港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1990 - DEC

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DELEGATION ACHIEVED WHAT IT SET OUT TO DO: GOVERNOR ............................ 1

REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ......................................... 2

REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR'S STATEMENT ............................................... 3

PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED .............. 3

COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME LAUNCHED...........'.............................. 7

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS FOR EASTERN YOUTHS .................................... 8

POLITICAL FORUM IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TOMORROW ................................. 9

CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL IN SHEUNG SHUI TOMORROW .............................. 10

VARIETY SHOW IN SUPPORT OF CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ................................ 11

HONG KONG DANCE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY ...................................... 11

AIDS WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN ....................................................... 12

CONSTRUCTION OF SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR .................................. 13

DELEGATION ACHIEVED WHAT IT SET OUT TO DO: GOVERNOR

********

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE DELEGATION HE LED TO JAPAN HAD ACHIEVED EXACTLY WHAT THEY SET OUT TO ACHIEVE.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD BEEN A USEFUL VISIT FOR THE HONG KONG/JAPAN BUSINESS COOPERATION COMMITTEE.

"THEY HAD GOOD TALKS, REALISTIC TALKS ON WAYS OF IMPROVING TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN; AND ON THE POLITICAL LEVEL, THE OVERALL POLITICAL FRAMEWORK, THERE WAS VERY MUCH OF A WELCOME FOR THE HONG KONG TEAM.

"AND ONE GETS A SENSE OF WILLINGNESS ON THE SIDE OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT, THE JAPANESE POLITICIANS TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN HONG KONG," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

"THEY SEE HONG KONG AS A VERY USEFUL GATEWAY FOR TRADE BETWEEN THEMSELVES AND CHINA, AND WE WERE ENCOURAGING THEM TO THINK IN THOSE TERMS AND WE WERE ENCOURAGING THEM TO THINK LONG-TERM ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID HE CAME BACK WITH THE MESSAGE THAT JAPAN WAS VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN HONG KONG AND KEEN IN THINKING NOT JUST SHORTTERM BUT LONG-TERM AS WELL.

"THAT’S THE SORT OF IMPRESSION THAT I WANTED TQ GET. I WASN’T GOING TO SIGN TREATIES; TO LOOK FOR BITS OF PAPER, IT WASN’T THAT SORT OF VISIT AT ALL.

"IT’S PART OF A LONG PATIENT EFFORT TO BUILD UP OUR TRADE RELATIONS WITH JAPAN AND TO GET THE RIGHT ATTITUDE BY LEADING FIGURES IN THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL WORLD TOWARDS HONG KONG," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT SINCE THE BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE HAD BEEN SET UP PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE IN IMPROVING THE BALANCE OF TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN.

"WE HAVE STEADILY BEEN IMPROVING OUR POSITION; STEADILY BEEN REMOVING SOME OF THE BARRIERS TO TRADE AND EACH YEAR OUR EXPORTS FOR JAPAN HAVE GONE UP," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE WEAKNESS OF THE YEN IN THE EARLY PART OF THIS YEAR MADE IT HARDER FOR OUR EXPORTERS: "BUT OUR BUSINESSMEN ARE DETERMINED TO WORK HARDER AT IT AND FIND THE RIGHT WAYS TO PROMOTE OUR EXPORTS."

THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST BY JAPANESE FIRMS IN HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT PROJECT: "WE HAVE, I THINK IT’S OVER 60 JAPANESE FIRMS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE AIRPORT PROJECT.”

/SIR DAVID .......

SIR DAVID SAID THE JAPANESE WERE INTERESTED IN WHAT THE CHINESE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE AIRPORT WAS, AND WAS SOMETIMES PUZZLED BY IT.

"WHAT I WAS DOING WAS EXPLAINING TO THEM THAT WE ARE CAREFULLY TALKING TO THE CHINESE ABOUT THEIR ATTITUDE, EXPLAINING TO THE CHINESE WHY IT IS CRUCIAL FOR HONG KONG'S FUTURE TO HAVE A NEW AIRPORT AND TO START BUILDING ON IT.

"AND TO EXPLAIN THAT THIS CAN BE DONE TO THE BENEFIT, THE LONGTERM BENEFIT, OF HONG KONG AND WITH NO DISADVANTAGE FOR THE SAR WHEN IT IS SET UP IN 1997. QUITE THE CONTRARY," HE SAID.

"THERE IS A NEED TO EXPLAIN IT BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN SOME PUZZLEMENT OF THE CHINESE ATTITUDE, BUT IT'S SOMETHING WE CAN EXPLAIN AND I’M SURE GRADUALLY WE'LL ALSO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN TO AND CONVINCE THE PEOPLE ON THE CHINESE SIDE," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THERE WAS A REAL NEED TO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH THE CHINESE LEADERS FOR THE SAKE OF HONG KONG AND FOR THE SAKE OF MAKING THE RIGHT SORT OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE.

"WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE OTHER COUNTRIES REMAINING IN CONTACT WITH CHINA, BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT CAN BE HELPFUL TO OUR OWN PARTICULAR CONCERNS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

COMMENTING ON HIS FORTHCOMING VJSIT TO LONDON, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS SOMETHING THAT HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR SOME TIME AND NOT AS A RESULT OF RECENT CHANGES IN THE CABINET IN LONDON.

"THE REASON TO GO IS TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THE ACTIVITIES OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. THEY HAVE A MAJOR DINNER FOR LEADING BUSINESSMEN IN LONDON AND THEY ALSO HAVE AN IMPORTANT SEMINAR WHICH I WILL BE SPEAKING AT," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD BE MEETING THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR DOUGLAS HURD, AND MAKING SURE THAT SENIOR MEMBERS IN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WERE UP-TO-DATE ON WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG.

THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WERE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.

------------------0-------- REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ******

THE FIRST GROUP OF 23 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IDENTIFIED BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) AS BEING "NOT OPPOSED TO RETURNING HOME" BOARDED A PLANE FOR VIETNAM TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE REPATRIATION OF THIS NEW CATEGORY OF BOAT PEOPLE WAS AGREED BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF VIETNAM, THE UNITED KINGDOM, HONG KONG AND THE UNHCR AT A MEETING IN HANOI IN SEPTEMBER.

/ALSO ON .......

ALSO ON BOARD THE PLANE WAS A FURTHER GROUP OF 83 BOAT PEOPLE RETURNING TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

THE GROUP OF ?3 RETURNEES UNDER THE NEW CATEGORY COMPRISES 12 MEN, FIVE WOMEN, TWO BOYS, AND FOUR GIRLS, MAKING UP THREE FAMILIES AND 15 SINGLE PERSONS.

THE GROUP OF 83 VOLUNTARY RETURNEES COMPRISES 25 MEN, 21 WOMEN, 23 BOYS AND 14 GIRLS.

THESE 83 BOAT PEOPLE ARE THE 42ND BATCH OF VOLUNTARY RETURNEES, AND THEY BROUGHT TO 5,829 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE WHO HAVE RETURNED UNDER UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME WHICH WAS LAUNCHED IN MARCH 1989.

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REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR’S STATEMENT *****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (SATURDAY):

"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE DEPARTURE TODAY OF THE FIRST GROUP OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TO RETURN TO VIETNAM UNDER THE TERMS OF THE JOINT STATEMENT SIGNED IN HANOI ON SEPTEMBER 21.

"THE GOVERNMENT HOPES THAT DESPITE THE SMALL NUMBERS ON THE FIRST FLIGHT, THE UNHCR WILL BE ABLE TO BUILD UP MOMENTUM WITH THE NEW PROGRAMME VERY QUICKLY, THUS HELPING TO ACHIEVE THE EARLY RETURN OF ALL NON-REFUGEES FROM CAMPS IN HONG KONG TO THEIR OWN HOME IN VIETNAM."

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PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED

*****

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1990, ESTIMATED AT $9,401 MILLION, INCREASED RY SEVEN PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989 WHILE THEIR VOLUME REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

CHANGES IN VOLUMES OF RETAIL SALES REFER TO CHANGES IN VALUES OF RETAIL SALES AFTER DISCOUNTING FOR THE ESTIMATED CHANG M IN PRICES.

/THE INDICATORS

THE INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES USED FOR THE PURPOSE ARE THE RESPECTIVE COMPONENTS OF CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WHICH CORRESPOND TO THE BROAD CATEGORY OF GOODS IN QUESTION.

COMPARING WITH SEPTEMBER 1989, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY 34 PER CENT IN VALUE AND FIVE PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THAT OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND FOUR PER CENT IN VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND TWO PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS, HOWEVER, DECREASED1 BY THREE PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME. THIS WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DECREASE IN RETAIL SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 20 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME. SUPERMARKET SALES ROSE BY NINE PER CENT IN VALUE BUT REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VOLUME.

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT IN VALUE BUT REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY 19 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND TWO PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND SIX PER CENT IN VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND FOUR PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY FIVE PER CENT IN VALUE BUT WENT DOWN BY THREE PER CENT IN VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY TWO PER CENT IN VALUE. BUT THERE WAS A DECLINE OF FOUR PER CENT IN TERMS OF VOLUME, MAINLY DUE TO THE DECREASE IN SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND EIGET PER CENT IN VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES SALES ROSE BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND FIVE PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 10 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND SEVEN PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILE RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME.

COMPARING WITH AUGUST 1990, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER 1990 DROPPED BY TWO PER CENT IN VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN VOLUME.

/RETAIL SALES .......

RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY 11 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VOLUME, WHILE THAT OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY SIX PER CENT IN VALUE AND FOUR PER CENT IN VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASTS OF COMPARISON, BOTH "CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES DECREASED BY FIVE PER CENT AND EIGHT PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE AND SALES VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS WENT DOWN BY FOUR PER CENT IN ROTH VALUE AND VOLUME.

ANALYSED RY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT TN SALES VALUE AND FIVE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, RETAIL SALES OF "CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" AND "MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DEPARTMENT STORES DROPPED BY 13 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1990 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER 1990.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST 1990 AND SEPTEMBER 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 SEPTEMBER 1990 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1990 AND WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1989, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF SEPTEMBER 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. : 802 1258).

/TABLE 1 .......

TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Sales for Septeiber 1990 (Provisional Figure) = HK$9,401 lillion for August 1990 (Revised Figure) = HK$9,554 lillion

TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR AUGUST 1990 AND SEPTEMBER 1990

(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100)

1 1 ; Itei 1 1 1 ! Index of ! Retail Sales 1 1 । । August 1990 । । । । 1 Septeiber ! 1 1990 1 Septeiber 1990 ! coipared with ! Septeiber 1990 1 coipared with 1 Septeiber 1989 1 Jan.-Sep. 1990 1 coipared with 1

August 1990 1 Jan.-Sep. 1989 1

L FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 1 । । । । i (Revised figures) I (Provisional 1 1 figures) ! । । Points A : । i 1 i Points * ; 1 । Points * •* । ।

1 1 1 Value । । । 171 । । : 168 : -3 i -2 ! ♦11 ♦7 1 ♦10 ♦6

1 • 1 1 ! (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS Voluie । । । 1 125 1 121 1 । । । । । । । । । । -4 -3 1 । । । । I 1 1 1 1 । 1 1

। 1 Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value । 1 170 I 179 ! ♦9 i ♦6 1 ♦16 ♦io: ♦18 ♦13

। । drinks and tobacco Voluie 1 i 125 1 130 1 । । ♦5 ♦4 1 । ♦5 ♦4 ; । ♦7 ♦6

। 1 Fuels Value i 1 146 : 162 i ♦16 ♦11 1 ♦41 ♦34 : ♦21 ♦19

। । Voluie । । 125 1 126 1* । । ♦1 1 1 ♦6 ♦ 5 1 ♦3 ♦2

। 1 Clothing, footwear Value । 182 ! 173 1 -8 । -5 1 ♦17 ♦111 ♦8 ♦5

। । and allied products Voluie । । । 122 : 116 i 1 1 -7 -5 1 i ♦3 ♦2 1 । -4 -3

l i । Consuier durables Value । I 184 1 169 ■ 1 -14 i -8 1 ♦27 ♦19 ! ♦13 ♦8

1 Voluie i । 131 1 121 1 । i -10 -8 ! । ♦15 ♦ 14 ! । ♦5 ♦4

। 1 Other consuier goods Value । l 166 । i 1 160 1 -6 । -4 1 -5 । -3 1 ♦3 ♦2

1 । ! (C) 1 । । BY SELECTED TRADES (see note 1 below) Voluie I I I I I 122 1 116 1 : i i i i i i i -5 -4 1. 1 1 1 1 -12 -10 1 1 1 1 । । -5 -4

Superiarkets Value 218 : 23i i ♦13 ♦6: ♦19 ♦9 1 ♦33 ♦18

। । Voluie । 154 1 161 ! ♦8 ♦5 1 1 1 1 ♦11 ♦8

। । । Kotor vehicles Value । 332 ; 297 1 -35 -111 ♦26 1 ♦10 1 ♦17 ♦6

। । and parts Voluie I । 203 1 181 1 । । -22 -11 1 1 ♦3 ♦1 1 । -2 -1

• 1 Consuier durables Value । l 138 1 130 1 -8 1 -6 1 ♦27 ♦27 1 ♦12 ♦10

। । 1 ocher than lotor vehicles and parts Voluie l I 109 : 102 i i i -7 -6 1 1 । ♦18 ♦22 1 1 । ♦7 ♦7

I । ■ Departient stores Value । I 242 I 2ii ; -31 -13 1 ♦34 ♦20 I ♦25 ♦13

1 Voluie I 167 ! 143 1 -24 -14 1 ♦14 ♦11 1 ♦7 ♦5

NOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades tfITBIN lajor trade groups, the value and voluie indexes in respect of the folloving selected trades are coipiled :

(a) 'Superiarkets’ - a trade in the ’Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco' group.

(b) 'Kotor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consumer durables' group.

(d) 'Departient stores' - a trade in the 'Other consuier goods' group.

2. Figures denoting changes are derived fro« the unrounded index figures.

3. 'I' denotes a figure within ±0.5.

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

/7........

COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME LAUNCHED **♦♦♦♦

THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB’S (CYC) ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME IS COMMENDABLE AND SERVES AS A GOOD INDICATION OF THEIR HIGH SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

THESE REMARKS WERE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, WHEN ADDRESSING MORE THAN 500 CYC MEMBERS AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1990/91 CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME AT THE TAI TONG MANAGEMENT CENTRE OF THE TAI LAM COUNTRY. PARK TODAY (SATURDAY).

DR LEE SAID APART FROM CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT AND KEEPING THE COUNTRY PARKS BETTER PLACES FOR VISITORS TO USE AND ENJOY, THE CYC MEMBERS WOULD ALSO SET GOOD EXAMPLES TO OTHER VISITORS ON HOW THE PUBLIC COULD HELP TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY PARKS CLEANER AND GREENER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY.

THE SCHEME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (ED), AIMS TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AMONG STUDENTS AND TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH VOLUNTARY WORK IN COUNTRY PARKS.

WHEN THE SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED EARLY LAST YEAR, ONLY 10 SCHOOLS JOINED AND ADOPTED FIVE COUNTRY PARKS.

"OWING TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, IT HAS NOW BEEN EXPANDED AND ATTRACTED 49 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN THE CURRENT YEAR AND THEIR STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO LOOK AFTER THE 10 COUNTRY PARKS OF ABERDEEN, TAI TAM, SAI KUNG EAST, SAI KUNG WEST, KAM SHAN, SHING MUN, PLOVER COVE, PAT SIN LENG, TAI MO SHAN AND TAI LAM," DR LEE SAID.

STUDENTS WILL TAKE PART IN VOLUNTARY SERVICES SUCH AS LITTER COLLECTION, GRASS CUTTING, TREE TENDING, FACILITIES MAINTENANCE AND TREE PLANTING IN THE PARKS.

THEY WILL ALSO PATROL THE POPULAR RECREATIONAL SITES ON HOLIDAYS, URGING THE PUBLIC TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND PREVENT HILL FIRE.

SIX SENIOR STUDENTS FROM EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE APPOINTED AS JUNIOR PARK WARDENS AFTER UNDERGOING BASIC TRAINING ON PRACTICAL COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND WILL LEAD THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS IN VOLUNTARY COUNTRY PARK WORK.

DR LEE SAID THE PARTICIPATING STUDENTS WOULD SOON HELP CONDUCTING A COUNTRY PARKS VISITOR OPINION SURVEY.

"PARTICIPATION OF THE CYC MEMBERS IN THE SURVEY WILL ADD INTEREST AND VARIETY TO THEIR WORK AND WILL PROVIDE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THE VIEWS AND NEEDS OF COUNTRY PARK VISITORS AND WILL HELP US IN PLANNING FOR EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO MEET THE DEMAND OF OUR COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.

/DR LEE .......

DR LEE HOPED THAT THROUGH PHYSICAL PARTICIPATION AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR COUNTRYSIDE, THE CYC MEMBERS WOULD DEVELOP A SENSE OF RESPECT AND LOVE FOR OUR COUNTRYSIDE AND HAVE A BETTER KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO PROTECT, IMPROVE AND MAKE GOOD USE OF OUR COUNTRY PARKS.

"IN TURN, THEY WILL SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION TO THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, SCHOOLMATES AND FRIENDS SO THAT THIS MESSAGE CAN SPREAD WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH SUCH ’CHAIN REACTION’," HE SAID.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG HARBOUR, MR CHARLES LAM.

MR LI SAID: "IN RECENT YEARS, GREAT IMPORTANCE HAS BEEN PLACED IN ENCOURAGING OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO DEVELOP A GREATER SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND IN THIS CONNECTION THE CYC HAS MADE CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION THROUGH PROVIDING NUMEROUS COMMUNITY SERVICES.

"THE CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME IS JUST A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR CYC MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT," HE ADDED.

MR LI EXPRESSED SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE AFD, WHICH HAD WORKED IN CLOSE COOPERATION FOR MANY YEARS WITH HIS DEPARTMENT, FOR PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN FORESTRY WORK TO CYC MEMBERS AND FOR OPENING THE COUNTRY PARKS FOR THEM TO WORK IN.

HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG HARBOUR FOR THEIR STRONG SUPPORT TO THIS SCHEME BY MAKING A GENEROUS DONATION OF $40,000 TO FINANCE THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES.

MR LI FINALLY THANKED THE HEADMASTERS AND TEACHERS OF VARIOUS PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THIS SCHEME WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM AS WELL AS THE STUDENTS FOR ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS FOR EASTERN YOUTHS

*****

TWO UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES AND EIGHT SECONDARY STUDENTS HAVE BEEN NAMED THE !990 EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTHS FOR THEIR ZEALOUS PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AND VOLUNTARY WORK.

THEY ARE LAW STUDENT MR TAM CHUNG-KIT, SOCIAL WORK STUDENT MR CHAN WING-KIN, FORM SEVEN STUDENTS MISS LIAO WEI-MING, MISS LEE KOON-MEI AND MISS KENNJE WONG, FORM SIX STUDENTS MISS HUI LAI-CHING, MISS CHUANG HONG-MEI AND MR WONG KAR-MING, FORM FIVE STUDENT MISS TERESA KAM, AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENT MR MAK WAI-CHEE.

/EASTERN DISTRICT .......

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, PRESENTED THE AWARDS TO THEM TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CIVIC EDUCATION GALA NIGHT HELD IN THE SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE.

CO-ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE AWARD SCHEME SERVES TO MOTIVATE YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 30 TO PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN SOCIETY.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO ADOPT POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

HE SAID THE YOUNGER GENERATION SHOULD EARNESTLY GET INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD IN ORDER TO BUILD A BETTER HONG KONG.

THE WINNERS WERE SELECTED BY A FOUR-MEMBER ADJUDICATING PANEL COMPRISING CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM; EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; ASSISTANT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LINDA SO; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION WORKING GROUP, MISS CHAN YUEN-HAN.

- - 0 - -

POLITICAL FORUM IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TOMORROW

*****

RESIDENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A DISCUSSION ON THE POLITICAL FUTURE OF HONG KONG WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR ANDREW WONG AND MAGAZINE EDITOR MR LEE YEE AT AN OPEN FORUM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

WHILE THE TWO SPEAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON "THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG FROM A POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE", PARTICIPANTS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO EXPRESS THEIRS.

THE FORUM FORMS PART OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 2 PM AT 5 PM AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE.

ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (SDPCE), THE CARNIVAL AIMS TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE TERRITORY.

THE CARNIVAL WILL ALSO PROVIDE A NUMBER OF STALL GAMES ON THE VARIOUS CIVIC EDUCATION THEMES, AN EXHIBITION ON THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM AND A "CIVIC EDUCATION CITY".

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE CARNIVAL WILL BE A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS SO CHAU YIM-PING; A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MISS JUNIA HO; SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN; SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, DR JIMMY CHAN; AND SDPCE CHAIRMAN, MR LAI CHI-TONG.

/IN ANOTHER

IN ANOTHER CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM THE SAME DAY, FINALISTS OF THE "SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN PERSPECTIVE’ CONTEST WILL PRESENT, IN SLIDES, THE FINDINGS OF THEIR STUDIES ON VARIOUS DISTRICT ISSUES.

THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.

ADMISSION TO BOTH EVENTS ARE FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE "SOUTHERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL" WILL BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE, BEGINNING AT 2 PM.

THE "SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN PERSPECTIVE” CONTEST PRESENTATION NIGHT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.

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

CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL IN SHEUNG SHUI TOMORROW *****

A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE SHOPPING ARCADE OF TIN PING ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS, EXHIBITIONS, SLIDE SHOWS AND STALL GAMES. THE AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN THE 1991 ELECTIONS. ADMISSION IS FREE.

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.

OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE A MEMBER OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE, DR JOSEPH CHENG; NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI, AND NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION DAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 12 NOON AT THE SHOPPING ARCADE OF TIN PING ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI.

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

/Il .....

VARIETY SHOW IN SUPPORT OF CIVIC EDUCATION DAY

*****

A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI PO CENTRAL TOWN SQUARE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.

THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND WINNERS OF LOCAL SINGING COMPETITIONS, A MAGIC SHOW, STALL GAMES AND A QUIZ.

THE SHOW IS THE FINALE OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE.

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING AN OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD; A SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION, A YOUTH CAMP, A SEMINAR AND AN EXHIBITION HAD BEEN HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.

TOMORROW BEFORE THE VARIETY SHOW BEGINS, PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD AND THE SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION.

OFFICIATING WILL BE THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS YIU; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG; AND A MEMBER OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE, MR JUSTEIN WONG.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION DAY TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY), BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM AT THE TAI PO CENTRAL TOWN SQUARE.

- - 0 - -

HONG KONG DANCE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY *****

MORE THAN 600 SENIOR CITIZENS FROM 31 ELDERLY CENTRES WILL TAKE PART IN A "HONG KONG DANCE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY" AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE TODAY (SATURDAY) AND TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE FUNCTION IS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, HOLY CARPENTER CHURCH, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

THERE WILL ALSO BE COMPETITIONS, CHILDREN DANCE PERFORMANCES AND AN AEROBICS DEMONSTRATION.

/A PRIZE

A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DUNCAN PESCOD; AN URBAN COUNCILOR, MR PAO PING-WING; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR CHEUNG HON-LEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF LOK SIN TONG, KOWLOON, MR CHEUNG NIM-PING; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR CHAN NEI-YUE AND MR LAM MING; CHAIRMAN OF HOLY CARPENTER CHURCH SOCIAL SERVICE COMMITTEE, REV LO KWAN-HO AND CHAIRMAN OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, MR LAU TAK.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG DANCE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE, HUNG HOM, BEGINNING AT 4.30 PM.

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

AIDS WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN ***** ,

A WOMEN'S WORKSHOP ON AIDS, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, AIMED AT ENLISTING SUPPORT AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION FROM WOMEN IN THE AIDS PREVENTION PROGRAMMES, WAS HELD THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

ENTITLED "PREVENTION OF AIDS -------------- A WOMEN'S MISSION”, THE WORKSHOP ENABLED PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF’ AIDS WHICH WILL, IN TURN, HELP THEM IN THEIR WORK TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE AND IN CARING FOR HIV CARRIERS.

THE WORKSHOP WAS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION PUBLICITY ON AIDS UNDER THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS. IT FORMED OF THE ACTIVITIES BEING HELD IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR'S WORLD AIDS THE THEME OF WHICH IS "AIDS AND WOMEN”.

AND PART DAY,

AMONG THOSE WHO TOOK PART WERE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE GOVERNMENT, COMMERCIAL AND SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MRS PEGGY LAM, CALLED UPON WOMEN TO HELP COMBAT AIDS.

"ALTHOUGH HIV INFECTION IS STILL RELATIVELY UNCOMMON AMONG WOMEN IN HONG KONG," SHE SAID, "WOMEN SHOULD HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ISSUE AND HELP TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON AIDS TO THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.”

MRS LAM ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF AIDS, NOTING THAT THERE IS NO EFFECTIVE VACCINES OR CURE OF THE DISEASE.

/SPEAKERS AT .......

SPEAKERS AT THE WORKSHOP INCLUDED A LOCAL ARTISTE, A SCHOOL HEADMASTER, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

THEY SPOKE ON TOPICS INCLUDING THE "IMPACT OF AIDS ON WOMEN", "EFFECT OF THE DISEASE ON SOCIETY" AND "EDUCATION AND PREVENTION O.F AIDS" .

THE TALKS WERE FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSIONS WHICH WERE DESCRIBED BY PARTICPANTS AS "VERY USEFUL". PARTICIPANTS ALSO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY AND A VIDEO SHOW ON AIDS.

- - 0 - -

CONSTRUCTION OF SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR * * » » » ,

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE LAYING OF ASSOCIATED WATERMAINS IN THE AREA.

ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, SALT WATER SUPPLY FOR FLUSHING WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE LOW LEVEL AREAS IN SHAU KEI WAN.

THE PROPOSED SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF 3,800 CUBIC METRES AND ABOUT 5,500 METRES OF WATERMAINS WILL BE LAID WITHIN SHAU KEI WAN AREAS.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE DEADLINE FOR TENDER SUBMISSION IS NOON ON DECEMBER 21.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR SET FOR LONDON VISIT ................................................... 1

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESCUE EXCAVATION AT CHEK LAP KOK ................................ 2

'LET'S WATCH THE NOISE' DISPLAY AT TSIM SHA TSUI ................................ 3

HONG KONG'S FUTURE LIES ON ITS YOUNG PEOPLE...................................... 4

ISLANDERS URGED TO TAKE PART IN 1991 ELECTIONS .................................. 5

DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ISLAND ACTIVITIES .........................'.............. 6

GOLDEN OLDIES NIGHT FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS ...................................... 7

GOVERNOR SET FOR LONDON VISIT ft ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM DECEMBER 5-8.

WHILE HE IS IN LONDON, HE WILL CALL ON MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.

HE WILL ALSO ATTEND THE ANNUAL TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC.) DINNER AND WILL OPEN A SEMINAR AIMED AT PRESENTING HONG KONG’S VARIOUS ECONOMIC CAPABILITIES TO UK BUSINESS LEADERS.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TDC AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON.

IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT STATIONER’S HALL IN THE CITY OF LONDON ON DECEMBER 6.

ENTITLED "HONG KONG: INTO THE NINETIES", IT WILL INCLUDE INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS BY BARONESS DUNN, AND SURVEYS FROM TOP SPEAKERS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.

SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ALLEN LEE, WILL SPEAK ON THE "CURRENT STATE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NINETIES". HONGKONG BANK CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM PURVES, WILL ADDRESS ON "HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL AND SERVICE ' CENTRE" WHILE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS RITA FAN, WILL TALK ON "HONG KONG’S ATTRACTION AS A MANUFACTURING AND MARKETING BASE”.

ALSO, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ORIENT OVERSEAS (HOLDINGS) LTD, MR C.H. TUNG, WILL SPEAK ON "HONG KONG AS A SPRINGBOARD TO THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION AND AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA"; EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS ROSANNA TAM, ON "YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT IN THE 90’S"; AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, MELITTA PACIFIC LTD, MR D.M.T. VON DER LUEHE, ON "A FOREIGN INVESTOR’S PERSPECTIVE".

THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO BE ATTENDING THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DINNER, HELD IN THE EVENING ON DECEMBER 6 AT THE BERKELEY HOTEL.

THE ANNUAL HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DINNER WILL BE HOSTED THIS YEAR BY THE COUNCIL’S CHAIRMAN BARONESS DUNN. IT AIMS TO BRING HONG KONG’S PROMINENT GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS FIGURES TOGETHER WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE UK, IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN LINKS AND PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR PRESENTING HONG KONG VIEWS ON TOPICAL ISSUES.

GUESTS WILL BE INVITED FROM THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION, WITH STRONG AFFILIATIONS TO THE TERRITORY.

- - 0 - -

/2 ........

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESCUE EXCAVATION AT CHEK LAP KOK

******

AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESCUE EXCAVATION AT CHEK LAP KOK TO COLLECT HISTORICAL EVIDENCES OF THE PAST HUMAN SETTLEMENTS ON THE ISLAND HAS JUST BEEN CARRIED OUT BEFORE THE SITE IS TO BE LEVELLED OFF FOR THE NEW AIRPORT.

COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY HAS UNDERTAKEN THE WHOLE EXCAVATION PROJECT WITH THE DONATION OF $1.5 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND EXCAVATIONS IN THE PAST HAVE CONFIRMED THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF THE ISLAND. THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL DEPOSITS OF THE NEOLITHIC, TANG AND SONG PERIODS AT THE THREE KNOWN SITES OF SHAM WAN TSUEN, FU TEI WAN AND KWO LO WAN.

CHEK LAP KOK IS WELL FAIMILIAR TO THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY IN WHICH SEVERAL SEASONS OF EXCAVATION HAD BEEN CONDUCTED AT THE ISLAND’S MAJOR SITES AT SHAM WAN TSUEN FROM 1979 TO 1984.

THE CURRENT PROJECT WILL LAST FOR *13 MONTHS FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR TO NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR. IT IS DIRECTED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY, MR WILLIAM MEACHAM, WITH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT OF THE SOCIETY’S MEMBERS.

EXCAVATIONS SO FAR WAS CONFINED TO FU TEI WAN. MAJOR FINDS INCLUDED A WELL PRESERVED STONE SPEATRHEAD DATING BACK TO THE LATE NEOLITHIC (3000-1500 B.C.) PERIOD AND MANY OTHER STONE IMPLEMENTS SUCH AS STONE ADZES, POLISHING STONES AND GRINDING STONES FROM THE MIDDLE NEOLITHIC (4500-3000 B.C.).

A STONE BARK CLOTH BEATER EXCAVATED AT FU TEI WAN IS A TYPE OF ART FACT RARELY FOUND IN SOUTH CHINA. THE MAIN OCCUPATION OF FU TEI WAN OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE NEOLITHIC, THE EARLIEST KNOWN PERIOD OF HUMAN HABITATION IN HONG KONG.

A PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVE OF THE CURRENT EXCAVATION IS TO DETERMINE HOW THESE FIRST SETTLERS MADE THEIR LIVING FROM THE SEA BY FARMING AND FISHING.

THE SOCIETY IS EXPECTING MORE IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WHEN IT MOVES TO OTHER MAJOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAS ON THE ISLAND; THE NEXT SITE PLANNED FOR EXCAVATION IS KWO LO WAN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

ARRANGED BY THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, THIS PROJECT MARKS THE FIRST RESCUE OPERATION FOLLOWING THE PLANNED CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT WHICH POSES A SERIOUS THREAT TO A NUMBER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES ON NORTH LANTAU.

IN THIS CONNECTION, THE OFFICE IS ALSO ORGANISING OTHER RESCUE WORKS WHICH INCLUDED A DETAILED SURVEY OF NORTH LANTAU.

/IN VIEW .......

IN VIEW OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST OF CHEK LAP KOK, THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD WILL VISIT THE SITE ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 4) TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF EXCAVATION WORKS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE CHEK LAP KOK EXCAVATION SITE VISIT ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 4) MORNING.

A PRESS COACH TAKING THE MEDIA TO TUEN MUN WILL LEAVE MIDDLE ROAD, NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH HANKOW ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 9 AM SHARP.

FROM TUEN MUN, SEA TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE KADOORIE PIER AT ABOUT 10.45 AM LEAVING FOR CHEK LAP KOK. A GIS OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP.

’LET’S WATCH THE NOISE’ DISPLAY AT TSIM SHA TSUI ******

A NOISE DISPLAY ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) IN TSIM SHA TSUI STARTED TODAY (SUNDAY) TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH INFORMATION AND DATA OF THE NOISE LEVEL IN REAL LIFE SITUATION.

AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE DISPLAY HAS DEMONSTRATED A CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN EDUCATING AND PROVIDING INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

THE PROJECT ALSO SHOWED THAT MORE AND MORE PRIVATE COMPANIES ARE NOW INVOLVED IN ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS.

THE DISPLAY, CONSISTING OF AN OUTDOOR DIGITAL NOISE DISPLAY UNIT AND AN INDOOR TV COMPUTER DISPLAY PANEL, IS SPONSORED BY THE STAR FERRY COMPANY LTD, AND BRUEL & KJAER HONG KONG LTD.

THE OUTDOOR DIGITAL NOISE DISPLAY UNIT IS INSTALLED ON THE CANOPY OUTSIDE THE TSIM SHA TSUI STAR FERRY CONCOURSE FACING THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.

IT SHOWS THE INSTANTANEOUS ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE LEVEL IN THE SURROUNDING AREA, SUCH AS THE NOISE LEVEL OF BUSES PASSING BY.

THIS WILL ENABLE PEOPLE TO VISUALISE AND RELATE THE SCIENTIFIC NOISE LEVEL DATA TO EVERYDAY EXPERIENCE.

/THE INDOOR .......

THE INDOOR TV COMPUTER PANEL, SET UP AT DIFFERENT DATES AT THREE LOCATIONS IN TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL INDICATE THE NOISE LEVEL SHOWN ON THE OUTDOOR NOISE DISPLAY AND THE NOISE DATA OF THE PREVIOUS DAY.

THIS PANEL WILL ALSO BE EQUIPPED WITH INFORMATIVE SLIDES ON NOISE AND VIEWERS CAN TEST THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT BY PRESSING A BUTTON.

ANYONE INTERESTED CAN VISIT THIS INDOOR COMPUTER PANEL AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI STAR FERRY’S UPPER CONCOURSE FROM DECEMBER 2 TO 31; THE OCEAN TERMINAL LOBBY FROM JANAURY 1 TO 20; AND ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE SPACE MUSEUM FROM JANUARY 21 TO THE END OF THE MONTH.

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NOISE DISPLAY WAS HELD THIS MORNING. OFFICIATING WERE THE EPD’S ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MR FRED TROMP, ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, MANAGER OF STAR FERRY, MR RAYMOND MOK, AND MANAGER OF BRUEL & KJAER HONG KONG LTD, MR TOM HO.

MEANWHILE, A LET’S WATCH THE NOISE CARNIVAL ON BOARD A STAR FERRY WAS ORGANISED IN THE AFTERNOON FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EPD, THE STAR FERRY CO. LTD, THE BRUEL «• KJAER HONG KONG LTD AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD.

ABOUT 200 GUESTS INCLUDING AUDIENCE OF TVB’S "WOMEN TODAY" PROGRAMME WERE THERE TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NOISE LEVEL IN REAL LIFE SITUATION.

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

HONG KONG’S FUTURE LIES ON ITS YOUNG PEOPLE

*****

THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE LIES ON ITS YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL BE CALLED UPON TO PLAY A MORE IMPORTANT ROLE UNDER THE "HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG" CONCEPT.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE, SAID THIS WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THIS YEAR’S "CIVIC EDUCATION DAY" AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE TODAY (SUNDAY).

DR TSE NOTED THAT TO BETTER PREPARE AND EQUIP YOUNG PEOPLE TO FACE UP TO FUTURE CHALLENGES, A SENSE OF BELONGING, RESPONSIBILITY AND SELF-ESTEEM SHOULD BE FOSTERED AMONG THEM.

TO THIS END, HE SAID, THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY WAS TO PROMOTF CIVIC EDUCATION.

/IT WAS .......

’’ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND Till- DISTRICT BOARDS WILL PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN MAKING DECISIONS THAT WILL AFFECT THEIR LIVELIHOOD, SUCH AS TRANSPORT, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,” HE SAID.

MR SALKELD ALSO URGED THE RESIDENTS TO SHOW CONCERNS FOR THE ISLANDS AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, WHICH IS THE THEME OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.

MORE THAN 500 ISLANDERS PACKED THE HALL OF THE BUDDHIST WAI YAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE WHERE THEY WERE ENTERTAINED BY POP SONG SINGERS AND CONTESTANTS OF A SINGING COMPETITION.

STUDENTS FROM FIVE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT ALSO • TOOK PART IN A QUIZ ON THE 1991 ELECTIONS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL SYSTEM AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, AND DISTRICT SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR KWOK WAI-CHIU, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE LYRICS WRITING COMPETITION, SINGING CONTEST AND THE INTER-SCHOOL QUIZ.

---------------0-----------------'-

DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ISLAND ACTIVITIES * * * ♦ *

ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT CAN NOW SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN 1991/92.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT ACTIVITIES FINANCED BY THE FUNDS SHOULD BE NON-PROFIT MAKING, SHOULD NOT GIVE UNDUE CREDIT OR PUBLICITY TO A PARTICULAR PERSON, AND SHOULD NOT INCUR IN ANY RECURRENT EXPENSES TO BE BORNED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

HE REMINDED APPLICANTS TO OBSERVE THE VARIOUS DEADLINES AND SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

DEADLINES FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF APPLICATIONS ARE:

* SPORTS, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FEBRUARY 1, 1991

ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES HELD IN APRIL AND MAY, 1991

♦ SPORTS, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL APRIL 1, 1991

ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES HELD BETWEEN JUNE, 1991 AND MARCH, 1992

♦ DRAGON BOAT ACTIVITIES (1991) APRIL 1, 1991

* LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES (1992) JUNE 30, 1991

/ALL THE .......

ALL THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE VETTED BY THE CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 4325.

- - 0 - -

GOLDEN OLDIES NIGHT FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS ♦ * * ♦ *

A "NIGHT OF GOLDEN OLDIES" CONCERT FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 11 AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.

FEATURING SINGING, PIANO AND ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES, THE CONCERT IS ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 381 5291.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVT ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO VOCATIONAL TRAINING ................................ 1

NEW VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TOWER OPENING .................................. 2

NEW VEHICULAR TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED TO CONTROL VEHICLES EMISSIONS: CS .... 3

CS PAYS TRIBUTE TO ACHIEVEMENTS OF ST JAMES' SETTLEMENT......................... 4

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER PUBLISHED ...................................... 5

SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION MEETING ON WEDNESDAY .............................. 9

PLANNING HEAD LEADS DELEGATION TO CHINA ........................................ 9

TALKS BETWEEN HK AND CHINESE POLICE............................................. 9

PENSIONS FOR EX-POW'S ......................................................... 10

ACTING SHW MEETS REPRESENTATIVES ON DRAFT WHITE PAPER ......................... 11

HK'S POSITION IN DIVERSIFYING INTO MORE ADVANCED INDUSTRIES ................... 11

LEGISLATORS TO ASK 10 QUESTIONS ON WEDNESDAY'S COUNCIL MEETING ................ 13

INT'L LANGUAGE CONFERENCE TO HOLD WORKSHOPS ON ECR 4 .......................... 13

LAUNCHING OF SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT .................................... 15

1990 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL ............................................ 15

BLITZ AGAINST ILLEGAL BILL AND POSTER DISPLAY ................................. 16

ACTION ON AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN SHAM SHUI PO................................. 17

BLANKETS FOR STREET SLEEPERS IN URBAN AREA .................................... 17

INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS IN KOWLOON CITY ................................ 17

FLUSHING WATER SUSPENSION IN NORTH POINT ...................................... 18

GOVT ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO VOCATIONAL TRAINING ******

THE OPENING OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) TOWER IS A VERY VISIBLE SIGN OF HONG KONG’S COMMITMENT TO VOCATIONAL TRAINING, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE VTC TOWER, SIR DAVID SAID IF HONG KONG WAS TO DEVELOP AS IT SHOULD, IT NEEDED TO HAVE A VARIED AND AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME OF POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

NOTING THAT MOST PEOPLE KNEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF FIRST DEGREE PLACES BY 1994, THE GOVERNOR SAID GOVERNMENTS PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VOCATIONAL TRAINING HAD PERHAPS RECEIVED LESS PUBLICITY.

THESE PROPOSALS, SIR DAVID SAID, WOULD PRESENT THE VTC WITH NEW CHALLENGES WHICH HE EXPECTED THE COUNCIL TO MEET WITH ITS USUAL ENTHUSIASM AND EFFICIENCY.

"THE INCREASING EMPHASIS ON DEGREE COURSES IN OUR POLYTECHNICS WILL MEAN THAT THE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO TAKE ON NEW COMMITMENTS IN THE PROVISION OF HIGHER DIPLOMA COURSES.

"TWO NEW TECHNICAL COLLEGES WILL BE REQUIRED TO CATER FOR THIS, THE FIRST TO BE OPENED IN 1993," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

HE SAID THE PACE OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE ALSO MEANT THE COUNCIL HAD CONSTANTLY TO INTRODUCE NEW COURSES.

IT HAD RECENTLY ESTABLISHED NEW UNITS IN SUCH AREAS AS PRECISION SHEET METAL PROCESSING AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS DESIGN, AND HAD AGREED TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN IMPLEMENTING PLANS FOR A NEW TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING FUND, HE ADDED.

LOOKING BACK, SIR DAVID SAID IN THE EIGHT YEARS SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED, THE VTC HAD CONSTANTLY SOUGHT TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND ITS TRAINING PROGRAMMES.

"IT HAS EQUIPPED MANY THOUSANDS OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WITH THE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR A USEFUL AND FULFILLING CAREER.

"THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE COUNCIL HAVE MUCH TO BE PROUD OF,"

THE GOVERNOR ADDED.

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

/2 ........

NEW VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TOWER OPENING * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (MONDAY) OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE $131 MILLION VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) TOWER AT 27 WOOD ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE COUNCIL’S CHAIRMAN, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR H.R. KNIGHT, THE GOVERNOR ALSO VISITED THE BANKING TRAINING CENTRE, THE ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING TRAINING CENTRE AND THE APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (ASIC) DESIGN TRAINING CENTRE.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR CHEONG SAID THE VTC TOWER REPRESENTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUING .DETERMINATION TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE OF PROVIDING THE TRAINED MANPOWER ITS ECONOMY NEEDS.

THE 19-STOREY TOWER IS THE 12TH MAJOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION BY THE COUNCIL IN ITS SHORT EXISTENCE OF EIGHT YEARS.

THE FIRST THROUGH SIXTH FLOORS OF THE 13,800-SQUARE-METRE BUILDING FORM THE REDEVELOPED ANNEX OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. THE REDEVELOPMENT HAS BROUGHT ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS IN TEACHING FACILITIES AND STUDENT AMENITIES IN THE OLDEST TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN HONG KONG.

BESIDES PROVIDING PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION FOR THE COUNCIL’S HEADQUARTERS, THE TOWER ALSO CONTAINS THREE TRAINING CENTRES FORMERLY ACCOMMODATED IN RENTED PREMISES - THE BANKING, INSURANCE AND ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING TRAINING CENTRES; AND TWO NEW TRAINING CENTRES - THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES TRAINING CENTRES AND THE APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (ASIC) DESIGN TRAINING CENTRE.

THE COUNCIL’S TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION, INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR DISABLED SECTION, APPRENTICESHIP SECTION, MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG, AUDIO-VISUAL CENTRE, APPRENTICESHIP PLACEMENT UNIT, TECHNOLOGIST TRAINING REGISTRY, INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION AND TRANSLATION SECTION ARE ALL HOUSED IN THE NEW BUILDING.

THE IDEA OF VTC HAVING ITS OWN BUILDING ORIGINATED IN 1986, HAVING CONSIDERED FACTORS SUCH AS ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE, SAVINGS IN RENTAL PAYMENTS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT IMAGE.

CONSTRUCTION WORK STARTED IN NOVEMBER 1988, THE TOPPING OUT CEREMONY WAS HELD IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, AND THE BUILDING WAS FINALLY COMPLETED IN MAY THIS YEAR.

IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE VTC WILL BE UNDERTAKING MORE MAJOR BUILDING PROGRAMMES AND ASSUMING GREATER RESPONSIBILITY STILL IN SHAPING THE TALENTS OF HONG KONG’S HUMAN CAPITAL AND EQUIPPING THEM FOR THE CHALLENGES AHEAD.

/AMONG THE .......

AMONG THE CURRENT TASKS IS THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE FACILITIES NEEDED TO ENABLE THE COUNCIL TO ACCEPT THE TRANSFER OF 6,750 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT SUB-DEGREE LEVEL PLACES FROM THE POLYTECHNICS WITHIN THE TIGHT SCHEDULE SET BY THE GOVERNMENT.

A TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX AT POK FU LAM IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION. ON COMPLETION IN MID 1992, THE COMPLEX WILL ENABLE ALL BASIC CRAFT COURSES TO BE DECANTED FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, AND THE CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO BE VACATED AND CONVERTED TO A TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

MEANWHILE, THE DESIGN OF A SECOND TECHNICAL COLLEGE ON TSING YI ISLAND IS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE. THE CHAI WAN COLLEGE WILL BE COMPLETED AND THE TSING YI COLLEGE AT LEAST PARTLY COMPLETED AND READY TO ENROL STUDENTS BY SUMMER 1993.

THE LATTER WILL ALSO BE DESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR FUTURE EXPANSION SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT DECIDE LATER TO TRANSFER MORE SUB-DEGREE PLACES FROM THE POLYTECHNICS TO THE COLLEGES.

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

NEW VEHICULAR TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED TO CONTROL

VEHICLES EMISSIONS: CS

*****

THERE ARE LIMITS TO THE INCREMENTAL IMPROVEMENT MEASURES BEING INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL VEHICLE EMISSIONS UNLESS WE HAVE ACCESS TO NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND ALTERNATIVES TO CONVENTIONAL VEHICLES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

’’ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE AMONG THE MOST EXCITING ALTERNATIVES UNDER DEVELOPMENT.

"THEY HOLD OUT THE PROSPECT OF ROAD TRANSPORT WHICH IS MUCH MORE ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY THAN THAT IN USE TODAY," SAID SIR DAVID WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYMPOSIUM.

NOTING THAT THE ELECTRIC CARS WERE QUIETER THAN CONVENTIONAL CARS AND OFFERED BENEFITS IN TERMS OF REDUCED AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION, SLR DAVID SAID THEY WERE ALSO MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT -- A MAJOR CONSIDERATION GIVEN CURRENT CONCERNS ABOUT ENERGY SUPPLY.

"AND THE RANGE, SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IS IMPROVING ALL THE TIME AS FURTHER TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES ARE MADE," HE ADDED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT WE WERE NOT YET AT THE STAGE WHERE WIDESPREAD COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION AND GENERAL USAGE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES WAS WITHIN REACH.

/"I MUST .......

"I MUST ADMIT I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION IS TAKING SO LONG BECAUSE THE WIDESPREAD USE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES COULD MAKE A TREMENDOUS DIFFERENCE TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE, PARTICULARLY IN MAJOR CITIES LIKE HONG KONG," HE REMARKED.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HONG KONG'S RELATIVELY SMALL LAND AREA AND INTENSE CONCENTRATION OF TRAFFIC WERE SUCH THAT THE TERRITORY COULD ONE DAY STAND TO BENEFIT VERY SUBSTANTIALLY FROM THE FRUITS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY.

ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HERE IN HONG KONG, ECONOMIC SUCCESS HAD BROUGHT WITH IT SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.

HE OUTLINED TO THE CONFERENCE STEPS BEING TAKEN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL VEHICLE EMISSIONS WHICH INCLUDED :

* FROM JANUARY 1992 ONWARDS, ALL IMPORTED LIGHT DUTY VEHICLES, WHETHER DIESEL OR PETROL ENGINED, WOULD HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE MOST STRINGENT INTERNATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS;

* THE STANDARDS FOR HEAVIER DUTY VEHICLES WOULD FOLLOW;

* AND FROM APRIL 1991, LEAD-FREE PETROL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO HONG KONG.

"THESE STEPS ARE IN LINE WITH THOSE BEING TAKEN ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD AND WILL GIVE US CLEANER VEHICLES AND CLEANER AIR," HE SAID.

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

PAYS TRIBUTE TO ACHIEVEMENTS OF ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT

*******

ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT HAS ACHIEVED A REMARKABLE RECORD IN SERVING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS, CATERING FOR THE NEEDS OF YOUTH, THE ELDERLY, THE HANDICAPPED, AND THE FAMILY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

’’THE SETTLEMENT HAS ALSO PIONEERED THE PROVISION OF INTEGRATED SERVICE THROUGH WHICH IT HAS BECOME POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES UNDER THE SAME ROOF FOR PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGES AND DIFFERENT NEEDS," SAID SIR DAVID WHEN ADDRESSING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER OF THE ORGANISATION.

"THIS APPROACH NOT ONLY MAKES IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR PEOPLE IN NEED BUT WILL ALSO PERMIT BETTER USE OF RESOURCES," SIR DAVID SAID.

ON THE HISTORY OF THE AGENCY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY RECALLED THAT IT WAS IN 1949 THAT A MAN OF VISION, THE RT REV RONALD HALL, WHO WAS THEN THE BISHOP OF HONG KONG AND MACAU, ESTABLISHED THE SETTLEMENT TO HELP THOSE LIVING IN WAN CHAI, AN AREA WHICH WAS HEAVILY BOMBED DURING WORLD WAR II.

/THE SETTLEMENT .......

THE SETTLEMENT STARTED WITH A CHILDREN’S CLUB, OPERATING IN A ROOM BORROWED FROM THE PAR TAI TEMPLE IN STONE NULLAH LANE.

"FROM THESE HUMBLE ORIGINS, ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT HAS GROWN TO BECOME ONE OF THE LEADING SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG WITH SOME 230 STAFF.

"ALTHOUGH THE SETTLEMENT HAS ITS ROOTS IN WAN CHAI, ITS GOOD WORK EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THAT DISTRICT," HE SAID.

"FOR EXAMPLE, THE ST JAMES’ MONTHLY NEWSPAPER, PUBLISHED PRIMARILY FOR ELDERLY PERSONS WITH A CIRCULATION OF 20,000 PER ISSUE, IS WIDELY READ IN HONG KONG.

"ITS NEW MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE URBAN COUNCIL SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX MARKS A NEW STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE SETTLEMENT IN THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES TO AREAS OUTSIDE WAN CHAI," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.

SIR DAVID PAID TRIBUTE TO MANY LEADING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO HAD HELPED TO STEER ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT IN THE LAST 40 YEARS.

HE ALSO THANKED THOSE PUBLIC SPIRITED INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING HOUSEWIVES AND STUDENTS, WHO HAD PROVIDED INVALUABLE VOLUNTEER SERVICE, SUCH AS HELPING TO LOOK AFTER THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY.

"THE VERY SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT TO HONG KONG OWE MUCH TO THE EFFORTS AND COMMITMENT OF THE DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL, MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AS WELL AS ITS STAFF, PAST AND PRESENT," SIR DAVID ADDED.

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

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER PUBLISHED

*****

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS REGISTERED SOME DECLINE DURING OCTOBER AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF STRONG CONSECUTIVE INCREASES RECORDED IN THE FOUR MONTHS BEFORE SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.

CONSISTENT WITH THIS, ALL BROADER DEFINITIONS OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY FELL DURING THE MONTH. TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES, ON THE OTHER HAND, RECORDED AN INCREASE DURING OCTOBER.

DEPOSITS

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, DECLINED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES OF 2.4 PER CENT AND 3.2 PER CENT IN JULY AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY AND A SLIGHT DECLINE OF 0.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

/OF THESE .......

OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS ROSE BY 4.5 PER CENT WHILE SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS FELL BY 2.7 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER.

ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 18.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ROSE BY 3.8 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.6 PER CENT AND 3.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.

AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR AND NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 0.9 PER CENT AND 6.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 31.7 PER CENT.

DURING OCTOBER, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS ROSE BY 2.3 PER CENT WHILE THOSE WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 7.0 PER CENT AND 0.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY 26.9 PER CENT. DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 32.8 PER CENT WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 12.5 PER CENT.

THE YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISONS ON DEPOSITS WITH THE LATTER TWO CATEGORIES WERE PARTLY AFFECTED BY THE UPGRADING OF FIVE DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES TO THE STATUS OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS.

MONEY SUPPLY

HK$M1 ROSE BY 2.5 PER CENT WHILE HK$M2 AND HK$M3 FELL BY 0.7

PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN SEPTEMBER WERE 1.1 PER CENT, -0.3 PER CENT AND -0.2 PER CENT.

FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 8.8 PER CENT, 18.3 PER CENT AND 17.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 ROSE BY 1.4 PER CENT, 2.2 PER CENT AND 1.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN SEPTEMBER WERE 3.7 PER CENT, 1.6 PER CENT AND 1.7 PER CENT.

OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 13.4 PER CENT, 25.9 PER CENT AND 24.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 4.2 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 6.7 PER CENT AND 4.0 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.

/OF THE ........

OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT DURING OCTOBER, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES ROSE BY 5.8 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 16.3 PER CENT AND 71.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG DECLINED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.9 PER CENT AND 4.0 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 9.3 PER CENT.

OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 2.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 1.5 PER CENT AND 0.1 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 19.1 PER CENT.

LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ROSE BY 5.0 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 13.1 PER CENT AND 8.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 86.9 PER CENT.

LOANS TO FINANCE MERCHANDISING TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG ROSE BY 7.2 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 14.9 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND A DECLINE OF 6.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 165 WHILE THAT OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 40 AND THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY TWO TO 191.

NOTES :

(1) BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 1990, "RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS" AND "DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" WERE KNOWN AS "LICENSED DEPOSITTAKING 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 USS 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 .......

Oct 1990

Money Supply 89,728

Ml - HKS 14,177

Foreign currency 103,905

Total 530,131

M2 - HKS* 651,404

Foreign currency* 1,181,535

Total 562,607

M3 - HKS* 694,874

Foreign currency* 1,257,480

Total

Notes and coins in circulation 40,457 35,211

of which held by public

Total Deposits

1 Total Demand deposits Total Savings deposits Total Time deposits with licensed banks Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 68,694 225,163 834,990 40,976 .

co Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 33,4 Z1

HKS deposits* 296 , 219

1 USS deposits* Other foreign currency deposits 392,419 1 203,244

All deposits

Foreign currency swap deposits 68,416

Total Loans and advances

To finance H.K.'s visible trade 69,872

To finance merchandising trade 10,11i

not touching H.K.

Other loans for use in H.K.

Other loans for use outside H.K. boz,y1V

Other loans where the place of

use is not known 590,715

Loans in HK$ Loans in foreign currencies 1,141,020

Total loans and advances

* Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits

TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - OCTOBER 1990

(HKSmn)

Earlier months (% change to October 1990)

Sep 1990 2.5 %) •5.0 %) 1.4 %) -0.7 %) 4.6 %) 2.2 %) -0.5 %) 3.7 %) 1.8 %) 0.2 %) -0.4 %) Jul 1990 ( ( 2 ( ( ( : ( ( ( ( ( ( 5.6 %) J6.4 %) 8.0 %) 2.4 %) LI.4 %) 7.2 %) 2.2 %) 11.1 %) 7.0 %) 3.9 %) 4.4 %) Oct 1989 82,441 ( 8.8 %) 9,178 ( 54.5 %) 91,619 ( 13.4 %) 448,170 ( 18.3 %) 490,355 ( 32.8 %) 938,525 ( 25.9 %) 480,324 ( 17.1 %) 529,175 ( 31.3 %) 1,009,499 ( 24.6%)

87,520 14,922 102,442 533,720 622,579 1,156,299 565,657 669,962 1,235,619 40,394 35,341 ( ( - ( ( -( ( ( ■ ( ( ( ( 84,980 11,220 96,200 517,889 584,552 1,102,441 550,268 625,419 1,175,687 38,925 33,732

36,565 31,843 ( 10.6 %) ( 10.6 %)

67,101 ( 2.4 %) 62,468 ( 10.0 %) 59,776 I ( 14.9 %) ।

227,356 ( -1.0 %) 204,470 ( 10.1 %) 179,977 (25.1%) ।

808,955 ( 3.2 %) 783,110 ( 6.6 %) 649,924 ( 28.5 %)

4 4,069 ( -7.0 %) 36,946 ( 10.9 %) 30,844 ( 32.8 %)

33,716 ( -0.9 %) 34,782 ( -3.9 %) 38,196 (-12.5 %) O

517,620 ( -0.6 %) 502,780 ( 2.4 %) 435,883 ( 18.1 %) ।

293,659 ( 0.9 %) 280,483 ( 5.6 %) 246,208 ( 20.3 %) (

369,918 ( 6.1 %) 338,514 ( 15.9 %) 276,626 ( 41.9 %)

1,181,196 ( 1.9 %) 1,121,776 ( 7.3 %) 958,716 (25.5%) 1

71,348 ( -4.1 %) 73,188 ( -6.5 %) 61,954 ( 10.4 %)

70,202 ( -0.5 %) 66,913 ( 4.4 %) 63,899 ( 9.3 %)

9,430 ( 7.2 %) 8,744 ( 15.6 %) 10,066 ( 0.5%)

659,287 ( 2.1 %) 648,308 ( 3.8 %) 564,974 ( 19.1 %)

812,589 ( 5.0 %) 663,790 ( 28.5 %) 456,347 ( 86.9 %)

109,899 ( 14.6 %) 108,635 ( 15.9 %) 78,506 ( 60.4 %)

582,576 ( 1.4 %) 576,593 ( 2.4 %) 507,919 ( 16.3 %)

1 078,831 ( 5.8 %) 919,796 ( 24.1 %) 665,873 ( 71.4 %)

1,661,407 ( 4.2 %) 1,496,389 ( 15.7 %) 1,173,792 ( 47.5%)

Note

'Restricted licence banks' and and 'registered deposit-taking

■deposit-taking companies' were known as 'licensed deposit-taking companies' companies' respectively before 1 February 1990.

PENSIONS FOR EX-POW’S * * * t

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO AWARD PENSIONS TO BENEFICIARIES OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND (HKWMF).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS HELEN YU, SAID THIS MEANT THAT THE PRESENT INCOME THRESHOLD REQUIREMENT FOR RECEIVING GRANTS FROM THE FUND WOULD BE REMOVED AND EX-PRISIONERS OF WAR IN HONG KONG AND OTHERS WHO SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF THE WAR WOULD RECEIVE PENSIONS AS A STATUTORY RIGHT.

MRS YU SAID THE DECISION WAS MADE AFTER CONSIDERING REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE HKWMF COMMITTEE CONCERNING THE GROWING BODY OF EVIDENCE ON THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BEING HELD AS A PRISONER OF WAR.

"THROUGH THE AWARD OF PENSIONS, WE WISH TO PROVIDE RECOGNITION OF 'THE SPECIAL DEBT OWED TO BENEFICIARIES OF THE FUND FOR THEIR WAR-TIME SUFFERING AND THE LONG-TERM PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BEING HELD IN CAPTIVITY," MRS YU EXPLAINED.

AS WITH EXISTING BENEFITS, PENSIONS WILL BE PAID TO PERSONS WHO, WHILE SERVING IN SPECIFIED UNITS, WERE INJURED IN THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG OR HELD IN CAPTIVITY BY THE ENEMY AND TO THE DEPENDANTS OF THOSE WHO WERE KILLED DURING THE FIGHTING OR WHO DIED IN SUBSEQUENT CAPTIVITY.

CIVILIANS WHO WERE TORTURED . AND THE DEPENDANTS OF THOSE EXECUTED BY THE JAPANESE WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PENSION ARRANGEMENTS.

MRS YU SAID AS THE AWARD OF PENSIONS CONSTITUTED A DIFFERENT PRINCIPLE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THAT ON WHICH THE EXISTING FUND RESTED, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO REPEAL THE HKWMF ORDINANCE AND REPLACE IT WITH NEW LEGISLATION.

SHE ADDED THAT AS THE PENSIONS WOULD BE PAID DIRECTLY FROM PUBLIC FUNDS, IT WOULD NO LONGER BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE HKWMF COMMITTEE TO ADMINISTER THE FUND, ALTHOUGH IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE AS AN ADVISORY BODY.

"WE WILL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE COMMITTEE IN DRAFTING NEW LEGISLATION WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING THE CHANGES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN 1991," MRS YU SAID.

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

/Il ........

SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION MEETING ON WEDNESDAY

*****

THE TWO SIDES OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION HAVE AGREED THAT THE COMMISSION’S 21ST MEETING WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 5 AT 9.30 AM.

THE MEETING WILL REVIEW THE 1990-91 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME.

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

PLANNING HEAD LEADS DELEGATION TO CHINA

*****

A 12-MEMBER DELEGATION LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, MR ROBERT UPTON, TODAY (MONDAY) LEFT FOR A TWO-DAY VISIT TO SHEKOU AND SHENZHEN.

THE FACT-FINDING VISIT WILL COVER DEVELOPMENTS IN AREAS SUCH AS SHEKOU PORT, CHIWAN PORT, MAWAN PORT, HUANGTIAN AIRPORT, HUANGGANG PORT AND HARBOUR, AND THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF YANTIAN PORT.

THE DELEGATION COMPRISES OFFICIALS FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND THE HONG KONG PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD.

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

TALKS BETWEEN HK AND CHINESE POLICE *****

A POLICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

TALKS HAVE TAKEN PLACE AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS BETWEEN SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FROM HONG KONG AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

A DELEGATION OF OFFICERS FROM THE PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU LED BY MR LIU WEN, DIRECTOR OF CID AND INTERPOL NATIONAL CENTRAL BUREAU CHINA, MET WITH SENIOR OFFICERS FROM HONG KONG LED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA.

THE AGENDA FOR THE TALKS INCLUDED COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY, COMMERCIAL FRAUD, NARCOTICS, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, THE ILLEGAL IMPORT AND USE OF FIREARMS, VEHICLE THEFT AND SMUGGLING.

THE TALKS WERE CARRIED OUT IN A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE AND WERE DESCRIBED AS EXTREMELY USEFUL.

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

/10 .......

ACTING SHW MEETS REPRESENTATIVES ON DRAFT WHITE PAPER

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS HELEN YU, TODAY (MONDAY) IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES:

’’THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS HELEN YU, MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM 17 ORGANISATIONS THIS MORNING TO LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE.

’’TODAY’S MEETING HAD BEEN ARRANGED TWO WEEKS AGO FOLLOWING A REQUEST BY THE 17 ORGANISATIONS. THEY WANTED TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER.

"AT THE MEETING TODAY, WHICH WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY ON SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES, THE REPRESENTATIVES PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE WHITE PAPER. THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE PASSED TO THE WORKING PARTY FOR CONSIDERATION.

"THE WORKING PARTY HAS PRODUCED THE WHITE PAPER IN DRAFT FORM EXPRESSLY FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION. SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED DURING THE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD WHICH ENDS ON DECEMBER 17 WILL BE TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT WHEN THE WORKING PARTY RE-EXAMINES THE DRAFT.

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

HK’S POSITION IN DIVERSIFYING INTO MORE ADVANCED INDUSTRIES

******

HONG KONG IS IDEALLY PLACED TO SATISFY THE STRONG DEMAND FOR SERVICES, MATERIALS, COMPONENTS, SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND PRODUCTION TOOLING CREATED BY THE SHIFT OF ITS LABOUR INTENSIVE ASSEMBLY 2nDn^TI0NS INT° S0UTH CHINA AND OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES WHICH CANNOT BE SUPPLIED FROM WITHIN THESE ECONOMIES.

,THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) WHEN SPEAKING AT THE 12TH SPEECH DAY OF THE CHINFSF MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT SHAM SHUI PO.

"WE HAVE A NUMBER OF ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER SUPPLIERS," HE SAID.

HONG KONG’S GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION ALLOWED TECHNICIANS TO TRAVEL EASILY WITHIN THE REGION.

TRADERS AND

GOOD AND RESPONSIVE AFTER-SALES SERVICE AS WELL AS TRAINING OF USERS WERE OFTEN PROVIDED.

ALTHOUGH HONG KONG’S MACHINERY WAS NOT YET THE OR SOPHISTICATED IN TERMS OF ENGINEERING DESIGN, IT SUPERIOR TO MOST OTHER LOCAL PRODUCTS IN THE REGION.

MOST ADVANCED

WAS CONSIDERED

/"AND, OF ........

’’AND, OF COURSE, IN THE CASE OF CHINA, TRADITIONAL AND CULTURAL LINKS, INCLUDING A COMMON LANGUAGE, ENABLE A CLOSER PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP TO BE DEVELOPED BETWEEN BUSINESS PARTNERS THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE POSSIBLE,” MR WONG SAID.

INDEED, HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY GENERALLY HAD A GOOD REPUTATION IN CHINA, PARTICULARLY IN GUANGDONG, WHICH ABSORBED A SIZEABLE SHARE OF THE INDUSTRY’S EXPORTS.

WITHIN HONG KONG ITSELF, HE SAID, THE NEED TO DIVERSIFY INTO HIGHER VALUE-ADDED AND BETTER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS DEMANDED THE USE OF MORE AUTOMATED AND FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING METHODS.

MOULDS FOR THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, FOR EXAMPLE, COULD NOW BE DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED QUICKLY WITH THE HELP OF COMPUTERISED WORKSTATIONS.

SIMILARLY, MANUFACTURERS OF HAND-HELD OR LAP-TOP OFFICE EQUIPMENT COULD DESIGN CUSTOMISED ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRIES AND ASSEMBLE AND TEST CIRCUIT BOARDS FAR MORE QUICKLY WITH SURFACE MOUNTING EQUIPMENT THAN BY CONVENTIONAL MEANS.

"ALTHOUGH TECHNOLOGY IS IMPORTANT IN THIS PROCESS OF CHANGE, THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IS THE HUMAN ONE," MR WONG SAID.

"HONG KONG POSSESSES ONLY ONE BASIC RESOURCE, THE SKILL AND MOTIVATION OF ITS WORKFORCE.

"I SEE THE 1990’S AS A DECADE IN WHICH THE CONTINUED SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY OF OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WILL INCREASINGLY BE DEPENDENT ON HONG KONG’S TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY, THE AVAILABILITY OF A POOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND ENGINEERING EXPERTISE AND A SKILLED AND WELL TRAINED WORKFORCE," HE SAID.

AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE BOOMING ECONOMY IN RECENT YEARS, THE LABOUR MARKET WAS TIGHT, WITH UNEMPLOYMENT RUNNING AT ONLY 1.7 PER CENT.

IN ADDITION, OUR MANUFACTURERS WERE FACING STIFF COMPETITION FROM THE SERVICE SECTOR FOR MANPOWER.

THERE WAS A FURTHER SHORTFALL DUE TO PEOPLE PURSUING STUDIES ABROAD AND EMIGRATING.

’’WHILE MEASURES SUCH AS IMPORTING LIMITED NUMBERS OF LABOURERS MAY HELP TO EASE THE SITUATION IN THE SHORT TERM, THE ONLY LONG TERM SOLUTION IS TO DEVELOP THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FACILITIES OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO PREPARE THEM TO PLAY THEIR PART IN THIS PROCESS OF CHANGE FROM SIMPLE LABOUR INTENSIVE OPERATIONS TO HIGHER TECHNOLOGY PROCESSES REQUIRING SMALLER NUMBERS OF - BUT MUCH MORE HIGHLY SKILLED - TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN."

THE PLANNED EXTENSION OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION TO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN 1992, THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN UNDERGRADUATE NUMBERS UNDERTAKING TERTIARY EDUCATION AND THE GROWTH OF VTC TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES ARE ALL PARTS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF CHANGE, HE SAID.

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

/13........

LEGISLATORS TO ASK 10 QUESTIONS ON WEDNESDAY’S COUNCIL MEETING «**«»**

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER A BILL AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 5)

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 IS DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

ALSO, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, WHILE THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE WEAPONS ORDINANCE.

IN ADDITION, THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND BALANCE SHEET OF HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 1990 AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) ANNUAL REPORT 1989/90 WILL BE TABLED. MR STEPHEN CHEONG WILL MAKE AN ADDRESS ON THE VTC REPORT.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.

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

INT’L LANGUAGE CONFERENCE

* *

TO HOLD WORKSHOPS ON ECR 4 ♦ * *

A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WHICH WILL HAVE A BEARING ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION POLICIES RECOMMENDED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 (ECR 4) WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 20.

PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LANGUAGE STUDIES AND TRAINING WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS.

ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON "WHERE FROM HERE” WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 17 TO DECEMBER 19 TO EXAMINE KEY ISSUES RELATING TO THE PLANNING, MANAGING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LANGUAGE TEACHING AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN THE 1990’S.

THE WORKSHOPS, IN THE FORM OF A CONFERENCE EXTRA, WILL FOCUS ON SIX HONGKONGBANK FOUNDATION LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND’S RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN RELATION TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 (ECR 4).

IT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PROJECT LEADERS, PROJECT STAFF AND INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS TO EXPLORE IN DEPTH ISSUES RELATING TO THE VARIOUS PROJECTS.

/PROJECT LEADERS

PROJECT LEADERS AND/OR STAFF WILL OUTLINE WHAT THEY PROPOSE TO DO AND WILL SEEK INFORMATION, CONTRIBUTION AND FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS TO GUIDE THEM IN THE INITIAL FORMATIVE PERIOD OF THEIR WORK.

’’THE CONFERENCE EXTRA WILL BEGIN WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, DR V. BICKLEY, TO THE HONGKONGBANK FOUNDATION LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND’S PROJECTS AND HOW THEY RELATE TO THE ECR 4,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ON:

♦ TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLISH AT PRIMARY 3, PRIMARY 6 AND SECONDARY 3;

* PRIMARY TO SECONDARY BRIDGING COURSE;

* POST-SCHOOL PRE-EMPLOYMENT LANGUAGE NEEDS ANALYSIS AND BRIDGING PROGRAMMES;

* MINIMUM ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS AND ENGLISH COURSES FOR COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TRAINEE TEACHERS;

* MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHERS OF PUTONGHUA AND THE DESIGN OF PUTONGHUA COURSES AND MATERIALS FOR TEACHERS; AND

* SECONDARY TO TERTIARY BRIDGING PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH FOR CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARTICIPANTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CAN ENROL FOR THE CONFERENCE EXTRA FREE OF CHARGE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND THE CONFERENCE EXTRA SHOULD ENROL NOW.

THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IS $400 WHICH WILL INCLUDE ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE CONFERENCE, TWO BOUND VOLUMES OF CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CONFERENCE EXTRA.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR REGISTERED TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE A REFUND OF ABOUT $280 OF THEIR REGISTRATION FEES.

REGISTRATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT THE PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, 21ST FLOOR, KOWLOON, AND FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 771 9418.

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

/15 .......

LAUNCHING OF SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, MR CHEUNG NIN-PING, WILL JOINTLY LAUNCH THE 1990 SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 6) .

THIRTY-THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S PROJECT WHICH IS TO AROUSE INTEREST IN ENGLISH LEARNING AND TO ENCOURAGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE DRAMA AS AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY IN SCHOOL.

DURING THE CEREMONY, MR CHEUNG WILL PRESENT A $200,000 CHEQUE TO MR LI AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROJECT.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE PROMENADE, LEE GARDENS HOTEL, FIRST FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 6).

- - 0 - -

1990 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL *****

THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE BRINGING A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS TO THE PUBLIC WITH PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS IN THE 1990 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 21 TO 31.

THE YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE MUSIC OFFICE SINCE 1979 TO PROMOTE BAND MUSIC AND TO ENCOURAGE CULTURAL EXCHANGE BETWEEN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS YOUNG MUSICIANS.

OVER 2,500 PARTICIPANTS FROM 40 SCHOOLS WILL PRESENT AN ARRAY OF BAND MUSIC THIS YEAR IN A SERIES OF CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE BRITISH COLUMBIA ALL-STAR BAND WILL JOIN THE FESTIVAL FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR.

THE BAND COMPRISES 25 MEMBERS AGED 17 TO 26, REPRESENTING THE BEST YOUNG JAZZ MUSICIANS FROM THE CANADIAN PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

THE MUSIC OFFICE HAS ALSO INVITED THE 50-STRONG AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL YOUTH BAND TO TAKE PART.

/THE PROGRAMME

THE PROGRAMME OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDES A FESTIVAL CONCERT AND THE GALA FINALE TO BE HELD AT THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN THE EVENINGS OF DECEMBER 26 AND 30 RESPECTIVELY.

VARIOUS KINDS OF BAND MUSIC INCLUDING JAZZ, ROCK, CLASSICAL, AND THEME SONGS FROM MOVIES WILL BE PERFORMED.

THE TWO GUEST BANDS TOGETHER WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, THE TOM LEE JAZZ BAND AND THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH CHOIR WIL PRESENT A SERIES OF JAZZ MUSIC AT THE "BIG BAND INTERFLOW” AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON DECEMBER 28. ADMISSION TO THIS CONCERT IS FREE.

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE FIVE OTHER CONCERTS STAGED AT THE KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND SHOPPING ARCADES DURING THE FESTIVAL, AS WELL AS SYMPHONIC BAND AND MARCHING BAND CONTESTS FOR THE 40 PARTICIPATING SCHOOL BANDS.

TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL CONCERT AND THE GALA FINALE, AT $20, $30 AND $40 EACH, ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 796 2873.

1 ----------0---------------

BLITZ AGAINST ILLEGAL BILL AND POSTER DISPLAY *****

A TOTAL OF 34 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED DURING A TWO-DAY TERRITORY-WIDE BLITZ OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS OVER THE WEEKEND.

"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 COPE WITH THE SITUATION, BLITZ OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE LATEST OPERATION ENDED YESTERDAY.

"WE HOPE THAT 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 SAID.

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

/17........

ACTION ON AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN SHAM SHUI PO

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF TOP OF 137 KIU KIANG STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON, SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 16, 1991, WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (MONDAY).

UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, ' A CLOSURE ORDER IS REQUIRED BEFORE DEMOLITION CAN BE CARRIED OUT.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE DEMOLITION WORK WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS GRANTED.

- - 0 - -

BLANKETS FOR STREET SLEEPERS IN URBAN AREA

*****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DISTRIBUTED A TOTAL OF 360 BLANKETS AND SLEEPING BAGS TO 336 STREET SLEEPERS IN THE URBAN AREA LAST NIGHT (SUNDAY).

OF THESE, 122 ITEMS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO 112 STREET SLEEPERS ON THE HONG KONG ISLAND, 43 WERE DISTRIBUTED TO 47 BENEFICIARIES IN EAST KOWLOON AND 195 WERE DISTRIBUTED TO 182 BENEFICIARIES IN WEST KOWLOON.

SEVENTY-NINE FIELD STAFF WERE MOBILISED IN THE OPERATION.

- - 0 - -

INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS IN KOWLOON CITY

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE PARKING SPACES IN FUK LO TSUN ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, IN KOWLOON.

THE PARKING METERS WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 5).

THE PARKING SPACES ARE OF TWO-HOUR METERED TYPE FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTORCYCLES AND PEDAL CYCLES.

THE PARKING METERS WILL OPERATE FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE CHARGE IS $2 FOR EACH 30 MINUTES.

- - 0 - -

/18

FLUSHING WATER SUSPENSION IN NORTH POINT

*****

SUPPLY OF FLUSHING WATER TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY KING’S ROAD, MERLIN STREET, WATSON ROAD, THE SEAFRONT AND HING FAT STREET.

IT ALSO INCLUDES PREMISES AT 25 TO 145, 52 TO 68 AND 250 TO 276 KING’S ROAD AND 1 TO 9 COMFORT TERRACE.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR AND EXCO MEMBERS TO MEET PRIME MINISTER .............................. 1

MOTOROLA'S NEW PLANT DEMONSTRATES CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG ..................... 2

SECOND SOUND BROADCASTING LICENCE ............................................. 4

TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ......................... 4

GOVT STATEMENT ON 'SECOND NUCLEAR PLANT' ...................................... 6

STATEMENT ON RECRUITMENT OF SECRETARY FOR WORKS ............................... 6

ECR PROPOSALS WOULD RESOLVE LANGUAGE PROBLEM .................................. 7

GOVT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP .............................. 8

PROPOSALS ON REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF LOCAL CRAFT .............................. 9

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME — A HEALTH CHALLENGE ................................. 10

CONCERTED EFFORTS TO PREVENT BUILDING SICKNESS ............................... 11

ACTION ON WORK SAFETY TO BE STEPPED UP ....................................... 12

PROSPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HK .................................... 13

NO EFFORT SPARED IN PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT ................................... 15

TAI HING POLICE STATION IN TUEN MUN OPENS .................................... 16

FIREMAN COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY ................................................ I7

REMINDER ON PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD ............................ 18

PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS - AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE IN SCHOOLING ............... 19

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE TOURISM ........................... 19

FESTIVE LIGHTING IN MONG KOK ................................................ 20

INMATES GIVES TUNG LUNG CHAU A CLEAN LOOK .................................... 21

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ..................................‘................... 22

GOVERNOR AND EXCO MEMBERS TO MEET PRIME MINISTER

*******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND SOME MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, DURING A THREE-DAY VISIT TO LONDON.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED THAT IN HIS FIRST FULL WEEK IN OFFICE THE PRIME MINISTER WAS TAKING TIME TO SEE A GROUP FROM HONG KONG WHEN HE MUST BE EXTREMELY BUSY.

"THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO BRING HIM UP-TO-DATE WITH WHAT IS GOING ON IN HONG KONG SO THAT THE CONCERNS AND THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG REGISTER IN HIS MIND," SIR DAVID SAID.

"I WOULD EXPECT THAT WITH MR JOHN MAJOR AS PRIME MINISTER SUPPORT WILL CONTINUE AS BEFORE. HE DOES KNOW A CERTAIN AMOUNT ABOUT HONG KONG FROM HIS TIME AS FOREIGN SECRETARY.

"THIS WILL BE A VERY GOOD CHANCE TO BRING HIM UP-TO-DATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE. BUT IT’S NOT JUST THE PRIME MINISTER, I AM SURE HE PERSONALLY WILL BE VERY SUPPORTIVE, BUT IT’S THE GOVERNMENT AS A WHOLE AND I WOULD EXPECT THEM TO CONTINUE TO CARRY OUT THE SAME POLICIES TOWARDS HONG KONG AND TO BE SUPPORTIVE TOWARDS HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

ASKED IF THE PRIME MINISTER WOULD VISIT HONG KONG IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "OF COURSE I WILL SAY TO HIM THAT WE WOULD WELCOME IT IF HE HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT HERE."

"I THINK I MUST ALSO EXPECT THAT HE WILL BE VERY BUSY IN HIS FIRST FEW MONTHS IN OFFICE, BUT OBVIOUSLY IF HE HAS A CHANCE TO COMB HERE WE WOULD VERY MUCH WELCOME IT," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD WANT TO BRING MINISTERS IN GENERAL UP-TO-DATE ON HONG KONG’S PLANS FOR THE AIRPORT AS IT WAS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF TRYING TO BUILD UP HONG KONG FOR THE LONG-TERM FUTURE AND FOR THE TERRITORY’S PROSPERITY.

ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE UNHCR’S PROGRAMME OF REPATRIATING VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT ACTIVELY VOLUNTEERED, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS A SLOW START AND HE WOULD MUCH HAVE PREFERRED THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN STARTED WITH A LARGER NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

"BUT IT IS A START AND I THINK WE MUST GIVE IT A CHANCE, GIVB UNHCR A CHANCE TO SEE IF IT WILL WORK AND IF THE NUMBERS WILL INCREASE. IF YOU REMEMBER THE STRAIGHTFORWARD VOLUNTARY R1PATRIATION SCHEME WAS ALSO A VERY SLOW START. SO LET’S GIVE UNHCR A CHANCE AND SEE IF THEY CAN MAKE THIS ONE PICK UP OVER TIME AS WELL," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM WAS AN IMMENSE ONE: "WE’VE GOT A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HERE WHO ARE WAITING TO BB SCREENED; WE GOT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER WHO ALREADY HAVE BEEN SCREENED OUT AS NOT BEING REFUGEES; AND THE TASK OF TRYING TO GET THOSE PEOPLE BACK TO THEIR HOMES UNDER ACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS IS A VERY LARGE ONE."

/"WE'VE GOT .......

"WE’VE GOT TO INCH OUR WAY FORWARD. WE’VE HAD VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION, NOW WE HAVE THE REPATRIATION OF THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ACTIVELY VOLUNTEERED. LET’S GIVE THAT A CHANCE BEFORE WE SEE WHAT THE NEXT STEP SHOULD BE," SIR DAVID SAID.

SEEING THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON OFF AT THE AIRPORT WAS THB CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.

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

MOTOROLA’S NEW PLANT DEMONSTRATES CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG *****

MOTOROLA’S ESTABLISHMENT OF ITS' SILICON HARBOUR CENTRE IN HONG KONG CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES ITS CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY AS A PLACE WHERE HIGH-TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING CAN GROW AND THRIVE, AND THE BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR DOING PROFITABLE BUSINESS HERE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MOTOROLA’S NEW FACILITY ON TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, SIR DAVID SAID THE COMPANY WAS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF THE ROLE OVERSEAS INVESTORS PLAYED IN BRINGING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO HONG KONG.

"I AM PLEASED TO SEE THIS NEW STRUCTURE ACCOMMODATING MOTOROLA’S ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND ITS DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES FOR ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTORS FOR SPECIAL APPLICATIONS," HE SAID.

THIS OPERATION, SAID SIR DAVID, SHOULD HELP THE LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TO MOVE INTO THE GENERATION OF MODERN CIRCUITRY AND PRODUCT MINIATURIZATION.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE TOPPING-OUT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LAST WEEK AND THE OPENING OF THE SILICON HARBOUR CENTRE TODAY, THOUGH MIGHT BE COINCIDENTAL IN TIMING, BOTH EVENTS WENT TO SHOW THAT HONG KONG WAS MOVING STEADILY ONWARDS AS A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY AND MODERN INDUSTRIES.

HE NOTED THAT MOTOROLA HAD DECIDED TO SET UP THIS SILICON HARBOUR CENTRE IN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE TERRITORIES’ ATTRACTIVE CENTRAL POSITION WITH RESPECT TO OTHER SEMICONDUCTOR CUSTOMERS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, THE AVAILABILITY OF TECHNICALLY-SKILLED STAFF AND THE TERRITORY’S PROXIMITY TO A POTENTIALLY-ENORMOUS CHINA MARKET.

"THESE SAME FACTORS HAVE INFLUENCED MANY OVERSEAS INVESTORS TO COME TO HONG KONG.

"HONG KONG’S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, ITS FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE POLICY, ITS HARD-WORKING AND EFFICIENT LABOUR FORCE, ITS LOW TAXATION RATE, AND ITS EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK ARE CONSTANTLY CITED BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS AS HONG KONG’S ATTRACTIONS AS A MANUFACTURING BASE, MOST RECENTLY IN THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S 1990 SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

/"THE SURVEY .......

"THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED THAT 67 PER CENT OF THESE OVERSEAS INVESTORS CONSIDERED HONG KONG’S OVERALL MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT TO BE FAVOURABLE," SIR DAVID SAID.

SIR DAVID ALSO POINTED OUT THAT INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY SHOWED THAT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR WAS GROWING AT AN ENCOURAGING RATE.

"THE TOTAL VALUE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AT THE END OF 1989 WAS JUST UNDER HK$30 BILLION; 14 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1988 AND NEARLY THREE TIMES AS HIGH AS IN 1984.

"THE SURVEY SHOWS THAT THE UNITED STATES REMAINS AS OUR LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR; IT ACCOUNTS FOR NEARLY A THIRD OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AND OVER HALF OF THIS INVESTMENT IS IN ELECTRONICS," HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WERE EXPORT ORIENTED, SIR DAVID SAID THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, IN THE FACE OF GROWING COMPETITION, HAD MOVED TO HIGHER QUALITY AND HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS.

"TO DO SO, COMPANIES MUST EMBRACE MORE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO STRUCTURE THEIR PRODUCTION TOWARDS QUALITY," HE SAID.

HE REITERATED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO PROMOTING INWARD INVESTMENT, PARTICULARLY WHERE OVERSEAS INVESTORS INTRODUCED NEW OR IMPROVED PRODUCTS, DESIGNS, PROCESSES AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES INTO HONG KONG.

"APPRECIATING THE LAND CONSTRAINTS WHICH EXIST IN HONG KONG, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES TO ENABLE HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES TO SET UP IN THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT MOTOROLA’S MAGNIFICENT CENTRE ON TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE MARKED ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE GROWTH OF MOTOROLA IN HONG KONG.

"I AM SURE ALL OF US WHO HAVE VISITED THIS IMPRESSIVE OPERATION JUST NOW WILL AGREE THAT MOTOROLA HAS TAKEN HONG KONG ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY," HE SAID.

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

/4.........

SECOND SOUND BROADCASTING LICENCE *****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAD DECIDED THAT DOUBLE CASH LTD TRADING AS ’’METROPOLITAN BROADCASTING" SHOULD BE INVITED TO APPLY FORMALLY FOR A SOUND BROADCASTING LICENCE.

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAD TAKEN THIS DECISION AFTER CONSIDERING CAREFULLY THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AND THE PROPOSALS MADE BY ALL THREE BIDDERS FOR THE SOUND BROADCASTING LICENCE.

HE SAID THAT ONCE METROPOLITAN BROADCASTING'S FORMAL APPLICATION HAD BEEN RECEIVED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PREPARE A SOUND BROADCASTING LICENCE FOR ISSUE IN THE EARLY PART OF 1991.

- - 0 - -

TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL

*****

APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THE PACKAGE OF BRIDGING-OVER ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL BE OFFERED TO CIVIL SERVANTS WISHING TO TRANSFER TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC).

THERE ARE 613 DEPARTMENTAL GRADE STAFF IN THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT (TEITD), INCLUDING 471 OFFICERS CURRENTLY SECONDED TO THE VTC.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) ALL THOSE OFFICERS COULD CHOOSE EITHER TO TRANSFER TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VTC OR TO REMAIN AS CIVIL SERVANTS IN THEIR PRESENT POSTINGS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PACKAGE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS WAS ARRIVED AT AFTER CONSULTATIONS WITH THE VTC AND STAFF CONCERNED AND CONSIDERATION OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH HAVING CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING ALONGSIDE THE COUNCIL’S OWN STAFF.

"ALL BUT ONE OF THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN RETAINED IN THE PACKAGE, WHICH NOW INCLUDES ADDITIONAL AND IMPROVED BRIDGING-OVER TERMS," HE EXPLAINED.

THE BASIC FEATURES OF THE BRIDGING-OVER ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

A THOSE WHO OPT TO ACCEPT THE VTC EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND BECOME FULL-TIME STAFF OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE GRANTED SPECIAL NO PAY LEAVE FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

/THESE OFFICERS

THESE OFFICERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR EARNED PENSION ON RETIREMENT FROM THE VTC. THEY WILL RETAIN THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR HOUSING BENEFITS THAT ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO CIVIL SERVANTS IF THESE ARE NOT PROVIDED BY THE VTC.

B ALTERNATIVELY, OFFICERS WHO TRANSFER TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE VTC CAN OPT FOR A MIXED SERVICE PENSIONS SCHEME UNDER WHICH THEY WILL CONTINUE TO EARN PENSION ENTITLEMENTS AS IF THEY WERE CIVIL SERVENTS.

THEY WILL ALSO BE GIVEN SPECIAL PERMISSION TO RETAIN THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS IF THESE ARE NOT PROVIDED BY THE VTC.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD BEEN DECIDED THAT THE TEITD WOULD NOT BE DISESTABLISHED AND AS THE CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT OF ALL STAFF WAS NOW GUARANTEED, THE EARLIER OPTION OF ABOLITION OF OFFICE TERMS WAS NO LONGER APPLICABLE.

"HOWEVER, TO ENSURE THAT STAFF DO NOT LOSE OUT IN THE TRANSFER, SEVERAL FEATURES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO MAKE THE PACKAGE MORE ATTRACTIVE," THE SPOKESMEN SAID.

IN THE CASE OF FROZEN PENSION, THE CALCULATION WILL BE BASED ON THE SALARY POINT AT THE TIME OF TRANSFER, INSTEAD OF FREEZING THE PENSION AT THE LAST SALARY AMOUNT AS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED.

"THIS MEANS THAT THE PENSIONS RECEIVED BY OFFICERS WILL BENEFIT FROM SUBSEQUENT INCREASES IN CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES," THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.

ADDITIONALLY, STAFF WHO OPT TO TRANSFER TO THE VTC UNDER EITHER OF THE TWO PENSION SCHEMES WILL RECEIVE A SIGN-UP BONUS EQUIVALENT TO THREE MONTHS’ SUBSTANTIVE SALARY.

IN ORDER TO MEET THE STAFF’S CONCERN THAT THEIR FUTURE PROMOTION PROSPECTS SHOULD BE PRESERVED, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT A SHADOW PROMOTION SYSTEM SHOULD BE INTRODUCED. THIS WILL ALSO ENHANCE THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF BOTH THOSE WHO TRANSFER TO THE VTC ON FROZEN PENSION AS WELL AS THOSE WHO REMAIN AS CIVIL SERVANTS.

"AS A RESULT, SOME 120 OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ACTING IN HIGHER RANK POSTS IN THE VTC WILL BE SUBSTANTIVELY PROMOTED BEFORE TRANSFER TO VTC," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

"IN FUTURE, WHEN CIVIL SERVANTS ARE PROMOTED IN THE VTC HIERARCHY, CORRESPONDING CIVIL SERVICE SHADOW POSTS WILL BE CREATED TO ENABLE THEIR PROMOTION WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE," HE ADDED.

SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, FORMAL OFFERS WILL BE MADE TO STAFF AS SOON AS THE SHADOW PROMOTION ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN FINALISHED. THEY WILL BE GIVEN THREE MONTHS TO EXERCISE THEIR OPTIONS.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN THE LIGHT OF THE NEW ROLE OF THE TEITD, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD HAVE TO BE REORGANISED.

"AS SOME STAFF MAY CHOOSE TO REMAIN AS CIVIL SERVANTS, THE TEITD WILL RETAIN ITS PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS BUT ITS RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE DISABLED AND THE STATUTORY APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE VTC," HE SAID.

--------0 - -

GOVT STATEMENT ON ’SECOND NUCLEAR PLANT’

******

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON A SECOND NUCLEAR PLANT AT DAYA BAY, THE HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY, CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO. LTD AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CONFIRMED THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROPOSAL THAT CHINA WILL BUILD ANOTHER NUCLEAR PLANT AT DAYA BAY.

--------0 - -

STATEMENT ON RECRUITMENT OF SECRETARY FOR WORKS

******

COMMENTING ON PRESS REPORTS ABOUT THE RECRUITMENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS POST, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY):

"THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT SPECIFIED THAT THE POST MUST BE FILLED BY AN EXPATRIATE OF ANY NATIONALITY NOR WHETHER THE APPOINTEE SHOULD COME FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT OR HONG KONO. THE OBJECTIVE IS TO FIND THE BEST PERSON FOR THE POST.

"ON THE QUESTION OF THE SECRETARY’S FUNCTION WITH REGARD TO THE COMMISSIONING OF CONSULTANTS AND THE APPLICATION OF FUNDS, LIKE ALL SENIOR OFFICERS, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS IS NOT THE SOLE AUTHORITY IN THESE MATTERS. DECISIONS OF THIS NATURE ARE TAKEN BY VARIOUS PROPERLY CONSTITUTED BOARDS AND COMMITTEES SUCH AS THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, WHICH COMPRISES SEVERAL BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

"WITH REGARD TO THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR THE PADS PROJECT, IT HAS ALREADY BEEN STATED CLEARLY THE SELECTION OF CONTRACTORS WILL BE BASED ON THE MERITS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL PROPOSAL."

/7........

ECR PROPOSALS WOULD RESOLVE LANGUAGE PROBLEM

*****

THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS OFFER THE BEST HOPE OF A RESOLUTION OF THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION PROBLEM, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE JOINT SECONDARY SCHOOLS SPEECH DAY OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR YEUNG SAID SOME PEOPLE BELIEVED THAT THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION COULD ONLY BE SOLVED BY MANDATING EITHER MOTHER-TONGUE EDUCATION OR EDUCATION THROUGH THE ENGLISH MEDIUM.

’’ONLY IN THIS WAY, THEY ARGUE, CAN THE PROBLEM OF PARENTAL PRESSURE FOR ENGLISH BE OVERCOME," HE SAID.

"LET ME MAKE IT CLEAR THAT COERCION IS NOT THE WAY IN WHICH WE USUALLY DO THINGS HERE IN HONG KONG," MR YEUNG SAID, ADDING THAT IT WAS NOT IN KEEPING WITH HONG KONG’S CONSENSUAL STYLE OF GOVERNMENT.

THE INTRODUCTION OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND RELATED ASSESSMENTS WILL GIVE PARENTS EXPLICIT EVIDENCE WHETHER OR NOT THEIR CHILDREN CAN COPE IN AN ENGLISH MEDIUM EDUCATION, MR YEUNG POINTED OUT.

"ONLY AN IRRESPONSIBLE PARENT WOULD INSIST ON AN ENGLISH MEDIUM EDUCATION IF IT WAS CLEAR HIS CHILD COULD NOT COPE," HE SAID.

"FURTHER INCENTIVES FOR PARENTS TO CHOOSE A CHINESE-MEDIUM EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN WILL COME ABOUT THROUGH THE WIDENING OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION.

"WE ARE BROADENING THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM, INTRODUCING ADVANCED LEVELS COURSES IN CHINESE THIS YEAR, AND CHINESE ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVELS IN 1992.

"WE WILL BE DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF FIRST DEGREES PLACES BY 1994," MR YEUNG SAID.

GIVEN THE FACT THAT OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION REQUIRES A MODICUM OF COMPETENCE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN ORDER THAT OUR FIRST DEGREES CAN MAINTAIN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION, I SHALL SOON BE TALKING TO THE HEADS OF OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ABOUT THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE ATTAINMENT THEY EXPECT OF OUR MATRICULANTS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF DEGREE COURSES, PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CHINESE Language advanced level and advanced supplementary level papers," he SAID.

.'THIS WILL NOT ONLY GIVE PARENTS A MEASURE OF ASSURANCE THAT THE CHOICE OF THE CHINESE MEDIUM IS A VIABLE PROPOSITION, BUT ALSO HELP US IN THE PLANNING OF VARIOUS BRIDGING COURSES," HE ADDED.

HE STRESSED THAT THE CHOICE OF CHINESE AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WOULD NOT CREATE A HANDICAP OR DISADVANTAGE FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT,.

THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IS GROWING IN IMPORTANCE IN OUR COMMUNITY, MR YEUNG SAID.

/"FOR EXAMPLE .......

"FOR EXAMPLE, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD COMMAND OF CHINESE IF YOU WANT TO GET INTO POLITICS OR THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT, OR ENGAGE IN TRADE WITH OR INVESTMENT IN CHINA.

"YOU CANNOT JOIN THE ADMINISTRATIVE OR EXECUTIVE GRADES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE UNLESS YOU HAVE A GOOD COMMAND OF CHINESE," HE SAID.

"THUS, AS CHINESE IS INCREASINGLY PLACED ON AN EQUAL FOOTING WITH ENGLISH FOR LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES, AS THE CIVIL SERVICE AND SOME SECTORS OF THE BUSINESS WORLD BECOME INCREASINGLY LOCALISED AND AS THE AWARENESS OF A CHINESE IDENTITY IS ENHANCED, PARENTAL VIEWS WILL CHANGE," HE SAID.

"THEREFORE, IT IS NOT NECESSARILY THE COMMISSION’S LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION PROPOSALS ON THEIR OWN THAT WILL WIN THE DAY, BUT RATHER THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 AS A PACKAGE TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THE TRENDS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGE," HE ADDED.

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

GOVT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP *****

THE CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL WELFARE AGENCIES IS IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS FOR WELFARE SERVICES INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY):

"I BELIEVE IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT IF THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES IS ACCEPTED, ITS SUCCESS IN IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE IN NO SMALL WAY DUE TO THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, AND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY."

MRS WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR ON CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE PLANNING AND DELIVERY OF SOCIAL SERVICES.

SHE SAID WHILE SHE WAS NOT SURE WHETHER THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES IN HONG KONG WAS UNIQUE, IT WAS CERTAINLY UNUSUAL, AND SOMETHING OF WHICH BOTH SIDES COULD BE JUSTIFIABLY PROUD.

"THIS RELATIONSHIP IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS A PARTNERSHIP. IT IS THE SORT OF PARTNERSHIP WHERE EACH SIDE VALUES THE OTHER’S VIEWS AND EACH COMPLEMENTS THE INADEQUACIES OF THE OTHER.

"I MIGHT ADD, HOWEVER, THAT PARTNERSHIP SOMETIMES IMPLIES THE RIGHT TO CRITICISE, WHICH SERVES TO STIMULATE ACTION AND REACTION.

"I THEREFORE FEEL THAT IT IS VERY VALUABLE TO HAVE A PARTNERSHIP OF THIS NATURE," SHE SAID.

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/9 ........

PROPOSALS ON REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF LOCAL CRAFT

*****

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS TO REFINE THE IDEAS IN THE LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW INTO A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS TO REFORM THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF THE LOCAL FLEET OF 20,000 VESSELS.

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, SAID THIS AT THE INSTITUTE. OF SEATRANSPORT LIMITED ANNUAL DINNER PARTY TONIGHT (TUESDAY).

MR SZE SAID: ’’THE DEPARTMENT IS USING A GENERAL PHILOSOPHY OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF LOCAL VESSELS'TAKING A GREATER RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE WAY THEIR VESSELS ARE MAINTAINED AND OPERATED.

THIS WILL RESULT IN A LESS RIGID AND SIMPLER REGULATORY SYSTEM WITHOUT ANY COMPROMISE ON THE HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY WE DEMAND AND ARE USED TO IN HONG KONG.

’’INDEED ENHANCED SAFETY STANDARDS ARE A COMPONENT OF MANY OF THE PROPOSALS.

’’FOR EXAMPLE, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS PROPOSING THAT THE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THOSE CLASSES OF PASSENGER LAUNCHES AND FERRIES OPERATING OUTSIDE OF VICTORIA HARBOUR BE HARMONISED AND THAT ANY VESSEL CARRYING MORE THAN 12 PERSONS PLUS TWO CREW, OR ANY ADDITIONAL APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, ALSO COMPLY GENERALLY WITH THESE STANDARDS,” HE SAID.

MR SZE SAID THE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR ALL VESSELS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN ORDER THAT ALL INTERESTED PARTIES FROM A PROSPECTIVE OWNER TO THE DESIGNER, BUILDER, OPERATOR AND REGULATOR ARE FULLY ACQUIANTED WITH THESE STANDARDS.

’’THE EXISTING COMPLEX SYSTEM OF PROFICIENCY FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS HAS BEEN RATIONALISED TO A SIMPLE THREE GRADES FOR COXSWAINS AND ENGINEERS. MORE EMPHASIS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE QUALITY OF TRAINING COURSES ATTENDED VIS A VIS SIMPLY EXAMINING CANDIDATES.”

MR SZE SAID THESE WERE AMONG MAJOR PROPOSALS THAT WOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION BEFORE NEXT SUMMER.

IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF STUDIES AIMED AT PROVIDING BETTER SERVICES TO LOCAL VESSEL OWNERS INCLUDING A FULLY COMPUTERISED VESSEL RECORD SYSTEM FOR TRANSACTIONS AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED.

MR SZE SAID: "THESE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY SYSTEM WILL ENABLE MORE POSITIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE LOCAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY IN THOSE AREAS WHERE IT HAS A ROLE TO PLAY, SUCH AS MAINTENANCE OF SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING OF CREW."

/THE FINDINGS .......

THE FINDINGS OF THE LOCAL CRAFT REVIEW WERE PUBLISHED AS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WHICH RESULTED IN CONSIDERABLE COMMENT FROM THE LOCAL VESSEL INDUSTRY AND THE GENERAL CONSENSUS WAS POSITIVE.

MR SZE PRAISED THE GOOD WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY THE INSTITUTE OF SEATRANSPORT ENCOMPASSING MEMBERS FROM ALL FIELDS OF SHIPPING TRANSPORT; FROM PILOTS TO PORT CAPTAINS, ENGINEERS TO INSURERS.

- - 0 - -

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

A HEALTH CHALLENGE

* » * * t

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT IN OLD AND NEW BUILDINGS SHOULD BE INTRODUCED AS NEW CONCEPTS AND FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SICK BUILDING SYNDROME AND BUILDING RELATED ILLNESS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR MIAO CHI, TODAY (TUESDAY) IN AN OPENING ADDRESS TO THE SYMPOSIUM ON SICK BUILDING SYNDROME AND BUILDING RELATED ILLNESS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

MR MIAO SAID INSTALLATION OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT OR SYSTEMS ALREADY PROVEN HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF BUILDINGS MUST BE AVOIDED.

"IN NEW BUILDINGS, WE SHOULD INTRODUCE NEW MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, SYSTEMS AND INSTALLATIONS TO GIVE US A BETTER ENVIRONMENT AT REASONABLE COST," HE SAID.

FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS, MR MIAO ADVISED THAT THE QUALITY OF FACTORS AFFECTING THEIR ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE REVIEWED AND DEFICIENCIES RECTIFIED.

THIS INCLUDED THE FUNCTIONS, STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF MAINTENANCE OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING AND CONTROLLING AIR QUALITY, AIR FLOW, NOISE, HUMIDITY, LIGHTING DUST, SMELL AND CLEANLINESS. •

MR MIAO POINTED OUT THAT A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCEPT AND DEFINITIONS OF THE ISSUES WAS THE FIRST STEP TO ELIMINATE SUCH HEALTH RISKS.

"UNLIKE EACH TYPE OF BUILDING RELATED ILLNESS WHICH CAN BE TRACKED TO A SPECIFIC IDENTIFIABLE CAUSE, THE SICK BUILDING SYNDROME CANNOT BE EASILY TRACKED TO ANY SPECIFIC CAUSE; IT IS A COMBINATION OF VARIOUS FACTORS WHICH WILL BE DIFFERENT IN EACH BUILDING AND IN EACH GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS.

"WE SHOULD CODIFY THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE THAT HAS BEEN GAINED TO SET NEW STANDARDS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON VARIOUS FACTORS AFFECTING BUILDING ENVIRONMENT," HE SAID.

/TO MAKE

TO MAKE NEW AND OLD BUILDINGS HEALTHIER, RESEARCH FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF BUILDING SERVICES DESIGNS WAS ALSO ESSENTIAL, HE ADDED.

”1 BELIEVE THAT IN THE 90’S ON BOTH ISSUES WE WILL SEE MORE NEW STANDARDS ESTABLISHED, MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS SET, CODES OF PRACTICE AND GUIDANCE NOTES ISSUED, OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE QUALITY IDENTIFIED, AND MANUALS PREPARED, FOR DESIGNERS AS WELL AS OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE STAFF TO FOLLOW," MR MIAO SAID.

- - 0 - -

CONCERTED EFFORTS TO PREVENT BUILDING SICKNESS

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO PREVENT OR MINIMISE THE RISK OF BUILDING SICKNESS.

OPENING THE SYMPOSIUM ON SICK BUILDING SYNDROME AND BUILDING RELATED ILLNESS, DR LEE SAID RESOLVING THE PROBLEM OF BUILDING SICKNESS REQUIRES A TEAM APPROACH WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE DEVELOPERS, OWNERS, ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, MANAGERS, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND THE OCCUPANTS.

IF EACH MEMBER OF THE TEAM GIVES DUE RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD BUILDING LAYOUTS, STRUCTURES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS, HE SAID, MUCH OF THE PROBLEM CAN BE PREVENTED OR MINIMISED.

DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT ARE INSEPARABLY LINKED.

"WHAT WE EAT, DRINK AND BREATHE, WHERE WE LIVE AND WORK -THESE ARE THE ISSUES THAT WILL DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY AFFECT OUR HEALTH,” HE ADDED.

WHILE MANY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE INCREASING PROBLEMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND THE} IMPORTANCE OF CONTROL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS, HE SAID, THE ATTENTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES HAS SO FAR BEEN FOCUSED ON THE OUT-DOOR ENVIRONMENT.

DR LEE SAID IN HONG KONG, LIKE MANY OTHER BIG CITIES, OFFICES AND WORK-STATIONS ARE USUALLY ACCOMMODATED IN MULTI-STOREYED AIR-CONDITIONED BUILDINGS.

"THE QUESTION ON HOW TO ENSURE A HEALTHY PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD BE A CHALLENGE TO MANY OF OUR ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, BUILDING DEVELOPERS AND MANAGERS, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND THE OCCUPANTS,” HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST DECADE, A NUMBER OF STUDIES OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH IN OFFICES HAVE REPORTED A PATTERN OF SYMPTOMS WHICH HAS BEEN TERMED ’SICK BUILDING SYNDROME’ (SBS) BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO).

/ACCORDING TO

ACCORDING TO THE WHO AND MANY EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD, SBS REFERS TO A GROUP OF SYMPTOMS WHICH PEOPLE EXPERIENCE SPECIFICALLY AT WORK, THE TYPICAL SYMPTOMS BEING HEADACHE, LETHARGY, LOSS OF CONCENTRATION AND IRRITATION OF THE EYES, NOSE, THROAT AND SKIN.

MANY PROPOSED EXPLANATIONS OF SBS AND BUILDING RELATED ILLNESS (BRI) HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD. THESE INCLUDE THE VENTILATION SYSTEMS, INDOOR AIR QUALITY, NOISE, LIGHTING, POOR SPACE PLANNING AND CHOICE OF OFFICE FURNITURE OR EQUIPMENT, INAPPROPRIATE USE OF SYNTHETIC MATERIALS, STATIC ELECTRICITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS.

IN SPITE OF THE VAST AMOUNT OF STUDIES AND RESEARCH EFFORTS, DR LEE SAID, IT IS STILL DIFFICULT TO INFER SPECIFIC CAUSE OR CAUSES OF SBS.

HE HOPED THAT THE SYMPOSIUM MAY THROW SOME LIGHT ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SBS AND THE FORM OF ’CURES’ THAT SHOULD BE MADE.

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

ACTION ON WORK SAFETY TO BE STEPPED UP *****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS STEPPING UP ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES AGAINST INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT BLACK SPOTS AND PROPRIETORS WHO IGNORE SAFETY IN THEIR DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT CAN EXPECT MORE SUMMONSES AND STIFFER PENALTIES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR HAMMOND MADE SUCH REMARKS AT THE OPENING OF THE SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE JAPAN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION.

HE SUGGESTED THAT TO AVOID ALL THIS COSTLY AND TIME-CONSUMING LITIGATION, PROPRIETORS SHOULD INTRODUCE A SYSTEM OF SELF-REGULATION AND ROUTINE INSPECTION TO SPOT PROBLEMS AND TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION "BEFORE OUR FACTORY INSPECTORS CONDUCT THEIR INSPECTIONS".

"WITH THE COMING INTO EFFECT OF THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS IN SECTION 6A OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE ON DECEMBER 15, PROPRIETORS WILL HAVE A STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO INTRODUCE A SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THEIR WORKPLACE, TO PROVIDE SAFETY EDUCATION AND SAFETY TRAINING FOR THEIR WORKERS, AND TO MAKE THE WORKPLACE A SAFE PLACE TO WORK," HE ADDED.

TURNING TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR HAMMOND SAID IT REMAINED THE AREA OF GREATEST CONCERN, WITH A "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE" ACCIDENT RATE.

"THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN THAT INDUSTRY ROSE FROM AROUND 18,000 IN 1981 TO 26,000 IN 1989, AND THE ACCIDENT RATE PER 1,000 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ROSE FROM 204 IN 1981 TO 374 IN 1989," HE NOTED.

/CONCEDING THAT .......

CONCEDING THAT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY IS A COMPLEX PROBLEM, MR HAMMOND CALLED FOR THE JOINT EFFORTS OF DEVELOPERS, ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS, THE WORKERS THEMSELVES AND THE GOVERNMENT.

AS A FIRST STEP, HE CALLED ON PROPRIETORS TO CONDUCT TRAINING AUDITS AND TO GET A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE WORKERS’ TRAINING NEEDS WHILE THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE WOULD BE PLEASED TO HELP IN THE DESIGN OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES.

HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SHOULD INCREASE THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF SITE MANAGEMENT STAFF AND INTRODUCE AN ELEMENT OF HEALTHY COMPETITION BY KEEPING A COMPREHENSIVE ACCIDENT RECORD OF INDIVIDUAL SITES AND PRODUCING A MONTHLY LEAGUE TABLE OF SAFETY RECORDS OF THE DIFFERENT SITES UNDER THEIR CONTROL.

"ALL THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE DISCUSSED, REVIEWED AND COORDINATED THROUGH A SITE SAFETY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER OR SITE AGENT, AND INCLUDING THE SUB-CONTRACTORS AND WORKER REPRESENTATIVES," MR HAMMOND ADDED.

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

PROSPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL. DEVELOPMENT IN HK

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, HAS URGED SWISS BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS TO CONTINUE FOCUSING ON THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, AND TAKE HONG KONG AS THEIR PARTNER FOR HEADING INTO THE FUTURE.

HOSTING A LUNCHEON FOR A GROUP OF LEADING BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS IN GENEVA, MR BARMA SAID SWITZERLAND AND HONG KONG HAD A LOT IN COMMON.

HE SAID BOTH PLACES HAD APPROXIMATELY THE SAME POPULATION AND BOTH HAD ECONOMIES WITH NO NATURAL RESOURCES, EXCEPT THEIR PEOPLE.

"THE SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE HAS HELPED US BOTH THROUGH CHANGES AND CHALLENGES. WE HAVE ALSO BOTH BENEFITED FROM INNOVATIVE ABILITY AND HARD WORK OF OUR PEOPLE," HE SAID.

SPEAKING ON "INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG - OUR WAY INTO THE FUTURE", MR BARMA SAID BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS WERE CONFIDENT OF THE BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR DOING PROFITABLE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

"APART FROM ITS UNIQUE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AS THE STRATEGIC CENTRE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC, HONG KONG’S SOUND ECONOMIC FOUNDATION AND EXCELLENT BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE, ITS FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE POLICY, ITS HARD-WORKING AND EFFICIENT LABOUR FORCE, LOW TAXATION RATE AND EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK HAVE LONG BEEN RECOGNISED AS FAVOURABLE FACTORS," HE SAID.

/MR BARMA .......

MR BARMA SAID PEOPLE IN HONG KONG SAW THE 1990'3 AS A DECADE IN WHICH THE CONTINUED SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMY WOULD INCREASINGLY BE DEPENDENT ON ITS TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY, THE AVAILABILITY OF A POOL OF ENGINEERING EXPERTISE AND A SKILLED AND WELL TRAINED WORKFORCE.

TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF THE REQUIRED MANPOWER, MR BARMA SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING A MORE PROACTIVE STANCE BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY PLACES, IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF TERTIARY EDUCATION AND PROVIDING MORE TECHNICAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SKILLS REQUIRED.

HE SAID A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES HAD RECOGNISED THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES AND HAD STARTED NEW FACILITIES IN THE TERRITORY.

’’AMONG THESE ARE HOECHST OF GERMANY, VITELIC CORPORATION OF THE U.S., DAIWA STEEL TUBE OF JAPAN, MONTEDISON OF ITALY AND CABOT PLASTICS OF UK,” HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID TO MAKE HONG KONG AN EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING AHEAD AND WAS PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

HE SAID ENORMOUS INVESTMENT WOULD BE MADE TO FURTHER IMPROVE HONG KONG’S ALREADY EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRPORT EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1997 AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING PORT FACILITIES TO ACHIEVE BY 2006 A FIVE-FOLD INCREASE IN THE TERRITORY’S CONTAINER THROUGHPUT.

NEW HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND RAILROADS WOULD BE BUILT TO SERVE THESE NEW FACILITIES.

MR BARMA SAID ALL THESE UNDERTAKINGS WOULD INVOLVE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN PROJECT FINANCE, ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY, CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLY OF MATERIALS.

"THE RESPONSE, FROM BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING.

"AND, TO SHOW THAT WE HAVE NO BIAS AS TO WHOM TO AWARD PROJECTS, I CAN TELL YOU THAT BECHTEL OF CALIFORNIA WAS AWARDED THE CONTRACT FOR OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED ITEMS," HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE HONG KONG-CHINA RELATIONSHIP, MR BARMA SAID AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE, HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED A "SYMBIOTIC" RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SOUTHERN REGION OF CHINA, SPECIFICALLY WITH GUANGDONG, GUANGXI AND FUJIAN PROVINCES.

"WHEN THE SOPHISTICATED MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND MARKETING FLAIR AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG JOIN FORCES WITH THE LOW-COST AND HIGH-VOLUME PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES OF SOUTHERN CHINA, THE RESULT IS A FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC FORCE THAT PRESENTS A GENUINE CHALLENGE TO OTHER DYNAMIC ASIAN ECONOMIES' CURRENT DOMINATION OF LIGHT AND RELATIVELY LOW-TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.

/MR BARMA .......

MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE THE GATEWAY TO CHINA.

"CHINA IS NOW THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS AND THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS. CHINA, IN TURN, SENDS OVER ONE-THIRD OF ITS MERCHANDISE EXPORTS TO HONG KONG OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO OTHER DESTINATIONS."

HE SAID CHINA AND HONG KONG WERE ALSO CLOSE INVESTMENT PARTNERS.

"ON THE ONE HAND, 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 UStll.5 BILLION, MOST OF WHICH IS IN SOUTHERN CHINA.

"THIS ECONOMIC INTER-DEPENDENCE HAS 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.

MR BARMA, WHO IS VISITING EUROPE AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION EFFORTS, WILL LATER TODAY SPEAK AT THE GENEVA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT POSSIBILITIES FOR SWISS BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

--------------------0-------- NO EFFORT SPARED IN PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT *****

IN THE MIDST OF ALL THE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT GOING ON IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT LOST SIGHT OF THE NEED TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR ENVIRONMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION FOUNDATION INAUGURATION NIGHT, MR TSAO, WHO IS ALSO A VICE-PATRON OF THE FOUNDATION, EXPLAINED THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL POLICIES ON NATURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.

THEY ARE:

♦ TO MAKE THE COMMUNITY MORE AWARE OF THEIR COLLECTIVE AND INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CREATING AND MAINTAINING A HEALTHY AND ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT;

♦ TO INCLUDE WITHIN THE FORMAL EDUCATION SYLLABUS, SUBJECTS STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING WELL INFORMED ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS; AND

* REQUIRING PROFESSIONALS AND DEVELOPERS TO TAKE INTO FULL ACCOUNT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THEIR DECISIONS OR PROPOSALS.

/"TO PUT .......

"TO PUT THESE INTO PRACTICE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN MAKING ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS OF ALL MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS," MR TSAO SAID.

"IT HAS ENACTED LEGISLATION TO ENSURE ADHERENCE TO POLLUTION CONTROL STANDARDS AND IS IMPROVING FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR THE •COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF POLLUTING WASTES."

MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN SAI KUNG WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE CLUB’S INITIATIVE IN THIS AREA AND COMPLEMENTED THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMMES.

HE SAID THE CENTRE, WITH A DONATION OF $8 MILLION, WAS A SIGNIFICANT AND VERY USEFUL PROJECT FOR HONG KONG AT A TIME WHEN GREATER ATTENTION WAS BEING PAID TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

"IT SERVES AS A TIMELY REMINDER THAT PROTECTING AND PRESERVING NATURE IS A JOB THAT FALLS TO ALL OF US," HE ADDED.

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

TAI HING POLICE STATION IN TUEN MUN OPENS * » » » »

TAI HING POLICE STATION, THE SECOND IN THE SERIES OF A NEW GENERATION DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION, WAS OPENED BY THE REGIONAL COMMANDER, NEW TERRITORIES, MR TOBY EMMET, TODAY (TUESDAY).

IN HIS ADDRESS, MR EMMET SAID THE NEW GENERATION POLICE STATION HAD VASTLY IMPROVED FACILITIES INCLUDING FOR THE FIRST TIME PURPOSE BUILT FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED.

"THE REPORT ROOM HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN POLICE AND THE PUBLIC, WHEREAS AT THE SAME TIME OFFERING A DEGREE OF CONFIDENTIALITY IN THE FORM OF PROPERLY DESIGNED INTERVIEW ROOMS," HE SAID.

MR EMMET SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE OPENING OF THE NEW DIVISIONAL STATION WOULD GREATLY ENHANCE THE POLICE CAPABILITY IN FIGHTING CRIME IN THE AREA.

"TAI HING DIVISION DIVIDES THE EXISTING TUEN MUN DIVISION APPROXIMATELY IN TWO AND COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 11 SQUARE KILOMETRES CURRENTLY SERVING A POPULATION OF NEARLY 140,000," HE SAID.

SPEAKING AFTER THE OPENING, MR EMMET ADMITTED THAT AS POPULATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD GROWN, CRIME HAD ALSO INCREASED.

"WE ARE AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS AND HAVE RECENTLY LAUNCHED VARIOUS ANTI-CRIME OPERATIONS TARGETTED HE SUCH AREAS.

/"WE ALSO .......

"WE ALSO DECLARED OFFENSIVE AGAINST TRIAD EXTORTION ACTIVITIES AND I AM APPEALING FOR THE PUBLIC TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE TO STAMP OUT SUCH ACTIVITIES,” HE SAID.

"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF COMING FORWARD AND HELPING THE POLICE, AS THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TRIAD PROBLEM CANNOT BE BORNE OUT BY THE POLICE ALONE," MR EMMET ADDED.

REFERRING TO THE RECENT SPATE OF MISSING VEHICLES, MR EMMET SAID IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS, ANTI-CAR THEFT OPERATIONS WERE MOUNTED BY HIS OFFICERS IN VARIOUS PLACES INCLUDING GARAGES, CONTAINER SITES, OPEN SPACE AREAS AND SO ON.

"IT HAS A DETERRENT EFFECT," HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

FIREMAN COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY t ♦ * » »

THE BRAVE ACT OF SENIOR FIREMAN CHEUNG KAM-TONG PAID OFF TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN HE RECEIVED THE FIRE SERVICES DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION FOR RESCUING A WOMAN IN A THIRD ALARM FIRE IN MONG KOK IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

ALSO AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH IS HELD IN MONG KOK FIRE STATION, MADAM CHOW LAI-FUNG, WHO WAS RESCUED BY CHEUNG, * PRESENTED HIM WITH A SOUVENIR AS A TOKEN OF HER HEART-FELT THANKS.

PRESENTING THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR WOO KWAN-KUEN, PRAISED CHEUNG FOR HIS OUTSTANDING ABILITY, PROFESSIONALISM AND DEVOTION TO DUTY WHICH LED TO THE SUCCESSFUL RESCUE OF MADAM CHOW.

"IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE, IT IS THE STATUTORY DUTY OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY IN CASE OF FIRE AND CALAMITY," MR WOO SAID.

"IN THIS RESPECT, THE SERVICES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROVIDING VALUABLE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY. HOWEVER, THERE ARE OCCASIONS WHEN THE SERVICES SO PROVIDED WERE EXCEPTIONALLY WELL AND THESE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO SLIP AWAY WITHOUT BEING REWARDED," HE ADDED.

THE FIRE BROKE OUT AT 2.38 AM ON OCTOBER 13 ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF A 15-STOREY BUILDING AT 751 NATHAN ROAD.

IT WAS UPGRADED TO THIRD ALARM AT 2.48 AM. ONE PERSON DIED AND EIGHT PERSONS WERE INJURED IN THE FIRE. FIREMEN RESCUED A TOTAL OF 40 PEOPLE TO SAFETY.

AT THE HEAT OF THE FIRE, SENIOR FIREMAN CHEUNG AND ANOTHER FIREMAN OF THE BREATHING APPARATUS TEAM WERE DEPLOYED TO CONDUCT A SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION IN THE BUILDING. THEY FOUND A WOMAN LYING UNCONSCIOUSLY IN A SMOKE-FILLED LIFT LOBBY ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR.

/SENIOR FIREMAN

SENIOR FIREMAN CHEUNG IMMEDIATELY CARRIED THE WOMAN TO THE GROUND FLOOR. DURING THE PASSAGE, CHEUNG PULLED OFF HIS OWN OXYGEN MASK AND ATTENDED IT TO THE WOMAN AS THE STAIRCASES WERE PALLED WITH SMOKE.

ON ARRIVAL AT THE GROUND FLOOR, THE WOMAN SHOWED NO SIGN OF BREATHING AND RESPONSE. CHEUNG HAD TO APPLY CARDIAC PULMONARY RESUSCITATION TO THE WOMAN UNTIL SHE REGAINED HER CONSCIOUSNESS.

SHE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SPED TO HOSPITAL FOR FURTHER TREATMENT.

MEANWHILE, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER WOO ALSO NOTIFIED THREE OFFICERS FOR ’FAVOURABLE ENTRY’ IN THEIR PERSONAL RECORDS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR EXCELLENT WORK IN ORGANISING AND RUNNING OF A NEW SPECIAL TRAINING SCHEME INTRODUCED IN TSEUNG KWAN O FIRE STATION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.

THE THREE OFFICERS WERE ACTING DIVISIONAL OFFICER CHENG TAK-CHUEN, SENIOR STATION OFFICER TAM TAI-KEUNG AND LAI MAN-HIN.

UNDER THE SCHEME, ACADEMICALLY QUALIFIED FIREMEN ARE TRAINED TO ATTAIN THE STATION OFFICER GRADE. SO FAR, 14 PARTICIPANTS HAD SUCCEEDED TO JOIN THE STATION OFFICER GRADE.

- - 0 - -

REMINDER ON PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD * * * * *

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS THAT FOOD ITEMS IN PREPACKAGED FORM, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, MUST BE PROPERLY MARKED AS REQUIRED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.

OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $25,000 IN FINE AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

THE REMINDER FOLLOWED RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH FOUR RETAILERS WERE FINED.

IN THE FIRST TWO CASES, A GROCERY IN CENTRAL AND A DEPARTMENT STORE IN CAUSEWAY BAY WERE EACH FINED $2,000 UPON CONVICTION OF SELLING PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS -- NAMELY SOYA SAUCE, PRESERVED BEAN CURD, DRIED SALTED SARDINE AND SQUID WITHOUT SEASONING PASTE — WITHOUT PROPER MARKING OR LABELLING.

THE ITEMS DID NOT HAVE THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MANUFACTURER OR PACKER, THE INDICATION OF MINIMUM DURABILITY, THE NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OF THE FOOD OR THE NET VOLUME OF THE FOOD AS STIPULATED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.

IN ANOTHER TWO CASES, TWO SHOPS IN TSUEN WAN AND WESTERN SELLING PREPACKAGED EGG ROLLS, PHOENIX EGG ROLLS AND PRESERVED BEAN CURD WITHOUT PROPER LABELLING, WERE EACH FINED $1,000 FOR CONTRAVENING THE SAME REGULATIONS.

- - 0 - -

/19

PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS - AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE IN SCHOOLING ******

PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ILLUSTRATE THE WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN IN HONG KONG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL, MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A MEDIA BRIEFING AND VISIT TO THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN CHAI WAN, MR LEE SAID THIS TYPE OF SCHOOL PRESENTED AN ATTRACTIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE FOR PARENTS TO CHOOSE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

CITING THE CURRICULUM AS AN EXAMPLE, MR LEE SAID PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS OFFERED AN INTERESTING COMBINATION OF GENERAL, PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS.

STUDENTS MAY ENROL AFTER SECONDARY 3 IN APPROVED CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES OR CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES TO SECONDARY 5 AND THEN ENROL IN TECHNICIAN COURSES IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND POLYTECHNICS.

"ANOTHER ATTRACTION IS THE GRADUAL INCLUSION OF SIXTH FORM CLASSES FOR OUR STUDENTS WHO WISH TO PURSUE TECHNOLOGICAL OR OTHER STUDIES IN THE POLYTECHNICS, UNIVERSITIES OR OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS," HE SAID.

MR LEE PREDICTED THAT WITH THE MANY AND VARIED CHANGES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL BECOME MORE COMPETITIVE, ATTRACTIVE AND POPULAR AMONG STUDENTS;

"THEIR IMPORTANCE WILL BE MORE WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED BY SOCIETY," MR LEE SAID.

A SERIES OF OPEN DAYS WILL BE HELD BY THE 22 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DECEMBER 11, HE SAID.

"PARENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO GO AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES HOW THE STUDENTS ARE TAUGHT AND THE FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLED TO HELP THEM LEARN PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS," MR LEE ADDED.

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

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE TOURISM

*****

A PHOTO EXHIBITION ON THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS EXCAVATED IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL BE HELD IN THE LOBBY OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI FROM TOMORROW (DECEMBER 5) TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 7).

ON DISPLAY WILL BE ABOUT 100 PICTURES, WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS.

/THE EXHIBITION .......

THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

DECEMBER 12 - 18 PENG CHAU FERRY PIER CONCOURSE

DECEMBER 19 - 25 CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE YOUTH CENTRE IN

TUNG WAN

DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 1 LAMMA NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE AND YUNG SHU WAN

FERRY PIER

JANUARY 2 - 8 LAMMA SOUTH RURAL COMMITTEE

JANUARY 9 - 15 MUI WO RURAL COMMITTEE AND FERRY PIER

CONCOURSE

JANUARY 16 - 22 SOUTH LANTAU, RURAL COMMITTEE, PUI 0

JANUARY 23 - 29 TUNG CHUNG RURAL COMMITTEE

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5 TAI 0 RURAL COMMITTEE

THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.

IT IS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S TOURISM PROMOTION CAMPAIGN.

IN ORDER TO ATTRACT MORE OVERSEAS TOURISTS TO HONGKONG AND SPEND ONE OR TWO DAYS ON THE OUTLYING ISLANDS, THE COMMITTEE HAS PRODUCED A VIDEO TAPE TO SHOW THE ATTRACTIVE SCENIC SPOTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE VIDEO TAPE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION TO ITS 16 OVERSEAS OFFICES FOR BROADCASTING.

A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS PHOTO EXHIBITION AND THE PREMIERE OF THE VIDEO ON ISLANDS DISTRICT SCENIC SPOTS WERE HELD TODAY AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.

OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MR MARTIN BARROW AND MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD.

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

FESTIVE LIGHTING IN MONG KOK * * * * ♦

TO CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SEASONS, A SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND DUNDAS STREET WILL BE LIGHTENED UP WITH THOUSANDS OF LIGHT BULBS.

A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR THE FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 7).

/SECRETARY FOR .......

SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

"THE LIGHTENED UP PERIOD WILL LAST UNTIL JANUARY 6, AND AGAIN FROM FEBRUARY 8 TO MARCH 1 FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MONG KOK CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING PROJECT ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.

A CONCENTRATION OF LIGHTING WILL BE PUT UP AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD.

"OTHER AREAS WITH LIGHTING DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE A SECTION OF ARGYLE STREET BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND SAI YEE STREET AND A SECTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD," HE ADDED.

THE DISPLAY, COSTING OVER $700,000, IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE MONG KOK CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET AT 6.30 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 7).

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY WILL BE A COCKTAIL PARTY AT THE GRAND TOWER HOTEL, 627-641 NATHAN ROAD AT 6.45 PM.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AND ATTEND THE COCKTAIL PARTY.

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

INMATES GIVES TUNG LUNG CHAU A CLEAN LOOK

* ♦ » ♦ ♦

TUNG LUNG CHAU WAS GIVEN A NEW LOOK THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING AFTER A CLEAN-UP OPERATION BY 40 INMATES FROM THE BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME.

ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE OPERATION WAS ALSO AIMED AT REMINDING HOLIDAY-MAKERS TO KEEP THE ISLAND CLEAN AND NOT TO LEAVE RUBBISH BEHIND ON THE ISLAND.

TUNG LUNG CHAU, AN ISLAND OFF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF THE CLEAR WATER PENINSULA, BOASTS THE REMAINS OF A CHING DYNASTY FORT AND ROCK CARVINGS OF DRAGONS.

BECAUSE OF ITS REMOTE #LOCATION, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FINDS IT DIFFICULT TO‘COLLECT RUBBISH ON A REGULAR BASIS.

/THEREFORE, THE

THEREFORE, THE AUTHORITY HAS TO URGE HOLIDAY-MAKERS NOT TO LEAVE RUBBISH BEHIND ON THE ISLAND.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INMATES AND SEVERAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THIS MORNING’S OPERATION LASTED FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS, AND THE RUBBISH COLLECTED WAS TAKEN BACK TO SAI KUNG TOWN FOR DISPOSAL.

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

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED *****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON WONG SAI-WAI ON AUGUST 9, 1988 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

WONG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LAU WAI-MEI AND HO . NGAR-YIN.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF HKECIC ADVISORY BOARD........................................................................ 1

SCHEDULE AMENDMENT ON MAXIMUM CHARGES BY HK TELEPHONE APPROVED ................ 1

RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE NEW PROHIBITED WEAPONS IN LAW ........................... 3

POLICY ON CABLE TV REMAINS UNCHANGED .......................................... 3

POLICE THREE-PRONGED ACTION TO TACKLE CAR THEFT PROBLEM ....................... 4

NO PLANS TO INCREASE RATE OF SICKNESS ALLOWANCE ............................... 5

PROCEDURES FOR VETTING FARE INCREASE APPLICATION SAFEGUARD PUBLIC INTEREST ................................................................... 6

GOVT TO SEEK FUNDS TO INCREASE AUXILIARY POLICE DEPLOYMENT .................... 6

MANPOWER IN SPEECH THERAPY SERVICE WILL IMPROVE IN 1992 ....................... 7

FURTHER GOVT FUNDS INTO HA INAPPROPRIATE ...................................... 8

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING SPEEDBOATS AND WATER SCOOTERS ADEQUATE .................................................................... 9

RISKY TO ENTRUST MONEY IN UNREGULATED FOREIGN EXCHANGE COMPANIES: FS ... 10

REDEMPTION OF JAPANESE MILITARY CURRENCY — A MATTER FOR UK GOVT .............. 12

THREE MOTIONS PASSED IN LEGCO................................................. 12

INGREDIENTS OF HONG KONG'S SUCCESS OUTLAST THE TRANSITION ...................... 13

STATEMENT ON TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT)BILL 1990 ................................ 15

LAND COMMISSION MEETING TODAY .................................................. 16

JLG MEETING NEXT WEEK .......................................................... 16

URUGUAY ROUND MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING IN BRUSSELS ............................ 16

FEWER INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN MOST TRADES ...................................... 17

SWD CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON TRAICES CASES ............................... 18

ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE STARTS ...................................... 20

CHANGE IN FC MEETING SCHEDULE ................................................. 20

MASSIVE GET-TOGETHER FOR FAMILIES IN YAU TSIM ................................. 21

FUNDS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN SOUTHERN ............................. 21

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN EASTERN ........................................ 22

COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF HKECIC ADVISORY BOARD ******

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A RESOLUTION THAT IT APPROVES THAT THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP OF THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION’S ADVISORY BOARD TO BE TAKEN OVER BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE WHO HAD STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY OVER AND EXPERTISE IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

MOVING A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS HAD BEEN AGREED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CORPORATION, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AND THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE.

SIR PIERS EXPLAINED THAT ACCORDING TO SECTION 10(2) OF THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION ORDINANCE, THE CORPORATION’S ADVISORY BOARD SHOULD CONSIST OF THE "REGISTRAR GENERAL OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE" AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS AND NOT MORE THAN 10 OTHER MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S POSITION IN THE ADVISORY BOARD HAD ALL ALONG BEEN FILLED BY THE PREVIOUS INSURANCE AUTHORITY UNDER THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.

SIR PIERS SAID THE CHANGE WAS MADE FOLLOWING A RECENT REORGANISATION OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WHEN THE WORK OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAD BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE UNDER THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR.

-----0 - -

SCHEDULE AMENDMENT ON MAXIMUM CHARGES

BY HK TELEPHONE APPROVED

********

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A RESOLUTION THAT UNDER SECTION 26(2) OF THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE IT APPROVED TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE OF MAXIMUM CHARGES THAT MAY BE LEVIED BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY.

MOVING A MOTION TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, SAID THE MAJOR ITEMS IN THE PROPOSED TARIFF REVISION WERE THE INCREASES IN EXCHANGE LINE RENTAL CHARGES.

MRS CHAN SAID THE RESOLUTION WOULD INCREASE THE MONTHLY COST OF AN ORDINARY EXCHANGE LINE FOR BUSINESS USE FROM $70 TO $78, AND FOR A RESIDENTIAL EXCHANGE LINE FROM $48 TO $56.

/"THE PROPOSED .......

’’THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE MONTHLY RENTAL CHARGE FOR A STANDARD TELEPHONE IS FROM $6 TO $7.

’’LEASED CIRCUIT CHARGES WOULD BE INCREASED BY BETWEEN 10 PER CENT AND 16.7 PER CENT DEPENDING ON THE CATEGORY.

’’HOWEVER, THE STANDARD CONNECTION CHARGE OF $600 WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED, AS WOULD A LARGE NUMBER OF OTHER MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES, SUCH AS THOSE FOR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT,” SHE ADDED.

MRS CHAN SAID IN SEPTEMBER 1990, THE COMPANY HAD SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION TO INCREASE ITS CHARGES BY AN OVERALL AVERAGE OF 11 PER CENT WHICH WAS ABOUT THREE PER CENT LESS THAN THE ACCUMULATED INFLATION RATE SINCE THE LAST INCREASE IN JUNE 1989 AND WAS CLOSE TO THE ANNUAL RATE OF INFLATION.

IN MOVING THE RESOLUTION FOR THE LAST INCREASE, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD INFORMED MEMBERS, BASED ON PROJECTIONS THEN AVAILABLE, THAT THERE WAS UNLIKELY TO BE ANY REQUIREMENT FOR A FURTHER ROUND OF INCREASES UNTIL 1991, MRS CHAN SAID.

’’THE MOTION BEFORE THIS COUNCIL TODAY WOULD IMPLEMENT FURTHER INCREASES IN TELEPHONE CHARGES FROM JANUARY 1, 1991.

’’WHILE THIS WOULD ACCORD WITH THE LETTER OF THE FORECAST GIVEN TO THIS COUNCIL IN 1989, THE INCREASES ARE NEVERTHELESS A FEW MONTHS EARLIER THAN EXPECTED,” SHE NOTED.

MRS CHAN SAID THIS WAS DUE TO LOWER THAN EXPECTED GROWTH IN REVENUE FROM INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE SERVICES AND LEASED CIRCUITS, AND HIGHER COSTS THAN WERE FORECAST BY THE COMPANY IN 1989.

’’THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY EXAMINED AND THE ITEMS IN THE RESOLUTION NOW BEFORE THIS COUNCIL ARE CONSIDERED TO BE JUSTIFIED,” SHE ADDED.

IN ADDITION TO RAISING CHARGES FOR EXISTING SERVICES, MRS CHAN SAID THE RESOLUTION WOULD ADD TWO NEW MINOR ITEMS TO THE SCHEDULE.

THESE WERE A CHARGE OF $275 FOR CONVERSION OF AN ALREADY INSTALLED EXCHANGE LINE TO A CENTREX LINE, INSTEAD OF THE FULL CHARGE OF UP TO $600 FOR CONNECTION OF A CENTREX LINE; AND A 10 PER CENT SURCHARGE FOR INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CALLS MADE FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PAYPHONES.

’’THIS SURCHARGE IS JUSTIFIED ON THE BASIS OF THE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST INCURRED FOR INTERNATIONAL CALLS MADE FROM PAYPHONES.

’’THE RESOLUTION BEFORE THIS COUNCIL PROPOSES THAT THESE TWO NEW CHARGES AND THE INCREASES IN EXISTING CHARGES SHOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1991,” SHE SAID.

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/3 ........

RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE NEW PROHIBITED WEAPONS IN LAW

******

THE GOVERNMENT SEES IT NECESSARY TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE WEAPONS ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE NEW WEAPONS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED BY THE EXISTING ITEMS IN THE SCHEDULE, BUT WHICH HAVE NO USEFUL PURPOSE OTHER THAN AS VICIOUS FIGHTING WEAPONS.

MOVING A MOTION, WHICH SOUGHT TO MAKE A RESOLUTION UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE WEAPONS ORDINANCE (CAP 217), THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID NEW ITEMS SUCH AS KNUCKLE KNIVES AND MICRO KNIVES, AS PROHIBITED WEAPONS, HAD APPEARED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS.

HE SAID THE MOTION INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN THE SCHEDULE:

* KNUCKLEDUSTERS, WHETHER SPIKED OR NOT AND WITH OR WITHOUT BLADE;

* ANY KNIVES THE BLADE OF WHICH IS EXPOSED BY A SPRING OR OTHER MECHANICAL OR ELECTRIC DEVICE; AND

» ANY BLADED OR POINTED WEAPON DESIGNED TO BE USED IN A FASHION WHEREBY THE HANDLE IS HELD IN A CLENCHED FIST AND THE BLADE OR POINT PROTRUDES BETWEEN THE FINGERS OF THE FIST.

THE RESOLUTION ALSO SOUGHT TO DELETE FROM THE SCHEDULE "KNUCKLEDUSTER" AND "FLICK-KNIFE" WHICH WOULD BE COVERED BY THE NEW ITEMS ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE.

THE MOTION WAS PASSED.

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POLICY ON CABLE TV REMAINS UNCHANGED

******

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OBJECTIVES ON A CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY REMAINS UNCHANGED, THE SECRETARY FOR HOMB AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, MR TSAO SAID: "ON THE ONE HAND, WE WISH TO PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CHOICE OF QUALITY TELEVISION PROGRAMMING, IN BOTH CHINBSE AND ENGLISH; ON THE OTHER, WE WISH TO DEVELOP A TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH WILL STIMULATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WIDE RANGE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES."

MR TSAO ALSO SAID FOLLOWING THE WITHDRAWAL OF HONG KONG CABLB COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED FROM THE PROJECT IT WOULD SEEM PRUDENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAUSE, TAKE STOCK AND CONSIDER THE WAY FORWARD.

"ONCE WE HAVE IDENTIFIED THE BEST STRATEGY FOR TAKING MATTERS FORWARD I CAN ASSURE MEMBERS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL MOVE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE," HE STRESSED.

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/4.........

POLICE THREE-PRONGED ACTION TO TACKLE CAR THEFT PROBLEM

******

THE POLICE HAVE STEPPED UP INVESTIGATIONS TO OBTAIN INTELLIGENCE ON CRIMINAL GROUPS ENGAGED IN CAR THEFT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL CHENG, MR ASPREY SAID BASED ON THIS INTELLIGENCE, THE POLICE HAD MOUNTED A NUMBER OF LARGE-SCALE OPERATIONS, BOTH ON LAND AND AT SEA, WHICH HAD RESULTED IN ARRESTS, THE RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLES, AND THE BREAKING UP OF SOME OF THE CAR THEFT SYNDICATES.

"THEY HAVE ALSO STEPPED UP PUBLICITY ON ANTI-THEFT PRECAUTIONS, APPROACHED THE MANAGEMENT OF CARPARKS TO ADVISE ON SECURITY MEASURES, AND INCREASED CHECKS ON VEHICLES AT ROAD BLOCKS.

"THEY ARE ALSO MAINTAINING HIGH LEVEL LIAISON WITH POLICE AUTHORITIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION TO SECURE COOPERATION IN CLOSING OFF THE MARKETS FOR STOLEN VEHICLES," HE SAID.

MR ASPREY SAID ALTHOUGH THE GREAT MAJORITY OF STOLEN VEHICLES WERE RECOVERED, THIS YEAR HAD SEEN BOTH A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE OVERALL NUMBER OF VEHICLES STOLEN, AND A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE PROPORTION SUBSEQUENTLY RECOVERED -- FROM OVER 80 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS TO 65 SOME PER CENT SO FAR THIS YEAR.

"THIS IS A MATTER OF GREAT CONCERN," HE SAID.

•»

AS TO THE CAUSES OF THIS PROBLEM, MR ASPREY SAID CARS WERE HIGH VALUE ITEMS, WHICH WERE FOR MOST OF THE TIME LEFT UNATTENDED ON THE STREETS OR IN CARPARKS. THEY WERE ALSO RELATIVELY EASY TO STEAL, PARTICULARLY IF THE OWNERS TOOK INADEQUATE SECURITY PRECAUTIONS.

"THERE IS A READY MARKET FOR QUALITY CARS IN OTHER COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION.

"CARS ARE THEREFORE A TEMPTING TARGET FOR THIEVES, AND IN PARTICULAR FOR CRIME SYNDICATES WHO HAVE THE ORGANISATION AND CONTACTS TO ARRANGE MODIFICATION, SHIPPING AND RESALE," MR ASPREY ADDED.

/5 ........

NO PLANS TO INCREASE RATE OF SICKNESS ALLOWANCE *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO PROPOSE AN INCREASE IN THE PRESENT RATE OF SICKNESS ALLOWANCE, THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT, UNDER SECTION 35(1) OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE DAILY RATE OF SICKNESS ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAD BEEN CERTIFIED ILL FOR AT LEAST FOUR CONSECUTIVE DAYS WAS TWO-THIRDS OF THE WAGES HE WOULD HAVE DRAWN HAD HE BEEN WORKING.

"THIS RATE WAS RAISED FROM ONE HALF WHEN IT WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED IN 1961 TO TWO-THIRDS IN 1977.

"THE RATE IS BETTER THAN THE INTERNATIONAL NORM AT 60 PER CENT AND COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THAT OBTAINING IN, SAY, JAPAN, WHERE IT IS 60 PER CENT, AND WITH TAIWAN, WHERE IT IS 50 PER CENT," HE SAID.

NEVERTHELESS THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE WILLING TO CONSIDER SOUNDLY ARGUED PROPOSALS FOR AN INCREASE AND WOULD IN THAT EVENT SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, MR YEUNG SAID.

MR YEUNG ALSO SAID THAT SICK EMPLOYEES WERE NOT ENTITLED TO SICKNESS ALLOWANCE FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS BECAUSE IT WAS NECESSARY TO DISCOURAGE MALINGERING AND ABUSE.

"THIS MINIMUM QUALIFYING PERIOD IS CONSISTENT WITH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND REGIONAL PRACTICE.

"BUT A SICK EMPLOYEE WHO REMAINS ILL ON THE FOURTH DAY WOULD OBTAIN AN ALLOWANCE OF TWO-THIRDS OF HIS OR HER NORMAL WAGE FOR ALL FOUR DAYS."

AS REGARDS THE CERTIFICATION OF ILLNESS, MR YEUNG SAID EXISTING STATUTORY RULES PROVIDED THAT ANY REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WOULD DO.

"BUT WHERE THE EMPLOYER IS PROVIDING A FREE MEDICAL SERVICE TO HIS EMPLOYEES UNDER A SCHEME OF MEDICAL TREATMENT RECOGNISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, IT IS ONLY REASONABLE THAT ILLNESS BE CERTIFIED BY DOCTORS IN THAT SCHEME," MR YEUNG POINTED OUT.

THEREFORE, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT COULD SEE NO COMPELLING REASON FOR CHANGING THE RULES.

/6 ........

PROCEDURES FOR VETTING FARE INCREASE APPLICATION SAFEGUARD PUBLIC INTEREST *****

THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THERE WERE WELL ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES FOR VETTING FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS FROM FRANCHISED BUS OR FERRY COMPANIES.

THE VETTING PROCESS INCLUDED DETAILED SCRUTINY BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND PRESENTATION TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVICE.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RONALD CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEUNG SAID ANY FRANCHISED BUS OR FERRY COMPANY WHICH SOUGHT A FARE RISE HAD TO PROVIDE FULLY SUBSTANTIATED JUSTIFICATIONS INCLUDING ITS EXISTING AND FORECAST FINANCIAL POSITION AND ALL THE RELEVANT ASSUMPTIONS MADE.

MR LEUNG SAID: "EXPENDITURE ON FUEL IS ONLY ONE OF MANY FACTORS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE GOVERNMENT. OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS PATRONAGE, WAGE LEVELS AND MAINTENANCE COSTS, ARE ALSO TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT."

IN THE DETAILED SCRUTINY BY THE GOVERNMENT, FULL REGARD WAS ALWAYS GIVEN TO THE OVERALL PUBLIC.INTEREST.

MR LEUNG STRESSED THAT A FINAL RECOMMENDATION WOULD NOT BE PUT FORWARD TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL UNTIL BOTH THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WERE FULLY SATISFIED THAT THE ADJUSTMENTS SOUGHT WERE NECESSARY FOR CONTINUING EXISTING SERVICES AND MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO MEET PASSENGER DEMAND.

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

GOVT TO SEEK FUNDS TO INCREASE * * *

AUXILIARY POLICE DEPLOYMENT * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY BE SEEKING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO INCREASE THE DAILY DEPLOYMENT OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE FROM 750 TO 850, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR, MR ASPREY SAID THE ADDITIONAL MANPOWER WOULD BE DEPLOYED ON OPERATIONAL DUTIES ON THE STREET, OR ON OTHER DUTIES SO AS TO RELIEVE REGULAR POLICE OFFICERS FOR OPERATIONAL DUTIES.

HE SAID ABOUT 750 AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS WERE DEPLOYED ON OPERATIONAL DUTIES EVERYDAY.

/"ABOUT 60 .......

"ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF ' THESE ARE ASSIGNED TO REGULAR BEAT PATROLS, AND ANOTHER 30 PER CENT TO OTHER DUTIES ON THE STREET, FOR EXAMPLE CROWD CONTROL AT MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS AND OTHER PUBLIC FUNCTIONS.

"THE REMAINING 10 PER CENT ARE EMPLOYED ON ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES IN POLICE STATIONS, THEREBY RELEASING THEIR REGULAR COUNTERPARTS FOR BEAT PATROL AND OTHER OPERATIONAL DUTIES," MR ASPREY SAID.

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MANPOWER IN SPEECH THERAPY SERVICE WILL IMPROVE IN 1992

*****

THE MANPOWER SITUATION IN THE SPEECH THERAPY SERVICE WILL IMPROVE IN 1992 WHEN THE FIRST BATCH OF STUDENTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG GRADUATES.

THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.

MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS IN THE PAST, EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS IN THE RECRUITMENT OF QUALIFIED SPEECH THERAPISTS.

MRS WONG SAID SHE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY INCREASE IN THE INCIDENCE OF SPEECH PROBLEMS IN RESPECT OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN DUE TO THE INFLUENCE OF DOMESTIC HELPERS FROM THE PHILIPPINES OR THE EXPOSURE OF THE CHILDREN OF NEW IMMIGRANTS TO A MULTI-DIALECT ENVIRONMENT.

"SPEECH PROBLEMS GENERALLY INCLUDE DELAYED LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT, UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH, DEFICIENCY IN FLUENCY, DEFECTS IN ARTICULATION, AND OTHER FORMS OF PHONOLOGICAL DISORDER.

"THEY MAY BE CAUSED BY DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY, HEARING IMPAIRMENT, MENTAL RETARDATION, AUTISM, CEREBRAL PALSY, BEHAVIOURAL OR PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS, AND POOR SOCIAL AND LINGUISTIC ENVIRONMENT," THE SECRETARY SAID.

MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT SPEECH THERAPY SERVICE FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN HAVING PROBLEMS OF LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OR SPEECH IMPAIRMENT WAS PROVIDED BY THE CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHOWED THAT THE PERCENTAGES OF SPEECH DELAY PROBLEMS IN THE CASES REFERRED TO CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRES WERE ABOUT 45 PER CENT IN 1983, DECREASING TO 41 PER CENT IN 1988 AND 38 PER CENT IN 1989.

THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CASES OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS INVOLVING SPEECH THERAPHY SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN REFERRED TO CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRES WAS 435 PER ANNUM, 428 CASES WERE REFERRED TO SUCH CENTRES LAST YEAR AS COMPARED WITH 471 IN 1983, FOR EXAMPLE.

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/8 .....

FURTHER GOVT FUNDS INTO HA INAPPROPRIATE

******

THE GOVERNMENT DO NOT THINK IT EITHER APPROPRIATE OR NECESSARY TO INJECT FURTHER FUNDS INTO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OVER THE $10,000 MILLION ALREADY AGREED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

’’THIS DECISION SHOULD HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON THE OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.

’’THE TARGET IS STILL TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS STRATEGY BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED,” SIR PIERS SAID.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEUNG WAI-TUNG, SIR PIERS SAID GIVEN THE PHILOSOPHY UNDERLYING THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE AUTHORITY’S MANDATE TO MANAGE ITS FINANCES PROPERLY AND PRUDENTLY AND ITS STRONG FUNDAMENTAL FINANCIAL POSITION, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ENDORSED THIS APPROACH.

HE POINTED OUT THAT TO FACILITATE THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY, A SET OF FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE BETWEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT IN 1988.

’’UNDER THESE ARRANGEMENTS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, WHILE REMAINING A STATUTORY BODY, HAS MUCH GREATER FREEDOM IN DISCHARGING ITS DUTIES. IT ALSO ENJOYS A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN MANAGING ITS FINANCES.

"TO ALLOW IT TO EXERCISE THE HIGH DEGREE OF FINANCIAL AUTONOMY, THE GOVERNMENT, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, TRANSFERRED OVER $2,700 MILLION FROM THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND AND CAPITALISED ABOUT $13,500 MILLION WORTH OF OUTSTANDING LOANS AND THE INTEREST THEREON FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO THE AUTHORITY.

"IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT AGREED TO PROVIDE THE AUTHORITY WITH CASH UP TO $10,000 MILLION," SIR PIERS SAID.

THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 MILLION WAS BASED ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ASSESSMENT IN 1988 THAT A SUM OF $6,350 MILLION WOULD BE SUFFICIENT.

TO DATE, $5,355 MILLION HAD BEEN DRAWN BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND THE BALANCE WAS LIKELY TO BE DRAWN IN THE NEXT 15 MONTHS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ADDED.

"THE AUTHORITY NOW ESTIMATES THAT UPON THE FULL DISBURSEMENT OF THE $10,000 MILLION, IT MAY ENCOUNTER SOME SHORT-TERM CASH SHORTAGE.

”TO CATER FOR THIS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED, AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE GOVERNMENT, TO APPROACH THE FINANCIAL MARKET FOR ASSISTANCE," SIR PIERS SAID.

/HE ALSO .......

HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS AS HEALTHY AS EVER.

’’THE GOVERNMENT REGARDS PUBLIC HOUSING AS A MAJOR SOCIAL PROGRAMME. ASIDE FROM THE $10,000 MILLION CASH PROVISION, THE GOVERNMENT MAKES AVAILABLE LAND TO THE AUTHORITY FREE OF CHARGE FOR RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING AND AT COST FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS.

’’THE GOVERNMENT ALSO FORMS AND SERVICES MUCH OF THIS LAND, AND PROVIDES THE RELATED INFRASTRUCTURAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES NEEDED BY THE PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS. ALTOGETHER THEY COST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR,” HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING SPEEDBOATS AND WATER SCOOTERS ADEQUATE

» ♦ ♦ » ♦

THE EXISTING CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVING SPEEDBOATS AND WATER SCOOTERS ARE GENERALLY ADEQUATE TO ENSURE SAFE BOATING PRACTICES, PROVIDED THAT OPERATORS DO NOT ACT IRRESPONSIBLY WHILE AT THE HELM.

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG HONG-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MRS CHAN SAID PRESENT LEGISLATION REQUIRED THAT PLEASURE VESSELS, INCLUDING SPEEDBOATS AND WATER SCOOTERS, WHICH WERE LONGER THAN THREE METRES OR FITTED WITH AN ENGINE OF MORE THAN THREE KILOWATTS IN TOTAL POWER SHOULD BE OPERATED BY A PERSON OR PERSONS POSSESSING THE REQUIRED CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY.

CERTIFICATES WERE GRANTED TO CANDIDATES WHO HAD PASSED THE RELEVANT EXAMINATIONS COVERING A RANGE OF SUBJECTS INCLUDING SAFE BOATING PRACTICES.

MRS CHAN SAID THE GENERAL CONTENT OF THE EXAMINATION FOR OPERATOR CERTIFICATES WAS BEING REVIEWED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG YACHTING ASSOCIATION.

’’THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE DOES NOT ANTICIPATE MAJOR CHANGES TO THESE REQUIREMENTS BUT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE GREATER EMPHASIS PLACED ON TRAINING COURSES GIVING PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN RELYING SOLELY ON A WRITTEN EXAMINATION.”

SHE ADDED THAT THE MARINE POLICE AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINED REGULAR PATROLS TO ENFORCE REGULATIONS ON SAFE NAVIGATION IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.

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/10

RISKY TO ENTRUST MONEY IN UNREGULATED FOREIGN EXCHANGE COMPANIES: FS *****

IT IS NEVER SENSIBLE TO ENTRUST ONE’S MONEY IN THE HANDS OF PEOPLE WHO LACK A GOOD TRACK RECORD OF SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF THEIR CLIENTS, HOWEVER ATTRACTIVE THEIR SALES LITERATURE OR THE PROMISES THEY MAKE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL CHENG, SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THOSE SO-CALLED FOREIGN EXCHANGE COMPANIES AND THE COMPLAINTS FROM INVESTORS WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE FALLEN VICTIM IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH THESE COMPANIES.

"WHILST I BELIEVE THAT INVESTORS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO BE CAREFUL AND PRUDENT IN TAKING CARE OF THEIR OWN MONEY, I ACCEPT THAT THERE IS DOUBT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT SMALL INVESTORS ARE IN A POSITION TO ASSESS OBJECTIVELY ALL THE RISKS INVOLVED."

HE SAID HE WAS NOT SO MUCH WORRIED ABOUT INVESTORS’ INABILITY TO ASSESS THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN LEVERAGED CONTRACTS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE.

"WHAT IS OF MORE CONCERN TO ME IS THEIR INABILITY TO ASSESS THE RISKS OF GIVING FULL DISCRETION TO THESE UNREGULATED FOREIGN EXCHANGE COMPANIES, PURPORTEDLY TO INVEST ON THEIR BEHALF, THUS SUBJECTING THEMSELVES TO THE POSSIBILITY OF RIGGED TRADING AND CHURNING BY SOME OF THESE COMPANIES."

SIR PIERS SAID AN INTERNAL WORKING GROUP IN THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH HAD BEEN LOOKING AT THE MATTER AND THREE OPTIONS COULD BE IDENTIFIED.

THE FIRST IS TO ALLOW THESE COMPANIES TO REGULATE THEMSELVES.

"IN VIEW OF THE NATURE AND THE RECORD OF COMPLAINTS, I CONSIDER THIS TO BE AN UNACCEPTABLE OPTION.

"ALTHOUGH SOME OF THESE COMPANIES HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO FORM THEMSELVES INTO ASSOCIATIONS, AND THERE HAS BEEN MUCH PUBLICITY ABOUT SUCH MATTERS AS THE DRAFTING OF CODES OF PRACTICE, WE HAVE YET TO BE CONVINCED THAT THESE DEVELOPMENTS WILL RESULT IN INVESTORS BEING PROVIDED WITH THE PROTECTION THEY NEED," HE SAID.

HE URGED INVESTORS TO NOTE THAT NONE OF THOSE ASSOCIATIONS HAD BEEN RECOGNISED OR IN ANY WAY ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS A SELF-REGULATORY ORGANISATION.

THE SECOND OPTION IS TO CREATE A NEW AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR THIS TYPE OF ACTIVITY.

SIR PIERS SAID: " SUCH A SYSTEM COULD INCLUDE A REGISTRATION PROCEDURE OPEN ONLY TO COMPANIES WHICH ARE CONSIDERED FIT AND PROPER BY A REGISTRATION AUTHORITY, AND THE REGISTRATION OF DIRECTORS, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES AND MANAGERS OF DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNTS."

/"THERE COULD .......

"THERE COULD BE FULL CAPITAL ADEQUACY REQUIREMENTS, ELABORATE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ACCOUNTS AND CLEAR DOCUMENTATION, STANDARDISED MARGIN REQUIREMENTS, A CODE OF CONDUCT, AND POSSIBLY A COMPENSATION FUND.

"THE REGULATOR COULD BE GIVEN POWERS OF INSPECTION AND ENQUIRY, AND THERE COULD BE DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS, SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES AGAINST MALPRACTICES, INCLUDING REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS ADDED THAT HE HAD A CONCERN OVER SUCH AN OPTION.

"A NEW AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATORY SYSTEM WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE FOR TAX PAYERS."

HE SAID AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE, WHICH WERE SUPERVISED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, AND OTHER WELL-ESTABLISHED INSTITUTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTE PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES.

"THE EXTENT OF LEVERAGE THAT SUCH INSTITUTIONS ARE PREPARED TO OFFER MAY WELL BE LOWER, BUT THIS IS ON GROUNDS OF PRUDENCE AND IS, I BELIEVE, IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF INVESTORS THEMSELVES."

THE THIRD OPTION WAS TO RESTRICT ACTIVITIES TO INSTITUTIONS THAT WERE SUPERVISED BY THE EXISTING AUTHORITIES, FOR EXAMPLE, AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE, AND CERTAIN SPECIFIED PERSONS UNDER THE SECURITIES AND THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCES.

SIR PIERS SAID THE OPTION WOULD HAVE THE DISADVANTAGE OF HITTING EVERYBODY WHO WAS OUTSIDE THE EXISTING REGULATORY SYSTEM.

"PROVISION WOULD THEREFORE NEED TO BE MADE UNDER SUCH AN OPTION FOR THOSE WHICH ARE PRUDENTLY RUN TO OFFER THEMSELVES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION WITHIN THIS FRAMEWORK.

"THIS IS THE OPTION WE AT PRESENT FAVOUR," SIR PIERS SAID.

HE ADDED THAT AMENDMENTS TO LEGISLATION WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THE MATTER WAS NECESSARY BEFORE A DECISION COULD BE TAKEN.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT HAD FREQUENTLY BEEN ISSUING "HEALTH WARNINGS" ABOUT THE RISKS OF DEALING WITH THESE UNREGULATED FOREIGN EXCHANGE COMPANIES.

SIR PIERS STRESSED THAT INVESTORS THEMSELVES HAD A RESPONSIBILITY.

"IT IS ALWAYS WISER TO RELY UPON THE SERVICES OF A REPUTABLE AND WELL-ESTABLISHED INSTITUTION EVEN IF THE RETURNS OFFERED SEEM LESS EXCITING," HE SAID.

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/12 .......

REDEMPTION OF JAPANESE MILITARY CURRENCY — A MATTER FOR UK GOVT

* * * * *

THE REDEMPTION OF JAPANESE MILITARY CURRENCY HELD BY LOCAL RESIDENTS IS A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND NOT THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ELSIE TU, SIR PIERS SAID: ’’QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ALLEGED RESPONSIBILITY OF A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT ARE MATTERS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND NOT THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG.

’’THIS MATTER HAS BEEN REFERRED TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND IT IS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION,” HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

THREE MOTIONS PASSED IN LEGCO * ♦ * * »

THREE MOTIONS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY WERE MADE UNDER : INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE WHICH WAS MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS; TELEPHONE ORDINANCE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN; AND WEAPONS ORDINANCE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY.

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WAS ALSO PASSED WITH NO AMENDMENT.

TWO REPORTS WERE TABLED. THEY WERE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 1989/90 AND THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND BALANCE SHEETS OF HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1990.

- - 0 - -

/13

INGREDIENTS OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS OUTLAST THE TRANSITION

*****

THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS OF HONG KONG’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS WILL OUTLAST THE TRANSITION, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

DELIVERING A KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON "STRAIGHTENING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG", SIR DAVID GAVE A BROAD PERSPECTIVE OF HOW THE GOVERNMENT SAW HONG KONG: HONG KONG ITSELF, HONG KONG IN RELATION TO CHINA AND HONG KONG AS A PART OF THE WIDER ASIAN PACIFIC REGION.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT EVERY TIME HE TRAVELLED ABROAD, HE WAS STRUCK BY HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO SHAKE OFF AN OLD IMAGE.

HE SAID THE AMERICAN WHO SAW HONG KONG ON AN R&.R VISIT DURING THE VIETNAM WAR HAD DIFFICULTY ACCEPTING THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE NOW ENJOYED A STANDARD OF LIVING WHICH COMPARED WELL WITH MUCH OF THE DEVELOPED WORLD; THAT ITS PER CAPITA GDP WAS HIGHER THAN SEVERAL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES THAT HONG KONG HAD BECOME AN ULTRA-MODERN METROPOLIS WHICH REVELLED IN HIGH-TECH GADGETS; THAT COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION WERE RAPID AND EFFICIENT, AND THAT HONG KONG’S STANDARDS OF HEALTH AND EDUCATION COMPARED WELL WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

"FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT COME HERE TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES HONG KONG IS SYNONYMOUS WITH 1997," SAID SIR DAVID.

HE STRESSED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PLANNED BEYOND THAT DATE AND REFERRED TO THE PLANS FOR BOTH PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

SIR DAVID OUTLINED HOW HE SAW HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC ROLE AND THE REASONS WHY HE BELIEVED THAT ULTIMATELY IT WAS THAT ROLE WHICH WOULD SURVIVE 1997 AND CARRY HONG KONG INTO THE 21ST CENTURY AS BUSTLING AND DYNAMIC AS EVER.

"UNDERLYING ANY CLEAR-EYED APPRECIATION OF HONG KONG’S POTENTIAL IS LOCATION," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE DETAILED THE ROLE PLAYED BY HONG KONG AS THE NATURAL ENTREPOT BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD; AS AN ENTREPOT FOR NON-CHINA REGIONAL TRADE; AND AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE.

"THIS IS NOT A NATURAL ROLE, BUT ONE WHICH WE HAVE CREATED AND BUILT UP FOR OURSELVES. I HAVE NO DOUBT WE WILL RETAIN IT.

"OTHERS STEER BUSINESS IN OUR DIRECTION BY RESTRICTING WHERE WE ARE LIBERAL, AND SWITCHING POLICIES WHILST WE REMAIN STABLE AND PREDICTABLE.

"BUT TO STAY AHEAD, WE MUST KEEP UP OUR RECORD OF CONTINUOUS RE-INVESTMENT IN COMMUNICATIONS," HE ADDED.

/ON HONG .......

ON HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG NOW PRODUCED MORE SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS FOR THE MIDDLE AND UPPER END OF THE MARKET.

"DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AS COMPETITION FROM ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION CONCENTRATES THE MINDS OF OUR ENTREPRENEURS ON INCREASING VALUE ADDED.

"THIS IS A TREND WHICH WILL CONTINUE AS WE BECOME MORE EXPERIENCED IN MANAGING PRODUCTION ELSEWHERE," HE SAID.

POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD ALSO BECOME A SERVICE HUB FOR OFF-SHORE PRODUCTION, SIR DAVID SAID TRADE RESTRICTIONS ORIGINALLY DROVE SOME OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILES AND CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS TO INVEST ABROAD.

"OTHER INDUSTRIES HAVE FOLLOWED THEIR LEAD AND YOU WILL NOW FIND PLANTS OWNED AND OPERATED BY HONG KONG FIRMS NOT ONLY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, BUT ALSO THE CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AND NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE.

"OUR BUSINESSMEN NOW THINK GLOBALLY, MULTI-NATIONALLY.

"IN THIS THEY ARE SEVERAL STEPS AHEAD OF THEIR COMPETITORS IN KOREA AND TAIWAN AND THERE IS A PARALLEL TREND IN INVESTMENT IN THE. SERVICE SECTOR INDUSTRIES SUCH AS HOTELS," SIR DAVID SAID.

MORE RECENTLY, HE POINTED OUT THAT CHINA'S REOPENING HAD PRESENTED NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND HONG KONG’S BUSINESSMEN HAD BEEN QUICK TO RESPOND.

"THEY HAVE INVESTED NEARLY $90 BILLION IN CHINA, MOSTLY IN THE SOUTH. IN THE PROCESS THEY HAVE CREATED EMPLOYMENT FOR SOME TWO MILLION PEOPLE IN GUANGDONG - TWO-AND-A-HALF TIMES HONG KONG’S OWN MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE.

"HONG KONG HAS BECOME THE ENGINE GROWTH FOR THE SOUTH - BETWEEN 1984 AND 1989 GUANDONG HAS GROWN AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE RATE OF OVER 14 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 9 PER CENT FOR CHINA AS A WHOLE,” HE SAID.

"ABUNDANT LAND, LABOUR AND A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN ON ONE SIDE OF THE BORDER AND HONG KONG’S READY ACCESS TO CAPITAL, TECHNOLOGY, MANAGEMENT, AND MARKETING SKILLS ON THE OTHER FORM A POTENT SYMBIOSIS.

"NOWHERE ELSE IN THE REGION DOES SUCH A HAPPY JUXTAPOSITION OF COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE EXIST. THE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN SOUTHERN CHINA IS ENORMOUS.

"HONG KONG IS FUELLING IT AND IS PERFECTLY PLACED TO BOTH AID AND BENEFIT FROM IT," SIR DAVID SAID.

ON THE ROLE OF HONG KONG AS A CENTRE FROM WHICH INTERNATIONAL FIRMS COULD RUN THEIR ASIAN OPERATIONS, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG OFFERED EVERYTHING THE MULTINATIONAL NEEDS: CONVENIENT TRANSPORTATION LINKS TO HEAD OFFICE AND THE REGION, FIRST CLASS COMMUNICATIONS, EFFICIENT, HARDWORKING, INCREASINGLY WELL EDUCATED PERSONNEL AND A REFRESHING ABSENCE OF RED TAPE.

/"IT IS .......

"IT IS A MAGNETIC COMPOUND: WE HAVE EXPERIENCED, SINCE 1984, AN ANNUAL NET GAIN OF 60 COMPANIES ESTABLISHING REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS TN HONG KONG. THEY CONTINUE TO COME," HE SAID.

HE REITERATED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD WORKED TO SECURE THE CONTINUITY OF POLICY, OF INSTITUTIONS AND OF PERSONNEL.

"AS A GOVERNMENT WE CONTINUE TO PLAN AND BUILD FOR AN ECONOMY WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL CONTINUE TO ADAPT AND TO GROW TO MEET THE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE DESCRIBED.

"LIVING PROOF THAT WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK IS THE INCREASING NUMBER OF FOREIGN BUSINESSMEN WHO HAVE PICKED HONG KONG AS THE GATEWAY TO THOSE OPPORTUNITIES," SIR DAVID SAID.

- - 0 - -

STATEMENT ON TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT)BILL 1990

******

COMMENTING ON THE REMARKS MADE BY AN NCNA OFFICIAL ON THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID:

"WE ARE QUITE PUZZLED BY THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE NCNA.

"THERE IS NOTHING IN THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH CONFLICTS WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.

"SINCE THE BILL WAS FIRST GAZETTED IN JULY THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS WITH VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES.

"WE HAVE ALSO RECEIVED WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS FROM A LARGE NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS AND CONCERNED PARTIES. ALL VIEWS RECEIVED HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR REFERENCE WHEN THEY CONSIDER THE AMENDMENT BILL.

"THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE GOVERNMENT RUSHING THROUGH THE BILL WITHOUT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PUBLIC VIEWS.

"THE BILL IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A BASIS FOR PROPER PLANNING ON LAND USE AND PREVENTING FURTHER DETERIORATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE."

- - 0 - -

LAND COMMISSION MEETING TODAY * * * *

THE 21ST MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION WAS HELD TODAY (DECEMBER 5 ) .

AFTER REVIEWING THE 1990/91 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME, THE TWO SIDES EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH THE PROGRESS MADE SO FAR, AND AGREED THAT THE SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME WOULD NOT BE DRAWN ON AT THIS STAGE.

- - 0 - -

JLG MEETING NEXT WEEK *****

THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING THAT THE 17TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 11 TO 14.

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 - -

URUGUAY ROUND MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING IN BRUSSELS

******

MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ATTENDING THE MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING TO CONCLUDE THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS IN BRUSSELS HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE TALKS SINCE THEY STARTED ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 3).

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, WHO IS LEADING THE DELEGATION, SAID MAJOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE TALKS HAD SINCE THEN BEEN MEETING, BOTH IN PLENARY AND UNDER VARIOUS GROUPS AND SUB-GROUPS COVERING THE 15 NEGOTIATING AREAS OF THE ROUND.

’’GIVEN ITS WIDE INTERESTS AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE ROUND FOUR YEARS AGO, HONG KONG HAS BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL OF THESE GROUPS EXCEPT THE ONE ON AGRICULTURE," HE SAID.

MR CHAN SAID THE HONG KONG DELEGATION HAD ALSO HELD BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH VARIOUS TRADING PARTNERS IN PARALLEL WITH THE GROUP MEETINGS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, INCLUDING TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, TARIFFS, ANTI-DUMPING, SAFEGUARDS, RULES OF ORIGIN, TRADE IN SERVICES AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

/"ON MOST

"ON MOST OF THESE SUBJECTS, THE TALKS HAVE BEEN USEFUL, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO MOVEMENT FROM ENTRENCHED POSITIONS IN ANY OF THE MAJOR AREAS.

"IT IS WIDELY BELIEVED AMONG DELEGATIONS THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURE WILL MAKE OR BREAK THE ROUND AND INDEED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MINISTERIAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COMMITTEE HAS SAID THAT THE PROCESS NOW STANDS BLOCKED.

"THE CHAIRMAN ALSO SAID THAT ’THERE SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL BREAKTHROUGHS IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS IN A NUMBER OF KEY AREAS, INCLUDING, IN PARTICULAR, AGRICULTURE, IF THE MEETING IS TO END WITH A PACKAGE OF RESULTS TRULY MEANINGFUL FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS’," MR CHAN SAID.

MR CHAN ADDED THAT THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WOULD BE INVOLVED IN VERY TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS OVER THE NEXT 24 HOURS IN ORDER TO TRY TO RESOLVE THE GENERAL IMPASSE.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHAU TAK-HAY; HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GATT, MR KEITH BROADBRIDGE; AND OTHER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

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

FEWER INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN MOST TRADES t * * t t

THE UPWARD TREND OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN MOST TRADES SHOWN SIGNS OF CURB IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR.

HAS

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY), 31,244 INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WITH 55 FATALITIES WERE REPORTED BETWEEN JANUARY AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. (NOTE: AN "ACCIDENT" REFERS TO A CASE INVOLVING ONE INJURED PERSON OR ONE DEATH)

"THIS REPRESENTS A DROP OF FOUR PER CENT FROM THE 32,513 ACCIDENTS WITH 61 DEATHS RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR," THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SAID.

MR YIP EXPLAINED THAT THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DECREASE WAS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, WHICH SAW A DROP OF 11 PER CENT TO 13,031 ACCIDENTS WITH SIX FATALITIES, FOLLOWED BY A TWO PER CENT FALL TO 3,122 ACCIDENTS AND SIX FATALITIES IN THE MINING, QUARRYING, UTILITIES, TRANSPORT AND SERVICING INDUSTRIES.

"IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, THE GREATEST DECREASE WAS IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES, DOWN RESPECTIVELY FROM 2,256 TO 1,872 ACCIDENTS AND FROM 693 TO 592 ACCIDENTS, WHILE THE FIGURE FOR THE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING INDUSTRY HAS GONE UP FROM 496 TO 573 ACCIDENTS," HE NOTED.

/HOWEVER, MR ........

HOWEVER, MR YIP SAID ACCIDENTS CONTINUED TO TAKE A HEAVY TOLL IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DURING THE PERIOD, WHICH ROSE BY THREE PER CENT TO 15,091 CASES.

"THE INDUSTRY ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR 43 OF THE 55 FATAL CASES IN ALL INDUSTRIES," HE ADDED.

THEY INCLUDED 21 WORKERS KILLED IN FALLS FROM HEIGHTS, EIGHT BY MACHINERY, SEVEN BY FALLING OBJECTS, THREE BY ELECTRICITY, TWO BY GASES OR TOXIC SUBSTANCES, ONE BY COLLAPSED SOIL AND ONE AS A RESULT OF STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS.

FATALITIES IN OTHER INDUSTRIES RELATED TO MACHINERY (FIVE CASES), ELECTRICITY (TWO CASES), TRANSPORT (TWO CASES), FALL OF PERSON (ONE CASE), HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES (ONE CASE) AND GAS POISONING OR TOXIC SUBSTANCES (ONE CASE).

MR YIP NOTED THAT THE MAJOR CAUSES OF THE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE INVARIABLY SIMILAR TO THOSE IN PREVIOUS YEARS.

"THEY WERE CAUSED BY STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS (10,052 CASES), MANUAL LIFTING OF WEIGHTS (5,503 CASES), MACHINERY (4,838 CASES), FALL OF PERSONS (3,443 CASES), HAND TOOLS (2,040 CASES) AND FALLING OBJECTS (1,850 CASES)," HE SAID.

"OTHERS WERE DUE TO HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES, TRANSPORT, EXPLOSION OR FIRE, ELECTRICITY, GAS POISONING OR TOXIC SUBSTANCES, COLLAPSE OF SOIL AND SO ON," HE ADDED.

MR YIP APPEALED TO INDUSTRIAL PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS TO MAKE THE GREATEST EFFORT IN ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THE WORKPLACE.

"ALMOST ALL OF THESE TRAGIC ACCIDENTS COULD IN FACT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD ALL PARTIES CONCERNED TAKEN THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES," HE STRESSED.

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

SWD CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON TRAICES CASES

*****

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO DEAL WITH THE 8,000 TRAFFIC RECORD AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM (TRAICES) CASES, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN DEALT WITH BECAUSE OF THE INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY THE WELFARE ASSISTANTS GRADE STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT.

AT A MEETING WITH THE MANAGEMENT YESTERDAY, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WELFARE ASSISTANTS BRANCH OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS’ ASSOCIATION WERE TOLD THAT THE DEPARTMENT MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION ON THESE CASES, AS MANY OF THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE RECIPIENTS ARE STILL AWAY FROM HONG KONG, SOME OF WHOM FOR GOOD.

/THESE PEOPLE .......

THESE PEOPLE WAS ANTICIPATED TO CONSTITUTE SOME 90 PER CENT OF THE 8,000 CASES. OVERPAYMENT TO THEM WOULD CONTINUE IF NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.

THE TRAICES MATCHING IS TO DETECT THROUGH COMPUTER RECORDS ABSENCE OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE RECIPIENTS FROM HONG KONG AND TO IDENTIFY CASES WHO HAVE BEEN OVERPAID AS A RESULT OF HAVING LEFT THE TERRITORY FOR OVER 90 DAYS IN ONE YEAR.

THE SOME 500 WELFARE ASSISTANTS GRADE STAFF WERE ASKED TO CONTACT (BY PHONE OR BY MAIL), IN A WEEK'S TIME, SOME 8,000 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE RECIPIENTS WHO, ACCORDING TO THE MATCHING OF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT'S MOVEMENT RECORDS IN SEPTEMBER 90, HAVE EXTENSIVE ABSENCE PERIODS FROM HONG KONG AND HAVE NOT RETURNED TO THE TERRITORY.

IT WAS THEREFORE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT THE DEPARTMENT'S STAFF SHOULD PROCESS THESE CASES, WHICH IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR DUTIES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SERIES OF SIMPLIFICATION PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS TO ACHIEVE STAFF SAVING IN COPING WITH THE ADDITIONAL WORK.

THESE INCLUDED PAYMENT EXTENSION OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WITHOUT CASE REVIEWS AND EXTENSION OF THE REVIEW CYCLES FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, SUCH AS STABLE CASES, SINGLETONS AND SIMPLE FAMILY CASES.

ABOUT A HUNDRED STAFF COULD THUS BE RELEASED TO DEAL WITH WORK RELATED TO TRAICES CASES.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT SUCH WORK MUST BE ACCORDED PRIORITY.

"STAFF OF THE GRADE WILL BE ADVISED AGAIN THAT TO RESUME PROCESSING ALL THE TRAICES CASES IS PART OF THE NORMAL DUTIES OF THE WELFARE ASSISTANTS GRADE. ANY ATTEMPT BY THE STAFF TO DELAY THE WORK WOULD INCUR A SERIOUS LOSS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AND WOULD NOT BE IN KEEPING WITH THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AS PUBLIC SERVANTS. THE MANAGEMENT WILL TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW OF ANY SUCH ACTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE STAFF SIDE WAS ALSO ASSURED THAT THE MANAGEMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO HOLD DIALOGUES WITH THEM IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE MANPOWER ISSUE.

MEANWHILE, THE MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS STILL STUDYING THE FINANCE BRANCH’S REVISED MANNING SCALE REPORT. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT A DECISION WOULD BE MADE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

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

/20 .......

ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE STARTS

******

THE ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (CAD) AND INVOLVING A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY UNITS FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION BEGAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AND WILL LAST FOR TWO DAYS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR CAD SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE EXERCISE IS TO TRAIN AND FAMILIARISE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER SUPPORTING UNITS IN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES.

"THE ALERTING AND CO-ORDINATING PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE TESTED," HE SAID.

"IN ADDITION, IT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXERCISE AND TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR PROCEDURES."

COMPRISING A SHORT-RANGE AND A LONG-RANGE SEARCH OPERATION, THE EXERCISE WILL INVOLVE FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT, HELICOPTERS AND VESSELS.

IN THE SHORT-RANGE EXERCISE THIS AFTERNOON, THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE PARA-RESCUERS DEMONSTRATED THEIR RESCUE TECHNIQUE NEAR THE NINEPIN GROUP OF ISLANDS AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AND ROYAL AIR FORCE HELICOPTERS DEMONSTRATED WINCHING OF SURVIVORS FROM THE SEA.

THE LONG-RANGE EXERCISE WILL BE ACTIVATED THIS EVENING SIMULATING AN AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS ABOUT 70 MILES SOUTHEAST OF HONG KONG. AIRCRAFT, HELICOPTERS AND SHIPS WILL BE DISPATCHED TO SEARCH AND LOCATE THE TARGETS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.

TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE ARE THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, ROYAL NAVY, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, ROYAL AIR FORCE, CIVIL AID SERVICES, MARINE DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND OTHER EMERGENCY UNITS FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.

-------------0-------- CHANGE IN FC MEETING SCHEDULE

* * * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING ON JANUARY 18. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 CHAMBER.

------0 -

* *

ON JANUARY 11 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

JANUARY 25 IS PUT FORWARD TO PM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

/21 ........

MASSIVE GET-TOGETHER FOR FAMILIES IN YAU TSIM * * * * *

A FAMILY DAY FOR MORE THAN 300 FAMILIES IN THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AT THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE IN SHA TIN ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9) AFTERNOON.

THE GATHERING IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL’S FAMILY WEEK WORKING GROUP TO PROMOTE "FAMILY HAPPINESS" AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MAKING NEW FRIENDSHIPS.

PRECEDING THE GATHERING WILL BE OUTINGS AND PICNICS TO BE ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S FIVE AREA COMMITTEES AND A WOMEN’S GROUP, THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY, IN THE MORNING.

THE FAMILY DAY AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE WILL OFFICIALLY BEGIN AT 2 PM PROVIDING FUN AND GAMES.

- - 0 - -

FUNDS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN SOUTHERN *****

ORGANISATIONS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WISHING TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD SUBSIDIES FOR HOLDING LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE DEADLINE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 10).

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION.

A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS SET ASIDE ABOUT $70,000, WHICH THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS ALLOCATED $10,000 FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES.

MEANWHILE, THE COMMITTEE IS ALSO ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR OTHER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS. ACCEPTANCE OF THESE APPLICATIONS WILL ALSO CLOSE ON THE SAME DAY.

A SET OF APPLICATION GUIDELINES IS AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE FROM THE COMMITTEE SECRETARY, MISS KAREN CHEUNG, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 554 0271.

- - 0 - -

/22

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN EASTERN

*****

FLAT OWNERS OF PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WILL BE BRIEFED ON WAYS TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN CAUSEWAY BAY ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 8).

A SENIOR BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR YIP SO, WILL SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.

THE THREE-HOUR SEMINAR WILL START AT 2.30 PM. IT WILL COVER TOPICS SUCH AS HOME SECURITY MEASURES, PROPER BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND RELATED FINANCIAL MATTERS. ADMISSION IS FREE.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A DISPLAY OF 14 EXHIBITS ON THE COMMON PROBLEMS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, THE OPERATION OF AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION, THE ROLES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND THE WORK OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

OFFICIATING AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS, MRS CHOW SUN FONG-CHUNG; AND EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 8) IN THE HALL OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE, 7 FOOK YUM ROAD.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR AND EXCO MEMBERS MEET PM ........................................ 1

GOVERNOR EMPHASISES HK OPPORTUNITIES ..................................... 2

HK WILL STAY IN FOREFRONT OF INT'L TELECOMMUNICATION TRENDS .............. 3

VBP PROBLEM MAY UNDERMINE PROTECTION FOR REFUGEES ........................ 6

91 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM ................................................. 7

STATEMENT ON GURKHA DEPLOYMENT ........................................... 7

BETTER HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE AGED ...................................... 8

MORE PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES SEIZED IN MONG KOK ............................... 9

STATEMENT ON WELFARE ASSISTANTS ISSUE .................................... 10

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR CHILDREN - JOIN THE FOSTER CARE SERVICE ............... 11

SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL TO BE LAUNCHED IN 1991-92 ......................... 12

TWO GOVT SITES TO LET BY TENDER .......................................... 13

'DRAW A HAPPY LIEF TOGETHER' COMIC STORY DESIGN COMPETITION .............. 14

SOUTHERN DB TO REPORT WORK ............................................... 14

SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ON SATURDAY ................................. 15

CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ............................. 16

BANQUET FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN SHAM SHUI PO .............................. 17

GOVERNOR AND EXCO MEMBERS MEET PM * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND FIVE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS MET THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 6). SIR PERCY CRADOCK WAS ALSO IN ATTENDANCE.

SPEAKING TO THE PRESS OUTSIDE NO. 10 DOWNING STREET AFTER THE MEETING, SIR DAVID SAID EXCO MEMBERS AND HIMSELF APPRECIATED VERY MUCH THAT THE PRIME MINISTER, IN HIS FIRST FULL WEEK IN OFFICE, HAD TAKEN TIME OUT TO MEET THEM.

"WE HAD A GOOD DISCUSSION IN WHICH WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEF THE PRIME MINISTER ON WHAT’S GOING ON IN HONG KONG AT THE MOMENT. AND IN WHICH THE PRIME MINISTER MADE PARTICULARLY THE POINT THAT, WITH THE CHANGE IN PRIME MINISTER, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CHANGE IN THE BRITISH COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, TO THE COMMITMENT TO THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE WISH TO SEE A STRONG ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG UP TO 1997.

"HE VERY KINDLY SAID THAT HE WOULD ALWAYS BE WILLING TO SEE PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG, FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, TIME PERMITTING, WHEN THEY WERE IN LONDON AND IF THEY HAD PARTICULAR ISSUES TO RAISE.

"SO FOR US IT WAS A MARVELLOUS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE PRIME MINISTER IN HIS FIRST WEEK IN OFFICE," SIR DAVID SAID.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION WHETHER MR MAJOR WOULD BE VISITING HONG KONG AT SOME STAGE, SIR DAVID SAID: "I DID SAY TO tflM HE WOULD BE VERY WELCOME TO VISIT HONG KONG AS SOON AS HE COULD MANAGE IT.

"ALSO THAT I REALISE HE WILL HAVE A VERY BUSY PROGRAMME HERE SO I DIDN'T EXPECT HIM TO COMMIT HIMSELF TO A TIME," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE PRIME MINISTER SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO COME TO HONG KONG AS SOON AS HE COULD MANAGE TO DO IT, BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN THERE BEFORE, THE GOVERNOR SAID.

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

GOVERNOR EMPHASISES HK OPPORTUNITIES

*****

HONG KONG IS A TREMENDOUS PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY WHERE THOSE WHO HAVE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE COMPETITIVE CAN BE MORE SUCCESSFUL IN A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN LONDON TODAY (THURSDAY).

OPENING A SEMINAR JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, SIR DAVID URGED AN OVERFLOW AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 150 PROMINENT UK BUSINESSMEN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AND PARTICIPATE IN THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE.

STRESSING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE ARRANGEMENTS IT PROVIDES, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’THE BASIS IS THERE AND WE MUST BUILD ON THOSE FOUNDATIONS TO GIVE HONG KONG EVERY POSSIBLE CHANCE OF BEING A SUCCESS IT OUGHT TO BE.”

HE SAID THERE WAS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WOULD REMAIN COMMITTED TO THE AGREEMENT.

"THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS REPEATED, AGAIN AND AGAIN, AND DID SO THROUGHOUT THE DIFFICULT TIMES OF LAST YEAR, THAT THEY ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO THE JOINT DECLARATION. •

"THERE IS NO REASON TO DOUBT THAT COMMITMENT, NONE AT ALL,” HE STRESSED, ADDING THAT CHINA HAD AN IMMENSE PRACTICAL INTEREST IN ENSURING THE ARRANGEMENTS WORK. <

HONG KONG CONTRIBUTES ENORMOUSLY TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA; 70 PER CENT OF ALL FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMES FROM HONG KONG OR THROUGH THE TERRITORY.

IN HONG KONG ITSELF, SIR DAVID SAID THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE HAD TO CHANGE QUITE SUBSTANTIALLY. THE FIRST MAJOR STEP WOULD BE THE DIRECT ELECTIONS OF 18 MEMBERS INTO THE LEGISLATURE.

THE GOVERNOR DESCRIBED THE "BRAIN DRAIN" AS A PROBLEM BUT NOT A CRISIS, WHICH HAD TO BE DEALT WITH BY TRAINING MORE PEOPLE.

"WE HAVE A PLAN TO VERY SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE OUR EDUCATIONAL MANPOWER RESOURCES. IN FACT, WE ARE GOING TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF OUR FIRST DEGREE PLACES BY 1994," HE SAID.

ON THE BUILDING OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE CANNOT STAND STILL AND LEAVE HONG KONG THE WAY IT IS," CITING AS EXAMPLES THE NEW CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL NEXT YEAR, NEW ROADS, PORT EXPANSION AND PLANS TO BUILD A NEW AIRPORT.

COMMENTING ON CHINA’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE NEW AIRPORT PLAN, HE SAID: "WE ARE CAREFULLY AND PATIENTLY EXPLAINING TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION. IN OTHER WORDS, HONG KONG MUST HAVE A NEW AIRPORT AND THAT, I THINK, IS ACCEPTED QUITE CLEARLY BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

/•'BUILDING IT.........

"DUILD1NU IT IS NOT ONLY KS'SHNT I AL, BUT IT IS SOMKTII1NCJ WELL WITHIN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL CAPACITY,” SIR DAVID SAID.

IN CONCLUSION, THE GOVERNOR EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT HONG KONG PLAYS: AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE.

"IT IS A BRIDGE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.

"THAT IS THE WAY THAT HONG KONG CAN BE USEFUL TO CHINA AND TO THE REST OF THE DEVELOPED CAPITALIST WORLD,” HE SAID.

THE SEMINAR WAS CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HKTDC, BARONESS DUNN. THE OTHER SPEAKERS WERE OMELCO MEMBERS MR ALLEN LEE, MRS RITA FAN, MRS ROSANNA TAM, AND MR WILLIAM PURVES OF THE HONGKONG BANK. TWO PROMINENT BUSINESSMEN, MESSRS C.H. TUNG AND D.M.T. VON DE LEUHE, ALSO SPOKE.

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

HK WILL STAY IN FOREFRONT OF INT’L TELECOMMUNICATION TRENDS ******

HONG KONG MOVED ALONG FAST WITH INTERNATIONAL TRENDS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS AND WILL REMAIN IN THE FOREFRONT IN THE DECADE AHEAD, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC WONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY). ,

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF "COMMTEL '90 CONFERENCE", MR WONG SAID THE INTERNATIONAL TREND OF OPENING UP THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET TO COMPETITION WAS CLEARLY DISCERNIBLE IN THE 80S AND HONG KONG FOLLOWED THE SAME TREND TOO.

THE SALE OF CUSTOMER PREMISES EQUIPMENT WAS OPENED UP TO COMPETITION IN 1983 AND LEGISLATION WAS ALSO AMENDED IN 1985 TO PERMIT THE INTERCONNECTION OF WIRELESS SERVICES WITH THE PUBLIC SWITCHED TELEPHONE NETWORK.

MR WONG SAID A DECISION WAS MADE IN 1988 TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR NON-VO1CE SERVICES ALONGSIDE A CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE, AND AN EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE WAS AWARDED IN AUGUST 1989.

"UNFORTUNATELY, THE RECENT WITHDRAWAL OF THE INTENDED LICENSEE HAS CAUSED A TEMPORARY SETBACK. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NEED TO CONSIDER THE WAY AHEAD. THIS, WE WILL DO EXPEDITIOUSLY," MR WONG SAID.

HE SAID THE GENERALLY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT CREATED BY THE DEREGULATORY POLICIES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENTS. IN THE 1980S LED DOMINANT CARRIERS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF SERVICE.

THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AND THE HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL ALSO REACTED POSITIVELY TO THE CHALLENGE BY FURTHER INCREASING THEIR INVESTMENTS, IMPROVING THEIR SERVICES AND UPGRADING THEIR BASIC NETWORKS.

/SOME 28,000 .......

SOME 28,000 KILOMETRES OF OPTICAL FIBRES WERE LAID BY THE TELEPHONE COMPANY THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND OVER 60 PER CENT OF EXCHANGE LINES WERE DIGITALISED.

INTERNATIONALLY, THE HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL BECAME A MAJOR PARTNER IN THE LAYING OF FIBRE OPTIC CABLES WHICH LINK HONG KONG WITH TAIWAN, SINGAPORE, JAPAN, KOREA AND CHINA.

MR WONG SAID THE BENEFITS WERE APPARENT. WITHIN HONG KONG THE NUMBER OF TELEPHONE LINES INCREASED BY 74 PER CENT IN THE LAST DECADE, GIVING A TOTAL OF 2.4 MILLION DIRECT LINES TODAY (I.E. 42 PER 100 POPULATION OR ALMOST EVERY HOUSEHOLD).

IN ADDITION, OVER 100,000 FACSIMILE LINES ARE NOW IN USE AND THE LOW CHARGES FOR INTERNATIONAL CALLS LED TO A TWELVE-FOLD INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE USAGE OVER THE PAST DECADE, TO THE PRESENT 1,350 MILLION CALLS MINUTES A YEAR.

THE LOW RATES ALSO ATTRACTED OVER 700,000 RADIO PAGING SUBSCRIBERS (OR A PENETRATION RATE OF 12 PER CENT POPULATION WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD) AND OVER 110,000 CELLULAR RADIO-TELEPHONE USERS (OR TWO PER CENT PENETRATION), MR WONG ADDED.

"GIVEN THE QUANTUM LEAPS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THE PACE OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AROUND THE WORLD WILL CONTINUE TO INTENSIFY IN THE YEARS AHEAD."

MR WONG SAID THE INCREASING EMPLOYMENT OF DIGITAL AND FIBRE OPTIC TECHNOLOGIES WOULD FURTHER ENHANCE SPEED AND CAPACITY.

"IN HONG KONG, WE EXPECT FULL DIGITALISATION OF TELEPHONE EXCHANGES TO BE EFFECTED BY 1993.

"FURTHER FIBRE OPTIC SUBMARINE CABLES WILL BE LAID TO FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRAFFIC TO AND FROM HONG KONG ON THE GLOBAL DIGITAL HIGHWAY NETWORK," HE SAID.

MR WONG SAID IN SATELLITE FACILITIES AND SERVICES, HONG KONG SURGES TO THE FOREFRONT TOO.

"THE LAUNCHING OF ASIASAT I BY A PRIVATE HONG KONG-BASED COMPANY EARLIER THIS YEAR HAS OPENED THE SKIES TO NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES POSSIBLY COVERING 35 COUNTRIES IN ASIA."

HE ADDED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A LICENSING FRAMEWORK FOR SATELLITE TELEVISION BROADCASTING AND RECEPTION.

"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PAN-ASIAN SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICE (WITH A CAPITAL OUTLAY OF US$400 MILLION) IS NOW A DISTINCT PROBABILITY," MR WONG SAID.

MEANWHILE, MR WONG SAID TELEPOINT SERVICES USING THE SECOND GENERATION CORDLESS TELEPHONE TECHNOLOGY ARE BEING PLANNED IN SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG.

/'•WE ARE ..........

- 5 -

"WE ARE NOW STUDYING SEVERAL SERVICE PROPOSALS AND ARE LIKELY TO LICENSE BETWEEN TWO AND FOUR TELEPOINT OPERATORS IN EARLY 1991," HE SAID.

MR WONG ALSO SAID THAT BARRING UNFORESEEN TECHNOLOGICAL SETBACKS, DIGITAL CELLULAR SERVICES WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG AS FROM 1992.

CONCERNING PERSONAL COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (PCNS), MR WONG SAID HONG KONG WERE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON PROGRESS AND THE ISSUES INVOLVED BEFORE A DECISION WAS TAKEN ON THE INTRODUCTION OF PCNS.

"WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF DISCUSSING TECHNICAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE GOVERNMENTS OF JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM ON THE USE OF INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LEASED CIRCUITS TO CARRY VALUE-ADDED NETWORK SERVICES.

"THE ARRANGEMENTS EVENTUALLY MADE WILL HELP TO MAKE AVAILABLE MORE INNOVATIVE AND CHEAPER SERVICES FOR BUSINESS USERS IN COMMUNICATING WITH THEIR OVERSEAS TRADING PARTNERS," MR WONG SAID.

MR WONG ALSO SAID THE YEAR 1997 DID NOT HAVE ANY PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANNING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OR OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS IN HONG KONG.

"THAT YEAR HAS NO MORE SIGNIFICANCE THAN ANY OTHER YEAR IN THE NEXT DECADE AND WILL NOT AFFECT THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.

"INDEED, SEVERAL LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS REPRESENTING SUBSTANTIAL PRIVATE INVESTMENTS UNDERTAKEN BY INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIA HAVE LIFE SPANS EXTENDING WELL BEYOND 1997," MR WONG SAID.

MR WONG SAID THE STYLE OF ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 WOULD ALSO REMAIN MUCH THE SAME AS AT PRESENT.

HE SAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN ITS VOICE IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE APPROPRIATE FIELDS, AND TO CONCLUDE AND IMPLEMENT ITS OWN AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER ADMINISTRATIONS.

HONG KONG WOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO BE AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC TELECOMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION.

"WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT, AND WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OUR FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY. 1

"IT REMAINS OUR STRONG AIM TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S POSITION AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRES IN THE WORLD," MR WONG SAID.

/6.........

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

VBP PROBLEM MAY UNDERMINE PROTECTION FOR REFUGEES

*****

REFUGEES NEED PROTECTION AND THIS PROTECTION IS AT RISK UNLESS THE PROBLEM OF THE NON-REFUGEES CAN BE DEALT WITH IN A FAIR AND COMPASSIONATE, YET REALISTIC, MANNER WHICH DOES NOT OVERWHELM THE RESOURCES OF THE COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM AND OF RESETTLEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR ASPREY NOTED THAT IT WAS SOMETIMES REPRESENTED THAT HONG KONG’S POLICY ON THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WAS A PERVERSE AND MALICIOUS INVENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO DENY THE OPPORTUNITIES OF RESETTLEMENT TO I'HOSE WHOM THE COUNTRIES IN THE WKST WKRK ONLY TOO ANXIOUS TO ACCEPT.

"NOTHING OF COURSE COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH," HE SAID AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303.

IT IS PRECISELY BECAUSE THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES OF THE WEST WERE UNWILLING TO ACCEPT THOSE WHO WERE NOT REFUGEES THAT WE HAD TO INTRODUCE SCREENING, AND THAT WE MUST MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF OUR SCREENING PROCEDURES, HE SAID.

"I DO NOT CLAIM THAT THE SCREENING SYSTEM’S PROCEDURES ARE PERFECT. BUT WITHIN THE INEVITABLE CONSTRAINTS OF HUMAN FALLIBILITY, OUR PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED IN FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE UNHCR."

THE PROCEDURES WERE BASED ON THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED CRITERIA FOR REFUGEE STATUS, THEY USED THE UNHCR DESIGNED QUESTIONNAIRE, THEY ALLOWED FOR UNHCR MONITORING AND LEGAL ADVICE TO ASYLUM SEEKERS, AND THE STAFF INVOLVED IN STATUS DETERMINATION HAD RECEIVED TRAINING FROM THE UNHCR, HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYED OVER 300 STAFF IN THE SCREENING AND REVIEW PROCESS, AT A COST OF OVER $100 MILLION PER YEAR.

"WE HAVE TO BALANCE THE NEED FOR THOROUGHNESS AGAINST THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND THE WISH TO KEEP PEOPLE WAITING AS SHORT A TIME AS POSSIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION AND DECISION OF THEIR CASE," HE SAID.

HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO REDUCE THE TIME WHICH PEOPLE HAD TO WAIT FOR SCREENING. BUT THIS COULD NOT BE DONE AT THE EXPENSE OF THOROUGHNESS AND FAIRNESS.

"I THEREFORE FIND IT IRONIC THAT ESSENTIALLY THE SAME PEOPLE WILL CRITICISE US ON THE ONE HAND FOR BEING TOO SLOW, AND ON THE OTHER HAND, WHEN IT SUITS THEM, FOR BEING TOO HASTY," HE ADDED.

ON THE ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, MR ASPREY HOPED THAT ARRIVALS WOULD BE REDUCED MUCH FURTHER IN 1991.

/"WE SHALL .......

"WE SHALL SEEK TO BRING THIS ABOUT THROUGH PUBLICITY IN VIETNAM. WE ARE CO-OPERATING WITH THE UNHCR AND THE VIETNAMESE IN THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTARY TELEVISION PROGRAMMES TO BE SHOWN IN VIETNAM.

"THE CLEAR MESSAGE OF THE DOCUMENTARY WILL BE THAT THE DAYS OF AUTOMATIC RESETTLEMENT ARE OVER; THAT A VOYAGE TO HONG KONG WILL RESULT IN A LONG PERIOD OF DETENTION, AND FOR MOST EVENTUAL RETURN TO VIETNAM; AND THAT THERE ARE OTHER ASSURED AVENUES FOR EMIGRATION FROM VIETNAM, SPECIFICALLY THE ORDERLY DEPARTURE PROGRAMME THROUGH WHICH OVER 80,000 PEOPLE SHOULD OBTAIN RESETTLEMENT IN 1990."

MR ASPREY SAID THERE HAD BEEN GREATER NUMBERS VOLUNTEERING AND RETURNING TO VIETNAM IN THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS.

"BUT WE HAVE YET TO REACH OUR INITIAL TARGET OF 1,000 RETURNEES PER MONTH. AND WE SHALL NOT BE CONTENT TO REST ON OUR LAURELS WHEN WE DO REACH THAT TARGET. WE WILL SEEK TO INCRESAE THE NUMBER WELL BEYOND 1,000 PER MONTH."

HE ADDED THAT HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE COUNSELLING EFFORTS OF THE UNHCR WERE GRADUALLY RESULTING IN MORE PEOPLE COMING FORWARD TO VOLUNTEER TO RETURN TO VIETNAM.

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

91 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM *****

A GROUP OF 91 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 35 MEN, 23 WOMEN, 11 BOYS AND 22 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 43RD BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,920 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.

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

STATEMENT ON GURKHA DEPLOYMENT

*****

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (THURSDAY):

AS PERSONNEL OF THE GURKHA TRANSPORT REGIMENT WILL LEAVE FOR THE UK TONIGHT TO JOIN OTHER UNITS OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN THE GULF, I SHOULD LIKE TO WISH THEM GOOD FORTUNE, AND A SAFE AND EARLY RETURN TO HONG KONG.

THE BEST WISHES OF OUR COMMUNITY GO WITH THEM. THEY AND THEIR FAMILIES HERE IN HONG KONG, WILL BE VERY MUCH IN OUR THOUGHTS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD.

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

/8........

BETTER HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE AGED t t * i t

THE ELDERLY CAN LOOK FORWARD TO BETTER AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH SERVICES UNDER A PLAN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO DEVELOP PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC).

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, WHEN SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED TODAY (THURSDAY).

DR LEE SAID UNDER THE PHC SYSTEM, SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED TO THE AGED WILL INCLUDE PREVENTIVE, CURATIVE, REHABILITATIVE AND HEALTH PROMOTION WORK.

ON THE PREVENTION OF ILLNESS, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO PROVIDE CHECKS ON OLD-AGE-RELATED DISEASES SUCH AS DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION TO PATIENTS AGED 65 AND OVER WHO CONSTITUTE 21 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ATTENDANCE AT GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.

THOSE FOUND SUFFERING FROM THESE DISEASES WILL BE TREATED AT THE CLINICS OR REFERRED TO SPECIALIST CLINICS, HE SAID.

ON THE CURATIVE SIDE, THERE ARE PLANS TO INTRODUCE AN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR THE ELDERLY SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC DISEASES, THUS SAVING THEM THE NEED TO QUEUE UP FOR DISCS.

REFERRING TO REHABILITATIVE SERVICE, DR LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS PLANS TO INTRODUCE A DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM (DHS) UNDER WHICH THE HEALTH SERVICES OF EACH DISTRICT WILL BE CO-ORDINATED BY A DISTRICT NETWORK.

THIS SYSTEM, HE SAID, CALLS FOR CLOSE CO-OPERATION AMONG DOCTORS, NURSING STAFF, SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL STAFF, SOCIAL WORKERS, DISPENSERS AND SO ON FROM BOTH GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC AND HENCE THE ELDERLY.

A PILOT SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED IN TWO SELECTED DISTRICTS BEFORE INTRODUCING THE SYSTEM TO OTHER AREAS.

ON HEALTH PROMOTION WORK, DR LEE SAID HEALTH EDUCATION FOR THE ELDERLY HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.

APART FROM STAGING EXHIBITION, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A BIGGER NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL LEAFLETS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS AND ORGANISED HEALTH TALKS FOR THE AGED.

TO COINCIDE WITH THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, HE SAID, A TRIAL SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED EARLY NEXT YEAR AT YUEN LONG MADAM YUNG FUNG SHEE HEALTH CENTRE TO DISSEMINATE HEALTH MESSAGES.

THIS WILL BE DONE THROUGH THE PLAYING OF VIDEO TAPES ON VARIOUS HEALTH SUBJECTS AND THE ORGANISATION OF ACTIVITIES FOR PATIENTS ESPECIALLY THOSE SUFFERING FROM DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION.

ALL THESE, DR LEE SAID, POINT TO BETTER AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE AGED IN THE FUTURE.

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

/9......

MORE PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES SEIZED IN MONG KOK

*****

PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES SEIZED TN MONG KOK UP TO NOVEMBER THIS YEAR TOTALLED 1,646 TAPES, ALMOST FOUR TIMES MORE THAN THE 421 TAPES SEIZED LAST YEAR.

POLICE DISTRICT OPERATIONS OFFICER OF MONG KOK, CHIEF INSPECTOR ROBIN JOLLY, SAID THERE WERE 45 PORNOGRAPHIC CASES AS AGAINST 32 LAST YEAR AND TWO MORE CASES WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED FOR DECEPTION THIS YEAR.

IN ONE OF THE DECEPTION CASES, A CANADIAN VISITOR WROTE A LETTER TO THE FORCE SAYING THAT HE SPENT $40 FOR A PORNOGRAPHIC TAPE BUT FOUND THAT IT WAS BLANK.

INVESTIGATIONS FOLLOWED. THE POLICE CHARGED AN OPERATOR WITH DECEPTION AS HE SOLD A BLANK TAPE TO AN AGENT WHO WAS SUSPECTED NOT TO BE A GENUINE CUSTOMER.

"THIS IS BETTER FOR US,” SAID MR JOLLY. "USUAL CHARGES TO PORNOGRAPHIC TAPE OPERATORS ARE PUBLISHING SUCH TAPES AND POSSESSING THEM FOR PUBLISHING, WHICH LEADS TO ONLY ONE YEAR IMPRISIONMENT. MAXIMUM IMPRISONMENT FOR DECEPTION IS THREE YEARS."

"FIVE YEARS AGO, PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES WERE NOT SO WIDESPREAD AS TODAY." AT THAT TIME, ANY PERSON INTERESTED IN SUCH TAPES WOULD HAVE TO GO TO A SPECIAL PLACE TO BUY THEM.

"SUPPLY COMES AS DEMAND EXISTS. TODAY, ANYONE CAN BUY THESE TAPES AT SMALL COUNTERS UNDERNEATH STAIRCASES.

"THE POPULARITY OF VIDEO MACHINES IN THE CONSUMER MARKET HAS ACCELERATED DEMAND FOR PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES." HE SAID.

SMALL INVESTMENT AND REASONABLE PROFITS CONTRIBUTED TO THE WIDE-SPREADING OF PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES, MR JOLLY SAID.

THESE TAPES COULD BE REPRODUCED IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES AND POSED NO GREAT PROBLEM. IN ONE CASE, POLICE OFFICERS SAW A RACK ACCOMMODATING THREE PLAYERS, ONE TELEVISION SET, 11 VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERS AND MANY BLANK TAPES.

"COST OF A TAPE IS ABOUT $5 TO $7 AND ABOUT $2,500 FOR EACH VCR. A ROUGH CALCULATION OF REPRODUCTION COSTING COMES TO ABOUT $40,000.

"RETAIL PRICES FOR EACH PORNOGRAPHIC TAPE VARY FROM $250 TO $400 DEPENDING ON QUALITY." MR JOLLY SAID. HE BELIEVED THAT PORNOGRAPHIC LASER DISCS WERE ALSO AVAILABLE LOCALLY.

HE SAID HE WOULD SAY AN OPERATOR COULD OBTAIN A REASONABLE

PROFIT FROM PRODUCING ANY TYPE OF TAPES.

FINES FOR THE OFFENCE AVERAGE BETWEEN $5,000 AND $7,000.

/"THESE CAN ........

"THESE CAN BE TREATED AS PART OF OPERATIONAL COST," MR JOLLY SAID, ADDING THAT SHOP OWNERS COULD ALSO HIRE SOMEBODY TO ADMIT THE OFFENCE.

MOST CUSTOMERS FOR THE TAPES WERE SINGLE YOUNG ADULTS WHO WERE CURIOUS ABOUT SEX, HE SAID.

HOWEVER, THE AMOUNT OF SEIZED TAPES MIGHT NOT NECESSARILY INCREASE MANY TIMES NEXT YEAR AS MR JOLLY THOUGHT THE MARKET HAD BECOME SATURATED.

"COMPETITION AMONG SHOPS IS HIGH AND THERE WILL BE MORE POLICE ACTION TOO," HE SAID.

"THERE ARE 23 SHOPS SELLING PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES AND MOST OF THEM ARE LOCATED IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF SOY STREET.

"THEY ARE FLY-BY-NIGHT OPERATIONS AND ALL 23 SHOPS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED."

AS THE 23 SHOPS CONSTITUTED LESS THAN FIVE PER CENT OF SOME 400 VICE-RELATED PREMISES IN MONG KOK, OFFICERS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT SAW THE PROBLEM AS NOT HIGH PRIORITY, MR JOLLY SAID.

HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS NO SYNDICATE INVOLVEMENT IN THE CRIME AND NO LOCAL PRODUCTION OF PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES.

MOST TAPES WERE PIRATED WITH ORIGINALS COMINJG FROM JAPAN, TAIWAN AND EUROPE, HE ADDED.

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

STATEMENT ON WELFARE ASSISTANTS ISSUE

*****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON WHETHER THE MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) HAD REFUSED A REQUEST FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF WELFARE ASSISTANTS’ BRANCH OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TO HOLD A MEETING IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION, AN SWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE MANAGEMENT HAD RECEIVED NO SUCH REQUEST THIS MORNING.

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE MANAGEMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO HOLD DIALOGUES WITH THE STAFF SIDE IN ORDER TO SOLVE THE MANPOWER ISSUE FOR THE INTEREST OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

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

/Il .......

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR CHILDREN - JOIN THE FOSTER CARE SERVICE

MANY CHILDREN IN HONG KONG, BESETTED WITH VARIOUS FAMILY PROBLEMS, ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN PROPER FAMILY CARE OR ENJOY A NORMAL CHILDHOOD.

"IF YOU HAVE A HAPPY AND STABLE FAMILY, AND IF YOU LOVE CHILDREN AND WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND YOUR LOVE, PLEASE JOIN OUR FOSTER FAMILY SERVICE AND HELP TO TAKE CARE OF THESE UNFORTUNATE CHILDREN/’ A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARTICIPATION IN THE FOSTER CARE SERVICE IS BOTH JOYFUL AND REWARDING FOR THE FOSTER FAMILY.

"FURTHERMORE, FOSTER PARENTS, IN THE FOSTERING AND UPBRINGING PROCESS, CAN DEVELOP THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE SPIRITS AND IMPROVE THEIR CAPABILITIES AND CONFIDENCE AS PARENTS," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

THOSE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT CAN TELEPHONE 561 8504 OR 561 8946 FOR DETAILS.

MEANWHILE, A FOSTER FAMILY SERVICE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT A WAN CHAI RESTAURANT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9) IN APPRECIATION OF A TOTAL OF 29 FOSTER FAMILIES FOR THEIR COMMITTED SERVICES OVER THE PAST YEARS.

THE AWARD, THE FIRST EVER IN THE TERRITORY, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE, THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE HONG KONG BRANCH.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 12 NOON ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9) AT HSIN KUANG RESTAURANT IN HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE RESTAURANT AT 11.45 AM. A NUMBER OF FOSTER PARENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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/12

SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL TO BE LAUNCHED IN 1991-92

******

ANOTHER FESTIVAL WILL BE ADDED TO THE 1991-92 SCHOOL CALENDAR, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE BY YOUNG THESPIANS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS TO THE 1989 SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT AND THIS YEAR’S ENGLISH AND CHINESE PROJECTS HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR WORK TO BEGIN IN ORGANISING THE FIRST SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL, MR LI SAID.

THE FESTIVAL HAS THE FINANCIAL BACKING OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY WHICH HAS PLEDGED AN ANNUAL DONATION OF $500,000 TOWARDS ITS DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID.

THIS DONATION IS IN ADDITION TO THE $200,000 WHICH WAS PRESENTED TO MR LI TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT.

’’THE DRAMA PROJECTS WERE HELD TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH AN EXCITING AND INTERESTING FOCUS FOR ENGLISH AND CHINESE LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM,” HE SAID.

MR LI ADDED THAT DRAMA IS A VERY GOOD CHANNEL FOR DEVELOPING CREATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE EXPRESSION AND IMPROVING STUDENTS’ LANGUAGE SKILLS.

SPEAKING IN LAUNCHING THE 1990 ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT, MR LI SAID A SCHOOLS DRAMA COUNCIL WILL BE SET UP TO ADVISE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL.

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, WHICH IS WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS LONG HISTORY IN PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND IN EDUCATION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, DRAMA EXPERTS, SCHOOL HEADS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN PROMOTING DRAMA IN SCHOOLS.

DRAMA, MR LI SAID, IS AN INTEGRATED ART WHICH CAN MERGE THE TALENTS FROM DIFFERENT SUBJECT DISCIPLINES SUCH AS MUSIC, ARTS, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, AND EVEN DOMESTIC SCIENCE.

HE SAID DRAMA MADE ITS DEBUT IN THE FORM OF AN ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT, SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG LANGUAGE CAMPAIGN, WAS INTRODUCED LAST YEAR WITH 30 SCHOOLS TAKING PART.

THE ACHIEVEMENT WAS REMARKABLE AND THE PERFORMANCES WERE SO WELL RECEIVED THAT IT WAS DECIDED TO INCLUDE CHINESE DRAMA.

"THIRTY-THREE SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S ENGLISH COMPETITION,” MR LI SAID.

APART FROM A CASH GRANT OF $1,000 TO EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL TOWARDS THE COST OF PRODUCING A PLAY, ASSISTANCE IN SCRIPT WRITING, PRODUCTION OF PLAY AS WELL AS TRAINING AND OUT-REACHING SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

/TEACHERS OF .......

TEACHERS OF THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND TRAINING COURSES CONDUCTED BY THE ACADEMY AND THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY.

THE CURTAIN WILL RISE FROM 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 PERFORM AT A GALA EVENING TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE IN MAY.

- - 0 - -

TWO GOVT SITES TO LET BY TENDER *****

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF TWO GOVERMENT LOTS.

A SITE OF 5,250 SQUARE METRES IN AREA 35, TSUEN WAN, IS FOR A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK.

THE SECOND SITE, OCCUPYING 1,980 SQUARE METRES, IS AT A KUNG NGAM, HONG KONG.

IT IS FOR CONCRETE BATCHING INCLUDING THE HANDLING OF AGGREGATE AND CEMENT BUT EXCLUDING ROCK CRUSHING; AND/OR A WORKS AREA WITH ASSOCIATED VEHICLE PARKING; AND/OR AN OPEN STORAGE AREA (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS) OR A FEE PAYING CAR/LORRY PARKING AREA (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES).

THE INITIAL TENANCY FOR THE SITES IS TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF HONG KONG EAST AND TSUEN WAN; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 21.

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/14

’DRAW A HAPPY LIFE TOGETHER’ COMIC STORY DESIGN COMPETITION * * * * * *

THOSE WHO HAVE CREATIVE IDEAS IN PROMOTING ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE AND CAN PRESENT THEM IN DRAWING ARE NOW ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN A ’’DRAW A HAPPY LIFE TOGETHER” COMIC STORY DESIGN COMPETITION.

ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP, THE COMPETITION IS TO ENCOURAGE AND INSTIL IN YOUNGSTERS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE AND ”SAY NO TO ALL DRUGS”.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): ’’PARTICIPANTS SHOULD DEVELOP A STORY WITH THE THEME ’ENJOY A HAPPY LIFE WITHOUT DRUGS’.

’’THROUGH CREATIVE PROCESS, THEY WILL LEARN NOT ONLY HOW TO PROMOTE A HAPPY LIFE MESSAGE BUT ALSO THE WAYS TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS,” HE ADDED.

THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THE PRIMARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL AND OPEN DIVISIONS. TOP THREE WINNERS OF EACH DIVISION WILL BE EACH AWARDED WITH A TROPHY AND COUPON VALUE BETWEEN $300 TO $3,000.

ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE NARCOTICS DIVISION ON 23RD FLOOR OF QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION BY JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.

TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S DRUG PROBLEM AND THE TECHNIQUE IN COMIC DRAWING, A COMIC DRAWING SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON DECEMBER 15 IN FJ 304 LECTURE ROOM OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

ADMISSION TICKETS IS AVAILABLE AT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION.

ENQUIRIES COULD BE MADE ON TEL. 867 2762.

- - 0 - -

SOUTHERN DB TO REPORT WORK ♦ ♦ * *

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL REPORT ITS WORK TO MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES AT A SEMINAR TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL. IT WILL BEGIN AT 7.15 PM.

THE ANNUAL SEMINAR IS THE THIRD ONE IN THE BOARD’S THREE-YEAR TERM, AND IS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH AREA COMMITTEES.

ABOUT 100 AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AND DISCUSS DISTRICT AFFAIRS WITH BOARD MEMBERS.

/THE SOUTHERN

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN, AND OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL ALSO TAKE PART.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE SEMINAR FOLLOWS A SERIES OF SEVEN SIMILAR FORUMS HELD EARLIER BY AREA COMMITTEES FOR THE DISTRICT’S MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETS AREA COMMITTEES" SEMINAR TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE. THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 7.15 PM.

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

SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ON SATURDAY ******

A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES TO MARK THE SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION DAY WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 8) IN SAI KUNG.

ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, THE ACTIVITIES ARE AIMED AT ENHANCING THE CIVIC AWARENESS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.

DETAILS OF THE ACTIVITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

PROGRAMME TIME VENUE

CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION 3 PM - 9.30 PM SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL

DAY CAMP 9 AM - 3 PM SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE

EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR ON ELECTION 10 AM - 5 PM TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL, TSUI LAM ESTATE

SEMINAR AND VISIT ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 9 AM - 6 PM TSUI LAM (YOUTH CENTRE TSUI LAM ESTATE

CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL 2.30 PM - 5.30 PM RENNIE’S MILL MIDDLE SCHOOL

/KARAOKI CONCERT .......

KARAOKI CONCERT

PO LAM CIVIC EDUCATION DAY

7.30 PM - 9 PM

3 PM - 9 PM

SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL

PO LAM YOUTH CENTRE, PO LAM ESTATE.

ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 792 4455 EXT. 25.

IN THE ACTIVITIES.

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

CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

*****

SECONDARY STUDENTS IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL TAKE PART IN A RUBBISH BIN REDECORATING CONTEST AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AT A CARNIVAL IN VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9).

ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE CARNIVAL AIMS TO BRING HOME THE MESSAGE OF BUILDING A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.

AN EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD TO DRAW RESIDENTS’ ATTENTION TO VARIOUS TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PROBLEMS.

THE THREE-HOUR CARNIVAL WILL ALSO INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW, STALL GAMES AND A COLOURING GAME FOR CHILDREN.

COUPONS FOR THE STALL GAMES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE ASSISTANT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SANDY CHAN; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HONG KONG) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN CHI-SUM; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR WONG MING-KUEN.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9) AT THE VICTORIA PARK FOOTBALL PITCHES.

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/17........

BANQUET FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN SHAM SHUI PO ******

A BANQUET WILL BE HELD FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO AT THE FU SHING RESTAURANT IN NAM CHEONG STREET NEXT THURSDAY (DECEMBER 13).

IT IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON THE PREFERENTIAL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY TO CELEBRATE THE COMING DISTRICT FESTIVAL.

RESIDENTS AGED 65 AND ABOVE ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FEAST.

ADMISSION TICKETS AT $10 PER PERSON WILL BE ON SALE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9) BEGINNING AT 9 AM AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

CHEUNG SHA WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE,

55 FAT TSEUNG STREET;

NAM CHEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE,

CHEONG SAN LANE, NAM CHEONG ESTATE;

TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE,

17 TONG YAM STREET, TAI HANG TUNG;

LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL, LAI KOK ESTATE,

SHAM SHUI PO;

PAK TIN COMMUNITY HALL, PODIUM,

BLOCK 3, PAK TIN ESTATE; AND

SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL,

BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE,

NAM CHEONG STREET.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1990 CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CS' VISIT TO GUANGDONG AND GUANGXI ..................................... 1

STABLE EXCHANGE RATE CENTRAL TO MONETARY MANAGEMENT..................... 1

HK REMAINS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITIES .................................... 4

JOINT STATEMENT ON '111 VIETNAMESE' .................................... 6

OPEN GENERAL SUPPLY LICENCE GAZETTED ................................... 6

EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL ON 15 MORE CHEMICALS ..........................• 7

REGULATIONS TO ENHANCE INSURANCE SUPERVISION ........................... 7

NT SITES OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS ................................ 8

PREQUALIFICATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL INVITED ............. 10

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAW COVERS CATERING TRADE ............................ 11

SUSPECTED HEROIN SEIZED ................................................ 11

RECLAMATION PROJECTS IN TUEN MUN, HEI LING CHAU ........................ 12

RS URGES RESIDENTS TO VOTE ............................................. 12

PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS ................................................. 13

FESTIVE LIGHTING SWITCHED ON IN MONG KOK ............................... 15

SOCIAL CENTRES ESSENTIAL TO NEEDS OF ELDERLY ........................... 15

FUN-FILLED EVENTS FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS ................................ 16

FOOTPATH TO BE CLOSED FOR HOUSING ESTATE CONSTRUCTION ON LANTAU......... 16

MONG KOK MEI ON STREET TO BE RESUMED AND REBUILT........................ 17

FOOTBRIDGE AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SHA TIN ............................... 18

AMENDED TIME FOR FIRING PRACTICE ....................................... 18

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHOI HA ROAD NORTHERN EXTENSION WORKS ........... 19

CS’ VISIT TO GUANGDONG AND GUANGXI ******

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL VISIT GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND THE GUANGXI ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION FROM DECEMBER 10 TO 14 .

IN GUANGDONG, HE WILL BE MEETING SENIOR PROVINCIAL LEADERS FOR DISCUSSIONS ON A RANGE OF SUBJECTS OF MUTUAL CONCERN. HE WILL BE TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT EXAMPLES OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT BY HONG KONG COMPANIES AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ECONOMIC ISSUES.

IN GUANGXI, HE WILL BE MEETING SENIOR REGIONAL LEADERS FOR DISCUSSIONS IN NANNING, AS WELL AS VISITING THE COASTAL CITY OF BEIHAI.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER, MR STEPHEN BRADLEY.

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STABLE EXCHANGE RATE CENTRAL TO MONETARY MANAGEMENT

******

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, IS TAKING FORWARD A PROPOSAL TO REORGANISE THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH THROUGH THE AMALGAMATION OF THE MONETARY POLICY AND EXCHANGE FUND DIVISIONS INTO A NEW OFFICE WITHIN THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.

TO BE NAMED THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, THIS NEW UNIT WILL HAVE CLEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR MONETARY MANAGEMENT AND RESERVE MANAGEMENT, AND WILL BE HEADED BY A DIRECTOR REPORTING TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, AND THROUGH HIM TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEoh MEETING OF THE FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES INSTITUTE (HK) LTD TODAY (FRIDAY), SIR PIERS SAID HE HOPED THE SETTING UP OF THIS NEW OFFICE WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN PEOPLE WITH THE RIGHT EXPERTISE.

"WE NEED TO BE ABLE AND BE SEEN TO BE ABLE, TO TAKE FAIR, DECISIVE AND APPROPRIATE ACTION WHERE NECESSARY; TO INTRODUCE REFORM WHERE NECESSARY; TO DESIGN CONTINGENCY PLANS TO COPE WITH UNFORESEEN CRISES; AND TO HANDLE EFFECTIVELY ANY CRISES THAT MAY ARISE.

"ALTHOUGH I AM MORE THAN SATISFIED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EXISTING TEAM UNDER THE EXISTING ORGANISATION, I AM AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF BEING OVERLY DEPENDENT UPON THE SKILLS OF A FEW INDIVIDUALS. THE PROPOSED REORGANISATION WILL IN TIME ALLEVIATE THE SITUATION," HE SAID.

/HE EMPHASISED

HE EMPHASISED THAT THERE WAS NO INTENTION FOR THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, WHEN ESTABLISHED, TO ASSUME FURTHER, SIGNIFICANT CENTRAL BANKING ROLES.

"THE ROLES WE ARE NOT PERFORMING INCLUDE THE ISSUING OF BANK NOTES, MANAGING THE CLEARING HOUSE AND PROVIDING RETAIL BANKING SERVICES TO THE GOVERNMENT.

"AND I DO NOT THINK THERE IS ANY NEED WHATSOEVER FOR US TO ASSUME ANY OF THESE ROLES IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE,” HE ADDED.

ON THE SUBJECT OF WHETHER INTEREST RATES COULD BE USED TO ASSIST IN THE CURBING OF INFLATION, SIR PIERS SAID HE TOOK THE SIMPLE VIEW THAT HIGH INTEREST RATES WERE HELPFUL IN CURBING INFLATION IN A SITUATION WHEN THERE WAS RAPID CREDIT EXPANSION.

"AND TO THE EXTENT THAT EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY IS NOT AFFECTED, I AM NOT AVERSE TO USING INTEREST RATES CAUTIOUSLY FOR THIS PURPOSE," HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT EARLIER THIS YEAR HONG KONG EXPERIENCED A RAPID RATE OF CREDIT EXPANSION.

"IN 1989, THE GROWTH RATE OF LOANS WAS ABOUT 30 PER CENT. AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLIC SENTIMENT SEEMED TO BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A PERCEPTION THAT THERE HAD BEEN A HUGE OUTFLOW OF MONEY FROM HONG KONG.

"THE EXCHANGE RATE WAS ON THE WEAKER SIDE OF 7.80, ALTHOUGH NOT SIGNIFICANTLY SO. THIS PROVIDED US WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO TIGHTEN INTERBANK LIQUIDITY AND PUSH INTERBANK INTEREST RATES HIGHER, TO LEVELS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES," HE SAID.

"THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS CORRESPONDINGLY INCREASED DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES BY ONE FULL PERCENTAGE POINT IN APRIL THIS YEAR, AND THE MAJOR BANKS ALSO INCREASED THEIR BEST LENDING RATES.

"AS A RESULT, AND PARTLY AS A REFLECTION OF THE GENERAL SLOW DOWN IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, WE SAW A QUITE SIGNIFICANT DOWNWARD TREND IN THE RATE OF CREDIT EXPANSION. LOANS GREW AT AN ANNUALISED RATE OF ABOUT 14 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER BUT CAME SHARPLY DOWN TO FIVE PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER.

"AT THESE GROWTH RATES, I DOUBT VERY MUCH IF CREDIT EXPANSION WAS STILL CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANTLY TO INFLATION," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT WITH HONG KONG DOLLAR INTEREST RATES HIGHER THAN THOSE OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, FUNDS WERE ATTRACTED INTO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, AND THE EXCHANGE RATE STRENGTHENED TO ABOUT 7.75.

ALTHOUGH AT THAT LEVEL THE EXCHANGE RATE WAS NOT CAUSING US ANY CONCERN, THERE WAS NO NEED TO CREATE A CREDIT CRUNCH EITHER, HE SAID.

WITH CREDIT EXPANSION AT AN HISTORICALLY LOW RATE, THE NEED FOR MAINTAINING INTEREST RATES AT LEVELS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THOSE FOR THE U.S. DOLLAR FELL AWAY; HENCE THE TWO HALF-PER CENT CUTS IN INTEREST RATES IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, AND THE RETURN OF THE EXCHANGE RATE BACK TO AROUND 7.80.

/"WE ARE .......

"WE ARE CONTINUING TO WATCH DEVELOPMENTS ON THIS FRONT CAREFULLY AND ARE IN CLOSE DIALOGUE WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS," HE SAID.

EARLIER, SIR PIERS SAID "THE MAINTENANCE OF EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY IS THE TOP PRIORITY OF MONETARY MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG” AND "THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM HAS UNDOUBTEDLY PLAYED A VITAL PART IN SECURING THAT STABILITY".

"AS THE AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR MONETARY MANAGEMENT, I NEED TO ENSURE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THAT WE ARE IN A POSITION TO CONTINUE TO DELIVER TO THE PEOPLE AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG, AND THOSE WHO DEAL WITH THEM, A STABLE CURRENCY.

"THIS REQUIRES DILIGENT CARE IN DEALING WITH ANY SHORTCOMINGS IN OUR SYSTEM. IN OTHER WORDS, WE MUST SEEK TO ENSURE THAT OUR SYSTEM CAN WITHSTAND SHOCKS AND THAT THE STABILITY OF OUR CURRENCY IS NOT UNDERMINED," HE SAID.

HIGHLIGHTING VARIOUS MONETARY MANAGEMENT REFORM MEASURES INTRODUCED IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, SIR PIERS SAID THE ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS WHICH STARTED IN 1988 ENABLED THE GOVERNMENT, MORE PARTICULARLY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, TO INFLUENCE THE LEVEL OF INTERBANK LIQUIDITY AND INTERBANK INTEREST RATES EFFECTIVELY.

"IT IS NOW THE ULTIMATE PROVIDER OF LIQUIDITY TO THE BANKING SYSTEM. IN THIS RESPECT THE BRANCH PLAYS THE SAME ROLE AS THAT OF A CENTRAL BANK OR MONETARY AUTHORITY IN SOME OTHER TERRITORIES’."

HE WENT ON TO POINT OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT EXERCISED ITS INFLUENCE ON INTERBANK CONDITIONS THROUGH THE ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS ONLY SPARINGLY.

"THE INTERBANK MARKET IS OTHERWISE LEFT VERY MUCH ALONE.

"WHEN WE DO INTERVENE TO REDUCE OR INCREASE THE LEVEL OF INTERBANK LIQUIDITY, THERE IS ON ALL OCCASIONS TOTAL TRANSPARENCY AND CLARITY OF PURPOSE.

"IN MOST CASES WHEN WE INTERVENE OUR PRIME OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT INTERBANK INTEREST RATES ARE AT LEVELS WHICH ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF A STABLE EXCHANGE RATE AT AROUND 7.80," HE SAID.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS MARKET WAS IN RESPONSE TO THE NEED FOR A WIDER RANGE OF INSTRUMENTS FOR MONETARY OPERATIONS, IF ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROPERLY MANAGING THE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND ENSURING GREATER COST EFFECTIVENESS.

"THE PROGRAM FOR THE ISSUE OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS STARTED IN MARCH THIS YEAR. THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF THE MARKET MAKERS AND RECOGNISED DEALERS, WE NOW HAVE AN INTERESTING MARKET WITH ENCOURAGING POTENTIAL.

/"ALL ISSUES .......

"ALL ISSUES ARE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER SUBSCRIBED AT TENDER, AND TRADING IN THE SECONDARY MARKET HAS BEEN ACTIVE. ON AVERAGE, THERE IS A TURNOVER OF NEARLY HK$2 BILLION A DAY. ON THE MOST ACTIVE DAY RECORDED SO FAR, THERE WAS A TURNOVER OF NEARLY HK$6 BILLION, ROUGHLY EQUAL TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS OUTSTANDING AT THAT TIME.

"THE EXTENSION OF THE PROGRAM TO INCLUDE BIWEEKLY ISSUES OF 182-DAY BILLS WAS ALSO WELL RECEIVED. IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE, WE MAY WISH TO TRY OUT 364-DAY BILLS IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.

SIR PIERS HAD INDICATED IN HIS SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 31 THIS YEAR THAT THERE MIGHT BE A NEED FOR JUDICIOUS BORROWING BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR FINANCING MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECTS AND SMOOTHING PUBLIC SECTOR CASH FLOW.

"THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS PROGRAM HAS PUT US IN A POSITION THAT ENABLES US TO DO SO IN HOUSE AND AT SHORT NOTICE. THIS IS ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT WE RUN A PAPERLESS MARKET EVEN FOR TREASURY BONDS.

"BUT FOR THE TIME BEING I WISH TO KEEP OUR OPTIONS OPEN. IN DEVELOPING A PROGRAM OF BORROWING, IT IS LIKELY THAT WE WOULD MAKE USE OF THE EXISTING MARKET MAKERS AND RECOGNISED DEALERS.

"I HOPE THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTIVE, BECAUSE I CERTAINLY SEE GOOD BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM IN THE YEARS AHEAD,” HE SAID.

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

HK REMAINS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITIES *****

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, HAS ASSURED GERMAN BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS THAT HONG KONG REMAINS A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN FIND OPPORTUNITIES AND PROFIT FROM.

SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR IN COLOGNE DURING HIS EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION TRIP, MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS NOT WITHOUT UNCERTAINTIES, BUT NEITHER DID 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 FOR AND PROFIT FROM COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES.

"IN ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE OF EXPANDING BUSINESS INTEREST IN EASTERN EUROPE, I URGE YOU TO CONTINUE FOCUSING ON THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, IN PARTICULAR HONG KONG," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID BUSINESS TIES BETWEEN GERMANY AND HONG KONG WERE STRONG, AND GERMANY WAS HONG KONG’S FIFTH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER.

BY THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 1989, GERMANY’S TOTAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG WAS ABOUT US$530 MILLION. THERE WERE ABOUT 400 GERMAN FIRMS HAVING A PRESENCE IN THE TERRITORY, SECOND ONLY IN NUMBER TO JAPAN.

/"AMONG THE .......

’’AMONG THE INCREASING NUMBER OF FOREIGN FIRMS ARE THOSE WHICH USE HONG KONG AS A BASE TO PROMOTE THEIR BUSINESS INTERESTS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION," MR BARMA SAID.

QUOTING A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT THIS SUMMER, MR BARMA SAID WHILE THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN REMAINED HONG KONG'S BIGGEST OVERSEAS INVESTORS IN ITS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN 1989 GERMAN INVESTMENT HAD GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY, AND RANKED SEVENTH.

"IN 1984, YOUR TOTAL INVESTMENT WAS VALUED AT US$14.4 MILLION. BY 1989, THIS HAD INCREASED FOUR-FOLD TO US$74.8 MILLION. THIS REFLECTS YOUR GROWING CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE THIS TREND CONTINUE IN FUTURE," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID GERMAN COMPANIES WERE WELCOME, NOT ONLY TO SET UP TRADING OFFICES IN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO TO USE HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE.

"INDEED, GERMAN PRODUCTS HAVE FOR LONG BEEN PRIZED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION FOR THEIR LEGENDARY QUALITY AND DURABILITY.

"AND ONE GERMAN COMPANY WHICH SET UP A PRODUCTION PLANT IN HONG KONG, MELITTA, MANUFACTURER OF ELECTRIC COFFEE MACHINES, RECENTLY WON OUR HIGHEST AWARD FOR QUALITY, THE GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY," HE SAID.

MR BARMA SAID A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES HAD RECOGNISED THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG'S INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES AND STARTED THEIR NEW FACILITIES IN THE TERRITORY.

THE MORE NOTABLE RECENT PROJECTS INCLUDED THE SETTING UP BY HOECHST OF A CHEMICAL PROCESSING PLANT TO PRODUCE TEXTILE ANCILLARIES AND THE ACQUISITION BY VITELIC CORPORATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF A HONG KONG SEMICONDUCTOR FOUNDRY TO UPGRADE ITS FACILITIES TO PRODUCE SUB-MICRON FIVE-INCH WAFERS.

FOR 1990, THE TOTAL INVESTMENT IN THIS VITELIC OPERATION IN HONG KONG WAS ABOUT US$10 MILLION.

HE SAID CONCORDIA PAPER LTD, A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN A CHINESE STATE ORGANISATION AND A HONG KONG PRIVATE COMPANY, HAD SET UP A PAPER RECYCLING PLANT TO PRODUCE PAPER BOARD. THE VALUE OF THIS INVESTMENT WAS OVER US$20 MILLION.

OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDED DAIWA STEEL TUBE OF JAPAN'S SETTING UP OF A SUBSIDIARY TO MAKE HOT-DIP GALVANISED STEEL TUBES IN HONG KONG (TOTAL INVESTMENT AMOUNTING TO US$8 MILLION), AND THE DECISION BY MONTEDISON OF ITALY TO SET UP A PLANT IN HONG KONG TO MANUFACTURE POLYSTYRENE (TOTAL INVESTMENT AMOUNTING TO ABOUT US$13 MILLION).

AT THE SEMINAR, WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF GERMAN INDUSTRIES, MR BARMA ALSO SHOWED AN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION FILM, ENTITLED "HONG KONG WORKS", TO ILLUSTRATE IN BROAD TERMS THE ADVANTAGES OF HONG KONG FOR CERTAIN KINDS OF MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS.

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

/6 ........

JOINT STATEMENT ON '111 VIETNAMESE’ * * * * *

THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE IS JOINTLY ISSUED BY THE UNHCR AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY):

"AFTER CONSULTATION BETWEEN UNHCR AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IT WAS AGREED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE 111 VIETNAMESE WHO HAD BEEN ATTEMPTING TO SAIL DIRECTLY TO JAPAN IN MAY 1989 IN BOAT 101 AND WERE GRANTED A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS IN THE HIGH COURT RECENTLY, ARE TO BE TREATED IN THE SAME CATEGORY AS THOSE PERSONS WHO ARRIVED IN PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM IN THE REGION PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF PROCEDURES FOR THE DETERMINATION OF REFUGEE STATUS, IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION. THEY WILL NOW THEREFORE BE ELIGIBLE FOR RESETTLEMENT.

"BOTH PARTIES RECOGNISED THAT THE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS CASE, IN THE LIGHT OF THE FACTS AS ESTABLISHED BY THE HIGH COURT, CALLED FOR A SPEEDY AND HUMANITARIAN SOLUTION. IT WAS ALSO STRESSED THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON FUTURE ARRIVALS, AS EVERY VIETNAMESE ASYLUM SEEKER ARRIVING IN THE REGION IS NOW SUBJECT TO SCREENING."

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

OPEN GENERAL SUPPLY LICENCE GAZETTED

*****

AN OPEN GENERAL SUPPLY LICENCE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) IN CONNECTION WITH THE IRAQ AND KUWAIT (UNITED NATIONS SANCTIONS) ORDER 1990.

THE PROVISIONS OF THE LICENCE ALLOW THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF GOODS TO A LIST OF AUTHORISED RECIPIENTS PROVIDED THEY ARE NOT DESTINED FOR IRAQ AND KUWAIT OR FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY BUSINESS CARRIED ON OR OPERATED FROM THE TWO COUNTRIES.

DETAILS OF THE OPEN GENERAL SUPPLY LICENCE AND THE NAMES OF AUTHORISED RECIPIENTS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 398 5555.

_ - 0 - -

/7........

EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL ON 15 MORE CHEMICALS *****

FIFTEEN MORE CHEMICALS CAPABLE OF BEING USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TOXICOLOGICAL AGENTS FOR MILITARY USE WILL BE BROUGHT UNDER EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 10).

DETAILS OF THE LICENSING CONTROL ARE SET OUT IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) (NO. 4) ORDER 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

A PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, MR F.W. LEUNG, SAID CONTROL OF THESE 15 CHEMICALS WAS IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL ON 21 OTHER CHEMICALS INTRODUCED SINCE FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.

’’THE CHANGE IS PART OF A CONTINUING EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHERS IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO PREVENT PROLIFERATION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS.

"THE CONTROL ON THE EXPORT OF A NUMBER OF CHEMICALS IS BASICALLY A PREVENTIVE MEASURE. AT PRESENT, THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THE TRADE THROUGH HONG KONG HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROBLEM OF PROLIFERATION,” MR LEUNG SAID.

THE DEPARTMENT IS NOTIFYING THE TRADE OF DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENT BY CIRCULAR LETTER.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXTILES) BRANCH, TRADE DEPARTMENT, TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, FIFTH FLOOR, 700 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON (TEL. NOS. 398 5576 AND 398 5577).

- - 0 - -

REGULATIONS TO ENHANCE INSURANCE SUPERVISION

******

REGULATIONS WHICH REQUIRE AUTHORISED INSURERS TO SUBMIT TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY THE ACCOUNTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO THEIR HONG KONG GENERAL INSURANCE BUSINESS IN PRESCRIBED FORMS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF THIRD SCHEDULE) REGULATIONS 1990, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF THE INSURERS’ REPORTING REQUIREMENTS WOULD ENABLE THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO PERFORM HIS PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS MORE EFFECTIVELY.

’’THE ANNUAL RETURNS FOR GENERAL BUSINESS INSURANCE PRESENTLY SUBMITTED BY AUTHORISED INSURERS TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY ONLY RELATE TO THEIR GLOBAL BUSINESS.

/"THESE REGULATIONS

"THESE REGULATIONS EXTEND THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO COVER PRESCRIBED ANNUAL RETURNS ON INSURERS’ HONG KONG GENERAL BUSINESS.

"WITH SUCH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO IDENTIFY AN INDIVIDUAL INSURER’S GENERAL BUSINESS EXPOSURE IN HONG KONG AND OBTAIN AN ENHANCED INSIGHT INTO AN INSURER’S OPERATING RESULTS, AND BUSINESS PORTFOLIO AND INTO CLAIMS DEVELOPMENTS OF ITS BUSINESS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"MOREOVER, THE PRESCRIBED FORMAT WILL ENABLE INDUSTRY-WIDE STATISTICS TO BE COMPILED SO THAT THERE CAN BE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL INSURANCE MARKET," HE POINTED OUT.

THE FIRST SET OF RETURNS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED IS IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1990; AND IN CASE AN INSURER HAS A FINANCIAL YEAR-END OTHER THAN DECEMBER 31, THE FIRST FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING THEREAFTER.

THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS BEEN IN CONSULTATION WITH THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE REGULATIONS. THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE GENERAL INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF INSURERS HAVE ALL GIVEN THEIR SUPPORT TO THIS AMENDMENT.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE ON 12TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, OR ON TEL. 867 2565.

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

NT SITES OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS *****

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A/B) TO TENDER FOR FIVE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

TWO OF THE LOTS ARE IN FANLING FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL, EXCLUDING GODOWN, PURPOSES BUT RESIDENTIAL ONLY ABOVE LEVEL 3.

ONE OF THEM IS LOCATED IN AREA 47A AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 13,530 SQUARE METRES.

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 43,269 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.

THE OTHER ONE IS IN AREA 43, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 17,960 SQUARE METRES.

/THE BUILDING .......

THE BUILDING COVENANT PROVIDES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 87,501 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1995.

THE THIRD LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 14B, YUEN SHUN CIRCUIT, SHA TIN, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,100 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL, EXCLUDING GODOWN, RESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL, PURPOSES.

A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,878 SQUARE METRES MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1995.

ANOTHER SHA TIN SITE, SITUATED IN AREA 100, MA ON SHAN TOWN CENTRE, COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 17,220 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND HOTEL) AND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE PURPOSES.

THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE ON THE SITE BEFORE THE FIRST OCCUPATION PERMIT (INCLUDING TEMPORARY OCCUPATION PERMIT) IS ISSUED AND IN ANY EVENT WITHIN 48 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSSESSION OF THE LOT. *

HE IS ALSO REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 52,380 SQUARE METRES WITHIN THE 48-MONTH PERIOD.

THE FIFTH LOT OFFERED FOR TENDER IS LOCATED IN AREA 18, TSEUNG KWAN O, SAI KUNG.

THE 4,850-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL, EXCLUDING GODOWN, PURPOSES AND THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 24,658 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1995.

APPLICANTS FOR THE ABOVE LOTS 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 TENDERS.

A "VINTAGE" TENDER WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON JANUARY 4 NEXT YEAR.

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, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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

/10........

PREQUALIFICATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL INVITED

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING INTERESTED PARTIES TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE TUNNEL’S ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT AND PLANT.

A NOTICE ON THE PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WOULD BE SHORTLISTED AND INVITED TO TENDER FOR A MANAGEMENT CONTRACT.

A SINGLE CONTRACT WOULD BE AWARDED FOR THREE YEARS WITH AN OPTION FOR THE EXTENSION FOR FURTHER PERIODS SUBJECT TO AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CONTRACT HOLDER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE CONTRACT WOULD COMMENCE SOME TIME BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND DECEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR, HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AND PROVIDE PROOF OF NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF A TOLL TUNNEL OR HIGHWAY.

"IN ADDITION, APPLICANTS SHALL HAVE AND PROVIDE PROOF OF EXPERIENCE IN OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TUNNEL AND TUNNEL ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT AND PLANT.

"ALTERNATIVELY ABILITY TO ENGAGE THE EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES IN THIS ASPECT FROM ACCEPTABLE SOURCES EXPERIENCED IN TUNNEL EQUIPMENT AND PLANT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.

"THEY SHALL SUBMIT SUFFICIENT AND RELEVANT MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION AS STIPULATED IN THE PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENT TO ENABLE ASSESSMENTS TO BE MADE ON THEIR SUITABILITY OF BEING QUALIFIED TO TENDER.

"THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED ENQUIRIES FROM OVERSEAS COMPANIES EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THE CONTRACT. IN THIS CONNECTION, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO PLACE ADVERTISEMENTS IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND HAS WRITTEN TO LOCAL CONSULATES AND TRADE COMMISSIONS NOTIFYING THEM OF THE INVITATION FOR PREQUALIFICATION," HE SAID.

PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 40TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), 20 LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 11, NEXT YEAR.

/Il ........

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAW COVERS CATERING TRADE

*****

ALL WORKERS IN THE CATERING TRADE WILL BE PROTECTED AGAINST WORK HAZARDS UNDER NEWLY-AMENDED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LEGISLATION.

THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH WILL BRING ALL RESTAURANTS AND EATING ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER THE DEFINITION OF AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

"AS A RESULT OF THE EXTENSION OF THE LAW, IT IS EXPECTED THAT ANOTHER 162,000 EMPLOYEES, OR A FURTHER SIX PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE, WILL COME UNDER ITS PROTECTION," A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

"THE LAW IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO EFFECT NEXT DECEMBER TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE CATERING TRADE TO MAKE NECESSARY PREPARATION FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE LEGISLATION," HE EXPLAINED.

TO COINCIDE WITH THE CHANGE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS WERE ALSO MADE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN AGED 13 TO 14 COULD CONTINUE TO BE EMPLOYED IN CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS.

"THEY ARE, HOWEVER, GENERALLY PERMITTED TO WORK ONLY IN THE NON-KITCHEN AREAS OF SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS, AS WELL AS IN OTHER NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS BEING OBSERVED," HE STRESSED.

THE REGULATIONS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO TAKE EFFECT FROM DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.

MEANWHILE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL MOUNT A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AMONG CATERING PERSONNEL AND OTHER PARTIES CONCERNED TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AND TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLYING WITH THE NEW LEGISLATION.

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

SUSPECTED HEROIN SEIZED

* * * * *

CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT THE MAN KAM TO CONTROL POINT SEIZED ABOUT $2.2 MILLION WORTH OF SUSPECTED NO. 4 HEROIN ON AN INCOMING LORRY THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

AT 4.20 PM, CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT THE CONTROL POINT INTERCEPTED THE LORRY FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION.

AT THE BACK OF THE FRONT-SEAT PASSENGER’S SEAT, CUSTOMS OFFICERS FOUND 12 BLOCKS OF SUSPECTED NO. 4 HEROIN WEIGHING A TOTAL OF 4.2 KG.

THE LORRY DRIVER, AGED 33, HAS BEEN DETAINED AND IS EXPECTED TO BE CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING IN A DANGEROUS DRUG LATER.

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

/12 ........

RECLAMATION PROJECTS IN TUEN MUN, HEI LING CHAU

******

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 8,750 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT YUNG LONG, TUEN MUN.

THIS IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A JETTY AND MARINE RECEPTION AREA FOR THE ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION.

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT A CARGO HANDLING PIER WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 4,250 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT HEI LING CHAU.

THE PIER WILL BE USED FOR HANDLING THE LARGE VOLUME OF CARGO SUCH AS RATIONS, CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS/FINISHED PRODUCTS AND FUEL FOR THE DAILY ACTIVITIES OF THE TWO DETENTION CENTRES AND TWO PENAL INSTITUTIONS ON THE ISLAND.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

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 FEBRUARY 6 NEXT 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 - -

RS URGES RESIDENTS TO VOTE *****

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED VOTERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE THREE ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.

MR LAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE "SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETS AREA COMMITTEES SEMINAR" AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL.

HE CALLED ON LOCAL RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES BY VOTING IN THE ELECTIONS, SO THAT BETTER REPRESENTATIVES CAN BE ELECTED TO HELP BUILD A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE TERRITORY.

HE WAS ALSO PLEASED TO NOTE THAT MORE THAN 10,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE REGISTERED AS ELECTORS IN THE LATEST CAMPAIGN, AN INCREASE OF 14 PER CENT OVER THAT OF LAST YEAR.

/ON THE

ON THE DB AND THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES, MR LAN SAID THEY WERE IMPORTANT CONSULTATION BODIES IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

’’THROUGH THEIR REGULAR CONTACTS WITH DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTARY BODIES, OPINIONS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS ON DISTRICT ISSUES CAN BE EFFECTIVELY REFLECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THEY HAD ALSO HELPED BOOST THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING.

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

PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS » » * ♦

DEMAND NOTES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR CROWN RENTS FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 25, 1990 IN RESPECT OF CROWN RENTS EXCEEDING $100 PER ANNUM.

PAYMENT MAY BE MADE BY POST ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, P.O. BOX 8000, GPO, HONG KONG,OR, IN PERSON, AT

* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, WANCHAI TOWER II, FIRST FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG;

♦ THE CENTRAL SUB-TREASURY,

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING),

11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;

* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, ODEON BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 28 SHU KUK STREET, HONG KONG;

* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, FOURTH FLOOR,

405 NATHAN ROAD (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON;

* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY,

MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING,

FIRST FLOOR, 348-352

PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON;

♦ THE DISTRICT OFFICES AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN OR KWAI TSING.

CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR DEMAND NOTES MAY BRING A CROWN RENT DEMAND NOTE OF ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD AND MAKE PAYMENT AT THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE OR ANY OF THE SUB-TREASURY OFFICES AT CENTRAL, NORTH POINT, YAU MA TEI AND KOWLOON CITY.

IF THE PAYERS CANNOT PRODUCE A CROWN RENT DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE CROWN RENT UNIT OF THE TREASURY AT WANCHAI TOWER II, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

/NON-RECEIPT OF .......

NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CROWN RENTS MUST BE PAID BY DECEMBER 25, 1990.

CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT IF THE WORDING "PAYMENT BY AUTOPAY AS AUTHORISED" IS SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES, PAYMENT OF CROWN RENT WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON DECEMBER 25, 1990.

THEY SHOULD THEN ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.

IF THE ABOVE WORDING IS NOT SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES, CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD MAKE PAYMENTS ACCORDING TO THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTES.

TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUEING, CROWN RENT PAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR . BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.

CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

* TO AVOID LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF A PROPERTY THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING OF THAT PROPERTY IS OBLIGED TO PAY CROWN RENT INCLUDING ANY ARREARS AS DEMANDED.

* THE CROWN RENT PAYABLE UNDER A LEASE OF A PROPERTY WHICH HAS BEEN RENEWED UNDER THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE (CAP. 40) AND REDEVELOPED, WILL BE THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THAT PROPERTY AS ASSESSED FOLLOWING THE REDEVELOPMENT.

PENDING COMPLETION OF THE ASSESSMENT AND OTHER RELATED PROCEDURES, CROWN RENT DEMANDS WILL BE BASED UPON THE PRE-REDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUE.

IN DUE COURSE, CROWN RENT FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RENT BASED UPON PRE- AND POST-REDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUES WILL BE DEMANDED AND THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING IS OBLIGED TO PAY THE RENT AS DEMANDED. IF HE DOES NOT, LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF THE PROPERTY MAY BE INSTITUTED.

PURCHASERS OF PROPERTY ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO INSTRUCT THEIR SOLICITORS TO ENSURE THAT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CROWN RENT IS PAID UP TO DATE.

IF A PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND HAS BEEN REDEVELOPED BUT THE RENTAL PAID UP TO THE DATE OF THE PURCHASE IS NOT BASED UPON AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY SINCE ITS REDEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATE STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE PURCHASER OR HIS SOLICITORS TO PROTECT THE PURCHASERS.

ENQUIRIES ON OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS IN RESPECT OF CROWN RENT MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES.

THE FEE IS $45 FOR EACH ENQUIRY PER PROPERTY.

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

/15 .......

FESTIVE LIGHTING SWITCHED ON IN MONG KOK * * * * *

THE FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS IN MONG KOK REFLECT THE ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BY RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY OF THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING, MR TSAO SAID THE LIGHTING WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS OF TIME AND MONEY BY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE DISTRICT.

WHILE PRAISING THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR ITS ACTIVE SUPPORT IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, MR TSAO ALSO HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS EVENT, ITS TIES WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND BUSINESS CONCERNS WOULD BE STRENGTHENED RESULTING IN A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.

’’THE DISTRICT BOARD ALSO HOPES THAT THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE WOULD BRING ABOUT MORE PROSPERITY TO THE DISTRICT.

’’ALL THESE OBJECTIVES COINCIDE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME,” HE SAID.

THE ILLUMINATIONS COST $800,000 TO MOUNT, AND WERE A JOINT EFFORT, OF THE 1990-91 MONG KOK CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING PROJECT ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

COLOURFUL LIGHTS AND BUNTING HAVE BEEN MOUNTED ALONG SECTIONS OF NATHAN ROAD, ARGYLE STREET AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND WILL BE SWITCHED ON UNTIL JANUARY 6, AND FROM FEBRUARY 8 TO MARCH 1 FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.

- - 0 - -

SOCIAL CENTRES ESSENTIAL TO NEEDS OF ELDERLY ♦ * * ♦ ♦

SOCIAL CENTRES SERVE A VERY USEFUL FUNCTION THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND MUTUAL HELP PROGRAMMES TO MEET THE RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHUNG SING BENEVOLENT SOCIETY MRS AW BOON HAW SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE CHUNG SING BENEVOLENT SOCIETY SOCIAL SERVICE OFFICE AT WO LOK ESTATE, KWUN TONG, MR CARTLAND SAID 55 MORE SOCIAL CENTRES HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

”AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 118 SUCH CENTRES IN THE TERRITORY SERVING THE GREAT MAJORITY OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS,” HE ADDED.

MR CARTLAND EXTENDED HIS APPRECIATION FOR THE GENEROSITY OF MRS AW BOON HAW, WHO HAD MADE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION IN THE FORM OF A SUBSTANTIAL DONATION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COSTS OF THE CENTRE OPENED TODAY.

- - 0 - -

/16

FUN-FILLED EVENTS FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS

*****

SHA TIN RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN TWO FUN-FILLED EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9).

A ’’KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN” EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL SQUARE BETWEEN 11 AM AND 4 PM.

ON DISPLAY WILL BE THE WINNING ENTRIES OF THE ESSAY, CALLIGRAPHY, SLOGAN, DRAWING AND COLOURING COMPETITIONS FOR STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT THE CEREMONY AT 11 AM.

IN THE AFTERNOON, RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE ’’HOME SECURITY CARNIVAL” AT THE VIEWING TERRACE IN THE CENTRAL PARK, SHA TIN, STARTING 2 PM.

OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG; THE DISTRICT FiGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTEIN WONG; AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM.

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION, CHINESE DANCES, KUNG FU AND PERFORMANCES BY A ROBOTCOP, THE POLICE PIPE BAND, POLICE DOGS AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9).

- - 0 - -

FOOTPATH TO BE CLOSED FOR HOUSING ESTATE CONSTRUCTION ON LANTAU

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CLOSE A FOOTPATH IN TAI O, LANTAU ISLAND TO FACILITATE THE PHASE 2 CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.

A FOOTPATH WITHIN THE SITE OF THE LUNG TIN ESTATE WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURES OF THE PHASE 2 OF THE HOUSING ESTATE, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN MAY NEXT YEAR.

TEMPORARY ACCESS BY-PASSING THE SITE TO TAI 0 TOWN AND TAI O ROAD WILL BE PROVIDED.

/A PERMANENT

A PERMANENT PEDESTRIAN WALK-WAY LINKING TAI O TOWN AND TAI O ROAD WITHIN THE PROPOSED ESTATE SITE WILL BE PROVIDED UPON COMPLETION OF THE HOUSING ESTATE.

A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

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;

* ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HARBOUR BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;

* ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, HARBOUR BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

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 FEBRUARY 5, NEXT YEAR.

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

MONG KOK MEI ON STREET TO BE RESUMED AND REBUILT * * * * *

THE ON STREET,

HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME AND RECONSTRUCT A PRIVATE STREET IN MONG KOK, KOWLOON.

MEI

MEI ON STREET IS AT PRESENT NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND MANAGED BECAUSE IT IS UNDER MULTIPLE-SUBDIVIDED OWNERSHIP.

AS A RESULT, IT IS GENERALLY IN MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT GIVING RISE PROBLEMS.

POOR CONDITION IN TERMS OF TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND ACCESS

THE PROJECT PROPOSED BY RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CARRIAGEWAYS, WORKS.

THE DEPARTMENT COMPRISES THE FOOTWAYS, AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT

THE REPAIR WORK IS PROGRAMMED TO COMMENCE BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

A NOTICE OF THE WORK IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:

THE PUBLIC

/* CENTRAL AND .......

* 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, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;

* MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.

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

FOOTBRIDGE AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SHA TIN

*****

CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TAI SHUI HANG VILLAGE AT MA ON SHAN AS PART OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN - STAGE II DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

THE PROJECT WILL COMPRISE A FOOTBRIDGE, SITE FORMATION, ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS, SERVICING FACILITIES, MINOR FORMATION AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 4 NEXT YEAR.

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

AMENDED TIME FOR FIRING PRACTICE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE AMENDED TIME FOR FIRING PRACTICE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON DECEMBER 11 (TUESDAY) WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE PRACTICE WILL LAST FROM 8.30 AM TO 11.59 PM.

THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.

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

/19.........

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHOI »

HA ROAD NORTHERN EXTENSION WORKS * * * »

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE AUTHORISED WORKS OF EXTENDING CHOI HA ROAD NORTHWARDS TO JOIN CHOI WAN ROAD IN NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON.

A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). THE AUTHORISED WORKS WERE ORIGINALLY DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON MARCH 17 AND 23 LAST YEAR.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS INVOLVE THE OMISSION OF THE PREVIOUSLY PROPOSED PLANTING STRIPS ALONG BOTH SIDES OF THE NEW ROAD, REDUCTION OF THE WIDTH OF THE PROPOSED NORTHERN FOOTPATH AND THE CORRESPONDING REVISION OF THE EXTENT OF THE ADJOINING SLOPES.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN MID 1991 AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:

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

t KOWLOON EAST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND

* KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH

OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, THIRD 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 FEBRUARY 5, 1991.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TERTIARY EDUCATION SUPPORT NEEDED FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT :FS .......................................................... 1

PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED FOR POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT ..........................

GATT TRADE TALKS ADJOURNED ...............................................

TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS INCREASE BY FOUR PER CENT............................ 4

EPCOM CHIEF CALLS FOR REDUCING NATURAL RESOURCES WASTAGE .................

CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME '90 LAUNCHED ......................................

YOUTH CONCERT TO SPREAD "PREVENT AIDS” MESSAGE .............................

OWNERS URGED TO LOOK AFTER BUILDINGS .....................................

SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL ON TUESDAY ................................ 10

PRIZE PRESENTATION OF HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS .......... H

ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ................................

TERTIARY EDUCATION SUPPORT

NEEDED FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT:FS

*****

HONG KONG’S CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AS A MEANS OF INCREASING ITS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS WILL NEED TO BE SUPPORTED BY THE TERTIARY EDUCATION SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF SHUE YAN COLLEGE THIS AFTERNOON, SIR PIERS SAID THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS WERE A MAJOR SOURCE OF HIGHLY SKILLED PEOPLE AND THEY PROVIDED ALSO A SOURCE OF RESEARCH EXPERTISE.

HE SAID THAT AS THE ECONOMY BECAME MORE SOPHISTICATED, THE DEMAND FOR SUCH PEOPLE WOULD GROW.

"TERTIARY LEVEL GRADUATES IN HONG KONG IN 1990 ARE ENTERING THE JOB MARKET IN AN ECONOMY WHICH IS FAR MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY SOPHISTICATED THAN IT WAS 10 YEARS AGO," SIR PIERS SAID.

"THAT IS WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A MASSIVE EXPANSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION. THE INTENTION IS THAT BY 1994/1995, THERE WILL BE FIRST PLACES FOR SOME 18 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP COMPARED WITH SEVEN PER CENT TODAY,” HE ADDED.

"THIS EXPANSION WILL BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT ANY LOSS QUALITY. MUCH OF IT WILL BE IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS-RELATED SUBJECTS. THE NEW UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WHICH ADMITS ITS FIRST BATCH OF STUDENTS IN 1991, WILL BE AN IMPORTANT NEW SOURCE OF PLACES IN THESE FIELDS," HE ADDED.

"THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESEARCH CAPABILITY IN THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS WILL PROVIDE THE BUSINESS SECTOR WITH A POOL OF TALENT FOR UNDERTAKING APPLIED RESEARCH. THAT RESEARCH CAPABILITY IS NOW BEING BUILT," SIR PIERS SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO THE GROWTH IN PUBLIC FUNDING FOR RESEARCH, THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS FUNDING A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES IN COMMERCIALLY RELATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNIVERSITIES.

"FOR EXAMPLE, TWO BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WITH A DONATION OF $300 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

"ALSO, HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED HAS MADE A GRANT OF US$13 MILLION TO THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO ESTABLISH THE HONG KONG TELECOM INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

"THE INSTITUTE WILL CONDUCT RESEARCH INTO TELECOMMUNICATIONS, CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SATELLITE AND SPACE COMMUNICATIONS," HE SAID.

/SIR PIERS

SIR PIERS NOTED THAT THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRA AND THE HONG KONG DESIGN AND INNOVATION CENTRE ALL DID THEIR P -T TO FOSTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND ACADEMIA.

"THE NEW HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WILL BE AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE. SITUATED CLOSE TO THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, IT WILL ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS AND FACILITATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER," HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG, SIR PIERS SAID THE PAST 10 YEARS HAD SEEN CONSIDERABLE ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG.

"THE SERVICES SECTOR HAS LED THE WAY, WITH FINANCIAL SERVICES, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS CAPITALISING ON THE VER1 LATEST TECHNOLOGY.

"INDEED, A RECENT STUDY ON THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG SHOWED A HIGH PENETRATION OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS RELATIVE TO NEIGHBOURING ECONOMIES. THE SAME STUDY ALSO FOUND HONG KONG’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE PARTICULARLY ADVANCED,” HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERVICES SECTOR OVER THE PAST DECADE COULD BE LINKED IN PART TO THE SPECTACULAR RE-EMERGENCE OF HONG KONG'S ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT FOR CHINA.

"THIS HAS PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSIFICATION INTO A WHOLE RANGE OF TRADE-RELATED SERVICES, SUCH AS FINANCE, INSURANCE, PACKAGING, DESIGN, MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND MANY OTHERS.

"THE GROWTH OF THESE VALUE-ADDED SERVICES HAS BEEN UNDERPINNED BY THE USE OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY," HE SAID.

"ALTHOUGH THE SERVICES SECTOR HAS BEEN QUICKER IN ADOPTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES, INCREASINGLY, WE ARE NOW SEEING HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS FOLLOWING THE SAME PATH.

"COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN, COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURING AND AUTOMATED PRODUCTION METHODS ARE BECOMING MORE COMMON. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES SUCH AS SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG," HE NOTED.

SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT THIS UPGRADING IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR COULD ALSO BE LINKED TO HONG KONG'S STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC LINKS WITH SOUTH CHINA.

"WITH CHINA'S OPEN DOOR POLICY, MANUFACTURERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHIFT THEIR LABOUR-INTENSIVE OPERATIONS OVER THE BORDER TO GUANGDONG PROVINCE.

"THOSE OPERATIONS WHICH REMAIN IN HONG KONG HAVE FOUND THE NEED TO COMPETE INCREASINGLY IN WORLD MARKETS ON THE BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY. HENCE THE GREATER USE OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN MANUFACTURING," HE SAID.

/3 ........

PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED EOR POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT

*****

THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR SHARE OF SHAPING THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE ONLY IF THEY PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESS WITH ENTHUSIASM AND A GOOD SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR SUEN WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON ELECTIONS AND ELECTORAL POLITICS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG FOUNDATION.

HE SAID DURING THE RUN-UP TO 1997, THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE EXISTING CONSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO PROGRESS STEADILY.

"HOWEVER, THE MOMENTUM OF DEVELOPMENT WILL DEPEND ON THE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM," HE SAID.

ON THE SUGGESTION THAT AN INDEPENDENT ELECTION COMMISSION BE ESTABLISHED TO HANDLE MATTERS CONCERNING THE DEMARCATION OF ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES AND TO MONITOR THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS, MR SUEN SAID WHILE THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT RESIST THE IDEA AS A PRINCIPLE, IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONSIDER THOROUGHLY THE FORMATION AND THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMISSION' AS WELL AS THE LEGISLATIVE WORK INVOLVED.

"THE ELECTIONS AND ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991 REPRESENT AN EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

"THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE IS TO CONDUCT THE ELECTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM WHICH IS TIME-TESTED, WIDELY KNOWN AND EXTENSIVELY ACCEPTED, INSTEAD OF EXPERIMENTING WITH NEW IDEAS AT THIS CRITICAL MOMENT."

REGARDING THE DEMARCATION OF ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES, MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDED THE PRESENT AND FUTURE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION, THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTRAINTS OF THE DISTRICTS AS WELL AS THE PRESENT DEMARCATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS.

"THE BALANCE OF POLITICAL FORCES WITHIN EACH AREA IS NOT SOMETHING WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT," HE SAID.

ALL SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING THE DEMARCATION OF ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES WERE THEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL FOR DELIBERATION AND APPROVAL. IT WAS THEREFORE TOTALLY UNFOUNDED AND UNNECESSARY TO SUSPECT THAT THERE WAS ANY UNFAIR POLITICAL CONSIDERATION IN DECIDING ON ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES, HE SAID.

/4 ........

GATT TRADE TALKS ADJOURNED *****

THE MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING ON THE URUGUAY ROUND, WHICH STARTED IN BRUSSELS ON DECEMBER 3, HAS CONCLUDED WITH A DECISION TO EXTEND THE ROUND FOR A BRIEF PERIOD.

IN CLOSING THE MEETING, THE CHAIRMAN, MR GROS-ESPIELL OF URUGUAY, SAID THAT THE MEETING HAD "MADE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO ADVANCING THE NEGOTIATING PROCESS", BUT THAT "PARTICIPANTS NEED MORE TIME TO RECONSIDER AND RECONCILE THEIR POSITIONS IN SOME KEY AREAS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS”.

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE GATT, MR ARTHUR DUNKEL, HAS BEEN TASKED "TO PURSUE INTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS IN THE PERIOD FROM NOW UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR WITH THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF ACHIEVING AGREEMENTS IN ALL THE AREAS OF THE NEGOTIATING PROGRAMME IN WHICH DIFFERENCES REMAIN OUTSTANDING".

COMMENTING ON THIS OUTCOME, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, WHO LED THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE BRUSSELS MEETING HAD NOT RESULTED IN A FINAL AGREEMENT ON THE ROUND.

"THESE WERE VERY DIFFICULT NEGOTIATIONS INVOLVING A WIDE RANGE OF COMPLEX ISSUES. THE MAIN STUMBLING BLOCK WAS AGRICULTURE WHERE VIEWS WERE SHARPLY DIVIDED," MR CHAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT, WHILE HONG KONG WAS NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURE, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION PLAYED A FULL AND CONSTRUCTIVE PART IN ALL THE OTHER AREAS INCLUDING TEXTILES, ANTI-DUMPING AND SERVICES, AND USEFUL WORK WAS DONE.

"I HOPE THAT PARTICIPANTS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND WOULD REDOUBLE THEIR EFFORTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE ROUND. WE WILL PLAY OUR PART IN THIS PROCESS," MR CHAN SAID.

- - 0 - -

TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS INCREASE BY FOUR PER CENT

*****

DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1990, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 2,147 COMPLAINTS, A RISE OF FOUR 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 195 COMPLAINTS COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THERE WAS A RISE OF 25 CASES OR 15 PER CENT.

/ON THE

ON THE STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 329 COMPLAINTS, A DECREASE OF 11 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 370 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.

THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.

THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICE ROSE BY 29 PER CENT FROM 338 CASES TO 435 CASES.

THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES DROPPED FROM THE PREVIOUS QUARTER’S 49 CASES TO 46 CASES, WHILE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE FERRY SERVICES ROSE FROM 20 TO 22.

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 DECREASED BY 31 PER CENT TO 164 CASES, 37 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 70 IN KOWLOON, 56 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ONE IN TUNNELS OR OTHER AREAS.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION AND ROAD WORKS.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES ROSE FROM 173 CASES TO 195 OR BY 13 PER CENT.

THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT, AND ADDITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT FROM 117 CASES TO 150 CASES.

THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, FAULTY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STOOD AT 345, ONE CASE MORE 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.

/6.........

EPCOM CHIEF CALLS FOR REDUCING NATURAL RESOURCES WASTAGE *****

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, DR WANG GUNG-WU, TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MINIMIZE DOMESTIC WASTAGE ON NATURAL RESOURCES.

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE "ENVIRONMENTAL DAY CAMP" AT TAI TONG COUNTRY PARK IN YUEN LONG, DR •ANG CALLED FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

SHARING THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (ECC), DR WANG POINTED OUT THAT THE THEME OF "3R" -- REDUCE, RE-USE AND RECYCLE -- COULD WELL BE APPLIED TO ALL WALKS OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.

HE WARNED THAT EXCESSIVE USE OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES COULD SPOIL THE EQUILIBRIUM OF THE ECOLOGY AND RUIN THE NATURE THAT IS BEYOND REMEDY.

HE POINTED OUT THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD MINIMIZE THEIR CONSUMPTION IN DAILY DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION ON DISPOSABLE ITEMS INCLUDING BOXES, CUPS AND PAPER.

"IT IS HOPED THAT OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONTRIBUTES TO BUILDING UP A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR US AND FOR OUR YOUNGER GENERATION IN THE YEARS TO COME," DR WANG SAID.

ABOUT 600 CAMPERS TOOK PART IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACTIVITIES AND ATTENDED THE SWORN-IN CEREMONY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR DETERMINATION AS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PIONEERS AND TAKE THEIR INITIATIVE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

THE CITATION OF "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STARTS WITH ME" AND "REDUCE CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND BUILD UP HONG KONG" WAS LED BY DR WANG.

THE PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING FAMILIES, CHILDREN, YOUTHS, AND THE ELDERLY FROM EIGHT SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRES OF THE METHODIST RCH IN HONG KONG, ALSO TOOK PART IN GAMES AND COMPETITION WITH FOCUS ON THE THEME OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

ALSO ATTENDING THE HALF-DAY CAMP WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ECC, MRS PEGGY LAM; ASSISANT GENERAL MANAGER, TELEVISION BROADCASTING, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, MR S.Y. HO; PRESIDENT OF THE METHODIST • LURCH IN HONG KONG, REV LI PING-KWONG; AND DEPUTY CONVENOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL, MR HUNG WING-TAT. PRESENTERS OF i ' GOOD MORNING HONG KONG" PROGRAMME, MS WENDY YU AND MR BENJAMIN LEE WERE ALSO PRESENT.

THE "ENVIRONMENTAL DAY CAMP" IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY ECC, TVB, THE .SOCIAL SERVICE DIVISION OF THE METHODIST CHURCH IN HONG KONG SODPORT OF Till COMMITTEE’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL.

CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME '90 LAUNCHED *****

MORE THAN 56,000 COUNTRYSIDE LOVERS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) OVER THE PAST SEVEN YEARS.

AFD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR FRANK LAU, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHILE OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME 1990 AT ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK.

MR LAU SAID THE SCHEME OFFERED THE PARTICIPANTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY AND UNDERSTAND OUR COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT, AND TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN KEEPING THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ACTIVITIES UNDER THIS YEAR’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WAS BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND FUN. IT COMPRISED TWO SEPARATE PARTS -- THE CLEAN AND GREEN PHOTO COMPETITION AND CLEAN AND GREEN ACTIVITIES AND WOULD RUN FROM TODAY UNTIL THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR.

THE PHOTO COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL COUNTRYSIDE LOVERS AND PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS.

MR LAU HOPED THAT PARTICIPANTS WOULD CONVEY THE CONSERVATION MESSAGE AND THE VALUE OF A CLEAN AND GREEN COUNTRY PARK THROUGH THE USE OF IMAGINATION AND AESTHETIC EFFECTS IN THEIR MASTER PIECES.

"PARTICIPANTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES TOGETHER WITH THE NEGATIVES TO THE AFD OR ANY COUNTRY PARK VISITORS CENTRE NOT LATER THAN THE END OF FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR. ENTRIES SHOULD BE COLOUR PRINTS IN 5R OR 8R SIZES.

"ENTRY FORMS WITH RULES FOR THE COMPETITION ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE AFD, KODAK SERVICES CENTRES AND TIMBERLAND SHOPS AS FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY)," HE SAID.

ADJUDICATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORGANISERS.

PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS ARE SPONSORED BY THE TIMBERLAND, KODAK (FAR EAST) LTD. AND THE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS. THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 10 PRIZES AND THE FIRST PRIZE WILL BE TWO HONG KONG/BANGKOK ROUND-TRIP TICKETS.

THE CLEAN AND GREEN ACTIVITIES COMPRISES TWO STAGES. THE FIRST STAGE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNTRY PARK LOVERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE PHYSICALLY INVOLVED IN KEEPING COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.

FROM TOMORROW UP TO THE END OF JANUARY, SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUPS CAN TAKE PART IN LITTER COLLECTION AND TREE TENDING WORK IN COUNTRY PARKS ON WEEKDAYS OR SATURDAYS WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH AFD.

/MOREOVER, ON.........

MOREOVER, ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, COUNTRY PARK VISITORS CAN LEND THEIR SUPPORT BY COLLECTING A BAG OF LITTER AT 10 DESIGNATED SITES IN COUNTRY PARKS.

THOSE WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST STAGE MAY PROCEED TO THE SECOND STAGE WHICH IS A PAINTING POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION. THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION IS "KEEP OUR COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN".

ALL WINNERS IN THE ABOVE COMPETITIONS AND 250 PARTICIPANTS IN THE SECOND STAGE ACTIVITIES WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" FUN DAY TO BE HELD IN LATE MARCH NEXT YRAR.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY'S LAUNCHING CEREMONY WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD'S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR DANIEL TO.

MR TO NOTED THAT IN PAST YEARS, THE SCHEME HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND MEMBERS OF ORGANISED GROUPS. LAST YEAR, THERE WERE ALTOGETHER 11,100 PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME.

HE ALSO THANKED SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP WHICH ENABLED THE SCHEME TO RUN SMOOTHLY AND MADE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE AND INTERESTING.

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

YOUTH CONCERT TO SPREAD "PREVENT AIDS” MESSAGE * * * * ♦

THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ATTENDED VICTORIA PARK THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON

AN OPEN-AIR CONCERT AT

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

THE THE

PREVENTION OF AIDS.

THE CONCERT WAS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS UNDER THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE COUNCIL AND DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, WARNED IF NO EARLY PREVENTIVE MEASURES WERE TAKEN, CONTINUE TO SPREAD IN THE TERRITORY.

CHAIRMAN OF THE

THE PUBLIC THAT

THE DISEASE WOULD

UP TO NOW, HONG KONG HAS REPORTED A 151 HIV CARRIERS.

TOTAL OF 42 AIDS CASES

AND

"THE COUNCIL PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION

TO OUR YOUTHS WHO ARE

FUTURE LEADER OF OUR SOCIETY. THIS EXPLAINS WHY AND VARIED HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES TO HELP HABITS," DR LEE SAID.

WE HAVE PLANNED

THE

MANY

THEM DEVELOP HEALTHY

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN

OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS, MRS PEGGY LAM, SAID YOUNG PEOPLE MIGHT, OUT OF CURIOSITY, RESORT TO IMPULSIVE ACTS THAT WERE HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH AND VERY OFTEN WOULD LEAD TO SERIOUS RESULTS SUCH AS CONTRACTING AIDS VIRUS.

/"THE PURPOSE .......

"THE PURPOSE OF ORGANISING THIS CONCERT IS TO DISSEMINATE TO OUR YOUNGER GENERATION MESSAGES ON THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF AIDS THROUGH A LIGHT-HEARTED AND RELAXING APPROACH AND WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM A GROUP OF YOUTH IDOLS," SHE SAID.

"WE HOPE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE CAN FACE TEMPTATIONS WITH A SENSIBLE AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE. THEY SHOULD USE THEIR SPARE TIME IN THE PURSUIT OF HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SO AS TO BETTER THEMSELVES," SHE ADDED.

AFTER PRESENTING SOUVENIRS TO SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS BY CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP ON AIDS, MR HO SAI-CHU, THE TWO-HOUR CONCERT STARTED WITH PERFORMANCES BY RENOWNED POPULAR SINGERS INCLUDING SALLY YEH, DANNY CHAN, SANDY LAM, ALEX TO, SAM TSANG, LUI FONG, DOMINIC CHOW, THOMAS CHAN, SANDY LAMB, CHERRY CHOI, LEUNG KAU AND TAICHI BAND.

PRODUCED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO ONE, THE CONCERT WOULD BE BROADCAST ON DECEMBER 10 (MONDAY) FROM 3 TO 5 PM.

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

OWNERS URGED TO LOOK AFTER BUILDINGS

*****

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED FLAT OWNERS TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEIR BUILDINGS TO PREVENT THEM FROM DETERIORATING INTO URBAN SLUMS.

ADDRESSING A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR, HE SAID A WELL-MAINTAINED BUILDING WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH A PLEASANT AND SAFE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS ENHANCE ITS VALUE.

"PROBLEMS LIKE LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURAL EXTENSIONS MAY BRING GRAVE CONSEQUENCES TO BOTH THE TENANTS AND THE PUBLIC AS DEMONSTRATED BY THE RECENT COLLAPSES OF CANOPIES," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO HELP RESIDENTS MANAGE THEIR PROPERTIES MORE EFFECTIVELY BY PROVIDING A BETTER LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK, HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM WOULD ALSO GIVE EXPERT ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO FLAT-OWNERS.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, A SENIOR BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR YIP SO, SAID A SERIES OF OPERATIONS WERE UNDERWAY ALL OVER THE TERRITORY TO REMOVE ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS.

OWNERS WISHING TO MAKE STRUCTURAL ALTERATION TO A BUILDING SHOULD FIRST SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND EMPLOY AUTHORISED PERSONS SUCH AS ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS TO OVERSEE THE WORKS, HE SAID.

THE SEMINAR WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS TO GIVE RESIDENTS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MANAGE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.

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

/10 .....

SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL ON TUESDAY *****

THE $1.8 MILLION 1990-91 SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 11).

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL AT A NEWS CONFERENCE THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON, CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAU MUN, SAID THE AIM OF THE FIVE-WEEK FESTIVAL WAS TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AND, AT THE SAME TIME, PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THEM.

"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE FESTIVAL, RESIDENTS WILL ALSO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY,” HE ADDED.

MORE THAN 60 EVENTS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO SUIT THE INTERESTS OF RESIDENTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HAVE BEEN ORGANISED.

THESE HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO PROMOTE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE 1991 THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.

A TERRITORY-WIDE SOCIAL DANCE COMPETITION AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST ON FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL ALSO BE HELD IN ADDITION TO VARIETY SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS, CANTONESE OPERA, CARNIVALS, A CROSS-COUNTRY RUN, PICNICS AND A CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION.

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE A SPORTS CARNIVAL FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY A SHENZHEN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTIC TEAM.

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 11) WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, OFFICIATING.

ADMISSION TO MOST OF THE EVENTS ARE FREE. FREE ADMISSION TICKETS AND PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

AMONG THOSE PRESENT AT TODAY’S NEWS CONFERENCE WERE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG.

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

PRIZE PRESENTATION OF HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS * * * * *

THE SUCCESS OF A CLEAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT DEPENDS ON A CONCERTED EFFORT OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AND CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY THE GOVERNMENT ALONE.

THIS WAS STATED BY A REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1990 INTER-SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL TODAY (SATURDAY).

DR PANG POINTED OUT THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT COULD ONLY ATTAIN A TEMPORARY DETERRENT EFFECT AND THE LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WAS TO AROUSE CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG THE PUBLIC THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION.

ALSO SPEAKING WAS URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR ARTHUR CHAM. HE CALLED UPON PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO EDUCATE THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS ON CIVIC AND HEALTH MATTERS, MAKING THEM REALISE THE NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT FOR A GOOD AND HEALTHY LIFE.

THE SPEECH AND SONG CONTESTS, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WERE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENHANCE HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG STUDENTS.

THE THEME FOR BOTH CONTESTS WAS "TO BE HAPPY, TO BE CLEAN".

THE CONTESTS RECEIVED AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE WITH SOME 1,900 STUDENTS FROM MORE THAN 110 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING.

THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP OF BOTH CONTESTS WERE PRESENTED WITH TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS WORTH BETWEEN $400 AND $1,600.

TROPHIES WERE ALSO AWARDED TO THE BEST LYRICISTS IN THE SONG CONTEST.

FOLLOWING THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, GUESTS WERE TREATED TO PERFORMANCES BY THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP OF BOTH CONTESTS.

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

/12 ........

ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT

♦ ♦ ♦ * *

A ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE SOCCER PITCHES NEAR THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND.

THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A ROAD SAFETY QUIZ, STALL GAMES, KARAOKE, AN EXHIBITION AND A CHILDREN FASHION SHOW.

THE ROAD SAFETY BUS WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED THERE TO OFFER GAMES ON ROAD SAFETY.

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR DISC JOCKEYS AND LOCAL TALENT GROUPS.

RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE CARNIVAL, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AT THE WONG CHUK HANG HARD-SURFACE SOCCER PITCHES, NEAR THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND.

THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER.

THOSE WHO WANT TO MAKE USE OF GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE SOUTHORN CENTRE CARPARK, JOHNSTON ROAD, WAN CHAI BY 1.15 PM.

INFORMATION OFFICER, MR ALEX LI, WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LONDON VISIT WAS USEFUL: GOVERNOR ........................................

DRAMATIC SKYLINE - A REFLECTION OF HONG KONG DYNAMISM:CS .................

EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED ................................................

PLEA ON ENHANCING FOSTER CARE SERVICE ....................................

SEMINARS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN TSUEN WAN .............................

TSUEN WAN VEHICLE SURRENDER CENTRE TO CLOSE DOWN .........................

FOUR LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION ............................................

7 THOUSANDS ATTEND FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ....................................

o NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1935 - 40 .................................

LONDON VISIT WAS USEFUL: GOVERNOR ******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE VISIT TO LONDON WAS USEFUL IN PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT AND WAS AN EXTREMELY USEFUL OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE NEW PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT UPON HIS RETURN, SIR DAVID SAID THE HONG KONG DELEGATION HAD A VERY GOOD SEMINAR ON PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENT AND A VERY WELL ATTENDED ANNUAL DINNER OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.

ON THE MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "ALL OF US, THAT IS THE MEMBERS OF EXCO WHO WERE THERE AND MYSELF, WERE VERY PLEASED INDEED THAT HE TOOK TIME IN HIS FIRST WEEK IN OFFICE WHEN HE IS EXTREMELY BUSY, TO MEET A GROUP FROM HONG KONG, AND TO GIVE US A CHANCE TO GET HIM UP-TO-DATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG AND HAVE A BRIEF DISCUSSION ABOUT HONG KONG AFFAIRS."

"THAT WAS VERY MUCH OF A BONUS TO US AND GREATLY APPRECIATED BY THE HONG KONG TEAM," HE ADDED.

ASKED TO COMMENT ON A REPORT THAT CHINA HAS ACCEPTED THAT HONG KONG DOES NEED A NEW AIRPORT, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE HAVE BEEN HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE. I BELIEVE THAT THEY DO ACCEPT THAT HONG KONG NEEDS A NEW AIRPORT."

"I THINK WE ARE GRADUALLY GETTING TO A SITUATION WHERE THOSE WHO STUDY THE MATTER CAREFULLY REALISE CHEK LAP KOK IS THE RIGHT PLACE; AND WE ARE CONTINUING TO EXPLAIN IN DETAIL TO THE CHINESE ABOUT THE FINANCIAL BACKGROUND AND THAT HONG KONG NOT ONLY NEEDS IT AND MUST HAVE IT, BUT THAT IT’S WELL WITHIN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL CAPACITY," HE SAID.

ASKED ABOUT NONA’S STATEMENT ON THE TOWN PLANNING AMENDMENT BILL, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE REASON FOR HAVING THE LEGISLATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS VERY WELL KNOWN. THERE IS A PROBLEM THERE WHICH HAS TO BE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY."

"IT’S SLIGHTLY PUZZLING THAT THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY SHOULD THINK IT RIGHT TO ISSUE AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON A MATTER OF THAT SORT.

"THE NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION IS CLEAR. THERE IS NO INFRINGEMENT AT ALL WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION. WE CERTAINLY WOULDN’T HAVE BROUGHT TN THE LEGISLATION IF THERE WAS ANY INFRINGEMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.

COMMENTING ON THE GRANTING OF REFUGEE STATUS TO THE 111 VIETNAMESE RECENTLY INVOLVED IN A COURT CASE, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS A VERY UNUSUAL CASE: "THEIR POSITION WAS A PECULIAR ONE; SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE ABOUT IT."

"A ONE-OFF ARRANGEMENT FOR A UNIQUE GROUP AND I AM SURE THAT IT WAS RIGHT TO DEAL WITH THAT IN AN EXCEPTIONAL WAY AND TO GIVE THEM REFUGEE STATUS SO THAT THEY CAN BF. SETTLED ABROAD," HE ADDED.

/"THOSE PEOPLE .......

"THOSE PEOPLE WERE IN A POSITION OF UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THEIR OWN FUTURE. IT’S RIGHT IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES TO MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEM AND THE WAY IN WHICH THAT WAS HANDLED I AM SURE IS THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID REJECTED ANY SUGGESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG OR MADE A MAJOR MISTAKE IN THIS CASE.

THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WERE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN DURING THE GOVERNOR’S RETURN AT THE AIRPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE DUTY OFFICER AT GIS.

- - 0 - -

DRAMATIC SKYLINE - A REFLECTION OF HONG KONG DYNAMISM’.CS

******

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THE DRAMATIC SKYLINE SURROUNDING THE HARBOUR REFLECTS THE DYNAMISM OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE.

SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "IMAGE HONG KONG’90" INTERNATINAL PHOTOGRAPHERS’ MEET ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.

"THIS OUTWARD CHANGE REFLECTS THE DYNAMISM OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE, THE DYNAMISM WHICH HAS DRIVEN HONG KONG UP THE LADDER TO 11TH IN THE LEAGUE OF WORLD TRADERS, A POSITION OUT OF ALL PROPORTION TO ITS PHYSICAL SIZE," SIR DAVID SAID.

THE SAME DYNAMISM, HE SAID, HAD PRODUCED THE FLOURISHING OF WEALTH AND TALENT AND WELL-BEING WHICH ONE COULD SEE AROUND, ADDING THAT HONG KONG’S STANDARD OF LIVING ALREADY SURPASSED THAT OF MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.

"OUR CITY IS FOREVER CHANGING.

"OUR ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS ARE CONSTANTLY RESHAPING THE DRAMATIC SKYLINE WHICH SURROUNDS OUR HARBOUR, CREATING NEW AND INTERESTING SHAPES AND SPACES, COLOURS AND CONTRASTS FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S LENS TO CAPTURE," HE SAID.

AMIDST THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF CITY LIFE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID, PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AN ELEMENT OF STILLNESS.

/"IT CAPTURES

"IT CAPTURES THE QUIET MOMENTS OF REPOSE; IT RECORDS IMAGES AND ATMOSPHERE THAT WE WISH TO REMEMBER; IT EXPLORES THE HIDDEN PARTS OF THE CITY AND THE UNEXPLORED PARTS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND SHOWS THEM TO US ALL,"SIR DAVID SAID.

HE SAID PHOTOGRAPHY IS A PAST-TIME WHICH COULD BE ENJOYED BY ALL, BY YOUNG OR OLD, BY THE AMATEUR AS WELL AS THE EXPERT.

ITS POPULARITY IN HONG KONG COULD BE WITNESSED ANY WEEKEND IN PARTS AND PLAYGROUNDS, IN THE STREETS OF THE CITY AND ALONG THE WATERFRONT.

"PHOTOGRAPHY IS SO POPULAR HERE AS A PAST-TIME, THAT IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT WITH OUR RATHER LIMITED AREA OF 400 SQUARE MILES WE OFFER SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT TODAY’S EVENT PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PROFESSIONAL AND DEDICATED AMATEUR ALIKE TO BROAbEN THEIR APPRECIATIION AND ENJOYMENT OF THE ART.

HE IS CONFIDENT THAT ALL WHO PARTICIPATED WOULD SHARE IN THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE SEVEN MASTERS IN PHOTOGRAPHY WHO HAD BEEN INVITED TO ADDRESS THE CONFERENCE.

"BUT WHEN YOU ARE NOT CONFERENCING, I HOPE THAT YOU WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO PRACTISE YOUR SKILLS ON THIS VIBRANT CITY; THAT YOU WILL USE THIS TOO-SHORT-A-TIME TO LEARN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE; THAT YOU WILL CAPTURE YOUR OWN REFLECTION ON FILMS AND TAKE THEM AWAY WITH YOU TO SHARE WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME HERE."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE FULL-TEXT OF SIR DAVID’S SPEECH WILL BE SENT BY FASCIMILE AND COPIES OF HIS PHOTOGRAPH AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM GIS DUTY OFFICER.

- - 0 - -

EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS OF THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES TO COMPENSATE EMPLOYEES FOR INJURY OR DEATH AT

WORK.

THE PROPRIETOR OF LUCKY GEMS AND JEWELLERY FACTORY IN HUNG HOM, WILLIAM WONG, WAS GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 BY A SAN PO KONG MAGISTRATE LAST MONTH FOR FAILING TO OBSERVE THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.

/"THE REQUIREMENT

’’THE REQUIREMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT AN INJURED EMPLOYEE WILL OBTAIN COMPENSATION TO WHICH HE IS ENTITLED UNDER THE ORDINANCE,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR TSANG KIN-WOO, EXPLAINED.

MR TSANG CALLED ON ALL PROPRIETORS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISION, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS WHO MAY NOT BE AWARE OF SUCH REQUIREMENT.

’’THEY MUST BEAR THE FULL COST OF THE INSURANCE POLICIES AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DEDUCT IT FROM THE EARNINGS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES,” HE ADDED.

EMPLOYERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO DISPLAY AT A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE WORKPLACE A NOTICE SHOWING THE PARTICULARS OF SUCH POLICIES AND TO PRODUCE THE POLICIES FOR INSPECTION BY LABOUR INSPECTORS.

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

PLEA ON ENHANCING FOSTER CARE SERVICE *****

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI, TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO JOIN IN AS FOSTER PARENTS IN A BID TO BOOST THE FOSTER CARE SERVICE.

SPEAKING AT A FOSTER FAMILIES SERVICE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR CHUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN ATTACHING MORE IMPORTANCE TO FAMILY-LIKE RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE SERVICE.

”AS FAR AS CHILD WELFARE IS CONCERNED, THE PROVISION OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICE THROUGH FAMILIES CAN ACHIEVE A GOOD GOAL IN COPING WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN," HE ADDED.

THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SET UP IN 1983, HAS RECRUITED ABOUT 400 FOSTER FAMILIES TO TAKE CARE OF MORE THAN 400 UNFORTUNATE CHILDREN.

SINCE OCTOBER, THE NUMBER OF FOSTER CARE PLACES HAS EXPANDED TO 220. AT PRESENT, THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT HAS RECRUITED A TOTAL OF 195 FOSTER HOMES. THERE ARE 166 CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE.

AT THE CEREMONY TODAY, 29 FAMILIES, WHICH HAVE JOINED THE FOSTER CARE SERVICE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, WERE PRESENTED WITH THE LONG-TERM SERVICE AWARDS IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR DEDICATED SERVICES OVER THE PAST YEARS.

THE EVENT, THE FIRST EVER HELD IN THE TERRITORY, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE, THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE HONG KONG BRANCH.

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

SEMINARS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN TSUEN WAN

******

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE TWO SEMINARS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT FOR INDUSTRIALISTS AND RESIDENTS ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 11).

THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION, WITH ITS THEME ON POLLUTION, WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

GUEST SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, DR ELLEN CHAN; THE BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR DAVY YUEN; AND THE MANAGER OF THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRY, MR PETER LIU.

OFFICIATING AT THE SEMINAR'S OPENING WILL BE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, DR RICHARD LAI.

ANOTHER BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR PRIVATE BUILDING RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND BOTH SEMINARS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINARS ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 11).

THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. THE SEMINAR FOR PRIVATE BUILDING RESIDENTS WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSUEN WAN.

- - 0 - -

TSUEN WAN VEHICLE SURRENDER CENTRE TO CLOSE DOWN

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSE DOWN ITS TSUEN WAN VEHICLE SURRENDER CENTRE AFTER THURSDAY (DECEMBER 13), DUE TO LOW USAGE RATE.

AT PRESENT, THE TSUEN WAN CENTRE AT MEI WAN STREET OPENS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED MOTORISTS WHO WISH TO DISPOSE THEIR VEHICLES AT THIS CENTRE TO DO ON OR BEFORE NEXT THURSDAY.

/TO COMPENSATE

TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF THE TWO OPERATION DAYS OF THIS CENTRE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL EXTEND THE SERVICING DAYS OF ITS OTHER TWO CENTRES IN TO KWA WAN AND SHA TIN, STARTING NEXT WEEK.

IN ADDITION TO ITS NORMAL OPERATION ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS FROM NEXT WEEK ONWARDS, ONE OF THE TWO CENTRES, THE TO KWA WAN CENTRE AT CHI KIANG STREET WILL OPERATE FOR ONE MORE DAY ON EVERY WEDNESDAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IT OPENS FROM 10 AM TO 4.30 PM WITH A LUNCH BREAK BETWEEN 1 AND 2 PM. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 364 0074.

THE OTHER CENTRE AT WONG CHUK YEUNG STREET, FO TAN IN SHA TIN WILL OPERATE FOR ONE EXTRA DAY ON EVERY THURSDAY IN ADDITION TO EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. THE WEEKDAY OPENING HOURS ARE THE SAME TO THE TO KWA WAN CENTRE WHILE ON SATURDAYS, THE CENTRE WILL OPEN BETWEEN 10 AND 11.30 AM. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 604 4197.

IN DISPOSING UNWANTED VEHICLES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID VEHICLE OWNERS WERE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE "APPLICATION TO SCRAP AND CANCEL THE REGISTRATION OF A VEHICLE" FORM WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE SURRENDER CENTRES OR ANY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICES.

IF VEHICLE OWNERS WISHED TO RETAIN THE OLD VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK FOR ALLOCATION TO ANOTHER VEHICLE, THEY SHOULD ALSO COMPLETE THE "APPLICATION TO TRANSFER OR RETAIN A VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK" FORM, HE SAID.

BEFORE SURRENDING THE VEHICLE, THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED MOTORISTS TO CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE OF THE VEHICLE LICENCE AS OWNERS WERE ENTITLED TO A REFUND OF PART OF THE LICENCE FEE IF THE LICENCE WAS VALID FOR THREE WHOLE MONTHS OR MORE ON THE DATE APPLIED TO SURRENDER THE VEHICLE.

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

FOUR LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION *****

FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 11) IN THE JADE BALLROOM OF HOTEL FURAMA KEMPINSKI IN CENTRAL. IT WILL START AT 2.30 PM.

TWO OF THE LOTS ARE IN URBAN AREA.

THE FIRST ONE IS A 5,194-SQUARE-METRE SITE ON LAM WAH STREET, KOWLOON BAY FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES OTHER THAN HOTEL, RESIDENTIAL, GODOWN AND CINEMA.

THE SECOND URBAN AREA LOT IS AT THE JUNCTION OF SUN YIP STREET AND ON YIP STREET, CHAI WAN WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,383 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, COMMERCIAL USE PERMITTED ON GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS ONLY.

/THE OTHER .......

THE OTHER TWO LOTS ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ONE IS IN ON PING STREET, SHA TIN. COVERING AN AREA OF 4,724 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR GODOWN OR FACTORY PURPOSES.

THE OTHER LOT IS IN AREA 6, MA WO, TAI PO WITH AN AREA OF 9,820 SQUARE METRES. IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.

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

THOUSANDS ATTEND FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THOUSANDS OF SHA TIN RESIDENTS ATTENDED THE HOME SECURITY CARNIVAL AT THE CENTRAL PARK THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE CARNIVAL AIMED TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-CRIME MESSAGE.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A MINI-EXHIBITION, CHINESE DANCES, KUNG FU AS WELL AS PERFORMANCE BY A ROBOCOP, THE POLICE PIPE BAND, POLICE DOGS AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS.

AT A CEREMONY, PRIZES WERE PRESENTED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, TO WINNERS OF A QUIZ AND A CROSSWORD PUZZLE, AND BY THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PETER HALLIDAY, TO FIGHT CRIME STUDENT AMBASSADORS.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTEIN WONG, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM.

MEANWHILE, A KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN EXHIBITION HELD AT THE NEARBY SHA TIN TOWN HALL SQUARE ALSO ATTRACTED MANY SPECTATORS.

ON DISPLAY WERE ESSAYS, CALLIGRAPHY, SLOGANS AND PAINTINGS BY STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT. THEY WERE ALL WINNING ENTRIES IN THE VARIOUS COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH GROUP OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.

THE EXHIBITION WAS OPENED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG, WHO ALSO PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

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

/8 ........

NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1935 - 40

* ♦ t * t *

WOMEN BORN IN 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939 AND 1940 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO FEBRUARY 2 NEXT YEAR.

WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.

THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY.

ALL OFFICES ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY 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 <4

TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117

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

"APPLICANTS NORMALLY NEED TO BRING ALONG THEIR EXISTING IDENTITY CARDS IF THEIR CARDS WERE FIRST REGISTERED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO AND BEAR THE »»♦ SYMBOL," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

/"HOWEVER, IF ........

"HOWEVER, IF THE APPLICANT’S IDENTITY CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE »** SYMBOL, SHE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH MORE PERSONAL PROOFS.

"IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING HER EXISTING IDENTITY CARD, SHE MUST PRODUCE HER TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING (IF ANY) : HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE, HONG KONG NATURALISATION CERTIFICATE OR HONG KONG REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.

"IN SOME CASES APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THEIR CLAIM TO HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY WILL BE ADVISED INDIVIDUALLY."

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH SOUTHERN PROVINCES IMPORTANT TO HK ............................ 1

SEPT PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE ............................... 1

SUPPLEMENTS TO FREEZE ORDER NOTICES PUBLISHED ................................... 6

WORKS TO IMPROVE TRANSFER CAPABILITIES OF CHINA WATER ........................... 6

THAI WOMAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH DRUG CASE ................................ 7

OWNERS OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES HEAVILY FINED ...................................... 8

12 QUESTIONS, ONE BILL ON LEGCO AGENDA .......................................... 8

TENDERS INVITED FOR NEW PARK IN WESTERN DISTRICT ................................ 9

CONFERENCE ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ................................ 9

PHOTO COMPETITION FOR DISTRICT FESTIVAL ........................................ 10

VARIETY SHOW TO START DISTRICT FESTIVAL ........................................ 10

PARTNERSHIPS WITH SOUTHERN PROVINCES IMPORTANT TO HK

*****

THE PARTNERSHIPS DEVELOPING WITH THE SOUTHERN PROVINCES IN CHINA ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT PRIOR TO HIS DEPARTURE FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT TO GUANGDONG AND GUANGXI PROVINCES, SIR DAVID SAID: "ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP IS VERY STRONG WITH GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND CLEARLY THERE ARE LOTS OF SUBJECTS WHICH WE WILL WISH TO DISCUSS, THE DEVELOPING ECONOMIES, TRANSPORT LINKS AND SO ON."

IN GUANGXI, SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD BE SEEING THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ALSO RAISING THE PROBLEM OF BOAT PEOPLE.

"THERE IS A MUTUAL INTEREST THERE IN THAT MANY OF THE PEOPLE COMING TO HONG KONG NOW ARE COMING THROUGH GUANGXI. AND WE ARE ANXIOUS TO SEE THE EXTENT OF THAT PROBLEM THERE, HOW THEY ARE DEALING WITH IT AND HOW WE CAN CO-OPERATE TO TRY AND IMPROVE THE SITUATION," HE SAID.

ASKED IF HE WOULD TOUCH ON THE CAR THEFT PROBLEM, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT IN GUANGDONG THERE WERE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WHICH WE HAD A MUTUAL INTEREST ALONG THE BORDER AND HE WOULD EXPECT THAT TO BE RAISED AS WELL.

ASKED TO COMMENT ON REMARKS ABOUT THE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, SIR DAVID SAID: "I THINK WE ARE DEVELOPING THE COMMUNICATION. THE CHANNELS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN QUITE STRONG AND WE ARE TAKING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN THEM," HE ADDED.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WHO IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER, MR STEPHEN BRADLEY, WILL RETURN ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 14).

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

SEPT PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE

******

THE

THAT OF 1990 AS STATISTICS

VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 3 RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 11 PER CENT IN THE FIRST RE EXPORTS^GKEW^ gAMB pERI0D IN 1989, ACCORDING TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS

COMPARED RELEASED

DEPARTMENT.

PER CENT, WHILE

NINE MONTHS

THE

AND STATISTICS

5 PER CENT

TAKING

THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE °F CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER IN VOLUME TERMS.

/THE GROWTH .......

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 1 PER CENT AND 3 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 SEPTEMBER 1990 WITH SEPTEMBER 1989, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT. TAKINO THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST. COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989, INCLUDING FOOTWEAR (-32 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-22 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (-20 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-20 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-19 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-15 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-15 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (-8 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (-4 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+29 PER CENT) AND IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+15 PER CENT).

THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989. THESE INCLUDED FOOTWEAR (+5 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+5 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+3 PER CENT); AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+3 PER CENT). THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF TEXTILE FABRICS; WATCHES AND CLOCKS; CLOTHING; AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD ALL INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT.

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-3 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-2 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-1 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

/IMPORTS OF .......

IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AND COFFEE; AND CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR). DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SUGAR; AND WHEAT AND FLOUR.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT. COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED FOOTWEAR; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND WATCHES. DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989. INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR PAPER AND PAPERBOARD; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS; AND WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; AND CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS.

IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 26 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989.

AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1990 OVER SEPTEMBER 1989. INCREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS; AND OFFICE MACHINES. ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY); AND TEXTILE MACHINERY.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1990 WITH SEPTEMBER 1989, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED : FUELS (+32 PER CENT); CAPITAL GOODS (+5 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+4 PER CENT); AND FOODSTUFFS (+3 PER CENT). 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 SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1990 WITH SEPTEMBER 1989, THE VOLUME OF REEXPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS; CONSUMER GOODS; CAPITAL GOODS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT, 15 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 53 PER CENT.

PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1990 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989: FUELS (+13 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+3 PER CENT); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2 PEP CENT); AND FOODSTUFFS (+2 PER CENT). RE-EXPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS WERE VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE SEPTEMBER 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 DECEMBER 15 AT $3 PER COPY.

/ENQUIRIES REGARDING .......

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).

TABLE 1: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP

COMPARING SEP WITH SEP 1990 1989 COMPARING JAN-SEP 1990 WITH JAN-SEP 1989

COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE X UNIT VALUE VOLUME % %

CLOTHING -2 2 -4 * 2 -2

TEXTILE FABRICS -6 2 -8 2 3 -1

TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -13 2 -15 -8 3 -11

TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -20 -1 -19 -11 1 -12

RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -13 3 -15 -35 1 -35

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 25 -3 29 18 1 16

FOOTWEAR -28 5 -32 -23 2 -25

METAL MANUFACTURES -16 5 -20 -16 6 -20

METAL ORES AND SCRAP -1 -2 1 -16 -5 -12

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 17 2 15 6 -1 7

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -20 » -20 -18 3 -21

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -20 3 -22 -26 1 -27

ALL COMMODITIES * 1 -1 -1 1 -3

» LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT

/TABLE 2 .......

TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY

COMPARING WITH SEP 1990 SEP 1989 COMPARING JAN-SEP 1990 WITH JAN-SEP 1989

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME % % %

FOODSTUFFS 14 3 11 5 3 2

CONSUMER GOODS 16 4 12 19 4 14

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 16 -1 17 2 -1 2

FUELS -3 32 -26 -1 10 -10

CAPITAL GOODS 12 5 7 6 2 3

ALL COMMODITIES 15 3 12 8 2 6

TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY

COMPARING SEP 1990 COMPARING JAN-SEP 1990

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE WITH UNIT VALUE SEP 1989 VOLUME VALUE WITH JAN-SEP 1989 UNIT VALUE VOLUME

% % % % % %

FOODSTUFFS 20 2 18 -5 1 -6

CONSUMER GOODS 19 3 15 29 4 24

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 10 2 8 1 3 -2

FUELS -47 13 -53 7 9 -2

CAPITAL GOODS 14 » 14 9 2 7

ALL COMMODITIES 15 2 13 15 3 11

» LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT 0

/6 ........

SUPPLEMENTS TO FREEZE ORDER NOTICES PUBLISHED

******

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED THE SECOND SET OF 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 SECOND SUPPLEMENT ON KUWAIT RELAXES THE RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACCOUNTS AND ASSETS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE RESIDENT IN KUWAIT AND WHO ARE NOW LIVING OUTSIDE KUWAIT AND IRAQ.

"PROVIDED SUCH INDIVIDUALS HAVE SUPPLIED EVIDENCE THAT THEY HAVE LEFT KUWAIT AND DO NOT INTEND TO RETURN THERE UNTIL THE PRESENT EMERGENCY IS OVER, PAYMENTS OF UP TO THE EQUIVALENT OF US$10,000 PER CALENDAR MONTH MAY BE MADE TO THEM BY PERSONS IN HONG KONG," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THESE PAYMENTS MAY BE MADE IN ADDITION TO THOSE FOR LIVING EXPENSES WHICH ARE ALREADY PERMITTED.

"THE RELAXATION DOES NOT APPLY TO CORPORATE BODIES," HE ADDED.

THE SECOND SUPPLEMENT ON IRAQ ALLOWS PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BY RESIDENTS OF IRAQ TO INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE FORMERLY RESIDENTS IN KUWAIT SUBJECT TO THE SAME LIMIT OF US$10,000 PER CALENDAR MONTH PER PERSON.

COPIES OF THE SUPPLEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE RECEPTION COUNTER OF THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, 24TH FLOOR, TOWER 2, ADMIRALTY CENTRE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE TWO SUPPLEMENTS WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED.

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

WORKS TO IMPROVE TRANSFER CAPABILITIES OF CHINA WATER

******

THE RECEPTION AND TRANSFER

SYSTEM FOR WATER SUPPLY

WITH THE

WILL BE GREATLY INCREASED BY 1995

STAGE OF A CAPACITY INCREASING SCHEME, FROM

COMPLETION OF

FROM THE

THE EXISTING 620 TO

CHINA FIRST 1,000

MILLION CUBIC METRES PER YEAR.

OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WONG KWOK-LAI, TODAY CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF LIMITED FOR DETAILED DESIGN AND CONTRACT SECOND PACKAGE OF THE STAGE I WORKS.

THE DIRECTOR (MONDAY) SIGNED A BINNIE CONSULTANTS SUPERVISION FOR THE

/"THE ENGINEERING .......

"THE ENGINEERING WORK FOR THIS SECOND PACKAGE, ESTIMATED AT OVER $500 MILLION, IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE $2.8 BILLION CHINA WATER PROJECT SCHEDULED FOR STAGED IMPLEMENTATION UP TILL 2001," MR WONG SAID.

"THIS PACKAGE CONSISTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF TAI PO TAU ’D’ PUMPING STATION AND SAI O PUMPING STATION AND THE UPRATING OF THE EXISTING TAI MEI TUK PUMPING STATION.

"FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT ON THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO HONG KONG FROM THE EAST RIVER ON DECEMBER 21, 1989, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED THE CONCEPTUAL PLANNING FOR THE WORKS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE AND TRANSFER ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED DEMAND BEYOND 1994.

"THE CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR THE FIRST PACKAGE OF THE STAGE I WORKS WAS SIGNED ON OCTOBER 8. THE PRESENT CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT IS THE SECOND ONE OF THE TWO PACKAGES FOR THE STAGE I WORKS OF THE CHINA WATER PROJECT AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY 1995."

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

THAI WOMAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH DRUG CASE

* * * * «

OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS DRUG INVESTIGATION BUREAU IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE U.S. DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION (DEA), AND ASSISTED BY THE INTERPOL, HAVE ARRESTED A THAI WOMAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXTRADITION TO THE U.S. TO STAND TRIAL IN A DRUG CONSPIRACY CASE.

THE WOMAN, AGED 46, WAS ARRESTED IN A HOTEL IN HONG KONG ON DECEMBER 8 (SATURDAY) FOLLOWING A FOUR-MONTH INVESTIGATION.

SHE IS WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXPORTING OF 3.5 KILOGRAMS OF NO. 4 HEROIN FROM THAILAND TO THE U.S. IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.

THE DRUG CAN FETCH US$1.2 MILLION AT THE RETAIL LEVEL IN THE U.S.

THE WOMAN APPEARED IN THE CENTRAL MAGISTRACY THIS (MONDAY) MORNING AND WAS REMANDED IN JAIL CUSTODY UNTIL FEBRUARY 4, 1991.

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/8 ........

OWNERS OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES HEAVILY FINED

******

ACTION BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) HAD RESULTED IN THE SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION LAST WEEK OF THE OWNERS OF TWO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WHO WERE HEAVILY FINED BY A MAGISTRATE OF THE CENTRAL MAGISTRACY.

IN FINING THE DEFENDANTS A TOTAL OF $17,000, THE MAGISTRATE SAID HE HOPED THE HEAVY FINE WOULD PROVE A DETERRENT TO OTHER PEOPLE INTENDING TO PUT UP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.

HE ADDED THAT HE HAD TO TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW ON THE CASES IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND IN VIEW OF RECENT INCIDENTS OF COLLAPSE OF ILLEGAL AND UNAUTHORISED WORKS.

THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CONCERNED ARE ON THE FLAT ROOF OF CAPITAL BUILDING AT 175-191 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI.

COMMENTING ON THE SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION, BOO GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHENG WEI-DART, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) HE WAS HAPPY THAT THE COURT WAS TAKING A SERIOUS VIEW ON ILLEGAL BUILDING ACTIVITIES AND HOPED THAT THE HEAVY FINES WOULD DETER OTHER PEOPLE FROM CARRYING OUT UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.

THE OWNERS OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN QUESTION ARE REQUIRED TO DISMANTLE THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES. IF THIS IS NOT DONE, GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS WILL CARRY OUT THE WORK AND THEY WILL BE BILLED THE COST OF REMOVAL.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, BOO HAD SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED 45 OWNERS FOR PUTTING UP ILLEGAL AND UNAUTHORISED WORKS. THE FINES TOTAL $101,000.

MR CHENG ALSO REPORTED THAT THE REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS IN THE TWO BUILDINGS IN TO KWA WAN HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT AND THE WHOLE EXERCISE SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

IN THE OPERATION, A TOTAL OF 28 PROJECTIONS HAD BEEN REMOVED. THE BUILDINGS CONCERNED ARE AT 68A-70C AND 72-76B TO KWA WAN ROAD, AND 72-76B LOK SHAN ROAD.

- - 0 - -

12 QUESTIONS, ONE BILL ON LEGCO AGENDA *»»»*»

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 12 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER ONE BILL AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 12).

THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990 IS DUE FOR THE SECOND READING BEFORE GOING THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THE THIRD READING.

/IN ADDITION

IN ADDITION, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP WILL SPEAK ON THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPD REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 1989-90; THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN WILL SPEAK ON THE FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG (JUNE 20, 1989 - MARCH 31, 1990); AND THE HON PAUL CHENG WILL SPEAK ON THE HONG KONG JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 1989-90.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING AND MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONIC 844 0899.

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TENDERS INVITED FOR NEW PARK IN WESTERN DISTRICT ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PARK IN WESTERN RECLAMATION, WESTERN DISTRICT.

OCCUPYING A SITE OF 12,800 SQUARE METRES, THE PARK WILL COMPRISE A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND TWO VOLLEYBALL/BASKETBALL COURTS.

OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A TOILET/SERVICE BLOCK AND TURFED AREA.

WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 28.

- - 0 - -

CONFERENCE ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS * * * * *

THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14 AND 15).

THE KEY ADDRESS WILL BE GIVEN BY THE DIRECTOR OF COUNSELLING AND CARE CENTRE IN SINGAPORE, MR ANTHONY YEO, WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF "A HELPING HAND: COPING WITH PERSONAL PROBLEMS”.

OPENING THE CONFERENCE WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MRS GRACE YUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR CHAN JOE-CHARK.

A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE ISSUED TO PRINCIPALS, GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND CAREERS TEACHERS ATTENDING THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP.

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/10 ..

PHOTO COMPETITION FOR DISTRICT FESTIVAL ******

A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION TO HIGHLIGHT THE SHAM SHU1 PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH.

THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS' FRATERNITY ASSOCIATION, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

PHOTOGRAPHS ENTERED SHOULD HIGHLIGHT THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL, WHICH AIMS AT ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS. THE ENTRIES SHOULD ALSO DEPICT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VARIOUS FEATURES OF THE FESTIVAL.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE PROJECTION PRINTS. MASKING OR SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THE PRINTS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

BOTH BLACK AND WHITE AND COLOUR ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM JANUARY 15 TO 31 AT THE ASSOCIATION’S OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, 144 CASTLE PEAK ROAD. THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS PARTICIPANTS MAY ENTER.

AN OPEN ADJUDICATION WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 9. WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATION BANQUET AND AN EXHIBITION IN MARCH. PRIZES WILL INCLUDE CAMERAS.

ENTRY FORMS AND DETAILS OF FESTIVAL EVENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET AND ITS FOUR SUB-OFFICES.

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VARIETY SHOW TO START DISTRICT FESTIVAL

*****

THE 1990-91 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL START WITH A VARIETY SHOW AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM IN HUNG HOM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING.

MORE THAN 8,000 RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO THE SHOW WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.

ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE TWO AND A HALF HOUR VARIETY SHOW WILL COMPRISE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, BANDS, THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ARTS ASSOCIATION’S CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHOIRS, AS WELL AS A DRAMA ON THE SUBJECT OF ELECTIONS.

OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO; REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAU MUN.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW OF THE 1990-91 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE HONGKONG COLISEUM IN HUNG HOM.

THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE COLISEUM AT 7.30 PM.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR TO VISIT PEKING AND TIANJIN .................................... 1

FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS ................... 1

GOVT LAND SOLD FOR S610M ................................................ 3

FS VISITS CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE .............................. 4

SHA CALLS FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS ......................... 4

INAUGURAL MEETING OF HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ................................. 5

PETITION FOR WINDING-UP OF GRAND UNION INSURANCE COMPANY LTD ............ 7

INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO INSTALL WATER PRE-TREATMENT FACILITIES .......... 8

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPT ON THE MOVE .................................. 8

CENSUS EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW ....................................... 9

FARMERS' FESTIVAL TIES IN WITH OPEN DAY.................................. 10

CHANGE OF PARKING METER COMPLAINTS TELEPHONE NUMBER ..................... 12

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS .......................................... 12

PHOTO CONTEST IN YAU TSIM ............................................... 13

GOVERNOR TO VISIT PEKING AND TIANJIN *****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL VISIT PEKING AND TIANJIN FROM JANUARY 21 TO 25.

HE WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS IN PEKING ON A RANGE OF CURRENT ISSUES WITH SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS DEALING WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS.

IN TIANJIN, HE WILL MEET SENIOR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS AND BE BRIEFED ON TIANJIN’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS.

THE GOVERNOR WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY LADY WILSON, THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR WILLIAM EHRMAN, AND HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR RICHARD HOARE.

FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS

***** *

THE TOTAL COST FOR THE KEY PROJECTS NECESSARY TO OPEN THE FIRST RUNWAY OF CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT IN 1997 IS ESTIMATED TO BE OF THE ORDER OF $79 BILLION AT 1990 PRICES, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

SOME OF THE PROJECTS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND EXPRESSWAY, AND THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, ARE REQUIRED EVEN WITHOUT THE AIRPORT.

A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE MET BY THE PRIVATE

SECTOR.

THE COSTS WILL ALSO BE OFFSET BY CONSIDERABLE REVENUE ARISING FROM THE AIRPORT PROJECTS. THIS INCLUDES POTENTIAL REVENUE, AT 1990 PRICES, OF NEARLY $40 BILLION FROM LAND SALES AT EAST KOWLOON UPON THE CLOSURE OF KAI TAK AIRPORT, SALES OF LAND FORMED BY RECLAMATION AT WEST KOWLOON AND NORTH LANTAU ALONG THE APPROACHES TO THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.

DETAILS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL APPROACH WERE MADE KNOWN TODAY TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON PADS.

"WHEN COMPLETED, THE INVESTMENT IN THE AIRPORT AND RELATED FACILITIES WILL BRING TO HONG KONG LONG-TERM ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS FAR GREATER THAN THE COST OF THE INVESTMENT, AND THESE BENEFITS WILL BE ENJOYED WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

COMMENTING ON THE NEW FIGURE OF $79 BILLION AT 1990 PRICES, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED AT THE OPENING OF THE 1989-90 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION THE DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE AIRPORT, IT WAS IN THE CONTEXT OF A BROAD STRATEGY FOR BOTH PORT AND AIRPORT EXPANSION GOING WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

/THE TOTAL

THE TOTAL COST OF THESE PROJECTS, INCLUDING THOSE TO BE FINANCED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WAS THEN ESTIMATED AT SOME <127 BILLION AT 1989 PRICES OVER THE PERIOD UP TO 2006.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOW REFINED A LIST OF THOSE PROJECTS WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO MEET THE PRIMARY AIM OF HAVING THE FIRST RUNWAY OF THE NEW AIRPORT OPEN IN 1997. THESE ARE THE AIRPORT ITSELF, THE BRIDGES, THE TRANSPORTATION LINKS AND ASSOCIATED RECLAMATION.

THE ESTIMATED ORDER OF COSTS OF THESE KEY AIRPORT PROJECTS IS AS FOLLOWS :

PROJECT

ORDER OF COST

($ MILLION AT 1990 PRICES IN PERIOD TO 1997)

WESTERN KOWLOON RECLAMATION 9,500

WESTERN KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY 2,500

WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING 4,000

ROUTE 3 (SECTION LINKING TSING YI, KWAI 5,000

CHUNG AND WEST KOWLOON)

CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT 38,000

NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY 5,000

(INCLUDING RAIL RESERVE)

TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT PHASE I 3,000

CROSSING BETWEEN LANTAU AND TSING YI

- TWO BRIDGES 7,000

- RAIL PORTION OF BRIDGES & ROUTE 3

INTERCHANGE 3,000

UTILITIES & OTHER MISCELLANEOUS 2,000

79,000

(THESE COSTS ARE APPROXIMATE, AS MOST OF THE PROJECTS ARE CURRENTLY AT THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN STAGE. ALSO THE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE ALLOWANCE FOR CONTINGENCIES. THE AIRPORT RAILWAY HAS ALSO BEEN EXCLUDED. A STUDY OF THE RAILWAY IS CURRENTLY IN HAND, WHICH WILL REVIEW THE SCOPE AND TARGET COMMISSIONING DATE OF THE PROJECT).

IN ITS FINANCIAL STRATEGY FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS CONSIDERABLE REVENUE FROM THE AIRPORT PROJECTS.

DIRECT REVENUE GOING TO THE GOVERNMENT WILL INCLUDE REVENUE FROM THE LANTAU BRIDGE, TOLLS AND/OR FROM SALE OF THE FRANCHISE, AS WELL AS TOLLS FROM OTHER ROADS SUCH AS ROUTE 3. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE POTENTIAL REVENUE FROM LAND SALES.

/ASIDE FROM ........

ASIDE FROM THIS AMOUNT, SOME REVENUE WILL EVENTUALLY GO TO THE GOVERNMENT INDIRECTLY IN THE FORM OF DIVIDEND AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT AS THE SHAREHOLDER OF THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, AS THEIR REVENUES REACH A LEVEL WHICH ENABLES THEM TO MORE THAN SERVICE THEIR DEBT.

"WITH CAREFUL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, THE MAJOR SPENDING ON THE KEY AIRPORT PROJECTS CAN BE MANAGED WHILST STILL KEEPING GROWTH OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE TO A REASONABLE LEVEL AND KEEPING HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL POSITION HEALTHY THROUGH 1997 AND BEYOND," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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GOVT LAND SOLD FOR $610M

*****

FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $610 MILLION AT A PUBLIC AUCTION THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.

A LOT AT AREA 6, MA.WO, TAI PO WAS BOUGHT BY MERRY MILES LTD FOR $197 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $100 MILLION.

THE LOT, WHICH MEASURES 9,820 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 14,140 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1994.

THE SECOND LOT, WITH AN AREA OF 5,194 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT LAM WAH STREET, KOWLOON BAY. IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

BIDDING OPENED AT $180 MILLION AND THE LAND WAS BOUGHT BY SHIN CHAK DEVELOPMENT LTD FOR $184 MILLION.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 31,800 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1994.

THE THIRD LOT, AT THE JUNCTION OF SUN YIP STREET AND ON YIP STREET, CHAI WAN, IS ALSO FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.

BIDDING OPENED AT $80 MILLION AND THE LOT WAS BOUGHT BY KENEVA COMPANY LTD FOR $104 MILLION.

THE LOT COVERS AN AREA OF 2,383 SQUARE METRES AND THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA NOT OF LESS THAN 21,4 47 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1994.

THE FOURTH LOT, FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, IS LOCATED AT ON PING STREET, SHA TIN. IT MEASURES 4,724 SQUARE METRES.

/THE LOT .......

THE LOT WAS BOUGHT BY PITALIGHT COMPANY LTD AT THE OPENING PRICE OF $125 MILLION.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 26,930 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1994.

MR ROGER HARDING, THE GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WHO CONDUCTED THE AUCTION, SAID HE WAS "SATISFIED" WITH THE RESULTS.

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FS VISITS CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE

******

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, VISITED THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY AT MERCER STREET, SHEUNG WAN THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.

DURING HIS VISIT, SIR PIERS TOURED THE TRADING HALL AND THE ASSAYER’S ROOM. HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY, MR ZEE KWOH-HUNG, ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN GOLD TRADING.

SIR PIERS WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY MAINTAIN ACTIVE DAILY TRADING IN GOLD AND SILVER AND THE SOCIETY IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT MONEY LAUNDERING ACTIVITIES.

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

SHA CALLS FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS *****

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING CALLED ON RESIDENTS OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS SO AS TO CREATE A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.

MR TSAO MADE THE APPEAL AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1990-91 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM.

HE NOTED THAT THE DISTRICT HAD REGISTERED MORE THAN 19,000 NEW VOTERS, REPRESENTING AN EIGHT PER CENT INCREASE, IN THE RECENT VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN.

MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT ENROLLING AS AN ELECTOR WAS JUST THE FIRST STEP IN EXERCISING A PERSON’S CIVIC RIGHTS AND CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.

/NOTING THAT........

NOTING THAT SHAM SHUI PO HAD BECOME ONE OF THE MAJOR INDUSTRIAL CENTRES IN THE TERRITORY, MR TSAO SAID THIS WAS THE RESULT OF JOINT EFFORTS BY LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT IN COMMUNITY BUILDING.

HE SAID THE THEME OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WAS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS, AND IN ORDER TO PUT ACROSS THIS MESSAGE, THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAD INVITED 46 SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS TO HOLD A TOTAL OF 61 EVENTS DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.

’’AND MORE THAN 60,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART,” HE ADDED. i

MR TSAO ALSO PRAISED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR SPONSORING THE FESTIVAL. V

’’THEIR ENTHUSIASM AS WELL AS THEIR EFFORTS WILL CERTAINLY HELP IN THE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION," HE SAID.

THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WITH A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, WILL RUN UNTIL JANUARY 13.

ABOUT 8,000 RESIDENTS ATTENDED THIS EVENING’S OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW WHICH INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND BANDS, THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ARTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION’S CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHOIRS, AND A DRAMA ON THE SUBJECT OF ELECTIONS.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; AND THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU MUN.

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INAUGURAL MEETING OF HOSPITAL AUTHORITY

*****

THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HELD ITS INAUGURAL PLENARY MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE AUTHORITY’S OFFICES IN THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE.

THE MEETING WAS PRESIDED OVER BY SIR S.Y. CHUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY, WHO REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE TREMENDOUS TASKS AHEAD.

THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE ONE OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS, SECOND ONLY TO THE GOVERNMENT IN THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES - AT’PRESENT THERE ARE SOME 34,000 STAFF IN THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.

AFTER BEING TAKEN OVER BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN ABOUT SIX TO NINE MONTHS’ TIME, THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WILL BE FULLY INTEGRATED UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND WILL BE KNOWN AS PUBLIC HOSPITALS.

/ALL PUBLIC .......

ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS WILL HAVE THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT FOR THEIR STAFF AND WILL AIM TO HAVE THE SAME MEDICAL AND SERVICE STANDARDS.

THE AUTHORITY DEALT WITH A NUMBER OF URGENT AND IMPORTANT ITEMS OF BUSINESS AT ITS FIRST MEETING. ONE OF THE MAJOR DECISIONS TAKEN WAS TO RATIFY THE OVERALL STRUCTURE OF THE AUTHORITY RECOMMENDED IN THE PHA REPORT, WHICH WAS GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR.

THE AUTHORITY WILL FUNCTION THROUGH A COMMITTEE SYSTEM AND A TOTAL OF EIGHT FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES ARE BEING ESTABLISHED AND WILL FUNCTION SHORTLY; THESE WILL DEAL WITH MEDICAL SERVICES DEVELOPMENT, SUPPORTING SERVICES DEVELOPMENT, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT, PERSONNEL, PATIENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS, FINANCE, TEACHING HOSPITALS AND INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES.

"THE FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES WILL INCLUDE BOTH MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY AND CO-OPTED MEMBERS FROM OUTSIDE, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INPUT FROM OPERATIONAL OR OTHER EXPERIENCE,” SIR S.Y. SAID.

AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, CONSISTING OF THE CHAIRMEN AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES, HAS BEEN SET UP TO CO-ORDINATE THE WORK OF THESE COMMITTEES AND TO DEAL WITH MATTERS WHICH ARISE BETWEEN PLENARY MEETINGS OF THE AUTHORITY.

IT HAS ALREADY HELD ITS FIRST MEETING THIS AFTERNOON AFTER THE PLENARY SESSION. THE FUNCTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT AS THE AUTHORITY WILL OPERATE WITHOUT A CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN ITS INITIAL YEARS.

THE AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS WILL HAVE A TRIPARTITE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE COMPRISING OPERATIONS, DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS FUNCTIONS.

THE APPOINTMENTS OF THE THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS HEADING THESE THREE FUNCTIONS WERE ALSO RATIFIED AT THE MEETING - DR E.K. YEOH AS THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR S.M. PANG AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AND MR JOHN CHAMBERS AS SECRETARY GENERAL.

"RECRUITMENT OF THE 15 DEPUTIES TO THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS IS PROGRESSING WELL AND THE AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED THE OFFER OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE MAJORITY OF CANDIDATES," SIR S.Y. SAID.

SOME OF THE RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES ARE SERVING SENIOR STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHEREAS OTHERS ARE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.

AT THE MEETING, THE AUTHORITY ALSO RATIFIED THE PHA RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES.

UNDER THE AUTHORITY THE FORMER SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WILL BE ABLE TO RETAIN AS MUCH OF THEIR PRESENT CHARACTERISTICS AND TRADITIONS AS POSSIBLE AND WILL BE ACCORDED A HIGH DEGREE OF MANAGEMENT AUTONOMY.

/TO FAMILIARISE .......

TO FAMILIARISE MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY WITH THE WORKING CONDITIONS AND RANGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, A PROGRAMME OF WEEKLY VISITS IS TO BE ARRANGED FOR AUTHORITY MEMBERS.

ALL THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS WILL BE VISITED DURING THE NEXT FOUR TO FIVE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE TAKE-OVER.

’’THE VISITS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HOSPITAL STAFF TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND CONCERNS ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT REFORMS DIRECT TO AUTHORITY MEMBERS, AND FOR AUTHORITY MEMBERS TO EXPLAIN THE MISSION, PHILOSOPHY AND WORK PLAN OF THE AUTHORITY TO HOSPITAL STAFF,” SIR S.Y. SAID. THE FIRST VISIT WILL TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 10, 1991.

THE NEXT PLENARY MEETING OF THE AUTHORITY WILL BE HELD IN FOUR WEEKS* TIME.

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PETITION FOR WINDING-UP OF GRAND UNION INSURANCE COMPANY LTD

******

THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED A PETITION TO THE HIGH COURT FOR THE WINDING-UP OF GRAND UNION INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED ("THE COMPANY”).

THE DATE FOR THE HEARING OF THE PETITION HAS BEEN FIXED AT JANUARY 21, 1991.

THE COURT HAS IN THE MEANTIME APPOINTED THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO BE THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR OF THE COMPANY.

THE COMPANY WAS INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG [N FEBRUARY 1966. HOWEVER, IT HAD BEEN REQUIRED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO STOP WRITING DIRECT INSURANCE BUSINESS AS FROM JANUARY 14, 1989, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, ON AUGUST 8, 1989, TO CEASE WRITING ALL INSURANCE BUSINESS AND TO ENGAGE IN A RUN-OFF OF ITS OUTSTANDING LIABILITIES.

THE COMPANY WAS MAINLY ENGAGED IN WRITING OVERSEAS REINSURANCE BUSINESS, ALTHOUGH A SMALL VOLUME OF DIRECT BUSINESS HAD BEEN WRITTEN IN HONG KONG. THERE ARE NO CURRENT POLICIES IN FORCE.

THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE STATED THAT THE ACTION AGAINST THE COMPANY WAS CONSIDERED DESIRABLE TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY’S INSURANCE CREDITORS.

THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY WAS NOT SATISFIED THAT THE COMPANY WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE ITS RUN-OFF OF OUTSTANDING CLAIMS IN AN ORDERLY MANNER.

THE GROUNDS FOR THE WINDING-UP OF THE COMPANY WERE IN THE MAIN THAT IT WAS UNABLE TO PAY ITS DEBTS WHEN DUE, THAT IT HAD NOT KEPT PROPER BOOKS OF ACCOUNT, AND THAT IT WAS EXPEDIENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT IT SHOULD BE WOUND UP.

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INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO INSTALL WATER PRE-TREATMENT FACILITIES

******

OWNERS OF POLLUTION-CAUSING FACTORIES IN TSUEN WAN WERE URGED TO INSTALL WATER PRE-TREATMENT FACILITIES, AS THE DISTRICT IS TO BE DECLARED A WATER CONTROL ZONE IN 1992/93, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR YOUNG SAID IN ORDER TO ALLOW LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER PRE-TREATMENT SYSTEMS, VISITS HAD BEEN ARRANGED BY THE TSUEN WAN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM TO THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRY (CETI) AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION ON INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

"THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING AS SOME FACTORY OWNERS HAVE ALREADY COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS OR AUTHORISED PERSONS TO DESIGN ANTIPOLLUTION SYSTEMS TO SUIT THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS,” MR YOUNG SAID.

"AND IT IS HOPED THAT WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRIALISTS, AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT #TO THE ENVIRONMENT CAN BE ACHIEVED," HE ADDED.

THE EVENT, ATTENDED BY ABOUT 100 FACTORY OPERATORS, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.

GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDED THE MANAGER OF CETI, MR PETER LIU, WHO EXPLAINED IN DETAIL THE VARIOUS COST-EFFECTIVE AND SPACE-SAVING METHODS TO CONTROL INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION.

ALSO ATTENDING THE SEMINAR WERE THE SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, DR ELLEN CHAN; THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR CHAN CHI-MIN; AND THE BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR DAVY YUEN.

- - 0 - -

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPT ON THE MOVE

*****

THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 15) FROM ITS PRESENT LOCATION IN QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO THE OCEAN CENTRE IN CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH ITS TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRIES, WILL OCCUPY OFFICES ON THE 15TH FLOOR OF THE CURVED BLOCK.

/TEH PRESENT

THE PRESENT REGISTRIES WILL OFFICIALLY CLOSE FOR BUSINESS FROM 12.30 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 14). BUT IT WILL REMAIN OPEN TO RECEIVE TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS CLAIMING CONVENTION PRIORITY; NOTICES OF OPPOSITION TO ADVERTISED TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS, ANY DOCUMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR EXTENSION OF TIME FILED IN CONNECTION WITH OPPOSITION PROCEEDINGS OR RECTIFICATION PROCEEDINGS WHICH HAVE ALREADY COMMENCED; PATENT APPLICATIONS FILED WITHIN FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF GRANT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR FROM ITS TAKING EFFECT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM; AND COPIES OF DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE COURT RELATING TO .TRADE MARK RECTIFICATION AND APPEAL PROCEEDINGS.

THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT AND ITS REGISTRIES WILL RESUME FULL SERVICES AT THE NEW OFFICES FROM NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 17).

THE NEW ENQUIRY NUMBER FOR THE DEPARTMENT IS 737 2622.

----------------0------- CENSUS EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW * » « * »

A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED IN MAJOR SHOPPING ARCADES AND MTR STATIONS FROM MID DECEMBER TO EARLY MARCH NEXT YEAR TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE FORTHCOMING 1991 POPULATION CENSUS AND TO CALL FOR THEIR COOPERATION.

THE FIRST IN THE SERIES WILL COMMENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE MONG KOK MTR STATION.

ORGANISED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND DESIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE EXHIBITION FEATURES THROUGH ATTRACTIVE PHOTOGRAPHS AND DESIGN USEFUL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS.

APART FROM SETTING OUT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT, IT ELUCIDATES THE ENUMERATION METHODS TO BE USED IN THE CENSUS AND HOW THE DATA COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

"THE SELF-ENUMERATION METHOD, IN PARTICULAR, IS THE FIRST TIME TO BE USED IN HONG KONG," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID SIX OUT OF SEVEN HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ENUMERATED THIS WAY WHILE THE OTHER ONE-SEVENTH HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ENUMERATED BY THE TRADITIONAL INTERVIEWING METHOD.

"WE THEREFORE HOPE THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC CAN GAIN A FAIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE METHODS THROUGH VISITING THE EXHIBITIONS," HE ADDED.

THE MOBILE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN PROMINENT LOCATIONS SUCH AS SHOPPING ARCADES OF POPULATED TOWN AREAS AND MTR STATIONS WHERE THE MESSAGE CAN BE EFFECTIVELY CONVEYED TO THE LARGEST POSSIBLE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

/THE THREE .......

THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IN THE MONG KOK MTR STATION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11.30 AM TO 7.30 PM DAILY EXCEPT DECEMBER 14 (WHICH CLOSES AT 4 PM). AFTER THAT, THE EXHIBITS WILL BE MOVED TO KWUN TONG MTR STATION ON DECEMBER 28.

THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN MARCH 15 AND 24 IN 1991.

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

FARMERS’ FESTIVAL TIES IN WITH OPEN DAY *****

HONG KONG’S SECOND FARMERS’ FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT THE TAI LUNG FARM OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD).

TO TIE IN WITH THE FESTIVAL, THE TAI LUNG FARM AT LIN TONG MEI, SHEUNG SHUI, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON TO SUNDAY (DECEMBER 14 TO 16). THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE TAI LUNG FARM IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

"THE FARMERS’ FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY AFD AND THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AMONGST FARMERS," THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE) OF THE DEPARTMENT, MISS VERA SO, SAID.

"IT ALSO PROVIDES FARMERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE AND TECHNIQUES."

OFFICIATING AT THE FESTIVAL’S LAUNCHING CEREMONY WILL BE THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU.

ACCORDING TO MISS SO, THE TAI LUNG FARM OPEN DAY WILL FEATURE DISPLAYS ON HONG KONG’S AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS THE LATEST FARMING TECHNIQUES.

THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS ON MODERN CHICKEN FARMING, EXOTIC VEGETABLE CROPS, THE PIG-ON-LITTER METHOD AND THE USE OF SPENT SAWDUST AS SOIL CONDITIONER.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST TO VISITORS WILL INCLUDE:

- A ROSE GARDEN WHERE OVER 40 SPECIES, INCLUDING SOME VERY RARE ONES, OF ROSES ARE CULTIVATED;

- AN INSECT MUSEUM PLUS A DISPLAY ON INSECT TRAPS;

- AN ORCHARD WITH ITS RICH COLLECTION OF FRUIT TREES PLUS DEMONSTRATIONS ON GRAFTING TECHNIQUES;

/- A DISPLAY ........

- A DISPLAY OF FARMING MACHINERY AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS;

- A MUSHROOM LABORATORY;

- LABORATORY DEMONSTRATIONS ON METHODS TO TEST PESTICIDE RESIDUE ON VEGETABLES; AND

- FIELD DEMONSTRATION OF PLANT PROTECTION AND PLANT NUTRITION EXPERIMENTS.

IN ADDITION, FRESH LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE WILL BE ON SALE AT THE FARM.

"IT IS HOPED THAT THE OPEN DAY WILL ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND BETTER HOW FRESH FOODSTUFFS ARE PRODUCED LOCALLY, THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FARMERS AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE FARMING COMMUNITY TO HONG KONG," MISS SO SAID.

SHE HOWEVER URGED VISITORS TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF PARKING FACILITIES AT TAI LUNG.

"THE JOINT FEDERATION WILL PROVIDE FREE SHUTTLE COACH TO FERRY VISITORS FROM THE KCR SHEUNG SHUT STATION NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF CHOI YUEN ESTATE AND OUTSIDE KWONG WAH THEATRE AT YUEN LONG TO TAI LUNG FARM DURING THE OPEN DAY PERIOD, THAT IS FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM DAILY BETWEEN FRIDAY TO SUNDAY.

"ALTERNATIVELY, THE PUBLIC MAY GO TO TAI LUNG FARM VIA FAN KAM ROAD BY TAKING NO. 77K OR NO. 18 PUBLIC LIGHT BUS LINKING SHEUNG SHUI WITH YUEN LONG," SHE ADDED.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

TO FACILITATE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE OPEN DAY, A PRESS TOUR OF TAI LUNG FARM WILL BE ORGANISED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL LEAVE AFD HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 1.30 PM.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO JOIN THE TOUR. STAFF OF AFD’S INFORMATION UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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/12 .......

CHANGE OF PARKING METER COMPLAINTS TELEPHONE NUMBER ♦ * * * ♦

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PARKING METER COMPLAINTS TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE CHANGED TO 824 2111 FROM THURSDAY (DECEMBER 13) FOLLOWING THE REMOVAL OF THE METER COMPLAINTS UNIT FROM 37TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TO WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ACTION WOULD BE UNDER TAKEN TO CHANGE THE OLD TELEPHONE NUMBER CURRENTLY POSTED ON ALL PARKING METERS.

CHANGE-NUMBER INCEPTION SERVICE THROUGH THE TELEPHONE COMPANY WOULD BE PROVIDED, PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE ABOVE WORKS.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED MOTORISTS, WHEN LODGING A COMPLAINT ON A DEFECTIVE PARKING METER, TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON METER NUMBER, LOCATION, NATURE OF COMPLAINTS AND THE VEHICLE NUMBER.

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

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD AN AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

A TOTAL OF BIDDING. THEY ARE: 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR

EM1888 EE3 EM882 EM1338

EL608 EL3228 EM5 DH777

EM3268 AU116 DG163 HK450

DH11 EM8162 EM318 AK747

EM1228 EM3389 AR19 EM619

EM661 EE77 AA1883 EL9332

XX9112 EM8288 EM911 EM635

EG171 EL908 CC87 EL8890

EM1168 DD8628 EM1118 AS2339

AA812 3866 EM128 EL3988

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 .......

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 GO TO THE GOVERNMENT

LOTTERIES

FUND.

THE AUCTION WILL BE THE 158TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

- - 0 - -

PHOTO CONTEST IN YAU TSIM ♦ » ♦ ♦ *

A "GET TO KNOW YAU TSIM BETTER" PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST IS BEING HELD TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT’S CULTURE AND ARTS FESTIVAL NEXT MONTH.

THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION (YTCAA), THE URBAN COUNCIL AND SHRIRO (CHINA) LIMITED WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

IT AIMS AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT AND PROMOTING THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY.

THE ENTRIES CAN BE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DISTRICT’S SCENERY, ARTIFACTS, RESIDENTS’ LIFESTYLE AND SOCIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES. THEY SHOULD BE IN COLOUR AND 40.5 CENTIMETRES BY 50.8 CENTIMETRES IN SIZE.

A PANEL OF JUDGES, HEADED BY YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER MISS ANNIE TONG, WILL SELECT THE WINNERS ON JANUARY 19 AND THE RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JANUARY 22.

THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED CAMERAS WHILE THE AWARDS FOR THE 10 OTHER OUTSTANDING ENTRIES AND 150 CONSOLATION PRIZES WILL BE TELESCOPES OR ALARM CLOCKS.

THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE AND THE YTCAA ACTIVITY CENTRE AT 33 SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EARLY NEXT YEAR.

ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ACTIVITY CENTRE AND THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ENTRIES IS JANUARY 15.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 301 2130 AND 724 4361.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: HK PEOPLE PROTECTED BY UK OVERSEAS .............................................. 1

SHA SPELLS OUT POLICY ON RECEPTION AND BROADCAST OF TV SIGNALS .................. 1

GOVT TO ALIGN IMMIGRATION LAW WITH JD AND BASIC LAW ............................. 3

TAX TREATIES HELP IN ATTRACTING INVESTMENT ...................................... 3

BILL TO ALLEVIATE STRUCTURAL RISK OF BUILDING PASSED ............................ 4

THE RETURN NUMBER OF NEWLY-CATEGORISED VBP DISAPPOINTING ........................ 4

WIDE VARIETY OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS BEING DISPOSED OF ............................. 5

VARIOUS INCOME GROUPS BEING TAKEN CARE OF IN TAX PACKAGE ........................ 6

LEGAL AID - FREE FOR ALL REGARDLESS RESIDENCE OR NATIONALITY .................... 6

MEDICAL CHECKS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES SATISFACTORY ...................... 7

TAX CONCESSION LEVEL ON CHARITABLE DONATIONS REASONABLE ......................... 8

LOAN SHARKING ACTIVITIES ON A DECLINE ........................................... 8

UNHCR REMINDED TO DISCHARGE ITS DEBTS ........................................... 9

EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER RELEASED ................................... 10

NEW ALLOCATION SCHEME FOR ELECTION PUBLICITY ..................................... 17

EXCO APPROVES TAXI FUEL SUPPLEMENT ............................................... 19

40,000 TAXATION ELECTION FORMS SENT TO MARRIED COUPLES ........................... 20

NEW ELIGIBILITY RULE FOR STUDENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SCHEME ........................... 20

MONG KOK BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ............................................ 22

COURT ORDER FOR WINDING-UP OF INSURANCE COMPANY .................................. 23

WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN TSUEN WAN ............................................. 24

FC MEETING ON FRIDAY ............................................................. 24

HK PEOPLE PROTECTED BY UK OVERSEAS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

CONSULAR PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY BRITISH DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING ABROAD ON HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS IN THE SAME WAY AS TO BRITISH CITIZENS OR OTHER BRITISH NATIONALS.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE.

’’HOWEVER, NO SUCH PROTECTION CAN BE PROVIDED BY HMG (HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT) IN COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES WITH WHICH HMG HAS NO DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR RELATIONS OR WHERE IT HAS NO INTERESTS SECTION IN ANOTHER COUNTRY’S EMBASSY.

’’CURRENTLY, COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES IN THIS CATEGORY INCLUDE TAIWAN, NORTH KOREA AND ALBANIA,” MR STRACHAN SAID.

NOTING THAT CONSULAR OR CONSULAR TYPE PROTECTION WAS A MATTER OF HMG, MR STRACHAN SAID HMG HAD NO DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH, OR CONSULAR REPRESENTATION IN, TAIWAN, AND THERE WERE NO PLANS FOR THIS POSITION TO CHANGE IN FUTURE.

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

SHA SPELLS OUT POLICY ON RECEPTION AND BROADCAST OF TV SIGNALS * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ESTABLISHED A POLICY FRAMEWORK TO GOVERN THE RECEPTION AND BROADCAST OF TELEVISION SIGNALS BY SATELLITE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG, MR TSAO SAID THE POLICY HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO ENABLE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMING OFFERED BY MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT.

IT HAS ALSO DESIGNED TO ENSURE EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN THE DEGREE OF COMPETITION BETWEEN EXISTING AND POTENTIAL TELEVISION BROADCASTING FRANCHISEES, HE ADDED.

’’THIS POLICY FRAMEWORK WAS ANNOUNCED ON OCTOBER 31, 1990 AND

REMAINS UNCHANGED.”

AS REGARDS THE RECEPTION OF SATELLITE TELEVISION SIGNALS, MR TSAO NOTED THAT THE GENERAL RULES WERE THAT INDIVIDUAL TELEVISION RECEIVE ONLY (TVRO) DISHES, CONNECTED TO A SINGLE TELEVISION SET, WERE EXEMPT FROM LICENSING.

/"THAT IS .......

"THAT IS, SYSTEMS WHERE TELEVISION SIGNALS RECEIVED BY A DISH ARE DISTRIBUTED BY INTERNAL WIRED NETWORK TO MORE THAN ONE TELEVISION SET WITHIN ONE BUILDING OR DEVELOPMENT, WILL REQUIRE TO BE LICENSED,” HE SAID.

MR TSAO ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AN APPROPRIATE LICENCE UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE WAS NOW BEING DRAFTED, WITH THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL PROVISIONS:

* ONLY SIGNALS INTENDED FOR GENERAL RECEPTION SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE SYSTEM;

* NO SUBSCRIPTION FEES OR PACKAGING OF PROGRAMMES WILL BE ALLOWED; AND FINALLY

* COMPLIANCE WITH ANY DIRECTION FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL PROHIBITING THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROSCRIBED PROGRAMME SERVICES.

ON THE SATELLITE BROADCASTING SIDE, MR TSAO SAID INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS TO ESTABLISH SATELLITE BROADCASTING OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS, HAVING REGARD TO THE FOLLOWING MAIN CONSIDERATIONS:

* THE SIGNALS SHOULD NOT BE TARGETTED PRINCIPALLY AT A HONG KONG AUDIENCE;

* FINANCING THROUGH ADVERTISING REVENUES SHOULD NOT RELY PRINCIPALLY ON HONG KONG’S LOCAL TV ADVERTISING MARKET;

* NO SUBSCRIPTION FEE MAY BE LEVIED BY THE LICENSEE FOR RECEPTION OF PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG;

* FOR THE MOMENT NO CANTONESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING WILL BE PERMITTED EXCEPT THAT AFTER OCTOBER 30, 1993 PROGRAMME IN

CANTONESE PREVIOUSLY BROADCAST IN HONG KONG COULD BE REBROADCAST;

« THE LICENSEE MUST COMPLY WITH THE RELEVANT TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS AS LAID DOWN BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY; AND FINALLY

* THE LICENSEE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT HIS PROGRAMMES ARE ACCEPTABLE TO RECEIVING COUNTRIES.

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

/3 ........

GOVT TO ALIGN IMMIGRATION LAW WITH JD AND BASIC LAW

******

THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW CONSIDERING HOW TO ALIGN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW, MR STRACHAN SAID THIS WOULD INCLUDE GIVING THE RIGHT OF ABODE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS OR MORE AND WHO HAVE TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE.

’’THERE ARE, HOWEVER, ALSO OTHER ASPECTS, MANY OF WHICH WILL REQUIRE DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

"DISCUSSION ON SOME ASPECTS IS ALREADY TAKING PLACE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP," MR STRACHAN SAID.

ON STEPS BEING TAKEN TO GIVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG TO FOREIGNERS, MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT IN JUNE THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAD REDUCED THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR UNCONDITIONAL STAY FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS FROM NINE TO SEVEN YEARS.

"THUS, THEY MAY APPLY FOR UNCONDITIONAL STAY AFTER HAVING LIVED HERE FOR SEVEN YEARS, AS OPPOSED TO THE PREVIOUS REQUIREMENT OF NINE YEARS.

"THIS IS THE FIRST STEP WE HAVE TAKEN TO EXTEND THE RIGHT OF ABODE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS IN HONG KONG," MR STRACHAN ADDED.

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

TAX TREATIES HELP IN ATTRACTING INVESTMENT ♦ * * * »

THE MAIN POTENTIAL ADVANTAGE OF TAX TREATIES IDENTIFIED LIES IN ATTRACTING INVESTMENT TO HONG KONG AND IN EASING ANY TAX PROBLEMS OF LOCAL COMPANIES WITH DIVIDENDS AND ROYALTIES FROM OVERSEAS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAUL CHENG, SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN GIVING SOME PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATION AS TO WHETHER HONG KONG COULD BENEFIT FROM TAX TREATIES WITH OUR MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.

"WE NEED TO EXAMINE WHAT WE MIGHT WISH TO SEEK TO INCLUDE IN SUCH TREATIES, AND WHETHER SUCH PROVISIONS WOULD FIND FAVOUR WITH THE OVERSEAS TAX TERRITORIES WITH WHOM WE MIGHT WISH TO NEGOTIATE.

"MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, WE MUST BE SATISFIED THAT THERE IS SOME TANGIBLE ADVANTAGE FOR HONG KONG," SIR PIERS SAID.

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

/4 .....

BILL TO ALLEVIATE STRUCTURAL RISK OF BUILDING PASSED * * * * *

THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990 WHICH ENABLES THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION TO REMOVE DANGEROUS ILLEGAL AND UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING WORKS WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

FOUR LEGISLATORS, THE HON MARIA TAM, THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN, THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM AND THE HON LEUNG WAI-TUNG SPOKE IN THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILL AND THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.

IN ADDITION, A MOTION BY THE HON PETER WONG ON THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WAS PASSED. THREE MEMBERS, THE HON PETER WONG, THE HON MARTIN LEE AND THE HON EDWARD HO SPOKE ON THE MOTION.

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

THE RETURN NUMBER OF NEWLY-CATEGORISED VBP DISAPPOINTING

******

THE NUMBER OF WITHDRAWALS FROM THE INITIAL GROUP OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE (VBP) TO BE REPATRIATED IN THE CATEGORY OF THOSE WHO DID NOT OPPOSE REPATRIATION WAS DISAPPOINTING, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT ENTIRELY UNEXPECTED THAT SOME VBP WOULD CHOOSE TO WITHDRAW, THE SECRETARY SAID.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR STRACHAN SAID: "EACH PERSON HAD HIS OWN REASONS FOR WITHDRAWING.

"OUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE INITIAL VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION FLIGHTS SHOWED A SIMILAR PATTERN, BUT ONCE WELL ESTABLISHED, THE DROP-OUT RATE QUICKLY DECLINED."

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HOPED A SIMILAR PATTERN WOULD EMERGE WITH THIS NEW CATEGORY.

THE SECRETARY SAID HE COULD NOT, AT THIS STAGE, COMMENT ON THE OUTCOME OR THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE JUDICIAL REVIEW CURRENTLY BEFORE THE COURT, RELATING TO THE DETERMINATION OF STATUS OF NINE ASYLUM SEEKERS.

HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNHCR WERE WORKING HARD TO ACHIEVE A RATE OF RETURN OF AT LEAST 1,000 PER MONTH.

"THE NUMBERS RETURNING TO VIETNAM ARE INCREASING.

"THE OVERALL POPULATION IS ALSO GRADUALLY BUT STEADILY REDUCING.

"WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN IN CONJUNCTION WITH UNHCR TO BUILD UPON THIS TREND, AND INCREASE THE MOMENTUM OF THE REPATRIATION PROGRAMME," HE ADDED.

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

/5.........

WIDE VARIETY OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS BEING DISPOSED OF

COUNTERFEIT GOODS CONFISCATED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ARE DISPOSED OF BY AUCTION THROUGH THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MAKING AVAILABLE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, DONATING TO CHARITY, OR BEING DESTROYED.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ELSIE TU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR PIERS SAID IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT CONFISCATED AND DISPOSED OF A WIDE VARIETY OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS.

CONFISCATED ITEMS INCLUDED GARMENTS, WATCHES, LEATHERWARE, AUDIO/VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, COMPUTER MANUALS, PUBLICATIONS, FOODSTUFFS, CHINESE PARENT MEDICINES AND PLASTIC GOODS.

HE SAID COUNTERFEIT GOODS WERE CONFISCATED UNDER THE COPYRIGHT AND TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCES IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERS AND TO PROTECT CONSUMERS AGAINST COUNTERFEIT MERCHANDISE WHICH COULD BE SUBSTANDARD OR ENDANGER PUBLIC HEALTH.

SIR PIERS EXPLAINED THAT THE METHOD OF DISPOSAL HAD REGARD TO THE TYPES OF GOODS AND THE REASONS FOR CONFISCATION.

FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, PIRATED COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND FAKE COMPUTER MANUALS AND COUNTERFEIT WATCHES, MEDICINE AND LEATHERWARE WOULD BE DESTROYED.

’’THEORETICALLY, COUNTERFEIT AUDIO/VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES COULD BE WIPED CLEAN AND MADE AVAILABLE FOR AUCTION. HOWEVER, THIS WOULD BE UNECONOMICAL AND SUCH ITEMS ARE THEREFORE ALSO DESTROYED,” HE ADDED.

FOR GARMENTS, AS A GENERAL RULE, WHERE IT IS POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE OFFENDING TRADE MARK OR WHERE THE PRODUCT IS OTHERWISE UNIDENTIFIABLE, ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE FOR THE GOODS TO BE AUCTIONED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OR DONATED TO CHARITY.

’’HOWEVER, FOR SOME CONFISCATED GARMENTS, THE OFFENDING TRADE MARK FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ARTICLE, AND ITS REMOVAL WOULD HAVE RENDERED THE GARMENTS UNUSABLE. IN THIS CASE, DESTRUCTION REMAINS THE ONLY VIABLE OPTION,” SIR PIERS SAID.

-----0 - -

/6 ........

VARIOUS INCOME GROUPS BEING TAKEN CARE OF IN TAX PACKAGE

*****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL, IN CONSIDERING ANY TAX PROPOSAL, TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EFFECT ON VARIOUS INCOME GROUPS, INCLUDING THE LOWER INCOME GROUP, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEUNG WAI-TUNG, SIR PIERS SAID AT AROUND THIS TIME OF THE YEAR, A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS HAD SENT IN SUGGESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE FORTHCOMING BUDGET.

MANY OF THE SUGGESTIONS GENERATED SOME DEGREE OF PUBLIC DEBATE, HE SAID.

"GENERALLY, I ALLOW THE DEBATE TO CONTINUE WITHOUT MY STEPPING IN TOO EARLY TO KNOCK IT ON THE HEAD.

"BUT, BY NOT DISMISSING A PROPOSAL, I AM BY NO MEANS IMPLYING THAT I SUPPORT IT," SIR PIERS SAID.

MANY PROPOSALS RECEIVED HAD PROVEN TO BE UNACCEPTABLE FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.

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

LEGAL AID - FREE FOR ALL REGARDLESS RESIDENCE OR NATIONALITY ******

RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG IS NOT A FACTOR IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY OF RECEIVING LEGAL AID, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM, SIR PIERS, SAID ANYONE INVOLVED IN PROCEEDINGS IN THE DISTRICT OR HIGH COURT WAS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR LEGAL AID, REGARDLESS OF RESIDENCE OR NATIONALITY.

"THIS IS THE NORMAL PRACTICE ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD AND IT IS NOT UNIQUE TO HONG KONG," SIR PIERS SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ALL APPLICANTS WERE SUBJECT TO A MEANS TEST. IN CIVIL CASES, THERE MUST ALSO BE REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR LITIGATING. IN CRIMINAL CASES, IT MUST BE IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE FOR LEGAL AID TO BE PROVIDED.

"RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG IS NOT THEREFORE A FACTOR IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY, AND SEPARATE STATISTICS ARE NOT MAINTAINED ON NON-HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO WHOM LEGAL AID HAS BEEN GRANTED.

"EXTRACTING SUCH STATISTICS FROM THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT’S CASE FILES WOULD BE A HUGE TASK, REQUIRING THE DIVERSION OF STAFF RESOURCES BETTER USED IN ASSISTING APPLICANTS FOR LEGAL AID," SIR PIERS SAID.

/FOR THE ........

FOR THE YEAR 1989/90, 15,810 LEGAL AID APPLICATIONS ON CIVIL CASES AND 4,849 ON CRIMINAL CASES WERE RECEIVED. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, 5,541 AND 2,906 LEGAL AID CERTIFICATES WERE ISSUED FOR CIVIL CASES AND CRIMINAL CASES RESPECTIVELY.

MEANWHILE, THE EXPENDITURE ON LEGAL AID FOR THE YEAR 1989/90 WAS SOME $89.14 MILLION. THIS COMPARED TO SOME $75.78 MILLION FOR THE YEAR 1988/89.

ON THE OTHER HAND, REVENUE RECEIVED TO RECOVER COSTS IN LEGAL AID CASES WAS SOME $38.9 MILLION FOR THE YEAR 1989/90 AND SOME $33.55 MILLION FOR THE YEAR 1988/89.

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

MEDICAL CHECKS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

*****

EMPLOYEES SATISFACTORY

THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES CONCERNING MEDICAL CHECKS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE GENERALLY SATISFACTORY, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM, MR LEUNG ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND ENCOURAGE PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO PAY DUE ATTENTION TO THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THEIR STAFF.

HE SAID THE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE CONCERNING RETIREMENT AGE AND MEDICAL CHECKS WAS NOT UNIFORM THROUGHOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES.

"IN GENERAL, THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE FOR EMPLOYEES SET BY MOST COMPANIES IS 60.

"IN SOME CASES, ANNUAL EXTENSION OF SERVICE UP TO 65 MAY BE ALLOWED, SUBJECT TO MEDICAL CHECKS," MR LEUNG SAID.

MR LEUNG SAID ALL MAJOR COMPANIES PROVIDED FREE MEDICAL SERVICE FOR THEIR STAFF, BUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMPULSORY MEDICAL CHECKS DIFFERED.

"FOR EXAMPLE, KMB AND CMB REQUIRE ALL DRIVERS OVER 60 TO BE SUBJECT TO ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECKS. YOUNGER DRIVERS ARE ALSO CHECKED IF THE COMPANY HAS DOUBTS ON THEIR FITNESS TO DRIVE.

"OTHERS SUCH AS THE STAR FERRY, HONG KONG TRAMWAYS AND PEAK TRAMWAYS REQUIRE ALL STAFF TO BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED EACH YEAR FROM THE AGE OF 55.

"EMPLOYEES OF THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ANNUAL CHEST X-RAY EXAMINATIONS AND MORE THOROUGH MEDICAL CHECKS ON DOCTOR’S ADVICE," MR LEUNG SAID.

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

/8 ........

TAX CONCESSION LEVEL ON CHARITABLE DONATIONS REASONABLE

******

THE PRESENT LIMIT, WHICH IS 10 PER CENT OF ASSESSABLE INCOME, ON THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF CHARITABLE DONATIONS THAT CAN BE DEDUCTED FROM ASSESSABLE INCOME, IS REASONABLE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG, SIR PIERS SAID: "WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A LOW TAX SYSTEM, WE NEED TO KEEP THE NUMBER AND INDEED THE COST OF CONCESSIONS AND EXCESSIONS AND EXCEPTIONS TO THE MINIMUM.

"IT SHOULD ALSO BE BORNE IN MIND THAT IN HONG KONG, DIVIDENDS, INTEREST AND OFFSHORE INCOME, OUT OF WHICH DONATIONS MAY WELL BE MADE, ARE NOT CHARGEABLE TO TAX AT ALL."

SIR PIERS POINTED OUT THAT NOT ALL BODIES RECEIVING CHARITABLE DONATIONS WERE IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, AND INCREASED RECEIPTS THROUGH DONATIONS DID NOT ALWAYS RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE SUBVENTION.

"AN INCREASE IN DONATIONS, THEREFORE, WOULD NOT NECESSARILY GUARANTEE A DROP IN THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION," HE STRESSED.

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

LOAN SHARKING ACTIVITIES ON A DECLINE *****

THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT LOAN SHARKING ACTIVITIES IN NEW TOWNS ARE HIGHER OR INCREASING AT A GREATER RATE THAN IN THE URBAN AREAS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROSANNA TAM, MR STRACHAN SAID POLICE STATISTICS INDICATED THAT REPORTED LOAN SHARKING CASES IN NEW TOWNS ACCOUNTED FOR 22 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH CASES IN THE TERRITORY LAST YEAR AND 18 PER CENT SO FAR THIS YEAR.

"INDEED, THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED LOAN SHARKING CASES IN THE TERRITORY OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS," HE ADDED.

MR STRACHAN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND THE PUBLIC THAT LOAN SHARKS WERE UNSCRUPULOUS AND RUTHLESS.

"ONCE IN THEIR CLUTCHES, A DEBTOR RARELY RECOVERS.

"THE PUBLIC IS THEREFORE URGED NOT ONLY TO STAY AWAY FROM LOAN SHARKS BUT ALSO TO REPORT THEIR ACTIVITIES TO THE POLICE TO HELP CRACK DOWN ON SUCH CRIME SYNDICATES,” HE ADDED.

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

/9 ........

UNHCR REMINDED TO DISCHARGE ITS DEBTS * * * * *

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, HAS TAKEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES OF ITS OBLIGATIONS TO DISCHARGE ITS DEBTS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON IAN STRACHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

"WE HAVE ALSO FREQUENTLY AND CONSISTENTLY REMINDED THE MAIN DONOR COUNTRIES THAT UNHCR REQUIRES ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENABLE THE COMMISSION TO MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS IN HONG KONG," MR STRACHAN SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI.

HE NOTED THAT THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM WAS AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM AND HAD BEEN RECOGNISED AS SUCH REPEATEDLY IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES.

"HONG KONG HAS CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN ITS FAIR SHARE FINANCIALLY TOWARDS THE RESOLUTION OF THIS PROBLEM.

"IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD DO THE SAME," MR STRACHAN SAID.

- - 0--------

/10 .......

EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER RELEASED

******

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN OCTOBER 1990, AT $127,231 MILLION, GREW BY 25 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN OCTOBER 1990 RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT TO $22,185 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS ROSE BY 31 PER CENT TO $41,838 MILLION. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT TO $64,024 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT TO $63,208 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1990, AT $1,037,394 MILLION, INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT TO $183,785 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT TO $334,532 MILLION.

THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT TO $518,318 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT TO $519,076 MILLION.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

COMPARING OCTOBER 1990 WITH OCTOBER 1989, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES OF 54 PER CENT AND 37 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE NETHERLANDS, CHINA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, TAIWAN AND JAPAN ALSO INCREASED, BY 18 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, THE USA AND AUSTRALIA DECREASED BY 19 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, BY 32 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CHINA AND THE NETHERLANDS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DECREASED BY 16 PER CENT, 16 PER CENT AND 12 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN AND THE USA ALSO DECREASED IN VALUE TERMS, BY 9 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

/TABLE 2 .......

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF

THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,108 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT); TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $833 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $700 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $122 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT).

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING INCREASED BY $41 MILLION OR LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $2,021 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $868 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

COMPARING OCTOBER 1990 WITH OCTOBER 1989, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE, JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN, BY 42 PER CENT, 37 PER CENT, 35 PER CENT, 33 PER CENT AND 31 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THOSE FROM CHINA, SWITZERLAND, ITALY, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE USA INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT, 26 PER CENT, 25 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA, SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE AND THE USA INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT, 16 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FROM TAIWAN, ITALY, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 4 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $7,362 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $6,863 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $6,594 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $3,887 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT).

/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1,590 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), AND IRON AND STEEL (BY $1,270 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO ALL THE MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS IN OCTOBER 1990 OVER OCTOBER 1989.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, TAIWAN, CHINA AND JAPAN, BY 102 PER CENT, 61 PER CENT, 60 PER CENT, 42 PER CENT, 32 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THOSE TO SINGAPORE, THE USA, CANADA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1990 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, TAIWAN, CANADA, THE USA AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 61 PER CENT, 37 PER CENT, 31 PER CENT, 28 PER CENT, 23 PER CENT, 22 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THOSE TO JAPAN AND CHINA INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT.

TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $10,547 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $8,159 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $6,626 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $2,560 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1,831 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT), AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $967 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

AS FROM OCTOBER 1990, STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY REFER TO THE UNIFIED GERMANY.

WHERE PAST DATA ARE REFERRED TO, THE TRADE VALUES OF THE PREVIOUS FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC ARE ADDED TOGETHER TO ENSURE COMPARABILITY WITH THE CURRENT MONTH FIGURES.

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 OCTOBER 1990 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JANUARY 1991.

/DETAILED STATISTICS .......

DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE OCTOBER 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE” WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN OCTOBER 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND DECEMBER 20 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL 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: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS

OCT OCT 90 JAN-OCT JAN-OCT 90

MAJOR MARKET 1990 OVER 1990 OVER

OCT 89 JAN-OCT 89

(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( * . )

USA 6,848 - 9 54,949 - 8

CHINA 4,575 + 14 38,701 4- 8

FR OF GERMANY 1,650 4- 37 13,911 4- 10

UK 1,374 + 14 10,601 - 12

JAPAN 1,289 + 2 9,925 - 9

SINGAPORE 822 4- 54 6,225 4- 30

TAIWAN 516 + 5 4,689 4- 32

CANADA 447 - 19 4,465 - 16

NETHERLANDS 416 + 18 4,003 4- 5

AUSTRALIA 363 - 4 2,934 - 16

/TABLE 2 .......

TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION (HK OCT 1990 :d MN. ) OCT 90 OVER OCT 89 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 90 OVER JAN-OCT 89

( x )

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,165 + 3 58,264 ♦

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,520 — 7 21,568 — 9

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,464 + 30 17,284 7

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,578 - 4 14,081 - 6

TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,606 + 7 13,886 + 1

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,490 + 3 13,617 + 1

* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT

TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS

OCT OCT 90 JAN-OCT JAN-OCT 90

MAJOR SUPPLIER 1990 OVER 1990 OVER

OCT 89 JAN-OCT 89

(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )

CHINA 23,535 + 28 190,264 4- 18

JAPAN 10,477 + 37 82,747 4- 5

/TAIWAN 5,802 ..........

TAIWAN 5,802 + 31 46,583 + 9

USA 4,354 + 16 43,192 ♦ 11

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,437 + 33 22,695 ♦ 5

SINGAPORE 3,245 + 42 20,626 + 11

FR OF GERMANY 1,479 + 35 11,994 + 4

UK 1,311 + 20 11,380 4- 4

SWITZERLAND 1,075 + 26 9,151 + 16

ITALY 1,054 + 25 8,974 6

TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION (H OCT 1990 KD MN.) OCT 90 OVER OCT 89 JAN-OCT 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 90 OVER

JAN-OCT ( % 89 )

( % . )

TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,616 + 31 63,929 + 6

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,045 22 51,962 9

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,615 + 21 43,781 + 20

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,815 + 34 39,620 + 21

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,563 + 18 37,694 + 21

/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS .......

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS

3,762

+ 35 27,736

♦ 14

TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKET OCT 1990 (HKD MN.) OCT 90 OVER OCT 89 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 90 OVER JAN-OCT 89

( * ; )

CHINA 10,973 4- 32 89,138 4- 3

USA 8,820 4- 12 72,683 4- 22

JAPAN 2,709 4- 23 19,386 4- 4

FR OF GERMANY 2,549 4- 102 17,523 4- 61

TAIWAN 2,002 4- 42 17,323 4- 28

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1 , 165 4- 4 10,786 - 3

SINGAPORE 1 , 134 4- 14 10,458 4- 16

UK 1,363 4- 61 9,794 4- 31

CANADA 584 4- 9 5,509 4- 23

FRANCE 644 4- 60 5,175 4- 37

TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

OCT OCT 90 JAN-OCT JAN-OCT 90

COMMODITY 1990 OVER 1990 OVER

DIVISION OCT 89 JAN-OCT 89

(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED

ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY

CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES

AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,811

+ 19 45,787

+ 30

/ARTICLES OF .......

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,941 + 32 38,959 + 26

TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4,695 + 30 37,892 + 7

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,433 + 17 30,612 + 10

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,993 + 43 28,996 ♦ 30

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,505 4 46 12,586 -I- 29

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

NEW ALLOCATION

SCHEME FOR ELECTION PUBLICITY

♦ ♦ * * ♦ t

PUBLIC

A NEW SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED TO EFFECTIVELY CONTROL DISPLAY OF ELECTIONEERING MATERIALS TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTIONS CAN BE CONDUCTED IN A FAIR AND ORDERLY MANNER, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR BENJAMIN TANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF CITY NORTHWEST HONG KONG, MR TANG SAID THE CONTROL WOULD BE EXERCISED THROUGH VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION AND CONSENT AMONG CANDIDATES, BACKED UP IF NECESSARY, BY APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AND DETERRENTS.

’’THE SPIRIT OF THE NEW SCHEME IS TO MINIMISE THE DISPUTE BY INSTITUTING A MECHANISM WHEREBY POPULAR SPOTS AREAS PRONE TO DISPUTES ARE IDENTIFIED AND APPORTIONED TO ON AN EQUITABLE BASIS,” HE SAID.

CHANCE OF IN PUBLIC CANDIDATES

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW SCHEME BASICALLY SEVERAL PHASES.

CONSISTED OF

DURING THE FIRST PHASE, EACH DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ITS DISTRICT A LIST OF PRIME SPOTS FOR THE DISPLAY MATERIALS. ALL POSTED PUBLICITY MATERIALS IN THESE SPOTS WILL REMOVED BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD ON JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

IDENTIFY IN

OF PUBLICITY

/ALL THE .......

ALL THE CONCERNED PARTIES WILL BE ASKED TO REMOVE THEIR PUBLICITY MATERIALS IN THE PRIME SPOTS BEFORE THE END OF DECEMBER. THE REMAINING MATERIALS WILL BE CLEARED IN THE FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY.

"THIS WOULD ELIMINATE ANY UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OWNERS OF EXISTING DISPLAYS MAY HAVE," MR TANG SAID.

DURING THE NOMINATION PERIOD BETWEEN JANUARY 7 AND 21, NO ELECTIONEERING MATERIALS ARE TO BE DISPLAYED IN THE KEY SPOTS IDENTIFIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

AFTER THE CLOSING OF THE NOMINATION, EACH RETURNING OFFICER, IN THIS CASE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, WILL CONVENE A MEETING TO SEE IF CANDIDATES CAN AGREE AMONG THEMSELVES ON THE NUMBER OF BANNERS AND THEIR DISPLAY LOCATIONS.

"IF THEY FAIL TO REACH AN AGREEMENT, SOME FORMAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE TO BE INSTITUTED TO ALLOCATE KEY SPOTS TO BE SHARED BY CANDIDATES ON AN EQUITABLE BASIS.

"THIS IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE FAIREST METHOD, WITHOUT PUTTING TOO MUCH RESTRAINTS ON ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES," MR TANG SAID.

ANY CANDIDATE OR HIS CAMPAIGN AGENTS WHO PUT UP UNAUTHORISED PUBLICITY MATERIALS MAY BE LIABLE TO A FINE AS WELL AS PAYMENT OF THE REMOVAL COST. HE SAID THE REMOVAL COST MIGHT BE ADDED INTO THE CANDIDATE’S ELECTION EXPENSE.

IF SO, MR TANG SAID, CANDIDATES WOULD HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN KEEPING THEIR CAMPAIGNS WITHIN ELECTION EXPENDITURE LIMITS.

HE ADMITTED THAT THE NEW INITIATIVE MIGHT NOT ELIMINATE ALL ELECTION-RELATED DISPUTES.

"BUT WITHOUT THIS RUDIMENTARY SYSTEM OF ALLOCATION, THERE MAY EVEN BE MORE DISPUTES," HE EXPLAINED.

TO FURTHER ENSURE THAT ALL CANDIDATES COULD COMPETE ON A FAIR BASIS, MR TANG SAID, A REVIEW ON THE CEILING OF ELECTION EXPENSE HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED.

THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT A CANDIDATE CAN SPEND IN HIS ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN NEXT YEAR’S DIRECT ELECTIONS WILL RANGE FROM $30,000 FOR DISTRICT BOARDS TO $200,000 FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HE NOTED THAT THE LATEST VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN HAD JUST ENDED WITH SATISFACTORY RESULTS. ABOUT 295,000 NEW ELECTORS WERE REGISTERED AND THE FIGURE COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH ANYONE IN ALL PREVIOUS CAMPAIGNS.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MOUNT ANOTHER CAMPAIGN TO URGE PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS EARLY NEXT YEAR. SUBJECT TO APPROVAL, THE ELECTION PUBLICITY FUND WOULD BE ABOUT $18 MILLION.

/"FOR THE........

’’FOR THE FIRST TIME, PEOPLE WILL VOTE IN ALL THE THREE DIRECT ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR ON A SUNDAY. IT IS CONSIDERED THAT SUNDAY WOULD BE MORE CONVENIENT TO MOST OF THE ELECTORS AND WE HOPE THERE WILL BE A GREATER PARTICIPATION."

FINALLY, MR TANG STRESSED THAT GOVERNMENT EFFORTS ALONE WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO MAKE NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS A SUCCESS.

"WHAT MATTERS MORE IS THAT THE PUBLIC WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTIONS," HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

EXCO APPROVES TAXI FUEL SUPPLEMENT ♦ ♦ * » ♦

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE CHARGING OF A FLAT $1 TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL TAXI FARE FOR URBAN, NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXIS WITH EFFECT FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 16).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE FUEL SUPPLEMENT IS A TEMPORARY MEASURE AIMED AT LESSENING THE BURDEN OF TAXI DRIVERS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE RAPID FUEL PRICE INCREASES AS A RESULT OF THE GULF CRISIS.

THIS SUPPLEMENT SHOULD BE WITHDRAWN WHEN EITHER THE FUEL PRICE FALLS SUBSTANTIALLY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, OR INCORPORATED INTO THE NEXT GENERAL FARE INCREASE EXERCISE.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, TAXI OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED TO DISPLAY A TABLE SHOWING IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CHARACTERS THE ADDITIONAL CHARGE THAT IS TO BE LEVIED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THE ADDITIONAL FARE TABLE SHOULD BE DISPLAYED TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING FARE PLATE FROM SUNDAY UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT THE TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT IS CANCELLED.

"IT SHOULD BE DISPLAYED IN THE SIMILAR MANNER AS THE EXISTING FARE TABLE, AT THE INTERIOR NEARSIDE REAR DOOR AND THE FRONT DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OR THE FRONT NEARSIDE DOOR," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE TABLE SHALL BE A STICKER WITH A MATTE SURFACE PLASTIC FILM, MEASURING AT LEAST 50 MILLIMETRES HIGH AND 240 MILLIMETRES WIDE, AND SHALL HAVE A YELLOW BACKGROUND WITH LETTERS, CHARACTERS AND NUMERALS IN BLACK.

- - 0 - -

/20

40,000 TAXATION ELECTION FORMS SENT TO MARRIED COUPLES

******

THE COMPUTER PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND NOTIFY THOSE MARRIED COUPLES WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM AN ELECTION TO BE ASSESSED JOINTLY ARE NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

"ONCE THE INDIVIDUAL INCOMES FOR BOTH THE HUSBAND AND THE WIFE HAVE BEEN DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT, COMPUTER PROGRAMS WILL COMPARE THE TOTAL TAX PAYABLE BY THEM IF TAXED AS INDIVIDUALS WITH THAT PAYABLE IF TAXED JOINTLY.

"WHERE IT IS FOUND THAT JOINT ASSESSMENT WOULD RESULT IN A LESSER AMOUNT OF TAX PAYABLE A SIMPLE ELECTION FORM WILL BE PRODUCED AND SENT TO THE COUPLE FOR COMPLETION," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID ABOUT 40,000 SUCH ELECTION FORMS HAD BEEN ISSUED.

"THE COMPLETED ELECTION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW PROCESSING BEFORE THE DUE DATE FOR PAYMENT OF ANY TAX," HE ADDED.

-----0-----

NEW ELIGIBILITY RULE FOR STUDENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SCHEME

*******

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE INTRODUCTION FROM SEPTEMBER 1991 OF MEANS TESTS FOR THE STUDENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SCHEME (STSS) .

"THE STUDENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SCHEME ITSELF WAS NOT BEING CHANGED. HOWEVER, STARTING FROM THE 1991-92 ACADEMIC YEAR, ELIGIBILITY FOR THE STSS WOULD BE DETERMINED ON THE BASIS OF NEED," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

AT PRESENT, ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 ENJOY CONCESSIONARY FARE ON MOST FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT. STUDENTS AGED 12 AND ABOVE, AND RECEIVING FULL-TIME EDUCATION, ARE COVERED BY THE STSS ON A NON-MEANS-TESTED BASIS.

IN 1989-90 EACH STUDENT RECEIVED AN AVERAGE SUBSIDY OF $570, OR $57 PER MONTH DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

"UNDER THE NEW RULES OF ELIGIBILITY, CHILDREN RECEIVING FULLTIME PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION WILL HAVE TO ESTABLISH THEIR NEED FOR THE SUBSIDY BY UNDERGOING A MEANS TEST BASED ON SIMILAR CRITERIA OF ELIGIBILITY AS APPLIED TO THE EXISTING TEXTBOOKS GRANTS AND FEE REMISSION SCHEMES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/"FOR STUDENTS .......

"FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING POST-SECONDARY OR TERTIARY EDUCATION, THEIR ELIGIBILITY WILL BE DETERMINED BY REFERENCE TO WHETHER THEY SUCCEED IN OBTAINING GRANTS OR LOANS UNDER THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME OR THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.

"THE NEW RULES OF ELIGIBILITY WILL NOT AFFECT THOSE WHO NEED AND ARE RECEIVING HELP, AS THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BENEFIT UNDER THE SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

THIS GROUP OF STUDENTS TYPICALLY COME FROM FOUR-MEMBER

HOUSEHOLDS EARNING LESS THAN $10,000 PER MONTH.

"THE MEANS TEST ITSELF WOULD NOT INVOLVE CUMBERSOME

PROCEDURES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"ARRANGEMENTS EITHER EXIST ALREADY OR CAN BE EASILY ADAPTED TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENTS STUDYING AT DIFFERENT LEVELS.

"THE MEANS TEST FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE APPLIED IN A FLEXIBLE WAY."

APPLICANTS WHO FAIL TO QUALIFY MARGINALLY OR WHOSE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE SPECIAL TREATMENT WILL OBTAIN ASSISTANCE UNDER THE STSS.

THE EFFECT ON THE FINANCIALLY BETTER-OFF FAMILIES SHOULD BE MINIMAL.’ THE SUBSIDY THEY WILL FORGO WILL BE LESS THAN $60 PER MONTH PER STUDENT ON AVERAGE.

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MEANS TEST WILL BRING THE STUDENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SCHEME INTO LINE WITH ALL OTHER PUBLICLY-FUNDED SCHEMES THAT PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS.

"WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE STSS, ALL SUCH SCHEMES ARE BASED ON NEED BEING ESTABLISHED BY WAY OF A MEANS TEST, AND IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT THE STSS SHOULD BE BROUGHT WITHIN THIS GENERAL .RULE, WHATEVER THE STATE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THE INTRODUCTION OF MEANS TESTING TO THE STSS SHOULD NOT HAVE THE EFFECT OF DISCOURAGING CHILDREN FROM GOING TO SCHOOL OR FROM TAKING PART IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT THE SCHEME THAT WAS BEING CHANGED, ONLY ELIGIBILITY FOR THE SUBSIDY.

"THIS MEASURE IS BEING INTRODUCED IN RESPONSE TO CALLS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE 1990-91 BUDGET DEBATE THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSCIENTIOUSLY REVIEW EXISTING SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES, AND CUT BACK ON THOSE WHICH ARE NO LONGER JUSTIFIED.

"THIS MEASURE WILL, INCIDENTALLY, ENABLE THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH TO RE-FOCUS ITS PRIORITIES FOR EDUCATIONAL EXPENDITURE."

/PAYMENT OF .......

PAYMENT OF THE SUBSIDY UNDER THE STSS FOR THE CURRENT (1990-91) ACADEMIC YEAR IS DUE TO BE MADE IN EARLY 1991. SUCH PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW RULES OF ELIGIBILITY, WHICH WILL NOT BE APPLIED UNTIL THE 1991-92 ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER 1991.

SCHOOLS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO INTRODUCE RULES OF ELIGIBILITY.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS OR TO THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY LOCATED ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, 16 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 801 5772).

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

MONG KOK BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS

* » » * »

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECLARED THE EXTERNAL REAR STAIRCASE AT 199 AND 201 PORTLAND STREET, MONG KOK, DANGEROUS AND THEIR MAIN BUILDINGS LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

THE AUTHORITY ALSO DECLARED THE BUILDING AT 64 TUNG CHOI STREET TO BE DANGEROUS.

IN A STATEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE BUILDINGS AT PORTLAND STREET, WERE SIX STOREYS HIGH WITH COCKLOFTS.

THEY WERE POST-WAR REINFORCED CONCRETE-FRAMED BUILDINGS WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOFS, AND BRICK INFILL PANEL WALLS.

ORDERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FOR THE REPAIR OF THE BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THE EXTERNAL REAR STAIRCASES WERE ISSUED ON JULY 9, 1990

HOWEVER, FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON AND SUBSEQUENTLY BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE REVEALED THAT THE DEGREE OF DETERIORATION IN THE REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAME OF THE REAR STAIRCASE AND REAR PART OF THE MAIN BUILDING WOULD RENDER REPAIR TO THE STAIRCASE IMPOSSIBLE.

ACCORDINGLY, SUCH STAIRCASE SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

THE DEMOLITION OF THE REAR STAIRCASE WILL RENDER THE ALREADY DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESCAPE. THEREFORE, THE BUILDINGS THEMSELVES SHOULD ALSO BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

THE DEFECTS APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED IN PART BY LACK OF ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE BY THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS OVER THE PRECEDING YEARS.

/THE BUILDING ..

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ADVISED THAT SHOULD THE OWNERS WISH TO RE-BUILD THE REAR STAIRCASE, FORMAL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED FOR ITS CONSIDERATION.

UNTIL SUCH TIME AS ALL REQUIRED WORKS TO MAKE THE BUILDINGS SAFE GENERALLY HAD BEEN SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED, THE BUILDINGS SHOULD REMAIN CLOSED.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 12, 1991 WAS POSTED TODAY ON THE BUILDINGS.

IN A SEPARATE STATEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE DANGEROUS BUILDING AT TUNG CHOI STREET WAS A THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING CONSTRUCTED OF LOADBEARING BRICK AND MASONRY WALL WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND BEAMS.

THE BUILDING, WHICH HAS BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION SINCE 1983, IS THE REMAINING HALF OF A PAIR OF BUILDINGS WHICH SHARED A COMMON STAIRCASE.

IT WAS NOTED THAT THE BUILDING HAD TILTED TOWARDS NO. 66 TUNG CHOI STREET LAST YEAR.

RECENT INSPECTIONS INDICATED THAT MOVEMENT OF PARTS OF THE BUILDING STRUCTURE WAS CONTINUING, WITH PARTICULAR CONCERN FOR ONE OF THE SUPPORTING PIERS ON THE PAVEMENT WHICH HAD BECOME DISTORTED.

IT IS CONSIDERED THEREFORE THAT THE BUILDING IS IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND, FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 23, 1991, WAS POSTED TODAY.

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

COURT ORDER FOR WINDING-UP OF INSURANCE COMPANY **»**♦

AN ORDER WAS MADE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE WINDING-UP OF GRAND UNION GENERAL AND MOTOR INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED ("THE COMPANY"), AN INSURER WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY ENGAGED IN WRITING MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE BUSINESS.

THE ORDER WAS MADE FOLLOWING THE WINDING-UP PETITION PRESENTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID ON BEHALF OF AN INSURANCE CLAIMANT ON NOVEMBER 13, 1990.

THE GROUND FOR THE PETITION WAS THAT THE COMPANY WAS INSOLVENT AND UNABLE TO PAY ITS DEBTS AND THAT IT WAS JUST AND EQUITABLE THAT THE COMPANY SHOULD BE WOUND UP.

THE PETITION WAS SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY.

/THE OFFICE.......

THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE”) SAID JANUARY 14, 1989, BEEN REQUIRED

COMMISSIONER

THE POWERS AVAILABLE TO

HIM

TODAY BY THE UNDER

THAT

OF INSURANCE THE COMPANY HAD,

INSURANCE

SECTION 27

CEASE

WRITING

INSURANCE

COMPANIES ORDINANCE, TO ....— ~

COMMENCE A RUN-OFF OF ITS OUTSTANDING LIABILITIES.

AUTHORITY, OF THE BUSINESS

(’’THE

SINCE THROUGH

INSURANCE

AND

THE COMPANY HAS

TO NO

CURRENT POLICIES IN FORCE.

THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE FURTHER STATED THAT IT HAD BEEN CLOSELY MONITORING THE RUN-Ort OF THE COMPANY’S OUTSTANDING LIABILITIES.

THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY WAS NO LONGER SATISFIED THAT RUN-OFF OF LIABILITIES WAS ABLE TO PROCEED IN AN ORDERLY MANNER. THEREFORE CONSIDERED IT DESIRABLE AND IN THE INTERESTS OF COMPANY’S POLICY HOLDERS AND INSURANCE CLAIMANTS THAT THE THE COMPANY BE PLACED UNDER THE CONTROL OF A LIQUIDATOR.

THE

HE THE OF

AFFAIRS

THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAD ALREADY TAKEN INTO HIS PORTION OF THE COMPANY’S AVAILABLE ASSETS. HE BELIEVED

CUSTODY A THAT SUCH

ASSETS COUPLED WITH THE GUARANTEE BUREAU WOULD PROVIDE A LEVEL OF HOLDERS AND INSURANCE CLAIMANTS.

FUND OPERATED

SECURITY TO

BY THE MOTOR INSURERS’ THE COMPANY’S POLICY

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

WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN TSUEN WAN * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY FU YUNG STREET, YUEN TUN CIRCUIT, TAI HO ROAD AND SHA TSUI ROAD.

- - 0 - -

FC MEETING ON FRIDAY

* * * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 14) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMMITTEE’S PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 844 0899.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT CONFIDENT ABOUT AIRPORT PROJECT ................................ 1

CONTRACT SIGNED ON CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE ........................ 2

RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL ESTABLISHED ....................................... 4

PROCESSING OF URBAN TAXI TENDERS COMPLETED................................. 6

WINDY AND CLOUDY IN NOVEMBER .............................................. 7

175 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM ................................................. 9

INT'L LANGUAGE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS ON ECR 4 RECOMMENDATIONS .......... 10

HYDROCARBON OIL DUTIES EXEMPTION PROPOSED FOR DISABLED DRIVERS ............ 11

ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR 1991 ON SALE .................................... 12

FREE TICKETS FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CONCERT

GOVERNMENT CONFIDENT ABOUT AIRPORT PROJECT

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED AND WELL PREPARED TO BRING THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS TO A SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE NEW AIRPORT WORKS DIVISION, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

IN A LUNCHEON ADDRESS TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON, MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW ENGAGED IN A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH WILL SEE, OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS OR SO, HONG KONG PROVIDED WITH A WHOLE RANGE OF NEW FACILITIES.

THESE INCLUDE A NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, A NEW EXPRESSWAY ALONG NORTH LANTAU, A MAJOR CROSSING BETWEEN THE MAINLAND AND LANTAU, MASSIVE RECLAMATION IN WEST KOWLOON WITH A NEW ROAD LINKING WEST KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, A NEW HARBOUR CROSSING, A NEW RAILWAY SYSTEM, AND MANY OTHER RELATED RESOURCES.

"ALL OF THESE PROJECTS ARE LARGE AND BUT THERE IS ADDED COMPLEXITY AND CHALLENGE INTERFACING, FINANCING AND BUILDING THEM ALL TIME FRAME ARE CONSIDERED," MR HUT SAID.

COMPLEX IN THEMSELVES, WHEN THE PROBLEMS OF IN A RELATIVELY SHORT

HE SAID THE WAY IN WHICH THE TASK OF CO-ORDINATING THESE MAJOR PROJECTS HAS BEEN APPROACHED IS QUITE UNIQUE FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

"AFTER THE DECISION ON THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WAS MADE IN LATE 1989, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS WAS ASSIGNED THE CO-ORDINATION ROLE.

"A CONSULTANT IN OVERALL PROJECT MANAGEMENT, INTERNATIONAL BECHTEL INC, WAS SELECTED IN EARLY APRIL THIS YEAR.

"AT THE SAME TIME, THE NEW AIRPORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE WORKS BRANCH WAS FORMED TO ACT AS THE OVERSEEING AND CO-ORDINATING OFFICE FOR ALL THE PROJECTS," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTED A NEW APPROACH IN CO-ORDINATION BY CREATING AN INTEGRATED AND MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM CONSISTING OF WORKS BRANCH CIVIL SERVANTS AND BECHTEL PERSONNEL WORKING UNDER ONE ROOF.

THIS TEAM PROVIDES A CO-ORDINATING, PROGRAMMING, MONITORING AND REPORTING SERVICES TO BRANCHES GIVING ADVICE ON THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT, MR HUI SAID.

IN ADDITION TO THE ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SKILLS WHICH ONE WOULD EXPECT TO FIND IN SUCH A TEAM, THERE ARE ALSO LEGAL, COMPUTER, INFORMATION AND OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE WITHIN THIS INTEGRATED TEAM.

MR HUI SAID: "THIS OVERALL PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH REQUIRES CAREFUL BALANCING OF THE COLLECTIVE RESOURCE DEMANDS, PRECISE IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICAL AREAS, AND A STRONG MANAGEMENT OF THE MANY AND DIVERSE PROGRAMME ELEMENTS EXISTING IN ALL THE PROJECTS."

/HE SAID .......

HE SAID MOST CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING CONTRACTS HAVE SOME INTER-RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER CONTRACTS BUT IN THE CASE OF THE AIRPORT-RELATED CONTRACTS, THERE IS A WHOLE PROGRESSION OF INTERFACES BOTH VERTICAL AND LINEAR.

"BY THAT I MEAN, ON ANY PARTICULAR SITE, ONE CONTRACT USUALLY NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE ANOTHER BEGINS AND EACH SET OF CONTRACTS NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED TO MATCH COMPLETION DATES OF WORKS ON EITHER SIDE.

"EXAMPLES OF VERTICAL INTERFACES ARE THE RECLAMATIONS AND MAJOR BRIDGES WHICH HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE ROADS, RAILWAYS AND TUNNELS CAN BE STARTED.

"THESE ARE THEN TO BE FOLLOWED BY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS FOR SUCH FACILITIES AS LIGHTING, TOLL COLLECTION AND TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE.

"PLANNING THESE TO ARRIVE AT A COMMON COMPLETION DATE WITH ADJACENT CONTRACTS ON SUCH A TIGHT OVERALL SCHEDULE IS AN INVOLVED AND DEMANDING TASK WHERE THE CONSEQUENCES OF DELAYS REACH WELL BEYOND THE CONTRACT LIMITS," MR HUI SAID.

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

CONTRACT SIGNED ON CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE

t * ♦ ♦ * *

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH ENVIROPACE LIMITED TO DEVELOP A CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE ON TSING YI.

UNDER THE CONTRACT, ENVIROPACE LIMITED WILL DESIGN, CONSTRUCT AND COMMISSION THE CENTRE, AND WILL OPERATE THE CENTRE FOR 15 YEARS.

IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE TO COLLECT CHEMICAL WASTES FROM THE PREMISES OF WASTE PRODUCERS.

ENVIROPACE LIMITED IS A HONG KONG COMPANY SPECIFICALLY CREATED FOR THE PROJECT. THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY INCLUDE WASTE MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL, INC, KIN CHING BESSER LIMITED, AND CHINA INTERNATIONAL TRUST AND INVESTMENT CORPORATION.

A NUMBER OF RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL COMPANIES AND SPECIALIST SUB-CONTRACTORS WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT. THESE INCLUDE BECHTEL ENVIRONMENTAL INC, GAMMOM CONSTRUCTION LTD, DAMES AND MOORE INTERNATIONAL AND ABB RAYMOND.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL REPAY THE CAPITAL COST INCURRED BY THE CONTRACTOR IN THE FORM OF AMORTISED PAYMENTS OVER THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF OPERATION.

/THE CAPITAL ......

THE CAPITAL REPAYMENT COST OF THE FACILITIES WILL BE $1,300 MILLION AT MONEY-OF-THE PAYMENT -DAY PRICES, WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO $731 MILLION AT PRESENT VALUE. THE CENTRE WILL BE FULLY COMMISSIONED BY LATE 1992.

SPEAKING AT THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY, EPD’S ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR MIKE STOKOE, SAID THIS EVENT MARKED A MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS TIME LAST YEAR.

IN ADDITION, IT WOULD PROVIDE A VALUABLE DISPOSAL SERVICE TO MUCH OF HONG KONG’S PRESENT AND FUTURE INDUSTRY, ENABLING THE PRESENT PRACTICE OF DUMPING WASTE CHEMICALS TO CEASE, AND ELIMINATING THE SOURCE OF A MAJOR PORTION OF TOXIC POLLUTION OF COASTAL.WATERS.

MR STOKOE SAID HONG KONG CURRENTLY GENERATED ABOUT 100,000 TONNES OF CHEMICAL WASTE ANNUALLY.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL OF THESE WASTES WERE PROPERLY MANAGED, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE REGULATIONS UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE "CRADLE TO GRAVE" CONTROL OVER CHEMICAL WASTES AS WELL AS ENSURING THAT APPROPRIATE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES WERE ESTABLISHED, HE SAID.

MR STOKOE SAID IN HONG KONG, MOST CHEMICAL WASTES WERE GENERATED IN SMALL-SCALE FLATTED FACTORIES.

"MANY OF THE OWNERS OR MANAGERS OF THESE FACTORIES DO NOT POSSESS THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES OR SPACE FOR THE INSTALLATION, PROPER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ADEQUATE IN-HOUSE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES.

"ALSO, MOST ESTABLISHMENTS LACK THE TYPE AND LEVEL OF EXPERTISE REQUIRED TO PROPERLY OPERATE SUCH SPECIALIST TREATMENT PLANTS.

"THE CENTRAL FACILITY, IN CONTRAST, WILL BE OPERATED TO HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY STANDARDS, YET THROUGH THE ECONOMY OF SCALE POSSIBLE IN A LARGE PLANT, IT WILL PROVIDE TREATMENT SERVICES MORE EFFICIENTLY AND CHEAPLY THAN MUCH SMALLER UNITS INSTALLED IN INDIVIDUAL FACTORIES."

MR STOKOE SAID THE IMPORTANCE OF MARINE ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD NOT BEEN OVERLOOKED.

"THE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE WILL SERVE AS HONG KONG’S DESIGNATED RECEPTION AND DISPOSAL POINT FOR OILY AND NOXIOUS LIQUID WASTES GENERATED FROM SHIPS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH HONG KONG’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS (MARPOL).

"THE CENTRE WILL BE THE FIRST INTEGRATED CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY TO BE DEVELOPED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF HONG KONG TO INVESTORS LOOKING TO ESTABLISH HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.

/"THE SIGNING .......

"THE SIGNING OF THE CONTRACT TODAY EMPHASISED THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSALS IN THE WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED LAST YEAR THAT WOULD LEAD TO A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT IN BOTH THE URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

THE CENTRE WILL COMPRISE AN OIL/WATER SEPARATION SYSTEM TO TREAT AND RECOVER OIL FROM OILY WASTE WATER, A HIGH TEMPERATURE CHEMICAL WASTE INCINERATOR FOR THE COMPLETE DESTRUCTION OF ORGANIC CHEMICAL WASTES, AND PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL TREATMENT UNITS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INORGANIC CHEMICAL WASTES.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED, ENVIROPACE LIMITED WILL UNDERTAKE A DETAILED IMPACT/HAZARD ASSESSMENT SO THAT THE RESULT OF THE ASSESSMENT WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DETAILED DESIGN OF THE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE.

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

RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL ESTABLISHED *****

THE ESTABLISHMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRST CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL (RGC) WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

PROPOSALS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR RESEARCH IN HONG KONG’S TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND TO ESTABLISH AN RGC WERE ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.

THE COUNCIL WILL COME INTO BEING ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR AND OPERATE UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC).

ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE:

* TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE UPGC, ON THE NEEDS OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IN THE FIELD OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH, INCLUDING THE IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY AREAS, IN ORDER THAT A RESEARCH BASE ADEQUATE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ACADEMIC VIGOUR AND PERTINENT TO THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG MAY BE DEVELOPED; AND

* TO INVITE AND RECEIVE, THROUGH THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, APPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH GRANTS FROM ACADEMIC STAFF AND FOR THE AWARD OF STUDENTSHIPS AND POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS; TO APPROVE AWARDS AND OTHER DISBURSEMENTS FROM FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE UPGC FOR RESEARCH; TO MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCH GRANTS AND TO REPORT AT LEAST ANNUALLY TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE UPGC.

/THE RGC .......

MATMrv ™E *2? WILL H0LD ITS PIRST MEETING ON JANUARY 5 IN HONG KONG pp^tmt3?ovECIDE °N ITS M0DE 0F OPERATION AS WELL AS TO GIVE lOOuq^cnnwr^T^1011 T° APPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH GRANTS FOR THp’f FCT<?I*ATTVP A^R°VAL °F FUNDS BY THE pINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE RGC IS EXPECTED TO HAVE $100M AVAILABLE fqqn/o?H GRANTS IN 1991/92 - WHICH IS DOUBLE THE AMOUNT AVAILABLE IN iyyv/yi•

THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED FOR TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1. THEY ARE: BY THE GOVERNOR

CHAIRMAN: PROF DAVID TODD CBE, JP , DEPT OF MEDICINE, HKU

MEMBERS: PROF PING K. KO DEPT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY PANEL CHAIRMAN PHYSICAL SCIENCES & ENGINEERING

PROF A. MCMICHAEL INSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE, JOHN RADCLIFFE HOSPITAL, OXFORD PANEL CHAIRMAN BIOLOGY & MEDICINE

PROF 0. WILLIAM SKINNER DEPT OF ANTHROPOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS PANEL CHAIRMAN HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

PROF THOMAS MAK CHAIRMAN, DEPT OF CHEMISTRY, CUHK

PROF NELSON CUE HEAD, PHYSICS DEPT, HKUST

PROF M. ANSON HEAD, CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DEPT, HKP

PROF G. TATE HEAD, INFORMATION SYSTEM DEPT, CPHK

PROF Y.K. FAN DEAN, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, HKBC

DR JAMES FOK BRANCH DIRECTOR, DESIGN AND AUTOMATION BRANCH, HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL

DR EDGAR CHENG MANAGING DIRECTOR, THE WORLDWIDE INVESTMENT CO LTD

/DR JAMES .......

DR JAMES S.W. CHAIRMAN, CHINNEY

WONG, JP INVESTMENTS LTD

PROF C.B. HOWE SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL

& AFRICAN STUDIES, DEPT OF ECONOMIC & POLITICAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

PROF Y.W. KAN LOUIS K DIAMOND PROFESSOR OF HEMATOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SAN FRANCISCO

THE RGC WILL OPERATE THROUGH THREE SUBJECT PANELS RESPONSIBLE FOR: THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING; BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE; AND HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES; AND A NETWORK OF ACADEMIC REFEREES.

FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS APPOINTMENT, THE RGC CHAIRMAN, PROF DAVID TODD, SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THIS SIGN OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INCREASING COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH.

HE SAID: ’’THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE EVOLUTION OF HONG KONG’S TERTIARY EDUCATION AND AN ADEQUATE RESEARCH BASE IS A PREREQUISITE FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR THE FURTHER EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION”.

HE EXPLAINED THAT INCREASED FUNDING FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES WILL HELP TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN ACADEMIC STAFF OF HIGH CALIBRE, AND PRODUCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ACADEMICS TO STAFF OUR EXPANDING INSTITUTIONS. --------------------------------U--------

PROCESSING OF URBAN TAXI TENDERS COMPLETED

*****

THE AVERAGE PREMIUM ACCEPTED IN URBAN TAXI LICENCES IS $909,562.03, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE LATEST TENDERS EOR 150

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

THIS IS 10.85 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE OF IN THE LAST TENDER EXERCISE IN JULY LAST YEAR.

$820,545.80

A TOTAL OF 236 TENDERS WERE TENDERS CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 16.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE $931,200 AND THE LOWEST $905,288.

DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN

RECEIVED WHEN ACCEPTANCE OF

HIGHEST TENDER ACCEPTED WAS

AND THE AMOUNTS THEY OFFERED THE GAZETTE.

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

/7........

WINDY AND CLOUDY IN NOVEMBER *****

NOVEMBER 1990 WAS ON THE WHOLE WINDY AND RELATIVELY CLOUDY WITH STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL HOISTED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (THURSDAY).

HOWEVER, APART FROM AN INTENSE COLD SURGE TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH, THE NORTHEAST MONSOON DID NOT BRING UNSEASONABLY LOW TEMPERATURES. ON THE CONTRARY, THE MONTHLY MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 20.4 DEGREES WAS THE FIFTH HIGHEST ON RECORD.

THE MONTHLY RAINFALL WAS 36.9 MILLIMETRES, SIX PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL OF 34.7 MILLIMETRES FOR NOVEMBER.

THE TOTAL RAINFALL OF 2,046.8 MILLIMETRES SINCE JANUARY 1, 1990 REMAINED SEVEN PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 2,199.4 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.

THE FINE WEATHER AT THE END OF OCTOBER CONTINUED INTO THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF NOVEMBER. CONDITIONS.TURNED CLOUDY ON NOVEMBER 3 AND RAIN MOVED IN FROM WESTERN GUANGDONG TO AFFECT THE TERRITORY DURING THE AFTERNOON.

THE FRESHENING OF EASTERLIES THE NEXT MORNING MAINTAINED THE CLOUDY WEATHER AND BROUGHT FURTHER RAIN LATER IN THE DAY. THE RAIN, THOUGH LIGHT, WAS QUITE PERSISTENT AND LASTED TILL THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 5.

FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS, FRESH EASTERLIES AND CLOUDY CONDITIONS PREVAILED WITH LIGHT RAIN FALLING MAINLY IN THE EVENINGS.

A COLD FRONT CROSSED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 9 BRINGING STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS, RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS AS WELL AS A FEW DEGREES DROP IN TEMPERATURES.

THE RAIN GRADUALLY EASED OFF EARLY THE NEXT DAY AS DRIER CONDITIONS SET IN. THE CLOUDS THINNED OUT AND SUNNY PERIODS APPEARED ON NOVEMBER 10 AND 11.

UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN ENHANCED NORTHEAST MONSOON IN THE PRESENCE OF TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, THE WEATHER WAS RATHER WINDY FOR THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS.

WITH THE FORMATION OF TROPICAL STORM NELL NORTH OF NANSHA, EASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED ON NOVEMBER 12. THE WEATHER STAYED MAINLY FINE AS NELL MOVED TOWARDS VIETNAM.

NO SOONER HAD IT DISSIPATED OVER LAND WHEN TYPHOON MIKE VENTURED INTO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY ON NOVEMBER 15 AND RAIN STARTED IN THE AFTERNOON.

THE EASTERLIES INCREASED FURTHER AND BY THE NEXT DAY, WINDS BECAME GENERALLY STRONG WHILE MIKE TURNED NORTH TOWARDS HAINAN ISLAND.

/HOURLY MEAN .......

HOURLY MEAN WINDS OF NEARLY 80 KILOMETRES PER HOUR AND MAXIMUM GUST OF 104 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WERE RECORDED OFFSHORE AT WAGLAN ISLAND ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 17. THE ROUGH SEAS LED TO THE SUSPENSION OF HYDROFOIL SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU.

APART FROM A RELATIVE LULL ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 16, LIGHT RAIN FELL ALMOST INCESSANTLY BEFORE THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON NOVEMBER 18.

WARMER CONDITIONS AND FINE WEATHER RETURNED ON NOVEMBER 19, AND TEMPERATURES ON THE FOLLOWING DAY CLIMBED TO A MAXIMUM OF 27.7 DEGREES, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.

THE WARM WEATHER, HOWEVER, WAS SHORT-LIVED AS A COLD FRONT REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST THAT EVENING. WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE NORTH AND THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDIER ON THE FIRST DAY AFTER THE FRONTAL PASSAGE.

THE CLOUDS SOON CLEARED AWAY ON NOVEMBER 22 AS A FINE SPELL SET IN. WINDS TURNED EASTERLY AND REMAINED FRESH THAT DAY BEFORE MODERATING ON NOVEMBER 23.

MEANWHILE, THE PRESENCE OF TYPHOON PAGE AND TYPHOON OWEN OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC INDUCED INCREASING OFF-LAND FLOW OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS.

MINOR REPLENISHMENTS OF COOL AIR FROM INLAND REGIONS LED TO A PROGRESSIVE FALL IN TEMPERATURES FROM NOVEMBER 26 ONWARDS. AT THE SAME TIME, A MAJOR OUTBREAK OF COLD AIR WAS ADVANCING TOWARDS SOUTHERN CHINA.

THE NORTHERLIES FRESHENED EARLY ON NOVEMBER 30 AND BECAME STRONG THAT EVENING, PARTICULARLY ON HIGH GROUNDS AND IN EXPOSED PLACE.

HOURLY MEAN WINDS OF 90 KILOMETRES PER HOUR AND MAXIMUM GUST OF 130 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WERE RECORDED AT TATE’S CAIRN.

WHILE THE WEATHER STAYED FINE, BOTH THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE DROPPED MARKEDLY. BY MIDNIGHT ON NOVEMBER 30, THE TEMPERATURE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAD FALLEN TO 15.6 DEGREES, THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH AND THE LOWEST SO FAR IN THE CURRENT COOL SEASON.

DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, FIVE TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. A THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 9. YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR NOVEMBER 4, 10 TO 12, 24, AND 25.

SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:

WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING

WINTER STRONG NOVEMBER 9 NOVEMBER 10

MONSOON MONSOON 11.25 AM NOON

/WINTER MONSOON .......

WINTER STRONG NOVEMBER 16 NOVEMBER 18

MONSOON MONSOON 12.45 AM NOON

WINTER STRONG NOVEMBER 30 DECEMBER 2

MONSOON MONSOON 7.15 PM 4.50 AM

THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:

TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 160.6 HOURS » 30.9 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 10.83 MJ/SQ.M > 2.71 MJ/SQ. M BELOW NORMAL

TOTAL RAINFALL 36.9 MM > 2.2 MM ABOVE NORMAL

MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 56 PER CENT > 4 PER CENT NORMAL MORE THAN

MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 73 PER CENT » 4 PER CENT NORMAL HIGHER THAN

MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE 24.2 DEGREES CELSIUS » 0.2 DEGREE NORMAL CELSIUS BELOW

MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE 22.1 DEGREES CELSIUS » 0.8 DEGREE NORMAL CELSIUS ABOVE

MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE 20.4 DEGREES CELSIUS > 1.5 DEGREES NORMAL CELSIUS ABOVE

MEAN DEW POINT 17.0 DEGREES CELSIUS » 2.1 DEGREES NORMAL CELSIUS ABOVE

TOTAL EVAPORATION 83.9 MM 1 51.3 MM BELOW NORMAL

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

175 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM * * * * *

A GROUP OF 175 VIETNAMESE BOAT RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S PROGRAMME.

PEOPLE TODAY (THURSDAY)

VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION

COMPRISING 62 MEN, 43 WOMEN, 34 BOYS AND 36 THE 44TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

GIRLS,

THEY WERE

THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,095 THE TOTAL BOAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.

NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE

/10........

INT’L LANGUAGE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS

ON ECR 4 RECOMMENDATIONS

*****

THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO EXAMINE KEY ISSUES ON PLANNING, MANAGING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LANGUAGE TEACHING AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN THE NINETIES WILL BE OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 17) AT THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.

THE THREE-DAY EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CONFERENCE EXTRA ON DECEMBER 20 (THURSDAY) IN WHICH A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS WILL FOCUS ON SIX HONGKONGBANK FOUNDATION LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND’S RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN RELATION TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4.

ABOUT 100 PAPERS WILL BE PRESENTED BY WORLD EXPERTS IN THE FIELD OF LANGUAGE STUDIES.

THEY INCLUDE:

» DR THELMA HENDERSON, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK, BRITAIN;

♦ PROF BERNARD SPOLSKY, BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY, ISRAEL;

* PROF MERRILL SWAIN, ONTARIO INSTITUTE FOR STUDIES IN EDUCATION, CANADA;

* PROF XU JIALU, BEIJING NORMAL UNIVERSITY, CHINA;

* PROF ZHU ZUOREN, UNIVERSITY OF HANGZHOU, CHINA;

* PROF JACK RICHARDS, CITY POLYTECHNIC;

* PROF CHIU LING-YEONG,’UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; AND

♦ PROF SIU PING-KEE, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

"THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ’WHERE FROM HERE?’ WILL END WITH A PANEL DISCUSSION ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 19)," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE CONFERENCE EXTRA ON DECEMBER 20 WILL BEGIN WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, DR V. BICKLEY, TO THE HONGKONGBANK FOUNDATION LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND’S PROJECTS AND HOW THEY RELATE TO THE ECR 4, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE:

♦ TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLISH AT PRIMARY 3, PRIMARY 6 AND SECONDARY 3;

* PRIMARY TO SECONDARY BRIDGING COURSE;

/* POST-SCHOOL ........

* POST-SCHOOL PRE-EMPLOYMENT LANGUAGE NEEDS ANALYSIS AND BRIDGING PROGRAMMES;

* MINIMUM ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS AND ENGLISH COURSES FOR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TRAINEE TEACHERS;

* MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHERS OF PUTONGHUA AND THE DESIGN OF PUTONGHUA COURSES AND MATERIALS FOR TEACHERS; AND

* SECONDARY TO TERTIARY BRIDGING PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH FOR CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE THREE-DAY INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT 8.30 AM IN THE LEVEL 2 THEATRE FOYER. OFFICERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

HYDROCARBON OIL DUTIES EXEMPTION PROPOSED FOR DISABLED DRIVERS

*****

THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (RDCC) TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED AND ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A HYDROCARBON OIL DUTIES EXEMPTION SCHEME FOR DISABLED DRIVERS.

SPEAKING AT A RDCC MEETING, THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR ALAN WONG, SAID ACTION WAS BEING TAKEN TO AMEND THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES REGULATIONS TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TO EXEMPT DISABLED DRIVERS FROM THE PAYMENT OF DUTIES ON HYDROCARBON OIL SUBJECT TO A MONTHLY CONSUMPTION LIMIT.

’’THE RELEVANT DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE UNDER PREPARATION AND WILL BE ISSUED TO THE LAW DRAFTMAN IN DUE COURSE,” HE SAID.

"MEANWHILE, THE REHABILITATION DIVISION IS WORKING OUT THE OPERATIONAL DETAILS OF THE SCHEME JOINTLY WITH THE OIL COMPANIES, THE DISABLED DRIVERS’ CLUB AND THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.

"IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE SCHEME CAN BE IMPLEMENTED NEXT SUMMER."

/AT PRESENT .......

AT PRESENT THERE ARE ABOUT 1,100 DISABLED DRIVERS HOLDING VALID DRIVING LICENCES, AND ABOUT 600 OF THEM ARE REGISTERED PRIVATE CAR OWNERS.

’’ALLOWING FOR A POSSIBLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CAR OWNERS AS A RESULT OF THE NEW CONCESSION AND A MONTHLY CONSUMPTION LIMIT OF 200 LITRES, THE REVENUE FOREGONE WOULD BE AROUND $7.3 MILLION PER YEAR,” MR WONG SAID.

MEANWHILE, RDCC MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED REPORT AND ACCOUNT 1989-90.

IN 1989-90, THE COUNCIL OF THE QE FOUNDATION APPROVED A TOTAL OF $2.6 MILLION IN RESPECT OF SEVEN PROJECTS. IN ADDITION, OVER $1.8 MILLION WERE PAID OUT AS THE SECOND INSTALMENT OF THE GRANTS APPROVED IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

RDCC MEMBERS NOTED THAT PROJECTS WHICH AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS CONTINUED TO BE GIVEN PRIORITY IN THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.

THE MAJOR PROJECTS SPONSORED IN THE YEAR INCLUDED A JOB TRAINING AND PLACEMENT SERVICE, A PILOT SCHEME ON SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT, THE PUBLICATION OF A DIRECTORY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND THE PRODUCTION OF A VIDEO FILM ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

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

ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR 1991 ON SALE

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR 1991, UNDER THE THEME ’’CLIMATE AND ITS APPLICATION”, IS NOW ON SALE.

APART FROM ITS BETTER KNOWN WEATHER FORECASTING SERVICE, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS ALSO A CLIMATOLOGICAL STATION WITH METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS DATING BACK TO 1884. ITS COMPREHENSIVE DATA SET COVERS MANY ASPECTS OF WEATHER AND CLIMATE IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA REGION.

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS WHICH WITNESS THE PROSPEROUS GROWTH OF HONG KONG AS A METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY AND AN INTERNATIONAL CITY, CLIMATE INFORMATION REMAINS A VALUABLE REFERENCE AND PLANNING MATERIAL FOR PROJECTS OF VARIOUS SCALES.

UNDER THE ALL-ENCOMPASSING INFLUENCE OF NATURE, CHANGES IN CLIMATE AND SEASONS ARE ALSO TOPICS OF GENERAL INTERESTS FOR PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE.

THE THEME OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR 1991 SERVES TO HIGHLIGHT THE APPLICATION ASPECT OF CLIMATOLOGY. IT DEMONSTRATES HOW A SOUND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR CLIMATE CAN LEAD TO AN EFFECTIVE UTILISATION OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND A HARMONIOUS CO-EXISTENCE WITH THE FORCES OF NATURE.

/IN ADDITION .......

IN ADDITION TO THE USUAL INFORMATION ON SUNRISE AND SUNSET, TIDES, AND ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS, THE CALENDAR ALSO CONTAINS A REPRESENTATIVE SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS ILLUSTRATING THE APPLICATION OF CLIMATE INFORMATION TO BUILDING DESIGNS, COASTAL ENGINEERING WORKS, ENERGY SAVINGS, HAZARD PREVENTION, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, RECREATIONAL PLANNING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.

INCLUDED ARE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DESIGN OF THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT AT THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE NEW- TERRITORIES.

THIS ATTRACTIVE WALL CALENDAR IS BILINGUAL. NOT ONLY DOES IT PROVIDE USEFUL GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION, IT SHOULD ALSO MAKE A SPLENDID SEASONAL GIFT. IT IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, 134A NATHAN ROAD, AT $40 A COPY.

BUYERS OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF PURCHASING A COPY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S CENTENARY PUBLICATION TITLED ’’FROM TIME BALL TO ATOMIC CLOCK" AT A REDUCED PRICE OF $19. THIS BOOK, WHICH NORMALLY COSTS $34 A COPY, TRACES THE HISTORY AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY THROUGH A CENTURY.

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

FREE TICKETS FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CONCERT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THREE POPULAR SINGERS WILL PERFORM IN THE FINAL OF A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) SINGING CONTEST TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, EARLY NEXT MONTH.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL RADIO 1, THE FREE CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 5, BEGINNING AT 8 PM.

THE TWO-HOUR SHOW WILL BE RECORDED AND BROADCAST ON CR1 THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MRS AMELIA TO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IN ADDITION TO THE 12 FINALISTS, THE CONCERT WOULD FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS MISS ELIZA CHAN, MR DANNY CHAN AND MR ANTHONY LUN.

MRS TO SAID THIS YEAR’S FLE PUBLICITY PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDED PUBLICITY MATERIALS SUCH AS POSTERS, A RADIO PROGRAMME, A TV COMMERCIAL AND A BOOKLET.

"A SERIES OF FLE ACTIVITIES WILL BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL," SHE SAID.

"WE HOPE THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, THE MESSAGE OF ’HARMONIOUS FAMILY’ CAN REACH EVERY FAMILY IN THE TERRITORY," SHE ADDED.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT ARE NOW AVAILABLE, ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS, FROM ALL SWD YOUTH OFFICES, MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, AND COMMERCIAL RADIO IN BROADCAST DRIVE.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

VISIT TO SOUTHERN CHINA INTERESTING AND INSTRUCTIVE: CHIEF SECRETARY ....... 1

JAMES FINDLAY TO BECOME LAW DRAFTSMAN .................................... 3

17TH MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ......................... 4

LARGEST HAUL OF ELECTRONIC GOODS SMUGGLED TO CHINA MADE .................. 5

PUBLICATION OF ELECTION PROCEDURE ORDERS ................................. 6

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUG-OCT .................. 7

NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THREE GOVT DEPARTMENTS ........................... 9

HYGIENIC STANDARDS SET FOR MILK PRODUCTION ............................... 10

MERCHANT NAVY NEEDS NEW BLOOD TO REVIVE .................................. 11

PUBLIC REMINDED OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST FOOD-BORNE DISEASES .... 12

BUILDING NUMBERING STREAMLINED ........................................... 13

NEW CHLORINATION HOUSE AT SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS .................. 13

SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO ................................... 14

TENDERS INVITED FOR SLUDGE DISPOSAL WORKS ................................ 14

FARMERS CONTRIBUTE TO OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG ................... 15

TEACHERS URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN STUDENT GUIDANCE WORK ................... 17

CENTRAL AND WESTERN ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY ....................... 17

300 EXHIBITS ON CREATIVE WORK BY SECONDARY STUDENTS ...................... 18

SAI KUNG RESIDENTS AWARDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ........................ 18

VISIT TO SOUTHERN CHINA INTERESTING AND INSTRUCTIVE: CHIEF SECRETARY

THE VISITS TO GUANGDON# ANDi'GUn G;.T WERE BC ERBSTING AND VERY INSTRUCTIVE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN FROM A FIVE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT iu CHINA, SIR DAVID SAID: ’’EVERYWHERE WE WENT WE WERE GREETED MOST WARMLY AND THE PROGRAMME WHICH WAS LAID ON FOR US WAS QUITE EXCELLENT.”

’’THE DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFICIALS SHOWED VERY CLEARLY THAT THE OFFICIALS BOTH IN GUANGDONG AND IN GUANGXI ARE VERY INTERESTED AND ANXIOUS TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG AND I THINK THAT WE WERE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND MUCH MORE ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THOSE AREAS.

"IN GUANGDONG WE WERE BRIEFED VERY FULLY ON THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS THERE AND IT’S VERY CLEAR THAT THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG, AS THEY ARE MOVING CLOSER TOGETHER, IT’S GOING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE STAY IN TOUCH ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS,” HE SAID.

"WE HAD A VERY CLEAR BRIEFING OF WHAT THEY INTEND TO DO AND WE, IN TURN, GAVE THEM A BRIEFING ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE SITUATION IN GUANGXI WAS NOT SO WELL ADVANCED. "BUT CLEARLY THE POTENTIAL THERE IS GREAT INDEED; THEY ARE ALSO PUTTING A FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE IN TERMS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR ROADS, THE RAILWAY, THE POWER SUPPLIES AND THEIR PORT; THEY HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF GOOD FORMED LAND; THEY HAVE VERY BIO LABOUR SUPPLY OBVIOUSLY, AND THOSE ARE TWO THINGS THAT HONG KONO IS SHORT OF • ”

SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A VERY CLEAR UNDERSTANDING WITH GUANGDONG THAT PLANS FOR THE AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENTS THERE WOULD BE COMPLEMENTARY TO THOSE TAKING PLACE IN HONG KONG AND NOT IN COMPETITION.

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, WHO ACCOMPANIED SIR DAVID ON THE VISIT SAID THE FIRST THING THAT STRUCK THEM WAS THE GREAT EMPHASIS THE CHINESE PLACED ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, PARTICULARLY ON COMMUNICATION, THAT WAS TRANSPORT AND TELECOMMUNICATION.

"ON PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES, THE VICE-GOVERNOR, MR GONG CHI, WAS AT PAINS TO STRESS TO US THAT ALTHOUGH THEY HAD PLANS TO EXPAND THEIR PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES, THESE WERE NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY TO REPLACE OUR OWN FACILITIES OR TO ACT IN COMPETITION.

"BUT THEN HE SAW HIS FACILITIES AS VERY MUCH ACTING AS A COMPLEMENT TO HONG KONG FACILITIES AND HE PARTICULARLY STRESSED THAT FOR A LONG, LONG TIME TO COME THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO USE THE HONG KONO PORT,” SHE SAID.

/"AS REGARDS .......

"AS REGARDS THE AIRPORT, WE UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WOULD START COMMISSIONING OPERATION 3Y ABOUT SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR, AND I EXPECT THAT THE AIRPORT MAY WELL BE IN OPERATION BY 1992," MRS CHAN SAID.

"THAT AIRPORT IS FOR DOMESTIC USE WHILST OBVIOUSLY IN THE LONGER RUN IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DEVELOPED AS AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, WE HAVE FORMED THE IMPRESSION THAT FOR THE SEVERAL YEARS TO COME THEY WILL MAINLY SERVE LOCAL NEEDS," SHE ADDED.

ON HONG KONG-CHINA RELATIONS, SIR DAVID SAID AS FAR AS HIS TRIP WAS CONCERNED, AND AS FAR AS SOUTHERN CHINA WAS CONCERNED, THE RELATIONSHIP WAS OBVIOUSLY GOOD.

"I THINK THEY ARE VERY ANXIOUS TO IMPROVE IT. I THINK WE WILL SEE MORE VISITS OF THE SORT THAT WE HAVE CARRIED OUT OVER THE LAST FIVE DAYS. I THINK THEY WILL BE AT ALL LEVELS, AND I THINK THAT CAN ONLY BE BENEFICIAL TO BOTH SOUTHERN CHINA AND HONG KONG. I THINK IT WAS VERY FRUITFUL FROM THAT POINT OF VIEW," HE SAID.

WHILE IN GUANGDONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY DISCUSSED AT SOME LENGTH THE PROBLEM OF CAR SMUGGLING INTO CHINA AND EXCHANGED VIEWS ON IMPROVEMENTS WHICH MIGHT HAVE BEEN MADE.

HE SAID CLEARLY THE WAY TO TAKE THIS FORWARD WAS THROUGH THE BORDER LIAISON GROUP WHERE DISCUSSIONS WERE NOW TAKING PLACE.

"BUT IT WAS ALSO VERY USEFUL TO HEAR FROM OFFICIALS WHAT THEY WERE DOING; HOW THEY WERE STEPPING UP THEIR ACTIONS BOTH IN THE BORDER AREA AND IN TERMS OF THE INLAND ITSELF; AND ALSO TO HEAR SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY ENCOUNTERED IN TRYING TO FIND THE CARS AND DEALING WITH PEOPLE," HE SAID.

"SO IT WAS A USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS; NO QUICK FIX OF THE PROBLEM, BUT CERTAINLY A LOT OF CO-OPERATION IN WANTING TO BRING ABOUT AN IMPROVEMENT," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE CHINESE HAD CLEARLY STEPPED UP THEIR EFFORTS ON THE BORDER, ADDING^THAT: "THEY ARE WITHIN, GUANGDONG ITSELF, MAKING EFFORTS TO TRACK DOWN ON CARS WHICH HAVE BEEN GONE MISSING; THEY ARE STEPPING UP THE JR, ENFORCEMENT AND SO ON, I THINK IT IS A VERY GENERAL EFFORT ACROSS ‘'THE' BOARD."

"BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT SIMPLE FROM THE CHINESE POINT OF VIEW. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF HONG KONG CARS CIRCULATING IN GUANGDONG QUITE LEGALLY, AND THEREFORE IT DOESN’T MEAN TO SAY THAT EVERY CAR

WHICH IS A RIGHT-HAND DRIVE CAR OR WHICH HAS AN ODD NUMBER PLATE IS

NECESSARY STOLEN. - ,jt/

"THAT IS ONE PROBLEM, ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT MANY CARS ARE

BROKEN DOWN INTO SPARE PARTS VERY QUICKLY AFTER ARRIVING IN CHINA. SO

IT ISN’T EASY AND WE WERE, AS I SAY, IMPRESSED BY THE EFFORTS WHICH THEY ARE TAKING TO TRY TO STEP UP THEIR ACTION," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID HIS VISIT TO BEI HAI IN GUANGXI WAS FOR TWO REASONS: "FIRSTLY, TO LOOK AT THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT THERE; AND IT IS IN FACT A VERY ATTRACTIVE CITY. I THINK IT HAS A POTENTIAL TO BE A VERY INTERESTING TOURIST DESTINATION AND WE DISCUSSED POSSIBILITIES TO TAKING THAT FURTHER."

/THE OTHER .......

THE OTHER REASON WAS TO DISCUSS THE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM, SAID THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTING OUT THAT IT WAS VERY USEFUL TO HEAR THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE PEOPLE IN GUANGXI FACED.

"AMONGST THEM ARE THE FACT THAT THE BORDER WITH VIETNAM IS A THOUSAND KILOMETERS LONG; IT IS OVER SOME VERY MOUNTAINEOUS AREAS AND WE KNOW FROM THE DIFFICULTIES WE HAVE IN POLICING THE HONG KONG BORDER, HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT, AND CLEARLY THEY HAVE PROBLEMS TOO.

"THEY ALSO HAVE A 250-KILOMETER COASTLINE WHICH IS ALSO VERY DIFFICULT TO POLICE, AND I THINK TO SEE THAT COASTLINE AT FIRST-HAND AND SEE THOSE PROBLEMS WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL," SIR DAVID SAID.

"THEY ASSURED US THEY ARE STEPPING UP THEIR EFFORTS ON THE BORDER. THEY HAVE TWO LINES OF DEFENSES ON THE BORDER IN WHICH THEY NOW CHECK PEOPLE, AT THE BORDER ITSELF AND A LITTLE FURTHER BACK.

"THEY ARE ALSO TAKING NOTE OF THE INFORMATION WHICH WE PASSED TO THEM ABOUT POSSIBLE ROUTES WHICH PEOPLE ARE COMING THROUGH AND TAKING ACTION ON THAT. I THINK IT IS THAT FURTHER PASSAGE OF INFORMATION WHICH WILL ENABLE THE GUANGXI AUTHORITIES TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION WHICH IS A VERY FRUITFUL WAY OF TRYING TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION," HE ADDED.

"BUT AGAIN, IT’S NOT A PROBLEM THAT IS CAPABLE OF SOLUTION BY ONE SINGLE ACT. IT NEEDS CO-OPERATION OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE PLEDGED TO DO," SIR DAVID SAID.

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

JAMES FINDLAY TO BECOME LAW DRAFTSMAN *«***»

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MR JAMES FINDLAY IS TO TAKE OVER THE POST OF LAW DRAFTSMAN LEFT VACANT BY MR JAMES O’GRADY, WHO PASSED AWAY LAST MONTH, EFFECTIVE FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 17).

MR FINDLAY, Q.C., 54, JOINED THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AS DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN 1981.

HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN 1982 AND BECAME LAW OFFICER IN 1984.

IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, MR FINDLAY SERVED FOR SOME YEARS AS DEPUTY LAW DRAFTSMAN IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION BEFORE BECOMING SOLICITOR GENERAL AND SUBSEQUENTLY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS.

BEFORE COMING TO HONG KONG, MR FINDLAY WAS A PARLIAMENTARY DRAFTSMAN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

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

/4 ........

17TH MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ******

THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS 17TH MEETING IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 11 TO 14, 1990.

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 HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS.

ON THE* BASIS OF THE WORK OF ITS STANDING SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL 1 RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, THE GROUP HAD AN INITIAL EXCHANGE OF VlfeWS ON MATTERS RELATING TO CUSTOMS TREATIES APPLIED TO HONG KONG. THEY AGREED THE STANDING SUB-GROUP SHOULD START PREPARATORY WORK ON MULTILATERAL TREATIES APPLIED TO HONG KONG CONCERNING TRADE, CONSERVATION AND HEALTH.

THE GROUP HAD A USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND MADE FURTHER PROGRESS.

WITH REGARD TO THE WORK ON LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION THE TWO SIDES REACHED A COMMON VIEW ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF MERCHANT SHIPPING SAFETY REGULATIONS.

THE TWO SIDES HAD AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON PROTECTING AND PROMOTING INVESTMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES AND MADE PROGRESS.

THE TWO SIDES HAD A PRELIMINARY EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS WITH RELEVANT COUNTRIES.

ON THE BASIS OF THE WORK OF EXPERTS THE GROUP DISCUSSED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG AND MADE PROGRESS.

THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE ADAPTATION OF HONG KONG’S LAWS AND REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE PROCEDURE FOR CONSULTATION IN THIS AREA.

THE TWO SIDES ALSO HAD A DISCUSSION ON THE QUESTION OF MAJOR FRANCHISES WHICH WILL EXTEND BEYOND 1997 AND AGREED ON MECHANISMS TO KEEP THE CHINESE SIDE INFORMED ABOUT SUCH FRANCHISES.

THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AGREED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE IN BEIJING IN THE WEEK BEGINNING MARCH 11, 1991.

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

/5 ........

LARGEST HAUL OF ELECTRONIC GOODS SMUGGLED TO CHINA MADE

*****

CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAD DEALT A SEVERE BLOW TO A GANG OF SMUGGLERS AFTER NETTING THE LARGEST EVER HAUL OF ELECTRONIC GOODS TO CHINA YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).

THE OFFICERS, ACTING ON A TIP-OFF, FOUND THE $3 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS, CONSISTING OF TELEVISION SETS, VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERS AND CAMERA EQUIPMENT IN TWO CONTAINERS DESTINED FOR XIAMEN.

IT IS THE FIRST KNOWN CASE OF ATTEMPTED SMUGGLING TO CHINA INVOLVING CONTAINERS ON AN OCEAN-GOING CONTAINER VESSEL.

CUSTOMS OFFICERS BELIEVED THIS IS A NEW METHOD OF SMUGGLING ELECTRICAL GOODS TO CHINA IN WAKE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENT STEP-UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION ON SPEEDBOAT SMUGGLING.

AFTER A WEEK-LONG PROBE, THE OFFICERS BOARDED A CONTAINER VESSEL "KAI YUAN" AT YAU MA TEI ANCHORAGE AREA WHEN IT WAS ABOUT TO SET SAIL FOR XIAMEN ABOUT 4 PM YESTERDAY,

THE OFFICERS DETAINED TWO 40-FOOT CONTAINERS, WHICH WERE MANIFESTED TO CONTAIN TEXTILE GOODS.

THE TWO CONTAINERS WERE THEN OFF-LOADED AND TOWED ASHORE. UPON EXAMINATION, A LARGE QUANTITY OF ELECTRICAL GOODS AND CAMERA EQUIPMENT WAS FOUND, ALONGSIDE WITH 155 ROLLS OF TEXTILE GOODS.

THE HAUL INCLUDED 226 TELEVISIONS, 170 CAMERAS, 1,752 TRIPODS, 516 PORTABLE CASSETTE RECORDERS, 56 VEHICLE RADIO SETS, 181 VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERS AND A QUANTITY OF AUDIO ACCESSORIES, ALL DESTINED FOR XIAMEN.

AT THE SAME TIME, CUSTOMS OFFICERS CONDUCTED RAIDS AT FOUR PLACES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND ONE IN KOWLOON.

A 30-YEAR-OLD MAN BELIEVED TO BE THE EXPORTER OF THE GOODS AND A 24-YEAR-OLD WOMAN ARE NOW ASSISTING IN THE INVESTIGATION.

CUSTOMS OFFICERS ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A MAN BELIEVED TO BE CONNECTED WITH THE CASE. FURTHER RAIDS ARE BEING CONDUCTED.

IN THE OPERATION, OVER 50 OFFICERS FROM THE GENERAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION OF THE INVESTIGATION BRANCH, AND THE SEA CARGO AND LAND ENFORCEMENT DIVISIONS OF THE OPERATIONS BRANCH OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WERE MOBILISED.

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

/6.........

PUBLICATION OF ELECTION PROCEDURE ORDERS •

THE ORDER MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE TO DECLARE THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

ALSO PUBLISHED IS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES (NUMBER OF VACANCIES) ORDER 1990 WHICH DECLARES THAT EACH OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES CONTAINS TWO VACANCIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THESE ORDERS COMPLETE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE FOR THE DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1991 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THERE SHOULD BE NINE DOUBLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991. DETAILS OF THE CONSTITUENCY ARRANGEMENTS WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 21, 1990.

THE NINE DOUBLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES WHICH WILL RETURN 18 DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991 ARE :

- HONG KONG ISLAND EAST, COMPRISING EASTERN AND WAN CHAI DISTRICTS;

- HONG KONG ISLAND WEST, COMPRISING CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS;

- KOWLOON EAST, COMPRISING KWUN TONG DISTRICT;

KOWLOON CENTRAL, COMPRISING KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN

DISTRICTS;

KOWLOON WEST, COMPRISING MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO AND YAU DISTRICTS; TSIM

NEW TERRITORIES NORTH, COMPRISING NORTH AND TAI DISTRICTS; • PO

NEW TERRITORIES EAST, COMPRISING SHA TIN AND SAI DISTRICTS; KUNG

NEW TERRITORIES SOUTH, COMPRISING ISLANDS, KWAI TSING TSUEN WAN DISTRICT; AND AND

NEW TERRITORIES WEST, COMPRISING TUEN MUN AND YUEN DISTRICTS. LONG

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SYMPATHETIC TO THE VIEW TAKEN BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON ELECTORAL LEGISLATION THAT THERE SHOULD BE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF OUR ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AND ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT BODY ON ELECTORAL MATTERS IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE 1991 ELECTIONS.

/SUCH A .......

SUCH A REVIEW WOULD ENABLE SUITABLE MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS.

’’HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING CLEAR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALL THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES IT IS RIGHT TO USE THE EXISTING ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1991,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’IN DEMARCATING ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES, THESE ARRANGEMENTS TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ALL RELEVANT FACTORS SUCH AS PRESENT AND FUTURE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION, GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARIES."

APART FROM THE CONSTITUENCY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DIRECT ELECTIONS, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION EXPENSES ORDER 1990 AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTION EXPENSES (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1990 MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE ARE ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.

THE RESPECTIVE ELECTION EXPENSES LIMITS WERE APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AND ANNOUNCED IN JULY THIS YEAR.

THE NEW LIMITS ARE AS FOLLOWS :

(A) DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

(B) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES

(D) MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

(E) ELECTION OF DISTRICT BOARD REPRESENTATIVES TO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS

$200,000

$ 50,000

$ 30,000

$ 70,000

$ 6,000

-------------------•_ 0--------------------------------------------

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUG-OCT

*******

BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED AT A LOW LEVEL DURING THE PERIOD AUGUST - OCIOBER 1990.

THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED THE LABOUR MARKET WAS STILL GENERALLY TIGHT.

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1990 WAS 1 5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1.7 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1990 AND 1.4 PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.

/THE DECREASE .......

THE DECREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE INCREASE OF 0.1 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.

THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN AUGUST - OCTOBER 1990 WAS ESTIMATED AT 42,300, COMPARED WITH 46,700 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1990 AND 37,600 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1989.

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1990 WAS 1.0 PER CENT, WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1990; THAT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989 WAS 0.6 PER CENT.

THE INCREASE OF 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989 IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.

THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN AUGUST -OCTOBER 1990 WAS 26,900, COMPARED WITH 26,800 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1990 AND 17,800 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1989.

CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK DUE TO 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 SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1990 WAS 1.4 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 AUGUST - OCTOBER 1990 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,300 HOUSEHOLDS OR 40,000 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 .......

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 SEPTEMBER 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND DECEMBER 20 AT $11.50 PER COPY.

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

NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THREE GOVT DEPARTMENTS

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED APPLICATION OF A MAJOR COMPUTER AT A CAPITAL COST OF MILLION WHICH REPLACED EARLIER PURCHASE APPLICATIONS SEPARATE COMPUTERS FOR THREE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

A PURCHASE

ABOUT $270

OF THREE

THE NEW COMPUTER WILL REPLACE THE MAINFRAME SYSTEM FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT CENTRAL BUREAU.

IT WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT COMPUTER CENTRE FOR THE LAND REGISTRATION SYSTEM AND THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT COMPUTER CENTRE FOR THE AUTOMATED COMMUNICATION, TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND OPERATIONS NETWORK (ACTION) APPLICATION.

’’THE COMPUTER WILL MEET ALL THE ORIGINAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE PREVIOUS PROPOSALS AND WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE A SAVING OF $12.5 MILLION IN CAPITAL COST AND RECURRENT COSTS OF OVER $33 MILLION," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

"OTHER INTANGIBLE BENEFITS INCLUDE IMPROVED RELIABILITY AND AVAILABILITY AND BETTER DEPLOYMENT OF SCARCE STAFF RESOURCES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THIS IS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S DRIVE TO REDUCE COSTS WITHOUT ADVERSELY AFFECTING ITS CAPABILITY TO MEET ITS COMMITMENTS," HE ADDED.

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

/10 ........

HYGIENIC STANDARDS SET FOR MILK PRODUCTION

******

RAW MILK PRODUCED AT DAIRIES WILL HAVE TO COMPLY WITH HYGIENIC STANDARDS STIPULATED IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 AS FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).

UNDER THE DAIRIES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 GAZETTED TODAY WHICH FORM PART OF THE ORDINANCE, 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.

AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE MILK IS MARKETED, IT MUST BE HEAT TREATED AT A "MILK FACTORY" TO DESTORY 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) ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID LICENCES GRANTED UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) ORDINANCE WOULD FROM NOW ON BE VALID FOR 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE.

PREVIOUSLY, ALL LICENCES EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31 OF THE YEAR IN WHICH THEY WERE 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.

ALSO FROM TODAY, FEES FOR THE ANIMAL TRADERS’ LICENCE WILL 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.

- - 0 - -

/Il

MERCHANT NAVY NEEDS NEW BLOOD TO REVIVE * * * * *

THERE IS A CONTINUING DEMAND FOR WELL-TRAINED AND QUALIFIED HONG IONG SEAFARERS FROM HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS, MANAGERS AND CREWING AGENCIES, A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL REVEALED.

THE SURVEY FOUND THAT OWING TO ITS GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND BEING A MAJOR ECONOMICAL CENTRE IN ASIA, HONG KONG WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT SHIPPING CENTRE. THERE WAS EVERY INDICATION THAT THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY HAD REGAINED ITS STABILITY AND WOULD CONTINUE TO REVIVE.

ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, THERE WERE 6,210 ACTIVE HONG KONG SEAFARERS THIS YEAR INCLUDING 2,801 OFFICERS AND 3,409 RATINGS. COMPARED WITH THE RECORDED FIGURE OF 8,891 IN 1988, THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE SEAFARERS HAD DECREASED AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 16.8 PER CENT.

THIS DECLINE, THE TRAINING BOARD BELIEVED, WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE AVAILABILITY OF MORE JOB OPENINGS WITH BETTER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT ASHORE AND THE FACT THAT MANY POSTS ON BOARD SHIPS WERE FILLED BY CREWS FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.

MOREOVER, A CONTINUING RISE IN THE MEAN AGE OF HONG KONG SEAFARERS WOULD HAVE A HINDERING EFFECT ON THE FURTHER REVIVAL OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY IF THERE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT YOUNG NEW ENTRANTS TO JOIN THE MERCHANT NAVY.

THE TRAINING BOARD FORECAST THAT, TOGETHER WITH THE FORTHCOMING HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING AND THE MULTI-BILLION PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT, THE INDUSTRY WOULD NEED AN ADDITION OF SOME 340 OFFICERS AND 500 RATINGS ANNUALLY WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

THE TRAINING BOARD CONSIDERED THAT THE TRAINING FACILITIES PROVIDED IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE AND OTHER TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WERE ADEQUATE TO MEET THE MANPOWER GROWTH.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT AND RELATED TRAINING INSTITUTIONS NEEDED TO STEP UP EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THE PROSPECTS OF SEA-GOING CAREER, SO AS TO ATTRACT MORE NEW-ENTRANTS TO JOIN THE INDUSTRY.

THE "1990 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE MERCHANT NAVY" IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $26.00 A COPY.

/12........

PUBLIC REMINDED OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST FOOD-BORNE DISEASES

*********

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED TO TAKE PROPER FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES WHEN HAVING HOTPOT IN THE COLD WINTER MONTHS.

THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR. MAHOMMED BIN ALI, WHO SAID FOOD-BORNE DISEASES SUCH AS FOOD POISONING AND HEPATITIS A MAY BE CONTRACTED THROUGH HOTPOT MEAL, WHICH IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS DO-IT-YOURSELF CHINESE-STYLE SUKIYAKI.

"FOOD ESTABLISHMENT STUFF SHOULD ALWAYS OBSERVE HYGIENIC PRACTICES IN PREPARING FOOD FOR HOTPOTS,” DR. ALI SAID.

"CUSTOMERS, ON THE OTHER HAND, HAVE AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN ENSURING THAT SUCH FOOD IS ADEQUATELY COOKED BEFORE CONSUMPTION," HE ADDED.

WHEN PREPARING HOTPOTS AT HOME, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD ALSO OBSERVE PROPER FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES.

DR. ALI REMINDED THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING POINTS WHILE HAVING THOSE POPULAR HOTPOT FOOD STUFF SUCH AS SHELLFISH AND VEGETABLES:

* USE WHOLESOME FOOD, CLEAN WATER AND COOKING UTENSILS;

* USE ONLY WHOLESOME AND PREFERABLY LIVE ONES FOR SHELLFISH;

* WASH VEGETABLES AND SHELLFISH THOROUGHLY BEFORE COOKING;

* COOK THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION;

* STORE FOOD PROPERLY BEFORE COOKING AND SHELLFISH SHOULD BE KEPT IN REFRIGERATOR IF NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION;

* REMOVE THE GRIT AND DIRT OF SHELLFISH WITH A BRUSH; AND

* DISCARD THE INTESTINES AND OTHER DUBIOUS OR INEDIBLE PARTS SUCH AS SHELLS.

"WHOLESOME RAW MATERIALS, PROPER WASHING AND HANDLING, AND THOROUGH COOKING ARE THE BEST MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES AND PREREQUISITES OF A DELICIOUS AND ENJOYABLE HOTPOT," DR. ALI SAID.

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

/13........

BUILDING NUMBERING STREAMLINED

A MORE CONSISTENT APPROACH WILL BE ADOPTED TO THE NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION BECOMES THE SOLE AUTHORITY FOR ALLOCATING BUILDING NUMBERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

PREVIOUSLY, THE COMMISSIONER WAS ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.

AN AMENDMENT TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO EFFECT THE CHANGE WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY AND GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

A RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS CHANGE SHOULD ELIMINATE THE CONFUSION THAT SOMETIMES AROSE IN THE PAST DUE TO THE DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE VARIOUS DISTRICT LANI) OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

"THE NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD ALSO RESULT IN A MORE CONSISTENT APPROACH BEING ADOPTED TO THE NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE SAID A NUMBER WOULD GENERALLY BE ALLOCATED TO NEW BUILDINGS AS SOON AS THEY WERE COMPLETED, PROVIDED THAT THE STREET WHICH THEY ABUT HAD BEEN NAMED.

HE ALSO STRESSED THAT EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO DEAL WITH ALL UN-NUMBERED BUILDINGS, FOR. WHICH A NUMBER IS REQUIRED, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT PROGRESS, PARTICULARLY IN THE MORE ISOLATED RURAL AREAS, WOULD VERY MUCH DEPEND ON THE MANPOWER AVAILABLE.

HE REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL ENQUIRIES REGARDING BUILDING NUMBERING MATTERS SHOULD NOW BE ADDRESSED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSJEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

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

NEW CHLORINATION HOUSE AT SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS r * ♦ ♦ ♦

THr WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF a' NEW CHLORINATION HOUSE AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE FACILITIES AT THE SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS.

THE CHLORINE

WILL COMPOSE A CHLORINE DRUM STORE, ANCILLARY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL

NEW CHLORINATION HOUSE ABSORPTION SYSTEM AND

WORKS.

/UPON COMPLETION .......

UPON COMPLETION, THE STORE WILL CONVERT THE EXISTING BULK TANK STORAGE TO A ONE-TONNE DRUM STORAGE OF CHLORINE, AND THE CHLORINE ABSORPTION SYSTEM WILL SAFEGUARD AGAINST ANY CHLORINE DISCHARGE TO THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL LEAKAGE, THEREBY REDUCING THE SOCIETAL RISKS OF THE SHA TIN TREATMENT WORKS TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL.

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORK OF THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND LAST FOR 17 MONTHS. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE INSTALLATION OF ASSOCIATED PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE CHLORINE ABSOPRTION SYSTEM.

THE WHOLE PROJECT WILL BE COMMISSIONED IN LATE 1992.

TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BY NOON ON JANUARY 4 NEXT YEAR.

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

SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO *****

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING ™?EES ™ THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL AT A 6,730-SQUARE METRE SITE AT AREA 6, TAI PO.

THE

SCHOOL WILL COMPRISEA N^KACHINO^LOCKJO^CCOMNODATE^S

CLASSROOMS, A BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS TO AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, A COVERED PLAY BASKETBALL COURT AND PLANTING AREAS.

AREA,

AN ASSEMBLY HALL, A

CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS

IS NOON ON JANUARY 11.

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

TENDERS INVITED FOR SLUDGE DISPOSAL WORKS ******

T„E DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITINC, JBNDRRS^OR m DAILY/PERIODIC REMOVAL OF SCREENINGS, SLUD .

SOLID WASTE AND SEWAGE HANDLING STATIONS.

THF CONTRACT, WHICH WILL RUN FROM 1991 TO 1993 MINOR ™»?rn™e 'of civil enoinbkr.no WORKS IN EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY PAINTING AS WEL IMPROVEMENTS.

ALSO INCLUDES THE STATIONS, ALTERATION AND

/FORMS OF .......

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CONTRACTS SECTION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 11, 1991 .

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

FARMERS CONTRIBUTE TO OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG

*****

THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) COMMENDED FARMERS IN HONG KONG FOR PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN MEETING LOCAL DEMAND FOR FRESH FOODSTUFFS, THEREBY HELPING BOTH TO REGULATE THE FOOD SUPPLY AND STABILISE PRICES.

OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND FARMERS’ FESTIVAL AT THE TAI LUNG FARM OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) IN LIN TONG MEI, SHEUNG SHUI, MR LEE SAID LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS HAD ALWAYS BEEN CHARACTERISED BY ITS FRESHNESS AND HIGH QUALITY.

"WITH THE ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT OF AFD AND VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS, LOCAL FARMERS HAVE MADE CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCE, AND HAVE ALSO CONDUCTED TRIALS ON VARIOUS NEW PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND VARIETIES.

"THEY HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING FRESH FOODSTUFFS FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION AND HAVE MADE DEFINITE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG," MR LEE ADDED.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S LAUNCHING CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE; THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI.

SPEAKING EARLIER, MR CHAN SAID THE FARMERS’ FESTIVAL PROVIDED FARMERS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES ON WAYS TO INCREASE PRODUCTION AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS, THUS HELPING TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC AND MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROSPERITY OF THE SOCIETY.

"FURTHERMORE, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN UNDERSTAND BETTER THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY IN THE SUPPLY OF THE TERRITORY’S FRESH FOODSTUFFS THROUGH THE FARMERS’ FESTIVAL AND THE TAI LUNG FARM OPEN DAY," HE SAID.

THE JOINT FEDERATION WAS FORMED IN 1988 WITH MEMBER-ASSOCIATIONS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES CHICKEN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATING SOCIETIES AS WELL AS THE FEDERATION OF PIG RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. THEIR MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES OVER 10,000 INDIVIDUAL FARMERS.

/MR CHAN .......

MR CHAN SAID LAST YEAR, HONG KONG PRODUCED 15 MILLION CHICKENS, 650,000 PIGS AND 140,000 TONNES OF FRESH VEGETABLES WITH A TOTAL VALUE AMOUNTING TO $1,600 MILLION, 80 PER CENT OF THE PRODUCTION CAME FROM MEMBER-ASSOCIATIONS OF THE JOINT FEDERATION.

THE SECOND FARMERS’ FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY AFD AND THE JOINT FEDERATION. TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE TAI LUNG FARM WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM THIS AFTERNOON TO SUNDAY (DECEMBER 16).

ATTRACTIONS AT THE OPEN DAY INCLUDE:

* DEMONSTRATIONS ON MODERN CHICKEN FARMING TECHNIQUES, EXOTIC VEGETABLE CROPS, THE PIG-ON-LITTER METHOD AND THE USE OF SPENT SAWDUST AS SOIL CONDITIONER;

* GREENHOUSES CATERING FOR MASS SEEDLING PRODUCTION, SOILESS CULTURE AND DRIP IRRIGATION;

* A ROSE GARDEN WHERE OVER 40 SPECIES, INCLUDING SOME VERY RARE ONES, OF ROSES ARE CULTIVATED;

♦ AN INSECT MUSEUM PLUS A DISPLAY ON INSECT TRAPS;

♦ AN ORCHARD WITH ITS RICH COLLECTION OF FRUIT TREES PLUS DEMONSTRATIONS ON FRUIT PROPAGATION TECHNIQUES;

* A DISPLAY OF FARM MACHINERY AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS;

♦ A MUSHROOM LABORATORY; AND

t DEMONSTRATIONS ON METHODS TO TEST PESTICIDE RESIDUE ON VEGETABLES.

BESIDES, FRESH LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE WILL BE ON SALE AT THE FARM.

VISITORS ARE URGED TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS PARKING FACILITIES ARE LIMITED AT TAI LUNG.

THE JOINT FEDERATION WILL PROVIDE FREE SHUTTLE COACH TO FERRY VISITORS FROM THE KCR SHEUNG SHUI STATION NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF CHOI YUEN ESTATE AND OUTSIDE KWONG WAH THEATRE IN YUEN LONG TO TAI LUNG FARM DURING THE OPEN DAY PERIOD, I.E. FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM BETWEEN FRIDAY AND SUNDAY.

ALTERNATIVELY, THE PUBLIC MAY GO TO THE TAI LUNG FARM VIA FAN KAM ROAD BY TAKING BUS NO. 77K OR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS NO. 18 LINKING SHEUNG SHUI WITH YUEN LONG.

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

/17........

TEACHERS URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN STUDENT GUIDANCE WORK

• *******

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MRS GRACE YUNG, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED ALL TEACHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN STUDENT GUIDANCE WORK.

SPEAKING AT A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MRS YUNG SAID THE WORK WAS NOT THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF GUIDANCE MASTERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS.

"ITS SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION ALSO REQUIRES THE LEADERSHIP OF PRINCIPALS AND THE FULL SUPPORT OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT," SHE SAID.

THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS FOURTH REPORT RECOMMENDED THE ADOPTION OF THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH AND SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE THAT A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS HAD ALREADY SUCCESSFULLY ADOPTED THE SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMME.

MRS YUNG HOPED THAT OTHER SCHOOLS WOULD FOLLOW SUIT TO HELP STUDENTS OVERCOME THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS.

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS.

- - 0 - -

CENTRAL AND WESTERN ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY

*****

A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 16) TO DRIVE HOME THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.

THERE WILL BE AN AUXILIARY POLICE BAND PARADE, TELEMATCHES FOR THE ELDERLY, MAGIC SHOWS, QUIZZES, AN EXHIBITION AND A CHILDREN’S ROAD SAFETY FASHION SHOW.

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY LINED UP FOR CHILDREN TO PUT THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE ACROSS TO THEM.

TO BE PRESENTED BY DISC JOCKEY WONG TZE-WAH, THE PROGRAMME WILL ALSO INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGER PANG KIN-SUN.

THE CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM. OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, AND THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR NGAI WAI-MING.

THE ANNUAL EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE, POLICE, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF CITY NORTHWEST HONG KONG.

/ENQUIRIES ABOUT

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CARNIVAL CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 3486.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 16) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL.

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

300 EXHIBITS ON CREATIVE WORK BY SECONDARY STUDENTS

* ♦ ♦ * *

THE CREATIVE WORK OF SECONDARY 5 STUDENTS, COMPRISING MORE THAN 300 EXHIBITS, WILL BE ON DISPLAY FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 17) TO SATURDAY (JANUARY 5) AT THE CULTURE CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.

THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE CULTURE CRAFTS CENTRE, WILL BE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO PEOPLE INVOLVED IN ART EDUCATION AND TO STUDENTS PREPARING FOR THE FORTHCOMING HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN ART, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXHIBITS WERE SUBMITTED BY STUDENTS FROM MORE THAN 100 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COMPRISED CREATIVE WORK SUCH AS DRAWINGS, PAINTINGS, GRAPHIC DESIGNS, CALLIGRAPHY, THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGNS, SCULPTURES AND CERAMICS.

’’THEY REPRESENT THE ACHIEVEMENTS IN ART AND DESIGN OF STUDENTS AND THE TREND OF ART EDUCATION IN HONG KONG,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

SAI KUNG RESIDENTS AWARDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

THIRTY-FOUR

BOARD CERTIFICATE OF THEIR SUPPORT

COMMUNITY SERVICES.

PEOPLE WERE AWARDED THE 1988/89 SAI KUNG DISTRICT OF APPRECIATION TODAY (FRIDAY) IN RECOGNITION AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO DISTRICT BOARD WORKS AND

MR FREDERICK TONG, SAID ALL DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL

THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, AWARDEES HAD BEEN SERVING IN VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS RURAL

THE AND AID

COMMITTEES.

/"THEIR VALUABLE .......

’’THEIR VALUABLE SUPPORT HAS LED TO THE SUCCESS OF MANY DISTRICT ACTIVITIES AND THEY HAVE SET A GOOD EXAMPLE TO ENCOURAGE OTHER PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES,” HE ADDED.

THE AWARDEES ARE EITHER RESIDING IN SAI KUNG OR WORKING IN VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS OR SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.

THEY WERE NOMINATED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND ASSESSED BY A SELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER AND COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THE ASSESSMENT WAS BASED ON THE CANDIDATES’ SERVICES, LEADERSHIP, INITIATIVE, CO-OPERATIVENESS AND LENGTH OF SERVICE.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT ANTI-DRUG PROGRAMMES .................. 1

SEMINAR ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION .......................................... 2

MAJOR SURVEY ON COUNTRY PARK TO BEGIN .................................... 3

MERCHANT FINED FOR I/E OFFENCES .......................................... 4

TAXI FUEL SUPPLEMENT EFFECTIVE FROM SUNDAY ............................... 5

TRANSPORT DEPT HEADQUARTERS ON MOVE ...................................... 5

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ...................................... 6

MORE PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS SUPPORT ANTI-DRUG PROGRAMMES

******

MORE PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS ARE SHOWING CONCERN OVER THE DISASTROUS EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM AND TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN LAUNCHING OR SPONSORING VARIOUS ANTI-DRUG PROGRAMMES.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, DR GERALD CHOA, TOLD THIS TO A LARGE GROUPF OF AUDIENCES WHILE ADDRESSING AT A PREVIEW OF AN ANTI-DRUG TV PROGRAMME "CARTOON ALL-STARS TO THE RESCUE” TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE 30-MINUTE TELEVISON SPECIAL WAS SPONSORED BY RONALD MCDONALD CHILDREN’S CHARITIES AND WILL BE BROADCAST AT THE EVENING PRIME TIME ON DECEMBER 23 AND 26 ON TVB JADE AND PEARL CHANNELS RESPECTIVELY.

DR CHOA POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS AN OBVIOUS INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE ABUSING DRUGS, PARTICULARLY PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES SUCH AS TRANQUILIZER AND CANNABIS, IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

HE SAID: "AUTHORITIES CONCERNED HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS TREND FOR A LONG TIME AND CORRESPONDING MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN UPON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS TO TIGHTEN CONTROL ON PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ON THE ONE HAND AND TO STEP UP PUBLICITY AND PREVENTIVE EDUCATION ON THE OTHER IN A BID TO PREVENT THE SITUATION FROM GETTING WORSE."

IN RESPECT OF PUBLICITY, DR CHOA SAID THIS YEAR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION ADOPTED THE THEME "SAY YES TO LIFE, SAY NO TO DRUGS" TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO VALUE THEIR LIVES AND REFRAIN FROM ABUSING ANY DRUGS THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS, INCLUDING POSTERS, LEAFLETS, COMIC BOOKS, TV ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST, RADIO PROGRAMMES, EXHIBITIONS AND A WIDE RANGE OF OTHER ACTIVITIES.

"YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THEIR SPARE TIME BY TAKING PART IN WHOLESOME CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OR MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY SERVICES SO AS TO IDENTIFY THEIR SELF-WORTH, BOOST THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SHAPE A CORRECT AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE," HE ADDED.

AS REGARDS PREVENTIVE EDUATION, DR CHOA SAID STAFF OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION GAVE DRUG EDUCATION TALKS AT VARIOUS SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES EVERYDAY.

HE SAID: "WORK IS ALSO UNDER WAY TO PRODUCE A SET OF VIDEO TEACHING KIT TOGETHER WITH FOLLOW-UP EXERCISES FOR USE BY SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BETTER THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF AND HEIGHTEN THEIR VIGILANCE AGAINST THE INJURIOUS EFFECTS OF USING DRUGS.”

DR CHOA SAID THE KIT WAS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR AND HE HOPED THAT IT WOULD BE WIDELY USED SO THAT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM IT.

- - 0 -

/2 ........

SEMINAR ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION

* « « * *

STUDENTS WITH SIX PASSES IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN 1991, OR FIVE PASSES WITH A TOTAL SCORE OF NOT LESS THAN EIGHT WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR ENTRY TO THE 1993 ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION.

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, TOLD A SEMINAR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM TODAY (SATURDAY).

’’THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO LOWER THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTIES OF THE A-LEVEL EXAMINATION PAPERS, ESPECIALLY IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE.

’’BESIDES, SCHOOLS COUNCILS ARE NOW BEING CONSULTED ON MEASURES TO FULLY UTILISE SIXTH FORM PLACES IN PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS," MR LI SAID.

THE REMEDIAL MEASURES INCLUDE REMOVING THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR SITTING A-LEVEL EXAMINATIONS, A FIVE-STAGE ADMISSION PROCEDURE TO ENSURE FULL UTILISATION OF SIXTH FORM PROVISIONS AND A SUGGESTION FOR SCHOOLS TO CO-OPERATE IN OFFERING A WIDER RANGE OF SUBJECT COMBINATIONS TO THEIR SIXTH FORM STUDENTS.

MORE THAN 300 SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ATTENDED THE SEMINAR WHICH WAS AIMED AT HELPING PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM.

MR LI SAID THE SUCCESS IN SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM REFORMS WILL DEPEND ON THE CO-OPERATION OF UNIVERSITIES, TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, SCHOOL HEADS, TEACHERS AND EMPLOYERS.

ON THE DESIGN OF THE NEW ADVANCED LEVEL AND ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL SYLLABUSES, THE PLANNING OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS AND IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHING FACILITIES IN SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY AND THE NEW SIXTH FORM SYLLABUSES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN 1992.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR SO KWOK-WING, WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO INITIATE CHANGES IN THE SIXTH FORM EDUCATION.

’’SIXTH FORM EDUCATION IN THE 1990S IS NOT ONLY PREPARATION FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION BUT ALSO AIMS AT PROVIDING A WORTHWHILE COURSE AND OTHER ASPECTS OF TRAINING FOR THOSE WHO WOULD NOT PROCEED TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

’’THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM, THEREFORE, SHOULD NOT BE EXCESSIVELY NARROW AND DETERMINED BY UNIVERSITY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS," MR SO SAID.

TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORTS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION, THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE OF THE CDC IS DESIGNING AND DEVELOPING NEW AS- AND A-LEVEL SYLLABUSES.

/"THE REVIEW .......

"THE REVIEW OF THE FIRST DRAFTS OF THE 15 SYLLABUSES PREPARED BY THE SUBJECT COMMITTEES OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AND THE CDC HAS BEEN COMPLETED, AND COMMENTS ARE BEING INVITED FROM SCHOOLS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

"A GUIDE FOR THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS HAS ALSO BEEN’ DRAFTED AND WILL BE SENT TO SCHOOLS FOR COMMENT BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR,” HE SAID.

MR SO HOPED THAT UNIVERSITIES AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL ADJUST THEIR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS BY EXTENDING RECOGNITION TO THE NEW AS-LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS AND ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO CHOOSE A MORE BALANCED COURSE TO STUDY.

HE ALSO CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO RECOGNISE THE ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY QUALIFICATIONS FOR STAFF APPOINTMENT.

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

MAJOR SURVEY ON COUNTRY PARK TO BEGIN

*****

A MAJOR SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS TO FIND OUT THE USAGE PATTERN OF PARK VISITORS AND TO IDENTIFY THEIR CHANGING NEEDS FOR PARK FACILITIES AND SERVICES.

THE SURVEY, THE FOURTH ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) SINCE 1982, COVERS 17 COUNTRY PARKS AND ONE SPECIAL AREA, ALL OF WHICH ARE POPULAR AREAS FOR VISITORS.

THE COUNTRY PARKS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY INCLUDE ABERDEEN, TAI TAM, QUARRY BAY AND POK FU LAM ON HONG KONG ISLAND; LANTAU NORTH AND LANTAU SOUTH; SAI KUNG EAST, SAI KUNG WEST AND CLEAR WATER BAY; KAM SHAN LION ROCK; MA ON SHAN, PLOVER COVE, PAT SIN LENG, TAI MO SHAN, TAI LAM, SHING MUN AND THE TAI PO KAU SPECIAL AREA.

THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (COUNTRYSIDE), MR WONG FOOK-YEE, SAID THE SURVEY WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN DECEMBER 16 AND 23 AND BETWEEN JANUARY 6 AND 20, RESPECTIVELY, COVERING A TOTAL OF 23-DAY PERIOD.

"IT IS INTENDED THAT SOME 6,000 VISITORS TO THESE COUNTRY PARKS WILL BE SELECTED AT RANDOM FOR INTERVIEW," MR WONG SAID.

"THE INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED MAINLY BY AFD'S UNIFORMED PARK RANGERS AND WARDENS BUT FOR THE FIRST TIME, MEMBERS OF CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) WILL HELP IN THE SURVEY," HE ADDED.

CAS MEMBERS, WHO WILL HELP IN THE SURVEY ON SUNDAYS AT THE SAI KUNG, MA ON SHAN, PLOVER COVE, PAT SIN LENG, KAM SHAN AND LION ROCK COUNTRY PARKS, WILL BE IN UNIFORM AND WILL WEAR A NAME PLATE FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFICATION.

/SOME TO .......

SOM3 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY AT OTHER LOCATIONS.

’’VISITORS WILL BE ASKED TO SUGGEST AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN COUNTRY PARKS. THEY WILL ALSO BE ASKED ON THEIR FAVOURABLE ITEMS IN THE PARKS AND THEIR MOST ENJOYABLE COUNTRY PARK.

’’MOREOVER, THEY WILL BE ASKED SUCH QUESTIONS AS THEIR GROUP SIZE AND COMPOSITION, THEIR HOME DISTRICT, THE MEANS AND COST OF TRANSPORT TO COUNTRY PARKS, TRAVELLING TIME AND THE HOURS OF STAY, THE FREQUENCY OF AND REASONS FOR COUNTRY PARK VISITS AS WELL AS THE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN AND PREFERRED,” MR WONG SAID.

THE INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE DAILY BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 5.30 PM. EACH INTERVIEW WILL LAST FOR ONLY FIVE TO EIGHT MINUTES AND EVERY INTERVEWEE WILL BE GIVEN A SOUVENIR AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR SUPPORT.

MR WONG URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING THE DESIGNATED COUNTRY PARKS AND SPECIAL AREA DURING THE SURVEY PERIODS, TO CO-OPERATE FULLY WHEN THEY ARE APPROACHED FOR INTERVIEW.

"THE SURVEY WILL BE OF LONG-TERM BENEFIT TO THE PUBLIC AS THE RESULTS WILL PROVIDE USEFUL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR BETTER PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COUNTRY PARKS AND FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENT OF PARK FACILITIES AND SERVICES," HE SAID.

HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION AND DATA COLLECTED WILL BE COMPILED INTO A STATISTICAL SUMMARY REPORT AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY REFERENCE BE MADE TO PERSONAL DATA OF INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWEES.

THE LAST THREE VISITOR SURVEYS WERE CARRIED OUT IN 1982, 1985 AND 1987 RESPECTIVELY AND THE RESULTS HAD PROVIDED VERY USEFUL DIRECTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY PARKS.

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

MERCHANT FINED FOR I/E OFFENCES ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

A MERCHANT WAS FINED $500,000 AT THE NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE.

WONG CHUN-PO OF MAJORLAND PRODUCTS COMPANY LIMITED AND FLYING RICH INDUSTRIES LIMITED WAS ACCUSED OF LODGING INACCURATE IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS AND CAUSING FALSE INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED ON THE MANIFEST IN CONNECTION WITH SEVERAL CONSIGNMENTS OF SESAME WHICH WERE FALSELY REPRESENTED AS EITHER "DRIED RADISH STRIP” OR ”SOY BEANS".

IN SOME OF THE CONSIGNMENTS, THE DEFENDANT HAD ALSO UNDERSTATED THE VALUE OF THE GOODS.

/THE COURT.......

THE COURT WAS TOLD THAT THE OFFENCES TOOK PLACE BETWEEN THE END OF LAST YEAR AND THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, INVOLVING THE IMPORT OF SESAME FROM CHINA AND THE EXPORT OF SESAME TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT STARTED INVESTIGATION INTO THE CASE AFTER RECEIVING INFORMATION FROM THE KOREAN CUSTOMS THAT A CONSIGNMENT OF 100 METRIC TONNES OF SESAME FALSELY REPRESENTED AS "DRIED RADISH STRIP" IN THE IMPORT DOCUMENTS WAS HELD UP BY THEM AT INCHON, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS OR RE-EXPORTS ANY ARTICLES OTHER THAN AN EXEMPTED ARTICLE SHALL LODGE WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE AN ACCURATE AND COMPLETE DECLARATION RELATING TO SUCH ARTICLES.

- - 0 - -

TAXI FUEL SUPPLEMENT EFFECTIVE FROM SUNDAY

*****

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED TAXI PASSENGERS THAT A FLAT $1 TEMPORARY FUEL SUPPLEMENT IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL TAXI FARE FOR URBAN, NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXIS WOULD COME INTO EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FUEL SUPPLEMENT WAS A TEMPORARY MEASURE AND WOULD BE WITHDRAWN WHEN EITHER THE FUEL PRICE FELL SUBSTANTIALLY OR INCORPORATED INTO THE NEXT GENERAL FARE INCREASE EXERCISE.

- - 0 - -

TRANSPORT DEPT HEADQUARTERS ON MOVE

*****

ALL DIVISIONS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS EXCEPT THE MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINATION DIVISION WILL OPERATE FROM THEIR NEW OFFICES AT THE 37TH, AND 39TH TO 41ST FLOORS OF WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 17).

THE MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINATION DIVISION WILL MOVE TO WANCHAI TOWER II NEXT MONTH.

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE IS 824 1266 AND THE HEADQUARTERS NEW ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 829 5258.

APPLICATIONS FOR CLOSED AREA PERMITS FOR HONG KONG ISLAND SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE TRANSPORT OPERATIONS’ HONG KONG SUB-DIVISION AT 37TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II.

/APPLICATIONS FOR

APPLICATIONS FOR CLOSED AREA PERMITS FOR KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL CONTINUE TO BE HANDLED BY THE TRANSPORT OPERATIONS, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES SUB-DIVISIONS AT THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON HEADQUARTERS AT 25TH FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS WAS PREVIOUSLY LOCATED AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

-----------------0-------- SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION * * * * »

FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $1,638,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER EE3 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $380,000.

ANOTHER NUMBER EE77 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $220,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $2,000 FOR EM8162.

FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:

EM1888 $ 16,000 EE3 $ 380,000 EM882 $ 23,000 EM1338 $ 10,000

EL608 5,000 EL3228 15,000 EM5 150,000 DH777 35,000

EM3268 8,000 AU116 7,000 DG163 20,000 HK450 25,000

DH11 150,000 EM8162 2,000 EM318 12,000 AK747 18,000

EM1228 10,000 EM3389 12,000 AR19 20,000 EM619 6,000

EM661 8,000 EE77 220,000 AA1883 15,000 EL9332 3,000

XX9112 5,000 EM8288 35,000 EM911 25,000 EM635 4,000

EG171 10,000 EL908 8,000 CC87 70,000 BL8890 3,000

EM1168 11,000 DD8628 18,000 EM1118 19,000 AS2339 5,000

AA812 20,000 3866 200,000 EM128 30,000 EL3988 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 158TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $110,694,505.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CS PAYS TRIBUTE TO DEDICATED SERVICE OF AMS MEMBERS ....................... 1

AIRPORT REFURBISHMENT WORK PROGRESSING WELL ............................... 1

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR AUCTION ............................ 2

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR HANDICAPPED IN SWD CENTRES ............................ 3

SYP COMMITTEE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO YOUTHS ............................. 4

NEW TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED.................................... 4

ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL ......................... 5

TWO WORKS PROJECTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI ............................. 6

WSD CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN STANLEY TO CLOSE DOWN ...................... 6

SALT WATER SUSPENSION IN EAST KOWLOON ..................................... 7

CS PAYS TRIBUTE TO DEDICATED SERVICE OF AMS MEMBERS

******

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (SUNDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS) FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

OFFICIATING AT THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE OF THE SERVICES, SIR DAVID SAID SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1950, THE AMS HAD BEEN DEDICATED TO PROVIDING TRAINED STAFF TO AUGMENT THE REGULAR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN TIMES OF NEED.

"BY SO DOING ALL THE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN GIVING PRACTICAL EXPRESSION TO THE VALUES OF GOOD CITIZENSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP," SIR DAVID SAID.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE AMS HAD GROWN FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH A CURRENT MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 5,000 VOLUNTEERS AND IT WAS NOW AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE WHICH COULD ALWAYS BE RELIED UPON, SIR DAVID ADDED.

NOTING THAT THE ROLE OF THE AMS HAD BEEN EXPANDED IN RECENT YEARS TO COVER A WIDE VARIETY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES IN ADDITION TO ITS EMERGENCY ROLE, SIR DAVID SAID:

"I WOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THOSE LONG-SERVING AND DEDICATED AMS VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE PERFORMED SO EFFICIENTLY IN MANNING CLINICS FOR VBP AND METHADONE TREATMENT CENTRES, PROVIDING COUNTRY PARK FIRST-AID COVERAGE AND CARRYING OUT LIFE-SAVING ACTIVITIES.

"I HAVE NO DOUBT YOU WILL KEEP UP YOUR HIGH STANDARD OF CIVIC SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG IN THE YEARS TO COME,” HE SAID.

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

AIRPORT REFURBISHMENT WORK PROGRESSING WELL

*****

WORK IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY ON THE REFURBISHMENT OF KAI TAK AIRPORT’S PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING.

THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME, WITH A PRICETAG OF SOME $289 MILLION, NOT ONLY INCLUDES A FACELIFT BUT ALSO ENABLE KAI TAK TO MEET FORECAST AIR PASSENGER DEMAND FOR THE REMAINING YEARS OF THE AIRPORT’S OPERATIONAL LIFE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE NATURE AND URGENCY OF THE PROGRAMME, IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE VARIOUS TERMINAL FACILITIES DURING THE COURSE OF THE WORK.

"HOWEVER, THE PROJECT HAS BEEN SO PLANNED THAT INCONVENIENCES TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE PROGRAMME WAS CARRIED OUT IN FIVE STAGES, EACH WITH A DURATION OF ABOUT FIVE-AND-A-HALF MONTHS.

/WORK ON .......

WORK ON THE FIRST PHASE STARTED IN MID APRIL THIS YEAR AND WAS COMPLETED WITH THE RENOVATED AREA RE-OPENED IN SEPTEMBER.

"WE ARE NOW WELL INTO STAGE TWO OF THE PROGRAMME, WITH A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE PUBLIC GREETING AREA ON THE ARRIVAL LEVEL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PART OF THE PUBLIC GREETING HALL WILL HAVE TO BE HOARDED OFF TO FACILITATE THE WORK.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS WELL AWARE OF THE INCONVENIENCES THAT WILL CAUSE TO THE PUBLIC.

"EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WILL BE DONE TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCES," HE ADDED.

FOR EARLY COMPLETION OF THE WORK, ADDITIONAL FUND WERE USED TO START A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF NIGHT WORK.

IN ADDITION, SEPARATE AIR-CONDITIONERS HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE HOARDINGS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE AIR-CONDITIONING TO THE PUBLIC GREETING AREA WHILST THE WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT.

THE SPOKESMAN ASKED AIRPORT COMMUTERS TO BE PATIENT AND TOLERANT. HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WHEN WORK IS COMPLETED THEY WOULD FIND THE IMPROVEMENTS WELL WORTH THE TEMPORARY INCONVENIENCES.

WORK ON THE SECOND STAGE OF THE REFURBISHMENT PROGRAMME WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE PEAK PERIOD OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR DURING WHICH ALL NORMAL FACILITIES WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-INSTATED TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC.

THE WHOLE PROGRAMME IS SCHEDULED TO COMPLETE IN MID-1992.

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

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR AUCTION

*****

THREE SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WITHOUT PREFIX — 823, 2323

AND 6633 — ARE AMONG 20 SPECIAL MARKS TO BE PUT UP FOR SALE AT A LUNAR NEW YEAR "LUCKY" VEHICLE NUMBER AUCTION ON JANUARY 5.

THE 20 MARKS ARE SELECTED SPECIALLY FOR THE AUCTION OF REGISTRATION MARKS HELD ANNUALLY BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

THE NUMBERS AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING ARE:

HK9 823 2323 XX8 EEI

DC22 BM63 AD8833 CJ38 BC333

DH9898 CD99 BB828 6633 CW8888

DL18 CP3 CC100 AA28 AE88

/ALL THE .......

ALL THE NUMBERS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE.

WITH AN EXPECTED LARGE TURNOUT AT THE AUCTION, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR IT TO BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE INSTEAD OF THE RECITAL HALL WHERE AUCTIONS ARE NORMALLY HELD. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT ALL PROCEEDS FROM LUCKY CAR NUMBER AUCTIONS WOULD GO TO THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES. SINCE 1973, $109 MILLION HAVE BEEN RAISED FOR THE LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH MORE THAN 150 AUCTIONS.

’’DURING THE 12 AUCTIONS HELD SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR, $20 MILLION HAVE BEEN RAISED THROUGH THE SALE OF 491 SPECIAL REGISTRATION MARKS,” HE SAID.

"PREVIOUS LUNAR NEW YEAR AUCTIONS SAW THE AUSPICIOUS NUMBER ’8' FETCHED A RECORD $5 MILLION IN 1988, AND THE NUMBER ’7’ SOLD FOR $4.8 MILLION LAST YEAR," HE ADDED.

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

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR HANDICAPPED IN SWD CENTRES

*****

SUPPORT AND ACCEPTANCE FROM FAMILY MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC WILL AUGUR WELL IN HELPING THE DISABLED TO RE-INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

MRS GOODSTADT WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE.

"REHABILITATION SERVICES, INCLUDING COUNSELLING, TRAINING AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES COULD RESTORE THEIR CONFIDENCE AND HELP THEM DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AS A VALUABLE MEMBER OF SOCIETY," SHE ADDED.

MRS GOODSTADT ALSO RECEIVED, ON BEHALF OF THE TWO CENTRES, TWO TELEVISION SETS DONATED BY THE ROUND TABLE NUMBER 3.

MORE THAN 200 RESIDENTS OF THE TWO CENTRES, THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND PRINCIPALS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS ATTENDED THE PARTY.

PROGRAMMES OF THE CHRISTMAS PARTY INCLUDED A LUCKY DRAW AND PERFORMANCES BY RESIDENTS OF THE TWO CENTRES. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE PARTY WAS A CARNIVAL COMPRISING EIGHT GAME STALLS FEATURING THE THEME OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.

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

/4.........

SYP COMMITTEE PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO YOUTHS *****

THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) COMMITTEE TODAY (SUNDAY) PRESENTED OUTWARD BOUND SCHOLARSHIPS TO 16 YOUNG PEOPLE DURING A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHA TIN.

THE 16 YOUTHS WERE AWARDED THE SCHOLARSHIPS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE 1990 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES THEY HAD RENDERED TO THE COMMUNITY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID: "IN THE 1990 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, MORE THAN 12,000 ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED ATTRACTING SOME 1.28 MILLION PARTICIPANTS. THE SERVICES RENDERED BY VOLUNTEERS HAD CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO ITS SUCCESS."

"THE AWARDEES WILL ATTEND AN 18-DAY DIPLOMA COURSE EITHER ON LAND OR ON BOARD THE OUTWARD BOUND SHIP JI-FUNG.

"THIS GIVES THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THROUGH ACTIVITIES AND TOUGH TRAINING," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

SINCE 1977, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAD BEEN SPONSORING SCHOLARSHIPS TO YOUTH LEADERS OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME TO ATTEND OUTWARD BOUND COURSES.

THIS YEAR, THE SYP COMMITTEE RECEIVED 61 NOMINATIONS FROM VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN SYP ACTIVITIES AND THE 16 AWARDEES WERE SELECTED BY A SELECTION BOARD CHAIRED BY MR KWOK KA-MING.

THE NUMBER OF SHOLARSHIPS AWARDED WERE INCREASED FROM 10 LAST YEAR TO 16 THIS YEAR IN VIEW OF THE IMPRESSIVE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE YOUTH LEADERS.

OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE SYP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR PETER LEE; THE SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR KWOK KA-MING; AND THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PARRISH NG.

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

NEW TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED *****

MR PETER LEUNG HAS BEEN APPOINTED DISTRICT OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

MR LEUNG JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1981. HE WILL TAKE UP HIS NEW POST TOMORROW (MONDAY).

HE SERVED IN THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AS ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER BETWEEN APRIL 1985 AND JUNE 1986, AND THEN AS DISTRICT OFFICER UNTIL AUGUST 1987.

/HIS LAST .......

HIS LAST POSTING WAS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS) IN THE CNTA.

MR LEUNG HAD ALSO SERVED IN THE FINANCE BRANCH AND TRANSPORT BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1988.

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

ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL

»»«»»»

MORE THAN 1,000 RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN A FUN-FILLED CARNIVAL HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT TODAY (SUNDAY) MARKING THE FINALE OF THIS YEAR’S CENTRAL AND WESTERN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

THEY WERE ALSO MADE MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU, SAID A TOTAL OF 762 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSING CASUALTIES OCCURRED IN THE DISTRICT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

"THIS REPRESENTS SOME SEVEN PER CENT OF MORE THAN 11,000 ACCIDENTS OCCURED IN THE WHOLE TERRITORY OVER THE SAME PERIOD," HE SAID, ADDING THAT IT HAD BEEN A CAUSE FOR CONCERN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD.

MR LAU POINTED OUT THAT THE DB HAD BEEN SUBSIDISING A SERIES OF PUBLICITY EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO REMIND PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS TO OBSERVE ROAD RULES.

"APART FROM MOUNTING BANNERS AT ACCIDENT BLACKSPOTS AND DISTRIBUTING SOUVENIRS TO LOCAL RESIDENTS, THE DB HAS ALSO STAGED A POSTER DESIGN CONTEST AND A SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION WITH AN AIM OF DRIVING HOME THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE," HE ADDED.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, THANKED THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND EFFORTS IN THE CAMPAIGN.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR NGAI WAI-MING; THE POLICE COMMANDERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS, MR CHRIS GLOVER AND MR ROBERT TOAL; AND THE STAFF OFFICER FOR TRAFFIC, HONG KONG ISLAND, MRS ROPER CHEUNG MEI-MING.

THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF CITY NORTHWEST HONG KONG.

/6.........

TWO WORKS PROJECTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION IN KWAI CHUNG AND TO BUILD A FERRY PIER IN TSING YI.

RECLAMATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 4.36 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED TO THE NORTH OF KWAI CHUNG INCINERATOR FOR THE PROVISION OF AN ANIMAL LANDING AREA AND A POSSIBLE SLAUGHTERHOUSE.

ALSO. THE GOVERNMENT IS TO PERMIT WORKS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,650 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED OFF THE WEST COAST OF TSING YI FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER.

WORK ON BOTH PROJECTS WILL START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED AROUND DECEMBER 1992.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN NOTICES 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 INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY SUCH WORKS MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 13, NEXT YEAR.

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 - -

WSD CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN STANLEY TO CLOSE DOWN

******

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSE DOWN ITS CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN STANLEY FROM JANUARY 2 NEXT YEAR, DUE TO LOW UTILISTATION RATE.

THE CENTRE, LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 88 STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, HAS BEEN IN SERVICE SINCE 1987.

IT IS OPEN ON THREE ALTERNATE DAYS DURING THE WEEK FOR ANSWERING GENERAL ENQUIRIES ON WATER ACCOUNT MATTERS AND FOR DISTRIBUTING AND RECEIVING APPLICATION FORMS, FOR SERVICES SUCH AS CONNECTION OF SUPPLY, METER TESTS AND CHANGE OF CONSUMERSHIP.

AN AVERAGE OF TWO CASES ARE DEALT WITH DAILY BY THE CENTRE.

/A DEPARTMENT

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID WITH THE CLOSING OF THE CENTRE, CUSTOMERS COULD EITHER MAKE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WAN CHAI ENQUIRY CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI OR OTHER ENQUIRY CENTRES AT CONVENIENT LOCATIONS.

A TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE AT THE WAN CHAI CENTRE CAN HANDLE 25 INCOMING CALLS AT THE SAME TIME. ITS NUMBER IS 824 5000.

HE ADDED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR VARIOUS SERVICES COULD BE MADE BY POST AND APPLICATION FORMS WERE AVAILABLE AT THE STANLEY SUB-OFFICE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND OTHER DISTRICT OFFICES WHERE STAFF COULD ALSO ANSWER GENERAL ENQUIRIES CONCERNING WATER SUPPLY MATTERS.

- - 0 - -

SALT WATER SUSPENSION IN EAST KOWLOON

« « « »

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, JORDAN VALLEY, WANG TAU HOM, FU SHAN, CHUK YUEN, KOWLOON TONG, FUNG WONG SAN CHUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON CITY, MA TAU WAI, MA TAU KOK INCLUDING KAI TAK AIRPORT AND KOWLOON HOSPITAL.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROPOSED REORGANISATION OF HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION ..... 1

BRITISH DEPENDANTS TO LEAVE GULF AREA: FCO ADVISES ....................... 1

SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN DAYA BAY PROJECT: SES................ 2

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP HELPING TO TRANSFORM THE FACE OF HONG KONG......... 4

SURVEY OF HK'S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES PUBLISHED ........................ 5

REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS AIMED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS ............ 7

STUDENTS BEST EDUCATED IN MEDIUM WHICH WILL BRING ABOUT COGNITIVE, ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT ..................................................... 8

TRADING OF SNAKES AND CORALS TO COME UNDER CONTROL ....................... 9

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DURING HOLIDAYS: CNTA ............................... 10

CHRISTMAS CARNIVALS IN EASTERN DISTRICT .................................. 11

PROPOSED REORGANISATION OF HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION * * * * *

COMMENTING ON THE HONG KONG BANK’S ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY (MONDAY) OF ITS INTENTIONS TO REORGANISE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID:

"THE PROPOSED REORGANISATION IS A COMMERCIAL RESPONSE TO COMMERCIAL PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED BY THE BANK AND IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST IT TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP INTERNATIONALLY. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS INFORMED OF THE PROPOSED REORGANISATION. THE SCHEME DOES NOT INVOLVE THE HONGKONG BANK MOVING ITS HEAD OFFICE OR DOMICILE OUT OF HONG KONG. THE OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF THE GROUP WILL NOT BE AFFECTED. WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THE REORGANISATION WILL NOT AFFECT THE BANK’S OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG. THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE TOLD THE HSBC THAT IT SUPPORTED THE PROPOSED REORGANISATION."

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE DID NOT THINK THAT THE REORGANISATION WOULD UNDERMINE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG.

"ON THE CONTRARY, THE BANK HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT ITS HEAD OFFICE - AND THAT OF ITS NEW HOLDING COMPANY - WILL REMAIN IN HONG KONG, THAT ITS SHAREHOLDERS’ INTERESTS WILL NOT BE DILUTED, AND THAT THE GROUP WILL REMAIN INTACT," HE SAID.

"THE NEW STRUCTURE WILL ASSURE INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN HSBC, AND THEREBY HELP TO ASSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS A THRIVING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE," HE ADDED.

SIR PIERS SAID THE HSBC HAD ASSURED THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT INTENDED TO CONTINUE ITS ROLE AS A NOTE ISSUING BANK, AND AS MANAGEMENT BANK OF THE CLEARING HOUSE.

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BRITISH DEPENDANTS TO LEAVE GULF AREA: FCO ADVISES ******

THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ISSUED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE AT 2030 (LOCAL TIME) TODAY (MONDAY) FOR BRITISH NATIONALS RESIDENT IN BAHRAIN, QATAR, THE EASTERN REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA, AND THE CITIES OF RIYADH AND TABUK.

"FOLLOWING THE ADOPTION OF UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 678,

BRITISH DEPENDANTS ARE ADVISED TO LEAVE THE AREA WELL BEFORE THE

DEADLINE OF JANUARY 15 WHICH HAS BEEN SET BY THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF IRAQ FROM KUWAIT. THIS IS A COMMONSENSE

PRECAUTION, AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY WORSENING OF THE SITUATION IN THE

LAST FEW DAYS.

ADVICE TO VISITORS REMAINS UNCHANGED. TOURISTS SHOULD NOT VISIT THE AREA, BUT THOSE WHO HAVE NECESSARY BUSINESS TO CONDUCT SHOULD NOT BE DETERRED. THEY SHOULD REGISTER THEIR ARRIVAL WITH THE NEAREST BRITISH DIPLOMATIC MISSION, AND SHOULD TELL THE MISSION HOW LONG THEY EXPECT TO STAY."

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ADVISES BRITISH NATIONALS FROM HONG KONG AND OTHER HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO MAKE SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR DEPENDANTS.

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SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN

t t » t t

DAYA BAY PROJECT: SES

ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE DAYA BAY PROJECT REGARD SAFETY AS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING BY THE ASSOCIATION OF CHAIRMEN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MRS CHAN SAID WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, THE SAFETY ASPECT OF THE PROJECT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN THE HIGHEST CONSIDERATION AS IT HAD BEEN RECEIVING IN THE PAST.

MRS CHAN SAID SHE WAS AWARE THAT PUBLIC CONCERN HAD BEEN REAWAKENED RECENTLY BY PUBLIC STATEMENTS BY THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF THE ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE (EDF) TO THE EFFECT THAT THEY HAD BEEN INVITED TO SUBMIT PLANS FOR NEW NUCLEAR GENERATING FACILITIES TO BE LOCATED SOMEWHERE IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE.

"WE KNOW FROM A RECENT VISIT BY THE CHINESE ENERGY MINISTER, MR HUANG YICHENG, THAT THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT (CPG) IS WELL AWARE OF THE STRONG FEELINGS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ON THIS MATTER.

"DURING MY RECENT VISIT TO GUANGDONG LAST WEEK, WE WERE BRIEFED BY THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR, MR KUANG JI, ON GUANGDONG’S PLANS FOR ENERGY PROVISION IN THIS DECADE.

"OF THE 12 POWER PLANTS BEING PLANNED, NONE WILL BE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS. EIGHT WILL BE THERMAL AND FOUR HYDRO-ELECTRIC," SHE SAID.

TURNING TO THE SAFETY ASPECT OF THE PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR SUCH AS DAYA BAY, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT SUCH WATER REACTOR, WHICH HAD BEEN USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOME 200 PLANTS WORLDWIDE, HAD AN EXCELLENT SAFETY RECORD.

"THE CONTAINMENT BUILDING, ONE OF THE USUAL KEY SAFETY FEATURES FOR THIS DESIGN, HAS NEVER FAILED IN A PRESSURISED WATER REACTOR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD," MRS CHAN SAID.

"EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY COMPLETED A VERY DETAILED STUDY WHICH SOUGHT TO ASSESS THE HEALTH RISKS TO HONG KONG PEOPLE POSED BY THE EXISTENCE OF THE DAYA BAY POWER STATION.

"THE STUDY CONCLUDED THAT THE RISKS TO PUBLIC HEALTH ARE MUCH LOWER, BY A VERY LARGE MARGIN, THAN ANALOGOUS RISKS ENCOUNTERED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE IN EVERYDAY LIFE," SHE SAID.

"THE CONSULTANTS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO SPECIFIC WEAKNESSES IN THE DESIGN OF THE PLANT," MRS CHAN SAID.

"THESE CONCLUSIONS ARE VERY REASSURING BUT THEY DO NOT JUSTIFY COMPLACENCY. WE THEREFORE ACCEPT THAT THERE IS A NEED TO DRAW UP FOR HONG KONG A CONTINGENCY PLAN TO DEAL WITH AN EMERGENCY AT DAYA BAY, HOWEVER REMOTE THE PROBABILITY OF ITS OCCURENCE," SHE SAID.

/ON THE.........

ON THE PART OF THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER JOINT VENTURE COMPANY (GNPJVC), MRS CHAN SAID THE COMPANY AS THE OPERATORS WERE DOING NO LESS.

"THROUGH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD OF THE HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP TRACK OF THE PROGRESS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLANT AND THE VARIOUS EFFORTS THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY HAS PUT IN TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF THE PLANT,” SHE SAID.

"IT IS CLEAR THAT THE GNPJVC, WHICH WILL OWN AND OPERATED THE PLANT, ARE ACCORDING TOP PRIORITY TO SAFETY ASPECTS,” SHE SAID.

"FOR EXAMPLE A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME HAS BEEN DEVISED FOR THE STAFF WHO WILL OPERATE THE FUTURE PLANT.

"THIS PROGRAMME IS ORGANISED JOINTLY AND SUPERVISED BY THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY AND EDF, THE TECHNICAL CONSULTANT FOR THE PROJECT.

"ALL THE OPERATIONAL STAFF HAVE TO UNDERGO THREE TO FIVE YEARS OF RIGOROUS TRAINING. THIS INCLUDES 12 TO 18 MONTHS OF TRAINING IN FRENCH NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS, AT THE END OF WHICH A QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE WOULD BE AWARDED SUBJECT TO PASSING AN EXAMINATION ADMINISTERED BY EDF.

"UNDER THE FRENCH SYSTEM, THE HOLDER OF SUCH A CERTIFICATE IS QUALIFIED TO OPERATE A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN FRANCE," SHE NOTED.

"UPON THEIR RETURN TO DAYA BAY, THE TRAINEES HAVE TO UNDERGO FURTHER TRAINING AND TO PASS THE CHINESE NATIONAL NUCLEAR SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S EXAMINATION TO OBTAIN THE LICENCE BEFORE THEY ARE EVENTUALLY QUALFIED TO WORK IN THE DAYA BAY PLANT,” MRS CHAN ADDED.

"SIDE BY SIDE WITH TRAINING IS THE PROVISION OF EDF’S SERVICES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLANT,” SHE SAID.

"UP TO 130 TECHNICAL STAFF FROM EDF, INCLUDING 30 EXPERTS ON OPERATION WORK, HAVE NOW BEEN INTEGRATED INTO THE MANAGEMENT FOR THE PROJECT.

"WE FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE HAS BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE GNPJVC AND EDF ON THE CONTINUATION OF EDF SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOLLOWING COMMISSIONING OF THE POWER STATION.

TURNING TO THE RECENT COMPLETION OF A PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY REVIEW BY THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA), MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT IN A PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWING THE INSPECTION, THE TEAM HAD STATED THAT THEY OBSERVED HIGH STANDARD OF CONSTRUCTION AND VIGOROUS QUALITY CONTROLS BY THE MAIN CONTRACTORS.

"THEY ALSO MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON WAYS OF IMPROVING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ON THE NEED TO EXPEDITE THE RECRUITMENT OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF STAFF," MRS CHAN SAID.

/"WE UNDERSTAND .......

"WE UNDERSTAND THAT FURTHER REVIEWS WILL BE ARRANGED AFTER COMMISSIONING OF THE DAYA BAY PLANT," SHE ADDED.

REGARDING THE EFFECT OF THE CURRENT CRISIS IN THE GULF ON OIL SUPPLY, MRS CHAN SAID THE PHYSICAL SUPPLY OF OIL PRODUCTS HAD SO FAR NOT BEEN SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE TENSIONS IN THE GULF AREA EXCEPT THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN PRICE.

"ALTHOUGH THE CURRENT OIL SUPPLY SITUATION DOES NOT CALL FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES AT THIS STAGE, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY PREPARED TO DEAL WITH ANY POSSIBLE DETERIORATION IN THE GULF SITUATION WHICH MAY LEAD TO A SHORTAGE OF OIL PRODUCTS," SHE SAID.

"IN THIS REGARD, GOVERNMENT MAY MAKE USE OF THE POWERS CONTAINED IN THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTROL OF THE SUPPLY AND USE OF OIL.

"THE POWERS ARE EXTENSIVE, BUT ARE DESIGNED FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ONLY. WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF RESORTING TO THEM SO LONG AS THE MARKET CONTINUES TO OPERATE NORMALLY," SHE SAID.

"BUT THIS TIME ROUND, WE HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE LESSONS WE LEARNT DURING THE TWO PREVIOUS CRISES IN 1973 AND 1979," MRS CHAN SAID.

"AS A RESULT, WE ARE MUCH LESS DEPENDENT ON OIL FOR OUR BASIC ENERGY REQUIREMENTS, SHOWN BY THE FACT THAT SOME 98 PER CENT OF OUR ELECTRICITY IS NOW GENERATED BY BURNING COAL RATHER THAN OIL.

"AS A RESULT OF THE SWITCH OVER TO COAL AS THE MAIN SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION, HONG KONG HAS BENEFITTED FROM SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTIONS IN THE REAL COST OF POWER," MRS CHAN NOTED.

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SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP HELPING TO TRANSFORM THE FACE OF HONG KONG ******

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING CAN BE SEEN AS A SYMBOL OF THE SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WHICH IS HELPING TO TRANSFORM THE FACE OF HONG KONG, GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

THE

SIR DAVID SAID THIS WHILE OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FAT KWONG STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL.

"ALREADY HALF OF OUR POPULATION LIVES IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND NEARLY HALF A MILLION MORE PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS WILL BE BUILT BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY," HE SAID.

"BUT IT IS NOT JUST NUMBERS THAT MATTER. QUALITY, DESIGN AND THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT MATTER TOO.

/"DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENTS .......

"DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN RECENT YEARS AND MODERN, WELL-EQUIPPED HOUSING BLOCKS, PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, FOUNTAINS, SHOPPING CENTRES AND CULTURAL FACILITIES ARE NOW PART OF EVERY DAY LIFE IN HONG KONG."

SIR DAVID SAID THESE IMPROVEMENTS WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO BOTH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WHICH HAD WORKED TO MAKE THE CITY A MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK.

WELCOMING THE GOVERNOR, THE CHAIRMAN OF HOUSING AUTHORITY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THE NEW BUILDING HAD ENABLED THE AUTHORITY TO REHOUSE ITS HEADQUARTERS SECTIONS UNDER ONE ROOF.

THE LARGE INCREASE IN THE AUTHORITY’S HOUSING STOCK AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OVER THE YEARS HAD LED TO NECESSARY EXPANSION OF STAFF AND OFFICES HAD TO BE FOUND IN OTHER PREMISES, SIR DAVID SAID.

"THE ANNUAL HOUSING PRODUCTION WAS ABOUT 12 000 FLATS WHEN THE FORMER HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING WAS COMPLETED IN 1976; THIS YEAR OUR PRODUCTION WILL BE OVER 50 000 FLATS," HE SAID.

"FORTUNATELY, WE FOUND A HELPFUL PARTNER IN THE URBAN COUNCIL

AND THIS BUILDING IS THE RESULT."

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SURVEY OF HK’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES PUBLISHED

******

OVER HALF (53.1 PER CENT) OF HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURERS CONSIDER THE OVERALL MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG FAVOURABLE, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST SAMPLE SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.

THE "SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 1990" IS THE SECOND OF ITS KIND TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DATA AND SERVICES DIVISION.

CONDUCTED BETWEEN JUNE AND AUGUST THIS YEAR, IT COVERED 2,967 ESTABLISHMENTS IN 14 SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES: CLOTHING, ELECTRONICS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, TEXTILES, PLASTICS, TOYS, JEWELLERY, METAL PRODUCTS, HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, PHOTOGRAPHIC GOODS, OPTICAL GOODS, PRINTING, INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY, AND FOOD AND BEVERAGES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THE INTENTION OF THE SURVEY WAS TO DISCOVER HOW MANUFACTURERS SAW THEIR BUSINESS PROSPECTS; WHAT THEY THOUGHT OF HONG KONG’S INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT; AND WHETHER THEY SAW ANY CONSTRAINTS ON THE GROWTH OF THEIR INDUSTRIES.

ITS FINDINGS ARE BASED ON 1,954 VALID QUESTIONNAIRES RETURNED.

/SURVEYED FACTORIES

SURVEYED FACTORIES WERE ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE IMPORTANCE AND FAVOURABILITY OF 20 FACTORS WHICH DETERMINED THE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE.

THESE INCLUDED ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC POLICY, HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, BUSINESS LAW AND TAX SYSTEM, MANPOWER RESOURCES AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT.

LABOUR COST WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE 20 FACTORS, FOLLOWED BY LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY, POLITICAL STABILITY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND COST OF FACTORY SPACE.

THE FOUR FACTORS FELT TO BE MOST FAVOURABLE WERE HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE (CITED BY 80.1 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS), BANKING AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES (78.3 PER CENT), GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC POLICY (67.7 PER CENT), AND REGIONAL LOCATION (66.6 PER CENT).

THREE FACTORS WERE CONSIDERED BY MORE THAN HALF THE RESPONDENTS TO BE UNFAVOURABLE: LABOUR COST (64.3 PER CENT), COST OF FACTORY SPACE (58 PER CENT) AND POLITICAL FUTURE (51 PER CENT).

"OVERALL, 11 OF THE 20 FACTORS WERE CONSIDERED BY HALF OR MORE OF THE 1,954 RESPONDENTS TO BE FAVOURABLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID CERTAIN INDUSTRIES HAD MORE POSITIVE VIEWS ABOUT HONG KONG THAN OTHERS.

"A HIGHER PROPORTION OF FAVOURABLE OPINIONS WAS FOUND IN THE HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE INDUSTRY (63 PER CENT), THE PHOTOGRAPHIC GOODS INDUSTRY (60 PER CENT), THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRY (59.9 PER CENT), THE ELECTRONICS, PRINTING AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY INDUSTRIES (57.8 EACH), AND THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY (57.7 PER CENT)," HE SAID.

AS REGARDS BUSINESS PROSPECTS IN 1991, 25.8 PER CENT OF RESPONDENTS EXPECTED THAT BUSINESS IN 1991 WOULD BE BETTER OR MUCH BETTER THAN IN 1990; 26.3 PER CENT SAID IT WOULD BE MUCH THE SAME; AND 15.6 PER CENT CONSIDERED IT WOULD BE WORSE OR MUCH WORSE. THE REMAINING 32.4 PER CENT WERE UNCERTAIN.

AMONG THE 1,320 RESPONDENTS WHO HAD A MORE DEFINITE VIEW OF THE FUTURE (THAT IS EXCLUDING THOSE WITH UNCERTAIN RESPONSES), 38.1 PER CENT FELT THAT BUSINESS WOULD BE BETTER OR MUCH BETTER IN 1991, AND 38.9 PER CENT FELT THAT IT WOULD BE MUCH THE SAME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ON BUSINESS PROSPECTS IN 1992-93, 1,291 (66.1 PER CENT) OF RESPONDENTS FELT UNCERTAIN, WHEREAS 14.6 PER CENT EXPECTED THEM TO BE BETTER OR MUCH BETTER THAN IN 1990; 10.6 PER CENT MUCH THE SAME; AND 8.8 PER CENT WORSE OR MUCH WORSE.

OF THE 663 COMPANIES WHICH DID NOT GIVE AN "UNCERTAIN" RESPONSE, 491 (74.1 PER CENT) EXPECTED THAT BUSINESS IN 1992-93 WOULD NOT BE WORSE THAN IN 1990, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WILL BE INCORPORATED IN "HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 1990", WHICH WILL BE RELEASED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT NEXT MAY.

COPIES OF THE SURVEY REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL DATA SECTION, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1412, OCEAN CENTRE, 5 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

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REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS AIMED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS ******

THE RESPONSE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS UNDER THE NEW ELECTRICITY (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS 1990 WHICH BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2 HAS BEEN POSITIVE, THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR MIAO CHI, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

ADDRESSING A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS (HONG KONG CENTRE), MR MIAO SAID ABOUT 4,000 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED SO FAR.

"IN THE PAST, THERE WAS NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR ELECTRICAL WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT UNDER PROPER SUPERVISION.

"THIS HAS RESULTED IN SUBSTANDARD ELECTRICAL WORK AND THERE WAS DEFINITELY A LACK OF PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMERS," MR MIAO SAID.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT FUTURE ELECTRICAL WORK COULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY TRAINED AND QUALIFIED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS, THE COMPULSORY REGISTRATION SYSTEM WAS SET UP UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, HE SAID.

THE NEW REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRE CONSUMERS TO ENGAGE REGISTERED WORKERS THROUGH REGISTERED CONTRACTORS FOR PERFORMING ELECTRICAL WORK ON THEIR FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, INCLUDING THE PERIODIC INSPECTIONS, TESTINGS AND CERTIFICATIONS OF SOME 80,000 INSTALLATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

ACCORDING TO MR MIAO, THE REGISTRATION OF CONTRACTORS IS SCHEDULED TO START IN NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

"IN AROUND MID-1992, THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT THAT ELECTRICAL WORK ON FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS CAN ONLY BE CARRIED OUT OR SUPERVISED BY REGISTERED CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT," HE SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE ELECTRICITY (WIRING) REGULATIONS 1990, WHICH SET OUT THE MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, WILL ALSO COME INTO OPERATION.

OTHER SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION UNDER PREPARATION INCLUDING THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS (SAFETY) REGULATIONS AND THE ELECTRICITY (SUPPLY VOLTAGE) REGULATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ENACTED SOON.

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/8 ........

STUDENTS BEST EDUCATED IN MEDIUM WHICH WILL BRING ABOUT COGNITIVE, ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT *****

THE EDUCATION COMMISSION FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT EACH STUDENT IN HONG KONG’S BILINGUAL EDUCATION SYSTEM SHOULD BE EDUCATED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE MEDIUM WHICH WILL BEST BRING ABOUT EFFECTIVE COGNITIVE AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT.

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) WHEN OPENING THE SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LANGUAGE STUDIES AND LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION.

MR LI SAID THE COMMISSION WAS ALSO OF THE OPINION THAT:

* THE TEACHING OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH AS SUBJECTS SHOULD DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE USE OF CHINESE OR ENGLISH AS MEDIUMS OF INSTRUCTION;

* THE USE OF A MIXTURE OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH SHOULD BE REDUCED IN FAVOUR OF CLEAR AND CONSISTENT USE IN EACH CLASS OF CHINESE OR ENGLISH IN RESPECT OF TEACHING, TEXTBOOKS AND EXAMINATIONS; AND

» STUDENTS SHOULD BE ASSISTED TO SWITCH FROM CHINESE TO ENGLISH AS MEDIUMS OF INSTRUCTION, AT CERTAIN STAGES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

’’THE ASSISTANCE TO BE GIVEN WOULD INCLUDE REGULAR REVIEWS TO MONITOR PROGRESS; RE-DESIGNED INITIAL AND IN-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES; ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION AND VIDEO PROGRAMMES IN ENGLISH, AND BRIDGING COURSES TO HELP STUDENTS AT VARIOUS STAGES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

"THE PLANNING THAT HAS BEEN DONE AND THE ACTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN SO FAR TO DESIGN SUCH A COURSE FOR THE FIRST SECONDARY SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE CONFERENCE EXTRA SESSIONS TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY," HE EXPLAINED.

OTHER SESSIONS WILL ALSO BE HELD ON THURSDAY TO DISCUSS THE INITIAL STEPS BEING TAKEN TOWARDS THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF COURSES FOR STUDENTS EDUCATED THROUGH THE CHINESE MEDIUM WHO WILL BE LEAVING SCHOOL AFTER THE FIFTH SECONDARY YEAR AND GOING INTO THE WORKPLACE.

THERE WILL ALSO BE SOME DISCUSSION OF WAYS AND MEANS OF HELPING STUDENTS WHO HAVE STUDIED IN THE MEDIUM OF CHINESE TO IMPROVE THEIR ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS PRIOR TO THEIR ENTRY INTO ENGLISH-MEDIUM TERTIARY EDUCATION.’

MR LI DESCRIBED THE LAST AS AN "INTRICATE ISSUE", BUT ADDED THAT FOLLOWING A RECENT MEETING INVOLVING THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND HIMSELF, AND THE HEADS OF HONG KONG’S TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, A FORMULA HAS BEEN REACHED WHEREBY PART OF AN EXAMINATION WHICH TESTS THE STUDENTS’ ABILITY TO USE ENGLISH WILL BE TAKEN IN THE SEVENTH SECONDARY YEAR AND THE OTHER PART WILL FOLLOW A BRIDGING COURSE OFFERED PRIOR TO TERTIARY EDUCATION BEGINS.

/'•THIS IS..........

"THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND IT IS POSSIBLE THAT OUR DOMESTIC CONCERNS MAY NOT BE OF INTEREST TO ALL DELEGATED," MR LI SAID.

"MOST COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, HOWEVER, ARE CONCERNED TO STRENGTHEN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THEIR LANGUAGE POLICIES AND THERE ARE, OF COURSE, ALWAYS DIFFERENT WAYS OF ACHIEVING THE SAME RESULT."

HONG KONG, MR LI NOTED, HAD LOOKED AT A RANGE OF POSSIBILITIES BEFORE MOVING TO THE PRESENT PHASE OF AWAITING GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS.

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TRADING OF SNAKES AND CORALS TO COME UNDER CONTROL

*****

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TODAY (MONDAY) ADVISED THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY TRADERS IN LIVE SNAKES, SNAKE PRODUCTS AND CORALS, THAT THREE SPECIES OF SNAKE AND ALL STONY CORALS WILL SOON COME UNDER STRICT LICENSING CONTROL.

THE THREE SNAKE SPECIES ARE THE ORIENTAL RAT SNAKE, THE ASIATIC COBRA AND THE KING COBRA. THESE SNAKES ARE CONSUMED AS FOOD IN HONG KONG AND THEIR SKINS USED AS LEATHER.

THE STONY CORALS INCLUDE THE STAGHORN CORALS AND BRAIN CORALS WHICH ARE COMMONLY USED IN AQUARIA AND FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES.

AN AFD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SNAKE SPECIES AND CORALS HAD BEEN ADDED TO APPENDIX II OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES), WHICH MEANS THAT IMPORT AND EXPORT OF THESE SPECIES THROUGH MEMBER COUNTRIES HAVE TO BE CONTROLLED TO PREVENT OVER EXPLOITATION.

THERE ARE OTHER SPECIES ADDED TO APPENDIX II APART FROM SNAKES AND CORALS. AMONG THEM ARE THE CHINESE CROCODILE LIZARD AND THE SLOTH BEAR. THESE SPECIES WILL ALSO COME UNDER LICENSING CONTROL BUT THEY ARE NOT WIDELY TRADED IN THE TERRITORY.

"THE AMENDMENT, WHICH TAKES THE FORM OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE (REPLACEMENT OF SCHEDULES) ORDER 1990, WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK AND WILL COME INTO EFFECT AS SOON AS IT IS GAZETTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT IT WOULD THEN BE AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT OR EXPORT THE SCHEDULED SPECIMENS, SUCH AS SNAKES OR THEIR PARTS AND DERIVATIVES, AND CORALS OR THEIR SKELETONS, EXCEPT UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH A LICENCE ISSUED BY AFD IN ADVANCE.

"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ JAIL SENTENCE FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE IN ADDITION TO THE MANDATORY FORFEITURE OF THE SPECIMENS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/APPLICATIONS FOR .......

APPLICATIONS FOR THE IMPORT OR EXPORT LICENCES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION AND ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH DOCUMENTARY PROOF THAT THE SPECIMENS TO BE TRADED ARE DERIVED FROM LEGAL AND CITES APPROVED SOURCES.

THE LICENCE FEES FOR IMPORTING SCHEDULED LIVE ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PARTS ARE $300 AND $50 RESPECTIVELY WHILE THE LICENCE FEE FOR EXPORTING SCHEDULED SPECIMENS IS $50.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 733 2144 OR 733 2124.

- - 0 - -

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DURING HOLIDAYS: CNTA ♦ * * ♦ ♦

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE GOOD USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHEN THEY GO OUT TO VIEW FESTIVE LIGHTINGS DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MAJOR EVENTS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE HOLIDAY PERIOD, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR CHRIS WAN, SAID THE ILLUMINATED AND COLOURFUL DECORATIONS WERE EXPECTED TO PULL LARGE CROWDS.

HE SAID THE MOST PROMINENT DISPLAYS WERE FOUND IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL DISTRICTS.

"PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES HAD SHOWED THAT MOST PEOPLE VIEWED THE SEASON OF LIGHTINGS ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WAS THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION.

"FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO THOSE, SPECIALLY WITH OLD PEOPLE AND YOUNG CHILDREN, TO EXERCISE CARE AND RESTRAINT IN-CONGESTED AREAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE, HE SAID.

MR WAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT MOST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR A LONG DURATION AND THEY COULD ENJOY THEM MORE LEISURELY ON OTHER DAYS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE ATTRACTIONS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL, THERE WERE ALSO CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND NUMEROUS PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES IN OTHER DISTRICTS SUCH AS SHA TIN AS WELL.

HE ALSO SAID A SERIES OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES INCLUDING SHOWS AND CARNIVALS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE.

"INTERESTED PERSONS CAN APPROACH THEIR LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICES FOR DETAILS,” MR WAN SAID.

/ALSO SPEAKING

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE, CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MR

YUEN LAP-PUN, SAID SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

THESE WILL INCLUDE PEDESTRIANISATION SCHEMES AND ROAD CLOSURES, HE SAID.

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

CHRISTMAS CARNIVALS IN EASTERN DISTRICT

*****

RESIDENTS WILL.BE ABLE TO SHARE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS AT EIGHT CARNIVALS TO BE HELD THROUGHOUT EASTERN DISTRICT FROM DECEMBER 21 TO CHRISTMAS DAY.

THE CARNIVALS ARE ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, WITH A SUBSIDY OF OVER $130,000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE ACROBATIC AND MAGIC PERFORMANCES, VARIETY SHOWS, STALL GAMES, DISTRIBUTION OF GIFTS BY SANTA CLAUS AND LUCKY DRAWS.

DETAILS OF THE CARNIVALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

DATE/TIME

DECEMBER 21 (FRIDAY) 10 AM

DECEMBER 23 (SUNDAY) NOON

DECEMBER 23 (SUNDAY) 2 PM

DECEMBER 23 (SUNDAY) 2.30 PM

DECEMBER 23 (SUNDAY) 7.30 PM

DECEMBER 24 (MONDAY) 2 PM

DECEMBER 24 (MONDAY) 6 PM

DECEMBER 25 (TUESDAY) 1 PM

VENUE

HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL, CHAI WAN

CAUSEWAY BAY KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION BRADBURY CENTRE

CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE

FACTORY STREET PLAYGROUND, SHAU KEI WAN

TIN CHIU STREET PLAYGROUND, NORTH POINT

HING WAH ESTATE, CHAI WAN

CAUSEWAY BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE

TAIKOO PRIMARY SCHOOL, QUARRY BAY

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG BANK COMMITTED TO HK: GOVERNOR ................................. 1

OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED .......... 1

EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT .................................................. 5

NEW DIRECTOR FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPT ............................. 6

LADY WILSON COMMENDED DIOCESAN GIRLS' SCHOOL ............................. 6

TWO MORE AIDS CASES CONFIRMED............................................. 7

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED .................. 9

KAIFONG ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR WELFARE SERVICES ......................... 12

BANQUETS FOR ELDERLY IN SAI KUNG.......................................... 13

HONG KONG BANK COMMITTED TO HK: GOVERNOR ******

THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION IS A BUSINESS DECISION TAKEN BY THE BANK FOR BUSINESS REASONS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS BEFORE ATTENDING A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID IF WE WERE TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE FROM A WIDER HONG KONG PERSPECTIVE, WHAT HONG KONG NEEDED WAS A STRONG AND EFFECTIVE BANK, WHICH WAS COMMITTED TO HONG KONG AND ABLE TO OPERATE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

HE SAID THE WAY IN WHICH THE BANK WAS BEING RESTRUCTURED WAS DESIGNED PRECISELY TO DO THAT.

SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BANK, MR WILLIAM PURVES, HAD RE-EMPHASISED HOW THE BANK WAS COMMITTED TO HONG KONG AND WOULD GO ON PLAYING IT’S MAJOR ROLE IN THE TERRITORY.

SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE IMPORTANT THING WAS THAT THE BANK REMAINED BASED ITS HEADQUARTERS IN HERE WITH IT’S DECISION-TAKING AND MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG.

AND THE SECOND IMPORTANT POINT, THE GOVERNOR SAID, WAS THAT THE HONG KONG BANK SHOULD BE AN EFFECTIVE BANK AND IT SHOULD HAVE A SECURE BUSINESS FOUNDATION.

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

OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED

*******

IN OCTOBER 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER .1990, AND BY 2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN OCTOBER 1990 DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN MOST OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED A SLIGHT INCREASE IN ORDERS.

COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989, THE ORDERS POSITION IN OCTOBER 1990 DROPPED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY INCREASED MODERATELY 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........

ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THEIR TOTAL WORKFORCE IN OCTOBER 1990 DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, AND BY 11 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989.

COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER 1990 DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN MOST OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE.

COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989, EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER 1990 DECREASED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.

IN OCTOBER 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990.

OVER THIS PERIOD, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DUE MAINLY TO THE ISSUE OF BONUSES BY SOME MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED. A SLIGHT INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY AS MORE OVERTIME WORK WAS INCURRED IN OCTOBER 1990 TO MEET CHRISTMAS SALES BY SOME MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED.

ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS : WERE RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF BONUSES IN SEPTEMBER 1990 BY SOME MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE FOOD AND DRINKS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES REPORTED SLIGHT DECREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS.

COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER 1990 INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED. 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 OCTOBER 1990 DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990 AND MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989.

PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER 1990 REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME AS IN SEPTEMBER 1990. WHILE THEY STILL SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OVER OCTOBER 1989, THE RATE OF INCREASE WAS SLOWER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS TWO MONTHS.

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 OCTOBER 1990 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989.

/IN OCTOBER .......

IN OCTOBER 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER DECREASED MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF BONUSES IN SEPTEMBER BY SOME PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES.

COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1989, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER 1990 INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY FOR ALL THE SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED.

THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN 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 THE COMPANIES SURVEYED.

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 OCTOBER 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 OCTOBER 1990 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH

SEP. 90 OCT. 89

(MONTHS) (%> (%)

ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.20 -1 -2

— — — — —

WEARING APPAREL 4.58 -2 -5

TEXTILES 2.04 -3 -9

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.30 -6 -15

FABRICATED METAL 4.05 -1 -10

PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND 5.29 + 1 + 5

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS 4.07 -1 rl

* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5 PER CENT

/TABLE 2 .......

TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT

PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF OCTOBER 1990

CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH

INDUSTRY/SERVICES

SEP. 90

OCT. 89

ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OTHERS

CONSTRUCTION #

(%)

-1

+ 1

-1

-4

-1

♦

-2

(%)

-11

-2

-11

-13

-20

-6

-15

-4

-5

SERVICES

BANKS

HOTELS

PUBLIC UTILITIES

OTHERS

♦

* * ♦

+ 3

+ 3 -5 + 1 + 7

* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5 PER CENT

# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS

PER CAPITA EARNINGS

INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN OCTOBER 1990 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH SEP. 90 OCT. 89

(HK$) (%) (%)

ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 6,188 * + 18

— _ — — — — — —

FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES 6,870 4,858 5,538 -2 + 3 -15 + 11 + 12 + 11

/PLASTIC PRODUCTS .......

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 5,922 -14 + 13

FABRICATED METAL 6,023 -1 + 20

PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL AND 6,391 + 9 + 26

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OTHERS 7,862 + 1 + 17

CONSTRUCTION # 8,363 * + 11

SERVICES 10,072 -4 + 16

BANKS 9,499 + 1 + 14

HOTELS 6,629 + 4 + 18

PUBLIC UTILITIES 10,188 -10 + 17

OTHERS 11,198 -2 + 17

* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5 PER CENT

# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

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-----------

EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT *****

RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOK MAY RECEIVE EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT IF THEIR PAY DAYS FALL ON THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ON DECEMBER 25 AND 26.

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THEY MAY CASH THEIR CASH ORDER BOOK COUPONS ON DECEMBER 21 IF THEIR PAY DAY FALLS ON DECEMBER 25, AND ON DECEMBER 24 IF THEIR PAY DAY FALLS ON DECEMBER 26 AT THEIR DESIGNATED POST OFFICES OR TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.

MEANWHILE, THE PAY DAY FOR RECIPIENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE WHO ARE PAID UNDER THE BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM ON DECEMBER 25 WOULD ALSO BE ADVANCED TO DECEMBER 24.

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

/6 ........

NEW DIRECTOR FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPT *****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR PAUL CORSER WILL SUCCEED MR JOSE LEI MENG-CAN AS DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AFTER MR LEI RETIRES FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE ON JANUARY 30 NEXT YEAR.

AGED 60, MR LEI JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT ARCHITECT IN 1955. HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT IN 1984 AND TO DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES IN 1986.

ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR LEI WILL HAVE COMPLETED 35 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

MR CORSER JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A BUILDING SURVEYOR IN 1962. HE WAS PROMOTED TO GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR IN 1977 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES IN 1986.

MR CORSER, 55, HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.

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

LADY WILSON COMMENDED DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL

******

LADY WILSON TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID A WELL-RUN SCHOOL CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY THE VALUE OF GOOD EDUCATION AND DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL IS JUST SUCH A SCHOOL.

SPEAKING AT THE SCHOOL’S 130TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN DAY, LADY WILSON SAID HONG KONG HAD COME A VERY LONG WAY SINCE THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED AND MUCH OF THE CHANGE WAS ONLY MADE POSSIBLE BY RISING STANDARDS IN EDUCATION.

SHE SAID THIS SCHOOL HELPED SET THOSE STANDARDS.

"I AM A TEACHER BY PROFESSION. I BELIEVE PASSIONATELY IN THE VALUE OF GOOD EDUCATION, AND THE CONTRIBUTION WHICH A WELL-RUN SCHOOL CAN MAKE TO SOCIETY. THIS IS JUST SUCH A SCHOOL," SHE SAID.

ON THE SCHOOL’S STRENGTHS, LADY WILSON SAID ONE OF IT WAS THE EMPHASIS ON A WELL-BALANCED, ALL ROUND EDUCATION, THAT TOOK ACCOUNT OF ALL ASPECTS OF A STUDENTS’S DEVELOPMENT.

"CLASSROOM STUDIES ARE CONSIDERED IMPORTANT. SO TOO ARE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES."

"TO QUOTE JUST ONE EXAMPLE - THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL IS WELL KNOWN FOR WINNING AN IMPRESSIVE NUMBER OF PRIZES AT THE ANNUAL HONG KONG SCHOOLS’ MUSIC AND SPEECH FESTIVAL," SHE ADDED.

/LADY WILSON .......

LADY WILSON SAID THE SCHOOL’S ANOTHER STRENGTH LAY IN ITS LONG AND ESTABLISHED TRADITION.

"MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED TEACHING HAVE BROUGHT EXPERIENCE, ACHIEVEMENTS AND A SENSE OF CONTINUITY. TEACHERS THEREFORE HAVE A VALUABLE AND UNIQUE FRAMEWORK FROM WHICH TO BUILD; THIS IN TURN GIVES THE GIRLS A SENSE OF BELONGING TO SOMETHING SPECIAL, AND STANDARDS TO EMULATE AND SURPASS."

PAYING SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE SCHOOL’S TWO HEADMISTRESSES, DR. JOYCE SYMONS AND MRS ELIM LAU FOR THEIR DEDICATION, LADY WILSON ALSO PRAISED THE SCHOOL ON ITS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE EDUCATION OF GENERATIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.

SHE ALSO THANKED THE TEACHERS BOTH PAST AND PRESENT FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND THE STUDENTS FOR HELPING TO MAKE THIS SUCH A FINE SCHOOL.

- - 0 - -

TWO MORE AIDS CASES CONFIRMED *****

TWO MORE CASES OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES IN HONG KONG TO 44.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID ONE OF THE NEW AIDS PATIENTS, WHO WAS ALREADY KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN INFECTED SINCE LAST YEAR, DIED THIS MONTH.

THIS BRINGS TO 30 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PATIENTS WHO DIED WHILE 14 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT HONG KONG.

RELEASING THE STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID EIGHT MORE PERSONS, INCLUDING A WOMAN, WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTI-BODY TEST, BRINGING TO 159 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV CARRIERS WHO HAVE NOT YET DEVELOPED AIDS.

OF THESE, 54 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 86 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, FOUR WERE DRUG ABUSERS, THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND THE INFORMATION FOR OTHER 12 WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.

UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 177,276 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR AIDS VIRUS.

THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.

UP TO THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 813,044 UNITS OF BLOOD WERE TESTED AND 14 WERE FOUND POSITIVE.

/AIDS VIRUS

£S ( HIV )^ Antibody Testing ' U?, Dep^An^nl of Health

• Apr 85-Oct^O a Nov No. 90 No. No. Total No.

No. No. •

k ft ki&M tested* -fve ‘tested -Vve tested * +ve

Referrals from Govt, hospitals and clinics 12173 69 226 2 12399 71

Referrals from private practitioners and * • 2098

subvented hospitals 2053 42 45 0 42

vq x>k.. Attendances at social 154101 25 2343 2 156444 27

hygiene clinics

Haemophiliacs . . M 474 59 8 0 482 59

IV drug abusers Referrals from Family 4714 1 117 » 0 4831 216 1

Planning Association 215 0 1 0 0

£1 k k. Health care personnel 790 0 16 0 806 0

. TOTALS „ 1.74520 196 , .2756

♦ This indicates the number of specimens and not persons repeated for certain individuals.

Aug 85- Oct 90 Nov 90 Total

No. No. No. No. No. No.

tested -ve tested +ve tested +ve

Hong Kong Red Cross

Blood transfusion

Service 796440 13 16604 1 813044 14

Department of Health

December 1990

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

/9 ........

ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED

******

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT

DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY)

HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE

COURTS, DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY. >

THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY TIME CONSUMING AND AS A RESULT THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR:

NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT

l.TIN FUNG LAUNDRY PING CHE, FANLING 1.9.89- 30.9.89 APCO: 2,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST FANLING

2.GOLDEN-BOSS INVESTMENT LTD WO YI HOP RD, KWAI CHUNG 12.2.90- 13.3.90 APCO: 3,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST NORTH KOWLOON

3.SUNAM LTD AREA 44, TUEN MUN 3.3.90- 28.3.90 APCO: 2,000 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION ■ OF FURNACES 1ST WESTERN

4.TAK FU PRINTING & DYEING CO LTD TEXACO RD, TSUEN WAN 1.5.90 APCO: 4,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4TH TSUEN WAN

5.LUEN FAT DYEING FACTORY YUK YAT ST, TO KWA WAN 7.5.90 APCO: 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST SAN PO KONG

6.ASSOCIATED GARMENT MFG CO LTD WO YI HOP RD, KWAI CHUNG 10.5.90 APCO: 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN

/7.RATIO BLEACHING .......

7.RATIO BLEACHING & DYEING FACTORY LTD TA CHUEN PING ST, KWAI CHUNG 15 .5.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST TSUBN WAN

8.WING WAH DYEING FACTORY LTD KWUN TONG RD, KWUN TONG 6. 6.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST KWUN TONG *

9.DONQUIN CO LTD NATHAN RD, MONG KOK 14 .6.90 NCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 3,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

10.PERFECTA DYEING, PRINTING & WEAVING WORKS LTD WANG WO TSAI ST, TSUEN WAN 19 .6.90 APCO: EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 3RD TSUEN WAN

11.SUN FAI PRINTING & DYEING FACTORY LTD KO FAI RD, YAU TONG 3. 7.90 APCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE FUEL RESTRICTION REGULATIONS 3,000 1ST KWUN TONG

12.LEE SHING KNITTING & DYEING FACTORY TSING YI INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, TSING YI 3. 7.90 APCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE FUEL RESTRICTION REGULATIONS 2,500 1ST TSUEN WAN

13.FULL PAGE LTD KIMBERLEY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 3. 7.90 NCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON

14.WING TAI GARMENT INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS LTD HING YIP ST, KWUN TONG 6. 7.90 APCO: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE FUEL RESTRICTION REGULATIONS 2,000 1ST KWUN TONG

/15.MANFIELD BUILDING

15.MANFIELD HUNG SHUI 9.7.90 NCO: 20,000 CARRYING OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 3RD SAN PO KONG

BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD KIU, YUEN LONG

16.CHINA INTERNATIONAL WATER & ELECTRIC CORP AND TAI SHING ST, WONG TAI SIN 22.7.90 NCO: 5,000 CARRYING OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1ST SAN PO KONG

CHENG PONG-KIT (PERSON-IN- CHARGE ) it 22.7.90 NCO: 1,000 PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 1ST SAN PO KONG

17.DIAMOND SILVER-PROPERTY STRAND, MANAGEMENT SAI KUNG CO LTD OF FULLWAY GARDEN, BLOCKS C & D 24.7.90 WPCO: 8,000 DISCHARGE OF POLLUTING MATTERS INTO WATERS OF HONG KONG WITHOUT A LICENCE 2ND KWUN TONG

18.INCORPORATED OWNERS OF SEA VIEW VILLA (LOWER) LOT 762 LOT 760 & 762, SAI KUNG 26.7.90 WPCO: 2,500 DISCHARGE OF POLLUTING MATTERS INTO WATERS OF HONG KONG WITHOUT A LICENCE 1ST KWUN TONG

19.YIP YIU-CHUEN HILL RD, SHEK TONG TSUI 7.8.90 NCO: 4,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST WESTERN

20.SO MAN-KWONG, PARTNER OF SO BOR KEE RESTAURANT CHURCH RD, CHEUNG CHAU 15.8.90 WPCO: 4,000 DISCHARGE OF TRADE EFFLUENT INTO PUBLIC FOUL SEWER WITHOUT A LICENCE 1ST WESTERN

/21.CHAN CHIU-KIT .......

21.CHAN CHIU-KIT, PARTNER OF TUNG HING RESTAURANT PRAYA ST, CHEUNG CHAU 15.8.90 WPCO: DISCHARGE OF TRADE EFFLUENT INTO PUBLIC FOUL SEWER WITHOUT A LICENCE 4,000 1ST WESTERN

22.INCORPORATED OWNERS OF SEA VIEW VILLA (UPPER) LOT 768 LOT 768, SAI KUNG 31.8.90 WPCO: DISCHARGE OF POLLUTING MATTERS INTO WATERS OF HONG KONG WITHOUT A 5,000 1ST KWUN TONG

LICENCE

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 12 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE FOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM DOMESTIC PLACES AT NIGHT WITH FINES RANGING FROM $100 TO $500.

EPD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT CASE 11, 12 AND 14 ARE THE CONVICTED CASES, FOR THE FIRST TIME, SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATIION OF THE FUEL RESTRICTION REGULATIONS ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR. THE COMPANIES WERE FOUND GUILTY BY THE COURT FOR USING LIQUID FUEL OF SULPHUR CONTENT MORE THAN 0.5 PER CENT AND VISCOSITY EXCEEDING SIX CENTISTOKES AS REQUIRED BY THE REGULATIONS.

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

KAIFONG ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR WELFARE SERVICES

*****

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRAISED THE MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION' FOR ITS ZEALOUS SUPPORT TO THE DISTRICT’S WELFARE.

MR LAN MADE THE REMARK DURING A COURTESY VISIT TO THE ASSOCIATION THIS AFTERNOON.

"THE ASSOCIATION HAS DIVERSIFIED ITS SERVICES TO CATER FOR THE SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY NEEDS WITH THE PROVISION OF AN ELDERLY SOCIAL CENTRE AND A YOUTH CENTRE," HE SAID.

MR LAN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE ASSOCIATION’S SUSTAINED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS.

/"WITH THE

"WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, THE ASSOCIATION WILL PLAY A MORE CRUCIAL ROLE IN REFLECTING RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON VARIOUS GOVERNMENT POLICIES," HE ADDED.

HE ALSO CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.

MR LAN MET THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR CHO SHIU-CHUNG, AND OTHER OFFICE-BEARERS DURING HIS VISIT.

- - 0 - -

BANQUETS FOR ELDERLY IN SAI KUNG

* * » * »

SEVERAL BANQUETS, WITH OVER 2,000 ELDERLY RESIDENTS ATTENDING, WERE HELD IN SAI KUNG TODAY (TUESDAY) TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE 1990 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL, ASSISTANT SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BERNADETTE LINN, SAID THE ELDERLY HAD CONTRIBUTED A LOT TOWARDS THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG.

MISS LINN ALSO URGED THE ELDERLY TO VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARDS, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.

THE SIX OLDEST RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT WERE EACH PRESENTED A GOLDEN PLAQUE AT THE BANQUETS HELD IN SAI KUNG TOWN, HANG HAU AND TSEUNG KWAN O.

AMONG THEM WERE THE 100-YEAR-OLD CHEUNG SUN-MUI AND THE 97-YEAR-OLD LAM CHING.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WAS PRESIDENT OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LEE SPIEGAL.

THE 1990 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY, WHICH STARTED ON NOVEMBER 21, WAS AIMED AT AROUSING RESIDENTS’ CONCERN ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY.

A VARIETY OF ACTIVITES, INCLUDING A FOOD CARNIVAL, MEDICAL CHECK-UPS, VISITS, AND CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES WERE ORGANISED.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

EXCO DECISION ON ISSUE OF SATELLITE TV UPLINK LICENCE ............ 1

DISCIPLINED SERVICES OFFICERS PAY APPROVED ....................... 1

DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE .............. 11

MID-YEAR FORECAST FOR 1990-91 FINANCIAL YEAR ..................... 12

GOVT DISAPPOINTED OVER UNHCR'S FAILURE FOR VBP RETURE FLIGHT ARRANGEMENT 12

PROPOSED EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITS FOR COMMENCING SUMMARY PROSECUTIONS ... 13

GOVERNOR VISITS ROYAL HK AUXILIARY POLICE HQS .................... 13

EDUCATION STANDARDS TO BE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED THROUGH BETTER TEACHING

AND LEARNING.................................................... 14

WORKSHOPS ON LANGUAGE PROJECTS ................................... 16

CLEANSING CONTRACTORS CAN CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ... 17

SURFACE MAIL TO LIBERIA SUSPENDED ................................ 18

SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON YEAR OF THE RAM ........................... 19

SUBSIDIES FOR CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS ........................... 19

GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ................................. 20

EXCO DECISION ON ISSUE OF SATELLITE TV UPLINK LICENCE ******

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY AGREED TO ISSUE HUTCHVISION HONG KONG LIMITED A 12-YEAR NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENCE UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE TO UPLINK TELEVISION SIGNALS TO THE ASIASAT I SATELLITE TO PROVIDE PAN-ASIAN SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE LICENCE GRANTED COMPLIES WITH THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR SATELLITE TELEVISION UPLINKING WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 30, 1990.

THE LICENCE CONDITIONS THUS PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT

- THE SERVICES ARE NOT TO BE ON THE BASIS OF SUBSCRIPTION FROM HONG KONG RESIDENTS;

- FINANCING THROUGH ADVERTISING REVENUES IS NOT TO RELY PRINCIPALLY ON THE HONG KONG TELEVISION ADVERTISING MARKET;

- THE LICENSEE IS NOT TO TRANSMIT ANY PROGRAMMES IN THE CANTONESE LANGUAGE BEFORE OCTOBER 30, 1993;

- THE LICENSEE IS FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT MATERIAL BROADCAST DOES NOT INFRINGE OTHERS’ COPYRIGHT AND FOR TAKING ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THE ACCEPTABILITY OF MATERIAL BROADCAST IN RECIPIENT COUNTRIES; AND

THE LICENSEE IS TO OBSERVE TELEVISION ADVERTISING AND PROGRAMME STANDARDS AS CURRENTLY APPLY IN HONG KONG EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THESE ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR A PAN-ASIAN PROGRAMMING SERVICE WHICH SPANS SEVERAL TIME ZONES.

THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WHICH PROVIDED FOR THESE CONDITIONS TO BE MADE WAS DESIGNED TO ENSURE EQUITABILITY VIS-A-VIS TELEVISION BROADCASTING FRANCHISEES BROADCASTING PRIMARILY TO HONG KONG AUDIENCES.

- - 0 - -

DISCIPLINED SERVICES OFFICERS PAY APPROVED

*****

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ON THE PAY OF THE OFFICER RANKS OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAIN CONCLUSION OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE WAS THAT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE RECRUITMENT RANK, EQUIVALENT OFFICER RANKS IN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES HAD JOBS WITH BROADLY S-IMILAR LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND SHOULD THEREFORE RECEIVE THE SAME LEVELS OF PAY.

/THE STANDING

THE STANDING COMMITTEE ARRIVED AT THIS CONCLUSION AFTER EVALUATING THE DUTIES OF EACH OF THE OFFICER RANKS ACCORDING TO 14 JOB FACTORS.

THESE INCLUDED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY OF WORK, HARDSHIP, DANGER AND HOURS OF WORK.

DETAILED CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO GIVEN TO SUBMISSIONS ON PAY RECEIVED FROM THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND IN MAKING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, THE STANDING COMMITTEE TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE INTERESTS AND CONCERNS OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AS A WHOLE.

AS A RESULT, THE PAY FOR THE OFFICER RANKS IN THE POLICE FORCE, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE RAISED TO THE SAME LEVEL AS THAT FOR RANKS IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT.

NO CHANGE WILL BE MADE TO THE EXISTING PAY SCALES AT THE RECRUITMENT RANK WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT THE MAXIMUM PAY FOR AMBULANCE OFFICERS AND IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WILL BE RAISED TO THE SAME LEVEL AS THAT FOR THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INCREASE IN PAY FOR THOSE AFFECTED RANGED FROM 3.3 PER CENT TO 7.9 PER CENT.

SIMILAR INCREASES WILL ALSO APPLY TO THE APPROPRIATE RANKS IN THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.

"IN MONEY TERMS, THIS MEANS THAT A SENIOR INSPECTOR OF POLICE OR EQUIVALENT OFFICER IN THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES WILL BE ON A NEW PAY SCALE OF $24,885 TO $28,740. AT PRESENT IT IS $23,205 TO $26,725,” THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

"A CHIEF INSPECTOR OF POLICE OR EQUIVALENT WILL RECEIVE $29,865 TO $35,925, A SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE OR EQUIVALENT $37,260 TO $41,585 AND A SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE OR EQUIVALENT $43,195 TO $46,815."

THE NEW PAY SCALES WILL BE BACKDATED TO OCTOBER 1, 1990, WHICH IS THE SAME IMPLEMENTATION DATE AS FOR THE SPECIAL PAY AWARD FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS RECOMMENDED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE IN ITS EARLIER REPORT ON THE RANK-AND-FILE.

"THE INCREASES IN PAY WILL COST ABOUT $68 MILLION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID, "AND ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL."

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT NOW THAT THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAD SUBMITTED ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PAY FOR BOTH THE RANK-AND-FILE AND THE OFFICER RANKS, THERE WOULD BE NO FURTHER REVIEWS OF DISCIPLINED SERVICES’ PAY FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

/ANNEX A .......

Annex A

Proposed Pay Scale for Police Officer?

Existing Convert to Increase No^gf

Pay Scale Proposed Pay Scale on conversion Officers (30.9.90)

PPS $ PPS $ $ %

Senior 54 @ 46815 !*•*! !h,r‘•?<••• : •

Superintendent 53 45005 - 53 45005 1810 4.0 56

52 43195 - 52 43195 1610 4.2 22

51 41585 - 1610 39 13

50 40035 x 3160 7.9 11

Superintendent 51 41585

50 40035 1430/2980

49 38605 x - 49. 38605 37/7.7 232

48 37280 " 48 37260 1345 3.6 38

47 35925 - 1335 3.7 26

46 34620 x 2640 7.6 29

Chief 47 35925

Inspector 46 34620 ■ 230

45 33375 -* 45 33375 1245/2550 3.7/7.6

44 32150 " 44 32150 1225 3.8 46

43 30995 * 43 30995 1155 3.7 57

42 29865 * 42 29865 1130 3.8 85

41 28740 - 1125 3.9 68

40 27730 " 2135 7.7 63

Senior 41 28740 ‘ f

Inspector 40 27730

39 26725 - 39 26725 1005/2015 3.8/7.5 455

38 25745 * " _ 38 25745 980 3.8 116

37 24885 37 24885 860 3.5 142

36 24080 805 3.3 137

35 23205 1680 7.2 : :-•••O.t- •: • : 75

Inspector 41 28740

40 27730 J-Jis' i

39 26725 39 26725 0/1005 0/3 8 31

38 25745 — 38 25745 . - - 2

37 24885 — 37 24885 - 3

36 24080 — 36 24080 12

35 23205 — 35 23205 - - 15

34 22280 — 34 22280 - ■ 9

33 21360 — 33 21360 - - 24

32 20460 32 20460 - •• 55

31 19560 — 31 19560 ■ — .. - •- ■ ■ 67

30 18680 30 18680 — - 158

29 17820 — 29 17820 - - 154

28 16970 28 16970 - - 131

27 16130 27 16130 ■ ■ — 163

26 15425 25 15425 - - 12

25 14965 — 25 14965 - - 131

24 14520 24 14520 - . - • 0

23 14090 — 23 14090 - - 9

2877

@ New point on PPS: pay points above will have to be renumbered.

/ANNEX B .......

Annex B

Proposed Pay Scale for Fire Services Officers

Existing Convert to Increase No. of

Rank Pay Scale Proposed Pay Scale on conversion Officers

(30.9.90)

GDS(Q) $ GDS(O) $ $ %

Senior 38 46815 '• • ■

Divisional 37 45005 -— 37 45005 1810 4.0 10

Officer 36 43195-— 36 43195 1810 4.2 4

35 41585-^ 1610 3.9 7

34 40035^ 3160 7.9 1

Divisional ' 35 41585

Officer 34 40035

33 30605 33 30605 1430/2980 3.7/7.7 7

32 37260 — 32 37260 1345 36 8

31 35925 1335 3.7 7

30 34620^ 2640 7.6 4

Assistant 31 35925

Divisional 30 34620

Officer 29 33375--"" 29 33375 1245/2550 3.777.6 27

28 32150-—**" 28 32150 1225 3.8 9

27 30995-—**” 27 30995 1155 3.7 5

26 29865— 26 29865 1130 3.8 30

25 28740-*^ 1125 3.9 6

24 27730^ 2135 7.7 17

Senior 25 28740

Station 24 27730

Officer 23 26725 —— 23 26725 1005/2015 3.B/7.5 121

22 25745-**" 22 25745 980 3.8 52

21 24885—-*" 21 24085 860 3.5 35

20 24080-—^ 805 3.3 19

19 23205^ 1680 7.2 16

• • tit

Station 25 28740

Officer 24 27730

23 26725 23 26725 0/1005 0.0/3 8 16

22 25745 22 25745 4* 2

21 24885 21 24885 0

20 24080 20 24080 0

19 23205 19 23205 - - 1

18 22280 18 22280 - 0

17 21360 17 21360 —

16 20445 16 20445 - — 11

15 19520 15 19520 - - 11

14 18600 14 18600 - - 20

13 17710 13 17710 - 10

12 16915 12 16915 - - 16

11 16000 11 16000 - — 38

10 15225 10 15225 - — 13

•! ;r>t m . ;?•••»: >•«

8 13730 8 13730 - 14

7 12985 —— 7 12985 - — 0

6 12250 ■ 6 12250 - — 6

571

GDS(O) - General Disciplined Services (Officer) Pay Scale

/ANNEX C .......

Annex C

Proposed Pay Scale for Ambulance Officers

Existing Convert to Increase No. of

EPOK Pay Scale Proposed Pay Scale on conversion Officers

(30.9.90)

GDS(O) $ GpS(O) $ $ %

i***t*5*tW*iA,?‘

Senior Assistant - 38 46815 *fJ***?«;<*

Chief Ambulance 37 45005 -— 37 45005 1810 4.0 0

Officer 36 43195 ^^- 36 43195 1810 4.2 0

35 41585 ^ 1610 3.9 0

34 40035 3160 7.9 1

Assistant Chief ,✓35 41585 ■

Ambulance 34 40035

Officer 33 38605 33 38605 1430/2980 3.7/77 1

32 37260 32 37260 1345 3.6 0

31 35925 1335 3.7 2

30 34620 ' 2640 7.6 1

Superintendent 31 35925 '1. '-i*?. -: *•

/L- 30 34620

29 33375 29 33375 1245/2550 3.7f7.e 0

28 32150 ^^ 28 32150 1225 3 8 1

27 30995 27 30995 1155 37 1

26 29865 26 29865 1130 3.8 1

25 28740 1125 3.9 2

24 27730 ' 2135 7.7 2

Senior 25 28740

Ambulance 24 27730 : , j

Officer 23 26725 23 26725 1005/2015 3.8/7 5 1

22 25745 —*** 22 25745 980 38 1

21 24885-""'^ 21 24885 860 3.5 2

20 24080-^ 805 3.3 4

19 23205^ 1680 7.2 3

Ambulance 20 24080 :/ -ft

Officer 19 23205 •. 1 ’!

18 22280-=^ 18 22280 0/925 0.0/4.2 0

17 21360* 17 21360 * •’* 0

16 20445- 16 20445 0

15 19520 15 19520 — - 1

14 18600- 14 18600 3

13 17710. 13 17710 - 10

12 16815- 12 16815 - 7

11 16000 11 16000 - 12

10 15225* 10 15225 9

q 14480 . - Q 144Af)

8 13730 8 13730 «■* - 8 1

7 12985 • 7 12985 0

6 12250 • 6 12250 0

5 11500 5 11500 ‘.X•! 0

4 10850* 4 10850 — 0

GDS(O) - General Disciplined Services (Officer) Pay Scale

/ANNEX D

Annex D

Proposed Pay Scale for Immigration Officers

Existing Convert to Increase No. of

Rank Pay Scale Proposed Pay Scale on conversion Officers

(30.9.90)

GDS(O) $ GDSQ $ $ %

Principal 38 46815

Immigration 37 45005 37 45005 1810 4.0 5

Officer 36 43195 — _ 36 43195 1810 4.2 1

35 41585 1610 3.9 3

34 40035 s' 3160 7.9 3

Assistant 35 41585

Principal 34 40035 37/7.7

Immigration 33 38605 33 38605 1430/2980 8

Officer 32 37260 32 37260 1345 3.6 2

31 35925 1335 3.7 5

30 34620 2640 7.6 7

Chief 31 35925

Immigration 30 34620

Officer 29 33375 29 33375 1245/2550 3 7/7.6 16

28 32150 — 28 32150 1225 3.8 6

27 30995 —" 27 30995 1155 3.7 4

26 29865 — 26 29865 1130 3.8 6

25 28740 1125 3.9 12

24 27730 s' 2135 7.7 11

Senior 25 28740 .. • ' • •. ■

Immigration 24 27730

Officer 23 26725 „ 23 26725 1005/2015 38/7.5 117

22 25745 "" 22 25745 980 3.8 0

21 24885 — 21 24885 860 3.5 27

20 24080 805 3.3 15

19 23205 s' 1680 7.2 47

Immigration 20 24080 *’ -Ik•• • • < ’•;

Officer 19 23205

18 22280 - 18 22280 0/325 0-0/4,2 204

17 21360 — 17 21360 106

16 20445 — 16 20445 :• ■■ ■: -A . 48

15 19520 — 15 19520 ■ - 75

14 18600 — 14 18600 :■ 3

13 17710 — 13 17710 212

12 16815 — 12 16815 . - 19

11 16000 — 11 16000 - - • 0

10 15225 — 10 15225 ' - — 0

9 14480 — 9 14480 ■ - 0

8 13730 — 8 13730 0

7 12985 — 7 12985 • 0

6 12250 — 6 12250 0

5 11500 — 5 11500 - - 0

4 10850 — 4 10850 - 0

962

GDS(O) - General Disciplined Servies (Officer) Pay Scale

/ANNEX E .......

Proposed Pay Scale for ICAC Officers (CACO Grade)

Existing Convert to Increase No. of

Pay Scale Proposed Pay Scale on conversion Officers

(30.9.90) ICAC ICAC

Annex E

SS S SS S $ %

Senior 40 @ 46815

Commission 39 45005 39 45005 1810 4.0 24

Against 38 43195 _^38 43195 1810 42 4

Corruption 37 41585 — 1610 39 8

Officer 36 40035 3160 7.9 3

Commission .37 41585

Against 36 40035 - ‘ :

Corruption 35 38570 35 38570 1465/3015 3.877.8 29

Of.'icer 34 37230 34 37230 1340 3.6 9

(Upper) 33 35890 — _ 33 35890 1340 3.7 11

32 34585 •*■** 32 34585 1305 38 5

31 33235 31 33235 1350 4 1 17

30 31995 — 1240 3 9 17

29 30745 / 2490 8.1 ;; 13

Commission z* 30 31995 :

Against 29 30745

Corruption 28 29510 28 29510 1235/2485 4.278.4 109

Officer 27 28260 - 27 28260 1250 4.4 12

(Middle) 26 27015 26 27015 1245 4.6 17

25 25795 25 25795 1220 47 14

24 24555 — 24 24555 1240 50 15

23 23305 1250 5.4 25

22 22325 S' 2230 100 19

Commission 30 31995

Against 29 30745

Corruption 28 29510 28 29510 0/1235 0.0/4.2 1

Officer 27 28260 27 28260 - 1

(Middle/Lower) 26 27015 26 27015 — p 1

25 25/95 25 25795 0

24 24555 24 24555 T' • ■* 2

23 23305 23 23305 6

22 22325 22 22325 0

21 21300 21 21300 - 1

20 20250 20 20250 - 4

19 19210 19 19210 1

18 18170 18 18170 . . .J— I 3

17 17125 17 17125 21

16 16330 16 16330 • ■ — •• • 61

15 15540 15 15540 - 27

14 14875 14 14875 — 18

13 14215 13 14215 - 4

12 13560 12 13560 ■ - 0

11 12895 11 12895 0

502

@ New point on ICACSS; pay points above will have to be renumbered. ICACSS - Independent Commission Against Corruption Salary scale

/ANNEX F .......

Annex F

Proposed Pay Scale for ICAC Officers (Surveillance Grade)

Existing Convert to Increase No. of

Rank Pay Scale Proposed Pay Scale on conversion Officers

(30.9.90)

ICAC SS S ICAC

SS S S %

Chief . 30 31995

Commission 29 30745

Against 28 29510 28 29510 1235/2485 4.2/8.4 1

Corruption 27 28260 27 28260 1250 4.4 1

Controller 26 27015 26 27015 1245 4.6 1

25 25795 25 25795 1220 4.7 0

24 24555 24 24555 1240 5.0 0

23 23305 1250 5.4 0

22 22325 2230 10 0 0

Senior .23 23305

Commission 22 22325

Against 21 21300 21 21300 1025/2005 4 8/9.4 1

Corruption 20 20250 ^20 20250 1050 5.2 2

Controller 19 19210 " _19 19210 1040 5.4 0

18 18170 18 18170 1040 5.7 0

17 17125 1045 6.1 0

16 16330 ' 1840 11.3 0

Commission 16 16330 ’ : ’

Against ^•15 15540

Corruption 14 14875 14 14875 0/665 0.0/4.5 11

Controller 13 14215 13 14215 - •* • 17

12 13560 12 13560 — f- 3

11 12895 11 12895 — — 1

ICACSS - Independent Commission Against Corruption Salary scale

/ANNEX G ........

Proposed Pay Scale for RHKAAF Grades

(Flying Squadron) Annex G

Rank Existing Pay Scale Convert to Proposed Pay Scale Increase on conversion No. of Officers (30.9.90)

GDS(O) $

GDS(O) $ $ %

Senior 38 46815 — - 38 46815 4

Pilot 37 45005 37 45005 1810 4.0 0

36 43195 36 43195 1810 4.2 0

35 41535 1610 3.9 1

34 40035 3160 7.9 2

Pilot 1 ^x35 41585

^>-34 40035

33 38605 2^—-* 33 38605 1430/2980 3.777.7 5

32 37260 —' ^L--32 37260 134S 3.6 0

31 35925 — 31 25925 1335 3.7 0

30 34620 '''^--30 34620 1305 3.8 0

29 33375 33375 1245 3.7 0

28 32150 --28 32150 1225 3.8 1

27 30995 27 30995 1155 3.7 0

26 29865 29865 1130 3.8 0

25 29740 1125 3.9 0

24 27730 s' 2135 7.7 0

Pilot II 25 28740

--24 27730

23 26725 '——23 26725 0/1005 0/3 8 0

22 25745

21 24885 — 21 24885 0 0

20 24080 — 20 24080 — — 0

19 23205 19 23205 - 0

18 22280 18 22280 - 0

17 21360 — 17 21360 _ ■ 0

16 20445 ■— 16 20445 — — 0

15 19520 — 15 19520 - 0

14 18600 14 18600 ■ - ■ 0

Senior Air 38 46815 — —38 46815 0

Crewman 37 45005 _--37 45005 1810 4.0 0

Officer 36 43195 36 43195 1810 4.2 0

35 41585 — 1610 3.9 0

34 40035 3160 7.9 0

Air . 35 41585

Crewman /^>-34 40035

Officer 33 38605 ^-*33 38605 1430/2980 3.7/7.7 1

32 37260 ^-—"32 37260 1345 3.6 0

31 35925 —-^31 35925 1335 3.7 0

30 34620 "— -• 30 34620 1305 3.8 n

29 33375 - 29 33375 1245 3.7 0

28 32150 —' 28 32150 1225 3.8 0

27 30995 ^-—-27 30995 1155 3.7 0

26 29865 _-^26 29865 1130 3.8 2

25 28740 1125 3.9 0

24 27730 2135 7.7 0

Senior 25 28740

Air 24 27730 »:: .-I-- :.i-

Crewman 23 26725 -23 26725 0/1005 073.8 0

22 25745 *22 25745 — 0

21 24885 21 24835 » — 0

20 24080 20 24080 — — 0

• 3 23205 19 23205 — — 0

18 22280 •— 18 22280 - 0

17 21360 17 21360 — — 2

GDS(O) - General Disciplined Services (Officer) Pay Scale

/ANNEX H .......

Annex H

Proposed Pay Scale for RHKAAF Grades (Engineering Squadron)

Rank Existing Pay Scale Convert to Proposed Pay Scale Increase on conversion No, of Officers

GDS(O) $ GDS(O) $ $ % (30.9.90)

Senior 37 45005 37 45005 - 0

Technical 36 43195 36 43195 1810 4.2 1

Officer 35 41585 1610 3.9 1

34 40035 ' 3160 7.9 2

Technical 35 41585

Officer 33 34 40035 36605 0/1430 0/3.7

3060%^ ■ 33 0

32 37260

ncnofc 32 0

31 35925

31 “ - - 0

30 34620

QQO7C - 0

29 33375

— ■ 29 0

28 32150

32 1 bO 28 *— . — 0

27 30995

3uyyo ” " 2/ • 0

26 29865

^yoob 007/5 A 2o - ■ 0

25 28740

25 - •: - 4

24 27730 -

H130 24 0

23 26725 1

25/25 23 - -

22 25745 1

25/45 22 - -

Chief 24 27730

Flight Technician 22 oeixe . — _^-23 26725 25745 • • 0/3.8

25/45 1 22 0/980 0

21 20 24885 o^nnn 2‘1 24885 24080 - ■ 0

' - T 0

19 23205 j

23205 1 y 0

18 22280 1

22280 '1 18 r?

17 16 21360 20445 ■_

21300 1 ' 17 0

20445 1 0 - 0

15 19520 -

1 8520 1 5 - 0

18600 17710

14 13 18600 1771 n 1 4 ■ 4 0

1 / /lv "13

12 1 GQ1 C 16815 1

I bul 5 1 2

GDS(O) - General Disciplined Services (Officer) Pay Scale

/Il

DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE

*****

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD COMMENCE DISCUSSION WITH TRADELINK ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT SERVICES LTD ON HOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE CAN BE TAKEN FURTHER FORWARD, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DISCUSSION WOULD BE HELD WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE FINAL DECISION TO BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE MATTER.

IN MARCH THIS YEAR, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT AND TRADELINK JOINTLY ANNOUNCED THE COMMISSIONING OF A SHARED PROJECT FOR EDI (SPEDI).

’’THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF SPEDI IS TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT AND TRADELINK WITH THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO MAKE DECISIONS ON THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMMUNITY-WIDE EDI SERVICE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

SPEDI HAD NOW PRODUCED A DRAFT REPORT WHICH AFFIRMED THE NEED TO INTRODUCE COMMUNITY-WIDE EDI IN HONG KONG SO AS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PROCESSING INFORMATION WITHIN A TRADING CYCLE.

SUCH A FACILITY WOULD BE OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE IF HONG KONG WAS TO MAINTAIN AND EXPAND ITS INTERNATIONAL TRADING ROLE.

THE DRAFT SPEDI REPORT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING MAIN

RECOMMENDATIONS:

♦ THE GOVERNMENT AND THE KEY PRIVATE SECTOR TRADING

ORGANISATIONS SHOULD ACT NOW AND WORK TOGETHER TO INTRODUCE A COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE;

» FOR THIS PURPOSE, A COMMUNITY CO-ORDINATING COMPANY SHOULD BE SET UP AND THE GOVERNMENT AND THE EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS OF TRADELINK SHOULD BECOME THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY;

♦ AN OPPORTUNITY SHOULD BE GIVEN FOR OTHER KEY PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS (NOT ALREADY IN TRADELINK) TO BECOME SHAREHOLDERS; AND

* THE SERVICES SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN PHASES WITH THE INITIAL FOCUS ON TRADE-RELATED GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS.

"WE CONSIDER THAT FOR A PROJECT OF THIS NATURE THE GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT AND INVOLVEMENT IS BY ITSELF NOT ENOUGH," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE SAID SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION REQUIRED THE COMMITMENT AND CO-OPERATION OF ORGANISATIONS THAT WERE SITUATED IN THE KEY NODES OF TRADE INFORMATION FLOWS SUCH AS CARGO TERMINALS, CARRIERS AND BANKS.

"THIS ARGUES STRONGLY FOR A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THESE KEY ORGANISATIONS.

/"MOST OF........

"MOST OF THESE KEY ORGANISATIONS ARE ALREADY SHAREHOLDERS OF TRADELINK, AND THEY HAVE BEEN PROMOTING A COMMUNITY-WIDE EDI SERVICE FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS. TO COMMENCE DISCUSSION WITH THEM IS A LOGICAL NEXT STEP.

"THE GOVERNMENT WILL DECIDE HOW A COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE IS TO BE LAUNCHED, HAVING REGARD TO THE OUTCOME OF THE DISCUSSION WITH TRADELINK. THE DECISION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE SOUGHT AGAIN EARLY NEXT YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

- - 0 - -

MID-YEAR FORECAST FOR 1990-91 FINANCIAL YEAR * * * ♦ *

THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST FORECAST OF ITS FINANCES FOR THE YEAR 1990-91 INDICATES THAT, OVERALL, EXPENDITURE IS LIKELY TO BE SOMEWHAT LESS THAN THE ESTIMATE.

’’THIS IS PRIMARILY DUE TO LOWER THAN EXPECTED EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

’’REVENUE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO BE SLIGHTLY BELOW THE ESTIMATE MAINLY BECAUSE LAND SALE PROCEEDS ARE UNLIKELY TO BE AT THE LEVEL ANTICIPATED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OUTTURN FORECAST IS BASED ON ACTUAL RESULTS TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND COULD WELL BE REVISED AGAIN TOWARDS THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE LATEST FORECAST INDICATES AN OVERALL SURPLUS OF ABOUT $2.1 BILLION COMPARED WITH THE ESTIMATE OF AROUND $700 MILLION.

- - 0 - -

GOVT DISAPPOINTED OVER UNHCR’S FAILURE FOR VBP RETURN FLIGHT ARRANGEMENT *****

IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA REQUESTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE REFUGEE COORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

”WE ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT THE UNHCR FEEL UNABLE TO ARRANGE A FURTHER FLIGHT FOR THOSE IN THE NEW CATEGORY OF VIETNAMESE RETURNEES BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR. WE HOPE THAT THEY WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DO SO AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN 1991. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT THE SCHEME BE PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, AND WELL BEFORE THE START OF THE NEW ARRIVAL SEASON NEXT SPRING.

’’THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ALSO HOPES THAT UNHCR WILL USE EVERY EFFORT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE RETURNING UNDER THE VOLUNTARY SCHEME. IT IS IN EVERYONE’S INTEREST, PARTICULARLY THE BOAT PEOPLE, WHO WILL OTHERWISE CONTINUE TO LANGUISH IN THE CAMPS HERE, THAT THEY SHOULD RETURN HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. UNDER THE 1988 UNDERTAKING BETWEEN THE UNHCR AND THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT, AND THE SEPTEMBER AGREEMENT SIGNED IN HANOI, THE UNHCR ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BOTH REPATRIATION SCHEMES.”

- - 0 - -

/13

PROPOSED EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITS FOR COMMENCING SUMMARY PROSECUTIONS

AMENDMENT BILLS WHICH SEEK TO EXTEND THE STATUTORY TIME LIMITS FOR COMMENCING PROCEEDINGS FOR PROSECUTING CERTAIN SUMMARY OFFENCES IN THE SECURITIES LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 16 NEXT YEAR.

AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED TO THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE, COMMODITIES EXCHANGES (PROHIBITION) ORDINANCE AND PROTECTION OF INVESTORS ORDINANCE TO ALLOW PROCEEDINGS OF SUMMARY PROSECUTIONS TO COMMENCE AT ANY TIME WITHIN THREE YEARS AFTER A SUMMARY OFFENCE IN THESE ORDINANCES HAS BEEN COMMITTED AND WITHIN 12 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST DISCOVERY OF THE OFFENCE BY THE PROSECUTOR, WHICHEVER PERIOD EXPIRES FIRST.

BY SECTION 26 OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE, WHERE NO PERIOD IS LAID DOWN IN AN ORDINANCE, PROCEEDINGS FOR PROSECUTING AN OFFENCE (OTHER THAN AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE) MUST BE BEGUN WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED.

EXPLAINING THE OBJECTIVE OF THE AMENDMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID THE EXISTING SIX-MONTH LIMITATION PERIOD IS TOO RESTRICTIVE AS AN OFFENCE MAY NOT COME TO LIGHT UNTIL SOME TIME AFTER IT WAS COMMITTED.

"THE AMENDMENTS WILL FACILITATE THE ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES MARKETS," MR NENDICK ADDED.

THE SUMMARY OFFENCES IN THE FOUR ORDINANCES ARE OFTEN COMPLEX IN NATURE, INVOLVING NUMEROUS WITNESSES AND VOLUMINOUS DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE. EXPERIENCE OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION INDICATES THAT IN MOST CASES CONSIDERABLE TIME IS REQUIRED TO PREPARE FOR THE PROSECUTION.

THESE OFFENCES CONCERN THE REGISTRATION OF DEALERS, TRADING OF SECURITIES, OPERATION OF A COMMODITIES EXCHANGE, ADVERTISING OF UNREGISTERED INVESTMENT BUSINESS, AND SO ON.

THE BILLS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON DECEMBER 28.

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

GOVERNOR VISITS ROYAL HK AUXILIARY POLICE HQS

*****

THE GOVERNOR, STR DAVID WILSON, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, VISITED THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN KOWLOON BAY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MET BY THE AUXILIARY POLICE COMMANDANT MR ARCHIE CHAN, DEPUTY COMMANDANT MR PETER CHAU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR. SUPPORT MR LAU TO-YEE, THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED BY THE ACTING CHIEF STAFF OFFICER MR ALFRED CHEUNG ON THE STRUCTURE AND TRAINING OF THE AUXILIARY FORCE.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO CHATTED WITH SOME OF THE JUNIOR OFFICERS WHO HAD EARLIER BEEN AWARDED WITH QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL OR QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT.

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

/14 .......

EDUCATION STANDARDS TO BE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED THROUGH BETTER TEACHING AND LEARNING *****

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED THROUGH BETTER TEACHING, LEARNING, AND ENHANCED MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT.

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID THIS WAS THE PRO-ACTIVE VIEW OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.

SPEAKING ON THE COMMISSION’S FOURTH REPORT (ECR 4) AT THE HONG KONG JAYCEE SENATORS’ LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR LI SAID UNDERLYING THE ECR 4 PROPOSALS WAS THE FIRM BELIEF THAT THE PRESENT POLICY OF PROVIDING THE NINE-YEAR FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION SHOULD BE MAINTAINED.

"QUITE CONTRARY TO THE VIEWS IN SOME QUARTERS THAT CURRICULAR AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS IN SCHOOLS WOULD DISAPPEAR IF WE REVERT BACK TO A NON-COMPULSORY SITUATION, COMMISSION MEMBERS FEEL THAT THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM SHOULD BE ADAPTED TO MEET FULLY THE NEEDS OF ALL OUR CHILDREN, IN PARTICULAR THOSE AT THE TWO ENDS OF THE ABILITY SPECTRUM," HE SAID.

THE COMMISSION, HE SAID, BELIEVED THAT LEARNING AND.

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS WERE CLOSELY INTERTWINED AND THAT WHILE THE COMMON CORE CURRICULUM DEVELOPED IN THE EARLY DAYS OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION HAD ACHIEVED A HIGH DEGREE OF CONSISTENCY IN STANDARDS AMONG MOST STUDENTS, SOME HAD NOT BENEFITED FROM IT.

COMMISSION MEMBERS FELT THAT THIS WAS A SOURCE OF CLASSROOM PROBLEMS, NOTABLY WITH STUDENTS AT BOTH ENDS OF THE ABILITY SPECTRUM AND STUDENTS WHO WERE NOT MOTIVATED OR WERE INCLINED MORE TOWARDS PRACTICAL SUBJECTS THAN ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, HE SAID.

"THEY CONSIDER THAT RESOURCES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR MAKING A TWO-PRONG ATTACK AT THESE PROBLEMS," MR LI EXPLAINED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT WITHIN THE ORDINARY SCHOOL SETTING, EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED AND, IN WHAT HAD BEEN TERMED BY THE COMMISSION AS THE "WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH," ALL TEACHERS IN A SCHOOL SHOULD ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ASSISTING STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS.

"IN THIS REGARD, RESOURCES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR SCHOOLS ENGAGED IN VARIOUS PROGRAMMES TO GIVE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR,” MR LI SAID.

"THE DEPLOYMENT OF STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL ALSO BE REFORMED. CURRENTLY THEY ARE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF.

"IN THE NEW SCHEME, THEIR POSTS WILL BE GRADUALLY PHASED OUT AND SCHOOLS WILL BE ALLOWED TO EMPLOY THEIR OWN STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHERS IN THE HOPE THAT A SCHOOL-BASED SERVICE WILL BE EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE."

/AT THE .......

AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL, HE SAID OTHER ENHANCEMENT MEASURES WOULD INCLUDE STRENGTHENING REMEDIAL TEACHING AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR THOSE SCHOOLS WHICH CATERED FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS BELONGING TO THE BOTTOM 10 PER CENT OF THE ABILITY RANGE.

A PILOT SCHEME WOULD CONCURRENTLY BE IMPLEMENTED TO PROVIDE EXTRA ASSISTANCE FOR ACADEMICALLY GIFTED CHILDREN.

OTHER PROPOSALS EXPLAINED AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING WERE:

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

THE COMMISSION, MR LI SAID, FELT THAT A NEW SEPARATE DIVISION SHOULD BE SET UP WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHICH WOULD BE DEDICATED SOLELY TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WORK AND THAT RECRUITMENT TO SOME OF THE POSTS IN THE NEW CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE SHOULD BE MADE OPEN TO NON-CIVIL SERVANTS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF TALENTS OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT.

BETTER MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS

MR LI SAID IN THE PAST, THE MAIN INTEREST WAS IN FINDING OUT WHETHER CHILD A WAS PERFORMING BETTER THAN CHILD B TO DECIDE WHICH SHOULD BE GIVEN A PLACE AT THE NEXT LEVEL OF EDUCATION.

THE COMMISSION’S VIEW WAS THAT A FRAMEWORK OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENTS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED OVER THE NEXT DECADE.

"WITH TARGETS SET AT LEVELS SUITED TO CHILDREN’S INDIVIDUAL ABILITIES, AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS MADE MORE APPARENT BY WAY OF MORE INFORMATIVE ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS, STUDENTS WILL FIND LEARNING MUCH MORE MEANINGFUL," HE SAID.

"THE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT A CHILD SHOULD NOT BE BRANDED AS A FAILURE AS IN THE PAST BECAUSE HE DOES NOT COMPARE WELL WITH HIS CLASSMATES," HE ADDED.

MR LI EMPHASISED THAT EVEN IF THE CHILD HAD MOVED FROM LEVEL 1 TO ONLY LEVEL 2 IN, FOR EXAMPLE, MATHEMATICS WHILE HIS CLASSMATES HAD MOVED TO LEVEL 3, HE HAD ALREADY MADE PROGRESS, ALBEIT NOT TO THE SAME EXTENT AS THE OTHERS.

"AND THE NEW SYSTEM WILL ENABLE THE TEACHER TO IDENTIFY IN WHICH AREAS HE IS WEAK AND TO GIVE HIM SUPPORT ACCORDINGLY," MR LI EXPLAINED.

LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION

"WITHOUT DEPARTING FROM ITS PREVIOUS STANCE OF ENCOURAGING THE USE OF CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, AND REFRAINING FROM DEPRIVING SCHOOLS OF THEIR FREEDOM TO CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE MEDIUM, THE COMMISSION HAS COME OUT AGAINST THE USE OF MIXED CODE IN SCHOOLS AS SUCH PRACTICE RESULTS IN CHILDREN NOT BEING PROFICIENT IN THE FULL RANGE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS IN EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH," HE SAID.

/THE COMMISSION .......

THE COMMISSION PROPOSED INSTEAD SCHOOLS SHOULD MAKE CLEAR AND CONSISTENT USE OF CHINESE OR ENGLISH IN RESPECT OF TEXTBOOKS, TEACHING AND EXAMINATIONS.

BOTH PARENTS AND SCHOOLS WOULD BE GIVEN THE NECESSARY

INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR CHILDREN’S LANGUAGE ABILITY TO ENABLE THEM TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT THE CHOICE OF TEACHING MEDIUM.

"THE COMMISSION IS FULLY AWARE OF THE EMPHASIS MANY PARENTS PLACE ON AN ENGLISH-MEDIUM EDUCATION AND HAS THEREFORE MADE A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS SUCH AS THAT CONCERNED WITH BRIDGING COURSES TO ENSURE THAT THE PROPOSED POLICY OF LANGUAGE GROUPING WOULD NOT AFFECT THE PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT FOR STUDENTS COMING FROM CHINESE-MEDIUM CLASSES," MR LI SAID.

WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING FOR PRIMARY CHILDREN

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT IN 1989 MADE THE DIFFICULT BUT PRAGMATIC DECISION OF POSTPONING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A WHOLE SCALE CONVERSION TO UNISESSIONAL OPERATION.

FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, HE SAID A SYSTEM OF MIXED-MODE OPERATION WOULD BE PURSUED IN WHICH PRIMARY 5 AND 6 CHILDREN COULD ENJOY WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING.

"GIVEN THE CHARTER OF DESIGNING PLANS TO IMPLEMENT THIS POLICY DECISION, THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH WILL ENABLE THE MIXED-MODE OBJECTIVE TO BE ACHIEVED BY THE YEAR 2000," MR LI SAID.

THE REPORT, HE ADDED, HAD ALSO COVERED IN DETAIL THE STAFFING MATTERS RELATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME.

- - 0 - -

WORKSHOPS ON LANGUAGE PROJECTS

*****

A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ON LANGUAGE PROJECTS AND HOW THEY RELATE TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 4 WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.

THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, DR V. BICKLEY, WILL PRESENT AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HONGKONGBANK FOUNDATION LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND’S PROJECTS TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE JUST CONCLUDED A THREE-DAY INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE.

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED AT THE WORKSHOPS, ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL INCLUDE:

/* TARGETS AND

* TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENTS IN ENGLISH AT PRIMARY 3, PRIMARY 6 AND SECONDARY 3;

* PRIMARY TO SECONDARY BRIDGING COURSE;

* POST-SCHOOL PRE-EMPLOYMENT LANGUAGE NEEDS ANALYSIS AND BRIDGING PROGRAMMES;

» MINIMUM ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS AND ENGLISH COURSES FOR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TRAINEE TEACHERS;

* MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHERS OF PUTONGHUA AND THE DESIGN OF PUTONGHUA COURSES AND MATERIALS FOR TEACHERS; AND

* SECONDARY TO TERTIARY BRIDGING PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH FOR CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WORKSHOPS WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, LEVEL 4, WAN CHAI.

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

CLEANSING CONTRACTORS CAN CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

t t t * t

CLEANSING CONTRACTORS OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE CAN CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BY ADOPTING MEASURES TO ENABLE THE RECYCLING OF WASTE PAPER.

THE DEPUTY CONVENOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL AND MEMBER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (ECC), MR HUNG WING-TAT, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING A SEMINAR ON "PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WASTE PAPER COLLECTION SCHEME".

THE SEMINAR IS .JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ECC AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS OF CLEANSING CONTRACTORS TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

NOTING THAT HALF OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION LIVED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, MR HUNG SAID THE VOLUME AND HANDLING COST OF I HE WASTES COULD BE ELIMINATED TREMENDOUSLY IF THEY WERE PROPERLY TREATED AND RECYCLED WITH THE SUPPORT OF CONTRACTORS AND RESIDENTS.

"WE DISCARD ABOUT 5,000 TONNES OF DOMESTIC WASTES PER DAY, AND ALL THIS HAS TO BE REMOVED AND DISPOSED OF WITHOUT CAUSING POLLUTION TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.

"IT COSTS AT LEAST $250 FOR EACH TONNE OF GARBAGE DISPOSED, THAT IS A TOTAL OF $125 MILLION PER YEAR.

/"WE USE........

"WE USE 1,000 TONNES OF PAPER A DAY IN HONG KONG AND IF SOMEHOW WE CAN COLLECT AND RECYCLE ALL OF THIS, WE COULD SAVE $250,000 EACH DAY OR $90 MILLION EACH YEAR," HE SAID.

MR HUNG POINTED OUT THAT IT TOOK 17 TREES AND 1,500 LITRES OF FUEL OIL TO MAKE ONE TONNE OF PAPER. BY RECYCLING USE OF THE WASTE PAPER, WE MIGHT REDUCE AIR POLLUTION BY SOME 75 PER CENT AND PRODUCE 35 PER CENT LESS WATER POLLUTION THAN PRODUCING PAPER FROM VIRGIN FIBRES.

"HONG KONG EXPORTED ABOUT 595,000 TONNES OF WASTE PAPER VALUED AT $450 MILLION LAST YEAR.

"THIS MEANS THAT THE WASTE PAPER WE COLLECTED ARE SALEABLE AND THE MONEY GENERATED MAY HELP REDUCE THE COST FOR HANDLING GARBAGE," HE SAID.

MR HUNG SAID APART FROM SEEKING SUPPORT FROM CLEANSING CONTRACTORS, THE ECC WAS ALSO PROMOTING THE WASTE PAPER COLLECTION SCHEME AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL VIA SUCH CHANNELS AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

"THE PILOT SCHEME CARRIED OUT IN OI MAN ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 11 TO MARK THE INAUGURATION OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WASTE PAPER COLLECTION SCHEME HAS ACHIEVED SATISFACTORY RESULTS," HE SAID.

"A TOTAL OF SIX TONNES OF WASTE PAPER WAS COLLECTED THAT DAY," HE ADDED.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE SEMINAR TODAY WERE A SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER AND A HOUSING MANAGER OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR C.K. CHENG AND MR S.T. SIOU, AS WELL AS A SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MR C.S. LAI.

THE ECC IS A NON-GOVERNMENT BODY MEMBERS OF WHICH ARE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. ITS OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENCOURAGE AND MOBILISE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARD A BETTER ENVIRONMENT.

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

SURFACE MAIL TO LIBERIA SUSPENDED *****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, LETTER AND PARCEL SERVICES BY SURFACE MAIL TO LIBERIA ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT ALL AIRMAIL SERVICES TO LIBERIA HAVE ALREADY BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE AUGUST 29 AS A RESULT OF THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN THAT COUNTRY.

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

/19 .......

SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON YEAR OF THE RAM ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ON "YEAR OF THE RAM" WILL BE ISSUED ON JANUARY 24, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THIS IS THE FIFTH IN THE CURRENT SERIES OF LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES WHICH COMMENCED WITH THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT IN 1987.

THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS -- 60 CENT, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5. THE DESIGN DEPICTS IN EMBROIDERY STYLE VARIOUS POSTURES OF THE RAM.

A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING A SET OF FOUR STAMPS AT $8.80 WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.

IN ADDITION, A STAMP FOLDER CONTAINING TWO SE-TENANT SHEETLETS WILL BE SOLD AT $14.40.

EACH SHEETLET CONSISTS OF THREE $1.80 STAMPS IN THE UPPER ROW AND THREE 60 CENT STAMPS IN THE LOWER ROW.

THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR KAN TAI-KEUNG AND WERE PRINTED BY JOH ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN OF HOLLAND.

FURTHER DETAILS ON THE ISSUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE.

- - 0 - -

SUBSIDIES FOR CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS ♦ « » ♦ *

A TOTAL OF $950,000 HAS BEEN SET ASIDE BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO SUBSIDISE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECTS IN CIVIC EDUCATION NEXT YEAR.

"APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUBSIDY ARE NOW OPEN TO REGISTERED COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND THE MAXIMUM GRANT PER PROJECT IS $50,000," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE AIM OF THE SCHEME IS TO ENCOURAGE ORGANISATIONS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS, HE SAID.

"IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THESE PROJECTS, IN THE FORMS OF EXHIBITIONS, PRODUCTION, TRAINING AND SO ON, WILL ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO UNDERSTAND AND PRACTISE 'RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP' AND TO UNDERSTAND AND UPHOLD CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/EACH APPLICATION

EACH APPLICATION WILL BE ASSESSED ACCORDING TO THE CONTENT OF THE PROJECT, WHICH SHOULD BE IN LINE WITH THE SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE OF CIVIC EDUCATION AS ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.

’’CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO THEIR INNOVATION AND EFFECTIVENESS IN SPREADING CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGES ACROSS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,” HE ADDED.

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 30 NEXT YEAR AND THE CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE JANUARY 15, 1992.

EACH APPLICATION WILL BE VETTED AND ASSESSED BY THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP WHICH COMPRISES UNOFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES.

ALL PROJECTS SUBSIDISED WILL BE INCLUDED IN AN OUTSTANDING PROJECT AWARD SCHEME TO BE HELD IN JULY, 1992.

APPLICATION FORMS, WITH DETAILS OF APPLICATION PROCEDURES, ARE OBTAINABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECT MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, 31ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, OR BY TELEPHONING 835 1381.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ♦ * * ♦ ♦

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCY OF A PIECE OF LAND IN THE CHAI WAN RECLAMATION.

THE LAND NEAR SHING TAI ROAD, CHAI WAN AND MEASURED ABOUT 1,830 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS AND CONTAINERS) AND/OR THE STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF SAND, CEMENT AND AGGREGATE.

THE TENANCY EXPIRES ON NOVEMBER 28, NEXT YEAR AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 4, NEXT YEAR.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REGULATIONS ON ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS TO BE GAZETTED .................... 1

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS FOR INTRODUCTION OF ULP ......................... 2

EXCO APPROVES LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF TAXI LICENCES .................... 4

FOUR COMPANIES INVITED TO APPLY FOR TELEPOINT LICENCES ................. 5

GOVT DETERMINED TO KEEP HK A SAFE PLACE ................................ 5

201 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM .............................................. 6

WORK STARTS ON DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO SOME MAJOR ECR 4 RECOMMENDATIONS BROADCASTING OF SIX-PIP TIME SIGNAL ON RADIO ........................... 8

NEW ORGAN DONATION CARD AVAILABLE NEXT MONTH ...........................

KAIFONGS URGED TO SUPPORT NEXT YEAR'S ELECTIONS ........................ 10

DB MEMBERS SPREAD CHRISTMAS JOY ........................................ 11

LADY WILSON TO OPEN FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW .................... 11

TSUEN WAN TO SWITCH ON FESTIVE LIGHTS .................................. 12

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO ................................ 13

SWD CORRECTIONAL HOMES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ............................. 13

ENJOY DRUG-FREE CHRISTMAS .............................................. I4

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ............................................. 15

EIGHT CLINICS OPEN FOR HOLIDAY SERVICE ................................. I5

QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY RELEASED .................. 16

REGULATIONS ON ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS TO BE GAZETTED

*****

TWO MORE SETS OF REGULATIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AS PART OF THE LEGISLATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1991 DIRECT ELECTIONS.

THESE REGULATIONS SEEK TO AMEND EXISTING SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE TO GIVE EFFECT TO CHANGES INTRODUCED BY THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990, PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 28, AND TO MAKE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.

THE FIRST SET, THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990, MAKE CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES TO THE TIMING OF THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE.

PREVIOUSLY THE REGISTRATION OFFICER WAS REQUIRED TO COMPILE A PROVISIONAL REGISTER BEFORE NOVEMBER 15 IN EACH YEAR AND TO COMPILE AND PUBLISH A FINAL REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 15 OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 HAS CHANGED THESE DATES TO JUNE 22 AND AUGUST 8 IN THE SAME YEAR. AS A RESULT, THE SPECIFIC DATES FOR THE RECEIPT AND PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER AND THE FINAL REGISTER ARE AMENDED CORRESPONDINGLY.

THE REGULATIONS ALSO REINFORCE THE MEASURES PROVIDED IN THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 IN RESPECT OF FRAUDULENT REGISTRATION, BY INTRODUCING AN ADDITIONAL OFFENCE OF INTIMIDATING OR PERSUADING ANOTHER TO PROVIDE FALSE INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTOR, AND BY PUTTING THE BURDEN OF PROVING THE TRUTH OF ANY INFORMATION GIVEN IN RESPECT OF REGISTRATION AS AN ELECTOR ON THE SUPPLIER OF THE INFORMATION.

THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (PROCEDURE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 PROVIDE FOR THE CONDUCT OF DIRECT ELECTIONS IN GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.

OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO POTENTIAL CANDIDATES IS A LOWERING OF THE THRESHOLD FOR THE REFUND OF ELECTION DEPOSITS. THIS MEANS THAT A CANDIDATE WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND IF HE RECEIVES FIVE PER CENT OR MORE OF THE TOTAL VOTES CAST, INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT 12.5 PER CENT.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE ELECTION DEPOSIT FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE INCREASED BY $1,000 TO $4,000 AND $3,000 RESPECTIVELY. THE DEPOSIT FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DIRECT ELECTIONS WILL BE $5,000.

ALSO TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW WILL BE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS AND APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (PROCEDURE) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990, WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE UNDER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.

/THESE TWO .......

THESE TWO SETS OF REGULATIONS SEEK TO GIVE EFFECT TO CHANGES INTRODUCED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 AS WELL AS TO MAKE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.

THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE REMOVAL OF REFERENCES TO ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES AND THE LODGING OF APPLICATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES IN CONFORMITY WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR REGISTRATION IN GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES.

A NUMBER OF THE AMENDMENTS MIRROR THE OTHER REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE. THESE INCLUDE IN PARTICULAR A LOWERING OF THE THRESHOLD FOR THE REFUND OF ELECTION DEPOSITS FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES FROM 12.5 PER CENT OF THE AGGREGATE PREFERENCE VOTES TO ONLY FIVE PER CENT AND AN INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE DEPOSIT FROM $4,000 TO $5,000.

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

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS

* *

FOR INTRODUCTION OF ULP * * *

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ADVISED THAT TWO BILLS SHOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ENABLE THE INTRODUCTION OF UNLEADED PETROL (ULP) AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE VEHICLE EMISSION TESTING CENTRES AS PART OF THE VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL STRATEGY OUTLINED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR MARTIN LEWIS, SAID THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990 WOULD BE GAZETTED ON DECEMBER 28 AND WERE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 9 NEXT YEAR.

"THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 IS TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF ULP AFTER APRIL 1.

"THE AMENDMENTS WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR NEW REGULATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT POWERS FOR VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL," HE SAID.

MR LEWIS SAID REGULATIONS WERE BEING DRAFTED TO REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM NEW PETROL AND DIESEL ENGINED VEHICLES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG.

"NEW EMISSION STANDARDS AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS WILL APPLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED FROM JANUARY 1, 1992, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WILL BE FITTED TO NEW PETROL VEHICLES SO THAT THEY CAN MEET THE STANDARDS.

/"THOSE EMISSION .......

"THOSE EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES ARE ONLY EFFECTIVE IF ULP IS USED," HE SAID.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, A PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD), MR BILL FARRELL, SAID ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF EXISTING PETROL VEHICLES COULD USE ULP WITHOUT ANY ADJUSTMENT AND WITH NO ADVERSE EFFECTS.

"ONLY ABOUT SIX PER CENT CANNOT USE IT AT ALL WHILE THE REMAINING 24 PER CENT OF VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE ADJUSTMENT (10 PER CENT) OR HAVE TO USE ONE TANKFUL OF LEADED PETROL FOR EVERY THREE OR FOUR TANKFULS OF ULP (14 PER CENT)," HE SAID.

UNLEADED PETROL WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL FILLING STATIONS WHILE LEADED PETROL WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 40 TO 50 PER CENT OF STATIONS.

IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THE WIDE USE OF ULP WHEREVER POSSIBLE, THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENTIAL RATE OF DUTY BETWEEN LEADED AND UNLEADED PETROL TO MAKE THE LATTER $1 CHEAPER.

"THIS DUTY ADJUSTMENT WOULD BE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PURPOSES AND FOR THE TIME BEING, WOULD BE FIXED AT A ’REVENUE NEUTRAL’ LEVEL," MR FARRELL SAID.

DETAILED INFORMATION ON ULP WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL MOTORISTS AS PART OF A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COMMENCING NEXT MONTH.

THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE A MOTORISTS GUIDE TO ULP, POSTERS, WALLCHARTS, A HOTLINE SERVICE, PLUS TELEVISION, RADIO AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS.

THE "MOTORISTS GUIDE TO UNLEADED PETROL" WILL BE MAILED TO ALL REGISTERED OWNERS OF PETROL-DRIVEN VEHICLES IN HONG KONG, FROM JANUARY 20 THROUGH MID-FEBRUARY.

THE BOOKLET CONTAINS A ULP COMPATIBILITY RATING OF MORE THAN 400 CAR MODELS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG AND A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SECTION.

CAMPAIGN POSTERS AND WALLCHARTS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN FILLING STATIONS, MOTOR TRADER SHOWROOMS AND SELECTED GOVERNMENT LOCATIONS FROM END OF JANUARY.

THE ULP HOTLINE, TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE USE OF ULP, WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON FEBRUARY 1 TO COINCIDE WITH THE SERIES OF TELEVISION, RADIO AND PRINT MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS.

MR FARRELL SAID ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT SURVEY, ULP WOULD QUICKLY BECOME THE GRADE OF PETROL USED BY MOST HONG KONG MOTORISTS.

MEANWHILE, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990 WILL EXPAND THE VEHICLE SMOKE CONTROL PROGRAMME CURRENTLY OPERATED BY THE EPD.

/MR FARRELL .......

MR FARRELL SAID PRIVATE VEHICLE EMISSION TESTING CENTRES COULD THEN BE SET UP TO INCREASE TESTING CAPACITY TO ABOUT 5,000 VEHICLES PER MONTH.

"EPD NOW TESTS ABOUT 1,600 SMOKY VEHICLES SPOTTED BY ITS TEAM OF 250 TRAINED OBSERVERS EACH MONTH, BUT THIS IS NOT ENOUGH TO SOLVE THE SMOKY VEHICLE PROBLEM.

"IT IS THEREFORE PROPOSED TO ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF PRIVATE GARAGES TO INCREASE THE TESTING CAPACITY," HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT INITIALLY ABOUT 12 TESTING CENTRES WOULD BE SET UP AND, TOGETHER WITH EPD’S OWN TESTING CENTRE AT HO MAN TIN, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO TEST AT LEAST 5,000 VEHICLES PER MONTH.

"AS WITH THE CURRENT SCHEME, FAILURE TO PASS THE TEST OR TO PRESENT THE VEHICLE FOR TESTING WILL LEAVE THE VEHICLE LIABLE TO LICENCE CANCELLATION.

"IN ADDITION, A $140 FEE WILL APPLY TO ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES FOR EVERY TEST, AND COMPLIANCE WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN A SHORTER PERIOD.

"THE PROPOSED SCHEME, IF PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN MID-1991," HE SAID.

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

EXCO APPROVES LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF TAXI LICENCES ******

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT NO NEW LICENCES FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS SHOULD BE ISSUED IN 1990, AND FOR 1991 AND 1992 A TOTAL OF NOT MORE THAN 100 NEW NT TAXI LICENCES SHOULD BE ISSUED.

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED THAT THE ISSUE OF NEW LICENCES FOR URBAN TAXIS SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 400 EVERY TWO YEARS AND THE CURRENT MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUE OF NEW LICENCES FOR LANTAU TAXIS SHOULD REMAIN IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS.

THE SIZE OF THE LANTAU TAXI FLEET HAD REMAINED AT 40 SINCE

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) EXPLAINED THAT THE DECISION WAS BASED ON THE LEVEL OF AND PUBLIC DEMAND FOR TAXI SERVICES, THE VIABILITY OF THE TAXI TRADE AND THE EFFECT OF ADDITIONAL LICENCES FOR TAXI ON ROAD CONGESTION.

HE ADDED THAT THESE LIMITS FOR TAXI LICENCES WOULD BE REGULARLY REVIEWED.

DETAILS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL'S DECISION WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNDER THE TAXIS (LIMITATION ON NUMBER) NOTICE 1990.

- - 0 - -

FOUR COMPANIES INVITED TO APPLY FOR TELEPOINT LICENCES * * * * *

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT, AFTER CONSIDERING THE SEVEN PROPOSALS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO GAZETTE NOTIFICATION G.N. 2291 PUBLISHED ON JUNE 29, 1990, FOUR COMPANIES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO FORMALLY APPLY FOR LICENCES TO OPERATE TELEPOINT SERVICES IN HONG KONG BASED ON THE SECOND GENERATION CORDLESS TELEPHONE (CT2) TECHNOLOGY.

THEY ARE: CHEVALIER (TELEPOINT) LIMITED, HONG KONG TELECOM CSL LIMITED, HUTCHISON PAGING LIMITED, AND PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED.

"THESE FOUR COMPANIES HAVE UNTIL JANUARY 18, 1991 TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS," MR WONG SAID.

"WE INTEND TO ISSUE UP TO FOUR LICENCES EARLY NEXT YEAR.

"TELEPOINT SERVICES WILL BECOME AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC BEFORE THE END OF 1991 AND WILL GRADUALLY EXPAND TO COVER MOST PARTS OF HONG KONG WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS."

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

GOVT DETERMINED TO KEEP HK A SAFE PLACE *****

THE COMMUNITY, THE POLICE AND THE REST OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT TOGETHER TO KEEP HONG KONG A SAFE PLACE IN WHICH TO WORK, PLAY AND BRING UP FAMILIES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

"AS A COMMUNITY WE MUST SUPPORT THE POLICE; AS A GOVERNMENT WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE POLICE HAVE THE RESOURCES AT ITS DISPOSAL TO FIGHT CRIME EFFECTIVELY," HE TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST.

"IN HONG KONG WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST POLICE FORCES IN THE WORLD, WELL LED, WELL TRAINED AND WELL EQUIPPED. WITH FIRM RESOLVE, WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT EFFECTIVELY TOGETHER TO KEEP HONG KONG A SAFE PLACE," HE SAID.

MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CRIMES REPORTED TO THE POLICE IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS 80,959, AN INCREASE OF 9.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR. THERE WAS ALSO AN UPSURGE OF VIOLENT CRIMES BY 9.7 PER CENT.

BUT HONG KONG REMAINED ONE OF THE WORLD’S SAFEST CITIES. ALTHOUGH OUR RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME WAS HIGHER THAN THAT OF NEIGHBOURS IN THE REGION, ON SPECIFIC CRIMES SUCH AS RAPE AND MURDER HONG KONG COMPARED VERY WELL. THE OVERALL CRIME RATE WAS AMONG THE LOWEST IN THE REGION.

/"HONG KONG .......

"HONG KONG HAS MORE POLICEMEN ON THE STREETS THAN IS THE CASE IN MANY MAJOR CITIES OE THE REGION.

"POLICE STRENGTH PER 100,000 POPULATION IN HONG KONG IS 419.8 IN 1989, COMPARED WITH 262.6 IN SINGAPORE, 347.2 IN TOKYO AND 184.7 IN BANGKOK. THIS IS THE BEST DETERRENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME," HE SAID.

MR STRACHAN SAID DESPITE THE INCREASE IN THE CRIME RATE AS COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR, IF THIS WAS VIEWED IN PERSPECTIVE, THE OVERALL CRIME RATE IN 1990 IN FACT REMAINED BROADLY THE SAME AS THAT OF THE PAST DECADE.

"THE CRIME RATES PER 100,000 POPULATION IN THE PAST 10 YEARS HAVE FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 1,400 AND 1,600. THE PROJECTED CRIME RATE FOR THE WHOLE OF 1990 IS 1,522.7. THIS IS ACTUALLY LOWER THAN THE CRIME RATE IN FIVE YEARS OUT OF THE PAST 10 YEARS.

"OVER THE PAST MONTHS LARGE NUMBERS OF POLICEMEN HAVE CONDUCTED FREQUENT RAIDS ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS, MAHJONG PARLOURS AND OTHER PLACES WHICH THESE CRIMINALS FREQUENT. A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF WANTED CRIMINALS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED.

"THE MAIN EFFECT OF THESE RAIDS HAS BEEN TO DEMONSTRATE TO SUCH CRIMINALS THAT IF THEY WILL NOT LIVE PEACEFUL, LAW-ABIDING LIVES THEY WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE RIGOURS OF THE LAW," HE SAID.

MR STRACHAN SAID A NEW PIECE OF COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION WAS BEING DRAFTED TO FURTHER COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME. THE PUBLIC WOULD BE CONSULTED ON THIS LEGISLATION IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL EARLY NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.

MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS CONSIDERED IT IMPORTANT TO INVOLVE THE PUBLIC IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

HE ADDED THAT BUILDING ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, WHICH ENCOURAGED MUTUAL HELP AMONG NEIGHBOURS, HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES REACH RIGHT DOWN TO THE FAMILY UNIT, WHICH PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN DEVELOPING CIVIC AWARENESS AND COMBATTING CRIME.

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

201 VBP RETURN TO VIETNAM *****

A GROUP OF 201 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.

COMPRISING 71 MEN, 49 WOMEN, 52 BOYS AND 29 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 45TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 6,296 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY.

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

/7........

WORK STARTS ON DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO SOME MAJOR ECR 4 RECOMMENDATIONS

WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOME OF THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO.4 (ECR 4), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND HEAD OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, DR V. BICKLEY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING IN OPENING A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ON LANGUAGE PROJECTS AND HOW THEY RELATE TO THE ECR 4 RECOMMENDATIONS, DR BICKLEY SAID THE WORK WAS BEING FINANCED BY THE HONGKONGBANK FOUNDATION AND THE GOVERNMENT.

ONE ECR 4 RECOMMENDATION WAS THAT ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS AND ATTAINMENT TARGETS FOR CHINESE AND ENGLISH AT PRIMARY G AND SECONDARY 3 SHOULD BE DEVELOPED, TESTED AND ADMINISTERED, DR BICKLEY SAID.

TWO WORKSHOPS WILL FOCUS ON THIS RECOMMENDATION AND WILL DESCRIBE AND SOLICIT QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS IN RELATION TO:

* THE STEPS THAT ARE TO BE TAKEN TO DEVELOP BROAD ACHIEVEMENT TARGETS IN ENGLISH FOR PRIMARY 3, PRIMARY 6 AND IN SECONDARY 3 FOR ENGLISH-MEDIUM STUDENTS AND TO PILOT THESE IN SCHOOLS; AND

* DEVELOPING TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENTS FOR PRIMARY 3, PRIMARY 6 AND SECONDARY 3 AND TO PILOT THESE IN SCHOOLS.

OTHER WORKSHOPS WILL LOOK INTO:

* THE PURPOSE AND NATURE OF A SECONDARY 1 BRIDGING COURSE AND THE ACTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO PREPARE IT FOR EVENTUAL TESTING IN SCHOOLS;

» A BRIDGING COURSE FOR SECONDARY 5 CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS WHO ARE JOINING THE WORKFORCE - THE WORKSHOP WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION AND SEEK FEEDBACK ON THE PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO INVESTIGATE THE GAP IN ENGLISH PROFICIENCY BETWEEN SECONDARY 5 SCHOOL LEAVERS AND THE LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED IN THE WORKPLACE, AND BETWEEN THE ENGLISH PROFICIENCY OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTE GRADUATES AND THE LANGUAGE NEEDS OF THE WORKPLACE;

* COMMENTS ON THE INITIAL EFFORTS TO RESEARCH AND ESTABLISH PROFILES OF MINIMUM LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND FOR TEACHERS USING ENGLISH AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, IN PARTICULAR, TRAINEE TEACHERS;

♦ STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO ESTABLISH A PROFILE OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHERS OF PUTONGHUA AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS; AND

* WAYS AND MEANS OF PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE POST-SECONDARY TO TERTIARY BRIDGING PROGRAMME FOR CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS.

/"THE PROJECTS .......

"THE PROJECTS ARE CLOSELY INTER-RELATED. THUS, THE COURSE INTENDED TO HELP STUDENTS CROSS THE BRIDGE BETWEEN CHINESE-MEDIUM INSTRUCTION IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL TO ENGLISH-MEDIUM INSTRUCTION IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL WILL NEED TO BE RELATED, TO SOME EXTENT, TO THE BROAD TARGETS SET FOR PUPILS IN THE LAST PRIMARY SCHOOL YEAR," DR BICKLEY EXPLAINED.

THE NEW COURSES AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENTS TO BE DEVELOPED FOR STUDENT TEACHERS IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE STUDENTS’ OWN LANGUAGE BACKGROUNDS AND PROFICIENCY AS THESE WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION POLICY, HE SAID.

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

BROADCASTING OF SIX-PIP

* * *

TIME SIGNAL ON RADIO * *

AT 8 AM ON JANUARY 1, 1991, THE USUAL SIX-PIP TIME SIGNAL FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL NOT BE BROADCAST BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.

IT WILL RESUME AT 8.30 AM OR 9 AM, DEPENDING ON THE RADIO CHANNEL. THIS IS TO ENABLE AN ADJUSTMENT TO BE APPLIED WHICH WILL RESULT IN A DELAY OF ONE SECOND TO THE RESUMED TIME SIGNAL.

THIS ADJUSTMENT ARISES FROM THE FACT THAT THE TIME SCALE NOW IN USE, KNOWN AS THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME (UTC), IS BASED ON THE ATOMIC TIME SCALE WHICH PROVIDES A MORE PRECISE AND UNIFORM SECOND THAN THAT DERIVED BY ASTRONOMICAL MEANS.

IT HAS BEEN INTERNATIONALLY AGREED THAT AN ADJUSTMENT OF ONE SECOND SHOULD BE APPLIED FROM TIME TO TIME SO THAT THE CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME WILL NOT DIFFER FROM THE ASTRONOMICAL TIME BY MORE THAN NINE-TENTHS OF A SECOND.

THE LAST ADJUSTMENT WAS MADE ON JANUARY 1, 1990.

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY OPERATES A HIGH PRECISION ATOMIC CLOCK GIVING CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO CARRY OUT TIME CHECKS CAN EITHER LISTEN TO THE TIME SIGNAL BROADCAST BY RTHK OR CALL THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON TEL. 732 9472.

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

/9 ........

NEW ORGAN DONATION CARD AVAILABLE NEXT MONTH

******

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DESIGNED A NEW ORGAN DONATION CARD TO FURTHER PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ORGAN DONATION.

THE NEW ORGAN DONATION CARD, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC NEXT MONTH (JANUARY), IS JOINTLY DESIGNED BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE NEW DONATION CARD COVERS THE DONATION OF KIDNEYS, CORNEA AND OTHER ORGANS SPECIFIED BY THE DONORS IN ONE SINGLE CARD.

"THE NEW CARD WILL REPLACE THE KIDNEY DONATION CARD AND THE EYE DONATION CARD WHICH ARE CURRENTLY IN CIRCULATION.

"IN FUTURE, WHAT POTENTIAL DONORS HAVE TO DO IS TO INDICATE IN THE NEW CARD WHICH ORGAN OR ORGANS THEY WISH TO DONATE UPON THEIR DEATH AND CARRY ONLY ONE DONATION CARD WITH THEM," HE SAID.

"HOWEVER, THE OLD KIDNEY AND EYE DONATION CARDS ARE STILL VALID AND THE WISH OF THOSE WHO HAVE SIGNED UP WILL BE FOLLOWED IF THE TIME COMES, WHETHER THEY CARRY THE OLD OR THE NEW CARD," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WANT TO SIGN UP TO INDICATE THEIR WISH TO DONATE THEIR ORGANS AFTER THEY HAVE PASSED AWAY CAN OBTAIN AN ORGAN DONATION CARD FROM THE FOLLOWING PLACES STARTING NEXT MONTH:

* DISTRICT OFFICES;

* CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (SEVENTH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI);

* LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT;

* IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES;

* HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE: DONOR CENTRES; AND

* ENQUIRY OFFICES OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND GOVERNMENT

CLINICS.

"AFTER THEY HAVE SIGNED UP, THEY SHOULD CARRY THE DONATION CARD WITH THEM ALL THE TIME SO THAT THEIR WISH WOULD BE KNOWN AND FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY IF THE TIME COMES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRANSPLANTATION AND DONATION OF KIDNEYS IN PARTICULAR, THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL RUN A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICE (833 0111) ON KIDNEY DONATION DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY.

/THE PRE-RECORDED

THE PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE RUNS ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AND IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE AWARENESS OF KIDNEY DONATION AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION.

IN MAY THIS YEAR, THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, STARTED A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON KIDNEY DONATION THROUGH TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST (API), LEAFLETS AND POSTERS UNDER THE SLOGAN OF "GIVE HOPE - GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE".

"THROUGH THESE PUBLICITY MATERIALS, WE HOPE TO BOOST PUBLIC AWARENESS OF KIDNEY DONATION AND PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE THAT BY DONATING, WE ARE GIVING NEW LIFE TO OTHERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN A LEAFLET ON ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION AND DONATION FROM THE NEAREST PUBLIC HOSPITAL OR GOVERNMENT CLINIC IF THEY WANT FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT.

- - 0 - -

KAI FONGS URGED TO SUPPORT NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS * * * * *

THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON KAIFONG LEADERS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY BY VOTING IN NEXT YEAR’S THREE ELECTIONS.

MR FUNG MADE THE APPEAL WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION AND ITS "1990’S YOUTH GOLD MEDAL AWARD SCHEME" PRESENTATION CEREMONY.

HE SAID THE SUCCESS OF NEXT YEAR’S THREE-TIER ELECTIONS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM WOULD DEPEND VERY MUCH ON THE SUPPORT OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS.

"IN THE FACE OF POLITICAL CHANGES IN THE 90’S, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN GROOMING FUTURE LEADERS," HE SAID.

MR FUNG WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION’S COMMUNITY CENTRE HAD EMBARKED ON A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.

"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHOW CONCERN FOR THE SOCIETY AND TO ENRICH THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE SO AS TO BE BETTER PREPARED TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS IN FUTURE," HE SAID.

NOTING THAT THE KAIFONG ASSOCIATION HAD MADE TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE PAST 40 YEARS, MR FUNG HOPED IT WOULD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ITS FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURE TO KEEP PACE WITH SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

/THE ACTING

THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY THEN PRESENTED GOLD MEDALS TO WINNERS OF THE ”1990’S YOUTH AWARD SCHEME” ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CENTRE.

SOME 60 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE DISTRICT WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE IN VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES DURING THE PAST YEAR.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S GATHERING WERE THE ASSOCIATION’S SENIOR HONORARY PATRON, MR LIU LIT-FOR, AND HONORARY PATRONS MR NG HUNG AND MR WONG CHI-KEUNG.

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

DB MEMBERS SPREAD CHRISTMAS JOY * * * * ♦

WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED TWO LOCAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS TO SHARE CHRISTMAS JOY WITH THE ELDERLY AND THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE THERE.

LED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DR MICHAEL LEE, THE MEMBERS VISITED THE WONG TAI SIN DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE AND THE CHUK YUEN (NORTH) ESTATE JOCKEY CLUB HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.

THE FORMER PROVIDES DAY CARE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE AND ASSISTS THEM TO BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT IN THEIR DAILY LIVES, WHILE THE LATTER PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL CARE TO THOSE AGED 60 AND ABOVE WHO ARE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.

BOARD MEMBERS DISTRIBUTED CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO THE RESIDENTS AND PLAYED GAMES WITH THEM.

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

LADY WILSON TO OPEN FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW

* * * * t *

A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION OF FLOWERS, WILL BE HELD IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TO ENTERTAINMENT OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

BIRDS, INSECTS AND

PROVIDE THE PUBLIC

FISH

WITH

THE FOURTH NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, WILL BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DECEMBER FANLING RECREATION GROUND AND THE ADJACENT CENTRE•

INSECT AND FISH SHOW 26 (WEDNESDAY) AT THE FANLING ROTARY YOUTH

”ILSON WILL officiate at the opening of the show and win PRESENT A TROPHY TO THE WINNER OF THE BEST FLOWER EXHIBIT.

sao™e:s- bo"sa'-t'pe plants, s

/AMONG THE

AMONG THE FLORAL EXHIBITS WILL BE THREE NEW SPECIES OF ORCHID.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE RARE SPECIES OF FISH SUCH AS STURGEON AND AUSTRALIAN BONY TONGUE, DIFFERENT SPECIES OF PHEASANT AND OVER 20 KINDS OF PIGEON.

ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE WHITE-COLOUR TERRAPIN, NEWT AND SPECIMENS OF BATS AND DOLPHINS.

THE SHOW WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 1 PM TO 5.30 PM TOMORROW, BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5.30 PM FROM SATURDAY TO TUESDAY, AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM ON WEDNESDAY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE FOURTH NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10.15 AM AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND (ADJACENT TO THE FANLING RAILWAY STATION).

- - 0 - -

TSUEN WAN TO SWITCH ON FESTIVE LIGHTS *****

A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR THE FESTIVE LIGHTING IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 6 PM AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE.

OFFICIATING WILL BE THE WIFE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MARGARET YOUNG.

THE LIGHTING HAS BEEN INSTALLED ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD (NEAR TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE) AND TAI HO ROAD.

IN ADDITION, A CARNIVAL WITH DANCING AND KARAOKE COMPETITIONS, CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND LUCKY DRAW WILL BE HELD ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND. IT WILL START AT 7 PM.

OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN FESTIVE LIGHTING SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 6 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HO ROAD, AND THE CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND ON CHRISTMAS EVE, BEGINNING AT 7 PM.

- - 0 - -

/13

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL FN SHAM SHUI PO *****

A GROUP OF EX-DRUG ADDICTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR MUSICAL TALENTS IN AN ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 23).

THE CARNIVAL, WHICH ATMS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEAD A HEALTHY LIFE AND NOT TO ABUSE DRUGS, WILL BE HELD FROM 2.15 PM TO 5 PM AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND.

OTHER PROGRAMME ITEMS WILL INCLUDE A MAGIC SHOW, SINGING, AN EXHIBITION AND GAMES STALLS.

THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER (KOWLOON), MR PETER LEE; AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR DAVID WEEKS.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 23) AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND.

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

SWD CORRECTIONAL HOMES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

******

RESIDENTS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SEVEN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS TODAY (THURSDAY) SHARED THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS AT A GATHERING HELD AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAUMATEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.

THEY CAME FROM THE MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME, BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME, PUI CHI BOYS’ HOME, PUI YIN JUVENILE HOME, O PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME, CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME AND KWUN TONG HOSTEL.

THE YOUNGSTERS WERE PARTICULARLY HAPPY THAT THOSE ATTENDING THE PARTY, WHICH INCLUDED THEIR PARENTS, COULD ENJOY THE INTERESTING CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION PROGRAMME THEY DESIGNED AND ORGANISED.

THE PERFORMANCES BY THE YOUNGSTERS INCLUDED A CHINESE FAN DANCE, DRAMA, FOLK DANCE AND A FASHION SHOW. THEY COMPETED FOR THE BEST PERFORMANCE AWARD.

/OFFICIATING AT .......

OFFICIATING AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY WERE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, AND AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALEXANDER FUNG.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE GATHERING, MRS GOODSTADT SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS AIMED TO COUNSEL JUVENILE OFFENDERS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF RESIDENTIAL TRAINING AND AFTERCARE SERVICES.

"IT IS HOPED THAT THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE WOULD BE RESTORED AND THEY COULD THEN LEAD A NORMAL LIFE IN FUTURE," SHE SAID.

MRS GOODSTADT ALSO THANKED THE YOUNGSTERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN ORGANISING THE PARTY AND IN PARTICUTAR THE ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME.

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

ENJOY DRUG-FREE CHRISTMAS ♦ * * *

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST NOT TAKE DRUGS WHILE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS, BECAUSE THE CONSEQUENCE CAN BE DISASTROUS.

A MEMBER OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), MR PAO PING-WING, GAVE THIS ADVICE TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE "SAY YES TO LIFE" DISCO NIGHT.

"DRUG ABUSE CAN EASILY LEAD TO ADDICTION AND DAMAGE TO THE ORGANIC AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS OF A HUMAN BODY, RESULTING IN RUINING MANY YOUNGSTERS’ FUTURE AND EVEN THEIR LIVES," HE SAID.

"YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE ON ALERT WHEN ATTENDING CHRISTMAS PARTIES OR GATHERINGS AND MUST NOT TRY OR TAKE ANY DRUGS BECAUSE OF CURIOSITY OR PEER GROUP PRESSURE."

AIMED AT ENCOURAGING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE, TO "SAY YES TO LIFE AND SAY NO TO DRUGS", THE DISCO NIGHT WILL BE HELD FROM 8 PM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 23) AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, KOWLOON.

IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND ACAN, AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK RADIO 2.

ADMISSION TO THE SHOW IS FREE.

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

/15 .......

STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER * * * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT EITHER THE WINTER SOLSTICE (DECEMBER 22) OR CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) SHOULD BE DESIGNATED AS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.

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 THE SAME EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER 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 THE 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 DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

- - 0 - -

EIGHT CLINICS OPEN FOR HOLIDAY SERVICE *****

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS -- BETWEEN 9 AM AND 1 PM ON DECEMBER 25 AND 26 (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY).

THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE: THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.

- - 0 - -

/16

QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY RELEASED

THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1990 IS NOW AVAILABLE.

IT CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER.

IT 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 ARE AVAILABLE AT $11.50 EACH FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

POSITIVE PROGRESS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF URUGUAY ROUND ...................... 1

PLANS AFOOT TO DESIGN MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME ........................... 2

11 APPLICATIONS FOR PREQUALIFICATION TO TENDER FOR BRIDGE PROJECTS .... 3

EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDERS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY ......................... 4

LEGISLATION TO LICENSE HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES ............................ 4

TRADING OF SNAKES AND CORALS BROUGHT UNDER LICENSING CONTROL ............. 5

NEW PERMIT CONDITIONS FOR VILLAGE VEHICLES ............................... 6

RE-APPOINTMENT OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS .............. 7

NEW LAB MEMBERS APPOINTED ................................................ 8

FURNACES ALTERATIONS REQUIREMENTS REINSTATED ............................. 9

THREE INSHORE PROJECTS FOR THE NT ....................................... 10

ROAD WORKS PROPOSED FOR TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT ........................ 11

OFFICE ASSISTANT AWARDED ISM ............................................. H

FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY .............................................. 12

THREE GOVT LOTS FOR SALE BY AUCTION ..................................... 13

40 EVENTS FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL ................................... 14

CLOSURE OF LUNG SHING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN KOWLOON CITY ... 15

YAU TSIM CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ................................ 15

POSITIVE PROGRESS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF URUGUAY ROUND

*****

ALTHOUGH THE OUTLOOK APPEARS UNCERTAIN FOR THE MOMENT, THERE HAS BEEN POSITIVE PROGRESS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID SUCH AREAS INCLUDED, NOTABLY, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, BUT ALSO RULES OF ORIGIN; TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE; IMPORT LICENSING; CUSTOMS VALUATION; AND TRADE IN SERVICES.

"AS ONE WOULD EXPECT, HONG KONG HAS PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON ALL OF THESE ISSUES, PARTICULARLY ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING," MR CHAN SAID.

WORLD TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING HAD BEEN GOVERNED BY A FRAMEWORK PERMITTING DISCRIMINATORY QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS, FROM • THE SO-CALLED SHORT-TERM ARRANGEMENT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN COTTON TEXTILES IN 1961, THE LONG-TERM ARRANGEMENT IN 1962 TO THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT, OR FMA, IN 1974, HE SAID.

IT WAS NEVER A WELCOME ARRANGEMENT FOR HONG KONG FROM THE START, AND CERTAINLY NOT ONE WHICH COULD BE REGARDED AS BEING . COMPATIBLE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.

MR CHAN SAID THE URUGUAY ROUND, WITH ITS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF NEGOTIATING THE REMOVAL OR REDUCTION OF EXISTING TRADE BARRIERS, PRESENTED A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR ENDING THE MFA AND FOR INTEGRATING THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR INTO THE GATT.

"INDEED, ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE URUGUAY ROUND, AGREED BY MINISTERS AT PUNTA DEL ESTE FOUR YEARS AGO, IS TO SET DOWN ARRANGEMENTS FOR RETURNING THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR TO GATT RULES AND DISCIPLINES AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE MFA NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.

HE SAID NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA AFTER THE SUMMER BREAK THIS YEAR SAW THE EMERGENCE OF A CONSENSUS TO ADOPT THE EXISTING MFA RESTRICTIONS AS THE STARTING POINT FOR THE INTEGRATION PROCESS AND THE GOAL WAS TO PHASE OUT THESE RESTRICTIONS OVER AN AGREED TIME SPAN.

"THE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE UP TO NOW ARB POINTING TO A POST-MFA ARRANGEMENT BASED ON A TRANSITION PERIOD OF ABOUT 10 YEARS, DIVIDED INTO, SAY, THREE STAGES, WITH EACH STAGE MARKING THE RETURN OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS TO THE GATT," HB SAID.

MR CHAN SAID THAT, AS PARTICIPANTS ENTERED INTO THE MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING IN BRUSSELS EARLY THIS MONTH, A SMALL GROUP OF KEY IMPORTING AND EXPORTING PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING HONG KONG, WAS COMMITTED TO WORKING OUT AN AGREEMENT ALONG THESE LINES.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, SOME PARTICIPANTS WERE LESS WILLING TO REACH AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AHEAD OF A RESOLUTION OF MAJOR DIFFICULTIES IN THE AREA OF AGRICULTURE IN WHICH THEY HAD HIGH STAKES.

/"THE CONTINUED ......

"THE CONTINUED STALEMATE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURE THUS RESULTED IN RATHER SLUGGISH PROGRESS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.

"NEVERTHELESS, THE SMALL GROUP WAS ABLE TO CLEAN UP PARTS OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WHICH HAD EARLIER BEEN DRAWN UP IN GENEVA; AND IT WAS AGREED THAT THE WORK DONE IN BRUSSELS WOULD BE PRESERVED ON AN INFORMAL BASIS FOR FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS," HE SAID.

MR CHAN SAID HE BELIEVED AN AGREEMENT COULD BE REACHED IN THE END, AND THAT A MORE LIBERAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT SHOULD EMERGE FOR THE FUTURE WORLD TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING THROUGH INTEGRATION OF THE MFA INTO THE GATT.

"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL PARTIES TO THE EVENTUAL AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN STRONG POLITICAL COURAGE, TO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO THE FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES AND TO STAND FIRM AGAINST PRESSURES THAT WILL BE BOUND TO ARISE FROM TIME TO TIME TO RELAPSE INTO PROTECTIONIST PRACTICES," HE SAID.

TAKING THE URUGUAY ROUND AS A WHOLE, MR CHAN SAID, THE CONTRACTING PARTIES OF THE GATT STILL HAD A DAUNTING TASK AHEAD OF THEM, AND IT WOULD TAKE A GREAT DEAL OF POLITICAL WILL AND COURAGE TO BREAK THE LOG-JAM.

"RELATIVELY BETTER PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE SPECIFIC AREA OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, BUT WE ARE BY NO MEANS HOME AND DRY.

"I AM HOWEVER ENCOURAGED BY THE COMMITMENT OF ALL PARTICIPANTS TO RETURN THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR TO THE GATT.

"I BELIEVE THAT A SATISFACTORY AGREEMENT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE, AND I HOPE THAT IT WILL BE CONCLUDED SOON," HE SAID.

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

PLANS AFOOT TO DESIGN MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME ♦ * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY BEGIN TO EVALUATE MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEMES IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND DESIGN A SCHEME THAT WILL BEST SUIT HONG KONG’S NEEDS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

"THE WAY TO PROVIDE CHOICE OF HOSPITAL SERVICES TO THE INDIVIDUAL, TO SPREAD COSTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND TO MAKE PRIVATE HOSPITALS MORE AFFORDABLE LIES IN SOME FORM OF MEDICAL INSURANCE," MRS WONG TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHEAST.

SHE NOTED THAT MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES ALREADY FINANCED THEIR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THIS WAY. INTRODUCING SOME SIMILAR SCHEME IN HONG KONG WOULD HAVE MANY ADVANTAGES.

/"WE WILL .......

"WE WILL SEEK TO STRENGTHEN THE ROLE OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AND BRING THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS CLOSER TOGETHER THROUGH SOME INSURANCE SCHEME.

"MARKET FORCES WILL THEN ENCOURAGE COMPETITION TO OFFER A HIGHER QUALITY SERVICE FOR CONSUMERS AND BETTER CHOICE TOO, AT A PRICE THEY CAN AFFORD," SHE SAID.

SHE ADDED THAT IF THE 1970’S WERE A TIME OF INNOVATION AND THE 1980’S OF EXPANSION, THEN THE 1990’S WOULD SEE AN ENHANCEMENT IN QUALITY, RATHER THAN INCREASE IN QUANTITY, OF SERVICES.

THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, LAUNCHED EARLIER THIS MONTH, WOULD BE TAKING OVER THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS SOME TIME NEXT YEAR. GIVEN FINANCIAL AUTONOMY AND GREATER OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY, THE AUTHORITY COULD SET A NEW SCENE FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY AND BETTER PATIENT CARE, SHE SAID.

HOWEVER, SO LONG AS PUBLIC HOSPITALS CONTINUED TO BE FUNDED DIRECTLY BY TAXPAYER, THERE WOULD BE A LIMIT TO THE EXTENT TO WHICH PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES OR HOSPITALS COULD FULLY TAILOR SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.

"THE ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR PATIENTS, THEREFORE, HAS TO BE NOT JUST THE SIZE OF ROOM OR CHOICE OF MENU IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL, BUT THE ALTERNATIVE OF A PRIVATE HOSPITAL BED WITH GREATER PERSONAL COMFORT,” SHE SAID.

PRIVATE HOSPITALS HAD THE POTENTIAL TO PLAY A FAR GREATER ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO OUR COMMUNITY IF ONLY THEY COULD BE MADE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO PATIENTS. AND THE WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS WAS BY SOME FORM OF MEDICAL INSURANCE, SHE SAID.

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

11 APPLICATIONS FOR PREQUALIFICATION TO TENDER FOR BRIDGE PROJECTS

*****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A TOTAL OF 11 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS FOR PREQUALIFICATION TO TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO MAIN BRIDGES OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT.

THE RESPONSE WAS VERY ENCOURAGING AS THERE WERE ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF CONTRACTORS WORLDWIDE WITH THE NECESSARY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE THE CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES OF THIS SIZE, HE SAID.

THE PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE INVOLVED TWO CONTRACTS — THE CONSTRUCTION OF TSING MA BRIDGE, AND THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE INCLUDING THE LINKING VIADUCTS ON MA WAN ISLAND.

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

/4 ........

EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDERS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY

*****

DUE TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 25 AND 26), THE NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 24) FOR ISSUE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 27), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

"TWO ISSUES OF BILLS WILL BE ON OFFER NEXT MONDAY - Q042 AND

H005.

"AS THE ISSUE DAY WILL BE ONE DAY LATER THAN USUAL, THESE BILLS WILL MATURE IN 90 DAYS AND 181 DAYS ON MARCH 27, 1991 AND JUNE 26, 1991 RESPECTIVELY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THE ISSUE SIZES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT HK$400 MILLION FOR 90-DAYS BILLS AND HK$200 MILLION FOR 181-DAY BILLS," HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED RECOGNISED DEALERS AND MARKET MAKERS THAT BIDS FOR THE BILLS SHOULD BE DELIVERED TO THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH IN THE USUAL WAY BEFORE 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 24).

- - 0 - -

< LEGISLATION TO LICENSE HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES

* * *

THE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION BILL 1990, WHICH REQUIRES ALL HOTELS, GUESTHOUSES AND SIMILAR ACCOMMODATIONS TO BE LICENSED ON A YEARLY BASIS, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE BILL HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY TAILORED TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH FIRE AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY AS WELL AS HEALTH AND HYGIENE MATTERS IN THESE ESTABLISHMENTS.

IT WILL ALSO ALLOW THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP A COMPREHENSIVE REGISTER OF ALL SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS, AND TO IMPOSE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR THEIR OPERATION.

ANOTHER INTEGRAL PART OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE IS THE SETTING UP OF A SPECIALISED APPEALS BOARD.

THE BILL IS DUE TO HAVE ITS FIRST READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 9 NEXT YEAR.

THE LICENSING AUTHORITY - HOTEL ACCOMMODATION AUTHORITY - WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS.

PHASE 1 OF THE LICENSING SCHEME WILL COVER GUESTHOUSES PATRONISED BY BUDGET TOURISTS AND SITUATED IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, AND HOTELS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID.

/OTHER TYPES

OTHER TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION WILL BE LICENSED IN SUBSEQUENT PHASES.

HOWEVERj INITIALLY ALL TYPES OF HOTEL ACCOMMODATION ARE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE AUTHORITY WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE DAY THE AUTHORITY COMMENCES OPERATION TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION.

ESTABLISHMENTS THAT ARE UNDER PHASE 1 CONTROL WILL BE GIVEN A DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE WHEN RECEIVING THE CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION.

BOTH THE CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION AND LICENCE HAVE TO BE RENEWED ANNUALLY.

A FEE OF $500 WILL BE PAYABLE ON THE ISSUE/RENEWAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION. THE FEE FOR A LICENCE WILL DEPEND ON THE NUMBER OF ROOMS OF THE PREMISES BUT WILL NOT EXCEED $20,000 PER ANNUM.

A TELEPHONE HOTLINE, 881 7034, HAS BEEN SET UP TO HANDLE ENQUIRIES FROM OPERATORS AND A PAMPHLET WILL SOON BE PUBLISHED.

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

TRADING OF SNAKES AND CORALS BROUGHT UNDER LICENSING CONTROL

*******

THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY TRADERS IN LIVE SNAKES, SNAKE PRODUCTS AND CORALS ARE REMINDED THAT THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF THREE SNAKE SPECIES AND ALL STONY CORALS HAVE NOW COME UNDER STRICT LICENSING CONTROL.

THE NEW IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL MEASURE RESULTS FROM THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE (REPLACEMENT OF SCHEDULES AND EXEMPTION) ORDER 1990, WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND WHICH TAKES IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE CONTROL MEASURE, WHICH IS AIMED AT PREVENTING OVEREXPLOITATION OF THE SNAKE AND CORAL SPECIES, WILL BRING LOCAL LEGISLATION IN LINE WITH REQUIREMENT STIPULATED BY THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES).

THE THREE SPECIES OF SNAKE ARE THE ORIENTAL RAT SNAKE, THE ASIATIC COBRA AND THE KING COBRA. THESE SNAKES ARE CONSUMED AS FOOD IN HONG KONG AND THEIR SKINS USED AS LEATHER.

THE STONY CORALS ARE OFTEN USED IN AQUARIA AND FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES. COMMON EXAMPLES ARE THE STAGHORN CORALS, BLUE CORALS AND BRAIN CORALS.

/APART FROM .......

APART FROM SNAKES AND CORALS, IMPORT AND EXPORT OF OTHER SPECIES, INCLUDING THE CHINESE CROCODILE LIZARD AND THE SLOTH BEAR, HAVE ALSO COME UNDER LICENSING CONTROL BUT THEY ARE NOT WIDELY TRADED IN HONG KONG.

"IT IS NOW AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT OR EXPORT THE SCHEDULED SPECIMENS, SUCH AS SNAKES OR THEIR PARTS AND DERIVATIVES, AND CORALS OR THEIR SKELETONS, EXCEPT UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH A LICENCE ISSUED BY AFD IN ADVANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ JAIL SENTENCE FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE IN ADDITION TO THE MANDATORY FORFEITURE OF THE SPECIMENS."

APPLICATIONS FOR THE IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION AND ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH DOCUMENTARY PROOF THAT THE SPECIMENS TO BE TRADED ARE DERIVED FROM LEGAL AND CITES APPROVED SOURCES.

THE LICENCE FEES FOR IMPORTING SCHEDULED LIVE ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PARTS ARE $300 AND $50 RESPECTIVELY WHILE THE LICENCE FEE FOR EXPORTING SCHEDULED SPECIMENS IS $50.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 733 2144 OR 733 2124.

NEW PERMIT CONDITIONS FOR VILLAGE VEHICLES ******

THE PERMIT CONDITIONS FOR VILLAGE VEHICLES OPERATING IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL BE REVISED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR TO ENSURE BETTER CONTROL AND SAFETY OF BOTH VEHICLE OPERATORS AND PEDESTRIANS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT ALL PERMIT HOLDERS OF VILLAGE VEHICLES SHOULD ADHERE TO THE REVISED PERMIT CONDITIONS UPON THE NEXT RENEWAL OF THEIR PERMITS AFTER JANUARY 1, 1991.

THE REVISED CONDITIONS FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP FORMED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF VILLAGE VEHICLE OPERATION.

AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP IN DECEMBER 1989 TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW ALL RELEVANT MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH VILLAGE VEHICLE OPERATION.

IN ORDER TO CONTROL EXCESSIVE SPEED, ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT HAVE TO BE FITTED UNDER THE REVISED CONDITIONS TO VILLAGE VEHICLES BESIDES THE BRAKING SYSTEM, WARNING INSTRUMENT AND SILENCER.

THESE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE THE FITTING OF ONLY ONE FORWARD AND ONE BACKWARD GEAR AND MUST NOT HAVE ANY SYSTEM FOR VARYING THE TRANSMISSION RATIO TO PROVIDE HIGHER SPEED CAPACITY.

/THE ENGINE .......

THE ENGINE CYLINDER CAPACITY OF A VILLAGE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT EXCEED 300 CC. EXISTING PERMIT HOLDERS WILL BE GIVEN A ONE-YEAR GRACE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR TO CHANGE THEIR ENGINE CAPACITY.

NO OVERHANGING LOAD EXCEEDING ONE METRE TO THE FRONT OR TO THE REAR OF A VILLAGE VEHICLE SHALL BE CARRIED UNLESS WRITTEN APPROVAL IS OBTAINED FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

FOR OVERHANGING LOAD A RED FLAG SHALL BE DISPLAYED AT THE REAR EXTREMITY OF THE LOAD DURING THE DAYTIME. DURING HOURS OF DARKNESS AND IN CONDITIONS OF POOR VISIBILITY, A WHITE LIGHT SHOWING AHEAD SHALL BE AFFIXED TO THE FRONT EXTREMITY OF THE LOAD IN SITUATIONS WHERE SUCH A LOAD OVERHANGS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND A RED LIGHT SHALL SHOW TO THE REAR AT THE REAR EXTREMITY OF THE LOAD.

ALL LOAD SHALL BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VILLAGE VEHICLE TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING AND NO PORTION OF THE LOAD SHALL TOUCH THE ROAD.

EACH VILLAGE VEHICLE OPERATOR IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A FRESH APPLICATION EVERY TIME THE VILLAGE VEHICLE PERMIT IS DUE FOR RENEWAL.

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHALL CHECK AGAINST ANY WARNINGS AND OFFENCES COMMITTED BY THE APPLICANTS BEFORE GRANTING THE PERMIT. THE PERMIT CAN BE RENEWED TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE.

TO FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT BY THE POLICE, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE LOCATION OF PARKING WHEN THE VILLAGE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING USED OR DRIVEN IS ADDED TO THE PERMIT WHICH SHALL BE CARRIED WITH THE VILLAGE VEHICLE.

NO VILLAGE VEHICLE SHALL BE USED TO CONVEY DANGEROUS GOODS IN EXCESS OF THE EXEMPTED QUANTITY AS PRESCRIBED IN THE DANGEROUS GOODS (GENERAL) REGULATION, UNLESS WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IS OBTAINED.

THE EXISTING EXEMPT QUANTITY IS 50 KILOGRAMS AND 20 LITRES OF LPG (LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS) AND KEROSENE RESPECTIVELY.

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

RE-APPOINTMENT OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS *******

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION FOR ANOTHER ONE-YEAR TERM COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 1991.

THEY ARE MRS RITA FAN HSU LAI-TAI, WHO HAS BEEN RE-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN, AND MEMBERS MRS SELINA CHOW LIANG SUK-YEE, MR HO SAI-CHU, MR SZETO WAH, MR DAVID CHEUNG CHI-KONG, DR KATHLEEN ESTHER BARKER, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG WONG WAN-YIU, DR PAUL J.T. MORRIS AND MR TSIM TAK-LUNG.

/OTHER MEMBERS .......

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THEIR EX-OFFICIO CAPACITY.

THEY ARE THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO; CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, MR ANDREW LI KWOK-NANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN; AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI.

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

NEW LAB MEMBERS APPOINTED *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF 12 EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING JANUARY 1, 1991.

A LIST OF NEW LAB MEMBERS WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.

THEY INCLUDE:

EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES TRADE UNIONS ON NOVEMBER 10 THIS YEAR -

» MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI, FELIX

» MS LI FUNG-YING

* MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG

* MR CHU MING

* MR LEUNG FU-WAH

EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS -

* MR A.R. HAMILTON (EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG)

* MR R.A. ZALA (HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

» MR HENRY TANG (FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES)

» DR LUI MING-WAH (CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG)

* MR HO SAI-CHU (CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

APPOINTED MEMBERS:

* MR CHEUNG WOOD-LUN, REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES

* MR CHAN SUI-KAU, REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS

/MR CHEUNG

MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI, MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG, MR CHU MING, MR LEUNG FU-WAH AND MR R.A. ZALA ARE NEWLY APPOINTED TO THE BOARD, WHILE THE OTHERS ARE ALL EXISTING MEMBERS.

THE LAB IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON LABOUR MATTERS INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, WITH THE COMMISSIONER OR HIS DEPUTY AS EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN.

THE NEW BOARD WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY.

- - 0 - -

FURNACES ALTERATIONS REQUIREMENTS REINSTATED

*****

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AMENDMENTS TO THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (FURNACES, OVENS AND CHIMNEYS) (INSTALLATION AND ALTERATION) REGULATIONS TO REINSTATE A REQUIREMENT FOR ALTERATION WORKS TO FURNACES OR BOILERS TO RECEIVE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (FURNACES, OVENS AND CHIMNEYS) (INSTALLATION AND ALTERATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) AND CAME INTO IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN ORDER TO TIE IN WITH THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (FUEL RESTRICTION) REGULATIONS 1990, MINOR CONVERSION WORK ON FURNACES OR BOILERS FOR THE CHANGE TO LOW SULPHUR CONTENT FUEL WAS EXEMPTED FROM THE INSTALLATION AND ALTERATION REGULATIONS.

REGULATION 3(1A) WAS ADDED TO THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (FURNACES, OVENS AND CHIMNEYS) (INSTALLATION AND ALTERATION) REGULATIONS IN JANUARY THIS YEAR TO THIS EFFECT.

"AS THE CHANGE TO LOW SULPHUR CONTENT FUEL HAS NOW BEEN SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED, THERE REMAINS NO FURTHER NEED FOR THIS ESSENTIALLY INTERIM EXEMPTION TO CONTINUE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THEREFORE, REGULATION 3(1A) WAS REPEALED UNDER THE AMENDED REGULATIONS AND PRIOR REQUIREMENT REINSTATED, HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

/10

THREE INSHORE PROJECTS FOR THE NT *****

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PROCEED WITH THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS INVOLVING VARIOUS FORESHORE AND SEABED AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN TUEN MUN, CONSTRUCTION WORK OF A NUMBER OF JETTIES WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 9,450 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF LOK ON PAI WILL START NEXT YEAR.

UPON COMPLETION BY EARLY 1992, THE JETTIES WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BERTHING FACILITIES AT SUFFICIENT WATER DEPTH FOR THE LOADING, UNLOADING AND TRANSPORTATION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT TO AND FROM LANTAU IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.

THE JETTIES WILL BE IN USE UNTIL 1996-97, BEFORE ROAD ACCESS TO LANTAU IS AVAILABLE.

ALSO IN TUEN MUN, WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INVERTED SIPHON WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,750 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED UNDER A NULLAH BETWEEN AREAS 16 AND 18 WILL START IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.

THE SIPHON WILL FORM PART OF THE PROPOSED TRUNK SEWER WHICH WILL SERVE THE FUTURE POPULATION IN THE EASTERN EXTENSION AREA OF THE NEW TOWN.

IN ANOTHER PROJECT, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 19.95 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED SITUATED IN AN AREA NEAR CHOK KO WAN, EAST LANTAU ISLAND.

THE RECLAMATION IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR TEMPORARY STOCKPILING OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL FROM AN ADJACENT BORROW AREA AND FOR MOORING BARGES FOR LOADING AND TRANSPORTATION OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL TO OTHER GOVERNMENT RECLAMATION PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THESE PROJECTS IS DESCRIBED IN SEPARATE NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR BASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKINGS MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.

THE DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION ARE FEBRUARY 20, 1991 FOR THE JETTIES AND THE SIPHON PROJECTS IN TUEN MUN, AND DECEMBER 20, 1991 FOR THE RECLAMATION PROJECT ON LANTAU.

THE THREE NOTICES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER), AND AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES.

/Il .......

ROAD WORKS PROPOSED FOR TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT ♦ *♦♦♦♦

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT NEW ROADS, CARPARKING SPACES, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS, AND TO WIDEN A SECTION OF THE EXISTING LAU FAU SHAN ROAD AS PART OF TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT.

EXISTING ACCESSES WILL BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.

ON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, AN EXISTING ACCESS TO SHA KONG WAI WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE NEW ROADS, AND TWO EXISTING ACCESSES AT THEIR JUNCTIONS WITH LAU FAU SHAN ROAD AND THE NEW ROAD EMBANKMENT RESPECTIVELY WILL BE CLOSED.

A NOTICE CONTAINING DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.

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;

* YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, NINTH TO 11TH FLOORS, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG;

* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

- - 0 - -

OFFICE ASSISTANT AWARDED ISM

*****

AN OFFICE ASSISTANT OF THE GOVERNMENT WHO CHALKED UP MORE THAN 41 YEARS’ SERVICE HAS BEEN AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL (ISM), IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR TAM SO, 60, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS MESSENGER IN SEPTEMBER 1948 IN THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

HIS LAST POSTING BEFORE RETIREMENT IN AUGUST THIS YEAR WAS IN THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH.

/DURING HIS

DURING HIS CAREER WITH THE GOVERNMENT, MR TAM WAS REGARDED AS AN EXCEPTIONALLY DILIGENT AND LOYAL OFFICER AND A PERSON OF INTEGRITY.

COMMENTING ON MR TAM’S AWARD, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID: "WE ARE ALL VERY HAPPY ABOUT MR TAM’S ISM.

"HE LOOKED AFTER US ALL VERY WELL AND WAS A REAL MEMBER OF THE TEAM."

----0----

FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY

*****

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 21 DAYS NEXT MONTH.

THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE:

DATE TIME

—— ——

JANUARY 2 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 3 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 4 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 5 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 7 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 8 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 11 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 14 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 15 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 16 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 17 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 18 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 21 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 22 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 6 PM

JANUARY 23 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 24 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 25 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 28 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 29 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

JANUARY 30 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

JANUARY 31 (THURSDAY) MIDNIGHT - 5 PM

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

/13........

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 JANUARY 18 AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.

THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED AT ORMSBY STREET, TAI HANG, MEASURES ABOUT 160 SQUARE METRES.

IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL, EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL AND SERVICE APARTMENTS, PURPOSES.

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 768 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 17, 1994.

THE SECOND LOT IS A 12,090-SQUARE-METRE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE LOCATED IN AREA 6, MA WO, TAI PO.

THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 23,940 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1995.

THE THIRD LOT IS AT THE JUNCTION OF KWOK SHUI ROAD AND CHEUNG WING ROAD, TSUEN WAN, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 15,030 SQUARE METRES.

IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 29,500 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1995.

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, CENTRAL;

* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AND

* THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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

/14 ........

40 EVENTS FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL *****

A PROGRAMME OF OVER 40 EVENTS HAS BEEN DRAWN UP FOR THE 13TH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL FROM JANUARY 25 TO MARCH 2.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, WHO SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS AN IMPORTANT ANNUAL CULTURAL EVENT WELL SUPPORTED BY THE PUBLIC.

"THE FESTIVAL’S OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE VARIOUS FORMS OF PERFORMING ARTS AND TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT," MR YOUNG SAID.

HE SAID THE ORIENTAL SONG AND DANCE COMPANY FROM CHINA WOULD PERFORM IN THE OPENING SHOW OF THE FESTIVAL.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG CHUNG-YAN, SAID HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WOULD BE PERFORMANCES BY THE CHOR FUNG MING CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE, THE FUJIAN YOUTH ACROBATICS TROUPE AND FOSHAN TRADITIONAL ART TROUPE.

"OTHER EVENTS WILL INCLUDE A DRAMA BY THE HONG KONG MOVIE AND TV THEATRICAL SOCIETY, A HAKKA FOLK SONG CONCERT, MIME PERFORMANCE AND FILM SHOWS," MR CHEUNG SAID.

THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.

THE ESTIMATED COST OF ABOUT $2.5 MILLION WILL BE FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND LOCAL SPONSORSHIP.

PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.

RESIDENTS WISHING TO ATTEND THE SHOWS ARE ADVISED TO BOOK EARLY FOR THEIR TICKETS AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND THE URBTIX OUTLETS.

TELEPHONE RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE ON 734 9009 AND ENQUIRIES ON 414 0144 OR 414 9662.

- - 0 - -

/15

CLOSURE OF LUNG SHING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN KOWLOON CITY

******

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE’S LUNG SHING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE AT 68-74 JUNCTION ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 24).

KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS SEEKING SERVICES MAY APPROACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S MAIN OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON GROUND FLOOR, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN OR ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON GROUND FLOOR, SITE 5, WHAMPOA GARDEN.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE DURING OFFICE HOURS ON 711 3731 OR 363 9449.

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

YAU TSIM CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

*****

A CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, FROM 2 PM TO 9.30 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 23).

THE CARNIVAL IS ALSO ORGANISED AS PART OF THE CURRENT YAU TSIM DISTRICT FESTIVAL.

MORE THAN 14,000 FREE TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AT 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL SET UP 14 GAME STALLS WHILE THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, CONSUMER COUNCIL, HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (COSH) AND INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION WILL MOUNT DISPLAY BOARDS TO INTRODUCE THEIR FACILITIES AND SERVICES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY SHOW COMPRISING CHILDREN’S BALLET, CHINESE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC, ORIENTAL DANCE, POP SONGS, AND TAEKWANDO AND KARATE DEMONSTRATIONS. A CONCERT BY POPULAR SINGERS WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM.

OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PETER FERRY; CHAIRMAN OF TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION, MR LUI CHI-WO; AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF COSH, DR RUDY KHOO.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU TSIM CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 23). IT WILL START AT 2 PM.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

RESULTS OF SURVEY ON NEW TOWN AND RURAL POPULATION RELEASED.................... 1

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1990

RESULTS OF SURVEY ON NEW TOWN AND RURAL POPULATION RELEASED

*******

A SURVEY OF NEW TOWN AND RURAL POPULATION IN PRIVATE HOUSING COMMISSIONED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED WITH MORE THAN 8,000 HOUSEHOLDS INTERVIEWED.

THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY A PRIVATE RESEARCH FIRM FROM MARCH TO JULY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WAS TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING INFORMATION FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PRODUCE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND OTHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC ESTIMATES WHICH WERE REQUIRED FOR VARIOUS GOVERNMENT PLANNING STUDIES.

THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

- PRIVATE PERMANENT HOUSING BLOCKS ARE THE DOMINANT TYPE OF LIVING QUARTERS IN THE PRIVATE HOUSING SECTOR IN NEW TOWNS (82 PER CENT) WHEREAS SIMPLE STONE STRUCTURES (33 PER CENT) AND MODERN VILLAGE HOUSES (24 PER CENT) ARE MOST PREVALENT IN RURAL DISTRICTS.

- NINETY-EIGHT PER CENT OF THE OCCUPIED LIVING QUARTERS ARE OCCUPIED BY SINGLE HOUSEHOLDS AND ONLY TWO PER CENT BY MORE THAN ONE HOUSEHOLD.

- AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE IN NEW TOWNS IS 3.5 AND IN RURAL DISTRICTS IS 3.6.

- SEVENTY-SIX PER CENT OF PRIVATE DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLDS OWN THEIR FLATS, HIGHER IN NEW TOWNS (79 PER CENT) AND SLIGHTLY LOWER IN RURAL DISTRICTS (71 PER CENT).

- FORTY-ONE PER CENT OF THE PRIVATE HOUSING POPULATION HAS RECEIVED SECONDARY EDUCATION AND ANOTHER 11 PER CENT HAS EDUCATION ABOVE SECONDARY LEVEL.

- THERE IS AN UNBALANCED SEX RATIO AMONG THOSE AGED 15 AND OVER AND NOT YET MARRIED: SINGLE MALES TOTAL 119,000 AS AGAINST 88,000 SINGLE FEMALES.

- SIXTY-ONE PER CENT OF MALES OF ALL AGES WORE, COMPARED TO 37 PER CENT FOR FEMALES. THE MEAN AGE IS 37 FOR MALE WORKERS AND 33 FOR FEMALE WORKERS.

- THERE ARE CURRENTLY 201,000 DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE PRIVATE HOUSING POPULATION IN NEW TOWNS AND RURAL DISTRICTS.

ABOUT 41,000 STUDY IN KINDERGARTEN OR BELOW, 83,000 IN PRIMARY SCHOOL AND 66,000 IN SECONDARY SCHOOL.

/THOSE STUDYING .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1990

- 2 -

THOSE STUDYING FOR MATRICULATION OR IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING OR POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNT FOR 12,000. THE ENROLMENT RATIO OF THE AGE GROUP FIVE TO 14 IS ABOUT 100 PER CENT.

MAJORITY OF DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTEND SCHOOL IN THE SAME DISTRICT AS THEIR RESIDENCE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RURAL NORTHWEST AND RURAL NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES.

A HIGH PERCENTAGE LIVING THERE HAS TO TRAVEL TO THE NEAREST NEW TOWN FOR STUDY.

AMONG THE NEW TOWNS, SHA TIN/MA ON SHAN HAS A HIGHER PROPORTION OF STUDENTS TRAVELLING TO KOWLOON FOR STUDY.

EXCEPT TSUEN WAN/KWAI CHUNG/TSING YI AND TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG, LESS THAN HALF OF THE WORKING POPULATION WORK IN THE SAME PLACE AS THEIR RESIDENTIAL TOWN/DISTRICT INDICATING A SUBSTANTIAL DEMAND FOR COMMUTING TRAFFIC.

MIGRANTS (THOSE WHO LIVED IN A DIFFERENT DISTRICT FIVE YEARS AGO) IN NEW TOWNS AND RURAL DISTRICTS HAVE A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION AGED BETWEEN 25 AND 39 AND ARB LIKELY TO BE BETTER EDUCATED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVT STEPS UP ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PUBLICITY ............................. 1

CLEAN AND GREEN PHOTO COMPETITION NOW ON ..................................... 2

40 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER .................................... 3

GOVT LOT FOR SALE BY TENDER .................................................. 3

EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER TO BE HELD TOMORROW................................ 4

SEVERE PUNISHMENTS FOR DRIVING WHILE BEING DISQUALIFIED ...................... 4

PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS TO REMAIN OPEN DURING HOLIDAYS .................... 5

3,499 RAIDS, 1,365 ARRESTS IN NOVEMBER ....................................... 6

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1990

GOVT STEPS UP ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PUBLICITY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS ALL SET TO STEP UP PUBLICITY ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO COMPLEMENT ITS 10-YEAR PLAN TO TACKLE THE POLLUTION PROBLEM, THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION’S (HKGGA) "ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION DAY" AT VICTORIA PARK, MR FUNG SAID A TOTAL OF $400,000 WAS ALLOCATED IN THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR TO DRIVE HOME THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MESSAGE.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY ALSO NOTED THAT TO IMPLEMENT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND NEW MEASURES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTRODUCED A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH, AND THE DRAINAGE SERVICES AND PLANNING DEPARTMENTS.

"TO MORE EFFECTIVELY SOLVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, GOVERNMENT EFFORTS ALONE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT. IT ALSO TAKES THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF RESIDENTS TO DISSEMINATE THE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT MESSAGE,” HE SAID.

MR FUNG WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE HKGGA AND ITS DISTRICT BRANCHES HAD MADE A LOT OF CONTRIBUTIONS IN THIS RESPECT.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT SINCE ITS FORMATION 75 YEARS AGO, THE ASSOCIATION HAD GRADUALLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST UNIFORMED GROUPS WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 30,000.

"THE ASSOCIATION IS WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND HAS ORGANISED NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS FUND RAISING DRIVES FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND SERVICE PROJECTS FOR THE ELDERLY," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS HAD NURTURED YOUNG GIRLS TO BECOME USEFUL CITIZENS IN THE SOCIETY.

DURING THE CEREMONY, THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF THE HKGGA, LADY AKERS-JONES, AND MR FUNG PRESENTED TROPHIES TO WINNERS OF TWO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMPETITIONS.

MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE TURNED OUT IN SUPPORT OF THE "ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION DAY" AND SHARED THE FUN IN STALL GAMES AND A VARIETY SHOW.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1990

- 2 -

CLEAN AND GREEN PHOTO COMPETITION NOW ON *****

COUNTRYSIDE LOVERS AND PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO HELP CONVEY THE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION MESSAGE AND AT THE SAME TIME WIN ATTRACTIVE PRIZES THROUGH THE USE OF THEIR IMAGINATION AND THEIR PHOTOGRAPHIC SKILLS.

THEY CAN TAKE PART IN THE CLEAN AND GREEN ’90 PHOTO COMPETITION, ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES LINED UP FOR THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME '90 ORGANISED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), TO PROMULGATE THE MESSAGE OF THE NEED TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.

THE PHOTO COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH TIMBERLAND, IS SPONSORED BY KODAK (FAR EAST) LTD AND CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LTD. IT IS NOW OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG.

THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION IS "A CLEAN AND GREEN COUNTRY PARK".

ENTRY FORMS WITH RULES FOR THE COMPETITION ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE AFD, KODAK SERVICES CENTRES AND TIMBERLAND SHOPS.

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM AND SUBMIT IT TOGETHER WITH THE ENTRY PLUS ITS NEGATIVE TO THE AFD OR ANY COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 28 NEXT YEAR.

A PARTICIPANT MAY SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES, BUT DUPLICATE OF THE ORIGINAL NEGATIVE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

ENTRIES SHOULD BE IN THE FORMAT OF 5R OR 8R COLOUR PRINTS. MOUNTING IS NOT NECESSARY. HOWEVER, KODAK FILM AND PAPER SHOULD BE USED OR THE ENTRIES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

EACH FORM CAN BE USED FOR ONE ENTRY ONLY. ALL ENTRIES SUBMITTED WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

ADJUDICATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CO-ORGANISERS WHOSE DECISION WILL BE FINAL.

THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 10 PRIZES AND THE FIRST PRIZE WILL BE TWO RETURN AIR TICKETS TO BANGKOK.

OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THIS YEAR’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME INCLUDE LITTER COLLECTION, TREE TENDING WORK IN COUNTRY PARKS, A PAINTING/POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND A "CLEAN AND GREEN" FUN DAY. ALL THESE ACTIVITIES WILL CARRY ON UNTIL THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR.

SO FAR, 596 PEOPLE FROM 17 SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUPS AS WELL AS 1,058 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE TAKEN PART IN THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES SINCE THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED ON DECEMBER 8.

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/3 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1990

40 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER ♦ » * ♦ *

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED A TOTAL OF 40 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN OCTOBER.

OF THESE, 23 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, EIGHT FOR KOWLOON AND NINE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 18 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND NINE FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 53 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 173,966.2 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 181,388.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,848 MILLION. USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 212,139.3 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 67,364.5 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.

ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 43 OCCUPATION PERMITS: 13 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 FOR KOWLOON AND 18 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 32 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 69 BUILDINGS.

THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 742 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,208 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 140 REMOVAL ORDERS.

THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 394 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED FIVE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.

- - 0 - -

GOVT LOT FOR SALE BY TENDER ♦ ♦ » » »

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF A LAND LOT IN SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.

THE 1,200 SQUARE METRE LOT AT AREA 14B, YUEN ON STREET, IS FOR A PETROL STATION EXCLUDING ANY LUBRICATING OR SERVICING FACILITIES, AND SHOULD BE IN OPERATION BY MARCH 31, 1993.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 18 NEXT YEAR.

/FORM OF

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1990

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 KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

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EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER TO BE HELD TOMORROW

*****

THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH REMINDS RECOGNISED DEALERS AND MARKET MAKERS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS THAT DUE TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 25 AND 26), TENDER OF THE BILLS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) FOR ISSUE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 27) .

"TWO ISSUES OF BILLS, QO42 AND H005, WILL BE ON OFFER TOMORROW.

"AS THE ISSUE DAY WILL BE ONE DAY LATER THAN USUAL, THESE BILLS WILL MATURE IN 90 DAYS AND 181 DAYS ON MARCH 27, 1991 AND JUNE 26, 1991 RESPECTIVELY," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

"THE ISSUE SIZES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT HK»400 MILLION FOR 90-DAY BILLS AND HK$200 MILLION FOR 181-DAY BILLS," HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED RECOGNISED DEALERS AND MARKET MAKERS THAT BIDS FOR THE BILLS SHOULD BE DELIVERED TO THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH IN THE USUAL WAY BEFORE 10.30 AM TOMORROW.

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SEVERE PUNISHMENTS FOR DRIVING WHILE BEING DISQUALIFIED *****

POLICE TODAY (SUNDAY) REITERATED THAT MOTORISTS WHO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE WHILST BEING DISQUALIFIED MAY FACE SEVERE PUNISHMENTS, INCLUDING IMPRISONMENT.

QUOTING A RECENT COURT CASE, A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID A 26-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS SENTENCED TO FOUR MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT AFTER HE HAD BEEN CONVICTED OF A CHARGE OF DRIVING WHILST DISQUALIFIED.

/"IN ADDITION .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1990

”IN ADDITION, HE WAS DISQUALIFIED FOR DRIVING FOR THREE YEARS AND WAS SENTENCED TO TWO MONTHS’ CONCURRENT IMPRISONMENT FOR DRIVING WITHOUT THIRD PARTY INSURANCE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE DEFENDENT WAS ARRESTED ON DECEMBER 8 FOR SPEEDING WHILST DRIVING EASTBOUND ALONG LEI YUE MUN ROAD.

HE WAS ALSO FINED $140.

POLICE ENQUIRIES LATER INDICATED THAT HIS DRIVING LICENCE HAD BEEN DISQUALIFIED UNTIL APRIL 1992 FOR PREVIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCES.

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PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS TO REMAIN OPEN DURING HOLIDAYS » ♦ ♦ » »

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS (DECEMBER 25, 26 AND JANUARY 1).

THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS. ADMINISTERED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, CHAI WAN, SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING, TSUEN WAN AND RAMBLER CHANNEL.

IN ADDITION, THE TUEN MUN AND KOWLOON BAY PUBLIC WATERFRONTS WILL ALSO REMAIN OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY DURING THE THREE DAYS.

DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD, THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS DAILY AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL FROM 6 AM TO 10 PM DAILY.

ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 26), THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AND PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE, BOTH LOCATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM TO FACILITATE ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE FOR SHIPS.

THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE WILL ALSO HANDLE APPLICATION FOR PERMITS NORMALLY ISSUED BY THE OFFICE.

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/6.........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1990

- 6 -

3,499 RAIDS, 1,365 ARRESTS IN NOVEMBER ♦ * * » *

POLICE CONTINUED THEIR THREE-PRONGED ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST DRUGS, ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND VICE ACTIVITIES LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER), RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF 1,365 PEOPLE IN 3,499 RAIDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT DURING THE MONTH, 211 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN 420 RAIDS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 805 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN 2,716 RAIDS IN KOWLOON AND 339 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN 341 RAIDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, NARCOTICS BUREAU OFFICERS APPREHENDED 10 PEOPLE IN 22 ANTI-DRUG OPERATIONS.

IN THEIR SUSTAINED EFFORTS AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING LAST MONTH, POLICE ARRESTED 609 PEOPLE IN 730 RAIDS. THE DRUGS SEIZED INCLUDED 7.1 KILOGRAMS OF CANNABIS, 3.5 KILOGRAMS OF HEROIN AND 1.9 KILOGRAMS OF OPIUM.

ON THE ANTI-GAMBLING FRONT, POLICE CONDUCTED 111 RAIDS AND ARRESTED 600 PEOPLE, SEIZING SOME $157,000 IN TABLE MONEY AND BETTING SLIPS WORTH ABOUT $440,000.

POLICE ALSO CARRIED OUT 2,658 RAIDS AND ARRESTED 156 PEOPLE IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST VICE ACTIVITIES. ABOUT 2,200 OBSCENE VIDEO TAPES WERE SEIZED.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS BEING CONSIDERED ............. 1

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR VIETNAMESE CHILDREN .............................. 2

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1990

LEGISLATIVE CONTROL OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS BEING CONSIDERED *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONSIDERING THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING LEGISLATION, ALONG THE LINES OF THAT BEING PROPOSED FOR GUESTHOUSES, TO CONTROL BEDSPACE APARTMENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

TO THIS END, A TERRITORY-WIDE SURVEY OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS AND TENANTS WAS LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH (JANUARY).

"THE AIM OF THE SURVEY IS TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE SOCIAL PROFILE OF THE BEDSPACE TENANTS WITH A VIEW TO FORMULATING MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THIS TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"WHEN WE HAVE ADEQUATE INFORMATION ON THE OPERATION OF SUCH APARTMENTS AND ON THE LODGERS, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO CONSIDER PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM.

"THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL INCLUDE THE OCCUPANT’S AGE, OCCUPATION, PLACE OF WORK, MONTHLY INCOME, MARITAL STATUS, AND THE REASONS FOR RENTING A BEDSPACE," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CARRYING OUT INSPECTIONS OF THE 174 BEDSPACE APARTMENTS KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH FIRE REGULATIONS.

OF THESE, 99 WERE FOUND TO BE NOT POSING FIRE HAZARDS. ACTION IS BEING TAKEN IN RESPECT OF THE REMAINDER.

THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE FOURTH ALARM FIRE YESTERDAY (DECEMBER 23) WERE NOT KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT.

THE CNTA SPOKESMAN REITERATED HIS APPEAL TO ALL BEDSPACE APARTMENT OPERATORS AND TENANTS TO COOPERATE WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF CONDUCTING THE SURVEY.

HE ALSO APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTIFY THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS THAT THEY COME ACROSS.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1990

- 2 -

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR VIETNAMESE CHILDREN

****»»

VIETNAMESE CHILDREN AT THE THREE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRES ON OUTLYING ISLANDS TODAY (MONDAY) HAD A HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE WITH A GROUP OF TELEVISION AND MOVIE ACTRESSES WHO VISITED THEM AND DISTRIBUTED CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES (VIETNAMESE UNIT), MR RAYMOND LAI, THE GROUP -- INCLUDING MS SIAO FONG-FONG, MS NANCY SIT KAR-YIN, MS WONG WAN-SEE AND MS NG YUEN-YEE -- CHATTED AND PLAYED WITH THE CHILDREN AT CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE, HEI LING CHAU DETENTION CENTRE AND NEI KWU DETENTION CENTRE.

ABOUT 1,000 PRESENTS, WHICH HAD BEEN COLLECTED BY THE VISITORS THEMSELVES AND THEIR FRIENDS, WERE DISTRIBUTED TO THE CHILDREN.

EXPRESSING APPRECIATION OF THE GROUP’S VISIT, MR LAI SAID HE WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED WITH THE ENTHUSIASM AND KINDNESS OF THESE LADIES WHO TRAVELLED SUCH A LONG WAY TO THE OUTLYING ISLANDS TO MEET THE CHILDREN.

HE SAID THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DURING CHRISTMAS.

"ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE, THE LARGEST CENTRE IN HONG KONG, ARE BEING ORGANISED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, IN THE MORE REMOTE CENTRES ON OUTLYING ISLANDS, THE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING THE LEAD," HE SAID.

THIS YEAR A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN ARRANGED FOR THESE REMOTE CENTRES, INCLUDING CHRISTMAS PARTIES, VARIETY SHOWS, KARAOKE CONCERT, OUTINGS FOR CHILDREN, AND VOLLEYBALL AND FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS, HE ADDED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1990

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER PUBLISHED ....... NEW QEH LIBRARY PROVIDES BETTER READING ENVIRONMENT .. SEAWALL AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SHA TIN ............... FIGHT CRIME SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION IN SHAM SHUI PO

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1990

- 1 -CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER PUBLISHED

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1990.

THE CPI(A) (OCT. 84 - SEP. 85 = 100) FOR NOVEMBER 1990, AT 147.2 WAS 10.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1989 WHILE THE CPI(B), AT 146.9, WAS 10.8 PER CENT HIGHER.

THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER WERE 9.7 PER CENT AND 10.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR CPI(A) AND 9.9 PER CENT AND 10.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR CPI(B).

THE FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN BOTH INDEXES IN NOVEMBER WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, AS WELL AS HIGHER RENTALS OF PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS.

FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1990, THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED BY 9.6 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1989.

ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN CPI(A) IN NOVEMBER 1990 WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR FUEL AND LIGHT, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION), TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES, AND SERVICES AT 19.8 PER CENT, 18.9 PER CENT, 14.3 PER CENT AND 13.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE FOR THE SAME COMPONENTS IN THE CPI(B) WERE 18.4 PER CENT, 18.8 PER CENT, 14.9 PER CENT AND 12.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS, WHICH HAS THE LARGEST WEIGHTING IN THE INDEX, INCREASED BY 10.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 10.8 PER CENT IN CPI(B).

THESE FIVE COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 75 PER CENT OF THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND 70 PER CENT OF THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(B).

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1990 WITH OCTOBER 1990, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY 0.8 PER CENT, LARGELY BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS AND HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.

THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1990, AT 140.7 AND 140.3 RESPECTIVELY, WERE BOTH 9.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1989.

DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 1990, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 1.1 PER CENT PER MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(B), AT 1.0 PER CENT PER MONTH.

/THE CPI(A) .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1990

- 2 -

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 NOVEMBER 1990 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1990 AND NOVEMBER 1989, ARE GIVEN BELOW.

(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100) CPI(A) CPI(B)

INDEX FOR % CHANGE OVER % CHANGE OVER INDEX FOR % CHANGE OVER % CHANGE OVER

SECTION NOV. 90 OCT. 90 NOV. 89 NOV. 90 OCT. 90 NOV. 89

— —_ ——————— — ————————

FOODSTUFFS 147.4 +0.1 + 10.6 149.6 +0.2 + 10.8

HOUSING 138.3 + 0.7 + 10.8 132.6 + 1.0 + 10.8

FUEL AND LIGHT 115.7 + 2.6 + 19.8 114.4 +2.5 + 18.4

ALCOHOLIC 159.1 + 0.6 + 18.9 160.5 + 0.6 + 18.8

DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) CLOTHING AND 150.9 + 3.5 + 7.6 154.3 + 3.4 + 7.7

FOOTWEAR DURABLE GOODS 127.9 + 0.8 + 4.1 126.8 +0.7 + 4.0

MISCELLANEOUS 145.5 + 0.3 + 8.0 144.8 + 0.3 + 7.6

GOODS TRANSPORT AND 159.5 + 0.6 + 14.3 159.4 +0.5 + 14.9

VEHICLES SERVICES 170.3 + 0.6 + 13.4 168.7 +0.7 + 12.8

ALL ITEMS 147.2 + 0.6 + 10.9 146.9 +0.8 + 10.8

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1990 WITH OCTOBER 1990, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 0.1 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.2 PER CENT IN CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASES IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, FRESH FRUIT AND LIVE POULTRY.

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.0 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS.

THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 2.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 2.5 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND KEROSENE AS WELL AS THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS.

/THE INDEX ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1990

- 3 -

THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 3.5 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 3.4 PER CENT IN CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.

THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS INCREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.7 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, VIDEO AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.

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 NOVEMBER 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.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6403.

THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 158.0 IN NOVEMBER 1990, UP BY 1.0 PER CENT OVER OCTOBER 1990 AND BY 12.0 PER CENT OVER NOVEMBER 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-----

NEW QEH LIBRARY PROVIDES BETTER READING ENVIRONMENT

******

STAFF OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL ARE NOW PROVIDED WITH A MORE SPACIOUS AND COMFORTABLE READING ENVIRONMENT AFTER THEIR MEDICAL LIBRARY MOVED TO A NEW EXTENSION BLOCK IN THE HOSPITAL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE NEW MEDICAL LIBRARY HAS AN AREA OF 788 SQUARE METRES, AND IS AT PRESENT THE LARGEST MEDICAL LIBRARY UNDER THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN TERMS OF SPACE AND MATERIALS.

"THE LIBRARY INITIALLY CONTAINS SOME 2,400 VOLUMES OF BOOKS, 2,100 VOLUMES OF BOUND JOURNALS AND 130 ITEMS OF AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS, INCLUDING VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES, AUDIO CASSETTE TAPES, SOUND SLIDE PROGRAMMES, MICROFILMS AND MICROFICHE."

/"IT PROVIDES .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1990

- 4

"IT PROVIDES A TOTAL OF 96 SEATS, INCLUDING 28 STUDY CARRELS IN WHICH LIBRARY USERS CAN ENJOY READING QUIETLY," HE SAID.

"LIBRARY USERS CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF THE TWO DISCUSSION ROOMS IN THE LIBRARY IF ADVANCED BOOKING IS MADE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE MEDICAL LIBRARY AT QEH MAINLY SERVES THE STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL BUT THE MATERIALS AND INFORMATION ARE ALSO ACCESSIBLE TO OTHER STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT NOW MANAGES 15 MEDICAL LIBRARIES WHICH ARE LOCATED AT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.

------------------0------- SEAWALL AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SHA TIN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN CERTAIN AREAS IN MA ON SHAN AS PART OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

THE PROJECT WILL COMPRISE AN 11-KILOMETRE SEAWALL, RECLAMATION AND ASSOCIATED STORMWATER DRAINAGE IN AREA 77, AND SITE FORMATION IN AREA 108.

THE WORK IS TO PROVIDE ABOUT 23 HECTARES OF LAND IN AREA 77 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME/PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS. IT IS ALSO FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USE AND OPEN SPACES.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 11 NEXT YEAR.

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

FIGHT CRIME SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION IN SHAM SHUI PO

*****

A CHINESE ANTI-CRIME SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION IS BEING ORGANISED FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT.

ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THE JUNIOR SECTION FOR FORMS 1 TO 3 STUDENTS AND THE SENIOR SECTION FOR FORMS 4 TO 7 STUDENTS.

/EACH SLOGAN .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1990

- 5 -

EACH SLOGAN SHOULD NOT EXCEED 14 CHARACTERS, BUT CAN CONTAIN ONE OR MORE PHRASES. IT SHOULD AIM AT ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC PREVENT AND REPORT CRIME DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD AS WELL AS TO COME FORWARD AS WITNESS WHEN REQUIRED.

ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET AND LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS. ENTRIES WITH COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY NOON ON JANUARY 12.

THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS OF $500, $300 AND $200 RESPECTIVELY. ANOTHER FOUR OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED FROM EACH SECTION AND THE WRITERS WILL BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS OF $100 EACH.

THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE USED FOR PUBLICITY PURPOSES.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTED ............. 1

OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ON MOVE ............. 2

TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWERAGE WORKS ....................................... 2

MANAGEMENT COURSES FOR HEADS OF SCHOOLS, SENIOR TEACHERS ................. 3

CAREERS QUIZ POPULAR WITH STUDENTS ....................................... 3

FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN VICTORIA PARK .................................... 4

FRESH WATER CUT IN KOWLOON .............................................. 4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1990

- 1 -

DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTED

*»*»»**

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE DECEMBER 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 FOURTH 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 40,000 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 DECEMBER 31, 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 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 1990.

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 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 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 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------------

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1990

- 2 -

OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ON MOVE

*******

THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 28).

THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED AT SIXTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, EAST TOWER, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER 805 7569.

■ THE OFFICE’S CURRENT ADDRESS IS NINTH FLOOR, BOND CENTRE, WEST TOWER, 89 QUEENSWAY.

- - 0 - -

TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWERAGE WORKS *****

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FOUL SEWERAGE IN THE STANLEY, TAI TAM AND RED HILL AREAS.

THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIX KILOMETRES OF SEWERS AND ASSOCIATED MANHOLES, ONE KILOMETRE OF PUMPING MAINS AND FIVE SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 33 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE CONTRACTOR WILL BE PREVENTED FROM WORKING ON THE PRINCIPAL ROAD WITHIN STANLEY AND ALONG TAI TAM ROAD DURING THE BATHING SEASONS TO MINIMISE TRAFFIC DISRUPTION.

THE EXISTING SEWERAGE SYSTEMS WITHIN STANLEY IS BEING EXTENDED TO SERVE THE WHOLE OF THE STANLEY AREA, TOGETHER WITH DEVELOPMENTS ALONG TAI TAM ROAD AND THE RED HILL AREA, SO THAT SEWAGE FLOWS CAN BE GIVEN FULL TREATMENT AT THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT TO BE CONSTRUCTED ADJACENT TO TWEED BAY.

THE WORKS FORM PART OF THE STANLEY AREA SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME WHICH WILL PROVIDE SEWERAGE FOR THE TAI TAM, RED HILL AND STANLEY AREAS BY 1993 TOGETHER WITH A PLANT TO TREAT AND DISPOSE OF THE SEWAGE COLLECTED.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 25, 1991.

_ _ 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 19W0

MANAGEMENT COURSES FOR HEADS OF SCHOOLS, SENIOR TEACHERS

*****

MORE THAN 60 PRINCIPALS OF GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS RECENTLY ATTENDED TWO WORKSHOPS ORGANISED BY THE TRAINING UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON MANAGING CHANCE AND ASSESSING DEVELOPMENT NEEDS IN SCHOOLS.

THE WORKSHOPS WERE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES COURSES ORGANISED BY THE UNIT FOR SCHOOL HEADS, SENIOR TEACHERS AND DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS.

FROM APRIL TO THIS MONTH, THE UNIT RAN THREE PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION COURSES, SIX SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION COURSES FOR SENIOR TEACHERS AND 12 DEPARTMENTAL SEMINARS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

’’THE OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS NECESSARY FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOL OR OFFICE MANAGEMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

CAREERS QUIZ POPULAR WITH STUDENTS

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL CAREERS QUIZ HAS SET YET ANOTHER RECORD THIS YEAR WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF 126,000 SECONDARY STUDENTS.

THEY WERE FORMS 3 TO 5 STUDENTS FROM 265 SCHOOLS WHICH TOOK PART IN THE NINTH CAREERS QUIZ ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE IN OCTOBER.

THIS MAJOR ANNUAL CAREERS EDUCATION ACTIVITY HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AMONG STUDENTS SINCE IT WAS FIRST HELD IN 1982. IT ATTRACTED SOME 124,500 STUDENTS FROM 252 SCHOOLS LAST YEAR.

THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE QUIZ, STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAN CAREFULLY FOR THEIR FUTURE BY FINDING OUT MORE INFORMATION ON CAREERS AND FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES.

TO MARK ITS SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION, A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 28) FOR THE WINNING SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, AND THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF PHILIPS CHINA HONG KONG GROUP WHICH SPONSORED THE QUIZ, DR M. BASSU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 28) AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE, 16TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.

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

/4 .....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1990

FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN VICTORIA PARK *****

RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO GET SOME TIPS ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST CAR THEFTS AND COMMON CRIMES DURING THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 30).

APART FROM AN EXHIBITION ON CRIME PREVENTION, THERE WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION ON CRIME-FIGHTING SKILLS BY POLICE DOGS. MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S JUNIOR POLICE CALL ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO STAGE AN ANTI-TRIAD DRAMA.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A PERFOMANCE BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES BICYCLE TEAM, A DISPLAY OF POLICE VEHICLES AND A VARIETY SHOW.

A GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TO HONOUR RESIDENTS FOR THEIR ALERTNESS AND BRAVERY IN HELPING THE POLICE TO FIGHT CRIME.

THE CARNIVAL IS AN ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE THREE-HOUR CARNIVAL WILL START AT 2.30 PM.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE ASSISTANT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LINDA SO; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MRS WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHAN BING-WOON.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 30) AT THE VICTORIA PARK FOOTBALL PITCHES NOS. 1 TO 3. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

- - 0 - -

FRESH WATER CUT IN KOWLOON * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG AND KOWLOON CITY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 28) TO FACILITATE MAINS CONNECTION WORKS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY PILGRIMS WAY, EDE ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, KAM SHING ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET AND THE RAILWAY LINE.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW MEASURES TO COMBAT SMUGGLING .......................................... 1

LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 TO BE INTRODUCED ..................... 3

DEPUTY DIRECTOR VISITS INJURED FIREMEN .................................... 3

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMPETITION ................... 4

CENSUS EXHIBITION IN KWUN TONG............................................. 5

LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE ON MOVE ........................................... 5

CUSTOMS' KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE ON MOVE ................................ 6

REPROVISIONING OF EASTERN MARRIAGE REGISTRY ............................... 6

NGAU TAU KOK MATERNITY HOME CLOSES ........................................ 7

ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT RECRUITS JUNIOR LEADERS .......................... 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1990

- 1 -

NEW MEASURES TO COMBAT SMUGGLING * * * *

A NUMBER OF LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE NEW YEAR TO COMBAT THE SMUGGLING OF GOODS INTO CHINA.

ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID ACTION WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OPERATIONS AGAINST SMUGGLING.

’’SMUGGLING WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM DURING 1990. LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG BECAME A MAJOR ISSUE. WE INTRODUCED A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT, EFFECTIVE MEASURES. WE NOW NEED TO TIGHTEN THE NET ON THE SMUGGLERS FURTHER," HE SAID.

THE FIRST OF THE NEW MEASURES WILL BE AIMED AT PREVENTING THE USE OF SPEEDBOATS FOR SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES.

IN JUNE, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BANNED THE USE OF MULTIPLE HIGH POWERED OUTBOARD ENGINES EXCEEDING 600 HORSEPOWER ON PLEASURE VESSELS AND REQUIRED ALL LICENCE APPLICATIONS FOR SPEEDBOATS FITTED WITH OUTBOARD ENGINES OF ANY POWER TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BOAT.

"HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THAT SOME APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE USING FALSE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS AND WE BELIEVE THAT THE VESSELS IN QUESTION ARE BEING USED FOR SMUGGLING," THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, SAID.

"WE INTEND TO PUT A STOP TO THIS AND WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 28, ALL NEW SPEEDBOATS FITTED OR DESIGNED TO BE FITTED WITH OUTBOARD ENGINES WILL BE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION PRIOR TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF A LICENCE.

"UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PLEASURE VESSELS) REGULATIONS, SPEEDBOATS WHICH ARE ALREADY LICENSED MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION IF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY."

MR SZE SAID WHILE THIS WOULD INEVITABLY LENGTHEN THE TIME TAKEN FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS, WHICH WAS REGRETTABLE, THE ARRANGEMENTS WERE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ONLY GENUINE PLEASURE BOATS WERE LICENSED.

"AT THE OPERATIONAL LEVEL, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND MARINE POLICE WILL WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT THIS REMAINS THE CASE,” HE ADDED.

THE AUTHORITIES WILL SUSPEND TEMPORARILY THE LICENCE OF ANY SPEEDBOAT SUSPECTED TO BE INVOLVED IN SMUGGLING UNTIL IT IS INSPECTED.

IN ADDITION, MARINE DEPARTMENT STAFF ON PATROL DUTIES HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO WATCH OUT FOR SPEEDBOATS WITH UNUSUAL FEATURES NOT NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH PLEASURE CRAFT.

/IF IT ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27,. 1990

IF IT IS FOUND THAT THE FEATURES DO NOT MATCH THOSE GIVEN IN THE APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE, ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST THE OWNER AND THE LICENCE WILL BE CANCELLED.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO KEEP A ’’BLACKLIST” OF BOATS WHOSE STATUS AS PLEASURE CRAFT IS SUSPECT. THE APPLICATIONS FOR ANNUAL RENEWAL OF LICENCE FOR THESE CRAFT WILL BE THOROUGHLY EXAMINED AND A NEW LICENCE WILL NOT BE ISSUED IF A SPEEDBOAT DOES NOT MEET THE USUAL DESCRIPTION OF A PLEASURE CRAFT.

THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR K.S. TONG, SAID MEASURES TAKEN RECENTLY TO CONTROL THE EXPORT OF GOODS FROM HONG KONG WOULD BE TIGHTENED FURTHER.

ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES AND NEW LEGISLATION WERE INTRODUCED IN JUNE TO CONTROL THE EXPORT OF CIGARETTES AND THE CARRIAGE OF TELEVISION SETS AND VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERS BY VESSELS UNDER 250 TONS.

"WHILE THE SMUGGLING OF CIGARETTES BY SMALL VESSELS HAS VIRTUALLY CEASED, THE SMUGGLING OF ELECTRICAL GOODS AND VEHICLES REMAINS RAMPANT," MR TONG SAID.

"TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM, NEW REGULATIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED SOON TO CONTROL THE CARRIAGE OF PRESCRIBED ARTICLES BY CERTAIN TYPES OF VESSELS," HE ADDED.

THE PRESCRIBED ARTICLES ARE TELEVISION SETS, VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERS, VIDEO CASSETTE PLAYERS, AIR-CONDITIONERS, REFRIGERATORS, VEHICLES AND VEHICLE PARTS.

UNDER THE REGULATIONS, A LICENCE WILL BE REQUIRED FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE FOR THE SPECIFIED ARTICLES TO BE CARRIED BY VESSELS UNDER 250 TONS ANYWHERE IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG OR BY FERRIES TO OUTLYING ISLANDS.

IN ORDER NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATIONS OF LEGITIMATE LOCAL TRADERS, EXEMPTIONS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE CASES OF GOODS COVERED BY EXPORT LICENCES OR BONA FIDE SHIPPING DOCUMENTS.

EXEMPTIONS WILL ALSO APPLY TO GOODS ON BOARD VESSELS WHICH ARE FOR THE PERSONAL USE OF THE CREW MEMBERS AND PASSENGERS AND GOODS CARRIED BY PASSENGERS FOR THEIR OWN USE ON FERRIES TO CHINA OR MACAU, FERRIES TO OUTLYING ISLANDS AND ON LAUNCHES AND KAITO.

ANYONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOADING, CARRIAGE, UNLOADING OR STORING OF THESE ARTICLES WITHOUT A LICENCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION.

SUMMING UP, MR TONG SAID THE AUTHORITIES WERE BUILDING UP INTELLIGENCE ON THE ACTIVITIES OF SMUGGLERS.

"THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO MAKE SMUGGLING AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO ENGAGE IN THIS ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS ACTIVITY.

"THIS NEW PACKAGE OF MEASURES WILL GO A LONG WAV TOWARDS DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM. FURTHER MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED SHOULD THESE PROVE NECESSARY," HE SAID.

------0------- /3 ..............

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1990

LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 TO BE INTRODUCED * » » » ♦

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE OBJECT OF THE BILL IS TO AMEND THE LANDS TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE SO AS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES MAY SIT AS PRESIDING OFFICERS IN THE LANDS TRIBUNAL.

THE AMENDMENTS MADE BY THE BILL ARE DEEMED TO HAVE COME INTO OPERATION ON JULY 30, 1982 SO AS TO PUT BEYOND ANY DOUBT THE VALIDITY OF JUDGEMENTS OF DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES WHO HAVE SAT AS PRESIDING OFFICERS SINCE THAT TIME.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IN 1982 THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED ALL DISTRICT JUDGES TO BE PRESIDING OFFICERS. DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES HAVE ALSO SAT AS PRESIDING OFFICERS IN THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FROM TIME TO TIME.

BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 8 (1) OF THE DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE, A DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGE SHALL "DURING THE PERIOD FOR WHICH HE IS APPOINTED, HAVE ALL THE JURISDICTION, POWERS AND PRIVILEGES, AND PERFORM ALL THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT JUDGE".

IT HAS BEEN ASSUMED THAT THIS PROVISION TOGETHER WITH THE GOVERNOR’S APPOINTMENT OF "ALL DISTRICT JUDGES" TO BE PRESIDING OFFICERS ENABLED DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES TO SIT AS PRESIDING OFFICERS ON THE LANDS TRIBUNAL.

THE AMENDMENT LEGISLATION IS BEING INTRODUCED IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST BY THE JUDICIARY THAT THE LAW BE MADE CLEAR ON THIS POINT.

- - 0 - -

DEPUTY DIRECTOR VISITS INJURED FIREMEN * * * * *

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) PAID A THIRD VISIT TO THE FOUR FIREMEN WHO ARE STILL IN HOSPITAL AFTER BEING INJURED IN THE NO. 4 ALARM FIRE IN SHAM SHUI PO ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 23).

THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, HAD ALSO TWICE VISITED THE INJURED FIREMEN AND YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THEM THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD ASKED HIM TO EXTEND HIS CONCERN AND TO WISH THEM A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

TWO OF THE FOUR OFFICERS, SENIOR FIREMAN HO HON-KEUNG AND FIREMAN IP YIN-KING, WERE ADMITTED IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL IN "FAIR" CONDITION. THE OTHER TWO, SENIOR FIREMAN MAK KWOK-LEUNG AND FIREMAN TAI KEI-CHEONG, WERE ADMITTED IN KWONG WAH HOSPITAL JN "SATISFACTORY" CONDITION.

/MR LAM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1990

MR LAM TOLD THE FOUR THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CONDITION AND HOPED THEY WOULD RECOVER VERY SOON.

HAVE BEEN GIVEN $10,000 EACH FROM THE FIRE SERVICES’ WELFARE FUND TO ASSIST THEM TO MEET ADDITIONAL EXPENSES DURING THE RECOVERY PERIOD.

THE NO. 4 ALARM FIRE OCCURRED ON SUNDAY MORNING IN A NINE-STOREY BUILDING AT 67-69 NAM CHEONG STREET.

A TOTAL OF SIX PEOPLE DIED AND 50 OTHERS WERE INJURED IN THE FIRE. THE INJURED INCLUDED 13 FIREMEN AND AN AMBULANCEMAN.

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP TWO SPECIAL TEAMS TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE AND THE COLLAPSE OF A HYDRAULIC PLATFORM.

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

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMPETITION

*******

RESPONSE FROM SCHOOLS TO THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM PROJECT COMPETITION WAS OVERWHELMING, WITH MORE THAN 1,000 STUDENTS TAKING PART, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR JOHN WINFIELD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE COMPETITION, MR WINFIELD ATTRIBUTED THE GOOD RESPONSE TO THE THEME WHICH WAS RELEVANT TO THE STUDY OF ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, GEOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL STUDIES.

"MANY STUDENTS WERE ENCOURAGED BY THEIR TEACHERS TO JOIN THE COMPETITION AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE THEY HAD GAINED IN THE SUBJECTS IN AN INTERESTING AND PRACTICAL FORM," HE SAID.

MR WINFIELD SAID THE THEME ALSO WAS OF INTEREST TO STUDENTS WHO, THOUGH FAMILIAR WITH THE MANY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN HONG KONG, MIGHT NOT PREVIOUSLY HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THEM ALL.

BY TAKING PART IN THE COMPETITION, "THEY HAD GREAT FUN GOING TO PLACES OF INTEREST TO DO RESEARCH FOR THE PROJECT AND IN DOING SO MANY CAME UP WITH NEW IDEAS TO ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS TO HONG KONG," HE SAID.

THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM PROJECT COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND AMERICAN EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL CORP.

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/5 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1990

- 5 -

CENSUS EXHIBITION IN KWUN TONG *****

A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE KWUN TONG MTR STATION FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS AND TO CALL FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION.

THIS WILL BE THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF 11 MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND DESIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.

APART FROM SETTING OUT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT, THE EXHIBITION ELUCIDATES THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS AND GRAPHICS THE ENUMERATION METHODS TO BE USED IN ‘THE CENSUS AND HOW THE DATA COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

"THE SELF-ENUMERATION METHOD, IN PARTICULAR, IS THE FIRST TIME TO BE USED IN HONG KONG," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE SAID SIX OUT OF SEVEN HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ENUMERATED THIS WAY WHILE THE OTHER ONE-SEVENTH HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ENUMERATED BY THE TRADITIONAL INTERVIEWING METHOD.

"WE THEREFORE HOPE THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC WOULD GAIN A FAIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE METHODS THROUGH VISITING THE EXHIBITIONS," HE ADDED.

THE EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD IN PROMINENT LOCATIONS SUCH AS SHOPPING ARCADES OF POPULATED TOWN AREAS AND MTR STATIONS SO THAT THE MESSAGE CAN BE EFFECTIVELY CONVEYED TO THE LARGEST POSSIBLE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

THE EXHIBITION AT KWUN TONG MTR STATION WILL BE OPEN TO THB PUBLIC FROM 11.30 AM TO 7.30 PM DAILY EXCEPT ON DECEMBER 30 WHEN IT WILL CLOSE AT 4 PM.

THE NEXT EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION STARTING JANUARY 4.

THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN MARCH 15 AND 24.

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

LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE ON MOVE *****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES IN SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 29).

THE NEW LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (HONG KONG EAST) OFFICE LOCATED AT THE EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 12TH FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, WILL START OPERATING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 31).

/ENQUIRIES CAN .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1990

- 6 -

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 886 6609 OR 886 6613.

THE OFFICE WILL PROVIDE GENERAL LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICES TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IN WAN CHAI AND EASTERN DISTRICTS AND PART OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT.

SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE CONCILIATION IN LABOUR DISPUTES, CONSULTATION ON LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS AND SUGGESTIONS TO THE DRAFTING AND REVISION OF CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT AND RELATED PERSONNEL MATTERS.

IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE WILL ORGANISE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SEMINARS AND TRAINING COURSES FOR BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

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

CUSTOMS’ KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE ON MOVE

******

THE KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE FROM SECOND FLOOR, STAR HOUSE, 3 SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, TO GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, TSIM SHA TSUI, ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 31).

THE NEW OFFICE WILL PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES WITH MORE COLLECTION COUNTERS AND A LARGER BANKING HALL.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 311 4027.

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

REPROVISIONING OF EASTERN MARRIAGE REGISTRY

*****

THE EASTERN MARRIAGE REGISTRY CURRENTLY SITUATED AT SHOPS B51-B52, BASEMENT, PROVIDENT CENTRE, 21-53 WHARF ROAD WILL BE REPROVISIONED TO 11TH FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO FROM JANUARY 7, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE REGISTRY WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AS FOLLOWS:

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8.45 AM TO 12.45 PM

2 PM TO 4.45 PM

SATURDAY 9 AM TO 11.30 AM

SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS CLOSED

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111 FOR ENQUIRIES.

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

/7........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1990

NGAU TAU KOK MATERNITY HOME CLOSES *****

THE NGAU TAU KOK MATERNITY HOME WILL BE CLOSED FROM TUESDAY (JANUARY 1), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

ALL PRESENT ANTENATAL CLIENTS WILL FROM THAT DATE BE REFERRED TO THE KWUN TONG MATERNITY HOME AT 457 KWUN TONG ROAD, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CLOSURE WILL NOT AFFECT THE NORMAL OPERATION OF THE NGAU TAU KOK MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE AND GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE VARIOUS MEDICAL, METERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.

- - 0 - -

ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT RECRUITS JUNIOR LEADERS

******

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS TO ITS JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS. THE RECRUITMENT TARGET THIS YEAR IS 140.

APPLICANTS MUST BE MALE, AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 16, PHYSICALLY FIT AND OF GOOD CONDUCT.

THEY MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK AND WRITE CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILLING TO OBEY DISCIPLINE AND UNDERGO TRAINING, AND HAVE THEIR PARENTS’ OR GUARDIANS’ WRITTEN CONSENT TO JOIN THE JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS.

A FOUR-YEAR PROGRESSIVE TRAINING COURSE TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND SELF RELIANCE AND PROMOTE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE RECRUITS.

THE TRAINING WILL INCLUDE FOOT DRILLS, CAMPCRAFT, MAP READING, EXPEDITION, ORIENTEERING, FIRST AID, RADIO COMMUNICATION, SHOOTING, SWIMMING, FENCING, BAND, CANOEING AND LIFE SAVING.

SOME OF THE CORPS’ TRAINING WILL BE LINKED WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME.

MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS ARE PROVIDED WITH UNIFORM AND RATIONS.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, 1 SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 576 1371. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JANUARY 31.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1990 RELEASED ...................... 1

FOREIGN JUDGEMENTS (RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1990 GAZETTED .................................................................. 3

CHANGES TO IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS GAZETTED ............... 4

AMENDMENTS TO HK IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST GAZETTED ......... 5

TRAVEL AGENT'S LICENCE FEES TO BE REVISED ................................. 6

NEW ORIGIN AND ORIGIN MARKING RULES FOR WATCHES ........................... 6

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS 1990 GAZETTED ......................... 7

SWAC MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCED ................................................. 8

RECLAMATION FOR LANDFILL AT TSEUNG KWAN O.................................. 9

PROPOSED ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN KWAI TSING ............................. 9

THREE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED....................................... 10

1991 SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED .............................. 11

NEED FOR EARLY CAREERS PLANNING STRESSED .................................. 12

LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION OFFICE ON MOVE ................................. 13

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON MOVE............................................ 13

MEI FOO PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE TO CLOSE ............................ 14

SAI KUNG FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY ................................... 14

ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL FOR YAU TSIM RESIDENTS ............................... 15

NEW YEAR CLINIC SERVICES .................................................. 16

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1990 RELEASED

******

DOMESTIC EXPORTS PICKED UP MARKEDLY IN NOVEMBER, WHILE REEXPORTS SHOWED A FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE. IMPORTS AND RETAINED IMPORTS ALSO ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN NOVEMBER.

THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER 1990, AT $21,878 MILLION, WAS $2,466 MILLION OR 12.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1989. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $12,659 MILLION OR 42.1 PER CENT TO $42,705 MILLION.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY $15,125 MILLION OR 30.6 PER CENT OVER A ' YEAR EARLIER, TO $64,583 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1990. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $17,748 MILLION OR 38.3 PER CENT OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $64,092 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1990.

AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $491 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.8 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1990.

THIS COMPARES WITH A SURPLUS OF $3,114 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.7 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1989.

PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1990 WAS $582,901 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $205,663 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $377,238-MILLION.

COMPARED WITH THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1989, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $61,893 MILLION OR 11.9 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS RISING BY $1,474 MILLION OR 0.7 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY $60,419 MILLION OR 19.1 PER CENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY $67,832 MILLION OR 13.2 PER CENT, TO $583,169 MILLION.

WITH A DEFICIT OF ONLY $268 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT WAS VIRTUALLY IN BALANCE IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1990. THIS COMPARES WITH A SURPLUS OF $5,671 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.1 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.

COMMENTING ON THE NOVEMBER FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AFTER RECOVERING TO POSITIVE GROWTH IN OCTOBER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS PICKED UP FURTHER IN NOVEMBER, WITH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE IN THAT MONTH BEING THE HIGHEST SINCE MARCH 1989.

THE REVIVAL IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER WAS PRECEDED BY SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES SINCE JULY THIS YEAR.

/ON RE-EXPORTS .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 2 -

ON RE-EXPORTS, THE FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN NOVEMBER WAS SUPPORTED BY RAPID INCREASES IN BOTH RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.

AS REGARDS RETAINED IMPORTS, THE GROWTH RATE IN VALUE TERMS (AFTER ADJUSTING FOR THE RE-EXPORT MARGIN) WAS AROUND 33 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER.

THUS THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS HAD BEEN ACCELERATING FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS. THIS SHOULD HAVE FAVOURABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR BOTH LOCAL DEMAND AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE COMING MONTHS.

THE SPOKESMAN, HOWEVER, POINTED OUT THAT THE VARIOUS GROWTH RATES RECORDED FOR NOVEMBER WERE AFFECTED BY A RELATIVELY LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1990.

MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $21,878 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS : $42,705 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS : $64,583 MILLION

IMPORTS : $64,092 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE : $491 MILLION

[IN SURPLUS]

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

LATEST THREE MONTHS SEP 90 TO NOV 90 HK$ MN. SEP 89 TO NOV 89 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 63,588 59,803 3,785 6.3

RE-EXPORTS 119,643 92,466 27,177 29.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 183,231 152,269 30,962 20.3

IMPORTS 181,152 142,015 39,137 27.6

TRADE BALANCE 2,079 10,254 -8,175

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR NOVEMBER 1990 HK$ MN. NOVEMBER 1989 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21,878 19,412 2,466 12.7

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (33.9%) (39.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 42,705 30,046 12,659 42.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 64,583 49,458 15,125 30.6

IMPORTS 64,092 46,344 17,748 38.3

TRADE BALANCE 491 3,114 -2,623

/LAST MONTH .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

LAST MONTH NOVEMBER 1990 HK$ MN. OCTOBER 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21,878 22,185 -307 -1.4

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (33.9%) (34.7%)

RE-EXPORTS 42,705 41,839 866 2.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 64,583 64,024 559 0.9

IMPORTS 64,092 63,208 884 1.4

TRADE BALANCE 491 816 -325

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-NOV 1990 HK$ MN. JAN-NOV 1989 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 205,663 204,189 1,474 0.7

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (35.3%) (39.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 377,238 316,819 60,419 f9.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 582,901 521,008 61,893 11.9

IMPORTS 583,169 515,337 67,832 13.2

TRADE BALANCE -268 5,671 -5,939

DEC 89 TO DEC 88 TO INCREASE

LAST 12 MONTHS NOV 90 NOV 89

HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 225,578 225,362 216 0.1

RE-EXPORTS 406,824 344,942 61,882 17.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 632,402 570,304 62,098 10.9

IMPORTS 630,613 565,520 65,093 11.5

TRADE BALANCE 1,789 4,784 -2,995

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

FOREIGN JUDGEMENTS (RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1990 GAZETTED *****

THE FOREIGN JUDGEMENTS (RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) PROVIDED FULL RECIPROCITY OF TREATMENT IN RESPECT OF ALL OF AUSTRALIA'S SUPERIOR COURTS.

THE AMENDMENT ORDER EXTENDED THE PROVISIONS OF THE FOREIGN JUDGEMENTS (RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT) ORDINANCE TO JUDGEMENTS GIVEN IN THE SUPERIOR COURTS OF ALL JURISDICTIONS WITHIN AUSTRALIA AND ITS EXTERNAL TERRITORIES.

THE AMENDMENT ORDER ALSO DISAPPLIED THE PROVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO JUDGEMENTS GIVEN IN THE SUPERIOR COURTS OF PAKISTAN BECAUSE OF A LACK OF RECIPROCITY OF TREATMENT.

REFERENCE TO CEYLON IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE ORDER WAS REPLACED WITH REFERENCE TO SRI LANKA.

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

/4.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

CHANGES TO IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS GAZETTED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED CHANGES TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS TO EXEMPT FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES.

DETAILS OF THE CHANGES ARE CONTAINED IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 AND IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT OF FIRST SCHEDULE) ORDER 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS IMPORTED OR EXPORTED IN THE ACCOMPANIED BAGGAGE OF A PERSON ENTERING OR LEAVING HONG KONG AND WHICH ARE FOR HIS PERSONAL USE WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

AT THE SAME TIME, TEXTILES CONSTITUTING PERSONAL EFFECTS OR A GIFT IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG OR TEXTILES CONSTITUTING PERSONAL EFFECTS EXPORTED IN ACCOMPANIED PERSONAL BAGGAGE WILL ALSO BE FREE FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES IMPORTED OR EXPORTED AS PART OF THE PROVISIONS REQUIRED FOR THE USE OF THE CREW OR PASSENGERS OF A CARRIER ARE ALSO EXEMPTED.

IN' ALL THESE CASES, THE ARTICLES HAVE TO BE IN A REASONABLE QUANTITY WITH RESPECT TO THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THEY ARE IMPORTED OR EXPORTED IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR EXEMPTION.

ALSO EXEMPTED UNDER THE PRESENT AMENDMENT EXERCISE ARE FABRIC SWATCHES AND SAMPLE YARN IMPORTED BY AIR AND NOT EXCEEDING 0.8 SQUARE METRE IN SIZE IN THE CASE OF THE FORMER AND 1.2 KILOGRAMS IN WEIGHT IN THE CASE OF THE LATTER.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR KEVIN HO, SAID THE CHANGES WERE INTRODUCED FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE PRINCIPAL REGULATIONS BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.

"UNDER PRESENT REGULATIONS, ALL IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF TEXTILE ARTICLES, PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES ARE SUBJECT TO LICENSING REQUIREMENTS EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT COMMERCIAL CONSIGNMENTS.

"THIS STRINGENT LICENSING REQUIREMENT HAS GIVEN RISE TO INCONVENIENCE TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTLY ENGAGED IN THE TRADE OF THESE ITEMS," HE SAID.

MR HO SAID THE CHANGES HAD BEEN BROUGHT IN TO REMOVE SUCH "UNDUE INCONVENIENCES" AND TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF THE LICENSING SYSTEM.

THE TRADE AND TEXTILE ADVISORY BOARDS HAVE BEEN CONSULTED AND HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE CHANGES.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 5 -

AMENDMENTS TO HK IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LISI GAZETTED

******

THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONIZED SYSTEM), JANUARY 1988.

THE AMENDMENTS, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, WILL TAKE PLACE FROM JANUARY 1, 1991.

THEY INVOLVE THE COUNTRY CLASSIFICATION OF THE UNIFIED GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN AND NAMIBIA, AND THE COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION OF HALOGENATED DERIVATIVES OF ACYCLIC HYDROCARBONS.

IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE REMINDED THAT IMPORT AND EXPORI DECLARATIONS FOR SHIPMENTS MADE ON OR AFTER JANUARY I, 1991 MUST BE COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMENDED CLASS I F I CAI’I ON .

STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR SHOULD BECOME FULLY

THEY ARE URGED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR COMPLETING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION FORMS

CONVERSANT WITH SUCH AMENDMENTS.

COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT LIST ARE OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:

* GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.

* CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (I) HONG KONG COLLECTION OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

(II) KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, TSIM SHA TSUI.

* CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TRADE CLASSIFICATION SECTION, 17TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

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/6........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 6 -

TRAVEL AGENT’S LICENCE FEES TO BE REVISED

*****

FEES FOR A TRAVEL AGENT’S LICENCE WILL BE REVISED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 1991.

THE NEW FEES ARE SET OUT IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

UNDER THE REVISIONS, THE APPLICATION FEE FOR A TRAVEL AGENT’S LICENCE WILL BE RAISED FROM $340 TO $400, WHILE THAT FOR A LICENCE OR THE RENEWAL OF A LICENCE WILL RISE FROM $275 TO $310 FOR EACH MONTH OF THE LICENCE’S TERM.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH SAID THE FEE REVISIONS WERE TO COVER INCREASED COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICE.

HE SAID FEES, PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS, WERE SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW. THE LATEST FEE REVISIONS FOLLOWED THE 1990 REVIEW WHICH HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED.

THE LAST REVISIONS TOOK PLACE ON JANUARY 1, 1990.

-----0-----

NEW ORIGIN AND ORIGIN MARKING RULES FOR WATCHES

*****

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED A REMINDER THAT HONG KONG’S NEW ORIGIN AND ORIGIN MARKING RULES FOR WATCHES WILL TAKE EFFECT ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 1).

UNDER THE NEW ORIGIN RULE, WATCHES WHICH INCORPORATE HONG KONG MOVEMENTS ARE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN.

IN REGARD TO ORIGIN MARKING ON WATCHES, AN ORDER PUBLISHED UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE LAST OCTOBER SPECIFIED THAT, AS FROM JANUARY 1, 1991, THE ORIGIN OF A WATCH IS DETERMINED BY THE ORIGIN OF ITS MOVEMENT. THE ORDER DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY ORIGIN MARKING ON WATCHES IN HONG KONG.

IN OTHER WORDS, ORIGIN MARKING IS NOT MANDATORY. HOWEVER, IF A WATCH DISPLAYS AN ORIGIN MARKING, IT WILL HAVE TO CONFORM TO THE SPECIFIED ORIGIN MARKING RULE.

THE NEW ORIGIN AND ORIGIN MARKING RULES WILL BRING HONG KONG’S PRACTICE INTO LINE WITH THOSE OF OTHER MAJOR PRODUCERS AND MARKETS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID UNDER THE NEW ORIGIN MARKING RULE WATCHES INCORPORATING HONG KONG MOVEMENTS COULD BEAR "HONG KONG" OR SIMILAR ORIGIN MARKINGS.

/WATCHES WHICH .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

WATCHES WHICH INCORPORATED FOREIGN MOVEMENTS COULD BE MARKED ACCORDING TO THE ORIGIN OF THEIR MOVEMENTS.

"CONSUMERS ARE REMINDED THAT AN ORIGIN MARKING OF A PARTICULAR COUNTRY ON A WATCH INDICATES THAT ITS MOVEMENT HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IN THAT COUNTRY.

"THE WATCH NEED NOT HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED OR THE OTHER COMPONENT PARTS MANUFACTURED IN THAT COUNTRY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS 1990 GAZETTED * * * * *

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REGULATIONS.

THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS 1990 WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND CAME INTO IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, ONLY THE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS, BUILDING WORKS AND STREET WORKS WERE SPECIFIED.

DETAILED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND TRANSFERRED INTO CODES OF PRACTICE ISSUED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY AS TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR MEETING REQUIREMENTS IN THE NEW REGULATIONS.

PRACTICE NOTES ON SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS NOT CONTAINED IN THE CODES OF PRACTICE WILL ALSO BE ISSUED FROM TIME TO TIME TO AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS.

EMPHASIS HAD ALSO BEEN PLACED ON THE LEVEL OF PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION IN THE DESIGN AND EXECUTION OF BUILDING WORKS.

"THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL FACILITATE HONG KONG IN KEEPING UP WITH MODERN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY AND PRACTICES BECAUSE IT IS EASIER TO REGULARLY UPDATE CODES OF PRACTICE AND PRACTICE NOTES THAN TO REVISE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE NOTED THAT TO CATER FOR PROJECTS WHICH WERE IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION, A 12-MONTH GRACE PERIOD WAS ALLOWED DURING WHICH EITHER THE EXISTING OR THE AMENDED REGULATIONS COULD BE FOLLOWED.

"UPON EXPIRATION OF THE PERIOD, THE NEW REGULATIONS MUST BE COMPLIED WITH, ALTHOUGH NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO CATER FOR AMENDMENTS TO ONGOING PROJECTS WHICH HAVE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S APPROVAL AND CONSENT," HE ADDED.

/PARALLEL AMENDMENTS .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 8 -

PARALLEL AMENDMENTS WERE ALSO MADE TO THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) REGULATIONS TO SPECIFY THE RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS IN RESPECT OF STRUCTURAL WORKS.

AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS, WHICH WERE LAST REVISED IN 1975, WERE BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS (HONG KONG BRANCH), THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

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

SWAC MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCED » * *

THE GOVERNOR HAS REAPPOINTED ALL 12 INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVSIORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) FOR ANOTHER YEAR FROM DECEMBER I, 1990 TO NOVEMBER 30, 1991, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

IN ADDITION, MR LINCOLN SOO HUNG-LEUNG HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO FILL THE VACANT SEAT ON THE COMMITTEE LEFT BY MR ROBERT GAFF.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SWAC HAD A BUSY YEAR IN 1990, DURING WHICH A TOTAL OF SEVEN MEETINGS, INCLUDING A BRAINSTORMING SESSION ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990’S, HAD BEEN HELD AND 21 PAPERS TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.

THE 13 MEMBERS OF THE SWAC ARE THE HON ROSANNA TAM (CHAIRMAN), PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN, DR AGNES NG, MR LINCOLN SOO HUNG-LEUNG, MR LI WAH-MING, MR HERMAN HU, MR PAUL YOUNG, DR LAM KUI-CHUN, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, PROFESSOR FELICE LIEK-MAK, MRS PAMELA CHAN, THE HON PEGGY LAM AND DR NELSON CHOW.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE ARE TO KEEP SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES UNDER CONTINUOUS REVIEW AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, ON ALL MATTERS OF SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 9 -

RECLAMATION FOR LANDFILL AT TSEUNG KWAN O

*****

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT SEAWALLS AND CARRY OUT RECLAMATION WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 82 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TSEUNG KWAN O.

THIS IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LANDFILL FOR WASTE DISPOSAL AND FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

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------- PROPOSED ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN KWAI TSING *****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS ALONG KWAI TSING ROAD AND HING FONG ROAD INCLUDING THE KWAI TSING INTERCHANGE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THESE AREAS.

THIS WILL ENTAIL THE CONVERSION OF THE KWAI TSING INTERCHANGE FROM A ROUNDABOUT TO A SIGNALISED JUNCTION, WIDENING OF KWAI TSING ROAD AND THE SECTION OF HING FONG ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI FOO ROAD, AND THE PROVISION OF A SYSTEM OF FOOTBRIDGES ALONG HING FONG ROAD AND KWAI TSING ROAD.

WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MID-1991 AND WILL TAKE 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS AT THE SITE.

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;

/* KWAI TSING .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

* KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH-11TH FLOORS, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES;

* KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

- - 0 - -

THREE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED * * * * ♦

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (FRIDAY) DECLARED TWO BUILDINGS AT BONHAM STRAND WEST AND WING LOK STREET TO BE DANGEROUS AND ANOTHER BUILDING AT BONHAM STRAND WEST LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

IN A STATEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THESE BUILDINGS ARE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR ONES AND HAVE BEEN VACATED. THEY ARE CONSTRUCTED OF LOAD BEARING BRICK AND MASONRY WALLS WITH TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOFS.

THE BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN UNDER PERIODIC OBSERVATION SINCE 1980 AND RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE REVEALED EXTENSIVE CRACKING IN EXTERNAL AND PARTY WALLS AND PARTIAL COLLAPSE OF THE MAIN ROOF.

THE STRUCTURES AT 7 BONHAM STRAND WEST AND 171 WING LOK STREET HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THEY ARE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.

MEANWHILE, 5 BONHAM STRAND WEST IS SHOWING SIGNS OF EXTENSIVE CRACKING IN ITS PARTY WALL WITH 7 BONHAM STRAND WEST, AND IT IS CONSIDERED THAT IT CANNOT WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF THE ADJOINING BUILDING. IT SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED BECAUSE IT IS LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 18, 1991 WERE POSTED TODAY ON THE BUILDINGS.

- - 0 - -

/Il ..

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 11 -

1991 SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED

*****

THE SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME FOR 1991 IS ANNOUNCED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, TODAY (FRIDAY).

IT INCLUDES:

JANUARY 24 - YEAR OF THE RAM

THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE FOUR DENOMINATIONS OF 60 CENT, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5.

THERE WILL BE A RELATED PRODUCT, THE YEAR OF THE RAM ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABELS, WHICH WILL BE ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 21. -

THE LABEL PAPER BEARS A GRASS PATTERN DESIGN IN THE BACKGROUND. THE LABELS WILL COMPRISE DENOMINATIONS OF 10 CENT, 60 CENT, $1.40 AND $1.80.

APRIL 18 - HONG KONG EDUCATION

THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL DEPICT VARIOUS STAGES OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND WILL COMPRISE FOUR DENOMINATIONS OF 80 CENT, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5.

JUNE 6-100 YEARS OF TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG

THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL DEPICT SEVERAL INTERESTING MODES OF TRANSPORT FROM THE EARLY DAYS OF HONG KONG TO MODERN TIMES, VIZ RICKSHAW (80 CENT), FRANCHISED BUS (90 CENT), FERRY ($1.70), TRAM ($1.80), MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ($2.30), AND JETFOIL ($5).

AUGUST 24 - 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POST OFFICE

THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMMEMORATE THE 150 YEARS OF POSTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG AND WILL COMPRISE FIVE DENOMINATIONS OF 80 CENT, $1.70, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5.

A SOUVENIR SHEET WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.

OCTOBER 24 - HONG KONG LANDMARKS

THIS IS A SET OF STAMPS ON SOME LANDMARKS OF LOCAL OR TOURIST INTEREST IN HONG KONG, VIZ THE BRONZE BUDDHA ON LANTAU ISLAND (80 CENT), WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE ($1.70), CLOCK TOWER IN TSIM SHA TSUI ($1.80), PEAK PAVILION ($2.30) AND CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL ($5).

FURTHER DETAILS OF EACH STAMP ISSUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE.

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

/12 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 12 -

NEED FOR EARLY CAREERS PLANNING STRESSED *****

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON SECONDARY STUDENTS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES TO PLAN THEIR FUTURE.

MR HAMMOND MADE THE APPEAL AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S 1990 CAREERS QUIZ.

HE SAID THE QUIZ WAS AIMED AT AROUSING STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING A WISE CAREERS CHOICE WHILE ENCOURAGING THEM TO MAKE EARLY PLANNING BY ACTIVELY COLLECTING CAREERS INFORMATION, r

HE NOTED THAT THE QUESTIONS IN THE QUIZ COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS ON EMPLOYMENT, FURTHER EDUCATION AND LABOUR LEGISLATION AND HOPED THAT ALL STUDENTS WOULD TAKE AN INTEREST IN SUCH INFORMATION.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS DR M. BASSU, VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPS CHINA HONG KONG GROUP WHICH SPONSORED THE EVENT.

DR BASSU NOTED THAT THE CAREERS QUIZ WAS ONE OF THE MOST: POPULAR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

"I AM SURE THE VALUABLE INFORMATION PROVIDED WILL ENABLE THE STUDENTS TO CHOOSE A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR TALENTS, INTERESTS AND APTITUDES," HE ADDED.

IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION, THE TOP SCHOOLS IN THE FORMS 3, 4 AND 5 SECTIONS WERE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, SHUN TAK CATHOLIC ENGLISH COLLEGE AND KOWLOON SAM YUK SECONDARY SCHOOL RESPECTIVELY.

THE STUDENTS WHO SCORED THE OVERALL HIGHEST MARKS IN THE THREE SECTIONS WERE EACH AWARDED A PERSONAL COMPUTER. THEY WERE LEE LAI-PING OF CARITAS ST GODFREY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL (FORM 3), LOO KIN-KONG OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL (FORM 4) AND HO KAI-PUN OF BUDDHIST CHI HONG COLLEGE (FORM 5).

IN ADDITION, A LANGUAGE SET WAS GIVEN TO EACH OF THE THREE RUNNERS-UP IN EACH SECTION, WHILE 30 OTHER STUDENTS IN EACH FORM GOT A SOUVENIR FOR THEIR GOOD PERFORMANCE IN THE QUIZ.

FOR EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL, A CONSOLATION PRIZE WAS AWARDED TO THE STUDENT WHO SCORED THE HIGHEST MARKS IN EACH FORM.

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/13 .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 13 -

LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION OFFICE ON MOVE *****

THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL OPERATE FROM NEW PREMISES IN WAN CHAI FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF OVERSEAS TRUST BANK BUILDING, 160 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 834 9311.

THE UNIT CONDUCTS A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

ITS WORK INCLUDES ENCOURAGING THE SETTING UP OF JOINT CONSULTATIVE BODIES IN INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES, ADVISING ON GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, ORGANISING LECTURES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND EXHIBITIONS ON LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AND PAYING LIAISON VISITS TO COMPANIES AND TRADE UNIONS.

EVERY YEAR, THE UNIT ORGANISES A LARGE-SCALE LABOUR RELATIONS CONFERENCE AND RUNS A CERTIFICATE COURSE ON LABOUR RELATIONS AND ANOTHER ON STAFF RELATIONS MANAGEMENT FOR SUPERVISORS.

IT ALSO PUBLISHES A LABOUR RELATIONS NEWSLETTER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO OVER 20,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WITH 20 OR MORE EMPLOYEES.

-----0-----

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON MOVE

*****

THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL MOVE ITS MAIN OFFICE AND ITS SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE TO NEW PREMISES ON THE 11TH FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 31).

THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER WILL OPERATE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE BUILDING. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBERS WILL CHANGE TO 886 6531 AND 886 6532.

THE COUNTER WILL PROVIDE GENERAL ENQUIRY AND STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES TO RESIDENTS FROM 9 AM TO 5.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO MIDDAY ON SATURDAY.

MEANWHILE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM WILL MOVE TO THE CAUSEWAY BAY SUB-OFFICE AT 7 FOOK YUM ROAD. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 570 4125.

ALSO, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER AT THE CHAI WAN SUB-OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM MONDAY TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S ADVICE CENTRE WHICH IS PRESENTLY LOCATED AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE MAIN OFFICE.

RESIDENTS IN CHAI WAN ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN ENQUIRY SERVICE FROM THE NEARBY HENG FA CHUEN PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER.

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

/14 ........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

MEI FOO PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE TO CLOSE

*****

THE MEI FOO SUB-OFFICE OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT NASSAU STREET, MEI FOO SUN CHUEN WILL CEASE TO PROVIDE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 2).

LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO NEED THE SERVICE CAN APPROACH THE NEARBY CHEUNG SHA WAN SUB-OFFICE AT BLOCK 3, UN CHAU STREET ESTATE, OR THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 TONKIN STREET.

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 728 0781.

MEANWHILE, THE MEI FOO SUB-OFFICE WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES AT THE LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL IN LAI KOK ESTATE ON JANUARY 10. ITS' NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE 386 4882.

- - 0 - -

SAI KUNG FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY *****

THE 1990 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 30), FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.

THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) TO PUBLICISE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES AND TO ENCOURAGE YOUNGSTERS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE IN CRIME PREVENTION.

THERE WILL BE GAME STALLS, SINGING PERFORMANCES, MAGIC SHOW, A LION DANCE AND KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION.

OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DFCC, MR CHEUNG CHUN-HOI; SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME STAR, MISS LEE SEE-KEI; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER OF WONG TAI SIN, MR PAANG KUI-SAN; AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK TONG.

FREE COUPONS FOR THE STALL GAMES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN, AND ITS TSEUNG KWAN O SUB-OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF PO NING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 792 4455 EXT. 24.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 30) FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, FUK MAN ROAD, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.

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/15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 15 -

ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL FOR YAU TSIM RESIDENTS ******

A CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY WILL BE HELD AT THE KOWLOON PARK PIAZZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 30). IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

ORGANISED BY THE 1990 YAU TSIM DISTRICT FESTIVAL ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE GAMES STALLS, A DRAWING CONTEST AND A VARIETY SHOW.

THIS YEAR’S TARGET IS TO ENHANCE THE AWARENESS OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS AS WELL AS MOTORISTS TOWARDS ROAD SAFETY.

MEANWHILE, IN SUPPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN, MEMBERS OF FOUR ELDERLY CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT WILL HELP DISTRIBUTE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY LEAFLETS IN THE DISTRICT TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

TO REMIND MOTORISTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE DRIVING, TWO WRECKED CARS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE CENTRAL DIVIDER OF SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND AT A SITTING-OUT AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF GASCOIGNE ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI.

THE DRAWING CONTEST, WHICH TAKE SPLACE FROM 11.30 AM TO 1.30 PM ON SUNDAY, WILL BE OPEN TO CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD. THEY SHOULD ENROL AT THE VENUE BEFORE 11.30 AM. CRAYONS AND PAPERS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISER.

IN ADDITION TO SINGING PERFORMANCES AND A LUCKY DRAW, THE VARIETY SHOW WILL FEATURE A CHILDREN’S FASHION SHOW WHICH HELPS PARTICIPANTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TRAFFIC SIGNS.

THE RESULTS OF THE 1990 YAU TSIM OUTSTANDING BUS CAPTAINS ELECTION WILL ALSO BE ANNOUNCED AND PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED AFTER THE PERFORMANCES.

RESIDENTS CAN ALSO VISIT- A ROAD SAFETY BUS WHICH WILL BE PARKED AT PARKLANE BOULEVARD THAT DAY.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PETER FERRY; AND STAFF OFFICER (POLICE TRAFFIC KOWLOON), MR PETER DYSON.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT FESTIVAL ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL AT KOWLOON PARK PIAZZA, TSIM SHA TSUI ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 30), BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.

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/16........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1990

- 16 -

NEW YEAR CLINIC SERVICES

* * * * »

EIGHT GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM TO 1 PM ON TUESDAY, NEW YEAR’S DAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1990

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

STUDENTS PERFORM WELL IN INT’L COMPUTER CONTEST ........................

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1990

STUDENTS PERFORM WELL IN INT’L COMPUTER CONTEST

*****

HONG KONG CAME THIRD IN AN INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS HELD IN SINGAPORE ON DECEMBER 12.

THE HONG KONG TEAM WAS AMONG 19 TEAMS FROM 11 COUNTRIES. THEY CAME THIRD AFTER INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE, WINNING S$500, A CERTIFICATE, THREE ELECTRONIC ORGANISERS AND THREE SOFTWARE PACKAGES.

IN ANOTHER COMPETITION HELD IN MANILA ON DECEMBER 7, THE SAME TEAM CAME SEVENTH OUT OF 10 TEAMS FROM SIX DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

BOTH COMPETITIONS WERE DESIGNED TO ENABLE YOUNG COMPUTER ENTHUSIASTS TO EXPLOIT THEIR PROGRAMMING SKILLS AND TO PROMOTE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

THE TRIO WERE CHAN HING-LUN (QUEEN’S COLLEGE), NG CHEONG-MING (SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL) AND KWAN KA-KEUNG (PUI CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL).

THEIR TRIPS WERE SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG COMPUTER SOCIETY WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ASSISTING.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

VITAL FOUNDATIONS LAID IN 1990 .......................................... 1

PLANNING GUIDELINES AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC ................................. 3

ACAN MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCED ............................................... 4

EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AT TUEN MUN HOSPITAL .................... 5

FLAG DAYS IN 1991 ....................................................... 5

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION ON AIDS STRESSED ................................ 8

KEY SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN KWUN TONG FOR ELECTIONEERING BANKERS............. 9

CARNIVAL TO PUBLICISE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES ..............................

STUDENTS TO SHOW THEIR DANCE TALENTS .................................... 10

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

VITAL FOUNDATIONS LAID IN 1990 * * * *

THE FOLLOWING IS A YEAR-END MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK:

THE YEAR 1990 HAS SEEN THE LAYING OF THE VITAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH HONG KONG NEEDS TO ENSURE ITS PROSPERITY INTO THE NEXT CENTURY. THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO INVEST HEAVILY IN CAPITAL WORKS TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.

THE GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE WORKS BRANCH IN PARTICULAR PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN ACHIEVING THIS.

FOR 1990-91, THE TOTAL ESTIMATED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS (EXCLUDING PURCHASES, LAND ACQUISITION AND SUBVENTION) IS ABOUT $13.1 BILLION. THE LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE EXCEEDS THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR BY 15.6 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.

OVER 53 PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR 1990-91 IS FOR HIGHWAYS, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS WITH A FURTHER 35 PER CENT FOR BUILDING WORKS.

THE TOTAL VALUE OF WORKS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS OR APPROVED TO COMMENCE WITHIN 1990-91 IS ABOUT $83 BILLION.

MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS UNDERWAY INCLUDE LAND DEVELOPMENT AND RECLAMATION IN THE URBAN AREAS, PORT WORKS, LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES, UPGRADING OF KAI TAK AIRPORT, MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR SANITARY LANDFILLS AND A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS).

AS REGARDS PUBLIC BUILDING PROGRAMMES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND ABOUT $4 BILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AND OVERSEE THE SPENDING OF A FURTHER $2.2 BILLION ON BUILDINGS OWNED BY SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.

THIS COMPARES TO AN AVERAGE OF $3 BILLION PER YEAR OVER THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS AND AN ESTIMATED $4.7 BILLION PER YEAR AVERAGE OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS BASED ON 1990 PRICES.

AN EXAMPLE OF THE COMMITMENT TO AN ONGOING BUILDING PROGRAMME IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHOLESALE MARKETS.

THE KENNEDY TOWN WHOLESALE MARKET (IN TWO PHASES) UNDER CONSTRUCTION IS ESTIMATED TO COST $539 MILLION WHILE CONSTRUCTION OF THE $1.2 BILLION CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET, CURRENTLY AT THB DESIGN STAGE, IS SCHEDULED TO TIE IN WITH THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.

THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO COMMITTED TO A PROGRAMME OF WORKS TO UPGRADE THE SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN THE TERRITORY.

/MAJOR WORKS .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

- 2 -

MAJOR WORKS UNDER WAY DURING THE YEAR INCLUDE THE $1.3 BILLION NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME, THE $500 MILLION HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, AND THE $450 MILLION SCHEME TO CONVEY TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT FROM THE TOLO HARBOUR AREA THROUGH A 7.5-KILOMETRE TUNNEL TO FLUSH KAI TAK NULLAH AND DISCHARGE INTO VICTORIA HARBOUR.

IN ADDITION, WORK HAS STARTED ON A $200 MILLION FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A DEEP TUNNEL SYSTEM TO INTERCEPT ALL THE SEWAGE FROM THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE TERRITORY AND DISCHARGE IT THROUGH A LONG SEA OUTFALL SOUTH OF LAMMA ISLAND.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE $800 MILLION YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR AND YUEN LONG WEST LINK COMMENCED IN MAY 1990 AND IS PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY. EXCELLENT PROGRESS IS ALSO .BEING MAINTAINED ON CONSTRUCTION OF THE $2,400 MILLION KWUN TONG BY-PASS WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION NEXT YEAR.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE $200 MILLION HILLSIDE ESCALATOR LINK FROM CENTRAL TO THE MID-LEVELS WILL COMMENCE IN 1991.

THE NEW AIRPORT WORKS DIVISION, COMPRISING GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF INTEGRATED WITH SPECIALISTS FROM THE CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL BECHTEL INC, HAS BEEN SET UP SINCE APRIL 1990.

THE ROLE OF THE INTEGRATED TEAM IS TO PROVIDE A CO-ORDINATING, PROGRAMMING, MONITORING, REPORTING AND ADVISING SERVICE TO BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND ITS RELATED PROJECTS, IN PARTICULAR ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE PROGRAMMING INTERFACE PROBLEMS.

THE NEW CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT AND ITS RELATED PROJECTS RANK AMONG THE MOST AMBITIOUS MEGA-PROJECTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE WORLD. THE INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS ARE LARGE AND COMPLEX WITHIN THEMSELVES, WHICH IS COMPOUNDED BY THEIR CLOSE INTER-RELATIONSHIPS BOTH PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY.

THE FIRST RUNWAY, TARGETED TO BE IN OPERATION IN 1997, DEMANDS A VERY TIGHT OVERALL CONSTRUCTION PERIOD. THIS SCHEDULE, WHICH HAS LITTLE CONTINGENCY OR FLOAT TIME, IS EXTREMELY CHALLENGING AND WILL REQUIRE BOLD AND INNOVATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE SUCCESS.

DURING THE YEAR, INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE WORKS BRANCH GROUP, SUCH AS THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD ON A VARIETY OF OTHER PROJECTS.

NO FEWER THAN 20 CONSULTANCIES ARE UNDERWAY AND QUITE A FEW CONTRACTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN LET. PERHAPS AT THE MOMENT MUCH OF THESE PREPARATORY WORK FOR PHYSICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VARIOUS STRATEGIES IS OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE.

HOWEVER, THAT SITUATION WILL CHANGE FAIRLY SOON AS MANY OF THE PROJECTS ON WHICH SO MUCH PLANNING AND DESIGN WORK HAS BEEN DONE WILL BECOME A VISIBLE PART OF HONG KONG AS CONSTRUCTION GETS UNDERWAY.

/ONLY THREE .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

- 3 -

ONLY THREE TO FOUR YEARS FROM NOW IT WILL BE EASY TO SEE THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF THE WAY IN WHICH THE TERRITORY IS BUILDING FOR ITS FUTURE AS PROJECTS SUCH AS THE LARGE RECLAMATIONS, NEW HIGHWAYS AND TUNNELS AND OTHER LARGE VENTURES COME TO THEIR CONSTRUCTION PEAKS.

THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS IS COMMITTED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND THE RESULTS OF THEIR WORK CAN BE SEEN ALL AROUND THIS VIBRANT AND SUCCESSFUL TERRITORY.

THIS CONTRIBUTION WILL CONTINUE TO GROW IN IMPORTANCE AS WE BUILD FOR OUR FUTURE IN THE NEW AIRPORT, PORT AND , OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

-----------------0-------- PLANNING GUIDELINES AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC * * * * *

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS AGREED TO MAKE ITS PLANNING GUIDELINES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN ORDER TO GIVE PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF THE BOARD’S POLICIES ON VARIOUS PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND ASSIST THEM. TO PREPARE BETTER APPLICATIONS AND AVOID UNNECESSARY RESUBMISSIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FROM TIME TO TIME, THE BOARD APPROVED SOME GUIDELINES TO FACILITATE THE ASSESSMENT OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 16 OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.

TO DATE, A TOTAL OF NINE SETS OF SUCH GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN APPROVED. THEY COMPRISE:

- GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR ’’SHOWROOM USE” IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING;

- GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR SERVICE APARTMENTS;

- GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR OFFICE BUILDING IN THE "INDUSTRIAL” ZONE;

- GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR COMPOSITE "INDUSTRIAL/OFFICE" BUILDINGS IN THE "INDUSTRIAL" ZONE;

- GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR OFFICE DEVELOPMENT IN THE "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)" ZONE;

- GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR OFFICE USE IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WITHIN "INDUSTRIAL" ZONE;

- GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR "COMMERCIAL USE" IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WITHIN "INDUSTRIAL" ZONE;

/- GUIDELINES FOR ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT; AND

GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR BANKING USE IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WITHIN ’’INDUSTRIAL" ZONE.

THESE GUIDELINES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE PLANNING INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATION UNIT, PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

- - 0 - -

ACAN MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT AND REAPPOINTMENT OF SIX MEMBERS TO THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), THE ADVISORY BODY ON ALL ANTI-DRUG POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG.

THE APPOINTMENTS WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1991.

THE NEWLY APPOINTED MEMBERS ARE PROFESSOR CHEN CHAR-NIE, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; MR LUKE YIP JING-PING, PRINCIPAL OF ST STEPHEN’S COLLEGE; MISS JOYCE CHANG SAU-HAN, A SOCIAL WORKER WITH CARITAS HONG KONG; AND MR DEREK PRITCHARD, (’HAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL.

THE RE-APPOINTED MEMBERS ARE MR DAVID CHU YU-LIN, CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, AND MR FREDERICK YU SAK-KWONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS.

ALSO, THE SERVING CHAIRMAN OF ACAN, DR GERALD CHOA, HAS BEEN RE-APPOINTED TO HEAD THE COMMITTEE FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

ACAN COMPRISES 20 MEMBERS, INCLUDING NINE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

THE OTHER FIVE NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE MRS PEGGY LAM PEI YU-DJA AND DR EDWARD LEONG CHE-HUNG, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS; MR PAO PING-WING, AN URBAN COUNCILLOR; MR ALAN HOO, A BARRISTER; AND MRS EVA KO LI BIK-CHI, A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

THE NINE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHO SIT ON ACAN ARE THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, THE COMM ISS1 ONER. OF POLICE, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AT TUEN MUN HOSPITAL

******

THE OPENING HOURS OF THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL BE EXTENDED FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 2) TO PROVIDE A 12-HOUR SERVICE INSTEAD OF EIGHT HOURS AS AT PRESENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FROM JANUARY 2, THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT TUEN MUN HOSPITAL WILL BE OPENED BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM EVERY DAY.

AT PRESENT, ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.

RESIDENTS IN THE REGION WHO REQUIRE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES OUTSIDE THE OPENING HOURS OF THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL’S ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CAN GO TO POK 01 HOSPITAL, YAN 01 POLYCLINIC, LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC AND PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.

"THESE PATIENTS WILL BE REFERRED TO PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL FOR ADMISSION IF HOSPITALISATION IS ADVISED BY THE DOCTORS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AT TUEN MUN HOSPITAL STARTED ON JULY 30, 1990 ON A 9 AM TO 5 PM BASIS. IT IS INTENDED THAT A 24-HOUR SERVICE WOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1991.

------0 - - - -

FLAG DAYS IN 1991 * * * *

A TOTAL OF 43 ORGANISATIONS WILL HOLD FLAG DAYS TO RAISE FUNDS ON SATURDAYS NEXT YEAR, STARTING FROM JANUARY 5, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT ON 576 5922 OR ITS HOTLINE 343 2255, IN CASE OF ANY DOUBTS ABOUT ANY PARTICULAR WELFARE ORGANISATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ALSO APPEALED TO FLAG DAY ORGANISERS TO ADOPT PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.

"THEY SHOULD ALSO EXERCISE GREATER EFFORTS IN MONITORING 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 TIME FOR THEIR SELLING AND THE COLLECTION POINTS WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL-NUMBERED BAGS SHOULD BE RETURNED.

/"FLAG DAY .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

"FLAG DAY ORGANISERS OF FLAGS OR COLLECTION BAGS ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF

SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS AND SEEK THEIR ASSISTANCE WHEN FRAUDULENT COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED

SELLING, ARE FOUND," HE SAID.

THE FLAG DAYS FOR 1991 ARE AS FOLLOWS:

DATE NAME OF AGENCY

JANUARY 5 HONG KONG WORKERS’ HEALTH CENTRE LTD

12 POK 01 HOSPITAL

19 OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL, LTD (THE MARYKNOLL MEDICAL AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION)

* 26 ASSOCIATION FOR ENGINEERING AND MEDICAL VOLUNTEER SERVICES

FEBRUARY 2 YAN CHAI HOSPITAL

9 FRIENDS OF THE EARTH (CHARITY) LTD

• 23 HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES LTD

MARCH 2 LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, KOWLOON

9 HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND

16 YAN 01 TONG, LTD

23 HONG KONG CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES

APRIL 6 SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND

13 JUNK BAY MEDICAL RELIEF COUNCIL (HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL)

20 NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION

27 YANG MEMORIAL SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE

MAY 4 HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION

1 1 CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE

18 SALVATION ARMY

25 METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG, THE METHODIST EPWORTH

VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

/JUNE 1 .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

JUNE 1 CHESHIRE HOME, HONG KONG

8 STEWARDS’ COMPANY (HK) LTD

22 LUTHERAN CHURCH - HONG KONG SYNOD LTD

29 ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION LTD

JULY 6 ARTS WITH THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG

13 OXFAM HONG KONG LTD

20 HONG KONG CHILDHEALTH FOUNDATION

27 WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE HONG KONG

SEPTEMBER 7 HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION

14 TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS

21 HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION (RUTTONJEE HOSPITAL)

28 PO LEUNG KUK

OCTOBER 5 YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG

12 HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED

19 HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

26 HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED

NOVEMBER 2 BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION

9 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

16 HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH

23 SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN, (DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL)

30 HONG KONG OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL

DECEMBER 7 CHINESE RHENISH CHURCH HONG KONG SYNOD

14 SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED

21 SHEUNG KUNG HUI LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE

/8 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION ON * * ♦ * *

AIDS STRESSED

YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD ACT NOW TO FORM A CONCERTED EFFORT IN PROMOTING AIDS EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, A MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS, THE REV ALFRED J. DEIGNAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

MAKING THE APPEAL AT THE END OF A TWO-DAY AIDS EDUCATION CAMP FOR YOUTH, HE SAID THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF A CURE OR EFFECTIVE VACCINE FOR THE DISEASE, EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON THE ISSUE STILL REMAINED THE ONLY AND EFFECTIVE MEASURE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.

"ALTHOUGH THE AIDS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG IS STILL RELATIVELY NOT SERIOUS," FATHER DEIGNAN SAID, "PREVENTIVE MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN AND TAKEN EARLY TO PREVENT THE SITUATION FROM DETERIORATING TO' WHAT CAN BE SEEN IN OTHER CONTINENTS.”

HE CALLED ON THOSE WHO TOOK PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE CAMP, TO TAKE THE INITIATIVES TO DISSEMINATE THE HEALTH MESSAGE ON WHAT THEY HAD LEARNT IN THE PAST TWO DAYS TO ECHO THE THEME OF THE CAMP -- "HEALTHY LIFE, HEALTHY LIVING".

FATHER DEIGNAN ALSO STRESSED THE NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF A JOINT EFFORT FROM THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT IN THE BATTLE AGAINST AIDS, THE SUCCESS OF WHICH COULD NOT RELY ON PUBLICITY ALONE.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TWO-DAY EDUCATION CAMP WERE TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION ABOUT THE RISK OF HIV INFECTION AND ITS PREVENTION; TO EDUCATE THEM ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR AND SEXUAL PRACTICES; AND TO FOSTER A SYMPATHETIC AND SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE AMONG THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS AIDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS.

FATHER DEIGNAN ALSO THANKED THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND COMMENDED THE YOUTHS FOR THE REMARKABLE PERFORMANCES AND TEAM SPIRIT WHICH MADE THE EVENT A SUCCESS.

ABOUT 170 YOUTHS, AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 35, PARTICIPATED IN THE CAMP WHICH WAS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, CARITAS HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS.

ACTIVITIES OF THE CAMP, HELD AT THE CHAI WAN LEI YUE MUN PARK AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE, INCLUDED TALKS ON AIDS, GAMES AND COMPETITIONS.

THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE COMPETITIONS.

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

/9 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

- 9 -

KEY SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN KWUN TONG FOR ELECTIONEERING BANNERS

*♦♦**♦*

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE HAS IDENTIFIED ABOUT 600 KEY SPOTS IN THE DISTRICT FOR CANDIDATES OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR TO DISPLAY THEIR ELECTIONEERING MATERIALS, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THESE SPOTS INCLUDE URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, RAILINGS AND POPULATED AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.

’’EACH SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCY WILL BE ALLOCATED 25 KEY 'SPOTS FOR DISPLAY OF BANNERS AMONG CANDIDATES WHILE 50 KEY SPOTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR EACH DOUBLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCY,” MR WONG SAID.

HE HOPED THAT THE CANDIDATES COULD AGREE AMONG THEMSELVES ON THE NUMBER OF BANNERS ALLOWED AND THE LOCATIONS FOR THE DISPLAY OF BANNERS.

"FAILING THIS, SOME FORMAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO ALLOCATE THOSE KEY SPOTS AMONG THE CANDIDATES," MR WONG SAID.

HE STRESSED THAT THE AIM OF THE ARRANGEMENT WAS TO MINIMISE THE CHANCE OF DISPUTE AMONG CANDIDATES.

THE KEY SPOTS ARE MARKED IN MAPS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. THE CANDIDATES WILL ALSO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE LOCATION MAP WHEN NOMINATED.

MR WONG ADDED THAT THE COST OF REMOVAL MIGHT BE CHARGED FOR UNAUTHORISED PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND THIS FEE MIGHT BE CONSIDERED AS A CANDIDATE’S ELECTION EXPENSES.

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

CARNIVAL TO PUBLICISE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

THOUSANDS OF SAI KUNG RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN A FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND TODAY (SUNDAY).

ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT . FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC), THE CARNIVAL WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF CRIME PREVENTION, AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE IN FIGHTING CRIME.

SPEAKING AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY, DFCC CHAIRMAN MR CHEUNG CHUN-HOI SAID THE LAW AND ORDER OF THE DISTRICT DEPENDED NOT ONLY ON THE EFFORTS OF THE POLICE, BUT ALSO THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL THE RESIDENTS.

/"WE MUST .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

"WE MUST HELP EACH OTHER AND CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE SO AS TO MAKE THE DISTRICT ONE OF THE SAFEST PLACES IN THE TERRITORY," MR CHEUNG ADDED.

THIS YEAR’S SAI KUNG DISTICT FIGHT CRIME STAR, MISS LEE SEE-KEI, ALSO URGED RESIDENTS TO REPORT CRIMES AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES TO THE POLICE.

SHE SAID ALTHOUGH THE DISTRICT HAD A RELATIVELY LOW CRIME RATE, RESIDENTS SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON THE ALERT AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEIR BELONGINGS AND THEIR HOMES, e

THE CARNIVAL PROVIDED STALL GAMES, POP SINGING, A MAGIC SHOW, LION DANCE, AND KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION.

PRIZES WERE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF A FIGHT CRIME COLOURING

COMPETITION AND A DRAWING CONTEST, AS WELL AS A LOGO DESIGN

COMPETITION FOR THE DFCC.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE

DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PAANG KUI-SAN; SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD

CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN; AND SA] KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK TONG.

- - 0 - -

STUDENTS TO SHOW THEIR DANCE TALENTS

*****

ABOUT 3,900 STUDENTS FROM 240 SCHOOLS WILL COMPETE IN THE 27TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD FROM JANUARY 7 TO 18.

THE ANNUAL EVENT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL.

THE SCHOOLS HAVE ENTERED 362 TEAMS TO PERFORM IN WESTERN FOLK/NATIONAL DANCE, CHINESE DANCE, ORIENTAL DANCE AND MODERN DANCE.

OF THESE TEAMS, 154 ARE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 191 FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 17 FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

THE THREE SECONDARY AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST TOTAL SCORES IN THEIR BEST FOUR DANCES WILL WIN THE OVERALL CHALLENGE AWARDS.

THE MOST PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL AWARD WILL GO TO A SECONDARY AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL, BASED ON THEIR PAST AND CURRENT PARTICIPATION AND RESULTS, AND THE EFFORT OF THE SCHOOL IN THE PROMOTION OF DANCE.

SCHOOLS WINNING HONOURS OR HIGHLY COMMENDED WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE WINNERS PERFORMANCES AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE FROM MARCH 14 TO 18, AND AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL FROM APRIL 5 TO 7.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:

NOTE TO EDITORS OF The following announcement on the

NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES Queen’s New Year Honours list will,

AND BROADCASTING STATIONS: be made in London at 0001 hours GMT

on Monday, December 31.

Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Monday, December 31), but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.

The news may be broadcast from 6 am onwards tomorrow (Monday, December 31 ) over the local radio and television stations.

On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews, or for information related to their careers, or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

1 «

New Year Honours 1991

GCMG (Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George) Sir David Clive Wilson, KCMG

CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

Mr CHAN Wa-shek, ISO, JP

The Honourable CHEUNG Yan-lung, OBE, JP

Mr Augustine CHUI Kam, JP

Mr Justice Rory O’CONNOR

Dr the Honourable Daniel TSE Chi-wai, OBE, JP

OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) Professor Baysung HSU, JP

The Honourable LAU Wah-sum, JP

The Honourable David LI Kwok-po, JP

Mr James SO Yiu-cho, JP

Dr Helmut SOHMEN

ISO (Companion of the Imperia] Service Order)

Mr Haider Hatim Tyebjee BARMA , JP

Mr Benjamin MOK Ni-hung, JP

Mr Michael SZE Cho-cheung, JP

Mr Patrick John WILLIAMSON, JP

MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

Mr Carlos CHEUNG Hon-kau

Mr CHOW Kwan-sing

/Mr FU Kam-hung .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr FU Kam-hung

Mr KO King-fai

Dr Anthony LEE Yip-chuen

Mr LO King-man

Mr NG Kai-kai

BEM (British Empire Medal)

Mr CHAN Chi-choi

Miss Amy CHAN Lim-chee

Mr CHAN Tak-ming

Mr CHIA Kian-kok

Mr FAN Tak-cheung

Mr FOK Yat-sang

Mr HO Koon-kwan

Mr LEUNG Chi-keung

Mr LING Chun-shing

Mr Henry LOKE Kui-kuen

Mr MA Wing-woon

Mr MAK Man-chik

Mr All MOHAMED

Mr SZETO Ming-chiu

Mr WONG King-chiu

QPM (The Queen’s Police Medal)

Mr Peter CHAU Cham-chiu, CPM

/ 4

Mr Peter WONG Tsan-kwong, CPM

/QFSM (The Queen’s ......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

QFSM (The Queen’s Fire Service Medal)

Mr PANG Tak-sum, CPM

CPM (Colonial Police Medal)

Mr Michael John BENSON

Mr CHAN Hung

Mr James CLEMENTS

Mr FONG Hung-kwan

Mr Leonard Briton HILL

Mr HO Kit-pui

Mr Donald KEE Yau-yin

Mr William Henry KIRKHOPE

Mr LT Sing-kwong

Mr Arthur John LUKE

Mr John Richard Finch MASON

Mr Francis MURPHY

Mr Angus John Dalano STEVENSON-HAMILTON

Mr TAM She-sang

Mr Richard John TUDOR

Mr Gerald Vianney Lovell WILLY-FURTH

Mr YAU Tong

Mr YEUNG Kwing

Mr YEUNG Kwok-fai

Mr YUEN Yuk-kwan

/Badge of Honour ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Badge of Honour

Mr CHAN Chin-hung

Mr Patrick CHOI Wan-hoe

Mr CHU Chung-shing

Mr CHUI Hong-sheung

Mr FAN Sai-yee

Mr LAI Chi-tong

Mr LEUNG Sau-chi

Mrs Frances LEUNG WONG Chui-mei

Mr POON Kam-kwong

Mrs TAM CHEUNG Kit-ying

Mr Justein WONG Chun

Mr YUEN Wai-sum

Military Division

MBE

Major (GCO) Balkrishna Rana

Major (QGO) Da]man Go]ay

BEM

Staff Sergeant Hitparsad Thakali

Staff Sergeant Krishna Gurung

Staff Sergeant Leung Mak-shun

/GCMG .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

GCMG (Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George)

Sir David Clive Wilson, KCMG

Sir David Wilson, Governor of Hong Kong since April 1987. He was Assistant Under-Secretary of State responsible for Asia and the Pacific in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before taking up his present appointment.

CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

Mr CHAN Wa-shek, TSO, JP

Mr Chan joined the then Prisons Department as a warder in 1951. He rose steadily through the ranks and was appointed Commissioner of Correctional Services in 1985. He has very recently retired from the Commissioner’s post.

During his period as Commissioner, Mr Chan has been responsible for the development of a number of rehabilitation programmes, including the Release under Supervision Scheme and the Young Offenders Assessment Panel. Tn addition, the Correctional Services Department has borne the brunt of the influx of Vietnamese boat people, which peaked at 34,000 arrivals in 1989.

The Honourable CHEUNG Yan-lung, OBE, JP

Mr Cheung has been a member of the Legislative Council since 1981 and was made Chairman of the Provisional Regional Council in 1985.

He is the Convenor of the OMELCO Panel on Recreation and Culture and is active on a number of other important panels and working groups. In addition, he has been a prominent figure in New Territories affairs for many years. His many appointments have included membership of the North District Board and Ex-officio Executive Councillor of the Heung Yee Kuk.

/Mr Augustine CHUT .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr Augustine CHUI Kam, JP

Mr Chui joined the Hong Kong Government service in 1952 and

rose to his present rank of Secretary, Government Secretariat in 1986. He was appointed Secretary for Recreation and Culture in 1989.

His career in Government service has been characterised by

close links with the community. His more recent appointments have included Director of Urban Services and Secretary for Municipal Services.

Mr Justice Rory O’CONNOR

Mr Justice O'Connor came to Hong Kong from Kenya as a

magistrate in 1962. He was made a District Court judge in 1970 and a High Court judge in 1977. He is currently a senior High Court judge, and is due to retire shortly.

In 1987, he was appointed a member of the Judicial Service

Commission and in 1988 he became Chairman of the Board of Review of Long Term Prison Sentences. Tn the same year, he also became a member of the Law Reform Commission's Sub-Committee on Arrest, Detention, Search and Seizure.

CBE (Honorary)

Dr the Honourable Daniel TSE Chi-wai, OBE, JP

Dr Tse has a long record of public service and is a member of

the Executive and Legislative Councils. He was elected to the Legislative Council in 1985 from the Kowloon City Electoral College Constituency.

He has a wide range of interests and plays an active role on a

large number of panels and committees. His more prominent appointments have included President of the Hong Kong Baptist College, member of the Kowloon City District Board, and Chairman of the Bilingual Laws Advisory Committee, the Police Complaints Committee and the ICAC Advisory Committee on Corruption.

/OBE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

The Honourable LAU Wah-sum, JP

Mr Lau has been a member of the Legislative Council since 1988. He has been involved in public service for many years and was a member of the Provisional Hospital Authority, chairing its Finance Committee. He has also been a member of the Housing Authority, chairing its Building Committee and Establishment and Finance Committee. Tn addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Governors and Council* Hong Kong Baptist College and has been closely associated with the planning of the new University of Science and Technology.

The Honourable David LI Kwok-po, JP

Mr Li has been a member of the Legislative Council since 1985, serving on several OMELCO standing panels, sub-committees and ad-hoc groups covering a wide range of subjects. He is the Chief Executive of the Bank of East Asia and Chairman or member of a number of committees and associations in the banking sector. He has also been closely involved with social work in Hong Kong, having served on a number of charitable and welfare groups in various capacities.

Mr James SO Yiu-cho, JP

Mr So joined the Hong Kong Government service in 1962 and has held a number of posts. He spent the early years of his career dealing with squatter problems’. His more recent posts have included Commissioner for Transport and Secretary for Administrative Services and Information. He became Director of Urban Services in 1989 and has been responsible for meeting rising demands for sports and recreational facilities and measures to improve environmental hygiene.

/QBE (Honorary) ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

OBE (Honorary)

Professor Baysung HSU, JP

Professor Hsu is Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Physics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He obtained his PhD degree in fibre and polymer physics in 1958 at the University of Manchester and held a number of research appointments in the United Kingdom before being appointed Professor of Physics in 1964 at the Chinese University. He is member of numerous academic and administrative committees and is one of the longest serving professors at the Chinese University.

Dr Helmut SOHMEN

Dr Sohmen is a former member of the Legislative Council. A well-known local businessman, he is Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. In 1986 he became Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. His time in office has seen the Academy assume a major role in Hong Kong's cultural development.

ISO (Companion of the Imperial Service Order)

Mr Haider Hatim Tyebjee BARMA, JP

Mr Barma joined the Hong Kong Government Service in 1966 and is now Director of Regional Services. His early government career was spent in Tsuen Wan when the district was developing into a new town. Other significant appointments have included Assistant Secretary for Economic Services, Assistant Director of Home Affairs and Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service. As Assistant Director of Home Affairs and later Deputy Secretary for District Administration, he was closely involved in the evolution of the present three-tier representative government in Hong Kong.

/Mr Benjamin MOK ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr Benjamin MOK Ni-hung, JP

Mr Mok joined the Hong Kong Government service as an Assistant Statistician in 1959. He has spent his entire career in the census and statistics field and was promoted to Commissioner for Census and Statistics in 1989. He has wide experience in data processing and statistical work, particularly in social and demographic statistics. In recent years, he has been closely associated with the broadening of the scope of statistical work to cope with the demands of a rapidly changing and developing Hong Kong.

Mr Michael SZE Cho-cheung, JP

Mr Sze joined the Hong Kong Government service in 1969 and was appointed Director of Marine at the beginning of 1990. His early government career included taking charge of squatter control and later as Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service. But his longest association has been with the Trade Department over a period when Hong Kong’s trade links were undergoing a significant expansion. He was Director of Trade before taking up his present appointment.

Mr Patrick John WTLI.TAMSON, JP

Mr Williamson joined the Hong Kong Government in 1964 and was appointed Commissioner of Customs and Excise in 1986. A significant part of his service has been spent in District Administration and his other posts have included Deputy Secretary for Security and Commissioner for Recreation and Culture. His service in Customs and Excise coincided with a major re-organisation of the Department. He was recently appointed to take charge of Hong Kong’s relations with the EEC in Brussels.

MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

Mr CHOW Kwan-sing

Mr Chow has been closely involved in community work in Tsuen Wan District for over 50 years. He founded the Yan Chai Hospital, and is also the founder and current Chairman of the Tsuen Wan Trade Association which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. He is member of a large number of trade and industry related committees and has sponsored and organised many district activities.

/Mr EU Kam-hung .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 3990

Mr FU Kam-hung

Mr Fu is Assistant Director of Municipal Services with special

responsibility for environmental hygiene and has the task of formulating and implementing policies for all aspects of environmental hygiene in the New Territories. He first joined the Hong Kong Government service in 1956.

Dr Anthony LEE Yip-chuen

Dr Lee is a naval architect by training and has been with the

Marine Department throughout his service with the Hong Kong Government. He has played a major role in the formation of the autonomous Hong Kong Shipping Register and was a member of the main advisory committee to the Government on the establishment of the Register. He retired from the Government service in September 1990.

Mr LO King-man

Mr Lo is Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Polytechnic. His

career has been connected with tertiary education in Hong Kong. He was appointed to the Urban Council in 1984 and has played a prominent role in the cultural life of Hong Kong. He was closely involved in, amongst many other activities, the Cultural Centre project and the establishment of the Hong Kong Philharmonic as the territory's major orchestra.

Mr NG Kai-kai

Mr Ng is a chief maintenance surveyor with the Hong Kong

Government. Since 1987, he has been heavily involved in the provision of accommodation for Vietnamese boat people, including the refurbishment of existing buildings, the putting-up of new centres and the construction of innovative open camps from prefabricated parts.

/MBE (Honorary)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

MBE (Honorary)

Mr Carlos CHEUNG Hon-kau

Mr Cheung is a consulting civil and constructional engineer. He has been active in the construction field in Hong Kong for many years and has also been extensively involved in community work. He has served on a large number of boards and committees, notably the Tai Po District Board and the Regional Council.

Mr KO King-fai

Mr Ko joined the Hong Kong Government in 1959 and rose to the top of his grade as Chief Technical Officer in 1971. He was closely involved in several major airport development projects in the 1970s, including the runway extension, "state of the art" baggage handling systems and a unique design of air-bridge. He has also been active in staff welfare and recreation. He retired from the Government service in August 1990.

BEM (British Empire Medal)

Mr CHAN Chi-choi

Mr Chan and his partner,. Miss Amy Chan Uim-chee, won the gold medal in the badminton mixed doubles at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He and his partner also won the Bronze Medal for the team event. He has been playing badminton since 1977 and has a number of outstanding achievements in the sport.

Miss Amy CHAN Lim-chee

Miss Chan and her partner, Mr Chan Chi-choi, won the gold medal in the badminton mixed doubles at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. She and her partner also won the bronze medal for the team event. She has represented Hong Kong in badminton tournaments since 1974 with great distinction.

/Mr CHAN Tak-minq ......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr CHAN Tak-ming

Mr Chan joined the Marine Department in 1952 and was promoted to Engine Crew Supervisor in 1982. He has been commended three times by the Director of Marine for his part in a salvage operation and for his contributions in improving efficiency in the Government fleet. He retired in November 1990.

Mr CHIA Kian-kok

Mr Chia has worked for the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company for 33 years and has been mainly involved in providing aircraft engineering support to the British Forces in Hong Kong. He has worked on a wide variety of military aircraft and is now a senior inspector.

Mr FAN Tak-cheung

Mr Fan joined the Urban Services Department in 1965 as a labourer. He has worked in slaughterhouses for his entire career and was promoted to Butcher in 1976. He retired in September 1990.

Mr FOK Yat-sang

Mr Fok spent 22 years in the Royal Navy and retired in 1972 as a Petty Officer. He then joined the Ministry of Defence Civil Service and has spent 18 years in the Contracts Section of the Base Engineering Department at HMS TAMAR. He has just retired.

Mr HO Koon-kwan

Mr Ho has served for 30 years in the Water Supplies Department and holds the rank of Waterworks Inspector II. Tn addition to his normal duties he has had the special responsibility for liaison with the Chinese water authority on operational matters. He is due to retire shortly.

Mr LEUNG Chi-keung

Mr Leung has worked in the Education Department for over 32 years and is currently a senior clerical officer. He has extensive knowledge and experience of education matters, particular in the inspectorate field.

/Mr LING Chun-shing ......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr LING Chun-shing

Mr Ling joined the Hong Kong Government as a driver in 1966 and

has been the personal chauffeur to the Chief Secretary since 1969. His work has required very long hours and driving to extremely tight timetables.

Mr Henry LORE Kui-kuen

With one short break, Mr Loke has been the manager of the Kai

Tak Vietnamese Refugee transit centre since 1979. The centre was opened by the Red Cross and was later taken over by the Hong Kong Christian Aid to Refugees.

Mr MA Wing-woon

Mr Ma began his working career over 30 years ago as a labourer

and is now an overseer. For the last 20 years he has been the leader of one of the largest of the municipal services unions and was also elected Chairman of the Federation of USD and RSD Staff Unions.

Mr MAK Man-chik

Mr Mak joined the former Medical and Health Department in 1960

and is now a chief hospital foreman. He was closely involved from 1980 to 1984 in the commissioning of the Prince of Wales Hospital.

Mr Ali MOHAMED

Mr Mohamed has over 31 years of service in the Urban Services

Department. He was promoted to senior overseer in 1989 and for many years he worked on hawker control duties. He was also a member of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) for 14 years and was awarded the Efficiency Medal.

Mr SZETO Ming-chiu

Mr Szeto joined the then prison service as a warder in 1957.

Eight years of his career were spent in the supervision of youths sentenced to a training centre. He retires from the Correctional Services Department in February 1991.

/WONG Kinq-chiu

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr WONG King-chiu

Mr Wong has been a member of the Civil Aid Services for over 22 years. He is an instructor in heavy rescue and physical fitness training and has been involved in several major rescue missions.

QPM (The Queen's Police Medal)

Mr Peter CHAU Cham-chiu, CPM

Mr Chau joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1962 as an inspector. He resigned in 1974 but immediately joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force. His more recent appointments have been Commander New Territories Region (Auxiliary) and Deputy Commandant (Auxiliary), a post he still holds.

Mr Peter WONG Tsan-kwong, CPM

Mr Wong has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Police since 1963 and was promoted to his present rank of Assistant Commissioner in 1988. He has served in a wide variety of posts, including Uniform Branch, Criminal Investigation Department and Training. His current post is Deputy Director, Crime.

QFSM (The Queen's Fire Service Medal)

Mr PANG Tak-sum, CPM

Mr Pang joined the then Medical and Health Department in 1951 as an ambulance attendant. He transferred to the Fire Brigade in 1953, and after a brief period on fire fighting duties, he returned to ambulance work. In 1987, he was appointed Chief Ambulance Officer, the largest single command in the Hong Kong Fire Services. He retires in February 1991.

/CPM .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

CPM (Colonial Police Medal)

Royal Hong Kong Police Force:

Mr Michael John BENSON

Mr Benson has been a member of the Royal Hong Kong Police since 1969 and was promoted to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1988. Most of his service has been in Special Branch.

Mr James CLEMENTS

Mr Clements has over 22 years of service in the Royal Hong Kong Police. Apart from a short spell in Special Branch, most of his career has been with the Uniform Branch. He was promoted to Superintendent, his present rank, in 1979.

Mr FONG Hung-kwan

Mr Fong joined the Royal Hong Kong Police as a constable in 1970 and was promoted to his present rank of Inspector in 1989. His service has included the Special Duties Unit and the Police Tactical Unit. He is currently serving in Traffic, New Territories.

Mr Leonard Briton HILL

Mr Hill has been in the Royal Hong Kong Police for 25 years having previously served four years in the Metropolitan Police in London. He has served in a variety of posts, including Uniform Branch and Criminal Investigation Department and was promoted to senior superintendent in 1985. In his spare time he helps to run two boys clubs in Kowloon for underprivileged children.

Mr Donald KEE Yau-yin

Mr Kee joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1963 and rose to his present rank of chief inspector in 1977. Most of his service has been spent in the Criminal Investigation Department, the last eight years in the Criminal Records Bureau where he has been involved in a number of modernisation projects.

/Mr William Henry KIRKHOPE .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr William Henry KIRKHOPE

Mr Kirkhope joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1963. He has served in the Uniform Branch, Special Branch and the Criminal Investigation Department. After his promotion to Chief Superintendent in 1987, he was posted to the Inspection Services Wing at Police Headquarters, where he is serving at present. He i s a keen sportsman having played rugby for the Police Force for 18 years.

Mr Arthur John LUKE

Mr Luke is a catering specialist and is the most experienced Senior Assistant Force Catering Officer in the Royal Hong Kong Police. He is second-in-command of the Force Catering Unit and has been involved in many complex field catering situations.

Mr John Richard Finch MASON

Mr Mason joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1968 and his early years of service were in the Uniform Branch where he held a variety of posts. He transferred to Special Branch in 1973 where he has remained. He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 1988 and was made an acting Chief Superintendent in 1989.

Mr Francis MURPHY

Mr Murphy has over 16 years of service in the Royal Hong Kong Police following six years of police work in the United Kingdom. He has held a wide range of appointments, mainly in the Criminal Investigation Department. He was promoted to Superintendent in 1982 and is currently Staff Officer Operations in the Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters.

Mr Angus John Dal ano STEVENSON-HAMILTON

Mr Stevenson-Hamilton served in the Metropolitan Police in London for seven years before joining the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1970. He has served in the Uniform Branch,. Criminal Investigation Department, as an Instructor at the Police Training School and Aide-de-Camp to the Governor. He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 1986 and is now Senior Staff Officer, Crime, Kowloon Region.

/Mr Richard John TUDOR

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr Richard John TUDOR

Mr Tudor joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1967 and was

promoted to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1988. Most of his service has been spent in the Uniform Branch and his present appointment is Deputy District Commander, Yau Ma Tei.

Mr Gerald Vianney Lovell WILLY-FURTH

Mr Willy-Furth has spent most of his 25 years

of service with

the Royal Hong Kong Police in the Marine Region but his career has also included a number of Uniform Branch appointments. He was in charge of the Vietnamese boat people centre at the former Erskine Barracks when it was opened in 1988.

Mr YAU Tong

Mr Yau joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1961 and was

promoted to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1977. He has served in the Uniform Branch throughout his career and since 1985 he has been in charge of the District Traffic Team, Mong Kok.

Mr YEUNG Kwing

Mr Yeung joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1963 and retired

in October 1990 with the rank of Superintendent. He served in a number of posts in the Uniform Branch and Criminal Investigation Department. His last appointment before retirement was Assistant District Commander, Administration, Central.

Mr YEUNG Kwok-fai

Mr Yeung has over 32 years of service with the Royal Hong Kong

Police and reached his present rank of Station Sergeant in-1982. His entire service has been in the Uniform Branch including appointments as a weapons instructor and commander of the Rural Patrol Unit in the Tai Po area.

/Mr YUEN Yuk-kwan

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr YUEN Yuk-kwan

Mr Yuen has served the Royal Hong Kong Police since 1958. He joined as a constable and was promoted to Chief Inspector in 1981. He has been an instructor at the Police Training School and is currently the Police Community Relations Officer, Yau Ma Tei.

Fire Services Department:

Mr CHAN Hung

Mr Chan joined the Fire Services Department in 1960 and, with the reorganisation of the Ambulance Service in 1966, he became an Ambulanceman Class T. He reached his present rank of Principal Ambulanceman in 1973 and has spent much of his career on operational ambulance work.

Mr HO Kit-pui

Mr Ho had served the Fire Services Department for over 33 years and was promoted to Principal Fireman in 1976. He retired in December 1990 and his last post was as an instructor at the Training School.

Mr LI Sing-kwong

Mr Li joined the Fire Services in 1959. He qualified for the fire officer operational grade in 1967 and, since then, he has been employed mainly on fire fighting and rescue duties. He was promoted to Senior Divisional Officer in 1989 and has been with the New Territories Divisions for the last four years.

Mr TAM She-sang

Mr Tam joined the Fire Services in 1959 and was promoted to his present rank of Principal Fireman in 1975. His entire career has been spent on fire fighting and rescue duties and he has served in Kowloon, the New Territories and at the Airport.

Badge of .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Badge of Honour

Mr CHAN Chin-hung

Mr Chan is a

factory owner and managing director who has, for

many years, played an active role in North District commercial and community affairs.

Mr Patrick CHOI Wan-hoe

Mr Choi is the managing director of a manufacturing company and

has been heavily involved in community activities in the Sham Shui Po District for a long period.

Mr CHU Chung-shing

A businessman, Mr Chu has been active since 1982 in a wide range of community work in the Tsuen Wan District.

Mr CHUI Hong-sheung

Mr Chui is a school principal and has, for many years, taken a

keen interest in the promotion of cultural and recreational activities in Kwai Tsing District.

Mr FAN Sai-yee

For the last 12

years Mr Fan, a certified Public Accountant,

has served on a number of public bodies. In particular, he has been a member of the Transport Advisory Committee for the last five years.

Mr LAI Chi-tong

Mr Lai has been warden of the Aberdeen Kaifong Welfare

Association Community Centre for over 10 years. He is also a Southern District Board member and has played a major role in community affairs.

/Mr LEUNG Sau-chi

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

Mr LEUNG Sau-chi

A college principal, Mr Leung is a member of the Eastern

District Board. He has been particularly active in crime prevention and education matters.

Mrs Frances LEUNG WONG Chui-mei

Mrs Leung has been an executive committee member of the Eastern

District Women’s Welfare Club since 1963 and became President in 1988. She is director of two major projects sponsored by the Club for the care of the elderly.

Mr POON Kam-kwong

Mr Poon, who is also known as Mr Sammy POONE, is a board

chairman and has a long record of community service including youth work, the care and welfare of the elderly, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Community Chest.

Mrs TAM CHEUNG Kit-ying

Mrs Tam is a school principal and a member of the Mong Kok

District Board where she has been active in youth affairs. She is also Chairman of the District Fight Crime Committee.

Mr Jus.tein WONG Chun

A company director, Mr Wong is also a member of the Sha Tin

District Board and has been active in a wide range of community affairs.

Mr YUEN Wai-sum

Mr Yuen is a social worker living in Tuen Mun. He has made a major contribution to youth welfare and crime prevention in the area.

/MILITARY DTVTSTON

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1990

MILITARY DIVISION

MBE

Major (GCO) Balkrishna Rana

Major (QGO) Dalman Golay

Gurkha Transport Regiment

Seventh Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles, now retired.

BEM

Staff Sergeant Hitparsad Thakali

Staff Sergeant Krishna Gurung

Staff Sergeant Leung Mak-shun

Sixth Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles

Queen's Gurkha Signals

Hong Kong Military Service Corps (received as Operations Senior NCO with Gurkha Transport Regiment, now discharged.)

END

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1990

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW YEAR WILL BRING NEW CHALLENGES: GOVERNOR ............................. 1

SECOND ROUND OF NEW AIRPORT TALKS IN PEKING............................... 1

DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED ................................................. 2

YAU TSIM ARTS FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW ................................... 2

FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINGING CONTEST ON SATURDAY ........................ 3

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1990

NEW YEAR WILL BRING NEW CHALLENGES: GOVERNOR

*****

FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON:

THE NEW YEAR MESSAGE

FROM THE

"NINETEEN NINETY SAW A NUMBER OF DRAMATIC POLITICAL EVENTS TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. BECAUSE WE LIVE BY TRADE OUR LIVES ARE INEVITABLY AFFECTED BY WHAT HAPPENS OUTSIDE HONG KONG. OUR GREAT STRENGTH HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT WE HAVE PROVED OURSELVES BETTER THAN MOST IN RESPONDING TO CHANGE. WHILE OTHERS BRACE THEMSELVES FOR AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN; WE LOOK FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES. THIS IS THE HONG KONG WAY.

"THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING NEW CHALLENGES. ON THE POLITICAL FRONT WE HAVE ELECTIONS AT ALL THREE LEVELS - DISTRICT BOARDS, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. I HOPE PEOPLE 'FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WILL BE PREPARED TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO SERVING THE PUBLIC AND WILL COME FORWARD AND TAKE PART IN THESE ELECTIONS.

"WE MUST ALSO CONTINUE TO BUILD UP OUR COMMUNITY BY EXPANDING EDUCATION; MAINTAINING A HIGH STANDARD OF LAW AND ORDER; IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT; AND PLANNING FOR THE LONGER TERM DEVELOPMENT OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. WE NEED TO PLAN AND ACT NOW SO THAT THE HONG KONG OF THE 1990S IS BOTH A PLACE WORTH LIVING IN AND A HELPFUL PARTNER IN THE GROWING PROSPERITY OF SOUTHERN CHINA AND THE REGION AS A WHOLE.

"IN FACING THESE NEW CHALLENGES I AM SURE THIS REMARKABLE COMMUNITY WILL CONTINUE TO RESPOND AS ENERGETICALLY AND SUCCESSFULLY AS IT HAS IN THE PAST.

"MY FAMILY JOINS ME IN WISHING ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 1991."

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

SECOND ROUND OF NEW AIRPORT TALKS IN PEKING

*****

EXPERTS AN®

A SECOND ROUND OF TALKS EXPERTS FROM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 10 AND 12 JANUARY 1991 ON THE NEW

BETWEEN RELATED HAMISH WILLIAM

MR RAFAEL PRINICIPAL

BETWEEN THE CHINESE WILL BE HELD IN PEKING F HONG KONG AIRPORT AND PROJECTS. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR MACLEOD, SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE MR EHRMAN, POLITICAL ADVISER, MR K.Y. TANG, GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR DARWIN CHEN, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HUI, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, AND MS DENISE YUB, ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TEAM WILL BE LED BY LUO JIAHUAN,DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG & MACAU RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE HONG KONG&. MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL. IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE MR WANG YIPING, DEPARTMENT HEAD OF THE STATB PLANNING COMMISSION, MR ZOU MU, HEAD OF THE RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF NCNA HONG KONG BRANCH, MR CHEN ZUO’ER, DEPUTY DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL, MR SUN YANHENG, CHINESE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE IN THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION, AND MR ZHOU ZHENXING, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE BANK OF (HINA HONG KON

BRANCH

/2 ........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1990

- 2 -

DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED *****

THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF NORWEST ASIA LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (MONDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.

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

YAU TSIM ARTS FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW ♦ * * * ♦

THE YAU TSIM CULTURE AND ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH AN ARTISTIC SHOW TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE MARKED BY A SWITCHING-ON OF LIGHTINGS AND A CHILDREN’S PLAY, THE "ROSE GARDEN", WHICH DESCRIBES THE OUTER SPACE JOURNEY OF A GROUP OF CHILDREN LOOKING FOR A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND URBAN COUNCIL, THE THREE-MONTH ARTS FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION.

IT WILL FEATURE 20 EVENTS WHICH INCLUDE A SHOW OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE DRAMA FORMS AND EXHIBITIONS ON VARIOUS STYLES OF CHINESE PAINTINGS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA CEREMONY AND AT THE GRAND

REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING ARTISTIC SHOW OF THE YAU TSIM CULTURE AND ARTS FESTIVAL THEATRE OF HONG KONG CULTURE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI,

TOMORROW (TUESDAY) BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM.

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

/3.........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1990

- 3 -

FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINGING CONTEST ON SATURDAY

*****

FREE TICKETS TO A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) SINGING CONTEST TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 5) HAVE BEEN SNAPPED UP.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MRS AMELIA TO, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE CONTEST, DIVIDED INTO LYRICS AND SINGING COMPETITIONS, WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, WAN CHAI.

THE TWO-HOUR PROGRAMME, THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL RADIO 1.

APART FROM 12 FINALISTS, THE AUDIENCE WILL BE ENTERTAINED BY POPULAR SINGERS INCLUDING MISS ELIZA CHAN, MR DANNY CHAN AND MR ANTHONY LUN.

"THOSE WHO COULD NOT SECURE A TICKET WILL NOT MISS THE PROGRAMME BY TUNING IN TO COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 FROM 2 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 6)," MRS TO ADDED.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE EVENT WILL BE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT; MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MUSIC OFFICE, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK; PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL RADIO 1, MS KITTY IP; AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MISS VIRGINIA CHAN.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINGING CONTEST TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 5), BEGINNING AT 8 PM AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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

Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1990 - DEC - ENG