APART FROM SOME PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN ON THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 1 AND IN THE EARLY MORNING ON NOVEMBER 2 AND 4.

TEMPERATURE ON NOVEMBER 6 ROSE TO 26.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH wAS THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.

/a COLD ......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

12 -

A COLD FRONT FORMED OVER SOUTH CHINA ON NOVEMBER 7 AND CROSSED THE COAST THE FOLLOWING EVENING BRINGING CLOUDY WEATHER AND SOME LIGHT RAIN TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 8 AND 9.

FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER RETURNED ON NOVEMBER 10 AND CONTINUED IP TO NOVEMBER 12.

A WEAK SURGE OF WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON NOVEMBER 13 AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN.

THE WEATHER ON NOVEMBER 14 TO 19 WAS FINE AND SUNNY APART FROM SOME CLOUDY PERIODS ON NOVEMBER 16 AND 17.

IT WAS FINE AND SUNNY DURING THE DAY ON NOVEMBER 20 BUT THE RETURN OF A MOIST EASTERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT CLOUDY WEATHER WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN DURING THE EVENING.

WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH PERIODS OF RAIN ON NOVEMBER 21 AND 22 BUT WAS FINE AGAIN THE NEXT DAY.

A COLD FRONT OVER SOUTH CHINA MOVED SOUTH ACROSS THE COAST ON THE EARLY MORNING OF NOVEMBER 24. STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED OFFSHORE AND IN EXPOSED PLACES AFTER THE ARRIVAL OF THIS COLD FRONT AND WINDS REMAINED STRONG UNTIL LATER IN THE DAY. THE WEATHER ON THAT DAY, HOWEVER, REMAINED FINE AND SUNNY.

THE WEATHER FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO 27 wAS MAINLY CLOUDY.

IT WAS FINE ON NOVEMBER 28 UNTIL A WEAK SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED LATER IN THE EVENING AND IT BECAME CLOUDY.

THERE WERE PATCHES OF RAIN DURING THE NEXT TWO DAYS.

A FURTHER REPLENISHMENT OF THE WINTER MONSOON ON THE MORNING CF NOVEMBER 30 RESULTED IN TEMPERATURES FALLING TO A MINIMUM OF 15 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE LOWEST IN THE MONTH.

DURING THE MONTH NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1, 18 AND 19 WHILE THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 3, 10, 17 AND 24.

TWO TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.

THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ONCE DURING THE MONTH AS FOLLOWS:

WEATHER SYSTEM S IGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING

WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON NOVEMBER 24 7 AM NOVEMBER 25 1 AM

/THE MONTH'S .

?UE- -v, DECEMBEb '1. 1985

1 }

T^E 'DNTH’S FIGO-a AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE: SUNSHr- 184.0 HOURS : 7.5 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

RAINFALL 45.9 MM : 11.2 MM ABOVE NORMAL

CLOUDINESS 58 % : 6 % MORE THAN NORMAL

RELATIVE HUMIDITY 74 % : 5 % HIGHER THAN NORMAL

i-EAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 24.6 DEGREES : 0.2 DEGREES CELSIUS CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN TEMPERATURE 22.4 DEGREES : 1.1 DEGREES CELSIUS

CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

f“EAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 20.6 DEGREES : 1.7 DEGREES CELSIUS CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

l»EAN DEW POINT 17.6 DEGREES : 2.7 DEGREES CELSIUS

CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

TOTAL EVAPORATION 106.0 MM : 33.7 MM BELOW NORMAL

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 26.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 6

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 15.0 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 30

STAGE SET FOE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT * * * *

THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT, ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR .E-ARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, a ILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 27 AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI.

'-■BEE OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:,, MR ALLEN LEE, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR CLIVE OXLEY, w ILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM AND PRESENT THE PRIZES.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE EVENT, CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SAID THE VARIETY SHOw wAS ORGANISED AS THE CONCLUSION TO THE +MUSIC WHILE YOU WORis RADI PROGRAMME.

YIP SAID THE RADIO PROGRAMME HELPED TO AROUSE AWARENESS F INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMONG WORKERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC cY CO.'. IN ING SAFETY MESSAGES a I TH ENTERTAINMENT.

/THE PROGRAMIE...... .

JUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

- 14 -

THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED SAFETY QUIZ FOR PARTICIPATING WORKERS FACTORY VISITS BY POPULAR SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS, LUNCH-TIME CONCERTS IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS AND A QUIZ FOR HOME AUDIENCE.

THE 15-EPISODE PROGRAMME, PRODUCED FOR THE THIRD SUCCESSIVE Y-AR, a'AS AIRED ON RTHK RADIO 1 EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON FROM JUNE 8 THIS YEAR AND *AS CONDENSED ON SATURDAY MORNINGS FROM SEPTEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 21 IN THE +BLUE COLLAR D J+ PROGRAMME.

THE HEAD OF RTHK’S CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICE, MR P.H. CHU, ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, SAID THE PROGRAMME HAD PROVIDED ENTERTAINMENT AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MESSAGES FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF WORKERS.

HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT FIGURES IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR HAD SHOwN THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS ON THE DOWNWARD TREND AND HE HOPED THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND RTHK WOULD BE EVEN MORE FRUITFUL IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN THE FUTURE.

--------o -

CHRISTMAS VARIETY SHOW IN WAN CHAI

* * * *

RESIDENTS OF WAN CHAI ARE WELCOMED TO SHARE THE JOY OF 'HRISTMAS AT A VARIETY SHOai TO BE HELD AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21) EVENING.

THE SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT PASTORS’ FELLOWSHIP.

THERE WILL BE CAROL SINGING BY A JOINT CHOIR FORMED BY LOCAL CHURCHES, BAND PERFORMANCE BY THE SALVATION ARMY, AND FOLK SONG AND DANCE PERFORMANCES.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE WAN CHAI ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DONNA WONG! WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM J AND REV CHUNG LING-SANG, REV LEUNG KWONG AND MR LAU MUI-HIN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT PASTORS’ FELLOWSHIP.

THE FREE SHOW WILL START AT 7.30 PM AND ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT VARIOUS CHURCHES IN THE DISTRICT AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-272249.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- 0

/15........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 196f

- 15 -

COMPETITIONS FOR KwUN TONG RESIDENTS

*****

A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR THE RESIDENTS IN *wUN TONG DURING THE CURRENT THREE-wEEK-LONG KwUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KwUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID THESE INCLUDE A CHINESE COOKING COMPETITION, AN ESSAY COMPETITION AND A PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST.

+PEOPLE LIVING OR WORKING IN KWUN TONG CAN FORM TEAMS OF AT LEASE TWO MEMBERS AND JOIN THE CHINESE COOKING COMPETITION TO PREPARE WHATEVER CHINESE DISH THEY LIKE,* HE SAID.

A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS CONSISTING OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COOKING TEACHERS WILL JUDGE THE ENTRIES BASED ON THE NUTRITIONS VALUE AND TASTE OF THE DISHES.

THE PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO GIVE THEIR DISHES A NAME FOCUSING ON THEMES ON DISTRICT CHARACTERISTICS, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OR FAMILY LIFE. A SPECIAL AWARD WILL GO TO THE DISH wITH THE MOST CREATIVE NAME.

SECONDARY STUDENTS IN KWUN TONG ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART I' THE ESSAY COMPETITION ENTITLED +KWUN TONG UNDER MY EYES*, TE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT THE STUDENTS CAN EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS AND OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE DISTRICT.

♦FINALLY, THOSE wHO ARE INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY aRE WELCOME T: take PICTURES OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CURRENT KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ' - AND JOIN THE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION,* HE SAID.

THE FESTIVAL, FEATURING MORE THAN 20 ACTIVITIES, wAS OPENED LAST SATURDAY.

DETAILS AND APPLICATION FORMS OF THE THREE COMPETITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES.

------o ------

DISCUSSION ON MAN KAM TO TRAFFIC FLOW * * * *

NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 19) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT MAN KAM TO BY ENLARGING A VEHICLE HOLDING AREA.

THE HOLDING AREA, AT THE JUNCTION OF MAN KAM TO ROAD AND LIN ■A HANG ROAD FOR CHINA-BOUND TRAFFIC, wILL BE ENLARGED TO ACCOMMODATE 330 VEHICLES INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT 103.

/CONSTRUCTION WORK

PUESDaY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

- 16 -

CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY 1R87.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES AND HAwKER PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE REHOUSING POLICY FOR SINGLE PERSONS LIVING IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.

OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT a.33 AM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, NEW TERRITORIES.

-----0------

BOARD TO DISCUSS BROADCASTING REPORT * * * *

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER IP) TO DISCUSS THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND FINDINGS OF THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD REPORT.

THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY (BROADCASTING), MR JOHN CLARKE, a ILL ATTEND THE MEETING.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED STUDY OF TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT AND THE SETTING UP OF A FINANCE COMMITTEE UNDER THE BOARD.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND AREA COMMITTEES.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 3b PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

-----0------

/17 .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

SHA TIN MEETINGS OPEN TO PUBLIC X * *

MEMBERS AFFAIRS, ARE TIN DISTR ICT

OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DISTRICT WELCOME TO ATTEND TWO COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF THE SHa BOARD THIS WEEK.

THE BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE * ILL DISCUSS PROGRESS REPORTS FROM VARIOUS AD-HOC GROUPS AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING a ILL BE HELD Or. FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20) AT 9.30 AM AT THE SAME VENUE. MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE 1985-87 KMB ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND A QUESTION RELATING TO THE SAFETY OF CYCLE TRACKS WILL ALSO BE RAISED.

BE RAISED.

THE CONFERENC ROOM CAN ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 10 PRESS AND 25 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

MEMBERS OF THE

MEETINGS ARE

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO ATTEND THE

ADVISED TO CONTACT THE BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 0-6048078 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS AS LATE-COMERS a ILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN WHEN THE PUBLIC

GALLERY IS FULL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH MEETINGS.

PRESS CONFERENCE ON FESTIVE LIGHTS X X X

IHL^NN,NG COMMITTEE ON FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN *ILL ,,VRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 19) jq ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF FESTIVE LIGHTINGS FOR THE DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE, MR LAM HUNG-CHIU, wILL SPEAK AT THE CONFERENCE AT 11 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM CF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

I aLSO APT-SNBILG

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17» 1985

ai c ATTFAiniNf. a IL L EE ?H A TIN DISTRICT OFF ICER, MR LAM .OjUSs IK UIhNER OF THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTS DESIGN CONTEST, MR FREDDY MOK.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

CONTEST OPENED TO AMATEUR DANCERS * * * *

AN OPEN CONTEST IN BALLROOM DANCE, WH ICH IS OPEN TO ALL AMATEUR DANCERS AGED 18 OR ABOVE, * ILL BE HELD AT MACPHERSON STADIUM, MONG KOK, ON JANUARY 19.

THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE DIVISION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE HONG KONG DANCING ASSOCIATION, IS AIMED AT FOSTERING A CLEAR CONCEPT OF SOCIAL DANCE AND IMPROVING GENERAL STANDARDS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MSB SAID THAT IT WOULD PROVIDE A FORUM FDR DANCERS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS AND TO EXCHANGE EXPERItNCE.

PARTICIPANTS wILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO STREAMS : THE MODERN BRANCH wHICH INCLUDES WALTZ, FOXTROT, QUICK STEP, TANGO AND VIENNESE WALTZ AND THE LATIN BRANCH WHICH INCLUDES RUMBA, CHA CHA, JIVE, SAMBA AND PASO DOBLE.

THEY ARE TO COMPETE UNDER FIVE SECTIONS DEPENDING ON THE COMBINATION OF DANCES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE DIVISION ON THE 14TH FLOOR, RUTTONJEE HOUSE, 11 DUDDELL STREET, CENTRAL. THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD RETURN COMPLETED FORMS BY JANUARY 5.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM JANUARY 2 FOR ANYONE WISHING TO WATCH THE CONTEST.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS TELEPHONE 5-214416 OR 3-295949.

/19

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

- 19 -

UPGC SECRETARIAT ON THE MOVE * * * *

THE SECRETARIAT OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTo COMMITTEE, CURRENTLY HOUSED ON THE THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS OF EDKO TOwER, 32-38 ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL, * ILL MOVE TO THc. EIGHTH FLOOR OF THE HIGH BLOCK IN THE NEW QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFF ICES AT QUEENSWAY ON DECEMBER 23.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECRETARIAT’S STUDENT FINANCE SECTION WHICH ADMINISTERS THE TWO SCHEMES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, WILL ALSO MOVE FROM ITS ACCOMMODATION AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, Ml AND M2 FLOORS, 22 ICE HOUSE STREET, TO THE GROUND AND MEZZANINE FLOORS OF THE LOw BLOCK OF THE QUEENSWAY OFFICES.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME: 5-8622738

(FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING LOCAL 5-8622739

UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST

COLLEGE)

JOINT UK-HK GOVERNMENT FUNDING SCHEME: 5-8622741 (FOR STUDENTS ON THE FIRST DEGREE AND 5-86l2742 HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES IN UK)

LOAN REPAYMENT: 5-8622735

MORE HYGIENE FACILITIES FOR KOWLOON * * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND PUBLIC TOILET AT THE JUNCTION OF BATTERY STREET AND SAIGON STREET IN YAU MA TEI.

OCCUPYING A 124-SQUARE-METRE SITE, THE BUILDING WILL ACCOMMODATE A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT ON THE GROUND FLOOR, A PUBLIC TOILET ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND aN OFFICE AND STOREROOM UN THE MEZZANINE FLOOR.

rtORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT NINE MONTHS.

TENDERS ARE ALSO BEING SOUGHT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A TwO-STOREY PUBLIC TOILET AND BATHHOUSE ON A 44.-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR MA SAN TSUEN IN LEI YUE MUN.

The PUBLIC TOILET and BATHHOjSE V. ILL vd Ja THE GROUND FLO 'r aHILE THE UPPER FLOOR WILL BE USED AS STAFF QUARTERS.

,ORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED BY JANUARY 1987.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1985

WAN CHAI, SHAU KEI WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *

A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI FROM 10 AM THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20).

THESE AREs

* THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF HENNESSY ROAD SECTION BETWEEN TIN LOK LANE AND STEWART ROADl AND ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF JOHNSTON ROAD SECTION BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND MALLORY STREET WILL BE LIFTED.

* THE EXISTING 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT RESTRICTED ZONE ON WESTBOUND HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 396 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN LOK LANE WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING BUS-ONLY LANE ON THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF WESTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE LIFTED:

H SECTION BETWEEN ABOUT 40 METRES TO 94 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHAI WAN ROAD; AND

* SECTION BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 276 AND HOUSE NO. 252.

CENTRAL wATER CUT * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL PE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY JACKSON ROAD, CLUB STRqET, CHATER ROAD, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, EDINBURGH PLACE AND CONNAUGHT PLACE, INCLUDING THE STAR FERRY PIER AND CITY HALL.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, DECET.1BER 18, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL I^ETKG;

AG MAKES LEGAL ACTION PLEDGE .......................... 1

RENT NOT AFFECTED BY REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME........... 3

GREAT IMPROVEMENTS IN CONCRETE DUALITY, CONTROL........ 7

CALL TO HANDLE HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT EXPEDITIOUSLY..... 8

WIDE SUPPORT FOR LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME........... 13

ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROVISIONS EXTENDED........... 18

ACCEPTABLE STANDARD MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS WELCOMED..... 19

EXPRESS POSER TO REMOVE ARBITRATOR..................... 21

+FIRST ANNUAL REP0RT+ TABLED IN LEGCO ................. 22

CRIMINAL APPEAL RULES AMENDED ......................... 22

JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE TO SET UP CLINIC NEXT YEAR....... 23

FINAL DRAFT PREPARED ON SECURITIES RULES............... 24

HEALTH SERVICES NOT AFFECTED BY STAFF TURNOVER......... 25

TUEN M® HOSPITAL TO BE COMPLETED IN 1988 .............. 26

24-HOUR CASUALTY SERVICE PROVIDED BY FOUR HOSPITALS ... 27

THREE MORE INFIRMARIES IN NT BY 1995 .................. 27

SIX BILLS PASSED....................................... 28

JENKINS BILL VETO WELCOMED................................ 29

PROTECTIONISM TO REMAIN HK'S MAIN CONCERN ................ 29

TENANCY ORDINANCE CHANGES COME INTO EFFECT ............... 30

HONG KONG MOVING TOWARDS GENUINE BILINGUALISM............. 31

CLOSURE OF PRE-WAR BUILDING SOUGHT ....................... 32

HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM OPENS FRIDAY .................... 33

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RECRUITS COMPLETE TRAINING ......... 33

CLIMATE RIGHT FOR ENTERPRISE - LORD YOUNG ................ 34

SWITCHING-ON AT CHAI WAN ................................. 34

MEET-THEJ-MEDIA SESSION .................................. 35

DB MEMBERS BRING FESTIVE CHEERS ............-............. 35

SALT WATER CUT ........................................... 35

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

«T 1 “

AG MAKES LEGAL ACTION PLEDGE * * * *

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HIS CHAMBERS WOULD DO THE BEST IT COULD TO INITIATE ACTION AGAINST THE CONTRACTORS WHERE THERE APPEARED TO BE REASONABLE PROSPECTS OF SUCCESS AND A FAIR CHANCE OF MAKING SUBSTANTIAL RECOVERIES FOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

AND THE ICAC WAS NOW MAKING A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT WITH REGARD TO A NUMBER OF HOUSING BLOCKS WITH A VIEW TO ADVISING THE GOVERNOR WHETHER THERE WERE GROUNDS FOR SUSPECTING THAT CORRUPTION OFFENCES MIGHT HAVE BEEN COMMITTED, AND IF THAT WAS THE CASE, WHETHER THOSE SUSPICIONS WARRANTED FURTHER INVESTIGATION, MR THOMAS SAID.

SPEAKING ON THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON +THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR 26 PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS ANNOUNCED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ON NOVEMBER 21, 1985,+ MR THOMAS SAID HE SHARED CONCERN EXPRESSED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ABOUT THE SERIOUS PROBLEMS RAISED IN THE DEBATE AND WHAT ACTION SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THEM, AND THE REQUEST THAT THE GOVERNMENT INITIATE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THOSE CONTRACTORS INVOLVED IF THERE WAS EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THOSE CONTRACTORS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECTS.

RECALLING THAT A WRIT HAD ALREADY BEEN ISSUED AGAINST A CONTRACTOR IN THE SUPREME COURT EARLIER THIS YEAR SEEKING COMPENSATION FOR DEFECTIVE WORKS IN BLOCKS 4 TO 11 OF KWAI FONG ESTATE, MR THOMAS SAID THAT IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, HIS CHAMBERS HAD BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WITH A LIST OF MANY OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS WHERE STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS OF A SIMILAR NATURE HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED.

+THESE HOUSING BLOCKS HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES. AT THE MOMENT, WE IN CHAMBERS ARE CONCENTRATING ON THE 26 HOUSING BLOCKS CLASSIFIED UNDER THE FIRST TWO CATEGORIES WHERE DEMOLITION IS PLANNED.

+OF THESE 26 BLOCKS, FOUR ARE IN KWAI FONG ESTATE AND ALTOGETHER NINE CONTRACTORS WERE INVOLVED. SOME OF THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE BUT QUITE A NUMBER OF THEM WENT OUT OF BUSINESS YEARS AGO.

+IN ORDER TO ASSESS THE PROSPECTS OF RECOVERING COMPENSATION IN ANY OF THESE CASES, THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF THE DEFECTS THAT HAVE COME TO LIGHT WILL BE NECESSARY.

♦ AS SOON AS THIS IS COMPLETED, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO ADVISE UPON THE CHANCES OF ESTABLISHING A CAUSE OF ACTION, HAVING REGARD TO ALL THE LEGAL AND FACTUAL CRITERIA.

+AT A LATER STAGE, WE SHALL ALSO HAVE TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF TAKING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BLOCKS IN CATEGORIES THREE AND FOUR WHERE EXTENSIVE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED,+ MR THOMAS SA ID.

/BUT MR .......

WOiSSDAY, DECSMBEK 18, 1985

BUT MR THOMAS WARNED THE COUNCIL THAT THE INVESTIGATION CF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH A LARGE NUMBER OF HOUSING BLOCKS, SOME OF WHICH WERE BUILT NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO, WAS LIKELY TO BE + AS UNPRODUCTIVE AS IT WOULD BE TIME CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE.*

HE ADDED: +1 HOPE HONOURABLE MEMBERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL UNDERSTAND, AND TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE DIFFICULTIES WE FACE IN CONTEMPLATING LEGAL ACTION NOW AGAINST ALL THE CONTRACTORS INVOLVED.*

WHEN PROBLEMS OF THIS NATURE CAME TO LIGHT, IT WAS NATURAL TO THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE RETRIBUTION, AND THAT COMPENSATION SHOULD BE PAID BY THOSE RESPONSIBLE. AND THE LAW COULD BE INVOKED TO MAKE CULPRITS PAY FOR LOSSES THEY HAD CAUSED.

BUT IN REALITY, PROBLEMS ALWAYS AROSE IN PRACTICE WHEN THERE WAS SUCH A LONG DELAY BEFORE DEFECTS CAME TO LIGHT.

+MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE THESE BLOCKS WERE BUILT.

THIS DELAY MAKES THE TASK OF THE COURTS VERY DIFFICULT INDEED,* HE SAID.

IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TRACE THE RELEVANT RECORDS AFTER ALL THIS TIME AND TO FIND THE MATERIAL WITNESSES. MOST OF THEM WOULD BY NOW HAVE RETIRED, SOME OF THEM TO VARIOUS PARTS CF THE WORLD, HE SAID.

EVEN WHEN THEY COULD BE TRACED, THEIR RECOLLECTION OF DETAILED MATTERS WAS LIKELY TO BE VERY DIM. ALL TOO OFTEN, CONTEMPORANEOUS DOCUMENTS COULD NOT BE FOUND AND CRITICAL FACTS WERE IMPOSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH. FURTHERMORE, MANY OF THE CONTRACTORS HAD ALREADY GONE 3JT CF BUSINESS. SOME OF THE COMPANIES HAD LONG GONE INTO LIQUIDATION.

+AND NO LESS SERIOUS FROM THE LEGAL POINT OF VIEW, WE FACE PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE STATUTORY TIME LIMITS FOR BRINGING CLAIMS BEFORE THE COURTS,* MR THOMAS SAID.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT HE COULD NOT AGREE WITH THE SUGGESTION THAT A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY BE SET UP TO LOOK INTO THE CASE. THE EXPENSE THAT WOULD BE INCURRED BY HOLDING A FORMAL PUBLIC INQUIRY AT THIS TIME COULD NOT, IN HIS VIEW, BE JUSTIFIED.

HE CONGRATULATED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR THE TIME AND TROUBLE THEY HAD TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THIS MATTER WAS FULLY AND OPENLY DISCUSSED WITH MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND EXPLA INED TO THEM.

+THE PUBLIC WILL SURELY APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS ON THEIR BEHALF,* HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

- 3 -

RENT NOT AFFECTED BY REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME * * * *

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON FRED PANG YUK-LING TODAY ASSURED PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS THAT THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPME PROGRAMME FOR THE 26 HOUSING BLOCKS WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT

RENT LEVELS.

SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID REDEVELOPMENT OF

26 ^°^?oW0ULD C0ST AB0UT 5800 MILLION TO BE SPREAD OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS.

ANOTHER $400 MILLION, HE SAID, HAD BEEN ESTIMATFn rnp “am SHl!|SpJE*HDUSHeKHLELRV S'TES SUCH ‘S CHUK YUEN' SH“N TIN-

♦THE COSTS OF THIS PROGRAMME WILL BE FUNDED UNDER THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BUDGET THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND,* MR PANG SAI

HE ADDED THAT ANY PRODUCTION ARISING FROM THE PROGRAMME WOULD BE ADDITIONAL TO THE CURRENT PRODUCTION TARGETS AND WOULD HAVE NO ADVERSE EFFECT AT ALL ON THE CURRENT HOUSING PROGRAMME.

+INDEED,* HE SAID, -^FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF $35 MILLION AND $99 MILLION HAVE BEEN MADE UNDER Tnt CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THIS AND THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEARS,*

MR PANG EXPLAINED THAT RENTS FOR NEW PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS WERE DETERMINED BY COMPARING RENTS IN COMPARABLE EXISTING ESTATES, HAVING REGARD TO FACTORS SUCH AS ESTATE VALUE AND LOCATION, TENANTS’ AFFORDABILITY AND RATES.

+REVIEW OF RENTS FOR EXISTING FLATS TAKE ACCOUNT OF GENERAL INFLATION, RUNNING COSTS, PREVAILING RATES AND TENANTS’ AFFORDABILITY. THEREFORE, RENTS BEAR NO RELATION TO BUILDING COSTS,* HE SAID.

HE ALSO SAID THAT LIKE ALL PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION, PUBLIC HOUSING WAS EXEMPT FROM THE BUILDING ORDINANCE.

BUT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE WERE FOLLOWED, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF CONCRETE WORK, FOR PUBLIC HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, HE SAID.

+THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT USES A CODE OF PRACTICE MORE RIGOROUo THAN THAT REQUIRED BY THE BUILDING ORDINANCE AND THIS CODE IS EMBODIED IN ITS CONTRACT SPECIFICATION,* HE SAID.

MR PANG STRESSED THAT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, IT WAS SUPERVISION RATHER THAN REGULATION BY THE ORDINANCE THAT MATTERED AS FAR AS QUALITY CONTROL WAS CONCERNED.

/♦THE BLUGKu.........

.VEDNBSMY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

4 -

+THE BLOCKS IN QUESTION WERE BUILT SOME 12 TO 20 YEARS AGO, BY THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, AS DISTINCT FROM THE CURRENT BUILDING ACTIVITIES OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT UNDER ITS PRESENT SUPERVISION AND MONITORING SYSTEMS ENFORCED BY A STAFF OF OVER 300 PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL OFFICERS,* HE SAID.

+THERE IS NO CONCERN WHATSOEVER IN REGARD TO THE QUALITY OF BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.*

HE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS EXTREMELY CONSCIOUS OF NOT ONLY THE NEED TO ACHIEVE THE ANNUAL PRODUCTION TARGETS, BUT ALSO THE NEED TO PRODUCE BUILDINGS OF GOOD QUALITY AND DESIGN.

A GREAT DEAL OF IMPROVEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE, HE SAID.

+ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTRACTS NOW HAVE AN IMPROVED SPECIFICATION FOR CONCRETE AND STIPULATE THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE CONTRACTOR TO EMPLOY A QUALIFIED ENGINEER FOR EACH CONTRACT -A REQUIREMENT THAT IS MORE STRINGENT THAN PRACTISED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* HE SAID.

MR PANG SAID THE SUPERVISION OF CONTRACTORS WAS MONITORED RIGOROUSLY BY A STANDING COMMITTEE WITHIN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, AND BY REGULAR VISITS BY SENIOR DIRECTORATE STAFF.

QUALITY CONTROL, HE SAID, WAS CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S RECENTLY ESTABLISHED MATERIALS TESTING LABORATORY WHICH WAS OF AN EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARD.

FOR ITS BUILDING ACTIVITIES, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO, AND MONITORED BY THE BUILDING COMMITTEE CF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CHAIRED BY AN UNOFFICIAL WITH MEMBERSHIP FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING, LEGAL AND ACCOUNTING DISCIPLINES.

+IT IS FUNCTIONING EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY,* HE ADDED.

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR PANG SAID, WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE ANY NECESSARY STEPS TO FURTHER IMPROVE ALL ASPECTS OF THE SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION OF CONTRACTS AND, IN THIS REGARD, CLOSE LIAISON HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH THE CORRUPTION AND PREVENTION DEPARTMENT OF ICAC.

ON AWARD OF TENDERS, MR PANG EMPHASISED THAT THE AUTHORITY WAS NOT BOUND TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST TENDER.

HE SAID IT WOULD DO SO ONLY AFTER A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT REQUIEMENTS WERE MET, INCLUDING:

* ALL TENDERS RECOMMENDED FOR ACCEPTANCE BY THE AUTHORITY ARE SUBJECT TO RIGOROUS SCRUTINY BY THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT PRICES QUOTED IN THE TENDERS ARE NOT UNREALISTIC;

/* THE TENDERER........

DSCEiCSR 18, 1985

* THE TENDERER MUST PROVE TO THE AUTHORITY THAT IT WAS THE FINANCIAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES TO CARRY OUT AND COMPLETE THE CONTRACT, IF AWARDED, AND

* WHETHER A TENDER IS RECOMMENDED FOR ACCEPTANCE IS ALSO DETERMINED TO A VERY LARGE EXTENT BY THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TENDERER IN COMPLETED AND CURRENT CONTRACTS, NOT ONLY WITH THE AUTHORITY, BUT ALSO WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT WORKS DEPARTMENTS.

MR PANG SAID HE COULD NOT FIND GOOD REASONS TO SUPPORT THE SUGGESTION THAT A SPECIAL COMMITTEE BE FORMED TO SUPERVISE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

HE SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS AN EXTENSION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ON-GOING REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MARKS I AND II ESTATES. ALTHOUGH IT DID NOT CONSTRUCT THE 26 BUILDINGS IN QUESTION, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD ACCEPTED THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REDEVELOPING THEM AS PART OF ITS OBJECTIVES TO PROVIDE BETTER HOMES FOR THOSE IN NEED OF PUBLIC HOUSING.

+THE AUTHORITY HAS SO FAR SUCCESSFULLY REDEVELOPED 117 OLD ESTATE BLOCKS. THERE IS NO REASON TO DOUBT ITS ABILITY TO HANDLE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THESE 26 BLOCKS,* HE SAID.

MR PANG SAID THE 26 BLOCKS WERE NEITHER UNSAFE NOR IN A STATE OF IMMINENT FAILURE, ALTHOUGH THE QUALITY OF CONCRETE WAS SUB-STANDARD.

♦ IF THESE BLOCKS WERE UNSAFE, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE DECIDED TO EVACUATE THEM IMMEDIATELY,* HE SAID.

ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM, MR PANG SAID: +THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ACTED IN A QUICK AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER IN DEALING WITH THIS INHERITED PROBLEM, AND HAS BEEN FRANK IN PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM.*

+ITS PRIMARY CONSIDERATIONS ARE THE CONCERN FOR ITS TENANTS AND THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.

MR PANG ALSO SAID THAT EVERY EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO MINIMISE ANY DISRUPTION CAUSED TO TENANTS AFFECTED BY THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

+THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME, RANGING FROM 24 MONTHS TO 44 MONTHS TO PREPARE FOR THE MOVE,* HE SAID.

MR PANG SAID DOMESTIC TENANTS WOULD BE GIVEN THE CHOICE OF A WIDE RANGE OF REHOUSING ACCOMMODATION OF DIFFERENT RENT LEVELS IN BOTH NEW AND EXISTING ESTATES.

+ALL AFFECTED FAMILIES WILL BE PAID AN ALLOWANCE TO ASSIST IN THE COSTS OF REMOVAL AND BASIC DECORATIONS TO THE NEW FLATS, PLUS A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO ASSIST IN THE COSTS OF TELEPHONE REMOVAL AND OTHER SIMILAR MATTERS,* HE SAID.

/+THE TOTAL

iraDNESMY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

♦THE TOTAL AMOUNT RANGED FROM $1 800 FOR A ONE OR TWO-PERSON FAMILY TO $2 200 FOR A FAMILY WITH MORE THAN FIVE PERSONS,+ HE SAID.

ALSO, THE RENTS CURRENT LEVEL.

OF THEIR EXISTING FLATS WERE FROZEN AT THE

♦FOR FIXED TERM

SHOP TENANCIES, THEY CAN BE TERMINATED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE TENANCY AGREEMENT BY GIVING THREE MONTHS’ NOTICE WITHOUT ANY LEGAL OBLIGAION TO PAY COMPENSATION,+ HE SAID.

BUT, HE ADDED, THE AUTHORITY HAD DECIDED THAT THESE SHOP TENANTS WOULD BE PAID AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE EQUIVALENT TO 15 MONTHS’ CURRENT EXCLUSIVE RENT.

MR PANG SAID THIS RATE OF PAYMENT WAS FAR MORE GENEROUS THAN THAT USED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN COMPARABLE CIRCUMSTANCES.

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO LOOKING INTO THE QUESTION OF SEVERANCE PAY THAT MAY ARISE IN SOME CASES, HE SAID.

MR PANG SAID THAT ALL SHOP TENANTS WERE FREE TO TERMINATE THEIR TENANCIES ANY TIME BETWEEN NOw AND THE FINAL REMOVAL DATE.

THIS, HE SAID, WOULD NOT AFFECT THE ARRANGEMENTS TO THEM AND, RENTS FOR ALL SHOPS AFFECTED WERE FROZEN LEVEL.

APPLICABLE

AT THE CURRENT

+IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ALuOWANCES PAYABLE TO DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL TENANTS WOULD BE ABOUT $69 MILLION + .MR PANG ADDED.

HE SAID THAT THE EFFECT ON THE WAITING LIST AND OTHER ALLOCATION QUOTAS WOULD BE TEMPORARY ONLY, BECAUSE NEW REPLACEMENT ACCOMMODATION BUILT ON THE CLEARED SITES AND A NUMBER OF NEW SUPPLEMENTARY SITES WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE FROM THE THIRD YEAR ONWARDS.

MR PANG ESTIMATED THAT MORE THAN 14 500 REPLACEMENT FLATS WOULD BE PRODUCED AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ADDITIONAL TO THE CURRENT ANNUAL PRODUCTION TARGETS.

+EFFORTS ARE CONTINUING TO SECURE MORE SUPPLEMENTARY SITES IN THE URBAN AREA TO MEET THE SHORTFALL,+ MR PANG SAID.

-------o - - - -

/7 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

- 7 -

GREAT IMPROVEMENTS IN CONCRETE QUALITY, CONTROL * * * *

THERE HAVE BEEN GREAT IMPROVEMENTS IN CONCRETE SPECIFICATIONS AND QUALITY CONTROL OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ANSWERING POINTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ABOUT SUBSTANDAT CONCRETE IN 26 PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS, MR CHAN SAID THERE WERE NOW IMPROVED LABORATORY FACILITIES AND MORE STRINGENT CONTROL CF TESTING PROCEDURES.

+THERE IS GREATER EMPHASIS ON TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORY STAFF AND NO LESS THAN 2 700 SITE STAFF HAVE UNDERGONE COURSES ON SITE CONCRETE CONTROL DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS.

+CONTROL OF CONTRACTORS IS NOW BETTER, WITH IMPROVED LEVELS OF SUPERVISION AND CLOSER MONITORING OF CONTRACTORS’ PERFORMANCE.+

TO ILLUSTRATE HOW THINGS HAD IMPROVED, MR CHAN SAID THAT AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO BUILD PUBLIC HOUSING FOR ABOUT 300 000 PEOPLE BETWEEN 1973 AND 1980. +RECENT TESTS HAVE SHOWN THAT THESE BLOCKS ARE SOUND AND SAFE,* HE ADDED.

+A FEW MEMBERS HAVE ASKED WHETHER THE 26 BLOCKS IN QUESTION WOULD HAVE BEEN DECLARED DANGEROUS AND CLOSED RIGHT AWAY IF THEY WERE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THE ANSWER IS NO. BASED ON THE TECHNICAL REPORTS AVAILABLE, THESE BLOCKS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DECLARED DANGEROUS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IF THEY WERE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* MR CHAN SAID.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT REGARDED THE SUBSTANDARD WORK IN THE 26 BLOCKS AS A SERIOUS MATTER. +THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPARE NO EFFORT TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT,+ HE SAID.

MR CHAN SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE MATTER SHOULD BE VIEWED IN CONTEXT. HE SAID MANY OF THE PROBLEM BLOCKS WERE BUILT IN THE 1960’S WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS AND A RAPID GROWTH OF THE SQUATTER PROBLEM.

+THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNDER TREMENDOUS PRESSURE TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SQUATTERS,* MR CHAN SAID.

+SPEED AND LOW COST WERE THE MAIN CONSIDERATIONS, AND NEW BLOCKS WERE BUILT AT THE RATE OF ROUGHLY ONE EVERY WEEK.

+THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AT THAT TIME WAS TO BUILD LOW-COST HOUSING BY REDUCING FIXTURES AND FINISHINGS TO ABSOLUI BASICS AND TO KEEP THE COST DOWN BY THE SIMPLICITY OF THE DESIGN THEREBY ACHIEVING THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF UNITS JTHIN THE BUDGET.

/+BUT AT .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1^0j

- 8

+BUT AT NO TIME WAS IT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION THAT SAFETY SHOULD BE COMPROMISED.

+THE TERM LOW COST HOUSING DOES NOT IMPLY LOWER STANDARDS CF SAFETY,* HE ADDED.

CONTINUING ON THE SUBJECT OF SAFETY, MR CHAN SAID THAT ALL GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, ALTHOUGH EXEMPT FROM THE BUILDINuS ORDINANCE, FULLY CONFORMED TO THE STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS OF Trie ORDINANCE AND THEIR DESIGNS WERE VETTED BY THE BUILDINGS

ORD INANCE OFF ICE.

IN FACT CHANGES TO THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) WERE BEING CONSIDERED TO BRING STANDARDS IN PRIVATE UP TO THE LEVEL OF THOSE IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.

ON A SUGGESTION BY THE HON HC SAI-CHU THAT THE SHOULD HAVE THE DISCRETION NOT TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST frfi CHAN SAID THIS WAS THE CURRENT PRACTICE.

REGULATIONS CONTRACTS

GOVERNMENT TENDER,

NO CONTRACT WAS AWARDED UNLESS ALL THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS WERE MET AND THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD WAS SATISFIED THAT THE TENDERER COULD SATISFACTORILY COMPLETE THE CONTRACT AT THE

PRICE TENDERED.

+IN CONCLUDING,* MR CHAN SAID, +LET ME ASSURE MEMBERS THAT PRESENT DAY STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED WHEN COMPARED .. |TH THOSE UNDER WHICH THE 26 PROBLEM HOUSING BLOCKS WERE r’JILT. CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE GIVES US NOT ONLY BUILDINGS WHICH ARE STRUCTURALLY SAFE, BUT ALSO DURABLE AND VALUc FOR MONEY AS THEY SHOULD BE.*

CALL TO HANDLE HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT EXPEDITIOUSLY * * * *

IT IS THE DUTY OF THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING TO EXPEDITIOUSLY ATTEND TO ALL THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT OR REPAIRS OF ALL THOSE PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS WITH CONCRETE PROBLEMS.

THIS wAS SAID BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN LEADING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON +THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR 26 -UELIC HOUSING BLOCKS ANNOUNC. BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ON NOVEMBER 21, 1985*.

DR HO, CONVENER OF A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, WAS JOINED BY 2D OTHER UNOFFICIALS IN THE DEBATE.

DR HO SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S DECISION TO DEMOLISH Tnr. 26 BLOCKS WITH LOW CONCRETE STRENGTH *AS A -ESPONSIBLE ACT, REFLECTING ITS CONCERN AND CARE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS.

UEST’AY, DM

■<>> ?o>

HE ALSO CONSIDER'" THE AUTHORITY’S EFFORTS TO CONVINCE THE FINANCE BRANCH TO ALL CATE THE NECESSARY PROVISIONS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO REDEVELOP THESE BLOCKS, OVER AND ABOVE THE FUND FOR THE NORMAL PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME SHOULD BE SEEN AS +A DEMONSTRATION OF RESPONSIBILITY AND GOOD PLANNING*.

IT SHOULD BE RECOGNISED, DR HO ADDED, THAT ALL THESE SUBSTANDARD BLOCKS HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED BY THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ONLY ASSUMED MANAGEMENT OF THESE BUILDINGS UPON ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1973.

HOWEVER, DR HO AND MANY OTHER UNOFFICIALS STRESSED THAT EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO ALLEVIATE THE HARDSHIP AND INCONVENIENCE CAUSED TO DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL TENANTS AND TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO SOC IAL ACTIVITIES.

IN THE LONGER TERM, THEY CALLED FOR IMPROVEMENT TO THE SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OVER THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC HOUSING CONSTRUCTION TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF SIMILAR INCIDENT.

THE NEED FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO LEGAL LIABILITIES AND POSSIBLE DERELICTION OF DUTIES WAS ALSO EMPHASISED.

DR HO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT A VIGOROUS INVESTIGATION WITH AN INTENT TO IDENTIFYING THE PERSONS, BOTH INSIDe AND OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE, WHO SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POOR QUALITY OF THE 26 BLOCKS.

HE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY MUST WORK OUT PROCEDURES TO IMPOSE MORE STRINGENT SUPERVISION AND CONTROL ON SITE AND ON THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS, INCLUDING CONCRETING.

HE ALSO STRESSED THAT GOVERNMENT MUST BE PREPARED TO DO ITS UTMOST TO ASSIST THE AFFECTED BUSINESS OPERATORS.

THF HON S.L. CHEN QUERIED WHY GOVERNMENT’S AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDINGS WERE EXEMPTED FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND CALLED FOR CLARIFICATION BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH STATEMENT^ MADE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE HON F.K. HU, A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, BELIEVED THAT THE POLICY AND PROCEDURE ADOPTED BY THE AUTHORITY COULD ENSURE THE QUALITY AND DURABILITY OF ITS BLOCKS AND THE TENANTS LIVING IN THESE BLOCKS SHOULD HAVE NO FEAR OF COMPULSORY REMOVAL BECAUSE CF POOR CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS.

HE POINTED OUT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD STEADILY IMPROVED THE CONCRETE SPECIFICATIONS AND INTRODUCED MODERN MECHANISED CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM IN ORDER TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY.

THE TENDER SYSTEM, HE SAID, ENSURED THAT THE AUTHORITY OBTAIN THE OPTIMUM VALUE FOR MONEY.

FURTHERMORE, THE AUTHORITY HAD SET UP ITS OwN MATERIAL TESTING LABORATORY RECENTLY IN ORDER TO ACT AS A CHECis ON P rt IV A , c. LABORATOR IES.

/oXMILAxi .•••••«

JHESjAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

MAKING SIMILAR C cERVATIONS, ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE HON CH-JNG YAN-LUNG, SAID THE AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WERE IN FACT +SCAPEGOATS+.

HE NOTED THE VERY HIGH STANDARD OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING CONSTRUCTED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT NOW AND HOPED THAT THE MORALE CF ITS ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THIS INCIDENT AND THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK HARD TO FULFIL THEIR DUTIES.

THE HON SELINA CHOW POINTED OUT THAT FAMILIES ON THE WAITING LIST WHO WERE ORIGINALLY DUE TO BE HOUSED IN 1987 AND 88 WOULD HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE LONGER.

IN A WIDER CONTEXT, SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT, UNLIKE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WHICH CLAIMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE RESULT CF ACTION TAKEN BEFORE IT EXISTED, WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO PASS THE BUCK.

SHE SAID THE CASE WAS OF ENOUGH IMPORTANCE AND PUBLIC INTEREST TO WARRANT A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE HOW SUCH A CATASTROPHE COULD HAVE OCCURED.

THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, ALSO A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, SAID A POINT TO CONSIDER WAS iHAT THERE MIGHT BE SIMILAk REQUESTS FROM TENANTS AFFECTED BY OTHER REDEVELOPMENT OR CLEARANCE PROJECTS IF COMPENSATION FOR SHOP OPERATORS WERE TO BE FURTHER INCREASED.

HE EXPLAINED HOW THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CALCULATED ITS RENTS AND ASKED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO WORRY THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT CF THE 26 BLOCKS WOULD LEAD TO RENT INCREASE.

THE HON PAULINE NG, IN CALLING FOR REASONABLE COMPENSATION FOR AFFECTED TENANTS, SAID THAT THE MASSIVE REMOVAL EXERCISE SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF OLDER ESTATES BECAUSE THIS WOULD TANTAMOUNT TO COVERING UP THE TRUTH.

SHE SAID A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH THE QUESTION OF RESPONSIBILITY AND THE RELOCATION OF AFFECTED COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC TENANTS.

DESCRIBING THE INCIDENT AS +AN EXPENSIVE LESSION+, THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN SAID IT WAS VITAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSURE THE PUBLIC OF THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF THESE BUILDINGS THE LEVEL CF WHICH WAS APPROPRIATE TO THE CONTINUING USE OF THESE BUILDINGS WITHOUT IN ANY WAY ENDANGERING THE PUBLIC.

SUCH ASSURANCE MUST BE JUSTIFIED BY PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL THE RESULTS OF WHICH SHOULD BE DISCLOSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID UNNECESSARY CONCERN BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT THIS EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AS A CHALLENGE AND NOTED THAT ALL SITES CHOSEN FOR THIS PURPOSE SHOULD BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL THE RESIDENTS CONCERNED.

WSDNSSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

HE ALSO ASKED FOR AN ASSURANCE FROM THE AUTHORITY THAT THE RENTS FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAMME WOULD BE HISTORICALLY COMPATIBLE AND REASONABLE.

IN ADDITION, THE AUTHORITY SHOULD REVIEW WHAT ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES COULD BE OFFERED THE RESIDENTS CONCERNED TO BUY HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS, HE SAID.

HE FURTHER CALLED FOR EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE /^FECTED TENANTS WOULD BE DECANTED WITH THE MINIMUM HARDSHIP ANT DISRUPTION TO THEIR LIVES AND THAT COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE AS REASONABLE AND GENEROUS AS THE PUBLIC PURSE ALLOWED.

FINALLY, HE URGED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO KEEP UP THE REDEVELOPMENT MOMENTUM SO AS TO UPGRADE LIVING STANDARDS.

THE HON CHUNG PUl-LAM NOTED THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO FIND OUT WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY CORRUPTION OR

DERELICTION OF DUTIES INVOLVED.

TO ENSURE MINUMUM DISRUPTION TO THE TENANTS, HE SAID THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SHOULD CONSIDER MAKING USE OF THE OPEN SPACE IN THE AFFECTED DISTRICTS FOR BUILDING THE REDEVELOPMENT FLATS.

HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE REMOVAL AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES, ENCOURAGE THE AFFECTED TENANTS TO BUY HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS AND RESERVE UNITS COMPARABLE TO THE ONES THEY WERE LIVING IN FOR TENANTS WHO COULD NOT AFFORD THE RENTS OF THE NEWER ESTATES.

THE HON HO SAI-CHU CALLED FOR AN ASSURANCE ON THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF THE 26 BLOCKS AND A DISTINCTION BE MADE CONCERNING THE BLOCKS WHICH WERE BUILT YEARS AGO BY THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE CURRENT ACTIVITIES OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.

HE SUGGESTED THAT IN THE COURSE OF INVESTIGATION INTO THIS INCIDENT, CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REVIEW THE PRESENT PROCEDURE REGARDING THE AWARD OF A TENDER FOR GOVERNMENT BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS TO ENSURE THAT THE LOWEST TENDER SUBMITTED FOR SUCH WORKS NEEDED NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS IT WAS A REALISTIC FIGURE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CALLED FORTH IN THE TENDER.

THE HON HUI YIN-FAT QUERIED WHY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD TAKEN SO LONG TO REACH THE DECISION TO REDEVELOP THE 26 BLOCKS AND WHY SO MUCH MONEY HAD BEEN SPENT ON MAINTENANCE WORK IN KWAI FONG ESTATE.

HE SAID THE LACK OF UNIFORM POLICIES AND SYSTEMATIC PROCEDURES HAD LEFT TENANTS ENTIRELY AT THE MERCY OF THE HOUSING MANAGERS IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS.

HE SAID IT WAS INCUMBENT UPON EACH HOUSING ESTATE OFFICE TO MAKE KNOWN ALL VACANT PREMISES IN THE AREA TO WORK OUT RESETTLEMENT DETAILS IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH RESIDENTIAL A<<u COMMERCIAL TENANTS.

/Jd Trui............

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

DR THE HON CONRAD LAM SAID ALL BUILDINGS BUILDINGS, SHOULD BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE

INCLUDING GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

IN IMPLEMENTING THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME MORE CONSIDERATI SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE DEMAND FOR MARKETS AND aEso TO tSe NaSinG

T0 ENSURE THEY WERE IN LINE with THE HOUSING

DEPARTMENT’S DEMARCATION OF DISTRICTS, HE SAID.

THE DETA TH‘T G0VERNHENT MUST ‘N1^CE

HE SAW THE NEED FOR A SUBSTANTIVE APPOINTMENT TO TMF Pn<?T dh eOR HOUSING AND A REVIEW OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S

BUILDING COMMITTEE REGARDING ITS MEMBERSHIP THE ADEQUACY OF UNOFFICIAL AND PROFESSIONAL INPUT AND ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE.

THE HON LIU LIT-FOR CALLED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND OF ADVISORY CENTRES IN ALL THE AFFECTED DISTRICTS, WHILE STESSING THE NEED TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE TO TENANTS, SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS.

THE HON POON CHI-FAI, HIGHLIGHTING THE PLIGHT OF THE COMMERCIAL TENANTS, NOTED THAT IT WAS ECONOMICALLY UNSOUND FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO MAINTAIN BASIC SERVICES TO THE AFFECTED BLOCKS AND THEREFORE CALLED UPON THE DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST THE COMMERCIAL TENANTS IN SOLVING THEIR REMOVAL PROBLEMS SO THAT EARLY DEMOLITION CF THE AFFECTED BLOCKS COULD BE CARRIED OUT.

THE HON SZETO WAH URGED THAT SURVEY BE IMMEDIATELY CARRIED OUT ON SCHOOL PREMISES TO SEE IF THEY WERE STRUCTURALLY SAFE.

HE ALSO PROPOSED THAT A JOINT WORKING GROUP SHOULD BE SET UP BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO KEEP IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE AFFECTED SCHOOLS, TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURVEY, TO FIND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS FOR THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS AND TO DEAL WITH THE REMOVAL OF SCHOOL PREMISES.

t!0N R0SANNA TAM ASKED WHAT ARRANGEMENTS THE HOUSING

“ ™™|NaTf?e2tIS“Sus';ngC’LJcks?1 S0CIAL SER'/,CE est*blishhents

SHE SAID ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION MUST BE FOUND FOR THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TOGETHER WITH REASONABLE AND COMPREHENSIVE COMPENSATION.

_ _-,_DR THE H0N DANIEL TSE QUESTIONED wHY THE CONTRACTORS OF m,E,SLoR0BLEM BLOCKS WERE AWARDED CONTRACTS WORTH MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO CARRY OUT REPAIR wORKS, THUS GIVING THEM YET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE PROFIT.

HE WANTED TO KNOW WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANY PLAN TO SUSPEND THESE CONTRACTS UNTIL THE TRUTH WAS REVEALED.

SA 'D ALTITUDE ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THIS RESPECT WOULD AFFECT THE T-UST THE PUBl IC IN ThF cr •

AS wELL AS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING POLICY.'

/ HON ..........

■tSDNSSDAY, DBCEMBEH 18, 1?85

THE HON MARTIN LEE URGED THAT THE RELEVANT AUTHOR ITIES MUST LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED IN ITS INVESTIGATION INTO THIS SCANDAL.

THEY MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT EVERY LEGAL STEP WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST THOSE WHO WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS UNFORTUNATE STATE CF AFFAIRS INCLUDING THE INSTITUTION OF CRIMINAL, CIVIL OR DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS, HE SAID.

HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION MUST BE PERCEIVED TO BE DOING ITS VERY BEST TO SUPPLY THE UNOFFICIALS WITH ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION OR ELSE THERE WOULD BE A REAL FEAR THAT THE TRUTH MIGHT NOT BE KNOWN.

THE PUBLIC MUST BE TOLD EXACTLY WHAT THE POSITION WAS BECAUSE OPEN GOVERNMENT REQUIRED THAT THE RELEVANT AND MATERIAL INFORMATION BE SUPPLIED TO THE PUBLIC, HE ADDED.

DR THE HON RICHARD LAI SAID TH I CORRUPTION OR DERELICTION OF DUTIES SHOULD SPEEDILY CONSIDER SETTING UP MALADMINISTRATION.

S INCIDENT MIGHT INVOLVE AND HE SUGGESTED GOVERNMENT AN OMBUDSMAN TO DEAL WITH

up FURTHER SUGGESTED A SPECIAL COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY BE SET UP AND FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO INCLUDE MORE REPRESENTATIVES CF THE PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH Trie

PUEL IC.

WIDE SUPPORT FOR LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME

*****

THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME PROPOSED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 SHOULD BE ADOPTED TO PROVIDE BETTER AND IMMEDIATE PROTECTION TO THE LOCAL WORKFORCE.

THIS WAS THE VIEW OF 10 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY WERE THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON K.C. CHAN, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, THE HON HU I YiN-FAT, THE HON MARTIN LEE, THE HON NGA I SHIU-KIT, THE HON SZETO wAH, THE HON ROSANNA TAM AND THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.

THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI ALSO SPOKE ON THE BILL BUT ABSTAINED FROM VOTING ON THE MOTION.

MOST OF THE SPEAKERS EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE SCHEME ^LD BE REVIEWED AFTER IMPLEMENTATION FOR ONE YEAR, WHEN THE CONDITIONS OR PAYMENT IN PARTICULAR THE AGE LIMITS WOULD BE FURTHER LOOKED ’INTO AND IMPROVED IF NECESSARY.

TOWfiSMY, DECEMBER 18, 1?85

14 -

A FEW OF THEM ALSO CALLED FOR THE SETTING UP OF A CENTRAL PROV IDENT FUND SCHEME.

THE HON WONG PO-YAN, CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP, SAID THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF A LONu SERVICE PAYMENT TO AN EMPLOYEE WHOSE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WAS TERMINATED BY DISMISSAL HAD ATTRACTED A GREAT DEAL OF GENERAL INTEREST.

REPRESENTATIONS BOTH IN WRITING AND IN PERSON HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND THE VIEWS. FEARS AND ASPIRATIONS OF BOTH THE EMPLOYERS AND THE EMPLOYEES wERE WELL TAKEN AND UNDERSTOOD, HE SAID.

HOWEVER MR WONG SAID! +HAVING REGARD TO THE INTENTIONS OF THE BILL AND* BEFORE ITS INCEPTION, THE CONSIDERATIONS GIVEN TO THE ISSUE IN’THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THE CONSULTATIONS CARRIED OUT, IT IS OUR FIRM BEi-IEF THAT THE BILL IS DEFINITELY A POSITIVE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.+

♦ALTHOUGH IT MAY NOT BE TO THE ENTIRE SATISFACTION TO BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS, THE STAGE AT PRESENT REACHED IS A GOOD COMPROMISE TO BE IMPLEMENTED,+ HE SAID.

IN GIVING FULL SUPPORT TO THE BILL, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG SAID- +l SUPPORT IT NOT JUST BECAUSE OF ITS INHERENT QUALITIES Bu/aLSO BECAUSE IT MARKS A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR IN THE SEARCH OF COMMON GROUNDS FOR THE COMMON GOOD.+

HF SAID THE RATIONALE OF THE BILL WAS TO OFFER SOME DEGREE re PROTECTION TO THE GROUP OF EMPLOYEES OVER 40 YEARS OF AGE WHO WERE MORE VULNERABLE IF THEY WERE DISMISSED THROUGH NO FAULi CF THEIR OWN AND WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATION.

IT HAD ALSO BEEN POSTULATED THAT 40 WAS POSSIBLY THE START OF A DOWN HILL PATH BEYOND WHICH IT MIGHT BE PROGRESSIVELY MORE DIFFICULT TO FIND AND ADJUST TO NEW JOBS, HE ADDED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL WAS DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE THIS PURPOSE AND THE PACKAGE ADDRESSED FULLY THIS MAIN RATIONALE, ADDING THAT IT WOULD BE MISLEADING AT BEST TO CLAMOUR FOR FURTHER STRAYING FROM WHAT THE BILL wAS DESIGNED FOR.

MR CHEONG CAUTIONED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD,NOT ENTER INTO ANY REVIEW OF THE BILL IN FUTURE WITH A CLOSED MIND.

♦ANY REVIEW SHOULD, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, BE ACCOMPANIED OBJECTIVE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS ON THE OVERALL CUMULATIVE COS: EFFECTS ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY,+ HE SAID.

THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE BILL WAS MAINLY TO GIVE STATUTORY RECOGNITION TO AN ELDERLY EMPLOYEE’S LOYALTY TO HIS EMPLOYER AND COMPARATIVELY LIMITED PROSPECTS IN THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET, IF DISMISSED.

/♦PHIS WOULD

.EDNiSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1?85

15 -

♦THIS WOULD BE IN LINE wITH THE BEST _F SOCIAL LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS IN OTHER SOUTH-EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES,+ HE SAID.

MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE SUPPORTED TiE BILL ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD wOULD CONSIDER WHETHER THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT WOULD COVER CASES OF SUMMARY DISMISSAL AND RESIGNATIONS ON GROUNDS OF ILL-hEALTH, wHEN THE SCHEME WAS TO Be REVIEWED IN ONE YEAR’S TIME.

+THE PROPOSALS IN THIS AMENDMENT BILL MAY NOT BE COMPREHENSIVE ENOUGH AND THEREFORE NOT IDEAL, BUT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE BILL BE ENACTED QUICKLY TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF DISMISSALS IN ANTICIPATION OF ITS BECOMING LAw,+ HE ADDED,

THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID THE AGE LIMITS LAID DOWN IN THE PROPOSALS OF THE BILL WERE MOST UNREASONABLE, AND REQUESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSURE ALL LABOUR ORGANISATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REV IE* aOULD BE CONDUCTED AFTER ITS IMPLEMENTATION.

AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES FIELD, MR HUI SAID IT WAS HIS RESPONSIBILITY TO POINT OUT THAT THE POSSIBILITY CF SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND AS A PUBLIC LIABILITY TO PROVIDE AN OVERALL SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED.

THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID THE IAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL wAS TO GIVE PROTECTION TO THE OLDER EMPLOYEES, BUT ON THE CONTRARY HE FOUND IT WOULD CREATE DIFFICULTY FOR THEM IN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT.

IT WAS BECAUSE UNDER THE BILL AN EMPLOYER wOULD BE ENCOURAGEu TO EMPLOY THE YOUNGER ONE, IF HE HAD A CHOICE, AS IT WOULD TAKE LONGER FOR THESE YOUNGER WORKERS TO QUALIFY FOR THE LONG SERVICt

PAYMENT, HE SAID.

HOWEVER, MR LEE SAID HE SUPPORTED THE BILL +BEARING IN MIND THAT FROM THE EMPLOYEES’ POINT OF VIEW, HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NO BREAD, AND THAT THIS HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE REPRESeNTAT I Vuo OF BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES THROUGH CONSULTATIONS HELD WITH THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.*

THE HON NGA I SHIU-K IT NOTED THAT THE ABSENCE OF REASONABLE PROTECTION FOR THE EMPLOYEE DISMISSED FOR REASONS OTHER THAN REDUNDANCY HAD LONG BEEN CONSIDERED A SERIOUS SHORT-COMING IN HONG KONG’S LABOUR LEGISLATIONS.

+IT IS, THEREFORE, HIGH TIME THAT THIS COUNCIL PROPOocL A LONG SERVICE PAYMENT TO GIVE BETTER AND IMMEDIATE PROTECTION TO OUR INDUSTRIOUS, EFFICIENT AND DISCIPLINED LABOUR FORCE,* HE SAID.

MR NGAI SAID HE DISAGREED THAT THE PROPOSED AGE LIMITS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD wERE DI SCR IM INAT^. i AGAINST OR UNFAIR TO YOUNG WORKERS.

WEDNESDAY, DBDEMBEH 18, 1985

INSTEAD, HE THOUGHT THAT THE PRESENT BILL FELL IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSISTENT POLICY OF IMPLEMENTING SUCH CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENT IN A REALISTIC AND GRADUAL MANNER SO THAT ANY ADAPTATION OR PLANNING DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE EMPLOYERS COULD EE MINIMISED.

HE ADDED THAT BEARING IN MIND THAT THE PROPOSED SCHEME IMPOSED RESPONSIBILITY ON ALL EMPLOYERS ALIKE IRRESPECTIVE CF THEIR SIZES, ITS IMPACT ON THE SMALL EMPLOYER IN PARTICULAR SHOULD BY NO MEANS BE UNDER-ESTIMATED.

HE HOPED THAT EXISTING LAWS AND REGULATIONS WHICH WERE CONDUCIVE TO INVESTMENT WOULD NOT BE CHANGED DRACONICALLY AND ABRUPTLY AND BE CHANGED ONLY IF CIRCUMSTANCES SO WARRANTED, WHILE HARD WORK AND LOYALTY WOULD BE DULY RECOGNISED AND REWARDED.

THE HON SZETO WAH PRAISED THE SwIFT PROCESS OF THE BILL SAYING THAT IT SHOWED THE RESPONSIBLE AND SENSIBLE MANNER AMONG THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS IN WORKING OUT A COMPROMISE.

HE SAID AS HONG KONG HAD ENTERED INTO THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, SUCH SPIRIT AND ATTITUDE SHOULD BE FURTHER DEVELOPED TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS, WHICH WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.

HE REGARDED AS IRRESPONSIBLE AND CONTRADICTORY TO THE INTERESTS CF EMPLOYEES AT LARGE ANY SUGGESTIONS TO DELAY PASSING OR DISCARD THE BILL.

HE SAID THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD NOT HINDER THE SETTING UP OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME BUT wOULD IN FACT PAVE THE WAY FOR ITS ESTABLISHMENT.

THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID THE PRINCIPLE AND SPIRIT OF THE BILL WAS MOST ENCOURAGING, BUT URGED THE AUTHORITIES TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER DELETING THE AGE LIMITS WHEN REVIEWING THE SCHEME AFTER ONE YEAR.

THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG SAID THE AMENDMENT BILL PROVIDED MORE PROTECTION FOR THE EMPLOYEES AND WAS A FURTHER ENHANCEMENT OF THE EXISTING LABOUR LEGISLATIONS.

HE SAID THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME WOULD ASSIST IN PROMOTING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE WORKERS TOWARDS THEIR EMPLOYERS THUS REDUCING THE MOBILITY CF THE WORKFORCE.

THE BILL ALSO PLUGGED THE LOOPHOLES IN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION AND MIGHT HELP MINIMISE THE OCCURRENCE OF LABOUR DISPUTES, HE SA ID.

MR TAM CALLED FOR AN EARLY ENACTMENT OF THE BILL TO PREVENT WORKERS WITH LONG SERVICES, IN PARTICULAR THE OLDER WORKERS, BE INC DISMISSED BEFORE ITS ENACTMENT.

/'THE HON .........

3K'-IY05

THE HOK CHAN KAM-.>UEN POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THE LARGE COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ALREADY HAD WELL ESTABLISHED PROVIDENT FUNDS WrliC; PROVIDED ADEQUATE RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.

HE THEREFORE ADVISED THE SMALLER BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH FORMED OVER 96 PER CENT OF THE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG AND WHICH WERE NOT REGISTERED AS LIMITED COMPANIES, TO PLAN FOR FUTURE FINANCIAL ADJUSTMENTS AS FORWARD PLANNING WOULD AVOID A CASH FLOW PROBLEM.

HE SAID SMALL PRIVATE COMPANIES SHOULD BE CHANGED TO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES SO AS TO SEGREGATE THEIR BUSINESS AND FAMILY FINANCES.

MR CHAN ALSO ADVISED EMPLOYEES NOT TO RELY SOLELY ON THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS, AND HE SAID SYSTEMATIC SAVING AND PRODENT INVESTMENT WOULD ALLEVIATE A LOT OF UNPLEASANTNESS AFTER RETIREMENT EVEN IN THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH PROVIDED A PENSION FOR LIFE.

THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI ABSTAINED FROM VOTING ON THE MOTION SAYING THAT THERE WERE SERIOUS DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN THE BILL AND THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR DISCUSSION AT THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.

HE SAID THE BILL WAS ENTIRELY CONTRARY TO THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE AND SPIRIT OF LONG SERVICE PAYMENT. HE ADDED THAT HE HAD STUDIED THE LABOUR LEGISLATIONS OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES BUT HAD FOUND NO SUCH UNREASONABLE AND DIFFERENT RATES OF PAYMENT FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.

MR PANG SAID REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY BOTH THE EMPLOYEES AND THE EMPLOYERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON THE ISSUE REVEALED MUTUAL DISTRUST BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES. THIS WOULD LEAD TO MANY UNNECESSARY DISPUTES BETWEEN THEM AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME, HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT 1985 WAS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE YOUTH, HE SAID IT WAS MOST REGRETFUL THAT A BILL OBVIOUSLY SHOWING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE YOUNG WORKERS HAD TO BE DECIDED.

HOWEVER, MR PANG HOPED THAT THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED WOULD MONITOR THE SITUATION AFTER THE BILL CAME INTO EFFECT, AND CONDUCT A REVIEW IMMEDIATELY AFTER ONE YEAR. HE ALSO URGED THE AUTHORITIES TO CONSIDER SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.

THANKING UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR THEIR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID ANY NEW SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF LABOUR LEGISLATION WAS BOUND TO RAISE FEARS AMONG EMPLOYERS. +ATTEMPTS TO SEEK AGREEMENT ON THE UNRESOLVED ISSUES AT THIS STAGE WOULD PROBABLY HAVE DELAYED THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL CONSIDERABLY, AND WE FELT IT WAS BETTER TO PROCEED WITH THE BILL IN ITS PRESENT FORM.+

/♦I SHOULD .......

- 18 -

.sonssday, OoCiiaat i&, 1985

+l SHOULD POINT CjT, TO CORRECT ANY MISAPPREHENSION, THAT THERE WAS BROAD AGREEMENT IN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD OVER THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE BILL, AND INDEED I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE BOTH EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ON THEIR SINCERE DETERMINATION TO REACH AN AGREEMENT ACCEPTABLE TO BOTH PARTIES.*

MR HENDERSON SAID THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WOULD BE CAREFULLY STUDIED WHEN THE SCHEME WAS REVIEWED IN A YEAR’S TIME.

ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROVISIONS EXTENDED

A MOTION SEEKING TO EXTEND CERTAIN PROVISIONS UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE PROVIDING MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FOR A FURTHER YEAR UNTIL THE CND OF 1986 WAS ADOPTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE MOTION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 1 034 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES REACHED HONG KONG.

+AS REGARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, THERE HAS BEEN A •ARKED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ARRIVALS.*

HE SAID IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 11 536 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WERE ARRESTED wHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER HONG KONG AND A FURTHER 3 014 WHO HAD EVADED SECURITY FORCES AT THE BORDER WERE ARRESTED SUBSEQUENTLY, COMPARED WITH 8 786 BORDER ARRESTS AND 2780 EVADERS DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

+IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT wE NEED TO RETAIN THE LEGISLATIVE POWERS NECESSARY TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH THE PROBLEMS CF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS,* MR THOMAS SAID.

UNDER THE PROVISIONS THAT WERE GIVEN THE EXTENSION TODAY, VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO ARE REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND IN HONG KONG ARE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL FROM HONG KONG BY AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER AT ANY TIME AND NOT JUST WITHIN THE TWO MONTHS THAT APPLIES TO OTHERS REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND.

AS REGARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, THE PROVISIONS STATE THAT ANY PERSON WHO AIDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO ENTER HONG KONG COMMITS AN OFFENCE.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, THE HON MARIA TAM SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AGREED THAT THE PROVISIONS SHOULD BE EXTENDED r0R A FURTHER YEAR.

/SHE STRESSED .......

WaDNSSMY, DECiSMBER 18, 198-5

- 19 -

SHE STRESSED THAT THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WAS STILL WITH US AND WE SHOULD NOT RELAX OUR EFFORTS IN PROSECUTING AND PUNISHING THOSE WHO PROFITED FROM TRANSPORTING ILLEGAL +HUMAN CARGOES*.

SHE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL THE DETERRENT EFFECTS OF THE PROVISIONS UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AND RECALLED THAT THEY WERE FIRST INTRODUCED AT A TIME WHEN THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG WAS CAUSING A SERIOUS THREAT TO OUR SECURITY AND A DRAIN ON OUR RESOURCES.

SHE SAID THESE MEASURES -ERE NECESSARY TO DETER RACKETEERS FROM GIVING OR ARRANGING PASSAGES FOR UNAUTHORISED ENTRANTS.

MISS TAM SAID THAT AN AD HOC GROUP FORMED UNDER THE CONVENERSHIP OF THE HON PETER C. WONG HAD CONCLUDED THAT HONG KONG MUST REMAIN RESOLVED IN STAMPING THE FLOW OF REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS INTO THE TERRITORY.

THE AD HOC GROUP ALSO FELT THAT ALTHOUGH THESE MEASURES HAD TO SOME EXTENT PLACED THE BURDEN OF PROOF OF INNOCENCE ON THE DEFENDANTS, THEY WERE EFFECTIVE AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO ACT AS A STRONG DETERRENT tq ANY SHIP-OWNER, CREW, OR THEIR CO-CONSPIRATOR TO CARRY OR TO ARRANGE PASSAGES FOR REFUGEES AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO HONG KONG, OR TO HELP THEM STAY, MISS TAM ADDED.

- 0----------

ACCEPTABLE STANDARD MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS WELCOMED * K *

THE MOVE TO ENABLE THE HOLDER OF AN IRISH DIPLOMA, IRRESPECTIVE OF HIS NATIONALITY, TO REMAIN ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED AS A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER IN HONG KONG RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, DR THE HON CHIU HIN-r.wONG STRESSED THAT HE SUPPORTED IT BECAUSE THE IRISH DIPLOMA WAS OF AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD WHICH HAD ALL ALONG BEEN RECOGNISED AND MONITORED BY THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.

+WE SHOULD NOT AT THIS POINT AND AT THIS TIME FOLLOW STRICTLY THE POLICY OF THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL TO TAKE AWAY THE ELIGIBILITY OF A HOLDER OF A PREVIOUSLV 'ECOGNISED QUALIFICATION ON NATIONALITY GROUNDS BECAUSE <E CONSIDER THAT STANDARDS SHOULD BE OUR MAIN CONCERN,* HE SAi..

+WE WELCOME DOCTORS *HO ARE OF AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD,* DR CHIU ADDED.

&L SO 3P CD >

WEDNESDAY, DKEMBER 18, 1?85

ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, DR THE HON CONRAD LAM SAID WHAT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE HEALTH OF THE GENERAL. PUBLIC wAS HOW WE WERE GOING TO ASCERTAIN THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD

CF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN HONG KONG. +FROM THE STANDPOINT OF FAIRNESS,

ALL THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE

NEDICAL GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITIES

REQUIRED TO PASS A STANDARDISED TEST BEFORE THEY CAN REGISTER

AND PRACTISE MEDICINE IN HONG KONG.

+0N THE OTHER HAND, FOR THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH DO NOT ALLOW HOLDERS OF HONG KONG MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS TO REGISTER AND PRACTISE MEDICINE WITHIN THEIR TERRITORIES, WE OUGHT TO TREAT THEM IN A RECIPROCAL MANNER,* HE SAID.

♦ THIS IS INDEED WHAT WE MEAN BY EQUAL FOOTING,* DR LAM SAID.

HE NOTED THAT A MERIT OF THE BILL WAS THAT HONG KONG DID NOT FOLLOW A DECISION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM INDISCRIMINATELY.

+AT A TIME WHEN WE WANT TO SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP HONG KONG INTO A PLACE TO BE RULED BY ITS OWN PEOPLE, THIS IS ONE THING WORTH BEARING IN MIND,* DR LAM SAID.

HE REITERATED THAT THE BILL WAS WORTH SUPPORTING, BASED ON THE OVERALL INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRINCIPLE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND.

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, A SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS STILL EXISTED IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.

DR LAM ALSO MENTIONED THE NUMBER OF DOCTORS RECRUITED LOCALLY EVERY YEAR AND THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS TRAINED DOCTORS WHO PASSED THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL COUNCIL.

+l HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL ARRANGE SUITABLE POSTS FOR THOSE MEDICAL DOCTORS *H0 HAVE NO INTENTION TO PRACTISE ON THEIR OWN IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE OF ’MAKING FULL USE OF RESOURCES’,* DR LAM SAID.

THANKING BOTH DR LAM AND DR CHIU FOR THEIR SUPPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID HE SHARED THE VIEW EXPRESSED ON THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION AS MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.

IN VIEW OF THE SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS IN THE TERRITORY, HE SAID, IT WAS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT THE RECRUITMENT NET COULD BE CAST AS WIDE AS POSSIBLE, PROVIDED THAT PROPER STANDARDS WERE MAINTAINED.

+l DOUBT THEREFORE WHETHER IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE, AS SUGGESTED BY DR LAM, TO RESTRICT REGISTRATION TO DOCTORS FROM ----------------------------- RECOGNITION TO HONG KONG MEDICAL

THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH AFFORD GRADUATES.

INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY TO

*NOR WOULD IT BE IN THE --------- ... . ..

REQUIRE ALL OVERSEAS MEDICAL GRADUATES TO UNDERGO AN tXA-: INATI • ■ i BEFORE BEING GRANTED THE RIGHT TO PRACTISE,* HE SAID.

- 0

'21

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

EXPRESS POWER TO REMOVE ARBITRATOR * X * * X

AMENDMENTS TO THE ARBITRATION ORDINANCE WERE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO GIVE EXPRESS POWER TO THE COURT TO REMOVE ANY EXISTING ARBITRATOR IN CONSOLIDATED PROCEEDINGS.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985 AT THE RESUMED DEBATE, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 6B(2) OF THE ORDINANCE WAS NECESSARY.

THE AMENDMENT WOULD GIVE EXPRESS POWER TO THE COURT TO REMOVE ANY EXISTING ARBITRATOR OR UMPIRE IN A CASE WHERE NOT ALL THE PARTlEo TO THE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS WOULD AGREE ON THE CHOICE OF AN ARBITRATOR OR UMPIRE IN THE CONSOLIDATED PROCEEDINGS, HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP, CONVENED BY THE HON PETER C. WONG, HAD HELD MEETINGS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION TO LOOK INTO THE BILL.

THE GROUP FELT THAT THE ORIGINAL PROPOSED AMENDMENT DID NOT CATER FOR SITUATIONS WHERE ALL THE PARTIES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS WERE IN AGREEMENT AS TO THE CHOICE OF ARBITRATOR OR UMPIRE BUT THE EXISTING ARBITRATOR OR UMPIRE, CONTRARY TO THE WISHES OF THE PARTIES, REFUSED TO BE REMOVED.

THOUGH IT WAS APPRECIATED THAT SUCH A SITUATION WOULD BE UNLIKELY, AND INDEED IN MOST CASES IT WOULD BE COVERED BY AN EXPRESS PROVISION IN THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, MEMBERS FELT THAT SINCE THE WHOLE OBJECT OF THIS BIcL WAS TO REMOVE ANY POSSIBLE DOUBT, IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE TO GO ALL THE WAY, RR LEE SAID.

IT WAS ALSO FELT THAT THE FORMULA OUGHT TO BE INTRODUCED WHEREBY THE EXISTING ARBITRATOR OR UMPIRE HAD TO BE REMOVED BY THE COURT WOULD BE UNNECESSARILY OFFENSIVE TO THE EXISTING ARBITRATOR OR UMPIRE, HE ADDED.

HE FURTHER POINTED OUT ORDINANCE ALSO NEEDED TO BE

THAT DOUBT IN SECTION 30 OF THE REMOVED.

SECTION 30 READS: +ANY ORDER MADE UNDER THIS PART MAY BE MADE ON SUCH TERMS AS TO COSTS OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING, THE CASE OF AN ORDER UNDER SECTION 29A, THE REMUNERATION OF THE ARBITRATOR IN RESPECT OF HIS SERVICES) AS THE AUTHORITY MAKING THE ORDER THINKS JUST.+

THE GROUP FELT THAT BECAUSE THERE wAS A SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO SECTION 29A OF THE ORDINANCE IN THE WORDS wITHIN THE BRACKcTb, THERE SHOULD LIKEWISE BE A SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO SECTION 6B SO AS TO REMOVE ANY POSSIBLE ARGUMENT THAT BY THE EXPRESS OMISSION CF ANY REFERENCE TO SECTION 6B wHEN THERE WAS A SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO SECTION 29A, THE LEGISLATURE HAD THEREBY INTENDED THAT SUCH POWER TO AWARD COSTS OR OTHERWISE WOULD NOT INCLUDE A SITUATION COVERED BY SECTION 6B.

THE HON MARIA TAM MOVED TWO AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE STAGE TO REFLECT THE ABOVE VIEWS.

TO THE BILL AT THE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

+FIRST ANNUAL REPORT* TABLED IN LEGCO * * * *

THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1984-85 TO THE U.K. PARLIAMENT, WHICH IS THE FIRST SUCH ANNUAL REPORT, WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATI COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE FORM OF A WHITE PAPER.

TABLING THE REPORT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID ITS PURPOSE WAS TO KEEP THE U.K. PARLIAMENT INFORMED OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.

IT COVERED THE PERIOD FROM THE INITIALLING OF THE DRAFT SI NO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER 1984 TO THE OPENING OF THE 1985-86 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 30, AND CONTAINED A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE MAIN EVENTS IN HONG KONG IN THIS PERIOD, HE SAID.

COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW.

IN LONDON, THE ANNUAL REPORT WOULD BE PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS AND PUBLISHED AS A WHITE PAPER FOR GENERAL RELEASE AT THE SAME TIME, SIR DAVID ADDED.

CRIMINAL APPEAL RULES AMENDED * * X *

A MOTION SEEKING TO AMEND CERTAIN PROVISIONS UNDER THE CRIMINAL APPEAL RULES WAS ADOPTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE MOTION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS WAS TO DRAW AN APPELLANT’S ATTENTION TO THE EXISTENCE OF THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID.

ANOTHER AMENDMENT PROPOSED THAT A SUITABLE WARNING THAT THE COURT OF APPEAL HAS THE POwER TO INCREASE HIS SENTENCE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE FORMS TO BE USED WHEN A CONVICTED PERSON WISHES TO APPEAL AGAINST HIS CONVICTION OR AGAINST HIS SENTENCE.

vEDNESDAY, ZE. V_EK . , 1985

JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE TO SET UP CLINIC NEXT YEAR

******

THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE CONTINUES TO WORK TOWARDS IMPROVING ITS SUPPORT SERVICES AND WILL ESTABLISH A CLINIC FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE HON F.K. HU SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN TABLING THE CENTRE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1985.

MR HU SAID THE CLINIC WOULD BE ESTABLISHED WITH THE CLOSE COOPERATION FROM THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMATIC SURGERY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP BY THE LEE HYSAN FOUNDATION LIMITED, SIR RUN RUN SHAW AND MR SIU MING.

NOTING THAT THE CENTRE HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ITS THIRD FULL YEAR OF OPERATION, HE SAID IT HAD CONTINUED TO MAKE STEADY PROGRESS IN ALL THE SPORTS INCLUDED IN ITS PROGRAMME.

MR HU CITED A NUMBER OF ASIAN REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS WHICH HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THE CENTRE DURING THE YEAR.

HE SAID THE USE OF THE CENTRE’S FACILITIES INCLUDING QUALITY OF ATHLETES BY THE GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORT WAS CONSTANTLY IMPROVING.

+ADDITIONALLY, THE CENTRE HAS RUN ITS OWN PROGRAMME OF COST-EFFECTIVE COURSES IN A NUMBER OF SPORTS FOR THOSE BELOW THE NATIONAL SQUAD STANDARD,+ HE SAID.

MR HU OBSERVED THAT THE INPUT OF A GROUP OF PROFESSIONAL COACHES HAD HIGHLIGHTED THE DIFFICULTIES FOR VOLUNTEER SPORTS OFFICIALS IN KEEPING PACE WITH DEVELOPMENT.

THE GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORT WOULD REQUIRE FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATORS OF A HIGH CALIBRE AS A MATTER OF URGENCY IF PROGRESS WAS TO BE MAINTAINED, AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WOULD BE HAPPY TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN HELPING TO TRAIN THOSE STAFF, HE SAID.

MR HU NOTED THAT ITS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE CENTRE OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS AND TO INCLUDE EXCELLENCE.

HE SAID JUDO HAD RECENTLY BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME, AND WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE BOARD WOULD NEED TO CONSIDER THE CLAIMS OF OTHER SPORTS PRESENTLY SEEKING COACHING SUPPORT FROM THE CENTRE.

MR HU FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORT WERE HARMONIOUS, AND THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED ITS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT THE CENTRE.

/♦THE IMPBOVaMeM’........

• I t Dilk/I1- >

+tuf IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS AS TH" RESULT Or THE COMBINED FFFORTS OF THE SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTR-cujjc THAT HONG KONG HAS ACHI^ED RECOGNITION IN CERTAIN SPORTS A? ?HE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL,♦ HE SAID, HIGHLIGHTING THE RESULTS OF S"VERAL'lNTERNATIONAL EVENTS DURING THE YEAR, WHICH INCLUDED THE WORLD CUP SOCCER QUALIFYING MATCH AND THE DAVIS CUP TENNIS TOURNAMENT.

AND

FOR

MR HU SAID COACHES ADMINISTRATORS, AND ATHLETES BOTH LOCALLY INTERNATIONALLY HAD BEGUN TO LOOK t6 THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE A LEAD AND FOR ASSISTANCE.

HOWEVER THE PROGRESS CH HAD BEE ■ MADE HAD CREATED PROBLEMS THE CENTRE IN KEEPING PACE WITH A CHANGING AND INCREASED DEMAND

HE NOTED.

MEANWHILE HE SAID, THE BOARD HAD ACCEPTED PROPOSALS TO ENHANCE A NUMBER OF FACILITIES AT THE CENTRE BUT A DECISION FROM THE GOVERNMENT WAS STILL AWAITED.

♦ADDITIONALLY. WORK WILL NEED TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS TO REMEDY THE EFFECTS OF SUBSIDENCE ON THE OUTDOOR PITCHES AND ATHLETICS TRACK, WHICH I THE CASE OF THE LATTER IS BECOMING DANGEROUS,* HE SAID.

♦ONCE THIS WORK IS COMPLETED, THERE EXISTS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD TO CAPITALISE FULLY ON THIS SPECIAL INVESTMENT INTO LOCAL SPORT,+ MR HU ADDED.

FINAL DRAFT PREPARED ON SECURITIES RULE* X X X X

THE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS FINALISED THE SECURITIES (STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING) RULES AFTER A //IDE EXERCISE IN CONSULTATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON THOMAS CLYDESDALE, SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE SECURITIES COMMISSION CIRCULATED THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE SECURITIES (STOCK EXCHAN LISTING) RULES TO RELEVANT INTERESTED PARTIES FOR COMMENT IN APRIL 1984.

HE POINTED OUT THAT CONSULTATION WITH THESE BODIES RESULT IN A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF CHANGES TO THE INITIAL DRAFT.

♦ CONSEQUENTLY A FURTHER DRArT - THE SEVENTH - XAS PRc-ma-AND CIRCULATED IN APRIL 1985,+ HE SAID.

NE.-:LaY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

SIR JOHN SAID T- -FTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Th^E PULcS EARLY IN JANUARY, AND SUBJECT PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE NEXT

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSION IN WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR TO HIS APPROVAL, WOULD BE

MONTH.

+THEY WILL THEN COME INTO FORCE ON FEBRUARY 1, 1986. I DO NOT ANTICIPATE ANY FURTHER DELAY,+ SIR JOHN ADDED.

HEALTH SERVICES NOT AFFECTED BY STAFF TURNOVER * * * * *

THE OVERALL QUALITY 0- PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES CAN BE MAINTAINED SATISFACTORILY DESPITE THE PRESENT TURNOVER AND VACANCY RATES OF DOCTORS AND NURSING STAFF IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, THF SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFAR-, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THP LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON LEE YU-TAI, MR CHAMBERS GAVE THE TURNOVER AND VACANCY RATES AS FOLLOWS:

TURNOVER RATE VACANCY RATE

1984 END OF 1984

DOCTORS

GOVERNMENT SECTOR 9.4 PER CENT 6.5 PER CENT

SUBVENTED SECTOR NURSING STAFF 23.6 PER CENT 10.7 PER CENT

GOVERNMENT SECTOR 3.2 PER CENT 0.9 PER CENT

SUBVENTED SECTOR 7.7 PER CENT 7.6 PER CENT

WHILE NOTING THAT THE TURNOVER RATES WERE HIGH, PART1 CUl-'RLY FOR DOCTORS IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT SIN?:.. THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE MOVEMENT OF STAFF BETWEEN THE -RNM-NT AND SUBVENTED SECTORS, THE TURNOVER RATE -OR THE TWO SECT. 3 COMBINED WAS PERHAPS OF GREATER SIGNIFICANCE.

IN 1984 THIS TURNOVER RATE WAS 11 PER CENT FOR DOCTO ; AND 3.7 PER CENT FOR NURSES, HE SAID. + THIS COMPARES FAVOJRA WITH THE SAME TURNOVER RATES IN 197R W« CH WERE 12.7 PER J.-.NT AND 4.2 PER CENT.+

L. v, rS?E’r3Fr 18. 198s

- 26 -

MR CHAMBERS SA 11 THE PLANNED SUPPLY OF DOCTORS AND NURSES SHOULD ALSO BE SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE THE STAFFING NEEDS OF THE PLANNED MAJOR NEW HOSPITALS TO BE MET.

HE SAID THAT THE SUPPLY WOULD BE BOOSTED BY THE OUTPUT OF QUALIFIED DOCTORS FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, BEGINNING IN 1987.

THE INTAKE OF NURSE TRAINING SCHOOLS WAS ALSO BEING INCREASED WITH A VIEW TO MEETING THE NURSING REQUIREMENTS OF NEW AND EXPANDED HOSPITALS, INCLUDING THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL, MR CHAMBERS SAID.

♦THUS, BY PRESENT INDICATIONS, THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT STAFF TURNOVER AND VACANCY RATES WILL LEAD TO DELAYS IN DEVELOPING THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL OR OTHER MAJOR MEDICAL PROJECTS,* HE ADDED.

-----0------

TUEN MUN HOSPITAL TO BE COMPLETED IN 1988 * * * *

THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1988 AND, ALLOWING FOR THE USUAL 12-MONTH COMMISSIONING PERIOD TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL BY EARLY 1989, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING IN WRITING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, CHAMBERS SAID THAT WITH REGARD TO THE HIGHLY TECHNICAL AND COMPLEX NATURE OF HOSPITAL BUILDINGS IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED FEASIBLE TO SHORTEN THE PERIOD TO ENABLE THE HOSPITAL TO BE COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.

THE WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE HOSPITAL STARTED AT THE END OF AUGUST 1984, AND THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD WAS ESTIMATED TO BE THREE AND A HALF YEARS, HE SAID.

--------o

/27 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

24-HOUR CASUALTY SERVICE PROVIDED BY FOUR HOSPITALS

M * * * *

FOUR SUBVENTED HOSPITALS -- KWONG WAH HOSPITAL, POK 01 HOSPITAL, CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE AND UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL -- PROVIDED A 24-HOUR CASUALTY SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, 14? CHAMBERS SAID THE FOUR HOSPITALS WERE EQUIPPED WITH BLOOD BANKS, AND EXCEPT FOR POK 01 HOSPITAL, ALL OF THEM PROVIDED A 24-HOUR BLOOD CROSS-MATCHING SERVICE.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT 16 SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WERE EQUIPPED WITH X-RAY FACILITIES.

THERE WERE ALICE HO MIU LING NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL, GRANTHAM HOSPITAL, RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM, KWONG WAH HOSPITAL, OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL, CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE, THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, NAM LONG HOSPITAL, TUNG WAH HOSPITAL, TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL, HONG KONG BUDDHIST HOSPITAL, wONG TAI SIN INFIRMARY, POK 01 HOSPITAL AND YAN CHAI HOSPITAL.

OF THESE HOSPITALS, THE FIRST EIGHT PROVIDED A 24-HOUR X-RAY SERVICE, HE ADDED.

-----o------

THREE MORE INFIRMARIES IN NT BY 1995

* X * *

PLANS ARE IN HAND TO BUILD THREE GOVERNMENT INFIRMARIES IN SHA TIN, TAI PO AND TSUEN WAN BY 1995, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, A SECOND CHESHIRE HOME WOULD BE BuluT IN SHA TIN.

+THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF ESTABLISHING INFIRMARIES WAS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF OVERCROWDING IN MAJOR ACUTE HOSPITALS,* HE SAID.

+THEY ARE INTENDED TO CATER FOR THE LONGER-TERM AND CHRONICALLY ILL, WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE TO BE ACCOMMODATED IN ACUTE HOSPITAL BEDS WHICH ARE IN GREAT DEMAND,* HE ADDED.

/MR .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBffl 18, 1985.

- 28 -

MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT INFIRMARIES WERE EQUIPPED AND STAFFED TO THE LEVEL OF CARE APPROPRIATE TO THESE PATIENTS AND WERE LESS LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND LESS EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE.

+IT IS THEREFORE MORE COST-EFFECTIVE TO PROVIDE BEDS FOR SUCH PATIENTS IN INFIRMARIES, THEREBY RELEASING THE ACUTE BEDS FOR THOSE WHO REQUIRE THEM.+ HE SAID.

SIX BILLS PASSED * * *

SIX BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985. THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985, THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985, THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL AND THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO JANUARY 8, 1986.

-----Q-----------

/29........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 198?

- 2? -JENKINS BILL VETO WELCOMED * * * *

PRESIDENT REAGAN’S DECISION TO VETO THE THURMOND - JENKINS BILL WAS WELCOMED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

+WE GREET THIS VETO WITH SOME RELIEF,* HE SAID. +HOWEVER, AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST REMEMBER THAT PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES IN THE UNITED STATES WILL CONTINUE.

+THE TEXTILES AND APPAREL LOBBY THERE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR PROTECTION IN 1986 AND THIS WILL, NO DOUBT, INCLUDE ATTEMPTS FOR NEW LEGISLATION.

♦WE ARE KEEPING A VERY CLOSE WATCH ON DEVELOPMENTS AND MAY WELL NOW ALSO SEE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULTI FIBRE ARRANGEMENT START TO HOT UP.*

MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOW STUDYING THE FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT REAGAN’S ANNOUNCEMENT.

0 -

PROTECTIONISM TO REMAIN HK’S MAIN CONCERN

*****

THE PROBLEM OF PROTECTIONISM IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE MAIN CONCERN IN 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR ERIC HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION HE SAID SUCH DEVELOPMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE U.S., POSED A SERIOUS THREAT TO THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING SYSTEM ON WHICH HONG KONG RELIED.

♦MORE SPECIFICALLY, PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENTS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS ARISING FROM THE EXPIRY OF THE CURRENT MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT AND THREATEN OUR VERY IMPORTANT TEXTILE TRADE.*

HE ASSURED EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY ALERT TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS THREAT, AND WAS TAKING ALL NECESSARY MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD HONG KONG’S INTERESTS AND TO COUNTERACT PROTECTIONIST MOVES WHICH THREATENED OUR LIVELIHOOD.

+WE SHALL CONTINUE TO USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PRESS HONG KONG’S CASE - THROUGH OUR OVERSEAS OFFICES, COORDINATION WITH OTHER LIKE-MINDED TRADING PARTNERS AT FORA ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE, AND ALL OTHER MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL WHETHER BY MOUNTING MISSIONS OR LOBBYING VISITING DIGNITARIES.*

WEEKBSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1$85

- 30 -

MR HO SAID ANOTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN 1986 ON THE TRADE SCENE WAS THE IMMINENT LAUNCHING OF A NEW ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS UNDER THE GATT.

+ HONG KONG HAS BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THE PREPARATORY PROCESS FOR THE NEW ROUND ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED NEGOTIATIONS WOULD INCLUDE THE PROMOTION OF THE LIBERALISATION OF TRADE AND THE RE-VI TALISATION OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.

+AT A RECENT MEETING BETWEEN THE CONTRACTING PARTIES OF THE GATT, IT HAS BEEN AGREED THAT A PREPARATORY COMMITTEE SHOULD BE SET UP TO PREPARE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PROGRAMME OF NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED NEW ROUND FOR ADOPTION AT A GATT MINISTERIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER 1986.

+HONG KONG WILL FULLY PARTICIPATE IN THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE AND THE ULTIMATE NEW ROUND WHICH CAN ONLV ASSIST IN THE EFFORTS OF ALL TOWARDS MAINTAINING AND PROMOTING AN OPEN MULTILATERAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT,* MR HO SAID.

HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE TASKS WE ALL FACED IN 1986 WERE BOUND TO BE FORMIDABLE, HE HA EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG WAS WELL PREPARED TO GIVE A GOOD ACCOUNT OF ITSELF.

--------j ----------

TENANCY ORDINANCE CHANGES COME INTO EFFECT * * * *

AS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), DOMESTIC TENANCIES OF PREMISES WITH A RATEABLE VALUE OF $30 000 OR ABOVE (PREVIOUSLY $35 000) AS AT JUNE 10, 1983 ARE EXCLUDED FROM PART I I OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.

THE EXCLUDED TENANCIES HOWEVER, BECOME PROTECTED UNDER PART IV WHICH AFFORDS SECURITY OF TENURE AT THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT.

ALSO EFFECTIVE FROM TOMORROW IS THE CHANGE OF THE MINIMUM RENT FROM 45 PER CENT TO 55 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT IN THE FORMULA REGULATING RENT INCREASES UNDER PART II OF THE ORD I NANCE.

THIS ENABLES CONTROLLED RENTS TO REACH AT LEAST 55 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT.

A SPOKESMAN OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE AMENDMENTS WHICH BECOME OPERATIVE TOMORROW WERE ENACTED IN JUNE THIS YEAR.

ANYONE WITH ENQUIRIES ON THESE AMENDMENTS SHOULD TELEPHONE RENT OFFICERS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5“79573j. CR STAFF OF DISTRICT OFFICES.

- 0

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

HONG KONG MOVING TOWARDS GENUINE BILINGUALISM * K * *

HONG KONG IS MOVING TOWARDS GENUINE BILINGUALISM BECAUSE OF ITS INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION AND FOR OBVIOUS AND PRACTICAL REASONS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, MR PETER C. WONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR WONG SAID THE SEMINAR ELOQUENTLY REFLECTED THE OBJECT OF THE INSTITUTE, FOCUSING ON WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPROVE STANDARD IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH LEARNING AND TEACHING.

+SEMINARS SUCH AS THE PRESENT ONE ARE THEREFORE EXTREMELY VALUABLE,+ HE SAID. THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR IS +LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION: FUTURE DIRECTIONS-*-.

APART FROM FOSTERING BETTER AND CLOSER UNDERSTANDING AMONG PARTICIPANTS, MR WONG SAID THE STIMULATING AND ENLIGHTENING EXCHANGES OF VIEWS WOULD NO DOUBT CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS MADE IN THE FIELD OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION.

MR WONG SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE RANGE OF THE SPECIAL TOPICS COVERED DURING THE SEMINAR, ADDING THAT THE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS AND THE PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE FOUND THE SEMINAR BOTH INTERESTING AND REWARDING.

+MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE EMPHASIS ON THE FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION SO EVIDENT IN THIS SEMINAR WILL NO DOUBT HELP PAVE THE WAY FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS VITAL AREA,-*- HE ADDED.

■•■ALTHOUGH CHINESE AND ENGLISH ARE VERY DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, IT IS NOT BEYOND THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY TO DEVISE EDUCATIONAL!. SOUND METHODS, WHEREBY PROFICIENCY IN BOTH LANGUAGES MAY BE ATTAINED BY THE AVERAGE STUDENT,+ HE SAID.

IN THIS CONNECTION, TEACHER PREPARATION WAS, OF COURSE, OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE, MR WONG SAID.

ON LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION, MR WONG SAID THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, THE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRES AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WERE CURRENTLY PROVIDING EXCELLENT COURSES IN THIS FIELD AND WOULD NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUCH COURSES, PERHAPS WITH CHANGING EMPHASIS AS CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE SO THAT LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION WAS KEPT ABREAST OF THE TIMES.

MR WONG SAID THERE WAS A GROWING AWARENESS THAT WHILE ENGLISH AS AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE WAS IMPORTANT, CHINESE WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT NOT ONLY BECAUSE CHINESE WAS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO IN VIEW OF THE PROXIMITY OF 1997, IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT THE USE OF CHINESE WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY PREVALENT.

/TL£ WVEBNMENT......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1985

THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY DOCUMENTS IN BOTH LANGUAGES AND SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WAS SAID.

TAKING THE LEAD IN HAVING OFFICIAL THE USE OF BILINGUAL DOCUMENTS AND RAPIDLY GAINING MOMENTUM, MR WONG

+OF COURSE, IT IS BUT IT IS, IN MY VIEW,

EXPENSIVE AND ENTAILS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION,+ HE SAID.

CLOSURE OF PRE-wAR BUILDING SOUGHT

X X k

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECLARED NO. 17/ QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, TO BE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGE

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT NOS. AND 177 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BOTH OF -OUR-3TOREY OVER BASEMcNT, PRE-WAR BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED wIT- LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS, TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOFS HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION SINCE 1968.

RECENT INSPECTIONS INDICATED THAT NO. 175 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL HAD REACHED AN ADVANCE STATE OF DETERIORATION AND WAS DANGEROUS DUE TO THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER DECAY ESPECIALLY ON THE FIRST FLOOR AT THE VERANDAH AND THE FRONT PORTION OF FLOOR AND DUE TO THE OPENING UP OF MAJOR CRACKS ON THE MAIN WALLS.

THE PARTY WALL BETWEEN NOS. 175 AND 177 WAS SUBSTANTIALLY FRAGMENTED.

NO. 175 WAS CONSIDERED BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR AND WAS CONSIDERED TO BE DANGEROUS. SINCE IT wAS A GOVERNMENT REVERTED BUILDING AND HAD BEEN VACATED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION OF LANDS DEPARTMENT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO DEMOLISH IT.

NO. 177 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL wAS CONSIDERED LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS DUE TO THE POOR CONDITION OF THE PARTY WALL BETWEEN NO. 175 AND 177 AND OVERLOADING. IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT THIS BUILDING COULD WITHSTAND THE EFFECT OF DEMOLITION OF NO. 175. IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND TO DEMOLISH THIS BUILDlNi-AT THE SAME TIME.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOP A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON FEBRUARY 18, 1986 *AS POSTED TOD-*.

/ 33........

l3Kc.SDAY, 1 , 1985

HONG KONG RAILWAY ^iUSEU^ OPtNS FRIDAY * t

THE HONG KONG FAILwAY USEU.’ , CONVERTED CROM THE OLD TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION, WILL BE OFFICIALLY uPENED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20) AT 3 PM.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY a ILL bi THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COLM IL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNb? THE CHAIRMAN CF THE KCR, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE ; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI TO DISTRICT EOaRD, MR STEPHEN z/ONGj THE FINANCE DIRECTOR OF KCR, MR FELIX CH.'.., AND THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MP ICHAEL SUEN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COV. THE CEREMONY. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIm REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE .-.VENT ..ILL LEAVE FROM KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER NOT LATER THAN 1.45 P ' FRIDAY. A SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE BETWEEN the £.■ ..LING TA i TO RAILWAY STATION AND THE MUSEUM FROM 2.15 PM TO 4.45 - .

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RECRUITS COMPLETE TRAINING * * * *

ANOTHER BATCH OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RECRUITS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE BASIC TRAINING AND TWO YEARS’ PROBATION PERIOD WERE AWARDED TRAINING CERTIFICATES TODAY.

AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, ACTING SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, MR G.A. EBRAHIM, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THE 10 OFFICERS AND 116 ASSISTANT OFFICERS.

THE OFFICERS HAVE UNDERGONE ONE-YEAR BASIC TRAINING WHICH IS DIVIDED INTO THE INITIAL. INTERMEDIATE AND FINAL STAGES, AND TWO PERIOD OF FIELD PLACEMENTS IN VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

THE TRAINING PROGRAMME, CONDUCTED AT STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, COVERS A WIDE RANGING SYLLABUS INCLUDING RULES AND REGULATIONS, PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, FOOT-DRILL, SELF-DEFENCE, WEAPONRY, RIOT CONTROL, FIRST AID, CRIMINOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK, MANAGMENT AS WELL AS LEADERSHIP TRAINING.

.vEDKESDAY, l>' CL'MEER 18, 1985

- 34 -

CLIMATE HlGnT FOR ENTERPRISE - LORD YOUNG

W W W *

WITH SUCCESS BUILT OK THE FORESIGHT OF ENTREPRENEURS AND THE ADAPTABILITY OF THE POPULATION, THE CLIMATE IN HONG KONG IS RIGHT FOR ENTERPRISE -- LOa TAXATION, FIERCE COMPETITION AND LITTLE RED TAPE, BRITISH SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EMPLOYMENT, LORD YOUNG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, LORD YOUNG PRAISED THE ENTERPRISING SPIRIT AND INNOVATION OF THOSE IN HONG KONG WHO HAD CREATED ENTERPRISE CITY.

LORD YOUNG SAID HE BELIEVED THAT ENTERPRISE WAS ALIVE AND flourishing in Britain today, and emphasised the success of GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES.

HE SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT wAS TAKING ALL THE STEPS NECESSARY TO RE-ESTABLISH THE ENTERPRISE CULTURE IN ERITAIN AND ALREADY THEY WERE STARTING TO SEE SOME OF THE BENEFITS.

+WITH MORE PEOPLE WORKING -3 SELF EMPLOYED, UP 30 PER CENT SINCE THE START OF THE LAST .ECADE, ND 1 HE HIGHEST FIGURE FOR OVER 60 YEARS, AND IT IS IN THOSE SMALL BUSINESSES THAT INDIVIDUAL CHOICE AND IN IT I AT'VE *! .. PROSPER -- JUST AS THEY HAVE DONE IN HONG KONG,+ HE oAiD.

SWITCHING-ON AT CHAi ..A\

W K W W

A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR TH I' YEAR’S CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING DECORATIONS IN C^A I - «JLL BE R-.LD AT THE BASKETBALL COURT IN CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 230 CHAI WAN ROAD, ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 20) AT 7 PM.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY ILL PE ASSISTANT D'STR ICT DF'-’IC^. DR SIMON VICKERS! THE CHAIRMAN OF TnE -ASTERN vI STR ICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR LEE K/.ONG-.AM; AND SENIOR nOUSHo MANAGER, MR YEUNG KWING-CHIU.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVE- ‘rHE EVENT

35 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 198‘

- 35 -

MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION X X X

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF F IRt sERV ICES,, PEET THE MEDIA TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT A P._ CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD

MR JOHN MARCH, WILL IN THE GIS PRESS HOUSE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

DB MEMBERS BRING FESTIVE CHEERS * * * *

wONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) KEPT UP WITH THE TRADITION OF BRINGING CHRISTMAS JOY TO THE YOUNG, THE OLD AND THE UNDER PRIVILEGED WITH A GOOD WILL TOUR OF THE DISTRICT.

LED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG, AND ACCOMPANIED BY DISTRICT OFFICER, > .R NICHOLAS YEK, THE BOARD MEMBERo BROUGHT WITH THEM 800 GIFT PACKETS TO DISTRIBUTE TO ELDERLY CITIZcNo AND CHILDREN OF FOUR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.

THE VISIT STARTED AT THE CHOI HUNG CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY WHcRl-BOARD MEMBERS CHATTED WITH THE RESIDENTS AND DISTRIBUTED GIFTS.

THEY NEXT VISITED THE CHUK YUEN CHILDREN’S RECEPTION CENTRE, WHICH PROVIDES TEMPORARY SHELTER AND CARE FOR ABANDONED CHILDREN.

MEMBERS ALSO VISITED THE wONG TAI SIN aORK ACTIVITY CENTRE WHERE THE HENTALLY_HANDICAPPEO^DULTS^RE ^OOK^AFTER.n^EMBERw

LEARNED THAT RESIDENTS IN BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT.

THE LAST STOP OF THE THE ELDERLY.

VISIT WAS AT THE TSZ 01 SOCIAL CENTRE FO.

-----o------

SALT WATER CUT

* * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PRE'-'ISES IN HO man "IN WILL ?E TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND 9 PM 0*' FRIDAY (nECEMBER 20) FOR MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED -Y MAN FUF ROAD, "AM VAi. ROAD AND PUI CHING ROAD.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PEOPLE ANXIOUS TO SEE RESULTS - GOVERNOR .................... 1

A REMARKABLE YEAR OF PROGRESS - SIR DAVID ................... 2

SIR DAVID LOOKS AT SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES ............... 3

REGIONAL COUNCIL BUDGET ENDORSED ............................ 3

REPORT DRUG CAMPAIGN DRaWS GOOD RESPONSE..................... 5

FUNDS OFFERED FOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS .................. 5

FS TO ihEET MEDIA............................................ 6

BOARD TO DISCUSS HOUSING ISSUE............................... 6

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER .................................. 7

WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL IMPORT OF ANIMALS ................... 8

+SHORT MESSAGE*- SERVICE AVAILABLE MONDAY.................... 8

TINDERS INVITED FOR TAXI LICENCES .......................... '9

TENANCY SOUGHT FOB KOWLOON SITE............................. 10

GRANTS OFFERED TO LOCAL PERFORMING ARTISTS ................. 10

CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP FOR CAREERS MASTERS ................ 11

CLINIC SERVICES FOR HOLIDAY PERIOD ......................... 12

REVISED TIMETABLE FOR STATUTORY DECLARATION ................ 12

FINALISTS SELECTED FOR +CLEaN AND GREEN*- SCHEME............ 13

SURVEYORS JOINT OFFICE OPENED .............................. 14

YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL DETAILS ............................ 14

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL STARTS THIS UEjKIND .................... 15

MORE BUILDINGS JOIN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME.............. 15

OPERATION AGAINST DANGEROUS GOODS .......................... 1$

BRIEFING ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM........................ 16

SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT SHA TIN ........................... 17

SHENZHEN ANIMAL, PLANT EXPERTS ON VISIT .................... 17

DB MEMBERS SERENADE HANDICAPPED AND ELDERLY ................ 18

HnNDMaDE GIFTS FOR ELDERLY ................................. 19

LANDOWNERS URGED TO COLLECT COWENSaTION .................... 20

TUEN MUN RESTRICTED ZONE.................................... 20

CHANGES AT PROHIBITED ZONES, SPEED LIMIT ................... 21

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

PEOPLE ANXIOUS TO SEE RESULTS - GOVERNOR * * *

PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE UNDERSTANDABLY ANXIOUS TO SEE RESULTS AND TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR OWN EFFORTS AND THEIR OWN IDEAS TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THOSE RESULTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS EVENING.

REFERRING TO THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT AGREEMENT, SIR EDWARD SAID ALSO THAT DURING THE LAST YEAR MUCH GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION, AND MUCH WORK REMAINED TO BE DONE.

+BUT BOTH GOVERNMENTS HAVE COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO MAKE THE CONTINUED EFFORT WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED,* SIR EDWARD SAID.

SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING AT A DINNER HOSTED BY STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR JI PENGFEI.

MR JI, SIR EDWARD SAID, WOULD HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY THIS WEEK TO HEAR THE VIEWS OF MANY PEOPLE AND TO SEE WHAT WAS BEING DONE + IN THIS DYNAMIC AND VIBRANT CITY*.

SIR EDWARD THEN REFERRED TO THE CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED BY PRIME MINISTER, MRS MARGARET THATCHER, AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE JOINT AGREEMENT IN PEKING ON DECEMBER 19 LAST YEAR, THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG +WILL MAKE HONG KONG AN EVEN MORE FLOURISHING PLACE THAN IT IS TODAY*, AND ADDED: +1 TRUST THAT WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN AND HEARD OVER THE LAST TEN DAYS HAVE CONVINCED YOU THAT HONG KONG IS RISING TO THAT CHALLENGE.*

SIR EDWARD SAID THAT MR JI’S VISIT TO HONG KONG HAD BEEN +MORE THAN WELCOME*, AND THAT IT WAS + A REASSURING SIGN THAT THOSE, LIKE YOURSELF, WHO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE FORMULATION OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON HONG KONG WISH TO GAIN FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF THIS REMARKABLE PLACE.*

+YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A WELCOME VISITOR TO HONG KONG, AS WILL YOUR COLLEAGUES,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR EDWARD THEN PROPOSED A TOAST TO THE HEALTH OF MR JI, ALL COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS PRESENT, THE SUCCESS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE IN HONG KONG.

------o - ----------

THURSDAY, DECEMBER '9, 1985

A REMARKABLE YEAR OF PROGRESS - SIR DAVID * * * *

THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN A REMARKABLE YEAR OF PROGRESS IN EVERY ASPECT OF HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN ASKED TO COMME? -HE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINi DECLARATION ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.

SIR DAVID SAID SINCE THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS SIGNED 12 MONTHS AGO, +WE’VE HAD SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE LAND COMMISSION HAS MADE VERY SATISFACTORY PROGRESS THIS YEAR, AND WE HAVE SOLD LAND IN HONG KONG WITH LEASES WHICH GO THROUGH TO 2047.+

AND IN HONG KONG ITSELF, DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE CONTINUED, HE SAID.

THIS INCLUDED PLANS FOR THE CONTAINER PORT EXTENSION, THE NEW CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, THE NEW STANDARD CHARTERED BANK HEADQUARTERS, THE BANK OF CHINA BUILDING, THE THIRD UNIV ITY,

THE JUNK BAY NEW TOWN AND VARIOUS MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS.

+S0 I THINK IN EVERY RESPECT IT’S BEEN A REMARKABLE AR

CF PROGRESS IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER MAKING AN INAUGURAL CALL AT THE GUANGZHOU-SHANTOU MICROWAVE LINK OPENING CEREMONY AT CABLE AND WIRLESS IN HONG KONG.

HE SAID CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG’S PEOPLE HAD BEEN STRENGTHENED SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.

+AND IF YOU THINK WHERE WE WOULD BE TODAY IF THERE HAD BEEN NO AGREEMENT LAST YEAR, THEN THAT IS REALLY WHAT YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT,+ HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE WHITE PAPER ON THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1984-85 TO THE U.K. PARLIAMENT WHICH WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY, SIR DAVID SAID IT BROUGHT OUT THE QUITE REMARKABLE PROGRESS THAT WE HAD MADE NOT ONLY IN IMPLEMENTING THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, BUT ALSO THE REMARKABLE PROGRESS THAT THE ECONOMY AND VARIOUS OTHER SECTORS OF HONG KONG LIFE HAS MADE IN THE PAST YEAR.

ASKED WHETHER THE WHITE PAPER WOULD GIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT A CLEAR ENOUGH PICTURE OF THE UNDERCURRENTS OF WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HONG KONG RATHER THAN JUST AN ACCOUNT OF MAJOR POLITICAL AND DOCUMENTED CHANGES IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THE WHITE PAPER WAS MEANT TO BE A GENERAL REVIEW.

+IT’S NOT MEANT TO GO INTO THE NITTY-GRITTY OF EVERYDAY LIFE IN HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.

-----0------

/3........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1935

SIR DAVID LOOKS AT SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES *****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CENTRE TO LOOK AT THE RANGE OF SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDED TO CHILDREN WITH LEARNING PROBLEMS.

DURING THE TWO-HOUR VISIT TO THE PERTH STREET SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE, HE SA* HOW CHILDREN WITH VISUAL, HEARING, SPEECH AND OTHER LEARNING PROBLEMS WERE ASSESSED AND TREATED.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, HE INSPECTED THE VARIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE, WHICH INCLUDED REFERRAL AND PLACEMENT, SPEECH THERAPY, PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS AND ASSESSMENT FOR THOSE AUDIOLOGICALLY IMPAIRED.

SIR DAVID ALSO SAW A RESOURCE TEACHING CLASS IN SESSION AND VISITED THE EAR-MOULD LABORATORY, AN EXHIBITION OF RESOURCE MATERIALS FOR TEACHING MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, A CURRICULUM WORKSHOP AND THE BRAILLE PRINTING ROOM.

HE EXPRESSED A KEEN INTEREST IN THE SERVICES PROVIDED AND ENDED THE VISIT AFTER A GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH STAFF.

THE PERTH STREET SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE IS ONE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE INSTITUTIONS AND OFFERS TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT COURSES TO TEACHERS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION.

REGIONAL COUNCIL BUDGET ENDORSED

x * a

THE DRAFT REGIONAL COUNCIL BUDGET FOR 1986-87 WITH REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ESTIMATED AT SI 033 MILLION AND S859 MILLION RESPECTIVELY WAS ENDORSED BY THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).

IN EXPLAINING THE BUDGET, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID THE TWO MAIN SOURCES CF REVENUE WERE THE INCOME FROM RATES AND A GOVERNMENT GRANT WHILE THE EXPENDITURE EXCLUDED CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS.

THE COUNCIL ALSO ENDORSED TWO PROSPOSALS FOR LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO FACILITATE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FINANCIALLY AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE EXERCISE OF ITS AUTHORITY WHEN IT COMES INTO BEING ON APRIL 1, 1986.

/THS ASSISTANT .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1% 1985

- 4 -

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HEADQUARTERS) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. MR GEOFFREY ORR, SAID THAT THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC F£ALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 132) WOULD EFFECT THE TRANSFER OF EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY FROM THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, AS WELL AS THE TRANSFER CF AUTHORITY FOR THE MAKING OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND THE SETTING OF FEES FROM THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

HE SAID IT WOULD ALSO BRING ABOUT A RE-DELINERATION OF JURISDICTION BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

MR ORR SAIDs +IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE, A NEW CONCEPT CF ’REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA’ AND ’URBAN COUNCIL AREA’ HAS BEEN INTRODUCED, WHICH FOLLOWS THE ELECTORAL BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS. THEIR DEMARCATION LINES, HOWEVER, DO NOT COINCIDE WITH THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE URBAN AREA AS DEFINED UNDER THE PRESENT PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE.

+LEGAL ADVICE IS THAT UNLESS THIS ANOMALY IS RESOLVED, THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE AREAS BETWEEN THE PRESENT PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE BOUNDARY AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE BOUNDARY MAY BECOME AREAS IN WHICH THE PROVISIONS CF NEITHER THE (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS OR URBAN COUNCIL BY-LAWS MADE UNDER CHAPTER 132 WILL BE ENFORCEABLE.+

ON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE 1985, THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID DEVELOPMENTS SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE HAD MADE IT NECESSARY FOR A NUMBER OF MINOR AMENDMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED. CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD WHEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL COMES INTO OPERATION HAVE ALSO BEEN FOUND NECESSARY.

+THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INCLUDE CHANGING THE CHINESE NAME CF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AS THE EXISTING CHINESE NAME DOES NOT REFLECT THE SIMILARITY IN TERMS OF THE NATURE AND THt SCOPE OF WORK BETWEEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL,* HE SAID.

+FURTHERMORE, THE EXISTING CHINESE NAME IS TOO SIMILAR TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS’ CHINESE NAME. THE RESULT IS THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FIND IT DIFFICULT TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE TWO.+

A BILL TO AMEND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR.

-----o------

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

REPORT DRUG CAMPAIGN DRAwS GOOD RESPONSE * * *

THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF INFORMATION BEING PASSED TO THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SINCE THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) STARTED ITS CAMPAIGN AGAINST NEIGHBOURHOOD DRUG PEDLARS IN SEPTEMBER.

COMMENTING ON THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, SAID MUCH OF THE INFORMATION WAS OF DIRECT OPERATIONAL INTEREST, AND ALL SUCH INFORMATION WAS ASSISTING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DRUG ABUSE.

+THE ENCOURAGING START TO THE CAMPAIGN IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP A STEADY STREAM OF INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE MOST USEFUL TO THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS,* HE SAID.

APPEALS FOR INFORMATION ON SUSPECTED DRUG PEDDLING ACTIVITIES ARE BEING MADE THROUGH ANNOUNCEMENTS ON TELEVISION, ORGANISED ACTIVITIES AND BY POSTERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.

THOSE WITH INFORMATION ON SUSPECTED DRUG PEDDLING ACTIVITIES ARE URGED TO CONTACT THE NARCOTICS BUREAU OF THE POLICE AT 5-271234, OR THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU AT 5-456182 OR 5-8521437.

MR MORTIMER REASSURED THAT THESE CALLS WOULD BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.

FUNDS OFFERED FOR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS

*****

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN KWUN TONG ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THEIR SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR LI WAH-MING, SAID CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO PROJECTS WHICH WOULD BENEFIT RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

+HOWEVER, DUE TO THE CLOSE OF FINANCIAL YEAR IN MARCH, THE APPROVED PROJECTS MUST BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN JANUARY 20 AND FEBRUARY 21 NEXT YEAR,* HE SAID.

+THE PROJECTS MUST NOT BE REGULAR ACTIVITIES OF THE APPLICANT ORGANISATIONS, AND THE PROPOSED BUDGETS SHOULD NOT EXCEED $5 000,+ ADDED.

/AHPLIC4TI0N FOKMS .......

xHURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

6 -

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SECRETARY OF COMMITTEE AND ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SENT IN BY DECEMBER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315 EXTENSION 451.

IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, THE COMMITTEE GRANTED $40 TO HELP IMPLEMENT 17 PROJECTS FROM 25 APPLICATIONS.

THE 31.

149

FS TO MEET MEDIA * X *

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, WILL MEET MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

BOARD TO DISCUSS HOUSING ISSUE * * * *

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME INVOLVING THE REHOUSING AND REPROVISIONING OF TENANTS IN SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE BLOCK 2 AND WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE BLOCK 9.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED REALLOCATION OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD FUND 1985-86 AND PLANS TO STAGE A SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL NEXT YEAR.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR KEITH LAM AND MAN HON-MING, WILL ASK WHY NONE OF THE STALLS AT THE COOKED FOOD PAVILION IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE ARE IN OPERATION AND WHETHER THE LACK OF TENDERS IS DUE TO THE HIGH RENTALS CHARGED BY THE AUTHORITIES.

ANOTHER MEMBER, MR CHAN YAU-YUE, WILL ASK ABOUT THE PROBLEMS AND CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM THE STRICT ENFORCEMENT CF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON SHOPS ALONG VILLAGE-TYPE ROADS.

/also on .......

ubsla. dece"' < r-«5

ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE REPORTS ON THE VARIOUS COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM NO. 7-11 NAM NING STREET, MEI FUNG COURT, SECOND FLOOR, ABERDEEN CENTRE.

- - 0 -

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER * * * *

EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE EITHER THE CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL (DECEMBER 22) OR CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) SHOULD BE APPOINTED AS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE SAID ALL EARNING NOT MORE AND MUST BE PAID FOR THREE MONTHS

MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-NAMUAL EMPLOYEES THAN $9 500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY FOR THE DAY-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS

ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND

HOLIDAY PAY

COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PER OD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECtDING THE HOLIDAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF OR AFTER THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ON A STATUTORY WITHIN 60 DAYS

HOLIDAY, BEFORE

ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS

ERANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

MAY BE MADE TO

THE NEAREST

- 0 - -

HURSDAY, DErEt',BEt\ .. 1 985

8 -

WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL IMPORT OF ANIMALS * * * *

LOCAL RESIDENTS VISITING OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE COMING FESTIVE SEASON WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO BRING INTO HONG KONG ANY ANIMALS, BIRDS OR REPTILES WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT ISSUED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

IN PARTICULAR, ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF DOGS AND CATS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 PLUS IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF DOGS AND CATS INTO HONG KONG AND WOULD STEP UP IMPORT CONTROL MEASURES DURING THE

HOLIDAY PERIODS.

+IN 1984, THERE WERE SEVEN SUCH OFFENCES AND IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR ALONE, THERE WERE ALREADY 24 CASES.

+THE SITUATION IS BECOMING MORE SERIOUS AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE VISITING OTHER COUNTRIES INCLUDING CHINA AND BRINGING BACK DOGS AND CATS ON THEIR RETURN,* HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN CAUTIONED THAT DOGS AND CATS ILLEGALLY IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG MIGHT BE POTENTIAL RABIES CARRIERS.

♦ SUCH ANIMALS MIGHT SPREAD RABIES LOCALLY AND JEOPARDISE THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN PREVENTING THE DISEASE,* HE SAID.

HE REMINDED THAT THE IMPORTATION OF DOGS AND CATS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES REQUIRES A VALID PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO IMPORTATION AND THE ANIMALS ARE SUBJECT TO QUARANTINE OF SIX MONTHS.

- - 0-----------

*SHORT MESSAGE* SERVICE AVAILABLE MONDAY x * a

A +SHORT MESSAGE* FACILITY OF THE INTELPOST (INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC POST) NETWORK WILL BE INTRODUCED TO ALL OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS IN THE INTELPOST SERVICE EXCEPT SINGAPORE FROM DECEMBER 23 (MONDAY), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

THIS WILL BENEFIT INTELPOST CUSTOMERS WHO ONLY REQUIRE A SMALL SPACE (THAT IS A5 - 210 MM X 145 MM) TO WRITE SHORT MESSAGES, MAINLY OF A PERSONAL NATURE AND TO PROMOTE A GREATER USE OF INTELPOST AS THE FACILITY INTRODUCED AT REDUCED RATES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/+DjSPSKJlNG ON ........

UBSDAY, DECEMBER ’4,

- 9 -

CHARGES FOR SENDING A TO 33 PER CENT CHEAPER THAN I ZE DOCUMENT,+ HE SAID.

♦DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, oHOPT MESSAGE’ WILL BE 18 PER CENT THE NORMAL RATES CHARGED FOR AN A4 S

UNDER PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS DOCUMENTS, DIAGRAMS AND OTHERS UP TO A MAXIMUM OF A4 SIZE (210 MM X 297 MM) CAN BE SENT BY INTELPOST, AND EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN A NOTICEABLE DEMAND FOR A SMALLER SIZE FACILITY.

♦THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT ANY ONE OF THE 23 INTELPOST ACCEPTANCE OFFICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THE INTELPOST SERVICE OFFERS HIGH-SPEED FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND 34 OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS INCLUDING THE U.S., UK, FRANCE, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AND CANTON,+ HE SAID.

+INTELPOST SERVICE PROVIDES THE LARGEST DELIVERY NETWORK AND DELIVERY AT THE OVERSEAS DESTINATION CAN USUALLY BE AFFECTED WITHIN HOURS.

♦IT IS ALREADY ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST PUBLIC ELECTRONIC MAIL SERVICES, AND IT IS STILL GROWING FAST,* HE SAID.

THOSE HAVING FACSIMILE MACHINES IN THEIR OFFICES CAN, BY ARRANGEMENT, TRANSMIT ITEMS DIRECT TO THE POST OFFICE INTELPOST TERMINAL IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION OVERSEAS

AT NO EXTRA COST.

FURTHER INFORMATION THE INTELPOST MANAGER ON

ON THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM TELEPHONE 5-2671148.

---0------

TENDERS INVITED FOR TAXI LICENCES * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR 100 URBAN TAXI LICENCES, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

TENDER FORMS FOR THE NEW LICENCES * ILL BE AVAILABLE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLE SECTION AT ROOMS 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, CENTRAL, OR FROM THE SECTION’S KOWLOON OFFICES ON THE NINTH FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.

TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT 525 000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH URBAN TAXI LICENCE THEY SEEK, AND ONE TENDER FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED FOR ANY NUMBER OF TAXI LICENCES NOT EXCEEDING 100, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

/a PUBLIC .......

aUK DS3S432B 19, 1985

A PUBLIC BALLOT VAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS YwH ICH OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM, HE- ADDED.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS. TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RPCEIPTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES, ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 10, 1986.

- 0 -

TENANCY SOUGHT FOR KOWLOON SITE

* X X

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE OFF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD NEAR TAI WO PING, KOWLOON.

MEASURING ABOUT 4 150 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OR CONCRETE BATCHING PURPOSES.

TENANCY OF THE SITE IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENANCY IS NOON ON JANUARY 3.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOwLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

GRANTS OFFERED TO LOCAL PERFORMING ARTISTS

XXX

LOCAL PERFORMING ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS UNDER THE COUNCIL’S GRANT APPLICATION SCHEME 1986.

THE GRANTS ARE GIVEN OUT WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING STANDARDS OF ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE.

APPLICATIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS.

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE DISPLAYED PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS FIELD.

/FUNDS WILL........

HUK.:JAY, DBCi&SBr. Tf, '^5

FUNDS W ILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DISBURSEMENT TO PERFORMING ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING FORMS: PROJECT GRANTS, CAPITAL GRANTS AND GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS.

PROJECT GRANTS ARE TO BE GIVEN FOR A SPECIFIC PROJECT OR EVENT; CAPITAL GRANTS ARE INTENDED TO ASSIST IN THE PURCHASE OF NECESSARY EQUIPMENT; GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS ARE INTENDED FOR LOCAL PROFESSIONALS, TO ASSIST THEM IN COVERING THE COSTS EITHER OF A SPECIFIC PROJECT OR OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNIQUES OR IDEAS IN THE PERFORMING ARTS FIELD.

ORGANISATIONS APPLYING FOR GRANTS UNDER THE SCHEME SHOULD BE BONA FIDE, REGISTERED BODIES WHICH ARE EITHER REGISTERED CHARITABLt INSTITUTIONS OR WHICH HAVE CLEARLY-STATED NON-PROFIT MAKING AIMS. IN ADDITION, APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ABILITY TO CARRY OUT THE PROPOSALS FOR WHICH THEY ARE SEEKING FUNDS.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR THE GRANTS MAY EXPECT THE SUBSIDIES TO BE PAID WITHIN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FEBRUARY 14, 1986.

THE wAN

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE COUNCIL FOR 1OTH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD,

PERFORMING ARTS, CHAI.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5-735878, 5-735569 OR 5-735045.

--------0----------

CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP FOR CAREERS MASTERS * * * *

MORE THAN 150 CAREERS MASTERS FROM VARIOUS SCHOOLS WILL ATTEND A CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON GENERAL GUIDANCE, TO BE HELD AT 9 AM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS, THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASOCIATION AND SIK SIK YUEN.

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG WILL SPEAK AT THE OPENING.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION AND THE CHAIRMAN CF SIK SIK YUEN, MR WONG WAN-TIN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS, MR CHAN JOE-CHAK.

GUEST SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS AT THE CONFERENCE AND THE WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE DR IMELDA V.G. VILLAR, GUIDANCE DIRECTOR OF ST. SCHOLASTICA’S COLLEGE OF PHILIPPINES AND MR LAWRANCE SUSS, EDUCATION COUNSELLOR OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL.

/12 .......

T-.jRSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1935

12 -

CLINIC SERVICE- FOR HOLIDAY PERIOD M * *

EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 25), THURSDAY (DECEMBER 26), AND WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1), BETWEEN 9 AM TO 1 PM.

THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAUKEIWAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND? KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE, YAUMATEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON? LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HU I JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.

REVISED TIMETABLE FOR STATUTORY DECLARATION

* * * *

THE TIMETABLE FOR STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES OFFERED AT THE KWAI CHUNG EAST, KWAI CHUNG NORTH, KWAI CHUNG WEST AND KWAI CHUNG CENTRAL SUB-OFFICES WILL BE REVISED WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 2, 1986.

A KwA I CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED SCHEDULE, THE PUBLIC CAN BE BETTER SERVED AT THESE SUB-OFFICES.

HE SAID STAFF WILL BE MOBILISED TO PROVIDE STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES AT A CERTAIN PERIOD IN THE WEEK SO THAT RESIDENTS DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT LONGER THAN NECESSARY WHILE THE OFFICERS HAVE OTHER DUTIES OR COMMITMENTS TO PERFORM.

wITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 2, STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES AT KWAI CHUNG EAST SUB-OFFICE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM 13 AM TO NOON EVERY MONDAY AND FRIDAY, AND FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY.

IN KWAI CHUNG NORTH SUB-OFFICE, THE SERVICE WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY FROM 10 AM TO NOON.

THE KWAI CHUNG WEST SUB-OFFICE WILL OPERATE ITS SERVICE ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM.

THE CENTRAL KWAI CHUNG SUB-OFFICE, WHICH IS THE MOST POPULAR VENUE FOR THE SERVICE, WILL OPERATE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY f-ROM 10 AM TO NOON IN THE MORNING AND FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM IN THE AFTERNOON, AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SATURDAY.

tHURoDAY, L_ .. 'BER : ' , 1935

FINALISTS SEuECTED FOR +CLEAN AND GREEN+ SCHEME

*****

THE +CLEAN AND GREEN+ SCHEME FORKING GROUP TODAY (THURSDAY) SELECTED 10 FINALISTS OUT OF MORE THAN 403 PEOPLE WHO HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE SECOND STAGE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION PROJECT.

THE FINALISTS WILL COMPETE AT AN OUTDOOR COMPETITION ON DECEMBER 28 FOR THE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP TO WIN TwO RETURN AIR TICKETS TO AUSTRALIA AND TWO 15-DAY AUSSIE PASSES.

PRIZES FOR RUNNERS-UP WILL INCLUDE A TAIWAN MOUNTAIN CLIMBING PACKAGE TOUR, A CAMERA WITH ACCESSORIES, CAMPING EQUIPMENT AND HIKING GEAR.

THE SELECTED 10 FINALISTS ARE MISS CHEUNG YUET-YEE, MISS MAK SUK-YIN, MR LEE SHUN-SHING, MR LO KING-JAM, MR LEE TSU-HUNG, MR LAI SHING-HIN, MR NG CHI-MAN, MISS CHAN CHOR-WAN, MISS LO SIU-YICK AND MISS SUNITA MIR^URI. MR LAI IS ALSO THE WINNER CF THE 1983-84 SCHEME.

THEY RECIEVED THE HIGHEST MARKS IN ALL ACTIVITIES IN STAGE TWO INVOLVING LITTER COLLECTION IN A MAXIMUM OF 10 COUNTRY PARKS, A COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION QUIZ AND A DESIGN COMPETITION ON THE THE Me CF COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PREVENTION OR TREE PLANTING.

THEIR ENTRIES IN THE FORM OF POSTERS, PAINTINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WERE ADJUDICATED BY MEMBERS OF THE FORKING GROUP HEADED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN.

MR WAN SAID AFTER THE ADJUDICATION: +WE ARE IMPRESSED BY THE VERY HIGH STANDARD, ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVITY OF THE ENTRIES. THEY HAVE NOT ONLY REFLECTED PARTICIPANTS’ INTEREST IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION BUT ALSO THEIR GOOD KNOWLEDGE IN THE PROPER USE OF, AND CARE FOR, OUR GREEN AND SPACIOUS COUNTRY PARKS.+

THE SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR. IT HAS ATTRACTED A RECORD PARTICIPATION OF 5743 PEOPLE.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER x , 1985

14 -

SURVEYORS JOINT OFFICE OPENED * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, TODAY (Thursday) officiated at the opening of the joint hong kong institute cf surveyors (hkis) and royal institution of chartered surveyors (RICS) OFFICE IN SWIRE HOUSE, CENTRAL.

LJ^?!AulnGnrLTHE 0PEN,NG» MR CHAN SAID IT WAS HEARTENING THAT THE HKIS HAD RETAINED ITS PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION WITH ITS l/tTta 1u*IJTtTJ0N’ THE r,cs» not ONLY FOR REASONS OF CONVENEIENCE ^JvTn J^RE THE NEW HEADQUARTERS IN ORDER TO REPRESENT THE MANY DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF SURVEYING IN HONG KONG.

THE MUTUAL INTERCHANGE OF IDEAS BETWEEN THE TWO ORGANISATIONS AND WITH PROFESSIONAL BODIES BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS WOULD BE INVALUABLE FOR THE PROMOTION OF SURVEYING AND THE MAINTENANCE CF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, HE ADDED.

MR CHAN SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT STEADY PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE IN PREPARING THE WAY FOR THE HKIS TO APPLY FOR FULL RECOGNITION BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

HE ADVISED THAT THE FORMATION OF THE INSTITUTE HAD TO BE CAREFULLY PLANNED TO ENSURE THAT IT HAD SUFFICIENT PROFESSIONAL STANDING AND FULL AUTHORITY TO ASSUME SUCH WEIGHTY REo°ONSIBILITY.

--------0----------

YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL DETAILS * * *

WELL-KNOWN LOCAL AND FOREIGN ORCHESTRAS, OPERA GROUPS, BALLET AND DANCE TROUPES, SINGERS AND CHILDREN’S CHOIRS WILL PERFORM FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS DURING A 19-DAY ARTS FESTIVAL BEGINNING FEBRUARY 21.

THE SIXTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE A WIDE RANGE CF ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES.

DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ALAN WONG, AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF THE YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT NO. 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

--------o-----------

. jRSDAY, DECtr.^. .

9U5

YOUTH B~ND FESTIVAL STARTS THIS WEEKEND * * *

THE 1985 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, WILL START ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21) UNTIL NEW YEAR’S EVE.

THE OPENING CONCERT, FEATURING THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC EAND AND YOUTH CHOIR AND THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN YOUTH BAND, WILL BE HELD AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL ON SATURDAY AT 2.30 PM.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A WIND ENSEMBLE CONTEST, A SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST AND A MARCHING BAND CONTEST DURING THE FESTIVAL

PERIOD.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CONCERT.

------q--------

MORE BUILDINGS JOIN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME

X * * *

WAN CHAI DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL MONITOR AND REVIEW THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME TO SEP IF IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE MORE BUILDINGS, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHFME AT LEI SHUN BUILDING IN LEIGHTON ROAD, MR GARCIA SAID THE BUILDING WAS THE FOURTH IN THD DISTRICT TO JOIN THE SCHEME.

HE SAID A TOTAL OF FOUR BUILDINGS IN WAN CHAI HAD JOINED THE SCHEME AND THAT THE RESPONSE FROM RESIDENTS HAD BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING.

IT THE SCHEME WAS PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN HELPING THE POLICE TO PREVENT BURGLARIES AND ROBBERIES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IT COULD BE EXTENDED TO MORE BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT, MR GARCIA SAID.

OTHER GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE WAN CHAI POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR LAU TO-YEE; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM; CHAIRMAN 0° THE TAI HANG-SO KON PO AREA COMMITTEE, mr CHOW Yv i-WAH, AND CHAIRMAN 0- THE LEI SHUN BUILDING OWNERS’ CORPORATION, MR FUNG TIEN-HING.

/lb .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1935

OPERATION AGAINST DANGEROUS GOODS

*****

THE KOWLOON EAST DIVISION CARRY OUT AN OPERATION AGAINST STORED OR WITHOUT A LICENCE IN (PR IDAY).

OF THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND WILL EXCESSIVE DANGEROUS GOODS BEING THE EAST KOWLOON AREA TOMORROW

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPERATION. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AT FUNt> TAK ROAD BEFORE 9.30 AM TOMORROW.

-----o------

BRIEFING ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM

*****

A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR GREGORY LEUNG, wILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE WORK AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM SCHEME AT 2 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 23) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF CNTA, 13TH FLOOR, wORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE FOR THE PRESS TO TOUR YAU MA TEI AND EASTERN DISTRICTS TO SEE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE CO-ORDINATION TEAMS’ EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS.

YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, HOUSING MANAGERS, MR WONG KAI-SHU AND MR LIN KA-TIN OF THE YAU MA TEI AND THE EASTERN BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMi WILL BE PRcaEnl

DURING THE TOURS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE BRIEFING AND JOIN THE TOUR AFTERWARDS/ TRANSPORTATION *ILL BE PROVIDED.

-------0

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

SwITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT SHA TIN * * * *

A SwITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN TO CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS AND NEw YEAR WILL. BE HELD AT THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE IN THE TOWN CENTRE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 6 PM.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER CF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS MARIA TAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE ON THE FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN, MR LAM HUNG-CHIU, AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG.

THE LIGHTING AND CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTING DECORATIONS, WHICH COSTS ABOUT $500 000, IS SPONSORED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, TO DECORATE THE SAND MARTIN AND BANYAN BRIDGES, THE NEWLY COMPLETED SHING MUN RIVER PROMENADE, AND OTHER SELECTED AREAS.

A PHOTO CONTEST AND A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR THE LUNAR NEw YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS WILL BE ARRANGED AT A LATER DATE.

THE ANNUAL EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE PLANNING COMMITTEE AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT 6 PM AT THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE ADJACENT TO THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN TUMOR RO;..

- - 0 -

SHENZHEN ANIMAL, PLANT EXPERTS ON VISIT * * * *

THREE MEMBERS OF THE SHENZHEN ANIMAL AND PLANT QUARANTINE SERVICE TODAY (THURSDAY) MET WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND TO DISCUSS FUTURE CO-OPERATION.

THE GROUP COMPRISED DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR YE ZHANG-MING, VETERINARIAN, MR TANG GUI-ZHANG, AND LABORATORY CHIEF AGRONOMIS MR HUANG QING-SONG.

THEY WERE MET BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE), DR THOMAS YIP, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARlERS.

/ALSO PRESENT

THURSDAY, MBEMBEH 19, 1985

- 18 -

ALSO PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE SENIOR CROP DEVELOPMENT <FFICER, HISS VERA SO, SENIOR VETERINARY OFF ICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, AND SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR M.K. CHEUNG.

THE FIFTH MEETING OF ITS KIND SINCE /RATION OF THE SHENZHEN AND HONG KONG WORKING GROUP ON AN I MAL AND PLANT QUARANTINE IN DECEMBER 1983, THE TWO s 1DES ^lEWED EFFORTS IN CONTROLLING THE IMPORT OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS INCLUDING ENDANGERED SPECIES, AS WELL AS THE PROGRESS IN RABIES CONTROL WORK.

THEY ALSO DISCUSSED PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST THE INTRODUCTION OF MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY AND AFRICAN SWINE FEVER.

THE SHENZHEN GROUP, WHICH (DECEMBER 24), WILL ALSO VISIT SEE THE PESTICIDE CONTROL WORK

WILL BE LEAVING ON TUESDAY THE HONG KONG HERBARIUM AND BY THE DEPARTMENT.

DB MEMBERS SERENADE HANDICAPPED AND ELDERLY * * * *

THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TREATED TO A MEDLEY OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS FROM A DISTINGUISHED GROUP CF SINGERS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE CAROLLERS ARE NOT CHOIR SINGERS, BUT MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, AND OTHER STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

A CO-OPTED MEMBER OF THE BOARD, MR YIU CHEUK-HUNG, WILL BE SANTA CLAUS ACCOMPANYING THE IMPROMPTU CHOIR TO THREE LOCAL INSTITUTIONS.

IN ADDITION TO CAROLLING, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISTRIBUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY IN THE SPIRIT OF JOY AND LOVE IN THE FESTIVE SEASON.

THE THREE INSTITUTIONS THE CHOIR WILL CALL ON TOMORROW ARE THE MARGARET TRENCH MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE, THE PO LEUNG KUK KO CHIU ROAD CENTRE AND THE KWUN TONG KWONG YUM HOME FOR THE AGED.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CAROLLING SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 2.45 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE CARPARK OF THE KWUN TONC DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.

- 0 - -

/19 .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

HANDMADE GIFTS FOR ELDERLY

* * * *

A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS wILL PUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE GIFTS THEY HAVE PRODUCED FOR THE ELDERLY DURING A GATHERING ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21) AFTERNOON.

OUTSIDE THE HELPING HAND SHELTER FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE SHUN LEE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, 75 VOLUNTEERS WILL MAKE THE LAoT STITCHES ON SCARFS, SHAWLS, GLOVES AND HATS FOR 109 ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF THE HOSTEL.

EARLIER IN THE MONTH, ABOUT 200 VOLUNTEERS HAD BEGUN KNITTING THE ITEMS AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE ELDERLY.

THE EVENT, ENTITLED +WARMTH KNIT-IN FOR THE ELDERLY*, WAS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE CURRENT KWUN TONG FESTIVAL '85 TO FOSTER A SENSE OF RESPECT AND CARING FOR THE ELDERLY.

APART FROM THE VOLUNTEERS, FIVE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TAM, WILL ALSO PITCH IN TO HELP THE VOLUNTEERS THIS SATURDAY.

AT THE SAME TIME VOLUNTEERS FROM THE PING SHEK YOUTH CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS WILL SING ALONG WITH THE ELDERLY AT THE GATHERING, WHILE THE ELDERLY WILL PERFORM FOLK SONGS FOR THEIR GUESTS.

THE WARMTH KNIT-IN WAS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE aARMTH KN IT-IN FOR THE ELDERLY FELD AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21) AT THE OPEN SPACE BETWEEN BLOCKS 60 AND 61 OF THE SHUN LEE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREa.

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/20 .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

LANDOWNERS URGED TO COLLECT COMPENSATION

* * * *

LAND OWNERS, ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR LANDS RESUMED FOR THC LOK MA CHAU BORDER LINK AND N.T. CIRCULAR ROAD PROJECTS, HAVE BEEN URGED TO COME FORWARD TO COLLECT THEIR CHEQUES.

THE COMPENSATION HAS BEEN CALCULATED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEW POLICY FOR ZONAL COMPENSATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES RECENTLY APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE TWO PROJECTS FORM A MAJOR PART OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS TO IMPROVE THE ROAD NETWORK FOR AN EXPECTED INCREASE IN TRAFFIC VOLUME IN THE NORTH-WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES INTO THE NEXT DECADE.

+THE $260 MILLION LO MA CHAU BORDER LINK PROJECT WILL PROVIDE YET ANOTHER CROSSING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+CONSTRUCTION WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1988,+ HE ADDED.

+A LARGE NUMBER OF CHEQUES PREPARED FOR THE APPROVED COMPENSATION IS READY FOR COLLECTION AT THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S LANDS OFFICE IN YUEN LONG,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN ADDITION A TOTAL OF $27.5 MILLION IN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES HAS ALSO BEEN APPROVED FOR PAYMENT TO FARMERS FOR THEIR CROPS, FISHPONDS, LIVESTOCK AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS,* HE SAID.

+S0 FAR, $26 MILLION OF THIS MONEY HAD BEEN PAID OUT,+ HE ADDED.

------o-------

TUEN MUN RESTRICTED ZONE

* * *

PUI TO ROAD EASTBOUND, BETWEEN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD, AND ITS SLIP ROAD LEADING TO TUEN MUN ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

MOTOR VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.

MEANWHILE, WONG CHU ROAD BETWEEN ROAD 16A AND TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS FROM 10 AM ON DECEMBER 21 (SATURDAY) TO FACILITATE PIPE LAYING WORK.

TRAFFIC FROM LUNG MUN ROAD HEADING TOWARDS TUEN MUN ROAD SHOULD USE TSI NG WUN ROAD.

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/21 .....

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

CHANGES AT PROHIBITED * * *

ZONES, SPEED LIMIT * *

THE MACAU FERRY BUS TERMINUS WILL BE MADE A PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22).

ALL VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREA.

THE EXISTING PROHIBITED ZONES AT THE MACAU FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND AT CLEVERLY STREET BUS TERMINUS WILL BE LIFTED.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING SPEED LIMIT KILOMETRES PER HOUR ON WESTBOUND HARCOURT ROAD BETWEEN FENWICK STREET AND ARSENAL STREET WILL BE CHANGED TO 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR FROM ID AM ON THE SAME DAY.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK POPULARITY WITH JAPANESE INVESTORS GROWS .................. 1

OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, JOB AND PAYROLL FIGURES OUT........... 2

OPERATION DATE OF UNIFIED EXCHANGE EXTENDED .................. 5

MORE GUIDANCE, COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS ............. 6

HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM OPENS ............................... 7

SHAM SHUT PO ACTIVITIES FOR FESTIVE SEASON ................... 8

CIVIC EDUCATION ChMP FOR TUEN MUN YOUTHS ..................... 10

CHAI WAN LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS ............................. 10

PEACE RALLY TO MARK CLOSING OF IYY ........................... 11

QUARTERLY HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT OUT ........................ 12

LABOUR RELATIONS SYMPOSIUM FOR CATERING INDUSTRY ............. 12

CHRISTMAS DISCO 10 BID i'AI-J.L-L TO ITT ..................... 13

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES TN CENTRAL, WESTERN ..................... 14

CHARITY CHRISTMAS TREE DECKED OUT ............................ 15

SAI KUNG FESTIVAL FOR ELDERLY TO CLOSE........................ 15

'MINI GRAND PRIX’ IN KWUN TONG ............................... 16

FREE CHRISTMAS POP CONCERT TREAT.............................. 16

ARTS FESTIVAL FOR YUEN LONG .................................. 17

ADVANCE PAYMENT OF WELFARE ALLOWANCES ........................ 18

MUSICAL CHEERS FOR HANDICAPPED, ELDERLY ...................... 18

REGISTRATION REVOKED ......................................... 18

HENRY MOORE POSTERS CN DISPLAY ............................... 19

RSD LIBRARIES TO CLOSE DURING HOLIDAYS ....................... 19

NGAU CHI WAN ZONING PLAN AMENDED ............................. 19

RESTRICTED ZONES SET UP ...................................... 20

HO MAN TIN TAPS OFF .......................................... 20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20,

HK POPULARITY WITH JAPANESE INVESTORS GROWS * * * *

JAPANESE COMPANIES ARE INCREASINGLY AWARE OF HONG KONG’S ADVANTAGES AND ATTRACTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NISSIN FOODS COMPANY LIMITED AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MR YAXLEY SAID JAPANESE COMPANIES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR, WITH 59 WHOLLY-OWNED AND 62 JOINT VENTURE FACTORIES.

♦JAPAN IS THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE COUNTRY FOR OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, AND ACCOUNTS FOR 21 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $2 400 MILLION.

♦SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR, NEW INVESTMENT AND RE-INVESTMENT FROM JAPAN HAS TOTALLED $160 MILLION. IN ADDITION THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS ASSISTING WITH 30 OTHER PROJECTS WHICH ARE STILL IN THE PLANNING STAGE.

♦THERE ARE GOOD CHANCES THAT FURTHER INVESTMENT ORDER OF $100 MILLION WILL BE ATTRACTED TO HONG KONG NEXT FEW MONTHS.+

IN THE OVER THE

HE NOTED THAT JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN HAD ALWAYS SHOWN CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AS AN ATTRACTIVE AND PROFITABLE PLACE IN WHICH TO DO BUSINESS.

♦THERE ARE MORE THAN 800 JAPANESE CORPORATIONS IN HONG KONG, AND THEIR OPERATIONS SPAN THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM OF OUR ECONOMIC LIFE.

♦FIFTY-THREE JAPANESE BANKS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES, AND 12 LEADING JAPANESE SECURITY HOUSES HAVE SET UP OFFICES IN HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.

♦EIGHT OF THE LARGEST JAPANESE INSURANCE COMPANIES UNDERWRITE RISKS IN HONG KONG’S INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE MARKETS AND ALL MAJOR JAPANESE SHIPPING COMPANIES ARE ALSO REPRESENTED.

♦JAPANESE COMPANIES ARE PROMINENTLY REPRESENTED IN HONG KONG’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS WELL.+

0 -

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, JOB AND PAYROLL FIGURES OUT *****

THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) IN THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED SLIGHTLY IN OCTOBER 1985 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THERE WERE DECLINES IN THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, AND NO CHANGE IN THE WEARING APPAREL INUDSTRY.

EMPLOYMENT IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FELL AS SOME FIRMS LAID OFF WORKERS. THE SLIGHT DECLINE IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY WAS DUE TO SEASONAL EFFECTS, AS TEMPORARY WORKERS IN MOON-CAKE BAKERIES LEFT EMPLOYMENT AFTER THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.

THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRY REPORTED A STABLE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION.

THERE WERE INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN MOST INDUSTRIES. IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, THE INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS AS WELL AS IN TOTAL PAYROLL MAINLY REFLECTED OVERTIME PAY IN SOME FACTORIES. IN THE FABRICATED NETAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, A NUMBER OF FIRMS REPORTED INCREASED PAYROLL BECAUSE OF SEVERANCE PAY GIVEN TO LAID-OFF WORKERS.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE NUMBER OF OPERATIVES DECLINED AS SOME PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR AND PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES DROPPED BECAUSE THERE HAD BEEN PAYMENT OF BONUSES IN THE PRECEDING MONTH.

SLIGHT INCREASES IN EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED FOR HOTELS.

THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDER-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE TABLES BELOW.

THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1983.

/AS THE

FRIDAY, DECDffiER 20, 1985

3 -

AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD GIVE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 1985 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, AT $1.50 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 3-7212854.

FOLLOWING ARE THE TABLES:

A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURI NG INDUSTRIES

INDUSTRY (% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR OCTOBER 1985

AUG. 1985 SEPT. 1985 OCT. 1985

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 1 -2 * 4.40

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEAR ING APPAREL 2 * 8 2.37

PLASTIC PRODUCTS X -7 -5 3.80

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -1 -5 -3 3.15

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ; * -3 -2 4.86

OTHERS * * * 4.39

ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES * -3 -1 4.15

/B. 34PD0YMENT........

B — - 4 - yRIDAY, DECDffiEB 20, 1985 •

B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS

PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR OCTOu 1985 HK $

INDUSTRY/ SERVICES (% CHANGE OVER THE AUG. SEPT. OCT. 1985 1985 1985 PRECEDING MONTH) AUG. SEPT. OCT. 1985 1985 1985

MANUFACTUR1 NG -2 -3 -1 1 V-i 1 1 1 2 * 3 056

FOOD AND DRINKS 1 * -1 -1 -2 * 3 792

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR -2 * * 3 -5 5 2 622

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 1 * * -2 1 3 3 140

PLASTIC PRODUCTS -2 -11 -2 9 -7 1 2 719

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -4 -4 -1 -2 6 7 2 969

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 -3 -3 * X * 2 845

OTHERS -1 -2 -1 3 -1 2 4 119 1

CONSTRUCTION ** -1 -2 1 1 1 * 2 -4 4 364 I

SERV ICES * * -2 4 -4 5 503 I

BANKS * X * -2 1 -1 4 910

HOTELS * 1 1 * -1 2 3 622 1

PUBLIC UTILITIES X * * -6 12 -6 5 784 I

OTHERS * * 1 5 -8 -1 6 572 1

* CHANGES WITHI N + 0. 5 PER CENT

** PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ONLY; SITE WORKERS NOT INCLUDED.

■ - - c - /5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

OPERATION DATE OF UNIFIED EXCHANGE EXTENDED

* X * * *

THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (EXTENSION OF PERIOD) ORDER 1985 WHICH EXTENDS TO JUNE 30, 1986 THE STATUTORY PERIOD SPECIFIED UNDER THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION ORDINANCE FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (EXTENSION OF PERIOD) ORDER 1983, THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE WAS TO COMMENCE OPERATION BY DECEMBER 31, 1985 THE LATEST.

+HOWEVER, THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO START OPERATION AT THE END OF THIS YEAR BECAUSE MATTERS SUCH AS FAMILIARISING ITS MEMBERS WITH THE USE OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, PREPARATION OF THE RULES RELATING TO MEMBERSHIP, LISTING. TRADING, FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCIPLINE HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETED,* HE SAID.

NEVERTHELESS, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE WERE ALL KEEN TO SEE AN EARLY OPENING OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE.

+EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE BY ALL PARTIES CONCERNED TO ACHIEVE THIS IN GOOD TIME BEFORE JUNE 30, 1986,+ HE ADDED, NOTING THAT THE EXCHANGE HAD INDICATED THAT ACTION ON ALL OUTSTANDING MATTERS SHOULD BE COMPLETED OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY WAS THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1985 (COMMENCEMENT) (NO. 2) NOTICE 1985 WHICH BRINGS INTO FULL OPERATION WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT THIS ORDINANCE, EXCEPT SECTION 9.

THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON AUGUST 7, 1985 GIVES EFFECT TO CHANGES IN THE MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE AND CRITERIA CF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE.

SECTION 9 WHICH RENDERS VOID ANY DEED OF TRUST ARRANGEMENTS CREATING THIRD PARTY CONTROL WILL COME INTO FORCE WHEN THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE COMMENCES OPERATION.

/6........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1935

MORE GUIDANCE, COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

* K * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS PROVIDED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND FACILITIES FOR SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS FOR THE PROMOTION OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ADVANCED BY ONE YEAR THE PROVISION OF THE FOURTH AND FIFTH ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECTOR STANDARD-SIZE SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOURTH TEACHER IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND THE FIFTH TEACHER IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR WOULD ENABLE THE SCHOOLS TO IMPROVE THE SPECIFIC SERVICES THEY PROVIDED FOR THEIR PUPILS, HE SAID.

+ONE OF THE TARGET SERVICES IS GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING FOR ALL SECONDARY PUP ILS,+ MR LEUNG SAID.

TO ASSIST THE TEACHERS IN CARRYING OUT THIS IMPORTANT TASK, PR LEUNG SAID THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD PROVIDE THEM WITH PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE AND THE CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.

+ THE CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION WILL BE EXPANDED FURTHER FOR THE NEa SERVICE,* HE ADDED.

FOR THE PURPOSE OF HELPING TEACHERS TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES, PR LEUNG SAID THE CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION WAS ACTIVELY FORMULATING A +SUGGESTED GUIDELINES AND DUTY LIST FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND THEIR TERMS* AND THIS WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS SOON AS IT WAS FINALISED.

TURNING TO THE NEED OF TRAINING FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS, PR LEUNG SAID A ONE-YEAR CERTIFICATE COURSE IN COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE ORGANISED BY THE EXTRA-MURAL DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE TRAINING OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO WERE INTERESTED IN STUDENT GUIDANCE AND COUNSELL ING.

HE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REFUNDED HALF OF THE TUITION FEE TO EACH SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANT AT PRESENT AND FUNDS WERE BEING SOUGHT TO COVER THE FULL COST OF THIS COURSE BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE FUTURE.

+IF APPROVED, THE 1987 COURSE AND COURSES THEREAFTER WILL BE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE FOR OUR TEACHERS,* HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE CONFERENCE, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ON A REGULAR BASIS, TO RAISE THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OF THE GUIDANCE TEACHERS.

/THE HONG .......

FRIDAY, DECQfBER 20, 198?

THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS NOW HAS MORE THAN 390 MEMBERS, EACH REPRESENTING A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1959, THE ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN WORKING TC THE FULLEST EXTENT IN THE COORDINATION OF THE CAREERS GUIDANCE PROGRAMMES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

TO PROMOTE YET ANOTHER SERVICE, MR LEUNG SAID THE ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED A GUIDANCE DIVISION IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR UNDER ITS AEGIS FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND MUCH EFFORT HAD BEEN PUT INTO THIS NEW SERVICE.

-----o------

HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM OPENS * * *

THE HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM. BUILT THROUGH THE RESTORATION CF THE OLD TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID THAT THE MUSEUM, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 6 500 SQUARE METRES, HAD PRESERVED THE OLD RAILWAY STATION WHICH WAS GAZETTED A HISTORICAL BUILDING IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

♦METICULOUS CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO RESTORE THE OLD STATION, BUILT IN 1913, TO ITS ORIGINAL CONDITION,* HE SAID.

THE MUSEUM CONSISTS OF AN EXHIBITION HALL INTRODUCING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, SUPPLEMENTED BY AN CFFICE BLOCK AND A NEW EXHIBITION SHED FOR THE DISPLAY OF HISTORICAL COACHES.

THE AREA IN FRONT OF THE STATION, WHICH HAS OVER THE YEARS SERVED AS A KIND OF TOWN SQUARE FOR RESIDENTS OF TAI PO MARKET, HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY LANDSCAPED AND TURNED INTO A SITTING OUT AREA FOR MUSEUM VISITORS.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, MR GERRY FORSGATE SAID: +BESIDES EXHIBITS NOW ON DISPLAY, KCRC WILL DONATE A DIESEL ENGINE TO THE MUSEUM WHEN THE ENGINE RETIRES FROM SERVICE. IN ADDITION, THE CORPORATION WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE ON THE MAINTENANCE OF THE RAILWAY EQUIPMENT IN THE MUSEUM.*

MR FORSGATE SAID THE OPENING OF THE MUSEUM THIS YEAR COINCIDED WITH THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.

♦THE MUSEUM WILL NOT ONLY ENABLE FUTURE GENERATIONS TO REVIEW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL RAILWAY SYSTEM BUT ALSO REMIND THEM OF THE TREMENDOUS CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG,* HE ADDED.

/EARLIER,

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

8 -

EARLIER, THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, THANKED THE KCRC FOR DONATING THE MAJOR EXHIBITS, AND THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE RAILWAY MUSEUM PROJECT.

THE MUSEUM, WHICH WILL BE MANAGED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM DAILY, INCLUDING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. IT WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAYS FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. ADMISSION IS FREE.

OTHER GUESTS AT TODAY’S OPENING INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR STEPHEN WONG YUEN-CHEUNG AND THE FINANCE DIRECTOR OF THE KCRC, MR FELIX CHOW.

-----o------

SHAM SHUI PO ACTIVITIES FOR FESTIVE SEASON

X * *

A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WILL BE PRESENTED FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR RESIDENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO DURING THE FORTHCOMING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

THE EVENTS, OFFERED AT NOMINAL ADMISSION CHARGES, ARE SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY VARIOUS LOCAL BODIES

INCLUDING MUTUAL AID AND AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, YIN NGA I SOCIETIES AND OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS.

DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR STEPHEN CHENG, SAID THE PROGRAMMES WERE AIMED AT PROMOTING A SENSE OF HARMONY AND TO PROVIDE POPULAR FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON.

DETAILS AND ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 3-7204251.

THE SCHEDULE OF THE EVENTS IS AS FOLLOWS:

DATE TIME EVENT VENUE

DECEMBER 21 (SATURDAY)

DECEMBER 24 (TUESDAY)

8 PM DISCO FOR NAM CHEONG EAST

7 PM CHRISTMAS BALL FOR YOUTHS

SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY

HALL

SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY

HALL

/7 PM .......

FBIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

9 -

7 PM CHRISTMAS BALL FOR MEI FOO BASKETBALL COURT UNDER MEI FOO FLYOVER

8 PM CHR ISTMAS DANCING NIGHT LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL

DECEMBER 25 (WEDNESDAY) 7 PM CHR ISTMAS DISCO FUN SHEK KIP ME 1 COMMUNITY HALL

7 PM CHR ISTMAS FAMILIES party FOR MEI FOO SUN CHUEN COMMUNITY HALL

7. .15 PM CHRISTMAS FUN NIGHT LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL

8 PM DISCO NIGHT PAK TIN COMMUNITY HALL

DECEMBER 26 (THURSDAY) 7 PM CHR ISTMAS GATHERING CHEUNG SHA WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE

DECEMBER 27 (FRIDAY AND AND 28 SATURDAY) — CHRISTMAS TEACHERS CAMP FOR LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE

DECEMBER 31 (TUESDAY)

7 PM NEW YEAR EVE DANCING PARTY

SHEK KIP ME I COMMUNITY HALL

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENTS.

------0-------

/10

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

10 -

CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP FOR TUEN MUN YOUTHS * * *

ABOUT 300 YOUNGSTERS IN TUEN MUN WILL PARTICIPATE IN A TWO-DAY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE PAK TAM CHUNG PO LEUNG KUK HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG.

THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE CAMP WILL BE A +MOCK LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL+, THROUGH WHICH YOUNG PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND HOW TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT.

THE +DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP* IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT 1985 IYY ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT GROUP AMD COMMUNITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO 15 FUNCTIONAL GROUPS SUCH AS MEDICAL SERVICE, HOUSING, LAW AND ORDER, TRANSPORT AND EDUCATION TO CARRY OUT DISCUSSIONS OF DISTRICT PROBLEMS.

CANDIDATES OF EACH FUNCTIONAL GROUPS WILL COMPETE FOR A SEAT IN THE +MOCK LEGCO+ THROUGH PERFORMANCE AND ROLE-PLAYING TO REFLECT THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS.

WINNERS OF THE 15 FUNCTIONAL GROUPS WILL FORM THE YOUNG ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE +MOCK LEGCO+ WHILE THE OTHER 15 MEMBERS FROM THE COMMUNITY LEADERS GROUP WILL FORM THE APPOINTED MEMBERS.

THEY WILL THEN DISCUSS AND DEBATE ON THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO THE 15 DISTRICT FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS WHICH WILL REFLECT THEIR VIEWS AND THE DEGREE OF CONCERN TO EACH PROBLEM AREA.

THE AIM OF THE WHOLE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP IS TO GIVE YOUNGSTERS A CHANCE TO TACKLE DISTRICT PROBLEMS THROUGH ELECTION AND COMMITTEE SYSTEM.

-----o------

CHAI WAN LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS

* * * *

A GLITTERING CHRISTMAS TREE WITH SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD FORM THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE LIGHTING DECORATIONS IN THE HEART OF CHAI WAN.

THE COLOURFUL LIGHTS WERE SWITCHED ON BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, DR SIMON VICKERS- THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR LEE KWONG-LAM; AND SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER, MR YEUNG KWING-CHIU AT A CEREMONY THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

/SPONSORED 3Y .......

/H1B4.1, DisCiiMBiiH 20, 1985

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AT $45 000, AND ORGANISED BY THE CHAI ,.AN SOUTH, WEST AND NORTH AREA COMMITTEES, THE DECORATIVE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN PUT UP MAINLY ON THE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS WAN TSUI ROAD AND WILL BE ON UNTIL JANUARY 3.

+RES(DENTS IN THE AREA WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE LIGHTS WITHOUT HAVING TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCE DURING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD,* A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

------0-------

PEACE RALLY TO MARK CLOSING OF IYY * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE AND LADY YOUDE WILL ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR PEACE RALLY AT THE HAPPY VALLEY SPORTS GROUND ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22).

ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR (CCCIYY) IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS, THE PEACE RALLY WILL BE A FOUR-HOUR LONG CARNIVAL STARTING AT 3 PM. IT WILL MARK THE CLOSING OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR HERE IN HONG KONG.

OVER 50 LOCAL ARTISTES AND GROUPS WILL PERFORM IN THE FIRST PART OF THE PEACE RALLY WHICH FEATURES DANCING, SINGING, DRAMA AND MIME.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE GALA WILL BE A SPECTACULAR MULTI-MEDIUM SHOW ENTITLED +PEACE AND LOVE* STAGED BY THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY TOGETHER WITH STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR.

THE AUDIENCE WILL THEN BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A PARADE LED BY SINGER MICHAEL KWAN AND DISC JOCKEYS FROM BOTH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND COMMERCIAL RADIO. EVERYONE WILL SING TOGETHER THE THEME SONG OF THE PEACE RALLY SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE EVENT.

THOSE WHO WILL BE GOING TO THE PEACE RALLY ARE WELCOME TO BRING ALONG TORCHES TO ENHANCE THE EFFECT OF THE PARADE.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM. THOSE WISHING TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE JOCKEY CLUB’S ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT SPORTS ROAD AT 4 PM.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

- 12 -

QUARTERLY HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT OUT * * * *

THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR THE QUARTER JULY-SEPTEMBER 1985 IS NOW ON SALE.

THE REPORT CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER.

IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS CF THE I ABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASON FOR AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT.

COPIES OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.

--------o--------

LABOUR RELATIONS SYMPOSIUM FOR CATERING INDUSTRY * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SYMPOSIUM NEXT MONTH ON LABOUR RELATIONS FOR PEOPLE ENGAGED IN RESTAURANT AND CATERING INDUSTRY.

THE HALF-DAY SYMPOSIUM, TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 7 AT THE SHERATON HOTEL, IS DESIGNED FOR EMPLOYERS, PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT STAFF, AS WELL AS TRADE UNION OFFICIALS IN THE FIELD.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT SAID THE SYMPOSIUM WOULD PROVIDE A FORUM FOR BOTH SIDES IN THE TRADE TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR PROBLEMS.

IT WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

TRADE UNION OFFICIALS, PERSONNEL OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVES IN THE TRADE WILL BE INVITED TO SPEAK ON DIFFERENT TOPICS.

A FEE OF $80 PER HEAD WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE SYMPOSIUM.

PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE SYMPOSIUM MAY CONTACT THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT ON 5-8523511 FOR APPLICATION AND ENQUIRIES.

-----0------

/13........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, .935

CHRISTMAS DISCO TO BID FAREWELL TO IYY

* * * *

ABOUT 200 YOUNGSTERS WILL BID FAREWELL TO THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR AT A DISCO PARTY SPECIALLY ORGANISED FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATION OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.

THE YOUTHS COME FROM SCHOOLS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHO HAVE HELPED IN THE ORGANISING OF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR ACTIVITIES DURING THE PAST YEAR.

THS DISCO PARTY, TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING, MARKS THE GRAND FINALE TO A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES ARRANGED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR IN WHICH MORE THAN 10 000 PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN PART.

THESE ACTIVITIES, CENTRED ON THE THEME OF +PARTICI PAT I ON, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE+, COVER A VARIETY OF EVENTS RANGING FROM EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES TO THE PROVISION OF SERV ICES.

+IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT THE IYY PROGRAMME SHOULD END WITH A JOYOUS GATHERING DURING THE FESTIVE AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON,* A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦TOMORROW'S PARTY WILL ALSO FEATURE LIVE PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT IYY ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WERE ALSO AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENHANCING THE UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

♦THE COMMITTEE VALUES THE SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS AND MANY OF THE ACTIVITIES WERE EITHER JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH SCHOOLS OR AIMED PARTICULARLY AT STUDENTS,* HE SAID.

♦THESE INCLUDE A YOUTH TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, ARRANGEMENTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ATTEND DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS AND THE PRODUCTION OF A TEACHING KIT ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION,* HE ADDED.

ACTIVITIES WERE ALSO ARRANGED TO PROMOTE DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. THESE INCLUDED AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETES SCHEME, A YOUTHS SCHEME AWARD, A SOCIAL SERVICE AWARD, ONE-DAY DISTRICT TOUR, AND SLOGAN AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITIONS.

/officiating at .......

f-F'-IATING AT " SOUTHERN DISTRICT m CLOSING CEREMONY WILL EE SOUTHERN DISTRICT 'FFICER, MR EDDY CHAN; SOUTHERN DISTRICT I<Y CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR KEITH LAM, ^VICE-CHAIRMAN, FH PAUL YOUNG; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR CLOSING CEREMONY AND CHRISTMAS BALL TO BE HELD AT 7PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE, 180B ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.

0 - -

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL, WESTERN * * *

APART FROM GLITTERING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND FESTIVE LIGHTS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED STARTING THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22) AFTERNOON.

TWO CHRISTMAS CARNIVALS WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY IN SHEUNG WAN AND KENNEDY TOWN.

IN SHEUNG WAN, A CARNIVAL FOR FAMILIES WILL BE HELD AT BLAKE GARDEN IN PO HING FONG WHERE MORE THAN 3 □□□ RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.

THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW, A LUCKY DRAW AND GAMES STALLS WITH THE THEME ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.

IN KENNEDY TOWN, A CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN WILL BE HELD IN THE FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND WHERE MORE THAN 4 000 CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY SHOW, GAMES STALLS FOR CHILDREN AND AN EXHIBITION ON THE WINNING ENTRIES OF THE CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN COMPETITION AND CIVIC EDUCATION DRAWING COMPETITION.

ON DECEMBER 26 (THURSDAY) A CHRISTMAS FAMILY TELEGAMES WILL BE HELD AT THE POKFULAM ROAD PLAYGROUND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM. ABOUT 1 000 PEOPLE WILL BE ENTERTAINED WITH SEVEN TELEGAME MATCHES.

ADMISSION TO THESE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES ARE FREE, AND RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO SHARE IN THE SPIRIT OF JOY AND FUN.

THE CARNIVALS AND TELEGAMES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

'l?

CHARITY CHRISTMAS TREE DECKED OUT * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, COMPLETED THE DECKING OUT OF A UNIQUE CHRISTMAS TREE MADE OF SOFT-DR I CANS TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE CANS WERE COLLECTED FROM SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AROUND THE SHA TIN AND TAI PO AREAS AND BY OTHER INDIVIDUALS.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE PROJECT WOULD RAISE ABOUT $25 □□□ FOR THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME IN TAI PO.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, l*R CHAN DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS AN INDICATION OF h6nG KONG

ENTHUSIASM TOWARDS COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND CARE FOR

STUDENTS’ OTHERS.

- - 0

SAI KUNG FESTIVAL FOR ELDERLY TO CLOSE

* X M *

THE FOUR-WEEK FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IN SAI KUNG IS DRAWING TO A CLOSE THIS WEEL WITH THREE FEASTS ORGANISED FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS.

ABOUT 600 ELDERS ATTENDED A BANQUET IN SAI KUNG TOWN YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL. ANOTHER FEAST WAS HELD IN CHAN SHAN MONASTERY, HANG HAU AT NOON TODAY, AND A BANQUET WILL BE HELD IN RENNIE’S MILL MIDDLE SCHOOL AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

DURING THE FESTIVAL VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS, INCLUDING A CARNIVAL, PICNICS, VISITS TO OTHER ELDERLY PEOPLE, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, OPEN DAYS AT ELDERLY CENTRES AND MEDICAL CHECK-UPS.

MORE THAN 2 500 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG WOULD ALSO BENEFIT FROM A SPECIAL DISCOUNTS SCHEME, WHILE 150 ELDERS WOULD RECEIVE FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP SERVICES PROVIDED BY HEAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL.

/16........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1935

’MINI GRAND PRIX’ IN KWUN TONG * * * *

A +MINI GRAND PRIX* IN KWUN TONG’S TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22) WILL FEATURE SOME 140 REMOTE-CONTROL MODEL CARS COMPETING FOR THE +KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 CUP*.

A +TOP QUALIFIER’S* CUP WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO THE TEAM CLOCKING THE FASTEST TIME.

PART OF THE CURRENT KWUN TONG FESTIVAL '85, THE MODEL CAR RACING COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG MODEL CAR RACING ASSOCIATION, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE COMPETITION WILL START FROM 10 AM UNTIL 5 PM AND RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO WATCH THE RACES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMPETITION AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY AT THE TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

- - 0 -

FREE CHRISTMAS POP CONCERT TREAT

******

KOwLOON CITY DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A FREE CHRISTMAS POP CONCERT AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 23) EVENING.

IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

THE TWO-HOUR CONCERT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN POP SINGERS AND WINNING TEAMS OF A FOLK SONG SINGING COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE CONCERT WAS ORGANISED TO PROVIDE FREE ENTERTAINMENT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TO CREATE A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG TALENTS IN KOwLOON CITY DISTRICT TO GAIN STAGE PERFORMING EXPERIENCE AND HELP THEM DEVELOP THEIR SINGING SKILL AND INTEREST.

/THE ASSISTANT

X ASSISTANT KOwLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DIANA T iG । THE DISTRICT BOA-D CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; THE URBAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT’S CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER (KOWLOON EAST), MR T.S. LO, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, MR WU WING-KAI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CHRISTMAS POP CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE AT 8 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 23).

------0 ------

ARTS FESTIVAL FOR YUEN LONG *****

a *IDF VARIETY OF FIRST CLASS ART PERFORMANCES WILL BE OFFERED IN THE SIXTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL, WHICH BEGINS ON FEBRUARY <l1.

THE DISTRICT BOARD - SPONSORED FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE ABOUT AO ITEMS OF MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCE AND EXH IB!TI ON, A VICE CHAIRMAN CF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ALAN WONG SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY).

mo wAkir norm RESIDENTS TO MAKE USE OF A MAIL ORDER BOOK I NG SYSTeS"WHICH HlfELDSTyTDONTDE™MBeR 28, SO AS TO AVOID HISSING THE SHOw.

ma i i adhtp WILL BE AV A IL ABLE AT THE PUBL IC ENQUIRY

COUNTERSLOF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND LUT SAU HALL.

THE FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AT 4 TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG, BEFORE JANUARY 23.

tuc viicn inwr, arts FESTIVAL WAS BECOMING A POPULAR TREND IN THE DISTRICT'S SuLtJrI? lIpE AND RESIDENTS SHOULD SUPPORT !T BY ATTENDING THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES, HE SAID.

it ic ir i mti y ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE YUEN LONwi TOWN HALL THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE REGIONAL services Department.

-----o------

/18 .......

cr IL ■ ct< EMb^.n 20, 1985

ADVANCE PAYMEN 1 OF WELFARE ALLOWANCES *****

RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES HOLDING CASH COUPONS MAY RECEIVE EARLIER PAYMENT IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THOSE DUE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS ON DECEMBER 25 AND 26 MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS ON DECEMBER 23 AND 24 OR AFTER, A7 DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES OR TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.

-------0----------

MUSICAL CHEERS FOR HANDICAPPED, ELDERLY * * *

MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) FORMED AN IMPROMPTU CHOIR AND SANG CHRISTMAS CAROLS TO THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.

TRENCH MEDICAL

IU ROAD CENTRE AND THE

THE CAROLLING TOOK THEM TO THE MARGARET REHABILITATION CENTRE, THE PO LEUNG KUK KO CH KWUN TONG KWONG YUM HOME FOR THE AGED.

SANTA CLAUS, PLAYED BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, MR WONG PI NG— KUEN WAS THE MOST POPULAR FIGURE DURING THE VISITS, ESPECIALLY WHEN CHRISTMAS GIFTS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS OF THE INSTITUTIONS.

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN CAROLLING EVERY YEAR SINCE IT WAS SET UP IN 1981 TO BRING FESTIVE JOY TO THE LESS FORTUNATE RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT.

DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, AND OTHER DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ALSO JOINED THE CAROLLING THIS AFTERNOON.

--------o-----------

REGISTRATION REVOKED * * * *

tuc rnMM i<5<? IONFR OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT under SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE;.

/19 .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1985

- 19 -

HENRY MOORE POSTERS ON DISPLAY * * * *

WILL

FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO DECEMBER 26.

DAILY.

ADMISSION WILL BE FREE.

- - - - 0-------

RSD LIBRARIES TO CLOSE DURING HOLIDAYS * * *

ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES RUN BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSE ON TWO PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ON DECEMBER 25 AND 26.

THEY WILL, HOWEVER, OPERATE AS USUAL ON DECEMBER 24, THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, EXCEPT FOR THE PUBLIC LIBRARY IN SHEUNG SHU I, aHICH CLOSES EVERY TUESDAY.

NGAU CHI WAN ZONING PLAN AMENDED

* * * *

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS AMENDED THE DRAFT NGAU CHI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.

A BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMENDMENTS, GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), WOULD:

* PROVIDE MORE OPEN SPACE AT THE JUNCTIONS Of FUNG SHING STREET, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND PING TING ROAD.

K IMPROVE VEHICULAR ACCESS FROM PING TING ROAD TO THE SERVICE RESERVOIR AT HAMMER HILL.

* PROVIDE SPACE FOR THE NGAU CHI wAN FRESH WATER DUMPING STATION AT CLEAR *ATER BAY ROAD.

* PROVIDE LAND AT FUNG SHING STREET fQR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

HELCiiATS THS .......

.-.Y, DEC: ’ffiER 20, 1985

* • DE INEATE THE ■UNDAf' IES OF The. NuAU Ci.I «AN HOi _. Ownership schE'_ and the ha mer hill private sector PARTICIPATION oCHEME DEVELC A'ENTS ON THE PLAN.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN HAD BECN REVISED TO PERMIT SCHOOLS TO BE OPERATED IN THE AREAS ZONED AS RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A) AND COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL. A SCHEDULE OF USES FOR THE RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B) ZONE HAS ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE PLAN.

THE AMENDED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR AND FOURTH FLOOR, KING FUK STREET, SmN PO KONG, KOWLOON; THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, wEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

OBJECTIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY JANUARY 9.

COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY SECTION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION AT 382 NATHAN ROAD AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.

------o--------

RESTRICTED ZONES SET UP * * * *

THF FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS WILL BE DE3*J?NATED RESTRICTED ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 23) s

k THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND THE VEHICULAR EXIT OF ST. JOSEPH S HOME FOR THE AGED.

k THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO ST. JOSEPH’S HOME FOR THE AGED AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES TO THc EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

MOTOR VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOwED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.

- - 0-----------

HO MAN TIN TAPS OFF k k k

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE~ TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 23) FOR MAINo WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, HO MAN TIN STREET AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.

------0----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ROLE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION STRESSED ........................ V

FOLLOW-UP EFFORTS NEXT YEAR FOR YOUTHS ........................ 1

CHRISTMAS DISCO FUN IN TSUEN WAN .............................. 2

CONCERT LAUNCHES YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL .......................... 3

COMMITTEE MEETINGS OPEN TO PUBLIC ...........................

TENDERS INVITED FOR SWIMMING POOL RESTAURANT .................. 5

PRESS ARRANGD4ENTS FOR JI’S DEPARTURE ......................... 6

FESTIVE FUN FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS ............................. 6

DRAWING CONTEST FOR CHILDRJU .................................. 7

LANDING FACILITIES PLANNED FOR LIGHT BEACON ................... 8

TSING YI TRAFFIC BAN .......................................... 8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1985

ROLE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION STRESSED * X *

FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AIMS TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTAND I NG AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS AND TO TEACH PARENTS TO BRING UP THEIR CHILDREN IN A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MERRY CHILDHOOD EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CHILDREN'S ARTi SOCIETY, SHE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS ON CHILDREN AND FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES.

+THE FAMILY IS THE BASIC SOCIAL UNIT AND CHILDREN’S VIE. AND CONCEPTS ON LIFE AND SOCIETY ARE DEEPLY INFLUENCED BY THE > FAMILIES WHILE GROWING UP,+ MRS DOE SAID.

THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S ARTS SOCIETY, SHE ADDED, WAS WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL AS THE DEPARTMENT IN PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN.

SHE NOTED THAT ITS VARIOUS ACTIVITIES WOULD hElP CHILDREN DEVELOP THEIR APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS AND MORAL CHARACTER.

THE DEPARTMENT ENFORCED VARIOUS ORDINANCES TO ASSIST PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WITHOUT PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, OF THOSE wITH EMOTIONAL OR INTER-PERSONAL PROBLEMS, MRS DOE SAID.

CHILD CARE SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE RESIDENTIAL CRECHES Da CARE NURSERIES, SMALL GROUP HOMES, FOSTER CARE AND ADOPT IO SERV ICES.

FOLLOW-UP EFFORTS NEXT YEAR FOR YOUTHS * * * *

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL FOLLOW UP EFFORTS MADE DUR. . THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR BY ORGANISING A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES ON CIVIC EDUCATION FOR YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT NE,T SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE EVERY EFFORT TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION SO THAT THE YOUNG WOULD GROW UP TO BECOME . CITIZENS. IN TURN, THEY SHOULD TRY TO GET THE MOST OUT O' ’>•-VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THEM TO wlDEN THEIR KNOwL-1 EXPERIENCE.

MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A CHRISTMAS Dll WHICH MARKED THE FINALE OF IYY PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITY DISTR ICT.

/THESE ACTIVITIES

mATURDAj, DECEMBER 21, 19^5

THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED EDUCATIONAL, SERVICING, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS EVENTS AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION AND ENHANCING THE UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

OTHERS WERE A YOUTH TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, VISIT BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS, AND THE PRODUCTION OF A TEACHING KIT ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

TONIGHT’S PARTY, FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN SINGERS WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 200 YOUTHS FROM SCHOOLS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHO HAD HELPED ORGANISED IYY ACTIVITIES DURING THE PAST YEAR.

CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT IYY CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, M? KEITH LAM SAID THE ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN MADE SUCCESSFUL WITH THE COOPERATION FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SPONSORSHIP OF MORE tAaN $70 000, AS WELL AS THE PARTICIPATION OF MORE THAN 10 000 YOUTHS.

+THE PARTY IS A GOOD CHANCE FOR OLD ACQUAINTANCES TO GET TOGETHER AND BID FAREWELL TO THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR IN A JOYOUS AND FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE, + HE ADDED.

OTHER GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT IYY CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR PAUL YOUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM.

-------o - -

CHRISTMAS DISCO FUN IN TSUEN WAN

* * * *

AN OUTDOOR DISCO NIGHT WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN ON DECEMBER 24 (TUESDAY) AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S CELEBRATION FOR CHRISTMAS.

THE PROGRAMME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND FROM 8 PM UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS BACKED

TREATED TO SINGING PERFORMANCES BY U° BY LIVE BANDS AND DANCE MUSIC.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE A LUCKY DRAW OF VALUABLE PRIZES.

/TICKETS FOR .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1985

3 -

TICKETS FOR THE DISCO NIGHT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN wAN TOWN HALL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

-------- 0 -

CONCERT LAUNCHES YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL

******

THE CURTAINS WENT UP TODAY (SATURDAY) ON THE HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH’u MUSIC OFFICE FOR THE EIGHTH YEAR RUNNING.

THE OROKU JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM OKINAWA, JAPAN, WILL EE ARRIVING ON BOXING DAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL WHICH WILL CLOSE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

THE 68-MEMBER BAND HAS ENJOYED WIDE ACCLAIM AND WON NUMEROUS TITLES IN NATIONAL COMPETITIONS IN JAPAN.

DURING THE 11-DAY FESTIVAL PERIOD A SERIES OF CHRISTMAS CONCERTS WILL BE HELD IN VARIOUS VENUES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY «ITH THE FIRST HELD AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL THIS AFTERNOON.

THE CONCERT FEATURED THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND YOUTH CHOIR OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN YOUTH BAND (WINNER OF THE SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST IN THE 1984 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL) PERFORMING POPULAR CHRISTMAS SELECTIONS.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS WILL ALSO TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 23, 2A (TWO CONCERTS) AND DECEMBER 27 AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, THE LANDMARK, THE KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL AND THE CiTYPLAZA AT TAIKOO SHING.

THE JAPANESE BAND WILL DELIGHT LOCAL AUDIENCES KITH THEIR CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT THE CITYPLAZA ON DECEMBER 27, FOLLOWED BY A FESTIVAL CONCERT AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON DECEMBER 29 AND A GALA FINALE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON DECEMBER 31.

A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TH AIMS OF THE FESTIVAL <ER; TO STIMULATE AN INTEREST IN BAND MUSIC AND TO RAISE THE ^TANDAr.-OF PERFORMANCE AMONG LOCAL BAND PLAYERS.

+WE ALSO ENCOURAGE AS MANY SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS AS POSSIBLE TO FORM BANDS,- < SAIL.

/APART ■'ROE. .....

SATURDAY, DECIMBER 21, 1985

APART FROM A WIDE RANGE OF EVENTS AND CONCERTS DURING THE FESTIVAL THERE w ILL BE A WIND ENSEMBLE CONTEST, A SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST AND A MARCHING BAND CONTEST. CASH PRIZES AMOUNTING TO »6 OOO wILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL IS THE GALA FINALE WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.

IN ADDITION TO SUPERB MUSIC, THE OROKU JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND WILL TREAT AUDIENCES TO AN OKINAWAN FOLK DANCE WHICH THE 67-MEMBER DIOCESAN GIRLS’ JUNIOR SCHOOL CHEER LEADER TEAM WILL ADD COLOUR AND VARIETY TO THE OCCASION.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, ALEX WU, WILL BE OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

TICKETS AT $5 EACH FOR THE FESTIVAL CONCERT AND THE GALA FINALE ARE AVAILABLE AT MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE COMPUTERISED BOX OFFICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.

FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL 3-7226240.

-----0------

COMMITTEE MEETINGS OPEN TO PUBLIC * * * *

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE PROGRAMME FOR 1986-87 WILL BE HSCUSSED IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AT A MEETING ON MONDAY <DECEMBER 23) AT 4 PM.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.

THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 5-8921239 FOR RESERVATIONS.

THE PUBLIC IS ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES:

* COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, JANUARY 2, 4 PM

* TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, JANUARY 7, 4 PM

* CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE. JANUARY 14, 4 PM

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETINGS.

------0-------

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1985 ,

- 5 -

TENDERS INVITED FOR SWIMMING POOL RESTAUR AIIT * * * * *

THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS -OP THE OPERATION OF A RESTAURANT AT THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG JO^.F. ' CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.

THE TENDER WILL BE EFFECTIVE FOR A PERIOD 'F TH’ Et YEAH? FROM APRIL 1, 1986 TO MARCH 31, 1989.

THE RESTAURANT, LOCATED NEXT TO THE 'HN < ,

TWO ENTRANCES, ONE FOR SWIMMERS AND THE OTHER, A* Tf-ROAD, FOR THE NON-SWIMMING CUSTOMER;

THE SWIMMING POOL, ADJACENT TO THE SHFK YAM ESTATE A.'" OPENED IN JULY 1984, ATTRACTED MORE THAN ?1O OOO '• THIS YEAR.

TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE TO THE CHA .MAN, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TENDER BOARD IN A PlAI . AL'. ENVELOPE AFFIXED WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED 'EMDE

THEY SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX SITUATED AT THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD F OOP CF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, AUSTIN CENTRE, 10-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON, BEFORE 9 AM ON JANUARY 10, 1986. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

TENDERERS MUST ATTACH TO EACH TENDER A RECEIPT SHOW।MG nA7 THpY HAVE DEPOSITED $5 000 AT THE TREASURY -- /E -UE 3RANC; rIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST .WING , <U3E '< E r, CR AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY SUB-TREAS'JRY, CAUSEWAY ' Y ''AG ISTPAC BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 20 ELECTRIC ROAD.

DEPOS’TS CAN ALSO BE MADE AT THE YAU 'A T:‘ SUB-‘>r SI - , KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES , 4D5 NATnAN RG-. . FjijR I- -..OOH . -AT THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAM SANG COMMERCi HU LD G FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

THE DEPOSIT IS A PLEDGE OF ' HE BONA F i>. ■

WHICH SHALL BE FORFEITED TO THE GOVERNS” OR REFUSES TO IMPLEMENT AN ACCEPTED ■ --RETURNED TO UNSUCCESSFUL TENDERERS.

THE TENDER TENDERER -AILS

DfpQS IT JHL BE

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ’AY BE SET-'i-D ’ J' THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, Kw- ‘

ON THE NINTH FLOOR, <wAI HING GOV ~ >' ' 1

CONG ROAD, KwAI CHUNG.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED "G ’ELc-- -• .9

OFFICE HOURS.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 .535

PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR JI’S DEPARTURE

*****

CHINA’S STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR JI PENGFEI, * ILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING VIA MAN KAM TO.

AMONG THOSE WHO WILL EE SEEING HIM OFF AT MAN KAM TO WILL EE THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, AND THE SENIOR UNOFFI MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.

THERE WILL BE A FIXED POSITION NEAR MAN KAM TO BRIDGE FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC COVERAGE OF MR JI’S DEPARTURE.

SINCE MAN KAM TO IS INSIDE THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA, ALL MED IA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT MUST GO THERE BY GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT. A COACH FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CARPARK FOR MAN KAM TO AT 8.45 AM SHARP TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

NO OTHER MEDIA VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS INTO THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA.

PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND TELEPHOTO LENSES.

GIS AND PPRB OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

- 0 -

FESTIVE FUN FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS * * * *

A CHRISTMAS FUN DAY FEATURING A TWO-HOUR FREE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD FOR RESIDENTS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

FUNDED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT A COST OF $10 000, THE CHRISTMAS FUN DAY IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND FIVE AREA COMMITTEES IN THE QUARRY BAY AND SHAU KEI WAN AREAS.

THE PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE SINGING AND DANCE PERFORMANCES BY SCHOOLS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE A +TAI-CHI+ DEMONSTRATION, FOLK DANCE, VIOLIN PERFORMANCE, AND A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY WINNERS OF A RECENT EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL’S SINGING CONTEST.

/THERE WILL

THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES STALLS FOR CHILDREN, AND SOUVENIRS AILL BE Az \RDED TO THE BEST THREE GAMES STALL DESIGNERS.

ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, DR SIMON VICKERS; CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, 145 CHEUNG KAM-TIM, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ REPRESENTATIVES WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE FACTORY STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAU KEI WAN AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

- 0 -

DRAWING CONTEST FOR CHILDREN

*****

CHILDREN IN SHAM SHU I PO ARE BEING INVITED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ARTISTIC TALENT AT AN OPEN-AIR DRAWING COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN SHAM SHU I PO PARK TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHU I PO ARTS ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING LOCAL INTEREST IN ARTS AND CULTURE.

IT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO CLASSES -- THE JUNIOR CLASS

FOR CHILDREN AGED 10 AND BELOW AND THE HIGHER CLASS FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 14.

THERE ARE NO STIPULATIONS ON THE COLOURS, STYLE AND FORMAT FOR THE CONTEST BUT PARTICIPANTS MUST FINISH THEIR WORKS ON A GIVEN CARDBORAD WITHIN TWO HOURS.

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR DRAWING KITS AND ARRIVE AT THE VENUE AT 10 AM.

THE SUBJECT FOR THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE ORGANISERS ON THE SPOT.

THE ENTRIES WILL LATER BE SCREENED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS AND GIFT COUPONS WILL BE AWARDED TO 23 WINNERS IN EACH CLASS.

- 0 -

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1’S~

8 -

LANDING FACILITIES PLANNED FOR LIGHT BEACON * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT LANDING FACILITIES FOR AN EXISTING LIGHT BEACON WITHIN 1 310 SQUARt METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT LUNG KWU CHAU OFF TUEN MUN.

THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE UNDER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED (RECLAMATIONS) ORDINANCE IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.

THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND’THE TUEN MUn’dISTRICT OFFICE SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.

ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT AN OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BY FEBRUARY 19.

-----0------

TSI NG Yl TRAFFIC BAN * * * *

TO IMPROVE TSING Yl BRIDGE TRAFFIC FLOW, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM TSING Yl HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD TO TSING Yl ROAD WILL BE BANNED AT THE TSING Yl ROUNDABOUT FROM 8 PM ON DECEMBER 24 (TUESDAY).

TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO CHUNG MEI ROAD AND CHING HONG ROAJ.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOOD EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH JI — GOVERNOR.................... 1

SECOND CYCLE OF I.D. CARDS FOR WOMEN TO START ............... 2

PRACTICE, PARTICIPATION VITAL TO CIVIC EDUCATION ............ 2

PEACE RALLY CLOSES YOUTH YEAR ............................... 3

STRIKE AND SEARCH UNIT GUARDS WATERS ........................ 4

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR AWARD SCHEME ......................... 5

REMINDER OF CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT SERVICES .................... 6

CONTEST TO PROMOTE HEALTH EDUCATION ......................... 7

TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER SPORTS CENTRE RESTAURANT .......... 8

RAILWAY AREA PLAN FOR SECOND HARBOUR LINK.................... 9

WIDENING OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD............................ 9

Careers quiz prize presentation ............................. 10

PITCH TO CLOSE FOR TURFING .................................. 11

NEW YEAR BANQUET FOR THE ELDERLY............................. 11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1985

GOOD EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH JI — GOVERNOR ******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOJDE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT HE AND CHINESE STATE COUNCILLOR AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU A’FAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR JI PENGFEI, HAVE HAD A VERY GOOD EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG DURING MR JI’S VISIT HERE.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER BIDDING FAREWELL TO MR JI AT MAN KAM TO, SIR EDWARD SAID HE FOUND MR JI’S VISIT A VERY VALUABLE ONE.

HE SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO SEE THAT MR JI SAID AT HIS PRESS CONFERENCE YESTERDAY THAT HE HAD FOUND IT USEFUL TO INCREASE HIS UNDERSTANDING OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG AND OF WHAT PEOPLE WERE THINKING HERE.

+1 THINK THAT IS A VERY GOOD PROCESS AND WE HAVE WARMLY WELCOMED IT,+ HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD SAID WE HAD BEEN ABLE TO SHOW MR JI QUITE A LOT OF THINGS DURING HIS STAY HERE.

+1 DON’T THINK THAT ANYBODY CAN STAY IN HONG KONG FOR 10 DAYS WITHOUT BEING IMPRESSED BY THE DYNAMISM OF THE PLACE,+ HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD ADDED THAT HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO HAVE MR JI IN HONG KONG AND THAT HE LOOKED FORWARD TO FURTHER VISITS SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NOTHING PARTICULAR PLANNED AT PRESENT.

+3UT WE’VE MADE VERY CLEAR THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE VERY WELCOMED HERE, TO COME AND SEE THE SAME KIND OF PROGRAMME AS HE HAS SEEN,* HE SAID.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PARTY WHO BADE FAREWELL TO THE CHINESE VISITORS INCLUDED THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN AND POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD.

ALSO PRESENT WAS THE DIRECTOR OF XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR XU JIATUN.

-----0------

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1985

- 2 -

SECOND CYCLE OF I.D. CARDS FOR WOMEN TO START

XXX*

ABOUT 715 OOO WOMEN BORN IN OR BEFORE 1946 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE NEW HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS NEXT YEAR.

THE SECOND CYCLE OF THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE SCHEME FOR WOMEN WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN EIGHT PHASES OVER A PERIOD OF NINE MONTHS.

IT WILL BEGIN SHORTLY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE PRESENT REPLACEMENT SCHEME FOR MEN ON JANUARY 11.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE COMING SCHEME FOR WOMEN IS GIVEN SIMPLY TO ADVISE WOMEN CONCERNED TO WATCH OUT FOR THE EXACT DATES FOR THEIR APPLICATIONS.

+FULL DETAILS OF THE INDIVIDUAL PHASES WILL BE WIDELY PUBLICISED ON TELEVISION, RADIO AND NEWSPAPERS IN DUE COURSE,+ HE SAID.

THE FIRST CYCLE OF THE REPLACEMENT I.D. CARD SCHEME FOR WOMEN INVOLVING THOSE BORN IN OR AFTER 1947 WAS COMPLETED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

--------0 --------

PRACTICE, PARTICIPATION VITAL TO CIVIC EDUCATION

* X * *

PRACTICE AND PARTICIPATION ARE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN STIMULATING STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND ENHANCE THEIR COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A +CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP* AT WU KAI SHA, MR MAK SAID: + THE OBJECTIVES OF CIVIC EDUCATION CANNOT BE ACHIEVED IF IT IS TREATED SIMPLY AS AN ACADEMIC SUBJECT.

+PRACTICE AND PARTICIPATION IS VITAL TO GETTING THE MESSAGE OF CIVIC EDUCATION ACROSS TO STUDENTS.*

HE SAID THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF PRACTICE AND PARTICIPATION. ACTIVITIES LIKE MOCK ELECTIONS HAD BEEN ORGANISED TO ENABLE THE PARTICIPANTS TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IN LOCAL POLITICS.

+APART FROM ENHANCING STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM AND CIVIC DUTIES, CIVIC EDUCATION SHOULD ALSO HELP THEM BUILD A SOUND NEIGHBOURHOOD AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIP,* MR MAK SAID.

/+0N THE .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1985

- 3 -

+0N THE OTHER HAND, YOUNGSTERS SHOULD BE GUIDED IN CHOOSING THEIR PEER GROUPS, AND IN BUILDING POSITIVE AND STABLE GUIDELINES FOR THEIR FUTURE,* HE ADDED.

PRIOR TO THE CAMP, PARTICIPANTS CARRIED OUT SURVEYS ON VARIOUS DISTRICT ISSUES AND THE RESULTS WERE DISPLAYED AT THE CAMP.

ORGANISED AS PART.OF THE CURRENT KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85, THE THREE-DAY CAMP, WITH 700 PARTICIPANTS, WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED IN KWUN TONG.

IT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE KWUN TONG SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

--------0 ---------

PEACE RALLY CLOSES YOUTH YEa * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE AND LADY YOUDE ATTENDED THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR PEACE RALLY AND WATCHED PERFORMANCES STAGED BY LOCAL ARTISTES AT THE HAPPY VALLEY SPORTS GROUND THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE FOUR-HOUR LONG OPEN-AIR CARNIVAL, WHICH ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF HONG KONG, WAS THE FINAL EVENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR HERE IN HONG KONG.

DR CHAN CHOI-LAI, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING THE RALLY, SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE DEGREE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN TODAY’S PEACE RALLY AND THE ’PEACE HI-TOUCH EXHIBITION’ HELD LAST WEEK, BOTH OF WHICH WERE ONLY MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE 19 DISTRICTS AND A NUMBER OF COMMERCIAL SPONSORS.

ON BEHALF OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE OF THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR (CCCIYY), HE EXPRESSED HIS GRATITUDE TO MORE THAN 50 ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL GROUPS WHO HAD AGREED TO PERFORM IN THE RALLY FOR A NOMINAL FEE.

+IN CONTRAST TO THE ’PEACE HI-TOUCH EXHIBITION’ WHICH UTILISED HIGH-TECHNOLOGY TO ILLUSTRATE THE ABSTRACT CONCEPT OF PEACE, THE PEACE RALLY ATTEMPTED TO PROMOTE THE THEME THROUGH VARIOUS ARTISTIC -ORMS INCLUDING DANCING, SINGING, DRAMA, AND MI ME,+ HE SAID.

+BUT AS IN THE CASE OF THE EXHIBITION, THE AUDIENCE WHO CAME TO THE RALLY DID NOT SIMPLY ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE PASSIVELY, THEY WERE ALSO INVITED TO PARTICIPATE AND SHARE THE FUN WITH THE PERFORMERS,* DR CHAN SAID. *IN THIS WAY THE SPIRIT OF THE YOUTH YEAR WHICH IS ’PART ICIPAT I ON, DEVELOPMENT, AND PEACE’ CAN BE KEPT ALIVE.*

/TO EMPHASISE .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1985

TO EMPHASISE THE RALLY'S MESSAGE OP PEACE, A SPECTACULAR MULTI-MEDIUM SHOW ENTITLED +LOVE AND PEACE+ WAS STAGED BY THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY TOGETHER WITH MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.

THE CLIMAX OF THE. MICHAEL KWAN AND RADIO

SONG.

EVENING CAME WHEN THE AUDIENCE JOINED SINGER DISC-JOCKEYS IN SINGING THE PEACE RALLY THEME

STRIKE AND SEARCH UNIT GUARDS WATERS X * X X *

AMONG THE MANY DUTIES OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS IN HONG KONG IS THE PATROLLING OF TERRITORIAL WATERS AND OUTLYING ISLANDS TO PREVENT THE SMUGGLING OF CONTRABAND.

THIS IMPORTANT PREVENTIVE FRONTLINE IS MAINTAINED BY A RELATIVELY SMALL BUT WELL-TRAINED AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE --THE MARINE STRIKE AND SEARCH UNIT OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.

REORGANISED IN THE 197O’S, THE UNIT NOW HAS A STRENGTH OF SOME 170 OFFICERS AND COMMANDS A FLEET OF SEVEN LAUNCHES.

APART FROM PERSONNEL CONVEYANCE DUTIES WITHIN THE HARBOUR, OFFICERS OF THE UNIT CARRY OUT REGULAR SEA PATROLS AROUND HONG KONG AND SEARCH INCOMING AND OUTGOING FISHING VESSELS AND SMALL CRAFT FOR DANGEROUS DRUGS AND OTHER CONTRABAND.

IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THE YEAR, 21 083 VESSELS WERE SEARCHED AND 108 PEOPLE ARRESTED, WHILE LAST YEAR 23 139 VESSELS WERE SEARCHED AND 154 PEOPLE ARRESTED.

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SEIZURES ON DRUGS, ARMS AND AMMUNITION MADE BY THE UNIT LAST YEAR INVOLVED 120 KILOGRAMMES OF HEROIN BASE. 16 HANDGUNS, THREE SILENCERS AND 1 468 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION CONCEALED IN TWO SEALED DRUMS AND A TOOL BOX, WHICH WERE DISCOVERED ON BOARD A TRAWLER INTERCEPTED BY A CUSTOMS LAUNCH OFF CHEUNG CHAU.

IN ADDITION TO THE SEIZURE OF CONTRABAND, WHICH NORMALLY INCLUDES UNMANIFESTED CARGO, DUTIABLE COMMODITIES, ARMS AND AMUNITION AND DANGEROUS DRUGS, THE UNIT ALSO PLAYS AN ACTIVE ROLE AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. A TOTAL OF 95 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE SO FAR BEEN DISCOVERED AND HANDED OVER TO THE MARINE POLICE BETWEEN JANUARY AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

/WITH INCREASED........

juM ..’, JBCJXBER 22, 1985

WITH INCREASED jNTACT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IN RECENT YEARS. iHERE HAS ALS BEEN AN UPSURGE IN SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES OF A DIFFERENT NATURE, INVOLVING MAINLY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, LUXURY GOODS GOLD AND SILVER COINS, ANTIQUES AND MEDICINAL HERBS, WHICH POSE YET ANOTHER PROBLEM FOR THE MARINE STRIKE AND SEARCH UNIT.

GOODS WITH TOTAL VALUES OF 53.22 MILLION WERE SEIZED IN OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ILLICIT TRADE LAST YEAR, WHILE SEIZURES MADE UP TO OCTOBER THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO $0.97 MILLION.

APART FROM ANT I-SMUGGLI NG OPERATIONS AT SEA, OFFICERS ALSO CARRY OUT REGULAR PATROLS ON THE OUTLYING ISLANDS TO DETECT DIVANS AND PEDDLING OF DANGEROUS DRUGS ON STREET LEVEL, UNLAWFUL USE OF INDUSTRIAL DIESEL OIL BY AUTOMOBILES AS WELL AS TO CARRY OUT EXCISE LICENSING INSPECTION DUTIES.

THE UNIT RUNS ITS OWN TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO ACQUIRE NAUTICAL EXPERTISE, AND IS CURRENTLY ORGANISING COURSES LEADING TO THE AWARD OF THIRD CLASS CERTIFICATE IN NAVIGATION AND ENGINEERING. DIVING TRAINING IS ALSO PROVIDED FOR OFFICERS WHO MAY BE REQUIRED TO SEARCH AND RETRIEVE CONTRABAND AND DANGEROUS DRUGS STORED UNDERWATER.

+LIFE IN THE MARINE STRIKE AND SEARCH UNIT IS NEVER BORING EXCEPT FOR THE FEW WHO ARE SEASICK,+ SAID SENIOR CUSTOMS OFFICER, MR CHAN FUK-CHUEN, WHO HAS BEEN WITH THE UNIT SINCE ITS INCEPTION.

♦ ONE CAN ALWAYS EXPECT TO MEET NEW CHALLENGES AND GAIN USEFUL EXPERIENCE THROUGH THIS WORK WHICH COVERS ALMOST EVERY ASPECT OF CUSTOMS DUTIES,* HE ADDED.

TO MEET THE INCREASING COMMITMENTS, THE UNIT IS NOW BEING MODERNISED UNDER A PROGRAMME TO COMPLETELY REPLACE ALL THE CUSTOMS LAUNCHES. BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, IT WILL HAVE A NEW FLEET OF THREE HIGH-SPEED OFF-SHORE PATROL LAUNCHES AND THREE PERSONNEL CONVEYANCE VESSELS, ALL EQUIPPED WITH RADAR.

0 -

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR AWARD SCHEME

*****

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD IS INVITING LOCAL RESIDENTS, SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES r0R THE DISTRICT’S SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME.

THE SCHEME IS AN ASSESSMENT OF THE WORK AND CONTRIBUTION BY PARTICIPANTS IN VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

/+IT IS .......

+IT IS HOPED THAT BY Gi □ DJE RECOGNITION TO HOSE aHO HAVp RENDERED COMMENDABLE VOLUNTARY SER'/.JES, 1ORE PEOPLE WILL cNC0URAGED to become involved in serving the community,+ A district office spokesman said.

THE SCHEME IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES — THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION, THE SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL SEEVION, THE WORKING PEOPLE SECTiON AND 'HE NON-WORKING PEOPLE SECTION.

THE NOMINEES MUST EITHER LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. NOMINEES IN THE NON-WORKING PEOPLE SECTION CAN BE HOUSEWIVES AND RETIRED PERSONS.

THCY SHOULD HAVE RENDERED VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY, DISABLED, YOUTH OR CHILDREN, OR HAVE PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS, NON-PROFIT MAKING WELFARE BODIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ICAC.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATION IS APRIL 15, 1986, AND FORMS HAVE BEEN SENT TO VARIOUS LOCAL BODIES AND CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE. ENQUIRIES ON DETAILS OF NOMINATION CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.

AN ADJUDICATING PANEL APPOINTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WIlL EXAMINE ALL NOMINATIONS AND SELECT THE FINALISTS FOR INTERVIEWS IN MAY. ALL FINALISTS WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AND SOUVENIRS, WHILE THE WINNERS OF EACH SECTION ..ILL BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS.

- - 0 -

REMINDER OF CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT SERVICES * * > >

PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED ON CHRISTMAS EVE UNTIL EARLY THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TODAY.

THE STAR FERRY’S KOWLOON POINT TO EDINBURGH PLACE ROUTE WILL RUN ALL NIGHT WHILE HYF’S CENTRAL TO JORDAN ROAD SERVICE JILL OPERATE UNTIL 1 AM.

THE MTR WILL OPERATE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT AND KCR SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 1 AM.

PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1.30 AM WHILE TRAM SERVICES, EXCEPT AROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP, WILL OPERATE ALL NIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

/CMB WILL

SBi- DBGiXBER 22, 1985

- ? -

'..ILL EXTEND rf/ICES ON EIGHT MAJOR ROUTES - NOS. 2, 4, 7, 10, 23, 70, 72 ANL 70M.

Of' CHRISTMAS EVE, THE LAST DEPARTURE OF ROUTE 2 CROM SHAU KEI WAN TO MACAU FERRY WILL BE AT 1.10 AM, NO. 4 FROM WA FU TO CENTRAL WILL BE AT 12.30 AM; NO. 7 FROM SHEK PAI WAN TO CENTRAL AT 2 AMI NO. 10 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY TO KENNEDY TOWN AT 1 AM; NO. 23 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY TO POKFIELD ROAD AT 12.30 AM; NO. 70 FROM ABERDEEN TO*CENTRAL AT 12.45; NO. 72 FROM ABERDEEN TO CAUSEWAY BAY AT 12.50 AM; AND NO. 99M FROM AP LEI CHAU TO CENTRAL AT 11.50 PM.

KMB WILL ALSO BE EXTENDING SERVICES.

THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE 1A FROM SAU MAU PING AND STAR FERRY WILL BE AT 12.39 AM AND 1.36 AM RESPECTIVELY; NO. 5 FROM CHOI HUNG AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.24 AM AND 3 AM; NO. 5C FROM TSZ WAN SHAN AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.10 AM AND 1.50 AM ; MO. 6 FROM LAI CHI KOK AND STAR FERRY AT 1.17 AM AND 3 AM; NO. 9 FROM PING SHEK AND STAR FERRY AT 12.46 AM AND 1.30 AM? AND NO. 66M FROM TAI HING AND TSUEN WAN MTR STATION AT 12.30 AM AND 1.15 AM.

IN ADDITION, MANY GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL FINISH LATER THAN USUAL.

0 --------

CONTEST TO PROMOTE HEALTH EDUCATION X * * *

ALL SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS AND CONCERN OF PERSONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH.

THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.

SCHOOLS CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE PUPILS’ INTEREST IN SOCIAL STUDIES, ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFARIS, HEALTH EDUCATION, MORAL AND ETHICAL EDUCATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION.

THE THEMES FOR THE ENTRIES INCLUDE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ENIVRONMENTAL HYGIENE, WATER POLLUTION — ITS PREVENTION AND CONTROL, AND HOW TO HANDLE GROWING UP PROBLEMS.

APART FROM A SUBSIDY OF $290 PROVIDED FOR EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL FOR THE PURCHASE OF ART MATERIALS, THERE WILL BE FIVE AWARDS FOR PRIZE-WINNING SCHOOLS RANGING FROM $709 TO $1 809 AND A TROPHY FOR EACH WINNING ENTRY. ALL SUBSIDES WILL BE GIVEN OUT IN THE FORM OF BOOK COUPONS.

/IN ADDITION, .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1985

8 -

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE 10 MERIT PRIZES OF $500 IN THE FORM OF BOOK COUPON, FOR ENTRIES OF SUFFICIENTLY STANDARD.

A SPECIAL PRIZE FOR THE + BEST ARTWORK DESIGN* WILL AWARDED^IN THE FORM OF A TROPHY.

EACH, ALSO HIGH

ALSO BE

ENTRY FORMS

HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED TO SEND THE COMPLETED TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, SECOND FLOOR, 01 KWAN COURT, 38 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, BEFORE JANUARY 13 NEXT YEAR.

AN EXHIBITION OF THE PRIZE-WINNING PROJECTS WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL FROM MARCH 7 TO 10.

TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER SPORTS * * *

CENTRE RESTAURANT

THE

FOR

THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR OPFRATION OF A RESTAURANT AT TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM MARCH 1, 1986 TO FEBRUARY 28, 1989.

THE WATER SPORTS CENTRE IS SITUATED NEAR THE MAIN DAM OF THE PLOVER COVE, TAI PO AND IS ABOUT 20 MINUTES BY BUS FROM TAI PO.

THE CENTRE IS AN IDEAL SPOT FOR CANOEING, SAILING AND WINDSURFING, AND IS THE MOST POPULAR WATER SPORTS CENTRE MANAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT. LAST YEAR OVER 23 000 SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS MADE USE OF THE CENTRE’S FACILITIES.

TENDERERS MUST ATTACH TO EACH TENDER A RENEIPT SHOWING THAT THEY HAVE DEPOSITED $2 000 AT ONE OF THE TREASURY OFFICES.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSD’S TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, FOURTH FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TING KOK ROAD.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE PUT IN THE TENDER BOX LOCATED AT TH'. RSD HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE 9 AM ON JANUARY 17, 1986. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILLL NOT BE

ACCEPTED.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 0-6577111 EXTENSION 124.

--------0 -

/9........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1985

- 9 -

RAILWAY AREA PLAN -FOR SECOND HARBOUR LINK ****** s

CROSSING.

IN KOWLOON AND QUARRY BAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

Si ■

SECOND MTR LINK ACROSS THE HARBOUR.

THOSE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.

THE NEW CONNECTION WILL L INK THE KWUN T°NG AND

QUARRY BAY MTR STATIONS VIA A ROAD-RAIL TUNNEL, sosissy' TSUI EAST.

rOPIFS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES FOR KOWLOON EAST AND HONG KONG NORTH AND A DISTRICT OFFICE.

- 0 - -

WIDENING OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD * * * *

tuc mcui territories development department plans to widen g&SSI SBTN,B0T0DTH^H!mS MMM**** movement.

THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF A HARD SHOULDER, AN UNPAVE^ VERGE, ASSOCIATED EARTHWORKS AND DRAINAGE WORKS ON THIS lOD-METRE SECTION.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

/THE r’LAN

10 -

MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL. AND

‘ '-OFFICE, CENTRAL LOBBY THE DISTRICT

THE PLAN AND SCHEME .

WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ^TRANCE । amdq OFFICE SHA TIN. 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, AND Thu. sSa TIN dIsTRIC? OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

amy PFRSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE OSE, OR BOTH SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE FEBRUARY 18, 1986.

CAREERS QUIZ *

PRIZE PRESENTATION * * *

WINNERS OF A CAREERS QUIZ ORGANISED BY YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27).

THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN AND MR W.S. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPWONG’S INDUSTRIAL (HOLDINGS) LTD, SPONSOR OF THE QUIZ, WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 3 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FUNCTION.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1/65

PITCH TO CLOSE FOR TURFING * * * *

THE FOOTBALL PITCH OF TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE FIRST TWO WEEKS IN JANUARY FOR TURFING.

THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO ALLOW TIME FOR THE SEEDING OF RYE GRASS WHICH GROWS BEST IN THE DRY WINTER MONTHS OR HONG KONG.

THE CLOSURE, HOWEVER, WILL NOT AFFECT THE JOGGING TRACK AROUND IT, WHICH WILL REMAIN OPEN AS USUAL.

THE FOOTBALL PITCH WILL BE REOPENED ON JANUARY 15.

NEW YEAR BANQUET FOR THE ELDERLY * * *

AROUT BQQ SENIOR CITIZENS OF NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED A VEGETARIAN BANQUET AT A LOCAL MONASTERY ON DECEMBER 30 (MONDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE APPROACHING NEW YEAR.

THE BANQUET ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, WILL BE HELD AT FUNG YING SIN KOON IN rANLING AT 2 PM.

AT THE BANQUET. RESIDENTS OF A NEIGHBOURING ELDERLY CENTRE IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL SING TRADITIONAL CANTONESE SONGS TO ENT^riTAiN PARTICIPANTS.

SENIOR RESIDENTS, AGED OVER 65, '{j.{HE DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO THE PARTY. ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL HURAL. COMMITTEE OFFICES AND THE TWO D I STR I CT .OFF ICE’S SUB-OFFICEo AT THc. CHEUNG WAH AND THE CHOI YUEN ESTATES.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DECISION ON HONG KONG DRAGONAIR’S LICENCE APPLICATIONS ........ 1

AG’S TERM EXTENDED TWO YEARS .................................. 2

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER ........................... 2

PRESS CONFERENCE ON POLLUTION CONTROL ......................... 4

SHORT TERM TENANCIES FOR FOUR SITES ........................... 5

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES .................................. 6

FIELD STUDIES FOR NORTH DISTRICT STUDENTS ..................... 6

TENDERS FOR TSING YI SERVICE RESERVOIRS ....................... 7

KWUN TONG DISCO TO WELCOME CHRISTMAS .......................... 7

CONCERTS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ............................... 8

WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................... 8

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1985

DECISION ON HONG KONG DRAGONAIR’S LICENCE APPLICATIONS * * * * *

BETWEEN DECEMBER 2 AND 9, THE AIR TRANSPORT LICENSING AUTHORITY CONSIDERED APPLICATIONS BY HONG KONG DRAGON AIRLINES LTD FOR LICENCES TO OPERATE SERVICES FROM HONG KONG TO VARIOUS POINTS IN THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

OF THESE, SEVEN POINTS WERE WHAT WERE DESCRIBED AS SECONDARY ROUTES, XIAN, XIAMEN, HANGZHOU, HAIKOU, ZHANJIANG, GUILIN AND NANJING. THREE WERE FOR THE MAJOR CITIES OF BEIJING, SHANGHAI AND GUANGZHOU.

ORIGINALLY OBJECTIONS HAD BEEN LODGED BY ANOTHER APPLICANT, CALEDONIAN FAR EAST AIRWAYS LTD, IN RESPECT OF FOUR ROUTES -HANGZHOU - AND BY CATHAY PACIFIC SHANGHAI. CATHAY PACIFIC ALREADY SHANGHAI BUT HAS ONLY BEEN ABLE

BEIJING, GUANGZHOU, GUILIN AIRWAYS TO XIAMEN, BEIJING HOLDS LICENCES FOR BEIJING TO OPERATE TO SHANGHAI.

AND AND AND

HOWEVER, ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE HEARING CALEDONIAN FAR EAST AIRWAYS WITHDREW ALL ITS APPLICATIONS AND OBJECTIONS. CATHAY PACIFIC HAD ALREADY WITHDRAWN ITS OBJECTION TO HONG KONG DRAGONAIR ON THE XIAMEN ROUTE, WHILE MAINTAINING ITS OBJECTIONS TO BEIJING AND SHANGHAI. CATHAY’S OBJECTIONS WERE SUBSTANTIALLY THAT THESE ROUTES WERE NOW SERVED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OF CHINA (CAAC) AND, ALSO IN THE CASE OF SHANGHAI, BY CATHAY.

AGREEMENT HAS NOW BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND UK GOVERNMENTS, AFTER VERY LONG AND INTENSE DISCUSSIONS, THAT CATHAY SHOULD COMMENCE SCHEDULED OPERATIONS TO BEIJING, LIMITED TO TWO SERVICES A WEEK INITIALLY, IN THE EARLY PART CF 1986. CAAC WOULD ALSO ADD TWO WEEKLY SERVICES TO ITS EXISTING SIX.

THE TOTAL, INCLUDING BRITISH AIRWAYS’ SINGLE SERVICE, WILL THEREFORE INCREASE VERY SUBSTANTIALLY. CATHAY OPERATE THREE SERVICES A WEEK TO SHANGHAI AGAINST 10 BY CAAC. HOWEVER THERE ARE FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN CAAC AND CATHAY WHEREBY AT TIMES OF PEAK DEMAND MORE CAPACITY HAS BEEN PUT ONTO THE ROUTE.

SHOULD

THE AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED THAT HONG KONG DRAGONAIR EE GRANTED A LICENCE WITH THE FREQUENCIES APPLIED FOR, FOR ALL POINTS EXCEPT BEIJING AND SHANGHAI. IT CONSIDERS THAT THE OVERALL CAPACITY ON SHANGHAI IS NOW ADEQUATE AND THAT WITH THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN CAPACITY ON BEIJING TO BE MOUNTED IN EARLY 1986 IT IS IN NO POSITION TO GAUGE IF THERE WILL BE A SHORTAGE THEN AND CERTAINLY NOT TO THE EXTENT THAT IT SHOULD LICENSE ANOTHER CARRIER BEFORE THE EXISTING LICENSEE

HAS EVEN BEGUN TO OPERATE.

/THESE WAS .......

MONDAY, DECDffiER 23, 1985

2 -

NOT PRECLUDE THEM FROM RE-APPLYING

THPRE WAS EVIDENCE OF LIKELY INCREASING DEMAND IN FUTURE YEARS AND THE REFUSAL TO LICENSE HONGKONGDRAGONAJRON BEIJING AND SHANGHAI DOES ------ oc.aodi v i

IF CAPACITY DOES PROVE TO

FULL REASONS FOR THE POSSIBLE.

BE INADEQUATE.

DECISION WILL BE GIVEN AS SOON AS

-------0 - -

AG’S TERM EXTENDED TWO YEARS * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MR MICHAEL THOMAS, C.M.G., Q.C.. HAS ACCEPTED AN invitat’ion to serve for an6ther tw6 year*, following the expiry OF HIS CURRENT CONTRACT ON MAY 23, 1986.

MR THOMAS, AGED 52, WAS APPOINTED TO HIS PRESENT POST IN MAY 1983.

--------o----------

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER

*****

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 2.9 PER CENT AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BY 3.2 PER CENT BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1984 AND NOVEMBER 1985, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE CP I (A) AND CP I(3) FOR NOVEMBER 1985 WERE 160.7 AND 161.5 RESPECTIVELY. COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1985 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, CPI(A) DECREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT AND CPI(B), BY 0.1 PER CENT.

THE AVERAGE CP I (A) AND AVERAGE CP 1(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1985, AT 159.4 AND 159.7 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 3.3 PER CENT AND 3.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGES FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1984.

DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 1985, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP I(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0 1 PER CENT PER MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP 1(B), AT 0.2 PER CENT PER MONTH.

DURING NOVEMBER, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, SALTWATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY WERE LOWER. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WERE HIGHER.

/THE CPI(A) ........

.iCKDaX, MEMBER 23, 1985

THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND S3 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME, AND THE CP I(B>, BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH.

CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1985 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1985 AND NOVEMBER 1984, ARE GIVEN BELOW.

(OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)

CP 1(A) CPI(B)

SECTION INDEX FOR NOV.85 % CHANGE OVER OCT.85 % CHANGE OVER NOV.84 INDEX FOR NOV.85 % CHANGE OVER OCT.85 % CHANGE OVER NOV.84

FOODSTUFFS 154.5 -1.0 +0.5 155.7 -0.8 +0.7

HOUSING 156.9 — +4.5 156.1 +0.0* +3.9

FUEL AND LIGHT 145.5 -o.l -1.0 145.7 -0.1 -0.7

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 234.2 -0.0* +12.3 224.7 -0.0* +11.7

CLOTHING AND 174.7 +1.8 +6.1 178.0 +1.9 +7.0

FOOTWEAR

DURABLE GOODS 124.0 +1.0 -0.5 129.1 +0.9 +0.1

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 151.9 +0.1 +0.7 149.7 +0.2 + 1.5

TRANSPORT AND 184.6 +0.3 +7.0 185.3 +0.5 ♦5.9

VEHICLES

SERVICES 192.1 -0.2 +8.0 186.1 -0.2 +7.0

ALL ITEMS 160.7 -0.3 +2.9 161.5 -0.1 ♦3.2

* LESS THAN 0.05 PER CENT

OCTOBER

COMPARED WITH BY 1.0 PER CENT IN

1985, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED CPI(A) AND 0.8 PER CENT IN CPl(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE DECREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, SALT-WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY,.WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH FRUIT. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.

/THE INDEX........

K^.DA-;, DEC-JEZI 23, -9^

THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 1.8 PER CENT IN CP.\A; AND 1.9 PER CENT IN CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.

THE INDEX FOR DURABLE AND 0.9 PER CENT IN CPI(B) ELECTRICAL CONSUMER GOODS,

GOODS ROSE BY 1.0 PER CENT IN CP I(A) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF TELEVISION SETS AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.

THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WENT UP BY 0.3 PER CENT IN CP I(9 AND 0.5 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF MOTOR VEHIC'-ES AND HIGHER MACAU FERRY PASSENGER TAX.

PRiCE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

(FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TO 2 DECIMAL PLACES.)

MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* COR NOVEMBER 1985, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1904, 19FH FLOOR, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, DUDDELu STREET, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER OR ICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 3-7216512.

-----o------

PRESS CONFERENCE ON POLLUTION CONTROL * M * M

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO RELEASE A CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON THE PROPOSED CONTROL OF POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTES wILL BE hcLD AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROO?i, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE a ILL BE CHAIRED BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR I.A. HOWARD; THE COMMISSIONED FOR ENVIRNOMENTAL PROTECTION, DR S.B. REED; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICUTURE AND FISHERIES, DR T.K.S. YIP, AND THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR FRANCIS HO.

/COPIES OF ......

HUhc>, 19^- >

- 5 -

COPIES OF THE PAPER, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL EE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE STUDY FROM 2 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

------0 -------

SHORT TERM TENANCIES FOR FOUR SITES * * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES CF FOUR SITES, ONE IN KOWLOON AND THREE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE KOLWOON LOT, MEASURING ABOUT 3 775 SQUARE METRES OFF YAU SHING STREET, KWUN TONG, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

TENANCY FOR THE SITE WILL BE FOR 18 MONTHS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.

MEASURING ABOUT 1 460 SQUARE METRES, 1 340 SQUARE METRES AND 1 370 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY, THE THREE ADJOINING SITES AT TING KOK ROAD, NEAR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ARE FOR THE REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE AND PAINT SPRAYING OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

TENANCY FOR THESE LOTS WILL BE FOR TWO YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS OF THE FOUR SITES IS NOON ON JANUARY 10.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVtY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, AND TAI PO DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2_, 1985

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES

*****

A TOTAL OF 132 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES FOR TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27).

THE 1OTH CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND SPONSORED BY SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED, WILL BE HELD AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AT 10.30 AM.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR ROBERT LO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND THE PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED, MR CLEMENT POON, WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES.

- - 0 -

FIELD STUDIES FOR NORTH DISTRICT STUDENTS XXX

ABOUT 100 STUDENTS AND 15 TEACHERS FROM SEVEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NORTH DISTRICT TODAY (MONDAY) JOINED A GEOGRAPHY STUDY CAMP IN FANLING TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT.

THE TwO-DAY CAMP, BEING HELD AT THE BAPTIST ASSEMBLY, INCLUDES FIELD TRIPS TO LOCAL TOWNS AND VILLAGES.

SPEAKING AT A BRIEF CEREMONY TODAY, CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ CONFERENCE, MR POON HUEN-WAI, SAID THE CAMP PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STUDENTS TO HAVE AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE DISTRICT.

THROUGH PERSONAL PARTICIPATION, THE PARTICIPANTS WOULD LEARN MORE ABOUT THIER DISTRICT AND ACTIVITIES IN THEIR COMMUNITY, HE SAID.

THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ CONFERENCE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1935

TENDERS FOR TSING Yl SERVICE RESERVOIRS

* * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FRESH WATER AND SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVO Ino AT THE NORTHERN PART OF TSING Yl ISLAND.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 18 OOO CUBIC METRES AND A SALT .-.ATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 2 300 CUBIC METRES.

THE SERVICE RESERVOIRS ARE PART OF THE LOW-LEVEL FRESH AND SALT WATER SYSTEMS WHICH WILL SERVE THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AT NORTHERN TSING Yl.

WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH 1986 AND EE COMPLETED IN MID 1987.

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KWUN TONG DISCO TO WELCOME CHRISTMAS K * * *

ABOUT 2 000 YOUTHS IN KWUN TONG WILL WELCOME CHRISTMAS AT A MARATHON DISCO TOMORROW (TUESDAY) NIGHT.

THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO NITE, WILL START AT 7 PM AND CONCLUDE SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT.

NINE DISC JOCKEYS FROM RADIO HONG KONG AND A POP GROUP, THE +SMALL ISLAND*, WILL ENTERTAIN PARTICIPANTS WITH THE LATEST IN POP MUSIC.

THOSE WHO CANNOT GET HOLD OF ADMISSION TICKETS CAN TUNE IN TO THE LIVE BROADCAST ON BOTH CHANNELS I AND I I OF RADIO HONG KONG.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND RADIO HONG KONG, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISCO WILL BE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FA 15 THE CHAIRMAN, VICE-CHAIRMAN, AND HONORARY ADVISER OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR EDDIE LAMB, MA CHI-KEUNG AND MR LAM KIN-KWOK.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN EVE DISCO NITE HELD FROM 7 PM TOMORROW ESTATE INDOOR GAMES HALL. THE OPENING 7.30 PM.

TONG FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS (TUESDAY) IN THE KAI YIP CEREMONY WILL START AT

- 0 - -

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1985

_ 8 -

CONCERTS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS * * * * *

VISITORS TO THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN ENJOYED A CHRISTMAS CONCERT PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES ERANCH TODAY (MONDAY).

tup PVFNT WAS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF FOUR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS HELD AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE 1985 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL.

tupPF OTHER CONCERTS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT Tric LANDMARK IN CENTRAL, THE KWAI CHUNG JjOSPITAL AND THE CITY PLAZA IN TAI KOO SHING ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27).

nuFRSFAS filJFST BAND THE OROKU JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND, ... PFRFORM^AT THE CONCERT ON FRIDAY, THE FESTIVAL CONCERT AT TH-AC ADEM IC COMMUNITY HALL ON DECEMBER 29 AND AT THE GALA FINALE A?THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON DECEMBER 31.

TICKETS AT 35 EACH FOR THE FESTIVAL CONCERT AND THE GALA FINALE ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFF I Ct an! THE COMPUTERISED BOX OFFICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC, THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE FOLLOWING TWO MUSIC CENTRES WILL BE EXTENDED:

YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE (GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 138 AUSTIN ROAD, THIRD FLOOR): FRO

9 AM TO 7 PM ON DECEMBER 27 (FRIDAY)

FROM

* TSUEN WAN MUSIC CENTRE (CHEUNG YIU BUILDING,,167 173 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SECOND FLOOR): — FROM 9 AM TO 12.45 PM ON DECEMBER 28 (SATURDAY)

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 3-7226240.

-----0------

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 403.417 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 434.356 MILLIO,’ CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 74.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER ......................... 1

COMMUNITY ROLE IN PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT STRESSED ............. 4

NEW FEES FOR ENTRY CLEARANCE FOR U.K............................ 5

REGISTRAR GENERAL OFFICES MOVING TO NEW PREMISES................ 6

DISCO WELCOME FOR CHRISTMAS IN KWUN TONG .................. 8

BIDS CALLED FOR UC BRIDGE TOURNAMENT ........................... 8

TAI HING ESTATE TRAFFIC CHANGES ................................ 9

HENNESSY ROAD RESTRICTED ZONE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1985

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER * * * *

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY $717 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER 1985 OVER NOVEMBER 1984 TO REACH $8 724 MILLION, WHILE THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY $251 MILLION OR 2 PER CENT TO $11 450 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY $466 MILLION OR 2 PER CENT TO $20 174 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1985. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $586 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT TO $20 333 MILLION.

IN CONSEQUENCE, A VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS) OF 0.8 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1985, COMPARED WITH 0.2 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER 1984.

PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1985 WAS $213 362 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $117 556 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $95 806 MILLION.

COMPARED WITH THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1984, THE VALUES OF TOTAL EXPORTS AND OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 6 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 7 PER CENT. OVER THIS PERIOD THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 3 PER CENT TO $209 256 MILLION.

A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS, EQUIVALENT TO 2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH A VISIBLE TRADE GAP OF 1 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE RELATIVELY LOW GROWTH RATES OF THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT MARKETS, IN PARTICULAR THE UNITED STATES, HAVE LARGELY CONTRIBUTED TO THE SLUGGISH DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE SO FAR THIS YEAR.

HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THE DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS APPEARED TO HAVE BOTTOMED OUT AND THAT THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED ONLY A SMALL DECLINE IN NOVEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984.

MEANWHILE, THE GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS HAS ALSO SLOWED DOWN IN RECENT MONTHS, REFLECTING CHINA’S MORE STRINGENT CONTROLS ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE SPENDING.

/THE FOLLOWING .......

TUESDAY, DEC.J-’.d_...

THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1985 -

MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS s $11 450 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS • $ 8 724 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS : $20 174 MILLION

IMPORTS : $20 333 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE : $ 159 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

LATEST 3 MONTHS SEPT - NOV 1985 SEPT - NOV 1984 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 33 590 36 588 - 2 998 - 8.2

RE-EXPORTS 25 444 23 045 + 2 399 +10.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 59 034 , 59 633 - 599 - 1.0

IMPORTS 58 508 57 955 + 553 + 1.0

TRADE BALANCE + 526 + 1 678 - 1 152

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER INCREASE OR

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR . 1985 1984 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 11 450 11 701 251 - 2.1

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (56.8%) (59.4%)

RE-EXPORTS 8 724 8 007 + 717 + 9.0

TOTAL EXPORTS 20 174 19 708 + 466 + 2.4

IMPORTS 20 333 19 747 + 586 + 3.0

TRADE BALANCE 159 39 120

/last month .......

.JESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1985

LAST MONTH NOVEMBER 1985 OCTOBER 1985 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 11 450 11 164 + 286 + 2.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (56.8%) (57.0%)

RE-EXPORTS 8 724 8 434 + 290 + 3.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 20 174 19 598 + 576 + 2.9

IMPORTS 20 333 19 966 + 367 + 1.8

TRADE BALANCE 159 368 + 209

JAN - NOV JAN - NOV INCREASE OR

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1985 1984 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 117 556 126 063 - 8 507 - 6.7

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (55.1%) (62.9%)

RE-EXPORTS 95 806 74 485 +21 321 +28.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 213 362 200 548 +12 814 + 6.4

IMPORTS 209256 ' 202 440 + 6 816 + 3.4

TRADE BALANCE + 4 106 - 1 892 + 5 998

DEC 1984 DEC 1983

TO TO INCREASE OR

LAST 12 MONTHS NOV 1985 NOV 1984 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 129 429 136 985 - 7 556 - 5.5

RE-EXPORTS 104 826 80 700 +24 126 +29.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 234 255 217 685 +16 570 + 7.6

IMPORTS 230 186 221 363 + 8 323 + 4.0

TRADE BALANCE + 4 069 - 3 678 + 7 747

-----0------

TUESDAY, DUMBER 2' 1985

COMMUNITY ROl. IN PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT STRESSED

*****

ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN PROTECTING HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT AND THEREBY REDUCING THE POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS ON OUR HEALTH AND WELFARE, ACCORDING TO THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE REPORT SAYS, THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL CAN CONTRIBUTE BY NOT DROPPING LITTER ON BEACHES AND STREETS AND COMMERCE CAN CONTRIBUTE BY ENSURING THAT ROAD VEHICLES ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND DO NOT EMIT BLACK SMOKE AND OTHER HARMFUL POLLUTANTS.

THE INDUSTRY, ON THE OTHER HAND, CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART BY ADOPTING CLEAN AND EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND UP-TO-DATE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY.

IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT MUST PLAY ITS PART BY PROVIDING OVERALL PLANNING, COORDINATION AND ADVICE AS WELL AS BY ESTABLISHING ANY LEGAL CONTROLS THAT MAY BE NECESSARY, THE REPORT SAYS.

THE REPORT SAYS THAT FIRST PRIORITY MUST BE GIVEN TO LIMITING THE CONCENTRATION OF POLLUTANTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT TO A LEVEL THAT ADEQUATELY PROTECTS OUR HEALTH.

+STILL IMPORTANT, BUT OF LOWER PRIORITY, IS THE NEED TO PROTECT AGAINST NUISANCE AND DAMAQE TO PROPERTY THAT CAN BE CAUSED BY POLLUTION.+

THE REPORT ADDS THAT THE CONCENTRATION OF POLLUTANTS IN THE ENVIRONMENT MAY BE LIMITED BY PREVENTING THEIR BEING EMITTED IN THE FIRST PLACE.

+THIS CAN BE DONE BY, FOR EXAMPLE, CUTTING DOWN ON THE AMOUNT OF SULPHUR IN FUEL OIL AS WE ALREADY DO FOR THE POWER STATION AT HOK UN, OR BY REDUCING THE PIG POPULATION TO CUT DOWN ON ANIMAL WASTES REQUIRING DISPOSAL OR BY IMPROVED MAINTENANCE OF DIESEL-ENGINED TAXIS OR MINIBUSES TO PREVENT SMOKE EMISSIONS.

+ALTERNATIVELY, THE CONCENTRATION OF POLLUTANTS CAN BE LIMITED BY FIRST TREATING EMISSIONS, AS IN A SEWAGE WORKS, OR BY ENSURING THAT ANY POLLUTING EMISSIONS ARE DISPERSED AND DILUTED QUICKLY AS SOON AS THEY ENTER THE ENVIRONMENT.*

ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, AN EXAMPLE OF THIS APPROACH IS THE USE OF TALL CHIMNEYS, SUCH AS THE 250-METRE-HIGH ONE AT TAP SHEK KOK THAT DISPERSES AIR POLLUTANTS FROM THE BURNING OF COAL AT THE ELECTRICITY GENERATING STATION.

THE PIPING OF SEWAGE TO WHERE THE SEA IS DEEP AND FAST FLOWING ACHIEVES SIMILAR END RESULT SINCE THE POLLUTANTS ARE NOT ONLY DILUTED BUT, IN TIME, RENDERED PRACTICALLY HARMLESS BY THE NATURAL PROCESSES THAT OCCUR IN THE SEA, IT SAYS.

/THE REPORT .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1985

THE REPORT SAYS EXCESSIVE LEVELS OF CERTAIN TYPES OF POLLUTION CAN AFFECT OUR HEALTH EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY.

♦SULPHUR DIOXIDE AND SMOKE, EMITTED INTO THE AIR FROM FURNACES AND BOILERS BURNING OIL OR COAL, CAN AFFECT OUR LUNGS* CARBON MONOXIDE FROM PETROL-ENG I NED VEHICLES CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THE HEART AND SMOKE FROM DIESEL-ENGINED VEHICLES MAY GIVE RISE TO CANCER.

♦SIMILARLY, UNTREATED HUMAN AND ANIMAL WASTES THAT ENTER BATHING WATERS MAY GIVE RISE TO STOMACH PROBLEMS OR AFFECT THE LIVER- LEAD AND CADMIUM EMITTED FROM CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES CAN ACCUMULATE IN OYSTERS AND OTHER SEAFOOD AND CAUSE VARIOUS. TYPES OF POISONING.+

POLLUTION IS SOMETHING THAT AFFECTS ALL OF US, THE REPORT

SAYS.

♦IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, ALL OF US ARE THE CAUSE OF IT AND EQUALLY WE CAN ALL CONTRIBUTE TO AVOIDING OR REDUCING IT,+ IT SAYS.

0 - -

NEW FEES FOR ENTRY-CLEARANCE FOR U.K. • K * IU

THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT NEW FEES FOR THE U.K. ENTRY CLEARANCE WILL BE CHARGED WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1986.

AMONG THE NEW CHARGES, THE FEE FOR AN ORDINARY ENTRY CLEARANCE WILL BE RAISED FROM 10 POUND STERLING TO 12 POUND STERLING, AND FROM 20 POUND STERLING TO 24 POUND STERLING FOR A MULTIPLE ENTRY CLEARANCE, AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE FEES WILL BE COLLECTED IN LOCAL CURRENCY AT AN OFFICIAL RATE OF EXCHANGE.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE NEW FEES ARE UNIFORMLY IMPOSED WORLDWIDE AND ARE NECESSARY TO KEEP UP WITH ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS CF PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 3-7333111.

- 0 -

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1985

REGISTRAR GENERAL OFFICES MOVING TO NEW PREMISES

*****

THE SIX OFFICES OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WILL BE MOVING TO THE 1OTH TO 15TH FLOORS OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES (QGO) AT 66 QUEENSWAY, STARTING FROM THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27).

THESE OFFICES ARE THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, INSURANCE DIVISION, COMPANIES REGISTRY, TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRY, THE HOME OWNERSHIP SECTION AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY INCORPORATED SCHEME SECTION, AND THE MONEY LENDERS REGISTRY.

FOLLOWING ARE DETAILS OF THE REMOVAL:

OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE

THE SUB-OFFICE IN ADMIRALTY CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY AND SERVICES WILL RESUME ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF QGO ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 28).

THE SUB-OFFICE IN MELBOURNE PLAZA WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY AND WILL RESUME SERVICES ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF QGO FROM DECEMBER 30.

THE MAIN OFFICE AT SUTHERLAND HOUSE WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE REMOVAL OF THE TWO SUB-OFFICES.

ALL OFFICES WILL RESUME .NORMAL OPERATION AT THE NEW ACCOMMODATION NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 30).

THE NEW ENQUIRY NUMBERS WILL BE:

GENERAL ENQUIRIES 5-8622448

ENQUIRIES ON DISTRIBUTION 5-8622537

OF DIVIDENDS

INSURANCE DIVISION

AT PRESENT LOCATED IN WING ON CENTRE, THIS OFFICE WILL MOVE TO THE 12TH FLOOR OF QGO ON DECEMBER 30. NO PUBLIC SEARCH SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON THAT DAY BUT FULL SERVICES WILL RESUME THE NEXT DAY (DECEMBER 31).

COMPANIES REGISTRY

THE MAIN OFFICE OF THE REGISTRY, NOW LOCATED IN KAYAMALLY BUILDING, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, WILL MOVE TO THE 13TH AND l^TH FLOOR OF QGO ON JANUARY 18 AND 19.

/TO FACILITATE .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1985

TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF RECORDS, THE PUBLIC SEARCH SECTION AND THE PHOTOSTAT SECTION OF THE OFFICE WILL CEASE TO PROVIDE SERVICES AS FROM JANUARY 17. SERVICES WILL RESUME AT THE NEW PREMISES FROM JANUARY 20.

THE SHROFF’S OFFICE AND THE RECEIPT AND DESPATCH COUNTER WILL REMAIN OPEN ON JANUARY 17 AND 18 AS USUAL. FEES SHOULD BE PAID AT, AND CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO, THE NEW PREMISES FROM JANUARY 20.

THE REGISTRY’S SUB-OFFICE, LOCATED IN NEW WORLD TOWER, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, WILL MOVE TO THE 13TH AND 14TH FLOORS OF QGO ON JANUARY 25 AND 26.

THE NAME SECTION, THE PUBLIC SEARCH SECTION AND THE PHOTOSTAT SECTION IN NEW WORLD TOWER WILL CLOSE ON JANUARY 24 AND 25 AND SERVICES WILL RESUME AT THE NEW PREMISES ON JANUARY 27.

THE NEW ENQUIRY NUMBER OF THE COMPANIES REGISTRY WILL BE 5*8622600.

TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRY

THE TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRY WILL MOVE FROM UNITED CENTRE TO THE 15TH FLOOR OF QGO ON DECEMBER 31.

IT WILL BE CLOSED FOR GENERAL BUSINESS ON DECEMBER 31 EXCEPT FOR RECEIVING DOCUMENTS SUCH AS TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS CLAIMING CONVENTION PRIORITY, NOTICES OF OPPOSITION TO ADVERTISED TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS FILED WITHIN FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF GRANT IN THE UK OR FROM ITS TAK ING EFFECT IN THE UK.

NORMAL SERVICES WILL RESUME FROM JANUARY 2.

THE NEW ENQUIRY NUMBER WILL BE 5-8622628.

THE HOME OWNERSHIP SECTION AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY INCORPORATED SCHEME SECTION

THESE TWO SECTIONS OF THE LAND OFFICE WILL MOVE FROM a I NG ON CENTRE TO THE 15TH FLOOR OF QGO NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 30).

THE NEW ENQUIRY NUMBERS WILL BE:

HOME OWNERSHIP SECTION 5-8622641

FINANCIAL SECRETARY INCORPORATED 5-8622639

SCHEME SECTION

/MONEY LENDERS .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1985

8 -

MONEY LENDERS REGISTRY

THE MONEY LENDERS REGISTRY WILL MOVE FROM YU YUET J-AI BUILDING IN WYNDHAM STREET TO THE 15TH FLOOR OF QGO ON MONDAY

(DECEMBER 30).

THE NEW ENQUIRY NUMBER WILL BE 5-8622634.

- - 0-----------

DISCO WELCOME FOR CHRISTMAS IN KWUN TONG X * * *

KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING TO SHOW CONCERN FOR THEIR NEIGHBOUR^ AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

OFFICIATING AT THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO NITE HE SAIDi +DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON OF LOVE AND WARMTH, IT IS PARTICULARLY HEARTENING TO NOTE THAT THERE ARE MANY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS.

+l WISH TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE MANY YOUNG VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED THEIR SERVICES DURING THE PAST YEAR.+

ABOUT 2 000 YOUNGSTERS TOOK PART IN TONIGHT’S CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO AND 400 OF THEM WERE INVITED AS GUESTS FOR CONTRIBUTING THEIR SERVICES DURING THE PAST YEAR.

THE DISCO WAS HOSTED BY NINE DISC JOCKEYS FROM RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, AND A POP GROUP CALLED THE +SMALL ISLAND+.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE DISCO WAS SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.

-----0------

BIDS CALLED FOR UC BRIDGE TOURNAMENT XXX

BRIDGE PLAYERS ARE BEING INVITED TO TEAM UP FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL OPEN TEAM BRIDGE TOURNAMENT 1986 TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELZABETH STADIUM ON JANUARY 5.

THE TOURNAMENT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG CONTRACT BRIDGE ASSOCIATION.

/A COUNCIL .......

TUESDAY, DECM3ER 24, 1985

,„«s. 1"""

♦APPLICATIONS WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 30.

ENTRY FEES ARE $100 PER TEAM.+

FSRLrSURBEANNC0uJ“LLp5LBEL ^FU^™

I be OBTAINED on 5-756793.

ENTRY I STADI UM AND DETAILS CAN

--------o-----------

TAI HING ESTATE TRAFFIC CHANGES ******

tai cnMr STREET BETWEEN TSUN WEN ROAD AND TAI HING STREET WILL

?O°ATM MM"™ I DAY) .

THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM TAI HING STREET ONTO TAI FONG STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED.

TRAFFIC AND KMB ROUTES 59, 61, 61A, 62, 66 AND 66M WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE SHEK PAI TAU ROAD* AND TSUN WEN ROAD.

- 0 -

HENNESSY ROAD RESTRICTED ZONE * X * *

tup pyi^tING 24—HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN AB0UT!5 METRES WEST OF iiKirTiniu U/iTM ARSENAL STREET AND 135 METRES EAST Or I nt oarnc SloS Sill be extended to its junction with fenwick street FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27).

itu im tup ppqtritTFD ZONE ALL VEHICLES OTHER THAN FN.Nc’hIsED EOSES"wl™ nJt EE ALLoOeD TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

--------0-------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25,

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

CONTESTS TO PROMOTE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT ........................

p SURVEY ON PROPOSED CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL ....................

2 TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET .........................

RSD LIBRARIES CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS ............................

TRAFFIC ARRhNG34ENTS FOR RACE MEETING .....................

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1985

CONTESTS TO PROMOTE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT * * * *

THREE COMPETITIONS HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR THE CLEAN KWUN TONG CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN IN ACHIEVING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.

CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM LEUNG-KI, SAID; + AS AN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN, A COLOUR DRAWING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 19 AS PART CF A CLEAN KWUN TONG CARNIVAL.*

+CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 ARE WELCOME TO JOIN AND TRANSCRIBE THEIR IMAGES OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT,* HE SAID.

A LYRIC AND SINGING COMPETITION HAS ALSO BEEN ORGANISED FOR THOSE WHO ARE KEEN ON MUSIC.

MR LAM SAID; +PARTIC I PANTS MAY CHOOSE A POPULAR SONG AND WRITE NEW LYRICS TO TIE IN WITH THE THEME OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS.*

+AFTER SCREENING, SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INVITED TO COMPETE IN A SINGING CONTEST,* HE ADDED.

WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE CLEAN KWUN TONG CARNIVAL.

+RESIDENTS CAN ALSO PIT THEIR WITS IN A SLOGAN COMPETITION ON THE CLEAN KWUN TONG CAMPAIGN,* MR LAM SAID.

THE CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY THE CLEAN KWUN TONG CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND SPONSORED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

APPLICATION FORMS OF THE THREE COMPETITIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES.

THE DEADLINE OF ENTRIES TO THE LYRIC AND SINGING COMPETITION AND SLOGAN COMPETITION IS JANUARY 6, WHILE THAT FOR THE CHILDREN COLOUR DRAWING COMPETITION IS JANUARY 10.

-------C--------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1985

SURVEY ON PROPOSED ’CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL * X *

A FIVE-DAY SURVEY ON THE PROPOSED CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL AT SHA TAU KOK IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD TO COLLECT VIEWS OF PARENTS.

DURING THE SURVEY, WHICH STARTS ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27), SOME SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL VISIT VILLAGES INCLUDING MAN UK BIN, LOI TUNG, WO HANG, MA TSEUK LENG, NAM CHUNG, LUK KENG AND WU KAU TAN TO HELP VILLAGERS FILL IN A QUESTIONNAIRE.

A COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR CHEUNG YING SAID: +IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF PARENTS CO-OPERATED BECAUSE THE FORMATION OF THE CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL WOULD HINGE ON THE OUTCOME OF THE SURVEY.+

TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NORTH DISTRICT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED AMALGAMATING FIVE EXISTING PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SHA TAU KOK, WHICH AT PRESENT HAVE A TOTAL OF 97 PUPILS.

- - 0 - -

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS MEETING ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27).

IT WILL DISCUSS THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR IN TSUEN WAN AND THE NAMING OF A PARK AT KWOK SHU I ROAD.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

THE MEETING, WHICH WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC, WILL BE h£LD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN AT 2.30 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1985

- 3 -

RSD LIBRARIES CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS * * *

THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ALL ITS PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS WILL CLOSE ON THE NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1), A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

THEY WILL HOWEVER. OPERATE AS USUAL ON NEW YEAR’S EVE (TUESDAY), EXCEPT FOR THE PUBLIC LIBRARY IN SHEUNG SHU I, WHICH CLOSES EVERY TUESDAY.

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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RACE MEETING X X X X *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (DECEMBER 25) ANNOUNCED CHANGES TO THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC SCHEME IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY ON RACE DAYS.

FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 28), THE FOLLOWING REVISED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR BOTH DAY AND EVENING MEETINGS UNTIL THE END OF THE RACE SEASON:

* PERCIVAL STREET BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC AND SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED TOWARDS LEIGHTON ROAD.

* MATHESON STREET WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, AND ACCESS TO LEIGHTON CENTRE CAR PARK WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUSPENDED. VEHICLES COMING OUT FROM THE CAR PARK WILL BE PERMITTED UNDER POLICE CONTROL AND DIRECTED VIA MATHESON STREET AND SHARP STREET EAST TO CANAL ROAD EAST.

X PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL CONTINUE TO BE ALLOWED TO WAIT FOR PASSENGERS AT HAU TAK LANE, FACING EAST, BUT THE NUMBER OF PLBS WILL BE REDUCED FROM 30 TO 18.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 198?

C CM TENTS PAGE NO.

60 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER .......................... 1

BISHOP WU VISITS INMATES ....................................... 2

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT STUDY CAMP FOR 200 ................... 5

JOGGING TRAIL IN KOWLOON PaRK OPENS TOMORROW ................... 3

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY ............................

CARNIVAL FOR POP MUSIC FANS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1985

60 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER * * *

SIXTY NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN OCTOBER, COMPARED WITH 57 IN SEPTEMBER.

OF THE 60 PLANS APPROVED, 26 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 WERE IN KOWLOON AND 24 WERE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WITH GYMNASIUM AND SQUASH COURTS AT CHAI WAN FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WAS AMONG THE PROJECTS APPROVED.

OTHERS INCLUDED A HOTEL AND APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCK OVER A COMMON PODIUM ON A SITE BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AT SAI YING PUN I TWO SOCIAL CENTRE-APARTMENT BLOCKS AT SING WOO ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY; EIGHT APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCKS AT WHAMPOA GARDEN, HUNG HOM; A KINDERGARTEN AND NURSERY BUILDING AT TSUEN WAN FOR THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY? 207 RESIDENCES AT MARINA COVE, HO CHUNG, SAI KUNG? AND A WHOLESALE FISH MARKET AT TUNG YUEN STREET, YAU TONG.

DURING THE MONTH, CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 46 NEW PROJECTS - 14 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR IN KOWLOON AND 28 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDED EIGHT APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCKS AT KORNHILL; NINE APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCKS WITH A KINDERGARTEN AND A CHILDREN-YOUTH CENTRE AT WHAMPOA GARDEN, HUNG HOM; AN APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCK WITH THREE SHOPPING ARCADES IN TSUEN WAN; A CARPARK-COMMERCIAL BLOCK AT THE JUNCTION OF HOI YUEN ROAD AND SHING YIP STREET, KWUN TONG; A KINDERGARTEN AT HONG LOK YUEN, TAI PO; A TRAINING AND INFORMATION CENTRE FOR CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED AT TAP SHEK KOK, TUEN MUN? A FOOTBRIDGE AT SHA TIN AND AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AT CANTON ROAD.

MEANWHILE, 33 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE FOR NEWLY COMPLETED STRUCTURES DURING THE MONTH.

THEY INCLUDED A SCHOOL AND A WORKSHOP FOR THE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL AT TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY; A YOUTH CENTRE-GUEST ROOMS BLOCK FOR THE CHINESE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION AT HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI; A WELFARE-RECREATIONAL CENTRE AT 'WO Yl HOP ROAD, KWAI CHUNG 5 AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AT YEUNG UK ROAD, TSUEN WAN; A PETROL-FILLING SERVICE STATION AT THE JUNCTION OF UN CHAU STREET AND PRATAS STREET, SHAM SHU I PO; AND AN OFFICE BUILDING AND TWO DANGEROUS GOODS BUILDINGS AT DAI KWAI STREET IN TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

/THE TOTAL .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 198?

2 -

THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THESE NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WAS 156 545.7 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 100 947 SQUARE METRES 'WERE FOR DOMESTIC USE AND THE REST FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF THESE BUILDINGS WAS ABOUT 3606 MILLION.

DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ALSO ISSUED 18 DEMOLITION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 32 BUILDINGS.

--------0 ---------

bishop wu visits inmates * K * *

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE MOST REV JOHN BAPTIST WU TODAY VISITED THE TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN STANLEY TO WISH THE PRISONERS THERE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRISON CHAPLAINS JO THE MEDIUM SECURITY PRISON AND WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES.

BISHOP WU SAW THE PRISONERS IN TUNG TAU TAKING PART IN VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS WATCHING TELEVISION AT THE DINING HALL OR PLAYING BALL GAMES AT THE PLAYGROUND.

HE ALSO SPOKE TO SOME OF THE PRISONERS AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS WERE DISTRIBUTED.

HE LATER INSPECTED VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES INCLUDING THE DORMITORIES, SICK BAY, CHAPEL, LIBRARY AND KITCHEN. THE INSTITUTION HOUSES ABOUT 300 PRISONERS.

THE BISHOP VISITS ONE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTIONS EACH YEAR AT CHRISTMAS.

- 0 - -

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1935

- 3 -

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT STUDY CAMP FOR 200

X * * X

MORE THAN 200 YUEN LONG YOUTHS TODAY (THURSDAY) BEGAN A TWL-DAY STUDY CAMP AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG CAMP TO LEARN ABOUT REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.

AT A BRIEF CEREMONY, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR T. KUEN, PRESENTED A FLAG TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW YIU-WING, TO LAUNCH THE STUDY CAMP.

THE PARTICIPANTS ARE STUDENTS FROM 15 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND YOUTHS FROM THREE YOUTH GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT.

+THE AIM OF THE STUDY CAMP IS TO DISCUSS THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS, AND TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE AND SUPPORT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO HELP BUILD A BETTER SOCIETY,* MR CHOW SAID.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE district board, mr tang yun-lim and mr tang tak-kau.

- 0 -

JOGGING TRAIL IN KOWLOON PARK OPENS TOMORROW X X X

JOGGERS USING THE FITNESS TRAIL WHICH IS OPENING TOMORROW IN THE URBAN COUNCIL’S KOWLOON PARK WILL FIND IT UNIQUE IN MANY WAYS.

+ IT WILL BE AN ENDURING TRACK BUT WITH BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE AND FITNESS STATIONS DESIGNED TO BEAT MONOTONY,* SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY.

HE SAID WHILE JOGGING HAD BECOME A POPULAR SPORTS, SOME JOGGERS MIGHT FIND IT LACKING A FUN ELEMENT COMPARED WITH OTHER FORMS OF EXERCISE.

+IN VIEW OF THIS, ATTRACTIONS IN THE FORM OF A DIFFICULT TRACK COMBINED WITH SCENIC BEAUTY ARE INCORPORATED IN ORDER TO HOLD JOGGERS ON THE TRACK,* HE SAID.

+THE $2.8 MILLION FITNESS TRAIL IS ENVELOPED BY A VALLEY OF AZALEA.

+WE HAVE PLANTED 1 000 AZALEA PLANTS OF DAZZLING RED, PURPLE, AND PINK COLOUR ALONG THE WAY.

/+IN ADDITION

THURSDAY, DECOfBER 26, 1985

+ IN ADDITION, A TOTAL OF 130 TREES, AND 8 000 GROUND-COVER PLANTS AND SHRUBS ARE GROWN IN THE AREA.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRAIL WAS A HILLY CIRCULAR ONE, DESCENDING 15 METRES IN ALTITUDE FROM THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE PARK AND THEN WINDING BACK UPWARDS.

♦THE 700-METRE TRAIL FITTING THE CONTOURS ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE PARK WILL COME AS A MOST TESTING ROUTE FOR BOTH AMATEUR AND VETERAN RUNNERS,* HE SAID.

+MOREOVER, THE TRAIL IS PUNCTUATED BY EIGHT FITNESS STATIONS WHICH WILL ENABLE JOGGERS TO SWITCH TO WORKOUTS ON THE WAY.

+THE FITNESS STATIONS ARE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH INSTALLATIONS AS PUSH-UP LOG AND INCLINED WALL MADE OF PINE WOOD AND IMPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES.*

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY

*****

AN ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE VICTORIA PARK NO. 4 MINI-SOCCER PIICH ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) AFTERNOON.

THE CARNIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) YOUTH VOLUNTEERS GROUP UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT’S NARCOTICS DIVISION, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND TO KEEP AWAY FROM DRUGS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN SUB-COMMITTEE ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, MR KARL STUMPF, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE CARNIVAL, SCHEDULED TO START AT 2 PM, WILL FEATURE ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITIONS, A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SKILLS OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS DOGS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, GAMES STALLS DESIGN COMPETITION, A VARIETY SHOW AND A GIANT INFLATABLE GORILLA FOR CHILDREN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1935

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CARNIVAL FOR POP MUSIC FANS * * * *

MUSIC FANS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN A CARNIVAL ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 28) AFTERNOON AT THE KWUN TONG TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

TWO DISC JOCKEYS FROM COMMERCIAL RADIO II WILL HOST A 90—MINUTE CONCERT FEATURING FIVE WELL-KNOWN LOCAL SINGERS.

PART OF THE CURRENT KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’85, THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

AT THE OTHER END OF THE PLAYGROUND THERE WILL BE 14 GAMES STALLS PREPARED BY LOCAL YOUTH GROUPS. FREE TICKETS FOR THE GAMES STALLS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

THE POP MUSIC.CARNIVAL WILL START AT 3.30 PM AND ADMISSION IS FREE. LIVE BROADCAST OF THE EVENT WILL BE ON COMMERCIAL RADIO I I STARTING AT 4 PM.

KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI 5 LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR POON CHI—FAI» ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TAM? AND CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR EDDIE LAMB AND MR MA CHI-KEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CARNIVAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE POP MUSIC CARNIVAL AT 3.30 PM ON SATURDAY AT THE KWUN TONG TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

--------c-----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW METHOD OF CALCULATING RATES PROPOSED .................... 1

VIEWS ON IMPROVED ANIMAL WASTE CONTROL SOUGHT ............... 2

FERRY FARES, MOTOR BOAT HIRE CHARGES REVISED ................ 5

BILL PROPOSES ADDITIONAL MEMBERS FOR TDC .................... 6

U.S. REPORT ON IMPORTS UNDER ATTACK ......................... 6

STEPS TAKEN TO EASE CHINA FERRY RUSH ........................ 7

EMPLOYMENT, VANCANCIES, PAYROLL SURVEYS STARTED ............. 8

FOUR LOTS TO BE SOLD AT FIRST 1986 AUCTION .................. 9

PREQUALIFICATION CALLED FOR MAJOR ROAD WORKS ................ 10

CAREERS QUIZ WINNERS AWARDED HOME COMPUTERS ................. 11

BUILDING WITH BEST SECURITY SYSTEM CHOSEN ................... 12

VENUE FIXED FOR TSUEN WAN NEW YEAR FAIR ..................... 13

ACCESS ROAD OFF TEXACO ROAD PROPOSED ........................ 14

CLEAN AND GREEN FINALISTS TO COMPETE ........................ 14

FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION FOR SHA TIN ...................... 15

DETAILS ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY PROMOTION ............ 15

JAPANESE BAND ARRIVES FOR FESTIVAL .......................... 16

CS TO MEET THE MEDIA ........................................ 16

50 FAMILIES JOIN COOKING CONTEST ............................ 17

FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY .............................. 17

EASTERN DISTRICT HOLDING SPORTS FESTIVAL .................... 18

YOUTH BASEBALL TEAMS COMPETE IN SHA TIN ..................... 19

DATES FOR FIRING PRACTICE ................................... 20

COMMUNITY CENTRE CLOSED ..................................... 21

SALT WATER CUT .............................................. 21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1>3>

NEW METHOD OF CALCULATING RATES PROPOSED

X X X X X X

A BILL WHICH CONTAINS PROPOSALS TO CHANGE THE METHOD OF CALCULATING RATES PAYABLE TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AND PROVIDES FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL RATES IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FR IDAY).

UNDER THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, IT IS PROPOSED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1986, THE TWO COUNCILS SHOULD RECEIVE RATES ACTUALLY COLLECTED ON THEIR BEHALF.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE CURRENT PRACTICE WAS THAT RATES DEMANDED WERE PAID BY THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO THE URBAN COUNCIL ACCORDING TO THE UC RATES PERCENTAGE BUT REFUNDS, RATE RELIEF AND WATER CONCESSIONS WERE BORNE ENTIRELY BY GENERAL RATES.

IT IS FELT THAT THE PROPOSED NEW METHOD OF CALCULATION --THE SHARING PRO RATA BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO COUNCILS OF ALL RATES ACTUALLY COLLECTED, AFTER DEDUCTING ALL REFUNDS, ADDING ALL SURCHARGES AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT WATER CONCESSIONS AND RATE RELIEF — WILL ALLOW THE TWO COUNCILS’ RATES PERCENTAGE^ TO REFLECT THE RESOURCES NECESSARY TO MEET THE COST OF THE SERVICES THEY PROVIDE.

THIS METHOD WILL ALSO RATES TO INCREASE ANNUALLY

ALLOW THE YIELD FROM THE TWO COUNCILS’ AS THE INCIDENCE OF RATE RELIEF LESSENS.

THE COUNCILS DISTR ICT

BILL ALSO DEFINES RATES BY REFERENCE

BOARD ORDINANCE.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE OF THE TWO TO THEIR AREAS SPECIFIED IN THE

♦ARREARS RECEIVED AND REFUNDS PAID AFTER APRIL 1, 1986 IN RESPECT OF PERIODS BEFORE THAT DATE, WHICH UNDER EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE PAID FROM OR DEB I TED TO GENERAL RATES IN FULL, WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO COUNCILS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS.

♦SIMILARLY, PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS RECEIVED OR MADE AFTER ANY FUTURE REVISION IN RATES PERCENTAGES IN RESPECT OF PERIODS BEFORE THE REVISION COMES INTO FORCE WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TWO COUNCILS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEW PERCENTAGES,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THESE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, PROPOSED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLICITY, WILL RESULT IN AN ESTIMATED NET AMOUNT OF $50 MILLION BEING PAID TO THE TWO COUNCILS IN 1986-87 AND 1987-88 WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAV- ACCRUED TO GOVERNMENT.

THIS SUM HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN ASSESSING THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE TWO COUNCILS IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

/APAJ3T FRCX

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

- 2 -

APART FROM THE NEW MEANS OF CALCULATION. THE BILL PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE AUTHORITY TO SIGN AGREEMENTS TO ALTER VALUATION LISTS AND NOTICES OF DECISION TO RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYORS.

ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE BILL ENABLES RATES PAYABLE TO BE ROUNDED DOWN TO THE NEAREST DOLLAR AND THE BALANCE CARRIED FORWAR TO THE NEXT QUARTER.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ON JANUARY 8, 1986.

COMMENTS ON PROVISIONS OF THE BILL CAN BE SENT TO THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FIFTH FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL! THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND

AT HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY;

AT 8, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.

VALUATION OR UMELCO

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VIEWS ON IMPROVED ANIMAL WASTE CONTROL SOUGHT K X K K K K

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED A CONSULTATIVE PAPER TO INVITE VIEWS ON ITS PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVED CONTROL OF THE POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTES.

THE PAPER DESCRIBES THE CARELESS DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE AS THE MAJOR SOURCE OF POLLUTION IN WATER-COURSES AND COASTAL WATERS IN HONG KONG AND IT DISCUSSES THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR CONTROL.

PRESENTING THE PAPER ON THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTES AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE (POLLUTION), MR I.A. HOWARD, POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WERE EXISTING POWERS TO CHECK THE CARELESS DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTES, INCLUDING THE PROHIBITION ON THE DISPOSAL OF MANURE IN A WATER-COURSE OF STREAM, THERE WERE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN ENFORCEMENT, BECAUSE THESE WASTES WERE DELIBERATELY DUMPED INTO RIVERS AND STREAMS WHEN ENFORCEMENT STAFF WERE NOT PRESENT.

+THE ADMINISTRATION HAS CONCLUDED THAT A TOTAL BAN ON LIVESTOCK KEEPING IN SOME AREAS WITH TIGHTER CONTROLS IN OTHERS IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE COURSE OF ACT I ON,+ SAID MR HOWARD.

COPIES OF THE PAPER ARE BEING SENT TO ALL DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS’ ASSOCIATIONS TO SEEK THEIR VIEWS ON THIS APPROACH.

MR HOWARD POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT FELT THAT IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO PHASE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CONTROLS OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING PROPOSED TIMETABLE8-

/(I) phase_i .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

(I) PHASE I (YEAR 1 TO YEAR 3):

LIVESTOCK KEEPING WOULD BE BANNED ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON, SHA TIN, TAI PO, FANLING, SHEUNG SHU I, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWNS. IN ADDITION, THE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WOULD BE CLOSELY CONTROLLED:

(A) TOLO HARBOUR AND TOLO CHANNEL WATER CATCHMENT (OUTSIDE THE TWO NEW TOWNS)

(B) RIVER INDUS AND UPPER SHENZHEN CATCHMENT

(D) TUEN MUN HINTERLAND

(II) PHASE II (YEAR 4 TO YEAR 6):

LIVESTOCK KEEPING WOULD BE BANNED IN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN AND PART OF TUEN MUN - YUEN LONG CORRIDOR. IN ADDITION, THE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IN THE YUEN LONG HINTERLAND, TIN SHUI WAI AND KAM TIN WOULD BE CLOSELY CONTROLLED.

(Ill) PHASE III (YEAR 7 TO YEAR 9):

THE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE IN THE REMAINING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE CLOSELY CONTROLLED.

THE PAPER ALSO PROPOSES THAT IN AREAS WHERE CONTROLS - RATHER THAN A BAN - WOULD APPLY, THERE WOULD BE NEW REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD HAVE TO BE FOLLOWED BY ALL KEEPERS OF LIVESTOCK.

+THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE REGULATIONS WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT PROPER WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS, INCLUDING CONTAINERS, STORAGE FACILITIES, DRAINS AND CHANNELS WERE USED ON ALL PREMISES WHERE LIVESTOCK WERE KEPT. A CODE OF PRACTICE WOULD BE ISSUED TO HELP LIVESTOCK KEEPERS TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS,* MR HOWARD SAID.

THE NEW CONTROLS, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RIVER ACTION PLANS WHICH HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP BY DISTRICT WORKING GROUPS ON WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT.

/IO ENSURE .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE ANIMAL WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES AT AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD. THE PAPER PROPOSES THAT WASTE COLLECT SERVICES, WHETHER THEY WERE OPERATED BY COMMERCIAL INTERESTS OR FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVES WOULD, FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONTROL AND ACCOUNTABILITY, NEED TO BE LICENSED UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE.

THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT EXPECT TO COMMIT ITSELF TO THE PROVISION OF EITHER FREE OR SUBSIDIZED COLLECTION SERVICES BUT IT WOULD, IN LINE WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DOMESTIC, INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE WASTES, EXPECT TO PROVIDE SITES AND THE SERVICE FOR FINAL DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE.

MR HOWARD POINTED OUT THAT SOME OF THE PROPOSALS WOULD INEVITABLY GIVE RISE TO A NEED TO COMPENSATE LIVESTOCK KEEPERS WHO WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THEM. THE ClRCUMSTANCES WHERE THIS MIGHT HAPPEN WERE MENTIONED IN THE PAPER. HE ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE SUGGESTION THAT PEOPLE KEEPING LIVESTOCK IN AREAS WHERE THIS IS ALREADY SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED SHOULD NOT BE COMPENSATED.

MR HOWARD STRESSED THAT THERE WOULD BE A LENGTHY PERIOD BETWEEN THE ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF NEW CONTROLS.

+IN A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CASES, THIS WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY MITIGATE THE EFFECT OF IMPOSING NEW AND TIGHTER CONTROLS AND WOULD ENABLE LIVESTOCK-KEEPERS TO CONSIDER THEIR POSITION AND TO ORGANISE EITHER FOR COMPLIANCE OR FOR SOME ALTERNATIVE FORM OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.

+IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANY NEW CONTROL MEASURES SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PROGRAMME OF AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY EXTENSION SERVICES, WHICH WOULD ADVISE FARMERS HOW BEST TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CONTROLS, ASSIST THEM TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF COMPLIANCE IN INDIVIDUAL CASES, DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON RELEVANT WASTE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY AND PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES,* MR HOWARD SAID.

MEMBERS OF PUBLIC WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.

-----o------

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 19S5

- 5 -

FERRY FARES, MOTOR BOAT HIRE CHARGES REVISED *****

TO (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED REVISIONS KdTa"p LH'cH?uF0lf? EOFFEcfE?RSOH ABEBDEEN increasLFreIpect%elyLfromN^C?entsEtoU8oE?eJ?sYandSfr^ 30Lcents TO 40 CENTS. STUDENT MONTHLY TICKETS WILL BE RAISED FROM $15 TO 518 WHILE FACTORY GIRL MONTHLY TICKETS WILL GO UP FROM $33 TO $36. AT 50ACFN?? ™E CHARSE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AI >j CENTS PER 60.5 KILOGRAMS OR 0.11 CUBIC METRE. MEANWHILE, STARTING FROM THE SAME DAY THE MAXIMUM wibf ruAorre FOR ANY MOTOR BOAT WHICH POSSESSES CLASS 1 LICENCE AND STRUCtSS^ I Y F0R ‘ L,CENCE "• ANY 0THE'' WILL ALs3DBE REUv{slDALisV •vLLvnU•

PERIOD OF HIRE BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY BETWEEN 30 AND 50 PASSENGERS BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY MORE THAN 50 PASSENGERS

ANY PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING 40 MINUTES $65 $80

ANY PERIOD BETWEEN 40 MINUTES AND ONE HOUR $100 $120

EACH SUBSEQUENT PERIOD OF 20 MINUTES OR PART THEREOF 535 $40

BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY BETWEEN 30 AND JOURNEY DISTANCE 50 PASSENGERS BOATS LICENSED CROSS TO CARRY MORE HARBOUR THAN 50 (PER PASSENGERS HEAD)

SHORT DISTANCE (UP TO 40 MINUTES) 565 $80 56

MEDIUM DISTANCE (UP TO ONE HOUR) $100 $120 —

LONG DISTANCE (OVER ONE HOUR) $130 $160 —

THE RATE OF HIRE MAY BE CALCULATED FROM THE TIME wmfn tuf Ft™ OF*T IPF TIME IT RETURNS to the original JwHER iSnOUTeS ALS0 SE D0UBLED WHEN TYPH00N 3,GNAL

--------0 ---------

/6.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 19

- 6 -

BILL PROPOSES ADDITIONAL MEMBERS FOR TDC *****

A BILL WHICH PROVIDES FOR TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHINESc GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HONG KONG, TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

UNDER THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE CHAIRMAN AND A NOMINEE OF THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HONG KONG, ARE TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE OTHER THREE MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS (HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION) ARE CURRENTLY REPRESENTED ON THE COUNCIL.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DUE TO THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, SOME CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED FOR THE SECTIONS DEALING WITH MEETING PROCEDURES CF THE COUNCIL.

+IT ALSO SEEKS TO DELEGATE GREATER POWER OF APPOINTMENT OF STAFF TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,+ HE ADDED.

THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON JANUARY 8, 1986.

U.S. REPORT ON IMPORTS UNDER ATTACK * * * *

THE INFORMAL GROUP OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, EXPORTERS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, OF WHICH HONG KONG IS REPRESENTED HAS HIT OUT AT A REPORT BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT THAT THE PROVISIONS AND THE APPLICATION OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) HAVE FAILED TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE TEXTILES IMPORTS INTO THE U.S.

IN A LETTER TO THE U.S. SENATE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GROUP, AMBASSADOR FELIPE JARAMILLO OF COLOMBIA, SAID THE FINDINGS OF THE REPORT ON THE FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT OF TEXTILES AND APPAREL IMPORT QUOTAS BY THE U.S. COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS SUFFERED FROM FACTUAL INCONSISTENCIES AS WELL AS FROM MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE PROVISIONS OF THE MFA AND THE EFFECT OF IMPORTS ON THE U.S. TEXTILES AND APPAREL INDUSTRIES.

+IT FAILS TO REFLECT THE REALITIES OF THE TRADE SITUATION,* AMBASSADOR JARAMILLO SAID.

REPRESENTING 28 TRADING PARTNERS OF THE U.S., THE INFORMAL ®OUP OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SAID IN A STATEMENT THAT THE INCREASE OF IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES FOR THE YEARS 1983 AND 1984 SHOULD BE VIEWED IN PERSPECTIVE.

/IT POINTED .......

FRIDAY, DECHXBE-- 27, 1<#5

- 7 -

IT POINTED OUT THAT FOR THE PERIOD 1973 TO 1984 AS A WHOLE THE ANNUAL RATE OF GROWTH OF IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES HAD BEEN SIX PER CENT. HOWEVER, MARKED RISE IN IMPORT^ SEEMED TO EE A FEATURE OF THE PAST.

IMPORTS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1985 WERE ONLY 0.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1984. IMPORTS FROM THE DEVELOPING MFA COUNTRIES (WHICH ARE ALL RESTRAINED) HAD DECLINED BY THREE PER CENT WHILE THOSE FROM WESTERN EUROPE CONTINUED TO INCREASE BY 20 PER CENT.

THE STATEMENT ALSO STRESSED THAT THE EFFICACY OF ANY INTERNATIONAL RULES DEPENDS UPON THEIR FAITHFUL OBSERVANCE BY ALL MEMBERS AND A WILLINGNESS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DIFFICULTIES AND THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHERS.

+THE REPORT SEEMS TO SUGGEST THAT THE UNITED STATES SHOULD ACT WITH IMPUNITY IRRESPECTIVE OF THE RULES AND IN DISREGARD OF THE INTERESTS OF HER TRADING PARTNERS.

+OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THAT EVERY COUNTRY HAS TO FUNCTION WITHIN THE AGREED FRAMEWORK AND EXERCISE ITS RIGHTS WITH DUE CONSIDERATIONS FOR ITS OBLIGATIONS,* THE STATEMENT CONCLUDED.

A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES (LDC) STATEMENT WAS HELPFUL TO CORRECT MIS-INTERPRETATIONS CF FACTS AND RESULTANT MISLEADING CONCLUSIONS IN THE U.S. REPORT.

-----0------

STEPS TAKEN TO EASE CHINA FERRY RUSH

* * *

TO EASE CONGESTION, THE FORMER MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN CENTRAL WILL BE UTILISED FROM MID-JANUARY 1986 FOR 50 PER CENT OF THE CHINA FERRY SERVICES CURRENTLY OPERATING FROM THE TAI KOK TSUI CHINA FERRY TERMINAL.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THIS WAS BEING DONE AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, PENDING COMPLETION OF THE NEW CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN CANTON ROAD AROUND DECEMBER, 1987.

SERVICES AT THE TAI KOK TSUI TERMINAL HAVE GROWN SO MUCH SINCE IT STARTED OPERATION IN 1978 THAT ADDITIONAL FACILITIES ARE NECESSARY TO RELIEVE THE SEVERE OVER-CROWDING AT PEAK PERIODS, HE SAID.

TOTAL TRAFFIC HAD RISEN FROM LITTLE MORE THAN 400 000 PASSENGERS IN 1980 TO ALMOST 1.6 MILLION IN 1984, HE SAID.

+MEASURES ARE NOW IN HAND TO BRING THIS TEMPORARY HONG KONG-CHINA TERMINAL INTO OPERATION IN MID-JANUARY, WHICH WILL ALLO* TIME FOR ANY OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE THE PASSENGER PEAKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.

/♦AMONG VARIOUS .......

FRIDAY, DEC 1?&5

+AMONG VARIOUS MEASURES IS THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (HONG KONG-CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERM INALS)(AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) REGULATIONS 1985 GAZETTED TODAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WOULD ASSUME THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS TERMINAL AND BERTHING FEES WOULD BE CHARGEABLE AT THE SAME RATE APPLICABLE TO THE CHINA FERRY SERVICE OPERATED FROM THE SHA T IN— NEISHA TERMINAL, HE SAID.

THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO MAKE OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL REGULATIONS.

+TO AVOID INDIVIDUAL REFERENCES TO THE VARIOUS HIGH SPEED CRAFT SUCH AS HYDROFOILS AND JETFOILS WHICH ATTRACT A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF BERTHING FEE TO CONVENTIONAL FERRIES, IT IS PROPOSED Tu SUBSTITUTE FOR THESE THE GENERIC TERM ’DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT’,+ HE SAID.

THE AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM 6 AM ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1986.

DETAILED TRANSFER OF SERVICES WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE

FERRY COMPANIES CONCERNED. V

- 0 - -

V>'

EMPLOYMENT, VANCANCIES, PAYROLL SURVEY STARTED *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED THE FOURTH ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FOR 1985.

THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.

THE DECEMBER ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 33 OOO ESTABLISHMENTS DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES) AND THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS).

INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON DECEMBER 30, 1985 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH ESTABLISHMENT.

SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE SELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOBER TO DECEMBER.

/QUESTIONNAIRES A.RE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

- 9 -

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS. N ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUENTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

RESPONDENTS FINDING DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS (PRINTED AT THE BACK OF QUESTIONNAIRES):

5-436551 5-444301 5-455661 5-455668

THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING OCTOBER-DECEMBER 1985 WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTo COMPLETE.

FIELD OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EX 1ST I NG VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.

IN CASE OF ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT 5-444364.

- -— - o ---

FOUR LOTS TO BE SOLD AT FIRST 1986 AUCTION * * X * *

THE FIRST LAND AUCTION IN 1986 WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 23 AT 2.30 PM IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.

OF THE FOUR LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED, THE ONLY URBAN SITE IS AT SOUTH BAY ROAD, REPULSE BAY, AND IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO DEVELOP NOT LESS THAN 6 570 SQUARE METRES OF THE GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE 3 650-SQUARE-METRE SITE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1990.

THE OTHER SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MEASURE 13 350 SQUARE METRES, 3 231 SQUARE METRES AND 1 670 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY. ALL ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN USES, EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE.

THE LARGEST SITE IS AT NGAU PEI SHA STREET, SHA TIN, NEXT TO THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL. NOT LESS THAN 28 035 SQUARE METRES OF ITS GROSS FLOOR AREA IS REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE JANUARY 31, 1990.

UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT OF THE NEXT LOT AT TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 4 847 SQUARE METRES OF THE GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE MARCH 31, 1989.

/TH£ FOURTH .......

"BIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 10c5

10 -

THE FOURTH SITE IS AT TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, AND NOT LESS THAN 9 519 SQUARE METRES OF ITS GROSS FLOOR AREA HAVE TO 3E COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROL. AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIV I SIC MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, FHE PUBLK ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON YAU MA T.I CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

-----o------

PREQUALIFICATION CALLED FOR MAJOR ROAD WORKS * * * * *

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING CONTRACTORS TO APPLY FOR INCLUSION ONTO A LIST OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION OF TWO FLYOVERS AND AN UNDERPASS IN CENTRAL.

THE FIRST PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 260-METRE FLYOVER ALONG HARCOURT ROAD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH COTTON TREE DRIVE, A DUAL TWO-LANE UNDERPASS MEASURING 283 METRES LONG ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD AT PEDDER STREET, AND A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS CONNAUGHT ROAD AT POTTINGER STREET, AN EXTENSION OF THE STAR FERRY SUBWAY, AND MODIFICATION TO THE EXISTING GROUND-LEVEL ROADS.

WORK ON THE SECOND PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DUAL THREE-LANE FLYOVER ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD BETWEEN SUTHERLAND STREET AND GILMAN STREET, AND TWO FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS CONNAUGHT ROAD AT MORRISON STREET AND TUNG HING LANE.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT WORK ON THE PROJECTS, PART OF THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHEME, WILL START IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 AND BE COMPLETED BY 1989.

ONLY CONTRACTORS FROM THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS: BUILDING, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND WATER WORKS LIST I IN GROUP C AND LIST II FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS WHO HAVE A PROVEN RECORD OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF MAJOR CONCRETE HIGHWAY STRUCTURES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR PREQUALIFICATION.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PREQUALIFICATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MESSRS. PETER Y.S. PUN AND ASSOCIATtS, FIRST FLOOR, LOCKHART CENTRE, 301-307 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON^ON JANUARY 24. ___

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 19^5

CAREERS QUIZ WINNERS AWARDED HOME COMPUTERS

* * * * *

THREE FORM FIVE STUDENTS WHO SCORED THE HIGHEST MARKS IN THE CAREERS QUIZ COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) EACH AWARDED WITH A HOME COMPUTER.

THEY WERE LUK LAI-ME I OF SHUN LEE CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHIU WAI-SHING OF CHENG GENE HANG COLLEGE AND NG KIT-YEE OF SHUN LEE CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL.

THREE SCHOOLS, CHENG GENE HANG COLLEGE, CHEUNG SHA WAN CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL AND KOWLOON TRUE LIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL WHICH SCORED THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MARKS ALSO RECEIVED THEIR TROPHIES FROM THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN.

AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON, MR CHEN SAID THAT MORE THAN 90 000 STUDENTS FROM OVER 200 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE CAREERS QUIZ THIS YEAR, A RECORD BOTH IN THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS SINCE THE ANNUAL EVENT STARTED IN 1982.

+THIS REFLECTS THE GROWING SUPPORT FROM SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS FOR CAREERS ACTIVITIES AND IS ENCOURAGING TO THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THIS DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.

MR CHEN SAID THE QUIZ WAS ONE OF THE LARGE SCALE CAREERS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE YEAS TO AROUSE CAREERS AWARENESS OF THE STUDENTS.

IT ALSO ENCOURAGED THE STUDENTS TO THINK MORE POSITIVELY ABOUT THEIR FUTURE CAREERS AND OCCUPATIONS AND HELPED THEM CONDUCT MORE USEFUL CAREERS INFORMATION RESEARCH.

HE SAID THE QUIZ OWED ITS SUCCESS TO THE CONCERTED AND SUSTAINED EFFORTS OF MANY PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS, PARTICULARLY THE PRINCIPALS AND CAREERS TEACHERS OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS.

MR CHEN ALSO THANKED WONG’S KONG KING LIMITED, WHO SPONSORED ALL THE PRIZES INCLUDING THE THREE HOME COMPUTERS, AND THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY FOR MARKING THE ANSWER SHEETS.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY TO PRESENT THE HOME COMPUTERS WAS MR W.S. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WONG’S INDUSTRIAL (HOLDINGS) LTD.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

- 12 -

BUILDING WITH BEST SECURITY SYSTEM CHOSEN * * *

A PANEL OF JUDGES FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE HAS CHOSEN BRAEMAR HILL MANSION IN CAUSEWAY BAY AS THE BUILDING WITH THE BEST SECURITY AND CRIME PREVENTION SYSTEM.

SECOND AND THIRD IN THE DISTRICT-WIDE CAMPAIGN WERE MAYSON GARDEN MANSION, ALSO IN CAUSEWAY BAY, AND SKYROOM TERRACE IN NORTH POINT.

THE PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISED AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE POLICE’S CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU.

THE JUDGES VISITED AND INSPECTED EACH OF THE 11 FINALISTS IN THE COMPETITION WHICH WERE SCATTERED FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO CHAI WAN.

CONSIDERATION IN JUDGING THE BUILDINGS INCLUDED CRIME

PREVENTION MEASURES UNDERTAKEN BY THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OR OWNERS CORPORATIONS, THE NUMBER OF FLATS IN EACH BUILDING, MANAGEMENT FEES CHARGED, LIGHTING IN STAIRCASES AND CORRIDORS, CLOSED CIRCUIT TV AND OTHER SECURITY MEASURES. /

THE JUDGES ALSO SELECTED THE WINNERS OF A SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION HELD FOR STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO HELP PROMOTE THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.

OUT OF THE 200 PLUS ENTRIES RECEIVED, HO MAN-BUN WAS CHOSEN THE WINNER, WHILE THE SECOND AND THIRD WINNERS WERE LAM WAI-SHI NG AND HO YIN-FUN. THERE WERE ALSO 10 OUTSTANDING AWARDS FOR THE COMPETITION.

PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OR OWNERS CORPORATIONS OF THE WINNING BUILDINGS AND THE WINNERS OF THE SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION DURING AN EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME NIGHT ON JANUARY 4.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN, WHICH STARTED IN AUGUST, INCLUDED VISITS TO THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOLS IN ABERDEEN AND FANLING, AND THE POLICE EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTRE, AS WELL AS SEVERAL CRIME PREVENTION SEMINARS ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

/13........

FR IDAY, DECEMBER 1925

VENUE FIXED FOR TSUEN WAN NEW YEAR FAIR

*****

THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE AVAILABLE THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND FOR THE ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR IN TSUEN WAN FROM FEBRUARY 2 TO 9.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE RSD’S DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (TSUEN WAN), MR LAI CHUNG-KUEN, AT A MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY) OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.

MR LAI SAID THE RSD WOULD DEMARCATE A TOTAL OF 208 STALL SITES TO COPE WITH DEMAND FOR SEASONAL GOODS FOR THE CELEBRATION CF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. THESE WOULD INCLUDE 34 DRY GOODS, 172 WET GOODS AND TWO SOFT DRINKS STALLS.

+THE PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE OUTLETS FOR SEASONAL FLOWER GROWERS TO SELL THEIR MERCHANDISE AND TO DISCOURAGE UNLICENSED HAWKING IN THE TOWNSHIP AREAS DURING THIS FESTIVAL PERIOD,* HE EXPLAINED.

MR LAI ADDED THAT THE STALLS WOULD BE LET AT AN AUCTION TO BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON JANUARY 14 AT 9.30 AM.

THE UPSET PRICE FOR EACH DRY GOODS STALL IS $125 AND FOR EACH WET GOODS STALL $150. SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PAY A TEMPORARY HAWKER LICENCE FEE OF $70 EACH.

TO FAC'.ITATE THE PREPARATION AND CLOSING DOWN OF THE FAIR, TWO TARMAC SURFACED MINI-SOCCER PITCHES ON THE SPORTSGROUND WOULD BE CLOSED FROM JANUARY 31 TO FEBRUARY 12.

THE DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER (TUSEN WAN). MR LI HUNG-CHEUNG, ALSO DISCLOSED AT THE MEETING THAT THE RSD WOULD ORGANISE 93 RECREATION AND SPORTS PROJECTS IN TSUEN WAN IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS APPROVED THE NAMING OF A NEW DISTRICT OPEN SPACE IN TSUEN WAN AS +KWOK SHU I ROAD PARK.*

THE PARK, BEING DEVELOPED IN TWO PHASES, IS BOUNDED BY KWOK SHU I ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD.

PHASE I OF THE PROJECT, COVERING ABOUT ONE HECTARE, WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON DECEMBER 1 AND CONTAINS A GARDEN, WATER FEATURES, AN ENTRANCE PLAZA AND THE USUSAL PARK AMENITIES.

WORK ON PHASE II IS IN PROGRESS AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY NEXT JUNE. IT WILL PROVIDE THREE BASKETBALL COURTS, TWO VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER PITCH, ONE HANDBALL COURT, A SKATING ft INK, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS._______

-----o------

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 198r'

ACCESS ROAD OFF TEXACO * * * *

ROAD PROPOSED

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT A PRIVATE DEVELOPER TO BUILD A TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD BRANCHING OFF FROM TEXACO ROAD NEAR THE TSUEN WAN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION.

FOOTPATHS OF 2.75 METRES WIDE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD.

IT WILL SERVE THE INITIAL STAGE OF A COMPREHENSIVE PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME IN THE REMAINING PORTION OF TSUEN WAN MARINE LOT NO. 1 AND TSUEN WAN INLAND LOT NO. 50 AT TSUEN WAN RECLAMATION.

THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME WILL INVOLVE THE PROVISION OF 5 700 RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR A POPULATION OF 23 000 AND COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

A PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE ROAD WORK ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, HONG KONG, AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

OBJECTIONS TO THE WORK SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY FEBRUARY 25.

-------o----------

CLEAN AND GREEN FINALISTS TO COMPETE

* * * *

THE FINAL OF THE POPULAR +CLEAN AND GREEN+ SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 11 AM AT THE TWISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK.

TEN FINALISTS FROM AMONG 5 740 PARTICIPANTS WILL VIE FOR THE TITLE OF OVERALL CHAMPION IN A SERIES OF OUTDOOR COMPETITIONS TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR HOWARD YOUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENT,,T I . .

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FINAL AND PRIZE PRESENTATION. TRANSPORT FOR THE MEDIA WILL LEAVE FROM THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON, AT 10 AM SHARP.

------0-------

/15......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27. 1985

- 15 -

FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION FOR SHA TIN * * * * *

THE FOURTH FIRE PREVENTION MINI EXHIBITION FOR THIS WINTER WILL BE HELD AT THE FOOTBRIDGE GALLERY, NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) FROM NOON TO 3 PM.

THE EXHIBITION WILL REMIND SHA TIN RESIDENTS OF THE NEED TO EE CAREFUL WITH THE PREVAILING COLD AND DRY WEATHER.

BESIDE RECEIVING AN INFORMATIVE BOOKLET ON FIRE PREVENTION IN THE HOME, A 1986 CALENDAR CARD AND A BOOKMARK, VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL SEE A PICTORIAL PRESENTATION OF HOW CARELESSNESS COULD LEAD TO AN OUTBREAK OF FIRE.

-----0------

DETAILS ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY PROMOTION

*****

CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROMOTION SCHEME ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DR LAI MING WAH, WILL MEET THE PRESS ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 30) AFTERNOON TO INTRODUCE DETAILS OF THE SCHEME.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFE' £ C_ ROOM OF KWAI CHUNG AND TS I NG Yl DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, ■<., I HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), 166-174 HING FONG ROAD.

LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LU., AND DR CHAN HOK-SUM, FROM THE ASSOCIATION FOR ENGINEERING AND MEDICAL VOLUNTEER SERVICES, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

----- C -------

/16........

* (

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 193>

JAPANESE BAND ARRIVES FOR FESTIVAL * * * * *

TMP OROKU JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM OKINAWA, JAPAN, ARR IVE < vcctJSay ?TMllRRDAY? TO TAKE PART IN THE 1985 HONG KONG YOUTH BANj wi-ncH^s organ ised BY THE MUS.C OFFICE OF THE MUNIOPAL SERVICES BRANCH.

LED BY THE PRINCIPAL, MR GENSEI OYADOMAR I, THE BAND COMPRISES 68 MEMBERS AND FIVE OFFICIALS.

TUP RAND HAS WON NUMEROUS TITLES IN NATIONAL COMPETITIONS IN J4PAN XnD JlEc PLA? AT A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE CITY PLAZA, TAIKCL SHING, TONIGHT (FRIDAY).

tucv 11 I PFRFORM AGAIN AT A FESTIVAL CONCERT AT THE ACADEMIC __ COMMUNITY HALL AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) AND AT THE GALA FINAL. AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 8 PM ON NEW YEAR S EVE.

- 0 -

CS TO MEET THE MEDIA

* * *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL MEET THE FEDIA ON DECEMBER 30 (MONDAY) AT 9.30 AM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

NOTE. TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

-------o---------

/17........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1=»35

- 17 -

50 FAMILIES JOIN COOKING CONTEST

******

FIFTY FAMILIES IN KWUN TONG WILL SERVE UP THEIR BEST CHIb._i_ DISHES AT A COOKING COMPETITION THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) AFTERNOON.

EACH PARTICIPATING TEAM, CONSISTING OF AT LEAST TWO MEMBERS OF A FAMILY, WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO NAME THEIR DISHES WITH THEMES ON FAMILY LIFE, DISTRICT CHARACTERISTICS OR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

APART FROM SELECTING THE BEST DISHES, THE ADJUDICATORS •.'.ILL AWARD THE DISH WITH THE MOST IMAGINATIVE NAME.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COOKING TUTORS WILL BE THE ADJUDICATORS FOR THE COMPETITION.

THE FAMILY COOKING COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE K..UN TONu FESTIVAL '85 ORGANISING COMMITTEE TO LET FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE A CHANCE TO SHARE THE FUN OF COOKING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMPETITION AT 1 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE COVERED CARPARK OF THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE IN TSUI PING ROAD.

-----o------

FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY

~ X * X

A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM AT THE CHI FU FA YUEN SKATING RINK TO PROMOTE THE CRIME PREVENTION MESSAGE IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.

THE CARNIVAL IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF A MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND WILL FEATURE A VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES.

A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMITTEE HOPED TO ALERT RESIDENTS OF THE NEED TO PREVENT AND COMBAT CRIME, PROMOTE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND INCREASE RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE FORCE.

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $30 000 TO SPONSOR THE CARNIVAL WHICH CONSISTS OF GAMES STALLS AND A VARIETY SHO.; FEATURING A LION DANCE, KARATE DEMONSTRATION, ACROBATIC ACTS, AND PERFORMANCES BY THE DISTRICT’S YOUTH CHOIR AS WELL AS WELL-KNOWN ARTISTES AND SINGERS.

/THERE WILL........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER I

- 18 -

THERE WILL ALSO BE A TOURING EXHIBITION OF THE ACT I Ui' COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, AS THE DR IVE AGA INST DRUG AE BY YOUTHS IS ONE OF THE MAIN THEMES OF THE FIGHT CRIM;. <

IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.

OFFICIATING AT SUNDAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE SOU.HE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN? POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER DISTRICT). MR D. DEPTFORD? SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN to-ORD I NAT I NG COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN. MR JOSEPH CIA.'; • MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, MR LAM KWOK-KWONG, MR KAN MAN-LL KWOK WAI-MlNG AND MISS YAU YUK-LAN.

ADMISSION TO THE CARNIVAL IS FREE AND GAMES TICKETS . OBTAINABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

AND CARNIVAL PM ON

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF TH! OUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN AT 2 SUNDAY AT THE CHI FU FA YUEN SKATING RINK IN POKFULAM

-------o----------

EASTERN DISTRICT HOLDING SPORTS FESTIVAL

*****

THE SECOND EASTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BE L WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY FOLLOWED BY TELEMATCH GAMES BETWE^ DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON SUNDAY MORf (DECEMBER 29) AT THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND.

IT IS ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URFAN COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.

THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE BADMINTON, PING PONG, TENNIS, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL MATCHES ORGANISED THROUGH THE TWELVE AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.

FOLLOWING THE OPENING ON SUNDAY, THERE WILL BE A RELAY . BETWEEN THE 12 AREA COMMITTEES OF THE DISTRICT, AND A WALK at BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD’S THREE SUB-COMMITTEES, THE TRAFF : AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMI THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.

/EASTERN DISTRICT ...----

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

- 19 -

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG, CHIEF MANAGER (LEISURE SERVICES) OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR PETER AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORiS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR SIU MING, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 9.30 AM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SECOND EASTER' DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL AND EDUCATION DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEE’ AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) AT WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND I'! HARBOUR ROAD.

-----0------

YOUTH BASEBALL TEAMS COMPETE IN SHA TIN

******

THE FIRST SHATIN CHILDREN’S BASEBALL INVITATION TOURNAMENT IN HONG KONG WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN WO SPORTS GROUND IN SHA TIN ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29).

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LEE KWONG, AND SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-K. .

WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

OTHER GUESTS INCLUDE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAi"-LA’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ANDREW WONG, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WAI HON-LEUNG AND WONG PO-MING.

FOUR TEAMS, SHATIN MIXED, HONGKONG JAPANESE A AND B, AND GUANGZHOU MIXED WILL COMPETE FOR TOP HONOURS.

THE TOURNAMENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TOSS UP CEREMONY TO BE 10 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) AT THE YUEN WO SPORTS GROUND IN SHA TIN.

/20........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1935

20 -

DATES FOR FIRING PRACTICE * * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 13 DAYS IN JANUARY, 1986.

THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE:

DATE TIME

JANUARY 2 (THURSDAY) 8 AM TO 5 PM

JANUARY 3 (FRIDAY) 8 AM TO 5 PM

JANUARY 4 (SATURDAY) 8 AM TO 5 PM

JANUARY 6 (MONDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 7 (TUESDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 8 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 9 (THURSDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 10 (FRIDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 15 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 16 (THURSDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 28 (TUESDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

JANUARY 30 (THURSDAY) 8 AM TO 4 PM

- - 0

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1985

- 21

COMMUNITY CENTRE CLOSED * * * * *

TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL IN TUEN MUN HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO FACILITATE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO BOOK THE VENUE FOR ACTIVITIES CAN SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IN EARLY FEBRUARY.

BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE THROUGH THE TAI HING SUB-OFFICE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL.

0 - -

SALT WATER CUT * * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND CHAI WAN KOK, EXCEPT LAI KING ESTATE, LAI YIU ESTATE, CHO YIU ESTATE AND LAI KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 2 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 30).

THIS IS TO ALLOW MAINS WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.

-------o ---------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORK REVIEWED ......................... 1

STATUTORY HOLIDAY RIMINDER ....................................... 3

EXTENDED TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR NEW YEAR ......................... 3

BRIEFING ON PROGRESS OF AIDS SURVEILLANCE ........................ 4

ARTIST WINS ROAD mAFETY POSTER COMPETITION ....................... 5

FIRE STATION TO BE BUILT IN SHEK KIP MEI ......................... 6

I.D. CARD RIMINDER FOR MEN ....................................... 6

NEW YEAR CARNIVAL FOR TSUEN WAN .................................. 7

STAIRLIFT FOR HANDICAPPED INSTALLED .............................. 8

POLICE-MILITARY HEADQUARTERS I OR LO WU .......................... 8

’CLEAN AND GREEN’ SCHIFiE SETS RECORD .......................... 9

PRESS CONFERENCE ON MaRCH ELECTIONS ............................. 10

RESTRICTED ZONES IN KWUN TONG ................................... 10

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI ............................ 11

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1985

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORK * * * *

REVIEWED

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED PROGRESSIVELY OVER THE PAST EIGHT TO NINE YEARS IN HONG KONG COVERS AIR AND WATER POLLUTION, NOISE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT.

ACCORDING TO ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1985, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S ANNUAL REVIEW PUBLISHED RECENTLY, THE PROGRAMME COVERS THE FOLLOWING SIX MAIN ELEMENTS

+ LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE LEGAL POWERS TO CONTROL THE EMISSION OF POLLUTANTS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT;

+ PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AIMED AT AVOIDING PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE FROM NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND NEW INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS;

+ A PROGRAMME FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF COMMUNITY WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES SUCH AS SEWAGE WORKS, CONTROLLED TIPS AND INCINERATORS;

+ A PROGRAMME OF POLLUTION MEASUREMENTS TO CHECK ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXISTING CONTROLS AND IDENTIFY THE NEED FOR NEW MEASURES’

+ AN ORGANISATIONAL FRAMEWORK TO MAKE THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE PROGRAMME OPERATE EFFECTIVELY; AND

+ ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSULTATION, USUALLY THROUGH ADVISORY COMMITTEES, BOTH WITH THOSE SECTORS OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY EXISTING MEASURES AND NEW PROPOSALS, AND WITH THE COMMUNITY.

LEGISLATION CAN SERVE TWO PURPOSES IN CONTROLLING POLLUTION, ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW.

ONE IS TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN SIMPLE AND ROUTINE STEPS ARE TAKEN IN ADVANCE TO AVOID EXCESSIVE POLLUTION BY, FOR EXAMPLE, REQUIRING THE INSTALLATION OF FILTERS TO REMOVE PARTICLES FROM COMBUSTION GASES FROM A BOILER.

THE OTHER ROLE OF LEGISLATION IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUNISHMENT, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, OF THOSE WHO CAUSE EXCESSIVE POLLUTION.

SO FAR, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ORDINANCES WHICH HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED INCLUDED THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE, THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE AND THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.

/DRAFTING OF .......

.UHM, uSJL

2b, 19C5

DRAFTING OF REGULATIONS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND IT IS HOPED THAT AFTER THE COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATIONS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN RECENT MONTHS, THE REGULATIONS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.

SIMILARLY, DRAFTING OF REGULATIONS TO CONTROL MAJOR SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, THE SO-CALLED +SPECIFIED PROCESS+ REGULATIONS, ARE NEAR COMPLETION.

A. FOURTH ORDINANCE, THE LONG-DELAYED NOISE CONTROL BILL, IS NOW MAKING BETTER PROGRESS AND THE BILL HAS PASSED THROUGH THREE MORE DRAFTS DURING THE YEAR.

THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS IN SEVERAL OTHER LAWS FOR THE CONTROL OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF POLLUTION.

THE EPA REVIEW SAID THAT WHEN CONSCIENTIOUSLY ENFORCED, LEGISLATION CAN PREVENT OR RECTIFY MANY POLLUTION PROBLEMS.

THERE ARE, HOWEVER, CERTAIN POLLUTION SITUATIONS FOR WHICH LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS ARE INSUFFICIENT IN THEMSELVES. IN SUCH CASES, MUCH CAREFUL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT WORK IS NEEDED IN ADDITION TO ANY CONTROLS THAT MAY BE IMPOSED.

FOR THIS REASON, DETAILED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS ARE NOW REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.

ALSO, IT HAS BECOME ROUTINE FOR MAJOR NEW TOWN PROJECTS, SJCH AS THE ONE AT JUNK BAY, TO BE THE SUBJECT OF COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFYING POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS ON DEVELOPMENT AND THE INTRODUCTION OF PLANNING FEATURES THAT WILL PREVENT OR REDUCE POLLUTION PR0BLEMS IN THE FUTURE.

AT A MORE DETAILED LEVEL, OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLANS LIKE SAI WAN HO NEW ESTATE OR TOWN LAYOUT PLANS SUCH AS THAT FOR YUEN LONG EAST, ARE EXAMINED IN ORDER TO PRE-EMPT LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.

TO HELP PLANNERS IN THIS TASK, A NEW CHAPTER ON ENVIRONMENT "AS INTRODUCED INTO THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES -- THE MANUAL THAT DIRECTS DEVELOPMENT PLANNING --IN JANUARY 1985.

■URDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1985

biATLTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER * * * *

EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1) 13 ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.

A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN S9 500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE day-off if they have worked continuously for three months IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD EE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY r£ MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE AFTER THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

------0 ------

EXTENDED TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR NEW YEAR * * * * *

EXTENDED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED OVER THE NEW YEAR, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).

APART FROM ADDITIONAL BUSES, THE FREQUENCY OF RUNNING SCHEu.. FOR BUSES, TRAMS, TRAINS, GREEN MINIBUSES AND FERRIES WILL BE INCREASED ON NEW YEAR’S EVE UNTIL EARLY THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

DETAILS OF THE EXTRA SERVICES ARE:

* THE STAR FERRY’S KOWLOON POINT TO EDINBURGH PLACE ROUTE WILL RUN ALL NIGHT.

* HYF’S CENTRAL TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE WILL OPERATE UNTIL 1 AM.

* MTR’S NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICES WILL FINISH AT ABOUT 12.30 AM ON NEW YEAR’S DAY.

* KCR SERVICES ON DECEMBER 31 WILL BE ENTENDED UNTIL 1.30 AM.

/• PEAK TRAM

ATVn.ai, DrjCcJldKK 28, 1^0;?

* PEAK TRAM SEP iS WILL 3E 'XTENDED TO 1.30 AM ON JANUARY 1.

* T,-AM SERVICES. EXCEPT AROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP, WILL RUN UNTil 2 AM ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

* CMB WILL EXTEND SERVICES ON EIGHT MAJOR ROUTES -NOS. 2, 4, 7, 10, 23, 70, 72 AND 90M.

ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE 2 FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO MACAU FERRY WILL BE AT 1.10 AM AND 12.45 AM RESPECTIVELY ; NO. 4 FROM WA FU TO CENTRAL WILL BE AT 12.30 AM! NO. 7 FROM SHEK PAI WAN TO CENTRAL AT 2 AM AND 1 AM? NO. 10 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY TO KENNEDY TOWN AT 1 AM AND 12.30 AM;

NO. 23 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY TO POKFIELD ROAD AT 12.30 AM;

NO. 70 FROM ABERDEEN TO CENTRAL AT 12.45 AM AND 12.24 AM ;

NO. 72 FROM ABERDEEN TO CAUSEWAY BAY AT 12.50 AM AND 12.20 AM", AND NO. ROM FROM AP LEI CHAU TO CENTRAL AT 11.50 PM.

* KMB WILL ALSO BE EXTENDING SERVICES.

ON DECEMBER 31, THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE 1A FROM SAU MAU PING AND STAR FERRY WILL BE AT 12.39 AM AND 1.36 AM RESPECTIVELY; NO. 5 FROM CHOI HUNG AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.20 AM AND 2 AM; NO. 5C FROM TSZ WAN SHAN AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 12.40 AM AND 1.30 AM; NO. 6 FROM LAI CHI KOK AND STAR FERRY AT 1.22 AM AND 2.04 AM; NO. 70M FROM SUI WO COURT AND KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION AT 12.45 AM AND 1.22 AM? 80K FROM SUN CHUI AND SIU LEK YUEN AT 12.42 AM! 81K FROM SUN TIN WAI AND SUI WO COURT AT 12.46 AM AND 12.39 AM; AND 82M FROM YUEN CHAU KOK AND KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION AT 12.47 AM AND 1.23 AM.

* MANY GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL ALSO FINISH LATER THAN USUAL; SUCH AS NO. 1 (PEAK TO HMS TAMAR) AT 4 AM; 16M (CHAI WAN MTR STATION TO CHUNG HOM KOK) AT 12.40 AM; 3 (TSIM SHA TSUI TO TAI TUNG SUN CHUEN) AT 2.30 AM; 7 (KOWLOON CITY TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST) AT 2 AM! 31M (MONG KOK MTR STATION TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST) AT 3.30 AM; 37M (TSZ WAN SHAN TO WONG TAI SIN MTR STATION) AT 3 AM.

- - 0 -

BRIEFING ON PROGRESS OF AIDS SURVEILLANCE

*****

DEPUTY DIRECTOR (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR S.H. LEE, ..ILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE PROGRESS OF THE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME ON AIDS ON DECEMBER 30 (MONDAY) AT 3 PM.

THE BRIEFING WILL BE HELD AT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF SUNNING PLAZA, 10 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

/5 •

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1985

ARTIST WINS ROAD SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION

X * * X

A 22-YEAR-OLD ARTIST FROM AN ADVERTISING COMPANY, CHAN CH I-.'.'AH, WAS TODAY (SATURDAY) AWARDED THE TOP PRIZE OF 31 500 IN CASH IN THE ROAD SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION.

THE FIRST RUNNER-UP WAS 20-YEAR-OLD REBECCA MA OF CARITAS BIANCHI COLLEGE OF CAREERS. LAI YU-HIN, A FORM 5 STUDENT OF LUNG KUNG WORLD FEDERATION LAU WONG FAT SECONDARY SCHOOL, WON THIRD PRIZE.

REBECCA MA AND LAI YU-HIN WERE AWARDED CASH PRIZES OF 31 000 AND 3500 RESPECTIVELY.

THE COMPETITION HELD DURING SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR AND WAS OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25.

OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER’S MESS, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY) OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR PET-R MOSS, POINTED OUT THAT THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION WAS TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF ROAD SAFETY AMONG YOUTH, AND THE ORGANISERS REQUIRED PARTICIPANTS TO COVER AT LEAST ONE ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM.

+THE EMPHASIS IN THEIR ENTRIES COULD BE ON PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, GOOD DRIVING BEHAVIOUR OR CYCLING SAFETY,+ HE SAID.

+IT RESULTED IN A TOTAL OF 541 ENTRIES RECEIVED AND IT IS MOST GRATIFYING TO SEE THE AMOUNT OF INTEREST SHOWN,+ HE ADDED.

MR MOSS SAID THAT ACCORDING TO THE PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS, A LOT OF THE ENTRIES WERE SO WELL-DESIGNED AND DRAWN THAT THEY COULD BE DESCRIBED AS REACHING +PROFESSIONAL+ STANDARDS.

THE PRESIDENT OF WEN WEI PO LIMITED, MR LEE TSE-CHUNG, PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE THREE WINNERS.

CONSOLATION PRIZES WERE AWARDED TO TEN RUNNERS-UP: TSANG PING-FAI, CHEUNG CHUN-CHIU, TAM TAK-HO, CHAN KAM-FAI LIANG

MAN, AJ WING-WAH, CHAN SAU-MAN, PATRICK LAU, FUNG KWOK-WAI, AND MAK HUNG-FAT.

EACH OF THEM WAS PRESENTED WITH A 3130 BOOK TOKEN BY THE CHIEF ADJUDICATOR, MR LI KOK LEUNG OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED S' THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST AND WEN WEI PO NEWSPAPERS.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1985

FIRE STATION TO BE BUILT * * X

A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION IS METRE SITE AT NAM CHEONG STREET, SHEK PAK TIN ESTATE.

IN SHEK KIP MEI

TO BE BUILT ON A 730-SQUARE-KIP MEI, OPPOSITE UPPER

THREE-STOREY BUILDING WILL

FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE INCLUDE A FOUR BAY APPLIANCE ROOM, EXERCISE ROOM> BARRACKS, CANTEENS, LECTURE AND RECREATION AREAS AND WASH ROOMS.

AN EXTERNAL DRILL YARD WITH TWO ANCILLARY BUILDINGS FOR STORAGE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.

THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH WILL START IN MARCH 1986 AND BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.

--------o ---------

I.D. CARD REMINDER FOR MEN * * * *

MEN BORN IN 1917 OR BEFORE WERE REMINDED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THEY MUST APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS BY JANUARY 11, 1,86.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: +SINCE JANUARY 1 (WEDNESDAY) IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, THERE ARE ONLY 11 WORKING DAYS LEFT BEFORE THE END OF THIS PHASE.+

IN THE PAST FIVE WEEKS, THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 92 592 APPLICATIONS.

+IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 34 708 MEN IN THIS TARGET GROUP HAVE NOT YET APPLIED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TO AVOID THE LAST MINUTE RUSH, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR THE NEW CARDS WITHOUT DELAY. THEY MAY TELEPHONE THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON ON SATURDAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY WISH.

APPLICANTS HAVE TO PROVIDE PERSONAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS NAME, I.D. CARD NUMBER AND YEAR OF BIRTH TO COMPLETE THE BOOKING PROCEDURE.

THE ADDRESSES OF THE ISSUE OFFICES AND THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR BOOKING APPOINTMENTS ARE:

HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN 5-747070

CHAI.

EAST KOwLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, 77 NGAU 3-7553679 TAU KOK ROAD.

, WEST KOWLOON :

—

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1985

WEST KOWLOON

TSUEN WAN

SHA TIN

: CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

: EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.

: SHAT IN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET.

3-7232442

0-4981259

0-6059108

YUEN LONG

; HOP YICK CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD.

0-793291

TUEN MUN

SHEUNG SHU I

: CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YEUN.

: TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.

0-862562

0-927155

THESE OFFICES SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC

ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, HOLIDAYS.

EXCEPT

- - 0 -

NEW YEAR CARNIVAL FOR TSUEN WAN X X * * X *

A CARNIVAL w ILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY AT THE SHA TSU I ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S NEW YEAR

, THE

CELEBRATION.

IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FIVE AREA COMMITTEES OF TSUEN WAN.

TELEMATCH GAMES BETWEEN THE YOUNGER AND OLDER MEMBERS OF

A FAMILY WILL BE THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE CARNIVAL.

A COLOURFUL MUPPET SHOW FEATURING VARIOUS CARTOON CHARACTERS WILL PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUNGSTERS AT THE CARNIVAL.

APART FROM MUSICAL PERFORMANCES AND GAMES STALLS, LOCAL CELEBRITIES INCLUDING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL ALSO ENTERTAIN PARTICIPANTS WITH VARIED PERFORMANCES.

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL.

MEANWHILE, A LONG DISTANCE RUN SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN SP. RTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION WILL ALSO BE HELD ON wEDNESDA tNUARY 1) TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR.

ROUTE,

bki DHCfcHBER 28, 1985

THE ROUTE, COVERING ABOUT NINE KILOMETRES, WILL TAKE RUNNERS AROUND THE SHING MUN RESERVOIR.

THE RACE IS OPEN TO GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS AND STARTS AT 8.30 AM. A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE END OF THE RACE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS.

------0------------

STAIRLIFT FOR HANDICAPPED INSTALLED

* * * *

THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL CAN NOW CATER FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED WITH THE RECENT INSTALLATION OF A +GIMSON STAIRLIFT+.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE DEVICE WAS INSTALLED TO MAKE IT CONVENIENT FOR THE HANDICAPPED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE EXHIBITION GALLERY, WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY ACCESSIBLE ONLY TO ABLE-BODIED PERSONS.

THE STAIRLIFT IS OPERATED BY AN ATTENDANT OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON RECEIVING A SIGNAL BY THE USER TO Trie HOUSE CFFICE, BOX OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICE.

POLICE-MILITARY HEADQUARTERS FOR LO WU * * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF LO WU POLICE AND MILITARY HEADQUARTERS, ABOUT A KILOMETRE TO THE WEST OF LO WU RAILWAY STATION.

THE FOUR-STOREY BUILDING, TO BE BUILT ON A 1.66-HECTARE SITE, WILL ACCOMMODATE THE POLICE AND MILITARY FACILITIES, INCLUDING CFFICES, JOINT POLICE-MILITARY OPERATION ROOM, BARRACKS, RECREATION ROOM, CANTEENS AND MESSES, CHANGING ROOMS AND WASH ROOMS.

MEANWHILE, A ONE-STOREY BUILDING FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES AND A HELIPAD WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.

WORK WILL START IN MARCH 1986 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE

COMPLETED BY AUGUST 1987.

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I /9 ...............................

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2d, 1985

’CLE/-X AND GREEN’ SCHEME SETS RECORD *****

THE POPULAR +CLEAN AND GREEN+ SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ENDED TODAY (SATURDAY) WITH A SERIES OF OUTDOOR COMPETITIONS HELD AT THE TWISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK.

TEN FINALISTS, SELECTED FROM MORE THAN 5 OOO COMPETITORS WHO TOOK PART IN THE FIRST AND SECOND STAGES OF THE PROJECT, VIED FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN THREE DIFFERENT CONTESTS TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.

AFTER THE VIRGOROUS COMPETITION, 48-YEAR-OLD LEE CHUI-HUNG EMERGED THE CHAMPION AND WON TWO RETURN AIR TICKETS TO AUSTRALIA AND TWO 15-DAY AUSSIE PASSES.

SECOND AND THIRD PLACES WENT TO LAI SHING-HIN AND NG CHI-MAN. THEY WERE AWARDED A TAIWAN MOUNTAIN CLIMBING PACKAGE TOUR AND A CAMERA WITH ACCESSORIES.

AMONG OTHER PRIZE WINNERS WERE THE SEAWARD WOO COLLEGE, ST. BENEDICT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL AND CHENG SHA WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL. THEY WON THE +CLEAN AND GREEN+ TROPHY FOR HAVING THE LARGEST NUMBER OF MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME.

ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE PROJECT AIMS TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO PLAY AN ACTIVE PART IN KEEPING THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.

ACCORDING TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR HOWARD YOUNG, THIS YEAR’S SCHEME HAS SET A RECORD IN THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS.

+1 AM VERY PLEASED THAT SINCE ITS LAUNCHING IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE SCHEME HAS ATTRACTED A RECORD 5 740 PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL WALKS OF L IFE,+ MR YOUNG SAID.

♦THEY INCLUDE STUDENTS, HOUSEWIVES, WORKERS, PROFESSIONALS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE UP TO 82 YEARS OF AGE, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, NON-CHINESE AS WELL.

+THEY HAVE INDEED SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW IN USING OUR COUNTRY PARKS PROPERLY AND KEEPING THEM BEAUTIFUL,+ HE ADDED.

THIS YEAR’S SCHEME WAS SPONSORED BY ESSO HONG KONG LIMITED. PRIZES WERE DONATED BY QANTAS AIRWAYS LIMITED, ANSETT PIONEER, MOUNTAINEER AND TRAVEL SERVICES COMPANY, KONISHIROKU PHOTO INDUSTRIES (FAR EAST) LIMITED, HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HIKERS, SWIRE BOTTLERS LIMITED, AND MARATHON SPORTS LIMITED.

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/1° -I...

Saturday, December 28, i>85

PRESS CONFERENCE ON MARCH ELECTIONS * * * * *

• PRESS CONFERENCE w ILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE COUNCIL AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT MARCH.

30) TO

REGIONAL

ASSISTANT

pdfSENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE A PRINCIPAL =;'CR-TARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.n. LEUNG, AND THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ELECTORAL SERVICcS), R LEE LAP-SUN.

ROOM 12 TH

THF PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

RESTRICTED ZONES IN KWUN TONG

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE CURRENT RESTRICTED ZONES ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, ^°RDA^ VALLEY NORTH ROAD AND CHUN WAH ROAD WILL BE RESCINDED FROM 10 AM ON DECEMBER 31 (TUESDAY).

AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONES DAILY:

* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KWUN TONG ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 180 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 190 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 135 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 85 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ON TAK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

* JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

/• CHUN *AH ........

SAT-RuaX, j", 1>. >

H CHUN WAH ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

* ON WAH STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHUN WAH ROAD TO A P0IN1 ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

MOTOR VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES.

-------0---------

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI * * * *

A SECTION OF PIER ROAD BETWEEN THE HARBOUR BUILDING AND RUMSEY STREET IN CENTRAL WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE WAY WESTBOUND FFOM 2.30 PM NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 31) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

MEANWHILE, A SECTION OF THOMSON ROAD IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH LUARD ROAD AND ABOUT 65 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE REOPENED TO ONE WAY EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM JOHNSTON ROAD TO LUARD ROAD FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY.

- c -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TWELVE HONG KONG PRODUCTS REMAIN ON GSP LIST .................. 1

NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1986 .................................... 2

REGIONAL COUNCIL'S ROLE IN SPORTS PROMOTION PLEDGED............ 2

NEIGHBOURS HELP TO FIGHT CRIME STRESSED ....................... 3

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK ...................... 4

MORE ROADS FOR TSING YI ISLAND ................................ 5

FIRE SERVICES ATHLETIC MEET ................................... 5

TENDERS CALLED FOR PLAYGROUND ./ORK............................ 6

SPORTS FOUNDATION OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS ............... 6

ENTRIES FOR TSUEN WAN PHOTO CONTEST ........................... 7

ROAD IN CHAT WAN CLOSED FOR ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT .............. 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, IS

TWELVE HONG KONG PRODUCTS REMAIN ON GSP LIST

*****

THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY’S GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES FOR 1986 WILL NOT EXCLUDE ANY PRODUCT FROM HONG KONG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR JOSPEH WONG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HAS REJECTED THE COMMISSION’S ORIGINAL PROPOSAL TO EXCLUDE 12 HONG KONG PRODUCTS FROM THE GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES. THESE PRODUCTS WILL THEREFORE CONTINUE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR GSP BENEFITS ALTHOUGH THE QUOTA LEVEL (I.E. THE LEVEL WITHIN WHICH DUTY-FREE BENEFITS ARE GIVEN) IN 1986 WILL BE ABOUT HALF OF THE 1985 LEVEL.

THE 12 PRODUCTS INCLUDE TRAVEL GOODS OF MATERIALS OTHER THAN ARTIFICIAL PLASTIC SHEETING? PROTECTIVE GLOVES OF LEATHER OR LEATHER COMPOSITION FOR ALL TRADES? RUBBER FOOTWEAR; FOOTWEAR WITH OUTER SOLES OF LEATHER OR COMPOSITION LEATHER? IMITATION JEWELLERY; PORTABLE ELECTRIC BATTERY AND MAGNETIC LAMPS OTHER THAN MINER’S SAFETY LAMPS; COLOUR TELEVISIONS; DIODES; TRANSISTORS; QUARTZ WATCHES? DOLLS? OTHER TOYS? EQUIPMENT FOR PARLOUR, TABLE AND FUNFAIR GAMES.

EXPORTS OF THESE 12 PRODUCTS TO THE EEC FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1985 AMOUNTED TO $3 792 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO THE EEC OF $18 152 MILLION.

TO PUT THE 1986 SCHEME IN PERSPECTIVE, MR WONG SAID THAT THE EEC HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO ALL BENEFICIARIES BY INCREASING THE QUOTA LEVELS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS GENERALLY BY 9.5 PER CENT. THIS IS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE ACCESSION OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL INTO THE EEC FROM JANUARY 1, 1986.

INCREASES ON THE QUOTA LEVELS OF A NUMBER OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS VARY BETWEEN 9.5 PER CENT AND 76 PER CENT. THEY INCLUDE TRAVEL GOODS OF ARTIFICIAL PLASTIC SHEETING? ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES OF LEATHER OR COMPOSITION LEATHER? FOOTWEAR WITH UPPERS OF LEATHER? UMBRELLAS AND SUNSHADES? LOCKS AND PADLOCKS; SOUND RECORDERS OR REPRODUCERS? CARNIVAL ARTICLES; KNIVES; TABLEWARE; GLASS INNERS FOR VACUUM FLASKS; OTHER ARTICLES OF IRON AND STEEL; SPOONS; STAINLESS STEEL FORKS; AND MOUNTED PIEZO-ELECTRIC CRYSTALS.

EXPORTS OF THESE 13 PRODUCTS TO THE EEC FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1985 WERE HK$586 MILLION, OR 3 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO THE EEC.

THAT HONG KONG CONTINUES TO BE A BENEFICIARY IN RESPECT OF ALL PRODUCTS UNDER THE 1986 SCHEME REAFFIRMS A WELCOME RECOGNITION BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG’S STATUS AS A DEVELOPING TERRITORY ELIGIBLE FOR PREFERENTIAL BENEFITS UNDER THE GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES, SAID MR WONG.

/IN 1984, .........

SUNDAY, DfiCxIMBER 29, 1985

IN 1984, THE TOTAL VALUE OF EEC IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG wAS ABOUT HK$28 QOO MILLION, OF WHICH ABOUT HK$4 900 MILLION, OR 18 PER CENT, ENTERED THE EEC DUTY-FREE UNDER THE GSP.

HONG KONG EXPORTS ABOUT 140 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS TO THE EEC. THE EEC DUTY TARIFF ON INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS VARIES BETWEEN 0.6 PER CENT AND 21 PER CENT.

- - 0

NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1986 * * * *

COPIES OF THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1986 MAY BE COLLECTED TOMORROW (MONDAY) FROM THE GIS NEWS ROOM AT 3 PM.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HONOURS LIST WILL BE MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOURS GMT ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 31).

PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 31), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION CF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIF(CATION.

THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 31) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.

ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS, OR FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THEIR CAREERS, OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.

- - 0 - -

REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ROLE IN SPORTS PROMOTION PLEDGED * X * *

THE REGIONAL COUNCIL HAS EARMARKED $1 MILLION AS FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN PROMOTING SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY OUTSIDE BODIES IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE PR IZE-PRESENTATI ON CEREMONY OF THE 1985-86 CHILDREN’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE ROLE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD PLAY WHEN IT WAS ESTABLISHED ON APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR.

/+TEE &KBEATI0N

SUNDAY, DECSffiiiR 2% i?c>

+THE RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL HAS EXAMINED RECENTLY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT IN THE FUNDING OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES.

+IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE, THROUGH THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TO MANAGE SPORTS FACILITIES AND ORGANISE SPORTS EVENTS, COMPETITIONS AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA,* 14? CHEUNG ADDED.

THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN NINE AND 14 TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR’S FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AND THE BOTTLERS OF +COCA-COLA+.

THE SCHEME PROVIDES BASIC TRAINING IN SOCCER TO THE PARTICIPANTS AND THOSE WITH POTENTIAL ARE SELECTED FOR LONG-TERM TRAINING IN THE SPORT.

-----0------

NEIGHBOURS HELP TO FIGHT CRIME STRESSED

******

COOPERATION AMONG RESIDENTS IS VITAL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME CONCEPT WILL ENHANCE THEIR SENSE CF RESPONSIBILITY AND ALERTNESS, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

HE SAID THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, IN WHICH SEVERAL HOUSEHOLDS JOIN TO FORM SMALL GROUPS TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER, WILL h£LP IMPROVE THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN, MR CHAN SAID THAT IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, MORE THAN 1 200 HOUSEHOLDS FROM WAH FU, SHEK PAI WAN, WONG CHUK HANG AND AP LEI CHAU ESTATES PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME, AND ABOUT 72 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS WOULD BE FORMED IN SOME 20 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING BLOCKS.

CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR JOSEPH CHAN, Ai_SO CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO CRIME PREVENT’ON BY BEI\G VORE CAUTIOUS ■ ITH THEIR BELONGINGS AND KEEPING THEIR CARS AND PROPER?I 3 LOCKED.

THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN. JOINTLY ORG- :-ED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE WESTERN POLICE DISTRICT, IS DIRECTED THIS YEAR AT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME AND DRUG ABUS:.,

/TO SPHfiLD..........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2?, 1985

TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE, THERE ARE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN TO VISIT VARIOUS POLICE INSTITUTIONS, SEMINARS WITH AREA COMMITTEES ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, SCHOOL VISITS AND SShms RY POLICE OFFICERS AND COMPETITIONS IN STORY WRITING AND CARTOON DRAWING ABOUT HOUSEHOLD SECURITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH.

+THFSE ACTIVITIES WILL IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING ABOUi POLICE SoRK. S PROMPT T^M TO GIVE DEEPER THOUGHT TO CRIME PREVENTION,* HE SAID.

TftnAY’Q OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A CARNIVAL SPONSORED RY thJ Southern D STR ICT BOARD ABOUT 2 OOO RESIDENTS ARE TREATED TA rnw AwnTCAMFGD NTHE CARNIVAL FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN StISTES AND S|5gERsJaCrJbX!iC ACTS? KARATE DEMONSTRATION AND A L!ON DANCE.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE DISTRICT COMMANDER jJFRTFRN POLICE DISTRICT MR D. DEPTFORD, AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS, MR LAM KWOK-KWONG, MR KAN MAN-LEE, NR KWOK WAI-MING AND MISS YAU YUK-LAN.

-----o------

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK X H * K K K

PARENTS ARE URGED TO DEVOTE AS MUCH TIME AND ATTENTION TO THEIR CHILDREN AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT THEM FROM WANDERING INTO THE HANDS OF DRUG PEDLARS.

THE APPEAL WAS MADE TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ SUB-COMMITTEE ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, MR KARL STUMPF, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY CF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL.

MR STUMPF STRESSED THAT AN UNCARING FAMILY ENVIRONMENT, WITHOUT PARENTAL LOVE, WARMTH AND GUIDANCE OF SECURITY, MIGHT CAUSE A CHILD TO RESORT TO DRUGS AS A MEANS OF ESCAPE.

TODAY’S CARNIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY PURSUITS AND TO KEEP AWAY FROM DRUGS.

MR STUMPF POINTED OUT THAT THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME OF THE ACAN WAS AIMED AT CREATING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF DRUG MENACE AND WAS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.

+THE ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO HELP ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES,* HE SAID.

/THE GROUP'S .......

S' D5T

1985

THE GROUP’S MAIN ^UNCTION IS TO ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTING ANTINARCOTICS EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROJECTS ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.

SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1981, IT HAS TAKEN PART IN MORE THAN 100 ANTI-NARCOTICS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIV IT IES.

THE CARNIVAL, WHICH STARTED AT 2 PM AT VICTORIA PARK, FEATURED ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITIONS, A DEMONSTRATION BY DRUG SNUFFER DOGS FROM THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, GAMES STALL DESIGN COMPETITION, A VARIETY SHOW AND A GIANT INFLATABLE

GORILLA FOR CH ILDREN.

--------0-----------

MORE ROADS FOR TSI NG Yl ISLAND

X * * *

A SERIES OF ROADS, TOTALLING FOUR KILOMETRES, ARE TO BE BUILT IN THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF TSING Yl ISLAND.

THE ROADS WILL LINK TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, TO THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK WHICH LEAD TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND.

THESE DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE FOUR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATE DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE UP TO 72 000 PEOPLE.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADS.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

--------0----------

FIRE SERVICES * *

ATHLETIC MEET *

SERV ICES

THAN 400 UNIFORMED AND

- CIVILIAN MEMBERS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN 22 TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS WHEN THE ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEET IS HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY)?

rc-c icTaF. E'n^T0Rn0F F,RE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOMLES, WILL OPENED i? !o™."EET T0 BE HEL” AT THE 1,ANCHAI SP0RTS

/RcIPitSSliNTATIVES FROM..........

SUNl^i, DECEMBER ), 1985

6 -

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MACAU FIRE BRIGADE WI^L ALSO BE TAKING PART IN A NUMBER OF EVENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

------0-------

TENDERS CALLED FOR PLAYGROUND WORK

*****

A PLAYGROUND IS TO BE BUILT ON A 3 700-SQUARE-METRE SITE OFF WAH FU ROAD NEXT TO WAH FU ESTATE. ,

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE AN AREA FOR FOOTBALL, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A TERRACE GARDEN, AN OFFICE, A STOREROOM AND A PUBLIC TOILET.

THE FOOTBALL PITCH WILL ALSO BE FLOODLIT.

ON COMPLETION IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR, IT WILL BECOME A POPULAR RECREATIONAL SPOT FOR NEARBY RESIDENTS.

THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

SPORTS FOUNDATION OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS * * * *

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TAKE PART IN SPORTS ACTIVITES ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE NEWLY SET UP FREDDY ZIMMERN SPORTS FOUNDATION.

THE FOUNDATION WAS

THE FOUNDATION WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT TO ENABLE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORT OR MIGHT REQUIRE FUNDS SUCH AS ENTRY FEES,

RECREATION EVENTS WHICH

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS ALSO OFFERED TO STUDENTS WHO NEcD IT TO TAKE PART IN LOCAL OR OVERSEAS TRAINING COURSES OR SPORTING EVENTS FOR WHICH CHARGES ARE MADE AND WHICH REQUIRE TRAVELLING EXPENSES.

/assistance is .......

JNL-..,

3ECSt£ DH

-^85

ASSISTANCE IS ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE PURCHASE OF SPORTING APPAREL OR EQUIPMENT WHICH IS BEYOND THEIR MEANS, AND BOOKS OR EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR TRAINING OR COACHING PURPOSES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, OR THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, ROOM 1114, PARK IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONGKOK, KOWLOON.

STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATION FORMS THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS TO THE FREDDY ZIMMERN SPORTS FOUNDATION, TOGETHER WITH A COVERING LETTER OF SUPPORT BY THE SCHOOL. ALSO SCHOOLS ARE URGED TO ENSURE THAT THE APPLICANT HAS WRITTEN A PERSONAL REQUEST OUTLINING THE NEED FOR ASSISTANCE.

- 0 - -

ENTRIES FOR TSUEN WAN PHOTO CONTEST

******

PHOTOGRAPHIC ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION TO CAPTURE COLOURFUL EVENTS AND SCENES H TSUEN WAN.

THE COMPETITION, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB, PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR TALENT AND SKILL WITH THE CAMERA.

THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF EVENTS AND BEAUTIFUL SCENERIES IN THE DISTRICT FOR THEM TO SHOOT DURING THE CURRENT FESTIVE SEASON, SUCH AS THE DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SEASON, AND THE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL.

THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE PRESENTED IN COLOUR MEASURING 8 BY 10 INCHES.

WINNERS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT VALUED AT A TOTAL OF $2 200.

ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING AT 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, BY 5 PM ON FEBRUARY 20.

DETAILS AND ENQUIRIES ON THE COMPETITION CAN BE MADE BY CALLING THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 0-449662.

-----0-----

/8 .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 198

ROAD IN CHAI WAN CLOSED FOR ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT

*****

THE SECTION OF WA.i HA STREET BETWEEN ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH WAN TSUI ESTATE ACCESS ROAD AND CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1) FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF WAN TSUI ESTATE.

AT THE SAME TIME, CMB ROUTES 82, 82A AND 84 WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD WITHOUT PASSING THROUGH WAN TSUI ESTATE.

MEANWHILE, STARTING ON THE SAME DAY, THE UNNAMED NEW ROAD CONNECTING WAH FU ROAD AND WAH LAM PATH WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NOMINATION OF ELECTION CANDIDATES BEGINS FRIDAY ........ 1

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR LRT RESERVE FORMATION .............. 4

OVERALL DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM +CQNTAINED4- ................ 5

PARENTS WARNED TO BE ON ALERT FOR DRUG PUSHERS ......... 5

'MEET PUBLIC' SESSIONS PROVING EFFECTIVE ............... 6

BANKING COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE ON THE MOVE .............. 7

SAN PO KONG PLAYGROUND REDEVELOPMENT TO START .......... 8

TENDERS SOUGHT FOR MAINS WORK IN SHA TIN ............... 9

BARBECUE SITE IN REPULSE BAY BEING CONVERTED ........... 9

REGISTRATION REVOKED ................................... 10

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL CLOSES TOMORROW..................... 10

NEW YEAR HARRIER ROaD RaCE ON WEDNESDAY................. 11

WATER STORAGE FIGURE.................................... 11

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BRIDGE RAMPS....................... 12

road closed for Cable laying............................ 12

KOWLOON CITY, HO MaN TIN TAPS OFF

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1985

NOMINATION OF ELECTION CANDIDATES BEGINS FRIDAY *****

NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6 NEXT YEAR WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 3) AND LAST UNTIL JANUARY 31.

A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.M. LEUNG, URGED CIVIC-MINDED PEOPLE KEEN TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO COME FORWARD AS CANDIDATES.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), HE DESCRIBED THE COMING ELECTIONS AS A SIGNIFICANT EVENT AS THIS WILL BE THE FIRST EVER ELECTION FOR THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

<■ IN THE PAST DECADES, MUCH HAD BEEN ACHIEVED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE URBAN AREAS,+ HE SAID.

+FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, A SIMILAR BODY WHICH INCLUDES ELECTED MEMBERS WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN APRIL TO PROVIDE VARIOUS SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS.

+BOTH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE FUTURE REGIONAL COUNCIL ARE THE POLICY-MAKING BODIES FOR A BROAD SPECTRUM OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES WHICH DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CONSTITUTE THE FABRIC OF THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG.

+THESE RANGE FROM ORGANISING CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, PROVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, STADIUMS AND SWIMMING POOLS TO FOOD HYGIENE, PEST CONTROL AND KEEPING THE STREETS CLEAN,+ MR LEUNG SAID.

EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE ELECTIONS, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ELECTORAL SERVICES), MR LEE LAP-SUN, SAID THE TERRITORY HAS BEEN DIVIDED INTO 27 CONSTITUENCIES FOR BOTH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL.

THERE WILL BE 12 SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN NINE DISTRICTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 15 SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN THE 10 URBAN DISTRICTS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF EACH DISTRICT HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR HIS DISTRICT, AND NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE RETURNING OFFICER DURING OFFICE HOURS ON WEEKDAYS.

ANY REGISTERED ELECTOR WHO HAS BEEN A RESIDENT IN FOR 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE NOMINATION DATE TO STAND FOR ELECTIONS.

HONG KONG IS QUALIFIED

/WHILE A .....

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1?85

♦WHILE A PERSON CAN BE NOMINATED FOR ANY CONSTITUENCY, HE CANNOT BE NOMINATED TO STAND FOR MORE THAN ONE CONST ITUENCY, + HE SAID.

A CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO BE NOMINATED BY 10 ELECTORS, INCLUDING A PROPOSER AND A SECONDER, IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH HE SEEKS ELECTION.

BEFORE SUBMITTING THE NOMINATION PAPER, A CANDIDATE IS ALSO REQUIRED TO PUT UP A DEPOSIT OF $1 000 WITH THE TREASURY, WHICH WILL BE RETURNED IF HE OR SHE POLLS MORE THAN ONE-EIGHTH OF THE VOTES CAST, EVEN IF NOT ELECTED.

IF A CANDIDATE STANDS UNOPPOSED FOR A CONSTITUENCY IN THE ELECTIONS, HE OR SHE WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DECLARED AS HAVING BEEN ELECTED AND NO VOTING WILL BE REQUIRED.

NOMINATION PAPERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION OFFICER AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.

MR LEE ADDED THAT THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS FOR THE ELECTIONS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE OFFICE OF REGISTRATION OFFICER FROM JANUARY 3. THE RELEVANTPART OF THE FINAL REGISTER RELATING TO A CERTAIN DISTRICT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONCERNED.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE FINAL REGISTER STANDS AT 1 441 540 OF WHICH 443 363 ARE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 998 177 LIVE IN THE URBAN AREAS.

MR LEUNG SAID A MASS CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE COMING TWO MONTHS TO URGE ELECTORS TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS.

THE PUBLICITY PACKAGE INCLUDES EXTENSIVE COVERAGE IN THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA AND THE PRESS, DISTRICT FORUMS, TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS, NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS, POSTERS, ADVERTISING IN MTR STATIONS AND THE PRINTING OF 1.5 MILLION COPIES OF CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS FOR MAILING TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS.

THE SIZE OF THE ELECTORATE IN EACH CONSTITUENCY IS AS FOLLOWS:

DISTRICT

CENTRAL AND WESTERN

WAN CHAI

CONSTITUENCY

CENTRAL AND WESTERN

WAN CHAI

NO. OF ELECTORS

68 360

60 293

/3A.STEBN ........

MONDAY, DEC EMBER 30, 1985

EASTERN NORTH POINT 80 930

SHAU KEI WAN 61 313

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN 70 983

KOWLOON CITY KOWLOON CITY WEST 54 464

KOWLOON CITY EAST 53 333

KWUN TONG KWUN TONG WEST 83 646

KWUN TONG EAST 99 202

MONG KOK MONG KOK 71 372

SHAM SHU I PO SHAM SHU I PO EAST 56 087

SHAM SHU I PO WEST 54 239

WONG TAI SIN WONG TAI SIN NORTH 63 407

WONG TAI SIN SOUTH 77 232

YAU MA TEI YAU MA TEI 43 316

SUS TOTAL OF URBAN DISTRICTS • 998 177

DISTRICT CONSTITUENCY NO. OF ELECTORS

ISLANDS ISLANDS 20 393

NORTH NORTH 36 508

SAI KUNG SAI KUNG 13 018

SHA TIN SHA TIN EAST 36 008

SHA TIN WEST 31 088

TAI PO TAI PO 30 458

TSUEN WAN TSUEN WAN 53 084

TUEN MUN TUEN MUN EAST 39 043

TUEN MUN WEST 37 253

/W® LONG..........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1985

- 4 -

YUEN LONG YUEN LONG 55 144

KWAI CHUNG AND KWAI CHUNG EAST 48 378

TSI NG Yl KWAI CHUNG WEST AND TSI NG Yl 42 988

SUB TOTAL OF NON-URBAN 443 363

DISTRICTS

-----0------

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR LRT RESERVE FORMATION * X * * *

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND FRANK I CONTRACTORS LIMITED TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A $164.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE FORMATION OF A RESERVE FOR THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.

THE RESERVE WILL STRETCH FROM TUEN MUN TO YUEN LONG MOSTLY ALONGSIDE CASTLE PEAK ROAD. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START THIS WEEK AND IN 18 MONTHS’ TIME THE SEVEN-KILOMETRE STRETCH WILL COMPLETE THE RESERVE FORMATION WORK UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE LRT SYSTEM. MOST OF THE RESERVE HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT AS PART OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN PROJECT.

THE MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, WHO WILL BUILD AND RUN THE LRT, HAVE ALREADY STARTED TRACK-LAYING WORK ON THE PREVIOUSLY-COMPLETED STRETCHES OF RESERVE.

THE LATEST CONTRACT WOULD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE BRIDGES TO TAKE THE TRACK ACROSS NULLAHS AND SIX FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS THE TRACK.

IT WOULD ALSO INCLUDE FORMATION WORK AT THE SIU HONG COURT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND MODIFICATION OF PUI TO ROAD TO ACCOMMODATE THE RESERVE.

MOST OF THE LRT ALONG THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG CORRIDOR WILL RUN ALONG THE EXISTING CYCLE TRACK BESIDE CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND A NEW CYCLE TRACK AND PEDESTRIAN PAVEMENT WILL BE BUILT AS PART OF THE NEW CONTRACT.

IN YUEN LONG, THE LRT WILL RUN DOWN THE MAIN ROAD AND WORK WILL INVOLVE REMOVING THE EXISTING CENTRE RESERVE TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW RAILWAY.

,DA <, ..ECEf'F'T

OVERALL .RUG ABUSE PROBLEM +CONTAINED+

X * *

THE OVERALL DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM WAS BEING CONTAINED IN HONG KONG, ALTHOUGH IT WAS ON THE RISE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE 58TH MEETING OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), WHICH DISCUSSE • THE DRUG SITUATION OVER THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1985.

IN THE PERIOD, 2 671 PERSONS WERE REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE (CRDA) AS BEING NEW CASES, AN INCREASE OF 3.4 PER CENT OVER THE 2 525 NEW CASES REPORTED IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1984.

AND 8 994 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR DRUG OFFENCES, UP BY 9.7 PER CENT FROM 8 195 IN THE SIMILAR PERIOD IN 1984.

THE MEETING ALSO REPORTED THAT PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT DRUG ABUSE, ESPECIALLY AMONG PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS HAD INCREASED THROUGH THE LAUNCHING OF TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-DRUG

CAMPAIGNS.

THESE ORGANISED ACTIVITIES, IN WHICH THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES uvERE ALSO INVOLVED, INCLUDED A FAMILY CAMP, A CONCERT, AND TALKS

TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

-----o------

PARENTS WARNED TO BE ON ALERT FOR DRUG PUSHERS

*****

PUBLICITY ON THE HARM CAUSED BY DRUG PUSHERS WILL BE STEPPED UP WITH THE LAUNCHING OF A NEW API (ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST; ON TELEVISION AS FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1).

THE NEW FILM, THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF FOUR, ADOPTS A HARD-SELL APPROACH TO PUBLICISE THE CURRENT THEME OF THE ANTI-DRUG DRIVE -- +REPORT THE DRUG PUSHERS*.

THE FIRST API IN THE SERIES TITLED +SNAKE+ HAS BEEN SCREENED ON TELEVISION SINCE LAST SEPTEMBER.

IN THE SECOND FILM, +KIDS AS COURIERS*, PARENTS ARE URGED TO WATCH OUT IF THEIR CHILD HAS A LOT OF EXTRA SPENDING MONEY BECAUSE DRUG PUSHERS MAY HAVE EMPLOYED THE CHILD TO DELIVER DRUGS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) SAID, +WE HOPE TO GIVE A FORCEFUL VISUAL IMPACT TO ALERT PARENTS Oc THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR CHILDREN BECOMING DRUG COURIERS.

DflCib'T ’ - W

1985

+ THE CHILDREN WOULD MOST PROBABLY END UP BECOMING DRUG ADDICTS THEMSELVES. +

A SUPPORTING POSTER FEATURING A SCENE FROM THE API OF AN ADDICT TAKING HEROIN WILL BE DISPLAYED AT GOVERNMENT SITES ALL OVER THE TERRITORY.

BOTH THE API AND THE POSTER WILL REMIND PARENTS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

+ANY CONCERNED PARENTS SEEKING ADVICE NEED ONLY TELEPHONE THE NUMBERS 5-271234 OR 5-456182 AS SHOWN IN THE API AND ON THE POSTER. THEY CAN REST ASSURED THAT THEIR CALLS WILL BE TREATED WITH THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

APART FROM API’S AND POSTERS, OTHER PUBLICITY MATERIALS OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN INCLUDE LEAFLETS, RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS, MTR/KCR ADVERTISING AND BUS ADVERTISING.

- 0 -

MEET PUBLIC’ SESSIONS PROVING EFFECTIVE

CIVIC-MINDED RESIDENTS IN MONG KOK HAVE HELPED MAKE THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSION WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS CF IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND SOLVING PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT.

IN AUGUST A RESIDENT COMPLAINED TO A BOARD MEMBER THAT HOT AIR WHICH GENERATED FROM A VIDEO GAMES CENTRE AFFECTED HER FLAT AND THE AIR QUALITY IN THE VICINITY.

FOLLOWING AN INSPECTION, STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOUND THAT THE FAULT WAS DUE TO DEFECTS IN THE INSULATION MATERIAL OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE SYSTEM AND THE SITUATION WAS RECTIFIED.

IN ANOTHER CASE, A HAWKER WHO HAD BEEN SELLING VEGETABLES FOR 20 YEARS IN FA YUEN STREET COMPLAINED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD THAT SHE WAS NOT ALLOCATED A FIXED PITCH IN A HAWKER REORDERING EXERCISE.

THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND, AFTER REVIEWING THE CASE, SHE WAS CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE FOR A FIXED PITCH.

+OVER THE YEAR, THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSION HAS BECOME A VITAL COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE DISTRICT BOARD,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.

/IRE SERVICE

THE SERVICE IS CONDUCTED ON A ROSTER SYSTEM BY . .0 BOARD MEMBERS EVERY THURSDAY. THEY ANSWER QUERIES AND LISTEN TO RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ABOUT /ARIOUS TOPICS SUCH AS GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND LEGISLATION, DISTRICT MATTERS AND SPECIFIC PROBLEMS THAT EXIST IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE DISTRICT. THEY ALSO HELP COORDINATE THE EFFORTS BY DEPARTMENTS TO TACKLE COMPLAINTS.

+IT BECOMES AN EFFECTIVE MEANS TO PROMOTE AND EXPLAIN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO THE PEOPLE,* HE SAID.

THIS YEAR A TOTAL OF 162 COMPLAINTS wERE HANDLED AND MORE THAN 40 PER CENT WERE SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED THROUGH THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSIONS.

+MORE RESIDENTS SHOULD MADE USE OF THE SERVICE TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND TO BRING THEIR PROBLEMS TO THE BOARD,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+AS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON HAWKER AND MARKET POLICIES HAS BEEN PUBLISHED, RESIDENTS SHOULD EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE DOCUMENT TO BOARD MEMBERS, SO THAT THEIR VIEWS CAN BE REFLECTED DURING DISCUSSIONS AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING AT THE END OF

JANUARY,* HE ADDED.

THE HAWKER SITUATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERNS OF THE DISTRICT AND ACCOUNTS FOR MORE THAN 20 PER CENT OF THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSION CASES THIS YEAR.

RESIDENTS CAN EITHER PHONE IN OR WRITE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET BOARD MEMBERS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-809731 OR TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AND TAI

KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE.

BANKING COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE ON THE MOVE

* * * *

THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, NOW LOCATED AT HANG CHONG BUILDING IN CENTRAL, WILL BE MOVING TO NEW PREMISES IN QUEENSWAY NEXT WEEK.

FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 6) MOST UNITS OF THE COMMISSIONER’S CFFICE, EXCEPT SOME OF THE EXAMINATION TEAMS, WILL START OPERATION ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT 66 QUEENSWAY.

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR VARIOUS DIVISIONS ARE:

/RdCiPTION AND........

Jm. i. >

RECEPTION AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES 5-8622671/8622697

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REGISTRY 5-8622684

GENERAL OFFICES (BANKING DIVISION) 5-8622690

(DEPOSIT-TAKING

COMPANIES DIVISION) 5-8622684

(INTERNATIONAL DIVISION) 5-8622679

SEARCH AT THE

THE DTC REGISTRY WILL BE OPEN FOR PUBLIC

NEW OFFICES. THE SEARCH HOURS WILL BE THE SAME AS THE PRESENT 9 30 AM TO 12.30 PM, AND 2.30 PM TO 4 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS.

MEANWHILE, THE REST OF THE EXAMINATION TEAMS WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE FROM THEIR EXISTING OFFICES AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 11 TH FLOOR, DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, UNTIL JULY-AUGUST WHEN PHASE TWO OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING IS READY FOR OCCUPATION.

SAN PO KONG PLAYGROUND REDEVELOPMENT TO START ******

aORK WILL START NEXT MONTH ON THE SECOND STAGE OF A PROGRAMME TO REDEVELOP THE FORMER CHOI HUNG ROAD PLAYGROUND AT SAN PO KONG INTO A MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX.

THE $32.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT, AWARDED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RECENTLY, INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION CF THREE NEW BUILDINGS ON A 2.2-HECTARE SITE AT THE PLAYGROUND.

THESE ARE A FOUR-STOREY COMPLEX WITH A COOKED FOOD CENTRE AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL; AN INDOOR BADMINTON COURT BUILDING ACCOMMODATING SIX BADMINTON COURTS AND WITH TWO TENNIS COURTS ON THE ROOF; AND A BUILDING PROVIDING TOILET AND CHANGING FACILITIES.

AN OUTDOOR SPORTS GROUND a I TH THREE TENNIS COURTS, T <0 BASKETBALL COURTS, A VOLLEYBALL COURT AND A HANDBALL COURT WILL ALSO BE BUILT ON THE SITE.

OTHER FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAY .AREA AND A REST GARDEN WITH A FOUNTAIN, ARBOURS, PLANTERS AND PAVILIONS.

*ORK ON THE ABOVE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1987.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 198

TENDERS SOUGHT FDR MAINS WORK IN SHA TIN * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO LAY 2 300 METRES OF WATER MAINS IN SHA TIN TO HELP MEET THE INCREASED WATER DEMAND IN THE NEW TOWN.

MEASURING 600 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER, THE MAINS WILL BE LAID ALONG CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, CHIK WAN STREET AND LOWER SHING MIN RIVER.

THIS WATER MAINS WILL SUPPLY FRESH WATER FROM SHA TIN TREATMENT WORKS TO THE SHA TIN WEST FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR NEAR LOWER SHING MUN ROAD.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH 1986 AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

- - 0 -

BARBECUE SITE IN REPULSE BAY BEING CONVERTED * * * *

WORK IS NOW UNDER WAY TO BUILD A $2.6 MILLION CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A REST GARDEN ON A FORMER BARBECUE SITE IN REPULSE BAY.

♦THIS WILL TRANSFORM WHAT HAD BECOME A NOTORIOUS PLACE CF NOISE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION INTO A PLEASANT VENUE FOR PASSIVE RECREATION,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY.

♦FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF THE LATEST PLAY EQUIPMENT ARE BEING INSTALLED ON THE 1 400 SQUARE-METRE SITE, ALL WITH SAFETY MATTING,* HE SAID.

+THE REST GARDEN SECTION WILL BE PROVIDED WITH BENCHES AND PAVILIONS, PLANTERS AND LIGHTS, AS WELL AS OTHER PARK FACILITIES.

♦TREES WILL BE RETAINED TO PRESERVE THE GREENERY IN HARMON* WITH THE ENVIRONMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID CONSTRUCTION WORK HAD BEEN TIMED FOR THE NON-SWIMMING SEASON TO MINIMIZE INCONVENIENCE TO BEACH-GOERS, AND THE FAC It ■ fY WOULD BE OPENED FOR USE BEFORE THE NEXT SWIMMING SFA'Oi!.

/FOLLOW CIG THE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1985

10 -

FOLLOWING THE DEMOLITION OF SOME 55 BARBECUE PITS LAST W^T’mI^L^G^E^T^A™ ITOS PART FUTURE PLAYGROUND.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT WHILE THE MAIN BARBECUE AREA AT REPULSE BAY HAD NOW BEEN DEMOLI SHED, FIVE BARBECUE STILL REMAINED AT ANOTHER AREA OF THE BEACH.

- - 0 -----------

REGISTRATION REVOKED * M *

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF STEPHENS FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

CF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL CLOSES TOMORROW * * *

THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL PRESENT A GALA FINALE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 8 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO MARK THE CLOSE OF THE 1985 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL.

IT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY THE OROKU JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM JAPAN, THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S SYMPHONIC BAND, THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ JUNIOR SCHOOL CHEER LEADERS, AND WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S MARCHING AND SYMPHONIC BAND CONTESTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

------Q--------

/11

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1985

NEW YEAR HARRIER ROAD RACE ON WEDNESDAY * * * * *

MORE THAN 700 RUNNERS WILL BE COMPETING IN THE 1986 NEW YEAR HARRIER ROAD RACE WHICH STARTS FROM KOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND AT 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1).

THE ANNUAL EVENT, SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, THE LOK SIN TONG, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE.

THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO AN OPEN SECTION AND ONE FOR STUDENTS. IT WILL START AND FINISH IN KOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND, COVERING A DISTANCE OF ABOUT NINE KILOMETRES AROUND KOWLOON TONG.

TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST SIX WINNERS OF EACH SECTION AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE RACE.

OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE STARTING CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DIANA TONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT'S RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, MR HUI IN—YING, AND CHAIRMAN OF LOK SIN TONG, MR LAU TAK.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1986 NEW YEAR HARRIER ROAD RACE WHICH WILL START FROM KOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND, INVERNESS ROAD, KOWLOON CITY, AT 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY.

----o------

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 67.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 393.080 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 428.934 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 73.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

-------o -

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1985

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BRIDGE RAMPS * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (DECEMBER 30) twat TMF APPROACH RAMPS OF THt AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE WILL BE CLOotD TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS TO FACILITATE

RESURFACING WORKS:

ROAD

JANUARY 3, 1986

THE SOUTHERN APPROACH UP-RAMP CARRIAGEWAY OF WONG CHUK HANG WILL BE CLOSED. VEHICLES WILL APPROACH UP-RAMP VIA ABERDEEN

LEADING FROM THE WESTBOUND

ROAD TO AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROaJ HAVE TO USE THE NORTHERN

TOWN CENTRE.

JANUARY 4

LEADING FROM THE EASTBOUND

THE NORTHERN APPROACH UP-RAMP -------- .. AnconccM CARRIAGEWAY OF THE UNNAMED COASTAL ROAD ALONG THE ABERDEEN RECLAMATION TO AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.

VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO USE THE SOUTHERN APPROACH UP-RAMP VIA THE OCEANARIUM INTERCHANGE IN WONG CHUK HANG.

* JANUARY 7

THE NORTHERN APPROACH DOWN-RAMP LEADING FROM AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD TO THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO DRIVE VIA THE SOUTHERN APPROACH DOWN-RAMP AND THE ABERDEEN TOWN CENTRE.

-----o------

ROAD CLOSED FOR CABLE LAYING

*****

THE SECTION OF EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD (SERVICE ROAD) BETWEEN BUDDHIST WONG FUNG LING COLLEGE AND TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL JlLL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 2) FOR ABOUT A WEEK TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF ELECTRIC '-ABLE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, THE REMAINING SECTION OF THE EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD (SERVICE ROAD) WILL BE RE-ROUTED FOR TWO-WAY TRAFF IC.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1935

- 13 -

KOWLOON CITY, HO MAN TIN TAPS OFF

* * * M

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY AND HO MAN TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 2) FOR MAINS WORK.

IN KOWLOON CITY, SUPPLY TO PREMISES BOUNDED BY TO KWA WAN ROAD, MOK CHEONG STREET, KOWLOON CITY ROAD AND MA TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

IN HO MAN TIN, SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON THURSDAY.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE HO MAN TIN POLICE STATION, 31-33 WYLIE ROAD AND KING’S PARK RISE.

--------0----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191 1 : r - • • • .

MONDaY, DECEMBER JO, 198j

EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM: ' ■ —

NOTE TO EDITORS OF The following announcement

NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES on the Queen’s New Year Honours List

AND BROADCASTING STATIONS: will be made in London at 0001 hours

GMT on Tuesday, December J1.

Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Tuesday, December 31), but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.

The news may be broadcast from 6 am onwards tomorrow (Tuesday, December 31) over the local radio and television stations.

On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews, or for information related to their careers, or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced.

HONOURS

CBE - Commander, Order of the British Empire OBE - Officer, Order of the British Empire ISO - Companion, Imperial Service Order MBE - Member, Order of the British Empire BEM - British Empire Medal QPM - Queen’s Police Medal CPM - Colonial Police Medal Badge of Honour • •• . t

'•f • -

’-ear Honours 1986

C.B.E.

Mr Selwyn Eugene ALLEYNE, JP

Mr Alleyne began his civil service career in

the Administrative Service in 1957. He is now Deputy Financial Secretary.

Dr LAM See-hin, OBE, JP

Dr Lam has served for 15 years as Chairman of the Baptist College’s Board of Governors. He is also Chairman of the College's Council.

The Hon. Mr Justice Arthur Michael MCMULLIN

Mr Justice McMullin has served in the Overseas Legal and Judicial Services since 1950. He is presently a Vice-President of the Court of Appeal.

O.B.E.

Mr CHAN Pak-keung, MBE, JP

Mr Chan has been active in a wide range of community services including medical service (rehabilitation of the handicapped) education, social welfare and transport, and has been a member of a number of important government boards and committees.

Mr KAN Yuet-loong, JP

Mr Kan was appointed to the Council of Hong Kong Polytechnic in April 1976 and since March 1979 has been the Treasurer of the Polytechnic. He has served on a number of major government boards and committees.

/C.B.E. (Cor.*''

O.B.3. (Cont’d) 1" "•—------"■

Professor Brian LOFTS, JP

Professor Lofts is Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology, University of Hong Kong. He is also a member of the Education Commission.

Mr SHUM Choi-sang, MBE, JP

Mr Shum is Managing Director of Po and is a former member of the Urban Councils.

the Wah Kiu Yat

and Consumer

Dr. the Hon. TSE Chi-wai, JP

Dr. Tse is now President of the Baptish College, which he joined as a lecturer in 1968. He has done much to raise academic standards there.

I.S.O.

M * r 1 3 Cy r 1 MORGAN ( JP

Mr Morgan joined the Hong Kong Civil Service from the Home Civil Service in 1961. He is now the Director oi Technical Education and Industrial Training.

Mrs Irene CHEUNG Yok-luen, JP

Mrs Cheung became a member of the Hong Kong Red Cross Committee in 1965 and is now Director of the Hong Kong Red Cross Society.

(Cont'd) ........

M.B.E. (Cont'd)

Dr James Barrie HOLLINRAKE

Dr Hollinrake joined the Medical and Health Department in 1969 and is now Medical Superintendent of the Shek Kwu Chau Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.

Mr Kenneth Richard JENKINS

Mr Jenkins joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1965 and is now the Principal Government Engineer, Mass Transit.

Mr KONG Wai-kwan

Mr Kong joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1953 and is now a Senior Superintendent of Customs and Excise.

Mr LEE Jark-pui, JP

Mr Lee has been associated with a wide variety of agencies and organisations in the social welfare field for many years past.

Mr TAI Kuenf JP

Mr Tai has served on the Yuen Long District Advisory Board since 1977 and the Yuen Long District Board and its Committees since 1982. He is also the Chairman of the New Territories Scouts Association.

Mr YU Pui-lam

Mr Yu joined the Civil Aid Services in 1953 and is now the Deputy Cadet Commandant.

A«B.E. (Cont'd) ......

M.B.E. (Cont’d)

Mr Gaylord CHAN

Mr Chan is Far East Group Marketing Manager for Cable and Wireless. He has been closely involved in the establishment of improved telecommunication links and joint ventures with the Chinese authorities.

M.B.E. (Military)

Mr PAU Chi-leung

Mr Pau is Senior Warrant Officer of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment, where he has special responsibilities for discipline, training and welfare.

B.E.M.

Mr CHIU Man-wah

Mr Chiu joined the Government in 1956 and is now serving in the Medical & Health Department.

Mr CHU Hon^-sang

Mr Chu joined the Government in 1957 and is now a Senior Immigration Officer.

Mr FOO Sau-pak

Mr Foo joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1949

and is now serving in the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department,

/B.E.M. Cont’d ........

B . E. M. cont1d

Mr KWONG Yew

Mr Kwong joined the Marine Department in 1949 and retired as a Senior Coxswain in August 1985.

Mr LAW Wing

Mr Law joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1955

and now serves in the Trade Department.

Mr LEE See-wang

Mr Lee joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1961 and now serves in the Regional Services (N.T.).

Mr LEUNG Yun-wing

Mr Leung joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1951

and is now a Superintendent of Posts.

Mr LI Kan-chuen

Mr Li joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1951 and now serves in the Urban Services Department.

Mr MAK Yung^-lok

Mr Mak joined the Civil Aid Services in 1960 and and is now a Section Leader, Mountain Rescue Unit.

Mrs Sylvia Lillian MCGUGAN

Mrs McGugan joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1960 and is now one of the civilian staff in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force.

/B.E.k. Coat'd .......

B.E'.M. Cont'd

Mr NG Kuen

Mr Ng joined the Correctional Service in 1954 and is now an Assistant Officer Class I.

Mrs SIU WONG Kit-yin

Mrs Siu is a Group Supervisor (Volunteer) in the Auxiliary Medical Services with which she has served for over 30 years.

Mr YIP Lam

Mr Yip joined the former Preventive Service in 1960 and is now a Chief Customs Officer.

Mr WONG Yan-park

Mr Wong joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1955 and is now in the Labour Department.

Mr YUEN Pang

Mr Yuen joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1956 and is now a Special Motor Driver in the Urban Services Department.

B.E.M. (Military)

Mr CHAN Chun-hung

Corporal Chan has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) for 22 years.

/Q.P.M. .....

\ ......................

9 •

Q.P.M.

Mr CHAN Tai-wing, CPM

Mr Chan joined the Police Reserve in 1953 and is now Deputy Commandant, Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.

Mr Victor Maurice GREEN, CPM

Mr Green joined the Hong Kong Police Force in 1957 and rose to his present rank of Chief Superintendent in 1982.

C.P.M.

(RHKP)

Mr Mathew Ratcliff ATKINSON

Mr Atkinson joined the Hong Kong Police Force in 1954 and rose to his present rank of Chief Inspector in 1971.

Mr John Neville BROOMFIELD

Mr Broomfield joined the Hong Kong Police in 1964 and is now a Specialist Senior Superintendent, Police Training School.

Miss CHAN Siu-na

Miss Chan joined the Hong Kong Police in 1960 and rose to her present rank of Station Sergeant in 1977.

Mr CHENG Fook-hong

Mr Cheng joined the Hong Kong Police Force in 1969 and rose to his present rank of Superintendent in 1981.

/C.P.M. Coat’d .......

C.P.M. Cont’d

(RHKP)

Mr Evan Hopkin EVANS

Mr Evans joined the Hong Kong Police in 1959 and rose to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1983

Mr James Godfrey HURST

Mr Hurst joined the Hong Kong Police in 1962 and rose to the rank of Senior Superintendent in 1981.

Mr Phillip LAYTON

Mr Layton joined the Hong Kong Police in 1969 and rose to the rank of Superintendent in 1981.

Mr LEUNG Cho

Mr Leung joined the Hong Kong Police in 1951 and rose to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1974.

Mr LEUNG Ka

Mr Leung joined the Hong Kong Police in 1946 and rose to his present rank of Sergeant in 1966.

Mr LO Man-tui

Mr Lo joined the Hong Kong Police in 1957 and rose to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1974.

Mr Eric John LOCKEYEAR

Mr Lockeyear joined the Hong Kong Police in 1963 and rose to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1981.

/C.P.M. Cont’d

C.P.M. Cont/d

'RHKP*

Mr Russell John MASON

Mr Mason joined the Hong Kong Police in 1958 and rose to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1978.

Mr James Francis MORRIS

Mr Morris joined the Hong Kong Police in 1962 and

rose to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1984.

Mr George Alexander Adams MURPHY

Mr Murphy joined the Hong Kong Police in 1965 and rose to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1983.

Mr HO Hing-chuen

Mr Ho joined the Hong Kong Police in 1957 and rose to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1982.

Mr PAO Wai-ling

Mr Pao joined the Hong Kong Police in 1957 and rose to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1972.

/C.P.M.

C.P.M.

(FSD)

Mr Gwynfor Victor ALLAWAY

Mr Allaway joined the Fire Services Dept, in 1966 and rose to his present rank of Senior Divisional Officer in 1983.

Mr LEUNG Fook-chu

Mr Leung joined the Fire Services Dept, in 1965

and rose to his present rank of Principal Fireman in 1976.

Mr NG On-heung

Mr Ng joined the Fire Services Dept, in 1954 and rose to his present rank of Principal Fireman in 1978.

Mr WONG Har«-chung

Mr Wong joined the Fire Services Dept, in 1958 and rose to his present rank of Senior Fireman in 1977.

/Badge of Honour

Badges of Honour - New Year 1986

Badge of Honour

Mr CHAN Wai-man

Mr Chan began his community service in Tsuen Wan in 1968 and is now a member of the Tsuen Wan District Board.

Mr CHAN Yan-leung

Mr Chan began his direct involvement in Tsuen Wan district community affairs in 1978. He is a member of the Tsuen Wan Sports and Arts Festival Committees and of the Tsuen Wan East Area Committee.

Mr HO Yuk-wing

Mr Ho has been active in the affairs of the Wanchai District for many years past.

Mr KOO Loh-ming

Mr Koo is a member of the Yuen Long District Arts Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Scouts Association, Yuen Long (West) District and Chairman of the New Territories School Sports Association (Yuen Long Branch).

Mr LAM Hung-chiu

Mr Lam began his direct involvement in community service in Sha Tin in the 1970s and has been an elected member of Sha Tin District Board since 1982.

Mr LEE Kin-chung

Mr Lee has been President of the Tsz Wan Shan Kai Fong Association since 1976 and is an elected member of the Wong Tai Sin District Board.

/Badge of Honour (Cont*d) •••••••

- 12 -

Badge of Honour (Cont'd)

Mr MA Yu-leung

Mr Ma has been a member of the Kowloon City Kaifong Association for a great many years. He is presently the Vice-Chairman of the Kowloon City and Sai Tau Area C’ttee.

Mr POON Shun-kwok

Mr Poon is active in the public affairs of the Pokfulam District and is a member of Southern District Board.

Dr Portia SHEEN

Dr Sheen has been Medical Superintendent of the Yan Chai Hospital since 1976 and is active in the public affairs of Tsuen Wan District.

Madam TING Yuk-chee

Madam Ting began her community service in the Eastern District in 1972 and is a member of Eastern District Board.

Mr TSANG Fan-kong

Mr Tsang is a primary school headmaster and has been closely involved with the Hong Kong Youth Cultural and Arts Competitions since 1975.

Mrs TSANG WONG Tak-chung

Mrs Tsang began her involvement in public affairs in 1957 with the Western District Women’s Welfare Club. She is now closely involved with the Chung Shek Hei (Cheung Chau) Home for t.ie Aged.

/%adge of Honour (Cont’d) ...

Badge of Honour (Cont*d)

Mr WONG Chung-ying

Mr Wong is a member of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and is a Chairman of the Sun Wui Commercial Society.

Mr WU Man-keung

Mr Wu has been a member of the Yaumatei School Liaison Committee since 1982 and was elected Chairman of the Committee in 1985.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1985

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

YEAR OF STEADY PROGRESS — GOVERNOR.............................. 1

VALUE OF INSURED LETTERS, PARCELS INCREASED .................... 1

waste disposal essential to city DEVELOPMENT ................... 2

INTELPOST SERVICE EXTENDED TO CANADA........................... 4

MEET THE MEDIA.................................................. 4

YUEN LONG DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET ........................... 5

castle peak road section closed ................................ 5

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1985

YEAR OF STEADY PROGRESS -- GOVERNOR * * *

FOLLOWING

GOVERNOR:

IS THE TEXT OF THE NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE

+1985 HAS BEEN A YEAR OF

STEADY PROGRESS FOR HONG KONG.

+ALTHOUGH

GROWTH

IN SOME

WOULD HAVE LIKED, THE ECONOMY BEEN PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING

AREAS HAS NOT BEEN AS FAST AS WE HAS REMAINED SOUND, THERE HAS

THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE NEW

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS COME INTO BEING, A,ND MANY PROJECTS TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO THE HONG KONG PUBLIC HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

+IN THE COMING YEAR, WE SHALL ALL NEED TO CONTINUE TO WORK HARD FOR THE WELL-BEING AND PROSPERITY OF HONG K°NG. THE GOVERNMENT, FOR ITS PART, WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE AND STRIVE TO ACHIEVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE

WHOLE COMMUNITY.

+1 WISH ALL OF YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.+

--------0 ---------

VALUE OF INSURED LETTERS, PARCELS INCREASED

X * *

WITH EFFECT FROM THURSDAY (JANUARY 2), THE MAXIMUM INSURED VALUE FOR INSURED LETTERS AND PARCELS TO A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES WOULD BE INCREASED TO $17 500, A SPOKESMAN OF THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THESE COUNTRIES INCLUDE CYPRUS, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, FRENCH WEST INDIES, GREAT BRITAIN, JAPAN, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, MACAU, SINGAPORE, THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF YEMEN.

+THE NEW INSURANCE LIMIT WILL ENABLE CUSTOMERS TO SEND THROUGH THE POST GOODS AND MERCHANDISE OF A MUCH HIGHER VALUE WITHOUT THE NEED TO RESORT TO PRIVATE INSURANCE FACILITIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE INSURANCE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE LOCAL POST OFFICE OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU AT 5-231071.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 198?

WASTE DISPOSAL ESSENTIAL TO CITY DEVELOPMENT ******

THE CROWDED LIVING CONDITIONS SO APPARENT IN HONG KONG AND THE HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE FOR MUCH OF THE YEAR DICTATE THE PROMPT REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES AND THE PROVISION OF EFFECTIVE SEWERAGE.

FOR THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTES IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ANY CITY.

WITHOUT SUCH SERVICES, INSANITARY, HAZARDOUS AND OFFENSIVE CONDITIONS COULD DEVELOP QUICKLY THREATENING HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF INHABITANTS.

THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT 1985, THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, DISCLOSED THAT WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES ALREADY COVERED MOST PARTS CF THE TERRITORY, BUT POINTED OUT THAT THE NEED FOR THESE SERVICES WAS CHANGING ALL THE TIME.

FOR EXAMPLE, AS A RESULT OF INCREASING AFFLUENCE AND POPULATION, THE AMOUNT OF SOLID WASTE EACH DAY IS PROJECTED TO DOUBLE FROM 6 400 TONNES IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS.

THE REVIEW POINTED OUT THAT THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS AT JUNK BAY, TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TIN SHU I WAI AND ELSEWHERE, MEANT THAT PLACES WHERE WASTES ORIGINATED WERE CHANGING CONTINUALLY.

ANOTHER FACTOR THAT WAS GIVING RISE TO CHANGES IN THE NEED FOR WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL WAS THE PROGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION CF AIR AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROLS.

THE TREATMENT PROCESSES USED TO CONTROL POLLUTION THEMSELVES PRODUCED WASTES WHICH REQUIRED DISPOSAL. SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS, FOR EXAMPLE, PRODUCED SLUDGE AND ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS IN THE FLUE GAS STREAM FROM COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS PRODUCED PULVERISED FUEL ASH.

THUS, A NEW RANGE OF WASTES WAS BEING GENERATED THAT REQUIRED SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR DISPOSAL.

ALSO, MANY OF THE EXISTING WASTE DISPOSAL SITES WHICH WERE ACCEPTABLE WHEN PLANNED AND MANY POTENTIAL SITES EARMARKED FOR THE FUTURE WERE NOW UNACCEPTABLE AS THEY HAD BECOME ENGULFED BY THE ENDLESS TIDE OF URBAN EXPANSION, OR THEY DID NOT MEET THE RISING EXPECTATIONS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN RELATION TO THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT.

ADVERSE REACTION OF THE POPULATION TO EMISSIONS FROM INCINERATORS, TO POLLUTION OF BEACHES BY SEWAGE DISCHARGES OR TO THE DESECRATION OF PREVIOUSLY CLEAN STREAMS BY AGRICULTURAL WASTES, WERE EXAMPLES OF SITUATIONS THAT THE PUBLIC APPEARS INCREASINGLY LESS INCLINED TOLERATE.

/TO COPE ......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1985

TO COPE WITH THESE CHANGES AND TO ENSURE THAT A SAFE, HYGIENIC AND ECONOMIC SERVICE COULD BE PROVIDED AT ALL TIMES FOR THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTES, IT WAS NECESSARY TO PREPARE PLANS WELL IN ADVANCE.

THESE PLANS MUST BE BASED ON THE BEST POSSIBLE FORECASTS OF FUTURE NEEDS THEY MUST TAKE ACCOUNT OF INCREASINGLY DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS ON THE PART OF THE PUBLIC AND MUST ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR PROVISION OF NEW FACILITIES OR THE REPLACEMENT OF THOSE EXISTING MEANS OF DISPOSAL WHICH HAVE REACHED THE END OF THEIR USEFUL OR ECONOMIC LIFE.

AN IMPORTANT IMPLICATION OF THE CHANGING SITUATION WAS THAT WASTES WHETHER LIQUID OR SOLID WOULD NEED TO BE TRANSPORTED GREATER DISTANCES FOR DISPOSAL AT MORE REMOTE SITES THAN AT PRESENT.

THE REVIEW SAID THAT TO MEET ALL THE RELEVANT HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CRITERIA, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CONTAINING THE SUBSTANTIAL COSTS INVOLVED, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO EXAMINE CAREFULLY ALL THE REALISTIC OPTIONS AND LAY CAREFUL PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.

ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW, THE MAJOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING 1984-85 INCLUDED:

* AGREEMENT REACHED ON A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL;

* THE COMPLETION OF A SCHEME FOR THE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF SLUDGE ARISING FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, INCLUDING SEWAGE TREATMENT, WATER TREATMENT, AGRICULTURAL WASTE CONTROL AND INDUSTRY;

* A WASTE MANAGEMENT MODEL — A COMPUTER BASED STRATEGIC PLANNING AID THAT HAD BEEN APPLIED TO EVALUATE OPTIONS IN BOTH FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL TERMS FOR SPECIFIC WASTE MANAGEMENT SCHEMES NOTABLY FOR KOWLOON;

* AGREEMENT ON AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE DISPOSAL OF PULVERISED FUEL ASH FROM THE CASTLE PEAK COAL-FIRED POWER STATION FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN INTENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT BY THE company;

* A WASTE MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING SECTION IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHAPTER OF THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES — THE MANUAL THAT DIRECTS DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IN HONG KONG;

/* THS SPBSinCATION ......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1985

* THE SPECIFICATION FOR AN INTEGRATED TREATMENT FACILITY FOR TOXIC, HAZARDOUS AND DIFFICULT PASTES, LEADING TO AN INVITATION BY PUBLIC NOTICE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN BUILDING AND OPERATING THE FACILITY ON BEHALF OF GOVERNMENT; AND

* A CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTES COMPLETED AND ENDORSED BY EPCOM, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

--------0 ---------

INTELPOST SERVICE EXTENDED TO CANADA K X * H *

THE INTELPOST (INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC POST) NETWORK FROM HONG KONG WILL BE EXTENDED TO CANADA FROM THURSDAY (JANUARY 2), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

INTELPOST ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG BEFORE 6 PM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY THE ADDRESSEE AT THE INTELPOST CENTRES THROUGHOUT CANADA OR DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEE IN 51 CITIES OF THE COUNTRY THE SAME DAY.

CHARGES FOR THE SERVICE TO CANADA WILL BE; FOR SHORT MESSAGE FACILITY S45; FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER $55; FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME $30.

THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE SHOULD HAND IN THEIR DOCUMENTS AT ANY ONE OF THE 23 ACCEPTANCE OFFICES.

INTELPOST IS NOW AVAILABLE TO 35 COUNTRIES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5-2671148.

- 0

MEET THE MEDIA * * *

THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, WING COMMANDER ALISTAIR ASPREY, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 2) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

------J -------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1385

YUEN LONG DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * * *

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS SECOND MEETING ON JANUARY 2 (THURSDAY).

THE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S ARRANGEMENTS TO PROVIDE A VENUE FOR THE HOLDING OF A LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR IN THE DISTRICT, AND THE ORGANISING OF RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMMES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS.

IT WILL ALSO DECIDE ON THE NAMING OF THE FIRST INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE TO BE BUILT IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT.

THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFF ICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

--------0----------

CASTLE PEAK ROAD SECTION CLOSED X X X

TO FACILITATE THE TRANSPORTATION OF A 130-T0NNE TRANSFORMER BY CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED, SOUTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD SECTION BETWEEN WAH KING HILL ROAD AND BUTTERFLY VALLEY INTERCHANGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 2.15 AM TO 4.15 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 3).

SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA WAH KING HILL ROAD, TAI WO INTERCHANGE, WAH YIU ROAD, LAI CHI LING ROAD, L IM CHO STREET, KING CHO ROAD, LAI KING HILL ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE, KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND-OR CHING CHEUNG ROAD.

MOTORISTS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO KOWLOON AND AVOID CASTLE PEAK ROAD DURING THE CLOSURE.

--------Q _---------

Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1985 - DEC - ENG