DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT TO GO AHEAD : THE GOVERNOR .................. 1
✓
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION ESSENTIAL TO DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT ......... 2
425 VRS LEFT HK FOR OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT......................... 3
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TONG TO BE CLOSED.............. 4
RESUMPTION OF FLAG DAY ACTIVITIES ................................ 4
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEAWALL EXTENSION AT SAI KUNG ................ 6
YOUTH URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS ................................ 6
19 CSD STAFF COMPLETED PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE TRAINING ............ 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ............................. 7
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES .................... 8
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE AT LION ROCK TUNNEL........................ 8
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF TAI PO ROAD............................. 8
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
1
CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT TO GO AHEAD : THE GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THAT WB ARE GOING AHEAD WITH THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND HE IS SURE THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WOULD UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT THAT AIRPORT IS FOR THE FUTURE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG AND THE FUTURE OF SOUTHERN CHINA.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM LONDON AFTER FIVE-WEEKS’ LEAVE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT A LOT OF RESEARCH AND VERY DETAILED ANALYSIS HAD BEEN DONE BEFORE REACHING A DECISION TO BUILD A NEW AIRPORT AND THE CHOICE OF CHEK LAP KOK SITE.
ASKED TO COMMENT THAT CHINA HAD YET TO DECIDE WHETHER TO BACK THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I WOULD LIKE THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE ARE DOING IT AND THE IMPORTANCE FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. 1 WOULD LIKE THEM TO LOOK FAVORABLY AT IT.
’’BUT THE DECISION ON THIS AND GOING AHEAD ARE HONG KONG DECISIONS AND THEREFORE THEY DON’T DEPEND ON WAITING FOR A FORMAL APPROVAL FROM ELSEWHERE.
”WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPLAIN TO THE CHINESE WHY IT IS IMPORTANT. WE LIKE THEM TO HAVE A BENEVOLENT INTEREST IN ITS SUCCESS. AND I AM SURE OVER TIME WE WILL GET THAT.”
SIR DAVID SAID THAT WHILST IN LONDON HE HAD MET LORD CAITHNESS, THE NEW MINISTER WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG; AND MR MARK LENNOX-BOYD, A JUNIOR MINISTER IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE WHO WOULD BE COVERING SOME OF HONG KONG’S BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
HE NOTED THAT LORD CAITHNESS WAS VERY KEEN ON THE JOB AND WAS MAKING AN IMMENSE EFFORT TO GET HIMSELF UP TO DATE ABOUT HONG KONG.
”1 AM VERY PLEASED THAT HE IS COMING OUT HERE FOR AN EARLY VISIT, ALMOST IMMEDIATELY HE STARTS WORKING IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE.’’
ASKED HOW THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST WOULD AFFECT HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS GOING TO AFFECT THE ECONOMY OF ALL THE WORLD.
”WE HAVE TO ADJUST OUR ANTICIPATED RATE OF GROWTH. WHAT WE WILL HAVE TO SEE NOW IS WHAT THE EFFECT IT HAS ON THE MAJOR ECONOMIES, LIKE THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPEAN COMMUNITY.”
NOTING THAT OIL PRICES HAD GONE UP, HE SAID THAT WE WERE ACTUALLY RELATIVELY WELL PLACED BECAUSE WE DEPENDED MOSTLY ON COAL FOR GENERATION OF POWER.
/ASKED IF .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
- 2 -
ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RECONSIDER THE POLICY ON IMPORTATION OF LABOUR IN VIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE IMPORT THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF LABOUR AND THAT WE ADJUST THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE ECONOMY.
"WE STILL HAVE A QUITE SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF LABOUR AND THAT HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY ANY RECENT DEVELOPMENT OR THE SLIGHT REDUCTION IN THE ANTICIPATED RATE OF GROWTH.
"BUT WE WILL WATCH IT VERY CAREFULLY THE WHOLE TIME SO THAT AS WE IMPORT LABOUR WE GET THE FIGURE RIGHT AND THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE LOCAL LABOUR FORCE."
I
- - 0---------
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION ESSENTIAL TO DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE WHOLE COMMUNITY MUST ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS IF THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IS . TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION - "THE WAY AHEAD" - AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE THIS MORNING, SIR DAVID SAID THE 1990S WOULD BE A MOST CRUCIAL AND CHALLENGING PERIOD FOR HONG KONG.
"WE WILL NEED HIGH QUALITY LEADERS WHO HAVE THE VISION, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT TO LEAD HONG KONG THROUGH THE CHALLENGES AHEAD, AND WE MUST NOW LOOK TOWARDS ESTABLISHING A POOL OF EXPERIENCED POLITICAL LEADERS TO TAKE UP THE TASK," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID TOLD THE 300 PROFESSIONALS ATTENDING THE SEMINAR THAT THE ACUMEN, INGENUITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS THEY HAD SHOWN IN BUSINESS AND IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS WERE THE VERY SAME QUALITY WHICH COULD HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
NOTING THAT STRONG POLITICAL LEADERS WILL NEED THE FIRM BACKING OF THOSE WHO VOTE FOR THEM, HE WAS ENCOURAGED THAT IN THE LAST 17 DAYS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECEIVED 120,000 NEW VOTER-REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS.
HE SAID: "IT IS IMPORTANT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR INTEREST IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS AND THE WAY THIS PLACE IS TO BE GOVERNED IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
"I URGE ALL THOSE ELIGIBLE TO STAKE THEIR CLAIM IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND TO REGISTER AS AN ELECTOR."
/SIR DAVID .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
- 3 -
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT TODAY’S SEMINAR WAS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT ENHANCED PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS AND MADE THEM KNOW HOW TO EXERCISE THESE RIGHTS IN A PERIOD OF RAPID POLITICAL CHANGE.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE, CALLED ON HONG KONG PEOPLE TO ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN TAKING UP THE CHALLENGES AHEAD SO AS TO BUILD A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES.
”1 AM CONVINSED THAT IF HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN PLAY THEIR PART AND MAKE FULL EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN AND MAXIMISE THE TERRITORY’S ADVANTAGEOUS POSITION IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM, IT WOULD BE OF GREAT HELP IN ENSURING THAT THE POLITICAL COMMITMENTS MADE IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW WILL BE FULFILLED,” HE SAID.
THE SEMINAR WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU.
OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ANDREW WONG; THE DIRECTOR OF JONES LANG WOOTTON, MR LEUNG CHUN-YING; AND CURRENT AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR, DR LO CHI-KIN.
THEY SPOKE ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING POLITICS, OVERSEAS RELATIONS, ECONOMY AND CULTURE.
------0-------
425 VRS LEFT HK FOR OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT
*****
A TOTAL OF 425 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES LEFT HONG KONG FOR RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS LAST MONTH (AUGUST).
OF THOSE WHO LEFT FOR OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT, 152 DEPARTED FOR AUSTRALIA, 139 FOR CANADA, 16 FOR FINLAND, 43 FOR UNITED KINGDOM, 53 FOR USA AND THE REMAINING 22 REFUGEES LEFT FOR THE PHILIPPINES TO AWAIT RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.
- - 0----------
/4 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
4 UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TONG TO BE CLOSED *****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES AT 13 KENT ROAD, KOWLOON TONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON SEPTEMBER 28 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (SATURDAY).
UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, A CLOSURE ORDER IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEMOLITION WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE A CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
--------0-----------
RESUMPTION OF FLAG DAY ACTIVITIES
*****
,V MO'
A TOTAL OF 15 ORGANISATIONS WILL HOLD FUND-RAISING FLAG DAYS ON SATURDAYS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR, STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER 15, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD CALL THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 576 5922 OR ITS HOTLINE 343 2255 FOR DETAILS, THE SPOKESMAN
SAID.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO FLAG DAY ORGANISERS TO ADOPT PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST POSSIBLE FRAUD.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO EXERCISE GREATER EFFORTS TO MONITOR THEIR FLAG SELLING ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
THE ORGANISERS ARE ADVISED TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES WHERE THEY ARE EXPECTED TO SELL THE FLAGS, THE FLAG-SELLING TIME AND THE COLLECTION POINTS WHERE DONATION BAGS SHOULD BE RETURNED.
"FLAG DAY ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS OF FLAGS OR COLLECTION BAGS AND SEEK THEIR HELP WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND,” HE SAID.
J *
A LIST SHOWING THE ALLOCATION OF FLAG DAYS FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR IS AS FOLLOWS:
/DATE........
SATURDAY, SEPT... .SR 1, 1990
- 5 -
DATE NAME OF AGENCY
SEPTEMBER 15 THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION
22 PO LEUNG KUK
29 SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED
OCTOBER 6 HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
13 HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
20 THE CHESHIRE HOME
27 TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS
NOVEMBER 3 HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
10 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
17 HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION
24 THE SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN •
DECEMBER 1 HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH
8 ARTS WITH THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG
15 THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG
22 THE H.K. TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST, AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION
--------0-----------
/6........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER ■, 1990
- 6 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEAWALL EXTENSION AT SAI KUNG ♦ * * * *
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PHASE II WORKS OF A SEAWALL EXTENSION PROJECT AT SAI IfUNG TOWN.
THE CONTRACT WILL COVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 400 METRES OF PITCHED SLOPE SEAWALL, A SEAFRONT PROMENADE AND RECLAMATION WITH ASSOCIATED TEMPORARY DRAINAGE BEHIND THE SEAWALL.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 21.
---------0-----------
YOUTH URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS *****
ASSISTANT YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MS MELODY WONG, THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING URGED YOUNGSTERS AGED OVER 21 TO REGISTER AS VOTERS FOR NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) HELD AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAUMATEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, MS WONG SAID IN DOING SO, THEY WOULD BE SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THEIR PEERS.
AS FOR THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES, MS WONG NOTED THAT THERE WAS A GREATER VARIETY AND THE PARTICIPATION RATE HAD INCREASED.
’’THE SYP OBJECTIVE OF HAVING THE YOUNGSTERS TO ’SHARE THE FUN AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY’ HAD BEEN ACHIEVED AS JUDGED BY THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO THE MORE THAN 120 RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES,” SHE SAID.
SHE ATTRIBUTED THE PROGRAMME’S SUCCESS TO THE WORK OF THE 200 VOLUNTEERS WHO ATTENDED TODAY’S CEREMONY AS WELL AS THE AGENCIES THEY REPRESENTED.
TWENTY VOLUNTEERS WERE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IN ORGANISING THE ACTIVITIES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS THE DISTRICT’S SYP COORDINATION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS CHAN YUEN YIN-HUNG.
THE CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A PARTY WITH A SOCIAL DANCE PERFORMANCE. VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS AND SOUVENIRS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS.
------0-------
/7........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
19 CSD STAFF COMPLETED PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE TRAINING *****
SIXTEEN OFFICERS AND THREE PRISON CHAPLAINS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED AN ONE-YEAR CERTIFICATE COURSE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT AND WERE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY CSD AND THE EXTRA-MURAL DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, IS DESIGNED TO EQUIP CSD OFFICERS WITH BOTH PSYCHOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL COUNSELLING TECHNIQUES FOR BETTER HANDLING OF INMATES WITH EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.
THE CSD PROVIDES PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES AT VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO HELP INMATES ADJUST AND ENHANCE THEIR DEVELOPMENT OF INSIGHT.
APART FROM THE COURSE ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE, THE CSD REGULARLY HOLDS SPECIALIST TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT TRAINING COURSES FOR STAFF WITH SUITABLE IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE CSD’S HEADQUARTERS THIS MORNING, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THE RECIPIENTS.
0 - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 3), THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CONNECTION WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF WANG TAU HOM ESTATE PHASE VI IN WONG TAI SIN:
THE SECTION OF WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD BETWEEN WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD AND FU MEI STREET, AND THE SECTION OF WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES WEST OF THE JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED.
FU YUE STREET, AND THE SECTION OF WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FU YUE STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 170 METRES EAST OF THE JUNCTION WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF WESTBOUND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST IN THE VICINITY OF CHOI HUNG ESTATE WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE-LANE TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM DAILY ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 3 AND 4).
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD INTERCHANGE.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE THEM. • I • , •
- - o - -
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1990
- 8 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.5 KILOMETRES OF THE OUTERMOST LANE OF SOUTHBOUND TAI PO ROAD (FANLING), SOUTH OF WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 3 AND 4).
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
--------0----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE AT LION ROCK TUNNEL ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT ONE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED FROM 11.30 PM TO THE NEXT DAY ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 3 AND 4).
TRAFFIC
5.30 AM
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE TUNNEL MAINTENANCE WORKS. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF TAI PO ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A SECTION OF ABOUT 400 METRES OF THE TRAFFIC LANES OF TAI PO ROAD (SHA TIN) SOUTHBOUND, NEAR cua TTM DArFrnnpsF. WTT.I. RR PARTIALLY CLOSED FROM 8 PM ON MONDAY
SHA TIN RACECOURSE, WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FROM (SEPTEMBER 3) TO 8 PM ON SEPTEMBER 11 TO FACILITATE
ROAD MAINTENANCE
WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TWO LANES WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY AND ONE LANE WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE REST OF THE PERIOD.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HEALTH CARE RESOURCE ALLOCATION TO BE RATIONALISED...................... 1
NEW POWERS FOR INVESTIGATION OF UNREGISTERED SCHOOLS ................... 3
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG'S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY 4
UTILITY SERVICES TO TAI A CHAU DETENTION CENTRE ........................ 5
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR LAB ELECTION ................................... 5
RADIO PROGRAMME TO PUBLICISE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION ..................... 6
BUS PARADE PROMOTES VOTER REGISTRATION ................................. 7
ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY 1 PLACES IN YUEN LONG SCHOOLS .................... 7
MONG KOK TO LAUNCH CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN ................................... 9
COUGH SYRUP ABUSE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ............................... 9
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD ............................... 10
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
- 1 -HEALTH CARE RESOURCE ALLOCATION TO BE RATIONALISED *******
ALLOCATION OF HEALTH CARE RESOURCES HAS TO BE RATIONALISED TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM COST-EFFECTIVENESS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS. ELIZABETH WONG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 13TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF VOLUNTARY HEALTH SERVICES FUNDS, MRS. WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IN THIS POLICY AREA WAS TO IMPROVE PATIENT CARE AND TO OPTIMISE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN RECENT DEBATES ON HOW TO FINANCE HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG, REFERENCES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE "USER-PAY" CONCEPT, TO MEDICAL INSURANCE AND TO SOME FORM OF CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME.
"IN OUR QUEST FOR SOLUTIONS, WE ARE ABOUT TO REVIEW OUR POLICY ON HOSPITAL FEES AND CHARGES AND TO CONSIDER WAYS AND MEANS TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
"THIS, HOWEVER, MUST NOT BE CONSTRUED AS GOVERNMENT SHIRKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENT SERVICES OR PUBLIC HEALTH.
"NOT SO, NOT AT ALL. OUR FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE CONTINUES TO BE PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH SERVICES. WE REMAIN FIRM IN OUR RESOLVE TO SEE THAT NO ONE WILL BE DENIED ADEQUATE MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF LACK OF MEANS," SHE STRESSED.
MRS. WONG POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PROCESS OF UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF CARE TO MEET RISING EXPECTATIONS, HONG KONG IS NOT SPARED THE PROBLEM FACED BY OTHER INDUSTRIALISED TERRITORIES — THE ESCALATING COSTS OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
"IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, PUBLIC SPENDING ON HEALTH SERVICES IS CLOSE TO $10 BILLION OR SOME 9.4 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE.
"IN THE LIGHT OF COMPETING DEMANDS FOR HOUSING, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE, HOW DO WE CONTAIN COSTS, MAXIMISE VALUE FOR PUBLIC MONEY AND LIMIT SPENDING ON HEALTH SERVICES, YET MAINTAIN AND EVEN ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF CARE?
"THIS IS THE CHALLENGE WE MUST RISE TO MEET," SHE SAID.
MRS. WONG SAID HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE HAS BEEN HEAVILY SUBSIDISED.
"WE ARE PROVIDING A VIRTUALLY FREE, EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND PRACTICALLY UNIVERSAL PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICE.
"HOWEVER, WE ARE ALL TOO CONSCIOUS THAT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE DEVOTED TO THE HEALTH PROGRAMME WILL HAVE TO MOUNT STEADILY JUST TO MAINTAIN THE CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE, NOT TO MENTION THE HIGHER STANDARDS THAT WE ARE AIMING FOR.
/"IN ADDITION,
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
- 2 -
"IN ADDITION, SOARING COSTS ARISING FROM EXPENSIVE, HIGHLY SPECIALISED AND HOSPITAL-BASED SERVICES HAVE LED MANY OF THE WORLD’S INDUSTRIALISED TERRITORIES TO RE-EXAMINE THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND TO SHIFT GREATER EMPHASIS AND RESOURCES TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE.
"NEW SOURCES OF FUNDING HAVE TO BE FOUND, EVEN IF WE HAVE TO MANAGE WHAT WE HAVE, BETTER," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG SAID THE THEME OF THIS CONFERENCE -- "CARING AND SPARING : LIMITING SPENDING WHILE PRESERVING QUALITY" -- IS MOST RELEVANT TO THE HEALTH CARE SCENE IN HONG KONG RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST 20 MONTHS OR SO, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DEVOTED TREMENDOUS EFFORTS TO THE FORMATION OF AN INDEPENDENT HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
SINCE AUGUST LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
PREPARATION IS ALSO UNDERWAY FOR THE SETTING UP OF AN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE.
"THIS GIVES HONG KONG A SPRING BOARD OF TRIPLE STRENGTH TO LAUNCH, FIRMLY AND PROUDLY, INTO MULTIPLE HEALTH SERVICE REFORMS.
"THESE ARE OUR GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVES TN RESPONSE TO CHANGING DEMANDS AND RISING COMMUNITY ASPIRATIONS," SHE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MEDICAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MR. KEITH PEARSON, NOTED THAT MUCH HAD BEEN DONE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE HONG KONG HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, REDUCE WAITING TIMES AND MAKE PUBLIC MEDICAL CARE MORE VALUED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE FELT THAT HIGH PRIORITY ACCORDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN HEALTH CARE REFORMS AND THE NEW INITIATIVES BEING IMPLEMENTED WOULD IMPROVE THE CAPABILITY OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"HOWEVER, WE FACE A GROWING DEMAND FROM CONSUMERS FOR INDEPENDENCE IN MEDICAL CARE AND DIGNITY IN SICKNESS. DISPOSABLE INCOMES ARE RISING IN HONG KONG AND SOME OF THIS WEALTH IS ALREADY BEING CHANNELLED INTO THE PRIVATE SECTOR OF MEDICAL CARE," HE SAID.
"WITH A GENTLE PUSH FROM THE GOVERNMENT, FURTHER EXPANSION OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN EASILY BE ENVISAGED," MR. PEARSON ADDED.
------0 - -
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
- 3
NEW POWERS FOR INVESTIGATION OF UNREGISTERED SCHOOLS * * * * *
THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 PROVIDES NEW POWERS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF UNREGISTERED SCHOOLS.
A NEW SECTION (BIA) PROVIDES:
INSPECTION OF PREMISES IN THE CASE OF UNREGISTERED SCHOOLS
(1) THE DIRECTOR AND ANY INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS MAY ENTER AND INSPECT ANY PREMISES WHICH THE DIRECTOR HAS REASON TO SUSPECT ARE BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSES OF A SCHOOL WHICH IS NOT REGISTERED OR PROVISIONALLY REGISTERED.
(2) IF THE DIRECTOR OR ANY INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS -
(A) IS OBSTRUCTED BY ANY PERSON WHILE HE IS CARRYING OUT, OR ATTEMPTING TO CARRY OUT, AN INSPECTION OF ANY PREMISES REFERRED TO IN SUBSECTION (1); OR
(B) HAS REASON TO SUSPECT THAT HE IS LIKELY TO BE SO OBSTRUCTED IN CARRYING OUT, OR ATTEMPTING TO CARRY OUT, SUCH AN INSPECTION.
THE DIRECTOR OF INSPECTOR, AS THE CASE MAY BE MAY APPLY TO A MAGISTRATE UNDER SUBSECTION (3) FOR A WARRANT TO ENTER AND INSPECT THOSE PREMISES.
(3) A MAGISTRATE MAY ISSUE A WARRANT AUTHORISING THE DIRECTOR OR ANY INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS TO ENTER AND INSPECT ANY PREMISES REFERRED TO IN SUBSECTION (1) IF HE IS SATISFIED BY INFORMATION ON OATH THAT THERE ARE REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR SUSPECTING THAT THOSE PREMISES ARE BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSES OF A SCHOOL WHICH IS NOT REGISTERED OR PROVISIONALLY REGISTERED.
(4) A WARRANT ISSUED BY A MAGISTRATE UNDER SUBSECTION (3) MAY AUTHORISE THE DIRECTOR OR ANY INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS TO -
(A) ENTER THOSE PREMISES, IF NECESSARY BY FORCE;
(B) REMAIN ON THOSE PREMISES FOR SUCH TIME OR TIMES AS MAY BE SPECIFIED IN THE WARRANT;
(C) RE-ENTER THOSE PREMISES FROM TIME TO TIME OR ON SUCH DAY OR DAYS AS MAY BE SPECIFIED IN THE WARRANT.
THE PENALTY FOR OBSTRUCTING AN INSPECTOR IS A FINE OF $25,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR Till* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE PURPOSE OF THESE NEW POWERS WAS TO HELP THE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF UNREGISTERED SCHOOLS.
/HE SAID .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
HE SAID THAT ALL REPORTS ARE INVESTIGATED BUT DIFFICULTY WAS SOMETIMES FOUND IN GAINING ACCESS TO PREMISES.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED FOR CO-OPERATION, FAILING WHICH AN APPLICATION FOR A WARRANT FROM A MAGISTRATE WILL BE MADE TO GAIN ACCESS.
OPERATORS OF LANGUAGE CLUBS WERE ALSO URGED TO CO-OPERATE WITH INSPECTORS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WHO MAY ENTER THE PREMISES TO INVESTIGATE ANY BREACHES OF THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SCHOOL REGISTRATION.
--------0-----------
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S
STABILITY AND PROSPERITY
*****
SECRETARY FOR. HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS WOULD HELP ENCOURAGE EMIGRATED HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO RETURN.
HE MADE THIS REMARK WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A KINDERGARTEN IN SAI KUNG.
THE KINDERGARTEN IS RUN BASICALLY FOR EXPATRIATE CHILDREN BUT THERE WOULD ALSO BE A SUBSTANTIAL MEMBER OF LOCAL STUDENTS.
"I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE A USEFUL ADDITION TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS WHICH WILL BE RUN ON SIMILAR LINES.
"I SEE THIS NOT AS A MEANS TO FAVOUR EXPATRIATES, BUT RATHER THIS SCHOOL WILL BE PART OF THE EDUCATION SET-UP THAT WILL, AT THE SAME TIME, MAKE PROVISIONS FOR THOSE HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO HAD EMIGRATED AND WHO NOW WANT TO COME BACK TO LIVE AND WORK HERE.
"TO SUCH PEOPLE, THE FOREMOST WORRY MUST BE THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN," MR TSAO SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE MORE SUCH SCHOOLS, NOT ONLY AT THE KINDERGARTEN LEVEL BUT ALSO AT HIGHER LEVELS, WERE ESTABLISHED, THE GREATER THE PULL ON OUR EX-RESIDENTS TO RETURN.
"THEREFORE, IN A BROAD SENSE, I VIEW THIS ESTABLISHMENT AS A PART OF A PACKAGE THAT WE WOULD NEED TO PUT IN TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY," HF ADDED.
--------0 - -
/5.......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
5 UTILITY SERVICES TO TAI A CHAU DETENTION CENTRE * * * » *
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INSTALL UTILITY SERVICES FOR THE PROPOSED TAI A CHAU DETENTION CENTRE.
THE WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,034 HECTARES AFFECTING 680 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED BETWEEN TAI A CHAU AND SHEK PIK, LANTAU ISLAND.
THESE SERVICES WILL INCLUDE ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLIES AS WELL AS A SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 30, 1991.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
------0-------
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR LAB ELECTION *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS INVITING NOMINATIONS FROM BOTH TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS FOR REPRESENTATIVES TO SIT ON THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) FOR A NEW TERM OF OFFICE STARTING NEXT JANUARY.
LETTERS WERE SENT TO ALL 441 REGISTERED EMPLOYEES' TRADE UNIONS YESTERDAY (SATURDAY) INVITING THEM TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BOARD IN ITS NEXT SESSION FROM JANUARY 1, 1991 TO DECEMBER 31, 1992.
"THE LAB COMPRISES 12 MEMBERS, SIX REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES AND SIX REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS, WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR OR HIS DEPUTY AS ITS EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN," THE BOARD’S SECRETARY, MRS ANGELA HO, SAID.
"FIVE SEATS ON THE EMPLOYEES’ SIDE WILL BE FILLED BY ELECTION TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER," MRS HO EXPLAINED, ADDING THAT REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS WILL ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BASTS OF ONE UNION ONE VOTE.
/"ON THE .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
- 6 -
"ON THE EMPLOYERS’ SIDE, FIVE SEATS WILL BE FILLED BY A NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVE EACH FROM THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE," SHE SAID.
"THE REMAINING ONE MEMBER ON THE EMPLOYERS’ SIDE AND ONE ON THE EMPLOYEES’ SIDE WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT," SHE ADDED.
MRS HO SAID EACH REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNION MAY NOMINATE UP TO FIVE CANDIDATES WHO MUST BE PAID-UP MEMBERS.
NOMINATION OF EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE MADE IN A SPECIFIED FORM AND SHOULD REACH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BY SEPTEMBER 29.
AS FOR THE NOMINATION OF THE EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES, MRS HO SAID THE CLOSING DATE WaS OCTOBER 27.
THE LAB IS A TRIPARTITE CONSULTATIVE BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON LABOUR MATTERS INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
------0--------
RADIO PROGRAMME TO PUBLICISE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION « * * * »
RADIO PROGRAMMES TO BOOST FAMILY TIES WILL SOON BE ON AIR.
THE PROGRAMMES, TO BE HOSTED BY PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS, WILL BE BROADCAST BY TWO RADIO STATIONS - RTHK CHANNEL 1 AND COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 - LATER THIS MONTH.
THIS IS REVEALED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, MRS PATRICIA CHU.
"THE SERIES WILL FEATURE DRAMAS ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, PHONE-IN BY AUDIENCE AND TALKS BY FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS CONCERNING ADOLESCENTS, WAYS TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS AND RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD," MRS CHU SAID.
RTHK CHANNEL 1 WILL BROADCAST THE SERIES THROUGH NICE DAY" PROGRAMME BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 12.30 PM EVERY 17 WEEKS FROM SEPTEMBER 20.
HER "WHAT A THURSDAY FOR
WHILE COMMERCIAL RADIO 1, THROUGH "THE FUN STATION", WILL DO IT IN 10 20-MINUTE PARTS AT 3 PM EVERY WEDNESDAY, BEGINNING FROM SEPTEMBER 26.
/MRS CHU .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
MRS CHU POINTED OUT THAT THE RADIO PROGRAMMES, WHICH TARGETTED AT ADOLESCENTS, ARE PART OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CURRENT YEAR’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE A MUSIC COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH MUSIC OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL RADIO, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS TO BE HELD IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS, AS WELL AS THE PUBLICATION OF A BOOKLET FOCUSING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE AND WAYS TO MAINTAIN A HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTS AND THE ADOLESCENTS.
------0-----------
BUS PARADE PROMOTES VOTER REGISTRATION *****
A DECORATED OPEN-TOP BUS TOURED THE BUSY STREETS OF EASTERN DISTRICT THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
ON BOARD THE BUS WERE REGISTRATION STAFF OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, WHO WERE JOINED BY TELEVISION PERSONALITY MISS BERTHA NGAI AND DISC JOCKEY MR JOHN WOO ON A THREE-HOUR TOUR WHICH STARTED OFF AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE PARTY VISITED VARIOUS DENSELY POPULATED AREAS, INCLUDING HENG FA CHUEN, KORNHILL AND CITY GARDEN. THEY ASSISTED PEDESTRIANS TO SIGN UP AND DISTRIBUTED PROMOTIONAL ITEMS.
THE BUS PARADE WAS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO PUBLICISE THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL RUN UNTIL OCTOBER 1.
-----0------
ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY 1 PLACES IN YUEN LONG SCHOOLS
*****
THE TWO PRIMARY'SCHOOLS IN YUEN LONG PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, TO WHICH SOME CHILDREN OF TENANTS IN NEARBY LONG PING ESTATE HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED, WILL NOT BE REPROVISIONED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THIS TODAY (SUNDAY) TO ASSURE PARENTS OBJECTING TO THE ALLOCATION THAT THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION WOULD NOT BE DISRUPTED BECAUSE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. x
/"SOME CONCERN .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
- 8 -
"SOME CONCERN HAS BEEN EXPRESSED ON THE REPROVISIONING IN THE NEAR FUTURE OF THE YUEN LONG CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE YUEN LONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NO. 2 SCHOOL AND THAT STUDENTS WOULD HAVE TO BE RELOCATED TO OTHER SCHOOLS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BUT, HE SAID, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS CONFIRMED THAT YUEN LONG ESTATE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT FIVE-YEAR ROLLING PROGRAMME AND THAT REDEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED IN THE NEXT NINE OR 10 YEARS.
"THE PARENTS OBJECTING TO THEIR CHILDREN BEING ALLOCATED TO THE NEARBY YUEN LONG ESTATE SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN TOLD AT A MEETING WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON JULY 20, AND IN A LETTER IN REPLY TO THEIR WRITTEN REQUEST FOR RELOCATION, THAT THE PRIMARY 1 ALLOCATION SYSTEM EMPHASISES SENDING CHILDREN TO SCHOOLS WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND WITHIN REASONABLE DISTANCE FROM THEIR HOMES," HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, UNDERSTOOD THEIR DESIRE FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO STUDY IN MORE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS, SUCH AS IN SCHOOLS IN THEIR ESTATE.
"ENLARGING CLASSES IN LONG PING ESTATE SCHOOLS WOULD BE UNFAIR TO TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AND THEIR REQUEST TO MAKE USE OF VACANT CLASSROOMS WOULD ALSO BE UNFAIR TO THE CHILDREN OF ABOUT 500 FAMILIES WHO WILL BE MOVING TN LATER THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
THE YUEN LONG CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE YUEN LONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NO. 2 PRIMARY SCHOOL WHERE ABOUT 100 LONG PING ESTATE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO ARE OF STANDARD 24-CLASSROOM DESIGN.
SCHEDULED TOILET REFURBISHING HAS BEEN COMPLETED AT THE TWO SCHOOLS AND EXTERNAL REDECORATION WILL PROCEED AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
"THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL ALSO PLANS TO INSTALL AIR-CONDITIONERS IN THE CLASSROOMS ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE SIX-STOREY BUILDING WITHIN TWO YEARS OUT OF ITS OWN FUNDS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE YUEN LONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOOL IS NOTED FOR ITS MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND ITS SCHOOL BAND HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES IN MANY PUBLIC FUNCTIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IN THE URBAN AREAS.
ON TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHOOLS HAVE TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THOSE NOT WISHING TO TAKE THE LESS THAN 15-MINUTE WALK FROM LONG PING ESTATE.
"THE SCHOOLS HAVE A LONG AND WELL-KNOWN HISTORY IN THE DISTRICT AND PARENTS CAN REST ASSURED THAT THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THEIR CHILDREN WILL BE WELL TAKEN CARE OF," HE SAID.
--------0----------
/9 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, i 990
MONG KOK TO LAUNCH CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN *****
A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN TO DRAW RESIDENTS’ ATTENTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE WILL BE LAUNCHED IN MONG KOK TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE ONE-MONTH CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
A LAUNCHING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF NULLAH ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AT 10 AM TOMORROW.
OFFICIATING THE CEREMONY WILL BE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; MONG KOK DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR LEUNG NAI-MING; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HO FEI-CHI; ASSISTANT MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT FUNG; AND THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YIM KWOK-ON.
THEY WILL HELP IN CLEARING UP REFUSE AFTER THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE JUNCTION OF NULLAH ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, MONG KOK.
- - 0 - -
COUGH SYRUP ABUSE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA *****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE COUGH SYRUP ABUSE PROBLEM OF YOUNG PEOPLE AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A COMMITTEE MEMBER IS EXPECTED TO PRESENT A DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE PROBLEM URGING THE AUTHORITIES TO TAKE STEPS TO CONTROL IT.
/THE COMMITTEE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1990
10
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER A NUMBER OF DB FUND APPLICATIONS FOR HOLDING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS AND FOR IMPLEMENTING COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SECOND HALF OF THE MEETING ON THE VETTING OF DB FUND APPLICATIONS WILL BE HELD BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.
- - - - 0--------------
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TWO SECTIONS OF TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY BETWEEN TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 4) AND FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 7) TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF A TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGE LINKING WALDORF GARDEN AND TUEN MUN TOWN HALL.
THE SECTION OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN TUEN HING ROAD AND PUI TO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY. TRAFFIC ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD HEADING FOR YUEN LONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TUEN HI ROAD BEFORE RE-JOINING TUEN MUN ROAD.
ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, THE SECTION OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN PUI TO ROAD AND TUEN HING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TUEN FAT ROAD BEFORE RE-JOINING TUEN MUN ROAD.
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UPDATE OF EMIGRATION STATISTICS .................................................. 1
PROVISIONAL, RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JUNE RELEASED .................... 2
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY 1990 ................................................ 5
FAR-SIGHTED BROADCASTING POLICY FOR HK ........................................... 8
OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS .......................... 10
CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STARTS IN MONG KOK ............................................ 11
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN THE 90'S ...................................... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................................ 12
BASSOON MASTER-CLASS FOR MUSIC LOVERS ........................................... 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR BUILDING SITTING OUT AREA ................................... 13
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS OVERNIGHT TRAM SERVICE .................................. 14
POLLUTION BLACKSPOT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ...................................... 14
TOWN PLANNING BILL ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ....................................... 15
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH PROBLEMS .......................................... 15
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS TOWN PLANNING BILL ...................................... 16
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ...................................... 16
CIVIC EDUCATION ON DB AGENDA .................................................... I7
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG .......................................................... I7
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN SHA TIN ............................................... 18
TRAFFIC RE-ARRANGMENT IN HUNG HOM ............................................... 18
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
- 1 -UPDATE OF EMIGRATION STATISTICS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED AN UPDATE OF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE EMIGRATION TRENDS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
IT HAS CONFIRMED THAT 42,000 PEOPLE EMIGRATED FROM HONG KONG LAST YEAR. IT IS PREDICTED THAT 62,000 PEOPLE WILL EMIGRATE THIS YEAR, AND THE PROVISIONAL FORECAST FOR NEXT YEAR IS 58,000 PEOPLE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT, AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE STATISTICS WERE COMPILED FROM THREE MAIN SOURCES OF DATA.
THESE ARE APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION, VISAS ISSUED BY THE MAIN DESTINATION COUNTRIES AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT RECORDS ON THE BALANCE OF MOVEMENTS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURE FOR THIS YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROVISIONAL FORECAST MADE A YEAR AGO WAS THAT 55,000 PEOPLE WOULD Emigrate, it was also stated at that time the forecast was based on THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE IMMIGRATION POLICIES AND QUOTAS OF THE MAIN DESTINATION COUNTRIES REMAINED UNCHANGED.
"HOWEVER, THERE WERE TWO MAIN DEVELOPMENTS WHICH CAUSED AN UPWARD REVISION OF THE FORECAST FOR THIS CALENDAR YEAR.
"IN THE AFTERMATH OF JUNE 4, SOME COUNTRIES MADE SPECIAL EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH THE FLOOD OF APPLICATIONS WHICH ENSUED, RESULTING IN A HIGHER THAN EXPECTED NUMBER OF VISAS BEING ISSUED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WHICH WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LEAVING IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR.
"THE SECOND FACTOR WAS A RELAXATION BY ONE COUNTRY OF ITS POINTS SYSTEM TO ACHIEVE ITS ANNUAL WORLDWIDE QUOTA OF IMMIGRANTS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID ANNUAL VISA ISSUE, AND HENCE, IMMIGRATION/EMIGRATION FIGURES WERE TO AN EXTENT CYCLICAL, AS EVIDENCED BY THE SLIGHT DROP LAST YEAR OVER 1988, AND AGAIN IN THE FORECAST FOR NEXT YEAR AS COMPARED TO THE REVISED 1990 FORECAST.
"IGNORING THESE SHORT TERM FLUCTUATIONS, IT APPEARS THE EMIGRATION RATE IS LEVELLING OUT AT ABOUT THE 60,000 MARK.
"IT IS ALSO EXPECTED THAT THE BRITISH NATIONALITY PACKAGE AND THE INSURANCE POLICY TYPE IMMIGRATION SCHEMES INTRODUCED BY SOME COUNTRIES WILL START TO HAVE A MODERATING EFFECT ON THE EMIGRATION SITUATION TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
"THE IMPACT SHOULD START TO BE REFLECTED IN THE EMIGRATION PROFILE AND POSSIBLY ACTUAL DEPARTURE FIGURES FROM 1992 ONWARDS," HE SAID.
V
------o-------
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
- 2 -
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES
SURVEY FOR JUNE RELEASED
******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1990, ESTIMATED AT $9,398 MILLION, INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989 WHILE THEIR VOLUME ROSE BY 11 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF- A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE MARKED INCREASES WERE DUE IN PART TO A LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN JUNE 1989: THE VOLUME INDEX WAS 122 IN JUNE 1990 WHILE IT STOOD AT 123 IN MAY, 110 IN JUNE AND 118 IN JULY OF LAST YEAR.
COMPARING WITH JUNE 1989, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 21 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE RETAIL SALES OF FUELS INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 34 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 28 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 31 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 33 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 24 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SUPERMARKET SALES INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 1 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 1 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT WENT DOWN BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
/ANALYSED BY .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
3
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THOSE OF DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 5 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS, HOWEVER, DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
COMPARING WITH MAY 1990, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE 1990 INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 9 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THOSE OF FUELS WENT UP BY 3 PER CENT TN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASTS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DECREASED BY 19 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKET SALES WENT UP BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 8 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME, WHILE SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR MAY 1990 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JUNE 1990.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN MAY 1990 AND JUNE 1990 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF JUNE 1990 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR MAY 1990 AND WITH THOSE FOR JUNE 1989, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES TN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF JUNE 1990 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL 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 (TEL. NO. : 556 5240).
/TABLE 1 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
4 e
TABLE I : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for June 1990 (Provisional Figure) = HK*9,39B tillion
for Nay 1990 (Revised Figure) = HK$9,307 til lion
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUNE INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR NAY 1990 ANO JUNE 1990
(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 « 100)
Index of June 1990 June 1990 Jan.-Jun. 1990
Ites Retail Nay June compared with cotpared with cotpared with
Sales 1990 1990 Nay 1990 June 1989 Jan.-Jun. 1989
(Revised (Provisional Points X Points X Points X
figures) figures)
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES
« Value 166 168 ♦2 ♦! ♦26 *18 ♦8 *5
Volute 121 122 ♦ 1 ♦! ♦12 *11 -I -1
(B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 153 166 ♦14 +9 ♦29 ♦?! ♦16 *12
drinks and tobacco Volute 114 122 ♦8 *7 *15 *14 ♦5 *5
Fuels Value 128 132 • ♦3 +3 ♦21 *19 ♦17 +16
Volute 112 114 ♦3 ♦S ♦4 M ♦ 1 ♦!
Clothing, footwear Value 188 154 -35 -19 ♦16 *11 ♦2 ♦!
and allied products Volute 123 100 -23 -19 ♦3 *3 -8 -6
Consuter durables Value 162 173 ♦11 ♦? ♦44 *34 ♦3 *2 I
Volute 116 123 ♦7 *6 ♦27 *28 -2 -2
Other consuter goods Value 176 175 -1 -1 ♦18 H2 ♦5 *3
Volute 129 • 129 -1 -I ♦7 *6 -4 -3
(C) BY SELECTED TRADES
(see note 1 below)
Supermarkets Value 208 228 ♦20 +10 ♦50 *28 ♦37 m
Volute 148 161 ♦14 *9' ♦22 *16 ♦15 HI
Motor vehicles Value 310 327 ♦16 ♦S ♦82 *33 -5 -2
and parts Volute 193 202 ♦9 +5 ♦39 +24 -16 -8
Consuter durables Value 117 125 ♦9 *8 ♦33 +35 ♦6 *5
other than totor Volute 93 99 ♦7 ♦? ♦24 *31 ♦2 *2
vehicles and parts
। ! Department stores । Value 211 198 -14 -6 ♦30 *18 ♦20 HO
Volute 141. 132 -10 -7 ♦ 10 *9 ♦4 *3
NOTES : i. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIN tajor trade groups, the value and volute indexes in respect of the following selected trades are compiled :
(a) 'Superiarkets' - a trade in the ’Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco’ group.
(b) "Motor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consumer durables’ group.
(c) 'Consumer durables other than aotor vehicles and parts’ - a trade in the "Consuter durables' group.
(d) 'Department stores' - a trade in the 'Other consuter goods' group.
2. Figures denoting changes are derived fro* the unrounded index figures.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
5
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY 1990 *******
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS REGISTERED ANOTHER CONSIDERABLE INCREASE DURING JULY.
CONSISTENT WITH THIS, ALL DEFINITIONS OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ROSE DURING THE MONTH. TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE DURING JULY.
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR JULY 1990 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, GREW BY 2.4 PER CENT IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.3 PER CENT AND 3.7 PER CENT IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND, SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS ROSE BY 1.2 PER CENT, 2.2 PER CENT AND 2.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JULY. ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 17.6 PER CENT IN JULY.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ROSE BY 0.3 PER CENT IN JULY, AFTER INCREASES OF 0.8 PER CENT AND 1.2 PER CENT IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 2.5 PER CENT WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECLINED BY 1.4 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 24.7 PER CENT.
DURING JULY, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS ROSE BY 1.6 PER CENT WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AND THOSE WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS DECLINED BY 5.7 PER CENT. COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THEIR GROWTH RATES WERE 22.5 PER CENT, -10.4 PER CENT AND 32.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 ROSE BY 0.8 PER CENT, 2.4 PER CENT AND 2.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JULY. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JUNE WERE 2.6 PER CENT, 3.6 PER CENT AND 3.4 PER CENT. FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JULY, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 7.8 PER CENT, 18.6 PER CENT AND 16.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 ROSE BY 0.3 PER CENT, 1.6 PER CENT AND 1.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JULY. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JUNE WERE 3.2 PER CENT, 2.5 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 9.5 PER CENT, 21.8 PER CENT AND 20.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/LOANS AND
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
- 6 -
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 6.8 PER CENT AND 3.0 PER CENT IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 0.2 PER CENT DURING JULY, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES ROSE BY 1.1 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 0.5 PER CENT IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 1.2 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY ONLY 2.1 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 0.6 PER CENT IN JULY COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 0.9 PER CENT AND 1.5 PER CENT IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.9 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 13.6 PER CENT AND 4.1 PER CENT IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 78.5 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE MERCHANDISING TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG DECLINED BY 5.1 PER CENT IN JULY, AFTER DECLINES OF 3.1 PER CENT AND 4.8 PER CENT IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS DECLINED BY 8.4 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBERS OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS, RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 164, 38 AND 196 RESPECTIVELY.
NOTES :
(1) BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 1990, "RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS" AND
"DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" WERE KNOWN AS "LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" AND "REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES” RESPECTIVELY.
(2) IN THE TEXT ABOVE, TOTAL HK$ DEPOSITS, HK$ TIME DEPOSITS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS. TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS AND US$ DEPOSITS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS.
"SWAP DEPOSITS" ARE DEPOSITS INVOLVING CUSTOMERS BUYING FOREIGN CURRENCIES (MOSTLY U.S. DOLLARS) IN THE SPOT MARKET AND PLACING THEM AS DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT TO SELL SUCH FOREIGN CURRENCIES (PRINCIPAL PLUS INTEREST) FORWARD IN LINE WITH THE MATURITY OF SUCH DEPOSITS. FOR MOST ANALYTICAL PURPOSES, THEY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.
/TABLE 1 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - JULY 1990
(HKSmn)
Jul 1990 Earlier months (X change to July 1990)
— Jul 1989 78,863
Money Supply Ml - HKS 84,980 Jun 1990 84,270 ( 0.8 %) Apr 1990 83.189 ( 2.2 X) ( 7.8 X)
Foreign currency Total 11,220 96,200 11,606 95.876 ( ( -3.3 0.3 X) X) 11,382 94.571 ( ( -1 .4 1.7 X) X) 9.027 87,890 ( ( 24.3 9.5 X) X)
11° - HK$* 517.889 505,826 ( 2.4 X) 477.996 ( 8.3 X) 436,798 ( 18.6 X)
Foreign currency* Tota 1 584.552 1.102,441 579,651 1,085,476 ( ( 0.8 1.6 X) X) 565.514 1.043,510 ( ( 3.4 5.6 X) X) 468,606 905,404 ( ( 24.7 21.8 X) X)
IP •~HK$* 550,268 537,659 ( 2.3 X) 509.437 ( 8.0 X) 471,341 ( 16.7 X)
Foreign currency*. 625,419 623,214 ( 0.4 X) 609.774 ( 2.6 X) 502.847 ( 24.4 X)
Total 1.175,687 1.160.873 ( 1.3 X) 1.119,211 ( 5.0 X) 974.187 ( 20.7 X)
Notes and coins in circulation 38,925 38.795 ( 0.3 X) 39.747 ( -2. 1 X) 36,339 ( ( 7.1 X)
of which held by public 33,732 33,611 ( 0.4 X) 34.308 ( -1 . 7 X) 31,552 6.9 X)
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits Total Savings deposits 62,468 204,470 62.265 202.891 ( ( 0.3 0.8 X) X) 60.263 187.512 ( ( 3.7 9.0 X) X) 56,339 171,*059 ( ( 10.9 19.5 X) X) 1 1
1 Total Time deposits with licensed banks 783,110 768.677 ( 1 .9 X) 745.264 ( 5. 1 X) 629,465 27,927 ( ( (• ( 24.4 X) X) 1
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 36,946 39.165 ( -5.7 X) 40,970 ( -9.8 X) X) 32.3
Total Time deposits with deposi t-t.aki ng companies 34,782 34.787 ( 0.0 X) 33.265 ( 4.6 38,826 427.369 -10.4 '•)
HK$ deposits* 502.780 490.830 ( 2.4 X) 462,813 ( 8.6 X) 17.6 X) o
US$ deposits* 280,483 273.660 ( 2.5 X) 266.945 ( 5.1 X) 240,104 ( 16.8 X) 1
1 Other foreign currency deposits 338.514 343,295 ( -1.4 X) 337.515 ( 0.3 X) 256.142 ( ( 32.2 X)
Al 1 deposits 1.121,776 1 . 107,785 ( 4.3 X) 1.067,274 ( 5.1 X) 923,614 21.5 X) 1
Foreign currency swap deposits 73.188 68.094 ( 7.5 X) 66.290 ( 10.4 X) 59,230 ( 23.6 X) A 1 1
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 66.913 66.579 ( 0.5 X) 64.405 ( 3.9 X) 65,568 ( 2.1 X)
To finance merchandising trade 8.744 9.211 ( -5. 1 X) 9.979 ( -12.4 X) 9; 549 ( -8.4 X)
not touching H.K. Other loans for use in H.K 648,308 644.466 ( 0.6 X) 629,498 ( 3.0 X) 545.203 ( 18.9 X)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 663.790 659,989 ( 0.6 X) 558,243 ( 18.9 X) 371,971 ( 78.5 X)
Other loans where the place of 108.635 105,090 ( 3.4 X) 88,182 ( 23.2 X) 86,067 ( 26.2 X)
use is not known Loans in HK$ 576.593 575,346 ( 0.2 X) 563,490 ( 2.3 X) 493,069 ( 16.9 X)
Loans in foreign currencies 919.796 909.988 ( 1 . 1 X) 786,816 ( 16.9 X) 585,289 ( 57.2 X)
Total loans and advances 1.496,389 1.485.335 ( 0.7 X) 1.350,306 ( 10.8 X) 1,0?8,358 ( 38.8 X)
* Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits
Note 'Restricted licence banks’ and ’deposit~taking companies' were known as 'licensed deposit-taking companies’ and 'registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
8
FAR-SIGHTED BROADCASTING POLICY FOR HK
*****
THE GOVERNMENT .» ALWAYS SEEKING TO TAKE A FAR-SIGHTED, MACRO VIEW OF FAST-CHANGING ,LOBAL TRENDS IN RESPONSE TO RAPID AND DRAMATIC TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CHAIRMEN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR CHUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT ENDEAVOURED TO ENCOURAGE THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY BY THE BUSINESS SECTOR IN ALL AREAS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
"BROADCASTING IS CLOSELY RELATED TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS, WHICH IS A PARTICULARLY DYNAMII AND IMPORTANT SECTOR," MR CHUI SAID.
"THERE IS EFFECTIVE, REGULAR CO-ORDINATION WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION FOR TAKING A CIRCUMSPECT OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG IN RESPONSE TO GLOBAL TRENDS," HE SAID.
MR CHUI NOTED THAT TECHNOLOGY USUALLY MOVED AT A FASTER PACE THAN POLICY EVOLUTION, AND THAT WORLDWIDE, BROADCASTING POLICY WAS BEING REVIEWED BY THE MOST PROGRESSIVE GOVERNMENTS, AND LEGISLATION AMENDED TO SUIT CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.
"HONG KONG IS NO EXCEPTION," HE SAID.
CITING THE BROADCASTING LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AS AN EXAMPLE, MR CHUI SAID THE BROADCASTING BILL WHICH WOULD BE ENACTED BY THE UK PARLIAMENT ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR (1991) WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY DIFFERENT AND MORE SATISFACTORY THAN ITS FIRST DRAFT DRAWN UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INITIAL POLICY VISION A FEW YEARS AGO AS PUBLIC VIEWS WERE BEING TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE LIGHT OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.
"SIMILARLY, HONG KONG’S SPECIAL ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS MUST BE FULLY ANALYSED AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE FORMULATION OF POLICY," HE SAID.
"THERE IS CONTINUING MONITORING OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES, THROUGH VISITS TO SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EXHIBITIONS, PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION WITH OVERSEAS GOVERNMENTS," HE ADDED.
MR CHUI SAID BOTH THE BUSINESS SECTOR AND THE ADMINISTRATION ENGAGED PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS TO ADVISE THEM ON SCIENTIFIC OR TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SPECIALIST PROBLEMS.
"HOWEVER, IT IS THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE POLICY IN THE LIGHT OF THE OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST.
/"THE EXPERTS' ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
- 9 -
’’THE EXPERTS’ VIEWS ARE IMPORTANT, AND MUST ALWAYS BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, BUT THE DEPTH OF THE EXPERTS’ STUDY HAS TO BE RECONCILED WITH THE BREADTH OF THE ADMINISTRATOR’S CONSIDERATIONS,” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY WAS BRINGING ABOUT THE INTERNATIONALISATION OF BROADCASTING, PARTICULARLY TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, MR CHUI ADDED THAT INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE WAS HELPFUL IN PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING.
"BUT AT THE SAME TIME, BROADCASTING AUTHORITIES ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN PROGRAMMES WHICH MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH THEIR OWN STANDARDS, BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENCE IN CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND MORAL STANDARDS," MR CHUI SAID.
"MEASURES ARE BEING DEVISED TO PROTECT THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES FROM SUCH FOREIGN PROGRAMMES."
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS MUCH ROOM FOR INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION THROUGH NEGOTIATION AND THAT THIS TREND HAD MERELY BEGUN.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS RESPECTED THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, AND THE FREE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION," MR CHUI SAID.
"IT SEEKS TO ENCOURAGE THE ADVANCEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION AND THERE IS ALSO A STRONG TREND OF DEREGULATION.
"HOWEVER, IT PAYS DUE REGARD TO PUBLIC OPINION ON THE NEED TO CONTROL UNDESIRABLE OR MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE PROGRAMMES FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.
"THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED TO STRIKE A FAIR BALANCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST WHILE STANDARDS AND CONTROLS MUST ALSO BE APPLIED EQUITABLY TO ALL BROADCASTERS USING THE SAME TYPE OF MEDIA," MR CHUI SAID.
IN THIS CONNECTION, MR CHUI SAID THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, AND THAT POLICY INPUT INTO BROADCASTING SUBJECTS WAS WELL CO-ORDINATED.
"THE MERGING OF POLICY SCHEDULES BETWEEN BROADCASTING AND RECREATION AND CULTURE ALSO HELPS TO FACILITATE THE IMPORTANT BENEFICIAL INTERFACE BETWEEN SUCH SUBJECT AREAS.
"THE GOVERNMENT PAYS DUE REGARD TO THE INTERESTS OF EXISTING BROADCASTING SERVICES WHEN NEW TYPES OF SERVICES ARE INTRODUCED, SO THAT EQUITABLE ARRANGEMENT IS MADE.
"THE GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES FREE COMPETITION, AND ONLY SEEKS TO INTERVENE IF IT IS NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS GIVING ALL THE HELP IT CAN TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A MODERN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM.
/•'IT ALSO...........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
”IT ALSO WELCOMES THE ADVANT OF SATELLITE BROADCASTING SERVICES, BECAUSE BOTH MODES OF BROADCASTING CAN BRING IMPORTANT BENEFITS TO HONG KONG.”
MR CHUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT VALUED THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN SUCH SCHEMES, AND FULLY APPRECIATED THE MULTI-FACETED ADVANTAGES THAT SUCH NEW PROJECTS COULD BRING TO HONG KONG.
’’EXPERIENCE IN OTHER COUNTRIES SHOW THAT CABLE TELEVISION AND SATELLITE BROADCASTING COULD BE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL AND SYNERGISTIC PARTNERS,” HE SAID.
IN CONCLUSION, MR CHUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT WAS HIGHLY FAVOURABLE TO THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF THESE NEW SERVICES, AND THAT SOME MEASURES ACCEPTABLE TO ALL CONCERNED COULD BE DEVISED TO WORK OUT A DYNAMIC AND ENTERPRISING POLICY TO SUIT THE TERRITORY’S NEEDS.
- 0 -
OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A TOTAL OF 31 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED DURING A TERRITORY-WIDE BLITZ OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS HELD LAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
’’BILLS AND POSTERS ARE OFTEN DISPLAYED ILLEGALLY AT PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PLACES OVER WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS AND AFTER OFFICE HOURS, AFFECTING THE OVERALL TIDINESS AND CLEANLINESS OF THE CITY,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION, BLITZ OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT REGULARLY BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
”WE HOPE THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY ADVERTISING COMPANIES, WOULD EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE IN HANDLING THEIR OUTDOOR PUBLICITY POSTERS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’PERSONS WHO DISPLAY BILLS AND POSTERS IN PRIVATE PLACES WITHOUT OWNERS’ CONSENT OR AT PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT AUTHORISATION ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000,” HE ADDED.
/Il
- - 0 - -
.4
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STARTS IN MONG KOK
*****
A BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE WAS LAUNCHED IN MONG KOK TODAY (MONDAY).
THE MONTH-LONG ACTIVITY IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY THIS MORNING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT SUB-COMMITTEE, MR SHING YUEN-HING, SAID A CLEAN AND TIDY ENVIRONMENT WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A PLEASANT AND HEALTHY LIVING.
HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN BY TAKING REFUSE AND UNWANTED ARTICLES TO TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS SET UP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
DURING THIS TIME, THE DISTRICT RODENT CONTROL TEAM, ANTI-MOSQUITO GANG AND ANTI-FLY GANG OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (USD) WILL VISIT THE COMMON AREAS OF ALL THE BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT, WHILE THE POSTER REMOVAL TEAM WILL CLEAR UP UNSIGHTLY POSTERS.
ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE USD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (KOWLOON) ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, MR LAI MAN-CHI; THE DISTRICT’S HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR LEUNG NAI-MING; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HO FEI-CHI; MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT FUNG; AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YIM KWOK-ON.
THE CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF NULLAH STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
- - 0 - -
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN THE 90’S
*****
THE CONCEPT AND KEY ELEMENTS OF GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A PUBLIC SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ON OCTOBER 19.
THE SEMINAR, ENTITLED "BUILDING MANAGEMENT FOR THE 90’S", IS JOINLTY ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
/REPRESENTATIVES OF
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
- 12 -
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND EIGHT PROFESSIONAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT BODIES WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN THE ORGANISATION OF THE SEMINAR.
CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DR RAYMOND HO, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS WILL DELIVER SPEECHES AT THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OPEN DISCUSSIONS.
"THE SPEECHES WILL COVER VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT INCLUDING SELF-HELP IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AGENTS, LEGAL ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT, EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT CHARGES ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT, UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND BUILDING REFURBISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE.
’’OTHER TOPICS WILL INCLUDE MANAGEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL, SHOPPING, OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, BUILDING MAINTENANCE, FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION, SECURITY, AND HYGIENE, PROPERTY AND ASSETS MANAGEMENT, FACILITIES MANAGEMENT, AND COMPUTERISED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT," DR HO ADDED.
THE SEMINAR IS TARGETTED AT PROPERTY MANAGERS AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AS WELL AS TERTIARY STUDENTS, WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND.
"PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND EXCHANGE WITH RELEVANT PROFESSIONALS VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE IN OPEN DISCUSSION," DR HO SAID.
REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH A SEMINAR FEE OF $300 PER HEAD, SHOULD BE SENT TO THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON REGION, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, BEFORE SEPTEMBER 24.
TERTIARY STUDENTS WILL ENJOY A REDUCED FEE OF $50 PER HEAD.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 835 1496 AND 835 1527.
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 52.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 309.158 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 373.382 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 63.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0-------
/13 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
- 13 -
BASSOON MASTER-CLASS FOR MUSIC LOVERS ******
THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE UNITED STATES INFORMATION SERVICE WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A BASSOON MASTER-CLASS BY A FAMOUS BASSOONIST, MR MARK POPKIN TO INTERESTED MUSICIANS AT THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE ON NEXT SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 15) FROM 10.30 AM TO 12.30 PM.
MR POPKIN, A TALENTED MUSICIAN, HAS LED A VARIED PERFORMING CAREER INCLUDING ENGAGEMENTS AT THE NEW YORK CITY CENTRE OPERA AND BALLET, THE NEW JERSEY AND HOUSTON SYMPHONIES.
HE ALSO RUNS AN ANNUAL BASSOON CAMP IN NORTH CAROLINA OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR POPKIN WILL BE TRAVELLING THROUGH SOUTHEAST ASIA BEFORE COMING TO HONG KONG.
AT THE MASTER CLASS, MR POPKIN WILL GIVE LECTURE ON VARIOUS TECHNIQUES ON BASSOON PLAYING.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RESERVATIONS AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE DURING OFFICE HOURS ON TEL. 823 5321.
TENDERS INVITED FOR BUILDING SITTING OUT AREA
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING OUT AREA IN SHUNG SHUN STREET NEAR SAM KA TSUEN TYPHOON SHELTER IN LEI YUE MUN.
OCCUPYING 790 SQUARE METRES, THE SITTING OUT AREA WILL HAVE A WATERFRONT PROMENADE CUM REST GARDEN WITH BENCHES, ARBOURS, PLANTERS AND PARK LIGHTS.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABO’ T SEVEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 21.
---------0-----------
/14 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
14
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS OVERNIGHT TRAM SERVICE
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN D TRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE EXPERIMENTAL 24-HOUR TRAM SERVICE ON WE KENDS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY TRAM MOVEMENT AT NIGHT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY THE PROBLEM OVER THE SAFETY OF PASSENGERS AT TRAM STOPS ALONG KING’S ROAD WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER RECONSTRUCTION.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS WILL INCLUDE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT LAI TAK TSUEN ROAD AND A PROPOSAL TO COMPILE A HANDBOOK ON TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
POLLUTION BLACKSPOT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
*****
THE SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL STUDY MEASURES TO REMEDY THE WATER POLLUTION PROBLEM IN CHI LIN STREAM, DIAMOND HILL AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MR WALLACE CHEUNG, WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON THE SUBJECT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER FIVE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR BUILDING A STUDY KIOSK AT TAI HOM SOUTH VILLAGE AND A SITTING-OUT AREA AT TUNG YEUNG VILLAGE, AND FOR CUTTING GRASS AT TAI HOM NORTH VILLAGE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WIL) BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
/15
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
15
TOWN PLANNING BILL ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA *****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER WILL SUBMIT A PAPER URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO CLEAR THE STRUCTURES AT PHASE I OF YUEN CHAU KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE YOUTH GANG AND ILLEGAL HAWKING PROBLEMS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF A SITE NEAR RAVANA GARDEN AND VISTA GARDEN, SIU LEK YUEN, FOR A SUPERMARKET.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROGRESS OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE CONVERSION WORKS IN THE TSANG TAI UK AREA AND THREE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN HA WO CHE AND MA LIU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
-----0-------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH PROBLEMS
*****
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL LOOK INTO YOUTH PROBLEMS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF DEPLOYING AN OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAM TO HELP THE PROBLEM YOUTHS.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE THE PREFERENTIAL TRAVEL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY, AN EYE-CARE CAMPAIGN FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
--------0-----------
/16........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
16
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS TOWN PLANNING BILL
******
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO LOOK INTO THE MAINTENANCE OF FUK LOI ESTATE, THE PROVISION OF FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO TSUEN WAN RURAL AREA AND LAND RESUMPTION IN HOI PA VILLAGE.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE REPORTS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, TSUEN WAN.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
******
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF FUND APPLICATIONS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE APPLICATIONS ARE FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING AN OUTREACHING PROGRAMME FOR THE ELDERLY, A SWIMMING GALA, A YACHT CRUISE AND A CARNIVAL IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO RELOCATE AN EMERGENCY HELPLINE IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 21ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD.
- - 0 - -
/17
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
17
CIVIC EDUCATION ON DB AGENDA * ♦ * * »
THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE DISTRICT'S CIVIC EDUCATION DAY HAS BEEN FIXED ON DECEMBER 2 THIS YEAR AND PROPOSED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE AN INTER-SCHOOL PUBLIC AFFAIRS QUIZ AND A LYRIC WRITING, AND A SINGING COMPETITION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ACTIVITES FOR THE DISTRICT'S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1990 AND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROPOSAL TO INSTALL HEAT INSULATION FACILITIES AT AN OLD PEOPLE'S HOME IN LUNG TIN ESTATE, TAI 0, THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, AND PROPOSED SITE VISITS BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD'S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING* TO BEGIN AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE'S CONFERENCE ROOM, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG * ♦ * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 5) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES AT 485-487 KWUN TONG ROAD AND TSUI PING ROAD, INCLUDING KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE.
- - 0 - -
/18
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1990
- 18 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN SHA TIN * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING (MONDAY) TO 8 PM ON SEPTEMBER 11, TWO TRAFFIC LANES OF TAI PO ROAD (SHA TIN) SOUTHBOUND NEAR SHA TIN RACECOURSE, FOR A SECTION OF ABOUT 400 METRES, WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY AND ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
THE ABOVE LANE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC RE-ARRANGEMENT IN HUNG HOM ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A SECTION OF BAKER STREET BETWEEN PO LOI STREET AND HUNG HOM ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 5).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BRAIN DRAIN IS A WORRY, NOT A CRISIS: GOVERNOR .................... 1
FS VISITS PADS PROJECTS OFFICES ................................... 2
GOVT SUPPORTS INNOVATIVE BUSINESS STRATEGIES ...................... 3
VISIT TO HONG KONG BY HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA ...................... 4
EXTRA PRIMARY 1 CLASS FOR LONG PING ESTATE CHILDREN ............... 4
IMPROVEMENT TO SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES ANNOUNCED .................. 5
GOVERNOR COMMUTED DEATH SENTENCES ON TWO MURDERERS ................ 6
TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS BEGIN .......................... 7
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED TO PAKISTAN ............................ 7
CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND THE ARTS ............................... 8
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ........ 10
SHAM SHUI PO TO SELECT OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS ..................... 10
PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR .................. H
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON CITY ..................... 11
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE IN TAI PO
12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
BRAIN DRAIN IS A WORRY, NOT A CRISIS: GOVERNOR **»»»**
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE LOSS OF TALENTED PEOPLE IN THE BRAIN DRAIN SITUATION WAS A WORRY, BUT NOT OF CRISIS PROPORTIONS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID THE LATEST FIGURES ON BRAIN DRAIN WERE IN LINE WITH WHAT THE GOVERNMENT ANTICIPATED.
"WE KNEW THE NUMBERS WERE GOING TO GO UP," HE SAID.
"WE’VE FOR MANY MONTHS, INDEED, FOR SOMETHING LIKE TWO YEARS, BEEN LOOKING AT WAYS OF DEALING WITH THIS SORT OF PROBLEM BY INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF EDUCATION THAT WE’VE GOT HERE; LOOKING AT WAYS OF ENCOURAGING TALENTED PEOPLE TO COME BACK TO HONG KONG, AND WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THAT PROCESS."
SIR DAVID DISAGREED WITH A SUGGESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNDERESTIMATING THE PROBLEM, ADDING: "I THINK THE PROBLEM CHANGES THE WHOLE TIME.
"YOU CAN'T LOOK AT SOMETHING LIKE THIS WHICH IS AFTER ALL, THE DECISIONS OF A LARGE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL HUMAN BEINGS. YOU CAN’T MAKE ACCURATE FORECASTS OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. THE VIEWS OF INDIVIDUALS ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING.
"WHAT WE TRY TO DO IS TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING AND TO PRODUCE THE FIGURES SO THAT EVERYBODY HAS THE BEST FIGURES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
"BUT IT IS NO ATTEMPT TO CONCEAL WHAT IS HAPPENING. IT’S ALL ENTIRELY OUT IN THE OPEN AND EVERYBODY KNOWS THE FIGURES THAT WE HAVE WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT," THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE BRITISH NATIONALITY PACKAGE WOULD HELP KEEP A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF TALENTED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, BUT THAT IT WOULDN’T STOP OTHER PEOPLE GETTING INSURANCE POLICIES IN OTHER WAYS EITHER BY SOME OTHER ARRANAGEMENT OR BY EMIGRATING.
ASKED ABOUT RECENT SHOOTING INCIDENTS, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING WHICH WAS APPALLING, ADDING: "WE CANNOT HAVE VIOLENCE IN OUR STREETS IN HONG KONG. WE MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO STAMP THAT OUT. THE POLICE ARE DOING AN ABSOLUTELY FIRST RATE JOB TN DEALING WITH IT, AND THAT THEY WILL GO ON DOING SO. I’M ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT OF THAT."
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE IS A VERY EFFECTIVE FORCE: "YOU ONLY HAVE TO GO OUT ONTO THE STREETS OF HONG KONG AND SEE HOW EFFECTIVELY THEY ARE CARRYING OUT THEIR WORK. AND I AM ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG CAN GO ON RELYING ON A FIRST-CLASS POLICE FORCE.
/"WE'VE HAD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
2
’’WE’VE HAD IT FOR MANY YEARS, WE HAVE IT NOW, WE’RE GOING TO HAVE THAT INTO THE FUTURE,” HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF THE SMUGGLING OF ARMS FROM CHINA, SIR DAVID SAID A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS HAD BEEN HELD WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS.
’’IT'S SMUGGLING OF ALL SORTS. BUT OF COURSE, WE’RE VERY ANXIOUS INDEED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CLAMPDOWN ON ANYTHING LIKE SMUGGLING ARMS INTO HONG KONG.
’’INDEED THE CHINESE HAVE BEEN VERY CO-OPERATIVE ON THIS. THEY REALISE WHAT A PROBLEM IT IS FOR US. THEY DON’T WANT TO SEE IT, WE DON’T WANT TO SEE IT. WE WILL CO-OPERATE BETWEEN US ON TRYING TO FIND EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO STOPPING SMUGGLING OF FIREARMS,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
FS VISITS PADS PROJECTS OFFICES *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE OFFICES OF THE GROUPS WORKING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS TEAMS WORKING ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN MOVING INTO SHUI ON CENTRE IN HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
AFTER BEING MET BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS (NEW AIRPORT WORKS), MR RAFAEL HUI, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CALLED AT THE OFFICES OF THE NEW AIRPORT WORKS DIVISION, WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT TEAM OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SIR PIERS ALSO VISITED THE OFFICES OF BECHTEL INC, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL PROJECT CO-ORDINATION, AND OF GREINER-MAUNSELL, WHICH IS PREPARING THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN.
WE ARE NOW BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT, AND THE SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE THAT IT NEEDS.
"THE CENTRALISATION OF SO MANY OF THE RESOURCES ESSENTIAL TO THIS MAKES LOGICAL SENSE AND WILL ASSIST US IN MEETING TARGET DATES ” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
"HONG KONG HAS A REPUTATION FOR ACHIEVING WHAT IT SETS OUT TO DO, AND THIS IS WHAT HAS MADI< THE TERRITORY THE SUCCESS IT IS TODAY ” HE ADDED.
/3 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
3
GOVT SUPPORTS INNOVATIVE BUSINESS STRATEGIES
******
AS A STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF THE FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE POLICY, THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS SUPPORTIVE OF ANY INNOVATIVE BUSINESS STRATEGIES CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING BETTER TRADING RESULTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR CHAN SAID LOCAL MANUFACTURERS HAD MADE STRENUOUS EFFORTS IN UPGRADING THEIR PRODUCTS IN THE TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE DIRECTION.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN WAS INCREASINGLY BEING EMPLOYED, AND SOME LARGE MANUFACTURERS WERE INVESTING IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE PRODUCTION OF BETTER QUALITY MODELS.
"IT IS OBVIOUS THAT SUCH EFFORTS WILL RESULT IN PRODUCTION OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS WITH NEWER DESIGNS AND BETTER QUALITY TO CATER FOR CHANGING MARKET DEMANDS.
"WATCHES AND CLOCKS HAVE GROWN OUT OF THEIR TRADITIONAL REQUIREMENT AS NECESSITIES OR HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS TO BECOME FASHION ITEMS,” HE SAID.
WITH TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS VALUED AT SOME $17 BILLION IN 1989, COMPARED WITH $17 MILLION IN 1960, WATCHES AND CLOCKS NOW RANK SECOND AFTER TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AS HONG KONG’S MOST IMPORTANT EXPORT INDUSTRY.
HONG KONG WAS THE WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF WATCHES AND THE THIRD LARGEST EXPORTER OF CLOCKS, MR CHAN SAID.
THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRY, WHICH HAD ENJOYED TREMENDOUS EXPORT GROWTH AVERAGING 27 PER CENT A YEAR OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES, HAD CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND LOOKED SET TO CONTINUE TO DO SO IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE INDUSTRY HAD ALSO REDUCED TRADITIONAL RELIANCE ON THE UNITED STATES, HONG KONG’S LARGEST EXPORT MARKET, BY INCREASING EXPORTS TO OTHER MARKETS SUCH AS JAPAN, CHINA AND VARIOUS EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.
"THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN SUSTAINING GROWTH," MR CHAN SAID.
THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR 1990, BEING STAGED FROM TODAY TO SEPTEMBER 8, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG WATCH TRADES AND INDUSTRIES AND THE HONG KONG WATCH MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.
WITH 500 EXHIBITORS FROM 13 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, THIS IS THE LARGEST WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR EVER HELD IN HONG KONG.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
4
VISIT TO HONG KONG BY.HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
*****
THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE BY PRESS OFFICE TODAY (TUESDAY):
"HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, GENERAL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, FROM 5-8 NOVEMBER."
THE BUCKINGHAM PALACE
AS HONORARY COMMANDANT WILL VISIT HONG KONG
--------0-----------
EXTRA PRIMARY 1 CLASS FOR LONG PING ESTATE CHILDREN *****
THE ASSOCIATION OF FORMER DIRECTORS AND DIRECTORS OF POK 01 HOSPITAL’S LEUNG SING TAK PRIMARY SCHOOL IN LONG PING ESTATE IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT WILL OPEN AN EXTRA PRIMARY 1 CLASS TO ACCOMMODATE THE CHILDREN OF THOSE TENANTS WHO HAVE DECLINED TO ACCEPT PLACES ALLOCATED TO THEM IN YUEN LONG ESTATE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THAT THE ARRANGEMENT WAS NOW MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE THE LEUNG SING TAK PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE OTHER TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN LONG PING ESTATE HAVE AGREED TO USE THE GENERAL PURPOSE ROOM IN EACH SCHOOL AS A CLASSROOM FOR AM AND PM SESSIONS IN SEPTEMBER 1991.
THIS WOULD PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR SIX ADDITIONAL CLASSES NEXT YEAR SO THAT USING ONE OF THE FIVE RESERVED CLASSROOMS THIS YEAR FOR THE EXTRA CLASS WOULD NOT SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT THE PLACEMENT OF NEXT YEAR’S PRIMARY 1 CHILDREN FROM LONG PING ESTATE, THE NUMBER OF WHOM IS EXPECTED TO BE GREATER.
THE SPOKESMAN ENPHASISED THAT THE GENERAL POLICY IS TO PROVIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES BY DISTRICT AND NOT BY HOUSING ESTATE, AND THAT THIS POLICY WILL CONTINUE.
THIS MEANT THAT THE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT NOW MADE TO ENABLE THOSE LONG PING CHILDREN ALLOCATED ELSEWHERE TO STUDY IN SCHOOLS IN TgEIR ESTATE CANNOT BE REPEATED FOR FUTURE INTAKES ONCE ALL THE CLASSROOMS IN THAT ESTATE HAVE BEEN FULLY USED UP.
--------0-----------
/5 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
5
IMPROVEMENT TO SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES ANNOUNCED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL INCREASE THE FOSTER CARE ALLOWANCE AND THE NUMBER OF FOSTER CARE PLACES WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONTH (OCTOBER).
THE TOTAL MONTHLY PAYMENT TO THE FOSTER PARENTS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1,739 TO $2,340, AND THE PROVISION OF FOSTER CARE PLACES FROM 180 TO 220.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, ANNOUNCED THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY) ON THE DETAILS OF A SERIES OF ENDORSEMENTS MADE BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SLFAC) AT ITS MEETING THIS MORNING.
'’WITH THE RISING STANDARD OF LIVING, THE FOSTER CARE ALLOWANCE WOULD HAVE TO BE IMPROVED SO THAT FOSTER PARENTS DO NOT HAVE TO DIG INTO THEIR POCKETS TO MEET THE EXPENSES FOR LOOKING AFTER A FOSTER CHILD,” MR CARTLAND SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS TARGETTED TO PROVIDE 20 ADDITIONAL PLACES EACH YEAR FROM 1991-92 TO 1993-94, SUBJECT TO THE FUNDS AVAILABLE.
”IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH FOSTERING, A CHILD WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY A HAPPY FAMILY LIFE AND THE AFFECTION OF THE FOSTER PARENTS UNTIL HE CAN RETURN TO HIS NATURAL FAMILY," HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, MR CARTLAND SAID A NEW SERVICE -- FAMILY AID SERVICE -- WOULD COME INTO OPERATION, STARTING FROM NEXT MONTH.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS SERVICE IS TO FACILITATE THE CASEWORK INTERVENTION TO SOCIAL CASES BY IMPARTING THEM WITH BASIC SKILLS IN HOME MAKING AND ASSISTING THEM IN DOMESTIC MANAGEMENT," HE SAID.
THE SERVICE, TO BE RUN ON A TRIAL BASIS, WILL BE LAUNCHED AT FOUR DISTRICTS -- KWUN TONG, TUEN MUN, KWAI CHUNG/TSUEN WAN AND EASTERN/WAN CHAI.
THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FAMILIES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE IN NEED OF THE SERVICE:
» FAMILIES WITH INADEQUATE PARENTS/CARING AGENTS;
♦ FAMILIES WITH DISABLED/MENTALLY ILL PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN;
♦ FAMILIES IN AN AFTER CRISIS, SUCH AS DESERTION, IMPRISONMENT, HOSPITALISATION, DIVORCE OR DEATH OF CARING AGENT; AND
* OTHER FAMILIES, INCLUDING INDIVIDUALS, FOR VARIOUS REASONS, IN THE OPINION OF THE SOCIAL WORKERS, ARE IN NEED OF THE SERVICE.
/MR CARTLAND ......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
6 -
MR CARTLAND SAID THE SERVICE NATURE WAS TRAINING OF PARENTS/CARING AGENT ON THE BASIC HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT AND CHILD CARE SKILLS AS WELL AS MANAGEMENT OF GENERAL HOUSEHOLD TASKS.
ON ANOTHER TOPIC, HE SAID THE EXISTING QUOTA OF 30 FLAG DAYS PER YEAR WOULD BE INCREASED IN 1991 FOLLOWING THE ENDORSEMENT BY THE SLFAC AT TODAY’S MEETING.
’’DURING THE 1990 FLAG DAY ALLOCATION EXERCISE, MEMBERS HAD ADVISED THAT THE SWD SHOULD LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF HAVING DIFFERENT GROUPS OF FLAG DAYS FOR TRADITIONAL ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE THE ABILITY TO RAISE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, AND FOR THOSE WHOSE ABILITY IN THIS RESPECT IS LIMITED,” HE NOTED.
”A PRACTICAL WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM IS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DAYS FOR SUCH ACTIVITIES.
’’THEORETICALLY SPEAKING, ALL 52 SATURDAYS IN A YEAR COULD BE USED AS FLAG DAYS,” HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND SAID AT THE MEETING, SLFAC MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO CLASSIFY APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS INTO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY GROUPS.
ORGANISATIONS WHICH PROVIDE DIRECT AND VALUABLE HEALTH OR WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE LOCAL PEOPLE, HAVE PROVEN FUND-RAISING RECORDS, AND RELY HEAVILY ON THE INCOME OF FLAG DAYS FOR ITS RECURRENT OR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WILL BE CATEGORISED AS PRIMARY GROUP.
SECONDARY GROUP REFERS TO THOSE PROVIDING INDIRECT WELFARE SERVICES OR SERVICES TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELL-BEING OF LOCAL PEOPLE, AND WHO ARE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS OF A WELFARE NATURE THAT MAY OR MAY NOT PROVIDE A DIRECT SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
GOVERNOR COMMUTED DEATH SENTENCES ON TWO MURDERERS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS TODAY (TUESDAY) DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON HO CHIN-CHIU AND LAM FU-CHEUNG SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 30 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND LIFE IMPRISONMENT RESPECTIVELY.
HO WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH ON SEPTEMBER 22, 1988 AFTER HE WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING YIP WAI-MAN.
LAM WAS SENTENCED TO DEATH ON NOVEMBER 11, 1987 AFTER HE WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING*AN AUXILIARY POLICEMAN MOHAMMAD ASLAM.
- - 0----------
/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
- 7 -
TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS BEGIN
*****
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, ARE BEING CARRIED OUT THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO PROMOTE NEIGHBOURHOOD HYGIENE.
THE TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN-UP EXERCISE, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER, IS ONE OF THE MAJOR OPERATIONAL PHASES OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND IS COORDINATED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
"WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CLEANSING STAFF, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO HELP CLEAN UP STREETS, LANES, ALLEYS, CANOPIES AND COMMON PARTS OF THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID.
TO FACILITATE CLEANSING WORK, ADDITIONAL REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS ARE BEING SET UP FOR RESIDENTS TO DISPOSE OF REFUSE AND JUNK.
DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTORS ARE ALSO DEPLOYED TO INSPECT BUILDINGS, PERFORM ANTI-LITTER PATROLS, ENFORCE CLEANSING AND HYGIENE LAWS AND TO GIVE ADVICE ON ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE PROBLEMS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
"THEY WOULD ALSO PARTICIPATE IN CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES INITIATED BY LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO MAKE SPECIAL EFFORT TO HELP MAINTAIN A CLEAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
RESIDENTS COULD CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT CLEANSING OFFICES FOR DETAILS OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, HE ADDED.
-----0------
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED TO PAKISTAN
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT AS FROM SEPTEMBER 10, 1990 THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO PAKISTAN.
THIS WILL BRING TO 60 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG.
/SPEEDPOST SERVICE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO 27 CITIES IN PAKISTAN AS FOLLOWS:
ABBOTTABAD, ATTOCK, BAHAWALPUR, D.G. KHAN, D.I. KHAN, FAILSALABAD, GILGIT, GUJRANWALA, GUJRAT, HYDERABAD, ISLAMABAD, JHANG, JHELUM, KARACHI, KOTRI, LAHORE, LARKANA, MARDAN, MULTAN, MUZAFFARABAD, PESHAWAR, QUETTA, RAWALPINDI, SAHIWAL, SARGODHA, SIALKOT AND SUKKUR.
SPEEDPOST ITEMS ADDRESSED TO KARACHI WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE FIRST WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING.
ITEMS ADDRESSED TO THE OTHER 26 CITIES WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING, MONDAY TO THURSDAY AND SATURDAY TO SUNDAY.
THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERY ON FRIDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
BUSINESS PAPERS AND MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE ADMISSIBLE TO PAKISTAN. BOTH ’CONTRACT’ AND ’ON DEMAND’ SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE. THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT IS 10 KG AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ITEMS WEIGHING NOT OVER 250 G ITEMS WEIGHING NOT OVER 500 G EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500 G KILOPAK
$80
$100
$25
$115
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO PAKISTAN AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE GENERALLY ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON TEL. 868 3868.
- - 0 - -
CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND THE ARTS *****
A CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN PERFORMING ARTS WILL BE HELD AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, ON SEPTEMBER 19 (WEDNESDAY).
THE "BUSINESS AND THE ARTS" CONFERENCE IS ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WITH SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE HONG KONG ARTS ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION.
THE CONFERENCE IS TO EXPLORE HOW BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP CAN FORM A VALUABLE PART OF COMMERCIAL MARKETING STRATEGIES.
/ARTS GROUPS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
- 9
ARTS GROUPS WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM EXPERT ADVICE GIVEN A” THE CONFERENCE ON HOW TO SEEK SPONSORSHIP.
SPEAKERS FROM BRITAIN AND HONG KONG WILL COVER TOPICS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO BUSINESS PEOPLE AND ARTS ADMINISTRATORS.
THE DIRECTOR OF BRITAIN’S ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS, MR COLIN TWEEDY, WILL SPEAK ON BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS - AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF DHL INTERNATIONAL LTD AND THE FOUNDER OF HONG KONG’S FOUNDATION OF BUSINESS IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS, MR PO CHUNG, WILL SPEAK ON THE FOUNDATION OF BUSINESS IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS.
DR PETER BRINSON, A DANCE EXPERT OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTE FROM BRITAIN, WILL SPEAK ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP TO CULTURE POLICY.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATE DIVISION, HILL AND KNOWLTON ASIA LTD, MR DOUGLES GAUTIER, WILL TALK ABOUT THE LOGIC OF BUSINESSES SPONSORING THE ARTS.
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, TELEVISION BROADCASTING, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD, MR NICHOLAS JAMES, WILL SPEAK ON "BROADCAST, CABLE AND SATELLITE TELEVISION - AN OPPORTUNITY OR A THREAT TO THE PERFORMING ARTS".
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS, AMERICAN EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL, INC, MISS RITA TUNG, WILL SPEAK ON "A LOCAL CASE STUDY OF SPONSORSHIP: THE BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE".
THE PRINCIPAL OF THE ROBERTS DIRECT MARKETING CONSULTANTS LTD, MR JOHN LLOYD ROBERTS, WILL DELIVER A SPEECH ON "HOW TO PREPARE SPONSORSHIP PROPOSALS".
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, MR TIM DOLING, WILL TALK ABOUT "WORKING WITH THE CORPORATE SPONSOR: AN ARTS PERSPECTIVE”.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE BILINGUAL AND SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WILL BE PROVIDED.
DELEGATES ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS WITH THE SPEAKERS AND SHARE WITH THEM THEIR EXPERIENCE.
THE CONFERENCE FEE IS $100 PER HEAD LUNCH AND COFFEE INCLUSIVE.
REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT, CULTURE DIVISION, RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, 25TH FLOOR, SHUI ON CENTRE, 6-8 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI (TEL. NO. 866 0649).
--------0-----------
/10 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
10
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS * * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS FIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TOTALLING TO A SUM OF $214,410, THE PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF A NOTICE BOARD AND A MAP AT THE WESTERN END OF A SUBWAY IN SOY STREET AND BEAUTIFICATION WORKS ON PAVEMENTS OUTSIDE 2 FLOWER MARKET ROAD, 2K BOUNDARY STREET, SHARON LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND 11 KOK CHEUNG STREET.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON A PROPOSAL TO ORGANISE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACTIVITIES AND A PROPOSED PUBLIC LIGHTING PROGRAMME FOR 1991-92.
THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE SETTLED BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MONG KOK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
SHAM SHUI PO TO SELECT OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS *****
NOMINATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS ARE BEING INVITED FROM PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS IN THIS YEAR’S SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP).
THE SELECTION IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO COMMEND THOSE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE MADE MUCH CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES.
THE NOMINEES WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR DEDICATION AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS THEIR ORGANISING SKILLS.
THOSE SELECTED MAY BE RECOMMENDED TO TAKE PART IN AN 18-DAY OUTWARD BOUND COURSE TO BE FINANCED BY THE CENTRAL SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
/NOMINATION FORMS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
- 11 -
NOMINATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHAM SHuI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37-39 TONKIN STREET. THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATION IS SEPTEMBER 10.
INTERVIEWS FOR THE FINALISTS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN MID-SEPTEMBER AND A PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD DURING THE SYP CLOSING CEREMONY ON SEPTEMBER 23 AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN SPORTS GROUND.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 361 7007.
---------0-----------
PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR TO ‘ FACILITATE CLEANSING AND MINOR MAINTENANCE WORKS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 28.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS ARE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
---------0-----------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON CITY
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 6) TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN FLYOVERS IN KOWLOON CITY:
* THE NORTHBOUND DOWN RAMP OF THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST TO CHOI HUNG ROAD NORTHBOUND (OUTSIDE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE) WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TO 2 AM.
* THE WESTBOUND DOWN RAMP LEADING FROM THE PRINCE EDWARD ROAD FLYOVER TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST (WESTBOUND) NEAR STIRLING ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 2 AM TO 4 AM.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------0--------
/12 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
- 12 -
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE IN TAI PO *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TOLO HIGHWAY AND KWONG FUK EAST AND WEST VIADUCTS CONNECTING TOLO HIGHWAY AND YUEN SHIN ROAD WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS:
* A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.4 KILOMETRES OF THE SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND NEAR ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY);
* A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.8 KILOMETRES OF THE OUTERMOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND NEAR ISLAND HOUSE INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 6 AND 7);
* THE SLOW LANE OF KWONG FUK EAST VIADUCT LEADING FROM YUEN SHIN ROAD TO TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 8);
* THE OUTERMOST LANE OF KWONG FUK EAST VIADUCT LEADING FROM YUEN SHIN ROAD TO TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 11;
* THE OUTERMOST LANE OF KWONG FUK WEST VIADUCT LEADING FROM TOLO HIGHWAY TO YUEN SHIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 10; AND
* THE SLOW LANE OF KWONG FUK WEST VIADUCT LEADING FROM TOLO HIGHWAY TO YUEN SHIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 12.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE THEM.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NC>.
GOVT STUDYING GORDON WU’S DEVELOPMENT PLANS ............................... 1
FS VISITS ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS FACTORY ..................................... 2
TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH II MOTHERS ..................................... 3
FIVE FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS ARRESTED ................................... 3
TRADE DEPT INTRODUCES NEW FAX SERVICE ..................................... 4
SIGNBOARDS TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY ......................................... 5
DAY CAMP FOR KOWLOON CITY AC MEMBERS ...................................... 6
GOVERNMENT LOT IN CHEUNG SHA WAN TO LET BY TENDER ......................... 6
INDUSTRIAL SERVICE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ................................. 7
KWAI TSING DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORT MATTERS ...................... 7
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS .......................... 8
MARK SIX ON DB AGENDA ..................................................... 8
PLB RESTRICTED ZONES IN SAI WAN HO......................................... 9
BAN ZONE ON CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST /......................................... 10
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWUN TONG............................................... 10
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD................................... 10
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN CENTRAL ...................................... 11
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
1
GOVT STUDYING GORDON WU’S DEVELOPMENT PLANS . *****
A NUMBER OF REQUESTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR COMMENT ON THE REPORT BY MR GORDON WU ON FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG. IN RESPONSE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
"WE HAVE RECEIVED MR GORDON WU’S REPORT AND ARE STUDYING IT.
"THE REPORT SHARES A NUMBER OF KEY FEATURES WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S OWN PLANS. THESE INCLUDE:
* THE NEED FOR A NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHICH SHOULD BE AT CHEK LAP KOK;
* THE NEED FOR A NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY; AND
* PROVISION FOR INCREMENTAL PORT DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR AREA.
"THERE ARE ALSO A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES, INCLUDING THE ALIGNMENT AND TIMING OF CONSTRUCTION OF MAJOR TRANSPORT LINKS.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTIVELY EXAMINED BY INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS OVER A LONG PERIOD AND COMPARED WITH OTHER OPTIONS SUCH AS THOSE INCLUDED IN MR WU’S PROPOSALS. THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS HAVE PROVED TO BE THE BEST IN BOTH ENGINEERING AND FINANCIAL TERMS.
"MR WU’S LATEST PROPOSALS ARE INTERESTING BUT HAVE NOT YET BEEN SUBJECT TO THE SAME DEGREE OF INDEPENDENT SCRUTINY.
"A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION SUGGESTS THAT THEY DO NOT MEET HONG KONG’S REQUIREMENTS IN A NUMBER OF RESPECTS. FOR EXAMPLE, THEY DO NOT SOLVE THE CONSIDERABLE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS OF WEST KOWLOON.
"MOREOVER, PROCEEDING IN PARALLEL WITH BOTH TRANSPORT LINKS TO LANTAU WOULD PLACE A CONSIDERABLE BURDEN ON ENGINEERING AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
"PARTICULARLY, IN RELATION TO FINANCIAL ASPECTS, IT IS VERY DOUBTFUL WHETHER MR WU’S FUNDING PROPOSALS WOULD PROVE TO BE VIABLE IN THE TIMESCALE ENVISAGED.
"WE WILL STUDY THE REPORT IN DETAIL AND RESPOND MORE FULLY AT A LATER DATE. IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE PROCEEDING WITH OUR AGREED AIRPORT AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE PLANS WITH ALL DUE SPEED."
- - 0 - -
I
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
- 2 -
FS VISITS ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS FACTORY *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE FACTORY OF MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LIMITED AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
SIR PIERS WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY CORPORATE VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER (ASIA/PACIFIC SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS DIVISION), MR C.D. TAM, AND SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER, MR K.P. TO.
THE COMPANY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE TERRITORY SINCE 1967.
AFTER A 1 O-MINUTE BRIEFING ON THE COMPANY’S BACKGROUND, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS CONDUCTED ON A TOUR OF THE PLANT WHICH USES ADVANCED MACHINERY SUCH AS SEMICONDUCTOR TESTING AND ASSEMBLY EQUIPMENT, COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD) EQUIPMENT AND COMPUTER MAINFRAME.
APART FROM THE 30,000-SQUARE-METRE PREMISES AT TAI PO, THE COMPANY ALSO OPERATES AN 18,500-SQUARE-METRE FACTORY IN KWAI CHUNG.
IT HAS A TOTAL WORKFORCE OF 1,100 PEOPLE.
APART FROM LOCAL CONSUMPTION, THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS ARE MAINLY EXPORTED TO JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA, CHINA, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
SINCE THE MID-1970S, HONG KONG’S ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS HAVE TAKEN OVER AS THE SECOND LARGEST DOMESTIC EXPORT ITEM.
FROM 1965 TO 1989, EXPORTS INCREASED FROM $212 MILLION TO $55,818 MILLION. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE INDUSTRY’S SHARE OF TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED FROM 4.2 PER CENT TO 24.9 PER CENT.
OVERSEAS INVESTMENT HAS ALSO PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
A TOTAL OF 129 ELECTRONICS COMPANIES, EITHER WHOLLY OR PARTLY OWNED BY OVERSEAS INTERESTS, WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE "1989 SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES". THEY EMPLOYED ALMOST 37,000 PEOPLE.
SIR PIERS WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG.
/3 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
3 -
TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH II MOTHERS *****
IT IS THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S POLICY TO GRANT RECOGNIZANCE TO CHILDREN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DETENTION UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 115, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ON ADMISSION INTO THE VICTORIA IMMIGRATION CENTRE, ARRESTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS WITH ACCOMPANYING CHILDREN WILL BE ASKED WHETHER THEY WISH THEIR CHILDREN TO BE RELEASED ON RECOGNIZANCE.
"IF THEY SO REQUEST, ARRANGEMENTS WOULD NORMALLY BE MADE TO HAND OVER THE CHILDREN TO AN ENTRUSTED RELATIVE IN HONG KONG PENDING ASSESSMENT OF THEIR CASES," HE SAID.
HE SAID IT IS NOT UNCOMMON THAT CERTAIN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS PREFER, FOR- PERSONAL REASONS, TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN STAY WITH THEM IN CUSTODY.
"IN THOSE CASES, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE WITH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR FACILITIES TO ACCOMMODATE THE CHILDREN TOGETHER WITH THEIR MOTHERS.
"THE INTERESTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS OUR FOREMOST CONSIDERATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE MOTHERS MAY APPLY FOR THE RELEASE OF THEIR CHILDREN ON RECOGNIZANCE EVEN IF THEY HAVE PREVIOUSLY DECLINED TO DO SO.
--------0-----------
FIVE FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS ARRESTED *****
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS, ACTING ON INFORMATION, ARRESTED FIVE FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS SUSPECTED OF TAKING UP UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENT IN A CAFE AT THE PEAK YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
THE FIVE -- THREE WOMEN AND TWO MEN — WERE FOUND WORKING AS CLEANSING WORKERS AT THE CAFE.
AMONG THEM, ONLY ONE MALE FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPER WAS WITHIN VALID LIMIT OF STAY WHILE THE OTHER FOUR WERE OVERSTAYERS AFTER TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS.
THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE CONCEALED THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS WHEN APPLYING FOR THE JOBS.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
4
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT, UNDER THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER IS ONLY ALLOWED TO WORK FOR A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER UNDER A SPECIFIC EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
HE ADDED THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BREACHED THEIR CONDITION OF STAY HERE ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND UPON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
------------------0-------- TRADE DEPT INTRODUCES NEW FAX SERVICE * * * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS INTRODUCED A NEW FACSIMILE SERVICE TO IMPROVE DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION TO TRADERS.
STARTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), NOTICES AND CIRCULARS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE SENT TO SUBSCRIBERS THROUGH BROADCAST FACSIMILE BY HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (HKTI).
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR ALAN LAI, SIGNING A CONTRACT WITH HKTI’S GENERAL MANAGER (MARKETING), MR KEITH HARRISON, TODAY, SAID IT WOULD GREATLY ENHANCE DISPATCH OF INFORMATION TO TRADERS, ALTHOUGH CHARGES WOULD BE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THOSE FOR MAIL SUBSCRIBERS.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY ISSUES THREE TYPES OF DOCUMENTS TO SUBSCRIBERS WHICH CONTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT CHANGES IN LAWS AND REGULATIONS, OVERSEAS QUOTAS AND TRADE NEWS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR THESE, WHETHER SENT BY MAIL OR BY FACSIMILE, ARE : $125 FOR NOTICE TO EXPORTERS (SERIES 1 TO 3) AND $55 FOR NOTICE TO EXPORTERS (SERIES 1A TO 3A); $120 FOR COMMERCIAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR; AND $60 FOR CERTIFICATION BRANCH CIRCULAR.
"UNDER THE NEW SERVICE, NOTICES AND CIRCULARS WILL BE SENT TO HKTI BY COMPUTER OR SPECIAL HAND DELIVERY FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO SUBSCRIBERS BY FACSIMILE," MR LAI SAID.
"HKTI WILL FAX EACH DOCUMENT TO SUBSCRIBERS WITHIN 36 HOURS," HE SAID.
SO FAR APPROXIMATELY SIX PER CENT OF THE 21,000 SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE BEING DEALT WITH BY FACSIMILE.
MR LAI URGED THOSE WHO HAD NOT YET JOINED THE NEW SERVICE TO DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
/"IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
- 5
"IT IS EXTREMELY EFFICIENT AND DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY EXTRA COSTS," HE SAID.
TO ENCOURAGE EXISTING MAIL SUBSCRIBERS TO CHANGE OVER, MR LAI SAID TRADERS WHOSE PRESENT MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS WITH THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAD NOT YET EXPIRED AND WHO WISHED TO CONVERT TO FACSIMILE DELIVERY ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH FREE FACSIMILE SERVICE BY HKTI FOR ANY OUTSTANDING PERIOD (UP TO 11 MONTHS) OF THEIR MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS.
EXISTING MAIL SUBSCRIBERS WHO HAD NOT YET CONVERTED TO FACSIMILE DELIVERY WOULD CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE CIRCULARS THROUGH THE POST.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE FACSIMILE SERVICE WILL EVENTUALLY REPLACE MAILING AS IT BECOMES MORE POPULAR," MR LAI SAID.
TRADERS WHO WISH TO RECEIVE THE NEW SERVICE NEED TO COMPLETE SUBSCRIPTION FORMS AVAILABLE AT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S COLLECTION OFFICE, ROOM 813, EIGHTH FLOOR, TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, 700 NATHAN ROAD.
ENQUIRERS CAN TELEPHONE MR C.K. LAW OF THE DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL REGISTRY ON 398 5337.
SIGNBOARDS TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY *****
ABOUT 60 SIGNBOARDS HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT EASTERN DISTRICT TO REMIND PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS TO OBSERVE TRAFFIC REGULATIONS.
THIS FORMS PART OF A TWO-MONTH ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.
A TOTAL OF 25,000 STICKERS BEARING "CAREFUL DRIVING" SLOGANS ARE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO DRIVERS AT EIGHT PETRO' STATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT ON A PUBLICITY BUS ON SEPTEMBER 30. THEY WILL GIVE OUT PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AT VARIOUS STOPS ALONG THE ROUTE FROM CHAI WAN TO CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL CONCLUDE WITH A ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL ON OCTOBER 7 AT VICTORIA PARK, FEATURING A ROAD SAFETY TOWN, A MINIATURE RAILWAY AND STALL GAMES.
- - 0 - -
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
6
DAY CAMP FOR KOWLOON CITY AC MEMBERS
*****
A DAY CAMP FOR KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT AREA COMMITTEE (AC) MEMBERS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 9) AT THE BAPTIST ASSEMBLY IN FANLING.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE AC MEMBERS, THE CAMP WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DUNCAN PESCOD, AND ABOUT 250 MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT AC’S.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE GAMES, BARBECUE AND A KARAOKE COMPETITION. MEMBERS CAN ALSO ENJOY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT THE CAMP.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG’ KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, WILL VISIT THE CAMPERS AT 3.30 PM. HE WILL ALSO PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF VARIOUS COMPETITIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN’S VISIT TO THE KOWLOON CITY JOINT AREA COMMITTEE DAY CAMP AT THE BAPTIST ASSEMBLY IN FANLING AT 3.30 PM ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 9).
A VAN WILL TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE VENUE. IT WILL LEAVE THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AT 1.45 PM THAT DAY. THOSE WISHING TO TAKE THE VAN ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE CARPARK ENTRANCE OF SOUTHORN CENTRE, JOHNSTON ROAD, WAN CHAI.
------U-------
GOVERNMENT LOT IN CHEUNG SHA WAN TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE AT KING LAM STREET IN CHEUNG SHA WAN.
THE 460-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE NOON ON SEPTEMBER 21.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
- - 0----------
/7........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
7 -
INDUSTRIAL SERVICE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
IN ADDITION, A VIDEO ON CORRUPTION PREVENTION PRODUCED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION WILL BE SHOWN AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30' PM.
--------0-----------
KWAI TSING DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORT MATTERS
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CANCELLATION OF TWO BUS ROUTES SERVING SHEK LEI AND SHEK YAM AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO EXPLORE WAYS TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE TWO BRIDGES SERVING TSING YI ISLAND AND TO IMPROVE BERTHING FACILITIES AT THE ISLAND’S PIER.
MOREOVER, MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT HING FONG ROAD, TEXACO ROAD AND THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGTN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 10T1I FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
------0 - -
/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
- 8 -
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS * * * * *
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE COMMITTEE’S FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE USE OF MAJOR RECREATIONAL VENUES IN THE DISTRICT, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, AND THE ATTENDANCE RATE AT CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THIRD FLOOR, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
0
MARK SIX ON DB AGENDA *****
THE MONG KOK'DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL OF SELLING MARK SIX LOTTERY TICKETS IN SUPERMARKETS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
i
MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON A PROPOSED REDUCTION IN THE EXPENDITURE OF CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE WITHDRAWAL OF GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF $75,000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD FUND FOR THE PUBLICATION OF A REPORT ON THE DISTRICT BOARD AND A BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT AT THE PAVEMENT ADJACENT TO 11 KOK CHEUNG STREET.
/IN ADDITION .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL COMMENT ON A PROPOSAL TO DESIGNATE HONG LOK STREET (BIRDS STREET) AND TUNG CHOI STREET HAWKERS PERMITTED PLACE AS SCENIC AND LANDMARK SPOTS FOR PROMOTING HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
PLB RESTRICTED ZONES IN SAI WAN HO *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 7), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN SAI WAN HO, EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY.
THEY ARE:
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI FOO STREET TO A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* TAI FOO STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER .OR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
THE EXTENT OF THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES WILL BE INDICATED BY APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS.
- - 0 - -
/10
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
BAN ZONE ON CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 7), THE U-TURN SLIP ROAD ON WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, WHICH IS ABOUT 15 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE TO ALL VEHICLES 24 HOURS DAILY.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS BAN ZONE.
THE BAN ZONE WILL BE INDICATED BY APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS.
- - 0 - -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KWUN TONG *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 7), A SECTION OF THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SAU MAU PING ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION AT PO LAM ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 290 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE TRAFFIC LANES OF TUEN MUN-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD NEAR SHAM TSENG INTERCHANGE WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FROM 9.30 PM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 7) TO 6 AM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 12) TO FACILITATE JOAD RESURFACING WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9.30 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
- - 0 - -
/Il
f
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990
- 11 -
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CENTRAL
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 7), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH GILMAN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION 4ITH RUMSEY STREET, WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN NOS. 28 AND 48 WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT FOUR WEEKS.
THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOTH ROAD SECTIONS ARE MADE TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
THERE WILL BE APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS TO INDICATE THE EXTENT OF THE TWO URBAN CLEARWAYS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TOO EARLY FOR DETAILS OF EXCO CONTINUITY, SAYS GOVERNOR ............... 1
GOVERNOR VISITS TAI PO ................................................ 3
PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAS KEY ROLE TO PLAY ........................... 3
HONG KONG'S RE-EXPORT TRADE FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 ................ 4
GOVT DISAPPOINTED OVER US ITC DECISION ................................ 8
SUNKEN BARGE IN TYPHOON SHELTER LIFTED ................................ 9
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY......................................... 9
TREND TO ADOPT ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY .................................... 14
TRIPARTISM HELPS ENHANCE LABOUR RELATIONS ............................. 14
APPOINTMENT OF NEW LAW OFFICER (INTERNATIONAL LAW) .................... 16
PROVISIONAL DATES OF 1990-91 FC MEETINGS .............................. 17
SCOUT MOVEMENT HELPS FOSTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT .......................... 17
COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD IN TAI PO .................................... 18
AGRICULTURAL LAND CONTROL ON DB AGENDA ................................ 19
WATER CUT IN TSING YI ISLAND .......................................... 19
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 1 -
TOO EARLY FOR DETAILS OF EXCO CONTINUITY, SAYS GOVERNOR
**»»**’
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) IT WAS STILL TOO EARLY AT THE MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT THE DETAILS OF CONTINUITY OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AFTER 1997.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A VISIT TO TAI PO DISTRICT, SIR DAVID SAID: "WHAT WE WANT IS CONTINUITY OF ADMINISTRATION; CONTINUITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND WHEN WE COME NEARER 1997, I THINK WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE QUESTION OF CONTINUITY OF PERSONNEL, BOTH IN SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE POSTS AND POSSIBLY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS WELL.”
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE ISSUE OF CONTINUITY HAD BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE IN GENERAL TERMS, ADDING: "FOR INSTANCE, WE’VE TALKED ABOUT CONTINUITY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND WE HAVE ARRANGEMENTS NOW IN PLACE WHERE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE THROUGH 1997; THAT IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT."
SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS THE CONTINUITY IN OTHER SECTORS MUST ALSO BE TALKED ABOUT.
ASKED ABOUT MORALE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE GOVERNOR SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING WHICH WAS ALWAYS VERY DIFFICULT TO DEFINE.
"WHAT I WOULD SAY IS THAT I THINK THE GOVERNMENT, THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE POLICE FORCE, THE OTHER BITS OF THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE ARE WORKING VERY WELL INDEED AT THE MOMENT," HE SAID.
"NOW, THERE ARE ALWAYS WAYS YOU CAN IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND WE OUGHT TO GO ON LOOKING AT THAT, IMPROVING OUR PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT.
"BUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ADMINISTRATION I DON’T HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THAT. I AM OF COURSE DETERMINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GO ON BEING AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST," HE ADDED.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ABOUT PROBLEMS IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH CERTAIN PEOPLE IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT. I AM PLEASED TO SEE THESE PROBLEMS COMING OUT INTO THE OPEN IN A WAY WHICH CAN NOW BE DEALT WITH. IF YOU CAN DEAL WITH SOME OF THE PROBLEM AREAS IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT YOU CAN START OFF WITH A CLEAN SLATE."
"WE NOW HAVE A NEW DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS. HE WILL BE ABLE TO GET DOWN TO WORK, BUILD HIS OWN TEAM UNDERNEATH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TOO CAN GET ON WITH MAKING IT INTO THE EFFECIENT, EFFECTIVE DEPARTMENT THAT 1 KNOW HE WANTS TO HAVE," HE SAID.
/COMMENTING ON
1
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 2 -
COMMENTING ON THE EFFECT THE GULF CRISIS MIGHT HAVE ON HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MONITOR AND WATCH VERY CAREFULLY THE WHOLE QUESTION OF OIL SUPPLIES AND PRICES.
"FORTUNATELY THERE IS NO PROBLEM AT ALL ABOUT OIL SUPPLIES SO NO ONE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT. WE HAVE TO KEEP A WATCH ON PRICES AND THE EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG WOULD BE AFFECTED IF THERE WAS AN EFFECT ON OUR MAJOR MARKETS LIKE THE UNITED STATES, EUROPE AND JAPAN.
"IT’S GOING TO BE A TOUGHER ENVIRONMENT FOR US. WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE COMPETITIVE," HE SAID, ADDING: "WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO TRY HARDER OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS."
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMITTEE HAD FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN DUMPING AND THAT ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES HAD BEEN IMPOSED ON HONG KONG KNITWEAR MANUFACTURERS.
"IT IS, ON THE FACE OF IT, QUITE DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS CAN DUMP BECAUSE WE HAVE A TOTALLY OPEN MARKET. BUT THAT HAS BEEN A DECISION AND WE’VE SIMPLY GOT TO FACE THAT REALITY AT THE MOMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
"IF NECESSARY, WE WILL TALK TO THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT ABOUT IT, BUT THEY HAVE A VERY OPEN SYSTEM OF TRYING TO WORK OUT WHETHER THERE ARE ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES," HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON BUSINESSMAN, MR GORDON WU’S PROPOSALS FOR A NEW AIRPORT, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT WHILE MR WU’S IDEAS WOULD BE LOOKED AT, WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE NOW WAS TO GET ON WITH THE PROCESS OF BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS STRUCK BY MR WU’S REPORT IN THAT HE AGREED THAT HONG KONG NEEDED A NEW AIRPORT AND THAT CHEK LAP KOK WAS THE RIGHT PLACE.
"ON SOME OF THE DETAILS, HE COMES UP WITH DIFFERENT IDEAS, AND OF COURSE WE WILL LOOK AT THOSE IDEAS TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING TO PICK UP," HE SAID.
------0 - -
/3 ........
»
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 3 -
GOVERNOR VISITS TAI PO *****
TAI PO IS A NEW TOWN HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID DURING A VISIT THERE TODAY (THURSDAY).
"IT HAS A WIDE VARIETY OF MODERN, ATTRACTIVE HOUSING WITH SOME EXCELLENT FACILITIES. AND DESPITE THE TOWN’S RAPID EXPANSION, THE FEELING OF COMMUNITY IS STRONG," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THEIR VISIT BY THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR LEO KWAN, AND THE ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARY CHOW.
THEY WALKED THROUGH TAI PO CENTRE, A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MET A FAMILY LIVING IN A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLAT IN TAI WO ESTATE AND VISITED KAM SHEK NEW VILLAGE.
J ‘
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TOWN AND MET MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER LOCAL PERSONALITIES AT A TEA RECEPTION.
"TAI PO IS STILL DEVELOPING AND A SPORTS COMPLEX WITH AN OLYMPIC-SIZE SWIMMING POOL IS DUE FOR COMPLETION NEXT YEAR," SIR DAVID SAID.
"HOUSING SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND DAY CARE CENTRES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN ARE ALSO UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
"OTHER FACILITIES, INCLUDING AN INFIRMARY, ARE IN THE PIPE-LINE.
"WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ENSURE THAT THESE PROJECTS MEET THE NEEDS AND WISHES OF THE PEOPLE OF TAI PO.
DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO NEW TOWN BEGAN IN 1979. THE POPULATION IS NOW 190,000 AND IS FORECAST TO REACH 250,000 IN THE LATE 1990’S.
---------0----------
PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAS KEY ROLE TO PLAY *****
THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD (PDB) HAS AN ABSOLUTELY KEY ROLE TO PLAY TO ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE COMMERCIAL REALITIES OF THE PORT AND THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF ITS COMPONENT PARTS.
ADDRESSING THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE SECRETARY OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD, MR TONY CLARK, SAID THE BOARD WOULD BE EXPECTED TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE FUTURE SCALE, TIMING AND NATURE OF ESSENTIAL PORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.
/"TO DO .......
f
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
4
"TO DO THIS EFFECTIVELY, SOME OF THE BLACK HOLES IN OUR STORE OF KNOWLEDGE WILL HAVE TO BE ILLUMINATED.
"THE BOARD WILL THUS HAVE TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM WHICH CAN PROVIDE A DETAILED IDENTIFICATION OF THE NEEDS OF THE MANY COMPONENT ACTIVITIES OF THE PORT, THEIR INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PORT AND THEIR SEPARATE DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS IN TERMS OF THE LAND, MARINE AND TRANSPORT ASPECTS," MR CLARK SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BOARD WOULD DO THIS THROUGH SPECIALIST COMMITTEES DEALING WITH THE VARIOUS AREAS OF PORT ACTIVITY. AT THE BOARD’S FIRST MEETING, THE BOARD AGREED TO ESTABLISH THREE SUCH COMMITTEES TO DEAL WITH MID STREAM OPERATIONS, SHIP REPAIR FACILITIES, AND RIVER TRADE CARGO ACTIVITIES.
"THESE COMMITTEES ARE MERELY A START - FOR THE PDB WILL BE EXPECTED TO ADVISE ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING THE PORT.
"WE ARE EXPECTING RATHER A LOT FROM THE PDB. IT HAS STARTED WELL - WITH VERY CONSIDERABLE ENERGY AND IS LIKELY TO BECOME A KEY ELEMENT IN ENSURING HONG KONG’S CONTINUING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT," MR CLARK SAID.
ON THE FUTURE FOR THE PORT, HE SAID AS A PORT, HONG KONG HAS LITTLE DIRECT COMPETITION IN THE SENSE EXPERIENCED BY THE PORTS OF NORTH AMERICA, OR WESTERN EUROPE.
WINDING UP ON HIS ADDRESS, MR CLARK STRESSED THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE NEW AIRPORT ON CHEK LAP KOK AND TO INCREMENTAL PORT DEVELOPMENT THROUGH STONECUTTERS, TSING YI AND, BY ABOUT 1996, ON LANTAU.
"IN THE PORT, OUR GENERAL AIM WILL BE TO DEVELOP FACILITIES INCREMENTALLY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SUPPLY MATCHES THE DEMAND FOR THEM," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE * * *
FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 * i
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $183,096 MILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990, A GROWTH OF 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, IT WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT RELEASES THE SUMMARY STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 ANALYSED BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
/RE-EXPORTS BY .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 5 -
RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1.
CHINA AND THE U.S.A., THE TWO LARGEST MARKETS FOR HONG KONG'S RE-EXPORTS, ACCOUNTED FOR 27 PER CENT AND 21 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990.
THE SHARES OF JAPAN, TAIWAN AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY WERE 6 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF 1989, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT WHILE MOST OF THE OTHER MAJOR MARKETS REGISTERED INCREASES.
THE MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (51 PER CENT), FRANCE (32 PER CENT), CANADA (28 PER CENT), THE U.S.A. (28 PER CENT), TAIWAN (24 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (24 PER CENT) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (20 PER CENT). THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO JAPAN INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT WHEREAS THAT TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE LARGEST MARKET, DECREASED BY $2,344 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 AS COMPARED WITH THE FIRST HALF OF 1989. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY FOR THIS MARKET, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,220 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT); AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $1,182 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT). HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $1,555 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT); PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $383 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT); AND PAPER, PAPERBOARD, AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD (BY $305 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A., THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, INCREASED BY $8,242 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT. COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE TO THIS MARKET WERE MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $2,277 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (BY $1,730 MILLION OR 81 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (BY $1,508 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $201 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT); AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $80 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN INCREASED BY $288 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $417 MILLION OR 61 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $340 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT). A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $292 MILLION OR 37 PER CJ2NT) .
/THE VALUE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 6 -
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN RECORDED AN INCREASE OF $1,962 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE REGISTERED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $898 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT); AND TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $728 MILLION OR 144 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $166 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY GREW BY $2,938 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,122 MILLION OR 148 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (BY $823 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT). A NOTABLE DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $216 MILLION OR 94 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.
GOODS FROM CHINA, JAPAN, TAIWAN, THE U.S.A. AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA CONTRIBUTED 56 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990.
CHINA CONTINUED TO BE THE LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990. A GROWTH OF 25 PER CENT IN VALUE OR $20,405 MILLION OVER THE FIRST HALF OF 1989 WAS RECORDED IN THE REEXPORTS ORIGINATING IN CHINA. AMONG GOODS ORIGINATING IN CHINA, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $5,462 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $4,552 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $3,501 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1,168 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT); AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $414 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT).
JAPAN REMAINED THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG'S REEXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990. COMPARED WITH THE FIRST HALF OF 1989, THERE WAS A DECREASE OF $1,133 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN JAPAN. DECREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE REGISTERED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $555 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT); AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $344 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE RECORDED IN TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $241 MILLION OR 174 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $189 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $139 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
/RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN TAIWAN INCREASED BY $351 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF TEXTILES (BY $892 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $265 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WAS RECORDED IN MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $591 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT) .
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A. INCREASED BY $1,360 Mil,LION OR 12 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WERE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF .(BY $832 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT); AND TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $334 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE OF RE-EXPORT VALUE WAS RECORDED IN MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $86 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY $1,032 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $448 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT); AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $232 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT). HOWEVER, AN INCREASE IN RE-EXPORT VALUE WAS RECORDED IN CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $76 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE ABOVE RE-EXPORT STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, JUNE 1990" NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $27 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4915.
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-JUNE 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUNE 1989 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
CHINA 50,212 52,556 2,344 4
U.S.A. 38,029 29,787 + 8,242 + 28
JAPAN 10,509 10,221 + 288 + 3
TAIWAN 10,121 8,159 + 1,962 + 24
F.R. OF GERMANY 8,661 5,723 + 2,938 + 51
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 6,493 6,760 — 267 — 4
SINGAPORE 6,230 5,029 + 1,201 + 24
UNITED KINGDOM 4,672 3,891 + 780 20
CANADA 2,969 2,311 + 657 + 28
FRANCE 2,820 2,133 + 687 + 32
/TABLE 2 : .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
8
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
JAN-JUNE JAN-JUNE INCREASE/ PERCENTAGE
1990 1989 DECREASE CHANGE
(HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (%)
CHINA 102,393 81,989 +20,405 + 25
JAPAN 19,189 20,322 — 1,133 — 6
TAIWAN 13,764 13,413 + 351 + 3
U.S.A. 12,429 11,069 + 1,360 + 12
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,155 6,187 — 1,032 — 17
F. R. OF GERMANY 2,480 2,443 + 37 + 2
SINGAPORE 2,346 1,949 + 397 + 20
FRANCE 2,265 1,914 + 351 + 18
SWITZERLAND 2,226 1,901 + 325 + 17
UNITED KINGDOM 2,112 1,812 + 300 + 17
--------0-----------
GOVT DISAPPOINTED OVER US ITC *****
DECISION
A TRADE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TODAY (THURSDAY) EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION’S (ITC) DECISION THAT MAN-MADE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG HAD CAUSED INJURY TO US PRODUCERS OF SIMILAR PRODUCTS.
"WE ARE WAITING FOR A FULL REPORT OF THE REASONS FOR THIS DECISION, BUT ON THE FACE OF IT IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW INJURY COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY HONG KONG MAN-MADE SWEATERS WHICH HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO RESTRAINT SINCE 1971," THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR ROBERT FOOTMAN, SAID.
"THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL EXAMINE THE DETAILS OF THE COMMISSION’S FINDING AND THE EARLIER ONE IN JULY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OF DUMPING.
"IF NECESSARY, WE WILL TAKE THE MATTER UP WITH THE US AUTHORITIES AND TN THIS REGARD WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
FOLLOWING NOTIFICATION OF THE INJURY DETERMINATION BY THE ITC THE US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE WILL ISSUE A FORMAL ANTI-DUMPING ORDER WITHIN SEVEN DAYS REQUIRING IMPORTERS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG TO PAY ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES AT A RATE OF 5.86 PER CENT IN THE MAJORITY OF CASES.
WITH THE FINDING OF DUMPING BY THE US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SUCH IMPORTS HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO PROVISIONAL ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES SINCE LATE APRIL THIS YEAR.
--------0-----------
/9 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 9 -
SUNKEN BARGE IN TYPHOON SHELTER LIFTED
*****
IN THREE WEEKS A CARGO OF WASTE PRINCIPAL MARINE
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CASE IN WHICH A BARGE WITH OIL SANK IN THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER, THE OFFICER, MR JOHN SHEARMAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON AFTER THE
BARGE WAS REFLOATED.
MR SHEARMAN SAID CONTRACTORS EMPLOYED BY SUCCESSFULLY LIFTED THE BARGE WHICH, ALTHOUGH REPRESENTED NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD.
THE DEPARTMENT HAD STILL WATERLOGGED,
STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT’S POLLUTION CONTROL TO SPRAY DISPERSANT ON THE SMALL REMAINING OIL TYPHOON SHELTER, HE SAID.
UNIT WOULD CONTINUE SLICKS INSIDE THE
"THE RE-OPENED," BEEN OPENED
SOUTHERN ENTRANCE TO THE TYPHOON SHELTER IS MR SHEARMAN SAID, ADDING THAT THE NORTHERN ENTRANCE ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 4).
NOW
HAD
HE SAID OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WOULD EXAMINE THE BARGE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AS PART OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO 1’HE CASE.
THE BARGE SANK ABOUT 500 METRES FROM THE SOUTHERN ENTRANCE TO THE TYPHOON SHELTER LAST FRIDAY (AUGUST 31) NIGH!.
- - 0--------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
/THE GRADING
THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 10 -
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS. SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "3" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS. THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X” ON THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
/BEACH .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
11 -
BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 23.8.90) (AS AT 6.9.90)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 2 1
HAIRPIN 1 1
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK 0 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST STEPHEN’S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 2 2
STANLEY MAIN 1 1
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2 2
HAP MUN BAY 1 1
KIU TSUI 1 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1 1
SILVERSTRAND 2 1
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1 1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 12 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 1
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 1
SILVERMINE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
TUNG O» 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 4
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
GEMINI 2
HOI MEI WAN 2
LIDO 3
TING KAU 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
3
3
2
2
2
3
4
1
X
3
/CASTLE PEAK .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 13 -
X X
3 3
2 2
CASTLE PEAK
KADOORIE
BUTTERFLY
NOTE: "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
DEEP WATER BAY AND SILVERSTRAND, FROM "2" TO "1"; CASAM, FROM "3" TO "2"; KWUN YAM WAN, FROM "1" TO "2" AND TING KAU, FROM "3" TO "4".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
ANGLERS’, FROM "4" TO "3".
ANGLERS’ BEACH IS UPGRADED IN THIS OCCASION. THE PREVIOUS GRADE WAS DUE TO THE HEAVY RAINFALL IN JULY WHICH HAD CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE BEACH WATER.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF RED TIDE OCCURRENCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED RECENTLY AT SOME OF THE BEACHES. THESE ARE, HOWEVER, TRANSITORY PHENOMENA WHICH ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT WITH ANY DEGREE OF CERTAINTY, AND WHILE THEY UNDOUBTEDLY AFFECT WATER QUALITY FROM A BEACH-GOER’S POINT OF VIEW, THEY CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED IN THE GRADING SYSTEM.
THE EPD’S BEACH WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IS BASED ON E. COLI DATA, AND IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF A BEACH REMAINS GOOD WHILE A RED TIDE IS PRESENT. NEVERTHELESS, IT IS NOT ADVISABLE FOR SWIMMERS TO ENTER THE WATER WHEN A RED TIDE CAN BE SEEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY), DR M.J. BROOM, ON TEL. 835 1234.
--------0-----------
/14 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 14 -
TREND TO ADOPT ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
******
FIRMS WHICH HAVE EMPLOYED ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY, HIGH VALUE-ADDED GOODS ARE ABLE TO MAKE BETTER USE OF SCARCE MANPOWER AND TO RESPOND MORE EFFECTIVELY TO THE INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED DEMANDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN OPENING A CHINA PAINT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD FACTORY AT SAI KUNG.
"IN ESTABLISHING THIS NEW PLANT, CHINA PAINT HAS MADE A DECISION TO MOVE TOWARDS THE USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY IN PAINT MANUFACTURING," HE SAID.
"IT HAS INVESTED HEAVILY IN ADVANCED MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT.
"THE NEW PLANT IS HIGHLY AUTOMATED. AND CHINA PAINT IS NOW THE LICENSEE OF A NUMBER OF THE WORLD’S LEADING PAINT MANUFACTURERS," MR CHAN SAID.
THIS MOVE WAS PART OF A TREND IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES TOWARDS COMPETITION BASED ON THE USE OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY, HIGH VALUE-ADDED GOODS.
FIRMS WHICH HAD ADOPTED THIS APPROACH WERE ABLE TO MAKE BETTER USE OF SCARCE MANPOWER AND TO RESPOND MORE EFFECTIVELY TO THE INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED DEMANDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.
"ALTHOUGH THE INITIAL COSTS MAY BE HIGH, SO TOO ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS," MR CHAN SAID.
HE SAID CHINA PAINT HAD PROVED ITSELF WILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY INVESTMENT IN A HIGH TECHNOLOGY FUTURE.
------0--------
TRIPARTISM HELPS ENHANCE LABOUR RELATIONS * * * *
TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION AMONG THE GOVERNMENT, MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF LABOUR STANDARDS AND MAINTENANCE OF HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS TO MATCH HONG KONG’S SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LIONS CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING, MR YIU SAID THERE WAS ALREADY A HIGH DEGREE OF CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT AMONG THE THREE PARTIES IN DEALING WITH A GREAT VARIETY OF LABOUR MATTERS, PARTICULARLY IN SUCH AREAS AS LABOUR LEGISLATION AND PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES.
/HE POINTED .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 15 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND ITS FIVE SPECIALIST COMMITTEES WERE THE MAIN MACHINERY FOR TRIP TITE CO-OPERATION IN LABOUR AFFAIRS WHERE THE INTERESTS OF EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES WERE REPRESENTED WHILE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TOOK CAFE OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
"BEFORE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT INTRODUCES A NEW ITEM OF LABOUR LEGISLATION, IT PUTS ITS IDEAS FIRST TO THE RELEVANT SPECIALIST TRIPARTITE COMMITTEE UNDER THE BOARD FOR DISCUSSION," HE SAID.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED, THE DEPARTMENT THEN FORMULATES ITS PROPOSALS TO THE BOARD WHICH EVENTUALLY ARRIVES AT A PROPOSAL LIKELY TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.
"THE DEPARTMENT, HAVING CONSIDERED ALL RELEVANT FACTORS INVOLVED, WILL THEN FINALISE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT," HE EXPLAINED.
MR YIU NOTED THAT THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES HAD BEEN WORKING TOGETHER IN A HIGHLY CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT WHICH ENABLED PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO LABOUR LEGISLATION TO PROGRESS SMOOTHLY AND SPEEDILY.
HE ALSO ATTRIBUTED THE TERRITORY’S EXCELLENT STRIKE RECORDS TO TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION IN LABOUR RELATIONS, WHERE THE WILLINGNESS OF THE DISPUTING PARTIES TO COMPROMISE FORMED AN IMPORTANT BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL CONCILIATION BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS.
HE ADDED THAT TRIPARTITE EFFORTS HAD ALSO SUCCEEDED IN SOLVING SPECIFIC PROBLEMS AND PROMOTING BETTER LABOUR RELATIONS IN A PARTICULAR TRADE.
"FOR INSTANCE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF A LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICER, REPRESENTATIVES OF MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR IN THE CATERING TRADE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PRODUCED A CODE OF LABOUR RELATIONS PRACTICE FOR THE TRADE AND HAVE ORGANISED VARIOUS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE AND LABOUR RELATIONS," MR YIU NOTED.
"TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION IS ALSO ESSENTIAL TO THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AS IN THE CASE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT, MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR," HE ADDED.
"MOREOVER, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ENLISTS THE CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR IN MANY ONGOING ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, PROVIDE BE I TER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND TO SERVE ON ADVISORY AND ORGANISING COMMITTEES," MR YIU SAID.
/16 .
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 16 -
APPOINTMENT OF NEW LAW OFFICER (INTERNATIONAL LAW) * ♦ * » * *
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR DAVID EDWARDS TO SUCCEED DR FRED BURROWS A: LAW OFFICER (INTERNATIONAL LAW) IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS.
MR EDWARDS HAD A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN H.M. DIPLOMATIC SERVICE FROM 1967 TO THE EARLY PART OF 1990, WHERE HE HELD THE RANKS OF ASSISTANT LEGAL ADVISER, LEGAL COUNSELLOR AND DEPUTY LEGAL ADVISER.
DURING HIS SERVICE MR EDWARDS SPENT TWO YEARS AS LEGAL ADVISER TO THE BRITISH MILITARY GOVERNMENT IN BERLIN, TWO YEARS WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY IN VIENNA AS GENERAL COUNSEL, TWO YEARS AS LEGAL COUNSELLOR TO THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BONN, AND THREE YEARS AS LEGAL ADVISER TO THE UK MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK AND TO THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON.
AFTER LEAVING H.M. DIPLOMATIC SERVICE, MR EDWARDS WORKED AS SENIOR COUNSEL FOR A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION IN LONDON.
MR EDWARDS, WHO IS 50, QUALIFIED AS A SOLICITOR IN ENGLAND IN 1964. FROM 1964 TO 1967 HE WAS AN ASSISTANT SOLICITOR WITH A SOLICITORS’ FIRM IN LONDON WHERE HE PRACTISED COMMERCIAL LITIGATION, COMPANY LAW AND INTERNATIONAL TAX. HE IS MARRIED WITH A DAUGHTER AND A SON.
AS LAW OFFICER (INTERNATIONAL LAW) HE WILL HEAD THE INTERNATIONAL LAW DIVISION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL LEGAL WORK ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP (JLG).
MR EDWARDS REPLACES DR FRED BURROWS WHO IS RETIRING FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS. DR BURROWS, WHO IS 65, JOINED AGC IN 1985 TO HEAD THE NEWLY FORMED INTERNATIONAL LAW DIVISION (THEN CALLED THE SPECIAL DUTIES UNIT) AFTER NEARLY 30 YEARS IN H.M. DIPLOMATIC SERVICE.
DR BURROWS WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN BUILDING UP THE WORK OF THE INTERNATIONAL LAW DIVISION AND PLAYED A PROMINENT ROLE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
HE HEADED THE BRITISH SIDE IN THE INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS SUB-GROUP OF THE JLG AND WAS LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VERY SUCCESSFUL WORK OF THAT GROUP, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEALING WITH HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, AND THE CONTINUED APPLICATION AFTER THAT DATE OF ALL TREATIES AFFECTING HONG KONG.
'fW
DR BURROWS WILL ATTEND THE NEXT JLG MEETING IN LONDON LATER THIS MONTH, HAVING ATTENDED ALL ITS PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
/17 ...
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 17 -
PROVISIONAL DATES OF 1990-91 FC MEETINGS *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING FOR THE
1990-91 LEGISLATIVE SESSION ON OCTOBER 19 (FRIDAY).
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
SPECIAL MEETINGS TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1991-92 FINANCIAL YEAR ARE SCHEDULED ON MARCH 21 AND 22 NEXT YEAR.
THE PROVISIONAL DATES OF FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS ARE AS
FOLLOWS:
OCTOBER 19, 1990 (FRIDAY)
NOVEMBER 2, 1990 (FRIDAY)
NOVEMBER 16, 1990 (FRIDAY)
NOVEMBER 30, 1990 (FRIDAY)
DECEMBER 14, 1990 (FRIDAY)
JANUARY 11, 1991 (FRIDAY)
JANUARY 25, 1991 (FRIDAY)
FEBRUARY 8, 1991 (FRIDAY)
MARCH 8, 1991 (FRIDAY)
MARCH 21, 1991 (THURSDAY) ) SPECIAL MEETINGS TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT
MARCH 22, 1991 (FRIDAY) ) ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1991-92
APRIL 26, 1991 (FRIDAY)
MAY 10, 1991 (FRIDAY)
MAY 24, 1991 (FRIDAY)
JUNE 7,1991 (FRIDAY)
JUNE 28,1991 (FRIDAY)
JULY 12, 1991 (FRIDAY)
- - 0 - -
SCOUT MOVEMENT HELPS FOSTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT
******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRAISED THE SCOUT MOVEMENT FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
PRESIDING AT THE 14TH INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE KOWLOON REGIONAL SCOUT COUNCIL, HE SAID THAT SCOUTS OFTEN PARTICIPATED IN COMMUNITY SERVICES AND RENDERED ASSISTANCE TO BODIES OR ORGANISATIONS WHICH WERE IN NEED.
"THESE ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL NOT ONLY HELP FOSTER A SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE BUT ALSO WILL ENABLE THEM TO HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTACT PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE AND HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOCIETY AND TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS AS TO HOW TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION," HE SAID.
/"AS A
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
- 18 -
"AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE EMPHASIS OF THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IS ON THE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
"IT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP INDEPENDENT THINKING AS Wr.LL AS CARE AND CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY.
"IT ALSO COMPLEMENTED THE FUNCTIONS OF CIVIC EDUCATION, HE ADDED.
THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG WILL BE 80-YEAR-OLD NEXI YEAR AND CURRENTLY, IT HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 57,000.
------0--------
COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD IN TAI PO *****
PEOPLE WHO STUDY, WORK OR LIVE IN TAI PO ARE INVITED TO MAKE NOMINATIONS FOR AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SCHEME, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, AIMS AT ENCOURAGING LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ENHANCING CIVIC AWARENESS.
IT IS MADE UP OF PRIMARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL AND OPEN SECTIONS.
PARTICIPANTS OF THE STUDENT SECTIONS SHOULD BE NOMINATED BY THEIR HEADMASTERS OR TEACHERS WHILE THOSE OF THE OPEN SECTION SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED BY AN ORGANISATION OR AN INDIVIDUAL.
ASSESSMENT WILL BE BASED ON THE PARTICIPANTS’ CONTRIBUTION AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD IN NOVEMBER AFTER PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT.
WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTERS BEFORE DECEMBER 1. THEY WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES AS WELL AS SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE APPLICATION IS OCTOBER 12.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 657 7111 EXT 255.
---------0-----------
/19
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990
I
AGRICULTURAL LAND CONTROL ON DB AGENDA
*****
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO STUDY AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE WHICH AIM AT PROVIDING ADEQUATE CONTROL AND GUIDANCE OVER DEVELOPMENT AND THE USE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AT THE MEETING, A POLICE REPRESENTATIVE WILL UPDATE MEMBERS ON RECENT CHANGE FOLLOWING THE REVISION OF POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES IN SAI KUNG.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXAMINE PROGRESS REPORTS OF SIX DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN, THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
_ _ 0 - -
WATER CUT IN TSING YI ISLAND
* * * *
TO FACILITATE ANNUAL CLEANING OF TSING YI EAST SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR, FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES ON TSING YI ISLAND WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM TOMORROW (SEPTEMBER 7).
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BILL SPELLS OUT HYGIENIC STANDARDS FOR MILK PRODUCTION ............................ 1
THREE COMMONLY ABUSED TRANQUILLISERS LISTED AS DANGEROUS DRUGS .................... 2
AMENDMENTS TO TWO OZP'S ........................................................... 2
PUBLICATION OF INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS .......................... 5
AMENDMENTS TO UNVENTED ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE WATER HEATERS INSTALLATION ANNOUNCED ........................................................................ 7
NT SITES OFFERED TO LETTER A/B HOLDERS ............................................ 8
EVIDENCE AMENDMENT BILL GAZETTED .................................................. 9
PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS FOR AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM ..................... 9
HK'S ESTIMATED POPULATION AT 5.8M ................................................ 10
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO JOIN CORRECTIONAL WORK...................................... 10
VARIETY SHOW TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION IN SAI KUNG............................ 11
VARIETY SHOW TO CONCLUDE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME .................................. 12
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
BILL SPELLS OUT HYGIENIC STANDARDS FOR MILK PRODUCTION
*****
HYGIENIC STANDARDS FOR RAW MILK PRODUCED AT DAIRIES HAVE BREN CLEARLY SPELT OUT IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE DAIRIES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 WHICH FORM PART OF THE BILL, IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE TO SELL, MIX WITH OTHER MILK OR DELIVER TO A FACTORY ANY MILK THAT CONTAINS MORE THAN 200,000 BACTERIA PER MILLILITRE, OR ANY COLIFORM ORGANISMS IN 1/1.000TH PART OF A MILLILITRE.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS, AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE MILK IS MARKETED, IT MUST BE HEAT-TREATED AT A "MILK FACTORY" TO DESTROY BACTERIA AND OTHER MICRO-ORGANISMS.
"STANDARD FORMS OF HEAT TREATMENT SUCH AS PASTEURISATION REQUIRE THE INPUT OF REASONABLY HYGIENIC RAW MILK AND CANNOT BE RELIED UPON TO MAKE HEAVILY CONTAMINATED MILK SAFE.
"THE AMENDMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT RAW MILK IS OF ACCEPTABLE HYGIENIC STANDARD BEFORE DELIVERY TO MILK FACTORIES FOR PASTEURISATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE HYGIENIC STANDARDS STIPULATED ARE IN LINE WITH THOSE CURRENTLY ENFORCED UNDER THE MILK (URBAN COUNCIL) BY-LAWS AND THE MILK (REGIONAL COUNCIL) BY-LAWS.
THE DAIRIES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS ALSO PROVIDE FOR AFD STAFF TO SAMPLE RAW MILK AT DAIRIES FOR BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY. CERTIFICATES OF BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION ISSUED BY THE LATTER WILL BE ACCEPTED AS COURT EVIDENCE.
TURNING TO OTHER FEATURES OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID LICENCES GRANTED UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) ORDINANCE SHALL BE VALID FOR 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. AT PRESENT, ALL LICENCES EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31 OF THE YEAR IN WHICH THEY ARE GRANTED.
"THESE INCLUDE THE DAIRY LICENCE, ANIMAL TRADERS’ LICENCE, ANIMALS AND BIRDS EXHIBITION LICENCE AND LICENCES GRANTED TO ANIMAL BOARDING AND RIDING ESTABLISHMENTS," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT FEES FOR THE ANIMAL TRADERS’ LICENCE SHOULD GO UP FROM $800 TO $1,600.
MOREOVER, THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2,000 TO $5,000 TO MAINTAIN THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT. "PENALTIES WERE LAST REVISED IN 1970," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL, ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLIER, IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED TO BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS BY THE END OF OCTOBER.
- - 0---------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
- 2 -
THREE COMMONLY ABUSED TRANQUILLISERS LISTED AS DANGEROUS DRUGS
******
TIGHTER CONTROLS ARE TO BE APPLIED TO THREE COMMONLY ABUSED TRANQUILLISERS BY CLASSIFYING THEM AS DANGEROUS DRUGS, IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE THREE DRUGS ARE BROTIZOLAM, FLUNITRAZEPAM AND TRIAZOLAM. BELONGING TO THE BENZODIAZEPINE GROUP OF TRANQUILLISERS. THEY ARE MORE COMMONLY KNOWN BY THE TRADE-NAMES: LENDORMIN, ROHYPNOL AND HALCION.
THESE DRUGS ARE TO BE ADDED TO PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE, THEREBY SUBJECTING THEM TO THE SAME STRINGENT CONTROLS AS OTHER DANGEROUS DRUGS SUCH AS HEROIN, OPIUM, COCAINE, AMPHETAMINES AND CANNABIS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ACTION WAS BEING TAKEN ON THE ADVICE OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IN WAKE OF RECENT DRUG ABUSE TRENDS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A CLOSE WATCH WOULD BE KEPT ON THE SITUATION, AND IF IT BECAME APPARENT THAT OTHER DRUGS WERE SUBJECT TO ABUSE, THEY COULD ALSO BE CLASSIFIED AS DANGEROUS DRUGS.
ANYONE FOUND GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING IN DANGEROUS DRUGS FACES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $5 MILLION.
PEOPLE WHO ARE FOUND IN POSSESSION OF SMALL QUANTITIES OF DANGEROUS DRUGS ARE ALSO LIABLE TO THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $10,000, IF THE DRUGS WERE NOT SUPPLIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW.
TO GIVE PHARMACEUTICAL DEALERS AND MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS SUFFICIENT TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE CONTROL REQUIREMENTS, THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT TO FIRST SCHEDULE) ORDER 1990 WILL TAKE EFFECT ON OCTOBER 7.
-----U------
AMENDMENTS TO TWO OZP’S
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT MID-LEVELS WEST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (OZP) AND THE DRAFT NGAU TAU KOK AND KOWLOON BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE CHIEF AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT MID-LEVELS WEST OZP IS THE INCORPORATION OF A RESTRICTION LIMITING THE INTENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT IN AREAS ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF FIVE OR THE PLOT RATIO OF THE EXISTING BUILDINGS, WHICHEVER IS THE GREATER.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY.SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
3
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID IT CONSIDERED ADDITIONAL RESTRICTION NECESSARY AFTER SEEING RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY A RECENT CONSULTANCY STUDY INTO DEVELOPMENT AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AREA.
THE STUDY SHOWED THAT WITH THE NUMBER OF NEW FLATS BEING BUILT UNDER DENSITIES PERMITTED BY THE PREVIOUS PLAN, THE ROAD NETWORK WILL BE SERIOUSLY OVERLOADED AT PEAK TIMES.
THE BOARD HAD ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT THE NUMBER OF ROAD IMPROVEMENTS THAT COULD PRACTICABLY BE IMPLEMENTED WERE LIMITED. EVEN WITH THESE IN PLACE, THE CAPACITY OF THE ROAD NETWORK WOULD STILL BE INADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE NEW DEVELOPMENT EXPECTED.
■' IF THERE WERE NO RESTRICTION ON DEVELOPMENTS, THE END RESULT WOULD BE SEVERE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, PARTICULARLY DURING PEAK HOURS, WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT ACCESS TO THE AREA AND COULD ENDANGER THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES.
IN ADDITION TO THE TRAFFIC PROBLEM, CONCERNS HAVE ALSO BEEN EXPRESSED ON THE INADEQUATE SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "WHERE POSSIBLE, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ROAD NETWORK WILL BE MADE. THESE WILL BE MAINLY JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES TO MAXIMISE THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING ROADS.
"IN ADDITION, A PILOT SCHEME TO CONSTRUCT AN ESCALATOR-ASSISTED PEDESTRIAN LINK BETWEEN CONDUIT ROAD AND CENTRAL IS ALSO DUE TO START NEXT MONTH. THIS WILL PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE LINK BETWEEN THE MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL AND IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1992.
"A CONSULTANCY STUDY HAD ALSO BEEN COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS THE ADEQUACY OF THE EXISTING SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN THE AREA AND TO IDENTIFY NECESSARY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT."
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER AMENDMENT WAS TO EXCLUDE SUCH ANCILLARY FACILITIES AS CARPORTS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND CARETAKERS’ ACCOMMODATION FROM PLOT RATIO CALCULATION IN THE "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)” AND "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" ZONES.
"THIS IS TO ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF SUCH FACILITIES TO SERVE THE LOCAL RESIDENTS.
"TO PROVIDE SOME FLEXIBILITY IN BUILDING DESIGN, PROVISION IS ALSO MADE FOR APPLICATIONS TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR MINOR RELAXATION OF THE STATED PLOT RATIO OR BUILDING HEIGHT RESTRICTION STIPULATED FOR THE 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)* AND 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’ ZONES.
"EACH APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD ON ITS OWN MERITS," HE SAID.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
4
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION .IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 7 THIS YEAR.
AS FOR THE DRAFT NGAU TAU KOK AND KOWLOON BAY OZP, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENTS ARE THE ZONING OF TWO AREAS, ONE NORTH OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT AND ANOTHER ALONG THE WATERFRONT OPPOSITE TO THE RUNWAY, TO ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES” ANNOTATED AIRPORT EXPANSION AREA TO CATER FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE AIRPORT.
THERE ARE SOME OTHER AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT THE CHANGES IN LAND USE IN THE AREA. A SITE AT THS JUNCTION OF SHEUNG YEE ROAD AND WANG CHIU ROAD IS REZONED FROM ’’OPEN SPACE” TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" AND RESERVED FOR A POLICE VEHICLE POUND.
ANOTHER "OPEN SPACE" SITE ALONG WANG CHIN STREET IS REZONED TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" AND RESERVED FOR A WATER SUPPLIES MAINTENANCE DEPOT.
TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOSS OF OPEN SPACE, A LARGE PART OF THE "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF WANG KWONG ROAD AND KAI LAI ROAD IS REZONED TO "OPEN SPACE".
A PART OF "OPEN SPACE" SITE TO THE EAST OF KAI TAK NULLAH IS REZONED TO ’’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" AS A REPROVISIONING SITE TO THE OXYGEN INJECTION PLANT CURRENTLY LOCATED INSIDE THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE AIRPORT EXPANSION AREA.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THIS AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY SEPTEMBER 28 THIS YEAR.
THE AMENDMENTS TO BOTH DRAFT PLANS CAN NOW BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO INSPECT THE DRAFT MID-LEVELS WEST OZP AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND AND 11TH FLOORS, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DRAFT NGAU TAU KOK AND KOWLOON BAY OZP AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THS SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDING AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7,
1990
5
PUBLICATION OF INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF THREE MORE INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (IDPA) PLANS FOR TING KOK, FU TEI AU AND SHA LING, AND SHAP 8Z HEUNG IN THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES.
A TOTAL OF 15 IDPA PLANS HAVE SO FAR BEEN PUBLISHED COVERING A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 7,470 HECTARES SINCE THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS GAZETTED ON JULY 27.
ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, BOTH TING KOK AND SHAP SZ HEUNG ARE SITUATED IN THE MOST SCENIC PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF DESIGNATING THE AREAS AS IDPA’S IS TO REGULATE DEVELOPMENT IN THESE AREAS SO AS TO CONSERVE THEIR RURAL SETTING AND TO PROTECT THEIR RECREATIONAL VALUE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TING KOK IDPA COVERS AN AREA OF 293 HECTARES WHILE THE SHAP SZ HEUNG IDPA 254 HECTARES.
FU TEI AU AND SHA LINO IDPA IS SITUATED IMMEDIATELY TO THE NORTH OF FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN AND IS NEAR TO THE BORDER CROSSING AT MAN KAM TO.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE IS MOUNTING PRESSURE FOR DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS OPEN STORAGE AND RURAL INDUSTRIES IN THE AREA.
MOREOVER, IMPROPER DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA WOULD FURTHER INCREASE THE RISK OF FLOODING TO THE NEARBY AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THEREFORE, THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO REGULATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA. THE FU TEI AU AND SHA LING IDPA PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF 356 HECTARES.
UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, DEVELOPMENT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PLANS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS UPON COMMENCEMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE.
ON ENACTMENT, THE IDPA’S WOULD BE INCLUDED IN STATUTORY DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS (DPA), AND THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING COULD THEN SERVE NOTICE REQUIRING REINSTATEMENT OF THE LAND TO THE CONDITION IT WAS IN IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE GAZETTING OF THE IDPA PLANS OR RESTORATION OF THE LAND TO HIS SATISFACTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID' THAT EXISTING USES WOULD BE TOLERATED WITHIN THE IDPA’S. PERMISSION GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR WOULD BE HONOURED WHEN THE IDPA’S ARE INCLUDED INTO STATUTORY DPA’S.
/ON THE ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
6 -
ON THE THREE NEW PLANS PUBLISHED TODAY, THERE ARE AREAS DESIGNATED FOR "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT” TO PROVIDE FOR NECESSARY EXPANSION OF ESTABLISHED VILLAGES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN AN IDPA WILL BE ASSESSED ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERIT.
FOR TING KOK, THE DIRECTOR’S CONSIDERATION OF THE PLANNING APPLICATIONS WILL BE GUIDED BY THE DEPARTMENTAL PLAN FOR THE AREA, NAMELY, THE TAI PO EAST OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR INSPECTION.
IF PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING FOR DEVELOPMENT IS REQUIRED, AN APPLICATION FOR SUCH PERMISSION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL REGISTRY, PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
INDIGENOUS NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS WISHING TO APPLY FOR SMALL HOUSE SITES IN AREAS COVERED BY THE NEW IDPA’S SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY DIRECT TO THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER.
ALL THREE IDPA PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED UNTIL NOVEMBER 7 AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
» THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
» RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES.
COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 FOR UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR COLOURED COPY.
--------0-----------
FBIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7,
1990
7
AMENDMENTS TO UNVENTED ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE WATER HEATERS INSTALLATION ANNOUNCED »***«*
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AMENDMENTS TO THE WATERWORKS REGULATIONS TO PERMIT INSTALLATION OF UNVENTED ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATER.
UNDER THE WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATER OF STORAGE CAPACITY NOT EXCEEDING 200 LITRES AND EQUIPPED WITH THERMOSTAT,THERMAL CUT-OUT, TEMPERATURE RELIEF VALVE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE MAY NOW BE CONNECTED DIRECT TO A MAIN AND WITHOUT THE PROVISION OF VENT PIPE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER AUTHORITY EXPLAINED THAT ACCORDING TO THE EXISTING REGULATIONS; THE THERMAL STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATER WAS REQUIRED TO BE SUPPLIED FROM A WATER TANK AND TO BE PROVIDED WITH AN INDIVIDUAL VENT PIPE FOR ENERGY RELIEF TO ELIMINATE THE DANGER OF OVERHEAT.
"THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE DIFFICULT AND COSTLY TO COMPLY WITH IN CERTAIN SITUATION PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF INSTALLATIONS CARRIED OUT IN EXISTING BUILDINGS.
"WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FROM CONSUMERS, A WORKING GROUP STUDYING THE FEASIBILITY OF PERMITTING INSTALLATION FOR THIS TYPE OF WATER HEATER WITHOUT THE PROVISION OF A VENT PIPE HAS BEEN FORMED," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORKING GROUP CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD BE SAFE TO PERMIT UNVENTED INSTALLATION OF SUCH WATER HEATERS UNDER THE CONDITION THAT THE ESSENTIAL SAFETY DEVICES WERE STANDARDISED AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
"THE SAFETY OF UNVENTED ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATER DEPENDS ON CORRECT INSTALLATION," HE STRESSED.
"CONSUMERS WISHING TO INSTALL SUCH TYPE OF WATER HEATER MUST ENGAGE A LICENSED PLUMBER OR QUALIFIED ELECTRIC WORKER WHO HAS RECEIVED SPECIAL TRAINING AND SUBMIT APPLICATION TO THE WATER AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL," HE ADDED.
A LIST OF SUCH QUALIFIED PLUMBERS/ELECTRIC WORKERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE NECESSARY TRAINING IS AVAILABLE AT THE CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE WATER AUTHORITY FOR INSPECTION BY CONSUMERS.
--------0-----------
/8 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990 - 8 -
NT SITES OFFERED TO LETTER A/B HOLDERS
« » » » *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTER A/B) TO TENDER FOR THREE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST SITE IS IN MA ON SHAN TOWN CENTRE, SHA TIN, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 12,700 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAu, EXCLUDING GODOWN, PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 37,300 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1995.
THE SECOND SITE IS ALSO IN SHA TIN. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,600 SQUARE METRES, THIS SITE AT PAR TIN STREET IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT PROVIDES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,800 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1995.
IN KWAI CHUNG, A 2,080-SQUARE-METRE SITE SITUATED AT KAU WA KENG IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 6,240 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 36 MONTHS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH POSSESSION OF THE LOT IS GIVEN.
APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT EITHER A "VINTAGE" TENDER OR A "MONETISED LETTER B" TENDER CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO A LIST OF CURRENCY VALUES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDER.
A "VINTAGE" TENDER WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 5.
FURTHER DETAILS AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF ISLANDS, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
- - 0-------
/9 ........
y
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
- 9 -
EVIDENCE AMENDMENT BILL GAZETTED
« * ♦ » *
A BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROVIDING FOR INFORMATION COMPUTED BY NON-RADAR SPEED DETECTION DEVICES TO BE ADMITTED AS PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COURTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID CURRENT LEGISLATION RE ’ ?RS SPECIFICALLY TO RADAR DEVICES AND GENERALLY TO OTHER APPARATUS I SED TO ASCERTAIN THE SPEED OF A VEHICLE.
’’THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, MAKES IT CLEAR THAT THE PROVISIONS APPLY TO ALL TYPES OF SPEED DETECTION EQUIPMENT.”
------U-------
PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS FOR AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM EXPERIENCED SUPPLIERS TO BE PREQUALIFIED TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF AN AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC) SYSTEM TO RENEW THE EXISTING SYSTEM IN KOWLOON AND TO PROVIDE ATC TO TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
A NOTICE OF PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE KOWLOON ATC SYSTEM WAS 13 YEARS OLD AND ITS USEFULNESS WAS COMING TO AN END. THE NEW SYSTEM WAS INTENDED TO PROVIDE STANDARD ATC FUNCTIONS, TRAFFIC ADAPTIVE CONTROL AND INTEGRATED SYSTEM MANAGEMENT FEATURES, HE SAID.
’’THE SYSTEM WILL INITIALLY PROVIDE FOR THE CONTROL, MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF SOME 900 SIGNALISED JUNCTIONS AND 2,000 DETECTORS.
’’THE INSTATION COMPUTERS WILL BE LOCATED AT TWO CONTROL CENTRES IN KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN. COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE EXISTING DEDICATED NETWORK SUPPLEMENTED BY TELEPHONE CIRCUITS, HE ADDED.
CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE IN DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING ATC SYSTEMS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS •’’O THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE DIVISION, 16TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
ACCEPTANCE OF COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 29 THIS YEAR.
------0-------
/io........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
10
HK’S ESTIMATED POPULATION AT 5.8M
* » » * »
THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF HONG KONG AT THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR WAS 5,800,600, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 39,100 PERSONS OR 0.7 PER CENT OVER MID-1989.
THE BALANCE OF TOTAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES IN THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM MID-1989 TO MID-1990 WAS MINUS 2,900.
THERE WERE 70,800 BIRTHS AND 28,800 DEATHS IN THE SAME PERIOD. NATURAL INCREASE, I.E., THE SURPLUS OF BIRTHS OVER DEATHS AMOUNTED TO 42,000.
------0--------
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO JOIN CORRECTIONAL WORK
*****
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES (PERSONNEL), MR ALAN HANDLEY, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO START A CAREER IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES FIELD.
’’THE PROSPECTS ARE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO WORK HARD AND LEARN,” HE SAID.
MR HANDLEY WAS SPEAKING AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S (CSD) PASSING-OUT PARADE AT STANLEY.
HE EMPHASISED THAT CORRECTIONAL WORK REQUIRED A GREAT DEAL OF DEDICATION AND MUST BECOME THE MAIN PART OF LIFE OF A CSD OFFICER.
WHILE CONCEDING THAT CORRECTIONAL WORK WAS NOT ALWAYS UNDERSTOOD OR APPRECIATED BY THE PUBLIC, HE SAID CSD OFFICERS SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR WORK, WHICH WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE LAW AND ORDER OF HONG KONG AND FOR THE WELL-BEING OF OUR SOCIETY.
MR HANDLEY WILL SOON RETIRE FROM THE DEPARTMENT, AFTER NEARLY 33 YEARS OF SERVICE.
DURING HIS LONG CAREER WITH CSD, HE HAS SPENT CONSIDERABLE TIME WORKING IN THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT FIELD. HE HAS ALSO BEEN IN CHARGE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INSPECTORATE AND PERSONNEL SECTIONS SINCE HIS APPOINTMENT AS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1985.
TODAY’S PARADE MARKED THE PASSING OUT OF 25 OFFICERS AND 74 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED A 26-WEEK BASIC TRAINING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
MR HANDLEY ALSO PRESENTED SILVER WHISTLES TO THREE BEST RECRUITS.
------0-------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
VARIETY SHOW TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION IN SAI KUNG
*****
A VARIETY SHOW AND GAMES DAY WILL BE HELD AT CARMEL DIVINE GRACE FOUNDATION SECONDARY SCHOOL IN PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 9) TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
THE "VOTING IS OUR RIGHT” SHOW IS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN.
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, A KARAOKE SESSION, STALL GAMES AND A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION.
THE STALL GAMES CARRY THE THEMES OF VOTER REGISTRATION, WORK OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND NEXT YEAR’S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.
SPECIAL VOTER REGISTRATION COUNTERS WILL BE SET UP AT THE VENUE TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO SIGN UP. TV ARTISTES WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THE FILLING IN OF REGISTRATION FORMS.
OFFICIATING AT THE SHOW’S OPENING WILL BE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK TONG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MR LAWRENCE LOUR.
A BROADCASTING VAN WILL TOUR SAI KUNG DISTRICT FROM 11 AM TO 7 PM THAT DAY TO CALL ON RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP. REGISTRATION FORMS, INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT’S "VOTING IS OUR RIGHT" VARIETY SHOW AND GAMES DAY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 9) AT CARMEL DIVINE GRACE FOUNDATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM.
--------0----------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990
12
VARIETY SHOW TO CONCLUDE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
*****
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD IN TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING TO MARK THE END OF THIS YEAR’S TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
POPULAR LOCAL SINGERS WILL PERFORM IN THE 90-MINUTE SHOW.
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, WINNERS OF A KARAOKE SINGING COMPETITION AND SCHOOL DANCING TROUPES.
DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR LEO KWAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
♦
ADMISSION IS FREE. TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE, ON CHEUNG ROAD, TAI PO.
THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 8 PM.
---------0-----------
k
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT KEEPS WATCH OVER OIL CRISIS ................................... 1
HK HAS 'SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH SOUTHERN CHINA ................. 3
TAI PO RESIDENTS URGED TO VOTE ..................................... 6
STUDENT BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST FOR CAREERS '91 .................... 6
1,271 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN AUGUST ......................... 7
IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT CLEAR WATER BAY ............................... 8
WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON .............................................. 8
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
GOVT KELPS WATCH OVER OIL CRISIS *****
THE CURRENT SLOWDOWN IN THE ECONOMY SHOULD ALLOW HONG KONG'S OVERHEATED ECONOMY TO COOL AND EASE PRESSURES ON PRICES AND WAGES IN THE INTERIM, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FOR THE MID-WEST IN CHICAGO, USA, YESTERDAY (FRIDAY), MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE EFFECT OF OIL PRICE INCRE JES BECAUSE OF THE GULF CRISIS, THOUGH HONG KONG WAS NOT AS VULNERABLE THESE DAYS TO OIL PRICE VOLATILITY.
"MOST OF OUR POWER IS GENERATED BY COAL AND OUR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES ARE BY AND LARGE NOT ENERGY INTENSIVE," SHE ADDED.
"IN THE LONGER TERM, OUR PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH ARE GOOD BECAUSE OF THE UNDERLYING STRENGTH OF OUR ECONOMY AND BECAUSE WE ARE WELL POSITIONED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES BOTH IN CHINA AND IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION," MRS CHAN SAID.
TURNING TO HONG KONG'S ECONOMIC POLICY, MRS CHAN SAID THE TERRITORY'S OVERALL ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY REMAINED THAT INTERVENTION WITH PRIVATE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND DECISIONS SHOULD BE KEPT TO THE MINIMUM CONSISTENT WITH SOUND AND EQUITABLE MARKETS.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO FACILITATE RATHER THAN OVER-REGULATE.
"WE INTEND TO MAINTAIN OUR RECORD OF SOUND AND PRUDENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. THIS IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT AS WE EMBARK ON OUR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS," SHE SAID.
ON MEASURES TO MAINTAIN ECONOMIC GROWTH, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF OUR HUMAN RESOURCES AND OF OUR BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE.
"WE INTEND TO DOUBLE THE PROVISION OF FIRST DEGREE PLACES BY 1995 AND A THIRD UNIVERSITY, DEDICATED TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WILL BE ESTABLISHED AND WILL ADMIT ITS FIRST STUDENTS IN OCTOBER 1991.
"OUR PLANS FOR THE BUILDING OF A NEW AIRPORT ARE WELL ADVANCED WITH INITIAL CONTRACTS ALREADY LET FOR PRELIMINARY WORKS.
"OUR CONTAINER PORT IS ALSO TO BE GREATLY ENLARGED. OUR AIRPORT AND PORT PROJECTS TOGETHER MAKE UP ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THESE WERE DECISIONS BASED ON COOL-HEADED ECONOMICS AND WERE ESSENTIAL IF HONG KONG WERE TO REMAIN THE HUB OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE REGION.
/"OUR PLANS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
- 2 -
"OUR PLANS FOR FUTURE GROWTH ARE NECESSARILY ON A GRAND SCALE; THAT FOLLOWS FROM THE FACT THAT WE ARE ALREADY A TERRITORY OF SOME SIGNIFICANCE IN TERMS OF THE WORLD’S ECONOMY.
"IF WE WERE TO EXPAND FURTHER, OUR PLANS MUST BE BOLD, IMAGINATIVE, FULLY RESEARCHED AND SKILFULLY IMPLEMENTED," SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT 1997 TENDED TO INVITE MORE THAN ITS FAIR SHARE OF UNHELPFUL SPECULATION AS TO WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN HONG KONG AFTER THAT DATE.
"NO ONE KNOWS FOR SURE. BUT IF HISTORY HAS TAUGHT US ANYTHING, IT IS THAT ALL HINGS ARE POSSIBLE AND NOTHING IS INEVITABLE.
"WE MUST BELIEVE IN OUR FUTURE. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PATH AHEAD WILL ALWAYS BE A SMOOTH ONE," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT WE WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY HAVE OUR UPS AND DOWNS.
MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT 1990 HERALDED A DECADE OF CHANGE, NOT JUST FOR HONG KONG BUT FOR MANY ECONOMIES AROUND THE WORLD.
"HONG KONG IS BETTER EQUIPPED THAN MOST TO WEATHER ADVERSITIES AND INDEED TO EMERGE STRONGER WITH EACH CHALLENGE.
"THIS HAS BEEN OUR EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST AND THERE IS EVERY REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT OUR FUTURE PROSPECTS," SHE SAID.
"OUR PROGRAMMES TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN AND TO DO BUSINESS DO NOT COME TO A HALT IN 1997 BUT CARRY ON WELL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.
"WE FULLY INTEND TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE AS A MAJOR TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE REGION AND AS A THRIVING ENTREPORT AND ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATION," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN IS CURRENTLY IN THE USA FOR A DUTY VISIT. SHE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE "WOODFIELD CELEBRATES HONG KONG" PROMOTION IN ILLINOIS TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE PROMOTION EXERCISE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE WOODFIELD SHOPPING MALL, GIVES A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF CHICAGO’S COMMUNITY A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES ON THEIR HOME GROUND WHAT HONG KONG HAS TO OFFER.
------0------------
/3 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
- 3 -
HK HAS ’SYMBIOTIC’ RELATIONSHIP WITH SOUTHERN CHINA
*****
AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE, HONG KONG HAS DEVELOPED A "SYMBIOTIC” RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SOUTHERN REGION OF CHINA, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID ON FRIDAY (U.S. TIME).
"WHEN THE MANAGEMENT SOPHISTICATION AND MARKETING FLAIR OF HONG KONG ARE INTEGRATED WITH THE LOW-COST AND HIGH-VOLUME PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES OF CHINA, THE RESULT IS A FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC FORCE THAT PRESENTS A GENUINE CHALLENGE TO THE OTHER DYNAMIC ASIAN ECONOMIES’ CURRENT DOMINATION OF LIGHT AND LOW-TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ENTITLED "HONG KONG WORKS" IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, MR BARMA SAID OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING BASE HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY INTEGRATED WITH SOUTHERN CHINA.
"INCREASINGLY, OUR MANUFACTURERS ARE USING HONG KONG TO DO PRODUCT DESIGN AND ENGINEERING, WHILE ACTUAL LABOUR-INTENSIVE OPERATIONS ARE PERFORMED IN CHINA.
"THE FINISHED GOODS ARE TESTED, PACKAGED, DISTRIBUTED AND MARKETED FROM HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THIS "SYMBIOTIC” RELATIONSHIP WAS NOT JUST A THEORY BUT A REALITY. HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS NOW EMPLOYED OVER TWO MILLION WORKERS IN CHINA WHICH WAS THREE TIMES HONG KONG’S OWN INDUSTRIAL LABOUR FORCE.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE THE GATEWAY TO CHINA. CHINA WAS NOW THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS AND THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR ITS DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
CHINA, IN TURN, SENT OVER ONE-THIRD OF ITS MERCHANDISE EXPORTS TO HONG KONG, OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO OTHER DESTINATIONS.
MR BARMA SAID CHINA AND HONG KONG WERE ALSO CLOSE INVESTMENT PARTNERS.
"CHINA IS THE THIRD LARGEST, NON-LOCAL INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AFTER THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG ACCOUNTS FOR TWO-THIRDS OF
DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA, AT US$11.5 BILLION, MOST OF WHICH
IS IN SOUTH CHINA," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THIS ECONOMIC INTER-DEPENDENCE HAD NOT BEEN
CHANGED BY THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN CHINA IN JUNE LAST YEAR.
"AS YOU ARE AWARE, CHINA HAS SINCE REPEATEDLY RE-AFFIRMED PUBLICLY ITS ’OPEN DOOR’ POLICY," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
4
TURNING TO AMERICAN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MR BARMA SAID A NUMBER OF AMERICAN COMPANIES HAD RECOGNISED THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES.
MR BARMA SAID ONE EXAMPLE WAS HIMONT, THE WORLD’S LARGEST PRODUCER OF POLYPROPYLENE RESINS, WHICH HAD ESTABLISHED A TECHNICAL CENTRE IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE PLASTIC MATERIAL INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING ECOLOGICAL ISSUES AND DESIGN ADVANCEMENT CAPABILITIES.
"THE INVESTMENT EXCEEDS US$7 MILLION," HE SAID.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE WAS MOTOROLA’S "SILICON HARBOUR CENTRE" PROJECT IN HONG KONG WHICH WAS NOW NEARING COMPLETION. THE CENTRE, COSTING SEVERAL HUNDRED MILLION U.S. DOLLARS, WOULD BE ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED FACILITIES IN THE WORLD, A GENERATION AHEAD OF SIMILAR PLANTS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
MR BARMA SAID: "AS A MATTER OF FACT, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, TOTAL U.S. INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IN 1989 WAS THE LARGEST IN THE REGION, AMOUNTING TO US$5.85 BILLION, OR 28 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL IN ASIA PACIFIC.
"IT REPRESENTS A 12 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1988.”
MR BARMA SAID A NUMBER OF FOREIGN COMPANIES HAD GONE A STEP FURTHER AND SET UP A MANUFACTURING BASE IN HONG KONG.
THE MORE NOTABLE PROJECTS RECENTLY COMPLETED INCLUDED THE ACQUISITION BY VITELIC CORPORATION OF SAN JOSE OF A HONG KONG SEMI-CONDUCTOR FOUNDRY TO UPGRADE ITS FACILITIES TO PRODUCE SUB-MICRON FIVE-INCH WAFERS AND THE SETTING UP OF PEN-TSAO-MATERIA-MEDICA-CENTER LTD, A JOINT VENTURE OF WEST GERMAN AND HONG KONG INTERESTS, TO PRODUCE ORGANIC INTERMEDIATES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND CHEMICALS.
OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OF A PAPER RECYCLING PLANT TO PRODUCE PAPER BOARD BY CONCORDIA PAPER LTD; A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN A CHINESE STATE ORGANISATION AND A HONG KONG PRIVATE COMPANY; AND THE SETTING UP BY DAIWA STEEL TUBE OF JAPAN OF A SUBSIDIARY TO MAKE HOT-DIP GALVANISED STEEL TUBES IN HONG KONG.
MR BARMA ALSO OUTLINED HONG KONG’S PLANS TO IMPROVE ITS ALREADY EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH HE SAID WOULD MAKE HONG KONG AN EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS.
"WE ARE LOOKING AHEAD AND ARE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
THESE PLANS INCLUDED BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT BY EARLY 1997 TO HANDLE 80 MILLION PASSENGERS ANNUALLY AND THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING PORT FACILITIES TO ACHIEVE, BY 2006, A FIVE-FOLD INCREASE IN HONG KONG’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT WHICH AT PRESENT AMOUNTED TO 4.46 MILLION 20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS PER ANNUM.
/NEW HIGHWAYS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
- 5
NEW HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND RAILROADS WOULD BE BUILT TO SERVE THESE NEW FACILITIES.
"THE COST OF THE COMBINED PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECT IS ESTIMATED AT US$16.3 BILLION AT CURRENT PRICES," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID ALL THESE UNDERTAKINGS WOULD INVOLVE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN PROJECT FINANCE, ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY, CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLY OF MATERIALS.
"RESPONSES, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGING. IN FACT, BECHTEL OF CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CONTRACT FOR THE OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS," HE SAID.
TURNING TO FUTURE PROSPECTS, MR BARMA SAID PAST EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG WAS EXTREMELY RESILIENT.
"WHENEVER THERE WAS A GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN, THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO BOUNCE BACK QUICKLY - WITH ENHANCED VIGOUR," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS NOT WITHOUT UNCERTAINTIES, "BUT NEITHER DOES IT LACK EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES."
"THE LARGE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, AND THE CONTINUOUS INFLOW OF TECHNOLOGY AND INVESTMENT, SHOW CLEARLY THAT HONG KONG IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FIND OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGE FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES," HE TOLD PARTICIPANTS AT THE SEMINAR.
THE "HONG KONG WORKS" SEMINAR IS THE FIRST OF THE KIND ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IN SILICON VALLEY. THE PANEL, DRAWN FROM U.S. AND HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE OF ITS EXPERTISE ON THE MANY CHANGING ASPECTS OF HONG KONG AND THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AS A MANUFACTURING AND BUSINESS CENTRE.
OTHER SPEAKERS FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT INCLUDED THE COUNSELLOR AT THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, MS CAROL VALENTINE, AND THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR (NORTH AMERICA) FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION, MR IAN HOWARD.
THE WIDE RANGING SEMINAR PROGRAMME PROVIDED AN IN-DEPTH UPDATE FOR SILICON VALLEY COMPANIES INTERESTED IN DOING BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM TAKING PART IN THE SEMINAR, MR BARMA ALSO ADDRESSED THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN LOS ANGELES AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA IN SAN FRANCISCO.
- - 0---------
/6.........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8,
- 6 -
TAI PO RESIDENTS URGED TO VOTE
» ♦ » * ♦
ft : ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ?O KW. TONIGHT (SATURDAY) URGED TAI PO RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS SO AS TO ENABLE THEM TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.
SPE/ KING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, MR KWAN SAID LOCAL RESIDENTS SHOULD PERFORM THEIR CIVIC DUTY BY REGISTERING AS VOTERS.
HE ADDED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST STEP TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
TONIGHT’S CLOSING CEREMONY AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE WAS FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW, WHICH INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, THE TAI PO DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, WINNERS OF A KARAOKE SINGING COMPETITION AND SCHOOL DANCING TROUPES.
UNDER THE TWO-MONTH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, OVER 300 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE • AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY WERE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WITH THE SUPPORT OF 27 LOCAL YOUTH AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
--------U-----------
STUDENT BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST FOR CAREERS '91 ♦ * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ITS ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION, CAREERS ’91, TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL BETWEEN NOVEMBER 10 AND 19.
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
’’DESIGNS COULD BE IN THE FORM OF WORDS OR GRAPHICS AND SHOULD DEPICT THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE), MR LEUNG LIT-CHEONG, SAID.
THEY SHOULD BE IN COLOUR AND MOUNTED ON CARDBOARD, WITH THE SIZE OF 36.8 CM BY 11.4 CM.
THE BACK OF THE DESIGN SHOULD LIST THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:
"THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PROVIDES INFORMATION ON CAREERS AND FURTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AT;
/★ SOUTHORN CENTRE........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
* SOUTHORN CENTRE,’ 16TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI (TEL. 835 2044)
* TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NINTH FLOOR, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON (TEL. 715 3635)
» TAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 16 TSUN WEN ROAD, TUEN MUN (TEL. 463 6855)
» CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET, SHA TIN (TEL. 601 5101)"
COMPLETED DESIGNS, TOGETHER WITH ENTRANTS' PERSONAL PARTICULARS INCLUDING NAME, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER, SCHOOL, CLASS, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, MUST REACH THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE AT SOUTHORN CENTRE, 16TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, BY OCTOBER 6.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL EACH BE AWARDED A CAMERA. PRIZES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO DESIGNERS OF 20 OTHER SELECTED ENTRIES.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE COMPETITION CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 835 2044.
— — — — U — — — —
1,271 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN AUGUST
******
A TOTAL OF 1,610 CASUALTIES WAS REPORTED IN 1,271 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY LAST MONTH.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT 312 OF THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 673 IN KOWLOON AND 286 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR AUGUST SHOWED THAT 26 PERSONS WERE KILLED, 348 PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 1,236 SLIGHTLY INJURED IN THESE ACCIDENTS.
THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 11.6 PER CENT AND 12.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
? --------0--------
/8 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1990
8
IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT CLEAR WATER BAY ♦ t » » ♦
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT CLEAR WATER BAY SECOND BAY IN SAI KUNG.
THE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BEACH BUILDING, A PUBLIC TOILET AND A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START THIS NOVEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 28.
------U--------
WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON * « t * «
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST AND KOWLOON SOUTH WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 10) TO NOON THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MA TAU WAI, MA TAU CHUNG, KOWLOON CITY, TUNG TAU ESTATE, WANG TAU HOM, LOK FU, KOWLOON TONG, WONG TAI SIN, CHUK YUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, KAI TAK, SAN PO KONG, CHOI HUNG ESTATE AND HAMMER HILL ROAD.
THE AREA BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, PEACE AVENUE AND WATERLOO ROAD WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 11) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, YIM PO FONG STREET, WYLIE ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, PUI CHING ROAD AND SOARES AVENUE.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NCL
AC MEMBERS URGED TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION ............................
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION VITAL TO DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVT ..........
BLITZ ON UNSAFE WORK SITES ................................................
4
MORE OPEN SPACE FOR TAI PO ................................................
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1990
1
AC MEMBERS URGED TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT AREA COMMITTEE (AC) MEMBERS TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT JOINT AREA COMMITTEE DAY CAMP AT BAPTIST ASSEMBLY, FANLING, MR LAN SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN LAUNCHED IN THE DISTRICT TO PUBLICISE THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.
"THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE HOUSEHOLD VISITS, DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND A LARGE-SCALE VOTER REGISTRATION DAY," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT HAD MORE THAN 110,000 REGISTERED VOTERS OR ABOUT 44 PER CENT OF THE DISTRICT’S ELIGIBLE VOTERS.
"SINCE THE START OF THE REGISTRATION EXERCISE, FEEDBACK HAS BEEN GOOD WITH A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 13,000 COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS RETURNED.
"I SINCERELY HOPE THAT AC MEMBERS AS COMMUNITY LEADERS, WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS AND ACTIVELY SUPPORT THESE MEANINGFUL ELECTION ACTIVITIES,” MR LAN SAID.
EARLIER, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY PRAISED THE AC MEMBERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PROMOTING TERRITORY-WIDE DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS’ WELFARE.
HE SAID THE AC’S HAD BEEN SERVING AS AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS BY CLOSELY MONITORING AND PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG IS IN A NEW HISTORIC STAGE OF POLITICAL TRANSITION TOWARDS A MORE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM, MR LAN SAID THERE WAS AN EVEN STRONGER NEED FOR DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS TO EFFECTIVELY REFLECT PUBLIC OPINIONS.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT TODAY’S EVENT REFLECTED THE SPIRIT OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION, ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND PLANNING OF AC MEMBERS.
SHARING HIS VIEWS, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DUNCAN PESCOD, SAID: "THROUGH REGULAR MEETINGS, AC MEMBERS ARE ABLE TO VOICE THE VIEWS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AND HELP IMPROVE THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENT AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES.
END/RE.
/"THE VARIOUS .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1990
2
"THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY AC’S HAVE ALSO BROUGHT FUN TO LOCAL RESIDENTS."
ABOUT 250 MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT AC’S TOOK PART IN THE DAY CAMP ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG AC MEMBERS.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED GAMES, BARBECUE, A KARAOKE COMPETITION AND SPORTING EVENTS. THE WINNERS WERE PRESENTED PRIZES BY MR LAN.
-----0------
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION VITAL TO DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVT
******
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IS VITAL IN THE DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH ARE PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK TONG, SAID THIS WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "VOTING IS OUR RIGHT" VARIETY SHOW AND GAMES DAY IN TSEUNG KWAN O TODAY (SUNDAY).
"DIRECT PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC MEANS REGISTERING AS VOTERS, SHOWING CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY, GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ELECTION CANDIDATES AND THEIR PLATFORMS, VOTING IN THE ELECTIONS AND MONITORING THE PERFORMANCE OF THOSE ELECTED.
"THEREFORE, SIGNING UP AS A VOTER IS THE START AND AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE WHOLE PROCESS."
MR TONG SAID SO FAR OVER 26,000 OF THE 64,000 ELIGIBLE VOTERS IN SAI KUNG HAD REGISTERED.
"THE FIGURE IS LIKELY TO INCREASE IN VIEW OF THE GROWING POPULATION OF TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN," HE SAID.
"THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS BEEN RECEIVING MORE THAN 200 COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS EACH DAY SINCE THE TERRITORY-WIDE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN STARTED IN MID-AUGUST," HE ADDED.
THE VARIETY SHOW AND GAMES DAY WAS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF THE PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FOR THE DISTRICT’S VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, A KARAOKE SESSION, STALL GAMES AND A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION.
/THE STALL .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER
90
- 3 -
THE STALL GAMES CARRIED THE THEMES OF VOTER REGISTRATION, WORK OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND NEXT YEAR’S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.
SPECIAL VOTER REGISTRATION COUNTERS WERE SET UP AT THE VENUE TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO SIGN UP. TELEVISION ARTISTES WERE PRESENT TO \ TH? FILLING IN OF REGISTRATION FORMS.
A BROADCASTING VAN TOURED THE DISTRICT TO CALL ON RESIDENTS TO SIGN IP. REGISTRATION FORMS, INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS WERE DISTRIBUTE!.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE SHOW’S OPENING .ml. E THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MR LAWRENCE LOUR.
--------0-----------
BLITZ ON UNSAFE WORK SITES ♦ » * ♦ »
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT TASK FORC-, IS TAKING VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION ON SELECTED CONSTRUCTION SITE IN A BID TO RECTIFY UNSAFE PRACTICES OF BUILDING CONTRACTORS.
THE SPECIAL OPERATION BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH MAINLY ON SITES WITH POOR SAFETY PERFORMANCE OR HIGH ACCIDENT RECORDS.
’’UNDER THE THIRD PHASE OF THE FOUR-AND-A-HALF MONTH OPERATION, TASK FORCE TEAMS WILL CONCENTRATE ON THE HIGH-RISK AREAS INCLUDING PLACES LIABLE TO CAUSE FALLS OF PERSONS OR OBJECTS, WOODWORKING MACHINERY, WEARING OF SAFETY HELMETS AND THE USE OF LIFTING APPLIANCES SUCH AS GONDOLAS,” THE DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
’’DURING THE FIRST ROUND OF THE CURRENT ENFORCEMENT ACTION WHICH BEGAN IN JULY, SOME CONTRACTORS WERE FOUND INDIFFERENT TO OUR CALL FOR SAFETY.
"MANY CONSTRUCTION FIRMS HAD NO SAFETY POLICY OR SAFETY OFFICERS, AND SHOWED LITTLE INTEREST IN PREVENTING INJURIES TO THEIR OWN WORKERS OR TENDED TO SHIFT THE BLAME FOR UNSAFE ACTS ON TO WORKERS.
"GIVEN THE SOARING ACCIDENT TOLL IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN RECENT MONTHS, WE CANNOT TOLERATE SUCH AN APPALLING SITUATION," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID PROSECUTION WOULD BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST CONTRACTORS WHO FLOUTED SAFETY .AWS, ADDING THAT 167 SUMMONSES HAD SO FAR BEEN RECOMMENDED AGAINST 110 SITES BY THE TASK FORCE DURING THE CURRENT PHASE OF THE OPERATION.
"THE TASK FORCE MAY TAKE EVEN MORE DRASTIC ACTION IF CONTRA! ’ORS WHO WERE INDIFFERENT TO SITE SAFETY MANAGEMENT DO NOT MAKE IMPROVEMENT,” HE ADDED.
------0--------
/4 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1990
4
MORE OPEN SPACE FOR TAI PO t * t * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE NEAR TING KOK ROAD IN AREA 2 AND SOUTHEAST OF FU SHIN ESTATE IN AREA 17, TAI PO.
THE PROJECTS ARE PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO NEW TOWN.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND SITTING-OUT AREAS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 28.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JUNE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE ......................... 1
INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR PAD ............................. 5
SOLICITOR FIRMS SELECTED FOR AIRPORT LEGAL WORK ........................... 6
EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER .................................. 6
EXPERT TO ADVISE ON BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP STRATEGY ......................... 7
STATEMENT TO CLARIFY NEWSPAPER REPORT ..................................... 7
11 FILIPINOS APPREHENDED FOR UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENTS ....................... 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ...................................................... 8
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR COMMUNITY CENTRE ....................................... 9
WATER CUTS IN NORTH POINT AND TSZ WAN SHAN ................................ 9
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
1
JUNE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE «««««««
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 10 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 4 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES, HAVING DISCOUNTED THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) INCREASED BY 1 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 AVAILABLE.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF JUNE 1990 WITH JUNE 1989, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT. TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED ALSO BY 2 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989, INCLUDING RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-46 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (-40 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-31 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-29 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (-25 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-5 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-4 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (-3 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+33 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+10 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+9 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE FABRICS (+2 PER CENT).
/THE PRICES .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
- 2 -
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989. THESE INCLUDED METAL MANUFACTURES (+7 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+5 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+3 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+3 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+2 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+2 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT); AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+1 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-5 PER CENT) AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-1 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE; SWINE; AND SUGAR. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; AND TEA AND COFFEE.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT. COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; FOOTWEAR; AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES WAS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED IN JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989. INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; AND WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; MAN-MADE FIBRES; AND YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 40 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME DECREASED BY 8 PER CENT IN JUNE 1990 OVER JUNE 1989. DECREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY); AND TEXTILE MACHINERY. ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES; AND SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.
COMPARING JUNE 1990 WITH JUNE 1989, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED : CONSUMER GOODS (+4 PER CENT); FOODSTUFFS (+4 PER CENT); AND CAPITAL GOODS (+3 PER CENT). IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
/COMPARING JUNE .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
3 -
COMPARING JUNE 1990 WITH JUNE 1989, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS; FOODSTUFFS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 14 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JUNE 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1989: FUELS (+5 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+3 PER CENT); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+3 PER CENT); AND CAPITAL GOODS (+2 PER CENT). HOWEVER, RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND SEPTEMBER 14 AT $3 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 823 4918).
EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
CHANGES IN DOMESTIC
TABLE 1:
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % COMPARING WITH UNIT VALUE % JUN 1990 JUN 1989 VOLUME % COMP^ VALUE % kRING JAN-JUN 1990 WITH JAN-JUN 1989 UNIT VALUE VOLUME
% X
CLOTHING -1 2 -3 1 2 -1
TEXTILE FABRICS 5 3 2 5 3 2
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -1 3 -4 -9 3 -12
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 10 2 9 -5 2 -7
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -46 * -46 -37 * -37
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 15 5 10 18 3 14
FOOTWEAR -39 • 2 -40 -26 2 -27
/METAL MANUFACTURES .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
4
METAL MANUFACTURES -20 7 -25 -17 6 -21
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -9 -5 -5 -21 -6 -16
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 31 -1 33 4 -2 6
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -30 2 -31 -18 4 -21
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -28 1 -29 -29 1 -30
ALL COMMODITIES -1 2 -2 -1 2 -3
♦ LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH JUN 1990 JUN 1989 COMPARING JAN-JUN 1990 WITH JAN-JUN 1989
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME % % %
FOODSTUFFS 2 4 -2 4 3 t
CONSUMER GOODS 18 4 13 17 5 12
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -1 -1 » -3 -1 -2
FUELS -40 * -40 4 8 -3
CAPITAL GOODS -6 3 -8 3 2 2
ALL COMMODITIES 4 2 2 6 2 3
♦ LESS THAN 0.5%
/TABLE 3 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
5 -
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % COMPARING JUN 1990 WITH JUN 1989 UNIT VALUE VOLUME % % COMPARING JAN-JUN 1990 WITH JAN-JUN 1989
VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME
% %
FOODSTUFFS -8 ♦ -8 -10 1 -11
CONSUMER GOODS 25 3 21 30 4 25
RAW MATERIALS \ND
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 2 3 -1 -2 4 -5
FUELS -10 5 -14 59 11 43
CAPITAL GOODS 16 2 14 7 3 4
ALL COMMODITIES 14 3 11 14 4 10
* LESS THAN 0.5%
---------0-----------
INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR PAD * ♦ « ♦ »
HONG KONG’S PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT IS TO BE EXPLAINED IN AN INNOVATIVE WAY USING THE VERY LATEST IN HIGH TECHNOLOGY.
A COMPUTERISED INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA DISPLAY SYSTEM WILL ENABLE EASY ACCESS ON TELEVISION SCREENS THROUGH OPTICALLY READABLE COMPACT DISCS, TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC INFORMATION BY A TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEM.
A CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY NEW AIRPORT WORKS, MR RAFAEL S.Y. HUI, AND MR SIMON WINCHESTER OF INTEROPTICA PUBLISHING LTD.
THE ADDITIONAL BENEFIT OF INFORMATION BEING AVAILABLE IN A CHOICE OF LANGUAGES WILL FACILITATE THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
/MR HUI .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
MR HUI SAID THE AIRPORT, PORT AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTS FOR HONG KONG WOULD ENSURE ITS CONTINUED PROSPERITY WELL INTO THE FUTURE.
"IT IS, THEREFORE, APPROPRIATE THAT WE MAKE USE OF THE VERY LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT OUR MESSAGE IS PUT ACROSS AS EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
"THE INTERACTIVE CD-ROM PROJECT IS BOTH CHALLENGING AND EXCITING AND THIS USE OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY PROMOTES THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONALLY," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
SOLICITOR FIRMS SELECTED FOR AIRPORT LEGAL WORK
*****
A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AND SEVERAL SECRETARIAT BRANCHES HAS SELECTED THE SOLICITORS FIRMS OF MESSRS CLIFFORD CHANCE AND MESSRS MCKENNA & CO TO. ADVISE AND ACT FOR THE GOVERNMENT IN RELATION TO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
THE DECISION WAS MADE AFTER THE BOARD HAD COMPLETED CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN PROVIDING SPECIALIST SERVICE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT FROM SOME 30 FIRMS IN RESPONSE TO AN INVITATION ISSUED BY THE ATTORNEY GERENAL'S CHAMBERS EARLIER THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER ♦ * * * *
A FOURTH ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN EXPERTS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG'S FUTURE DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 11 AND 12.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE MR DOUG MARTIN. THE CHINESE TEAM WILL BE LED BY CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE MR WANG JIAJI.
THEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY OTHER EXPERTS FROM THE TWO SIDES.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
7
EXPERT TO ADVISE ON BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP STRATEGY
*****
IN AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP FOR THE ARTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS INVITED THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF BRITAIN’S ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS, MR COLIN TWEEDY, TO VISIT THE TERRITORY TO ADVISE ON A STRATEGY FOR ENCOURAGING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO INVEST IN THE ARTS.
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, TODAY (MONDAY) EXPLAINED THAT MANY COMPANIES IN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA SAW SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR MARKETING STRATEGIES.
"WE HOPE TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESSES AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG TO SEE SPONSORSHIP AS A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL ACTIVITY," HE SAID.
MR TWEEDY ARRIVED HERE YESTERDAY AND WILL BE IN HONG KONG UNTIL SEPTEMBER 21. HE WILL BE MEETING LEADING MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS AND THE ARTS COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED FOUNDATION OF BUSINESSES IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS, WHICH IS SPONSORING HIS VISIT.
MR TWEEDY WILL ALSO BE A KEY-NOTE SPEAKER AT A CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP - "BUSINESS AND THE ARTS" - ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ON SEPTEMBER 19.
------0--------
STATEMENT TO CLARIFY NEWSPAPER REPORT *****
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED JOINTLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO CLARIFY A NEWSPAPER REPORT ON DISPENSING WRONG MEDICINE:
"ALL DISPENSERS, WHETHER FULL OR PART-TIME, EMPLOYED BY THE GOVERNMENT ARE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED AND THERE ARE NO REASONS TO DOUBT THEIR PROFESSIONAL STANDARD AS ALL OF THEM HAVE RECEIVED PROPER TRAINING.
"CASES OF DISPENSING WRONG MEDICINE ARE EXTREMELY RARE, AND INDEED IN RECENT YEARS, NO SUCH REPORTS IN OUR HOSPITALS AND CLINICS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. AND THE TWO DEPARTMENTS ARE CONFIDENT OF THE VERY HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OF OUR DISPENSING SERVICES."
------0--------
/3 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
11 FILIPINOS APPREHENDED FOR UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENTS * * ♦ * *
ACTING ON INFORMATION, IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS RAI sD 10 ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDING FASHION SHOPS, BEAUTY SALOONS AND AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IN CENTRAL IN THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 8.
IDENTITY CHECKS WERE CONDUCTED ON MORE THAN 70 PERSONS AT THESE PLACES.
DURING THE OPERATION, 10 FILIPINA DOMESTIC HELPERS AND A FILIPINO VISITOR, AGED BETWEEN 26 AND 46, WERE APPREHENDED.
THEY WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE TAKEN UP UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENTS AS HAIRDRESSERS OR SHOP/AGENCY ASSISTANTS AT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS. ONE OF THE DOMESTIC HELPERS WAS ALSO FOUND TO HAVE OVERSTAYED IN HONG KONG.
FIVE HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE ASSISTING WITH THE INVESTIGATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "UNDER THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER IS ONLY ALLOWED TO WORK FOR A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER UNDER A SPECIFIC EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
"HE/SHE SHOULD NOT WORK IN ANOTHER HOUSEHOLD OR CARRY OUT NON-HOUSEHOLD CHORES. IT IS ALSO AN OFFENCE FOR THE EMPLOYER TO ASK HIS/HER DOMESTIC HELPER TO DO SO."
HE ALSO WARNED THOSE WHO HAVE BREACHED THEIR CONDITION OF STAY HERE THAT THEY ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND UPON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
THOSE WHO AID AND ABET OTHER PEOPLE TO COMMIT THE OFFENCES ARE ALSO LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND PENALTY.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
» » * * »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 52.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 306.825 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 379.532 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 64.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
9
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR COMMUNITY CENTRE *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TIN SUM ESTATE, SHA TIN.
COMPRISING A SIX-STOREY BLOCK, A SINGLE-STOREY HALL AND A BASKETBALL COURT, THE CENTRE WILL IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN 14 MONTHS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDER IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 28.
--------U-----------
WATER CUTS IN NORTH POINT AND TSZ WAN SHAN
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 12) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, CLOUD VIEW ROAD, WAN TIN PATH, YEE KING ROAD, 60-74 KAI YUEN STREET (EVEN NUMBER), 70-216 TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD (EVEN NUMBER) A5lD PO LUEN PATH.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 1 PM TO 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT BLOCK 1-3, 57-60 TSZ ON ESTATE, BLOCK 61-66 TSZ MAN ESTATE, A SECTION OF PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD FROM PO KONG LANE TO FUNO SHING STREET, YUK WAH STREET, LOK WAH STREET, NAM SHAN MEI TSUEN, TIN LIU TSUEN, NAM SHAN TSUEN, HILL TOP GARDEN, KING SHAN COURT, KING LAI COURT, A SECTION OF YUK WAH CRESCENT FROM PO MING LANE TO PO KING LANE, AND PO FONG LANE.
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD CAITHNESS TO ARRIVE ON SATURDAY ................................... 1
PADS FACILITATES ECONOMIC GROWTH ....................................... 2
MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 ..................... 4
FORENSIC WORK A CAREER FOR TSUI ........................................ 12
AUGUST 1990 THE HOTTEST MONTH RECORDED.................................. 15
WATER SUPPLIES CENTRALISED WORKSHOP TO OPEN SOON ....................... 18
CSD SCOUTS TO STAGE 'BEATING RETREAT' .................................. 19
SCHOOLS REMINDED TO FILL UP SECONDARY SIX VACANCIES .................... 20
CENTRAL AND WESTERN BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR ........................ 21
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 1 -LORD CAITHNESS TO ARRIVE ON SATURDAY *****
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD CAITHNESS, WILL ARRIVE THIS SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 15) FOR A SIX-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT.
DURING THE VISIT, HIS FIRST TO HONG KONG, LORD CAITHNESS WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE GOVERNOR AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE TERRITORY’S DEVELOPMENTS AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.
HE WILL ALSO MEET A CROSS SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, CHAIRMEN OF MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS, BUSINESSMEN AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS POLITICAL GROUPS AND CIVIL SERVANTS UNIONS.
LORD CAITHNESS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST HAND INFORMATION ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AT CHEK LAP KOK. HE WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON PORT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR; DEVELOPMENTS IN NEW TOWNS, PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMMES AND PROGRESS OF THE NEW UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
HE WILL SEE FOR HIMSELF WHAT CONDITIONS ARE LIKE AT THE WHITEHEAD VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRE AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CENTRE AT PILLAR POINT.
THE MINISTER WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT, WELFARE INSTITUTIONS, THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE AND THE BANK OF CHINA.
HIS EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE VISITS TO THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION AND THE OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
LORD CAITHNESS WILL MEET THE MEDIA BEFORE RETURNING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM ON SEPTEMBER 20.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
DETAILS OF THE PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR LORD CAITHNESS’S VISIT WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
2
PADS FACILITATES » » »
ECONOMIC GROWTH * *
THE HONG KONG GOVEivN.iENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AND IS BEGINNING IN EARNEST THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION STAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID IN TORONTO ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 10).
THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS FOR PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT SHOULD HELP SECURE HONG KONG’S POSITION AS ONE OF THE MAJOR SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT HUBS IN THE REGION, TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL, MRS CHAN SAID.
SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION OF THE METRO TORONTO BOARD OF TRADE SHE SAID: "THIS, IN TURN, WILL FACILITATE GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY WHICH WILL BEST GUARANTEE OUR FUTURE."
SHE POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE PORT AND AIRPORT WOULD BE SUPPORTED BY NEW AND EFFICIENT TRANSPORT NETWORKS.
"WORK HAS NOW STARTED ON ALL THE TRANSPORT PROJECTS. ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDIES HAVE EITHER COMMENCED OR ARE BEING PLANNED," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTED TO INVITE EARLY NEXT MONTH INTERNATIONAL BIDS FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WHICH WOULD PROBABLY COMPRISE TWO BRIDGES.
"THE FIRST OF THESE WOULD BE A SUSPENSION BRIDGE ABOUT 1.4 KILOMETERS, A LITTLE LONGER THAN THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. THIS WOULD PROBABLY BE THE LONGEST SINGLE SPAN SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN THE WORLD," MRS CHAN SAID.
BRIEFING HER AUDIENCE ON THE ROAD LINK, MRS CHAN SAID IT WOULD COMPRISE A 12-KILOMETRE, SIX-LANE EXPRESSWAY FROM THE AIRPORT, ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF LANTAU ISLAND AND, BY A SERIES OF MAJOR BRIDGES, TO WESTERN KOWLOON AND ULTIMATELY TO HONG KONG ISLAND.
A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE ROUTE HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED AND WORK ON DETAILED DESIGNS WOULD START SOON, SHE ADDED.
SHE NOTED THAT THE NEXT STAGE OF THE TRANSPORT PROJECTS WOULD BE A DETAILED FINANCIAL ANALYSIS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT DECIDE WHICH PROJECTS SHOULD BE PRIVATISED AND IN WHAT FORM.
"KEEN COMPETITION FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS EXPECTED AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT A GOOD PACKAGE OF VIABLE TRANSPORT PROJECTS WILL EMERGE," MRS CHAN STRESSED.
SHE URGED COMPANIES INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN HONG KONG'S INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO COME UP WITH IMAGINATIVE AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS.
/"ON THIS ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 3
"ON THIS, I KNOW CANADIAN FIRMS ARE JUST AS CAPABLE AS ANYONE ELSE. INDEED THE CANADIAN COMPANY MARSHALL MACKLIN MONAGHAN LIMITED, WHO IS HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 3 AT TORONTO AIRPORT, HAVE BEEN ENGAGED WITH HONG KONG FIRM WARDLEY CAPITAL TO UNDERTAKE A FINANCIAL CONSULTANCY FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN TRANSPORT PROJECTS.
"THE EXACT DETAILS AS TO HOW SUCH PROJECTS WILL BE PRIVATISED REMAIN TO BE WORKED OUT, BUT I ENVISAGE THAT OPEN INVITATION WILL BE MADE BEFORE NEXT YEAR TO PRIVATE SECTOR CONSORTIA, BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL, TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE PROJECTS ON THE BASIS OF ’BUILD, OPERATE AND TRANSFER’ ARRANGEMENTS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT ONE OF HONG KONG’S KEY STRENGTHS LIES IN THE CONTINUING AND FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES A SOUND, STABLE AND CONSISTENT ENVIRONMENT AND A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK SUPPORTED BY A LOW TAX STRUCTURE.
"THE PRIVATE SECTOR USES ITS ENTREPRENEURIAL, MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL SKILLS TO MAKE OPTIMUM USE OF THE COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE OFFER," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT VIRTUALLY ALL OF HONG KONG’S PORT INFRASTRUCTURAL SERVICES HAD BEEN BUILT AND WERE OPERATED BY THE PRIVATE SECTORS IN SUCH A WAY.
"WE INTERFERE WITH THEIR OPERATIONS AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. WE INTEND THIS POLICY TO CONTINUE.
"WITH REGARD TO THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL EMERGE, I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT WE OPERATE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL OUR PROJECTS AND IN RESPECT OF ALL OUR INVESTORS.
"HISTORICALLY, WE HAVE GIVEN NO SPECIAL INCENTIVES TO EITHER LOCAL OR OVERSEAS CONCERNS. SELECTION IS BASED ON THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSALS," SHE ADDED.
--------0-----------
/4 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
4
MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990
*******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR WAS $118,230 MILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990, 6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989. ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY STATISTICS ON AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
THEIR SHARES IN TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS WERE 29 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE CORRESPONDING SHARES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1989 WERE 29 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, AIRBORNE IMPORTS AMOUNTED TO 177,220 TONNES, WHILE TOTAL AIRBORNE EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AMOUNTED TO 188,668 TONNES, WHICH WERE 16 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THOSE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1989.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, THE U.S.A., JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS AND SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 20 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS.
HOWEVER, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, BY 51 PER CENT AND 37 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THAT TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY HAD A MODERATE INCREASE OF 2 PER CENT.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY FOR CLOTHING (BY $1,079 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $105 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT); AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATION THEREOF (BY $81 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, INCREASES ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 5 -
HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $461 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $356 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $179 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $66 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT).
DETAILED ANALYSIS BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY . SHOWED THAT MORE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE U.S.A. (BY $472 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AND TO SWITZERLAND (BY $152 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS TO JAPAN (BY $90 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT); AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS ANb MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF TO JAPAN (BY $78 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO SINGAPORE (BY $330 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT) AND TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $136 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $211 MILLION OR 106 PER CENT) AND TO THE U.S.A. (BY $36 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT TO JAPAN (BY $76 MILLION OR 171 PER CENT); AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES TO JAPAN (BY $39 MILLION OR 87 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 3.
IMPORTS CARRIED BY AIR FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM MALAYSIA (BY 40 PER CENT). THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE, ITALY, THE U.S.A., FRANCE AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ALSO INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM U.K. DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT. THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM JAPAN AND TAIWAN WAS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON.
AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 4.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,000 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT); TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $484 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $484 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $345 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES .........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 6 -
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $363 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT); TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $186 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT); AND PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS (BY $120 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT).
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM THE U.S.A. (BY $741 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT) AND FROM MALAYSIA (BY $654 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT); TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES FROM THE U.S.A. (BY $550 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT) AND FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $4 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT FROM JAPAN (BY $347 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS FROM THE U.S.A. (BY $138 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS FROM FINLAND (BY $132 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT) AND FROM DENMARK (BY $110 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT); TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES FROM THE U.S.A. (BY $188 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT); AND PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS FROM JAPAN (BY $69 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
HONG KONG’S AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989. THE GROWTH WAS PARTICULARLY STRONG FOR THAILAND (BY 70 PER CENT).
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO SWITZERLAND (BY 38 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY 37 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY 29 PER CENT), TAIWAN (BY 24 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY 19 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (BY 17 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN
IN TABLE 6.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $984 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $935 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $861 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $609 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $158 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT); CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $82 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT); AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $51 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT).
/ANALYSED BY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $776 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT) AND TO SINGAPORE (BY $391 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES TO JAPAN (BY $407 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT) AND TO THAILAND (BY $337 MILLION OR 97 PER CENT); CLOTHING TO THE U.S.A. (BY $315 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO THE NETHERLANDS (BY $137 MILLION OR 442 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED TN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO KUWAIT (BY $182 MILLION OR 96 PER CENT) AND TO JAPAN (BY $59 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT); CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS TO JAPAN (BY $62 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT); AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND MACHINE PARTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $25 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE ’’HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, JUNE 1990” NOW AVAILABLE AT $27 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE. ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 823 4915.
TABLE 1 : AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1989 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE PERCENTAGE CHANGE
( HKD MN. ) ( % )
U.S.A. 10,902 11,738 - 836 - 7
JAPAN 3,009 3,228 - 219 - 7
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,727 2,664 + 62 2
SINGAPORE 1,725 1,260 + 465 + 37
U.K. 1,405 1 ,746 - 341 - 20
TAIWAN 1 , 105 732 + 373 + 51
SWITZERLAND 760 803 - 43 - 5
FRANCE 751 703 + 49 + 7
CANADA 742 866 — 124 - 11
NETHERLANDS 693 735 — 42 — 6
/TABLE 2 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 8 -
TABLE 2: AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
JAN-JUN JAN-JUN INCREASE/ PERCENTAGE
COMMODITY 1990 1989 DECREASE CHANGE
DIVISION (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 8,807 9,886 -1 ,079 - 11
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 6,103 6,109 - 6 *
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 4,238 3,777 + 461 + 12
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,528 3,172 + 356 + 11
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 3,114 3,219 — 105 — 3
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 ,262 1,083 + 179 + 17
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 295 259 + 37 + 14
PROFESSIONAL,SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 223 242 - 18 - 8
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 197 131 + 66 + 50
FISH,CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS,AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF 189 269 81 30
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
/TABLE 3 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
9
TABLE 3 : AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1989 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE ( % )
U.S.A. 11,945 10,803 + 1,142 + 11
JAPAN 11,744 11,757 13 *
SWITZERLAND 4,135 3,665 + 469 + 13
ITALY 2,745 2,481 + 264 + 11
SINGAPORE 2,730 2,459 + 271 + 1 1
TAIWAN 2,567 2,571 4 ♦
MALAYSIA 2,500 1,790 + 710 + 40
FRANCE 2,103 1,909 + 194 + 10
U.K. 2,047 2,200 - 153 7
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,026 1,939 + 87 + 4
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 4: AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY
DIVISIONS
COMMODITY
DIVISION
JAN-JUN JAN-JUN INCREASE/ PERCENTAGE
1990 1989 DECREASE CHANGE
(HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) ( % )
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS
THEREOF 15,159 14 ,159 + 1 ,000 7
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 8,948 8 ,930 + 18 ♦
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES V 7,872 7 ,646 + 227 + 3
/OFFICE MACHINES . .
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 10 -
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 3,973 3,790 + 183 + 5
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 3,373 3,028 .+ 345 + 11
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,999 2,515 + 484 + 19
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,207 1,909 + 299 + 16
OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 1,910 1,427 + 484 + 34
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,767 1,561 + 207 + 13
PROFESSIONAL,SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 1,040 1, 159 120 10
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 5 : AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1989 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
( % )
U.S.A. 5,536 4,731 + 805 + 17
TAIWAN 4,864 3,913 + 951 + 24
JAPAN 3,400 3,017 + 383 + 13
SINGAPORE 2,851 2,205 + 646 + 29
/REPUBLIC OF .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 11 -
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,407 2,030 377 + 19
CHINA 1,553 1,638 - 85 - 5
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,498 1,096 + 402 + 37
THAILAND 1,076 634 + 442 + 70
U.K. 704 701 + 4 + 1
SWITZERLAND 616 446 + 170 + 38
TABLE 6: AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION
JAN-JUN JAN-JUN INCREASE/ PERCENTAGE
1990 1989 DECREASE CHANGE
{HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) ( % )
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS
THEREOF 8,428 7,444 + 984 + 13
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3,981 3,121 + 861 + 28
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 3,837 2,902 + 935 + 32
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,935 3,092 - 158 - 5
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 2,274 1,665 + 609 + 37
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,990 1,484 + 506 + 34
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,261 1,206 + 55 + 5
/TRAVEL GOODS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS - 12 - 20 f -
1,115 925 + 189 +
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 664 524 + 140 + 27
PROFESSIONAL,SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 5A6 454 4- 112 + 25
---------0-----------
FORENSIC WORK A CAREER FOR TSUI
******
WORKING ON CORPSES AND BITS AND PIECES OF NASTY ORGANIC MATERIALS, TO MOST PEOPLE, IS AN OBNOXIOUS AND UNBEARABLE EXPERIENCE.
BUT TO 36-YEAR-OLD TSUI PUI, IT IS A CAREER.
TO UNDERTAKE A JOB LIKE THIS NEEDS MORE THAN JUST A MIND FOR IT. IT ALSO NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT.
MR TSUI, A FORENSIC SCIENTIST, HAS BOTH.
"THE JOB IS BOTH EXCITING AND CHALLENGING. IT HELPS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE," MR TSUI, A SENIOR CHEMIST OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY, SAID.
A CHANCE TO INVESTIGATE IN CAUSES CELEBRES IS AN EXTRA BONUS, BUT HAVING A PART TO PLAY IN UPHOLDING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE IS THE DRIVING FORCE FOR MR TSUI AND HIS COLLEAGUES WORKING IN THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY.
"THIS SENTIMENT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED OVER THE YEARS, WITH ITS SHARE OF UPS-AND-DOWNS," MR TSUI SAID.
IT GRATIFIES HIM TO SEE CRIMINALS CONVICTED ON EVIDENCES BASED ON THEIR LABORATORY FINDINGS.
MR TSUI IS ALSO GRATEFUL TO THE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM HIS FAMILY WHICH PASSED HIM ON THIS CAREER.
HE DESCRIBED THE WORK OF THE LAB AS A BATTLE AGAINST CRIMINALS WHILE RECOGNISING THAT IT WAS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO WIN.
/BUT THE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
BUT THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF THE DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA) PROFILING TECHNIQUE IN HONG KONG HAS OPENED NEW DIMENSIONS TO THEIR FORENSIC WORK.
MR TSUI HAS RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED HEAD OF A NEW DNA PROFILING SECTION UNDER THE FORENSIC DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY.
DNA PROFILING HAS BEEN HAILED AS A "REVOLUTIONARY" CRIME DETECTION TECHNIQUE IN THE WORLD WHICH CAN VIRTUALLY AND POSITIVELY IDENTIFY A PERSON FROM ANY SCRAP OF BODY FLUIDS OR SUBSTANCES IN A CRIME CASE.
DNA PROFILING MADE ITS DEBUT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1985 AND IS NOW INCREASINGLY GAINING ACCEPTANCE IN WESTERN COUNTRIES. HONG KONG, ALONG WITH MANY ASIAN COUNTRIES, ARE BEGINNING TO MAKE A START.
"THE NEW TECHNIQUE IS A CONFIDENCE-BOOSTER TO OUR WORK,” HE SAID.
MR TSUI HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY FOR NIGH ON 12 YEARS SINCE HE GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IN THE UNITED STATES.
LIKE HIS COLLEAGUES, HE HAS SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS, DAY AND NIGHT, IN THE LABORATORY HARROWING ON BLOOD STAINS, SEMEN, BODY FLUIDS AND SCRAPS IN ATTEMPTS TO TRACK DOWN CRIMINALS.
WORKING IRREGULAR HOURS AND ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY, LIFE TO THEM IS A LONG HARD SLOG. BUT IT HAS NEVER BEEN DRAB.
"I HAVE A RECORD OF COLLECTING FORENSIC EVIDENCES LIKE BLOOD STAINS AT FOUR DIFFERENT CRIME SCENES DURING AN OVERNIGHT SHIFT," HE SAID.
RECALLING HIS FIRST ENCOUNTER OF A DEAD BODY, MR TSUI SAID: "I WAS PSYCHOLOGICALLY PREPARED BUT STILL, I FOUND IT A BIT UNEASY."
BUT NOW HE FOUND THEM NOTHING BUT STIFFENED BODIES WITH FOUL SMELL.
MR TSUI IS BUSY WORKING FOR THE NITTY-GRITTY ASPECTS OF THE SET UP OF THE NEW DNA LABORATORY.
BEFORE THE APPLICATION OF THIS AVANT-GARDE CRIME-BUSTING TECHNIQUE IN HONG KONG, THE SECTION HAS TO TEST A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF BLOOD SAMPLES TO GATHER RELEVANT DATA FOR THE LOCAL CHINESE POPULATION.
MR TSUI DID NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING A SEPARATE DATABASE FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TO HELP DETECT VIOLENT CRIMES AMONG THEM.
HE RECKONS THAT HONG KONG MIGHT WELL BE THE FIRST TERRITORY TO DRAW UP A LARGE-SCALE DATABASE ON SOUTHERN CHINESE PEOPLE.
/"IT IS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 14
"IT IS WORTHWHILE TO BRING IN THE TECHNOLOGY HERE AS IT WOULD ENHANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AND ADD A NEW DIMENSION TO FORENSIC WORK," HE SAID.
DNA IS A THREE-FOOT-LONG CHEMICAL TIGHTLY WOUND INSIDE VIRTUALLY EVERY CELL OF THE HUMAN BODY, INCLUDING CELLS IN BLOOD, SEMEN, HAIR AND SKIN SCRAPPING.
IT CARRIES GENETIC INFORMATION WHICH VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON. INVESTIGATORS USING DNA TECHNOLOGY FIND IT USEFUL IN CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS, ESPECIALLY SEX CRIMES WHERE BODY FLUIDS ARE INVOLVED.
"DNA TEST HAS A GREATER IMPACT ON SEMEN STAIN ANALYSIS THAN BLOOD STAIN ANALYSIS BECAUSE UNLIKE THE TRADITIONAL BLOOD-GROUPING TEST, IT CAN PREFERENTIALLY DETECT CHARACTERISTICS PERTAINING TO BODY FLUIDS OF A SEX CRIME OFFENDER WITHOUT BEING INTERFERED BY THOSE OF THE VICTIM.
"DNA TESTING RESULTS OBTAINED FROM DIFFERENT RAPE CASES CAN BE COMPARED, TO DETERMINE IF THEY HAVE BEEN COMMITTED BY DIFFERENT PERSONS OR THE SAME ONE."
"THIS WOULD, IN TURN, DETERMINE THE SIZE OF THE INVESTIGATION AND THE NUMBER OF DETECTIVES TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE CASES, THUS ALLOWING POLICE MANPOWER TO BE DEPLOYED MORE EFFICIENTLY," MR TSUI SAID.
HE HAS SPENT SIX MONTHS AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY GETTING HIMSELF ACQUAINTED WITH MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES AND VISITING THE METROPOLITAN POLICE’S RESEARCH HEADQUARTERS IN LONDON TO GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION ON THE LATEST DEVR1 .OPMRNTS IN THIS FIELD.
ALTHOUGH THE DNA TEST HAS AN EDGE OVER THE CONVENTIONAL BLOODGROUPING METHOD, MR TSUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY HAS NO PLAN TO REPLACE THE BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES SECTION (BSS) BY THE DNA PROFILING SECTION.
MORE THAN 600 CASES OF OFFENCE AGAINST PERSON ARE HANDLED BY THE BSS EVERY YEAR. OF WHICH, ABOUT 200 ARE SEX-RELATED AND CAN BE POTENTIALLY HANDLED BY THE DNA SECTION. BLOODSTAIN EVIDENCE, OF COURSE, CAN ALSO BENEFIT FROM DNA ANALYSIS.
MR TSUI SAID THE SECTION WILL EXERCISE DISCRETION IN CHOOSING CASES FOR ANALYSIS, DEPENDING ON THE GRAVITY OF INDIVIDUAL CRIMINAL CASES.
"THE TWO SECTIONS, WHILE USING DIFFERENT METHODS, ARE COMPLEMENTARY' TO EACH OTHER," HE SAID.
MR TSUI POINTED OUT THAT THE CONVENTIONAL BLOOD GROUPING TEST RESULTS SOMETIMES CARRIED' LESS WEIGHT IN COURT BECAUSE OF ITS LOW DISCRIMINATION RATE, RANGING FROM 0.5 TO THREE PER 100 PERSONS.
/DISCRIMINATION RATE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 15 -
DISCRIMINATION RATE IS EVEN LOWER IN RAPE CASES AS IT IS OFTEN UNABLE TO DISTINGUISH VICTIM’S BLOOD GROUP SUBSTANCES IN HER VIRGINAL SECRETIONS FROM THE BLOOD GROUP SUBSTANCES IN A SUSPECT’S SEMEN, WHEN THE TWO SOURCES OF MATERIALS ARE MIXED.
SINCE DNA FROM TWO INDIVIDUALS, EXCEPT IDENTICAL TWINS, WILL NOT BREAK DOWN INTO PRECISELY THE SAME PATTERN, MR TSUI SAID VIRTUALLY EVERYONE CAN BE DISTINGUISHED BY DNA, AS FINGERPRINTS.
ALTHOUGH A DNA TEST TAKES ABOUT 18 DAYS TO COMPLETE, WHICH IS SIX TIMES MORE THAN THAT OF THE TRADITIONAL BLOOD TEST, HE STILL CONSIDERED IT WORTHWHILE.
BUT THE DNA TEST IS NOT WITHOUT PROBLEMS.
IN THE UNITED STATES, SEVERAL CASES HAVE COLLAPSED BECAUSE THE DNA EVIDENCE WAS RULED TO BE FAULTY.
ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE OBJECTIVITY IN INTERPRETING THE TEST RESULTS. SINCE THE TEST RESULTS RELY HEAVILY ON VISUAL INTERPRETATION, IT IS LIKELY THAT THERE MAY BE DIFFERENCE IN OPINIONS AMONG THE PROFESSIONALS.
HOWEVER, HELP IS ON THE WAY, WITH THE USE OF VIDEO-IMAGING TECHNIQUES.
MR TSUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY IS TAKING A CAUTIOUS APPROACH, WAITING FOR A CONSENSUS AMONG THE FORENSIC COMMUNITY FOR THE STANDARDISATION OF THE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES INVOLVED.
---------0-----------
AUGUST 1990 THE HOTTEST MONTH RECORDED *****
AUGUST 1990 WILL BE REMEMBERED AS THE HOTTEST MONTH AND THE DRIEST AUGUST EVER EXPERIENCED IN HONG KONG, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (TUESDAY).
AT AROUND 12.30 PM ON AUGUST 18, THE TEMPERATURE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ROSE TO 36.1 DEGREES, EQUALLING THE RECORD SET 90 YEARS AGO.
WITH A DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 31.9 DEGREES AND A DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 30.1 DEGREES, AUGUST 18, 1990 WAS THE HOTTEST DAY ON RECORD. THE DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURE EXCEEDED THE 31.4 DEGREES REGISTERED ON AUGUST 25, 1931 BY HALF A DEGREE WHILE THE DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE EXCEEDED THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 29.2 DEGREES SET THREE YEARS AGO ON JUNE 26, 1987 AND JULY 21, 1987 BY NEARLY ONE DEGREE.
/OTHER NEW .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 16 -
OTHER NEW RECORDS FOR AUGUST ESTABLISHED IN THE MONTH INCLUDED THE HIGHEST MONTHLY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 29.5 DEGREES, THE HIGHEST MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27.4 DEGREES, AS WELL AS THE LOWEST-EVER MONTHLY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 75 PER CENT.
FURTHERMORE, THE MONTHLY MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 32.1 DEGREES WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST FOR AUGUST.
NOT SURPRISINGLY, RAINFALL WAS IN SHORT SUPPLY AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF HOT AND DRY ANOMALIES. THE MONTHLY TOTAL OF 150.1 MILLIMETRES WAS THE 10TH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR AUGUST AND REPRESENTED JUST OVER ONE-THIRD OF THE AUGUST NORMAL OF 413.4 MILLIMETRES.
RAINFALL SINCE WHICH WAS 13 PER CENT SAME PERIOD.
THE WEATHER ON UNSETTLED AS A RESULT SEVERE TROPICAL STORM
JANUARY 1 AMOUNTED TO 1,499.3 MILLIMETRES, BELOW THE NORMAL OF 1,723.1 MILLIMETRES FOR THE
THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF AUGUST WAS CLOUDY AND OF THE MOIST SOUTHWESTERLIES IN THE WAKE OF TASHA.
MOST OF THE HEAVY SHOWERS OCCURRED IN THE LATTER PART OF THE NIGHT AND WERE ACCOMPANIED BY SOME SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS. BY EARLY MORNING ON AUGUST 3, OVER 100 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL HAD FALLEN.
THE AMOUNT OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE GRADUALLY INCREASED OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS AND A SPELL OF MAINLY FINE AND VERY HOT WEATHER SET IN. SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPED IN THE VICINITY OF HONG KONG ON AUGUST 11 AND 13, AND ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 16 A MAJOR OUTBREAK OF THUNDERY ACTIVITY AFFECTED LOCAL AREAS.
THE ASSOCIATED SQUALL LINE PASSED RAPIDLY THROUGH THE TERRITORY BUT DID NOT BRING MUCH RAIN. HOWEVER, SEVERE SQUALLS OF 68 AND 83 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WERE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND WAGLAN ISLAND RESPECTIVELY.
THE TEMPERATURE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY PLUMMETED BY ABOUT SIX DEGREES IN AN HOUR DURING THE PASSAGE OF THE SQUALL LINE. THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 25.0 DEGREES REGISTERED DURING THE EVENT WAS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE FOR THE MONTH.
FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE DAYS COMMENCING AUGUST 17, THE DAILY MEAN SEA-LEVEL PRESSURE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY STAYED UNDER 1,000 HPA (HECTOPASCAL) AS THE TERRITORY CAME UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TYPHOON YANCY OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
THE RESULTANT NORTHWESTERLY AIRSTREAM, WHICH BROUGHT RELATIVELY DRY AIR OF CONTINENTAL ORIGIN, PERSISTED FOR NEARLY A WEEK.
CONDITIONS WERE GENERALLY FINE DURING THE EARLY PART OF THIS PERIOD. IT WAS VERY HOT AND HAZY ON AUGUST 17, AND THE TEMPERATURE STAYED ABOUT 30 DEGREES THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT. THE INTENSE HEAT BUILT UP FURTHER THE FOLLOWING DAY, AND THE TEMPERATURE REACHED THE RECORD HIGH OF 36.1 DEGREES SHORTLY AFTER NOON.
/WITH YANCY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 17 -. c
WITH YANCY MOVING ACROSS NORTHERN TAIWAN AND SUBSEQUENTLY HOVERING OVER THE COAST OF FUJIAN BETWEEN AUGUST 20 AND 22, CLOUDY WEATHER SPREAD ACROSS SOUTHERN CHINA.
THE CLOUDS FINALLY BROKE ON AUGUST 23, GIVING RISE TO PERIODS OF SUNSHINE DURING THE DAY. THE REMNANT OF YANCY DRIFTED WESTWARDS ALONG THE COASTAL AREAS OF GUANGDONG THAT EVENING AND BROUGHT SOME LIGHT RAIN TO THE TERRITORY.
GENERALLY FINE WEATHER THEN PREVAILED FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS APART FROM SOME LIGHT SHOWERS IN THE MORNING OF AUGUST 25 AND OFFSHORE THUNDERSTORMS EARLY ON AUGUST 26.
MEANWHILE, SEVERE TROPICAL STORM BECKY SWEPT ACROSS NORTHERN LUZON AND INTENSIFIED TO A TYPHOON OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY AS THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED ON AUGUST 27.
WINDS BECAME GENERALLY STRONG THE NEXT DAY AND SQUALLY SHOWERS BUFFETED THE TERRITORY. THE WIND AND SHOWERS EASED OFF ON AUGUST 29 AS BECKY PASSED BY TO THE SOUTH OF HAINAN.
THE WEATHER IMPROVED FURTHER FOLLOWING THE DISSIPATION OF BECKY AND FINE CONDITIONS PREVAILED ON THE LAST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH.
EIGHT TROPICAL CYCLONES, OF WHICH SIX FORMED WITHIN THE MONTH, OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST, ONLY ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED DUE TO WINDY CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BECKY ON AUGUST 28. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE IN EFFECT ON AUGUST 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 16, 18, AND 26. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON AUGUST 2 AND 3.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER DATE AND TIME DATE AND TIME
SYSTEM SIGNAL OF HOISTING OF LOWERING
TYPHOON 1 AUGUST 27 6 AM AUGUST 28 5 AM
BECKY 3 AUGUST 28 5 AM AUGUST 28 8.10 PM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 205.8 HOURS ; 0.2 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 17.11 MJ/SQ METRE ; 0.61 MJ/SQ METRE BELOW NORMAL
TOTAL RAINFALL 150.1 MM ; 263.3 MM BELOW NORMAL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 67 PER CENT ; 1 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 75 PER CENT ; 8 PER CENT LOWER THAN NORMAL
/MEAN DAILY ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 18 -
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
32.1 DEGREES ; 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE
CELSIUS NORMAL
29.5 DEGREES ; 1.3 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE
CELSIUS NORMAL
27.4 DEGREES ; 1.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE
CELSIUS NORMAL
24.6 DEGREES ; 0.2 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW
CELSIUS NORMAL
156.1 MM ; 5.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
--------0 - -
WATER SUPPLIES CENTRALISED WORKSHOP TO OPEN SOON ♦ «««»»
THE MAINTENANCE OF WATERWORKS WILL BE STREAMLINED WITH THE OPENING OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KOWLOON ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 14).
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 16,900 SQUARE METRES, THE WORKSHOP WILL HANDLE THE MAINTENANCE OF ALL WATERWORKS HEAVY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PLANTS INSTALLED IN THE TERRITORY.
IT WILL HOUSE UNDER ITS ROOF FACILITIES NOW BEING PROVIDED AT WATERWORKS DEPOTS AT BULLOCK LANE, WAN CHAI AND ARGYLE STREET, MONG KOK, THE METER SHOP AT YAU TONG AND THE TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL MOTOR WORKSHOP AT LOK ON PAI DESALTER.
"WITH THE INCREASE IN WATER CONSUMPTION, A LARGE SCALE IMPROVEMENT WAS REQUIRED TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND OF MAINTENANCE SERVICES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"IN ADDITION, A GREAT PROPORTION OF WATERWORKS INSTALLATIONS WAS LOCATED IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH RENDERED THE TRANSPORT OF HEAVY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ACROSS THE HARBOUR FOR OVERHAUL INCONVENIENT AND COSTLY."
HE ADDED THAT THE DEPOT AREA AT BULLOCK LANE HAD BEEN FULLY UTILISED AND THAT ANY REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE EXISTING BOUNDARY WOULD CREATE UNACCEPTABLE DISTURBANCE TO THE DAILY OPERATION OF THE WATERWORKS SYSTEM.
IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED THAT A CENTRALISED MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP BE SET UP IN KOWLOON, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ON COMMISSIONING .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 19 -
ON COMMISSIONING OF THE WORKSHOP, THE FACILITIES WILL BE ADEQUATE TO MEET THE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT OF ALL WATERWORKS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS UP TO THE MID-1990S.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 14).
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
A COACH (AZ8570) TAKING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE WORKSHOP WILL LEAVE MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI (NEAR KOWLOON HOTEL) AT 9.45 AM.
------0---------
CSD SCOUTS TO STAGE 'BEATING RETREAT’ *****
A GROUP OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) SCOUTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR MUSIC TALENT AND MAGNIFICENT MARCHING DISPLAY IN TWO ’’BEATING RETREAT” PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 13 AND 14) NIGHTS AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CSD AND THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, IS A FUND-RAISING EVENT FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST. 1
A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE "BEATING RETREAT” PERFORMANCES HAD BEEN OVERWHELMING AND ALL ADMISSION TICKETS HAD BEEN SOLD OUT.
"WE ARE VERY IMPRESSED BY SUCH GOOD RESPONSE WHICH SHOWS THAT SCOUTING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT HAVE WON PUBLIC RECOGNITION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SCOUTING ACTIVITIES FORMED AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMME FOR TRAINING CENTRE INMATES, HE SAID.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH SCOUTING MOVEMENT, THE INMATES CAN DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS, CULTIVATE THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND TO APPRECIATE THE MEANING OF DISCIPLINE AND TEAM WORK SPIRIT,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/THE MAIN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 20 -
THE MAIN PERFORMERS OF THE "BEATING RETREAT" BELONG TO THE 221ST HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, WHICH WAS SET UP BY THE CSD IN 1986.
THE GROUP HAS TAKEN PART IN VARIOUS SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, INCLUDING CLEANING WORK IN COUNTRY PARKS, GRASS CUTTING AND MAINTENANCE WORK IN CAMP SITES, AND SERVICES FOR THE AGED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PREVIEW OF "BEATING RETREAT", SPECIALLY’ ARRANGED FOR THE PRESS, WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PREVIEW AND TAKE PICTURES OF THE SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE.
ACTING SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT (YOUNG OFFENDERS), MR TAM KAM-CHUNG, THE PRESIDENT OF THE 221ST HONG KONG ISLAND SCOUT GROUP, MR LAU HON-WAH, AND THE GROUP’S CHAIRMAN, MR HERMAN HUI, WILL BE PRESENT TO BRIEF PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ON SCOUTING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR TRAINING CENTRE INMATES.
MEMBERS OF THE SCOUT GROUP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR PRESS INTERVIEWS ON THEIR PREPARATIONS FOR THE EVENT.
SCHOOLS REMINDED TO FILL UP SECONDARY SIX VACANCIES ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED A CIRCULAR LETTER TO PRINCIPALS OF ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS REMINDING THEM TO FILL AS MANY SECONDARY SIX VACANCIES AS POSSIBLE WITH STUDENTS POSSESSING SUITABLE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS IS AIMED AT ENSURING THAT MORE SECONDARY FIVE LEAVERS ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE WITH SIXTH FORM STUDIES WITHIN THE OVERALL PROVISION AS RECOMMENDED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2.
ACCORDING TO A HEADCOUNT DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER BY DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS IN ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS OPERATING SECONDARY SIX CLASSES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WERE ABOUT 2,300 VACANCIES, OR 13 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PROVISION.
OF THE VACANCIES, 1,600 ARE IN ARTS CLASSES AND 700 IN SCIENCE CLASSES.
/"A LIST .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
- 21 -
"A LIST OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH SIXTH FORM VACANCIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY)," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"INTENDING SECONDARY SIX APPLICANTS, AFTER CONSULTING THE LIST, MAY APPLY TO THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS DIRECT.
"FOR THE FUTURE, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE ISSUE OF A SET OF DETAILED GUIDELINES TO SCHOOLS REGARDING ADMISSION OF STUDENTS TO SIXTH FORM CLASSES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
---------U-----------
CENTRAL AND WESTERN BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
*****
CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO BE HELD AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE LECTURE HALL ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 13), BEGINNING AT 8 PM.
FIVE SPEAKERS FROM RELATED FIELDS WILL TALK ON VARIOUS HOUSING MANAGEMENT TOPICS.
THE HEAD OF THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, HOUSING MANAGER MR LEE CHI-SHING WILL SPEAK ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATION AND BUILDING MAINTENANCE.
A BUILDING SURVEYORS JOINT COUNCIL MEMBER, MR BENSON WONG, WILL EXPLAIN THE ROLE OF AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY BUILDING SURVEYORS IN MAJOR RENOVATION WORKS FOR PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, MRS CECELIA SHACKLETON, IS EXPECTED TO TALK ABOUT TENDERING PROCEDURES FOR BUILDING MAINTENANCE WORKS.
TWO ENGINEERS FROM THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY WILL SPEAK ON THE REPAIR OF COMMON ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND THE SAFETY OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO FACILITIES OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN DISTRICT. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ADMISSION TO THE SEMINAR IS FREE. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 3488.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 13) IN THE LECTURE HALL, FIFTH FLOOR, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, 345 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT DETERMINED TO COMBAT CRIME ................................... 1
STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ............................... 2
ALL FIRE SERVICES TAKING MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY ......... 2
HK'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY 1990 ...................... 3
SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUE ON 100 YEARS OF ELECTRICITY IN HK ............ 10
PLANS FOR WALLED CITY SITE ENDORSED ............................... 12
ACTION ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON ........................... 12
GOVT LOT IN CHEUNG SHA WAN TO LET BY TENDER ....................... 13
ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION IN ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION .. 13
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION VIDEO FOR LOAN ............................ 15
POLICE BANDS HELP PROMOTE PR
16
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- 1 -
GOVT DETERMINED TO COMBAT CRIME * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO COMBAT CRIME AND TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF LAW AND ORDER, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THIS IS A MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," MR ASPREY SAID.
MR ASPREY SAID HE AND THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN THE CAPABILITY OF THE POLICE TO TRACK DOWN THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUSPECTED ARSON AND HOMICIDE CASE IN A MAHJONG CLUB IN HUNG HOM.
THE POLICE WILL DEPLOY SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO PREVENT AND COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME. CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE AND POLICE PATROL ON THE STREET WILL BE THE SPEARHEAD IN THIS BATTLE.
LONGER-TERM MEASURES BEING ACTIVELY EXAMINED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO DEAL WITH ORGANISED CRIME.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WILL BE NO LET UP IN THE POLICE EFFORT AGAINST OTHER CRIME," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY NOTED THAT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT RESPONDED SWIFTLY ON RECEIPT OF THE ALARM.
"FIREMEN REACHED THE SCENE WITHIN THREE MINUTES. THIS PROMPT RESPONSE UNDOUBTEDLY SAVED MANY LIVES."
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS INDICATE THAT YESTERDAY’S INCIDENT WHICH KILLED SIX PERSONS WAS ARSON. THE MOST EFFECTIVE DETERRENT AGAINST CRIMES OF THIS NATURE IS TO TRACK DOWN THE CRIMINALS AND BRING THEM TO JUSTICE.
"THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THEIR CHINESE COUNTERPART THROUGH INTERPOL WHICH LED TO THE ARRESTS OF TWO MEN BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE RECENT ARMED ROBBERY CASE IN SHEUNG WAN IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT THE HONG KONG POLICE WILL SEEK TO ENSURE THAT CRIMINALS WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE," HE SAID.
0
/2........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- 2 -
STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE:
’’THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IS NATURALLY VERY CONCERNED THAT A CALCULATED, VICIOUS AND CRUEL ATTACK ON A MAHJONG ASSOCIATION IN HUNG HOM SHOULD HAVE RESULTED IN SO MANY DEATHS AND INJURIES.
’’THOSE WHO WERE RESPONSIBLE AND WHO BELIEVE THEY CAN DO THIS KIND OF THING AND GET AWAY WITH IT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DO SO.
’’POLICE WILL SEEK OUT THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS AND INJURIES CAUSED AND AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT IS BEING VIGOROUSLY PURSUED.
"IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE AT THIS STAGE TO COMMENT ON THE POSSIBILITY INSOFAR AS WHO MIGHT HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE. THERE ARE HOWEVER A NUMBER OF LINES OF ENQUIRY WHICH ARE BEING ACTIVELY FOLLOWED UP. THESE INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF TRIAD INVOLVEMENT."
---------U----------
ALL FIRE SERVICES TAKING MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
COMMENTING ON THE RECENT SERIOUS FIRE IN HUNG HOM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING ALL POSSIBLE MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT SURVEYS ON PRIVATE CLUBS TO ASCERTAIN HOW MANY OF THESE POSE AN UNACCEPTABLE FIRE HAZARD.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO ASSIST IN THIS PROCESS BY REPORTING TO THE FIRE SERVICES COMPLAINTS HOTLINE 528 1224 ANY SUSPECTED FIRE HAZARDS IN PLACES WHERE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADMITTED FOR ENTERTAINMENT.
INSPECTIONS WILL BE MADE AND IF NECESSARY THE OPERATORS WILL BE ADVISED TO IMPROVE THE FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS FAILING WHICH THEY WILL BE SERVED WITH FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES AND LEGAL ACTION MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST THEM.
---------0-----------
/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- 3 -
HE’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY 1990 ********
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JULY 1990 STOOD AT $111,083 MILLION, REPRESENTING A GROWTH OF 10 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN JULY 1990 RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT TO $20,409 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT TO $36,194 MILLION. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT TO $56,603 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT TO $54,479 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO JULY 1990, AT $686,550 MILLION, INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT TO $120,947 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT TO $219,290 MILLION.
THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT TO $340,238 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT TO $346,312 MILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JULY 1990 WITH JULY 1989, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, CHINA, TAIWAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE NETHERLANDS INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT AND 7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, THE USA, JAPAN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DECREASED BY 20 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA DECREASED BY 18 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE USA AND FRANCE ALSO DECREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 9 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, BY 44 PER CENT AND 22 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/TABLE 2 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
4
TABLE 2 -HOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $706 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $351 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $254 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (BY $49 MILLION OR LESS THAN 1 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,350 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $711 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JULY 1990 WITH JULY 1989, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST OF THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CHINA, BY 26 PER CENT AND 21 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM JAPAN, TAIWAN, SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE, THE USA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 4 PER CENT, 2 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA, THE USA AND SWITZERLAND INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM TAIWAN, ITALY AND SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT, 3 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 4 PER CENT, 3 PER CENT, 2 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $5,238 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $4,457 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $3,738 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $1,375 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR IRON AND STEEL (BY $1,613 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1,435 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
/THE VALUE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
5
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS IN JULY 1990 OVER JULY 1989.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, TAIWAN AND FRANCE, BY 60 PER CENT, 58 PER CENT, 31 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE TO CANADA, THE USA AND CHINA ALSO INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS, BY 18 PER CENT, 17 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND JAPAN DECREASED BY 11 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1990 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, THE USA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS, BY 53 PER CENT, 32 PER CENT, 27 PER CENT, 26 PER CENT, 26 PER CENT, 25 PER CENT AND 19 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE TO JAPAN INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CHINA DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $7,181 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $5,669 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $3,816 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $1,106 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT) .
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1,523 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT) AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $941 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON.
A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JULY 1990 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY OCTOBER 1990.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE JULY 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN JULY 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND SEPTEMBER 14 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $27 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 823 4915) .
/TABLE 1 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- 6 -
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
JUL JUL 90 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 90
MAJOR MARKET 1990 OVER 1990 OVER
JUL 89 JAN-JUL 89
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
USA 6,174 - 12 35,924 ■ 6
CHINA 4,258 + 10 25,586 + 5
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,729 + 9 9,053 + 4
UK 1,250 - 9 6,773 - 18
JAPAN 1,034 - 11 6,310 - 9
SINGAPORE 652 + 19 3,896 + 22
TAIWAN 435 + 9 3,217 + 44
CANADA 570 - 20 3,074 - 15
NETHERLANDS 496 + 7 2,710 ♦
FRANCE 304 - 2 1,992 - 5
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1990 (HKD MN.) JUL 90 OVER JUL 89 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 90 OVER JAN-JUL 89
( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,333 - 2 37,541 *
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,245 - 16 14,325 9
/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
7 -
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, 11,000 + 3
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,889 + 8
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,412 + 1 9,513 + 3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,413 - 10 9,462 - 7
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,567 + 10 9,108 1
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
JUL JUL 90 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 90
MAJOR SUPPLIER 1990 OVER JUL 89 1990 OVER JAN-JUL 89
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
CHINA 21,081 + 21 124,505 + 16
JAPAN 8,759 + 11 54,804 - 3
TAIWAN 4,896 + 8 31,054 + 4
USA 3,876 ♦ 4 30,094 + 11
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,603 + 26 15,872 - 1
SINGAPORE 2,004 + 5 13,254 + 3
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,199 + 2 7,806 - 4
UK 1,126 + 2 7,624 - 2
SWITZERLAND 979 + 7 6,282 + 11
ITALY 909 - 5 6,092 + 3
/TABLE 4 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
8
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1990 (HKD MN.) JUL 90 OVER JUL 89 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL OVER JAN-JUL ( % 90 89 )
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,656 + 8 43,559 + 3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 5,558 + 15 34,854 + 5
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,965 + 24 28,119 4- 23
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,434 + 37 26,109 + 17
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,409 + 30 24,327 + 22
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS » 2,915 + 25 17,948 4- 6
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JUL 1990 (HKD MN.) JUL 90 OVER JUL 89 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL OVER JAN-JUL ( % 90 89 )
CHINA 9,361 + 4 59,573 - 3
USA 8,419 + 17 46,448 + 26
JAPAN 1,916 - 5 12,425 + 2
/TAIWAN 1,823
9 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
TAIWAN 1,823 + 31 11,945 + 25
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,975 + 60 10,636 + 53
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,059 - 11 7,552 5
SINGAPORE 1,068 - 1 7,298 + 19
UK 1,348 + 58 6,020 + 27
CANADA 660 + 18 3,628 + 26
FRANCE 523 + 29 3,343 + 32
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
JUL JUL 90 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 90
COMMODITY 1990 OVER 1990 OVER
DIVISION JUL 89 JAN-JUL 89
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,613 + 28 27,901 + 35
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3,955 - 1 25,364 + 5
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,757 + 28 25,066 + 29
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,968 + 3 20,925 + 9
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,070 + 27 18,338 + 26
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,329 + 19 8,462 + 28
--------0-----------
/10........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
10
SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUE ON 100 YEARS OF ELECTRICITY IN HE
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE 100 YEARS OF ELECTRICITY IN HONG KONG WILL BE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 2, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS : 60 CENT, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5 .
IN ADDITION, A SOUVENIR SHEET INCORPORATING THE $1.40 AND $5 STAMPS WILL BE SOLD AT $6.40.
THE STAMPS AND SOUVENIR SHEET WILL BE DISPLAYED FOR THE ADVANCE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC FROM SEPTEMBER 22 AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE.
"CONCURRENT WITH THIS NEW ISSUE, WE WILL INTRODUCE NEW PICTORIAL DATESTAMPS IN ADDITION TO THE TRADITIONAL ’JUNK’ DATESTAMP IN USE IN OUR PHILATELIC OFFICES SINCE 1984," MR WONG SAID.
"THERE WILL BE SEVEN NEW PICTORIAL DATESTAMPS, FEATURING THE FOLLOWING LANDMARKS CLOSE TO OUR PHILATELIC OFFICES, AS FOLLOWS: AIRPORT (AIRPORT POST OFFICE), ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL (BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE), STAR FERRY (GENERAL POST OFFICE), MOSQUE (GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE), PEAK TRAMWAY (PEAK POST OFFICE), SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK (SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE) AND CLOCK TOWER/CULTURAL CENTRE (TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE).
"I AM SURE THAT THESE NEW DATESTAMPS WILL BE ATTRACTIVE TO PHILATELISTS," HE ADDED.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE PICTORIAL DATESTAMPS, A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES FROM OCTOBER 2.
THE "JUNK" DATESTAMP WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED IN THE PHILATELIC BUREAU. A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE BUREAU ON OCTOBER 2 AT HARBOUR BUILDING POST OFFICE, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
FIRST DAY COVERS FOR THE 100 YEARS OF ELECTRICITY IN HONG KONG SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUE ARE NOW ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES AT 70 CENTS EACH.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR THE FOLLOWING PHILATELIC PRODUCTS/SERVICE CAN ALSO BE PLACED AT ANY POST OFFICE BETWEEN NOW AND SEPTEMBER 22:
* SETS OF SEVEN OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS BEARING THE SEVEN NEW PICTORIAL DATESTAMP IMPRESSIONS;
* OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS BEARING THE "JUNK" OR "HONG KONG NO. 1" DATESTAMP; AND
/* DATESTAMPING SELF-PROVIDED
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- 11 -
* DATESTAMPING SELF-PROVIDED COVERS WITH EITHER THE ’’JUNK" OR "HONG KONG NO. 1" IMPRESSIONS.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE "JUNK" DATESTAMP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $11 EACH AT THE DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF THE FOLLOWING 20 OFFICES ON OCTOBER 2:
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE MONG KOK POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE
TAI PO POST OFFICE
TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE
YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
- - 0 - -
/12
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- .12 -
PLAN’S FOR WALLED CITY SITE ENDORSED *****
PLANS TO DEVELOP THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY SITE INTO A PARK WERE ENDORSED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL’S RECREATION SELECT COMMIT I EE TODA\ (WEDNESDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PLANS PROVIDED FOR A LANDSCAPED PARK INCORPORATING LILY PONDS, A TA I-CH 1 TERRACE AND A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, AS WELL AS THE PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF THE OLD YAMEN BUILDINGS.
"THE $50 MILLION PARK WILL BE BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT AFTER COMPLETION," HE SAID.
"THE PARK WILL BE DESIGNED TO COMPLEMENT THE FACILITIES IN THE ADJACENT CARPENTER ROAD PARK, AND TOGETHER THEY WOULD FORM AN OASIS OF GREENERY," HE \DDED.
--------0-----------
ACTION ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TN KOWLOON ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE A NUMBER OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN YAU YAT TSUEN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY ('AN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
IN YAU YAT TSUEN, THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED AT FLAT B, THIRD FLOOR INCLUDING ITS APPERTAINING ROOF, SUNSHINE COURT, I VERBENA ROAD.
TN CHEUNG SHA WAN, THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IS ON THE ROOF OVER 135 K1U KIANG STREET.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 17 AND DECEMBER 12 RESPECTIVELY WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, A CLOSURE ORDER IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEMOLITION CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
--------0-----------
/13 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- 13 -
GOVT LOT IN CHEUNG SHA WAN TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A LAND LOT IN CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION, KOWLOON.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,450 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR THREE MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 28.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
--------0-----------
ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION IN ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION
*****
TWENTY STUDENTS WHO WON THIS YEAR’S LOCAL ROUND OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION RECEIVED THEIR PRIZES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR LI SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO SEE A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES THIS YEAR OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
"THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE,” HE SAID, "CLEARLY REFLECTS INCREASING ENTHUSIASM AMONG OUR YOUNG PEOPLE IN EXPLORING AND DEVELOPING IDEAS OF THEIR OWN AND IN EXERCISING THEIR LITERARY SKILLS IN ENGLISH, WHICH IS A SECOND LANGUAGE TO MOST OF THEM."
HE ALSO COMMENDED THEIR PERFORMANCE IN THE LONDON-BASED INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION OVER THE YEARS BY WINNING A NUMBER OF MERITORIOUS AWARDS IN WHICH THEY HAD TO COMPETE WITH SOME 4,000 ENTRANTS FROM OVER 40 COMMONWEALTH TERRITORIES.
OF THE 20 ENTRIES SELECTED TO COMPETE IN THIS YEAR’S CONTEST, HONG KONG STUDENTS WERE AWARDED FIVE HIGH COMMENDATIONS AND FIVE COMMENDATIONS.
WINNERS OF THE LOCAL COMPETITION WERE AWARDED BOOK PRIZES RANGING FROM $250 TO $1,100.
/THE HIGHEST........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
- 14 -
SOCIETY IN HONG GIRLS’ SCHOOL. IN A ROUND TRIP TO
THE HIGHEST AWARD - THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH KONG AWARD - WENT TO AMY NG TSUI-YAN OF DIOCESAN ADDITION TO THE $1,100 BOOK PRIZE, SHE ALSO EARNED
KUALA LUMPUR.
ALSO PRESENTING PRIZES TO THE WINNERS WERE THE DIRECTOR OF THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, DR Y.S. CHEUNG, CHAIRPERSON OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG OPHELIA CHEUNG-MACPHERSON.
ASSISTANT
AND THE
KONG, MRS
THE LIST OF WINNERS OF THE LOCAL COMPETITION ARE:
CLASS A
PRIZE NAME SCHOOL
FIRST AMY NG TSUI-YAN DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
SECOND EDDIE CHUNG DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL
THIRD KAISER FUNG KAI-SZE QUEEN’S COLLEGE
CLASS B
FIRST AULINA CHAN SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
SECOND LILIAN JUNG ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
THIRD ERIC WONG DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL
CLASS C
FIRST VALERIE SUNG DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
SECOND MICHELLE, KWOCK PUI-SHAN DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
THIRD HESTER CHAN ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
/CLASS D .......
»
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990
CLASS D
FIRST
CHANTAL YUNN LIU
DIOCESAN
SCHOOL
GIRLS’
JUNIOR
SECOND
DENISE WOO
DIOCESAN
SCHOOL
GIRLS’
JUNIOR
THIRD
KAREN HUNG
DIOCESAN
GIRLS’
JUNIOR
SCHOOL
ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG AWARD
AMY NG TSUI-YAN
DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
---------0-----------
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION VIDEO FOR LOAN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A VIDEO ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT AND THE OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO ORGANISATIONS.
THE 13-MINUTE VIDEO, PRODUCED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF ITS CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, CONTAINS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 18 CONSTITUENCIES IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
IT ALSO LOOKS AT THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, WHICH TOGETHER PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY.
ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT, THE VIDEO GIVES A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS IN THE AREAS OF HOUSING, MEDICAL SERVICE, TRANSPORT, AND COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS MAY CONTACT THE EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION INFORMATION CENTRE AT HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL, CHAI WAN ON TEL. 557 2495.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO WELCOME TO WATCH THE VIDEO AT THE INFORMATION CENTRE WHICH OPENS FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AND FROM 7 PM TO 10 PM DAILY, EXCEPT ON MONDAYS.
---------0-----------
/16........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990 16
POLICE BANDS HELP PROMOTE PR *****
HAVING EXPRESSED GREAT INTEREST IN HELPING THE POLICE TO PROMOTE THE ANNUAL BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY TO BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR, THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 ZONE 6 HAD A FORETASTE OF THINGS TO COME AT THEIR JOINT LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FOLLOWING AN ADDRESS BY THE COMMANDANT OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL MR BENNY NG, THE POLICE PIPE BAND PROVIDED A COLOURFUL PERFORMANCE FOR THE DINERS AT A LOCAL HOTEL.
MR NG POINTED OUT THAT THE COMBINED POLICE BANDS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING POLICE PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS.
"THEY CONDUCT ABOUT 600 PERFORMANCES A YEAR AND IN EARLY-NOVEMBER THE BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, WHICH IS OPEN TO THF PUBLIC, IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR.
"ROCEEDS ARE ALWAYS DONATED TO A LOCAL CHARITY.
"THIS YEAR, THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 10 AND 11 AND THE BENEFICIARY ON THIS OCCASION IS THE LIONS MORNING HILL SCHOOL IN HAPPY VALLEY," MR NG SAID.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT DETERMINED TO CRACKDOWN ON ORGANISED AND VIOLENT CRIME: GOVERNOR .... 1
GOVERNOR OPENS NEW POLICE TACTICAL UNIT DEPOT ............................ 2
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DRAFT LASER SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE ............... 4
VOTER REGISTRATION HITS 200,000 MARK ..................................... 5
VOTER REGISTRATION FUN FAIR .............................................. 6
RECRUITMENT OF TEMPORARY STAFF FOR 1991 CENSUS STARTS .................... 7
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR ................................. 8
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY URGED ...................... 8
CSD DELEGATION WINS 29 MEDALS IN ILEO..................................... 9
ENTRY DEADLINE FOR TOLO HARBOUR SWIM POSTPONED ........................... 10
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
1
GOVT DETERMINED TO CRACKDOWN ON ORGANISED AND VIOLENT CRIME: GOVERNOR
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED TO CRACKDOWN ON ORGANISED AND VIOLENT CRIME.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE NEW POLICE TACTICAL UNIT DEPOT IN FANLING, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE BATTLE AGAINST TRIADS CERTAINLY WAS NOT A LOSING BATTLE AND IT WAS NOT GOING TO BE A LOSING BATTLE.
• "WE ARE ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE A SITUATION WHERE ORGANISED CRIME IS ON THE RISE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO DEAL WITH IT, AND TO FACE THE SITUATION AND MAKE SURE WE DON’T HAVE A REVIVAL OF THE ACTIVITIES OF ORGANISED CRIME, AND I’M SURE THE POLICE FORCE AR® CAPABLE OF DOING THAT," HE ADDED.
AS TO WHETHER THE POLICE FORCE WAS CONSIDERING TO RE-ESTABLISH ANTI-TRIAD UNITS, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT THE FORCE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT.
"THE REAL POINT THERE IS THAT THE FORCE IS GOING TO DEAL WITH ANY PROBLEMS OF ORGANISED CRIME OR WHAT IS SOMETIMES THOUGHT OF OR CALLED TRIAD ACTIVITIES, AND THEY WILL WORK OUT THE BEST OPERATIONAL MEANS TO DO THAT," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID WE HAD TO FACE THE FACT THAT WE HAD PROBLEMS AND THAT WE HAD HAD SOME VIOLENT CRIME ON OUR STREETS.
"THAT’S THE SITUATION THAT WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO TOLERATE. WB HAD, SOME YEARS BACK, A SIMILAR RISE IN VIOLENT CRIME; WE’VE HAD IN THE PAST, TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG. WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO TOLERATE THAT PROBLEM COMING BACK ONTO OUR STREETS. IT WILL BE DEALT WITH.
"I’M CONFIDENT THAT THE POLICE CAN AND I KNOW THE POLICE ARE DETERMINED TO DEAL WITH IT," HE ADDED.
ASKED IF RECENT PROBLEMS WITH RECRUITMENT MIGHT AFFECT POLICE DEPLOYMENT IN BORDER DUTIES, HE SAID ONE OF THE PROBLEMS FOR THE POLICE RECENTLY HAD BEEN THE GREAT EXPANSION OF NUMBERS IN ORDER TO TAKE OVER THE DUTIES OF PATROLLING THE BORDER.
"SO, AT A TIME WHEN LABOUR IS SHORT IN HONG KONG, THAT HAS INCREASED THE PROBLEMS FOR THE POLICE. BUT IT WON’T, IN ANY WAY, REDUCE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS ON THE BORDER AND I DON’T EXPICT IT WILL HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE TIMETABLE FOR TAKING OVER BORDER DUTIES," SIR DAVID SAID.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
ON THAT AS SOON
- 2 -
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE EXPECTED TO GET THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THR °N ’^CIPLZNED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS “ SERVICES IN THE NEAR FUTURE: ’’THEN THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE A DECISION AS WE CAN.”
I HOPE
THAT IT
PROBLEMS WHICH ARE THERE SIR DAVID SAID.
WILL DO SOMETHING TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE FOR THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS IN THE FORCE,"
----U----
GOVERNOR OPENS NEW POLICE TACTICAL UNIT DEPOT ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD REMAIN A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN HE OPENED THE NEW POLICE TACTICAL UNIT (PTU) DEPOT IN FANLING.
STRESSING THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG RELIED HEAVILY ON THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, HE SAID THAT EVERY EFFORT MUST AND WOULD BE MADE TO STAMP OUT VIOLENT CRIME AND ATTEMPTS AT INTIMIDATION BY ORGANISED GROUPS.
SIR DAVID CITED THE RECENT SHOOTING CASES IN CENTRAL, THE FIRE BOMB ATTACK IN HUNG HOM AND OTHER INCIDENTS INVOLVING FIREARMS TO HIGHLIGHT THE WIDESPREAD CONCERN WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
’’THE MAIN BURDEN OF THIS EFFORT WILL OF COURSE FALL ON THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE,” THE GOVERNOR REMARKED. ’’ITS MEN AND WOMEN DO A FIRST RATE JOB, OFTEN UNDER CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE AND IN DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES.”
POINTING OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR THESE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS TO BE REFLECTED IN THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE FORCE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HOPED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE PAY OF JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS SOON TO BE MADE KNOWN WOULD HELP ADDRESS SOME OF THE CONCERNS THAT WERE FELT BY MEMBERS OF THE FORCE.
TURNING TO THE POLICING OF THE BORDER, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WHEN MEMBERS OF THE FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT TOOK UP THEIR POSITIONS THEY WOULD OPEN AN IMPORTANT CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF PTU - INDEED OF THE FORCE AS A WHOLE.
BY 1992 THE POLICE WILL HAVE TAKEN BACK FROM THE ARMY THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FULL LENGTH OF THE BORDER, FROM MAI PO TO SHA TAU KOK.
/"THESE ARE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
3 -
"THESE ARE IMPORTANT DUTIES. THE FACT THAT THEY WILL AGAIN BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE SHOWS THE GOVERNMENT’S CONFIDENCE IN THE ABILITY AND PROFESSIONALISM OF THE FORCE," HE EMPHASISED.
"CONTAINING THE PROBLEMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS NOT AN EASY JOB; BUT IT IS VITAL IF HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT ARE TO BE ASSURED."
INTRODUCING THE NEW FACILITY, SIR DAVID SAID THAT 1150 MILLION HAD BEEN SPENT ON THE PTU DEPOT PROJECT AND A FURTHER $100 MILLION WAS EARMARKED FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENTS.
"THESE WILL INCLUDE A MODERN, HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED FIRING RANGE WHICH WILL BE READY IN 1992,” HE NOTED, "WHEN THE WORK IS FINISHED, THE DEPOT WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST UP-TO-DATE, CUSTOM-BUILT INTERNAL SECURITY COMPLEXES AVAILABLE TO ANY NON-MILITARY FORCE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD."
DESCRIBING THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AS "UNIQUE", SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR THE POLICE FORCE AND FOR HONG KONG.
"IT PROVIDES A CONSTANT STREAM OF PERSONNEL TO THE REGIONS AND AT ANY ONE TIME OVER 1,000 HIGHLY TRAINED, FIT YOUNG MEN ARE READY FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT IN RESPONSE TO ANY EMERGENCY.
"SMALL WONDER THAT THE ’BLUE BERETS’ ON THE STREETS OF HONG KONG ARE REGARDED WITH SPECIAL INTEREST; OR THAT VISITORS FROM POLICE FORCES OF MANY COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, COME HERE TO LEARN FROM THE UNIT," HE ADDED.
ON PARADE TODAY, UNDER THE COMMAND OF SUPERINTENDENT DANNY WONG CHI-MAN, OF NEW TERRITORIES’ ECHO COMPANY, WERE REPRESENTATIVE CONTINGENTS OF ALL THE PTU COMPANIES CURRENTLY SERVING THE LAND REGIONS.
THE GOVERNOR INSPECTED THE PARADE AND LADY WILSON WAS INVITED TO DOT THE EYE OF A LION WHICH THEN PERFORMED A TRADITIONAL DANCE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE DEPOT. DURING THE LION DANCE THERE WAS A SPECTACULAR FORMATION FLY-PAST SIX HELICOPTERS OF NO. 28 SQUADRON ROYAL AIR FORCE.
LATER THE GOVERNOR UNVEILED A PLAQUE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK TO COMMEMORATE THE OCCASION. HE THEN TOURED SOME OF THE FACILITIES.
------0------------
/4 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DRAFT LASER SAFETY CODE OF PRACTICE
*****
THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED THE DRAFT "CODE OF PRACTICE ON LASER SAFETY" FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PROFESSOR POON CHUNG-KWONG, SAID THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WOULD LAST THREE MONTHS, AFTER WHICH THE CODE WOULD BE FINALISED IN THE LIGHT OF COMMENTS RECEIVED.
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE CODE WOULD BE WIDELY ACCEPTED AND FOLLOWED BY LASER USERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
PROF POON SAID LASERS WERE BEING INCREASINGLY USED IN HONG KONG.
"THEY ARE A VERY USEFUL TOOL, BUT THEY CAN BE HAZARDOUS IF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT OBSERVED. THE MAIN DANGER COMES FROM LOOKING INTO THE LASER BEAM, WHICH CAN CAUSE EYE INJURIES," HE SAID.
PROF POON SAID THAT, WHILE HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY LASER ACCIDENTS HAVING TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG, A SURVEY OF LASER USAGE UNDERTAKEN ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE HAD SHOWN THAT AWARENESS OF SAFETY MEASURES IN SOME SECTORS WAS PATCHY.
"WE THEREFORE TOOK THE VIEW THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR SOME GENERAL GUIDANCE ON LASER SAFETY FOR LASER OWNERS, USERS AND MANUFACTURERS. THE ADMINISTRATION ENDORSED OUR RECOMMENDATION THAT A CODE OF PRACTICE BE DRAWN UP," HE SAID.
PROF POON EXPLAINED THAT THE DRAFT CODE OF PRACTICE GAVE GENERAL INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE ON LASERS AND DETAILS OF A REGISTRATION SCHEME FOR POWERFUL LASER EQUIPMENT.
"IT CONTAINS SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE USE OF LASERS IN INDUSTRY, FOR DISPLAY AND ENTERTAINMENT AND IN BEAUTY THERAPY; AND FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF LASERS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT, TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE LASER SAFETY IN HONG KONG, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD DESIGNATED A SENIOR ENGINEER AS GOVERNMENT LASER SAFETY OFFICER.
"HE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR GIVING ADVICE ON QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER SAFETY AND WILL MAINTAIN A REGISTER OF POWERFUL LASER EQUIPMENT IN HONG KONG.
"HE WILL ALSO RUN A HALF-DAY COURSE FOR BEAUTY THERAPISTS AND SALON OPERATORS NEXT MONTH TO PROMOTE THEIR AWARENESS OF LASER SAFETY IN BEAUTY SALONS," PROF POON SAID.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
- 5 -
HE SAID THAT, AS A FIRST STEP TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF LASER SAFETY, THE COMMITTEE HAD PRODUCED AN INFORMATION NOTE ON LASER SAFETY WHICH GAVE SOME BASIC NON-TECHNICAL INFORMATION ABOUT LASERS AND THE DRAFT CODE; AND HAD ASSISTED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO PUBLISH A SERIES OF THREE ARTICLES ON LASER SAFETY IN ITS MAGAZINE, "CHOICE", STARTING FROM THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE.
PROF POON SAID THE COMMITTEE INTENDED TO KEEP THE SITUATION UNDER CAREFUL REVIEW.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO SURVEY THE USE OF LASERS IN HONG KONG AND WILL MONITOR THE REACTION OF LASER USERS AND MANUFACTURERS TO THE CODE," HE SAID.
VIEWS AND QUESTIONS ON THE CODE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT LASER SAFETY OFFICER AT THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, KEVIN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 64 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD (TEL. NO. 555 4258).
ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE DRAFT CODE, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ABOVE OFFICE AND THE SECRETARIAT, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SECOND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 810 2023).
---------0-----------
VOTER REGISTRATION HITS 200,000 MARK
*****
ELIGIBLE VOTERS ARE RESPONDING WELL TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MORE THAN 200,000 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SINCE THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 69,869 OR 50.3 PER CENT COMPARED TO THE NUMBER OF COMPLETED FORMS RECEIVED OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN THE 1987 EXERCISE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN VIEW OF THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE, IT WAS HOPED THAT MORE PEOPLE WOULD COME FORWARD TO REGISTER IN THE NEXT 18 DAYS BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN CLOSED ON OCTOBER 1.
IN THE URBAN AREA, KWUN TONG TAKES THE LEAD WITH 29,546 COMPLETED FORMS RETURNED, FOLLOWED BY KOWLOON CITY WITH 20,196 AND EASTERN WITH 19,713 APPLICATIONS.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SHA TIN RANKS FIRST WITH 16,083 RETURNED FORMS, FOLLOWED BY TUEN MUN WITH 13,273 AND KWAI TSING WITH 12,749 FORMS.
/ONCE REGISTERED .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
- 6 -
ONCE REGISTERED, A PERSON WILL BE ENTITLED TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS TO THE THREE TIERS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT TO BE HELD BETWEEN MARCH AND SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE BUT HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED TO DO SO WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES AND LEADING BANKS.
------0--------
VOTER REGISTRATION FUN FAIR
« » ♦ » »
A FUN FAIR TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION WILL BE HELD IN WONG TAI SIN ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 16).
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE DISTRICT’S 14 AREA COMMITTEES.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FUN FAIR AT THE OPEN DECK OF LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE AT 2.30 PM.
IN ADDITION TO PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES STALLS AND VIDEO MESSAGES ON VOTER REGISTRATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION.
SPECIAL COUNTERS WILL BE SET UP TO FACILITATE RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS ELECTORS.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DR MICHAEL LEE; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR ALBERT LI.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT VOTER REGISTRATION FUN FAIR TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 16), BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM AT THB OPEN DECK OF LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, KOWLOON.
--------0-----------
/7........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
RECRUITMENT OF TEMPORARY STAFF FOR 1991 CENSUS STARTS
*****
A RECRUITMENT PROGRAMME WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK TO DRAW IN TEMPORARY ENUMERATION STAFF FOR THE FULL CENSUS TO BE CONDUCTED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB TODAY (THURSDAY), THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR BENJAMIN MOK, SAID POPULATION DATA COLLECTED BY A CENSUS WAS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE PLANNING OF GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"THE POPULATION CENSUS IS ESSENTIAL FOR PLANNING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
"THE DATA WILL BE USED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO FORMULATE POLICIES AS WELL AS TO PRIORITISE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES IN PROVIDING PUBLIC SERVICES.
"THE INFORMATION WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE BUSINESS SECTOR TO APPRAISE MARKET CONDITIONS AND BY ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS TO CONDUCT RESEARCHES," HE SAID.
OVER 14,000 TEMPORARY ENUMERATION STAFF WILL BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THE FIELD OPERATION.
THE RECRUITMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH RUNS FROM NEXT WEEK TILL MID-OCTOBER, IS TARGETED AT TEACHERS AND SENIOR STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS.
MR MOK APPEALED TO THIS TARGET GROUP FOR PARTICIPATION. HE SAID: "CENSUS WORK IS MEANINGFUL. THROUGH PARTICIPATION, YOU WILL HELP BUILD A BETTER HONG KONG.
"IT IS NOT ONLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, IT IS ALSO A CHANCE TO LEARN," HE ADDED.
TO FACILITATE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CENSUS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD RECOMMENDED A CENSUS HOLIDAY FROM MARCH 14 TO 26, 1991 FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
TRAINING WILL BE ARRANGED FROM END 1990 TO EARLY 1991 TO EQUIP THE ENUMERATION STAFF WITH THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE FOR CONDUCTING THE CENSUS PROPERLY. THE TRAINING COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED ON SEVERAL WEEKDAY EVENINGS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM MARCH 15 TO 24, 1991. DURING THE 10-DAY PERIOD, CENSUS OFFICERS WILL VISIT ALL HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG TO OBTAIN BASIC INFORMATION OF EACH FAMILY MEMBER SUCH AS AGE, SEX AND RELATIONSHIP TO HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD.
/FURTHERMORE, ONE ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
FURTHERMORE, ONE IN SEVEN HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ASKED MORE DETAILED QUESTIONS SUCH AS MARITAL STATUS, PLACE OF BIRTH, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, INTERNAL MOVEMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME.
MR MOK ASSURED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THE PRIVATE DATA COLLECTED FROM THE CENSUS WOULD BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT DETAILS OF THE RECRUITMENT CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 827 1041 OR 827 1052.
- - 0 - -
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR
*****
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES TO MARK THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 16 WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED EDUCATION SUNDAY.
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SERVICES AT ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL, THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, ST TERESA’S CHURCH AND HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.
ATTENDING THE SERVICES WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION), DR VERNER BICKLEY (ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL IN GARDEN ROAD AT 11.30 AM); THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR S.T. KWAN (THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, CAINE ROAD, AT 11 AM); THE PRINCIPAL OF HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, MR DAVID PUN (ST TERESA’S CHURCH, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 11 AM); AND THE PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (PLANNING AND RESEARCH), MRT.F. MAN (HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY).
- - 0 - -
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY URGED * » » » »
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON THE COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY.
SPEAKING AT A CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, MR CARTLAND SAID THE SEEYICE , BE STRENGTHENED AND DEVELOPED AT A FASTER PACE WITH THE HELP OF PRIVATE DONATIONS.
/AT TODAY'S
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, MR CARTLAND RECEIVED ON BEHALF OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE A CHEQUE OF $2 MILLION FROM LADY JACOBS, VICE-PRESIDENT OF YAM PAK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, AS DONATIONS TOWARDS THE CENTRE’S KING LAM CARE-AND-ATTENTION CENTRE.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FOR MAKINO CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY SERVICE.
- - 0 - -
CSD DELEGATION WINS 29 MEDALS IN ILEO *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S (CSD) DELEGATION TO THE 1990 INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OLYMPICS (ILEO) HAS ACHIEVED REMARKABLE RESULTS AND WON A TOTAL OF 29 MEDALS.
THE 26-MEMBER DELEGATION WON 13 GOLD, 10 SILVER AND SIX BRONZE MEDALS IN THE ILEO WHICH WAS HELD AT EDMONTON, CANADA EARLY LAST MONTH AND PARTICIPATED BY OVER 2,000 ATHLETES FROM 20 COUNTRIES.
IN ATHLETICS ALONE, THE CSD DELEGATION OBTAINED 16 MEDALS, INCLUDING SIX GOLDS. THIS WAS THE BEST RESULT EVER ACHIEVED BY AN ASIAN DELEGATION IN THE ILEO ATHLETICS COMPETITIONS.
THE OTHER GOLD MEDALS WON BY CSD ATHELETBS ARE IN SHOOTING, KARATE, BADMINTON AND TENNIS.
CSD’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION TODAY (THURSDAY) HELD A RECEPTION AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS TO WELCOME THE RETURN OF THE DELEGATION.
AT THE RECEPTION, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, CONGRATULATED DELEGATION MEMBERS FOR THE EFFORT AND ACHIEVEMENTS THEY MADE IN THE COMPETITIONS.
THE ILEO IS A BIENNIAL EVENT IN WHICH LAW ENFORCEMBNT AGENTS SUCH AS CORRECTIONS OFFICERS, POLICE OFFICERS, IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND JUSTICE PERSONNEL FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD MEET AND COMPETE IN VARIOUS SPORTS.
- - 0 - -
/io
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER IS, 1990
- 10 -
ENTRY DEADLINE FOR TOLO HARBOUR SWIM POSTPONED *****
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTERING THE 23RD CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM HA% BEEN POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 20.
THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 7 (SUNDAY) AT
10.30 AM. THE 2,400-METRE SWIM FROM SHUEN WAN TO TAI MEI TUK IS
OPEN TO RESIDENTS AGED 12 OR ABOVE.
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 10 SWIMMERS IN THE
MEN'S AND THE WOMEN’S SECTIONS. THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE FULL COURSE
WITHIN 90 MINUTES WILL RECEIVE COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES.
THE CROSS-HARBOUR SWIM IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND A BREWERY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, OFFICES OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AT LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE IN ON CHEUNG ROAD AND TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOL IN ON PONG ROAD.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE BY POST OR IN PERSON BY SEPTEMBER 20.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 656 8661.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR LORD CAITHNESS' VISIT .......................... 1
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY - JULY RELEASED ... 3
CS SPELLS OUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK INVESTMENT ......................... 5
CSD SCOUTS COMMENDED FOR GREAT COURAGE ................................ 6
HK SUPPORTS INT'L ACTION TO SAVE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT ................... 7
IMPORTANCE OF APPRENTICE TRAINING STRESSED ............................ 8
ANOTHER WORLD CLASS STANDARD WSD PROJECT OPENS ........................ 9
PUBLICATION OF INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS .............. 10
DRAFT SAI YING PUN AND SHEUNG WAN OZP AMENDED.......................... 12
UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES SUBJECT TO PROPER CONTROL ...................... 13
LAND RESUMPTION FOR LANDSCAPE AREA .................................... 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ............ 14
BAN ON SUB-STANDARD SAFETY HELMETS .................................... 14
ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW NEAR AIRPORT ....................... 16
HK POLICE OFFICER DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS IN JAPAN ................... 17
FACTORY VISITS TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION IN SOUTHERN .............. 17
SENIOR RESIDENTS SIGN UP AS VOTERS .................................... 18
SPECIAL ARTICLE ON OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA ............. 19
NEW POST OFFICE TO SERVE HAPPY VALLEY ................................. 19
Il'S AND OVERSTAYERS ARRESTED
20
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR LORD CAITHNESS’ VISIT *****
THE FOLLOWING ARE PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COVERAGE OF THE VISIT TO HONG KONG BY THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD CAITHNESS.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15:
ARRIVAL
LORD CAITHNESS WILL ARRIVE BY FLIGHT CX 250 AT AROUND 2 PM. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 1.10 PM AT THE LATEST.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17:
VISIT TO WHITEHEAD VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRE
A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (CGO) CARPARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL AT 10 AM SHARP TO TAKE THE PRESS TO WHITEHEAD IN SHA TIN.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAKING THEIR OWN WAY TO WHITEHEAD SHOULD ARRIVE THERE NOT LATER THAN 11 AM.
VISIT TO SHA TIN DISTRICT
A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE CGO CARPARK AT 1 PM TO TAKE MEMBERS OF THE PRESS TO SHA TIN.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAKING THEIR OWN WAY TO SHA TIN SHOULD ARRIVE AT BLOCK F, GARDEN RIVERA (ADJACENT TO REGAL RIVERSIDE HOTEL) NOT LATER THAN 2.15 PM.
VISIT TO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
EDITORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE PRESS COACH COVERING THE SHA TIN VISIT WILL ALSO TAKE THE MEDIA TO TAI PO TO COVER THE MINISTER’S VISIT TO THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAKING THEIR OWN WAY TO THE ESTATE SHOULD ARRIVE AT JOHNSON ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTORY LIMITED AT 6-22 DAI SHUN STREET NOT LATER THAN 4 PM.
/TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: .........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 2 -
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18:
VISIT TO TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN
THE PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE CGO CARPARK AT 2 PM SHARP TO TAKE THE PRESS TO TSEUNG KWAN O.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAKING THEIR OWN WAY TO THE NEW TOWN SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE PAVILION OPPOSITE HONG SHING GARDENS, PO LAM ROAD NOT LATER THAN 2.45 PM.
VISIT TO SITE OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
EDITORS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE PRESS COACH FROM TSEUNG KWAN O WILL ALSO TAKE THE PRESS TO THE UNIVERSITY SITE IN SAI KUNG.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19:
VISIT TO HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE VISIT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE ATRIUM OF THE HKCEC NOT LATER THAN 9.45 AM.
VISIT TO KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT
THE PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE CGO CARPARK AT 2.15 PM SHARP TO TAKE THE PRESS TO KWAI CHUNG.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAKING THEIR OWN WAY THERE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED NOT LATER THAN 3.30 PM.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20:
VISIT TO WELFARE INSTITUTION
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE VISIT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT, 85 STONE NULLAH LANE, WAN CHAI NOT LATER THAN 9.45 AM.
/PRESS CONFERENCE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 3 -
PRESS CONFERENCE AT GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM
THE PRESS CONFEP.LSCE WILL START AT 4.30 PM AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL. TV CREW ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE BEFORE 4.15 PM TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
DEPARTURE
LORD CAITHNESS WILL LEAVE HONG KONG BY FLIGHT CX251 AT AROUND 10.55 PM. A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER HIS DEPARTURE. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 10.15 PM.
--------0-----------
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY - JULY RELEASED
******
THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED STABLE AT A LOW LEVEL WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE INCREASED DURING THE PERIOD MAY - JULY 1990, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MAY - JULY 1990 WAS 1.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1.8 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1990 AND 1.2 PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASE OF 0.1 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT WHILE THE INCREASE OF 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN MAY - JULY 1990 WAS ESTIMATED AT 46,700, COMPARED WITH 48,700 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1990 AND 34,100 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1989.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MAY - JULY 1990 WAS 1.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 0.7 PER CENT FOR BOTH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1990 AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE OF 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PRECEDING-THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN MAY - JULY 1990 WAS 26,800, COMPARED WITH 20,300 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1990 AND 19,200 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1989.
/CONSISTENT WITH .....
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
4
CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK DUE 10 ECONOMIC REASONS (SUCH AS SLACK WORK, MATERIAL SHORTAGE, MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN AND INABILITY TO FIND FULL-TIME WORK) WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE EITHER SEEKING OR AVAILABLE FOR MORE WORK.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (FOR EXAMPLE PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT, BASED ON A SYSTEM OF PROVISIONAL COUNTS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY.
THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION. THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1990 WAS 1.8 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.9 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR MAY - JULY 1990 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,500 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND SEPTEMBER 20 AT $11.50 PER COPY.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 5 -
CS SPELLS OUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK INVESTMENT
*****
FAINT HEARTS IN BRITAIN SHOULD REALISE THAT 1997 IS NOT THE END OF EMPIRE BUT THE KEY TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN LONDON YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING A REAL ESTATE SYMPOSIUM ATTENDED BY SENIOR FUND MANAGERS, SECURITY ANALYSTS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE RETURN TO CHINESE SOVEREIGHTY WOULD BRING NO RADICAL CHANGES TO THE WAY HONG KONG FUNCTIONS.
"CONTINUITY IS ASSURED IN ALL ASPECTS OF OUR BUSINESS DEALINGS, GOVERNMENT, JUDICIARY AND CAPITALIST WAY OF LIFE," HE SAID.
THIS MEANT THAT HONG KONG’S PLANNING HORIZON WAS NOT LIMITED BY THE YEAR 1997.
"WE MUST PLAN WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY AND TO THAT END THE GOVERNMENT’S JOB IS TO PROVIDE THE PHYSICAL AND HUMAN INFRASTRUCTURE IN WHICH BUSINESSMEN CAN OPERATE; AND ENVIRONMENT THAT ALLOWS BUSINESSMEN TO MAKE DECISIONS WITH THE MINIMUM INTERFERENCE FROM GOVERNMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
IN EXPLAINING HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE AND GATEWAY TO CHINA, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO EXPAND PORT FACILITIES AND BUILD A NEW AIRPORT TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND.
WORK WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY AND THERE WERE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRITISH INVOLVEMENT, HE SAID.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT POSSIBILITIES WERE "GREAT INDEED".
"THE EXISTING KAI TAK SITE AND AREAS OF KOWLOON FREED FROM HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS WILL PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT," SIR DAVID SAID, "IN ADDITION TO THE VIRGIN SITES RELATED TO THE NEW AIRPORT IN NORTHERN LANTAU."
THE HONG KONG PROPERTY MARKET HAD PUT UP A ROBUST PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS, HE SAID. APART FROM SETBACKS IN 1973-75, 1983-85 AND THE SECOND HALF OF 1989, EXPENDITURE ON BUILDINGS GREW AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 22 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS OR EIGHT PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
COMPLETIONS OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY HAD DECLINED FROM THE PEAKS REACHED IN THE 1970’S AND EARLY 1980’S BUT WERE STILL SUBSTANTIAL AT 450,000 TO 500,000 SQUARE METRES PER YEAR.
--------0-----------
/6 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 6 -
CSD SCOUTS COMMENDED FOR GREAT COURAGE * * * * *
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRAISED SCOUTS FROM THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD), WHO ARE TRAINING CENTRE INMATES, FOR THEIR GREAT COURAGE AND ENDEAVOUR TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.
SIR TI LIANG WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY PRIOR TO THE "BEATING RETREAT" PERFORMANCE STAGED BY CSD SCOUTS AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM THIS EVENING.
"IT TAKES GREAT COURAGE FOR ONE TO RISE FROM AN INGLORIOUS PAST AND START AFRESH. THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE PRESENTING THE PERFORMANCE THIS EVENING ARE MAKING A POINT THAT THIS THEY ARE ENDEAVOURING TO DO.
"THEY WILL NOT ONLY BE DEMONSTRATING THEIR COMMITMENT TO REDEEMING THEMSELVES AS USEFUL AND RESPECTABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. THEY ARE ALREADY DOING SOMETHING GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY, SINCE PROCEEDS OF THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE DONATED TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST," HE SAID.
SIR TI LIANG NOTED THAT AS HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN A HIGHLY COMPLEX, HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SOCIETY, THE PRESSURE OF LIFE IS GREAT AND PITFALLS ARE PLENTY.
"THERE ARE ALWAYS THOSE WHO FAIL TO COPE OR TO KEEP STRAIGHT. SOME REGRETTABLY GET CAUGHT UP WITH THE LAW," HE SAID.
HE SAID AS A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIARY, HE WOULD BE PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO SEE THOSE WHOM IT HAD DEALT WITH IN THE DOCKS TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF AND BECOMING GOOD CITIZENS.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TO WELCOME THEM BACK TO THEIR SIDE.
THE MAIN PERFORMERS OF THIS EVENING’S SHOW WERE SCOUTS OF THE 221ST HONG KONG ISLAND SCOUT GROUP, WHO DEMONSTRATED THEIR MUSIC TALENT AND MAGNIFICENT MARCHING DISPLAY TO MORE THAN 2,000 SPECTATORS.
THERE WAS ALSO A PERFORMANCE BY THE 141ST ISLAND RANGER SERVICE UNIT.
SCOUTING ACTIVITIES WERE FIRST ORGANISED BY THE CSD FOR YOUNG INMATES IN 1986 AND NOW FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMME IN TRAINING CENTRES.
---------0-----------
/7........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
7 -
HK SUPPORTS INT’L ACTION TO SAVE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT *****
HONG KONG WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE ON WORLD CLIMATE AND WILL SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL ACTION TO SAVE THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF THE "HONG KONG IS OUR HOME" EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT PROTECTION OF THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT WAS BOUND TO BECOME PART OF OUR LIVES.
"AS PARTIES THROUGH BRITAIN TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL, WE ARE NOW FIRMLY BOUND BY RESPONSIBILITIES TO REDUCE OUR CONSUMPTION OF CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFC’S), INCLUDING THOSE USED IN AIR-CONDITIONERS AND REFRIGERATORS, TO 1988 LEVELS BY 1992.
"FURTHERMORE, WE CANNOT, AND SHOULD NOT, WISH TO ESCAPE RESPONSIBILITY TO PHASE OUT THE USE, IMPORT OR EXPORT OF CFC’S BY THE END OF THE CENTURY."
MR BARNES SAID CFC’S WERE EXTREMELY POTENT GREENHOUSE GASES, BUT QUANTITATIVELY NOT SO SIGNIFICANT AS CARBON DIOXIDE.
"THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE ON THE PROBABLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT IS LESS CERTAIN, AND CERTAINLY LESS UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED THAN THE EVIDENCE ON CFC’S.
"HOWEVER, IF AND WHEN THE WORLD’S NATIONS DECIDE TO MOVE TOWARDS RESTRICTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS, WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS CAST-IRON PROOF OF GLOBAL WARMING, HONG KONG WILL CERTAINLY HAVE TO DO ITS PART."
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT AT A RECENT INTERNATIONAL MEETING IN STOCKHOLM CONVENED TO PREPARE FOR THE FORTHCOMING WORLD CLIMATE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, A FAIRLY ENCOURAGING CONSENSUS WAS REACHED ON INITIATING ACTION.
"HONG KONG WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE AND THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IT MUST SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL ACTION.
"ITS ATTITUDE TOWARDS, AND IMAGE IN, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MUST BE PROGRESSIVE IF IT IS TO SURVIVE, AND, IN MANY INTERNATIONAL EYES, WE WILL STAND OR FALL ON OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE," HE SAID.
- - 0----------
/8 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 8 -
IMPORTANCE OF APPRENTICE TRAINING STRESSED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
CAPITAL AND A TRAINED WORK FORCE ARE OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE TO THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, WHICH IS NOW NOT ONLY AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, BUT ALSO AN ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL CITY.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR HO SAI-CHU SAID THIS WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE GOVERNMENT APPRENTICES GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR HO NOTED THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEME IN 1969, SOME 647 TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES AND 1,856 CRAFT APPRENTICES HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COURSES WHICH EMPHASISED BOTH CLASSROOM TRAINING AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION.
"THIS APPROACH ENABLES THE APPRENTICES TO JOIN THE WORK FORCE RIGHT AFTER GRADUATION SO THAT THEY CAN IMMEDIATELY MAKE USE OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MR HO CONGRATULATED THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS FORESIGHT IN STARTING THE TRAINING SCHEME FROM WHICH CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS WERE PRODUCED FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS WELL AS TO ENSURE THAT THE LOCAL INDUSTRY WOULD HAVE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF TRAINED MANPOWER TO SUSTAIN ITS DEVELOPMENT.
AS HONG KONG WAS NOW UNDERTAKING LARGE-SCALE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, THERE WAS A GREAT DEMAND FOR TRAINED MANPOWER, HE ADDED.
GRADUATING TODAY WERE 39 TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES AND 31 CRAFT APPRENTICES WHO HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE FOUR-YEAR TRAINING COURSE.
THE PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDED ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, HAD BEEN DEVELOPED TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS FOR PROFICIENCY IN THEORETICAL TECHNOLOGY AND SKILL IN PRACTICAL WORK.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR MIAO CHI, STAFF INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING PROGRAMME AND PARENTS OF THE GRADUATING APPRENTICES.
--------0-----------
/9 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
9
ANOTHER WORLD CLASS STANDARD WSD PROJECT OPENS
*****
THE OPENING OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP IN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD TODAY (FRIDAY) MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORT IN CENTRALISING AND STREAMLINING THE MAINTENANCE OF WATERWORKS EQUIPMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, SAID AT THE WORKSHOP’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY.
MR KWOK SAID THE WORKSHOP, COSTING ABOUT $150 MILLION, WAS YET THE DEPARTMENT’S ANOTHER PROJECT OF WORLD CLASS STANDARD, JUST AS THE PLOVER COVE AND HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIRS.
OCCUPYING A 16,900 SQUARE-METRE SITE, THE WORKSHOP WILL HANDLE THE MAINTENANCE OF ALL WATERWORKS HEAVY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL PLANTS INSTALLED IN THE TERRITORY.
IT WILL ACCOMMODATE ALL FACILITIES AT PRESENT PROVIDED AT THE WATERWORKS DEPOTS AT BULLOCK LANE AND ARGYLE STREET, THE YAU TONG METER SHOP AND THE TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP AND CABLE STORE AT THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER.
WITH ITS COMMISSIONING, THE WORKSHOPS AND OFFICES AT BULLOCK LANE IN WAN CHAI WILL BE DEMOLISHED THUS RELEASING VALUABLE LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA.
"THE DEPOT AT BULLOCK LANE HAS BEEN OPERATED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SINCE 1946 AND THE FACILITIES THERE ARE INADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE EVER INCREASING DEMANDS OF EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE," MR KWOK SAID.
"THE INCREASING DEMAND IS CLEARLY REFLECTED IN THE INCREASE IN AVERAGE DAILY CONSUMPTION OF WATER IN THE TERRITORY, RISING FROM SOME 0.13 MILLION CUBIC METRES PER DAY IN 1946 TO WELL OVER TWO MILLION CUBIC METRES PER DAY IN 1990," HE ADDED.
THE NEW WORKSHOP, WHICH HAS TAKEN THREE AND A HALF YEARS TO COMPLETE, COMPRISES A MAIN WORKSHOP BUILDING, A MULTI-STOREY OFFICE BLOCK, A MAIN ELECTRICAL WORKSHOP, AUXILIARY WORKSHOP BUILDINGS, COVERED STORES, OPEN STORAGE COMPOUND, METER SHOP AND RECREATIONAL AND CANTEEN FACILITIES FOR THE STAFF.
- - 0 - -
/10
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 10 -
PUBLICATION OF INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS ******
THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF TWO MORE INTERIM DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (IDPA) PLANS FOR NGAU TAM MEI AND THE SHEUNG PAR NAI AND HA PAR LAI AREAS IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
SINCE THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS GAZETTED ON JULY 27, 1990, A TOTAL OF 17 IDPA PLANS HAVE SO FAR BEEN PUBLISHED COVERING A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 8,550 HECTARES.
A SPORESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID THAT NGAU TAM MEI, LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN PART OF NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, IS ESSENTIALLY A LARGE VALLEY SHIELDED BY HILLS IN THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN BOUNDARIES.
’’ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF DESIGNATING THE AREA AS IDPA IS TO SET OUT A FRAMEWORR FOR DEVELOPMENT CONTROL TO PREVENT FURTHER DEGRADATION OF THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE UNREGULATED OPEN STORAGE AND INDUSTRIAL USES,” HE SAID.
THE NGAU TAM MEI IDPA COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 901 HECTARES WHILE THE SHEUNG PAR NAI AND HA PAR NAI IDPA COVERS 176 HECTARES OF LAND.
THE SHEUNG PAR NAI AND HA PAR NAI IDPA IS SITUATED IN THE WESTERN PART OF NORTHWEST PART OF NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES ALONG THE COAST OF OUTER DEEP BAY.
THE SPORESMAN SAID THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO PREVENT IMPROPER FILLING ACTIVITIES, AND UNCONTROLLABLE PROLIFERATION OF OPEN STORAGE AND ASSOCIATED USES WHICH WOULD JEOPARDISE THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND USE INTENTION IN THE AREA, DEGRADE THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT AND POSE THREATS TO A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST IN SHEUNG PAR NAI (THE SANDPIT ALONG THE SHORE).
UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, DEVELOPMENT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PLANS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS UPON COMMENCEMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE.
ON ENACTMENT THE IDPA'S WOULD BE INCLUDED IN STATUTORY DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS (DPA’S) AND THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING COULD THEN SERVE NOTICE REQUIRING REINSTATEMENT OF THE LAND TO THE CONDITION IT WAS IN IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE GAZETTING OF THE IDPA PLANS OR RESTORATION OF THE LAND TO HIS SATISFACTION.
THE SPORESMAN SAID THAT EXISTING USES WOULD BE TOLERATED WITHIN THE IDPA’S. PERMISSION GRANTED BY THE DIRECTOR WOULD BE HONOURED WHEN THE IDPAS ARE INCLUDED INTO STATUTORY DPA’S.
/ON THE ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 11 -
ON THE NGAU TAM MEI IDPA PLAN, THERE ARE AREAS DESIGNATED FOR "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT" TO PROVIDE FOR THE NECESSARY EXPANSION OF ESTABLISHED VILLAGES.
TO CATER FOR THE CONTINUING DEMAND FOR OPEN STORAGE SITES, ABOUT 9.3 HECTARES OF LAND ARE DESIGNATED FOR OPEN STORAGE USES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN AN IDPA WOULD BE ASSESSED ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS.
IF THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING’S PERMISSION FOR DEVELOPMENT IS REQUIRED, AN APPLICATION FOR SUCH PERMISSION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL REGISTRY, PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
INDIGENOUS NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS WISHING TO APPLY FOR SMALL HOUSE SITES IN AREAS COVERED BY THE NEW IDPA’S SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY DIRECT TO THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER.
THE TWO IDPA PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED UNTIL NOVEMBER 14 THIS YEAR AT THE FOLLOWING OFICES:
» CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
* RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES.
COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AD LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.
--------0-----------
/12........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 12 -
DRAFT SAI YING PUN AND SHEUNG WAN OZP AMENDED
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS MADE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT SAI YING PUN AND SHEUNG WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN TO ACCOMMODATE CHANGES IN LAND USE PROPOSALS.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WESTERN MARKET SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF MORRISON STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL HAS BEEN REZONED FROM ’’OPEN SPACE” AND "ROAD” TO ’’OTHER SPECIFIED USES” ANNOTATED ’’EXISTING BUILDING TO BE PRESERVED FOR RETAIL, RESTAURANT, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL USES" TO FACILITATE THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S PRESERVATION SCHEME.
ALSO, A "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY” SITE AT FAT HING STREET HAS BEEN REZONED TO ’’OPEN SPACE” FOR OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED DURING OFFICE HOURS UNTIL OCTOBER 5 THIS YEAR AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
- PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
- CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE,
GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG; AND
- CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND AND 11TH FLOORS, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 5.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE KOWLOON MAP SALE SECTION, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.
---------0 - -
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 13 -
UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES SUBJECT TO PROPER CONTROL
*****
UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES SUCH AS CAVERN AND UNDERGROUND SPACE HAVE BEEN DEFINED AS A BUILDING IN A DECLARATION PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED SEA-WALL, BREAKWATER, JETTY, MOLE, QUAY, CAVERN OR ANY UNDERGROUND SPACE ADAPTED OR CONSTRUCTED FOR OCCUPATION FOR ANY PURPOSE INCLUDING ITS ASSOCIATED ACCESS TUNNELS AND ACCESS SHAFTS AS A BUILDING FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
AS A RESULT, THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THESE STRUCTURES ARE SUBJECT TO THE CONTROL AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.
BEFORE THESE STRUCTURES ARE CONSTRUCTED, PLANS HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL.
A RECENT STUDY BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE POTENTIAL USES OF UNDERGROUND SPACE HAS DEMONSTRATED THE APPLICABILITY OF ROCK CAVERN CONSTRUCTION IN HONG KONG.
PRIVATE DEVELOPERS ARE EXPECTED TO ADOPT SUCH UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SUCH PRIVATE UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO PROPER CONTROL.
--------0-----------
LAND RESUMPTION FOR LANDSCAPE AREA
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME LAND IN NAM PIN WAI, YUEN LONG FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A VILLAGE LANDSCAPE AREA WITH FLOWER BEDS, PLANTATION AND TREE RINGS, AND PARKING SPACES.
THE LAND TO BE RESUMED COMPRISES PORTIONS OF TWO PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 2,558.6 SQUARE METRES.
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
-------0---------
/14........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ♦ ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAN WAI SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN YUEN LONG AS PART OF THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES SEWERAGE SCHEME.
THE CONTRACT COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TREATMENT PLANT AND THE ASSOCIATED BUILDINGS, PIPELINES, ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 19 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DESIGN DIVISION AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY ITS NEW WORKS DIVISION.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER, NEW WORKS DIVISION, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 12.
- - 0 - -
BAN ON SUB-STANDARD SAFETY HELMETS *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE A WARNING TO CONTRACTORS CONCERNING THE USE OF SUB-STANDARD SAFETY HELMETS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES WHICH CANNOT AFFORD WORKERS THE REQUIRED PROTECTION FROM INJURY BY FALLING OBJECTS.
DURING A RECENT STUDY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE, IT WAS FOUND THAT A CERTAIN TYPE OF LOCALLY-MADE SAFETY HELMET WORN BY WORKERS WAS WHOLLY INADEQUATE TO WITHSTAND THE IMPACT OF OBJECTS DROPPED FROM A HEIGHT.
THE HELMET, WHICH BEARS THE DESCRIPTION "SAFETY HELMET-MALTON-ABS-10-3054, UV 2017-PASS ETC SAFETY TEST", DOES NOT CONFORM TO BRITISH STANDARD 5240 PRESCRIBED FOR THE TESTING OF SAFETY HELMETS, THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SAID.
"HENCE, WE CONSIDER THIS TYPE OF HELMET UNABLE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF REGULATION 48 OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS," MR YIP SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE REGULATIONS, CONTRACTORS WERE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE EACH WORKER WITH A SUITABLE SAFETY HELMET AND TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS WORN BY WORKERS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
/"IN VIEW
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 15 -
"IN VIEW OF THE EXIGENCY OF THE MATTER, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE AN ORDER TO EACH CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR A CONSTRUCTION SITE REQUIRING HIM TO PROVIDE WORKERS ONLY WITH SAFETY HELMETS CONFORMING TO SPECIFIED NATIONAL STANDARDS," MR YIP SAID.
"LETTERS AND COPY OF THE ORDER ARE BEING SENT TO ALL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS UNIONS, INSTITUTES OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION, RELATED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL AND OTHER CONCERNED ORGANISATIONS, NOTIFYING THEM OF THE REQUIREMENTS ON SAFETY HELMETS."
THE HELMETS SHOULD BE MADE TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:
- AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD INSTITUTE ANSI Z 89.1 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL HEAD PROTECTION
- AUSTRALIAN STANDARD SPECIFICATION AS 1801 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HELMETS
- BRITISH STANDARDS SPECIFICATION BS 5240 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HELMETS
- CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION CSA Z 94.1 SAFETY HELMETS
- FRENCH STANDARD SPECIFICATION NF S72-202
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HELMETS
- GERMAN INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS SPECIFICATION DIN 4840 PROTECTIVE HELMETS USED IN INDUSTRY
- JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL STANDARD JIS T8131 SAFETY HELMETS
IN ADDITION, CONTRACTORS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES IN MEETING THE REQUIREMENT WITH IN A MONTH FROM THE ISSUE OF THE ORDER.
"AFTERWARDS, FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL VISIT THE SITES TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE ORDER BY THE CONTRACTORS,” MR YIP SAID.
"ANY CONTRACTOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER COMMITS AN OFFENCE WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000," HE STRESSED.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE ABOVE SAFETY DRIVE, MR YIP SAID THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WOULD HOLD AN "EXHIBITION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT ’90" ON SEPTEMBER 28 AND 29 AT THE KOWLOON PARK PIAZZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
"PARTICIPATED BY 13 SAFETY EQUIPMENT COMPANIES AND THE RED CROSS, THE EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE A DISPLAY ON VARIOUS TYPES OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT USED IN INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS A DEMONSTRATION ON THE TESTING OF SAFETY HELMETS," HE NOTED.
--------0----------
/16 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
- 16 -
ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW NEAR AIRPORT
******
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS NEAR THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO MEET THE ANTICIPATED INCREASING TRAFFIC.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO PROVIDE SPACE FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE AIRCRAFT PARKING APRON.
THE PROPOSED WORKS, SCHEDULED TO START IN MAY NEXT YEAR WITH A CONSTRUCTION PERIOD OF 15 MONTHS, INCLUDE:
* CONSTRUCTION OF SLIP ROADS TO AND FROM THE SECTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD LOCATED IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THE AIRPORT POLICE STATION AND A ROUNDABOUT IN CONCORDE ROAD TO CONNECT THESE SLIP ROADS;
» RE-ALIGNMENT OF A SECTION OF CONCORDE ROAD;
* RE-ALIGNMENT OF THE CONNECTION TO CONCORDE ROAD FLYOVER;
* RE-ALIGNMENT AND WIDENING OF A SECTION OF EASTERN ROAD TO RUN AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE PROPOSED AIRCRAFT PARKING APRON AND BENEATH THE CONCORDE ROAD FLYOVER, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A ROUNDABOUT TO CONNECT THESE RE-ALIGNED ROADS;
* CONSTRUCTION OF A ROAD CONNECTION TO WANG KWONG ROAD ADJACENT TO RICHLAND GARDENS;
» CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, RETAINING WALLS, STREET FURNITURE AND DRAINAGE WORKS; AND
* ASSOCIATED PERMANENT CLOSURE OF PORTIONS OF EXISTING ROADS AND FOOTPATHS AFTER REPROVISIONING BY CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY ACCESS OR THE ABOVE ROAD WORKS.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* KOWLOON EAST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;
* KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND
* KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 6 THIS YEAR.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
1 7
HK POLICE OFFICER DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS IN JAPAN
* * * * *
A KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON INTERNATIONAL DRUGS INVESTIGATION WAS GIVEN AT THE JAPANESE NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY IN TOKYO BY POLICE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, NARCOTICS BUREAU, MR DAVE HODSON, AS PART OF AN ADVANCED COURSE FOR SENIOR POLICE ADMINISTRATORS.
MR HODSON WAS ONE OF TWO OVERSEAS OFFICERS INVITED TO LECTURE OFFICERS ATTENDING THE FIVE-MONTH COURSE FROM JAPAN, BRUNEI, INDONESIA, KOREA, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND.
THE PURPOSE OF THE COURSE WAS TO INFORM THE POLICE ADMINISTRATORS ON A RANGE OF TOPICS TO INCREASE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF JAPANESE POLICING METHODS AND TO DISCUSS AND STUDY THE SYSTEM AND ITS PROBLEMS.
MR HODSON’S WEEK LONG VISIT TO JAPAN ALSO ALLOWED HIM TO MAKE A STUDY TOUR OF THE NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY, THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN POLICE AND THE OSAKA PREFECTURAL POLICE.
"TWO TOPICS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST DURING MY VISIT WERE LOOKING AT DEVELOPMENTS THERE IN THE INCREASE IN THE USE OF COCAINE AND THE SMUGGLING OF STIMULANTS AND CANNABIS FROM HONG KONG TO JAPAN," MR HODSON SAID.
"THE HONG KONG SITUATION IS NOT OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE BUT LAST YEAR SAW AN INCREASE IN THE APPEARANCE IN TOKYO OF COCAINE FROM SOUTH AMERICA AND THAT IS A DEVELOPMENT BEING WATCHED CAREFULLY.
"I WAS ALSO GLAD TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF MEETING JAPANESE POLICE OFFICERS I’D MEET PREVIOUSLY AND TO DISCUSS THE INVESTIGATION OF INTERNATIONAL DRUGS CASES.
"I WAS DELIGHTED TO BE INVITED TO JAPAN."
--------0-----------
FACTORY VISITS TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION IN SOUTHERN
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON WORKERS TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS SO THAT THEY CAN VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS.
MRS CHAN MADE THE APPEAL DURING A TOUR OF LOCAL FACTORIES WITH A TEAM OF DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
SPEAKING TO WORKERS AT A RAZOR FACTORY, MRS CHAN SAID: "AS AN ELECTOR, YOU CAN USE YOUR BALLOT TO ELECT AN IDEAL REPRESENTATIVE TO REFLECT YOUR VIEWS."
/DURING THE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
DURING THE VISITS, THE TEAM INVITED WORKERS TO PARTICIPATE IN GAMES AND QUIZZES RELATED TO VOTER REGISTRATION AND HELPED THEM SIGN UP AS ELECTORS.
AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION AMONG WORKERS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO MADE REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN 300 LOCAL FACTORIES.
MEANWHILE, IT WILL CONDUCT SEPARATE VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES AT REPULSE BAY AND SHEK O ON SUNDAY.
THE DISTRICT’S VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, WHICH STARTED IN EARLY AUGUST, ALSO INCLUDES VISITS TO ABOUT 60,000 HOUSEHOLDS AND THE SETTING UP OF TEMPORARY REGISTRATION COUNTERS IN VARIOUS PLACES.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS TO DATE RECEIVED OVER 7,500 COMPLETED
REGISTRATION FORMS.
ACCORDING TO THE 1989 FINAL REGISTER, ABOUT 78,000 PEOPLE, OR 46.6 PER CENT, OF THE 167,900 ELIGIBLE VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT HAD REGISTERED.
- - 0 - -
SENIOR RESIDENTS SIGN UP AS VOTERS *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS AND TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS.
MR FISHER MADE THE APPEAL WHEN ATTENDING A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE KENNEDY TOWN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION SOCIAL CENTRE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SENIOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT HAD SHOWN ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE. EARLIER, HE RECEIVED A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS FROM A CENTRE REPRESENTATIVE.
MR FISHER ALSO CALLED ON OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO LEND THEIR SUPPORT TO THE DRIVE.
IN ORDER TO REACH MORE POTENTIAL ELECTORS, DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL VISIT COMMERCIAL FIRMS AND EVENING SCHOOLS IN THE COMING WEEKS AND WILL ALSO ASSIST VISITORS TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE DISTRICT TO SIGN UP, HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/19
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1990
SPECIAL ARTICLE ON OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA
******
THE MAY 1990 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED "HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE".
OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA HAVE BEEN GROWING INTO PROMINENCE IN RECENT YEARS, AND HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S TRADE PERFORMANCE WITH CHINA.
THE SPECIAL ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE SURVEY ON EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THE SURVEY ON IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE OBJECTIVES, DEFINITIONS, COVERAGE AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEYS, AND THE USES OF STATISTICS DERIVED FROM THE SURVEYS ARE OUTLINED IN THE ARTICLE. SURVEY RESULTS FOR 1989 ARE ALSO PRESENTED AND ANALYSED.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $40 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
_ _ 0 - -
NEW POST OFFICE TO SERVE HAPPY VALLEY *****
THE NEW HAPPY VALLEY POST OFFICE, LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 14-16 SING WOO ROAD, WILL BE OPEN AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE EXISTING POST OFFICE AT 4 WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WILL CLOSE FOR BUSINESS WITH EFFECT FROM 1 PM ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22.
THE HOURS OF BUSINESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS WILL REMAIN THE
SAME
"A SPECIAL HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PHILATELISTS AT THE NEW HAPPY VALLEY POST OFFICE ON SEPTEMBER 24," MR WONG SAID.
"UNREGISTERED FULL POSTAGE PREPAID FIRST DAY COVERS PREPARED PRIVATELY AND BEARING A LOCAL ADDRESS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATESTAMP AND HANDED Back to the person presenting them."
- - 0 - -
/20
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14,
1990
- 20 -
Il’S AND OVERSTAYERS ARRESTED * ♦ ♦ * »
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS, ACTING ON INFORMATION, ARRESTED FOUR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND TWO OVERSTAYERS FROM CHINA YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
THREE OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, MEN AGED 22 AND 23, WERE APPREHENDED AT A DESERTED FARM IN YUEN LONG. THEY ARE NATIVES OF CHIU CHOW AND CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THE OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT AND THE TWO OVERSTAYERS, AGED 21, 22 AND 23, WERE ARRESTED AT A RESIDENTIAL FLAT IN NORTH POINT. THEY ARE ALL FEMALES AND NATIVES OF FUKIEN.
THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ADMITTED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG LAST MONTH. HER FATHER, A HONG KONG RESIDENT, IS ASSISTING WITH INVESTIGATION.
THE TWO OVERSTAYERS WHO ARE SISTERS ENTERED HONG KONG ON TWO-WAY PERMITS. THEY HAVE OVERSTAYED FOR ABOUT NINE MONTHS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BREACHED THEIR CONDITION OF STAY HERE ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
- - 0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD CAITHNESS ARRIVES FOR SIX-DAY VISIT ....................................
2
HK AND CHINA MAINTAIN INEXTRICABLE ECONOMIC LINK ............................
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DROP TWO PER CENT ......................................
GOVT AND AGENCIES WORK TOGETHER TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE .........................
TWO MACAU POLICE INSPECTORS UNDERGOING TRAINING AT PTU ......................
STUDENTS BRING GREEN TOUCH TO PENG CHAU .....................................
PROPOSED DREDGING AT EAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU .................................
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990
- 1 -
LORD CAITHNESS ARRIVES FOR SIX-DAY VISIT
******
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD CAITHNESS, ARRIVED THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A SIX-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT, LORD CAITHNESS SAID: "I'VE COME HERE TO HAVE A GOOD LOOK AROUND AND TO MEET PEOPLE. I’VE ALREADY MET THE GOVERNOR, I’VE MET LADY DUNN, I’VE MET MARTIN LEE AND VARIOUS OTHER PEOPLE, BUSINESSMEN FROM HONG KONG."
"I’M VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO IT BECAUSE WHEN THE PRIME MINISTER OFFERED ME THE JOB SHE REMINDED ME JUST HOW IMPORTANT HONG KONG WAS TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND TO BRITAIN, AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS REINFORCED THAT," HE SAID.
LORD CAITHNESS SAID WHILE THERE MIGHT BE A CHANGE OF MINISTER, THERE WASN’T A CHANGE OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SO THE POLICIES WERE GOING TO CONTINUE.
THE MINISTER SAID ALTHOUGH HE MIGHT BE NEW, HE WOULD FIGHT FOR HONG KONG: "BECAUSE YOU DON’T WANT A BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT JUST STANDS ON THE SIDELINES AND APPLAUDS.
"YOU WANT A BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT WILL SUPPORT YOU. WE WILL DO THAT," HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON HOW QUICKLY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WANTED TO ACT IN RETURNING VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE NON-VOLUNTARILY, LORD CAITHNESS SAID: "OF COURSE WE WANT TO GET RID OF THE NON-REFUGEES AS WELL AS TO RESETTLE THE REFUGEES, AND THAT IS WHY WE ARE PURSUING NEGOTIATIONS WITH HANOI TO TRY TO SPEED THAT PROCESS UP."
THE MINISTER WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON; THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS; THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY; AND THE SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, MR PETER HEAP.
--------0-----------
/2 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990
- 2 -
HK AND CHINA MAINTAIN INEXTRICABLE ECONOMIC LINK
******
THE BEST GUARANTEE FOR HONG KONG IS AN EXPANDING ECONOMY IN WHICH ALL CAN SHARE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID IN THE UNITED STATES.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON US/CHINA RELATIONS IN NEW YORK YESTERDAY (FRIDAY), MRS CHAN SAID CHINA HAD ALWAYS FEATURED IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH.
SHE NOTED THAT HONG KONG AND CHINA WERE EACH OTHER’S MOST IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNERS, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF EACH OTHER’S EXTERNAL TRADE.
APART FROM TRADE IN GOODS, TRADE IN SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAD ALSO STEPPED UP SIGNIFICANTLY, SHE ADDED.
"ONE EXAMPLE IS IN THE DRAMATIC UPSURGE OF TRIPS MADE TO CHINA BY HONG KONG RESIDENTS FOR BUSINESS AND PLEASURE,” SHE SAID, ADDING THAT HONG KONG WAS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SOURCE OF CHINA’S OVERALL TOURIST RECEIPTS, ESTIMATED AT ABOUT US$2.2 BILLION IN 1988.
TURNING TO THE INVESTMENT SIDE, MRS CHAN NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT SOURCE OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN CHINA, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 70 PER CENT, IN TERMS OF BOTH THE NUMBER OF VENTURES SET UP AND THE MONEY INVESTED.
"IN THE PERIOD 1979 TO THE END OF MARCH 1989, CHINA APPROVED A TOTAL OF 15,948 ENTERPRISES WITH A FOREIGN INVESTMENT CONTENT. TOTAL REALISED DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT TO DATE AMOUNTED TO US$12.1 BILLION," SHE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT, MORE AND MORE OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH A HIGH LABOUR CONTENT OR REQUIRING CHEAP LAND HAD MOVED ACROSS THE BORDER INTO SOUTHERN CHINA.
"ABOUT TWO MILLION WORKERS IN GUANGDONG ARE NOW WORKING FOR HONG KONG COMPANIES EITHER THROUGH JOINT VENTURES OR IN PROJECTS COMMISSIONED BY HONG KONG COMPANIES IN THE FORM OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES AND COMPENSATION TRADE."
ON CHINA’S INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MRS CHAN SAID: "CHINA IS NOW AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG."
WHILE HONG KONG HAD NO RELIABLE ESTIMATE OF THE CUMULATIVE TOTAL OF CHINA’S INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY IN TRACING THE ULTIMATE OWNERSHIP OF PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSETS IN THE TERRITORY, CHINA MIGHT WELL NOW BE THE LARGEST SINGLE EXTERNAL INVESTOR IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY, SHE SAID.
/"IN THE ......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990
- 3 -
"IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, CHINA IS THE THIRD MOST IMPORTANT SOURCE OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENT AFTER THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN, ACCOUNTING FOR AROUND FIGHT PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXTERNAL INVESTMENT.
"GIVEN THAT HONG KONG IS CHINA’S LARGEST EXPORT MARKET AS WELL AS THE LARGEST SOURCE OF ITS INWARD FOREIGN INVESTMENT, TOURIST RECEIPTS AND REMITTANCE INCOME, HONG KONG IS ALMOST CERTAINLY THE LEADING SOURCE OF CHINA’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS.
"WE WOULD PUT OUR CONTRIBUTION AT AROUND THE 30 PER CENT LEVEL," MRS CHAN SAID.
REGARDING THE FINANCIAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, SHE SAID THE BANK OF CHINA GROUP WAS THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT BANKING GROUP IN HONG KONG WHILE THE HONGKONG BANK GROUP WAS THE BEST REPRESENTED FOREIGN BANK IN CHINA, FOLLOWED BY THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK.
MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG, BEING THE MAJOR SOUTHEAST ASIAN CENTRE FOR ARRANGING FINANCE, HAD BECOME A KEY PLACE FOR CHINA TO RAISE FUNDS USUALLY IN THE FORM OF SYNDICATED LOANS.
"THESE LOANS ARE MOSTLY CHANNELLED TO CHINA FOR FINANCING ITS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BUT SOME OF THEM ARE USED BY PRC-INTEREST COMPANIES IN HONG KONG TO FUND THEIR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG OR ABOARD," SHE SAID.
"WITH THE INEXTRICABLE LINKS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED BETWEEN THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG AND CHINA, THE POTENTIAL FOR HONG KONG TO ENJOY FURTHER SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC GROWTH IS SELF EVIDENT," SHE ADDED.
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DROP TWO PER CENT
*****
DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 2,057 COMPLAINTS, A DROP OF TWO PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TCU TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THE COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED MAINLY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.
AS REGARDS THE ADEQUACY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, HE SAID THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 170 COMPLAINTS COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THERE WAS A RISE OF 22 CASES OR 15 PER CENT.
/ON THE ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990
4
ON THE STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 370 COMPLAINTS, AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT COMPARED WITH 353 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICE ROSE SLIGHTLY BY TWO PER CENT FROM 333 CASES TO 338 CASES.
THE NUMBERS OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES AND FERRY SERVICES DROPPED FROM THE PREVIOUS QUARTER’S 66 CASES TO 49 CASES, AND FRO.I 21 CASES TO 20 CASES RESPECTIVELY.
THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT INCLUDED REGULARITY OF SERVICE, CONDITIONS OF VEHICLES/VESSELS, AND PASSENGER SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT TO 237 CASES -- 56 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 78 IN KOWLOON, 101 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TWO IN TUNNELS OR OTHER AREAS.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION AND ROAD WORKS.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES DROPPED FROM 183 CASES TO 173 OR BY FIVE PER CENT.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHT AND TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT, AND ADDITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS DECREASED BY 28 PER CENT FROM 163 CASES TO 117 CASES.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, FAULTY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STOOD AT 344, 15 CASES OR FIVE PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE NUMBER RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE WERE RELATED MAINLY TO REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOTORISTS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0------------
/5.........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990 - 5 -
GOVT AND AGENCIES WORK TOGETHER TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE
» » * » *
THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS BY WAY OF LEGISLATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT, REHABILITATION, EDUCATION AND PREVENTION.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE 22ND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CARITAS LOK HEEP CLUB AT SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
MR CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN PLAYING ITS PART THROUGH THE PROVISION AND MONITORING OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR DRUG ABUSERS ESPECIALLY IN THE AREA OF REHABILITATION.
"OUR MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE 25 METHADONE CLINICS, AS WELL AS OUR PROBATION OFFICERS AND CASE WORKERS AT THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES PROVIDE COUNSELLING SERVICES AND CONCRETE ASSISTANCE TO THE ABUSERS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SUBVENES ANTI-NARCOTICS VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN THE RUNNING OF HALFWAY HOUSES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR EX-DRUG ABUSERS.”
-----0------
TWO MACAU POLICE INSPECTORS UNDERGOING TRAINING AT PTU
*****
TWO INSPECTORS FROM THE MACAU SECURITY FORCE NOW UNDER TRAINING AT THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT (PTU) IN FANLING BOTH ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY CAN LEARN MUCH FROM THE ADVANCED FACILITIES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.
UNDERGOING FOUR MONTHS OF TRAINING AT THE UNIT, INSPECTORS ALBANO AGOSTINHO AND CELESTINO DA LUCIA PEREIR1NHA ARE EAGER TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNAL SECURITY MEASURES.
THE TWO PORTUGUESE OFFICERS ARE ATTACHED TO "HOTEL" COMPANY AND ARE TAKING THEIR COURSE WITH EIGHT LOCAL INSPECTORS.
"IT’S DIFFICULT LISTENING TO LECTURES IN ENGLISH BECAUSE WE USUALLY SPEAK PORTUGUESE BUT WE CAN SPEAK CANTONESE FLUENTLY AND OUR COLLEAGUES HERE ARE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL," THEY SAID.
INSPECTOR PEREIRINHA SAID: "FOR THE INITIAL FEW WEEKS WE HAVE BEEN LEARNING ANTI-RIOT TACTICS, VISITING THE BORDER AREA AND STUDYING THE INTERCEPTION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS."
/HIS PARTNER .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990
- 6 -
HIS PARTNER HAS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OF TACTICAL TRAINING IN MACAU WHEN HE WAS INSTRUCTED BY AN OFFICER WHO HAD ALSO ATTENDED A PTU COURSE IN HONG KONG.
TEN YEARS IN MACAU POLICE, INSPECTOR AGOSTINHO SAID: "OUR MOST EXCITING EXPERIENCE SO FAR HAS BEEN TO FLY IN A HELICOPTER FOR THE FIRST TIME.
"WE HOVERED AROUND THE SKY AT NIGHT TO MAKE SURVEILLANCE OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION SITUATION."
THE OFFICERS ALSO ENJOYED A FRIENDLY RECEPTION ON AN INFORMATIVE VISIT TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE.
"HOTEL" COMPANY SECOND-IN-COMMAND CHIEF INSPECTOR WONG HUNG-TAK COMMENTED: "THE TWO MACAU INSPECTORS ARE TAKING THE COURSE EAGERLY AND EARNESTLY. THEY SHOW MUCH INTEREST IN OUR TRAINING AND GET ON WELL WITH LOCAL OFFICERS."
----0------
STUDENTS BRING GREEN TOUCH TO PENG CHAU
******
ABOUT 120 STUDENTS FROM PENG CHAU, CHEUNG CHAU AND LANTAU TOOK PART IN PLANTING OVER 200 ACACIA SEEDLINGS ON THE PEAK OF FINGER HILL ON PENG CHAU ISLAND TODAY (SATURDAY).
THEY WERE PARTICIPATING IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1990.
THE FUNCTION, CO-ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB ISLANDS DISTRICT COMMITTEE, WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, URGED STUDENTS TO SPREAD THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MESSAGE AND TO HELP PRESERVE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE ISLANDS.
"THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, WITH MORE GREENERY AND FRESHER AIR, HAS A FAR BETTER ENVIRONMENT THAN THAT OF THE URBAN AREA.
"BUT IF WE DO NOT TREASURE THESE ASSETS AND CAUSE HILL FIRES, OUR ENVIRONMENT WILL BE DAMAGED," MR SALKELD SAID.
HE ADDED THAT POLLUTING THE STREAMS AND LITTERING WOULD ALSO MAKE THE ISLANDS A LESS ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR HOLIDAY MAKERS AND A LESS COMFORTABLE HOME FOR RESIDENTS.
/MR SALKELD .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1990
MR SALKELD STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS, WOULD CONTINUE TO DEVOTE EVERY EFFORT TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE ISLANDS.
ALSO OFFICIATED AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, AND A PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR HONG PO-SUM.
MORE TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD NEXT SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 22) ON LANTAU AND LAMMA ISLANDS.
- - 0 - -
PROPOSED DREDGING AT EAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DREDGE WITHIN AN AREA APPROXIMATELY 3,630 HECTARES OF SEABED AT EAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU TO PROVIDE MATERIALS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION AND FUTURE RECLAMATIONS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
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 BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 13 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DON'T MISS OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE: RS ....................................... 1
APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE INVITED ........................ 2
POLICE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER IN BORDER PLAYS DUAL ROLE .......... 4
VIOLA PROTEGES ATTEND WORLD YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ............................. 5
HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS ................................ 6
'SAY YES TO LIFE' KITE FLYING FAMILY DAY ................................. 7
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR OUTSTANDING CARETAKERS COMPETITION ............... 8
SWIMMING GALA FOR ISLANDERS ............................................
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
DON’T MISS OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE: RS
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED VOTERS IN WONG TAI SIN TO NOTIFY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS SO THAT THEY CAN VOTE IN THEIR NEW CONSTITUENCIES.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT VOTER REGISTRATION FUN FAIR AT LOK FU SHOPPING CERTRE.
MR LAN NOTED THAT DUE TO LARGE SCALE REDEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT IN RECENT YEARS, MANY REGISTERED VOTERS HAD MOVED TO NEW PREMISES.
"THEREFORE, I AM APPEALING ESPECIALLY TO THESE PEOPLE TO REPORT ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS SO THAT THEY WILL NOT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE IN THEIR NEW CONSTITUENCIES," HE SAID.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THERE WERE ABOUT 40,000 PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 25 IN THE DISTRICT, ONLY 12 PER CENT IN THIS AGE BRACKET HAD SIGNED UP AS VOTERS.
"YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO ENROL AS ELECTORS AND ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
AS TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION SITUATION IN WONG TAI SIN, MR LAN SAID 55 PER CENT OF THE 240,000 ELIGIBLE VOTERS HAD REGISTERED EVEN BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN STARTED.
"WITH MORE THAN 20,000 COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS RETURNED RECENTLY, THIS FIGURE HAS LEAPT TO 63 PER CENT.
"I BELIEVE THAT WITH THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF LOCAL LEADERS, MORE IMPRESSIVE RESULTS WILL BE ACHIEVED," HE SAID.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT BY ITSELF COULD NOT ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, WHICH LARGELY DEPENDED ON RESIDENTS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT.
EARLIER, MR LAN PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEES FOR THEIR JOINT EFFORT IN ORGANISING THE FUN FAIR TODAY TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DR MICHAEL LEE, ALSO CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS ELECTORS.
TODAY’S FUN FAIR WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE DISTRICT’S 14 AREA COMMITTEES.
/IN ADDITION .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
- 2 -
IN ADDITION TO PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, THERE WERE GAME STALLS AND VIDEO MESSAGES ON VOTER REGISTRATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION.
SPECIAL COUNTERS WERE SET UP TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS ELECTORS.
ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR ALBERT LI.
------0--------
APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE INVITED
* ♦ » ♦ »
PARENTS WISHIG TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE IN A PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN SEPTEMBER 1991 UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL SEPTEMBER 29.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE IS OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG BELONGING CHILDREN, BORN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1985 WHO ARE NOT STUDYING IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL.
PARENTS CAN OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION SHEETS FROM THE KINDERGARTENS WHERE THEIR CHILDREN ARE STUDYING.
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN NOT ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS, THE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND BRANCH OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
’’COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1 AND 5 DIRECT TO ONLY ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WHICH THE PARENT WISHES TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS SCHOOL MAY EITHER BE WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE FAMILY LIVES. BUT PARENTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO SELECT A NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY TRANSPORT PROBLEMS."
IN SELECTING A SCHOOL, PARENTS SHOULD ALSO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE POINTS SYSTEM WHICH IS BASED ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE CHILD’S FAMILY AS WELL AS THE CHILD’S AGE.
HOWEVER, THEY SHOULD NOTE THAT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED IN RESPECT OF ANY ONE CHILD.
"IF THEY ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY FORFEIT THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ELIGIBLE FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/SCHOOLS RECEIVING .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
3
SCHOOLS RECEIVING TOO FEW APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE PRIMARY ONE CLASSES AND LN SUCH CASES, CHILDREN ALREADY ACCEPTED BY THESE SCHOOLS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES WILL HAVE TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY REALLOCATED TO SOME OTHER SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE VACANCIES.
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO CANNOT USE CHINESE AS THE LEARNING MEDIUM, THEY MAY SEEK ADVICE FROM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 572 4383) BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION FORM.
IN THE CASE OF PARENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN ANY PARTICULAR SCHOOL, THEY SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM BETWEEN OCTOBER 1 AND 5 TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
* LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, HONG KONG
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 611, 405 NATHAN ROAD, SIXTH FLOOR, KOWLOON
♦ SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
SERVICE CENTRE,
KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, FIRST FLOOR, NEW TERRITORIES
» TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
SERVICE CENTRE,
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES
♦ TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
SERVICE CENTRE,
TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
SERVICE CENTRE,
TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
1 TUEN Hl ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
SERVICE CENTRE,
YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING,
269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES
/* NORTH DISTRICT
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
» NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
SERVICE CENTRE,
FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
3 PIK FUNG ROAD, GROUND FLOOR,
FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES
•
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED PARENTS WHO WISH TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO ATTEND PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS OR PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TO APPLY TO THESE SCHOOLS DIRECT AS THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM.
---------0-----------
POLICE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER IN BORDER PLAYS DUAL ROLE *****
IN ADDITION TO HIS MAIN DUTIES OF LIAISING WITH THE MILITARY AS POLICE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, OPERATIONS,BORDER, STEPHEN BROWN IS ALSO PLAYING THE ROLE OF KEEN CONSERVATIONIST OF WILDLIFE WITHIN THE DIVISION.
TO STEVE, A FOUR SQUARE KILOMETRES OF DESERTED LAND STRETCHING FROM LIN MA HANG TO SHA TAU KOK BEHIND ROBINS NEST IS HIS PRIVATE ’’GAME RESERVE”.
”IT TURNS OUT TO BE A PARADISE FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF WILDLIFE SUCH AS PORCUPINES, WILD PIGS, BARKING DEER AND A GREAT RANGE OF BIRDS,” HE SAID.
”AS LONG AS YOU KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO FIND SIGNS OF WILD ANIMALS, INCLUDING THEIR FOOTPRINTS,” SAID STEVE WHO HAS DEVELOPED HIS INTEREST IN GAME CONSERVATION SINCE CHILDHOOD WHEN HE USED TO LIVE IN CENTRAL AFRICA.
’’EARLY THIS YEAR WE FOUND A PAIR OF LEOPARD CATS IN TA KWU LING. THE GURKHAS INITIALLY MISTOOK THEM FOR TIGERS.
”WE BELIEVED THEY ARE A BREEDING PAIR AND DECIDED TO LET THEM STAY WHERE THEY WERE. THEY ARE STILL LIVING THERE UNDISTURBED BUT THEY DON’T KNOW THEY ARE OBSERVED THROUGH THE THERMAL IMAGER.
”AT A SPOT OVERLOOKING THE SHA TAU KOK VILLAGE,” STEVE CONTINUED, ’’THERE IS A BARKING DEER WHICH NEVER FAILS TO ALERT US WHENEVER SOMEBODY COMES ACROSS THE AREA IN THE EVENING.
’’THE ARMY TAKE THAT AS THE ALARM FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS INTRUDING INTO THE AREA AND ’THE DEER ON THE HILL’ IS WELL-KNOWN AMONG THE VILLAGERS,” STEVE SAID.
THE BORDER AREA IS INDEED FULL OF INTERESTING DISCOVERIES.
/A HORSE .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
- 5 -
A HORSE TURNED OUT TO BE THE BIGGEST "REPATRIATED ILLEGAL ENTRANT" WHEN IT WAS SENT BACK TO THE MAINLAND A FEW YEARS AGO AFTER BEING FOUND BY THE ARMY IN SHENZHEN RIVER.
IT WAS LATER DESCRIBED AS A PERFORMING HORSE FROM A SHENZHEN PARK IN A THANK YOU LETTER FROM THE CHINESE.
A BABY BEAR WAS FOUND WANDERING ON THE ROAD AND MADE ITS PRESENCE KNOWN TO A PATROL POLICEMAN.
"THOUSANDS OF BATS ARE FOUND THRIVING INSIDE A LONG-ABANDONED LEAD MINE IN LIN MA HANG AND A COLONY OF RARE SPECIES OF ROUSETTE BATS RECORDED ONLY ONCE BEFORE IN HONG KONG BACK IN 1876 WAS IDENTIFIED BY A LOCAL BAT EXPERT RECENTLY,” SAID STEVE.
STEVE IS PARTICULARLY FOND OF BIRDS AND A SMALL AVIARY OF 11 SPECIES OF BIRDS AT HIS HOME IN TAI MEI TUK TELLS ALL.
"THE FIRST BIRD WE KEPT WAS A CRESTED MYNAH WHICH JUST ARRIVED AT OUR HOME ONE DAY AND HAS STAYED WITH US FOR NINE YEARS.
"ITS COMPANIONS NOW INCLUDE PHEASANTS, COCKATOOS, AFRICAN GREYS, WHITE EYES AND BUDGIES."
POSSESSING A LOVE FOR ALL SORTS OF WILDLIFE, STEVE SAID HE COULD NEVER STAND THE IDEA OF SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS AND COULD ONLY ACCEPT PROPERLY CONTROLLED HUNTING.
------0--------
VIOLA PROTEGES ATTEND WORLD YOUTH MUSIC CAMP
TWO TALENTED VIOLISTS, 22-YEAR-OLD CHAN CHI-KIT AND 19-YEAR-OLD KAN PAK-KIN, ARE REPRESENTING HONG KONG IN THE FIRST WORLD YOUTH MUSIC CAMP HELD FROM TODAY (SUNDAY) UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 AT PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE, KUALA LUMPUR.
AIMING TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC, THE CAMP IS OPEN TO ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTALISTS OF ALL NATIONALITIES AGED 16 TO 28.
THERE WILL BE MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED BY SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST MUSICIANS. ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR THE PARTICIPANTS TO VISIT INTERESTING PLACES IN MALAYSIA.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL FORM A WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND, UNDER THE BATON OF RENOWNED ENGLISH CONDUCTOR MR MARK WIGGLESWORTH, WILL PERFORM AT A PUBLIC CONCERT AT THE END OF THE CAMP PERIOD.
/MR CHAN .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
6
MR CHAN CHI-KIT STARTED TO PLAY THE VIOLA NINE YEARS AGO, WHILE MR KAN PAK-KIN, WHO STARTED PLAYING THE VIOLIN 10 YEARS AGO, LEARNED TO PLAY THE VIOLA JUST LAST YEAR.
THEY WERE SELECTED TO JOIN THE MUSIC CAMP THROUGH AN OPEN AUDITION BY THE MUSIC OFFICE.
COMMENTING ON THE TRIP, BOTH REMARKED THAT THEY WERE HAPPY AND EXCITED TO BE GIVEN THIS CHANCE TO BROADEN THEIR MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE AND TO MEET OTHER YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD.
THEIR CAMP FEES ARE PAID BY THE ORGANISERS AND MALAYSIAN AIRLINE WILL COVER THEIR PASSAGE.
--------0-----------
HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS * * ♦ ♦ ♦
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1990 INTER-SCHOOLS HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS.
THE CONTESTS, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, ARE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENHANCE HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG STUDENTS.
THE THEME FOR BOTH CONTESTS IS "TO BE HAPPY, TO BE CLEAN", A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SPEECH CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS, EACH SUB-DIVIDING INTO ENGLISH, PUTONGHUA AND CANTONESE CATEGORIES.
AS FOR THE SONG CONTEST, IT COMPRISES THE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS.
EACH SCHOOL MAY SEND ONLY ONE CHOIR OF 30 TO 60 MEMBERS INCLUDING MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT FOR EACH SECTION.
IN ADDITION TO TROPHIES, THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF BOTH CONTESTS WILL RECEIVE BOOK COUPONS WORTH BETWEEN $400 AND $1,600.
A TROPHY WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO THE BEST LYRICIST IN THE SONG CONTEST.
THE CHAMPIONS AND RUNNERS-UP OF THE TWO CONTESTS WILL STAGE A DEMONSTRATION PERFORMANCE AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY LATER THIS YEAR.
INTERESTED PARTIES CAN OBTAIN ENTRY FORMS FROM THEIR SCHOOL.
/COMPLETED ENTRY .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EIGHTH FLOOR, UC FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX, 123A FA YUEN STREET, KOWLOON.
ENTRY TO THE SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 20 AND OCTOBER 27 RESPECTIVELY.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 787 1229.
- - 0 - -
’SAY YES TO LIFE’ KITE FLYING FAMILY DAY *****
FAMILIES WISHING TO HAVE AN OUTING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE AND ENJOY THE PLEASURE OF FLYING KITES CAN NOW JOIN A "SAY YES TO LIFE" KITE FLYING FAMILY DAY, IF THEY CORRECTLY ANSWER AN ANTI-DRUG QUIZ.
ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE FAMILY DAY WILL BE HELD IN TAI AU MUN COUNTRY PARK ON OCTOBER 21 AS PART OF THE ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT FROM OCTOBER 20 TO NOVEMBER 2.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID A HAPPY FAMILY LIFE AND HEALTHY ACTIVITIES COULD HELP YOUNG PEOPLE RESIST THE TEMPTATION OF DRUG TAKING, AND URGED PARENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT WITH THEIR CHILDREN.
"FREE TRANSPORT, LUNCH AND KITES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PARTICIPATING FAMILIES," HE SAID.
TO ENHANCE PARTICIPANTS’ AWARENESS OF THE DRUG PROBLEM, AN ANTI-DRUG KITE DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE FAMILY DAY AND WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED SOUVENIRS.
AN ENTRY FORM WITH THE QUIZ WILL BE PUBLISHED ON TIN TIN DAILY NEWS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17 AND 29.
COPIES OF THE FORM ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE NARCOTICS DIVISION ON THE 23RD FLOOR OF QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION BY OCTOBER 1.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 867 2766.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
- 8 -
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR OUTSTANDING CARETAKERS COMPEIITION
*****
OWNERS CORPORATIONS (OC’S) AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MAC’S) IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE CARETAKERS TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S 1990 OUTSTANDING CARETAKERS COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT JOINT PARTICIPATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ITS AIM IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND BOOST THE MORALE OF BUILDING CARETAKERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"NOMINEES SHOULD BE FULL-TIME CARETAKERS, WATCHMEN OR SUPERINTENDENTS OF RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
"A PANEL OF JUDGES, COMPRISING A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, A POLICE REPRESENTATIVE AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS, WILL VISIT THE NOMINEES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE WORKING PLACE BETWEEN OCTOBER 12 AND 17.
"THEY WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR WORK KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE, COMMUNICATION SKILLS, ALERTNESS, AS WELL AS BY THE COMMENTS FROM TENANTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED ATTRACTIVE PRIZES WHILE THE PARTICIPATING OC’S AND MAC’S WILL BE PRESENTED COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES.
THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATION IS SEPTEMBER 29. THE RESULT OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OCTOBER 31.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 301 2157.
------0-------
SWIMMING GALA FOR ISLANDERS
*****
ABOUT 170 ISLANDS DISTRICT RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN THE DISTRICT’S 15TH SWIMMING GALA AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THERE WAS KEEN COMPETITION IN THE 58 EVENTS, ATTRACTING HUNDREDS OF SPECTATORS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE RESIDENTS FROM DIFFERENT ISLANDS TAKING PART IN THE GALA, ADDING THAT ACTIVITIES OF THIS NATURE WOULD STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION AMONG THE ISLANDERS.
"THE GALA SHOULD ALSO HELP ENHANCE THE ISLANDERS’ SENSE OF BELONGING AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL IN SPORTS," HE SAID.
THE SWIMMING GALA IS AN ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES.
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD CAITHNESS VISITS VR, VBP CENTRES .............................................. 1
HK’S VBP SCREENING PROCESS FAIR: LORD CAITHNESS .................................... 2
LORD CAITHNESS VISITS SHA TIN, TAI PO............................................... 3
AMENDMENTS TO FREEZE ORDER ON IRAQI AND KUWAITI ASSETS ............................. 4
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHES HELP IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT ..................................... 5
ITSD DIRECTOR SPEAKS ON DEPT’S MANPOWER SITUATION .................................. 6
CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND THE ARTS TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY ........................ 8
PROPERTY MANAGERS URGED TO JOIN SEMINAR ............................................ 9
POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION TO AROUSE AIDS AWARENESS ................................ 10
CHAI WAN LOT FOR SALE BY TENDER ................................................... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .............................................................. 11
WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON ............................................................. 12
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
- 1 -
LORD CAITHNESS VISITS VR, VBP CENTRES » * » » »
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, BEGAN HIS BUSY SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMMES THIS (MONDAY) MORNING WITH VISITS TO THE WHITEHEAD VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRE AND A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CENTRE AT PILLAR POINT IN TUEN MUN.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, THE MINISTER FLEW TO PILLAR POINT REFUGEE CENTRE AND WAS MET BY THE CHIEF OF MISSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, MR ROBERT VAN LEEUWAN.
LORD CAITHNESS WAS BRIEFED BY THE CENTRE MANAGER, MR JEFFREY HYNES, ON THE REFUGEE CENTRE WHICH HOUSES ABOUT 5,000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES. THE REFUGEES ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT AND MOST OF THEM WORK IN FACTORIES WHILE SOME ARE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE CENTRE OF SIX MILLION POUNDS STERLING WAS FUNDED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM THROUGH THE UNHCR WHICH DESIGNATED A NON-PROFIT-MAKING COMPANY TO MANAGE THE CAMP.
AT WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE, LORD CAITHNESS WAS MET BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK. THE MINISTER WAS BRIEFED BY SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CENTRE, MR TSUNG PUI-KWAN, AND THE ACTING PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER, MR HENRY SIU, ON THE OPERATION OF THE CENTRE WHICH HOUSES THE LARGEST POPULATION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
OF THE 24,500 PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE, ABOUT 30 PER CENT ARE CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS OLD. THE POPULATION, THE MAJORITY OF WHOM ARE NORTH VIETNAMESE, ARE ACCOMMODATED IN DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE CENTRE ACCORDING TO THEIR PLACES OF ORIGIN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
THE MINISTER WAS TOLD THAT MORE THAN 2,000 VIETNAMESE WERE EMPLOYED BY THE MANAGEMENT IN VARIOUS DOMESTIC SERVICES AND PAID AT RATES APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES. IN ADDITION, ABOUT 850 WERE EMPLOYED AS HELPERS BY VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE UNHCR.
NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES IN THE CENTRE WHICH INCLUDED VOCATIONAL TRAINING, WORK PROGRAMMES, CANTEEN SERVICES, COUNSELLING AND RECREATION.
OBSERVING A SCREENING INTERVIEW, LORD CAITHNESS ALSO SAW FOR HIMSELF THE GOVERNMENT’S SCREENING PROCESS TO DETERMINE THE STATUS BETWEEN REFUGEES AND NON-REFUGEES AMONG THE VIETNAMESE POPULATION IN THE CENTRE.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
I
- 2 -
HK’S VBP SCREENING PROCESS FAIR: LORD CAITHNESS ******
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT HONG KONG’S PROCESS OF SCREENING VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WAS A FAIR SYSTEM.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE, LORD CAITHNESS SAID: "WHAT HAS GOT TO BE RIGHT IS THAT THERE IS A SCREENING PROCESS AND THAT THE REFUGEES, THOSE THAT ARE SCREENED IN, ARE TAKEN SOMEWHERE ELSE AND THOSE THAT ARE SCREENED OUT MUST GO BACK TO VIETNAM."
"AS YOU KNOW, WE’VE GOT A MEETING LATER THIS WEEK IN VIETNAM. I’M NOT GOING TO PREDICT HOW THAT MEETING IS GOING TO COME OUT, BUT CLEARLY, THE NON-REFUGEES MUST GO BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
"NON-REFUGEES HAVE GOT TO GO BACK TO THEIR COUNTRY OTHERWISE, FOR THE REFUGEES, YOU DISTURB THE WHOLE SYSTEM AND THE WORLD ORDER," HE ADDED.
"IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT ONE CATEGORISES THAT AND GETS THE TWO GROUPS ORGANISED. I’VE JUST SEEN A SCREENING PROCESS. THERE IS A RIGHT OF APPEAL, IT’S A FAIR SYSTEM, AND I THINK THAT THE AUTHORITIES HAVE LEARNT AS IT’S GONE ALONG AND THERE IS FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE UNHCR," THE MINISTER SAID.
"I THINK IT’S ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THAT YOU HAVE AN APPEALS SYSTEM, AND APPEALS, AS IN THE BRITISH JUDICIAL SYSTEM, AS IN ANY FREE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, ARE THERE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF VARIOUS FACTORS. AND THAT IS QUITE RIGHT.
"YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD AND EFFICIENT SCREENING PROCESS IN WHICH THE UNHCR CAN GO IN AT ANY TIME. YOU THEN HAVE 28 DAYS FOR APPEAL AND THIS IS RIGHT. IF THE INDEPENDENT TRIBUNAL COMES TO A DIFFERENT DECISION FROM THAT OF THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER, THEN THAT IS PART OF THE SYSTEM, AND IT’S A VERY FAIR SYSTEM," LORD CAITHNESS SAID.
THE MINISTER SAID ABOUT 11 PER CENT OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE INTERVIEWED WERE SCREENED IN AS REFUGEES, BUT THE OVERALL FIGURE WAS ABOUT 14 PER CENT AS A RESULT OF APPEALS.
LORD CAITHNESS SAID THERE HAD BEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE SITUATION IN THE NUMBER OF ARRIVALS THIS YEAR, ADDING: "THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING, PARTICULARLY FROM NORTH VIETNAM."
"THAT IS, IN ITSELF, GOOD, BUT WE WANT TO EXPEDITE THE SITUATION. THAT IS WHY WE ARE CONTINUING TO DISCUSS IT IN AN INTERNATIONAL FORUM WITH THE VIETNAMESE," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING OF THE VISIT THIS MORNING, THE MINISTER SAID: "I THINK THE THING THAT STRUCK ME MOST OF ALL IS HOW WELL THE AUTHORITIES HAVE COPED HERE WITH THE SUDDEN INFLUX.”
"ONE DOESN’T REALISE IT WHEN ONE IS SO FAR AWAY IN BRITAIN JUST WHAT THE INTENSITY WAS HERE IN HONG KONG WITH THE PEOPLE COMING IN, AND I COMMEND FULLY, THE WORK THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAVE DONE BACKED BY ALL THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES," LORD CAITHNESS SAID.
/3........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
- 3 -
LORD CAITHNESS VISITS SHA TIN, TAI PO ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED SHA TIN DISTRICT, ONE OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST NEW TOWNS, AND THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, THE MINISTER FIRST HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF SHA TIN FROM THE ROOF OF THE GARDEN RIVERA WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, ON THE PAST AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
LORD CAITHNESS WAS TOLD THE POPULATION OF SHA TIN HAD GROWN FROM ABOUT 20,000 IN 1973 TO MORE THAN HALF-A-MILLION TODAY. ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES INCLUDING HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES. THE REMAINDER LIVE IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS AND VILLAGES.
SHA TIN WAS PLANNED TO PROVIDE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT WITH ALL THE ESSENTIAL FACILITIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATION FACILITIES WAS ALSO PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE.
THE MINISTER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TOTAL DEVELOPMENT COST, INCLUDING COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS, FOR SHA TIN WAS ESTIMATED AT $17.4 BILLION, OF WHICH SOME $11.3 BILLION HAD BEEN SPENT TO DATE.
DURING HIS TOUR OF THE DISTRICT, LORD CAITHNESS VISITED THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WHICH SERVED AS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES WITH AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF 1.04 MILLION.
HE ALSO VISITED THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WHICH PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF TOP QUALITY TRAINING FACILITIES IN SPORTING ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS SCHOLARSHIPS TO PROMISING ATHLETES.
LATER ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG, THE MINISTER VISITED A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN MA ON SHAN ----------- THE DISTRICT’S NEWEST DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY HOUSE SOME 200,000 PEOPLE BY 1998.
A MAJORITY OF THE CURRENT POPULATION OF 70,000 LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES.
THE MINISTER WAS TOLD THAT YIU ON ESTATE AND KAM HAY COURT, A HOS PROJECT, HAVE PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION FOR MORE THAN 22,000 PEOPLE SINCE THE FIRST POPULATION INTAKE IN 1988.
LORD CAITHNESS TOURED THE ESTATE’S FACILITIES AND ALSO VISITED A FAMILY THERE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, THE MINISTER LATER VISITED THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENTS OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.
/THE HKIEC .......
I
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990 4
THE HKIEC MANAGES TWO INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, ONE AT TAI PO AND THE OTHER IN YUEN LONG. LORD CAITHNESS WAS INFORMED THAT A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WAS BEING PLANNED FOR TSEUNG KWAN O.
THE MINISTER ALSO VISITED A MANUFACTURING COMPANY THAT PRODUCES MICROMOTORS FOR EXPORT TO NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND CHINA.
------0--------
AMENDMENTS TO FREEZE ORDER ON IRAQI AND KUWAITI ASSETS ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED SUPPLEMENTS TO ITS TWO NOTICES ISSUED ON AUGUST 13 WHICH GAVE DETAILED GUIDANCE ON THE OPERATION OF THE FREEZE ORDER ON IRAQI AND KUWAITI ASSETS IN HONG KONG.
"THE SUPPLEMENTS WITHDRAW THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE TWO TYPES OF PAYMENT INTO FROZEN IRAQI AND KUWAITI ACCOUNTS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONE OF THESE IS CALLS UNDER CONTRACT BONDS. THIS PROTECTS HONG KONG EXPORTERS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE OUT OF FUNDS IF AN IRAQI OR KUWAITI IMPORTER MADE A CALL ON A CONTRACT OR PERFORMANCE BOND GIVEN BY THE EXPORTER’S BANK ON FRUSTRATED CONTRACTS.
"THE OTHER WITHDRAWAL OF PERMISSION IS FOR PAYMENTS IN RESPECT OF CONTRACTS OF INSURANCE (INCLUDING REINSURANCE) INTO FROZEN IRAQI OR KUWAITI ACCOUNTS.
"INSURANCE CAN FACILITATE THE EXPORTATION OF GOODS FROM IRAQ OR KUWAIT OR THE SUPPLY OF GOODS TO IRAQ OR KUWAIT CONTRARY TO THE UNITED NATIONS SANCTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO ENABLE GREATER SCRUTINY OF PAYMENTS IN RESPECT OF INSURANCE POLICIES, PAYMENTS BENEFITTING ANY PERSON OR COMPANY RESIDENT IN IRAQ OR KUWAIT ARE BEING PROHIBITED EXCEPT WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY," HE SAID.
THE SUPPLEMENT ON KUWAIT ALSO INTRODUCES MEASURES TO ENABLE THE ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF KUWAITI ASSETS WITHOUT MISAPPROPRIATION.
"PERMISSION WILL NORMALLY BE GIVEN FOR ASSETS TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM KUWAITI ACCOUNTS IN HONG KONG TO AN OVERSEAS JURISDICTION WHERE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IS SATISFIED THAT THE JURISDICTION OPERATES A SYSTEM OF CONTROL IN RELATION TO KUWAITI ASSETS SIMILAR TO AND NO LESS EFFECTIVE THAN THAT OPERATED IN HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"PERMISSION IS ALSO BEING GIVEN FOR THE CONTINUED DISCRETIONARY MANAGEMENT OF PORTFOLIOS OF SECURITIES ON BEHALF OF RESIDENTS OF KUWAIT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN SAFEGUARDS BEING OBSERVED," HE ADDED.
/•'APPLICATIONS TO.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
- 5 -
’’APPLICATIONS TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE KUWAIT INVESTMENT OFFICE IN LONDON WILL NORMALLY BE GRANTED PROVIDED THAT TRANSACTIONS ARE EFFECTED THROUGH APPROVED SETTLEMENT AGENTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COPIES OF THE SUPPLEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE RECEPTION COUNTER OF THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, 24TH FLOOR, TOWER 2, ADMIRALTY CENTRE.
---------0-----------
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHES HELP IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT
RESEARCH ON ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON PRACTICAL PROBLEMS WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE EFFORT IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE SAID WITH THE UPGRADED ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS, THERE WAS GREAT DEMAND FROM INDUSTRY FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE AND EQUIPMENT FOR POLLUTION ABATEMENT.
MR BARNES WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ENVIRONMENT ’90 -WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
HE SAID THE ORGANISATION OF THE WORKSHOP WAS TIMELY AND MIGHT GIVE A GUIDE AS TO HOW SUCH RESEARCH MIGHT BE FOCUSSED.
’’PERHAPS WE WOULD DO BETTER IF ALL THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WERE TO ESTABLISH A JOINT CO-ORDINATION CENTRE TO DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY RESEARCH, WHICH COULD SET UP A DATA BANK OF RELEVANT FACILITIES AND CO-ORDINATE RESOURCES AND TALENT FOR DIFFERENT PROJECTS," MR BARNES SAID.
THE CENTRE IN TURN MIGHT BE GOVERNED BY AN ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY RESEARCH COUNCIL, WHICH WOULD COMBINE MEMBERS FROM THE COMMUNITY WITH GOVERNMENT AND ACADEMIC TALENT, HE SAID.
"WE BELIEVE THAT SUCH A CENTRE AND COUNCIL WOULD BE WIDELY SUPPORTED, NOT LEAST BECAUSE WITH THE AVAILABILITY OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CAPACITY TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, THERE ARE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS AND THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES," MR BARNES SAID.
HE CALLED ON THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY ALERT AND RESPOND TO THESE OPPORTUNITIES.
MR BARNFS STRESSED THAT THE ACTION TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE GLOBAL AND LOCAL PERSPECTIVE WAS HEAVILY INDEBTED TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.
/"THE SUPPORT
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
6 -
"THE SUPPORT PROVIDED BY SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION HAS ENABLED GOVERNMENTS TO SELECT THE RIGHT POLICY PRIORITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO INTRODUCE NECESSARY LEGISLATION," HE SAID.
MR BARNES BELIEVED THAT FOR TACKLING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG, ADAPTATION OF THE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD BE NECESSARY.
"WE ARE PLEASED TO SEE THIS WORKSHOP BRINGING TOGETHER OVERSEAS AND LOCAL EXPERTS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WITH ONE OF ITS OBJECTIVES BEING TO FIND TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FACING HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
ITSD DIRECTOR SPEAKS ON DEPT’S MANPOWER SITUATION ***♦♦♦*
WASTAGE IN THE PROFESSIONAL MANPOWER IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT (ITSD) THOUGH IS STILL HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR GOVERNMENT OVERALL, IT IS APPRECIABLY LESS THAN THE RATE GENERALLY PREVAILING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, DR COLIN GREENFIELD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, DR GREENFIELD SAID THAT WHILST WASTAGE IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS ALARMINGLY HIGH, IT HAS NOW SETTLED DOWN CONSIDERABLY AND IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE LOSS OF PROFESSIONAL MANPOWER MIGHT BE A LITTLE LESS THAN THE 14 PER CENT WHICH THE DEPARTMENT EXPERIENCED LAST YEAR.
’’WHILST THIS IS STILL APPRECIABLY MORE THAN THE AVERAGE FOR GOVERNMENT OVERALL, OF ABOUT SIX PER CENT, AND IS CERTAINLY MORE THAN WE WOULD HOPE TO SEE, WE CAN DRAW SOME CONSOLATION FROM THE FACT THAT IT IS APPRECIABLY LESS THAN THE RATE GENERALLY PREVAILING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT MANPOWER SHORTAGE CONTINUED TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM, DR GREENFIELD SAID SIGNIFICANT GAINS HAD BEEN MADE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AS WITH THE REST OF THE GOVERNMENT, ITSD GROWTH IN ESTABLISHMENT WAS SEVERELY RESTRICTED IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR ALTHOUGH THE RESTRICTION WAS LESS THAN THAT OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
"IN PLACE OF THIS, HOWEVER, WE WERE GIVEN A MUCH INCREASED PROVISION FOR THE HIRE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, ESPECIALLY CONTRACT ANALYSTS/PROGRAMMERS.
/'•CURRENTLY WE.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
"CURRENTLY WE ARE EMPLOYING ABOUT 100 SUCH PERSONS IN ITSD, WHICH IS ADDITIONAL TO OUR 300 ANALYST/PROGRAMMER GRADE POSTS. THIS TOTAL OF ABOUT 400 PROFESSIONALS AVAILABLE COMPARES WITH A FIGURE OF ABOUT 160 JUST THREE YEARS AGO," HE SAID.
DR GREENFIELD SAID THAT UPGRADING OF THE DEPARTMENT TO FULL DEPARTMENTAL STATUS WAS A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE IMPORTANCE THAT GOVERNMENT NOW ATTACHED TO COMPUTERISATION.
"IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICIES AND STRATEGIES FOR COMPUTERISATION APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR POLICY GROUP OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S COMMITTEE HAS BEEN PROCEEDING AT A PACE DICTATED BY THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR THIS," HE SAID.
DR GREENFIELD SAID THE MAJOR BOOST TO THESE RESOURCES WAS THE APPROVAL IN JANUARY OF EIGHT EXTRA DIRECTORATE POSTS TO SUPPLEMENT FIVE EXISTING ONES.
FIVE OF THE EIGHT WERE IN THE NEWLY APPROVED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR LEVEL AND THREE IN THE RETITLED CHIEF SYSTEMS MANAGER LEVEL.
DR GREENFIELD SAID SOME NEW APPROACHES BEING INTRODUCED BY ITSD INCLUDED ASSISTING DEPARTMENTS TO DEVISE I.T. STRATEGY PLANS REPLACING THE FORMER PROJECT-BY-PROJECT APPROACH TO COMPUTERISATION.
"INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY STUDIES ARE CURRENTLY BEING UNDERTAKEN IN THE IMMIGRATION AND TRADE DEPARTMENTS. A CROSSDEPARTMENT STUDY IS ALSO BEING UNDERTAKEN IN PREPARATION FOR INTRODUCING ’EDI’ (ELECTRONIC DATA INTER-EXCHANGE) IN FOREIGN TRADE.
"THIS IS ADDITIONAL TO OUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ’SPEDI’ (SHARED PROJECT FOR ELECTRONIC DATA INTER-CHANGE) PROJECT WITH ’TRADELINK’ COVERING THE PRIVATE SECTOR SIDE OF ’EDI’," HE SAID.
"A DRAFT PLAN FOR ASSISTING ALL REMAINING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO PREPARE I.T. STRATEGY STUDIES HAS BEEN PREPARED AND IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED BY OUR POLICY BRANCH AS ARE DRAFT PROPOSALS FOR A REVISED APPROACH TO THE FUNDING OF COMPUTERISATION IN GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.
"PLANS FOR THE UPGRADING AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COMPUTER BUREAU HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND IMPLEMENTATION WILL COMMENCE VERY SOON," DR GREENFIELD SAID.
--------0-----------
/8 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
8
CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND THE ARTS TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY
*****
A CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND THE ARTS WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 19) TO EXPLORE HOW BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP IN PERFORMING ARTS CAN FORM A VALUABLE PART OF COMMERCIAL MARKETING STRATEGIES.
MORE THAN 250 PARTICIPANTS FROM ARTS GROUPS AND INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE CONFERENCE WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE HONG KONG ARTS ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS DR WANG GUNGWU, SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE MR TANG PUI-TAT, AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE MR MAN SAI-CHEONG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CONFERENCE’S OPENING.
GUESTS SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BRITAIN’S ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS, MR COLIN TWEEDY, AND CHAIRMAN OF DHL INTERNATIONAL LTD AND FOUNDER OF HONG KONG’S FOUNDATION OF BUSINESS IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS, MR PO CHUNG.
OTHER SPEAKERS WILL BE A BRITISH DANCE EXPERT, DR PETER BRINSON; DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATE DIVISION OF THE HILL AND KNOWLTON ASIA LTD, MR DOUGLES GAUTIER; ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER (TELEVISION BROADCASTING) OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD, MR NICHOLAS JAMES; DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OF AMERICAN EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL, INC, MISS RITA TUNG; PRINCIPAL OF THE ROBERTS DIRECT MARKETING CONSULTANTS LTD, MR JOHN LLOYD; AND GENERAL MANAGER OF HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, MR TIM DOLING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND THE ARTS TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 19) IN THE BALLROOM OF SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM.
---------0-----------
/9 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
- 9 -
PROPERTY MANAGERS URGED TO JOIN SEMINAR ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) CALLED ON PROPERTY MANAGERS AND MANAGEMENT STAFF TO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 19 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AS WELL AS POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS ARE ALSO URGED TO ATTEND.
ENTITLED ’’BUILDING MANAGEMENT FOR THE 90S”, THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CNTA AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND EIGHT PROFESSIONAL BODIES WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE SEMINAR DURING WHICH THE CONCEPT AND KEY ELEMENTS OF GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED.
BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS WILL GIVE TALKS WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OPEN DISCUSSIONS.
THE TOPICS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE SELF-HELP IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT; THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AGENTS; LEGAL ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT; EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT CHARGES ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT; UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS; AND BUILDING REFURBISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE.
THE SEMINAR WILL ALSO COVER MANAGEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL, SHOPPING, OFFICE AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS; BUILDING MAINTENANCE, FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION, SECURITY, AND HYGIENE; PROPERTY AND ADSETS MANAGEMENT; FACILITIES MANAGEMENT; AND COMPUTERISED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.
REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH A FEE OF $300 PER HEAD, SHOULD BE RETUUNED TO THE CNTA’S HONG KONG AND KOWLOON REGION, 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, BEFORE SEPTEMBER 27.
STUDENTS NEED ONLY PAY $50 PER HEAD.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 835 1496 OR 835 1527.
/10........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
- 10 -
POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION TO AROUSE AIDS AWARENESS
*****
YOUNGSTERS WITH ARTISTIC FLAIR ARE INVITED TO ENTER A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ON ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
AS AN ACTIVITY IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S AIDS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE COMPETITION AIMS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF AND CONCERN FOR AIDS AND TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN THE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON THE DISEASE.
IT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS: JUNIOR SECONDARY SECTION FOR FORMS 1 TO 3 STUDENTS, SENIOR SECONDARY SECTION FOR FORMS 4 TO 7 STUDENTS, AND OPEN SECTION FOR PEOPLE AGED 18 TO 35.
THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE ON ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THEMES: AIDS AS A GLOBAL PROBLEM, PREVENTION OF AIDS OR CARE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE AIDS.
THE POSTERS MUST BE IN A2 SIZE (420 MM BY 594 MM), AND CAN BE PAINTINGS, PRINTS, COLLAGES OR ANY OTHER TWO-DIMENSIONAL UNMOUNTED PIECES.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 501 ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 19 THIS YEAR.
A PROFORMA CONTAINING THE ENTRANT’S NAME, SEX, AGE, DATE OF BIRTH, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER, NAME OF SCHOOL OR PLACE OF WORK, CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS AND CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER SHOULD BE PASTED ON THE BACK OF THE POSTER.
BOOK OR STATIONERY COUPONS VALUED FROM $200 TO $4,000 AND TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS. RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN LATE NOVEMBER.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE COMPETITION CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 839 2496.
THE AIDS POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION IS SPONSORED BY HANG SENG BANK LIMITED.
--------0-----------
/Il ........
MONDA', SEPTthi r.R 17, 1990
CHAI WAN LOT FOR SALE BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF A LAND LOT IN AREA 22, SIU SAI WAN, CHAI WAN.
MEASURING ABOUT 32,800 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL, EXCLUDING HOTEL, GODOWN AND CINEMA, PURPOSES UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT EXCEEDING 188,825 SQUARE METRES FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AND NOT MORE THAN 2,200 SQUARE METRES FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
IT IS ALSO SPECIFIED THAT THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS TO BE COMPLETED SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 3,200 UNITS OR MORE THAN 3,300 UNITS.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED
FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES AT EAST KOWLOON, WEST KOWLOON, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 9 THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 56 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 328.148 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR. THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 381.627 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 65.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
/12
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1990
- 12 -
WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 19) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY SAU MAU PING ROAD, HIU KWONG STREET, SAU MING ROAD, SAU MAU PATH, INCLUDING BLOCKS 19-31 AND 42-45, SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
ON THE SAME DAY (SEPTEMBER 19), FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST AND KOWLOON SOUTH WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 2 PM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MA TAU WAI, MA TAU CHUNG, KOWLOON CITY, TUNG TAU ESTATE, WANG TAU HOM, LOK FU, KOWLOON TONG, WONG TAI SIN, CHUK YUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, KAI TAK, SAN PO KONG, CHOI HUNG AND HAMMER HILL ROAD.
THE AREA BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, PEACE AVENUE AND WATERLOO ROAD WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
- - 0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT STILL AWAITING RESPONSE FROM CHINA: GOVERNOR ............................. 1
MINISTER VISITS TSEUNG KWAN O AND NEW UNIVERSITY SITE ............................... 1
EXCO ACCEPTS DISCIPLINED SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS .............. 3
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON STANDING COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS ...................... 9
SOCIAL WELFARE DRAFT WHITE PAPER RELEASED ........................................... 9
JULY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED ....................... 12
POSTMASTER GENERAL'S COMMENTS ON UNIONS' ACTION .................................... 17
FS TO ATTEND IMF CONFERENCE ........................................................ lo
MEETING ON HAZARDS POSED BY PRIVATE CLUBS .......................................... 18
WORK ON LRT EXTENSIONS IN TUEN MUN AND TIN SHUI WAI STARTS ......................... 19
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED ......................................... 19
STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME ........................ 24
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST........................................................... 24
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ..................................................... 25
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
GOVERNMENT STILL AWAITING RESPONSE FROM CHINA: GOVERNOR
*******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY) THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD INFORMED THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THAT IT WELCOMED A MEETING OF EXPERTS FROM BOTH SIDES ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AT CHEK LAP KOK, BUT THAT WE WERE STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING AN OMELCO DINNER WITH THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE RESPONSE WOULD BE POSITIVE.
"WHAT WE’VE DONE IS, WE’VE SAID TO THE CHINESE WE WOULD WELCOME A MEETING BETWEEN THEIR EXPERTS AND OURS, AND WE’VE SAID THAT WE WOULD LIKE THEM TO COME DOWN HERE WHERE THEY CAN ACTUALLY SEE ON THE GROUND WHAT WE ARE PLANNING TO DO," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THAT IS THE BEST WAY; YOU CAN ACTUALLY GO AND LOOK AT CHEK LAP KOK; YOU CAN LOOK AT LANTAU; YOU CAN SEE WHERE WE’RE PUTTING THE BRIDGE,” HE SAID.
"WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS TO EXPLAIN TO EXPERTS FROM PEKING EXACTLY WHAT WE’RE DOING; WHAT OUR PLANS ARE; RUN THROUGH IT WITH THEM.
"IF ANYBODY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THEN OF COURSE WE CAN ANSWER THEM BECAUSE IT IS FAR BETTER TO COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT THE PLANS ARE RATHER THAN TO LOOK AT IT ON A PIECE OF PAPER," SIR DAVID SAID.
- - 0 - -
MINISTER VISITS TSEUNG KWAN O AND NEW UNIVERSITY SITE
*****
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, TODAY (TUESDAY) HAD A PICTURESQUE VIEW OF THE EASTERN PART OF THE HARBOUR ON HIS WAY TO VISIT HONG KONG’S LATEST NEW TOWN IN TSEUNG KWAN O.
FROM A VANTAGE POSITION IN NORTH POINT, LORD CAITHNESS HAD A FULL VIEW OF TWO OF THE BUSIEST AREAS IN HONG KONG: KAI TAK AIRPORT WHICH HANDLES MORE THAN 15 MILLION PASSENGERS AND NEARLY 700,000 TONNES OF FREIGHT EACH YEAR; AND KWUN TONG, A BUSY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
TRAVELING ALONG THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE MINISTER WENT THROUGH HONG KONG’S SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR LINK, THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING (EHC) TO KOWLOON.
/THE SECRETARY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
2
THE SECRETARY OF WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, BRIEFED THE MINISTER ON THE EHC WHICH COST ABOUT $3.4 BILLION AND WAS SO FAR THE LARGEST SINGLE TRANSPORT PROJECT UNDERTAKEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN HONG KONG.
THE MINISTER WAS TOLD THAT AN AVERAGE OF 34,000 VEHICLES USED THE TUNNEL DAILY AND THIS WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER WITH THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE KWUN TONG BY-PASS IN THE MIDDLE OF 1992.
AT A PAVILION OPPOSITE HONG SHING GARDENS AT THE FRINGE OF TSEUNG KWAN O, THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN, BRIEFED LORD CAITHNESS ON TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENTS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN O.
THE NEW TOWN, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 75,000, WILL EVENTUALLY HOUSE 400,000 PEOPLE BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY. PLANS FOR THE NEW TOWN INCLUDE NUMEROUS GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AS WELL AS THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
LATER THE MINISTER TOURED TSUI LAM ESTATE TO SEE THE FACILITIES AND LIFESTYLE OF A NEW TOWN ESTATE. HE WAS BRIEFED ON HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (HOUSING MANAGEMENT), MR NIGEL SHIPMAN.
LORD CAITHNESS ALSO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS OF THE AREA WHOSE ANCESTORS COULD BE TRACED BACK TO PRE-1898 DAYS, WHEN HE VISITED YAU YUE WAN RESITE VILLAGE.
FROM TSEUNG KWAN O, THE MINISTER, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, WENT TO THE SITE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CLEARWATER BAY, SAI KUNG.
LORD CAITHNESS WAS MET THERE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, AND TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE SITE WHERE CONSTRUCTION OF HONG KONG’S THIRD UNIVERSITY WAS WELL UNDERWAY.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT, COSTING AN ESTIMATED $3.5 BILLION, IS FINANCED BY A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WITH THE GOVERNMENT MEETING THE BALANCE.
INITIAL INTAKE OF THE UNIVERSITY WILL BE 700 STUDENTS IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR, INCREASING TO 7,000 BY 1996.
--------0-----------
/3.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 3 -
EXCO ACCEPTS DISCIPLINED SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS
» ♦ ♦ « »
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO IMPROVE THE PAY FOR THE RANK-AND-FILE OF ALL DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAD RECEIVED SUBMISSIONS ON PAY FROM THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES BETWEEN MARCH AND JULY THIS YEAR AND HAD AGREED TO A PROPOSAL BY THE ADMINISTRATION THAT THE SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN TWO PHASES, WITH PRIORITY BEING GIVEN TO THE RANK-AND-FILE.
"THE COMMITTEE WILL SUBMIT ITS ADVICE ON THE PAY FOR OFFICER RANKS TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
"IN REVIEWING THE PAY FOR THE RANK-AND-FILE, THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAS TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE RAISING OF THE BENCHMARKS FOR CIVILIAN GRADES REQUIRING A FULL SCHOOL CERTIFICATE OR BELOW," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TO ENSURE THAT THE STARTING PAY FOR CANDIDATES RECRUITED AT SIMILAR LEVELS REMAINED COMPETITIVE IN RELATION TO THE REST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED INCREASES IN ENTRY PAY FOR THE RANK-AND-FILE, RANGING FROM $470 TO $680, REPRESENTING A SEVEN PER CENT TO 11.8 PER CENT INCREASE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT MOST SERVING OFFICERS IN THE ENTRY RANKS WOULD RECEIVE AN INCREASE IN PAY RANGING FROM $245 TO $680, OR FROM THREE PER CENT TO 11.5 PER CENT.
"THESE INCREASES WOULD BE BACKDATED TO OCTOBER 1, 1989, IN LINE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THE NEW BENCHMARKS FOR CIVILIAN GRADES," HE SAID.
THE PROPOSED NEW PAY SCALES FOR THE RANKS AFFECTED, OTHER THAN THOSE IN THE POLICE, ARE AT ANNEXES A TO C.
IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS IN ENTRY PAY FOR THE RANK-AND-FILE, THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAS ALSO RECOMMENDED, WITH EFFECT FROM A CURRENT DATE, THAT THE PAY FOR THE RANK-AND-FILE IN THE POLICE OR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE FURTHER INCREASED IN ORDER TO RECOGNISE THEIR HEAVIER AND WIDER RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
/•'HAVING EVALUATED..........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
•’HAVING EVALUATED THE WORK OF THE RANK-AND-FILE ACCORDING TO ALL THE RELEVANT JOB FACTORS, THE STANDING COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD BE RANKED AHEAD OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”A JUNIOR POLICE OFFICER HAS A MUCH WIDER RANGE OF LAW-ENFORCEMENT DUTIES, WHICH HE OFTEN HAS TO CARRY OUT ALONE, AND WITHOUT GUIDANCE FROM A SUPERIOR OFFICER.
"THE DEMANDS PLACED UPON A JUNIOR POLICE OFFICER VARY GREATLY, AND ARE UNPREDICTABLE.
"IN ADDITION, A JUNIOR POLICE OFFICER HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEING ARMED, IS IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC AND FREQUENTLY NEEDS TO EXERCISE DISCRETION IN A QUICK AND DECISIVE MANNER,” THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE INCREASE IN THE STARTING PAY FOR POLICE CONSTABLE WOULD RANGE FROM $955 TO $1,165, REPRESENTING A 13.9 PER CENT TO 18.4 PER CENT INCREASE, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS. THE INCREASE IN PAY FOR ALL SERVING JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS, INCLUDING SERGEANTS AND STATION SERGEANTS, WOULD RANGE FROM $395 TO $1,165, OR FROM 2.9 PER CENT TO 18.4 PER CENT.
THE NEW PAY SCALES RECOMMENDED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS ARE AT ANNEX D.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN RECOMMENDING ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS IN PAY FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS, THE STANDING COMMITTEE EMPHASISED THAT THIS DID NOT DETRACT IN ANYWAY FROM THE IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES IN MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND SECURITY OF HONG KONG.
THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE GENERAL INCREASES IN ENTRY PAY IS $73 MILLION A YEAR AND THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE ADDITIONAL PAY IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE POLICE IS $121 MILLION A YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS WOULD NEED TO BE APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/ANNEX A .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 5 -
ANNEX A
PROPOSED PAY SCALE FOR ENTRY RANKS IN CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, CUSTOMS & EXCISE AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENTS
PROPOSED PAY SCALE
RANK EXISTING PT GDS(R) $ (A) RANK GDS(R) INCREASE
PT $ (B) IN $ (B)-(A) %
AOII/ 18 e 10015 AOII/ 15 9 10015 0 0.0
CO/ 17 3 9730 CO/ 14 $ 9730 0 0.0
FN/AMBN 16 9440 FN/AMBN 13 9440 0 0.0
15 9155 13 9440 285 3.1
14 8870 12 9165 285 3.2
13 8595 11 8880 285 3.3
12 8320 10 8600 280 3.4
11 8050 9 8325 275 3.4
10 7775 8 8050 275 3.5
9 7520 7 7775 255 3.4
8 7175 6 7525 350 4.9
7 6950 5 7215 265 3.8
6 6735 4 7005 270 4.0
F.5 WITH 5Es 5 6520 F.5 WITH 5Es 4 7005 485 7.4
F.5 WITH 3Es 4 6325 F.5 WITH 3Es 3 6810 485 7.7
F.5 3 6120 F.5 & BELOW 2 6615 495 8.1
F.3 & BELOW 2 5935 2 6615 680 11.5
1 5750 1 6430
NOTE: PROPOSED PAY SCALE BASED ON THREE ENTRY POINTS.
LEGEND: GDS(R) - GENERAL DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY SCALE (RANK AND FILE) AOII - ASSISTANT OFFICERS II (CORRECTIONAL SERVICES) CO - CUSTOMS OFFICER
FN - FIREMAN
AMBN - AMBULANCEMAN
F.5 - FORM 5
F.3 - FORM 3
® - LONG SERVICE INCREMENT
/ANNEX B .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 6 -
ANNEX B
PROPOSED PAY SCALE FOR ENTRY RANK IN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
PROPOSED PAY SCALE
RANK EXISTING PT GDS(R) $ RANK GDS(R) INCREASE
PT $ IN $ %
(A) (B) (B)-(A)
IMMIGRATION 17 8 9730 IMMIGRATION 14 3 9730 0 0.0
ASSISTANT 16 e 9440 ASSISTANT 13 e 9440 0 0.0
15 9155 12 9155 0 0.0
14 8870 12 9155 285 3.2
13 8595 11 8880 285 3.3
12 8320 10 8600 280 3.4
11 8050 9 8325 275 3.4
10 7775 8 8050 275 3.3
9 7520 7 7775 255 3.4
8 7175 6 7525 350 4.9
7 6950 5 7215 265 3.8
6 6735 4 7005 270 4.0
5 6520 3 6810 290 4.4
F.5 WITH 5Es 4 6325 F.5 WITH 5Es 3 6810 485 7.7
F.5 WITH 3Es 3 6120 F.5 WITH 3Es 2 6615 495 8.1
F.5 2 5935 F.5 & BELOW 1 6430 495 8.3
F.3 & BELOW 1 5750 1 6430 680 11.8
NOTE: PROPOSED PAY SCALE BASED ON THREE ENTRY POINTS.
LEGEND: GDS(R) - GENERAL DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY SCALE (RANK AND
FILE)
F.5 - FORM 5
F.3 - FORM 3
3 - LONG SERVICE INCREMENT
/ANNEX C .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
ANNBX C
PROPOSED PAY SCALE FOR ENTRY RANKS IN ICAC
PROPOSED PAY SCALE
RANK EXISTING PT ICACSS $ (A) RANK ICACSS INCREASE
PT $ (B) IN $ (B)-(A) IN %
ACACO/ 11 12220 ACACO/ 10 12220 0 0.0
CACI(MAIN 10 11565 CACI(MAIN 10 12220 655 5.7
STREAM) 9 10910 STREAM) 9 11565 655 6.0
8 10305 8 10910 605 5.9
7 9710 7 10305 595 6.1
6 9110 6 9710 600 6.6
5 8515 5 9110 595 7.0
4 7925 4 8475 550 6.9
3 7325 3 7845 520 7.1
F.5 WITH 5Es 2 6735 F.5 WITH 5Es 2 7215 480 7.1
1 6155 1 6675 520 8.4
CACI 6 9110 CACI 5 9110 0 0.0
(ATTENDANT) 5 8515 (ATTENDANT) 5 9110 595 7.0
4 7925 4 8475 550 6.9
3 7325 3 7845 520 7.1
F.5 WITH 5Es 2 6735 F.5 WITH 5Es 2 7215 480 7.1
1 6155 1 6675 520 8.4
LEGEND:
ACACO: ASSISTANT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION OFFICER
CACI: COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION INVESTIGATOR
ICACSS: INDEPENDANT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION SALARY SCALE
F.5: FORM 5
/ANNEX D .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
8
ANNEX D
PROPOSED PAY SCALE FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS
PROPOSED PAY SCALE
RANK EXISTING PPS RANK PPS INCREASE
PT $ PT $ IN $ %
(A) (B) (B)-(A)
STATION 30 15425 STATION 27 16130 705 4.6
SERGEANT 29 14965 SERGEANT 26 15425 460 3.1
• 28 14520 25 14965 445 3.1
27 14090 24 14520 430 3.1
26 13695 23 14090 395 2.9
25 13355 22 13770 416 3.1
24 13010 21 13420 410 3.2
23 12660 20 13070 410 3.2
SERGEANT 22 12315 SERGEANT 19 12735 420 3.4
21 11975 18 12390 416 3.5
20 11630 17 12040 410 3.6
19 11305 16 11705 400 3.5
18 10975 15 11385 410 3.7
17 10660 14 11060 400 3.8
16 10350 13 10750 400 3.9
15 10045 12 10445 400 4.0
CONSTABLE 16 ® 10350 CONSTABLE 13 3 10750 400 3.9
15 9 10045 12 Q 10445 400 4.0
14 9750 11 10185 435 4.5
13 9460 11 10186 725 7.7
12 9170 10 9850 680 7.4
11 8885 9 9550 665 7.5
10 8610 8 9265 655 7.6
9 8340 7 8990 650 7.8
8 8075 6 8720 646 8.0
7 7820 5 8465 645 8.2
6 7575 4 8215 640 8.4
5 7220 3 7965 746 10.3
F.5 WITH 5Es 4 6990 F.5 WITH 5Es 3 7965 975 13.9
F.5 WITH 3Es 3 6760 F.5 WITH 3Es 2 7730 970 14.3
F.5 2 6545 F.5 & BELOW 1 7500 955 14.6
F.3 & BELOW 1 6335 1 7500 1165 18.4
NOTE: PROPOSED PAY SCALE BASED ON THREE ENTRY POINTS.
LEGEND: PPS - POLICE PAY SCALE
F.6 - FORM 5
F.3 - FORM 3
« - LONG SERVICE INCREMENT
------0-----------
/9.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
9
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON STANDING COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS *******
COMMENTING ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY), THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED THAT THE STARTING SALARY FOR POLICE CONSTABLES WOULD BE INCREASED BY BETWEEN 13.9 PER CENT AND 18.4 PER CENT.
HE WAS ALSO GRATIFIED THAT THE SPECIAL POSITION AND THE COMPLEXITY OF THE WORK OF THE POLICE HAD BEEN RECOGNISED.
"ON THE WHOLE IT IS A GOOD RESULT FOR THE FORCE," HE ADDED.
------0--------
SOCIAL WELFARE DRAFT WHITE PAPER RELEASED *****
A PACKAGE OF RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TERRITORY’S SOCIAL WELFARE AND ITS DIRECTION IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS IS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER, "SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND", THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID: "THE WORKING PARTY PROPOSES THAT FUTURE EMPHASIS SHOULD BE ON PRESERVING THE FAMILY AS A UNIT, AND PROVIDING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT RISK AND THE ELDERLY.
"THIS MEANS THAT PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR THESE GROUPS."
OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT WHICH OUTLINES THE POLICIES AND DIRECTIONS ENVISAGED FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
AT THE END OF THIS PERIOD THE WORKING PARTY WILL ASSESS PUBLIC REACTION AND RE-EXAMINE THE CONTENTS OF THE DRAFT BEFORE SUBMITTING IT TO GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO SEND THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING TO THE SPECIAL DUTIES UNIT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 11113, G.P.O. HONG KONG.
MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE SOUGHT AND THE DRAFT SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, BEFORE BEING TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND PUBLISHED AS A WHITE PAPER SETTING OUT GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES.
/IN OUTLINING .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 10 -
IN OUTLINING THE MAIN POINTS CONTAINED IN THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER, MRS WONG SAID THE WORKING PARTY HAD INDICATED HOW THE VARIOUS SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN THE COMING DECADE AND BEYOND TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS AND RISING ASPIRATIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
"IT ADVOCATED A MORE FLEXIBLE AND IMAGINATIVE APPROACH TO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
"IT ALSO ENVISAGED THAT SERVICES WOULD BENEFIT FROM A HIGHER DEGREE OF INTEGRATION BETWEEN SERVICE AREAS, FOR EXAMPLE, TO PROMOTE A RANGE OF DIFFERENT SERVICES FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS AT A SINGLE LOCATION BY THE MOST APPROPRIATE ORGANISATION.
"THIS COULD ALLOW FOR THE BETTER UTILISATION OF RESOURCES AND GREATER CONVENIENCE TO CLIENTS," SHE CONTINUED.
SHE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE WORKING PARTY HAD RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR GREATER CO-ORDINATION AMONG THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE FEASIBILITY OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY FACILITIES SHOULD BE FURTHER EXAMINED AND, IF VIABLE, DEVELOPED.
"THE WORKING PARTY ALSO ADVOCATES THE PROMOTION OF GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF WELFARE SERVICES THROUGH MORE EFFECTIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION," MRS WONG NOTED.
ON THE SUBJECT OF MANPOWER, MRS WONG SAID THE WORKING PARTY FELT THAT THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WAS DEPENDENT UPON THE AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND FURTHER EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THE EXISTING AND ANTICIPATED MANPOWER SHORTAGE.
THE NEED TO DEVELOP THE SKILLS OF EXISTING STAFF WAS ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED.
AS REGARDS SERVICES FOR THE FAMILY AND CHILD CARE, MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT THE HOME HELP SERVICE SHOULD EXPAND AS WELL AS SERVICES TO ASSIST THE INCREASING NUMBER OF SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES.
THE WORKING PARTY ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT CHILD DAY CARE FACILITIES SHOULD BE INCREASED AND MORE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO FAMILIES IN SOCIAL NEED.
"FOSTER HOMES AND SMALL GROUP HOMES OUGHT TO BE DEVELOPED IN PREFERENCE TO INSTITUTIONS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED OF RESIDENTIAL CARE.
"GREATER EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT," SHE SAID.
/TURNING TO ......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 11 -
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF YOUTH SERVICES, MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE WORKING PARTY FULLY RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN SERVICES FOR THE YOUNG, AND FELT THAT SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICES SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED AND FURTHER DEVELOPED.
ON SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PERSONS, MRS WONG REMARKED: "THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER HIGHLIGHTS THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN FUTURE IN THE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PERSONS AND PROPOSES TO EXPAND SUPPORT AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES TO OVERCOME THE EXISTING SERVICE GAPS AND TO MEET THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR THESE SERVICES AND TO ENHANCE THE CONCEPT OF INTEGRATION BETWEEN SERVICES AREAS."
AS REGARDS SOCIAL SECURITY, MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE WORKING PARTY HELD THE VIEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT IN THIS AREA SHOULD BE REAFFIRMED.
"THE PHILOSOPHY IS TO BASE SOCIAL SECURITY ON THE CONCEPT OF NEED RATHER THAN ENFORCED SAVING THROUGH A CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME. THE EXISTING SYSTEM SHOULD BE FURTHER DEVELOPED ON THE BASIS OF SPECIFIC NEEDS," SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, MRS WONG ADDED: "MANY OF THE PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED MADE REFERENCE TO CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUNDS.
"CONSIDERATION OF SUCH PROPOSALS FELL OUTSIDE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE WORKING PARTY BUT THE RELEVANT VIEWS AND COMMENTARIES HAVE BEEN FORWARDED TO THE APPROPRIATE POLICY SECRETARY FOR REFERENCE AND EVALUATION."
SHE FURTHER ADDED THAT THE WORKING PARTY PROPOSED THAT THE PRESENT SUBVENTION SYSTEM BE IMPROVED AND SIMPLIFIED WHILE CONTINUING TO ENSURE VALUE FOR MONEY.
THE CHAIRMAN STRESSED THAT THROUGH THIS DRAFT WHITE PAPER, THE WORKING PARTY PROPOSED TO PRESERVE, STRENGTHEN, AND DEVELOP THE EXISTING SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM WITH A FUTURE FOCUS ON IDENTIFIED SERVICE GAPS AND ADOPTING GREATER INTEGRATION, FLEXIBILITY, INNOVATION AND RESOURCEFULNESS IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
IN CONCLUSION, MRS WONG SAID: "WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE NON-GOVRRNMENTAL SECTOR AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, THE WORKING PARTY BELIEVES THAT THE SOUND FOUNDATION OF OUR SERVICES CAN BE DEVELOPED TO CATER FOR THE CHANGING PATTERNS OF SOCIETY AND TO MEET THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND."
COPIES OF THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ARE AVAILABLE AT SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE.
/12 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 12 -
JULY ORDERS-ON-HAND,
EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED
******
IN JULY 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990, BUT DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JULY 1990 INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY. LITTLE CHANGE IN ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, THE ORDERS POSITION IN JULY 1990 DROPPED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY INCREASED OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THEIR TOTAL WORKFORCE IN JULY 1990 INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990, BUT DECREASED BY 12 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1989.
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN JULY 1990 INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, MAINLY DUE TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF SUMMER WORKERS BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHILE THAT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DECREASED SLIGHTLY.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, EMPLOYMENT IN JULY 1990 DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN JULY 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990. OVER THIS PERIOD OF COMPARISON, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, TEXTILES AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES.
/ON THE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 13 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JULY 1990 IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS. INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT IN JULY 1990 INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990, BUT WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN JULY 1989. WHILE PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JULY 1990 DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990, THEY SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1989.
THE RELATIVELY SLOWER RATE OF INCREASE IN JULY 1990 OVER JULY 1989 THAN THE CORRESPONDING RATES RECORDED IN PREVIOUS MONTHS (FOR EXAMPLE RATE OF INCREASE IN JUNE 1990 OVER JUNE 1989) WAS PARTLY DUE TO SOME SPECIAL SALARY ADJUSTMENTS MADE IN JULY 1989 BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR THIS INDUSTRY COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
IN THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT IN JULY 1990 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990 AND JULY 1989. PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JULY 1990 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990.
OVER THIS PERIOD OF COMPARISON, PER CAPITA EARNINGS DROPPED MODERATELY IN BANKS FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONUSES IN JUNE BY SOME BANKS SURVEYED, WHILE PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN HOTELS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANIES DUB MAINLY TO THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONUSES BY SOME HOTELS AND THE SALARY REVISION EFFECTED BY A NUMBER OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANIES SURVEYED.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JULY 1990 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE ATTACHED TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT AS THE SURVEY IS NOT BASED ON A SCIENTIFICALLY SELECTED SAMPLE, THE MAGNITUDES OF CHANGE INDICATED BY THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE MERELY A REFLECTION OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THB COMPANIES SURVEYED.
/HOWEVER, GIVEN ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 14 -
HOWEVER, GIVEN THE COMPOSITION OF THE PANEL, IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JULY 1990 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $2.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 839 3222.
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY AS AT THE END OF JULY 1990 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
JUNE 90 JULY 89
(MONTHS) (X) (X)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.32 * -1
——— — — — —
WEARING APPAREL 4.62 ♦ -3
TEXTILES 2.22 -5 -12
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.74 -12 -16
FABRICATED METAL 4.19 « -10
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 5.42 + 1 +7
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 4.15 * -1
» CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5X
/TABLE 2 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
15
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF JULY 1990
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
INDUSTRY/SERVICES
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES
PLASTIC PRODUCTS
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OTHERS
CONSTRUCTION #
SERVICES
BANKS
HOTELS
PUBLIC UTILITIES OTHERS
JUNE 90 JULY 89
(X) (X)
+1 -12
-2 -2
» -10
-1 -12
-1 -24
♦ 3 -11
+ 2 -18
♦ 1 -3
+ 1 «
— — ——
♦ 1 + 3
— —
+ 2 + 3
+ 1 -4
t + 2
+ 1 4-7
» CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# BYRF?RniIpNAM?vDcM2VER C0MPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
EMPLOYED
/TABLE 3 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 16 -
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
CHANGE WHEN
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN JULY 1990 COMPARED WITH
JUNE 90 JULY 89
(HK$) (%) («)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 5,835 * + 18
FOOD AND DRINKS 6,800 + 5 + 16
WEARING APPAREL 4,773 + 1 + 15
TEXTILES 5,485 + 2 + 14
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 5,384 -2 + 16
FABRICATED METAL 5,759 + 2 + 18
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 5,684 -1 + 21
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 7,545 -2 + 15
CONSTRUCTION # 8,168 -2 +9®
— — • ——
SERVICES 10,181 + 3 + 17
— — _ «■»
BANKS 9,422 -6 + 14
HOTELS 7,503 + 16 + 13
PUBLIC UTILITIES 10,415 + 13 + 18
OTHERS 11,199 -3 + 18
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
♦ PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
W THIS RATE OF INCREASE WAS RELATIVELY LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING RATES RECORDED IN PREVIOUS MONTHS (FOR EXAMPLE RATE OF INCREASE IN JUNE 1990 OVER JUNE 1989). THIS WAS PARTLY DUE TO SOME SPECIAL SALARY ADJUSTMENTS MADE IN JULY 1989 BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
NOTES TO TABLES 1-3 :
UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE COMPANIES SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
--------0-----------
/17........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 17 -
POSTMASTER GENERAL’S COMMENTS ON UNIONS’ ACTION ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
COMMENTING ON THE DECISION OF THE POSTAL WORKERS’ UNIONS TO PUT UP POSTERS AT BRANCH POST OFFICES AS FROM TODAY (TUESDAY) IN PROTEST AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION FOR NOT RESPONDING POSITIVELY TO THEIR CLAIMS FOR IMPROVED PAY, CONDITIONED HOURS OF WORK AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, SAID: "I HAVE ALREADY EXPLAINED TO THE UNIONS THAT THE STANDING COMMISSION’S OVERALL REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVICE GRADES, INCLUDING THE POSTAL GRADES, TAKES TIME AND THAT THE REVIEW IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
’’THE UNIONS CAN REST ASSURED THAT THEIR VIEWS WILL BE FULLY TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. THERE IS NO NEED TO SPECULATE WHAT MAY HAPPEN BUT TO WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE RESULTS.
’’PERSONALLY, I CONSIDER IT IMPORTANT TO SEEK TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST THE HISTORICALLY MORE FAVOURABLE RELATIVITY OF THE POSTAL GRADES VIS-A-VIS OTHER COMPARABLE GRADES, FOR EXAMPLE CLERICAL GRADES. I HAVE ALSO STRONGLY SUPPORTED THE POSTMAN GRADE’S REQUEST FOR REDUCED HOURS OF WORK.
’’BOTH THE STANDING COMMISSION AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ARE FULLY AWARE OF MY VIEWS AND MY SUPPORT OF THE STAFF UNIONS’ REQUESTS,” HE SAID.
THE UNIONS ALSO CLAIMED THAT THEIR PROMOTION PROSPECTS COMPARED UNFAVOURABLY WITH OTHER GRADES. MR WONG SAID PAY SCALES AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS WERE SEPARATE MATTERS, AND THAT PROMOTION POSTS HAD TO BE JUSTIFIED ON FUNCTIONAL GROUNDS.
HE SAID THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS OF POSTAL GRADES IMPROVED IN THE LAST DECADE, AND IMPROVEMENTS WERE PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT IN RECENT YEARS.
"I WILL CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY AREAS OF WORK WHERE PROMOTION POSTS CAN BE JUSTIFIED FUNCTIONALLY. THE STAFF UNIONS HAVE BEEN SO INFORMED," MR WONG SAID.
--------0-----------
/18 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 18 -
FS TO ATTEND IMF CONFERENCE
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND CONFERENCE AS A MEMBER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM DELEGATION.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN WASHINGTON D.C., USA FROM SEPTEMBER 25 TO 27.
DURING THIS VISIT, SIR PIERS WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL COMMUNITIES IN LONDON, WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK TO BRIEF THEM ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 6.
--------0----------
MEETING ON HAZARDS POSED BY PRIVATE CLUBS * * » » »
A MEETING TO DISCUSS THE QUESTION OF HAZARDS POSED CLUBS, CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS MR PETER HELD THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
BY PRIVATE
TSAO, WAS
IT WAS ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, POLICE, DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INDEPENDENT CORRUPTION, LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND TELEVISION LICENSING AUTHORITY.
BUILDINGS AND LANDS REGIONAL SERVICES COMMISSION AGAINST AND ENTERTAINMENT
THE GROUP NOTED THAT THE HAZARDS POSED BY PRIVATE SOME RESEMBLANCE TO THOSE OF GUESTHOUSES, PARTICULARLY IN FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY.
CLUBS BEAR
RELATION TO
THE MEETING DISCUSSED WAYS AND MEANS TO TACKLE THE CREATED BY THESE PREMISES AND CONSIDERED A NUMBER OF OPTIONS.
PROBLEM
IT WAS DECIDED THAT, GIVEN THE EXPERIENCE GAINED IN DEALING ’ ™E EXPERT GKOUP CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN LICENSING OF GUESTHOUSES SHOULD BE INVITED TO EXAMINE THESE OPTIONS AND REPORT TO THE MAIN GROUP WHICH WILL MEET AGAIN SHORTLY.
- - 0----------
/19........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
WORK ON LRT EXTENSIONS IN TUEN MUN AND TIN SHUI WAI STARTS t » » » *
WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM’S IN SHUI WAI EXTENSION IN LATE 1992, TIN SHUI WAI WILL BE A FULLY DEVELOPED NEW TOWN WITH A FUTURE POPULATION OF OVER 100,000, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT (TRANSPORT SERVICES), MR LUI HAU-TUEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE TIN SHUI WAI LINK WILL NOT ONLY ENABLE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A MODERN AND CONVENIENT TRANSPORT SERVICE, BUT WILL ALSO INSPIRE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN ITSELF," MR LUI SAID AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY TO MARK THE START OF WORKS ON THE LRT EXTENSIONS IN TIN SHUI WAI AND TUEN MUN.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WOULD BE THREE LRT EXTENSIONS IN TUEN MUN — TUEN MUN FERRY PIER TO YAU OI, YAU OI TO SAM SHING AND TOWN CENTRE TO TUEN MUN NORTHEAST.
HE SAID TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG, NOW BEING SERVED BY LRT, WERE TWO RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS WITH A COMBINED POPULATION OF MORE THAN 500,000.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT IN A FEW YEARS’ TIME, THE POPULATION OF TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WOULD APPROACH THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION.
MR LUI SAID THE PRESENCE OF THE LRT GENERATED DESTINATIONS AND OPENED UP LAND ALONG THE ROUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT.
THE SYSTEM, WHICH STARTED OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER 1988, NOW HAS 41 STOPS, MANY OF WHICH SERVING AREAS WITH GREAT POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT.
LINKING UP HOMES, SCHOOLS, WORKPLACES, SHOPPING CENTRES AND COMMUNAL FACILITIES, THE LRT HELPED CREATE A UNIFIED COMMUNITY, ALL MEMBERS OF WHICH HAD EASY ACCESS TO THE GROWING COMMUNITY FACILITIES WHICH ENHANCED THE QUALITY OF LIFE, OTHER THAN FINDING IT EASY AND QUICK TO GO TO WORK AND SCHOOLS. MR LUI ADDED.
- - 0 - -
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT WERE FOUND GUILTY IN COURT OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST.
THE LEGISLATION IS ENFORCED BY THE EPD. SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY.
/AS EPD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 20 -
AN EPD SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE DEPARTMENT MEASURED ITS SUCCESS IN TERMS OF POLLUTION PROBLEMS AVOIDED AND IMPROVEMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENT, NOT BY THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS.
"BUT INEVITABLY, THERE IS A SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO, EVEN AFTER ADVICE AND WARNINGS, DO NOT TAKE SERIOUSLY THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT SOME CASES, EVEN SIMPLE ONES, MAY TAKE A LONG TIME TO COME BEFORE THE COURT BECAUSE IT WAS OFTEN NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE AND LABORATORY ANALYSES.
ALL THESE COULD BE VERY TIME CONSUMING AND AS A RESULT THERE WAS SOMETIMES A WIDE GAP BETWEEN THE TIME OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST THIS YEAR:
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT
1.BONDWOOD DEVELOPMENT LTD LOCKHART RD, WAN CHAI 11.3.89- 31.10.89 APCO: 3,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST CENTRAL
2.GOLDEN PEACH RESTAURANT LTD DES VOEUX RD CENTRAL, CENTRAL 24.3.89- 28.3.89 APCO: 1,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST WESTERN
3.HIGHLAND PALACE RESTAURANT LTD QUEEN’S RD WEST, WESTERN 1.5.SO- lS.T.89 APCO: 1,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 2ND WESTERN
4.MANTEX INTERLINING FACTORY LTD TA CHUEN PING ST, KWAI CHUNG 23.11.89 APCO: 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND T8UEN WAN
5.DENIS DRY-CLEANINGS LTD WAH SING ST, KWAI CHUNG 28.12.89 APCO: 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN
/6.B IS CHAI WAN ..........
TUESDAY, . .a ER 18, 1990
- 21 -
6.B I S TEXTILE CO (HK) LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 8.1.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
7.MONEY METAL DIECASTING FACTORY TAI WAI, SHA TIN 10.1.90 APCO: 5,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN A FUEL RESTRICTION AREA 1ST SHA TIN
8.FULLY DYEING FACTORY LTD PUN SHAN ST, TSUEN WAN 17.1.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
9.FOOK SANG (FOOK KEE) LARD FACTORY CADOGAN ST, WESTERN 17.1.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1,000 1ST WESTERN
10.TIN FUNG LAUNDRY PING CHE, FANLING 22.1.90 APCO: 2,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN A FUEL RESTRICTION AREA 1ST FANLING
11.MAYLIK HONTEX DYEING WORKS LTD SHA TAU KOK RD, FANLING 22.1.90 APCO: 5,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN A FUEL RESTRICTION AREA 1ST FANLING
12.DENIS DRY-CLEANINGS LTD WAH SING ST, KWAI CHUNG 14.2.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,500 2ND TSUEN WAN
13.SUNKI WASHING & DYEING FACTORY LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 1.3.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 2ND KWUN TONG
14.SUN PING WEAVING & DYEING FACTORY LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 21.3.90 APCO: 4,000 FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 1ST TSUEN WAN
/15.YAT SUN .......
'ITJESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 22 -
15.YAT SUN DYEING & FINISHING WORKS LTD SAN ON ST, TUEN MUN 4.4.90 APCO: 1,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND TUEN MUN
16.WAN HIN & CO LTD CHAI WAN RD, CHAI WAN 16.4.90 NCO: 3,000 PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST CENTRAL
AND
CHUNG KWAN-CHEONG (PERSON-IN- CHARGE ) tr t* NCO: 3,000 CAUSE CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST CENTRAL
17.CHUN YIP CONSTRUCTION CO LTD CONDUIT RD, MID-LEVELS 16.4.90 NCO: 5,000 PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST WESTERN
AND
CHENG WAI-ON (PERSONIN-CHARGE) tt tt NCO: 5,000 CAUSE CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT 1ST WESTERN
18.SZE LEE CHEUNG HING KEE SAI ST, WESTERN 19.4.90 APCO: 2,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND WESTERN
19.SUNLEY MIU’S ENG. & CONST. CO LTD ON PO RD, TAI PO 8.5.90 NCO: 2,000 CARRY OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF A PERMIT 1ST SHA TIN
20.WONG HON-MO OF A BEAN CURD FACTORY MUK MIU SHAN, SAI KUNG 16.5.90 WPCO: 2,000 DISCHARGE POLLUTING TRADE EFFLUENT INTO A STREAM COURSE 1ST KWUN TONG
/21.YIP
SPRING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 23 -
21.YIP SHING IRON WORKS DECORATION SPRING GARDEN LANE, WAN CHAI 12.6.90 APCO: FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 5,000 2ND CENTRAL
22.YIP SHING IRON WORKS DECORATION n 20.6.90 APCO: FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 5,000 3RD CENTRAL
23.DIAMOND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD SILVER-STRAND, SAI KUNG 3.7.90 APCO: DISCHARGE SUBSTANDARD EFFLUENT FROM A DOMESTIC SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT 5,000 1ST KWUN TONG
NOTE:
APCO: AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO: NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE
WPCO: WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO NEIGHBOURHOOD NOISE, A TOTAL OF 48 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE FOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PLACES AT NIGHT WITH FINES RANGING FROM $150 TO $500.
THE EPD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN CASE 19, A PILING CONTRACTOR WAS FINED $2,000 FOR CARRYING OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING WITHOUT USING AN ACOUSTIC SHROUD AS REQUIRED IN THE PERMIT.
THIS WAS THE FIRST CASE CONVICTED UNDER A SECTION IN NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE WHICH MAKES IT AN OFFENCE TO CARRY OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING EITHER WITHOUT A VALID CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT OR NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT. THIS SECTION BECAME EFFECTIVE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
-----0-----------
/24........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 24 -
STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME ********
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS INVITING STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO PLAY WESTERN OR CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT.
THE RECRUITMENT IS BASED ON A REGIONAL BASIS.
’’STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING OR STUDYING IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD APPLY TO THE MUSIC CENTRES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING ON PLAYING WESTERN OR CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS THE VIOLIN, TRUMPET, FRENCH HORN, DIZI, PIPA AND YANGQIN,” HE ADDED.
TRAINING SESSIONS OF ONE HOUR EACH WILL BE CONDUCTED WEEKLY AT THE MUSIC CENTRES.
MONTHLY TUITION FEES FOR TRAINEES AT THE ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE, AND HIGHER LEVELS ARE $40, $60 AND $80 RESPECTIVELY.
APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO THE MUSIC CENTRES FOR HANDS AND MOUTH INSPECTION AND A SIMPLE AURAL TEST NEXT MONTH. THE FIRST TRAINING SESSION WILL START IN NOVEMBER.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 28.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 528 3257 OR 714 9255.
---------0-----------
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 20) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY BROADCAST DRIVE, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, FUNG MO STREET, WANG TAU HOM, WANG TAU HOM ESTATE, WANG TAU HOM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, LOK FU ESTATE, HONG KONG BUDDHIST HOSPITAL, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON WALLED CITY, SAI TAU VILLAGE, CARPENTER ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, ARGYLE STREET, OLYMPIC AVENUE, TAM KUNG ROAD, MA TAU WAI, MA TAU WAI ESTATE, CHUN SEEN MEI CHUEN, FARM ROAD, TIN KWONG ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY STATION IN KOWLOON TONG, WATERLOO ROAD, BEACON HILL ROAD, EDE ROAD, BAPTIST COLLEGE AND EVANGEL HOSPITAL.
---------0-----------
/25 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1990
- 25 -
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS » ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 22) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE !
EJ6388 EL223 EMI EK9238
CB1931 AA1737 EK817 EE2002
EK200 EJ819 EJ1386 AA194
BB3501 2212 EK9388 EK4228
AG13 BB3522 EB22 DD1000
EJ7008 EJ877 EJ6889 AZ486
EC323 AB123 EJ911 EJ5152
HK1830 CA1958 HK1980 AR164
AK1494 EJ448 BD897 EK1946
EK299 EK889 BW3388 EJ3813
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF A BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 155TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
-----0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DISCIPLINED SERVICES SHOULD GET ON WITH DAILY WORK EFFICIENTLY: GOVERNOR . 1
ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR PROVIDING SPACE FOR RECREATION ............ 2
MINISTER CONTINUES BUSY SCHEDULE .................................. 3
16TH JLG MEETING IN LONDON NEXT WEEK .............................. 4
COMMENTS ON PASSAGE OF TEXTILE BILL IN U.S......................... 4
STUDY OF RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES ...... 5
CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY STUDY AWARDED ... 5
STUDY ON INTEGRATED SLUDGE DISPOSAL STRATEGY ...................... 6
110 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM ......................................... 7
GOVT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE ARTS ............................ 7
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS HELP PROMOTE PROSPERITY ................... 9
1990-91 MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO START ...... 10
WO LAND LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ..................................... 10
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED .......................... 11
t
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
DISCIPLINED SERVICES SHOULD GET ON WITH DAILY WORK EFFICIENTLY: GOVERNOR
THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING THE SALARIES FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS AND OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES SHOULD ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND GET ON WITH THEIR DAILY WORK IN THE VERY EFFICIENT WAY THAT THEY ALWAYS HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE SOUTHORN STADIUM IN WAN CHAI, SIR DAVID SAID THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AT THE JUNIOR OFFICER LEVEL HAD BEEN UNDER REVIEW FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
"IT’S BEEN A VERY CAREFUL AND A VERY THOROUGH REVIEW TO GET A LEVEL OF SALARIES WHICH IS FAIR FOR THE JOB, WHICH IS FAIR BETWEEN DIFFERENT DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND WHICH IS WHAT THE COMMUNITY CAN AFFORD,” HE SAID.
"YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO LOOK AT THE QUESTION OF RELATIVITIES BETWEEN DIFFERENT SERVICES, AND IT’S ALWAYS A VERY DIFFERENT, DIFFICULT MATTER FOR THE SERVICES THEMSELVES.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAD LOOKED EXTREMELY CAREFULLY INTO WHAT WAS THE RIGHT LEVEL OF SALARY FOR THE DIFFERENT SERVICES. ’’THEY’VE DONE IT VERY THOROUGHLY. THEY’VE COME UP WITH AN ANSWER WHICH SEEMS, TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, TO BE THE RIGHT ANSWER,” SIR DAVID SAID.
’’EVEN THOUGH THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES MAY FEEL DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY ARE NOT EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE POLICE, I’M SURE THEY WILL ACCEPT THAT THE WHOLE PROCESS HAS BEEN DONE VERY CAREFULLY AND VERY FAIRLY," HE ADDED.
"WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO DO, WHAT THE WHOLE PROCESS IS TRYING TO DO IS TO REACH A FAIR DECISION ON WHAT IS THE RIGHT LEVEL OF SALARY FOR A LOT OF DIFFERENT AND DIFFICULT JOBS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"EACH DISCIPLINED SERVICE HAS AN IMPORTANT JOB TO DO AND EACH ONE DOES IT VERY WELL. BUT YOU HAVE TO TRY TO ASSESS WHAT IS THE CORRECT, WHAT IS THE FAIR LEVEL OF SALARY FOR EACH SERVICE," HE ADDED.
"ALWAYS IN THE PAST, THERE HAS BEEN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE OTHER SERVICES. ONCE AGAIN WE HAVE THAT NOW. I’M SURE THE OTHER SERVICES WILL UNDERSTAND THAT AND I HOPE THAT THEY WILL ACCEPT IT," SIR DAVID SAID.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
- 2 -
ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR PROVIDING SPACE FOR RECREATION
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION FOR ITS DEDICATION IN PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SPACE FOR HEALTHY RECREATION IN OUR CONGESTED CITY OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF SOUTHORN STADIUM IN WAN CHAI, SIR DAVID SAID IN A HONG KONG OF TALL BUILDINGS, INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, IMPRESSIVE NEW HOUSING BLOCKS, FLYOVERS AND HARBOUR TUNNELS, IT WAS REFRESHING TO FIND AN ORGANISATION WITH A NAME SUCH AS "THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION".
"AND THE NAME IS WELL CHOSEN," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT IN CROWDED HONG KONG, A MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM SUCH AS THE SOUTHORN STADIUM MADE EXCELLENT SENSE.
"IN HONG KONG WE KNOW HOW TO WORK HARD. BUT EVEN HERE, LIFE IS NOT ALL WORK. WE MUST NOT FORGET HOW TO PLAY HARD AS WELL.
"EVERY WEEK, MANY HUNDREDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE CAN ENJOY THEMSELVES HERE, PLAYING OR WATCHING SPORTS, KEEPING FIT AND HAVING FUN. "
SIR DAVID SAID A COMMUNITY THAT CARED FOR ITS YOUTH, CARED FOR ITS FUTURE A GREAT DEAL OF CARE, THOUGHT AND HARD WORK HAD OBVIOUSLY GONE INTO THE IMPRESSIVE NEW STADIUM, HE ADDED.
"THE RESULT IS A GREAT CREDIT TO THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION," HE SAID.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN BRINGING THE PROJECT TO FRUITION.
"MAY IT BRING MANY YEARS OF ENJOYMENT TO MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE," HE SAID.
THE STADIUM IS A JOINT VENTURE OF THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CO. LTD. IT WAS BUILT TO REPLACE THE ASSOCIATION’S OLD STADIUM ON THE SAME SITE WHICH WAS SURRENDERED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN MTR STATION.
--------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
- 3 -
MINISTER CONTINUES BUSY SCHEDULE *****
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, CONTINUED HIS BUSY SCHEDULE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
LORD CAITHNESS FIRST VISITED THE BANK OF CHINA BUILDING IN CENTRAL WHICH IS THE TALLEST BUILDING IN HONG KONG. ACCOMPANIED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER, HONG KONG BRANCH, MR ZHANG XUEYAO, HE HAD A SPECTACULAR VIEW OF THE TERRITORY FROM THE TOP FLOOR OF THE 70-STOREY SKYSCRAPER.
LATER THE MINISTER VISITED THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI WHICH PLAY HOST TO UP TO 60 EVENTS EACH MONTH SINCE ITS OPENING IN 1988. HE ALSO TOURED THE HONG KONG JEWELRY AND WATCH FAIR, WHICH IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST FAIRS IN HONG KONG.
IN THE AFTERNOON, LORD CAITHNESS WAS BRIEFED ON HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AND OTHER PORT DEVELOPMENTS BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK; THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN; THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD; AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG.
THE MINISTER LATER BOARDED THE MARINE LAUNCH "TIN HAU" FOR A CRUISE OF THE WESTERN PART OF THE HARBOUR AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE SHIPPING THROUGHPUT BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR MICHAEL SZE.
HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS OPERATIONS OF THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT, WHICH HAS BECOME THE WORLD’S LARGEST CONTAINER PORT IN 1987, AND HAS CONTINUED TO DO SO IN 1988 AND 89.
ARRIVING AT KWAI CHUNG, LORD CAITHNESS VISITED MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED WHICH HANDLED MORE THAN 1.27 MILLION TEU’S LAST YEAR, AND WAS ONE OF THE FIRST CONTAINER PORT OPERATORS IN HONG KONG.
LORD CAITHNESS WAS BRIEFED ON THE TERMINAL OPERATIONS IN THE CONTROL ROOM BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MTL, MR MARK LEESE, AND THE GENERAL MANAGER, MR ANDREW MILLIKEN.
---------0----------
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
4
16TH JLG MEETING IN ♦ ♦ *
LONDON NEXT WEEK t *
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING THAT THE 16TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN LONDON FROM SEPTEMBER 25 TO 28.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR MICHAEL SUEN, SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HONG KONG; MR DOUG MARTIN, COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HONG KONG; MR ALAN PAUL, HEAD, HONG KONG DEPARTMENT, FCO; AND MR WILLIAM EHRMAN, POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG.
------0--------
COMMENTS ON PASSAGE OF TEXTILE BILL IN U.S. ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE TEXTILE, APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR BILL HAD BEEN PASSED BY THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PARTICULARLY AT A TIME WHEN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE TALKS UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE WAS ENTERING THE FINAL STAGE.
THE BILL WAS PASSED YESTERDAY BY A MARGIN OF 271 TO 149 VOTES, LESS THAN THE TWO THIRDS MAJORITY NEEDED TO OVERRIDE A PRESIDENTIAL VETO.
"THE WORLD LOOKS TO THE U.S. AND OTHER MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS FOR LEADERSHIP,” MR CHAU SAID.
"IT IS THEREFORE DOUBLY DISAPPOINTING THAT THE U.S. CONGRESS HAS AT THIS TIME PASSED PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION WHICH WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF ABROGATING THE UNITED STATES’ BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL OBLIGATIONS."
ALTHOUGH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS DISMAYED AT THE SIZEABLE MARGIN BY WHICH THE BILL PASSED THROUGH THE HOUSE, MR CHAU SAID IT WAS CLEAR FROM RECENT STATEMENTS BY THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, MRS CARLA HILLS, THAT THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION WAS FIRMLY OPPOSED TO THE BILL.
MR CHAU ALSO NOTED THAT PRESIDENT BUSH HAD RECENTLY SAID THAT HE WOULD VETO IT.
HE ADDED THAT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSELY MONITORING FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.
------0-----------
/5 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
5
STUDY OF RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH A CONSULTANCY FIRM FOR THE STUDY OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES THAT NEED RELOCATION WITH THE AIRPORT (SICENRA).
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR K.S. PUN, SIGNED THE AGREEMENT WITH THE DIRECTOR OF SHANKLAND COX, MR JULIO FIGUEIRAS.
THE AGREEMENT INCLUDES A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE EXISTING INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES AND ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF RELOCATION.
THESE INCLUDE A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES AND BUSINESSES AND VARIOUS MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE AIRPORT THAT WILL NEED TO MOVE TO THE VICINITY OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
"THIS STUDY IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG," DR PUN SAID.
"THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WILL BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE STUDY, AND IN THE INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF THE RESULTS WITH RESPECT TO THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN AND NORTH LANTAU DEVELOPMENT STUDIES."
- - 0 - -
CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY STUDY AWARDED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR S.K. KWEI, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR A DETAILED STUDY ON THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY.
THE CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT AWARDED TO FREEMAN FOX MAUNSELL COVERS THE INVESTIGATION, DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION OF A 4.2 KILOMETRE LONG, DUAL-THREE LANE CARRIAGEWAY LINKING THE KOWLOON PORTAL OF THE PROPOSED WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WITH ROUTE 3.
THE EXPRESSWAY IS PART OF THE ROAD NETWORK LEADING TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, AND WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF 1996 AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1,700 MILLION.
MR KWEI SAID THE INVESTIGATION STAGE OF THE STUDY WOULD FINE-TUNE THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ALIGNMENTS PROPOSED IN THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION TRANSPORT STUDY.
IT WAS LIKELY THAT, DUE TO PROGRAMME RESTRAINTS ON THE RECLAMATION ITSELF, PARTS OF THE ELEVATED SECTION WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OVER WATER, IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, AND THEN RECLAMATION WOULD TAKE PLACE AROUND IT, HE SAID.
/AN ENVIRONMENTAL
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,1990
- 6 -
AN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF THE ROAD ON EXISTING AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS, AND MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE THE POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACT OF THIS MAJOR HIGHWAY, HE ADDED.
THE DETAILED DESIGN STAGE WOULD COMMENCE IN MID-1991, AND CONSTRUCTION WOULD START IN LATE-1993.
THE COST FOR THE CONSULTANCY INVESTIGATION OF THE EXPRESSWAY IS ABOUT $15 MILLION.
------u-------
STUDY ON INTEGRATED SLUDGE DISPOSAL STRATEGY *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED STRATEGY FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SLUDGES GENERATED FROM THE OPERATION OF HONG KONG’S SEWAGE, WATER AND LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES.
THE STUDY WILL ASSESS CURRENT SLUDGE ARISINGS IN HONG KONG, AND PREDICT FUTURE SLUDGE ARISINGS IN TERMS OF QUANTITY AND NATURE. CURRENT SLUDGE DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENTS IN BOTH HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS WILL BE REVIEWED.
IT WILL DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED STRATEGY FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ALL SLUDGES GENERATED IN HONG KONG AND A PRIORITISED PROGRAMME OF IMPLEMENTATION WILL ALSO BE PREPARED.
EMPHASIS WILL BE GIVEN TO DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SLUDGE TO BE GENERATED FROM THE MAJOR SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND CURRENTLY BEING DEVELOPED AS PART OF THE PROPOSED STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE INCREASING POPULATION AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG HAS NECESSITATED THE PLANNING AND PROVISION OF MORE AND LARGER SEWAGE AND WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE QUANTITY OF SLUDGE TO BE GENERATED FROM THESE FACILITIES WILL FAR EXCEED THE CAPABILITY OF EXISTING DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENTS, AND NEW TREATMENT/DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE TO BE DEVELOPED TO PREVENT SEVERE POLLUTION PROBLEMS TO BOTH INLAND WATER COURSES AND NEARSHORE MARINE WATERS.
THE STUDY WILL COMPRISE OF TWO PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE, AT A COST OF $3.3 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN EIGHT MONTHS. RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE FIRST PHASE ON PILOT TESTING OF POTENTIAL NOVEL TECHNOLOGY WILL THEN BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE SECOND PHASE.
THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN EPD’S ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (WASTE AND WATER POLICY), MR JOHN ROCKEY, AND THE DIRECTOR OF WATSON HAWKSLEY (HONG KONG) LTD, MR M.A. OSWELL.
------0-------
/7......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,
1990
7
110 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM ♦ * * » ♦
A GROUP OF 110 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 39 MEN, 30 WOMEN, 21 BOYS AND 20 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 33RD BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 4,349 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.
--------0------------
GOVT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE ARTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS A VERY DEFINITE, POSITIVE AND UNEQUIVOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THIS STATEMENT IS MADE WITHOUT ANY RESERVATION AND WITH DUE EMPHASIS AT A TIME WHEN THERE ARE MUCH TALK AND ANXIETY CONCERNING FINANCIAL CUTBACKS AND REDUCTION IN FUNDING TO THE ARTS GROUPS,” HE SAID.
MR CHUI WAS ADDRESSING A GATHERING OF MORE THAN 240 PARTICIPANTS FROM THE ARTS GROUPS AND INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND THE ARTS.
"ALTHOUGH THE CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION IS DIFFICULT WITH THE GOVERNMENT LOOKING FOR POSSIBLE SAVINGS IN ALL AREAS, THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY DOUBT THAT OUR SUPPORT TO THE ARTS WOULD CONTINUE.
"AND THIS SUPPORT IS NOT NECESSARILY IN TERMS OF FUNDING," HE SAID.
MR CHUI SAID HOW THE FUNDS WERE MADE AVAILABLE AND HOW THEY WERE SPENT WERE ALSO IMPORTANT.
"THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, UNDER THE ABLE LEADERSHIP OF DR WANG GUNGWU, HAS, IN RECENT MEETINGS, BEEN ABLE TO COME UP WITH A POSITIVE WAY FORWARD," HE ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, DR WANG SAID MANY BUSINESSES IN HONG KONG SPONSORED THE ARTS FROM TIME TO TIME.
• i
/•'BUT IF..........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,1990
- 8 -
"BUT IF THE LEVEL OF BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP IS TO INCREASE STILL FURTHER, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY MUST BE CONVINCED THAT SPONSORSHIP IS NOT JUST AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF DEMONSTRATING ITS INVOLVEMENT IN OUR SOCIETY, BUT ALSO A SOUND INVESTMENT IN MARKETING," HE SAID.
"OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE, ARTS ADMINISTRATORS MUST BE PREPARED TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY WHEN SEEKING ARTS SPONSORSHIP," HE ADDED.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE ONUS FOR INCREASING INCOME FROM SPONSORSHIP RESTS WITH THE ARTS GROUPS, DR WANG SAID MANY ORGANISATIONS STOOD READY TO HELP.
"TODAY’S CONFERENCE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE HONG KONG ARTS ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION (HKAAA), IS ONE EXAMPLE.
"THE MATCHING GRANT SCHEME, LAUNCHED IN APRIL BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WITH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT, IS ANOTHER.
"THE NEW ARTS RESOURCE AND INFORMATION CENTRE, INITIATED BY THE HKAAA THIS MONTH, WILL ALSO HELP POOL INFORMATION ON TECHNIQUES IN SEEKING BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP.”
HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT WE SHOULD SOON BE ABLE TO COUNT ON THE SUPPORT OF THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED FOUNDATION OF BUSINESSES IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS.
ALTHOUGH HONG KONG’S ART SCENE WAS STILL YOUNG IN COMPARISON WITH ITS COUNTERPARTS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, DR WANG NOTED THAT IT HAD GROWN TREMENDOUSLY IN THE LAST DECADE AND COULD NOW BOAST SOME FINE PERFORMING GROUPS.
"THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IS GLAD TO PLAY A PART IN THIS PROCESS, AND REMAINS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING ARTS DEVELOPMENT IN THE FUTURE.
"BUT IF EMERGING GROUPS ARE TO BE NURTURED, IT WILL BE IMPORTANT FOR BETTER-ESTABLISHED GROUPS TO REDUCE THEIR DEPENDENCE ON PUBLIC SUBSIDIES, AND INCREASE THEIR INCOME FROM BOX-OFFICE SALES AND BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP.
"THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS BELIEVES THAT BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP HAS A SIGNIFICANT PART TO PLAY IN ARTS DEVELOPMENT," DR WANG SAID.
------0 - -
/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,
1990
- 9 -
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS HELP PROMOTE PROSPERITY
*****
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS CAN HELP PROMOTE HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY BY MAKING CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND TAKING CONCRETE ACTIONS.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID THIS TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) WHEN ADDRESSING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG METAL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION.
MR LAN ALSO REFERRED TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN AND CALLED ON OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, AS COMMUNITY LEADERS, TO ENCOURAGE THEIR MEMBERS, STAFF, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS TO SIGN UP.
"BY SO DOING, YOU ARE SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS," HE SAID.
MR LAN ADDED THAT WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, MORE PEOPLE WOULD SUPPORT THIS MEANINGFUL CAMPAIGN.
HE NOTED THAT NOWADAYS BUSINESSMEN, SUCH AS THE OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE METAL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION, TOOK AN ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IN ADDITION TO DEVELOPING THEIR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS.
ON THE METAL INDUSTRY, MR LAN SAID IT PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE TERRITORY’S MANUFACTURING AND BUILDING INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS IN TRADE.
HE NOTED THAT SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE METAL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION HAD ENCOURAGED ITS MEMBERS TO BRING IN NEW PRODUCTS, THUS CONTRIBUTING TO THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMY.
"ON THE FOSTERING OF INDUSTRIAL LINKS, THE ASSOCIATION HAD ARRANGED FOR A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS DELEGATIONS TO VISIT HONG KONG, AND HAD REGULARLY ORGANISED SEMINARS.
"IT HAD ALSO INVITED METAL TRADERS FROM ABROAD TO TAKE PART IN EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL,” MR LAN SAID.
- - 0---------
/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,
1990
- 10 -
1990-91 MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO START
******
A CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN 1990-91 WILL BE HELD AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 22) EVENING.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR TONG KAM-BIU.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CAMPAIGN WILL FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT OF STREETS, BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINARS AND VISITS, STREET AND BUILDING CLEAN-UP COMPETITIONS AND A YEAR-END CLEAN-UP, WILL BE HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.45 PM ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 22) AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET.
--------0-----------
TWO LAND LOTS TO LET BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR
THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF TWO LAND LOTS, ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED OFF WAH LAM PATH, POK FU LAM, HONG KONG. COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 620 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR A PLANT NURSERY.
THE OTHER LOT IS LOCATED AT HONG TSUEN ROAD, TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 470 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR REPAIR OF MOTOR VEHICLES OR INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOP.
BOTH LOTS WILL BE LET FOR AN INITIAL TENANCY PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
/THE DEADLINE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1990
- 11 -
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 5.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT:
* THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;
♦ THE HONG KONG SOUTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 20TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI FOR THE HONG KONG ISLAND LOT; AND
» THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, THIRD FLOOR, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG FOR THE SAI KUNG LOT.
-----0------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN THE REAR YARD OF A KOWLOON FLAT SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED IN THE REAR YARD, GROUND FLOOR OF FLAT E, 40 UN CHAU STREET.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON NOVEMBER 8 THIS YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE BUILDING ORDINANCE, A CLOSURE ORDER IS REQUIRED BEFORE THE DEMOLITION CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD CAITHNESS VISITS WELFARE ESTABLISHMENTS ......................................... 1
ASSN PRAISED FOR CONTRIBUTION IN COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC REHAB SERVICES ................ 2
STI CALLS FOR TIGHTENING OF ANTI-DUMPING CODE ........................................ 3
CAREFUL THINKING ON ENERGY SAVING POLICY ............................................. 4
SAFEGUARDS7FOR MEMBERS OF OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEMES ............................... 5
1991 CENSUS WILL ADOPT SELF-ENUMERATION METHOD ....................................... 7
MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY PLANNED .......................................... 9
CALL FOR YOUNG THESPIANS ............................................................ 10
DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR NEW GMB ROUTES ............................................ 11
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ...................................................... 11
APRIL-JUNE REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY PUBLISHED ............................. 16
FOUR Il'S ARRESTED .................................................................. 16
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
1
LORD CAITHNESS VISITS * *
WELFARE ESTABLISHMENTS * * *
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING OBTAINED FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, LORD CAITHNESS AND THE COUNTESS OF CAITHNESS VISITED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WAN CHAI SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT IN SOUTHORN CENTRE.
DURING THE VISIT, MR CARTLAND BRIEFED THE VISITORS SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS.
ON THE
LORD CAITHNESS SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS MEANS-TESTED AND NON-CONTRIBUTORY AND THE PAYMENTS WERE GRANTED ACCORDING TO AN INDIVIDUAL’S OR A FAMILY’S MEANS AND NEEDS.
MR CARTLAND TOLD THE VISITORS THAT A DRAFT WHITE PAPER RELEASED ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 18) PROPOSED THAT THE FUTURE EMPHASIS OF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY SHOULD BE ON PRESERVING THE FAMILY AS A UNIT, AND PROVIDING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT RISK AND THE ELDERLY.
LATER IN THE MORNING, LORD CAITHNESS VISITED THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT, A SUBVENTED WELFARE ORGANISATION, IN WAN CHAI.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT, MR DAVID LI KWOK-PO, LORD CAITHNESS TOURED THE WELFARE COMPLEX WHICH COMPRISES A DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, A DAY ACTIVITIES CENTRE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS AND A SHELTERED WORKSHOP.
LATER LORD CAITHNESS MET REPRESENTATIVES OF CIVIL SERVICE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BEFORE ATTENDING A LUNCH IN CENTRAL HOSTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO.
------0-----------
Z2 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 2 -
ASSN PRAISED FOR CONTRIBUTION IN COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC REHAB SERVICES *****
LADY WILSON TODAY (THURSDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION AND ITS LONG SERVING COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STAFF FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION SERVICES DURING THE PAST 25 YEARS.
SPEAKING AT THE ASSOCIATION’S SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION, LADY WILSON NOTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD NOW ESTABLISHED 15 SERVICE UNITS, COMPRISING HOSTELS, HALFWAY HOUSES, SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, AN ACTIVITY CENTRE AND A LONG STAY CARE HOME.
"I AM SURE NEW LIFE WILL CONTINUE ITS SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION, AND WILL BE A LEADING ORGANISATION IN DEVELOPING THESE VALUABLE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
"IN RECENT YEARS, NEW LIFE HAS MADE GREAT EFFORTS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH ITS PUBLIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES," SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS PLANNING TO SET UP AN INSTITUTE OF PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION IN ITS PROPOSED NAM CHEONG CENTRE WHICH AIMED TO BE SET UP BY 1993/94 TO OFFER COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION SERVICES.
"I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS NEW PROJECT WILL BE GIVEN PUBLIC SUPPORT AND FUNDING, AS IT IS CLEARLY A MOST WORTHWHILE AND MUCH NEEDED PROJECT,” LADY WILSON SAID.
DURING THE CELEBRATION CEREMONY, LADY WILSON PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO LONG SERVICE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED 10 TO 25 YEARS OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND TO LONG SERVING STAFF MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
SHE ALSO THANKED THE PRESIDENT, MR HO SAI-CHU, AND THE CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND WU, THE STAFF AND OTHERS CONCERNED WITH THE ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG.
--------0-----------
/3 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 3 -
STI CALLS FOR TIGHTENING OF ANTI-DUMPING CODE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED FOR TIGHTENING OF THE ANTI-DUMPING CODE UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG, MR CHAN SAID EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT INADEQUATE PROVISIONS IN THE CODE FACILITATED THE USE OF ANTI-DUMPING ACTIONS AGAINST EXPORTERS FOR PROTECTIONIST PURPOSES.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS A PRIME MOVER IN SEEKING A BALANCE IN PROVISIONS OF THE CODE BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF THE SO-CALLED DUMPERS AND ANTI-DUMPERS.
HE SAID THIS HAD BECOME AN UPHILL BATTLE IN THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT NEGOTIATIONS, BUT ONE WELL WORTH FIGHTING BECAUSE OF THE DANGERS OF PROLIFERATION OF ANTI-DUMPING.
"UNLESS THE CODE IS TIGHTENED, THE SITUATION COULD GET OUT OF HAND,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN STRESSED THAT HONG KONG DID NOT CONDONE DUMPING.
"AS REGARDS OUR EXPORTS, THE RATIONALE FOR DUMPING DOES NOT EXIST HERE. GIVEN OUR VERY OPEN ECONOMY AND THE LACK OF A PROTECTED HOME MARKET, IT WOULD SIMPLY NOT BE COMMERCIALLY VIABLE FOR OUR NUMEROUS SMALL EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS TO SELL THEIR PRODUCTS AT A LOSS CONTINUOUSLY," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID HONG KONG ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE URUGUAY ROUND AS A GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN AND REVITALISE THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.
IT WAS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD TO REVERSE PROTECTIONISM AND FURTHER LIBERALISE WORLD TRADE.
"WE BELIEVE THE OUTCOME OF THESE NEGOTIATIONS WOULD SHAPE THE GLOBAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH OUR BUSINESSMEN WILL OPERATE IN THIS DECADE AND BEYOND," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID HONG KONG ALSO PLAYED THE ROLE OF BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING CONTRACTING PARTIES WHOSE INTERESTS MIGHT BE DIVERGENT.
"WITH DUE MODESTY, I ROUND AND THE GATT ARE QUITE TERRITORY," HE SAID. BELIEVE OUT OF OUR INFLUENCE PROPORTION TO IN THE THE SIZE URUGUAY OF OUR
MR CHAN MOST IMPORTANT SAID THE AREAS IN TEXTILES AND THE URUGUAY CLOTHING SECTOR ROUND, "NOT ONLY WAS FOR ONE US OF BUT THE FOR
ALL PARTICIPANTS BECAUSE TEXTILE EXPORTING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES SEE AN AGREEMENT ON TEXTILE TRADE LIBERALISATION AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A BALANCED PACKAGE COMING OUT OF THE ROUND".
/THE MULTIFIBRE........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
4
THE MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA), WHICH PROVIDED THE FRAMEWORK FOR MOST OF THE BILATERAL QUOTAS WHICH EXISTED TODAY, WAS A DISCRIMINATORY INSTRUMENT AND A DEPARTURE FROM THE NON-DISCRIMINATORY PRINCIPLE OF THE GATT.
’’THE NEGOTIATING MANDATE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IS TO SEEK AGREEMENT ON A MODALITY FOR RETURNING THIS SECTOR TO THE GATT AND GOVERNING IT BY GATT RULES AND DISCIPLINES,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE URUGUAY ROUND IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR WOULD BE CRITICAL IN DECIDING WHETHER THE GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM WOULD REMAIN OPEN AND MULTILATERAL, OR BREAK UP INTO REGIONAL TRADING BLOCS AND PROVIDE EXCUSES FOR UNBRIDLED UNILATERAL TRADE MEASURES.
THESE FEW MONTHS, HE SAID, WOULD BE A REAL TEST OF POLITICAL WILL OF THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, IN PARTICULAR THAT OF THE UNITED STATES, THE EEC AND JAPAN.
THESE THREE COUNTRIES, TOGETHER WITH CANADA, CONSTITUTED WHAT WAS KNOWN IN GATT CIRCLES AS THE "QUADRILATERAL (OR QUAD) GROUP".
"WE LOOK UPON CANADA, AS A MEMBER OF THAT GROUP, TO BRING ITS INFLUENCE TO BEAR UPON ITS FELLOW MEMBERS TO EXERCISE GREATER POLITICAL INITIATIVE AND SHOW GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN AREAS WHERE THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO BREAKING THE LOGJAM SUCH AS AGRICULTURE, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND ANTI-DUMPING, TO NAME BUT A FEW," HE SAID.
’’FOR OUR PART,’’ HE SAID, "HONG KONG WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO WORK WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS TOWARDS SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE ROUND. THIS REMAINS THE TOP PRIORITY OF OUR TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVE."
--------------------0------- CAREFUL THINKING ON ENERGY SAVING POLICY * * * * *
THE POLICY ON ENERGY CONSERVATION NEEDS CAREFUL THINKING AND AN INTERNAL GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY IS LOOKING INTO THE MATTER, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PO LEUNG KUK QUARTERLY LUNCHEON, MR BARNES SAID NO POLICY DECISION HAD YET BEEN MADE ON ENERGY CONSERVATION AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS MOVING AS QUICKLY AS IT COULD INTO A POSITION TO DO SO.
THE WORKING PARTY WAS LOOKING INTO THE MATTER WITH A VIEW TO DRAWING OUT THE BROAD OUTLINE OF A DRAFT ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY, HE ADDED.
/THE BROAD .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 5 -
THE BROAD OUTLINE WOULD COVER AT LEAST:
* HOW NEW BUILDINGS SHOULD BE BUILT TO SAVE ENERGY;
♦ WHAT, IF ANYTHING, COULD BE DONE ABOUT OLD BUILDINGS TO SAVE ENERGY;
* HOW THE PUBLIC, THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COULD BE ENCOURAGED TO SAVE ENERGY; AND
* INDUCEMENTS, IF ANY, TO SAVE ENERGY.
MR BARNES SAID: "AT A LATER STAGE, I HOPE WE WILL ESTABLISH A MORE PERMANENT COMMITTEE INVOLVING INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO WORK THROUGH ENERGY SAVING PROPOSALS IN MORE DETAIL AND EXPLORE NEW SUGGESTIONS.
"OUR BUILDINGS ARE UNDOUBTEDLY VERY WASTEFUL OF ENERGY AND WILL DOUBTLESS CONTINUE TO BE BUILT IN THIS WAY UNLESS THE LAW IS CHANGED.
’’AGAIN WE ARE CERTAINLY CARELESS IN OUR OFFICES AND BUSINESS PREMISES ABOUT SAVING ELECTRICITY AND IT WOULD DO LITTLE HARM FOR US TO TRY TO SAVE FUEL BY USING LESS POWER.
"BUT ABOVE ALL, THERE IS STRONG EVIDENCE FOR THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT AND IF ALL COUNTRIES IGNORE IT BECAUSE IT MIGHT NOT BE FULLY PROVED, A LOT OF TIME WILL BE LOST AND A GREAT DEAL OF UNNECESSARY CARBON DIOXIDE WILL HAVE BEEN EMITTED," HE SAID.
"AND FINALLY SAVING ELECTRICITY IS SAVING MONEY AND QUITE A LOT CAN BE SAVED BY RELATIVELY PAINLESS CHANGES IN BUILDING DESIGN AND BY SIMPLY WASTING LESS," HE ADDED.
SAFEGUARDS FOR MEMBERS OF OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEMES ♦ * » ♦ »
THE WHITE BILL ON THE REGULATION OF OCCUPATIONAL PENSION
BLL HAS INC0RP0RATED PROVISIONS TO ENABLE SCHEME MEMBERS TO dptt CONVERSANT WITH THE OPERATION AND FUNDING CONDITIONS OF RETIREMENT SCHEME, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY MR STEPHEN IP, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY). MONETARY
SCHEMES BE MORE
THEIR
AFFAIRS,
I HE PROVISIONS ALSO ENABLE MEMBERS TO RAISE THFTP THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE CHANNELS AS NECESSARY, HE sHd.
CONCERNS
DTI I AT A W0RKSH°P ON THE OCCUPATIONAL PENSION
MR IP POINTED OUT THAT WHERE A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS SCHEME SO WISHED, A CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE COULD BE SET UP.
SCHEMES
OF A
COMMITTEE IS ADVISORY AND THE BILL REQUIRES THF THE SCHEME?" HE^AID™*5 C0MMITTEE’S VIEWS T0 THE DESIGNATED PERSON OF
/UNDER THE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 6
UNDER THE BILL EVERY RETIREMENT SCHEME APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION SHOULD APPOINT A DESIGNATED PERSON WHO WAS REQUIRED TO FURNISH INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHEME TO THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE OR TO THE SCHEME MEMBERS UPON REQUEST.
THE DESIGNATED PERSONS WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE RETIREMENT SCHEME AND ACT AS THE CONTACT POINT FROM WHICH THE REGISTRAR OF THE OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEMES AND MEMBERS OF THE SCHEME WOULD OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME, MR IP SAID.
’’THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES THAT THE TRUSTEES OR, WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE DESIGNATED PERSON OF A SCHEME TO PROVIDE TO EVERY MEMBER OF THE SCHEME AN ANNUAL STATEMENT REGARDING THEIR ACCRUED RIGHTS,” HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON THE EMPLOYER OR HIS ASSOCIATE FROM ACTING AS THE SOLE TRUSTEE OF A SCHEME AND NO MORE THAN 10 PER CENT pF THE ASSETS OF THE RETIREMENT SCHEME SHOULD BE INVESTED IN THE EMPLOYER’S BUSINESS. LOANS TO THE EMPLOYER OR HIS ASSOCIATES WERE ALSO PROHIBITED.
’’THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL IS TO ENSURE THAT RETIREMENT BENEFITS WILL BE PAID WHEN THEY FALL DUE," HE STRESSED.
"IT IS NOT TO COMPEL EMPLOYERS TO SET UP RETIREMENT SCHEME OR TO SPECIFY A MINIMUM LEVEL OF BENEFITS," MR IP SAID.
THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WERE MAINLY EVOLVED FROM FOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES, NAMELY: SEPARATION OF ASSETS; PROVISION OF ADEQUATE FUNDING; INDEPENDENT AUDIT AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE POWERS OF INTERVENTION, MR IP SAID THAT THE REGISTRAR MIGHT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF A RETIREMENT SCHEME, INCLUDING A SPECIAL AUDITOR’S REPORT OR AN ACTUARIAL CERTIFICATE AT ANY TIME.
HE MIGHT ALSO APPOINT A PERSON TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY INTO A SCHEME, HE SAID.
"ALL THESE WILL ENABLE THE REGISTRAR TO OBTAIN AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE OPERATION OF A RETIREMENT SCHEME," MR IP SAID.
THE ULTIMATE SANCTION AGAINST NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE LEGISLATION IS DE-REGISTRATION, HE POINTED OUT.
"SCHEMES MAY BE DE-REGISTERED WHERE THERE IS A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REPORTING, DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION OR FUNDING REQUIREMENTS OF THE BILL.
"UPON DE-REGISTRATION, THE REGISTRAR OR MEMBERS OF THE SCHEME AFFECTED MAY APPLY TO THE HIGH COURT FOR CERTAIN DIRECTIONS.
/"FOR EXAMPLE .......
UUFSDAt , TEMBER 20, 1990
7 -
’’FOR EXAMPLE, WHERE THE SCHEME IS GOVERNED BY HONG KONG LAW, THE COURT MAY MAKE AN ORDER THAT THE SCHEME PE WOUND UP AND WHERE THE ASSETS OF THE SCHEME ARE INADEQUATE TO MEET ITS LIABILITIES, THE COURT MAY, UPON APPLICATION BY MEMBERS OF THE SCHEME, DETERMINE A SUM EQUAL TO THE SHORTFALL AND GIVE JUDGEMENT AGAINST THE EMPLOYER FOR THAT AMOUNT,” MR IP SAID.
WHERE THE SCHEME IS NOT GOVERNED BY HONG KONG LAW, THE COURT CANNOT MAKE A WINDING UP ORDER.
HOWEVER, THE COURT MAY, UPON APPLICATION, DIRECT AN INQUIRY INTO THE ENTITLEMENTS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SCHEME IN HONG KONG, MR IP SAID.
’’WHERE THERE IS A SHORTFALL, THE COURT MAY GIVE JUDGEMENT FOR THIS AGAINST THE EMPLOYER,” HE ADDED.
"IN DRAFTING THE LEGISLATION, WE HAVE DELIBERATELY LEFT A CONSIDERABLE DEGREE OF DISCRETION TO THE COURT ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WINDING UP OF A RETIREMENT SCHEME,” MR IP SAID.
"SINCE THE COURT IS IN THE BEST POSITION TO DECIDE, ACCORDING TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE, WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF SCHEME MEMBERS," HE EXPLAINED.
THE REGULATORY PROPOSALS NOW SET OUT IN THE WHITE BILL HAD WIDE IMPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES, ACCOUNTANTS, SOLICITORS, ACTUARIES AS WELL AS INSURANCE COMPANIES AND BANKS, WHICH ARE INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
"NEW DUTIES AND PERSONS," MR IP SAID.
RESPONSIBILITIES ARE PLACED UPON THESE
HE REMINDED THOSE WHO WISHED TO COMMENT ON THE WHITE BILL TO SEND THEIR SUBMISSIONS TO THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
"ALL COMMENTS RECEIVED WILL BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND A BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE COMING SESSION,” HE ADDED.
--------u-----------
1991 CENSUS WILL ADOPT ♦ ♦
SELF-ENUMERATION METHOD ♦ * ♦
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL USE A NEW PROCEDURE, THE "SELF-ENUMERATION” METHOD, FOR THE SHORT FORM ENUMERATION IN THE 1991 CENSUS IN ORDER TO SAVE MANPOWER.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR FREDERICK HO, SAID THIS WHEN ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB TODAY (THURSDAY).
/THE QUESTIONNAIRE........
1URSDAY. ■' 'EMBER 20, 1990
- 8 -
THE QUESTIONNAIRE TO BE USED IN THE < MING CENSI I WILL BE OF TWO TYPES, A SHORT FORM AND A LONG FORM.
AMONG ALL THE HOUSEHOLDS TO BE ENUMERATED, SIX OUT OF SEVEN WILL BE RANDOMLY SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION BY A SHORT FORM COVERING BASIC INFORMATION OF EACH FAMILY MEMBER. THE OTHER ONE-SEVENTH OF HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ENUMERATED ON A LONG FORM.
THOSE SELECTED TO ANSWER THE SHORT FORM WILL RECEIVE A SIMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE MAILED TO THEM BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CENSUS.
THE HOUSEHOLD SHOULD COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS THEREIN (THAT IS SELF-ENUMERATION). THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE IS TO BE COLLECTED BY THE ENUMERATOR PERSONALLY DURING THE CENSUS.
"THE SELF-ENUMERATION METHOD HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, AND THE FEASIBILITY OF ITS ADOPTION FOR HONG KONG HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN A SERIES OF TESTS, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE SELF-ENUMERATION METHOD IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC," MR HO SAID.
HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED TO BE ENUMERATED ON LONG FORMS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE VISIT OF ENUMERATORS.
THEY WILL BE ENUMERATED BY THE TRADITIONAL "INTERVIEWER" METHOD, THAT IS ENUMERATORS WILL CONDUCT PERSONAL INTERVIEWS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED DATA. HOUSEHOLDS SHOULD, IN ADDITION TO BASIC INFORMATION, SUPPLY MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.
MR HO EXPLAINED THAT THE "INTERVIEWER" METHOD WAS PREFERRED FOR LONG FORM ENUMERATION BECAUSE THE QUESTIONS WERE MORE COMPLICATED. ENUMERATORS WHO WERE FORMALLY TRAINED AND HAD A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE QUESTIONS COULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE HOUSEHOLDS IN ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS DURING THE INTERVIEWS.
"THE DESIGN OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE HAS ALSO GONE THROUGH CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND CONSULTATION," HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO COPE WITH SUCH A COLOSSAL PROJECT, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL EMPLOY ADVANCED COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND THE LATEST "OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION" TECHNOLOGY FOR DATA INPUT.
THESE INCLUDE THE SETTING UP OF A COMPREHENSIVE COMPUTERISED FILE OF LIVING QUARTERS, WITH WHICH OMISSION OF ANY QUARTER FOR ENUMERATION COULD BE AVOIDED.
ANOTHER COMPUTER SYSTEM IS DESIGNED FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS OF TEMPORARY CENSUS STAFF AND FOR ASSISTING THE SELECTION AND TRAINING PROCEDURES. IN ADDITION, THE COMPUTER NETWORK SYSTEM ALSO HELPS TO LINK UP ALL DISTRICT FIELD CENTRES AND MONITOR THE PROGRESS AND QUALITY OF THE FIELDWORK.
/WITH THE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 9
WITH THE TREMENDOUS SPEED OF COMPUTER PROCESSES, ENQUIRIES ON THE IDENTITY OF AN ENUMERATOR RECEIVED THROUGH THE TELEPHONE HOTLINE CAN BE VERIFIED PROMPTLY.
THE FULL CENSUS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM MARCH 15 TO 24 NEXT YEAR. DURING THESE 10 DAYS, CENSUS OFFICERS WILL VISIT ALL HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG TO OBTAIN POPULATION DATA.
THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR TEMPORARY ENUMERATION STAFF. THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE IS MAINLY TARGETTED AT SENIOR STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS, AND TEACHERS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
AS POPULATION DATA COLLECTED IN THE CENSUS IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE PLANNING OF GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, MR HO CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND IN PARTICULAR, THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, TO PARTICIPATE AS ENUMERATORS.
-------0-------
MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY PLANNED *****
MORE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE PLANNING RATIO IS IMPROVED AS SUGGESTED IN THE DRAFT SOCIAL WELFARE RELEASED TWO DAYS AGO, THE DIRECTOR OF MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SET UP IF THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE,
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE LOK SIN SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN TSUEN WAN, MR THAT A FURTHER 67 SOCIAL CENTRES WERE PLANNED YEARS, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE ALREADY 150 SUCH THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
TONG WAN LAP KEUNG CARTLAND POINTED OUT
OVER THE NEXT FIVE
CENTRES IN EXISTENCE
"EVEN MORE WILL BE REQUIRED IF THE PLANNING RATIO IS IMPROVED TO PROVIDE ONE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR EVERY 3,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE AS SUGGESTED IN THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE,” HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT LOK SIN TONG, BY OPERATING THE CENTRE, HAD BEEN CONTRIBUTING TO THE NECESSARY EXPANSION OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE GROWING ELDERLY POPULATION.
ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE CENTRE, HE POINTED OUT, WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ELDERLY VOLUNTEER GROUP TO SERVE BOTH MEMBERS OF THE CENTRE AND THOSE IN NEED IN THE COMMUNITY.
”1 HOPE MORE SUCH ELDERLY VOLUNTEER GROUPS WILL BE SEI UP AS SOME ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE, IN FACT, VERY ACTIVE AND CAN GIVE EXTREMELY USEFUL SERVICE TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,” HE ADDED.
---------0-------------
/10 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 10 -
CALL FOR YOUNG THESPIANS * * * » »
THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR HAS BROUGHT ANOTHER CHANCE FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS TO ENJOY THE EXCITEMENT OF PERFORMING IN, AND PRODUCING A DRAMA.
INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT TO SCHOOLS TO TAKE PART IN THE 1990 ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT, THE OBJECTIVE OF WHICH IS TO GIVE STUDENTS AN EXCITING AND INTERESTING FOCUS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACTIVITY OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"DRAMA SHARPENS UNDERSTANDING OF THE POWERFUL ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN EXPRESSING IDEAS, THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS AND, ABOVE ALL, IT SATISFIES A DEEPER HUMAN NEED FOR CREATIVITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT MADE ITS DEBUT LAST YEAR WITH 12 SCHOOLS TAKING PART.
FORTY SCHOOLS OUT OF THE TOTAL APPLICATIONS - EIGHT FROM EACH OF THE FIVE REGIONS, HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON EAST, KOWLOON WEST, NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND NEW TERRITORIES WEST - WILL BE SELECTED TO TAKE PART THIS YEAR.
THE YOUNG THESPIANS WILL BE HELPED BACKSTAGE BY THEIR TEACHERS, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE ACADEMY OF THE PERFORMING ARTS.
"THE ACADEMY WILL CONDUCT EIGHT COURSES FROM OCTOBER TO NOVEMBER FOR TEACHERS ON SUCH FUNDAMENTALS AS STAGE PRODUCTION, SET DESIGN, AND AUDIO-VISUAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CURTAIN WILL RISE IN LATE FEBRUARY OR EARLY MARCH NEXT YEAR FOR PRELIMINARY JUDGING OF THE DRAMAS AND THOSE SELECTED WILL TAKE PART IN THE FINALS TO BE HELD IN THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE NEXT APRIL.
HIGHLY COMMENDED DRAMAS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY IN MAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT SCHOOLS TAKING PART WILL BE GIVEN A $1,000 GRANT.
"SCHOOLS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE DRAMA PROJECT SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE SEPTEMBER 28 (FRIDAY)," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
---------0-----------
/Il........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
11
DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR NEW GMB ROUTES
*****
MINIBUS OPERATORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BIDDING FOR ANY OF THE 27 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE TERRITORY ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 28.
"MORE THAN 300 APPLICATION FORMS FOR THESE ROUTES HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED SINCE INVITATION OF APPLICATIONS STARTED ON AUGUST 31," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
APPLICATION FORMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES AND ALL MAIN OFFICES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING A TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL MEET AND SELECT THE APPLICANTS ON THE BASIS OF THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA LAID DOWN BY THE BOARD.
"THESE CRITERIA INCLUDE THE APPLICANT’S EXPERIENCE IN TRANSPORT SERVICE, FINANCIAL RESOURCES, MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES, THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AND THE QUALITY OF THE VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED SUCH AS THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IF THE APPLICANT IS IN PARTNERSHIP OR INTENDS TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPERATING THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPANY BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE APPLICATION BE MADE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
----0------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
(THURSDAY)
ALL BATHING
THE PURPOSE THE GENERAL PUBLIC BEACHES.
OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS
THE GRADING WILL SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH USUALLY SAMPLED.
BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE
/THE GRADING ......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 12 -
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME. AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE ”1” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE ”2” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”3” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A ”4” GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A ”3” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS. THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS.
/THE PUBLIC .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 13 -
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES. IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 6.9.90) (AS AT 20.9.90)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1 2
HAIRPIN 1 2
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 1 1
SHEK O 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST STEPHEN’S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 2 1
STANLEY MAIN 1 1
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2 2
HAP MUN BAY 1 1
KIU TSUI 1 1
/PAK SHA .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 14 -
PAK SHA CHAU 1 1
SILVERSTRAND 1 1
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1 1
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 1
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 2
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 1
SILVERMINE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
TUNG O« 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 3
APPROACH 3
CASAM 2
GEMINI 2
HOI MEI WAN 2
LIDO 3
TING KAU 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1
1
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
4
3
2
2
2
3
4
1
/TUEN MUN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
- 15 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X X
NEW CAFETERIA 3 3
CASTLE PEAK X X
KADOORIE 3 3
BUTTERFLY 2 2
NOTE: "X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES. » NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
TURTLE COVE AND TUNG WAN ON CHEUNG CHAU, FROM ”2” TO ”1”; DEEP WATER BAY, HAIRPIN AND TONG FUK, FROM ”1” TO ”2”.
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
ANGLERS’, FROM ”3” TO ”4”.
ANGLERS’ BEACH IS DOWNGRADED AGAIN ON THIS OCCASION. THE DOWNGRADING IS DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH HAS CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS FROM THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE BEACH WATER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, MR PAUL R. HOLMES, ON TEL. 835 1234.
---------0---------
/16 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
16
APRIL-JUNE REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY PUBLISHED
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR APRIL-JUNE 1990, WHICH CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER, IS NOW ON SALE.
THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR 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 UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT AT $11.5 EACH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
FOUR Il’S ARRESTED ♦ » ♦ ♦ *
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS, ACTING ON INFORMATION, ARRESTED FOUR MALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA IN TSUEN WAN AREA YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
ONE OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AGED 22, WAS APPREHENDED AT A KNITTING FACTORY. HE IS SUSPECTED TO HAVE USED A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD RELATING TO ANOTHER PERSON.
SUBSEQUENT ENQUIRIES LED TO THE ARRESTS OF THE OTHER THREE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AGED 27, 35 AND 40 IN A RESIDENTIAL FLAT.
THE FOUR ARE NATIVES OF CHIU CHOW AND CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG IN JANUARY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE EMPLOYER OF THE FACTORY IS ASSISTING WITH INVESTIGATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
HE ALSO REMINDED ALL EMPLOYERS THAT THEY SHOULD CHECK THE IDENTITY OF THEIR RECRUITS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR NATIONALITY.
EMPLOYERS WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION IF THEY DO NOT OBSERVE THIS LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE COME ACROSS DOUBTFUL PROOF OF IDENTITY MAY CALL THE INVESTIGATION HOTLINE, 824 1551, DURING OFFICE HOURS.
- - 0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN-SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS, ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1990
1
MINISTER OF STATE GIVES PRESS CONFERENCE
* A * A *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN THIS AFTERNOON BY THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, LORD CAITHNESS:
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD I.IKE TO PAY A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY TN HONG KONG THAT HAS ME, MY WIFE AND MY PARTY SO WELCOME. IT HAS BEEN A VERY IMPRESSIVE FIRST VISIT TO HONG KONG AND WE HAVE DONE A LOT OF HARD WORK AND A LOT OF DISCUSSION.
I THINK IF I COULD START BY, IN FACT, GOING BACK TO THE BEGINNING. I SAID WHEN I ARRIVED THAT I WOULD FIGHT FOR HONG KONG AND THIS VISIT HAS HELPED ME TO FOCUS ON WHAT THE KEY ISSUES ARE AND IF I COULD SAY THAT THERE ARE THREE THINGS THAT HAVE STRUCK ME IN THE SIX DAYS THAT I HAVE BEEN HERE. THE FIRST IS THE WIDE SPECTRUM OF PEOPLE I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO WHO HAVE PUT FORWARD THEIR CONCERNS, VERY REAL CONCERNS ABOUT THE FUTURE, ABOUT THEIR POSITIONS, HOW THEY SEE THINGS, WHAT THEIR CONCERNS ARE TODAY, TOMORROW AND IN THE LONG TERM.
THE SECOND THING IS HOW IMPRESSED I HAVE BEEN BY WHAT IS HAPPENING TN HONG KONG. I HAVE SEEN SOME OF THE RECENT WORKS, THE CONTAINER TERMINAL, THE NEW UNIVERSITY THAT IS GOING UP IN VERY SHORT ORDER. I THINK THAT THAT IS AN ENORMOUSLY ENCOURAGING SIGN AND A SIGN OF A PLACE THAT IS STILL LOOKING FORWARD, STILL LOOKING TO EDUCATE AND TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION AND THAT WAS VERY ENCOURAGING.
I THINK THE THIRD THING THAT STRUCK ME IS HOW MUCH THE HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE DOING FOR THEMSELVES. DOUGLAS HURD HAS SAID THAT HE WOULD LIKE HONG KONG TO GO FORWARD STABLY, POLITICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY SOUND WITH HONG KONG LOOKING AFTER HONG KONG FOR THEMSELVES AND I HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED BY WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THOSE THREE FRONTS. SOME OF WHAT I HAVE HEARD HAS BEEN AT TOTAL VARIANCE WITH OTHER COMMENTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE. SO I HAVE HAD A WIDE RANGE OF VIEWS AND THAT HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL WHEN I GET BACK AND AM ABLE TO THINK ABOUT IT, TALK TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND TALK TO OTHERS ABOUT HONG KONG'S POSITION. THANK YOU.
BETTY LIU, TVB NEWS: MINISTER, WHAT EXACTLY WILL YOU FIGHT FOR HONG KONG?
/LORD CAITHNESS: .......
2
LORD CAITHNESS: WHAT EXACTLY, IS TO PUT OVER THE MESSAGE THAT HONG KONG IS A GOOD PLACE FOR THE FUTURE, THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL OBVIOUSLY DO THINGS AS THEY HAVE DONE BEFORE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, THEY WILL GET SUPPORT FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, WE WILL FIGHT ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE FOR HONG KONG AND FOR HONG KONG'S POSITION TN THE SAME WAY AS WE HAVE BEEN DOING BEFORE, BUT I WILL HAVE THE ADDED ADVANTAGE THAT WHEN I DO IT AT LEAST I WILL HAVE BEEN HERE FOR SIX DAYS AND I HOPE TO COME AGAIN IN THE NOT TOO DISTANCE FUTURE TO REINFORCE MY VIEWS.
BETTY LIU, TVB NEWS: CAN YOU BE A BIB MORE SPECIFIC?
LORD CAITHNESS: WELL, LET US TAKE ONE INSTANCE THEN. PERHAPS THE FUTURE RELATIONSHIP WTTH CHINA, WHICH IS OF CONCERN TO A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE. FRANCIS MAUDE WENT THERE TN JULY TO RE-START THE NEGOTIATIONS. SINCE THEN, THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF MEETINGS. T HAVE TALKED TO THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR IN LONDON. THERE WILL BE A VISIT BY MPS TO AND FROM CHINA. THE SECRETARY OF STATE HOPES TO GO BUT A DATE IS NOT FIXED AS YET. BUT THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT AREA FOR THE STABILITY AND FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND IT IS AN AREA THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO TACKLE WITH, I HOPE, MORE AUTHORITY AS A RESULT OF WHAT I HAVE HEARD FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE TALKED TO ME HERE.
HARVEY PONG, WAH KIU YAT PAO: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE GOVERNMENT DISCIPLINED STAFF WHO ARE GREATLY DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR PAY REVIEW?
LORD CAITHNESS: I HAD A VERY GOOD SESSION WTTH THE CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS AND THE DISCIPLINED STAFF THIS MORNING. IT LASTED ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF. THEY PUT THEIR CASE FORCIBLY TO ME. I WOULD LIKE TO CONSIDER WHAT THEY HAVE SAID. BUT IT HAS BEEN THE TRADITION THAT MATTERS OF PAY AND CONDITIONS ARE SETTLED BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE SERVICES. THAT IS RIGHT, THAT IS HOW IT SHOULD CONTINUE. THERE HAS BEEN EXCO'S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE STANDING COMMITTEE'S REPORT ON THE POLICE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A FURTHER STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE CIVIL SIDE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE THAT WILL BE REPORTING BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. IT IS BEST DEALT WTTH AS IT HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE SERVICES. THAT IS NOT TO SAY WE ARE DISINTERESTED, BECAUSE TN MY DISCUSSIONS WTTH THE GOVERNOR TT IS HELPFUL FOR ME TO HAVE HEARD THE VIEWS AT FIRST HAND AND I SAID TO THE SERVICES THAT I WOULD RELAY THOSE VIEWS TO THE GOVERNOR AND THAT I WILL DO.
CLAUDIA MO, AFP: CHINA HAS SAID TT WOULD NOT RECOGNISE PASSPORTS ISSUED UNDER LONDON'S PASSPORT PACKAGE. WILL THAT MAKE THE ENTIRE EXERCISE LOSE ITS MEANING?
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, THE ENTIRE EXERCISE IS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO STAY HERE TO ADD STABILITY FOR HONG KONG.
/CLAUDIA MO, AFP: .......
3
CLAUDIA MO, AFP: BUT THEY WOULDN'T WANT TO STAY HERE —
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, CAN I JUST FINISH, PLEASE? BECAUSE YOU DID ASK ME A QUESTION AND I AM TRYING TO ANSWER IT.
IN OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA WE WILL FOLLOW-UP THE POSITION THAT FRANCIS MAUDE CREATED IN THAT WE CAN EXPLAIN TO CHINA EXACTLY WHAT THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE IS DESIGNED TO DO AND I HOPE THAT THE CHINESE CONCERNS ABOUT IT WILL DISAPPEAR. IN FACT, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL ONCE ANY MISUNDERSTANDINGS THAT THEY HAVE WILL, THROUGH DIALOGUE, NOT BE AS APPARENT TO THEM AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY. IT IS THROUGH THAT DIALOGUE THAT WE ARE SEEKING TO CONTINUE AND EXPAND, THAT A LOT OF MISCONCEPTIONS, A LOT OF STATEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE CAN, IN FACT, SOLVE WHAT PORTENDS TO BE A POSSIBLY TRICKY SITUATION.
CLAUDIA MO, AFP: WHEN DO ENDORSE YOUR PASSPORT PACKAGE?
YOU HOPE CHINA WILL FINALLY OFFICIALLY
LORD CAITHNESS: I CAN'T GIVE YOU THE DATE, BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME DISCUSSIONS TO CONTINUE. I THINK THAT WE WANT TO CONTINUE THE PROCESS THAT FRANCIS MAUDE STARTED AND I THINK I HAVE COVERED THE REST OF THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION ALREADY.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY, BBC: THE STATEMENT BY MR HURD THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES MORE, DO YOU THINK THAT THE TIME MIGHT BE RIGHT NOW, OR SOON, FOR A HONG KONG CHINESE TO BE APPOINTED AT THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG RATHER THAN A DIPLOMAT SECONDED FROM THE FOREIGN OFFICE?
LORD CAITHNESS: WELL I DON'T KNOW WHAT REMARK YOU ARE ATTRIBUTING TO MR HURD —
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: I'M TALKING ABOUT THE POINT JUST AT THE BEGINNING THERE. YOU SAID THAT HONG KONG SHOULD LOOK AFTER HONG KONG THEMSELVES; THE HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD LOOK MORE AFTER THEMSELVES, NOT LOOK SO MUCH TO BRITAIN.
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, I DIDN'T SAY THAT. THAT —
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: CAN YOU RE-QUOTE BACK PERHAPS WHAT MR HURD SAID, AND THEN WE CAN GET IT ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, AND THEN GO ON TO MY QUESTION?
LORD CAITHNESS: WELL, LET ME BE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR. WHAT WE SEEK TO DO IS TO ENCOURAGE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO TAKE OVER AND HELP ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THAT THEY HAVE DONE. IT'S NOTICEABLE - THE CHIEF JUSTICE, FOR INSTANCE - THERE'S PEOPLE LIKE THAT, WHO ARE COMING UP FAR MORE THAN THEY USED TO. AND THAT IS THE POINT OF WHAT I WAS SAYING.
/NOW THAT ........
4
NOW THAT IS NOT THE QUOTATION THAT YOU REFERRED BACK TO ME. WHETHER IT IS RIGHT TO APPOINT A HONG KONG CHINESE PERSON AS GOVERNOR, IS, I THINK, SOMETHING THAT I AM NOT GOING TO ANSWER AND YOU WOULDN'T EXPECT ME TO. I AM NOT GOING TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG. WE HAVE A VERY GOOD GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, IN WHOM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE. HE HAS BEEN HERE FOR THREE YEARS; THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR A CHANGE AND THAT IS PURE SPECULATION FOR THE FUTURE.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: COULD YOU DISCUSS THE PRINCIPLE OF HAVING A HONG KONG CHINESE PERSON AS THF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OR GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, AS OPPOSED TO A DIPLOMAT SECONDED FROM THE FOREIGN OFFICE?
LORD CAITHNESS: WE WANT THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: AND WHO MIGHT —
MR OSBORNE: WE'VE EXHAUSTED THE SUBJECT, I THINK, COULD WE --
FANNY WONG, SCMP: WELL IF IT'S DEFINITE THAT WE WILL GO AHEAD WITH THE AIRPORT PROJECT, BUT IF AT THE END OF THE DAY WE FAIL TO WIN THE CHINESE SUPPORT, IS IT LIKELY OR POSSIBLE THAT WE MAY NEED TO RESCALE THE PROJECT OR DEFER IT BY A FEW YEARS?
LORD CAITHNESS: AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF RESEARCH HAS BEEN DONE ON THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A VERY DETAILED BRIEFING AND TO HAVE EXPLAINED SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE CONCERN TO ME, COMING TN NEW AS I WAS, ABOUT THE LOCATION OF THE AIRPORT, THE TRANSIT SYSTEM. AND THOSE WHO WERE ABLE, SATISFACTORILY EXPLAINED AS TO EXACTLY WHY IT HAPPENED. NOW IT IS QUITE NATURAL FOR CHINA WITH ITS ONGOING SITUATION AFTER 1997, THAT HAS AN INTEREST TN THIS PROJECT, TO HAVE THOSE SORT OF CONCERNS WHTCH ANY LEGITIMATE PERSON WOULD HAVE, ANSWERED. NOW THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE SENT A MESSAGE TO PEKING TO ASK THE CHINESE REPRESENTATIVES TO COMF. HERE TO SEE ON THE GROUND, TO HAVE ANY OF THEIR QUERIES ANSWERED; SO THAT THEY CAN DISCUSS TT WITH THE CONSULTANTS AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED. AND AT THAT STAGE, I AM SURE THAT THE PROJECT WILL PROCEED, BECAUSE TT SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SOUND PROJECT, BUT THOSE ARE DISCUSSIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE. WHAT IS CLEAR IS THAT THE CHINESE RECOGNISE THAT HONG KONG NEEDS A NEW AIRPORT, BUT THOSE DISCUSSIONS, AS I MENTIONED TN ANSWER TO AN EARLIER QUESTION, ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAN BE DEALT WITH BY THE ONGOING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA.
FANNY WONG: WHAT ROLE CAN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT PLAY IN THIS CURRENT DEADLOCK? APPARENTLY THERE'S NO MOVEMENT AT ALL SINCE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS SUBMITTED THE INFORMATION TO THE CHINESE SIDE. SO DO YOU THINK, IN ANY WAY, YOU CAN HELP TN THIS PROCESS?
/LORD CAITHNESS: .......
5
LORD CAITHNESS: WELL, IN OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA, BOTH FORMALLY AND INFORMALLY, IT WILL BE ONE OF THE MATTERS THAT UNDOUBTEDLY WILL COME UP, AND I HOPE THAT THAT WILL HELP IN ITS WAY.
FANNY WONG: WHAT CONCRETE STEPS CAN YOU TAKE TO HELP TO, SAY, RESOLVE THE CURRENT DEADLOCK?
LORD CAITHNESS: SORRY — WHAT —?
FANNY WONG: WHAT CONCRETE STEPS CAN YOU TAKE TO HELP TO RESOLVE THE CURRENT SITUATION?
LORD CAITHNESS: BECAUSE I THINK WHAT ONE HAS GOT TO EXPLAIN TO THE CHINESE - EXACTLY WHAT THE DESIGN OF THE — WHY THE AIRPORT IS DESIGNED, LAID OUT AS IT IS. THAT IS BEST DONE BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSULTANTS. BUT WHAT WE WILL BE URGING AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL - AND IF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SEEKS SUPPORT WE WILL GIVE IT TO THEM - TO RAISE IT WITH THE CHINESE, EXPLAIN TO THEM THE URGENCY, BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG TO GET ON WITH THIS.
FOO CHOY PENG, THE STRAITS TIMES: LORD CAITHNESS, I BELIEVE YOU SAID THAT IF THE RESULTS OF NEXT YEAR'S LEGCO ELECTIONS ARE SUCCESSFUL OR RESPONSIBLE, YOU COULD BARGAIN FOR MORE DIRECT SEATS TO LEGCO IN 1995? COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY A RESPONSIBLE OR SUCCESSFUL RESULT IN THESE ELECTIONS?
LORD CAITHNESS: ONE CANNOT JUDGE THE RESULTS OF THE 1991 ELECTIONS AS SUCCESSFUL OR NOT SUCCESSFUL ON, FOR INSTANCE, A BRITISH BASIS.
JOHN ANDREWS, THE ECONOMIST: SORRY, COULD WE HAVE THE QUESTION AGAIN BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HEAR IT BACK HERE?
LORD CAITHNESS: AS I UNDERSTOOD THE QUESTION, IS WAS HOW I WOULD JUDGE WHETHER THE 1991 ELECTIONS WERE SUCCESSFUL. AND THEN GOING ON TO SAY - GOING TO CHINA TO SAY, "CAN ONE INCREASE THE SEATS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS?" AND AS I SAID, I DON'T THINK YOU CAN ASSESS THE SUCCESS OF THE 1991 ELECTIONS ON THE PURE BASIS AS WE ASSESS THEM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. I THINK THAT ONE — I HOPE THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTIONS; I HOPE THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WILL PUT THEIR NAMES ON THE ELECTORAL VOTE -ROLL - AND TURN OUT TO VOTE ON THE OCCASIONS. I KNOW YOU'VE GOT THREE LOTS OF ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR, ALL OF WHICH ARE IMPORTANT. AND THEN ONE WANTS TO ASSESS HOW IT DEVELOPS FROM THERE. AND I HAVE SAID THAT WHEN ONE CAN ASSESS THAT - AND AT A PROPITIOUS TIME ONE WILL GO BACK TO THE CHINESE AND SEEK TO NEGOTIATE AN INCREASE IN THE TWENTY - IF THAT CAN BE SHOWN TO WORK.
/FANNY FUNG, ATV: ........
6
FANNY FUNG, ATV: CAN I FOLLOW UP ON THAT QUESTION, YOU SAY IF IT IS SUCCESSFUL YOU WILL GO BACK TO CHINA AND ASK FOR MORE SEATS. BUT HOW LIKELY OR HOW OPTIMISTIC DO YOU THINK CHINA WILL AGREE TO SUCH NEGOTIATIONS WHEN CHINA IS ALREADY SAYING THE PACE OF DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG IS ALREADY TOO FAST?
LORD CAITHNESS: WELL AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF HARD WORK WAS DONE ON THE BASIC LAW - FIVE YEARS OF VERY CONSIDERABLE DETAILED WORK - AND THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS THAT WERE NEGOTIATED DURING THAT TIME. I BELIEVE THAT WITH SUCCESSFUL 1991 ELECTIONS, WHICH ARE VERY CRUCIAL TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, WHICH THE WORLD WILL BE LOOKING AT, WHEN THAT PROCESS HAS HAPPENED AND AT A PROPITIOUS TIME AFTER THAT, ONE WILL GO BACK TO CHINA AND SAY: THIS DOES WORK, YOU CAN SEE IT, HERE ARE THE TANGIBLE BENEFITS, HERE ARE THE TANGIBLE RESULTS. NOW I CAN'T PREDICT WHETHER THAT IS GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL OR NOT, BUT IT IS SOMETHING THAT - AS I WILL REPEAT - THAT IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE AS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE UP.
FOO CHOY PENG, THE STRAITS TIMES: BUT THAT WOULD PRESUME THAT YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IS THE SAME AS CHINA'S DEFINITION OF SUCCESS.
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, WHAT IT MEANS IS THAT AFTER THE 1991 ELECTIONS WE WILL LOOK AT THE SITUATION AGAIN, AND IF IT IS SUCCESSFUL AND EVERYBODY CONSIDERS IT TO BE SUCCESSFUL, WE WILL TALK TO THE CHINESE, IMPRESS UPON THEM WHY WE THINK IT IS SUCCESSFUL - THEY MIGHT HAVE A DIFFERENT VIEW BUT WE CAN DISCUSS THAT TN OUR NEGOTIATIONS.
JOHN ANDREWS, THE ECONOMIST: I REALISE THAT YOU SAY THAT THERE IS NOT A PARALLEL WITH SUCCESS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, BUT YOU KEEP USING THE WORD "SUCCESS” OR "SUCCESSFUL" FOR THE 1991 ELECTION, SO PRESUMABLY YOU DO HAVE A DEFINITION IN YOUR OWN MIND OF WHAT THIS WORD MEANS. COULD YOU SHARE IT WITH US?
LORD CAITHNESS: I DON'T HAVE A PRECISE DEFINITION AT THE MOMENT AND IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR ME TO DO SO. I'VE TALKED TO THE NEW POLITICAL PARTIES, OR SOME OF THEM; I'VE TALKED TO SOME PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY ARE GOING TO STAND AND SOME WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED. I THINK AT THIS STAGE IT WOULD BE PREMATURE TO GIVE YOU A DEFINITION OF SUCCESS -OF WHAT I MEAN BY SUCCESS - BUT OBVIOUSLY IT IS GOING TO BE A VERY IMPORTANT TIME AND THE MORE PEOPLE THAT TAKE PART, THE MORE PEOPLE THAT GO ON THE REGISTER, THE MORE PEOPLE THAT VOTE, THE BETTER THOSE CHANCES ARE.
JOHN ANDREWS: SO IT WOULD BE THE TURNOUT THEN, THAT WOULD BE MOST IMPORTANT, DO YOU THINK, OR THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES WHO MIGHT STAND?
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, NO, IT'S A COMBINATION OF THAT AND THEN THE ON-GOING SITUATION AS WELL.
/SIMON MACKLIN, SCMP: ........
7
SIMON MACKLIN, SCMP: CAN I FOLLOW UP ON THAT, MINISTER? ISN'T IT A BIT FOOLISH TO START TALKING ABOUT SUCCESS WHEN YOU'RE NOT REALLY SURE WHAT THE SUCCESS WOULD BE?
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, I AM BEING HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE. I THINK IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT TIME FOR HONG KONG. I HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE A STRONG AND ACTIVE CAMPAIGN IN WHICH A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE.
SIMON MACKLIN: I'M SURE MOST PEOPLE ARE HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE BUT YOU DON'T SEEM TO HAVE A VERY CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT MIGHT BE GOOD IN THE FUTURE AND WHAT MIGHT NOT BE.
LORD CAITHNESS: I HAVE GOT STRONG VIEWS OF THAT. WHAT I HAVEN'T SAID IS THAT I HAVE GOT A CLEAR DEFINITION YET OF WHAT SUCCESS MEANS.
SIMON MACKLIN: COULD YOU PERHAPS SHARE WITH US THEN WHAT WOULDN'T BE SUCCESSFUL?
CHRIS OSBORNE: I THINK WE'VE SQUEEZED THAT ONE DRY.
ANGUS FOSTER, FINANCIAL TIMES: I'M SORRY, I DON'T THINK WE HAVE SQUEEZED IT DRY. BUILT IN TO YOUR UNDEFINED MENTION OF SUCCESS, IS THAT GOING TO BE BASED ON WHO IS ELECTED?
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, THAT IS FOR THE ELECTORATE OF HONG KONG. THAT IS NOT A DEFINITION —
ANGUS FOSTER: WHEN YOU GO UP TO CHINA BEGGING FOR MORE SEATS, WILL THAT SUCCESS DEPEND ON WHO IS ELECTED?
LORD CAITHNESS: WHAT I WANT, AS I'VE SAID, IS AS MANY PEOPLE ON THE REGISTER AS POSSIBLE, AS MANY PEOPLE TO VOTE, A GOOD STRONG ACTIVE CAMPAIGN, AND THEN SEE WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT.
ANGUS FOSTER: BUT THE SUCCESS OF AN ELECTION IS ON ITS RESULT, MINISTER.
LORD CAITHNESS: WHAT I SAID IS, YOU CANNOT COMPARE THE SUCCESS OF 1991 ON THE UK MODEL, BECAUSE THERE, YOU KNOW THE NEXT DAY; AND OUR ELECTIONS HAVE EVOLVED OVER MANY CENTURIES. THIS IS THE FIRST TTME THERE IS GOING TO BE DIRECT ELECTIONS TN HONG KONG AND IT IS AN IMPORTANT TIME.
YUE SIN-YUI, HONG KONG STANDARD: I WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS DONE TO ASK OTHER COUNTRIES, I MEAN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, TO FOLLOW SUIT, TO GIVE A SIMILAR SCHEME AS THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE TO HONG KONG PEOPLE?
/LORD CAITHNESS: .......
8
LORD CAITHNESS: YES, WE HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN THE INTERNATIONAL FIELD, DISCUSSING IT AND PUTTING FORWARD THE REPRESENTATION FOR HONG KONG. I KNOW THAT CERTAIN SCHEMES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED. I BELIEVE I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT FRANCE AND GERMANY HAVE GOT SCHEMES GOING; THAT AMERICA ARE CONSIDERING A SCHEME. AND HAVING BEEN HERE NOW AND LEARNT MORE AT FIRSTHAND, I TOO, WILL BE ABLE TO REINFORCE THAT MESSAGE AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. WHAT EACH COUNTRY DECIDES TO DO, OF COURSE, IS UP TO THEM.
YUE SIN-YUI: BUT ARE SIMILAR SCHEMES COMING, I MEAN?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK THE SCHEME WILL DEPEND ON EACH GOVERNMENT AND HOW THEY WISH TO DO IT FOR THETR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. I CAN’T INFLUENCE THAT, BUT WHAT I CAN DO IS ASK THEM TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG AND TO BE AS HELPFUL AS POSSIBLE.
YUE SIN-YUI: MEANING, NO SIMILAR SCHEME IS COMING?
LORD CAITHNESS: I DON’T KNOW, THAT IS UP TO EACH GOVERNMENT. MY JOB IS ACTUALLY TO COMMUNICATE THE POSITION OF HONG KONG TO THOSE GOVERNMENTS.
YUE STN-YUI: THEN YOU DO JUDGE THAT IT’S NOT SUCCESSFUL? I MEAN THAT NEGOTIATIONS —
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, I THTNK THERE ARE ALREADY SCHEMES. THERE HAVE BEEN SCHEMES BY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY; THERE'S A SCHEME BEING DISCUSSED IN AMERICA AT THE MOMENT. QUITE HOW THAT FINALISES AND SHAPES-UP IS YET TO BE SEEN.
KEVTN LAU, HONG KONG ECONOMIC JOURNAL: HONG KONG IS HAVING ITS FIRST EVER DEMOCRATIC ELECTION NEXT YEAR, WILL YOU ASSURE US THAT ANYTHING THAT IS ILLEGAL, UNDER THE LONG-ESTABLISHED BRITISH LAW AND CASE LAW ON ELECTIONS, WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED TN HONG KONG'S ELECTION LAWS?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THTNK THE RULES FOR THE FLECTION HAVE BEEN CLEARLY LAID DOWN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION IN THOSE SORT OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
KEVTN LAU: THOSE LAWS WERE NOT FOR DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS; WE ARE GOING TO HAVE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME.
LORD CAITHNESS: I THTNK THAT THE RULES ARE CLEAR ON THIS, AS FAR AS I UNDERSTAND, AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACTION WHERE NECESSARY.
/PAUL HARRINGTON, HONG KONG STANDARD: ........
9
PAUL HARRINGTON, HONG KONG STANDARD: CAN I TAKE YOU BACK TO 1991 -- BACK TO THE FUTURE? IF THE ELECTIONS ARE A SUCCESS, IF WE AGREE THAT THEY ARE ALL A SUCCESS, THEN WHAT EXACTLY WILL YOU BE ASKING BEIJING FOR? IS THERE A FIGURE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS INCREASE BY, FOR EXAMPLE?
LORD CAITHNESS: I DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC FIGURE IN MIND AT THE MOMENT. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THE AGREEMENT IS THAT BY 1997 THERE WILL BE TWENTY DIRECT-ELECTED SEATS. WE WOULD SEEK TO NEGOTIATE AN INCREASE ON THAT.
PAUL HARRINGTON: BUT YOU WOULDN'T SAY THAT THERE WAS AN OPTIMUM NUMBER FOR 1995?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK IT WOULD BE WRONG TO SPECULATE AT THIS STAGE.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: THE CHINESE OFFICIAL MEDIA REPORTED YESTERDAY THAT ON TUESDAY, THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN GUANGDONG EXECUTED SIXTY-FOUR PEOPLE. THAT'S JUST ACROSS THE BORDER AND IT'S A MASS-EXECUTION OF EXTREME PROPORTIONS. GIVEN THE CONCERN ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY HERE, COULD YOU COMMENT ON THOSE EXECUTIONS?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR ME TO INTERFERE WITH WHAT ANOTHER COUNTRY IS DOING.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: COULD YOU THEN, PERHAPS, EXPAND THAT TO TALK ABOUT THE CONCERN ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY NOT BEING DROPPED FROM THE BILL OF RIGHTS OR THE BASIC LAW HERE? THE DEATH PENALTY WILL STILL BE IN LAW WHEN HONG KONG IS HANDED-OVER TO CHINA IN 1997.
LORD CAITHNESS: AT THE MOMENT IT WILL BE.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: ANY PLANS TO CHANGE IT?
LORD CAITHNESS: NOT THAT I KNOW OF.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: AND NO CONCERN AT ALL ABOUT THE MASSEXECUTIONS IN CHINA?
LORD CAITHNESS: THERE WILL BE CONCERN, OBVIOUSLY, AND I WILL NEED TO TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE FUTURE.
STEVE GLAIN, INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE: YOU MENTIONED HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO SIT DOWN WITH CHINA AND EXPLAIN TO THEM THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE AND THE AIRPORT, TO CLEAR UP ANY MISUNDERSTANDING. IF IT'S SO IMPORTANT, WHY WEREN'T THE CHINESE CONSULTED ON BOTH OF THESE ISSUES BEFORE THEY WERE ANNOUNCED?
/LORD CAITHNESS: .......
10
LORD CAITHNESS: THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA WENT THROUGH A DIFFICULT PATCH, THAT WE ARE EMERGING FROM - THANK GOODNESS. IT'S GETTING MUCH MORE CONSTRUCTIVE. BUT A DECISION ON THAT SORT OF MATTER IS FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, SUPPORTED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT; THAT IS LAID DOWN IN THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED DECLARATION, THAT WE WILL MAKE THESE SORT OF DECISIONS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE WHATEVER DECISIONS IT FEELS NECESSARY IN THE RUNNING OF THE TERRITORY UP UNTIL THE 1ST JULY 1997.
PAUL HARRINGTON: THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE THE CASE IF WE HAVE TO GO CAP-IN-HAND TO BEIJING IN 1995 WITH REGARD TO OUR OWN DEMOCRATIC MAKE-UP.
LORD CAITHNESS: I'M NOT GOING CAP IN-HAND, I'M GOING TO TRY TO SEEK — I MIGHT BE TRYING TO SEEK TO IMPROVE, DEPENDING ON THE ELECTIONS, AN INCREASE TN THE NUMBER THAT IS ALREADY ALLOWED FOR.
PAUL HARRINGTON: ARE THERE ANY OTHER SUBJECTS WHICH WOULD NEED CHINESE APPROVAL PRIOR TO 1997?
LORD CAITHNESS: IT DOESN'T NEED CHINESE APPROVAL — THAT WERE -- TO ALTER SOMETHING THAT IS TN THE BASIC LAW WOULD NEED CHINESE APPROVAL. BUT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STILL HAS THE RIGHT TO MAKE DECISIONS APPERTAINING TO HONG KONG UNTIL THE 1ST JULY 1997, THAT'S IN THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED AGREEMENT.
HARVEY PONG: IT IS SAID THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO SET UP A BRITISH CONSULATE IN HONG KONG. HOW DOES THE WORK PROCEED?
LORD CAITHNESS: WE ARE DISCUSSING THAT AT THE MOMENT. I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A DECISION SOON. I THINK TT IS IMPORTANT THAT BRITAIN DOES HAVE A GOOD CONSUL-GENERAL HERE TN THE FUTURE. IT IS AN IMPORTANT TRADING PART OF THE WORLD FOR BRITAIN; I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT CONTINUE TO BE THAT; AND UNTIL MATTERS PROCEED AND THE FINAL DECISIONS ARE TAKEN, I'M AFRAID I CAN'T SAY ANY MORE.
YUE SIN-YUI, HK STANDARD: I WANT TO KNOW YOUR IMPRESSION ABOUT THE RECENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN? AND DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO GO TO CHINA YOURSELF?
LORD CAITHNESS: I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO CHINA, YES, AND I KNOW THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE, AS I SAID, WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GO TO CHINA; THE EXACT DATES HAVEN'T BEEN FIXED. AND I KNOW THAT MY OPPOSITE NUMBER IN CHINA WISHES TO COME TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AGAIN; THE DATE HAS TO BE FINALISED FOR THAT.
YUE SIN-YUI: BUT WHAT'S YOUR IMPRESSION ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN — I MEAN THE RECENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA? HAS IT GONE BACK TO THE NORMAL SITUATION?
/LORD CAITHNESS: .......
11
LORD CAITHNESS: IT IS CERTAINLY IMPROVING ON WHAT IT WAS THIS TIME LAST YEAR AND WE WANT TO BUILD ON THAT.
CHEUNG MAN-YI, MING PAO: YES, WE HAVE LEARNED THAT BUILDING AN AIRPORT IS A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DECISION, AND NOW THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT INVITE BEIJING PEOPLE TO COME TO HONG KONG AND DISCUSS THE PROJECT. IS IT THE WAY, TO INVITE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO INTERVENE IN HONG KONG'S INTERNAL AFFAIRS?
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, IT ISN'T INTERFERRING IN THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS. IT IS QUITE RIGHT THAT WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE ON A LIABILITY, THROUGH THE AIRPORT, A PROJECT THAT CONTINUES INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, IT IS RIGHT THAT ONE SHOULD ADVISE THEM EXACTLY WHAT THE PROJECT INVOLVES. «■ ‘ j
SIMON MACKLIN: IT WOULD BE A LIABILITY THEN?
LORD CAITHNESS: BY THE LIABILITY I MEAN THAT -- FROM THE BRIEFING THAT I GOT, IT IS ONLY THE FIRST RUNWAY THAT WILL HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BY 1997, SO THERE IS AN ON-GOING AMOUNT OF WORK TO BE DONE.
FANNY WONG: SO IN THAT CASE, CHINA'S APPROVAL — WELL, IT'S LEGITIMATE FOR CHINA TO HAVE A SAY ON THE PROJECT.
LORD CAITHNESS: NO, IT IS RIGHT THAT CHINA SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THE PROJECT, THE DETAILS OF THE PROJECT, AND WHY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE DECIDED TO POSITION IT AND TO MAKE IT IN SUCH A FASHION.
FANNY WONG: BUT AS YOU DESCRIBE, IT COULD BECOME A LIABILITY FOR THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND IT'S ONLY LEGITIMATE THAT THEY CAN HAVE A SAY ON IT.
LORD CAITHNESS: THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FINANCE TN IT - THAT IS APPROPRIATE TO CHINA.
FANNY WONG: AS I SAID, I WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL QUESTION. IF, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE CAN'T WIN THE SUPPORT OF CHINA, IS IT LIKELY OR POSSIBLE THAT WE CAN, SAY, RE-SCHEDULE THE PROJECT OR DEFER IT BY A YEAR OR SO.
LORD CAITHNESS: THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE MADE A DECISION ABOUT THE AIRPORT. THAT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED, THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED THAT, I THINK LAST YEAR, AND NOW WE'RE GIVING FURTHER DETAILS TO CHINA WHICH THEY'VE REQUESTED.
FANNY WONG: SO THAT'S FINAL? THE DECISION IS FINAL?
LORD CAITHNESS: THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE MADE THAT DECISION.
/WONG SAU-YING, AP: ............
u*‘
12
WONG SAU-YING, AP: YOU HAVE TALKED WITH THE DISCIPLINARY FORCES THIS MORNING, AND YOU ALSO SAID THEY HAD PUT ACROSS THEIR CASE PRETTY FORCIBLY. ARE YOU WORRIED OR ARE YOU CONCERNED THAT, YOU KNOW, IF THEY DON'T GET WHAT THEY WANT TO GET, HONG KONG WOULD BECOME A LAWLESS PLACE? OR WOULD IT BECOME MORE DIFFICULT - UNGOVERNABLE - IN THE RUNUP TO 1997?
LORD CAITHNESS: I UNDERSTAND THE CONCERN THAT THERE IS AMONGST A LOT OF PEOPLE WHEN THERE IS A RISE IN CRIME. IF ONE LOOKS AT THE STATISTICS, I AM TOLD THAT ONE SEES THAT THE LEVEL OF CRIME NOW, IS IN FACT LESS THAN IT WAS TEN YEARS AGO IN HONG KONG, AND THAT HONG KONG'S INTERNATIONAL RECORD IS EXTREMELY GOOD. A GREAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID TO ME, IT IS SAFER FOR A GIRL OF SEVENTEEN TO BE ON THE STREETS OF HONG KONG THAN IT IS ON THE STREETS OF LONDON - AND HAVING A DAUGHTER MYSELF THAT IS QUITE IMPORTANT - BUT THERE IS A LOT THAT IS STILL VERY GOOD HERE. BUT OF COURSE, WHEN YOU GET A RISE IN TREND THERE IS A CONCERN. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE SERVICES WILL WORK TOGETHER TO GET ON TOP OF THE PROBLEM.
WONG SAU-YING: APART FROM WHAT YOU'VE SAID - YOU WOULD RELAY THEIR VIEW TO GOVERNMENT - WHAT HAVE YOU ASSURED THEM?
LORD CAITHNESS: I HAVE TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD RELAY THEIR VIEWS DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNOR BUT THIS IS A MATTER WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THEY MUST SORT OUT, AS HAS BEEN DONE IN THE PAST.
WONG SAU-YING: WELL BUT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY OF CONCERN HERE IN HONG KONG, THAT PEOPLE ARE WORRIED ABOUT, YOU KNOW, OUR PUBLIC ORDER, AND IF THE DISCIPLINARY FORCES THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A UNITED ACTION TO GET WHAT THEY WANT THIS TIME, WHAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WANT TO DO OR CAN DO TO MAKE THE PLACE MORE GOVERNABLE, BEFORE IT’S HANDED BACK TO CHINA IN 1997?
LORD CAITHNESS: I'M SURE THAT THF DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL WORK OUT A METHOD BY WHICH THIS TERRITORY CAN CONTINUE TO BE CONTROLLED, IN THE FORM OF LAW AND ORDER, AS IT HAS BEEN TN THE PAST AND TO THE SATISFACTION OF EVERYBODY.
BERNARD FONG, SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: LORD CAITHNESS, YOUR CONFIDENCE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN, WELL, ASSURING -REASSURING, BUT ARE YOU AWARE WHY THE POLICE WOULD APPROACH YOU, BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT SETTLE THEIR DIFFERENCES WITH HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND DO YOU KNOW WHY SO MANY HONG KONG GROUPS APPEAL TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE NCNA? I THINK THAT IS OBVIOUSLY LACK OF HONG KONG CONFIDENCE IN OUR GOVERNMENT, THERE IS A VACUUM OF LEADERSHIP IN OUR GOVERNMENT. THAT IS WHY THEY LOOK TO LONDON AND LOOK TO BEIJING.
/LORD CAITHNESS: .......
13
LORD CAITHNESS: THESE MATTERS HAVE BEEN SETTLED TRADITIONALLY BETWEEN HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE SERVICES. IT IS VERY HELPFUL FOR ME WITH MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG TO HEAR THE VIEWS OF EVERYBODY AT FIRST HAND, FOR ME TO CONSIDER THOSE VIEWS WHICH I WILL DO. THEY HANDED ME A NUMBER OF LETTERS WHICH I WILL REPLY TO, HAVING CONSIDERED THEM, BUT IT IS FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE THESE SERVICES.
BERNARD FONG: BUT THIS IS NOT TRADITIONAL TIMES, LORD CAITHNESS. THESE ARE THE TIMES OF ANXIETIES AND THAT IS WHY PEOPLE ARE MAKING APPEALS AND MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR FUTURE. WHAT I AM BASICALLY ASKING YOU IS THAT WILL THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DECIDE TO INTERVENE SHOULD PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG REALLY FESTER, AND THAT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PROCESS IS UNABLE TO COPE WITH MOUNTING PROBLEMS?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK THAT IS AT THE MOMENT A VERY HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION.
BERNARD FONG: SIR, BUT MANY THINGS FOR HONG KONG ARE HYPOTHETICAL INCLUDING ---
LORD CAITHNESS: BUT AT THE MOMENT, THAT IS STILL A VERY HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION.
CHRIS GILLETTE, VISNEWS: SPEAKING OF HYPOTHETICAL IN LIGHT OF EVENTS OF JUNE 4 LAST YEAR, WHAT GIVES YOU THE IMPRESSION THAT THE BEIJING AUTHORITIES WILL TOLERATE AN ELECTORAL SYSTEM RIGHT ON THEIR DOORSTEP AFTER 1997?
LORD CAITHNESS: IT IS WRITTEN DOWN AND AGREED.
JOHN ANDREWS: GIVEN YOUR EAGERNESS AND THAT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO GO TO BEIJING, SHOULD WE TAKE IT THEN THAT YOU FEEL THE TIME HAS COME TO END ALL INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AGAINST CHINA? AND IF SO, WHY?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK IT IS RIGHT TO DEVELOP OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. YOU ARE RIGHT TO MENTION THE INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS, AND PARTICULARLY WE ARE CONSTRAINT TO SOME EXTENT BY WHAT WE CAN DO WITHIN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY BECAUSE THE COMMUNITY HAVE AGREED. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO SPECIAL EXEMPTIONS: ONE FOR PORTUGAL IN ITS FRIENDSHIP WITH MACAU, ONE FOR BRITAIN IN ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG, BUT WE WILL SEEK TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AND I THINK THAT TWO POSITIVE FACTORS THAT HAVE EMERGED IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST: FIRSTLY, IS CHINA’S VERY CONSTRUCTIVE ATTITUDE IN TRYING TO HELP REACH A SETTLEMENT OF CAMBODIA IN THE PERMANENT FIVE BRINGING PEOPLE TO JAKARTA AND TRYING TO GET A RESPONSIBLE SETTLEMENT THERE THAT CAN LEAD TO A SUPREME NATIONAL COUNCIL AND IN DUE COURSE ELECTIONS AND WITH REGARD TO THE GULF, TOO, I THINK IT HAS BEEN VERY POSITIVE - THE ROLE THAT CHINA HAS PLAYED.
/JOHN ANDREWS: ........
14
JOHN ANDREWS: BUT THE REASON, IF T REMEMBER, FOR THE SANCTIONS WAS CHINA'S INTERNAL BEHAVIOUR. ARE YOU THEN SAYING THAT CHINA'S EXTERNAL BEHAVIOUR COUNTS RATHER MORE?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK THAT CHINA'S, BOTH CHINA'S INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL BEHAVIOUR COUNT. I GAVE YOU TWO EXAMPLES OF ITS EXTERNAL BEHAVIOUR AND THERE HAVE BEEN CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS ON ITS INTERNAL BEHAVIOUR.
JOHN ANDREWS: I THINK ONE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS IS MENTIONED AT THE FRONT WITH SIXTY-FOUR PEOPLE EXECUTED IN GUANGZHOU.
LORD CAITHNESS: I KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO RAISE THAT! I HAVE ALREADY ANSWERED THAT ONE.
STEVE STINE, ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL: CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT ARE SOME OF THOSE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF ISSUES ON WHICH CHINA HAS SHOWN A WILLINGNESS TO REFORM THAT WE WISH TO SEEK TO ENCOURAGE.
STEVE STINE: FOR INSTANCE?
LORD CAITHNESS: FOR INSTANCE, THE WAY IN WHICH SOME PEOPLE ARE BEING DEALT WITH, WHICH IS DIFFERENT FROM THE WAY THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH BEFORE.
STEVE STINE: WHO ARE YOU REFERRING TO?
LORD CAITHNESS: I THINK YOU DON'T WANT TO DRAW ME ON THAT. I DON'T WANT TO BE ABSOLUTELY SPECIFIC AT THIS STAGE ON THAT.
PAUL HARRINGTON: LORD CAITHNESS, THERE IS A TEAM FROM BRITAIN AND FROM HONG KONG TN HANOI AT THE MOMENT TALKING WITH THE VIETNAMESE ABOUT THE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO BE STUDIOUSLY AVOIDING THE TERM MANDATORY REPATRIATION AND THE UNHCR OFFICIAL SAID THAT THAT WASN'T ON THE AGENDA, BUT SURELY FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S POINT OF VIEW AND FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S POINT OF VIEW THERE WOULDN'T BE TOO MUCH POINT IN THAT MEETING UNLESS THE REASON WAS TO TRY TO GET AN AGREEMENT ON THE MANDATORY REPATRIATION OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG. WOULD YOU LIKE COMMENT UPON THAT?
/LORD CAITHNESS:
LORD CAITHNESS: YES, THAT IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF WHERE BRITAIN HAS BEEN VERY MUCH TO THE FOREFRONT ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE TO TRY AND PROGRESS ISSUES ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG. THIS IS ONE EXAMPLE WHERE THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT WE CAN MAKE PROGRESS IN TRYING TO EXPEDITE THE RETURN TO VIETNAM OF NON-REFUGEES. NOW, EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS IN HANOI IN THE NEXT THREE OR SO DAYS I AM NOT GOING TO PREDICT. WHAT I HOPE IS THAT WE WILL GET A BETTER MODUS OPERENDI, A BETTER WAY OF OPERATING TO RETURN THE NON-REFUGEES TO VIETNAM THAN WE HAVE AT THE MOMENT.
PAUL HARRINGTON: DOES THIS MEAN RETURNING THEM AGAINST THEIR WILL?
LORD CAITHNESS: I AM NOT GOING TO SAY ANYTHING MORE BECAUSE THEY ARE IN DISCUSSIONS IN HONG KONG, SORRY - TN HANOI - AND OBVIOUSLY WE WANT THAT TO SUCCEED.
BERNARD FONG: LACK OF ABHORRENCE WITH CHINA’S RANDOM USE WITH THE DEATH PENALTY MAY BE REFLECTED IN MARGARET THATCHER'S STATEMENT MADE THIS MORNING, I BELIEVE, IN BUDAPEST. SHE ADVOCATED THE RETURN OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT TO BRITISH LAW, THIS VERY MORNING.
LORD CAITHNESS: THAT HAS BEEN VOTED ON IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES. I THINK THE VIEWS ARE WELL SET OUT BY MEMBERS IN THE COMMONS.
KEVIN LAU: ON THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE'S SCREENING TEST HOW DO YOU COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE TEST IS FAIR, AFTER HAVING PAID A BRIEF VISIT TO A DETENTION CENTRE AND HAVING SEEN JUST A FEW TESTING EXAMPLES?
LORD CAITHNESS: BECAUSE THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT A LOT OF, IN FACT ALL OF THE WORK WITH THE REFUGEES AND NON-REFUGEES AND PARTICULARLY THE SCREENING PROCESS IS DONE IN CONJUNCTION, TN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, AND WITH THE HELP OF THE UNHCR. NOW ANYBODY FROM THE UNHCR CAN GO INTO ANY OF THE SCREENING PROCESSES TO SIT TN, TO LISTEN TO WHAT IS GOING ON WITHOUT NOTICE. SO THAT THEY CAN GO TN AT ANY TIME AND ON TOP OF THAT ONE THEN HAS AN APPEAL SYSTEM. I THINK THAT THAT IS A FAIR SYSTEM.
KEVIN LAU: ARE YOU AWARE OF THE CRITICISMS OF THE TESTS, OR ARE YOU TOTALLY SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT?
LORD CAITHNESS: I AM AWARE OF THE CRITICISMS, I AM AWARE OF THE PLUS POINTS THAT HAVE BEEN PUT TO ME TOO. I DO THINK IT IS A FAIR SYSTEM AND I DO THINK IT IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THAT THE UNITED NATIONS REPRESENTATIVE FOR REFUGEES, HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPRESENTATIVE FOR REFUGEES, IS INVOLVED AND IS ABLE TO GO IN AT ANY TIME TO ANY INTERVIEW IN THE SCREENING PROCESS.
/KEVIN LAU: .......
I
16
KEVIN LAU: WILL YOU SUGGEST ANY IMPROVEMENT?
LORD CAITHNESS: I AM NOT THE EXPERT ON THAT, BUT OBVIOUSLY I TALKED TO THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE UNHCR AND I HAVE TALKED TO VARIOUS PEOPLE BOTH IN THE CAMP AND OUTSIDE.
FANNY FUNG: AFTER THIS VISIT DO YOU THINK BRITAIN IS ALREADY DOING ENOUGH, OR WHAT MORE IS NEEDED TO BE DONE FOR HONG KONG AND IF SO IN WHAT AREAS THAT BRITAIN SHOULD DO MORE FOR HONG KONG?
LORD CAITHNESS: I WILL CONTINUE TO TELL EVERYBODY WHAT AN EXCELLENT PLACE HONG KONG IS, THAT THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES HERE, THAT PEOPLE DO HAVE GENUINE CONCERNS WHICH I NOW UNDERSTAND MORE FULLY, BUT IT IS STILL, IN MY VIEW, GOT A GOOD FUTURE, BUT IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE MUST WORK TOGETHER AND ON THE INTERNATIONAL SIDE I WILL SEEK TO MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG'S VIEWS ARE WELL REPRESENTED IN INTERNATIONAL FORUMS.
ANDREA MCLAUGHLIN, RTHK: I WANT TO PICK UP ON THAT SORT OF THEME. MRS EDWINA CURRIE, A BRITISH MP, WAS IN TOWN THIS WEEK AT THE SAME TIME AS YOU WERE AND SHE SAID IN A NUTSHELL THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD BASICALLY STOP RELYING ON BRITAIN AND GET ON WITH THE JOB THEMSELVES AND SHE ALSO IMPLIED THAT BRITAIN HAD BASICALLY FORGOTTEN ABOUT HONG KONG WITH THE PROBLEMS THAT IT HAS NOW. WHAT CAN YOU SAY? WHAT CAN YOU OFFER THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO REASSURE THEM THAT THAT ISN'T TRUE?
LORD CAITHNESS: IF WE HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT HONG KONG, FOR THE FIRST THING I WOULDN'T BE HERE ON A SIX DAY VISIT. AND HONG KONG IS GOING TO TAKE UP 50 PER CENT, PROBABLY 50 PER CENT OF MY TIME. WHEN I SPOKE TO FRANCIS MAUDE HE SAID HONG KONG TOOK UP ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF HIS TIME. IT IS GOING TO TAKE UP PROBABLY 50 PER CENT OF MY TIME TOO. THAT ISN’T ANY INDICATION AT ALL THAT BRITAIN IS FORGETTING HONG KONG, IN FACT, IT IS QUITE THE OPPOSITE. IT SHOWS HOW DETERMINED WE ARE TO FULFIL OUR OBLIGATIONS RIGHT THROUGH TO THE VERY END.
ANDREA MCLAUGHLIN: PRACTICALLY, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NEXT?
LORD CAITHNESS: I HAVE GOT A LOT TO THINK ABOUT, I'VE GOT A LOT TO DISCUSS WITH PEOPLE AND OBVIOUSLY TAKE FORWARD MANY OF THE POINTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE TO ME.
ANGUS FOSTER: HOW LONG TILL WE GET OUR NEXT MINISTER?
LORD CAITHNESS: THAT IS NOT IN MY HANDS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. NICE TO MEET YOU ALL.
- - - - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATUS QUO ON FRINGE BENEFITS TAXATION TO STAY ............................. 1
APPOINTMENTS TO LAW REFORM COMMISSION ANNOUNCED ............................ 3
NEW AGE OF MAJORITY ........................................................ 3
IMO SECRETARY GENERAL SEES MARITIME ADMINISTRATION IN HK ................... 4
TIGHTER CONTROL OVER SMOKE EMISSION ........................................ 5
CONSTRUCTION OF YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS PROPOSED.......................... 6
WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR STAGE IV TO BE BUILT.................................. 8
SALISBURY GARDEN UNDERGROUND SHOPPING ARCADE PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS ............ 9
CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ........................... 9
REFUSE COLLECTION POINT TO BE BUILT IN WAN CHAI ........................... 10
SITE FORMATION FOR RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE ............................ 10
ROAD SAFETY IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE ........................................ 11
COMMUNITY LEADERS URGED TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION ................ 11
ANTI-BURGLARY AND ROBBERY SEMINAR IN MONG KOK.............................. 12
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW AT CITYPLAZA ................................. 13
YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL IN OCTOBER ................................... 13
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER
14
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
STATUS QUO ON FRINGE BENEFITS TAXATION TO STAY
*****
THE PURPOSE OF INTRODUCING AMENDMENTS TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE ON TAXATION OF FRINGE BENEFITS IS TO REFLECT THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT’S PRE-GLYNN ASSESSING PRACTICE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CHARTERED ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS, MR AU-YEUNG SAID THE LEGISLATIVE EXERCISE WAS PROMPTED BY THE DECISIONS MADE BY THE COURT OF APPEAL AND SUBSEQUENTLY BY THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN THE GLYNN CASE.
THE CASE INVOLVED THE QUESTION OF WHETHER PAYMENTS OF SCHOOL FEES MADE DIRECT BY MR GLYNN’S EMPLOYER TO HIS DAUGHTER’S SCHOOL CONSTITUTED CHARGEABLE INCOME OF MR GLYNN.
MR AU-YEUNG EXPLAINED THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSESSING PRACTICE IN RESPECT OF FRINGE BENEFITS WAS BASED ON ITS UNDERSTANDING OF ’MONEY’S WORTH’ RULES ESTABLISHED DOWN BY COURT DECISIONS IN ENGLAND.
IN BROAD TERMS, A BENEFIT WAS VIEWED AS CONSTITUTING MONEY’S WORTH IF IT WAS CAPABLE OF BEING CONVERTED INTO MONEY BY THE RECIPIENT OR INVOLVED THE DISCHARGE OF A PERSONAL LIABILITY OF THE EMPLOYEE, MR AU-YEUNG ADDED.
EXPLAINING THE DEPARTMENT’S PRACTICE IN RESPECT OF EDUCATION BENEFITS, MR AU-YEUNG SAID THAT APART FROM EDUCATION BENEFITS PROVIDED THROUGH DISCRETIONARY TRUSTS, THE DEPARTMENT CONSISTENTLY TOOK THE VIEW THAT SUCH BENEFITS WERE CHARGEABLE TO TAX IRRESPECTIVE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS USED TO PROVIDE THE BENEFITS.
"THIS ATTITUDE WAS BASED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR AN EMPLOYEE AS A PARENT TO TRANSFER THE LIABILITY FOR THE EDUCATION OF HIS CHILD TO A THIRD PARTY.
"ON THIS FOOTING, ANY PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES MADE BY THE EMPLOYER WAS REGARDED AS A DISCHARGE OF THE EMPLOYEE’S LIABILITY AND ACCORDINGLY TREATED AS CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO EDUCATION BENEFITS PROVIDED BY DISCRETIONARY TRUSTS, THE DEPARTMENT ACCEPTED THAT BENEFITS PROVIDED BY A GENUINE DISCRETIONARY TRUST CONSTITUTED INCOME OF THE CHILD AND NOT INCOME OF THE EMPLOYEE, THE COMMISSIONER SAID, ADDING THAT THIS POSITION WOULD NOT CHANGE UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION.
AS FOR THE TAXATION POSITION OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND SIMILAR EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENTS, MR AU-YEUNG SAID THE POSITION DEPENDED ON WHETHER THE EMPLOYEE OR HIS CHILD WAS THE RECIPIENT OF THE SCHOLARSHIP AND WHETHER IT WAS AWARDED BY VIRTUE OF EMPLOYMENT.
/"IF THE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
2
"IF THE SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO THE EMPLOYEE IT WILL BE EXEMPT FROM SALARIES TAX. NOR WILL ANY SALARIES TAX BE IMPOSED ON A CHILD OF AN EMPLOYEE WHO RECEIVES A SCHOLARSHIP. AS FAR AS THE CHILD IS CONCERNED IT IS NOT INCOME FROM EMPLOYMENT.
"HOWEVER, A SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDED BY REASON OF EMPLOYMENT TO A CHILD OF AN EMPLOYEE WILL, LIKE OTHER EDUCATION BENEFITS, CONSTITUTE CHARGEABLE INCOME OF THE EMPLOYEE," HE SAID.
MR AU-YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT IF BY COINCIDENCE A SCHOLARSHIP HAPPENED TO BE AWARDED BY AN EMPLOYER TO A CHILD OF AN EMPLOYEE FOR REASONS COMPLETELY UNCONNECTED TO EMPLOYMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, THE AWARD WAS A RESULT OF AN OPEN COMPETITION IN THE COMMUNITY, THE SCHOLARSHIP THEN WOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS CHARGEABLE INCOME OF THE EMPLOYEE.
OUTLINING THE DECISIONS IN THE GLYNN CASE BY THE COURT OF APPEAL AND THE PRIVY COUNCIL, MR AU-YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS CLEAR FROM THE DECISIONS THAT THE SCOPE OF THE CURRENT LEGISLATION WAS WIDER THAN THE DEPARTMENT UNDERSTOOD IT TO BE PRE-GLYNN AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAD DECIDED THAT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED SO THAT IT REFLECTED THE DEPARTMENT’S PRE-GLYNN PRACTICE.
"CONTRARY TO FEARS EXPRESSED BY SOME IN THE MEDIA, WE ARE OF THE VIEW THAT OUR OBJECTIVE CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT RESORTING TO LEGISLATION OF EPIC PROPORTIONS," THE COMMISSIONER SAID.
"THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO ENUMERATE EACH PARTICULAR TYPE OF BENEFIT THAT IS TO BE TAXABLE. INSTEAD, WE HAVE GONE THE OTHER WAY, TAKING WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE A FAR MORE PRAGMATIC APPROACH," HE SAID.
THIS WAS DONE BY EXCLUDING FROM THE DEFINITION OF INCOME ANY BENEFIT WHERE THE RELEVANT PAYMENT WAS MADE IN RESPECT OF A LIABILITY OF THE EMPLOYER, HE EXPLAINED.
"THUS, WHERE THE EMPLOYER IS LIABLE FOR THE RELEVANT EXPENSES, BENEFITS SUCH AS THE USE OF COMPANY CARS AND BOATS AND THE PROVISION OF UTILITIES WILL BE COVERED BY THE EXCLUSION," MR AU-YEUNG SAID.
"PAYMENTS MADE TO DISCHARGE LIABILITIES OF EMPLOYEES WILL, OF COURSE, NOT BE COVERED BY THE EXCLUSION AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE CHARGEABLE — JUST AS THEY WERE PRE-GLYNN," HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THE EXCLUSION PROVIDED WAS SUBJECT TO ANOTHER NEW PROVISION WHICH WAS TO ENSURE THAT CONVERTIBLE BENEFITS, SUCH AS ASSETS WHICH COULD BE CONVERTED INTO MONEY BY SALE, AND EDUCATION BENEFITS REMAINED CHARGEABLE TO SALARIES TAX.
"I WOULD NOT LIKE PRACTITIONERS TO THINK THAT THE COURSE THE ADMINISTRATION IS TAKING PERMITS EMPLOYERS TO STRUCTURE EMPLOYEE PACKAGES ALONG ARTIFICIAL LINES.
"WHILST WE ARE SEEKING PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DISREGARD SECTION 61A OF THE ORDINANCE (TRANSACTIONS DESIGNED TO AVOID LIABILITY FOR TAX). I AM CONFIDENT COMMON SENSE WILL PREVAIL," MR AU-YEUNG SAID.
- - 0-----------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
3
APPOINTMENTS TO LAW REFORM COMMISSION ANNOUNCED
*****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MR JEREMY MATHEWS, TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW MEMBER TO THE COMMISSION, MRS MIRIAM LAU.
MRS LAU IS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND A SOLICITOR. SHE SERVES ON A NUMBER OF COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE, THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. SHE IS ALSO AN APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
IN ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT, MR MATHEWS WELCOMED THE ADDITION OF A MEMBER WITH MRS LAU’S BREADTH OF EXPERIENCE TO THE COMMISSION.
MRS LAU REPLACES MRS ROSANNA TAM WHO RETIRES AFTER THREE YEARS AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION. MR MATHEWS PAID TRIBUTE TO MRS TAM’S WORK ON THE COMMISSION, IN PARTICULAR HER CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON "LOITERING”.
MR MATHEWS ALSO ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF THREE MEMBERS TO THE COMMISSION: MR GRAHAM CHENG, MISS CHRISTINE LOH AND PROFESSOR EDWARD TYLER.
MR MATHEWS SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE THREE MEMBERS HAD AGREED TO CONTINUE WITH THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE ENSURE OUR LAWS ARE IN TUNE WITH SOCIETY’S NEEDS. THE COMMISSION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN ACHIEVING THAT END AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
NEW AGE OF MAJORITY *****
THE AGE OF MAJORITY (RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE 1990, WHICH CHANGES THE AGE OF MAJORITY FROM 21 TO 18 FOR MOST PURPOSES, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1, 1990.
FROM THAT DATE, PEOPLE REACHING THE AGE OF 18 CAN ENTER INTO CONTRACTS, BECOME COMPANY DIRECTORS AND MAKE VALID WILLS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THERE ARE ALSO OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES DEALING WITH LEGAL EFFECT OF AGE IN CIVIL LAW.
PERSONS AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 21 NEED THE CONSENT OF A PARENT OR GUARDIAN IN ORDER TO MARRY.
/THE ORDINANCE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
THE ORDINANCE DOES NOT DO AWAY WITH THE REQUIREMENT FOR PARENTAL CONSENT FOR PERSONS AGED UNDER 21, BUT NOW PROVIDES THAT ANY PERSON AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 21 WHO NEEDS THE CONSENT OF A PARENT OR A GUARDIAN TO MARRY CAN APPLY TO THE DISTRICT COURT FOR PERMISSION TO MARRY IF CONSENT IS WITHHELD.
THE AGE OF MAJORITY (RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE 1990 RECEIVED ITS THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 16 THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
IMO SECRETARY GENERAL SEES MARITIME ADMINISTRATION IN HK
******
THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO), MR WILLIAM O’NEIL, TODAY (FRIDAY) HAD A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE POLICIES, PLANS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, ON THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG.
MR SZE TOLD MR O’NEIL THAT "THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY IS OF SUBSTANTIAL IMPORTANCE TO THE ECONOMY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG".
SOME 65 MILLION DEADWEIGHT TONS OF SHIPPING IS OWNED AND MANAGED IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AROUND 10 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORLD TONNAGE AND EXCEEDED ONLY BY JAPAN AND GREECE.
HOWEVER, ONLY ABOUT SEVEN MILLION DEADWEIGHT TONS OF SHIPPING IS ACTUALLY REGISTERED IN THE EXISTING HONG KONG REGISTER WHICH IS PART OF THE BRITISH REGISTER.
MR O’NEIL WAS BRIEFED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT ON THE SETTING UP OF A NEW AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER FOR HONG KONG TO ENABLE SHIPS ON THE REGISTER TO OPERATE UNDER THE CONTINUITY OF HONG KONG LEGISLATION APPLICABLE UNDER BRITISH ADMINISTRATION BEFORE 1997 AND UNDER THAT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION THEREAFTER.
THE DRAFTING OF THE LEGISLATION FOR THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER FOR HONG KONG IS EXPECTED TO BE LAUNCHED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
MR O’NEIL BEGAN HIS DAY-LONG VISIT IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON HOW HONG KONG IS GIVING EFFECT TO VARIOUS IMO SAFETY AND PREVENTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONVENTIONS.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR SZE, MR O’NEIL THEN PROCEEDED ON BOARD "TIN HAU" TO THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE AT TAI LAM CHUNG TO INSPECT TRAINING COURSES FOR HONG KONG’S SERVING SEAFARERS.
/MR O'NEIL
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
- 5 -
MR O’NEIL WAS TOLD THAT THE IMO’S CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS 1978 (STCW) WAS EXTENDED TO HONG KONG IN 1984.
SINCE THEN HONG KONG HAS UNDERTAKEN ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO GIVE THE CONVENTION FULL AND COMPLETE EFFECT TO ENSURE THAT FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF SAFETY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY AT SEA, SEAFARERS ON BOARD SHIPS ARE QUALIFIED AND FIT FOR THEIR DUTIES. THIS INCLUDES THE OBLIGATION TO MAKE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION.
WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) HAS ESTABLISHED THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE AT TAI LAM CHUNG.
IN ADDITION, THE VTC FURTHER PROVIDES TRAINING FOR DECK AND ENGINEERING OFFICERS IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN HUNG HOM.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MR O’NEIL TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND VISITED THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE AND MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
MR O’NEIL WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) NIGHT AFTER A SIX-DAY VISIT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN DURING MR O’NEIL’S VISIT TO THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE AT TAI LAM CHUNG WILL BE BOXED.
-----------------0-------- TIGHTER CONTROL OVER SMOKE EMISSION *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (SMOKE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 AS A MOVE TO TIGHTEN CONTROL OVER THE EMISSION OF DARK SMOKE FROM CHIMNEYS AND FURNACES IN THE TERRITORY.
THE REGULATIONS, WHICH TAKE IMMEDIATE EFFECT, WERE MADE TO SPECIFY A MORE STRINGENT STANDARD ON SMOKE EMISSION AS WELL AS TO INCREASE THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE LEGISLATION BY RAISING THE LEVEL OF PENALTY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN HONG KONG THERE WERE ABOUT 10,000 USERS OF STEAM BOILERS, STOVES, INCINERATORS, VARIOUS FURNACES AND ENGINES, INCLUDING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, RESTAURANTS, LAUNDRIES, HOTELS AND HOSPITALS.
THE EMISSION OF DARK SMOKE LEADS TO SOILING OF THE ENVIRONMENT, REDUCTION OF VISIBILITY AND DEPOSIT OF SOOTY MATERIALS ON BUILDINGS AND CLOTHINGS.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
6
IN THE PRESENCE OF OTHER AIR POLLUTANTS SUCH AS SULPHUR DIOXIDE, IT MAY ALSO LEAD TO LUNG AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES SUCH AS BRONCHITIS AND EMPHYSEMA.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IN 1989, THERE WERE 115 SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS AGAINST DARK SMOKE EMISSION OF WHICH 60 WERE REPEATED OFFENCES. THE HIGHEST REPETITION WAS 13 CONVICTED OFFENCES.
IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT MANY REPEATED OFFENDERS WERE ACTUALLY HABITUAL EMITTERS OF SMOKE, THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE PRESENT PENALTY, A $5,000 FINE FOR EACH CONVICTION, WAS CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE, HE SAID.
REGARDING THE STANDARD FOR SMOKE DETECTION, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW REGULATIONS WOULD UPGRADE THE INTERPRETATION OF DARK SMOKE FROM SHADE 2 TO SHADE 1 ON THE RINGELMANN CHART.
UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, DARK SMOKE EMISSIONS MUST NOT BE AS DARK AS OR DARKER THAN SHADE 1 ON THE RINGELMANN CHART FOR MORE THAN SIX MINUTES IN ANY PERIOD OF FOUR HOURS, OR FOR MORE THAN THREE MINUTES CONTINUOUSLY AT ANY ONE TIME.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REGULATIONS COULD RESULT IN A FINE OF $20,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $20,000 AND THREE MONTHS1 IMPRISONMENT ON SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.
WHERE THE OFFENCE IS A CONTINUING ONE, A FINE OF $100 FOR EVERY ONE QUARTER OF AN HOUR MAY ALSO BE IMPOSED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW REGULATIONS WOULD BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN DARK SMOKE EMISSIONS FROM CHIMNEYS AND FURNACES WITH THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE TIGHTENING UP OF THE CONTROL MEASURES.
CONSTRUCTION OF YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS PROPOSED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS WHICH EXTENDS FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR POK OI HOSPITAL TO YUEN LONG-TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR. NEAR LAM HAU TSUEN AND BYPASSES YUEN LONG TOWN TO THE SOUTH.
THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR KWONG HON-SANG, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THIS PROJECT FORMED PART OF THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE PROPOSED BYPASS WOULD BE THREE KILOMETRES LONG AND WOULD HAVE TWO MAJOR INTERCHANGES - ONE AT THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR POK OI HOSPITAL TO CONNECT THE FUTURE AU TAU BYPASS, AND THE OTHER TO THE NORTH OF KONG TAU SAN TSUEN WHICH WOULD BE CONNECTED TO THE FUTURE ROUTE 3 FROM TING KAU/TS1NG YI.
/MR KWONG .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
7 -
MR KWONG SAID THE SUBSIDIARY ROADS TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDED TWO ONE-WAY DISTRIBUTOR ROADS CONNECTING THE TWO INTERCHANGES AND A TWO-WAY SERVICE ROAD FROM TAI TONG ROAD TO CONNECT THE KONG TAU INTERCHANGE, WHEREBY TRAFFIC TO AND FROM YUEN LONG TOWN COULD HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE NEW BYPASS.
THE BYPASS WOULD BE BUILT TO EXPRESSWAY STANDARD WITH NO FRONTAGE ACCESS AND WITH HARD SHOULDERS ON BOTH SIDES, HE SAID.
"IT WOULD HAVE CONCRETE BARRIERS AT THE CENTRAL RESERVE AND ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD FOR SAFETY AND NOISE REDUCTION PURPOSES.
"ADEQUATE AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS, CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS, EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICES AND ROAD LIGHTING SYSTEM ALONG THE ROADS WOULD BE PROVIDED.
"SIX SETS OF VEHICULAR BRIDGES WOULD BE BUILT TO BRING THE BYPASS OVER THE EXISTING NULLAHS AND ROADS AND THERE WOULD BE EIGHT PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASSES TO PROVIDE ACCESS ACROSS THE BYPASS.
"A TOTAL OF SIX LARGE CROSS ROAD DRAINS AND EXTENSION OF THE YUEN LONG EASTERN NULLAH WOULD ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED," HE SAID.
MR KWONG SAID IN GENERAL, THE BYPASS WAS TO BE BUILT ON EARTH EMBANKMENTS WITH FILL MATERIAL OBTAINED FROM THE TAI TONG EAST BORROW' AREA.
A FILL SITE AT CHEUNG NGAU SHAM WOULD BE FORMED FOR DEPOSITION OF MATERIALS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION.
AT THE SAME TIME A TWO-WAY HAUL ROAD WOULD BE BUILT TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING VAN TRACK FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE VILLAGERS.
A NOTICE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED YUEN LONG BYPASS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLANS AND SCHEME CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, NINTH FLOOR, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG; AND
» YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE ( BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 20 THIS YEAR.
------0-----------
/8 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
- 8 -
WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR STAGE IV TO BE BUILT * * * * *
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT STAGE IV PHASE I OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR WHICH WILL RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE JUNCTIONS OF TONG MI ROAD WITH MONG KOK ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET.
THE PROPOSED SECTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR IS A TWO-LANE SOUTHBOUND ELEVATED ROAD.
IT WILL CONNECT, TO THE NORTH, WITH THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE EXISTING STAGE III OF THE CORRIDOR AT TUNG CHAU STREET. FROM THERE IT WILL SPAN SOUTHWARDS ALONG TONG MI ROAD AND FERRY STREET AND END AT THE JUNCTION WITH SOY STREET.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WILL BE THE RECONSTRUCTION AND MODIFICATION OF THE EXISTING GROUND LEVEL ROADS AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING WORKS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLANS AND SCHEME CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY
SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 13 THIS YEAR.
- - 0----------
/9........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
9
SALISBURY GARDEN UNDERGROUND SHOPPING ARCADE PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS ♦ * ♦ » *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT, AS PART OF THE PROPOSED SALISBURY GARDEN UNDERGROUND SHOPPING ARCADE, PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS UNDERNEATH SALISBURY ROAD AT ITS JUNCTIONS WITH NATHAN ROAD AND MIDDLE ROAD.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). THE NOTICE CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS WITHIN THE PROPOSED WORKS AREA.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
♦ KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
» YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 20 THIS YEAR.
CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR WATER SUPPLY PROJECT ♦ ♦ * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS OF LUNG TAU AND SHAM TSENG.
DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE A WATER TREATMENT PROJECT TO SERVE TSING
THE PROJECT AIMS TO IMPROVE THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE AREAS.
TSENG WATER
SERVICE^RESERVOIR^WHICH'wILL HAVE A OPACITY OF 20,000 CUBIC METRES, daab IMPROVEMENT AND ASSOCIATED MAINLAYING WORK.
THE CONTRACT
TREATMENT WORKS
COVERS SITE FORMATION FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF
THE SHAM TSENG
THE WEST
SHAM
FRESH
CUBIC
SLOPE STABILISATION, ROAD IMPROVEMENT AND ASSOCIATED
THIS IS THE FIRST OF FOUR CONTRACTS F0Rn THE SUPPLY TO TSING LUNG TAU AND SHAM TSENG PROJECT .
STAGE I ’’WATER
/WITH A .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
- 10 -
WITH A DAILY OUTPUT CAPACITY OF 23,000 CUBIC METRES, A NEW TREATED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING CHLORINATED RAW WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM TO SHAM TSENG AND TSING LUNG TAU IN 1994.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT WORK ON THE FIRST CONTRACT WILL START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 29 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 12.
------0------------
REFUSE COLLECTION POINT TO BE BUILT IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT LUARD ROAD, WAN CHAI.
OCCUPYING A SITE OF ABOUT 303 SQUARE METRES, THE TWO-STOREY REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH CARBON FILTERS TO PREVENT THE EMISSION OF FOUL SMELL.
THE BUILDING WILL ALLOW TWO REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES TO OPERATE SIMULTANEOUSLY.
IT WILL HAVE AN OFFICE, A STOREROOM, CHANGING ROOMS, A PUMP ROOM AS WELL AS PERIPHERAL AND ROOF-TOP PLANTERS TO IMPROVE THE AESTHETIC OUTLOOK.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 12 THIS YEAR.
_ _ _ _ u _ _ _ -
SITE FORMATION FOR RURAL * * *
PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (TDD) IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SITE FORMATION WORK OF THE SECOND RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTA AT SIN YAN TSENG, CHEUNG CHAU.
THE SITE COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 45,000 SQUARE METRES.
/WORK IS .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
WQRK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 19.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM WILBUR SMITH ASSOCIATES, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR TDD’S SOUTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AT SUITE 805, TSIM SHA TSUI CENTRE, WEST WING, 66 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
- - 0 - -
ROAD SAFETY IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE
*****
ROAD SAFETY IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE AND THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED TO REDUCE THE NUMBERS WHO ARE KILLED AND INJURED ON THE ROADS, THE POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER, HONG KONG ISLAND, MR RICHARD SMALLSHAW, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR SMALLSHAW SAID IT WAS VITAL THAT ROADS AND PAVEMENTS WERE USED PROPERLY.
"TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND SIGNS MUST BE OBEYED AND PEDESTRIANS MUST CROSS AT DEDICATED CROSSING POINTS WHERE THEY ARE PROVIDED.
"TO DO OTHERWISE IS OFTEN DANGEROUS AND CAN RESULT IN DEATH OR INJURY," HE SAID.
MR SMALLSHAW WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF APPOINTMENT TO ROAD SAFETY PATROL OFFICERS OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE ROAD SAFETY PATROL SCHEME WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1963. THERE ARE NOW 50 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME IN THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGION.
- - 0 - -
COMMUNITY LEADERS URGED TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON URGED COMMUNITY LEADERS TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW OFFICES OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE, MR HSU URGED THEM TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS AND VOTE IN NEXT YEAR'S ELECTIONS.
/MR HSU
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
- 12 -
MR HSU NOTED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A DEMAND FOR A GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING IN NORTH DISTRICT EVER SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN 1979.
THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING SHOULD SATISFY THIS DEMAND, HE ADDED.
THE SIX-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, LOCATED AT 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, ACCOMMODATES THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND 12 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE AND CONVENIENT SERVICES TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
------0--------
ANTI-BURGLARY AND ROBBERY SEMINAR IN MONG KOK * * * * *
AN ANTI-BURGLARY AND ROBBERY SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN MONG KOK ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 23) TO DRAW RESIDENTS’ ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANCE OF HOME SECURITY.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE URBAN COUNCIL FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX.
ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE POLICE KOWLOON REGIONAL CRIME PREVENTION UNIT (MONG KOK), MR LEUNG HAK-WUN, AND A STATION OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, MR YU CHIU-MAN.
THERE WILL BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE "TENANTS AND CARETAKERS QUIZ COMPETITION" HELD EARLIER IN THE DISTRICT.
THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE A FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR JUSTEIN WONG; THE ASSISTANT MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT FUNG; POLICE ASSISTANT DISTRICT COMMANDER (OPERATIONS) IN MONG KOK, MR LUNG HUNG-CHEUK; AND THE DFCC CHAIRMAN, MRS TAM CHEUNG KIT-YING.
--------0-----------
/13 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
13
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW AT CITYPLAZA
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND WORKERS’ STATUTORY BENEFITS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA II, TAIKOO SHING, IN EASTERN DISTRICT.
IT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS STAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT IN VARIOUS COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
THE EXHIBITION WILL INTRODUCE IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND THROUGH INTERESTING ILLUSTRATIONS THE MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, SUCH AS PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, MATERNITY PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, LONG SERVICE PAYMENT AND SEVERANCE PAYMENT.
SPONSORED BY THE CITYPLAZA MANAGEMENT WHICH PROVIDES THE VENUE FREE OF CHARGE, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10.30 AM TO 7 PM UNTIL MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 24).
LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON LABOUR RELATIONS AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A QUIZ ON LABOUR LAWS TO AROUSE VISITORS’ INTEREST. WINNERS MAY JOIN A LUCKY DRAW WITH ATTRACTIVE PRIZES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR’S SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS IN DECEMBER.
------0--------
YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL IN OCTOBER *****
PERFORMANCES BY
YOUTH CHINESE
MUSIC LOVERS WILL HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO ENJOY LOCAL AND CHINESE MUSICIANS DURING THE 1990 HONG KONG MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BE HELD FROM OCTOBER 20 TO 27.
COMPRISING A SERIES OF CONCERTS, MASTERCLASSES, DEMONSTRATIONS, THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED ANNUALLY OFFICE TO ENHANCE THE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE IN HONG STIMULATE GREATER INTEREST IN CHINESE MUSIC.
LECTURES AND BY THE MUSIC
KONG AND TO
THE OPENING CONCERT ON OCTOBER 20, FEATURING F£MOUS COMPOSITIONS, WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. IT WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
FOUR GUEST MUSICIANS FROM CHINA - SAO HIOUX CHUN (GUZHENG), CT ORTA KU (PIPA). TSUI HUNG (PIPA) AND CAI JINGMIN (DIZI) - WILL GIVE DEMONSTRATION PERFORMANCES AND CONDUCT MASTERCLASSES AT VARIOUS MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
/IN SUPPORT .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
- 14 -
IN SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL, THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL ORGANISE A CONCERT ON OCTOBER 25 WITH PERFORMANCESBY THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA. IT WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, WAN CHAI.
TWO OTHER CONCERTS - THE INTERFLOW CONCERT AND THE JING YING CONCERT - WILL BE STAGED AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON OCTOBER 21 AND AT THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS DRAMA THEATRE ON OCTOBER 25.
THE TWO CONCERTS WILL START AT 2.15 PM AND 7.45 PM RESPECTIVELY.
PERFORMING AT THE JING YING CONCERT WILL BE THE GUEST MUSICIANS FROM CHINA, THE MUSIC OFFICE’S HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE PLUCKED STRING ORCHESTRA AND WINNERS IN THE SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL.
A FINALE CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 27 AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL, WITH PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND RENOWNED MUSICIANS.
TICKETS FOR THE CONCERTS, EXCEPT THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE INTERFLOW CONCERTS WHICH ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AT $20 AND $30 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 475 0465.
---------0-----------
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 20 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1990
15
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE TAKE PLACE:
WILL
DATE
TIME
OCTOBER 1 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 2 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 5 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 10 I PM
OCTOBER 8 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 9 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 10 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 1 1 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 12 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 15 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 16 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 17 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 18 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 10 PM
OCTOBER 19 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 22 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 23 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 24 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 25 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 29 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 30 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
OCTOBER 31 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT STATEMENT FOLLOWING HANOI TALKS .................................. 1
CRIME SITUATION NOT OUT OF CONTROL: CHIEF SECRETARY .................... 4
RELENTLESS ACTION AGAINST CRIMINALS STRESSED ........................... 6
MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER PRESENTS A CHALLENGE ...................... 7
POLICE ANTI-CRIME OPERATIONS RESULT IN ARRESTS ......................... 8
NEW MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROPOSED ...................... 9
HK CUSTOMS SERVICE ONE OF WORLD'S FINEST .............................. 10
JOINT EFFORT TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR ELDERLY .............. 11
CASH ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM'S FAMILY ................... 12
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ................................... 12
MONG KOK RESIDENTS URGED TO KEEP CLEAN ................................ 13
FINALE TO SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ......................... 14
WATER CUT IN SHAM SHUI PO
14
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, .990
1
JOINT STATEMENT FOLLOWING HANOI TALKS * * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE JOINT STATEMENT AND TWO AIDE MEMOIRES ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG, THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES FOLLOWING THEIR TALKS IN HANOI FROM SEPTEMBER 19 TO 21, 1990:
JOINT STATEMENT
DELEGATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM AND OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES HELD TALKS IN HANOI ON 19 - 21 SEPTEMBER 1990 ON THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION (CPA) AS A FURTHER STEP IN THE CONTINUING DIALOGUE TO ACHIEVE MULTILATERAL CONSENSUS WITHIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES (ICIR) .
THEY REAFFIRMED THAT THEIR OBJECTIVE REMAINS A COMPREHENSIVE AND DURABLE SOLUTION TO THE WHOLE COMPLEX OF PROBLEMS POSED BY THE EXODUS OF VIETNAMESE ASYLUM SEEKERS. ALL PARTIES WELCOMED AND RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE BY THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND OTHER DONORS TO THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND DURABLE SOLUTION.
THEY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
(A) PRIORITY WILL CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN TO THE RETURN OF VOLUNTEERS TO WHICH END A NUMBER OF DETAILED CHANGES TO EXISTING PROCEDURES WERE EXAMINED AND ADOPTED. THE AIM IS THE EARLY ACHIEVEMENT OF THE RATE OF RETURN OF 1,000 PER MONTH FROM HONG KONG AGREED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM IN FEBRUARY 1990.
(B) AS THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS THE COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION, THEY AGREED THE MODALITIES OF REPATRIATING THOSE WHO, WHILE NOT VOLUNTEERING TO RETURN, ARE NEVERTHELESS NOT OPPOSED TO GOING BACK, WITH UNHCR PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH ITS HUMANITARIAN MANDATE.
FINALLY, THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM AND OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG DECIDED THAT, IF THE MEASURES AGREED DURING THEIR HANOI TALKS FAIL TO ESTABLISH AN ACCELERATED FLOW OF RETURNS, THEY WILL CONDUCT AN URGENT REVIEW IN ORDER TO ENSURE, THROUGH FURTHER MEASURES, THAT PROGRESS TOWARDS THEIR OVERALL OBJECTIVE IS MAINTAINED.
/AIDE MEMORIE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
AIDE MEMOIRE ON MODALITIES OF RETURN UNDER THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME
IN FURTHERANCE OF PREVIOUS UNDERSTANDINGS, THE FOLLOWING IMPROVEMENTS WERE AGREED:
1. THE UNHCR WILL SUBMIT LISTS CONTAINING THE NAMES AND OTHER DETAILS REQUESTED BY THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT TN RESPECT OF THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER TO RETURN TO VIETNAM. WITHIN ONE MONTH OF RECEIPT OF EACH SUCH LIST, THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL CONFIRM THE LIST OF PERSONS RETURNING, AND AUTHORISE THEIR RETURN.
2. IF THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO EXERCISE ITS RIGHT TO SEND OFFICIALS TO HONG KONG TO INTERVIEW RETURNEES, THIS WILL BE DONE WITHIN THE ONE MONTH OF RECEIPT OF EACH LIST OF RETURNEES MENTIONED IN PARAGRAPH ONE ABOVE.
3. THE UNHCR WILL INFORM THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT OF THE DATE, PLACE AND FLIGHT DETAILS OF THE RETURN ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF THE FLIGHT AND SEEK THE NECESSARY DIPLOMATIC CLEARANCE. THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL INFORM THE UNHCR OF ITS AUTHORISATION OF THE FLIGHT AT LEAST 72 HOURS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE OF THE FLIGHT.
4. THE UNHCR WILL PROVIDE THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WITH A DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE RETURNEES AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL.
5. IF SO REQUIRED BY THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT, THE UNHCR WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WITH HEALTH CERTIFICATES IN RESPECT OF THE RETURNEES AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL. HOWEVER, THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER WHETHER IT IS WILLING TO CONDUCT ANY NECESSARY MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS IN VIETNAM FOLLOWING RETURN, AND SO DISPENSE WITH THE NEED FOR HEALTH CERTIFICATES ON ARRIVAL.
/AIDE MEMOIRE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
AIDE MEMOIRE ON MODALITIES OF RETURN FOR THOSE NON-VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE NOT OPPOSED TO REPATRIATION
BUILDING ON PREVIOUS UNDERSTANDINGS AND EXPERIENCE, THE
FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL MEASURES WERE AGREED:
1. THE AGREED OBJECTIVE IS TO INITIATE A CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF REPATRIATION OF THOSE NON-REFUGEES WHO, WHILE NOT VOLUNTEERING TO RETURN TO VIETNAM, ARE NEVERTHELESS NOT OPPOSED TO REPATRIATION. THIS PROGRAMME IS ADDITIONAL TO THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME.
2. UNHCR WILL SUBMIT LISTS CONTAINING THE NAMES AND OTHER DETAILS REQUESTED BY THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT. WITHIN ONE MONTH OF RECEIPT OF EACH SUCH LIST, THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL CONFIRM THE LIST OF PERSONS RETURNING AND AUTHORISE THEIR RETURN.
3. THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT EXERCISE ITS RIGHT TO SEND OFFICIALS TO HONG KONG TO INTERVIEW RETURNEES IN THIS CATEGORY.
4. THE UNHCR WILL INFORM THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT OF THE DATE, PLACE AND FLIGHT DETAILS OF THE RETURN ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE OF THE FLIGHT AND SEEK THE NECESSARY DIPLOMATIC CLEARANCE. THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL INFORM THE UNHCR OF ITS AUTHORISATION OF THE FLIGHT AT LEAST 72 HOURS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DEPARTURE OF THE FLIGHT.
5. THE UNHCR WILL PROVIDE THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WITH A DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE RETURNEES AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL.
6. IF SO REQUIRED BY THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT, THE UNHCR WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WITH HEALTH CERTIFICATES IN RESPECT OF THE RETURNEES AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL. HOWEVER, THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER WHETHER IT IS WILLING TO CONDUCT ANY NECESSARY MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS IN VIETNAM FOLLOWING RETURN, AND SO DISPENSE WITH THE NEED FOR HEALTH CERTIFICATES ON ARRIVAL.
7. RETURNEES TN THIS CATEGORY WILL ENJOY THE SAME GUARANTEES AS FORESEEN IN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING OF 13 DECEMBER 1988 BETWEEN THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM AND UNHCR, WILL BE REINTEGRATED ACCORDING TO THE SAME PROCEDURES APPLYING TO VOLUNTARY RETURNEES, AND WILL RECEIVE THE SAME ASSISTANCE AS THE LATTER.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
CRIME SITUATION NOT OUT OF CONTROL: CHIEF SECRETARY
********
THE CRIME SITUATION IN HONG KONG IS NOT OUT OF CONTROL AND IT IS STILL A SAFE CITY, HOWEVER, THERE ARE THREE MAIN WAYS IN WHICH THE CRIME SITUATION CAN BE TACKLED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER CHAIRING A MEETING OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE’VE HAD A VERY USEFUL DISCUSSION IN THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE ABOUT THE LEVEL OF CRIME GENERALLY IN HONG KONG, AND IN PARTICULAR ABOUT THE PUBLIC CONCERNS WITH LAW AND ORDER."
"ON THE LEVEL OF CRIME, IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE GET IT IN PERSPECTIVE. THE CRIME SITUATION IN HONG KONG IS NOT OUT OF CONTROL. HONG KONG IS STILL A SAFE CITY, AND WE ARE DETERMINED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT REMAINS A SAFE CITY.
"WE ARE IN NO WAY COMPLACENT ABOUT THE SITUATION. WE REALISE THAT THE PUBLIC IS WORRIED, IN PARTICULAR ABOUT THE RECENT SPATE OF ARMED ROBBERIES AND ABOUT TRIAD ACTIVITY GENERALLY IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ONE OF THE THREE WAYS TO TACKLE THE SITUATION, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WAS BY POLICE OPERATIONS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
"WE’VE HEARD FROM THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO STEP UP THEIR ACTIVITIES IN TERMS OF ACTION AGAINST ARMED ROBBERIES AND AGAINST TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
"I THINK WE WERE ALL REASSURED TO HEAR AND TO BELIEVE THAT THE POLICE FORCE IS WELL ON TOP OF THE PROBLEM. WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE IN HONG KONG IN HAVING A HIGHLY MOTIVATED, PROFESSIONAL, WELL-TRAINED AND WELL-EQUIPPED POLICE FORCE THAT IS CAPABLE AND ABLE TO DO THE JOB, AND WE WILL GIVE IT THE SUPPORT THAT IT NEEDS," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE POLICE, HOWEVER, CANNOT OPERATE ONLY IN A VACUUM; THEY CANNOT COMBAT CRIME ON THEIR OWN. THEY NEED PUBLIC CO-OPERATION AND PUBLIC SUPPORT, AND WE ARE LOOKING AT WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN HELP THE POLICE GET MORE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME," HE ADDED.
ANOTHER AREA IN WHICH THE SITUATION COULD BE TACKLED WAS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE LAWS WERE ADEQUATE TO DEAL WITH THE PRESENT SITUATION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
"THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS PRESENTLY REVIEWING THE LAW IN A NUMBER OF AREAS, IN PARTICULAR IN WAYS IN WHICH ORGANISED CRIME CAN BE DEALT WITH, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING PROPOSALS FROM HIM VERY SHORTLY IN THAT RESPECT," SIR DAVID SAID.
"NOW, WHAT WE INTEND TO DO IS THAT WE BELIEVE THAT WE MUST CARRY THE CAMPAIGN FORWARD," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
/"I HAVE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
5
"I HAVE ASKED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A MEETING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WITH THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES’ CHAIRMEN, AND THAT WE WILL MAKE A PRESENTATION TO THEM ON THE MEASURES WHICH ARE BEING TAKEN TO DEAL WITH THE PRESENT SITUATION IN TERMS OF POLICE OPERATIONS, OUR PROPOSALS FOR MORE PUBLIC CO-OPERATION AND OUR REFORM IN THE LAW," HE ADDED.
"WE WILL BE VERY INTERESTED TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS OBVIOUSLY, AND ANY IDEAS WHICH THEY HAVE,” HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON YESTERDAY’S ROBBERY AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, SIR DAVID SAID: "I’D LIKE TO SAY THAT THERE IS NO SUGGESTION WHATSOEVER THAT THIS WAS A CHALLENGE TO POLICE AUTHORITY. IT WAS A CRIME, A REGRETTABLE CRIME, BUT IT WAS NOT SPECIFICALLY AIMED AT THE POLICE FORCE, OR INDEED, AT THE COMMISSIONER HIMSELF."
"THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THE ROBBERS CONCERNED KNEW THAT THEY WERE ROBBING THE HOUSE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT, BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY, THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THAT CASE WILL HAVE AN EFFECT ON PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. BUT IT’S IMPORTANT THAT IT SHOULD BE SAID IN THAT CONTEXT," HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT MORALE IN THE POLICE FORCE AND JUNIOR OFFICERS’ DISSATISFACTION WITH THE RECENT PAY REVIEW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP THESE TWO ISSUES SEPARATE.
"THIS POINT WAS MADE VERY STRONGLY BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER TO US THIS MORNING THAT YES, THERE IS SOME UNHAPPINESS WITHIN THE POLICE FORCE AND HAS BEEN ANYWAY ABOUT THEIR CONDITIONS AND PAY, BUT THAT THERE HAS NOT IN ANY WAY AFFECTED THEIR ABILITY TO FIGHT CRIME IN HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE TWO ISSUES ARE TOTALLY SEPARATE. HE MADE THE POINT, AND I ABSOLUTELY ENDORSE IT THAT IT IS NOT IN ANY WAY A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO. THAT TO SUGGEST THAT ON THE ONE HAND THE POLICE UNHAPPINESS WITH PAY SHOULD HAVE AN EFFECT ON THEIR CRIME FIGHTING ABILITY, IS SOMETHING WHICH I THINK THEY RESENT MOST STRONGLY AND FEEL VERY STRONGLY ABOUT IT," HE ADDED.
"I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO SEB WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS BETWEEN SOMEONE WHO IS UNSETTLED ABOUT HIS PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, AND ALLOWING THAT PROFESSIONALLY TO AFFECT THE WAY IN WHICH HE DOES HIS WORK," SIR DAVID POINTED OUT.
"I THINK THE POLICE FORCE AS A WHOLE WOULD ACCEPT THAT ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE HAD SOME DIFFERENCES OVER THE QUESTION OF PAY, THAT HAS NOT AFFECTED THEIR ABILITY TO DEAL WITH CRIME IN HONG KONG. THERE IS NO SUGGESTION WHATSOEVER THAT THEIR EFFICIENCY HAS BEEN IMPAIRED," HE SAID.
/"IF YOU .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
- 6 -
"IF YOU HAVE A SITUATION IN WHICH PEOPLE TOTALLY LOSE MOTIVATION AND ARE NO LONGER INTERESTED IN THE JOB AND ARE LEAVING IN LARGE NUMBERS, THEN THAT WILL AFFECT THEIR ABILITY. BUT THERE IS NO SUGGESTION FROM THE POLICE FORCE EITHER FROM THE OFFICERS OR THE SENIOR OFFICERS OR FROM THE RANK AND FILE, THAT THAT SITUATION APPERTAINED IN HONG KONG," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
ASKED IF THE RECENT SPATE OF CRIMES WOULD AFFECT HONG KONG’S IMAGE ABROAD, SIR DAVID SAID: "I THINK THERE IS A DANGER ALWAYS WHEN THERE IS HIGH PROFILE CRIME WHICH CATCHES THE PUBLIC HEADLINES THAT IT WILL BE TAKEN OUT OF PERSPECTIVE."
"THAT IS WHY I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE IN HONG KONG SEE THE PROBLEM IN PERSPECTIVE. IT IS A FACT THAT IN HONG KONG WE ARE ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD; SAFEST IN THE REGION; SAFEST IN THE WEST, AND WE INTEND TO KEEP IT A SAFE CITY," HE SAID.
"CLEARLY, THOSE HIGH PROFILE CRIMES THAT DO CATCH THE HEADLINES DO HAVE AN IMPACT HERE AND OVERSEAS, AND WE MUST TAKE THAT INTO ACCOUNT," HE ADDED.
ASKED IF LAW AND ORDER WAS DETERIORATING BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE IN CRIME RATE, SIR DAVID SAID: "IN SOME AREAS OUR CRIME IS INCREASING, BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE FIGURES OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS; IF YOU LOOK AT THE CRIME PER THOUSAND POPULATION, YOU WILL SEE THAT OUR CRIME NOW IS NO HIGHER THAT IT WAS 10 YEARS AGO."
"THAT IS A REMARKABLE RECORD. ONE WHICH WE MUST BEAR IN MIND AND WE MUST KEEP IN OUR MIND. CRIME IS NOT OUT OF CONTROL. HONG KONG IS NOT AN UNSAFE CITY, BUT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WHICH WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH. WE BELIEVE WE ARE GOING TO DEAL WITH THEM AS VIGOROUSLY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
--------0-----------
RELENTLESS ACTION AGAINST CRIMINALS STRESSED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, TODAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED THAT THE FORCE WOULD BE RELENTLESS IN ITS ACTION AGAINST CRIMINALS.
SPEAKING AFTER A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN, MR LI SAID THAT POLICE HAD LAUNCHED A MASSIVE SERIES OF DUSK-TO-DAWN ANTI-CRIME OPERATIONS DURING THE PAST WEEK.
AS A RESULT OVER 350 CRIMINALS, 30 WANTED PERSONS AND BETWEEN 600 AND 700 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED.
HE SAID THE OPERATION INVOLVED POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, EMERGENCY UNITS, OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL AND OFFICERS FROM THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME GROUP.
/AT THE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
AT THE SAME TIME DAILY POLICE OPERATE MS WERE Al O CARRIED OUT RESULTING IN 30 BURGLARY CASES BEING UNCOVERED, 50 ROBBERY CASES DETECTED AND THE RECOVERY OF THREE GUNS.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO MOUNT SUCH OPERATIC. S AGAIN IN THE FUTURE," MR LI STRESSED.
POINTING OUT THAT MAXIMUM EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO COMBAT CRIME, MR LI ASSURED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT POLICE WERE NOT LOSING CONTROL OF THE SITUATION.
TURNING TO YESTERDAY'S ROBBERY AT HIS OWN PREMISES, MR LI SAID IT WAS AN UNFORTUNATE ISOLATED INCIDENT. "THE ROBBERS WERE JUST LOOKING FOR MONEY."
"LIKE ANY HUSBAND I WAS CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE," HE ADDED.
THE INCIDENT, HE SAID, RESULTED FROM SOME NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF A MAID WHO ALLOWED PEOPLE TO ENTER THE HOUSE WITHOUT CHECKING IDENTITY.
SUBSEQUENTLY MRS LI HAD SUPPLIED ALL THE NECESSARY DETAILED INFORMATION AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE WANTED PERSONS TO THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS.
USING HIS WIFE'S ACTION AS AN EXMAPLE, MR LI SAID THAT AT THIS JUNCTURE HE WOULD LIKE TO APPEAL TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO GIVE THE SAME CO-OPERATION TO THE POLICE IF THEY WERE EVER WITNESSES TO CRIME.
"WITH THIS TYPE OF CO-OPERATION PUBLIC WE WILL ACHIEVE THE SAME GOAL, CONCLUDED.
BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE WHICH IS A GOOD THING," HE
--------0-----------
MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER PRESENTS A CHALLENGE
THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER PRESENTED EVEN MORE OF A CHALLENGE TO POLICE OFFICERS IN THESE YEARS OF TRANSITION LEADING TO 1997, OMELCO MEMBER MRS ROSANNA TAM SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
ADDRESSING A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG, MRS TAM SAID THE WAY POLICE OFFICERS BEHAVED IN COMBATING ANY DANGER OF LAWLESSNESS WOULD AFFECT THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
"YOUR SUCCESS IN DEALING WITH THE SORT OF VIOLENT INCIDENT WB HAVE SEEN HERE RECENTLY WILL DO MUCH TO ENCOURAGE THEIR CO-OPERATION. THE MORE YOU HAVE THE CO-OPERATION OF ORDINARY PEOPLE, THE EASIER YOUR TASK WILL BE."
/MRS TAM ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 19'9
- 8 -
MRS TAM TOLD THE GRADUATING OFFICERS 1'HAT THE MOST SERIOUS AND CENTRAL TASK AND THE ONE WHICH MUST HAVE DRAWN THEM TC A POLICE CAREER IN THE FIRST PLACE WAS TO ENSURE THAT LAW AND ORDER WERE MAINTAINED WITHIN THE TERRITORY.
"THE TASK WOULD INVOLVE YOU IN AN ENORMOUS VARIETY OF DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES,” SHE ADDED.
"YOUR TRAINING WILL HAVE PREPARED YOU AT YOUR VARIOUS LEVELS FOR THE WIDE RANGE OF DUTIES THAT COME WITHIN THE SCOPE OF A POLICE OFFICER’S WORK," MRS TAM SAID.
SHE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT POLICE OFFICERS NEEDED TO BE TOUGH AND HAVE HIGH STANDARDS.
"THEY MUST HAVE THE HIGHEST INTEGRITY AND STICK TO THE PRINCIPLES THEY KNOW ARE RIGHT. BUT ALSO, IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THEIR ROLE SUCCESSFULLY, TO INSPIRE TRUST AND GAIN CO-OPERATION, THEY HAVE TO BE TACTFUL, CARING AND HUMANE.
"POLICEMEN AND POLICEWOMEN ARE PEOPLE FOR WHOM WE SHOULD FEEL RESPECT; WHO SERVE SOCIETY, ASSIST IN ITS WEAKER MEMBERS, THOSE IN TROUBLE OR DIFFICULTY, THE ELDERLY, THE CHILDREN; AND KEEP ORDER IN THE COMMUNITY," MRS TAM SAID.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 32 PROBATIONARY INSPECTORS AND 189 CONSTABLE RECRUITS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEIR BASIC TRAINING.
--------0-----------
POLICE ANTI-CRIME OPERATIONS RESULT IN ARRESTS * * ♦ ♦ ♦
TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-CRIME OPERATIONS OVER THE PAST WEEK HAVE RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 380 INDIVIDUALS FOR A VARIETY OF OFFENCES AND THE DISCOVERY OF 33 WANTED PERSONS.
A TOTAL OF 650 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ALSO ARRESTED.
FORMATIONS TAKING PART INCLUDED THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, EMERGENCY UNITS, ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME GROUP, REGIONAL CID AND UNIFORM BRANCH PERSONNEL.
IN ADDITION TO THESE FORCEWIDE OPERATIONS, DAY-TO-DAY POLICE DUTIES WERE SUCCESSFUL IN THE DETECTION OF 29 CASES OF BURGLARY AND 50 CASES OF ROBBERY.
OF PARTICULAR NOTE DURING THIS PERIOD WERE THE FOLLOWING CASES INVOLVING THE ARREST OF PERSONS IN POSSESSION OF FIREARMS :
/* ON SEPTEMBER ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
9 -
* ON SEPTEMBER 12, FOLLOWING AN AMBUSH BY POLICE IN A CARPARK ON TSING YI ISLAND, ONE CHINESE MAN AND TWO CHINESE WOMEN WERE ARRESTED AND A GENUINE CHINESE MADE 7.62MM AUTOMATIC PISTOL WAS SEIZED TOGETHER WITH 14 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION.
* IN THE EARLY MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 18, POLICE IN MONG KOK ARRESTED TWO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ONE OF WHOM WAS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF A CHINESE 7.62MM AUTOMATIC PISTOL AND EIGHT ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION. THE ARRESTED PERSONS, TOGETHER WITH OTHERS, HAD RECENTLY ARRIVED IN HONG KONG.
* IN THE EARLY MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 18, DURING A RAID IN SAU MAU PING, CUSTOMS OFFICERS ARRESTED TWO MEN FOR POSSESSION OF 2.5 KILOGRAMS OF NO. 4 HEROIN AND SEIZED AN 7.62MM AUTOMATIC PISTOL AND SIX ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, SAID POLICE ACTION TO DETECT AND THWART GANG ACTIVITY HAD BEEN STEPPED UP AND WOULD CONTINUE.
--------0
NEW MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROPOSED « t t » »
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INTRODUCE NEW LEGISLATION WHICH WILL MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA TO FIND EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WOULD BE MADE TO CREATE A NEW OFFENCE FOR A MAIN CONTRACTOR ALLOWING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO BE PRESENT ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE UNDER HIS CONTROL, MR STRACHAN SAID.
ADDRESSING THE VICTORIA JAYCEES 40TH ANNIVERSARY BALL, MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE OF EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BE INCREASED.
IN ADDITION, THE FINE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOUND STAYING IN HONG KONG OR ILLEGALLY ENTERING HONG KONG WOULD BE INCREASED.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT APPRECIATED THAT THESE PROPOSALS POSED PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES FOR MAIN CONTRACTORS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
"SO WE INTEND TO INCLUDE A 'DUE DILIGENCE’ CLAUSE IN THE REVISED LEGISLATION SUCH THAT IT SHALL BE A DEFENCE IF A DEFENDANT PROVES THAT HE HAS TAKEN ALL PRACTICABLE STEPS TO PREVENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM BEING ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE UNDER HIS CONTROL AND TO ASCERTAIN THAT ALL HIS EMPLOYEES ARE LAWFULLY EMPLOYABLE," HE SAID.
i
/"THE HEAVY .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
"THE HEAVY FINE PROPOSED AIMS TO PRC v I DE A STRONG DETERRENT AGAINST PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS CONNIVING AT THE EMPLOYMEN I’ OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BY SUB-CONTRACTORS."
MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT ' [ESE PROPOSALS WOULD PROVIDE A LOGICAL AND FAIR LEGAL FRAMEWOF FOR CONTROLLING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND THEY HAD A CLEAR MESSAGE.
"GIVEN THE LEVEL OF FINE, IT WILL NOT BE COST-EFFECTIVE TO RISK EMPLOYING AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, AND THERE IS NO POINT IN COMING TO HONG KONG ILLEGALLY BECAUSE THERE WILL BE NO WORK AVAILABLE."
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE DISCUSSING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN CANTON TO SEEK THEIR ASSISTANCE TO GET THIS MESSAGE ACROSS.
"THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY AND THE BATTLE AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WILL CONTINUE," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
HK CUSTOMS SERVICE ONE OF WORLD’S FINEST ♦ * » * t
THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IS ONE OF THE FINEST IN THE WORLD, THE COMMISSIONER, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR WILLIAMSON WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF CUSTOMS INSPECTORS AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS.
HE LISTED A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY THE SERVICE HAS SUCH A REPUTATION: THE DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM SHOWN BY ITS MEMBERS IN ALL THE DIFFERENT DUTIES IT CARRIES OUT; THE COMPETENCE AND EXPERTISE DISPLAYED ON SO MANY OCCASIONS; THE CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE EXTENDED NOT ONLY TO OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN HONG KONG BUT TO CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS OVERSEAS; THE CHEERFULNESS AND POLITENESS OFFERED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC; AND THE SMARTNESS AND DISCIPLINE DEMONSTRATED AT ALL TIMES.
"AND PERHAPS ABOVE ALL ELSE THE VERY REAL - AND I MIGHT ADD FULLY JUSTIFIED - PRIDE IN BEING A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE," HE SAID.
MR WILLIAMSON ALSO SAID FOR HIM THE PARADE MARKED ALMOST THE END OF FOUR YEARS’ SERVICE AS COMMISSIONER.
"FOR ME, PERSONALLY, THIS IS A SPECIAL AND MEMORABLE DAY: THE LAST TIME I SHALL WEAR A CUSTOMS UNIFORM.
/‘•I HOPE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
- 11 -
"I HOPE YOU CAN WEAR YOUR UNIFORM WITH THE PRIDE THAT I HAVE; IF YOU WILL LIVE UP TO THE STANDARDS EXPECTED OF YOU, THEN YOU WILL HAVE EVERY REASON TO DO SO,” HE SAID.
THE PASSING-OUT SQUADS INCLUDED 26 CUSTOMS INSPECTORS AND 67 CUSTOMS OFFICERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED RESPECTIVELY 26-WBEK AND 13-WEEK RESIDENTIAL TRAINING COURSES AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
--------0-----------
JOINT EFFORT TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR ELDERLY
* ♦ » » »
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE VARIOUS FORMS OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY’8 LUNG HANG HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHA TIN.
MR CARTLAND SAID HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY WERE A FORM OF RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICE WHICH ALLOWED THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, IN THE COMMUNITY WHILE LIVING APART FROM THEIR FAMILIES.
"THE LEVEL OF FAMILY SUPPORT FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE, IN GENERAL, HAS BEEN ON THE DECLINE WITH INCREASING URBANISATION AND THE CORRESPONDING CHANGE IN THE FAMILY STRUCTURE TOWARDS THE SMALL NUCLEAR FAMILY,” HE SAID.
’’THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WOMEN JOINING THE WORK FORCE, FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME, AND THE WIDENING AGE GAP BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE YOUNG, ARE OTHER FACTORS,” HE ADDED.
MR CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT THE HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY ENABLED THE AGED TO MAINTAIN A CLOSE LINK WITH THE COMMUNITY AND TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
’’THE SALVATION ARMY IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTORS OF WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG AND HAS PIONEERED THIS HOSTEL SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS.
"I AM SURE THAT THIS WELL FURNISHED FACILITY, THE THIRD OF ITS KIND TO BE OPERATED BY THE ARMY, WILL OFFER ITS TENANTS A COMFORTABLE ’HOME’ WHILE ENABLING THEM TO CONTINUE AS ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE LUNG HANG COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
------0-------
/12 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
- 12 -
CASH ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM’S FAMILY
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) APPROVED 164,420 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO THE FAMILY OF A TAXI DRIVER KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 1.
THE VICTIM WAS KILLED IN A CAR CRASH INVOLVING A TAXI AND A PRIVATE VEHICLE AT TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME WILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME. IN ANY CASE, THE AMOUNT TO BE REPAID WOULD NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT MAKING APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, VICTORIA CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG OR ON TEL. 570 2410.
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION
*****
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,813,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER EMI FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $550,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER EE22 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $310,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR CB1931, BB35O1, AK1494 AND EK1946.
/FOLLOWING ARE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
- 13 -
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
EJ6388 6,000 EL223 32,000 EMI 550,000 EK9238 6,000
CB1931 1,000 AA1737 8,000 EK817 20,000 EE2002 26,000
EK200 20,000 EJ819 11,000 EJ1386 10,000 AA194 10,000
BB3501 1,000 2212 195,000 EK9388 7,000 EK4228 4,000
AG13 80,000 BB3522 5,000 EE22 310,000 DD1000 41,000
EJ7008 3,000 EJ877 25,000 EJ6889 5,000 AZ486 6,000
EC323 30,000 AB123 60,000 EJ911 55,000 EJ5152 6,000
HK1830 40,000 CA1958 4,000 HK1980 15,000 AR164 5,000
AK1494 1,000 EJ448 30,000 BD897 8,000 EK1946 1,000
EK299 25,000 EK889 35,000 BW3388 110,000 EJ3813 5,000
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY'S SALE, THE 155TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $106,385,505.
--------0-----------
MONG KOK RESIDENTS URGED TO KEEP CLEAN *****
RESIDENTS SHOULD SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN STRIVING FOR A BETTER HOME AND A CLEANER COMMUNITY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR TONG KAM-BIU, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, MR TONG SAID THE SPIRIT OF THE CAMPAIGN WAS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE QUALITY OF LIVING.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINARS AND VISITS, MARKET STALL, BLOCK-TO-BLOCK, STREET AND BUILDING CLEAN-UP COMPETITIONS, AND A YEAR-END CLEAN-UP WILL BE HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR YIM KWOK-ON, ALSO URGED SHOPOWNERS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE BY KEEPING THE PAVEMENTS CLEAN AND TIDY.
/MORE THAN .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1990
- 14 -
MORE THAN 1,000 RESIDENTS ENJOYED A VARIETY SHOW WHICH FOLLOWED THE OPENING CEREMONY.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI.
--------0------------
FINALE TO SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
» * * * »
A VARIETY SHOW TO MARK THE CLOSE OF THIS YEAR'S SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY), BEGINNING AT 3.30 PM.
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION.
A PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM. FOUR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD DEVOTED MUCH EFFORT IN ORGANISING A VARIETY OF EVENTS DURING THE SUMMER WILL RECEIVE AWARDS.
ALSO, A VOTER REGISTRATION COUNTER WILL BE SET UP AT THE VENUE TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO SIGN UP.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CLOSING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND (NEAR CHEUNG SHA WAN MTR STATION).
--------0------------
WATER CUT IN SHAM SHUI PO ♦ » * » »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 24) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY TAI PO ROAD, NAM CHEONG STREET, WOH CHAI STREET AND PAK TIN STREET INCLUDING 180-230 TAI PO ROAD, 203-213 NAM CHEONG STREET, 43-61 BERWICK STREET, 134-138 AND 197-209 PEI HO STREET, AND BLOCKS 25-44 SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HANOI AGREEMENT IS IMPORTANT PROGRESS: GOVERNOR ..................................... 1
HK MUST USE MORE SOPHISTICATED "IT" ................................................. 2
KCR 80TH ANNIVERSARY A NOSTALGIC DAY: GOVERNOR ...................................... 3
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD MUST BE PROTECTED ............................................... 4
WORLD MARITIME DAY 1990 EMPHASISES CLEANER OCEANS ................................... 5
PFA IN CONCRETE SAVES MONEY AND IMPROVES ENVIRONMENT ............................... 6
50 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY .............................................. 7
DREDGING AT OUTER DEEP BAY PROPOSED.................................................. 8
TWO PRIVATE STREETS IN EASTERN TO BE RESUMED ........................................ 9
ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO TSENG LAN SHUE VILLAGE ............................ 10
DANGEROUS OPENINGS ON SITE MUST BE GUARDED ........................................ 10
ENTRY TO 'SAY YES TO LIFE' KARAOKE CONTEST INVITED ................................. 11
SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CLOSES ......................................... 12
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
1
HANOI AGREEMENT IS IMPORTANT PROGRESS: GOVERNOR ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN HANOI YESTERDAY ON THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, WAS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE PROCESS OF RETURNING ALL THE NON-REFUGEES BACK TO VIETNAM.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WEEK IN WAN CHAI, SIR DAVID SAID: "WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IS AN ACCELERATED PROGRAMME, BOTH FOR THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER AND FOR THOSE WHO DON’T ACTIVELY VOLUNTEER."
"THE UNHCR ARE VERY CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS, IN INCHING THE WAY FORWARD IS WHAT IT REALLY IS. MOVING FROM STRAIGHTFORWARD VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION TO ARRANGEMENTS FOR RETURNING TO VIETNAM PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T ACTIVELY VOLUNTEERED, WITH UNHCR FULLY INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS. I SEE THAT IS IMPORTANT," HE SAID.
"THE DETAILS, THE ACTUAL DATES ARE STILL TO BE FIXED. BUT I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO START ON THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"WHAT I LOOK TO IS UNHCR TO PLAY A VERY ACTIVE PART IN THIS PROCESS. A LOT OF COUNSELLING IS GOING TO BE NEEDED AND THAT IS VERY MUCH GOING TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNHCR," HE ADDED.
ASKED IF HE THOUGHT MANDATORY REPATRIATION WOULD GO AHEAD BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, SIR DAVID SAID: "I CERTAINLY HOPE IT WILL GO AHEAD BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. WE DO NEED TO GET ON WITH THIS WHOLE BUSINESS AS QUICKLY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN."
RESPONDING TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE NUMBER TO BE SENT BACK, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY WAY YOU COULD POSSIBLY MAKE AN ESTIMATE LIKE THAT ANY MORE THAN YOU CAN MAKE A PRECISE ESTIMATE OF HOW MANY WILL VOLUNTEER."
"THE IMPORTANT POINT IN THIS IS THAT IT IS MOVING FORWARD THE WHOLE PROCESS OF RETURNING PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES. THAT IS THE KEY POINT," HE SAID.
"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO RETURN TO VIETNAM ALL THOSE WHO ARE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES. IT MUST BE THE OBJECTIVE. YOU CANNOT HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE NON-REFUGEES SPENDING YEAR AFTER YEAR IN CAMPS. THAT IS SIMPLY NOT RIGHT," SIR DAVID SAID.
--------0-----------
/2 .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23,
1990
- 2 -
HK MUST USE MORE SOPHISTICATED "IT" ******
HONG KONG MUST INCREASE THE USE AND SOPHISTICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IF THE TERRITORY IS TO RETAIN ITS POSITION AS A LEADING BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WEEK, SIR DAVID SAID INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WAS TRANSFORMING THE WAY WE WORK, ADDING THAT IN ALMOST EVERY AREA OF BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT, IT COULD BRING NEW STANDARDS OF EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG HAD TAKEN TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WITH ENTHUSIASM AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO REMEMBER HOW WE LIVED BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF THE FAX MACHINE.
"THE NUMBER OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS PER HEAD IN HONG KONG IS HIGH BY REGIONAL STANDARDS. OUR TELECOMMUNICATIONS ARE WORLD-CLASS. OUR FINANCIAL SECTOR AND AIRLINES, IN PARTICULAR, WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT THEM," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HAD BECOME ONE OF THE CORNERSTONES OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.
HE NOTED THAT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WEEK WAS THE LARGEST GROUPING OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-RELATED EVENTS EVER TO BE STAGED IN HONG KONG.
"FOR BUSINESSMEN, THERE IS A GREAT DEAL ON OFFER BOTH IN TERMS OF IDEAS AND PRODUCTS. FOR THE PUBLIC, AND ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG, THERE ARE A WIDE RANGE OF EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISERS OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WEEK FOR BRINGING TOGETHER THE UNIQUE COMBINATION OF EVENTS BEFORE OFFICIATING AT A "HIGH-TECH" RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY.
---------0-----------
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
- 3 -
KCR 80TH ANNIVERSARY A NOSTALGIC DAY: GOVERNOR
*****
THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IS A NOSTALGIC DAY AND IT IS ALSO A DAY FOR SEEING HOW FAR WE HAVE COME SINCE THE ’’GOOD OLD DAYS”, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE NOSTALGIC TRAIN JOURNEY TO CELEBRATE THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, SIR DAVID SAID: "WHAT BETTER WAY OF CELEBRATING THE KCR’S SUCCESS AND ITS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE THAN A NOSTALGIC TRAIN JOURNEY TO RECALL THE PAST."
"LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE IS EXCITING. BUT THE FASTER THE CHANGES, THE MORE NOSTALGIC THE PAST," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID WHEN THE FIRST PASSENGERS BOARDED THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY 80 YEARS AGO THEY DID SO IN THE MAGNIFICENT SHADOW OF THE PENINSULA HOTEL TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES TO REMOTE CHINA.
"TODAY’S JOURNEY MAY BE LESS ROMANTIC. BUT IT IS COOLER, CLEANER, FASTER - AND YOU CAN DO IT MORE FREQUENTLY," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT KCR COULD BE LOOKED AT IN TWO WAYS.
"IT IS A VITAL LINK WITH SOUTHERN CHINA; A BOND BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES OF HONG KONG AND GUANGZHOU; ONE END OF THE LINE WHICH CAN, IF YOU WISH, FINISH AT VICTORIA STATION, LONDON.
"OR, AS IT IS FOR MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE, A WORKHORSE FORM OF COMMUNICATION; A DAILY FORM OF TRAVEL; THE LINE WHICH ENABLES THEM TO LEAVE CROWDED LIVING CONDITIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON AND TO COMMUTE TO WORK FROM THE MORE RELAXED ENVIRONMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS AT SHA TIN, TAI PO AND FANLING."
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE RAILWAY HAD DEVELOPED A GREAT DEAL IN THE PAST 80 YEARS.
"AND THE SPEED OF CHANGE IS GETTING FASTER; FROM STEAM TO DIESEL IN 1962; FROM DIESEL TO ELECTRIC IN 1982.
"WHO KNOWS WHAT FUTURE CHANGES THE NEXT 80 YEARS WILL HOLD," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID CONGRATULATED THE KCRC AND WISHED IT EVERY SUCCESS AS THE RAILWAY GLIDED FORWARD INTO ITS NINTH DECADE OF PUBLIC SERVICE.
---------0-----------
/4 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
4
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD MUST BE PROTECTED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN ARE PROTECTED FROM ABUSE AND ARE ABLE TO GROW UP IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF HAPPINESS, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.
SPEAKING AT THE CHILDREN CANDLELIGHT VIGILS AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, MRS WONG SAID WE HAD TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THOSE DISADVANTAGED OR VULNERABLE CHILDREN WHO COULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY LOOKED AFTER BY THEIR FAMILIES.
"IN CASES WHERE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS DO NOT OR ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A HOME FOR THE CHILD, OR WHEN THE PARENTS REFUSE TO EXERCISE PROPER CARE AND CONTROL OVER THEIR CHILDREN, THEN STATUTORY OR NON-STATUTORY PROTECTIVE CARE WILL BE PROVIDED.
"IN HONG KONG THIS CARE MAY BE PROVIDED THROUGH ADOPTION, FOSTER-CARE, OR A VARIETY OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, DEPENDING ON THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD IN QUESTION," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE RIGHT TO CARE EXTENDED TO CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, AND SO THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO DEVELOPING PROGRAMMES TO LOOK AFTER OLDER CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS WERE UNABLE TO CARE FOR THEM ALL DAY.
"ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RIGHTS OF THE CHILD IS THAT THE CHILD SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM VIOLENCE, INJURY, MALTREATMENT AND OTHER FORMS OF ABUSE.
"THE CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES UNIT WAS ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN 1983 TO PROVIDE IN-DEPTH ATTENTION TO THE WELFARE OF ABUSED CHILDREN," MRS WONG SAID.
"WE CONTINUE TO MAKE STRENUOUS EFFORTS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO IDENTIFY AND PREVENT CHILD ABUSE, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME WE ARE DRAWING UP LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL ACCORD GREATER PROTECTION TO CHILDREN SUSPECTED OF BEING IN THIS TRAGIC SITUATION," SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE RIGHT FOR DISABLED CHILDREN, MRS WONG SAID: "THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO SPECIAL CARE, AND THROUGH THE NETWORK OF REHABILITATION SERVICES WE AIM TO ENSURE THAT THEIR NEEDS FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING ARE MET TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY TO DO SO.
"I ALSO BELIEVE THAT CHILDHOOD SHOULD BE A TIME OF HAPPINESS, AND THAT CHILDREN HAVE A NEED, AND A RIGHT, TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN GAMES WITH OTHERS OF THEIR OWN AGE, OR TO GO ON OUTINGS WITH THEIR SCHOOLMATES.
"SUCH THINGS COST MONEY, AND FOR PARENTS WHO DEPEND ON SOCIAL SECURITY, MAY BE BEYOND THEIR MEANS.
"IT IS WITH THIS IN MIND THAT THE RECENTLY ISSUED DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND IS PROPOSING A CHILD SUPPLEMENT TO LET FAMILIES ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MEET THE EXTRA NEEDS OF THEIR CHILDREN," MRS WONG SAID.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
- 5
WORLD MARITIME DAY 1990 EMPHASISES CLEANER OCEANS *****
THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO) HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE CELEBRATION OF WORLD MARITIME DAY 1990 (WMD) IS TO TAKE PLACE DURING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24 TO 28.
IN HIS MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBER STATES, THE IMO SECRETARY GENERAL, MR WILLIAM O’NEIL, SAID THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S WMD IS "CLEANER OCEANS: THE ROLE OF IMO IN THE 1990’S".
MR O’NEIL SAID: "ALTHOUGH MARITIME SAFETY REMAINS THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE IMO, THE ORGANISATION HAS FROM ITS VERY INCEPTION PLACED INCREASING EMPHASIS ON THE PREVENTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION.
"ALONG WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND BODIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM, THE IMO IS NOW FULLY INVOLVED IN THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO HALT AND, IF POSSIBLE, REVERSE THE DEGRADATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE GLOBAL ECOLOGY."
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (SHIPPING), MR JOHN TSE, TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE IMO, HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS IMPLEMENTED AND ENFORCED ALL NECESSARY TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND MEASURES DEVELOPED BY THE IMO AND ARE IN FORCE INTERNATIONALLY.
REFERRING TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS (MARPOL), MR TSE SAID: "PLANNING IS WELL IN HAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PLANT FOR THE RECEPTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF OILY WATER MIXTURE AND NOXIOUS CHEMICAL RESIDUES FROM SHIPS.
"THE NEW PLANT WILL BE LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST OF TSING YI ISLAND.
"THIS WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO FULLY IMPLEMENT ANNEX I AND ANNEX II OF THE MARPOL CONVENTION WHICH HAS BEEN ENFORCED IN HONG KONG."
--------0-----------
/6 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
- 6 -
PFA IN CONCRETE SAVES MONEY
* » *
AND IMPROVES ENVIRONMENT » *
IF ALL CONCRETE WERE TO HAVE PULVERISED-FUEL ASH (PFA) IN IT, HONG KONG COULD SAVE $300 MILLION A YEAR IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DISPOSING OF THE ASH WOULD DISAPPEAR.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY, WORKS BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, MR DICK PILLING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY): "MOREOVER, PFA CONCRETE IS TECHNICALLY SUPERIOR TO ORDINARY CONCRETE."
IN AN EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE THE WIDER USE OF PFA IN CONCRETE, THE WORKS BRANCH HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL CIRCULAR AND GUIDELINES FOR ITS USE, AND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAS ISSUED PRACTICE NOTES FOR AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED CONTRACTORS STATING HOW IT CAN BE USED IN PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDINGS.
"THESE INITIATIVES HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE WORKS BRANCH ON TECHNICAL GROUNDS, THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH ON ENVIRONMENTAL GROUNDS AND THE FINANCE BRANCH FOR ECONOMIC REASONS," MR PILLING SAID.
"AT PRESENT HONG KONG IS USING ABOUT FOUR MILLION TONNES OF CEMENT PER YEAR. SOME IS IMPORTED AS CEMENT, SOME AS CLINKER WHICH IS GROUND INTO CEMENT IN HONG KONG.
"THE AVERAGE COST OF THE IMPORTED MATERIAL IN 1989 WAS ABOUT $300 PER TONNE. IF A QUARTER OF THIS WAS REPLACED BY PFA, THERE WOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE."
PFA IS THE FINE ASH PRODUCED WHEN PULVERISED COAL IS BURNT IN THE POWER STATIONS AT TAP SHEK KOK AND LAMMA ISLAND. ABOUT ONE MILLION TONNES IS PRODUCED ANNUALLY AND THE POWER COMPANIES SPEND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS DISPOSING OF IT AS A WASTE MATERIAL.
BUT, IF IT IS TREATED TO REMOVE THE LARGE PARTICLES AND UNBURNT CARBON, A PROCESS KNOWN AS CLASSIFICATION, THE ASH BECOMES A USEFUL MATERIAL WITH POZZOLANIC PROPERTIES WHICH CAN BE USED IN CONCRETE.
MR PILLING SAID: "WHEN CEMENT REACTS WITH WATER IT RELEASES LIME, AND THE LIME REACTS WITH THE PFA WHICH THEN SETS LIKE CEMENT. REPLACING ABOUT 25 PER CENT OF THE CEMENT IN CONCRETE WITH PFA HAS MANY BENEFITS.
"CONCRETE MADE WITH CEMENT DOES NOT GET MUCH STRONGER AFTER ABOUT A MONTH, BUT IF PFA IS USED THE CONCRETE CONTINUES TO GAIN STRENGTH FOR UP TO A YEAR OR MORE.
"PFA HAS OTHER USEFUL PROPERTIES SUCH AS REDUCING THE HEAT GENERATED WHEN THE CONCRETE SETS WHICH OFTEN LEADS TO CRACKING. IT IS EASIER TO COMPACT AND PRODUCES A BETTER FINISH THAN ORDINARY CONCRETE," HE SAID.
/ALTHOUGH PFA .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 19'<
ALTHOUGH PFA HAS BEEN AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG FOR SEVERAL YEARS IT HAS ONLY RECENTLY BEEN USED IN CONCRETE TO ANY GREAT EXTENT. IT HAS BEEN USED IN SEVERAL PRESTIGE GOVERNMENT PROJECTS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND THE WAN CHAI OFFICE BLOCK.
CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD, THE MAJOR PRODUCER OF PFA, RECENTLY HELD A SERIES OF SEMINARS ON PFA FOR GOVERNMENT ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS.
THE COMPANY HAS ALSO CONCLUDED THE FIRST PHASE OF AN AMBITIOUS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME INTENDED TO DEMONSTRATE CONCLUSIVELY THE ADVANTAGES OF USING LOCALLY PRODUCED PFA IN CONCRETE. A REPORT WILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT’S STANDING COMMITTEE ON CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY MR PILLING, IS ARRANGING FOR FURTHER INDEPENDENT RESEARCH BY THE TWO POLYTECHNICS TO CONVINCE ANY ENGINEERS WHO MAY STILL BE IN DOUBT.
--------0-----------
50 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY *****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED A TOTAL OF 50 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JULY.
OF THE PLANS, 18 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 17 IN KOWLOON AND 15 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 26 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 10 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND FIVE FOR FACTORY AND GODOWN PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 62 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 269,530.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 409,341.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,294 MILLION. THE USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 39,462.6 SQUARE METRES AND 130,823.9 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 25 OCCUPATION PERMITS, TWO FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, EIGHT FOR KOWLOON AND 15 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/IN ADDITION .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 199:
8
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 31 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 70 BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 563 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 809 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 194 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 376 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED SEVEN EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
--------0-----------
DREDGING AT OUTER DEEP BAY PROPOSED *****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DREDGE WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 1,955 HECTARES OF SEABED AT OUTER DEEP BAY TO PROVIDE MATERIALS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION AND FUTURE RECLAMATIONS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
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 BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 20 THIS YEAR.
THE SUBMISSION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RECLAIM WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 0.44 HECTARE OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT REPULSE BAY TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION.
WORK WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED AROUND APRIL 1992.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 20, 1991.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
- - 0--------
/9.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
9
TWO PRIVATE STREETS IN EASTERN TO BE RESUMED * * » » »
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME AND REPAIR CHURCH LANE AND FINNIE STREET IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE TWO STREETS, NOW UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP, ARE NOT PROPERLY MANAGED OR MAINTAINED.
AS A RESULT, THE STREETS ARE IN POOR REPAIR AND ARE PARTLY OCCUPIED BY STALLS WHICH OBSTRUCTED PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR MOVEMENT. THE SITUATION GIVES RISE TO CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.
THE RESUMPTION WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CLEAR THE STALLS AND TO REPAIR, MAINTAIN AND MANAGE THE ROADS AND DRAINS TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH 1992.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE PLANS AND SCHEMES OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
» CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
» HONG KONG EAST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND
» EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD SEND HIS WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 13 THIS YEAR.
------0-------
/io........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
10
ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO TSENG LAN SHUE VILLAGE ♦ * * t »
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROAD WORKS NEAR CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AT TSENG LAN SHUE.
THE WORKS ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE PROPER VEHICULAR ACCESS AND CARPARK TO THE TSENG LAN SHUE VILLAGE UNDER THE URBAN FRINGE AREA IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE:
* CONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF APPROXIMATELY 100 METRES LONG CARRIAGEWAY;
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF 23 CAR PARKING SPACES; AND
* CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, SITE FORMATION, LANDSCAPING AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
THESE WORKS ARE PROGRAMMED TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR WITH A CONSTRUCTION PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE AND A NOTICE HAS BEEN POSTED NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AND AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, BOTH AT SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 20 THIS YEAR.
---------0---------
DANGEROUS OPENINGS ON SITE MUST BE GUARDED ♦ ♦ * » »
BUILDING CONTRACTORS MUST ENSURE THAT ALL DANGEROUS PLACES IN THEIR SITES ARE PROVIDED WITH SUITABLE GUARDRAILS OR PROPER COVERINGS TO PREVENT THE FALL OF PERSONS, OTHERWISE THEY MAY FACE PROSECUTION.
TODAY (SUNDAY) CONTRACTOR, SUNG
BY A SHA TIN
THE REMINDER WAS MADE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A BUILDING FOO KEE LIMITED, WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $105,000 MAGISTRATE FOR THE ABOVE AND OTHER OFFENCES.
/DURING A .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
- 11 -
DURING A VISIT TO THE CONTRACTOR’S SITE IN TAI PO, FACTORY INSPECTORS FOUND THAT FIVE FLOOR OPENINGS AND TWO LIFT SHAFT OPENINGS WERE NOT PROPERLY GUARDED, WHILE THE LANDING GATE OF A PASSENGER HOIST WAS NOT INTERLOCKED AT ITS LANDING PLACE.
IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT 24 WORKERS ON THE SITE WERE NOT WEARING SAFETY HELMETS.
ACCORDING TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, EVERY OPENING, EDGE OR OTHER DANGEROUS PLACE FROM WHICH A PERSON IS LIABLE TO FALL SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH SUITABLE GUARDRAILS OR FIXED COVERINGS.
THE LAW ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE CONTRACTOR MUST PROVIDE EACH WORKER EMPLOYED WITH A SUITABLE SAFETY HELMET AND ENSURE THAT IT IS WORN BY THE WORKER WHILE REMAINING ON SITE.
MOREOVER, A SPECIAL PRECAUTION NOTICE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO ALL SITE CONTRACTORS ALSO REQUIRES THAT EACH LANDING PLACE OF A PASSENGER HOIST BE FITTED WITH A GATE WHICH HAS EFFICIENT INTERLOCKING TO PREVENT THE GATE FROM BEING OPENED UNLESS THE HOIST IS AT THE LANDING PLACE.
ANYONE BREACHING THE ABOVE SAFETY PROVISIONS WILL BE LIABLE TO MAXIMUM FINES RANGING FROM $30,000 TO $50,000.
------0-----------
ENTRY TO 'SAY YES TO LIFE’ KARAOKE CONTEST INVITED t t « « «
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ENTER A KARAOKE SINGING AGAINST NARCOTICS YOUTH LIFE" MESSAGE.
ARE INTERESTED IN SINGING ARE INVITED TO CONTEST ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER GROUP TO PROMOTE THE "SAY YES TO
THE CONTEST, OPEN TO PEOPLE AGED 15 TO 30, WILL FORM PART OF THE ANTI-DRUG FORTNIGHT TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER.
THE PRELIMINARY COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 4 SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE. THE FINALISTS SELECTED WILL COMPETE AT MUSIC FOUNTAIN ATRIUM OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA ON NOVEMBER 11.
AT THE
ROUND WILL EACH THE FINAL CONTEST
WORTH $2,000 TO
ALL ENTRANTS SELECTED FOR THE PRELIMINARY RECEIVE A SOUVENIR. THE TOP THREE WINNERS IN WILL BE AWARDED DELUXE MICROPHONES AND CASH COUPONS
$5,000.
/ENTRY FORMS .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1990
- 12 -
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE NARCOTICS DIVISION ON 23RD FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH A SELF-RECORDED CASSETTE TAPE CONTAINING TWO SONGS FOR INITIAL SCREENING, SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION BY OCTOBER 20.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE CONTEST CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 867 2762.
---------0-----------
SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CLOSES
*****
MORE THAN 1,000 RESIDENTS THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TURNED OUT AT A VARIETY SHOW AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION HELD AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND TO MARK THE END OF THIS YEAR’S SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP).
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR RAYMOND CHOY, SAID THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES WERE AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG YOUNGSTERS.
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 472 APPLICATIONS FOR SPONSORSHIP OF ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S NUMBER.
"THIS REFLECTS THE GROWING POPULARITY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE," MR CHOY SAID.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DONATED $420,000 TO MEET THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME, WHILE THE DISTRICT BOARD ALLOCATED $56,300 TO FUND THE OPENING AND THE CLOSING CEREMONIES AND FOR PUBLICITY.
AT THE CEREMONY, FOUR YOUNGSTERS WERE PRESENTED THE OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE IN ORGANISING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES UNDER THE SYP.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITS VOLUNTEERS AT THE BORDER ........................................... 1
ADMISSION OF OVERSEAS PRC NATIONALS FOR EMPLOYMENT ................................. 1
GOVERNMENT CLARIFICATION ........................................................... 2
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DRAFT WHITE PAPER ........................................... 3
REMINDER CONCERNING EXPORT OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES ................................ 4
MID-AUTUMN CARNIVALS FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS ......................................... 4
LANTERN CARNIVAL IN KOWLOON CITY ................................................... 5
SECONDARY STUDENTS INVITED TO COMPETE IN MATHS OLYMPIAD ............................ 6
NEW CREMATORIUM ON CHEUNG CHAU ..................................................... 7
EMERGENCY CARE HANDBOOK ON SALE NEXT MONDAY ........................................ 7
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................................... 8
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
1
GOVERNOR VISITS VOLUNTEERS AT THE BORDER
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED VARIOUS SQUADRONS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) DEPLOYED ALONG THE BORDER TO CARRY OUT THEIR ANNUAL BORDER PATROL DUTIES.
THE VOLUNTEERS, A PART-TIME SECURITY FORCE MADE UP OF SOME 1,000 HONG KONG RESIDENTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, ARE CARRYING OUT THEIR ANNUAL DUTIES OF GUARDING THE BORDER THIS WEEK TO RELIEVE THE REGULAR ARMY. THEY HAVE UNDERTAKEN THIS ANNUAL DUTY SINCE 1980.
SIR DAVID FIRST ARRIVED AT MAN KAM TO MILITARY OPERATIONS ROOM WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER LIEUTENANT COLONEL C.G. PATEY RTR ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE REGIMENT.
THE VISIT TOOK SIR DAVID ALONG THE ENTIRE BORDER FROM SHA TAU KOK IN THE EAST TO PAK NAI IN THE WEST WHERE HE MET AND SPOKE TO HONG KONG’S OWN PART-TIME SOLDIERS.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE ENTHUSIASM AND PROFESSIONALISM DISPLAYED BY THE VOLUNTEERS IN THE DEMANDING TASK OF MANNING THE BORDER.
THE GOVERNOR COMMENDED EMPLOYERS FOR RELEASING VOLUNTEERS FOR BORDER DUTY AT A TIME WHEN THE TERRITORY WAS STILL FACING THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE.
THE VOLUNTEERS’ BORDER TOUR THIS YEAR IS FROM SEPTEMBER 22 TO 30.
------0-------
ADMISSION OF OVERSEAS PRC NATIONALS FOR EMPLOYMENT ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, NATIONALS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (PRC) WHO ARE PRESENTLY OVERSEAS WILL BE ALLOWED TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR EMPLOYMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION OF THESE NATIONALS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE:
» THE APPLICANTS MUST APPLY FROM OVERSEAS AND HAVE BEEN OVERSEAS FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS (’’OVERSEAS” MEANS OUTSIDE CHINA, MACAU AND HONG KONG);
* THE APPLICANTS MUST SATISFY NORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY FOR EMPLOYMENT; AND
M /* THE APPLICANTS ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
- 2 -
» THE APPLICANTS MUST SATISFY NORMAL IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS.
’’THE NORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG ARE PRIMARILY THE POSSESSION OF A SPECIAL SKILL, KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE NOT READILY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG,” THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
NO APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF STATUS FROM ’’VISIT" TO "EMPLOYMENT" AFTER AN APPLICANT’S ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG WILL BE CONSIDERED, HE SAID.
"FAMILY MEMBERS OF APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO MEET THE SAME REQUIREMENT OF HAVING RESIDED OVERSEAS FOR TWO YEARS IF THEY WISH TO JOIN APPLICANTS IN HONG KONG.
"THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO SATISFY NORMAL IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE ADMISSION OF PRC NATIONALS PRESENTLY OVERSEAS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG DID NOT IN ANY WAY SUGGEST THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RELAX ITS ONGOING POLICY TO ARREST AND REPATRIATE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO SOUGHT TO ENTER HONG KONG.
"THE GOVERNMENT STRONGLY REFUTES ANY NOTION OF AN AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY," HE SAID.
-----— u —---------
GOVERNMENT CLARIFICATION ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
REFERRING TO AN AGENCY REPORT ON THE HANOI AGREEMENT TO SEND BACK VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) CLARIFIED THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WAS NOT REFERRING TO "MANDATORY REPATRIATION" WHEN HE SPOKE TO THE MEDIA AFTER A CEREMONY YESTERDAY.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN HANOI OVER THE WEEKEND WHEREBY VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHO HAVE NOT VOLUNTEERED TO GO BUT WOULD NOT RESIST REPATRIATION ARE TO BE RETURNED TO VIETNAM.
IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION "WHEN WILL THE NEW TIME OF REPATRIATION TAKE PLACE?”, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THE DETAILS, THE ACTUAL DATES ARE STILL TO BE FIXED, BUT I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO START ON THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WHAT I LOOK TO IS UNHCR TO PLAY A VERY ACTIVE PART IN THIS PROCESS. A LOT OF COUNSELLING IS GOING TO BE NEEDED AND THAT IS VERY MUCH GOING TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE UNHCR.”
/THE GOVERNOR .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 199''
3 -
THE GOVERNOR WAS THEN ASKED IF THE FIRST PLANELOAD OF REPATRIATION WAS GOING TO TAKE EFFECT SOON? IN REPLY THE GOVERNOR SAID: "NO, I SAID THERE HASN’T BEEN A DATE FIXED, BUT THE IDEA IS TO TRY TO DO IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THERE IS NO PRECISE DATE BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT WE’VE ONLY JUST REACHED THE AGREEMENT AND THERE HAS GOT TO BE A LOT OF COUNSELLING DONE BY UNHCR."
HE WAS FURTHER ASKED: "BUT DO YOU THINK IT WILL GO AHEAD BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR?" TO WHICH THE GOVERNOR REPLIED: "I CERTAINLY HOPE IT WILL GO AHEAD BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. WE DO NEED TO GET ON WITH THIS WHOLE BUSINESS AS QUICKLY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN.”
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DRAFT WHITE PAPER ♦ ♦ * * ♦
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF BRIEFINGS AND DEBATES ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES WHICH WAS RELEASED LAST TUESDAY.
AT A MEETING TODAY (MONDAY), MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) WERE INFORMED THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
IN BRIEFING THE COMMITTEE ON THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR ALAN CHOW, SAID A BRIEFING SESSION FOR DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS WOULD BE HELD EARLY NEXT MONTH, AND THE WHITE PAPER WOULD BE DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY NOVEMBER.
IF EVERYTHING GOES AS SCHEDULED, SWAC WILL CONSIDER THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND THE DOCUMENT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THE FOLLOWING MONTH.
IN ADDITION TO DISCUSSING THE PRIORITIES FOR NEW OR IMPROVED SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THE NEXT FOUR FINANCIAL YEARS, SWAC MEMBERS TODAY ALSO DISCUSSED THE DEMAND, SUPPLY AND SHORTFALL OF SOCIAL WORK MANPOWER AS WELL AS THE PROVISION AND FINANCING OF CHILD CARE CENTRES.
---------0-----------
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
4
REMINDER CONCERNING EXPORT OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES * * * * »
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY/ REMINDED TRADERS THAT THE EXPORT OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES FROM HONG KONG TO PROSCRIBED COUNTRIES IS PROHIBITED UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS.
A SHA TIN TRADING COMPANY WAS FINED $500,000 AT SHA TIN MAGISTRACY ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 21) AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO FIVE COUNTS OF EXPORTING STRATEGIC COMMODITIES NOT UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN EXPORT LICENCE REQUIRED BY THE REGULATIONS.
THE COURT HEARD THAT AN OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT DISCOVERED DURING AN INVESTIGATION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR THAT THE DEFENDANT COMPANY HAD BETWEEN JULY AND DECEMBER, 1989, EXPORTED TO RUSSIA VIA BANGKOK FIVE SHIPMENTS COMPRISING 206 COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS.
WHILE THE COMPUTERS AND PERIPHERALS WERE CLASSIFIED AS STRATEGIC COMMODITIES UNDER THE REGULATIONS, THE DEFENDANT COMPANY HAD IN ONE OF THE SHIPMENTS FALSELY STATED THE GOODS AS PRODUCTS OF LOW-END MODELS WHICH REQUIRED NO EXPORT LICENCE.
IN THE OTHER FOUR SHIPMENTS, THE DEFENDANT COMPANY HAD OBTAINED SIX EXPORT LICENCES WHICH ONLY AUTHORISED THE EXPORT OF THE GOODS TO FRANCE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND SRI LANKA WHICH WERE NOT PROSCRIBED COUNTRIES.
THE TOTAL INVOICE VALUE OF THE GOODS WAS $2.76 MILLION.
---------0-----------
MID-AUTUMN CARNIVALS FOR EASTERN RESIDENTS »♦»»*♦
EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS CAN GET TOGETHER TO SHARE THE JOY OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IN 10 CARNIVALS TO BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT FROM SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) TO OCTOBER 7.
THE CARNIVALS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, WITH A SUBSIDY OF $145,000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE LANTERN RIDDLES, A LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION, CHINESE HANDICRAFT DISPLAYS, VARIETY SHOWS, KARAOKE AND LUCKY DRAWS.
/DETAILS OF .......
H
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
5 -
DETAILS OF THE CARNIVALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE/TIME
SEPTEMBER 29 (SATURDAY) 8 PM
OCTOBER 2 (TUESDAY) 7 PM
OCTOBER 2 (TUESDAY) 7 PM
OCTOBER 3 (WEDNESDAY) 7.30 PM
OCTOBER 3 (WEDNESDAY) 8 PM
OCTOBER 4 (THURSDAY) 7.45 PM
OCTOBER 4 (THURSDAY) 7.30 PM
OCTOBER 4 (THURSDAY) 7 PM
OCTOBER 4 (THURSDAY) 7.30 PM
OCTOBER 7 (SUNDAY) 8 PM
VENUE
YEE TSUI COURT PODIUM, CHAI WAN
CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE
FACTORY STREET PLAYGROUND, SHAU KEI WAN
TSUI WAN ESTATE, CHAI WAN
LAI TAK TSUEN, CAUSEWAY BAY
PO LEUNG KUK YU LEE MO FAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL, WHARF ROAD, NORTH POINT
CLOUD VIEW ROAD RESERVOIR PLAYGROUND, CAUSEWAY BAY
YUE WAN ESTATE PLAZA AND YUE
WAN COMMUNITY HALL, CHAI WAN
PAK FUK ROAD PLAYGROUND, NORTH POINT
NORTH POINT ESTATE HALL
LANTERN CARNIVAL IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
A LANTERN CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) AT THE ARGYLE PLAYGROUND IN KOWLOON CITY.
THE CARNIVAL, TO BEGIN AT 7 PM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA, CHINESE CHESS, PALM READING, AN EXHIBITION OF TEAWARE, LANTERN RIDDLES, GAMES STALLS AND DEMONSTRATION OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE HANDICRAFTS.
/AN OPENING ......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
- 6 -
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DUNCAN PESCOD; AN URBAN COUNCILOR, MR FONG PUI-SHEUNG; PRESIDENT OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, MR WU SHING-SUEN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LEE HOI-SANG.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND. THE CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM AND AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM.
--------0-----------
SECONDARY STUDENTS INVITED TO COMPETE IN MATHS OLYMPIAD
******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING SCHOOLS TO SEND THEIR MATHEMATICAL WIZARDS TO COMPETE IN THE EIGHTH HONG KONG MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD.
EACH SCHOOL CAN SEND A TEAM COMPRISING FOUR TO SIX STUDENTS OF SECONDARY 4 OR BELOW, TO BE HEADED BY A TEACHER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE HEAT EVENT WILL CONSIST OF TWO PARTS: 40 MINUTES FOR INDIVIDUAL EVENT AND 20 MINUTES FOR GROUP EVENT.
CALCULATING DEVICES SUCH AS CALCULATORS AND FOUR-FIGURE TABLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE USED.
"APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE BEFORE FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 28).
"THE HEATS WILL BE HELD IN DECEMBER AND THE 40 TEAMS WITH THE HIGHEST SCORES WILL TAKE PART IN THE FINALS IN JANUARY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECOTRATE AND THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT OF NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
LAST YEAR, 176 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE EVENT, WITH THE CLEMENTI SECONDARY SCHOOL TAKING THE FIRST PRIZE AND THE JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND PUI KIU MIDDLE SCHOOL TAKING THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES.
------0--------
/7........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
7
NEW CREMATORIUM ON CHEUNG CHAU *****
A $2.1 MILLION DOLLAR CREMATORIUM PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN CHEUNG CHAU BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE MORE MODERN FACILITIES FOR THE PUBLIC.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,500 SQUARE METRES, THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF A CREMATORIUM, A COLUMBARIUM FOR 1,000 NICHES, A SERVICE HALL, A LANDSCAPED GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE, AN OFFICE/RECEPTION AREA AND ANCILLARY SERVICES BUILDINGS.
THE DESIGN CONCEPT IS TO CREATE A SERIES OF FORMAL SPACE FOR PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE DEAD.
A HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT IS CREATED THROUGH THE SITING OF THE "PAI LAU", A POND, A PAVILION AND THE COLUMBARIUM. THE COLOUR, FORM, MATERIAL AND ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF THE FUNCTIONAL BLOCKS WILL ALSO HELPED TO ACHIEVE THE EFFECT.
THE FACILITIES WHICH TOOK 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WERE EARLIER HANDED OVER TO THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MANAGEMENT.
--------0-----------
EMERGENCY CARE HANDBOOK ON SALE NEXT MONDAY
*****
A CHINESE HANDBOOK ON EMERGENCY CARE, PUBLISHED BY THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS), WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE FROM MONDAY, OCTOBER 1.
THE 200-PAGE BOOK, INTERSPERSED WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $20 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
IT IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE FIRST AID HANDBOOK PUBLISHED AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR. IN ADDITION TO FIRST AID, IT ALSO COVERS SUBJECTS SUCH AS ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND NURSING CARE.
AN AMS SPOKESMAN SAID THE HANDBOOK WILL BE USEFUL TO ORGANISATIONS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE, SUCH AS FACTORIES AND SCHOOLS, AND TO HOUSEWIVES.
THE COMMISSIONER OF AMS, DR S.H. LEE, TODAY (MONDAY) HOSTED A TEA PARTY TO THANK MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD, WHICH COMPRISED DOCTORS, NURSES AND AMBULANCE AID PROFESSIONALS, FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND PRESENTED EACH MEMBER WITH AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THE HANDBOOK AS SOUVENIR.
-----0 - -
/8 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1990
8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 57.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 334.512 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 387.793 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 66.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FURTHER DETERRENT AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ....................................... 1
STATEMENT ON RECRUITMENT OF CHINESE NATIONALS LIVING OVERSEAS ....................... 2
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR AUGUST PUBLISHED ......................................... 2
TAC RECOMMENDS HK FERRY FARE RISES .................................................. 5
GOVT LAND SOLD FOR $106.35M ......................................................... 7
HEAVY INVESTMENT IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NECESSARY ................................ 7
REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER .......................... 9
LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS AIRCRAFT CATERING COMPANY ................................ 9
MANUFACTURERS URGED TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION ............................. 10
HONG KONG YOUTH PROJECT WINS AWARD .................................................. U
SECOND SAI KUNG ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH ................................ 11
SLOGAN AND CARTOON DRAWING COMPETITIONS IN MONG KOK ................................ 12
SEPT SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTED ........................... 13
WALLED CITY CLEARANCE OFFICES ON MOVE .............................................. i4
f
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 1 -
FURTHER DETERRENT AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ♦ » * * ♦
PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM COMING TO HONG KONG TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH.
THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY), MAKES IT AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON TO HAVE AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE UNDER THAT PERSON’S CONTROL. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY ON CONVICTION WOULD BE A FINE OF $250,000.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW OFFENCE WAS NECESSARY TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED RECENTLY IN EFFECTING PROSECUTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, AS EXISTING LEGISLATION HAD PROVEN INADEQUATE.
“AS EVIDENCED IN SERIES OF WELL PUBLICISED CASES, THE SUB-CONTRACTING SYSTEM IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TOGETHER WITH THE EFFORTS MADE BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THE PEOPLE WHO HIRE THEM TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW HAVE CREATED A LOOPHOLE, WHICH HAS BEEN LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM 40 TO ABOUT 80 A DAY AT PRESENT,” HE SAID.
’’THE MAIN REASONS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ARE ECONOMIC, ARISING FROM THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG, AND IT IS NECESSARY TO COUNTER THIS INDUCEMENT WITH HEAVY PENALTIES.
"THE GOVERNMENT WISHES TO MAKE IT CLEAR TO EMPLOYERS THAT IT WILL NO LONGER BE COST EFFECTIVE TO EMPLOY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THE MESSAGE WILL BE THAT IF THERE IS NO WORK AVAILABLE, THERE IS NO POINT IN COMING TO HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR A DEFENCE IF A PERSON CONTROLLING A CONSTRUCTION SITE CAN SHOW THAT HE HAS TAKEN ALL PRACTICABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE NOT PRESENT ON THAT SITE.
IN LINE WITH THE NEW MEASURES COVERING CONSTRUCTION SITES, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR ALL EMPLOYERS FOUND GUILTY OF EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BE INCREASED TO THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $250,000, COMPARED WITH ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $50,000 AS AT PRESENT. PROVISION WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR A DEFENCE OF DUE DILIGENCE FOR THIS OFFENCE.
AS A FURTHER DETERRENT TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR WORKING ILLEGALLY IN HONG KONG TO BE INCREASED FROM $5,000 TO $10,000.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT AS HONG KONG WAS SUFFERING FROM ITS HIGHEST INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN THE PAST DECADE, THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO DO WHATEVER WAS NECESSARY TO COMBAT THIS PROBLEM.
"IT FURTHER UNDERLINES THE GOVERNMENT’S REPEATED MESSAGE THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO COME TO HONG KONG, TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON," HE ADDED.
------0--------
/2 .....
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 2 -
STATEMENT ON RECRUITMENT OF CHINESE NATIONALS LIVING OVERSEAS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON WHETHER OR NOT CHINESE NATIONALS LIVING OVERSEAS WOULD BE RECRUITED TO THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN GAVE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY):
'"THE SCHEME IS AIMED AT RELIEVING THE SHORTAGE OF SKILLED PERSONNEL IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAUSED BY EMIGRATION. IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO PRIVATE SECTOR FIRMS WHETHER OR NOT THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SCHEME.
"AS FAR AS THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED, WE HAVE NO PLAN TO RECRUIT CHINESE NATIONALS LIVING IN ,THE MAINLAND OR OVERSEAS. RECRUITMENT INTO THE CIVIL SERVICE IS GOVERNED BY THE LOCALISATION POLICY. VACANCIES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ARE NORMALLY FILLED BY RECRUITMENT OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG. RECRUITMENT FROM OUTSIDE HONG KONG TAKES PLACE ONLY EXCEPTIONALLY WHERE THERE IS A SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED LOCAL CANDIDATES IN CRITICAL AREAS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE."
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT RECRUITMENT OF NON-HONG KONG RESIDENTS INTO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE WHICH HANDLES POLICY WORK IN THE GOVERNMENT, HAS CEASED SINCE 1985.
- - 0---------
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR AUGUST PUBLISHED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR AUGUST 1990.
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCT. 84 - SEP. 85 = 100) FOR AUGUST 1990 WERE 142.9 AND 142.7 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 9.4 PER CENT AND 9.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER AUGUST 1989. THESE RATES OF INCREASE WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE RECORDED FOR JULY 1990 (9.4 PER CENT AND 9.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO AUGUST 1990, THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 9.3 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) IN AUGUST 1990 WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION), TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES, SERVICES AND FOODSTUFFS AT 18.1 PER CENT, 14.2 PER CENT, 11.9 PER CENT AND 9.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE FOR THE SAME COMPONENTS IN THE CPI(B) WERE 17.7 PER CENT, 14.8 PER CENT, 11.8 PER CENT AND 9.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/THESE FOUR .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
3
THESE FOUR COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING AUGUST 1990 WITH JULY 1990, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY 0.4 PER CENT, LARGELY BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, HIGHER PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT AND HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 1990, AT 137.3 AND 136.9 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 9.5 PER CENT AND 9.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 1989.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 1990, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.6 PER CENT PER MONTH.
THE CPI(A) AND THE 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 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999
A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR AUGUST 1990 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1990 AND AUGUST 1989, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100) CPI(A) CPI(B)
SECTION INDEX FOR AUG. 90 % CHANGE OVER JULY 90 % CHANGE OVER AUG. 89 INDEX FOR AUG. 90 % CHANGE OVER JULY 90 % CHANGE OVER AUG. 89
FOODSTUFFS 145.2 + 0.3 + 9.2 147.1 + 0.4 + 9.7
HOUSING 133.3 + 0.6 + 8.9 128.7 + 0.5 + 9.3
FUEL AND LIGHT 104.4 + 0.7 + 8.9 104.3 + 0.4 + 8.4
ALCOHOLIC 157.5 -0.3 + 18.1 158.5 -0.3 + 17.7
DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) CLOTHING AND 145.5 -0.4 + 8.0 148.6 -0.5 + 8.0
FOOTWEAR DURABLE GOODS 125.9 -0.3 + 3.5 124.7 -0.4 + 3.3
MISCELLANEOUS 138.2 + 0.6 + 4.5 138.3 + 0.4 + 5.0
GOODS TRANSPORT AND 156.3 + 0.2 + 14.2 155.9 + 0.4 + 14.8
VEHICLES SERVICES 159.2 + 0.9 + 11.9 159.6 + 0.8 + 11.8
ALL ITEMS 142.9 +0.3 + 9.4 142.7 + 0.4 + 9.6
/COMPARING AUGUST .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
4
COMPARING AUGUST 1990 WITH JULY 1990, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 0,3 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT AND IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASES IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND KEROSENE WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 23.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR DECREASED BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CPI(B) BECAUSE OF LOWER PRICES OF MEN’S AND CHILDREN’S OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.8 PER CENT IN CPI(B), REFLECTING INCREASES IN THE CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND OUTPATIENT CLINICS AND THAT OF PRIVATE DOCTORS.
FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR AUGUST 1990, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6403.
THE HANG SENG
OVER JULY 1990 AND BY
CPI WAS 152.1 IN AUGUST 1990, UP BY 0.6 PER CENT 11.3 PER CENT OVER AUGUST 1989.
THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT $10,000-24,999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
---------0-----------
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 5 -
TAC RECOMMENDS HK FERRY FARE RISES * » * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) RECOMMENDED AN INCREASE IN FARES APPLIED FOR BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
IN EXAMINING THE FERRY COMPANY'S FARE RISE APPLICATION, THE COMMITTEE HAD TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE ESCALATING OPERATING COSTS, INCLUDING FUEL COST RISES, AND UNFAVOURABLE BUSINESS CONDITIONS RESULTING IN SUSTAINED PATRONAGE LOSSES ON THE COMPANY’S CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES.
AT CURRENT FARES, THE COMPANY’S PROFITS ARE FORECAST TO DROP FROM $44.9 MILLION IN 1989 TO $23.5 MILLION IN 1990, WHILST A LOSS OF $1 MILLION IS PREDICTED FOR 1991.
THE FARE RISE APPLICATION HAD BEEN ASSESSED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE FINANCIAL MONITORING UNIT OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH.
TAC FELT THAT THE PROPOSED FARE INCREASES WERE NECESSARY FOR THE FERRY COMPANY TO MAINTAIN ITS CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE AND TO UNDERTAKE THE IMPROVEMENTS SET OUT IN THE FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME.
TAC NOTED THAT COMMUTERS OF INNER-HARBOUR AND NEW TOWN SERVICES, INCLUDING OUTLYING ISLANDERS, ARE SUBSIDISED PRIMARILY BY WEEKEND PICNICKERS.
TAC ALSO AGREED THAT TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOULD LIAISE WITH THE FERRY COMPANY TO INTRODUCE WEEKEND RETURN TICKETS FOR ISLANDERS NOT USING A MONTHLY TICKET TO AVOID THE ENHANCED WEEKEND FARES.
TAC’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE FARE RISES WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR A FINAL DECISION.
MEANWHILE, THE TAC WAS BRIEFED ON THE REVISED FARE SCALES FOR GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES.
IN JULY 1990, THE HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES PUBLIC MAXICAB OPERATORS GENERAL ASSOCIATION APPLIED FOR AN INCREASE IN THE GREEN MINIBUS FARE SCALES DUE TO INCREASED OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS.
TAC NOTED THAT ACCORDING TO A STUDY COMPLETED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE TRADE, THE GENERAL PROFITABILITY OF THE TRADE HAD NOT IMPROVED SINCE JUNE 1989 AND THAT 93 OUT OF THE 184 ROUTES SURVEYED WERE OPERATING AT A LOSS.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN THE OPERATING COSTS AS A RESULT OF THE FUEL TAX INCREASE IMPLEMENTED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND THE RECENT FUEL PRICE RISES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY TO REVISE THE MAXIMUM FARE CEILINGS FOR GMB SERVICES.
/THE REVISED .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 6
THE REVISED MAXIMUM FARE SCALE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR BUT CHARGING FARES UP TO THE MAXIMUM CEILING IS NOT AUTOMATIC. EACH INDIVIDUAL OPERATOR WISHING TO INCREASE THE FARES FOR A ROUTE WILL HAVE TO APPLY FOR APPROVAL FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE TAC ALSO DISCUSSED THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FIRST AREA PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK EFFICIENCY STUDY (APTNESS) WHICH WAS AIMED AT DEVELOPING BUS NETWORKS IN A MANNER MORE SENSITIVE TO EFFICIENCY.
THE CONSULTANCY STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT COVERS NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING SHA TIN, TAI PO AND THE NORTH DISTRICT.
EXTENSIVE TRAVEL SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT COVERING ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES SERVING THE STUDY AREA. AN ATTITUDINAL SURVEY WAS ALSO CONDUCTED TO OBTAIN THE VIEWS OF PASSENGERS ON THE QUALITY OF EXISTING SERVICES AND TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR EXPECTATIONS REGARDING THE STANDARDS AND DELIVERY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
RESPONDENTS REACTED POSITIVELY TO THE CONCEPT OF A TRUNK-FEEDER SYSTEM, UNDER WHICH PASSENGERS WITHIN AN AREA ARE COLLECTED BY SHORT FEEDER SERVICES AND CARRIED TO A CENTRAL INTERCHANGE FOR SWITCHING TO LONG-HAUL TRUNK SERVICES.
BASED ON THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND AIDED BY A COMPUTER PACKAGE, THE CONSULTANTS HAVE EXAMINED A NUMBER OF ALTERNATIVE NETWORK STRATEGIES FOR THE STUDY AREA.
THE TRUNK-FEEDER NETWORK WAS SEEN TO BE POTENTIALLY MORE EFFICIENT. THE AVERAGE FARE UNDER THIS SYSTEM IS ESTIMATED TO BE SIMILAR TO THAT UNDER KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PLAN NETWORK BUT BUS OCCUPANCY IS MUCH HIGHER, MEANING A SAVING IN COSTS.
IT ALSO REQUIRES FEWER BUSES TO MEET PEAK PASSENGERS DEMAND AND ENTAILS THE SHORTEST ROUTES, AND HAS FEWER VEHICLES ENTERING KOWLOON.
MEMBERS ENDORSED THE STUDY’S RECOMMENDATION THAT A PILOT SCHEME TESTING PUBLIC ACCEPTABILITY OF THE TRUNK-FEEDER CONCEPT SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN MA ON SHAN FOR SIX MONTHS, STARTING FROM THE OPENING OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
TAC NOTED THAT KMB HAD ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE APTNESS STUDY AND WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS; THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION WAS ALSO IN SUPPORT OF THE STUDY’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE APTNESS STUDY WOULD BE PRESENTED TO SHA TIN, TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT BOARDS.
---------0-----------
/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 7 -
GOVT LAND SOLD FOR $106.35M *****
TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $106.35 MILLION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE FIRST ONE IS A 929-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT AREA 4B, SHEUNG SHUI FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE.
IT WAS BOUGHT BY GRANT RETURN INVESTMENTS LTD FOR $10.35 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $7 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 2,788 SQUARE METRES MUST BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 30, 1993.
THE OTHER LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 11, ON MUK STREET, SHA TIN. IT WAS SOLD FOR $96 MILLION TO GENRIGHT INVESTMENT LTD. BIDDING OPENED AT $85 MILLION.
THE 3,250-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR GODOWN PURPOSES, EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN.
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 18,525 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE, WAS CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR JOHN CORRIGALL.
HEAVY INVESTMENT IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NECESSARY *****
HONG KONG MUST CONTINUE TO INVEST HEAVILY IN STATE-OF-THE-ART INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (’IT’) PRODUCTS AND SYSTEMS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ITS PIVOTAL POSITION AS AN IMPORTANT FINANCIA1, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CENTRE IN THE REGION.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE OPENING OF CENIT ASIA ’90 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
HE SAID THIS SHOULD ENCOURAGE MORE MANUFACTURERS OF ’IT’ PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY AND EXPAND PRODUCTION IN ORDER TO TAP THE RAPIDLY GROWING MARKET IN HONG KONG AND IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
"SINCE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ’IT’ DEPENDS ON SPECIALISTS AND EXPERIENCED MANAGERS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND ’IT’ EDUCATION AND TRAINING, SO THAT THERE WILL BE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED PERSONNEL IN THE AREA," MR CHAN SAID.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
8
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HAD EARLIER THIS YEAR COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON HONG KONG’S ’IT’ ENVIRONMENT AND MANPOWER NEEDS.
"ON COMPARING HONG KONG’S CURRENT ’IT’ ENVIRONMENT WITH THOSE OF SOUTH KOREA, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND, THE STUDY SHOWED THAT HONG KONG NOT ONLY HAS HIGH PER CAPITA INSTALLATIONS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS BUT ALSO A PARTICULARLY SOPHISTICATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOFTWARE AND ’IT’ SERVICES INDUSTRY, WHICH IS AT LEAST AS COMPETITIVE AS THOSE AMONG THE ECONOMIES INVESTIGATED.
"THE CONSULTANTS CONCLUDED THAT HONG KONG IS WELL PLACED IN TERMS OF BUILDING AND PROMOTING THE WIDER USE OF ’IT’," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID ’IT’ WAS ALREADY INFLUENCING EVERY SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY.
"IT IS NOT SIMPLY APPLIED TO KEEPING TRACK OF PAST EVENTS BUT IS INCREASINGLY USED AS A TOOL TO WIN CUSTOMERS, PROVIDE MORE FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, DELIVER QUALITY SERVICE AND DETERMINE THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, MR CHAN SAID, FACTORIES WERE RAPIDLY MECHANISING OR AUTOMATING THEIR PRODUCTION SYSTEMS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND TO IMPROVE QUALITY.
HE SAID ’IT’ WAS PLAYING AN EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE SERVICE SECTOR WHICH RELIED HEAVILY ON THE RAPID FLOW AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION.
"TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT SERVICE AND TO REDUCE STAFF COSTS, OUR BANKING INSTITUTIONS AND RETAILERS HAVE INVESTED SUBSTANTIALLY IN COMPUTERS AND AUTOMATION.
"IN RETAIL STORES, PLASTIC MONEY IS RAPIDLY REPLACING PAPER, WHILST 'REMOTE SHOPPING’ VIA HOME TERMINALS IS NO LONGER A DREAM," HE SAID.
OVER 300 COMPANIES FROM 26 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES ARE TAKING PART IN CENIT ASIA '90, DISPLAYING THEIR LEADING-EDGE ’IT’ PRODUCTS. IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGY EVENTS EVER STAGED IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
------0--------
/9 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 9 -
REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER
*****
THE COMPULSORY REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS UNDER THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE 1990 WILL COMMENCE ON NOVEMBER 2.
ALL ELECTRICAL WORKERS ENGAGED IN FIXING ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS SHOULD APPLY FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) WITHIN 18 MONTHS FROM THAT DATE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY): "THE PURPOSE OF REGISTRATION IS TO ENSURE THAT SUCH WORK IS CARRIED OUT ONLY BY QUALIFIED WORKERS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL SAFETY."
THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE 1990 ENACTED ON MARCH 23 THIS YEAR ALSO REQUIRED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS TO REGISTER STARTING NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"FROM MID-1992, CONSUMERS WILL BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO EMPLOY REGISTERED WORKERS OR REGISTERED CONTRACTORS FOR ELECTRICAL WORK,” HE ADDED.
A LEAFLET OUTLINING THE PROCEDURES AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTRICAL WORKERS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
COPIES OF THE LEAFLET AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES, AND AT THE EMSD COLLECTION OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON TO THE EMSD COLLECTION OFFICE.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT REGISTRATION CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 895 8862.
--------0-----------
LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS AIRCRAFT CATERING COMPANY
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED AN AIRCRAFT CATERING SERVICES COMPANY AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO GAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION OF THE LABOUR SCENE.
THE DAIRY FARM AIRCRAFT CATERING (HONG KONG) LTD, WHICH SECURES ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF HONG KONG AIRLINES’ MEALS MARKET SHARE, HAS A WORKFORCE OF ABOUT 350 EMPLOYEES.
MR HAMMOND WAS RECEIVED BY THE COMPANY’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR MICHEL COMMEND, AND GENERAL MANAGER, MR WILSON LEE, WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE COMPANY’S ORGANISATION AND GENERAL EMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
/HE WAS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 10 -
HE WAS LATER TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE PLANT TO SEE WORKERS AT WORK.
MR HAMMOND WAS GLAD TO KNOW THAT THE COMPANY MAINTAINS A HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS AND HAS A LOW EMPLOYEE TURNOVER RATE. IT ALSO HAS TWO JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES, ONE FOR SUPERVISORY STAFF AND THE OTHER FOR GENERAL EMPLOYEES, WHICH MEET REGULARLY TO DISCUSS IMPROVEMENT IN WORKING CONDITIONS.
MR HAMMOND ALSO NOTED THAT THE COMPANY ENJOYS A GOOD SAFETY RECORD AND NO PROSECUTION HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT AGAINST IT FOR SAFETY OFFENCES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE, THE COMPANY HAS SET UP AN INPLANT SAFETY COMMITTEE SINCE JANUARY 1988 WITH ITS OWN WRITTEN SAFETY POLICY AND CONSTITUTION.
------0-------
MANUFACTURERS URGED TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION » * * ♦ ♦
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED MANUFACTURERS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CLUB HOUSE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH DISTRICT MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR HSU ASKED THE MANUFACTURERS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO ENROL AS ELECTORS.
WHILE COMMENDING THE ASSOCIATION FOR HAVING ACTIVELY PROMOTED THE DISTRICT’S INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IN THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, HE HOPED THE MEMBERS WOULD CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THEIR BUSINESS IN THE TERRITORY TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A MORE PROSPEROUS HONG KONG.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
---------0 - -
/Il .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 11 -
HONG KONG YOUTH PROJECT WINS AWARD * * » » *
A HONG KONG YOUTH COMMUNITY PROJECT, "GREEN MOVEMENT --ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN", HAS WON A COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AWARD FOR 1990.
THE AWARD SCHEME, STARTED BY THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1985, IS AIMED AT FOSTERING CO-OPERATION AND THE EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
THIS IS THE SECOND AWARD WON BY A HONG KONG PROJECT IN SIX YEARS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, WILL PRESENT THE AWARD TO THE WINNING TEAM, FROM THE CHEUNG WAH CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE, AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE TEAM WILL RECEIVE A GRANT OF 1,000 POUNDS STERLING FOR FURTHERING ITS WORK. MEDALLIONS AND CERTIFICATES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO EACH OF THE 20 TEAM MEMBERS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AWARD SCHEME PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE CNTA CONFERENCE ROOM, 30TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
--------0-----------
SECOND SAI KUNG ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
RESIDENTS OF SAI KUNG AND TSEUNG KWAN O ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THE SECOND SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN OCTOBER 14 AND 30.
THE FESTIVAL, A BIENNIAL EVENT IN THE DISTRICT, WILL PROVIDE A VARIETY OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM AN ARTS EXPOSITION, DRAMAS, CANTONESE OPERAS, DANCING PERFORMANCE, FOLK SONG KARAOKE, POP CONCERT TO PHOTOGRAPHIC AND PAINTING EXHIBITIONS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL PREPARATORY COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE NG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE FIRST ARTS FESTIVAL IN SAI KUNG, HELD IN 1988, WAS WELL RECEIVED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
/"THE OBJECTIVES .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 12 -
"THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FESTIVAL ARE TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF ART APPRECIATION AMONG LOCAL PEOPLE, ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THE NEWCOMERS TO TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN," HE ADDED.
AT THE ARTS EXPOSITION TO BE HELD AT PO LAM SUNKEN PLAZA ON OCTOBER 14, THERE WILL BE A STREET THEATRE, BRASS QUINTET, MODERN DANCE, KUNG FU, ACROBATICS, MIME AND HANDICRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS.
ADMISSION IS FREE FOR MOST OF THE FESTIVAL’S ACTIVITIES.
THE COST OF THE FESTIVAL IS ESTIMATED AT $700,000, WITH $360,000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE REST FROM DONATIONS BY LOCAL DIGNITARIES.
ADMISSION TICKETS AND PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE TSEUNG KWAN O SUB-OFFICE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND TSUE LAN COMMUNITY HALL.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO MISS LAI SIU-FAN ON TEL. 791 0016.
-------------------------0------- SLOGAN AND CARTOON DRAWING COMPETITIONS IN MONG KOK ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
A SLOGAN AND A CARTOON DRAWING COMPETITION ON CIVIC RIGHTS ARE NOW OPEN TO RESIDENTS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE PART OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS' UNDERSTANDING OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY. THEY ARE SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE DIVIDED INTO OPEN AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SECTIONS.
THE SLOGANS OR CARTOONS SHOULD BE ON THE THEME OF ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS ELECTORS AND TO VOTE IN THE 1991 ELECTIONS.
THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, OR TO ITS TAI KOK TSUI SUB-OFFICE ON GROUND FLOOR, 45 TIT SHU STREET BEFORE OCTOBER 23.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 787 0775.
--------0-----------
/13 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 13 -
SEPT SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE SEPTEMBER 1990 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN RESPECT OF THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1990.
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 36,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1990 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JULY-SEPTEMBER 1990.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 823 5076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THIS DEPARTMENT DURING JULY-SEPTEMBER 1990, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 823 4770.
--------0-----------
/14 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990
- 14 -
WALLED CITY CLEARANCE OFFICES ON MOVE * * * * *
THE SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE WILL MOVE FROM BLOCK 17, LOK FU ESTATE TO TWO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 1).
THE LOCATIONS OF THE NEW PREMISES ARE:
* THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, SPECIAL DUTIES DIVISION, 14TH FLOOR, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE. (TEL. 724 0809)
* THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE, SECOND AND 10TH TO 12TH FLOORS, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE. (TEL. 724 0757)
* REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, LAND OFFICE, KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE, SECOND FLOOR, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE. (TEL. 724 0081)
* THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE, SEVENTH, 13TH, AND 14TH FLOORS, AUSTIN PLACE, 7-9 AUSTIN AVENUE.
(TEL. 724 0984)
THE OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FROM 8.30 AM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
- - 0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION .SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE LAW AND ORDER IS MAINTAINED: GOVERNOR ........... 1
GOVT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES .................. 3
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SENIOR APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ..................... 4
ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE: STI ........................ 5
STUDY ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY PLANNED ...................... 7
VIEWS OF POST OFFICE STAFF WILL BE CONSIDERED ........................ 8
REVISION OF TRANSPORT FEES AND CHARGES ............................... 9
NEW FARE CEILINGS FOR GREEN MINIBUSES ................................ 10
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST RELEASED ........................ 11
SURVEY ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS ................. 14
REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, MEDICAL LAB TECHNOLOGISTS ... 16
BETTER SEVERANCE PAY PROTECTION DISCUSSED ............................ 18
109 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM ............................................ 18
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED ............................................. i9
NO MAIL SERVICES ON OCTOBER 4 ........................................ 19
HONG KONG YOUTH PROJECT WINS AWARD ................................... X9
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVALS IN YAU TSIM
21
9
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
1
GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE LAW AND ORDER IS MAINTAINED: GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE SURE THAT LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG IS MAINTAINED.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING TWO WELFARE AGENCIES IN SHAM SHUI PO, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE DO HAVE A GOOD STANDARD OF LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG. THERE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN A LOT OF DRAMATIC INCIDENTS WHICH HAVE NATURALLY CAUSED CONCERN TO THE COMMUNITY."
"WE ARE DETERMINED THAT LAW AND ORDER WILL BE MAINTAINED. THE POLICE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO IT; THEY HAVE THE FACILITIES TO DO IT, AND THEY WILL DO IT. AND THEY WILL HAVE, OF COURSE, THE TOTAL SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID LEGISLATIVE CHANGES THAT WERE BEING LOOKED AT TO TACKLE CRIME MIGHT BE TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES OR FIND NEW WAYS OF DEALING WITH ORGANISED CRIME.
"BUT THE MAIN POINT IN THIS IS THAT WE MUST NOT ALLOW HONG KONG TO BE A SOCIETY IN WHICH ORGANISED CRIME DOES RE-APPEAR. WE ARE ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN. I DON’T BELIEVE PERSONALLY THAT IT WILL HAPPEN," HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE REACTION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO THE RECENT HANOI AGREEMENT, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE POINT IS THAT AS WE’VE SAID ALL ALONG, IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE FOR RETURNING TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES."
"THE ALTERNATIVE IS THAT THEY SIMPLY REMAIN IN CAMPS HERE FOR YEAR AFTER YEAR, AND I THINK THAT IS INHUMANE. I THINK IT IS QUITE UNFAIR FOR THE PEOPLE INVOLVED; THE YOUNG CHILDREN WHO ARE INVOLVED," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID: "I HOPE THAT THEY WILL REACT SENSIBLY BECAUSE THE ALTERNATIVES FOR PEOPLE IN THOSE CAMPS WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES, I EMPHASISE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES, IS EITHER THEY REMAIN IN THOSE CAMPS FOR YEAR AFTER YEAR."
"OR THEY RETURN TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM UNDER ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE ORGANISED BY UNHCR, MONITORED BY UNHCR AND WITH AID PROVIDED FOR THEIR REHABILITATION. AND I HOPE THAT THEY WILL REALISE THAT THE BEST OPTION, THE BETTER OF THE TWO OPTIONS IS THAT THEY SHOULD RETURN HOME TO VIETNAM," HE ADDED.
"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT IF WE ARE TO PRESERVE ASYLUM FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE REFUGEES; IF WE ARE TO PRESERVE THE ARRANGEMENTS BY WHICH REFUGEES CAN BE RESETTLED, YOU MUST AT THE SAME TIME MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR RETURNING HOME PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES,” THE GOVERNOR STRESSED.
/"UNHCR, I ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 2 -
"UNHCR, I BELIEVE, NOW REALISE THAT THE WHOLE THING IS PART OF A COMPLETE PACKAGE. YOU CANNOT SIMPLY DO ONE WITHOUT DOING THE OTHER AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT THE UNHCR REALISE, THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO WORK AT," HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO ALLOW OVERSEAS PRC NATIONALS TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR EMPLOYMENT,, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE REASON IS THAT WE HAVE A NEED FOR TALENTED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG."
"THAT IS A SOURCE OF VERY TALENTED PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED ABROAD, WHO ARE CHINESE-SPEAKING; MANY OF THEM MAY BE PUTONGHUASPEAKING, SOME OF THEM MAY BE CANTONESE-SPEAKING. THEY ARE PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE WELL ADAPTED TO THE HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT IN NO POSSIBLE WAY COULD THAT BE SEEN AS SOMETHING LIKE IT WAS DESCRIBED ”A TAKEOVER OF HONG KONG”. "IT SIMPLY ISN’T THAT. IT IS NOW FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO USE THIS RESOURCE IF THE PRIVATE SECTOR WANTS TO DO IT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT HAVE ANY PRESENT INTENTIONS TO EMPLOY THESE PEOPLE. "IT CERTAINLY WOULDN’T BE THE CASE, AS I’VE SEEN SOME SPECULATION THAT YOU WOULD SUDDENLY FIND SOME PEOPLE CATAPULTED INTO SENIOR POSITIONS IN THE ADMINISTRATION. THAT SIMPLY ISN’T THE CASE."
ASKED IF HAVING OVERSEAS PRC NATIONALS WORKING IN HONG KONG WAS THE POSSIBLE ANSWER TO THE BRAIN DRAIN PROBLEM, SIR DAVID SAID: "I DON’T BELIEVE THERE IS ONE SIMPLE ANSWER TO THE BRAIN DRAIN."
"THERE ARE A WHOLE SERIES OF THINGS THAT WE SHOULD DO AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD DO. WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE FOR IT’S PART, IS TO RELAX THE PREVIOUS RESTRICTIONS TO ALLOW THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO USE THIS RESOURCE," HE SAID.
HE SAID THERE WERE OTHER THINGS THAT MUST BE DONE: "WE MUST ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO STAY IN HONG KONG; ENCOURAGE HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEFT HONG KONG AND GOT PASSPORTS TO COME BACK, LOTS OF THINGS."
"BUT THIS IS ONE PART OF IT AND I THINK IT SHOWS THE WAY IN WHICH, AS WE LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS LIKE A BRAIN DRAIN; LIKE AN ECONOMY WHICH IS DEVELOPING SO FAST THAT WE NEED MORE PEOPLE, THAT WE MUST BE FLEXIBLE IN THE WAY WE APPROACH THESE PROBLEMS AND NOT SIMPLY STICK RIGIDLY TO OLD POLICIES WHICH ARE NO LONGER APPROPRIATE," SIR DAVID SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INITIALING OF THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND HIS OUTLOOK TOWARDS THE RUN-UP TO 1997, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WE HAVE THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT MAKES VERY CLEAR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE. WHAT WE ARE WORKING HARD AT IS TO MAKE SURE THOSE ARRANGEMENTS WORK OUT IN PRACTICE, WITH A FULL COMMITMENT TO WHAT’S PROVIDED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION," HE SAID.
/"LAYING THE .......
- 3 -
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
’’LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION INVOLVES AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF WORK. PART OF IT IS GOING ON THIS WEEK IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP,” HE ADDED.
”1 HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE PRACTICAL RESULTS COMING OUT OF THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, BECAUSE THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF PRACTICAL WORK TO DO AND WE ONLY HAVE A FURTHER SIX AND A HALF YEARS TO DO IT IN,” SIR DAVID SAID.
---------0-----------
GOVT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED TWO SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY AND VISUALLY HANDICAPPED.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT.
SIR DAVID SAID AS A COMMUNITY, WE SHOULD DO ALL THAT WE COULD TO HELP THE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.
’’THE AIM MUST BE TO ENABLE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL. WE SHALL NEED MORE FACILITIES TO MEET OUR TARGETS. IN PARTICULAR, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE CAPABLE OF WORKING."
SIR DAVID SAID UNDER THE SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMME, $331 MILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON REHABILITATION SERVICES IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, A 25 PER CENT INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR.
NEXT YEAR, 14 NEW FACILITIES WOULD BE OPENED, INCLUDING FIVE DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES, THREE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND SIX HOSTELS, HE SAID.
SIR DAVID FIRST VISITED THE LAI YIU ADULT TRAINING CENTRE IN LAI YIU ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG.
OPERATED BY THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED, THE CENTRE HAS A DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE WITH 100 PLACES AND A HOSTEL WITH 70 PLACES FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CENTRE OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND IN SHEK KIP MEI. THIS MULTI-SERVICE BUILDING INCLUDES A HOME FOR ELDERLY BLIND PEOPLE, A DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE AND HOSTEL FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED BLIND, A REHABILITATION AND TRAINING CENTRE AND OTHER SUPPORT FACILITIES.
---------0-----------
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26,
1990
4
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SENIOR APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ♦ ♦♦♦♦*
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED APPOINTMENTS TO THREE KEY POSTS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS POST WILL BE FILLED BY DR ENG-KIONG YEOH, THE CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER POST BY MR STEW-MAN PANG AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL POST BY MR JOHN CHAMBERS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THE APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
’’PENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THESE OFFICERS WILL BE TEMPORARY CONSULTANTS TO THE GOVERNMENT,’* SHE EXPLAINED.
’’THEIR IMMEDIATE MISSION WILL BE TO PROCEED WITH DETAILED PREPARATIONS FOR THE AUTHORITY TO TAKE OVER THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM.”
DR YEOH, WHO WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT ON OCTOBER 1, WAS BORN IN MALAYSIA IN 1946. HE STUDIED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WHERE HE OBTAINED HIS DEGREE IN MEDICINE AND SURGERY.
DR YEOH JOINED THE GOVERNMENT MEDICAL SERVICE IN 1971 AND IS CURRENTLY A CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN AND UNIT HEAD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL. HE IS WELL KNOWN FOR HIS WORK ON HEPATITIS AND AIDS.
MR PANG, WHO WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT ON NOVEMBER 1, IS AGED 40 AND IS ALSO MALAYSIAN-BORN. HE OBTAINED DEGREES IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND MICROBIOLOGY AS WELL AS IN HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES.
HE HAS BEEN WORKING IN AUSTRALIA IN VARIOUS ADMINISTRATIVE POSTS AND IS CURRENTLY DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AND INFORMATION SERVICES OF THE SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY AREA HEALTH SERVICE.
MR CHAMBERS, WHO WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT ON NOVEMBER 12, WAS BORN IN ENGLAND IN 1931 AND IS A CAMBRIDGE GRADUATE.
HE JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1955 AND HAS HELD MANY POSTS. MR CHAMBERS HAS BEEN INVOLVED ENTIRELY IN SOCIAL SERVICES WORK DURING THE LATTER PART OF HIS CAREER, WHICH INCLUDED HIS APPOINTMENT AS SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN 1984. HE HAS BEEN SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SINCE 1988.
--------0 - -
/5.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 5 -
ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE: STI *****
THE CYCLICAL SLOWDOWN IN THE GENERAL ECONOMIC PICTURE IN HONG KONG FROM THE SECOND HALF OF 1989 HAS BEEN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN, WHO WAS SPEAKING ON "THE PRESENT AND FUTURE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OF THE DIAMOND TRADE IN HONG KONG" AT THE ANTWERP DIAMOND EVENING SEMINAR HELD IN A LOCAL HOTEL, EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE IT HAD PROVIDED SOME BREATHING SPACE AGAINST CONTINUING CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE ECONOMY.
"THE ECONOMY, WITH ITS RENOWNED FLEXIBILITY AND DYNAMISM, ADJUSTED WELL TO THE SITUATION, AND BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR SOME SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT HAD BECOME VISIBLE," HE SAID.
"UNFORTUNATELY, THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST SOON INTERVENED TO CLOUD THE ECONOMIC HORIZON, NOT ONLY FOR HONG KONG ITSELF BUT ALSO FOR OUR MAIN EXPORT MARKETS ON WHICH WE DEPEND.
"I FOR ONE DO NOT KNOW HOW LONG THE GULF CRISIS WILL REMAIN WITH US," HE SAID.
PROTECTIONISM IN HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS MARKETS WAS ANOTHER VERY REAL PROBLEM WHICH KEPT HAUNTING HONG KONG, AND WHICH KEPT CLOUDING HONG KONG’S TRADE AND THEREFORE ITS ECONOMIC PROSPECTS, MR CHAN SAID.
"THE SITUATION HERE IS SOMEWHAT IRONIC," HE SAID.
"ON THE ONE HAND, FOR MORE THAN THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS, NEARLY 100 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, WITH A VIEW TO EXPANDING AND LIBERATING WORLD TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES IN SOME OF THESE COUNTRIES HAVE CONTINUED AND EVEN INTENSIFIED PRESSURE ON THEIR GOVERNMENTS TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE CONPETITION THAT FREE TRADE WOULD BRING," HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, THESE SAME INDUSTRIES AND GOVERNMENTS HAD BEEN PUTTING PRESSURE ON THEIR TRADING PARTNERS, SUCH AS HONG KONG, TO OPEN UP THEIR MARKETS, HE SAID.
"BUT THEN, WHEN THEY COME ACROSS A TRULY OPEN MARKET SUCH AS HONG KONG, THEY SAY (OR SEEM BY THEIR ACTION TO SAY), 'WE KNOW YOU ARE ALREADY A FREE MARKET. WE KNOW YOU ARE DIFFERENT. BUT WE ARE STILL GOING TO HIT YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE SO EFFICIENT AND COMPETITIVE THAT WE CANNOT MATCH YOU. AND WE KNOW YOU ARE INCAPABLE OF HITTING BACK AT US’," MR CHAN SAID.
THE URUGUAY ROUND WAS DUE TO COME TO A CONCLUSION THIS DECEMBER AT A FINAL MEETING IN BRUSSELS. THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE ROUND WOULD HAVE FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF WORLD TRADE, HE SAID.
/"I HOPE ......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
i
- 6 -
"I HOPE THAT THE ROUND WILL ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES AND THEREBY ENABLE THE GOVERNMENTS OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS TO STAND UP FIRMLY AGAINST PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES. I KNOW THAT THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG JOINS ME IN THAT HOPE.
"IN THE MEANTIME, GIVEN THE SITUATION I HAVE OUTLINED, AND GIVEN THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IS SO SMALL, OPEN AND EXTERNALLY-ORIENTED, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT INDEED TO MAKE QUANTITATIVE FORECASTS ABOUT OUR ECONOMIC PROSPECTS, EXCEPT PERHAPS FOR A VERY SHORT TIME AHEAD.
"QUALITATIVELY, HOWEVER, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THINGS ONE CAN SAY WITH A GOOD DEAL OF CERTAINTY.
"OUR GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AS THE SOUTHERN GATEWAY TO CHINA AND AS THE HUB OF THE ENTIRE ASIA PACIFIC REGION WILL NEVER CHANGE.
"OUR DEEP-WATER PORT, OUR EFFICIENT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND OUR INDUSTRIOUS WORKFORCE WILL BE THERE TO SERVE US FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
"OUR COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE NEXT CENTURY, AND PERHAPS EVEN BEYOND.
"ABOVE ALL, HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO DEPEND HEAVILY ON TRADE, BE IT IN GOODS OR IN SERVICES, FOR A LIVING," MR CHAN SAID.
HE SAID IN 1989 OUR TOTAL IMPORTS OF DIAMONDS AMOUNTED TO US$1,654 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED A GROWTH OF 11.2 PER CENT OVER 1988.
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF DIAMONDS IN 1989 AMOUNTED TO US$653 MILLION, 43 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE YEAR BEFORE.
BELGIUM WAS THE TERRITORY’S THIRD LARGEST SUPPLIER OF DIAMONDS, ACCOUNTING FOR 20.6 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL DIAMOND IMPORTS LAST YEAR. INDEED, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES AND PEARLS CONSTITUTED AS MUCH AS 56 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL IMPORTS FROM BELGIUM, MAKING IT BY FAR THE MOST IMPORTANT PRODUCT GROUP, HE SAID.
HONG KONG WAS ALSO ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTERS OF JEWELLERY AND RELATED ARTICLES, MANY OF WHICH WERE MOUNTED WITH DIAMONDS. OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THESE ITEMS WERE VALUED AT US$642 MILLION IN 1989, AN INCREASE OF 11.7 PER CENT OVER 1988.
"SOPHISTICATED DESIGN AND SUPERB CRAFTSMANSHIP HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUSTAINED GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF THESE PRODUCTS," MR CHAN SAID.
"OUR ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE WORLD DIAMOND TRADE IS BUT ONE OF THE MANY FACETS OF HONG KONG’S STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE. BEING ALMOST TOTALLY DEVOID OF NATURAL RESOURCES, HONG KONG, BY FORCE OF CIRCUMSTANCES, LIVES BY TRADE," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
/7........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
STUDY ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY PLANNED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL COMMISSION A RESEARCH STUDY ON THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY TO ASSESS THE LATEST MARKET TREND, IDENTIFY THE INDUSTRY’S CHARACTERISTICS AND RECOMMEND MEASURES THAT WILL FURTHER FACILITATE ITS DEVELOPMENT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRE AT KOWLOON BAY TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THE STUDY WAS PART OF REGULAR TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDIES COMMISSIONED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ON MAJOR GROUPS OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
"THESE STUDIES AIM TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS IN UPGRADING THEIR OPERATIONS AND IN ACHIEVING HIGH VALUE-ADDED IN THEIR PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
THE LAST TEXTILES AND CLOTHING STUDY WAS CONDUCTED IN 1986, MR CHAN SAID, AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM IT HAD LED TO THE INTRODUCTION OF A RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF INDUSTRY, THE CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRE BEING THE NOTABLE EXAMPLE.
IN THE FACE OF QUOTA LIMITATIONS AND ARISING LABOUR COSTS THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S CLOTHING INDUSTRY WOULD DEPEND ON ITS CAPACITY TO PRODUCE HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS, TO DIVERSIFY, AND TO PENETRATE NEW MARKETS.
"WITH THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, THE CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRE HAS BEEN SET UP PRECISELY TO FOSTER QUICK RESPONSE AND IMPROVEMENT OF GARMENT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG.
"IT IS HOPED THAT MANUFACTURERS CAN ACHIEVE HIGHER VALUE-ADDED THROUGH PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND PRODUCT INNOVATION," MR CHAN SAID.
HE SAID THE CENTRE WAS TASKED WITH DEMONSTRATION OF APPROPRIATE PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND SYSTEM, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, ADAPTATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO SUIT HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT, AND ORGANISATION OF SEMINARS AND COURSES TO DISSEMINATE TECHNICAL INFORMATION TO THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY.
THE CENTRE OPERATED ON THE BASIS OF PROCESSING GENUINE ORDERS AND ACTUAL PRODUCTION OF GARMENTS WHICH, MR CHAN BELIEVED, WAS THE BEST WAY TO PROVE THE REAL BENEFITS OF ANY TECHNOLOGY OR SYSTEM.
MANUFACTURERS WOULD SEE THE APPLICATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN A REAL ENVIRONMENT; AND SUCH DEMONSTRATIONS MINIMISED THE RISKS FOR THEM TO EXPERIMENT WITH NEW SCHEMES ON THEIR OWN AND FACILITATED THE TRANSFER OF NEW TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID.
"I WOULD URGE GARMENT MANUFACTURERS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE CENTRE’S FACILITIES AND TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY ADOPTING THE TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS WHICH THE CENTRE HAS SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATED," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
8
VIEWS OF POST OFFICE STAFF WILL BE CONSIDERED
*****
POST OFFICE STAFF CAN REST ASSURED THAT THEIR VIEWS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR GRADE AND SALARY STRUCTURE WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE CURRENT REVIEW BEING CONDUCTED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE POST OFFICE RECREATION CLUBHOUSE AT CAROLINE HILL, MR WIGGHAM APPEALED TO THE POSTAL STAFF THAT THEY SHOULD REMAIN PATIENT AND RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS THROUGH DISCUSSIONS WITH MANAGEMENT INSTEAD OF SPECULATING ON THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW OR SUGGESTING ANY PROTEST ACTIONS THAT MIGHT INCONVENIENCE THE PUBLIC.
MR WIGGHAM SAID HE HAD BEEN AWARE OF THE CONCERNS RECENTLY EXPRESSED BY POST OFFICE STAFF OVER ISSUES RELATING TO THEIR PAY AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS.
"THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE IS CONDUCTING ITS SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVICE GRADES, INCLUDING THE POSTAL GRADES.”
HE SAID THAT IN VIEW OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE NATURE AND THE NUMBER OF GRADES INVOLVED, THE REVIEW WOULD INEVITABLY TAKE SOME TIME TO COMPLETE ADDING THAT HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THE REVIEW WAS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THAT THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE HAD BEEN WIDELY REPUTED AS PROVIDING ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EFFICIENT POSTAL SERVICES.
"NOTWITHSTANDING THE RAPID INCREASE IN POSTAL TRAFFIC AND THE VARIETY OF SERVICES, THE MAJORITY OF LOCAL MAIL IS ABLE TO BE DELIVERED THE DAY AFTER IT IS RECEIVED FOR SORTING.
"SUCH EXCELLENT STANDARD OF SERVICE HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THIS AGE OF FAST GROWTH IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, THE ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES WERE ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
"THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE IN POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE DEDICATION, DILIGENCE AND LOYALTY OF STAFF.
"ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC AS A WHOLE, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE STAFF OF THE POST OFFICE FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND EFFICIENT EXECUTION OF DUTIES," HE ADDED.
/MR WIGGHAM .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 9 -
MR WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS RENOVATING THE CLUBHOUSE WAS A DEMONSTRATION OF ITS APPRECIATION OF THE POST OFFICE STAFF’S CONTRIBUTION.
"I AM QUITE SURE THAT IT WILL BECOME A POPULAR VENUE FOR STAFF TO RELAX AND RELIEVE FROM THE PRESSURE OF THEIR DAILY WORK,” HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM CONGRATULATED THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND STAFF OF THE POST OFFICE ON THE OPENING OF THIS CLUBHOUSE ADDING THAT THE SUCCESSFUL PLANNING OF WHICH WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH CO-OPERATIVI EFFORTS AND EFFECTIVE CONSULTATION BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT.
ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, SAID THAT THE FACILITIES OF THE CLUBHOUSE WHICH WAS BUILT IN 1953 WERE NO LONGER ABLE TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND FROM STAFF WHICH HAD GROWN FIVEFOLD FROM 640 TO 5,000 IN THE PAST 37 YEARS.
FACILITIES OF THE REFURBISHED CLUBHOUSE INCLUDE TENNIS COURTS, A SOCCER PITCH, A BASKETBALL COURT, A BILLIARD ROOM, A MAHJONG ROOM, ACTIVITY ROOMS, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND BARBECUE PITS.
THE FACILITIES ARE OPEN TO THE 5,000 STAFF OF THE POST OFFICE AND THEIR FAMILIES.
------0--------
REVISION OF TRANSPORT FEES AND CHARGES * * * » *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED FEE INCREASES FOR MISCELLANEOUS TRANSPORT-RELATED LICENCES AND PERMITS FROM FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 28) TO COVER ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT FEES AND CHARGES WERE REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR REAL VALUE IN RELATION TO ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS WAS MAINTAINED. THE FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS TRANSPORT-RELATED LICENCES AND PERMITS HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR FOUR TO SIX YEARS.
”A REVIEW COMPLETED IN MAY THIS YEAR FOUND THAT THE FEES FOR SOME 14 MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES AND PERMITS ARE BELOW THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF PROCESSING THEM AND SHOULD BE INCREASED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FEES FOR A CERTIFICATE OF PARTICULARS IN THE REGISTER, VEHICLE REGISTRATION, INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE, EXCESS PASSENGER PERMIT, CAR CLEANER’S PERMIT, DUPLICATE PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE CERTIFICATE AND DUPLICATE VILLAGE VEHICLE PERMIT WILL BE INCREASED BY $5 TO $30.
FEES FOR A MOVEMENT PERMIT, LONG LOAD/WIDE LOAD PERMIT, PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE CERTIFICATE, VILLAGE VEHICLE PERMIT AND GOODS PERMIT WILL BE INCREASED BY $45 TO $90.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 10 -
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ANOTHER INCREASE WOULD BE NEEDED AFTER ONE YEAR IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE FULL COST RECOVERY FOR PROCESSING THESE PERMITS.
THE ISSUING FEE AND THE ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE FOR LANTAU CLOSED ROAD PERMIT WILL BE INCREASED TO $360 AND $240 RESPECTIVELY.
THE FEES WOULD BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER WITH A VIEW TO FULL COST-RECOVERY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE ISSUING FEE AND ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE FOR THIS PERMIT HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE 1985.
THE ANNUAL ’’KAITO” FERRY SERVICES LICENCE WILL BE INCREASED TO A NOMINAL LEVEL OF $100 WHICH ROUGHLY RESTORES THE REAL VALUE OF THIS FEE TO THE 1982 LEVEL WHEN IT WAS FIRST INTRODUCED.
’’THIS FEE WILL CONTINUE TO BE SET AT A NOMINAL LEVEL IN VIEW OF THE SPECIAL CHARACTER OF THE ’KAITO’ SERVICES IN MEETING THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE OUTLYING ISLANDS,” THE SPOKEMAN SAID.
FULL DETAILS OF THE NEW FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS TRANSPORT-RELATED LICENCES AND PERMITS WILL BE LISTED IN THE GAZETTE TO BE PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY.
-----------------0-------- NEW FARE CEILINGS FOR GREEN MINIBUSES * ♦ * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS APPROVED AN INCREASE IN THE FARE CEILINGS OF GREEN MINIBUSES (GMB) WITH EFFECT FROM SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 30) .
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 1,349 GREEN MINIBUSES SERVING A TOTAL OF 184 ROUTES IN THE TERRITORY WITH A GENERAL FARE RANGE OF $1.30 TO $4.50 DURING NORMAL SCHEDULED OPERATING HOURS.
IN VIEW OF RISING OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS SINCE THE LAST REVISION IN JUNE 1989, GMB OPERATORS HAD APPLIED FOR AN INCREASE IN THE FARE CEILINGS AND THE DEPARTMENT HAD AGREED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR AN ADJUSTMENT.
’’THE NEW FARE SCALE ONLY INDICATES THE MAXIMUM FARE THAT CAN BE CHARGED FOR A GMB SERVICE. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE FARES OF GMB WILL BE INCREASED AUTOMATICALLY UPON THE REVISION,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"EACH INDIVIDUAL OPERATOR, IF HE WISHES TO INCREASE THE FARE FOR A SPECIFIC ROUTE OR ROUTES, WILL HAVE TO APPLY TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WITH SUPPORTING DATA AND THE CHARGE FOR EACH ROUTE CAN ONLY BE ALTERED AFTER OBTAINING THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT," HE ADDED.
/THE EXISTING .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 11 -
THE EXISTING FARE SCALE AND THE NEW FARE SCALE FOR GMB ARE AS FOLLOWS:
JOURNEY DISTANCE NOT EXCEEDING (KM) EXISTING SCALE ($) REVISED SCALE ($)
2 1.30
3 1.70 3.00
5 2.50 4.00
7 3.50 5.00
8 4.00 5.50
10 4.50 6.00
11 5.00 6.50
15 5.50 7.00
20 8.00 9.50
30 12.00 12.00
40 15.00 15.00
50 18.00 18.00
--------0-----------
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST RELEASED
*****
THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAINED WEAK IN AUGUST, WHILE RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RISE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
RETAINED IMPORTS ALSO SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1990, AT $21,128 MILLION, WAS $96 MILLION OR 0.5 PER CENT LESS THAN IN AUGUST 1989. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, HOWEVER, INCREASED BY $6,478 MILLION OR 20.4 PER CENT TO $38,304 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY $6,382 MILLION OR 12.0 PER CENT OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $59,432 MILLION IN AUGUST 1990.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $7,730 MILLION OR 16.1 PER CENT OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $55,706 MILLION IN AUGUST 1990.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $3,726 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.7 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN AUGUST 1990.
/THIS COMPARES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
= I?
THIS COMPARES WITH A SURPLUS OF $5,074 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 10.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN AUGUST 1989.
PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1990 WAS $399,670 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $142,075 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $257,595 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1989, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $30,932 MILLION OR 8.4 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS FALLING BY $2,310 MILLION OR 1.6 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS RISING BY $33,242 MILLION OR 14.8 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY $28,695 MILLION OR 7.7 PER CENT, TO $402,018 MILLION. A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $2,348 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1990. THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $4,585 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
COMMENTING ON THE AUGUST FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO BE ROBUST. THIS WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STRONG GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN. A FASTER GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA ALSO CONTRIBUTED.
AS REGARDS RETAINED IMPORTS, A FURTHER SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN AUGUST, FOLLOWING THE INCREASE IN JULY. THIS MAY SUGGEST SOME PICK-UP IN DOMESTIC DEMAND.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT DEVELOPMENTS STEMMING FROM THE GULF CRISIS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE SOME NEGATIVE EFFECT ON HONG KONG'S EXPORT TRADE, BUT PROBABLY NOT IMMEDIATELY. THE SITUATION IN THE UNITED STATES MARKET WILL BE PARTICULARLY INFLUENTIAL IN THIS REGARD.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST 1990.
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $21,128 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : $38,304 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS : $59,432 MILLION
IMPORTS : $55,706 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE : $3,726 MILLION [IN SURPLUS]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS JUN 90 TO AUG 90 HK$ MN. JUN 89 TO AUG 89 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 60,382 61,284 -902 -1.5
RE-EXPORTS 108,694 93,143 15,551 16.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 169,076 154,427 14,649 9.5
IMPORTS 162,206 146,753 15,463 10.5
TRADE BALANCE 6,870 7,674 -804
/SAME MONTH .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
13 -
AUGUST AUGUST INCREASE
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1990 1989
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21,128 21,224 -96 -0.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.5%) (40.0%)
RE-EXPORTS 38,304 31,826 6,478 20.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 59,432 53,05'0 6,382 12.0
IMPORTS 55,706 47,976 7,730 16.1
TRADE BALANCE 3,726 5,074 -1,348
LAST MONTH AUGUST 1990 HK$ MN. JULY 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21,128 20,409 719 3.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.5%) (36.1%)
RE-EXPORTS 38,304 36,194 2,110 5.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 59,432 56,603 2,829 5.0
IMPORTS 55,706 54,479 1,227 2.3
TRADE BALANCE 3,726 2,124 1,602
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-AUG 1990 HK$ MN. JAN-AUG 1989 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 142,075 144,385 -2,310 -1.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.5%) (39.2%)
RE-EXPORTS 257,595 224,353 33,242 14.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 399,670 368,738 30,932 8.4
IMPORTS 402,018 373,323 28,695 7.7
TRADE BALANCE -2,348 -4,585 2,237
ST 12 MONTHS SEP 89 TO AUG 90 HK$ MN. SEP 88 TO AUG 89 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 221,794 225,627 -3,833 -1.7
RE-EXPORTS 379,647 333,033 46,614 14.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 601,441 558,660 42,781 7.7
IMPORTS 591,477 562,209 29,268 5.2
TRADE BALANCE 9,964 -3,549 13,513
/14 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
<14
SURVEY ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS ♦ » ♦ ♦ »
SECONDARY 1 TO 3 STUDENTS CONTINUE TO BE THE MOST PRONE TO UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS OF THE 1988-89 SURVEY ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS.
’’THE FINDINGS INDICATE THAT ALTHOUGH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MORAL EDUCATION RESTS WITH EVERY TEACHER, TEACHERS OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS, PARTICULARLY THOSE TEACHING SECONDARY 1 STUDENTS, HAVE A HEAVIER SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN DEALING WITH UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS THAN TEACHERS OF OTHER FORMS AND AGE GROUPS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INCIDENTS REPORTED IN 1988-89 TOTALLED 227,096 AGAINST 211,151 FOR THE'PREVIOUS YEAR, WITH THE GREAT MAJORITY (93 PER CENT) BEING OF THE LESS SERIOUS CATEGORY OF UNRULY BEHAVIOUR WHILE ONLY A MINORITY (SEVEN PER CENT) WERE OF THE MORE SERIOUS CATEGORY OF DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR.
THE SPOKESMAN ATTRIBUTED THE RISE TO INCREASED REPORTING OF UNRULY BEHAVIOUR AND THE EXTREMELY HIGH RATE OF RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY FROM SCHOOLS.
”A RESPONSE RATE OF NEARLY 100 PER CENT IS INDEED REMARKABLE AND IT INDICATES A CONTINUING STRONG SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AMONG BOTH SCHOOL HEADS AND THEIR TEACHING STAFF, AND AN AWARENESS THAT STUDENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS IS AN AREA REQUIRING CONSTANT MONITORING AND STUDY," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF UNRULY BEHAVIOUR INCIDENTS (211,825) IN 1988-89 INCREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT OVER 1987-88.
THE FOUR MORE COMMON CATEGORIES OF UNRULY BEHAVIOUR, REPRESENTING ABOUT 72 PER CENT OF ALL SUCH INCIDENTS, WERE (IN DESCENDING ORDER OF FREQUENCY):
♦ HABITUAL FAILURE TO HAND IN ASSIGNMENTS/BRING TEXTBOOKS OR STATIONERY TO SCHOOL (77,862);
» HABITUAL LATENESS (33,991);
» INSOLENT OR REBELLIOUS BEHAVIOUR (20,971); AND
» DISCIPLINARY OFFENCES TO ATTRACT ATTENTION (20,579).
DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR INCIDENTS, WHICH NUMBERED 15,271 (OUT OF A TOTAL SECONDARY SCHOOL POPULATION OF 442,000 AT SEPTEMBER 1988), REGISTERED A 1.5 PER CENT INCREASE AS COMPARED WITH 1987-88 AND, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ACTS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AND INVOLVEMENT IN GAMBLING, ALL OTHER CATEGORIES WERE REPORTED TO HAVE DECREASED WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
/•'FOR EXAMPLE.......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 15 -
"FOR EXAMPLE, POSSESSION OF PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS AND INVOLVEMENT IN SEX OFFENCES DROPPED FROM 1,298 (8.6 PER CENT) AND 219 (1.5 PER CENT) IN 1987-88 TO 958 (6.3 PER CENT) AND 136 (0.9 PER CENT) IN THE LATEST FINDINGS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS A SLIGHT DROP IN INCIDENTS OF SUSPECTED INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES, AND' INTIMIDATION SUCH AS BLACKMAIL AT 620 (4.1 PER CENT) AND 770 (FIVE PER CENT) IN THE LATEST FINDINGS, COMPARED TO 637 (4.2 PER CENT) AND 802 (5.3 PER CENT) IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE THREE MORE COMMON CATEGORIES OF DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR, REPRESENTING ABOUT 83 PER CENT OF ALL SUCH INCIDENTS, REMAINED THE SAME AS INDICATED IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY. THEY WERE (IN DESCENDING ORDER OF FREQUENCY):
» ACTS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE (5,650);
» STEALING (3,947); AND
» INVOLVEMENT IN GAMBLING (3,089).
AS IN PREVIOUS SURVEYS, THERE WAS A HIGHER PROPORTION OF SCHOOLBOYS INVOLVED IN UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR THAN GIRLS, WITH THE FORMER RANGING FROM 10.1 PER CENT TO 13.8 PER CENT AND THE LATTER FROM 4.5 PER CENT TO 6.5 PER CENT ONLY.
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS PER STUDENT WAS ALSO SLIGHTLY HIGHER FOR BOYS (FROM 1.8 TO TWO PER CENT) THAN GIRLS (1.6 TO 1.9 PER CENT) AND, AS A PERCENTAGE OF ALL STUDENTS INVOLVED, THE RELATIVE PROPORTION OF BOYS AND GIRLS STOOD AT 70 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT.
GIRLS OUTNUMBERED BOYS IN BEING HABITUALLY LATE TO SCHOOL, PLAYING TRUANT AND FOR ACTS OF DISHONESTY SUCH AS CHEATING BUT DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR SUCH AS INSOLENT OR REBELLIOUS BEHAVIOUR, DISCIPLINARY OFFENCES TO ATTRACT ATTENTION AND REGULAR USE OF FOUL LANGUAGE WERE MORE COMMON AMONG BOYS.
THE SURVEY FINDINGS ALSO SHOWED THAT:
* THE MAJORITY OF BOYS AND GIRLS INVOLVED WERE AGED FROM 13 TO 16;
» THE INVOLVEMENT RATIO FOR STUDENTS AGED 13 TO 15 WAS THE HIGHEST; AND
♦ MOST STUDENTS WERE FROM SECONDARY 1 TO 3, ACCOUNTING FOR l ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF THE TOTAL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SURVEY, INITIATED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS, WAS THE SEVENTH SINCE 1982.
/"THE MAIN .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 16 -
’’THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE TO MONITOR AND REPORT ON THE INCIDENCE OF UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR AMONG STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS AND TO ADVISE ON APPROPRIATE POLICIES AND MEASURES TO COMBAT SUCH BEHAVIOUR,” HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS, MORE INDIVIDUAL CARE AND GUIDANCE STUDENTS AND FOR MORE MEASURES TO MISBEHAVIOUR FROM DEVELOPING, THE
THERE WOULD APPEAR TO BE A NEED FOR TO BE AVAILABLE FOR JUNIOR FORM BE TAKEN TO TRY TO PREVENT THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT TO ASSIST THEM IN MAKING THIS PROVISION, TEACHERS SHOULD REFER TO THE GENERAL GUIDELINES AND REFERENCE MATERIALS ON MORAL EDUCATION.
SCHOOLS WISHING TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL COPIES ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE RELIGIOUS-ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 511, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY (TEL: 839 2481).
--------0-----------
REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, MEDICAL LAB TECHNOLOGISTS
******
APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 1), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARIAT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BOARD AND THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BOARD ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PROVISIONS REGARDING THE REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINE OF THE TWO PROFESSIONS WERE GAZETTED IN JULY FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF THE TWO PROFESSIONS.
THESE NEW REGULATIONS AIM TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION TO THE PUBLIC BY MAINTAINING ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS IN THE PRACTICE OF THESE TWO SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS.
’’OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’AFTER THE RELEVANT SECTIONS IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF THESE TWO PROFESSIONS COME INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 1 NEXT YEAR, UNREGISTERED PERSONS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PRACTISE IN THE PROFESSIONS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REGISTERS FOR BOTH PROFESSIONS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS : PARTS I AND II FOR FULL REGISTRATION AND PART III FOR PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION.
/PERSONS CURRENTLY .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 17 -
PERSONS CURRENTLY PRACTISING THESE TWO PROFESSIONS BUT WHO HAVE NO RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS OR FORMAL TRAINING WILL NORMALLY BE CONSIDERED FOR PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION.
AT LEAST ONE DIRECTOR OF AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COMPANY OR A MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY COMPANY MUST BE REGISTERED IN PART I OF THE REGISTER. ALL PERSONS WHO ARE EMPLOYED BY StJCH A COMPANY AND ARE PRACTISING THESE PROFESSIONS MUST BE REGISTERED.
FOR FULL REGISTRATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM NEXT MONDAY AND IT IS AN ONGOING EXERCISE.
HOWEVER, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BY JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR SO AS TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE RELEVANT STATUTORY BOARDS TO COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE BEFORE AUGUST 1.
AS REGARDS PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THIS BEING A ONE-OFF EXERCISE, APPLICANTS SHOULD HAND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS BETWEEN OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR AND JUNE 30 NEXT YEAR. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS PERIOD.
’’THOSE WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION WILL BE DEEMED TO BE REGISTERED UNTIL THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE KNOWN,” HE ADDED.
DETAILS ON THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES ARE CONTAINED IN A BOOKLET ON "GUIDE TO APPLICANTS".
STARTING FROM MONDAY, THE BOOKLET TOGETHER WITH THE APPLICATION FORM WILL BE OBTAINABLE IN PERSON OR BY WRITING TO THE SECRETARIAT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BOARD AND THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BOARD AT SUNNING PLAZA, 10 HYSAN AVENUE, SIXTH FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THEY WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL AND TSAN YUK HOSPITAL ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KOWLOON HOSPITAL, LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL AND QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL IN KOWLOON; CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, FANLING HOSPITAL, KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL, ST JOHN HOSPITAL ON CHEUNG CHAU, SIU LAM HOSPITAL, SOUTH LANTAO HOSPITAL AND TUEN MUN HOSPITAL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 890 0514.
---------0-----------
/18........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
18
BETTER SEVERANCE PAY PROTECTION DISCUSSED
*****
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DISCUSSED A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE COVERAGE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, AN EMPLOYEE’S SEVERANCE PAYMENT ENTITLEMENT UPON THE INSOLVENCY OF THE EMPLOYER WILL BE INCREASED UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $8,000 AND 50 PER CENT OF ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF $8,000.
THE BOARD WAS TOLD THAT THE PROPOSED EXTENT OF COVERAGE WAS CONSIDERED REASONABLE AS IT WOULD ENSURE THAT THE LOWER INCOME GROUP OF EMPLOYEES, WHO WERE USUALLY MORE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION, WOULD GET FULL COVERAGE OR A RELATIVELY HIGH PERCENTAGE OF COVERAGE.
TO ENABLE THE FUND TO MEET THE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ARISING FROM THE INCREASED COVERAGE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT, IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE RATE OF LEVY ON EACH BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $100 TO $250.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ACCEPTED THE PROPOSAL IN PRINCIPLE, SUBJECT TO THEIR VIEWS EXPRESSED AT THE MEETING. THE CHAIRMAN UNDERTOOK TO REPORT THEM BACK TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
MEMBERS ALSO EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON THE OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEMES (COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY ETC) BILL 1990.
A REPORT ON HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE 77TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE 1990 WAS PRESENTED TO THE BOARD FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
THE BOARD ALSO ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATION THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE AS A TRIPARTITE TEAM.
------0-------
109 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM *****
A GROUP OF 109 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 36 MEN, 32 WOMEN, 25 BOYS AND 16 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 34TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 4,453 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.
------0-------
/19........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 19 -
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED ♦ * * ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF GENERALE BELGIAN FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
--------0----------
NO MAIL SERVICES ON OCTOBER 4 * » t » *
THERE WILL BE NO LETTER DELIVERY ON OCTOBER 4, THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ALSO, ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED THAT DAY.
------q--------
HONG KONG YOUTH PROJECT WINS AWARD
*****
A HONG KONG YOUTH COMMUNITY PROJECT, ’’GREEN MOVEMENT — ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN”, HAS RECENTLY WON A COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AWARD FOR 1990.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, ON BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME, PRESENTED A CHEQUE OF 1,000 POUNDS STERLING TO THE WINNING TEAM FROM THE CHEUNG WAH CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS.
MEDALLIONS AND CERTIFICATES WERE ALSO AWARDED TO EACH OF THE 20 TEAM MEMBERS.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR TSAO SAID THE SCHEME WAS DESIGNED TO GIVE SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION TO THE COLLECTIVE ACTION BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN IMPROVING THEIR COMMUNITY, UNDER DIFFERENT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS.
’’THE FACT THAT THE PROJECTS REPRESENTING HONG KONG WERE ABLE TO GAIN RECOGNITION TWICE IN SIX YEARS PROVED THAT OUR YOUTHS ARE RESOURCEFUL IN IDEAS, PRAGMATIC IN PLANNING AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, CARING IN THEIR HEART," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
/20........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
- 20 -
MR TSAO HOPED TO SEE MORE PROJECTS OF THIS NATURE INITIATED BY MANY MORE YOUTH GROUPS IN THE YEARS TO COME.
’’FOR IT IS THE PROCESS OF WORKING OUT NEW IDEAS, AND IMPLEMENTING WHAT SEEMS TO BE UNUSUAL TASKS THAT THE PARTICIPANTS, AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, WILL BENEFIT MOST,” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE AWARDS FOR 1991, MR TSAO CALLED ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS TO TAKE PART.
THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH AWARD SCHEME WAS STARTED BY THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1985 AS AN ENDURING COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE SCHEME OFFERS UP TO FIVE AWARDS EACH YEAR, WITH NOT MORE THAN TWO TO BE AWARDED TO ANY COUNTRY IN THE REGION.
IN HONG KONG, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS CO-ORDINATING THE SELECTION OF THE BEST TWO COMMUNITY PROJECTS TQ REPRESENT THE TERRITORY.
A PROJECT BY MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL RED CROSS WON THE FIRST AWARD IN 1986 THIS YEAR THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN AND A SERVICE PROJECT FOR THE ELDERLY WERE SELECTED TO REPRESENT THE TERRITORY.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID THE NOMINATED PROJECTS SHOULD BE EXAMPLES OF EFFECTIVE TEAMWORK BY A GROUP OF NOT MORE THAN 20 YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 15 TO 24.
THEY SHOULD RESPOND TO THE LOCAL NEEDS AND PROVIDE A MODEL OR INSPIRATION TO LOCAL PEOPLE AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES, HE ADDED.
NOMINATIONS ARE BEING INVITED THROUGH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND DISTRICT OFFICES. THEY SHOULD REACH THE CNTA ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE SCHEME MAY CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
--------0-----------
/21.........
t
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26,
1990
- 21 -
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVALS IN YAU TSIM ******
TWO CARNIVALS TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 2).
THE FIRST ONE IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE CONCOURSE OF HENRY G. LEONG YAUMATEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, BEGINNING AT 7 PM.
THE OTHER IS ORGANISED BY A COMMITTEE COMPRISING COMMUNITY LEADERS AND IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION.
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, STARTING AT 8 PM.
THERE WILL BE LANTERN EXHIBITIONS, PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS, GAME STALLS, LANTERN RIDDLES, FORTUNE-TELLING AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE HANDICRAFTS AT BOTH CARNIVALS.
ADMISSION IS FREE. COUPONS FOR STALL GAMES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AT 15 MIDDLE ROAD AND ITS SUB-OFFICE AT 40 CARNARVON ROAD.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
' THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLAYS KEY ROLE IN BANKING ................................... 1
CALL TO LAUNCH COMMUNITY-WIDE EDI SERVICE FOR HK.................................... 2
PRIVATISATION OF GOVT ROAD TUNNEL MANAGEMENT........................................ 4
DEMAND FOR MORE CHINESE-MEDIUM TEXTBOOKS EXPECTED .................................. 5
ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUPPORTS TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 .................... 6
FEWER KILLED IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS ............................................... 7
SAFETY EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION AT KOWLOON PARK ........................................ 8
FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER .......................................................... 9
MORE THAN 1,000 STREET SLEEPERS ON REGISTER ........................................ 9
TOPPING OUT OF AMS HEADQUARTERS BUILDING........................................... 10
REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1947-50 ................................................ 11
SEMINAR ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT FOR STUDENTS ................................. 12
SWIMMING GALA FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS ................................... 13
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY ................................................. 13
PREVENT AIDS EXHIBITION IN TSIM SHA TSUI ........................................ 14
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
1
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLAYS KEY ROLE IN BANKING
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS AS FIRMLY COMMITTED AS THE BANKING SECTOR TO EXPLOITING THE BENEFITS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ("IT") TO THE FULL, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT IS ALSO AS COMMITTED AS THE BANKING INDUSTRY TO ENSURING THAT BANKING SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ARE SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY ENHANCED, MR NENDICK ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING HAD ATTENDED A NUMBER OF ADVANCED COMPUTER AUDITING COURSES TO ENHANCE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF LATEST MARKET TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN BANKING BUSINESS AND AUDITING.
SPEAKING AT THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM THIS MORNING, MR NENDICK SAID THAT IN HONG KONG "IT" HAD ALREADY ASSUMED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN BANKING SUPERVISION, PARTICULARLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE NEW AND MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH WHICH HAD BEEN ADOPTED TO SUPERVISING BANKS.
"THIS APPROACH LAYS IMPORTANT EMPHASIS ON AN OFF-SITE REVIEW OF AN INSTITUTION’S FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL RETURNS WHICH IS THEN FOLLOWED UP BY PRUDENTIAL INTERVIEWS WITH MANAGEMENT ON MATTERS OF PRUDENTIAL CONCERN.
"CLOSE ATTENTION IS PAID TO SUCH FACTORS AS LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL ADEQUACY, LARGE EXPOSURES AND OTHER RISK CONCENTRATIONS,” HE SAID.
MR NENDICK NOTED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR AN ENHANCED COMPUTER SYSTEM CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING A LARGE DATABASE AND AT THE SAME TIME SUPPORTING THE MUCH LARGER NUMBER OF TERMINALS AND INTELLIGENT WORKSTATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE REGULAR DETAILED REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF INSTITUTIONS BY INDIVIDUAL BANK EXAMINERS.
TO THIS END, THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING RECENTLY ENTERED INTO A $32 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY OF AN ENHANCED COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH IS PLANNED FOR COMPLETION IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
THE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE THE TECHNICAL BACKUP TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW SUPERVISORY APPROACH REQUIRING AS IT DOES MUCH GREATER ANALYSIS OF DATA PROVIDED BY INSTITUTIONS.
MR NENDICK CAUTIONED THAT THOUGH "IT" WAS HELPING BANKING BUSINESS TO EXPAND ITS FRONTIERS, SUCH TECHNOLOGY HAD ALSO EXPOSED T'h INDUSTRY TO OPERATOR UNCERTAINTY AND RISK IN CERTAIN RESPECTS.
"BANKS MUST INCREASINGLY BE ON THEIR GUARD AGAINST SUCH PROBLEMS AS THE IMPROPER DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION, COMPUTER FRAUD OR THE INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS DUE TO SYSTEM BREAKDOWN," HE SAID.
/HE SAID ......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
- 2 -
HE SAID THAT THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT BANKS’ ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING (EDP) SYSTEMS WERE PROTECTED AGAINST THESE RISKS MUST REST WITH MANAGEMENT.
"IT IS THEY WHO MUST DEVISE ADEQUATE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO MINIMISE THE PROBABILITY OF SUCH EVENTS AS WELL AS MEASURES TO CONTAIN AND REDUCE THE IMPACT OF SYSTEMS FAILURE AS AND WHEN IT OCCURS," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK NOTED HOWEVER THAT BANK SUPERVISORS ALSO HAD THEIR PART TO PLAY.
"THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO EVALUATE BOTH THE ADEQUACY OF AN INSTITUTION’S EDP POLICY AND ITS INTERNAL CONTROL AND SECURITY SYSTEMS, DRAWING ON THEIR OWN EXPERTISE AND UPON EXPERIENCE GAINED IN EXAMINING THE SYSTEMS USED BY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BANKING SYSTEM.
"HERE IN HONG KONG WE HAVE ALSO HAD RECOURSE TO THE EXPERTISE OF EXTERNAL AUDITORS, ENCOURAGING THEM TO REGARD THE REVIEW OF INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS, INCLUDING EDP SYSTEMS, AS PART AND PARCEL OF THEIR AUDIT PROCEDURES," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
CALL TO LAUNCH COMMUNITY-WIDE EDI SERVICE FOR HK
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED THE WIDER BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO JOIN THE GOVERNMENT IN LAUNCHING A COMMUNITY-WIDE ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) SERVICE FOR HONG KONG BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON EDI HELD IN THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR CHAN SAID GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT ALONE TO MOVE IN THAT DIRECTION WAS NOT ENOUGH.
"EVEN IF WE ARE JOINED IN THIS COMMITMENT BY SOME OF THE MAJOR ORGANISATIONS IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, IT IS STILL NOT ENOUGH.
"i Urge the wider business community to join us in that COMMITMENT,i HE SAID.
MR OHAN SAID ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HONG KONG TO REMAIN A| KEY PLAYER IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING ARENA WAS THE ABILITY TO STAY IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED TRADING METHODS AND PRACTICES.
i
HE SAID EDI WAS HAPPENING AND IT WAS ALREADY HAPPENING IN A BIG WAY IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS.
"ITS IMPACT ON HONG KONG IS BEGINNING TO BE FELT. IF WE WAJT UNTIL OUR TRADING PARTNERS DEMAND EDI, IT WILL BE TOO LATE," HE SAID.
/MR CHAN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
3 -
MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN CONCERN WAS TO ENSURE THAT EDI WAS DEVELOPED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE INTERESTS OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY WERE BEST SERVED, AND THAT ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE MUST BE MEASURED AGAINST THIS BEFORE THE FINAL DECISION WAS TAKEN.
"WE BELIEVE THAT A SUITABLE WAY TO BRING ABOUT A COMMUNITY-WIDE EDI SERVICE IN HONG KONG IS TO BEGIN BY APPLYING EDI TO A RANGE OF KEY GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS.
"THROUGH SPEDI (SHARED PROJECT FOR EDI), WE AIM TO IDENTIFY AN INITIAL PACKAGE OF SERVICES THAT OFFERS SUFFICIENT ATTRACTION FOR ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN THEM TO ADOPT EDI.
"THIS, IN TURN, SHOULD SERVE TO STIMULATE THE DESIRE AND MOTIVATION TO EXTEND EDI TO THE OTHER TRANSACTIONS THAT ARE NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE TRADE CYCLE, BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
"I MUST STRESS, HOWEVER, THAT THIS INITIAL FOCUS ON GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS MUST NOT STOP THE PRIVATE SECTOR FROM LOOKING AT ITS OWN REQUIREMENTS IN PARALLEL," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID TO IMPLEMENT EDI SUCCESSFULLY ON A COUNTRY-WIDE BASIS SUFFICIENT NUMBERS OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT EDI WAS AND HOW IT COULD BE USED AS A BUSINESS TOOL.
IT SHOULD NO LONGER BE CONCEIVED AS SIMPLY REMOVING THE NEED TO CONVEY INFORMATION ON PAPER.
"TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE, ORGANISATIONS MUST EXPLOIT THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT EDI CAN OFFER. THIS PROCESS, UNFORTUNATELY, TAKES TIME AND UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR AN ONGOING EDUCATION AND PROMOTION PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY MUST ALSO AGREE AMONG THEMSELVES HOW TO AUTOMATE INFORMATION ACROSS ORGANISATIONAL BOUNDARIES, MR CHAN SAID.
"IMPLICIT IN THIS IS THE NEED FOR THE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED TO AGREE ON WHAT ITEMS OF INFORMATION ARE NEEDED, WHEN THEY ARE REQUIRED, HOW INFORMATION SHOULD BE EXCHANGED AND WHAT RULES SHOULD GOVERN SUCH EXCHANGES," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID A WAY HAD TO BE FOUND TO ENABLE ALL ORGANISATIONS WITH VARYING DEGREES OF SOPHISTICATION IN THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO MOVE TOWARDS THIS NEW WAY OF DOING BUSINESS.
"ON THE ONE HAND, WE HAVE MAJOR ORGANISATIONS THAT ARE EXTENSIVELY COMPUTERISED AND ARE ALREADY IMPLEMENTING EDI WITH SELECTED PARTNERS EITHER LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS.
/"ON THE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
4
"ON THE OTHER, HONG KONG HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF SMALL-TO-MEDIUM SIZED TRADERS AND MANUFACTURERS. A GREAT MANY OF THEM EMPLOY FEWER THAN 10 PEOPLE," HE SAID.
TO THEM, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MEANT A TELEPHONE, A PAGER AND PROBABLY A FAX.
"FOR A COMMUNITY-WIDE EDI SERVICE TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE NEEDS OF BOTH LARGE AND SMALL COMPANIES MUST BE MET," HE SAID.
-----0-------
PRIVATISATION OF GOVT ROAD TUNNEL MANAGEMENT
******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE THE PRIVATISATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT ROAD TUNNELS UNDER A MANAGEMENT CONTRACT.
AS A FIRST STEP, THE MANAGEMENT OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE TUNNEL’S ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT WOULD BE PRIVATISED FROM APRIL OR MAY NEXT YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) EXPLAINED THAT TO PRIVATISE THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE TUNNELS WAS TO MEET THE OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT ROAD TUNNELS WITHOUT INCREASING GOVERNMENT RESOURCES AND EXPENDITURE.
AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT OWNS AND MANAGES FOUR ROAD TUNNELS, NAMELY THE LION ROCK, ABERDEEN, AIRPORT AND SHING MUN TUNNELS, WHILE A FIFTH TUNNEL, THE TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL, IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATISATION INCLUDED GREATER FLEXIBILITY ON THE PART OF THE TUNNEL OPERATOR TO ACQUIRE AND DEPLOY RESOURCES TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, AND GREATER PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH PRIVATE SECTOR MANAGEMENT INCENTIVES AND COMMERCIAL DECISIONS.
PRIVATISATION WOULD ALSO RESULT IN IMPROVED SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, HE SAID.
THE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT WOULD PROVIDE FOR MONITORING OF PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND CONTROLS OVER THE CONTRACTOR, AND SAFEGUARDS AGAINST BREACH OF CONTRACT. THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RETAIN CONTROL OVER THE LEVEL OF TOLLS AND A GOVERNMENT MONITORING TEAM WOULD BE FORMED TO CHECK THE CONTRACTOR’S PERFORMANCE.
AN INTERNATIONAL TENDER WOULD BE INVITED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR TO SELECT THE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTOR, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER CAN START MANAGING ABERDEEN TUNNEL FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES WILL CONSULT THE STAFF FULLY ON FUTURE STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS.
/5........
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
- 5 -
DEMAND FOR MORE CHINESE-MEDIUM TEXTBOOKS EXPECTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD NOTED A PROPOSAL FOR THE WORK OF THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE (CTC) TO BE EXTENDED FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 DUE TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR IS LIKELY TO CONTAIN PROPOSALS ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WHICH, IF APPROVED, WILL GENERATE A DEMAND FOR MORE CHINESE-MEDIUM BOOKS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT THIS IS ONLY ONE OF TWO TASKS WHICH THE COMMITTEE WILL BE ENGAGED IN.
’’THE OTHER IS THE NEED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE TEACHING AND REFERENCE MATERIALS IN CHINESE FOR THE NEW ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY-LEVEL COURSES, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE SECONDARY 6 CURRICULUM IN 1992, WITH THE FIRST EXAMINATIONS PLANNED FOR 1994,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN A REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR ON ITS WORK OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE CTC SAID IT HAD RECOMMENDED, AND SUBSEQUENTLY ADMINISTERED IN TWO PHASES, A $10.8 MILLION INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME. THIS OFFERED FINANCIAL AND EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE TO PUBLISHERS WILLING TO PUBLISH CHINESE TEXTBOOKS FOR SELECTED SUBJECTS IN SECONDARY GRAMMAR, PREVOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
IT HAD ALSO PRODUCED AND ISSUED TO SCHOOLS IN MARCH THIS YEAR A LIST OF CHINESE-MEDIUM MATERIALS FOR ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN MAY 1986 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR SZETO WAH, HAD FULFILLED ITS INITIAL TASK OF ASSURING THAT GOOD QUALITY CHINESE-MEDIUM TEXTBOOKS WERE AVAILABLE BY THE 1989-90 SCHOOL YEAR.
"BECAUSE RECENT AND IMPENDING CHANGES IN EDUCATIONAL POLICY REQUIRE CONTINUED ATTENTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEARNING MATERIALS IN CHINESE, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED UNTIL 1992," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE CONSULTED IF FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD INDICATE THE NEED FOR A PERMANENT BODY TO ADVISE ON CHINESE-MEDIUM TEXTBOOKS."
---------0-----------
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
- 6 -
ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUPPORTS TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990
* * * » »
THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED ON THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE ARE GENERALLY IN FAVOUR OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS STATED IN THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
DISCUSSION AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) CENTRED ON THE AMENDMENT BILL.
THE COMMITTEE WAS TOLD THAT LACK OF STATUTORY CONTROL ON DEVELOPMENT IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS HAS BECOME A PROBLEM IN RECENT YEARS.
CONVERSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND TO OPEN STORAGE AND ALLIED USES HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT IN A HAPHAZARD AND DISORDERLY MANNER, CREATING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, AND IN MANY CASES RESULTING IN INCOMPATIBLE LAND USES SUCH AS CAR DUMPS, CONTAINER STORAGE AND VEHICLE PARKS.
TO CONTROL THE PROLIFERATION OF THESE UNPLANNED URBAN ACTIVITIES IN THE RURAL AREAS, THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS INTRODUCED:
» TO EXTEND THE JURISDICTION OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE TO COVER THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES SO AS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY PLANNING FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE AND CONTROL PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE RURAL AREAS;
* TO EMPOWER THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO PREPARE PLANS TO DESIGNATE ANY AREAS AS A "DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA)”, WITHIN WHICH PLANNING PERMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR ANY PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED; AND
♦ TO PROVIDE FOR MEANS OF ENFORCEMENT AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE DPA.
THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS CONSIDERED THAT THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL ALLOW A LONG OVERDUE START TO BE MADE TO PROPER LAND USE PLANNING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY INSTITUTING LAND USE CONTROL IN THOSE RURAL AREAS NOT WITHIN COUNTRY PARKS.
---------0-----------
/7........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
7
FEWER KILLED IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS *****
THE NUMBER OF WORKERS KILLED IN MOST INDUSTRIES DROPPED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, DESPITE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE OVERALL ACCIDENT RATE.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY - THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY), A TOTAL OF 19,319 ACCIDENTS WITH 33 FATALITIES WERE REPORTED BETWEEN JANUARY AND JUNE THIS YEAR.
"COMPARED WITH 18,664 ACCIDENTS AND 45 FATALITIES RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THESE REPRESENT A FOUR PER CENT INCREASE IN ACCIDENTS AND A 26 PER CENT DROP IN THE DEATH RATE," A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE GREATEST INCREASE WAS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WHICH HAD GONE UP BY SIX PER CENT TO 9,226 ACCIDENTS, FOLLOWED BY A FOUR PER CENT INCREASE TO 1,884 ACCIDENTS IN THE MINING, QUARRYING, UTILITIES, TRANSPORT AND SERVICING INDUSTRIES.
"THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, WHICH REPORTED 8,209 ACCIDENTS, ONLY REGISTERED A ONE PER CENT MARGINAL INCREASE OVER THE FIRST SIX MONTHS LAST YEAR."
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT FATALITY RATES DROPPED IN ALL THREE INDUSTRIES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, FROM 31 TO 25 CASES FOR CONSTRUCTION, NINE TO SIX CASES FOR MINING, QUARRYING, UTILITIES, TRANSPORT AND SERVICING AND FIVE TO TWO CASES FOR MANUFACTURING.
IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE GREATEST INCREASE IN ACCIDENTS WAS IN THE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING INDUSTRY, FROM 298 TO 369, WHILE A NOTED DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTICS INDUSTRIES, DOWN RESPECTIVELY FROM 1,350 TO 1,218 CASES AND FROM 532 TO 484 CASES.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE MAJOR CAUSES OF THE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE GENERALLY SIMILAR TO THOSE IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
"THEY INCLUDE STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS (6,261 CASES), MANUAL LIFTING OF GOODS (3,302 CASES), MACHINERY (3,127 CASES), FALL OF PERSONS (2,146 CASES), HAND TOOLS (1,264 CASES) AND FALLING OBJECTS (1,167 CASES).
"THE REST RELATED TO TRANSPORT, HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES, EXPLOSION OR FIRE, ELECTRICITY AND OTHERS," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT OF THE 33 WORKERS KILLED, 25 WERE EMPLOYED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, INCLUDING NINE KILLED IN FALLS FROM HEIGHTS, SEVEN BY MACHINERY, SIX BY FALLING OBJECTS AND ONE EACH BY COLLAPSED SOIL, GAS POISONING OR OTHER TOXIC SUBSTANCES, AND STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS.
/DEATHS IN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
- 8 -
DEATHS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES WERE CAUSED BY MACHINERY (THREE CASES), TRANSPORT (TWO CASES), ELECTRICITY (ONE CASE), HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES (ONE CASE) AND GAS POISONING OR OTHER TOXIC SUBSTANCES (ONE CASE).
’’MANY OF THESE TRAGIC ACCIDENTS COULD IN FACT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF BOTH THE PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS HAD TAKEN PRECAUTIONARY SAFETY MEASURES,” THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
------0--------
SAFETY EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION AT KOWLOON PARK *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF USING SUITABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AT WORK.
THE "EXHIBITION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT ’90", TO BE HELD AT THE PIAZZA OF KOWLOON PARK IN TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM.
A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT OF ACCEPTABLE NATIONAL STANDARDS WILL BE DISPLAYED. THESE INCLUDE SAFETY HELMET, EAR MUFFS, RESPIRATOR, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, SAFETY BELT, FACE SHIELD, FIRST AID EQUIPMENT, SOUND LEVEL METER AND GAS DETECTION EQUIPMENT.
A PENETRATION TEST ON SAFETY HELMET WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE EXHIBITION BY THE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO DEMONSTRATE THE IMPACT OF A FALLING OBJECT ON SAFETY HELMETS OF DIFFERENT STANDARDS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE WILL ALSO DISPLAY ILLUSTRATED MATERIALS EXPLAINING THE USE OF SUITABLE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WHEN HANDLING ASBESTOS AND CHEMICALS AS WELL AS WORKING AT HEIGHT OR IN A NOISY ENVIRONMENT.
OFFICIATING AT THE EXHIBITION’S OPENING TOMORROW WILL BE THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL; MR K.Y. TONGSON; HEAD OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, MR DEREK LINDSAY; CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION, MR POON TO-CHUEN; AND CHIEF RESEARCH AND TESTING OFFICER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MRS CONNIE WONG.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "EXHIBITION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT ’90” AT THE PIAZZA OF THE KOWLOON PARK, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 11 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY). ENTRANCE TO THE PIAZZA IS NEXT TO YUE HWA CHINESE PRODUCTS EMPORIUM LIMITED, PARK LANE SHOPPER’S BOULEVARD, NATHAN ROAD.
------0--------
/9 .....
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
9 FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT
THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 4 THIS YEAR, IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS 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 FULL 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 BE THF AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
------0--------
MORE THAN 1,000 STREET SLEEPERS ON REGISTER ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THFRE ARE A TOTAL OF 1,009 STREET SLEEPERS WHO REMAIN ON THE STREET SLFEPERS REGISTER, ACCORDING TO AN ANNUAL SURVEY OF STREET SLEEPERS^COHDUCTED BV THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN APRIL THIS
YEAR.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID T°DAY (™URSDAY) THAT THE FIGURE, WHEN COMPARED WITH 1,343 IN 1988 AND 1,133 IN 1989, INDICATED A GRADUAL DECREASE IN NUMBER.
DEPARTS* ENT
SUCH A DECREASE IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE JOINT EFFORT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE REHABILITATION
OF
OF THE STREET
SLEEPERS,” HE SAID.
TO
STREET
SLEEPEFj
THE DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING VARIOUS WELFARE SERVICES FINANCIAL AID, ACCOMMODATION REFERRALS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, DRUG APPLICATION FOR IDENTITY DOCUMENT AND
S.
THESE INCLUDE
ASSISTANCE,
COUNSELLING SERVICES,
WITHDR EMPLOYI
WAL SERVICE, IENT SERVICE.
/"MANY OF .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
10
"MANY OF THEM DO NOT SHOW ANY INTEREST IN RECEIVING WELFARE SERVICES," THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, THERE WERE 979 CASES OF STREET SLEEPERS DECLINING OFFERS OF ACCOMMODATION ASSISTANCE WHICH MIGHT BE IN THE FORM OF COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING, TEMPORARY SHELTER, PRIVATE TENEMENT, HOME/HOSTEL FOR THE AGED AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
"AT PRESENT, THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 1,071 PLACES IN TEMPORARY SHELTERS/HOSTELS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"OF THESE, 1,031 ARE BEING PROVIDED IN 17 SHELTERS OR HOSTELS OPERATED BY SIX VOLUNTARY AGENCIES — CARITAS HONG KONG, STREET SLEEPERS SHELTERS SOCIETY TRUSTEE INCORPORATED, MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY, SALVATION ARMY, STREET SLEEPERS ACTION COMMITTEE AND HELPING HAND.
"THE REMAINING 40 PLACES ARE PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AT ITS ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE."
MEANWHILE, REFERRING TO RECENT PRESS REPORTS THAT A POLICE RAID AT A YAU MA TEI STREET SLEEPERS SHELTER RESULTED IN MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE QUESTIONED IN CONNECTION WITH DANGEROUS DRUGS ACTIVITIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SHELTER IN QUESTION WAS NOT OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT NOR BY AN ORGANISATION RECEIVING SUBVENTION FROM THE DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
TOPPING OUT OF AMS HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
*****
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, WHICH WILL CELEBRATE ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WILL SOON HAVE ITS OWN HOME - AN EIGHT-STOREY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER, AND THE COMMISSIONER OF AMS, DR S.H. LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) JOINTLY OFFICIATED AT THE BUILDING’S TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY.
THE $50 MILLION BUILDING WITH STANDARD LECTURE ROOMS, SIMULATED WARDS, SYNDICATE ROOMS, COVERED PARADE GROUND FOR TRAINING PURPOSES AND OTHER FACILITIES WILL BE READY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, MR ASPREY DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMS.
SINCE THE FORMATION OF AMS IN 1950, THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS HAD INCREASED FROM 2,000 TO OVER 5,000, HE NOTED.
"THE AMS CONTINUES TO HAVE A VITAL ROLE IN SUPPLEMENTING THE REGULAR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AT TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES. BUT IT HAS ALSO TAKEN A MUCH WIDER ROLE OVER THE YEARS," HE SAID.
/THE AMS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
11 -
THE AMS NOW PROVIDES REGULAR FIRST AID COVERAGE AT PUBLIC FUNCTIONS AND DURING WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS AT BEACHES AND IN THE COUNTRY PARKS. IN ADDITION, IT STAFFS THE METHADONE CLINICS AND PROVIDES MEDICAL SERVICES TO VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
MR ASPREY THANKED ALL AMS VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY. HE ALSO THANKED THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE AGREED TO RELEASE THEIR STAFF FOR THESE IMPORTANT DUTIES.
--------0-----------
REMINDER FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1947-50
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1947, 1948, 1949 AND 1950 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE OCTOBER 20.
"TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, WOMEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
"FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000,” HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO REPLACE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.
ALL OFFICES CLOSE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI
TEL. NO. 574 7070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK TEL. NO. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI TEL. NO. 723 2424
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117
/SHA TIN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
1?
SHA TIN : SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE,
11-17, SHA TIN CENTRE STREET TEL. NO. 605 9108
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 477 1543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 458 0646
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 672 7191
THEY MAY MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 824 0303 TO ENQUIRE ABOUT DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS TO BRING ALONG.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
------0--------
SEMINAR ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT FOR STUDENTS
*****
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL.
THE SEMINAR, WHICH BEGINS AT 2 PM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADMASTERS CONFERENCE, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD. ADMISSION IS FREE.
GUEST SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR ANDREW WONG, REGIONAL COUNCILLOR MR PANG HOK-TUEN, AND NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN.
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI, WILL BE THE
OFFICIATING GUEST.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL IN LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEUNG SHUI, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
--------0-----------
/13........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
13
SWIMMING GALA FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS
* * * * »
PEOPLE WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA NEXT MONTH.
THE GALA, A MAJOR EVENT OF THE DISTRICT’S SPORTS FESTIVAL, WILL BE HELD FROM NOON TO 6 PM ON OCTOBER 21 AT THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL. THERE WILL BE 43 EVENTS FOR -MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN IN SIX GROUPS.
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS IN EACH EVENT.
THE FUNCTION HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGAINSED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA, WHICH IS OPEN TO LOCAL RESIDENTS AGED EIGHT TO 59, HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR OVER THE YEARS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, ITS SUB-OFFICE IN KENNEDY TOWN, AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE, ROOM 1001, UC SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX.
ENROLMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 853 2566.
- - 0 - -
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY *****
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND A ROAD SAFETY PATROL TEAM WILL TOUR THE EASTERN DISTRICT ON A DECORATED OPEN-TOP BUS ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 30) TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO OBSERVE TRAFFIC RULES.
THE GROUP WILL SET OFF AT 2 PM FROM CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, AND WILL HEAD FOR THE SHAU KEI WAN TRAM TERMINUS VIA NEW JADE SHOPPING CENTRE.
FROM THE TERMINUS, THEY WILL MOVE ON TO KORNHILL, NORTH POINT FERRY PIER AND LAI TAK TSUEN IN CAUSEWAY BAY. PUBLICITY MATERIALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT VARIOUS STOPS ON THE WAY.
LASTING ABOUT THREE HOURS, THE BUS PARADE IS PART OF THE TWO-MONTH ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
/OTHER CAMPAIGN
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1990
14
OTHER CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PUTTING UP ADVISORY SIGNBOARDS IN THE DISTRICT, DISTRIBUTING PUBLICITY STICKERS TO MOTORISTS AND STAGING A ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK ON OCTOBER 7.
OFFICIATING AT THE STARTING CEREMONY OF THE PARADE WILL BE THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER (EASTERN), MISS PANG KEUNG-KUM; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR FU YUEN-CHEUNG; AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG AND MR SHUM CHI-KIN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY BUS PARADE ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 30). THE TOUR WILL START AT 2 PM AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 230 CHAI WAN ROAD.
-----0------
PREVENT AIDS EXHIBITION IN TSIM SHA TSUI
*****
A SEVEN-DAY EXHIBITION TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF AIDS WILL BEGIN ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) AT THE CONCOURSE OF CHINA HONG KONG CITY AT 33 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS, THE EXHIBITION AIMS AT FOSTERING A POSITIVE, SYMPATHETIC AND SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS AIDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS.
THE EMPHASIS WILL BE ON EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO ARE MORE PRONE TO AIDS BECAUSE THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES AND BECAUSE OF THEIR GENERAL NEGLIGENCE TO THE RISK OF INFECTION.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL LEARN ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF AIDS, INCLUDING THE WORLDWIDE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE, THE THREAT IT POSES TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM FROM SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 4, AND FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM ON OCTOBER 5.
MEDICAL STAFF FROM THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BE PRESENT AT THE EXHIBITION ON SEPTEMBER 29 AND 30 AND ON OCTOBER 4 AND 5 TO GIVE ADVICE TO AND ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC.
FREE EDUCATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
16TH MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP .................... 1
GOVERNOR ATTENDS PRC NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION ......................... 2
VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN TO BE EXTENDED .......................... 3
SANCTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE STRENGTHENED ..... 4
APPOINTMENT TO SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ............................... 6
APPOINTMENTS TO HK COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH .................... 6
IMPORTANCE OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS STRESSED ........................ 8
SIX TRADERS FINED FOR USING INACCURATE INSTRUMENTS .................. 8
REMINDER ON DISPLAY OF MARKING ORDER NOTICES ........................ 9
MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING CAN HELP MINIMISE FAMILY VIOLENCE ............. 10
JOINT EFFORT TO MAINTAIN ACTIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT .............. 11
HUNG HOM PRIVATE STREETS TO BE RESUMED ............................. 12
TSING YI TAM KON SHAN ROAD TO BE EXTENDED .......................... 13
ROADSIDE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM FOR SHA TIN .................... 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR REMAINING WORKS AT PTU NEW DEPOT ............... 14
NEW MUI WO POST OFFICE TO OPEN ON OCTOBER 8 ........................ 14
TRANSPORT DEPT DIVISIONS ON MOVE ................................... 15
WONG TAI SIN SQUATTER AREAS CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN TO START .......... 15
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS IN SOUTHERN ....................... 16
LANTERN CARNIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS ............................ 16
FIGHT CRIME DAY CAMP FOR YOUNGSTERS .............................. 17
STUDENTS INVITED TO ENTER FOLK SINGING COMPETITION ................. 18
CSD STAGES CAREER DISPLAY IN TSIM SHA TSUI ......................... 18
WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG ............................................ 19
F
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
1
16TH MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP
FOLLOWING IS THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE 16TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP:
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS SIXTEENTH MEETING IN LONDON FROM SEPTEMBER 25 TO 28, 1990.
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO NATIONALITY.
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE CONVERGENCE OF CIVIL RIGHTS LAW BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
THE GROUP REVIEWED THE DISCUSSIONS BY EXPERTS ON PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG AND THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS PUBLIC ORDER AND AGREED THAT THE EXPERTS SHOULD CONTINUE THIS WORK.
WITH REGARD TO THE WORK ON LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION, THE TWO SIDES CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAD A COMMON VIEW ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON CRIMINAL ASPECTS OF ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION. THEY REACHED AGREEMENT ON FURTHER QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF MERCHANT SHIPPING LEGISLATION.
THE GROUP REVIEWED THE WORK OF EXPERTS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG. THE GROUP NOTED THAT A COMMON VIEW HAD BEEN REACHED ON MANY ASPECTS. THEY AGREED THAT EXPERTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO DISCUSS OUTSTANDING DETAILS.
THE GROUP HAD A PRELIMINARY EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WHICH MAY ARISE FROM LARGE SCALE PROJECTS EXTENDING BEYOND 1997. THE GROUP WELCOMED THE FACT THAT CHINESE EXPERTS WOULD START DISCUSSIONS IN HONG KONG WITH HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXPERTS ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND ASSOCIATED WORKS.
THE TWO SIDES REACHED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON THE DETAIL OF FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES. THE GROUP LOOKED FORWARD TO THE NEGOTIATION OF APPROPRIATE AGREEMENTS AT AN EARLY DATE.
THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE STANDING SUB GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS SHOULD NOW HOLD FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON MULTILATERAL TREATIES AFFECTING HONG KONG.
THE GROUP HAD A PRELIMINARY EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE ADAPTATION OF HONG KONG’S LAWS.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AGREED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING WuULD TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 11 TO 14.
- - 0---------
/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 2 -
GOVERNOR ATTENDS PRC NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING:
"DIRECTOR GENERAL ZHOU NAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
"I AM PLEASED TO BE WITH YOU THIS EVENING TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION OF THE 41ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
"THIS YEAR HAS SEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE MAINLAND. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THIS CONTINUE. A FRUITFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG. INDEED I BELIEVE IT BENEFITS BOTH SIDES.
"APART FROM THE'VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PERSONAL CONTACTS BETWEEN HERE AND THE MAINLAND, WE HAVE MANY CONTACTS ALSO AT A GOVERNMENT LEVEL. FOR INSTANCE, SO FAR THIS YEAR, SOME 60 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS HAVE VISITED CHINA. SUCH CONTACTS ARE VALUABLE - INDEED THEY ARE ESSENTIAL. I SHOULD LIKE TO SEE A FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH EXCHANGES IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, INCLUDING VISITS AT A SENIOR LEVEL.
"OUR BILATERAL ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONSHIP REMAINS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO US BOTH. IT HAS CONTINUED TO THRIVE. TWO WAY TRADE IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO HK$175 BILLION. THIS IS AN INCREASE OF ALMOST EIGHT PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE OF HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA CONTINUES TO GROW. SUCH ECONOMIC LINKS DESERVE TO BE ENCOURAGED. THEY BENEFIT BOTH SIDES. AND THEY HELP TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG SAR TO BE A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, AND HUB OF TRADE IN THE AREA, AS ENVISAGED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"AS SECRETARY GENERAL, JIANG ZEMIN, HAS JUST POINTED OUT, HONG KONG AFTER 1997 WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A UNIQUE AND IRREPLACEABLE ROLE TO PLAY IN THE CHINESE POLICY OF OPENING TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD.
"NOW I SHOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE A TOAST TO THE HEALTH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA."
-----0------------
/3 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
3
VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN TO BE EXTENDED *****
THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE EXTENDED TO END OCTOBER, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF ZONE 4 OF THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, MR HSU SAID ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC TARGET REGISTRATION FIGURE, THE GOVERNMENT, AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, DECIDED TO EXTEND THE CAMPAIGN TO THE END OF NEXT MONTH SO THAT MORE POTENTIAL ELECTORS COULD REGISTER.
"OUR STAFF WILL BE VISITING A NUMBER OF KEY LOCATIONS IN OCTOBER, SUCH AS PUBLIC LIBRARIES, WAITING HALLS OF MAJOR IMMIGRATION OFFICES, LARGE OFFICE COMPLEXES AND EVENING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES.
"TO FURTHER FACILITATE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, A TELEPHONE HOTLINE WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL ON OCTOBER 2," HE SAID.
"ALL ONE NEEDS TO DO IS TO DIAL 827 1122 AND STAFF OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE WILL HELP HIM GET REGISTERED," HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND BANKS WOULD CONTINUE DISTRIBUTING REGISTRATION FORMS.
MR HSU NOTED THAT A WIDE RANGE OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN HELD AT BOTH THE CENTRAL AND DISTRICT LEVELS DURING THE PAST ONE-AND-A-HALF MONTHS TO APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO GET REGISTERED IN
TIME FOR NEXT YEAR’S THREE ELECTIONS.
"THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN SATISFACTORY. UP TO YESTERDAY, MORE THAN 340,000 COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS - OVER 200,000 FROM THE 10 URBAN DISTRICTS AND 140,000 FROM THE THE NINE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS - WERE RETURNED.
"THIS REPRESENTS A 45 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE FIGURE FOR A SIMILAR EXERCISE IN 1987," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR HSU SAID MANY ELIGIBLE PEOPLE HAD YET TO REGISTER AND THE REGISTRATION RATE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 21 TO 25 HAD BEEN LOW. HE CALLED ON THEM TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHT.
"ACCORDING TO EXISTING LEGISLATION, ANY ELIGIBLE VOTER WHO GETS REGISTERED BEFORE THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS," HE SAID.
tyR HSU ALSO REMINDED REGISTERED VOTERS WHO HAD CHANGED THEIR ADDRESS TO REPORT THE CHANGE TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE BEFORE DECEMBER.
/"APART FROM .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
4
’’APART FROM THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ARRANGED FOR NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY AND HAS SELECTED CONVENIENT LOCATIONS AS POLLING STATIONS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION,” HE ADDED.
MR HSU COMMENDED THE LIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, WHICH HAD SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
--------0-----------
SANCTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE STRENGTHENED ♦ ♦ t * »
UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING WORKS WOULD BE DEMOLISHED MUCH MORE EXPEDITIOUSLY IF A PROPOSAL TO STRENGTHEN THE SANCTION AGAINST THEM IS PASSED INTO LAW.
THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, WHICH CONTAINS PROVISIONS TO ENABLE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO APPLY FOR COURT ORDERS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING WORKS ON A PRIORITY BASIS, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE AMENDMENTS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHENG WEI-DART, SAID ALL THE AMENDMENTS CONTAINED IN THE BILL WERE DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE GREATER EFFICIENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND MAKE IT MORE RELEVANT TO PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES.
"UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS TO BRING ABOUT DEMOLITION OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS OR BUILDING WORKS DUE TO THE NEED TO FOLLOW TIME-CONSUMING PROCEDURES.
"THERE HAVE BEEN CASES WHERE THESE PROCEDURES WERE EXPLOITED TO THE DETRIMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC INTEREST," HE SAID.
MR CHENG SAID THAT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING WORKS WERE DEMOLISHED IN A MATTER OF DAYS INSTEAD OF MONTHS AS WAS PRESENTLY THE CASE.
THE PRESCRIBED CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A COURT MIGHT GRANT A "PRIORITY DEMOLITION ORDER” TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ARE:
* WHERE THERE IS AN IMMINENT DANGER TO LIFE OR PROPERTY;
* WHERE AN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING IS ERECTED OR BEING ERECTED WITH A VIEW TO SALE, LETTING OR DISPOSAL;
* WHERE ILLEGAL BUILDING ACTIVITY IS FOUND IN A COMMON AREA OF A BUILDING OR ON LAND IN MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP AND SUCH ACTIVITY WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE AMENITIES OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD; OR
/* WHERE THE ........
I
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 5 -
* WHERE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS OR BUILDING WORKS CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC NUISANCE.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE BILL ARE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE APPEAL TRIBUNAL ESTABLISHED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, AND TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S POWERS TO MAKE SAFE DANGEROUS HILLSIDES.
MR CHENG SAID THAT SINCE 1985, MORE THAN 460 APPEALS HAD BEEN LODGED AGAINST THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S ORDERS ' REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING WORKS.
HE CONSIDERED THAT SOME OF THESE APPEALS WERE EITHER FRIVOLOUS OR NOT MADE IN GOOD FAITH, WHILE ADDING THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE BUILDING LAW.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS RELATING TO APPEALS OF THIS TYPE WERE INTENDED TO EMPOWER THE APPEAL TRIBUNAL TO AWARD COSTS OF THE APPEAL PROCEEDINGS, TO ALLOW APPEAL INQUIRIES TO BE HEARD IN PUBLIC AND TO PERMIT APPEAL DECISONS TO BE PUBLISHED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION WHERE THE APPEAL TRIBUNAL CONSIDERS THE SUBJECT OF THE INQUIRY TO BE OF IMPORTANCE OR INTEREST TO THE PUBLIC.
MR CHENG SAID BOTH THE ’’PRIORITY DEMOLITION ORDER” AND APPEAL PROVISIONS NOW PROPOSED IN THE BILL HAD BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES CONCERNED AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS DURING THE CONSULTATION.
ON THE EXISTING LEGISLATION DEALING WITH HILLSIDES, THE GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, MR DAVID HOWELLS, SAID AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT AMENDMENTS TO THE POWERS TO MAKE DANGEROUS HILLSIDES SAFE WERE NEEDED TO RECTIFY A PROCEDURAL PROBLEM.
THE PROBLEM ARISES WHEN THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS UNABLE TO SPECIFY THE PREVENTIVE WORKS NEEDED TO A DANGEROUS SLOPE WITHOUT FIRST UNDERTAKING A TECHNICAL STUDY AND ENGINEERING DESIGN.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BY ALLOWING THE SERVING OF TWO ORDERS, THE FIRST REQUIRING INVESTIGATION AND THE SUBMISSION OF REMEDIAL WORKS PROPOSALS, AND THE SECOND REQUIRING THE CARRYING OUT OF THE WORKS SPECIFIED IN THE PROPOSALS.
THE AMENDMENTS ALSO ALLOW THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO STEP IN AND CARRY OUT BOTH THE INVESTIGATION AND NECESSARY WORKS IF THE OWNERS DO NOT CARRY OUT THE INVESTIGATION BY A SPECIFIED DATE IN THE FIRST ORDER.
OTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE TO MAKE THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION THE SOLE AUTHORITY FOR ALLOCATING BUILDING NUMBERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, AND TO CORRECT A TEXTUAL ERROR BY REPLACING THE OLD TERM ’’AUTHORISED ARCHITECT" WITH THE NEW TERM "AUTHORISED PERSON" IN ONE OF THE SECTIONS IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
---------0-----------
/6.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 6 -
APPOINTMENT TO SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR HARUYUKI KANDA TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AC) TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN MONTHS FROM OCTOBER 1, 1990 TO APRIL 30, 1991.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID MR KANDA, THE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NOMURA INTERNATIONAL (HONG KONG) LTD, WOULD REPLACE MR HIDEO SUZUKI WHO HAS RECENTLY RESIGNED FROM THE AC.
THE AC CONSISTS OF 15 MEMBERS: NAMELY 12 GOVERNOR-APPOINTED MARKET MEMBERS, TWO SFC EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS APPOINTED BY THE SFC AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SFC WHO WILL PRESIDE AT AC MEETINGS.
’’THE MARKET MEMBERS ARE DRAWN FROM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY AND FROM THE PROFESSIONS TO ADVISE THE SFC ON MATTERS OF POLICY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT,” MR NENDICK SAID.
-----0------
APPOINTMENTS TO HK COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG, JP AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1990.
THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH IS A STATUTORY BODY SET UP UNDER THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH ORDINANCE TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY FROM THE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TOBACCO USE THROUGH DISSEMINATING INFORMATION, PUBLIC EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.
DR LEUNG HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL SINCE ITS INCEPTION THREE YEARS AGO. OVER THE YEARS, HE HAS BECOME PROMINENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ANTI-SMOKING CAUSE AND HAS ATTENDED INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ON ANTI-SMOKING AND HEALTH ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL.
’’DESPITE HIS VARIED COMMITMENTS AS A MEDICAL DOCTOR, A BANKER AND AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, DR LEUNG HAS DEVOTED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
DR RUDY KHOO, OBE, MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, IS APPOINTED VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL ALSO COMPRISES MEMBERS FROM A WIDE SPECTRUM OF THE COMMUNITY APPOINTED IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITY AND SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/A FULL .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
A FULL LIST OF MEMBERS IS AS FOLLOWS:
- DR DAVID LEE KA-YAN
(NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION)
- DR JOSEPH Y.C. PAN
(NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION)
- DR POON YEUK-FOO, JP
(NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY) /
- MR JAMES YUE
(NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION)
- DR MICHAEL LI KA-WAH
(NOMINATED BY THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (HONG KONG BRANCH) )
- MR VICTOR HUI CHUN-FUI, JP, A BUSINESSMAN ACTIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG
- MR ANTHONY NEOH, QC, A BARRISTER IN PRIVATE PRACTICE
- MR ALBERT LI SZE-BAY, JP, PRINCIPAL OF THE LOK SIN TONG YU KAN HING SCHOOL
- MRS JUSTINA LEUNG NGAI MOU-YIN, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG
- MRS ELEANOR MORRIS, A PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING EXPERT
- MR FAN SAI-YEE, A CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT
- MS NANCY KIT, CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
- MR ROBERT CHOW YUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EXPRESS NEWS
- DR K.H. PANG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HEALTH
MR PETER MOSS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES
--------0-----------
/8 ........
FRIDAY, SEPlEMHhfi 28, 1990
- 8 -
IMPORTANCE OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS STRESSED *****
GOOD LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS NEED TO BE CULTIVATED, DEVELOPED AND MAINTAINED, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THEY INVOLVE FAIR-MINDEDNESS, PATIENCE, SENSITIVITY AND UNDERSTANDING AND REQUIRE MUCH EFFORT AND INPUT FROM BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES,” HE SAID.
MR HAMMOND WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A CERTIFICATE COURSE ON LABOUR RELATIONS AND LABOUR LEGISLATION ORGANISED JOINTLY FOR THE FOURTH TIME BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION.
HE SAID THE COURSE, WHICH COVERED MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND SKILLS TO ENHANCE LABOUR-MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION, WAS DESIGNED NOT ONLY TO PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH THE RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE, BUT ALSO TO INSTIL INTO THEM THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND FRAME OF MIND TOWARDS LABOUR RELATIONS.
"GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS NOT ONLY HELP TO PREVENT LABOUR DISPUTES AND DISRUPTION OF WORK, THEY ALSO CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE AT WORK FOR BOTH EMPLOYERS AND STAFF,” HE NOTED.
"I REGARD THE MAINTENANCE OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS AS ONE OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITIES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT," HE STRESSED.
MR HAMMOND SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ABLE TO KEEP A FAIRLY HARMONIOUS INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SCENE OF HONG KONG THROUGH PROMOTION, PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL WORK, AS WELL AS THE EFFORTS OF ITS CONCILIATION OFFICERS IN THE FIELD.
"OUR EFFORTS, TOGETHER WITH THE EFFORTS OF MANY GOOD EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS, HAVE WON FOR HONG KONG THE REPUTATION OF BEING A PLACE WITH ONE OF THE LOWEST RECORDS OF STRIKES AND WORK STOPPAGES IN THE WORLD," HE SAID.
-----0------
SIX TRADERS FINED FOR USING INACCURATE INSTRUMENTS
*****
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED SIX TRADERS THIS MONTH FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS.
FINES RANGING FROM $1,000 TO $7,500 WERE IMPOSED ON THE TRADERS, WHO INCLUDED THREE SCRAP DEALERS, A VEGETABLE HAWKER, A FOOD RETAILER AND A RESTAURANT OPERATOR.
/THEY WERE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 9 -
THEY WERE PROSECUTED UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1989.
TESTS BY OFFICERS OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY SHOWED THAT THE SCRAP DEALERS’ PLATFORM WEIGHING EQUIPMENT REGISTERED FROM 24 TO 38 PER CENT LESS THAN THE ACTUAL WEIGHT.
IN THE REMAINING THREE CASES, THE TESTS SHOWED THAT THE ERRORS RANGED FROM 19 TO 34 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHT.
AN ACTING PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR WONG CHUN-KWONG, SAID 34 TRADERS HAD SO FAR BEEN PROSECUTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND FINES TOTALLING $86,550 IMPOSED.
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED 251 COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING MALPRACTICES IN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SINCE JANUARY LAST YEAR.
"OF THESE CASES, 96 WERE SUBSTANTIATED, 113 NOT SUBSTANTIATED AND 42 ARE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION," MR WONG SAID.
BESIDES INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALSO CARRIED OUT 226 SPOT CHECKS AT PETROL STATIONS, GROCERY STORES AND FOOD RETAILERS.
SURVEYS WERE ALSO CONDUCTED TO CHECK THE NET WEIGHTS OF PREPACKAGED RICE AND FROZEN MEAT AT SUPERMARKETS AND OTHER FOOD OUTLETS.
MR WONG SAID ANYONE WANTING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MALPRACTICES IN RESPECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SHOULD CONTACT EITHER THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (TEL. 714 6146) OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
COMPLAINTS COULD ALSO BE MADE TO DUTY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON 852 3185 AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
--------0-----------
REMINDER ON DISPLAY OF MARKING ORDER NOTICES
*****
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED OPERATORS OF GOLD AND JEWELLERY SHOPS TO DISPLAY IN THEIR SHOPS THE MARKING ORDER NOTICES REQUIRED IN THE SALE OF GOLD AND PLATINUM ITEMS.
THIS FOLLOWED A COURT CASE TODAY IN WHICH THE OPERATOR OF A GOLD AND JEWELLERY SHOP IN SHA TIN WAS FINED $20,000 AT THE SHA TIN MAGISTRACY FOR FAILING TO DISPLAY THE NOTICES REQUIRED UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (MARKING) (GOLD AND GOLD ALLOY) ORDER 1984 AND THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (MARKING) (PLATINUM) ORDER 1988.
/UNDER THE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 10 -
UNDER THE ORDERS, NO ARTICLE MADE OF GOLD OR GOLD ALLOY AND PLATINUM SHALL BE SUPPLIED OR OFFERED FOR SUPPLY IN THE COURSE OF TRADE OR BUSINESS UNLESS A NOTICE IN THE MANNER AND FORM SPECIFIED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE ORDERS IS DISPLAYED AT THE POINT OF SUPPLY OR OFFER FOR SUPPLY.
THE SIZE OF SUCH NOTICES MUST NOT BE LESS THAN 210 MILLIMETRES BY 297 MILLIMETRES, AND THE SIZE OF THE LETTERS AND CHARACTERS SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN FIVE MILLIMETRES IN HEIGHT.
ANY PERSON WHO, IN THE COURSE OF ANY TRADE OR BUSINESS, SUPPLIES OR OFFERS TO SUPPLY GOODS OF GOLD OR GOLD ALLOY AND PLATINUM IN CONTRAVENTION OF THESE ORDERS COMMITS AN OFFENCE.
THE COURT HEARD THAT ON JULY 12, 1990, OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT A TERRITORY-WIDE INSPECTION ON GOLD AND JEWELLERY SHOPS TO SEE IF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDERS HAD BEEN COMPLIED WITH BY SHOP OWNERS IN THE COURSE OF TRADE OR BUSINESS.
THE INSPECTION CARRIED OUT BY OFFICERS ON THE DEFENDANT’S SHOP SHOWED THAT ARTICLES MADE OF GOLD OR GOLD ALLOY AND ARTICLES MADE OF PLATINUM WERE OFFERED FOR SALE.
HOWEVER, THE NOTICES REQUIRED TO BE DISPLAYED BY THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (MARKING) (GOLD AND GOLD ALLOY) ORDER 1984 AND (PLATINUM) ORDER 1988 WERE NOT DISPLAYED IN THE SHOP PREMISES.
--------0--------■ -
MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING CAN HELP MINIMISE FAMILY VIOLENCE
******
FAMILY
VIOLENCE CAN BE MINIMISED THROUGH BETTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MRS KATHERINE SHIN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF HARMONY HOUSE, MRS SHIN SAID BATTERED WIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN WERE MUCH IN NEED OF SUPPORT, ASSISTANCE AND AN INPUT OF RESOURCES FROM THE COMMUNITY TO ENABLE THEM TO KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER AS WELL AS TO DEVELOP A NEW SENSE OF SELF IDENTITY.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT TIMELY RELIEF AND RESPITE OPPORTUNITIES WOULD BE TRULY HELPFUL TO THEM.
"FOR INSTANCE, A HOTLINE SERVICE IS CRISIS-ORIENTED, PROVIDE COMFORT AND REASSURANCE AS WELL AS AVAILABLE RESOURCES AT A TIME OF STRESS," SHE SAID.
AIMING TO COMMUNITY
/NOTING THAT .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 11 -
NOTING THAT COUNSELLING SERVICE ALSO HAD ITS PLACE IN RENDERING SUPPORT AND STRESS REDUCTION, MRS SHIN SAID SOCIAL WORKERS HAD HELPED TO ENABLE BATTERED WIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN TO ESTABLISH AND ADAPT TO A DIFFERENT LIFE STYLE.
"HOWEVER, PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE," SHE SAID, " AND THE PROMOTION AND EXPANSION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, A FORM OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION, IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURES IN PRESERVING THE FAMILY AS A UNIT.
"APART FROM AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS TOWARDS THE IMPORTANCE OF A HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAN ALSO EQUIP PRE-MARITAL OR MARITAL COUPLES WITH KNOWLEDGE TO COPE WITH THE MANY DEMANDS AT DIFFERENT PHASES OF THEIR LIVES," MRS SHIN ADDED.
-----0------
JOINT EFFORT TO MAINTAIN ACTIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WORKS CLOSELY WITH NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (NGO’S) TO MAINTAIN THE ACTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALEXANDER FUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE AT A HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE SEMINAR.
OUTLINING THE PROGRESS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE, MR FUNG SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S ROLE WAS TO LIAISE WITH NGO’S ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF AN OVERALL POLICY.
"THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ASSESSES BOTH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF THE SERVICE TO ENSURE ITS STANDARD.
"THE ASSESSMENT WILL HELP ENSURE THE BEST UTILISATION OF MANPOWER AND RESOURCES," HE SAID.
MR FUNG SAID IN REVIEWING THE SERVICE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WOULD WORK TOGETHER TO MAP OUT THE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTION OF THE SERVICE AND WORKING METHODS.
"DURING THE REVIEW, WE WILL OF COURSE SEEK THE NGO’S VIEWS," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
/12 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 12 -
HUNG HOM PRIVATE STREETS TO BE RESUMED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME AND RECONSTRUCT KAI MING STREET, YUK SHING STREET, HUNG FOOK STREET AND THE ADJACENT SIDE LANES IN HUNG HOM.
THESE PRIVATE STREETS AND SIDE LANES, WHICH ARE UNDER MULTIPLE SUBDIVIDED OWNERSHIP, HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND MANAGED. THEY ARE IN GENERALLY POOR CONDITION AND HAVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ACCESS PROBLEMS.
THEIR RESUMPTION IS THEREFORE NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO ENABLE PROPER MAINTENANCE AND USE.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CARRIAGEWAYS, FOOTWAYS, SIDE LANES AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE RELATED DRAINAGE.
REPAIR WORK IS PROGRAMMED TO START BY MID 1991 AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
NOTICE WAS GIVEN IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 27 THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
/13
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 13 -
TSING YI TAM KON SHAN ROAD TO BE EXTENDED ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO EXTEND TAM KON SHAN ROAD IN NORTH TSING YI BY ABOUT 1,000 METRES WESTWARDS FOR THE RELOCATION OF EXISTING BOATYARDS IN THE AREA.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START LATER THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE PROJECT MAY INSPECT THE PLANS AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
» CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY;
* KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH AND 11TH FLOORS, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN; AND
* KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 27 THIS YEAR.
------0-------
ROADSIDE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM FOR SHA TIN
*****
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN, STAGE II.
THE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE SUPPLY, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING OF 44 SETS OF ROADSIDE EMERGENCY TELEPHONES AND FOUR FIELD CONCENTRATORS.
THESE TELEPHONES WILL BE DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE POLICE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE AT TAI PO, ENABLING VEHICLE DRIVERS ON THE CARRIAGEWAY WHO REQUIRE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE POLICE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 2.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE EMSD'S CONTRACTS SECTION AT ROOM 811, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
------0--------
/14......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 14
TENDERS INVITED FOR REMAINING WORKS AT PTU NEW DEPOT ♦ * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE REMAINING WORKS AT THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT’S NEW DEPOT IN FANLING.
THE PROJECT WILL COMPRISE A 100-METRE OUTDOOR FIRING RANGE, A 25-METRE INDOOR RANGE AND EIGHT MINI-RANGES. A CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE HOUSE WITH AN ASSAULT COURSE AND AN OUTDOOR TRAINING AREA WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER 1992.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 19.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
NEW MUI WO POST OFFICE TO OPEN ON OCTOBER 8 ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE NEW MUI WO POST OFFICE, LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF MUI WO GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 2 NGAN KWONG WAN ROAD, WILL OPEN AT 9 AM ON OCTOBER 8, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE EXISTING POST OFFICE AT 26 FU KONG SHAN WILL CLOSE FOR BUSINESS FROM 1 PM ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW OFFICE IS 984 8198. THE HOURS OF BUSINESS WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH 200 P.O. BOXES.
A SPECIAL HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PHILATELISTS AT THE NEW MUI WO POST OFFICE ON OCTOBER 8.
UNREGISTERED FULL POSTAGE PREPAID FIRST DAY COVERS PREPARED PRIVATELY, AND BEARING A LOCAL ADDRESS, WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATESTAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.
------0------------
/15........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
15
TRANSPORT DEPT DIVISIONS ON MOVE * * ♦ ♦ *
THREE DIVISIONS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW OFFICES ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 1).
STARTING FROM THAT DATE, THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEY DIVISION, THE ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION AND THE TERRITORY TRANSPORT PLANNING DIVISION WILL BE RELOCATED FROM THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO 39TH AND 40TH FLOORS, WANCHAI TOWER 2, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE NEW ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE THREE DIVISIONS IS 829 5361.
------0--------
WONG TAI SIN SQUATTER AREAS CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN TO START ******
A CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE WILL BE HELD AT SQUATTER AREAS IN WONG TAI SIN.
THE FOUR-WEEK CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN IN SQUATTER AREAS IN WONG TAI SIN UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE.
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A CLEAN SQUATTER AREA COMPETITION, COLOUR SHADING COMPETITION AND CROSSWORD PUZZLE.
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE CAMPAIGN’S OPENING WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 30) AT THE SUN HING ROAD SITTING-OUT AREA, TAI HOM VILLAGE. IT WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM.
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DR MICHAEL LEE; CHAIRMAN OF THE SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MABEL LEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP, MR LEE YUK-WA; AND THE DISTRICT’S HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN KING-KAI.
THE PARTY WILL VISIT SQUATTER AREAS AND HELP IN CLEARING RUBBISH AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY. THEY WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO TENANTS OF CLEAN HOMES DURING THE TOUR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAI SIN SQUATTER AREAS CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 30) IN THE SUN HING ROAD SITTING-OUT AREA IN TAI HOM VILLAGE, WONG TAI SIN. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM.
------0--------
/16 ......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
16
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS IN SOUTHERN ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
RANGING FROM CARNIVAL TO VARIETY SHOW AND CONCERT, THE ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS’ BODIES WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
’’THESE ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY SPIRIT,” A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CELEBRATIONS WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND RUN UNTIL OCTOBER 4. DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
♦ SEPTEMBER 29: CARNIVALS AT WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE PLAYGROUND (6.45 PM), ABERDEEN CENTRE SQUARE (7.30 PM) AND LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL (7.30 PM).
» SEPTEMBER 30: CONCERTS AT YUE KWONG CHUEN (6.30 PM) AND AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL (7 PM).
♦ OCTOBER 2: A CARNIVAL AT SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE SOCCER PITCH NO. 1 (7 PM).
* OCTOBER 3: A VARIETY SHOW AT UPPER BAGUIO VILLA PLAYGROUND (7.30 PM).
♦ OCTOBER 4: A CARNIVAL AT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S STANLEY PLAYGROUND (6 PM), A CONCERT AT A SOCCER PITCH NEXT TO BLOCK 6, TIN WAN ESTATE (7.30 PM) AND A VARIETY SHOW AT WAH HONG SQUARE, WAH FU ESTATE (8 PM).
"RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES AND SHARE THE FUN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
---------0-----------
LANTERN CARNIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS *****
MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A COLOURFUL LANTERN CARNIVAL IN MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 4) TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
BEGINNING AT 7.20 PM, THERE WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW, A LION DANCE, SINGING PERFORMANCE BY THE MONG KOK CHILDREN’S CHOIR, ACROBATICS, LANTERN RIDDLES, PALM READING, FORTUNE-TELLING, CHINESE CHESS AND A LUCKY DRAW.
/SPONSORED BY .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 17 -
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION, > MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURE, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT COUNTRYMEN AND CLANSMEN ASSOCIATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA, URBAN COUNCILLOR MR CHAN KWOK-MING, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR HO FEI-CHI.
MEANWHILE, THE TAI KOK TSUI AREA COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL AT THE ANCHOR STREET PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 30). ADMISSION IS FREE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.20 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 4) AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET.
- - 0---------
FIGHT CRIME DAY CAMP FOR YOUNGSTERS
» * * « *
A FIGHT CRIME DAY CAMP ORGANISED FOR YOUNGSTERS AGED 13 TO 17 IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNO OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, AND IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THERE WILL BE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND A BRIEFING ON TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. THE ADMISSION FEE IS $10 EACH.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL, ITS SUB-OFFICES AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) AND IN KENNEDY TOWN, AS WELL AS THE WESTERN COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WESTERN STREET.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 549 2551.
- - 0----------
/18........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 18 -
STUDENTS INVITED TO ENTER FOLK SINGING COMPETITION
*****
STUDENTS STUDYING FORM THREE OR BELOW IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ENTER THE DISTRICT’S FOLK SINGING COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER.
THE CONTEST, DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY SOLO AND GROUP SECTIONS, IS AIMED AT DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ MUSICAL TALENTS AND PROMOTING THEIR INTEREST IN FOLK SINGING.
THE FINALS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE THEATRE, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WESTERN COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP WORK UNIT WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL, ITS SUB-OFFICES AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) AND IN KENNEDY TOWN, AND FROM THE WESTERN COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WESTERN STREET.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS OCTOBER 5. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 546 3024 AND 852 3488.
---------0------------
CSD STAGES CAREER DISPLAY IN TSIM SHA TSUI
*****
A THREE-DAY CAREER DISPLAY ORGANISED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) IS BEING HELD AT HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF DISPLAYS SCHEDULED FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THIS YEAR TO ATTRACT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRST ONE WAS HELD AT NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN EARLIER THIS WEEK.
THE DISPLAY WILL HAVE SIX PANELS INTRODUCING THE VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR ADULT OFFENDERS, YOUNG OFFENDERS AND DRUG ADDICTS AS WELL AS THE JOB NATURE OF CSD OFFICERS AND THEIR TRAINING. THERE WILL ALSO BE FILM AND SLIDE SHOWS ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK AND CAREER PROSPECTS.
CSD OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT AT THE VENUE TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
---------0-----------
/19........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1990
- 19 -
WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG *****
CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE AFFECTED BY WEAK WATER PRESSURE AND FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME OF THEM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 PM ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 30) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE AT TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KWAI WING ROAD, KWAI SAU ROAD, KWAI CHEONG ROAD, KUNG YIP STREET, WAH SING STREET, YIP SHING STREET, KWAI ON ROAD, KA TING ROAD, KA HING ROAD, KWAI TING ROAD, WING YIP STREET, WO TONG TSUI STREET, KWAI CHUNG ESTATE, KWONG FAI CIRCUIT AND HING FONG ROAD.
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990 /
CONTENTS PAGE NO^
FS SPEAKS ON HK ISSUES ON U.S. TV ..........................................
2
SEVEN PROPOSALS FOR CT2 SERVICES RECEIVED ..................................
o
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN WASTE PAPER RECYCLING PROGRAMME ....................
4
NEW PAEDIATRIC WARDS OPEN IN QMH EXTENSION .................................
4
GOVERNOR TO VISIT WONG TAI SIN ON MONDAY ...................................
RS URGES SCOUTS TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION ..............................
THREE GOVT LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION ........................................
RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKE PART IN CAREERS QUIZ ........................
g
COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ....................................
9 FESTIVE ACTIVITIES IN KWAI TSING ...........................................
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
FS SPEAKS ON HK ISSUES ON U.S. TV ******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BELIEVES IT HAS THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR THE NEW AIRPORT, A SOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN REACHED AFTER A GREAT DEAL OF CONSIDERATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN A TELEVISION INTERVIEW IN NEW YORK LAST NIGHT (FRIDAY).
SIR PIERS WAS RESPONDING TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES OVER THE NEW AIRPORT WHEN HE APPEARED ON THE FINANCIAL NEWS NETWORK (FNN) "CDO SPOTLIGHT" PROGRAMME.
HE SAID IT WAS A PROJECT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN STUDYING 'FOR MANY YEARS SINCE 1979 AND IT WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT WAS BEING DONE FOR CONFIDENCE REASONS AS HONG KONG REALLY NEEDED THE NEW AIRPORT.
HE SAID JUST LIKE ANY INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, THERE WERE PEOPLE EXPRESSING DIFFERENT VIEWS, BUT IT HAD BEEN ACCEPTED THAT THE NEW AIRPORT WAS GOING TO BE BUILT IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
HE SAID THE ONLY DIFFERENCES WERE ON DETAIL AND TRANSPORTATION LINKS.
SIR PIERS SAID THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE BUILT ESSENTIALLY BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND BY STATUTORY AUTHORITIES. HE SAID MANY CONTRACTORS WOULD BE INVOLVED AND NOTED THAT AMERICANS ALREADY HAD A VISIBLE PRESENCE.
IN THE INTERVIEW, SIR PIERS ALSO DISCUSSED FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, COMPANIES RELOCATING, CAPITAL FLIGHT, EMIGRATION, THE PASSAGE OF THE U.S. TEXTILE BILL AND THE TRANSITION.
SIR PIERS SAID FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN "QUITE GOOD". HE SAID THE JAPANESE WERE INVESTING IN HONG KONG AS WERE THE AMERICANS WHO HAD A VERY SUBSTANTIAL US$7 BILLION INVESTMENT THERE. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE A LARGE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS AS WELL AS AMERICAN, JAPANESE AND SOME EUROPEAN BANKS.
HF SAID A FEW COMPANIES WERE RELOCATING, BUT IN NET TERMS HONG KONG HAD HAD MORE NET INWARD INVESTMENT THAN OUTWARD INVESTMENT.
AS FOR CLAIMS OF CAPITAL FLIGHT HE SAID THE FIGURES TOLD A DIFFERENT STORY. HE SAID HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS HAD BEEN GROWING IN QUITE A HEALTHY MANNER WITH THE EXCHANGE RATE REMAINING STABLE AND TRADING BEING ON THE STRONG SIDE OF THE LINK.
SIR PIERS SAID HONG KONG WAS A PLACE OF PASSIONATE OPEN TRADERS AND DID NOT LIKE ANYTHING THAT WAS RESTRICTIVE GF TRADE PRACTICES SO IT WAS HOPED THAT THE U.S. TEXTILE BILL WOULD BE VETOED.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS LIKE A RATHER DIFFERENT REGIME WHERE EVERYONE COULD TRADE IN AN OPEN MANNER TOGETHER.
/HE SAID .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
2 -
HE SAID WHILE HONG KONG HAD BEEN LOSING SOME PEOPLE, IT WAS BY NO MEANS A CRISIS. HE NOTED THAT WITH MORE PEOPLE GOING TO HONG KONG, IT NOW HAD MORE MIDDLE LEVEL MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONALS THAN BEFORE.
ON WAYS OF GETTING PEOPLE BACK, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS BUILDING UP THE FUTURE AND MANY WERE EXPECTED TO RETURN AS THERE WOULD BE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES THERE.
ON THE TRANSITION IN 1997 HE SAID CHINA WOULD ACQUIRE SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG, BUT HONG KONG WOULD BE RUN BY HONG KONG PEOPLE.
IT WAS A FAIRLY LONG TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, 13 YEARS FROM THE TIME OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND WHILE FROM TIME TO TIME THERE WERE HITCHES IN TALKS THAT TOOK PLACE, GOOD OVERALL PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE, HE SAID.
SIR PIERS WAS IN NEW YORK AFTER ATTENDING THE IMF/WORLD BANK MEETING IN WASHINGTON, DC.
------0-------
SEVEN PROPOSALS FOR CT2 SERVICES RECEIVED ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
A TOTAL OF SEVEN PROPOSALS TO OPERATE SECOND GENERATION CORDLESS TELEPHONE SERVICES IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY' THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY FOLLOWING THE INVITATION ANNOUNCED AT THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR.
MOST OF THE PROPOSALS CAME FROM CONSORTIA WITH SIGNIFICANT OVERSEAS INTERESTS.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY): "I AM PLEASED WITH THE KEEN INTEREST SHOWN BY THE LOCAL INDUSTRY AND OVERSEAS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES IN THE PROVISION OF SECOND GENERATION CORDLESS TELEPHONE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
"WE WILL EXAMINE THE PROPOSALS CAREFULLY IN ALL RESPECTS. IF THEY ARE VIABLE PROPOSITIONS, A SMALL NUMBER OF APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO SUBMIT MORE DETAILED PLANS FOR OPERATING THE CT2 SERVICES,” HE SAID.
"THE NUMBER MAY VARY FROM TWO TO FOUR, DEPENDING ON THE QUALITY OF THE INITIAL PROPOSALS," HE ADDED.
MR WONG ESTIMATED THAT IF ALL WENT WELL, LICENCES COULD BE ISSUED EARLY IN 1991.
------0 - -
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
- 3
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN WASTE PAPER RECYCLING PROGRAMME
******
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WASTE PAPER RECYCLING PROGRAMME IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES HAS RECEIVED ENCOURAGING RESPONSE WITH A TOTAL OF 28 DEPARTMENTS HAVING FORMULATED PLANS TO IMPLEMENT WASTE PAPER SEPARATION FOR RECYCLING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY): ’’ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WASTE PAPER RECYCLING PROGRAMME IS TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS AN ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSE BY SAVING LANDFILL SPACES, CONSERVING NATURAL RESOURCES AND REDUCING POLLUTION.
"WE ALSO AIM AT CULTIVATING AN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG OFFICE WORKERS WHO CONSUME LARGE AMOUNTS OF PAPER DAILY,” HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PRODUCING RECYCLING PAPER CREATED 74 PER CENT LESS AIR POLLUTION AND 35 PER CENT LESS WATER POLLUTION THAN PRODUCING PAPER FROM VIRGIN FIBRES.
"IT TAKES 17 TREES AND 1,500 LITRES OF OIL TO PRODUCE ONE TONNE OF PAPER AND THE GOVERNMENT CONSUMES 8,000 TONNES OF PAPER PER YEAR.
"THE INTRODUCTION OF A PILOT SCHEME IN MURRAY BUILDING (WHERE MANY OF THE BRANCH’S OFFICES ARE LOCATED) INDICATED THAT ABOUT 150 KILOGRAMS OF PAPER WERE THROWN AWAY EVERY DAY," HE SAID.
"THE AMOUNT CONSTITUTES ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TRASH IN WEIGHT. THIS ALSO REPRESENTS THE FELLING OF 700 TREES A YEAR," HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN AN INITIAL STEP TO INTRODUCE AN OFFICE PAPER RECYCLING PILOT SCHEME IN MURRAY BUILDING, THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AT SOUTHORN CENTRE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING ON JUNE 1.
"THE SCHEME HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND SEPARATING PAPER FROM OTHER TRASH HAS BECOME AN ESTABLISHED PRACTICE OF THE STAFF WORKING IN THOSE OFFICES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN MURRAY BUILDING ALONE, AN AVERAGE OF 800 KILOGRAMS OF WASTE PAPER IS BEING COLLECTED WEEKLY FOR RECYCLING."
BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE GATHERED FROM THE TRIAL SCHEME, THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH COMPILED AND CIRCULATED A PRACTICAL GUIDELINE ON HOW TO START WASTE RECYCLING PROGRAMME IN OFFICE BUILDING TO ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR REFERENCE.
THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING AND MANY DEPARTMENTS HAVE STARTED IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME. THE OTHERS ARE ALSO CONSIDERING THE FEASIBILITY OF SUCH A PROGRAMME.
SOME OFFICES, PARTICULARLY THOSE SUB-OFFICES ACCOMMODATED IN RENTED JOINT-USER BUILDINGS, BECAUSE THEY ARE RELATIVELY SMALL OR FOR OTHER TECHNICAL REASONS, ARE HOWEVER UNABLE TO PURSUE SUCH A PROGRAMME AT THIS STAGE.
--------0----------
/4 ............................................
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
4
NEW PAEDIATRIC WARDS OPEN IN QMH EXTENSION
*****
FIVE NEW PAEDIATRIC WARDS IN BLOCK K OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL HAVE BEEN OPENED AND CHILDREN ADMITTED TO THESE NEW WARDS CAN ENJOY A MORE SPACIOUS ENVIRONMENT.
THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRICS, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (UNIVERSITY PAEDIATRICS UNIT), PROFESSOR C.Y. YEUNG, SAID THE NEW PAEDIATRIC WARDS HAVE PLAY AREAS, ISOLATION FACILITIES, MOTHER AND CHILD’S ROOMS, AND PROVISION OF MICRO-LABORATORY SERVICES ON SITE TO CHILDREN IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.
"THE OPENING OF THE FIVE NEW PAEDIATRIC WARDS IN BLOCK K ONLY MARKS THE FIRST PHASE OF THE EXPANSION OF PAEDIATRIC FACILITIES IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
"THE ISOLATION UNIT, THE ADOLESCENT UNIT, THE SHORT-STAY WARD, THE EXTENSION OF THE PAEDIATRIC AND NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AS WELL AS THE PAEDIATRIC OUT-PATIENT CLINIC WILL BE OPENED IN THE LATER PHASES OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROGRAMME."
PROF YEUNG ADDED THAT THE IMPROVED PAEDIATRIC FACILITIES IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, TOGETHER WITH THE CARDIAC UNIT IN GRANTHAM HOSPITAL, THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN TSAN YUK HOSPITAL, THE CHILD ASSESSMENT UNIT IN THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL; WILL PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE PAEDIATRIC SERVICE IN ALL SUB-SPECIALTIES IN HONG KONG.
THE OPENING OF THE NEW PAEDIATRIC WARDS BRINGS AN END TO THE 10 YEARS OF PLANNING BY PROF YEUNG AND STAFF INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT.
A CEREMONY WAS HELD YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE NEW WARDS. GUESTS WHO ATTENDED THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED LADY FORD; THE SENIOR PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG; OTHER PROFESSORS OF THE UNIVERSITY’S MEDICAL FACULTY; THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES, DR T.Y. CHAU; THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE; THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS (DESIGNATE) OF THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, DR E.K. YEOH; PROMINENT PAEDIATRICIANS OF THE TERRITORY; AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY CHILD HEALTH WORKERS.
------0-------
GOVERNOR TO VISIT WONG TAI SIN ON MONDAY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 1) AFTERNOON TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA.
HE WILL TOUR NGA TSIN WAI VILLAGE, LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, CHOI HUNG ESTATE AND CHUK YUEN ESTATE.
/FROM THE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
- 5 -
FROM THE ROOFTOP OF A HOUSING BLOCK AT CHOI HUNG ESTATE, SIR DAVID WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT.
HE WILL ALSO MEET MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 1) AFTERNOON.
THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE CARPARK ENTRANCE TO SOUTHORN CENTRE, JOHNSTON ROAD, WAN CHAI. PRESS VANS WILL DEPART PUNCTUALLY AT 1.30 PM FOR NGA TSIN WAI VILLAGE, WHICH IS THE FIRST STOP OF THE GOVERNOR’S TOUR.
THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE NGA TSIN WAI VILLAGE IN TUNG KWONG ROAD AT 2.15 PM WHEN A BRIEFING ON THE VISIT WILL BE HELD.
-----0------
RS URGES SCOUTS TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING CALLED ON SCOUTS IN THE TERRITORY TO HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
SPEAKING AT THE 14TH INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE KOWLOON TONG DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL, MR LAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD EXTENDED THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN PERIOD TO THE END OF OCTOBER TO ENABLE MORE PEOPLE TO REGISTER AND REPORT CHANGES OF ADDRESS.
NOTING THAT THERE ARE SOME 50,000 MEMBERS IN THE SCOUT MOVEMENT, HE CALLED ON SCOUTS TO ENCOURAGE AT LEAST ONE PERSON EACH WEEK TO ENROL AS AN ELECTOR.
’’WITH THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE 50,000 SCOUTS, THIS MEANS THAT AT LEAST 50,000 MORE PEOPLE COULD BE MOBILISED AS VOTERS IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS."
MR LAN HOPED A FURTHER 200,000 PEOPLE COULD BE PERSUADED TO REGISTER DURING THE EXTENDED CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
/EARLIER, THE ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
EARLIER, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY PRAISED THE SCOUT MOVEMENT FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY.
"THEY OFTEN PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES AND RENDER ASSISTANCE TO SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND BODIES WHO ARE IN NEED OF HELP TO CARRY OUT SUCH ACTIVITIES AS FLAG DAY, COMMUNITY CHEST EVENTS AND LIFE SAVING SERVICE," HE SAID.
MR LAN STRESSED THAT THESE ACTIVITIES NOT ONLY HELPED FOSTER A SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE, BUT ALSO ENABLED THEM TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE.
"THIS WILL ALLOW THEM TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIETY AND ENCOURAGE SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMUNITY AFFAIRS," HE ADDED.
THREE GOVT LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION ♦ * * * *
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 23.
THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE JADE BALLROOM OF HOTEL FURAMA KEMPINSKI.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT SUNG ON STREET, KOWLOON, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,971 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, PETROL FILLING STATION, GODOWN AND HOTEL.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA NOT EXCEEDING 54,681 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 23, 1994.
THE OTHER TWO LOTS ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES
ONE IS LOCATED IN AREA 11, ON MUK STREET, SHA TIN, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,050 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR GODOWN PURPOSES, EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN. THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA NOT LESS THAN 17,385 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.
THE OTHER LOT IS LOCATED AT AH KUNG WAN, CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, SAI KUNG AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,860 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
/THE BUILDING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
7
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 446 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 23, 1993.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AND
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0------
RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKE PART IN CAREERS QUIZ
*****
A RECORD NUMBER OF 125,973 STUDENTS FROM 265 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL COMPETE IN THE NINTH CAREERS QUIZ ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 1).
"DESIGNED MAINLY FOR FORM 3 TO 5 STUDENTS, THE EIGHT-DAY QUIZ AIMS TO AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING SUITABLE CAREERS," THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE), MR LEUNG LIT-CHEONG, SAID.
"THE ANNUAL EVENT IS ALSO INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON CAREERS AND FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES," HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT ALL PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WOULD HAVE TO ANSWER A QUESTIONNAIRE CONTAINING 50 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS RELATING TO CAREERS INFORMATION, TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, FURTHER STUDIES AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION.
"THERE WILL BE ATTRACTIVE PRIZES INCLUDING TROPHIES FOR THE WINNING SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS," HE SAID.
THE THREE SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MARKS IN EACH FORM WILL BE PRESENTED TROPHIES, WHILE THE FOUR STUDENTS SCORING THE HIGHEST MARKS IN EACH FORM ARE EACH TO RECEIVE A PERSONAL COMPUTER OR LANGUAGE SET.
/THERE WILL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
THERE WILL ALSO BE PRIZES FORcANOTHER 30 HIGH-SCORING STUDENTS FROM EACH FORM AND SOUVENIRS FOR THE HIGHEST-SCORING STUDENT IN EACH FORM OF EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL.
ALL ANSWERS AND RESULTS WILL BE PROCESSED BY THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION
*****
A BOOKMARK AND A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ARE BEING HELD IN SHAM SHUI PO TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, THE THEME OF THE COMPETITIONS IS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.
THE BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION IS OPEN TO PRIMARY STUDENTS LIVING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT. THE ENTRIES SHOULD MEASURE SEVEN CENTIMETRES BY 18 CENTIMETRES.
THE POSTER DESIGN CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND OPEN SECTIONS FOR PEOPLE LIVING, STUDYING OR WORKING IN THE DISTRICT. THE POSTERS SHOULD MEASURE 30 CENTIMETRES BY 42 CENTIMETRES.
THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE USE OF COLOURS NOR THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES FROM EACH PARTICIPANT FOR BOTH COMPETITIONS. THE WINNING ENTRIES MAY BE USED FOR FUTURE PUBLICITY PURPOSES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET AND ITS FOUR SUB-OFFICES. ENTRIES SHOULD BE RETURNED WITH THE COMPLETED FORMS BY OCTOBER 31.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 729 5334.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
- 9 -
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES IN KWAI TSING ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES FROM OCTOBER 2 TO 4 TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
THESE INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA, SINGING, CHINESE DANCING, DRAMA, ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION, MAGIC SHOW, ACROBATICS, LANTERN RIDDLES AND STALL GAMES.
THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG CHING, CHEUNG ON, CHEUNG FAT, SHEK LEI, SHEK YAM, LAI KING AND TAI WO HAU ESTATES, THE KWAI SHING COMMUNITY HALL AND HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND.
THOSE AT CHEUNG CHING AND CHEUNG ON ESTATES WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 2 AND THE REST ON OCTOBER 4.
ADMISSION IS FREE.
--------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK CELEBRATES THE CENTENARY OF FIRST STREET LIGHT ....................... 1
FSD OFFICERS INSPECT PRIVATE CLUBS ...................................... 1
PARENTS REMINDED TO HAND IN. APPLICATIONS FOR Pl PLACES ............
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER ON TSING YI ............................. 3
STUDENTS TO EXPLORE WORLD OF WORK ....................................... 4
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR GOOD STUDENT AWARD .............................. 5
CAMPAIGN STARTS TO KEEP SQUATTER AREAS CLEAN ............................ 5
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND KOWLOON EAST ................................ 6
MUSICAL TREAT FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS ................................ 7
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE .................................. 7
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS IN TAI PO .............................. 8
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
HK CELEBRATES THE CENTENARY OF FIRST STREET LIGHT *****
IT IS GOOD THAT THE HONG KONG ELECTRIf COMPANY IS LOOKING AHEAD, WITH AN INVESTMENT OF SOME $15 BILLION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, TO MAKE SURE THAT THE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO SHINE BRIGHTLY IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LIGHTING-UP CEREMONY OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT SHOW TO CELEBRATE THE CENTENARY OF HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY’S FIRST STREET LIGHT, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG HAD COME A LONG WAY IN THOSE HUNDRED YEARS.
"ELECTRICITY HAS HELPED US DO IT. BECAUSE OF ELECTRICITY HONG KONG HUMS WITH ACTIVITY BY DAY AND GLOWS BY NIGHTS,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE KNEW OF NO MORE STRIKING VIEW IN THE WORLD THAN TO LOOK DOWN AT NIGHT FROM THE PEAK ONTO THE MYRIAD LIGHTS BELOW. "AUSTIN COATES CALLED HIS HISTORY OF THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY ’A MOUNTAIN OF LIGHT’. IT IS INDEED.
"TONIGHT THE MOUNTAIN OF LIGHT IS GOING TO BE BRIGHTER STILL,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE NOTED THAT FOR FOUR WEEKS CENTRAL DISTRICT AT NIGHT WOULD BE A CHILD’S WONDERLAND; A PHOTOGRAPHER’S DREAM; AND A TOURIST’S DELIGHT.
"ABOVE ALL IT WILL BE A CELEBRATION OF THE VITALITY AND SUCCESS OF THIS REMARKABLE AND EBULLIENT COMMUNITY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
_ _ 0 - -
FSD OFFICERS INSPECT PRIVATE CLUBS
*****
OFFICERS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE VISITED 52 PRIVATE CLUBS, MAINLY MAHJONG PARLOURS AND KARAOKE LOUNGES, SINCE SEPTEMBER 21 TO SEE IF THESE PREMISES ARE POSING ANY FIRE HAZARD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT OF THE PRIVATE CLUBS VISITED, 14 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 32 IN KOWLOON AND SIX IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"AS A RESULT OF THESE INSPECTIONS, A NUMBER OF THE OPERATORS WILL BE ISSUED WITH ADVICE LETTERS ASKING THEM TO IMPROVE THE FIRE SAFETY STANDARD IN THEIR PREMISES IN 120 DAYS.
"IF THE OPERATOR DOES NOT FOLLOW THE ADVICE, HE WILL BE ISSUED WITH A FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICE REQUIRING HIM TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT.
/"THE OPERATOR
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
- 2 -
"THE OPERATOR WILL BE SUBSEQUENTLY PROSECUTED IF HE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE NOTICE,
"ANY PERSON CONVICTED OF THE OFFENCE IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000. IN ADDITION, HE WILL FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 PER DAY FOR CONTINUANCE OF THE OFFENCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID OFFICERS FROM LOCAL FIRE STATIONS HAVE ALSO TAKEN PART IN ON-STREET SURVEYS TO TRY TO IDENTIFY PRIVATE CLUBS SUSPECTED OF POSING FIRE HAZARD. SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 345 ADDRESSES HAVE BEEN RECORDED.
"THESE ADDRESSES HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU FOR FURTHER ACTION," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OPERATORS WISHING TO SEEK ADVICE ON FIRE PROTECTION MAY CALL THE REGIONAL FIRE PROTECTION OFFICES ON 549 8104 (HONG KONG), 733 7543 (KOWLOON), OR 604 7223 (NEW TERRITORIES).
--------0-----------
PARENTS REMINDED TO HAND IN APPLICATIONS FOR Pl PLACES
*****
PARENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1991 ARE REMINDED TO RETURN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND FRIDAY (OCTOBER 5), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THOSE WISHING TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN A PARTICULAR GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM TO THAT SCHOOL DIRECT DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
FOR PARENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN ANY PARTICULAR SCHOOL, THEY SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM DURING OFFICE HOURS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
* LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, HONG KONG
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 611, 405 NATHAN ROAD, SIXTH FLOOR, KOWLOON
» SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION
» TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO
/* TSUEN WAN ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
3 -
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING,
1 TUEN HI ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
3 PIK FUNG ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, FANLING
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED IN RESPECT OF ANY ONE CHILD.
"IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE-GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY FORFEIT THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ELIGIBLE FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE," HE SAID.
------0-----------
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER ON TSING YI
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER AT THE WEST COAST OF TSING YI ISLAND.
THE WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,650 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED OFF THE COAST.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
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 BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 27 THIS YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFACTED.
---------0-----------
/4 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
4
STUDENTS TO EXPLORE WORLD OF WORK * * * * *
MORE THAN 700 STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE REAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 2) UNDER AN ONGOING WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE YEAR-LONG ACTIVITY IS AIMED AT HELPING FORM 3 TO 7 STUDENTS TO GAIN A REALISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD OF WORK SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE BETTER PLANS FOR THEIR FUTURE.
’’THE FIRST BATCH OF PARTICIPATING STUDENTS IN THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR COME FROM SCHOOLS IN KWUN TONG, YAU MA TEI, TSIM SHA TSUI, CENTRAL, WESTERN AND NORTH DISTRICTS,” THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE), MR LEUNG LIT-CHEONG, SAID.
’’THEY WILL VISIT 23 DIFFERENT ESTABLISHMENTS BETWEEN OCTOBER AND DECEMBER TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND PROFESSIONS," HE ADDED.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS WILL INCLUDE HOTELS, MASS MEDIA ORGANISATIONS, DEPARTMENT STORES, TRAINING INSTITUTES, PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, FACTORIES, MUSEUMS, BANKS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS'.
STUDENTS WILL BE TAKEN ON A GUIDED TOUR OF THE FACILITIES AND WILL BE TOLD BY COMPANY STAFF WHAT IT IS LIKE WORKING IN A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY.
"SUCH VISITS WERE MOST WELCOME BY BOTH STUDENTS AND CAREERS TEACHERS, WITH 1,300 STUDENTS FROM 45 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMME IN THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR," MR LEUNG NOTED.
APART FROM THIS CAREERS EDUCATION PROJECT, HE SAID THE SERVICE ALSO OPERATED FOUR CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING CAREER GUIDANCE.
"THE CENTRES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH A REFERENCE LIBRARY CONSISTING OF AN AUDIO-VISUAL UNIT WITH SOUND-ON-SLIDES, VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPE RECORDINGS, AND PUBLICATIONS ON EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES,” HE SAID.
THE CENTRES ARE LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
* SOUTHORN CENTRE, 16TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI (TEL. 835 2044)
* TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NINTH FLOOR, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON
(TEL. 715 3635)
* TAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 16 TSUN WEN ROAD, TUEN MUN (TEL. 463 6855)
♦ CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, SHOP 8B, 11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET, SHA TIN
(TEL. 601 5101)
--------0-----------
/5 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
- 5 -
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR GOOD STUDENT AWARD * * * * *
NOMINATION FOR THE 1990/91 CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT GOOD STUDENT AWARD SCHEME WILL OPEN TOMORROW (MONDAY).
NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S THREE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES AT HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) AND IN KENNEDY TOWN.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) SECRETARIAT ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 27.
A DFCC SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE AWARD SCHEME, NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR, HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR WITH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
"AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE SCHEME AIMS TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE DFCC’S WORK AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE MORE ACTIVELY IN CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES.
"STUDENTS NOMINATED FOR THE SCHEME WILL BE JUDGED ON THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, CONDUCT AND PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR OR SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
A TOTAL OF 10 FINALISTS WILL BE SELECTED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES IN EARLY NOVEMBER. EACH FINALIST WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY AND A $1,200 SCHOLARSHIP AND THE BEST FOUR WILL BE AWARDED A FREE OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR TO BE HELD NEXT MARCH.
THE AWARD SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE DFCC WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S TWO POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES.
IT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE MOUNT CAMERON OF HONG KONG LIONS CLUB, MANTILE COMPANY LIMITED, YUNG KWOK YUE HOLDINGS LIMITED AND WU LEUNG LEE JEWELLERY.
--------0-----------
CAMPAIGN STARTS TO KEEP SQUATTER AREAS CLEAN
*****
A CAMPAIGN AIMING TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION IN WONG TAI SIN SQUATTER AREAS STARTED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON SQUATTER AREAS CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE.
/SPEAKING AT .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
6
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY IN TAI HOM VILLAGE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR LEE YUK-WA, SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD.
’’MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP WILL VISIT HOUSEHOLDS IN THE SQUATTER AREAS TO ADVISE RESIDENTS ON WAYS OF KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
"OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE CROSSWORD PUZZLE AND COLOUR SHADING COMPETITIONS, AS WELL AS THE SELECTION OF THE CLEANEST HOUSEHOLD AND VILLAGE.
"IN ADDITION, PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AND GARBAGE BAGS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED," HE SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DR MICHAEL LEE; CHAIRMAN OF THE SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MABEL LEUNG; AND THE DISTRICT’S HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN KING-KAI.
--------0-----------
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND KOWLOON EAST
* * * ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 2) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, HEUNG CHE STREET, SHA TSUI ROAD, TAI HO ROAD INCLUDING FUK LOI ESTATE, MOON LOK DAI HA, LO TAK COURT, FU WAH STREET, KIN MING STREET, WAN TUNG STREET, DUNG FAT STREET, ON WING STREET AND CHEONG TAI STREET.
ALSO TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST WILL BE SUSPENDED ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 3) FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY BROADCAST DRIVE, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, FUNG MO STREET, WANG TAU HOM, WANG TAU HOM ESTATE, WANG TAU HOM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, LOK FU ESTATE, HONG KONG BUDDHIST HOSPITAL, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON WALLED CITY, SAI TAU VILLAGE, CARPENTER ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, ARGYLE STREET, OLYMPIC AVENUE, TAM KUNG ROAD, MA TAU WAI, MA TAU WAI ESTATE, CHUN SEEN MEI CHUEN, FARM ROAD, TIN KWONG ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION IN KOWLOON TONG, WATERLOO ROAD, BEACON HILL ROAD, EDE ROAD, BAPTIST COLLEGE AND EVANGEL HOSPITAL.
------0-------
/7........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
- 7 -
MUSICAL TREAT FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS » ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA WILL GIVE A TWO-HOUR CONCERT ON POPULAR CHINESE FOLK SONGS AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN HUNG HOM ON OCTOBER 7.
THE CONCERT, WHICH BEGINS AT 8 PM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE, TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN CHINESE MUSIC.
FREE TICKET EXCHANGE COUPONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI Ll/NG ROAD; ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE AT GROUND FLOOR, STAGE FIVE, WHAMPAO GARDEN, AND LUNG SHING SUB-OFFICE AT 68 JUNCTION ROAD.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 711 0171.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD PRIOR TO THE CONCERT. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JOEY LAM; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR FONG PUI-SHEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, MR WU WING-KEI; AND THE CONCERT ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MISS FU DAN-TSING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA CONCERT TO BE HELD AT KO SHAN THEATRE IN HUNG HOM ON OCTOBER 7 (SUNDAY). IT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
--------0-----------
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE ♦ * * ♦ »
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRES WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE COMING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL HOLIDAY PERIOD.
’’VISITORS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM RELEASING ANY HUNG MING LANTERN AND BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH BARBECUE FIRES AND HAND-HELD CANDLE-LIT LANTERNS,” THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR C.C. LAY, SAID.
ACCORDING TO MR LAY, THE ANNUAL MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK PERIODS. A TOTAL OF FIVE HILL FIRES BROKE OUT DURING THE LAST FESTIVAL.
/MR LAY ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
- 8 -
MR LAY ADDED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE AND THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE TO LIGHT FIRE ILLEGALLY OR TO RELEASE A HUNG MING LANTERN IN A COUNTRY PARK OR ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
"ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT WHILE A SIMILAR OFFENCE COMMITTED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT,” HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE SIX PROSECUTIONS AGAINST THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRE IN COUNTRY PARKS LAST YEAR AND OFFENDERS WERE FINED BETWEEN $500 AND $700.
--------0-----------
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS IN TAI PO
*****
CARNIVALS WILL BE HELD IN SEVEN VENUES IN TAI PO BETWEEN OCTOBER 2 AND 4 TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
THERE WILL BE LANTERN RIDDLES, VARIETY SHOWS, MAGIC SHOWS, STALL GAMES AND A KARAOKE SINGING COMPETITION. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE EVENTS ARE ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, RURAL COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND ARE SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
DETAILS OF THE CARNIVALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE/TIME
VENUE
OCTOBER 2 8 PM TAI PO PLAYGROUND
OCTOBER 3 8.30 PM TAI WO ESTATE
pCTOBER 3 7 PM KAU LAU WAN
OCTOBER 4 7 PM TAP MUN
OCTOBER 4 7 PM FU SHIN ESTATE
(pCTOBER 4 7.30 PM TAI PO CENTRAL TOWN SQUARE
OCTOBER 4 2 PM KWONG FUK ESTATE
--------0---------