DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES TO EXPAND .......................................... 1
SOCIAL WORKERS MUST WORK TOGETHER TO MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES: DSW ........... 2
CUSTOMS COMMENDED FOR ANTI-COMPUTER PIRACY ACTION .......................... 3
PROVISIONAL LIST OF PADS CONSULTANCIES RELEASED ............................ 4
MORE THAN 853,000 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS IN 1989 ........................... 4
RIGHT GLOVES FOR THE RIGHT JOBS ............................................ 5
STUDY ROOMS OPEN FOR STUDENTS ............................................ 6
GOVERNMENT SITE TO LET BY TENDER ........................................... 7
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON INTERNATIONAL CUISINE ............................... 7
CHING MING FESTIVAL, EASTER POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ............................ 8
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON HONG LOK ROAD, YUEN LONG ................................ 9
URBAN CLEARWAY ON KAM TIN ROAD, YUEN LONG .................................. 9
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
1
SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES TO EXPAND *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S 1990/91 BUDGET HAS BEEN INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT TO $3.5 BILLION WITH SUBVENTIONS AMOUNTING TO $1.2 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMMES CONTINUE TO BE THE BIGGEST SPENDER, ACCOUNTING FOR MORE THAN $3 BILLION OF THE BUDGET.
"IN THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR WHICH STARTS TODAY (SUNDAY) WE WILL SEE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY. THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND THE HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, BOTH OF WHICH MEET THE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE GROUPS, HAVE BEEN EXTENDED," HE SAID.
"THIS MONTH, THE BASIC RATE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN RAISED BY 10 PER CENT, AND SEPARATE PROVISION OF SOME $305 MILLION HAS BEEN MADE FOR THIS PURPOSE."
EXPENDITURE ON FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES HAS GONE UP BY 25 PER CENT TO $227 MILLION WHEREAS REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS WILL RECEIVE $79 MILLION, HE SAID.
"WE PLAN TO EXPAND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS SCHEME AND TO EXTEND THE YOUNG OFFENDERS ASSESSMENT PANEL TO ALL MAGISTRACIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ON ELDERLY SERVICES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE MAJORITY OF THE BUDGET OF $11 MILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAMME TO MAKE FULLER USE OF PLACES IN PRIVATE HOMES AND TO RAISE THEIR STANDARDS.
AS TO SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, THERE- IS A RISE IN EXPENDITURE OF 20 PER CENT.
SWD WILL ALSO SPEND $15 MILLION IN CARRYING OUT IMPROVEMENTS, PARTICULARLY IN STAFF PROVISION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, AS WELL AS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND DAY NURSERIES SERVICE.
ON THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS ENABLED THEM TO MAKE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY’S WELFARE.
"THESE AGENCIES WILL TAKE YOUNG PEOPLE AS THEIR TOP SPENDING PRIORITY ($330 M), CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY REHABILITATION ($261 M), FAMILY WELFARE ($251 M) AND THE ELDERLY ($241 M).
"ON REHABILITATION SERVICES, THE TARGET FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR INCLUDES AN INCREASE OF 240 SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRE PLACES, 960 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES; 350 DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE PLACES; 260 HOME FOR MODERATE GRADE MENTALLY RETARDED PLACES AND 168 SEVERE GRADE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PLACES."
/NOTING THAT .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
- 2
NOTING THAT THERE WOULD ALSO BE AN ADDITIONAL 1,600 DAY NURSERY PLACES, 30 DAY CRECHE PLACES, HE SAID 22 NEW CHILD;EN AND YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND YOUTH CENTRES WOULD BE SET UP IN THIS YEAR.
"SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL ALSO BE GREATLY IMPROVED IN 1990/91. THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 1,600 PLACES IN SELF-CARE HOSTELS, HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"THE SUBVERTED SECTOR WILL ALSO CARRY OUT A SERIES OF IMPROVEMENTS WITH A TOTAL OF $17 MILLION IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
"IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE EXTENSION OF THE STANDARD COST SYSTEM TO COMBINED CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR CHILDREN AGED OVER 6, SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES, RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND INCREASED SUBVENTION FOR THE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SOCIAL WORKERS MUST WORK TOGETHER TO MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES:DSW ******
SOCIAL WORKERS MUST JOIN FORCES TO ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO KICK OFF THE WALK FOR SOCIAL WELFARE PERSONNEL REGISTRATION AT THE VICTORIA PEAK THIS MORNING, MRS GOODSTADT SAID THE REGISTRATION WOULD GIVE SOCIAL WORKERS A PROPER PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION IN THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS A MEANS OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED.
SHE SAID THE REGISTRATION MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A VERY SIGNIFICANT EVENT FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION.
"HOWEVER, WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF WORK BEFORE US, PARTICULARLY AS WE ARE LAUNCHING A NEW ERA, WITH THE DRAFTING OF THE WHITE PAPER AS OUR STARTING POINT," MRS GOODSTADT SAID.
"WE MUST NOT BE DAUNTED BY ANY DIFFICULTIES, AS WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY OVERCOME GRAVER CHALLENGES IN THE PAST," SHE CONTINUED.
NOTING THAT ONE OF THE MAIN DIFFICULTIES WOULD BE THE LACK OF TRAINED MANPOWER, MRS GOODSTADT POINTED OUT: "BUT IF WE IMPROVE OUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, LEARN TO DISCHARGE OUR DUTIES MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EXPLORE INNOVATIVE MODES OF OPERATION, WE WILL BE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE WORST OF THE SHORTFALL.” -----------------------------------0--------
/3 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
3
CUSTOMS COMMENDED FOR ANTI-COMPUTER PIRACY ACTION
*****
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT'S EFFORTS IN CLAMPING DOWN ON COMPUTER SOFTWARE PIRACY HAVE BEEN COMMENDED BY THE U.S. SENATE AND A U.S. COMPUTER SOFTWARE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
IN A RESOLUTION, THE U.S. SENATE COMMENDS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ON ITS COMMITMENT TO HALTING COMPUTER PIRACY AND CONGRATULATES THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT FOR ITS "SUCCESSFUL SUBSTANTIAL" ANTI-PIRACY ACTION.
THE U.S. SENATE ALSO EXPRESSES ITS HOPE THAT COPYRIGHT AGENCIES AROUND THE WORLD WILL FOLLOW THE LEADING SOFTWARE ENFORCEMENT EXAMPLE SET BY THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG.
THE TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION, WHICH RECEIVED UNANIMOUS CONSENT, HAS BEEN INSCRIBED ON A PLAQUE RECENTLY PRESENTED TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT BY THE BUSINESS SOFTWARE ALLIANCE (BSA), A U.S.-BASED ORGANISATION REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF SIX LEADING COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS AND AGENTS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, RECEIVED THE PLAQUE FROM BSA’S PRESIDENT, MR DOUGLAS PHILLIPS.
"DESPITE ITS SUCCESSES, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXERT PRESSURE AT ALL LEVELS OF COMPUTER PIRACY UNTIL TOTAL ELIMINATION OF SUCH ACTIVITIES IS ACHIEVED," MR WILLIAMSON SAID.
HE SAID THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BRANCH HAD LAUNCHED FIVE MAJOR OPERATIONS AGAINST COMPUTER PIRACY SINCE THE DEPARTMENT’S RE-ORGANISATION ON AUGUST 1 LAST YEAR.
"THESE RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE OF ABOUT 240,000 COMPUTER MANUALS, 65,000 DISKETTES AND 27 MICROCOMPUTERS VALUED TOTALLY AT $51.1 MILLION.
"ALTOGETHER 56 MEN AND 12 WOMEN WERE ARRESTED IN THESE OPERATIONS," MR WILLIAMSON SAID.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
4
PROVISIONAL LIST OF PADS CONSULTANCIES RELEASED
*****
A PROVISIONAL LIST OF CONSULTANCIES RELATING TO PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT WAS RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE LIST GIVES DETAILS OF THE SCOPE AND NATURE OF CONSULTANCIES AND THE NAMES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICERS FROM WHOM FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED.
A WIDE RANGE OF CONSULTANCIES ARE EITHER UNDER WAY OR PLANNED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PROCEED SMOOTHLY AND ARE COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK.
"THE LIST HAS BEEN PREPARED IN ORDER THAT AN INFORMED AND SYSTEMATIC APPROACH MAY BE EXERCISED BY CONSULTANCY FIRMS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROJECTS. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS RELEASED ON A ’WITHOUT COMMITMENT’ BASIS,” HE SAID.
INCLUDED IN THE LIST ARE MORE THAN A DOZEN MAJOR UNDERTAKINGS AND STUDIES.
COPIES OF THE LIST ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIS DUTY OFFICER AND FROM MR PHILLIP BRUCE, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION UNIT, WORKS BRANCH, 21ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG. TEL: 848 2196 FAX: 845 3489.
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MORE THAN 853,000 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS IN 1989
******
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES HANDLED 853,068 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS DURING 1989.
’’THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 110,665 CASES OVER THE 742,403 IN 1988,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CNTA SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF DECLARATIONS HANDLED WERE IN RELATION TO TRUE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS, EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS, PETITIONS, LOSS OF DOCUMENTS AND HOUSING MATTERS.
THERE ARE 69 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES IN THE 19 DISTRICTS PROVIDING THIS FREE SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO CANNOT PRODUCE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTARY PROOF TO SUBSTANTIATE THEIR CLAIMS OR TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR ANY TYPE OF DOCUMENTS CAN MAKE USE OF THE DECLARATION SERVICE.
/THE ONLY
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
- 5
THE ONLY DOCUMENT REQUIRED IS THE DECLARANTS’ HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS OR EQUIVALENT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS. A DECLARATION MAY BE MADE IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE.
THE DECLARANT IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE CONTENTS OF HIS/HER STATEMENT IN A SPECIFIED DECLARATION FORM AVAILABLE AT ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES.
AFTER COMPLETION OF THE FORM, THE DECLARANT HAS ONLY TO SWEAR IN FRONT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS.
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO SEEK ADVICE OR OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OR THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS ON THE 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI (TEL. NO. 835 1501).
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RIGHT GLOVES FOR THE RIGHT JOBS *****
USING THE WRONG TYPE OF GLOVES IN A WORK PROCESS MAY PRODUCE EVEN MORE DISASTROUS RESULTS THAN NOT WEARING ANY GLOVES AT ALL.
IN PARTICULAR, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICER SAID, MACHINE WORKERS SHOULD NOT WEAR ANY GLOVES SO AS TO AVOID SUSTAINING HAND
"THERE IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY THAT GLOVES WORN AT WORK, ESPECIALLY THE OVER-SIZED OR LOOSE-FITTING ONES, MAY GET ENTANGLED WITH THE MOVING PARTS OF A MACHINE,” THE DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR (OPERATIONS), MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
”IN FACT, A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED RECENTLY
INVOLVING THE USE OF LOOSELY-KNITTED COTTON GLOVES COMMONLY KNOWN AS LABOURERS’ GLOVES’,” MR CHAN NOTED.
"THE GLOVES WERE SEIZED EITHER BY THE MOVING PARTS OR WORKING FOOLS OF MACHINES OR BY REVOLVING WORKPIECES BEING PROCESSED ON THE MACHINES,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLOVES AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET WERE EACH DESIGNED FOR A PARTICULAR USE IN INDUSTRY.
PVC GLOVES, FOR INSTANCE
THE MORE COMMON TYPE WHILE
ARE USED FOR HANDLING
INTENDED FOR WELDERS,
LONG-SLEEVED,
HE SAID, ADDING THAT
THICK THE
LEATHER
ARE GOOD ONLY FOR HANDLING ARTICLES WITHOUT SURFACES SUCH AS PIPES, METAL BARS AND CARTONS.
LABOURERS’
CHEMICALS OF GLOVES ARE
SHARP EDGES
GLOVES”
OR SPINY
/"LABOURERS’ GLOVES ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
- 6 -
’’LABOURERS’ GLOVES SHOULD NEVER BE WORN BY MACHINE OPERATORS AND, IF USED FOR HANDLING CHEMICALS, COULD HAVE DANGEROUS RESULTS AS HARMFUL CHEMICALS WOULD REMAIN IN THE COTTON FIBRES EVEN FOR A LONG TIME,’’ MR CHAN WARNED.
TO PREVENT TRAGEDIES, FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND SUPERVISORS HAVE THE DUTY TO PROVIDE WORKERS WITH THE RIGHT KIND OF GLOVES FOR THE RIGHT JOB AND TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE USED PROPERLY.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT KEEPS A WIDE COLLECTION OF INDUSTRIAL PROTECTIVE GLOVES ON DISPLAY AT ITS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AT HARBOUR BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
FACTORY OWNERS AND WORKERS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CENTRE FOR ADVICE ON THE USE OF PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND OTHER SAFETY DEVICES.
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STUDY ROOMS OPEN FOR STUDENTS * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS OPENING STUDY ROOMS IN 37 PRIMARY AND 26 SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) FOR STUDENTS WHO NEED A QUIET STUDY PLACE DURING THE EXAMINATION PERIOD.
THE FREE STUDY ROOMS ARE OPEN FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, UNTIL JUNE 30.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE STUDY ROOMS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE FROM 7 PM TO 10 PM AND THAT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM.
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO A STUDY ROOM WHICH WILL BE MANNED BY A SUPERVISOR.
THE STUDY-ROOM SCHEME HAS PROVED POPULAR AMONG STUDENTS LIVING IN A CROWDED ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY TOWARDS THE EXAMINATION PERIOD, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS AN EXTENSION OF THE NORMAL STUDY-ROOM FACILITIES PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT MORE THAN 200 LOCATIONS UNDER THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER VOLUNTARY AGENCIES," HE SAID.
POSTERS GIVING THE LOCATIONS OF THESE STUDY ROOMS HAVE BEEN SENT TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THE INFORMATION OF ALL PUPILS.
/7........
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
7
GOVERNMENT SITE TO LET BY TENDER
******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A 2075-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT LEI KING ROAD, SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION, ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE LOT IS FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREA FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND/OR A WORKS AREA WITH ASSOCIATED VEHICLE PARKING AND/OR AN OPEN STORAGE AREA WITH VEHICLE PARKING (INCLUDING THE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES AND TOURIST COACHES).
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 12.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM 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.
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SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE ON INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ON INTERNATIONAL CUISINE WILL BE ISSUED ON APRIL 26, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED FOR THE ADVANCE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND THE SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM APRIL 12.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 70 CENTS EACH WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST DAY TREATMENT OF FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM TOMORROW TO APRIL 12 AT ALL POST OFFICES. THE MINIMUM QUANTITY PER ORDER IS FIVE COVERS.
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE b CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU DATESTAMP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $13 EACH AT THE DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF THE FOLLOWING POST OFFICES ON APRIL 26:
/HONG KONG
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
- 8 -
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE
TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE MONG KOK POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE TAI PO POST OFFICE SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
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CHING MING FESTIVAL, EASTER POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THERE WILL BE NO LETTER DELIVERY AND ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY (APRIL 5), CHING MING FESTIVAL DAY.
DURING THE EASTER PERIOD FROM APRIL 13 TO 16, ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED, EXCEPT FOR THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE WHICH WILL OPEN FOR COUNTER BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON APRIL 14 AND 16.
LETTERS WILL BE DELIVERED ON APRIL 14 AND 16.
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/9 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1990
9
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON HONG LOK ROAD, YUEN LONG ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 3), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF HONG LOK ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY:
- THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HONG LOK ROAD BETWEEN ITS
JUNCTIONS WITH HONG KING STREET; AND
- THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HONG LOK ROAD BETWEEN ITS
SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH HONG KING STREET AND KAU YUK ROAD.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP
FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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URBAN CLEARWAY ON KAM TIN ROAD, YUEN LONG ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 3), THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE SECTION OF KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FAN KAM ROAD AND A POINT APPROXIMATELY 100 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, APRIL* 2, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JANUARY RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY RELEASED ............................ 1
APRIL TO JUNE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ..................................... 4
GOVERNOR BRIEFED ON LAW PROGRAMMES ......................................... 5
EXCHANGE FUND'S SALE OF SHARES IN HK TELECOM ............................... 5
URBAN-WIDE ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ................................. 6
REMINDER TO RATEPAYERS TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ............................... 6
ACAF MEMBERS TO VISIT PIG BREEDING CENTRE ...........................
IEC NOISE REDUCTION WORKS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ........................... 8
KWAI TSING DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES .................. 8
DB TO BE BRIEFED ON FLOOD PREVENTION PROJECTS .............................. 9
DB COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE PROGRESS OF ROADWORKS .............................. 9
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD........................... 10
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE .................................................... 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
1
JANUARY RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY RELEASED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY 1990, ESTIMATED AT $10,596 MILLION, DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989 WHILE THEIR VOLUME DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE FIGURES SUGGEST THAT BOTH CONSUMER DEMAND AND TOURIST SPENDING REMAINED WEAK IN JANUARY 1990.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS IN JANUARY 1990 ROSE BY 22 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES DROPPED BY 17 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 19 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 34 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 23 PER CENT IN VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DROPPED BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED DECREASES OF 32 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 36 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1989, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1990 INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. FUELS WENT DOWN BY 7 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/SALES OF .......
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
- 2 -
SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS WENT UP BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKETS SALES ROSE BY 15 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES WENT UP BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 17 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1989 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1990.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN DECEMBER 1989 AND JANUARY 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 JANUARY 1990 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR DECEMBER 1989 AND WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1989 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JANUARY 1990 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 556 5240).
/TALBLE 1 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
- 3 -
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for January 1990 (Provisional- Figure) = HXS10,596aillion for December 1989 (Revised Figure) = HKS10,042aillion '
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR DECEMBER 1989 AND JANUARY 1990
(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100)
1 ' Index of 1 1 1 January 1990 1 January 1990 !
1 Jtei ! Retail 1 Deceaber 1 January 1 coapared with I coipared with 1
1 } 1 • Sales 1 1989 1 1990 1 December 1989 1 January 1989 1
1 1 ; (Revised 1 (Provisional 1 Points * 1 Points * I
1 1 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES’ । 1 1 figures) 1 figures) II | i 1 1 1 1 1
I 1 III 1 | 1 Value 1 179 1 189 1 410 *6 I -1 -11
। ■ i I- Voluae 1 135 1 144 1 +9 >61 -8 -5 1
1 IB) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS 1 ‘Ill 1 1 II 1 1 1 1
1 1 Foodstuffs, alcoholic I- 1 1 1 I } 1 Value 1 166 1 175 1 +8 +5 1 +25 +17 1
! drinks and tobacco j 1 Voluie 1 BO ! 1J| | <4 *3 1 »11 t9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 Fuels • III 1 1 1 Value 1 130 1 121 1 -9 -7 I +22 <22 1
1 । 1 Voluse 1 121 1 115 1 -9 -8 1 *8 *8 1
1 Clothing, footwear II 1 18 1 1 Value 1 237 | 243 1 +6 +2 1 *7 *3 1
! and allied products । 1 Voluae 1 162 1 174 1 *12 *7 1 -5 -31 'iii । ।
1 Consuaer durables • • • 1 1 1 1 Value 1 155 1 171 1 *16 +10 1 -36 -17 1
। । 1 Voluie 1 117 1 129-1 +12 +10 ! -30 -19 1
1 III! 1 1
1 Other consuaer goods 1 Value 1 192 1 203 1 +12 +6 1 -6 -3 1
। । । I Voluae 1 142 1 154 1 +12 +8 1 -13 -8 1 । । । । ■ ।
! (Cl BY SELECTED TRADES । • • । 1 1 I Illi 1 I
■ I (see note 1 below) 'III 1 1 Illi 1 1
1 Superaarkets Value 1 207 1 238 1 >32 *15 1 *61 >38 1
I Voluae 1 155 1 178 1 +23 +15 1 +33 +23 1 iiii । ।
1 Motor vehicles • Il 1 1 Value 1 230 1 261 1 *32 *14 1 -124 -32 1
1 and parts । Voluse 1 149 1 168 1 *19 *13 1 -95 -36 1 III 1 1
I Consuaer durables 1 1 1 1 Value 1 132 1 143 1 *11 *8 1 -9 -61
1 other than aotor Volose I 108 1 117 1 *9 *1 1 -10 -8 1
( vehicles and parts l III 1 1 II' 1 1
! Departaent stores III 1 Value 1 287 1 322 1 *34 *12 1 *32 *11 1
Voluse 1 200 I 234 1 *35 *17 1 *11 *5 1
NOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIN lajor trade groups, the value and voluie indexes in respect of the following selected trades are coapiled :
(a) 'Superaarkets' - a trade in the 'Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco' group.
(b) 'Motor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consuaer durables' group.
(c) 'Consuaer durables other than aotor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consuaer durables' group.
(<J) 'Departaent stores' - a trade in the 'Other consuaer goods' group.
2. Figures denoting changes are derived froa the unrounded index figures.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
- 4 -
APRIL TO JUNE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DURING THE QUARTER FROM APRIL TO JUNE 1990.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED MONTHLY SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, DEMAND FOR DAY CARE SERVICES, AWARENESS OF FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES, RESIDENCE ABROAD, HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT AND HOUSING DEMAND WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE QUARTER OF APRIL TO JUNE 1990.
SOME 4,000 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED AT RANDOM EACH MONTH FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.
ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS INTERVIEWED THREE MONTHS AGO, WILL BE SURVEYED AGAIN TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION.
CENSUS OFFICERS, EACH CARRYING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY, WILL VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART IIIA OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316 OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG) AS NOTIFIED IN THE GENERAL NOTICE NO. 212 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF JANUARY 19, 1990.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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/5........
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
- 5 -
GOVERNOR BRIEFED ON LAW PROGRAMMES ******
A NEWLY INSTALLED COMPUTER SYSTEM IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WILL SPEED UP THE PACE OF WORK ON BILINGUAL DRAFTING AND THE PROGRAMME TO LOCALISE LAWS.
DURING A VISIT TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WAS BRIEFED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, ON THE PROGRESS OF THE TRANSLATION OF THE EXISTING 20,000 PAGES OF HONG KONG LAWS INTO CHINESE.
"THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE MAJOR TASKS FOR LAW DRAFTSMEN DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD," SIR DAVID SAID. "CLEARLY IT IS A TASK WHICH REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF RESEARCH."
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT AN ESTIMATED 300 UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS NOW APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG WOULD HAVE TO BE EXAMINED AND MANY OF THEM ENACTED AS DOMESTIC HONG KONG LAW BEFORE 1997; THE CREATION OF A COMPUTER DATABASE CONSISTING OF ALL THE LAWS OF HONG KONG WOULD GREATLY ASSIST IN THIS PROCESS.
THE NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM WOULD ALSO HELP TO SPEED UP ALL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE WORK AS RESEARCH INTO STATUTE LAW COULD THEN BE CONDUCTED MUCH MORE QUICKLY.
THE GOVERNOR THEN TOURED THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING LAW DRAFTING, PROSECUTIONS, CIVIL, INTERNATIONAL LAW AND LEGAL POLICY AND WAS BRIEFED ON THEIR WORK.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, SIR DAVID WATCHED A MOCK COURT TRIAL TO HELP IN THE TRAINING OF COURT PROSECUTORS, ASSISTANT CROWN COUNSEL AND ARTICLED CLERKS.
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EXCHANGE FUND’S SALE OF SHARES IN HK TELECOM
******
THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, ANNOUNCED THAT THE SALE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S 377,544,752 SHARES IN HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED ("HK TELECOM") TO A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CABLE AND WIRELESS PLC HAS BEEN COMPLETED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE EXCHANGE FUND’S REMAINING SHAREHOLDING IN HK TELECOM FOLLOWING THIS SALE IS REDUCED TO 377,544,752 SHARES REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 3.4 PER CENT OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL IN HK TELECOM.
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/6 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
6
URBAN-WIDE ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
*****
WHILE THE FORTHCOMING WARM WEATHER WILL PROVIDE A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BREEDING OF MOSQUITOES, THE PEST CONTROL STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STARTED AN URBAN-WIDE DRIVE TODAY (MONDAY) TO STAMP OUT THESE PESTS.
TODAY’S OPERATION IN MONG KOK MARKED THE LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE ANNUAL ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN THROUGHOUT THE 11 URBAN DISTRICTS.
THE FIRST PHASE, LASTING FROM SIX DAYS TO TWELVE DAYS IN EACH DISTRICT, WILL CONCLUDE ON MAY 3.
"TO ENSURE THAT PLACES ARE THOROUGHLY COMBED, EACH DISTRICT IS DIVIDED INTO A NUMBER OF SECTIONS FOR PEST CONTROL TEAMS TO CARRY OUT BLOCK-TO-BLOCK INSPECTION VISITS DURING THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN," THE STAFF OFFICER (LICENSING AND HYGIENE) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR HUI KWOK-HUNG, SAID.
"PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO HILLSIDES, CONSTRUCTION SITES, STREAMS, CEMETERIES AND BUILDINGS, ESPECIALLY SUCH COMMON AREAS AS YARDS AND ROOFTOPS," HE EXPLAINED.
MR HUI ADDED THAT IN ORDER TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO THE IMPORTANCE OF MOSQUITO PREVENTION IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, THE INSPECTION TEAMS WOULD ALSO DISTRIBUTE, LEAFLETS AND POSTERS ON PREVENTION OF MOSQUITO NUISANCES TO BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND MANAGEMENT OFFICES OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS OR HOUSING ESTATES.
LEAFLETS AND POSTERS WOULD ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS TO EDUCATE THE SCHOOL CHILDREN.
"PEST CONTROL OFFICERS WILL ISSUE NUISANCE ABATEMENT NOTICES TO PEOPLE FOUND TO PERMIT MOSQUITO BREEDING. THOSE WHO FAIL TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION WILL BE PROSECUTED," HE SAID.
MR HUI REMINDED THAT UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, THE OFFENCE OF ALLOWING MOSQUITO BREEDING CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $ 10 000.
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REMINDER TO RATEPAYERS TO SUPPLY INFORMATION
******
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) ISSUED SOME 70,000 REMINDERS TO RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT YET RETURNED THE REQUISITION FORMS SENT TO THEM PREVIOUSLY.
THE REMINDERS, WHICH ARE SIMILAR TO THE ORIGINAL REQUISITION FORMS, REQUIRE RATEPAYERS TO SUPPLY RENTAL DETAILS OF THEIR PROPERTIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING RATEABLE VALUES.
/A SPOKESMAN
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
7
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT URGED ANY PERSON WHO RECEIVED A REMINDER FORM TO COMPLETE AND RETURN IT WITHIN 14 DAYS. FAILURE TO DO SO WOULD RENDER SUCH PERSON LIABLE TO A FINE OF $2,000.
IF THE PREVIOUS REQUISITION HAD ALREADY BEEN RETURNED, THE REMINDER NEED NOT BE COMPLETED BUT SHOULD BE RETURNED INTACT TO THE DEPARTMENT.
ANYONE HAVING ENQUIRIES MAY CALL THE TELEPHONE NUMBER PRINTED ON THE FORM OR MAY VISIT THE DEPARTMENT AT 17TH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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ACAF MEMBERS TO VISIT PIG BREEDING CENTRE * * * » »
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) HAS, SINCE JUNE 1987, BEEN EXPERIMENTING A PIG-ON-LITTER SYSTEM AT ITS TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE WHICH EMPLOYS A SPECIAL BEDDING MATERIAL IN THE PIG SHED COMPRISING SAWDUST AND BACTERIAL PRODUCTS TO DECOMPOSE PIG MANURES IN-SITU AS AND WHEN THEY ARE PRODUCED.
THE DEPARTMENT BELIEVES THAT THE SYSTEM MAY BE ONE OF THE PRACTICAL AND ECONOMIC METHODS TO COMBAT POLLUTION RESULTING FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE.
TO GAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON THE SYSTEM, MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (ACAF) WILL VISIT THE TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING.
APART FROM THE SYSTEM, MEMBERS WILL ALSO SEE OTHER WASTE TREATMENT METHODS DEMONSTRATED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AT THE PIG BREEDING CENTRE. THESE INCLUDE THE DRY MUCK-OUT SYSTEM AND THE WET MUCK-OUT SYSTEM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT. MEDIA TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL LEAVE AFD HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AT 9.15 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
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/8........
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
- 8 -
IEC NOISE REDUCTION WORKS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF THE LAYING OF NOISE REDUCTION MATERIALS ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS, MEMBERS WILL ELECT A CHAIRMAN TO HEAD THE COMMITTEE DURING THE 1990-91 NEW TERM.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE LONG-STANDING PROBLEM OF SEWER BLOCKAGE AT THE REAR LANE OF JAVA ROAD.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE PROPOSED MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND SALT WATER SUPPLY IN WAN TSUI ESTATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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KWAI TSING DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AT A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A REPLY FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ON SOME MEMBERS’ COMPLAINT ABOUT THE RELICENSING OF THE OIL DEPOTS OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG OIL COMPANY LIMITED ON TSING YI ISLAND.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DISTRICT BOARD’S BUDGET FOR THE 1990-91 FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCHOOLS UNDER REDEVELOPMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
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/9.........
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
9
DB TO BE BRIEFED ON FLOOD PREVENTION PROJECTS ******
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD ON THE GOVERNMENT’S FLOOD PREVENTION PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT AT THE BOARD’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 4).
THE BRIEFING WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF ENGINEER, MR DON MUDD.
MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS ROAD PROJECT WHICH FORMS PART OF THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DRAFT HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE 1990 AND THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AN APPLICATION BY THE DEVELOPER OF FAIRVIEW PARK TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR ALTERING ITS DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AND THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS IN YUEN LONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 4) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE PROGRESS OF.ROADWORKS
******
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL EXAMINE THE PROGRESS OF ROADWORK PROJECTS AT TAI HOM AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS FIGURES IN THE DISTRICT IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET.
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/10
MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1990
10
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES * * *
ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ♦ * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, ABOUT 300 METRES OF ONE SOUTHBOUND LANE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTH OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (APRIL 4 AND 5) FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, AND AGAIN ON APRIL 10.
ALSO, ABOUT 300 METRES OF TWO SOUTHBOUND LANES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTH OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THREE DAYS FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 6) FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
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HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE * * * *
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT EIGHT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN ON THURSDAY (APRIL 5) WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
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, YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND 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.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 38.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 226.999 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 193.660 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 33.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRADE DEPT WELCOMES DECISION TO TERMINATE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING ................. 1
DIRECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT NOT AFFECTED BY 1997 .......................... 2
SALE OF EXCHANGE FUND'S REMAINING SHARES IN HK TELECOM ............................ 3
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS MARKET REGULATION SUB-COMMITTEE FORMED ........................ 4
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY PUBLISHED ........................................ 5
SUPPLY OF NON-CONFIDENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS TO PRIVATE SECTOR .... 9
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES .............................................. 9
LAW CHANGES RECOMMENDED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS ..................................... 11
RISE IN SMOKING-RELATED DISEASE .................................................. 13
EXCO APPROVES TWO ADDITIONAL RACE MEETINGS ....................................... 15
13 QUESTIONS, 6 BILLS AND MEMBER'S MOTION IN LEGCO TOMORROW ...................... 15
KWAI TSING DB ALLOCATES FUNDS TO SIX COMMITTEES .................................. 16
ACAF MEMBERS VISIT TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE ............................... 17
HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS OF MARINE DEPT OFFICES ..................................... 19
YOUTH GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR PROJECT GRANTS ................................. 19
WINNERS PICKED FOR BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE CONTEST ................................. 20
ANNUAL REPORT ON SALE FROM TOMORROW .............................................. 21
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SAI YING PUN TO BE CLOSED .............................. 22
REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR TSUEN WAN ............................................ 22
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT KCR KOWLOON STATION ............................... 23
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ............................... 23
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN YUEN LONG FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL ................. 23
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF AIRPORT WEST FLYOVER ........................................ 23
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
1
TRADE DEPT WELCOMES DECISION TO TERMINATE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING *******
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) IT HAD RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES HAD TERMINATED THE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING AGAINST RE-EXPORTS OF TUNGSTEN ORES AND CONCENTRATES OF CHINESE ORIGIN FROM HONG KONG INTO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (EEC).
THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR STUART HARBINSON, SAID THAT, AS TN THE SILICON METAL CASE WHICH WAS TERMINATED LAST WEEK, HONG KONG WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE. PROCEEDING BECAUSE THE INVESTIGATION HAD SHOWN THAT THERE WAS NO EXPORT OF TUNGSTEN ORES AND CONCENTRATES ORGTNATING IN HONG KONG TO THE EEC.
"WE WELCOME THE COMMISSION’S DECISION TO EXCLUDE HONG KONG FROM THE PROCEEDINGS," MR HARBINSON SAID.
"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN HONG KONG’S VIEW THAT NO ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING SHOULD BE INITIATED IN RESPECT OF A COUNTRY OR TERRITORY THROUGH WHICH THE PRODUCTS IN QUESTION ARE MERELY TRANS-SHIPPED," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY ARGUED THIS IN OUR CONTACTS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN THE POINT.
"TO PUT THE ISSUE BEYOND DOUBT FOR THE FUTURE, WE HAVE ALSO SUGGESTED, AS ONE OF HONG KONG’S SPECIFIC PROPOSALS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GATT ANTI-DUMPING CODE, THAT THIS PRINCIPLE BE EXPLICITLY STATED IN THE CODE," MR HARBINSON EXPLAINED.
FOLLOWING TERMINATION OF THE SILICON METAL AND TUNGSTEN ORES CASES, THERE WAS NOW NO OUTSTANDING ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING CONCERNING HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL AWAITING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS IN RESPECT OF THE EEC ANT I-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF PHOTO ALBUMS, AUDIO TAPES, SMALL SCREEN COLOUR TELEVISION RECEIVERS AND DENIM CLOTH," MR HARBINSON SAID.
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/2 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
2
DIRECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT NOT AFFECTED BY 1997
*»«***
THE DIRECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG WILL NOT BE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY 1997, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS INVESTORS, PARTICULARLY THE JAPANESE, WERE TAKING A LONG-TERM VIEW AND VALUED THE TERRITORY FOR ITS ACCESS TO THE CHINA MARKET.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR BARMA SAID LOCAL MANUFACTURERS HAD ALREADY DEMONSTRATED THEIR ABILITY TO IGNORE THE BORDER WITH CHINA, AND HAD SHOWN THAT THEY COULD OPERATE OUT OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND STILL MAKE HANDSOME PROFITS.
"THE SYNERGY OF HONG KONG AND THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION IS A FACT ALREADY, AND 1997 WILL MAKE NO DIFFERENCE TO IT," HE SAID.
HF. BELIEVED THAT THE 1990S WOULD BE YEARS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
MR BARMA EXPECTED ALL THE TRADITIONAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES TO BE FLOURISHING 10 YEARS FROM NOW.
"ELECTRONICS WILL PROBABLY BE AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT INDUSTRY THAN IT IS NOW. NEW INDUSTRY SECTORS, SUCH AS BIOTECHNOLOGY, MAY WELL EMERGE.
"OUR ’SWEATSHOP' IMAGE, ALWAYS EXAGGERATED, WILL HAVE GONE FOR EVER. OUR FACTORIES WILL BE CLEAN, SAFETY STANDARDS WILL BE HIGH, AND OUR PRODUCTS WILL HAVE ESTABLISHED AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION FOR QUALITY."
MR BARMA HOWEVER CAUTIONED THAT HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS BEEN VULNERABLE TO EVENTS OUTSIDE ITS CONTROL.
"THERE WILL NO DOUBT BE SURPRISES TN STORE, BUT THE FLEXIBLE STRUCTURE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ENABLES US TO RESPOND WITH ENVIABLE SPEED TO CHANGING CONDITIONS," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID CHINA’S TRADE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD WOULD PROBABLY CONTINUE TO EXPAND, AND HONG KONG’S SERVICE SECTOR WOULD CONTINUE TO FLOURISH AS A RESULT.
"HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS THEREFORE WILL CONTINUE TO FACE COMPETITION FROM THE SERVICE SECTOR FOR MANPOWER.
"THE PRESENT SLOW DRIFT OF EMPLOYMENT FROM MANUFACTURING INTO SERVICES WILL THEREFORE PROBABLY CONTINUE, BUT I WOULD EXPECT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN THE 1990S TO ATTRACT ITS FAIR SHARE OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO REMAIN BOTH A MAJOR EMPLOYER AND MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.
/MR BARMA .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
3 -
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG MUST RETAIN A BALANCED AND DIVERSIi ED ECONOMY, AND THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WOULD CONTINUE TO EMPLOY SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND WORKERS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
HE ALSO SAID AUTOMATION WOULD BE ONE PART OF THE UPGRADING PROCESS, BUT SUCCESS WOULD ALSO REQUIRE MANUFACTURERS TO ADOPT A PHILOSOPHY DIRECTED AT THE CONSUMER’S REQUIREMENTS.
"QUALITY, FLEXIBILITY, RESPONSIVENESS WILL BE EQUALLY IMPORTANT," HE ADDED.
AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
NOTING THAT THE PROCESS OF UPGRADING WOULD BE ASSISTED BY INCREASING OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, MR BARMA SAID HE WOULD EXPECT THE UNITED STATES, JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND WEST GERMANY TO BE MAJOR SOURCES OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
"AT ITS CURRENT RATE OF INVESTMENT, JAPAN MAY WELL BE OUR LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR BY THE YEAR 2000," HE SAID.
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SALE OF EXCHANGE FUND’S REMAINING SHARES IN HK TELECOM
******
THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS TODAY (TUESDAY) AGREED TO SELL THE WHOLE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S REMAINING SHAREHOLDING IN HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED ("HK TELECOM"), AMOUNTING TO 377,544,752 SHARES REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 3.4 PER CENT OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF HK TELECOM, TO SMITH NEW COURT SECURITIES PLC, A LEADING UK SECURITIES HOUSE, FOR A TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF APPROXIMATELY HK$1.85 BILLION.
AFTER COMPLETION OF THIS TRANSACTION, THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL NO LONGER HAVE ANY EQUITY INTERESTS IN HK TELECOM.
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
4
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS MARKET GULATION SUB-COMMITTEE FORMED
*****
ON THE ADVICE OF THE MARKET COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF ALL THE 14 MARKET MAKERS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS HAS FORMED A MARKET REGULATION SUB-COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER AND GIVE ADVICE ON SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR THE MARKET IN EXCHANGE FUND BILLS, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFIARS, MR JOSEPH YAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE SUB-COMMITTEE COMPRISES FOUR MARKET MAKERS AND FOUR RECOGNISED DEALERS.
"IT WAS THE ADVICE OF THE MARKET COMMITTEE THAT AS RECOGNISED DEALERS ALSO HAVE A CLOSE INTEREST IN THE MARKET, THEY SHOULD ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAKING OF MARKET REGULATIONS," HE SAID.
THE EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE MARKET REGULATION SUB-COMMITTEE ARE:
MARKET MAKERS:
- THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED;
- IBJ ASIA LIMITED;
- MANUFACTURERS HANOVER ASIA LIMITED; AND
- SCHRODERS ASIA LIMITED.
RECOGNISED DEALERS:
- BANQUE NATIONALE DE PARIS;
- BARCLAYS BANK PLC;
- SANWA INTERNATIONAL FINANCE LIMITED; AND (
- WESTPAC FINANCE ASIA LIMITED.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR YAM AND WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
COMMENTING ON THE ROLE INTENDED FOR THE SUB-COMMITTEE, MR YAM SAID THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS MARKET WAS A PROFESSIONAL MARKET AND IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF REGULATION.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE WOULD MEET AS AND WHEN THERE WAS A NEED TO DO SO.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE WOULD BE PUT TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS FOR DECISION, IF NECESSARY, THROUGH THE MARKET COMMITTEE, HE SAID.
------0-------
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 5 -
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY PUBLISHED
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY COMPARED WITH JANUARY, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
BUT REFLECTING THE DECLINE IN CASH HOLDING AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, PARTICULARLY THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, DECREASED DURING FEBRUARY. TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES INCREASED DURING THE MONTH.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1990, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 1.6 PER CENT AND 0.3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1989 AND JANUARY 1990 RESPECTIVELY.
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS DECLINED BY 1.9 PER CENT AND 3.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY DURING FEBRUARY, WHILE TIME DEPOSITS ROSE BY 2.9 PER CENT.
DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 12.7 PER CENT, BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, ROSE BY 2.7 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1990, AFTER INCREASES OF 2.5 PER CENT AND 3.9 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1989 AND JANUARY 1990 RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECLINED BY 0.6 PER CENT WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 5.5 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOT'.L FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 26.9 PER CENT.
DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 1.8 PER CENT AND 4.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN FEBRUARY AND BY 21.5 PER CENT AND 29.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE YEAR.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 0.6 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AND BY 12.7 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR DECLINE REFLECTED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF THESE INSTITUTIONS.
/MONEY SUPPLY .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 6 -
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 (ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS) FELL BY 7.8 PER CENT, 0.8 PER CENT AND 0.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN FEBRUARY. THESE DECLINES (PARTICULARLY FOR HK$M1) WERE RELATED TO THE DECREASE IN CASH HOLDING AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
IN JANUARY, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 WERE 8.0 PER CENT, 1.8 PER CENT AND 1.7 PER CENT.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 2.4 PER CENT, 14.0 PER CENT AND 12.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml DECLINED BY 6.9 PER CENT DURING FEBRUARY WHILE TOTAL M2 AND M3 EACH GREW BY 1.1 PER CENT. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JANUARY WERE 9.2 PER CENT, 3.3 PER CENT AND 2.8 PER CENT.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 3.5 PER CENT, 20.9 PER CENT AND 19.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 7.0 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1990, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 6.0 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1989 AND A DECLINE OF 0.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1990.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 1.6 PER CENT DURING FEBRUARY WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES INCREASED BY 11.1 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 1.7 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN DECEMBER AND A DECLINE OF 0.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 12.5 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE LN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 1 . 1 PEL? CENT AND 2.5 PER CENT IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 23.9 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 17.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 8.1 PER CENT IN DECEMBER AND A DECLINE OF 3.9 PER CENT IN JANUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 42.0 PER CENT.
/LOANS TO .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
LOANS TO FINANCE MERCHANDISING TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG FELL BY 0.1 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, AFTER A ZERO GROWTH IN DECEMBER AND A DECLINE OF 22.0 PER CENT IN JANUARY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS DECLINED BY 31.2 PER CENT. IN TERMS OF RELATIVE SHARE, HOWEVER, THESE LOANS ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION OF TOTAL LOANS.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBERS OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 165 AND 37 RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) DECREASED BY ONE TO 199.
NOTE:
(1) BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 1990, "RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS" AND
"DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" WERE KNOWN AS "LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" AND "REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES" RESPECTIVELY.
(2) IN THE TEXT ABOVE, TOTAL HK$ DEPOSITS, HK$ TIME DEPOSITS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS. ON THE OTHER HAND, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS AND U.S.$ 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.
/MONETARY STATISTICS
MONETARY STATISTICS - FEBRUARY 1990
(HK$mn)
Feb 1990 Earlier a xonths (X change to February 1990)
Money Supply Jan 1990 Nov 1989 Feb 1989
Ml - HKS 34,342 92.014 ( -7.8 %) 85,661 ( -1.0 X) 82,844 ( 2.4 X)
Foreign currency 11,598 11,554 ( 0.4 %) 8,894 ( 30.4 X) 10,331 ( 12.3 X)
Total 96,441 103,568 ( -6.9 X) 94,554 ( 2.0 X) 93,175 ( 3.5 X)
M2 - HKS* 471,636 475,354 ( -0.8 X) 457,017 ( 3.2 X) 413,571 ( 14.0 X)
Foreign currency* 560,272 545,818 ( 2.6 X) 509,022 ( 10.1 X) 440,237 ( 27.3 X)
Total 1,031,908 1,021,172 ( 1.1 X) 966,039 ( 6.8 X) 853,807 ( 20.9 X)
M3 - HKS* 502,477 505,900 ( -0.7 X) 488,230 ( 2.9 X) 447,803 ( 12.2 X)
Foreign currency* 600,156 584,484 ( 2.7 X) 549,183 ( 9.3 X) 473,764 ( 26.7 X)
Total 1,102,633 1,090,384 ( 1.1 X) 1,037,413 .( 6.3 X) 921,567 ( 19.6 X)
Notes and coins in circulation 40,537 48,563 (-16.5 X) 36,542 ( 10.9 X) 36,415 ( 11.3 X) -
of which held by public 35,598 41,811 (-14.9 X) 31,974 ( 11.3 X) 31,757 ( 12.1 X)
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 60.843 61,757 ( -1.5 X) 62,580 ( -2.8 X) 61,418 ( -0.9 X)
1 Total Savings deposits 192,478 194,619 ( -1.1 X) 183,354 ( 5.0 X) 170,136 ( 13.1 X) 1
I Total Time deposits with licensed banks 726,387 706.270 ( 2.8 X) 671.205 ( 8.2 X) 574,512 ( 26.4 X)
। Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 36,371 35,242 ( 4.6 X) 37,402 ( -1.4 X) 28,562 ( 29.1 X)
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 32,419 32.626 ( -0.6 X) 32,562 ( -0.4 X) 37,129 (■ -12.7 X) CD
° HKS deposits* 454.645 451,930 ( 0.6 X) 443,662 ( 2.5 X) 403,490 ( 12.7 X)
l USS deposits* 261,143 262,812 ( -0.6 X) 250,874 ( 4.1 X) 222,982 ( 17.1 X)
। Other foreign currency deposits 333.209 315,771 ( 5.5 X) 292.567 ( 13.9 X) 245,285 ( 35.8 X) 1
All deposits 1,048.997 1,030,512 ( 1.8 X) 987.103 ( 6.3 X) 871,758 ( 20.3 X)
i Foreign currency swap deposits 61,734 63,033 ( -2.1 X) 61,488 ( 0.4 X) 47.751 ( 29.3 X)
Total Leans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 64,039 63,024 ( 1.7 X) 63,215 ( 1.4 X) 56,955 ( 12.5 X)
To finance merchandising trade 8,126 8,134 ( -0.1 X) 10,425 ( -22.1 X) 11,816 ( -31.2 X)
not touching H.K. Other loans for use in H.K. 606,386 599,267 ( 1.3 X) 577,988 ( 5.0 X) 489,677 ( 23.9 X)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 569,594 485,628 ( 17.3 X) 467,631 ( 21.8 X) 401,220 ( 42.0 X)
Other loans where the place of 101,332 105,411 ( -3.8 X) 80,205 ( 26.4 X) 76,202 ( 33.0 X)
use is not known Loans in HK3 547,319 538,757 ( 1.6 X) 518,205 ( 5.6 X) 436,541 ( 25.4 X)
Loans in foreign currencies 302,758 722.708 ( 11.1 X) 681,257 ( 17.8 X) 599,329 ( 33.9 X)
Total loans and advances 1,350,077 1,261,465 ( 7.0 X) 1,199,462 ( 12.6 X) 1,035,870 ( 30.3 X)
* Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits
Notr; : 'Restricted licence banks’ and 'deposit-taking companies' were known as ’licensed deposit-taking companies’ and 'registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
9
SUPPLY OF NON-CONFIDENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS TO PRIVATE SECTOR
*******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTER OF AROUND 350,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG TO SERVE MAINLY AS THE SAMPLING FRAME FOR VARIOUS ECONOMIC SURVEYS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MANY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO MAKE USE OF THE REGISTER FOR PUBLICITY, SURVEY AND RESEARCH WORK.
STARTING FROM DECEMBER 1 LAST YEAR, A SAMPLE LISTING CONTAINING 20 PER CENT OF THE RECORDS RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THE CENTRAL REGISTER HAS BEEN CREATED FOR USE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THEIR MARKET RESEARCH, STATISTICAL SURVEYS AND BUSINESS OR PRODUCT PROMOTION.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUPPLY OF A PHOTOCOPY OR A MAGNETIC TAPE OF THE LISTING OF NON-CONFIDENTIAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS THE NAME, ADDRESS, MAJOR TYPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND EMPLOYMENT SIZE CLASS OF INDIVIDUALS ESTABLISHMENTS IN THIS 20 PER CENT SAMPLE LISTING CAN BE MADE TO THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A CHARGE WILL BE LEVIED FOR THIS SERVICE, AND THE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(A) $3.2 PER PAGE OF PHOTOCOPY; AND
(B) A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $340 FOR A JOB REQUIRING UP TO 20 CRU’S (COMPUTER RESOURCES UNIT) PLUS $17 FOR EACH CRU IN EXCESS OF 20 CRU’S, IF THE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ON MAGNETIC TAPES. THE MAGNETIC TAPES ARE TO BE PROVIDED BY APPLICANTS.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION ON TEL. 823 4760.
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES
******
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 8.04 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 7.08 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
/INTEREST ON .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 10 -
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.67 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 4.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE APRIL 4 WILL CONTINUE TO
EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS -
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM MAY 11, 1 FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 988 AND BEFORE JUNE 16, 1988;
4.80 PER CENT PER ANNUM JUNE 16, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE 29, 1988;
5.28 PER CENT PER ANNUM JUNE 29, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1988 AND BEFORE JULY 27, 1988;
5.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM JULY 27, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1988 AND BEFORE AUGUST 17, 1988;
6.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM AUGUST 17 FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER , 1988 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 1988;
6.84 PER CENT PER ANNUM DECEMBER FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 7, 1988 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 15, 1989;
7.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FEBRUARY FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 15, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 8, 1989;
7.80 PER CENT PER ANNUM MARCH 8, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 22, 1989;
8.28 PER CENT PER ANNUM MARCH 22, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1989 AND BEFORE JUNE 22, 1989;
7.80 PER CENT PER ANNUM JUNE 22, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1989 AND BEFORE JULY 12, 1989;
7.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM JULY 12, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1989 AND BEFORE AUGUST 9, 1989;
6.84 PER CENT PER ANNUM AUGUST 9, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 7, 1990 AND
7.08 PER CENT PER ANNUM MARCH 7, FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER 1990 AND BEFORE APRIL 4, 1990.
/BUT ALWAYS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE: $1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON APRIL 4, 1990, MAY 4, 1990 AND JUNE 4, 1990 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JULY 3, 1990 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
ON $1,000, APRIL 4, 1990 TO JULY 3, 1990
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.70 PER MONTH = $20.10
ON $1,000, MAY 4, 1990 TO JULY 3, 1990
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.70 PER MONTH = $13.40
ON $1,000, JUNE 4, 1990 TO JULY 3, 1990
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $6.70 PER MONTH = $ 6.70
$40.20
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LAW CHANGES RECOMMENDED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS *****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION RECOMMENDED A NUMBER OF LEGISLATIVE CHANGES ON SALE OF GOODS AND SUPPLY OF SERVICES AIMED AT GIVING CONSUMERS BETTER PROTECTION.
THE COMMISSION PUBLISHED A REPORT ON THE SUBJECT TODAY (TUESDAY).
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION’S SUB-COMMITTEE ON SALE OF GOODS AND SUPPLY OF SERVICES, MISS CHRISTINE LOH, SAID THE REPORT WAS THE RESULT OF TWO YEARS’ WORK BY THE COMMISSION AND A SUB-COMMITTEE OF LAWYERS, CONSUMER ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVES AND BUSINESSMEN.
MISS LOH POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE REPORT WAS CONCERNED WITH A RELATIVELY SMALL PART OF THE SALE OF GOODS ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSION WAS NEVERTHELESS RECOMMENDING IMPORTANT CHANGES IN LAW THAT WOULD GO SOME WAY IN IMPROVING THE POSITION OF CONSUMERS IN HONG KONG.
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION TO CONTROL "HARSH AND UNCONSCIONABLE" TERMS FOR CONSUMER SALE OF GOODS AND SUPPLY OF SERVICES CONTRACTS.
A DEFINITION OF "HARSH AND UNCONSCIONABLE" HAD NOT BEEN RECOMMENDED BUT A LIST OF FACTORS TO WHICH A COURT SHOULD HAVE REGARD IN CONSIDERING WHETHER THE TERMS OF A CONTRACT WERE SUCH HAD BEEN PROPOSED.
/MISS LOH .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 12 -
MISS LOH POINTED OUT THAT THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATION IS MEANT TO CONTROL EXTREME CASES OF UNFAIRNESS. THE COMMISSION HOPED THAT IF THERE WAS SUCH LEGISLATION IN PLACE THAT IT WOULD HAVE SOME RESTRAINING EFFECT ON CORPORATIONS WHEN THEY DRAFTED THEIR SALES CONTRACTS TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS A BALANCE BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF THE CORPORATIONS AND THAT OF CONSUMERS.
THE COMMISSION HAD NOT RECOMMENDED SIMILAR LEGISLATIVE CONTROL FOR COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS BECAUSE IT MAINTAINED THE VIEW THAT BUSINESSMEN WERE BETTER ABLE TO NEGOTIATE THEIR BUSINESS CONTRACTS AND PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS.
MISS LOH ALSO POINTED OUT THAT SECTION 13(3) OF THE ORDINANCE HAD THE EFFECT THAT IF A BUYER ACCEPTED DEFECTIVE GOODS, HE LOST THE RIGHT TO REJECT THEM AND COULD ONLY RESORT TO CLAIMING DAMAGES.
ONE OF THE SITUATIONS IN WHICH THERE WAS DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTANCE PROVIDED UNDER SECTION 37 OF THE ORDINANCE WAS WHEN THE BUYER EXPRESSLY ACCEPTED THE GOODS.
IN RELATION TO EXPRESS ACCEPTANCE, IT IS COMMON PRACTICE FOR A BUYER TO BE ASKED TO SIGN A NOTE ON DELIVERY OF THE GOODS AND BEFORE THE BUYER HAS HAD A CHANCE TO EXAMINE THE GOODS.
SECTION 36(1) OF THE ORDINANCE STATES THAT A BUYER CANNOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE ACCEPTED GOODS WHICH HE HAS NOT HAD A REASONABLE CHANCE OF EXAMINING.
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT THIS SECTION BE AMENDED TO STATE CLEARLY THAT THE SIGNING OF AN ACCEPTANCE NOTE WOULD NOT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE CONSUMER’S RIGHT TO REJECT UNLESS HE HAD HAD A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE THE GOODS.
ON THE OBLIGATIONS OF A SUPPLIER OF SERVICES, MISS LOH SAID THAT COMMON LAW PRINCIPLES WERE APPLICABLE WITH REGARD TO THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES, THE TIME FOR PERFORMANCE AND THE CONSIDERATION FOR IT, BUT THERE WAS NO STATUTE IN HONG KONG IN THIS AREA.
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT HONG KONG ADOPT LEGISLATION SIMILAR TO THE ENGLISH SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES ACT 1982 WHICH SET OUT THE MAIN COMMON LAW OBLIGATIONS.
THE COMMISSION EXAMINED THE EXISTING OBLIGATION OF A SELLER OF GOODS UNDER THE SALE OF GOODS ORDINANCE TO SUPPLY GOODS "OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY AND REASONABLY FIT FOR THEIR PURPOSE" IN SECTION 16.
SECTION 16, MISS LOH SAID, WAS ESSENTIALLY A NEGATIVE STATEMENT WITH EXCEPTIONS. IN ITS PRESENT FORM, THE SECTION IN EFFECT SAID THAT EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HERE AND IN OTHER STATUTES, THERE WAS NO IMPLIED TERM AS TO QUALITY.
/THE COMMISSION . . .
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 13 -
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT SECTION 16 BE REDRAFTED IN A POSITIVE FORM TO EMPHASISE THE FACT THAT THERE WAS POSITIVE REQUIREMENT FOR GOODS TO COMPLY WITH THE QUALITY STANDARD.
THE COMMISSION ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE DEFINITION OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY IN SECTION 2(5) OF THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE BETTER CLARIFIED BY INCLUDING ASPECTS OF QUALITY TO WHICH A BUYER IS ENTITLED TO EXPECT.
THE RECOMMENDED INCLUSIONS WERE APPEARANCE AND FINISH OF GOODS, THEIR FREEDOM FROM MINOR DEFECTS, DURABILITY AND SAFETY.
REGARDING REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO A BUYER, MISS LOH SAID THAT THE BUYER HAD THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO REJECT DEFECTIVE GOODS UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND THAT THE COMMISSION WISHED THAT RIGHT TO BE PRESERVED.
THE COMMISSION HAD NOT RECOMMENDED THAT A SELLER BE GIVEN A STATUTORY RIGHT TO CORRECT DEFECTS IN GOODS, ALTHOUGH IT WAS AWARE THAT THE RULE MIGHT BE THOUGHT TOO HARSH TO THE SELLER IF THE DEFECT WAS SMALL AND COULD BE EASILY REMEDIED.
"IT WOULD NOT BE EASY TO DEVISE CURE PROVISIONS FOR COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE SIMPLE TO OPERATE. IN ANY CASE, BUSINESSMEN GENERALLY FIND SOLUTIONS THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS.
"WE ARE UNCONVINCED THAT GIVING THE SELLER A STATUTORY RIGHT TO CURE WOULD HELP BUSINESSMEN IN THE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES.
"AS FOR CONSUMER PURCHASES, THE GENERAL LEVEL OF CONSUMER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IS RELATIVELY LOW AND CONSUMER LEGISLATION NOT WELL DEVELOPED.
"THERE ARE GOOD GROUNDS FOR SAYING THAT THE LAW SHOULD PROTECT THE CONSUMER WHO IS OFTEN IN A WEAKER BARGAINING POSITION THAN THE SELLER.
"WE DO NOT WANT TO GIVE THE SELLER ANY GROUND FOR ARGUING THAT HE HAS A LEGAL BASIS TO RESIST REJECTION OF DEFECTION GOODS," MISS LOH SAID.
--------0-----------
RISE IN SMOKING-RELATED DISEASE *****
HONG KONG HAS SEEN A SUBSTANTIAL RISE IN THE INCIDENCE OF SMOKING-RELATED DISEASES IN RECENT YEARS, WITH 2,361 DEATHS FROM LUNG CANCER IN 1988, ACCOUNTING FOR 29 PER CENT OF ALL CANCER.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR NIGEL SHIPMAN, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE 7TH WORLD CONFERENCE ON TOBACCO AND HEALTH IN PERTH, AUSTRALIA.
/MR SHIPMAN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 14 -
MR SHIPMAN SAID THE INCREASE HAD PRODUCED A MORTALITY RATE PER 100,000 POPULATION OF 51.4 FOR MALES AND 31.1 FOR FEMALES.
"THE RELATIVELY HIGH AND RISING INCIDENCE OF FEMALE LUNG CANCER DEATHS IS A SURPRISING FEATURE OF HONG KONG’S HEALTH STATISTICS, GIVEN THAT ONLY 2.9 PER CENT OF THE FEMALE POPULATION ARE SMOKERS," HE SAID.
"CORONARY HEART DISEASES ACCOUNTED FOR 2,744 DEATHS IN 1988 GIVING A MORTALITY RATE PER 100,000 POPULATION OF 51 FOR MALES AND 45.4 FOR FEMALES."
TURNING TO SMOKING PATTERNS IN HONG KONG, MR SHIPMAN TOLD THE CONFERENCE THAT A RECENT GOVERNMENT SURVEY SHOWED A CONTINUING DECLINE IN THE PROPORTION OF HABITUAL SMOKERS, FROM 23.3 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION IN 1982 TO 16.8 PER CENT IN 1988.
"TOTAL CIGARETTE CONSUMPTION FIGURES HAVE ALSO SHOWN A DOWNWARD TREND SINCE 1981," HE SAID.
"THE DECLINE IN TOTAL CIGARETTE CONSUMPTION HAS BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY A TREND TOWARDS LOW-TAR BRANDS, SO THAT THE AVERAGE TAR YIELD LAST YEAR WAS 14.8 MILLOGRAMS PER CIGARETTE COMPARED WITH 17.6 IN 1983.”
MR SHIPMAN POINTED OUT THAT SMOKING IN HONG KONG WAS OVERWHELMINGLY A MALE HABIT, WITH 30 PER CENT OF THE MALE POPULATION BEING HABITUAL SMOKERS COMPARED WITH UNDER THREE PER CENT FOR FEMALES.
"SMOKING AMONG MALES IS SPREAD THROUGH ALL AGE GROUPS, WHEREAS FOR FEMALES IT IS CONCENTRATED AMONG THE OLDER POPULATION," HE SAID.
"WHILE LESS THAN TWO PER CENT OF WOMEN UNDER 30 SMOKE, THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE SMOKING HABIT AMONG TEENAGE GIRLS."
MR SHIPMAN TOLD THE CONFERENCE THAT THE EVOLUTION OF POLICY IN HONG KONG HAD, BY AND LARGE, REFLECTED THE OVERALL COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR SMOKING CONTROLS AT A PARTICULAR TIME.
"THIS APPROACH MAKES SENSE IN THE HONG KONG THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO CONSULTATION SAID.
CONTEXT IN WHICH AND CONSENSUS," HE
"THUS IN THE MID-70'S WHEN SMOKING WAS WIDELY REGARDED AS SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE, THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTED LOW-KEY PERSUASIVE MEASURES TO REDUCE SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES.
"THESE WERE REPLACED IN 1982, WHEN THE COMMUNITY WAS MORE ALIVE TO THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING, BY LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS TO ESTABLISH AND ENCOURAGE NO-SMOKING AREAS.
"THROUGHOUT THE 1980’S, PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE SUCCESS OF ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGNS IN MAKING THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE EVIDENCE ABOUT THE HEALTH RISKS OF SMOKING, THERE DEVELOPED MORE WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NO-SMOKING AREAS IN ENCLOSED PLACES."
/MR SHIPMAN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 15 -
MR SHIPMAN SAID THAT ONLY RECENTLY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED A NEW PACKAGE OF ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THESE INCLUDE BANNING SMOKING IN ALL FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND IN CINEMAS, THEATRES, CONCERT HALLS AND VIDEO-GAMES CENTRES, HE SAID.
TOBACCO ADVERTISING WJLL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO NEW REQUIREMENTS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING ARE FULLY UNDERSTOOD, HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
EXCO APPROVES TWO ADDITIONAL RACE MEETINGS * * * t * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) GAVE APPROVAL IN I VINCIPLE FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO RUN TWO ADDITIONAL RACE MEETINGS WITH AN OPTION FOR A FURTHER MEETING BETWEEN JUNE 16 AND .30 THIS YEAR. II
THE ADDITIONAL FIXTURES WILL NOT EXCEED THE ANNUAL QUOTA OF 70 RACE MEETINGS APPROVED FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
------0--------
13 QUESTIONS, 6 BILLS AND MEMBER’S MOTION IN LEGCO TOMORROW »***♦*
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 13 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SIX BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
SECOND READING DEBATES ON THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY BILL 1990 WILL RESUME. WHEN COMPLETED, THE BILLS WILL GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READINGS.
/A MEMBER'S .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 16 -
A MEMBER’S MOTION ON THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IS ON THE AGENDA FOR DEBATE.
MOVED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, THE MOTION READS: "IN LIGHT OF THE PROMULGATION OF THE HKSAR BASIC LAW BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS, THIS COUNCIL URGES THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG; TO HELP HONG KONG THROUGH MUTUAL AND SINCERE CO-OPERATION, TO SURMOUNT ITS PROBLEMS BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997; AND TO AMEND, AT A SUITABLE TIME, THE RELEVANT CLAUSES OF THE BASIC LAW ACCORDING TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE OMELCO ’COMMENTS ON THE BASIC LAW (DRAFT)’ SO AS TO FURTHER MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY."
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL PRESENT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1989, WHILE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL SPEAK ON THE REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WILL CHAIR A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO EXPLAIN FURTHER THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S REPORT WHICH WILL BE TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3.30 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
COPIES OF THE REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR READING AT 3 PM.
-----0-----
KWAI TSING DB ALLOCATES FUNDS TO SIX COMMITTEES
******
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD HAS APPORTIONED MORE THAN $5 MILLION TODAY (TUESDAY) TO ITS SIX COMMITTEES TO FUND COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE 1990-91 FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE RECEIVED THE LARGEST SHARE OF $1.78 MILLION FOR ORGANISING THE DISTRICT ARTS AND SPORTS FESTIVALS, AREA DAYS AND FOR MAKING GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR THE PROMOTION OF RELATED ACTIVITIES.
/THE NEWLY .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
17 -
THE NEWLY SET UP JOUS ING AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WAS GIVEN $260,000 FOR CONDUCTING STUDIES ON PUBLIC HOUSING POLICIES AND ON MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, AS WELL AS FOR MAKING GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE OTHER FOUR COMMITTEES ON ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING, COMMUNITY, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS, ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLICITY, AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT WERE ALLOCATED $910,000, $860,000, $850,000 AND $400,000 RESPECTIVELY.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN KWAI TSING ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND CONDUCTING SURVEYS AND STUDIES.
APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO HOLD ACTIVITIES BETWEEN AUGUST AND NOVEMBER THIS YEAR SHOULD REACH THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, ITS SUB-OFFICES OR THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT BEFORE JUNE 1.
APPLICATIONS FOR HOLDING ACTIVITIES FROM DECEMBER THIS YEAR TO MARCH NEXT YEAR MAY BE SUBMITTED BY OCTOBER 1.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE ABOVE OFFICES. THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS THE FINAL RIGHT IN APPROVING AN APPLICATION.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS ALSO ELECTED THE CHAIRMEN FOR THE SIX DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES FOR THE 1990-91 TERM.
THEY ARE MR SIN CHUNG-KAI FOR THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE; MR LEUNG YIU-CHUNG FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE; MR KWONG FU-SAM FOR THE COMMUNITY, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; MR TING YIN-WAH FOR THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE; AND MR CHOW YICK-HAY FOR THE HOUSING AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT, WILL REMAIN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE.
ACAF MEMBERS VISIT TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE
*»*♦*»
MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (ACAF) THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING VISITED THE TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TO SEE EXPERIMENTS ON VARIOUS LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT METHODS.
THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP WAS TO PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR DISCUSSION AT THE FORTHCOMING ACAF MEETING ON APRIL 9 (MONDAY) IN RELATION TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY, WHICH IS LARGELY DEPENDENT ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS’ ABILITY TO COMPLY WITH WASTE CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.
/ACCOMPANIED BY
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
18
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACAF CHAIRMAN, DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND OTHER AFD OFFICERS, THE PARTY FIRST INSPECTED THE PIG-ON-LITTER SYSTEM WHICH EMPLOYS A SPECIAL BEDDING MATERIAL IN THE PIG SHED COMPRISING SAWDUST AND BACTERIAL PRODUCTS TO DECOMPOSE PIG MANURE IN-SITU AS AND WHEN THEY ARE PRODUCED.
MEMBERS LEARNED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN EXPERIMENTING THE SYSTEM SINCE JUNE 1987 AND HAD RAISED SOME 1,400 PIGS ON IT. CONSISTENTLY GOOD RESULTS WERE OBTAINED.
UNDER THE SYSTEM, NO EFFLUENT IS DISCHARGED OUT OF THE FARM AND BECAUSE OF THE RAPID AND COMPLETE DECOMPOSITION OF THE WASTES, THERE IS NO OFFENSIVE SMELL COMING FROM THE PIGSTIES.
MOREOVER, THE SAWDUST BEDDING IS GOOD FOR THE HOOVES OF THE ANIMALS WHILE THE SPENT COMPOST IS A GOOD SOIL CONDITIONER FOR CROP CULTIVATION.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO SEE TRIALS UNDERTAKEN BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AT THE CENTRE ON THE DRY MUCK-OUT AND THE WET MUCK-OUT SYSTEMS.
THE DRY MUCK-OUT METHOD INVOLVES THE PHYSICAL REMOVAL OF AS MUCH SOLID WASTES FROM THE FARM AS POSSIBLE FOR DELIVERY TO PUBLIC COLLECTION POINTS FOR ULTIMATE DISPOSAL. THE FLOOR OF THE PENS IS WASHED WITH MINIMAL AMOUNT OF WATER, WHICH IS THEN CHANNELLED TO A SOAKAWAY PIT AND DISPOSED OF THROUGH SOIL PERCOLATION.
UNDER THE WET MUCK-OUT METHOD, ANIMAL WASTES ARE HOSED DOWN AND CONVEYED TO A TREATMENT SYSTEM WHERE THE SOLIDS ARE PARTIALLY SEPARATED BY PHYSICAL MEANS, LEAVING THE FLUID PART TO UNDERGO BIOCHEMICAL DECOMPOSITION IN AN AERATION TANK.
THE LIQUID FRACTION IS THEN DISCHARGED INTO WATERCOURSES WHILE THE SEPARATED SOLIDS AND SLUDGE ACCUMULATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TANKS HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND DISPOSED OF THROUGH THE PUBLIC COLLECTION POINTS.
MEMBERS TAKING PART IN THE VISIT TODAY WERE THE HON ANDREW WONG, DR STAN CHEUNG, MR LEUNG CHIK, MR YUNG TIN-TACK, MR SO MOON-CHEUNG AND MR HO TAK-YAU.
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/19 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
19
HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS OF MARINE DEPT OFFICES *****
; .A ' i, .
SEVERAL OFFICES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL REMAIN ' OPEN-DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL (THURSDAY) AND EASTER HOLIDAYS (APRIL 13 TO 16), A SPOKESMAN FQR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY. (TUESDAY).
THESE OFFICES ARE: • »< • •>.»-. ; . , .
♦ THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL (CENTRAL) WHICH WILL REMAIN' OPEN CONTINUOUSLY; ' .
• ■. « . ....
’ ■ 1 LX ‘ . .. .
♦ THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL (TSIM SHA TSUI) WHICH WILL BE. OPEN AS NORMAL FROM 6 AM TO 10 PM DAILY;
; ; ■ •
* THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AT WAN' CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN, WESTERN DISTRICT, RAMBLER CHANNEL, CHAI WAN, SHAM SHUI PO, SHEUNG WAN, CHA KWO LING AND THE PUBLIC WATERFRONTS AT YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON BAY AND TUEN MUN, WHICH WILL BE OPEN FOR NORMAL OPERATION 'FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM;
• 1 ■» i
* THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE WHICH WILL- REMAIN OPEN CONTINUOUSLY; v-
* THE VICTORIA MARINE OFFICE AT ROOM 314, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 9, AM. TO 11 AM ON APRIL 13 AND 15 FOR ENTRY AND OUTWARD CLEARANCE ONLY; AND
* THE PORT FORMALITIES AND DANGEROUS GOODS OFFICE AT ROOM 318, HARBOUR BUILDING WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1.1 AM ON APRIL 13 AND 15. . , .
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YOUTH GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR PROJECT GRANTS
*****
YOUTH GROUPS ARE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE "OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME" (OYS) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR THEM TO CARRY OUT THEIR PLANNED PROJECTS.
THE PROJECTS SHOULD BE INNOVATIVE AND HAVE MEANINGFUL CONTENT. THEY MAY BE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, RURAL AREA AND DEPRIVED AREA SERVICE, COMMON ITY 1NVOLVEMENT PROJECTS, REHABILITATION SERVICE, SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY, OR COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
EACH OF THE APPROVED PROJECTS WILL BE GRANTED A SUBSIDY OF UP TO $5,000.
/THE OYS .......
»r
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
20 -
•?C
L
THE OYS THIS YEAR EMPHASISES THE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND THE PROMOTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
YOUTH GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAN PROJECTS RELATING TO SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES, THE ROLE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN FAMILY AND SOCIETY, FAMILIES WITH PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY DISABLED PERSONS, THE MISSION OF YOUTH IN THE 90*S OR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN LACKING CARE.
YOUTH GROUPS WISHING TO APPLY FOR GRANTS MAY SUBMIT THEIR PROJECT PROPOSALS THROUGH THE SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH) OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BY APRIL 30.
EACH PARTICIPATING GROUP SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 25, AND SHOULD BE SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY, OR AN INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL ORGANISATION.
HOWEVER, GROUPS WITHOUT SPONSORS MAY ALSO APPLY WITH T}IE APPROVAL OF THE SWO (YOUTH) OF THEIR DISTRICT.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECTS, EACH DISTRICT WILL SELECT A MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECT, WHICH WILL OBTAIN A DISTRICT BEST OYS AWARD, TO COMPETE FOR THE HONG KONG BEST OYS AWARD.
E
THE ENTRIES BE WOULD ASSESSED ON THE EXTENT OF YOUfH INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT, THE EXTENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS, OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES AND INNOVATION.
C
THE OYS WAS INTRODUCED IN 1974 TO PROMOTE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE, ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND RESPONSIBILITY, AND HELP TO DEVELOP THE SPIRIT OF. .CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL HELP.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHEME AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE VARIOUS YOUTH OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
------0-------- v
WINNERS PICKED FOR BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE CONTEST
D
E
THE CLIMAX ACTIVITY TO THE 1989 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME -- THE BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE COMPETITION -- HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED WITH A TOTAL OF 42 ENTRIES RECEIVED.
CHE ADJUDICATORS OF THE COMPETITION TODAY (TUESDAY) SPENT T'"! KNTI'"iS K°B ™ '0 TOP PrJzeI S
II
V J.
Il
41
A) R
/THE ENTRY
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 21 -
THE ENTRY BY MISS LAM SUK-LING WAS SELECTED THE BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE. THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WENT TO MR YIP KUNG-WAH AND MR TSUI YING-TAK. WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE INFORMED IN WRITING.
THE CRITERIA FOR ADJUDICATION ARE BASED ON THE SPECIES, SIZE, HEALTH AND FORM OF THE TREES.
TODAY’S ADJUDICATION WAS CONDUCTED IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING COUNTRY PARKS BOARD MEMBERS, DR JIM CHI-YUNG AND DR JOHN HODGKISS; AFD’S ECOLOGIST, MR ANTHONY LEUNG, AS WELL AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG HARBOUR, MR CHARLES WONG.
ATTRACTIVE PRIZES, INCLUDING A CAMERA SET, CAMPING EQUIPMENT, HIKING EQUIPMENT AND SPORTING GOODS GIFT COUPONS, WHICH ARE SPONSORED BY THE ROTARY CLUB, HONG KONG HARBOUR, WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, AFD, WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TREES AND BRINGING THEM TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING THIS NATURAL ASSET OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.
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' " 'IO
ANNUAL REPORT ON SALE FROM TOMORROW
******
THE POPULAR ANNUAL REPORT, HONG KONG 1990, COMES OUT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
SPORTING A BRIGHT NEW-LOOK COVER AND A REFRESHING CHANGE IN THE FORMAT OF THE INSIDE PAGES, HONG KONG’S ONE AND ONLY OFFICIAL YEARBOOK REPRESENTS OUTSTANDING VALUE-FOR-MONEY AT $45 A COPY. IT WILL BE WELCOMED BY STUDENTS, WRITERS AND PEOPLE IN BUSINESS AS THE DEFINITIVE REFERENCE BOOK ON HONG KONG.
COMBINING 360 PAGES OF INFORMATION, 60 PAGES OF STATISTICS AND 10 SECTIONS OF COLOUR PICTURES, THE REPORT RECORDS THE HONG KONG SCENE IN 1989 -- AN EVENTFUL YEAR IN THE TERRITORY’S HISTORY.
THE REVIEW CHAPTER, A VISION OF THE FUTURE, SETS OUT THE FORWARD-LOOKING MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON’S ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IT EXAMINES HONG KONG’S SITUATION TODAY AND THE GOVERNMENT’S PI,ANS FOR THE FUTURE. THESE INCLUDE THE FAR-REACHING DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF THE PORT FACILITIES.
/VITAL STATISTICS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
- 22 -
VITAL ATTRACTIVELY
STATISTICS OF
ILLUSTRATED IN A
THE PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS ARE COLOURFUL, EASY-TO-READ END-PAPER MAP.
AND THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS, INTRODUCED LAST PROVIDES A CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE MAJOR
YEAR, AGAIN
LANDMARKS OF
1989.
BY AND
THF WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON HONG KONG, COMPLEMENTED NUMEROUS COLOUR PRESENTATIONS ON D^'FERENTASPECTSOFITSLI EVENTS, MAKES THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT A CONSISTENT BESTSELL .
HONG KONG 1990, PUBLISHED IN SEPARATE ENGLISH AND EDITIONS, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OFFICES AND LEADING BOOKSTORES.
PUBLICATIONS CENTRAL,
CENTRE, AND AT
CHINESE
GROUND DISTRICT
------0------
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SAI YING PUN TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SAI YING PUN SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURE IS ERECTED ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT A, FIRST FLOOR, FUNG SING MANSION, 129-133 THIRD STREET.
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JULY 3 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE TODAY (TUESDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
------0-------
REFUSE COLLECTION POINT FOR TSUEN WAN
*****
THF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IN TSUEN WAN.
SITUATED AT LUEN YAN STREET, THE SINGLE-STOREY REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL CONSIST OF A STORE ROOM, A STAFF TOILET, A PUMP ROOM AND AN OFFICE.
I
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 20.
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/23 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 1990
23 -
F
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT KCR KOWLOON STATION
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC FLOW DURING THE EASTER AND CHING MING HOLIDAYS, THE BAN ZONE FOR TAXIS OFF CHEONG WAN ROAD ON KCR KOWLOON STATION PODIUM WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED FROM 7 AM TO 3 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 5) AND AGAIN ON APRIL 7AND 8, AND FOR FIVE DAYS STARTING APRIL 12.
---r - 0----
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE SECTION OF VICTORIA ROAD BETWEEN BISNEY ROAD AND CONSORT RISE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE FOR ACCESS FROM 7 AM TO 6 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 5) IN CONNECTION WITH CHING MING FESTIVAL.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE BISNEY ROAD AND CONSORT RISE.
H
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN YUEN LONG FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 5), THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TAI KEI LENG TO TAI SHU HA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND AND THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, N.T. GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE ROUTE NO. 73 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD ON ITS JOURNEY TO YUEN LONG TOWN.
o
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF AIRPORT WEST FLYOVER
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF THE ROLLER GRILL OF THE DROP ARM BARRIER, THE AIRPORT WEST FLYOVER LINKING THE WESTERN END OF THE DEPARTURE CIRCUIT IN THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST (EASTBOUND) WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED, FROM 12 MIDNIGHT TO 5.30 AM FOR THREE DAYS STARTING THURSDAY (APRIL 5).
N
G
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NATIONALITY BILL PROVIDES CONFIDENCE TO STAY ................................. 1
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION BRIEFS MEDIA ON BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL........................................................................ 1
CLEARANCE OF DWELLINGS ON MARICULTURE RAFT .................................. 14
BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT OFF NINE PINS ........................................... 15
AIDS EXHIBITION IN TAI PO.................................................... 15
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS ................................. 16
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS ....................... 17
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN KOWLOON TONG TO BE CLOSED..................... 17
TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN ............................. 18
REVISION OF PARKING METER CHARGES IN KWUN TONG AND SHAM SHUI PO.............. 19
CANCELLATION OF ZONE BAN IN SHEUNG WAN....................................... 19
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HAPPY VALLEY AND WESTERN ............................ 19
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WESTERN ................................................... 20
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WAN CHAI .................................................. 20
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KOWLOON BAY ............................................... 21
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG................................... 21
FLUSHING WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN .............................................. 21
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
FURTHER INCREASE IN MTR PATRONAGE EXPECTED................................. 22
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS PRINCIPLES PROPOSED FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ............ 23
/TUNNEL TOLL ......
»
TUNNEL TOLL INCREASE EXPLAINED ................................................. 27
FURTHER STUDY ON DEATHS ON ARRIVAL AT EMERGENCY CENTRES ........................ 28
PEOPLE DETAINED OVERSEAS MAY SEEK HELP FROM BRITISH CONSULAR ................... 29
JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL TO BE CLOSED AT END OF THIS MONTH ....................... 29
ACTION AGAINST SKATEBOARDING AT EDINBURGH PLACE ................................ 31
NO AIM TO HAVE COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL ON ADVERTISING SIGNS ...................... 31
POLICE ACTION AGAINST CAR THEFT ................................................ 32
NEW SCHOOL FEE REMISSION SCHEME TO BE MONITORED CLOSELY ........................ 33
FULL RANGE OF FACILITIES PLANNED FOR TIN SHUI WAI .............................. 33
POLICY UNIT PRODUCED 36 INDEPTH REPORTS ........................................ 34
TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS DECLINE ............................................ 35
CONSIDERATION BEING GIVEN TO ADVANCE CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS .................... 36
PUBLIC HOUSING DESIGNS FOR LAUNDRY DRYING BEING STUDIED ........................ 37
DEPENDANTS OF JLG AND LAND COMMISSION OFFICIALS TO BE GIVEN DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES ..................................................................... 37
BILL TO AMEND LAW ON COMPETENCE AND COMPELLABILITY ............................. 38
HK COMMITTED TO PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES .................................. 40
MOVE TO WIDEN SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY .......................................... 42
CALL FOR SINO-BRITISH COOPERATION TO PRESERVE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY . 43
CONFLICTS BETWEEN JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW NEED TO BE ADDRESSED . 44
CALL TO RECONSIDER OMELCO CONSENSUS ............................................ 45
COUNCILLOR DESCRIBES MEMBER'S MOTION AS "ANAEMIC" ............................ ■ 47
CHINA SHOULD KEEP JOINT DECLARATION PROMISE .................................... 47
THREE BILLS PASSED IN LEGCO..................................................... 48
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
NATIONALITY BILL PROVIDES CONFIDENCE TO STAY
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS EVENING THAT THE NATIONALITY BILL, JUST TABLED IN PARLIAMENT, WOULD GO SOME WAY TO ALLEVIATING HONG KONG’S EMIGRATION PROBLEM BY GIVING KEY PEOPLE CONFIDENCE TO STAY ON IN HONG KONG.
"QUITE A FEW OF THE TALENTED PEOPLE WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROSPERITY AND SMOOTH RUNNING OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN EMIGRATING. OTHERS WHO ARE ABLE MAY FOLLOW. THIS SCHEME WILL BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY BY ANCHORING THEM IN HONG KONG.
"WITHIN THE CONSTRAINT OF NUMBERS, THE POINTS SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE THE FAIREST AND MOST OBJECTIVE WAY OF DETERMINING WHO SHOULD RECEIVE A PASSPORT," THE SPOKESMAN COMMENTED.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN CAUTIONED THAT THE NATIONALITY BILL HAD NOT YET BEEN PASSED BY PARLIAMENT.
"WE WILL NOT BE CALLING FOR APPLICATIONS UNTIL THE BILL HAS BEEN PASSED. AT THAT TIME FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION BRIEFS MEDIA ON BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) RILL ********
THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL 1990 HAS JUST BEEN TABLED IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN LONDON. TABLED WITH IT IS AN EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT BOTH, BEFORE DESCRIBING HOW THE SCHEME IS TO OPERATE. I WILL GO ON TO OUTLINE THE PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS THE BILL MUST GO THROUGH OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AND WILL THEN TAKE QUESTIONS.
THE BILL IS, AS YOU WILL SEE, A RELATIVELY SHORT DOCUMENT. IT HAS BEEN DRAFTED TO DEAL EXCLUSIVELY WITH HONG KONG. IT IS ENABLING LEGISLATION WHICH SETS OUT THE BROAD POWERS OF THE HOME SECRETARY AND THE GOVERNOR IN GRANTING BRITISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE SCHEME. THE EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM DESCRIBES IN GREAT DETAIL HOW THE ALLOCATION OF PLACES TO 50,000 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS IS TO BE DETERMINED. BOTH DOCUMENTS, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AFTER THIS PRESS CONFERENCE.
WE HOPE THAT THE NEWSPAPERS WILL FEEL ABLE TO PRINT BOTH DOCUMENTS IN FULL, SO THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WILL BE ABLE TO EXAMINE THE DOCUMENTS FOR THEMSELVES. THERE ARE FLOPPY DISC COPIES AVAILABLE FOR YOU.
/I HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 2
I HAVE TO STRESS AT THIS POINT THAT WE WILL NOT BE CALLING FOR APPLICATIONS AT THIS STAGE. THE BILL MUST OBVIOUSLY BE PASSED BY
PARLIAMENT FIRST. PEOPLE WILL NO DOUBT HAVE MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW
THEY SHOULD EVENTUALLY APPLY. I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE THEM THAT ONCE
THE BILL IS PASSED, AND BEFORE APPLICATIONS ARE CALLED, WE WILL MAKE
AVAILABLE LEAFLETS IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH EXPLAINING ALL THE DETAILS.
NOW TO THE SCHEME ITSELF AND HOW IT WILL OPERATE.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE MADE NO SECRET OF THE FACT THAT WE WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE HAD MORE PASSPORTS. THE FEWER THERE ARE, THE HARDER IT IS TO DECIDE HOW TO ALLOCATE THEM. FACED WITH THIS WE HAVE TWO OBJECTIVES. FIRST, WE WANT TO SECURE THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT FOR THE COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF STABILITY. THAT MEANS GIVING BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO AS MANY KEY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO STAY IN HONG KONG INSTEAD OF EMIGRATING ELSEWHERE IN SEARCH OF SECURITY. SECONDLY, WE HAVE TO ALLOCATE THE PASSPORTS AS FAIRLY AND AS OBJECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE AMONGST A POTENTIALLY VERY LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS.
THE STARTING POINT IN DEVISING THE SCHEME WAS TO ASK A SERIES OF QUESTIONS ABOUT EMIGRATION:
- WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE ARE ALREADY LEAVING HONG KONG IN ORDER TO GET PASSPORTS?
- WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE ARE MOST DIFFICULT TO REPLACE IF THEY GO?
- WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE CAN HONG KONG LEAST AFFORD TO LOSE?
THE SCHEME UNVEILED TODAY REFLECTS THE ANSWERS WE HAVE ARRIVED AT.
IN A NUTSHELL, THE SCHEME AIMS TO ANCHOR PEOPLE IN KEY POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS BY PROVIDING THEM, THEIR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN UNDER 18 WITH PASSPORTS. THE BULK OF THE PASSPORTS WILL BE ALLOCATED THROUGH A POINTS SYSTEM BASED ON OBJECTIVE CRITERIA WEIGHED IN FAVOUR OF THOSE OCCUPATIONS WHERE EMIGRATION HAS BEEN HIGHEST IN RECENT YEARS.
THE SCHEME ITSELF FALLS INTO FOUR PARTS OR SECTIONS: A GENERAL ALLOCATION, DISCIPLINED SERVICES, SENSITIVE SERVICE AND KEY ENTREPRENEURS. PASSPORTS WILL BE ALLOCATED IN TWO PHASES, THE BULK IMMEDIATELY, WITH THE REMAINDER, ABOUT 13 PER CENT, RESERVED FOR LATER.
OVER 70 PER CENT OF THE PASSPORTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE GENERAL ALLOCATION SECTION UNDER A POINTS SYSTEM. IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO COVER A WIDE RANGE OF JOBS, IN BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS. OCCUPATIONS HAVE BEEN DIVIDED FIRST INTO SEVEN BROAD AREAS: BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT, ACCOUNTING, ENGINEERING, INFORMATION SERVICES, MEDICINE AND SCIENCE, LAW, AND EDUCATION.
/EACH OF .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 3 • -
EACH OF THESE BROAD AREAS HAS THEN BEEN FURTHER SUB-DIVIDED INTO 20 OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES, BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPATIONS, WHICH IS USED FOR CENSUS AND MIGRATION DATA COLLECTION PURPOSES IN HONG KONG. THE SHARE OF PASSPORTS MADE AVAILABLE UNDER EACH OF THESE CATEGORIES HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY REFERENCE TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN EACH WHO HAVE EMIGRATED OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
THERE WILL BE A RESIDUAL CATEGORY FOR THOSE OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS, WHO FALL OUTSIDE THE SEVEN BROAD AREAS I HAVE MENTIONED.
ELIGIBILITY FOR PASSPORTS ALLOCATED UNDER THIS GENERAL ALLOCATION, AND ALSO UNDER THE DISCIPLINED SERVICE SECTION, WILL BE CALCULATED ON A POINTS SYSTEM BASED ON SEVEN FACTORS: AGE, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH, BRITISH LINKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE.
THE GREATEST WEIGHT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FIRST FOUR FACTORS.
AGE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION. PEOPLE AGED 30 - 40 HAVE PROVED THE MOST VULNERABLE TO EMIGRATION PRESSURES. AND IT IS THIS GROUP WHICH MUST SEE US THROUGH THE TRANSITION. THEY WILL THUS SCORE MAXIMUM [200 POINTS] POINTS. THOSE ABOVE OR BELOW WILL SCORE LESS.
NEXT COMES EXPERIENCE, AND EDUCATION AND TRAINING, WITH 150 POINTS IN EACH CASE. TEN POINTS WILL BE AWARDED FOR EACH YEAR OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 150. SEPARATELY, QUALIFICATIONS GAINED DURING GENERAL EDUCATION WILL COUNT FOR UP TO 50 POINTS. BASIC VOCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR UP TO 50 MORE, WITH A MAXIMUM OF 50 MORE FOR POST-QUALIFICATION TRAINING.
HOWEVER, FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS ARE MORE IMPORTANT FOR SOME JOBS THAN OTHERS. IN SOME OCCUPATIONS, THE QUALITY OF ACHIEVEMENT CANNOT BE MEASURED BY QUALIFICATIONS ALONE. AND IN SOME GROUPS THE EMIGRATION RATE MAY BE PARTICULARLY HIGH FOR ONE PARTICULAR OCCUPATION THAN OTHERS IN THE SAME GROUP. TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS SORT, UP TO A FURTHER 150 POINTS MAY BE ALLOTTED.
FINALLY, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 50 POINTS EACH MAY B.E AWARDED FOR PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH, BRITISH LINKS AND PUBLIC OR COMMUNITY SERVICE. THE MAXIMUM TOTAL SCORE IS THUS 800 POINTS.
THE 7,000 PLACES AVAILABLE .UNDER THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES SECTION WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO EACH SERVICE IN PROPORTION TO ITS STAFF NUMBERS. ALLOCATION WITHIN EACH SERVICE WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH A POINTS SYSTEM SIMILAR TO THAT FOR THE GENERAL ALLOCATION SECTION, WHICH I HAVE JUST DESCRIBED.
ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH HAVE EXISTED FOR SOME TIME, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE POSTS, WHETHER CIVILIAN OR MILITARY, WILL BE SUBSUMED IN THE SENSITIVE SERVICE SECTION.
/A FURTHER .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
4
A FURTHER 500 PLACES WILL BE RESERVED FOR KEY ENTREPRENEURS WHO HAVE INVESTED HEAVILY IN HONG KONG, WHO EMPLOY LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE AND WHOSE DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG WOULD SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE CONFIDENCE. THEY WILL BE INVITED TO APPLY, OR MAY BE IDENTIFIED FROM APPLICATIONS MADE UNDER THE GENERAL ALLOCATION SECTION.
THE SCHEME WILL BE ADMINISTERED IN HONG KONG BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. RECOMMENDATIONS ON INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PASSED TO THE GOVERNOR, BEFORE BEING SUBMITTED TO THE HOME SECRETARY IN LONDON. A STEERING GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND WHOSE MEMBERS WILL INCLUDE INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, WILL ASSIST THE GOVERNOR IN IMPLEMENTING AND SUPERVISING THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME.
THE SCHEME WILL BE OPEN TO APPLICATION BY ALL HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS, BRITISH NATIONALS (OVERSEAS), BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS, BRITISH PROTECTED PERSONS, BRITISH SUBJECTS WITHOUT CONDITIONS ON THEIR STAY IN HONG KONG, AND OTHERS, INCLUDING HOLDERS OF HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY, WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENSHIP BEFORE THE BILL IS PASSED.
HEADS OF HOUSEHOLD WHO APPLY MUST NORMALLY BE RESIDENT IN HONG KONG. THEIR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE MAY APPLY AT THE SAME TIME. OR IF THEY WISH, THEY MAY APPLY AT ANY TIME BEFORE 30 JUNE 1997 .
A FINAL WORD ON PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE BILL WILL COME UP FOR ITS SECOND READING ON 19 APRIL AND WILL THEN GO TO DISCUSSION IN COMMITTEE BEFORE BEING VOTED ON IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. IT MUST THEN BE DEBATED IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. WE UNDERSTAND THAI MINISTERS INTEND THAT THE BILL WILL RECEIVE THE ROYAL ASSENT BEFORE THE SUMMER RECESS TN JULY.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 5 -
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF AN EXPLANATORY NOTE PUBLISHED TOGETHER WITH THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL:
BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL: SELECTION FOR CITIZENSHIP: EXPLANATORY NOTE
Note:
This document describes the selection scheme which the Government has in mind for the grant of British citizenship under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill. It is based on principles originally proposed by the Hong Kong Government.
Under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill the Governor of Hong Kong would, after Royal Assent, submit proposals for a selection scheme to the Secretary of State who would have the power to amend the scheme as he thought necessary, before submitting it to Parliament for approval.
This document is therefore issued for guidance purposes only. It has no legal status.
BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL
SELECTION FOR CITIZENSHIP
Explanatory Note
1. Under the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill the Secretary of State (in effect the Home Secretary) would be empowered to grant registration as a British citizen Io up to 50,000 heads of households in Hong Kong. He would do so on the basis of recommendations made by the Governor of Hong Kong in accordance with the provisions laid down by the Bill. The Home Secretary would not register a person whom he had reason to believe was not of good character or who had ceased to be eligible.
2. Once the Bill, which is an enabling measure, had been passed by Parliament, the proposed selection mechanism (’’the Scheme") for identifying the 50,000 recipients, would be set out in an Order in Council which would be presented to both Houses for approval. The purpose of this Note is to provide Parliament with an explanation of how it is envisaged that such a Scheme would operate.
/THE SCHEME .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 6 -
THE SCHEME
3. The Scheme would comprise four sections:
the GENERAL ALLOCATION SECTION (GAS);
the KEY ENTREPRENEURS SECTION (KFS);
the DISCIPLINED SERVICE SECTION (DSS) and
the SENSITIVE SERVICE SECTION (SSS)
each of which is described below. In selecting people to be recommended for citizenship within ihese sections, the Governor would have the assistance of a STEERING GROUP (the advisory committee provided for in the Bill) which would be chaired by the Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong Government, would include independent representatives of the community and which would work closely with the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Commissioner of which would be a member of the Group.
Distribution of Places
4. It is currently envisaged that selection of citizenship recipients would operate in two tranches. The majority of places would be distributed in the first tranche, as quickly as administrative processes in Hong Kong permitted, so that early confidence could be given to key personnel who might otherwise leave. Except in the case of the Key Entrepreneurs Section a second tranche (about 13% of the overall total) would be reserved for allocation nearer to 1997, to cater for those who would by then have moved into key positions, and to give any who had failed to secure a place in the first round a second chance. The figures for the second tranche might be adjusted to take account of any shortfall in the first. People would be able to submit only one application in each tranche. It is expected that the majority of the places would be given to people in the private sector.
5.
The distribution
by Section could be expected to be as follows
GENERAL ALLOCATION 36,200
KEY ENTREPRENEURS 500
DISCIPLINED SERVICE 7,000
SENSITIVE SERVICE 6,300
Total: 50,000
/ELIGIBILITY .......
WEDNESDAY. APRIL 4, 1990
Eligibility
6. Those eligible to apply for citizenship under the scheme would be Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTCs), British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O)s), British Overseas citizens, British protected persons, and British subjects (BOCs, BPPs and BSs) who were settled in Hong Kong (ie ordinarily resident without limitation on their stay); and others settled there (eg holders of Hong Kong certificates of identity) who had applied for BDTC status before the date on which the Bill was passed, (or for the second tranche, by a later date to be announced nearer the time). People who already held the nationality of another country would be eligible to apply but would have 200 points deducted from their score under the points system - see below. (This would not apply in the case of Chinese nationality.)
Assessing applications: The Points System
7. A common feature of selection for the GENERAL ALLOCATION and DISCIPLINED SERVICE sections would be the use of a points system to enable applicants to be objectively assessed.
8. The factors to be taken into account, and the maximum number of points available for each, would be as follows:
Criteria Maximum Points
- Age 200
Experience 150
Education/Training 150
Special circumstances 150
Proficiency in English 50
British links 50
Community Service 50
TOTAL 800
9. The Age factor would give maximum points to those aged 30-40, the group which is most prone to emigrate. Points would decrease below the age of 30, and after the age of 40, and people aged 51 or more would incur negative points up to a maximum of 200 negative points for those aged 60 and above.
10. The Experience factor would allow 10 points to be given for each year of relevant working experience up to a maximum of 15 years. For businessmen only, the points would also take account of earnings as a measure of success and value to Hong Kong amongst this category.
11. Under Education/Training, up to 50 points would be available for qualifications gained during general education, a further 50 for basic vocational/professional qualifications, and 50 more for post-qualification training.
/12. SPECIAL ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990'
- 8 -
12. Special Circumstances points would only be allocated after taking into account the advice of the Steering Group. These points would be an important means of identifying and highlighting special qualities (either individually or for particular occupations as a group) amongst the many who might otherwise appear to have an equal claim. Thus, 50 points might be awarded in assessing applicants within a given occupation to take account of the particular circumstances of that occupation in respect of age, experience or education - for example, to increase the weighting given to professional qualifications in occupations where these were seen as particularly important. A further set of 50 points could be used to give a higher profile to particular occupations which were suffering from an exceptionally high emigration rate compared with other occupations within the same group (see paragraph 17 below). And up to 50 points could be used to recognise exceptional merit or outstanding achievement in individual applicants.
13. Applicants who had obtained a specified standard in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination in English would be granted 50 points under the Proficiency in English factor. Those who could not produce proof of having attained such a standard would be invited to take an objective test designed to assess their ability in English and appropriate points awarded.
14. Up to 50 points could be scored for British links on the basis of connections with the UK (residence, education, substantial investments, close relatives settled here, etc), for service with British firms, or for civilian or military service for Her Majesty’s Government, the Hong Kong Government or other British organisations (eg British Trade Commission, British Council).
15. Points would also be available under the Public/Community Service category for membership (other than in an official capacity) of a permanent statutory or non- statutory board or committee, or an auxiliary service established by the Hong Kong Government.
The General Allocation Section
16. The points system would provide the selection mechanism for the GAS. Over 70% of the available places would be allocated under this Section, and it would cover people from a wide range of walks of life who had a key role in maintaining the prosperity and successful administration of Hong Kong. They would come from seven broad areas of work :
Business and management
Accounting
Engineer!ng
Information services
Medicine and science Law Education.
/17. FOR ...........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 9 -
17. For the purposes of the detailed administration of the GAS, these seven areas would be sub-divided into 20 occupational groups. These are based on groupings specified by the International Standart1 Classification of Occupations and are used for certain statistical purposes in Hong Kong, notably the collection and analysis of emigration and census data. Emigration data are important because of the need to give priority under the citizenship scheme to those occupational groups suffering the greatest proportional losses. The places available under the GAS would therefore be divided among the occupational groups according to a formula based on the numbe people in each group and their emigration rate over the past three years.
18. Within the first tranche of the GAS, there would be a residual category of 500 places for people with technical skills professional qualifications who were performing functions which were essential to the continued successful administration of Hong Kong up to 1997 but who did not fall within the occupational groups specified as being ’’key” for the purposes of the Scheme.
19. The annex to this note indicates, in broad terms, the likely distribution of places available in the first tranche.
Procedure
20. Applications would be submitted to the Hong Kong Government by a specified date. The Steering Group would recommend for each occupational group and any of its individual occupations the criteria for which special circumstances points would be awarded. The
application forms would be examined by members of the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) and points awarded for each of the criteria listed in paragraphs 9-15 above. The information on all candidates in each occupational group would be entered into a specially designed computer system which would produce an initial profile showing the candidates in order of points scored. This would be examined by the Steering Group who would recommend any further adjustment which might be needed in the allocation of the special circumstances points to take account of the particular range of applicants and the need to resolve problems of bunching . After the award of these points, a revised ranking of candidates would produced. If necessary, the process would be repeated. Taking account of the number of places available within the group, HKID would then produce a list of those candidates who appeared to be qualified and those who seemed likely to be rejected. These two lists would be submitted to the Steering Group for examination.
21. Those candidates who appeared prima facie to be qualified would be interviewed by HKTD in order to verify the information on their application forms. Checks would also be made to see whether there was any reason to believe that the candidates were not of good character.
/22. SUBJECT..........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 10 -
22. Subject to satisfactory completion of these checks, details of the qualified candidates would be put forward by the Steering Group to the Governor who, if satisfied, would recommend them to the Secretary of State for registration as British citizens. Where any candidate failed to satisfy these checks, the next candidate in order of points ranking would be interviewed, and similar checks as to character carried out. If successful, he or she would be recommended for registration. Candidates with insufficient points, and those who failed to satisfy the character checks, would be rejected.
23. In the event that a number of candidates scored equal points and all could not be accommodated within the places available for each group, the Governor would have discretion to choose whom to recommend for citizenship.
24. All candidates would be notified of the results of their applications by HKID.
The Key Entrepreneurs Section
25. Hong Kong has a number of well known and respected entrepreneurs, with an established reputation for large- scale investment and employment in the Territory, whose departure would do much to undermine confidence there. The Key Entrepreneurs Section would offer up to 500 places for people in this category.
Procedure
26. The Governor would invite those whom he considered might be qualified under this scheme to submit an application, together with supporting documents, by a specified date. It would be open to others who wished to be considered in this category to indicate their interest on an application form submitted under the GAS. Other potential recipients who did not take that initiative might be identified from information set out on their forms when they applied under the Business and Management groups of the GAS.
27. The Steering Group would evaluate the applications on the basis of the information provided, and would submit a report on each to the Governor, who would decide whether to recommend the person concerned for citizenship. The normal character requirements would apply. HKID would notify the people concerned about the outcome.
Disciplined Service Section
28. This section would provide 7,000 places for the established members of the disciplined services of Hong Kong. These comprise the Correctional Services (Prisons) Department, Customs and Excise Department, Fire Services Department, Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, Immigration Department, the operations department of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, and uniformed members of the Garrison.
/29. THE ..........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
11
29. The available places would be allocated to the services concerned in proportion to their staff numbers. Within each service, places would be allocated to individuals by a points system similar to that used in the GAS described above, although the weighting to be given to each criterion might, on the advice of the Steering Group and with the approval of the Governor, vary to take account of the needs of the particular services. The Steering Group would advise on the allocation of the special circum- stances points which would take account of commendations for outstanding service, and documentary evidence of performance, such as staff appraisal reports etc.
Procedure
30. Applications would be submitted to the Hong Kong Government by the specified date. Points would be awarded to each applicant by HKID using the marking schemes previously recommended by the Steering Group and tailored to the needs of each individual service. Additional information about performance, commendations, etc provided by the services themselves would also be incorporated. A list of applicants ranked in order of points scored would then be produced by HKID for examination by the Steering Group who would recommend any necessary adjustments in the special circumstances points for each service. After any necessary further adjustments a list of those candidates who appeared to be qualified and those who seemed likely to be rejected would be submitted to the Steering Group for scrutiny. Thereafter, procedures would be as outlined in paragraphs 21-24 above. The normal good character requirements would apply.
Sensitive Service Section
31. This section would allow up to 6,300 people who had, in the course of serving Hong Kong or United Kingdom interests in either a civilian or military role, been exposed to special considerations and special factors during the course of their duties. Existing arrangements to safeguard the interests of some of these people, which have been in place for some years, would be subsumed by this section of the scheme.
Ti ocedure
32. Many of the individuals concerned would have already been identified by virtue of their rank, position and area of work and w ild be invited to submit applications to the Hong Kong Government. One*' the information had been verified, HKID would scrutinise the applications and, if all was in order, the names would then be submitted to the Governor who, if satisfied, would recommend them to the Home Secretary for registration. The usual good character requirements would apply.
/33. CERTAIN .........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 12 -
33. Certain people might qualify for inclusion in this scheme on the basis of information coming to the notice of the Governor in other ways. These people would be invited to apply under this section, and their applications processed as described above. HKID would notify candidates of the results of their applications.
OTHER ISSUES
Spouses and children
34. This Note has been focused on the selection of up to 50,000 heads of households. Spouses and children under 18 (at the time of initial application) of successful applicants would be eligible to seek registration as British citizens and, provided they applied in time for their applications to be processed by HKG before 30 June 1997, would normally receive it as a matter of course. There would, however, be discretion to withhold citizenship where the Home Secretary was not satisfied that an applicant was of good character.
35. Unlike heads of households, spouses and children would be eligible regardless of whether they were settled in Hong Kong or of their nationality. However, where a head of household contracted a marriage after ceasing to be settled in Hong Kong the spouse would not be eligible for British citizenship under the Bill; nor would a spouse married after 30 June 1997.
36. Children born after the registration of the head of household, including those born after 30 June 1997, would be British citizens automatically. (This includes children born to couples where the spouse was not a British citizen.)
Responsibility for Registration
37. The registration of successful applicants recommended to the Home Secretary for citizenship, and any subsequent issue of British passports, would be supervised by a small team of UK officials based in Hong Kong and acting on the Home Secretary’s behalf. Any necessary support staff would be provided by the Hong Kong Government.
Funding
38. The Scheme would be seif-finaneing from application fees charged by the Hong Kong Government for consideration under the Scheme and from foes charged for the registration of successful applicants. Any costs incurred by the small team of UK officials mentioned above would bo reimbursed by the Hong Kong Government to Her Majesty’s Government.
/GENERAL ALLOCATION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 13 -
ANNEX
GENERAL ALLOCATION SECTION
Occupational groups within the seven broad areas and anticipated share of first tranche of 32,300 assurances.
Broad Area
Overall numbers % Share of
employed (1989) 32,300 places
1. Business & Management Managers and administrators Business professionals Business and administration associate professionals 342,800 61%
2. Accounting 12,500 5%
Accountants and auditors Accounting associate professionals
3. Engineering 57,300 10%
Engineers & related professionals Architects, planners & Surveyors Engineering associate professionals (e.g. air traffic controllers)
4. Information Services 10,300 6%
Information science professionals (e.g. computer programmers) News editors and journalists
5. Medical and Science 44,700 8%
Medical doctors Physical & life science professionals (e.g. chemists, physicists) Nurses and midwives Other medical professionals (e.g. dentists, pharmacists) Health associate professionals (e.g. physiotherapists, radiographers)
/6. LAW............
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
14
6. Law 3,700
1%
Legal professionals
Legal associate professionals
7. Education
82,700
9%
Teaching professionals (postsecondary, e.g. university and polytechnic)
Educational administrators (secondary school principals etc.)
Other teaching personnel (secondary and primary)
---------0-----------
CLEARANCE OF DWELLINGS ON MARICULTURE RAFT
******
MARICULTURISTS IN HONG KONG’S 28 FISH CULTURE ZONES WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED TO REMOVE OR RECTIFY THE STRUCTURES ON FISH RAFT TO MEET THE REGULATIONS STIPULATED IN THEIR LICENCES.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) RECENTLY NOTIFIED INDIVIDUAL MARICULTURISTS WHO USE STRUCTURES ON FISH RAFT AS DWELLINGS TO REMOVE OR RECTIFY THEM ON OR BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED IN A LETTER SENT TO THEM.
THE SENIOR FISHERIES OFFICER OF THE AFD’S AQUACULTURE FISHERIES DIVISION, DR PATSY WONG, SAID: "ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE AFD AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR, ALL MARICULTURISTS NOTIFIED HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PUBLIC HOUSING OR HAVE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION ON LAND.
"THEREFORE, THERE IS NO GROUND FOR THESE MARICULTURISTS TO REMAIN DWELLING ON THE FISH RAFT."
SHE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD IN THE PAST REPEATEDLY ADVISED MARICULTURISTS THAT DWELLINGS ON FISH RAFT NOT ONL^ CREATED RISK TO LIFE, BUT ALSO PRODUCED UNDESIRABLE IMPACT ON THE FISH CULTURE ENVIRONMENT.
"HOWEVER," DR WONG EXPLAINED, "FOR SECURITY AND MANAGEMENT NEED, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PERMITTED STRUCTURES OF SPECIFIED AREA ON FISH RAFT FOR SECURITY WATCH AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE PURPOSES."
/"TO PROVIDE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 15 -
"TO PROVIDE A G«a)D I NX IRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE MARICULTURISTS THEMSELVES, ALL MARICULTU ITS SHOULD CO-OPERATE AND ABIDE BY THE REGULATIONS REGARDING STR URES ON FISH RAFT AS STIPULATED IN THE MARINE FISH CULTURE LICENCES," SHE SAID.
DR WONG EMPHASISED THA THE ERECTION OF ANY STRUCTURE ON A FISH RAFT WITHOUT THE PRIOR PEi FISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE REGULATIONS.
"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000 IN ADDITION TO THE CANCELLATION OF THEIR MARICULTURE LICENCES," SHE SAID.
------0--------
BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT OFF NINE PINS » ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE BIGGEST RECORD OF OCEANIC SUN FISH IN HONG KONG WAS CAUGHT BY A LOCAL FISHERMAN 15 MILES EAST OF THE NINE PINS YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
THE FISH WAS CAUGHT AT A DEPTH OF 34 METRES BY A SHAU KEI WAN FISHERMAN USING HIS TRAWLER AND BROUGHT BACK TO HONG KONG FOR IDENTIFICATION.
EXPERTS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE SUN FISH, MEASURING 2.52 METRES LONG, 2.2 METRES WIDE AND WEIGHING ABOUT 400 KILOGRAMS, WAS THE BIGGEST EVER ENCOUNTERED IN HONG KONG.
AS THE SUN FISH IS TOO LARGE TO BE RETAINED AS A REFERENCE SPECIMEN, IT WILL BE DISPOSED OF ACCORDINGLY.
THERE ARE ALTOGETHER FIVE RECORDS OF OCEANIC SUN FISH INCLUDING THIS ONE IN HONG KONG.
------0-------
AIDS EXHIBITION IN TAI PO
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL B£ ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AIDS WHEN THEY VISIT AN AIDS EXHIBITION TN TUEN MUN WHICH BEGINS ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6).
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION, THE 8TH IN A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON AIDS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI HANG COMMUNITY HALL FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM DAILY.
/"THE EXHIBITION .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 16 -
"THE EXHIBITION .Al IS AT INCREASING COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT AIDS, A FOSTERING A POSITIVE, SYMPATHETIC AMD SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE TOWAR MDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTb SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE FOCUS IS ON YOUNG PEOPLE WHCk MAY BE LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN RISKY BEHAVIOUR, YET ARE OFT N LESS LIKELY TO BE AWARE OF THE RISKS OF INFECTION WITH AIDS," HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, COVERS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DISEASE.
APART FROM SHOWING THE WORLDWIDE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE , IT ALSO ILLUSTRATES HOW AIDS THREATENS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE WAYS IN WHICH THIS CAN BE COUNTERED.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON AIDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS WHO WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES BY ANSWERING A QUIZ DESIGNED TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON AIDS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL RUN UNTIL SUNDAY (APRIL 8), AND WILL MOVE TO THE URBAN COUNCIL ABERDEEN COMPLEX ON APRIL 20.
--------0-----------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS . *****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR AT ITS MEETING ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO HEAR THE WORK PLAN OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION IN WEST KOWLOON FOR 1990-91.
MEANWHILE, A VETTING TEAM WILL BE FORMED TO EXAMINE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND TO FORMULATE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
---------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 17 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS ******
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6).
THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE THE INTRODUCTION OF TAXI STANDS, DESIGNATION OF URBAN CLEARWAYS AND THE INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN KOWLOON TONG TO BE CLOSED
* * ♦ » »
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE CERTAIN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN KOWLOON TONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THEY ARE AT THE ROOF OVER FLAT C3, FOURTH FLOOR, 6 EASTBOURNE ROAD.
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE SAID BUILDING WORKS.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON MAY 4 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED I’HAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
718 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 18 -
TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK OF A FLYOVER IN TEXACO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC THERE WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING RIGHT TO TSUEN FU STREET WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6).
THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE SAME TIME:
GENERAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT
VEHICULAR TRAFFIC CAN USE TEXACO ROAD NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY TO GAIN ACCESS TO TSUEN FU STREET AREAS.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
(1) GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NOS. 80 AND 85:
TSUEN WAN BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE, WAI TSUEN ROAD, MIU KONG STREET, SHING MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
(II) GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NOS. 81, 81M AND 82M:
TSUEN WAN BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA SHEK WAI KOK ROAD, WAI TSUEN ROAD, MIU KONG STREET AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
(Ill) GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 83:
TSUEN WAN BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA KWOK SHUI ROAD, TEXACO ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD AND CHUNG ON STREET.
(IV) GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 86 WILL BE SPLIT INTO TWO ROUTES NAMELY 86 AND 86M. ROUTE NO. 86 WILL BE OPERATING VIA CHEUNG WING ROAD, ROUNDABOUT, KWOK SHUI ROAD, TEXACO ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD AND CHUNG ON STREET, ROUTE NO. 86M WILL BE OPERATING VIA CHEUNG WING ROAD, ROUNDABOUT, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, AND CHUNG ON STREET BEFORE RESUMING THEIR. NORMAI. ROUTEINGS. THE SPLIT OF ROUTEINGS WILL ALSO BE APPLIED TO ROUTE NO. 86A WHICH IS OPERATING FROM 12 MIDNIGHT TO 2 AM ONLY.
(V) CI FAR NOTICES SHOWING THE ABOVE REROUTEINGS AND SPLIT OF ROUTE NO. 86 WILL BE PUT UP BY THE CONCERNED OPERATORS AT VARIOUS TERMINAL POINTS TO INFORM AND GUIDE PASSENGERS.
- - 0-----------
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 19 -
REVISION OF PARKING METER CHARGES IN KWUN TONG AND SHAM SHUI PO #* *♦»***
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 6) THE PARKING METER CHARGES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE INCREASED FROM $ I FO $2, WHICH WILL COVER HANG ON STREET, HORSE SHOE LANE, MING CHI STREET, TING ON STREET, TING YIP STREET, CHONG YIP STREET, HOW MING STREET, HING YIP STREET, HUNG TO ROAD, TSUN YIP STREET, FU YAN STREET, KA LOK STREET, PING SHING LANE, SHUI NING STREET, TING HEUNG STREET, WAN HON STREET, YUET WAH STREET AND SHUI WO STREET IN KWUN TONG.
ALSO,
WILL
FROM APRIL 17 PARKING METER CHARGES IN SHAM SHUI PO -------------------------------------- ---- LAM STREET,
BE INCREASED FROM 50 CENTS TO $1, WHICH WILL COVER KING KOM TSUEN STREET, TAI NAN WEST STREET, TUNG CHAU WEST HONG STREET, YEE YUK WEST STREET, YU CHAU WEST STREET, STREET, CHEUNG WAH STREET, FUK WAH STREET, FUK WING STREET, STREET, KWONG LEE ROAD, PO ON ROAD, SHUN NING ROAD, TONKIN STREET, TSAP FAI STREET, WAI WAI ROAD, APLIU STREET, HAI TAN STREET, KI LUNG STREET, KIU KIANG STREET, KWEILIN STREET, MAPLE STREET, SAI
9 -- STREET, TAI NAN STREET, PAK TIN
TONG YAM
STREET, CHEUNG
WING FAT WAH
CHOI STREET NORTH, SHEK KIP MEI STREET, TAI STREET, WAI CHI LANE, WAI CHI STREET, WOH < NAM SHAN CHUEN ROAD IN SHAM SHUI PO
STREET AND
NAN CHAI
STREET, STREET, STREET,
-----0------
CANCELLATION OF ZONE BAN IN SHEUNG WAN
*»♦♦*♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6), THE EXISTING ZONE BAN ON EASTBOUND PARK ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH BONHAM ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CANCELLED.
--------0-----------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HAPPY VALLEY AND WESTERN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6), VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN LENGTHS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN HAPPY VALLEY:
* VEHICLES OVER SEVEN METRES LONG TO TURN RIGHT FROM NORTHBOUND BROADWOOD ROAD (LOWER) AT ITS JUNCTION WITH LINK ROAD, VEHICLES EXCEEDING SUCH LENGTH HEADING FOR BROADWOOD ROAD (UPPER) WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LINK ROAD;
* VEHTCL.ES OVER 5.5 METRES LONG TO TURN LEFT FROM THE ACCESS
ROAD LEADING TO LEIGHTON HILL FLATS AT ITS JUNCTION WITH
LINK ROAD AND BROADWOOD ROAD;
/★ VEHICLES OVER
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 20 -
♦ VEHICLES OVER 5.5 METRES LONG TO TURN RIGHT FROM SOUTHBOUND LINK ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH BROADWOOD ROAD; AND
» VEHICLES OVER 5.5 METRES LONG TO TURN LEFT FROM NORTHBOUND BROADWOOD ROAD (UPPER) AT ITS JUNCTION WITH LINK ROAD, •VEHICLES EXCEEDING SUCH LENGTH HEADING FOR BROADWOOD ROAD (LOWER) WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LINK ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, A SECTION OF KWONG FUNG LANE NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH THIRD STREET IN WESTERN WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ON THIRD STREET HEADING FOR QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WATER STREET.
----0------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WESTERN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6), THE SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM HOUSE NO. 390 TO HOUSE NO. 408 WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
---------0-----------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WAN CHAI ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6), JOHNSTON ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN SPRING GARDEN LANE AND LEE TUNG STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN (LEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FOR THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE GAS MAINLAYING WORK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
------0-------
/21 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 21 -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN KOWLOON BAY » ♦ » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6), THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN KOWLOON BAY WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY:
» THE SECTION OF THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CHEUNG YIP STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHEUNG YEE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 185 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SECTION OF TSUI HING STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG YIP STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
---------0-----------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG *»»♦*♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION WORKS ON TSUI PING ROAD TN KWUN TONG FOLLOWING THE BURSTING OF WATERMAINS THERE, THE SECTION OF TSUI PING ROAD BETWEEN THE TWO ROUNDABOUTS OUTSIDE TSUI NAM HOUSE AND KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE HAS BEEN RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, MOTORISTS ARF ADVISED TO USE HIP WO STREET AND TSUI PING ROAD SOUTHBOUND FOR ACCESS TO TSUI PING ESTATE.
FLUSHING WATER CUT IN TURN MUN
*****
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 5.30 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
-----0-------
/22 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 22 -
FURTHER INCREASE IN MTR PATRONAGE EXPECTED
*****
FURTHER INCREASES IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC ARE EXPECTED FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND THE CORPORATION WILL CONTINUE TO ADOPT APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO SPREAD PEAK HOUR DEMAND AS WELL AS TO ENCOURAGE GREATER USE OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1989 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MR NENDICK SAID ACCORDING TO THE REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1989, THE CORPORATION CONTINUED TO ENJOY A PERIOD OF SUSTAINED GROWTH LAST YEAR CARRYING SOME 688 MILLION PASSENGERS, AN INCREASE OF NINE PER CENT OVER 1988.
"THE OPENING OF THE RAIL SECTION OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TO PASSENGER SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 1989 BOTH GENERATED ADDITIONAL RIDERSHIP AND PROVIDED A MUCH WELCOME RELIEF TO THE CONGESTED NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR," MR NENDICK SAID.
FARE REVENUE FOR THE CORPORATION ROSE BY 15 PER CENT TO $2,381 MI I.LION; TOGETHER WITH ADDITIONAL REVENUE FROM OTHER SOURCES SUCH AS PROPERTY RENTALS AND ADVERTISING, THE TOTAL REVENUE FOR LAST YEAR WAS $2,734 MILLION OR 18.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1988.
TOTAL COSTS WERE UP BY 16 PER CENT MAINLY REFLECTING THE ONTTNUED UPWARD PRESSURE OF STAFF COSTS.
THE CORPORATION’S PROFIT BEFORE INTEREST AND FINANCE CHARGES INCREASED TO $1,049 MILLION, SOME 25 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
INTEREST AND FINANCE CHARGES OF $1,597 MILLION WERE PAID IN LAST YEAR, GIVING A LOSS OF $548 MILLION AS AGAINST $535 MILLION IN 1 988 .
INCOMF FROM PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT OF $579 MILLION ENABLED THE CORPORATION TO SUSTAIN A MODEST OVERALL PROFIT OF $56 MILLION IN 1989.
HOWEVER," MR NENDICK SAID, "IN VIFW OF THE NON-RECURRENT NATURE OF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROFITS, IT WILL BE SOME TIME BEFORE RAILWAY OPERATING REVENUE WILL REGULARLY PRODUCE A NET PROFIT FOR THF CORPORATION."
WITH THE CORPORATION’S DEBT BEING $17,390 MILLION AT THE END OF 1989, IT DID NOT ANTICIPATE THAT THERE WOULD BE A NEED FOR ANY FURTHER CALLS ON THF PARTLY PAID SHARES.
BECAUSE THE CORPORATION WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE A LARGE BURDEN ■>!■' DEBT FOR QUITE SOME TIME, MR NENDICK SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT CHF CORPORATION CONTINUED TO MAINTAIN RESPECTABLE CREDIT RATINGS TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS WELL REGARDED IN THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MARKETS.
/"I AM ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 23 -
"I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT THE RATINGS AWARDED TO THE CORPORATION BY THE PRINCIPAL INTERNATIONAL RATING AGENCIES REMAIN IN THE INVESTMENT-GRADE FOR LONGER TERM OBLIGATIONS, AND IN ONE OF THE HIGHEST CATEGORIES FOR SHORT TERM INSTRUMENTS.
”1 AM HAPPY TO ADD THAT THE CORPORATION, WHICH IS AN ACTIVE AND INNOVATIVE BORROWER, CAME THIRD IN A RECENT POLL ON THE MOST PROFESSIONAL USERS OF WORLD CAPITAL MARKETS," HE SAID.
THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS SATISFIED THAT THE CORPORATION’S CAPITAL STRUCTURE WAS SOUND, THAT COSTS WERE CONTAINED AND THAT ITS REVENUE GROWTH WAS SUFFICIENT TO MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS.
CONSEQUENT UPON THE DECISION TO BUILD A NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT THE CORPORATION HAD BEEN INVITED TO GIVE ACTIVE ASSISTANCE TO A GOVERNMENT APPOINTED CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING, FINANCING AND OPERATING AN AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"I AM IN AGREEMENT WITH THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION THAT THE NEW RAILWAY PROJECT MUST BE CAREFULLY PLANNED TO ENSURE THAT THE CORPORATION’S REPUTATION IS MAINTAINED," HE ADDED.
MR NENDICK ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CHAIRMAN AND THE BOARD, AS WELL AS THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR THE VERY RESPONSIBLE AND EFFICIENT WAY IN WHICH THEY HAD MANAGED THE CORPORATION DURING THE PAST YEAR.
----------------------------0-------- GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS PRINCIPLES PROPOSED FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE BROAD PRINCIPLES PROPOSED FOR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PARTICULARLY THE DEVOLUTION OF AUTHORITY FROM THE CENTRAL TO THE OPERATIONAL LEVELS AND THE INTRODUCTION OF EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES WHICH SHOULD HELP TO PRODUCE A MORE EFFICIENT HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THIS WHEN TABLING THE REPORT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (PHA) WHICH SHE COMMENDED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"HOWEVER, THE INTRODUI TION OF A NEW MANAGEMENT CULTURE, NO MATTER HOW OBVIOUS THE BENEFIT, WOULD REQUIRE FULL UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF \LL CONCERNED SO AS TO DEVELOP AN ESPRIT DE CORPS," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUTUAL TRUST AND RESPECT AND THE COMPLEMENTARY, RATHER THAN CONFLICTING, ROLE OF ALL RANKS WOULD HELP TO ATTAIN THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
/"I RECOGNISE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 24 -
"I RECOGNISE THAT THE REPORT, AND THE MODIFICATIONS THEREOF, MAY NOT TOTALLY PLEASE EVERYONE. HOWEVER, CHANGE PRESENTS NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND ENVISIONS REFORMS WHICH WILL SERVE US WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," SHE SAID.
SHE REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO RAISING THE STANDARD OF PATIENT CARE THROUGH EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES, GREATER FINANCIAL AUTONOMY AND FLEXIBILITY, BETTER MANAGEMENT STATUS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WHICH ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
PRESENTING THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE PHA REPORT AND THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THEM, MRS WONG SAID A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BILL, SETTING OUT THE ORGANISATION’S LEGAL STATUS, COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS, AND RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN PREPARED, AND WOULD BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (APRIL 6).
ON THE PHA’S PROPOSAL THAT ALL GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TOGETHER WITHIN AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED FOR A GRACE PERIOD OF THREE YEARS AFTER WHICH SEPARATE SUBVENTION OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD CEASE.
"THIS PROPOSAL ENVISAGES THAT A FORMAL AGREEMENT BE SIGNED BETWEEN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EACH SUBVENTED HOSPITAL AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SETTING OUT THE ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT, FUNDING AND OPERATION OF THE HOSPITAL CONCERNED.
"THE TRADITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS WOULD BE PRESERVED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE," SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSAL WOULD REMOVE THE PRESENT DIFFERENCES IN REMUNERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED SECTORS.
"AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM WOULD ALSO ALLOW GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF HOSPITAL RESOURCES TO MEET VARIOUS NEEDS, PARTICULARLY BETTER PATIENT CARE.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT MOST SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WOULD WISH TO JOIN THE AUTHORITY FAIRLY SOON. HOWEVER, SOME MAY TAKE A LITTLE MORE TIME TO DECIDE,” SHE ADDED.
ON THE PROPOSAL ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF MAJOR MANAGEMENT REFORMS, MRS WONG SAID A NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE HAD BEEN DEVISED TO PROVIDE FOR GREATER MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF INCLUDING DOCTORS, NURSES AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.
"HOWEVER, I AM AWARE THAT CERTAIN ASPECT OF THIS PROPOSED STRUCTURE HAS CAUSED CONSIDERABLE CONCERN TO NURSES AND, PERHAPS, SOME OTHER STAFF.
/"THOSE ASPECTS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 25 -
"THOSE ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE WHICH HAVE CAUSED CONCERN SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINED.
"WE MUST AIM TO ACHIEVE A COMMON VISION WHICH WILL GIVE CREDENCE TO A NEW CULTURE OF THE NEW ORGANISATION," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO A NEW REMUNERATION PACKAGE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO FUTURE AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES AS A MEANS TO ATTRACT, RETAIN AND MOTIVATE QUALIFIED STAFF, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT ENDORSED THE CONCEPT UNDERLYING THE DESIGN OF THE PACKAGE BUT HAD PROPOSED SOME MODIFICATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT TO THE PHA.
SHE EMPHASISED THAT THE COST OF THIS REMUNERATION PACKAGE SHOULD REMAIN COMPARABLE TO THAT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE PACKAGE FOR COMPARABLE GRADES.
"AS REGARDS THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, GOVERNMENT HAS ASSURED THEM THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN AS CIVIL SERVANTS WITH PROMOTION PROSPECTS RESERVED.
"THE PHA HAS AFFIRMED IN ITS REPORT THAT ALL STAFF IN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, REGARDLESS OF THEIR TERMS OF SERVICE, SHOULD HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR PROMOTION.
"TO CATER FOR STAFF WHO WISH TO REMAIN AS CIVIL SERVANTS AND TO MAINTAIN THEIR PROMOTION PROSPECTS, THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL NOT BE DISBANDED, THOUGH ITS FUNCTIONS WILL CHANGE.
"WHILE IT WIL1 NO LONGER HAVE OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS, IT WILL CONTINUE To EXERCISE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING IN THE AUTHORITY," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT A BRIDGING OVER PACKAGE HAD DEVISED TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF THOSE STAFF WHO OPTED TO UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
BEEN
TAKE
"SINCE PRACTICALLY ALL THE STAFF AFFECTED WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF REMAINING AS CIVIL SERVANTS WITH PROMOTION PROSPECT PRESERVED INTACT AND THEY WILL NOT BE WORSE OFF. THE QUESTION OF' ABOLITION OF OFFICE TERMS DOES NOT ARISE.
"TO PRESERVE THE PENSIONS EARNED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, STAFF WHO OPT TO RECEIVE THE AUTHORITY PACKAGE WOULD HAVE THF CHOICE OF EITHER RESIGNING FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE Will! A DEFERRED PENSION UNDER THE PENSION BENEFITS ORDINANCE: AND REGULATIONS OR TRANSFERRING TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WI TH PENSION BENEFITS FROZEN UNTIL THEIR RETIREMENT FROM THE AUTHOR I TV.
"I SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR TH \T AN OPTION TO APPLY TO WORK FOR THE AUTHORITY AND TO TRANSFER TO THF AUTHORITY TERMS WILL ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO STAFF IN I'HE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
/"HOWEVER, THE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 26 -
’’HOWEVER, THE TRANSFER OF EVERY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT SHOULD HAVE REGARD TO THE NEEDS OF THE HEALTH SERVICES TO OUR COMMUNITY.
"IN THE MEANTIME, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH IS EXAMINING WAYS AND MEANS OF ATTRACTING, RETAINING AND MOTIVATING STAFF IN HIS DEPARTMENT,” SHE SAID.
REGARDING STAFF WORKING IN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, MRS WONG SAID THEY COULD ALSO CHOOSE EITHER TO TRANSFER TO THE AUTHORITY’S REMUNERATION PACKAGE OR TO REMAIN AS EMPLOYEES OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITAL BOARD.
”A CONSULTANT WILL BE ENGAGED BY THE PHA SHORTLY TO ADVISE ON THE CONVERSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITAL STAFF WHO OPT FOR THE AUTHORITY TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT,” SHE SAID.
SHE THEN TURNED TO THE PHA’S RECOMMENDATION THAT FEES AND CHARGES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS SHOULD BE INCREASED BY PHASES, AIMING AT THE EVENTUAL RECOVERY OF BETWEEN 15 PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT OF THE COST OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS IN CONJUNCTION WITH IMPROVEMENT MADE TO SERVICES.
MRS WONG SAID WHILE THE PRINCIPLE WAS ENDORSED AS THE ULTIMATE AIM, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RETAIN THE POWER TO GIVE DIRECTION TO THE AUTHORITY ON THE LEVEL OF FEES TO BE CHARGED. SHE GAVE AN UNEQUIVOCAL ASSURANCE THAT NOBODY IN HONG KONG WOULD BE PREVENTED, THROUGH LACK OF MEANS, FROM OBTAINING ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT.
"THUS, ANY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE FEE LEVEL WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL THE EXISTING WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS ARE THOROUGHLY REVIEWED,” SHE STRESSED.
MRS WONG ALSO NOTED THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPOSAL CONCERNING ENHANCEMENT OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM THROUGH A BOARD CONSISTING PRINCIPALLY OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
AS FOR. THE RECOMMENDATION THAT SENIOR DOCTORS IN HOSPITALS BE ALLOWED TO DO LIMITED PRIVATE PRACTICE AND VICE VERSA, SHE SAID THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WHEN FORMED WOULD BE INVITED TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES WITH DUE CARE, HAVING REGARD TO THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF PATIENTS.
ON THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM THE SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SHE SAID ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ESTIMATED AT $1,000 MILLION PER ANNUM WOULD BE REQUIRED.
THIS INCLUDES SOME $150 MILLION FOR ESTABLISHING HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS, SOME $250 MILLION FOR IMPLEMENTING MANAGEMENT REFORMS AND $600 MILLION FOR BRINGING STAFF IN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS ONTO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY'S REMUNERATION PACKAGE.
/"FURTHERMORE, THE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
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"FURTHERMORE, THE MOBHTISATION OF CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE FRINGE BENEFITS COULD RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL CASH OUTFLOW OF A FURTHER BILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG STRESSED THAT ALTHOUGH THE COST TO THE PUBLIC PURSE WAS HIGH, THE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO HONG KONG’S HOSPITAL SYSTEM WHICH SHOULD FOLLOW AFTER THE SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD BE MONEY WELL INVESTED.
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TUNNEL TOLL INCREASE EXPLAINED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS THAT CONGESTION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL AND IN THE APPROACH ROADS WILL BE REDUCED, BENEFITTING MOTORISTS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASSENGERS, AS A RESULT OF THE TOLL REVISION LATER THIS MONTH, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALBERT LAM CHI-CHIU, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LAM SAID THAT LION ROCK TUNNEL WAS CURRENTLY USED BY ABOUT 104,000 VEHICLES A DAY, 30 PER CENT MORE THAN THE OPTIMUM CAPACITY OF 80,000 VEHICLES A DAY FOR WHICH THE TUNNEL WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED.
AS A RESULT, CONGESTION OCCURRED AT ALL APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL, RESULTING IN LONG QUEUES OF VEHICLES DURING MUCH OF THE DAY, AND CAUSING DELAYS TO BOTH MOTORISTS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASSENGERS, HE SAID.
IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT TRIED VARIOUS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE TUNNEL, SUCH AS THE TIDAL FLOW EXPERIMENT, THE CONTROLLED MERGING OF VEHICLES, AND THE LENGTHENING OF BUS-ONLY LANES. HOWEVER, THESE MEASURES RESULTED IN MARGINAL IMPROVEMENTS ONLY, MR LAM EXPLAINED.
MR LAM SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE OPENING OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS WOULD CERTAINLY IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN, THE NEW TUNNEL WOULD BRING ABOUT ONLY A SMALL REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS REDUCTION WOULD SOON BE ABSORBED BY THE NATURAL GROWTH IN TRAFFIC AS A RESULT OF CONTINUING HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND POPULATION GROWTH IN THE NORTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES," HE SAID.
"SHOULD THE PRESENT $3 TOLL REMAIN UNCHANGED, THE TRAFFIC VOLUME AT THE TUNNEL WAS EXPECTED TO GO UP TO 110,000 VEHICLES A DAY BY EARLY 1991," HE ADDED.
MR LAM SAID THAT A REVISION OF THE TOLL WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY NOW TO REGULATE TRAFFIC VOLUME AND REDUCE THE CONGESTION AT THE TUNNEL.
/"HOWEVER, IT ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
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"HOWEVER, IT J3 EXPECTED THAT AFTER THE SHING MUN TUNNELS ARE OPEN TO TRAFFIC, TAI PO ROAD WILL BE GREATLY RELIEVED OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION BY ABOUT 9,000 VEHICLES, THUS PROVIDING AN INCENTIVE FOR MOTORISTS TO USE THAT ROAD WHEN TRAVELLING INTO OR FROM WEST KOWLOON, OR TSUEN WAN," HE SAID.
"WHEN THE SHING MUN TUNNELS OPEN LATER THIS MONTH, MOTORISTS COULD CHOOSE TO PAY $6 FOR USING LION ROCK TUNNEL, $3 FOR USING THE SHING MUN TUNNELS, OR NOTHING FOR USING TAI PO ROAD WHICH WAS WIDENED RECENTLY," MR LAM ADDED.
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FURTHER STUDY ON DEATHS ON ARRIVAL AT EMERGENCY CENTRES
******
AS THE LAST STUDY ON THE CASES OF DEATHS ON ARRIVAL AT MAJOR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CENTRES WAS CONDUCTED SOME FIVE YEARS AGO, THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES WILL CONDUCT A SIMILAR EXERCISE IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO COLLECT MORE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING A QUESTION FROM THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MRS WONG SAID IT WAS NOT A NORMAL PRACTICE TO MAINTAIN STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF DEATHS AS A RESULT OF LOSS OF BLOOD IN ACCIDENTS WHILST THE PRIMARY CONDITION WAS SALVABLE.
"AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, WE HAVE SOME CRUDE FIGURES BASED ON A SPECIAL STUDY CONDUCTED IN 1984-85 ON THE CASES OF DEAD ON ARRIVAL AT MAJOR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CENTRES.
"DURING THE STUDY PERIOD, OF A TOTAL OF 2,193 DEAD ON ARRIVAL CASES REPORTED, THREE CASES WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE DIED PRIMARILY OF MASSIVE EXTERNAL HAEMORRHAGE BEFORE ARRIVAL AT THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT," SHE SAID.
AS REGARDS TRAINING OF AMBULANCEMEN TO INFUSE BLOOD SUBSTITUTES TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY LOSS OF LIFE, MRS WONG SAID, THIS WAS BEING LOOKED AT BY AN ADVISORY GROUP ON EXTENDED TRAINING FOR AMBULANCEMEN UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY.
"THE STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE A USEFUL INPUT TO THE DELIBERATIONS OF THIS ADVISORY GROUP," SHE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
PEOPLE DETAINED OVERSEAS MAY SEEK HELP FROM BRITISH CONSULAR ******
A HONG KONG RESIDENT WHO IS DETAINED OVERSEAS CAN REQUEST THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO INFORM A BRITISH CONSULAR OFFICER OF HIS DETENTION, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG, MR ASPREY SAID THE CONSULAR OFFICER WOULD INFORM THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, WHICH WOULD IN TURN NOTIFY THE NEXT-OF-KIN IF THE DETAINEE §0 REQUESTED.
"THE CONSULAR OFFICER WILL ALSO GIVE A PERSON DETAINED ADVICE ON HIS RIGHTS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL AID," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE CRITERIA BY WHICH PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE WAS RENDERED TO SUCH PERSONS, MR ASPREY SAID ONLY BRITISH NATIONALS WERE ENTITLED TO BRITISH CONSULAR PROTECTION.
"HOWEVER, GIVEN THE GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT FOR HONG KONG, BRITISH CONSULAR POSTS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO DO AS MUCH AS THEY CAN TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY HOLDERS WHO ARE IN TROUBLE," HE ADDED.
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JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL TO BE CLOSED AT END OF THIS MONTH * * * » »
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL WOULD CLOSE BY THE END OF THIS MONTH IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASSURANCES GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS ELSIE TU, MR BARNES SAID THE CLOSURE OF THE LANDFILL WAS IN VIEW OF THE COMPLETION OF THE KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION (KBRTS), WHICH WAS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING COMMISSIONING TRIALS AND WOULD SHORTLY BE FUuLY OPERATIONAL.
MR BARNES ALSO NOTED THAT AFTER THE CLOSURE OF THE LANDFILL, IT WOULD REMAIN UNTIL THE END OF THIS YEAR IN A CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR THE OPERATION OF THE KBRTS IN CASE THERE WAS A MAJOR BREAKDOWN OR STOPPAGE OF THE STATION.
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE CONTINGENCY PLAN, WHICH WAS DEVISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ENDORSED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, WAS IN TWO PARTS.
THE FIRST COVERED THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1990 UNTIL THE END OF 1990, AND THE SECOND FROM THE END OF 1990 UNTIL 1995, WHEN A SECOND REFUSE TRANSFER STATION SHOULD BE COMMISSIONED IN WEST KOWLOON.
/"THE OPTION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
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"THE OPTION OF RE-OPENING THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL IS ONLY INCLUDED IN THE FIRST PERIOD, I.E. UP TO THE END OF 1990, WHEN THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL IS EXPECTED TO OPEN. BY THAT TIME ALSO WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS COMMISSIONING AN EMERGENCY REFUSE BARGING POINT,” HE POINTED OUT.
MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS OF THE VIEW THAT A MAJOR BREAKDOWN OR STOPPAGE OF THE KBRTS WHICH WOULD NECESSITATE ANY FORM OF EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS FOR REFUSE DISPOSAL WAS VIRTUALLY INCONCEIVABLE.
’’NEVERTHELESS, THE CONTINUING EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE IS A VITAL PART OF THE RUNNING OF THE CITY, AND IT IS SENSIBLE TO HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN THAT ENSURES THE CONTINUITY OF THIS OPERATION IN THE EXTREMELY UNLIKELY EVENT THAT THE KBRTS IS COMPLETELY DISABLED,” HE EXPLAINED.
MR BARNES ALSO GAVE ASSURANCES THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXHAUST ALL OTHER CONTINGENCY MEASURES BEFORE CONSIDERING RE-OPENING THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL.
"FOR OPERATIONAL REASONS, WE WOULD REQUIRE EIGHT DAYS NOTICE BEFORE THE LANDFILL COULD BE RE-OPENED, DURING WHICH PERIOD WE WOULD CONSULT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD ON THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS," HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT BY ITS NATURE, THE CONTINGENCY PLAN HAD TO INCLUDE ALL THE AVAILABLE OPERATIONS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL WHICH WOULD REQUIRE AN EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCE TO NECESSITATE ITS ACTIVATION, AND SUCH A CIRCUMSTANCE MIGHT WELL RULE OUT THE USE OF OTHER OPTIONS.
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE RE-OPENING OF JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL HAS BEEN INCLUDED, AND WHY WE DO NOT INTEND TO DELETE IT FROM THE PLAN.
’’THERE IS NO OTHER SITE WE COULD USE,” HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
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ACTION AGAINST SKATEBOARDING AT EDINBURGH PLACE
* * * * *
THE POLICE ARE AWARE OF SKATEBOARDING ACTIVITIES IN EDINBURGH PLACE AND HAVE TAKEN ACTION TO PREVENT NUISANCES OR DANGER FROM OCCURRING, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ADOLF HSU, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ELSIE TU, MR HSU SAID WARNINGS WERE ISSUED TO 16 INDIVIDUALS LAST MONTH.
THE POLICE COULD TAKE ACTION UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE AGAINST PEOPLE WHO CAUSE A NUISANCE TO THE PUBLIC WHILE USING THE AREA, HE ADDED.
NEVERTHELESS, MR HSU SAID TO DATE, THE POLICE HAD RECEIVED NO COMPLAINT NOR REPORT OF ANY INJURIES CAUSED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS A RESULT OF SKATEBOARDING ACTIVITIES THERE.
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NO AIM TO HAVE COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL ON ADVERTISING SIGNS *****
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE OR AIM TO HAVE ANY COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL ON ADVERTISING SIGNS AND ITS PRIMARY CONCERN IS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEATH AND INJURY BY TAKING ACTION AGAINST POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SIGNS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, MR BARNES SAID WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE IN MARCH 1989, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS WAS EMPOWERED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO RENDER SAFE OR REMOVE DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNS, WITHOUT HAVING FIRST TO SERVE A NOTICE ON THE OWNER, IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS WHERE THERE WAS A REAL AND IMMEDIATE THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
"FOR THESE PURPOSES IT IS UNNECESSARY TO REQUIRE ALL ADVERTISING SIGNBOARDS TO INCLUDE THE NAMES AND BUSINESS REGISTRATION NUMBERS OF THEIR OWNERS.
"SUCH A REQUIREMENT WOULD MOREOVER BE IMPRACTICABLE IN MANY CASES, PARTICULARLY WHERE LIGHTING WAS INVOLVED," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
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POLICE ACTION AGAINST CAR THEFT *****
POLICE ACTION TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM OF VEHICLE THEFT INCLUDED ADVISING VEHICLE OWNERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THEFT, MONITORING OF VEHICLES ON THE STREET AND INVESTIGATION OF ALL REPORTED CASES OF VEHICLE THEFT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, MR ASPREY SAID THAT THE NUMBERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES REPORTED STOLEN IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS WERE AS FOLLOWS:
NO. OF VEHICLES
YEAR REPORTED STOLEN
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 3,149 2,967 2,954 3,535 4,401
"STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF STOLEN VEHICLES SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSPORTED OUT OF HONG KONG ARE NOT AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, POLICE RECORDS SHOW THAT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, MORE THAN 14,000 VEHICLES, REPRESENTING OVER 80 PER CENT OF THE VEHICLES REPORTED STOLEN DURING THE SAME PERIOD, HAVE BEEN RECOVERED IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
A NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS HAD BEEN CONCLUDED SUCCESSFULLY IN RECENT YEARS, ESPECIALLY AGAINST THOSE INVOLVED IN TRANSPORTING STOLEN VEHICLES OUT OF HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
DURING 1988, INVESTIGATIONS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 354 PERSONS, INCLUDING SEVERAL GROUPS RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING STOLEN VEHICLES TO CHINA.
MR ASPREY SAID THERE WERE 411 PERSONS ARRESTED IN 1989, INCLUDING SOME CHARGED WITH STEALING MOTOR VEHICLES AND SHIPPING THEM TO THAILAND AND MALAYSIA.
"THE POLICE HAVE DEVELOPED A SYSTEM OF REGULAR LIAISON WITH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, POLICE FORCES OVERSEAS, AND VEHICLE i TAILERS AND INSURERS TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION AND TO ENLIST THEIR ASSISTANCE IN COMBATTING THIS FORM OF CRIME," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
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NEW SCHOOL FEE REMISSION SCHEME TO BE MONITORED CLOSELY
THE IMPACT OF THE NEW FEE REMISSION SCHEME WILL BE MONITORED CLOSELY DURING THE 1990-91 SCHOOL YEAR WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING ANY NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, MR YEUNG SAID WITH THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE APPLICATION OF THE PROPOSED POINTS SYSTEM UNDER THE NEW KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME TO BE INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR MAY RESULT IN A SMALL NUMBER OF APPLICANTS QUALIFYING FOR A LEVEL OF FEE REMISSION LOWER THAN THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE UNDER THE EXISTING FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
’’THE APPROVAL OF THE FC WILL BE SOUGHT FOR THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO BE GIVEN THE DISCRETION IN SUCH CASES TO AWARD A LEVEL OF REMISSION NOT LESS THAN THE AMOUNT UNDER THE EXISTING FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME,” HE SAID.
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FULL RANGE OF FACILITIES PLANNED FOR TIN SHUI WAI ♦ ♦ * » ♦
THE TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN PLANNED WITH A FULL RANGE OF GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, MR BARNES SAID: "THE ENTIRE DEVELOPMENT, AS WITH OTHER NEW TOWNS, IS PHASED IN A NUMBER OF PACKAGES WHICH WILL ENSURE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING AND FACILITIES.”
• HE NOTED THAT AS IN THE CASE OF OTHER NEW TOWNS, WORKING GROUPS WOULD SET UP TO ENSURE THE BASIC COMMUNITY SERVICES WERE AVAILABLE ON TIME TO SERVE THE INITIAL POPULATION INTAKE.
"THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MAY 1992 AND ESSENTIAL SOCIAL, MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND COMMUNAL FACILITIES WILL BE IN PLACE WHEN THE ESTATE TAKES IN THEIR FIRST TENANTS," HE SAID. 1
"HOWEVER, AS THE PROGRAMME OF POPULATION INTAKE FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING HAS YET TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE DEVELOPER, A FIRM PROGRAMME OF PROVISION OF FACILITIES CAN ONLY BE FINALISED AT A LATER DATE," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
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POLICY UNIT PRODUCED 36 INDEPTH REPORTS
*****
THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT HAS PRODUCED 36 INDEPTH ANALYSES ON ISSUES OF A LONG-TERM AND STRATEGIC NATURE SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN APRIL LAST YEAR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID CHEUNG, SIR DAVID SAID 13 OF THE ANALYSES CONCERNED PROJECTS OF AN ECONOMIC NATURE, TWO WERE SOCIAL PROJECTS, 14 CONCERNED POLITICAL ISSUES AND SEVEN WERE EXTERNAL ISSUES.
"IN ADDITION, IT HAS PRODUCED, IN RESPONSE TO URGENT REQUESTS, A TOTAL OF 108 PAPERS ON A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS OF MORE IMMEDIATE CONCERN," HE SAID.
"THESE REPORTS ARE PROVIDED ON A PERSONAL BASIS TO THE GOVERNOR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND MYSELF. AS SUCH, THEY MUST REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL," SIR DAVID ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE .EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CPU WAS KEPT CONSTANTLY UNDER REVIEW THROUGH THE MONTHLY MEETINGS AND OTHER REGULAR CONTACTS THAT THE GbVERNOR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND HIMSELF HAD WITH IT.
"WE ASSIGN PROJECTS TO THE CPU. AS I INFORMED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN NOVEMBER 1989, THE CPU HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO OUR DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED THAT THE OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF ALMOST ONE YEAR HAD SHOWN THAT THE CPU NEEDED SOME SLIGHT STRENGTHENING TO ENABLE IT TO COPE WITH THE GROWING DEMANDS THAT HAD BEEN MADE ON IT.
"PROVISION HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS YEAR’S ESTIMATES FOR AN ADDITIONAL FOUR POSTS IN THE CPU AND THE UPGRADING OF ONE OTHER.
"AUTHORITY FOR THE CREATION OF THESE WILL BE SOUGHT IN THE NEAR FUTURE," SIR DAVID SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
35
TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS DECLINE *****
INDICATIONS ARE THAT TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS HAVE DECREASED IN RECENT YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON DAVID CHEUNG, MR ASPREY SAID ACCORDING TO TERRITORY-WIDE SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS, FORMED IN 1981 TO MONITOR SUCH BEHAVIOUR, THE NUMBER OF INCIDENTS REPORTED OF SUSPECTED INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD DROPPED BY OVER 50 PER CENT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY OFFENCES HAD ALSO DROPPED OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
"BOTH THE POLICE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MONITOR CLOSELY THE INCIDENCE OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS," MR ASPREY SAID.
THE TWO DEPARTMENTS HAD ALSO TAKEN VARIOUS MEASURES TO COUNTER TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS. THESE INCLUDED:
’ * REGULAR SCHOOL VISITS AND LECTURES BY THE 19 DISTRICT POLICE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS TO EXPLAIN TO STUDENTS THE NATURE OF TRIAD INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS AND TO ADVISE THEM HOW TO RESPOND TO ANY SUCH ACTIVITIES;
* SEMINARS ORGANISED FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR, INCLUDING TRIAD ACTIVITIES;
* MATERIAL ON TRIAD ACTIVITIES PRODUCED FOR SCHOOLS TO ENHANCE THE AWARENESS OF BOTH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ABOUT TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS;
* THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL PROGRAMME DEVELOPED TO INVOLVE STUDENTS IN WORTHWHILE ACTIVITIES; AND
* WARNINGS AGAINST INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES PUBLICISED THROUGH EDUCATIONAL FILMS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST AND PAMPHLETS.
"THESE MEASURES WILL BE REGULARLY REVIEWED TO ASSESS THEIR EFFECTIVENESS AND MODIFIED AS NECESSARY," MR ASPREY ADDED.
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<36 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
36 -
CONSIDERATION BEING GIVEN TO ADVANCE CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING WHETHER OR NOT TO ADVANCE THE CLEARANCE OF SQUATTER VILLAGES IN DIAMOND HILL AFFECTED BY TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE VILLAGES INCLUDED NEW VILLAGE SOUTH, HA YUEN LENG VILLAGE AND SHEUNG YUEN LONG VILLAGE. ’’HOWEVER, NO DECISIONS HAVE YET BEEN MADE,” MR BARNES SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL CHENG, MR BARNES SAID THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING THESE AREAS WHEN VACATED, AS SUPPLEMENTARY HOUSING SITES WAS ALSO BEING EXAMINED.
ONE SUCH SITE, AT TAI KOON NEW VILLAGE NEAR HAMMER HILL ROAD, HAD ALREADY BEEN FOUND SUITABLE, IN PRINCIPLE, FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME/PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENTS. THE REMAINING SITES WERE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION, MR BARNES SAID.
HE ALSO SAID RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY CLEARANCE IN THE URBAN AREA WERE OFFERED REHOUSING IN THE URBAN AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICIES AND EACH HOUSEHOLD’S ELIGIBILITY.
THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL CLEARANCE LAST YEAR REDUCED THE DIAMOND HILL SQUATTER POPULATION FROM ABOUT 34,000 TO 19,000.
”A FURTHER CLEARANCE IS CURRENTLY BEING DONE TO FREE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FUNG TAK ROAD EXTENSION,” MR BARNES SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THIS AND ONE OTHER CLEARANCE NEARBY WHICH IS UNDER ACTIVE PLANNING AND WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1991, WILL FURTHER REDUCE THE SQUATTER POPULATION IN DIAMOND HILL SQUATTER AREA TO ABOUT 13,000.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
37
PUBLIC HOUSING DESIGNS FOR LAUNDRY DRYING BEING STUDIED ♦ * * ♦ *
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TS EXAMINING THE DESIGN OF THE HARMONY RANGE OF PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THERE ARE ANY POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE DRYING ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET TENANTS’ WISHES TO DRY THEIR LAUNDRY IN DIRECT SUN AND WIND, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEUNG WAI-TUNG ON SAFETY ASPECTS OF LAUNDRY DRYING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN VIEW OF RECENT MISHAPS INVOLVING THE USE OF METAL DRYING ROD HOLDERS (WHICH ARE GENERALLY REFERRED TO AS THE "THREE JOSS STICKS").
MR BARNES SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DTD NOT CONSIDER THE ’’THREE JOSS STICKS" TO BE INHERENTLY UNSAFE, BUT ACCIDENTS MIGHT OCCUR IF USERS DID NOT EXERCISE DUE CARE WHEN USING THEM.
HE NOTED THAT HOUSING AUTHORITY TENANTS WERE PERMITTED TO INSTALL A NUMBER OF APPROVED DESIGNS OF DRYING ROD HOLDERS AND CORDED DRYING RACKS, AND THE CHOICE OF DESIGN WAS MADE BY THE INDIVIDUAL TENANT CONCERNED.
ON WHETHER RESIDENTS WOULD BE ADVISED OF THE PROPER WAY TO USE LAUNDRY DRYING FACILITIES, MR BARNES SAID ESTATE MANAGEMENT STAFF WERE ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ADVISE TENANTS ON THE USE AND PURCHASE OF SUITABLE RACKS, AND CARRIED OUT ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST THE USE OF UNAUTHORISED DESIGNS.
"HOWEVER, AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT ACCIDENTS, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS CARRYING OUT FURTHER PUBLICITY WORK TO ENSURE THAT TENANTS ARE AWARE OF THE NEED TO USE APPROVED DESIGNS AND TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN USING THE LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT," HE ADDED.
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DEPENDANTS OF TO BE
JLG AND LAND COMMISSION OFFICIALS GIVEN DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES t ♦ * ♦ ♦ t
THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WILL ENABLE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES TO BE GRANTED TO THE DEPENDANTS OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF CHINESE OFFICIALS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THfe HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR DAVID SAID IT IS STATED IN ANNEX II TO THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT MEMBERS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP SHALL ENJOY DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES AS APPROPRIATE WHILE IN PEKING, LONDON AND HONG KONG.
/THE PRIVILEGES .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 38
THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP) ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN MAY 1985 TO GRANT DIPLOMATIC PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES IN HONG KONG TO CHINESE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
"FOLLOWING AN EXCHANGE OF NOTES BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS IN JULY OF THE SAME YEAR, THE ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED AND RETITLED SO AS TO EXTEND SIMILAR PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES TO EXPERTS AND SUPPORTING STAFF OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AS WELL AS TO CHINESE MEMBERS AND SUPPORTING STAFF OF THE LAND COMMISSION," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
"AT PRESENT, DEPENDANTS OF THESE OFFICIALS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE ORDINANCE AND ARE THEREFORE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES WHILE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"IT IS NORMAL DIPLOMATIC PRACTICE FOR DEPENDANTS OF DIPLOMATS AND OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STAFF IN A DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO RECEIVE THE SAME PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES AS THE OFFICIALS CONCERNED," SIR DAVID NOTED.
"THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ALREADY EXTENDS APPROPRIATE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES TO DEPENDANTS OF OFFICIALS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHILE THEY ARE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM; AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT DOES THE SAME WHILE THE BRITISH TEAM ARE IN CHINA," HE SAID.
"THE GRANTING OF PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES TO DEPENDANTS OF CHINESE OFFICIALS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION WOULD THEREFORE BE CONSISTENT WITH INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC PRACTICE; IT WOULD ALSO BRING THE ARRANGEMENTS LN HONG KONG INTO LINE WITH THOSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA," SIR DAVID SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL. WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO AMEND LAW ON COMPETENCE AND COMPELLABILITY ♦ t t i t *
THE OBJECT OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 IS TO AMEND THE LAW GOVERNING THE COMPETENCE AND COMPELLABILITY OF SPOUSES TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS SAID THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION IMPLEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION RECOMMENDED A SERIES OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LAW OF COMPETENCE AND COMPELLABILITY TO ACHIEVE A BALANCE BETWEEN, ON THE ONE HAND, THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE, AND ON THE OTHER, THE ATM OF INTERFERING AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE WITH RELATIONS BETWEEN MARRIED COUPLES AND THE FAMILY.
/"A WITNESS .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 39
"A WITNESS IS COMPETENT TO GIVE EVIDENCE IF THE LAW PERMITS HIM TO DO SO. SUCH A WITNESS CAN ONLY BE COMPELLED TO GIVE EVIDENCE IF THE LAW REQUIRES HIM TO DO SO,” MR MATHEWS SAID.
’’THE PRESENT LAW GOVERNING COMPETENCE AND COMPELLABILITY OF SPOUSES TO TESTIFY IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IS GOVERNED BY A MIXTURE OF COMMON LAW RULES AND STATUTE,” HE ADDED.
THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT A PERSON IS COMPETENT TO TESTIFY ON BEHALF OF HIS OR HER SPOUSE WHERE THAT SPOUSE IS A DEFENDANT IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL. UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, A PERSON CANNOT BE COMPELLED TO GIVE EVIDENCE AGAINST HIS OR HER SPOUSE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE PRESENT LAW COULD PRODUCE UNJUST AND ARBITRARY RESULTS.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, IF A PERSON WITNESSED HIS OR HER SPOUSE MURDERING SOMEBODY OVER THE AGE OF 16, HE OR SHE WOULD NOT BE COMPETENT TO TESTIFY AGAINST THAT SPOUSE. IN THE ABSENCE OF OTHER EVIDENCE, NO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE BROUGHT AND THE MURDERER WOULD EVADE JUSTICE,” HE SAID.
’’FURTHER, EVEN THOUGH COMPETENT TO DO SO, A WITNESS MAY REFUSE TO TESTIFY ON BEHALF OF HIS OR HER SPOUSE WHERE THAT SPOUSE IS A DEFENDANT IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL,” HE ADDED.
”IT MATTERS NOT WHETHER THAT REFUSAL IS FOR GOOD OR FOR WHOLLY ARBITRARY REASONS; THE RULE APPLIES REGARDLESS OF HOW IMPORTANT THAT TESTIMONY MIGHT BE TO THE DEFENCE OF THE ACCUSED SPOUSE. AN INJUSTICE TO THE ACCUSED MAY RESULT,” THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
THF LAW REFORM COMMISSION MADE THREE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS:
* FIRST, THAT A PERSON SHOULD, IN LIMITED TYPES OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, BE COMPELLABLE TO GIVE EVIDENCE FOR THE PROSECUTION;
♦ SECOND, THAT A PERSON SHOULD BE COMPELLABLE TO GIVE
EVIDENCE FOR THE DEFENCE OF HIS OR HER SPOUSE IN ALL CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS; AND
♦ THIRD, THAT A PERSON SHOULD BE,COMPETENT TO GIVE EVIDENCE FOR THE PROSECUTION IN ALL CRIMINAL CASES AGAINST HIS OR HER SPOUSE.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS, CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL PROVIDES THAT A PERSON WHO IS COMPETENT TO GIVE EVIDENCE AGAINST HIS OR HER ACCUSED SPOUSE MAY ALSO BE COMPELLED TO DO SO WHERE THAT SPOUSE IS CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING, INJURING OR THREATENING INJURY TO THAT PERSON OR A CHILD OF THE FAMILY UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE. THE SAME RULE APPLIES TO SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST SUCH A CHILD.
/"SUCH A .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 40 “
’’SUCH A WITNESS WOULD ALSO BE COMPELLABLE IF THE ACCUSED WAS CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTING, CONSPIRING TO COMMIT, AIDING, ABETTING, COUNSELLING OR PROCURING OR INCITING THE COMMISSION OF ANY OF THESE OFFENCES,” MR MATHEWS SAID.
CLASUE 3 OF THE BILL ALSO IMPLEMENTS THE OTHER MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION.
MR MATHEWS POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL PROVIDED THAT CHANGES CONCERNING THE COMPETENCE OR COMPELLABILITY OF SPOUSES WOULD NOT AFFECT THE RIGHT OF AN ACCUSED TO GIVE EVIDENCE, OR HIS OR HER PRIVILEGE AGAINST SELF 1NCRIMINATION, WHEN SUCH A PERSON WAS JOINTLY CHARGED FOR AN OFFENCE WITH HIS OR HER SPOUSE.
THE BILL PRESERVES THE STATUTORY PRIVILEGE AGAINST INCRIMINATION BY ONE SPOUSE OF ANOTHER EXCEPT WHERE THE WITNESS IS COMPELLABLE TO GIVE EVIDENCE FOR THE PROSECUTION.
’’THE BILL ALSO SUBSTANTIALLY PRESERVES THE COMMON LAW RIGHT OF A PERSON TO RESIST DISCLOSURE OF ANY COMMUNICATION MADE BY HIS OR HER SPOUSE DURING THE MARRIAGE, ALTHOUGH AN EXCEPTION TO THAT RIGHT IS MADE WHERE THE PERSON IS LAWFULLY COMPELLED TO TESTIFY AGAINST HIS OR HER SPOUSE,” MR MATHEWS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
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HE COMMITTED TO PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES
THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION AND ENDANGERED SPECIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, WHICH HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DEMONSTRATES HONG KONG’S COMMITMENT TO THE PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MRS CHAN SAID IT PROVIDED FOR. THE STRICT CONTROL OF COMMERCIAL TRADE IN HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA BY IMPOSING A REQUIREMENT ON THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES NOT TO ISSUE A LICENCE FOR THEIR IMPORT OR EXPORT.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT FOLLOWING WIDESPREAD CONCERN INTERNATIONALLY OVER THE CONTINUED DECLINE OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT, PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES), HAD DECLARED THAT SPECIES TO RE HIGHLY ENDANGERED.
"A BAN ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN IVORY CAME INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY THIS YEAR. THIS RAN DTD NOT IMMEDIATELY APPLY TO HONG KONG BECAUSE THE UK GOVERNMENT HAD, AT OUR REQUEST, ENTERED A RESERVATION WITH ' ITES THE EFFECT OF WHICH WAS TO DELAY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BAN UNTIL JULY 17, 1990," SHE SAID.
/"THIS 'BREATHING' .........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
41 -
"THIS ’BREATHING’ SPACE HAS GIVEN HONG KONG TRADERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPOSE OF THEIR IVORY IN A MORE ORDERLY WAY.
"IT HAS ALSO ALLOWED WORKERS IN THE TRADE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE JOBS, AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE AVAILABLE RETRAINING COURSES TO THOSE WORKERS NEEDING TO ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS," MRS CHAN SAID.
"CONTROLS TO IMPLEMENT THE BAN ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN IVORY MUST, HOWEVER, BE IN PLACE BY MID-JULY," SHE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT CONTROLS OVER TRADE IN HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES HAD BEEN EFFECTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WHO WOULD GIVE CONSIDERATION OR REJECT APPLICATIONS, ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, FOR A LICENCE TO IMPORT OR EXPORT.
"THIS HAS PROVED UNSATISFACTORY," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE BILL INTRODUCES, IN CLAUSE THREE, A PROVISION REQUIRING THE DIRECTOR NOT TO ISSUE IMPORT OR EXPORT LICENCES IN RESPECT OF HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES SAVE IN SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES. THE SPECIES CONCERNED ARE LISTED IN A NEW SIXTH SCHEDULE, INTRODUCED UNDER CLAUSE FOUR OF THE BILL.
"OF THESE SPECIES, THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT IS THE ONE WHICH WILL ATTRACT MOST ATTENTION," MRS CHAN SAID.
"THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS LEGISLATION WILL ENSURE THAT, FROM JULY 17, 1990, NO COMMERCIAL IMPORT OR EXPORT OF RAW OR WORKED IVORY WILL BE PERMITTED,” SHE ADDED.
"HOWEVER, IN LINE WITH CITES RULES, THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PERSONAL POSSESSIONS, OF PRECONVENTION STOCK, OF SCIENTIFIC SPECIMENS, EXHIBITS AND FOR OTHER NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST WILL BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE," THE SECRETARY EXPLAINED.
"HONG KONG IS PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND MUST BE SEEN TO BE PLAYING ITS ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS," MRS CHAN SAID.
"WE TAKE OUR CITES OBLIGATIONS SERIOUSLY AND WE ALREADY HAVE TIGHTER CONTROLS OVER THE IVORY TRADE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF THE BAN ONCE IT COMES INTO FORCE," SHE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL B.IL WAS ADJOURNED.
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! 42.......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
42
MOVE TO WIDEN SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY ******
A BILL TO WIDEN THE ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS GRANTED UNDER THE GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIPS FUND WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIPS FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON ADOLF HSU, SAID THE BILL WOULD ENABLE THE FUND TO BE APPLIED MORE FLEXIBLY FOR ITS DECLARED PURPOSES.
THE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1955 FOR THE PROMOTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
"TO THIS END, THE INCOME OF THE FUND IS APPLIED FOR THE PROVISION OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS, AND FINANCIAL NEED HAS BEEN THE MAIN CRITERION FOR MAKING SUCH AWARDS," MR HSU SAID.
HE NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS WHILE THE RECURRENT INCOME OF THE FUND ARISING FROM INVESTMENTS HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN DECLINING STEADILY, APPARENTLY BECAUSE OF A MORE AFFLUENT COMMUNITY, THUS RESULTING IN A GROWING ANNUAL SURPLUS.
"IN ORDER TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE FUND AND THEREBY FURTHER THE OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING LOCAL EDUCATION, IT IS PROPOSED THAT SCHOLARSHIPS MAY BE GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF ACADEMIC AND OTHER RELEVANT ACHIEVEMENTS, IN ADDITION TO THOSE GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF FINANCIAL NEED," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIPS FUND COMMITTEE, MR HSU SAID: "CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL AMENDS SECTION 5 OF THE ORDINANCE BY REMOVING A PROVISION WHICH LIMITS THE RECIPIENTS OF SCHOLARSHIPS TO THOSE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE."
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 43 -
CALL FOR SINO-BRITISH COOPERATION TO PRESERVE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY
*****
THE SINCERE COOPERATION AND MUTAL UNDERSTANDING OF BOTH THE TSH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS WVRF NEEDED Fop HONG KONG TO PRESERVE ITS PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEE WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN MOVING A
MOTION ON THE BASIC LAW.
THE MOTION READ: "IN LIGHT OF THE PROMULGATION OF THE HKSAR BASIC LAW IY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS, THIS COUNCIL URGES THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERESTS OF '1 HE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG; TO HELP HONG KONG, THROUGH MUTUAL AND SINCERE CO-OPERATION, TO SURMOUNT ITS PROBLEMS BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997; AND TO AMEND, AT A SUITABLE TIME, THE RELEVANT CLAUSES OF THE BASIC LAW ACCORDING TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE OMELCO ’COMMENTS ON THE BASIC LAW (DRAFT)’ SO AS TO FURTHER MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S "ROSPEI. TTY AND STABILITY."
MR LEE SAID THAT HONG KONG MUST SEEK TO ENSURE THAT THE BASIC P< .1 IES OF CHINA, AS SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, WOULD BE FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED IN THE BASIC LAW.
HE SAID THAT THE THREE PARAMOUNT OBJECTIVES OF THE BASIC LAW WERE THAT IT MUST REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF AND BF FULLY ACCEPTABLE TO HONG KONG PEOPLE; THAT IT MUST ACCORD WITH THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION; AND THAT IT MUST PROVIDE I1ONG KONG WITH AN EFFECTIVE AND WORKABLE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT.
ON THE FIRST OBJECTIVE OF ACCEPTANCE BY HONG KONG PEOPLE, MR I EE SAID IT WAS HIS BELIEF THAT UNTIL THE BASIC LAW WAS AMENDED SUBSTANTIALLY ALONG THE LINES SUGGESTED IN THE OMELCO REPORT, IT WOULD NOT BE FULLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"IF THE CONSTITUTION IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO PEOPLE HERE, TI , AS IS ALREADY HAPPENING NOW, GREAT NUMBERS OF OUR PEOPLE WILL LEAVE," HE SAID.
ON THE SECOND OBJECTIVE OF FULL ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DF' i \RATION, MR LEE SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF DEVIATIONS FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH WOULD DO GRAVE DAMAGE TO HONG KONG.
FIRST, THE IMPOSITION OF A NEW RESTRICTION THAT HOLDERS OF CEE1AIN HIGH POSITIONS IN THE HKSAR COULD NOT HAVE A RIGHT OF ABODE IN ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY, AND THE PUTTING OF A CEILING OF 20 PER CENT ON LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WHO WERE NON-CHINESE NATIONALS OR WITH A RIGHT OF ABODE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES WERE NEW PROVISIONS WHICH WERE NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.
/SECONDLY, HE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
SECONDLY, HE NOTED THAT THE PROVISION IN ARTICLE 106 OF THE BASIC LAW SET OUT BINDING GUIDELINES AS TO THE "KSAR’S FUTURE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE POLICIES.
"AGAIN, THERE IS MOT'Ttmg tn THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH PROVIDES FOR SUCH A LIMIT ON THE HKSAR GOVERNMENT."
TURNING TO THE THIRD OBJECT E OF THE BASIC LAW, WHICH WAS TO ESTABLISH A WORKABLE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, MR LEE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CURRENTLY THRIVING SYSTEM IN HONG KONG GOING BEYOND 1997, THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND LEGAL SYSTEMS WERE AN INSEPARABLE WHOLE.
"IT FOLLOWS THAT IF HONG KONG’S LAWS ARE DECREED BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT OR INTERPRETED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS, THEN HONG KONG’S INDEPENDENT CAPITALIST SYSTEM MAY NOT SURVIVE, WITH THE RESULT THAT IT MAY LOSE ITS IMPORTANT PLACE IN THE TRADING WORLD OF CAPITALIST NATIONS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IN RESERVING THE FULL POWERS OF INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS AND ITS STANDING COMMITTEE, THE BASIC LAW HAD DEALT A GRAVE BLOW TO THE INTEGRITY AND INDEED THE VERY VIABILITY OF THE POST-1997 HONG KONG.
MR LEE EXPECTED THAT HONG KONG WOULD GO THROUGH A NUMBER OF Dll ICULTIES AND UNCERTAINTIES BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
TN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO PRESERVE THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG, THE SINCERE CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS WERE NEEDED, HE CONCLUDED.
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CONFLICTS BETWEEN JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW NEED TO BE ADDRESSED
* * * * *
THE HON RONALD ARCULLI QUERIED WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO INCONSISTENCIES OR OUTRIGHT CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE JOINT Dei LARATION AND THE BASIC LAW AND HOW THEY WOULD BE RESOLVED, DURING THI MOTION DEBATE ON THE BASIC LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) .
IN SUPPORTING THE MOTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, MR ARCULLI ALSO RAISED A NUMBER OF DOUBTS CONCERNING THE LINK BETWEEN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
ONE OF THE DOUBTS WAS THAT THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL OF THE HKSAR WAS NEITHER AS FINAL NOR AS INDEPENDENT AS IT APPEARED.
/*! SAY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
45 -
"I SAY THIS BECAUSE IF THE COURTS OF THE HKSAR NEED TO INTERPRET THE BASIC LAW CONCERNING AFFAIRS WHICH ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT OR THE VAGUE CONCEPT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CENTRAL AUTHORITIES AND THE HKSAR, AN INTERPRETATION OF THE RELEVANT PROVISION FROM THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS BECOMES NECESSARY AND THE HKSAR COURTS ARE BOUND BY SUCH INTERPRETATION.
"IS THIS THE BASIS OF AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY WITH POWERS OF FINAL ADJUDICATION?" HE SAID.
MR ARCULL1 NOTED THAT THE ARTICLES IN THE BASIC LAW THAT INTRODUCED THE GREATEST CONCERN AND UNCERTAINTY AS TO THE LAW APPLICABLE TO THE HKSAR WERE ARTICLES 159 AND 160.
ARTICLE 159 STATED THAT THE POWER TO AMEND THE BASIC LAW VESTED IN THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS AND ARTICLE 160 ATTEMPTED TO ADOPT ALL THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG EXCEPT THOSE DECLARED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS TO BE INCONSISTENT TO THE BASIC LAW.
MR ARCULLI ASKED: "WITH THE POWER OF INTERPRETATION AND THE POWER OF AMENDMENT VESTED IN THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS CAN WE SAY WITHOUT A REASONABLE DOUBT THAT THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY AFTER 1997? D 9 THE JOINT DECLARATION ENVISAGE THIS TO BE THE SITUATION?"
HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE NO SATISFACTORY ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS BUT IF THE CONCEPT OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" WAS TO SUCCEED, THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS WOULD NEED TO FIND APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS.
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CALL TO RECONSIDER OMELCO CONSENSUS *****
CHINA SHOULD RESCIND THE UNREASONABLE CLAUSES IN THE BASIC LAW AND RECONSIDER THE OMELCO RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE FUTURE POLITICAL SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG, DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SUPPORTING THE MOTION ON THE BASIC LAW DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR LEONG POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE THREE CONTROVERSIAL AREAS IN THE BASIC LAW : THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES, THE NATIONALITY ISSUE AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
DR LEONG WAS CONCERNED THAT THE ENDORSED BASIC LAW WOULD TURN THE LEGISLATURE INTO A MERE CONSULTATIVE BODY AND WOULD CREATE CLASHES BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES.
/HE ENVISAGED ......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 46
HE ENVISAGED THAT FUTURE LEGISLATORS WOULD FIND THEMSELVES POWERLESS TO CONFRONT THE FORMIDABLE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND WOULD FEEL DEFEATED AS THEIR EXPECTATIONS FOR BEING "A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE PEOPLE” WOULD BE SUBDUED.
’'LEGISLATORS WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO INTRODUCE BILLS ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, THE STRUCTURE AND THE OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT.
"FURTHER, PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE IS NEEDED BEFORE A BILL ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES CAN BE INTRODUCED," DR LEONG SAID.
DR LEONG ALSO SAID THAT THE LEGISLATURE HAD VIRTUALLY NO POWER TO INVESTIGATE THE ACTS OF THE EXECUTIVE OR IMPEACH THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS.
ALSO, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, HIMSELF NOT ELECTED THROUGH UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE, HAD THE POWER TO DISSOLVE THE LEGISLATURE THAT : <«S NOT PASS ANY IMPORTANT BILLS INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED.
ON NATIONALITY, DR LEONG SAID THAT THE BASIC LAW HAD SUCCESSFULLY CAST A NET OF RESTRICTIONS OVER FOREIGN PASSPORT HOLDERS.
"THIS WIDE NET OF NATIONALITY RESTRICTION IS OBVIOUSLY CONTRADICTING THE JOINT DECLARATION AS THE LATTER ONLY IMPOSE RESTRICTION ON THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND A HANDFUL OF PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS,” HE SAID.
ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS, DR LEONG NOTED THAT CHINA THUMBED DOWN ON ITS LIKELY SUPREMACY OVER ALL LOCAL LAWS, INCLUDING THE BASIC LAW.
HE NOTED THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS SHOULD HAVE OVERRIDING POWER OVER ALL OTHER HONG KONG LAWS, THOUGH NOT NECESSARILY OVER THE BASIC LAW.
AS MATTERS STAND, DR LEONG HOPED THAT OMELCO MEMBERS WOULD CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS TO LOBBY FOR A MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND TO CONVINCE CHINA THEIR GOOD-WILL INTENTION.
HE ALSO HOPED THAT BRITAIN WOULD HONOUR HER PROMISES TO HONG KONG BY MAKING IT THRIVE AND PROSPER IN THE LAST YEARS OF HER RULE.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1990
- 47
COUNCILLOR DESCRIBES MEMBER’S MOTION AS "ANAEMIC”
******
HON JIMMY MCGREGOR TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESCRIBED HO MAIi I LEE’S MOTION ON THE BASIC LAW AS "ANAEMIC”.
"MR LEE, WHOM I GREATLY RESPECT, HAS CHOSEN A . . 1ANGF UNTYPICAL APPROACH, A QUIET, RESERVED AND ALMOST DESPAIRING A PEAL THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO LISTEN TO THE FRAGMENT Vi OF THIS COUNCIL,” MR MCGREGOR SAID.
"WHY SHOULD THEY, MR LEE? THEY HAVE NOT LISTENED BEFORE OR, THEY HAVE, THEY HAVE NOT HEARD WHAT WE WERE SAYING."
MR MCGREGOR SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW IN A SITUATION WHERE CHINA. WITH BRITAIN APPARENTLY IN AGREEMENT, HAD DETERMINED THE PACE 0” FURTHER CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM IN HONG KONG AND SET THIS OUT IN CONSIDERABLE DETAIL IN THE BASIC LAW.
HE SAID HE COULD NOT IMAGINE THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WOULD DO ANYTHING MORE TO BRING ABOUT MEANINGFUL CHANGES IN THE BASIC LAW.
NOR WOULD BRITAIN MODIFY ITS OWN POSITION IN THE YEARS UNTIL 1997 UNLESS THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE POLICIES OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BETWEEN NOW AND THEN, HE ADDED.
"IT SO HAPPENS THAT I BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT SUCH CHANGES WILL COME ABOUT AND THAT WE SHALL SEE A MORE LIBERAL CHINESE GOVERNMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD, LESS SENSITIVE AND MUCH LESS WORRIED ABOUT HONG KONG," HE SAID.
SO HE THOUGHT THERE WAS MERIT IN SUPPORTING MR MARTIN LEE’S MOTION, HE CONCLUDED.
--------0----------
CHINA SHOULD KEEP JOINT DECLARATION PROMISE
******
CHINA SHOULD BE PRESSED TO KEEP RELIGIOUSLY TO THEIR PROMISE AS SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ALLOW HONG KONG AN EVEN HIGHER DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, THE HON JAMES TIEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE HON MARTIN LEE’S MOTION ON THE BASIC LAW, MR TIEN SAID THAT HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT A RADICAL OVERTURNING OF THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE WHICH DISTURBED THE BALANCE OF POWER BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND DIRECT ELECTIONS WOULD SERVE ANY USEFUL PURPOSE.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESAY, APRIL 4, 1990
48
HE SAID THAT CHINA’S RIGHTS OVER HONG KONG WERE EXPLICIT IN REGARD ONLY TO FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE, AND ALL OTHER MATTERS MUST BE SO CONSTRUCTED TO ALLOW THE TERRITORY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY. - ‘ •»
HE SAID THAT LIBERAL COUNCILLORS SHOULD STOP SQUABBLING ABOUT DIRECT AND INDIRECT ELECTIONS, BUT SHOULD RATHER CALL FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE DISTRIBUTION OF POWER BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG.
"OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS TO DRAW MORE POWER FROM CHINA. THUS, OUR WISH TO AMEND THE BASIC LAW SHOULD DERIVE FROM A DESIRE TO ENHANCE OUR AUTONOMY. THAT IS THE FIRST REQUIREMENT," MR TIEN SAID.
"THE SECOND STEP THEN, WOULD BE TO ATTEND TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF POWER, INVOLVED IN THIS HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, AND TO DISCUSS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE COMPOSITION OF THIS COUNCIL
NOTING THAT CHINA HAD PROMISED THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD RULE HONG KONG, MR TIEN SAID THAT WITHOUT THE HONG KONG SAR ENJOYING COMPLETE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL POWER, WE COULD NOT MAKE A REALITY OF OUR FUTURE.
HE SAID THAT IN THAT RESPECT, THERE WAS STILL A GREAT DEAL OF ROOM FOR AMENDMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT AND THE SAR AND THE VALIDITY AND INTERPRETATION OF THE LAWS OF THE HONG KONG SAR.
"IF ANY AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE, THOSE SHOULD REFER TO THE POWER OF OUR COURTS," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
THREE BILLS PASSED IN LEGCO *****
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1990, HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY BILL 1990 WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY WERE THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990, ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990 AND GRANTHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1990.
DEBATES ON THE FOUR BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
IN ADDITION, A MOTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE ON THE BASIC LAW OF .THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WAS PASSED.
A TOTAL OF 14 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE DEBATE TODAY.
_ _ 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT STATEMENT ON PROMULGATION OF BASIC LAW......................................... 1
FRANCIS MAUDE ARRIVES SATURDAY FOR FIVE-DAY VISIT .................................. 1
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO BE SIGNED NEXT WEEK.................................. 2
MYTH ABOUT HK TRIADS QUASHED........................................................ 3
FREE HANDBOOK ON WORK SITE SAFETY .................................................. 5
PAMPHLET TO PROMOTE SAFETY AWARENESS TOWARDS FLOODING .............................. 5
MARCH SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEING CONDUCTED .................. 6
AMS RECRUITMENT DAY AND PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SUNDAY ............................... 7
ENTRY TO ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACE INVITED ......................................... 7
TENDERS FOR MAINLAYINGS IN NEW TERRITORIES ......................................... 8
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES ................................. 9
CHAMPION SCHOOL DANCERS TO PERFORM AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL, CITY HALL ................. 9
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WAH SING STREET.................................................. 10
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ................................. 10
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
- 1 -
GOVT STATEMENT ON PROMULGATION OF BASIC LAW ******
THE BASIC LAW WAS PROMULGATED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA ON APRIL 4, BUT THE FINAL TEXT HAS YET TO BE OFFICIALLY PUBLISHED IN HONG KONG.
THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PROMULGATION OF THE BASIC LAW:
"THE BASIC LAW IS THE PRODUCT OF EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS OVER ALMOST FIVE YEARS BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WITH HONG KONG PEOPLE. A NUMBER OF CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE DURING THAT PROCESS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF HONG KONG CONCERNS.
"THE PROMULGATION OF THE BASIC LAW IS AN IMPORTANT LANDMARK IN LAYING FOUNDATIONS FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE STATUS AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
"WE HAVE HAD DETAILED CONFIDENTIAL DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES DURING THE COURSE OF THE DRAFTING PROCESS. AS A RESULT, CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO MANY PROVISIONS.
"AS WAS INDICATED IN OUR STATEMENT OF FEBRUARY 16, WE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO SEE MORE DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THE BASIC LAW FOR 1997. WE WILL CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO PERSUADE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, ONCE THEY HAVE SEEN THE ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1991 WORKING IN PRACTICE, THAT THIS WOULD BE DESIRABLE. MEANWHILE, AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 21, WE INTEND TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF 1991 AND ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE COUNCIL WHICH CONVENES IN OCTOBER 1991 WILL PROVIDE A FIRM FOUNDATION ON WHICH TO BASE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF OUR DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM.
"THE BASIC LAW SETS OUT IN DETAIL THE WAY THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL OPERATE FOR AT LEAST 50 YEARS AFTER 1997. PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL WISH TO STUDY IT CAREFULLY. FOR ITS PART THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL WISH TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY WHAT STEPS WILL BE NEEDED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN 1997."
----0------
FRANCIS MAUDE ARRIVES SATURDAY FOR FIVE-DAY VISIT
******
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (APRIL 7) FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT.
DURING HIS STAY, MR MAUDE WILL MEET A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN, PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND CIVIL SERVANT UNION LEADERS.
/HIS PROGRAMME .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
HIS PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE VISITS TO A VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRE, A NEW TOWN IN NORTH DISTRICT, THE BORDER AREA, WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC.
MR MAUDE WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS WITH UNHCR OFFICIALS ABOUT THE VBP ISSUES AND VISIT THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION AND THE OFFICE OF THE BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
THE MINISTER WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 11) AFTERNOON BEFORE RETURNING TO BRITAIN IN THE EVENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MR MAUDE WILL ARRIVE BY FLIGHT CX 250 AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING HIS ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT THE ARRIVAL HALL BY 12.45 PM.
- - 0 - -
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO BE SIGNED NEXT WEEK
******
A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WILL BE SIGNED NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 9) BETWEEN THE LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEMES OF THE TERRITORY AND THOSE OF TWO MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY (QUALITY SERVICES), MR ERNEST EVANS, SAID THE SIGNING WOULD FACILITATE TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THESE TWO COUNTRIES BY ELIMINATING ONE OF THE TECHNICAL BARRIERS EXISTING IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
"UNDER THESE MOU’S, TEST CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (IIOKLAS) WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA WITH THE SAME VALIDITY AS IF THEY WERE CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE ACCREDITED LABORATORIES OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF LABORATORY ACCREDITATION (A2LA) AND AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES (NATA)," MR EVANS SAID.
AFTER THE MUTUAL AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN SIGNED, TRADE IN GOODS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND HONG KONG, AS WELL AS THAT BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND HONG KONG, WHERE ACCOMPANIED BY TEST CERTIFICATES, WILL NO LONGER BE INTERRUPTED AT POINTS OF IMPORTATION OF CUSTOMS QUERIES OVER THE TECHNICAL INTEGRITY OR THE VERACITY OF TEST DATA, HE SAID.
/TRADERS IN
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
3
TRADERS IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN ENJOYING SUCH CONVENIENCE WHEN DOING BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM SINCE LAST APRIL WHEN A MOU WAS SIGNED BETWEEN HOKLAS AND THE NATIONAL MEASUREMENT ACCREDITATION SERVICE (NAMAS).
MR EVANS SAID THERE WER1 ONLY EIGHT SIMILAR MOU’S BETWEEN MAJOR ACCREDITATION SCHEMES OF THE WORLD. THOSE TO BE SIGNED BETWEEN HOKLAS AND A2LA AND HOKLAS AND NATA WOULD BE THE NINTH AND TENTH.
"IT INDICATES WELL THE STANDING AND INTEGRITY OF THE LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME IN HONG KONG,” MR EVANS SAID.
AT MONDAY'S SIGNING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, WILL REPRESENT THE HONG KONG SCHEME AND SIGN THE MOU’S WITH THE PRESIDENT OF A2LA, MR JOHN LOCK, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NATA, MR J.A. GILMOUR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.45 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 9) AT THE CENTENARY ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE OMNI HONG KONG HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI.
--------0-----------
MYTH ABOUT HK TRIADS QUASHED ******
THE POPULAR MYTH THAT HONG KONG TRIADS ARE CONTROLLING A CRIMINAL NETWORK OUTSIDE OF THE TERRITORY SIMILAR TO THAT OF MAFIA GANGS WAS QUASHED DURING A RECENT ORGANISED CRIME CONFERENCE IN JAPAN.
PARTICIPANTS AT THE TOKYO CONFERENCE ON ORGANISED CRIME IN THE ASIAN REGION ALSO SUPPORTED THE FORCE’S ASSESSMENT THAT THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT THIS JUNCTURE OF AN EXODUS OF TRIAD PERSONALITIES FROM HONG KONG.
THE FORCE’S REPRESENTATIVE AT THE WEEK-LONG CONFERENCE, MR JIM MAIN, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, CRIME HEADQUARTERS, SAID THAT PARTICIPATING NATIONS CONCLUDED THAT CLOSER INTERNATIONAL AND BILATERAL CO-OPERATION WAS THE BEST WAY TO COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME IN THE REGION.
"THE CONFERENCE UNDOUBTEDLY INCREASED EACH PARTICIPATING COUNTRY’S KNOWLEDGE OF ORGANISED CRIME THROUGHOUT THE AREA. IT ALSO ENHANCES OUR CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION. YOU KNOW PEOPLE IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS," MR MAIN ADDED.
/THE CONFERENCE ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
THE CONFERENCE, THE SECOND IN TWO YEARS HOSTED BY THE JAPANESE AUTHORITIES, WAS INITIATED BY THE COUNTRY’S NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY.
PARTICIPANTS NUMBERING NEARLY 40 INCLUDED ORGANISED CRIME EXPERTS FROM BRUNEI, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SOUTH KOREA, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, HONG KONG AND THE HOST COUNTRY.
IT WAS DURING THE CONFERENCE THAT DELEGATES FROM THE US, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA - ATTENDING AS OBSERVERS - CONSENTED TO THE FORCE’S ASSESSMENT THAT THERE WAS NO BASIS TO SUPPORT A COMMON BELIEF THAT HONG KONG TRIADS HAD EXTENDED THEIR INFLUENCE TO CONTROL CRIME BEYOND THE TERRITORY.
WHILE THE POTENTIAL FOR TRIAD PERSONALITIES FROM HONG KONG GOING OVERSEAS DID DRAW INTEREST FROM OTHER PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES, PARTICIPANTS AGREED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THIS WAS THE CASE AT THE MOMENT.
DELEGATES FROM SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA ALSO ENDORSED THE FORCE’S VIEWS THAT TRIADS WERE NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH ORGANISED CRIME.
"THEY ARE LINKED BUT EACH IS A PROBLEM IN ITS OWN RIGHT," MR MAIN EXPLAINED.
"ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS OBVIOUS IS THAT, REGARDLESS OF NATIONALITIES AND CULTURES, ORGANISED CRIME TENDS TO OPERATE IN LARGELY SIMILAR AREAS - VICE, NARCOTICS, GAMBLING AND ENTERTAINMENT, ETC” HE ADDED.
IN TERMS OF LEGAL MUSCLE AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME RACKETS, MR MAIN SAID HONG KONG HAD SOME ADVANTAGES AND SOME DISADVANTAGES WHEN COMPARED WITH LEGISLATION IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
HOWEVER, HONG KONG IS ALWAYS REVIEWING ITS LEGISLATION.
ON THE ORGANISED CRIME FRONT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN, WHICH ARE CLOSE TRADING PARTNERS, MR MAIN SAID THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT SUGGESTED CRIMINAL INVOLVEMENT OF THE "BORYOKUDAN" (JAPANESE CRIMINAL GANGS) IN HONG KONG, AND VICE VERSA.
"OBVIOUSLY, TRIAD PERSONALITIES DO GO OVERSEAS AND EQUALLY, MEMBERS OF THE JAPANESE TRIADS DO COME TO HONG KONG AND GO ELSEWHERE," HE SAID.
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
- 5 -
FREE HANDBOOK ON WORK SITE SAFETY * * * ♦ ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ENSURING THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
ENTITLED "A GUIDE TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS”, THE HANDBOOK EXPLAINS IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS.
IT SERVES AS A HANDY REFERENCE FOR BOTH EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS IN THE INDUSTRY AND PROVIDES A CHECK LIST OF MATTERS RELATING TO SITE SAFETY WHICH REQUIRE PARTICULAR ATTENTION.
THE HANDBOOK ALSO SPECIFIES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONTRACTORS AND SETS OUT THE SAFETY RULES CONCERNING DIFFERENT WORK PROCESSES AND EQUIPMENT USED ON SITE.
TO MEET THE VARIOUS NEEDS OF CONSTRUCTION PERSONNEL, THE BOOKLET INTRODUCES A RANGE OF SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION COURSES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE.
THE HANDBOOK, PRINTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE.
--------------------------0-------- PAMPHLET TO PROMOTE SAFETY AWARENESS TOWARDS FLOODING ♦ »»*♦«
A PAMPHLET TO PROMOTE SAFETY AWARENESS AMONG NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS TOWARDS FLOODING HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLICITY ON THE SUBJECT.
PRODUCED BY THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE COLOURFUL PAMPHLET WHICH IS ILLUSTRATED WITH CARTOONS, IS TARGETTED PRIMARILY AT VILLAGERS LIVING IN THE LOW-LYING AREAS SUCH AS YUEN LONG AND THE NORTH DISTRICT.
COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET CAN BE OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS RURAL COMMITTEES OR VILLAGE OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH THE APPROACH OF THE RAINY SEASON, ITS PUBLICATION IS TIMED TO PROVIDE VILLAGERS OF FLOOD-PRONE AREAS WITH NECESSARY INFORMATION ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND DURING A FLOODING INCIDENT.
APART FROM SUGGESTIONS ON MEASURES TO MINIMISE LOSS AND DAMAGE THE PUBLICITY MATERIAL HIGHLIGHTS THE EXISTING MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE MAIN CAUSES OF FLOODING, SUCH AS HEAVY OR PROLONGED RAINFALL, THE EFFECT OF TIDAL SURGE AND INADEQUATE LAND DRAINAGE.
/ON PREVENTION .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
6
ON PREVENTION MEASURES, IT EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE INHERENT FLOOD RISK OF THE LIVING PLACE AND ADVISES VILLAGERS TO AVOID BLOCKING GULLIES AND LAND DRAINAGE WITH RUBBISH, WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MAIN CAUSE OF FLOODING.
A LIST OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PAMPHLET AS AN EASY REFERENCE FOR VILLAGERS TO REPORT FLOODING INCIDENTS TO THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
------0--------
MARCH SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEING CONDUCTED
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING THE MARCH 1990 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.
THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 100,000 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), WITH FULL ENUMERATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS AT THE END OF MARCH 1990. REMINDERS ARE NOW BEING SENT TO ESTABLISHMENTS NOT RESPONDING TO THE INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON MARCH 30, 1990 FOR EACH SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JANUARY-MARCH 1990.
ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES) WILL ALSO BE REQUESTED TO FURTHER PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE MAJOR KIND OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1990.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 823 5076.
------0-------
/7......
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
AMS RECRUITMENT DAY AND PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SUNDAY
******
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONS RECRUITMENT DAY AND A PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SUNDAY (APRIL 8).
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE RECRUITMENT DRIVE’S OPENING CEREMONY AND INSPECT THE PARADE.
THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM AT MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, SHAM SHUI PO.
A DISPLAY OF FIRST-AID EQUIPMENT AND PICTURES INTRODUCING THE ACTIVITIES OF AMS WILL BE STAGED AT THE VENUE. THOSE INTERESTED IN FIRST AID SERVICE CAN APPLY FOR ENROLMENT AT THE SITE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES RECRUITMENT DAY AND PASSING-OUT PARADE TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (APRIL 8) AT MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND, SHAM SHUI PO. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM.
- - 0 - -
ENTRY TO ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACE INVITED
******
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENT BODIES ARE BEING INVITED TO FORM TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN THE ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACE ON MAY 28 TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
"THE RACE HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL EVENT IN ABERDEEN FOR DECADES," THE CHAIRMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MRS SO CHAU YIM-PING, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"THIS YEAR’S RACE IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD," SHE SAID.
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE, AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, ALONG A 330-METRE CHANNEL OFF THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL.
THERE WILL BE A FISHERMEN’S EXHIBITION MATCH DIVISION, A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVITATION DIVISION AND A MEDIUM-BOAT DIVISION.
/"THE MEDIUM
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
- 8 -
"THE MEDIUM BOAT DIVISION IS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY. COMMERCIAL FIRMS, FACTORIES, REGISTERED ASSOCIATIONS AND RESIDENTS’ BODIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ARE WELCOME fO FORM TEAMS TO TAKE PART," MRS SO SAID.
THE DIVISION IS SUB-DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS - INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL, ORGANISATIONS, AND LADIES’ OPEN. ENTRY FEE FOR THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTION IS $500 WHILE THAT FOR THE OTHER TWO SECTIONS IS $250.
EACH TEAM SHOULD HAVE 22 MEMBERS. THEY WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DRAGON BOATS, OARS, DRUMS, AND IF NECESSARY, A DRUMMER AND A COXSWAIN. PRACTICE SESSIONS WILL BE ARRANGED.
ENTRY FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE AND AT ITS SUB-OFFICES IN ABBA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, LEI TUNG ESTATE, WAH FU ESTATE AND STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY IS APRIL 26. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 552 0508 AND 552 0343.
-----0-----
TENDERS FOR MAINLAYINGS IN NEW TERRITORIES
******
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 6,300 METRES OF FRESH AND SALT WATERMAINS IN MA ON SHAN.
THE WATERMAINS, WHICH WOULD FORM PART OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AT MA ON SHAN, ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED TO MEET THE FRESH AND SALT WATER DEMAND TO BE GENERATED BY THE PROPOSED NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT THERE.
THE WATERMAINS WOULD RANGE FROM 150 MM TO 600 MM IN DIAMETER. WORK WOULD START IN JULY AND WOULD TAKE 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MEANWHILE, TENDERS ARE ALSO BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMP HOUSE, A HEADER TANK AND LAYING OF A FRESH WATERMAIN AT LUNG KWU TAN IN TUEN MUN.
THE FIVE-KILOMETRE MAIN AND THE OTHER FACILITIES ARE TO BE USED FOR SUPPLYING WATER TO THE FUTURE WEST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL SITE.
THE DIAMETER OF THE MAIN WOULD RANGE FROM 100 MM TO 250 MM. WORK WOULD START BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON APRIL 20 (FRIDAY).
- 0----------
/9 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
9
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES
******
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN TAI PO ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO THE TAI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE BEFORE TUESDAY (APRIL 10).
THE FUNDS WILL BE ALLOCATED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL, SPORTS OR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER FOR YOUTH AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD CARRY THE THEME "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY".
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 1 TING KOK ROAD.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 657 7111 EXT. 256.
--------0-----------
CHAMPION SCHOOL DANCERS
TO PERFORM AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL, *****
CITY HALL
CHAMPION DANCERS FROM SCHOOLS WILL GIVE A SERIES OF PERFORMANCES STARTING FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT SHA TIN AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE YOUNG PERFORMERS ARE WINNERS OF THE 26TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL IN WHICH 379 TEAMS, COMPRISING 3,680 STUDENTS, FROM 263 SECONDARY, PRIMARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS TOOK PART.
THE PRIZE-WINNING PRESENTATION OF COLOURFUL CHINESE, ORIENTAL, CREATIVE AND MODERN DANCES WILL BE HELD EVERY EVENING AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL STARTING TOMORROW AND ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, AND IN THE CONCERT HALL OF CITY HALL FOR FIVE EVENINGS FROM APRIL 17 TO 21.
THE SHA TIN EVENTS ARE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL WHILE THOSE AT CITY HALL ARE PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THIRTY TEAMS WERE AWARDED HONOURS, 129 HIGHLY COMMENDED, 180 COMMENDED AND 16 WON CHOREOGRAPHY AWARDS.
PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONIES WILL BE HELD AT EACH OF THE PERFORMANCES.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL PRESENT AWARDS DURING THE APRIL 8 (SUNDAY) PERFORMANCE AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
/OTHER OFFICIALS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1990
- 10 -
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENTING THE AWARDS ARE THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (DEVELOPMENT), MR ROBERT LO; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR S.W. WONG; REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR KAN CHUNG-NIN; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAWS FOUNDATION TRUST, MR RAYMOND LAW; THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR DICKEN YUNG; AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (CULTURE), MR PETER BURTON,
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SEE THE PRIZE-WINNING DANCES ARE WELCOME TO OBTAIN TICKETS, AT $10, $15 AND $20, AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS.
------0--------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN WAH SING STREET *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 7), THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WAH SING STREET IN KWAI CHUNG BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KUNG YIP STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 85 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 7), TWO LANES ON BOTH THE WESTBOUND AND EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF THE SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FRONTING PROVIDENT CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED FOR 20 DAYS.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE HIGHWAY NOISE REDUCTION SURFACING WORKS.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MINISTER OF STATE'S VISIT PROGRAMME .................................... 1
TRADE DEPT RESPONSE TO U.S. TRADE BILL ................................. 3
REVISION OF FEES FOR ISSUE OF TRADING DOCUMENTS ........................ 4
ARBITRATION LAW COMES INTO OPERATION ................................... 4
COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1990 GAZETTED .................. 5
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BILL GAZETTED ....................................... 6
SHW MAKES PERSONAL APPEAL TO STAFF TO CONTINUE CONSULTATION ............ 7
TRANSFER OF HYGIENE DIVISION TO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ................... 8
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCED .......... 8
EXCO APPROVES ISSUE OF LICENCE TO ASIASAT-TELECOMMUNICATIONS ........... 9
SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO LICENCE TENDER EXERCISE ........................ 10
TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNOUNCES ZONE PLANS ............................... 10
GO AHEAD FOR WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION .................................. 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR WORKS IN HUNG SHUI KIU ............................. 13
MARICULTURE AT OPEN SEA NOW UNDER STUDY ................................ 13
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR 1989 ..................... 14
ACTIVITIES TO MARK WORLD HEALTH DAY .................................... 15
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ......................................... 16
AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN YUEN LONG TO BE RESUMED ........................... 20
BISHOP KWONG VISITS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS .......................... 21
TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACE ORGANISERS INVITE APPLICATIONS ............... 21
OPENING OF FLYOVER CONNECTING KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CHEUNG WING ROAD .... 22
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD ..................................... 22
BAN AT CHEUNG WING ROAD GYRATORY ....................................... 23
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
1
MINISTER OF STATE’S VISIT PROGRAMME
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT. FOLLOWING ARE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRESS COVERAGE OF MR MAUDE’S VISIT:
SATURDAY, APRIL 7
ARRIVAL AT KAI TAK
MR MAUDE WILL ARRIVE BY FLIGHT CX 250, ETA 2 PM. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING HIS ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT THE ARRIVAL HALL BY 1.15 PM.
MONDAY, APRIL 9
VISIT TO WHITEHEAD VBP DETENTION CENTRE
MR MAUDE WILL VISIT THE WHITEHEAD VBP DETENTION CENTRE IN SHA TIN AT 11.20 AM. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (CGO) CARPARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, AT 9.45 AM SHARP. THE VISIT IS EXPECTED TO LAST ABOUT ONE-AND-HALF HOURS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE NEXT EVENT AT THE BORDER AND NORTH DISTRICT MAY USE THE SAME TRANSPORT FROM SHA TIN. TRANSPORT WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THOSE WHO WISH TO RETURN TO CENTRAL.
VISIT TO BORDER AND NORTH DISTRICT
MR MAUDE WILL VISIT MAN KAM TO POLICE POST WHERE HE WILL BE BRIEFED ON BORDER SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS. HE WILL THEN VISIT THE LIU MAN SHEK TONG ANCESTRAL HALL IN SHEUNG SHUI. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE CGO CARPARK AT 12.15 PM. THOSE MAKING THEIR OWN WAY THERE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE POLICE FRONTIER DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AT SHA TAU KOK ROAD NEAR THE FANLING ROUNDABOUT THE LATEST BY 1.45 PM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REMINDED TO IDENTITY TO FACILITATE THE ISSUING OF FRONTIER
BRING THEIR PROOF
CLOSED AREA PERMIT.
OF
MEETING/DINNER WITH OMELCO MEMBERS
MR MAUDE WILL ARRIVE AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING AT 6.30 PM FOR A MEETING AND DINNER WITH OMELCO MEMBERS. THERE WILL BE A FIXED POSITION OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE OF THE BUILDING FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE.
/TUESDAY, APRIL 10 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
2
TUESDAY, APRIL 10
VISIT TO WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT
MR MAUDE WILL VISIT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT AT 11.20 AM. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE CGO CARPARK AT 10.15 AM. THOSE WHO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY THERE SHOULD ASSEMBLE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF WAI YUEN HOUSE OF CHUK YUEN (NORTH) ESTATE AT 11 AM.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
AT 12.45 PM, MR MAUDE WILL ATTEND A COMMUNITY LUNCH HOSTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AT FURAMA HOTEL. THERE WILL BE A FIVE-MINUTE PHOTO-CALL BEFORE THE LUNCH STARTS.
MEETING WITH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN
AT 2.30 PM, THE MINISTER WILL MEET DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, SOUTHORN CENTRE, HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI. THERE WILL BE A BRIEF PHOTO-CALL BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11
VISIT TO CITY POLYTECHNIC
MR MAUDE WILL VISIT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC TO SEE ITS VARIOUS FACILITIES AT 9.20 AM. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE VISIT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE RECEPTION DESK ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC (OUTSIDE THE INFORMATION OFFICE AT ROOM 4206Y) AT 9 AM.
PRESS CONFERENCE
AT 4.15 PM, MR MAUDE WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD ENTRAL. DUE TO THE LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY, ATTENDANCE WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE REPRESENTATIVE PER MEDIA ORGANISATION.
DEPARTURE
IN THE EVENING, MR MAUDE WILL DEPART FOR BRITAIN AT 10.50 PM BY FLIGHT BA 28. THERE WILL BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER HIS DEPARTURE. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 10 PM.
0---------
/3 .........
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 3 -
TRADE DEPT RESPONSE TO U.S. TRADE BILL
*****
A BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 4) SEEKING TO LIMIT THE GROWTH OF TEXTILE, APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES.
’’THE BILL IS PURE PROTECTIONISM," THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"IT IS UNLIKELY TO SUCCEED, BUT IT THREATENS HONG KONG’S INTERESTS AND WE MUST TAKE IT VERY SERIOUSLY.
"WE WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMESTIC INTERESTS IN THE UNITED STATES OPPOSED TO THE BILL, PARTICULARLY IMPORTERS AND RETAILERS, TO TRY TO PREVENT ITS ENACTMENT IN CONGRESS," HE SAID.
MR JACKSON SAID THE BILL AIMS AT LIMITING TO ONE PER CENT A YEAR GROWTH OF TEXTILE AND APPAREL IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES.
IT WOULD IMPOSE IMPORT QUOTAS ON A GLOBAL BASIS, 20 PER CENT OF WHICH WOULD BE AUCTIONED OFF UNDER A PILOT PROGRAMME STARTING NEXT YEAR.
FOOTWEAR IMPORTS WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO LAST YEAR’S LEVELS WITH NO ALLOWANCE FOR GROWTH.
IT IS SIMILAR TO THE JENKINS BILL (1985) AND THE TEXTILES BILL (1987), BOTH OF WHICH WERE VETOED BY FORMER PRESIDENT REAGAN.
"THE U.S. TEXTILES AND APPAREL INDUSTRY IS ALREADY WELL PROTECTED BY TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH OVER 40 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, INCLUDING HONG KONG, RESTRICTING THEIR EXPORTS OF TEXTILE AND APPAREL TO THE UNITED STATES," MR JACKSON SAID.
"ADDITIONAL PROTECTION IS GIVEN BY IMPORT DUTIES AVERAGING 18 PER CENT WHICH ARE MANY TIMES HIGHER THAN FOR MOST OTHER PRODUCTS ENTERING THE UNITED STATES.
"IT IS NOT AS IF THE TWO INDUSTRIES ARE SUFFERING," HE SAID.
"BOTH TEXTILE AND APPAREl PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED STATES WAS UP LAST YEAR, AS WERE EXPORTS AND EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.
"MANY SECTORS OF THE INDUSTRY HAVE ADAPTED AND MODERNISED AND IT IS INTERESTING THAT THE APPAREL MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION HAS NOT YET COME OUT IN SUPPORT 01 THE BILL," MR JACKSON SAID.
"THE BILL APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO DISCOURAGE U.S. NEGOTIATORS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS FROM MAKING ANY CONCESSIONS ON TEXTILES AND APPAREL," HE SAID.
"WHETHER THEY SUCCEED IN THIS AIM WILL BECOME CLEAR OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS."
--------0-----------
/A ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
REVISION OF FEES FOR ISSUE OF TRADING DOCUMENTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) A REVISION OF FEES FOR THE ISSUE OF LANDING CERTIFICATES AND CERTIFIED COPIES OF IMPORT OR EXPORT DECLARATION (COMMONLY KNOWN AS TRADE DECLARATION) AND CARGO MANIFEST.
THE ISSUE OF THESE DOCUMENTS IS A SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON REQUEST TO MEET TRADERS’ CERTIFICATION NEEDS.
UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, THE FEE REVISION, WHICH WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM MONDAY, APRIL 9, IS AS FOLLOWS:
EXISTING REVISED
TYPE OF APPLICATION FEE FEE
(A) ISSUE OF A LANDING CERTIFICATE $70 $150
(B) ISSUE OF A CERTIFIED COPY OF TRADE DECLARATION OR CARGO MANIFEST $30 $100
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REVISION OF FEES WAS TO COVER
INCREASES IN THE COSTS OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES. THE EXISTING SCALE OF FEES WAS INTRODUCED IN 1982.
HE SAID THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE FEE REVISION AND HAD EXPRESSED SUPPORT.
ANY ENQUIRIES ON THE REVISION OF FEES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4868.
--------0-----------
ARBITRATION LAW COMES INTO OPERATION
*****
THE UNITED NATIONS MODEL LAW ON ARBITRATION COMES INTO EFFECT IN HONG KONG TODAY (FRIDAY), FURTHER BOOSTING THE TERRITORY’S ONGOING EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE POTENTIAL FOR BEING A LEADING CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATIONS IN THE FAR EAST.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1989, WHICH INCORPORATES THE UNITED NATIONS MODEL LAW, WILL MAKE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION RULES ACCESSIBLE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
THE ORDINANCE WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
/THE ASSISTANT .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 5 -
THE ASSISTANT SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR ANDREW BRUCE, SAID THE ADOPTION OF THE MODEL LAW AND THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE INDEPENDENT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1985, WOULD MAKE HONG KONG AN ATTRACTIVE CHOICE OF VENUE FOR INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATIONS.
THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW (UNCITRAL) PRODUCED THE MODEL LAW IN 1985 WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY WITH A CLEARLY EXPRESSED UNIVERSAL CODE THAT COULD BE USED TO ACHIEVE SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES WITH MINIMAL INTERFERENCE BY THE COURTS AND WITHOUT ELABORATE PROCEDURES.
THE UNCITRAL INITIATIVE IN THIS FIELD WAS PROMPTED BY THE PROBLEMS THAT PRACTITIONERS OF INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION AND THEIR CLIENTS FOUND IN DEALING WITH THE WIDELY DIFFERING REGIMES UNDER WHICH ARBITRATION OPERATED IN DIFFERING JURISDICTIONS.
IF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES HAD DIFFERENT MECHANISMS FOR RESOLVING COMMERCIAL DISPUTES, BUSINESSMEN WERE UNLIKELY TO CHOOSE A VENUE FOR ARBITRATION IF THEY OR THEIR ADVISERS WERE UNFAMILIAR WITH THAT VENUE’S ARBITRATION LAWS AND PROCEDURES.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMON PROCEDURES, OR A MODEL LAW, WOULD ENABLE BUSINESSMEN TO CHOOSE A VENUE FOR ITS CONVENIENCE AND PUT ASIDE WORRIES ABOUT PROCEDURAL MATTERS.
HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE FIRST JURISDICTIONS IN THE WORLD TO ADOPT THE UNCITRAL MODEL LAW.
-----0------
COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1990 GAZETTED
*****
FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THF. COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1990 TN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), A NEW, IMPROVED SYSTEM OF KEEPING COMPANY RECORDS AND MAKING THEM AVAILABLE FOR SEARCH BY THE PUBLIC ON MICROFILM WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY ON APRIL 20.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD APPLY TO ALL COMPANY RECORDS, EXCEPT SHAREHOLDERS LISTS WHICH WERE NOT EASY TO MICROFILM BECAUSE OF THEIR SIZE.
THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD ALSO ACHIEVE SAVINGS IN FLOOR SPACE, HE SAID.
/SEARCHES OF .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
6
SEARCHES OF COMPANY RECORDS FROM APRIL 20 WILL BE BY THE YEAR OR A MULTIPLE OF YEARS AT A FEE OF $10 PER YEAR. A DOCUMENT INDEX WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM WHICH SEARCHERS CAN, IF NECESSARY, ASCERTAIN THE YEAR OF FILING OF ANY PARTICULAR DOCUMENT.
”A HANDOUT EXPLAINING THE OPERATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM IS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND A CIRCULAR EXPLAINING THE OPERATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM HAS BEEN SENT TO ALL PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND OTHERS WHO USE THE FACILITIES OF THE COMPANIES REGISTRY ON A REGULAR BASIS,” MR GLEESON SAID.
’’THE COMPANIES REGISTRY HAS ALREADY GIVEN PRACTICE RUNS ON THE NEW SYSTEM FOR MAJOR USERS,” HE ADDED.
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BILL GAZETTED
*****
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BILL WHICH SETS OUT THE AUTHORITY’S LEGAL STATUS, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS, OVERALL STRUCTURE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOVERNMENT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
”THE BILL IS A PIECE OF ENABLING LEGISLATION PROVIDING FOR THE SETTING UP OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AS AN AUTONOMOUS STATUTORY ORGANISATION, WITH ITS GOVERNING BODY APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
’’ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, THE PRINCIPAL FUNCTION OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS TO MANAGE AND DEVELOP A PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM IN WAYS WHICH PROVIDE A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE IN AN EFFICIENT MANNER.
’’OTHER FUNCTIONS INCLUDE ADVISING GOVERNMENT ON THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES, AND RECOMMENDING TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE APPROPRIATE POLICIES ON HOSPITAL FEES.
"THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE RETAINS THE POWER, UNDER THE BILL, TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE AUTHORITY ON THE LEVEL OF FEES TO BE CHARGED," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE BILL, THE AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNING BODIES OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS BY THE AUTHORITY.
"THE AUTHORITY ALSO HAS POWERS TO ACQUIRE AND HOLD PROPERTY TO USE BY THE AUTHORITY, TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN SUCH HOSPITAL SERVICES AS THE AUTHORITY CONSIDERS NECESSARY, TO EMPLOY STAFF TO CARRY OUT HOSPITAL SERVICES AND TO MAKE BY-LAWS REQUIRED FOR PROPER CONTROL WITHIN PUBLIC HOSPITAL ESTATES,” HE SAID.
/THE BILL .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
THE BILL SPECIFIES THAT THE AUTHORITY SHOULD KEEP AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF ITS EXPENDITURE AND PREPARE ANNUAL REPORT OF ITS ACTIVITIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE SECRETARY FOR HI 'LTH AND WELFARE IS REQUIRED TO TABLE THESE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ANNUALLY.
"THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT HAS THE POWER TO CONDUCT AN EXAMINATION INTO THE ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY WITH WHICH THE AUTHORITY HAS EXPENDED ITS RESOURCES," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT UNDER THE BILL’S PROVISIONS, THE AUTHORITY CAN ESTABLISH COMMITTEES TO CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS. "IN PARTICULAR, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEES.
"A REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED FOR A REGION WILL PROVIDE ADVICE TO THE AUTHORITY ON THE NEEDS OF THAT REGION FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES.
"A HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE, UNDER THE OVERALL CONTROL OF THE AUTHORITY, FOR OVERSEEING THE OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL FOR WHICH IT IS ESTABLISHED," HE EXPLAINED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 2, 1990.
--------0-----------
SHW MAKES PERSONAL APPEAL TO STAFF TO CONTINUE CONSULTATION * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, APPEALED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO GIVE THE MANAGEMENT A CHANCE TO CONTINUE WITH CONSULTATIONS ON THE BRIDGING-OVER ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO THE SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
A SPECIAL ONE-DAY BRIEFING SYMPOSIUM WAS ORGANISED FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AT THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB TODAY IN ORDER TO EXPLAIN THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND ON THE TERMS OF BRIDGING-OVER ARRANGEMENTS SO AS TO FACILITATE FUTURE CONSULTATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOWEVER, EVEN BEFORE THE DISCUSSION STARTED, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEAGUE OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF UNIONS CAUTIONED TO THE EFFECT THAT UNLESS THEIR DEMANDS WERE MET, THEY WOULD NOT TAKE PART IN ANY CONSULTATION. THEY THEN WALKED OUT FROM THE SYMPOSIUM.
/MP.S WONG...........
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
8
MRS WONG VERY MUCH REGRETTED THAT THE STAFF DID NOT EVEN GIVE HER AN OPPORTUNITY AT THE SYMPOSIUM TO FINISH HER INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE BEFORE WALKING OUT. I VEN THEN SHE APPEALED FOR DISCUSSION OPPORTUNITIES.
NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR WALK OUT, AND IN THE INTEREST OF SETTING UP A SYSTEM TO BETTER IMPROVE PATIENT CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE REITERATED HER APPEAL THROUGH THE MEDIA FOR AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE WITH CONSULTATION AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED.
---------0-----------
TRANSFER OF HYGIENE DIVISION TO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FOLLOWING THE DISSOLUTION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH ON APRIL 1, THE HYGIENE DIVISION, WHICH PREVIOUSLY FORMED PART OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
"THE DIVISION WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TERRITORY-WIDE HYGIENE SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL,” HE SAID.
THESE SERVICES INCLUDE FOOD HYGIENE, PEST CONTROL ADVISORY SERVICES AND HEALTH EDUCATION.
THE HYGIENE DIVISION IS ACCOMMODATED AT THE URBAN COUNCIL FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX IN MONG KOK.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 392 0325 OR 392 0549.
-----0------
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1988 TO ADVICE ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES.
TO THE
OFFER
profeSSOR POON CHUNG-KWONG HAS BEEN REAPPOINTED CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS INCLUDE: DR EDMOND CHAN CHE-HUNG, MR DONALD CHIA, DR RAYMOND HO CHUNG-TAE, MR LEUNG TIN-PIU, PROFESSOR ARTHUR LI KTOK-CHEUNG, MR RichardNaZEI!;Gwi^s?eedLD FRANK TAYL0R’ MR JAMES TIEN pei-chun and
/THE SECRETARY .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 9 -
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, AND THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST, OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, WILL ALSO SIT ON THE COMMITTEE.
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR ONE YEAR, EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1.
--------0-----------
EXCO APPROVES ISSUE OF LICENCE TO ASIASAT-TELECOMMUNICATIONS **»*♦♦»
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE ISSUE OF A LICENCE UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE TO ASIA SATELLITE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO. LTD. (ASIASAT) TO COVER ITS SATELLITE CONTROL AND MONITORING RADIO STATIONS IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"AS A FURTHER MEASURE, A BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AIMING TO AMEND THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE TO MAKE RADIO STATIONS ON SATELLITES REGISTERED IN HONG KONG SUBJECT TO LICENSING,” HE SAID.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED NEXT THURSDAY (APRIL 12).
’THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THESE LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES INVOLVED IN SATELLITE OPERATION ARE PLACED UNDER PROPER REGULATORY CONTROL, FOR EXAMPLE WITH RESPECT TO FREQUENCY USAGE,” HE EXPLAINED.
”AS EXTERNAL PRIVATE CIRCUITS COME UNDER THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS GRANTED TO CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED, IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY FOR THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO GIVE A WRITTEN DIRECTION UNDER THAI' COMPANY’S LICENCE TO ALLOW ASIASAT TO OPERATE THE RADIO CIRCUITS HFTWEFN ITS HONG KONG CONTROL AND MONITORING FACILITIES AND SATELLITE. AND THIS HAS BEEN DONE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0 - -
/10 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 10 -
SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO LICENCE TENDER EXERCISE ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE CONDITIONS TO BE REFLECTED IN TENDER DOCUMENTS CALLING FOR PROPOSAL FOR A SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO SERVICE.
THE TENDER EXERCISE WOULD BE LAUNCHED IN ABOUT FOUR WEEKS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GAZETTE NOTICE AND A PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING THE TENDER PERIOD WILL BE ISSUED AT THAT TIME.
ADVERTISEMENTS WILL BE PLACED IN THE LOCAL PRESS INVITING INTERESTED PARTIES TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE TENDER DOCUMENTS.
- - 0---------
TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNOUNCES ZONE PLANS
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR SHEK KIP MEI AREA, AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE NGAU TAU KOK AND KOWLOON BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE PLAN FOR SHEK KIP MEI WAS INTENDED TO ESTABLISH A STATUTORY LAND USE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND COULD TAKE PLACE IN AN INTEGRATED AND ORDERLY MANNER.
THE PLAN WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 5 LAST YEAR.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 266 HECTARES IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF KOWLOON, WHICH IS BOUNDED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TO THE EAST, BOUNDARY STREET TO THE SOUTH AND TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET TO THE WEST.
TO THE NORTH, THE BOUNDARY FOLLOWS THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BOUNDARY BETWEEN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE AREA HAS BEEN LARGELY DEVELOPED, AND FORMS PART OF THE EXISTING URBAN AREAS OF KOWLOON.
IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN PARTS, DEVELOPMENTS ARE MAINLY Pl’BLH HOUSING ESTATES WITH ASSOCIATED LOCAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACES. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EASTERN AND NORTHERN PART ARE MOSTLY LOWER DENSITY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
/ON THE ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 11
ON THE PLAN, ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF LAND (55 HECTARES) IS ZONED GREEN BELT WHICH MAINLY COVERS THE STEEP HILLSLOPES AT THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN FRINGES OF THE AREA.
ABOUT 30 PER CENT (79 HECTARES) IS ZONED FOR MIXED COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL OR PURE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
ANOTHER 36 PER CENT (96 HECTARES) IS ZONED FOR GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY AND OPEN SPACE USES.
A FURTHER FIVE PER CENT (13 HECTARES) IS ZONED FOR OTHER SPECIFIED USES INCLUDING THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, THE POLICE RECREATION GROUND AT BOUNDARY STREET AND PETROL FILLING STATIONS. THE REST OF THE AREA (25 HECTARES) IS RESERVED FOR ROADS.
ON THE DRAFT NGAU TAU KOK AND KOWLOON BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMENDMENT WAS MADE ON THE NOTES OF THE "COMMERCIAL" ZONING TO INCLUDE "BROADCASTING, TELEVISION AND/OR FILM STUDIO” AS A COLUMN 2 USE.
"THIS MEANS THAT THE USES UNDER THE ’COMMERCIAL’ ZONING MAY BE PERMITTED BY .THE BOARD, WITH OR WITHOUT CONDITIONS ON APPLICATION," HE EXPLAINED.
ROTH PLANS CAN RE INSPECTED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; OR AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY JUNE 6.
COPIES OF BOTH PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTIONS OF SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG AND 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY, $50 PER COLOURED COPY FOR THE APPROVED PLAN AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY FOR THE DRAFT PLAN.
- - 0-----------
Z12........
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
12
GO AHEAD FOR WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION *****
MASSIVE RECLAMATION IN WEST KOWLOON IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE COMING YEARS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
TOTALLING 307 HECTARES, THE RECLAMATION WOULD EXTEND FROM THE WEST-END WATERFRONT OF MEI FOO SUN CHUEN TO THE NORTH OF THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL, CANTON ROAD.
THE MASSIVE LAND FORMED WOULD BE USED FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, PORT RELATED, GOVERNMENT INST1TUTION/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS AND OPEN SPACES.
IN ADDITION, THE RECLAMATION WOULD ALSO PROVIDE LAND RESERVES FOR THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY, WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND RAIL LINK TO THE NEW CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT.
RECLAMATION WORKS WOULD START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1996. BY THEN, THE LAND AREA OF THE KOWLOON PENINSULA WOULD BE EXTENSIVELY ENLARGED.
THE RECLAMATION WOULD BE UNDER TWO SEPARATE PROJECTS TO BE CARRIED OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY.
ONE PROJEC*! WOULD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 2,750 METRES OF SEAWALL AND THE RECLAMATION OF AN AREA OF 156 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE EXISTING WATERFRONT FROM THE TAI KOK TSUI FERRY PIER TO THE WESTERN END OF MEI FOO SUN CHUEN AND ACROSS TO THE NORTHERN SIDE OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
THE OTHER PROJECT WOULD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,740 METRE-SEAWALL AND THE RECLAMATION OF 151 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE EXISTING KOWLOON WATERFRONT FROM THE NORTH OF THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL, CANTON ROAD UP TO CHERRY STREET.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE DESCRIBED IN TWO NOTICES GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORES AND SEABEDS INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JUNE 5.
THE NOTICES AND THE PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITES.
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE AT 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING IN GARDEN ROAD OR AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
/13 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 13 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR WORKS IN HUNG SHUI KIU *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS UNDER THE HUNG SHUI KIU STAGE I, PHASE II PROJECT.
A TENDER NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE SITE FORMATION OF ABOUT 1.5 HECTARES OF LAND FOR FUTURE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION AND LOCAL OPEN SPACE.
CONSTRUCTION OF 520 METRES OF ACCESS ROADS, FOUL SEWERS, CARPARKS, CYCLE TRACKS, FOOTPATHS, LAYING OF WATERMAINS, LANDSCAPE WORKS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, HUNG SHUI KIU, WHICH WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A DISTRICT CENTRE FOR THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN CORRIDOR, WILL HAVE BETTER COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE CONTRACT IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN JUNE THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN JUNE 1991.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
--------0-----------
MARICULTURE AT OPEN SEA NOW UNDER STUDY
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) IS NOW STUDYING THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING MARICULTURE IN THE OPEN SEA SO AS TO IMPROVE FISH CULTURE PRODUCTION.
INTRODUCING THE NEW IDEA AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE ABERDEEN FISHERIES OFFICES TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DEPARTMENT’S FISHERIES OFFICER, MR ALEX KWOK, SAID A CULTURE TRIAL PERIOD WOULD SOON BE CONDUCTED IN COLLABORATION WITH INTERESTED MARICULTURISTS.
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY IDENTIFIED SEVERAL OPEN SITES FOR EXPERIMENTING THE NEW SYSTEM IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"THE DESIGN CONSISTS BASICALLY OF A CAGE FITTED WITH FLOATS SUSPENDED FROM A SYSTEM OF FLOATING COLLARS," MR KWOK EXPLAINED.
"THIS SPECIAL DESIGN HAS BEEN PROVEN CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING STRONG CURRENTS AND WAVES EVEN UNDER GALE CONDITIONS IN MANY COUNTRIES SUCH AS THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, JAPAN AND IRELAND.
"VARIOUS CAGE DESIGNS IN THESE COUNTRIES WERE STUDIED AND ONE OF THEM, WITH SOME MODIFICATION, APPEAR TO BE SUITABLE FOR USE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/MR KWOK .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
MR KWOK SAID ALTHOUGH THE INITIAL CONSTRUCTION AND THE OPERATION COSTS FOR THIS TYPE OF CAGE WOULD BE MORE EXPENSIVE, THE NEW SYSTEM MIGHT PROVE TO BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE IN THE LONG RUN.
"IT AVOIDS POLLUTION IMPACT FROM LAND DISCHARGES AS THE CAGES ARE MOORED IN EXPOSED CONDITIONS.
"SECONDLY, GOOD FLUSHING PROVIDES FAST REPLENISHMENT OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND FAST WASTE REMOVAL, THEREFORE, INCREASES FISH HOLDING CAPACITY.
"THIRDLY, GOOD FLUSHING ALSO REDUCES STRESS FROM OXYGEN DEPLETION AND PREVENTS SELF POLLUTION, THEREFORE, FISH HAS BETTER AND FASTER GROWTH AND WITH LESS CHANCES OF DISEASE OUTBREAK AND FISH MORTALITY," MR KWOK SAID.
HE POINTED OUT: "FISH CULTURE IN HONG KONG TRADITIONALLY INVOLVES GROWING FISH IN CAGES SUSPENDED FROM WOODEN RAFTS.
"AS SUCH STRUCTURES ARE USUALLY NOT ABLE TO WITHSTAND STRONG WAVES AND CURRENTS, THE PRESENT MARICULTURE ACTIVITIES ARE THUS RESTRICTED TO COMPARATIVELY SHELTERED BAYS WHICH ARE ALSO POPULAR SITES FOR RECREATIONAL USE AND NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES."
HE ADDED: "IN SHELTERED BAYS, FLUSHING IS USUALLY LIMITED AND CONSEQUENTLY THE DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND NUTRIENT EXCHANGE ARE RELATIVELY LOW.
"UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS AND WITH THE COMMON PRACTICE OF THE MARICULTURI STS TO STOCK THF CAGE ’FAIRLY DENSELY, THE FISH OFTFN SUFFER FROM POOR GROWTH, FREQUENT DISEASE OUTBREAK AND FISH MORTALITY AND ULTIMATELY, IT RESULTS IN POOR PRODUCTION."
MR KWOK SAID TO PRACTISE MARICULTURE IN THE OPEN SEA MIGHT BE A WAY’ TO IMPROVE THE ABOVE CONDITIONS AND TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THE INITIAL TRIAL WOULD TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS AND THE FEASIBILITY OF APPLYING THIS NEW SYSTEM IN HONG KONG WOULD BE ASSESSED AT THE END OF THE TRIAL PERIOD.
- - 0 - -
ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR 1989
*****
THE ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE REPORT PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF THE OF THE CPIS DURING 1989.
FOR 1989
MOVEMENTS
/IT ALSO
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 15 -
IT ALSO INCLUDES FOUR CHARTS AND FIVE TABLES SHOWING MOVEMENTS OF THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BY SECTION AND BY GROUP OF COMMODITY/SERVICE, AS WELL AS THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OVERALL CHANGE IN THE INDICES.
THE REPORT IS A BILINGUAL PUBLICATION IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE. APART FROM STAT IS ICS ON THE CPIS, IT ALSO CONTAINS A DETAILED ELABORATION ON HI CONCEPTS AND COMPUTATION METHOD OF THE CPIS WHICH WOULD HELP REA!'1 1 S TO OBTAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND PROPER INTERPRETATION 01 THE CPIS.
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE, AT HKS19.00 A COPY, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 823 5089.
-------------(>-----------------
ACTIVITIES TO MARK WORLD HEALTH DAY
*****
IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD HEALTH DAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS TO LAUNCH THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE OCCASION.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE ACTIVITIES AIM TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OE’ THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION <>N HEALTH.
THEY COINCIDE WITH THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S WORLD HEALTH DAY, "OUR PLANET - OUR HEALTH”, WHICH FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH.
STARTING TOMORROW, HEALTH MESSAGES IN CANTONESE ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH WILL BE DISSEMINATED THROUGH A 24-HOUR PRE-RECORDED TELEPHONE INFORMATIVE SERVICE.
BY DIALLING 838 3232, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AIR POLLUTION THIS MONTH. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED TILL THE END OF THE YEAR BY OTHER MONTHLY TOPICS ON NOISE POLLUTION, A CLEAN HOME, FOOD HYGIENE, SUN BURN, SEWAGE CONTAMINATION AT BEACH, EXERCISE AND HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH CARNIVAL AND SMOKING AND HEALTH.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION AND AN INTER-SCHOOL ESSAY COMPETITION, DETAILS ON BOTH OF WHICH WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 16 -
THE SPOKESMAN . ED THAT FROM JUNE ONWARDS, A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ON ENVIRONMEN'I AND HEALTH WILL BE ORGANISED FOR STUDENTS OF PRIMARY 4 TO 6.
THE SAME TOPIC WILL Al :o BE INCORPORATED INTO THE COMING YOUNG HEALTH LEADERS TRAINING PROJECT.
TO TOP THESE OFF, A CARNIVAL WILL BE STAGED AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND IN WAN (HAI ON NOVEMBER 10.
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GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID STARTING THIS WEEK, THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT RIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLl DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
BATHING WATERS COMMONLY BECOME WORSE DUE TO HEAVY USAGE DURING THE SUMMER. HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
/THE SYSTEM .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
17 -
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH
WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE ”1” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E.COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE "2” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E.COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”3” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E.COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E.COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE. NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A ”4’’ GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A ”3” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, THREE BATHING BEACHES HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS. THESE BEACHES ARE CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA AND ROCKY BAY.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM TN THE WATER AT THESE THREE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN ”X” IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
/BEACH .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 18 -
BEACH PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 6.4.90)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 1
DEEP WATER BAY 1
HAIRPIN 1
MIDDLE BAY 1
REPULSE BAY 1
SHEK 0 2
SOUTH BAY 1
ST STEPHEN’S 1
TURTLE COVE 1
STANLEY MAIN 2
ROCKY BAY X
TO TEI WAN* 1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 2
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 2
BUTTERFLY 2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 1
/DISCOVERY BAY* .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 19 -
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 1
SILVERMINE BAY 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1
TUNG O» 1
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
STLVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 2
APPROACH 3
CASAM 2
GEMINI 2
HOI MEI WAN 2
LIDO 3
/TING KAU
FIRDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 20 -
TING KAU 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1
NOTE: "X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING. ♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
IN ADDITION TO THIS REGULAR REPORTING SYSTEM, AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE WATER QUALITY OF ALL THE BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE PREPARED BY EPD AFTER EACH BATHING SEASON. THIS WILL ADVISE THE BEACH MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES ON THE SUITABILITY OF INDIVIDUAL BEACHES FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR DAVID L. HALL, ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, AT 835 1234.
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AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN YUEN LONG TO BE RESUMED
*****
ELEVEN PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN YUEN LONG WILL BE RESUMED FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES.
THE RESUMPTION OF THE LAND LOTS, HAVING A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 3,162.5 SQUARE METRES, IS REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN DRAINAGE CHANNEL.
RELATED PROJECTS INCLUDE ROADS, FOOTPATHS AND BRIDGES FOR HUNG SHUI KIU AREA.
A NOTICE ON THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
--------0----------
/21 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 21
BISHOP KWONG VISITS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS * * * *
THE BISHOP OF HONG KONG AND MACAU, THE RT REV PETER KWONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE AND LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRISON CHAPLAINS, HE FIRST WENT TO THE TRAINING CENTRE AND WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK.
BISHOP KWONG SAW THE YOUNG INMATES IN LAI KING ATTENDING CLASSES AND TAKING PART IN VARIOUS VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
AT LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE, HE INSPECTED VARIOUS CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE DORMITORIES, WORKSHOPS, SICK BAY, CHAPEL, LIBRARY AND KITCHEN.
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TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACE ORGANISERS INVITE APPLICATIONS
******
THE TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE 1990 WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF DRAGON BOAT RACES ON MAY 28 TO CELEBRATE THE TRADITIONAL TUEN NG FESTIVAL.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN TO ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO FORM TEAMS TO COMPETE IN THE RACES WHICH WILL BE HELD AT CASTLE PEAK BAY.
APART FROM LARGE AND MEDIUM DRAGON BOATS AND PHOENIX BOATS THIS YEAR’S RACES WILL ALSO FEATURE SMALL DRAGON BOATS.
THE RACE COURSE WILL BE 100 METRES, EXCEPT SMALL DRAGON BOATS, WHICH WILL BE 200 METRES.
EACH COMPETING TEAM FOR LARGE DRAGON BOAT RAGE MUST NOT EXCEED 58 MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE COXSWAIN AND THE DRUMMER, WHILE THE LIMIT FOR MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT ARE 26 AND 22 FOR THE OPEN AND INVITATION RACES RESPECTIVELY.
FOR SMAIL DRAGON BOAT AND PHOENIX BOAT RACES, THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS ARE LIMITED TO NINE AND 12 RESPECTIVELY.
TEAMS PARTICIPATING IN THE PHOENIX BOAT AND MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT OPEN RACES HAVE TO PAY AN ENTRANCE FEE OF $500, WHILE THE SMALL DRAGON BOAT RACE WILL COST TEAMS $300 TO ENTER.
/ENTRY IS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 22 -
ENTRY IS FREE FOR THE LARGE DRAGON BOAT RACE AND THE MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT INVITATION RACES.
THE RACE COMMITTEE WILL SUPPLY BOATS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SMALL AND MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT AND PHOENIX BOAT TEAMS, WHILE THE LARGE DRAGON BOAT AND MEDIUM BOAT INVITATION TEAMS HAVE TO USE THEIR OWN BOATS.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD. THEY SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE ABOVE OFFICE BEFORE THE END OF APRIL. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 450 9673.
--------0 - -
OPENING OF FLYOVER CONNECTING KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CHEUNG WING ROAD
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 8), THE FLYOVER CONNECTING KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CHEUNG WING ROAD WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE ACCESS ROAD CONNECTING THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD - KWAI CHUNG AT THE WEST OF CHEUNG WING ROAD GYRATORY WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY.
MOTORISTS ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD INTENDING TO GO TO CHEUNG WING ROAD WILL BE DIVERTD TO THE NEW FLYOVER BEFORE CONTINUING THE REST OF THE JOURNEY.
--------0
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD
* ♦ t t t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 8), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS 24 HOURS DAILY:
* THE FLYOVER CONNECTING KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CHEUNG WING ROAD; AND
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WO TONG TSUI STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
- - 0 - -
/23 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1990
- 23 -
BAN AT CHEUNG WING ROAD GYRATORY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL R), THE ACCESS ROAD CONNECTING THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD - KWAI CHUNG AT THE WEST OF CHEUNG WING ROAD GYRATORY WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES (SCHEDULED) SERVICE AND THOSE WITH PERM ITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ROAD.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NATIONALITY PACKAGE HELPS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY - SIR DAVID FORD ............... 1
MINISTER TO DEAL WITH FOUR MAIN ISSUES ............................................ 1
YOUNG GENERATION FACES PRESSURE FROM MANY SIDES ................................... 3
PUBLIC WARNED NOT TO BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES .................................. 4
POLICEMAN'S PRINCIPLE IS TO SERVE THE PUBLIC ...................................... 5
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT ............................................................. 5
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME ......................................... 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR SITTING OUT AREA IN WAN CHAI .................................. 7
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR CSD GIRL GUIDES ...................................... 7
TEMPORARY NIGHT LANE CLOSURE IN SHA TIN ........................................... 8
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWOLOON BAY ...................................... 8
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
NATIONALITY PACKAGE HELPS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY - SIR DAVID FORD
******
THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE WOULD DO A GREAT DEAL TO STABILIZE THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG AND HELP STABILITY AND PROSPERITY FOR THE FUTURE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS DURING HIS VISIT TO MAI PO MARSHES ON HOW THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE AFFECTED THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SIR DAVID SAID: "I THINK WE WOULD BE FACING A QUITE SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE CIVIL SERVICE IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LEAVING UP TILL 1997 AND INDEED BEYOND 1997 UNLESS WE HAD PROVIDED SOME ASSURANCE FOR PEOPLE IN THE SERVICE WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO STAY.
"THE BASIC LAW PUTS DOWN THAT THE 30 POSTS MUST BE OCCUPIED BY CHINESE NATIONALS AND I AM SURF THERE WILL BE A LARGE NUMBER OF SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WILL NOT WISH TO COMPROMISE THEIR NATIONALITY BY TAKING PASSPORTS.
"BUT AS FAR AS THE REST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IS CONCERNED - THE 180 000 PEOPLE - THERE ARE NO NATIONALITY RESTRICTIONS AND I THINK PEOPLE WILL REQUIRE THAT DEGREE OF REASSURANCE.
"IT DOES NOT MEAN TO SAY THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE TAKING PASSPORTS ARE IN ANYWAY NOT BEING LOYAL TO HONG KONG, NOT BEING LOYAL TO THE BASIC LAW, OR INDEED NOT HAVING RESPECT FOR CHINA.
"THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS ALL THOSE QUALITY. IN PARTICULAR, IT HAS A GREAT DEAL OF LOYALTY TOWARDS HONG KONG. I THINK THEREFORE THE PACKAGE WILL DO A GREAT DEAL TO HELP PROVIDE STABILITY WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG AND SO HELP HONG KONG FOR THE FUTURE.
"I HOPE THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WILL SEE THE PACKAGE IN THAT LIGHT," SIR DAVID SAID.
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MINISTER TO DEAL WITH FOUR MAIN ISSUES
*****
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) HE WOULD DEAL WITH FOUR MAIN ISSUES DURING HIS FIVE-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT SHORTLY AFTER HIS ARRIVAL, MR MAUDE SAID: "I SHALL BE TALKING ABOUT THE NATIONALITY BILL THAT WE’VE JUST INTRODUCED THROUGH THE HOUSE OF COMMONS."
/"I SHALL .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
- 2 -
"I SHALL BE EXPLAINING OUR DETERMINATION, DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES THAT WE FACE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO GET THIS MEASURE THROUGH, A MEASURE WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE ESSEN!LAL FOR HONG KONG S FUTURE," HE SAID.
THE MINISTER SAID HE WOULD ALSO BE TALKING ABOUT THE DECISIONS ALREADY TAKEN ON THE 1991 ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG, AS WELL AS THE PROMULGATION OF THE BASIC LAW, ADDING: "AND HOW WE WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE ALL OF THAT A SUCCESS."
"IT SEEMS TO ME THERE 15 NOW A NEED FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES OF GROWING DEMOCRACY AND TO SHOW THAT DEMOCRACY WORKS," MR MAUDE SAID.
HE SAID HE WOULD BE VISITING ONE OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRES. "I SHALL BE KEEN TO SEE HOW MATTERS HAVE CHANGED SINCE MY LAST VISIT IN SEPTEMBER, AND SINCE THE MANDATORY REPATRIATION HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT ON DECEMBER 12."
"IT’S GOOD NEWS THAT THE MESSAGE OF THAT MANDATORY REPATRIATION SEEMS TO BE BEING UNDERSTOOD — THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF VIETNAM --THAT FOR THOSE WHO COME TO HONG KONG ALL THEY WILL GET IS A SPELL IN A DETENTION CENTRE AND A RETURN TRIP TO VIETNAM," THE MINISTER SAID.
MR MAUDE WILL BE LOOKING AT AND TALKING ABOUT THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STARTEGY AND OTHER LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PLANS.
"IT’S VERY GOOD TO SEE THAT HONG KONG IS THINKING WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY. IT’S NOT THINKING SHORT TERM. IT’S THINKING LONG TERM. THAT IS VERY GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON REMARKS ABOUT CURRENT SI NO-BRITISH RELATIONS, ' MR MAUDE SAID IT WAS OBVIOUSLY ESSENTIAL THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION REQUIRED THOSE CONCERNED TO WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT HONG KONG’S INTERESTS.
"WE HAVE A DUTY BETWEEN US TO WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND IT’S PROSPERITY, AND THAT WE’RE DOING," MR MAUDE SAID.
THE MINISTER WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, LADY WILSON, AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.
/3 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
- 3 -
YOUNG GENERATION FACES PRESSURE FROM MANY SIDES
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) A SURVEY HAD SHOWN THAT YOUNG PEOPLE OF THIS GENERATION FACED PRESSURE FROM MANY SIDES.
ADDRESSING THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION EVENT OF THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL, MRS WONG SAID THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY HAD BEEN JOINTLY RELEASED BY THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
"IN LIGHT OF THIS, YOUTH WORK TODAY SHOULD AIM NOT ONLY TO ASSIST IN THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF BODY AND MIND, BUT ALSO TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE FULLY EQUIP THEMSELVES TO OVERCOME THE DIFFICULTIES IN THE GROWTH PROCESS SO THAT THEY CAN LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH CONVICTION," SHE SAID.
"TO ACHIEVE THESE AIMS, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SHOULD STRESS, IN THEIR SERVICES, THE CULTIVATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S ABILITY TO THINK INDEPENDENTLY AND TO DISCERN RIGHT FROM WRONG, SO THAT THEY MAY FORM A PROPER SENSE OF VALUE AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE.
"THROUGH GROUP ACTIVITIES, THE CENTRES SHOULD ALSO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN HOW TO GET ALONG WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL.
"MOREOVER, THE CENTRES SHOULD SEEK TO PROMOTE THROUGH FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS TO CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND THE NEEDY."
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS HAD KONG.
"YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OF COURSE SHARED DEVELOPMENTS. HOWEVER, WITH PROSPERITY AND COMPETITION AND MATERIAL TEMPTATION," SHE SAID.
20 YEARS, TREMENDOUS TAKEN PLACE IN HONG
THE FRUITS OF THESE
GROWTH ALSO COME
"FACED WITH STRESS AND CONFUSION, AN AMBIVALENT SENSE OF VALUE AND ALIENATION FROM OTHERS, THE YOUNGER GENERATION OFTEN FIND THEIR PROCESS OF GROWTH FRAUGHT WITH PROBLEMS."
MRS WONG SAID SHF WAS PLEASED THAT THF FRIENDS OF SCOUTING HAD BEEN ACTIVELY PROMOTING ALL KINDS OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OVER THE YEARS.
"ALL THESE HAVE ENABLED YOUNG PEOPLE TO WIDEN THEIR HORIZON AND BROADEN THEIR VISION, THEREBY FACILITATING WORLD-WIDE CULTURAL EXCHANGE," SHE SAID.
/4 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
4
PUBLIC WARNED NOT TO
BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES
* ♦ ♦ * *
A MAN WAS FINED $3,000 BY THE FANLING MAGISTRACY RECENTLY FOR IMPORTING A LIVE PANGOLIN FROM CHINA WITHOUT A LICENCE.
ANOTHER MAN WAS FINED $1,000 IN THE SAME MAGISTRACY LAST MONTH FOR IMPORTING 1.5 KILOGRAMS OF PANGOLIN MEAT FROM CHINA.
OTHER THAN THE ABOVE FINES, BOTH OF THE LIVE PANGOLIN AND THE MEAT WERE CONFISCATED.
CITING THE TWO CASES AS STRINGENT EXAMPLES OF THE PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, THE SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR M.K. CHEUNG, TODAY (SATURDAY) WARNED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT ANYONE WHO TRIED TO BRING IN ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES, INCLUDING LIVE AND STUFFED SPECIMENS AS WELL AS THEIR PARTS WITHOUT A LICENCE, WOULD BE PROSECUTED.
HE SAID: ’’PEOPLE VISITING CHINA AND OVERSEAS COUNTRIES DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS SHOULD PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION NOT TO BRING BACK SOUVENIR PRODUCTS MADE OF ENDANGERED SPECIES ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.
"COMMON ITEMS SEIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDE STUFFED SEA TURTLES AND CROCODILE SPECIMENS, MONITOR LIZARD SKINS, PANGOLIN, IVORY, PARROTS, OWLS, BRIDS OF PREY AND SLOW LORIS."
HE SAID THAT OFFICERS OF BOTH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD EXERCISE EXTRA VIGILANCE AT ALL ENTRY POINTS TO CHECK ON TRAVELLERS AND GOODS VEHICLES DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, MR CHEUNG SAID, 118 SEIZURES WERE MADE AT CUSTOMS CHECKPOINTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ILLEGAL IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES.
"IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE TO IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHOUT THE PRIOR ISSUE OF A LICENCE BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
"FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 ON THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE," MR CHEUNG ADDED.
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/5 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
5
POLICEMAN’S PRINCIPLE IS TO SERVE THE PUBLIC
*****
A POLICE OFFICER IS EXPECTED TO LIVE BY THE PRINCIPLE THAT HE IS NOT SO MUCH AN AGENT OF THE FORCE AS ONE OF PUBLIC SERVICE, AND ALTHOUGH THAT SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE IS NOT EASY TO ATTAIN, IT CAN BE CULTIVATED.
ADDRESSING A PASSING OUT PARADE AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG TODAY (SATURDAY), DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, OPERATIONS, MR JOHN SHEPPARD, POINTED OUT THAT THIS CULTIVATION SHOULD BEGIN DURING TRAINING.
MR SHEPPARD NOTED THAT THE NATURE OF POLICE WORK MADE GREAT AND OFTEN CONFLICTING DEMANDS ON THE POLICE.
’’WHILE WE WANT THE POLICEMAN TO DEMONSTRATE A HIGH LEVEL OF PHYSICAL AND MORAL FORTITUDE IN THE BATTLE AGAINST CRIME WE ALSO EXPECT HIM TO EXERCISE PATIENCE, COMPASSION AND SOCIAL CONCERN.
"WE EXPECT THAT HE WILL HAVE A BROAD UNDERSTANDING OF HIS SOCIETY AND ITS PEOPLE."
WHILE THE AVERAGE CITIZEN EXPECTS A POLICEMAN TO HAVE QUALITIES OF WISDOM,COURAGE, STRENGTH, LEADERSHIP, FAITH, DIPLOMACY AND TOLERANCE, HE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO HAVE AN INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF EVERY BRANCH OF NATURAL, BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES.
"IT IS NOT SURPRISING THEREFORE THAT THE THRUST OF OUR TRAINING IS CALCULATED TO DEVELOP THESE REQUIREMENTS." SAID MR SHEPPARD.
MR SHEPPARD CONCLUDED THAT GRADUATES SHOULD LIVE UP TO THE HIGH STANDARDS OF THE POLICE FORCE WHICH HAS A FINE PROFESSIONAL RECORD AS WELL AS A LONG AND PROUD HISTORY.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 28 INSPECTORS AND 256 POLICE CONSTABLES WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEIR BASIC TRAINING.
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EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT * * * *
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOKS MAY RECEIVE EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE EASTER HOLIDAYS, APRIL 13 TO 16.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THEY MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS BETWEEN APRIL 9 AND 12 RESPECTIVELY OR AFTER AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
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/6 .....
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
- 6 -
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION FOR JOINING THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.
THE SCHEME WAS SET UP IN 1976 TO PROMOTE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN HELPING OFFENDERS.
"THE VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO ASSIST PROBATIONERS IN ACTIVITIES WHICH REQUIRE NO PROFESSIONAL SKILLS," A SPOKESMAN OF SWD SAID.
"THE RANGE OF SERVICE INCLUDES HELPING PROBATIONERS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH SCHOOL WORK, GUIDING THEM IN THE PROPER USE OF LEISURE TIME AND DIRECTING THEIR INTEREST INTO WHOLESOME SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, PROVIDING FRIENDSHIP ESPECIALLY TO PROBATIONERS WITHOUT FAMILY SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE, AS WELL AS SHARING WITH THEM PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE."
THE VOLUNTEERS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AGED 21 OR ABOVE, OF SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION STANDARD, MATURE IN PERSONALITY AND WILLING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH LAW OFFENDERS.
THEY SHOULD ALSO BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE THEIR LEISURE TIME TO SERVE OTHERS WITHOUT MONETARY REWARD.
"NEWLY RECRUITED VOLUNTEERS WILL BE GIVEN A TRAINING AND ORIENTATION COURSE BEFORE STARTING THEIR SERVICES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY WILL NOT HAVE TO TAKE OVER THE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROBATION OFFICERS," HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT THE PERIOD OF SERVICE IS NORMALLY SIX MONTHS SUBJECT TO EXTENSION, HE SAID A VOLUNTEER WHO HAS SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED THE SIX-MONTH ASSIGNMENT WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AT AN ANNUAL CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
FORMER PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEME ARE WELCOME TO APPLY AGAIN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT PROBATION OFFICES ATTACHED TO MAGISTRACIES AND THE CENTRE FOR THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE VSP CENTRE BY APRIL 19.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO MISS CHENG WING-SEUNG ON TEL. 895 4190.
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/7........
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
TENDERS INVITED FOR SITTING OUT AREA IN WAN CHAI
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING OUT AREA IN TAI WO STREET, WAN CHAI.
OCCUPYING 1,400 SQUARE METRES, THE SITTING OUT AREA WILL HAVE TWO CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS, A BADMINTON COURT, A STOREROOM AND A METER ROOM.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDER IS NOON ON APRIL 27.
- - 0 - -
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR CSD GIRL GUIDES
THE 141ST ISLAND RANGER GUIDE SERVICE UNIT OF THE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION CELEBRATED ITS 3RD ANNIVERSARY TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE SPONSOR OF THE UNIT, MRS DONNA HUI, OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE INSTITUTION AND PRESENTED SERVICES BADGES TO OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE UNIT.
DURING THE YEAR, THE UNIT’S MEMBERS TOOK PART IN A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY SERVICES WHICH INCLUDED REGULAR VISITS AND DOMESTIC SERVICES TO AN ELDERLY HOSTEL IN CHAI WAN AND CLEAN-UP PROJECT AT TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK EVERY WEEK.
THEY ALSO TOOK PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDE ASSOCIATION AND ACHIEVED SATISFACTORY RESULTS.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 1990
8
TEMPORARY NIGHT LANE CLOSURE IN SHA TIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM ON MONDAY TO THURSDAY (APRIL 9-12) A SECTION OF ABOUT 600 METRES OF TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN TAI WAI ROAD AND CHIK WAN STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
DURING THE HOURS OF CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE TAI WAI ROAD, MEI TIN ROAD, HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
ALSO, FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 9), TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AND THURSDAY (APRIL 12), A SECTION OF ABOUT 125 METRES IN LENGTH OF TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND NORTH OF MEI TIN ROAD INTERCHANGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
TRAFFIC ON TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR SHA TIN CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE MEI TIN ROAD ACCESS ROAD, MEI TIN ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD.
MOTORISTS, PARTICULARLY DRIVERS OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, ARE ADVISED TO USE LION ROCK TUNNEL AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, OTHERWISE THEY SHOULD DRIVE WITH UTMOST CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON BAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, FROM IO AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 9), THE SECTION OF KAI HING ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HOI BUN ROAD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH LAM CHAK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD, VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LAM CHAK STREET, CHEUNG YIP STREET AND HOI BUN ROAD FOR ACCESS TO THE REROUTED SECTION OF KAI HING ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RESUMPTION OF BORDER DUTY FOR POLICE ............................................... 1
SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ............................ 2
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THA CLEARANCE IN SHA TIN ................................... 3
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ......................................... 4
TENDERS INVITED FOR RECREATION CENTRE ON CHEUNG CHAU ............................... 4
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR MEN BORN BETWEEN 1923-27 .................................... 5
FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN KWAI TSING..................................... 7
CONCERT BY MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS ................................................ 7
EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN'S CHOIR RECRUITS MEMBERS ................................. 8
URBAN CLEARWAY AT JORDAN ROAD ...................................................... 8
BAN FOR VEHICLES EXCEEDING 12 METRES IN KWUN TONG................................... 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG ................................................... 9
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ................................................. 9
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
- 1 -RESUMPTION OF BORDER DUTY FOR POLICE *****
DECEMBER THE SECOND IS D-DAY FOR THE FORCE’S MOVE ONTO THE BORDER WHEN THE FIRST PHASE IN THE RESUMPTION OF ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION DUTIES, RELINQUISHED TO THE MILITARY OVER A DECADE AGO, SWINGS INTO ACTION.
THE ACTUAL DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION WAS REVEALED BY MR VINCE CHAPMAN, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT, WHO STRESSED THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO MEETING ALL THE TARGET DATES.
"INITIALLY WE SHALL HAVE ONE FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT COMPANY DOING A FOUR-WEEK STINT BASED AT SHA TAU KOK AND COVERING THE EASTERN SECTOR WHICH EXTENDS TO WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE AT LIN MA HANG," HE SAID.
MR CHAPMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE POLICE WOULD BE FOLLOWING THE MILITARY’S PRESENT DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY INSOFAR AS THERE ARE ALTOGETHER THREE COMPANY TACTICAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY ALONG THE 35 KILOMETRE LONG SINO-HONG KONG BORDER.
"SO WHEN WE HAVE A SECOND FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT COMPANY AVAILABLE FOR TRAINING AND DEPLOYMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1991 WE WILL TAKE OVER THE SECTOR WHICH IS BASED AT MAN KAM TO AND COVERS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE TO LO WU RAILWAY STATION," HE WENT ON.
"AT THAT TIME THE BORDER DEPLOYMENT WILL BE EXTENDED TO EIGHT WEEKS WITH THE TWO COMPANIES SPENDING FOUR WEEKS IN EACH OF THE TWO SECTORS.”
POINTING OUT THAT BY THIS TIME POLICE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TWO-THIRDS OF THE BORDER, MR CHAPMAN SAID THEY WOULD THEN ALSO TAKE OVER FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTROL AND DIRECTION OF ANTI-II OPERATIONS IN THE CLOSED AREA.
"UNTIL THAT TIME THE ARMY WILL STILL RUN ITS OWN CONTROL CELL AT FRONTIER DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS IN FANLING," HE SAID.
THE NEXT STAGE WILL BE IN APRIL 1992 WHEN THE THIRD FPD COMPANY IS AVAILABLE FOR DEPLOYMENT. THIS WILL BE BASED ON A FEATURE KNOWN AS SANDY SPUR WHICH OPERATES FROM PURPOSE-BUILT PREMISES NEAR LOK MA CHAU POLICE STATION.
BY THEN BORDER ATTACHMENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 16 WEEKS WITH COMPANIES UNDER FOUR WEEKS TRAINING AND FOUR WEEKS IN EACH OF THE THREE SECTORS.
"BEARING IN MIND THAT THERE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE ONE COMPANY UNDER TRAINING AT ANY ONE TIME, THE FINAL ACT WILL COME INTO PLAY IN OCTOBER 1992 WHEN THE FIFTH COMPANY COMES INTO EXISTENCE.
"THIS WILL BE KNOWN AS THE QUICK REACTION FORCE AND ITS FUNCTION WILL BE TO PROVIDE BACKUP TO ANY AREA WHICH MIGHT COME UNDER PRESSURE THROUGH LEVELS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ON THE BORDER.
/"IT WILL .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
- 2 -
"IT WILL ALSO TAKE PRE-EMPTIVE ACTION ON THE FLANKS - SHA TAU KOK PENINSULA AND THE CASTLE PEAK/LAU FAU SHAN AREA - WHERE THEY DO EXPERIENCE HIGH LEVELS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM TIME TO TIME.
"THE OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE QUICK REACTION FORCE WILL BE TO RESPOND TO ANY II LANDINGS ANYWHERE - IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA FOR EXAMPLE. THEY WILL BE CAPABLE OF BEING AIRLIFTED BY THE HONG KONG ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE TO IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS TO CARRY OUT SWEEPS AND PATROLS.
"AT THIS POINT IN TIME, WITH THE WHOLE THING UP AND RUNNING, COMPANIES WILL BE SPENDING 20 WEEKS WITH THE FPD. THIS WILL BE INCLUSIVE OF TRAINING AND FOUR-WEEK SPELLS SPENT IN EACH SECTOR AND ANOTHER FOUR WEEKS WITH THE QUICK REACTION FORCE."
MR CHAPMAN POINTED OUT THAT BASED ON MILITARY DEPLOYMENTS A REQUIREMENT FOR SIX COMPANIES WAS IDENTIFIED BUT THE POLICE HAD DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH RAISING FIVE COMPANIES WITH A DECISION ON THE SIXTH COMPANY BEING HELD IN ABEYANCE PENDING OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
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SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ON COMMITTEE AGENDA * * * * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS PROPOSED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT IN CONNECTION WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN AT A MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
ACCORDING TO A PAPER TO BE PRESENTED BY THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE MASTER PLAN WILL INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF SEWERAGE NETWORKS IN STANLEY, TAI TAM, RED HILL AND AN AREA STRETCHING FROM ABERDEEN THROUGH REPULSE BAY TO MA HANG VALLEY.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, TRAFFIC IN SOME ROADS IN THE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED AND APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER ALLOCATING ABOUT $200,000 TO IMPLEMENT THE FIRST BATCH OF PROJECTS OF ITS MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME FOR 1990-91.
GRANTS ABOUT $70,000 FOR INSTALLING NEST LETTER BOXES IN TWO VILLAGES AND FOR IMPROVING THE FACILITIES OF A PLAYGROUND IN A VILLAGE UNDER ITS COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.
/IN SUPPORT........
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
- 3 -
IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED), COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS PARTICIPATION IN THE WED LAUNCHING CEREMONY IN JUNE, AND FORMING A WORKING GROUP TO ORGANISE SUPPORTING DISTRICT FUNCTIONS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REPLENISHMENT OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT FOR LOCAL FIRE WATCH TEAMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT DURING THE YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS THA CLEARANCE IN SHA TIN
******
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CLEAR TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN SHA TIN AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10).
IT WILL ALSO DISCUSS SURVEY METHODS TO COLLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE LAUNDRY-DRYING FACILITIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
IN ADDITION, A MEMBER WILL ASK IF REASONABLE COMPENSATION HAS BEEN PAID TO FARMERS AFFECTED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN
ANOTHER MEMBER WILL ASK ABOUT THE FUTURE USE OF THE SITE OF A FORMER POST OFFICE AT THE JUNCTION OF WO CHE STREET AND LEK YUEN STREET.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA WILL RE THF PROVISION OF ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY HALLS IN THE TAI WAI AND TIN SUM AREAS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AT THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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Z4 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
4
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS *****
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO CARRY OUT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10).
THE APPLICATIONS, TOTALLING $53,930, WERE FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING ACTIVITIES ON PARENT-CHILD RELATIONS, A POTTED SPORT FOR CHILDREN, A LIFE SAVING TRAINING COURSE AND MUSICAL TRAINING CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY REPORTS ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS ORGANISED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S CONFERENCE ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMNET OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR RECREATION CENTRE ON CHEUNG CHAU
******
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT NAM SHE TONG, CHEUNG CHAU.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY 1992.
THE PROJECT WILL COMPRISE A MULTI-PURPOSE GAMES HALL, THREE SQUASH COURTS, A FITNESS TRAINING ROOM AND AN ACTIVITY ROOM.
ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, AN OFFICE AND AN EQUIPMENT STORE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 4.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
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/5........
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
- 5
NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR MEN BORN BETWEEN 1923-27 *****
MEN BORN IN 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 OR 1927 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARD FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO MAY 26.
MEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.
WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW, THERE WILL BE CHANGES IN BUSINESS HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE HONG KONG AND WEST KOWLOON NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. OTHER ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.
ALL OFFICES ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI TEL. 574 7070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK TEL. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI TEL. 723 2424
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. 498 0117
SHA TIN : SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, 11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET TEL. 605 9108
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. 477 1543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. 458 0646
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI TEL. 672 7191
/"APPLICANTS NORMALLY .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
- 6 -
"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 THE APPLICANT’S IDENTITY CARD WAS FIRST REGISTERED LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO OR DOES NOT HAVE THE »»* SYMBOL, HE IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH MORE PERSONAL PROOFS.
"IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING HIS EXISTING IDENTITY CARD, HE MUST PRODUCE HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING (IF ANY) --HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATES, 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.
"AS THE APPLICANTS IN THE COMING PHASE ARE OVER 60 YEARS OLD, SOME MAY, DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, FIND IT INCONVENIENT TO GO TO THE ISSUE OFFICES AND WISH TO BE EXEMPTED FROM THE REGISTRATION OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS.
"THEY MAY APPLY IN WRITING FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS REGULATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 824 6111.
AGED APPLICANTS LIVING ON HONG KONG SIDE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN USING ESCALATORS AT THE HONG KONG NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE AT BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, MAY TELEPHONE 574 7070 TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS REPLACED AT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE - HONG KONG OFFICE ON EIGHTH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, WHERE LIFT SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
FOR SUCH ARRANGEMENT, THEY NEED TO GIVE THEIR NAMES, IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS AND YEARS OF BIRTH TO IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
/7........
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
7
FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN KWAI TSING * * * * *
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS THIS SUMMER.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAS RECEIVED $580,000 FOR FUNDING SUCH ACTIVITIES. THE AMOUNT INCLUDES $530,000 DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND $50,000 FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD.
THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED CAN BE RECREATIONAL, OR COMMUNITY SERVICE OR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, FOCUSSING ON THE THEME OF ’’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY”.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KWAI CHUNG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE MAY 4. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 429 6028.
- - 0 - -
CONCERT BY MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS *****
THE MUSIC. OFFICE WILL STAGE A CONCERT BY TWO OF ITS INSTRUCTORS’ ORCHESTRAS AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE CONCERT HALL ON MAY 6 (SUNDAY).
THE CONCERT, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM, IS PART OF THE "MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS" PROGRAMME TO INTRODUCE MUSIC TO NEW AUDIENCES.
SET UP IN 1977, THE MUSIC OFFICE REGULARLY ORGANISES CONCERTS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE VARIOUS ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS THROUGH BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN MUSIC.
SO FAR MORE THAN 4,200 "MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS" CONCERTS HAVE BEEN HELD.
KNOWN AS "MELODY IN SPRING", THE CONCERT ON MAY 6 WILL INCLUDE COMPOSITIONS OF BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN MUS IC, SUCH AS CLASSICAL PIECES "THE GENERAL'S COMMAND", "THE TIGER GNASHES ITS TEETH" AND "THE NFW WORLD SYMPHONY", AND A POPULAR MOV I I THEME SONG "RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAD".
THE CONDUCTORS OF THE CONCERT ARE MR TONG LEUNG-TAK, MR HO MAN-CHUEN, MS CHAN MAN-CHEONG AND MR FUNG WING-KIT.
/THE MUSIC
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
8
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL INVITE ABOUT 150 MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION AND ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND TO ATTEND THE CONCERT.
TICKETS AT $20 AND $30 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON TEL. 528 3257.
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EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR RECRUITS MEMBERS
******
THE EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12 WHO HAVE KEEN INTEREST IN SINGING.
THE CHOIR WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1979 AS THE CHAI WAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR. IT WAS EXPANDED IN 1983 WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, ENROLLING CHILDREN LIVING OR STUDYING IN EASTERN DISTRICT.
TRAINING SESSIONS FOR THE CHOIR ARE HELD ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS. MEMBERS WILL HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC TO BROADEN THEIR EXPERIENCE.
ENROLMENT FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES IN CAUSEWAY BAY, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARIAT OF THE CHOIR’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, BEFORE APRIL 30.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 563 0181 EXT. 41.
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URBAN CLEARWAY AT JORDAN ROAD *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10), THE SECTION OF WESTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF JORDAN ROAD FROM A POINT OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 48-54 TO A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES TO THE WEST WILL BE TEMPORARILY DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT FIVE WEEKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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/9........
SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 1990
9
BAN FOR VEHICLES EXCEEDING 12 METRES IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10), ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 12 METRES IN LENGTH WILL B PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM JUNK BAY ROAD WESTBOUND TO JUNK BAY ROAD EASTBOUND 24 HOURS DAILY.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10), THE RIGHT TURN MOVEMENT FROM JUNK BAY ROAD EASTBOUND TO KAI TIN ROAD IN KWUN TONG WILL BE BANNED.
VEHICLES ON JUNK BAY ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR KAI TIN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SAU MAU PING INTERCHANGE AND JUNK BAY ROAD WESTBOUND.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 24M TRAVELLING FROM SAM KA TSUEN FERRY TO LAM TIN MTR STATION WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD, JUNK BAY ROAD EASTBOUND, SLIP ROAD, JUNK BAY ROAD WESTBOUND AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD INSTEAD OF KAI TIN ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD.
KMB ROUTE I5C PLYING BETWEEN KWUN TONG (YUE MAN SQUARE) AND LAM TIN (SOUTH) WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KAI TIN ROAD AND TAK TIN STREET INSTEAD OF JUNK BAY ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD ON ITS LAM TIN BOUND JOURNEYS.
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TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AND THURSDAY (APRIL 12), A 150-METRE SECTION OF THE KERBSIDE MERGING LANE OF SHA TIN ROAD NORTHBOUND NEAR PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
ALSO, FROM 7 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 10) AND THURSDAY (APRIL 12), A 150-METRE SECTION OF THE SLOW LANE, INCLUDING THE INNER-MERGING LANE, OF SHA TIN ROAD NORTHBOUND NEAR PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY APRIL 9, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MINISTER OF STATE SPEAKS ON VBP ISSUE ............................................. 1
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY RELEASED .................. 3
SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (DESIGNATE) MEETS USD STAFF ....................... 8
AGREEMENTS REMOVE TECHNICAL TRADE BARRIER ......................................... 9
LAB STUDIES PLAN TO COMPENSATE WORKERS FOR HEARING LOSS .......................... 11
NEW PIER TO BE BUILT AT LEUNG SHUEN WAN .......................................... 12
DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ............................................ 13
DEPT OF HEALTH TO LAUNCH FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN ................................... 14
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS ............................................... 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................................. 15
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI ......................................................... 15
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 1 -
MINISTER OF STATE SPEAKS ON VBP ISSUE *****
HONG KONG IS ENTITLED TO HOPE THAT THE BURDEN IT SUFFERED LA T YEAR WITH THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, WILL NOT BE REPEATED, THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE WHITEHEAD VBP DETENTION CENTRE, MR MAUDE SAID THE ONLY WAY OF MAKING SURE THAT IT WON'T BE REPEATED, WAS TO GET THE MESSAGE FIRMLY ACROSS IN VIETNAM THAT ALL THEY FACED IF THEY CAME HERE WAS A SPELL IN A DETENTION CENTRE AND A RETURN TRIP TO VIETNAM.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE ONE THING ABOVE ALL THAT GOT THAT MESSAGE ACROSS IN VIETNAM WAS US TAKING A DIFFICULT DECISION BACK IN DECEMBER TO RETURN A PLANELOAD OF PEOPLE, MANDATORY REPATRIATEES, IN ADDITION TO THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME REPATRIATION.
"THAT SENT A VERY CLEAR SIGNAL TO VIETNAM THAT THERE IS NOT AN OPTION ABOUT WHERE THEY GO FROM HERE. THOSE WHO AREN’T REFUGEES, THE ONLY PLACE FOR THEM TO GO IS BACK TO VIETNAM," MR MAUDE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS MAKING THE BEST POSSIBLE PROVISIONS AGAINST THERE BEING A NEW INFLUX OF BOAT PEOPLE THIS YEAR.
TURNING TO THE SCREENING POLICY, THE MINISTER SAID THERE WERE SOME INDICATIONS THAT THE NUMBERS OF NEW ARRIVALS THIS YEAR MIGHT BE LESS, ADDING: "SO I THINK THERE IS GROUND FOR HOPING THAT THE POLICY IS WORKING."
MR MAUDE SAID THOSE RUNNING THE DETENTION CENTRES HAD AN INTENSELY DIFFICULT TASK IN MAINTAINING ORDER AND PEACE, AND IN PROVIDING THE SORT OF CONDITIONS IN WHICH PEOPLE COULD SENSIBLY BE COUNSELLED ABOUT THEIR PROSPECTS.
"BECAUSE THESE ARE ALL PEOPLE HERE WHO ARE GOING TO GO BACK TO VIETNAM, AND THE SOONER IT CAN BE EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THAT IS THE OPTION, THAT IS THE ONLY OPTION AVAILABLE, AND THE SOONER THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THAT AND TAKE THE DECISION, PREFERABLY VOLUNTARILY, TO GO BACK THEMSELVES, THE BETTER IT WILL BE FOR EVERYBODY," HE SAID.
MR MAUDE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS AN EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH VIETNAM WHICH ALLOWED NON-VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION TO TAKE PLACE.
"WE HAVEN’T SORT TO ACTIVATE THAT BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT WE'VE GOT A BACKLOG OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO GO BACK. THE MESSAGE OF THE FIRST MANDATORY REPATRIATION HAS, I BELIEVE, BEEN UNDERSTOOD IN VIETNAM.
"AND UNTIL WE’VE CLEARED THE BACKLOG OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO RETURN AND WHO ARE STILL WAITING IN CAMPS IN HONG KONG, I DON’T THINK IT’S SENSIBLE OR NECESSARY TO TRY TO USE THAT AGREEMENT ON MANDATORY REPATRIATION," HE SAID.
/"THE MAIN .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 2 -
"THE MAIN THING 1 ORT TO ACHIEVE IN HANOI WAS A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THE NUMBERS OF V- LUNTEERS WHO COULD RETURN, AND THAT IS HAPPENING, THE NUMBERS ARE INCREASING ALREADY, AND THE NUMBERS WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED DURING APRIL, AGAIN IN MAY AND AGAIN IN JUNE," HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE PORT OF FIRST ASYLUM POLICY, MR MAUDE SAID: "I WOULD CERTAINLY VERY MUCH DISLIKE TO SEE THE POLICY OF FIRST ASYLUM DISAPPEARING.
"IF YOU RUN A SENSIBLE REFUGEE POLICY THEN FIRST ASYLUM IS IMPORTANT, BUT WHAT GOES WITH FIRST ASYLUM IS SCREENING OUT THOSE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES AND RETURNING THEM TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
"AND 1 THINK IT’S VERY WELL UNDERSTOOD THAT UNLESS YOU HAVE ALL THE ELEMENTS OF THAT POLICY RUNNING TOGETHER, THE REPATRIATION AS WELL AS THE SCREENING AND AS WELL AS THE FIRST ASYLUM, IT BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO SUSTAIN THE POLICY OF FIRST ASYLUM," THE MINISTER SAID.
"IT IS CERTAINLY SUSTAINABLE AT THE MOMENT, BUT HONG KONG WILL CERTAINLY LIKE TO SEE THE NUMBERS GOING OUT OF HONG KONG HIGHER THAN THE NUMBERS COMING IN, AND I THINK THERE WOULD BE DIFFICULTIES IF THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL INFLUX THIS YEAR WITHOUT THERE BEING COUNTERVAILING MEASURES TO INCREASE THE NUMBERS FLOWING OUT OF HONG KONG," MR MAUDE SAID.
THE MINISTER POINTED OUT THAT BRITAIN WAS COMMITTED TO THE OBLIGATION TO TAKE IN VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG.
AFTER VISITING THE WHITEHEAD VBP DETENTION CENTRE, MR MAUDE ATTENDED A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD. OTHER GUESTS AT THE LUNCH INCLUDED BUSINESSMEN, BANKERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MR MAUDE WENT TO MAN KAM TO WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE POLICE AND THE ARMY ON THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT THE BORDER. HE THEN VISITED THE LIV MAN SHEK TONG IN SHEUNG SHUI, AN ANCESTRAL HALL OF THE LIU CLAN WHICH WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN ERECTED IN 1751. THEREAFTER MR MAUDE VISITED TIN PING ESTATE WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHEUNG SHUI AND FANLING.
BEFORE FLYING BACK BY HELICOPTER TO CENTRAL TO ATTEND A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS, MR MAUDE STOPPED AT CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CASTLE PEAK PLANT TO SEE ITS OPERATION.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE MEETING, MR MAUDE SAID THAT HE HAD TALKED WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE.
/"THE MAJORITY .......
"GNDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
"THE MAJOR'IV OF TH E WHO SPOKE EXPRESSED VERY STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE PACKAGE AND EXPRESS> GREAT APPRECIATION FOR WHAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD DONE. THEI RECOGNISED THAT IT WAS A COURAGEOUS DECISION TO GO AHEAD WJ1H THE PACKAGE GIVEN THE POLITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. I WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE APPRECIATION THAT ’AS SHOWN FOR THE DIFFICULT STANCE WHICH WE HAVE TAKEN AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE DETERMINATION WHICH WE HAVE TO TAKE THIS PACKAGE THROUGH.
"OBVIOUSLY THERE WERE A NUMBER OF POINTS RAISED, DETAILED POINTS ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME WHICH OBVIOUSLY I’VE UNDERTAKEN TO TAKE AWAY AND LOOh AT VERY CAREFULLY IN CONSULTATION WITH MY COLLEAGUES IN THE HOME OFFICE AND WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT,” HE SAID.
IN THE EVENING, MR MAUDE HAD A MEETING AND DINNER WITH OMELCO MEMBERS.
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PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY RELEASED ******
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF THE RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 1 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1989, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL DECREASE OF 2 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES, HAVING DISCOUNTED THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 3 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.
CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IN ANY INDIVIDUAL MONTH IN ISOLATION, IN VIEW OF THE FLUCTUATIONS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM MONTH TO MONTH. IN PARTICULAR, THE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
/COMPARING THE .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
4
COMPARING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1990 WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1989, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREAS D BY 6 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, A DECREASE OF 2 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN VOLUME TERMS. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS DROPPED BY 7 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1990 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1989, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE OF 9 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 7 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR JANUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN JANUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989 INCLUDING DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-42 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (-29 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-27 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (-26 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-24 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-21 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-21 PER CENT) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-5 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+6 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+6 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT).
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JANUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989. THESE INCLUDED TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+6 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+6 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+6 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+5 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+5 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+3 PER CENT) AND FOOTWEAR (+2 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-3 PEI? (’ENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-1 PER (’ENT). DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; ELECTRON I (’ COMPONENTS; AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989 ARF SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
/AS PRESENTED .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 5 -
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JANUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989. SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE; SUGAR; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; AND ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FRUIT; MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS; AND TEA AND COFFEE.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT. COMMODITY ITEMS WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED FOOTWEAR; MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989. THE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; IRON AND STEEL AND OTHER BASE METALS. INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS; FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES AND RAW COTTON.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 34 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JANUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME DECREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1990 OVER JANUARY 1989. THERE WERE DECREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY; AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND OFFICE MACHINES.
COMPARING JANUARY 1990 WITH JANUARY 1989, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: FUELS (+19 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+6 PER CENT); FOODSTUFFS (+4 PER CENT) AND CAPITAL GOODS (+2 PER CENT). THE IMPORT PRICE OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS AND FUELS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JANUARY 1990 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989. HOWEVER, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS, RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND CAPITAL GOODS DECREASED BY 23 PER CENT, 18 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JANUARY 1990 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1989: FUELS (+22 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+7 PER CENT); CAPITAL GOODS (+4 PER CENT); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+4 PER CENT) AND FOODSTUFFS (+3 PER CENT).
/FURTHER DETAILS .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 6 -
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE JANUARY 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 APRIL 12 AT $3 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT Al FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 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 JANUARY 1990
WITH JANUARY 1989
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
CLOTHING 9 3 6
TEXTILE FABRICS 5 5 *
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -17 6 -21
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 8 6 2
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -27 ♦ -27
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS -6 ♦ -5
FOOTWEAR -24 2 -26
METAL MANUFACTURES -25 6 -29
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -26 -3 -24
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5 -1 6
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -17 5 -21
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -42 ♦ -42
ALL COMMODITIES -4 2 -5
* LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
/TABLE 2 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
7 -
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING JANUARY 1990 WITH JANUARY 1989
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS -3 4 -7
CONSUMER GOODS 8 6 2
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -13 * -13
FUELS -21 19 -34
CAPITAL GOODS -9 2 -11
ALL COMMODITIES -5 3 -7
» LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH JANUARY JANUARY 1990 1989
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS -20 3 -23
CONSUMER GOODS 30 7 22
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -14 4 -18
FUELS 41 22 16
CAPITAL GOODS -5 4 -9
ALL COMMODITIES 6 5 1
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/8 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 8 -
SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (DESIGNATE) MEETS USD STAFF
*******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (DESIGNATE), MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO GET AN INSIGHT INTO THE MULTI-FARIOUS FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE WIDE-RANGING SERVICES IT PROVIDES.
HE ALSO MET REPRESENTATIVES OF DEPARTMENT STAFF TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GENERAL ISSUES FACING CIVIL SERVANTS AND THOSE PERTAINING PARTICULARLY TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
TODAY'S VISIT WAS PART OF A SERIES OF FAMILIARISATION TOURS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SINCE HE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICES BRANCH EARLY THIS MONTH. MR WIGGHAM WILL OFFICIALLY ASSUME THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE ON APRIL 17.
MR WIGGHAM STARTED THE VISIT BY HOLDING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DIRECTORATE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR JAMES SO, WHO BRIEFED HIM ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIME OBJECTIVES AND ROLES IN UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF URBAN RESIDENTS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF FIRST CLASS RECREATIONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND CULTURAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
MR WIGGHAM ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY OF HIS VISIT TO ATTEND A MEETING OF THE DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION), MRS LESSIE WEI, AND ATTENDED BY STAFF REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GRADES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE MEETING PROVIDED HIM WITH A FACE-TO-FACE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH STAFF REPRESENTATIVES ON MANY TOPICS INCLUDING THE RESTRUCTURING OF, AND SPECIAL ALLOWANCE FOR, THE GENERAL DUTIES TEAMS, RECRUITMENT, THE ANNUAL PAY RISE AS WELL AS THE POSSIBILITY OF RELEASING PENSION TO STAFF WHO HAVE YET TO REACH RETIREMENT AGE BEFORE 1997.
MR WIGGHAM VISITED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT LAST WEEK AND HE WILL BE VISITING THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LATER THIS MONTH.
HE HOSTED AN INFORMAL LUNCH FOR THE STAFF SIDE REPRESENTATIVES OF SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL AND A RECEPTION FOR ABOUT 100 REPRESENTATIVES OF 10 GENERAL GRADE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS LAST WEEK.
HE WILL ALSO MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 11 AND 12 RESPECTIVELY.
- - 0 - -
/9 ........
MONDAY, APRII 9, 1990
9
AGREEMENTS REF ”F TECHNICAL TRADE BARRIER ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A POSSIBLE TECHNICAL BARRIER TO HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES WAS REMOVED TODAY (MONDAY) WITH THE SIGNING OF MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS WITH LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEMES OPERATING IN THE TWO COUNTRIES.
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, REPRESENTING THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS), SIGNED MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU’S) WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING LABORATORIES (NATA) OF AUSTRALIA AND THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ACCREDITATION (A2LA).
MR BARMA SAID THAT AGREEMENTS INDICATED THE IMPORTANCE HONG KONG PLACED ON ESTABLISHING LINKS WITH CREDIBLE AND MAJOR SCHEMES IN THE INTERNATIONA!. TESTING COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD JUST LAUNCHED A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME TO ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR GOODS THROUGH MODERN MANAGEMENT METHODS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PRACTICES.
’’LABORATORY TESTING PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN INDUSTRY AND IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT SUCH TESTING SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOCAL LABORATORIES ARE SHOWN TO BE COMPETENT AND RELIABLE AND TO HAVE ATTAINED RECOGNITION OVERSEAS,” MR BARMA SAID.
HE SAID HOKLAS HAD DEVELOPED RAPIDLY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
TODAY, THERE WERE 22 LABORATORIES ACCREDITED FOR A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES AND MORE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF APPLYING AS THE BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION WERE BEGINNING TO BE RECOGNISED.
UNDER THE TWO AGREEMENTS, MR BARMA SAID, TEST CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY HOKLAS ACCREDITED LABORATORIES WOULD BE ACCEPTED IN AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES WITH THE SAME VALIDITY AS IF THEY HAD BEEN ISSUED BY AUSTRALIAN AND AMERICAN ACCREDITED LABORATORIES.
LIKEWISE, CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY NATA AND A2LA ACCREDITED LABORATORIES WOULD BE ACCEPTED HERE WITHOUT QUESTION.
"IT FOLLOWS FROM THESE AGREEMENTS THAT TRADE IN GOODS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA AND HONG KONG, WHERE ACCOMPANIED BY ENDORSED TEST CERTIFICATES, WILL NO LONGER BE INTERRUPTED AT THE POINTS OF IMPORTATION BY CUSTOMS QUERIES OVER THE TECHNICAL INTEGRITY OR THE VERACITY OF TEST DATA,” HE SAID.
"THIS DEVELOPMENT CAN, THEREFORE, FACILITATE TRADE BY ELIMINATING ONE OF THE TECHNICAL BARRIERS EXISTING IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE," HE ADDED.
/MR BARMA .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 10 -
MR BARMA SAID THE AUSTRALIAN AND HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEMES HAD MAINTAINED A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP SINCE NATA WAS ENGAGED AS THE CONSULTANT TO ADVISE AND ASSIST IN THE SETTING-UP AND DEVELOPMENT OF HOKLAS.
ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 40 YEARS, NATA WAS THE WORLD’S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME AND A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION CONFERENCE (ILAC), A FORUM WHICH HAD PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN SETTING THE CODES OF PRACTICE FOR LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEMES THE WORLD OVER TO FOLLOW.
IN RESPECT OF A2LA, MR BARMA SAID THE ILAC DIRECTORY LISTED 80 DIFFERENT ACCREDITING BODIES OPERATING IN THE USA.
HE SAID, IN THE EARLY YEARS OF HOKLAS’S EXISTENCE, IT WAS RATHER DIFFICULT TO DECIDE WHICH OF THE AMERICAN SCHEMES WAS SUFFICIENTLY BROAD-BASED AND TRULY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TESTING INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO PURSUE AN AGREEMENT IN THE LONG TERM.
"AFTER A WHILE, IT BECAME CLEAR TO US THAT A2LA FULFILLED THAT ROLE," MR BARMA SAID.
"ALTHOUGH IT HAS SEVERAL HUNDRED LABORATORIES ACCREDITED, A2LA IS CONCERNED WITH FIELDS OF TESTING SIMILAR TO THOSE BEING ADDRESSED BY HOKLAS AND IN KEEPING WITH THE NEEDS OF OUR INDUSTRIES.
"CONSEQUENTLY, THERE WAS SCOPE FOR MUTUAL BENEFITS BETWEEN A2LA AND HOKLAS.
"FURTHERMORE, THE PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY OF THOSE RUNNING ACCREDITATION SCHEMES IS OF CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO US," MR BARMA SAID.
MR BARMA PAID SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO A2LA’S PRESIDENT, MR JOHN LOCKE, JtfHO HAD COME TO HONG KONG FOR THE PURPOSE OF SIGNING THE DOCUMENT, ADDING "HE IS ONE IN WHOM WE WOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT FOR HOKLAS IN THE UNITED STATES."
MR BARMA ALSO THANKED THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NATA, MR J.A. GILMOUR, AND ITS CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER, MR A.J. RUSSELL, FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND HELP IN BRINGING ABOUT THE AGREEMENT AND ALSO FOR COMING TO HONG KONG TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY.
------0-----------
/Il .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 11 -
LAB STUDIES PLAN TO COMPENSATE WORKERS FOR HEARING LOSS *****
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) DISCUSSED FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR WORKERS SUFFERING FROM OCCUPATIONAL NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS.
THE PROPOSED SCHEME HAD BEEN ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE BOARD AT ITS PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
A WORKER WILL BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION IF HE HAS 10 YEARS’ EMPLOYMENT IN A NOISY INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT IN SUCH INDUSTRY WITHIN THE 24 MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME, OR WITHIN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.
THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF COMPENSATION WILL BE NOT MORE THAN 48 MONTHS’ EARNINGS FOR TOTAL DISABILITY SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF $394,000.
IT WAS PROPOSED AT TODAY’S MEETING THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE FINANCED BY A PERCENTAGE SURCHARGE ON THE PREMIUM PAID FOR EVERY EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE POLICY AND THAT COLLECTION OF SUCH A LEVY SHOULD BEGIN SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE SCHEME COMES INTO FULL OPERATION.
AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, MEMBERS GENERALLY ENDORSED THE PROPOSAL FOR A SURCHARGE BUT STRONGLY FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN. ALSO THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHEME IN THE SAME WAY AS AN EMPLOYER IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THE CHAIRMAN UNDERTOOK TO REFLECT THESE VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE MEETING ALSO CONSIDERED SOME PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO BETTER PROTECT EMPLOYEES’ ENTITLEMENTS IN THE CALCULATION OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT.
THE EFFECT OF THE AMENDMENTS WILL BE THAT WHERE AN EMPLOYEE TERMINATES HIS CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO OLD AGE OR ILL HEALTH, HE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN PAID FULL WAGES DURING THE RELEVANT PERIOD OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING LONG SERVICE PAYMENT OR SEVERANCE PAYMENT, PROVIDED HE HAS COMPLETED THE QUALIFYING YEARS OF SERVICE.
THIS WILL APPLY ALSO TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO DIES IN SERVICE AND WHOSE DEPENDANTS ARE ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE PAYMENT.
IN ADDITION, AN EMPLOYEE WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE BEEN PAID HIS FULL WAGES AS IF HE HAD WORKED NORMALLY DURING THE RELEVANT PERIOD IF HE HAS BEEN PUT ON SHORT-TIME WORK OR IF HE OR SHE HAS TAKEN NO-PAY SICK LEAVE OR NO-PAY MATERNITY LEAVE.
/THE MEETING .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
12
THE MEETING AGREED TO THESE AMENDMENTS SUBJECT TO FURTHER CLARIFICATION OF HOW A WORKER WILL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE "WORKED NORMALLY DURING THE RELEVANT PERIOD".
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ALSO AGREED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE SO THAT THE REFERRAL OF A CLAIM TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A BAR TO A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION BUT WILL ONLY ACT AS A STAY OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.
ALSO NON-PAYMENT OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT WILL BE AN OFFENCE IF IT IS NOT PAID WITHIN SUCH TIME AS DIRECTED BY THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL OR IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH DIRECTION, WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE TRIBUNAL HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE EMPLOYER IS LIABLE TO PAY.
NON-PAYMENT OF WAGES OR OTHER PAYMENTS DUE ON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT WILL BE CONTINUING OFFENCES AS LONG AS THEY REMAIN OUTSTANDING.
THE MEETING WENT ON TO DISCUSS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE TO CLARIFY AN INSURER’S LIABILITIES TOWARDS INJURED EMPLOYEES AND TO FACILITATE DIRECT CLAIMS BY EMPLOYEES AGAINST THE INSURER FOR COMPENSATION.
MEMBERS SUPPORTED THE PROPOSALS.
THE MEETING AGREED TO SEVERAL OTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE AIMED AT SOLVING TECHNICAL PROBLEMS AND STREAMLINING THE PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN CLAIMING COMPENSATION IN THE COURTS.
OTHER ITEMS ENDORSED AT TODAY’S MEETING INCLUDED A REVISED DEFINITION OF "EMPLOYEE" IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, THE NOMINATION OF MR CHEUNG LUN AND MR A.E. GAZELEY AS EMPLOYEES’ AND EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES RESPECTIVELY TO ATTEND THE 77TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE IN GENEVA IN JUNE, AND AN INCREASE IN THE FEE FOR ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY’S LICENCE FROM $500 TO $650.
----0----
NEW PIER TO BE BUILT AT LEUNG SHUEN WAN ******
LEUNG SHUEN WAN WILL HAVE A NEW PIER BY THE END OF THE YEAR, AND CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK TONG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF RENOVATION WORK FOR THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT LEUNG SHUEN WAN.
MR TONG SAID LEUNG SHUEN WAN IS TRADITIONALLY A FISHING BAY AND HAS BECOME A POPULAR PLACE FOR OUTING. PIER FACILITY IS MOST ESSENTIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISLAND.
/"IN VIEW .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
- 13 -
"IN VIEW OF THIS, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE HAS DECIDED TO BUILD A PIER TO SERVE THE FISHERMEN, VILLAGERS AND HOLIDAY-MAKERS.
’’COSTING MORE THAN $500,000, THE PIER WILL TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE AND RESIDENTS OF LEUNG SHUEN WAN CAN EXPECT TO HAVE THEIR OWN PIER BY THE END OF THE YEAR IF EVERYTHING GOES SMOOTHLY,” HE SAID.
ON THE TIN HAU TEMPLE ON THE ISLAND, MR TONG SAID SEVERAL HUNDRED YEARS AGO, VILLAGERS AND FISHERMEN OF LEUNG SHUEN WAN POOLED THEIR RESOURCES AND EFFORTS TO BUILD THE TEMPLE SO THAT THEY COULD WORSHIP THE FAMOUS SEA GODDESS TIN HAU FOR HEALTH AND BLESSINGS.
"TODAY, THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THEIR DESCENDANTS TO RENEW THE TEMPLE IS SEEN TO BE MORE MEANINGFUL."
HE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE $50,000 SUBSIDY FROM THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE, MORE THAN $550,000 OF THE RENOVATION COSTS HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTED BY LOCAL PEOPLE, REFLECTING THE HIGH DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION AMONG THE VILLAGERS AND FISHERMEN OF THE ISLAND.
THE LEUNG SHUEN WAN TIN HAU TEMPLE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST TEMPLES IN HONG KONG. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE TEMPLE WAS BUILT AT LEAST 250 YEARS AGO.
AN IRON BELL, A LARGE SCULPTURE AND A DRAGON STYLE SEDAN CHAIR FOR USE BY THE GODDESS TIN HAU ARE THE TEMPLE’S PRECIOUS POSSESSIONS.
TN ADDITION TO THE LOCAL RESIDENTS, THE TEMPLE IS FREQUENTED BY MANY PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF SAI KUNG SUCH AS MAN YEE WAN AND SHA KOK MEI.
---------0-----------
DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES *****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A REVIEW ON THE DISTRICT’S CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE REVIEW HAS BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN PREPARATION FOR THE 1991 DB ELECTIONS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT CONSIDERATIONS BOTH AT THE DISTRICT AND CONSTITUENCY LEVELS.
FIVE MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO PRESENT A PAPER, PROPOSING TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS.
/ANOTHER AGENDA .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
14
ANOTHER AGENDA ITEM IS THE BOARD’S ESTIMATES FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
PROVISIONAL BUDGET
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
--------0-----------
DEPT OF HEALTH TO LAUNCH FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN * * * * *
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL LAUNCH THE ANNUAL TERRITORY-WIDE FOOD HYGIENE CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR IN JUNE.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE CAMPAIGN, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, AIMS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF GOOD FOOD AND PERSONAL HYGIENE PRACTICE SO AS TO MINIMISE THE CHANCES OF FOOD-BORNE DISEASES.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL LAST FOR THREE MONTHS.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, A TOTAL OF 25 FOOD HYGIENE SEMINARS ON ’’CLEAN PLACE, SAFE FOOD” WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE, INCLUDING LICENSEES AND STAFF OF LICENSED PREMISES, COOKED FOOD STALLS AND CANTEENS AT CONVENIENTLY-LOCATED VENUES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE SEMINARS, WHICH WILL BE EDUCATIONAL IN NATURE, WILL EACH COMPRISE A TALK, A SLIDE SHOW AND A FILM ON FOOD HYGIENE FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN DISCUSSION.
PRINTED EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO SUPPLEMENT THE TALK.
AT THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED PEOPLE IN THE FOOD TRADE TO TAKE PART IN THE SEMINARS TO WHICH ADMISSION IS FREE.
INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE TARGET GROUPS. THOSE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED ENTRY FORM BY APRIL 17.
AS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THE INVITATION, THEY MAY CONTACT THE ORGANISER ON TEL. 723 6234.
---------0-----------
/15 .......
MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1990
15
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE FLAT A, SECOND FLOOR, SHUNG SHUN HOUSE, 23 SUNG KIT STREET, TO KWA WAN, SO THAT THE UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS INSIDE THE UNIT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 13 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦ » ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 38.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 226.991 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 197.824 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 33.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN VILLAGES IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 11) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN VILLAGES ALONG FAN KAM ROAD, INCLUDING LIN TONG MEI CHOI YUEN TSUEN, YEE ON SAN TSUEN, CHIU KENG TSUEN, LAI TAU TSUI, YING PUN TSUEN, PANG UK TSUEN, CHAN UK PO AND TAM SHUI HANG VILLAGE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMITMENTS TO FURTHER SCHEMES OF ASSURANCES: MAUDE ............................... 1
NO GOING BACK ON MANDATORY REPATRIATION ; MAUDE ................................... 3
AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF NEW AIRPORT WORKS ...................... 4
CIVIL SERVICE OFFERED 15 PER CENT PAY ADJUSTMENT................................... 5
STANDING COMMISSION’S SECOND REPORT ON 1989 SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW PUBLISHED ....................................................................... 6
TAC DISCUSSES URBAN TAXI FARE INCREASE ............................................ 8
MORE BANKING OFFICES TO OPEN IN HK................................................. 9
TERRITORY-WIDE ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE DRUG-FREE LIFE ............................... 9
NEW NPO OPENS AT TSEUNG KWAN O.................................................... 11
MORE IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICE FOR ELDERLY UNDER WAY ............................... 12
SERVICES FOR ELDERLY UNDER CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT .................................. 12
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ................................. 13
RESTRICTED AREA ON WAGLAN ........................................................ 14
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS’ SERVICES .................. 15
STREET SLEEPERS TOLD TO LEAVE PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ................................ 15
I OGO DESIGN COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION ...................................... 16
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ........................................................... 17
PUBLIC URGED TO PLANT TREES DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS ............................... 17
CONTRACTOR SELECTED TO RUN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS .................................. 19
WATER CUT ON LANTAU .............................................................. 19
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSUEN WAN ..................................................... 20
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN NEW TERRITORIES ....................................... 20
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN ....................................... 21
BAN ZONES IN SHAU KEI WAN ........................................................ 21
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
COMMITMENTS TO FURTHER SCHEMES OF ASSURANCES: MAUDE
******
BRITAIN’S APPEAL TO OTHER COUNTRIES TO COME FORWARD WITH SCHEMES OF ASSURANCES FOR HONG KONG HAS RESULTED IN FIRM COMMITMENTS AND POTENTIAL COP ITMENTS, THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MR MAUDE SAID: "WE HAVE DONE A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO SECURE THESE COMMITMENTS AND POTENTIAL COMMITMENTS, BUT THAT WORK IS NOT YET DONE.
"THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT ARE IMPLEMENTING A SCHEME WHICH WILL PROVIDE PASSPORTS OR RIGHTS OF ENTRY FOR UP TO 1,500 EMPLOYEES OF FRENCH COMPANIES AND THEIR FAMILIES — THAT IS UP TO 1,500 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS AND THEIR FAMILIES," MR MAUDE SAID.
"GERMANY, BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG ARE ABOUT TO FINALISE SCHEMES OF BROADLY THE SAME NATURE AND A NUMBER OF OTHER EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES ARE ACTIVELY CONSIDERING WHAT THEY CAN DO," HE ADDED.
THE MINISTER NOTED THAT THE SINGAPORE SCHEME WAS ALREADY IN EXISTENCE AND WAS ALREADY PROVIDING SOME SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT FLEXIBILITY EXISTED WITHIN BOTH THE AUSTRALIAN AND THE CANADIAN IMMIGRATION RULES WHICH HAD PROVIDED AND COULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FOR PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, SOME ADDITIONAL INSURANCE IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER MEASURES.
MR MAUDE SAID THAT TN THE UNITED STATES THERE WAS AN EXISTING AMENDMENT TO THE IMMIGRATION BILL TO INCREASE THE QUOTA FROM HONG KONG TO 20,000.
"THERE IS NOW A FURTHER AMENDMENT PROPOSED TO IT WHICH WOULD ENABLE APPLICANTS TO DEFER TAKING UP THEIR RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR ANOTHER 12 YEARS WHICH WOULD HAVE THE SAME SORT OF EFFECT AS OUR OWN NATIONALITY PACKAGE," THE MINISTER SAID.
"WE SHALL CONTINUE TO TRY TO DELIVER FURTHER COMMITMENTS ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG. BUT IF THESE COMMITMENTS AND POTENTIAL COMMITMENTS ALL MATERIALISE AND WITH THE FLEXIBILITY FROM CANADA AND AUSTRALIA THAT I HAVE REFERRED TO, THIS COULD CAUSE THE EFFECTS OF OUR OWN NATIONALITY PACKAGE TO MULTIPLY AND THAT I THINK IS VERY GOOD NEWS INDEED FOR HONG KONG," MR MAUDE SAID.
THE MINISTER STRESSED THAT THERE WAS NO INTENTION TO INTERNATIONALISE MATTERS WHICH WERE PROPERLY FOR CHINA AND BRITAIN TO DEAL WITH TOGETHER.
"BUT WE’VE EXPLAINED TO CHINA THAT HONG KONG IS IN ITS NATURE AN INTERNATIONAL PLACE. THERE ARE BIG INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS.
/"IT DEPENDS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 2 -
"IT DEPENDS ON ITS SUCCESS, FOR ITS SUCCESS, ON THIS SORT OF INTERNATIONAL ENDEAVOUR AND IT IS PERFECTLY PROPER THEN FOR OTHER COUNTRIES TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE EMPLOYEES OF THEIR OWN COMPANIES WHICH ARE OPERATING HERE," MR MAUDE SAID.
"AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE SOUGHT TO HAVE DONE AND THAT’S WHAT IS BEING DONE. I WOULD BE SURPRISED THAT CHINA REACTS IN A HOSTILE WAY TO THIS. IT IS SOMETHING WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY TO WHICH WE ARE BOTH COMMITTED," HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON CONSULAR PROTECTION FOR FOREIGN PASSPORT HOLDERS, MR MAUDE SAID: "THE JOINT DECLARATION ALLOWS FOR, COMMITS CHINA TO ALLOWING ENTRY AND EXIT FOR PEOPLE WITH FOREIGN PASSPORTS LEGITIMATELY ACQUIRED."
"IT IS UP TO EACH COUNTRY WHETHER IT GIVES CONSULAR PROTECTION TO ITS OWN NATIONALS WITHIN HONG KONG AND I HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT WE SHOULD DO SO," HE ADDED.
ON BRITAIN’S NATIONALITY PACKAGE, MR MAUDE SAID: "THE FACT THAT CONFIDENCE IS BEING ENHANCED BY THESE MEASURES. THE FACT THAT THESE MEASURES WILL KEEP MANY MORE OF THE KEY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH WILL BENEFIT EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG, BECAUSE HONG KONG DEPEND ON ITS CONTINUED SUCCESS ON THE KEY PEOPLE REMAINING HERE."
THE MINISTER SAID THE CLEAR MESSAGE HE WAS GETTING FROM HONG KONG WAS THE VIEW THAT ALTHOUGH NOT EVERYONE WOULD BE PLEASED WITH THE TOTALITY OF THE PACKAGE, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT IT WENT THROUGH (PARLIAMENT).
"THIS IS A PACKAGE VERY MUCH BETTER THAN NOTHING, AND HONG KONG DEPENDS FOR ITS FUTURE SUCCESS ON IT GOING THROUGH. AND WHILE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE WANTED IT TO BE LARGER, IT’S A VERY GOOD PACKAGE INDEED," MR MAUDE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON MR MAUDE'S REMARKS AFTER ATTENDING A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID ALL OF THESE WERE PART OF AN EFFORT TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE REMAINED IN HONG KONG.
"THAT IS CRUCIAL TO EVERYTHING THAT WE’RE DOING AND EVERYTHING THAT WE WOULD WANT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO BE DOING ON OUR BEHALF, KEEPING PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, CONTRIBUTING TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THAT’S THE KEY OF IT ALL," THE GOVERNOR STRESSED.
ASKED WHETHER HE WAS WORRIED ABOUT CHINA’S OBJECTION TO THE EFFORTS, SIR DAVID SAID: "I HOPE ('HINA WILL REALISE THE REAL OBJECTIVE OF WHAT IS BEING DONE AND THAT’S TO DO THINGS WHICH SHORE UP THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG."
"AND I THINK WE HAVE TO GO ON EXPLAINING TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT THAT THAT IS THE OBJECTIVE, AND THERE IS NO OTHER PURPOSE BEHIND IT," HE SAID.
"AND I HOPE THAT THEY WILL GRADUALLY COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS SO," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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/3 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 3 -
NO GOING BACK ON MANDATORY REPATRIATION : MAUDE ♦ * ♦ * t
THERE IS NO GOING BACK ON THE POLICY OF MANDATORY REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING WITH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN, MR MAUDE SAID THE FIRST STEP ON MANDATORY REPATRIATION WAS TAKEN IN DECEMBER AND IT WAS EFFECTIVE.
"IT STARTED THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS, ESPECIALLY IN NORTH VIETNAM, THAT THERE WAS NOWHERE FOR THESE PEOPLE TO GO EXCEPT BACK TO VIETNAM AND OF COURSE IT REMAINS UNDERPINNING THE WHOLE OF OUR POLICY ON VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
"THE POLICY THAT IN THE LAST RESORT THERE REMAINS MANDATORY REPATRIATION AND WE HAVE KEPT OPEN AT EVERY STAGE THE POSSIBILITY THAT WE MIGHT START IT AGAIN," HE SAID.
THE MINISTER POINTED OUT THAT IF THERE WAS NO INFLUX OF BOAT PEOPLE IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT ONE WOULD WANT TO USE MANDATORY REPATRIATION, ADDING: "BUT THERE REMAINS BEHIND THIS POLICY ALL THE TIME THE UNDERPINNING OF IT IS THE CERTAINTY THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO BE SENT BACK THERE."
"IF THEY GO BACK VOLUNTARILY SO MUCH THE BETTER BUT THERE CAN’T BE ANY SENSE OF THERE BEING AN OPTION. THE ONLY PLACE FOR THESE PEOPLE TO GO IS BACK TO VIETNAM," HE SAID.
"AND THAT’S ACCEPTED BY EVERYBODY. BY VIETNAM, BY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND VERY CLEARLY BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES WHO HAD STRONGLY SUPPORTED THE POLICY OF MANDATORY REPATRIATION," MR MAUDE SAID.
THE MINISTER NOTED THAT THE FIRST REPATRIATION WAS CARRIED OUT WITHOUT CONSULTING THE UNITED STATES, ADDING: "IT ISN’T OPEN TO THEM TO VETO THESE MATTERS. THESE ARE MATTERS FOR US TO DECIDE WITH THE COUNTRY WHICH RECEIVES THEM BACK."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NOW MORE BOAT PEOPLE LEAVING HONG KONG THAN ARRIVING BECAUSE OF THE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS RETURNING.
"THERE IS A BACKLOG. THERE ARE SOMETHING LIKE 1,500, 1,600 PEOPLE WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO GO BACK TO VIETNAM. THE PROBLEM SO FAR HAS BEEN THE INABILITY OF VIETNAM TO ACCEPT THEM BACK," MR MAUDE SAID.
"WHAT I SOUGHT TO DO WHEN I WAS IN HANOI TWO MONTHS AGO WAS TO PERSUADE THEM TO REACH AGREEMENT THAT THOSE NUMBERS COULD BE DRAMATICALLY INCREASED. THEY WERE, THOSE NUMBERS WERE INCREASED FIVE TIMES.
"THAT SHOULD MEAN WITH THE PRESENT RATE OF VOLUNTEERING, THE BACKLOG SHOULD BE CLEARED PERHAPS BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS SUMMER," MR MAUDE SAID.
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
4
AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF NEW AIRPORT WORKS ♦ »♦**♦
A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT TOOK PLACE TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR KENNETH KWOK, SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH DR HANK TOWNSEND, OF BECHTEL, WHICH WILL CARRY OUT PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW AIRPORT WORKS.
THE VALUE OF THE PHASE ONE CONSULTANCY IS ESTIMATED TO BE HK$90 MILLION AND IT IS TO RUN FROM APRIL 1990 TO DECEMBER 1991.
THE SELECTION OF BECHTEL WAS MADE ON THE BASIS OF ITS IN-DEPTH INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE ON LARGE SCALE, MULTI-DISCIPLINARY MEGA-PROJECTS. "AN OVERALL PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY OF THIS MAGNITUDE HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN AWARDED IN HONG KONG," SAID MR KWOK.
LAST OCTOBER, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ANNOUNCED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, LOCATED ON THE NORTH COAST OF LANTAU ISLAND, TO REPLACE THE EXISTING AIRPORT AT KAI TAK IN URBAN KOWLOON.
THE TARGET DATE FOR THE OPENING OF THE FIRST RUNWAY AT THE NEW AIRPORT, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE A CAPACITY OF 80 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR, IS EARLY 1997.
THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT AND RELATED TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS ARE VITAL TO ENSURE THE FUTURE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.
THE NEW AIRPORT IS HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE TIMELY AVAILABILITY OF THE SURFACE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER FACILITIES.
THESE PROJECTS ARE INDIVIDUALLY LARGE AND COMPLEX AND HAVE CHALLENGING PROBLEMS WITHIN THEMSELVES AS WELL AS THEIR INTERFACES WITH OTHER PROJECTS. THEY ARE SUBJECT TO VERY CHALLENGING CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES AND PROGRAMMES.
THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ONE OF THE LARGEST CIVIL WORKS UNDERTAKINGS, WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME PERIODS, IN THE WORLD.
TO ENSURE A COORDINATED DEVELOPMENT AND TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE WHOLE SYSTEM, THE AMERICAN FIRM, BECHTEL, HAS BEEN ENGAGED TO ASSIST THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS AND ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON COORDINATING PROGRAMMING, BUDGETING AND MONITORING THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT.
THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT WILL REQUIRE CLOSE-KNIT TEAMWORK BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION.
/THE MAIN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 5 -
THE MAIN COMPONENT PR( TS ARE: THE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK; THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING; T! . NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY; THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY; THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING; THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION; AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
TO ACHIEVE TH SE GOALS, AN INTEGRATED PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM WILL BE ESTABLISHED OMPRISING EXPERIENCED WORKS BRANCH STAFF AND BECHTEL WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER IN THE JOINT PROJECT OFFICE.
DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS WILL REMAIN THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE POLICY BRANCHES AND WORKS DEPARTMENTS WHICH HAVE OUTSTANDING TRACK RECORDS FOR PERFORMING MAJOR PROJECTS. THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS REMAINS THE OVERALL COORDINATOR FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL PROJECTS RELATED TO THE NEW AIRPORT.
------0--------
CIVIL SERVICE OFFERED 15 PER CENT PAY ADJUSTMENT ♦ ♦ * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR KEITH SHIPLEY, TODAY (TUESDAY) MET THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, THE MODEL SCALE I STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND THE DISCIPLINED SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1990 PAY ADJUSTMENT.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ALSO MET THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL.
MR SHIPLEY SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING CONSIDERED THE RESULTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR PAY TREND SURVEY FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 1, 1989 TO JANUARY 31, 1990.
’’ALSO CONSIDERED WERE THE INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING, THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY, THE BUDGETARY SITUATION, AND THE PAY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY THE STAFF SIDES," HE SAID.
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED US TO OFFER THE STAFF SIDES A PAY AWARD OF 15 PER CENT CROSS THE BOARD, WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
"THIS TS LOWER THAN THE PAY TREND INDICATORS FOR THE UPPER AND MIDDLE BANDS OF 17 PER CENT AND 16.4G PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, BUT IS IN LINE WITH THE PAY TREND INDICATOR FOR THE LOWER BAND OF 15.11 PER CENT.
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSIDERED THAT TN VIEW OF THE GENERAL ECONOMIC CLIMATE AND THE BUDGETARY SITUATION, IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO FOLLOW THE PAY TREND INDICATORS FOR THE UPPER AND MIDDLE BANDS.
/"THE PAY .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 6 -
"THE PAY AWARD WILL REPRESENT A REAL INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT OVER THE 1989 INFLATION RATE OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT."
THE UPPER BAND OF SALARIES IS FROM $20,020 TO $40,710 A MONTH, THE MIDDLE BAND FROM $6,560 TO $20,019 A MONTH, AND THE LOWER BAND IS BELOW $6,560 A MONTH.
THE PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE DIRECTORATE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO PHASES - 7.5 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, AND THE REMAINING 7.5 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1990 PAY ADJUSTMENT IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
--------0-----------
STANDING COMMISSION’S SECOND REPORT ON
1989 SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW PUBLISHED
*****
THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE HAS RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SALARY STRUCTURE OF ALMOST HALF OF THE 126 INDIVIDUAL GRADES IT HAS FINISHED REVIEWING.
THE STANDING COMMISSION WILL LOOK AT THE REMAINING 216 INDIVIDUAL GRADES IN THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS REVIEW DUE FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
"IT HAS DECIDED TO REVIEW THE REMAINING GRADES IN ONE PHASE SO THAT THE QUESTION OF PRIORITIES WILL NOT ARISE,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THIS AND OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS WERE CONTAINED IN THE STANDING COMMISSION’S SECOND REPORT ON THE 1989 SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW WHICH HAD BEEN CONSIDERED AND ACCEPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
"THE REPORT ALSO COVERS A NUMBER OF GENERAL ISSUES RELATING TO THE MODEL SCALE I, THE QUALIFICATION GROUP BENCHMARKS, THE MASTER PAY SCALE AND THE TRAINING PAY SCALE," HE SAID.
"IT IS ONE OF A SERIES PRODUCED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION AS PART OF AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE SALARY STRUCTURE OF NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE GRADES OUTSIDE THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND THE JUDICIAL SERVICE, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS SINCE THE LAST OVERALL REVIEW IN 1979."
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN REVIEWING THE FIRST GROUP OF 126 INDIVIDUAL GRADES, THE STANDING COMMISSION HAD APPLIED THE AGREED PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR USE IN DETERMINING THE PAY STRUCTURE OF INDIVIDUAL GRADES, AND HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROBLEMS FACED BY A NUMBER OF GRADES.
"THIS GROUP INCLUDES THE FIVE GRADES WHICH ARE RECEIVING TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE. PAYMENT OF THE ALLOWANCE WILL CEASE WHEN THE PERMANENT CHANGES TO THEIR SALARY STRUCTURE RECOMMENDED IN THIS REPORT ARE IMPLEMENTED," HE SAID.
"APART FROM THIS, THE STANDING COMMISSION HAS PROPOSED A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT TO THE PAY SCALE OF TRAINING RANKS IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES FACING THESE RANKS, AS WELL AS SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PAY SCALES OF SENIOR NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVANTS.
"THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL GRADES AND TRAINING RANKS, IF APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE STANDING COMMISSION INCLUDED TRANSFERRING THE SENIOR ARTISAN AND ARTISAN GRADES FROM THE MODEL SCALE I TO THE MASTER PAY SCALE.
"THE STANDING COMMISSION HAS ALSO PROPOSED IMPROVING THE LEAVE-EARNING RATES OF THESE GRADES AND OF WORKMEN I AND WORKMEN II WITH LESS THAN 10 YEARS OF SERVICE," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, IT HAS PROPOSED INCREASING THE PAY BENCHMARKS USED TO SET THE STARTING PAY OF ENTRY RANKS OF A NUMBER OF JUNIOR GRADES ON THE MASTER PAY SCALE AND THE MODEL SCALE I.
"THIS HAS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON PRIVATE-SECTOR PAY CONDUCTED BY THE PAY SURVEY AND RESEARCH UNIT LAST YEAR.
"THE STANDING COMMISSION HAS SUGGESTED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE MODEL SCALE I AND THE PAY BENCHMARKS BE IMPLEMENTED AFTER IT HAS COMPLETED REVIEWING ALL THE 342 INDIVIDUAL GRADES.
"DURING THE NEXT PHASE OF THE REVIEW, THE STANDING COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER HOW THE REVISED PAY BENCHMARKS SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE PAY SCALES OF THE INDIVIDUAL GRADES AFFECTED, AS WELL AS THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSFER OF THE SENIOR ARTISAN AND ARTISAN GRADES TO THE MASTER PAY SCALE."
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD NOT LOSE OUT AS A RESULT OF THE TIMING OF THE REVIEW OF THEIR GRADE OR OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS, BECAUSE ANY PERMANENT CHANGES TO EXISTING PAY SCALES ARISING FROM THE CURRENT REVIEW WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM THE COMMON DATE OF OCTOBER 1, 1989.
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 8 -
TAC DISCUSSES URBAN TAXI FARE INCREASE ******
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) CONSIDERED AN APPLICATION FOR AN INCREASE IN URBAN TAXI FARES.
MEMBERS DID NOT ACCEPT THE PACKAGE PROPOSED BY THE TRADE IN THE INCREASE IN URBAN TAXI FARE BY 24 PER CENT TO 55 PER CENT BUT RECOMMENDED A LOWER RATE OF INCREASE.
THE INCREASE IN OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS, HOWEVER, HAS BEEN FULLY TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN TAC ’ S RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
IN ASSESSING THE APPLICATION, THE TAC NOTED THAT A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR ON THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF URBAN TAXIS SHOWED THAT THE MONTHLY PROFIT OF URBAN TAXI OPERATORS HAD DROPPED MAINLY AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASED OPERATING COSTS, INCLUDING THE LATEST REVISED DIESEL TAX AND PRICE.
THE RECOMMENDED GENERAL FARE INCREASE WILL ALSO YIELD AN INCREASE IN MONTHLY DRIVER INCOME TO OFFSET THE INCREASED DIESEL PRICE.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ALSO INDICATE THAT THE DEMAND FOR URBAN TAXIS IS STILL HIGH. TO MAINTAIN A SATISFACTORY LEVEL OF SERVICE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE EVER INCREASING DEMAND FOR TAXIS AND THE TRAFFIC VOLUME THAT THE ROADS CAN BEAR.
THE TAC ALSO RECOMMENDED A MODERATE INCREASE IN RADIO-CALL AND LUGGAGE FEES, NOTING THAT THESE CHARGES HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE MARCH 1987.
THE PROPOSED FARE RISE WILL HELP TO WIDEN THE FARE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN URBAN TAXIS AND THE MASS CARRIERS WHICH IS IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ESTABLISH A REASONABLE FARE DIFFERENTIAL AS A MEANS TO REGULATE THE GROWTH IN TAXI DEMAND.
THE RECOMMENDATION WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
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/9 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
9
MORE BANKING OFFICES TO OPEN IN HK ******
HONG KONG WILL HAVE ONE JAPANESE BANK OPENING A FULL SERVICE BRANCH, A SUBSIDIARY COMPANY OBTAINING A DEPOSIT-TAKING REGISTRATION AND FIVE BANKS OPENING REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES BY THIS SUMMER.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR ANTHONY NICOLLE, THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF-THE HOKUETSU BANK’S HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE.
"I REGARD ALL THIS AS A PARTICULAR MARK OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTRE,” HE SAID.
’’THE CLOSE AND CONTINUING LINKS BETWEEN JAPAN AND HONG KONG ARE IN BOTH PARTNERS’ MUTUAL INTERESTS,” HE ADDED.
HOKUETSU BANK, WHICH HAS CHOSEN HONG KONG AS THE BASE FOR ITS FIRST INTERNATIONAL OFFICE, IS THE FIRST REGIONAL BANK FROM JAPAN TO OPEN AN OFFICE IN HONG KONG THIS YEAR.
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TERRITORY-WIDE ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE DRUG-FREE LIFE
*******
A SERIES OF TERRITORY-WIDE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES, ENTITLED ”SAY ’YES’ TO LIFE”, WILL START ON SATURDAY (APRIL 14) TO TIE IN WITH THE ANTI-DRUG GRAND CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM ON
WITH CONTRIBUTIONS OF $600,000 AND $200,000 FROM THE HONGKONG BANK FOUNDATION AND THE SHAW FOUNDATION RESPECTIVELY, THE TWO-HOUR CONCERT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED (TVB) AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TVB-JADE.
TO PROMOTE THE CONCERT AND THE DRUG-FREE HEALTHY LIFE MESSAGE, A ROVING EXHIBITION, A SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION, A COLOURING COMPETITION AND A RADIO PROGRAMME HAVE BEEN DESIGNED FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS.
THESE ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE SPONSORED BY THE HONGKONG BANK FOUNDATION AND THE SHAW FOUNDATION.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), A MEMBER OF ACAN, MR PAO PING-WING, SAID THE PRE-CONCERT ACTIVITIES AND THE CONCERT ITSELF WERE AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND APPEALING TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND YOUNGSTERS IN PARTICULAR TO TAKE PART IN HEALTHY PURSUITS.
/CONSISTING PANEL
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 10 -
CONSISTING PANEL DISPLAYS AND VIDEO SHOWS, THE ROVING EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE SHOPPING CENTRES OF FIVE HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BETWEEN APRIL 14 AND MAY 20.
THEY ARE:
* LOK FU ESTATE, WANG TAU HOM (APRIL 14 AND 15);
* CHEUNG FAT ESTATE, TSING YI (APRIL 21 AND 22);
* AP LEI CHAU ESTATE, ABERDEEN (MAY 5 AND 6);
» TAI WO ESTATE, TAI PO (MAY 12 AND 13); AND
* YAU 01 ESTATE, TUEN MUN (MAY 19 AND 20).
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10.30 AM TO 4.30 PM.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION CAN TAKE PART IN A QUIZ. FOUR HUNDRED PARTICIPANTS WHO GIVE THE CORRECT ANSWERS WILL EACH BE AWARDED TWO ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE CONCERT.
THE SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN APRIL 23 AND MAY 26. IT WILL COMPRISE TWO DIVISIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED FROM 12 TO 15 AND FROM 16 TO 20.
BOOK COUPONS OR SOUVENIRS PLUS CONCERT TICKETS WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TOP EIGHT WINNERS OF EACH DIVISION. THERE WILL BE 380 CONSOLATION PRIZES CONSISTING CONCERT TICKETS.
THE COLOURING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD FROM MAY 7 TO JUNE 2. IT WILL BE OPEN TO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12 YEARS.
SOUVENIRS AND CONCERT TICKETS WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TOP 30 WINNERS. ANOTHER 370 OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO RECEIVE CONCERT TICKETS.
IN A JOINT EFFORT WITH COMMERCIAL RADIO I’S MORNING PROGRAMME "GOOD DAY", ANTI-DRUG PUBLICITY WILL BE BROADCAST ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS FROM MAY 22 TO JUNE 14.
IT WILL INCLUDE AN ANTI-DRUG DRAMA SERIES AND LISTENERS WHO PHONE IN TO THE PROGRAMME TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON HOW TO SAY "YES" TO LIFE WILL BE GIVEN CONCERT TICKETS.
MR PAO PING-WING SAID RESULTS OF THE QUIZ AND COMPETITIONS WOULD BE ANNOUNCED AT A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL LOW BLOCK EXHIBITION HALL IN CENTRAL, ON JUNE 27 AND 28, IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING.
/ON BEHALF .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
ON BEHALF OF ACAN, MR PAO THANKED TVB, THE HONGKONG BANK FOUNDATION AND THE SHAW FOUNDATION FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTION TO THIS PROJECT — THE THIRD ONE UNDER THE PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP SCHEME WHICH WAS INTRODUCED BY ACAN LAST MAY.
HE ALSO PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO POPULAR SINGER MR HACKEN LEE, WHO SANG THE 1990 ANTI-DRUG THEME SONG IN CANTONESE.
- - 0 - -
NEW NPO OPENS AT TSEUNG KWAN 0 *****
A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE OFFICE (NPO) WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED AT PO LAM ESTATE TODAY (TUESDAY) TO PROVIDE BETTER POLICING IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING TSEUNG KWAN 0 NEW TOWN.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PO LAM NPO, THE POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER (KOWLOON), MR PETER LEE LAM-CHUEN, SAID POLICE MANPOWER AND COMMITMENT TO TSEUNG KWAN 0 WOULD INCREASE TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE POPULATION GROWTH.
MR LEE SAID THE AIM OF ESTABLISHING THE NPO WAS TO FOSTER A SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE POLICE FORCE IN A BID TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME IN THE AREA.
"THE NPO WILL BE MANNED FOR 15 MINUTES 0VERY HOUR (BETWEEN THE HOUR AND QUARTER PAST) ON A 24-HOUR BASIS WHILE AT OTHER TIMES, THE OFFICER WILL BE A PATROL WITHIN PO LAM ESTATE.
"WHEN THE NPO IS CLOSED, A FREE TELEPHONE SITUATED OUTSIDE THE OFFICE ENABLES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE POLICE IN TIMES OF EMERGENCY," MR LEE ADDED.
A NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE CO-ORDINATOR, WHO IS A SERGEANT, IS ALSO DEPLOYED FREQUENTLY TO THE NPO TO HELP PEOPLE WHO NEED POLICE ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH THEIR PROBLEMS.
IN CONCLUSION, MR LEE URGED ALL LOCAL RESIDENTS TO RENDER THEIR CONTINUING SUPPORT TO THE POLICE IN KEEPING THE AREA A SAFE AND PLEASANT PLACE TO LIVE IN.
- - 0 - -
/12
TUESDAY, APML 10, 1990
12
MORE IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICE FOR ELDERLY UNDER WAY
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING ASSISTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SELF-FINANCING CARE-AND-ATTLNTION HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN DOMESTIC PREMISES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHUK LAM MING TONG CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME IN SANDY BAY, MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT THE SHORTFALL IN THE PROVISION OF CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES WAS THE MOST SEVERE, OF ALL THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"ONE WAY TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE IS FOR GOVERNMENT TO BUY PLACES IN PRIVATE HOMES AND WE ARE ALREADY PROCEEDING THIS YEAR WITH THE PURCHASE OF 500 SUCH PLACES," HE SAID.
ANOTHER WAY, HE ADDED, WOULD BE TO ASSIST THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SELF-FINANCING HOMES IN DOMESTIC PREMISES. THE FEASIBILITY OF THAT APPROACH WAS BEING ASSESSED.
"THERE ARE CURRENTLY 2,557 PLACES IN SUBVENTED AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING HOMES WITH A WAITING LIST OF 8,600 APPLICATIONS. A TOTAL OF 606 ADDITIONAL PLACES WILL COME ON STREAM THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT THE THEORETICAL DEMAND WOULD NOT BE FULLY MET UNTIL 1994-95 ON THE BASIS OF A PLANNING RATIO OF EIGHT PLACES FOR EVERY 1,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE POPULATION.
HE SAID THE OPENING OF THE CHUK LAM MING TONG CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME WOULD HELP TO MEET AN ACUTE DEMAND.
THE HOME IS A COMBINED ONE WITH A CAPACITY OF 60 PLACES FOR RESIDENTS IN NEED OF SOME DEGREE OF PERSONAL CARE, AND 120 PLACES FOR FRAIL ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO REQUIRE BOTH CARE AND ATTENTION.
HE COMMENDED THE DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD OF THE ORGANISATION FOR THEIR SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOME.
------0--------
SERVICES FOR ELDERLY UNDER CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT
THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE BEEN MAKING EFFORTS TO WIDEN AND IMPROVE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FAMILY WELFARE) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR ALFRED CHUI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A VEGETARIAN FEAST ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S WONG TAI SIN/SA1 KUNG DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY SERVICE IN THE DISTRICTS.
/"THE GOVERNMENT'S .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 13 -
"THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY, IN THIS RESPECT, HAS FOCUSED ON FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CARE. IN DOING SO, WE HOPE THE ELDERLY COULD SPEND THEIR LIFETIME HAPPILY WITH MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY," HE SAID.
MR CHUI POINTED OUT THAT WONG TAI SIN AND SAI KUNG DISTRICTS WERE PARTICULARLY IN NEED OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF ELDERLY THERE.
"WE HAVE BEEN IMPROVING OUR SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY. AN EXAMPLE WAS THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCES FROM THIS MONTH," HE SAID.
MR CHUI ALSO NOTED THAT, IN ADDITION TO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD BEEN OFFERING A VARIETY OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF HOME HELP SERVICE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOCIAL CENTRES, SOCIAL CLUBS AND THE WORKING GROUP ON HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY.
ALSO ATTENDING THE FEAST TODAY WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (YOUTH AND REHABILITATION), MR KWOK KA-CHI, AND THE REGIONAL OFFICER (EAST KOWLOON), MR LOK MAN-PAN.
MORE THAN 1,000 ELDERLY WERE TREATED TO DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN FOOD AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR ARTISTES.
----------------------0-------- FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED $17,360 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO EIGHT VICTIMS INJURED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON MARCH 17.
EIGHTEEN PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT WHEN A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS OVERTURNED AT AP LEI CHAU.
THE TAVA SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW PROCESSING ONE OTHER APPLICATION WHILE THE REMAINING APPLICATIONS WERE FOUND NOT ELIGIBLE.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME WILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
/HOWEVER, THOSE ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 14
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME. BUT IN ANY CASE, THE AMOUNT TO BE REPAID WOULD NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT MAKING APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, VICTORIA CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 570 2410.
- - - - 0------
RESTRICTED AREA ON WAGLAN «*»♦»»
A LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ESTABLISHING A RESTRICTED AREA WITHIN 100 METRES OF THE LOW WATER MARK ON WAGLAN ISLAND WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHEAST EXTREMITY OF HONG KONG WATERS.
NO VESSEL IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREA EXCEPT WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
WAGLAN ISLAND HOUSES A VESSEL TRAFFIC RELAY STATION AND A LIGHTHOUSE.
THE AMENDED SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $5,000 IN FINE AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR THOSE WHO CONTRAVENE THE REGULATIONS.
THE AMENDMENT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN A GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND A NOTICE TO MARINERS ISSUED.
- - 0----------
/15........
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
15
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS’ SERVICES
*******
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF SERVICES BY PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE COMMITTEE’S WORK PLAN FOR 1990-91.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 6 TUNG YAN STREET.
---------u-----------
STREET SLEEPERS TOLD TO LEAVE PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT
*****
STREET SLEEPERS SQUATTING AT THE O’BRIEN ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN WAN CHAI WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) TOLD TO LEAVE THE PLACE FOR GOOD AND MAKE USE OF HOSTELS FOR STREET SLEEPERS IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY RECEIVED THE MESSAGE DURING A SPECIAL CLEARANCE OPERATION CO-ORDINATED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, POINTED OUT THAT THE STREET SLEEPERS WERE CAUSING MUCH INCONVENIENCE BY DWELLING AND PLACING JUNK IN AN AREA WHICH IS FREQUENTED BY THOUSANDS OF PEDESTRIANS EVERYDAY.
"THERE ARE A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXIT AND A PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER RUN BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, AND MANY GOVERNMENT OFFICES NEARBY.
"VERY OFTEN, PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GAIN ACCESS TO THESE PUBLIC FACILITIES HAVE TO ZIGZAG THEIR WAY BECAUSE OF THE OBSTRUCTIONS POSED BY THE STREET SLEEPERS," MR MANN SAID.
"THESE PEOPLE ARE ALSO A CONSTANT TARGET OF COMPLAINT BY NEARBY RESIDENTS," HE ADDED.
/MR MAIN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 16 -
MR MANN SAID THE ONLY WAY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM IN THE SHORT TERM WAS TO STEP UP CLEARANCE ACTIONS, AS THERE WAS AS YET NO SPECIAL LEGISLATION AGAINST STREET-SLEEPING.
"AT PRESENT, WE CLEAR THE PLACE TWICE A WEEK. BUT WE WILL CONSIDER INCREASING THE FREQUENCY IF THE SITUATION DOES NOT IMPROVE.
"IN THE LONGER TERM, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO SET UP A NEW HOSTEL FOR STREET SLEEPERS IN THE DISTRICT, WITH FUNDS DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB," MR MANN SAID.
TODAY’S OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE. NOTICES OF THE CLEARANCE HAD BEEN SERVED TO THE STREET SLEEPERS IN ADVANCE BY SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT STAFF.
"IF THESE PEOPLE WANT ANY HELP, WE WILL BE HAPPY TO GIVE IT. HOWEVER, THEY MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO SQUAT IN THE O’BRIEN ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT WHICH IS THE HEART OF WAN CHAI," MR MANN ADDED.
--------0-----------
LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION ♦ * * * *
TWENTY-NINE WINNERS OF A "GREEN PLANT PROJECT" LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AT A CEREMONY AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE ON THURSDAY (APRIL 12).
THE PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DR MICHAEL LEE; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG.
THE COMPETITION IS PART OF THE "GREEN PLANT PROJECT", AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN BEAUTIFYING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
THE FIRST STAGE, INVOLVING ABOUT 1,000 STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT’S 28 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, IS NOW UNDER WAY. IF PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE PROJECT WILL BE EXTENDED TO OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SEMINAR ON BASIC GARDENING TECHNIQUES TO BE CONDUCTED BY HORTICULTURAL EXPERTS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/MORE THAN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
MORE THAN 200 TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WILL ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN "GREEN PLANT PROJECT" LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND THE SEMINAR ON BASIC GARDENING TECHNIQUES TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (APRIL 12) IN THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 104 CHING TAK STREET, KOWLOON.
THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL BEGIN AT 3.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT EIGHT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS ON APRIL 13 AND 16 (FRIDAY AND MONDAY).
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, YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND 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 - -
PUBLIC URGED TO PLANT TREES DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PLANNING TO VISIT THE COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE COMING EASTER HOLIDAYS MAY AS WELL MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HELP CONSERVE OUR COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT BY PLANTING TREES IN THE DESIGNATED PLANTING SITES.
THEY ARE URGED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO TAKE PART IN THE 1990 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG HIKING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES GROUPS.
/THE SCHEME
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 18 -
THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED ON MARCH 4 AND WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 30.
ON ALL SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH, TREE SEEDLINGS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FREE FOR PLANTING BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN COUNTRY PARKS AT TAI MO SHAN, TAI MEI TUK, PAK TAM CHUNG, QUARRY BAY, MUI WO AND CLEAR WATER BAY.
AFD STAFF WILL BE ON DUTY AT THE SITES TO PROVIDE TOOLS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PLANTING.
MEANWHILE, TREE PLANTING BY SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS CAN BE ARRANGED FOR WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAYS DURING THE PERIOD.
INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS CAN CONTACT AFD’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON 733 2121 FOR REGISTRATION.
GOOD RESPONSE HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SINCE THE LAUNCH OF THIS YEAR’S SCHEME. MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIVE HAVE VOLUNTEERED THEIR SUPPORT AND PLANTED A TOTAL OF SOME 13,700 TREES.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR ANOTHER 110 GROUPS OF ABOUT 7,000 PEOPLE TO PLANT TREES IN THE COMING WEEKS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR M.K. CHEUNG, SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE GOOD RESPONSE WHICH WAS INDICATIVE OF THE INCREASING PUBLIC SUPPORT IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.
MR CHEUNG SAID TREE PLANTING WAS ESSENTIAL IN STOPPING SOIL EROSION, IN BEAUTIFYING OUR COUNTRYSIDE AND IN REPLENISHING THE STOCK OF TREES DAMAGED BY HILL FIRES.
"IT HAS LONG BEEN OUR PRACTICE TO INVOLVE THE PUBLIC IN PLANTING AND CARING FOR TREES IN OUR COUNTRY PARKS TO MAKE THEM REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN AND GREEN," HE SAID.
THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL EVENT, SINCE 1957, TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
/19 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10,
1990
- 19 -
CONTRACTOR SELECTED TO RUN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) LIMITED HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER FOR THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF 14 GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS, AND THE PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND SALE OF GOVERNMENT TUNNEL TICKETS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE COMPANY HAD BEEN SELECTED BY THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AMONG NINE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS BIDDING FOR THE CONTRACT.
A TOTAL OF 26 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ORGANISATIONS HAD APPROACHED THE DEPARTMENT AFTER THE TENDER INVITATION WAS ANNOUNCED AND PAID A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $800.
THE NEW CONTRACT WILL LAST FOR THREE YEARS COMMENCING MAY 1, THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE CONTRACT CONSISTED OF TWO AGREEMENTS. THE FIRST AGREEMENT IS FOR THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF 14 MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS TOTALLING 8,173 PARKING BAYS LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE SECOND AGREEMENT IS FOR THE PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND SALE OF TUNNEL TICKETS OF THE LION ROCK, ABERDEEN, SHING MUN AND JUNK BAY TUNNELS AT THE GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS AND OTHER OUTLETS TO BE PROPOSED BY THE CONTRACTOR AND APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
--------0-----------
WATER CUT ON LANTAU *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 12) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
CHUNG HAU , TAI TEI WONG KUNG OUTDOOR
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT MUI WO STREET, CHUNG HAU, MUI WO RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, LUK TEI TONG TONG. CHOI YUEN TSUEN, TSENG TAU SAN TSUEN, PAK NGAN HEUNG, TIN NAM PING, WANG TONG, METHODIST CONFERENCE CENTRE, RECREATION CAMP, TUNG WAU TAU, KIU TAU TSUEN AND WO TIN.
----------0-----------
/20 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
- 20 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSUEN WAN * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 12), CERTAIN SECTIONS OF TAI HO ROAD AND SHA TSUI ROAD IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS 24 HOURS DAILY:
THEY ARE:
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI HO ROAD BETWEEN A POINT
ABOUT 140 METRES SOUTHWEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHA TSUI
ROAD AND HOI PA STREET;
* THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI HO ROAD BETWEEN A POINT
ABOUT 90 METRES NORTHEAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHA TSUI
ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 135 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 180 METRES NORTHWEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI HO ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEN WO TIK STREET AND YUEN TUN CIRCUIT.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTION FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY ON THE ABOVE SECTIONS OF TAI HO ROAD AND THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND SECTIONS OF SHA TSUI ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN NEW TERRITORIES
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 12) TO APRIL 24, THE NORTHBOUND INNERMOST AND CENTRE LANES OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUT ROUNDABOUT AND KAI LENG ELEVATED ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, WHILE ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE TIME.
FROM APRIL 22 TO 30, THE SOUTHBOUND INNERMOST AND CENTRE LANES OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND KAI LENG ELEVATED ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, WHILE ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE TIME.
FROM MAY 1 TO 8, THE SOUTHBOUND OUTERMOST AND CENTRE LANES OF TAI PO (FANLING) BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND KAI LENG ELEVATED ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY, WHILE ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE TIME.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
------0--------
/21 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1990
21
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN
***»»»
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 12), A ONE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN SAM SHING STREET AND TUEN MUN ROAD FLYOVER FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM SAM SHING STREET ONTO SOUTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY BANNED.
VEHICLES ON SAM SHING STREET HEADING FOR SOUTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD CAN MAKE USE OF NORTHBOUND CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TSING HOI CIRCUIT.
- - 0 - -
BAN ZONES IN SHAU KEI WAN » * » » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17), ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING EIGHT METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS:
* THE SECTION BETWEEN KAM WA STREET AND SAI YUN LANE; AND
t THE SECTION BETWEEN BASEL ROAD AND THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR GROUND LEVEL ROAD.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
U.K. INCREASE EDUCATION CONTRIBUTION TO 2.2M POUND STERLING....................... 1
ANALYSIS OF HK'S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN 1989 BY MARKET, COUNTRY OF ORIGIN....... 2
CONTROLLING PUBLIC SPENDING TO KEEP INFLATION DOWN ............................... 6
COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MEETS URBAN TAXI GROUPS ............................... 7
HEAD OF AFD’S FISHERIES BRANCH RETIRES ........................................... 7
POLICE MUSEUM A POPULAR VISITING PLACE ........................................... 8
EXOTIC PLANTS ON DISPLAY ........................................................ 10
POK FU LAM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ON AGENDA .................................. 11
DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS ........................................... H
CAREERS TALKS FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS ............................................. 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHUI SITE
13
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
U.K. INCREASE EDUCATION CONTRIBUTION TO 2.2M POUND STERLING ♦ **♦*»*
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE DECIDED TO INCREASE ITS ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION TO 2.2 MILLION POUND STERLING TO THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME TO PROVIDE FEE SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS PURSUING STUDIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A VISIT TO THE CITY POLYTECHNIC THIS MORNING, MR MAUDE SAID THE 10 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE CONTRIBUTION WOULD BE EFFECTIVE FROM THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
’’THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THEY WILL INCREASE THEIR CONTRIBUTION BY THE SAME AMOUNT," HE SAID.
"THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT ARE VERY KEEN TO ENCOURAGE CLOSER LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BRITAIN IN ALL FIELDS. EDUCATION IS ONE FIELD IN WHICH WE ARE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED," THE MINISTER SAID.
"THAT IS WHY WE INTRODUCED IN 1983, A SCHEME WHICH IS JOINTLY FUNDED WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FEE SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS WHO WISH TO PURSUE THEIR STUDIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM," MR MAUDE SAID.
HE SAID SINCE 1983, THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG STUDENTS WHO HAD TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE SCHEME HAD INCREASED TO ABOUT 1,600 A YEAR, THE BENEFICIARIES COMING FROM FAMILIES WITH A RELATIVELY LOW DISPOSABLE INCOME.
MR MAUDE POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS MEASURE, WHICH PLAYED A USEFUL ROLE IN MAKING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO A CROSS SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO INCREASE ITS CONTRIBUTION.
"THIS IS YET ANOTHER INDICATION OF THE SORT OF SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT WHICH HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT IS GIVING TO HONG KONG, WORKING CLOSELY IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO WORK FOR ITS FUTURE," HE SAID.
HAVING SPOKEN TO A GROUP OF STUDENTS AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC DURING HIS VISIT, MR MAUDE SAID HE WAS HUGELY IMPRESSED BY THEIR ABILITY, ENTHUSIASM AND CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.
"IT’S THAT CONFIDENCE, THAT SELF-CONFIDENCE, THAT HONG KONG CAN ADAPT AND BUILD A FUTURE THAT IS GOING TO MAKE A GOOD DEAL OF DIFFERENCE," MR MAUDE SAID.
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/2 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
- 2 -
ANALYSIS OF UK’S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN 1989 BY MARKET, COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
******
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $346,405 MILLION IN 1989, A GROWTH OF 26 PER CENT IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH 1988.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT RELEASED THE SUMMARY STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S ANALYSED BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET
TODAY (WEDNESDAY)
RE-EXPORTS IN 1989
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1.
CHINA AND THE USA, THE TWO LARGEST MARKETS FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, ACCOUNTED FOR 30 PER CENT AND 21 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN 1989. THE SHARES OF JAPAN, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA WERE 6 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING 1989 WITH 1988, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED, WITH THE MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES RECORDED IN THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+52 PER CENT), THE USA (+46 PER CENT), CANADA (+45 PERCENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+39 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (+29 PER CENT), JAPAN (+28 PER CENT), AND SINGAPORE (+27 PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CHINA ALSO INCREASED, BY 17 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE LARGEST MARKET, INCREASED BY $8,597 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT IN 1989 AS COMPARED WITH 1988.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY FOR THE MARKET, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILES (BY $5,119 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT); PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $1,733 MILLION OR 147 PER CENT); AND LEATHER, LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY $842 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $1,128 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT) AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $1,091 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE USA, THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, INCREASED BY $22,550 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT.
COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $6,627 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $4,308 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $3,737 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, A ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
- 3 -
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $408 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN INCREASED BY $4,851 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,693 MILLION OR 84 PER CENT); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS; WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $661 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT).
A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR IRON AND STEEL (BY $210 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN RECORDED AN INCREASE OF $2,348 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $889 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT); AND TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $333 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $153 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA GREW BY $1,515 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILES (BY $638 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $219 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) .
A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $480 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
RE-EXPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.
GOODS FROM CHINA, JAPAN, TAIWAN, THE USA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA CONTRIBUTED 54 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG IN 1989.
COMPARING 1989 WITH 1988, MOST OF THE MAJOR ORIGIN COUNTRIES SUPPLIED MORE IN VALUE TERMS TO HONG KONG FOR RE-EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY SINGAPORE (+84 PER CENT) AND CHINA (+43 PER CENT).
CHINA CONTINUED TO BE THE LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1989. A GROWTH OF 43 PER CENT IN VALUE OR $56,746 MILLION OVER 1988 WAS RECORDED IN THE RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN CHINA.
AMONGST GOODS ORIGINATING IN CHINA, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $13,583 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $12,166 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $7,987 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
4
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $816 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT); AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $513 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).
JAPAN REMAINED THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1989. COMPARED WITH 1988, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF $1,284 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN JAPAN.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $584 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS; WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $352 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT); AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $181 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).
A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $790 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN TAIWAN INCREASED BY $5,753 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS IN 1989, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF TEXTILES (BY $1,700 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT); AND LEATHER, LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY $598 MILLION OR 97 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $72 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE USA INCREASED BY $3,172 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. COMMODITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,238 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT); AND TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $832 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $929 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY $1,773 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT IN VALUE, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $975 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT); AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $734 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, AN INCREASE WAS RECORDED FOR TEXTILES (BY $445 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE ABOVE RE-EXPORT STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1989" NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $17.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4915.
/TABLE 1 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
- 5
TABLE 1: RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS PERCENTAGE INCREASE ( % )
MAJOR MARKET JAN-DEC 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.)
CHI JA 103,492 94,895 + 8,597 4- 9
USA 72,033 49,483 + 22,550 4- • • 46
JAPAN 22,268 17,4'18 + 4,851 4- 28
TAIWAN 16,478 14,130 + 2,348 4- 17
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 13,279 11,764 4- 1,515 • 4- 13
F.F. OF GERMANY 13,121 8,637 + 4,484 4- 52
SINGAPORE 11,029 8,703 + 2,326 4- 27
UK 8,918 6,420 + 2,499 4- 39
AUSTRALIA 5,760 4,459 4- 1,302 4- 29
CANADA 5,413 3,742 4- 1,671 4- • 45
TABLE 2: RE- EXPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
COUNTRY OF ORJ GIN JAN-DEC 1989 JAN-DEC 1988 INCRFASE PERCENTAGE INCREASE
(HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) ( % )
CHINA 188,271 131,525 + 56,746 4- 43
JAPAN 38,998 37,714 + 1,284 4- 3
TA 1 WAN 26,960 21,208 + 5,753 4- 27
USA 22,325 19,153 + 3,172 4- 17
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 11,278 13,050 - 1,773 . - 14
SI GAPORE 5,039 2,734 + 2,306 4- 84
F.R. OF GERMANY 4,927 4,201 + 726 4- 17
SW ITZERLAND 4,090 3,346 + 744 4- 22
FRANCE 3,721 3,134 + 587 4- 19
UK 3,707 3,255 + 452 4- 14
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/6.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL XI,. 1990
6
CONTROLLING PUBLIC SPENDING TO KEEP INFLATION DOWN ♦ ♦ * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, HAS REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SERIOUS ABOUT CONTROLLING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MORE TIGHTLY, AND HENCE ALSO HELPING TO KEEP DOWN INFLATION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW HOME ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES SHOW 1990 TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT A MYTH WAS, GROWING THAT THE NEED TO RAISE TAXES, AND TO TIGHTEN CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE, ALL AROSE BECAUSE OF THE AIRPORT.
•'THIS IS VERY MISLEADING," HE SAID, ADDING THAT , THE MAIN, PROBLEM WAS THE RAPID GROWTH IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE - UP ABOUT 9.5 PER CENT IN 1990-91 IN REAL TERMS - AT A TIME WHEN ECONOMIC GROWTH HAD GONE DOWN TO ABOUT THREE PER CENT.
"OF COURSE THE AIRPORT IS AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF OUR MEDIUM TERM PLANS. * «
"BUT IT IS MAINLY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, SPREAD OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS, AND WILL BE PARTLY PAID FOR BY PRIVATE INVESTORS," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD STRESSED THAT THE PORT AND AIRPORT DID NOT FEATURE SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE 1990-91 ESTIMATES.
TURNING TO THE NEW HOME ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES SHOW 1990, MR '.ACLEOD DESCRIBED IT AS A SHOWCASE OF HONG KONG’S TECHNOLOGICAL \DVANCES AND PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES.
"CREDIT MUST GO TO THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY FOR THE INCREASING APPLICATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, SUCH AS COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING, AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY AND PROPRIETARY SURFACE TREATMENT PROCESS.
"THE POSITIVE OUTCOME IS THAT BUYERS AT HOME AND ABROAD ARE ASSURED OF QUALITY AND VALUE," HE SAID.
HONG KONG EXPORTED A TOTAL VALUE OF $16,690 MILLION OF EL’ETRICAL PRODUCTS AND IMPORTED MORE THAN $21 BILLION WORTH OF MAJOR F... f TRONIC AND ELECTRICAL HOME APPLIANCES IN 1989, MR MACLEOD SAID.
"THIS BUSINESS VOLUME REFLECTED NOT ONLY OUR VERY CONSIDERABLE CONSUMER SPENDING POWER BUT ALSO HONG KONG’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO FREE ' TRADE," HE ADDED.
n....
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MEETS URBAN TAXI GROUPS
******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GORDON SIU, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MET FOUR SEPARATE REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS OF OWNERS AND DRIVERS OF THE TAXI TRADE TO EXCHANGE VIEWS OVER THE APPLICATIONS FOR URBAN TAXI FARE RISE.
THIS FOLLOWED A MEETING OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE YESTERDAY WHICH RECOMMENDED THAT A FARE REVISION FOR URBAN TAXIS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
IN A LETTER TO THE TAXI ASSOCIATIONS AFTER TODAY’S MEETINGS, MR SIU SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD FULLY NOTED THE CONCERN OF THE TRADE.
"THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS FULLY CONSIDERED THE TAXI FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL FACTORS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE TRADE, AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL FARE ITEMS FOR HIRING A TAXI WILL BE PUT UP SHORTLY TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
"ORIGINALLY THE DEPARTMENT HAD PLANNED TO COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATIONS BY THE END OF MAY," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, IN RESPONSE TO REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE TRADE AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT INCREASE IN FUEL TAX WHICH HAS CAUSED ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF TAXI DRIVERS, THE DEPARTMENT EXPEDITED THE ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICATION AND HAS SUCCEEDED IN ADVANCING THE PROCESSING DATE BY EIGHT WEEKS, MR SIU ADDED.
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HEAD OF AFD’S FISHERIES BRANCH RETIRES *****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BADE FAREWELL TO THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES), DR CHRISTOPHER LEE, WHO IS RETIRING NEXT WEEK AFTER 23 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
DR LEE JOINED THE AFD IN 1966 AS AN ASSISTANT RESEARCH OFFICER. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICER IN 1980 AND TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN 1986.
SPEAKING AT THE FAREWELL PARTY HELD AT THE AFD HEADQUARTERS THIS AFTERNOON, THE DIRECTOR PAID TRIBUTE TO DR LEE’S USEFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S FISHERIES INDUSTRY OVER THE YEARS.
/"THROUGHOUT HIS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
- 8 -
"THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, DR LEE HAS DISPLAYED A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF INTEGRITY AND LOYALTY AS WELL AS A STRONG SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DEDICATION," HE SAID.
"HE HAS BEEN A VALUABLE ASSET TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT BECAUSE OF HIS EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE IN FISHERIES AND FISHERIES RESEARCH."
THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT DR LEE HAD MADE INDISPUTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE AREA OF MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH IN HONG KONG.
"IN THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, HE SPENT RELENTLESS EFFORT IN STUDYING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPLOITED TROPICAL FISHERIES AND THE VARIOUS WAYS TO IMPROVE THE APPRAISAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES.
"IN THIS FIELD, HE PIONEERED THE COMPUTERISATION OF IMPORTANT FISHERIES STATISTICS," HE SAID.
ON CAPTURE FISHERIES, DR LEE HAD ALSO PARTICIPATED ACTIVELY IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND CO-ORDINATING PROGRAMME WHICH PROVIDED HONG KONG WITH VALUABLE ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPING EXPLORATORY FISHING AND ACOUSTIC TECHNIQUES.
DR LAWRENCE LEE SAID: "THESE EFFORTS HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S CAPTURE FISHERIES WHICH NOW SUPPLY SOME THREE-QUARTERS OF ITS MARINE FISH CONSUMPTION NEEDS."
THE DIRECTOR ALSO NOTED THAT MUCH EFFORT HAD BEEN PUT IN BY DR LEE TO IMPROVE LIAISON WITH THE FISHERIES INDUSTRIES.
"THE FISHING COMMUNITY’S APPRECIATION OF A BETTER MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES HAVE ASSISTED GREATLY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE AS WELL AS ENABLING THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION TO COMBAT EFFECTIVELY ILLEGAL FISH MARKETING," HE SAID.
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POLICE MUSEUM A POPULAR VISITING PLACE *****
THE POLICE MUSEUM AT 27 COOMBE ROAD, WAN CHAI, HAS BECOME A POPULAR VISITING PLACE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
"SINCE ITS OPENING IN DECEMBER 1988, A TOTAL OF 88,000 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 5,500 GROUP PARTICIPANTS AND 82,500 INDIVIDUALS, HAVE VISITED THE MUSEUM WHICH HOUSES AN INTERESTING DISPLAY OF POLICE EXHIBITS RANGING FROM OLD UNIFORMS TO DRUG PARAPHERNALIA," A POLICE SPOKEMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/•'THE VISITORS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
- 9 -
"THE VISITORS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, INCLUDING STUDENTS, HOUSEWIVES AND TOURISTS," HE ADDED.
NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE CURRENT GALLERY, ONE OF THE FOUR GALLERIES IN THE MUSEUM WHICH CHANGES ITS THEME FROM TIME-TO-TIME, IS THE WORK OF MARINE POLICE OFFICERS WHO ARE TASKED WITH THE POLICING OF 1,850 SQUARE KILOMETRES OF TERRITORIAL WATERS AND WITH THE INTERCEPTION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
POLICE MUSEUM CURATOR, MR LEWIS NG, SAID: "PLANS ARE NOW IN HAND TO INTRODUCE WORK OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT. PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING PTU PERSONNEL UNDERGOING TRAINING WILL BE AVAILABLE IN JUNE.
"A RECENT ADDITION TO THE ORIENTATION GALLERY, WHICH IS THE MOST POPULAR FOCAL POINT, ARE THREE LITHOGRAPHS WHICH WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN DISPLAYED IN THE ORIGINAL STANLEY POLICE STATION FOR OVER 130 YEARS. SUCH VALUABLE HIGHLIGHTS HAVE ATTRACTED THE ATTENTION OF NUMEROUS VISITORS," HE ADDED.
"TWO OF THE LITHOGRAPHS FEATURE HILLS AND HOUSES, WHILE THE OTHER ONE IS A GENERAL VIEW OF STANLEY. THESE PICTURES ARE ALL SAID TO HAVE BEEN DRAWN BY LIEUTENANT R.E. COLLINSON IN 1845."
ANOTHER TWO UNIQUE EXHIBITS NOW ON DISPLAY IN THE BASEMENT AND LOBBY OF THE MUSEUM ARE A PAIR OF ANTIQUE TELEPHONES WHICH WERE INSTALLED IN THE STANLEY PRISON IN 1940. AT THAT TIME, THEY PROVIDED A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE STANLEY AND THE MA HANG PRISONS AND STANLEY POLICE STATION.
AN ALBUM, WHICH BELONGED TO A GAZETTED OFFICER, DONALD BURINGHAM, WHO SHOT DEAD A TIGER NEAR THE SHEUNG SHUI POLICE STATION IN 1915, HAS BEEN LOANED TO THE MUSEUM ON A PERMANENT BASIS BY THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST.
INSIDE THE ALBUM ARE 200 PICTURES DEPICTING THE LIFE OF MR BURINGHAM WHILST SERVING AS THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT. HE WAS EVENTUALLY PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ACTING INSPECTOR GENERAL IN 1936.
AT THE TWO OTHER GALLERIES - THE NARCOTICS GALLERY AND THE TRIAD SOCIETIES GALLERY - THERE ARE PICTURES AND EXHIBITS OF IMPORTANT DRUG SEIZURES AND A HISTORIAL RECORD OF TRIAD SOCIETIES.
THE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS BETWEEN FRIDAY (APRIL 13) AND MONDAY (APRIL 16). IT WILL RE-OPEN FOR THE AFTERNOON SESSION ON TUESDAY.
NORMAL OPENING HOURS ARE 9 AM AND 5 PM FROM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY AND 2 PM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY. THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS, TUESDAY MORNINGS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
FOR ENQUIRIES AND APPOINTMENTS FOR GUIDED TOURS, PLEASE CALL 849 7019.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
10
EXOTIC PLANTS ON DISPLAY *****
VISITORS TO THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG MONASTERY TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WILL BE TREATED TO SOME 400 EXOTIC POTTED PLANTS.
PRESENTED IN FINE TRADITIONAL CHINESE BONSAI STYLE, THE PLANTS ARE ON DISPLAY IN THE 1990 TUEN MUN BONSAI SHOW WHICH RUNS UNTIL APRIL 22 (SUNDAY).
A MINIATURE CHINESE HACKBERRY FOREST OF MORE THAN 200-YEAR-OLD AND A RARE 400-YEAR-OLD HAIRY WILLOW ELM ARE THE CENTRE OF ATTRACTION AT THE EXHIBITION.
APART FROM THE RICH COLLECTION OF POTTED PLANTS FROM THE MONASTERY THE SHOW ALSO FEATURES WINNING ENTRIES TO A BONSAI COMPETITION HELD EARLIER IN TUEN MUN.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AT 11 AM TOMORROW.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR LEO KWAN; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (LEISURE SERVICES) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR DAVID CHIU; AND THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR Y.W. LIU.
THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG MONASTERY, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. LTD.
THE 11-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1990 TUEN
MUN BONSAI SHOW WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG MONASTERY, TUEN MUN.
- - 0 - -
/Il
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
- 11 -
POK FU LAM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ON AGENDA
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS MODIFICATIONS TO THE POK FU LAM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME PROPOSED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE MODIFICATIONS INCLUDE THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE PROPOSED EXCLUSIVE USAGE BY HEAVY VEHICLES OF A SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND BONHAM ROAD; AND THE WIDENING OF THE PAVEMENT AT HIGH STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH POK FU LAM ROAD FOR THE SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.
MEMBERS WILL REVIEW CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S EXISTING FARE STRUCTURE AND ITS FARE INCREASES FOR 1990.
THEY WILL ALSO EXAMINE PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF ICE HOUSE STREET AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD, AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT VEHICULAR ACCESS TO BUILDINGS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SIGNALISED CROSSING AT THE JUNCTION OF BONHAM ROAD AND CAINE ROAD, AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE UPGRADING AND DUALLING OF THE CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS
******
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG BOARD WILL STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
DISTRICT PROJECTS
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE WORK ON THE CHOI HA ROAD SOUTHERN EXTENSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER
THE MEETING
OF
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT
THE WILL
OFFICE
CONFERENCE ROOM, 6 TUNG YAN STREET.
2.30
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/12........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
- 12 -
CAREERS TALKS FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS *****
LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL GIVE A SERIES OF TALKS TO POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS ON CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN NOW AND MAY.
"THE TALKS ARE DESIGNED TO KEEP TERTIARY STUDENTS POSTED ON THE LATEST JOB MARKET SITUATIONS AND TO EQUIP THEM WITH THE NECESSARY JOB-HUNTING SKILLS," THE LABOUR OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (HEES), MRS MIRANDA LAM, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THESE TALKS ALSO SERVE TO ACQUAINT STUDENTS WITH THE WIDE-RANGING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HEES WHICH THEY WILL FIND MOST USEFUL WHEN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT," SHE ADDED.
A TOTAL OF 15 TALKS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR SOME 2,000 FINAL YEAR STUDENTS AT SHUE YAN COLLEGE AND SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
"EMPLOYERS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECRUIT SUITABLE STAFF BY PLACING VACANCY ORDERS WITH THE HEES," MRS LAM NOTED.
"THE VACANCIES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO STUDENTS DURING THE CAREERS TALKS AND INTERESTED STUDENTS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE EMPLOYERS FOR INTERVIEWS.
"WE NOW USE COMPUTER TO REGISTER THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF JOB-SEEKERS AND TO MATCH THEM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE VACANCIES ON HAND," SHE EXPLAINED.
IN ADDITION, THE HEES SENDS ITS MONTHLY PUBLICATION "PRIME JOBS IN HONG KONG" TO ABOUT 600 OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES, TERTIARY INSTITUTES AND STUDENT BODIES TO HELP ATTRACT HONG KONG STUDENTS TO RETURN AND WORK IN THE TERRITORY.
ANOTHER PUBLICATION, "CANDIDATE PROFILE", WHICH CONTAINS ESSENTIAL PARTICULARS OF SELECTED REGISTRANTS, IS DISTRIBUTED TO SOME 1,000 EMPLOYERS EVERY MONTH.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, EMPLOYERS AND POST-SECONDARY GRADUATES MAY CALL AT THE HEES AT HARBOUR BUILDING, SIXTH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, OR BY TELEPHONING 852 3232 OR 852 3233.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
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TENDERS INVITED FOR SHEUNG SHUI SITE
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A GOVERNMENT SITE IN AREA 28A, SHEUNG SHUI, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,150 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF NEW MOTOR VEHICLES NOT LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AND/OR A FEE-PAYING LORRY PARK.
HOWEVER, CONTAINER VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE ABOVE PURPOSES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 27.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING; 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.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990
TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, ON
APRIL 11, 1990
1
MINISTER OF STATE GIVES PRESS CONFERENCE * * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS MAUDE ON APRIL 11, 1990:
MR MAUDE: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WELL, THIS HAS BEEN MY THIRD VISIT TO HONG KONG. AS ALWAYS WHEN I COME TO HONG KONG, I'VE BEEN HUGELY IMPRESSED BY THE DYNAMISM OF THE PLACE; I'VE BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE INVESTMENT THAT IS GOING ON; THE LONG TERM PLANNING THAT IS GOING ON HERE. I'VE BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE BRIEFING I HAVE BEEN GIVEN ON THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, SHOWING THAT HONG KONG IS CASTING ITS MIND AND ITS PLANS WELL FORWARD INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
I HAVE NOTICED, ALSO, THE INCREDIBLE VITALITY, AS ALWAYS, OF REALLY ALL ASPECTS OF HONG KONG'S LIFE. NOT JUST THE COMMERCIAL AND THE INDUSTRIAL LIFE OF HONG KONG, BUT THE WORK ON EDUCATION - SHOWN IN MY VISIT TO THE POLYTECHNIC THIS MORNING, IN MY DISCUSSIONS WITH STUDENTS THERE; WORK ON HOUSING IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT - AGAIN SHOWN BY MY VISIT TO WONG TAI SIN, YESTERDAY. IT ALL SEEMS, TO ME, TO BE EVIDENCE THAT HONG KONG IS LOOKING FORWARD, IS NOT LOOKING BACK; IT IS CASTING ITS EYES, AS I SAY, WELL FORWARD INTO THE NEXT CENTURY. AND AS ALWAYS, I FIND AN INSPIRATION IN HONG KONG'S 'CAN DO' ATTITUDE. IT'S A PLACE WHERE YOU SIMPLY DON'T HEAR THE WORD 'CAN'T'.
ON THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, I TAKE BACK RENEWED DETERMINATION THAT A SOLUTION MUST BE FOUND TO THIS PROBLEM. IT IS GOOD, OF COURSE, THAT THERE ARE MORE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE LEAVING HONG KONG THAN THERE ARE ARRIVING - THAT’S ENCOURAGING. BUT THE CENTRAL MESSAGE HAS TO BE, AS IT HAS HAD TO BE THROUGHOUT, THAT FOR BOAT PEOPLE COMING HERE, THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE FOR THEM BUT TO RETURN TO VIETNAM. AND THAT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD BACK IN VIETNAM. AND THAT MEANS THAT THE POLICY OF VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION HAS TO UNDERPIN THE WHOLE OF OUR APPROACH. AND THAT IS THE APPROACH NOT JUST OF US, BUT OF THE WHOLE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, EXCEPT PERHAPS FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
ON THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE THE MESSAGE I SHALL TAKE BACK IS THAT HONG KONG HAS GREATLY APPRECIATED THE FIRM STANCE THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN; THE INTENTION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT TO GIVE FIRM SUPPORT TO THE TERRITORY. THE MESSAGE THAT THE PACKAGE HAS GIVEN HOPE TO HONG KONG, AND THAT IT WOULD BE DISASTROUS FOR HONG KONG SHOULD IT FAIL.
I BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN GIVEN A FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL BOOST BY THE ACCUMULATED PLEDGES AND POTENTIAL PLEDGES THAT I WAS ABLE TO ANNOUNCE YESTERDAY FROM ELSEWHERE AROUND THE WORLD. AND THAT SIMPLY REFLECTS THE WIDESPREAD INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS INTEREST THAT THERE IS, THE STAKE THAT THERE IS, IN HONG KONG FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
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ANOTHER THEME WHICH HAS EMERGED IN MY MANY DISCUSSIONS IS THE DESIRE HERE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CONTINUING AND CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH CHINA. WELL, I ENTIRELY AGREE WITH THAT. THE JOINT DECLARATION COMMITS THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA TO WORK TOGETHER CLOSELY AND SINCERELY FOR HONG KONG'S LONG TERM FUTURE, TO GUARANTEE HONG KONG'S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY. WE ARE ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED TO THAT, AND CHINA HAS CONTINUALLY REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE INTERESTS OF CHINA, OF BRITAIN AND OF HONG KONG, ARE IDENTICAL IN THIS RESPECT, AND THEY'RE THE SAME - THAT THE LONG TERM SUCCESS OF HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE. IT IS IN NO ONE'S INTEREST TO PICK QUARRELS. WELL, QUITE APART FROM THE LEGAL OBLIGATION TO WORK TOGETHER FOR HONG KONG'S SUCCESS, THERE ARE MANY OF US WHO FEEL A DEEP PERSONAL ATTACHMENT AND COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG. RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG IS NOT THE LEAST DEMANDING NOR THE LEAST STIMULATING OF MY RESPONSIBILITIES BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT THERE IS NO PART OF MY JOB THAT MEANS MORE TO ME THAN WORKING FOR THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG. THANK YOU.
EMILY LAU (FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW): MINISTER, I HAVE GOT TWO QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT YOU MADE YESTERDAY. THE FIRST ONE IS, THERE SEEMED TO BE QUITE A LOT OF CONFUSION ABOUT WHAT YOU ANNOUNCED BECAUSE MANY MEMBERS OF THE PRESS CONTACTED THE VARIOUS CONSULATES HERE AND SOME SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, AND SOME FEEL QUITE ANGRY AT THE ANNOUNCEMENT. SO WOULD YOU PLEASE CLARIFY FOR US, ON WHAT SORT OF TALKS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS CONDUCTED, AND WHAT KIND OF RESPONSES HAVE YOU RECEIVED?
AND THE NEXT ONE IS A QUESTION CONCERNING THE DRAFT BILL - THE BILL PUBLISHED LAST WEEK, AND I AM REFERRING TO SECTION 1(3) STATING THAT: THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY, BY DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO THE GOVERNOR, LIMIT THE NUMBER OF PERSONS TO BE RECOMMENDED TO HIM IN ANY SPECIFIED P .CD. AND THIS CLAUSE GIVES CONCERN TO THE FACT THAT MAYBE, AT ANY TIME, THE SECRETARY OF STATE CAN DECIDE TO SCRAP TIE WHOLE BILL; YOU KNOW, THE PROPOSAL TO GIVE PASSPORTS TO HONG KONG PEOPLE. CAN YOU CLARIFY THAT, PLEASE?
MR MAUDE: WELL ON THE FIRST POINTS YOU MAKE - YES, I SAW THE RESPONSE THAT SOME CONSULATE GENERALS SEEM TO HAVE GIVEN. THE FACT IS, OF COURSE, THAT POLICIES ARE MADE, NOT IN CONSULATE GENERALS BUT IN NATIONAL CAPITALS, AND THERE HAS BEEN A PROCESS OF DISCUSSION WITH OUR PARTNERS AND ALLIES GOING BACK TO.JANUARY, AND INDEED BEFORE. INITIAL APPROACHES WERE MADE TO NATIONAL CAPITALS BEFORE DOUGLAS HURD'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF OUR PACKAGE BACK IN DECEMBER. AND CLEARLY, WE DO NOT GO AROUND MAKING ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THIS SORT WITHOUT BEING CLEAR THAT THEY REFLECT THE WISHES AND VIEWS OF THE GOVERNMENTS WE REFER TO. SO I HOPE THAT IS PERFECTLY CLEAR. EVERYTHING IN MY STATEMENT YESTERDAY STANDS FIRM.
THE SECOND POINT YOU MAKE ON THE CONTENT OF THE BILL, THE INTENTION OF THIS CLAUSE OF THE BILL IS NOT TO ENABLE THE SCHEME TO BE IN ANY WAY ABORTED BEFORE IT IS COMPLETE, AND THAT COULD NOT BE THE CASE. IT IS TO REFLECT THE ULTIMATE DISCRETION OF THE HOME SECRETARY IN THE GRANTING OF CITIZENSHIP. THE NUMBER OF HEADS OF FAMILY TO BE GIVEN PASSPORTS IS 50,000; THAT IS AN ABSOLUTELY SOLID COMMITMENT BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
EMILY LAU: BUT IF LABOUR SHOULD COME INTO POWER, SAY IN 1992, CAN THEY USE THIS CLAUSE AND JUST SCRAP THE BILL? I MEAN, BY THAT TIME MAYBE NOT ALL THE 50,000 PASSPORTS WOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED.
MR MAUDE: WELL IT SEEMS TO ME A MOST IMPROBABLE EVENTUALITY, ANYWAY, BUT IN THAT HIGHLY UNLIKELY CIRCUMSTANCE, NO, IT IS NOT THE PURPOSE OF THE CLAUSE TO ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN. BUT IT MUST BE FOR THE ULTIMATE DISCRETION OF THE HOME SECRETARY TO DECIDE WHO HAS A PASSPORT.
JOHN ELLIOTT (FINANCIAL TIMES): I DON’T THINK THE PASSPORT SITUATION IS CLEAR, COULD YOU TELL US PRECISELY WHAT PLEDGES, AND YOU USE THE WORD PLEDGES, WHAT PLEDGES YOU HAVE RECEIVED FROM WHAT COUNTRIES FOR WHAT NUMBERS? PRECISE, DEFINITE, PLEDGES?
MR MAUDE: WELL, I MEAN, NOT EVERY COUNTRY HAS GIVEN A PLEDGE IN TERMS OF PRECISE NUMBERS, NOR WOULD IT BE REASONABLE TO EXPECT THEM TO. SINGAPORE HAS, THERE IS A PROPOSAL IN THE UNITED STATES WHICH ALSO REFLECTS A DEFINITE NUMBER, ALTHOUGH THAT’S ONLY A PROPOSAL AT THIS STAGE, BUT THE APPROACH BY OTHER COUNTRIES IS TO SAY THERE ARE PEOPLE WORKING IN HONG KONG FOR FRENCH, BELGIAN, GERMAN COMPANIES, AND IT IS IN OUR NATIONAL INTEREST THAT THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE SECURITY TO STAY THERE. NOW, THEY DON’T SAY THAT THERE IS A LIMIT ON THAT, THEY LIMIT IT TO THE PEOPLE WORKING FOR THOSE FIRMS, AND SO IT ISN’T POSSIBLE TO PUT DEFINITE NUMBERS ON IT. BUT THE SORT OF NUMBERS ONE IS TALKING ABOUT ARE OF THE SORT OF DIMENSIONS I TALKED ABOUT YESTERDAY.
JOHN ELLIOTT: HAVE YOU A PLEDGE FROM THE FRENCH FOR 150,000? YOU SAID YESTERDAY YOU HAD.
MR MAUDE: NO, I DIDN’T ......
JOHN ELLIOTT: SORRY, ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED?
MR MAUDE: NO, I DIDN’T SAY THAT. I SAID THAT THERE WAS A PROPOSAL BY THE FRENCH WHICH COULD MEAN UP TO FIFTEEN HUNDRED PASSPORTS, WHICH IS NOT TO SAY BY ANY MEANS, UNLESS YOU USE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN A VERY BIZARRE WAY, THAT THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE PLEDGE TO GIVE FIFTEEN HUNDRED PASSPORTS.
EMMA BOYDE (REUTERS): WHAT CHANCE IS THERE THAT ANY OF THESE PLEDGES OR WHATEVER YOU LIKE TO CALL THEM, MIGHT NOT BE PASSED BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF THOSE COUNTRIES?
MR MAUDE: ONE OBVIOUSLY CAN’T COMMIT OTHER GOVERNMENTS TO PUT THOSE PLEDGES INTO EFFECT, BUT IT’S OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT IS INTENDING TO PUT THAT SCHEME INTO EFFECT, IT’S OUR UNDERSTANDING, AS I SAID YESTERDAY, IN MY STATEMENT, THAT GERMANY, BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG ARE ABOUT TO FINALISE SUCH SCHEMES. NOW, IT WILL BE FOR THEM TO ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF THOSE SCHEMES IN THEIR OWN WAY AT THEIR OWN TIME. BUT THEY UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE MEASURES FOR HONG KONG AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOWING THAT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE AS CONCERNED TO DO WHAT THEY CAN IN A MORE LIMITED WAY THAN US FOR THE LONG TERM STABILITY OF HONG KONG.
AU PAK KUEN (HOU- KONG COMMERCIAL DAILY): EXCEPT THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE, AND THOSE YOU ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY, IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC PLAN OR PROGRAMME FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, LATER ON, TO KEEP HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD?
MR MAUDE: WELL, NO SPECIFIC PLAN AT THIS STAGE, BUT WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND I, IN PARTICULAR, WILL BE WORKING HARD AND CONSTRUCTIVELY TO DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE. WHAT I WOULD SAY IS THAT A GOOD DEAL OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE LIES IN ITS OWN HANDS. THERE HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE ABOUT ITS FUTURE POLITICAL FRAMEWORK, PARTICULARLY THE ELECTIONS FOR 1991. IT’S, I THINK, EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, THAT HONG KONG SHOWS HOW THOSE ELECTIONS CAN SUCCEED AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH WILL EMERGE FROM THAT CAN BE SUCCESSFUL, AND I THINK IT WILL BE VERY MUCH FOR HONG KONG TO TAKE ITS FUTURE, AND MAKE OF ITS FUTURE WHAT IT CAN, AND KNOWING THE AMOUNT OF HUMAN INGENUITY THAT RESIDES IN HONG KONG I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT WILL BE VERY SUCCESSFUL INDEED.
SALLY BLYTH (RTHK): MR MAUDE, YOU HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF GROUPS HERE AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE POSITION OF THE ETHNIC MINORITIES? WHY IS NOT A SPECIAL PROVISION BEING GIVEN FOR THEM IN THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE? THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ITSELF RECOMMENDED THAT A SPECIAL CASE SHOULD BE MADE FOR THE ETHNIC MINORITIES.
MR MAUDE: YES INDEED IT DTD, AND WE LOOKED VERY CAREFULLY AT THAT. OBVIOUSLY THE ETHNIC MINORITIES WILL BF ABLE TO APPLY UNDER THE GENERAL SCHEME IN ANY EVENT, AND MANY OF THEM MAY WELL QUALIFY. THAT WILL BE FOR THOSE OPERATING THE SCHEME TO DECIDE. BUT IN ANY EVENT YOU WILL BE AWARE OF THE ASSURANCE WHICH MY PREDECESSOR GAVE, I THINK ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO NOW, WHICH STAND ABSOLUTELY FIRM NOW AND IS AS SOLID NOW AS IT WAS THEN, WHICH IS VERY SOLID.
ADRIAN BROWN (TV-AM): MP MAUDE, DOES THAT PROMISE ALSO EXTEND TO WAR WIDOWS? BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT MENTIONED IN THE NATIONALITY BILL.
MR MAUDE: NO INDEED, I AM AWARE OF THE ARGUMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD ON THAT, THEY ARE BEING LOOKED AT VERY CLOSELY AND SYMPATHETICALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ADRIAN BROWN: SO CAN YOU GIVE A PROMISE THAT THEY WILL BE MADE A SPECIAL CASE?
MR MAUDE: NO, I CAN’T GIVE A PROMISE, ALL I CAN SAY IS WHAT I HAVE SAID.
DEBORAH WANG (NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO OF USA): I AM INTERESTED IN YOUR CHARACTERISATION THAT HONG KONG AND CHINA AND BRITAIN’S INTERESTS ARE THE SAME, ESPECIALLY GIVEN CHINA’S RECENT STATEMENTS ABOUT, THREATS ABOUT THE COLONY BEING USED AS A BASE FOR SUBVERSION, AND THEIR STATEMENTS ABOUT THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE AS BEING ESSENTIALLY TANTAMOUNT TO CREATING INSTABILITY IN THE COLONY. DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT, AT LEAST ON THOSE TWO ISSUES, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAVE THE SAME INTERESTS?
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MR MAUDE: WELL, I THINK WE HAVE THE SAME LONG-TERM INTERESTS. WE MAY NOT SEE IT IN QUITE THE SAME WAY AT THE MOMENT, WHICH IS WHY WE SHALL CONTINUE TO TALK TO THEM, TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT THE INTENTION OF THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE, FAR FROM CREATING INSTABILITY, IS TO RESPOND TO A DEEPLY FELT DESIRE AND NEED OF HONG KONG TO GIVE PEOPLE THE ASSURANCE TO STAY HERE. I THINK WE NEED TO CARRY ON EXPLAINING THAT TO THE CHINESE, AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IF WE CARRY ON WE SHALL SUCCEED.
DEBORAH WANG: HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERISE THEIR RESPONSE, ARE THEY SIMPLY BEING, DO THEY NOT UNDERSTAND? IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING? OR ARE THEY SIMPLY BEING UNREASONABLE?
MR MAUDE: WELL, I, IT MAY BE THAT WE NEED TO CARRY ON EXPLAINING IT FURTHER. BUT THEY HA”E MISINTERPRETED I THINK, WELL I KNOW THEY HAVE MISINTERPRETED THE INTENTION BEHIND THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE, AND WE SHALL HOPE TO CORRECT THAT INTERPRETATION.
TAMMY LUK (SING TAO): BUT YOUR COLLEAGUE ROBERT ADLEY CRITICISED THAT WHAT YOU HAVE SAID OVER THE RIGHT OF ABODE IS PROVOKING THE CHINESE. WHAT IS YOUR COMMENT ON THAT?
MR MAUDE: WELL, I MADE A COMMENT ON THAT SHORTLY AFTER HE MADE THOSE REMARKS, AND BROADLY I DON’T FIND VERY MUCH SUPPORT FOR HIS POINT OF VIEW IN HONG KONG, I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY SUPPORT FOR HIS VIEW IN LONDON, ALTHOUGH THERE MAY BE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SUPPORT FOR IT IN PEKING.
STEVE VINES (OBSERVER): MR MAUDE, COULD YOU SAY WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES WOULD BE IF THE NATIONALITY BILL DOESN'T PASS THROUGH PARLIAMENT? YOU SAID THEY WOULD BE VERY SERIOUS FOR HONG KONG, COULD YOU SPELL IT OUT?
MR MAUDE: WELL, I DON'T THINK I NEED TO SPELL THEM OUT. WE HAVE BROUGHT THIS PACKAGE FORWARD IN RESPONSE TO THE ARGUMENTS FROM HONG KONG, THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR HONG KONG'S STABILITY. AND I HOPE THAT THOSE ARGUMENTS WILL BE AS PERSUASIVE WITH MY COLLEAGUES IN PARLIAMENT AS THEY HAVE BEEN WITH US.
STEVE VINES: BUT WHAT WOULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN IF THE BILL DOESN'T PASS?
MR MAUDE: WELL I MEAN, I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANY POINT IN EXCESSIVE DOOM WATCHING AT THIS STAGE. HONG KONG IS A VERY RESILIENT PLACE, BUT IT HAS MADE A SPECIAL PLEA AND I THINK A PERSUASIVE PLEA, THAT THIS SET OF MEASURES IS NECESSARY. I BELIEVE IT IS NECESSARY, AND THAT IS THE ARGUMENT THAT I SHALL TAKE TO PARLIAMENT.
NORMAN REES (ITN): PUBLIC OPINION POLLS SEEM TO INDICATE THAT THE BRITISH PUBLIC, OR THE MAJORITY OF IT, SIMPLY DON'T WANT HONG KONG IMMIGRANTS. GIVEN THAT ATTITUDE, WHAT MAKES YOU SO CONFIDENT IN YOUR ASSERTION THAT THIS NATIONALITY PACKAGE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THE HOUSE?
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MR MAUDE: WELL I HAVEN’T BEEN ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THE HOUSE, I BELIEVE IT WILL, I BELIEVE THE ARGUMENTS ARE PERSUASIVE, AND I BELIEVE THE MAJORITY WILL SUPPORT IT. BUT NO MINISTER CAN EVER TAKE PARLIAMENT FOR GRANTED, THAT IS THE THING ABOUT ELECTED ASSEMBLIES, I THINK THE ARGUMENTS THAT WE HAVE, AND THAT HONG KONG HAS PUT FORWARD, WILL CARRY THE DAY. SO FAR AS PUBLIC OPINION IS CONCERNED, I THINK THAT ALL OF US HAVE FOUND THAT THIS HASN’T IN FACT BEEN A VERY HIGH PROFILE ISSUE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SINCE WE MADE THE PROPOSALS BACK IN DECEMBER. IT HAS BEEN IN WESTMINSTER, AMONG CERTAIN PEOPLE, BUT NOT IN THE COUNTRY AT LARGE. AND I THINK THERE AREN’T, IN THE COUNTRY AT LARGE, VERY STRONG VIEWS HELD IN EITHER DIRECTION BY MORE THAN A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE. BUT I BELIEVE THE ARGUMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN USED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH HAVE BEEN USED BY HONG KONG, WILL BE PERSUASIVE WITH, I BELIEVE, A MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
NORMAN REES: IT HAS BEEN AN EMOTIVE ISSUE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, AND GIVEN THATCHER’S VERY POOR POLITICAL STANDING AT THE MOMENT, WHAT WILL YOU BE SAYING TO THOSE TORY MP’S ON THE SIDE ON THIS ISSUE FOLLOWING YOUR VISIT HERE?
MR MAUDE: WELL I SHALL MAKE TWO POINTS TO THEM. ONE IS THERE IS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL BRITISH INTEREST IN HONG KONG, AND SO IT IS NOT JUST A QUESTION OF US MEETING OUR OBLIGATIONS TO A COLONY TO DO WHAT WE CAN FOR ITS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, ALTHOUGH THAT’S THE SECOND ARGUMENT WE SHALL PUT, BUT THERE IS ACTUALLY ALSO A VERY DISTINCT SELF-INTEREST HERE FOR BRITAIN, IN ENSURING THAT THIS TERRITORY, IN WHICH THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF BRITISH INVESTMENT, WHICH IS A SUBSTANTIAL MARKET FOR BRITISH GOODS AND SERVICES, THAT IT REMAINS SUCCESSFUL.
SIMON MACKLIN (SCMP): MR MAUDE, SINCE YOU SAY THAT YOU ARE NOT ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT THE BILL WILL PASS, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU HAVE PLANNED THAT BRITAIN MIGHT DO FOR HONG KONG IN CASE THE BILL ISN’T PASSED?
MR MAUDE: WELL I’M NOT GOING TO PRE-EMPT THE DECISION OF PARLIAMENT, I BELIEVE THAT PARLIAMENT WILL SUPPORT THE MEASURE, AND WE SHALL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO PERSUADE OUR COLLEAGUES IN PARLIAMENT THAT IT SHOULD PASS.
SIMON MACKLIN: IS THIS ALL YOU HAVE TO OFFER? THERE IS NOTHING ELSE?
MR MAUDE: WELL I AM GOING TO TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME. WE’VE GOT A JOB TO DO IN GETTING THIS MEASURE THROUGH PARLIAMENT, MRS THATCHER HAS A VERY CONSIDERABLE PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, SHE’S DETERMINED THAT IT SHOULD GET THROUGH, AND WE SHALL ALL DO WHAT WE CAN TO GET IT THROUGH.
NORMAN REES (ITN): WHY IS IT THEN MR MAUDE THAT YOU SAY SHE WON’T RESIGN IF SHE LOSES THE VOTE ON THIS, THAT SHE ....
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MR MAUDE: WELL, I’M NOT SURE, IF THAT WERE TO BE TAKEN AS A MEASURE OF ANYBODY’S COMMITMENT TO SOMETHING, I THINK IT IS A PRETTY ODD MEASURE. SHE IS DETERMINED TO GET IT THROUGH, AND I BELIEVE WE WILL.
FOO CHOY PING (THE STRAIT TIMES): MR FRANCIS MAUDE, YOU SEEM TO SUGGEST THAT YOU ARE QUITE CONFIDENT OF CHANGING CHINA’S VIEW ON THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE. WHAT IS THE BASIS OF THIS CONFIDENCE, ARE YOU NOT BEING OVER-OPTIMISTIC?
MR MAUDE: WELL I AM NATURALLY AN OPTIMISTIC CHAP AND I HOPE THAT MY OPTIMISM IS JUSTIFIED. T DIDN’T SAY I WAS ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT THAT CHINA WOULD CHANGE HER VIEW ON IT, BUT WE SHALL DO WHAT WE CAN BY RATIONAL ARGUMENT BY SIMPLY STATING THE POSITION TO CHANGE CHINA’S MIND ON THIS.
FOO CHOY PING: IF CHINA REMAINS STUBBORN, WHAT CAN BRITAIN DO?
MR MAUDE: WELL, I MEAN, YOU CAN’T FORCE PEOPLE TO CHANGE THEIR MINDS IF THEY CHOSE NOT TO. ALL YOU CAN DO IS DEPLOY SENSIBLE RATIONAL ARGUMENTS AND HOPE THAT THEY FIND THEIR TARGET, AND THAT’S WHAT WE SHALL DO. BUT WE SHALL CARRY ON WITH OUR NATIONALITY PACKAGE IN ANY EVENT.
SARAH YUEN (ATV): TWO POINTS, THE FIRST ONE, IT SEEMS BY WHAT YOU ARE SAYING THAT THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE IS BEING SEEN AS AN END IN ITSELF, AS IN THE WHOLE SOLUTION TO THE WHOLE PROBLEM, I THINK MY COLLEAGUE WAS ASKING WHAT OTHER MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN IN CASE THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE DOESN’T GO THROUGH? AND THE SECOND ONE IS, YOU SAY THAT AS MUCH IS BEING DONE AS POSSIBLE TO CHANGE CHINA’S MIND, BUT IS IT BEING DONE STRONG ENOUGH? I MEAN WE KEEP HEARING ATTACKS FROM CHINA, AND THEN KIND OF SOFTLY WORDED REMARKS FROM ENGLAND, IS IT ENOUGH?
MR MAUDE: WELL IF ONE, I REMEMBER, JUST BEFORE I ARRIVED HERE, I SAID IN AN INTERVIEW THAT CHINA’S ATTITUDE WAS NOT PARTICULARLY HELPFUL, AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY ATTACKED FOR BEING PROVOCATIVE AND PICKING A FIGHT. SO YOU CAN’T WIN IN THIS BUSINESS. EITHER YOU ARE PICKING A FIGHT OR YOU ARE BEING FEEBLE. THE FACT IS WHAT WE DO CONSISTENTLY IS TO PUT OUR ARGUMENTS, AS I HAVE JUST SAID, QUIETLY, FIRMLY, AND I BELIEVE PERSUASIVELY, AND I BELIEVE THAT IF WE CARRY OR DOING THAT THE ARGUMENTS WILL WIN.
SARAH YUEN: AND THE REST OF THE QUESTION - THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE BEING SEEN AS AN END IN ITSELF?
MR MAUDE: I BEG YOUR PARDON, IT’S CERTAINLY NOT SEEN AS AN END IN ITSELF, BUT IT HAS BEEN UPPERMOST IN HONG KONG’S MIND AND VOICES AS THE THING WHICH GREAT BRITAIN CAN DO TO HELP HONG KONG, AND WE HAVE RESPONDED TO THAT AND WE SHALL HOPE TO DELIVER IT FOR HONG KONG. SO FAR AS OTHER MEASURES ARE CONCERNED, DECISIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN RESPECT OF THE POLITICAL FRAMEWORK FOR NEXT YEAR, WHICH I THINK ARE IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG, THEY RESOLVE SOME UNCERTAINTY, AND ENABLE THOSE CONCERNED IN THE PROCESS TO WORK NOW, TO START WORKING TO MAKE THAT A SUCCESS. I BELIEVE ACTUALLY THAT’S AN INDICATION OF HOW HONG KONG CAN WORK TO HELP ITSELF. THERE IS A GOOD DEAL MORE I WOULD SAY THAT HONG KONG CAN DO FOR ITSELF THAN PERHAPS BRITAIN CAN DO.
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MABLE CHAN (TVB): MR MAUDE, MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE'S REACTION TO THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE IS THAT IF AND WHEN THEY DO GET THE BRITISH PASSPORTS THEY HAVE TO LEAVE BEFORE 1997 BECAUSE CHINA IS NOT GOING TO RECOGNISE THEM, THEY HAVE SAID THAT MANY MANY TIMES. AREN'T YOU
CONCERNED ABOUT THIS KIND OF REACTION, AND WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THESE
PEOPLE?
MR MAUDE: WELL WHAT I SAY TO TLEM IS THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION
EMBODIES THE RIGHT TO ENTER AND LEAVE HONG KONG. CHINA HAS
CONSISTENTLY REAFFIRMED IT'S COMMITMENT TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND SO I WOULD SAY THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE PASSPORTS ISSUED UNDER THIS SCHEME WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER AND LEAVE AFTER 1997 AND SO IT IS SIMPLY NOT THE CASE THAT THEY WOULD HAVE ANY SORT OF NEED TO LEAVE BEFORE THEN?
I
MABLE CHAN: ARE YOU SAYING THAT CHINA HAS NO POWER TO STOP THEM LEAVING AFTER 1997 IF THEY CHOSE?
MR MAUDE: WELL, IT IS SIMPLY THE CASE THAT THEY ARE COMMITTED UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO ENTER AND LEAVE HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
HARVEY PONG (WAH KIU YAT PAO): (INAUDIBLE)
MR MAUDE: SORRY, CAN YOU SAY THAT AGAIN, THERE IS SO MUCH CAMERA CLICKING, I MISSED THE QUESTION.
HARVEY PONG: I WONDER IF THE ATTITUDE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TOWARDS THE PASSPORT PACKAGE WILL AFFECT THE PASSAGE OF THE NATIONALITY BILL IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT?
MR MAUDE: I THINK IT WILL, IN THAT THE MAJORITY VIEW WHICH HAS BEEN EXPRESSED TO ME WHILE I HAVE BEEN HERE IS, AS I SAID AT THE OUTSET, OF APPRECIATION FOR THE STANCE WHICH THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS "AKEN. AND THE VIEW THAT THIS IS A VERY HELPFUL MEASURE FOR HONG KONG. T MAY NOT BE AS LARGE A PACKAGE AS HONG KONG WOULD HAVE HOPED, NONETHELESS IT IS VERY HELPFUL, IN THAT IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY BAD NEWS FOR HONG KONG, AND HENCE FOR BRITISH INTERESTS, IF IT FAILED. SO I HINK THAT MESSAGE WHICH HAS COME OUT FROM HONG KONG IS ONE THAT WILL E PERSUASIVE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN FAVOUR OF THE BILL.
TSUI SIU WA (NEXT MAGAZINE): I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW ON MISS LAU WAI HING'S QUESTIONS. I AM NOT SURE THAT I UNDERSTAND YOUR ANSWER CORRECTLY. AS YOU SAY, WE ARE STILL NOT SURE, 100 PER CENT SURE, THE BILL WILL BE PASSED OR NOT. BUT EVEN IF THE BILL IS PASSED, IF ANOTHER POLITICAL PARTY COMES TO POWER, OR IF EVEN THE PRESENT LEADING PARTY CHANGES ITS MIND, IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT COULD, AT ANY TIME, CANCEL THE WHOLE PACKAGE?
MR MAUDE: NO, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THAT. THIS IS A COMMITMENT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE AND WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WILL HONOUR.
/9.......
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KONG LAI KWAN (COMMERCIAL RADIO): I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE
QUESTION, IN CANTONESE, CAN YOU PLEASE
'MR MINISTER, YESTERDAY
YOU MET SOME CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEY WANTED MORE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SEATS TO BE INCREASED SO THAT THEY WOULD BE INCLUDED. THE BASIC LAW STIPULATES THAT THERE IS ALREADY A BASELINE ON THE NUMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SEATS AFTER 1997. DOES THAT MEAN THAT YOU IMPLY THAT THE BASIC LAW CAN BE AMENDED AT SOME LATER STAGE?’
MR MAUDE: WELL IT IS CERTAINLY THE CASE THAT THE BASIC LAW CAN BE AMENDED AT A LATER STAGE, AND WE HAVE SAID THAT AFTER THE 1991 ELECTIONS IT WOULD BE VERY MUCH OPEN FOR US TO GO BACK TO THE CHINESE TO URGE THAT BECAUSE THE START OF DEMOCRACY WHICH IS EMBODIED IN THE 1991 ARRANGEMENTS HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE A SUCCESS, AS I AM SURE IT WILL DO, THEREFORE IT WOULD BE RIGHT TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF DEMOCRATISATION FURTHER.
LEO LAW (ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS): IF I AM CORRECT, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY INDICATED LAST DECEMBER THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WOULD DEVISE A SCHEME FOR THE BRITISH COMPANIES IN HONG KONG SO THAT, ACCORDING TO THAT SCHEME, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO SEND PEOPLE TO THE UK FOR TRAINING OR SECONDMENT, AND THAT AFTER A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THEY WOULD OBTAIN A BRITISH PASSPORT. BUT I CAN'T FIND THIS SCHEME IN THE EXPLANATION BOOK OF THE BILL. SO WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO DO?
MR MAUDE: YES, YOU CAN'T FIND IT BECAUSE IT ISN’T IN THE EXPLANATORY NOTES ABOUT THE BILL, NOR IS IT IN THE BILL, BUT WE ARE STILL LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING SUCH A SCHEME IN ANY EVENT.
LEO LAW: YOU MEAN THAT IN ADDITION TO THE BILL OR THE EXPLANATION FOR THE QUOTAS, THERE MAY BE ANOTHER SCHEME WHICH ALLOWS THE BRITISH COMPANIES HERE TO SEND THEIR PEOPLE TO SEND THEIR PEOPLE TO THE UK TO OBTAIN PASSPORTS?
MR MAUDE: WELL THE BILL, AS IT IS, STANDS ON ITS OWN, A SCHEME FOR 50,000 HEADS OF FAMILY AND THE EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM EXPLAINS HOW THE SCHEME WILL WORK. WHAT WE ARE NOW LOOKING AT IS TO SEE WHETHER THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING THE SORT OF SCHEME, WHICH WOULD BE A VERY LIMITED SCHEME, THE SORT OF SCHEME WHICH DOUGLAS HURD MENTIONED IN HIS STATEMENT BACK IN DECEMBER.
LEO LAW: SO WHAT QUOTA WILL YOU BE OFFERING?
MR MAUDE: WELL WE ARE LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITIES AT THE
MOMENT, AND YOU WON’T DRAW ME OUT ON IT ANY FURTHER. BUT I WOULD STRESS THAT IT WOULD BE A VERY LIMITED SCHEME.
SALLY BLYTH (RTHK): ON TOP OF THE 50,000?
MR MAUDE: WELL AS I SAY THE BILL WITH ITS 50,000 PASSPORTS IS STANDING ON ITS OWN AND COMPLETE IN ITSELF, SO WE ARE LOOKING AT A SCHEME SEPARATELY FROM THAT.
/1O
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PAUL HARRINGTON (HONG KONG STANDARD): I WOULD LIKE TO ASK, FIRST, WHEN ARE DETAILS OF THAT SCHEME LIKELY TO BE MADE AVAILABLE? AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ASK, ON THE QUESTION OF BOAT PEOPLE - YOU SAID THAT AN AGREEMENT ON MANDATORY REPATRIATION WITH HANOI IS STILL IN PLACE BUT THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT CHOOSES NOT TO ACTIVATE IT AT THE MOMENT. YET IT SEEMS THAT MR EMRYS DAVIES, BRITAIN'S AMBASSADOR IN HANOI, HAS SAID THAT TALKS WERE CONTINUING SLOWLY WITH VIETNAM TO REACH JUST SUCH AN AGREEMENT. THE QUESTION, REALLY, IS: DOES THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT CURRENTLY AGREE TO ACCEPT MANDATORY RETURNS, IF BRITAIN DECIDES IT IS NECESSARY?
MR MAUDE: ON YOUR FIRST POINT - WHEN CAN YOU EXPECT AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE SCHEME? NOT YET. I MEAN, THERE IS A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE ON IT AND WE ARE STILL LOOKING TO SEE HOW THE POSSIBILITIES CAN BE SORTED; WHETHER IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO SUCH A SCHEME AS THIS, AND WE WILL SAY SOMETHING FURTHER AS AND WHEN IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO SO.
ON THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND MANDATORY REPATRIATION -THERE IS IN EXISTENCE AN AGREEMENT, FROM JUNE OF LAST YEAR, WHICH PROVIDES FOR, ON A BILATERAL BASIS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND VIETNAM, ALLOWS FOR THE NON-VOLUNTARY RETURN OF SCREENED OUT NON-REFUGEES. WHAT WE ARE HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH VIETNAM ABOUT IS THE WAY IN WHICH THIS IS CARRIED OUT. AT THE MOMENT THEY HAVE SAID - AND THIS WAS WHAT WE WERE DISCUSSING WHEN I WAS IN HANOI TWO MONTHS AGO - THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEY WOULD WANT HONG KONG TO EXCLUDE THE USE OF FORCE IN ADVANCE. WE HAVE EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THAT IS CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE. THIS IS A PROCESS WHICH IS CARRIED OUT DAY-BY-DAY ACROSS THE WORLD, AND IT IS PART OF A COUNTRY'S INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION TO ACCEPT BACK THEIR OWN PEOPLE. AND IF YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE -AS YOU ARE BY DEFINITION - WHO ARE NOT VOLUNTEERS, YOU CANNOT IN ADVANCE, EXCLUDE THE USE OF FORCE. NOW, WE ARE CONTINUING DISCUSSIONS ON THAT ISSUE; WE HAVE EXPLAINED THE ARGUMENT TO THEM AND I HOPE THAT THEY WILL UNDERSTAND THAT ARGUMENT BEFORE LONG.
PAUL HARRINGTON: SO, IS THERE AN AGREEMENT IN PLACE AT THE MOMENT?
MR MAUDE: THERE IS AN AGREEMENT IN PLACE AT THE MOMENT, YES INDEED. THE AGREEMENT UNDER WHICH THE REPATRIATION ON DECEMBER 12 LAST YEAR WAS CARRIED OUT.
PAUL HARRINGTON: SO, WHY THEN DO THE VIETNAMESE SO VEHEMENTLY SAY THAT THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY MORE MANDATORY RETURNS, IF THERE IS AN AGREEMENT?
MR MAUDE: THEY SAY THAT THEY WON'T ACCEPT THEM UNLESS THE USE OF FORCE IS SPECIFICALLY AND ABSOLUTELY RULED OUT IN ADVANCE. NOW, WE HAVE EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT TH? IS A PRACTICE CARRIED OUT DAY-BY-DAY ACROSS THE WORLD. IN NINE-HUNDRED AND-NINETY-NINE CASES OUT OF A THOUSAND FORCE IS NOT USED, IT DOES NOT ARISE, BECAUSE THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO ACCEPT THE INEVITABILITY. THEY MAY NOT WANT TO GO BACK, THEY ARE NOT PEOPLE WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO GO BACK, BUT THEY ARE NONETHELESS ACCEPTING THE INfV ’’ABILITY OF GOING BACK, AND SO THERE IS NO RESISTANCE AND NO FORCE t AND THAT WAS THE POSITION WITH THE REPATRIATION WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT IN DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR. AND WE ARE SIMPLY GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS OF EXPLAINING THIS PROPERLY AND FULLY TO THE VIETNAMESE AND WE EXPECT THEM TO MEET THEIR INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS LIKE EVERY OTHER COUNTRY DOES.
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CHRISTINA CHOW (RTHK): IS THERE ANY CHANCE THAT DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE SOME, CLAUSES IN THE NATIONALITY BILL WILL BE AMENDED? LIKE THE NUMBER OF FAMILIES WHO CAN ACCEPT THE PASSPORT WILL BE CUT DOWN BELOW 50,000? WHAT CAN YOU DO?
MR MAUDE: WELL, I WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED IF ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO MAKE AMENDMENTS OF THAT SORT; IN FACT I WOULD EXPECT ATTEMPTS TO BE MADE TO DO THAT. BUT THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESIST THAT, AND I HOPE WE SHALL PERSUADE A MAJORITY IN THE COMMITTEE, OR IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, TO ACCEPT THE BILL AS IT IS.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY (BBC): MR MAUDE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS OVERWHELMINGLY REJECTED THE BASIC LAW ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. WHAT OBLIGATION DOES BRITAIN HAVE TO TAKE THAT VIEW UP TO PEKING AND GET THE LAW CHANGED?
MR MAUDE: WELL I THINK THE WAY YOU EXPRESS THE QUESTION DOES NOT REFLECT MY UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DECIDED. I SUSPECT THE TERMS OF THE MOTION WERE NOT QUITE IN THE WORDS YOU USED. BUT THE BASIC LAW HAS ONLY JUST BEEN PROMULGATED LAST WEEK; IT IS A COMPLEX DOCUMENT; WE WILL BE LOOKING AT IT VERY CAREFULLY - WE ARE LOOKING AT IT VERY CAREFULLY. CLEARLY, IT IS OPEN TO US, AND IT WOULD CLEARLY BE RIGHT, WHERE THERE ARE THINGS WHICH ARE UNCLEAR OR UNSATISFACTORY TO TAKE THEM UP AGAIN WITH PEKING, AND THAT WILL BE DONE.
HUMPHREY HAWKSLEY: WILL YOU BE MAKING SPECIFIC REPRESENTATIONS TO PEKING ON THE SPECIFIC POINTS THAT WERE RAISED BY MR MARTIN LEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL?
MR MAUDE: WELL I CAN’T UNDERTAKE THAT EVERY SINGLE POINT THAT MARTIN LEE RAISED IS GOING TO BE TRANSMITTED TO PEKING. BUT AS I SAY, WE ARE LOOKING AT IT VERY CAREFULLY; IF THERE ARE THINGS WHICH ARE UNCLEAR AND IF THERE ARE THINGS WHICH REMAIN UNSATISFACTORY, OF COURSE THEY CAN BE PURSUED WITH PEKING, AND WILL BE.
ALAN LO (SING TAO YAT PO): MR MAUDE, YOU SEEM TO HAVE SORT OF CHANGED YOUR POSITION ON THE REPATRIATION ISSUE AND FOLLOW THE U.S. LINE IN THAT YOU HAVE VIRTUALLY ABANDONED THE IDEA OF BOTH VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY REPATRIATION TO PROCEED IN PARALLEL. CAN YOU CLARIFY YOUR POSITION?
/12.........
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MR MAUDE: YES. THE HISTORY OF THIS ISSUE IS THAT EVERY TIME ANY MINISTER EXPRESSES A VIEW ABOUT BOAT PEOPLE, AT ALL, IT IS INTERPRETED AS A RADICAL SHIFT IN POLICY IN ONE DIRECTION OR ANOTHER. I REMEMBER BACK IN OCTOBER WHEN JOHN MAJOR, WHEN HE WAS FOREIGN SECRETARY, ANSWERED A QUESTION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN ABSOLUTELY ROUTINE TERMS REFLECTING NO MORE THAN WHAT HE AND I AND OTHERS HAD SAID MANY TIMES BEFORE. HEADLINES IN EVERY SINGLE NEWSPAPER THE NEXT DAY WERE: "POLICY CHANGE IN FAVOUR OF MANDATORY REPATRIATION’. THE FACT IS, IF YOU HAVE A REFUGEE POLICY, A POLICY OF FIRST ASYLUM WHERE YOU ACCEPT PEOPLE IN, YOU THEN HAVE TO SUBJECT THEM TO SCREENING; THOSE WHO ARE REFUGEES ARE RE-SETTLED - AND THAT IS ALL GOING AHEAD; THOSE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES HAVE TO BE SENT BACK TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. AND THAT INVOLVES, IF PEOPLE DO NOT VOLUNTEER, THEM BEING SENT BACK INVOLUNTARILY. NOW THE VOLUNTARY PROCESS IS GOING VERY WELL AT THE MOMENT. THERE IS STILL A BACKLOG OF PEOPLE. I NEGOTIATED IN HANOI A FIVEFOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBERS PER MONTH WHO WOULD BE ACCEPTED BACK, AND THAT IS GOOD NEWS AND IT MEANS THAT AT THE PRESENT RATE OF PROGRESS THE BACKLOG OF VOLUNTEERS WILL HAVE GONE BACK TO VIETNAM PERHAPS SOMETIME DURING THE SUMMER. BUT UNDERLYING THIS AT EVERY STAGE HAS BEEN THE UNDERSTANDING: THOSE WHO DON’T VOLUNTEER AND I THINK IT IS INCONCEIVABLE THAT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE, PERHAPS 40,000 NON-REFUGEES IN THE CAMPS WILL VOLUNTEER - THOSE WHO DON’T VOLUNTEER WILL HAVE TO BE SENT BACK WHETHER THEY LIKE IT OR NOT AND THAT MEANS MANDATORY REPATRIATION.
ALAN LO: THE POINT IS, THE TIMING. THE U.S. PROPOSED A ONE-YEAR FREEZE PERIOD FOR THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE --
MR MAUDE: WELL WE HAVE NOT ACCEPTED THAT. WE HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE VIETNAMESE. WE HAVE NOT, SINCE DECEMBER, SOUGHT TO USE THAT AGREEMENT BUT WE HAVE AN AGREEMENT WHICH THEY HAVE SPECIFICALLY REAFFIRMED TO ME. AND MANDATORY REPATRIATION LIES BEHIND THIS POLICY. NOW IT HAS TO BE UNDERSTOOD IN VIETNAM THAT THERE IS NOWHERE FOR THESE PEOPLE TO GO; THERE IS NO PROMISED LAND AT THE END OF IT ALL. ALL THEY GET BY COMING TO HONG KONG IS A SPELL IN AN OVERCROWDED DETENTION CENTRE AND A RETURN TRIP TO VIETNAM AT SOME STAGE, AT SOME MEANS. NOT ALL OF THEM ARE GOING TO BE SENT BACK STRAIGHT AWAY. THERE ARE A LOT OF THEM; IT IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR HONG KONG. BUT UNDERLYING ALL THIS HAS TO BE THE UNDERSTANDING THAT MANDATORY REPATRIATION IS AT THE END OF IT ALL.
LAU CHUN TO (HK ECONOMIC JOURNAL): I SUPPOSE ONE OF YOUR MAJOR PURPOSES OF COMING TO HONG KONG IS TO FIND OUT THE REACTION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TO THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE. HOW WILL YOU SUMMARISE THE REACTION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WHEN YOU GO BACK? WOULD YOU AGREE THAT, I MEAN, THE PACKAGE HAS A LACK OF WIDE PUBLIC SUPPORT BOTH HERE AND IN BRITAIN?
/13.........
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MR MAUDE: NO, I WOULD NOT SAY THAT AT ALL. I THINK I'VE FOUND VERY WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR IT. WHICH IS NOT TO SAY THAT EVERYONE IS SAYING, "THIS IS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING WE WANTED AND EVERYTHING IS NOW PERFECT". OF COURSE HONG KONG ARGUED, AND ARGUED PERSUASIVELY, FOR A LARGER PACKAGE THAN THIS BUT THEY ACCEPT THE POLITICAL CONSTRAINTS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT FACES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE DIFFICULTIES OF GETTING A BIGGER PACKAGE - OR EVEN GETTING THIS PACKAGE THROUGH, CERTAINLY A BIGGER PACKAGE - AND THEY ACCEPT AND APPRECIATE - AND I'VE HAD A LOT OF WORDS OF STRONG APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FROM PEOPLE HERE FOR WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING AND THE FIRM DECISION THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN TO PURSUE THIS. AND THE MESSAGE I SHALL TAKE BACK IS OF STRONG SUPPORT FOR THIS PACKAGE AND THE STRONG FEELING THAT IT WOULD BE VERY BAD NEWS FOR HONG KONG WERE IT NOW TO PASS.
JOHN ELLIOTT (FINANCIAL TIMES): I AM SORRY TO COME BACK TO WHERE WE BEGAN BUT I WANT TO RETURN TO THIS MYSTERY OF THE FRENCH SCHEME. IN THE STATEMENT WHICH I HAVE NOW FOUND MY COPY OF, YESTERDAY YOU SAID: "THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT ARE IMPLEMENTING A SCHEME TO PROVIDE PASSPORTS OR RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR UP TO 1500" - AND I HAVE GOT MY NOUGHTS RIGHT THIS TIME - "1500 EMPLOYEES". "ARE IMPLEMENTING A SCHEME".
MR MAUDE: THAT'S RIGHT.
JOHN ELLIOTT: IN ANSWER TO MY QUESTION JUST NOW, YOU SAID: "THE FRENCH ARE INTENDING TO PUT THAT SCHEME INTO EFFECT". NOW, "ARE INTENDING TO PUT" IN MY ENGLISH - AND YOU WERE QUERYING THAT EARLIER AS WELL - IS DIFFERENT FROM "ARE IMPLEMENTING". SO FIRSTLY, ARE THEY IMPLEMENTING - AND IF SO, WHEN DID THEY START? AND ALSO, WHERE DOES THE 1500 COME FROM? WHOSE FIGURE IS THE 1500 AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
MR MAUDE: THE FIGURE OF 1500, I THINK, COMES FROM REPORTS IN FRANCE, BUT IT IS ONLY A --
JOHN ELLIOTT: WHAT SORT? GOVERNMENT REPORTS OR?
MR MAUDE: I THINK IT IS ACTUALLY FROM NEWSPAPER REPORTS BUT --
JOHN ELLIOTT: ... QUOTING NEWSPAPER REPORTS?
MR MAUDE: WELL I ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT I READ IN THE NEWSPAPERS.
JOHN ELLIOTT: WELL I DON'T, SO CAN WE START AGAIN. AND CAN I ASK YOU WHETHER YOU HAVE ANY FIRM INFORMATION FROM THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT OF A 1500 FIGURE, OR IS IT BASED ON NEWSPAPER REPORTS?
14
MR MAUDE: THIS FIGURE IS BASED ON PEOPLE’S ASSESSMENT OF WHAT MIGHT BE THE TOTAL NUMBER, BUT IT IS VERY -- (BLANK TAPE FOR A FEW SECONDS) -- PEOPLE IN FRANCE WHO HAVE INTERPRETED THE SIGNS COMING IN. BUT I MEAN THIS ISN’T CAPABLE - A SCHEME LIKE THIS WHICH AIMS TO GIVE THE RIGHT OF ENTRY OR PASSPORTS, BUT I THINK FOR THE LARGER SCHEME THE RIGHT OF ENTRY, TO EMPLOYEES OF FRENCH FIRMS IN HONG KONG - IT ISN’T CAPABLE OF SPECIFIC CALCULATION. IT IS NOT LIKE OUR SCHEME WHICH SETS A QUOTA AND THEN HAS A SCHEME OF SELECTION TO DECIDE WHO COMES WITHIN THAT QUOTA. THIS IS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF EXERCISE. IT IS ONE WHICH IS VALUABLE FOR HONG KONG BUT IT ONLY APPLIES TO EMPLOYEES OF FRENCH COMPANIES IN HONG KONG. I DO NOT HAVE A FULL INVENTORY OF HOW MANY EMPLOYEES OF FRENCH FIRMS THERE ARE IN HONG KONG.
JOHN ELLIOTT: WITH RESPECT, MINISTER, I DID NOT SUGGEST IT WAS A RIGID SCHEME, I DID NOT SUGGEST THE FIGURES, I AM MERELY QUOTING TO YOU YOUR STATEMENT OF YESTERDAY. ARE YOU NOW SAYING THAT IT IS INCORRECT TO SAY THAT THE FRENCH ARE IMPLEMENTING A SCHEME FOR UP TO 1500 EMPLOYEES? IS THAT RIGHT OR WRONG?
MR MAUDE: IT IS A SCHEME WHICH COULD PROVIDE RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR UP TO ABOUT 1500 PEOPLE. I MEAN THAT IS SIMPLY AN INDICATION —
JOHN ELLIOTT: HAVE YOU BEEN TOLD THAT BY THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT?
MR MAUDE: LET ME FINISH. THAT IS AN ESTIMATE OF THE SORT OF NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE. THERE IS NO SORT OF GREAT MAGIC OR MYSTERY ABOUT THIS. I MEAN YOU ARE INTERPRETING THE SYNTAX IN AN EXCESSIVELY FASTIDIOUS WAY
NORMAN REES (ITN): CAN I GO BACK TO THE POINT THAT MR ELLIOTT WAS MAKING AND I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS MYSTIFYING NOT ONLY US BUT A LOT OF OUR DESKS. THE EFFECT OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT YOU MADE YESTERDAY, WHETHER INTENTIONAL OR NON-INTENTIONAL, WAS TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE WAS A GROUNDSWELL OF INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT LINING UP BEHIND THE BRITISH NATIONALITY PACKAGE. WHEN YOU EXAMINE YOUR STATEMENT, THE QUESTION YOU TALK ABOUT: ’’FRANCE IMPLEMENTING A POLICY” - WE ARE NOT QUITE CLEAR WHETHER YOU MEAN THAT IS FRENCH POLICY OR NOT? SINGAPORE, THE SCHEME YOU HAVE MENTIONED, IS A SCHEME THAT IS ALREADY FUNCTIONING. YOU CONGRATULATED AUSTRALIA ON ITS POLICY BUT THERE IS NO POLICY CHANGE. YOU CONGRATULATED CANADA ON ITS POLICY BUT THERE IS NO POLICY CHANGE. THE USA POLICY WHICH YOU SAID IS THE GLEAM IN THE EYE OF A SINGLE CONGRESSMAN. YOU MENTIONED GERMANY, LUXEMBOURG AND BELGIUM AS COUNTRIES CONSIDERING IMPLEMENTING A SCHEME BUT WITHOUT DETAILS. AND THE CONSUL GENERALS OF ALMOST EVERY OTHER EUROPEAN, OR EEC COUNTRY THAT WAS CONTACTED HERE IN HONG KONG, DID NOT KNOW WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT. NOW IT MAY WELL BE THAT THERE IS A HECK OF A LOT GOING ON BEHIND THE BACKS OF THESE CONSUL GENERALS. BUT COULD YOU PLEASE BE MORE SPECIFIC AND TELL US WHETHER YOU HAVE HAD SPECIFIC PLEDGES FROM THESE COUNTRIES OR NOT, OR GIVE US SOME FURTHER INDICATION OF WHERE THESE TALKS, IF THEY ARE TAKING PLACE, ACTUALLY STAND AT THE MOMENT?
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MR MAUDE: WELL, I WILL TELL YOU EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE. THERE IS A FRENCH COMMITMENT TO THIS SCHEME WHICH IS BEING IMPLEMENTED - IT ISN’T FINAL BUT IT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED. AS I SAY IN THIS STATEMENT, GERMANY, BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG ARE ABOUT TO FINALISE SCHEMES OF BROADLY THE SAME NATURE. AND I SAY AGAIN, THESE DISCUSSIONS HAVEN'T BEEN CARRIED ON WITH THE CONSULATE GENERALS IN HONG KONG. THEY HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT AT GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT LEVEL IN THE NATIONAL CAPITALS IN EUROPE. AND AS I GO ON TO SAY HERE, A NUMBER OF OTHER EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES ARE CONSIDERING ACTIVELY WHAT THEY COULD DO TO HELP. NOW, A NUMBER OF THESE DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN HELD BETWEEN MINISTERS AND, AS WE HAVE DISCOVERED WITH OUR OWN PACKAGE, IT IS QUITE A COMPLEX TECHNICAL BUSINESS. BUT THE POINT I WAS SEEKING TO MAKE IN THIS STATEMENT IS THAT THERE IS ACROSS THE WORLD, AMONG OUR PARTNERS AND ALLIES, A GOOD DEAL OF SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING FOR THE POSITION OF HONG KONG, AND A DESIRE TO DO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP. AND WHAT HAS BEEN DONE IN THIS STATEMENT IS TO POINT TO THE FLEXIBILITY WITHIN EXISTING - YES, NO CHANGE OF POLICY IN AUSTRALIA IN CANADA - BUT TO POINT TO THE FLEXIBILITY WITHIN THEIR RULES WHICH ACTUALLY ENABLES PEOPLE NOT TO HAVE TO LEAVE HONG KONG ABSOLUTELY WHILE GAINING NATIONALITY IN THOSE COUNTRIES. AND THE POINT IN THE UNITED STATES IS THAT A LEADING CONGRESSMAN HAS ACTUALLY MADE A PROPOSITION - IT MAY BE ONLY A SINGLE CONGRESSMAN BUT AS YOU ALL KNOW, THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF SUPPORT IN CONGRESS FOR HONG KONG - AND THIS CONGRESSMAN IS SEEKING TO PERSUADE HIS COLLEAGUES ON THE COMMITTEE DEALING WITH THIS IMMIGRATION BILL THAT THIS MEASURE SHOULD GO THROUGH. NOW IF IT DOES GO THROUGH, THAT IS VERY VALUABLE, AND IT IS VERY VALUABLE, I THINK, THAT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE IN THE VARIOUS COUNTRIES I HAVE REFERRED TO, WHO ARE SEEKING VERY SINCERELY AND GENUINELY TO DO WHAT THEY CAN DO TO HELP HONG KONG, THAT THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT ACTUALLY DOING IT ON THEIR OWN. WE GAVE THE LEAD. WHEN WE ORIGINALLY MADE OVERTURES TO OTHER COUNTRIES, BACK WELL BEFORE DOUGLAS HURD MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PACKAGE IN DECEMBER, THE RESPONSE WE HAD AT THAT STAGE WAS GENERALLY SYMPATHETIC: YES, WE WOULD LIKE TO THINK AR^UT IT - BUT WHAT ARE YOU DOING? AND THAT WAS VERY FAIR, WE APE THE C'’UH IRY WHICH HAS THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY AND WE WERE PUT ON OUE METAL, VERY PROPERLY, TO COME UP WITH OUR OWN PACKAGE TO GIVE THE LEAD. AHI? THAT WE HAVE DONE AND THAT IS UNDERSTOOD.
WHAT I AM REFERRING TO HERE - AND I SAY EXPLICITLY AT THE END OF THE STATEMENT THAT THE WORK IS NOT YET DONE, THAT THERE IS MORE TO DO AND WE SHALL CARRY ON DOING THAT WORK WITH OTHER COUNTRIES - BUT ALTOGETHER, THESE SEPARATE COMMITMENTS ALREADY MADE, OTHER COMMITMENTS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING MADE, ARE GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG, PUT TOGETHER.
JOHNATHAN BRAUDE (THE TIMES): SOME OF THE COUNTRIES YOU HAVE MENTIONED HAVE SCHEMES WHICH ARE DEFERMENTS; THEY ARE NOT A SITUATION WHERE YOU DON'T HAVE TO FULFIL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS IN THE COUNTRY, THEY SIMPLY DEFER THE DATE OF ENTRY —
MR MAUDE: THAT'S RIGHT.
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JOHNATHAN BRAUDE: -- AT WHICH YOU SERVE RESIDENCY. NOW IN YOUR CASE, I MEAN FOR THE FRENCH CASE THIS APPEARS TO BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT BECAUSE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT A RIGHT OF ABODE PACKAGE AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO FRANCE TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS. THE CHINESE HAVE SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT RECOGNISE PASSPORTS THAT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED WITHOUT RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS BEING FULFILLED. ARE YOU SAYING THAT BRITISH AND FRENCH PASSPORTS ARE NOT ACTUAL!,V GOING TO BE VALUABLE TO PEOPLE IN THIS WAY, AND IS THIS ACTUALLY THE SAME SCHEME THAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT FROM THE FRENCH AND THE CANADIANS AND THE GERMANS?
MR MAUDE: I HAVEN'T SAID, AT ANY STAGE, THAT ALL THESE SCHEMES ARE IDENTICAL. IT WOULD BE VERY REMARKABLE IF ALL OF THESE COUNTRIES WERE, YES, ALONG SIMILAR LINES, WERE ATTEMPTING TO ACHIEVE THE SIMILAR AIM OF GIVING PEOPLE AN ASSURANCE WITHOUT THE NEED TO LEAVE HONG KONG TO OBTAIN IT, AND THAT’S THE BROAD EFFECT WHICH EACH SCHEME IS SEEKING TO ACHIEVE. BUT IT WOULD BE VERY ODD IF, WITH THE VERY DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF NATIONALITY AND THE VERY DIFFERENT TYPES OF IMMIGRATION RULES WHICH EXIST IN ALL THESE COUNTRIES, EACH ONE CAME OUT LOOKING EXACTLY THE SAME, BUT THE BROAD EFFECT ......
JOHNATHAN BRAUDE: TO HAVE TO LEAVE HONG KONG TO ACQUIRE THE PASSPORTS OF SINGAPORE, OF CANADA, OF AUSTRALIA, OF THE UNITED STATES
MR MAUDE: BUT IT'S THE RIGHT OF ENTRY, THE ASSURANCE THAT THERE IS SOMEWHERE TO GO, AT SOME STAGE IN THE FUTURE, IF THINGS GET BAD HERE. THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR IN HONG KONG AND THAT'S WHAT ALL OF THESE SCHEMES IN THEIR DIFFERENT WAYS SEEK TO ACHIEVE. AND SO FAR AS THE VALUE OF THESE ASSURANCES OF VARIOUS SORTS ARE CONCERNED, AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE. THE JOINT DECLARATION ENTRENCHES THE RIGHT TO ENTER AND RETURN TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997. CHINA HAS SOLEMNLY AND CONTINUOUSLY REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD PUT THEIR FAITH ON.
JOHN ELLIOTT (FINANCIAL TIMES): AREN'T THESE SCHEMES THEN LIFEBOAT SCHEMES WHICH WILL ONLY OPERATE IN A TIME OF CRISIS?
MR MAUDE: NO, INDEED, I MEAN, THEY ARE SCHEMES LIKELY I SUSPEC1 TO DR SCHEMES WHICH GIVE THE RIGHT NOW WITH THE CAPABILITY OF IT BEING EXERCISED LATER.
SIMON MACKLTN (SCMP): ....CONFIDENCE TO HAVE INSPIRED AN AWFUL LOT OF CONFUSION,
IN THE TERRITORY, I MEAN ....
IT
DEEMS
MR MAUDE: WELL I MEAN THAT THE FACT IS THAT ALTOGETHER THIS ACTUALLY ADDS TO THE PACKAGE WHICH WE HAVE ANNOUNCED. I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO SAY ON BEHALF OF EVERY OTHER GOVERNMENT EXACTLY WHAT THE EFFF' T WILL BE BECAUSE IT ISN'T ACTUALLY FOR THE BRITISH GOVEI L'M TIT TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS. ALL I HAVE SOUGHT TO DO IS TO PULL TOGETHER WHAT THE OVERALL EFFECT IS AND MIGHT BE IF IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. UE (HALL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD WITH THESE OTHER GOVERNMENTS TO BRING THESE VARIOUS SCHEMES TO FRUITION, AND TO THE GREATER EXTENT WE SUCCEED, THE GREATER THE BENEFIT, AND THE GREATER THE BOOST TO CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG. I THINK THAT IS UNDERSTOOD HERE. THANKS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER POSTINGS ANNOUNCED .......................................... 1
$289M PROJECT FOR AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING .............................. 1
OMELCO REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND NATIONALITY DEBATE ................................ 2
OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HK REMAINS STRONG ........................................... 3
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED .................................... 4
TWO BANKING LICENCES GRANTED ...................................................... 12
SALE OF EXCHANGE FUND'S REMAINING HK TELECOM SHARES ............................... 12
DECEMBER EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED .................... 13
RESULTS OF 4TH QUARTER SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES ................ 17
TRANSFER OF VR CAMP MANAGEMENT TO HOUSING DEPT ................................... 20
ROOTE 5 TO BE OPENED ON APRIL 20 .................................................. 21
NEW AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES .......................... 22
PROPOSED DREDGING AT KELLETT BANK ................................................. 24
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE .................................................. 24
RATEPAYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON SECOND QUARTER PAYMENT ............................... 24
TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS URGED TO USE SEA TRANSPORT ................................... 26
SCS (DESIGNATE) VISITS SWD......................................................... 27
HK TEAM TO TAKE PART IN WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES .................................. 28
COUNTRY PARK T-SHIRT ON SALE ...................................................... 28
STUDENTS TAKE LEAD IN GREEN PLANT PROJECT ......................................... 29
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
1
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER POSTINGS ANNOUNCED
******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER POSTINGS:
FOLLOWING
MR RICHARD HOARE, DEPUTY HEAD, CENTRAL POLICY UNIT, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR CLINTON LEEKS AS PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN
OWING TO THE INCREASING WORKLOAD, IT IS ALSO PLANNED TO STRENGTHEN THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE SECRETARIAT WITH ADDITIONAL DIRECTORATE SUPPORT THROUGH THE CREATION OF A NEW POST OF DEPUTY PRIVATE SECRETARY LATER IN THE YEAR.
MR CLINTON LEEKS, PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR MIKE HANSON AS REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR.
MR MIKE HANSON, REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, WILL SUCCEED MR RICHARD HOARE AS DEPUTY HEAD, CENTRAL POLICY UNIT.
- - 0 - -
$289M PROJECT FOR AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS SPENDING $289 MILLION TO REFURBISH THE OLD SECTION OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE REFURBISHMENT PROGRAMME IS TO ENABLE KAI TAK TO MEET FORECAST AIR PASSENGER DEMANDS OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS.
IT WILL ALSO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES TO THAT PROVIDED IN THE NEW EXTENSION WHICH WAS COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1988.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE NATURE AND URGENCY OF THE REFURBISHMENT PROGRAMME, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO CLOSE VARIOUS TERMINAL FACILITIES DURING THE COURSE OF THE WORK.
"HOWEVER, PLANNING FOR THE PROJECT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE AIRLINE OPERATORS COMMITTEE, HAS SOUGHT TO KEEP INCONVENIENCE TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AND DISRUPTION TO TERMINAL OPERATIONS TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM.
"A PHASED APPROACH WILL BE ADOPTED WITH THE WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN IN FIVE SEPARATE STAGES EACH LASTING APPROXIMATELY FIVE AND A HALF MONTHS.
/"THE PROGRAMME
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
2
"THE PROGRAMME ALSO ENSURES THAT ALL TERMINAL FACILITIES WILL BE REINSTATED TO CATER FOR THE TRADITIONAL LUNAR NEW YEAR PEAK PERIODS IN 1991 AND 1992."
AS WELL AS INTERNAL RENOVATION OF BUILDING FINISHES, INCLUDING CEILINGS AND FLOORS, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING LIGHTING, THE PROJECT WILL ALSO REFURBISH AND UPGRADE THE VARIOUS SYSTEMS ESSENTIAL TO THE OPERATION OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING.
THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WILL BE IMPROVED TO PROVIDE A MORE BALANCED COVERAGE AND VARIOUS BUILDING SERVICES, SUCH AS THE FIRE PROTECTION, DRAINAGE, PLUMBING AND POWER SUPPLIES, WILL BE UPGRADED.
THE DEPARTURE AND INTERLINE BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM WILL BE IMPROVED TO FURTHER ENHANCE BAGGAGE DESPATCH RELIABILITY WHILE AN ELECTRONIC CHECK-IN ISLAND DISPLAY SYSTEM WILL BF, INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION TO PASSENGERS.
PASSENGER ACCESS BETWEEN ARRIVALS, DEPARTURES AND THE MULTI-STOREY CARPARK WILL BE IMPROVED BY THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL LIFTS AND ESCALATORS.
THE WHOLE REFURBISHMENT PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF 1992.
-----------------------0-------- OMELCO REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND NATIONALITY DEBATE
OMELCO WILL SEND TWO REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL 1990 SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON APRIL 19 (THURSDAY).
THE TWO REPRESENTATIVES ARE: THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM, CONVENER OF THE OMELCO SPECIAL WORKING GROUP ON NATIONALITY, AND THE HON MR RONALD ARCULLI.
THE RECOMMENDATION WAS MADE AT THE WORKING GROUP'S MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY), AND ENDORSED BY THE TWO SENIOR MEMBERS, THE HON DAME LYDIA DUNN AND THE HON MR ALLEN LEE.
/EXPLAINING THE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
• t
- 3 -
EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE VISIT, MRS TAM SAID: "THE NATIONALITY BILL IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG; ITS PASSAGE WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS REDUCING THE BRAIN DRAIN WHICH THREATENS TO UNDERMINE CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY. WE WANT TO BE THERE WHEN IT IS BEING DEBATED TO SHOW OUR CONTINUOUS INTEREST AND CONCERN."
NOTE:
THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM AND THE HON MR RONALD ARCULLI WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON EARLY NEXT WEEK AND ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN OVER THE WEEKEND.
DURING THEIR STAY, THEY CAN BE CONTACTED THROUGH MR ROSS CLARKE OF THE OMELCO LONDON OFFICE.
-------------------0 _ _ .. _ OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HK REMAINS STRONG * » * * *
OVERSEAS INTEREST AND INVESTMENT REMAINS STRONG IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY FROM JAPAN, BUT ALSO FROM THE U.S. AND OTHER COUNTRIES, THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR PETER JOHNSON, SAID IN LOS ANGELES YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING AN AUDIENCE OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AT THE CALIFORNIA-ASIA TRADE CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE OFFICE OF CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN AND THE CALIFORNIA STATE WORLD TRADE COUNCIL, MR JOHNSON SAID THERE HAD BEEN SUBSTANTIAL RECOVERY FROM THE SHORT TERM NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THE EVENTS IN CHINA LAST SUMMER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW AIRPORT TO REPLACE THE PRESENT KAI TAK, AND A FIVE-FOLD EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S CONTAINER PORT FACILITIES WOULD CREATE CONSIDERABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERSEAS COMPANIES IN A VAST RANGE OF DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES.
"WE EXPECT SUBSTANTIAL PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND THERE IS ALREADY A NUMBER OF AMERICAN COMPANIES INVOLVED.
"INDEED, A U.S. COMPANY, BECHTEL - BASED IN SAN FRANCISCO -HAS JUST THIS WEEK BEEN APPOINTED PROJECT MANAGER FOR THE WHOLE DEVELOPMENT. AND FIVE OF THE EIGHT COMPANIES SHORTLISTED TO PRODUCE A MASTERPLAN FOR THE NEW AIRPORT ARE FROM THE U.S.
"U.S. INTERESTS ARE ACTIVE IN OTHER AREAS TOO. U.S. WEST HAS A 25 PER CENT STAKE TN OUR NEW CABLE TV NETWORK, CITICORP IS TAKING A 10 PER CENT STAKE IN A US$700 MILLION DEVELOPMENT IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA, MOTOROLA IS DEVELOPING A HUGE NEW FACILITY, AND THERE ARE SEVERAL SMALLER DEVELOPMENTS."
/MR JOHNSON ......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
MR JOHNSON ALSO NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S LEADING BUSINESSMAN, MR LI KA-SHING, HAD RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT HIS GROUP WOULD INVEST OVER US$5 BILLION OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS IN A NEW CONTAINER TERMINAL, POWER GENERATION AND A NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS.
TURNING TO JAPANESE INVESTMENT, MR JOHNSON POINTED OUT THAT THE JAPANESE INTEREST COVERED REAL ESTATE, MANUFACTURING AND RETAIL STORES. IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT JAPANESE-OWNED STORES ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF ALL DEPARTMENT STORE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
"THEY ARE ALSO EXTREMELY ACTIVE IN CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING AND HAVE PLAYED THE LEADING ROLE IN SUCH PROJECTS AS THE US$450 MILLION SECOND HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE BANK OF CHINA’S NEW 71-STOREY BUILDING."
MR JOHNSON ALSO CLARIFIED SOME MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT SOME OF THE BASIC ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH HONG KONG’S REVERSION TO CHINA.
"A GREAT DEAL HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE, WITH THE FULL AGREEMENT, CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PRC, TO GIVE HONG KONG ITS OWN SEPARATE IDENTITY IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING, FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS SCENE, IN A WAY THAT WILL CONTINUE BEYOND 1997.
"SO HONG KONG CONTINUES TO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES IN ALMOST EVERY FIELD; RETAILING, IMPORT AND EXPORT, MANUFACTURING, PARTICULARLY DESIGN AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE PROFESSIONS, INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER EQUIPMENT, AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH HUGE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE NEXT DECADE AND BEYOND," MR JOHNSON SAID.
ANOTHER HONG KONG SPEAKER AT THE CONFERENCE WAS HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, MR ALAN WONG.
GOVERNOR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN OF CALIFORNIA DELIVERED THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS.
- - 0 - -
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY RELEASED
*****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN FEBRUARY 1990, AT $78,229 MILLION INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT TN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989* ACCORDING IO 1 HE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN FEBRUARY 1990 RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS $13,311 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1990.
DECREASED BY
5 PER CENT TO
/ON THE
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 5 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 9 PER CENT TO $24,446 MILLION, THUS BRINGING THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1990 TO $37,757 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 4 PER CENT OVER FEBRUARY 1989.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT TO $40,473 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR IN ISOLATION, AS THEY ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. THUS FIGURES ARE ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE MONTHS OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1990, AT $163,918 MILLION, INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT TO $29,948 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT TO $52,406 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT TO $82,354 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, AT $81,564 MILLION, SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1990 WITH FEBRUARY 1989, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS DECREASED, PARTICULARLY THOSE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (-27 PER CENT), CANADA (-20 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (-18 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (-17 PER CENT) AND THE USA (-11 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, BY 53 PER CENT AND 43 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA ALSO INCREASED RY 19 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS FROM ITALY, CHINA, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND SWITZERLAND INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, JAPAN, THE USA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DECREASED BY 16 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT, 2 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, TAIWAN, CANADA, SINGAPORE AND THE USA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS IN FEBRUARY 1990 OVER FEBRUARY 1989, BY 38 PER ('ENT, 2R PER CENT, 27 PER CENT, 24 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO AUSTRALIA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CHINA DECREASED BY 8 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/COMPARING JANUARY .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
6
COMPARING JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN BY 53 PER CENT. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE ALSO INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
HOWEVER, THOSE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN, THE USA AND THE NETHERLANDS DECREASED BY 23 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT, 5 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA SHOWED NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE.
IMPORTS IN JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1990 FROM MANY MAJOR SUPPLIERS DECREASED IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DECREASED BY 16 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, IMPORTS FROM CHINA, ITALY AND THE USA INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY TN VALUE TERMS.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CANADA AND THE USA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS, BY 41 PER CENT, 34 PER CENT AND 26 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA, BY 18 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THOSE TO CHINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 14 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1990 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1989, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT TO $222,749 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORTS, AT $350,172 MILLION, WAS UP BY 21 PER CENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT TN VALUE TERMS TO $562,739 MILLION. THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT.
ALL TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED 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 FEBRUARY 1990 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY MAY 1990.
THE CHANGES TN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/COMPARING THE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, INCREASES IN VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $180 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $159 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $92 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS EDIBLE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS (BY $15 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $381 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $369 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN MOST MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS. NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $997 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $923 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (BY $566 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (BY $310 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $767 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT) AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $597 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1990 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989, NOTABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,668 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $1,290 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (BY $659 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (BY $321 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $474 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $467 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE FEBRUARY 1990 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSIS ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE AROUND APRIL 18, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $27 PER COPY.
/ENQUIRIES REGARDING .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 8 -
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 JAN-FEB 90 OVER JAN-FEB 89
MAJOR MARKET FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) FEB 90 OVER FEB 89 ( % ) JAN-FEB 1990 (HKD MN.)
( % )
USA 3,666 - 14 8,943 - 5
CHINA 2,915 + 19 5,667 t
F.R. OF GERMANY 980 - 17 2,293 - 9
UK 724 - 27 1,681 - 23
JAPAN 693 - 8 1,590 - 7
SINGAPORE 472 + 43 944 + 17
CANADA 347 - 20 871 - 14
TAIWAN 351 + 53 794 + 53
NETHERLANDS 344 * 728 - 3
AUSTRALIA 247 - 18 571 - 13
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5% TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
FEB FEB 90 JAN-FEB JAN-FEB 90
COMMODITY 1990 OVER 1990 OVER
DIVISION (HKD MN.) FEB 89 ( % ) (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB ( % 89 )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 3,628 - 19 9,595 - 4
/MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 9 -
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,651 ♦ 4 3,595 - 2
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,226 — 5 2,728 *
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,098 + 13 2,323 + 7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,123 — 6 2,263 - 14
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 1,075 + 8 2,100 *
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) FEB 90 OVER FEB 89 ( % ) JAN-FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 90 OVER JAN-FEB 89 ( % )
CHINA 12,444 + 20 28,487 + 13
JAPAN 7,286 - 5 12,998 — 11
USA 3,626 - 2 7,177 + 5
TAIWAN 3,517 + 11 7,020 — 2
SINGAPORE 1,880 ♦ 20 3,426 — 2
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,779 - 12 3,393 - 16
UK 1,080 - 2 1,966 - 9
F.R. OF GERMANY 904 - 16 1,845 - 14
SWITZERLAND 897 + 4 1,508 + 1
ITALY 812 + 23 1,503 + 12
/TABLE 4 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 10 -
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) FEB 90 OVER FEB 89 ( % ) JAN-FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 90 OVER JAN-FEB 89 ( % )
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4,833 + 15 9,584 + 3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,002 - 8 7,824 - 9
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,738 + 19 6,494 + 18
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,033 + 18 5,945 + 7
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,612 + 37 5,381 + 21
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS > 2,313 - 5 4,559 - 3
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) FEB 90 OVER FEB 89 ( % ) JAN-FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 90 OVER JAN-FEB 89 ( % )
CHINA 7,070 - 2 13,959 - 14
USA 4,631 + 17 10,876 + 26
JAPAN 1,537 + 5 3,267 + 7
/TAIWAN 1,447 ...........
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
— 11 -
TAIWAN 1> 447 + 28 2,758 + 12
F.R. OF GERMANY 1. 084 + 38 2,534 + 41
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 951 - 8 1,946 - 4
SINGAPORE 888 + 24 1,813 + 12
UK 541 + 6 1,274 + 18
AUSTRALIA 407 - 8 932 + 4
CANADA 388 + 27 920 + 34
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
FEB COMMODITY 1990 DIVISION (HKD MN.) FEB 90 OVER FEB 89 ( % ) JAN-FEB 1990 (HKD MN.) JAN-FEB 90 OVER JAN-FEB 89 ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2 ,524 + 4 6,393 + 25
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2 ,477 + 33 5,954 + 39
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2 ,866 + 15 5,814 + 6
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2 ,479 ♦ 5,049 — 3
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 ,822 + 13 4,070 + 12
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1 ,057 + 20 2,060 + 9
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
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/12 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 12 -
TWO BANKING LICENCES GRANTED
******
NISHI-NIPPON BANK, LIMITED AND RABOBANK NEDERLAND HAVE BEEN GRANTED BANKING LICENCES TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
NISHI-NIPPON BANK, LIMITED IS THE 40TH LARGEST BANK IN JAPAN, AND THE 240TH IN THE WORLD BY CAPITAL. RABOBANK NEDERLAND IS THE LARGEST BANK IN THE NETHERLANDS AND THE 30TH IN THE WORLD BY CAPITAL.
THEY HAVE OPERATED A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN HONG KONG SINCE 1985 AND 1986 RESPECTIVELY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
"GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG’S BILATERAL TRADE WITH JAPAN AND THE NETHERLANDS, IT IS DESIRABLE THAT THESE COUNTRIES HAVE APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATION IN THE BANKING SECTOR OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THE GRANTING OF THE LICENCES BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS TO 166, OF WHICH 135 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
THE LICENCES ARE THE FIRST TWO GRANTED THIS YEAR.
--------0-----------
SALE OF EXCHANGE FUND’S REMAINING HK TELECOM SHARES *******
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, ANNOUNCED THAT THE AGREEMENT REACHED ON APRIL 3 FOR THE SALE OF THE WHOLE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S REMAINING SHAREHOLDING IN HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED ("HK TELECOM") - AMOUNTING TO 377,544,752 SHARES REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 3.4 PER CENT OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF HK TELECOM - TO SMITH NEW COURT SECURITIES PLC, A LEADING UK SECURITIES HOUSE, FOR A TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF APPROXIMATELY $1.85 BILLION, WAS COMPLETED TODAY (THURSDAY).
AFTER THIS TRANSACTION, THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL NO LONGER HAVE ANY EQUITY INTERESTS IN HK TELECOM.
/13 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12,
1990
- 13 -
DECEMBER EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS RELEASED
»»»»***
IN DECEMBER 1989, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1988, WHILE EMPLOYMENT IN SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THUS THE SHIFT IN EMPLOYMENT FROM MANUFACTURING TO SERVICES CONTINUED.
THERE WERE 791,500 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN DECEMBER 1989, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 5.4 PER CENT IN COMP RISON WITH DECEMBER 1988.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRAD; S AND RESTAURANTS \ND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 774,000 IN DECEMBER 1989, WAS 8.8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1988.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 254,800, WAS UP BY 8.2 PER CENT.
EMPLOYMENT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES DECREASED BY 9.0 PER CENT COMP/RED WITH DECEMBER 1988.
*' ’ ■ • r
THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1989 IN THESE SELF’ TED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, WITH COMPARISON WITH THE CORR SPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1988 AND SEPTEMBER 1989, ARE AS FOLL WS:
I’ERSONS ENGAGED (EMPLOYMENT) I Nt PERCENTAGE CHANGE *t
SELECTED'MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 88 SEP. 89 DEC. 89 DEC. 89 ON DEC. 88 DEC. 89 ON SEP. 89
MANUFACTURING 837,100 803,000 791,500 -5.4 -1 . 4
CONS RUCTION (MAL AL WORKERS AT ( • ". I RUCTION SIT! ONLY) 76,300 67,500 69,500 -9.0 + 2.9
WHOLI S’ALF AND RETA IL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 711,300 757,700 774,000 + 8.8 + 2.2
FINANCING, INSUIANCE, REAL ESTATE AND I JSINESS SERV :es 235,500 249,500 254,800 + 8.2 + 2. 1
♦ FIGURES ARE ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST HUNDRED.
t» BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.
/COMPARING DECEMBER .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 14
1 . . ;i • ,, _ • i . . « . ‘ i ' . ’ r . . ‘ *• '
COMPARING DECEMBER 1989 WITH SEPTEMBER 1989, EMPLOYMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION SITES, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS, INCREASED BY 2.9 PER CENT,'.” 2.2 PER CENT, AND 2.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
. 5 ' . *
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED BY 1.4 PER CENT.
A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN DECEMBER 1989 WERE DERIVED FROM THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THESE SECTORS COVER THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. THERE IS A SEPARATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY COVERING CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ALSO PROVIDES VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THESE SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS (EXCEPT CONSTRUCTION SITES WHICH ARE COVERED IN A SEPARATE SURVEY).
THE VACANCY DATA TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1988 AND SEPTEMBER 1989 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NUMBER OF REPORTED
VACANCIES IN* PERCENTAGE CHANGE**
SELECTED MAJOR
SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 88 SEP. 89 DEC. 89 DEC. 89 ON DEC. 88 DEC. 89 ON SEP. 89
MANUFACTURING 51,790 43,960 36,170 -30.1 -17.7
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 32,600 28,830 27,050 -17.0 - 6.2
FINANCING, 10,640 10,850 10,520 -1.1 - 3.1
INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
* FIGURES ARE ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST TEN.
*♦ BASED ON UNROUNDED VACANCY FIGURES.
/IN LINE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 15 -
IN LINE WITH THE SLACKENING IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE LATTER HALF OF 1989, THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR WAS BECOMING LESS INTENSE. THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES FOR THE MANUFACTURING, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS DECREASED BY 30.1 PER CENT, AND 17.0 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY DURING DECEMBER 1988 AND DECEMBER 1989.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1989, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTORS DECREASED BY 17.7 PER CENT, 6.2 PER CENT AND 3.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN DECEMBER 1989.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE SURVEY ARE STATISTICS ON MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. QUARTERLY TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN % CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR 4TH QTR. 1989
SECTORS OF THE 4TH QTR. 4TH QTR. ON
ECONOMY 1988 1989 4TH QTR. 1988
HK$ MN HK$ MN
MANUFACTURING 10,456 11,236 + 7.5
WHOLESALE AND 9,167 11,614 + 26.7
RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
FINANCING, 5,239 6,547 +25.0
INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
* BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL FIGURES.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 7.5 PER CENT, 26.7 PER CENT AND 25.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989.
AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN DECEMBER 1988 AND DECEMBER 1989, ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED.
/TO ALLOW .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
16
TO ALLOW FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES, THE NOMINAL INDEX IS DEFLATED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) TO GIVE THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED. THESE TWO INDICES FOR DECEMBER 1988 AND DECEMBER 1989 ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELOW:
NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (JUNE 1980 = 100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 88 DEC. 89 DEC. 89 ON DEC. 88
MANUFACTURING 307.4 355.0 + 15.5
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 318.4 371.2 + 16.6
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 358.1 405.1 + 13.1
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (JUNE 1980 = 100) % CHANGE
DEC. 88 DEC. 89 DEC. 89 ON DEC. 88
MANUFACTURING 161 .4 170.0 + 5.3
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 167.1 177.5 + 6.2
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 188.0 193.7 + 3.0
BETWEEN DECEMBER 1988 AND DECEMBER 1989, AN INCREASE OF 15 5 PER CENT WAS REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
/FOR THE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 17 -
FOR THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 16.6 PER CENT AND FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE INCREASE WAS 13.1 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 5.3 PER CENT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, 6.2 PER CENT FOR THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND 3.0 PER CENT FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, DECEMBER 1989, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $11 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
--------0-----------
RESULTS OF 4TH QUARTER SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989, ESTIMATED AT $8,468 MILLION, WAS 13 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1988, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS 3 PER CENT LOWER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WAS $3,494 MILLION, WHICH WAS 11 PER CENT HIGHER IN VALUE TERMS THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE (33 PER CENT) IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
THESE WERE FOLLOWED BY NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (23 PER CENT), BARS (20 PER CENT), "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" - COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OTHER OUTLETS SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY ETC. (13 PER CENT) AND CHINESE RESTAURANTS (8 PER CENT).
IN VOLUME TERMS, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS, BARS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE FOR CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" BOTH DROPPED BY 8 PER CENT.
COMPARING 1989 WITH 1988, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VOLUME; AND THE TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT.
/IN VALUE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 18 -
IN VALUE TERMS, FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED THE LARGEST GROWTH IN TOTAL RECEIPTS (27 PER CENT), FOLLOWED BY NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (19 PERCENT), CHINESE RESTAURANTS (14 PER CENT), "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" (13 PER CENT) AND BARS (6 PER CENT).
IN VOLUME TERMS, INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR FAST FOOD SHOPS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS, AT 11 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FOR BARS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED WHILE DECREASES WERE NOTED FOR CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES", AT 3 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER - AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS - TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THE VALUE OF PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS ROSE BY 6 PER CENT.
IN VALUE TERMS, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS, CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS ROSE BY 20 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT, AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE FOR FAST FOOD SHOPS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
IN VOLUME TERMS, BARS AND CHINESE RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT, 3 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FOR THE THIRD AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989 AND FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988. COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1989 WITH THOSE FOR 1988 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 556 5240.
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 19 -
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
3rd qtr. 19*9 Uh qtr. 1989
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures)
Total restaurant receipts (in HK$ Billion) 8 083 8 (68
Total purchases by restaurants (in HRS Billion) 3 309 3 (94
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 3RD QUARTER 1989 AND (TH QUARTER 1989
(Quarterly average of October 84 - Septeaber 85 = 100)
s ' Type of restaurant Index of ; total ! 3rd restaurant ! quarter receipts ! 1989 4th quarter 1989 (th qtr. 1989 1 4th qtr. 1989 Ilst-Uh qtr. 1989! compared with 1 conpared with iconpared with 1 3rd otr. 1989 I (th utr. 1988 !lst-4th otr. 1911!
! Chinese restaurants ! Non-Chinese restaurants J Fast food shops 1 Bars 1 (Other eating and drinking places 1 1 1 (Revised ! figures) • Value ( 166 । Volune ( 115 । । Value ! 183 । Volune 1 130 । । । । Value I 237 • Volune 1 179 । Value 1 i36 । Volune ( 110 ( । Value ! it-8 । Volune ! 121 (Provisional figures) 178 120 164 129 235 174 164 131 10! 1 Points A ! Points \ ! Points A ! ! ! ! ♦12 «7 1 *13 48 1 420 41( 1 1 1 1 ♦5 44 j -n -8 • -j -j । । । । । । * । । ♦1 H ! 435 423 ! 427 419 • < । । • । । -1 -1 ( *10 »8 I 45 44 } ■ । । •2 -1 1 458 43) 1 446 427 1 ! -5 -3 ! 424 416 I 417 41J ( । । । । । । । । । । । • ♦28 420 ! 427 420 1 47 46 I । । । ♦21 419 1 ♦!< 412 I * 1 1 i : : 1 1 ! -24 -14 1 416 413 • 418 413 । । t । । । -21 -17 I -8 -8 ( -4 -4 l
1 1 Entire restaurant sector । । । । 1 1 । Value ! 174 1 Voiune 1 121 1 182 126 । । । ♦9 *5 ( 421 413 1 423 416 ! ! 1 ! •3 ♦) ( -4 -3 1 • > I 1 1 . •
Notes: 1. Figures denoting changes are derived iron unrounded figures.
2. • denotes a figure within 10.5.
- - 0---------
/20 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 20 -
TRANSFER OF VR CAMP MANAGEMENT TO HOUSING DEPT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO REDESIGNATE THE TUEN MUN AND SAN YICK LIBERALISED CLOSED CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AS OPEN CENTRES TO BE MANAGED BY HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF.
THIS WILL TAKE SOME OF THE PRESSURE OFF THE HARD-PRESSED CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND FREE STAFF FOR REDEPLOYMENT ELSEWHERE.
MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN WORKING GROUP ON LIBERALISATION OF CLOSED CENTRES WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) BRIEFED ON DETAILS OF THE PLAN BY A SECURITY BRANCH OFFICIAL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WOULD ASSIST THE SECURITY BRANCH IN THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE CAMPS AS A TEMPORARY COMMITMENT.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TWO CENTRES BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH," HE SAID.
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE RUNNING OF REFUGEE CAMPS BEFORE. IN 1979, IT MANAGED TUEN MUN AND ARGYLE STREET REFUGEE CENTRES WITH A TOTAL POPULATION OF UP TO 17,000.”
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS NOT EXPECTED THAT THE REDESIGNATION AND CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT AGENCY WOULD LEAD TO ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE WAY THE CENTRES WERE OPERATED.
"THE POLICE WILL CONTINUE THEIR PATROLS IN POTENTIAL CRIME BLACK SPOTS," HE SAID.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE PRESENT POLICE POST OUTSIDE FU TEI VILLAGE NEAR THE TUEN MUN CAMP WILL CONTINUE TO BE MANNED ON A 24 HOUR BASIS.
"THE TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT WILL FREE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF FOR REDEPLOYMENT TO THE MAIN DETENTION CENTRES FOR BOAT PEOPLE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT GIVEN THE PROJECTED DEPARTURE RATES FOR HONG KONG’S REFUGEES FOR 1990, THERE WAS EVERY REASON TO EXPECT THAT SAN YICK COULD BE CLOSED BY JULY THIS YEAR AND TUEN MUN BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
--------0-----------
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 21 -
ROUTE 5 TO BE OPENED ON APRIL 20 * * * * »
IT WILL TAKE ONLY ABOUT 10 MINUTES FOR MOTORISTS TO DRIVE BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN WITH THE OPENING OF ROUTE 5 INCLUDING THE SHING MUN TUNNELS FROM APRIL 20.
THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR KWONG HON-SANG, OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) DURING A PRESS VISIT TO THE NEW ROAD FACILITIES.
MR KWONG SAID ROUTE 5 WAS A SEVEN-KILOMETRE LONG DUAL TWO-LANE HIGHWAY EXTENDING FROM TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION SHA TIN STATION TO TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE IN TSUEN WAN. IT FORMED PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW ROAD WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS. CONSTRUCTION STARTED IN APRIL 1986 AND WAS COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS AT A COST OF $1.3 BILLION.
THE EASTERLY TWO-KILOMETRE SHA TIN CONNECTION AND THE WESTERLY 1.5-KILOMETRE TSUEN WAN CONNECTION WERE BUILT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CENTRAL 3.5-KILOMETRE SHING MUN SECTION, OF WHICH 2.6-KILOMETRE WAS IN TUNNELS. THESE TUNNELS COMPRISING ONE TWO-LANE EASTBOUND TUBE AND ONE TWO-LANE WESTBOUND TUBE WERE NOW KNOWN AS THE SHING MUN TUNNELS.
MR KWONG SAID THE SHING MUN TUNNELS WERE NOT CONTINUOUS, BEING DIVIDED BY THE GORGE OF THE LOWER SHING MUN RIVER, WHERE THE CARRIAGEWAYS WERE SUPPORTED ON TWO CONCRETE BRIDGES, EACH ABOUT 100 METRES LONG.
THE SMUGGLERS RIDGE TUNNELS, TO THE WEST OF THE LOWER SHING MUN RIVER, WERE ABOUT ONE-KILOMETRE LONG AND THE NEEDLE HILL TUNNELS, TO THE EAST, WERE ABOUT 1.6-KILOMETRE LONG.
AT THE TSUEN WAN END OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS, A TOLL PLAZA WITH 13 LANES WAS BUILT. THE TOLL WOULD BE $3 PER TRIP.
MR KWONG SAID TO ENSURE THAT ALL ASPECTS OF THE TUNNEL OPERATIONS WERE MONITORED AND CONTROLLED EFFICIENTLY, A COMPUTERISED TUNNEL SUPERVISORY SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED.
THE TUNNELS AND APPROACHES WERE EQUIPPED WITH CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISIONS, A PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONES, HE SAID.
EMERGENCY CROSS PASSAGES LINKING THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TUBES WERE ALSO PROVIDED IN THE TUNNELS AT 100-METRE INTERVALS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND AT 600-METRE FOR LIGHT EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
/BOTH THE........
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 22 -
BOTH THE LIGHTING AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS WERE CONTROLLED AUTOMATICALLY BY SENSORS INSTALLED INSIDE THE TUNNELS, MR KWONG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT NOT ONLY WOULD ROUTE 5 HELP MOTORISTS SAVE ABOUT 35 MINUTES IN TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN THE SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN NEW TOWNS, IT WOULD ALSO HELP ALLEVIATE CONGESTION IN THE LION TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD.
-----0-----
NEW AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES
******
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED SEVERAL LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS AIMED AT INTRODUCING SAFETY MEASURES TO TACKLE THE HIGH ACCIDENT RATE OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS WILL MAKE IT MANDATORY TO INSTALL AND RETAIN A SAFETY PARTITION IN LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES BETWEEN THE PASSENGERS AND GOODS COMPARTMENTS, THUS ENHANCING THE PROTECTION OF THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGERS IN THE SEATING ACCOMMODATION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT NEWLY MANUFACTURED VAN-TYPE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WERE INSTALLED WITH SUCH SAFETY PARTITIONS.
HOWEVER, MOST OPERATORS HAVE REMOVED THE PARTITIONS TO ALLOW FOR GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN USING THE VEHICLE FOR PASSENGER AND GOODS CARRIAGE.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT PROHIBITS THE INSTALLATION OF SIDE WINDOWS IN THE GOODS COMPARTMENT OF VAN-TYPE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES.
THE AMENDMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WOULD COME INTO OPERATION ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR BUT THERE WOULD BE A TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR TO ENSURE THAT OWNERS OF EXISTING VEHICLES HAVE ADEQUATE TIME TO MAKE THE NECESSARY CONVERSION.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED THAT THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, SHOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
UNDER THE BILL, THE PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME, WHEREBY ALL PRIVATE CARS OVER SIX YEARS OLD ARE SUBJECT TO ANNUAL INSPECTION, WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES NOT EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES.
AT PRESENT, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EXAMINES ANNUALLY ONLY GOODS VEHICLES OVER 12 YEARS OLD.
/THE INSPECTION
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 23 -
THE INSPECTION OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES NOT EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’VEHICLE EXAMINATION IS A MEANS OF ENSURING THE ROADWORTHINESS OF VEHICLES, THEREBY REDUCING THE LIKELIHOOD OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS CAUSING ROAD CONGESTION,” THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
’’THOSE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES INSPECTED AFTER ACCIDENTS, OR CALLED UP FOR INSPECTION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, ARE USUALLY FOUND TO BE POORLY MAINTAINED AND CONSEQUENTLY MAY POSE A DANGER TO OTHER ROAD USERS.
’’DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS, OVER 3,600 LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WERE REPORTED AS DEFECTIVE, CONSTITUTING 56 PER CENT OF ALL CLASSES OF VEHICLES CALLED UP BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR INSPECTION,” HE SAID. < .
THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL ALSO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO SPECIFY THE REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF MOTOR VEHICLES USED IN DRIVING TESTS FOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE LICENCES.
THE VEHICLE USED IN THE TEST IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OF AT LEAST 2.7 TONNES, WITH A DIMENSION OF NOT LESS THAN 4.65 METRES IN LENGTH AND 1.69 METRES IN WIDTH, AND CARRY A CERTAIN LOAD.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON THAT THE GROSS WEIGHT WAS SET AT A MINIMUM OF 2.7 TONNES WAS TO TEST A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO DRIVE A MEDIUM SIZE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES SINCE THE GROSS WEIGHT OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES COULD RANGE FROM RELATIVELY LIGHT VAN-TYPE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES UNDER 1.9 TONNES TO LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES UP TO 5.5 TONNES IN GROSS WEIGHT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DRIVING STANDARD OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS AND THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLES HAD BEEN A CAUSE FOR CONCERN.
DURING 1989, THERE WERE 5,061 ACCIDENTS INVOLVING LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, ACCOUNTING FOR 31 PER CENT OF ALL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
THE VEHICLE ACCIDENT INVOLVEMENT RATE FOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WAS 69 PER THOUSAND LICENSED VEHICLES, NEARLY TWICE THE RATE FOR PRIVATE CARS FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR 32 PER CENT OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING FATALITIES DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE HIGHEST AMONG ALL VEHICLE TYPES.
THE AMENDMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS FOR A TEST VEHICLE AND THE EXTENSION OF THE PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME TO LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WOULD COME INTO OPERATION ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY THIS YEAR.
------0-------
/24 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
24
PROPOSED DREDGING AT KELLETT BANK
*****
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT DREDGING WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 296.75 HECTARES OF SEABED AT KELLETT BANK TO PROVIDE ANCHORAGE SPACE FOR THE SITING OF MOORING BUOYS.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN THE LATTER PART OF NEXT YEAR.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION BY APRIL 11, 1991.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN THE
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
--------0-----------
ACTION ON UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE
* * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE AT THE ROOF ABOVE THE SIXTH FLOOR OF 42 LEIGHTON ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN OCTOBER 1988 REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE STRUCTURE.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 14, 1990 WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
--------0-----------
RATEPAYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON SECOND QUARTER PAYMENT
******
RATEPAYERS SHOULD BY NOW HAVE RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES FOR RATES FOR THE QUARTER APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30, 1990 WHICH ARE DEMANDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RATING ORDINANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE MAY BRING A RATES DEMAND NOTE OF ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER AND MAKE PAYMENT AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
/* THE TREASURY ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 25 -
* THE TREASURY CENTRAL COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, 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.
ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE AND CANNOT PRODUCE A RATES DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), NINTH FLOOR, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG.
NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY 4 PM ON APRIL 30, 1990 AND UNLESS SO PAID MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT IMPOSED UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE RATING ORDINANCE.
A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO ACCOUNTS (INCLUDING THE NORMAL FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE) WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY POST OR IN PERSON AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN IN THE DEMAND NOTE.
IN THIS CASE THEIR PAYMENT OF RATES WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON APRIL 30, 1990. RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
RATEPAYERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT THE AMOUNT PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DATE IS INDICATED ON THE DEMAND NOTE BY AN ARROW-HEAD IN THE "TOTAL AMOUNT DUE" BOX.
RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 30 OF THE ORDINANCE.
UNDER SECTIONS 30 (1A) AND (2A), HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).
TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS 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.
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/26 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
26
TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS URGED * * * *
TO USE SEA TRANSPORT * *
MORE THAN 60,000 WORSHIPPERS AND SIGHTSEERS ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI KUNG, ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (APRIL 17 AND 18) TO CELEBRATE THE SEA GODDESS FESTIVAL.
IN VIEW OF THE LARGE CROWD, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED WORSHIPPERS TO MAKE USE OF SEA TRANSPORT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, AND THE ACCESS TO PO TOI O VILLAGE WOULD BE CLOSED.
THERE WOULD BE NO PUBLIC PARKING FACILITIES IN THE VICINITY OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE, WHILE THE PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE THE CLEAR WATER BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB WOULD BE FOR AUTHORISED VEHICLES ONLY.
WORSHIPPERS SHOULD THEREFORE MAKE THEIR TRIPS BY FERRY, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WILL ARRANGE SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN THE NORTH POINT EAST FERRY PIER AND JOSS HOUSE BAY.
THE FIRST FERRY WILL DEPART NORTH POINT EAST FERRY PIER AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) AND THE LAST FERRY WILL LEAVE JOSS HOUSE BAY AT THE END OF THE FESTIVAL AT 4 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18).
THE FREQUENCIES OF THE SERVICE WILL RANGE FROM 45 MINUTES TO ONE AND A HALF HOUR. THERE WILL BE OVERNIGHT FERRY SERVICES ON TUESDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED WORSHIPPERS TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE TO REDUCE FIRE RISKS.
HE SAID THE BURNING OF PAPER OFFERINGS AT, AND BRINGING MORE THAN THREE BURNING JOSS STICKS INTO, THE TEMPLE WOULD BE PROHIBITED. HOWEVER, SUFFICIENT INCINERATORS WILL BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE FOR THE PURPOSES.
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ARRANGE FOR GRASS-CUTTING IN THE VICINITY TO MINIMISE FIRE RISKS NEAR THE FERRY PIER AND THE ALONG ROUTES TO THE TEMPLE.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO PUT UP LITTER BINS FOR REFUSE AND INCENSE ASH, AS WELL AS TEMPORARY LATRINES.
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL DEPLOY A FIRE BOAT TO THE VICINITY AND PROVIDE EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING 20 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, TO THE TEMPLE.
/ADEQUATE POLICE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 27 -
ADEQUATE POLICE AND MEDICAL FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE SCENE, WHILE SUPPLEMENTARY AMBULANCE SERVICES WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE SAI KUNG FIRE STATION.
THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO ADVISED NOT TO USE LOUD SPEAKERS OR BROADCAST CASSETTE TAPES WITHIN THE TEMPLE AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TIN HAU SEA GODDESS FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL BE PARTICIPATED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK TONG; AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN; ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18).
A COACH FOR THE MEDIA- WILL LEAVE THE CARPARK OF SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN AT 9.30 AM SHARP.
------0---------
SCS (DESIGNATE) VISITS SWD
t * » t *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (DESIGNATE), MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WAS IMPRESSED BY THE EFFICIENCY AND STAFF MORALE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DURING A VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR WIGGHAM, ON ARRIVING AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY, WAS GREETED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND.
HE MET DIRECTORATE AND SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT. AT THE MEETING, MR CARTLAND UPDATED HIM ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MR WIGGHAM ALSO MET ABOUT 20 STAFF REPRESENTATIVES - INCLUDING SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS, WELFARE ASSISTANTS, CLERICAL OFFICERS, MODEL SCALE I STAFF AND OTHER GENERAL GRADE OFFICERS - AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH THEM ON ISSUES RELATING TO THEIR WORK.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR KWOK NAI-SIK, MR WIGGHAM STARTED HIS TOUR BY VISITNG SWD’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE AT SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
- - 0 - -
/28 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
28
HK TEAM TO TAKE PART IN WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES
*****
A 68-MEMBER DELEGATION OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN THE FIRST WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, BETWEEN APRIL 19 AND MAY 2.
AT A BRIEF CEREMONY AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, PRESENTED A FLAG OF THE DEPARTMENT TO THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HEADQUARTERS), MR PETER CHEUNG, WHO WILL LEAD THE DELEGATION.
THE DELEGATION CONSISTS OF 61 ATHLETES AND SEVEN OFFICIALS AND WILL COMPETE IN 10 EVENTS INCLUDING BASKETBALL, SOCCER, SWIMMING, SQUASH, SNOOKER, TABLE TENNIS, BADMINTON, MARATHON RACE, TRACK AND FIELD AND VOLLEYBALL.
THE FIRST WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES IS HOSTED BY THE NEW ZEALAND FIRE SERVICE SPORTS COUNCIL. OVER 40 COUNTRIES WILL TAKE PART.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE GAMES ARE FRIENDSHIP, FRATERNITY AND COMPETITION AMONG FIREFIGHTERS IN THE WORLD.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TAKES PART IN SUCH INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENT. A 26-MEMBER DELEGATION TOOK PART IN THE WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES III IN VANCOUVER, CANADA, LAST AUGUST.
- - 0 - -
COUNTRY PARK T-SHIRT ON SALE * * * *
A NEWLY DESIGNED T-SHIRT PRODUCED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF "LOVE OUR COUNTRY PARKS” WILL BE ON SALE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT ALL COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES.
THE T-SHIRT IS WHITE IN COLOUR WITH AN ATTRACTIVE DESIGN FEATURING A SMILING SUN, COLOURFUL SKY AND MOUNTAINS ON THE FRONT AND A SLOGAN "LOVE OUR COUNTRY PARKS" ON THE BACK.
THE T-SHIRT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $40 EACH IN LARGE, MEDIUM AND SMALL SIZES.
THE SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR M.K. CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE T-SHIRT WAS A SPECIAL DESIGNED SOUVENIR ITEM FOR COUNTRY PARKS VISITORS.
HE SAID: "THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCING SOUVENIRS FOR SALE IS TO PROMULGATE OUR COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION MESSAGES AND TO INCULCATE A SENSE OF CARE AND AWARENESS AMONG THE PUBLIC FOR THE COUNTRY PARKS.”
/OTHER SOUVENIR
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 29 -
OTHER SOUVENIR ITEMS WHICH ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES INCLUDE A METAL BADGE ON FAMILY WALKS AND A CLOTH BADGE ON THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL.
THE METAL BADGE, AVAILABLE AT $2.8 EACH, IS ROUND BUTTON IN SHAPE WITH A DIAMETER OF 7.5 CENTIMETRES. THE CLOTH BADGE COSTS $4.4 EACH.
"PEOPLE WANTING SOUVENIR ITEMS CAN BUY THEM IN ANY OF THE COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES WHEN THEY GO PICNICKING IN THE COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS," MR CHEUNG SAID.
STUDENTS TAKE LEAD IN GREEN PLANT PROJECT
*****
STUDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT TODAY (THURSDAY) GOT SOME HINTS ON CARE FOR PLANTS AT A GARDENING SEMINAR.
THE SEMINAR ON BASIC GARDENING TECHNIQUES FOLLOWED THE INAUGURATION AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION OF THE DISTRICT’S GREEN PLANT PROJECT AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
AFTER THE SEMINAR, EACH OF THE 1,000 STUDENTS FROM 28 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT TAKING PART IN THE PROJECT, WAS GIVEN A POTTED PLANT.
THEY ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE USE OF WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED FROM THE SEMINAR TO NURTURE THE PLANTS IN THEIR SCHOOL CAMPUS.
THE SEMINAR WAS CONDUCTED BY MRS CHENG YUNG CHIN-HUNG, AN EXPERT FROM THE HORTICULTURE EDUCATION SECTION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, THE OBJECTIVE OF THE "GREEN PLANT PROJECT" IS TO PROVIDE LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN BEAUTIFYING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTING THEIR INTEREST IN GROWING PLANTS.
THE PROJECT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN STAGES AND THE FIRST OF WHICH INVOLVES ONLY STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
IF PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL, IT WILL BE EXTENDED TO OTHER SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS OFFICES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
A LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION WAS HELD LAST MONTH TO PROMOTE THE PROJECT.
/OUT OF .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990
- 30 -
OUT OF THE MORE THAN 220 ENTRIES, 29 HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS THE WINNING AND OUTSTANDING DESIGNS, AND THE WINNERS WERE AWARDED TROPHIES OR BOOK COUPONS AT TODAY’S PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
THE PRIZES WERE PRESENTED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, DR MICHAEL LEE; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG.
THE DESIGN BY FONG YUEN-MAN FROM THE CCC ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, WHICH DEPICTS THE PROJECT’S THEMES OF "CARING FOR PLANTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND BUILDING A GREEN COMMUNITY", HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE PROJECT’S LOGO.
THE CEREMONY AND SEMINAR WERE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 200 TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FROM THE DISTRICT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TIME-SAVING IN MAJOR REPAIRS OF AIDED SCHOOLS ....................................... 1
MAP SHOWS PRESENCE OF MARBLE AT MA ON SHAN .......................................... 2
FIGHT CRIME DELEGATION DEPARTS FOR THAILAND ......................................... 4
DRIER AND BRIGHTER IN MARCH ......................................................... 5
YUEN LONG CELEBRATIONS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ......................................... 7
FUNDS FOR SYP ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT........................................ 8
CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN SHA TIN TO BEGIN OPERATION ............................... 9
FRIDAY, APRIL 13,
1990
1
TIME-SAVING IN MAJOR REPAIRS OF AIDED SCHOOLS
******
THE PROPERTY SERVICES BRANCH OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL FROM THIS MONTH, DIRECTLY UNDERTAKE ALL MAJOR REPAIRS TO AIDED SCHOOLS OUTSIDE HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WOULD SAVE A GOOD DEAL OF TIME SINCE THESE SCHOOLS WOULD NO LONGER HAVE TO NOMINATE, APPOINT AND SUPERVISE AUTHORISED PERSONS, WERE MADE AFTER CONSULTATION WITH SCHOOLS COUNCILS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO ALL SPONSORING BODIES AND PARTICULARLY SO TO SMALL ORGANISATIONS," HE SAID.
UNDER THE FORMER SYSTEM, IT WOULD TAKE ONE YEAR TO SECURE FORESEEABLE MAJOR REPAIRS AND ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR URGENT ONES, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (ASD) WOULD NOW CONTACT SCHOOLS AND ARRANGE SITE INSPECTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS WITH SCHOOL AUTHORITIES TO ESTABLISH FULL DETAILS OF THE REQUIRED WORKS FOR NEW APPLICATIONS FOR MAJOR REPAIRS IN THE 1990-91 FINANCIAL YEAR, HE SAID.
DURING THE INSPECTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS, ASD STAFF WILL GIVE PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL ADVICE AND ENSURE THAT THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION IS ADOPTED TO MEET THE SCHOOL’S PARTICULAR NEEDS.
HAVING AGREED ON THE EXTENT AND DETAILS OF THE REQUESTED OR ANY "MODIFIED” WORK, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, ASD WOULD SUBMIT THE ESTIMATED COSTING TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR BUDGETARY AND FUNDING PURPOSES.
AS FOR MAJOR REPAIR WORKS APPROVED FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID ASD WOULD, FROM THIS MONTH, CONTACT THESE SCHOOLS TO ESTABLISH THE EXTENT OF THE APPROVED WORKS AND ARRANGE WITH SCHOOL SUPERVISORS FOR THE MOST CONVENIENT TIME FOR THE WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN.
"FOR STRAIGHT FORWARD REPAIR WORKS, IT WOULD BE ASD’S AIM TO UNDERTAKE THE WORK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT THEY WOULD BEAR IN MIND THE NEED OF NOT INTERFERING WITH OR DISRUPTING THE SCHOOL'S TEACHING PROGRAMME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT WILL CLEARLY BE NECESSARY FOR SOME WORKS SUCH AS RE-ROOFING AND RENEWING WINDOWS TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE DRY SEASON WHEN THE RISK OF TYPHOONS OR RAINSTORMS IS LOWER.
"SCHOOL SUPERVISORS WILL BE FULLY CONSULTED ON THE WORKS PROGRAMME."
/HE SAID .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
- 2 -
HE SAID ASD WOULD PLACE THE ORDER WITH CONTRACTORS AND ARRANGE FOR THE WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN WHEN THE WORKS PROGRAMME HAS BEEN AGREED.
GENERALLY, HE SAID, WORKS SHOULD BE CAP.RIED OUT TO ASD’S STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS BUT SCHOOLS, AS CLIENTS, SHOULD DECIDE AND ADVISE ASD ON COLOUR SCHEMES, CHOICE OF MATERIALS AND DESIGN DETAILS.
HE SAID THAT SINCE ASD WOULD TAKE OVER MOST OF THE SERVICES PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE SCHOOLS - APPOINTING CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS FOR MAJOR REPAIRS - IT WAS NOT INTENDED THAT SCHOOLS WOULD BE LEFT WITHOUT A SOURCE OF PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL ADVICE.
"ASD CAN BE CONTACTED BY ANY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL - IRRESPECTIVE OF THE FACT THAT MAJOR REPAIR WORKS MAY OR MAY NOT BE DUE IN THE SCHOOL - TO SEEK ADVICE ON ANY MATTER OF CONCERN IN RELATION TO THE CONDITION OF BUILDINGS OR SERVICES.
"THE ADVICE WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE SUBJECT TO NO COSTS BEING INCURRED BY ASD IN UNDERTAKING EXTENSIVE TESTING OR INVESTIGATIVE OPERATIONS TO PROVIDE THE ADVISORY SERVICE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0-----------
MAP SHOWS PRESENCE OF MARBLE AT MA ON SHAN ******
THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE HAS PRODUCED A MAP SHOWING THE AREA WHICH MAY BE UNDERLAIN BY MARBLE BEDROCK IN MA ON SHAN.
THIS FOLLOWS THE DETECTION OF THE EXISTENCE OF MARBLE BEDROCK.
DR ANDREW MALONE, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, SAID THE MARBLE HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED RECENTLY IN BOREHOLES SUNK TO DEPTHS IN EXCESS OF 50 METRES BELOW GROUND LEVEL, AT TWO SITES ON RECLAIMED LAND IN THE PROPOSED MA ON SHAN NEW TOWN.
DR MALONE EMPHASISED THAT THERE WAS NO DANGER TO EXISTING BUILDINGS IN MA ON SHAN.
HE SAID THE MARBLE IS THOUGHT TO BE CONFINED WITHIN AN AREA OF LESS THAN 60 HECTARES ALONG THE WATERFRONT, AND NO MARBLE WAS VISIBLE ON THE GROUND SURFACE.
MOST OF THE AREA HAD LAIN BENEATH THE WATERS OF TOLO HARBOUR, BEFORE LAND RECLAMATION FROM THE SEA IN THE 1980S.
"THE MAJOR PART OF THE MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT AREA HAS BEEN CONFIRMED TO BE UNDERLAIN BY GRANITE BEDROCK WITHOUT MARBLE," HE SAID.
/THE MARBLE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
- 3 -
THE MARBLE IS COVERED BY THICK LAYERS OF ALLUVIAL AND MARINE SUPERFICIAL DEPOSITS UPON WHICH THE RECLAMATION IS BUILT.
DR MALONE ADDED THAT THE BOREHOLES WHICH REVEALED THE MARBLE WERE DRILLED THROUGH THE SUPERFICIAL DEPOSITS DEEP INTO THE BEDROCK AT TWO SITES ON THE OUTER EDGE OF THE RECLAMATION.
IN COMPARISON TO THE MARBLE FORMATION IN THE YUEN LONG AREA, DR MALONE SAID THE AREA OF DEVELOPMENT LAND AFFECTED AT THE MA ON SHAN RECLAMATION IS MUCH SMALLER AND THAT THE MARBLE STRATUM IS AT A GREATER DEPTH AT MA ON SHAN.
"THE CAVITIES DISCOVERED SO FAR IN THE MA ON SHAN MARBLE ARE MAINLY OF A SIZE OF LESS THAN TWO METRES AND ARE NOT EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT FOUNDATION PROBLEMS, ALTHOUGH HIGH QUALITY GROUND INVESTIGATION AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WITH FOUNDATION DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE NECESSARY," HE SAID.
STANDARDS FOR SAFE CONSTRUCTION FOR BUILDINGS UNDERLAIN BY MARBLE WITH CAVITIES ARE NOW WELL ESTABLISHED.
DR MALONE SAID GUIDANCE ON NECESSARY STANDARDS OF SITE INVESTIGATION AND DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR SITES UNDERLAIN BY MARBLE HAD ALREADY BEEN PROVIDED FOR THE DESIGNATED AREA IN YUEN LONG. THESE STANDARDS SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE MA ON SHAN DESIGNATED AREA AND ADVICE TO THIS EFFECT IS BEING PROMULGATED.
SINCE THE DISCOVERY, THE HONG KONG GEOLOGICAL SURVEY HAD BEEN COMPILING INFORMATION FROM EXISTING BOREHOLES IN THE MA ON SHAN RECLAMATION AREA.
THE GCO WOULD ALSO INITIATE FURTHER DRILLING WORK AND MAPPING, CULMINATING IN THE PRODUCTION OF DETAILED GEOLOGICAL MAPS.
THESE MAPS WOULD PORTRAY THE SUBSURFACE GEOLOGY, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPERS, THE PLANNERS AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
"WE WILL ASSIST ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS WORKING IN THE MA ON SHAN RECLAMATION AREA BY GIVING ACCESS TO THE DATA BEING COLLECTED IN THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE AT ANY TIME," HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE MARBLE WAS DERIVED FROM LIMESTONE ORIGINATING BETWEEN 300 AND 350 MILLION YEARS AGO AS CARBONATE DEPOSITS (E.G. CORAL REEFS) IN WARM TROPICAL SEAS, IN CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO THOSE NOW FOUND AROUND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF IN AUSTRALIA.
ABOUT 140 MILLION YEARS AGO, THE REGION WAS SUBJECT TO MAJOR EARTH MOVEMENTS AND VOLCANIC ACTIVITY, AS A RESULT OF WHICH MOLTEN INTRUDING GRANITE HEATED THE LIMESTONE AND IT WAS RECRYSTALLISED INTO MARBLE.
/MARBLE IS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
4
MARBLE IS COMPOSED OF CALCIUM CARBONATE AND OVER GEOLOGICAL TIME THIS CAN BE DISSOLVED BY WATER FLOWING WITHIN THE ROCK MASS, AND CAVITIES CAN ULTIMATELY BE FORMED.
THE CAVITIES WHICH HAD BEEN DISCOVERED AT YUEN LONG AND MA ON SHAN WERE A RELIC OF THE GEOLOGICAL PAST AND ALL SIGNIFICANT CAVITY FORMATION HAD CEASED LONG AGO.
------0-----------
FIGHT CRIME DELEGATION DEPARTS FOR THAILAND
*****
A CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) DELEGATION LEFT FOR THAILAND THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING ON A FIVE-DAY STUDY VISIT.
SPEAKING BEFORE DEPARTURE, DFCC CHAIRMAN AND THE DELEGATION’S LEADER, MR WU CHOR-NAM, POINTED OUT THAT THE STUDY TOUR WAS THE LAST IN A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE 1989-90 FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
"WE ARE GOING TO VISIT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION IN BANGKOK WHERE OFFICIALS WILL BRIEF US ON CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THEIR STUDENTS," HE SAID.
MR WU SAID THE 20-MEMBER DELEGATION WOULD ALSO VISIT THE THAI METROPOLITAN POLICE BUREAU, THE BANGKOK BANK AND A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
"MEMBERS WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH THAI REPRESENTATIVES ON HOW THEIR COMMUNITY BODIES SIMILAR TO OUR DFCC’S ARE HELPING THE POLICE FIGHT CRIME," HE ADDED.
THE DELEGATION COMPRISES 11 DFCC MEMBERS, FOUR COMMUNITY LEADERS, A DISTRICT OFFICE EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND FOUR SECONDARY' STUDENTS WHO CAME TOP IN THE RECENT DFCC-ORGANISED GOOD STUDENT AWARD SCHEME.
THE DELEGATION IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON TUESDAY, APRIL 17.
------0----------
/5 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
5
DRIER AND BRIGHTER IN MARCH
******
WHILE THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1990 WERE WET AND HUMID, MARCH WAS DRIER AND BRIGHTER, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE MONTHLY RAINFALL WAS 29.9 MILLIMETRES WHICH WAS 45 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 54.8 MILLIMETRES. HOWEVER, THE QUARTERLY TOTAL OF 273.1 MILLIMETRES WAS STILL MORE THAN TWICE THE NORMAL OF 123.6 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
APART FROM THE LAST 10 DAYS OF THE MONTH, THE DAILY MEAN PRESSURE STAYED CONSISTENTLY ON THE HIGH SIDE AS A CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE PREVAILED OVER CHINA. THE MONTHLY MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,018.2 HPA TURNED OUT TO BE THE FIFTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR MARCH.
THE COLD NORTHERLY SURGE AT THE END OF FEBRUARY PERSISTED INTO EARLY MARCH. THE FRONTAL CLOUDS LINGERED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS AND BROUGHT FREQUENT DRIZZLE AND LIGHT RAIN FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS IN THE MONTH.
PRECIPITATION BECAME LESS FREQUENT ON MARCH 3 AND 4, BUT TEMPERATURE DROPPED FURTHER AS COLD AIR WAS REPLENISHED FROM THE NORTH.
THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 10.8 DEGREES RECORDED ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 5 WAS THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DRY CONTINENTAL AIR IN HEIGHT CLEARED AWAY MOST OF THE CLOUDS AND GAVE RISE TO SOME SUNNY PERIODS DURING THE DAY.
THE WEATHER WAS EVEN SUNNIER ON MARCH 6, SPOILT ONLY BY SOME LIGHT RAIN LATER IN THE EVENING.
WINDS THEN TURNED EASTERLY ON MARCH 7 AS THE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE MOVED EASTWARDS TO EASTERN CHINA. THE WEATHER ON MARCH 7 AND 8 WAS MAINLY FINE WITH COASTAL MIST AT TIMES.
WITH INCREASED’ MOISTURE IN THE LOWER ATMOSPHERE, CLOUDIER WEATHER PREVAILED ON MARCH 9 AND 10.
ALTHOUGH A LULL IN THE EASTERLIES GAVE RISE TO LONG PERIODS OF SUNSHINE DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, VISIBILITY STARTED TO DETERIORATE ON THE NIGHT OF MARCH 11. THE FOLLOWING DAY WAS MISTY WITH PERSISTENT FOG OFFSHORE AND FOG INSIDE THE HARBOUR DURING THE MORNING.
THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED AGAIN ON MARCH 13 AND CLOUDY CONDITION RETURNED. AFTER SOME MORNING RAIN ON MARCH 16, THE WEATHER TURNED GENERALLY FINE EXCEPT FOR ANOTHER CLOUDY INTERLUDE ON MARCH 18.
/FROM MARCH ......
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
6 -
FROM MARCH 22 ONWARDS, THE COOL-SEASON MONSOON WAS RELATIVELY INACTIVE APART FROM IWO INSTALMENTS OF EASTERLIES WHICH ARRIVED ON MARCH 26 AND 30.
PRIOR TO THE FIRST EASTERLY REPLENISHMENT, THE WEATHER WAS WARM AND HUMID WITH BRIGHT PERIODS DURING THE DAY AND LIGHT DRIZZLE IN THE MORNING AND IN THE EVENING.
COASTAL MIST AND FOG PATCHES WERE PREVALENT AND VISIBILITY WAS WORST ON MARCH 24 WHEN MORNING FOG AGAIN AFFECTED INSHORE AREAS.
THE FOLLOWING DAY WAS THE WARMEST IN THE MONTH WHEN TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 27.8 DEGREES. THE WEATHER THEN TURNED CLOUDY WITH LIGHT RAIN OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
AFTER SOME BRIGHTER PERIODS ON MARCH 28, CLOUDINESS AND SHOWERS INCREASED. RAIN CLOUDS AND THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPED OVER GUANGXI AND WESTERN GUANGDONG FROM TIME TO TIME AND MOVED EASTWARDS TO AFFECT THE TERRITORY.
AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF MIST AND COASTAL FOG, THE UNSETTLED WEATHER PERSISTED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH WITH THE HEAVIEST RAIN FALLING ON MARCH 30.
DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH, NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. ONE AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY ON THE RUNWAY ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 24.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MARCH 29, 30 AND 31. A YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON MARCH 18. THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WAS AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER STRONG MARCH 26 MARCH 27
MONSOON MONSOON 10.30 PM 7.35 AM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
121.7 HOURS ; 20.3 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
12.63 MJ/SQ METRE ; 1.21 MJ/SQ METRE ABOVE NORMAL
29.9 MM ; 24.9 MM BELOW
NORMAL
72 PER CENT ; 4 PER CENT LESS THAN NORMAL
/MEAN RELATIVE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
80 PER CENT ; 2 PER CENT LOWER
THAN NORMAL
21.3 DEGREES CELSIUS ; NORMAL
18.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ; NORMAL
16.7 DEGREES CELSIUS
14.8 DEGREES CELSIUS
0.4 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
0.2 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
71.6 MM ; 24.3 MM BELOW
NORMAL
---------0-----------
YUEN LONG CELEBRATIONS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
*****
COLOURFUL CELEBRATIONS, TO BE HIGHLIGHTED BY A GRAND PROCESSION, WILL BE HELD IN YUEN LONG ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18) TO MARK THE TIN HAU SEA GODDESS FESTIVAL.
THE ANNUAL PROCESSION, FIRST HELD IN 1963 AND ORGANISED BY THE SHAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, WILL BE PARTICIPATED BY SOME 2,500 PEOPLE FROM 13 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. IT WILL COMPRISE DRAGON, LION AND UNICORN DANCES; FLOATS; CHIU CHOW GONGS AND DRUMS; AND CHINESE FOLK DANCES.
THE PROCESSION WILL SET OFF FROM THE OLD BUS TERMINUS AT FUNG KAM STREET IN YUEN LONG TOWN EAST AT 10.30 AM. IT WILL THEN WIND ALONG HOP YICK, TAI TONG, KAU YUK AND TAI YUK ROADS BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM FOR THE FINALE.
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FINALE CELEBRATIONS AT THE STADIUM AT 11 AM.
THE WHOLE PROGRAMME IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE 1 PM.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE FESTIVAL, A DRAW OF TRADITIONAL "FA PAU WILL BE HELD OUTSIDE THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHU HA, SHAP PAT HEUNG, AT 2.30 PM, WITH THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICERS, MR ROBIN IP,
OFFICIATING.
/THE FESTIVAL .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
THE FESTIVAL HAS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR FISHERFOLK WHO PRAY TO THE SEA GODDESS FOR FAIR WEATHER AND GOOD TIDINGS ALL YEAR ROUND.
IT ORIGINATED IN THE 17TH CENTURY WHEN THE DISTRICT WAS A COASTAL FISHING VILLAGE, AND IS STILL ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS FOR YUEN LONG PEOPLE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION WHICH BEGINS AT 10.30 AM IN YUEN LONG ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18).
PRESS BADGES FOR THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 30TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI. PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH ORGANISATION WILL BE GIVEN ONLY ONE BADGE.
TWO GOVERNMENT VANS FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, NEAR THE Y.M.C.A. AT 8.45 AM ON WEDNESDAY.
- - 0 - -
FUNDS FOR SYP ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN NOW APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT'S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THIS SUMMER.
’’THE ACTIVITIES SHOULD AIM AT CATERING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25 AND CARRY THE SYP THEME,” A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY), ADDING THAT THE THEME OF THE PROGRAMME IS ’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY’.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN ABBA COMMERCIAL BUILDING, LEI TUNG ESTATE, WAH FU ESTATE AND STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 23. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 552 0595.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1990
- 9 -
CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN SHA TIN TO BEGIN OPERATION
******
THE PAMELA YOUDE CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE, LOCATED AT CHAP WAI KON STREET IN SHA TIN, WILL BEGIN OPERATION ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE CENTRE, WHICH WAS OFFICIALLY OPENE ) BY LADY YOUDE LAST MONTH, WILL PROVIDE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN UP TO 12 YEARS OLD WITH DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS BE THEY PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, SENSORY OR EMOTIONAL.
APART FROM ASSESSMENT AND FORMULATION OF REHABILITATION PLANS, THE CENTRE WILL ALSO PROVIDE THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND COUNSELLING FOR PARENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CENTRE WOULD HANDLE REFERRALS FROM SHA TIN, TAI PO, SHEUNG SHIH, FANLING AND SHA TAU KOK.
FOR APPOINTMENT, A REFERRAL LETTER, ADDRESSED TO THE CENTRE’S CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN, FROM THE PATIENT’S DOCTOR OR PSYCHOLOGIST SHOULD BE PRODUCED.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 647 74'1.
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT WORKS HARD TO PROMOTE COMPUTER LITERACY IN SCHOOLS 1
TRANSPORT DEPT TO REVISE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA SYSTEM 2
59 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY 3
IMPROVEMENTS TO PO TOI PIER PLANNED
4
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1990
1
GOVT WORKS HARD TO PROMOTE COMPUTER LITERACY IN SCHOOLS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS WORKED HARD TO PROMOTE COMPUTER LITERACY IN SCHOOLS FOR OVER 10 YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 7TH MICRO-COMPUTERS CREATIVITY CONTEST AND EXHIBITION, MR YEUNG SAID THIS HAD FOLLOWED SHIFTS IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND SOCIETY TOWARDS HIGHER SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS INCLUDED INTRODUCING COMPUTER STUDIES AT THE SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL, A COMPUTER LITERACY PROJECT AT THE JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL AND SETTING UP A COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE.
"IN ORDER TO ASSIST SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR -WHICH NOW ACCOUNTS FOR 85 PER CENT OF ALL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG - TO IMPLEMENT THIS SUBJECT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LAUNCHED THE COMPUTER STUDIES SCHEME IN 1984," HE SAID.
"BY 1989-90, 327 SCHOOLS HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME, REPRESENTING ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF ALL PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THE TOTAL COST HAS BEEN ABOUT $40 MILLION.
"A FURTHER 20 SCHOOLS HAVE APPLIED TO PARTICIPATE IN 1990. IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL SECONDAY SCHOOLS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME WILL BE COVERED BY THE 1992-23 SCHOOL YEAR.”
MR YEUNG SAID THIS INVESTMENT HAD YIELDED ENCOURAGING DIVIDENDS.
"IN 1984, THE FIRST YEAR IN WHICH COMPUTER STUDIES BECAME AN EXAMINATION SUBJECT, 2,561 STUDENTS OR ABOUT 1.6 PER CENT OF THE HKCEE CANDIDATURE SAT FOR THIS EXAMINATION," HE SAID.
"BY 1989, THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS HAS RISEN TO 11,852, REPRESENTING A LITTLE OVER NINE PER CENT OF THE HKCEE CANDIDATURE IN THAT YEAR.
THESE PERCENTAGES ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE AS THE SCHEME TAKES ROOT IN OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS."
MR YEUNG SAID THE COMPUTER LITERACY PROJECT WAS INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 1987 AND NOW 70 SCHOOLS OR ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL HAD INCLUDED THE SUBJECT IN THEIR SECONDARY 1 TO 3 CLASSES.
"THE NEXT PHASE WILL INVOLVE 30 ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS BY SEPTEMBER 1990 AND A FURTHER 50 SCHOOLS IN EACH OF THE SUBSEQUENT YEARS," HE SAID.
/AS FOR ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1990
- 2 -
AS FOR THE COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE, MR YEUNG SAID THIS WAS SET UP IN 1986 TO PROVIDE TEACHER TRAINING SUPPORT FOR THESE COURSES.
"IT HELPS TO UPGRADE THE TEACHING SKILLS OF COMPUTER STUDIES TEACHERS AND PROVIDES FACILITIES FOR THE EXCHANGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING PACKAGES."
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT CONSCIOUS EFFORTS NEEDED TO BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION WAS QUALIFIED TECHNICALLY TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEXT DECADE.
"WITH THIS IN MIND, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WILL BE ASKED TO LOOK AT THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN CURRICULUM IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE," HE ADDED.
-----0-----
TRANSPORT DEPT TO REVISE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA SYSTEM
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS TO REVISE DATA SYSTEM (TRADS) TO PROVIDE BETTER MEANS STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA.
ITS TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
AND FACILITIES FOR
THE NEW SYSTEM WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE CURRENTLY USED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
A CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD RECENTLY BEEN SIGNED BETWEEN THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, AND THE SUPPLIER. THE NEW TRADS WILL COST 41 1 MILLION TO INSTALL. * '
SOME OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE NEW SYSTEM ARE TO IMPROVE ON THE EXISTING COMPUTERISED RECORDS ON TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA; TO IMPROVE ON THE PROCESSING OF BOTH STANDARD AND CUSTOMISED ACCIDENT REPORTS, INCLUDING GRAPHICAL PRESENTATIONS; TO IDENTIFY ACCIDENT BLACK SPOTS FOR INVESTIGATION; TO PROVIDE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF TERRITORY-WIDE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA; AND TO PROVIDE DATA COLLECTION ANALYSIS UNDER THE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT REDUCTION SCHEME.
A SYSTEM FOR COMPILING TRAFFIC INTRODUCED IN THE EARLY 1960’S. THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS SYSTEM IN
ACCIDENT STATISTICS WAS FIRST SYSTEM WAS REVISED AND NAMED 1976.
/IN 1981 .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1990
3
IN 1981, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SET UP THE ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION TO CARRY OUT TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STUDIES AND ANALYSIS FOR ACCIDENT REDUCTION AND PREVENTION.
THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DATA SYSTEM WAS THEN SET UP TO RETRIEVE AND ANALYSE DATA STORED IN THE POLICE COMPUTERS AND TO PRODUCE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION. IT HAD BEEN USED MAINLY AS A DATA BANK IN DEVISING ROAD ACCIDENT PREVENTION SCHEMES AND IT WAS CONSIDERED OPPORTUNE TO REVISE THE SYSTEM GIVEN THE PRESENT INNOVATION AND APPLICATION IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY.
--------0-----------
59 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY *****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED A TOTAL OF 59 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JANUARY.
OF THE PLANS, 27 WERE IN HONG KONG ISLAND, 15 IN KOWLOON AND 17 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 29 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; 14 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT; AND FIVE FOR FACTORY, WORKSHOP OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 46 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 88,866.1 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 134,921.4 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,376 MILLION. THE USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 61,597 SQUARE METRES AND 257,665.5 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 39 OCCUPATION PERMITS, 14 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 16 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 30 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 59 BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 506 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 567 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 77 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 374 BUILDINGS. NO EMERGENCY CLOSURES WERE REQUIRED.
------0-----------
/4 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1990
- 4 -
IMPROVEMENTS TO PO TOI PIER PLANNED * * * * *
IMPROVEMENT WORKS HAD BEEN PLANNED TO UPGRADE THE PIER ON PO TOI ISLAND TO WITHSTAND ROUGH SEA WAVES AND TO FACILITATE THE BERTHING OF FLOATING CLINIC AND POLICE LAUNCHES EVEN AT LOW TIDE, THE ACTING ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JENNIFER CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE IS ACTIVELY WORKING ON THE IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND SEEKING FUNDS, AMOUNTING TO $6 MILLION, FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR THE PROJECT," SHE SAID.
OFFICIATING AT A CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF RENOVATION WORK FOR THE TIN HAU TEMPLE ON PO TOI ISLAND, MISS CHAN RECALLED THAT THE JOCKEY CLUB AGREED TWO YEARS AGO TO ALLOCATED $1.5 MILLION FOR MINOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS OF THE PIER.
AFTER DETAILED CONSIDERATIONS OF THE PROJECT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, RECONSTRUCTION WORKS OF A LARGER SCALE WAS PLANNED SO THAT THE PIER WOULD BECOME MORE USEFUL AND DURABLE, SHE SAID.
MISS CHAN ALSO TOLD THE ISLANDERS THAT $0.7 MILLION HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO RE-INSTALL TWO ELECTRICITY GENERATORS AND TO REBUILD THE POWER GENERATING ROOM ON THE ISLAND IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY THIS YEAR.
"AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THESE TWO PROJECTS, LIVELIHOOD OF PO TOI ISLANDERS WILL BE MUCH IMPROVED," MISS CHAN SAID.
THE PO TOI TIN HAU TEMPLE, WHICH WAS CONSECRATED TODAY, HAS A HISTORY OF OVER 150 YEARS AND IS REGARDED AS A PRECIOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE ISLAND.
AS THE TEMPLE HAD BECOME DILAPIDATED OVER THE YEARS, VILLAGERS THEN FORMED A COMMITTEE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR RENOVATION.
WITH THE HELP OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE COMMITTEE OBTAINED SUBSIDIES FOR THE PROJECT FROM THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE, AND WORKS WAS CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY DURING THE PAST WINTER MONTHS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
CONTENTS
GOVERNMENT HELPS IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT .............
GREATER AUTONOMY ON MANAGEMENT FOR AIDED SCHOOLS ...................'
•FLEXI DESIGN’ PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR SHEK WU HUI .......................
CHILD EMPLOYMENT IN FACTORIES IS AN OFFENCE .........................
MONG KOK RESTAURANT PENALISED WITH WEEK-LONG LICENCE SUSPENSION .....
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ............................................................
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHEUNG SHUI ..................................
NEW WATER SPORTS TRAINING SCHEME LAUNCHED ...........................
APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES .....................
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ..........................
NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN HENG FA CHUEN ..................
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHAU KEI WAN .................................
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON TONG .......................
URBAN CLEARWAY IN HAPPY VALLEY ......................................
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PEKING ROAD ....................................
BAN ZONE FOR BUSES IN TSIM SHA TSUI .................................
BAN ZONE IN TUEN MUN ................................................
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TAI 0 MUN ROAD FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL..............
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN NEW TERRITORIES ...........................
PAGE NO.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
GOVERNMENT HELPS IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT
******
USING KWUN TONG DISTRICT AS AN EXAMPLE, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE STANDARD OF MANAGEMENT IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT ALONE, MAJOR RENOVATION AND MAINTENANCE PROJECTS FOR SEVEN FACTORY BUILDINGS HAD BEEN COMPLETED SINCE MARCH 1988 AS A RESULT OF THE JOINT EFFORTS BY THE DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, MANAGEMENT AGENTS AND FACTORY OWNERS. THE COST OF EACH PROJECT RANGED FROM $100,000 TO $1.25 MILLION, HE ADDED.
THESE SEVEN FACTORY BUILDINGS, MR LAN CONTINUED, WERE AMONG 24 TARGETTED BY THE KWUN TONG BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE FOR INDEPTH STUDIES OF THEIR PROBLEMS.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE STUDIES, REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BEGAN MAKING A CONCERTED EFFORT TO IMPROVE PROBLEMS RELATING TO MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE.
AS REGARDS THE TARGET BUILDINGS IN KWUN TONG, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ISSUED 28 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES AND EIGHT SUMMONSES; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ISSUED EIGHT WARNING LETTERS, 45 DEMOLITION ORDERS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES AND 48 LETTERS CONCERNING THE ILLEGAL DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE, WHILE THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SERVED 98 NUISANCE ABATEMENT NOTICES AND EIGHT SUMMONSES.
MR LAN POINTED OUT THAT THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE WAS SET UP IN MARCH 1988 WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING MANAGEMENT IN FACTORY BUILDINGS.
APART FROM KWUN TONG, THERE ARE TWO OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY WHERE GOVERNMENT EFFORTS HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TOWARD IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE FACTORY BUILDINGS.
THE TEAMS HAD SINCE BEEN CARRYING OUT THEIR WORK TO MOTIVATE FACTORY OWNERS TO TAKE A MORE ACTIVE PART IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT, TO ASSIST THEM TO FORM OWNERS CORPORATIONS, AND TO OFFER EXPERT ADVICE TO COMPANIES.
THE TEAMS ALSO ADVISED ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS ON THE PRIORITY IN DEALING WITH BREACHES OF REGULATIONS, SUCH AS ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ON ROOFTOPS AND FLAT ROOFS.
MR LAN POINTED OUT THAT TO ADDRESS BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS ARISING FROM UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANTS (DMCS) ON DECEMBER 1, 1987 THE GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTED A SET OF SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THE DRAFTING OF DMCS. THIS PROVIDED SOLICITORS WITH GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW IN DRAWING NEW DMCS FOR RESIDENTIAL MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
/TAKING NOTE........
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, l>>0
TAKING NOTE THAT SIMILAR PROBLEMS ALSO OCCURRED IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, MR LAN CONTINUED, A SUB-COMMITTEE WAS RECENTLY APPOINTED UNDER THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO WORK OUT A SIMILAR SET OF GUIDELINES IN THE DRAFTING OF DMCS APPLICABLE TO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
"IT IS HOPED THAT RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN THIS YEAR, AND THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT FOR NEW INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WOULD BE PREPARED WITH PROVISIONS STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF FLAT OWNERS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT MATTERS," HF SAID.
"LOOKING AHEAD, FLAT OWNERS AND RESIDENTS WOULD BE EDUCATED ON HOW TO PROPERLY MANAGE THEIR BUILDINGS," HF ADDED.
THE LONG-TERM TARGET WOULD BE TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF BOTH PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TO PROVIDE A CONGENIAL LIVING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
MR LAN RECENTLY MET THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE ASSOCIATION 'I’O ENLIST THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT FOR THE WORK OF THE KWUN TONG BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM.
- - 0 - -
GREATER AUTONOMY ON MANAGEMENT FOR AIDED SCHOOLS ♦ ♦ ♦ » *
AIDED SCHOOLS WILL HAVE GREATER AUTONOMY IN THE 1990-91 FINANCIAL YEAR.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THIS WAS THE RESULT OF A REVIEW OF PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE SUPERVISION OF AIDED SCHOOLS TO ALLOW THEIR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES MORE AUTONOMY.
"AFTER CONSULTATION WITH SCHOOLS COUNCILS, IT WAS DECIDED THAT FROM APRIL I CERTAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY CURRENTLY UNDERTAKEN BY DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS AND THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION) WILL BE PASSED ON TO SCHOOLS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE SCHOOLS, HE SAID, WOULD NOW HAVE FULL DISCRETION TO:
* USE SCHOOL AND CLASS GRANTS (INCLUDING THE BOARDING GRANT FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS) FOR APPROVED ITEMS SUCH AS EXPENDITURE ON SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING STAFF AND STAFF TRAINING;
♦ GRANT A MAXIMUM OF TWO DAYS (NON-CUMULATIVE) SPECIAL LEAVE WITH PA\ FOR TEACHERS IN AN ACADEMIC YEAR ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS;
JRAN'I • • SCRET10NARY
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
- 3 -
* GRANT DISCRETIONARY PRIMARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS IN LINE WITH PRESENT PROVISIONS FOR SECONDARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS BUT THE AGGREGATE MAXIMUM OF THE DISCRETIONARY HOLIDAYS - FOUR HALF-DAYS AND ONE FULL-DAY - MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED;
* USE OR REVISE TONG FAI OR GENERAL FUNDS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES;
* HIGH SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION BUT GUIDELINES ON HIRING SHOULD BE COMPLIED WITH, AND
I
* WAIVE PAYMENT''OF SALARY IN LIEU OF TERMINATION NOTICE BUT FOR RECORD PURPOSES, THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER OR SENIOR INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION) SHOULD BE INFORMED OF THE WAIVER AND ITS JUSTIFICATION.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT UNDER THE REVISED PROCEDURES, SCHOOLS WOULD NO LONGER BE REQUIRED TO ARRANGE FOR THEIR NEWLY APPOINTED TEACHERS TO ATTEND INTERVIEWS WITH THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS OR THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION) TO VERIFY DOCUMENTS.
"PRINCIPALS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND WORKING EXPERIENCES CLAIMED BY APPOINTEES ARE CORRECT AND THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CODES OF AID," HE SAID.
BUT SALARY ASSESSMENTS FOR NEW TEACHERS, HOWEVER, WOULD CONTINUE TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY DEO OR SI(SEA).
"COMPLETED APPOINTMENT FORMS AND PHOTO-COPIES OF DOCUMENTS CERTIFIED BY THE SCHOOLS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE SENT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
SCHOOLS ALSO WOULD NOW HAVE THE DISCRETION TO SELECT QUOTATIONS, PROVIDED THEY ARE THE LOWEST, FOR A SINGLE PURCHASE OF FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT NOT EXCEEDING $5,000 FOR AIDED PRIMARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND $10,000 FOR AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS, HE SAID.
CIRCULARS ANNOUNCING THE REVISED PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES
HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/4
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
4
'FLEXI DESIGN’ PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR SHEK WU HUI
*****
WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A ’FLEXI DESIGN’ PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SHEK WU HUI, SHEUNG SHUI HAS BEGUN FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $25.14 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
LOCATED IN AREA 6, SHEK WU HUI, THE BUILDING SITE OF THE SCHOOL COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,800 SQUARE METRES.
THE SCHOOL WILL COMPRISE A MAIN TEACHING BLOCK TO ACCOMMODATE 30 CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS, A COVERED PLAYGROUND, AN ASSEMBLY HALL, A BASKETBALL COURT AND ANCILLARY BUILDINGS INCLUDING STAFF QUARTERS.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
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CHILD EMPLOYMENT IN FACTORIES IS AN OFFENCE ******
EMPLOYERS ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION IF THEY EMPLOY CHILDREN TO WORK IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN WARNED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE WARNING CAME IN THE WAKE OF A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH AN EMPLOYER WAS FINED $4,000 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE FOR EMPLOYING A CHILD IN HIS COMPUTER EMBROIDERY FACTORY.
THE 14-YEAR-OLD CHILD WAS FOUND ATTENDING TO AN EMBROIDERY MACHINE DURING AN INSPECTION BY LABOUR INSPECTORS.
"ACCORDING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, NO PERSON SHALL EMPLOY A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 15 IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS," SAID SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MRS TERESA LO OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
"A CHILD AGED 13 AND ABOVE MAY, HOWEVER, BE EMPLOYED ONLY IN PART-TIME JOBS IN NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS," SHE ADDED.
ANYONE WHO EMPLOYS A CHILD IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000.
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/5
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
- 5 -
MONG KOK RESTAURANT PENALISED WITH WEEK-LONG LICENCE SUSPENSION ********
A RESTAURANT IN MONG KOK WAS GIVEN A SEVERE PENALTY OF LICENCE SUSPENSION FOR A WEEK BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH (MARCH) FOR HAVING REPEATEDLY VIOLATED FOOD HYGIENE REGULATIONS.
CHUEN FOOK KEE RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT 224 FA YUEN STREET, WAS PENALISED WITH A SEVEN-DAY SUSPENSION OF BUSINESS AFTER BEING FOUND TO STORE AND PREPARE FOOD IN OPEN AREA DURING AN INSPECTION BY THE DEPARTMENT’S HEALTH INSPECTOR IN DECEMBER, LAST YEAR.
"ACCORDING TO THE URBAN COUNCIL’S POLICY, THE OPERATORS OF THE FOOD PREMISES WILL BE PUNISHED HEAVILY WITH A LICENCE SUSPENSION FOR A MINIMUM OF SEVEN DAYS WHEN FURTHER CONVICTED WITHIN THE TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE LAST OFFENCE LEADING TO THE FOUR-DAY SUSPENSION HAD BEEN IMPOSED," THE STAFF OFFICER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (LICENSING AND HYGIENE), MR HUI KWOK-HUNG, SAID.
"NORMALLY, AN OFFENDER WILL GET A TWO-DAY SUSPENSION AS PENALTY FOR THE FIRST THREE CONVICTIONS IN A PERIOD OF TWELVE MONTHS, AND FURTHER PUNISHED BY A FOUR-DAY SUSPENSION FOR THREE SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS IN THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS," HE ADDED.
"A FOUR-DAY SUSPENSION IN ADDITION TO A TWO-DAY ONE HAD BEEN IMPOSED ON THE RESTAURANT SINCE LAST JULY, PRIOR TO THE SEVENDAY SUSPENSION," MR HUI SAID, ADDING THAT MOST OFFENCES WERE RELATED TO FAILURE BY THE LICENSEE TO MAINTAIN A HYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE FOOD ROOM OR TO STORE AND PREPARE FOOD IN A PROPER MANNER.
THE DEPARTMF.NNT ALSO SUSPENDED THE LICENCES OF TEN OTHER FOOD OUTLETS, EACH FOR TWO DAYS, IN THE LAST MONTH.
THEY WERE: LUCKY DRAGON RESTAURANT AT 271-285 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, FU MOON RESTAURANT AT 389 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, WONG LO KUT HERB SHOP AT 227 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, AND VIKING RESTAURANT AT 95-97 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, IN WESTERN; KAM SING FAST FOOD SHOP AT 26-32 FA YUEN STREET, TAI CHEONG FRESH PROVISION SHOP AT 7 FA YUEN STREET, KAM WAH RESTAURANT AT 37-39 CHUNG WUI STREET, AND WAH HING SIU MEI AND LO MEI SHOP AT IB POPLAR STREET, TN MONG KOK; PO YUEN FRESH PROVISION SHOP AT 76 NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, AND KWONG MING RESTAURANT AT 193C YEE KUK STREET, IN SHAM SHUI PO.
/6 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
6
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE PROCESSION IN CELEBRATION OF TIN HAU FESTIVAL, A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUEN LONG.
THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION:
* FROM 9 AM, THE SECTION OF FUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN KIN LOK STREET AND FUNG KAM STREET; AND HOP YICK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
* FROM 10 AM, THE SECTION OF TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE; KAU YUK ROAD; YUEN LONG TAI YUK ROAD; MA TIN ROAD; AND UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM MA TIN TSUEN TO LUNG TIN TSUEN WILL BE CLOSED.
FROM 7 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) TO 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD BETWEEN TAI KEI LENG AND TAI SHU HA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTROUND WHILE THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
IN THIS CONNECTION, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 73 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD ON ITS JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG TOWN.
FROM 8 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), THE OFF-STREET CARPARK OFF YUEN LONG TAI YUK ROAD OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND ALL ON-STREET PARKING SPACES ON FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD SECTION BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION. ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES WILLBE REMOVED BY THE POLICE.
FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT BUS ROUTE 656 WILL OPERATE FROM WONG NAI TUN VIA TAI TONG ROAD TO FRASER VILLAGE WHERE A TEMPORARY BUS STOP WILL BE PROVIDED. THE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED BY 24-SEAT COACHES UNTIL THE PROCESSION COMPLETES.
FROM 4 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) AND UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 31 AND 32 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI TONG ROAD, YU KING SQUARE, YUEN LONG HONG LOK ROAD TO TERMINATE AT HONG KING STREET ON JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG TOWN.
AT THE SAME TIME, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 73 WILL BE SUSPENDED BUT WILL RESUME SERVICE AFTER COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION.
FROM 4 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) TO 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 39 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA FUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO TERMINATE AT KIN YIP STREET ON JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG TOWN.
FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), THIS SERVICE WILL OPERATE AS A SHORT-WORKING SERVICE BETWEEN KUNG OM AND LUNG TIN TSUEN ALONG THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD WITH TEMPORARY STOP PROVIDED AT LUNG TIN TSUEN.
0
/7.........
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHEUNG SHUI ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEUNG SHUI FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 17) TO APRIL 30 TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LINKING KAI LENG ELEVATED ROUNDABOUT AND TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) WILL BE CLOSED ON APRIL 17, 18 AND 19 BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 6 AM.
MOTORISTS ON EASTBOUND ROAD D3 HEADING FOR YUEN LONG ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA ROAD D3, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND PO SHEK WU ROAD TO REJOIN TAI PO ROAD (FANLING).
THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LINKING TAI PO (FANLING) AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED ON APRIL 20, 21 AND 23 BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 6 AM.
MOTORISTS ON TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) HEADING FOR YUEN LONG ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA KAI LENG ELEVATED ROUNDABOUT, ROAD D3, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND PO SHEK WU ROAD TO REJOIN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT.
THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LINKING SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) WILL BE CLOSED ON APRIL 24, 25 AND 26 BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 5.30 AM.
MOTORISTS ON PO SHEK WU ROAD HEADING FOR KOWLOON ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND ROAD D3 TO REJOIN SOUTHBOUND TAI PO ROAD (FANLING).
THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LINKING TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) AND KAI LENG ELEVATED ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED ON APRIL 27, 28 AND 30 BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 6 AM.
MOTORISTS ON TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) HEADING FOR ROAD D3 ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT, PO SHEK WU ROAD AND JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
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/8 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
- 8 -
NEW WATER SPORTS TRAINING SCHEME LAUNCHED ******
A NEW PACKAGE TRAINING SCHEME OFFERING SPECIALLY-DESIGNED COURSES TO SMALL GROUPS OF WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS HAS JUST BEEN INTRODUCED AT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S THREE WATER SPORTS VENUES - TAI MEI TUK, CHONG HING AND JOCKEY CLUB WONG SHEK WATER SPORTS CENTRES.
SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER (OPERATIONS) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHU KWONG-MAN, SAID THE SCHEME WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING "TAILOR-MADE” COURSES TO GROUPS OF FIVE TO EIGHT PERSONS ACCORDING TO THEIR REQUIREMENTS, INTERESTS AND QUALIFICATIONS IN SPECIFIC TYPES OF WATER SPORTS.
’’THE RANGE OF TRAINING COURSES THAT ARE BEING OFFERED AT THESE CENTRES INCLUDE CANOEING, WINDSURFING AND SAILING. THERE ARE ALSO WATER SPORTS FUN DAYS ARRANGED FOR BEGINNERS," HE SAID.
"BY FORMING THEIR OWN SMALL CLASSES AND HAVING A TRAINING PROGRAMME MADE-TO-ORDER FOR THEM, IT IS LIKELY THAT PARTICIPANTS WOULD ENJOY THEMSELVES A LOT MORE THAN TAKING REGULAR TRAINING COURSES," HE SAID.
ANY GROUP INTERESTED IN THE SCHEME IS WELCOMED TO APPROACH ONE OF THE THREE CENTRES TO MAKE RESERVATION IN THE NAME OF THE ORGANISATION OR COMPANY THEY BELONG. ALL PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE PHYSICALLY FIT AND BE ABLE TO SWIM.
MEANWHILE, THE "WATER SPORTS SCHEME", WHICH HAD PROVEN TO BE VERY POPULAR WITH INDIVIDUAL WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS AT TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE, HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE OTHER TWO CENTRES THIS SUMMER.
"SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THIS YEAR’S SCHEME ON APRIL 1, MORE THAN 1,000 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS REGISTERED THIS YEAR IS EXPECTED TO EXCEED 2,000," MR CHU SAID.
"THE MEMBERSHIP SCHEME IS OFFERED TO THOSE WHO USE THE FACILITIES AT WATER SPORTS CENTRES ON A REGULAR BASIS. TO BE ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE SCHEME, ONE HAS TO BE PHYSICALLY FIT AND ABLE TO SWIM," HE SAID.
"BY PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE OF $55, MEMBERS HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO HIRE CRAFT AT ALL CENTRES BY TELEPHONE AND ARE ENTITLED TO USE LOCKERS AND SHOWER ROOMS. ALSO, THE DAY CAMP FEE WILL BE WAIVED," HE ADDED.
THE THREE WATER SPORTS CENTRES MANAGED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ARE ALL SITUATED AT SCENIC SPOTS AND EACH HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE FEATURE.
/"THE TAI
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
"THE TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE AT THE MAIN DAM OF PLOVER COVE IN TAI PO AND THE JOCKEY CLUB WONG SHEK WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN SAI KUNG BOTH ORGANISED A WIDE RANGE OF TRAINING COURSES REGULARLY," MR CHU SAID.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, THE CHONG HING WATER SPORTS CENTRE, SITUATED AT THE WESTERN COFFERDAM OF THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR IN SAI KUNG, IS AN IDEAL VENUE FOR THOSE MAINLY INTERESTED IN CAMPING AND WISHING TO HAVE A TASTE OF WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES."
ALL CENTRES OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF CRAFT FOR HIRE WHICH INCLUDE SINGLE AND DOUBLE-SEAT CANOES, CANADIAN CANOES, PADDLE CANOES, COLOUR BOATS, SAMPANS, WINDSURFERS AND SAILING DINGHIES.
ENQUIRIES ON THE PACKAGE TRAINING COURSE, WATER SPORTS SCHEME, AND OTHER TRAINING COURSES AND CRAFT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING AT THESE CENTRES SHOULD CALL 656 3591.
- - 0 - -
APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES
*****
SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN NORTH DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S 1990 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG KUEN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S SYP IS ’’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY”.
’’THIS YEAR, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS ALLOCATED $200,000 FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE.
’’THE PROJECT SHOULD BE NON-PROFIT MAKING AND DESIGNED TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES DURING THE SUMMER.''
THE DISTRICT’S SYP WAS A BIG SUCCESS LAST YEAR WITH MORE THAN 20,000 YOUNGSTERS TAKING PART IN 145 EVENTS ORGANISED BY 37 AGENCIES.
TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN THIS YEAR’S SYP, INVITATION LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT 'IO VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, RURAL COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING, AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 10. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 675 5358.
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/10
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
- 10 -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ♦ »♦♦♦*
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SOCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17).
THE FUNDS WILL BE USED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO HOLD A DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CELEBRATION FOR THE ELDERLY, A PARENT-AND-CHILD RELATIONS PROJECT AND A HEALTH EDUCATION TALK.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY A PROGRESS REPORT BY THE ’’WORKING GROUP ON FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF THE FEE REDUCTION SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY”.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KING FUK STREET, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN HENG *****
FA CHUEN
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL OPEN A NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN HENG FA CHUEN ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) TO SERVE THE GROWING POPULATION IN CHAI WAN.
THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE FREE ENQUIRY SERVICE TO RESIDENTS, AND DISTRIBUTE GOVERNMENT FORMS, PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS.
IT IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE WEST CARPARK BLOCK, HENG FA CHUEN, CHAI WAN. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 889 1538 AND 889 1547.
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/Il .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
- 11 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHAU KEI WAN * » * » *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS, THE SECTION OF SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET BAST BETWEEN SAI YUN LANE AND BASEL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST WILL BECOME TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SACS:
* THE SECTION BETWEEN KAM WA STREET AND SAI YUN LANE; AND
» THE SECTION BETWEEN BASEL ROAD AND THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR GROUND LEVEL ROAD.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR THE SECTION OF SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST SOUTH OF SAI YUN LANE MAY TRAVEL VIA FACTORY STREET, WANG WA STREET AND KAM WA STREET, AND VEHICLES HEADING FOR THE SECTION OF SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST NORTH OF BASEL ROAD MAY TRAVEL VIA A KUNG NGAM ROAD.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON TONG
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF A CABLE DUCT AT HEREFORD ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG, THE SECTION OF HEREFORD ROAD BETWEEN RENFREW ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY OPERATION TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM TUESDAY (APRIL 17) FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT A WEEK.
CONCURRENTLY MOTORISTS ON HEREFORD ROAD HEADING FOR WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA RENFREW ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
------0-------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN HAPPY VALLEY » * ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17), THE EASTERN KERBLINE OF SHAN KWONG ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY FOR SEVEN WEEKS TO FACILITATE WATERMAIN LAYING WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OF GOODS THERE.
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/12........
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
- 12 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF PEKING ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS AT PEKING ROAD, FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) THE SECTION OF PEKING ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND CANTON ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ON PEKING ROAD HEADING FOR CANTON ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA KOWLOON PARK DRIVE NORTHBOUND INTO CANTON ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON CANTON ROAD HEADING FOR PEKING ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA HOI PHONG ROAD EASTBOUND AND LOCK ROAD SOUTHBOUND INTO PEKING ROAD.
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BAN ZONE FOR BUSES IN TSIM SHA TSUI *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17), THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM SALISBURY ROAD TO THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE FOR ALL BUSES 24 HOURS DAILY.
ALL BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM USING THE ACCESS ROAD.
----0------
BAN ZONE IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17), THE SECTION OF ROAD 44E TO THE WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WU HONG STREET IN TUEN MUN WILL RE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE FOR ACCESS, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS BAN ZONE.
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/13 .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 1990
13
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TAI O MUN ROAD FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL, TAI O MUN ROAD BETWEEN CLEAR WATER BAY NO. 2 BEACH CARPARK AND PO TOI O CHUEN ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) TO 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18).
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING TYPES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS SECTION OF ROAD:
» PO TOI O VILLAGERS’ VEHICLES;
* VEHICLES OF THE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB IDENTIFIED BY SPECIFIED LABELS OF THE CLUB;
* SHUTTLE SERVICE VEHICLES OF THE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB;
* SERVICE VEHICLES OF THE ORGANISATIONS DEPLOYED ON DUTY FOR THE FESTIVAL.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURF IN NEW TERRITORIES
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, A SECTION OF ABOUT 1.5 KILOMETRES OF THE OUTERMOST LANE OF TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) NORTHBOUND NEAR KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM TUESDAY TO THURSDAY (APRIL 17 TO 19).
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STI TO ATTEND INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING ON URUGUAY ROUND ........................ 1
NOISE ABATEMENT WORK IN SCHOOLS OPEN TO TENDER ..................................... 1
ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT RECRUITS NEW MEMBERS ...................................... 2
$14.51 MILLION EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PAID TO FACTORY TENANTS ......................... 3
KAM YING COURT ON SALE UNDER PHASE 12A ............................................. 4
FOOD RETAILERS RECEIVED MOST COMPLAINTS ............................................ 5
TUNG LUNG CHAU PAMPHLET AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION ................................... 6
SPECIAL CELEBRATION FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ........................................... 7
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS ON CHA KWO LING ROAD.................... 8
ENTRY TO TSUEN WAN DRAGON BOAT RACE TO CLOSE SOON .................................. 8
SENDING OF HEAVY PARCELS AT POST OFFICES ........................................... 9
DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS BILL OF RIGHTS ........................................... 9
SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT WINNERS' PERFORMANCE ................................ 10
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES ....................................... 11
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN LAM TIN ..................................... 12
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN NORTH POINT ................................................ 13
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN .......................................... 13
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN CENTRAL .................................................... 14
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN ................................................ 14
WATER CUT IN MONG KOK ............................................................. 14
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
STI TO ATTEND INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING ON URUGUAY ROUND *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, LEFT TODAY (MONDAY) FOR MEXICO WHERE HE WILL ATTEND AN INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING ON THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS HELD UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT).
AT THE MEETING, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT PUERTO VALLARTA FROM APRIL 18 TO 20, MR CHAN WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR T.H. CHAU; THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG TO GATT, MR KEITH BROADBRIDGE; AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR PATRICK LAU.
THE MEETING IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF INFORMAL GATHERINGS OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC MINISTERS FROM MEMBERS OF THE GATT.
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY DELEGATIONS FROM THOSE COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WHICH HAVE BEEN PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE GATT URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE URUGUAY ROUND WAS LAUNCHED IN 1986 AND IS DUE FOR COMPLETION THIS DECEMBER. AGRICULTURE, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, ANTI-DUMPING, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND TRADE IN SERVICES ARE AMONG THE SUBJECTS COVERED BY THIS ROUND OF TRADE TALKS INVOLVING OVER 100 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MEETING WOULD BE SIMILAR IN NATURE TO THE LAST ONE WHICH TOOK PLACE IN TOKYO IN NOVEMBER, 1989.
"IT WILL BE A TIMELY GATHERING FOR MINISTERS TO REVIEW PROGRESS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ACCELERATING THE PACE OF THE TALKS IN GENEVA TO FACILITATE COMPLETION OF DRAFT FRAMEWORK AGREEMENTS COVERING THE 15 NEGOTIATING SUBJECTS BY JULY THIS YEAR,” HE SAID.
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NOISE ABATEMENT WORK IN SCHOOLS OPEN TO TENDER ■ *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR NOISE ABATEMENT WORKS IN FOUR GROUPS OF SCHOOLS UNDER THE NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMME THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
A TOTAL OF 24 SCHOOLS WOULD BE INVOLVED.
THE WORKS ARE DEEMED NECESSARY TO MINIMISE NOISE CREATED BY TRAFFIC. THE WORK ON ONE SCHOOL IS TO ABATE AIRCRAFT NOISE.
THE WORKS WOULD INCLUDE INSTALLATION OF DOUBLE WINDOWS AND AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS TO CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS AFFECTED BY NOISE.
/IN SOME ......
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
- 2 -
IN SOME SCHOOLS, THE CONTRACTORS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE WORKS TO CONSTRUCT TRANSFORMER ROOM.
THE WORKS OF 13 SCHOOLS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST THIS YEAR WHILE WORK ON 11 SCHOOLS WOULD START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON APRIL 27, 1990.
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ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT RECRUITS NEW MEMBERS ******
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL START ITS ANNUAL RECRUITMENT EXERCISE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE REGIMENT IS LOOKING FOR ABOUT 130 MALE RECRUITS AND 25 FEMALE RECRUITS THIS YEAR.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD BE 18 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE, HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY EDUCATION AND HAVE A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH. THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND SHOULD HAVE OBTAINED THEIR EMPLOYERS’ CONSENT TO JOIN THE FORCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VOLUNTEERS SAID: ’’SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING IN BASIC MILITARY SKILLS INCLUDING DRILL, HANDLING RIFLES AND SUB-MACHINE GUNS, AND USE OF VEHICLES AND ASSAULT BOATS. TRAINING IN OPERATING RADIO EQUIPMENT, AND IN MAP READING AND FIRST AID IS ALSO GIVEN.”
"THIS NO DOUBT HELPS IN BUILDING UP ONE’S PHYSIQUE AS WELL AS CULTIVATING A MORE MATURE AND CAPABLE PERSONALITY.
"VOLUNTEERS WILL ALSO GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN SUPERVISORY SKILLS, JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING," HE ADDED.
TRAINING FOR NEW RECRUITS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON FOUR EVENINGS AND ONE WEEKEND PER MONTH FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS. THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO ATTEND TWO 9-DAY TRAINING CAMPS BEFORE PASSING.
THE MAJORITY OF TRAINING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE SCENIC COUNTRY PARKS OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ON COMPLETION OF BASIC TRAINING, VOLUNTEERS WELL TRAIN TWO EVENINGS AND ONE WEEKEND A MONTH. THERE ARE TWO CAMP PERIODS, ONE OF WHICH IS SPENT ON MANNING THE HONG KONG - CHINA BORDER.
/APPLICATION FORMS .......
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AT SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS JUNE 30, 1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE VOLUNTEERS* HEADQUARTERS ON 576 1371.
- - 0 - -
$14.51 MILLION EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PAID TO FACTORY TENANTS
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS SO FAR PAID OUT MORE THAN $14.51 MILLION EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TO 117 TENANTS OF CHEUNG SHA WAN FACTORY BLOCK ONE WHICH IS PLANNED FOR DEMOLITION THIS YEAR.
A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID THE AMOUNT REPRESENTS ABOUT 42 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL $34.18 MILLION ALLOWANCE ALLOCATED TO HELP THE 254 TENANTS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO MOVE OUT OF THE BLOCK BEFORE JUNE 1.
A TOTAL OF 80 TENANTS HAVE ALSO SUCCEEDED IN GETTING ALTERNATIVE FACTORY UNITS TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS IN RESTRICTED TENDERING EXERCISES SPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR THEM SINCE MAY LAST YEAR WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE BLOCK WILL BE DEMOLISHED.
THEY INCLUDED FIVE TENANTS WHO SUCCEEDED IN TENDERING FOR ALTERNATIVE FACTORY UNITS IN A RECENT EXERCISE HELD AT TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS WAS THE SEVENTH RESTRICTED TENDERING EXERCISE HELD FOR THE TENANTS AND A TOTAL OF 93 FACTORY UNITS OF VARYING SIZES LOCATED IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE MADE AVAILABLE FOR TENDERING.
ALL OF THE UNITS TAKEN UP BY THE TENANTS IN THE EXERCISE WERE IN THE URBAN AREA AND MOST OF THEM WERE AWARDED TO BIDS EQUIVALENT TO THE UPSET MONTHLY RENT, INCLUDING RATES.
THESE UNITS, WITH AREAS RANGING FROM 19 TO 76 SQUARE METERS, WERE LET AT MONTHLY RENTS OF BETWEEN $2,220 AND $5,540.
’’SOME TENANTS HAVE ALREADY MOVED OUT AND SURRENDERED THEIR UNITS TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. NOTICES TO QUIT WILL BE ISSUED TO THE REMAINING TENANTS THIS WEEK,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
4
KAM YING COURT ON SALE UNDER PHASE 12A ******
ABOUT 1 000 FLATS AT KAM YING COURT IN THE FAST DEVELOPING MA ON SHAN ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE UNDER PHASE 12A OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
RESIDENTS OF KAM YING COURT CAN ENJOY EASY ACCESS TO SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND THE CONVENIENCE OF CITY LIFE.
THEY CAN ALSO ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY OF TOLO HARBOUR AND A PLEASANT LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
THE ENTIRE COURT WILL EVENTUALLY COMPRISE TEN NEW CRUCIFORM BLOCKS WITH 3 500 TWO-BEDROOMED AND THREE-BEDROOMED FLATS. ON SALE UNDER THE CURRENT PHASE ARE 1 050 FLATS IN BLOCKS 1, 2 AND 3.
-WITH GROSS AREAS RANGING FROM 47.8 TO 76.8 SQUARE METRES AND SALEABLE AREAS FROM 37.3 TO 59.9 SQUARE METRES, FLATS ARE PRICED FROM $304,700 TO $609,200.
THE COURT WILL HAVE ITS OWN SHOPPING CENTRE OFFERING VARIOUS TRADES AND SERVICES TO CATER FOR THE DAILY NECESSITIES OF RESIDENTS WHILE THE SHOPPING CENTRES IN THE ADJACENT YIU ON ESTATE AND SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE ARE CONVENIENT SHOPPING ALTERNATIVES.
MOREOVER, A LARGE SHOPPING CENTRE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SHOPPING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IS PLANNED FOR COMPLETION IN MA ON SHAN IN THE 90'S FOR THE RESIDENTS.
BUS SERVICES TO KOWLOON AND SHA TIN KCR STATION ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BUS TERMINUS IN KAM YING COURT.
UPON THE COMPLETION OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND ROUTE 5, TRANSPORTATION LINK OF THE DISTRICT TO KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED.
A KINDERGARTEN AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT IN KAM YING COURT. THERE ARE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS, PROVIDING SUFFICIENT SCHOOL PLACES FOR CHILDREN.
ASPIRING HOME BUYERS CAN VISIT A SHOW FLAT OF KAM YING COURT ON THE PODIUM OF WANG LOK HOUSE, WANG TAU HOM (II) ESTATE ADJOINING LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE.
APPLICATIONS FOR HOS PHASE 12A WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 24.
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MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
- 5 -
FOOD RETAILERS RECEIVED MOST COMPLAINTS
*****
MOST COMPLAINTS ABOUT INACCURATE WEIGHING OR MEASURING INSTRUMENTS WERE LODGED AGAINST FOOD RETAILERS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
SINCE THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1989, THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED 126 COMPLAINTS, OF WHICH 88 WERE DIRECTED AGAINST RETAILERS OF FRUIT, VEGETABLES, SEAFOOD, POULTRY AND MEAT.
THE PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR ANDREW WONG, SAID THE REMAINING CASES WERE IN RESPECT OF BUSINESSES SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, DEPARTMENT STORES, SUPERMARKETS AND HAWKING.
"NEARLY ALL THE CASES WERE ABOUT THE USE OF INACCURATE WEIGHING AND MEASURING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE SHORT WEIGHT OF GOODS," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD SO FAR PROSECUTED 17 RETAILERS, WHO HAD BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $43,050.
THE LATEST CASES INVOLVED A FRUIT RETAILER, A FISH RETAILER AND A POULTRY RETAILER, WHO WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $6,500 FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS.
THE DEFENDANTS, WHO ALL PLEADED GUILTY, WERE MS HUI SIU-FONG, A FRUIT RETAILER AT 80 CHUNG ON STREET, TSUEN WAN; MR HO PING-LAM, A POULTRY RETAILER AT IOA POPLAR STREET, SHAM SHU I PO; AND MR CHOI KONG, THE OPERATOR OF A FISH STALL AT TO KWA WAN MARKET, 165 MA TAU WEI ROAD.
IN ALL THREE CASES, THE DEFENDANTS’ WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS WERE FOUND TO BE INACCURATE ON PRELIMINARY CHECKS. TESTS BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY LATER SHOWED THAT THE ERRORS RANGED FROM 18.75 PER CENT TO 20.16 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHT.
MR WONG SAID ANY PERSON WANTING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MALPRACTICES IN RESPECT TO WEIGHTS AND MEASURES SHOULD CONTACT EITHER THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 714 6146) OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
"COMPLAINTS MAY ALSO BE MADE TO DUTY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON 852 3185 AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
"TO HELP PUBLICISE THE COMPLAINTS HOTLINE, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS DISPLAYED POSTERS IN PROMINENT PLACES IN ALL RETAIL AND WHOLESALE MARKETS IN THE TERRITORY," HE ADDED.
/6 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
6
TUNG LUNG CHAU PAMPHLET AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
******
TO ENABLE HOLIDAY MAKERS AND VISITORS TO TUNG LUNG CHAU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MONUMENTS AND UNEARTHED RELICES ON THE ISLAND, A PAMPHLET HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS AND DIAGRAM, THE BILINGUAL PAMPHLET GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE HISTORY OF AN OLD FORT SITUATED AT THE NORTHERN CORNER OF THE ISLAND.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN INTRODUCTION OF THE STRIKING ROCK CARVING AT THE NORTHERN COAST OF THE ISLAND WHICH IS THE LARGEST ROCK CARVING KNOWN IN THE TERRITORY.
TUNG LUNG CHAU WAS CONSIDERED AN IMPORTANT STRATEGIC POINT AS LONG AS IN THE SUNG DYNASTY (960-1279 A.D.) BECAUSE JUNKS GOING TO GUANGZHOU USED TO SAIL THROUGH THE NEARBY PASSAGE OF THE FAT TONG MUN CHANNEL INTO THE SHELTERED WATERS OF HONG KONG.
AS THE PROBLEM OF PIRACY WAS VERY SERIOUS IN THE AREA DURING THE QING DYNASTY, A FORT WAS BUILT AT TUNG LUNG CHAU TO GUARD AGAINST PIRATES DURING THE REIGN OF EMPEROR KANG XI (1662-1722 A.D.).
THE FORT WAS ABANDONED IN 1810 A.D. BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY IN KEEPING THE FORT SUPPLIED AND MAINTAINED ON AN ISLAND SO REMOTE FROM ITS HEADQUARTERS.
THE FORT WAS DECLARED AS A MONUMENT ON JULY 25, 1980 BECAUSE OF ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE ON THE ADVICE OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD. THE RESTORATION WORK WAS COMPLETED IN APRIL 1982.
ADORNING THE NORTHERN COAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU IS A 180 CM BY 140 CM ROCK CARVING WHOSE HISTORY CAN BE DATED TO THE DISTANT PAST. IT WAS RECORDED IN THE XIN-AN GAZETTEER COMPILED BY WANG CHONG XI IN 1819.
THE DESIGN OF THE CARVING, WHICH IS BELIEVED TO REPRESENT A DRAGON, CONSISTS OF COMPLICATED AND TORTUOUS LINES.
THE PAMPHLET INTRODUCING THE FORT AND THE ROCK CARVING ON TUNG LUNG CHAU IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES, MUSEUMS OF BOTH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGION COUNCIL, AND THE OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
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/7........
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
- 7 -
SPECIAL CELEBRATION FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ******
A TWO-DAY CELEBRATION TO HONOUR SEAFARERS’ PATRON GODDESS "TIN HAU" WILL BE HELD AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI KUNG, STARTING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17).
ABOUT 60,000 WORSHIPPERS AND SIGHTSEERS ARE EXPECTED TO FLOCK TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT JOSS HOUSE BAY DURING THE PERIOD.
IN VIEW OF THE LARGE CROWD, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FREDERICK TONG, URGED WORSHIPPERS TO MAKE USE OF SEA TRANSPORT.
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES WOULD BE ARRANGED BY THE HONGKONG & YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY TO TAKE WORSHIPPERS TO JOSS HOUSE BAY, HE SAID.
THE FIRST FERRY WILL DEPART NORTH POINT EAST FERRY PIER AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 17) AND THE LAST FERRY WILL LEAVE JOSS HOUSE BAY AT THE END OF THE FESTIVAL AT 4 PM THE NEXT DAY.
MR TONG POINTED OUT THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND THERE WOULD BE NO PARKING FACILITIES FOR THE PUBLIC.
HE ALSO REMINDED WORSHIPPERS THAT TAKING MORE THAN THREE BURNING JOSS STICKS INTO, AND THE BURNING PAPER OF OFFERINGS INSIDE, THE TEMPLE WERE PROHIBITED SO AS TO REDUCE FIRE RISKS. HOWEVER, SUFFICIENT INCINERATORS WOULD BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE FOR BURNING PAPERS AND JOSS STICKS.
MR TONG ALSO ADVISED WORSHIPPERS TO DISCARD RUBBISH AND INCENSE ASH IN LITTER BINS, AND NOT TO USE LOUD-SPEAKERS OR BROADCAST CASSETTE TAPES WITHIN THE TEMPLE AREA.
MR TONG, AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, WILL ATTEND A WORSHIP CEREMONY AT THE JOSS HOUSE BAY TIN HAU TEMPLE AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), AND THFN CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL AT LEUNG SHUEN WAN IN THE AFTERNOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WORSHIP CEREMONY FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI FUNG, ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18). TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE CARPARK OF SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT O^rlCES AT 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN AT 9.30 AM SHARP.
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/8 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
- 8 -
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT
* *
ARRANGEMENTS ON CHA KWO LING ROAD * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON CHA KWO LING ROAD FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18) IN CONNECTION WITH THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
A SECTION OF CHA KWO LING ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WING FOOK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 900 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS ON WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR THE YAU TONG AREA WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA CHA KWO LING ROAD, ROAD CK1, LEI YUE MUN ROAD WESTBOUND, KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND, ROUNDABOUT, KWUN TONG ROAD EASTBOUND AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD EASTBOUND.
CONSEQUENT UPON THE CLOSURE, U-TURNING FROM CHA KWO LING ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO CHA KWO LING EASTBOUND OUTSIDE THE CHUNG HWA SHIPYARD WILL BE PERMITTED.
THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED SERVICE) STAND FOR ROUTES 23, 23A AND 23B OUTSIDE HOUSE NOS. 179-193 CHA KWO LING ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.
PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE APPROVED STOPPING PLACE IN FRONT OF THE SHELL OIL DEPOT ON WESTBOUND CHA KWO LING ROAD FOR BOARDING OR ALIGHTING ACTIVITIES.
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ENTRY TO TSUEN WAN DRAGON BOAT RACE TO CLOSE SOON ******
ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE TSUEN WAN DRAGON BOAT RACE SHOULD SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE APRIL 23.
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE TSUEN WAN DRAGON BOAT RACE AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE RACE WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG A 300-METRE CHANNEL OFF THE WATERFRONT OF THE TSUEN WAN RIVIERA GARDENS ON MAY 27 (SUNDAY), BETWEEN 8 AM AND 1 PM.
THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO LARGE-BOAT AND MEDIUM-BOAT DIVISIONS, WITH THE LATTER SUB-DIVIDED INTO MEN’S OPEN, WOMEN’S OPEN AND INVITATION SECTIONS.
ENTRY FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 492 8364 OR 414 9662.
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MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
- 9
SENDING OF HEAVY PARCELS AT POST OFFICES
*****
WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 23, PARCELS WEIGHING UP TO 20 KILOGRAMS CAN BE POSTED AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE THREE MOBILE POST OFFICES, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE COUNTRIES TO WHICH THESE HEAVY PARCELS CAN BE SENT ARE LISTED IN THE POSTAGE RATES AND SERVICES LEAFLET WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT ANY POST OFFICE FREE OF CHARGE.
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DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS BILL OF RIGHTS ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE 1990 AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE' DISTRICT’S CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
SOME MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO ASK QUESTIONS ON THE 1990-91 BUDGET, BEDSPACE APARTMENTS, AND POOR STREET ENVFRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
PROGRESS REPORTS BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND A REPORT OF THE LAST DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, 21ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/10.......
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
- 10
SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT * * * * *
WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE *
NINETEENTH CENTURY RUSSIA, THE PLANET VENUS, AND HEAVEN ARE THE IMAGINATIVE SETTINGS CHOSEN BY THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR THEIR ENTRIES IN THE SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT.
AND THE HIGH QUALITY OF THEIR PERFORMANCES BEFORE A SCHOOL AUDIENCE HAS ENSURED THESE PLAYS A PLACE IN A SPECIAL GALA EVENING SHOW BEFORE AN INVITED AUDIENCE AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19).
THE THREE SCHOOLS WERE AMONG 12 WHICH TOOK PART IN THE SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG LANGUAGE CAMPAIGN AND STEERED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY. THE PROJECT AIMS AT ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO USE DRAMA AS A MEANS OF AROUSING INTEREST IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING.
"ALL THE SCHOOLS TAKING PART HAVE BEEN MOST ENTHUSIASTIC," SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE. "THE JUDGES HAVE BEEN VERY IMPRESSED BY THE HARD WORK AND IMAGINATION THAT STUDENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE PUT INTO THEIR PRODUCTIONS - PARTICULARLY AS FEW OF THEM HAVE ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE DRAMA.
"SEVERAL OF THOSE TAKING PART HAVE TOLD US THEY INTEND TO STAGE AN ENGLISH PLAY AGAIN NEXT YEAR."
THE THREE PRODUCTIONS SELECTED FOR THE GALA EVENING ARE "THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR", ADAPTED BY SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE FROM THE PLAY BY NIKOLAI GOGOL; "A VILLA ON VENUS", ADAPTED BY KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL FROM A PLAY BY KENNETH LILLINGTON; AND "THE MAN WHO WOULDN’T GO TO HEAVEN" BY ST CLARE’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL.
FOLLOWING SCHOOL PERFORMANCES OF THE 12 PLAYS, A JUDGING PANEL COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE BRITISH COUNCIL AND THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY HAS MADE AWARDS TO SEVEN SCHOOLS FOR NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT IN A PARTICULAR CATEGORY:
ORIGINALITY/INTERPRETATION CARMEL PAK U SECONDARY SCHOOL,
TAI PO
COMMUNICATION/DELIVERY HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR
GIRLS
ENTHUSIASM ST CLARE’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL
EXTENT OF PARTICIPATION YAN CHAI HOSPITAL LIM POR YEN
SECONDARY SCHOOL, TSUEN WAN
COSTUME
SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
/SCENERY .......
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
SCENERY KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL
LIGHTING AND SOUND RHENISH CHURCH COLLEGE
’’THE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE GALA EVENING, WHEN ONE OF THE THREE SELECTED PLAYS WILL ALSO BE CHOSEN AS THE OVERALL BEST,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’ONE FURTHER AWARD, FOR THE BEST PRODUCTION DIARY, WILL BE AMDE IN MAY. THIS WILL GIVE SCHOOLS TIME TO PUT TOGETHER WRITTEN AND PICTORIAL MATERIAL RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION.”
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALSO SAID THAT PLANS WERE BEING DRAWN UP FOR A REGULAR SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL TO BUILD ON THE MONENTUM GENERATED BY THE PROJECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT GALA EVENING WHICH WILL BE HELD IN STUDIO THREE, HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, AT 7.15 PM ON THURSDAY, APRIL 19.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO TELEPHONE MR HANNY LEE, SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ON 839 2276 FOR ADMISSION TICKETS.
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FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES
THE 1990 SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS INVITING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE YOUTH ACTIVITIES BETWEEN JUNE 23 AND SEPTEMBER 16.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 25.
"THEY SHOULD ATM AT DEVELOPING THE YOUNGSTERS’ POTENTIALS AND INTEREST; ENHANCING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIP AND THE COMMUNITY; AS WELL AS CULTIVATING AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE A GREATER SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY,” HE NOTED.
/THE THEME ......
12
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME IS "TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO SHARE THE FUN".
THE SUBSIDIES, WHICH WILL BE DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, SHOULD BE USED FOR SPORTS, RECREATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37-39 TONKIN STREET AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
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TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS IN LAM TIN *»**»♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT, WITH THE PARTIAL OPENING OF THE LAM TIN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD OPPOSITE THE LAM TIN MTR STATION, A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18).
THE INTERCHANGE WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND VEHICLES WITH HEIGHT OVER 4.2 METRES.
TO FACILITATE THE ACCESS OF BUSES TO THE BUS TERMINUS WITHIN THE INTERCHANGE, THE SECTION OF THE NEARSIDE LANE OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE LAM TIN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FROM A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO THE LAM TIN TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A BUS LANE.
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS LANE AND THE BUS TERMINUS 24 HOURS DAILY.
GENERAL TRAFFIC MAY MAKE USE OF THE GENERAL LOADING BAY SITUATED AT THE WESTERN END OF THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FOR PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS. NO SUCH ACTIVITIES WILL BE ALLOWED BEYOND THE LOADING BAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
KMB BUS ROUTES 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14X, 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15X, 62X, 93M AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTES 601 AND 606 NOW STOPPING ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE THE INTERCHANGE WILL BE TEMPORARILY RESITED TO THE BUS BAYS INSIDE THE INTERCHANGE UNTIL THE FULL OPENING OF THE INTERCHANGE.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 24M PLYING BETWEEN SAM KA TSUEN FERRY AND LAM TIN MTR STATION WILL CEASE TO BE A CIRCULAR ROUTE AND WILL TERMINATE AT THE GREEN MINIBUS STAND IN THE INTERCHANGE.
TAXIS MAY MAKE USE OF THE TWO TAXI STANDS WITHIN THE INTERCHANGE FOR PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.
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MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN NORTH POINT * * * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), THE EXISTING RIGHT TURNING FROM TIN CHIU STREET SOUTHBOUND ONTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND IN NORTH POINT WILL BE BANNED.
VEHICLES ON TIN CHIU STREET SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND MAY TRAVEL VIA MARBLE ROAD WESTBOUND AND KAM HONG STREET.
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SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CELEBRATION OF THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TUEN MUN AREA 12 FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18).
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC:
* TIN HAU ROAD SOUTH OF SAN HOP LANE;
* SAN ON STREET BETWEEN HING WONG STREET AND ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH HUNG CHEUNG ROAD;
* HUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SAN PING CIRCUIT AND TIN HAU ROAD; AND
* SAN PING CIRCUIT BETWEEN SAN YICK LANE AND SAN LIK STREET.
ALL PARKING SPACES AT HUNG CHEUNG ROAD CARPARK WILL BE SUSPENDED.
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/14 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 1990
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN‘CENTRAL: *****
.THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT .THE SECTION OF GARDEN..; ROAD BETWEEN LOWER ALBERT ROAD AND QUEENSWAY IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ON GARDEN ROAD HEADING FOR CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LOWER ALBERT ROAD AND ICE HOUSE STREET.
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•*. » " • . ■ I *
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES IN SHA TIN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ENGINEERING WORK CARRIED OUT BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TOLO HIGHWAY NEAR MA LIU SHU1, A SECTION (ABOUT 200 METRES) OF THE SLOW LANE OF. THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18) TO 5 PM ON APRIL 20.
ON THE OTHER HAND, IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF PRECAST BEAMS ON SHA TIN WAI ROAD, THE INNER-MOST AND CENTRE LANES OF WESTBOUND SHA TIN WAI ROAD BETWEEN NGAU PEI SHA STREET AND NGAN SHING STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18), THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
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WATER CUT IN MONG KOK
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 18) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, SOY STREET, FA YUEN STREET, NELSON STREET, YIM PO FONG STREET AND ARGYLE STREET, INCLUDING SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET SOUTH, TUNG CHOI STREET AND SHANTUNG STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PEOPLE OF STATURE NEEDED IN PUBLIC SERVICE: GOVERNOR ................................ 1
BUSINESSMEN, INDUSTRIALISTS TO AIR VIEWS ON METROPLAN ............................... 3
IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES ON TAIWAN APPLICATIONS FURTHER STREAMLINED ................... 5
DEC-FEB UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED ........................ 5
GOOD RESPONSE TO CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME '89 ......................................... 7
GIRLS' HOME RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO STEER A STRAIGHT PATH ........................... 8
DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ............................................... 9
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SURVEY ................................. 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND KOWLOON CITY ...................... 10
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG .......................................... H
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN THE PEAK AREA ............................................... 11
PLB BANS IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN .................................................. 11
URBAN CLEARWAY IN TSUEN WAN ........................................................ 12
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG ............................................................. 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................................... 12
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
- 1
PEOPLE OF STATURE NEEDED IN PUBLIC SERVICE: GOVERNOR
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) SPOKE OF THE NEED FOR PEOPLE OF STATURE WHO ARE WILLING TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO PUBLIC SERVICE TO COME OUT INTO THE OPEN AND PLAY THEIR PROPER ROLES IN OUR SOCIETY.
"IN THE PAST WE HAVE EXCELLED IN PRODUCING LEADERS OF INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE. WE NOW NEED PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE VISION TO SET NEW GOALS FOR THE COMMUNITY AND THE INTEGRITY, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT TO SEE THEM THROUGH," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING ABOUT HONG KONG’S TASKS AHEAD DURING A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS ASSOCIATION.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE KEY TO HONG KONG’S RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH HAD ALWAYS BEEN MAKING SURE THAT WE THOUGHT AHEAD AND PUTTING THE NECESSARY INVESTMENT INTO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, CITING THE MASSIVE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN THE COMING YEARS.
"BUT THE RENEWAL AND EXPANSION OF OUR PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WILL NOT ALONE SEE US THROUGH THE CHALLENGES AHEAD," SIR DAVID SAID.
"STILL MORE IMPORTANT ARE OUR HUMAN RESOURCES AND THE QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID IN THE PACE OF POLITICAL CHANGE WE MIGHT NOT HAVE SECURED EVERYTHING THAT EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG WANTED, HOWEVER, WHAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED WOULD PROVIDE A GOOD BASIS ON WHICH WE COULD CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OUR OWN UNIQUE SYSTEM WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK LAID DOWN BY THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"THE CHANGES WHICH ARE TO TAKE PLACE IN THE WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG IS ADMINISTERED ARE LARGELY CHANGES OF OUR OWN CHOOSING. THERE HAS BEEN, AND WILL BE, PROGRESSIVELY GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE IN RUNNING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS," HE SAID.
"THIS WILL DEMAND LEADERSHIP. HONG KONG HAS NEVER LACKED LEADERS IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE. BUT GOVERNMENT HAS GENERALLY BEEN LEFT TO OFFICIALS, PLUS SOME DEDICATED AND HARDWORKING VOLUNTEERS ON OUR VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES,” HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WAS ALMOST NO TRADITION OF FULL-TIME INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS, AND VERY LITTLE EXPERIENCE OF ELECTIONS.
"THE TRADITION OF ADMINISTRATION BY CONSULTATION HAS BEEN CHANGING. THE CHANGE BEGAN IN THE LATE 70'S WITH GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, LEADING TO ELECTIONS FIRST TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND TO AN EXPANDED FRANCHISE FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL," HE SAID.
/"THE NEXT .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
- 2 -
"THE NEXT STEP WAS INDIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TIB PROCESS WAS ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY WHEN THE DEBATE ON THE BASIC L/iW BEGAN," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THIS DEBATE HAD PRODUCED MANY NEW PEOPLE WILLING TO STEP FORWARD AND PLAY AN ACTIVE PART IN THE PROCESS OF MOULDING HONG KONG.
"THEY GRAPPLED WITH A UNIQUE POLITICAL PROBLEM AND HAVE SHOWN REAL DETERMINATION AND RESOURCEFULNESS IN THE PROCESS," HE SAID.
"WE NEED TO BUILD ON THIS," SAID SIR DAVID, ADDING THAT AFTER 1997 HONG KONG WOULD BE RUN BY HONG KONG PEOPLE.
"THAT IS A KEY ELEMENT OF BOTH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
"THE TASK IS NOT A SMALL ONE. BUT AGAIN THE OPPORTUNITIES ARB GREAT. FOR IT WE NEED PEOPLE OF STATURE WHO ARE WILLING TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO PUBLIC SERVICE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT IN 1991, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY OF ELECTED MEMBERS WHO WOULD HAVE GAINED THEIR SEATS THROUGH THEIR OWN EFFORTS TO SECURE ELECTION IN EITHER DISTRICT OR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
"THIS WILL REQUIRE MANY MEN AND WOMEN PREPARED TO STAND UP AND BI COUNTED’ TO TAKE PART IN ELECTIONS; TO WIN AND ---- MUCH HARDER ---- BE PREPARED TO LOSE; TO SHOW LEADERSHIP; TO SACRIFICE TIME AND OTHER COMMITMENTS IN ORDER TO GIVE HONG KONG THE RESPONSIBLE AND DILIGENT LAW-MAKERS THAT IT NEEDS AND DESERVES," SIR DAVID SAID.
"HONG KONG IS NOW A WORLD CLASS METROPOLIS. IT NEEDS ITS BEST AND BRIGHTEST TO PLAY A FULL PART IN GOVERNMENT. THE FIELD IS WIDE OPEN.
"WE HAVE THE TALENT TO ENSURE THAT WE BUILD UP A BODY OF EXPERIENCED AND COMMITTED POLITICAL LEADERS GUIDING THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"NOW IS THE TIME FOR THAT TALENT TO COME OUT INTO THE OPEN AND PLAY ITS PROPER ROLE IN OUR SOCIETY," THE GOVERNOR SAID, POINTING OUT THAT ALTHOUGH ATTENTION TENDED TO FOCUS ON THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS, THERE WAS A NEED TOO FOR LOCAL LEADERSHIP ELSEWHERE.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD FOR SOME YEARS FOLLOWED A POLICY OF GIVING PROPERLY QUALIFIED LOCAL APPLICANTS PRIORITY FOR APPOINTMENT, AND AS A RESULT MANY HUNDREDS OF TALENTED LOCAL PEOPLE HAD BEEN RECRUITED AND ADVANCED THROUGH THE SYSTEM.
"HALF OF OUR POLICY SECRETARIES ARE LOCAL OFFICERS. SO ARE MOST OF THE HEADS OF OUR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS," HE SAID.
/"THE PROVISIONS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
3
"THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW ARE QUITE CLEAR. IN 1997 THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND HIS PRINCIPAL OFFICIALS MUST BE HONG KONG CHINESE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"WE ARE ALREADY WELL ON THE WAY TO ACHIEVING THAT POSITION. WE MAY LOSE SOME LOCAL OFFICERS EITHER TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR TO EMIGRATION. BUT I DO NOT SEE REAL DIFFICULTY IN MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF 1997," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE HAD BOTH THE DEPTH AND STRENGTH OF POTENTIAL LEADERSHIP THAT IT NEEDED. "THIS IS VITALLY IMPORTANT."
"THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS A DUAL ROLE TO PLAY, NOT ONLY AS AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PROVIDER OF SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO AS A SOURCE OF STABILITY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT THE CIVIL SERVICE TO CONTINUE TO PERFORM BOTH ROLES IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT IN THE JUDICIARY TOO, THE GOVERNMENT MUST ENCOURAGE MORE LOCAL TALENT, AS IN 1997 BOTH THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE NEXT LEADING JUDGE MUST BE HONG KONG CHINESE.
"AND BOTH THESE SENIOR JUDGES WILL NEED TO BE UNDERPINNED BY A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF POTENTIAL LOCAL SUCCESSORS. HERE TOO WE MUST LOOK TO THE LOCAL LEGAL PROFESSION FOR THE QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC SERVICE THE COMMUNITY NEEDS AND DESERVES," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE CHANGES INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING OUR OWN SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT ARE JUST AS TESTING AS THOSE WE FACE ON THE ECONOMIC FRONT," HE SAID.
"THE DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED WILL THROW UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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BUSINESSMEN, INDUSTRIALISTS TO AIR VIEWS ON METROPLAN ♦ «»»««
MORE THAN 100 PROMINENT BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS WILL BE ATTENDING A TWO-DAY METROPLAN SEMINAR ON APRIL 19 AND 26 ORGANISED BY THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
THE TOPIC FOR APRIL 19 IS "THE FUTURE PATTERN OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG", AND THAT FOR APRIL 26, "THE LOCATION OF BUSINESS DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG".
/THE SPEAKERS
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
4
THE SPEAKERS ON APRIL 19 WILL INCLUDE THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE; DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA; DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER AND FACTORY MANAGER, OUTBOARD MARINE CORP, MR ALFRED CHAN; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD, MR THOMAS KWOK PING-KWONG; MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WONG TUNG AND PARTNERS LTD, MR EDWARD HO SING-TIN.
ON APRIL 26, THE SPEAKERS WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, DR HELMUT SOHMEN; SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES; SENIOR PARTNER OF JONES LANG WOOTTON (HK) LTD, MR ALAN HILL; A TOWN PLANNING AND TRANSPORT PLANNING CONSULTANT, MR J.C. SHAW; AND VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF MOTOROLA SEMI-CONDUCTORS HONG KONG LTD, MR C.D. TAM.
ON BOTH DAYS, THERE WILL BE OPEN DISCUSSIONS FOLLOWING EACH SPEAKER’S ADDRESS AND A PANEL ROUND UP DISCUSSION AT THE END OF THE DAY.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS,. MR GRAHAM BARNES SAID HE WOULD EXPECT VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION FROM BOTH THE SPEAKERS AND PARTICIPANTS.
’’THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE INVALUABLE IN HELPING US TO FORMULATE THE RECOMMENDED STRATEGY FOR THE METROPLAN,” HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWO PANEL MEMBERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ROUND UP DISCUSSIONS WILL MEET THE MEDIA AT 4 PM ON APRIL 19 AND 26 AT THE CORAL ROOM, FURAMA HOTEL.
COPIES OF THE SPEECHES OF THE VARIOUS SPEAKERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AROUND 3.30 PM ON BOTH DAYS AT THE CORAL ROOM.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE TWO ’’MEET-THE-MEDIA " SESSIONS.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
- 5
IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES ON TAIWAN APPLICATIONS FURTHER STREAMLINED * « t * « * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT COPIES OF TAIWAN CENSUS PAPERS WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED WHEN TAIWAN RESIDENTS APPLY FOR ENTRY PERMITS TO VISIT HONG KONG.
’’THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT AIMS AT FURTHER STREAMLINING THE EXISTING DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENT ON ENTRY PERMIT APPLICATIONS BY TAIWAN RESIDENTS,” A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’FROM NOW ON, APPLICANTS ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO COPY THEIR TAIWAN IDENTITY CARDS AND TAIWAN EXIT PERMITS TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATIONS.
”WE HAVE ALREADY WRITTEN TO THE AUTHORISED AIRLINE OPERATORS, AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION ABOUT THIS CHANGE,” HE SAID.
"WE WILL CONTINUE OUR EFFORT TO LOOK FOR WAYS AND MEANS IN FURTHER STREAMLINING THE EXISTING PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE VISIT APPLICATION FROM TAIWAN TO FACILITATE THE INCREASED TRAVELLING NEEDS OF TAIWAN RESIDENTS,” HE ADDED.
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DEC-FEB UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED »«****«
BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED STABLE AT RELATIVELY LOW LEVELS DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1989 - FEBRUARY 1990.
THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE LABOUR MARKET WAS STILL GENERALLY TIGHT.
HOWEVER, SOME SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT WAS NOTED WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1989 -FEBRUARY 1990 WAS 1.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1.3 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1989 AND 1.2 PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT WHILE THE INCREASE OF 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
/THE NUMBER .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
- 6 -
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN DECEMBER 1989 - FEBRUARY 1990 WAS ESTIMATED AT 40,800, COMPARED WITH 37,000 IN THE THREE MONT S ENDING NOVEMBER 1989 AND 33,600 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1989.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1989 - FEBRUARY 1990 WAS 0.6 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 0.8 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1989. IT WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN DECEMBER 1989 - FEBRUARY 1990 WAS 17,500, COMPARED WITH 22,000 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1989 AND 17,200 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 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 COMISSIONER 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 JANUARY - MARCH 1990 WAS 1.6 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.7 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 DECEMBER 1989 - FEBRUARY 1990 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 44,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
/PERSONAL AND .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1990 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND JUNE 20 AT $11.50 PER COPY.
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GOOD RESPONSE TO CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME ’89 *****
MORE THAN 11,100 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE 1989 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THE SCHEME IS SPONSORED BY BAYER CHINA CO. LTD AND ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG HARBOUR.
FOUR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN ORGANISED AT VARIOUS STAGES UNDER THE SCHEME WHICH WAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED THE CLEAN AND GREEN WALK, LITTER COLLECTION AND TREE TENDING, THE BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE COMPETITION, AND THE CLEAN AND GREEN QUIZ.
THESE ACTIVITIES WERE DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE PARTICIPANTS COULD EITHER INVOLVE PHYSICALLY IN KEEPING COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN OR HELP SPREAD THE CLEAN AND GREEN MESSAGE.
THE CLEAN AND GREEN WALK ATTRACTED 597 PARTICIPANTS, OF WHOM 51 COMPLETED MORE THAN SIX SECTIONS OF THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL AND WERE EACH AWARDED A SPECIAL SOUVENIR.
MORE THAN 10,400 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN VOLUNTARY SERVICES UNDER THE SCHEME BY HELPING TO COLLECT LITTER AND TEND TREES IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
THE BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE COMPETITION RECEIVED 42 ENTRIES AND 10 WINNERS WERE SELECTED ON APRIL 3.
STUDENTS FROM 18 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST ROUND AND THE SEMI-FINAL OF THE CLEAN AND GREEN QUIZ HELD IN MARCH AND APRIL.
/SING YIN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
8 -
SING YIN SECONDARY SCHOOL WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN TODAY’S GRAND FINAL AND WAS AWARDED A TROPHY AND A $1,500 BOOK COUPON.
THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1983 AND THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS HAD INCREASED FROM 5,000 TO OVER 10,000 IN RECENT YEARS.
THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC INDICATES THAT THE SCHEME HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A MEANINGFUL ANNUAL EVENT, PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ITS PARTICIPANTS THROUGH PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT AND INTERESTING ACTIVITIES.
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GIRLS’ HOME RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO STEER A STRAIGHT PATH
*****
RESIDENTS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) ENCOURAGED TO STEER A STRAIGHT PATH IN LIFE.
THE ADVICE CAME FROM 20 ELDERLY WOMEN FROM A SHEK LEI PUI HOSTEL, WHO VISITED THE HOME THIS AFTERNOON. THE VISITORS ALSO URGED THE GIRLS TO PUT INTO GOOD USE WHAT THEY HAD LEARNED AT THE HOME.
THE ELDERLY WERE PAYING A RETURN VISIT TO THE RESIDENTS IN APPRECIATION OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES CONDUCTED BY MEMBERS OF THE HOME’S SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP.
ONE OF THE VISITORS SAID AFTER THE TRIP: "WE ARE PLEASED TO BE INVITED TO VISIT THE HOME, AND TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP WHO HAD CHATTED WITH US AND AMUSED US DURING THEIR VISITS TO OUR HOSTEL EARLY THIS YEAR.
"WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE GIRLS WOULD BECOME GOOD CITIZENS AND MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY WHEN THEY ARE REINTEGRATED INTO THE COMMUNITY," ANOTHER VISITOR ADDED.
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOME, MRS ANNA MAK, SAID THE VISIT INDICATED THAT THE COMMUNITY WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE GIRLS, ADDING THAT IT WOULD ALSO HELP THEM TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE AND SELF-RESPECT.
"I AM GLAD THAT THROUGH THE VISIT, BOTH PARTIES HAD BEEN ABLE TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT EACH OTHER," SHE SAID.
MEANWHILE, A MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP SAID: "WE ARE PLEASED TO LEARN THAT OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED."
DURING THE TWO-HOUR VISIT, THE ELDERLY TOURED THE DORMITORIES OF THE HOME BEFORE ENJOYING A SERIES OF PERFORMANCES BY MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP.
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/9.........
luissusi , ArnxLi i < ,
DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES *****
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19).
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR. THE YEAR’S ALLOCATION IS EXPECTED TO BE $2.82 MILLION, REPRESENTING A 4.8 PER CENT INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR’S AMOUNT.
A REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL BE TABLED.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE REPORTS BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SURVEY
*****
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19).
THE SURVEY HAS EXAMINED THE TYPES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS IN 1989 AND THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THESE BODIES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE GUIDELINES FOR VETTING APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
/10
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
- 10 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND KOWLOON CITY ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19), THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (KWAI CHUNG) FROM A POINT ABOUT 200 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG WING ROAD GYRATORY TO A POINT ABOUT 500 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A BUS LANE.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS LANE 24 HOURS DAILY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC ON TAI SHU HA ROAD WEST IN YUEN LONG WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FOR TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
VEHICULAR ACCESS TO TAI SHU HA ROAD WEST FROM TAI TONG ROAD WILL BE VIA TAI SHU HA ROAD EAST.
IN ADDITION, FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON THURSDAY, THE SECTION OF TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY BETWEEN TUNG LUNG ROAD AND FUNG MO STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR JUNCTION ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA FUNG MO STREET AND HENG LAM STREET.
MOTORISTS ON FUNG MO STREET HEADING FOR TUNG LUNG ROAD OR TUNG TSING ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA HENG LAM STREET, JUNCTION ROAD AND TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD.
ALSO, MOTORISTS ON JUNCTION ROAD HEADING FOR WONG TAI SIN ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA HENG LAM STREET, FUNG MO STREET AND TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD.
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/Il ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
11
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE CABLE REPAIR WORKS, FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19) TO 5 AM NEXT MORNING, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF FLYOVERS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
* THE FLYOVER LINKING KWUN TONG ROAD AND KAI FUK ROAD;
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE FLYOVERS LINKING WAI YIP STREET AND KAI FUK ROAD WESTBOUND.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WAI YIP STREET AND KWUN TONG ROAD HEADING FOR KAI FUK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KAI CHEUNG ROAD AND VEHICLES ON KAI FUK ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WAI YIP STREET AND LAI YIP STREET.
------0---------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN THE PEAK AREA
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19), A SECTION OF HORNSEY ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH OLD PEAK ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR TWO DAYS TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF CROSS ROAD DUCTS BY THE TELEPHONE COMPANY.
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PLB BANS IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19), THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED BAN ZONES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES:
» CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD, IN TSUEN WAN
* SHING MUN TUNNELS; AND SHING MUN TUNNELS ROAD, IN SHA TIN.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE PROHIBITED ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY.
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/12 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1990
- 12 -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN TSUEN WAN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19), TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
NO VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----0-----
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 19) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT KWUN TONG MARYKNOLL COLLEGE; BLOCKS 7 TO 10, KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE; SUN ON HOUSE AND KUI ON HOUSE, WO LOK ESTATE; AND NOS. 20-28 HIU MING STREET.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 40.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 239.504 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 194.589 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 33.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG SPIRIT IS KEY TO CONFIDENCE: CHIEF SECRETARY ............................ 1
INDUSTRIAL POLICIES HAVE BECOME MORE PRO-ACTIVE ................................... 3
COMMITMENT TO PROTECT RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS ......................................... 6
S428M CONTRACT FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT SCHEME AWARDED ................................ 8
15TH JLG MEETING FROM APRIL 24 TO 27 .............................................. 9
LIVE COVERAGE OF NATIONALITY BILL DEBATE ......................................... 10
REGISTRATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS ..................................... 10
GOVERNOR VISITS BRITISH GARRISON ................................................. 11
AIDS EXHIBITION IN ABERDEEN ...................................................... 12
USD DIRECTOR MEETS STAFF UNIONS .................................................. 13
SAI KUNG DB MEMBERS TO BE BRIEFED ON DRAFT BILL ................................. 14
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED CHANGES IN CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES .................. 14
DB TO DISCUSS RAIL LINK TO NEW AIRPORT ........................................... 15
HOUSING PROJECTS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .......................................... 16
INVITATION TO SPONSOR 1991 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ...................... 16
BROADCAST OF RTHK PROGRAMMES ON ATV AND TVB ...................................... I7
LIBRARY BOARD DISPLAY EXHIBITION OPENS ON FRIDAY ................................. 18
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE OPENING OF SHING MUN TUNNELS ... 18
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN SHA TIN CENTRE STREET ......................................... 19
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN SHA TIN ....................................................... 20
LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL TO BE REVISED FROM APRIL 20 ................................ 20
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
1
HONG KONG SPIRIT IS KEY TO CONFIDENCE: CHIEF SECRETARY
******
ONE OF THE REASONS TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE IS THE HONG KONG SPIRIT FOR WHICH ONE WILL HAVE TO LIVE IN THE TERRITORY TO UNDERSTAND IT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN TOKYO TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"ALL THE OTHER INGREDIENTS ARE OF COURSE IMPORTANT, LIKE THE INDIVIDUAL PARTS OF A BODY. BUT IT IS THE SPIRIT WHICH BREATHES LIFE INTO THE WHOLE, AND HONG KONG IS FULL OF IT,” SIR DAVID SAID.
ADDRESSING THE JAPAN NATIONAL PRESS CLUB, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS BEEN VULNERABLE TO OUTSIDE EVENTS WHETHER IT WAS ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION, POLITICAL CHANGE OR THE DEVASTATION OF THE OCCASIONAL TYPHOON.
"BUT WE HAVE ALWAYS SURVIVED THESE BUFFETINGS AND RISEN ABOVE THEM TO SURPRISE THE WORLD. THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHICH DEFIES THE ELEMENTS AND ALWAYS WILL," HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY URGED THOSE WHO HAD NOT ALREADY SEEN THE CITY TO COME AND EXPERIENCE IT THEMSELVES.
SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY PEOPLE SHOULD BE CONFIDENT IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE:
* BECAUSE CHINA IS COMMITTED, THROUGH A FORMAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT LODGED WITH THE UNITED NATIONS, TO PRESERVING IT IN ITS CURRENT FORM;
* BECAUSE HONG KONG IS SO VITALLY IMPORTANT TO CHINA ECONOMICALLY;
* BECAUSE OUR ROLE AS A GREAT PORT CITY IS ONE DICTATED BY GEOGRAPHY;
t BECAUSE WE ARE DETERMINED TO IMPROVE ON NATURE’S GIFTS;
* BECAUSE, DESPITE EMIGRATION, MORE THAN FIVE MILLION OF THE WORLD’S MOST RESOURCEFUL CAPITALISTS WILL STILL BE THERE;
* BECAUSE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS AND THE PEOPLE WHO RUN THEM WILL CONTINUE IN PLACE; AND
* BECAUSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE IN HONG KONG AND THE VALUE OF THIS TO CHINA’S OWN DEVELOPMENT.
/SIR DAVID .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
2 -
SIR DAVID SAID THE OVERALL AND LONG TERM STRATEGY FOR HONG KONG WAS TO SEEK TO MAKE THE TERRITORY A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WOULD WANT TO STAY BY MAINTAINING THOSE ASPECTS OF HONG KONG LIFE THAT WERE MOST ATTRACTIVE, NOT ONLY THE LOW TAX RATES AND ABSENCE OF BUREAUCRACY WHICH ATTRACTED BUSINESSMEN AND KEPT OUR ECONOMY DYNAMIC AND EMPLOYMENT FULL, BUT ALSO BY FURTHER IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG IN TERMS, FOR EXAMPLE, A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT, BETTER HOUSING AND HIGHER STANDARDS OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HONG KONG WAS THE NATURAL PORT AND COMMUNICATIONS HUB FOR SOUTHERN CHINA AND THE ADJACENT REGION: "BUT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THAT POSITION WE NEED TO CONTINUE INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE."
TURNING TO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT, SIR DAVID SAID IT INCLUDED A COMPLETELY NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRPORT AWAY FROM THE CITY ON LANTAU ISLAND, CONNECTING TRANSPORTATION LINKS, INCLUDING WHAT MIGHT WELL BE THE LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN THE WORLD, AND NEW CONTAINER PORT BERTHS.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD A TRADITION OF INVOLVING THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE FINANCING, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE. "THUS BOTH OF OUR CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNELS WERE PRIVATELY CONSTRUCTED AND ARE PRIVATELY OPERATED. ALL OF OUR PORT FACILITIES LIKEWISE."
"AND WE WILL FOLLOW THE SAME TRIED AND TESTED PATTERN WITH THESE NEW PROJECTS," SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT UP TO 60 PER CENT OF THE FUNDING FOR THE PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS WOULD COME FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"AND, TRUE TO OUR OPEN MARKET PRINCIPLES, FOREIGN FIRMS WILL BE FREE TO TAKE PART," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE WERE HUGE CAPITAL PROJECTS WHICH, TAKEN TOGETHER WERE WORTH ABOUT US$16 BILLION, OF WHICH THE AIRPORT ALONE WAS WORTH US$4.5 BILLION. "BUT WE WILL BE DEALING WITHIN THEM AS A NUMBER OF DISCRETE CONTRACTS, AND THE INCREMENTAL NATURE OF, FOR EXAMPLE THE PORT FACILITIES, MEANS THAT EXPENDITURE WILL BE SPREAD OVER ABOUT 15 YEARS."
"THE HIGHEST PRIORITY IS BEING GIVEN TO THE AIRPORT. EXHAUSTIVE RESEARCH TELLS US THAT OUR EXISTING AIRPORT AT KAI TAK, WHICH IS ALREADY CONGESTED, WILL BE SATURATED BY 1994.
"IF WE DID NOTHING AND THE AIRPORT REMAINED SATURATED BETWEEN 1996 AND 2010, THE ECONOMIC DISBENEFITS WOULD AMOUNT TO NEARLY US$13 BILLION. CLEARLY THE CASE TO BUILD IS A COMPELLING ONE, AND BUILD IT WE SHALL," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT HONG KONG’S OPEN ECONOMY HAD ATTRACTED INTEREST FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD, AND THIS INTEREST HAD GIVEN IT GREATER BREADTH, EXPERTISE AND STRENGTH.
/"OUR LINKS ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
3
"OUR LINKS WITH JAPAN ARE AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE. JAPAN IS OUR FIFTH LARGEST EXPORT MARKET AND SECOND LARGEST SUPPLIER. AND WE ARE YOUR FIFTH LARGEST EXPORT MARKET TOO, INDEED YOUR MOST LUCRATIVE ON A PER CAPITA BASIS -- EACH PERSON IN HONG KONG BUYS OVER US$2,000 WORTH OF JAPANESE GOODS EACH YEAR," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN DOUBLED IN DOLLAR TERMS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS, FROM US$8 BILLION IN 1985 TO US$16.4 BILLION.
"THE TWO-WAY TRADE BALANCE HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY IN JAPAN’S FAVOUR. BUT, AS A FIRM BELIEVER IN FREE TRADE, HONG KONG DOES NOT BEGRUDGE JAPAN’S EXPORTS.
"RATHER WE WELCOME THEM. JAPAN IS AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF SUPPLIES OF CONSUMER GOODS, RAW MATERIALS, SEMI-MANUFACTURERS AND CAPITAL GOODS TO HONG KONG," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT, BUT NOT MUCH PUBLICISED, DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT YEARS WAS THE INCREASE IN SINO-JAPAN TRADE THROUGH HONG KONG.
"THIS HAS INCREASED BY NINE TIMES: FROM US$0.6 BILLION IN 1985 TO A STAGGERING US$4.9 BILLION IN 1989, ONE QUARTER OF TOTAL SINO-JAPAN TRADE," SIR DAVID NOTED.
"MOST ENCOURAGING OF ALL, FROM OUR POINT OF VIEW, IS THAT JAPAN IS THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, WITH INVESTMENT TOTALLING OVER US$900 MILLION.
"AND OUR PREDICTION IS THAT YOU WILL HAVE TAKEN OVER FIRST PLACE FROM THE UNITED STATES BEFORE THE END OF THE CENTURY," THE CHIEF SECRETARY ADDED.
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INDUSTRIAL POLICIES HAVE BECOME MORE PRO-ACTIVE
THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL POLICIES HAVE BECOME MORE PRO-ACTIVE IN THE LIGHT OF A MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION, MR LEUNG SAID THESE POLICIES REMAINED LARGELY RESPONSIVE TO ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVES AND WERE DESIGNED "TO SUPPORT, TO FACILITATE, TO STIMULATE BUT NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE MARKET PLACE".
MR LEUNG SAID THE TERM "POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTIONISM" WAS OFTEN MISQUOTED, MISUSED AND MISUNDERSTOOD.
/’’THE TRUTH
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
’’THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL POLICIES ARE NOT SO MUCH FOUNDED UPON DOCTRINE THAN THE SIMPLE RECOGNITION THAT MANUFACTURERS ARE GENERALLY BETTER JUDGES OF THEIR OWN INTERESTS THAN CIVIL SERVANTS.
"AS A RESULT, THE GOVERNMENT TRIES TO AVOID INTERVENING IN THE MARKET PLACE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
’’ITS SUPPORT FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES HAS BEEN LARGELY PRAGMATIC, ESSENTIALLY CONFINED TO HELPING TO OVERCOME CONSTRAINTS OR OBSTACLES TO GROWTH IN AREAS WHERE GOVERNMENT IS THE BEST OR ONLY AGENT FOR ACTION, OR WHERE A CLEAR NEED FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IS JUSTIFIED,” HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT’S PRO-ACTIVE INDUSTRIAL POLICIES HAD ALSO MANIFESTED ITSELF IN OTHER WAYS.
HE SAID ONE OF THESE WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT INITIATIVES, TOGETHER WITH EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE, HAD HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLOSE WORKING PARTNERSHIP AMONG INDUSTRY, ACADEMIA AND GOVERNMENT.
’’THIS HAS BEEN EXEMPLIFIED AS MUCH BY THEIR REPRESENTATION ON OUR NETWORK OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES, CULMINATING IN THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, AS BY THE FORMATION OF SUCH INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS AS THE PLASTIC TECHNOLOGY CENTRE,” HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, THE REALISATION THAT A COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD RESPOND MORE FLEXIBLY TO CHANGE HAD LED TO INCREASING CORPORATISATION OF GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES - THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY LIMITED, THE HONG KONG PLASTIC TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LIMITED, THE CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRE, THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY AND THE FORTHCOMING TECHNOLOGY CENTRE.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT WHILE THE GENERAL DIRECTION OF GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL POLICIES CONTINUED TO BE VALID, THEY WOULD HAVE TO REMAIN RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGING DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT AND, IN PARTICULAR, THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CERTAIN LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS.
HE SAID ONE LIKELY DEVELOPMENT WAS THE EXPANSION OF WORLD TRADE, PARTICULARLY TRADE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
"ECONOMIC REALITIES ALSO NECESSITATE THE CONTINUAL EXPANSION OF CHINA’S TRADE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD. HONG KONG IS EXPECTED TO PLAY AN INCREASINGLY PIVOTAL ROLE BOTH AS A REGIONAL CENTRE AND AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS WOULD CONTINUE TO FACE COMPETITION FROM THE SERVICE SECTOR FOR MANPOWER AND OTHER RESOURCES AND THE PRESENT SLOW DRIFT OF EMPLOYMENT FROM MANUFACTURING INTO SERVICES WAS LIKELY TO CONTINUE.
/AT THE ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
5
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, THE TERM "MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY" WAS EVOLVING TO ENCOMPASS MORE OF THE MANUFACTURING TECHNICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES SUCH AS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, QUALITY ASSURANCE, TESTING AND OTHER SKILL-INTENSIVE BACK-UP SERVICES.
"ACTUAL ASSEMBLY-TYPE PRODUCTION IS LIKELY TO DIVERSIFY MORE INTO NEIGHBOURING REGIONS WITH LOWER COSTS, INCLUDING SOUTH CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA.
"SO HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP INTO A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR, RATHER THAN A CENTRE OF, MANUFACTURING," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID ANOTHER LIKELY DEVELOPMENT WAS THAT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, ALTHOUGH PERHAPS LEANER, WOULD PROBABLY BE MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN IT WAS TODAY.
"FACED WITH INCREASING COMPETITION AND HIGHER CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS, IT WILL NEED TO RETAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS BY MOVING DECISIVELY INTO QUALITY AND INNOVATION INVOLVING HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES WHERE THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IS EXPECTED TO BECOME EVEN MORE IMPORTANT," HE SAID.
HE SAID MANUFACTURERS WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG’S EXCITING INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS: THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STUDY (PADS) AND THE METROPLAN.
HE SAID NEW INDUSTRIAL LAND WOULD BE CREATED IN TUEN MUN WEST AND NORTH LANTAU, AND FACTORIES IN THE OLD INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG WOULD BE REDEVELOPED.
"NEW, CLEAN, HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES WILL PROBABLY EMERGE ON RECLAIMED LAND AROUND KAI TAK.
"INDUSTRIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE LIKELY TO OPERATE FROM A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TN TSEUNG KWAN O OR ON LAND SET ASIDE FOR WATER INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES AND OPERATIONS REQUIRING WATER-FRONT ACCESS," HE SAID.
ELECTRONICS WOULD PROBABLY BE AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT INDUSTRIAL SECTOR THAN IT WAS TODAY AND OTHER NEW SECTORS, SUCH AS CHEMICAL PROCESSING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, MIGHT WELL EMERGE, MR LEUNG SAID.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, FAST GROWING DYNAMIC ECONOMIES AND POSSIBLY EASTERN EUROPE WOULD RENDER THE FIELD OF INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE.
"BUT WITH INCREASING GLOBALISATION OF BUSINESSES, LARGE MULTI-NATIONALS ARE LIKELY TO REMAIN DIVERSIFIED TN THE WORLD’S ECONOMIC ’TRIPOD’ - NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, AND THE ASIA PACIFIC.
/"SO THE ........
W&DNfcOVAI, AFK1L 10,
6
"SO THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL INVESTORS FROM THE UNITED STATES, JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY IS LIKELY TO REMAIN DOMINANT IN HONG KONG.
"IN PARTICULAR, AT ITS CURRENT RATE OF INVESTMENT, JAPAN MAY WELL BE OUR LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PARTNER BY THE YEAR 2000," HE SAID.
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COMMITMENT TO PROTECT RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS * ♦ ♦ * *
IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE THE FACT THAT IN PROPOSING TO ENACT A BILL OF RIGHTS IN 1990 THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTING ITSELF TO THE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION OF BASIC RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN THE TERRITORY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SESSION OF THE NINTH COMMONWEALTH LAW CONFERENCE HELD IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, MR MATHEWS SAID THE MOST DRAMATIC FEATURE OF THE BILL IS THAT IT WILL IN ITS EFFECT REPEAL ALL LEGISLATION THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH IT TO THE EXTENT OF ANY INCONSISTENCY.
"WE ARE BRINGING UNDER THE HUMAN RIGHTS MICROSCOPE OVER 500 ORDINANCES TOGETHER WITH SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND GIVING PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO SUE THE GOVERNMENT IF THEY FIND THAT INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED BY SUB-STANDARD LEGISLATION OR BY PERSONS ACTING IMPROPERLY UNDER LEGISLATIVE OR OTHER AUTHORITY," HE SAID.
"THIS IS A MAJOR GOVERNMENTAL INITIATIVE AND IN ORDER TO ANTICIPATE ANY LEGISLATIVE AND OPERATIONAL VACUUMS BROUGHT ABOUT AS A RESULT OF LEGISLATION BEING DECLARED INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS WE HAVE PROPOSED TO ’FREEZE' ALL LEGISLATION ON THE STATUTE BOOK FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ENACTMENT OF THE BILL IN ORDER TO GIVE US TIME TO IDENTIFY ANY LAWS WHICH ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL AND TAKE THE NECESSARY REMEDIAL STEPS.
"WE ARE VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT ALTHOUGH JUDGES WOULD UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS BE ABLE TO RENDER INCONSISTENT LAWS INOPERATIVE THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REWRITE BAD LAWS. BUT IT MUST BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD THAT WE ARE NOT FREEZING THE BILL OF RIGHTS FOR TWO YEARS."
MR MATHEWS SAID UPON ITS ENACTMENT THE BILL WOULD AFFECT ALL LAWS ENACTED AFTER IT AND WOULD ALSO BITE ON THE COMMON LAW AND ANY OFFENDING PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES WHICH DO NOT HAVE THE FORCE OF LAW.
"WE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS IS UNUSUAL, BUT BY NO MEANS UNIQUE, IN THAT IT PURPORTS TO BIND ALL PERSONS IN HONG KONG AND NOT JUST THE GOVERNMENT.
/’’THIS IS .........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
7
’’THIS IS A FEATURE OF THE BILL WHICH WILL NEED TO BE FULLY DEBATED DURING THE NEXT FEW WEEKS BECAUSE WE REALISE THAT WE ARE CREATING A NEW RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN THE BILL.”
ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, MR MATHEWS SAID, IS ITS GENERAL JUSTICIABILITY. "BY THAT I MEAN THAT WE HAVE NOT CREATED ANY SPECIAL COURTS TO DEAL WITH ISSUES ARISING UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS NOR HAVE WE CREATED ANY SPECIAL PROCEDURES."
"THE REASONING BEHIND THIS IS THAT WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS WAS ACCESSIBLE IN EVERY COURT AND EVERY TRIBUNAL AND THAT JUDGES AND OTHERS CHARGED WITH JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS COULD NOT IGNORE IT," HE EXPLAINED.
"ABOVE ALL WE DID NOT WANT THE BILL TO HAVE A REMOTE, OLYMPIAN STATUS."
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG IS NOT A BIG PLACE AND JUDGES AND LAWYERS ARE GENERALLY QUICK TO NOTE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN THE LAW.
"WE FEEL CONFIDENT THAT WITHIN A SHORT TIME THE COURT OF APPEAL AND PERHAPS EVEN THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL WILL HAVE HAD OCCASION TO INTERPRET THE MOST IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF THE BILL AND INFERIOR COURTS AND TRIBUNALS WILL KNOW WHERE THEY STAND UNDER IT."
MR MATHEWS SAID THE BILL OF RIGHTS IS BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR) BECAUSE SINCE 1976 THE ICCPR HAS APPLIED TO HONG KONG BY VIRTUE OF THE RATIFICATION OF THAT INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT BY THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE EXTENSION OF ITS PROVISIONS TO HONG KONG AS A DEPENDENT TERRITORY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
ALTHOUGH THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL CEASE TO HAVE SOVEREIGN RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG IN 1997 THE ICCPR AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE IN FORCE BY REASON OF THE FACT THAT ONE OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION IS THAT THE ICCPR WILL REMAIN IN FORCE.
ON THE DIFFICULTIES POSED BY THE ENTRENCHMENT OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS SAID THE DRAFTERS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS STUDIED THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW VERY CLOSELY IN ORDER TO PRODUCE A BILL OF RIGHTS WHICH IS WHOLLY CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW.
"THIS MEANT IN THE FIRST PLACE PRODUCING A BILL WHICH VIRTUALLY REPEATED THE ICCPR.
"IF THIS WAS NOT DONE THEN THE BILL COULD BE VULNERABLE TO CHALLENGE UNDER THE BASIC LAW AS A LAW WHICH WAS, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, INCOMPATIBLE WITH IT.
"IF THERE WAS A SUCCESSFUL CHALLENGE THEN THE BILL OF RIGHTS COULD BE REPEALED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA."
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
8
HE SAID IDEAS FOR CONVENTIONAL ENTRENCHING METHODS, SUCH AS SPECIAL MAJORITY VOTING, WERE NOT PURSUED BECAUSE THE BASIC LAW MIGHT BE SAID IMPLIEDLY TO RULE OUT THESE OPTIONS BY REASON OF ITS OWN DETAILED PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE PASSAGE OF BILLS AND OTHER LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES.
A FORM OF ENTRENCHMENT OF THE ICCPR RIGHTS FOR THE PERIOD AFTER 1997 WAS ALREADY TO BE FOUND IN ARTICLE 39 OF THE BASIC LAW WHICH REPEATED THE PROVISION IN THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT THE ICCPR WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY AND WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE COVENANT WAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF ENTRENCHMENT WAS TO MIRROR ARTICLE 39 OF THE BASIC LAW IN HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENT, THE LETTERS PATENT, WHICH WOULD BE AMENDED SO AS TO ENTRENCH THE PRINCIPLE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS NOT COMPETENT TO ENACT LAWS WHICH ABRIDGE THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF PERSONS IN HONG KONG IN A WAY WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE ICCPR.
THIS WILL ENABLE THE COURTS TO REVIEW LAWS WHICH ARE ALLEGED TO INFRINGE THE BILL OF RIGHTS, MR MATHEWS SAID.
- 0 -
$428M CONTRACT FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT SCHEME AWARDED
******
CONSTRUCTION WILL START SHORTLY ON THE MAJOR CIVIL WORK OF THE NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OFF THE WEST KOWLOON COASTLINE AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO POLLUTION CONTROL.
A $428 MILLION CONTRACT, THE SIXTH AND LARGEST OF SEVEN LET UNDER THE SCHEME, WAS AWARDED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS AFTERNOON BY THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR C.R. SAUNDERS, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND AN UNDERWATER TWIN TWO-METRE DIAMETER PUMPED SEWER WHICH WILL BE USED TO FACILITATE SEWERAGE FLOWS FROM CHEUNG SHA WAN FOR TREATMENT ON THE ISLAND.
THE PUMPED SEWERS WILL BE ASSEMBLED ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND PROGRESSIVELY WINCHED ACROSS THE PREPARED SEABED TO CHEUNG SHA WAN, A DISTANCE OF OVER ONE KILOMETRE.
THE PIPELINE, WHICH IS THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY SO FAR, IS DESIGNED FOR A MAXIMUM FLOW RATE OF 13.5 CUBIC METRES PER SECOND.
/MR SAUNDERS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
9
MR SAUNDERS NOTED THAT THE NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED AT A TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE OF $1.2 BILLION WITH THE TARGET COMMISSIONING DATE IN SEPTEMBER 1992.
"THE SCHEME WILL REPLACE TWO OLD SCREENING PLANTS BY PROVIDING A SECOND FINER SCREENING PROCESS ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND, AND CONVEYING THE EFFLUENT CURRENTLY DISCHARGED CLOSE IN-SHORE, THROUGH A SUBMARINE OUTFALL INTO DEEP WATER FAR FROM THE EXISTING COASTLINE.
"WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL BE CAPABLE OF PROVIDING FULL SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES TO SERVE ABOUT 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE IN LAI CHI KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, TAI KOK TSUI AND MONG KOK DISTRICTS, COVERING A TOTAL AREA OF 12.2 SQUARE KILOMETRES," HE SAID.
I
SO FAR, WORKS ON THE MAJORITY OF CONTRACTS IN THE SCHEME INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCEPTOR SEWERS, PUMPING STATION AND SCREENING PLANTS HAD ALREADY COMMENCED WHILE THE REMAINING CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL ALONG THE COAST OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND IS EXPECTED TO BE AWARDED THIS SEPTEMBER.
AS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS, THE SCHEME HAS ALSO ALLOWED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, AND IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT FLOWS FROM THE CURRENT SCHEME WILL EVENTUALLY BE CONNECTED INTO THE SYSTEMS PROPOSED IN THE RECENTLY COMPLETED SEWAGE STRATEGY STUDY.
--------0----------
15TH JLG MEETING FROM APRIL 24 TO 27 *****
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ANNOUNCED THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING THAT THE 15TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN PEKING FROM APRIL 24 TO 27.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THF. 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.
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/10 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
10
LIVE COVERAGE OF NATIONALITY BILL DEBATE * * * » »
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S RADIO 3 WILL BROADCAST LIVE FROM LONDON THE HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL 1990. THE BROADCAST WILL BEGIN AT 11.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND LAST UNTIL AROUND 5 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 20).
THE ENGLISH CHANNEL’S MORNING PROGRAMME "HONG KONG TODAY" ON FRIDAY, STARTING AT 7.05 AM, WILL INCLUDE EXTENSIVE COMMENT ON THE DEBATE AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE VOTING RESULT.
THE STATION’S CHINESE CHANNELS — RADIO 1, 2 AND 5 -- WILL REPORT ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEBATE IN THEIR HOURLY NEWS REPORTS OVERNIGHT.
- 0 -
REGISTRATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS ♦ **»♦♦
THE ANNUAL VOTER REGISTRATION FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORAL ROLL IS BEING CARRIED OUT FROM YESTERDAY (APRIL 17) TO MAY 7 FOR THE COMPILATION OF THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SECOND REGISTRATION PERIOD FROM JUNE 15 TO JULY 2, LEADING TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL REGISTER ON AUGUST 3.
"THIS EXERCISE COVERS ONLY THE EXISTING CONSTITUENCIES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
VOTER REGISTRATION FOR THOSE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE ELECTIONS IN 1991 WILL NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL THE NEXT CYCLE, AFTER SUCH CONSTITUENCIES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ELIGIBLE PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN REGISTERED ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION AND, WHERE REQUIRED, OBTAIN FURTHER DETAILS ON TEL. 893 2837.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE FROM PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE BECOME ELIGIBLE SINCE THE LAST REGISTRATION EXERCISE IN JUNE 1989.
/REGISTRATION FORMS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
- 11 -
REGISTRATION FORMS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL ELIGIBLE PERSONS WHO SEEK REGISTRATION IN THE TEACHING, MEDICAL, DENTAL AND NURSING PROFESSIONS.
APPLICANTS WHO ARE INDIVIDUALS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST BE ALREADY ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS BEFORE THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO BECOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT YET ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL, THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR REGISTRATION IN THAT ROLL NOW BEFORE SEEKING ENROLMENT ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ROLL IN 1991.
0
GOVERNOR VISITS BRITISH GARRISON » » » » »
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SPENT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON VISITING UNITS OF THE BRITISH GARRISON IN HIS CAPACITY AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG.
ON HIS ARRIVAL AT HMS TAMAR, THE GOVERNOR WAS MET BY THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL PETER DUFFELL, AND TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE NAVAL BASE.
HE WAS SHOWN THE DIVING SECTION, WHICH CONTAINS THE ONLY RECOMPRESSION CHAMBER IN HONG KONG, AND THE BASE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
AFTERWARDS HE FLEW BY RAF WESSEX HELICOPTER TO STARLING INLET WHERE HE MET MEN OF THE 6TH QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES, THE DUTY BORDER BATTALION, AND MEN OF THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS’ BOAT TROOP.
THERE HE WAS SHOWN METHODS OF TRACKING AND CATCHING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AROUND THE INLET.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A FLIGHT TO THE ROYAL AIR FORCE BASE AT SEK KONG DURING WHICH THE GOVERNOR WAS GIVEN A QUICK COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AND INVITED TO TRY HIS HAND AT CONTROLLING THE WESSEX HELICOPTER IN THE AIR.
SIR DAVID THEN WATCHED FROM ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT A DEMONSTRATION LIFT BY FOUR RAF WESSEX OF A POLICE TACTICAL UNIT TO A LOCATION IN YUEN LONG.
THE GOVERNOR’S FINAL STOP WAS AT THE DEPOT OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND WHERE HE MET RECRUITS AND WATCHED THEM AT TARGET PRACTICE.
0
/12
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18,
1990
- 12 -
AIDS EXHIBITION IN ABERDEEN *****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT AIDS WHEN THEY VISIT AN AIDS EXHIBITION IN ABERDEEN WHICH WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY (APRIL 20).
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION, THE NINTH IN A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON AIDS EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, WILL BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL ABERDEEN COMPLEX FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM DAILY.
"THE EXHIBITION AIMS AT INCREASING COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT AIDS, AND FOSTERING A POSITIVE, SYMPATHETIC AND SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE IN THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS AIDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE FOCUS IS ON YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MAY BE MORE LIKELY THAN OTHERS TO ENGAGE IN RISK BEHAVIOUR, YET ARE OFTEN LESS LIKELY TO BE AWARE OF THE RISKS OF INFECTION WITH AIDS," HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, COVERS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF AIDS.
APART FROM SHOWING THE WORLDWIDE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE, IT ALSO ILLUSTRATES HOW AIDS THREATENS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE WAYS IN WHICH THIS CAN BE COUNTERED.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON AIDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS WHO WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN HANDSOME PRIZES BY ANSWERING A QUIZ DESIGNED TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON AIDS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL RUN UNTIL SUNDAY (APRIL 22), AND WILL MOVE TO SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL ON MAY 5.
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/13 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
- 13 -
USD DI ECTOR MEETS STAKE UNIONS ******
THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR JAMES SO, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FEDERATION OF THE USD STAFF UNIONS FOR A FRIENDLY AND FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE PAY CONDITIONS OF VARIOUS GRADES OF STAFF WORKING IN THE DEPARTMENT.
THE MEETING, HELD AT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LASTED FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS.
DURING THE MEETING, MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORKING CONDITIONS, WORKING HOURS AND PAY FOR A NUMBER OF THE DEPARTMENTAL GRADES INCLUDING THE CLEANSING WORKMEN AS WELL AS THE SPECIAL ALLOWANCE AND REVISED STRUCTURE FOR THE GENERAL DUTIES TEAMS (GDTS) WERE ALSO DISCUSSED.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS BRIEFING AFTER THE MEETING, MR SO SAID: "I HAVE ASSURED UNION REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE SPECICAL WORKING GROUP APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO LOOK INTO THE GDTS HAS ALREADY SUBMITTED A REPORT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETRIAT WOULD HAVE A DECISION ON THE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT WITHIN A MONTH OR SO, TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT A CASE TO THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICES TO IMPROVE THE STRUCTURE AND THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE GDTS AND TO STREAMLINE THEIR OPERATIONS WITH A VIEW TO FURTHER IMPROVING THEIR EFFICIENCY."
THE SPECIAL WORKING GROUP WAS CHAIRED BY THE THEN SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI.
MR SO SAID THAT THE MEETING ALSO TOUCHED UPON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORKING CONDITIONS AND WORKING HOURS OF VARIOUS SUPERVISORY GRADES IN THE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE ISSUE OF OVERTIME PAY.
"I THINK THAT THE UNION FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE POSITION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT WELL APPRECIATES THE CONCERN OF THE UNION.
"AT THE END OF THE DISCUSSION, THE UNION AGREED TO DISCUSS THE VARIOUS ISSUES FURTHER WITH THEIR MEMBERS BEFORE GIVING THE DEPARTMENT A REPLY BEFORE NEXT MONDAY,” MR SO ADDED.
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714.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
14 -
SAI KUNG DB MEMBERS TO BE BRIEFED ON DRAFT BILL *****
OFFICIALS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH WILL BRIEF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ON THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS AT THE BOARD’S MEETING ON FRIDAY (APRIL 20).
THE ACTING SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LISA CHAN, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON A PAPER ON THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
SHE WILL OUTLINE THE CRITERIA FOR SETTING THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES, WHICH HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS, POPULATION SIZE, SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
MEMBERS WILL REVIEW THE BOARD’S MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME, AND DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY OF REQUIRING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS BEFORE MEETING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
THEY WILL ALSO STUDY A NUMBER OF PROGRESS REPORTS AND ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON FRIDAY (APRIL 20) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
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NORTH DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED CHANGES IN CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ♦ ♦♦*♦*
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CHANGES IN CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1991 NORTH DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS, AND HEAR A BRIEFING ON THE SUBJECT BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND ELECTORAL AFFAIRS, MR FRANCIS HO.
/OTHER AGENDA ........
WLUNE5DAY, APRIL ±0,
15
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE THE NORTH DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE APPOINTMENT OF CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO THE BOARD'S VARIOUS COMMITTEES, AND THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THE YEAR 1990-91.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
------0-------
DB TO DISCUSS RAIL LINK TO NEW AIRPORT
I ™™LCENTRAL AND WESTERN district board will discuss the rail LINK TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE PROPOSED FOR THE DISTRICT IN THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ELECTIONS, AND REPORTS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BOARD SPECIAL MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT
or.r.M ____ ----------------------- AT 3 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY)
ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
IN
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/16 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18,
1990
- 16 -
HOUSING PROJECTS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA *****
THE HOUSING COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS PROGRESS REPORTS ON PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE COMMITTEE’S PROPOSED WORK PLAN FOR
1990-91.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 6 TUNG YAN STREET.
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INVITATION TO SPONSOR 1991 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY
*****
ORGANISATIONS ARE BEING INVITED TO SPONSOR THE 1991 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY OVER THE VICTORIA HARBOUR.
FIREWORKS SHOWS HAVE BEEN HELD ON THE' EVENING OF THE SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR SINCE 1982.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH (RCB) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADVISED INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO SPONSOR THE FIREWORKS SHOW AT LEAST NINE MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE PROPOSED FOR THE DISPLAY TO THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE RCB HEADQUARTERS AT 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, BEFORE MAY 16 (WEDNESDAY). ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 866 0725.
"THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO APPROVE OR REJECT AN APPLICATION WITHOUT GIVING REASONS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/17 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
17 -
BROADCAST OF RTHK PROGRAMMES ON ATV AND TVB
******
RADIO TELEVISION HUNG KONG PROGRAMMES WILL BE SHOWN ON ATV-HOME DURING PRIME TIME ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AND ON TVB-JADE BETWEEN 7 PM AND 7.30 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM OCTOBER.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL BE ROTATED BETWEEN THE TWO STATIONS EVERY 12 MONTHS.
AT PRESENT, RTHK PROGRAMMES ARE SHOWN ON BOTH STATIONS FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY DURING PRIME TIME.
WHEN THE ARRANGEMENT WAS REVIEWED BY RTHK EARLY THIS YEAR, BOTH STATIONS ASKED FOR THE 7 PM TO 7.30 PM SLOT. SINCE A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION ACCEPTABLE TO ALL PARTIES COULD NOT BE FOUND, GUIDANCE FROM THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) WAS SOUGHT.
"HAVING TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE STATIONS AND RTHK, THE BA CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST FOR RTHK PROGRAMMES TO BE SCREENED IN PARALLEL BY THE TWO STATIONS ON WEEKDAYS, AND THAT IT WOULD BE MORE CONVENIENT FOR VIEWERS FOR RTHK PROGRAMMES TO BE SHOWN THROUGHOUT THE WEEK," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BA SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE BA THEREFORE DECIDED THAT RTHK PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE SHOWN BETWEEN 7 PM AND 7.30 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BY ONE STATION AND FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10.30 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BY THE OTHER STATION."
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL START IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND WILL BE ROTATED BETWEEN THE TWO STATIONS EVERY 12 MONTHS.
TO BE FAIR TO BOTH STATIONS, THE BA ALSO DECIDED THAT THE ALLOCATION OF THE TWO TIME SLOTS SHOULD BE DETERMINED THROUGH THE DRAWING OF LOTS.
THE RESULT OF THE CASTING OF LOTS WAS THAT TVB WOULD SCREEN RTHK PROGRAMMES BETWEEN 7 PM AND 7.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND ATV WOULD SCREEN AN AGGREGATE OF TWO AND A HALF HOURS OF RTHK PROGRAMMES PER WEEK BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10.30 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
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718 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
- 18 -
LIBRARY BOARD DISPLAY EXHIBITION OPENS ON FRIDAY
*****
THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR ROBERT LO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LIBRARY BOARD DISPLAY EXHIBITION ON FRIDAY (APRIL 20) AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF THE LIBRARY BOARD DISPLAY COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, IS TO PROMOTE BETTER USE OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY AS A SOURCE FOR INFORMATION AND LEISURE READING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LIBRARY BOARD DISPLAY EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, AT 3 PM ON APRIL 20 (FRIDAY).
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TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE OPENING OF SHING MUN TUNNELS »♦*»♦»
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS, A SERIES OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 0.01 AM ON FRIDAY
SHING MUN TUNNELS ROAD, SHING MUN TUNNELS AND CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC. ALL CYCLISTS, PEDESTRIANS, MOTOR VEHICLES DRIVEN BY LEARNER DRIVERS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BF PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ABOVE ROADS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE ABOVE ROADS WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEFD LIMIT OF 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
MOTORISTS WHO USE THE SHING MUN TUNNELS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY A TOLL OF $3.
MOTORISTS WHO WISH TO TRAVEL FROM TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING TO SHA TIN MAY USE CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD OR WO YI HOP ROAD TO GO TO THE SHING MUN TUNNELS.
/THOSE WHO ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1990
- 19 -
THOSE WHO WISH TO TRAVEL FROM SHA TIN TO TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING MAY USE TAI PO ROAD (TAI WAI) TO GO TO THE TUNNELS.
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL INTRODUCE FIVE ROUTES, NO. 45X (CHUN SHEK - TSUEN WAN FERRY), NO. 46X (CHUN SHEK - LAI KING SOUTH), NO. 47X (WO CHE - KWAI SHING EAST), NO. 48X (WO CHE - TSUEN WAN FERRY) AND NO. 73X (FU SHIN - TSUEN WAN FERRY).
AT THE SAME TIME, TWO EXISTING KMB BUS ROUTES NOS. 48 (WO CHE - TSUEN WAN FERRY) AND 48A (CHUN SHEK - TSUEN WAN FERRY) OPERATING VIA LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE CANCELLED.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN SHA TIN CENTRE STREET *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 20), FOUR SECTIONS OF SHA TIN CENTRE STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
THEY ARE:
* THE SECTION OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAM KON PO STREET TO A POINT 160 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION;
* THE SECTION OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT 210 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAM KON PO STREET TO A POINT ADJOINING PAK HOK TING STREET;
* THE SECTION OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT 50 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAK KON PO STREET TO A POINT 100 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE SECTION OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM A POINT 235 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAM KON PO STREET TO A POINT 315 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONES AT SHA TIN CENTRE STREET WILL BE CANCELLED.
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/20 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL lb,
i»yu
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN SHA TIN ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 20), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF NGAN SHING STREET IN SHA TIN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS DURING THE HOURS SPECIFIED:
♦ FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY, THE SECTION OF NGAN SHING STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SIU LEK YUEN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAK YI STREET.
* FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY, THE SECTION OF NGAN SHING STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAK YI STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 215 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL TO BE REVISED FROM APRIL 20 * * * * t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL WILL BE REVISED TO $6 FOR ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES FROM 0001 HOURS ON FRIDAY (APRIL 20).
APPROPRIATE SIGNS SHOWING THE NEW TOLL CHARGE WOULD BE IN PLACE IN THE TUNNEL AREA, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GREAT HOPE IN HK THAT NATIONALITY BILL WILL PASS: GOVERNOR............ 1
GOVERNOR OPENS TUNNEL LINK BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN ............. 2
SHING MUN TUNNELS LEAFLET PUBLISHED .................................. 3
BRINGING IN SKILLED PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH 'BRAIN DRAIN': CS ............ 3
AG SPEAKS ON COMMERCE AND THE LAW IN HK .............................. 5
FINANCIAL SECRETARY OUTLINES PADS .................................... 7
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR INSTALLATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE AT MARINE DEPT 10
MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN 1989 ..................................... 10
NCNA DIRECTOR SEES WORK OF URBAN COUNCIL ............................. 18
SUCCESSFUL PILOT PROJECT TO GIVE BIRTH TO REGULAR SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL .............................................................. 19
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ....................................... 20
DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ................................ 23
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO STAGE CONCERT ..................................... 24
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHA TIN .................................... 25
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WHAMPOA STREET .................................... 25
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WAN CHAI .......................................... 26
WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN ................................................ 26
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
GREAT HOPE IN HK THAT NA ONALITY BILL WILL PASS: GOVERNOR ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THERE IS A GREAT HOPE IN HONG KONG THAT THE NATIONALITY BILL WILL PASS THE SECOND READING IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS TONIGHT AND THAT IT WILL GET THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS THIS AFTERNOON, SIR DAVID SAID THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD BE HOPING THAT THE BILL WOULD BE PASSED SUCCESSFULLY AND IT WOULD ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVE OF KEEPING IN HONG KONG A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF KEY PEOPLE.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON A CRITICISM OF THE BILL FOR BEING AN ELITE MEASURE, SIR DAVID SAID: "IT HAS TO BE SELECTIVE IF IT IS ONLY 50,000 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS. BUT THE IMPORTANT POINT IS IF YOU KEEP IN HONG KONG, LET’S SAY 50,000 KEY PEOPLE, THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE ECONOMY. THAT IN TURN EFFECTS THE LIVELIHOOD OF EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG WHEREAS •IF THOSE KEY 50,000 PEOPLE LEFT HONG KONG, THEN EVERYBODY WOULD BE AFFECTED.
"SO EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER IN HONG KONG WHO CANNOT HOPE THEMSELVES TO BE COVERED BY THE BILL I AM SURE THAT A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF THEM NEVERTHEI.ESS HOPE THAT THE BILL WILL BE PASSED AND THAT OTHER PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL BENEFIT FROM IT."
ASKED WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACT ON HONG KONG IF THE BILL DOES NOT PASS IN THE PARLIAMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE PEOPLE HERE WOULD BE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED AND DISILLUSIONED IF IT FAILED TO PASS.
"I HOPE THAT IT WILL PASS. IT IS OF COURSE TONIGHT, I THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG REALISE, IT’S ONLY THE SECOND READING. IT IS NOT THE COMPLETE BILL. IT THEN HAS TO GO TO A FAIRLY LENGTHY COMMITTEE STAGE," HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, SIR DAVID SAID THAT HE THOUGHT THERE WAS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CHINESE SUSPICION ABOUT THE MOTIVES OF THE BILL.
"I HOPE OVER TIME WE WILL BE ABLE TO PERSUADE THE CHINESE THAT THE REAL OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL IS TO TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS PROSPEROUS, THAT IT REMAINS STABLE AND THIS IS NOT SIMPLY UP TO 1997 UNDER BRITISH ADMINISTRATION BUT BEYOND 1997 BECAUSE WE HAVE VERY REAL RESPONSIBILITY TO LAUNCH THE HONG KONG SAR SUCCESSFULLY IN 1997. THAT IS WHAT WE INTEND TO DO OUR VERY UTMOST TO ACHIEVE," HE SAID.
/2 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
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GOVERNOR OPENS TUNNEL LINK BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED OPEN THE SHING MUN TUNNELS - THE FASTEST ROUTE BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN.
ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SIR DAVID DROVE THROUGH THE NEW ROAD, WHICH WILL CUT THE JOURNEY TIME BETWEEN THE TWO NEW TOWNS FROM 45 MINUTES TO 10 MINUTES.
THE TWIN-TUBE TUNNELS FORM PART OF ROUTE 5 LINKING TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN AND WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, PROVIDING YET ANOTHER ROAD FACILITY FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWEI SEE-KAN, SAID THAT THE TUNNELS, CONNECTED BY APPROACH ROADS AT ;THE SHA TIN END TO TAI PO ROAD, AND AT THE TSUEN WAN END TO THE TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE, SHOULD PROVIDE SOME MEASURE OF RELIEF TO THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION PRESENTLY EXPERIENCED ALONG THE TAI PO ROAD AND AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
HE SAID, BOTH THE TUNNELS AND APPROACH ROADS WERE EXPRESSWAYS AND ALLOWANCES HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO IN THEIR DESIGNS FOR TRAFFIC GROWTH IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 5 WAS THE RESULT OF FEASIBILITY STUDIES CARRIED OUT TN 1980S ON A HIGH SPEED ROUTE TO LINK SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN.
THE PRESENT TUNNEL ALIGNMENT WAS SELECTED ON THE BASIS OF ALL TRAFFIC REQUIREMENTS AND THE NEED TO PRESERVE THE BEAUTY OF THE
SURROUNDING COUNTRY PARKS.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROUTE STARTED TN APRIL 1986 AND WAS
COMPLETED AT A COST OF $1.3 BILLION, HE SAID.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR SIU KWING-CHUE, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE
TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING.
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/3 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
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SHING MUN TUNNELS LEAFLET PUBLISHED *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A LEAFLET ON THE SHING MUN TUNNELS TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW FACILITY TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT CONTAINS INFORMATION ON ROUTEINGS, TOLL, AND TUNNEL PERMIT AND VEHICLE REMOVAL FEES OF THE NEW TUNNELS, WITH DETAILED ROUTE MAPS OF BOTH THE SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN ENTRANCES AND EXITS.
THE BUS SERVICES INTRODUCED BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY SERVING THE NEW TUNNELS ARE ALSO LISTED.
COPIES OF THE BILINGUAL LEAFLET ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES.
COPIES HAVE ALSO BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO MOTORISTS USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
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BRINGING IN SKILLED PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH 'BRAIN DRAIN’: CS
******
ONE OF THE WAYS IN WHICH THE "BRAIN DRAIN" PROBLEM IS BEING DEALT WITH IN HONG KONG IS TO BRING IN SKILLED PEOPLE FROM ABROAD TO FILL THE GAPS LEFT BY THOSE WHO HAVE EMIGRATED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN TOKYO TODAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING THE JAPAN/HONG KONG SOCIETY, SIR DAVID SAID MANY HONG KONG EMPLOYERS WERE NOW DOING THIS AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS FLEXIBLY.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT A QUARTER OF THE 42,000 PEOPLE WHO EMIGRATED FROM HONG KONG LAST YEAR WERE PEOPLE IN THE PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGERIAL CATEGORY.
"THIS BRAIN DRAIN IS A DIFFICULT PROBLEM FOR HONG KONG SINCE: FIRSTLY, PEOPLE ARE OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE; SECONDLY, THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO UNEMPLOYMENT; AND THIRDLY, THE LOSS OF TRAINED HUMAN RESOURCES, ACCOMPANIED BY CONSTANT AND WIDESPREAD PUBLICITY, PUTS HONG KONG IN AN UNFAVOURABLE LIGHT AND EFFECTS THE CONFIDENCE PLACED IN HONG KONG BY PEOPLE BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD," SIR DAVID SAID.
"BUT WE CANNOT STOP PEOPLE LEAVING. FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT, AND THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS NOT ONLY EXISTS NOW BUT IS ALSO GUARANTEED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
/"WE HAVE
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
"WE HAVE FA :ED SOME VERY DIFFICULT PROBLEMS OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS AND HAVE ALWAYS MANAGED TO PULL THROUGH AND EMERGE THE STRONGER FOR IT,” HE SAID.
"WE ARE ALSO EXPANDING EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL INCREASE THE OUTPUT OF LOCAL TALENT," HE ADDED.
TRAINING TO
SIR DAVID SAID ANOTHER WAY OF DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM WAS TO MAKE IT UNNECESSARY FOR PEOPLE TO LEAVE.
WITH THIS IN MIND, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD ANNOUNCED PLANS TO GRANT BRITISH CITIZENSHIP, WITH THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO 50,000 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS AND THEIR FAMILIES WITHOUT THEIR HAVING TO LEAVE HONG KONG AND SETTLE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
"THIS SHOULD HELP RETAIN IN HONG KONG THOSE WHO ARE MOST LIKELY TO WANT, AND BE ABLE, TO EMIGRATE.
"THIS PACKAGE OF 50,000 KEY PEOPLE REPRESENTS THREE TO FOUR YEARS EMIGRATION OF KEY PEOPLE WHO WOULD OTHERWISE GO TO OTHER PLACES," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID DISAGREED WITH THE SAYING THAT THE SCHEME WAS DIVISIVE, NOTING THAT THERE WERE ALREADY DIVISIONS IN THE COMMUNITY BETWEEN THE FEW WHO HAD THE ABILITY TO EMIGRATE AND THE MANY WHO DID NOT.
"THIS SCHEME SIMPLY ENABLES SOME OF THOSE WHO WOULD HAVE LEFT ANYWAY TO STAY IN HONG KONG AND THERE IS A GROWING FEELING AMONGST MANY WHO CANNOT LEAVE THAT ANY MEASURE WHICH HELPS STABILISE HONG KONG’S FUTURE MUST BE GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE," HE SAID.
"BUT OUR OVERALL, AND LONG TERM, STRATEGY IS TO SEEK TO MAKE HONG KONG A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WILL WANT TO STAY," SIR DAVID STRESSED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS MINDFUL OF THE NEED TO KEEP HONG KONG AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR FOREIGN FIRMS TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES IN THE TERRITORY.
"TO THIS END, WE ARE GIVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO LENGTHENING EMPLOYMENT VISAS SO AS TO REDUCE THE INCONVENIENCE OF RENEWALS," HE SAID.
"WE ALSO RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION FOR THE FAMILIES OF FOREIGN BUSINESSMEN AND ARE HAPPY TO GRANT FREE LAND FOR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS, AND I WOULD COMPLIMENT THE JAPANESE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG ON THE EXAMPLE THEY HAVE SET FOR OTHER COMMUNITIES IN THIS FIELD," HE ADDED.
/SIR DAVID .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
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SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY HIMSELF HAD RECENTLY BEEN FORMED FOR WIDE RANGING DISCUSSIONS AMONG FOREIGN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ON HOW TO MAKE’ HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO DO BUSINESS.
TURNING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AIRPORT AT CHAP LAP KOK, SIR DAVID SAID THERE HAD BEEN A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FROM JAPANESE FIRMS.
"WE WELCOME THESE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST, JUST AS WE WELCOME THE STRONG JAPANESE COMMERCIAL PRESENCE ALREADY IN HONG KONG.
"ONE OF HONG KONG’S TRADITIONAL STRENGTHS HAS BEEN ITS ABILITY TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, AND THAT MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATIONS FEEL CONFIDENT IN DOING BUSINESS IN OUR IMPARTIAL, AND UNFETTERED ENVIRONMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE CONTINUED PRESENCE OF JAPANESE AND OTHER FOREIGN : BUSINESSES IN HONG KONG REMAINED ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR US, HE ADDED.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER HONG KONG COULD AFFORD SUCH AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG CAN UNDERTAKE THESE PROJECTS WITHIN ITS OWN RESOURCES AND STILL LEAVE THE NEW SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT IN A STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION IN 1997.
"INDEED, NOT TO GO AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT WOULD BE A SERIOUS MISTAKE IN THAT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG WOULD BE SERIOUSLY IMPAIRED WITHOUT IT," HE STRESSED.
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AG SPEAKS ON COMMERCE AND THE LAW IN HK
THE CERTAINTY OF HONG KONG LAW HAS CREATED A SOLID AND RELIABLE BASE FOR THE ENERGY, INVENTIVENESS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE OF ITS PEOPLE TO BUILD ON AND FLOURISH, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, ON THE COMMERCE AND THE LAW IN HONG KONG, MR MATHEWS SAID TRADE HAD ALWAYS BEEN VITAL TO HONG KONG AND THOSE TRADING THERE COULD RELY ON THE LEGAL SYSTEM TO ENFORCE OBLIGATIONS AND DETERMINE LIABILITIES.
HE SAID THE COMMERCIAL LAW OF HONG KONG WAS AN AMALGAM OF THE COMMON LAW, LOCAL LEGISLATION AND UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION WHICH HAD BEEN APPLIED TO HONG KONG. THERE WERE ALSO A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AFFECTING COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WHICH WERE OPERATIVE IN HONG KONG.
/"BECAUSE HONG .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
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"BECAUSE HONG KONG IS A COMMON LAW JURISDICTION, OUR COURTS ARE ABLE TO EXAMINE THE JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPERIOR COURTS IN LIKE JURISDICTIONS, INCLUDING NEW ZEALAND, TO ASSIST THEIR DECISION MAKING.
"THIS MEANS THAT OUR LAW CONTINUE TO DEVELOP IN LINE WITH ADVANCES MADE ELSEWHERE IN THE COMMON LAW WORLD," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID THE COMMON LAW HAD, OVER MANY YEARS, DEVELOPED A SOLID BODY OF PRINCIPLES GOVERNING COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND MUCH OF THIS HAD FOUND ITS WAY TO HONG KONG.
SOME OF THESE PRINCIPLES HAD BEEN CODIFIED, AND IN SOME CASES EXTENDED, BY STATUTES.
ON THE CHANGE OF LAW IN LINE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES, MR MATHEWS SAID HONG KONG NOW REQUIRED MORE OPENNESS IN COMPANY MANAGEMENT.
"OUR COMPANIES ORDINANCE HAS BEEN AMENDED TO REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN CONTRACTS WITH THE COMPANY, WHILST THE MAKING OF LOANS TO DIRECTORS IS PROHIBITED,” HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS SAID WHILE THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR IN HONG KONG WAS LARGELY GIVEN A FREE HAND, SELECTIVE LEGISLATION HAD BEEN ENACTED TO IMPOSE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OVER AREAS SUCH AS THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY, BANKING AND INSURANCE.
MR MATHEWS SAID ONE ASPECT OF THE COMMON LAW RELATING TO COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIPS THAT WAS WORTH MENTIONING WAS ABOUT EXCLUSION CLAUSES.
"HISTORICALLY, THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES HAS BEEN LEFT TO THE COMMON LAW, AND THE COURTS OF HONG KONG HAVE ADOPTED AN INCREASINGLY HOSTILE STANCE TO THE USE OF SUCH CLAUSES, ESPECIALLY IN CONSUMER CONTRACTS," HE EXPLAINED.
HE SAID EXEMPTION CLAUSES WERE SOON TO BECOME THE SUBJECT OF DETAILED STATUTORY REGULATION UNDER THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES ORDINANCE WHICH WAS DUE TO COME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
TURNING TO ANOTHER SOURCE OF COMMERCIAL LAW IN HONG KONG, MR MATHEWS SAID A LARGE NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AFFECTING COMMERCIAL RELATIONS HAD BEEN APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
"CURRENTLY, INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS CAN ONLY APPLY TO HONG KONG WITH THE CONSENT AND AUTHORITY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. FROM JULY 1, 1997, THE CONSENT AND AUTHORITY OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WILL BE REQUIRED.
"IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997, EXTENSIVE WORK IS BEING DONE BY THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO ENSURE THAT THOSE INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS WHICH ALREADY APPLY TO HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY TO THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION," MR MATHEWS SAID.
/MR MATHEWS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
MR MATHEWS SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN FACING A CHALLENGE TO BALANCE THE NEED FOR COMMERCIAL FREEDOM, THE ESSENCE OF A SUCCESSFUL CAPITALIST ECONOMY, WITH THE NEED BOTH TO ENSURE AN ORDERLY MARKET PLACE AND TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY CONSUMERS, FROM INCOMPETENT OR UNSCRUPULOUS BUSINESS BEHAVIOUR.
HE BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN REMARKABLY SUCCESSFUL IN ACHIEVING THAT BALANCE.
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FINANCIAL SECRETARY OUTLINES PADS *****
MUCH HAS HAPPENED SINCE WE ANNOUNCED THE DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT RELATED PROJECTS LAST OCTOBER. SINCE THEN WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, WITH MYSELF AS CHAIRMAN, WE HAVE LAUNCHED A SEARCH FOR THE EVENTUAL AUTHORITY’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, WE HAVE COMMENCED ADDITIONAL SITE INVESTIGATION WORK AT CHEK LAP KOK, WE HAVE APPOINTED DESIGN REVIEW CONSULTANCIES FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY AND A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, AND MOST RECENTLY, AS YOU WILL HAVE SEEN, WE HAVE APPOINTED BECHTEL AS THE PROJECT MANAGER. MY PURPOSE IN INVITING YOU ALONG TODAY IS TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON THESE DEVELOPMENTS AND TO SET OUT SOME OF THE MILESTONES TO WATCH FOR AS THIS COMPLEX PROJECT GATHERS MOMENTUM.
BUT FIRST BY WAY OF BACKGROUND, I WOULD LIKE TO RECAP THE REASONS WHY WE HAVE EMBARKED ON THIS MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECT AND WHY WE BELIEVE IT TO BE ESSENTIAL TO OUR CONTINUED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
IT IS CLEAR FROM THE VARIOUS DETAILED STUDIES WE HAVE CONDUCTED THAT KAI TAK WILL BE SATURATED BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS DECADE. IF WE FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATELY FOR OUR INCREASING AIR TRAFFIC, WE WILL INCUR SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC DISBENEFITS. WHAT THIS MEANS IN LAYMAN’S TERMS IS THAT BUSINESS WILL BE DIVERTED ELSEWHERE, JOBS WILL BE LOST AND, AS A RESULT, THE INCOME FOR OUR WORKFORCE WILL NOT GROW AS IT SHOULD. ACCORDING TO OUR CONSULTANTS’ ESTIMATES, IF WE DO NOT BUILD THE AIRPORT, THESE DISBENEFITS WOULD AMOUNT TO OVER HK$100 BILLION BETWEEN 1996 AND 2010. THERE ARE THUS COMPELLING ECONOMIC REASONS FOR PROCEEDING WITH CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. THEY ARE VITAL TO ENSURING THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR TRADE AND FINANCE WELL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.
/TO MEET .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
8
TO MEET THE TIGHT TIME-TABLE WE HAVE SET OURSELVES FOR THE AIRPORT, THAT IS HAVING THE FIRST RUNWAY OPERATIONAL BY EARLY 1997, FIRM CO-ORDINATION WILL BE ESSENTIAL. HENCE OUR APPOINTMENT LAST WEEK OF BECHTEL AS THE PROJECT MANAGER. THEY WILL HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE TO PLAY BECAUSE THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT AS A WHOLE HINGES ON A HIGH DEGREE OF CO-ORDINATION. LET ME EXPLAIN. THE NEW AIRPORT IS HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE FIXED CROSSING, ROAD AND RAIL LINKS AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE. THESE PROJECTS ARE INDIVIDUALLY LARGE AND COMPLEX. THEY PRESENT CHALLENGING PROBLEMS WITHIN THEMSELVES AS WELL AS INTERFACE WITH EACH OTHER. BECHTEL WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CLOSE CO-ORDINATION REQUIRED BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTORS WORKING FOR BOTH, AND THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.
AT THIS POINT, I THINK IT MIGHT BE USEFUL IF I DEFINE TWO TERMS : USED IN MOVING THE PLANS FORWARD, AS I NOTE THERE IS ALREADY SOME CONFUSION BETWEEN THEM. I REFER TO THE MASTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN STUDY.
THE MASTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IS A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE PLANNING, FEASIBILITY, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ALL AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS INDICATING THE INTERDEPENDENCIES BETWEEN THEM.
THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN STUDY IS A QUITE SEPARATE CONSULTANCY WHICH WILL COVER THE PREPARATION OF THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN, DETAILED CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN WORK FOR THE RECLAMATION AND SURROUNDING SEA WALL AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY. THIS STUDY WILL SERVE AS THE BASIS UPON WHICH WE WILL INVITE BIDS FOR CONTRACTORS IN DUE COURSE. SELECTION AMONG THE SHORT-LISTED CONSORTIA CONTESTING FOR THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN STUDY CONSULTANCY IS ALREADY AT AN ADVANCED STAGE. OUR INTENTION IS TO HAVE THE SUCCESSFUL CONSULTANT APPOINTED AND WORKING BY JUNE THIS YEAR. THE CONSULTANCY IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 16 MONTHS.
MEANWHILE, WE PLAN TO LET A CONTRACT LATE THIS YEAR OR EARLY 1991 FOR THE PREPARATION OF A WORKS AREA AT CHEK LAP KOK. THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT WILL PROVIDE 20 TO 30 HECTARES OF FORMED LAND AS WELL AS BASIC FACILITIES SO THAT THE MAIN SITE FORMATION CONTRACTOR FOR THE AIRPORT WILL BE ABLE RAPIDLY TO MOBILISE HIS PLANT AND LABOUR TO COMMENCE WORK WHEN THIS CONTRACT IS LET IN EARLY 1992.
THE MAJOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS HAVE ATTRACTED CONSIDERABLE INTEREST FROM POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. CHIEF AMONGST THEM IS THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING. I USE THIS TERM BECAUSE EITHER A BRIDGE OR A TUNNEL APPEARS TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE. A BID PACKAGE WILL BE USED AS THE BASIS FOR INVITING PRIVATE SECTOR PROPOSALS TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE CROSSING UNDER A FRANCHISE ARRANGEMENT. THIS PACKAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING PREPARED AND BIDS WILL BE INVITED BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
/IN JANUARY, .......
THURSDAY, APR1 . 19, 1990
- 9 -
IN JANUARY, WE APPOINTED CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT A DESIGN REVIEW FOR THE FIXED CROSSING AS WELL AS THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY. IN MARCH, SEPARA1 . CONSULTANTS WERE APPOINTED TO CARRY OUT A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY TO DEFINE THE ALIGNMENT, ADVISE ON STATION LOCATIONS, CAPACITY AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS. THE MTRC IS PARTICIPATING IN THIS STUDY. A FINANCIAL STUDY WILL COMMENCE SHORTLY TO EXAMINE THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE PROJECT AND THE METHOD OF FUNDING.
THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT THE AFFORDABILITY OF THESE PROJECTS. THEY SEEM TO STEM FROM THE MISCONCEPTION THAT GOVERNMENT WILL PAY FOR THE LOT. LET ME PUT THIS IN PERSPECTIVE.
FIRST, THE PADS PROJECT, LIKE OTHER LARGE PROJECTS WE HAVE CONSTRUCTED BEFORE, SUCH AS THE NEW TOWNS AND THE MTRC, BREAKS DOWN INTO SEVERAL SMALLER PROJECTS. A ROUGH BREAKDOWN OF THE MAJOR COMPONENTS IS AS FOLLOWS:
* EXPANSION OF PORT FACILITIES
* CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT
t MAJOR AIRPORT RELATED LINKS
* ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND SUPPORTING URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
t ASSOCIATED UTILITIES PROVISION
$50 BILLION
$35 BILLION
$18 BILLION
$20 BILLION
$ 4 BILLION.
SECONDLY, SEVERAL PROJECTS WILL BE FUNDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THESE INCLUDE ALL THE PORT FACILITIES -- LIKE ALL OUR EXISTING PORT FACILITIES THEY WILL BE PRIVATELY BUILT AND OPERATED -- THE FIXED CROSSING, SOME OF THE TERMINAL FACILITIES AND SO ON. AT PRESENT, AND ON THE BASIS OF THE FIGURES I HAVE JUST GIVEN, WE COULD, OF COURSE BUILD THE AIRPORT ITSELF FROM OUR ACCUMULATED FISCAL RESERVES. WHETHER WE CHOOSE TO DO SO IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT MATTER. AS IN THE PAST WE WILL EXAMINE A RANGE OF FINANCING OPTIONS AND SELECT THAT WHICH IS MOST PRUDENT AND ADVANTAGEOUS TO HONG KONG. IN ORDER TO HELP US IN THIS TASK WE WILL SHORTLY APPOINT AN OVERALL FINANCIAL CONSULTANT.
THIRDLY, CONSTRUCTION AND THEREFORE EXPENDITURE WILL BE INCREMENTAL. THE CONTAINER TERMINALS WILL BE TRIGGERED BY DEMAND AS THEY ARE AT PRESENT. OUR ESTIMATE IS THAT CONTRACTS FOR THE WHOLE WILL SPAN APPROXIMATELY 15 YEARS, WITH THE PEAK YEAR FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN 1993.
THE EXTENT OF PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT HAS ALL ALONG BEEN AN ISSUE OF CONSIDERABLE INTEREST. SIX MONTHS FROM OUR ORIGINAL ANNOUNCEMENT DATE, OUR ESTIMATE THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD FIND IT ATTRACTIVE TO TAKE PART IN 40 TO 60 PER CENT OF THE PROJECT HAS NOT CHANGED. INDEED, WE HAVE BEEN ENORMOUSLY ENCOURAGED BY THE MORE THAN 700 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST WE HAVE RECEIVED. MANY OF THE FIRMS INVOLVED ARE BIG MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANIES, AND MY RECENT TRIP TO THE UNITED KINGDOM CONFIRMS MY OPTIMISM. FAR FROM OUR HAVING TO "SELL" THE PROJECT, THE WORLD IS QUEUING UP TO TAKE PART.
- - 0---------
/10 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 1 , 1990
- 10 -
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR INSTALLATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE AT MARINE DEPT ******
THE FORMATION OF HONG KONG’S OWN SHIPPING REGISTER TOOK A MAJOR STEP FORWARD TODAY (THURSDAY) WITH THE SIGNING OF A CONTRACT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE FOR ITS INFORMATION SYSTEM.
THE CONTRACT, AWARDED TO EDPS SYSTEMS LTD, IS FOR THE SUPPLY, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SOFTWARE INCLUDING ALL RELATED SERVICES NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SHIPPING REGISTRY INFORMATION SYSTEM.
THE CONTRACT IS WORTH $935,000 PLUS SUBSEQUENT ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AFTER THE 12-MONTH WARRANTY PERIOD.
SIGNING THE CONTRACT WITH THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, SAID THE CONTRACT SIGNING WAS INDICATIVE OF THE GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE TOWARDS MEETING THE TARGET DATE FOR THE OPENING OF THE REGISTER BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
’’THE ACTUAL PROCESS OF SHIP REGISTRATION WAS COMPLEX," SAID MR SZE, "SO COMPLETION OF FORMS, ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES AND OTHER FORMALITIES COULD BE TIME CONSUMING AND LABOUR INTENSIVE FOR ALL CONCERNED."
"THE COMPUTER PROGRAMME, TOGETHER WITH OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL PROCEDURES, WOULD SPEED UP THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AND SO BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE FOR GOVERNMENT AND THE USER AS WELL AS ENHANCING THE SECURITY OF DATA," MR SZE SAID.
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MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN 1989
*****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR WAS VALUED AT $234,196 MILLION IN 1989, 12 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT JN 1988, ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY STATISTICS ON AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE IN 1989 RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IN 1989, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT AND 24 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER 1988. THEIR SHARES IN TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS WERE 29 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, AS COMPARED TO THE CORRESPONDING SHARES OF 28 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT IN 1988.
IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, AIRBORNE IMPORTS AMOUNTED TO 307,279 TONNES, WHILE TOTAL AIRBORNE EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AMOUNTED TO 422,741 TONNES, WHICH WERE 7 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THOSE IN 1988.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/INCREASES WERE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 11 -
INCREASES WI- E RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS IN 1989 OVER 1988, PARTICULARLY TAIWAN (+44 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN, CANADA, THE NETHERLANDS, SINGAPORE AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA, THE LARGEST MARKET, INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $1,612 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTHOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $901 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $751 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $568 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
DECREASES WERE RECORDED TN POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY $90 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (BY $78 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT); AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $47 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT). AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
FURTHER ANALYSIS OF COMMODITY BY COUNTRY SHOWED INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE USA (BY $632 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT) AND TO JAPAN (BY $541 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $263 MILLION OR 60 PER CENT) AND TO TAIWAN (BY $252 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $171 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT TO THE USA (BY $179 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TO SINGAPORE (BY $45 MILLION OR 81 PER CENT) AND TO THE USA (BY $38 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR TO THE USA (BY $76 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT); AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF TO JAPAN (BY $26 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM TRE TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 3.
IMPORTS CARRIED DY AIR FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TN 1089 OVER 1988. SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM ITALY (+37 PER CENT), THE USA (+19 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+16 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+11 PER CENT) AND SWITZERLAND (+9 PER CENT). AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, THE LARGEST SUPPLIER, ALSO INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE.
/ANALYSED BY .......
THURSDAY, APR'L 19, 1990
12
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $1,485 MILLION OR 12 PER (ENT); TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $1,261 MILLION OR 86 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,163 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (BY $1,129 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $350 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $89 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT) AND PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS (BY $81 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 4.
ANALYSED BY COUNTRY WITHIN COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES FROM BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG (BY $537 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT) AND FROM INDIA (BY $465 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT); TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES FROM THE USA (BY $1,289 MILLION OR 128 PER CENT) AND FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $32 MILLION OR 79 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM THE USA (BY $846 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING FROM ITALY (BY $507 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS FROM CHINA (BY $167 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT) AND FROM DENMARK (BY $120 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); INORGANIC CHEMICALS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $117 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); AND PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $29 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE DEPICTED IN TABLE 5.
HONG KONG’S AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED TN VALUE IN 1989 OVER 1988. THE GROWTH WAS PARTICULARLY STRONG FOR THAILAND (+145 PER CENT), JAPAN (+41 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+40 PER CENT), BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG (+38 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+35 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+25 PER CENT) AND THE USA (+20 PER CENT).
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN, THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET, ALSO INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,635 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $2,000 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,659 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,240 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
THURSDAY, Al ’.XL 19, 1990
- 13 -
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED EOR METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $107 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT); CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $95 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT) AND ESSENTIAL OILS AND PERFUME MATERIALS, TOILET, POLISHING AND CLEANSING PREPARATIONS (BY $29 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT). AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 6.
ANALYSED BY COUNTRY WITHIN COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE USA (BY $1,333 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT) AND TO JAPAN (BY $412 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES TO THAILAND (BY $599 MILLION OR 177 PER CENT) AND TO THE USA (BY $486 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO JAPAN (BY $653 MILLION OR 78 PER CENT); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $753 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $74 MILLION OR 83 PER CENT) AND TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $56 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT); CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS TO TAIWAN (BY $80 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT) AND ESSENTIAL OILS AND PERFUME MATERIALS; TOILET, POLISHING AND CLEANSING PREPARATIONS TO TAIWAN (BY $92 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1989" NOW AVAILABLE AT GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $17.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4915.
TABLE 1: AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-DEC 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
USA 27,417 27,242 + 174 + 1
JAPAN 7,351 6,281 +1,070 + 17
F.R. OF GERMANY 5,976 5,427 + 548 + 10
UK 3,779 3,794 15 *
SINGAPORE 2,818 2,510 + 308 + 12
CANADA 2,045 1,818 + 226 + 12
TAIWAN 1,896 1,320 + 575 + 44
SWITZERLAND 1,652 1 ,581 ♦ 70 + 4
/NETHERLANDS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 14 -
NETHERLANDS 1,506 1,340 + 166 +12
FRANCE 1,444 1,356 +88 +6
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%.
TABLE 2: AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-DEC 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING - ACCESSORIES 24,216 22,604 +1 > 612 + 7
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 13,572 13,578 - 6
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 8,323 7,422 + 901 + 12
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) > 6,837 6,539 + 298 + 5
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,698 5,947 + 751 + 13
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,496 1,928 + 568 + 29
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 558 500 + 57 + 11
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 519 429 + 89 + 21
/FISH, CRUSTACEANS .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 15 -
FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF 440 487 47 -10
NON-METALLIC MINERAL
MANUFACTURES 310 288 + 22 ♦ 8
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%.
TABLE 3: AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-DEC 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (X)
JAPAN 23,477 23,071 + 406 ♦ 2
USA 21,551 18,093 + 3, 458 + 19
SWITZERLAND 7,415 6,814 + 601 + 9
TAIWAN 5,327 4,605 + 722 + 16
SINGAPORE 5,190 4,668 + 522 + 11
ITALY 5,184 3,773 +1. 410 + 37
UK 4,379 4,480 - ■ 102 - 2
MALAYSIA 4,050 3,779 + 271 + 7
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,975 3,719 + 256 + 7
F.R. OF GERMANY 3,864 3,671 + 192 + 5
TABLE 4: AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-DEC 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (X)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 28,917 27,754 « i +1,163 + 4
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 18,075 i 17,161 + 914 + 5
/NON-METALLIC MINERAL .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 16 —
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 14,333 12,848 +1, ,485 + 12
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 7,713 7,687 + 26 *
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 5,919 4,902 +1, 017 + 21
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,410 4,617 + 792 + 17
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4,229 3,099 +1, 129 + 36
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3,419 2,857 + 562 + 20
OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 2,729 1,468 +1, 261 + 86
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 2,186 2,266 81 - 4
» DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%.
TABLE 5: AIRBORNE RE- EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
JAN-DEC 1989 MAJOR MARKET (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%)
USA 11,558 9,651 +1,907 + 20
TAIWAN 7,967 6,947 +1,021 + 15
JAPAN 6,740 4,776 +1,964 + 41
SINGAPORE 4,939 3,659 +1,280 + 35
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 4,349 3,476 + 873 + 25
CHINA 3,178 2,927 + 251 + 9
/F.R. OF GERMANY
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,297 1,636 + 661 + 40
THAILAND 1,574 641 + 933 + 145
BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG 1,510 1,093 + 417 + 38
UK 1,437 1,371 + 67 + 5
TABLE 6: AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE
MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-DEC 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1988 (HKD MN.) INCREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE INCREASE (%>
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 15,418 14,178 +1,240 + 9
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,902 5,268 +2,635 + 50
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 6,714 5,055 +1,659 + 33
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 6,664 4,664 +2,000 + 43
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 3,814 2,777 +1,037 + 37
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 3,521 2,937 + 584 + 20
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,740 2,132 + 608 + 29
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS, AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,892 1,441 + 451 + 31
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1, 108 922 + 186 + 20
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 928 831 + 97 + 12
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/18
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 18 -
NONA DIRECTOR SEES WORK OF URBAN COUNCIL
*******
THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY’S HONG KONG BRANCH, MR ZHOU NAN, THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING PAID A COURTESY CALL TO THE URBAN COUNCIL TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE COUNCIL’S MULTI-FACETED FUNCTIONS IN PROVIDING MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO THE URBAN COMMUNITY.
THE COURTESY CALL WAS MR ZHOU’S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE COUNCIL SINCE HE ASSUMED OFFICE AS THE HEAD OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY’S HONG KONG BRANCH ON FEBRUARY 5.
ACCOMPANYING MR ZHOU ON THE VISIT WAS A NINE-MEMBER DELEGATION INCLUDING HIS DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR QIAO ZONGHUAI AND HIS WIFE; THE HEAD OF THE CO-ORDINATION DEPARTMENT, MR LIN KEPING; AND THE HEAD OF THE CULTURE AND THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT, MR HAN LI.
GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, MR ZHOU FIRST TOURED AROUND THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND VIEWED A VIDEO ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL.
HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE WIDE RANGE OF HIGH-STANDARD SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COUNCIL TO MEET THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE URBAN DWELLERS AND TO ENSURE GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE.
MR ZHOU ALSO MET WITH URBAN COUNCILLORS AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH THEM ON A NUMBER OF TOPICS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
PRESENT AT THE OCCASION WERE THE COUNCIL’S VICE CHAIRMAN, MR STEPHEN LAU, URBAN COUNCILLORS, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR BROOK BERNACCHI, DR ELSIE TU, MR PETER CHAN, MISS CECILIA YEUNG, MR JOSEPH
CHAN, MR PAO PING-WING, MR TONG KAM-BIU, DR SAMUEL WONG, DR RONALD
LEUNG, MR LO KING-MAN, MR JOHN FAN, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, MR CHAN KWOK-MING, MR RONNIE WONG, MRS ELEANOR LING, MR PAUL YOUNG, MR JASON YUEN, MR MA LEE-WO, MR MOK YING-FAN, MR WONG KWOK-TUNG, MR ALBERT
POON, MISS CHRISTINA TING, MR DAVID FONG, MR DICKSON PANG, MR ARTHUR
CHAM, MR FUNG KWOK-CHUNG AND MR JOHN WU AS WELL AS THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR JAMES SO.
MR ZHOU AND HIS DELEGATION LATER ATTENDED A DINNER RECEPTION HOSTED BY MR FORSGATE IN HIS HONOUR.
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/19 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 19 -
SUCCESSFUL PILOT PROJECT TO GIVE BIRTH TO REGULAR SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL » ♦ ♦ * * THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HOPES TO ESTABLISH A REGULAR SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL IN 1992.
THIS WAS SAID TONIGHT (THURSDAY) BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR JOHN WINFIELD, AT THE GALA EVENING OF THE SCHOOLS ENGLISH DRAMA PROJECT.
THE PROJECT, MR WINFIELD SAID, WAS TO AROUSE INTEREST IN ENGLISH LEARNING AND TO ENCOURAGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE DRAMA AS AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY.
HE SAID THAT 12 SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE PROJECT WHICH WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY A DONATION OF $150,000 FROM THE HONG KONG LANGUAGE CAMPAIGN, A CONCERNED GROUP OF BUSINESSES WISHING TO PROMOTE AN IMPROVEMENT IN LANGUAGE STANDARDS, PARTICULARLY ENGLISH, TO ENSURE THAT THE TERRITORY MAINTAINS ITS POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE.
HE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NOW INTENDS TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT BY ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS FURTHER ORGANISATION AND FUNDING ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
BEGINNING THIS SEPTEMBER THE PROJECT WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE 38 SCHOOLS, ABOUT TWO SCHOOLS FROM EACH OF 19 DISTRICTS.
"AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE TRAINING PROGRAMME IN SUCH FUNDAMENTALS AS STAGE PRODUCTION, SET DESIGN AND AUDIO-VISUAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT," MR WINFIELD SAID.
THE ACTIVE ASSISTANCE OF GROUPS AND INSTITUTIONS ABLE TO OFFER EXPERTISE IN DRAMA WILL BE SOUGHT, HE ADDED.
MR WINFIELD EXPLAINED THAT DETAILS OF THE EXPANDED SECOND PHASE OF THE PROJECT ARE NOW BEING WORKED OUT AND, WITH THE MOMENTUM GENERATED IN 1990 AND 1991, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH A REGULAR SCHOOLS DRAMA FESTIVAL THE FOLLOWING YEAR, WITH CHINESE AS WELL AS ENGLISH SECTIONS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG LANGUAGE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE CARDONA, IN HIS SPEECH SAID ALL 12 SCHOOLS WHICH TOOK PART WERE SELECTED BECAUSE THEY HAD NO TRADITION OF PRODUCING ENGLISH PLAYS.
"SEVERAL HUNDRED STUDENTS HAVE TAKEN PART, STUDENTS WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE NOT HAVE SPOKEN ENGLISH OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. WE HAVE ALL SEEN THE SPLENDID RESULTS TONIGHT," HE SAID.
"IF WE CAN BUILD ON THIS MODEST BEGINNING, AND ENCOURAGE MORE STUDENTS TO UNDERTAKE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, THEN THE DRAMA PROJECT WILL HAVE MADE AN IMPORTANT START IN MEETING THE CHALLENGE THAT LIES AHEAD - THE CHALLENGE OF MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S OPENNESS TO THE WORLD THROUGH ITS ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WELL IN ENGLISH," MR CARDONA ADDED.
--------0 - -
/20 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 20 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
IT IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE ”2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E.COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/THE DECISION........
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 21 -
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE. NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "3” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT. TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA. HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS. THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES. IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING. PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN T’ IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IM HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY
CHUNG HOM KOK
DEEP WATER BAY
HAIRPIN
MIDDLE BAY
REPULSE BAY
SHEK O
SOUTH BAY
ST STEPHEN’S
TURTLE COVE
STANLEY MAIN
ROCKY BAY
TO TEI WAN*
LAST GRADING
(AS AT 6.4.90)
2
I
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
X
PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 19.4.90)
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
X
1
/TUEN MUN DISTRICT
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
22 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT —
OLD CAFETERIA
NEW CAFETERIA
CASTLE PEAK
KADOORIE ’ ' ‘
BUTTERFLY
ISLANDS DISTRICT — — —
CHEUNG SHA UPPER
CHEUNG SHA LOWER *
DISCOVERY BAY*
HUNG SHING YEH
KWUN YAM WAN
TONG FUK
LO SO SHING
PUI O
SILVERMINE BAY
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU
TUNG O»
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH ।
HAP MUN BAY * I
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
1 I : S 1
r ■ \ 2
2 2
' ■ <
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
3 3
1 2
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1 ‘
2 2
I -
1 2
/TSUEN_WAN_PISTRICT
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 23 -
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 2 2
APPROACH 3 3
CASAM 2 2
GEMINI 2 2
HOI MEI WAN 2 3
LIDO 3 2
TING KAU 3 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 1 1
NOTE: ”X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES
» NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
CHEUNG SHA LOWER, TRIO AND TUNG WAN AT CHEUNG CHAU, FROM "1" TO "2"; HOI MEI WAN, FROM "2" TO "3"; AND LIDO, FROM "3" TO " 2 ” .
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR MALCOLM J. BROOM, ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, AT 835 1234.
u
DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES * * « » »
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER AND THE BOARD’S WORK PLAN FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
/IN ADDITION.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 24 -
IN ADDITION, THE VICE-CHAIRMEN AND CO-OPTED MEMBERS FOR THE BOARD’S THREE COMMITTEES WILL BE ELECTED AT THE MEETING.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-----0------
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO STAGE CONCERT
*****
THE 73-MEMBER HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT A CONCERT ON MAY 13 (SUNDAY) AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE CONCERT HALL. THE CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
UNDER THE BATON OF ITS PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR, MS YIP WING-SIE, THE ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY THREE CLASSICAL PIECES: WEBER’S "DER FREISCHUTZ OVERTURE”, KHACHATURIAN’S ’’MASQUERADE SUITE” AND BEETHOVEN’S ’’SYMPHONY NO. 5, C MINOR OP. 67”.
OVER THE YEARS, THE ORCHESTRA HAS HELD REGULAR CONCERTS IN HONG KONG AND HAS PERFORMED OVERSEAS IN AUSTRALIA, CYPRUS, FRANCE, ISRAEL, UNITED KINGDOM AS WELL AS IN CHINA AND MACAU, WITH INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED MUSICIANS AND CONDUCTORS INCLUDING FOU TSONG, EDEN AND TAMIR, SHALOM RONLY-RIKLIS, GEORG TINTNER, SIR DAVID WILLCORKS AND KENNETH TEAN.
TICKETS AT $10 AND $20 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 796 2873.
---------0-----------
/25........
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
25 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHA TIN
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD T5 IN SHA TIN, FROM SATURDAY (APRIL 21) TO MAY 5, BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM, THE NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD OF SHA TIN ROAD LINKING SHA TIN ROAD NORTHBOUND AND SHA TIN WAI ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ON NORTHBOUND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD HEADING FOR PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL ARE ADVISED TO USE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND TAT CHUNG KIU ROAD TO REJOIN SHA TIN WAI ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WHAMPOA STREET t t t ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM SATURDAY (APRIL 21), THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES WILL BE IMPOSED AT WHAMPOA STREET IN HUNG HOM:
♦ THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY IN WHAMPOA STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH BULKELEY STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 16 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS FOR ABOUT FIVE METRES; AND
♦ THE SECTION OF WHAMPOA STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH BAKER STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO
7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
/26 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1990
- 26 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 21) THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN WAN CHAI WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS 24 HOURS:
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LOCKHART ROAD FROM HOUSE NOS. 301 TO 323;
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TONNOCHY ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LOCKHART ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT EIGHT METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TONNOCHY ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LOCKHART ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 23 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
. MEANWHILE, LOCKHART ROAD EASTBOUND FROM HOUSE NOS. 325 TO 355
WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
THE EXISTING 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY ON LOCKHART ROAD EASTBOUND FROM HOUSE NOS. 361 TO 365 WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARD BY ABOUT 14 METRES TO HOUSE NO. 357.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
--------0----------
WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 4 PM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 21) TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES ALONG TSING WUN ROAD, LUNG MUN ROAD AND PU1 TO ROAD INCLUDING TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, AREAS 31 AND 32, TSING SHAN TSUEN, BOY’S HOME, YEUNG SIU HANG TSUEN, AREAS 18 AND 19, SHAN SHEK WAN, AREA 44, SIU SHAN COURT, WU KING ESTATE, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, SIU HEI COURT, HOI CHUI FA YUEN, MELODY GARDEN, AREAS 40 AND 46, BUTTERFLY BEACH RECREATION AREA, PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, PILLIAR POINT REFUGEE CENTRE, CHINA CEMENT COMPANY, TAP SHEK KOK POWER STATION A AND B, LUNG KWU TAN, SHA PO KONG, NAM LONG, PAK LONG AND ALL THE CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE AFFECTED AREA.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BILL'S PASSAGE IS ENCOURAGING TO ALL: GOVERNOR ........................... 1
JLG SUB-GROUP MEETING BEGINS ON MONDAY ................................... 1
U
OUTER SPACE ACT EXTENDS TO HK ............................................ 2
EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ......................... 2
MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL APPOINTMENTS ............................... 4
IMPLICATIONS OF SAFETY LAW EXPLAINED ..................................... 5
AMENDMENT TO DRAFT HUNG HOM OZP .......................................... 6
FEBRUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES ............................ 7
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED .................................. 12
NEW DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION IN TIN SHUI WAI ..................................... 13
NEW ROAD PROPOSED FOR NEW UNIVERSITY .............................................. 13
STUDENTS WIN PRIZES IN LIBRARY DISPLAY BOARD COMPETITION .......................... 14
TRADE INVESTIGATION BUREAU MOVES TO NEW PREMISES .................................. 15
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE ON MOVE .......................................... 15
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN QUARRY BAY TO BE CLOSED ................................. 15
FARE REVISION ON NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 71 AND 72 ................................ 16
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN KWUN TONG ............................................... 16
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR
16
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
1
BILL’S PASSAGE IS ENCOURAGING TO ALL: GOVERNOR
******
THE REAL MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOLLOWING PARLIAMENT’S PASSAGE OF THE SECOND READING OF THE NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL, IS THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN LONDON WHO ARE TAKING A SERIOUS INTEREST IN OUR AFFAIRS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCHEON WITH OMELCO MEMBERS, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL GOT THROUGH WITH SUCH A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY.
HE SAID THAT WAS A VERY ENCOURAGING MESSAGE, ADDING: "I’D SAY IT’S ENCOURAGING TO ALL PEOPLE, NOT SIMPLY TO THOSE WHO FEEL THEY ARE GOING TO BENEFIT, BUT TO OTHER PEOPLE AS WELL, BECAUSE IT DOES SHOW A REAL INTEREST IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN HONG KONG."
"AND I WAS PERSONALLY DELIGHTED TO SEE IT MYSELF," SIR DAVID
SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF WORK STILL TO BE DONE: "IT NOW GOES TO THE COMMITTEE STAGE WHEN THE DETAILS OF THE BILL ARE THEN DISCUSSED AND I’M SURE THERE WILL BE A LOT OF TALK ON THAT."
- - 0 - -
JLG SUB-GROUP MEETING BEGINS ON MONDAY
*****
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE SUB-GROUP OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, WILL BEGIN IN PEKING ON APRIL 23, 1990.
THE BRITISH TEAM OF EXPERTS WILL BE LED BY DR F. BURROWS, LAW OFFICER (INTERNATIONAL LAW).
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 2 -
OUTER SPACE ACT EXTENDS TO HK * * * *
THE OUTER SPACE ACT 1986 (HONG KONG) ORDER 1990, WHICH EXTENDS THE UK OUTER SPACE ACT 1986 TO HONG KONG, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE UK ACT AIMS AT IMPLEMENTING UK’S INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER VARIOUS OUTER SPACE TREATIES, FOR EXAMPLE WITH REGARD TO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE CAUSED TO THIRD PARTIES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THESE OBLIGATIONS ALSO APPLY TO HONG KONG AS A UK DEPENDENT TERRITORY," HE SAID.
"PREVIOUSLY THERE WAS NO NEED TO EXTEND THE UK ACT TO HONG KONG. BUT WITH THE SATELLITE PROJECT OF A HONG KONG BASED CONSORTIUM, ASIASAT, IT BECAME NECESSARY TO EXTEND THE UK ACT IN ORDER TO PLACE ASIASAT’S OUTER SPACE ACTIVITIES UNDER APPROPRIATE CONTROL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"LOCAL LEGISLATION IS CURRENTLY BEING DRAFTED TO REPLACE THE EXTENDED ACT IN DUE COURSE," HE ADDED.
--------0 - -
EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
*****
CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU HAVE AGREED ON A SERIES OF MEASURES FOR JOINT COLLABORATION IN THE SURVEILLANCE AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
DR LEE RECENTLY LED A THREE-MAN HEALTH DELEGATION TO A MEETING IN MACAU ON THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THE THREE TERRITORIES.
THE OTHER TWO DELEGATES, BOTH FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, WERE AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR PAUL SAW, AND A SENIOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER, DR K.H. MAK.
CONVENED BY THE REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, THE MEETING, HELD FROM APRIL 16 TO 18, WAS ATTENDED BY HEALTH OFFICIALS FROM CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU.
THE CHINESE REPRESENTATIVES INCLUDED OFFICIALS FROM THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH TN PEKING, GUANGDONG PROVINCE, HAINAN PROVINCE, AND THREE CITIES - CANTON, SHENZHEN AND ZHUHAI.
/THE MEETING .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
3
THE MEETING WAS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE FIRST ONE HELD AT SHENZHEN IN 1988. ITS OBJECTIVES ARE:
* TO REVIEW PROGRESS MADE IN SURVEILLANCE, INFORMATION SHARING AND REPORTING OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS;
» TO DISCUSS AND FIND WAYS TO RESOLVE ISSUES IN THE SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH POPULATION MOVEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL; AND
♦ TO EXPLORE POSSIBLE MEANS OF FURTHER STRENGTHENING CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEILLANCE AND TIMELY REPORTING OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG THE GOVERNMENTS CONCERNED.
AMONG THE MAIN TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING WERE CHOLERA, MALARIA, VIRAL HEPATITIS AND AIDS AND HIV SURVEILLANCE.
ON CHOLERA, DR LEE SAID THE OCCURENCE OF THE DISEASE LAST YEAR IN HONG KONG, MACAU, ZHUHAI, SHENZHEN AND CANTON INDICATED THAT IT IS STILL A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM IN THESE AREAS.
THE MEETING AGREED THAT THERE IS A NEED TO CONTINUE CLOSE VIGILANCE AGAINST THE DISEASE.
TURNING TO VIRAL HEPATITIS, DR LEE SAID THE MEETING NOTED THAT WHILE PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED AGAINST HEPATITIS A AND HEPATITIS B INFECTIONS, IT IS NECESSARY TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE PREVENTION OF TRANSFUSION-ASSOCIATED NON-A NON-B HEPATITIS.
THE REPORT OF THE PRESENCE OF HIV INFECTIONS AMONG INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSERS IN THE PARTICIPATING AREAS HAS CAUSED CONCERN AMONG THE DELEGATES.
THIS FINDING UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR PARTICIPATING AREAS TO INTRODUCE EFFECTIVE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME AGAINST AIDS AND HIV INFECTIONS.
THE DIRECTOR ADDED THAT THE INCREASING NUMBER OF IMPORTED MALARIA CASES IN HONG KONG SHOWS THAT TRANSMISSION OF MALARIA THROUGH TRAVEL REMAINS AN IMPORTANT HEALTH PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE AN EFFECTIVE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME AGAINST IMPORTED MALARIA CASES.
ON THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, DR LEE SAID THE MEETING CONCLUDED THAT IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE PARTICIPATING AREAS TO:
* STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM;
♦ DEVELOP GOOD LABORATORY FACILITIES;
/* ENSURE PROMPT.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 4 -
* ENSURE PROMPT REPORTING AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AMONG PARTICIPATING AREAS, PARTICULARLY DURING EPIDEMICS AND OUTBREAKS;
’;. * ' * * •• 1 ’ ‘
* ENSURE GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES; AND
» ENCOURAGE RESEARCH IN THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AND EFFECTIVE VACCINES.
IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT THE MEETING WILL CONTINUE TO BE HELD ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS TO EXCHANGE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INFORMATION AND TO DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
--------0-----------
MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL APPOINTMENTS
*****
THF APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN, SECRETARY AND MEMBERS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TRIBUNAL IS EMPOWERED TO REVIEW CASES IN RELATION TO ANY PERSON LIABLE TO BE DETAINED IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL OR I HE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE, PATIENTS PERMITTED TO BE ABSENT ON TRIAL, CONDITIONALLY DISCHARGED PATIENTS AND PERSONS ADMITTED TO GUARDIANSHIP, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRIBUNAL IS HIS HONOUR JUDGE K.K. PANG. THE 17 MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR ARE DRAWN FROM THREE MAIN CATEGORIES:
* REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES;
* PERSONS WHO HAVE SUCH EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIAL WORK AS THE GOVERNOR CONSIDERS SUITABLE; AND
* PERSONS HAVING SUCH EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Of ADMINISTRATION, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, OR SUCH OTHER QUALIFICATIONS OR EXPERIENCE, AS THE GOVERNOR CONSIDERS SUITABLE.
THF APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND THE SECRETARY OP THE TRIBUNAI TOOK EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 29, 1989. THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ’UMBERS IS FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 15, 1 990 .
/5........
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 5
IMPLICATIONS OF SAFETY LAW EXPLAINED
THE ENACTMENT OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE IS AN IMPORTANT LANDMARK IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
MR YEUNG WAS ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION.
’’WHILE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN MANUFACTURING HAS DECLINED FROM OVER 29,000 IN 1987 TO 24,600 LAST YEAR, AND WHILE THE INCIDENCE OF SERIOUS INJURIES CAUSED BY POWER DRIVER MACHINERY HAS ALSO DECLINED FROM A PEAK OF NEARLY 10,700 IN 1984 TO 6,700 IN 1989, THE OVERALL LEVEL OF ACCIDENTS HAS STAYED AT A RELATIVE HIGH LEVEL," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT IN THE CASE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, THE PICTURE WAS BLEAK. THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS HAD RISEN FROM 23,800 IN 1987 TO 24,600 LAST YEAR. THE ANNUAL ACCIDENT RATE HAD ALMOST DOUBLED, FROM ONE OUT OF EVERY FIVE WORKERS IN 1979 TO NEARLY TWO OUT OF EVERY FIVE IN 1989, HE SAID.
"IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE AMENDING ORDINANCE INTRODUCED THE SANCTION OF CUSTODIAL PENALTIES FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES, WHICH SHOULD GREATLY ENHANCE THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE LAW.
"MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT INTRODUCED A SET OF GENERAL OBLIGATIONS WHICH REQUIRE BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO ENSURE THAT PRACTICES AT WORK AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT ARE SAFE.
"THE DUTY OF AN EMPLOYER IS NO LONGER LIMITED TO THE PASSIVE COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS. HE NOW HAS AN OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE EMPLOYED BY HIM ARE NOT EXPOSED TO AN UNSAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT."
FOR THE EMPLOYEE, MR YEUNG SAID, THE AMENDING ORDINANCE REQUIRED HIM TO MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO ENSURE NOT ONLY HIS OWN SAFETY BUT ALSO THAT OF OTHERS WORKING WITH HIM.
"HE MUST CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYER AND OTHER PEOPLE TO ENABLE THEM TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
"IN OTHER WORDS, ACCIDENT PREVENTION IS A PARTNERSHIP, AND IT WOULD WORK ONLY IF THE PARTIES CONCERNED CO-OPERATE FULLY.”
MR YEUNG SAID THAT IN ORDER TO ALLOW TIME FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO UNDERSTAND THESE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO BRING THE AMENDING ORDINANCE INTO EFFECT AT THE END OF THIS YEAR -- 12 MONTHS AFTER ITS ENACTMENT.
/6 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 6 -
AMENDMENT TO DRAFT HUNG HOM OZP ******
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AN AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT HUNG HOM OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE AMENDMENT WAS MADE TO THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN TO INCLUDE "OFFICE, MOTOR VEHICLE SHOWROOM AND RETAIL SHOP" USES IN COLUMN TWO UNDER THE "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED "MULTI-STOREY CARPARK TO INCLUDE GARAGES FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PETROL FILLING STATION."
"THIS MEANS THAT THE OFFICE, MOTOR VEHICLE SHOWROOM AND RETAIL SHOP USES UNDER THIS ZONING MAY BE PERMITTED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, WITH OR WITHOUT CONDITIONS ON APPLICATION," HE SAID.
THE AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT PLAN CAN NOW BE INSPECTED AT:
- THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG;
- THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
- THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD BY JUNE 20 THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR AT THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.
--------0-----------
n....
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
7
FEBRUARY ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
IN FEBRUARY 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES INCREASED BY TWO PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1990, BUT DECREASED BY ONE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1990, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN FEBRUARY 1990 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, MOST OF THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED ALSO REPORTED INCREASES IN ORDERS. THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, HOWEVER, REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1990 WITH FEBRUARY 1989, THE ORDERS POSITION IMPROVED MODERATELY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THEIR TOTAL WORKFORCE IN FEBRUARY 1990 DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT AND NINE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1990 AND FEBRUARY 1989 RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1990 WITH JANUARY 1990, EMPLOYMENT DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989, EMPLOYMENT IN FEBRUARY 1990 DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST DECREASE RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. HOWEVER, A MODERATE INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS RECORDED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY.
AS IS USUAL FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF EACH YEAR, COMPARISON OF THE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1990 WITH THE JANUARY 1990 AND FEBRUARY 1989 FIGURES WAS AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
/SOME MANUFACTURERS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL. 20, 1990
- 8 -
SOME MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED HAD THEIR DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES ISSUED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, BUT IN JANUARY THIS YEAR. THUS, IT SI >ULD BE MORE MEANINGFUL TO COMPARE THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EAT UNGS FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1990 COMBINED, WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1990 TAKEN TOGETHER, THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989.
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED REPORTED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT IN FEBRUARY 1990 DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH JANUARY 1990 AND FEBRUARY 1989.
THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN 1990 OVER 1989. 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 FEBRUARY 1990 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1990, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY WI'EN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1989. THE AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR J NUARY AND FEBRUARY 1990 TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1989 IN MOST SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE ATTACHED TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION 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 DEVELOPMENT IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 1990 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE 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 $2.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 823 4820.
/TABLE 1 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 9 -
TABLE 1 :ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
AS AT THE END OF CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
INDUSTRY FEBRUARY 1990 JAN. 90 FEB. 89
(MONTHS) <%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.34 + 2 -1
— — —-
WEARING APPAREL 4.67 + 2 -1
TEXTILES 2.49 + 2 4-5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.37 +9 + 1
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.31 * -8
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.23 + 2 + 1
OTHERS 4.15 * -2
* CHANGES WITHIN +/-0.5%
TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF FEBRUARY 1990
1NDUSTRY/SERVICES CHANGE WHEN JAN. 90 COMPARED WITH FEB. 89
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -2 -9
FOOD AND DRINKS ♦ + 4
WEARING APPAREL -2 -10
TEXTILES -2 -5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS + 1 -12
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -4 -13
/ELECTRICAL AND .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 10 -
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS -2 -16
OTHERS -1 -1
CONSTRUCTION# -1 -2
— W
SERVICES * + 3
BANKS -1 + 1
HOTELS -2 -1
PUBLIC UTILITIES * + 2
OTHERS t + 6
* CHANGE WITHIN +/-0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
TABLE 3: PER CAPITA EARNINGS
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/ SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN FEBRUARY 1990 CHANGE COMPARED JAN. 90 **CHANGE IN AVERAGE PER WHEN CAPITA EARNINGS FOR WITH JAN.-FEB. 1990 OVER FEB. 89 JAN.-FEB. 1989
(hk$>- (%) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 5,296 -39 + 15 + 18
FOOD AND DRINKS 6,045 -31 + 24 + 19
WEARING APPAREL 4,095 -32 + 13 + 11
TEXTILES 4,530 -46 + 9 + 11
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 4,994 -48 + 13 + 21
/FABRICATED METAL........
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 11 -
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 5,719 -41 + 13 + 27
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5,263 -33 + 16 + 18
OTHERS 7,215 -44 + 16 + 18
CONSTRUCTION# 7,068 -33 + 3 + 15
SERVICES 9,485 -31 + 21 + 19
BANKS 9,012 -29 + 17 + 20
HOTELS 6,395 -67 + 13 + 15
PUBLIC UTILITIES 8,997 -26 + 24 + 19
OTHERS 11,336 -26 + 22 + 20
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS WORKERS EMPLOYED BY INCLUDED. COVER LABOUR- COMPANY -ONLY SUB EMPLOYEES ONLY; -CONTRACTORS ARE SITE NOT
»* THE SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS BETWEEN JANUARY 1990 AND FEBRUARY 1990 WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE ISSUE OF DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES IN JANUARY 1990, AHEAD OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE FEBRUARY 1989 AND FEBRUARY 1990 FIGURES WAS AFFECTED BY THE DIFFERENCE IN TIMING FOR THE ISSUE OF DOUBLE-PAY AND YEAR-END BONUSES IN 1989 AND 1990, DUE TO THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN THE TWO YEARS. A FURTHER COMPARISON IS THUS PROVIDED TO SHOW CHANGES IN AVERAGE PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR JAN.-FEB. 1990 OVER JAN.-FEB. 1989.
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.
/12 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED
******
A TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 82 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS, SIX WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT AT THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.
THE REMAINING 76 HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM YESTERDAY AND ENDED THIS MORNING, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 20,771 PERSONS, 5,362 VEHICLES AND 228 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.
THREE PERSONS WERE SUMMONSED AND ONE PERSON CHARGED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. A FURTHER TWO PERSONS WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000.
ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 3,503 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
A TOTAL OF 9,972 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.
FIVE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR INSPECTION A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
- - 0 - -
/13
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 13 -
NEW DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION IN TIN SHUI WAI * * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION IN TIN SHUI WAI•
THE STATION, TO BE LOCATED AT AREA FOUR, WILL BE OF A NEW STANDARD DESIGN CONSISTING OF AN EIGHT-STOREY BLOCK, A SINGLE-STOREY PODIUM, A COVERED COMPOUND AND A DRILL YARD.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ALSO INCLUDE OFFICES, A REPORT ROOM, DETENTION CELLS, AN ARMOURY, A RADIO EQUIPMENT ROOM, CANTEEN AND RECREATION ROOMS, BARRACK AND LOCKERS/CHANGING ACCOMMODATION, AND LAUNDRY.
A DANGEROUS GOODS STORE, DOG KENNELS, AN UNDERGROUND OIL TANK AND CAR PARKING FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY 1992.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 18.
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NEW ROAD PROPOSED FOR NEW UNIVERSITY ******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD A NEW ROAD LEADING TO THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND NGAN YAN ROAD.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PLANS TO IMPROVE THE JUNCTION BETWEEN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND NGAN YAN ROAD BY PROVIDING ADDITIONAL TURNING LANES, REFUGE ISLANDS AND SIGNALISED CROSSINGS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE PRESENT ACCESS TO THE UNIVERSITY SITE WAS A SIX-METRE WIDE ROAD ABUTTING A PROPOSED PRIMARY SCHOOL SITE.
"THIS ACCESS ROAD AND THE JUNCTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND NGAN YAN ROAD WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE TYPE AND VOLUME OF TRAFFIC FLOW AFTER THE OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY," HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CARRY OUT THE PROPOSED WORKS TO MEET THE ANTICIPATED TRAFFIC DEMAND AND TO FACILITATE THE FUTURE INTRODUCTION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
/A NOTICE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
- 14 -
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG, AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN, NEW TERRITORIES.
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 JUNE 11 THIS YEAR.
- - 0---------
STUDENTS WIN PRIZES IN LIBRARY DISPLAY BOARD COMPETITION
******
AN EXHIBITION OF THE BEST OF MORE THAN 100 LIBRARY DISPLAY BOARD COMPETITION ENTRIES IS NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE IN NORTH POINT.
SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR ROBERT LO, TODAY (FRIDAY) OPENED THE EXHIBITION WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL MONDAY (APRIL 23) .
THE LIBRARY DISPLAY BOARD COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY ZONE 5, DISTRICT 303 LIONS CLUBS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO USE THE LIBRARY FREQUENTLY FOR INFORMATION, STUDIES AND LEISURE.
STUDENTS FROM MORE THAN 100 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART.
RECEIVING THE FIRST PRIZE BOOK COUPON OF $2,000 WERE STUDENTS OF CCC KWEI WAH SHAN COLLEGE. THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES, COMPRISING BOOK COUPON OF $1,500 AND $1,000 WENT TO STUDENTS OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY COLLEGE AND TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
TEN MERIT PRIZES, EACH WORTH $500, WERE ALSO AWARDED.
PRESENT AT TODAY’S OFFICIAL OPENING WERE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (SPECIAL SERVICES), MR S.H. YUNG; CHAIRMAN OF ZONE 5, LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303, MR S.H. CHEN; FORMER DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303, MR L.N. SHUM; PRESIDENT OF THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN, MR K.L. CHOA; PRESIDENT OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG HARBOUR, MR H.K. WAH; PRESIDENT OF LIONS CLUB OF H.K. SOUTH, MR S.L. MA; PRESIDENT OF LIONS CLUB OF QUEENSWAY, MR K.P. TSE AND PRESIDENT OF LIONS CLUB OF H.K. WEST, MR W.C. CHOW.
------0 - -
/15........
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
15
TRADE INVESTIGATION BUREAU MOVES TO NEW PREMISES ♦ *♦♦♦*
THE TRADE INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF ASIAN HOUSE, 1 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG, FROM MONDAY (APRIL 23).
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS, INCLUDING THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY NUMBER (804 2399) AND THE HOTLINE FOR REPORTING INFORMATION ON TEXTILE ORIGIN FRAUDS (804 2388), WILL TAKE EFFECT ON THE SAME DAY.
THE TRADE INVESTIGATION BUREAU, PREVIOUSLY LOCATED ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INVESTIGATING CUSTOMS COMMERCIAL FRAUDS ARISING FROM VIOLATION OF HONG KONG’S CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN SYSTEM AND THE IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL SYSTEM.
-----0-----------
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE ON MOVE » » ♦ * »
HOM SUB-OFFICE WILL BE
OF SITE 5, WHAMPOA
THE MOVED FROM GARDEN, ON
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE’S HUNG BULKELEY STREET TO THE GROUND FLOOR
MONDAY (APRIL 23).
SERVICE COUNTER AT NUMBER IS 773 0735.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY THE NEW OFFICE IS 363 9449, AND THE MAIN EXCHANGE
THE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5.30 PM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON ON SATURDAYS.
IT PROVIDES STATUTORY DECLARATION AND PUBLIC, AND HANDLES PUBLIC ENQUIRIES.
OTHER SERVICES TO THE
-----(j------
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN QUARRY BAY TO BE CLOSED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN QUARRY BAY SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURE IS LOCATED AT THE BALCONY OF FLAT 29, 17TH FLOOR, TAK LEE BUILDING, 993-997 KING’S ROAD.
/THE CLOSURE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1990
16
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN OCTOBER 1988 REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JUNE 20 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE FLAT TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE
CARRIED OUT ONCE
THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
FARE REVISION ON NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 71 AND 72 ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT DUE TO INCREASE IN OPERATING COST, FROM SUNDAY (APRIL 22), THE FARES FOR NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 71 (YUEN LONG (TAI HANG STREET) TO SHEK WU TONG (HO PUI)) AND ROUTE NO. 72 (YUEN LONG (TAI HANG STREET) TO LUI KUNG TIN) WILL BE REVISED.
THE FARE FOR THE FULL JOURNEY ON ROUTE NO. 71 WILL BE REVISED FROM $3 TO $3.50. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE JOURNEY BETWEEN YUEN LONG TOWN AND KAM TIN, WHOSE FARE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED, ALL OTHER SECTION FARES WILL INCREASE BY 50 CENTS.
A FULL FARE OF $3.50 WILL BE CHARGED ON ROUTE NO. 72. THE SECTION FARES BETWEEN SHEUNG TSUEN AND KAM TIN/YUEN LONG TOWN WILL INCREASE BY 50 CENTS. THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THE OTHER SECTION FARES.
--------0 - - - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE CROWD CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE GRAND OPENING OF A DEPARTMENT STORE AND AN OUTDOOR BROADCAST PROGRAMME, ON SUNDAY (APRIL 22) FROM 11.30 AM TO 3 30 PM THE EAST END CUL-DE-SAC OF SHU1 WO STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR
EMERGENCY
VEHICLES.
------0----------
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES * *
ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ♦ ♦ * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 22), TWO LANES ON BOTH THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF THE SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR OFF NORTH POINT ESTATE WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN FIVE STAGES, FOR ABOUT 40 DAYS.
THE CLOSURES ARE TO FACILITATE NOISE REDUCTION SURFACING WORKS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CLEAR UNDERSTANDING IN JAPAN OF HK'S IMPORTANCE - SIR DAVID FORD................... 1
HK VIEWS SHARED AT MINISTERIAL MEETING ............................................ 2
WINDOW OPEN ON WORLD OF WORK ...................................................... 3
APPLICATIONS FOR FORESTRY WORK CAMP INVITED........................................ 5
ASSOCIATION URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ............................. 6
CARNIVAL TO MARK RE-OPENING OF SILVERMINE BAY BEACH ............................... 6
GMB SERVICES ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ............................................... 7
SIX LOCAL ARTS GROUPS TO RECEIVE $29M IN GRANTS ................................... 8
TWO GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER .................................................... 9
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI KUNG FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL...................... 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND FANLING................................. 10
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
CLEAR UNDERSTANDING IN JAPAN OF HK’S IMPORTANCE
- SIR DAVID FORD
THERE IS A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING IN JAPAN OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE NOT ONLY IN THE REGION BUT ALSO AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) ON HIS RETURN FROM A SIX-DAY VISIT TO JAPAN.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT THIS EVENING, SIR DAVID SAID THAT HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT WE WOULD CONTINUE TO SEE JAPANESE INTERESTS IN HONG KONG WHICH WOULD BE MANIFESTED BY AN INCREASING NUMBER OF OFFICIAL VISITS, VISITS FROM POLITICIANS AND CONTINUING INVESTMENT.
DESCRIBING THE VISIT AS A VERY STIMULATING WEEK, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD MET OFFICIALS AND POLITICIANS FROM THREE MINISTRIES - THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, THE MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION AND THE MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
”1 HAVE ALSO HAD MEETINGS WITH ABOUT 200 BUSINESS PEOPLE OVER THE COURSE OF THE WEEK. EVERYONE I MET WAS EXTREMELY INTERESTED IN HONG KONG, VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT IT AND VERY POSITIVE ABOUT ITS FUTURE,” HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAD VISITED THE KANSAI AIRPORT BEING BUILT IN OSAKA AND THE HONSHU-SHIKOKU BRIDGES IN OKAYAMA. HE SAID IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US IN HONG KONG TO SEE HOW THESE NEW PROJECTS WERE BEING MANAGED AND FINANCED AND THE TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH WERE TAKING PLACE ON THOSE PROJECTS.
"I HAVE LEARNT A LOT WHICH I WILL BE DISCUSSING WITH MY COLLEAGUES OVER OUR OWN PROJECTS FOR THE PORT AND AIRPORT”.
ASKED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT GRANTING PASSPORT TO HONG KONG PEOPLE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD MADE AN APPROACH TO THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT AND HE UNDERSTOOD IT WAS UNDER CONSIDERATION.
”IT IS ALSO CLEAR TO ME FOLLOWING MY VISIT THAT THE JAPANESE NATIONALITY LAW WILL MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO THAT REQUEST FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
’’BUT AS THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS HAD POINTED OUT VERY CLEARLY THERE ARE MANY OTHER WAYS IN WHICH THEY CAN, AND INDEED THEY ARE HELPING HONG KONG, BY POSITIVELY INCREASING THEIR INVESTMENT HERE AND CONTINUING TO SUPPORT IT IN OTHER WAYS. HE SAID.
REPLYING TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON CHINA’S REACTION TO PASSING OF THE NATIONALITY BILL BY THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WOULD UNDERSTAND THE MOTIVATION FOR THIS MOVE WAS PURELY TO DEAL WITH THE PRACTICAL PROBLEM OF PEOPLE LEAVING HONG KONG AND NOTHING MORE.
/HE SAID .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
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HE SAID: "IT IS A VERY REAL PRACTICAL PROBLEM IN THAT PEOPLE ARE LEAVING HONG KONG AT A RATE WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO COPE WITH AND STILL MAINTAIN STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG OVER THE YEARS AHEAD. WE KNOW THAT PEOPLE ARE LEAVING HONG KONG NOT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO IN MANY CASES TO MOVE AWAY BUT TO HAVE AN INSURANCE POLICY FOR THE FUTURE.
"IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH THAT PROBLEM WE HAVE TO TRY TO DEVISE PRACTICAL WAYS IN WHICH IT CAN BE DEALT WITH. PRACTICAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH A PRACTICAL PROBLEM. THE UNITED KINGDOM'S APPROACH TO THIS IS TO OFFER THOSE PEOPLE A PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE OF LEAVING HONG KONG BY REMAINING IN HONG KONG WITH A BRITISH PASSPORT, SOME OF THE KEY PEOPLE IN SOME OF THE KEY AREAS.
"THE JOINT DECLARATION MAKES IT CLEAR THAT PEOPLE WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO LEAVE HONG KONG AND TO TRAVEL FREELY. THAT IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT AND CLEARLY IF THAT NEED ARISES THEN THEY CAN MAKE USE OF THEIR PASSPORT IN ORDER TO DO JUST THAT.
"BUT I HOPE THAT THE PASSPORT WILL NOT BE NEEDED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IT IS AIMED TO KEEPING PEOPLE IN HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.
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HK VIEWS SHARED AT MINISTERIAL MEETING h t t t t
HONG KONG’S VIEWS ON TEXTILES AND SAFEGUARDS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS WERE WIDELY SHARED AT AN INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING IN MEXICO ON THE URUGUAY ROUND MULTILATERAL TRADF NEGOTIATIONS.
COMMENTING ON THE MEETING, WHICH WAS HELD AT PUERTO VALLARTA ON APRIL IS TO 20, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID MINISTERS HAD A FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON HOW TO REMOVE OBSTACLES TO PROGRESS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS IN RESPECT OF IEXTILES AND AGRICULTURE, GATT RULES AND DISCIPLINES, AND NEW ISSUFS SUCH AS TRADE IN SERVICES.
"ON TEXTILES, WE WERE ENCOURAGED BY THE RENEWED SUPPORT BY THE VAST MAJORITY OF GATT MEMBERS FOR THE RETURN OF THE SECTOR TO GATT RULES BY PHASING OUT THE EXISTING MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) RESTRICTIONS.
"ALTHOUGH NO CONCLUSION WAS REACHED ON HOW THIS SHOULD BE ACHIEVED, THERE WAS LITTLE SUPPORT FOR THE GLOBAL QUOTA SYSTEM PROPOSED BY THE USA AND CANADA.
/"IN RESPECT .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
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"IN RESPECT OF SAFEGUARD ACTIONS DEALING WITH INJURIOUS IMPORTS, WE HAVE AGAIN FIRMLY REJECTED THE PROPOSAL THAT IMPORT RESTRICTIONS COULD BE APPLIED SELECTIVELY UNDER THE GATT TO INDIVIDUAL SUPPLIERS OF A PRODUCT. COMPETITIVE SUPPLIERS LIKE OURSELVES ARE LIKELY TO BECOME VULNERABLE TARGETS AND THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THE GATT WILL BE UNDERMINED," MR CHAN SAID.
HE SAID THERE WAS A COMMON RECOGNITION BY MINISTERS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONCLUDING THE URUGUAY ROUND SUCCESSFULLY IN DECEMBER.
"FOR THIS TO HAPPEN, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO INTENSIFY THE NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA TO WORK OUT DRAFT AGREEMENTS IN THE VARIOUS NEGOTIATING AREAS BY JULY," MR CHAN SAID. HE HAD PROPOSED THAT ANTI-DUMPING AND RULES OF ORIGIN SHOULD BE CANDIDATES FOR EARLY AGREEMENT BEFORE JULY.
MR CHAN ALSO SPOKE ON TRADE IN SERVICES, AN AREA IN WHICH HONG KONG HAS BEEN PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART IN THE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING WAS LED BY MR CHAN. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDED THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHAU TAK-HAY, HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GATT, MR KEITH BROADBRIDGE, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR PATRICK LAU.
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WINDOW OPEN ON WORLD OF WORK
******
MORE THAN 900 STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN ABOUT THE REAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT UNDER A WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL START NEXT WEEK.
THE YEAR-LONG CAREERS EDUCATION PROJECT IS AIMED AT HELPING FORM 4 TO FORM 7 STUDENTS TO GAIN A MORE REALISTIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD OF WORK AND FACILITATING THEIR EVENTUAL TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO WORK.
"DURING THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH, ABOUT 540 STUDENTS FROM 20 SCHOOLS ’ VISITED 21 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS," SAID SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE), MR LEUNG LIT-CHEONG.
"THEY WERE GIVEN GUIDED TOURS OF THE FACILITIES AND WERE BRIEFED ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE COMPANIES’ ORGANISATION, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND STAFF RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES.
/"THE VISITS........
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
4
"THE VISITS WERE VERY MUCH WELCOME BY BOTH STUDENTS AND CAREERS TEACHERS WHO FOUND THEM MOST USEFUL AND INTERESTING," HE ADDED.
IN VIEW OF THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, MR LEUNG SAID ARRANGEMENT HAD BEEN MADE FOR ANOTHER BATCH OF 900 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MONG KOK, KOWLOON CITY AND EASTERN DISTRICTS TO VISIT 25 DIFFERENT ESTABLISHMENTS FROM APRIL TO JULY.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDE HOTELS, BANKS, AIRLINE COMPANIES, THE MASS MEDIA, FACTORIES, PUBLIC UTILITIES, DEPARTMENT STORES, PUBLIC LIBRARIES, POST OFFICES, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND TRAINING INSTITUTES.
"THE VISITS WILL GIVE THE STUDENTS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ABOUT VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND PROFESSIONS AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE REAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT," MR LEUNG NOTED.
APART FROM THIS ANNUAL PROJECT, THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ALSO OPERATES FOUR CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WHICH OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING CAREERS GUIDANCE.
THE CENTRES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH A REFERENCE LIBRARY OFFERING THE LATEST MATERIALS ON EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER STUDIES, AS WELL AS AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATIONS.
THE CENTRES ARE LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
SOUTHORN CENTRE, 16TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 9TH FLOOR, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON.
TAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND FLOOR, 16 TSUN WEN ROAD, TUEN MUN.
CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, SHOP 8B, 11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET, SHA TIN.
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/5........
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
5
APPLICATIONS FOR FORESTRY WORK CAMP INVITED * » * * *
YOUNGSTERS WHO INTEND TO SPEND A FEW DAYS IN A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT AND TO WORK IN THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THIS SUMMER MAY NOW TAKE PART IN THE 1990 FORESTRY WORK CAMPS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FROM SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 25 FOR THIS YEAR’S FORESTRY WORK CAMPS WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN JULY 9 AND AUGUST 25.
THE SCHEME IS AN ANNUAL EVENT TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE THE KNOWLEDGE AND FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND A CHANCE TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICES.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE PART IN HALF-DAY WORK ON COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT EACH DAY DURING THE CAMPING PERIOD. AN ALLOWANCE OF SOME $25 PER CAMPER PER DAY WILL BE GRANTED FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO EACH PARTICIPATORY GROUP.
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO ORGANISE EDUCATIONAL OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OR USE THE FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE REST OF THE DAY.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE CAMPING FACILITIES IN 19 COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON LANTAU AND HONG KONG ISLAND WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 276 PERSONS.
BARRACKS ACCOMMODATION WITH SLEEPING, COOKING, DINING AND TOILET FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED.
THE CAMPS ARE OPENED TO YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ORGANISED GROUPS AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNDER THE CHARGE OF AT LEAST ONE ADULT LEADER OR TEACHER. THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN EACH GROUP IS LIMITED TO 15 TO 23.
APPLICANTS CAN APPLY FOR EITHER A 3-DAY CAMP OR A ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE MAY 15, 1990.
5-DAY CAMP.
INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS CAN CONTACT AFD’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON 733 2121 TO ENQUIRE ABOUT APPLICATION AND CAMPING ARRANGEMENTS AND APPLICATIONS FROM SCHOOLS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
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ASSOCIATION URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
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THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING CALLED ON THE SHAN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION TO CONTINUE TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FORTHCOMING VOTERS REGISTRATION DRIVE WAS AN EXAMPLE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, AND APPEALED TO THE ASSOCIATION TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS AND TO GET PREPARED FOR NEXT YEAR’S THREE ELECTIONS.
HE PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS EFFORTS AND INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY BUILDING WORK, WHICH, HE NOTED, IS CRUCIAL TO THE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
"OUR SOCIETY NEEDS THE HELP AND PARTICIPATION BY RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN LOCAL AFFAIRS SO THAT WE CAN FACE UP TO THE CHANGES IN THE 1990’S," HE NOTED.
MR LAN ALSO PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR PROVIDING VARIOUS BENEVOLENT SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING EDUCATION, EMERGENCY RELIEF, MEDICAL AIDS AND OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY.
"IT HAS, THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUBSIDISED COLLEGES, PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS, PROVIDED MORE THAN 11,000 PLACES FOR STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE TERRITORY," HE ADDED.
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CARNIVAL TO MARK RE-OPENING OF SILVERMINE BAY BEACH
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A CARNIVAL, TO CELEBRATE THE RE-OPENING OF THE SILVERMINE BAY BEACH ON LANTAU ISLAND, WILL BE HELD AT THE BEACH TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING.
FEATURING WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND A BEACH CLEANING EXERCISE, THE CARNIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE MUI WO RURAL COMMITTEE AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
AS THE WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACH HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED, THE BEACH WAS DECLARED SUITABLE FOR SWIMMING FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR AFTER BEING CLOSED FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, AND THE ACTING ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JENNIFER CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 1.30 PM.
/OTHER OFFICIATING ......
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MR LAU WONG-FAT; MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; AND MR LAM WAI-KEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BEACH CARNIVAL. A SPECIAL LAUNCH WILL LEAVE THE BLAKE PIER, CENTRAL, AT 11 AM TOMORROW FOR MUI WO.
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GMB SERVICES ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA * * * * *
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS MATTERS CONCERNING GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (APRIL 23).
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE INTRODUCTION OF GMB SERVICES BETWEEN PO LAM ESTATE IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND CLEAR WATER BAY BEACHES 1 AND 2 DURING HOLIDAYS TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FROM BEACH-GOERS.
IN VIEW OF THE FALLING NUMBER OF PASSENGERS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL RECOMMEND REROUTING GMB ROUTE 12 TO OPERATE BETWEEN SAI KUNG AND PO LAM ESTATE VIA SAU MAU PING ROAD INSTEAD OF ANDERSON ROAD.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING CITY BUS SERVICE TO TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 23) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
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SIX LOCAL ARTS GROUPS TO RECEIVE $29M IN GRANTS *****
THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) HAS ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT TO AWARD GENERAL SUPPORT GRANTS OF ABOUT $28 MILLION TO FIVE LOCAL PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR (1990-91).
OF THE GRANTS, $11.03 MILLION WILL BE AWARDED TO THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF BALLET LTD, $5,348 MILLION TO THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY, $5,992 MILLION TO THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY, $5,279 MILLION TO THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY LTD, AND THE REMAINING $368,000 TO THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL FRINGE LTD.
IN ADDITION, THE CFPA HAS ALSO APPROVED A SEEDING GRANT OF $1,164 MILLION TO THE EXPLORATION THEATRE FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO ASSIST ITS DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS PROFESSIONAL STATUS.
THE SIX ORGANISATIONS WILL PUT ON NEW PRODUCTIONS AND STAGE MORE PERFORMANCES THIS YEAR WITH THF GRANTS RECEIVED.
THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF BALLET LIMITED WILL PRESENT 15 BALLETS AND PLANS TO STAGE 46 PUBLIC TICKETED PERFORMANCES, SIX PUBLIC FREE PERFORMANCES AND 176 SCHOOL PERFORMANCES.
THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY WILL PUT ON 10 PRODUCTIONS AND PLANS TO STAGE 35 PUBLIC TICKETED PERFORMANCES, TWO PUBLIC FREE PERFORMANCES, 113 SCHOOL PERFORMANCES AND 42 WORKSHOPS.
THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY IS PLANNING SIX NEW PRODUCTIONS AND THREE RE-RUNS. THERE WILL ALSO BE 50 PUBLIC TICKETED PERFORMANCES, 120 SCHOOL PERFORMANCES AS WELL AS 42 WORKSHOPS.
THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY LIMITED WILL ORGANISE THE 1991 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL PRESENT 125 PERFORMANCES BY RENOWNED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ARTISTS FROM VARIOUS PERFORMING ARTS DISCIPLINES.
THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS FROM OVERSEAS WILL INCLUDE AN OPERA, A CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND, A FOREIGN LANGUAGE THEATRE.
THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL FRINGE LIMITED (HKFFL) WILL CONTINUE TO ORGANISE THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL FRINGE AND RUN THE FRINGE CLUB FOR ARTISTS TO PERFORM OR EXHIBIT THEIR WORK.
THE ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD BY THE HKFFL IN THE YEAR INCLUDE EIGHT PRODUCTIONS, 162 PUBLIC TICKETED PERFORMANCES, PUBLIC FREE PERFORMANCES AND 10 SCHOOL PERFORMANCES.
WILL
190
IN ADDITION, THE HKFFL WILL ALSO ORGANISE 150 EXHIBITIONS, 170 WORKSHOPS, 14 LARGE SCALE EVENTS AND 255 OUTREACH SHOWS.
MEANWHILE, THE EXPLORATION THEATRE WILL PRESENT SIX PRODUCTIONS, 28 PUBLIC TICKETED PERFORMANCES AND 75 SCHOOL PERFORMANCES.
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/9 .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
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TWO GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF TWO LAND LOTS IN LAI CHI KOK AND SHA TAU KOK.
THE FIRST LOT IN LAI CHI KOK, WHICH MEASURES ABOUT 18,300 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD SOUTH AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD SLIP ROAD.
IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF CONTAINERS, EXCLUDING STUFFING AND DESTUFFING.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND LOT IS A 76 SQUARE-METRE-SITE LOCATED AT DEMARCATION DISTRICT NO. 40, SHA TAU KOK. IT IS TO BE USED FOR THE STORAGE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS IN CYLINDERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR BOTH LOTS IS NOON ON MAY 4.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE KWAI TSING, NORTH AND KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, AS WELL AS THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN * * * »
SAI KUNG FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL t *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI KUNG TOWN DURING THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL IN THE AREA BETWEEN APRIL 26 AND MAY 29.
THE SECTION OF YI CHUN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH MAN NIN STREET AND THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE CLOSED EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY ACCESS.
MAN NTN STREET WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A TWO-WAY ROAD. THE SECTION BETWEEN THE MAN NIN STREET CARPARK AND THE WATERFRONT AREA WILL BE ACCESSIBLE FOR GOODS VEHICLES ONLY.
ROAD L7 WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO BECOME ONF-WAY EASTBOUND.
THE PARKING SPACES ON MAN NIN STREET, YI CHUN STREET, ROAD L7 AND PO TUNG ROAD AND THE TAXI STAND ON YI CHUN STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
/TRAFFIC ON .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 1990
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TRAFFIC ON PO TUNG ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO MAN NIN STREET.
THE GREEN MINIBUS STANDS FOR ROUTES 2, 3 AND 4 ON YI CHUN STREET AND ROAD L7 WILL BE RELOCATED TO CHAN MAN STREET. THESE BUSES WILL TRAVEL VIA PO TUNG ROAD AND FUK MAN ROAD AND TERMINATE AT CHAN MAN STREET.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THESE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN ENDORSED BY THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD TO FACILITATE THE PUTTING UP OF A MATSHED FOR THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND FANLING
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THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE ROAD WORKS, THE SECTION OF HART AVENUE BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH IN TSIM SHA TSUI, AND A POINT OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 4 HART AVENUE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 23) FOR TWO WEEKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF ROAD LI 00 IN WO HOP SHEK IN FANLING FROM A POINT 65 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD A100 TO FANLING SOUTH ROUNDABOUT WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.
IN ADDITION, THE WAH MING BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE. ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THIS BUS TERMINUS 24 HOURS DAILY.
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/Il.........
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY ON DUTY VISIT TO EUROPE ...................................... 1
RE-OPENING OF SILVERMINE BAY BEACH ................................................ 1
AREA COMMITTEES SIGNIFICANT IN COMMUNITY BUILDING ................................. 2
RESIDENTS URGED TO MAINTAIN BETTER ENVIRONMENT .................................... 2
ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK SPOTS CLEARED ......................................... 800-METRE HILL TRAIL ON TSING YI NOW OPEN ................................. DB 'MEET THE PUBLIC' SCHEME ON CHEUNG CHAU ................................ DRAWING CONTEST FOR CHILDREN .............................................. TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES .............................. REDUCED TRAVEL FARES FOR ELDERLY PROPOSED ................................. COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS ............................... DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ................................ DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AIRBUS SERVICE IN SHA TIN ......................... DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ................................ 1,345 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN MARCH .......................................... ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AT LAI WAN ROAD .................
1990 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ...........................................
WATER CUT IN SOUTHEAST KOWLOON
11
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY ON DUTY VISIT TO EUROPE * * » * *
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, WILL LEAVE FOR EUROPE THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING FOR A TWO-WEEK DUTY VISIT.
THE TRIP WILL COVER ITALY, SWITZERLAND, WEST GERMANY, THE UK AND BELGIUM.
DURING THE VISIT, MR BARMA WILL MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND COMPANY EXECUTIVES AS PART OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
HE WILL ALSO VISIT SOME OF THE COMPANIES’ MANUFACTURING FACILITIES.
MR BARMA WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MAY 6.
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RE-OPENING OF SILVERMINE BAY BEACH
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE MUCH TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF SILVERMINE BAY OVER THE LAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS SINCE IT WAS CLOSED IN 1987, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE RE-OPENING OF THE BEACH, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD IMPLEMENTED THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, COMMISSIONED THE MUI WO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, DECLARED THE AREA AS PART OF THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE, CLEARED ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE CHUNG HAU AREA, AND CLEANED UP MUI WO RIVER AT FOUR LOCATIONS.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACH WHICH WAS NOW GREATLY IMPROVED, MR BARNES SAID.
"IT WILL CONTINUE TO EXTEND THE MUI WO SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT TO ENABLE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENTS TO CONNECT THEIR SEWAGE TO THE TRUNK SEWER BY THE END OF 1993," HE SAID.
MR BARNES, HOWEVER, STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALONE COULD NOT KEEP THE BEACHES CLEAN.
"IT WILL REQUIRE ASSISTANCE FROM THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK AROUND THE RIVER, PARTICULARLY LIVESTOCK FARMERS, AND ALSO THOSE WHO USE THE BEACH.
"IT IS THE DUTY OF ALL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO KEEP THIS BEACH AND ITS WATERS CLEAN SO THAT WE AND OUR CHILDREN CAN ENJOY THEM TO THE FULL," HE ADDED.
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
2
AREA COMMITTEES SIGNIFICANT IN COMMUNITY BUILDING *****
THE AREA COMMITTEES (AC) IN MONG KOK HAVE PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN COMMUNITY BUILDING IN THE DISTRICT, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT AN ORIENTATION SEMINAR FOR AC MEMBERS OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, MRS MA SAID MEMBERS HAD BEEN DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
SHE NOTED THAT MOST OF THE AC MEMBERS HAD LIVED IN THE DISTRICT FOR A LONG TIME AND HAD MADE LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS AMONG THEMSELVES.
"MANY OF YOU HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS AND WORKED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE DISTRICT.
"I AM SURE MEMBERS OF THIS YEAR WILL MAINTAIN THE SAME MAGNANIMOUS ATTITUDE AND REMAIN A LINK BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," SHE SAID.
MRS MA PRAISED MEMBERS’ WORK IN REFLECTING VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON GOVERNMENT’S WORK AND POLICIES IN THE DISTRICT.
"AREA COMMITTEES INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN ENSURING THAT LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE AN EFFECTIVE VOICE. IN THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE DISTRICT," SHE SAID.
ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, THE SEMINAR WAS A GATHERING FOR ALL OLD AND NEW MEMBERS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE.
THERE WAS A VIDEO SHOW AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS, AND WAS HELD AT THE FA YUEN STREET URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX.
- - 0 - -
RESIDENTS URGED TO MAINTAIN BETTER ENVIRONMENT
******
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED RESIDENTS TO DO THEIR BEST TO MAINTAIN A BETTER ENVIRONMENT.
SPEAKING AT A TREE PLANTING CEREMONY ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE "EARTH DAY", MR MANN SAID HONG KONG WAS FACING SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS DUE TO THE TERRITORY’S RAPID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
HE WARNED THAT THESE PROBLEMS WHICH INCLUDED NOISE, WATER AND AIR POLLUTION WOULD BRING ABOUT SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES IF THEY REMAINED UNSOLVED.
/"NOT ONLY
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
3 -
"NOT ONLY WOULD OUR HEALTH BE ENDANGERED, BUT ALSO HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS ’PEARL OF THE ORIENT’ WOULD BE TARNISHED," HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT COMPANIES IN THE DISTRICT COULD CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT BY SPONSORING THE TREE PLANTING SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD. UNDER THE SCHEME, AT LEAST 100 TREES WOULD BE PLANTED THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
ANOTHER SPEAKER, MINISTER-IN-CHARGE OF THE CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH, REVEREND L.K. LO, POINTED OUT THAT MORE THAN 200 MILLION PEOPLE FROM OVER 100 COUNTRIES WERE SUPPORTING THE "EARTH DAY" TODAY BY TAKING PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS RALLIES, TREE PLANTING AND FUN FAIRS, WHICH WERE AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
TODAY’S CEREMONY, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE METHODIST CHURCH, WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR M.S. LEUNG, AND A DISTRICT AMENITIES OFFICER, MRS BRENDA NG.
------0--------
ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK SPOTS CLEARED
» t » » »
FIVE ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK SPOTS IN EASTERN DISTRICT HAVE TAKEN ON A NEW LOOK FOLLOWING THE REMOVAL OF 51 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN FOUR CLEARANCE OPERATIONS CONDUCTED RECENTLY.
A SPOKESMAN* FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE OPERATIONS WERE PART OF THE ONGOING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE LOCATED AT THE REAR LANES OF ELECTRIC ROAD, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, WING HING STREET, KUT SHING STREET AND LEE CHUNG STREET.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT BY A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING HOUSING, BUILDINGS AND LANDS, URBAN SERVICES, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANCIAL SERVICES, FIRE SERVICES AND THE POLICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CLEARED LANES WOULD BE REPAVED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND ALL DEFECTIVE UNDERGROUND FACILITIES REPAIRED BY RELEVANT PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
800-METRE HILL TRAIL ON TSING YI NOW OPEN ******
A 800-METRE HILL TRAIL FROM CHING HONG ROAD TO TSING CHIN STREET ON TSING YI ISLAND HAS BEEN COMPLETED RECENTLY AND IS NOW OPEN TO RESIDENTS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
THE TRAIL, WHICH IS NOT VERY STEEP, IS SUITABLE FOR TAKING MORNING WALKS OR HOLDING PICNICS. A WALK THROUGH THE TRAIL TAKES ABOUT ONLY 30 MINUTES.
THE HILL TRAIL WAS BUILT IN TWO PHASES, THE FIRST CONSTRUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1982 AS A PASSAGE WAY AT A COST OF $122,000.
LAST YEAR, THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD DECIDED TO EXTEND THE HILL TRAIL AREA AND ALLOCATED $133,000 OUT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT FUND FOR THE WORKS. WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE WORKS SECTION OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, THE HILL TRAIL WAS COMPLETED EARLY THIS MONTH.
- - 0 - -
DB ’MEET THE PUBLIC’ SCHEME ON CHEUNG CHAU ******
CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO MEET THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD NOW FIRST MAKE APPOINTMENTS UNDER A SYSTEM INTRODUCED RECENTLY TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DB "MEET THE PUBLIC" SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM WAS DEVISED SO THAT EVERY REQUEST FROM RESIDENTS COULD BE ENTERTAINED.
"ON EVERY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGHOUT 1990-91, ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL TAKE TURNS TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE CHEUNG CHAU SUB-OFFICE AT 22 SUN HING STREET," HE SAID.
APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE BY CALLING THE CHEUNG CHAU SUB-OFFICE ON TEL. 981 1060 OR THE ISLANDS DB SECRETARIAT ON TEL. 852 4325 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
REQUESTS FOR AN APPOINTMENT FOR WEDNESDAY SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE 11 AM THAT DAY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ISLANDS DB "MEET THE PUBLIC" SCHEME HAD PROVEN TO BE ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ISLANDERS AND THE GOVERNMENT.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, RESIDENTS COULD DISCUSS WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MATTERS AFFECTING THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES OR THEIR DISTRICT.
/"THEY CAN
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
"THEY CAN MAKE ENQUIRIES AND SUGGESTIONS ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, RANGING FROM HOUSING, TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENT, TO MEDICAL SERVICES AND EDUCATION MATTERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEIR VIEWS WILL BE FULLY RECORDED FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS, AND, IF NECESSARY, REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION," HE ADDED.
- - 0
DRAWING CONTEST FOR CHILDREN
*****
CHILDREN AGED FOUR TO 13 ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1990 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONTH (MAY).
THE CONTEST IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, HARBOUR JAYCEES AND SING TAO LIMITED, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE HONGKONG TELECOM.
THE AIM OF THE CONTEST IS TO PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN ART ACTIVITIES AND INSPIRE THEIR INTEREST IN ARTS, AS WELL AS TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF AND CREATIVENESS IN ART, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE CONTEST WILL' BE HELD ON MAY 6 (SUNDAY) BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 11.30 AM AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDENS IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE THEMES OF THE DRAWINGS ARE "MY HOME TOWN", " HAPPY FAMILY" AND "THE DAY I LOVE".
THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR (AGED FOUR TO SIX), INTERMEDIATE (AGED SEVEN TO NINE) AND SENIOR (AGED 10 TO 13) SECTIONS.
THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS AND SEVEN OUTSTANDING AWARDS FOR EACH SECTION.
PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS WILL INCLUDE PLAQUES, SCHOLARSHIPS, GIFTS COUPONS AND CHILDREN MAGAZINES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE 100 CONSOLATION PRIZES FOR EACH SECTION.
APPLICATION FORMS OF THE CONTEST ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. ENQUIRY CAN BE MADE ON 369 5259.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
- 6 -
TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES
*****
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) THE PROPOSED CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN 1991.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO HEAR A BRIEFING BY THE TAI PO DEVELOPMENT OFFICE ON THE DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDES LAND FORMATION, TRANSPORT, SEWAGE TREATMENT, HOUSING, EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE AND REGIONAL COUNCIL PROJECTS.
ALSO TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE A PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE RELEASING A PROPOSED TEMPORARY HOUSING ARE A SITE TO THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) AT THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM,
-----0------
REDUCED TRAVEL FARES FOR ELDERLY PROPOSED
*****
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A "PREFERENTIAL TRAVEL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY" WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL INVITE LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME BY PROVIDING CONCESSIONARY FARES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AGED 65 OR ABOVE.
AT THE MEETING, NINE MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THE IMPROPER OPERATIONS OF GAMES CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT AND CALL FOR STRICTER POLICE CONTROL.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF A PLAN TO SELL PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS TO HOUSING AUTHORITY TENANTS.
/OTHE AGENDA .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
7 -
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS WILL INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE COMMITTEE’S WORK IN THE PAST YEAR, AND DISCUSSIONS ON ITS WORK PLANS FOR THIS YEAR AND PROPOSED COMMUNITY FACILITIES, AS WELL AS 10 APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TUEN MUN TOMORROW OFFICES,
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER A MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 3/F, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT AT 2.30 PM.
(MONDAY) IN THE
TUEN HI ROAD,
TUEN MUN. THE MEETING
WILL BEGIN
1
---------0-----------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS FOR VARIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS FOR 1990-91 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PAPER, "BILL OF RIGHTS AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION- AGAINST CORRUPTION", TO BE INTRODUCED BY AN ICAC REPRESENTATIVE.
A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING DISTRICT COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LATTER PART OF THE MEETING, WHICH WILL DEAL WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS’ APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS, WILL BE HELD IN CAMERA.
---------0-------------
/8 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
- 8 -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS
******
THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) TO CONSIDER 20 APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS BY LOCAL BODIES FOR ORGANISING SPORTS TRAINING COURSES AND COMPETITIONS FOR YOUNGSTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESS MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETING AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
---------0----------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AIRBUS SERVICE IN SHA TIN ******
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING AIRBUS SERVICE TO THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24).
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CRITERIA FOR THE PROVISION OF SUCH SERVICE.
ALSO, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL TABLE ITS 1990-91 WORK PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDES THE BUS ROUTES PLYING THE NEWLY-OPENED SHING MUN AND TATE’S CAIRN TUNNELS, AND THE ISSUE OF NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS USING THE SHING MUN TUNNELS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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/9 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
- 9 -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS *****
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER THREE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR CARRYING OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24).
THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO INSTALL FOUR SETS OF KIDDIE-RIDERS AT A SITTING-OUT AREA NEAR BLOCK 23, TUNG TAU ESTATE, AND TO PROVIDE A PAIR OF WOODEN COUPLETS IN THE STUDY KIOSK OF THE SITTING-OUT AREA.
THE THIRD APPLICATION IS FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE ”1990 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY".
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KING FUK STREET.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
1,345 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN MARCH
*****
A TOTAL OF 1,651 CASUALTIES ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED THROUGHOUT
WERE REPORTED IN 1,345 THE TERRITORY LAST MONTH.
TRAFFIC
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, NEW TERRITORIES.
(SUNDAY) THAT 324 OF THESE 724 IN KOWLOON AND 297 IN THE
THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR MARCH SHOWED THAT KILLED, 337 PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 1,296 IN THESE ACCIDENTS.
18 PERSONS WERE SLIGHTLY INJURED
„THE NUMBER 0F ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES REPRESENTED AN month'2 PER CENT AND 7.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE
INCREASE
PREVIOUS
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/10 .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
- 10 -
ROAD WORKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AT LAI WAN ROAD ******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROADWORKS TO IMPROVE BOTH THE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AT LAI WAN ROAD TO MEET INCREASING TRAFFIC DEMANDS ARISING FROM THE COMPLETION OF THE LAI CHI KOK SPORT COMPLEX, LAI CHI KOK PARK STAGE 1 AND THE KAU WAH KENG APPROACH ROAD.
PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE:
» CONSTRUCTION OF A 230-METRE LONG, DUAL ONE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH FOOTPATH;
» CONVERSION OF SECTIONS OF EXISTING CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTPATH INTO FOOTPATH/ISLAND AND CARRIAGEWAY RESPECTIVELY;
» RECONSTRUCTION OF SECTIONS OF EXISTING FOOTPATHS; AND
» CONSTRUCTION OF ANCILLARY LANDSCAPING, DRAINAGE AND JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST 1991.
A PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:-
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY
SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
♦ DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;
* SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2ND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JUNE 5, 1990.
--------0-----------
' /Il...........
i I
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 1990
- 11 -1990 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN A HOLIDAY PROGRAMME WHICH WILL PROVIDE INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING IN A SUMMER CAMP ATMOSPHERE.
THE 1990 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WILL BE HELD AT THE LEI YUE MUN PARK FROM JULY 15 TO 29.
PROMISING YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL BE RECRUITED BOTH LOCALLY AND FROM OVERSEAS TO TAKE PART IN THE CAMP TO HELP FOSTER INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH MUSIC.
RENOWNED MUSICIANS WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO CONDUCT MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS. OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE FILM SHOWS, CANTONESE OPERA, FOLK DANCE EVENING, GUITAR MUSIC EVENING, MUSIC QUIZ AND A JAZZ BAND CONCERT.
REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD TO PREPARE THE CAMPERS FOR A FINALE CONCERT TO BE STAGED AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE CONCERT HALL ON JULY 29.
ALTOGETHER THREE ORCHESTRAS AND A BAND WILL BE ORGANISED.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE AS ON JULY 14 THIS YEAR AND BE ABLE TO PLAY AT LEAST ONE CHINESE OR WESTERN ORCHESTRAL OR BAND INSTRUMENT. ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE.
FEES INCLUSIVE OF TUITION, THREE MEALS A DAY AND ACCOMMODATION ARE $480 FOR MEMBERS OF THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHINESE ORCHESTRA WHO WILL STAY THROUGHOUT THE CAMP PERIOD.
THE FEES FOR MEMBERS OF THE STRING ORCHESTRA AND THE BAND, WHO WILL STAY FOR EIGHT DAYS ONLY, ARE $235 AND $240 RESPECTIVELY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 30. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 823 5314 OR 722 6240.
-----0------
WATER CUT IN SOUTHEAST KOWLOON
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SOUTHEAST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 24) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT TIN HANG HOUSE, TIN YIU HOUSE, TIN KEI HOUSE AND TIN KUEN HOUSE OF SHUN TIN ESTATE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, TAK MONG VILLAGE, GOOD HOPE SCHOOL AND GOOD SHEPHERD CONVENT.
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GRANTING OF RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE ............................................. 1
NEW EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED ............................................. 1
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME .................................... 2
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................................... 2
WATER CUTS IN SHAM SHUI PO AND TSUEN WAN ........................................... 3
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN KOWLOON TONG.............................................. 3
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1990
- 1 -GRANTING OF RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE . * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, HAS RECENTLY GRANTED A RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE TO THE BANK OF CALIFORNIA — THE FIRST OF SUCH LICENCE GRANTED TO A NEW APPLICANT SINCE THE CREATION OF THE RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK CATEGORY EARLIER THIS YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING’S OFFICE IS REVIEWING APPLICANTS FOR A RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE FROM A NUMBER OF OTHER OVERSEAS BANKS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS DEMONSTRATED THE CONTINUING ATTRACTIVENESS OF HONG KONG
AS ONE OF THE MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES IN THE WORLD," HE ADDED.
THE GRANTING OF THE LICENCE BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS TO 38.
OF THE 38 RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS, 37 ARE EXISTING LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WHICH HAVE AUTOMATICALLY BECOME RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS WHEN THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION CAME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 1 THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
NEW EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED ******
MR STEVE BARCLAY HAS BEEN APPOINTED EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (MONDAY), THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED.
MR BARCLAY JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1979 AND WAS APPOINTED AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1982.
HE HAS SUBSEQUENTLY SERVED IN A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES, NAMELY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE HE WAS THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, THE FINANCE BRANCH AND THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1989.
MR BARCLAY’S LAST POSTING WAS SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DEALING WITH POLICY MATTERS IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1990
2
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME ******
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER, AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THE ALLOCATION OF $540,003 IN DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR A TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, AT LEAST 100 TREES ARE TO BE PLANTED IN THE DISTRICT THIS YEAR. THE PROGRAMME WILL ALSO RECEIVE SUBSIDIES FROM PRIVATE COMPANIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MEANWHILE, MEMBERS WILL STUDY THE COMMITTEE’S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1990-1991, AS WELL AS ITS MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE THE WAN CHAI STREET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME, AND A REPORT BY THE DISTRICT WORKING GROUP ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AND CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 21ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 40.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 239.380 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 201.378 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 34.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1990
WATER CUTS IN SHAM SHUI PO AND TSUEN WAN
******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 25) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, PRATAS STREET, FUK WING STREET, TONKIN STREET, UN CHAU STREET AND HING WAH STREET, INCLUDING 152-358 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 290-420 UN CHAU STREET, 226-244 FUK WING STREET, 149-167 PRATAS STREET, 24-38 TONKIN STREET, 1B-1H WING LUNG STREET AND 9-21 FAT TSEUNG STREET.
ALSO TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 25) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES BOUNDED BY TAI HO ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD, LUEN YAN STREET AND YEUNG UK ROAD, INCLUDING SAI LAU STREET, SAN TSUEN STREET, HO PUI STREET, WO TIK STREET, TAI UK STREET, CHUEN LUNG STREET, YI PEI SQUARE, CHUNG ON STREET, SAM PEI SQUARE AND HAM TIN STREET.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE IN KOWLOON TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A SECTION OF THE INNERMOST TRAFFIC LANE ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD NORTH OF CORNWALL STREET ON KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM DAILY FROM TODAY (MONDAY) TO SATURDAY (APRIL 28).
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA TO 99 .......................................... 1
EXCO DECISION ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY RISE ................................... 6
44 MEMBERS TO SPEAK IN BUDGET DEBATE ...................................... 6
LADY WILSON OPENS KINDERGARTEN AND STUDY ROOM ............................. 7
U.S. ANTI-DUMPING CASE AGAINST HK MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS ................. 7
NO NEW AIDS CASES IN APRIL................................................. 8
MAJOR CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED............... 10
WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN OF COMMON CONCERN .................................. 12
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT QUARRY BAY OZP ANNOUNCED............................... 12
ANTI-POLLUTION PACK AVAILABLE FOR LOAN .................................... 14
CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ON DB AGENDA ...................................... 14
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TUEN MUN/SHA TIN BUS LINK ............................ 15
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ........................... 16
RETAILERS REMINDED ON PROPER FOOD LABELLING................................ 16
ONE MORE WEEK FOR EMPLOYER’S RETURNS ...................................... 17
1989/90 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY HALFWAY COMPLETED .................... 18
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ............................................ 18
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI KUNG TOWN ............................ 19
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS BAN ZONE IN SAI KUNG...................................... 20
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
1
GOVERNOR PRE "NTS INSIGNIA TO 99 . ♦ * *
INSIGNIA FOR 99 PEOPLE WERE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SEVENTY-FIVE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED OR COMMENDED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE ONE WAS AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION.
IN ADDITION, 23 MEMBERS OF THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND BRIGADE WHOSE COMMUNITY WORK HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE QUEEN, THE SOVEREIGN HEAD OF THE MOST VENERABLE ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST JOHN OF JERUSALEM, WERE PRESENTED THEIR ST JOHN INSIGNIA BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF INSIGNIA RECIPIENTS:
CBE
MR LI KWAN-HA
PROFESSOR DAVID TODD
OBE
THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN
MR KENNETH FANG HUNG
DR STANLEY HO
THE HON LAU WONG-FAT
ISO
DR LAWRENCE LEE HAY-YUE
DR LEE SHIU-HUNG
MR WONG KWOK-LAI
MBE
MADAM ANITA CHAN LAI-LING
MR GREGORY CHAN TAK-PING
MRS ROSALINE CHIU SHUM SHUK-HAAN
/DR NELSON .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 2 -
DR NELSON CHOW WING-SUN
MR LEE MAN-BAN
MR HARRY LEONG
MR LIU LIT-FOR
DR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI
MBE (MILITARY DIVISION)
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS I LI CHEUK-YIN
QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDALS
MR LI TIM-SHING
MR LUI TAK-WAH
QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT
MR WONG KWAI-LEUNG
BEM
MR CHAN WING-KWAN
MR CHAN YING-KUY
MR CHOW KUN-KAI
MISS VIOLA CHUNG PO-PING
MR KWAN SHE-KWAN
MR LEE WAH-TAK
MR NG SHUN
MISS CONNY NG SIU-MEI
MR NGAI SHIU-CHUEN
MR PAN NIEN-YUAN
MR TAM YIU-WAH
MR TANG KWOK-CHING
/MR UN .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 3 -
MR UN KAM-WAH
MR WONG YUK-CHOR
MISS ANNA YEUNG
MR GODFREY YIM
BEM (MILITARY DIVISION)
STAFF SERGEANT BRIAN ANTHONY DACEY
SERGEANT SHREEBAHADUR GURUNG SERGEANT BALPARSAD SHERCHAN SERGEANT TO YUEN-SUN
QPM
MR GEOFFREY WILLIAM ROPER
MR LEE LAM-CHUEN
MR BRIAN THOMAS WIGLEY
ISM
MR CHUI KWONG
CPM
MR CHRISTOPHER PETER OUGHTRED BIRCH
MR HARRY AITKEN
MR IAN MATTHEW BLAIR
MR LAU CHUN-SING
MR IAN PHILIP PEGGS
MR ANTHONY GEORGE RICE
MR IAIN EDWARD WARD
MR CHRISTOPHER GEORGE CANTLEY
MR LI KWOK-YEE
MR ARTHUR HUGH OLLERENSHAW
/MR LAU .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
4
MR LAU CHAK-LEUNG
MR HO KA-CHEUNG
MR LUI TING-CHING
MR TSE LAP-CHI
MR CHUNG KUN-YEUNG
MR AU BIG-LEUNG
MR LAU SHIU-KEE
MR CHAN KA-CHUN
MR KWOK PING-WAH
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHAN WU-CHING
MR LAM YIN-MING, LAWRENCE
MR LAU CHEONG
MR LAU HON-TONG
MR NG HAK-TSUN, FRANK
REV SIK CHI-WAI
MR SO HOI-PAN, EDINSON
MR SO KAI-TAO
MR WAI KWOK-HUNG
MR WONG CHUNG-MING
MR YAU HON-KEE
GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION
MR CHOW SAI-WING
ORDER OF ST JOHN
OFFICER BROTHERS
THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG
/MR TSE
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 5 -
MR TSE SHING
MR CHENG KIN-SHING OFFICER SISTERS
MISS CHAN SHOOK-CHING SERVING BROTHERS
DR CHAN KAI-SHIU
MR ALFRED POON SUN-BIU
MR LEUNG WING-PONG
MR POON YAU-WING
MR HO YUNG-SANG
MR HO WING-PIU
MR NORBERT TSE CHEUNG-WOON
MR CHUNG CHI-HANG
MR SIN YUK-MING
MR YING PAK-LING
MR LEUNG HOI-KAM
MR CHUN CHUNG-WING
SERVING SISTERS
MISS LEUNG YU
MISS JACQUELINE YUE CHUN-KWUN
MISS PO LAI-KWAN
MISS LEUNG YUK-WAN
MISS WONG SIU-PING
MRS BETTY P.K. DA SILVA
MISS WONG CHI-SEUNG
- - 0 - -
/6.........
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
EXCO DECISION ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY RISE *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT IN VIEW OF THE ECONOMIC AND BUDGETARY SITUATION, IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE ITS OFFER OF 15 PER CENT ACROSS THE BOARD AS THE 1990 PAY ADJUSTMENT.
THE DECISION WAS MADE AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING CONSIDERED THE VIEWS AND ARGUMENTS PUT FORWARD BY THE STAFF SIDES OF THE FOUR CIVIL SERVICE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS IN SUPPORT OF A HIGHER PAY AWARD.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE OFFER OF 15 PER CENT WAS IN LINE WITH THE 1989-90 PRIVATE SECTOR PAY TREND SURVEY INDICATOR FOR THE LOWER SALARY BAND OF 15.11 PER CENT.
"HOWEVER, THE STAFF SIDES HAVE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE ITS OFFER ON THE BASIS OF THE PAY TREND INDICATOR FOR THE MIDDLE AND UPPER SALARY BANDS OF 16.46 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STAFF SIDES OF THE FOUR CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DECISION.
THE PROVISION OF FUNDS FOR THE 1990 PAY ADJUSTMENT WOULD NOW BE SOUGHT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
44 MEMBERS TO SPEAK IN BUDGET DEBATE *****
FORTY-FOUR MEMBERS WILL SPEAK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND THURSDAY WHEN DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 RESUMES.
TWENTY-TWO MEMBERS ARE LISTED TO SPEAK TOMORROW AND THE REMAINDER ON THURSDAY.
OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE BILL ON MAY 9.
IN ADDITION, THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT ON THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS AND THE WHITE PAPER ON THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1989 TO PARLIAMENT WILL BE TABLED AT TOMORROW’S MEETING.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
7
LADY WILSON OPENS KINDERGARTEN AND STUDY ROOM » » ♦ ♦ » ’ v i'• ‘ ,
»** *. .> • • , . • *
THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION SERVICES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT HAS BEEN GIVEN A BIG BOOST FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF A KINDERGARTEN AND A READING ROOM BY LADY WILSON THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
THE KINDERGARTEN AND THE READING ROOM, LOCATED IN TAI PING AND TIN PING ESTATES IN SHEUNG SHUI RESPECTIVELY, ARE AMONG A NUMBER OF PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE TAOIST FUNG YING SIN KOON.
THE KOON, WHICH WAS REGISTERED AS A NON-PROFIT MAKING CHARITABLE ORGANISATION IN 1972, HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
LADY WILSON WAS BRIEFED ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WHEN SHE TOURED THE TAI PING KINDERGARTEN WHICH HAS AN INTAKE OF ABOUT 260 PUPILS. SHE SPOKE TO THE CHILDREN AND WATCHED A MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCE GIVEN BY THEM.
LADY WILSON WAS ALSO SHOWN AROUND THE TIN PING READING ROOM, WHERE SHE WAS TOLD BY THE KOON CHAIRMAN, MR YAU FU-HONG, THAT THE READING ROOM ACCOMMODATES UP TO 126 STUDENTS.
SHE LATER MET LOCAL PERSONALITIES AT A RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE KOON BEFORE CONCLUDING HER VISIT.
LADY WILSON WAS ACCOMPAINED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, Ml WILLJAM HUI, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG.
--------0-----------
U.S. ANTI-DUMPING CASE AGAINST HK MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS
*»♦♦*♦
A TRADE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL EXPRESSED CONCERN TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE’S PRELIMINARY FINDINGS IN ITS ANTI-DUMPING INVESTIGATION AGAINST HONG KONG MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS.
’’THE DUMPING MARGIN IS A DISAPPOINTMENT," SAID ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON.
"MAN-MADF FIBRE SWEATER MANUFACTURING IS A HIGHLY FRAGMENTED INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG OPERATING IN AN EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT. THE HONG KONG TRADE HAS NEITHER THE MEANS NOR THE MOTIVE TO DUMP SWEATERS IN THE U.S. MARKET," HE SAID.
'THIS IS ONLY A PRELIMINARY FINDING," HE EMPHASISED. "THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HAS ANOTHER 75 DAYS TO REACH A FINAL VIEW. THEY WILL BE SENDING A TEAM TO HONG KONG NEXT MONTH TO VISIT THE FOUR HONG KONG COMPANIES BEING INVESTIGATED.
/"THE COMPANIES .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
8
"THE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO CO-OPERATE FULLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. NO DOUBT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.
"WE DO FEEL THAT THE CALCULATIONS AND METHODOLOGY UNDER U.S. LEGISLATION HAVE PRODUCED RESULTS WHICH ARE NOT REALISTIC. WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE INDUSTRY AND THE COMPANIES UNDER, INVESTIGATION, OFFERING THEM EVERY ASSISTANCE. IF IT COULD PROVE USEFUL WE WILL TAKE ISSUES UP WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.
"WE MUST HOPE THE FINAL RESULTS SHOW THAT NO DUMPING HAS TAKEN PLACE," MR JACKSON SAID.
------0--------
NO NEW AIDS CASES IN APRIL
* * » *
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) CASES IN HONG KONG REMAINS AT 36 TO DATE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HOWEVER, ONE OF THE AIDS PATIENTS, WHO WAS CONFIRMED TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE IN 1988, DIED THIS MONTH.
THIS BRINGS TO 21 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PATIENTS WHO HAD PASSED AWAY WHILE 15 OTHER PATIENTS ARE STILL UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT.
RELEASING THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ONE MORE MAN WAS FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTI-BODY TEST. HE IS A HAEMOPHILIAC.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV CARRIERS WHO HAVE NOT YET DEVELOPED AIDS IS 141. OF THESE, 53 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 71 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, THREE WERE DRUG ABUSERS, THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND THE INFORMATION FOR THE OTHER 11 WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 155,333 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE AIDS VIRUS.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS. UP TO LAST MONTH, 699,601 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 10 WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
/AIDS VIRUS ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
9 -
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing Virus?Unit, Department of Health
* Apr 85 - No. t tested Feb 90 No. *ve March 90 Total
’ Nc. . tested No. NO. , tested No. »vt
Referrals from Govt, hospitals and clinics 10079 57 214 1 10293 58
*- Ba & Referrals from private practitioners and 1901 40 17 0 1918 40
subvented hospitals
Attendances at social hygiene clinics 135430 20 2391 0 137821 20
1. t Haemopniliacs 1)20 55 4 1 424 56
IV drug abusers 3921 x 89 0 4010 1
Referrals from Family Planning Association 202 0 0 0 202 0
CtvL it Health care personnel 661 0 4 0 665 0
Total 152614 173 2719 2 155333 175
. Mk it l_a
* This indicates the number of specimens and not persons as tests are repeated for
certain individuals. Aug 85 - ■ Feb 90 March 90 Total
No. No. No. No. No. No.
tested *ve tested +ve tested *V9
Hong Kong Ped Cross Blood Transfusion 635656 10 13945 0 699601 10
Service
Department of Health April 1990
---------0-----------
• /10 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 10 -
MAJOR CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED ♦ ♦ » * »
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND OVER $2 MILLION THIS YEAR TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED, MEMBERS OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (RDCC) LEARNED TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RDCC MEETING, COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR ALAN WONG POINTED OUT THAT REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED HAD BEEN ACCORDED MAJOR CAMPAIGN STATUS IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR.
HE SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE WOULD BE THE PROMOTION OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS.
THE PROMOTION OF THE WIDER USE OF THE PRE-SCHOOL REHABILITATION SERVICES AND THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF THE DISABLED WOULD BE THE SECONDARY THEMES, HE ADDED.
MR WONG SAID: ’’TOGETHER WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, A TOTAL OF SIX GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WHICH ENTITLED ’REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED CAMPAIGN’ THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.’’
IN OUTLINING THE PROGRAMMES, MR WONG SAID THAT EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS WOULD BE HELD TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND PROBLEMS FACED BY THE MENTAL PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
RDCC MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMPAIGN WOULD BE IN THE SECOND PART OF THE YEAR.
”A PRESENTATION OF SOUVENIRS CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER TO GIVE RECOGNITION TO OUTSTANDING EMPLOYERS IN TAKING ON DISABLED EMPLOYEES AND TO DISABLED EMPLOYEES WITH COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCE.
”A MUSICAL PROGRAMME, JOINTLY PRODUCED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL BE ORGANISED TO PROMOTE THE MUSICAL TALENTS OF THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG,” HE CONTINUED.
MR WONG ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE A SERIES OF MINOR SCALE ACTIVITIES IN DISTRICT LEVEL. THEY INCLUDED THE PRODUCTION OF VIDEOS, TELEVISION AND RADIO APIS, POSTERS AND LEAFLETS, OPEN DAYS AS WELL AS GAMES DAY.
RDCC MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED THAT THE PUBLICITY EFFORTS MADE LAST YEAR WAS A SUCCESS, AND MEMBERS SHARED THE VIEW THAT COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE DISABLED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY HAD GENERALLY IMPROVED.
/PUBLIC AWARENESS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
11
PUBLIC AWARENESS OF REHABILITATION SERVICES AND THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RUNNTNG SUCH SERVICES WAS ALSO BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN GRADUALLY ENHANCED.
HOWEVER, MEMBERS AGREED THAT CHANGING PUBLIC ATTITUDES WAS A LONG-TERM PROCESS AND SUSTAINED EFFORTS WERE THEREFORE NECESSARY.
MEANWHILE, RDCC MEMBERS ENDORSED PROPOSALS PUT BY THE AD HOC GROUP ON TECHNICAL AIDS PROBLEMS OF BLIND STUDENTS.
THE AD HOC GROUP PROPOSED THAT THE UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNIC AND OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE REQUESTED TO PROCURE BASIC TECHNICAL AIDS FOR INSTALLATION AT, AND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY, THEI® RESPECTIVE LIBRARIES. *
IT FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT UPGC SHOULD PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF A GRANT AND AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN TO BLIND STUDENTS FOR THEM TO PURCHASE THE TECHNICAL AIDS THEY NEED.
RDCC MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVED AND STUDIED A REPORT PRODUCED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON LEGISLATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED. THEY WERE INFORMED THAT THE REPORT WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE OMELCO AD HOC GROUP FOR CONSIDERATION IN DUE COURSE.
IN RELATION TO THE REPORT, RDCC MEMBERS HAD THE FOLLOWING VIEWS:
* RDCC APPRECIATES THE WORK DONE BY THE WORKING PARTY;
* RDCC MEMBERS FELT THAT THE CHANGES WERE IMPROVING THE SITUATION RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORT AND FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN A SEPARATE LEGISLATION;
* TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO IDENTIFY THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE WORKING PARTY AND TRY TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS WHETHER ON INDIVIDUAL OR IN VARIOUS LEGISLATIONS; AND
* THE COMMITTEE OBSERVED THAT REGARDING REFERENCE TO MENTALLY ILL AS OPPOSED TO MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS WITHIN UK, MIGHT NOT BE APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG, THUS THIS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION. LOCAL STUDIES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO PRODUCE MORE ACCURATE STATISTICS ON THE LOCAL SITUATION.
THE MEETING ALSO ENDORSED A REPORT PREPARED BY AN AD HOC GROUP ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER. THE VIEWS WILL BE SENT TO THE SECRETARIAT FOR THE WORKING PARTY ON SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES FOR CONSIDERATION.
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/12 ........
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 12 -
WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN OF COMMON CONCERN *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE (ISS) SHARE A COMMON INTEREST IN THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A COCKTAIL RECEPTION HELD IN HONOUR OF A GROUP OF OVERSEAS DELEGATES ATTENDING THE ISS INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING AND SYMPOSIUM IN HONG KONG.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT THE ISS HAD MADE PRECIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE SPECTRUM OF WELFARE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO VULNERABLE GROUPS IN THE TERRITORY.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ISS HAD FOR MANY YEARS MAINTAINED VERY CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
"WE ALL SHARE A COMMON INTEREST IN THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND WE HAVE A COMMON CONCERN ABOUT PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH MIGRATION," MR CARTLAND SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BRANCH HAD BEEN IN CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH HIS DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE A NETWORK OF SOCIAL SERVICES TO IMMIGRANT FAMILIES AND THEIR CHILDREN.
"IT IS A HAPPY COINCIDENCE THAT WHILE THE ISS IS HAVING ITS TRIENNIAL COUNCIL MEETING HERE, WE IN HONG KONG ARE CONDUCTING A MAJOR REVIEW OF SOCIAL WELFARE POLICIES AND SERVICES," HE ADDED.
IN CONCLUSION, MR CARTLAND SAID THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR LOCAL CHILDREN WOULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED THROUGH CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN ISS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES.
------0-------
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT QUARRY BAY OZP ANNOUNCED ♦ t * * *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT QUARRY BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD TODAY (TUESDAY) EXPLAINED THAT THE AMENDMENTS WERE TO REFLECT THE LONG TERM PLANNING INTENTION FOR THE EXISTING QUARRY BAY INDUSTRIAL AREA.
"WITH THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN QUARRY BAY OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL AREAS HAVE BECOME INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE SURROUNDING LAND USES AND HAVE CREATED PROBLEMS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION TO NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION," HE SAID.
/IT WAS .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 13 -
IT WAS ALSO RECOGNISED BY THE BOARD THAT QUARRY BAY HAS THE POTENTIAL OF DEVELOPING INTO A COMMERCIAL SUB-CENTRE.
"TO ELIMINATE THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AND TO EFFECT THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE LAND USE, A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL SITES ARE REZONED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE REZONED AREAS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* SITES ALONG WESTLAND ROAD AND SHIPYARD LANE WERE REZONED TO "COMMERCIAL";
» THE TAIKOO TRADING ESTATE SITE WAS REZONED TO "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA"; AND
* THE SITE CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY THE SWIRE BOTTLE LIMITED BUILDING AT QUARRY BAY STREET WAS REZONED TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)".
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT:
* THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
» PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND
* EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, GROUND FLOOR AND FIRST FLOOR, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS OF THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY MAY 11 THIS YEAR.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE KOWLOON MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT A COST OF $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.
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/14 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
14
ANTI-POLLUTION PACK AVAILABLE FOR LOAN
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS PRODUCED AN EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION PACKAGE WHICH IS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FROM TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE "ANTI-POLLUTION PACK” WAS PRODUCED TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO THE SCALE AND NATURE OF THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE COMMUNITY.
THE COST OF THE PACKAGE, AMOUNTING TO $5 MILLION, WAS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
EACH PACKAGE CONTAINS FIVE FILMS PRESENTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, A TEACHERS’ GUIDE AND 25 WORKSHEETS FOR USE BY STUDENTS.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR LOAN ARE FIVE SLIDE PRESENTATIONS FOR THE GENERAL AUDIENCE AND FOUR SLIDE PRESENTATIONS FOR THE MORE TECHNICALLY-MINDED AUDIENCE.
ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE EACH PROVIDED, THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WITH ONE SET OF THE ANTI-POLLUTION PACK.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALSO HAS COPIES FOR LOAN TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WHICH ARE INTERESTED IN MAKING USE OF THE ANTI-POLLUTION PACK CAN APPROACH THE EPD FOR LOAN. THE MAXIMUM LOAN PERIOD IS TWO WEEKS. •
THEY CAN WRITE TO THE EPD'S LIBRARIAN SPECIFYING THE LOAN PERIOD, AND THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE CONTACT PERSON. THE EPD’S ADDRESS IS 28TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
- - - - 0---------
CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ON DB AGENDA
*****
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S MEETING ON THURSDAY (APRIL 26).
FOUR NEW CONSTITUENCIES, NAMELY CHAI WAN CENTRAL, HENG FA CHUEN, TAIKOO SHING AND CAUSEWAY BAY EAST, WERE CREATED IN A RECENT REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
/PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR GREGORY LEUNG WING-LUP, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING TO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION BY THE MEMBERS.
MEMBERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS 1990.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD ON THURSDAY (APRIL 26) AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TUEN MUN/SHA TIN BUS LINK ♦ **♦♦♦
THE INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT BUS SERVICES BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN VIA ROUTE NO. 5 WILL BE DISCUSSED BY THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY A PROPOSAL TO CONVERT THE OPEN AREA NEAR TAI HING ESTATE INTO A TEMPORARY CARPARK.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR DB FUNDS, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REPORT AND PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER A MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
/16
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 16 -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
******
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE MONG KOK SOUTHEAST TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME RECOMMENDED UNDER THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME IS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES IN THE SHOPPING AREA AROUND ARGYLE STREET AND EAST OF NATHAN ROAD.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO HEAR THE PLANNED CURTAILMENT OF OPERATING HOURS FOR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND TAI KOK TSUI.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET OF THE COMMITTEE FOR 1990-91.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
RETAILERS REMINDED ON PROPER FOOD LABELLING ******
FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS ARE TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED NOT TO SELL FOOD ITEMS IN PREPACKAGED FORM, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, WITHOUT PROPER LABELLING AS REQUIRED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POINTED OUT THAT OFFENDERS MAY BE FINED A MAXIMUM OF $25,000 AND IMPRISONED FOR SIX MONTHS.
THE REMINDER FOLLOWS RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH THREE RETAILERS WERE FINED FROM $2,000 TO $7,000.
IN THE FIRST CASE, A SUPERMARKET IN TSUEN WAN WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $7,000 FOR SELLING TWO PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS, SALTED MIXED NUTS AND PRESERVED LEMONS, WITHOUT PROPER MARKING OR LABELLING.
THE ITEMS DID NOT HAVE THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS, INDICATION OF MINIMUM DURABILITY, THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MANUFACTURER OR PACKER, NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OR NET VOLUME OF THE FOOD AS STIPULATED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
/FOR CONTRAVENING .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 17 -
FOR CONTRAVENING THE SAME REGULATIONS, TWO SHOPS IN MONG KOK, SELLING PREPACKAGED DRIED PERSIMMONS AND PREPACKAGED MANDARIN ORANGE PEEL APRICOT RESPECTIVELY, WERE EACH FINED $2,000.
ONE OF THEM WAS ADDITIONALLY FINED $2,000 FOR SELLING A FOOD ITEM - MANDARIN ORANGE PEEL APRICOT - CONTAINING AN UNPERMITTED ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER, CYCLAMATE. THIS WAS IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE FOOD ADULTERATION (ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS) REGULATIONS.
---------0-----------
ONE MORE WEEK FOR EMPLOYER'S RETURNS ♦ * * * *
EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED EMPLOYER'S RETURN OF REMUNERATION AND PENSIONS TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT BEFORE MAY 2, 1990.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT MORE THAN 108,000 RETURNS FOR 1989/90 HAD BEEN ISSUED TO EMPLOYERS ON APRIL 2.
’’FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE COMPLETED RETURNS BEFORE MAY 2 IS AN OFFENCE AND MAY RESULT IN THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES," HE SAID.
"MAKING AN INCORRECT OR FALSE RETURN WITH A FRAUDULENT INTENT TO EVADE TAX, OR TO ASSIST ANY OTHER PERSON TO DO SO, IS ALSO AN OFFENCE.
"ON CONVICTION, AN OFFENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTY, THE MAXIMUM BEING IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS AND A FURTHER FINE OF TREBLE THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED. THE COURT OF APPEAL OF HIGH COURT HAS WARNED THAT, ON CONVICTION, THE DEFENDANT SHALL BE LIABLE TO IMMEDIATE CUSTODIAL SENTENCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS THE EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE NOTICE IN WRITING OF THE COMMENCEMENT OR CESSATION OF ANY EMPLOYMENT, OR THE DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG, OF ANY EMPLOYEE, WHO IS OR IS LIKELY TO BE CHARGEABLE TO.SALARIES TAX," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, ANYONE WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE WOULD BE LIABLE TO HEAVY PENALTIES.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO HAS NOT YET RECEIVED THE RETURN FORMS OR WHO HAS ANY ENQUIRY IS ADVISED TO TELEPHONE 894 2030, OR WRITE TO GPO BOX 132, HONG KONG.
------0-------
/18........
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
18 -
1989/90 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY HALFWAY COMPLETED *****
THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY WHICH IS A ONE-YEAR EXERCISE THAT WILL LAST TILL SEPTEMBER 1990, IS HALFWAY COMPLETED.
"IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, SOME 2,300 HOUSEHOLDS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY. SO FAR, THE RESPONSE RATE OF THE SURVEY HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING," A SPOKESMAN FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"HOUSEHOLDS INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE SURVEY WERE GENERALLY VERY CO-OPERATIVE IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY INFORMATION FOR UPDATING THE EXPENDITURE WEIGHTINGS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES," HE ADDED.
THE SURVEY IS JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND THE HANG SENG BANK. EACH HOUSEHOLD PARTICIPATING IN THE SURVEY WILL BE REQUESTED TO KEEP DAILY RECORDS OF THEIR EXPENSES FOR 14 CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
INTERVIEWERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OR THE HANG SENG BANK, WHO CARRY WITH THEM OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARDS, WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO HOUSEHOLDS IN COMPLETING THEIR RECORDS.
"INFORMATION PROVIDED BY HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. PARTICULARS OF INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS IN ANY IDENTIFIABLE FORM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO MADE A SPECIAL APPEAL TO ALL HOUSEHOLDS TO CO-OPERATE FULLY IF THEY ARE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY LATER.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 823 4968 OR 823 5065 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
----0------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (APRIL 28) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
/EE3338
BX1 .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 19 -
EE3338 BX1 EE238 EF8
•k EE511 EE987 BG980 EE156
BC8699 EE2238 F37 EE6793
EG727 EE680 EE1928 EE551
EE9800 EE875 EG11 CL707
EE325 EG35 AA722 AP522
EB8 DD109 DF53 EE1287
EE1956 HK964 EE107 ED9600
EE786 EE321 EE992 EE1115
EE2880 DL22 EE1333 EE3898
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF A BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 149TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0-----------
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI KUNG TOWN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 26) TO MAY 29, A SERIES OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI KUNG TOWN TO FACILITATE THE STAGING OF THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
YI CHUN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
THE SECTION OF MAN NIN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 190 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PO TUNG ROAD TO ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH ROAD L7 WILL BE DESIGNATED A BAN ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT GOODS VEHICLES.
THE SECTION OF MAN NIN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PO TUNG ROAD TO ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH ROAD L7 WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
/THE SECTION .......
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990
- 20 -
THE SECTION OF MAN NIN STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH PO TUNG ROAD TO ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH ROAD L7 WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO WAY.
ROAD L7 WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
THE PARKING SPACES ON MAN NIN STREET, YI CHUN STREET, ROAD L7 AND IN THE PO TUNG ROAD CARPARK WILL BE SUSPENDED.
THE RIGHT TURN FROM PO TUNG ROAD TO MAN NIN STREET WILL BE BANNED.
THE TAXI STAND ON YI CHUN STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
THE TERMINI FOR NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 2, 3 AND 4 ON ROAD L7 AND YI CHUN STREET WILL BE RELOCATED TO CHAN MAN STREET.
NT GMB ROUTES 2, 3, AND 4 WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA PO TUNG ROAD AND FUK MAN ROAD, AND WILL TERMINATE AT CHAN MAN STREET.
---------0-----------
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS BAN ZONE IN SAI KUNG *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 26), CHAN MAN STREET IN SAI KUNG WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS BAN ZONE.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BAN ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: 1990-91 BUDGET LACKS PLANNING ...................................................... 1
PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE CUT .......................................... 2
1990 BUDGET SENSIBLE ............................................................. 4
CALL FOR REVIEW OF TAX SYSTEM .................................................... 5
1990-91 BUDGET "DOES NOTHING, GOES NOWHERE" ...................................... 6
BUDGET CONTAINS ALL THE RIGHT SENTIMENTS ......................................... 8
REVENUE POLICY INCONSISTENT ...................................................... 9
BUDGET UNABLE TO CONTAIN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ..................................... 10
CHINESE CO-OPERATION NEEDED IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT ...................... 11
CONCERN OVER AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ..................................... 12
BROAD-BASED TAX WILL INFLATE ECONOMY ............................................ 13
ANNUAL REPORT ON HK 1989 TO PARLIAMENT........................................... 14
PAC HEARING NEXT WEEK ........................................................... 14
PADS PROJECTS WITHIN HK'S MEANS: SES .............................................. 15
LEATHER EXHIBITS DEMONSTRATE DIVERSIFICATION EFFORTS .............................. 18
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IMPORTANT ....................................... 19
TECHNICAL EDUCATION IMPORTANT IN REHABILITATION OF INMATES ........................ 21
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE VISITS BOYS' HOME ...................................... 21
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO HOLD SEMINAR ON NEW FUNDING SYSTEM .................... 22
REMINDER ON APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ...................................... 23
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATION ........................................... 24
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ICAC DISTRICT PROGRAMME ...................................... 24
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN EASTERN ................................................... 25
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN NORTH POINT .......................................... 25
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN CAUSEWAY BAY ....................................... 26
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN ........................................................ 26
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER ....................................... 26
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 1 -1990-91 BUDGET LACKS PLANNING *****
THE SENIOR MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON ALLEN LEE, SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED AT THE LACK OF CONCRETE PROPOSALS IN THE 1990-91 BUDGET TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS OF INFLATION, PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND LABOUR SHORTAGE.
LEADING OFF THE DEBATE ON THE BUDGET IN THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR LEE NOTED THAT THOSE PROBLEMS STILL EXISTED AND WERE IN FACT GETTING WORSE.
HE WARNED THAT IF THEY WERE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE, HONG KONG WOULD BE HEADING FOR A RECESSION IF NOT A DEPRESSION.
SINGLING OUT INFLATION AS THE NUMBER ONE ENEMY, MR LEE SAID: "IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO EASE INFLATIONARY PRESSURE, PERHAPS DRASTIC ACTIONS ARE REQUIRED."
HE CRITICISED THE BUDGET AS ONE THAT LACKED PLANNING AND ANTICIPATION. IT WAS ALSO EXPENDITURE DRIVEN, WHICH HE MEANT: "HERE IS THE EXPENDITURE. NOW, WHICH AREAS OF TAXATION CAN WE INCREASE TO TAKE CARE OF THE EXPENDITURE?"
CITING THE NEW AIRPORT AS AN EXAMPLE, MR LEE SAID: "WE ALL WELCOMED THE PROJECT. THE QUESTION IS HOW TO FINANCE IT."
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS ALL VERY WELL TO TALK ABOUT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION, BUT A LOT OF QUESTIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE ANSWERED AND ADDRESSED.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID: "THE PUBLIC AND THE BUSINESS CIRCLE WANT TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT PORTION OF THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND WHAT TYPE OF SERVICES WILL BE PRIVATISED AND HOW? IS THE PROJECT COMMERCIALLY VIABLE? WHAT WILL BE THE PLANNED PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE? IF THERE IS NO PRIVATE SECTOR INTEREST, WILL GOVERNMENT GO AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT OUT OF NECESSITY? WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM IN THIS CASE?"
IF SUCH INFORMATION WAS ALREADY AVAILABLE, THE PUBLIC OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT IT, HE STRESSED.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR LEE EXPRESSED GRAVE CONCERN ABOUT THE RECENT GATHERINGS, SIT-INS, HUNGER STRIKES AND MARCHES INVOLVING THE STAFF OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DEMANDING SALARY INCREASES AND BETTER BENEFITS.
WHILST APPRECIATING CIVIL SERVANTS’ ANXIETIES AND UNEASE ABOUT THE FUTURE, MR LEE SAID: "MONEY CANNOT BUY PEACE OF MIND."
HE SAID: "THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT CAN DO ONLY SO MUCH, AND IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY TO USE MONEY TO BUY THE CIVIL SERVICE. AS FAR AS THE FUTURE IS CONCERNED, IT IS A SERIOUS MATTER THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT MUST ADDRESS."
/IN MR ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 2 -
IN MR LEE’S OPINION, CIVIL SERVANTS WERE, IN GENERAL, ADEQUATELY RENUMERATED.
AS FAR AS THIS YEAR’S PAY INCREASE WAS CONCERNED, MR LEE URGED CIVIL SERVANTS TO LISTEN CAREFULLY TO PUBLIC REACTION. UNION LEADERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE VIEWS OF THE GENERAL WORKING CLASS AND MAN-IN-THE-STREET, HE NOTED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD REMEMBER THAT IT WAS THEIR DUTY TO SERVE THE PUBLIC, AND ANY DISRUPTION IN THEIR SERVICE COULD LEAD TO SOCIAL UNREST LOCALLY AND BAD PUBLICITY OVERSEAS.
HE STRESSED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS HAD A MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG WAS AT ’’THE CROSSROAD OF CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL MATRIX”.
’’WHAT WE NEED IS A STABLE CIVIL SERVICE TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE,” HE SAID.
MR LEE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND ASK ITSELF SUCH SOUL-SEARCHING QUESTIONS AS: "IS THERE ANY FAT THAT CAN BE TRIMMED? HOW CAN WE HAVE A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE CIVIL SERVICE? CAN PRODUCTIVITY BE INCREASED?”
AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, MR LEE UNDERTOOK TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER WHEN REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL POSTS COME UP IN THE FUTURE.
MR LEE CONCLUDED HIS SPEECH WITH THIS MESSAGE TO THE CIVIL SERVICE: ”WE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT TOGETHER. WHETHER WE SINK OR SWIM DEPENDS ON OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE FUTURE AND THE TOGETHERNESS OF OUR COMMUNITY. WE SHOULD FACE PROBLEMS TOGETHER, TACKLE PROBLEMS TOGETHER AND RESOLVE PROBLEMS TOGETHER.”
------0--------
PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE CUT
THE HON MARIA TAM, SAID SHE SAW REAL DANGERS IN BUDGET PLANNING BASED ON EXPENDITURE IN VIEW OF THE ENORMOUS PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON INFRASTRUCTURE.
SHE BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG WAS BEGINNING TO FIND WAYS OF SHIFTING THE TAX BURDEN TO THE LOWER INCOME GROUPS.
SPEAKING DURING THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS TAM SAID PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE NEEDED TO BE TRIMMED DOWN IF SUCH DANGERS WERE TO BE REDUCED.
/TO ACHIEVE .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 3 -
TO ACHIEVE THIS EMD, SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD BE AUSTERE IN KEEPING DOWN THE COST AND SCALE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND LOOK FOR AREAS TO TRIM DOWN ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMPOSE STRICT CONTROL ON THE PHASING IN OR CO-ORDINATION OF VARIOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS WITH THE PADS RELATED PROJECTS TO AVOID AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE OVER HEATING OF THE ECONOMY IN ANY ONE YEAR.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT THAT NO TARGET DATE WAS SACROSANCT, SHE SAID.
"WE MUST GENERATE ENOUGH REVENUE TO SUPPORT THE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMMES BUT THE BURDEN MUST BE SPREAD CAREFULLY OVER A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME SO AS TO AVOID HIGH INFLATION AND UNREASONABLE TAX BURDEN IN ANY GIVEN YEAR," SHE SAID.
MISS TAM ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WATCH OUT FOR THE COSTS OF PRIVATISATION OF ANY GOVERNMENT SERVICES AS THE COST OF SUCH SCHEMES WAS GETTING HIGHER AND HIGHER.
ON TAXATION, MISS TAM NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD TAKEN NO FURTHER STEPS TO PUSH FOR THE WHOLESALES TAX IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH BUT THE INCREASE IN REVENUE AND CHARGES HAD SIMILAR EFFECTS IN SPREADING THE TAX BURDEN AS THE WHOLESALES TAX, WITH THE INCREASE ON WATER CHARGES AND FUEL TAX AFFECTING EVERYONE AND THE RISE IN RATES AFFECTING 1.09 MILLION RATE PAYERS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT TAX ON DIESEL OIL WAS INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT WITH NO CORRESPONDING REBATE GIVEN TO ENFRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES, WHICH WOULD MEAN AN INCREASE OF FOUR CENTS A PASSENGER TRIP.
"IT CERTAINLY GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO ROPE EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE LESS WELL OFF, DEEPER INTO THE TAX NET. THE MOVE FROM DIRECT TAXES TO MORE INDIRECT TAXES IS A SOUND HOUSEHOLD FINANCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY, BUT WE MUST REMEMBER THE BURDEN IT CAN CREATE ON THE LESS WELL OFF.
"ONE CAN SAY THAT FOR WHOLESALES TAX IT IS UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL WHETHER HE WISHES TO SPEND MONEY ON GOODS AND SERVICES. BUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES CANNOT BE AVOIDED," SHE SAID.
MISS TAM SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD
CONSIDER GRANTING A REBATE OF FUEL TAX TO ENFRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
SHE EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MIGHT SEEK TO INTRODUCE WHOLESALES TAX ON THE ONE HAND AND IMPOSE TAXATION ON THE BASIC ESSENTIALS ON THE OTHER IN LOOKING FOR REVENUE TO PAY FOR PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE.
"THUS IN THE PROCESS OF ACHIEVING A MORE COMFORTABLE RATIO BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXATION WE END UP NOT ONLY WIDENING THE TAX BASE BUT ALSO RAISING HIGHER REVENUE ON EXISTING INDIRECT TAX.
/"THE RESULT .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
"THE RESULT IS THAT WE SHALL GO DOWN A SLIPPERY SLOPE OF
RISING INFLATION," SHE SAID.
ON THE SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER AND SKILLED LABOUR WHICH WOULD RESTRAIN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, MISS TAM SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD GIVE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPORTED LABOUR SCHEME LAUNCHED LAST MAY.
- - 0 - -
1990 BUDGET SENSIBLE *****
THE 1990 BUDGET IS A SENSIBLE ONE BUT A LOT HAS TO BE DONE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT REVENUE FOR INCREASING EXPENDITURE AND TIGHTER CONTROL OF THE ENORMOUS PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE, HON PETER POON SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR POON URGED HONG KONG PEOPLE TO WORK HARD DURING THIS TIME OF SLOW ECONOMIC PROGRESS SO AS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FUTURE SUCCESS.
HE SAID THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN 1989 HAD BEEN DISAPPOINTING WITH A GROWTH RATE OF 2.4 PER CENT AND HONG KONG HAD TO ACCEPT THAT THE ECONOMY WAS LOSING STEAM WITH SEVERAL YEARS OF SLOWER GROWTH AHEAD.
HE ALSO RAISED DOUBT ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S FORECAST THAT INFLATION WOULD SLOW DOWN TO 8.5 PER CENT BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY COMMITMENT ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND HIGH PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WHICH WOULD PUSH INFLATION TO A HIGHER LEVEL.
HE EXPECTED HONG KONG TO FACE A PERIOD OF STAGFLATION — A STAGNANT ECONOMY WITH INFLATION.
FACED WITH SHORT SUPPLY IN LABOUR AND HIGH STAFF WASTAGE RATES, MR POON URGED EMPLOYERS TO BE MORE PRAGMATIC AND REASONABLE, AND FOR WORKERS TO EXERCISE PROPER CAUTION AND RESTRAINTS IN THEIR ACTIONS.
NOTING THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE TOOK UP 60 PER CENT OF RECURRENT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, MR POON SUGGESTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD SCRUTINISE VERY TIGHTLY THE GROWTH OF CIVIL SERVICE.
"WHILE ADDITIONAL POSTS ARE JUSTIFIED IN CERTAIN ESSENTIAL SERVICES, RESTRAINT MUST BE EXERCISED ON THE OVERALL STAFF ESTABLISHMENT AND STAFF COSTS WHICH HAVE GROWN TO SUCH A STAGE THAT IT IS CAUSING GREAT CONCERN.
/"I CAN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
5
"I CAN WELL UNDERSTAND THAT WE MUST BE MINDFUL OF THE MORALE OF OUR CIVIL SERVICE, BUT WHEN OUR ECONOMY IS HAVING PROBLEMS, WE MUST EXERCISE THE CLOSEST SCRUTINY IN CONTROLLING SUCH EXPENDITURE,” HE SAID.
MR POON POINTED OUT THAT THE ADJUSTMENT IN RATES WAS HEFTY WITH A PROPOSED 25 PER CENT INCREASE WHICH WOULD AFFECT A WIDE SECTION OF THE PUBLIC.
AS ALL RATEABLE VALUES WERE TO BE REVISED WITH EFFECT FROM 1991/92, THE FUTURE IMPACT WOULD BE EVEN GREATER, HE ADDED.
------0--------
CALL FOR REVIEW OF TAX SYSTEM *****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE ENTIRE TAX SYSTEM, THE HON MARTIN LEE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR LEE SAID THAT THE REVIEW SHOULD EXAMINE THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT’S REVENUE POLICIES AND WHETHER THAT PHILOSOPHY WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE CURRENT TAX SYSTEM.
"IN PARTICULAR, THE REVIEW WOULD EXAMINE THE PRESENT TAX BAND STRUCTURE AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES, IT WOULD ALSO SEEK TO DETERMINE WHAT ARE THE OPTIMUM RATES FOR THE SALARIES AND PROFITS TAXES."
MR LEE STRESSED THAT OPINIONS FROM ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, AND THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF A TAX ALLOWANCE FOR MORTGAGE INTEREST SHOULD BE EXAMINED FOR THE SAKE OF THE "SANDWICHED" CLASS.
IN ADDITION, THE REVIEW SHOULD DETERMINE HOW THE EXTENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMMES PLANNED BY THE GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO BE FINANCED, HE SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF INFRASTRUCTURE PLANS, MR LEE SAID THE GOVERNMENT MUST NOT HESITATE TO DISCUSS IN FULL THE MANY DIFFERENT SIDES OF THE QUESTIONS WE WOULD FACE, BE THEY POLITICAL OR FISCAL.
"THE GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC AND ENCOURAGE THEM AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN THIS COUNCIL TO HAVE A HEALTHY, FULL-FLEDGED DEBATE ON ANY MAJOR POLICY MATTER BEFORE COMING TO A FINAL DECISION ON IT," HE SAID.
/NOTING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 6 -
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE TAX SYSTEM THAT LESSENED THE SYSTEM’S PROGRESSIVITY, MR LEE EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT NEW TAXES THAT PELL JUST AS HEAVILY ON THOSE LEAST ABLE TO PAY AS ON THOSE MOST ABLE TO DO SO.
HE WARNED THAT IN DECIDING TO INCREASE INDIRECT TAXES, THE GOVERNMENT MUST BEAR CLOSELY IN MIND THE ENTIRETY OF THE SITUATION FACED BY MANY LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES.
"THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT SIMPLY LOOK AT EACH TAX OR RATE INCREASE SEPARATELY. RATHER, IT MUST APPRECIATE THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THE RISE IN INDIRECT TAXES SUCH AS THAT ON PETROL, THE INCREASE IN RATES AND WATER CHARGES, AND THE MUCH HIGHER COSTS CONSUMERS MAY FACE UNDER CERTAIN PRIVATISATION SCHEMES," HE SAID.
ON THE ENVIRONMENT, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATIONS TO ADOPTING THE POLICY OF THREE "P’S": POLLUTERS PAY THE PRICE.
BY MAKING THE POLLUTERS PAY THE PRICE, HE SAID MANUFACTURERS WOULD THEN HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS BEFORE DECIDING TO PRODUCE PARTICULAR TYPES OF PRODUCTS.
------0--------
1990-91 BUDGET "DOES NOTHING, GOES NOWHERE" ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
HONG KONG NEEDS A ’’PRO-HONG KONG, PRO-BUSINESS” BUDGET WHICH WOULD BREAK THE CHAIN RESTRAINING THE TERRITORY’S GROWTH AND MAP A CLEAR PATH TOWARDS GREATER PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, THE HON DAVID LI, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR LI NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS PLAGUED BY INFLATION, SLOW GROWTH AND A LACK OF CONFIDENCE, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR A NEW AIRPORT AND PORT FACILITIES DID NOTHING TO PURGE THESE EVILS.
"NOT ONLY DOES THIS BUDGET HIT HONG KONG PEOPLE AND BUSINESS WHERE THEY ARE MOST VULNERABLE, IT CASTS A DARK SHADOW OVER WHAT LIFE IN HONG KONG WILL BE LIKE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER YOUR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME,” MR LI SAID.
HE SAID THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY WAS MOST DISAPPOINTED BY THIS YEAR’S PESSIMISTIC, ”DO NOTHING, GO NOWHERE” BUDGET.
MR LI CALLED FOR A HALT TO THE STEADY GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF ’’ZERO-BASED BUDGETING” WITHIN GOVERNMENT, WHICH HE SAID WOULD ENCOURAGE SAVING AND EFFICIENCY.
/FOR FISCAL........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
7 -
FOR FISCAL AND ECONOMIC HEALTH REASONS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE STEPS TO REVERSE THE TREND TOWARDS ’’QUANGOS (QUASI NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS), HE SAID.
HE SAID THE KCRC, AND THE MTRC SHOULD BE PRIVATISED, AND SERVICES SUCH AS WATER DISTRIBUTION SHOULD BE HANDED OVER TO PRIVATE SECTOR OPERATORS.
THE GOVERNMENT MUST PLACE A FAR HIGHER PRIORITY ON COMPUTERISING ITS OPERATIONS, AND MUST DEVELOP A COMPUTER POLICY WHICH IS CLEAR AND ORGANISED IN ITS OBJECTIVES, STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION, HE ADDED.
MR LI CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMPTLY APPROVE THE PROPOSALS TO GRANT TAX CONCESSIONS TO VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND TO ABOLISH THE STAMP DUTY ON SHARE TRANSFERS, BECAUSE THESE WOULD ENCOURAGE GREATER LOCAL INVESTMENT AND HELP STEM THE FLIGHT OF CORPORATE CAPITAL.
IMMEDIATE ACTION WAS ALSO REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE TAX ANOMALY WHICH WAS DRIVING CORPORATE INVESTORS AWAY FROM THE LOCAL CAPITAL MARKET, MR LI ADDED.
TURNING TO THE LABOUR MARKET, MR LI URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE PRIORITY TO VOCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, AS WELL AS WORKER RE-TRAINING, AS A REMEDY TO THE SHORTAGE OF SKILLED TECHNICIANS AND MIDDLE-MANAGERS.
HE ALSO FELT THAT THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR ON A CLOSELY-MONITORED, PROJECT-BY-PROJECT, NON-COMPETITIVE BASIS WOULD EASE LOCAL PRESSURES.
ACCORDING TO MR LI, EFFORTS TO EXPAND THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR MUST BE COMPLEMENTED BY EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF LABOUR.
’’TAX INCENTIVES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR COMPANIES TO INVEST IN AUTOMATION, CAD/CAM AND OTHER LABOUR-SAVING MACHINERY. HIGHER DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG COMPANIES TO KEEP PACE WITH RAPIDLY CHANGING TECHNOLOGY AND SO KEEP THEIR COMPETITIVE EDGE,” HE SAID.
A GREATER SENSE OF HONG KONG, GOVERNMENT FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED
HE SAID THAT AS A MEANS OF CREATING BELONGING AND COMMITMENT AMONG THE PEOPLE OF SHOULD PROVIDE MORTGAGE-INTEREST TAX RELIEF
RESIDENCES.
"GOVERNMENT MUST ALSO WORK WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND WITH INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS TO IMPROVE HONG KONG’S RETIREMENT SCHEMES. IT SHOULD ENCOURAGE MORE COMPANIES TO ESTABLISH SUCH PROGRAMMES,” MR LI SAID.
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/8.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL Z5, 1990
8
BUDGET CONTAINS ALL THE RIGHT SENTIMENTS
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH ON THE 1990-91 BUDGET CONTAINED ALL THE RIGHT SENTIMENTS, THE HON EDWARD HO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR HO OBSERVED THAT THE BUDGET EMPHASISED A FIRMER CONTROL OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE DISCIPLINE THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE SHOULD NOT EXCEED THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUE FOR MONEY AND INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
NOTING THAT THE ECONOMY HAD BEGUN TO SLOW DOWN, AND THAT IN THE FACE OF THE MAGNITUDE OF EXPENDITURE ON MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS AND OF INCREASED PROVISION OF PUBLIC SERVICES, MR HO SAID IT WAS IMPERATIVE THAT TIGHTER CONTROL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND THE BUDGET SHOULD BE TURNED INTO ACTION.
HE SAID THAT INDUSTRIAL ACTIONS OVER PAY AND BENEFITS FROM SOME SECTORS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE HAD HIGHLIGHTED THE URGENCY OF THE NEED TO HAVE SOME VERY FUNDAMENTAL OVERHAUL OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY.
MR HO RENEWED HIS CALL FOR FURTHER PRIVATISATION OF PUBLIC SERVICES.
"THERE IS NO BETTER INCENTIVE TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITIES THAN TO PERFORM TO COMPETITION AND MARKET FORCES," HE SAID.
MR HO SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE GIVEN THE ROLE TO PROVIDE FOR SOME OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES AND THAT, FOR THE SAKE OF THE CONSUMERS’ WELFARE, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO AVOID THE CREATION OF MONOPOLIES.
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE SAID HE WAS STILL LOOKING FOR GOVERNMENT’S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD IN THE PAMPHLET ON PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS, IN PARTICULAR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE "TRADING FUND ACCOUNTING SYSTEM".
ON HOUSING POLICY, MR HO SAID THAT PRIVATE HOME OWNERSHIP SHOULD BE THE MAIN THRUST AND THAT PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO WERE REALLY IN NEED.
AS REGARDS INFLATION, HE SAID THE SAME PEOPLE WHO WERE URGING FOR MORE STRINGENT CONTROL ON INFLATION, OBJECTING TO THE INCREASED DUTIES AND RATES, AND OTHER PRICE INCREASES, WERE LIKELY THE SAME ONES WHO WERE ASKING FOR HIGHER WAGES AND INCREASED PUBLIC SERVICES.
HE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM IN FACT LAID IN THE UPWARD SPIRALLING WAGES AND SALARIES CAUSED BY SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER AT ALL GRADES.
ON THE AIRPORT AND PORT PROJECTS, MR HO SAID THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PROJECTS WOULD INJECT MORE CONFIDENCE AMONG THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AND HE HOPED THAT CHINA WOULD ENDORSE THEM.
/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 9 -
REVENUE POLICY INCONSISTENT
*****
A CASUAL STUDY OF PAST BUDGETS SHOWS THAT THE MIX OF REVENUE PROPOSALS DIFFER EACH YEAR, THUS SUGGESTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE A CONSISTENT POLICY ON HOW TO RAISE REVENUE, THE HON RONALD ARCULLI, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR ARCULLI SAID SOME GOVERNMENT CHARGES WERE REVISED ALMOST ON A YEARLY BASIS WHEREAS MANY HAD NOT BEEN ADJUSTED FOR YEARS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT REVISE REGULARLY, SAY ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS, ACCORDING
ALL FEES AND CHARGES TO INFLATION LEVELS.
THIS WOULD NOT ONLY PROVIDE THE TREASURY WITH A STABLE AND STEADY INCOME FLOW, BUT ALSO SAVE PAYERS FROM UNEXPECTED AND UNPREDICTABLE HIGH LEVEL OF INCREASES, HE SAID.
ON RATES INCREASE, MR ARCULLI SAID ANY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN RATES WOULD BRING ABOUT AN ADDITIONAL BURDEN ON ALL, AND PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME BRACKETS.
"THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT ARGUE THAT INCREASING RATES LEVEL FROM SIX TO 7.5 PER CENT IS BY NO MEANS' UNREASONABLE, BUT THE REVISION OF ALL RATEABLE VALUES WITH EFFECT FROM 1991-92 MEANS FURTHER INCREASES NEXT YEAR," HE NOTED.
HE SUGGESTED THAT WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY LOOKED AT THE PERCENTAGE CHARGES NEXT YEAR, HE MIGHT CONSIDER A SLIDING SCALE, UNDER WHICH PROPERTIES WITH A HIGHER RATEABLE VALUE BE CHARGED A HIGHER PERCENTAGE, ADDING "TO ENSURE THAT THE BURDEN OF THE CHARGE IS EQUITABLY SPREAD BETWEEN DIFFERENT CLASSES OF RATE PAYERS."
NOTING THAT IN HONG KONG CAR-LOVERS, PROPERTY BUYERS AND OWNERS, SMOKERS, RACEGOERS AND WINE GOURMETS, PUMP HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO PUBLIC COFFERS EACH YEAR, MR ARCULLI PROPOSED THAT PLEASURE BOAT OWNERS, WHO FOR DECADES HAD BEEN USING AND PERHAPS POLLUTING OUR WATERS AT A MEAGRE COST, BE ASKED TO MAKE A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION.
ON PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS, MR ARCULLI SAID IN A PROJECT OF THIS SIZE AND COMPLEXITY, TIME WAS MONEY.
"IN THIS RESPECT I AGREE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARKS THAT WE CAN LOOK TO PAST EXAMPLES." NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID WHAT WE MUST NOT ASSUME THOUGH WAS THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD NECESSARILY SHARE THIS VIEW.
"IT MAY BE THAT THE RISKS PERCEIVED BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY ON A PROJECT OF THIS TYPE AND WITHIN THE CONTEMPLATED TIMEFRAME ARE SOMEWHAT HIGHER DUE TO A VARIETY OF REASONS, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS THE COST FACTOR, AND FOR HIGHER RISK THEY WOULD, QUITE UNDERSTANDABLY, WANT A HIGHER RETURN," HE SAID.
/MR ARCULLI .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 10 -
MR ARCULLI SAID TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINED SUCCESSFUL IN FUTURE, THE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY ADDRESS WERE CLEARLY IMPORTANT.
HE ADDED: "IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES I BELIEVE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD NOT MIND TIGHTENING UP THEIR BELTS WHEN NECESSARY, PROVIDED THAT THEY KNOW THAT THIS BURDEN IS SHARED BY THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY EQUITABLY.
"ANY UNPOPULAR AND UNFAIR REVENUE PROPOSALS AND UNREASONABLE INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE WOULD NOT BE WELCOMED AND MAY AFFECT SOCIAL STABILITY, THUS FURTHER POSSIBLY JEOPARDISING OUR ECONOMIC PROSPECTS," MR ARCULLI SAID.
--------0-----------
BUDGET UNABLE TO CONTAIN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THIS YEAR’S BUDGET LACKS A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE FOR THE TERRITORY’S FISCAL POLICIES AND IS UNABLE TO CONTAIN PUBLIC EXPENDITURES, THE HON MRS NELLIE FONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MRS FONG SAID SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BUDGET BECAUSE SHE FOUND THE CLUTCHING FOR BITS OF MONEY HERE AND THERE TO COVER INCREASED COSTS, COULD WORK FOR ONE YEAR BUT IT WAS NOT A LONG TERM OPTION.
SHE SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE FISCAL POLICIES AND DEVELOP A LONG LASTING FINANCIAL AND TAX STRUCTURE, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TAKING STEPS TO CONTAIN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
SHE SAID FREEZING OR REDUCING THE NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVICE POSTS WOULD CERTAINLY BE A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN CONTAINING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT VARIOUS AREAS OF GOVERNMENT OPERATION TO SEE WHICH COULD BE PRIVATISED, SHE SAID.
A CRITICAL REVIEW SHOULD BE MADE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES TO CUT DOWN THE NUMBER OF FILES AND THE STEPS INVOLVED IN PROCESSING APPLICATIONS OF ANY NATURE, SHE ADDED.
MRS FONG ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKE A CONTINUOUS SERIES OF VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES TO COVER, OVER A PERIOD, ALL AREAS OF THE GOVERNMENT.
MOREOVER, SHE SAID THAT IT MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE TO REVIEW THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO SUBSIDISE PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL EVENTS AS THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN HONG KONG HAD IMPROVED IMMENSELY OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS.
---------0-----------
/Il........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
11 -
CHINESE CO-OPERATION NEEDED IN INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
*****
HONG KONG AND CHINA SHOULD TAKE ALL THE STEPS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE AIRPORT TO BE BUILT BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AT SHENZHEN WILL BE OPERATIONALLY COMPATIBLY, THE HON J.D. MCGREGOR, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, HE SAID THE SAME CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S NEW PORT FACILITIES.
NOTING THAT THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF LABOURERS REQUIRED FOR THE AIRPORT, PORT AND CONNECTED INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS WOULD NEVER BE MET FROM LOCAL RESOURCES, MR MCGREGOR SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO COME FROM CHINA.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT START SORTING OUT THIS PROBLEM NOW WITH THE IDEA IN MIND THAT CONTRACTORS ON MAJOR PROJECTS BE ALLOWED TO BRING IN CONTRACT LABOUR FROM CHINA JUST AS THEY WOULD BRING IN TECHNICIANS AND OTHER SKILLED STAFF FROM ELSEWHERE.
MR MCGREGOR SAID MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG REALISED THAT IN THE YEARS AHEAD THE ENORMOUS COST OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD NEED NEW MEANS OF PAYING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR COSTS INVOLVED, NO MATTER HOW SUCCESSFULLY THE PRIVATE SECTOR COULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE.
• i
"IT IS A DAUNTING TASK AND WILL NEED IMAGINATIVE AND INNOVATIVE THINKING AND A GREAT DEAL OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FINDING THE ANSWERS."
HE ADDED THAT MUCH WOULD DEPEND ON CHINA AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT’S WILLINGNESS TOxRECOGNISE THAT THE HUGE PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT INVOLVED IN ’OURNFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT DURING THE DECADE OF THE 90’S, WOULD NEED AN APPROPRIATELY HIGH LEVEL OF BUSINESS CONFIDENCE.
HE SAID: "THIS CAN ONLY BE SECURED IN A FRIENDLY AND CO-OPERATIVE ENVIRONMENT. THIS IN TURN, WILL NEED DETAILED EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND VIEWS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, TO SEE HOW BEST INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD PROCEED ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE FACT THAT MUCH OF IT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO TRADING AND TOURISM ACTIVITIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA."
MR MCGREGOR REITERATED A CALL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OLD AGE PENSION AT AGE 65 FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN WHICH SHOULD NOT BE MEANS TESTED AND SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW A RETIRED PERSON WITH NO OTHER INCOME TO, AT LEAST, KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO TRANSPORT SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE SENIOR CITIZENS WITH PREFERENTIAL TRAVEL.
------0 - -
/12
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 12 -
CONCERN OVER AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ******
THE HON KINGSLEY SIT, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE GOVERNMENT’S AMBITIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS AND RISING PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF A GRADUAL SLOWDOWN OF THE ECONOMY AND HIGH INFLATION.
"I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE RATIONALE FOR PUSHING AHEAD AT A FAST PACE WITH MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, SUCH AS THE NEW AIRPORT, WHICH WILL PUT SEVERE STRAINS ON THE PUBLIC PURSE," HE SAID.
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SIT SAID HE WAS NOT SATISFIED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO STICK TO THE PRESENT TIME SCHEDULE FOR THE COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS WITHOUT ANY IDEA AS TO THE DETAILED FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS.
WHILE ADMITTING THAT THE COMMUNITY APPRECIATED THE FACT THAT A NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE INEVITABLE GIVEN THE STABLE GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADING LINKS, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT A CAUTIOUS APPROACH.
ON PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE, MR SIT SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE A CONSCIOUS ATTEMPT TO REVIEW ITS ESTABLISHMENT, IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND TIGHTEN EFFICIENCY.
HE SAID WHILST CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH WAS NECESSARY IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING DEMANDS ON PUBLIC SERVICES, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT ANY REAL INCREASE IN PAY WAS MATCHED BY INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REVENUE PROPOSALS, MR SIT OBSERVED THAT THE IMPOSITION OF A 1.5 PER CENT INCREASE IN RATES WOULD NULLIFY THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO ENCOURAGE HOME OWNERSHIP AMONG THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUP SO THAT THEY COULD ENJOY BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS.
TO LESSEN THE BURDEN ON THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP, HE SUGGESTED LIMITING THE INCREASE TO FLATS WITH A GROSS FLOOR AREA EXCEEDING 700 FEET.
MR SIT ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN FUEL TAX WOULD EVENTUALLY BE PASSED ON TO CONSUMERS IN TERMS OF GENERAL FARE REVISION, AND AGGRAVATE THE BURDEN OF THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP.
ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR SIT OBSERVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT SOON HAVE TO TAKE STOCK ON TANGIBLE PROGRESS, MATCH IT AGAINST THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES DEVOTED TOWARDS MAKING SUCH PROGRESS, AND CONDUCT VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES TO ASCERTAIN FUTURE STRATEGIES IN THE LIGHT OF THE MANY COMPETING PRIORITIES IT FACED.
- - 0 - -
/13 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 13 -
BROAD-BASED TAX WILL INFLATE ECONOMY
******
NOTHING WOULD INFLATE THE ECONOMY AND INCREASE DEMAND FOR HIGHER WAGES MORE THAN A BROAD-BASED TAX THAT WOULD SQUEEZE THE POOR TO RELIEVE THE TAXES OF THE RICH, HON ELSIE TU, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS TU SUGGESTED THAT INDIRECT TAX SHOULD BE LEVIED ON LUXURY GOODS WHICH PEOPLE COULD AFFORD WITHOUT CAUSING UNDUE SUFFERING TO THEMSELVES.
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MRS TU SAID IT WOULD BE TOTALLY FAIR THAT THOSE WHO COULD AFFORD THE LUXURIES OF LIFE TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TO THE ECONOMY THAN THOSE WHO COULD BARELY MANAGE TO BUY THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE.
SHE ADDED THAT REIMBURSEMENT OF TAX COULD EASILY BE ARRANGED TO PROTECT THE TOURIST TRADE AS WAS DONE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
MRS TU CRITICISED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR THE INCREASED TAX ON HYDROCARBON OILS WHICH HAD AFFECTED THE WHOLE POPULATION, NOT LEAST LOWER-PAID WORKERS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE RISE IN OIL TAX HAD RESULTED IN TAXI OPERATORS AND DRIVERS PAYING THE TAX PERSONALLY, WHILE OIL SUPPLIERS SUFFERED NO LOSS.
EVENTUALLY, THE BURDEN OF TAX WOULD BE FILTERED TO THE LOWEST PAID WORKERS WITH THE RISE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES, SHE ADDED.
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, MRS TU SAID THERE HAD BEEN A WIDENING GAP IN PAY NOT ONLY DOLLAR-WISE, BUT ALSO PERCENTAGE WISE BETWEEN THOSE AT THE TOP AND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE LADDER.
ALSO, THERE HAD BEEN AN EVER-WIDENING GAP IN THE WORKLOAD AS WORK WAS PASSED DOWN THE LADDER, SHE ADDED.
”1 AM AFRAID IF THIS TREND CONTINUES, LABOUR UNREST, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEGUN, WILL INCREASE ADDING TO THE POLITICAL ANXIETIES WE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST YEAR,” SHE SAID.
IN APPEALING FOR THE NARROWING OF INEQUALITIES IN THE COMMUNITY, MRS TU SUGGESTED THAT THOSE WHO MADE THE DECISIONS ON PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE SHOULD LOOK AFTER THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO HAD NO SAY IN MAKING THOSE DECISIONS.
"I AM NOT ASKING FOR FREE LUNCHES — FREE LUNCHES BELONG TO THE PRIVILEGED IN THE COMMUNITY. ALL I ASK IS A FAIR SYSTEM OF REWARD FOR LABOUR, FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF WORKLOAD, AND A FAIR TAX POLICY, FROM EACH ACCORDING TO HIS MEANS,” SHE SAID.
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/14.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 14 -
ANNUAL REPORT ON HK 1989 TO PARLIAMENT * * * * *
THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1989 TO PARLIAMENT WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOLLOWING ITS PRESENTATION TO PARLIAMENT LAST WEDNESDAY.
THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FORM OF A WHITE PAPER IN LONDON ON THE SAME DAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AGREED IN 1985, DURING THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES ON THE HONG KONG BILL, TO PRODUCE ANNUAL REPORTS ON HONG KONG AND TO LAY THEM BEFORE PARLIAMENT.
"THE PURPOSE OF THIS SERIES OF REPORTS IS TO KEEP PARLIAMENT INFORMED OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG."
HE SAID THE REPORT, THE FIFTH IN THE SERIES, CONTAINED A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE MAIN EVENTS IN HONG KONG DURING THE YEAR 1989 AND THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1990.
IT COVERS VISITS TO HONG KONG BY MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, GOVERNMENT MINISTERS AND THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, VISITS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, AND VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
IT ALSO COVERS MATTERS CONCERNING NATIONALITY, EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION, CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS, HUMAN RIGHTS, DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY, SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS AND MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT, AND PUBLIC ORDER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF THE REPORT, AVAILABLE BILINGUALLY, FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES SECTION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL.
------0-------
PAC HEARING NEXT WEEK * * * *
AN OPEN HEARING OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD NEXT WEEK FOLLOWING THE TABLING OF THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REPORT IS ON THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS COMPLETED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1989 AND FEBRUARY 1990.
THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON THURSDAY, MAY 3, STARTING AT 9.30 AM.
CONTROLLING OFFICERS WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE IN RELATION TO POINTS MADE IN THE REPORT.
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/15........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 15 -
PADS PROJECTS WITHIN HK ’ S MEANS: SES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MAD: A CAREFUL ANALYSIS OF THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS) AND IT IS SATISFIED THAT THE VARIOUS COMPONENT PROJECTS OF PADS ARE WITHIN ITS MEANS.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SHE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF THE ’’NEW HONG KONG AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT” CONFERENCE.
’’BEFORE FORMULATING THE STRATEGY, YEARS OF DETAILED STUDY HAD TAKEN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT THE STRATEGY PROVIDED THE BEST OPTION IN TERMS OF OVERALL DEVELOPMENT AND WAS THE MOST VIABLE BOTH FINANCIALLY AND COMMERCIALLY,” SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT AS A PACKAGE, THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS FOR THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT WOULD ENSURE THAT HONG KONG RETAINS AND ENHANCES ITS POSITION AS ONE OF THE MAJOR SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT HUBS IN THE REGION.
’’THESE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL NOT ONLY FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC WELL BEING BUT ALSO FOR CHINA’S, PARTICULARLY SOUTHERN CHINA,” SHE STRESSED.
MRS CHAN SAID SINCE THE COMPLETION OF THE VARIOUS STUDIES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN MATTERS FORWARD IN AN EVER EVOLVING SITUATION.
"WE ARE REFINING AND REVISING INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS PUT TO US BY OUR CONSULTANTS,” SHE SAID, ADDING THAT IN THE COMING FEW MONTHS THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE SHARPENING THE ESTIMATES OF COSTS FOR MANY PROJECTS INVOLVED IN THE LIGHT OF PREVAILING COSTS, UPDATED PLANNING REQUIREMENTS, ESTIMATES OF DEMAND FORECASTS AND PROJECTED REVENUE STREAMS.
’’THE ORIGINAL BROAD ORDER OF COSTS QUOTED BY OUR CONSULTANTS ARE LIKELY TO REQUIRE REVISION BUT THIS IS NOTHING UNUSUAL IN STRATEGIC STUDIES OF THE TYPE INVOLVED,” SHE SAID.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S THINKING ON THE FINANCING OF THE PROJECTS, MRS CHAN SAID THAT IN CARRYING OUT THE PLANS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION OF RUNNING DOWN HONG KONG’S RESERVES TO AN UNACCEPTABLE DEGREE.
"RATHER WE EXPECT TO ATTRACT VERY SIZEABLE PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN THE PROJECTS BOTH IN THE FORM OF LOANS AND EQUITY FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.
"CHINA’S SUPPORT WILL NATURALLY ALSO HELP TO LAUNCH THEM SUCCESSFULLY AND TO BUILD A SECURE ECONOMIC FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION,” MRS CHAN ADDED.
/"ALTHOUGH IT .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL, 25, 1990
- 16 -
"ALTHOUGH IT WILL BE SOME TIME BEFORE WE ARE IN A POSITION TO TAKE FINAL DECISIONS ON FUNDING WE KNOW, BASED ON THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST RECEIVED SO FAR, THAT MANY OF THE ELEMENTS IN THE OVERALL PROGRAMME ARE LIKELY TO PROVE ATTRACTIVE TO THE PRIVATE INVESTOR.
"FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE SAME WAY THAT THE EXISTING CONTAINER TERMINALS HAVE BEEN FINANCED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WE EXPECT THAT THE NEW CONTAINER TERMINALS, AS WELL AS SOME OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE TERMINALS, WILL AI,SO BE FINANCED BY ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN PROVIDING SUCH FACILITIES.
"ALSO WITH REGARD TO THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, SINCE THESE AREAS FULFIL A COMMERCIAL NEED, WE BELIEVE THERE MAY WELL BE SCOPE FOR ALLOWING THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO HAVE A ROLE IN THEIR OPERATION, THAT IS WE ARE CONSIDERING PRIVATISING THEM," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT EXPECT THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TO BE COMPLETELY FINANCED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"WITH REGARD TO THE AIRPORT PROJECT, WHILE THE INITIAL FUNDING WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, ONCE THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY IS IN PLACE, MUCH OF THE FINANCE NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT WILL BE RAISED THROUGH BORROWINGS.
"THERE WILL, HOWEVER, ALSO BE OPENINGS FOR PRIVATE INVESTMENT AT THE AIRPORT ALTHOUGH, AT THIS STAGE, THE EXTENT OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES HAVE NOT BEEN FULLY DETERMINED," SHE ADDED.
REGARDING THE INFLATIONARY IMPACT WHICH THE PADS PROJECTS MIGHT BRING ABOUT, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO QUANTIFY SUCH IMPACT ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NOR ON OTHER ECONOMIC SECTORS.
"MUCH DEPENDS ON OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR DEMANDS ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AT THAT TIME, AND ON WHETHER THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CAN ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS.
"AS FAR AS THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS CONCERNED, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE VARIOUS PADS AND NON-PADS RELATED PROJECTS ARE PRIORITISED AND IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMATICALLY WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING TO A MINIMUM THE STRAIN ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
"STEPS ALSO NEED TO BE TAKEN TO ENCOURAGE PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE KEEPING A CAREFUL WATCH OVER THE SITUATION.
/"IF NECESSARY .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
"IF NECESSARY, WE WOULD BE PREPARED TO IMPLEMENT EXCEPTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF CONSTRUCTION LABOUR, FOR EXAMPLE, THROUGH SELECTIVE IMPORTATION ON A PROJECT-ORIENTED BASIS, SO THAT THE PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHOUT CAUSING UNACCEPTABLE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES," SHE SAID.
EARLIER ON IN HER SPEECH, MRS CHAN BRIEFED HER AUDIENCE ON THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH THE PADS PROJECTS AND THE SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIC DISBENEFITS THAT HONG KONG WOULD INCUR IF IT FAILS TO MEET SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT DEMANDS.
"ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES THAT FLOWS FROM THE CHOICE OF CHEK LAP KOK AS THE SITE FOR THE NEW AIRPORT IS THAT THE ROAD AND RAIL LINKS THAT WILL BE BUILT TO SERVE THE AIRPORT WILL ALSO SERVE THE PORT AND SHOULD GENERALLY IMPROVE TRAFFIC ON OUR EXISTING ROAD AND RAIL SYSTEMS," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE ROAD LINK STARTING AT THE AIRPORT WOULD COMPRISE A SIX-LANE EXPRESSWAY WHICH WOULD FOLLOW THE NORTHERN COAST OF LANTAU.
"IT WILL CROSS TO TSING YI ISLAND, PROBABLY ON TWO SUSPENSION BRIDGES VIA MA WAN, TO JOIN ROUTE 3.
"AFTER CROSSING THE RAMBLER CHANNEL, ROUTE 3 WILL THEN CONTINUE AS THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY WHICH WILL EXTEND TO HONG KONG VIA A THIRD CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
"BESIDES LINKING THE AIRPORT TO HONG KONG ISLAND, THIS THIRD TUNNEL SHOULD ALSO BRING ABOUT FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO CROSS HARBOUR VEHICLE TRAFFIC," SHE SAID.
THE RAIL LINK IS- LIKELY TO BE DEVELOPED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND IT WILL PROVIDE AN EXPRESS SERVICE FROM THE MAIN POPULATION CENTRES IN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND TO THE AIRPORT, MRS CHAN SAID.
THE PLANNED TRAVELLING TIME WILL BE IN THE ORDER OF 30 MINUTES AND IN ADDITION TO THE EXPRESS SERVICE, THERE WILL ALSO BE STOPPING TRAINS WHICH WILL SERVE BOTH THE AIRPORT AND ORDINARY COMMUTERS.
"THIS SERVICE WILL ALSO EASE PRESSURE ON THE EXISTING MTR SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY IN THE BUSY NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR AREA," SHE POINTED OUT.
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/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
18 LEATHER EXHIBITS DEMONSTRATE DIVERSIFICATION EFFORTS * * * * *
EXHIBITS AT AN INTERNATIONAL LEATHER EXHIBITION CLEARLY DEMONSTRATE MANUFACTURERS’ SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS IN DIVERSIFYING AND UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF HONG RONG’S EXPORTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CliAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITTON ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE FAIR GROUP AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, SAID THESE EFFORTS HAD IMPROVED HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE EDGE IN OVERSEAS MARKETS.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S TRADE IN LEATHER, WHICH STOOD AT $27 BILLION BY THE END OF 1989, HAD ACHIEVED A SPECTACULAR GROWTH RATE OF 40 PER CENT OVER 1988.
"WITH THIS ENCOURAGING TREND, WE CAN WELL LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHER GROWTH IN THE 1990’S," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THAT, AS FAR AS EXPORT MARKETS WERE CONCERNED, WHILE A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF HONG KONG’S LEATHER EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY FOOTWEAR, TRAVEL GOODS AND HANDBAGS, WENT TO THE UNITED STATES, ATTEMPTS HAD BEEN MADE TO DIVERSIFY TO MARKETS SUCH AS THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA.
"THIS, I BELIEVE, WILL REMAIN ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS BY WHICH HONG KONG CAN SEEK TO INCREASE ITS SHARE OF THE WORLD’S MARKETS IN LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE, MR CHAN SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE AND INDUSTRY IN GENERAL WOULD BE FACED WITH SUCH PROBLEMS AS THE GENERAL SLOWDOWN IN ECONOMIC GROWTH, INCREASING COMPETITION FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES AND LABOUR SHORTAGE.
"HOWEVER, GIVEN THE CONTINUED PURSUIT OF OUR FREE TRADE POLICY, TOGETHER WITH THE USUAL INNOVATIVENESS AND RESILIENCE OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS, I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE SHALL BE ABLE TO STRIVE THROUGH SUCH DIFFICULTIES AND ATTAIN BETTER RESULTS IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN RECOGNISED AS THE MOST IMPORTANT LEATHER EXHIBITION IN ASIA, DISPLAYS AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF LEATHER PRODUCTS - FROM RAW HIDES AND SKINS, THROUGH SEMI-FINISHED AND FINISHED LEATHERS, CHEMICALS AND MACHINERY, TO FINISHED PRODUCTS.
- - 0----------
/19........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 19 -
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IMPORTANT
*****
TO BECOME A WINNING COMPANY, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE MUST BE COMMITTED TO A CONTINUOUS PROCESS OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY (QUALITY SERVICES), MR ERNEST EVANS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADVANCED QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR EVANS STRESSED THAT THIS COMMITMENT WAS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.
HE SAID IF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WAS UNCOMMITTED THEN THE REST OF THE WORKFORCE WAS UNLIKELY TO BE MOTIVATED TOWARDS REAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS.
"FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COMMITMENT WILL SPRING FORTH THE POLICIES, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPANY," MR EVANS SAID.
THESE WERE THEN TRANSLATED INTO CLEARLY DEFINED GUIDELINES FOR MANAGERS, STAFF AND OTHER EMPLOYEES TO WORK TO IN BECOMING A WINNING TEAM.
"IF STAFF ARE MADE AWARE THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT CARE AND ARE PREPARED TO WORK WITH THEM AS A TEAM, AND THAT THEY ARE FAIRLY TREATED AND' PAID, THEY ARE UNLIKELY TO BE TEMPTED INTO PLAYING 'MUSICAL CHAIRS’ IN THE JOB MARKET," HE SAID.
"THIS IS WHERE THE JAPANESE STYLE OF MANAGING EMPLOYEES HAS PROVED TO BE SO SUCCESSFUL."
MR EVANS ADVISED CHIEF EXECUTIVES THAT IN MAKING FIRST EFFORTS TO INTRODUCE QUALITY AT THE FACTORY FLOOR LEVEL, THEY MIGHT DECIDE FIRST TO START WITH ONE ASPECT OF THEIR OPERATIONS, TO TEST THE VIABILITY OF NEWLY-INTRODUCED CONCEPTS.
"OR YOU MIGHT CONSIDER STARTING WITH ONE PRODUCT LINE," HE SAID.
"FROM YOUR EXPERIENCES, YOU CAN THEN EVALUATE THE GAINS MADE BEFORE INTRODUCING A WIDER APPLICATION OF YOUR NEW POLICIES TO THE WHOLE FACTORY.
"FOR A START YOU MIGHT TRY AN IN-DEPTH EVALUATION OF WASTAGE IN ALL ITS FORMS WITHIN YOUR FACTORY.
"SUCH AN EXAMINATION IS LIKELY TO SHOW RATHER DISCONCERTING RESULTS.
"IT IS ALSO LIKELY TO SHOW AREAS WHERE BIG SAVINGS CAN BE MADE, WITH SCOPE FOR REDUCING OVERHEADS AND INCREASING PROFITS."
MR EVANS SAID THE NEW MANAGEMENT METHODS, EVOLVING FROM JAPANESE EXPERIENCE, WAS A DECENTRALISED APPROACH. THE WORK TEAM CONTAINED A SMALLER NUMBER OF BETTER EDUCATED AND SKILLED EMPLOYEES.
/FULLY FAMILIAR
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 20 -
FULLY FAMILIAR WITH OVERALL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES, THEY WERE COMPLETELY FLEXIBLE IN THEIR METHODS. INSTEAD OF BEING DIRECTED BY STRICT REGULATIONS AND CONTINUOUSLY SUPERVISED, THEY WERE SELF-CONTROLLED, SELF-THINKING AND SELF-MOTIVATED.
’’ALL EMPLOYEES FEEL THEY ARE PART OF THE FAMILY ENTERPRISE AND DEVELOP A BROADER PERSPECTIVE OF HOW THEIR ROLES FIT INTO THE GENERAL FRAMEWORK OF THE ORGANISATION,” HE SAID.
COMPARING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPANIES RUN IN THE TRADITIONAL WAY WITH THOSE ADOPTING THE MODERN APPROACH, MR EVANS SAID THE TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE WAS RIGID WITH LONG CHAINS OF COMMAND FROM THE TOP TO THE WORKERS.
THERE WERE ’’BLUE-COLLAR WORKERS” AND ’’WHITE-COLLAR STAFF” -AND NEVER THE TWAIN SHOULD MEET.
"THE MODERN STRUCTURE ON THE OTHER HAND IS FLEXIBLE WITH AN OPEN COMMUNICATION SYSTEM,” MR EVANS SAID. "ALL STAFF WORK CLOSE TOGETHER AS A TEAM.”
EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES WAS CRUCIAL IN THE MODERN SYSTEM, WHEREAS IT WAS OF LITTLE CONCERN UNDER THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH.
MR EVANS SAID, FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, HONG KONG INDUSTRY HAD DEVELOPED WITH A TRADITIONAL STYLE OF MANAGEMENT AND A SYSTEM OF DOING THINGS WHICH HAD SERVED US IN GOOD STEAD.
”1 AM SORRY TO SAY THAT THESE SYSTEMS ARE NO LONGER VIABLE BY MODERN INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT STANDARDS AND CANNOT PRODUCE CONSISTENT MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS OF HIGH QUALITY ACCEPTABLE TO THE MORE DEMANDING AND SOPHISTICATED OVERSEAS MARKETS.
"WHY HAS THE SITUATION CHANGED?" HE ASKED.
THERE WERE A NUMBER OF REASONS. FIRST, CUSTOMERS’ EXPECTATIONS HAD CHANGED; SECONDLY, MANUFACTURING COMPETITION WORLDWIDE WAS FIERCER; AND THIRDLY, THE LABOUR MARKET WAS CHANGING, WITH NEEDS THESE DAYS BECOMING SOMEWHAT MORE SPECIALISED.
MR EVANS QUESTIONED WHAT A HONG KONG MANUFACTURING COMPANY NEEDED TO DO TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF ALL THESE CHANGES.
"IF IT DOES NOTHING," HE SAID, "THEN IT IS LIKELY TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS BECAUSE OF COMPETITION," HE SAID.
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/21 .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
TECHNICAL EDUCATION IMPORTANT IN REHABILITATION OF INMATES
*****
THE MAIN AIM OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO TRANSFORM OFFENDERS INTO RESPONSIBLE AND LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR H.R. KNIGHT, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, MR KNIGHT SAID: "A MAJOR MEANS BY WHICH THE DEPARTMENT SEEKS TO ACHIEVE THIS IS THE PROVISION OF A WIDE RANGE OF HEALTHY ACTIVITIES TO THE INMATES IN ALL ITS INSTITUTIONS.”
MR KNIGHT SAID ONE OF THE MOST, IF NOT THE MOST, IMPORTANT OF THESE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS WAS THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION WHICH THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED AND WHICH LED TO EXTERNAL ACCREDITATION.
"AN OFFENDER CAN ONLY BE SAID TO HAVE BEEN REHABILITATED WHEN HE HAS ACQUIRED THE MEANS TO EARN AN HONEST LIVING AND PLAY A MEANINGFUL ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY HE LIVES.
"TO EQUIP YOUNG OFFENDERS WITH THE SKILLS NEEDED TO EARN A LIVING, THE CSD DOES NOT ONLY PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL COURSES, BOTH GENERAL AND TECHNICAL, BUT ALSO THE ENCOURAGEMENT WHICH MOTIVATES A YOUNG OFFENDER TO DEVELOP HIS POTENTIAL TO THE FULL," HE SAID.
AT THE CEREMONY, 40 INMATES FROM THE CAPE COLLINSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES FOR PASSING EXAMINATIONS OFFERED BY THE PITMAN EXAMINATION INSTITUTE AND THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.
SINCE 1979, 1,434 INMATES HAVE SAT A TOTAL OF 1,973 PAPERS IN VARIOUS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. ALTOGETHER THEY HAVE ACHIEVED A TOTAL OF 512 DISTINCTIONS, 216 CREDITS AND 956 PASSES.
- - 0 - -
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE VISITS BOYS’ HOME
******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, WAS IMPRESSED BY HIS STAFF’S DEVOTION TO DUTIES DURING A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO A NUMBER OF SERVICE UNITS IN YUEN LONG THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
DURING A VISIT TO THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS' HOME, MR CARTLAND ALSO LEARNED MORE ABOUT THE TRAINING SERVICES BEING PROVIDED THERE WHICH HAVE BEEN PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HELPING THE BOYS TURN A NEW LEAF.
/THE BOYS'
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 22 -
THE BOYS’ HOME IS ONE OF THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. IT CURRENTLY ACCOMMODATES ABOUT 100 BOYS, AGED BETWEEN FOURTEEN AND A HALF AND 16 YEARS OLD, WHO ARE UNDERGOING A REHABILITATION PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDES EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND COUNSELLING SERVICE.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO THE SERVICE WHICH WILL PREPARE THE BOYS IN QUESTION FOR THEIR REINTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY,” HE SAID DURING A MEETING SESSION WITH THE STAFF OF THE BOYS’ HOME.
HE ADDED THAT STAFF’S CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATION TO THE JOB WAS ONE OF THE VITAL ELEMENTS IN THIS PROCESS.
MR CARTLAND WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH AND CORRECTIONS), MRS AGNES CHOW, AND THE BOYS’ HOME’S SUPERINTENDENT, MR TSUI YEE-FAT. HE TOURED THE WORKSHOPS, CLASSROOMS AND DORMITORIES OF THE HOME.
BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, MR CARTLAND WAS PRESENTED A LEATHER CANNON MADE BY THE BOYS AND THE WORKSHOP STAFF.
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SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO HOLD SEMINAR ON NEW FUNDING SYSTEM * * * * *
THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (SDB) WILL HOLD A SEMINAR TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO INTRODUCE THE GUIDELINES FOR THE NEW ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM OF ITS BLOCK GRANT SCHEME TO LOCAL NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
ABOUT 120 KEY OFFICIALS FROM THE SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WILL ATTEND THE SEMINAR TO BEGIN AT 4 PM AT THE LECTURE HALL OF THE SPACE MUSEUM IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE NEW ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURE OF THE BLOCK GRANT SCHEME WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT THIS MONTH.
EXPLAINING THE SCHEME WILL BE THE SDB’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR HOWARD WELLS, AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, MR DAVID MAK.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE FORMAT OF THE FOUR-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN (1991-95) WHICH THE SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT WHEN APPLYING FOR SDB GRANTS.
/THE FOUR-YEAR .......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 23 -
THE FOUR-YEAR PLAN WILL HELP THE ASSOCIATIONS DETERMINE THEIR OBJECTIVES, TARGETS AND WORK PRIORITIES SO THAT DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORT CAN BE MONITORED MORE EFFECTIVELY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE LECTURE HALL OF THE SPACE MUSEUM, SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEGINNING AT 4 PM.
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REMINDER ON APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS » » * * *
RESIDENTS INTENDING TO TRAVEL ABROAD DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS SHOULD APPLY FOR A TRAVEL DOCUMENT NOW, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING OUTSIDE HONG KONG WILL BE GREATLY INCREASED DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
"TO AVOID THE LAST MINUTE RUSH, RESIDENTS ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT OR A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE ON WHICH THEY INTEND TO TRAVEL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT NOW TAKES THE DEPARTMENT 20 WORKING DAYS (APPROXIMATELY FOUR WEEKS) TO ISSUE A BRITISH HONG KONG PASSPORT AND 15 WORKING DAYS (APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS) TO ISSUE A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY.
HOWEVER, THE PROCESSING TIME FOR AN APPLICATION FOR A BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OR A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY IS ABOUT FIVE WEEKS IF THE APPLICANT IS NOT IN POSSESSION OF A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE TO OBTAIN ONE AT THE SAME TIME.
"RE-ENTRY PERMIT AND DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES ARE NORMALLY ISSUED ON THE SAME DAY BUT DELAY IS LIKELY IF THERE ARE MANY APPLICANTS COMING AT THE SAME TIME," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
’’THE PERIOD BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS IS ONE OF THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR.
"BY APPLYING EARLY, IT WILL NOT ONLY HELP SPREAD THE WORKLOAD OF THE DEPARTMENT BUT WILL ALSO GIVE APPLICANTS EXTRA TIME TO MEET ANY FURTHER VISA PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS WHERE NECESSARY," HE SAID.
/24.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 24 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND ALLOCATION *****
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF $1.92 MILLION IN DB FUNDS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A TOTAL OF 17 APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR CARRYING OUT COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS.
IN ADDITION, THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO SEEK THE SUPPORT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES IN A PREFERENTIAL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
-----0------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS JCAC DISTRICT PROGRAMME
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES 1990-91 OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION FOR THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, THE ICAC PLANS TO CONTACT 521 ORGANISATIONS AND ORGANISE 916 ACTIVITIES FOR SOME 11,000 RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS BOOKING PROCEDURES FOR SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK AND REPORTS BY ITS WORKING GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
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/25........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
25
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN EASTERN * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE SECTION OF WHARF ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH NORTH POINT ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 135 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 27).
ON THE OTHER HAND, FROM 8 AM ON FRIDAY, TWO LANES ON BOTH THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF THE SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR OFF TAI ON BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED IN TWO STAGES FOR ABOUT 20 DAYS TO FACILITATE NOISE REDUCTION SURFACING WORKS.
DUE TO RESCHEDULING OF WORK STAGES, THE NOISE REDUCTION SURFACING WORKS ON THE SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR OFF NORTH POINT ESTATE, WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO START AT 10 AM ON APRIL 22, HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
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TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN NORTH POINT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 27), THREE SECTIONS OF ROADS IN NORTH POINT WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS.
THEY ARE:
♦ SHU KUK STREET BETWEEN JAVA ROAD AND MARBLE ROAD;
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHU KUK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SHU KUK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY ON THE SAME SECTIONS OF SHU KUK STREET AND THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1990
- 26 -
TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN CAUSEWAY BAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IS BEING CARRIED OUT ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN VICTORIA PARK ROAD AND CANNON STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES ROAD WIDENING WORKS TO PROVIDE ONE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANE FOR THE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON GLOUCESTER ROAD HEADING TOWARDS CENTRAL. IT WILL LAST ABOUT FOUR WEEKS AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-MAY.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE ROAD WORKS, THE BUS STOPS FOR ROUTES A3, 10A, 16, 20, 21, 22, 63, 80 AND 81M ON THE MAIN CARRIAGEWAY OF GLOUCESTER ROAD ARE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO THE INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN PATERSON STREET AND CANNON STREET. NOTICES HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT THE AFFECTED BUS STOPS TO INFORM INTENDING PASSENGERS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, ROAD RESURFACING WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE SAME SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 27), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN WESTERN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK RENEWAL WORKS.
THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN CENTRE STREET AND SAI YUEN LANE WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CENTRE STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS, THE GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 27) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
MOTORISTS ON FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA JORDAN ROAD EASTBOUND INTO GASCOIGNE ROAD EASTBOUND.
MOTORISTS ON GASCOIGNE ROAD WESTBOUND ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA JORDAN ROAD WESTBOUND OR KANSU STREET WESTBOUND INTO FERRY STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: FUTURE OF HK AND CHINA DEPENDS ON EACH OTHER ........................................ 1
CALL TO SET UP SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL ..................................... 3
CALL TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC LINK WITH CHINA ....................................... 4
LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN NEEDED .................................................. 5
IMPORTED LABOUR CAN HELP CURB INFLATION ........................................... 7
COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR POLICY REVIEW ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH EXPENDITURES ... 8
HK MUST STRIVE TO KEEP ITS INTERNATIONAL STATUS ................................... 9
COMMITTEES ON PAY INCREASES SHOULD BE MERGED ..................................... 10
SCRUTINY OF BUDGET SERVES NO PURPOSE ............................................. 11
ALLOCATION FOR EDUCATION INSUFFICIENT .......................................... 12
TAX INCENTIVES FOR MEDICAL INSURANCE A MUST....................................... 14
BUDGET PROPOSALS FUEL INFLATION .................................................. 15
EMPLOYERS URGED TO PREVENT WAGE-LED INFLATION .................................... 16
BUDGET OFFERS LITTLE HELP IN CURBING INFLATION ................................... 17
44 MEMBERS SPEAK IN BUDGET DEBATE ................................................ 18
DISTRICT BOARDS BRIEFED ON PHA REPORT............................................... 19
LADY WILSON VISITS NORTH POINT SCHOOLS ............................................. 21
REAR STAIRCASES OF FOUR POST-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ...................... 21
SPECIAL PRODUCTS TO COINCIDE WITH STAMP WORLD LONDON EXHIBITION .................... 23
BOE VISITS EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND ........................................... 24
CONSTRUCTION OF CHAI WAN PARK EXTENSION ............................................ 25
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POLLUTION CAUSED BY INCINERATOR ............................ 25
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS SHELTER PROVISION PROGRAMME ............................ 26
THREE MALE Il'S ARRESTED............................................................ 26
URBAN CLEARWAY IN HUNG HOM.......................................................... 26
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
1
FUTURE OF HK AND CHINA DEPENDS ON EACH OTHER
*****
HONG KONG’S FUTURE IS NOW SO IRREVOCABLY LINKED TO THAT OF CHINA THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD START LOOKING AT THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE TWO PLACES IN TERMS OF A SINGLE ENTITY AND OF MUTUAL BENEFIT, OTHERWISE, BOTH WILL SINK TOGETHER - A SCENARIO THAT CANNOT BE IN THE TERRITORY’S INTEREST, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR CHEONG URGED THE COMMUNITY TO RECOGNISE THE FACT THAT THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG PEOPLE DEPENDED TO A LARGE EXTENT ON THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF CHINA.
HE NOTED THAT CHINA’S ECONOMY HAD NOW SOMEWHAT REGAINED ITS EQUILIBRIUM, AND NOTHING SHOULD BE DONE TO JEOPARDISE THIS.
’’DISEQUILIBRIUM IMMEDIATELY MEANS SEVERE ADVERSE DISLOCATIONS IN OUR ENTREPOT TRADE; IN THE ACTIVITIES OF HONG KONG’S VITAL PRODUCTION SUPPORT BASE ACROSS THE BORDER.
’’FURTHERMORE, DISEQUILIBRIUM MEANS A BIG DROP IN OUR RETAIL BUSINESS AND IN THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS COMING THROUGH HONG KONG. IN SHORT, PRACTICALLY ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG WILL BE AFFECTED,” MR CHEONG SAID.
HE EXPRESSED EXTREME CONCERN ABOUT THE KNOCK-ON EFFECTS THAT THE RECENT MOVES BY U.S. POLITICIANS TO USE THE MOST FAVOURED NATION STATUS AS A POSSIBLE SANCTION TOOL AGAINST CHINA WOULD HAVE ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
HE URGED THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO MAKE ITS CONCERN KNOWN TO ITS TRADING PARTNERS IN THE U.S. AND TRY TO PERSUADE ITS COUNTERPARTS LN THE U.S. TO LOBBY THEIR OWN POLITICIANS AGAINST THIS MOVE.
”TO THOSE HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO CLAMOUR FOR AND SUPPORT U.S. TRADE SANCTION AGAINST CHINA, MAY I RESPECTFULLY URGE THEM TO CLIMB DOWN FROM SUCH SENSELESS AND IRRESPONSIBLE BANDWAGON,” HE SAID.
IF THEY WERE LOYAL TO HONG KONG AND CARING FOR ITS CITIZENS, THEY SHOULD PERSUADE THEIR POLITICAL FRIENDS IN THE U.S. CONGRESS TO ABANDON THE MOVE, HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON THE BUDGET, MR CHEONG CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT’S MOVE OF SETTING ASIDE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR THE LAND FUND OF THE HKSAR AS AN EXPENDITURE ITEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN SO DOING, THE MONEY HAD THEORETICALLY BEEN USED, AND COUPLED WITH CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS, THE FUTURE LEGISLATURE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OVERSEE THE DISBURSEMENTS OF THIS SUM.
/THIS WOULD .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
2
THIS WOULD DEPRIVE THE LEGISLATURE OF ITS PRINCIPAL TASK OF ENSURING THE PROPER USAGE OF PUBLIC FUNDS, HE NOTED.
MR CHEONG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE IT CLEAR TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT THIS WAS NOT [’HE INTENTION OF BRITAIN AND CHINA.
HE STRESSED THE NEED FOR A MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT UNDER THE PRESENT CLIMATE.
"IF THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS HONG KONG PEOPLE TO TRUST THEM, THEY SHOULD FIRST TAKE THE PEOPLE INTO THEIR TRUST. THIS MEANS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE TOLD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG’S OTHER WORRY WAS THE LONG-TERM INFLATIONARY AND UNSETTLING EFFECTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE RECENT SPATE OF WAGE AND PRICE HIKES. HE FEARED THAT THIS WOULD PROVOKE MORE FRUSTRATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY, RESULTING IN A HIGHER RATE OF EMIGRATION AND TENSE LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS.
HE CAUTIONED THAT THE LATEST SALARY RISE FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE WOULD STIMULATE HIGHER PAY DEMANDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND SPARK OFF AN ENDLESS SPIRAL OF WAGE INCREASES.
"PERHAPS GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW THE PAY TREND SURVEY METHODS AND TRY TO ADOPT A MORE REALISTIC SAMPLE IN FEELING THE PULSE OF THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.
HE ALSO ADVISED LABOUR LEADERS TO BE MINDFUL OF DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE WAGE DEMANDS.
THE
LONG-TERM
HE WARNED THAT CURRENT INDICATIONS WERE SUCH THAT HONG KONG WAS RUNNING A GREAT RISK OF PRICING ITSELF OUT OF THE MARKET.
"WE ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE WE HAVE TO COMPETE IN THE WORLD MARKETS IN BOTH PRODUCTS AS WELL AS SERVICES," MR CHEONG SAID.
HE REMINDED THE GOVERNMENT THAT NO ECONOMY COULD SUSTAIN LONG TERM PROGRESS WITHOUT ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF RESOURCES, FINANCIAL, INFRASTRUCTURAL OR HUMAN; AND THAT PROLONGED SHORTAGE OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN HONG KONG WAS ALREADY TAKING ITS TOLL.
"SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," HE SAID, AND URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO URGENTLY REVIEW THE NEED FOR MEASURES WHICH COULD EFFECTIVELY COMBAT THE ILL-EFFECTS OF SUCH PROLONGED SHORTAGE.
TURNING TO TAXATION, MR CHEONG WAS ADAMANT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO UPHOLD A LOW TAX POLICY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A FAVOURABLE ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997.
HE THEREFORE URGED THAT ALL EXISTING RESOURCES BE FULLY EXPLORED BEFORE PURSUING THE IDEA OF A SALES TAX WHICH WOULD BE RETROGRESSIVE AND WOULD HURT THE ORDINARY PEOPLE.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 3 -
CALL TO SET UP SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL * * * ♦ t ♦
THE ENHANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (S&T) IN HONG KONG WILL HELP MAINTAIN ITS LINKS WITH THE WESTERN WORLD AND ENSURE CHINA’S LONG-TERM RESPECT FOR THE TERRITORY, PROFESSOR THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, PROF POON SUGGESTED THAT A SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL BE SET UP TO HELP THE TRANSFER AND DEVELOPMENT OF S&T CAPABILITIES MOST NEEDED BY HONG KONG AT PRESENT AS WELL AS THOSE NEEDED IN THE FUTURE.
"WE MUST INVEST NOW TO DEVELOP OUR OWN ’SOFT’ INFRASTRUCTURE. IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME TO GATHER EXPERIENCE AND THERE MAY BE SOME RISK OF NOT GETTING THE BEST OUT OF THE INVESTMENT.
"HOWEVER, INACTION OR SOME PASSIVE AND UNCOORDINATED EFFORTS WILL BE EVEN MORE RISKY IN THE LONG TERM," HE SAID.
PROF POON SAID THAT AN IMPORTANT FACTOR TO ENSURE THE CONCEPT OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" WOULD WORK AFTER 1997, WAS TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY, PROGRESS AND USEFULNESS WITH RESPECT TO ITS NEIGHBOURS AND IN PARTICULAR TO CHINA.
"A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE HONG KONG WILL BENEFIT THE ENTIRE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
PROF POON NOTED THAT THE ABSENCE OF A FOCUS FOR S&T IN THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE REFLECTED THAT HONG KONG LACKED A COHERENT APPROACH TO S&T.
EVEN IF THERE WERE LIMITED EFFORTS, THEY WERE FRAGMENTED AND UNCOORDINATED, HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE S&T COUNCIL FORMULATE AND REVIEW POLICY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OVERSEE THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF S&T, AND ACT AS THE FOCUS OF COORDINATION OF EFFORTS RELATING TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT.
HE ALSO SAID SUCH A COUNCIL SHOULD SERVE AS A CHANNEL FOR CONSULTATION FOR THE VARIOUS STAKE-HOLDERS HAVING AN INTEREST IN S&T, TO SEEK ADVICE FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES, AND TO ALLOCATE FUNDING FOR VARIOUS PLANS AND PROGRAMMES.
PROF POON SUGGESTED THAT A LEVY SYSTEM SHOULD BE INTRODUCED ON INDUSTRY TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDING FOR S&T DEVELOPMENT.
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/4 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
4
CALL TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC LINK WITH CHINA *****
THE DIRECTION AND STRATEGY LAID OUT IN THE BUDGET ARE GENERALLY SOUND, THE HON MARTIN BARROW, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUDGET DEBATE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR BARROW URGED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH OUR OWN PEOPLE COULD HAVE CONFIDENCE OF SUCCEEDING WITHIN HONG KONG, AS WE DEVELOPED OUR ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE WITH SOUTHERN CHINA.
"IT MUST BE SENSITIVE TO THE WAY OTHERS SEE US SO THAT OUTSIDERS WILL WANT TO TRADE WITH US, AND TO COME HERE AND WORK WITH US,” HE SAID.
IN HIS VIEW, THE BUDGET IS THE PRODUCT OF AN ECONOMIC STRATEGY WHICH NEEDED FURTHER ADJUSTMENT - WITH REGARD TO INFLATION - IF SUCH AIMS WERE TO BE REALISED.
NOTING THAT THE INDIRECT TAX INCREASES IN THIS BUDGET HAD PROVOKED PUBLIC CRITICISM FOR BEING INFLATIONARY AND FOR AFFECTING THE LOWER INCOME GROUPS DISPROPORTIONATELY, HE SAID THAT THE CURRENT DIRECT/INDIRECT TAXATION BALANCE HAD PROBABLY MOVED AS FAR AS IT COULD AND IT WAS THE RIGHT DECISION NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE WHOLESALE TAX.
TO COUNTER INFLATION, HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES SHOULD STRIVE TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE BY EVERY POSSIBLE MEANS INCLUDING - FOR THOSE ABLE TO DO SO - MAKING GOOD USE OF THE PRODUCTION BASE IN GUANGDONG, MR BARROW SAID.
BUT SUCH LOW-CdST CUSHIONING IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHOSE OPERATIONS ARE CONFINED TO HONG KONG. THE SERVICE INDUSTRIES ARE SUFFERING AS A RESULT OF THE HIGH WAGES AND STAFF SHORTAGES,” HE SAID.
"BESIDES FUELLING INFLATION THIS IS HAVING UNDESIRABLE CONSEQUENCES FOR HONG KONG AS A WHOLE - FOR EXAMPLE, BY DECREASING OUR ATTRACTIVENESS AS A BASE FOR FOREIGN MULTINATIONAL HEADQUARTERS OPERATIONS AND BY ENDANGERING OUR REPUTATION FOR SERVICE IN TOURISM AND OTHER SECTORS,” HE ADDED.
HOLDING THE VIEW THAT THE HEART OF THE SOLUTION IS THE REPLENISHMENT OF THE LABOUR SUPPLY, WHICH WOULD HAVE A DEFLATIONARY EFFECT BY LESSENING THE WIDE GAP THAT STILL EXISTS BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND, MR BARROW CALLED ON THE ADMINISTRATION TO ALLOW THE LIMITED IMPORTATION OF UNSKILLED AND SEMI-SKILLED LABOUR.
HE REITERATED THAT WHAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAD BEEN PROPOSING WAS A STRICTLY CONTROLLED SCHEME FOR IMPORTED LABOUR. "NO ONE WAS SUGGESTING MASS IMPORTATION TO MATCH EVERY VACANCY," HE ADDED.
/AGREEING WITH .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 5 -
AGREEING WITH THE COMMENTS MADE YESTERDAY BY MANY MEMBERS IN SUPPORT OF MORE PRIVATISATION, MR BARROW SAID THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD URGENTLY EXPLORE WHICH OTHER AREAS OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE, OR OTHER SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR PRIVATISATION WHICH WOULD ALL HELP COMBAT INFLATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SOME OF THE CURRENT PROBLEMS - INFLATION, HIGH WAGES AND SCARCE LABOUR IN PARTICULAR - WERE CAUSING CONCERNS AMONGST OUR TRADING PARTNERS AND THE MULTINATIONALS BASED HERE OR CONTEMPLATING MOVING HERE.
THEREFORE, VIGOROUS PROMOTION THROUGH THE HONG KONG OVERSEAS GOVERNMENT OFFICES SHOULD BE STEPPED UP, WITH PROFESSIONAL HELP WHERE APPROPRIATE, HE SAID.
ABOVE ALL, HONG KONG MUST COMMIT ITSELF TO A COURSE OF ACTION AIMED AT MAINTAINING THE TERRITORY’S STATUS AS AN OPEN, INTERNATIONAL CITY - OPEN TO OUTSIDE IDEAS, INFLUENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES, AS WELL AS TO EVEN STRONGER GROWTH, HE REMARKED.
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LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN NEEDED ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE HON PAUL CHENG, SUGGESTED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE FUTURE BUDGET PROCESS SHOULD BE SHAPED TO PROVIDE A CLEARER PICTURE ON HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL PLANNING IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY’S PRIORITIES FOR BUILDING CONFIDENCE.
HE URGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO CHANGE THE BUDGET PROCESS TO ALLOW LEGISLATORS TO DEVOTE THE VALUABLE TIME THEY SPENT IN SPECIAL BUDGET MEETINGS TO BE SPENT ON AN EXCHANGE OF STRATEGIC VIEWS, RATHER THAN ON THE USUAL LINE-BY-LINE "DICKERING”.
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHENG SAID HONG KONG URGENTLY NEEDED TO DEVELOP A LONGER-RANGE STRATEGIC PLAN.
"THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST PRODUCED BY THE COMPUTER IS SIMPLY TOO HYPOTHETICAL. HUMAN JUDGMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF WHAT HONG KONG NEEDS AND WHERE WE WANT TO BE IN FUTURE ARE CRUCIAL TO ONGOING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY,” HE SAID.
MR CHENG SAID STRATEGIC INPUT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT TO BUILDING CONFIDENCE WITHIN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AS A CRUCIAL PART OF THE OVERALL CONFIDENCE-BUILDING POLICY.
/"CURRENTLY, HONG ........
THURSDAY, ARPIL 26, 1990
- 6 -
"CURRENTLY, HONG KONG ENJOYS WORLDWIDE BUSINESS CONFIDENCE; BUT IT IS ’SHAKY’, AND IT IS BEING ERODED AS EVENTS IN CHINA AND EASTERN EUROPE UNFOLD AND AS OUR ASIAN PACIFIC NEIGHBOURS CONTINUE TO GROW AT THE FASTEST PACE IN THE WORLD.
"THE PROPOSED BUDGET MISSES THE STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS OF THIS EROSION AND PROVIDES INADEQUATE FUNDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE A CO-ORDINATED VIEW THAT WILL CIRCUMVENT NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ON TAXATION, MR CHENG BELIEVED THIS YEAR’S BUDGET HAD TAKEN A GOOD STEP IN BRINGING ABOUT A RELATIVE SHIFT FROM DIRECT TO INDIRECT TAXATION IN BROADENING THE TAX BASE DESPITE VALID WORRIES OVER INFLATION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A TAX REVIEW COMMITTEE SHOULD BE FORMED TO GO BEYOND EXAMINING THE TENABILITY OF A WHOLESALES TAX TO DEVISE FUTURE REVENUE STRATEGY AND GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE TAX POLICIES.
MR CHENG ALSO FOUND IT IMPORTANT TO ALLOCATE FUNDS TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S IMAGE ABROAD TO REMIND OVERSEAS INVESTORS THAT THE TERRITORY WOULD CONTINUE TO PROSPER AFTER 1997.
LIKEWISE, HE ALSO CALLED FOR ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO COUNTER MOUNTING PRESSURE TO TAKE THE MOST FAVOURED NATION STATUS AWAY FROM CHINA AS IT WOULD SERIOUSLY HURT HONG KONG.
MR CHENG NOTED THAT ANOTHER IMPORTANT AREA OF STRATEGIC BUDGETARY PLANNING WAS IN THE HANDLING OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO ADMINISTER IT WELL.
HE CONSIDERED TIGHTER CONTROL ON RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BY REDUCING THE BASE FOR FUTURE EXPENDITURE A SKILFUL MANAGEMENT DECISION THAT SHOULD RECEIVE CAREFUL SCRUTINY IN FUTURE BUDGETS.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RE-EXAMINE THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY STRUCTURE AND LOOK FOR NEW INCENTIVES FOR PRODUCTIVITY, AS WELL AS OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS TO STREAMLINE THE WORK OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
MR CHENG SAID THE CIVIL SERVICE COULD ALSO PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP TO HELP FOSTER CONFIDENCE AND TO LEAD HONG KONG IN CONTINUING PROSPERITY.
"LET ME CALL ON THE CIVIL SERVICE TO DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE THROUGH SELF-RESTRAINT.
"I CALL UPON THEM TO BREAK THE VICIOUS CYCLE THAT HAD BEGUN ON DEMANDS FOR MAJOR SALARY INCREASES, INFLATIONARY PRESSURE AND INDUSTRIAL ACTION.
"BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS MUST NOW TEAM UP TO OVERCOME OUR SHORT-TERM PROBLEMS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE OUR LONG-TERM VISION," HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
7
IMPORTED LABOUR CAN HELP CURB INFLATION *****
THE ONLY WAY TO CURB INFLATION IN HONG KONG IS TO CURB EXCESSIVE WAGE INCREASE, WHICH CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A WELL-PLANNED LABOUR IMPORTATION PROGRAMME, THE HON JAMES TIEN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR TIEN SAID THE LABOUR SHORTAGE SCENARIO HAD NOT CHANGED SINCE THE GOVERNMENT’S SCHEME TO IMPORT WORKERS WAS IMPLEMENTED.
THE ALLOTED QUOTA OF 3,000 IMPORTED WORKERS WAS NOT TAKEN UP AND ONLY 1,600 WERE ACTUALLY WORKING IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
"A MUCH LARGER NUMBER THAN THIS IS NEEDED. THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE MORE SINCERE AND DEDICATED IN ITS ATTEMPT TO TACKLE THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM,” HE ADDED.
MR TIEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT REALISE THAT A STINGY LABOUR IMPORT PROGRAMME IN FACT HURT THE SAME WORKERS WHICH IT INTENDED TO PROTECT.
MANUFACTURERS, FRUSTRATED BY THE GOVERNMENT'S INABILITY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, HAD SIMPLY MOVED THEIR FACTORIES OUT OF HONG KONG.
"ONCE A MANUFACTURER’S FIRST MOVE MEETS SUCCESS, THE TREND BECOMES IRREVERSIBLE. THE MANUFACTURER NO LONGER FEELS THE NEED TO PAY TOP DOLLARS TO KEEP HIS WORKERS. HE WILL MERELY CONTINUE TO SHIFT HIS PRODUCTION ELSEWHERE," HE NOTED.
MR TIEN SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT LOOK TO SINGAPORE FOR INSPIRATION, AND NOTED THAT IT HAD RECENTLY TAKEN STEPS TO COUNTER ITS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF 2.2 PER CENT BY ALLOWING A HEFTY 10 PER CENT IMPORT LABOUR QUOTA PER SECTOR.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN INDUSTRY AGAINST THE OTHER LITTLE DRAGONS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING A SIMILAR SCHEME WITH SOME DEGREE OF URGENCY.
MR TIEN WAS IN SUPPORT OF WIDENING THE TAX BASE.
HOLDING THAT INDIRECT TAXATION MUST BE IN EFFECT INCREASED IN FAIR AND DUE PROPORTION, HE SAID THE 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN FUEL TAX AND THE 25 PER CENT INCREASE IN PROPERTY RATES WAS THE FIRST STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TOWARDS THE WIDENING OF OUR NARROW TAX BASE.
"I HOPE THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO THE GRADUAL INTRODUCTION OF A WHOLESALE SALES TAX," HE ADDED.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
8
COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR POLICY REVIEW ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH EXPENDITURES ******
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR THE HON LEONG CHI-HUNG, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO REVAMP THE PRESENT FUNDING MECHANISM IN HEALTH SERVICES AND REVIEW THE MEDICAL ECONOMICS FOR THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, DR LEONG POINTED OUT THAT A PROBLEMATIC AREA IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET WAS THE MECHANISM BY WHICH THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION WAS DECIDED OR ESTIMATED, I.E. "BY STALE AND STEREOTYPED PROJECTIONS".
HE SAID THAT THE INCREASE IN MONEY TERMS FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET WOULD ONLY BE SUFFICIENT TO KEEP HEADS ABOVE WATER, LEAVING NO EXTRA MONEY FOR ANY MEANINGFUL IMPROVEMENT.
IN THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP), THE PERCENTAGE SPENT ON THE PUBLIC MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE PAST 15 YEARS HAD REMAINED FAIRLY STAGNANT - FLUCTUATING AROUND 1.2 PER CENT - WHILE THOSE OF INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES HAD, OVER THE PAST DECADE, SOARED BY FOUR TO FIVE FOLD, HE NOTED.
DR LEONG EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THE PERCENTAGE OF INCREASE WAS PEGGED TO THE GDP AND WAS THUS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNUAL INFLATION RATE AND THE RISING NEEDS OF SOCIETY, THIS INCREASE WAS FAR FROM ADEQUATE IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH CARE FOR MEDICAL COSTS INCREASED IN AN EXPONENTIAL DIRECTION.
"THE MEAGRE PERCENTAGE LEAP FOLLOWING THE GDP ANNUAL HOP WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO CATCH UP WITH THE COSTS!" HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BECAUSE THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS OF HONG KONG’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SYSTEM WERE FUNDED IN TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT WAYS, PATIENTS HERE HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO EXTREME RATES OF PAYMENT - $29 A DAY CHARGED BY A PUBLIC HOSPITAL OR AN EXTREMELY HIGH PRICE FOR STAYING IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL.
DR LEONG SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO INTRODUCING NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG SIMILAR TO THOSE OF SOUTH KOREA, SINGAPORE AND TAIWAN.
HE ASKED IF HONG KONG SHOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE MORE PRIVATE INSURANCE SCHEMES, EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF A COMBINED PRIVATE/PUBLIC INSURANCE POLICY, AND RECONSIDER THE PRACTICABILITY OF A MEDISAVE SCHEME BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
DR LEONG MAINTAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADOPT NEW APPROACHES TO FUND HONG KONG’S HEALTH CARE SERVICES PROVIDED THEY DID NOT GO AGAINST THE LOW TAX SYSTEM.
THE SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (H.A.) WAS, AT BEST, ONLY PART OF THE ANSWER TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVING SERVICES, HE SAID.
/BUT THE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 9 -
BUT THE HALF-HEARTED ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT TO THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (PHA) REPORT GAVE HONG KONG PEOPLE NO REASON FOR OPTIMISM ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF THE FUTURE H.A., HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EVEN IF THE H.A. WAS FORMED, IT WAS BUT A MANAGERIAL MACHINERY, AND A "COMPATIBLE POLICY BRANCH" WITH EXTRA MANPOWER WAS NEEDED TO UNDERTAKE LONG-TERM PLANNING WORK. MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL INPUT IN HIGH-LEVEL DECISION-MAKING WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO ASCERTAIN A MORE EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL MACHINERY.
"THERE IS AN UNDISPUTABLE NEED FOR AN INDEPENDENT SECRETARIAT TO DO RESEARCHES AND PAPERS. THIS WOULD ENSURE THAT THE ADVISORY BOARDS WOULD GET THE MAXIMUM BACK-UP IN THEIR WORK, TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR ROLE AS "THINK TANKS", WITH RECRUITMENT OF LOCAL TALENTS TO EXAMINE THE POLICY AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION, BECOMES REALISTIC," HE ADDED.
DR LEONG CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR TURNING A DEAF EAR TO HIS SUGGESTION THAT MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE EXPENSES INCURRED BY CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE TOTAL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH BUDGET.
SUCH EXPENDITURES SHOULD BE RECOVERED FROM OTHER RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS UNDER STAFF COSTS, AND THE MONEY SO RECOVERED BE PROPERLY SPENT ON THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FOR WHICH THE BUDGET WAS SO ALLOTTED, HE SAID.
----------------------0-------- HK MUST STRIVE TO KEEP ITS INTERNATIONAL STATUS *****
THE PRIORITY FOR HONG KONG MUST BE TO STRENGTHEN, OR AT LEAST MAINTAIN, ITSELF AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, THE HON MRS RITA FAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MRS FAN SAID THAT THE TERRITORY’S COMPETITIVE EDGE WAS BEING GRADUALLY ERODED BY HIGH RENTAL, SPIRALLING WAGES, BRAIN DRAIN AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER.
SHE CALLED ON THE ADMINISTRATION TO MONITOR THE TREND OF INCREASED PUBLIC SPENDING VERY CLOSELY, AND BE FULLY AWARE OF ANY COMPETITIVE MEASURES TAKEN BY NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT, SO THAT HONG KONG WOULD NOT LOSE OUT DUE TO INTERNAL OVERHEATING AND INFLATION.
/NOTING THAT .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 10 -
NOTING THAT SOME PEOPLE OVERSEAS HAD RATHER NEGATIVE AND LOP-SIDED PERCEPTION OF HONG KONG FOLLOWING THE TIANANMEN SQUARE INCIDENT IN CHINA, MRS FAN SAID THAT THE ADMINISTRATION AND QUASI-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WITH OVERSEAS OFFICES SHOULD MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT IN PROMOTING THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG.
"I SUGGEST THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE POSSIBILITY OF A SUBTLE CAMPAIGN AIMED AT GETTING THE MESSAGE ’HONG KONG IS THE PLACE TO BE IN IN ASIA’ ACROSS TO AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE GROWTH IN CIVIL SERVICE, MRS FAN SAID THAT WHILE THE CREATION OF NEW POSTS WAS UNAVOIDABLE, IT WAS NECESSARY TO EXAMINE WHICH OF THE EXISTING SERVICES WAS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE TO OUR PRESENT REQUIREMENTS.
SHE SAID THAT HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO CUT DOWN ON UNNECESSARY SERVICES AND WORK. IN RETURN, SOME INCENTIVE SHOULD BE AWARDED FOR BETTER USE OF RESOURCES, FOR EXAMPLE, BY ALLOWING THE DEPARTMENT’S REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO HAVE A HIGHER PRIORITY RATING.
--------0-----------
COMMITTEES ON PAY INCREASES SHOULD BE MERGED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED FOR THE MERGER OF THE TWO COMMITTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR RECOMMENDING CIVIL SERVANTS’ PAY INCREASE.
HE SAID THE MERGER OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, WOULD ENSURE A UNIFIED ADJUSTMENT AND IN TURN, HELP PROJECT AN IMAGE OF FAIRNESS AND IMPARTIALITY.
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHENG SAID THE MERGER WOULD ALSO HELP CLEAR UP MISCONCEPTIONS BY THE LOWER GRADE CIVIL SERVANTS THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED UNFAIR TREATMENT IN TERMS OF PAY RISE, WHICH WOULD HELP BOOST CIVIL SERVICE MORALE.
"WHAT HONG KONG NEEDS MOST TO BOOST STABILITY AT THIS POINT IN TIME IS PERHAPS UNITY AND I URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE LEAD TO INTRODUCE MEASURES WHEN AWARDING PAY RISE WHICH WILL BRING ABOUT A UNIFIED CIVIL SERVICE," HE SAID.
ON EDUCATION, MR CHENG SAID WHILE IT WAS PLEASING TO NOTE THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO EXPAND IN THE AREA OF TERTIARY EDUCATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD, MUCH COULD BE ACHIEVED AT THE PRESENT STAGE BY EXPANDING THE EXISTING RESOURCES OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
/"THE GOVERNMENT .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
11
"THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE IN THE ALLOCATION OF DEGREE COURSES AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES. IF ANY OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE THE ABILITY AND FACILITIES TO ACCOMMODATE MORE STUDENTS AND TO PROVIDE DEGREE COURSES COST-EFFECTIVELY, SUCH ALLOCATION SHOULD BE GRANTED AS REQUESTED," HE SAID.
HE FOUND THE PROPOSAL THAT THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SHOULD TAKE OVER A MAJOR PORTION OF THE WORK AT HIGHER DIPLOMA LEVEL "ATTRACTIVE” AND "COST EFFECTIVE".
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ATTACH MORE WEIGHT TO PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION.
"IT IS DESIRABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SUBSIDISE KINDERGARTENS IN ORDER TO ATTRACT TEACHERS WITH HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS TO TEACH OUR YOUNG CHILDREN.
MR CHENG EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER INFLATION AND "HEFTY" INCREASES IN TAXATION ON CONSUMER ITEMS SUCH AS CARS, PETROL, AS WELL AS RATES ON PROPERTY, WHICH "WILL DO NOTHING TO LOWER INFLATION".
HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO BE CAUTIOUS IN INCREASING INDIRECT TAXATION IN ORDER NOT TO IMPOSE EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE PUBLIC.
NOTING THAT IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD NOT TAKEN FURTHER THE IDEA OF INTRODUCING WHOLESALE TAX, HE SAID HE STRONGLY BELIEVED THAT THE IMPOSITION OF SUCH A TAX WOULD INEVITABLY LEAD TO HIGHER INFLATION AND WOULD HIT PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD.
-----0-------
SCRUTINY OF BUDGET SERVES NO PURPOSE
*****
THE SCRUTINY OF THE BUDGET IS MEANINGFUL ONLY IF THE BUDGETARY PROVISIONS CAN BE ADJUSTED AS SEEN FIT BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON DAVID CHEUNG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, HE SAID: "UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT, THE NOISES WE MAKE, HOWEVER LOUD, HAVE NO EFFECT; EVEN IF THEY DO, CHANGES WILL NOT TAKE ANY EFFECT UNTIL 12 MONTHS AFTERWARDS.”
MR CHEUNG SUGGESTED THAT BEFORE THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS MADE THEIR FINAL SUBMISSIONS TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THEIR PRELIMINARY BUDGETS SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO SCRUTINY BY LEGISLATORS SO THAT AT LEAST SOME READJUSTMENTS AND REALLOCATION OF RESOURCES COULD BE RECOMMENDED.
"THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL THE SCRUTINY OF THE BUDGET BE USEFUL," HE SAID.
/QUESTIONING THE........
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 12 -
QUESTIONING THE USEFULNESS OF THE SPECIAL FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS, HE SAID IN CRUDE TERMS, IT WAS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHO REALLY CONTROLLED THE PURSE STRINGS AND WHEN HE HAD MADE UP HIS MIND, THAT WAS THE END OF THE STORY,
ON TAXATION, MR CHEUNG STRESSED THAT HE FOUND THE 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE DUTY RATE ON PETROL AND DIESEL OIL UNACCEPTABLE, AS IT WAS BOUND TO AFFECT THE COST OF TRANSPORTATION FOR ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
TO MR CHEUNG, THE INCREASE IN RATES ON PROPERTY WAS EQUALLY UNACCEPTABLE, AS IT WAS A FURTHER SQUEEZE ON THE ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO WORKED HARD PAINSTAKINGLY TO OWN THEIR OWN SMALL FLATS.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF $10 MILLION SUBSIDY TO KINDERGARTENS WAS FAR FROM ADEQUATE.
"IF IT IS, NOT GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PROVIDE FULL SUBSIDY TO KINDERGARTENS, THE ANTICIPATED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN FEES BY KINDERGARTENS MUST BE MET BY CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE AIDS TO NEEDY FAMILIES," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG ALSO CRITICISED GOVERNMENT BUREAUCRACY IN THE PROVISION OF PHOTOCOPIERS AND COMPUTERS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS.
ON THE REVIVAL OF UNISESSIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS, HE SAID HE WAS UTTERLY DISMAYED TO SEE THAT THERE WOULD BE NO FINANCIAL PROVISION TOWARDS THIS AIM UNTIL 1992-93.
LASTLY, ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR CHEUNG CAUTIONED AGAINST ANOTHER PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR, AND URGED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS TAKE MORE PRIDE IN THEIR SERVICE AND PLACE LESS EMPHASIS ON MONETARY REMUNERATIONS.
--------0-----------
ALLOCATION FOR EDUCATION INSUFFICIENT
******
THE HON MIRIAM LAU, TODAY (THURSDAY) CRITICISED THE BUDGET FOR FAILING TO MEET THE SET POLICY OF ALLOCATING MORE RESOURCES FOR BETTER EDUCATION.
SPEAKING DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS LAU POINTED OUT THAT THIS YEAR’S BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR EDUCATION WAS 13.8 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, COMPARED WITH 15.1 PER CENT LAST YEAR.
/THE AMOUNT .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 13 -
THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED WAS AN INCREASE OF ONLY $371 MILLION OR 4.3 PER CENT OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR LAST YEAR, SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO CRITICISED THAT THE RATE OF ADOPTING WHOLE-DAY SCHOOL FOR ALL PRIMARY CLASSES WAS TOO SLOW, WITH THE ADDITION OF ONE SCHOOL IN 1989 WHEN EXPENDITURE ON PRIMARY EDUCATION HAD INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
SHE NOTED THAT THE TARGET FOR THIS YEAR WAS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF WHOLE-DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM LAST YEAR’S 120 TO 179 BUT THE ALLOCATION FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR THIS YEAR WOULD BE INCREASED BY ONLY THREE PER CENT.
"IF WE HAVE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE AN ADDITION OF ONE WHOLE-DAY SCHOOL LAST YEAR DESPITE A GOOD 15 PER CENT INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE, I AM INDEED SKEPTICAL THAT WITH A MERE THREE PER CENT INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE THIS YEAR, THE TARGET OF 179 WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS CAN BE MET," SHE SAID.
MRS LAU SUPPORTED THE POLICY OBJECTIVE TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND TERTIARY EDUCATION IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS BUT URGED THAT FULFILMENT OF IT SHOULD NOT BE AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER AREAS OF EDUCATION.
SHE ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP ITS ASSISTANCE TO PREPRIMARY EDUCATION BECAUSE THE FACT THAT 87 PER CENT OF CHILDREN IN THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP OF 3-5 YEARS WERE PLACED IN KINDERGARTENS CLEARLY SHOWED THAT PARENTS DID NOT CONSIDER PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION AS SIMPLY DESIRABLE, BUT AS REALLY ESSENTIAL.
MRS LAU AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO BROADEN THE TAX BASE TO MAKE HONG KONG LESS VULNERABLE TO ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION.
BUT SHE WOULD PREFER THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO COME FORWARD WITH A SOLID AND COMPREHENSIVE INDIRECT TAX PROPOSAL RATHER THAN THE PRESENT PIECEMEAL RESOURCE DIGGING EFFORT.
"I BELIEVE THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF GOOD TAXATION MUST BE THAT IT SHOULD BE JUST AND EQUITABLE, AND THAT IT MUST NOT UPSET THE BASIC LIVELIHOOD OF THE PEOPLE. UNFORTUNATELY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DOES NOT SEEM TO GIVE SUFFICIENT REGARD TO THIS PRINCIPLE," SHE SAID.
SUGGESTING THAT THE INCREASE ON RATES WOULD BE INFLATORY, MRS LAU SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY COULD CONSIDER REDUCING THE PERCENTAGE CHARGES OF RATES WHEN THE RATEABLE VALUES WERE REVISED SO THAT NO ONE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY MORE THAN THE PRESENT CHARGES.
OTHER OPTIONS COULD INCLUDE THE GRANTING OF RELIEF TO SMALL TENEMENTS OR POSTPONE THE REVISION OF RATEABLE VALUES FOR ONE OR TWO YEARS, SHE ADDED.
MRS LAU ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW STAFF ESTABLISHMENTS AND TO CONTROL THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE TO CURB THE GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE.
/SHE SUGGESTED .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 14 -
SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE RECENT DEMANDS ON PAY RISE FROM CIVIL SERVANTS UNIONS COULD HAVE STEMMED FROM A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY, AND MEASURES WERE NEEDED TO STOP THE TREND IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.
"I RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A DEDICATED AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE, PARTICULARLY DURING THESE SENSITIVE YEARS OF TRANSITION. AND I ALSO BELIEVE IN RENUMERATING THE CIVIL SERVICE FAIRLY AND ADEQUATELY.
"BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE IN HAVING TO BUY DEDICATION WITH MONEY AND CIVIL SERVANTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EFFICIENT ANYWAY OTHERWISE THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE," SHE SAID.
------0--------
TAX INCENTIVES FOR MEDICAL INSURANCE A MUST ♦ ♦*♦♦♦
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESSED THE GOVERNMENT FOR AN EARLY DECISION TO INTRODUCE TAX INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE MEDICAL INSURANCE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE, DR IP SAID: "IF GOVERNMENT OFFERS TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE PURCHASE OF HOSPITAL INSURANCE UP TO A CERTAIN LIMIT, SAY OF $1,000 PER ANNUM PER PERSON, MANY MORE WHO TAKE UP SUCH AN OPTION CAN PAY THROUGH THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY."
SHE FAILED TO SEE ANY TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES IN THIS MEASURE SINCE GOVERNMENT ALREADY ALLOWED TAX EXEMPTION OF UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 10 PER CENT OF ONE’S ANNUAL INCOME TO ANYONE WHO DONATED TO A RECOGNISED CHARITY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SHE NOTED, THERE WERE DEFINITE ADVANTAGES.
SHE SAID: "IN RETURN FOR THE SMALL AMOUNT GOVERNMENT LOSES IN TAX, IT GAINS FAR MORE IN HOSPITAL REVENUE. IT WILL ALSO CREATE A SPIRALLING EFFECT TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE.
"IN ESSENCE, FOR EVERY ONE PERSON HOUSED IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL, THERE WILL BE ONE LESS IN A PUBLIC ONE," SHE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON THE INTENTION OF THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO CHARGE AROUND 20 PER CENT OF THE COST OF MEDICAL CARE FOR THIRD CLASS HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS, DR IP SAID: "fN ORDER TO ALLOW THIS POLICY TO WORK IN RAISING SOME FUNDS TO BE PLOUGHED BACK TO IMPROVE MEDICAL SERVICES FURTHER, WE MUST ENSURE THAT MORE CAN AFFORD TO PAY FOR THEIR OWN HOSPITAL STAY."
--------0 - -
/15.........
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 15 -
BUDGET PROPOSALS FUEL INFLATION * * * » *
THE 15 PER CENT RISE IN CIVIL SERVANTS’ SALARY, A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN TAX ON HYDRO-CARBON OIL AND THE EXCESSIVE LEVY ON RATES WILL ALL FUEL INFLATION, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR TAI ASKED WHETHER THERE WERE OTHER ALTERNATIVES TO RAISING REVENUE FROM OTHER SOURCES WHICH WOULD HAVE LESS EFFECT ON INFLATION.
HE CITED A HIGHER AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX AS AN EXAMPLE, NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT IN IMPROVING THE FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE EXISTING AIRPORT AND IN PLANS TO BUILD A BETTER ONE.
ON THE AIRPORT AND PORT PROGRAMMES, MR TAI ANTICIPATED A NEED FOR A LARGE AMOUNT OF INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT WHICH COULD BE SERIOUSLY HANDICAPPED BY A LACK OF MANPOWER AND AGGRAVATED BY ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
HE SAID HE WAS NOT CONVINCED THAT THE PORTS AND AIRFIELD HAD TO BE BUILT BY 1997.
ON HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES, MR TAI NOTED THAT DESPITE REPEATED REQUESTS FROM MEMBERS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD, VERY LITTLE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE.
HE SAID WHILE HE DID NOT AGREE TO THE PRESENT POLICY OF A NON-CONTRIBUTORY SYSTEM FOR THOSE USING THE SERVICE, HE FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO ASK THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO RECOVER 20 PER CENT OF THE MEDICAL COSTS THEY INCURRED WOULD BE TOO DRASTIC.
"IF WE ARE GOING TO MAKE OUR CLASS B BEDS A SUCCESS, WE SHOULD AGAIN THINK OF MEDICAL INSURANCE, AND GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A LEAD TO SUPPORT IT," HE SAID.
MR TAI ALSO SAID THAT DENTAL CARE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE IMPROVED AND EXTENDED GRADUALLY.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER AND DELAY THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE LANTAU HOSPITAL, UNTIL LANTAU ISLAND WAS DEVELOPED WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
TURNING TO TRANSPORTATION, MR TAI SAID THAT WITH MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RE-EXAMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES UNDER WHICH MAJOR TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES OPERATED, AND TACKLE THE INHERENT DRAWBACKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SCHEME.
MR TAI ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP MORE USABLE AND FALLOW LAND FOR AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY PRODUCTION, AND TO INVEST IN THE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
- - 0 - -
/16
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
16
EMPLOYERS URGED TO PREVENT WAGE-LED INFLATION
*****
BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS HAVE A DUTY TO PREVENT THE SPIRAL OF WAGE-LED INFLATION, THE HON ROSANNA TAM, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
"I HOPE EMPLOYERS WILL RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN THEIR LABOUR FORCE SIMPLY BY GIVING MORE AND BIGGER SALARY INCREASES, WHICH ARE IN ANY CASE, OF LITTLE BENEFIT IF THEY SIMPLY INCREASE THE INFLATION SPIRAL.
"IN THE LONG RUN WHAT WILL COUNT JUST AS MUCH AS WAGE INCREASES WILL BE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WHOLE RANGE OF EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS, SUCH AS TRAINING AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS, PROVIDENT AND PENSION SCHEMES," SHE SAID.
SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MRS TAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INVEST IN THE SORT OF LONG TERM SOCIAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THE POPULATION COULD FIND SECURITY AND SATISFACTION.
"THE GOVERNMENT MUST CREATE THE CLIMATE, BY LEGISLATION IF NECESSARY, IN WHICH PRIVATE EMPLOYERS, ENJOYING AS THEY DO THE BENEFIT OF RELATIVELY LOW TAXATION, PROVIDE IN GREATER MEASURE FOR THE WELFARE OF THEIR STAFF."
ON SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS TAM NOTED THAT THE ALLOCATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ACCOUNTED FOR 15.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE BUT WHEN HEALTH SERVICES EXPENDITURE WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM THE PURSE, SOCIAL WELFARE ALONE TOOK UP ONLY 6.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.
ALTHOUGH SHE WOULD WISH THE ALLOCATION WERE MORE, SHE SAID THE MOST URGENT TASK NOW WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE MONEY THAT COULD BE SPENT ON SOCIAL WELFARE WAS WELL SPENT.
IN WELCOMING THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS TAM SAID IT WAS TIME TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF WELFARE PROVISIONS IN HONG KONG AND TO REASSESS THE REAL NEEDS FOR THE 1990S, AS OPPOSED TO A FOSSILISED PERCEPTION OF THOSE NEEDS, SO AS TO ENSURE THAT SERVICES WERE COST-EFFECTIVE.
"IT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO SPEND MORE ON SOCIAL SERVICES: AS SOCIETY DEVELOPS, STANDARDS RISE AND EXPECTATIONS INCREASE. BUT A RATIONALISATION OF EXPENDITURE NEED NOT NECESSARILY LEAD TO VAST INCREASES IN EXPENDITURE," SHE SAID.
NOTING THE PLIGHT OF SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES, MRS TAM SUGGESTED THAT PAYMENT OF A SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE FOR ALL CHILDREN OF FAMILIES IN RECEIPT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED.
"THIS CHILDREN’S ALLOWANCE WILL BENEFIT THE POOREST OF OUR CHILDREN AND PROVIDE A PARTICULARLY WELCOME SAFETY NET FOR THE CHILDREN OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES."
/ON TAXATION .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
ON TAXATION, MRS TAM SAID SHE WELCOMED THE FACT THAT HONG KONG HAD MADE A MOVE TOWARDS BROADENING THE TAX BASE AND THAT TAX RELIEFS IN THIS BUDGET WERE DESIGNED TO HELP THE LEAST WELL-OFF AND THE MIDDLE-INCOME GROUP.
"I HOPE THE TREND IN THIS DIRECTION WILL CONTINUE. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THAT THE PARTICULAR INDIRECT TAXES THAT HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED OR INCREASED THIS TIME, ESPECIALLY ON FUEL OILS, MAY WELL ERODE THE BENEFIT THAT THE 'SANDWICH CLASS’ GAIN FROM LOWER SALARIES TAX.
"AND THESE INDIRECT TAXES WILL WORK THROUGH THE WHOLE ECONOMY AND PUT SOME BURDEN EVEN ON THE POOREST MEMBERS OF SOCIETY WHO PAY NO PERSONAL TAX AT ALL.
"SO AS NOT TO PENALISE THE POOR AND THE SANDWICH CLASS, I URGE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY — AS I HAVE DONE ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS -- TO ENSURE THAT ANY INDIRECT TAXES HE PROPOSES TO LEVY IN THE FUTURE SHALL FALL MOST HEAVILY ON LUXURY GOODS AND THUS ON THOSE BEST ABLE TO AFFORD THEM," SHE SAID.
------0 - -
BUDGET OFFERS LITTLE HELP IN CURBING INFLATION
******
THE BUDGET OFFERS LITTLE BY WAY OF TANGIBLE SOLUTIONS TO OUR HIGH RATE OF INFLATION AND LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLANNING, THE HON PETER WONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE.BUDGET DEBATE, MR WONG EMPHASISED THAT ONLY BY PLANNING AHEAD WOULD WE BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE OUR FUTURE PROSPERITY ON WHICH PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE WAS BASED.
HE SAID THE LACK OF EFFECTIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING WAS REFLECTED IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE GROWTH, THE UNRESOLVED QUESTION OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS AND THE FINANCING OF PUBLIC SERVICES.
NOTING THAT ARTICLE 107 OF THE BASIC LAW STATED THAT THE BUDGET OF THE HONG KONG SAR SHOULD BE KEPT COMMENSURATE WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF ITS GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT NEITHER THE BUDGET FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR NOR THE MEDIUM TERM FORECAST UP TO 1994 FOLLOWED THIS PRINCIPLE.
HE SAID EDUCATION, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE ARE ALL VITAL SERVICES THAT NEED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE ALLOCATED AMOUNT OF RESOURCES, BUT IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO USE AN INCREASING SLICE OF HONG KONG'S INCOME TO GRANT CIVIL SERVICE WAGE INCREASES OVER AND ABOVE NATURAL INCREMENTS.
/HK REMARKED .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 2S, 1990
HE REMARKED THAT BY ACCEPTING THE CIVIL SERVICE’S WAGE DEMANDS, THE GOVERNMENT IS MERELY FUELLING FURTHER A DAMAGING INFLATIONARY WAGE SPIRAL. THESE WAGE INCREASES ARE HARDLY ACCEPTABLE ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE FAR ABOVE THE RATE OF INFLATION AND ARE NOT WARRANTED ON THE GROUNDS OF INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY.
"IT IS NOW ALSO TIME THAT GOVERNMENT DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE SALARY STRUCTURE IN ORDER TO MINIMISE THE SEE-SAW EFFECT OF PAY TRENDS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS," HE ADDED.
MR WONG WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE "EXCEEDINGLY GENEROUS" FRINGE BENEFITS WHICH WERE NOT CLEARLY VISIBLE IN THE BUDGET AS REMUNERATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE PRESENT CASH . ACCOUNTING CONVENTION ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, DEFERRED PENSION BENEFITS HIDE THE TRUE COST OF THE PENSION SCHEME UNTIL A LATER DATE.
MR WONG SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THE PENSION PAYMENTS COULD ADD SOMETHING LIKE ONE THIRD TO THE STRAIGHT SALARY BILL, AND ADVOCATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ADOPT A PLAN TO FUND THE CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS OVER, SAY 10 YEARS, AND PRACTISE WHAT IT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PREACH TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, MR WONG BELIEVED THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR COULD CARRY OUT THE PROJECTS AT A MORE COST EFFECTIVE MANNER THAN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCING FOR THE PROJECTS DEPENDED TO A LARGE EXTENT ON THE POLITICAL CLIMATE WHICH WAS LARGELY BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
"ALL THIS GOVERNMENT CAN DO IS TO WORK HARD TO INCREASE HONG KONG’S ATTRACTION TO FOREIGN INVESTORS WHO WILL BE LURED TO TAKE PART IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FUTURE HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ON THE SHORTAGE OF ACCOUNTANTS, MR WONG URGED THAT HIGHER PRIORITY BE GIVEN BY OUR TERTIARY AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTES TO THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES FOR ACCOUNTANCY TRAINING AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.
----0
44 MEMBERS SPEAK IN BUDGET DEBATE * * * * *
A TOTAL OF 44 MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1990 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE PAST TWO DAYS.
THE DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS FURTHER ADJOURNED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO MAY 9 WHEN REPLIES ARE SCHEDULED TO BE GIVEN ON VARIOUS POINTS RAISED.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
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DISTRICT BOARDS BRIEFED ON PHA REPORT ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
NEW WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS IN HOSPITAL SERVICES SHOULD BE IN PLACE BEFORE ANY REAL INCREASE IN FEES IS CONTEMPLATED, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR NIGEL SHIPMAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
BRIEFING MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE REPORT BY THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (PHA) AT A MEETING AT THE CITY HALL, MR SHIPMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT FELT IT SHOULD MODIFY THE PHA’S RECOMMENDATION FOR HIGHER FEES.
IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, THE FIRST NEED IS TO HAVE A BROAD STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FEE AND WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS, TO ENSURE THAT ALL THOSE WHO WOULD FIND DIFFICULTY IN PAYING A HIGHER LEVEL OF FEES ARE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED, HE SAID.
’’ANY FEE INCREASES WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED GRADUALLY BY PHASES, AND WOULD NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICES HAVE BEEN MADE,’’ HE SAID.
HE NOTED HOWEVER THAT THE PHA HAD GOOD REASON TO SUGGEST THAT A GREATER SHARE OF THE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE — PERHAPS 15 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL COSTS -- SHOULD BE MET BY THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM THE SERVICE.
”AT PRESENT, WHEN A PATIENT IS ADMITTED TO A PUBLIC WARD OF AN ACUTE HOSPITAL, HE PAYS ONLY $29 A DAY. THIS COVERS ONLY THE COST OF HIS FOOD, BUT THE TRUE COST OF THE CARE AND ATTENTION HE RECEIVES IS AROUND $1,300 A DAY,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE DIFFERENCE WAS MET THROUGH THE VARIOUS DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES.
WHILE ON THE SUBJECT OF FEES AND CHARGES, MR SHIPMAN DISPELLED THE MISCONCEPTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS AIMING TO RELINQUISH ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCING PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
’’NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES HAS RISEN EVERY YEAR AND NOW STANDS AT SOME $6 BILLION.
’’SETTING UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY MAY COST $2 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE AND CASH OUTFLOW, AND FURTHER GROWTH IS FORECAST IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
’’BUT IF WE ARE TO BRING TO OUR HOSPITAL PATIENTS THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CARE AND TO MAKE THEIR STAY MORE COMFORTABLE, COSTS MAY HAVE TO RISE EVEN FASTER,” HE SAID.
”TO ENSURE THAT ANY INCREASE IN FEES IS FULLY JUSTIFIED AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL RETAIN THE POWER TO GIVE DIRECTION TO THE AUTHORITY ON THE LEVEL OF FEES TO BE CHARGED,” HE STRESSED.
/OUTLINING THE .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 20 -
OUTLINING THE MAIN BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY IN ESTABLISHING THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ON THE LINES PROPOSED IN THE PHA REPORT, MR SHIPMAN SAID HE HOPED THAT CONCERNS OVER PARTICULAR ASPECTS SHOULD NOT LEAD US TO LOSE SIGHT OF THESE BENEFITS.
"TO ACHIEVE THESE BENEFITS IS THE REASON WHY WE ARE UNDERTAKING THIS MAJOR OVERHAUL OF OUR PUBLIC HOSPITALS, RATHER THAN TAKING THE EASIER COURSE OF ALLOWING THE EXISTING SYSTEM WITH ALL ITS IMPERFECTIONS TO CONTINUE," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR BRINGING THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS TOGETHER IN AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PRESERVING THE TRADITIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS.
"THIS MOVE WILL ENABLE THE BEST USE TO BE MADE OF EACH HOSPITAL’S FACILITIES, WITH BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER AND RESOURCES.
"SINCE THE AUTHORITY WILL OFFER COMMON TERMS OF SERVICE TO ALL ITS STAFF, DIFFERENCES OVER FRINGE BENEFITS, WHICH HAVE BEEN A FREQUENT SOURCE OF COMPLAINT AMONG STAFF IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, WILL EVENTUALLY BE REMOVED," HE SAID.
MR SHIPMAN SAID THE SECOND BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY WOULD BE THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND A QUICKER RESPONSE TO CHANGING DEMANDS THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE POSSIBLE IF CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS HAD TO APPLY.
"THE THIRD BENEFIT IS THAT A MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED, PROVIDING FOR GREATER DEVOLUTION OF AUTHORITY FROM THE CENTRAL TO THE OPERATIONAL LEVELS.
"THE NEW SYSTEM WILL SEEK TO DRAW UPON THE DIFFERENT SKILLS THAT VARIOUS GRADES OF STAFF CAN CONTRIBUTE AND ENGENDER A CO-OPERATIVE TEAM SPIRIT.
"STAFF WILL BE MORE CLEARLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FUNCTIONS THEY SHOULD PERFORM AND THE TARGETS THEY SHOULD ACHIEVE, AND PARTICULARLY FOR THE USE OF RESOURCES.
"A BETTER-MANAGED HOSPITAL SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF OFFERING BETTER CARE AND COMFORT TO ITS PATIENTS," HE SAID.
REGARDING CONCERN EXPRESSED OVER THE ROLES TO BE ASSIGNED TO CERTAIN GRADES OF STAFF AND OVER THE REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS, MR SHIPMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAS INVITED THE PHA TO RE-EXAMINE THOSE ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED NEW HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WHICH HAVE ATTRACTED CRITICISM FROM STAFF.
"DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE PHA AND THE MAIN NURSING ASSOCIATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE SHORTLY," HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
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LADY WILSON VISITS NORTH POINT SCHOOLS * * * * *
CHILDREN AT A SCHOOL FOR THE MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SERVING THE ELDERLY AND TAKING PART IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
LADY WILSON WAS TOLD THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN SHE VISITED THE PO LEUNG KUK YU LEE MO FAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR LUCAS CHAN, THE GOVERNOR’S WIFE TOURED THE SCHOOL WHERE 78 PUPILS ARE STUDYING IN PRIMARY 1 TO 6 AND SECONDARY 1 AND 2 CLASSES ON A CURRICULUM WHICH INCLUDED SELF CARE, CHINESE LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION, SOCIAL COMPETENCE AND MUSIC AND HOME ECONOMICS.
LADY WILSON WAS TOLD THAT EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON BASIC COMMUNICATION AND PRACTICAL SKILLS TO ENABLE THE CHILDREN TO ASSUME A MORE PRODUCTIVE LIFE.
THE SCHOOL WILL HAVE COMPUTERS IN THE 1990 SCHOOL YEAR TO HELP PUPILS TO LEARN.
LADY WILSON LATER VISITED THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS LEE CHING DEA MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN THE ‘SAME DISTRICT WHERE SHE WATCHED SECONDARY STUDENTS AT WORK IN THEIR CLASSROOMS AND INSPECTED MINI-EXHIBITIONS OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND LIBRARY ACTIVITIES.
THE SCHOOL HAS 29 SECONDARY 1 TO 7 CLASSES ATTENDED BY 1,068 STUDENTS.
REAR STAIRCASES OF FOUR POST-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS *******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED THE EXTERNAL REAR STAIRCASES TO FOUR 33-YEAR-OLD BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR ALSO DECLARED THE FOUR SEVEN-STOREY BUILDINGS, COMPRISING GROUND FLOOR SHOPS AND UPPER FLOORS DOMESTIC FLATS, LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
THE BUILDINGS ARE LOCATED AT NOS. 26, 28, 30 AND 32 KAM FONG STREET. THEY ARE POST-WAR REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMED BUILDINGS WITH REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOFS AND BRICK INFILL PANEL WALLS.
THE EXTERNAL REAR STAIRCASES ARE IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DETERIORATION WITH SEVERELY SPALLED AND CRACKED REINFORCED CONCRETE MEMBERS.
/SUCH STAIRCASES ..........
I
I
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
- 22 -
SUCH STAIRCASES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE BEYOND REASONABLE ECONOMIC REPAIR AND SHOULD THEREFORE BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.
THERE ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE REINFORCED CONCRETE MEMBERS IN THE REAR PARTS OF ALMOST EVERY FLOOR OF THE BUILDINGS. LESS SERIOUS BUT SIMILAR DEFECTS WERE ALSO FOUND Ity MOST OF THE FRONT PORTIONS OF THE BUILDINGS.
THE DEMOLITION OF THE REAR STAIRCASES WILL RENDER THE BUILDINGS DANGEROUS BY REASON OF LACK OF ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESCAPE AND THEREFORE THE BUILDINGS THEMSELVES SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED.
A BUILDING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEFECTS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED IN PART BY LACK OF ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE BY THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS OVER THE YEARS.
WHILE THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO COMPEL OWNERS TO CONTINUALLY MAINTAIN THEIR BUILDINGS, HE SAID A PRUDENT OWNER WOULD DO SO IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE VALUE OF HIS PROPERTY.
HE FURTHER ADVISED THAT SHOULD THE OWNERS WISH TO REBUILD THE REAR STAIRCASES, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WOULD CONSIDER ANY FORMAL APPLICATIONS MADE IN THIS RESPECT.
HOWEVER, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS ALL REQUIRED WORKS TO MAKE THE BUILDINGS SAFE GENERALLY HAD BEEN SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED, THE BUILDINGS SHOULD REMAIN CLOSED.
THE SPOKESMAN ESTIMATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 150 PEOPLE WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE CLOSURE OF THE BUILDINGS.
THIS CASE WAS DISCOVERED AS A RESULT OF THE INTENSIFIED ACTIVITIES OF THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WHICH COMMENCED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JULY 26 WAS POSTED TODAY ON ALL FOUR BUILDINGS.
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/23........
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
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SPECIAL PRODUCTS TO COINCIDE WITH STAMP WORLD LONDON EXHIBITION ******
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE WILL PARTICIPATE IN STAMP WORLD LONDON '90 - AN INTERNATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION TO BE HELD FROM MAY 3 TO 13 IN LONDON, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE FOLLOWING STAMP PRODUCTS WILL BE ISSUED ON MAY 3:
SOUVENIR COVER
SPECIAL SOUVENIR COVERS, AFFIXED WITH A $10 DEFINITIVE STAMP AND CANCELLED WITH A PICTORIAL DATESTAMP, WILL BE ON SALE AT $13 EACH.
THE COVER BEARS A REPRODUCTION OF THE FIRST SET OF HONG KONG DEFINITIVE STAMPS (RELEASED IN 1862) AND DEPICTS THE EARLIEST KNOWN DATESTAMP INTRODUCED BY THE POST OFFICE IN 1841.
LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE HORSE STAMP BOOKLET
STAMP BOOKLETS FOR THE YEAR OF THE HORSE OVERPRINTED WITH THE
LOGO OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE ON SALE AT $15 EACH.
TO ENHANCE THE INTEREST' OF COLLECTORS, THE BOOKLET WILL INCORPORATE A BLACK AND WHITE REPRODUCTION OF THE 60 CENT AND $1.80 YEAR OF THE HORSE SPECIAL STAMPS. THESE "BLACK-PRINTS" ARE NOT VALID FOR PREPAYMENT OF POSTAGE.
THIS IS THE FIRST OCCASION ON WHICH THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE HAS ISSUED "BLACK-PRIN.TS" AND THEY ARE EXPECTED TO BE POPULAR AMONG PHILATELISTS.
PICTORIAL DATESTAMP AND CACHET
HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON MAY 3 WITH PICTORIAL DATESTAMP ON ANY PRIVATELY MADE SOUVENIR COVERS COMMEMORATING HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN STAMP WORLD LONDON ’90. IN ADDITION, A CACHET WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED FOR GENERAL CANCELLATION PURPOSES.
THESE PRODUCTS AND HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS OF THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE, PEAK POST OFFICE, SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.
/24 ........
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
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BOE VISITS EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
*****
STUDENTS AT THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND, AFTER COMPLETING FORM 3 AND IF FOUND CAPABLE, ARE INTEGRATED INTO ORDINARY SCHOOLS, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WERE TOLD THIS TODAY (THURSDAY).
TWENTY-FIVE OF THESE STUDENTS ARE NOW STUDYING IN NINE ORDINARY AIDED SCHOOLS.
THE BOARD MEMBERS VISITING THE SCHOOL WERE ALSO TOLD THAT OTHER STUDENTS WERE ENROLLED IN THE COURSES OFFERED BY THE KWUN TONO SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED RUN BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS, COMPRISING MR CHAN YING-LUN, MRS MINNIE LAI AND MR TAM MAN-KWAN, WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MRS GRACE YUNG.
THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND ORIGINATED IN 1897 AS A HOME FOR FIVE GIRLS IN WESTERN DISTRICT BUT IT MOVED TO TO KWA WAN FOUR YEARS LATER AS A SCHOOL FOUNDED BY THE HILDESHEIM MISSION OF GERMANY.
THE SCHOOL MOVED TO ITS PRESENT SITE IN 1930 AND WAS RENAMED THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BLIND. NINE YEARS LATER BOYS WERE ADMITTED.
IN 1956 THE SCHOOL WAS REGISTERED UNDER THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND IN 1962 THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED.
FROM ITS MODEST BEGINNING AS A HOME FOR FIVE GIRLS, THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND IN POK FU LAM TODAY HAS FACILITIES WHICH INCLUDE A GYMNASIUM, SWIMMING POOL, LIBRARY AND A MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM.
BOARD MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE PUPILS FOLLOWED THE ORDINARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM AS FAR AS POSSIBLE WITH CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF TEACHING AND ENGLISH BEING TAUGHT AS A SECOND LANGUAGE.
PUPILS IN THE PRIMARY 1 TO 5 AND SECONDARY 1 TO 3 CLASSES LEARN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH BRAILLE BUT THOSE WITH LOW VISION ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE THEIR SIGHT THROUGH THE USE OF MODERN AIDS.
THE VISITORS WERE TOLD MOBILITY TRAINING AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION ARE IMPORTANT SUBJECTS IN HELPING PUPILS ACHIEVE BETTER MOBILITY AND CONFIDENCE.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
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CONSTRUCTION OF CHAI WAN PARK EXTENSION * * * * *
LOCAL RESIDENTS IN CHAI WAN WILL HAVE MORE LEISURE GROUND BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
CONSTRUCTION OF A 6.13 HECTARE EXTENSION TO THE CHAI WAN PARK WILL START NEXT WEEK.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A SERVICE BLOCK HOUSING TOILETS, A BOOKING OFFICE AND A PUMPING STATION, TENNIS COURTS, GARDENS, AN OPEN-AIR THEATRE, POOLS AND A MINI-SOCCER PITCH.
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA AT GREIG ROAD IN QUARRY BAY.
FACILITIES AT THE 885 SQUARE METRE SITE WILL INCLUDE BENCHES, FLOWER BEDS AND A STORAGE BLOCK.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD . BEFORE NOON ON MAY 11 THIS YEAR.
' ’ ITIB TH?
------u-------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POLLUTION CAUSED BY INCINERATOR ******
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROBLEM OF INCINERATOR AT MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND (FRIDAY).
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT POLLUTION CAUSED BY AN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR 1990-91.
PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
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/26 .......
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1990
26
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS SHELTER PROVISION PROGRAMME ******
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE BUS SHELTER PROVISION PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED DESIGN OF THE LONG PING FOOTBRIDGE EXTENSION ACROSS ON LING ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
- - 0 - -
THREE MALE Il’S ARRESTED *****
ACTING ON INFORMATION, IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED THREE MALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE THREE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AGED 17, 22 AND 29, WERE
APPREHENDED AT A RESIDENTIAL FLAT IN TAI KOK TSUI. THEY ARE NATIVES OF CHIU CHOW AND CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG DURING THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY TO APRIL THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
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URBAN CLEARWAY IN HUNG HOM *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 28), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI WAN ROAD IN HUNG HOM, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU WAI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 97 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IS WAY OF LIFE: GOVERNOR .......................... 1
GOVT WILLING TO LISTEN TO VIEWS ON BILL OF RIGHTS: GOVERNOR ........... 3
15TH MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ...................... 3
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH RELEASED .......................... 4
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH PUBLISHED ............................ 6
FOURTH QUARTER SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED ........... 9
AG RETURNS TO HK AFTER ATTENDING CONFERENCES .......................... 13
DROP IN NUMBER OF NEW TB CASES ........................................ 13
'HONG KONG REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1989' PUBLISHED ................ 15
AMENDMENTS TO LEGISLATION ON CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN .................. 16
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO SET UP INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPT GAZETTED ... 18
EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL ON CHEMICAL .................................. 19
BERTHING FACILITIES AT CHINA FERRY TERMINAL TO BE MAXIMISED ........... 19
1991 GENERAL HOLIDAYS LIST PUBLISHED .................................. 20
NEW FIRE STATION IN TUEN MUN .......................................... 20
LAYOUT OF NEW ROADS IN DIAMOND HILL TO BE AMENDED ..................... 21
FIRING PRACTICE IN MAY ................................................ 22
APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS IN 1991 INVITED ............................ 23
EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR AIR-CONDITIONER USERS .......................... 24
COMIC BOOKLET TO PROMOTE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE .......................... 25
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IS WAY OF LIFE: GOVERNOR ***»»♦
THE FREEDOM WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE ENJOY TO COME AND GO FROM THE TERRITORY REMAINS ONE OF THE CORNERSTONES OF OUR WAY OF LIFE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FR'BAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE (ISS) INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM, SIR DAVID SAID: "IN STATISTICAL TERMS, IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA ALONE CONTINUES TO ACCOUNT FOR OVER ONE-THIRD OF OUR ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH."
HE NOTED THAT A VIGOROUSLY CHANGING AND MIGRATORY SOCIETY LIKE HONG KONG PRODUCED UNUSUAL PROBLEMS.
"TO COPE WITH THESE HONG KONG HAS EVOLVED ITS OWN SYSTEM OF WELFARE SERVICES THROUGH CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS," SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE ISS WAS A UNIQUE ORGANISATION, DEDICATED TO REACHING OUT WORLD-WIDE FROM ITS BASE IN GENEVA TO HELP FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS IN NEED, PARTICULARLY TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH SOCIAL PROBLEMS WHICH WERE ASSOCIATED WITH MIGRATION OR WHICH TRANSCEND NATIONAL BOUNDARIES.
"MIGRATION-RELATED PROBLEMS ARE IN NO WAY NEW TO HONG KONG. FOR MUCH OF OUR HISTORY WE HAVE BEEN A MIGRANT SOCIETY.
"INDEED, UNTIL THE MID-1960’S, THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG POPULATION WERE BORN OUTSIDE HONG KONG. IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ISS CAME INTO BEING IN 1958," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS THEN IN TREMENDOUS NEED OF WELFARE SERVICES IN ORDER TO HELP A POPULATION WHICH HAD NEARLY TRIPLED IN THE PREVIOUS 10 YEARS THROUGH A CONTINUING IMMIGRANT INFLUX.
"LIFE WAS VERY HARD FOR MANY. THERE WERE IN PARTICULAR MANY ABANDONED CHILDREN, AND THE ISS PIONEERED WORK WITH OVERSEAS ADOPTION IN ORDER TO FIND HOMES FOR MANY OF THESE.
"SINCE THEN, HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE HAVE COME A LONG WAY, AND OUR SOCIAL SYSTEM HAS DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED.
"BUT, AS A PROSPEROUS AND THRIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE, WE INEVITABLY RETAIN MANY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OPEN AND MIGRATORY SOCIETY.
"THE PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION BORN OUTSIDE HONG KONG REMAINS REMARKABLY HIGH AT AROUND 40 PER CENT," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE ISS AND MANY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES COULD, AND DID, RIGHTLY PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN INTEGRATING NEW MIGRANTS INTO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES.
/•'ONE PARTICULAR ......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 2 -
"ONE PARTICULAR AREA WHERE THE AGENCIES PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IS IN HELPING THE GOVERNMENT TO COPE WITH THE CONTINUING INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"THEY MANAGE A RANGE OF ESSENTIAL SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES IN THE CAMPS, WHICH BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES ARE KEEN TO ENCOURAGE,” HE ADDED.
"ISS MAKES A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN RUNNING A MAJOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR BujH ADULTS AND CHILDREN IN MOST OF OUR CAMPS.
"THROUGH THIS WORK ISS STAFF HAVE WON ENORMOUS RESPECT FOR THEIR PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION.
"I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THOSE INVOLVED FOR WHAT THEY DO," SIR DAVID ADDED.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PART, SIR DAVID SAID TO ENSURE THAT OUR SOCIAL POLICIES AND STANDARDS CONTINUE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND, THE GOVERNMENT HAD LAUNCHED A MAJOR REVIEW OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SUBVENTED SECTOR.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A WHITE PAPER SETTING OUT THE WAY FORWARD WOULD BE PUBLISHED AND ADDITIONAL FINANCE HAD BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO REDUCE CASELOADS IN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES AND SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.
"BUT THERE ARE LIMITS TO WHAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CAUSES OF MIGRATION REMAINED MANY AND COMPLEX, ALTHOUGH THE TREMENDOUS STRAIN THAT MIGRATION IMPOSED ON THE FAMILY AND PARTICULARLY ON CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WAS CLEAR TO ALL.
"HENCE THE VALUE OF THE WORK OF ISS AND OTHER NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS IN THIS SPECIAL FIELD, PROVIDING NEW IMMIGRANTS WITH A RANGE OF POST-MIGRATION SERVICES SUCH AS MIGRATION COUNSELLING, ORIENTATION TUTORIAL GROUPS AND LANGUAGE CLASSES.
"THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TASK IN BUILDING IN HONG KONG AN INTEGRATED COMMUNITY THAT CAN NEVERTHELESS RETAIN ITS COSMOPOLITAN AND COLOURFUL DIVERSITY," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE THEME OF THE SYMPOSIUM "CHILDREN AND MIGRATION: A NEW CHALLENGE FOR WORLD-WIDE SOCIAL SERVICES" WAS A FITTING ONE.
"MOST APT TOO THAT THIS SYMPOSIUM COMES AT THE END OF THE ISS’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING EVER HELD IN HONG KONG, A CITY WHOSE ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE BEEN BASED SO MUCH UPON THE TALENTS AND ENDEAVOURS OF SUCCESSIVE WAVES OF IMMIGRANTS," SIR DAVID SAID.
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/3.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 3 -
GOVT WILLING TO LISTEN TO VIEWS ON BILL OF RIGHTS: GOVERNOR t t * * * * t
THE GOVERNMENT WILL 'BE VERY WILLING TO LISTEN TO ANY VIEWS THAT CHINA MIGHT HAVE ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ASKED BY REPORTERS TO COMMENT ON CHINA’S REACTION TO THE BILL OF RIGHTS AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THERE WAS NOW A LONG PERIOD OF CONSULTATION ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS IN WHICH ANYBODY COULD PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS.
"IF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAVE VIEWS ON IT, ON THE DETAILS OF IT, THEN OF COURSE WE WILE BE VERY WILLING TO LISTEN TO THEM.
"WE WANT TO BRING JEN .THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND WE THINK IT IS ENTIRELY CONSISTENT WITH WHAT IS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. BOTH OF ^THOSE DOCUMENTS PROVIDE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS TO BE APPLIED. TO HONG. KONG AND THAT’S WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO," HE SAID.
------o--------
15TH MEETING QF}SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ♦ ***♦»
FOLLOWING IS • THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE 15TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAT$ON,GROUP:
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS 15TH MEETING IN PEKING FROM APRIL 24 1’0 2,7 ,< 1990 . f - •/"
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO NATIONALITY ISSUES AND ON THE CONVERGENCE OF CIVIL RJ.GHTS LAW BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
ON THE BASIS OF THE WORK OF ITS STANDING SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP REACHED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AFTER 1997 IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION SATELLITE ORGANISATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SATELLITE ORGANISATION.
■ i f:, ■« - j ,
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF /FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG, AND AGREED THAT EXPERTS WOULD MEET BEEQRE JLG XVI TO DISCUSS RELEVANT DETAILS.
• t ’ .V/. T^. '•
THE TWO SIDES DISCUSSED QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON CRIMINAL ASPECTS OF ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION AND REACHED AGREEMENT ON MOST POINTS. • * •
/THE TWO .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE DETAILS OF FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP DECIDED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE IN LONDON FROM SEPTEMBER 25 TO 28.
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PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH RELEASED
*»**»*
IN MARCH 1990, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED ONLY A SMALL DECLINE COMPARED WITH MARCH 1989, WHILE THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS ACCELERATED FROM THOSE IN THE PRECEDING THREE MONTHS. IMPORTS CONTINUED TO SHOW A MODERATE INCREASE.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MARCH 1990 WAS $16,512 MILLION, $111 MILLION OR 0.7 PER CENT LESS THAN IN MARCH 1989, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $4,260 MILLION OR 16.1 PER CENT TO $30,743 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT $47,255 MILLION IN MARCH 1990, WAS THUS $4,149 MILLION OR 9.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1989.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 5.6 PER CENT OR $2,693 MILLION FROM A YEAR EARLIER, TO $51,117 MILLION IN MARCH 1990.
AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $3,862 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 7.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN MARCH 1990.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $5,318 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 11.0 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN MARCH 1989.
PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 WAS $129,609 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $46,460 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $83,149 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $6,560 MILLION OR 5.3 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS FALLING BY $1,467 MILLION OR 3.1 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS RISING BY $8,027 MILLION OR 10.7 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, IMPORTS ROSE BY $2,650 MILLION OR BY 2.0 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, TO $132,681 MILLION.
/A VISIBLE .......
FIRDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
5 -
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $3,072 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990. THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $6,982 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.4 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS STILL SLUGGISH, THE RATE OF DECLINE HAD MODERATED IN MARCH.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS PICKED UP SIGNIFICANTLY. THIS WAS SUPPORTED BY RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN, WHICH CONTINUED TO RISE MARKEDLY WHILE RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE STILL ON THE DECLINE.
RETAINED IMPORTS, HOWEVER, REMAINED WEAK IN MARCH COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1990.
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE $16,512 MILLION : $30,743 MILLION ! $47,255 MILLION : $51,117 MILLION : $ 3,862 MILLION [IN DEFICIT]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES LATEST 3 MONTHS JAN 90 JAN 89 TO TO MAR 90 MAR 89 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 46,460 47,927 -1,467 -3.1
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (35.8%) (38.9%) 83,149 75,122 8,027 10.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 129,609 123,049 6,560 5.3
IMPORTS 132,681 130,031 2,650 2.0
TRADE BALANCE -3,072 -6,982 3,910
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR MARCH MARCH 1990 1989 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 16,512 16,623 -111 -0.7
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (34.9%) (38.6%) 30,743 26,483 4,260 16.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 47,255 43,106 4,149 9.6
IMPORTS 51,117 48,424 2,693 5.6
TRADE BALANCE -3,862 -5,318 1,456
/LAST MONTH .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
6 -
LAST MONTH MARCH 1990 HK$ MN. FEBRUARY 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 16,512 13,311 3,201 24.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (34.9%) (35.3%)
RE-EXPORTS 30,743 24,446 6,297 25.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 47,255 37,757 9,498 25.2
IMPORTS 51,117 40,473 10,644 26.3
TRADE BALANCE -3,862 -2,716 -1 , 146
APR 89 APR 88
TO TO
LAST 12 MONTHS MAR 90 MAR 89 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 222,637 221,422 1,215 0.5
RE-EXPORTS 354,433 297,658 56,775 19.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 577,070 519,080 57,990 11.2
IMPORTS 565,431 529,962 35,469 6.7
TRADE BALANCE 11,639 -10,882 22,521
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH PUBLISHED *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1990.
THE CPI(A) WAS 10.0 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1989. THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE WERE 9.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND 8.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE CPI(B) WAS 9.6 PER CENT HIGHER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 9.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY AND 8.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR, PRICE CHANGES TEND TO BE AFFECTED CONSIDERABLY BY THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. MOREOVER, THE BASE OF COMPARISON IN MARCH 1989 WAS PARTICULARLY LOW. THUS IT WOULD BE USEFUL TO COMPARE THE PRICE MOVEMENTS OF THESE MONTHS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.
FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 9.4 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989. THIS RATE OF INCREASE IS SLOWER THAN THOSE RECORDED IN THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTERS OF 1989 AT 10.1 PER CENT AND 9.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/AS REGARDS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
AS REGARDS THE CPI(B), THE INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER WAS 9.1 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 9.8 PER CENT AND 9.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTERS OF LAST YEAR.
ON THE YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) IN MARCH 1990 WERE RECORDED FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO, SERVICES, FOODSTUFFS, AND TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES AT 16.7 PER CENT, 13.6 PER CENT, 11.9 PER CENT AND 10.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR THE SAME COMPONENTS IN THE CPI(B) WERE 16.5 PER CENT, 13.2 PER CENT, 12.1 PER CENT AND 10.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
WHILE THE INCREASE IN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WAS PARTLY DUE TO HIGHER DUTY RATES, THE INCREASE IN THE SERVICES COMPONENT WAS MOSTLY DUE TO HIGHER SCHOOL FEES AND HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
AS FOR THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT, THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME AND HIGHER PRICES FOR FRESH VEGETABLES. THE INCREASE IN TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WAS PARTLY DUE TO INCREASE IN BUS FARES.
THESE FOUR COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR FOUR-FIFTHS OF THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND OVER THREE QUARTERS OF THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH FEBRUARY 1990, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 1.1 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY 1.0 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1990 WERE 10.0 PER CENT AND 9.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1989.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1990, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.9 PER CENT PER MONTH.
THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1990 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1990 AND MARCH 1989, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
/(OCTOBER 1984 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 8
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
CPI(A)
CPI(B)
SECTION INDEX FOR MAR. 90 % CHANGE OVER FEB. 90 % CHANGE OVER MAR. 89 INDEX FOR MAR. 90 % CHANGE OVER FEB. 90 % CHANGE OVER MAR. 89
FOODSTUFFS 141.0 + 1.1 + 11.9 142.4 + 1.0 + 12.1
HOUSING 126.9 + 0.3 + 7.3 122.2 + 0.3 + 6.8
FUEL AND LIGHT ' 102.5 + 1.7 + 7.1 102.6 + 1.8 + 6.6
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 153.5 + 6.3 + 16.7 154.2 + 6.1 + 16.5
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 137.3 + 0.3 + 6.2 138.8 + 0.5 + 5.7
DURABLE GOODS 123.3 + 0.4 + 1.8 122.5 + 0.9 + 1.7
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 137.5 + 0.1 + 5.0 137.7 + 0.4 + 5.4
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 144.7 ’ +3.0 + 10.4 143.9 + 2.9 + 10.4
SERVICES 153.9 + 0.5 + 13.6 153.7 + 0.5 + 13.2
ALL ITEMS 137.9 + 1. 1 + 10.0 137.1 + 1.0 + 9.6
COMPARING MARCH 1990 WITH FEBRUARY 1990, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 1.1 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.0 PER CENT IN CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRESH FRUIT AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASE IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF LIVE POULTRY.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 1.7 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 1.8 PER CENT IN ’PI(B) AS A RESULT OF THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR ELECTRICITY.
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) INCREASED BY 6.3 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 6.1 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF CIGARETTES, BEER AND FOREIGN-STYLE WINES DUE TO INCREASED DUTIES.
/THE INDEX .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 9 -
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 3.0 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 2.9 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASE IN BUS FARES, HIGHER FEES FOR DRIVING AND VEHICLE LICENCES AS WELL AS HIGHER PRICES OF GASOLINE DUE TO INCREASED DUTIES.
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 MARCH 1990, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 823 5089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS UP BY 1.2 PER CENT OVER FEBRUARY 1990 AND UP BY 10.9 PER CENT OVER MARCH 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.
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FOURTH QUARTER SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989, 4,606 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 27.7 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARRIVED HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 311 (OR 7 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 1.4 MILLION NRT (OR 5 PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
THIS IS RELEASED IN THE ’’HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1989” PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT.
/WHEN ANALYSED .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
10
WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF OIL TANKERS (+234) AND CONTAINER VESSELS (+150), WHILE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF VESSELS (-38), SEMI-CONTAINER VESSELS (-30) AND CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS (-25).
WHEN ANALYSED BY FLAG OF VESSELS, MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF SHIPS REGISTERED IN CHINA (+213), PANAMA (+80), LIBERIA (+36) AND SINGAPORE (+22), WHILE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THOSE REGISTERED IN JAPAN (-29), TAIWAN (-28) AND THE PHILIPPINES (-16).
THE NUMBER OF INCOMING SHIPS WITH A CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 10,000 DEADWEIGHT TONS INCREASED BY 242 WHILST THE NUMBER OF THOSE WITH A LARGER CAPACITY INCREASED BY 69.
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989, THERE WERE 4,608 OUTGOING SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 27.9 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 348 (OR 8 PER CENT) IN NUMBER AND OF 1.9 MILLION NRT (OR 8 PER CENT) IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS (ESTIMATED FROM A SAMPLE OF MANIFEST CONSIGNMENTS) ROSE BY 11 PER CENT. ABOUT 68 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING SHIPS STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN TWO DAYS.
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, 85 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS IMPORTS AND 15 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.
OF THE CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, 62 PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AND 38 PER CENT WAS TRANSHIPMENT CARGO.
THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS IN TONNAGE TERMS WERE SINGAPORE (20 PER CENT), JAPAN (14 PER CENT), CHINA (13 PER CENT), SOUTH AFRICA (13 PER CENT), TAIWAN (9 PER CENT) AND THE USA (6 PER CENT); WHILE THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE USA (21 PER CENT), CHINA (18 PER CENT), TAIWAN (11 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (5 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (5 PER CENT).
TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED IN CHINA (34 PER CENT) AND THE USA (16 PER CENT), AND WAS MAINLY DISCHARGED IN CHINA (19 PER CENT) AND THE USA (13 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988, MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (+41 PER CENT), CHINA (+20 PER CENT), INDONESIA (+19 PER CENT) AND THE USA (+14 PER CENT); WHILE MAJOR DECREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM AUSTRALIA (-33 PER CENT), SOUTH AFRICA (-21 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (-14 PER CENT).
AS A WHOLE, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT.
/AMONG THE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
11 -
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, MAJOR INCREASES IN CARGO TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF CORK AND WOOD MANUFACTURES, EXCLUDING FURNITURE (+47 PER CENT), PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+45 PER CENT) AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (+27 PER CENT), WHILE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS OF IRON AND STEEL (-44 PER CENT), COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (-20 PER CENT), INORGANIC CHEMICALS (-19 PER CENT) AND CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER (-16 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT.
MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY (+46 PER CENT), THE USA (+31 PER CENT), CHINA (+29 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (+20 PER CENT); WHILE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (-13 PER CENT) AND SOUTH KOREA (-10 PER CENT).
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, MAJOR INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+75 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (+29 PER CENT), GARMENTS OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED (+27 PER CENT) AND TOYS (+22 PER CENT); WHILE MAJOR DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS OF PULP AND WASTE PAPER (-10 PER CENT) AND CLAY AND KAOLIN (-8 PER CENT).
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 36 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO. OF THOSE LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS AND OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, 76 PER CENT WAS CONTAINERISED CARGO.
IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 31 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS. IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR A LARGE PROPORTION OF SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM THE NETHERLANDS (82 PER CENT), THE USA (75 PER CENT), WEST GERMANY (72 PER CENT), TAIWAN (70 PER CENT) AND SOUTH KOREA (61 PER CENT).
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE IMPORTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 ROSE BY 8 PER CENT OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR, IN TONNAGE TERMS, 98 PER CENT OF SEABORNE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, 94 PER CENT OF OTHER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES AND PARTS, 92 PER CENT OF PAPER, PAPERBOARD AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD AND 84 PER CENT OF TEXTILES OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED.
/FOR SEABORNE .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 12 -
FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR 69 PER CENT IN TERMS OF TONNAGE. IN PARTICULAR, CONTAINERISED CARGO ACCOUNTED FOR ALL OR A VERY LARGE PROPORTION OF SEABORNE EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE NETHERLANDS, THE USA AND AUSTRALIA.
THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CONTAINERISED SEABORNE EXPORTS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 ROSE BY 14 PER CENT OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1988.
A VERY LARGE PROPORTION OF SEABORNE EXPORTS OF SOME PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES WERE CONTAINERISED. THESE INCLUDED TOYS, COTTON GARMENTS, FOOTWEAR, PLASTIC MANUFACTURES, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED, COTTON TEXTILES, GARMENTS OF MIXED MATERIALS OR OTHER MATERIALS, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED.
SHIPPING STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIPMASTERS OR AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS AND COVER ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT.
PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS ARE COMPILED FROM OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
BECAUSE OF RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS, A SAMPLE OF ALL CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE MANIFESTS IS USED FOR COMPILING PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS. THE SAMPLING METHOD IS DESCRIBED IN THE EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE REPORT.
MORE DETAILS ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 ARE CONTAINED IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1989", WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $23 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS • DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4887.
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/13........
FRIDAY, APRIL 27,
1990
- 13 -
AG RETURNS TO HK AFTER ATTENDING CONFERENCES
*****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, RETURNED TO HONG KONG THIS EVENING HAVING ATTENDED THE COMMONWEALTH LAW CONFERENCE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, LAST WEEK AND THE MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH LAW MINISTERS IN CHRISTCHURCH THIS WEEK.
DURING THE COMMONWEALTH LAW CONFERENCE, MR MATHEWS SPOKE ON THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS, AS WELL AS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG’S ARBITRATION LAW AND ON LAW REFORM MATTERS. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE INTEREST SHOWN IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
DURING THE LAW MINISTERS MEETING, MANY DELEGATES WERE INTERESTED IN HONG KONG’S LAWS ON THE FREEZING AND SEIZURE OF DRUG ASSETS AND IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG’S CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS IN THIS FIELD.
THERE WAS ALSO A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE BILINGUAL LAW PROGRAMME, AND PARTICULARLY IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S SOPHISTICATED COMPUTER USED IN DRAFTING.
’’THESE MEETINGS ARE VERY VALUABLE, NOT ONLY FOR THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED AND THE PRESENCE OP' SO MANY DISTINGUISHED JUDGES, LAWYERS AND ACADEMICS, BUT ALSO BECAUSE OF THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY THEY PRESENT TO MEET A WIDE RANGE OF COMMONWEALTH LAWYERS AND JUDGES AND TO EXCHANGE THOUGHTS ON THE PRACTICAL PROBLEMS FACING LAWYERS TODAY AND THEIR SOLUTIONS.
’’THESE MEETINGS UNDERLINE THE FACT THAT HONG KONG IS A COMMON LAW JURISDICTION AND IS PART OF THE COMMON LAW WORLD,” MR MATHEWS SAID.
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DROP IN NUMBER OF NEW TB CASES ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS DROP IN THE NUMBER OF NEW TUBERCULOSIS CASES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS IN HONG KONG.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION, DR S.H. LEE, SAID THIS AT THE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 6,704 NEW TUBERCULOSIS CASES LAST YEAR WITH A NOTIFICATION RATE OF 116.4 PER 100,000 POPULATION, COMPARED WITH 7,021 CASES AND A NOTIFICATION RATE OF 123.6 IN 1988.
/THE FIGURES .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
14
THE FIGURES FOR PREVIOUS YEARS WERE: 7,269 CASES AND A RATE OF 129.5 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1987, 7,432 AND 134.3 IN 1986, 7,545 AND 138.3 IN 1985 AND 7,843 AND 145 IN 1984.
DR LEE SAID A TOTAL OF 403 TUBERCULOSIS DEATHS WERE REPORTED LAST YEAR, GIVING A RATE OF SEVEN PER 100,000 POPULATION.
THIS SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE WHEN COMPARED WITH 388 DEATHS AND A RATE OF 6.8 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1988.
DURING THE PAST YEAR, HE SAID, 226 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WERE FOUND TO HAVE ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS REQUIRING TREATMENT AS A RESULT OF EXAMINATION OF SYMPTOM-MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS.
"ALL BOAT PEOPLE AGED 14 AND BELOW WERE GIVEN DIRECT BCG VACCINATION AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVED," DR LEE SAID.
"ALL OTHER PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES WERE MAINTAINED TO PREVENT THE POSSIBLE SPREAD OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES FROM THE VBP TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.
DESPITE THE DECLINING ANNUAL RATE OF NOTIFICATION, DR LEE SAID TUBERCULOSIS REMAINED A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
LAST YEAR, TWO TUBERCULOSIS EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM -PROFESSOR WALLACE FOX AND PROFESSOR STEWART KILPATRICK - AT THE INVITATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REVIEWED THE PRESENT STATE OF TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG AND ADVISED ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TUBERCULOSIS AND CHEST SERVICE.
ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THEIR REPORT, DR LEE SAID, WAS THE SETTING UP OF A TUBERCULOSIS RESEARCH CENTRE.
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE ASSOCIATION, WHICH HAS BEEN PLAYING A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS, WOULD RENDER ITS ASSISTANCE TO THIS END.
ON LUNG CANCER DEATHS, DR LEE SAID, THE FIGURE FOR LAST YEAR WENT UP TO 2,592 FROM 2,354 IN 1988, GIVING A MORTALITY RATE OF 45 AND 41.4 PER 100,000 POPULATION RESPECTIVELY.
HF EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, VOLUNTEER AGENCIES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC MUST CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS TO COMBAT CIGARETTE SMOKING.
TURNING TO OCCUPATIONAL LUNG DISEASES, DR LEE SAID, 152 CASES OF SILICOSIS AND ONE CASE OF ASBESTOSIS WERE REPORTED AND COMPENSATED LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS CASES COMPENSATED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION ORDINANCE IN JANUARY 1981 STOOD AT 3,511.
/DR LEE ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 15 -
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES WERE STILL THE TWO MAIN INDUSTRIES WITH HIGH RISK FOR WORKERS TO CONTRACT THE DISEASE.
ON HEART DISEASE, DR LEE SAID, IT CLAIMED A TOTAL OF 4,836 LIVES LAST YEAR, 237 MORE THAN IN 1988.
HE PRAISED THE WORK DONE BY THE CARDIAC, MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TEAMS AT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL.
LAST YEAR, HE ADDED, A TOTAL OF 824 CARDIAC OPERATIONS WERE PERFORMED WITH HIGH SUCCESS RATE.
IN CONCLUSION, DR LEE, WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, THANKED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION AND STAFF FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF THE ASSOCIATION.
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’HONG KONG REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1989’ PUBLISHED *****
A REVIEW DEPICTING HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1989 WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR EARLIER YEARS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PUBLICATION, WHICH IS ENTITLED 'THE HONG KONG REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1989’, PRESENTS A SUMMARY ACCOUNT OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN 1989.
THE TOTAL VALUE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE AMOUNTED TO $1,133 BILLION IN 1989, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 14 PER CENT OVER 1988. RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RISE RAPIDLY AND IN 1989 THEY TOTALLED $346 BILLION, CONSTITUTING ABOUT 61 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REVIEW ARE DOMESTIC EXPORT, RE-EXPORT AND IMPORT STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COUNTRY (AS MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OR AS SUPPLIER FOR HONG KONG’S IMPORTS) AND BY COMMODITY.
FOR IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS, STATISTICS ANALYSED COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND END-USE CATEGORY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE LATTER REFERS TO THE GROUPING OF COMMODITIES INTO BROAD CATEGORIES LIKE RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS, WHICH IS USEFUL FOR MANY RESEARCH PURPOSES.
SEPARATE STATISTICS IN RESPECT OF AIRBORNE TRADE AND SEABORNE TRADE ARE PRESENTED TO FACILITATE ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT.
/IN 1989.........
FRIDAY, APRIL 71, 1990
IN 1989, SEABORNE TRADE AND AIRBORNE TRADE ACCOUNTED FOR 52 PER CENT AND 21 PER CENT IN VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE RESPECTIVELY AND BOTH RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 1988. BREAKDOWNS OF THESE BY COUNTRY AND BY COMMODITY ARE AVAILABLE IN THE REVIEW.
APART FROM EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS IN VALUE TERMS, THE REVIEW DESCRIBES MOVEMENTS IN THE PRICES AND VOLUME OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE AS REFLECTED BY THE UNIT VALUE INDEXES AND QUANTUM INDEXES.
IN ADDITION, THE REVIEW CONTAINS A SUMMARY OF THE EXCHANGE RATES OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST PRINCIPAL FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX.
THE REVIEW ALSO PRESENTS TABLES SHOWING HONG KONG’S POSITION AMONGST THE WORLD’S LEADING EXPORTERS. IN 1988, HONG KONG WAS THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER OF IMITATION JEWELLERY AND THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORTERS OF COMPLETE WATCHES (FOLLOWING SWITZERLAND) AND TOYS AND GAMES (FOLLOWING TAIWAN). HONG KONG RANKED THIRD IN THE EXPORTS OF CLOTHING (FOLLOWING ITALY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA) AND PRECIOUS METAL JEWELLERY (FOLLOWING ITALY AND SWITZERLAND).
IN THE REVIEW, THERE IS A CONCISE TABLE SHOWING HONG KONG’S EXPORT AND IMPORT VALUES AS FAR BACK AS 1962, WHEREAS MOST OTHER TABLES SHOW STATISTICS FROM 1987 TO 1989.
THE REVIEW CONTAINS 13 GRAPHS AND 38 STATISTICAL TABLES.
IT IS PRICED AT HK$20 PER COPY AND IS NOW ON SALE AT (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT THE WANCHAI TOWER 1, 17TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PUBLICATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 823 4915.
- - 0 - -
AMENDMENTS TO LEGISLATION ON CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED AMENDMENTS TO LEGISLATION ON CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON TUESDAY, MAY 1.
THE COMMENCEMENT NOTICE OF THE PROTECTION OF NON-GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990, THE EXPORT (CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN AND COMMONWEALTH PREFERENCE CERTIFICATES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 AND THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (FEES) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1990 ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY)
THt ACTING
FRIDAY, APRH 27, 1990
17 -
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MRS REGINA IP, SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE AMENDING LEGISLATION WAS TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE PRESENT CERTIFICATION LEGISLATION.
THE PROTECTION OF NON-GOVERNMENT CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1967 AND THE EXPORT (CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN AND COMMONWEALTH PREFERENCE CERTIFICATES) REGULATIONS WERE ENACTED IN 1961.
"THE CERTIFICATION LEGISLATION NEEDS AMENDMENT IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGES TO HONG KONG’S ORIGIN CERTIFICATION SYSTEM," MRS IP SAID. "THE OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN TAKEN TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL ENABLE MORE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO BE TAKEN."
SHE SAID, FOR EXAMPLE, ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS REGARDING KEY INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN AND RECORDS TO BE KEPT BY APPLICANTS FOR CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN HAD BEEN INTRODUCED.
ALSO, PENALTIES FOR CERTIFICATION OFFENCES WOULD BE INCREASED TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH PENALTIES PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE.
"THE PENALTIES FOR MOST OFFENCES SPECIFIED IN THE LEGISLATION ARE TO BE RAISED FROM THE PRESENT LEVEL OF EITHER $50,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT OR $100,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT TO $500,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT,” MRS IP SAID.
IN ADDITION, NEW OFFENCES WERE INCLUDED IN THE AMENDING LEGISLATION, SHE SAID.
THEY INCLUDED AN OFFENCE RELATING TO ORGANISATIONS DISHONESTLY REPRESENTING THEMSELVES TO BE GOVERNMENT-APPROVED CERTIFICATE-ISSUING AUTHORITIES.
ANOTHER NEW OFFENCE RELATED TO ISSUING OR UTTERING A DOCUMENT LIKELY TO MISLEAD ANOTHER PERSON INTO BELIEVING THAT THE DOCUMENT WAS A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT-APPROVED CERTIFICATE-ISSUING AUTHORITIES.
"THE INCLUSION OF THESE OFFENCES WILL STRENGTHEN PROTECTION OF CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT-APPROVED CERTIFICATION ORGANISATIONS," MRS IP SAID.
SHE SAID THERE WAS ALSO A NEW OFFENCE OF OMITTING, WITH INTENT TO DECEIVE, ANY MATERIAL PARTICULARS IN APPLICATIONS FOR A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN, IN ORDER TO AVOID UNDERMINING THE INTEGRITY OF HONG KONG’S CERTIFICATION SYSTEM.
"THE AMENDED LEGISLATION WILL CONTINUE TO BE ENFORCED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT," MRS IP SAID.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED TO THE TRADE BY WAY OF A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN CIRCULAR.
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/18........
FRIDAY, APRIL 27,
1990
- 18 -
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO SET UP INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPT GAZETTED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE SETTING UP OF A NEW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (ESTABLISHMENT) BILL 1990 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID SETTING UP THE NEW DEPARTMENT WOULD DEMONSTRATE TO HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS AND THE COMMERCIAL WORLD THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
"IT WILL ALSO HELP ENCOURAGE INNOVATION AND DESIGN IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THE BILL PROPOSES TO ESTABLISH THE OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WHO WILL HEAD THE NEW DEPARTMENT AND TAKE OVER THE FUNCTIONS OF REGISTRAR OF PATENTS AND REGISTRAR OF TRADE MARKS FROM THE REGISTRAR GENERAL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW DEPARTMENT WOULD BECOME THE FOCAL POINT OF ACTION FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION REGIME WHICH, IN DUE COURSE, SHOULD INCLUDE NEW LEGISLATION ON COPYRIGHT AND PATENTS; THE INTRODUCTION OF A REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR SERVICE MARKS; AND THE STRENGTHENING OF PROTECTION FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS.
"THE NEW DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION," HE SAID.
THE BILL CONTAINS PROVISIONS TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF WORK ON THE TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITIES FROM THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT TO THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT.
"IT IS OUR AIM TO FORMALLY ESTABLISH THE NEW DEPARTMENT ON JULY 2," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 9.
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/19 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 19 -
EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL ON CHEMICAL
* * t * *
A PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, MR FRED LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT, WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 30, TRIS-ETHANOLAMINE, A CHEMICAL CAPABLE OF BEING USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TOXICOLOGICAL AGENTS FOR MILITARY USE, WILL BE BROUGHT UNDER EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL.
THE CONTROL ON TRI'"-ETHANOLAMINE IS IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING EXPORT LICENSING CONTROL ON 14 OTHER CHEMICALS WHICH STARTED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
DETAILS ARE SET OUT IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) (NO. 2) ORDER 1990 WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
MR LEUNG SAID THE CHANGE WAS PART OF CONTINUING EFFORTS BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHERS IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, TO PREVENT PROLIFERATION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS.
’’CONTROL ON THE EXPORT OF A NUMBER OF CHEMICALS IS BASICALLY A PREVENTIVE MEASURE. AT PRESENT, THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT TRADE THROUGH HONG KONG HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROBLEM OF PROLIFERATION,” MR LEUNG SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INFORMING THE TRADE, BY CIRCULAR LETTER, OF DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENT. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE WITH THE TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXTILES) BRANCH, TRADE DEPARTMENT, OCEAN CENTRE, 13TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON (TELEPHONE NUMBERS 737 2504 OR 737 2516).
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BERTHING FACILITIES AT CHINA FERRY TERMINAL TO BE MAXIMISED »***♦*
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO MAXIMISE UTILISATION OF BERTHING FACILITIES AT THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 70 METRES OF NEW BREAKWATER AND 95 METRES OF EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING ONE AND TO DEMOLISH 107 METRES OF AN EXISTING BREAKWATER WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 2.2 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA IS DESCRIBED IN THE GAZETTE PUBLISHED 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 CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE APRIL 26, 1991.
THE GAZETTE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED PLANS, CAN BE SEEN AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, KOWLOON.
- - 0---------
/20 ........
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 20 -
1991 GENERAL HOLIDAYS LIST PUBLISHED *****
THE FOLLOWING LIST OF GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1991 WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY):
EVERY SUNDAY
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JANUARY TUESDAY JANUARY 1
THE DAY PRECEDING LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14
LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15
THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16
GOOD FRIDAY FRIDAY MARCH 29
THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY SATURDAY MARCH 30
EASTER MONDAY MONDAY APRIL 1
CHING MING FESTIVAL FRIDAY APRIL 5
THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SATURDAY JUNE 15
THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S MONDAY JUNE 17
BIRTHDAY ADDITIONAL GENERAL HOLIDAY FOR TUESDAY JUNE 18
TUEN NG FESTIVAL THE SATURDAY PRECEDING THE LAST MONDAY SATURDAY AUGUST 24
IN AUGUST LIBERATION DAY, BEING THE LAST MONDAY MONDAY AUGUST 26
IN AUGUST THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 16
CHRISTMAS DAY WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS THURSDAY DECEMBER 26
DAY
’’THE GOVERNOR HAS, UNDER THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE, APPOINTED TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1991 AS AN ADDITIONAL GENERAL HOLIDAY FOR THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 1991,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
NEW FIRE STATION IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION IN TUEN MUN.
THE STATION, TO BE LOCATED AT AREA 40, PILLAR POINT, WILL CONSIST OF A FOUR-STOREY BLOCK, A FOUR-BAY APPLIANCE ROOM AND A DRILL YARD.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ALSO INCLUDE OFFICES, A DUTY/SERVICB ROOM, BARRACKS, A CANTEEN/RECREATION ROOM, A STORE/EQUIPMENT ROOM, A REFILLING STATION, AN UNDERGROUND OIL FUEL TANK CHAMBER, AND SERVICES MAIN AND CABLE DUCTS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START THIS JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 18.
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/21 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27,
1990
- 21 -
LAYOUT OF NEW ROADS IN DIAMOND HILL TO BE AMENDED
******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE AUTHORISED LAYOUT OF A SERVICE ROAD AND AN ACCESS TO AN APPROACH RAMP TO THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IN THE DIAMOND HILL AREA.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INCLUDE:
* SHIFTING OF THE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED SERVICE ROAD RUNNING PARALLEL TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD NEAR LUNG POON COURT BY ABOUT SIX METRES NORTHWARDS;
* AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED ALIGNMENT OF AN ACCESS TO RAMP X WITH THE INCORPORATION OF A DIRECT LINK FROM LUNG POON STREET;
* CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS LUNG CHEUNG ROAD DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE REPROVISIONED ENTRANCE TO DIAMOND HILL MTR STATION;
» CLOSURE OF THE COMBINED ENTRANCE TO THE MTR DIAMOND HILL STATION AND THE SUBWAY ACROSS LUNG CHEUNG ROAD NEAR LUNG POON COURT; AND
* ASSOCIATED REVISION TO THE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED FOOTPATH ALIGNMENTS AND LIMITS OF WORKS AREA.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
» KOWLOON EAST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
« WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BY JUNE 19 THIS YEAR.
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/22 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
22 FIRING PRACTICE IN MAY * * * * »
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 24 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
MAY 1 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 2 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 3 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 11 .59 PM
MAY 4 (FRIDAY) 12.01 AM —. 11 .59 PM
MAY 7 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM 5 PM
MAY 8 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 9 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 10 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 11 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 14 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 15 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 16 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM 5 PM
MAY 17 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 18 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 19 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 21 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 22 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 23 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 24 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 25 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM — 11 .59 PM
MAY 26 (SATURDAY) 12.01 AM — 5 PM
MAY 29 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
MAY 30 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 11 .59 PM
MAY 31 (THURSDAY) 12.01 AM — 5 PM
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/23 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
- 23
APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS IN 1991 INVITED * * * *
ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO HOLD FLAG DAYS IN 1991 TO RAISE FUNDS TO FINANCE SERVICES WHICH THEY PROVIDE ARE INVITED TO APPLY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT NOW. ABOUT 30 FLAG DAYS WILL BE ALLOCATED IN 1991.
AN SWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BONA FIDE NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 88 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
wi
ALL APPLICANTS WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE MERITS OF THE SERVICE OR SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR WHICH FUND-RAISING THROUGH A FLAG DAY WAS PROPOSED, THE APPLICANT ORGANISATION’S FINANCIAL NEEDS, AND THE ORGANISATION’S ABILITY TO EXECUTE SUCH FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES.
EXPLAINING THE ALLOCATION CRITERIA, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT EACH APPLICATION WOULD BE CONSIDERED BASICALLY IN THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS:
* AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY OF THE APPLICANT ORGANISATION. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE PUBLIC COLLECTION OF MONEY IS INVOLVED; '
» THE NATURE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISATION, AND THE DEMAND FOR SUCH FROM THE COMMUNITY;
* THE FINANCIAL NEED OF THE ORGANISATION BASED ON ITS ANNUAL BUDGET, OPERATING SURPLUS/DEFICITS, AVAILABILITY OF OTHER FUNDING RESOURCES, AND PLANNED PROJECTS; AND
* THE ORGANISATION’S ABILITY TO ORGANISE FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES AND TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS OF A FLAG DAY.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH A FLAG DAY SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS, AND THAT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NEED TO OBSERVE THE CONDITIONS FOR HOLDING FLAG DAYS LAID DOWN BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG, FROM TUESDAY (MAY 1) IN PERSON OR IN WRITING.
THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE ORGANISATION’S LATEST ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF AUDITED ACCOUNTS, MUST REACH THE DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE JUNE 9 THIS YEAR. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
/24 .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
24
EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR AIR-CONDITIONER USERS » » ♦ » »
A TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN AIMED AT EDUCATING AIR-CONDITIONER USERS TO KEEP THEIR UNITS IN GOOD ORDER SO AS TO AVOID CAUSING NUISANCE TO OTHERS, WILL BE LAUNCHED ON TUESDAY, MAY 1.
THE CAMPAIGN, ENTITLED ’’GET YOUR AIR-CONDITIONERS READY FOR THE SUMMER”, IS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL. IT WILL LAST THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT ALTHOUGH AIR CONDITIONING UNITS BROUGHT COMFORT TO LIFE, THEY MIGHT, AT SOME TIME, CAUSE NUISANCE TO NEIGHBOURS AS A RESULT OF WATER DRIPPING AND EMISSION OF EXCESSIVE HEAT OR NOISE.
’’COMPLAINTS AGAINST THESE KINDS OF NUISANCE ARE PARTICULARLY COMMON DURING THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS,” HE ADDED. ’’HOWEVER, THEY CAN BE AVOIDED BY TAKING PROPER PRECAUTIONS.”
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE HOTLINE, 723 0013, WILL PROVIDE ADVICE IN CANTONESE ON HOW SUCH NUISANCE COULD BE PREVENTED.
A TELEVISION API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) WILL ALSO BE SCREENED TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS.
FURTHERMORE, EDUCATIONAL LITERATURE SUCH AS ADVISORY LETTERS, POSTERS AND LEAFLETS, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND LARGE PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECTS, OWNERS’ INCORPORATION, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND SUPPLIERS OF AIR-CONDITIONERS.
PUBLICITY LEAFLETS ARE ALSO OBTAINABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES (ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE) OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
TO AVOID CAUSING NUISANCE TO AND COMPLAINTS BY NEIGHBOURS, THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO AIR-CONDITIONER USERS TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
» CHOOSE A SUITABLE AND LESS NOISY TYPE OF AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT APART FROM CONSIDERING ITS THERMAL CAPACITY WHEN MAKING A PURCHASE;
» CHOOSE A SUITABLE POSITION WHICH SHOULD BE FARTHEST POSSIBLE FROM THE NEIGHBOURING RESIDENCE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT;
* IN CASE WATER DRIPS FROM THE AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT, DO PROVIDE UNDERNEATH A COLLECTING BASIN WHICH SHOULD BE FITTED WITH A RUBBER HOSE TO CONVEY THE DRIP TO PROPER DRAINAGE; AND
/* AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS .......
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1990
» AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS SHOULD BE REGULARLY MAINTAINED.
UNDER THE LAW, LETTING AN AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT DRIP OR EMIT EXCESSIVE HEAT IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO CAUSE NUISANCE IS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF UP TO $10,000.
THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE ON THE CONTROL OF NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONERS.
- - 0 - -
COMIC BOOKLET TO PROMOTE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE
*****
THE COMICS WORLD WILL HAVE A NEW MEMBER NEXT WEEK IN THE FORM OF A FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY ITEM.
JOINTLY PUBLISHED BY THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH AND THE DENON STUDIO, THE FIGHT CRIME COMIC BOOKLET NO. 2 WILL BE AVAILABLE, FREE OF CHARGE, AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES FROM MONDAY (APRIL 30).
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY): "THE 32-PAGE CHINESE COMIC BOOK IS TARGETTED AT YOUNGSTERS AGED 10 TO 14.
"IN ADDITION TO AN INTERESTING STORY AND THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS FOR LIGHT-HEARTED READING, IT ALSO CARRIES AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE -UNRULY BEHAVIOUR CAN EASILY LEAD TO CRIMINAL ACTS," HE SAID.
"CRIMINAL OFFENCES RUIN LIVES. THEREFORE, IT IS OUR INTENTION TO WARN YOUNG READERS OF SUCH DANGER IN HOOLIGANISM."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A SPECIAL LAUNCHING EXERCISE FOR THE BOOKLET WILL BE HELD AT THE CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING, ON SUNDAY (APRIL 29).
BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4 PM, ADVANCED COPIES OF THE BOOKLET AND MATCHING BOOKMARKS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED. AT THE SAME TIME, THE "ROBOTCOP" WILL TEAM UP WITH TWO PRESENTERS FROM THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL TELEVISION PROGRAMME TO PLAY HOSTS TO THE CHILDREN, HE SAID.
THE FUNCTION IS OPEN TO ALL AND PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO BRING ALONG THEIR CHILDREN ON SUNDAY TO MEET THE "ROBOTCOP" AND TO GET A SOUVENIR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EXERCISE TO PROMOTE THE FIGHT CRIME COMIC BOOKLET TO BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 29) ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHILDREN NEED HELP IN DEVELOPMENT: LADY WILSON ....................................... 1
HK CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE WIDER SET OF RESPONSIBILITIES ............................... 2
SOCIAL INTEGRATION NEEDS PUBLIC SUPPORT .............................................. 3
HK TEAM WON MEDALS IN WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES ....................................... 3
POLICE DELEGATION RETURNS FROM VISIT TO CHINA ........................................ 4
THIRD ROAD SAFETY TOWN TO OPEN IN NORTH POINT......................................... 5
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION .................................................. 6
WAN CHAI STUDENTS CLEAN FOOTBRIDGES .................................................. 7
DB TO DISCUSS DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS ................................................... 7
YAU TSIM DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS ................................ 8
STORY BOOK TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ................................................ 8
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL ............................................ 9
URBAN CLEARWAY IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ................................................. 9
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHAM SHUI PO.................................................. 10
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
CHILDREN NEED HELP IN DEVELOPMENT: LADY WILSON ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
CHILDREN NEED TO BE HELPED TO DEVELOP IN ALL AREAS OF THEIR LIVES, IF THEY ARE TO EMERGE AS WELL-BALANCED INDIVIDUALS, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CHILDREN’S MONTH ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES, LADY WILSON SAID THAT IF WE COULD TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO FACE PERSONAL AND OTHER CHALLENGES IN A POSITIVE WAY, AIMING FOR PEACE, HARMONY AND UNDERSTANDING, THEY WOULD GROW UP TO MAKE A FAR BETTER WORLD FOR THEMSELVES AND THOSE AROUND THEM.
THEY WOULD MOST PROBABLY LEARN BETTER ALSO, SHE ADDED.
LADY WILSON NOTED THAT A PARTICULAR POPULAR ACTIVITY OF THE CHILDREN’S MONTH WAS THE SCHOOLS EXCHANGE PROGRAMME WHERE CHILDREN WERE ENCOURAGED TO MIX WITH THOSE FROM OTHER BACKGROUNDS, AND WITH THE DISABLED, IN ORDER TO HELP INCREASE UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE OF PEOPLE WHO WERE DIFFERENT FROM THEMSELVES.
’’THIS IS AN IMPORTANT VALUE TO INSTIL IN CHILDREN FROM A YOUNG AGE,” SHE STRESSED.
FOR EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING, LADY WILSON EMPHASISED THE NEED TO EXPOSE YOUNG CHILDREN TO DIFFERENT THINGS, DIFFERENT GAMES, DIFFERENT PEOPLE.
”IF THEY CAN MEET AND PLAY ALONGSIDE OTHERS WITHOUT BEING AFRAID, THEY WILL DEVELOP INTO TOLERANT, UNDERSTANDING ADULTS. IF, THROUGHOUT CHILDHOOD, WE PROTECT AND ONLY EXPOSE OUR CHILDREN TO THOSE EXACTLY LIKE THEM, WE ARE IN DANGER OF LIMITING THEIR CAPACITY FOR UNDERSTANDING,” LADY WILSON SAID.
SHE SAID THAT YOUNG CHILDREN POSSESSED A NATURAL CURIOSITY ABOUT THE WORLD, WHICH, IF FED BY BEING EXPOSED TO ALL SORTS OF EXPERIENCES, WITH A LOVING PARENT, OR A TEACHER, TO EXPLAIN EACH NEW SITUATION, CHILDREN GREW UP WANTING TO LEARN MORE AND MORE, AND WITHOUT BEING FRIGHTENED OF THE UNKNOWN.
LADY WILSON PRAISED THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR HAVING WORKED HARD TO AROUSE INTEREST AND AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN EXPOSING CHILDREN TO DIFFERENT IDEAS AT AN EARLY AGE.
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/2.........
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
- 2 -
HK CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE WIDER SET OF RESPONSIBILITIES
*****
AS MEMBERS OF THE ONLY DISCIPLINED CUSTOMS SERVICE IN THE WORLD, HONG KONG CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE A WIDER SET OF RESPONSIBILITIES THAN ANY OTHER, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR MARTIN BARROW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
TAKING THE SALUTE AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF CUSTOMS INSPECTORS AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS HELD AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL, MR BARROW SAID A VERY HIGH STANDARD WAS EXPECTED OF THE PASSING-OUT SQUADS AND THE EXAMPLE THAT HAD BEEN SET BY PREVIOUS AND PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE WAS NOT ONE THAT WOULD BE EASY TO FOLLOW.
"YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM YOUR DUTIES WITH DILIGENCE, DETERMINATION, EFFICIENCY AND INTEGRITY, AND TO UNDERTAKE THEM WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR.
"AND, AS A MEMBER OF A DISCIPLINED SERVICE, YOU MUST ALSO HAVE LOYALTY, DISCIPLINE AND CONFIDENCE,” MR BARROW SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE PASSING-OUT SQUADS’ SMART TURNOUT AND BEARING WHICH INDICATED THE HIGH STANDARD THEY HAD ATTAINED.
"THEY ALSO REFLECT THE EFFORT AND DEDICATION THAT HAVE BEEN PUT INTO YOUR TRAINING BY STAFF OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL," HE SAID.
TO ACQUIRE THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NECESSARY IN TAKING UP CUSTOMS DUTIES, NEW RECRUIT MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE HAVE TO COMPLETE A WIDE-RANGING AND ARDUOUS BASIC TRAINING PROGRAMME.
RECRUIT INSPECTORS AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS UNDERGO A 26-WEEK AND 13-WEEK RESIDENTIAL COURSE OF TRAINING AND STUDY RESPECTIVELY IN THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
COURSE SUBJECTS INCLUDE THE ORGANISATION AND FUNCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT; GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND ORDERS; ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS WITH WHICH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IS CONCERNED; TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES, AND ELEMENTARY LAW AND RULES OF EVIDENCE.
RECRUIT INSPECTORS ARE FURTHER INSTRUCTED ON PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, COURT PROCEDURES AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF LAW.
BOTH GRADES, HOWEVER, ARE GIVEN SIMILAR TRAINING IN THE AREA OF DISCIPLINE, FOOT DRILL, PHYSICAL TRAINING, SELF DEFENCE, FIRST AID, LIFE SAVING AND USE OF FIREARMS.
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/
/3...........
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
3
SOCIAL INTEGRATION NEEDS PUBLIC SUPPORT *****
PUBLIC SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT TO THE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR KWOK KA-CHI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE CREATIVE ART AND CRAFTS COMPETITION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, MR KWOK SAID THE AIM OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED WAS TO ASSIST THEM IN DEVELOPING THEIR ABILITIES AND TALENTS TO BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
"THE GOVERNMENT, IN CONNECTION WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, OFFERS REHABILITATION SERVICES TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM.
"VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, WITH THEIR EXPERTISE IN PROVIDING REHABILITATION SERVICES, ALSO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THESE SERVICES MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AND ENCOURAGE THE DISABLED TO RECEIVE TRAINING TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES," HE SAID.
MR KWOK SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD RECOGNISE THAT THE DISABLED HAD THE SAME RIGHT AND VALUE TO SOCIETY AS ANY ABLE-BODIED PERSON.
"WITH BETTER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES AND MORE PUBLIC EDUCATION TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ CARE AND CONCERN FOR THE DISABLED, WE COULD ACHIEVE THE IDEAL OF SHARING A MEANINGFUL LIFE TOGETHER," HE ADDED.
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HK TEAM WON MEDALS IN WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES *****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ATHLETIC TEAM HAS SCORED OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN THE FIRST WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES WHICH ENDED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
THE TEAM OBTAINED 28 GOLD MEDALS, 15 SILVER MEDALS AND 16 BRONZE MEDALS IN VARIOUS EVENTS INCLUDING SWIMMING, SOCCER, BASKETBALL, TABLE TENNIS, SNOOKER, VOLLEYBALL, CROSS COUNTRY RUN, BADMINTON AND TRACK AND FIELD.
THE BEST RESULTS WERE ACHIEVED IN SWIMMING, IN WHICH THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES SWIMMERS SCORED A TOTAL 15 GOLD MEDALS, EIGHT SILVER MEDALS AND SEVEN BRONZE MEDALS.
IN TRACK AND FIELD, THE ATHLETES TOOK HOME A GOLD MEDAL IN THE 110-METRE HURDLE, AND A GOLD MEDAL AND A BRONZE MEDAL IN THE 10,000-METRE RUN.
/THE GOLD .......
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
THE GOLD MEDAL OF SOCCER ALSO WENT TO THE FIRE SERVICES SOCCER TEAM, WHILE THE BASKETBALL TEAM GOT THE BRONZE MEDAL.
THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPORTS AND WELFARE CLUB SENT A 68-MEMBER DELEGATION TO TAKE PART IN THE FIRST WORLD FIREFIGHTERS GAMES.
- - 0 - -
POLICE DELEGATION RETURNS FROM VISIT TO CHINA ******
A TOP LEVEL DELEGATION OF POLICE OFFICERS, LED BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (OPERATIONS), MR JOHN SHEPPARD, RETURNED FROM CHINA TODAY (SATURDAY).
ON HIS RETURN, MR SHEPPARD SAID THE VISIT, WHICH TOOK PLACE OVER A PERIOD OF 10 DAYS, WAS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF LIAISON MEETINGS BETWEEN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND THE PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU OF CHINA.
HE ADDED THAT MEETINGS WERE HELD IN PEKING, SHANGHAI AND CANTON AND COVERED A RANGE OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING NARCOTICS, COMMERCIAL CRIME AND THE SMUGGLING OF GUNS INTO HONG KONG FROM CHINA.
THE LATEST VISIT IS THE 11TH IN A SERIES OF INTERPOL MEETINGS BETWEEN POLICE OFFICERS IN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
MR SHEPPARD ADDED THAT MEETINGS OF THIS NATURE HAD BEEN FOUND MOST USEFUL AND IT WAS INTENDED THAT THEY SHOULD CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE.
THE DELEGATION INCLUDED THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, PETER WONG TSAN-KWONG; CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT BEN MUNFORD; SUPERINTENDENT DAVID LAI TAK-SHING; CHIEF INSPECTOR ALFRED MA WAI-LUK AND MISS PEARL CHOW FROM THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
5
THIRD ROAD SAFETY TOWN TO OPEN IN NORTH POINT ******
SCHOOL CHILDREN ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL NOT HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR TO LEARN ROAD SAFETY THE HAPPY WAY WHEN A NEW ROAD SAFETY TOWN IS OPENED IN NORTH POINT LATER THIS YEAR.
THE TERRITORY’S THIRD MINIATURE ROAD SAFETY TOWN, WHICH IS TO BE LOCATED IN PAK FUK ROAD, WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT MORE CHILDREN BY PRESSING HOME THE MESSAGE OF ROAD SAFETY BUT WILL ALLEVIATE THE VISITOR LOADING OF THE FIRST TWO TOWNS IN SAU MAU PING AND SHA TIN.
THE TWO EXISTING ROAD SAFETY TOWNS ARE SO POPULAR THAT THERE WERE MORE THAN 60,000 YOUNG VISITORS LAST YEAR ALONE.
INSIDE THESE ROAD SAFETY TOWNS ARE MINIATURE NETWORKS OF ROADS WITH CROSSING FACILITIES AND BICYCLES FOR PRACTISING CYCLING SKILLS.
ACCORDING TO WOMAN CHIEF INSPECTOR MONICA LO, OF THE ROAD SAFETY DIVISION, POLICE TRAFFIC WING, EACH VISIT TO ROAD SAFETY TOWNS FEATURES LECTURES ON ROAD SAFETY, FOLLOWED BY CHILDREN PLAYING IN TURN PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS TO GET A PERSONAL FEEL OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT ROAD USAGE.
"STUDENTS RELISH THESE VISITS AS THEY CAN HAVE FUN IN RIDING BICYCLES INSIDE THE TOWNS AND CAN APPLY THEIR FRESHLY ATTAINED ROAD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE TO ROAD SITUATIONS," MISS LO SAID.
AFTER EACH VISIT, WHICH NORMALLY LASTS ABOUT AN HOUR, YOUNG GUESTS ARE ALSO GIVEN SOUVENIRS WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO DRIVE HOME FURTHER THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
MISS LO SAID SUCH TOWNS WERE IMMENSELY POPULAR AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN AND LAST YEAR SAW 29,006 VISITORS TO THE SAU MAU PING TOWN FROM 284 SCHOOLS AND 34 ORGANISATIONS.
THE SHA TIN ROAD SAFETY TOWN, WHICH ONLY OPENED IN MARCH LAST YEAR, HAD ALSO REGISTERED AN IMPRESSIVE 28,, 717 VISITORS FROM 326 SCHOOLS AND 85 ORGANISATIONS IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS SINCE ITS INCEPTION.
THE TERRITORY’S FIRST ROAD SAFETY TOWN IN SAU MAU PING WAS OPENED IN 1970 AND THIS WAS SUBSTANTIALLY RENOVATED IN 1986.
"TRAFFIC LIGHTS, NEW ROAD SIGNS AND MARKINGS WERE PUT IN, A FOOTBRIDGE WAS BUILT AND ROADS WERE SURFACED," MISS LO POINTED OUT.
THE ROAD SAFETY TOWNS MAINLY CATER FOR ORGANISED GROUP TOURS OF STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS.
THE SAU MAU PING ROAD SAFETY TOWN, THOUGH MANNED BY POLICE OFFICERS, IS MAINTAINED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WITH BOOKINGS BEING PROCESSED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SHA TIN ROAD SAFETY TOWN, WHICH IS LARGER THAN THE ONE IN KOWLOON, IS MAINTAINED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHICH IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR BOOKINGS.
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/6........
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
- 6 -
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION
*****
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $533,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER EB 8 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $80,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER EF8 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $65,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR EE6793 AND ED9600.
EE3338 FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:
$ 16,000 BX1 $ 40,000 EE238 $ 26,000 EF8 $ 65,000
EE511 2,000 EE987 3,000 BG980 12,000 EE156 2,000
BC8699 2,000 EE2238 11,000 EB7 31,000 EE6793 1,000
EG727 8,000 EE680 13,000 EE1928 5,000 EE551 2,000
EE9800 2,000 EE875 3,000 EG11 31,000 CL707 6,000
EE325 6,000 EG35 8,000 AA722 16,000 AP522 6,000
EB8 80,000 DD109 10,000 DF53 6,000 EE1287 —
EE1956 2,000 HK964 6,000 EE107 3,000 ED9600 1,000
EE786 6,000 EE321 9,000 EE992 11,000 EE1115 ——
EE2880 7,000 DL22 43,000 EE1333 8,000 EE3898 22,000
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 149TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $100,676,805.
TWO NON-SCHEDULED VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS EE1287 AND EE1115 WERE WITHDRAWN AND THE DEPOSIT OF $2,000 WERE FORFEITED TO THE TOTAL REALISED.
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/7........
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
7
WAN CHAI STUDENTS CLEAN FOOTBRIDGES ♦ * * * ♦
MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS FROM FIVE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN WAN CHAI TODAY (SATURDAY) SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BY CLEANSING THE FOOTBRIDGES ON O’BRIEN ROAD, ARSENAL STREET AND STEWART ROAD.
THEY WERE TAKING PART IN THE THIRD PHASE OF THE "CLEAN FOOTBRIDGE DRIVE” ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE WORKING GROUP ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AND CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN IN WAN CHAI, THE WAN CHAI HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
EQUIPPED WITH TOWELS AND BUCKETS, THE YOUNGSTERS PROVED THEMSELVES TO BE EFFICIENT CLEANERS AND MANAGED TO GIVE A SPARKLE TO THE METAL RAILINGS ON THE FOOTBRIDGES WITHIN AN HOUR’S TIME.
ACCORDING TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR NORMAN LO, THE PROJECT HAS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO HEIGHTEN THEIR SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
ABOUT 200 STUDENTS FROM 12 SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT HAD PARTICIPATED IN TWO PREVIOUS PHASES OF THE DRIVE, HE SAID.
A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE LATEST PHASE OF THE DRIVE WAS HELD PRIOR TO THE CLEANSING OPERATION.
APART FROM MR LO, OTHER GUESTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE, MR YUNG YING-CHEUK; AND A USD SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, MR WONG SHIU-KWONG.
-----------------0------- DB TO DISCUSS DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS *****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (APRIL 30).
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DOCUMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR KWUN TONG FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (APRIL 30) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, 6 TUNG YAN STREET.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/8 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
- 8 -
YAU TSIM DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS »»«»**
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (APRIL 30).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND THE FORMATION OF A SUB-COMMITTEE TO VET FUND APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (APRIL 30) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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STORY BOOK TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION
******
A FULL COLOUR STORY BOOK PORTRAYING DIFFERENT SUBJECTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
"THE STORY BOOK IS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND TO HELP THEM, PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE, CULTIVATE AN INTEREST IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE BOOKLET CONTAINS FIVE STORIES, EACH CARRYING A DISTINCT THEME OF ITS OWN. THE TOPICS ARE THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE SPIRIT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, REFUGEE PROBLEMS, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS.
ALL THE STORIES ARE ADAPTED FROM OUTSTANDING ENTRIES IN A CIVIC EDUCATION RADIO PLAY WRITING COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE AND COMMERCIAL RADIO IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
"WE HOPE THE STORY BOOK FORMAT, COMPLETE WITH COLOURFUL ILLUSTRATIONS AND FICTITIOUS CHARACTERS, WILL BE ABLE TO ADDRESS TO THE READERS SOME OF THE MAJOR SOCIAL CONCERNS IN A LIGHT-HEARTED STYLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A TOTAL OF 40,000 COPIES OF THE BOOKLET HAVE BEEN PRODUCED. COPIES WILL BE SENT TO SCHOOLS, PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
FREE COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE, 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI .
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/9 ........
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
- 9 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 30), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY:
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH JUBILEE STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH GILMAN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN JUBILEE STREET AND GILMAN STREET WILL BE CANCELLED.
ALSO, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH JUBILEE STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH GILMAN STREET, WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR GOODS VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA, ALL GOODS VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
------------------0-------- URBAN CLEARWAY IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 30), THE SECTION OF THE NORTHBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF SCIENCE MUSEUM SQUARE IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FROM A POINT ABOUT 32 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 67 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM DAILY.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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/10........
SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1990
- 10 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHAM SHUI PO »«»♦»♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 30), TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM FAT TSBUNG STREET NORTHBOUND INTO TUNG CHAU STREET EASTBOUND IN SHAM SHUI PO.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATISTICAL KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL TO MEET CHANGING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................... 1
REORGANISATION TO STREAMLINE DRAINAGE OPERATIONS .................................... 2
FLYOVER TO BE BUILT ACROSS POK FU LAM ROAD........................................... 3
TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE TO BE BUILT AT LOK FU ......................................... 4
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS SERVICES IN EASTERN ..................................... 4
STREET LIGHTS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ................................................ 5
DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY PROGRESS REPORT.......'........................................ 6
FITNESS CLASSES POPULAR AMONG THE ELDERLY ........................................... 6
1,388 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN 4,832 RAIDS IN MARCH ....................................... 7
THREE-TIER INTRUDER ALARM POLICE RESPONSE SYSTEM HELPS SAVE MANPOWER ................ 7
"ROBOTCOP" WELL-LIKED BY CHILDREN ................................................... 9
COMIC BOOKLET TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE ........................................ 11
COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION .......................................... 12
CALL TO HEED ELECTRICAL SAFETY ..................................................... 13
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME .......................................... 14
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST .......................................................... 15
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN LOK FU .................................................. 15
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON GASCOIGNE ROAD ................................... 15
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
1
STATISTICAL KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL TO MEET CHANGING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ♦ * ♦ » *
THE STATISTICS PROJECT COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SERVES TO PROMOTE EDUCATIONAL STUDIES AND TO FOSTER CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG PARTICIPANTS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE SAID IT ALSO OFFERS ALL PARTICIPANTS THE VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY STATISTICAL KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED IN SCHOOLS TO REAL WORLD ISSUES FACING HONG KONG DAILY.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1989-90 STATISTICAL PROJECT COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG STATISTICAL SOCIETY, MR LI NOTED THAT OUR SOCIETY HAS EXPERIENCED CONTINUOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHICH HAS GENERATED A FAIR SHARE OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS THAT NEED TO BE TACKLED.
"IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT, AND INDEED FUNDAMENTAL, FOR ALL OF US TO UNDERSTAND AND CARE FOR OUR SOCIETY AND ENSURE THE PARALLEL ADVANCEMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE HAND-IN-HAND WITH ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"AND, IT IS MOST DESIRABLE THAT THIS CIVIC AWARENESS IS INCULCATED IN THE MINDS OF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION AT AS EARLY A STAGE AS POSSIBLE, PREFERABLY DURING THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION."
MR LI SAID HONG KONG, LIKE MOST OTHER DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, IS FACING TRYING CHANGES IN VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ITS ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT.
"IT IS MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER BEFORE FOR TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS WELL AS CORPORATE MANAGERS TO CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR THESE CHANGES, TO FORECAST PROBABLE FUTURES, TO DEVELOP STRATEGIES AND TO STEER THEIR ORGANISATIONS THROUGH THESE CHANGES IN FULFILMENT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES," HE SAID.
"APPLICATION OF STATISTICAL KNOWLEDGE PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THIS ONGOING PROCESS IN COLLECTING INFORMATION, FORMULATING FUTURE SCENARIOS, DEVELOPING AND TESTING ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES, THEIR CONTINUOUS MONITORING, FINE TUNING AND FINAL EVALUATION.
"THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT OF OUR SOCIETY DEPENDS A LOT ON HOW WELL WE PREPARE FOR AND ADAPT OURSELVES TO THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT WHICH IN TURN DEPENDS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ON THE EFFECTIVE APPLICATION OF STATISTICAL KNOWLEDGE."
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR BENJAMIN MOK, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG STATISTICAL SOCIETY, DR SHEN SHIR-MING.
MORE THAN 300 SECONDARY 3 TO 7 STUDENTS FROM 26 SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION, SPONSORED BY LONGMAN.
/THE COMPETITION
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
- 2 -
THE COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS.
THE FIRST PRIZE OF $3,000 EACH WENT TO ST STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE (JUNIOR) AND WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE (SENIOR). WINNERS OF THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES WERE EACH AWARDED $2,000 AND $1,000 RESPECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, THE WINNING TEAMS STATISTICAL SOFTWARE PACKAGE "SPSS/PC
WERE ALL AWARDED A COPY + STUDENTWARE".
OF THE
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REORGANISATION TO STREAMLINE DRAINAGE OPERATIONS
******
THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE BRANCH OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE REORGANISED FROM TUESDAY, MAY 1 TO STREAMLINE THE DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF RESOURCES ON GEOGRAPHICAL BASIS.
THE BRANCH IS NOW TAKING CARE OF THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL DRAINAGE AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS IN THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING THE CONNECTION OF NEW DISCHARGES AND THE RECONNECTION OF OLD DRAINS INTO THE EXISTING SYSTEMS.
WITH THE REORGANISATION, THE EXISTING THREE DIVISIONS OF THE BRANCH - URBAN DIVISION, NEW TERRITORIES DIVISION AND SPECIAL PROJECTS DIVISION - WILL BE REPLACED BY THREE NEW DIVISIONS WITH REDEFINED SERVICE BOUNDARIES.
THE NAMES OF THE NEW DIVISIONS AND THEIR SERVICE BOUNDARIES ARE:
NAME OF DIVISION BOUNDARY
HONG KONG AND ISLAND DIVISION
MAINLAND SOUTH DIVISION
MAINLAND NORTH DIVISION
HONG KONG ISLAND AND ISLANDS DISTRICT
KOWLOON PENINSULA, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, SHA TIN, TSEUNG KWAN O AND SAI KUNG
NORTH OF TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN, INCLUDING TAI PO, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI
APART FROM UNDERTAKING OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE WORKS IN THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS, THE THREE DIVISIONS WILL ALSO HANDLE DRAINAGE AND SEWER BLOCKAGE COMPLAINTS AND CARRY OUT CLEARANCE WORKS TO BLOCKED PUBLIC DRAINS AND SEWERS.
/THEY ARE .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
- 3 -
THEY ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING FLOOD CONTROL STRATEGY AND PREVENTIVE PROGRAMMES FOR THE WHOLE TERRITORY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO MAKE DRAINAGE COMPLAINTS OR REPORT FLOODINGS TO THE DIVISIONS SHOULD TELEPHONE 805 6344 (HONG KONG AND ISLAND), 300 1447 (MAINLAND SOUTH), 300 1444 (MAINLAND NORTH) BETWEEN 8 AM AND 10 PM, AND 848 1111 TO ALL DIVISIONS AFTER 10 PM.
---------------------0-------- FLYOVER TO BE BUILT ACROSS POK FU LAM ROAD
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A GRADE-SEPARATED ACCESS ACROSS POK FU LAM ROAD TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 120-METRE LONG SINGLE TWO-LANE FLYOVER ACROSS POK FU LAM ROAD TO CONNECT ITS EASTBOUND LANE WITH THE WEST PORTION OF THE MAIN CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
A SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD FROM LADY HO TUNG HALL TO CHIU SHEUNG SCHOOL WILL BE WIDENED TO SINGLE FOUR-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.
THE EXISTING POK FU LAM ROAD FROM HOK SZ TERRACE TO CHIU SHEUNG SCHOOL WILL BE RESURFACED AND RECONSTRUCTED.
THE EXISTING ACCESS TO THE PUMPING STATION OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED. AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE WILL BE PROVIDED VIA THE PROPOSED GRADE-SEPARATED ACCESS.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
♦ HONG KONG WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THOSE WHO WISH 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 JUNE 26 THIS YEAR.
------0-------
/4.........
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
4
TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE TO BE BUILT AT LOK FU
******
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AT THE NORTHEASTERN SIDE OF THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE II NOW BEING CONSTRUCTED.
THE PROPOSED WORKS ARE CONNECTED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHOPPING CENTRE IN THE PHASE 2B REDEVELOPMENT OF LOK FU ESTATE.
TO PROVIDE AN INGRESS AND EGRESS ROUTE TO THE NEW TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, A SECTION OF THE EXISTING FU MEI STREET EAST NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ROAD.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE ABOVE PROPOSED WORKS WILL START AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN THE MIDDLE OF 1991.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THESE WORKS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
* KOWLOON EAST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, LOK FU SUB-OFFICE, UNITS NO. T51-T53, THIRD FLOOR, LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, 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 JUNE 11 THIS YEAR.
-----0------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS SERVICES IN EASTERN
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 1).
THE ACTING TRAFFIC MANAGER OF CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY, MR DEREK NICHOLLS, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUERIES.
/REPRESENTATIVES FROM .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
- 5 -
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON A REVISED PROGRAMME OF RECONSTRUCTION WORKS ON KING’S ROAD AND RELATED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES.
ALSO, MEMBERS WILL STUDY A PROPOSAL TO CONVERT THE JUNCTION OF TAI HANG ROAD AND LAI TAK CHUEN ROAD INTO A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WAITING AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MAY 1) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
--------0-----------
STREET LIGHTS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA * » t » *
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHTS ALONG THE FOOTPATH LINKING NGAU CHI WAN VILLAGE TO WING TING ROAD AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 1).
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER FOUR APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AMOUNTING TO $36,500.
THE FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR CLEARING RUBBISH AND SILT IN A STREAM AT DIAMOND NEW .VILLAGE, PRINTING STICKERS AND DISTRIBUTING GARBAGE BAGS TO REMIND RESIDENTS AND DYEING FACTORY WORKERS IN THE VILLAGE NOT TO DUMP RUBBISH INTO THE STREAM, AND REPAIRING FOOTPATHS AT TSUI WAH ROAD AND CHING STREET.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS ON MINOR WORKS PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE, AND ON CASES OF LANDSLIPS, MUDSLIPS, STRUCTURAL FAILURE, FIRE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS IN SQUATTER AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MAY 1) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
/6 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
6
DB COMMITTEE TO STUDY PROGRESS REPORT
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL STUDY A PROGRESS REPORT ON VARIOUS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ISSUES IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO MONITOR THE DISTRICT’S BUS SERVICES.
AN INFORMATION PAPER ON IMPROVEMENTS TO ROAD SAFETY ALONG LEE NAM ROAD WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-----0-----
FITNESS CLASSES POPULAR AMONG THE ELDERLY
*****
HONG KONG’S OLD PEOPLE ARE AS EAGER AND ENTHUSIASTIC IN KEEPING FIT AS THEIR YOUNGER COUNTERPARTS, JUDGING FROM THE RESPONSE TO FITNESS CLASSES ORGANISED FOR THE ELDERLY IN KOWLOON CITY.
MORE THAN 70 SENIOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT ATTENDED THE TWO FITNESS CLASSES HELD THIS MONTH AND A FURTHER 650 ARE EXPECTED TO FILL CLASSES UNTIL MARCH NEXT YEAR.
EACH CLASS CONSISTS OF 12 TO 14 ONE-HOUR SESSIONS DURING WHICH THE ELDERLY LEARN HOW TO EXERCISE ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS AND ABILITIES UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF TRAINED INSTRUCTORS.
THE PROJECT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
TWO CLASSES WILL BE HELD EACH MONTH AT THE TO KWA WAN FITNESS CENTRE. LOCAL RESIDENTS AGED OVER 55 CAN ATTEND THE CLASSES WHICH ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
ENROLMENT FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TO KWA WAN FITNESS CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 165 MA TAU WEI ROAD.
------0--------
/7........
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
7
1,388 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN 4,832 RAIDS IN MARCH
POLICE CONTINUED THEIR THREE-PRONGED ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST DRUGS, ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND VICE ACTIVITIES LAST MONTH, RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF 1,388 PEOPLE IN 4,832 RAIDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT DURING THE MONTH, 204 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN 414 RAIDS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 908 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN 4,095 RAIDS IN KOWLOON AND 267 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN 310 RAIDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, NARCOTICS BUREAU OFFICERS ARRESTED NINE PEOPLE IN 13 OPERATIONS.
IN THEIR SUSTAINED EFFORTS AGAINST VICE ACTIVITIES, POLICE ARRESTED 116 PEOPLE IN 3,956 RAIDS AND SEIZED 1,712 PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEO TAPES AND 494 OBJECTIONABLE MAGAZINES.
ON THE ANTI-GAMBLING FRONT, POLICE CONDUCTED 117 RAIDS AND ARRESTED 642 PEOPLE, SEIZING $250,000 IN TABLE MONEY AND BETTING SLIPS WORTH ABOUT $1.6 MILLION.
POLICE ALSO CARRIED OUT 759 RAIDS AND ARRESTED 630 PEOPLE IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING IN MARCH. THE DRUGS SEIZED INCLUDED 7.4 KILOGRAMS OF NO. 3 HEROIN, 927 GRAMS OF OPIUM, 127 GRAMS OF CANNABIS AND SIX KILOGRAMS OF CANNABIS RESIN.
- - 0 - -
THREE-TIER INTRUDER ALARM POLICE RESPONSE SYSTEM HELPS SAVE MANPOWER
INITIAL OPERATIONAL RESULTS OF A THREE-TIER INTRUDER ALARM POLICE RESPONSE SYSTEM HAVE REVEALED SUCCESS IN SAVING PREVIOUS FORCE MANPOWER FOR MORE URGENT AND GENUINE LAW AND ORDER TASKS.
THE FIRST SET OF STATISTICS PRODUCED SINCE THE NEW SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR DEMONSTRATED THAT HUNDREDS OF POLICE MAN-HOURS COULD BE PRESERVED ON AN AVERAGE WEEK UNDER THE PHASED RESPONSE SYSTEM.
AND THE MANPOWER SAVING, WHICH IS PARTICULARLY ESSENTIAL WITH THE CURRENT TIGHT LABOUR MARKET AFFECTING THE FORCE AS WELL, IS EXPECTED TO BE FURTHER ENHANCED WITH HEIGHTENED AWARENESS IN THE NEED FOR GOOD INTRUDER ALARM MAINTENANCE AS THE SCHEME CONTINUES.
ACCORDING TO THE STAFF INSPECTOR, INTRUDER ALARM INSPECTION UNIT OF THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU, MR JULIAN HARRON, THE UNIT REGISTERED 898 FALSE CALLS FROM LEVEL 2 SYSTEMS AND 471 FALSE CALLS FROM LEVEL 3 SYSTEMS IN THE SIX WEEKS FROM MID-FEBRUARY TO THE END OF MARCH.
/IN OPERATIONAL
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
- 8 -
IN OPERATIONAL TERMS, THIS MEANT 898 EMERGENCY UNIT TRIPS WERE SPARED AND NO SPECIFIC POLICE OFFICERS HAD TO BE DIVERTED FROM THEIR DUTIES IN 471 OTHER OCCASIONS, MR HARRON SAID.
THE PHASED RESPONSE SYSTEM WORKS BY GRADING INTO THREE CATEGORIES ALARM SYSTEMS INSTALLED IN PREMISES WHICH WILL ENTAIL DIFFERENT LEVELS OF POLICE ACTION BASED ON THE NUMBER OF FALSE CALLS THEY HAVE EFFECTED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
PREMISES WITH RELIABLE ALARM SYSTEMS, WHICH ARE PUT UNDER LEVEL 1 RESPONSE, WILL BE GIVEN FULL EMERGENCY POLICE ATTENTION IN THE FORM OF THOROUGH CHECKS FOR POSSIBLE FORCED ENTRY OR DAMAGE AND POLICE OFFICERS WILL REMAIN FOR A MAXIMUM OF ONE HOUR AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE SYSTEM KEYHOLDERS.
ALARM SYSTEMS WHICH HAVE REGISTERED THREE OR MORE FALSE CALLS IN A SINGLE MONTH OR FIVE OR MORE FALSE CALLS IN A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF SIX MONTH WILL BE PLACED UNDER RESPONSE LEVEL 2. ALARM CALLS FROM THESE SYSTEMS WILL RECEIVE NO EMERGENCY UNIT ATTENDANCE AND OFFICERS, HAVING SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND NO SIGN OF FORCED ENTRY, WILL LEAVE THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY.
NO SPECIFIC POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE DIVERTED TO ATTEND ALARM CALLS EMANATING FROM PREMISES CLASSIFIED AS LEVEL 3 AND ONLY BEAT PATROL POLICEMEN IN THE AREAS WILL BE INFORMED.
AS SUCH CALLS RECEIVE NO PRIORITY OVER OTHER POLICE DUTIES, BEAT POLICEMEN WOULD CHECK FOR POSSIBLE FORCED ENTRY ONLY WHEN THEY ARE FREE OF OTHER DUTIES, THERE WILL ALSO BE NO WAITING FOR KEYHOLDERS TO TURN OUT.
ANY ALARM INSTALLATIONS CAUSING FIVE FALSE CALLS OR MORE IN A SINGLE MONTH OR 10 OR MORE SUCH CALLS IN A SIX-MONTH PERIOD WILL BE TREATED AS LEVEL 3 SYSTEM.
MR HARRON SAID THAT SINCE THE NEW RESPONSE SYSTEM CAME INTO EFFECT, THE UNIT HAD IDENTIFIED 1,296 LEVEL 2 ALARM SYSTEMS AND 327 LEVEL 3 SYSTEMS BY THE END OF FEBRUARY.
AT THE SAME TIME, 36 SYSTEMS HAD BEEN REINSTATED ONTO LEVEL ONE ALERT AFTER IMPROVEMENT HAD BEEN SHOWN TO THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU ON THEIR RELIABILITY.
MR HARRON EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW RESPONSE SYSTEM WAS PUT IN PLACE IN THE LIGHT OF THE WORSENING RATE OF FALSE CALLS OVER THE YEARS AND SYSTEM OWNERS’ FAILURE TO TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE THE RELIABILITY OF THEIR SYSTEMS.
"OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY TIME WE GO OUT, IT WILL BE IN RESPONSE TO A GENUINE CALL," MR HARRON SAID.
POLICE STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE NUMBER OF FALSE ALARM CALLS SINCE 1984 HAD PERSISTENTLY ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 99.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CALLS, PRECIPITATING A HUGE WASTE OF POLICE MANPOWER.
/AND THE .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
AND THE RATE OF FALSE CALLS PEAKED AT 99.9 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CALLS IN 1989.
ACCORDING TO MR HARRON, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALARM CALLS STOOD AT 21,577 IN 1984 WITH ONLY 135 OF THEM TURNING OUT TO BE GENUINE. IN 1986, THE SAME SET OF FIGURES STOOD AT 30,202 AND 190 RESPECTIVELY WHILE IN 1989, THE RESPECTIVE FIGURES WERE 47,423 AND 87.
HE SAID ONE COULD EASILY IMAGINE, IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PHASED RESPONSE SYSTEM, THE AMOUNT OF POLICE MANPOWER SPENT ON ATTENDING ALARM CALLS.
PREVIOUSLY, EVERY ALARM CALL, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT WAS GENUINE AND FALSE, WOULD BE ATTENDED BY AN EMERGENCY UNIT TEAM AND OFFICERS WOULD WAIT FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE KEYHOLDERS, WHICH COULD BE HOURS LATER.
THE SUCCESS OF SUCH A PHASED RESPONSE SCHEME WOULD NOT ONLY REDUCE THE WORKLOAD OF POLICE OFFICERS BY ELIMINATING FALSE ALARM CALLS BUT ALSO ENHANCE THEIR ALERTNESS WHENEVER THEY GO OUT AND ATTEND AN ALARM CALL, ACCORDING TO MR HARRON.
- - 0 - -
ROBOTCOP" WELL-LIKED BY CHILDREN ♦ * * * *
THOUSANDS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, THEIR PARENTS AND THEIR TEACHERS HAVE VOTED ' FIVE-FOOT-TWO "ROBOTCOP" ONE OF THE MOST WELL-LIKED POLICEMEN IN THE TERRITORY.
SINCE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG A YEAR AGO THE POPULARITY OF THIS 180-POUND ANIMATED ROBOT HAS GROWN AND CAN BE REFLECTED IN THE BUSY APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE - AT LEAST FOUR VISITS A WEEK TO SCHOOLS.
BUT THE LABORIOUS LINE-UP OF ENGAGEMENTS HAS GOT HIS MINDERS WORRYING ABOUT THE PHYSICAL HEALTH OF THE ANTI-CRIME PREACHING POLICEMAN.
"SO FAR WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO COMMISSION ANYONE TO SHOULDER THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF THE U.S.-MADE "ROBOTCOP"," WOMAN SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU, MRS BEATRICE TANG, SAID.
"WE NOW HAVE TO RELY A LOT ON OUR COLLEAGUES FROM THE INTRUDER ALARMS INSPECTION UNIT WHO RENDER EMERGENCY REPAIR SERVICE WHENEVER THERE IS A BREAKDOWN," EXPLAINED MRS TANG, WHO IS THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE "ROBOTCOP" MISSION.
/"HIS 'WALKING
SUNDAY, APRIL. 29, 1990
- 10 -
"HIS ’WALKING LEGS’ HAD TO BE REPLACED SOMETIME AGO WHEN THE MOTOR WORE OUT. NOW WE ARE HOPING THAT AN AIR-CONDITIONED VEHICLE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO TRANSPORT HIM FROM THE OFFICE TO SCHOOLS TO AVOID FURTHER BREAKDOWNS OF HIS ELECTRONIC PARTS DUE TO INTENSE SUMMER HEAT," SHE ADDED.
TO MISS CHUNG SUI-YEE, THE PRINCIPAL OF CHAN SUI KI (LA SALLE) PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE "ROBOTCOP" SCHEME IS UNDOUBTEDLY A GREAT SUCCESS.
RECOUNTING THE INTRODUCTION OF "ROBOTCOP" TO HONG KONG, MRS TANG SAID THE IDEA OF PURCHASING THE ANIMATED ROBOT FOR SPREADING THE CRIME PREVENTION MESSAGE WAS ORIGINATED BY MR JOHN NORMAN, STAFF OFFICER OF THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU.
HE CAME ACROSS SUCH A ROBOT AT AN CRIME PREVENTION CONFERENCE IN CANADA IN
A
EXHIBITION WHILE ATTENDING 1987.
AFTER SECURING FUNDING, THE MACHINE EVENTUALLY ARRIVED ON DECEMBER 1, 1988 FROM ITS "HOMELAND" IN TEXAS.
A "ROBOTCOP" TEAM COMPRISING MRS TANG, TWO STATION SERGEANTS, A SERGEANT AND A POLICE CONSTABLE WAS SET UP BY THE BUREAU TO LAUNCH THE "ROBOTCOP" SCHEME WHICH CELEBRATED ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY RECENTLY.
SINCE ITS ARRIVAL, "ROBOTCOP" HAS VISITED OVER 150 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ATTENDED MORE THAN 20 PUBLIC FUNCTIONS SUCH AS FIGHT CRIME CARNIVALS AND FAMILY DAYS.
SO FAR AS IS KNOWN THE ROBOT, WHICH COST ABOUT $200,000 (FREIGHT COSTS INCLUDED), IS THE FIRST EDUCATIONAL ANIMATED ROBOTIC SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED ANYWHERE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.
"OUR TARGET AUDIENCE ARE PRIMARY TWO TO FOUR KIDDIES WHO ARE OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO CONVEY, BUT NOT SOPHISTICATED ENOUGH TO UNVEIL THE GIMMICKS BEHIND THE SYSTEMS," SHE EXPLAINED.
"THE CHILDREN ARE USUALLY AMUSED BY THE BUILT-IN CAMCORDER AND COLOUR TV THROUGH WHICH THEY CAN SEE THEMSELVES ON THE SCREEN. THEY ALSO PAY FULL ATTENTION TO THE ANT I-SHOPTHEFT FILM PLAYED ON THE VHS PLAYER.”
GIVING AWAY SOME OF THE SECRETS BEHIND "ROBOTCOP" MRS TANG EXPLAINED THAT IT TAKES AT LEAST THREE PERSONS TO MAKE IT "LIVE".
"I AM THE HOST THROUGHOUT THE SHOW ASKING THE KIDDIES QUESTIONS AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO CONVERSE AND INTERACT WITH THE "ROBOTCOP" WHILE ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES MANIPULATES THE MOVEMENTS WITH A REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE.
"THAT’S THE MAGIC BEHIND THE NODDING OF THE HEAD, SHAKING HANDS OR HANDING OUT OF LEAFLETS.
/"ANOTHER COLLEAGUE .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
- 11 -
"ANOTHER COLLEAGUE, EQUIPPED WITH A WIRELESS HEADPHONE, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VOICE, AND IT IS HE THAT ACTUALLY TALKS TO THE KIDDIES.
"BOTH OF THEM HAVE TO BE KEPT OUT OF SIGHT OTHERWISE THE ROBOT LOSES ITS ATTRACTIVENESS."
REVIEWING THE CONTRIBUTION OF "ROBOTCOP", MRS TANG CONTINUED, "WE ARE VERY WELL LIKED BY ALL THE SCHOOLS WE HAVE APPROACHED AND NEVER ONCE HAVE WE BEEN TURNED DOWN.
"THE SCHOOLS EITHER CONTACT US DIRECT IN RESPONSE TO OUR PUBLICITY DRIVE OR WE APPROACH THE SCHOOLS AT THE REQUEST OF THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES WHO HAVE MET "ROBOTCOP" AT PUBLIC FUNCTIONS. OTHER SCHOOLS MAY BE REFERRED TO US THROUGH THE DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS."
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COMIC BOOKLET TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THIS YEAR’S FIGHT CRIME PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN STARTED WITH THE LAUNCHING OF A COMIC BOOKLET TODAY (SUNDAY).
FIRST COPIES OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMIC BOOKLET NO. 2, A JOINT PUBLICATION BY THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH AND THE DENON STUDIO, WERE DISTRIBUTED AT A PUBLIC FUNCTION HOSTED BY THE ’’ROBOTCOP" AND PRESENTERS FROM THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL TV PROGRAMME.
THE EXERCISE ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF YOUNG COMIC BOOK FANS WHO WERE ALSO DELIGHTED TO HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE THE FRIENDLY "ROBOTCOP" IN ACTION.
MORE THAN 10,000 COPIES OF THE BOOKLET AND MATCHING BOOKMARKS WERE DISTRIBUTED BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4 PM TODAY, A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE 32-PAGE CHINESE COMIC BOOKLET, TARGETTED AT YOUNGSTERS AGED 10 TO 14, WOULD BE AVAILABLE, FREE OF CHARGE, AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES FROM TOMORROW.
"APART FROM PROVIDING INTERESTING AND HEALTHY READING MATERIAL FOR THE YOUNG, THE COMIC BOOK CARRIES AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE THAT UNRULY BEHAVIOUR CAN EASILY LEAD TO CRIMINAL ACTS.
"CRIMINAL OFFENCES RUIN LIVES, AND IT IS OUR INTENTION TO WARN YOUNG PEOPLE OF SUCH DANGER IN HOOLIGANISM," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A NEW TELEVISION API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) ON THE SAME THEME HAS BEEN PRODUCED AND IS CURRENTLY BEING SCREENED ON BOTH TV STATIONS.
/"TO MAKE .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
- 12 -
"TO MAKE THE COMIC BOOK MORE INTERESTING, WE HAVE ALSO
ORGANISED A QUIZ COMPETITION FOR THE YOUNG READERS," THE SPOKESMAN
SAID.
"AN ENTRY FORM TOGETHER WITH QUESTIONS ON FIGHT CRIME IS
PRINTED ON THE BACK COVER OF THE BOOKLET. YOUNG READERS ARE
ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION BY SENDING IN THE CORRECT ANSWERS.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE COMPETITION IS MAY 31. A GRAND LUCKY DRAW WILL BE HELD IN EARLY JUNE TO DECIDE ON 130 WINNERS.
WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED ATTRACTIVE PRIZES DONATED BY THE OCEAN PARK AND THE DENON STUDIO. THEY ARE:
10 FIRST PRIZES: EACH WILL RECEIVE TWO TICKETS TO
THE OCEAN PARK MIDDLE KINGDOM AND A DENON COMIC COUPON WORTH A TOTAL OF $330.
10 SECOND PRIZES: EACH WILL RECEIVE TWO TICKETS TO
THE OCEAN PARK AND A DENON COMIC COUPON WORTH A TOTAL OF $290.
10 THIRD PRIZES: EACH WILL RECEIVE TWO TICKETS TO THE
. OCEAN PARK WATER WORLD AND A DENON
COMIC COUPON WORTH A TOTAL OF $150.
100 CONSOLATION PRIZES: EACH WILL RECEIVE A $50 DENON COMIC
COUPON.
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COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
TWO IN-SERVICE SPECIAL EDUCATION COURSES WILL BE OFFERED IN 1990-91 FOR TEACHERS WISHING TO TEACH CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.
THE TWO-YEAR COURSES COMPRISE 16 WEEKS OF FULL-TIME STUDY AT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (SRBCE) AND ITS SHA TIN ANNEXE, FOLLOWED BY 18 MONTHS OF SUPERVISED PRACTICAL TEACHING IN THE PARTICIPANTS’ OWN SCHOOLS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE TUTORIALS, SEMINARS AND DISCUSSIONS DURING THIS PRACTICAL SESSION.
THE CURRICULUM OF THE COURSES WILL COVER ESSENTIAL AREAS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, UNDERSTANDING AND THE ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, SPECIAL EDUCATION CURRICULA AND TEACHING APPROACH AND MANAGEMENT OF BEHAVIOUR.
/PARTICIPANTS WILL .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
- 13 -
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SPECIALISE IN THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN THEY ARE OR WILL BE TEACHING.
ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE AWARDED A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE AND A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE.
QUALIFIED NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS WITH RECOGNISED INITIAL TEACHERS TRAINING QUALIFICATION AND THOSE CURRENTLY TEACHING OR SELECTED TO TEACH IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS OR SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES ARE INVITED TO APPLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT TEACHERS ADMITTED TO THE COURSES WILL BE RELEASED FROM NORMAL SCHOOL DUTIES DURING TRAINING.
SUPERVISORS OR HEADS OF SCHOOL MAY APPOINT SUPPLY TEACHERS ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS TO REPLACE THE TEACHERS UNDERGOING TRAINING.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY AND ITS SUB-OFFICE AT THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, OR FROM THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 31.
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CALL -TO HEED ELECTRICAL SAFETY ♦ ♦ ♦ t t
FACTORY PROPRIETORS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES BY THEIR WORKERS.
IN A RECENT COURT CASE, THE PROPRIETOR OF A BLEACHING AND DYEING FACTORY WAS FINED $5,000 BY A FANLING MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO TAKE ADEQUATE PRECAUTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARDS, RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF A WORKER.
THE WORKER WAS ELECTROCUTED WHILE OPERATING A HYDROEXTRACTOR WITHOUT AN EARTHED METAL CASING.
UNDER THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS, IT IS THE DUTY OF A PROPRIETOR TO TAKE SUITABLE MEANS TO PREVENT ANY METAL WORK FROM BECOMING LIVE IN CASE OF POWER LEAKAGE.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000.
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/14 ........
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
14
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED PEOPLE INTERESTED TO ASSIST IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION FOR JOINING THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MAY 19.
THE SCHEME WAS SET UP IN 1976 TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN HELPING OFFENDERS.
"THE VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO ASSIST PROBATIONERS IN ACTIVITIES WHICH REQUIRE NO PROFESSIONAL SKILLS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"THE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDES HELPING PROBATIONERS WHO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH SCHOOL WORK, GUIDING THEM IN THE PROPER USE OF LEISURE TIME AND DIRECTING THEIR INTEREST INTO WHOLESOME SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, PROVIDING FRIENDSHIP ESPECIALLY TO PROBATIONERS WITHOUT FAMILY SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE, AS WELL AS SHARING WITH THEM PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.”
THE VOLUNTEERS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AGED 21 OR ABOVE, OF SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION LEVEL, MATURE IN PERSONALITY AND WILLING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH LAW OFFENDERS. ’
THEY SHOULD ALSO BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE THEIR LEISURE TIME TO SERVE OTHERS WITHOUT MONETARY REWARD.
"NEWLY RECRUITED VOLUNTEERS WILL BE GIVEN A TRAINING AND ORIENTATION COURSE BEFORE STARTING THEIR SERVICES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY WILL NOT HAVE TO TAKE OVER THE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROBATION OFFICERS," HE ADDED.
NOTING THAT THE PERIOD OF SERVICE IS NORMALLY SIX MONTHS SUBJECT TO EXTENSION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A VOLUNTEER WHO SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED THE SIX-MONTH ASSIGNMENT WOULD BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF APPREICATION AT AN ANNUAL CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
FORMER PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEME ARE WELCOMED TO APPLY AGAIN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT PROBATION OFFICES ATTACHED TO MAGISTRACIES AND THE CENTRE FOR THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE VSP CENTRE BY MAY 19.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO MISS CHENG WING-SEUNG ON TEL. 895 4190.
- - 0----------
/15 .......
SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 1990
15
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST » * * » »
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 1) TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL AREA, NGAU CHI WAN, PING SHEK, CHOI HUNG, KWUN TONG ROAD FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO (’HOL WAN ROAD, KAI YIP ESTATE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, FUNG SHING STREET, PING TING ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN LOK FU ♦ ♦ * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN DECK ACROSS WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD IN LOK FU, THE SECTION OF WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD BETWEEN WANG TAU HOM SOUTH ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD, AND FU MEI STREET EAST WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM DAILY FROM TUESDAY TO THURSDAY (MAY 1 TO 3).
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE PERIODS, MOTORISTS ON JUNCTION ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR WANG TAU HOM SOUTH ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA HENG LAM STREET, FUNG MO STREET, FU MEI STREET AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON JUNCTION ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR WANG TAU HOM SOUTH ROAD ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA CHUK YUEN ROAD, FU MEI STREET, FU KEUNG STREET, WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON GASCOIGNE ROAD ♦ * » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES FROM 12.01 AM TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 1) AND MAY 9.
THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES ON GASCOIGNE ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO WYLIE ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE TEMPORARILY BANNED FROM 12.01 AM TO 6 AM ON MAY 1, 8 AND 9.
MOTORISTS ON FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA JORDAN ROAD EASTBOUND ONTO GASCOIGNE ROAD EASTBOUND.
MOTORISTS ON GASCOIGNE ROAD WESTBOUND ARE ADVISED TO U-TURN AT THE JUNCTION WITH JORDAN ROAD ONTO GASCOIGNE ROAD EASTBOUND AND THEN ONTO WYLIE ROAD NORTHBOUND.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BANKING INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO MAKE SOLID PROGRESS ............................ 1
SMA TO ATTEND ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK MEETING ................................. 4
MEASURES TO IMPROVE LABOUR BENEFITS .......................................... 4
LACK OF ADEQUATE INFORMATION ON POLLUTION-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY ................. 5
ALL SECTORS URGED TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE ................ 6
GOVT PROVIDES INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY ......... 8
HK AND GUANGDONG CUSTOMS ANNUAL MEETING ...................................... 9
FIRST AGRICULTURE SHOW IN 18 YEARS .......................................... 10
YAN 01 TONG PRAISED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY .......................... 11
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ............................. 11
KWAI TSING DB TO DISCUSS DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS ............................... 12
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITIES .................... 12
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CHILD CARE SERVICES ........................... 13
PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY REPORT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ................ 13
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND APPORTIONMENT .................................. 14
KWAI TSING DB REPORT PUBLISHED .............................................. 14
COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED ....................... 15
LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS MACHINERY FACTORY ................................ 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................................ i6
WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND YAU MA TEI .......................... 16
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHAU KEI WAN ......................................... 17
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
1
BANKING INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO MAKE SOLID PROGRESS
******
THE HONG KONG BANKING INDUSTRY CONTINUED TO MAKE SOLID PROGRESS IN 1989, THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING FOR 1989 NOTED.
THE REPORT REVIEWS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SUPERVISORY POLICY AND BANKING DEVELOPMENTS AND THE WORK OF THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE IN THE PAST YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY) TO RELEASE THE REPORT, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR TONY NICOLLE, SAID HONG KONG HAD SWITCHED TO THE NEW WORLDWIDE STANDARD CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO SET BY THE BASLE COMMITTEE ON BANKING SUPERVISION THREE YEARS AHEAD OF THE RECOMMENDED TIMETABLE.
"THE SOUNDNESS OF THE INDUSTRY WAS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE BANKS* ABILITY COMFORTABLY TO MEET 1'HE STANDARD," HE SAID.
HE ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A BASE :-OR INTERNATIONAL BANKING.
"IN !989, THERE WAS A NET INCREASE OF NINE IN THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS BANKS LICENSED. THE NUMBER OF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES INCREASED BY EIGHT TO IGO," HE SAID.
MR NICOLLE NOTED THAT ALREADY THIS YEAR TWO MORE BANKS HAVE •BEEN LICENSED.
HE ADDED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF Till NEW AUTHORISATION CATEGORY, OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK, WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 1, 1990, WOULD FURTHER ENCOURAGE INTERNATIONAL BANKS TO ESTABLISH REGIONAL OPERATIONS HERE.
"ONE SUCH LICENCE HAS ALREADY BEEN GRANTED, AND A FURTHER FIVE APPLICATIONS ARE BEING CONSIDERED," HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, SPECIAL EFF’ORTS HAVE TO BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS AN ATTRACTIVE AND COMPETITIVE PLACE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, MR NICOLLE SAID, REFERRING TO THE RAPID GROWTH IN THE BANKS’ OPERATING COSTS.
"IMPROVING EFFICIENCY AND CONTAINING COSTS ARE VITAL TO MAINTAINING NOT ONLY PROFITABILITY OF THE BANKS, BUT ALSO HONG KONG'S ATTRACTIVENESS AS ONE OF 'I’HE WORLD’S MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES , " HE S A I D .
ON THE I '’FEITS OF THE JUNE EVENTS IN PEKING ON THE PRC BANKS, MR NICOII.E SAID THAI THE BANKS’ POSITION AT YEAR-END SHOWED THAT THEY MORE THAN MADE JOOD THE LOSS OF DEPOSITS SUFFERED DURING THE SUMMER.
COMMENTING on CHANGES IN THE BANKING SECTOR BALANCE SHEET, MR NICOLLE SAID THAT REC-ENT YEARS HAVE SEEN A STEADY AND SIGNIFICANT RISE IN THE LOAN 'IO DEPOSIT RATIOS OF MANY INSTITUTIONS.
/’’THE RATIO...........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
- 2 -
"THE RATIO OF HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS TO DEPOSITS ROSE FROM 92 PER CENT IN 1986 TO 117 PER CENT IN 1989 AS DEPOSITS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS HAVE NOT BEEN GROWING AS QUICKLY AS LOANS IN THAT CURRENCY,” HE SAID.
MR NICOLLE NOTED HOWEVER THAT THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO KEEP PACE WITH THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRICES.
"HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS NOW ACCOUNTED FOR A HIGHER PROPORTION OF INSTITUTIONS’ TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR ASSETS THAN AT ANY TIME IN THE PAST DECADE," HE SAID.
MR NICOLLE WARNED THAT BANKS SHOULD BE CONSIDERING CAREFULLY WHETHER THEY WOULD WISH TO GO ON INCREASING THEIR LENDING FASTER THAN THEIR DEPOSIT GROWTH.
HE NOTED THAT, SINCE THE REPORT WAS WRITTEN, HONG KONG DOLLAR INTEREST RATES HAD BEEN RAISED, WHICH WOULD HELP TO DAMPEN LOAN DEMAND, AND ENCOURAGE THE HOLDING OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.
IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR BANKS TO ENSURE THAT CUSTOMERS BORROWED IN A CURRENCY MATCHED TO THAT IN WHICH THE SOURCE OF : REPAYMENTS WOULD ARISE, HE SAID.
THE REPORT NOTED THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAD HAD TO EXERCISE HIS POWERS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE DURING 1989 TO INTERVENE IN THE AFFAIRS OF FIVE REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (THREE CONTINUED FROM 1988).
"MY ACTIONS AROSE MAINLY BECAUSE OF CONCERNS OVER INADEQUATE LOAN SYSTEMS AND SERIOUS SHORTCOMINGS IN MANAGEMENT," HE SAID.
IN ONE CASE, THE RESTRICTIONS WERE EVENTUALLY LIFTED FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF CONTROL.’ THE OTHER CASES LED TO REVOCATION, ONE COMPULSORILY, AFTER THE REPAYMENT OF DEPOSITS.
MR NICOLLE SAID HIS OFFICE HAD MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN DEVELOPING THE BROADER APPROACH TO SUPERVISION OUTLINED IN PREVIOUS REPORTS.
"MORE EMPHASIS HAD BEEN PLACED ON OFF-SITE ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL DATA AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH TOP MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTIONS FOCUSING ON THEIR FUTURE PLANNING AND STRATEGIC DIRECTION.
"THE OFFICE WAS GREATLY ENCOURAGED BY THE INDUSTRY’S GENERALLY POSITIVE RESPONSE TO THESE DEVELOPMENTS," HE SAID.
THE REPORT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED A NUMBER OF MAJOR SUPERVISORY POLICIES DEVELOPED DURING 1989. THESE INCLUDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SUPERVISORY FRAMEWORK FOR FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK AND A GUIDELINE FOR INSTITUTIONS ON MINIMISING THE RISK OF BEING USED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING.
/THE REPORT .......
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
3
THE REPORT SAID HON(. KONG NOW HAD WELL-DEVELOPED MEASURES TO DISCOURAGE ITS HANKING SYSTEM BEING USED FOR DRUG MONEY LAUNDERING.
"BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ARE CO-OPERATING WITH THE AUTHORITIES TO IDENTIFY SUSPECTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS," MR NICOLLE SAID.
"THERE IS NO SOLID EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT ALLEGATIONS THAT HONG KONG IS PARTICULARLY PRONE TO BEING USED FOR LAUNDERING," HE POINTED OUT.
"A SERIOUS VIEW WOULD BE TAKEN OF ANY INSTITUTION WHICH FAILED TO TAKE PROPER STEPS TO GUARD AGAINST BECOMING A PARTY TO LAUNDERING," HE SAID.
MR NICOLLE SAID LEGISLATION INTRODUCED DURING THE YEAR TO AMEND THE BANKING ORDINANCE PRINCIPALLY CONCERNED CHANGES TO THE THREE-TIER SYSTEM.
THE DESIGNATION OF LICENSED AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WERE REPLACED BY THAT OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES RESPECTIVELY.
MR NICOLLE NOTED THAT HIS OFFICE’S RELATIONS WITH AUDITORS HAD CONTINUED TO BE FRUITFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE.
"TO CATER FOR EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN A BILATERAL MEETING BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONER AND THE AUDITOR WOULD BE NECESSARY, LEGISLATION HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ENABLE AUDITORS TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION TO THE COMMISSIONER IN GOOD FAITH, WITHOUT BEING AT RISK OF SUIT FROM THEIR CLIENTS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS WOULD, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH HIMSELF AND THE BANKING SECTOR, REVISE THEIR EXISTING GUIDELINE FOR ITS MEMBERS CLARIFYING THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN MEETINGS WITH THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE HELD IN A TRIPARTITE OR BILATERAL BASIS.
THE REPORT ALSO EMPHASISED THE OFFICE’S CONTINUING BROADENING AND DEEPENING COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE PEOPLE’S BANK OF CHINA, AS WELL AS WITH OTHER SUPERVISORS IN HONG KONG, AND OVERSEAS.
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $21 PER COPY.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
4
SMA TO ATTEND ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK MEETING
******
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG T< MIGHT (MONDAY) TO ATTEND THE 23RD ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.
THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE IN NEW DELHI, INDIA, FROM MAY 2 TO 4. MR NENDICK IS EXPECTED TO ADDRESS THE MEETING AT A GOVERNOR’S SESSION.
ALSO TN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ARE THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR ALASDAIR SINCLAIR, AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR THOMAS CHOW.
------0-------
MEASURES TO IMPROVE LABOUR BENEFITS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING A SERIES OF MEASURES TO FURTHER IMPROVE LABOUR BENEFITS IN THE AREA OF PAID LEAVE, LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, SEVERANCE PAY, AND COMPENSATION FOR INJURED WORKERS.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THIS WHEN ADDRESSING A GATHERING THIS (MONDAY) EVENING TO MARK THE MAY 1 INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO A PROGRESSIVE AND FORWARD LOOKING LABOUR POLICY.
THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT WAS DEMONSTRATED BY WHAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED DURING THE 1980’S IN THREE BROAD AREAS OF LABOUR BENEFITS -INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION - AND ALSO BY WHAT FURTHER THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO DO IN FUTURE.
MR YEUNG SAID IN THE NEAR FUTURE, SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, HE INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A MEASURE THAT WOULD PROVIDE FOR AN IMMEDIATE INCREASE IN PA ID ANNUAL LEAVE FROM SEVEN TO 10 DAYS FOR WORKERS WHO HAD RENDERED FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE OR LONGER, AND FOR A FURTHER INCREASE FROM 10 TO 14 DAYS PHASED OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD.
HE NOTED THAT THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME INTRODUCED IN 1986 HAD BEEN CRITICISED ON THE GROUNDS THAT YOUNGER EMPLOYEES WHO HAD COMPLETED THE PERIODS OF SERVICE REQUIRED FOR ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE SCHEME DID NOT OBTAIN THE SAME BENEFITS THAT OLDER WORKERS RECEIVED.
’’THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND I HAVE BEEN EXAMINING THE MATTER. WE SEE A CASE FOR BETTER TREATMENT FOR YOUNGER EMPLOYEES, AND WITH THE BENEFIT OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S ADVICE I EXPECT TO COMMISSION THE DRAFTING OF NECESSARY AMENDING LEGISLATION VERY SOON.”
/MR YEUNG .......
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
5
MR YEUNG ADMITTED THAT PAYMENT FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND TO EMPLOYEES HAD BEEN LIMITED TO RELATIVELY SMALL AMOUNT, OUT OF CONCERN THAT THE FUND MIGHT BE DEPLETED TOO FAST.
’’BUT WE ARE REVIEWING THE POSSIBILITY OF RAISING THE LEVEL OF PAYMENTS AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO COME TO A DECISION LATER ON THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
"LN ADDITION TO THIS THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND J ARE NOW CONTEMPLATING WHETHER IT MIGHT BE FEASIBLE TO INCREASE THE INCOME OF THE FUND BY INCREASING THE LEVY ON BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES, WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING A MUCH BETTER LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR SEVERANCE PAY ENTITLEMENTS."
ON THE QUESTION OF COMPENSATION FOR WORKERS WHO SUSTAINED INJURIES IN WORK, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP AN EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE A GREAT DEAL OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. SINCE 1978, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROMULGATED SEVEN SETS OF INDUSTRY-WIDE SAFETY REGULATIONS AND HAD ALSO HELD NUMEROUS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE THE VIRTUE OF PREVENTION OVER CURE," HE SAID.
"THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THIS REGULATORY LEGISLATION AND PUBLICITY HAS BEEN A STEADY REDUCTION IN THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY."
IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, HOWEVER, THE RECORD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS APPALLING, MR YEUNG NOTED.
THIS WAS WHY THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED A BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST YEAR TO AMEND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE. THE LEGISLATION CREATED A SET OF SPECIFIC OBLIGATIONS ON BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO ENSURE SAFETY AT WORKPLACE.
--------0---------
LACK OF ADEQUATE INFORMATION ON POLLUTION-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY *****
THERE IS A GENERAL LACK OF ADEQUATE INFORMATION ON POLLUTION-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR BARNES SAID THE TIGHTENING UP OF ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS HAD BEEN THE WORLD’S RESPONSE TO THE FAILURE OF ATTEMPTS SOMETIMES HALF-HEARTED OR SIMPLY COSMETIC AT CONTROL.
/SPEAKING AT .......
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
6
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ENVIRONTECH ’90 EXHIBITION, HE SAID COPING WITH A CHANGE IN STANDARDS WAS NOT AN EASY TASK, BUT IN MANY COUNTRIES INDUSTRY HAD ACCPETED THE CHALLENGE.
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY FORUM EVENT PLANNERS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
APART FROM THE LACK OF ADEQUATE INFORMATION, THE SECRETARY SAID CAPITAL AND SPACE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS THAT HAD TO BE SOLVED.
"BUT THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IN COPING WITH THE CHANGING WORLD IS PROBABLY THE CHANGE IN PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS POLLUTION," HE SAID.
THERE IS A MASSIVE JOB TO DO TO OVERCOME RESISTANCE TO CHANGE, WHICH MAY WELL INVOLVE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL OUTLAY, EVEN IF IT COULD BE RECOUPED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
"A POSITIVE APPROACH IS FOR INDUSTRIALISTS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND TO SEE WHICH IS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY OF DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM," MR BARNES SAID.
HE SAID EVERY FACTORY PROPRIETOR HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTROL POLLUTION PROBLEM.
FOR POLLUTION CONTROL DID NOT ALWAYS ADD TO THE COSTS OF PRODUCTION. PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND WASTE RECYCLING COULD IN FACT IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVITY AS WELL AS REMOVING THE SOURCE OF POLLUTION, HE ADDED.
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ALL SECTORS URGED TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
******
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (ECC), MRS PEGGY LAM, TODAY (MONDAY) CALLED ON PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS, AND THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS TO CO-OPERATE WITH AND SUPPORT THE ECC TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE CALL WAS MADE BY MRS LAM AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING THE SETTING UP OF THE COMMITTEE, AND ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE AND WORK PLANS.
THE COMMITTEE, FORMED EARLY THIS YEAR UPON APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ISSUES, AND ENCOURAGING AND MOBILISING PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A BETTER ENVIRONMENT.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE ACADEMICS, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, JOURNALISTS, DIRECTOR OF LEADING FIRMS, EXPERIENCED ENVIRONMENTAL WORKERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN HONG KONG, URBAN COUNCILLOR, REGIONAL COUNCILLOR AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
/MRS LAM ........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, J990
MRS LAM SAID FOLLOWING THE FIRST MEETING OF THE ECC, FOUR WORKING GROUPS, ON EDUCATION, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION CAMPAIGN, RESOURCES AND PUBLICITY, HAVE BEEN SET UP.
A TOTAL OF $4 MILLION WILL BE DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR THE COMMITTEE TO ORGANISE ENVIRONMENTALLY RELATED PROGRAMMES.
ON THE COMMITTEE’S WORK PLANS, MRS LAM SAID THE EDUCATION WORKING GROUP IS PLANNING TO FORM A COMPUTER DATABASE OF INFORMATION MATERIALS OF LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS FOR RESIDENTS’ EASY REFERENCE.
THIS WILL HELP STRENGTHEN CO-ORDINATION AMONG ENVIRONMENTAL BODIES AND IDENTIFY THE AVAILABILITY OF AND THE NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS.
MRS LAM SAID THE EDUCATION WORKING GROUP IS ALSO PLANNING TO PRODUCE TEACHING KITS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR PRIMARY AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROJECTS OR COMPETITIONS WILL BE ENCOURAGED OR ORGANISED IN SCHOOLS.
THE GROUP IS PREPARING TO DRAW UP AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHECKLIST FOR SMALL FACTORIES SO THAT THESE FACTORIES CAN CHECK WHETHER THEIR EQUIPMENT HAS CAUSED POLLUTION PROBLEMS.
ON MAJOR ACTIVITIES, MRS LAM SAID THE ECC IS PLANNING TO LAUNCH TWO LARGE-SCALE CAMPAIGNS THIS YEAR. ONE IS THE 1990 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY PROGRAMME IN JUNE, WHICH WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP.
ANOTHER CAMPAIGN WILL BE AN ANTI-POLLUTION FORTNIGHT TO BE HELD AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. THIS CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED UPON REQUEST FROM THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO MINIMISE WASTE AND LEARN TO RE-USE AND RECYCLE WASTE MATERIALS.
TO ENCOURAGE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MRS LAM SAID A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BE DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WILL BE USED TO SPONSOR LOCAL GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS IN HOLDING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACTIVITIES.
DETAILS OF THE FUND ALLOCATION PROCEDURES WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JUNE 5, THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, MRS LAM SAID.
EXPLAINING THE SLOGAN OF THE ECC, "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STARTS WITH ME", MRS LAM CONCLUDED THAT SHE HOPES EVERY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG CAN MAKE A COMMITMENT RIGHT AWAY IN STARTING THE WAR AGAINST POLLUTION.
THE ADDRESS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT IS 27TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI .
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/8 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
- 8 -
GOVT PROVIDES INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY *******
THE GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME OF CONSULTANCIES AND STUDIES WHICH ANALYSE THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF HONG KONG’S MAIN INDUSTRIAL SECTORS AS WELL AS HOW THE WEAKNESSES MIGHT BE OVERCOME, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
DELIVERING THE KEYNOTE SPEECH AT A SEMINAR ON "CHINA-SHENZHEN-HONG KONG TECHNOLOGY CO-OPERATION IN THE 90’S” AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR LEUNG SAID: "IN THE LIGHT OF THESE FINDINGS AND THE ADVICE OF OUR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, THE GOVERNMENT HAS A REASONABLE BASIS ON WHICH TO DECIDE WHETHER AND WHERE SUPPORT IS NEEDED."
HE SAID GOVERNMENT'S SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY FELL INTO TWO MAIN CATEGORIES, INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL.
INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT WAS CONCERNED WITH ADEQUATE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, TRAINED MANPOWER, WATER, FUEL AND RAW MATERIALS, AND FINANCIAL AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES.
DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE STIMULATION OF INVESTMENT IN PRODUCTIVITY, QUALITY AND INNOVATION, THE THREE CRUCIAL ELEMENTS IN MAINTAINING MANUFACTURING COMPETITIVENESS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, LAND IS A SCARCE RESOURCE AND ECONOMICS DICTATE THAT IT SHOULD GENERALLY BE AUCTIONED OFF, REGARDLESS OF ECONOMIC SECTORS, TO THE HIGHEST, AND BY IMPLICATION, THE MOST EFFICIENT BIDDER ABLE TO REALISE ITS MAXIMUM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL," MR LEUNG SAID.
"ALTHOUGH THIS GENERAL APPROACH SERVES HONG KONG WELL, IT SOMETIMES FALLS SHORT OF MEETING ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL REQUIREMENTS BY INDUSTRY TO DIVERSIFY AND UPGRADE ITSELF - SUITABLE LAND FOR LOW-RISE SPECIALLY DESIGNED INDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION MORE AMENABLE TO PROCESSES INVOLVING OPTIMUM AUTOMATION, CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS AND PRECISION TECHNOLOGIES.
"MOREOVER, IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH ACCOMMODATION, IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO COMPETE FOR MUCH-NEEDED FOREIGN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, WHICH SERVES TO UPGRADE OUR INDUSTRIES.
"THIS IS LARGELY THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.
"AS YOU KNOW, THE GOVERNMENT IS STARTING TO PLAN AND BUILD A THIRD ONE, EXPECTED TO COME ON STREAM BY 1993," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID WITH INCREASING COMPETITION FROM NEIGHBOURING ECONOMIES, CONTINUING PROTECTIONISM AND RISING CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS IN OUR MAIN OVERSEAS MARKETS, HONG KONG HAD TO COMPETE MORE ON QUALITY THAN ON PRICE AND RESPONSIVENESS.
/"INCREASING INTERNATIONAL
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
9 -
"INCREASING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HAS ALSO EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR MORE INNOVATION," HE ADDED.
"THE WORLD AROUND US IS CHANGING WITH BREATHTAKING SPEED," MR LEUNG SAID.
"FORECASTING THE FUTURE AT THIS TIME IS MORE THAN USUALLY HAZARDOUS.
"AT ANY RATE, HONG KONG’S EXTERNALLY ORIENTED ECONOMY IS LIKELY TO REMAIN VULNERABLE TO THE VICISSITUDES OF OUTSIDE EVENTS."
BUT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIALISTS HAD PROVED THEIR RESILIENCE IN THE PAST.
IT WAS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE THIS RESILIENCE IN THE YEARS AHEAD BY IMPROVING AND CREATING THE CONDITIONS WITHIN WHICH INDUSTRIALISTS COULD EXPLOIT THEIR OWN ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
"I BELIEVE THAT, WITH THIS WINNING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, WE WILL FIND THE 1990'S A DECADE OF REWARD AS MUCH AS A DECADE OF CHALLENGE," MR LEUNG SAID.
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HK AND GUANGDONG CUSTOMS ANNUAL MEETING *****
A SEVEN-MAN DELEGATION, HEADED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, DEPARTED FOR CANTON THIS (MONDAY) MORNING FOR THE EIGHTH ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING ON LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE CUSTOMS GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
DRUG TRAFFICKING, SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES AND CUSTOMS CONTROL MEASURES WILL BE REVIEWED BY BOTH SIDES DURING THE MEETING. AT THE SAME TIME, COMPUTERISATION OF CUSTOMS AFFAIRS, SIMPLIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS AND THE ADOPTION OF A HARMONISED SYSTEM WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS DELEGATION IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MAY 6.
- - 0-----------
/10........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
10
FIRST AGRICULTURE SHOW IN 18 YEARS
******
AN AGRICULTURE SHOW WILL BE HELD IN THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND FROM MAY 26 TO 28.
THE SHOW, AS PART OF THE NORTH DISTRICT’S COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW, IS THE FIRST IN 18 YEARS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHOW’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID: "AGRICULTURE SHOWS WERE VERY POPULAR AMONG NEW TERRITORIES FARMERS IN THE 1950’S AND EARLY 1970’S. THE LAST SHOW TOOK PLACE IN 1972 AT SHEK KONG.
"WE REVIVE THE SHOW AFTER A LAPSE OF 18 YEARS BECAUSE WE WANT TO REINTRODUCE COUNTRY LIFE TO CITY PEOPLE, GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE WHERE THEIR FOOD COMES FROM, AND TO SEE REAL FARM ANIMALS."
ON SHOW WILL BE ANIMALS AND POULTRY OF DIFFERENT SPECIES, INCLUDING PIGS, CATTLE, GOATS, CHICKENS, GEESE, PIGEONS AND QUAILS.
STALLS WILL BE SET UP TO DISPLAY LIVESTOCK FEED, AGRICULTURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS, TOOLS, AUXILIARY TRADES, LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL AND POLLUTION CONTROL. THERE WILL BE A STALL TO PROMOTE THE CONSUMPTION OF FRESH LOCAL EGGS. •
ON THE CROP SIDE, EMPHASIS WILL BE PUT ON THE PLANTING OF VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS IN NORTH DISTRICT.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP A STALL TO INTRODUCE THE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY THE FARMING CHARACTERISTICS IN NORTH DISTRICT.
THE PRELUDE OF THE SHOW WILL BE THE ADJUDICATION OF THE BEST PIG BREEDER AMONG 20 ENTRIES.
THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SHOW, WITH A BUDGET OF MORE THAN $500,000, IS BEING SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE LOGO OF THE SHOW IS MADE UP OF TWO ANCIENT CHINESE COINS, A GEAR WHEEL, TWO FISH AND A COCK TO REPRESENT THE FOUR FACETS OF THE EVENT.
"THE LOGO DESIGN IS BASED ON THE CHINESE CHARACTER ’NORTH’, WITH THE AUSPICIOUS COCK IN THE CENTRE TO SYMBOLISE THE DEVELOPING AND VIGOROUS NORTH DISTRICT," THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
HE ANTICIPATED THAT THE SHOW WILL ATTRACT TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FROM BOTH THE URBAN AND RURAL AREAS.
VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THE SHOW BY TRAIN. ADMISSION IS FREE.
- - 0----------
/Il ........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
- 11 -
YAN 01 TONG PRAISED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY
******
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, TODAY (MONDAY) PRAISED YAN 01 TONG FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES IN NEW TOWNS.
HE MADE THE REMARKS WHILE WELCOMING THE ORGANISATION’S CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTORS DURING THEIR COURTESY CALL ON THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
MR HSU NOTED THAT THE COMMUNITY SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY YAN 01 TONG INCLUDED EDUCATION, MEDICAL SERVICES, ARTS, RECREATION, SPORTS AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH AND THE ELDERLY.
"THESE SERVICES SUIT THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS IN THE FLEDGLING NEW TOWNS WELL.
"THE CONTINUOUS EFFORTS BY MEMBERS OF YAN 01 TONG TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH VARIOUS SERVICES HAVE ALSO EARNED THEM GREAT RESPECT FROM THE PUBLIC," HE ADDED.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY ALSO REFERRED TO YAN 01 TONG’S PLAN TO BUILD A MULTI-PURPOSE SERVICE CENTRE IN TSEUNG KWAN O.
HE SAID THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE FULLY SUPPORTED THE PROJECT AND A CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF YAN 01 TONG AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE SET UP SOON TO DRAW UP A DETAILED PLAN FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT.
MR HSU SAID HE WAS PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YAN 01 TONG AS A MEMBER OF ITS ADVISORY COUNCIL, AND STRESSED THAT THE CNTA WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS INITIATED BY THE ORGANISATION.
------0-------
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES *******
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE ANN.UAL WORK PROGRAMMES FOR THE DISTRICT TO BE CARRIED OUT BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE REPORTS ON THE WORK OF VARIOUS DB COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER. THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
------0--------
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
KWAI TSING DB TO DISCUSS DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS ♦ ♦*»*♦
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT BILL OF RIGHTS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH WILL BE PRESENT TO LISTEN TO MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE PROBLEMS OF TERMITES AND WATER LEAKAGE IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, AND THE RE-DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR KWAI CHUNG AND TAI WO HAU ESTATES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY ACTIVITIES *****
THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT IN SUPPORT OF THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1990 AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO ORGANISE A MAJOR TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME FOR THE OUTLYING ISLANDS AND THE APPROPRIATE SITES FOR THE PROJECT.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ACTIVITIES FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN 1990-91, INCLUDING A VILLAGE CLEANING COMPETITION.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE VISITS BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND FUNDING FOR THE DISTRICT’S FIRE WATCH TEAMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
- - 0 - -
/13
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
13
NORTH DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CHILD CARE SERVICES ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE CHILD CARE SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE BY A DB WORKING GROUP ON CHILD CARE SERVICES AT PRE-SCHOOL, PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION LEVELS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-----0------
PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY REPORT ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA
*****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT ON THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (PHA) AT ITS MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 2).
PHA’S SECRETARY-GENERAL, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING AND BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S MEMBERSHIP AND OVERALL STRUCTURE.
MEMBERS WILL STUDY THE DISCUSSION NOTES ON A CONSULTATION PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SUBMITTED BY TWO MEMBERS.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER AN INVITATION BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TO SPONSOR A PREFERENTIAL TRAVEL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE 1990-91 WORK PLAN OF THE ICAC REGIONAL OFFICE (HONG KONG WEST AND ISLANDS) WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 2) IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/14 ........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
- 14 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND APPORTIONMENT
* ♦ * * *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE APPORTIONMENT OF DB FUNDS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING A SEMINAR ON YOUTH AFFAIRS, A LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME, A SUMMER OUTING FOR THE ELDERLY AND A SELF-CARING TRAINING CAMP.
THEY WILL ALSO STUDY AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE WORK PLAN OF THE ICAC HONG KONG EAST REGIONAL OFFICE FOR 1990-1991.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 21ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
------0------------
KWAI TSING DB REPORT PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ * t
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES FOR THE YEARS 1987-88 AND 1988-89.
FREE COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE 160-PAGE BILINGUAL REPORT RECORDS THE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES, THE NUMBER AND NATURE OF CASES RECEIVED UNDER THE MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME, LOCAL AND OVERSEAS VISITS MADE BY BOARD MEMBERS, MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED AND PARTICULARS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS.
THE REPORT IS ILLUSTRATED WITH MORE THAN 100 COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHS OF EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT AND DISTRICT BOARD ACTIVITIES.
IT WAS COMPLIED BY AN EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIRED BY A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR YAU HON-KEE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT.
/OTHER MEMBERS .......
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
- 15 -
OTHER MEMBERS ON THE EDITORIAL BOARD INCLUDED THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT, AND THREE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MP CHUNG MAN-FAI, MR KWONG FU-SAM AND MR LEE KIN-SANG.
THIS IS THE THIRD KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD REPORT PUBLISHED.
RESIDENTS WISHING TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE REPORT MAY WRITE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KWAI CHUNG.
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COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED
******
THIS YEAR’S COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME WAS SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED TODAY (MONDAY) WITH A TOTAL OF 19,397 PARTICIPANTS PLANTING MORE THAN 25,900 TREES IN HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS.
AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS, 13,279 CAME FROM 197 SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS WHILE THE REST WERE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THEIR FAMILIES.
THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME, FIRST ORGANISED IN 1957, IS AN ANNUAL EVENT TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
IT HAS GROWN IN POPULARITY OVER THE YEARS AND PARTICIPATION FIGURES HAS SHOT UP FROM A FEW HUNDREDS IN THE EARLY DAYS TO NEARLY 20,000 NOW.
THIS YEAR’S SCHEME, OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON MARCH 4, WAS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG HIKING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES GROUPS.
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LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS MACHINERY FACTORY
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THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED A MACHINERY FACTORY IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LABOUR SCENE.
ESTABLISHED IN 1958, THE CHEN HSONG MACHINERY COMPANY IS A LEADING MANUFACTURER OF INJECTION MOULDING MACHINES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. THE PRODUCTS ARE INTENDED NOT ONLY FOR THE LOCAL MARKET BUT ALSO FOR EXPORT TO VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD.
/MR HAMMOND .......
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
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MR HAMMOND WAS GIVEN A GENERAL BRIEFING BY THE COMPANY'S DIRECTOR, MISS LILY CHIANG, AND WAS TAKEN ON A TOUR OF VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE PLANT.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPANY EMPLOYS 500 WORKERS, INCLUDING TWO DISABLED PERSONS, AND PLANS TO EMPLOY MORE SUITABLE DISABLED WORKERS WHERE POSSIBLE.
MR HAMMOND WAS ALSO PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE COMPANY HAS MAINTAINED A GOOD SAFETY RECORD WITH A SAFETY COMMITTEE COMPRISING A SAFETY OFFICER, SECTION SUPERVISORS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH THE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.
BEFORE CONCLUDING THE VISIT, MR HAMMOND DISCUSSED WITH THE MANAGEMENT THE LABOUR RELATIONS AND STAFF WELFARE SITUATION IN THE COMPANY.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 41.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 240.604 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 202.046 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 34.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND YAU MA TEI * * * t * *
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS. ' '
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE WHOLE AREA OF TSUEN WAN AND CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG, INCLUDING SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, HA KWAI CHUNG AND CONTAINER TERMINALS.
ON THE SAME DAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CERTAIN PREMISES BOUNDED WATERLOO ROAD, SHANGHAI STREET, WING SING LANE, RECLAMATION STREET PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, CHING PING STREET, TUNG KUN STREET AND CANTON ROAD .
BY
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/17........
MONDAY, APRIL 30, 1990
17
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN SHAU KEI WAN
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THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE HOLDING OF CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES FOR THE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL, THE SECTION OF SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST BETWEEN KAM WA STREET AND THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR GROUND LEVEL ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 2).
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