DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FORMED ............................. 1
PREPARATION FOR BOND PROGRAMME NEARING COMPLETION ................. 3
INSHORE WORKS TO FACILITATE AIRPORT-RELATED DEVELOPMENTS ............ 5
GREATER TEXTILE EXPORT QUOTA FLEXIBILITIES NEXT YEAR .............. 6
INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 GAZETTED ................
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER PUBLISHED .......................
MOVE BY OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ............................... 13
CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR CLUBS WITH CLUBHOUSES .................... 13
CALL TO HEED FIRE AND CHEMICALS SAFETY ............................ 15
COMMUNITY CALLED TO BACK SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN ................... 15
IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND .......................... 16
LARGE QUANTITY OF CHINESE CASH COINS UNEARTHED .................... 17
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE FOOD HYGIENE AND HEALTH .......................
OFFENCE TO TRADE IN DUTY-FREE CIGARETTES .......................... 19
MONG KOK TO LAUNCH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ............. 19
GOVT RESCUERS' WORK WILL NOT GO UNNOTICED .........................
CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE CONCERT IN SAI KUNG.............................. 21
SEMINAR TO DISCUSS WAYS TO MONITOR ELECTED MEMBERS' PERFORMANCE ... 22
LAND RESUMPTION IN KOWLOON BAY ....................................
TAI PO CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW ................. 24
PREQUALIFICATION TENDERS FOR AIRPORT WORKS ........................ 24
CHILDREN'S DRAWING CONTEST ON SUNDAY ..............................
SURFACE MAIL TO SOMALI SUSPENDED ..................................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 26
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
1
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FORMED *******
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR WONG PO-YAN AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.
THE COMMITTEE IS FORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT IN HONG KONG AND RELATED QUESTIONS, WHICH WAS SIGNED BY THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, AND THE CHINESE PREMIER, MR LI PENG, IN PEKING ON SEPTEMBER 3 THIS YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE: "TO PROVIDE A FORUM WITHIN WHICH COMMUNITY VIEWS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS CAN BE DISCUSSED AND BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE DECISION-MAKING POWER AND SHOULD NOT DELAY THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECTS."
MR WONG WAS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BETWEEN 1979 AND 1988, AND IS CURRENTLY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NUCLEAR SAFETY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR DAYA BAY, AND CHINA TRADE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
FROM 1985 TO 1990, HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE FOR THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. HE HAS ALSO IN THE PAST BEEN A MEMBER OF VARIOUS TRADE, INDUSTRIAL AND ACADEMIC ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD, HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION BOARD, INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, COURT OF UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE.
A TOTAL OF 49 OTHER MEMBERS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPOINTED TO THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
THEY COME FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY AND INCLUDE PROMINENT PROFESSIONALS, ACADEMICS, BUSINESSMEN AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL SERVE FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS STARTING FROM TODAY.
"THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON NOVEMBER 18. ALL MEETINGS WILL BE OPENED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE:
CHAIRMAN
MEMBERS
MR WONG PO-YAN
MR CHA MOU-SING, PAYSON
MR CHAN HUNG-KWAN, STEVEN
MR CHAN MAN-HUNG, THOMAS
MRS CHAN YUEN YIN-HUNG, ENA
MR CHAU HOW-CHEN
/MR CHENG ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
2
MR CHENG HON-KWAN
MR CHENG WAI-CHEE, CHRISTOPHER
MR CHENG YIU-TONG
MR CHEUNG BING-LEUNG, ANTHONY
MR CHEUNG HON-KAU, CARLOS
MR CHEUNG WING-LAM, LINUS
PROF. CHEUNG YAU-KAI
MR CHONG KIM-LOONG
MR CHOW CHUN-FAI
MR CHOY WAI-SHEK, RAYMOND
MR FOK CHUN-WAN, IAN
MR FUNG KWOK-LUN, WILLIAM
MR FUNG SHIU-WING
MR GERRY HIGGINSON
DR HO CHUNG-TAI, RAYMOND
MR HO KING-ON
MR HU FA-KUANG
MR KAN FOOK-YEE
MR KO KAM-CHUEN, STANLEY
MR KWOK PING-KWONG, THOMAS
MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, DANIEL
MR LAU HON-CHUEN, AMBROSE
MR LAU KONG-WAH
MR LAU TING-CHUNG, EDMOND
MR LEE LIN-SANG
MR LEUNG CHUN-YING
MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG
MR LI TZAR-KUOI, VICTOR
/MR HENRY ....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 3 -
MR HENRY LITTON
MR DAVID AUSTIN MORRIS
MR NG CHEE-SIONG, ROBERT
PROF. POON CHUNG-KWONG
MR HEINZ RUST
MR SHAO YOU-BAO
DR SIT FUNG-SHUEN, VICTOR
MR TAN MAN-KOU
DR WAN SEK-LUEN, LAURIE
DR WANG LIANG-HUEW
MR WONG HONG-HIN, OWEN
MR WONG SHOU-YEH, DAVID MR WU YING-SHENG, GORDON PROF. YEUNG YUE-MAN MR YIP WAH
MR CHU YU-LIN, DAVID
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PREPARATION FOR BOND PROGRAMME NEARING COMPLETION
*****
THE MARKET IS VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THE PROPOSAL TO ISSUE SHORTTERM GOVERNMENT BONDS WHICH WILL BECOME AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT MARKET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, MR MACLEOD SAID CONSULTATION PAPERS WERE ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER TO INTERESTED PARTIES SEEKING THEIR COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED TERMS AND ARRANGEMENTS OF THE BOND PROGRAMME.
"WE ARE NOW NEARING THE COMPLETION OF A PREPARATORY PROGRAMME FOR THE LAUNCHING OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS.
/"LIKE THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
4
"LIKE THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS, THE GOVERNMENT BONDS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED IN PAPERLESS FORM, AND BE EXEMPTED FROM PROFITS TAX AND STAMP DUTY," MR MACLEOD SAID, ADDING THAT INITIALLY THE MATURITY OF THE BONDS WOULD BE TWO TO THREE YEARS.
HE SAID THE MARKET STRUCTURE OF THE BOND PROGRAMME WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS PROGRAMME -- BOTH RECOGNISED DEALERS AND MARKET MAKERS WOULD BE APPOINTED, WITH PRIORITY BEING GIVEN TO EXISTING RECOGNISED DEALERS AND MARKET MAKERS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS.
"SUBJECT TO THE PASSING OF A RESOLUTION UNDER THE LOANS ORDINANCE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO PERMIT GOVERNMENT TO RAISE DEBT, UP TO A CEILING, FOR MEETING CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, IT IS OUR INTENTION TO LAUNCH THE BOND PROGRAMME IN THE LATTER HALF OF THIS MONTH WITH THE ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR BONDS," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
"IT IS PLANNED TO BRING BONDS WITH LONGER MATURITIES TO THE MARKET LATER, HAVING REGARD TO GOVERNMENT’S NEED FOR FUNDS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOND PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT INITIALLY THERE WOULD BE FOUR ISSUES A YEAR, EACH WITH A SIZE OF AROUND $500 MILLION.
"IN ADDITION, BONDS OF UP TO $100 MILLION PER ISSUE MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF LAST RESORT SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS. THE BOND PROGRAMME SHOULD THEREFORE BUILD UP TO AROUND $5 BILLION IN TWO YEARS’ TIME."
UNLIKE THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS, WHICH WERE ISSUED FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, THE PROCEEDS OF THE BONDS WOULD BE CREDITED TO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING CAPITAL PROJECTS, HE SAID.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE BOND PROGRAMME WILL BENEFIT FROM THE HEALTHY MOMENTUM GENERATED IN THE MARKET BY THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS PROGRAMME.
"WE EXPECT THE GOVERNMENT BOND PROGRAMME TO BECOME AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT MARKET AND TO HAVE A FAVOURABLE SPILLOVER EFFECT ON OTHER SEGMENTS OF THE MARKET.
"AT THE VERY LEAST, THE BONDS SHOULD PROVIDE A BENCHMARK FOR LONG-TERM FUNDS IN HONG KONG DOLLARS AND FOR ASSESSING RELATIVE YIELDS AND RISKS OF OTHER HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT INSTRUMENTS," HE SAID.
ON OTHER NOTABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG’S DEBT MARKET, MR MACLEOD SAID IN RESPONSE TO A SUGGESTION FROM THE HONG KONG CAPITAL MARKETS ASSOCIATION, THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS DEVELOPING A CENTRAL CUSTODY SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT SECURITIES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN THEIR TRADING AND REDUCE SETTLEMENT RISK.
/"SECONDLY, THE .
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
5
"SECONDLY, THE GOVERNMENT IS PREPARING FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO GRANT PROFITS TAX EXEMPTION IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT INSTRUMENTS ISSUED BY THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (THE LATTER TWO ARE ORGANISATIONS WITHIN THE WORLD BANK GROUP).
"WE BELIEVE THIS MOVE SHOULD ENHANCE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE HONG KONG MARKET TO THESE MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS," HE SAID.
EARLIER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MENTIONED THAT FOLLOWING A POLICY CHANGE IN 1988 PERMITTING NON-RESIDENTS TO RAISE HONG KONG DOLLAR FUNDS IN THE LOCAL CAPITAL MARKETS, THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (THE WORLD BANK) HAD LAUNCHED FOUR HONG KONG DOLLAR BOND ISSUES IN OUR DOMESTIC MARKET.
THE FIRST WAS IN MAY 1989, AND THE MOST RECENT, A HK$500 MILLION ISSUE, WAS LAUNCHED THIS SEPTEMBER.
"THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK IS ALSO PLANNING TO LAUNCH AN ISSUE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR BONDS HERE IN 1992 WHEN WE WILL BE HOSTING THE 25TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BANK’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE PARTICIPATION OF THESE MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG’S DEBT MARKET WILL PROVIDE AN IMPETUS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MARKET," MR MACLEOD SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE FULL TEXT OF MR MACLEOD’S SPEECH WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE. PLEASE NOTE THAT BOTH THIS PRESS RELEASE AND THE SPEECH ARE EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL 9 PM TODAY (FRIDAY).
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INSHORE WORKS TO FACILITATE AIRPORT-RELATED DEVELOPMENTS ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 9.8 HECTARES OE FORESHORE AND SEABED AT SIU HO WAN, LANTAU ISLAND TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH LANTAU.
THE WORKS WILL START NEXT JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1993.
MEANWHILE, HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO. LTD INTENDS TO LAY AN OPTICAL FIBRE SUBMARINE CABLE FROM DISCOVERY BAY TO PENG CHAU BETWEEN APRIL AND MAY NEXT YEAR WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,400 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
/APART FROM .......
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 6
APART FROM MEETING THE ANTICIPATED HIGH DEMAND FOR TELEPHONE SERVICES FROM THE NEW AIRPORT-RELATED DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU, THE CABLE LINK WILL PERMIT THE COMPANY TO EXPAND AND UPGRADE ITS SERVICES TO THE GRADUALLY INCREASING POPULATION ON THE ISLAND AND PENG CHAU.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE TWO PROJECTS WAS DESCRIBED IN SEPARATE NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION (FOR THE RECLAMATION PROJECT) OR A WRITTEN OBJECTION (FOR THE CABLE LINK PROJECT) TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 31 NEXT YEAR AND DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
THE NOTICES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER), AND AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS RESPECTIVE SUB-OFFICES.
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GREATER TEXTILE EXPORT QUOTA FLEXIBILITIES NEXT YEAR ******
HONG KONG EXPORTERS WILL HAVE GREATER FLEXIBILITIES IN THE USE OF QUOTA FOR EXPORT OF TEXTILES AND GARMENTS TO THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY NEXT YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR ALAN LAI SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED FORMAL NOTIFICATION FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION THAT THE RATE FOR INTER-REGIONAL TRANSFER OF QUOTA FOR NEXT YEAR WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE CURRENT RATE OF EIGHT PER CENT TO 40 PER CENT.
MR LAI EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE HONG KONG/EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT, THE RESTRAINT LIMITS IN RESPECT OF DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS FOR HONG KONG’S EXPORT ARE BROKEN DOWN INTO SHARES FOR EACH OF THE COMMUNITY’S REGIONS.
INTER-REGIONAL TRANSFER OF QUOTA IS ALLOWED UNDER THE AGREEMENT. THIS YEAR, REGIONAL QUOTA IN A CATEGORY MAY BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE REGION TO ANOTHER UP TO EIGHT PER CENT OF THE RESTRAINT LIMIT OF THE TRANSFER-IN REGION. THE COMMISSION’S LATEST PROPOSAL IS TO INCREASE THE TRANSFER RATE FROM EIGHT PER CENT TO 40 PER CENT.
"THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL DOES NOT ENLARGE HONG KONG’S TOTAL ACCESS RIGHT UNDER THE HK/EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT BUT WILL PROVIDE HONG KONG EXPORTERS WITH ADDED FLEXIBILITIES.
"WE WELCOME THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL AND HOPE THAT REGIONAL SHARES WILL DISAPPEAR IN 1993 WHEN THE EUROPEAN SINGLE MARKET PROGRAMME IS IMPLEMENTED," MR LAI ADDED.
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/7.......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
7
INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 GAZETTED * * * * *
THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL INCORPORATE AMENDMENTS IN FOUR AREAS TO THE ORDINANCE, IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FIRST AMENDMENT SEEKS TO SIMPLIFY THE FOR THE PAYMENTS OF FEES.
1991, WHICH SEEKS TO
INSURANCE COMPANIES
EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS
SECTION 13 (1) OF THE ORDINANCE SETS OUT THE FEE TO BE PAID BY AN INSURER WHILE SECTION 59 (B) OF THE SAME ORDINANCE EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO AMEND THE LEVEL OF FEES IN THE ORDINANCE BY MAKING REGULATIONS.
"THIS IS AN INDIRECT AND CUMBERSOME WAYS OF AMENDING THE LEVEL OF FEE," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL AMENDS THE ORDINANCE AND REMOVE THE REFERENCES TO THE LEVEL OF FEES TO SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID;
THE SECOND AMENDMENT RELATES TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.
"AN INSURER IS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE ORDINANCE TO SUBMIT TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY (IA) ACCOUNTS, STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION PRESCRIBED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"A COPY OF THE DOCUMENT SUBMITTED TO THE IA SHALL BE DEPOSITED WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES WHICH WOULD THEN BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION," HE SAID.
FOLLOWING AN AMENDMENT TO THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER 1990, GENERAL INSURERS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO THE IA AN ANNUAL RETURN ON THEIR HONG KONG BUSINESS.
"THE RETURN HOWEVER CONTAINS TRADE SENSITIVE FIGURES AND SHOULD NOT BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL THEREFORE REMOVES THE REQUIREMENT FOR AUTHORISED INSURERS TO DEPOSIT WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES A COPY OF THE DOCUMENT CONTAINING FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON THEIR HONG KONG GENERAL BUSINESS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE THIRD AMENDMENT WILL ENABLE THE IA TO EXERCISE THE INTERVENTIONARY POWERS ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT IS DESIRABLE TO DO SO IN THE INTEREST OF THE POLICY HOLDERS.
THE INTERVENTIONARY POWERS AVAILABLE TO THE IA ARE AT PRESENT EXERCISABLE ON DIFFERENT GROUNDS.
/"WHILE THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
"WHILE THE POWER TO OBTAIN INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS UNDER SECTION 34 IS EXERCISABLE IN THE GENERAL INTEREST OF POLICY HOLDERS, OTHER POWERS ARE ONLY EXERCISABLE ON RESTRICTED GROUNDS FOR EXAMPLE, ON GROUNDS THAT THE INSURER HAS FURNISHED MISLEADING INFORMATION TO THE IA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS MEANS THAT THE IA CAN ONLY EXERCISE THE INTERVENTIONARY POWERS REACTIVELY," HE EXPLAINED.
"IN ORDER TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION TO POLICY HOLDERS, THE GROUNDS FOR TAKING OTHER INTERVENTIONARY ACTIONS IS EXTENDED," THE. SPOKESMAN SAID.
"CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL ENABLES THE IA TO EXERCISE THE INTERVENTIONARY POWERS ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT IS DESIRABLE TO DO SO IN THE INTEREST OF POLICY HOLDERS," HE SAID.
THE FOURTH AMENDMENT RELATES TO THE EXEMPTION FOR UNITED KINGDOM INSURERS FROM THE AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS AND FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
"SECTION 52 OF THE ORDINANCE HAS NOW BECOME REDUNDANT BECAUSE THE IA, • FOR PRACTICAL PURPOSE, HAS BEEN APPLYING THE SAME AUTHORISATION CRITERIA TO ALL APPLICANTS, INCLUDING UK INSURERS. THE EXEMPTION PROVISIONS HAVE THEREFORE GROWN OUTDATED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL SEEKS TO DELETE SECTION 52 OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH EXEMPTS UK INSURERS FROM THE AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS AND FROM REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 13.
0 - -
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER PUBLISHED
******
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED DURING SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
CONSISTENT WITH THIS, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS ROSE DURING THE MONTH. HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, GREW BY 2.9% IN SEPTEMBER FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 1.7% AND 2.4% IN JULY AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY.
/OF THESE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
9 -
OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS ROSE BY 8.9% AND 7.0% RESPECTIVELY WHILE TIME DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.9% IN SEPTEMBER. COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 12.1%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 0.4% IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 0.7% AND AN INCREASE OF 0.6% RESPECTIVELY IN JULY AND AUGUST.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 1.5% WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECLINED BY 0.4% IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 10.0%.
DURING SEPTEMBER, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 1.4% AND 5.1% RESPECTIVELY WHILE DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 2.5%.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY 12.8% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 8.3% AND 23.9% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 5.4%, 2.8% AND 2.7%
RESPECTIVELY IN SEPTEMBER, COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 3.2%, 2.8% AND 2.6% IN AUGUST.
OVER THE YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 24.0%, 13.8%
AND 12.2% RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 INCREASED BY 7.1%, 1.3% AND 1.4%
RESPECTIVELY IN SEPTEMBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN AUGUST WERE 3.0%, 1.7% AND 1.5%.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 22.8%, 12.5% AND
10.9% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 1.9% IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 2.0% AND 2.4% IN JULY AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY GREW BY 1.5% AND 2.1% RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.6% AND 24.6% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE EXTERNAL TRADE OF HONG KONG DECLINED BY 0.8% IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.0% AND 1.3% IN JULY AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 17.2%.
/OTHER LOANS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 10 -
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.9% IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 1.5% AND 1.3% RESPECTIVELY IN THE PREVIOUS TWO MONTHS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.6%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ROSE BY 2.2% IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 2.9% AND 3.4% IN JULY AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 37.8%.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR
DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991, TOTAL LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG (EXCLUDING THOSE FOR TRADE FINANCING) INCREASED BY 4.8%.
OF THESE, LOANS FOR USE IN MANUFACTURING DECREASED BY 0.6%, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 5.2% AND 5.8% IN THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 10.7%.
LOANS TO FINANCE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES INCREASED BY 2.9%, AFTER A DECREASE OF 1.7% AND AN INCREASE OF 4.9% IN THE PRECEDING TWO QUARTERS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 12.1%.
LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (OTHER THAN AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS) INCREASED BY 3.8% THIS QUARTER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 6.5% AND A DECREASE OF 7.6% RECORDED IN THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 8.1%.
LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) GREW BY 9.3% THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 7.2% AND 9.4% IN THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS ROSE BY 41.2%.
LOANS TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.7% IN THE THIRD QUARTER, AFTER INCREASES OF 1.9% AND 6.2% IN THE PRECEDING TWO QUARTERS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 15.5%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS DECREASED BY ONE TO 162 WHILE THOSE OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 162. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 50.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWO TABLES WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE AND BOXED.
TABLE 1 SET OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 PRESENTS FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.
/TABLE 1
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 11 -
TABLE I : MONETARY STATISTICS - SEPTEMBER 1*1
(HKSmn)
Sep 1991
Earlier months (% change to Sep 1991)
Money Supply Augj991 JuaJ991 Sfl>l*0
Ml - HKS 108339 102,932 ( 5.4 ) 93,050 ( 16.6 ) 87320 ( 24.0 )
Foreign currency 17.221 14,492 ( 18.8 ) 15.398 ( 11.8 ) 14,922 ( 15.4 )
Total 125,761 117,424 ( 7.1 ) 108.449 ( 16.0 ) 102,442 ( 22.8 )
M2-HKS* 607,616 590,926 ( 2.8 ) 564,655 ( 7.6 ) 533,720 ( 13.8 )
Foreign currency* 693,450 692,871 ( 0.1 ) 694,637 ( -0.2 ) 622379 ( 11.4 )
Total 1,301,066 1483.797 ( 1.3 ) 1,259,292 ( 3.3 ) 1,156,299 ( 123 )
M3 - HKS* 634.385 617,890 ( 2.7 ) 593,160 ( 7.0 ) 565,657 ( 12.2 )
Foreign currency* 736.043 733,971 ( 0.3 ) 734.988 ( 0.1 ) 669,962 ( 9.9 )
Total 1370,428 1,351,861 ( 1.4 ) 1,328,148 ( 3.2 ) 1,235,619 ( 10.9 )
Notes and coins in circulation 46.6# .. . 46,836 ( -0.4 ) .44.091 .(. 5,8 ) 40,394 ( 153 )
of which held by public 40*257 40,240 ( 0.0 >. •’ 37,936 ( 6.1 ) 35,341 ( 13.9 )
Total Deposits •
Total Demand deposits 85304 77.184 ( 10.8 ) 70313 ( 21.3 ) 67.101 ( 27.4 )
Total Savings deposits 281,731 269.661 ( 4.5 ) 244,947 ( 15.0 ) 227,356 ( 23.9 ■)
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 877.155 879,800 ( -0.3 ) - 888,269 ( -1.3 ) 808,955 ( 8.4 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 40.395 38,451 ( 5.1 ) 37.793 ( 6.9 ) 44.069 ( -8.3 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 25,668 26,321 ( -2.5 ) 27.938 ( -8.1 ) 33.716 ( -23.9 )
HKS deposits* 580,212 563,909 ( 2.9 ) 541380 ( 7.1 ) 517.620 ( 12.1 )
USS deposits* 297.719 293.395 ( 1.5 ) 291.761 ( 2.0 ) 293,659 ( 1.4 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 432.522 434,112 ( ■OA ) 436,118 ( ■0.8 ) 369.918 ( 16.9 )
AU deposits 1.310,453 1.291,417 ( 1.5 ) 1,269,459 ( 3.2 ) 1,181.196 ( 10.9 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 45.008 47.852 ( -5.9 ) 61,132 ( -26.4 ) 71.348 ( -36.9 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 82.297 82,995 ( -0.8 ) 80,324 ( 2.5 ) 70,202 ( 17.2 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11.866 11,263 ( 5.4 ) 10,269 ( 15.6 ) 9,430 ( 25.8 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 782,172 767,935 ( L9 ) 746,401 ( 48 ) 659.287 ( 18.6 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,119.381 1.095,380 ( 2.2 ) 1,029.390 ( 8.7 ) 812389 ( 37.8 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 39,016 40,115 ( -2-7 ) 46,165 ( -15.5 ) 109.899 ( -64.5 )
Loans in HKS 690,896 680,924 ( 15 ) 664.721 ( 39 ) 582376 ( 18.6 )
Loans in foreign currencies 1.343.836 1,316,763 ( 2.1 ) 1,247,828 ( 7.7 ) 1,078.831 ( 24.6 )
Total loans and advances 2.034,732 1,997,687 ( 19 ) 1,912,548 ( 6.4 ) 1,661,407 ( 22.5 )
• Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. Starting from April 1991. swap deposits can further be broken down into US doflar and non-US dollar foreign currency swap deposits.
Note : ’Restricted licence banks’ and ’deposit-taking companies’-were known as ’licensed deposit-taking companies’ and ’registered deposit-taking companies' respectively before 1 February 1990.
/TABLE 2 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
-12 -
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS_FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR ^SEPTEMBER 1991
(HKSmn)
Sep 1991 Earlier quarters (% change to Sep 1991)
Sectors Manufacturing 54,559 Jun 1991 Mar J.991 SepJSSQ 54,886 ( -0.6 ) 51,871 ( 5.2 ) 49,287 ( 10.7 )
Transport and transport equipment 48,562 45,251 ( 7.3 ) 43,543 ( 11.5 ) 38,971 ( 24.6 )
Building, construction, property 121,366 117,017 ( 3.7 ) 110,183 ( 10.1 ) 105,088 ( 15.5 )
development and investment
Wholesale and retail trade 79,203 76,991 ( 2.9 ) 73,399 ( 7.9 ) 70,629 ( 12.1 )
Financial concerns • 107,042 103,119 ( 3.8 ) 111,575 ( -4.1 ) 98,988 ( 8.1 )
Individuals: to purchase flats in the Home 15,394 15,535 ( -0.9 ) 15,071 ( 2.1 ) 13,899 ( 10.8 )
Ownership Scheme and Private
Sector Participation Scheme to purchase other residential 169,267 154,902 ( 9.3 ) 141,648 ( 19.5 ) 119,858 ( 41.2 )
property
other purposes 70,699 68,586 ( 3.1 ) 65,271 ( 8.3 ) 60,599 ( 16.7 )
Others 116,080 110,114 ( 5.4 ) 114,673 ( 1.2 ) 101,968 ( 13.8 )
Total 782,172 746,401 ( 4.& ) 727,234 ( 7.6 ) 659,287 ( 18.6 )
• This excludes funds advanced to authorized institutions.
--------0-----------
/13 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
13
MOVE BY OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ******
AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DECISION BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB), REACHED AFTER THE USUAL CONSULTATION WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THROUGH THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, TO CUT DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES BY HALF A PERCENTAGE POINT, THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND MOVED TO MOP UP EXCESS LIQUIDITY IN THE INTERBANK MARKET, REDUCING THE BALANCE OF HONGKONG BANK’S ACCOUNT WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND FROM HK$600 MILLION TO HK$500 MILLION.
WITH A LOT OF LIQUIDITY IN THE MARKET, INTERBANK INTEREST RATES HAD REMAINED SOFT IN THE PAST WEEKS.
THEY FELL FURTHER DURING TODAY IN RESPONSE TO LOWER FED FUND RATES IN THE UNITED STATES OVERNIGHT AND IN ANTICIPATION OF HKAB FOLLOWING THIS WITH A CUT IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSIT RATES.
THE MOVE BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS TIMED TO SEND THE MESSAGE THAT THE CUT IN HKAB RATES WAS NOT TO BE SEEN AS A PRELUDE TO A FURTHER FALL IN INTEREST RATES.
--------0-----------
CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR CLUBS WITH CLUBHOUSES
******
__ THE CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) ORDINANCE FOR A CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR THE REGULATION WITH CLUBHOUSES IN RESPECT OF THEIR FIRE BECOMES EFFECTIVE TODAY (FRIDAY).
1991 WHICH PROVIDES AND CONTROL OF CLUBS AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY
THE ORDINANCE WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISIATTVF rnirKirri ™
SY^EjA?iCTAND™ipRES™nVBET?^T™"sc5E„EFF^SLA??N(Jfl“",NISTER
STANDARDS OF CLUBHOUSES BY THE FIRE REGULATING
JUNE
THE SAFETY
RASTSIn2ST2RnBo^2LW“PL.^yE_."iTH^0 BEENVENFORCEDDIONNCAN
BASIS OR IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS.
AND AD
THE
HOC
5 A
REGULATIONS SETTING OUT PROCEDURES FOR APPEAL UNDER THE GAZETTE.
THE FEES PAYABLE FOR A CERTIFICATE AND ORDINANCE WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME MANAGEMENT), MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, SAID THF SCHEME YEAR, IN WHICH SIX PEOPLE WERE KILLED.
AFFAIRS (BUILDING WAS INSTALLED IN SEPTEMBER 11 LAST
AN
/MR CHENG ......
14
MR CHENG SAID UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL CLUBS WITH CLUBHOUSES WERE REQUIRED TO HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION OR A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR THEIR OPERATIONS.
THE TYPES OF CLUBHOUSES UNDER THE SCOPE OF CONTROL INCLUDE MAHJONG, KARAOKE, CATERING, RELIGIOUS, PROFESSIONAL, BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, SPORTS, FITNESS, MARTIAL ARTS AND HOBBY, HE SAID.
"OPERATORS OF THESE CLUBHOUSES SHOULD APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION BEFORE APRIL 1, 1992 WITH THE OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WHICH ADMINISTERS THE SCHEME.
"THE FIRST TARGETS OF CONTROL WILL BE PROPRIETARY CLUBS AND SUCH NEW CLUBS WHICH COMMENCE OPERATION AFTER THAT DATE WILL HAVE TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR THEIR CLUBHOUSES.
"HOWEVER, THERE IS A PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS DURING WHICH EXISTING OPERATORS ARE ALLOWED TO REGISTER WITH THE OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY," MR CHENG SAID.
ANY OPERATOR WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW LEGISLATION WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $200,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND TO AN ADDITIONAL FINE OF $20,000 FOR EACH DAY DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE CONTINUES.
THE FEES PAYABLE FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION IS $500 PER ANNUM FOR ALL TYPES OF CLUBHOUSES.
BUT THE FEE FOR A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WILL BE CHARGED ON A SLIDING SCALE ON THE BASIS OF THE GROSS FLOOR AREA OF THE CLUB PREMISES.
'.'IT RANGES FROM A MINIMUM OF $2,000 FOR A CLUBHOUSE OF 100 SQUARE METRES OR LESS TO A MAXIMUM OF $11,000 FOR ONE EXCEEDING 400 SQUARE METRES," MR CHENG SAID.
BOTH CERTIFICATES WILL HAVE TO BE RENEWED ACCORDING TO THE PERIOD DETERMINED BY THE AUTHORITY.
MR CHENG NOTED THAT THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDED A CHANNEL OF APPEAL FOR OPERATORS WHOSE APPLICATIONS WERE REJECTED BY THE LICENSING AUTHORITY.
INFORMATION PAMPHLETS AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY AT EAST WING, SEVENTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 881 7034.
0
/15........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 15 -
CALL TO HEED FIRE AND CHEMICALS SAFETY ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL EMBARK ON A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TODAY (FRIDAY) TO BRING HOME THE MESSAGE OF FIRE AND CHEMICALS SAFETY TO ALL EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS IN INDUSTRY.
THE TWO-MONTH EXERCISE WILL SET A TARGET ON FACTORIES HOUSED IN POORLY MANAGED BUILDINGS, AND THOSE INVOLVING WORK PROCESSES WITH FIRE HAZARDS AND USING INFLAMMABLE CHEMICALS OR MATERIALS.
"WITH THE ONSET OF THE DRY SEASON, IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS TO STEP UP EFFORTS IN FIRE PRECAUTION AND TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN USING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS," THE ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR KAN HON-SANG, SAID.
"DURING VISITS TO THE FACTORIES, OUR INSPECTORS WILL EXPLAIN TO EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS THEIR DUTY UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES) AND (DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS, AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.
"PROSECUTION ACTION WILL BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST BLATANT OFFENDERS," MR KAN SAID, NOTING THAT 320 EMPLOYERS WERE PROSECUTED DURING A SIMILAR OPERATION LAST YEAR.
IN ADDITION, FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL DISTRIBUTE A SPECIALLY DESIGNED NOTICE TO FACTORY MANAGEMENTS ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING DANGEROUS CHEMICALS.
"THEY WILL BE URGED TO POST IT UP .PROMINENTLY IN THE WORKPLACE TO REMIND WORKERS OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN GOOD VENTILATION IN THE WORKPLACE AND TO WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING," MR KAN EXPLAINED.
FIRE-RELATED ACCIDENTS HAD DROPPED FROM 156 CASES WITH 15 FATALITIES IN 1986 TO 90 CASES WITH NO DEATH LAST YEAR.
ADVISING AGAINST COMPLACENCY, MR KAN CALLED ON ALL FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS TO KEEP UP THEIR GOOD WORK IN FIRE PRECAUTION AND TO CO-OPERATE CLOSELY IN CURBING ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY FIRE.
-----0------:
COMMUNITY CALLED TO BACK SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, TODAY (FRIDAY) APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE FORTHCOMING AS SUBSTITUTE PARENTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION.
MR CARTLAND WAS ADDRESSING A SEMINAR ON SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN, WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY MOTHER’S CHOICE, INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE HONG KONG BRANCH, THE ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP AND THE ADOPTION UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
/"I AM ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
16
"I AM SURE THAT WE ALL HOPE TO SEE GROWING AWARENESS OF THE NEEDS OF THESE CHILDREN SO THAT THEY CAN ENJOY THE LOVE. WARMTH AND NURTURE OF FAMILY LIFE," HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN WITHOUT PARENTS WERE DOUBLY VULNERABLE.
"UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF THESE CHILDREN," HE ADDED.
GOVERNMENT POLICY IN THIS AREA WAS TO SEE THAT CHILDREN WOULD BE DULY ASSISTED TO GROW INTO HEALTHY AND PARTICIPATING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY, HE SAID.
"THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY RESTS WITH THE PARENTS BUT THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT IT TOO HAS A DUTY, TOGETHER WITH THE PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY, TO SAFEGUARD AND PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN." MR CARTLAND ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE REGIONAL OFFICER (HONG KONG) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MRS PATRICIA CHU, ALSO RECOGNISED THE NEED TO PROVIDE QUALITY TEMPORARY CARE TO SUCH CHILDREN SO THAT THEY COULD GET SUFFICIENT STIMULATION, LOVE AND SECURITY, AS WELL AS MAINTAINING CONTACT WITH THE COMMUNITY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO SHORTEN THE WAITING TIME BEFORE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN CAN BE PLACED INTO PERMANENT ADOPTIVE HOMES," SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT RECENTLY, THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ENGAGING CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS.AND GROUPS TO VISIT AND PLAY WITH THE CHILDREN IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES, TAKE THEM HOME FOR SHORT LEAVE AND PROVIDE PRE-ADOPTION FOSTER CARE.
"THE INVOLVEMENT OF A CARING COMMUNITY WILL CERTAINLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEALTHY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THESE CHILDREN WHO ARE DEPRIVED OF A NORMAL UPBRINGING AND A HAPPY CHILDHOOD, MRS CHU STRESSED.
EXPERTS IN THE ADOPTION FIELD FROM THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA ALSO SPOKE AT THE SEMINER.
- - 0 - -
IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND
*****
WORKS TO MODIFY THE ENTRANCE TO THE BASIN ON THE NORTH SHORE OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND IS SCHEDULED TO START THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 1993.
IT WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.47 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED SITUATED AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
/A NEW
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
A NEW ENTRANCE WILL BE BUILT WHILE THE EXISTING BREAKWATER WILL BE EXTENDED TO ENABLE SAFER MANOEUVRABILITY OF VESSELS ENTERING THE BASIN.
ALSO, A BOAT HOIST JETTY WILL BE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE BASIN TO ENABLE THE HANDLING OF SMALL VESSELS FROM THE BASIN ONTO LAND FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES AND PARKING OF BOATS FOR TYPHOON PRECAUTIONS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 31, NEXT YEAR.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
--------0-------
LARGE QUANTITY OF CHINESE CASH COINS UNEARTHED
A CACHE OF CHINESE (581 TO 1279 AD) HAS BEEN PROJECT AT THE ROYAL HONG CAUSEWAY BAY.
COINS OF THE SUI, TANG AND SONG DYNASTIES UNEARTHED RECENTLY DURING A DEVELOPMENT KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC), KELLETT ISLAND,
2,400 COINS, BELIEVED TO BE THE BIGGEST HOARD THAT uaq ahtS X monuments^office^ahoj ^of t™Erec^™!o» °and CULTURE BRANCH BY THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE RHKYC™b S SaRDS
___ WHEN DISCOVERED, THE COINS WERE CONTAINED IN AN FARTHFMWApp nuIoBURIED AB0UT HALF A METRE UNDERGROUND. EXPERTS ARE ASSESSING THF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POT, WHICH HAD BEEN BROKEN BY A WORKMAN’S PICK
AMn P0T AND C0INS ARE BEING CATALOGUED BY STAFF OF THE
™E H0NG K0NG MUSEUM OF HISTORY. THESE FINDS WILL BE SFNT Tn
THE CONSERVATION SECTION OF THE MUSEUM FOR FURTHER PROCESSING.
/IT IS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
OF
THE
18
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS HOARD SONG DYNASTY.
OF COINS WAS BURIED AT
THE END
IT
WAS
THE RHKYC’S ADDRESS IS KELLETT ORIGINALLY AN ISLAND.
ISLAND, AND AS THE NAME
IMPLIES
IT
WAS
HARBOUR ISLAND. ISLAND.
WAS BUILT FROM CAUSEWAY
IN THE EARLY 1950’S A CAUSEWAY
NOT UNTIL THE 1970’S, WITH THE CONSTRUCTION TUNNEL, THAT THE KELLETT ISLAND BECOME PART THE AREA IN WHICH THE POT WAS FOUND IS PART OF
BAY
OF THE
OF HONG
BUT CROSS KONG
THE ORIGINAL
- - 0 - -
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE FOOD HYGIENE AND HEALTH
******
Axi-ct Q nw TMF THEME "FOOD HYGIENE AND HEALTH A SET OF PICTUR|JS D?STMCT FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN
TMF EXHIBITION was conceived by the eastern part ofTcSm™ arouse residents- concern on CLEAN FOOD AND HEALTH.
TT WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 2 TO 5 AT THE PLAZA, ILS silNG, AND FROM NOVEMBER IS TO IB SHOPPING CENTRE, CHAI WAN.
DISTRICT BOARD AS
THE
EAST AT
IMPORTANCE OF
BRIDGE, THE NEW
CITY JADE
MR LEE
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER mb S™’'E“"C“„VpiRIS?ENCD™"MAm "? A CEREMONY TO MARK THE CAMPAIGN'S OPENING
TOMORROW.
„ BIlJJI WJ'K -IS S'
CITY
PLAZA.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
TAIKOO SHING.
THE CITY
OPENING PLAZA,
0
/19
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
19
OFFENCE TO TRADE IN DUTY-FREE CIGARETTES
******
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO BUY OR SELL DUTY-FREE CONCESSIONARY CIGARETTES AS THEY ARE ONLY FOR PERSONAL USE AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRADE.
"UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR SELLING OR POSSESSING DUTIABLE CIGARETTE IS $100,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE REMINDER WAS GIVEN AFTER CUSTOMS INVESTIGATORS AT LO WU RAILWAY STATION SEIZED 2,000 DUTIABLE CIGARETTES VALUED AT $1,677 AND ARRESTED FOUR MEN THIS MORNING.
AT 7.40 AM, THREE MEN UPON RETURNING FROM CHINA WERE SEEN BOARDING A TRAIN AT LO WU STATION WHICH HEADED FOR KOWLOON.
INSIDE THE TRAIN, THEY PASSED CARTONS OF CIGARETTES TO A FOURTH MAN WHO WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE BUYER.
AFTER COLLECTING THE CIGARETTES, THE BUYER THEN PAID THE THREE MEN WITH CASH.
OFFICERS IMMEDIATELY TOOK ACTION AND ARRESTED THE FOUR MEN AND SEIZED A TOTAL OF 2,000 CIGARETTES WITH $960 DUTY POTENTIAL.
THE FOUR MEN, AGED BETWEEN 27 AND 46, ARE NOW ASSISTING CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION. THEY WILL LATER BE RELEASED ON BAIL.
--------0 - - - -
MONG KOK TO LAUNCH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ******
A VARIETY SHOW TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT THE ANCHOR STREET PLAYGROUND IN TAI KOK TSUI ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 3), BEGINNING AT 3 PM.
THE SHOW, ADMISSION TO WHICH IS FREE, WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, AN ACROBATIC SHOW AND A LUCKY DRAW.
OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WILL BE THE YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG; MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MISS CHRISTINA TING; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR JAMES RINGO LEE.
/THE CAMPAIGN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
THE CAMPAIGN IS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND WILL LAST TILL NEXT FEBRUARY.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINARS, STREET AND BUILDING CLEAN-UP COMPETITIONS, AS WELL AS A YEAR-END CLEAN-UP WILL BE HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN’S OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW.
_ - 0 - -
GOVT RESCUERS’ WORK WILL NOT GO UNNOTICED * * * ♦ *
FIREMEN AND AMBULANCEMEN WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) ASSURED THAT THEIR BRAVE AND SELFLESS ACTS HAD NOT GONE UNNOTICED AND THEIR DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM HAD WON HIGH REGARD FROM THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF NINE STATION OFFICERS, EIGHT AMBULANCE OFFICERS, 19 FIREMEN AND 24 AMBULANCEMEN AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, MR CHENG HON-KWAN SAID HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND WELL-RESPECTED FIRE BRIGADES IN THE WORLD AND WAS RENOWNED FOR ITS PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE.
"IN 1990, THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 468,000 FIRE AND AMBULANCE CALLS AND AS A RESULT RESCUED MORE THAN 22,000 PEOPLE.
"IN THESE INCIDENTS, HOWEVER, MORE THAN 45 MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES WERE INJURED.
"A NOTABLE EXAMPLE WAS THE RECENT INCIDENT AT HENG FA CHUEN WHERE 12 MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE WERE INJURED AND HOSPITALISED,” MR CHENG SAID.
HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN RAPID HOUSING AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY TO COPE WITH AN EVER PRESSING DEMAND FOR MANY YEARS.
"AS DEVELOPMENT BOOMS IN URBAN AREAS AND NT NEW TOWNS, THE DEMAND FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES HAS GREATLY INCREASED,” MR CHENG SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DEDICATION AND COURAGE MUST BE COUPLED WITH, AND SUPPLEMENTED BY THE TRAINING AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT.
/MR CHENG
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 21 -
MR CHENG SAID: "AS A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER, I CANNOT BUT EMPHASISE STRONGLY THE VALUE OF KEEPING ABREAST WITH THE LATEST MODERN TECHNOLOGY, PARTICULARLY WHEN HUMAN LIFE AND SAFETY IS INVOLVED,"
"IN THIS CONNECTION, I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE IN THIS AREA, FOR INSTANCE IN THE INSTALLATION OF A $100 MILLION COMPUTERISED SYSTEM FOR MOBILISATION; IN CONSTANTLY REVIEWING RESCUE EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES; AND IN THE INTRODUCTION OF DEFIBRILLATORS IN THE AMBULANCE SERVICES," HE ADDED.
HE TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THEY COULD PUT INTO PRACTICE THE SKILLS THAT THEY HAD LEARNT AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL AFTER BEING POSTED TO FIRE OR AMBULANCE STATIONS NEXT WEEK.
"THERE WILL BE HARD WORK AHEAD BUT IT WILL ALWAYS BE WORTHWHILE AND, IMPORTANTLY, I AM SURE IT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IN A SPIRIT OF COMRADESHIP AND MUTUAL TRUST," MR CHENG SAID.
AFTER INSPECTING THE PARADE, MR CHENG PRESENTED THE BEST RECRUIT AWARDS TO AN OFFICER OF EACH SQUAD FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES DURING THE TRAINING.
THEY ARE: RECRUIT STATION OFFICER TANG KAI-MING, RECRUIT AMBULANCE OFFICER WONG PO-CHEUNG, RECRUIT FIREMAN LUK AH-CHUNG AND RECRUIT AMBULANCEMAN CHENG KWOK-CHU.
- - 0----------
CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE CONCERT IN SAI KUNG *****
A CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE CONCERT, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 3) AFTERNOON AT PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
THE CONCERT AIMS AT REMINDING VISITORS OF THE IMPORTANCE TO KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN THROUGH PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND GAMES WITH SPECTATORS.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERCIAL RADIO II FROM 3 PM TO 4 PM.
OFFICIATING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 2.15 PM WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE TAN; CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR WAN YUET-KAU; AND MEMBERS OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR SO SHTU-SHING AND MR WONG SIU-YEE.
/THEY WILL .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 22 -
THEY WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN A LITTER PICKING ACTIVITY ON THE SPOT RIGHT AFTER THE CEREMONY WITH DISC JOCKEYS, SINGERS, BOY SCOUTS, COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS AND THE CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE CAMPAIGN MASCOT, THE COUNTRY DRAGON.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE CONCERT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
A VAN (UC 20) WILL PICK UP REPORTERS AT MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI (BEHIND PENINSULA HOTEL) AND LEAVE FOR PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK AT 12.30 PM SHARP.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
---------0-----------
SEMINAR TO DISCUSS WAYS TO MONITOR ELECTED MEMBERS’ PERFORMANCE *******
ACADEMICS, JOURNALISTS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS COMMENTATORS WILL JOIN MEMBERS OF DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION BODIES IN A SEMINAR TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING TO DISCUSS WAYS TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCES OF ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE THREE-TIER COUNCILS.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM AT THE MULTI-PURPOSE HALL, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
IT COMPRISES A GROUP DISCUSSION AND AN OPEN FORUM.
IN THE FIRST SESSION, THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS TO DISCUSS SEPARATELY THE ROLES PLAYED BY THE MEDIA, ACADEMICS AND THE DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A FORUM TO BE PRESIDED OVER BY FOUR GUEST SPEAKERS WHO WILL EXAMINE WAYS TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCES OF MEMBERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND IN THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE SPEAKERS ARE A CITY POLYTECHNIC LECTURER, MR KAM PING-KWONG; A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, MR TAI HAY-LAP; A CHURCH WORKER, THE REVEREND LO LUNG-KWONG; AND A NEWSPAPER EDITOR, MR LEE KAM-HUNG.
/THE CHAIRMAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER I, 1991
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE, WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE GUESTS AT THE END OF THE SEMINAR AROUND 12.10 PM.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION GROUPS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AS WELL AS STAFF AND STUDENTS FROM TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE MULTI-PURPOSE HALL, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
LAND RESUMPTION IN KOWLOON BAY ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME A PRIVATE LOT AT CHEUNG YIP STREET, KOWLOON BAY, TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS SUBSEQUENT TO THE REPROVISIONING OF THE EXISTING ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE FACILITIES.
THE NEW FACILITIES, WHICH COME AS A RESULT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOUTH APRON AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ARE PLANNED TO BE IN OPERATION STARTING FROM MID NEXT YEAR ON A NEW SITE AT THE OUTER PERIMETER OF THE EXPANSION AREA.
THE OWNER OF THE LOT WILL BE INVITED TO SUBMIT A CLAIM UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/24
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 24 -
TAI PO CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW *******
A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION FOR TAI PO RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD IN TL18 SQUARE, TAI PO CENTRE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW. AFTER THE CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI PO CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND WINNERS OF THE DISTRICT’S KARAOKE COMPETITION, AND A QUIZ ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP YUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE, MR YAU CHUNG-WAN.
ASSISTANT TAI PO OF THE DISTRICT’S
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN TL18 SQUARE, TAI PO CENTRE, TAI PO.
---_ 0------
PREQUALIFICATION TENDERS FOR AIRPORT WORKS
******
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERERS FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS OF A TAXIWAY BRIDGE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A TAXIWAY BRIDGE ACROSS THE SEA CHANNEL FOR AIRCRAFT BETWEEN THE EXISTING TAXIWAY AND THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AREA.
THE BRIDGE MEASURING ABOUT 235 METRES IN LENGTH AND 44 METRES IN WIDTH WILL PROVIDE A CIRCULATORY TAXIWAY SYSTEM SERVING THE NEW PARKING BAYS IN THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AREA.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START BY MAY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY 1993.
IT WILL BE SUPERVISED BY CONSULTING ENGINEERS, HALCROW ASIA PARTNERSHIP LTD, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
/DEADINE FOR .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 25 -
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 29.
PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HALCROW ASIA PARTNERSHIP LTD, 15TH FLOOR, WAI FUNG PLAZA, 664 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, HONG KONG.
-----0------------
CHILDREN’S DRAWING CONTEST ON SUNDAY
******
MORE THAN 300 CHILDREN WILL GATHER AT THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS IN UPPER ALBERT ROAD, MID-LEVELS, ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 3) TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S DRAWING CONTEST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT RESIDENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMPETITION IN PROGRESS.
"THE CONTEST IS AIMED AT PROVIDING CHILDREN WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR DRAWING SKILLS AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS FOR CHILDREN AGED FOUR TO 15.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE JUNIOR SECTION WILL FOCUS ON NATURAL LANDSCAPES, WHILE THEIR SENIOR COUNTERPARTS WILL BE CONCENTRATING ON THE "PRESENT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE DISTRICT".
THEIR WORKS WILL BE ASSESSED BY AN ADJUDICATION PANEL COMPRISING A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE DISTRICT’S ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (DACA), DR OWEN WONG; A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHAN CHIT-KWAI; AND AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INSPECTOR ON ARTS AND CRAFT, MISS P.K. LAI.
THREE WINNERS FROM EACH SECTION AND OTHER OUTSTANDING ENTRANTS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS AT A CEREMONY HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMPETITION.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DB, DACA, MID-LEVELS EAST AREA COMMITTEE AND YWCA, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM PENTEL (HONG KONG) LTD.
/ATTENTION NEWS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
26
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S DRAWING CONTEST TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 3) AT THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS IN UPPER ALBERT ROAD, MID-LEVELS.
THE COMPETITION WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AROUND 12.30 PM.
AN INFORMATION OFFICER, MR ALEX LI, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
------0------------
SURFACE MAIL TO SOMALI SUSPENDED
******
ALL SURFACE MAIL TO THE SOMALI DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS IS BECAUSE SEA CONNECTIONS FOR MAIL TO THE COUNTRY ARE NOW
NOT POSSIBLE.
------0------------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 31.10.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 1.11.91 -53
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 53
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON -100
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.6 *-0.1» 1.11.91
/HONG KONG........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1991
- 27 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
1.11.91 31.10.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.80 PCT 3.93 PCT
1 MONTH 3.94 PCT 3.97 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.17 PCT 4.25 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.48 PCT 4.52 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.36 PCT 5.38 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 9,330 MN 7,570 MN
- - 0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
EXPANSION OF SERVICES FOR THE AGED TO COPE WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS ......... 1
INAUGURATION OF HK COLLEGE OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE ........................ 2
PUBLIC SHOULD MONITOR PERFORMANCES OF ELECTED MEMBERS 3
'BACK-GARDEN' OF HONG KONG......... .
KWUN TONG TO HOST FIGHT CRIME DAY CAMP .................................. 5
CLOSURE OF QUEEN'S PIER NORTHEASTERN LANDING STEPS TOMORROW NEW GMB ROUTES IN KWAI TSI NG........
• ...........................................................•••**••
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN KOWLOON ...........................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
EXPANSION OF SERVICES FOR THE AGED TO COPE WITH COMMUNITY NEEDS
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT ADDITIONAL PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND IN HOMES FOR THE AGED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR THESE SERVICES IN FULL BEFORE THE END OF THE DECADE.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MRS LEUNG KWAI YEE LUTHERAN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY ON TSING YI.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE NUMBER OF CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES HAD INCREASED BY 125 PER CENT AND MEAL PLACES BY NEARLY 50 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, AN EVEN MORE RAPID EXPANSION OF THESE SERVICES WAS NEEDED, MR CARTLAND SAID, ADDING THAT IT WOULD REQUIRE A CONCERTED EFFORT FROM BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
"ALTHOUGH THE PROVISION OF CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES AND MEAL PLACES IN BOTH SUBVENTED AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING HOMES HAS BEEN GROWING RAPIDLY IN RECENT YEARS, THERE ARE STILL LONG WAITING LISTS OF NEARLY 9,000 FOR ADMISSION TO CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES AND JUST OVER 4,000 TO HOMES FOR THE AGED," HE SAID.
IN VIEW OF THE ACUTE SHORTFALL, MR CARTLAND SAID VARIOUS MEASURES HAD BEEN AND WERE BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH A VIEW TO SPEEDING UP THE PROVISION OF THESE SERVICES.
"SUCH MEASURES INCLUDE THE ’BOUGHT PLACE’ SCHEME IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, ENCOURAGEMENT OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS TO SET UP SELF-FINANCING HOMES, AND THE CONVERSION OF SOME EXISTING SELF-CARE PLACES IN ELDERLY HOSTELS, WHICH HAVE BEEN IN COMPARATIVELY LOW DEMAND, INTO MEAL AND CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE HOME OPENED TODAY WAS A COMBINED ONE WITH A CAPACITY OF 80 MEAL AND 45 CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES, MR CARTLAND SAID THE PROVISION OF DIFFERENT BUT RELATED SERVICES UNDER THE SAME ROOF WAS A HIGHLY DESIRABLE WAY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS.
"FOR THESE REASONS, IT HAS NOW BECOME A GUIDING PRINCIPLE TO ENCOURAGE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE A CONTINUUM OF SERVICE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE HOMES WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT," HE SAID.
THE PRINCIPLE WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING SOME CARE PLACES IN SELF-CARE HOSTELS, SOME CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES IN HOMES FOR THE AGED AND SOME INFIRMARY PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES, HE EXPLAINED.
THE DIRECTOR PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MRS LEUNG KWAI YEE, MOTHER OF URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN DR RONALD LEUNG, WHO HAD GENEROUSLY CONTRIBUTED $1.5 MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COSTS OF THE HOME.
/EARLIER, DR ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
2
EARLIER, DR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE HAD BEEN RUNNING MORE THAN 20 SERVICE -UNITS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
"THE OPENING OF THE MRS LEUNG KWAI YEE LUTHERAN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY, THE FIRST HOME FOR THE AGED OPERATED BY THE ORGANISATION, INDICATES THAT ITS SERVICES HAVE BECOME MORE COMPREHENSIVE,” DR LEUNG SAID.
- - 0 - -
INAUGURATION OF HK COLLEGE OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
******
THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE (HKCCM) MUST ESTABLISH COMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOP WORKING ARRANGEMENTS WITH ITS FELLOW COLLEGES, FACULTIES, POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES AND SERVICE INSTITUTIONS BOTH ABROAD AND LOCALLY, IF IT IS TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE HKCCM, DR S.H. LEE, AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE COLLEGE HELD AT THE SHERATON HOTEL TODAY (SATURDAY).
DR LEE SAID COMMUNITY MEDICINE HAS A VERY LONG HISTORY.
"TN THE EARLY DAYS, POOR HEALTH AND SICKNESS WERE OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH POOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS," HE SAID.
"LATER ON, WITH THE SUCCESSFUL CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES THROUGH IMMUNISATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, THE DISCIPLINE OF PUBLIC HEALTH WAS WIDENED IN SCOPE AND IN COMPLEXITY.
TODAY, COMMUNITY MEDICINE COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES.
THEY INCLUDE HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, HEALTH SERVICES PLANNING, FAMILY HEALTH, SCHOOL HEALTH, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, DRUG ADDICTION, EPIDEMIOLOGY, FOOD HYGIENE, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES.
DR LEE SAID THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) RECOMMENDED THAT SUPPORT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE LOCAL TRAINING IN COMMUNITY MEDICINE AS DOCTORS SPECIALLY TRAINED IN THIS FIELD ARE EXPECTED TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHC SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE REPORT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY ON POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (KNOWN AS THE HALNAN’S REPORT) STATED THAT: "THE PRESENT STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN HONG KONG SPEAKS FOR ITSELF, IT IS AS GOOD AS ALMOST ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD."
THE REPORT ALSO NOTED THAT WELL EDUCATED AND TRAINED COMMUNITY MEDICINE SPECIALISTS OR "MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH" WILL CONTINUE TO BE NEEDED AT ALL LEVELS, WITH ADEQUATE STAFF AND SUPPORT.
/DR LEE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
3
DR LEE SAID THE HKCCM IS FORMED WITH THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE TO DEVELOP, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FUTURE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN COMMUNITY MEDICINE AS A SPECIALTY IN HONG KONG.
THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE HKCCM ARE:
* TO ADVANCE THE ART AND SCIENCE OF THE PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE;
* TO ELEVATE THE STANDARDS OF PRACTICE IN COMMUNITY MEDICINE; AND
♦ TO PROMOTE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION AND MEDICAL RESEARCH IN COMMUNITY MEDICINE.
THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY 150 GUESTS,
INCLUDING THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, DR C.H. LEONG AND PROFESSOR FELICE LIEH-MAK; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF MEDICINE PREPARATORY
COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR DAVID TODD; AND FIVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA AND SINGAPORE.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES FROM THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS,
U.K.; ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF LONDON, ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEON OF GLASGOW, ROYAL AUSTRALASIA COLLEGE OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE AND THE CHINESE ASSOCIATION OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE WERE DELIVERED.
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PUBLIC SHOULD MONITOR PERFORMANCES OF ELECTED MEMBERS
******
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
IN ORDER TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN THIS REGARD, THE MEDIA, TOGETHER WITH LOCAL CONCERN GROUPS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS CAN HELP BY PUTTING UP TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION.
THIS WAS STATED BY A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR CHENG KAI-NAM, WHEN HE ADDRESSED A SEMINAR ON "HOW TO MONITOR THE WORK PERFORMANCES OF ELECTED MEMBERS” THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
MR CHENG SAID THE COMMITTEE’S PRIMARY OBJECTIVES THIS YEAR WERE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS AND TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
"THE SUCCESS OF THE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM WILL LARGELY DEPEND ON THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO SHOULDER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REPRESENTING THE PUBLIC AND ON THEIR DETERMINATION TO WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG.
/"THIS MAKES .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
- 4 -
’’THIS MAKES THE MONITORING OF THE ELECTED MEMBERS' PERFORMANCES AN IMPORTANT TASK,” HE SAID.
MR CHENG ALSO URGED THOSE PARTICIPATING TO SPREAD THIS MESSAGE.
JOINING THE GROUP DISCUS5SIONS AND THE OPEN FORUM TODAY WERE REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION BODIES, VOLUNTARY GROUPS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
THE SEMINAR CENTRED ON THE MONITORING ROLE OF THE MEDIA, ACADEMICS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, DR DANIEL TSE, PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO THE GUESTS BEFORE THE SEMINAR ENDED.
------0 - - - -
’BACK-GARDEN’ OF HONG KONG *****
SAI KUNG IS FAMOUS FOR ITS GREENERY AND WHITE LONG BEACHES AND HAS BEEN REGARDED AS THE "BACK-GARDEN" OF HONG KONG, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF AN EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN SAI KUNG, MR NG SAID SAI KUNG WAS INDEED AN IDEAL VENUE FOR PICNICKING AND WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
APART FROM THE EIGHT BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND THE THREE COUNTRY PARKS, THERE WERE MANY OTHER ATTRACTIVE AND IDYLLIC FEATURES SUCH AS THE HISTORIC TIN HAU TEMPLE (ALSO KNOWN AS TAI MIU), THE ANCIENT STONE-CRAVING IN TUNG LUNG CHAU, AND THE NEWLY OPENED NATURAL EDUCATION CENTRE IN CHIU HANG.
"ALL OF THESE UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT ATTRACT THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF VISITORS EACH YEAR," HE SAID.
MR NG POINTED OUT THAT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD HAD COMMISSIONED A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP TO FURTHER PROMOTE AND DEVELOP TOURIST INDUSTRY IN THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THE WORKING GROUP IS TO LAUNCH A LARGE-SCALE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
"1 HOPE THIS EXHIBITION WILL HELP TO ATTRACT MORE AND MORE LOCAL AND FOREIGN VISITORS TO COME TO THE EMBRACES OF THE GREENERY DISTRICT," HE SAID.
MR NG ALSO COMMENDED THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION FOR ITS TREMENDOUS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING TOURISM IN HONG KONG.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, THE EXHIBITION FOCUSED NOT ONLY ON SAI KUNG'S ATTRACTIVE FOURIST SPOTS, BUT IT ALSO GAVE A BRIEF ACCOUNT ON THE DISTRICT’S HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES.
/THE EXHIBITION .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
- ' 5 -
THE EXHIBITION ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG.
THE EXHIBITION, STAGED AT THE WATERFRONT OF SAI KUNG TOWN, WILL LAST UNTIL TOMORROW. ON NOVEMBER 9 AND 10, IT WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL IN TSUI LAM ESTATE.
OTHER GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN; CONVENER OF THE DB WORKING GROUP ON TOURISM, MR HO KWUN SHUN; AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, MR EUGENE SULLIVAN.
------0--------
KWUN TONG TO HOST FIGHT CRIME DAY CAMP
*****
ABOUT 200 AREA COMMITTEE AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN KWUN TONG WILL TAKE PART IN A FIGHT CRIME DAY CAMP TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE LEI YUE MUN HOLIDAY PARK.
ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC), THE CAMP AIMS AT ENHANCING THE MEMBERS’ KNOWLEDGE IN CRIME PREVENTION AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO JOIN THE CRUSADE AGAINST CRIME.
A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR JUSTIEN WONG, AND AN OFFICER FROM THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU WILL GIVE TALKS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CRIME PREVENTION.
POPULAR LOCAL MOVIE STAR, MR DANNY LEE, WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE DFCC AS A FIGHT CRIME STAR IN A CEREMONY.
APART FROM RECEIVING FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES, THE PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO ENJOY THE VARIOUS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE PARK.
ASSISTANT .KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS WONG CHIU-YING, AND KWUN TONG DFCC CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG SING-KUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE DAY CAMP’S OPENING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME DAY CAMP WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10.45 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE LEI YUE MUN HOLIDAY PARK, CHAI WAN ROAD.
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/6 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
- 6 -
CLOSURE OF QUEEN’S PIER NORTHEASTERN LANDING STEPS TOMORROW ********
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE NORTHEASTERN SET OF LANDING STEPS AT QUEEN’S PIER WOULD BE CLOSED FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO FACILITATE THE LAUNCHING OF THE ANNUAL FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN.
SMALL CRAFT OWNERS AND OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE REMAINING THREE SETS OF LANDING STEPS AT QUEEN’S PIER DURING THE PERIOD.
THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF ALTERNATIVE EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION POINTS INCLUDING THE WAN CHAI LANDING STEPS IN FENWICK STREET AND FLEMING ROAD AND THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT URGED OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SMALL CRAFT USING LANDING STEPS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER BOAT-USERS. THEY SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO MARINE SAFETY AT ALL TIMES.
--------0-----------
NEW GMB ROUTES IN KWAI TSING *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TWO NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 4) TO CATER FOR THE TRAVEL DEMAND GENERATED FROM TSING YI.
THE NEW GMB ROUTE 401 WILL SERVE BETWEEN TSING YI AND SHEK YAM AND AN ALL NIGHT NEW GMB ROUTE 402S WILL SERVE BETWEEN TSING YI AND TSUEN WAN.
THE OPERATING HOURS FOR ROUTE 401 WILL BE FROM 6.30 AM TO 10 PM. THE FARE WILL BE $3.50 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
THE OPERATING HOURS FOR ROUTE 402S WILL BE FROM 11.30 PM TO 6 AM. THE FARE WILL RANGE FROM $3 - $4 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
--------0-----------
/7........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1991
7 -
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION IN KOWLOON ******
SUPPLY OF SALT WATER TO CERTAIN AREAS IN EAST AND SOUTH KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 4) TO 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS TO MAINS.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON TONG, WANG TAU HOM, CHUK YUEN, TSZ WAN SHAN, SAN PO KONG, CHOI HUNG, HAMMER HILL AND INCLUDING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AND, THE AREA BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, WATERLOO ROAD AND PEACE AVENUE.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 1.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 2.11.91 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
-----0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NOMINATION OF LEGCO BY-ELECTION CANDIDATE TO START TOMORROW ............ 1
CONCERT TO PROMOTE KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN MESSAGES ..................... 1
MONG KOK RESIDENTS URGED TO KEEP CLEAN ................................. 3
PUBLIC URGED TO HANDLE SMOKING MATERIALS SAFELY ........................ 3
GOOD NEWS FOR PENSIONERS ............................................... 4
STORMWATER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS TN HUNG HOM ...................... 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR NEW TOWN PROJECT ................................... 6
LEAFLET ON CHILD CARE CENTRE SERVICE PUBLISHED ......................... 7
FLUSHING WATER SUSPENSION .............................................. 7
PART-TIME JOBS AT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE .............................. 7
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991
NOMINATION OE LEGCO BY-ELECTION CANDIDATE TO START TOMORROW
*******
A • NOTICE TO GIVE EFFECT TO A BY-ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE SEAT WOULD START TOMORROW UNTIL NOVEMBER 18, EXCLUDING SATURDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE VACANCY, IN NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY WHICH COVERS YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS, HAS A REGISTERED ELECTORATE OF 198,817.
NOMINATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG OR THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT-OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI OR ANY DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID INTENDING CANDIDATES MUST BE REGISTERED ELECTORS AND HAD BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR 10 YEARS PRECEDING NOMINATION.
"A CANDIDATE CAN BE A RESIDENT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG, BUT HIS NOMINATION MAY ONLY BE MADE BY REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS.
"EACH NOMINATION REQUIRES 10 SUBSCRIBERS AND EACH SUBSCRIBER MAY GIVE SUPPORT TO ONE CANDIDATE ONLY," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BY-ELECTION WOULD BE HELD UNLESS THE SEAT IS UNCONTESTED.
THE VACANCY WAS OPENED AFTER THE RESIGNATION OF MR TAI CHIN-WAH FROM THE LEGCO.
--------0-----------
CONCERT TO PROMOTE KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN MESSAGES
******
VISITORS TO COUNTRY PARKS WERE URGED TO DISPOSE OF REFUSE PROPERLY IN LITTER BINS SANDED THROUGHOUT THE PARK AREAS.
THE CALI. WAS MADE DURING A CONCERT ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REG1ONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AT PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK TODAY (SUNDAY).
/"TO ANYONE .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991
2
’TO ANYONE WHO LIKES TO ENJOY AND APPRECIATE THE SCENIC BEAUTY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, A NEAT AND TIDY ENVIRONMENT IS ESSENTIAL,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.
ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL STATISTICS, A TOTAL OF 4,000 TONNES OF LITTER AND OVER 700,000 DISCARDED BARBECUE FORKS WERE COLLECTED IN COUNTRY PARKS LAST YEAR.
"WE HOPE RESIDENTS WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KEEPING OUR COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN AFTER ENJOYING VARIOUS FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE PARKS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’VISITORS TO COUNTRY PARKS ARE REQUESTED TO TAKE THE LITTER WITH THEM IF LITTER BINS ARE NOT FOUND NEARBY, AND DROP IT IN THE LITTER BINS WHEN THEY COME ACROSS THEM LATER,” HE ADDED.
FROM APRIL 1 TO OCTOBER 31 THIS YEAR, 455 PEOPLE WERE PROSECUTED FOR LITTERING IN COUNTRY PARKS.
THE ONE-HOUR CONCERT, WHICH FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS, WAS PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERICAL RADIO II.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE TAN; AND MEMBERS OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR SO SHIU-SHING AND MR WONG SIU-YEE.
THE OFFICIATING GUESTS ALSO TOOK PART IN A LITTER-PICKING ACTIVITY AT PAK TAM CHUNG WITH THE SINGERS, DISC JOCKEYS, BOY SCOUTS, COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS AND THE CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE CAMPAIGN MASCOT, THE COUNTRY DRAGON.
"AS A KIND OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, STUDENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, FIRMS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ORGANISE GROUPS TO CONDUCT LITTER-PICKING ACTIVITIES IN COUNTRY PARKS ANYTIME,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS MAY CONTACT THE CONSERVATION EDUCATION SECTION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 733 2121 FOR DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS," HE ADDED.
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/3 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991
- 3 -
MONG KOK RESIDENTS URGED TO KEEP CLEAN ******
RESIDENTS IN MONG KOK WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED TO SUPPORT THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN SO AS TO WORK FOR A CLEANER COMMUNITY.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MISS CHRISTINA TING AT THE CAMPAIGN’S LAUNCHING CEREMONY AT THE ANCHOR STREET PLAYGROUND, TAI KOK TSUI.
NOTING THAT THE CAMPAIGN WOULD FOCUS ON STREET CLEANLINESS, MISS TING SAID A CLEAN AND TIDY ENVIRONMENT WAS VITAL TO A PLEASANT AND HEALTHY LIVING.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR JAMES RINGO LEE, CALLED ON SHOP OWNERS AND RESIDENTS TO KEEP PAVEMENTS CLEAN FOR A GOOD DISTRICT IMAGE.
HE SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD WHICH WOULD LAST UNTIL NEXT FEBRUARY.
"THESE WILL INCLUDE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINARS, CLEAN-UP COMPETITIONS FOR MARKET STALLS, STREETS AND BUILDINGS AND A YEAR-END CLEAN-UP," HE SAID.
MORE THAN 800 RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN A VARIETY SHOW WHICH FOLLOWED THE CEREMONY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG, AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI.
--------0-----------
PUBLIC URGED TO HANDLE SMOKING MATERIALS SAFELY ******
AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 18 PER CENT OF ALL FIRE CALLS IN HONG KONG EACH YEAR ORIGINATED FROM SMOKING MATERIALS AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM WERE CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS AND THOUGHTLESSNESS IN DISCARDING THESE MATERIALS, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 1991/92 FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHING CEREMONY, MR MARCH URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING OR DISPOSAL OF CIGARETTE ENDS, MATCHES AND OTHER LIGHTING MATERIALS.
HE SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN TRYING TO GET THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE ACROSS THROUGH VARIOUS TYPES OF INFORMATION RESOURCES. HOWEVER, EVERY CITIZEN IN HONG KONG IS OBLIGED TO PLAY A ROLE IN FIRE PREVENTION TOO."
/THIS YEAR'S .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991 4
THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN, WITH ’’DISPOSE OF CIGARETTE ENDS SAFELY” AS ITS THEME, AIMS NOT ONLY AT SMOKERS, BUT EVERYONE WHO MAY, AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER, COME ACROSS SOME KIND OF SMOKING OR LIGHTING MATERIALS.
LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 4,000 FIRE OUTBREAKS WERE CAUSED BY CIGARETTE ENDS. MOST OF THESE DISASTROUS FIRES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF PROPER CARE HAD BEEN TAKEN IN HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF SMOKING MATERIALS, MR MARCH SAID.
A SERIES OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO SPREAD THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE.
THESE INCLUDE RADIO PROGRAMMES, TELEVISION INTERVIEWS AND MOBILE EXHIBITIONS TO BE STAGED AT HOUSING ESTATES AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES.
TO DRIVE HOME THE ’’SAFE DISPOSAL OF CIGARETTE ENDS” MESSAGE, A 30-SECOND TELEVISION API (ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST) HAD BEEN MADE. BOOKLETS, BOOKMARKS, SOUVENIRS AND A POSTER ON THE THEME ARE BEING PRODUCED.
A LARGE CROWD OF SPECTATORS WERE ATTRACTED TO THE CAMPAIGN’S LAUNCHING CEREMONY HELD AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE TODAY. ENTERTAINING ITEMS SUCH AS A LION DANCE, DRAMA AND FIRE-FIGHTING TECHNIQUES DEMONSTRATION WERE STAGED AND WERE BROADCAST LIVE ON COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 .
WHILE VIEWING THE DISPLAYS, VIDEO SHOW AND FACILITIES ON THE FIRE BOAT AND FIRE ENGINES, THE SPECTATORS WERE ENCOURAGED TO CO-OPERATE IN REDUCING INJURIES, AND LOSS OF LIVES AND PROPERTY RESULTED FROM FIRES CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS.
MR MARCH THANKED THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR HELPING IN THE PLANNING AND PROMOTION OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND TO THE KWONG ON BANK FOR ITS CONTINUOUS GENEROUS SUPPORT TO THIS CAMPAIGN.
--------0-----------
GOOD NEWS FOR PENSIONERS *****
RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WANT TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT TN THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN NOW TURN TO A SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT SCHEME FOR ASSISTANCE.
THE NEW PENSIONERS AND ELDERLY EMPLOYMENT REGISTER (PEER) TO BE SET UP BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ONE OF TWO NEW SERVICES INITIATED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH FOR PENSIONERS.
/THE OTHER ......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991 •
5 • -
THE OTHER NEW SERVICE IS THE PENSIONERS’ WELFARE FUND WHICH PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PENSIONERS OR THE FAMILIES OF DECEASED PENSIONERS IN THE EVENT OF HARDSHIP.
ANNOUNCING THE NEW SERVICES TODAY (SUNDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID UNDER THE PEER SCHEME A PENSIONER COULD REGISTER AT A LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT NEAREST TO HIS OR HER RESIDENCE FOR EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE FREE OF CHARGE.
THE OFFICE WILL ENDEAVOUR TO PLACE PENSIONERS IN SUITABLE VACANCIES. OTHER RETIREES WHO ARE NOT PENSIONERS CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE FREE OF CHARGE.
"CURRENTLY, THERE ARE ABOUT 36,000 PENSIONERS, PLUS AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 2,000 WHO RETIRE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE EACH YEAR.
"MANY OF THEM ARE STILL FULLY CAPABLE OF CONTINUING IN ACTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND THEY FORM A POOL OF EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL WHO CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE CONTRIBUTION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
TURNING TO THE PENSIONERS’ WELFARE FUND, MR WIGGHAM SAID: "THE ASSISTANCE IT PROVIDES WILL BE IN THE FORM OF A ONE-OFF GRANT UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $5,000 FOR EACH APPLICATION. PENSIONERS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN DISTRESS COULD APPLY FOR THE FUND TO COVER MEDICAL EXPENSES OR TO TIDE OVER UNEXPECTED CALAMITY."
PENSIONERS WHO WANT TO MAKE USE OF THE TWO NEW SERVICES SHOULD WRITE TO THE PENSIONERS’ WELFARE UNIT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.
THE ADDRESS IS ROOM 704, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 810 2940.
- - 0 - -
STORMWATER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN HUNG HOM
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR STORMWATER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN HUNG HOM.
THE WORKS ARE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM, WITH A VIEW TO MATCHING WITH THE NEW STORMWATER DRAINAGE NETWORK IN THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE STORMWATER COLLECTED IN THE AREA WILL BE CONVEYED MORE EFFICIENTLY TO THE NEW DRAINAGE OUTFALL ACROSS THE RECLAMATION AREA.
/THE CONTRACT
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991
6
tup CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CONCRETE
BOX ALONG KWONG
STREET AND PO LOI STREET.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER
TAKE
22.
TENDERS INVITED FOR NEW TOWN PROJECT * * * * *
THF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS ANOTHER PTOjicT AS PART OF THE CONTLNUINO DEVELOPMENT OF THE TIN SHUl WAI HEW TOWN.
INVITING 1 PROGRAMME
TENDERS FOR
FOR
THE
AN
THF PROJFCT COMPRISES THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE FACILITIES NEAR THE SCHOOL AND TIN YIU PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
OPEN AREA
SPACE
WITH
IN AREA 8
THE FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A PAVILION, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA, WALKWAYS, PERGOLAS, EXTENSIVE PLANTING WORKS.
A SOCCER PITCH,
SITTING-OUT AREAS
AND
WORKS ON THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
START NEXT MONTH AND
BE
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED SUPERVISED BY TEAM 73 HK, LANDSCAPE PLANNERS FOR NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
AND
CONSTRUCTION WILL
ARCHITECTS AND DEVELOPMENT
BE
ENVIRONMENTAL
OFFICE OF THE
- - 0 - -
54 JAFFEE ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 22.
- - 0 - -
/7
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991
- 7 -
LEAFLET ON CHILD CARE CENTRE SERVICE PUBLISHED ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A LEAFLET ON CHILD CARE CENTRE SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
THE LEAFLET GAVE A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE OF EXISTING CHILD CARE CENTRES TO PARENTS WITH SMALL CHILDREN AND PEOPLE INTERESTED TO OPERATE OR TAKE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE CENTRES.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY SAID ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES IN HONG KONG HAVE TO REGISTER WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
’’INSPECTORS FROM THE CHILD CARE CENTE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WILL THEN VISIT THE CENTRE REGULARLY TO ENSURE THAT THEY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS LAID DOWN IN THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ORDINANCE AND ITS REGULATIONS,” HE ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO HAVE A COPY OF THE LEAFLET COULD CALL AT THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICES OR THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT 15 WATSON ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, VICTORIA CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
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FLUSHING WATER SUSPENSION
*****
SUPPLY OF FLUSHING WATER TO CERTAIN AREAS SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 5) TO 5 TO FACILITATE MAINS MAINTENANCE WORKS.
IN KOWLOON WILL BE PM THE FOLLOWING DAY
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT TAI KOK TSUI, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, TSIM SHA TSUI AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
------0------------
PART-TIME
JOBS AT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE
******
WHO LIKE TO MEET MORE PEOPLE AND
TIME EARN SOME MONEY CAN NOW APPLY FOR THE PA£T-TIME JOB COMMUNITY ORGANISER (TCO) AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
AT
OF
THE SAME TEMPORARY
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT OF VACANCIES WERE NOW OPEN FOR PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 45
A NUMBER
AND WITH
A FORM FIVE EDUCATION.
/•’APPLICANTS MUST.........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1991-
- 8 -
"APPLICANTS MUST BE FLUENT IN CANTONESE AND BE ABLE TO WRITE IN EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH," HE SAID.
AS FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TCO’S, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY INCLUDED ASSISTING WITH THE SETTING UP OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS AS WELL AS PROMOTING THEIR ROLE AND WORK.
"THE PART-TIMERS ARE REQUIRED TO HELP MANAGE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND HALLS, AND TO ORGANISE AND IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS," HE SAID.
THE TCO’S HAVE NO FIXED WORKING HOURS, BUT ARE EXPECTED TO PERFORM SOME OF THEIR DUTIES OUTDOORS, NORMALLY IN THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING,•INCLUDING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THOSE INTERESTED CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF THE EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, OR ITS SUB-OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE MAIN OFFICE BY NOVEMBER 20.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 886 6520.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR AUGUST RELEASED ........ 1
URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS AT CRITICAL STAGE: STI ..................... 4
NEW COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES ANNOUNCED ................................ 4
TRUST BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT ESSENTIAL .......................... 5
TWO CANDIDATES REGISTERED ON FIRST DAY OF BY-ELECTION NOMINATION ......
13 OFFICIALS TO SPEAK IN RESUMED DEBATE ............................... 7
PROVISIONAL DATES OF FC MEETINGS ...................................... 8
NO PLAN FOR TAXI ROAD TESTS ........................................... 8
GUIDE TO TACKLE STUDENT PROBLEMS ...................................... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 10
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR AUGUST RELEASED
*******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST 1991, ESTIMATED AT $12,194.5 MILLION, INCREASED BY 27.6% WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1990, WHILE THEIR VOLUME INCREASED BY 20.2%, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
THE MARKED INCREASES WERE PARTLY DUE TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF CONSUMPTION SPENDING.
A LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, WHEN CONSUMER SENTIMENT WAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE OUTBREAK OF THE GULF CRISIS, ALSO CONTRIBUTED.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 41.9% IN VALUE AND 34.6% IN VOLUME IN AUGUST 1991 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1990.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, AND VALUABLE GIFT ROSE BY 39.7% IN VALUE AND 42.0% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS INCREASED BY 31.9% IN VALUE AND 25.6% IN VOLUME. WITHIN THIS GROUP, SALES OF DEALERS IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 32.7% IN VALUE AND 21.3% IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR OTHER CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS ROSE BY 31.2% IN VALUE AND 28.7% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 18.2% IN VALUE AND 12.2% IN VOLUME.-
SALES OF SUPERMARKETS ROSE BY 15.4% IN VALUE AND 3.7% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR FUELS WENT UP BY 10.3% IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 5.4% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS (OTHER THAN SUPERMARKETS) FOR FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 8.4% IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 4.8% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR OTHER CONSUMER GOODS NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED WENT UP BY 47.5% IN VALUE AND 37.9% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO AUGUST 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 14.8% IN VALUE AND 7.5% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING WITH JULY 1991, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST 1991 INCREASED BY 3.0% IN VALUE AND 3.4% IN VOLUME.
/CHANGES IN .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
2 -
CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES ARE DERIVED FROM FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES AFTER HAVING ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES.
THE INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES USED FOR THE PURPOSE ARE THE RESPECTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WHICH CORRESPOND TO THE BROAD CATEGORY OF GOODS IN QUESTION.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JULY 1991 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1991.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN JULY AND AUGUST 1991 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990
TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF AUGUST 1991 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR JULY 1991 AND WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1990, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO AUGUST OF 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE AUGUST 1991 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. : 802 1258).
/TAELE 1 : .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
- 3 -
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for August 1991 (Provisional Figure) for July 1991 (Revised Figure)
BXSJ2,194.5 tillioa
BISH,842.7 lillioD
TABLE 2 ! VALUE AND VOLUME INDEIES OP RETAIL SALES FOR JULY 1991 AID AUGUST 1991
(Monthly average of Oct. B9 - Sept. 90 = 100)
1 1 1 Itei 1 1 1 Index of Retail Sales July 1991 August 1991 August cotpared July 1991 1 with 1 1991 1 August cotpared August 1991 1 ri th 1 1990 1 Jan.-Aug. cotpared w Jan.-Aug. 1991 1 itb 1 1990 1 1
1- 1 1 (Revised (Provisional Points A 1 Points A 1 Points I 1
1 1 figures) figures) 1 1 1
1 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS 1 I 1 1 i 1 I 1
1 1 1 Value 126.1 129.8 ♦3.7 ♦3.0 1 ♦28.1 ♦27.6 1 ♦14.9 ♦14.8 1
1 । । Voluie 116.2 120.1 ♦3.9 ♦3.4 1 | ♦20.2 ♦20.2 1 1 ♦7.5 ♦7.5 1 1
1 1 i (]) BY TYPE OF 8RTAIL OUTLET! 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 Foodstuffs, alcoholic 1 Value 117.6 114.2 -3.5 -2.9 1 ♦8.8 ♦8.4 1 ♦13.9 ♦14.3 1
1 drinks and tobacco 1 Voluie 102.5 98.6 -3.9 -3.8 1 -5.0 -4.8 1 ♦3.4 ♦3.6 1
1 (other than 1 1 1 l ।
1 sopenarkets) 1 I | 1 I l 1
1 1 1 Sopenarkets 1 1 1 Value Volute 120.8 106.4 122.0 106.4 ♦1.2 i ♦1.0 ) t 1 । ♦16.3 ♦3.8 ♦15.4 ♦3.7 1 1 1 ♦13.2 ♦2.2 ♦12.9 1 ♦2.2 1 I
1 1 Fuels 1 1 Value 125.1 126.2 ♦1.1 ♦o.8i ♦11.7 ♦10.3 1 ♦23.2 ♦23.7 1
1 1 Volute 102.7 103.6 ♦0.9 ♦0.8 I I -5.9 -5.4 1 | ♦3.8 ♦3.9 1 I
1 1 Clothing, footwear and 1 1 Value 129.8 137.3 ♦7.6 ♦5.8 I ♦40.5 ♦41.9 1 ♦20.7 ♦20.9 1
1 allied products 1 Volute 119.1 128.0 ♦8.9 ♦7.5 I | ♦32.8 ♦34.5 1 | ♦12.7 ♦12.9 1 1
1 1 Consuier durable goods* 1 1 Value 144.1 148.9 ♦4.8 ♦3.4i ♦36.0 ♦31.9 1 ♦16.7 ♦16.3 1
1 1 Volute 134.4 138.8 ♦4.4 ♦3.3 I i ♦28.3 ♦25.6 1 | ♦10.1 ♦9.9 1 I
1 1 - Botor vehicles 1 1 Value 146.6 152.0 ♦5.3 ♦3.6 I ♦37.5 ♦32.7 1 ♦9.8 ♦9.4 1
1 and parts 1 Volute 130.8 134.7 ♦3.9 ♦3.0 I । ♦23.7 ♦21.3 1 | -0.3 -0.3 1 1
1 1 - Consuier durable 1 1 Value 142.2 146.7 ♦4.5 ♦3.1 1 ♦34.9 ♦31.2 1 +21.6 ♦21.5 1
1 ooods other than 1 Volute 137.0 141.7 ♦4.7 ♦3.4 1 ♦31.6 ♦28.7 1 ♦17.6 ♦17.4 1 i
1 lotor vehicles । । 1 1 i ।
1 . and parts 1 1 I 1 1 i 1
1 1 1 Department stores I 1 1 Value Volute 118.7 110.6 124.7 117.1 ♦6.0 ♦6.4 ♦5.0 1 ♦5.8 1 I ♦19.2 ♦12.7 ♦18.2 ♦12.2 1 1 1 ♦10.1 ♦3.6 ♦10.2 1 ♦3.6 1 I
1 1 Jewellery, watches I 1 Value 123.7 130.7 ♦7.0 ♦ 5.6 1 ♦37.2 ♦ 39.7 1 ♦11.2 ♦11.1 1
1 and clocks, and 1 Volute 122.7 131.6 ♦8.9 ♦7.2 1 ♦38.9 ♦42.0 1 ♦9.7 ♦9.7 1 i
1 valuable gift 1 1 1 ! I 1
1 1 Other consuier goods 1 1 Value 121.4 124.2 ♦2.7 ♦2.3 1 ♦40.0 ♦47.5 1 ♦16.3 ♦15.8 1
! 1 not elsewhere classified : l Volute 112.6 115.1 ♦2.4 ♦2.2 1 1 '♦31.6 ♦37.9 1 1 ♦10.7 ♦10.4 1 1
DOTE : * This covers both ’Kotor vehicles and parts' and 'Consuier durable goods other than lotor vehicles and parts’.
I Denotes a figure within +0.05
--------0 -
/4 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4,
1991
4 -
URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS AT CRITICAL STAGE: STI ******
HONG KONG IS PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART IN THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS WHICH ARE NOW' AT A CRITICAL STAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE INTERSTOFF ASIA 1991, MR CHAU SAID NEGOTIATORS WERE NOW WORKING HARD IN GENEVA TO DRAW UP AGREEMENTS THAT WOULD CONSTITUTE THE URUGUAY ROUND PACKAGE.
"1 DO HOPE THAT THESE REDOUBLED EFFORTS WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THR NECESSARY POLITICAL WILL, ESPECIALLY ON THE PART OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, AND THAT THERE WILL BE AN EARLY AND SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TO THE URUGUAY ROUND WHICH MUST, OF COURSE, INCLUDE AN AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING," HE §AID.
MR CHAU SAID INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING HAD BEEN SUBJECT TO RESTRAINT FOR THREE DECADES.
HE SAID THE RECENT EXTENSION OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT UNTIL THE END OF 1992 WAS ONLY AN INTERIM MEASURE PENDING THE CONCLUSION OF A URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
"SO ARE THE RECENT EXTENSIONS OF OUR BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WITH THE EEC, USA AND CANADA, AND OTHERS.
"THESE EXTENSIONS, THOUGH TRANSITIONAL IN NATURE, ARE NECESSARY SINCE CERTAINTY IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN BUSINESS PLANNING AND OPERATIONS,” HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID OUR GOAL WAS TO LIBERALISE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE AND CLOTHING TRADE GRADUALLY AND RETURN THIS SECTOR TO THE RULES OF THE GATT. I
’’THE URUGUAY ROUND PROVIDES A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE THIS AND WE SHOULD NOT MISS IT,” HE SAID.
------U-------
NEW COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES ANNOUNCED
THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON HAS ANNOUNCED THAT MAJOR GENERAL JOHN FOLEY, 52, IS TO BE THE NEXT COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG. HE TAKES OVER FROM MAJOR GENERAL PETER DUFFELL, WHO RETURNS TO THE UK ON PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL, IN MARCH.
GENERAL FOLEY WAS EDUCATED AT BRADFIELD COLLEGE AND LATER STUDIED FRENCH AND SPANISH AT GRENOBLE AND MADRID RESPECTIVELY BEFORE JOINING THE ARMY AS A NATIONAL SERVICEMAN IN 1959.
/HE WAS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
- 5 -
HE WAS COMMISSIONED INTO THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS AND HAS SERVED IN GERMANY, ADEN, HONG KONG, CYPRUS, OMAN AND BORNEO WITH OCCASIONAL PERIODS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
AFTER SERVICE AS A SQUADRON COMMANDER IN THE SPECIAL AIR SERVICE FROM 1971-73, HE WAS AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS. HE SERVED IN HONG KONG BETWEEN 1974 AND 1976 AS THE PRINCIPAL STAFF OFFICER TO THE INFANTRY BRIGADE THEN BASED IN KOWLOON.
HE THEN WENT ON TO COMMAND 3RD BATTALION THE ROYAL GREEN JACKETS IN THE UK AND CYPRUS AND SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME AN OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE) AT THE END OF THIS COMMAND.
FROM 1980-82 GENERAL FOLEY WAS COMMANDANT OF THE JUNIOR DIVISION OF THE STAFF COLLEGE AT WARMINSTER AND FROM 1983-85 HE WAS DIRECTOR SPECIAL AIR SERVICE GROUP.
DURING 1986 HE WAS A STUDENT AT THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES AND FROM 1987-89 HE WAS CHIEF OF MISSION OF THE BRITISH COMMANDERS’ IN CHIEF MISSION TO THE SOVIET FORCES IN EAST GERMANY. IN 1989 HE BECAME DEPUTY CHIEF OF DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE.
MAJOR GENERAL FOLEY IS MARRIED WITH TWO DAUGHTERS. HIS INTERESTS ARE ORNITHOLOGY, MILITARY HISTORY, PHOTOGRAPHY AND GAME SHOOTING. HE HAS BEEN A LIVERYMAN OF THE SKINNERS COMPANY IN THE CITY OF LONDON SINCE 1972.
--------0-----------
TRUST BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT ESSENTIAL
******
AN ORGANISATION MUST ENSURE THAT TRUST AND CONFIDENCE EXIST BETWEEN THE STAFF AND THE MANAGEMENT IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD, SIR WILLIAM STONES, TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG LABOUR RELATIONS CONFERENCE ’91.
SIR WILLIAM TOLD ABOUT 600 PARTICIPANTS IN THE CONFERENCE THAT EMPLOYEES WITH BETTER EDUCATION AND A GREATER CONCERN ABOUT THEIR FUTURE COULD, UNLESS PROPERLY CONSULTED, BECOME APPREHENSIVE AND OVERREACT TO CHANGE.
’’THEY WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT A POLICY UNILATERALLY DECIDED BY COMPANY MANAGEMENT WITH THE AIM OF KEEPING THEM IN THE DARK," HE STRESSED.
"GOOD CONSULTATION BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID DISCONTENT AND CONFLICT.
/•'WE MUST............
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
6
"WE MUST MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE A TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION CHANNEL TO MEET THE NEEDS OF BOTH PARTIES SO THAT EACH CAN APPRECIATE THE OTHER’S POINT OF VIEW,” HE SAID.
SIR WILLIAM POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG MUST CONTINUE TO EXPAND ITS FINANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND PROSPER.
"STAFF WILL NEED TO BE TRAINED AND RE-TRAINED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT PERSONNEL AND SKILLS ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE, TO COUNTERACT LABOUR SHORTAGES AND HELP DEVELOP EXISTING STAFF TO TAKE OVER VACATED SENIOR POSITIONS," HE NOTED.
TURNING TO THE INEVITABLE CHANGES AHEAD, HE SAID THEY WOULD GIVE RISE TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND THOSE WHO WERE PREPARED FOR SUCH AN OCCURRENCE WOULD BE REWARDED, WHILE THOSE WHO PROCRASTINATED AND VACILLATED WERE LIKELY TO FALL.
HE ADDED THAT THE CONFERENCE WHICH FOCUSED ON LABOUR RELATIONS IN HONG KONG’S CHANGING ECONOMIC SCENE PROVIDED A TIMELY OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP AN APPROPRIATE STRATEGY TO CATER FOR THE EXCITING FUTURE.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, UNDERLINED FRESH CHALLENGES TO BUSINESS MANAGERS, TRADE UNIONS AND LABOUR RELATIONS PRACTITIONERS POSED BY UNPRECEDENTED CHANGES ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FRONTS.
"LABOUR-MANAGEMENT CO-OPERATION HAS TO BE MAINTAINED AND FURTHER STRENGTHENED, AND IT IS ONLY WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORT OF BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES THAT ENTERPRISES WILL BE ABLE TO ADJUST POSITIVELY TO THE NEW CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES," MR CHEN SAID.
"TO FOSTER STRONGER AND MORE STABLE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN LABOUR AND MANAGEMENT, IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO WORK OUT MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT WHICH SUIT THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES.
"BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES STAND TO GAIN FROM THIS KIND OF CO-OPERATION," HE SAID.
MR CHEN STRESSED THAT SUFFICIENT CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND THE WORKFORCE WERE VITAL IN DEVELOPING HARMONIOUS RELATIONS.
"EMPLOYEES WITH A GREAT AUTONOMY IN DETERMINING THEIR QUALITY OF WORKING LIFE ARE ALSO THOSE WHO DISPLAY A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE ENTERPRISE," HE SAID.
"IT IS ONLY LOGICAL THAT A SATISFIED WORKFORCE WILL GENERATE HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY," HE ADDED.
/7........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
- 7 -
TWO CANDIDATES REGISTERED ON FIRST DAY OF BY-ELECTION NOMINATION
» * ♦ ♦ *
A TOTAL OF TWO NOMINATIONS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BYELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY WERE RECEIVED TODAY (MONDAY) - THE FIRST DAY OF NOMINATION FOR CANDIDATES.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF THE CANDIDATES:
NAME SEX AGE OCCUPATION CONTACT TEL. NO.
— — — —
WONG WAI-YIN, M 33 SOCIAL WORKER 474 4562
ZACHARY
YIM TIN-SANG M 38 FULL-TIME 452 3605
DISTRICT BOARD 459 6108
MEMBER
0
13 OFFICIALS TO SPEAK IN RESUMED DEBATE
*****
THIRTEEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL SPEAK IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY.
THEY WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY OTHER MEMBERS LAST WEEK ON DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
MEANWHILE, MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF SIX QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER ONE BILL, PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS WILL MOVE THREE MOTIONS, ONE UNDER THE LOANS ORDINANCE AND TWO UNDER THE PUBLIC ORDINANCE.
THE HON ALBERT CHAN WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY TELEPHONING 869 9492.
/8.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
- 8 -
PROVISIONAL DATES OF FC MEETINGS
*****
THE FOLLOWING ARE PROVISIONAL DATES OF FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THE 1991-92 LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
NOVEMBER 8, 1991 (FRIDAY)
NOVEMBER 22, 1991 (FRIDAY)
DECEMBER 13, 1991 (FRIDAY)
JANUARY 10, 1992 (FRIDAY)
JANUARY 24, 1992 (FRIDAY)
FEBRUARY 21, 1992 (FRIDAY)
MARCH 6, 1992 (FRIDAY)
MARCH 19, 1992 (THURSDAY) ) SPECIAL MEETINGS TO EXAMINE
) THE DRAFT ESTIMATES
MARCH 20, 1992 (FRIDAY) ) OF EXPENDITURE 1992-93
APRIL 24, 1992 (FRIDAY)
MAY 8, 1992 (FRIDAY)
MAY 22, 1992 (FRIDAY)
JUNE 12, 1992 (FRIDAY)
JUNE 26, 1992 (FRIDAY)
JULY 10, 1992 (FRIDAY)
JULY 24, 1992 (FRIDAY)
------0--------
NO PLAN FOR TAXI ROAD TESTS ******
IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC ENQUIRIES CONCERNING AN ADVERTISEMENT IN A LOCAL NEWSPAPER ON A NEW REQUIREMENT FOR TAXI ROAD TESTS, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THERE IS NO PLAN TO REINTRODUCE PRACTICAL OR ROAD TESTS AS PART OF THE APPLICATION FOR TAXI DRIVING LICENCES.
"THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF TAXI WRITTEN TESTS WAS IN USE SINCE 1974 AND RESULTS HAVE PROVED TO BE SATISFACTORY. WE DO NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO ADD A ROAD TEST ELEMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ON AVERAGE.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
- 9 -
ON AVERAGE, ABOUT 1,700 TAXI WRITTEN TESTS ARE CONDUCTED EVERY MONTH. CANDIDATES ARE TESTED ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, ROAD USERS’ CODE AND LOCATION OF STREETS, BUILDINGS, AND MAJOR ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE AVERAGE PASS RATE IS 50 PER CENT.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CONSIDERING TO COMPUTERISE TAXI WRITTEN TESTS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, HE ADDED.
------0--------
GUIDE TO TACKLE STUDENT PROBLEMS *****
A RESOURCE BOOK OFFERING ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS IN HANDLING STUDENTS’ BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR REFERENCE OF GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE TEACHERS.
IN A FOREWORD TO THIS BOOK, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE TEACHERS WOULD SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES SO THAT "CONCERTED EFFORTS COULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE OPTIMAL EFFECTIVENESS IN STUDENT GUIDANCE".
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLICATION WAS IN RESPONSE TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 WHICH RECOMMENDED THAT ALL TEACHERS IN A SCHOOL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ASSISTING STUDENTS TO RESOLVE THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS.
THE NEED FOR SUCH A BOOK WAS ALSO HIGHLIGHTED BY SCHOOL • PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING REGULAR CONTACTS AND AT SEMINARS.
COPIES OF THE RESOURCE BOOK WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHORTLY. PRODUCED IN LOOSE LEAF FORMAT, THIS WILL ENABLE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHEETS TO BE ADDED.
THE PRODUCTION OF THIS RESOURCE BOOK WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A DONATION OF $160,000 FROM FAIRTON INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
******
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 47.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 279.215 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 318.439 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 54.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----0 -
/10 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1991
10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 2.11.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 4.11.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX
111.3 *+0.0* 4.11.91
MILLION
500
-20
+ 20
NEUTRAL
HO.'G KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
4.11.91
1.11.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.47 PCT 3.80 PCT
1 MONTH 3.72 PCT 3.94 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.13 PCT 4 . 17 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.26 PCT 4.48 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.23 PCT 5.36 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER
7,470 MN
9,330 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR WELCOMES NEW EXCO MEMBERS .................................... 1
AUTOMATION HELPING TO DEAL WITH LABOUR SHORTAGE: GOVERNOR ............. j
CREATIVITY VITAL TO HK INDUSTRY ....................................... 2
TENDERS INVITED FOR KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCTS............ 3
NEW EMERGENCY TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS ADOPTED .......................... 4
LAW REFORM COMMISSION ISSUES REPORT ON CODIFICATION OF OFFENCES ....... 5
MORE SECONDARY SIX PLACES PLANNED ..................................... 6
MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH FOR CHILD CARE SERVICE NEEDED .................. 7
CLOSURE OF SHEK KWU CHAU VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRE................... 9
263 VM’S RETURNED TODAY ............................................... 9
NO NOMINATION FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION TODAY ............................. 9
CHANGE OF INTEREST RATE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ................... 10
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION .......................................*....... H
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND..................................... 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 12
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 1 -
GOVERNOR WELCOMES NEW EXCO MEMBERS
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY MEMBERS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
(TUESDAY) WELCOMED NEW
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE FIRST MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WITH ITS NEW MEMBERSHIP, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "IT GAVE ME A CHANCE TO WELCOME THE NEW MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL AND IT GAVE ME A CHANCE TO SAY TO THEM THAT THE COUNCIL IS A VERY KEY PART OF THE WHOLE DECISION-TAKING PROCESS IN HONG KONG.
"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD HAVE A COUNCIL WHICH DISCUSSES ALL THE MAJOR POLICY ISSUES AND GIVES ITS ADVICE FREELY AND
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE DOINGS OF THE COUNCIL WERE ALWAYS CONFIDENTIAL, ALL THE NEW MEMBERS TOOK A VERY FULL PART IN THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL THIS MORNING.
"AND SO THEY ARE ALREADY UP AND RUNNING," SIR DAVID SAID.
--------0----------
AUTOMATION HELPING TO DEAL WITH LABOUR SHORTAGE: GOVERNOR
******
A LOT OF WORK IS BEING DONE IN THE AUTOMATION OF INDUSTRY WHICH IS HELPING TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF THE SHORTAGE OF LABOUR IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE MORE WE CAN AUTOMATE AND GO UPMARKET, THEN THE BETTER IT IS FOR HONG KONG."
THE GOVERNOR SAID WHAT HE HAD SEEN THIS EVENING WAS VERY ENCOURAGING BECAUSE IT SHOWED THAT HONG KONG WAS AT THE FOREFRONT IN TECHNOLOGY.
"I GET THE IMPRESSION THAT EACH YEAR I COME TO THESE AWARDS, THE QUALITY IS IMPROVING AND THAT EACH YEAR WE HAVE MORE PRODUCTS DESIGNED IN HONG KONG, NOT JUST FOR THE HONG KONG MARKET BUT FOR THE WORLD MARKET.
"AND SOME OF THOSE PRODUCTS I’VE SEEN THIS EVENING ARE NOT ONLY EXTREMELY USEFUL, LIKE HOW TO PROGRAMME A VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER WITHOUT REALLY HAVING TO THINK ABOUT IT, BUT ARE GOING TO BE TREMENDOUSLY GOOD FOR SELLING AROUND THE WORLD," HE SAID.
"AND TO SEE HONG KONG PRODUCING THAT SORT OF PRODUCT AND THAT SORT OF DESIGN IS TREMENDOUSLY ENCOURAGING," HE ADDED.
/WHEN ASKED .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 2 -
WHEN ASKED IF RISING PRICES IN THE PROPERTY MARKET WOULD HURT HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN’S COMPETITIVENESS, SIR DAVID SAID: "I THINK IN GENERAL YOU’VE GOT TO TRY TO FIND MEASURES TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF PROPERTY PRICES.
"IT’S NOT JUST A QUESTION OF BUSINESSMEN, IT’S A PROBLEM WHICH AFFECTS THE WHOLE SOCIETY AND IT IS SOMETHING WE WANT TO TRY TO DEAL WITH. THERE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SPECULATION. WE WANT TO TRY TO TAKE THE SPECULATIVE HEAT OUT OF THE MARKET," HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL ISSUE, THE GOVERNOR‘REITERATED THAT NOW WAS THE TIME TO REFLECT ON THE ISSUES.
"WE DON’T HAVE TO RUSH INTO THE NEW LEGISLATION. WE’RE STILL PREPARING THE LEGISLATION. WE DON’T WANT TO RUSH INTO THAT, LET’S REFLECT ABOUT IT; SEE WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FORWARD; WE WANT TO DECIDE, NOT JUST WHAT IS THE IDEAL, BUT WHAT IS THE PRACTICAL WAY OF GOING FORWARD IN THIS.
"WE WANT A COURT SET UP SOON SO WE GET PRACTICE IN IT BEFORE 1997. BUT WE ALSO WANT ONE WHICH IS GOING TO GO STRAIGHT ON THROUGH 1997; THAT’S EQUALLY IMPORTANT FOR LONG-TERM CONFIDENCE," SIR DAVID SAID.
---------0-----------
CREATIVITY VITAL TO HK INDUSTRY
*****
THE CREATIVITY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS HAS FUELLED THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1991 GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY, SIR DAVID SAID CREATIVITY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE VITAL IF THE INDUSTRY WAS TO MAKE THE BEST OF THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE.
"OUR MANUFACTURERS MUST LOOK CONSTANTLY FOR WAYS TO MOVE UP-MARKET," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SUPPORT THE MANUFACTURERS’ EFFORTS, BY PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED INDUSTRIES; HELPING TO TRAIN THE YOUNG TECHNOCRATS NEEDED TO UPGRADE INDUSTRIES; AND PROVIDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE, THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT, WHICH WOULD GIVE THE MANUFACTURERS AN ADDED COMPETITIVE EDGE.
HE SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY, NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR, WAS TO RECOGNISE THE VALUE OF INNOVATION, PRODUCT DESIGN AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT, AND ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE.
NOTING THAT BOTH THE NUMBER AND THE QUALITY OF THIS YEAR’S ENTRIES WERE HIGH, THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THE REALLY IMPORTANT THING WAS NOT WHETHER A COMPANY HAD WON AN AWARD, BUT WHETHER IT DID THINGS BETTER AFTER ENTERING THE COMPETITION THAN IT DID BEFORE.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 3 -
HE SAID THERE WERE SOME SPLENDIDLY IMAGINATIVE ENTRIES IN THE TWO DESIGN A*WARD CATEGORIES.
"IT IS CLEAR THAT HONG KONG IS NOW FORGING ITS OWN, DISTINCTIVE DESIGN STYLE,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT IN THE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY CATEGORIES, SOME IMPRESSIVE ENTRIES CAME IN FROM THE INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES.
--------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCTS
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FROM PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCTS OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWEI SEE-KAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCTS WOULD CONNECT NORTH LANTAU WITH THE TSING MA BRIDGE, THUS PROVIDING A COMPLETE TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN TSING YI ISLAND AND LANTAU ISLAND.
"AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE WILL CROSS THE SHIPPING CHANNEL BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF LANTAU AND MA WAN WITH A VERTICAL NAVIGATION CLEARANCE OF 45 METRES.
"THE MA WAN VIADUCTS WILL PROVIDE THE LINK ACROSS MA WAN ISLAND BETWEEN THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND THE TSING MA BRIDGE,” HE SAID.
MR KWEI SAID THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND THE MA WAN VIADUCTS WOULD BE DESIGNED BY THE CONTRACTOR TO GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS.
THE STRUCTURES WOULD HAVE TO BE AESTHETICALLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE TSING MA BRIDGE, HE SAID.
THERE WOULDBE TWO LEVELS, AN UPPER DECK LEVEL WHICH WOULD CARRY DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAYS, AND A LOWER DECK WHICH WOULD ACCOMMODATE TWO SHELTERED TRAFFIC LANES AND TWO RAILWAY TRACKS.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THE PURPOSE OF REQUIRING THE CONTRACTOR TO DESIGN THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCTS WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE BEST AND MOST ECONOMICAL SOLUTION WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO GOVERNMENT BASED ON THE CONTRACTOR’S OWN EXPERIENCE, RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE.
TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY THE PREQUALIFIED. CONTRACTORS FROM TODAY. THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS JUNE 4 NEXT YEAR.
THE AWARD OF CONTRACT WILL BE MADE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992, AND THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE TSING MA BRIDGE IN TIME FOR THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
/4 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
4 -
NEW EMERGENCY TRANSPORT ♦ ♦ *
ARRANGEMENTS ADOPTED ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS PUT INTO EFFECT ITS REVISED TRANSPORT EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS, FOLLOWING THE CONSULTATION WITH TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS.
ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT OFFICER (PUBLIC TRANSPORT), MR ALAN LUI SUNG-YEE, THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO CO-ORDINATE EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED PARTIES DURING PUBLIC TRANSPORT DISRUPTION AND MAJOR ROAD OBSTRUCTION IN A BID TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE AND BRING RELIEF MEASURES TO THE AFFECTED COMMUTERS AND MOTORISTS.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY) TO EXPLAIN THE NEW MEASURES, MR LUI SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY CONDUCTED A SERIES OF SIMULATED EMERGENCY DRILLS AND REVIEW SESSIONS WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS BEFORE ADOPTING THE REVISED ARRANGEMENTS.
COMMUNICATION IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS LOOKED INTO. TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, MULTIFAX HAS BEEN INTRODUCED FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARTIES INVOLVED.
APART FROM THE NEED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT DURING AN EMERGENCY THROUGH THE USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY, IT IS OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE FOR THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY TO KEEP THEIR COMMUTERS INFORMED OF THE SITUATION.
THE USE OF PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM AND NOTICES AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF STATION STAFF TO HELP IN CROWD CONTROL COULD HELP TO SOLICIT THE CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THRONGS OF DISPLACED PASSENGERS.
AS IN THE CASE OF SERVICE DISRUPTION TO MASS CARRIERS SUCH AS THE KCR AND THE MTR, IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DEMANDING FOR THE AFFECTED OPERATOR TO CATER FOR THE NEED OF THE HUGE VOLUME OF PASSENGERS TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY.
"IN AN EMERGENCY NECESSITATING THE PROVISION OF RELIEF TRANSPORT SERVICES, THE OPERATOR EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM ON HIS SERVICES HAS TO REQUEST OTHER OPERATORS TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE ALTERNATIVE RELIEF AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE,” MR LUI SAID.
UPON BEING NOTIFIED, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING THAT THE RELIEF TRANSPORT SERVICES PROVIDED ARE APPROPRIATE AND ARRANGING FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES IF REQUIRED.
UNDER THE REVISED PROCEDURES, THE "AMBER ALERT" AND "RED ALERT” ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED AND WILL COME INTO OPERATION WHEN PUBLIC TRANSPORT EMERGENCY SITUATION DETERIORATES.
"AN AMBER ALERT IS AN EARLY WARNING IN CASE OF AN INCIDENT WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS DISRUPTION OF SERVICE.
/"A RED ........
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 5 -
"A RED ALERT IS A SIGNAL TO INDICATE THAT A SERIOUS DISRUPTION HAS CONTINUED OR IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR OVER 20 MINUTES MEANING EMERGENCY TRANSPORT SUPPORT SERVICES FROM OTHER OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED," HE EXPLAINED.
A FIRST CONTACT POINT FOR EMERGENCY HAS BEEN SET UP. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH DEDICATED TELEPHONE AND FAX LINES WHICH WILL BE MANNED ROUND-THE-CLOCK TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY MESSAGES.
THE MULTIFAX SYSTEM WILL ENABLE ALL INVOLVED PARTIES INCLUDING THE RAIL CORPORATIONS, BUS AND FERRY COMPANIES, AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO SEND OUT AND RECEIVE MESSAGES SIMULTANEOUSLY.
IN THE COURSE OF THE EMERGENCY, MR LUI SAID THE DEPARTMENT WILL MONITOR EVENTS, LIAISE WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS, DEVELOP PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WITH OPERATORS AND TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF CONTINGENCY TRANSPORT MEASURES INCLUDING ADVISING THEM TO AVOID TRAVELLING IN THE AFFECTED AREAS.
MR LUI SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD RELY ON OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, UTILITY COMPANIES, AND MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO IMPLEMENT AND CO-ORDINATE ACTION ON THE GROUND.
"THIS ACTION INCLUDES SYSTEM RECOVERY, TRAFFIC CONTROL, AND PROVISION OF RELIEF TRANSPORT SERVICES," MR LUI ADDED.
ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING UP-TO-DATE CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR DIFFERENT EMERGENCY SCENARIOS INCLUDING RAILWAY BREAKDOWNS AND MAJOR ROAD OBSTRUCTION.
MR LUI STRESSED THAT IT MUST BE RECOGNISED THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF TRANSPORT EMERGENCIES ARE COMPLEX, VARIED AND RAPIDLY CHANGING.
"THESE CONTINGENCY PLANS ARE STRATEGIC IN NATURE. DECISIONS ON ACTUAL AND DETAILED CONTINGENCY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN AN EMERGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE HAVING REGARD TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH PARTICULAR INCIDENT," HE SAID.
--------0 - -
LAW REFORM COMMISSION ISSUES REPORT ON CODIFICATION OF OFFENCES *****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS COMPLETED A DRAFT REPORT OUTLINING ITS PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS REGARDING THE CODIFICATION OF THE LAW RELATING TO OFFENCES OF INCITEMENT, CONSPIRACY AND ATTEMPT.
THE DRAFT REPORT REPRESENTS THE PRODUCT OF STUDIES BEING CARRIED OUT AS PART OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REFERENCE ON THE POSSIBLE CODIFICATION OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE CRIMINAL LAW.
/THE ACTING .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5,
- 6 -
THE ACTING SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION, MR STUART STOKER, SAID MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION HAD EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE ADOPTION OF CHANGES TO THE LAW ON OFFENCES OF CONSPIRACY AND ATTEMPT SIMILAR TO THOSE INTRODUCED IN ENGLAND AND WALES IN THE CRIMINAL LAW ACT OF 1977 AND THE CRIMINAL ATTEMPTS ACT 1981, WITH AMENDMENTS TO FIT INTO HONG KONG’S EXISTING PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK.
THE COMMISSION HAS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE LAW OF INCITEMENT BE CODIFIED ALONG THE LINES RECOMMENDED BY THE ENGLISH LAW COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT ON "A CRIMINAL CODE FOR ENGLAND AND WALES", PUBLISHED IN APRIL 1989.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT REPORT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THE BAR ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY, THE JUDICIARY AND TO THE LAW FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
COPIES HAVE ALSO BEEN SENT TO THOSE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CRIMINAL LAW.
MR STOKER SAID THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE DRAFT REPORT AND ITS RECOMMENDATIONS DID NOT REPRESENT ANY MAJOR OR RADICAL DEPARTURE FROM THE EXISTING COMMON LAW.
ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC, OR ANY ASSOCIATION CONCERNED ABOUT REFORM OF THE CRIMINAL LAW, MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE DRAFT REPORT FROM THE SECRETARIAT OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, FIRST FLOOR, HIGH BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES. (TEL. NO. 867 2024).
COMMENTS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARIAT OF THE COMMISSION BY DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR.
----------------0------- MORE SECONDARY SIX PLACES PLANNED *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS, FROM THIS YEAR, IMPLEMENTED A SERIES OF MEASURES TO INCREASE SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SIX PLACES TO TIE IN WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR LI SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SECONDARY SIX PLACES FROM THIS YEAR’S 19,000 TO 22,000 NEXT YEAR AND FURTHER TO 23,000 IN 1994.
THE MEASURES BEING TAKEN INCLUDED:
* BUILDING ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS IN STANDARD AND NON-STANDARD AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE MORE SIX FROM CLASSES;
* OPERATING A 12-CLASS SECONDARY SIX SCHOOL IN A VACANT SCHOOL IN TAI KOK TSUI, KOWLOON THIS SCHOOL YEAR;
/* ABOLISHING THE ........
7
♦ ABOLISHING THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT OF TWO GRADE C SUBJECTS ' IN THE ADVANCED-LEVEL EXAMINATION; AND
» INTRODUCING A NEW SECONDARY SIX ADMISSION PROCEDURE TO FACILITATE SECONDARY FIVE LEAVERS.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW SECONDARY SIX ADMISSION PROCEDURE, MR LI SAID THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD LED TO A SATISFACTORY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ARRANGEMENT.
IN ADDITION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS DISCUSSING WITH RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS ON THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A JOINT ADMISSION PLAN FOR SECONDARY SIX STUDENTS IN A BID TO AVOID THE TRANSFER OF STUDENT AFTER THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM REFORM, MR LI SAID THE WORKING GROUP ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION HAD MADE SEVERAL KEY
RECOMMENDATIONS SUCH AS DEVELOPING CHINESE-MEDIUM A-LEVEL COURSES, ABOttSH1NG HIGHER LJSVEL COURSES, INTRODUCING A TWO-YEAR ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL COURSES AND PROVIDING AS-LEVEL CORE SUBJECTS.
TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD CARRIED OUT SEVERAL CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT : EXERCISES TO HELP TEACHERS TACKLE PROBLEMS DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION, HE ADDED.
THESE ARE SYLLABUS PREPARATION, IN-SERVICE TEACHER TRAINING AND PREPARATION OF REFERENCE MATERIALS.
- - 0 - -
MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH FOR CHILD CARE SERVICE NEEDED
*******
THERE IS A NEED TO ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN THE PROVISION OF CHILD CARE SERVICE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A CHANGING SOCIETY, THE CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (FAMILY AND CHILD CARE SERVICES) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MRS KATHERINE SHIN YEUNG KWAN-MAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MRS SHIN WAS SPEAKING ON CHILD CARE PROVISIONS AND WORK-BASED CHILD CARE SERVICES AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF PENINSULA.
SHE SAID IN RECOGNITION OF THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY, THE NEWLY-PUBLISHED WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE HAD INCORPORATED A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE PHASED EXPANSION OF DAY CRECHE PLACES TO CATER FOR BOTH LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH SOCIAL NEEDS AND OTHER FAMILIES WHO MIGHT CHOOSE TO USE THE SERVICE AT ITS FULL COST.
MRS SHIN POINTED OUT THAT THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF CHILD CARE SERVICE, BEING A TYPE OF FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES, WAS TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY AS A UNIT, SO THAT THEY MIGHT CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY AND STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE NURTURING OF YOUNG CHILDREN.
/"WITH AN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
8
"WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF MOTHERS IN EMPLOYMENT, THERE IS AN INCREASED NEED FOR DAY CARE FACILITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WHO CANNOT BE CARED FOR BY THEIR FAMILIES DURING THE DAY," SHE SAID.
CHILD CARE CENTRES CARRY OUT THIS SUPPORTIVE ROLE BY LOOKING AFTER THE CARE, DEVELOPMENTAL AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF YOUNG CHILDREN THROUGH DAY NURSERY SERVICE FOR CHILDREN AGDED TWO TO SIX AND DAY CRECHE SERVICE FOR CHILDREN AGED BELOW TWO.
"IN FACT, AS THE ROLE OF WOMEN HAS CHANGED AND THE FAMILY NEEDS HAVE CHANGED, WE ALSO NEED TO ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN OUR CHILD CARE PROVISION TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR CHANGING SOCIETY," MRS SHIN SAID WHEN OUTLINING OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE AND WORK-BASED CHILD CARE SERVICES.
THE OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE IS AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT CARRIED OUT BY THE SWD IN 53 DAY NURSERIES.
"WHEN FAMILIES HAVE SUDDEN CHILD CARE NEEDS, TEMPORARY CARE CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE ON HALF-DAY OR DAILY BASIS BY THESE NURSERIES : SO THAT YOUNG CHILDREN WOULD NOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT WORK-BASED CHILD CARE SERVICE WAS ANOTHER INNOVATION.
"IN BRIEF, WORK-BASED CHILD CARE SERVICE IS EMPLOYER-SPONSORED CHILD CARE PROGRAMME PROVIDED FOR THE USE OF EMPLOYEES," MRS SHIN EXPLAINED, ADDING THAT THE SERVICE WAS A RELATIVELY NEW DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
SHE NOTED THAT A CENTRE OF THIS TYPE HAD BEEN OPERATED BY A LARGE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE FOR A YEAR, TO THE EXTREME SATISFACTION OF BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEES.
TURNING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON MEASURES TO PREVENT CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME, MRS SHIN SAID’ ALTHOUGH A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED, THERE WAS NO PRECONCEIVED STANCE ON WHICH MEASURE TO ADOPT.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND CONCERTED EFFORTS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, BETTER PROTECTION AND A MORE FULFILLING ENVIRONMENT CAN BE PROVIDED FOR OUR NEXT GENERATION," SHE ADDED.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 9 -
CLOSURE OF SHEK KWU CHAU VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRE
THE SHEK KWU CHAU DETENTION CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOLLOWING THE TRANSFER OF THE LAST 800 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TO OTHER CAMPS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE CENTRE, WHICH WAS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE POLICE, HAS BEEN MANAGED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS.
THE CENTRE WAS BROUGHT INTO USE IN JULY THIS YEAR WHEN ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM REACHED A LEVEL OF OVER 100 A DAY.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE CENTRE HAD BEEN USED FIVE TIMES SINCE 1989 TO ACCOMMODATE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
"WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO SARDA AND THE VOLUNTEERS FOR MANAGING THE CENTRE FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS, AND THUS HELPING HONG KONG OUT AT A DIFFICULT TIME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 -
263 VM’S RETURNED TODAY ******
A GROUP OF 263 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 99 MEN, 63 WOMEN, 53 BOYS AND 48 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 74TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,259 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 11,555 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0-------
NO NOMINATION FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION TODAY
*****
NO NOMINATION IS RECEIVED TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
TWO NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED ON THE FIRST DAY OF NOMINATION YESTERDAY.
--------0-----------
/10 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 10 -
CHANGE OF INTEREST RATE ON * * * *
TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 5.04% (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 5.52% (TAX FREE).
A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT WAS GAZETTED YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.42 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 TOMORROW.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE TOMORROW WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:
8.28% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR
AFTER MARCH 22, 1989 AND BEFORE JUNE 22, 1989;
7.80% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR
AFTER JUNE 22, 1989 AND BEFORE JULY 12, 1989;
7.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR
AFTER JULY 12, 1989 AND BEFORE AUGUST 9, 1989;
6.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR
AFTER AUGUST 9, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 7, 1990;
7.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR
AFTER MARCH 7, 1990 AND BEFORE APRIL 4, 1990;
8.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
APRIL 4, 1990 AND BEFORE AUGUST 15, 1990;
7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 15, 1990 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 24, 1990;
7.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 24, 1990 AND BEFORE JANUARY 30, 1991;
6.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
JANUARY 30, 1991 AND BEFORE MAY 29, 1991;
/7.56% .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 11 -
7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 29, 1991 AND BEFORE JULY 3, 1991;
6.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 3, 1991 AND BEFORE AUGUST 14, 1991;
6.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 14, 1991 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18, 1991; AND
5.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 18, 1991 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 6, 1991.
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 NOVEMBER 6, 1991, DECEMBER 6, 1991 AND JANUARY 6, 1992 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON FEBRUARY 5, 1992 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
ON $1,000, NOVEMBER 6 , 1991 TO FEBRUARY 5, 1992
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.20 PER MONTH = $12.60
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 6 •, 1991 TO FEBRUARY 5, 1992
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.20 PER MONTH = $8.40
ON $1,000, JANUARY 6, 1992 TO FEBRUARY 5 , 1992
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $4.20 PER MONTH = $4.20
$25.20
- - 0---------
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION * * « *
SUPPLY OF FLUSHING WATER TO CERTAIN AREAS IN SOUTH KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 7) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HO MAN TIN AND KING’S PARK AND INCLUDING HO MAN TIN ESTATE, OI MAN ESTATE, CHUN MAN COURT, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE AND KING GEORGE V SCHOOL.
---------0-----------
/12 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER B, 1991 fi - 12 •
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEG
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER RESULTS - - - TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q1 4 6 Y196
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,196 MN HKD 918 MN • • r AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 600 MN HKD 200 MN AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 4.12 PCT 5.22 PCT HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 4.16 PCT 5.25 PCT PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 60 PCT ABOUT 66 PCT AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.22 PCT 6.33 PCT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS - - - ISSUE NUMBER Q146 ISSUE DATE 13 NOV 91 MATURITY DATE 12 FEB 92 TENOR 91 DAYS AMOUNT OF OFFER HKD 600 f - TUESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 1991 H177 13 NOV 91 13 MAY 92 182 DAYS 100 MN HKD 200 f 60 MN
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* » ♦ » »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 4.11.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 6,11.91 +19
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -19
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.1 *-0.2» 6.11.91
/HONG KONG
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 5, 1991
- 13 -
CLOSING YIELDS HONG KONG OF EXCHANGE GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS FUND 1 • 1
4.11.91 5.11 .91
MATURING IN 1 1 3 6 12 WEEK MONTH MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS 3.47 PCT 3.72 PCT 4.13 PCT 4.26 PCT 5.23 PCT 3.32 3.62 4.10 4.20 5.21 PCT PCT PCT PCT PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 7,470 MN 6,495 MN
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
CONTENTS . PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
CLOSING RANKS OF EXCO AND ADMINISTRATION ON NEW POLICY IDEAS: CS ... 1
LEGCO HAS REAL POWER: CS ...................................... 2
APOLITICAL CIVIL SERVICE IMPORTANT: CS ........................ 3
MANAGEMENT OF RELATIONS WITH CHINA CRUCIAL: SCA ............... 6
MAXIMUM CONTINUITY OF INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL SYSTEM SOUGHT ...... 8
REVIEW OF ELECTORAL SYSTEM UNDERWAY ........................... 9
INFLATION PROBLEM GETTING BETTER: FS .......................... 10
MEASURES TO CURB INFLATION OUTLINED............................ 13
CONTINUED GOVT COMMITMENTS REAFFIRMED.......................... 17
TIGHTER GRIP ON GOVERNMENT FINANCES MANAGEMENT: FS ............ 18
GOVT'S POLICY ON MONETARY AFFAIRS EXPLAINED.................... 20
FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY OUTLINED .......... 24
OTHER MEANS SOUGHT FOR FINANCING SEWERAGE STRATEGY............. 26
FURTHER MEASURES TO CURB PROPERTY SPECULATION ................. 28
PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME KEEPS PACE WITH PROSPERITY ............. 33
$15 BILLION SPENT ON HK ROAD SYSTEM ........................... 36
MANPOWER TRAINING, SUPPLY NEEDS BEING MET ..................... 38
FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON QUALITY OF EDUCATION .................. 41
GOVT TO STRENGTHEN CHILD PROTECTION ........................... 44
CENTRAL VISUAL ARTS POLICY FOR HONG KONG....................... 46
MEASURES TO TACKLE VIOLENT CRIMES ANNOUNCED ................... 48
GOVT TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARD OF CIVIL SERVICE ............... 50
/BILL GIVES ........
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
BILL GIVES FLEXIBILITY TO PEAK TRAMWAY OPERATION ..................... 54
RESOLUTION UNDER LOANS ORDINANCE MOVED ............................... 55
TWO RESOLUTIONS MOVED UNDER PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE ................. 56
PROFESSIONS SHOULD VET THEIR MEMBERS' QUALIFICATIONS ................. 57
IMPROVEMENT MEASURES AFOOT TO TACKLE TUEN MUN RIVER POLLUTION ...... 59
OPTIONS OPEN FOR ALLOCATING NEW BUS ROUTES THROUGH TENDER ............ 60
SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT FOR CHINA LIGHT .......................... 60
FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED INCORRECT INJECTION CASES .... 61
ACTION TAKEN TO ENSURE CIVIL SERVANTS KNOW OF BILL OF RIGHT'S IMPLICATIONS ....................................................... 62
MOTION OF THANKS PASSED .............................................. 63
CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 TO BE GAZETTED .................. 64
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY ................................................... 65
NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR EX-POW'S AND WAR VETERANS ....................... 65
ONE NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION .................... 66
ADVICE AGAINST MARKING TIME TECHNOLOGICALLY ............................ 66
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ............................................. 67
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED ................... 68
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 69
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 1 -
CLOSING RANKS OF EXCO AND ADMINISTRATION ON NEW POLICY IDEAS: CS
*******
THE ADMINISTRATION INTENDS TO CONSULT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AT AN EARLY STAGE OF ITS THINKING ABOUT NEW POLICIES AND AT THAT TIME TO SEEK MEMBERS’ VIEWS IN THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEREAFTER, SIR DAVID SAID, POLICY SECRETARIES WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH MEMBERS OF EXCO TO DEVELOP POLICY IDEAS INTO FIRM PROPOSALS WHICH COULD BE PUT TO THE COUNCIL FOR ADVICE.
"AS A RESULT INDIVIDUAL EXCO MEMBERS MAY WELL DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN PARTICULAR PROGRAMME AREAS AND CONSEQUENTLY FIND IT USEFUL TO ESTABLISH A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE APPROPRIATE POLICY SECRETARY," HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID BY INVOLVING EXCO AT AN EARLIER STAGE MEMBERS WOULD HAVE A GREATER ROLE TO PLAY IN POLICY FORMULATION AND THUS BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO EXPLAIN PUBLICLY THE THINKING BEHIND THE DECISIONS WHICH HAD BEEN TAKEN.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG’S CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE UNUSUAL, SIR DAVID SAID THEY WERE NEITHER TIDY NOR CONVENTIONAL BY THE STANDARDS OF SOVEREIGN STATES.
K
"BUT THIS SHOULD NOT SURPRISE ANYONE BECAUSE HONG KONG IS NOT AND NEVER WILL BE A SOVEREIGN STATE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT OF AN APPOINTED EXECUTIVE, WORKING THROUGH AN APOLITICAL CIVIL SERVICE, BALANCED BY AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE WAS A FAIR AND WORKABLE SYSTEM, PROVIDED EVERYONE INVOLVED WAS COMMITTED TO MAKING IT WORK IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
HE SAID THAT IN TURN MEANT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNDERSTANDING THEIR ROLES, THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, THEIR POWER AND THE LIMITATIONS TO THAT POWER.
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT POLICY MAKING WOULD CONTINUE TO REST WITH THE ADMINISTRATION WORKING WITHIN GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNOR ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
"BUT THE ADMINISTRATION CANNOT GO IT ALONE," HE SAID.
IT NEEDED THE COMFORT OF KNOWING THAT ITS POLICIES AND ACTIONS HAD THE WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND WERE LIKELY TO PROVE ACCEPTABLE TO A MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/"WE IN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
p
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E D
"WE IN THE ADMINISTRATION RECOGNISE THAT SUCH SUPPORT WILL NOT BE FORTHCOMING AS A MATTER OF COURSE," HE SAID.
IT WOULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY INVOLVING MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MORE IN THE BUSINESS OF POLICY FORMULATION, SIR DAVID SAID.
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LEGCO HAS REAL POWER: CS ******* g
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CLEARLY HAS REAL POWER.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID THESE POWERS WERE NOT CONSTITUTIONAL NICETIES BUT VITAL POWERS AFFECTING THE ACTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE DAILY LIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
FIRSTLY IT HAD THE POWER TO PASS, AMEND, REJECT AND UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS.
THE SECOND MAJOR POWER, SIR DAVID SAID, WAS THE RIGHT TO APPROVE OR REJECT THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT SPEND THE TAX PAYER’S MONEY WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"THIS IS UNQUESTIONABLY REAL POWER. IT HAS TO BE USED RESPONSIBLY," HE SAID.
BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY THESE WERE THE POWERS WHICH ONLY THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COULD EXERCISE AND NO ONE ELSE, HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID WHEN THE GOVERNOR REFERRED TO THE NEED FOR PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IT WAS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS, NOR A SIGNAL THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD LOST THE WILL TO GOVERN OR THAT IT DID NOT KNOW WHERE IT WAS GOING AS SOME MEMBERS HAD SUGGESTED.
"IT IS SIMPLY RECOGNITION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL REALITY WHICH APPLIES NOW, AND WHICH IS INHERENT IN THE SYSTEM WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT UNDER THE BASIC LAW, RECOGNITION THAT THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION, THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS MUST BE MADE TO WORK IF HONG KONG IS TO CONTINUE TO BE GOVERNED EFFECTIVELY,” THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
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/3 ........
<1
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991 •
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APOLITICAL CIVIL SERVICE IMPORTANT: CS
»*«***«
IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPORTANT THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE REMAINS APOLITICAL IN THE FACE OF THE CHANGING POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION NEEDED POLITICAL SUPPORT FIRSTLY FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND SUBSEQUENTLY FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION RECOGNISED THAT IT MIGHT NOT ALWAYS BE EASY TO GAIN THE SUPPORT OF A MAJORITY OF LEGCO MEMBERS BECAUSE UNDER THE SYSTEM THERE WAS NO ORGANISED PARTY SUPPORT FOR THE GOVERNMENT IN THE COUNCIL OR IN THE MEDIA OR IN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS A GOVERNMENT COULD EXPECT THE COMFORT OF KNOWING THAT ITS PARTY OF SUPPORTERS WOULD RALLY ROUND BOTH ON SUNNY DAYS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY IN STORMY TIMES ALSO.
"THIS GOVERNMENT HOWEVER DOES NOT HAVE THAT LUXURY. IT HAS NO POLITICAL PARTY ANNUAL CONFERENCE, NOR A MANIFESTO, FROM WHICH TO DEVELOP AND PROPAGATE POLICY," SIR DAVID SAID.
"NOR CAN OUR POLICIES BE TESTED IN ELECTIONS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO POLITICAL CANDIDATES TO FIELD," HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NO PARTY MACHINE OR WHIP SYSTEM TO GIVE IT THE GUARANTEED MAJORITIES THAT SUPPORTED GOVERNMENTS IN MORE DEVELOPED DEMOCRACIES.
"NOR DO WE HAVE ELECTED MINISTERS TO PROVIDE A POPULAR - AND SOMETIMES UNPOPULAR - PUBLIC FACE," HE SAID.
HE CAUTIONED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION MUST BE CAREFUL THEREFORE NOT TO DRIFT INTO A SERIES OF SITUATIONS IN WHICH IT WAS ISOLATED BECAUSE IT HAD NO IN-BUILT SUPPORT.
"THERE IS A REAL DANGER OF THIS BECAUSE THERE IS A PERCEPTION IN HONG KONG THAT, TO BE POPULAR, A POLITICIAN MUST SOMETIMES BE SEEN TO BE OPENLY CRITICAL OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
"MOREOVER, BECAUSE UNDER OUR SYSTEM, GOVERNMENTS DO NOT CHANGE, THOSE POLITICIANS WHO MAY REGARD THEMSELVES AS ACTING AS OPPOSITION TO THE GOVERNMENT, ARE NOT RESTRAINED BY THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY, ONE DAY, AS A GROUP, MAY HAVE TO ASSUME REAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY," HE SAID.
IN THE MEDIA TOO, HE SAID, IT WAS A FACT OF LIFE, BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS, THAT CRITICS OF THE GOVERNMENT GENERATED FAR MORE FREQUENT AND INTERESTING HEADLINES THAN DID BUREAUCRATS.
/FURTHERMORE IN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
FURTHERMORE IN THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, SIR DAVID SAID, BUSINESSMEN AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, WHO MIGHT APPEAR SUPPORTIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PRIVATE, SEEMED RELUCTANT TO ENTER THE FRAY.
SOME ALSO PREFERRED TO CRITICISE RATHER THAN JOIN CONSTRUCTIVE DEBATE.
HE CAUTIONED THAT IF THERE WERE TO BE A LACK OF IDENTIFIABLE SUPPORT IT COULD LEAD TO A SITUATION IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS RELUCTANT TO TAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS WHICH MIGHT PROVE TO BE UNPOPULAR AMONGST SOME LEGCO MEMBERS, IN THE PRESS AND IN THE COMMUNITY.
"I AM SURE THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN BECAUSE WE KNOW ONLY TOO WELL THAT LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT TAKING TOUGH DECISIONS AND CONVINCING PEOPLE THAT THOSE DECISIONS ARE RIGHT EVEN IF SOMETIMES IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO DO SO, OF SAYING WHAT YOU STAND FOR, AS WELL AS WHAT YOU STAND AGAINST," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST DEVELOP LEADERSHIP IN DEVELOPING NEW'POLICIES WHICH MET THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY.
"WE MUST SHOW PRAGMATISM WHEN THOSE POLICIES ARE DEBATED PUBLICLY AND PASSED THROUGH THE NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURES. «
"AND AT THE TOP LEVELS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WE MUST ALL BE JUDGED BY HOW WE PERFORM PUBLICLY AS WELL AS HOW WE WORK BEHIND THE SCENES," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO PROMISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TRY TO BE MORE OPEN AND TO EXPLAIN ITSELF BETTER TO MEMBERS AND TO THE MEDIA.
"THIS WILL NOT ALWAYS BE EASY BUT WE ARE NOW BUSILY EXAMINING HOW TO IMPROVE OUR WAYS OF OPERATING AND OF COMMUNICATING OUR POLICIES - AND OUR PROBLEMS - IN THE COMING YEARS.
"ALL THIS MAY SOUND A DAUNTING PROSPECT BUT AS I LOOK AROUND ME ON THESE BENCHES I SEE NO GLOOMY FACES, NO TREPIDATION AND NO UNCERTAINTY,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO STRESSED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS ON THE GOVERNMENT BENCHES DID NOT "FEEL LIKE LAME DUCKS, SHELTERING IN THE BUNKER WAITING FOR THE SUN TO GO DOWN" AS SOME LEGCO MEMBERS SUGGESTED.
"ON THE CONTRARY, WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGES AHEAD," HE SAID.
"IF WE WERE A GOVERNMENT PARTY WE BELIEVE WE WOULD HAVE A PRETTY GOOD MANIFESTO TO TAKE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,” HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT CAMPAIGN UNDER THE SLOGAN "VOTE FOR THE GOVERNMENT THAT DELIVERS THE GOODS".
/HE POINTED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
5
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DELIVERED ON THE ECONOMY, TRANSFORMING HONG KONG FROM A THIRD WORLD TO A FIRST WORLD SOCIETY.
"WE PUT OUR FAITH IN FREE MARKETS, LOW TAXES, ENTERPRISE AND LEAN GOVERNMENT AND WE GOT IT RIGHT," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DELIVERED ON SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, HOUSING, HEALTH AND EDUCATION ALL BUILT, AND NOW HEAVILY SUBSIDISED, THROUGH REVENUE GENERATED BY GROWTH IN OUR ECONOMY RATHER THAN HIGH TAXES.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DELIVERED ON INFRASTRUCTURE WITH THE TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS THE ENVY OF THE WORLD.
"OF COURSE MUCH MORE REMAINS TO BE DONE AND THERE ARE BLEMISHES ON OUR PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL LANDSCAPE.
"BUT SO MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED. LOOK AROUND YOU. THE COMMUNITY IS TRULY PROUD OF THOSE ACHIEVEMENTS AND MEMBERS SHOULD NOT BELITTLE AS SOME HAVE DONE.
"NOR SHOULD WE BE INFLUENCED TOO MUCH BY THE PROPHETS OF DOOM IN OUR MIDST."
BUT CERTAINLY, SIR DAVID CONTINUED, HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE NOT GLOOMY ABOUT THIS PLACE OR INDEED ABOUT THEIR GOVERNMENT.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID OPINION POLLS CARRIED OUT OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS SUGGESTED THAT CONSISTENTLY 80 PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE SATISFIED WITH THE GENERAL SITUATION IN HONG KONO.
THE POLLS ALSO SHOWED THAT OVER 50 PER CENT WERE SATISFIED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR GOVERNMENT AND ONLY 32 PER CENT DISSATISFIED.
"BY ANY STANDARDS THOSE FIGURES INDICATE A CONFIDENCE MOST GOVERNMENTS IN THE WORLD WOULD ENVY," HE NOTED.
HAVING SAID THAT, SIR DAVID SAID, ALL GOVERNMENTS MADE MISTAKES INCLUDING THE ONE IN HONG KONG.
"AND I HOPE IF WE MAKE MISTAKES WE WOULD HAVE THE COURAGE TO ADMIT IT.
"BUT WE GET PLENTY RIGHT TOO," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID IF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO CARRY ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TERRITORY WITH THE VIGOUR WHICH THE COMMUNITY EXPECTED, IT WOULD NEED THE SUPPORT OF PEOPLE WHO WERE PREPARED TO JUDGE ISSUES ON THEIR MERITS AND SPOKE OUT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S BEHALF WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION GOT THINGS RIGHT.
/WHEN WE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
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WHEN WE HAD TO TAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS AND THERE WERE GOING TO BE SOME, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CERTAINLY GOING TO NEED THE UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, OF LEGCO MEMBERS AND OF THE COMMUNITY.
\
’’POPULAR DECISIONS. ARE EASY, EVERYONE WILL BE PLEASED TO TAKE CREDIT FOR THEM.
’’BUT WE NEED SUPPORT ALSO FOR DECISIONS WHICH ALTHOUGH UNPOPULAR ARE NEVERTHELESS CORRECT AND JUST AS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP HONG KONG STABLE AND PROSPEROUS AS THE POPULAR ONES,” HE SAID.
AND THAT SUPPORT, ACCORDING TO SIR DAVID, MUST BE UPFRONT, IN PUBLIC, FROM ALL THOSE WHO HAD THE COURAGE OF THEIR CONVICTIONS.
"IT WILL NOT BE EASY. THERE WILL BE A GREAT TEMPTATION TO RUN FOR COVER WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH POLITICALLY," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION DID NOT EXPECT THAT SUPPORT . TO BE UNQUESTIONING.
"WE EXPECT TO HAVE TO EARN IT.
"WE EXPECT TO HAVE YOUR QUESTIONING AND YOUR CRITICISMS AND WE WELCOME BOTH," HE SAID.
LASTLY, SIR DAVID HOPED THAT CRITICISM WOULD NOT BE BASED ON MISTRUST OF MOTIVES.
"AND THAT WE CAN START ON COMMON GROUND, THAT IS THAT CIVIL SERVANTS AND MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL ARE WELL MOTIVATED PEOPLE WHOSE PRIME INTEREST IS TO DO THEIR BEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
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MANAGEMENT OF RELATIONS WITH CHINA CRUCIAL: SCA
* * * * * * *
THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA IS CRUCIAL TO ACHIEVING A SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED MOTION DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR SZE SAID THE FACT THAT AS MORE THAN HALF OF THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD SPOKEN ON THIS THEME ATTESTED TO THE CLEAR RECOGNITION OF ITS IMPORTANCE NOW AND IN THE NEXT SIX YEARS.
A
/"HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
"HONG KONG IS A PLURALISTIC SOCIETY. IT IS ENTIRELY NATURAL THAT DIFFERENT PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS, AND EXPRESS THEIR OWN VIEWS FORCEFULLY, ON SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT TO OUR FUTURE AS HOW TO MANAGE THAT RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER," HE SAID.
MR SZE SAID HE HAD NOTICED THAT A BROAD CONSENSUS, NAMELY THAT RELATIONSHIP MUST BE BASED ON MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION, GROUNDED ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR’S RECENT VISIT TO CHINA, AND THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE AIRPORT, UNDERSCORES THE KEY POINTS OF THAT RELATIONSHIP : INTENSIFICATION OF COOPERATION AND CONSULTATION, AND REAFFIRMATION OF THE DETERMINATION TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION, IN LETTER AND SPIRIT.
"SURELY, NO LASTING RELATIONSHIP CAN BE FOUNDED ON MUTUAL SUSPICION AND MISTRUST; IF THEY EXIST THEN WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO BREAK THEM DOWN. WE MUST TAKE CARE TO EXPLAIN OUR VIEWS TACTFULLY BUT FIRMLY; AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST LISTEN TO THE OTHER SIDE WITH UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE. THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH FOR US TO DO OTHERWISE," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE TERRITORY’S CONSULTATION WITH CHINA ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"YET I FEAR THAT ITS ROLE IS SOMETIMES MISUNDERSTOOD. IN THE WORDS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, IT IS AN "ORGAN FOR LIAISON AND NOT AN ORGAN OF POWER. IT SHALL PLAY NO PART IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG OR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. NOR SHALL IT HAVE ANY SUPERVISORY ROLE OVER THAT ADMINISTRATION." THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE JLG BECOMING A "SINO-BRITISH CONDOMINIUM GOVERNMENT” : THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG IS FIRMLY IN THE HANDS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
MR SZE SAID IT HAD SOMETIMES BEEN ALLEGED THAT BRITAIN AND CHINA HAD CONCLUDED AGREEMENTS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP BEHIND OUR BACKS.
"THIS IS BLATANTLY UNTRUE. HONG KONG HAS A DIRECT LINE TO THESE CONSULTATIONS BOTH THROUGH ITS HONG KONG MEMBERSHIP IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THROUGH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS FULLY CONSULTED ON THE PREPARATION OF THE BRITISH SIDE’S OBJECTIVE AND AT EVERY STAGE OF THE DISCUSSIONS," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHOULD BE
THE GOVERNOR’S RECENT APPOINTMENTS TO SEEN IN THIS CONTEXT.
THE
"IN MAKING HIS NEW APPOINTMENTS THE GOVERNOR WAS ANXIOUS TO STRENGTHEN THE LINKS BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS. ALL OF HIS NEW APPOINTEES ARE MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL. ALL WILL PLAY THEIR PART IN REPRESENTING THE VIEWS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE ON VITAL ISSUES AFFECTING HONG KONG’S FUTURE," HE SAID.
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8
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
MAXIMUM CONTINUITY OF INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL SYSTEM SOUGHT
*******
THE GOVERNMENT HAD SOUGHT IN DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM CONTINUITY OF AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE VESTING OF THE POWER OF FINAL JUDGMENT IN HONG KONG, ACROSS 1997, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MiCHAEL C.C. SZE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED MOTION DEBATE, MR SZE SAID THIS WAS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR CONFIDENCE, FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG NO LESS THAN FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
"WE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE STRONG VIEWS EXPRESSED SO FAR; THIS IS UNDERSTANDABLE BECAUSE THE CONTINUATION OF AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS FOR THE FUTURE. BUT I THINK WE NOW NEED TO STAND BACK A LITTLE AND REFLECT," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID IT WAS UNFORTUNATE THAT PUBLIC COMMENTS HAD SO FAR FOCUSED ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE COURT, WHICH WAS ONLY ONE' ASPECT OF A HIGHLY VALUABLE AGREEMENT.
"THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE JLG ENABLES US NOW TO PROCEED WITH THE LEGISLATIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL," MR SZE SAID.
"IT HAS THUS SECURED FOR US THE KEY OBJECTIVE OF HAVING THE COURT UP AND RUNNING WELL BEFORE 1997, SO THAT IT CAN HAVE MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN EXPERIENCE AND ESTABLISH ITS REPUTATION AND AUTHORITY.
"FURTHERMORE IF THE COURT WE ESTABLISH IS TO GIVE CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE, THERE MUST BE NO ROOM FOR DOUBT THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE AFTER 1997. WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THAT," HE ADDED.
MR SZE SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WAS A COMPLEX MATTER INVOLVING THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION BOTH IN HONG KONG AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"WHILE WE AIM TO ESTABLISH THE COURT EARLY, WE ARE STILL SOME WAY OFF BEING IN A POSITION TO INTRODUCE THE NECESSARY BILL INTO THIS COUNCIL AND FINALIZE THE PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS.
"MORE WORK IS BEING DONE ON IT, AND WE ARE ACUTELY AWARE OF THE NEED FOR THERE TO BE SUFFICIENT SAFEGUARDS ON THE INDEPENDENCE AND PRESTIGE OF THE COURT.- WE WILL IN DUE COURSE SHARE OUR IDEAS WITH MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION," HE SAID.
MR SZE NOTED THAT THERE WAS AT LEAST ONE LESSON TO BE LEARNT FROM EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS: "THERE IS CLEARLY A NEED TO FIND SOME MEANS OF ENABLING MEMBERS TO UNDERSTAND BETTER, AND EARLIER, WHAT GOES INTO PROPOSITIONS TO BE PUT TO THIS COUNCIL FOR THE ENACTMENT OF LAW OR THE VOTING OF FUNDS NECESSARY TO PUT INTO EFFECT AGREEMENTS REACHED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP."
/"IN EXPLORING .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
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"IN EXPLORING SUCH MEANS WE MUST, OF COURSE, RESPECT THE PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT ’’PROCEEDINGS OF THE JLG SHALL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL UNLESS OTHERWISE AGREED BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES”.
"I ALSO FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE FIRST DUTY TO EXPLAIN SUCH MATTERS TO THIS COUNCIL RESTS WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. AFTER ALL, THEY ARE PROPOSALS TO WHICH WE HAVE GIVEN OUR AGREEMENT; IT BEHOVES US TO JUSTIFY THEM," MR SZE SAID.
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REVIEW OF ELECTORAL SYSTEM UNDERWAY
* * » * « ♦ *
THE REVIEW OF THE ENTIRE ELECTORAL SYSTEM HAS COMMENCED AND. OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE DEVOTING ITSELF TO A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE ISSUES ARISING FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF THE 1991 ELECTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED MOTION DEBATE, MR SZE SAID THE REVIEW WAS BEING UNDERTAKEN TO PREPARE FOR 1995 AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF 1992.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE REVIEW WOULD INCLUDE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TO DEMARCATE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES; THE NEED FOR AN INDEPENDENT BODY TO ORGANIZE AND OVERSEE ELECTIONS; THE SYSTEM OF VOTING IN GEOGRAPHIC CONSTITUENCIES; THE MINIMUM VOTING AGE; THE MECHANISM FOR VOTER REGISTRATION; THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE* CONDUCT OF THE ELECTIONS; THE REGULATION OF CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES; THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTERS IN THE EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES INCLUDING MULTIPLE VOTING RIGHTS IN GEOGRAPHICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES; THE ENFORCEMENT OF ELECTORAL PROVISIONS; AND THE POSSIBLE CONSOLIDATION OF EXISTING ELECTORAL PROVISIONS INTO A SINGLE SET OF LEGISLATION.
HE NOTED THAT WHILE NONE OF THESE ISSUES WAS SIMPLE THE TASK WAS URGENT: ’’THE NEXT ELECTION CYCLE BEGINS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER 1994. THUS THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEW MUST BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE END OF 1993.”
’’LAW DRAFTING TO IMPLEMENT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAS TO BE COMPLETED MUCH EARLIER. THE TIMETABLE IS THEREFORE EXTREMELY TIGHT. BUT I AM CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE HELP OF THIS COUNCIL THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED,” HE SAID.
MR SZE NOTED THAT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS INTENDED TO SET UP A SELECT COMMITTEE TO STUDY THESE QUESTIONS: "THE ADMINISTRATION LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING CLOSELY WITH THIS COMMITTEE, WITH THE AIM OF FINDING THE BEST ANSWERS THAT WILL MEET THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY.”
/"SOME MEMBERS .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 10 -
"SOME MEMBERS ALSO SPOKE ON THE NEED TO TACKLE CONSTITUTIONAL • ISSUES SUCH AS DETAILS ON THE SETTING UP OF AN ELECTION COMMITTEE, AND THE ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THIS COUNCIL, HIS QUALIFICATIONS AND POWERS.
"THESE ARE ISSUES DIRECTLY RELATING TO CONVERGENCE WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FIRST LEGISLATURE OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SET OUT IN THE BASIC LAW. SATISFACTORY
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THESE AND OTHER PROVISIONS ARE CRUCIAL FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION."
MR SZE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THERE WOULD BE KEEN INTEREST IN THESE ISSUES, GIVEN THE TIGHT TIME TABLE FOR THE REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS, THE DETAILED CONSIDERATION OF THESE ISSUES WOULD HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED AT A LATER STAGE.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT MANY MEMBERS ARGUED THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE THAN 20 DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN 1995.
"MINISTERS HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL RAISE WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BEFORE THE 1995 ELECTIONS THE PACE OF DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, AT THE TIME AND IN THE MANNER WHICH THEY JUDGE MOST LIKELY TO BE SUCCESSFUL," HE SAID.
"DURING HIS VISIT HERE IN SEPTEMBER, THE PRIME MINISTER CONFIRMED THE IMPORTANCE HE ATTACHES TO THE VIEWS OF OMELCO MEMBERS ON THIS ISSUE," MR SZE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THAT THIS YEAR WITNESSED THE SUCCESSFUL ELECTIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, CULMINATING IN THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTION TO THE COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 15.
"THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS DEVELOPMENT LIES NOT JUST IN THE CREATION OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THIS COUNCIL BUT ALSO IN THE FACT THAT THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF EVENTS WELL," MR SZE SAID.
0
INFLATION PROBLEM GETTING BETTER: FS
*****
HONG KONG HAS ROOM FOR CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM AS THE INFLATION PROBLEM IS GENERALLY BETTER THAN A YEAR AGO, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS IS POSSIBLE AS THE ECONOMY IS DOING CONSIDERABLY BETTER THAN IT WAS TWELVE MONTHS AGO AND THE PROSPECTS FOR THE MONTHS AHEAD ARE ENCOURAGING.
/SPEAKING AT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR MACLEOD SAID FOLLOWING TWO YEARS OF MODEST GROWTH, THE ECONOMY HAD STARTED TO GATHER STRENGTH.
THE GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS HAD BEEN PARTICULARLY ROBUST WHILE INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND EQUIPMENT HAD BEEN GROWING STRONGLY, HE SAID.
"THIS TREND IS ENCOURAGING," HE SAID, "IT REFLECTS IMPROVED CONFIDENCE AMONG INVESTORS AND IT ALSO RAISES OUR CAPACITY FOR GROWTH IN THE FUTURE."
IN AUGUST, THE GOVERNMENT RAISED THE ESTIMATE FOR GDP GROWTH THIS YEAR TO FOUR PER CENT.
"WE EXPECT THIS UPWARD TREND TO CONTINUE. THIS SHOULD GIVE US, FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, A GROWTH RATE OF FIVE PER CENT UP TO 1995-96," MR MACLEOD SAID.
THE AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE AIRPORT RELATED PROJECTS HAD BEEN A KEY ELEMENT IN THE GENERALLY MORE UPBEAT ATMOSPHERE IN HONG KONG, HE CONTINUED.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD ALSO CONTINUED TO BENEFIT FROM THE INCREASINGLY INTEGRATED AND SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIC HINTERLAND INCLUDING THE PEARL RIVER DELTA, WHOSE PROGRESS HAD BEEN FAR MORE SPECTACULAR THAN COULD HAVE BEEN IMAGINED BACK IN 1979 WHEN CHINA BEGAN OPENING UP.
HE SAID HONG KONG INVESTORS WERE NOW VERY MUCH AT HOME ABOUT OPERATING IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
"THEY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CREATION OF A FLOURISHING MANUFACTURING BASF THERE AND TO THE MODERNISATION OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE. ALL OF WHICH IS A VERY ENCOURAGING POINTER TO THE FUTURE," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
DESPITE THIS GENERALLY MORE POSITIVE PICTURE, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM OF INFLATION.
"CONCERN OVER INFLATION IN THE COMMUNITY - AND IN THIS COUNCIL IS ENTIRELY UNDERSTANDABLE AND APPROPRIATE. THE GOVERNMENT SHARES THIS ANXIETY," MR MACLEOD SAID.
TRUE, HE POINTED OUT, RECENTLY INFLATION HAD EASED, TRENDING SOMEWHAT HESITANTLY DOWN FROM THE PEAK OF 13.9 PER CENT IN APRIL TO 11.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.
"HOWEVER, INFLATION UNDOUBTEDLY REMAINS A SERIOUS PROBLEM," HE SAID.
HE SAID ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INFLATION WERE NOT MERE ABSTRACTIONS. THEY BOTH HAD A CONCRETE EFFECT ON PEOPLE’S WELL-BEING.
/IN GENERAL.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 12 -
IN GENERAL, HE NOTED, THE LESS WELL-OFF FELT THE PINCH OF INFLATION THE MOST SEVERELY.
"AN OVERALL ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE OF AROUND FOUR PER CENT WOULD IN MOST PLACES BE VERY RESPECTABLE. BUT INFLATION OF AROUND 11 PER ■CENT TO 12 PER CENT IS DISTINCTLY UNCOMFORTABLE," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S AMBITION MUST BE TO DO ALL IT COULD TO RAISE GROWTH AND REDUCE INFLATION.
BUT HE WAS QUICK TO ADD THAT THERE WAS A LIMIT TO WHAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO.
INFLATION WAS A COMPLEX PROBLEM, HE CONTINUED, WHICH NO GOVERNMENT HAD FOUND EASY TO SOLVE.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD TO FIND ITS OWN FORMULA FOR DEALING WITH INFLATION.
"WE NEED TO MOBILISE HONG KONG’S BEST ECONOMIC MINDS," HE STRESSED.
TO THIS END, A NEW ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED WITH HIM AS THE CHAIRMAN, HE SAID.
ITS MEMBERSHIP WOULD INCLUDE PROMINENT HONG KONG ECONOMISTS, AND ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE WOULD BE BROAD ENOUGH TO ENABLE STRATEGIC ISSUES CONFRONTING THE ECONOMY TO BE DISCUSSED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO OUTLINED THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE INFLATION PROBLEM.
FIRSTLY, HONG KONG HAD SUCCEEDED IN ACHIEVING A MAJOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE. THERE HAD BEEN A SHIFT FROM MANUFACTURING TO THE SERVICE SECTOR, COUPLED WITH A TRANSFER OF THE MORE LABOUR INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING TO SOUTHERN CHINA, TOGETHER WITH NEW INVESTMENTS FROM HONG KONG.
"THIS HAS BEEN A WELCOME CHANGE, AND WE HAVE ACHIEVED A MAJOR UPGRADING OF OUR ECONOMY WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT UNEMPLOYMENT - AN UNUSUAL FEAT," HE SAID.
SECONDLY, THIS STRUCTURAL CHANGE HAD HAD A VARYING EFFECT ON THE LOCAL PRICE STRUCTURE.
ON THE ONE HAND, THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY INTO SOUTHERN CHINA IN TURN STIMULATED THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES IN HONG KONG, BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT ALSO PUSHED UP PRICES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG’S RESTRUCTURED INDUSTRY HAD BEEN ABLE TO KEEP ITS PRICES. DOWN, THROUGH A COMBINATION OF INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND HAVING SOME PROCESSING DONE IN CHINA.
/AS A ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
13 -
AS A RESULT, MR MACLEOD SAID, HONG KONG HAD A SITUATION WHERE LOCAL CONSUMER PRICES HAD BEEN RISING TOO FAST FOR COMFORT, BUT WHERE EXPORT PRICES HAD REMAINED BROADLY COMPETITIVE.
"THIS KIND OF DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE RATE OF DOMESTIC PRICE INFLATION AND EXPORT PRICE INFLATION IS UNUSUAL IN A MARKET ECONOMY," HE SAID.
THIRDLY, AND MOST SERIOUS OF ALL, THE SEVERE SHORTAGE OF LAND AND LABOUR AGGRAVATED THE PRESSURE ON CONSUMER PRICES AND RESTRAINED GROWTH.
"LET US NOT FORGET THAT THE LABOUR SHORTAGE IS RELATIVELY NEW, STEMMING FROM THE ENDING OF FREE IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA - THE ’TOUCHBASE POLICY’ - IN 1980. AND ACCENTUATED BY EMIGRATION," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE ADDITIONAL DEMAND CREATED FOR HONG KONG GOODS AND SERVICES BY THE GROWTH IN OVERSEAS ORDERS AND HONG KONG’S EXPANDED ROLE IN SOUTHERN CHINA WOULD HAVE BEEN FAR LESS INFLATIONARY HAD THE LAND AND LABOUR NOT BEEN IN SHORT SUPPLY.
MEASURES TO CURB INFLATION OUTLINED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO CURB INFLATION WITH AN AIM TO RETURN TO A MORE STABLE, ORDERLY AND HEALTHY GROWTH, PARTICULARLY IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
THESE MEASURES WERE TO CURB PROPERTY SPECULATION, INCREASE LABOUR SUPPLY SELECTIVELY, EXPAND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S REMIT, ESTABLISH A NEW ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND EFFECTIVELY CONTROL PUBLIC SPENDING WHILE STILL FUNDING KEY COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TAKEN TOGETHER THESE MEASURES WOULD EXERT USEFUL DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON INFLATION.
"WE WILL NEED TO MONITOR EVENTS CLOSELY, PARTICULARLY IN THE PROPERTY AREA, AND BE ALERT TO WHAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED," MR MACLEOD SAID.
WHILE ADMITTING THE LONG-TERM MEASURE TO STABILISE THE PROPERTY MARKET WAS TO ENSURE A REASONABLE SUPPLY OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS TO MEET DEMAND, HE SAID A DIRECT SOLUTION WAS TO DETER THE SPECULATOR BY CUTTING INTO HIS PROFIT MARGIN AT EACH STAGE OF A CHAIN OF PROFITABLE TRANSACTIONS.
/MR MACLEOD .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
14
MR MACLEOD SAID THE MOST EFFECTIVE WEAPON TO DO THIS WAS A CHANGE IN THE WAY STAMP DUTY WAS CHARGED.
AT PRESENT, STAMP DUTY WAS PAYABLE ON ASSIGNMENT OF A PROPERTY; IN OTHER WORDS, ON COMPLETION OF THE DOCUMENT BY WHICH THE PROPERTY WAS LEGALLY TRANSFERRED TO THE PURCHASER.
BUT IT WAS NOT PAYABLE ON SALE AND PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS ENTERED INTO BEFORE THE ASSIGNMENT.
"WE HAVE NOW DECIDED THAT ALL SUCH ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE COVERED BY SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, AND TO CHARGE STAMP DUTY ON SUCH AGREEMENTS,” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
HE SAID AN ASSIGNMENT WOULD THEN ONLY ATTRACT NOMINAL DUTY.
THE DUTY ON THE ASSIGNMENT WOULD BE NOMINAL BECAUSE DUTY WOULD ALREADY HAVE BEEN PAID ON THE RELEVANT SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
HE STRESSED THAT THE RATE OF STAMP DUTY WAS NOT BEING CHANGED WHILE AN EXCEPTION WOULD BE MADE FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, WHERE 'THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO SCOPE FOR SPECULATIVE BUYING AND SELLING.
HE EMPHASISED THAT WHERE NO INTERMEDIARIES INTERVENE, THE STAMP DUTY PAYABLE BY A GENUINE HOME BUYER WOULD BE THE SAME AS AT PRESENT.
”THE IMPOSITION OF STAMP DUTY ON EACH AND EVERY SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT WILL GREATLY ERODE THE PROFITS FROM SPECULATIVE TRANSACTIONS,” HE SAID.
THE LARGER THE NUMBER OF TRANSACTIONS, THE GREATER THE EROSION OF SPECULATIVE PROFITS.
MR MACLEOD BELIEVED THAT THIS DISINCENTIVE SHOULD THEREFORE DETER SPECULATIVE ACTIVITIES AND REDUCE THE SCOPE FOR THE ARTIFICIAL INFLATION OF PRICES.
THE RESULT, HE ENVISAGED, SHOULD BE MORE STABLE PRICES, WHICH WOULD BENEFIT GENUINE HOME BUYERS.
NOTING THAT HE WOULD BE ACCUSED OF INTRODUCING THIS CHANGE IN ORDER TO INCREASE REVENUE, HE SAID THIS WAS MOST DEFINITELY NOT THE CASE.
’’BUT IT IS AN ACCUSATION I AM PREPARED TO FACE TO HELP GENUINE HOME BUYERS AND TO RESTORE REALISM TO THE MARKET," HE SAID.
TO STRENGTHEN THE LEGAL MUSCLE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO HELP PROTECT CONSUMERS AT TIMES OF INFLATION, MR MACLEOD SAID A CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL WOULD BE PUT BEFORE THE LEGCO LATER THIS MONTH.
THE BILL WOULD PUT IT BEYOND DOUBT THAT PROPERTY, ALONG WITH GOODS AND SERVICES, IS WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE COUNCIL.
/"I AM ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
15
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL HELP TO CREATE A MORE INFORMED PUBLIC IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH DEVELOPERS, ESTATE AGENTS, FINANCE HOUSES OR CORPORATE LANDLORDS, WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL CONSUMER IS OFTEN IN A WEAKER BARGAINING POSITION," HE SAID.
HE ASSURED THAT THIS SHOULD IN TURN CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTHIER PROPERTY MARKET.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID NEW MEASURES WERE INTRODUCED TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF GENUINE HOME BUYERS.
BUT HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT CONTROL PROPERTY PRICES BECAUSE THAT WOULD BRING AN END TO THE PROPERTY MARKET.
ANY ATTEMPT TO INTERVENE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET SHOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY-WAS PRIMARILY FOUNDED ON A FREE MARKET ECONOMY WITH THE PROPERTY SECTOR A KEY ELEMENT OF THE ECONOMY.
HE SAID PROPERTY-RELATED ACTIVITIES CONSTITUTED 14 PER CENT OF THE GDP.
MR BARNES SAID THE NEW MEASURES WERE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXISTING ANTI-PROPERTY SPECULATION MEASURES INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR AND AUGUST THIS YEAR. THEY INCLUDED:
* REQUIREMENT TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION ON ALL INTERMEDIARY SALES OF EQUITABLE INTERESTS IN PROPERTY (FOR IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN THIS MONTH);
» PROCEDURES TO REGULATE THE RE-SALE OF PRIVATELY ALLOCATED UNCOMPLETED FLATS (FOR IMPLEMENTATION AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE);
» ALL DEPOSITS FOR THE PURCHASE OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS HAD TO BE MADE IN BANK DRAFTS AND NO CHEQUES WOULD BE ACCEPTED (WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT).
THE SECRETARY ALSO REMINDED DEVELOPERS AND POTENTIAL BUYERS THAT THERE WOULD BE A RISK THAT BALLOTING REQUIREMENT WAS BEING CIRCUMVENTED BY PEOPLE SELLING THE SUCCESSFUL CHIPS TO OTHERS AS ONLY THE SAME PERSON WHOSE NAME AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBER HAD BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO SELECT THE FLAT AND TO CONCLUDE THE SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
ON THE ROLE PLAYED BY ESTATE AGENTS, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S REPORT AND HAD PUT IT BEFORE THE LAND AND BUILDINGS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THE COMMITTEE WERE OF THE VIEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD AIM AT ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL ETHICS THROUGH SELF-REGULATION AND, IF NECESSARY, LEGISLATION.
ON THE CONCERN THAT SPECULATION IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET SHOULD NOT BE FUELLED BY TOO LIBERAL A LENDING POLICY OF BANKS, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID RESULTS OF A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING REVEALED THAT BANKS HAD TIGHTENED THEIR LENDING POLICIES.
/DESCRIBING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 16 -
DESCRIBING THE RESULTS AS ENCOURAGING, MR NENDICK SAID THE MEASURES TAKEN VARIED FROM BANK TO BANK BUT INCLUDED REDUCING THE LOAN-TO-VALUATION AND THE LOAN-TO-INCOME RATIOS, MORE CONSERVATIVE PROPERTY VALUATIONS AND A REDUCTION IN THE MAXIMUM TERM FOR WHICH LOANS WOULD BE GRANTED.
WHILST THESE MEASURES MIGHT ALREADY BE HAVING A POSITIVE EFFECT IN RESTRAINING RISES IN PROPERTY PRICES, HE SAID THE SEPTEMBER MONETARY STATISTICS ON BANK LENDING REVEALED THAT LOANS TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY WERE STILL GROWING AT A SIGNIFICANT PACE.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THEREFORE THAT BANKS REMAIN VIGILANT IN THIS REGARD AND THE COMMISSIONER WILL BE WRITING TO AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS SHORTLY ASKING FOR A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LENDING CRITERIA," HE SAID.
ON LABOUR SUPPLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT ECONOMISTS HAD GENERALLY ARGUED THAT THE SEVERE SHORTAGE OF LABOUR AT A TIME OF HIGH DEMAND HAD BEEN A MAJOR CAUSE OF INFLATION, THOUGH BY NO MEANS THE ONLY CAUSE.
IN VIEW OF THIS, AND OF THE NEED TO REMOVE A REAL CONSTRAINT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT HONG KONG FURTHER AUGMENTED MANPOWER SUPPLY FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES, ON A SELECTIVE BASIS.
THESE INITIATIVES TO IMPORT MANPOWER WERE AIMED LARGELY AT PEOPLE AT MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVEL.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HONG KONG ALSO HAD SEVERE MANPOWER SHORTAGES AT OTHER LEVELS WHICH, IF NOT ALLEVIATED, WOULD HINDER THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC GROWTH.
ON THE SEVERE SHORTAGE OF LABOUR WHICH MIGHT BE A MAJOR CAUSE OF INFLATION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THESE MANPOWER SHORTAGES AT CERTAIN LEVELS WHICH IF NOT ALLEVIATED WOULD HINDER HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED AN INCREASE IN MANPOWER SUPPLY FROM OUTS 7DE WAS REQUIRED, BUT WOULD CONSULT CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING ON A FINAL FIGURE.
"OUR APPROACH WILL REMAIN HIGHLY SELECTIVE AND WILL BE TARGETTED AT AREAS WHERE SHORTAGES ARE PARTICULARLY SEVERE, AS REFLECTED BY, FOR EXAMPLE, HIGH VACANCY RATES," MR CHAN SAID.
IN ORDER TO FORM A PERMANENT FORUM IN WHICH HONG KONG’S BEST ECONOMIC MINDS WERE POOLED TOGETHER TO DISCUSS KEY ECONOMIC ISSUES INCLUDING INFLATION AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF STRUCTURAL CHANGE, MR MACLEOD SAID A NEW ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED, WITH HIM AS THE CHAIRMAN.
ITS MEMBERSHIP WOULD INCLUDE PROMINENT HONG KONG ECONOMISTS AND ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE WOULD BE BROAD ENOUGH TO ENABLE STRATEGIC ISSUES.CONFRONTING THE ECONOMY TO BE DISCUSSED.
/TO PLAN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
17
TO PLAN 'PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE STARTING POINT WAS LIKELY THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY.
"WE ASSUME THIS WILL BE FIVE PER CENT. HENCE, THE GROWTH RATE IN TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING OVER THE FORECAST PERIOD SHOULD ALSO NOT EXCEED FIVE PER CENT," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THIS GAVE THE GOVERNMENT THE OVERALL CEILING FOR PUBLIC SPENDING AND HE SAID HE HAD EVERY INTENTION OF ENSURING THAT IT WOULD BE OBSERVED.
ON MONETARY MEASURES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE SUPPORTED FOR THE PRESENT LINKED RATE.
"THE LINK TO THE US DOLLAR, SUPPLEMENTED BY THE MONETARY ARRANGEMENTS PUT IN PLACE MORE RECENTLY, HAS SERVED US WELL. I SHOULD MAKE VERY CLEAR MY FIRM INTENTION THAT IT WILL CONTINUE," HE SAID.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THE MONETARY POLICY HAD TO GIVE OVERWHELMING PRIORITY TO ENSURING A STABLE CURRENCY.
HONG KONG- HAD IN THE PAST FEW YEARS BEEN SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF SHOCKS, AND IT HAD BEEN REMARKABLE HOW WELL THESE SHOCKS HAD BEEN ABSORBED, WITH NO DAMAGE TO CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG CURRENCY. THE EXCHANGE RATE HAD REMAINED STABLE THROUGHOUT.
------0 - -
CONTINUED GOVT COMMITMENTS REAFFIRMED t * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THE MAJOR SOCIAL AND OTHER PROGRAMMES AND TO THE BASIC FREE MARKET APPROACH WHICH HAS SERVED HONG KONG SO WELL.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR MACLEOD SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S BASIC APPROACH WAS CLEAR.
”WE BELIEVE IN THE MERITS OF A MARKET ECONOMY AND OF COMPETITION; IN LOW TAX AND MINIMUM RED TAPE; IN COMBINING EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC’S INTERESTS WITH MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTlf,” HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THIS APPROACH HAD BROUGHT HONG KONG RISING STANDARDS OF LIVING AND FULL EMPLOYMENT OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
"WE BELIEVE STRONGLY IN ENCOURAGING COMPETITION,” HE CONTINUED.
COMPETITION IN THE DELIVERY OF PUBLIC SERVICES WOULD, IN PARTICULAR, CONTINUE TO BE ENCOURAGED, HE NOTED.
THE BENEFITS, HE SAID, INCLUDED INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, INNOVATION AND BETTER QUALITY.
/IN PUBLIC .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
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IN- PUBLIC TRANSPORT, FOR EXAMPLE, COMPETITION ALREADY EXISTED BETWEEN DIFFERENT TRANSPORT MODES.
’’BUT WE HAVE CONTINUED TO INCREASE COMPETITION IN THIS AREA -FOR EXAMPLE, BY COMPETITIVE TENDERS FOR BUS ROUTES," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED IN PRIVATISATION, THAT IS, HANDING OVER TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR ACTIVITIES BEST RUN BY ENTREPRENEURS RATHER THAN CIVIL SERVANTS.
"WE ARE ALREADY AHEAD OF MANY OTHER ECONOMIES IN THE NUMBER OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR BY STATUTORY CORPORATIONS RATHER THAN BY THE ADMINISTRATION ITSELF," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRIVATISATION OF TUNNELS WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE.
"WE INTEND TO DO MORE IN THIS AREA," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
TIGHTER GRIP ON GOVERNMENT FINANCES MANAGEMENT: FS
*****
STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE TIGHTER MANAGEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT FINANCES SO THAT AGGRAVATE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES ARE NOT AGGRAVATED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR MACLEOD SAID THE OVERALL GROWTH IN PUBLIC SPENDING MUST BE KEPT IN LINE WITH THE OVERALL GROWTH RATE FOR THE ECONOMY.
"THIS ENSURES THAT UE DO NOT CROWD OUT THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHICH GENERATES THE WEALTH THAT RAISES OUR STANDARD OF LIVING," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THIS GUIDELINE WAS NOT APPLIED INFLEXIBLY.
WHEN ECONOMIC GROWTH SLOWED, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SLOW DOWN PUBLIC SPENDING SIMULTANEOUSLY.
"INDEED, IT 'OULD BE WRONG TO APPLY THE BRAKES TOO ABRUPTLY -TO AVOID A STOP-GO EFFECT ON OUR PROGRAMMES. RESERVES HELP IN THIS ADJUSTMENT," HE SAID.
/IN THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991 - 19 -
IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 1980’S, THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF GDP WAS 7.8 PER CENT. THIS SLOWED DOWN TO 2.7 PER CENT IN 1989 AND 2.8 PER CENT LAST YEAR.
IN CONTRAST, MR MACLEOD SAID, THE SHARE OF PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING IN GDP INCREASED RATHER RAPIDLY, FROM 14.5 PER CENT IN 1987-88 TO 17.4 PER CENT IN 1990-91.
FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SHARE WAS LIKELY TO RISE EVEN FURTHER, TO 19 PER CENT. '
"PLAINLY GOVERNMENT SPENDING HAS TO BE BROUGHT INTO LINE WITH LOWER GDP GROWTH PROSPECTS," HE SAID.
IN CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, PARTICULARLY WITH HIGH INFLATION, IT WAS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE GOVERNMENT REIN IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
BUT HE SAID REPORTS ABOUT "CUTBACKS" IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE MIGHT HAVE CAUSED UNNECESSARY ALARM.
"IN OVERALL TERMS, WE ARE ACTUALLY PLANNING FOR A SIGNIFICANT REAL INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE. WHY THE CONFUSION?" HE ASKED.
HE SAID THE MISUNDERSTANDING MIGHT ARISE FROM THE FACT THAT, WHILE SPENDING MORE EVERY YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT STILL LOOKED FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING.
"WE MUST BRING PRESSURE TO BEAR ON DEPARTMENTS TO USE THEIR FUNDING MORE EFFICIENTLY, TO FIND WAYS TO CUT COSTS," HE SAID.
SOME OF THESE SAVINGS WERE THEN PLOUGHED BACK INTO THE EXISTING PROGRAMMES; INTO THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD A CONTINUING COMMITMENT BECAUSE OF PAST POLICY DECISIONS; AND TO NEW SERVICES.
THESE ECONOMIES, TOGETHER WITH THE REAL INCREASE IN RECURRENT SPENDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING FOR, FUNDED A CONSIDERABLE PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO MEET THE COMMUNITY’S RISING ASPIRATIONS. THESE INCLUDED:
FIRSTLY, NEW POLICY INITIATIVES THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANNOUNCED IN RECENT YEARS. THESE INCLUDED THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, BETTER STANDARDS OF SCHOOLING GENERALLY, AND THE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL WHITE PAPER AND THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE.
SECONDLY, EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE SPENDING COMMITMENTS REPRESENTED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S TAKEOVER OF GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITALS.'
THIRDLY, ADDITIONAL AND UNAVOIDABLE SPENDING COMMITMENTS SUCH AS INCREASED PURCHASES OF WATER FROM CHINA.
FOURTHLY, THE START UP OF NEW SCHOOLS, CLINICS AND HOSPITALS.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE LIKELY IMPACT OF BUDGETARY RESTRAINT ON THE SOCIAL SERVICES HAD ALSO BEEN THE SUBJECT OF SOME CONFUSION.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 20 -
HE SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT THE NEED FOR BUDGETARY RESTRAINT PRESENTED THE GOVERNMENT WITH HARD CHOICES.
"WE CANNOT HAVE A LOW TAX POLICY UNLESS WE ALSO ENSURE THAT SUBSIDIES ARE KEPT TO A MINIMUM, AND FEES AND CHARGES MOVE IN LINE WITH COSTS," HE SAID.
BUT IN MAKING THESE CHOICES, MR MACLEOD EMPHASISED THAT THE CONTINUING PRIORITY WAS BEING GIVEN TO SOCIAL SERVICES.
ON PRESENT PLANS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID RECURRENT ' EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE AND HEALTH WOULD SHOW SIGNIFICANT REAL GROWTH OVER THE MEDIUM TERM.
HE SAID THESE PROGRAMMES MUST CONTINUE TO TAKE HIGH PRIORITY TO ENSURE THAT THE DISADVANTAGED WERE PROTECTED IN TIMES OF INFLATION AND TO ENSURE THAT NO ONE SHOULD BE DEPRIVED OF EDUCATION OR HOSPITAL CARE BECAUSE OF A LACK OF MEANS.
GOVT’S POLICY ON MONETARY AFFAIRS EXPLAINED
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S REGULATORY STANDARDS MATCH UP TO THOSE EXPECTED OF A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED MOTION DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR NENDICK SAID THE TERRITORY NEEDED A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WHICH PROVIDED INVESTORS WITH AN ADEQUATE MEASURE OF PROTECTION AND ENSURED THE INTEGRITY OF ITS FINANCIAL MARKETS.
"BUT WE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO AVOID OVER-REGULATION AS-THAT WOULD STIFLE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG," HE SAID.
IN HIS ADDRESS, APART FROM ELABORATING ON BANK LENDING AND THE PROPERTY MARKET, THE SECRETARY ALSO SPOKE ON REGULATION OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG (BCCHK), DEPOSIT INSURANCE, THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, AND THE PRUDENTIAL REGULATION OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
ON THE REGULATION OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR NENDICK NOTED A MEMBER’S CONCERN OVER THE POWERS VESTED IN THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) WHICH ENABLED IT WHEN NECESSARY TO IMPOSE REFORM ON MARKET BODIES.
/HE ASSURED
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 21 -
HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT IT WAS NOT THE INTENTION OF THE COMMISSION TO EXERCISE THOSE POWERS OTHER THAN IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND THAT IN THE VERY UNLIKELY EVENT THAT SFC WERE TO SEEK TO USE ITS POWERS ARBITRARILY OR OPPRESSIVELY, THERE WERE AMPLE CHECKS AND BALANCES BUILT INTO THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK TO PREVENT ANY SUCH ABUSE.
"MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL EXAMINED THESE CAREFULLY, AND INDEED SUPPLEMENTED THEM, IN THE COURSE OF THE PASSAGE OF THE LEGISLATION THROUGH THE CHAMBER," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT POWERS SIMILAR TO THOSE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMISSION WERE AVAILABLE TO THE COMPARABLE REGULATORY BODIES IN OTHER CENTRES IN THE REGION SUCH AS MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND AND WERE ALSO TO BE FOUND IN BOTH THE UNITED KINGDOM AND USA.
"SUCH POWERS ARE WIDELY CONSIDERED THE NECESSARY COMPLEMENT TO AN EFFECTIVE SELF-REGULATORY SYSTEM AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE APPROPRIATE IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ON A MEMBER’S VIEW THAT THE SFC SHOULD NOT UNNECESSARILY INVESTIGATE MATTERS RELATING TO THE SECURITIES MARKETS, LEAVING THAT INSTEAD TO THE MARKET BODIES THEMSELVES, MR NENDICK SAID IN THOSE FIELDS WHERE SUCH BODIES EXISTED THIS WAS INDEED THE PRESENT POSITION, WITH THE COMMISSION MAINLY CONFINING ITSELF TO A SUPERVISORY ROLE.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS RIGHT AND PROPER THAT THE COMMISSION, IN COMMON WITH REGULATORS ELSEWHERE, SHOULD EXERCISE ITS OWN INVESTIGATORY POWERS WHERE THIS WAS APPROPRIATE AND NECESSARY.
REFERRING TO THE REFORM PACKAGE AGREED BETWEEN THE SFC AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG FOR THE EXCHANGE WHICH HAD BEEN ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, MR NENDICK SAID THE REFORMS WERE DESIGNED TO PRODUCE A MORE REPRESENTATIVE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE FOR THE EXCHANGE AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERESTS OF ALL WHO USED OUR MARKET WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN ITS DAY TO DAY AFFAIRS AND IN PLANNING ITS FUTURE STRATEGY.
WITH THE REFORMS IN PLACE, THE STRUCTURE OF HONG KONG’S STOCK MARKET WOULD BEAR FAVOURABLE COMPARISON WITH THAT IN OTHER MAJOR CENTRES, HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO SIR Q.W. LEE WHO, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG, HAD WORKED TIRELESSLY DURING HIS PERIOD OF LEADERSHIP TO RESTORE THE REPUTATION AND STANDING OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE FOLLOWING THE EVENTS IN OCTOBER 1987.
"WHEN HE RETIRES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR HE CAN DO SO WITH THE SATISFACTION OF A JOB WELL DONE.
"HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SECURITIES INDUSTRIES WAS INTERNATIONALLY ACKNOWLEDGED IN THE COURSE OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DES BOURSES DE VALEURS HELD IN HONG KONG LAST MONTH," MR NENDICK SAID.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
22
ON THE BANKING FRONT, THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE CONTINUING THE ONGOING TASK OF REVIEWING THE LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS IN THE LIGHT OF PERATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOPMENTS.
"WE INTEND TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENTS TO THE BANKING ORDINANCE DURING THE CURRENT SESSION WHICH, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, WILL STRENGTHEN CO-OPERATION BETWEEN AUDITORS AND THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
"THIS WILL ENHANCE THE MONITORING OF BANKS’ INTERNAL CONTROLS AND THUS ENABLE THE EARLY DETECTION OF ANY PROBLEMS.
"SOME TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS IDENTIFIED AS DESIRABLE IN THE LIGHT OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLOSURE OF BCCHK WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED," HE SAID.
ON BCCHK, MR NENDICK REITERATED THAT THE PROBLEMS RESULTED FROM EVENTS OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS DETRACTING FROM THE SOUNDNESS OF THE TERRITORY’S BANKING SYSTEM.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG CHINESE BANK HAD COMPLETED ITS DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW AND HAD MADE PROPOSALS FOR THE TAKEOVER OF THE BANKING BUSINESS OF BCCHK.
"THESE PROPOSALS ARE UNDER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
"AS NEGOTIATIONS ARE STILL IN PROGRESS, IT WOULD BE UNWISE TO SPECULATE ON THEIR CHANCES OF SUCCESS.
"ANY TERMS THAT MIGHT BE PROVISIONALLY AGREED BY THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR WOULD REQUIRE THE SANCTION OF THE COURT, AND THE DEPOSITORS AND OTHER CREDITORS WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE CONSULTED," HE SAID.
ON WHETHER HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE SOME FORM OF DEPOSIT INSURANCE SCHEME, MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS WORKING HARD ON DRAFTING A PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER WHICH IT HOPED COULD BE PUBLISHED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
CONCEDING THAT THE ISSUE WAS A COMPLEX ONE WHICH NEEDED CAREFUL RESEARCH, HE SAID THE AUTHORITIES WERE DRAWING UPON THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER CENTRES AS WELL AS EVALUATING THE IMPACT THE DEPOSIT INSURANCE SCHEME WOULD HAVE FOR THE DEPOSITORS AND'BANKING SYSTEM.
IT WOULD BE IMPRUDENT TO RUSH INTO HASTY DECISIONS ON THIS ISSUE AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE TAKING CAREFUL ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS BOTH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND OF THE BANKING SECTOR IN THE COURSE OF THE CONSULTATION PROCESS, HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS REGULAR REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT PROVISIONS OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WERE UP-TO-DATE IN THE LIGHT OF OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND MARKET DEVELOPMENTS.
/TO THIS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 23 -
TO THIS END, THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE MAIN PURPOSE OF WHICH WAS TO EXTEND THE GROUNDS ON WHICH THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY MIGHT TAKE INTERVENTIONARY ACTION IN THE INTERESTS OF THE INSURING PUBLIC, WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEEK.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE PROVISIONS ENABLING THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO STRENGTHEN ITS SUPERVISION OVER PROBLEM INSURERS, AND GIVING AUDITORS AND ACTUARIES A GREATER ROLE IN THE REPORTING OF SUSPECTED FRAUD, HE ADDED.
MR NENDICK SAID THE LACK OF ANY REGULATION OF INSURANCE AGENTS AND BROKERS HAD BEEN AN AREA OF CONCERN.
"WE FULLY ACCEPT THAT THIS IS UNSATISFACTORY AND THAT STEPS
MUST BE TAKEN TO REMEDY THE SITUATION.
"BOTH THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE INDUSTRY BELIEVE THAT THE ANSWER LIES IN A SYSTEM OF SELF-REGULATION WITHIN A FRAMEWORK OF SUPPORTIVE LEGISLATION.
"WORKING GROUPS HAVE BEEN FORMED BY THE INDUSTRY TO DRAW UP PROPOSALS AND THERE HAS BEEN USEFUL DIALOGUE WITH THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY.
"IN PARALLEL, LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ARE BEING FORMULATED TO INCREASE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INSURERS FOR THE ACTIONS OF THEIR AGENTS AND 10 ENHANCE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE PRINCI PAL/AGENT RELATIONSHIP," HE SAID.
FINALLY, MR NENDICK NOTED THAT THE NEED FOR PRUDENTIAL REGULATION OF PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES TO ENSURE THAT RETIREMENT BENEFITS WERE PAID WHEN THEY FELL DUE HAD RECEIVED WIDE PUBLIC SUPPORT.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY. '
"THERE WAS GENERAL SUPPORT FOR THE PRINCIPLES ENSHRINED IN THE BILL FROM MARKET AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES," HE SAID.
"THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WHICH STUDIED THE BILL ENDORSED THE NEED FOR REGULATION ON THESE LINES BUT EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE COMPLEXITY OF THE BILL.
"GIVEN THF. LIMITED TIME AVAILABLE FOR ITS SCRUTINY, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD RESTRUCTURE AND SIMPLIFY THE BILL BEFORE RE-PRESENTING IT TO THE COUNCIL IN THE CURRENT SESSION."
MR NENDICK SAID THE AUTHORITIES WERE IN THE COURSE OF REDRAFTING THE BILL IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE MARKET AND CONCERNED PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND THAT THE REVISED BILL WOULD RETAIN ALL THE BASIC PRINCIPLES.
/THEY WERE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
THEY WERE SEPARATION OF ASSETS OF THE RETIREMENT SCHEME FROM THOSE OF THE EMPLOYER’S BUSINESS; PROVISION OF ADEQUATE FUNDING; DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT INFORMATION TO MEMBERS OF THE RETIREMENT SCHEME; AND ANNUAL INDEPENDENT AUDITS.
HE SAID IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE MADE TO THE PROVISIONS GOVERNING FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS AND THE REGISTRATION OF POOLED SCHEMES, AND MINOR PROCEDURAL MATTERS WOULD BE DEALT WITH BY WAY OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
"WE ENVISAGE THAT THE RE-DRAFTING PROCESS WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
- 0 -
FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO SUPPORT INDUSTRY OUTLINED
* * » * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SPELT OUT THE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT THE GOVERNMENT WAS MAKING IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH PRIVATE ENTERPRISE COULD FLOURISH.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR CHAU SAID SUCH FACILITIES AND SERVICES INCLUDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO MEET THE ECONOMY'S NEEDS; THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL LAND; SERVICES TO HELP INDUSTRY TO UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY; AND ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE INWARD INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG.
HE ALSO SAID HONG KONG OWED A LARGE PART OF ITS ECONOMIC SUCCESS TO ITS FREE TRADE POLICY: " WE MAINTAIN NO TARIFFS AND ARE OPEN TO ANY TRADING PARTNER WHO WISHES TO TRADE WITH US. FOR OVER FORTY YEARS WE HAVE FOLLOWED THE MULTILATERAL ROUTE TOWARDS THE LOWERING OF TARIFFS AND THE REMOVAL OF TRADE BARRIERS, USING THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR EXTERNAL TRADE POLICY.
MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME WAS VERY MUCH GEARED TOWARDS HELPING INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE ITS TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY.
"MANY OF THE PLACES ON OFFER IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS ARE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUBJECTS.
"THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HAS JUST OPENED ITS DOORS TO ITS FIRST INTAKE OF STUDENTS. THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL IS ACTIVE IN ACQUIRING AND DISSEMINATING NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
"OUR INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CATER FOR HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES; AND THE ESTATE AT TAI PO HAS LAND SPECIALLY EARMARKED FOR VERY HIGH-TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS.
"WORK HAS STARTED ON THE FORMATION OF A NEW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE -THE THIRD - AT TSEUNG KWAN O.
/"WE ARE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 25 -
"WE ARE BUILDING AN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE TO PROVIDE SPACE AND FACILITIES FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED COMPANIES.
"AND OUR INWARD INVESTMENT PROGRAMME ENCOURAGES TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FROM OVERSEAS," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO BREAK NEW GROUND FOR HONG KONG BY INTRODUCING A NEW SCHEME OF ASSISTANCE FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D).
"THE AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE INDUSTRY TO INVEST MORE IN APPLIED R&D. WITH THAT ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT, WE SHOULD SEE INDUSTRY BECOMING MORE SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGICALLY - AND, IN THE LONGER TERM, MORE COMPETITIVE IN OUR EXPORT MARKETS.
"UNDER THE SCHEME, GOVERNMENT WILL INVEST JOINTLY WITH INDUSTRY IN WORTHWHILE APPLIED R&D; AND WILL REAP ITS SHARE OF THE BENEFITS OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS.
"WE SHALL SHORTLY BE PUTTING PROPOSALS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL FOR THE FUNDING OF THE SCHEME," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SUPPORT IT OFFERED SHOULD BE EFFECTIVE AND WELL-FOCUSSED.
•"THAT IS WHY WE HAVE DECIDED TO ESTABLISH AN INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AS THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED IN RIS ADDRESS," HE SAID.
MR CHAU ADDED THAT THE NEW COUNCIL, WHICH WOULD START WORK NEXT JANUARY, WOULD TAKE OVER FROM THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO GIVE A SINGLE CHANNEL OF ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE NEW COUNCIL WILL HELP GOVERNMENT TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE RAPIDLY CHANGING.NEEDS OF INDUSTRY - INCLUDING THOSE STEMMING FROM THE CHALLENGES OF NEW TECHNOLOGY - AND TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE ARE BETTER CO-ORDINATED," HE SAID.
MR CHAU NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAD SPOKEN IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PHILOSOPHY OF MINIMUM INTERVENTION IN THE FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES. BUT SOME OTHERS HAD ARGUED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DRAW UP A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO SHAPE HONG KONG’S FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
"OUR VIEW REMAINS THAT WE SHOULD LEAVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR FREE TO MANAGE ITS OWN AFFAIRS.
"HONG KONG OWES ITS ECONOMIC SUCCESS TO THE ASTUTE DECISIONS OF ITS BUSINESSMEN.
"I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE QUITE WRONG FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO SEEK TO TAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. THAT SHOULD BE THE PRESERVE OF OUR ENTREPRENEURS," HE SAID.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
26
ON THE PROPOSAL BY SOME MEMBERS ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A FORMAL MECHANISM FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SOUTH CHINA, MR CHAU SAID TRADE AND INVESTMENT LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES WERE ALREADY VERY EXTENSIVE.
"THEY HAVE GROWN UP NATURALLY AND RAPIDLY AS OUR TRADERS AND MANUFACTURERS HAVE EXPLORED AND TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OVER THE BORDER.
"THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAS ' DONK MUCH TO FACILITATE THIS PROCESS.
"GIVEN SOUTH CHINA’S IMMENSE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL, I BELIEVE THAT ECONOMIC LINKS WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND AND FLOURISH WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ANY FORMAL GOVERNMENT-LED MECHANISM FOR PROMOTING OR CO-ORDINATING OVERALL DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
ON THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS UNDER THE GATT, MR CHAU SAID WE WERE NOW AT THE 11TH HOUR OF THE ROUND AND IT WAS TIME FOR THE MAJOR PLAYERS - THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND THE UNITED STATES - TO SUMMON UP THE NECESSARY POLITICAL WILL IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A BREAKTHROUGH IN AGRICULTURE.
"IF THAT CAN BE DONE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THEN WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME," HE SAID.
ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION, MR CHAU SAID KONG KONG WAS ALREADY A MEMBER OF THE PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE.
"AT A MINISTERIAL MEETING TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK IN SEOUL, KOREA, HONG KONG WILL BECOME A PARTICIPANT IN THE IMPORTANT FORUM KNOWN AS ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION OR APEC.
"SINCE 78% OF HONG KONG’S TRADE IS WITH ECONOMIES IN THE ASIA PACIFIC AND, BEING THE 11TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY fN THE WORLD, HONG KONG OBVIOUSLY HAS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO PLAY IN APEC," HE SAID.
- - 0----------
OTHER MEANS SOUGHT FOR FINANCING SEWERAGE STRATEGY
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY EXAMINING VARIOUS WAYS BY’ WHICH THE SEWERAGE STRATEGY MIGHT BE FINANCED BY OTHER MEANS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. MR BARNES SAID HONG KONG NEEDED THIS STRATEGY AND IT MUST GO AHEAD.
/"BUT WE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 , 19?1
- 27 -
"BUT WE MUST PREPARE OURSELVES FOR THE FACT THAT IT WILL TAKE LONGER THAN WE HAD HOPED TO BRING OUR’^PLANS TO FRUITION.
”IN THE PRESENT CLIMATE OF FINANCIAL STRINGENCY, IT WILL NOT BE EASY TO FINANCE THE WHOLE OF THIS STRATEGY IN THE NORMAL WAY THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME,” HE SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT WAS KEEPING UP THE STUDIES NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAMME OF WORKS ON TARGET, MR BARNES ADDED.
"IN THIS RESPECT GOOD PROGRESS WAS ACHIEVED DURING A RECENT VISIT OF THE OFFICIALS FROM THE STATE OCEANIC ADMINISTRATION OF CHINA WITHOUT WHOSE CO-OPERATION THIS SCHEME INVOLVING AN OUTFALL WELL WITHIN CHINESE WATERS CANNOT PROCEED.
"AND WHETHER OR NOT SEWAGE CHARGES ARE LEVIED TO HELP RECOUP THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE CONSULTATIONS WITH CHINA WILL ALSO BE NECESSARY IF A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL LIABILITY OF THE WORKS EXTENDS BEYOND 1997.
"BUT OUR COMMITMENT TO IT, TO REDUCING POLLUTION, AND TO THE ENVIRONMENT GENERALLY, REMAINS AS STRONG AS EVER. AND THERE IS NO QUESTION OF SHELVING THE SEWAGE STRATEGY," MR BARNES SAID.
HE ADDED THAT $4 BILLION WORTH OF SEWAGE PROJECTS WERE CURRENTLY IN THE PIPELINE.
"WE ARE STILL PRESSING AHEAD TO IMPROVE THE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS, ESPECIALLY IN KOWLOON, WHERE THE WORST PROBLEMS ARE, AND ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, WHERE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR BEACHES ARE.
"WE WILL GRADUALLY CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WORST AREAS BY IMPLEMENTING WORKS ARISING FROM OUR SEWERAGE MASTER PLANS, AS FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE, AND BY FORGING AHEAD ON MANY DIFFERENT ANTIPOLLUTION FRONTS DURING THE COMING YEAR," MR BARNES SAID.
HE SAID IN ADDITION, THERE WERE OTHER MEASURES WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION AIMED TO ACHIEVE DURING THE COMING SESSION.
THESE INCLUDED:
* INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND VERY STRINGENT INTERNATIONAL EMISSION STANDARDS FOR ALL VEHICLES BOTH DIESEL AND PETROL-ENGINED IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG FROM JANUARY 1, 1992;
» UPGRADING OF, THE SMOKY VEHICLE SCHEME ENABLING VEHICLE EMISSION CHECKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY ABOUT 18 PRIVATE GARAGES, WITH A FEE BEING CHARGED FOR SUCH INSPECTIONS;
* PRODUCING RECOMMENDATIONS ON A POLICY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AROUND THE END OF THIS YEAR; AND
* SEEKING TO SAVE STAFF BY INTRODUCING LESS MANPOWER-INTENSIVE CONTROL MEASURES, INCLUDING PRIVATISATION OF WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES, SMOKY VEHICLE INSPECTIONS AND COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF MARINE REFUSE.
/ALL PRE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
ALL PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD NOW BEEN INSPECTED, AND THE STAFF HAD MOVED ON TO POST-WAR BUILDINGS WITHOUT MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS, HE SAID.
T .
’’BUT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POST-WAR BUILDINGS IS ABOUT 54,000.
"THEY ARE MOSTLY MULTI-STOREY WITH MANY UNITS IN EACH BUILDING AND A FULL INSPECTION OF ALL OF THEM WILL NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL THE END OF THIS CENTURY IF WE RELY ON EXISTING RESOURCES.
"MORE IMPORTANT, AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, OWNERS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS SHOULD FACE UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OF ENSURING THAT THEIR BUILDINGS ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND PREPARED," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS PUTTING IN HAND AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE OWNERS THEMSELVES TO HAVE SURVEYS DONE IN BUILDINGS FOUND TO BE IN A SUSPECT CONDITION.
it
TURNING TO PUBLIC HOUSING, THE SECRETARY SAID THE LINK OF THE SALE PRICES OF HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS TO PRIVATE SECTOR PRICES WAS VERY FLEXIBLE AND THE DISCOUNT HAD BEEN PEGGED VARIOUSLY TO SUIT THE NEEDS AND AFFORDABILITY OF THOSE FOR WHOM THE FLATS WERE INTENDED.
"THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL REVIEW THE HOME OWNERSHIP LIMITS AGAIN NEXT MARCH AND WILL ALSO CONSIDER PROPOSALS TO ASSIST THOSE CAUGHT BETWEEN THE INCOME LIMITS OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING," HE SAID.
"THE HOUSING AUTHORITY RECOGNISE THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR MORE PUBLIC SECTOR HOUSING FOR SALE AND INTENDED TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF HOS FLATS.
"IT WILL NOT IGNORE THE NEEDS OF THOSE REQUIRING RENTAL HOUSING AND INDEED HAS PLANS FOR PROVIDING MORE ACCOMMODATION FOR SINGLE AND ELDERLY PERSONS," HE ADDED.
------0------------
FURTHER MEASURES TO CURB PROPERTY SPECULATION ******
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF FURTHER MEASURES WHICH ARE IN THE PIPELINE TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING ONES TO CURB EXCESSIVE SPECULATION IN UNCOMPLETED FLATS WITH THE ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS OF PUBLIC DISORDER DURING THE SALES.
MR BARNES, SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS, SAID THESE MEASURES WERE TO BE INTRODUCED WITH THE VIEW TO PROTECTING THE INTEREST OF GENUINE HOME BUYERS RATHER THAN AN ATTEMPT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL PROPERTY PRICES.
/TURNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
29
TURNING TO INFRASTRUCTURAL INFRASTRUCTURAL NEEDS HAD CHANGED AS HONG KONG HAD CONTINUED TO CHANGE INDUSTRY HAD AS LINKS WITH CHINA HAD
DEVELOPMENT, MR BARNES SAID THE BREAD AND BUTTER FUNCTION OF FROM MANUFACTURING TO SERVICES BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT.
HE SAID: "IT WAS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT WE HAD TO PLAN FOR A MUCH GREATER PORT AND AIRPORT CAPACITY AND IN WHICH WE HAVE TO GIVE A MUCH HIGHER PRIORITY TO OUR PHYSICAL TRANSPORT LINKS TO THE MAINLAND UPON WHICH MUCH OF THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG WILL DEPEND.
"IT WAS ALSO WITHIN THIS CONTEXT THAT WE DECIDED THAT THE PORT AND AIRPORT SHOULD BE SITED TO THE WEST OF HONG KONG.
"IN OUR RELATIVELY SMALL TERRITORY, THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT STRATEGIC DECISION AS IT HAS SET UP THE MAJOR PATTERN OF FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
"THE PATTERN IS SIMPLE: THE WEST, SOUTH AND NORTH OF THE TERRITORY WILL BE THE AREAS IN WHICH WE WILL PRINCIPALLY EXPAND OUR ECONOMY; THE METROPOLITAN AREAS ON THE EAST WILL BE WHERE WE WILL PRIMARILY AIM TO MEET OUR RESIDENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS.
"IT IS NOT OF COURSE AS SIMPLE AS THAT, BUT THIS REMAINS BASICALLY THE STRATEGY."
"IN THIS RESPECT, MR BARNES SAID WHEN THE GOVERNMENT STARTED TO PREPARE THE SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING STATEMENT OF THE METROPOLITAN AREAS, IT WAS DECIDED THAT IT SHOULD BE A PLAN WHICH AIMED AT THE KIND OF STANDARDS OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH IT WAS ALREADY ACHIEVING IN THE NEW TOWNS AND THAT THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE URBAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT BE ONE OF ITS MAIN GOALS.
THIS WAS NOT A FORLORN HOPE, HE ADDED.
"WE HAD ALREADY IN TRAIN A PROGRAMME FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHICH AFFECTS NEARLY ONE THIRD OF THE POPULATION OF THE METROPOLITAN AREAS, AND WE ALREADY HAD IN PLACE THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, WHICH COULD LEAD IN THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE DECAYED AND DECAYING AREAS OF THE' CITY.
"WHAT WAS NEEDED WAS A PLAN WHICH WOULD CO-ORDINATE THE NEW INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AND RECLAMATIONS WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE OLDER CITY," HE SAID.
THIS WAS WHAT THE METROPLAN, WHICH WAS TO BE PUBLISHED LATER THIS MONTH, WAS INTENDED TO ACHIEVE, MR BARNES SAID.
ADDRESSING THE QUESTION OF BUILDING SAFETY, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS TAKEN ACTION AGAINST BUILDINGS FOUND TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
IN OCTOBER 1989, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ADDITIONALLY LAUNCHED A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY ON ALL PRIVATE BUILDINGS TO ASSESS AND CATEGORISE THEIR PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND TO IDENTIFY THE ACTIONS WHICH IT SHOULD TAKE TO ASSURE THEIR SAFETY.
/THE MEASURES .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
30
THE MEASURES INCLUDED THE ONES ON WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION WITH REGARD TO THE REQUIREMENT OF DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION ON ALL INTERMEDIARY SALES OF EQUITABLE INTEREST IN PROPERTY, AND MEASURES TO REGULATE THE RE-SALE OF PRIVATELY ALLOCATED UNCOMPLETED FLATS.
ON THE NEED TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION, MR BARNES SAID THE INFORMATION DISCLOSED WOULD FACILITATE BETTER RECORD KEEPING, AND WOULD BE USEFUL FOR TAX OR STAMP DUTY PURPOSES.
HF SAID THE TERMS OF THIS MEASURE WERE BEING FINALISED FOR INCORPORATION IN THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (LAND OFFICER)’S CONSENT SCHEME FOR IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN THIS MONTH.
REGARDING THE RE-SALE OF PRIVATELY ALLOCATED UNCOMPLETED FLATS, HE DISCLOSED THAT TO BEGIN WITH, THE MEASURE WOULD STIPULATE THAT NOT MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL FLATS FOR WHICH CONSENT HAD BEEN GRANTED MIGHT BE EARMARKED BY DEVELOPERS FOR PRIVATE OR BULK ALLOCATION.
FOR PARTIES ALLOCATED TWO OR MORE UNITS THROUGH PRIVATE PLACEMENT, THERE WOULD BE NO RE-SALE WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE SIGNING OF THE FORMAL SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
THEREAFTER AND BEFORE ISSUE OF THE OCCUPATION PERMIT, BULK RE-SALE, THAT IS, THE RE-SALE OF ALL THE UNITS WHICH HAD BEEN BOUGHT PRIVATELY TO A SINGLE PURCHASER WOULD BE ALLOWED.
HOWEVER, MR BARNES NOTED THAT ANY OTHER FORM OF RE-SALE WOULD BE SUBJEC” TO FURTHER CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (LAND OFFICER).
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE MEASURES GOVERNING THE RE-SALE OF PROPERTIES ACQUIRED THROUGH INTERNAL OR PRIVATE ALLOCATION WERE AIMED AT PREVENTING THE CREATION OF A SECONDARY MARKET.
THE TERMS OF THE MEASURES WERE NOW BEING FINALISED UP BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (LAND OFFICER) IN CONSULTATION WITH THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION WITH A VIEW TO IMPLEMENTATION AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO OTHER MEASURES, MR BARNES SAID THERE WOULD ALSO BE SOME REFINEMENTS TO THE CONSENT CONDITIONS ALREADY IN OPERATION.
"WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, ALL DEPOSITS FOR THE PURCHASE OF UNCOMPLETED FLATS HAVE TO BE MADE IN BANK DRAFTS AND NO CHEQUES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
"THIS SHOULD PLUG A LOOPHOLE WHEREBY SOME PEOPLE SIMPLY REGISTER WITH A CHEQUE WITHOUT SUFFICIENT MONEY IN THEIR BANK ACCOUNT AND DEPOSIT THE NECESSARY MONEY ONLY IF THEY BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE BALLOT FOR SELECTING FLATS.
"BY MAKING IT MANDATORY THAT ONLY BANK DRAFTS ARE ACCEPTED, IT WILL DETER FRIVOLOUS REGISTRATION OR MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS," HE POINTED OUT.
/COMMENTING ON .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 31 -
COMMENTING ON REPORTS THAT THE BALLOTING REQUIREMENT IS BEING CIRCUMVENTED BY PEOPLE SELLING THE SUCCESSFUL CHIPS TO OTHERS, MR BARNES REMINDED DEVELOPERS OF THE CONSEQUENCE IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE IN COLLUSION WITH SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT, AS WELL AS POTENTIAL BUYERS OF THE RISK WHICH THEY WOULD FACE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSENT SCHEME ALLOWED ONLY THE SAME PERSON WHOSE NAME AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBER HAD BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE DEVELOPER THE RIGHT TO SELECT THE FLAT AND TO CONCLUDE THE SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
"EVEN IF HE PURPORTED TO HAVE SOLD HIS CHIP THIS PERSON WAS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO SELL OFF HIS FLAT TO THE PERSON WHO HAD BOUGHT THE CHIP, NOR WAS THERE ANY GUARANTEE THAT HE WOULD NOT SELL IT TO ANOTHER HIGHER BIDDER OR INDEED TO A NUMBER OF BIDDERS.
"SO, TO TRUST ONE’S MONEY TO THOSE SELLING SUCCESSFUL CHIPS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WE HAVE SECURED DEVELOPERS’ AGREEMENT TO PUBLICISE THIS FACT BOTH AT THEIR SALE OFFICES AND IN THEIR PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS," HE SAID.
IN RESPONSE TO THE NEED TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF RESIDENTIAL LAND TO ENABLE MORE FLATS TO BE PUT ON THE MARKET, AS POINTED OUT BY MANY MEMBERS.
HE EXPLANED THAT THE AIMS OF HONG KONG’S HOUSING POLICY WERE TO- ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE HOUSING AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE OR RENT WAS AVAILABLE TO ALL HOUSEHOLDS, AND TO PROMOTE AND SATISFY THE GROWING DEMAND FOR HOME OWNERSHIP.
HENCE A MAJOR PRIORITY IN GOVERNMENT’S LAND POLICY WAS TO MAKE SUFFICIENT LAND AVAILABLE TO MEET HOUSING NEEDS.
HE DSCLOSED THAT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, AN AVERAGE OF OVER 100 HECTARES OF LAND WAS MADE AVAILABLE FOR HOUSING EACH YEAR AND OVER 390,000 NEW FLATS WERE PRODUCED.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS INCREASED BY ONLY 130,000.
"THUS AT MOST ONE-THIRD OF THE NEW FLATS IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS WOULD HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF NEW HOUSEHOLDS AND AT LEAST TWO-THIRDS WERE AVAILABLE TO MEET THE DEMANDS FOR IMPROVED HOUSING AS WELL AS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES," HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD, MR BARNES ANTICIPATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SHORTAGE OF RESIDENTIAL LAND.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FORMATION OF NEW HOUSEHOLDS AND THE NEEDS OF THE INADEQUATELY HOUSED, BALANCED AGAINST ADDITIONAL HOUSING GENERATED BY REDEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID A HOUSING DEMAND OF SOME 66,000 FLATS PER YEAR WAS FORECAST FOR THE PERIOD 1994/95 TO 1998/99.
/"ALLOWING TIME .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER £ , 1991
- 32 -
’’ALLOWING TIME FOR THE FLATS TO BE BUILT AND THEREFORE LOOKING AT THE LAND S’ PPLY POSITION IN 1991/92 AND 1995/96, THERE SHOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH LAND TO MEET THIS DEMAND.
’’FURTHERMORE, MOST OF THE LAND TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTIAL USE WILL BE FOR HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT,” HE ADDED.
IN SUM, HE WAS OF THE VIEW THAT THE HOUSING SUPPLY SITUATION HAD IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS AND WOULD CONTINUE TO IMPROVE.
ADDRESSING THE PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE ROLE PLAYED BY ESTATE AGENTS, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S REPORT ON ESTATE AGENTS AND HAD PUT IT BEFORE THE LAND AND BUILDINGS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE WAS OF THE VIEW THAT THE
GOVERNMENT SHOULD AIM AT ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL ETHICS THROUGH
SELF-REGULATION AND, IF NECESSARY, LEGISLATION.
MR BARNES NOTED THAT THE INDUSTRY PURPORTED TO AGREE WITH THE
COMMITTEE’S VIEW AND IT WAS MAKING EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK
FOR SELF-REGULATION.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FOLLOW DEVELOPMENTS CLOSELY AND CONTINUE ITS DIALOGUE WITH THE TRADE AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES TO SEE WHETHER AND WHAT LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS WERE REQUIRED.
"BUT WE WOULD WISH TO AVOID THEM IF POSSIBLE, AS LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS WOULD BE A FURTHER EXTENSION OF BUREAUCRACY AND WOULD NEED STAFF AND OTHER VALUABLE PUBLIC RESOURCES TO MAKE THEM WORK," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEASURES, MR BARNES STRESSED THAT ANY ATTEMPT TO INTERVENE IN THE PROPERT MARKET SHOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY WAS PRIMARILY FOUNDED ON A FREE MARKET ECONOMY WITH PROPERTY SECTOR BEING A KEY ELEMENT OF THE ECONOMY. •A
PROPERTY-RELATED ACTIVITIES CONSTITUTED 14 PER CENT OF THE GDP.
"FOR MANY, BUYING PROPERTY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN THEIR LIFETIME. SOME MAY SEE IT AS BUYING THEIR HOME, OTHERS BY FLATS AS AN INVESTMENT AND A HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION.
"ANY ATTEMPT TO INTERVENE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET SHOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THESE FACTORS," HE ADDED.
"FOR ONE THING WE WOULD NOT CONTEMPLATE GOVERNMENT CONTROL OF PROPERTY PRICES, BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE THE END OF THE MARKET. BUT WE ARE VERY CONSCIOUS, OF THE NEED TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF GENUINE HOME BUYERS," HE SAID.
/33........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
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PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME KEEPS PACE WITH PROSPERITY ******
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) UNDERLINED THE GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT THAT THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, WHICH CONSISTS OF 10 PROJECTS IN TOTAL, WOULD ABSORB ONLY ABOUT ONE QUARTER OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE DURING THE SIX YEARS NEEDED FOR CONSTRUCTION.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR BLAKE EXPLAINED THAT THE PROGRAMME WOULD IN PART BE FUNDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHILE OTHER PARTS SUCH AS THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY WERE NOT EXCLUSIVELY TRANSPORT-AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS AND IN THE NORMAL WAY WOULD HAVE BEEN FUNDED THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
"THEY ARE IN FACT AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, FURTHER OPENING UP THE WESTERN PART OF THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.
"GIVEN OUR POLICY OF CAPPING TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AS. A PERCENTAGE OF PROJECTED GDP GROWTH, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT SOME PROJECTS HAVE BEEN REPHASED.
"THE DISCIPLINE OF PROJECTS COMPETING FOR LIMITED RESOURCES IS NOT NEW, AND HAS A SALUTARY EFFECT IN CONTROLLING PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE.
"NEVERTHELESS, THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S INFRASTRUCTURE IS CONTINUING AT A RATE THAT OUTSIDERS CONTINUE TO ADMIRE,” HE SAID.
ON'THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, MR BLAKE SAID IT CONTINUED TO GRCW AND KEEP PACE WITH THE INCREASING PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY.
"THERE ARE OVER 2,000 PROJECTS CURRENTLY IN THE PROGRAMME; AND EXPENDITURE HAS INCREASED AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 15 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
"EXPENDITURE FOR THE NEXT THREE FINANCIAL YEARS IS FORECAST TO REACH $18.7 BILLION, $21.2 BILLION AND $24.2 BILLION RESPECTIVELY, EXCLUDING EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC HOUSING.
"NOT ONLY HAS MUCH BEEN ACHIEVED IN TERMS OF THE SIZE AND SPEEDING UP THE PROGRAMME, WE HAVE ALSO MADE GREAT PROGRESS IN TERMS OF QUALITY," MR BLAKE NOTED.
"IF WE ONLY LOOK AT OUR THIRD GENERATION NEW TOWNS, TSEUNG KWAN O AND TIN SHUI WAI, AND ANOTHER WORLD CLASS PROJECT THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL, ALL OF WHICH ARE PROCEEDING ON PROGRAMME, WE CAN RIGHTLY BE PROUD OF THESE EXAMPLES OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS," HE ADDED.
/ON MEMBERS' ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 34 -
ON MEMBERS’ CONCERN TO THE NEED TO PURSUE PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM, MR BLAKE SAID THE WORKS BRANCH HAD SOME TIME AGO INITIATED ACTION ON A NUMBER OF FRONTS.
HE CITED AS EXAMPLE THE FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL CHARGING IN THE VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP IN THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BY APRIL 1, 1992.
"THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL STEP TOWARDS TRADING FUND OPERATIONS BY THAT DEPARTMENT, WHICH WILL BE FORMALISED IN 1993. ASSESSMENT STUDIES AND A BUSINESS PLAN HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT THE SCHEME IS VIABLE.
'IN THE MEANTIME, NEW STAFF INCENTIVES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED, PRODUCTIVITY HAS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT, AND SAVINGS OF $54 MILLION HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED.
■ "FULLY COMPUTERISED SPARE PARTS INVENTORY CONTROL, AND A NEW ACCOUNTING SYSTEM, HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE," HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO A SUGGESTION THAT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WAS SUITABLE FOR PRIVATISATION, MR BLAKE SAID ALL OPTIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S FUTURE OPERATION WAS BEING REVIEWED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT AS WATER WAS AN ESSENTIAL COMMODITY AND THE CONSUMERS HAD NO- VIABLE ALTERNATIVE, PUBLIC INTEREST MUST THERFORE BE SAFEGUARDED.
'EXPLORATORY TALKS WERE HELD LAST YEAR, FOLLOWING AN APPROACH BY AN INTERNATIONAL FIRM INTERESTED IN PRIVATISATION. THESE WERE USEFUL BUT INCONCLUSIVE. IT WAS DECIDED NOT TO PURSUE PRIVATISATION FURTHER AT THAT TIME," HE SAID.
MR BLAKE SAID THREE OTHER DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE WORKS GROUP WFIE ALSO CONDUCTING STRATEGIC REVIEWS OF THEIR FUNCTIONS, STRUCTURE AID ESTABLISHMENT.
OF THESE, THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAD SUBMITTED PRELIMINARY REPORTS, WHICH WERE BEING EXAMINED BY THE WORKS BRANCH.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT HAD JUST STARTED THE PROCESS, HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE INFLATIONARY TREND ARISING FROM THE HIGH COST OF CONSULTANTS ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, MR BLAKE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT CONSULTANTS WERE ENGAGED WHEN THE EXPERTISE OR THE REQUIRED STAFF RESOURCES WERE NOT AVAILABLE IN-HOUSE.
"THE WORKLOAD, NUMBER AND LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE OF IN-HOUSE STAFF IS CAREFULLY REVIEWED, BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE TO EMPLOY CONSULTANTS," HE SAID.
B
R
/MR BLAKE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
35
MR BLAKE SAID CENTRAL TO THE REVIEWS OF THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS WAS A COMPARISON OF THE COST AND BENEFITS OF USING IN-HOUSE STAFF RESOURCES RATHER THAN HIRING CONSULTANTS.
’’STUDIES IN THIS REGARD ARE BEING CONDUCTED BY SEVERAL DEPA TMENTS FOR A DIVERSITY OF PROJECTS AND THE WORKS BRANCH WILL SHORTLY BE SUBMITTING SUCH A COMPARISON FOR THREE DRAINAGE PROJECTS, TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
"WE HAVE RECENTLY INTRODUCED A NEW PROCEDURE FOR THE SELECTION OF ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, THAT REQUIRES A LUMP SUM FEE TO BE SUBMITTED, AND WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT CRITERION ALONGSIDE TECHNICAL LEADING TO THEIR ENGAGEMENT.’’
ON TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, MR BLAKE SAID THE IMPORTANT NEED TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS WAS RECOGNISED AS ESSENTIAL TO THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
AN EXAMPLE IN THE LARGER SENSE, HE SAID, WAS THE USE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG ON A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT, OF A TUNNEL BORING MACHINE WHICH WAS DRIVING THROUGH ROCK AND LINING WITH CONCRETE A 3.8-METRE DIAMETER TUNNEL, REGULARLY COMPLETING OVER 30 METRES EACH WORKING DAY.
’’THE USE OF COMPUTER AIDED DRAUGHTING IS AT THE OTHER EXTREME, ENABLING DRAWINGS TO BE PRODUCED AND COMPLEX SERVICE RUNS TO BE BETTER CO-ORDINATED, RESULTING IN A HIGHER QUALITY INSTALLATION AND A SIGNIFICATION REDUCTION IN OPERATIONAL DEFECTS.
’’COMPUTER AIDED ESTIMATING AND PROGRAMMING IS ALSO BEING INTRODUCED BY THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS, WHICH WILL LEAD TO IMPROVEMENT IN THE COST AND TIME ASPECTS OF THEIR WORKS AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES,” HE SAID.
MR BLAKE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OVER THE PAST DECADE. HE SAID THE INDUSTRY REPRESENTED FIVE PER CENT OF OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND TOGETHER WITH THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR WHICH IT SERVED, THE CONTRIBUTION TO GDP WAS AS MUCH AS 14 PER CENT.
’’THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYS OVER 100,000 WORKERS INCLUDING SOME 63,500 MANUAL WORKERS, REPRESENTING IN TOTAL 3.6 PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE.
"WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW INITIATIVES ON THE AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT WORKS, AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME, THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IS BEING REFOCUSSED FROM THE NEW TOWN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE PAST DECADE.
"THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WILL BE CALLED UPON TO MEET GREATER* CHALLENGES, WITH EVER INCREASING NEED FOR EXACTING TIME AND BUDGET CONSTRAINTS.
’’EXCITING TIMES ARE AHEAD: WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGE," MR BLAKE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/36 .......
’I
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 36 -
$15 BILLION SPENT ON HK ROAD SYSTEM ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SPENT $15 BILLION ON THE ROAD SYSTEM IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, REPRESENTING AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR LEUNG SAID OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BUILT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, ELECTRIFIED AND MODERNISED THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, BUILT SIX TUNNELS, INTRODUCED A MODERN LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, AND ADDED OVER 300 KILOMETRES OF ROADS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD THE HIGHEST DENSITY OF CARS PER KILOMETRE IN THE WORLD.
"THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES NOW STANDS AT 377,000, AN INCREASE OF 30 PER CENT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS AND IS LIKELY TO GROW TO 470,000 BY 1996 AND TO 750,000 BY 2011.
"DESPITE THE HIGH DENSITY OF VEHICLES, WE MANAGE TO MAINTAIN AN AVERAGE TRAFFIC SPEED OF ABOUT 24 KILOMETRES PER HOUR IN THE URBAN AREA. THIS IS COMPARABLE TO MOST MAJOR CITIES," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING INTO THE TIMING TO BUILD THE COUNTRY PARK SECTION OF ROUTE 3 TO RELIEVE TUEN MUN ROAD AND TO PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE URBAN AREA.
"THIS PROJECT MIGHT BE PRIVATISED, AND A STUDY IS UNDER WAY TO CONSIDER HOW BEST TO TAKE IT FURTHER."
HE SAID SEVERAL MAJOR PROJECTS WERE IN HAND TO BRING SOME RELIEF TO THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES. THESE INCLUDED THE OMPLETION OF FURTHER SECTIONS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NEXT YEAR, OPENING OF THE NEW YUEN LONG/TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR IN 1993, WORK ON THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS TO START NEXT YEAR AND PLANS TO IMPROVE SECTIONS OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
ON RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT, MR LEUNG SAID THE NEW AIRPORT RAILWAY WOULD NOT ONLY SERVE CHEK LAP KOK BUT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR THE OVERCROWDED MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR.
OTHER RAILWAY DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDED A PROPOSED RAIL LINK FROM TSUEN WAN TO THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND A POSSIBLE FREIGHT LINE FROM THE CONTAINER PORT TO THE BORDER. THEIR PRIORITIES WOULD BE EXAMINED IN THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.
MR LEUNG SAID HONG KONG WAS PROUD TO HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AT DIFFERENT DEGREES OF SPEED, COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE, AND PROVIDED AT REASONABLE FARES WITHOUT GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY.
/"OUR SYSTEM .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER-6, 1991
- 37 -
"OUR SYSTEM NOW CARRIES 9.7 MILLION PASSENGERS PER DAY. THIS IS FORECAST TO RISE TO 11.7 MILLION IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID SERVICE IMPROVEMENT WAS AN ONGOING PROCESS TO MEET PUBLIC DEMAND AND IT WAS THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE GREATER CHOICE THROUGH MORE HEALTHY COMPETITION, BETTER QUALITY SERVICES AND CONTINUED EXPANSION IN CAPACITY.
"DURING THE PAST YEAR, 49 NEW BUS ROUTES HAVE TO SERVE NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS. ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF ARE NOW AIR-CONDITIONED. FOUR HUNDRED MORE WILL BE NEXT TWO YEARS.
BEEN INTRODUCED
THE 4,000 BUSES
ADDED OVER THE
"THE KCR HAS EXPANDED ITS FLEET FROM 99 CARRIAGES TO 117. BY 1992, ITS PASSENGER CARRYING CAPACITY WILL HAVE INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1989," HE SAID.
ON THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, MR LEUNG SAID THE FIRST EXTENSION FROM YAU OI TO TUEN MUN FERRY PIER WAS OPENED LAST SUNDAY. ANOTHER TWO EXTENSIONS SHOULD BE READY BY FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, ADDING IN TOTAL AN EXTRA FIVE KILOMETRES OF TRACK.
THE 2.1 KILOMETRE TIN SHUI WAI LINK WOULD BE COMMISSIONED IN EARLY 1993 AND 30 NEW LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES WERE BEING DELIVERED. FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS WOULD BE SPENT ON IMPROVING AIR CONDITIONING IN THE EXISTING LIGHT RAIL CARRIAGES.
"ALL OF THIS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES A THRIVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
STRESSING THE NEED TO MANAGE THE LIMITED ROAD SPACE FAIRLY AND EFFICIENTLY, MR LEUNG SAID THE EVER INCREASING DEMAND FOR ROAD SPACE WOULD NEVER BE SATISFIED NO MATTER HOW MUCH HAD BEEN INVESTED IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE.
"A CASE IN POINT IS THE OPENING IN JUNE THIS YEAR OF THE KWUN TONG BYPASS AND TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL. SINCE THEN, THE DAILY PATRONAGE OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING HAS INCREASED TO 60,000 VEHICLES. DESPITE THIS, SERIOUS CONGESTION PERSISTS AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL," HE SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, MR LEUNG SAID THE EXISTING AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND PART OF KOWLOON HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING JOURNEY TIMES BY 30 PER CENT.
WORK WOULD BEGIN NEXT YEAR ON A MAJOR UPGRADING OF THE SYSTEM IN KOWLOON AND EXTENDING IT TO TSUEN WAN AT A COST OF S160 MILLION.
OTHER TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SCHEMES TO BE IMPLEMENTED INCLUDED A PILOT SCHEME FOR AUTOMATIC TOLL COLLECTION AT THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND REDUCE MANPOWER FOR TOLL COLLECTION, AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS ON A TRIAL BASIS.
/"IN THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 38 -
"IN THE LONGER TERM, WE ARE CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF USING AUTOMATIC INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEMS ON EXPRESSWAYS TO GIVE MOTORISTS ADVANCE WARNING OF TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS AND CONGESTION," HE SAID.
TURNING TO ROAD SAFETY, MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE ACCIDENT RATE HAD FALLEN FROM 3.6 PER MILLION VEHICLE KILOMETRES TO 1.8. THE CASUALTY RATE REDUCED FROM 4.7 PER MILLION VEHICLE KILOMETRES TO 2.4.
"VARIOUS MEASURES ARE BEING EXAMINED TO FURTHER IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY, P.ARTICULARLY THE NEED TO TIGHTEN CONTROL ON THE OVERLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
MANPOWER TRAINING, SUPPLY NEEDS BEING MET *****
DEVELOPMENTS IN MANPOWER TRAINING AND MANPOWER SUPPLY, TO MEET GROWING AND CHANGING NEEDS, WERE OUTLINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ON MANPOWER TRAINING, MR CHAN SAID ONE MAJOR CONSEQUENCE OF THE TERTIARY EDUCATION EXPANSION PROGRAMME WAS THE TRANSFER FROM THE POLYTECHNICS TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL OF MOST SUB-DEGREE WORK AT DIPLOMA AND HIGHER DIPLOMA LEVEL.
A NEW TECHNICAL COLLEGE WAS BEING BUILT AT TSING YI TO ACCOMMODATE UP TO 3,400 FULL TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES FROM 1993. THE CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WAS ALSO BEING CONVERTED INTO A TECHNICAL COLLEGE WITH A SIMILAR CAPACITY.
HE SAID THE REMAINING SEVEN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WERE BEING MODIFIED AND EXPANDED TO ACCOMMODATE COURSES DISPLACED FROM CHAI WAN, AND A NEW INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX AT POKFULAM WOULD ACCOMMODATE CRAFT COURSES DISPLACED FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
"THESE PROJECTS WILL AUGMENT A VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME THAT HAS UNDERGONE IMPRESSIVE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST NINE YEARS. THAT PERIOD HAS SEEN RAPID STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE ECONOMY AND A CONSEQUENT NEED FOR CHANGED EMPHASES IN THE TRAINING PROGRAMME.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BY SETTING UP, UNDER THE VTC, SPECIAL SCHEMES FOK TRAINING IN THE DESIGN OF APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND IN PRECISION SHEET METAL TECHNOLOGY; AND FOR HELPING ENGINEERING GRADUATES MEET THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL BODIES.
"WE WILL SOON BE LAUNCHING A NEW TECHNOLOGY TRAINING SCHEME, WHICH WILL PROVIDE MATCHING GRANTS TO HELP MANAGERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS ACQUIRE NEW TECHNOLOGIES USEFUL TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR INDUSTRIES," RE SAID.
/ON MANPOWER .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 39 -
ON MANPOWER SUPPLY, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT WHILE VOCATIONAL TRAINING WAS ONE WAY OF BRINGING THE SUPPLY OF MANPOWER IN LINE WITH THE DEMAND,- ANOTHER WAY WAS TO ATTRACT TO HONG KONG THE KINDS OF SKILLS WE NEEDED, BUT WHICH WERE IN SHORT SUPPLY LOCALLY.
HE SAID: "WE HAVE A LONG-STANDING AND, I BELIEVE, UNIVERSALLY SUPPORTED POLICY OF ATTRACTING OVERSEAS COMPANIES TO SET UP IN HONG KONG. ABOUT 100 COMPANIES DO SO EACH YEAR. WE ALLOW THEM TO IMPORT KEY MANAGERIAL AND TECHNICAL STAFF.
"THIS WILL CONTINUE, AS WILL THE POLICY OF SUPPORTING THE PROVISION TO THE CHILDREN OF THESE OVERSEAS RESIDENTS OF THE SORT OF EDUCATION THEY WOULD EXPECT IN THEIR HOME COUNTRIES.
"IN A FURTHER MOVE TO ATTRACT TALENT FROM OVERSEAS, INCLUDING FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENTS, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT HAVE SET UP A JOINT VENTURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
"WE HOPE TO OPEN AN OFFICE IN TORONTO BY THE END OF THE YEAR AND, IF THE PROJECT PROVES SUCCESSFUL, TO EXTEND IT TO OTHER APPROPRIATE CITIES OVER TIME."
TURNING TO IMPORTATION OF WORKERS, MR CHAN SAID WHILE THE INITIATIVES MENTIONED ABOVE WERE AIMED LARGELY AT PEOPLE AT MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, HONG KONG ALSO HAD TO DEAL WITH SEVERE MANPOWER SHORTAGES AT OTHER LEVELS WHICH, IF NOT ALLEVIATED, WOULD HINDER ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"THEREFORE, AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID A WHILE AGO, WE HAVE DECIDED THAT AN INCREASE IN OUR MANPOWER SUPPLY FROM OUTSIDE IS REQUIRED, BUT WE WILL WANT TO CONSULT CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING ON A FINAL FIGURE.
"OUR APPROACH WILL REMAIN HIGHLY SELECTIVE AND WILL BE TARGETTED AT AREAS WHERE SHORTAGES ARE PARTICULARLY SEVERE, AS REFLECTED BY, FOR EXAMPLE, HIGH VACANCY RATES," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID IT WAS INTENDED ALSO TO TAKE STEPS TO TIGHTEN THE SYSTEM OF IMPORTATION SO AS TO MINIMISE THE SCOPE FOR ABUSE BY UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS.
"WE HAVE IN MIND SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PENALTIES FOR MALPRACTICES, AS WELL AS SPECIFIC MEASURES TO PREVENT UNLAWFUL DEDUCTIONS OF WAGES."
MR CHAN SAID MANY MEMBERS HAD POINTED IN THE DEBATE TO THE NEED FOR RETRAINING PROGRAMMES TO UPGRADE THE SKILLS OF LOCAL WORKERS AND TO HELP THEM ADAPT TO SECTORS WITH A STRONG DEMAND FOR SKILLS.
"WE WELCOME THESE SUGGESTIONS AND WILL PURSUE THEM WITH THOSE CONCERNED, PARTICULARLY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL. AMONG OTHER THINGS, WE ARE CONSIDERING' SETTINGUP A SPECIAL FUND FOR SUCH RETRAINING, FINANCED BY A REASONABLE LEVY TO BE PAID BY THOSE EMPLOYERS GIVEN PERMISSION TO IMPORT WORKERS UNDER ANY NEW IMPORTATION SCHEME.
/"WE SHALL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
40
"WE SHALL BE CONSULTING THE RELEVANT BODIES, INCLUDING IN PARTICULAR THE OMELCO MANPOWER PANEL AND THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, BEFORE COMING TO FINAL CONCLUSIONS ON THESE MATTERS. THESE CONSULTATIONS WILL BEGIN SOON," HE SAID.
ON EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION, MR CHAN SAID THE STEADY PROGRESS MADE OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS OR SO HAD BEEN MAINTAINED IN THE PAST YEAR, WITH IMPROVEMENTS IN SEVERANCE PAYMENTS AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION.
IN THE COMING SESSION, BILLS WOULD BE BROUGHT FORWARD TO IMPROVE LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS FOR YOUNGER WORKERS, TO INTRODUCE COMPENSATION FOR NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS, AND TO IMPROVE SAFETY IN CONTAINER HANDLING, AMONG OTHERS.
HE SAID HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK WAS A CRUCIAL MATTER, NOT JUST FOR INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES BUT FOR THEIR FAMILIES AS WELL.
"THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND I HAVE SET UP A JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW OUR PRESENT LAWS AND PRACTICES IN THIS AREA, AND TO IDENTIFY INADEQUACIES. WE AIM TO REPORT BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
"MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WILL BE ABLE TO STUDY THE REPORT, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM TO BRING ABOUT ANY NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO RETIREMENT PROTECTION, MR CHAN SAID THAT AS MEMBERS WERE ALREADY AWARE, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAD CONCLUDED THAT, WHILE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAINTAIN ITS POSITION IN NOT SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, THERE WAS A GREATER NEED FOR COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND THAT, IN PRINCIPLE, THESE SHOULD INCLUDE VARIOUS FORMS OF COMPULSORY RETIREMENT SCHEMES, WHICH SHOULD NOW BE EXAMINED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
"ACCORDINGLY I HAVE SET UP A WORKING GROUP, INITIALLY AT OFFICIAL LEVEL AND UNDER MY CHAIRMANSHIP, TO STUDY ALL THE POSSIBILITIES. THE GROUP WILL START WORK VERY SHORTLY.
"WE WOULD WELCOME ADVICE AND PROPOSALS FROM ALL SOURCES, AND I INTEND TO CONSULT WIDELY ONCE THE WORKING GROUP HAS IDENTIFIED SOME FEASIBLE OPTIONS," HE SAID.
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/41 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
41
FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON QUALITY OF EDUCATION
*****
IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S FOURTH REPORT NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IN PARTICULAR A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND THE INTRODUCTION OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND RELATED ASSESSMENTS, WILL HAVE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS ON THE QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION IN OUR SCHOOLS.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), ADDING: "THESE EFFECTS SHOULD BECOME EVIDENT TOWARDS THE END OF THE DECADE. WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THEY WILL BE BENEFICIAL."
MR CHAN SAID IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION WAS ONE OF THE TWIN PILLARS SUPPORTING EDUCATION STRATEGY FOR THE 1990S, THE OTHER BEING THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION.
HAVING ACHIEVED QUANTITATIVE TARGETS IN THE PROVISION OF SCHOOL PLACES, OR VERY NEARLY DONE SO, THE GOVERNMENT’S SIGHTS WERE NOW FIRMLY SET ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
OF THE ELEMENTS UNDERPINNING QUALITY, HE SAID, TWO STOOD OUT AS THE MOST IMPORTANT - THE CURRICULUM AND THE TEACHERS.
ON THE CURRICULUM, MR CHAN REFERRED TO IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S FOURTH REPORT WHICH WERE NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED:
A NEW CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE WILL BE SET UP BY APRIL NEXT YEAR; AND A SYSTEM OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND TARGET RELATED ASSESSMENTS IN THE CORE SUBJECTS OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS WILL BE INTRODUCED BY 1994.
- A PACKAGE OF MEASURES IS BEING DEVELOPED TO ENCOURAGE MOTHER TONGUE TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WHILE ENSURING THAT THOSE RECEIVING AN ENGLISH-MEDIUM EDUCATION HAVE THE LINGUISTIC ABILITY TO BENEFIT FROM IT.
- GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES IN SCHOOLS ARE BEING STRENGTHENED AND MORE ATTENTION IS BEING GIVEN TO PUPILS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
MR CHAN ALSO SAID THAT ARISING OUT OF EARLIER REPORTS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, THE CURRICULUM AT THE SIXTH FORM LEVEL WAS BEING BROADENED.
"FROM NEXT SEPTEMBER ALL THOSE ENTERING THE SIXTH FORM WILL TAKE A STANDARD TWO-YEAR COURSE WHICH, IN ADDITION TO ADVANCED LEVEL SUBJECTS, WILL INITIALLY PROVIDE A CHOICE OF 17 SUBJECTS AT THE NEW ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL.
"MEANWHILE, THE EXPANSION OF SIXTH FORM PLACES AND THE NEW ADMISSION SYSTEM INTRODUCED THIS YEAR HAVE INCREASED ENROLMENT BY ABOUT 3,000 COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR," HE SAID.
/ON TEACHERS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
42
ON TEACHERS, MR CHAN SAID THE TEACHING PROFESSION HAD AN ABSOLUTELY PIVOTAL ROLE TO PLAY IN BRINGING ABOUT AND SEEING THROUGH THE QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENTS.
"IF OUR TEACHERS ARE TO BE EQUIPPED FOR THIS ROLE, WE MUST PROVIDE THEM WITH THE RIGHT MIX OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION, INDUCTION SUPPORT AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING.
"THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IS NOW TAKING A FUNDAMENTAL LOOK AT ALL ASPECTS OF TEACHER PREPARATION, TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
"OBVIOUSLY I CANNOT ANTICIPATE THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS. BUT I CAN SAY THAT GOOD PROGRESS IS BEING MADE, THAT THE COMMISSION HAS LISTENED TO MANY VIEWS AND THAT, AS IN THE PAST, THERE WILL BE WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE COMMISSION’S REPORT WHEN IT IS COMPLETED," HE SAID.
TURNING TO TERTIARY EDUCATION - "WHERE A BREATHTAKING EXPANSION PROGRAMME IS IN TRAIN" - MR CHAN SAID SEVERAL MEMBERS HAD DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE NEED FOR THE EXPANSION TO BE CLOSELY MONITORED AND CAREFULLY MANAGED, AND FOR MAINTAINING THE BALANCE OF DEVELOPMENT AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
HE SAID THAT TO A LARGE EXTENT, THE TERTIARY EXPANSION PROGRAMME WAS A NATURAL CONSEQUENCE OF THE EXPANSION IN SCHOOL PLACES OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE MANPOWER FORECAST CLEARLY SHOWED THE NEED FOR A GREATLY INCREASED OUTPUT OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATES BY 1996 AND BEYOND, IF WE WERE TO ENJOY SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH.
TERTIARY EXPANSION TARGETS HAD BEEN WORKED OUT WITH THE EXPERT ADVICE OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNICS GRANTS COMMITTEE, AND IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
"WE BELIEVE THEY ARE ENTIRELY REALISTIC. FOR EXAMPLE, THE TARGET OF 15,000 FIRST-YEAR FIRST-DEGREE PLACES BY 1994-95 REPRESENTS JUST 84% OF THE PROJECTED NUMBER OF MATRICULANTS IN THAT YEAR.
"THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF MATRICULANTS QUALIFYING THROUGH THIS YEAR’S A-LEVEL EXAMINATION WAS WITHIN 2% OF THE FORECAST WE MADE TWO YEARS AGO SUGGESTS THAT OUR PLANNING HAS A SOUND STATISTICAL BASIS," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID HE ACCEPTED THAT CIRCUMSTANCES MIGHT CHANGE. THAT WAS WHY HIS BRANCH AND THE UPGC WERE KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON ALL RELEVANT FACTORS, INCLUDING REVISED POPULATION PROJECTIONS BASED ON THE LATEST CENSUS AND THE PLANNED EXPANSION OF SIXTH FORM PLACES, SO THAT THEY COULD STEER THE EXPANSION SENSIBLY. IN 1993-94 THE UPGC WOULD CONDUCT A MAJOR REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND ADVISE ON THE NEXT STEPS.
MR CHAN SAID THAT THIS YEAR THE SEVEN UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS FILLED ABOUT 10,500 FIRST-YEAR FIRST-DEGREE PLACES, COMPARED WITH 8,500 PLACES LAST YEAR. PRELIMINARY REPORTS FROM THE INSTITUTIONS SHOWED THAT ALL THESE PLACES HAD BEEN FILLED WITH QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
43
HE SAID: "SOME OF THE PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF OVER-RAPID EXPANSION APPEARS TO BE BASED ON A PERCEPTION OF FALLING STANDARDS. I SUGGEST THAT, FOR TOO LONG, WE HAVE HAD TOO MUCH COMPETITION FOR TERTIARY PLACES.
"GREATER ACCESSIBILITY HAS NOW ENABLED THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO ACCEPT CANDIDATES WHO ARE LESS OVER-QUALIFIED THAN BEFORE, BUT NEVERTHELESS WELL QUALIFIED, FOR THE COURSES THEY SEEK TO UNDERTAKE.
"NO-ONE CAN BE MORE CONCERNED THAN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES ABOUT MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF THEIR GRADUATES, WHICH IS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED. ALL THE INSTITUTIONS HAVE WELL ESTABLISHED QUALITY CONTROL MECHANISMS THROUGH THEIR NETWORKS OF EXTERNAL EXAMINERS. DEGREE COURSES AT THE NON-UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONS ARE IN ADDITION VALIDATED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION."
AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS SPEECH, MR CHAN REMARKED THAT FEW SOCIETIES ATTACHED AS MUCH IMPORTANCE TO EDUCATION AS DID HONG KONG, AND MEMBERS HAD CLEARLY UNDERLINED THIS WHEN THEY VOICED THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF RESOURCES AND THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
DEALING WITH RESOURCES, MR CHAN MADE THREE POINTS:
» "FIRST, AMONG ALL THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME AREAS, EDUCATION CONSUMES THE LARGEST SHARE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE. THAT IS NOT THE WHOLE STORY. ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS SCHOOL SPONSORING BODIES AND THE JOCKEY CLUB HAVE INVESTED SUBSTANTIAL FUNDS, PARTICULARLY IN CAPITAL PROJECTS. SO, TOO, HAVE MANY INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE DONORS. BEYOND SECONDARY 3, STUDENTS OR THEIR PARENTS ALSO CONTRIBUTE THROUGH FEES, ALTHOUGH PLACES ARE HEAVILY SUBSIDISED AND THERE ARE FEE REMISSION AND OTHER ASSISTANCE SCHEMES TO ENSURE THAT NO-ONE IS DENIED ACCESS TO EDUCATION THROUGH LACK OF MEANS. THUS, THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES DEVOTED BY THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO EDUCATION ARE CONSIDERABLY GREATER THAN CAN BE DISCERNED FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES.
» "SECONDLY, THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IS NOT DETERMINED BY THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES ALONE. TRUE, MOST EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS COST MONEY, AND SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS AT THAT. BUT SOME IMPROVEMENTS DO NOT COST THAT MUCH. THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE, WHICH SEEKS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT BY GIVING SCHOOLS MORE AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE USE OF RESOURCES AND BY INVOLVING TEACHERS IN DECISION MAKING, IS A GOOD EXAMPLE. GREATER COOPERATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND TEACHERS IS ANOTHER.
* "THIRDLY, THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY CAN BE MADE TO PRODUCE MORE RESULTS THROUGH BETTER MANAGEMENT. GIVEN THAT RESOURCES ARE ALWAYS LIMITED, IT BEHOVES ALL MANAGERS TO SEEK TO ACHIEVE THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY. THANKS MAINLY TO THE MOST CAPABLE ASSISTANCE OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TO WHOM I AM DEEPLY GRATEFUL, MY BRANCH HAS FOUND SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS FROM OUR BASELINE EXPENDITURE - OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS - TO ALLOW IMPORTANT MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR SCHOOL EDUCATION."
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 44 -
ON THE SCHOOL SITUATION, MR CHAN SAID THAT 20 YEARS AGO HONG KONG HAD JUST ACHIEVED THE PROVISION OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACE FOR EVERY CHILD. TODAY IT COULD PROVIDE ALL CHILDREN WITH NINE YEARS OF FREE EDUCATION.
’’OVER 90% OF SECONDARY 3 LEAVERS CAN JOIN A SENIOR SECONDARY COURSE OR A FULL-TIME BASIC CRAFT COURSE. OVER 35% OF SECONDARY 5 LEAVERS CAN CONTINUE IN FULL-TIME EDUCATION, EITHER IN THE SIXTH FORM, IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OR IN A COLLEGE OF EDUCATION. 18% OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP CAN PROCEED TO DEGREE OR SUB-DEGREE COURSES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
’’INDEED OUR PRESENT EDUCATION PROVISION STARTS EVEN BEFORE PRIMARY SCHOOL. ALTHOUGH KINDERGARTENS REMAIN OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC SECTOR, SOME GOVERNMENT FUNDING HAS BEEN PROVIDED AS RECOMMENDED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S 2ND REPORT. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS WE HAVE MORE THAN TRIPLED THE FUNDS PROVIDED FOR FEE REMISSION. AS PREDICTED, THIS HAS LED TO SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER SALARIES FOR KINDERGARTEN STAFF, IMPROVED RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF TEACHERS AND MORE APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHER TRAINING,” HE SAID.
--------0 - -
GOVT TO STRENGTHEN CHILD PROTECTION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROPOSE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO ENHANCE CHILD PROTECTION IN THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG SAID: "IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, WE SHALL BE PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE TO BETTER DEFINE BOTH CIRCUMSTANCES FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND'THE POWERS OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
"AMENDMENTS WILL ALSO BE PROPOSED TO THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT UNSUITABLE PERSONS FROM ACTING AS CHILDMINDERS."
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE 1,400 NURSERY PLACES ANNUALLY, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING 1,000 SUBSIDIZED DAY CRECHE PLACES AND SOME 21,000 SUBSIDIZED NURSERY PLACES.
"OUR INTENTION IS TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND CHILD CARE SERVICES AND TO ADOPT NEW APPROACHES TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS," SHE SAID.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG RANKED AMONGST THE BEST ON HEALTH INDICES BY WORLD STANDARDS, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO INTRODUCE A NEW HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM AND TO PROVIDE DENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING TO PARENTS.
/”WE WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 45 -
"WE WILL REVAMP THE STUDENT MEDICAL SERVICE TO EMPHASIZE DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION," SHE SAID.
"CONCURRENTLY, WE AIM TO STRENGTHEN THE SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE.
"WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE HEALTH FOR ALL AND ALL FOR HEALTH BY THE YEAR 2000."
TURNING TO CARE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, MRS WONG SAID THE POLICY WAS TO HELP THE ELDERLY THROUGH DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND AN UMBRELLA OF COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICE.
"I INTEND TO RECONVENE THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE NEAR FUTURE IN ORDER TO REASSESS THE GRAVITY OF THE PRESENT SITUATION AND DEVISE NEW STATEGIES, IF NECESSARY," SHE SAID.
A NEW SCHEME HAS JUST BEEN LAUNCHED TO PROVIDE HOSTELS IN URBAN DISTRICT FOR SINGLE ELDERLY PERSONS WHO ARE IN NEED OF HOUSING, PARTICULARLY STREET SLEEPERS AND BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS."
REGARDING ELDERLY PERSONS IN PRIVATE HOMES, MRS WONG SAID A BILL WOULD SOON BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE FOR A LICENSING SYSTEM OF PRIVATE HOMES SO THAT ADEQUATE STANDARDS COULD BE MAINTAINED.
ON HEALTH CARE, SHE HOPED TO ESTABLISH MORE GERIATRIC DAY HOSPITALS AND TO EXPAND INFIRMARIES AND OTHER SERVICES INCLUDING DOMICILIARY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES.
HEALTH SCREENING FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD BE INTRODUCED ON A PILOT BASIS, SHE ADDED.
THE COMING YEAR WILL ALSO SEE THE PUBLICATION OF A GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION.
"WE WILL DEFINE THE GOALS OF OUR REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE NEXT DECADE AND BEYOND," SHE SAID. "OUR AIM IS TO HELP DISABLED PERSONS TO DEVELOP THEIR TALENT AND POTENTIAL, AND TO PARTICIPATE AS EQUAL PARTNERS IN REGULAR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE."
ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, MRS WONG SAID THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE MORE THAN DOUBLED FROM $7.2 BILLION IN 1987-88 TO $16.6 BILLION THIS YEAR.
SHE SAID THE SHARE FOR THE WELFARE PROGRAMME ROSE FROM 5.9 PER CENT IN 1987-88 TO 6.1 PER CENT IN 1990-91.
THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR THE HEALTH PROGRAMME WERE 9.3 PER CENT AND 9.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE AVERAGE ANNUAL REAL GROWTH FOR THE WELFARE PROGRAMME OVER THE SAME PERIOD WAS 8.1 PER CENT WHILE THAT FOR THE HEALTH PROGRAMME, 8.35 PER CENT. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WAS 5.2 PER CENT.
ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM, MRS WONG SAID: "WE NEED TO PUT REFORMS IN PLACE TO ACHIEVE AT ONCE A PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM WHICH IS MORE PRODUCTIVE, EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE."
/"HERE IN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991 - 46 -
"HERE IN HONG KONG, THE GENESIS OF REFORM HAS ALREADY BEGUN,” SHE ADDED.
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL* PUBLIC HOSPITALS NEXT MONTH.
"THIS IS A MAJOR MILESTONE TO DELIVER BETTER MEDICAL SERVICES," MRS WONG SAID. "CONCURRENTLY, OUR AIM IS TO DEVELOP A SOUND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY STILL. THE YEARS AHEAD WILL SEE MANY POSITIVE CHANGES."
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CENTRAL VISUAL ARTS POLICY FOR HONG KONG
*****
A CENTRAL POLICY AND ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE ON VISUAL ARTS IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO CO-ORDINATE AND DEVELOP MORE EFFECTIVELY THE EFFORTS OF THE GOVRENMENT, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ARTISTS IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR SO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE SETTING UP OF AN ARTS COUNCIL TO REPLACE THE EXISTING COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TO ACT AS AN ALL-EMBRACING POLICY ADVISORY AND CO-ORDINATING BODY.
"SUCH A BODY WILL HELP FOCUS THE EFFORTS OF ALL INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND DEPLOY THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE MOST FRUITFUL WAY.
"OUR OVERALL POLICY IS TO PROVIDE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE AND THE ARTS IN HONG KONG THAT WOULD CULTIVATE TALENTS AND ENHANCE THE FREEDOM OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION," MR SO SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD A VERY DISTINCT ROLE TO PLAY IN ACHIEVING ITS POLICY OBJECTIVE.
"WE SEE OUR ROLE FIRSTLY AS A CO-ORDINATOR, BRINGING ALL INTERESTED PARTIES TOGETHER AND CHANNELLING THEIR EFFORTS INTO A CONCERTED AND COHESIVE DIRECTION FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE ARTS; SECONDLY, AS A PROVIDER OF THE NECESSARY FACILITIES FOR ARTISTS TO PURSUE THEIR WORK; AND FINALLY AS A PROMOTER, PROVIDING, WHEN NECESSARY, FINANCIAL OR OTHER ASSISTANCE TO NURTURE BUDDING ARTISTS OR NEW ART FORMS."
TURNING TO BROADCASTING, MR SO SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS TO PROVIDE THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CHOICE OF TELEVISION AND RADIO PROGRAMMES AT A HIGH STANDARD FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT.
/THIS WAS ....*.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
47 -
THIS WAS LAID DOWN, AFTER EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATION, IN THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD’S REPORT PUBLISHED IN 1985, HE SAID.
"WE HAVE STEADFASTLY PURSUED THIS POLICY AND HAVE MADE IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
MR SO SAID IN RADIO BROADCASTING, MORE CHOICES IN THE FORM OF 15 CHANNELS, WITH MANY BROADCASTING IN FM STEREO, WERE NOW OFFERED AFTER A SECOND COMMERCIAL RADIO SERVICE WAS LAUNCHED IN JULY THIS YEAR.
IN THE FIELD OF TELEVISION, A PAN-ASIAN REGIONAL SATELLITE SERVICE BASED IN HONG KONG LICENSED LAST DECEMBER WOULD PROVIDE FOUR 24-HOUR CHANNELS, BROADCASTING MUSIC, SPORTS, NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS, AND MANDARIN PROGRAMMES.
"THIS INCREASE IN THE CHOICE OF PROGRAMMES IS MATCHED BY IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF TRANSMISSION WHEN IN JULY THIS YEAR MULTI-CHANNEL SOUND TELEVISION BROADCASTING WAS INTRODUCED.
"BY USING THE NEW TECHNOLOGY, COMMONLY CALLED NICAM (NEAR INSTANTANEOUS COMPANDING AND MULTIPLEXING), VIEWERS CAN NOW RECEIVE EXCELLENT HIGH FIDELITY STEREO SOUND EFFECTS, OR A CHOICE OF UP TO THREE LANGUAGES ON A MULTI-LINGUAL PROGRAMME," HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY SAID THREE MAIN TYPES OF TV BROADCASTERS WERE IDENTIFIED IN HONG KONG.
THEY WERE THE TERRESTRIAL FREE-TO-AIR TV BROADCASTERS OFFERING PROGRAMMES FOR MASS ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATION FOR THE LOCAL AUDIENCE; A REGIONAL SATELLITE TELEVISION BROADCASTING SERVICE WITH A TARGET AUDIENCE MUCH WIDER THAN HONG KONG, OFFERING LITTLE OR NO LOCAL PROGRAMMING; AND A SUBSCRIPTION MULTI-CHANNEL TV SERVICE COVERING A WIDE CHOICE TO MEET THE INTERESTS AND TASTES OF DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
"IN DRAWING UP A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE LICENSING OF TV BROADCASTERS, THE ADMINISTRATION MUST HAVE REGARD TO THE DIFFERENT NATURE OF THESE TV BROADCASTERS AND CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY COULD CO-EXIST IN HEALTHY COMPETITION," HE SAID.
MR SO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN THE FINAL STAGE OF A REVIEW OF A LICENSING FRAMEWORK FOR SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION.
"WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS ON THE LICENSING FAMEWORK FOR SUBSCRIPTION TV BY THE END OF THE YEAR, WITH A VIEW TO ISSUING LICENCES BY THE SUMMER OF 1992," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN FAVOUR OF A TECHNOLOGY NEUTRAL APPROACH, AND THAT PROPOSALS WOULD BE ASSESSED PRIMARILY ON A BROADCASTING STANDPOINT.
- - 0----------
/48 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
48
MEASURES TO TACKLE VIOLENT CRIMES ANNOUNCED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED A SERIES OF MEASURES TO TACKLE AND REVERSE THE TREND OF INCREASING CRIMES OF VIOLENCE, IN PARTICULAR ROBBERIES WITH REAL OR IMITATION FIREARMS.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE MEASURES INCLUDED INCREASING POLICE PRESENCE ON THE STREETS, STRENGTHENING POLICE EQUIPMENT AND INDEPTH INVESTIGATIONS OF THE GANGS.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALS’o APPREHEND AND BRING TO JUSTICE THOSE RESPONSIBLE AS WELL AS INCREASE CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA TO STEM CROSS-BORDER CRIME, HE ADDED.
ON IMPROVEMENTS TO POLICE PRESENCE ON THE STREETS, MR ASPREY SAID THE SEARCH FOR SAVINGS IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE THROUGH INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY SHOULD NOT AFFECT THIS.
"ON THE CONTRARY, IT SHOULD LEAD TO MORE EFFECTIVE STAFF DEPLOYMENT, AND HENCE MORE RESOURCES, NOT LESS, DEVOTED DIRECTLY TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT POLICE RECRUITMENT WOULD NOT BE CUT.
"IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, RECRUITMENT HAS EXCEEDED WASTAGE, AND WE ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS, THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL HAD A FULL INTAKE OF JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS LAST MONTH.
NOTING THAT THE POLICE FORCE WAS WELL EQUIPPED BY ANY STANDARDS, THE SECRETARY SAID IT HAD A DEDICATED SECTION TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH INTO NEW EQUIPMENT AND NEW TECHNOLOGY.
4
THERE HAD BEEN VERY SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT IN RECENT YEARS IN SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND THE ABILITY OF THE POLICE TO PERFORM THEIR JOB.
SOME $125 MILLION HAS BEEN INVESTED IN A NEW COMPUTER-AIDED COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM. OVER $300 MILLION IS BEING SPENT ON SIX NEW MARINE POLICE COMMAND LAUNCHES; AND OVER $20 MILLION WILL BE SPENT THIS YEAR ON EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT.
TURNING TO ORGANISED CRIME, HE SAID LENGTHY INVESTIGATIONS WERE
OFTEN NECESSARY BEFORE THEY BORE FRUIT.
DESPITE RECENT SUCCESSFUL CRACKDOWN OPERATIONS, HE SAID: "THIS CRACKDOWN ON ORGANISED CRIME WILL CONTINUE, AS WILL THE EFFORTS DIRECTED AGAINST SMUGGLING.
/"WE ARE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 49 -
"WE ARE WELL AWARE THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO RELAX OUR VIGILANCE, AND THAT THOSE INVOLVED IN SMUGGLING HAVE DEVELOPED NEW METHODS IN RESPONSE TO THE VERY SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS OF THE ANTISMUGGLING TASK FORCE EARLIER THIS YEAR, - A SUCCESS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE LEGISLATION PASSED BY THIS COUNCIL IN APRIL," HE ADDED.
HE SAID NEW PROPOSALS TO FIGHT AGAINST SMUGGLING WERE BEING DEVELOPED AND FURTHER LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED LATER THIS SESSION.
AS REGARDS CROSS-BORDER CRIME, HE SAID THE POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HAD DEVELOPED A GOOD SYSTEM OF CONTACTS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THROUGH INTERPOL, DAY-TO-DAY LIAISON AT THE OPERATIONAL LEVEL, AND REGULAR CONTACTS AT A MORE SENIOR LEVEL.
"WE INTEND TO EXPAND ON THIS CO-OPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION, WHICH HAS ALREADY ACHIEVED RESULTS, NOT ONLY AGAINST SMUGGLING BUT ALSO AGAINST OTHER SERIOUS CRIME," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE ORGANISED CRIME BILL HAD RECEIVED GENERAL SUPPORT FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS WHO HAD SO FAR CONSIDERED IT, HE SAID: "WE SHALL AIM TO REVISE THE PROPOSALS AS NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF VIEWS EXPRESSED AND COMMENTS RECEIVED, AND TO INTRODUCE THE BILL INTO THIS COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR."
TURNING TO SOLUTIONS TO THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS PROBLEM, MR ASPREY SAID THE MOST RECENT AGREEMENT REACHED WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED THE MEANS TO RESOLVE THE HUMAN TRAGEDY.
"I BELIEVE WE NOW HAVE IN PLACE AT LAST THE HITHERTO MISSING ELEMENT WHICH PERMITS FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION ADOPTED IN 1989.
"ALL THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THAT PLAN - ASYLUM, SCREENING, RESETTLEMENT, REPATRIATION - ARE MUTUALLY SELF-SUPPORTING. IF ONE ELEMENT IS MISSING, THE OTHER ELEMENTS ARE AT RISK," HE EXPLAINED.
HE NOTED THAT THE AGREEMENT PROVIDED FOR THE REPATRIATION OF ALL VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, WITH GUARANTEES AS TO THEIR SAFETY AND’ TREATMENT AFTER THEY RETURN HOME.
"THE PROGRAMME OF RETURNS WILL NEED TO BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS. WE ARE THOUGH, I BELIEVE, BEGINNING TO SEE THE WAY AHEAD," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE NUMBERS RETURNING VOLUNTARILY HAVE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY IN RECENT MONTHS, HE SAID: "THIS IS A TREND WHICH WE SHALL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENCOURAGE."
ALSO, THE NUMBERS ARRIVING HAD FALLEN FROM AN AVERAGE OF 100 PER DAY IN SEPTEMBER TO AN AVERAGE OF ONLY TWO PER DAY IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS.
"THE NET EFFECT HAS BEEN A DROP OF OVER 1,000 IN THE OVERALL POPULATION IN OCTOBER, A REVERSAL OF THE UPWARD TREND WHICH WE HAVE SEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR," HE SAID.
/IF THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 61 1991
- 50 -
IF THIS WAS SUSTAINED INTO NEXT YEAR, MR ASPREY SAID HONG KONG WOULD SOON SEE THE GRADUAL CLOSURE OF CAMPS; THE POLICE DISENGAGEMENT FROM MANAGEMENT OF THE DETENTION CENTRES; AND THE CONSEQUENT RETURN OF SEVERAL HUNDRED POLICEMEN TO THEIR PROPER DUTIES.
THERE WOULD BE RELIEF FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, THE AUXILIARY AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES AND ALL THE OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NON-GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WHO HAD COPED SO MAGNIFICENTLY IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES OVER MANY YEARS, HE SAID.
--------0-----------
GOVT TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARD OF CIVIL SERVICE *****
HAVING THE BEST CIVIL SERVICE POSSIBLE IS VITAL AND MAINTAINING ITS HIGH STANDARD MEANS RECOGNISING AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY CIVIL SERVANTS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MAINTAINING THE STANDARD ALSO MEANT ENSURING THAT AS AN EMPLOYER THE GOVERNMENT COULD COMPETE IN THE MARKET AND CONTINUE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN FULLY QUALIFIED AND COMMITTED INDIVIDUALS, HE SAID.
COMMENTING THAT HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THE OCCASIONAL EXPLICIT WORD OF PRAISE FROM MEMBERS RECOGNISING THAT WE DID HAVE A "DEDICATED AND LOYAL CIVIL SERVICE, THE ENVY OF MANY", MR WIGGHAM SAID, "WE MUST KEEP IT THAT WAY."
"WHEN IT APPEARS THAT EVERYTHING AROUND IS ’ALL CHANGE’, ONE OF THE CONSTANTS IS THE CIVIL SERVICE. THIS, I SUGGEST, REPRESENTS TO MANY A WELCOME SYMBOL OF STABILITY AND CONTINUITY.
"AFTER ALL, WHATEVER THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS WE ARE WITNESSING; WHATEVER POLICY DECISIONS ARE TAKEN; WHATEVER FUNDS ARE VOTED BY THIS COUNCIL; WHATEVER LEGISLATION IS PUT IN PLACE - AT THE END OF THE DAY, IMPLEMENTATION DEPENDS ON CIVIL SERVANTS," HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM SAID ONE MEMBER, HE WAS GLAD TO SAY, DID RECOGNISE THE PRESSURES ON THE CIVIL SERVICE THAT CHANGES DID BRING: CHANGES IN PUBLIC ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS; STRUCTURAL CHANGES INTRODUCED AS PART OF THE TRANSITION; POLITICAL CHANGES MANIFESTED ABOVE ALL IN THIS CHAMBER.
"AGAINST THAT BACKGROUND CIVIL SERVANTS NEED REASSURANCE. IT IS NOT THAT THEY EXPECT TO BE LOVED - BUT THEY DO NEED TO BE APPRECIATED; THEY DO NEED TO HAVE THEIR ROLE AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS RECOGNISED; AND THEY DO NEED TO BE REASSURED THAT THE SYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE FRAMEWORK - SYSTEMS OF APPOINTMENT, PROMOTION, REWARD AND SO ON - WILL, AS THE JOINT DECLARATION PROMISES, ’BE MAINTAINED’," HE SAID.
/MR WIGGHAM .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
51
MR WIGGHAM SAID THAT IN COMMON WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, CIVIL SERVANTS DID WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE.
"AS PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION, SOME HAVE PARTICULAR CONCERNS. AND WE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CIVIL SERVICE MANAGEMENT MUST ADDRESS THOSE CONCERNS. IN THAT WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF THIS COUNCIL. UNFORTUNATELY, I FEAR THERE MAY BE NO INSTANT MAGIC-WAND SOLUTIONS," HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM SAID PART OF THE CHALLENGE, AS SOME MEMBERS HAD POINTED OUT, WAS TO MOTIVATE. THE LAST COMPREHENSIVE SALARY STRUCTURE REVIEW, COMPLETED LAST YEAR, ENSURED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS UP TO DATE, AND COMPETITIVE AS AN EMPLOYER AS REGARDS PAY.
ADVANTAGE CONTINUED TO BE TAKEN OF NEW IDEAS, METHODS AND EQUIPMENT TO MOTIVATE STAFF AND ENSURE IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY. MOTIVATION APPLIED TO ALL LEVELS: FOR INSTANCE THE STAFF SUGGESTIONS SCHEME, WHICH ENCOURAGED INDIVIDUALS TO REVIEW THEIR OWN FIELD OF WORK, APPEALED TO CREATIVITY.
OVER THE YEARS, RELATIVELY JUNIOR CIVIL SERVANTS HAD MADE PRACTICAL AND IN SOME CASES INGENIOUS SUGGESTIONS LEADING TO IMPROVED WORK METHODS - AND CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS TO THEIR DEPARTMENTS.
"RECENTLY FOR INSTANCE I HANDED OUT AN AWARD TO A TRANSPORT OPERATIONS OFFICER FOR A SCHEME RELATING TO THE TRAFFIC FLOW AT LION ROCK TUNNEL; ANOTHER AWARD RELATED TO A SUGGESTION BY A -FIREMAN THAT LED TO ENHANCED SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF BREATHING APPARATUS EQUIPMENT.
"RECOGNISING THE NEED TO ENCOURAGE SUCH SUGGESTIONS, WE HAVE JUST INCREASED THE MAXIMUM CASH AWARD UNDER THE SUGGESTION SCHEME FROM $2,000 TO $12,500," HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE SCHEME WAS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT THOSE IN THE FRONT LINE WERE OFTEN IN A BETTER POSITION TO JUDGE HOW BEST TO CARRY OUT THEIR WORK.
"ON THE SAME PRINCIPLE WE ARE INCREASINGLY DEVOLVING AUTHORITY FROM THE CENTRE TO DEPARTMENTS, AGAIN AS PART OF OUR EFFORTS TOWARDS GREATER PRODUCTIVITY.
"WITH MORE DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY, MANAGERS CAN RESPOND MORE DIRECTLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO THE NEEDS OF THEIR STAFF AND DEPARTMENTS. THEY ARE ALSO IN A BETTER POSITION TO SET PRIORITIES. HAND IN HAND WITH THIS GOES ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, DEVOLUTION SERVES TO SIMPLIFY AND SPEED UP PROCEDURES BY REDUCING THE NEED FOR CONSTANT REFERRALS TO THE CENTRE," HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM SAID AREAS WHERE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO DEPARTMENTS INCLUDED DISCIPLINE, THE ADMINISTRATION OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 52 -
HE SAID MEMBERS MIGHT NOT BE AWARE THAT SOME 99 PER CENT OF CIVIL SERVICE POSTS WERE NOW HANDLED BY DEPARTMENTS THEMSELVES, WITH THE ADVICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WHERE APPROPRIATE, WITHOUT THE NEED TO INVOLVE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.
MR WIGGHAM SAID HE WISHED TO CLARIFY TWO POINTS MADE BY MEMBERS. THE FIRST WAS THAT SENIOR POSTS WERE BEING CREATED AT THE EXPENSE OF JUNIOR POSTS.
"THE POSITION IS THAT NON-DIRECTORATE POSTS ARE CREATED UNDER AUTHORITY DELEGATED TO DEPARTMENTS AND DO NOT COME TO THIS COUNCIL; WHEREAS DIRECTORATE, THAT IS SENIOR, POSTS REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF THIS COUNCIL. THIS MAY HAVE GIVEN A MISLEADING IMPRESSION. IN FACT,. OF THE 3,100 POSTS CREATED LAST FINANICAL YEAR, FEWER THAN 30 WERE AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL," HE SAID.
THE SECOND POINT WAS A SUGGESTION FOR PROMOTION TO BE ON THE BASIS OF MERIT RATHER THAN SENIORITY.
"THIS IS ALREADY THE PRACTICE. SELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR PROMOTION IS DECIDED ON THE CRITERIA OF ABILITY, CHARACTER, ANY QUALIFICATIONS PRESCRIBED FOR THE PROMOTION POSTS, AND EXPERIENCE. ONLY WHEN ON THIS BASIS NO CANDIDATE STANDS OUT CLEARLY AS THE MOST SUITABLE WILL SENIORITY BE GIVEN DUE WEIGHT. AND WE HAVE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT THAT POLICY IS CARRIED OUT IN PRACTICE," HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THAT AS PART OF IMPROVING THE FLOW BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS AND THE CENTRE, HE HAD RECENTLY REORGANISED HIS OWN BRANCH ALONG THE LINES OF DEPARTMENTAL TEAMS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A ONE-STOP PERSONALISED POINT OF CONTACT FOR DEPARTMENTS. THIS HAD BEEN WELCOMED BY ALL CONCERNED AND' HAD MADE A MODEST CONTRIBUTION TO REMOVING UNNECESSARY LAYERS OF BUREAUCRACY.
ANOTHER INITIATIVE HAD BEEN TO REVIEW THE GRADE STRUCTURE AND ROLE OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, THE RESOURCE AND OFFICE MANAGERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. THE REVIEW RECOMMENDED AMONG OTHER THINGS, WAYS IN WHICH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS COULD BE BETTER EMPLOYED TO STRENGTHEN MANAGEMENT IN DEPARTMENTS.
MORE COULD BE DONE, MR WIGGHAM SAID, NOTING THAT IN HIS BUDGET STATEMENT IN MARCH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD DESCRIBED A PACKAGE OF MANAGEMENT REFORMS AIMED AT IMPROVING CIVIL SERVICE EFFICIENCY.
"THE PILOT PROJECTS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AND HAVE LED TO CHANGES IN THE WAY WE WORK. I HAVE MENTIONED GREATER DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO DEPARTMENTAL MANAGERS.
"IN ADDITION, AN IMPROVED RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM TO ENCOURAGE POLICY SECRETARIES TO MAKE SAVINGS AND REDEPLOY RESOURCES, AND THE ADOPTION OF PRIVATE SECTOR MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS HAVE ALSO HELPED TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"WE ARE NOW READY TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STAGE. WE SHALL ESTABLISH NEXT YEAR A NEW ’EFFICIENCY UNIT’ WORKING DIRECTLY TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
/"THE UNIT........
WEDNESDAY; NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 53 -
"THE UNIT WILL CONSIST OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES STAFF TOGETHER WITH THE TEAM WORKING ON PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM. WE ALSO INTEND TO TAKE UP THE OFFER OF HELP BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR BY PUTTING BUSINESS PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE OF MANAGEMENT REFORMS ON TO A NEW STEERING COMMITTEE, TO BE CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WHICH WILL GIVE IMPETUS TO THE WORK OF THE UNIT," HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM ALSO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD SPOKEN OF THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A HARMONIOUS AND EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH COUNTERPARTS AT ALL LEVELS IN CHINA; AND THE INTENTION TO ENSURE THAT THIS CLOSER AND MORE PRACTICAL RELATIONSHIP WAS REFLECTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT.
"WE ARE VERY AWARE OF THE NEED FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AT VARIOUS LEVELS TO ACQUIRE GREATER KNOWLEDGE OF CHINA. IN RESPONSE TO THAT NEED WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR CHINA STUDIES PROGRAMME.
"A CHINA STUDIES ELEMENT HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN SOME OF OUR ESTABLISHED MANAGEMENT TRAINING ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS THE OXFORD COURSE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS, THE BERKELEY COURSE FOR DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS, AND THE SENIOR COMMAND COURSE FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
"IN PARALLEL WE HAVE ORGANISED IN HONG KONG A RANGE OF CHINA SEMINARS CATERING FOR GROUPS OF BRANCH SECRETARIES AND DEPARTMENT HEADS, DIRECTORATE OFFICERS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS.
"IN ADDITION, STARTING THIS YEAR, WE HAVE EMBARKED ON A FAMILIARISATION VISIT PROGRAMME TO CHINA DESIGNED TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO ACQUIRE A FIRST-HAND UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE AND GOVERNMENT IN CHINA.
"WE ARE ALSO TRAINING CIVIL SERVANTS IN PUTONGHUA, AND THE USE OF WRITTEN CHINESE IN OFFICIAL WRITING. OUR EFFORTS IN ALL THESE AREAS WILL CONTINUE," HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE GOVERNOR ALSO REFERRED TO THE NEED FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO WORK CLOSELY WITH MEMBERS.
"NOTWITHSTANDING MY EARLIER COMMENTS ON THE EFFECTS OF THE PRESSURES OF CHANGE ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE AGAIN AND AGAIN PROVED THEIR ADAPTABILITY. WE HAVE AS A BUREAUCRACY RESPONDED TO THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT AT ALL LEVELS BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. THAT RESPONSE, THAT ADAPTABILITY, THAT WILLINGNESS TO SERVE IS EVER MORE CRUCIAL. I BELIEVE THIS AFTERNOON MY OFFICIAL COLLEAGUES HAVE FULLY DEMONSTRATED THAT RESPONSIVENESS.
"I KNOW THAT WE ARE READY, EVEN EAGER TO PLAY OUR PART IN ESTABLISHING THE PARTNERSHIP THAT WILL BE CENTRAL TO THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THIS COUNCIL IN DELIBERATING AND DECIDING ISSUES IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
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/54 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
54 -
BILL GIVES FLEXIBILITY TO PEAK TRAMWAY OPERATION
******
A BILL TO GIVE MORE FLEXIBILITY TO THE PEAK TRAMWAY COMPANY IN OPERATING A MODERNISED FUNICULAR RAILWAY WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THE PEAK TRAMWAY UNDERWENT A MAJOR MODERNISATION PROGRAMME IN 1989, BRINGING THE SYSTEM TO THF LATEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF FUNICULAR RAILWAYS.
TO PROVIDE AN UPDATED LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE NEW SYSTEM, THE PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1989 STIPULATING THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF THE MODERNISED TRAMWAY WAS ENACTED IN JULY 1989.
"SINCE THEN, FURTHER REVISIONS TO THE ORDINANCE HAVE BEEN FOUND NECESSARY TO GIVE MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR OPERATION," MR LEUNG SAID.
THE AMENDMENT STIPULATES THAT THE PEAK TRAMWAY COMPANY MAY REQUEST FOR AN EXTENSION TO ITS CURRENT OPERATING RIGHT NOT LESS THAN ONE YEAR BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE ON DECEMBER 31, 2003.
HOWEVER, THIS PROVISION WILL NOT COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDERING THE APPLICATION FAVOURABLY NOR PRECLUDE OTHERS FROM APPLYING FOR THE SAME OPERATING RIGHT.
THE BILL ALSO EMPOWERS THE COMPANY TO ENTER LANDS ADJOINING THE PEAK TRAMWAY TO CARRY OUT ANY NECESSARY REPAIR OR ACCIDENT PREVENTION WORKS, \ND PROVIDES FOR ANY AGGRIEVED PARTY TO CLAIM COMPENSATION.
ANOTHER PROVISION IN THE BILL STIPULATES THAT EXCEPT FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF LAND GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY, THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WILL NOT BE REQUIRED FOR THE SALE OR LEASE OF PROPERTIES WHICH ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR THE EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE AND WORKING OF THE PEAK TRAMWAY.
MR LEUNG SAID THIS WOULD FACILITATE THE COMPANY DISPOSING OF ANY OBSOLETE ROLLING STOCK OR OTHER NON-ESSENTIAL ASSETS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 55 -
RESOLUTION UNDER LOANS ORDINANCE MOVED
******
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED A MOTION UNDER THE LOANS ORDINANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE MOTION IS AIMED TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT WITH AUTHORITY TO BORROW IN HONG KONG FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND OR THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND SUMS NOT EXCEEDING HK$5 BILLION IN TOTAL.
MR NENDICK SAID THAT ON MARCH 6 THIS YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MENTIONED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH FOR 1991/92 THAT A WELL STRUCTURED AND MANAGED BORROWING PROGRAMME THROUGH THE ISSUE OF SHORTTERM GOVERNMENT BONDS WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG.
HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE PROCEEDS OF THE BORROWING PROGRAMME WOULD BE USED ONLY FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS.
"DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME HAVE NOW BEEN WORKED OUT AND THESE ARE DESCRIBED IN THE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM ALREADY CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS,” HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WOULD BE THE ISSUING AGENT OF GOVERNMENT BONDS.
INITIALLY, AROUND HK$500 MILLION OF TWO-YEAR BONDS WOULD BE ISSUED FOUR TIMES A YEAR THROUGH OPEN TENDERS ON A BID-PRICE BASIS.
IN ADDITION, BONDS UP TO HKSIOO MILLION PER ISSUE MIGHT BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES OF LAST RESORT SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS.
"THE BOND PROGRAMME WILL, THEREFORE, BUILD UP TO HK$4.8 BILLION, OR SAY, HK$5 BILLION, IN TWO YEARS TIME COMPRISING EIGHT ISSUES OF HKS600 MILLION EACH," THE SECRETARY EXPLAINED.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A LIQUID SECONDARY MARKET, MR NENDICK SAID A NUMBER OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING WOULD BE APPOINTED AS MARKET MAKERS WHICH WOULD QUOTE BID AND OFFER PRICES FOR THE BONDS.
TO FURTHER ENHANCE LIQUIDITY OF THE MARKET, MARKET MAKERS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO RUN SHORT POSITIONS IN ANY ISSUE OF BONDS SUBJECT TO THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH THE RISK MANAGEMENT MEASURES SPECIFIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND.
A LIQUID SECONDARY MARKET WOULD HELP TO ENHANCE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE BOND PROGRAMME TO INVESTORS AND REDUCE THE BORROWING COST OF GOVERNMENT, MR NENDICK ADDED.
MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT THE BONDS WOULD QUALIFY AS LIQUEFIABLE ASSETS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
/"INTEREST INCOME
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 56 -
"INTEREST INCOME AS WELL AS THE PROFITS ON SALE OF THE BONDS WILL BE EXEMPT FROM PROFITS TAX AND THEIR TRADING IN THE SECONDARY MARKET WILL BE EXEMPT FROM STAMP DUTY," HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY SUGGESTION THAT THE BOND PROCEEDS WERE NOT BEING APPLIED EXCLUSIVELY TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, MR NENDICK PROPOSED THAT BOND PROCEEDS SHOULD BE CREDITED DIRECTLY TO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND AND THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND AND THAT PAYMENTS OF INTEREST AND SERVICING COSTS ARISING FROM THE BOND ISSUE, AND REDEMPTION OF THE BONDS, SHOULD BE MADE FROM THE FUNDS.
_ ;-----o----------
TWO RESOLUTIONS MOVED UNDER PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE *****
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED TWO RESOLUTIONS UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ALLOW FOR THE ACCOUNTING FOR THE BOND ISSUES TO BE DONE THROUGH THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND OR THE RESERVE ACCOUNT OF THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND. .
"THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL ENSURE THAT THE PROCEEDS OF THE BOND ISSUE WILL BE APPLIED FOR THE INTENDED PURPOSE AND SO WILL ASSURE LENDERS THAT THE BORROWING PROGRAMME IS CLEARLY FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PURPOSES," HE EXPLAINED.
THIS WOULD AVOID ANY SUGGESTION THAT THE BOND PROCEEDS WERE NOT BEING APPLIED. EXCLUSIVELY TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT PAYMENTS OF INTEREST AND SERVICING COSTS AND REDEMPTION OF THE BONDS SHOULD BE MADE FROM THE FUNDS.
ONE RESOLUTION WAS MADF UNDER SECTION 29 OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE TO AMEND A RESOLUTION MADE BY THE COUNCIL ON MARCH 14 LAST YEAR TO ESTABLISH THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND.
THE OTHER RESOLUTION WAS MADE UNDER THE SAME SECTION OF THE ORDINANCE TO AMEND A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL UNDER THAT ORDINANCE ON MAY 15, 1985 TO REPLACE EARLIER RESOLUTIONS TO ESTABLISH THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.
/57........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
57
PROFESSIONS SHOULD VET THEIR MEMBERS’ QUALIFICATIONS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTS THE PRINCIPLE THAT THE PROFESSIONS OF LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, ACCOUNTANTS, ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SURVEYORS AND DOCTORS SHOULD BE SELF-REGULATORY IN VERIFYING THEIR MEMBERS’ PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, STATED THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ON THE RECENT QUERIES ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF SOME PEOPLE WHO PRACTISE UNDER HONG KONG LAW, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE, THEREFORE, FOR THOSE ORGANISATIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING THE AFORESAID PEOPLE’S PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
MR CHAN STRESSED THAT THE PEER JUDGEMENT SYSTEM WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO QUALIFYING AND NO INTERVENTION OR ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT WAS REQUIRED.
HE SAID PRESENTLY THE ORGANISATIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FELL INTO TWO CATEGORIES.
THEY A THOSE WHICH VERIFY QUALIFICATIONS TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG, AND THOSE WHICH VERIFY QUALIFICATIONS TO REGISTER AND/OR PERFORM STATUTORY FUNCTIONS.
THE ORGANISATIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF PEOPLE PRACTISING AS ACCOUNTANTS, LEGAL PRACTITIONERS AND DOCTORS UNDER HONG KONG LAW ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS (HKSA) - UNDER THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS ORDINANCE (CAP 50);
* THE LAW SOCIETY (FOR SOLICITORS) AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION (FOR BARRISTERS) - UNDER THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE (CAP 159); AND
* THE MEDICAL COUNCIL - UNDER THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (CAP 161).
AS FOR ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND SURVEYORS, MR CHAN NOTED THAT THERE WAS NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR THEM TO OBTAIN A LICENSE TO PRACTICE IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, MR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT IF THEY WERE TO PERFORM STATUTORY FUNCTIONS, THEY MUST BE APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED WITH THE REGISTERING OR LICENSING BODY FOR EACH PARTICULAR ORDINANCE.
A NUMBER OF LEGISLATIONS HAD BEEN ENACTED RECENTLY TO REGISTER PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND SURVEYORS, MR CHAN SAID.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT, WHEN THE REGISTER IS WELL ESTABLISHED, REGISTERED STATUS WILL BE APPLICABLE TO THE STATUTORY FUNCTIONS," HE ADDED.
/REGISTRATION required
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 58 -
REGISTRATION REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS PLUS RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG, CONTINUING COMPETENCE TO PRACTISE, AND CURRENT RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT ALL THREE PROFESSIONS HAD PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN HONG KONG WHICH, IN AWARDING MEMBERSHIP, IMPOSED A PROFESSIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENT IN ADDITION TO ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS.
ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ASSIST THESE ORGANISATIONS, MR CHAN SAID IN RESPECT OF THE NEW REGISTRATION BOARDS FOR ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND SURVEYORS, THE APPOINTMENT OF A GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE ON EACH BOARD WAS PROVIDED FOR IN THE LEGISLATION.
REGARDING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEING QUERIED ABOUT THEIR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND THE NUMBER OF THEM WHO HAD BEEN DISQUALIFIED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE INFORMATION IS AS FOLLOWS:
PROFESSION INVESTIGATED DISQUALIFIED REMARKS
DOCTORS 0 0
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
SOLICITOR 1 0 BASED ON INFORMATION FROM THE LAW SOCIETY
BARRISTER 0 0 BASED ON INFORMATION FROM THE BAR ASSOCIATION
ACCOUNTANTS 0 0 BASED ON INFORMATION FROM THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS
ENGINEERS 1 1 -
ARCHITECTS 3 1 OF THE THREE CASES INVESTIGATED, TWO ARE STILL CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION
SURVEYORS 0 0 -
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/59 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 59 -
IMPROVEMENT MEASURES AFOOT TO TACKLE TUEN MUN RIVER POLLUTION »♦*»»*
THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME AND THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, TOGETHER WITH OTHER MEASURES, WILL IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF TUEN MUN RIVER.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON NG MING-YUM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARNES NOTED THAT THE MONITORING RESULTS BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD CONFIRMED THAT THE RIVER SUFFERED FROM POLLUTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJOR CAUSE OF POLLUTION IN THE UPPER REACHES HAD BEEN LIVESTOCK WASTE, AND IN THE MIDDLE AND LOWER REACHES INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES AND DOMESTIC SEWAGE.
TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY, MR BARNES SAID UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1988 ALL LIVESTOCK KEEPING ACTIVITIES WERE BANNED IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION WAS TAKEN AGAINST ANY ILLEGAL LIVESTOCK KEEPING.
"THE ENVIRONS OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN BECAME PART OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS ON JANUARY 1, 1990.
"SINCE THEN SOME 90 PER CENT OF THE ACTIVE LIVESTOCK FARMS IN THESE AREAS HAVE APPLIED FOR AN EX GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND CEASED OPERATION.
"THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE RECENT IMPROVEMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN THE UPPER REACHES OF THE RIVER.
"FROM TIME TO TIME CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE RIVER HAVE BEEN DREDGED, RESULTING IN SOME TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT," HE SAID.
AS FOR THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, MR BARNES SAID SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES DISCHARGING INTO THE RIVER WOULD BE SUBJECT TO CONTROLS AFTER THE NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONE WAS DECLARED DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
OTHER IMPROVEMENT MEASURES INCLUDED FURTHER DREDGING OF MUD FROM THE RIVER CHANNEL WHICH WOULD START WHEN ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN AGREED ON AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER FOR THE DISPOSAL OF THE HEAVILY CONTAMINATED MUD, HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, A SEWERAGE MASTERPLAN STUDY FOR THE TUEN MUN AREA WOULD SHORTLY COMMENCE TO REVIEW THE ADEQUACY OF EXISTING SEWERAGE AND ADVISE ON THE CAPACITY AND ENGINEERING ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW SEWERS, HE ADDED.
/60 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
60
OPTIONS OPEN FOR ALLOCATING NEW BUS ROUTES THROUGH TENDER
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP OPEN OPTIONS FOR OFFERING SELECTED BUS ROUTES TO THE MARKET THROUGH COMPETITIVE TENDER, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR LEUNG SAID THIS WAS IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT POLICY AND WOULD DEPEND ON THE SUCCESS OF THE PILOT SCHEME OF AWARDING A NEW BUS ROUTE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND MACDONNELL ROAD THROUGH COMPETITIVE OPEN TENDER.
THE PILOT SCHEME IS AIMED AT PROMOTING EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY AND TO GIVE COMMUTERS A WIDER CHOICE.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME WOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO FUTURE BUS ROUTES THAT MIGHT BE TENDERED OUT ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS, AS IN THE CASE OF THE BUS ROUTE RECENTLY AWARDED TO CITYBUS LIMITED.
ON THE ALLOCATION OF NEW ROUTES TO EXISTING FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS, MR LEUNG SAID THIS WAS DONE THROUGH THE ANNUALLY ROLLED-FORWARD FIVE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
’’THESE PLANS ARE FINALISED AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT FACTORS INCLUDING DISTRICT NEEDS, ECONOMIES OF SCALE, THE EXTENT OF CROSS-SUBSIDISATION NEEDED TO KEEP SOCIALLY DESIRABLE BUT FINANCIALLY NOT-VIABLE ROUTES, AND INTEGRATION WITH OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT,” HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID ALL FOUR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES INCLUDING THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY AND CITYBUS LIMITED WERE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A FIVE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR GOVERNMENT SCRUTINY AND APPROVAL EACH YEAR.
"AS IS THE CURRENT PRACTICE, THESE PLANS WOULD BE PUT TO THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARD FOR DISCUSSION BEFORE THEY ARE FINALISED,” .HE ADDED.
------0--------
SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT FOR CHINA LIGHT *****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE THE TERMS UNDER WHICH THE SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (SCA) FOR CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD, EXXON ENERGY LTD AND THEIR GENERATING COMPANIES (THE COMPANIES) MAY BE EXTENDED FOR X FURTHER 15 YEARS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK, MRS BOSHER SAID THE CURRENT SCA BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANIES WOULD EXPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1993.
/SHE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 61 -
SHE SAID UNDER CLAUSE 7(3) OF THAT SCA, "DURING THE THREE YEARS PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1, 1993 THE COMPANIES AND GOVERNMENT WILL INSTITUTE DISCUSSIONS REGARDING REVISION AND EXTENSION OF THE SCHEME OF CONTROL TO EMBODY SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS ARE THEN FOUND TO BE MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE".
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PROVISION DISCUSSIONS TO REVISE AND EXTEND THE SCA COMMENCED WITH THE COMPANIES IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID.
"THERE WAS SOME DEGREE OF URGENCY IN THE DISCUSSIONS, AS WITHOUT A NEW SCA IN PLACE THE COMPANIES WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO RAISE THE NECESSARY PRIVATE FINANCE NEEDED TO CONSTRUCT THE PROPOSED NEW POWER STATION AT BLACK POINT.
"THE FIRST GENERATING UNITS AT BLACK POINT MUST BE OPERATIONAL DURING THE LATTER HALF OF THIS DECADE, IF CONSUMERS ARE TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AN EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY," SHE SAID.
"THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE COMPANIES ARE NOW REACHING A FINAL STAGE," MRS BOSHER SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HOPED THAT THE TERMS OF THE NEW SCA COULD BE FINALISED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN AGREED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP THE CHINESE SIDE WOULD BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE TERMS OF THE NEW SCA, SHE SAID.
"MEMBERS OF THE OMELCO ECONOMIC SERVICES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE AGREEMENT BY THE ADMINISTRATION EARLY NEXT WEEK," SHE ADDED.
------0-------
FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED INCORRECT INJECTION CASES ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IS CONDUCTING A FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION INTO THE MATTER OF RECENT ALLEGEDLY INCORRECT ADMINISTERING OF INJECTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU, MRS WONG SAID THE INVESTIGATION WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED SHORTLY AND THE RESULTS WOULD BE MADE PUBLIC.
THE SECRETARY ADDED THAT SUCH INCIDENTS WERE EXTREMELY RARE.
ACCORDING TO RECORD, THERE WAS A SIMILAR INCIDENT IN 1982 AND THE VICTIM’S FAMILY WAS COMPENSATED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MRS WONG SAID.
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/62 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 62 -
ACTION TAKEN TO ENSURE CIVIL SERVANTS KNOW OF BILL OF RIGHTS’ IMPLICATIONS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT CIVIL SERVANTS ARE AWARE OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS (BOR) ORDINANCE FOR THEIR WORK, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS INFORMED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES HAD TAKEN ACTION IN THIS REGARD.
MR ASPREY SAID THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAD SET UP A WORKING PARTY TO EXAMINE THE FULL IMPLICATIONS OF THE BOR ORDINANCE FOR POLICE WORK.
THE POLICE HAD ISSUED CIRCULARS AND ORGANISED BRIEFINGS AND TRAINING SESSIONS FOR THE OFFICERS CONCERNED ON RECENT COURT RULINGS AFFECTING EXISTING LEGISLATION OR POLICE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES, HE ADDED.
SIMILARLY, MR ASPREY SAID, THE OTHER DISCIPLINED SERVICES HAD TAKEN STEPS TO INCLUDE SESSIONS ON THE BOR ORDINANCE IN THEIR RECRUIT TRAINING.
IN ADDITION, SENIOR OFFICERS OF THESE SERVICES HAD BEEN SENT TO ATTEND A CONFERENCE ON THE BOR ORDINANCE ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN JULY THIS YEAR, AND OTHER OFFICERS ON ONE-DAY SEMINARS ON THE SAME SUBJECT ORGANISED BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT SO FAR, NO SPECIFIC COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM CIVIL SERVANTS ON UNCERTAINTY CAUSED BY THE BOR ORDINANCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
"WE ARE AWARE OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION RECENTLY.
"WE BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT THE MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE POLICE ARE ADDRESSING THEIR CONCERNS," HE SAID.
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/63........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 63 -
MOTION OF THANKS PASSED
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION THANKING THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS TO THE COUNCIL LAST MONTH.
FIFTY-FIVE MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION FOR TWO DAYS LAST WEEK AND 13 GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS REPLIED TODAY TO THE POINTS THEY HAD RAISED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY LED THE OFFICIAL REPLIES . AND THE LAST SPEECH WAS MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THREE OTHER MOTIONS, MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, WERE ALSO PASSED. ONE MOTION WAS UNDER THE LOANS ORDINANCE AND TWO WERE UNDER PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, THE PEAK TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 WAS INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/64 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
64
CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 TO BE GAZETTED
*****
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 IS DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
THE BILL SEEKS TO CLARIFY THAT IMMOVABLE PROPERTIES ARE WITHIN THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PURVIEW; TO STRENGTHEN PROHIBITION OF COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF THE COUNCIL’S NAME; AND TO UPDATE THE LIST OF ENTITIES WHICH ARE OUTSIDE ITS PURVIEW.
"UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, IT IS NOT CLEAR WHETHER PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS AND TENANCY MATTERS'ARE WITHIN THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PURVIEW," THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO REMOVE ANY UNCERTAINTY, WE PROPOSE TO AMEND THE FUNCTIONS-OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO CLARIFY THAT IMMOVABLE PROPERTIES ARE INCLUDED," HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING PROVISION TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF THE COUNCIL’S NAME AND RESEARCH FINDINGS, WE PROPOSE TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF FINES FROM THE PRESENT $5,000 TO $100,000," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL UPDATES THE SCHEDULE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE TO REMOVE DEFUNCT COMPANIES AND TO MAKE CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES WHERE COMPANIES HAVE ADOPTED NEW NAMES.
IT ALSO REMOVES FROM THE SCHEDULE COMPANIES WHICH ARE NOT UNDER ANY SPECIAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT CONTROL OR PUBLIC MONITORING SUCH AS THE PEAK TRAMWAYS COMPANY LIMITED AND THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LIMITED SO THAT THEY WILL BE BROUGHT WITHIN THE COUNCIL^ PURVIEW.
SEVERAL NEW BODIES WHICH MEET THE CRITERIA FOR EXEMPTION FROM THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PURVIEW, SUCH AS THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, ARE ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE.
"WE ALSO SUPPORT THE COUNCIL’S SUGGESTION THAT TRANSPORT COMPANIES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES SHOULD SET UP CONSUMER LIAISON GROUPS AS A WAY TO ENHANCE CONSUMER REPRESENTATION IN MONITORING THEIR SERVICE STANDARDS.
"TO THIS END, WE HAVE ALREADY ASKED THESE COMPANIES TO GIVE FIRM COMMITMENT TO ESTABLISH CONSUMER LIAISON GROUPS AND TO PROVIDE DATE BY WHICH THIS WILL BE DONE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A
A
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/65 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6,
1991
- 65 -
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 8) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMMITTEE’S PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 869 9492.
---------0-----------
NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR EX-POW’S AND WAR VETERANS
*******
THE NEW HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD: ITS FIRST MEETING YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) TO CONSIDER MORE THAN 500 APPLICATIONS FROM EXISTING BENEFICIARIES OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND AND FAR EASTERN RELIEF FUND.,
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED THAT EXISTING BENEFICIARIES OF THE TWO FUNDS WOULD BE NO WORSE OFF UNDER THE NEW PENSIONS SCHEME.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE DECIDED THAT APPLICATIONS FROM 203 LOCAL AND 314 OVERSEAS EXISTING BENEFICIARIES WOULD BE RECOMMENDED TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE FOR APPROVAL.
THE EXISTING WAR MEMORIAL FUND AND FAR EASTERN RELIEF FUND WOULD BOTH BE WOUND UP ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR WHEN PAYMENT OF PENSIONS TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS WOULD START.
THE PAYMENT OF PENSIONS WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE GOVERNMENT TREASURY. THE AMOUNT OF PENSIONS WILL BE ADJUSTED IN FUTURE IN LINE WITH ADJUSTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS.
THE MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ARE: MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING (CHAIRMAN), MR CHRISTOPHER D’ALMADA, MR JACK EDWARDS, MR JACK MITCHELL, MR CHEUNG WING-YIN, MR JOHN FORTUNE, DR CHAN PING-CHEUNG AND DR WONG HONG-HIN.
THE COMMITTEE WILL NEXT MEET ON DECEMBER 10 TO CONSIDER NEW APPLICATIONS.
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/66 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 66 -
ONE NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION
*****
ONE NOMINATION FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY WAS RECEIVED TODAY (WEDNESDAY), BRINGING TO THREE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS SO FAR.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
FOLLOWING ARE THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF THE CANDIDATE WHOSE NOMINATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY:
NAME SEX AGE OCCUPATION • CONTACT TEL. NO.
TANG SIU-TONG M 48 MEDICAL PRACTITIONER 443 2202
ADVICE AGAINST MARKING TIME TECHNOLOGICALLY ******
NO ORGANISATION IN HONG KONG, WHETHER INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL, CAN AFFORD TO MARK TIME TECHNOLOGICALLY AND TO DO SO IS TO FALL BEHIND OTHERS AND RISK GOING OUT OF BUSINESS, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR HORACE KNIGHT, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
BUT, MR KNIGHT SAID, NO BUSINESS ORGANISATION WAS CAPABLE OF REMAINING COMPETITIVE AND IN THE FOREFRONT IN TODAY’S WORLD WITHOUT A TRAINED WORKFORCE THAT WAS CAPABLE OF ADAPTING TO NEW KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES.
SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR TRAINER TRAINING COURSES OF THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, MR KNIGHT ADDED: "THAT IS WHY TRAINING AS A CONTINUING PROCESS IS CRUCIAL FOR AN EMPLOYER INDIVIDUALLY AND FOR AN INDUSTRY CORPORATELY IF THEY ARE TO REMAIN PROFITABLE AND STAY IN BUSINESS.
"CONCOMITANT WITH THE NEED FOR TRAINING IS A NEED FOR COMPETENT AND EFFECTIVE TRAINERS - SUCH TRAINERS WILL NEED NOT ONLY IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN THEIR OWN TECHNICAL FIELDS, BUT ALSO KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS INVOLVED IN THE IMPARTING OF TECHNICAL SKILLS."
MR KNIGHT SAID TO THIS END, THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE HAD CONTRIBUTED GREATLY THROUGH PROVIDING TRAINER TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
/IN COLLABORATION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 67 -
TRAINING GREATER
IN COLLABORATION WITH BODIES SUCH AS THE VOCATIONAL COUNCIL, HE SAID THE COLLEGE HAD BEEN ASSUMING INCREASINGLY INDIRECT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MANPOWER TRAINING AND WAS BECOMING INDISPENSABLE PARTNER TO .THE COUNCIL IN THE LATTER’S EFFORT TO 1
AN MEET
THE COMMUNITY’S MANPOWER NEEDS.
IN THIS YEAR’S GRADUATION CEREMONY, 458 GRADUATES FROM SIX TRAINING COURSES RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, AND THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL, MR DAVID PUN.
--------0-----------
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
* * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON SIX LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THREE OF THE LOTS ARE IN AREA 44, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, MEASURING 4,200 SQUARE METRES, 3,000 SQUARE METRES AND 7,750 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE, THE TWO SMALLER LOTS ARE DESIGNATED FOR THE PURPOSES OF OPEN STORAGE (INCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS), AND THE LARGEST SITE IS FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC VEHICLE PARK FOR LICENSED PRIVATE CARS, GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY FOR ALL THREE SITES IS TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
ANOTHER LOT IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF TUNG CHAU STREET AND YEN CHOW STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,200 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREA FOR PRIVATE CARS, TAXIS, PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
T1HE TENANCY IS FOR FOUR MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE FIFTH LOT, LOCATED AT FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, YUEN LONG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,350 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS, EQUIPMENT AND/OR NEW UNLICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING ANY CONTAINER VEHICLE, CONTAINER-TRAILER, CEMENT AND OTHER DUSTY MATERIALS).
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE REMAINING LOT IS LOCATED AT YUEN CHAU TSAI, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
/WITH AN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
- 68 -
WITH AN AREA OE ABOUT 3.33 HECTARES, THE SITE IS FOR A FEE-PARKING- PUBLIC VEHICLE PARK FOR MOTOR VEHICLES CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 22.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG AND TAI PO; THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT A BUILDING IN MONG KOK SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER 200A FA YUEN STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 10 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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/69 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1991
69
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 5.11.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 6.11.91 -502 + 502 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING THIS AFTERNOON
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111. 2 *+0.1* 6.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
6.11.91 5.11.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.20 PCT 3.32 PCT
1 MONTH 3.57 PCT 3.62 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.09 PCT 4.10 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.23 PCT 4.20 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.20 PCT 5.21 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 2,817 MN 6,495 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR 1991 SECOND QUARTER ............ 1
GOVERNOR VISITS DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ...................... 3
GOVT ENCOURAGES NEW TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT: STI ................. 4
INFORMATION MEMORANDUM OF GOVERNMENT BOND PROGRAMME PUBLISHED ..... 5
EXTENSION OF CROWN RENT & PREMIUM (APPORTIONMENT) ORDINANCE ....... 6
DENTIST BILL TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW .............................. 7
PUBLIC URGED TO SPEAK UP ON CRIME BILL ............................ 7
NO NOMINATION FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION TODAY ......................... 8
GOOD MEMORY FIELD RECOVER LOST VEHICLES ........................... 8
TENDERS TO BE INVITED FOR PURCHASE OF GOVT LIGHTERS .............. 10
TWO EMPLOYMENT EXHIBITIONS TO BE STAGED .......................... 11
HONG KONG TO HOST TALKS ON ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION ....... 12
VISITS TO SHOW CONCERN FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED .................. 12
EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING CARETAKER AWARD SCHEME .............. 13
FESTIVAL FOP ELDERLY IN SHAM SHUT PO ............................. I4
NINE NEW GMB ROUTES FOR TENDER ................................... I4
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES INTRODUCED ............................ 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....... 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR * * ♦ ♦ ♦ » *
1991 SECOND QUARTER
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991, AT 122, WAS 1 POINT OR 0.8% HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS COMPARES WITH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF 1.0% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991. THE AVERAGE RATE OF CHANGE FOR 1990 OVER 1989 WAS -0.8%.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE INDEX FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 16 POINTS OR 15.1%.
THIS SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS A SEASONAL PHENOMENON DUE MAINLY TO THE LARGER NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS IN THE SECOND QUARTER THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER WHEN MANUFACTURING WORKERS HAD THEIR LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
AMONG THE EIGHT BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS, FIVE RECORDED INCREASES IN PRODUCTION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1990.
MORE SIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE FOLLOWING GROUPS: FOOD, BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO (+12.9%); PAPER PRODUCTS AND PRINTING (+8.2%); AND ELECTRICAL. AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL GOODS (+4.1%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP ’’CHEMICALS, RUBBER, PLASTIC AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS” SHOWED THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE DECREASE IN PRODUCTION (-6.7%) IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1990.
COMPARING THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 WITH THAT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS MUCH AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, ALL EIGHT BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS SHOWED INCREASES IN PRODUCTION.
MORE SIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN PRODUCTION WERE RECORDED IN THE FOLLOWING GROUPS : TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) (+37.6%); CHEMICALS, RUBBER, PLASTIC AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (+23.9%); AND PAPER PRODUCTS AND PRINTING (+19.4%).
IN RELEASING THESE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE CHANGES OVER TIME OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE VOLUME OF LOCAL PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
A TABLE SHOWING CHANGES IN THE INDEXES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN GREATER DETAIL IS ATTACHED.
/MORE DETAILED ....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
- 2 -
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE ’’REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, SECOND QUARTER 1991”, WHICH IS ON SALE AT $3 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 839 3250.
INDEXES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION BY BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP AND SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUP
(1986 = 100)
INDEX FOR PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER
BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP/ 2ND QTR. 2ND QTR. 1ST QTR.
SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUP 1991 1990 1991
1. FOOD, BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO 149 + 12.9 + 7.2
2. WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT KNITWEAR 104 -1.0 + 6.1
AND FOOTWEAR
3. TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 117 + 1.7 + 37.6
4. PAPER PRODUCTS AND PRINTING 197 + 8.2 + 19.4
5. CHEMICALS, RUBBER, PLASTIC AND 83 -6.7 + 23.9
NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS - PLASTIC PRODUCTS (68) (-11.7) (+25.9)
6. BASIC METALS, FABRICATED METAL 132 + 1.5 + 10.9
• PRODUCTS AND NON-ELECTRICAL MACHINERY -FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, (106) (-4.5) (+6.0)
EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
7. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS , 151 + 4.1 + 12.7
PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL GOODS -CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND (135) (+2.3) (+10.7)
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC PARTS, (175) (+6.7) (+9.4)
ACCESSORIES AND MACHINERY
/8. MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING ........
3
8. MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES MANUFACTURING 106 -2.8 + 12.8
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 122 +0.8 + 15.1
NOTE: FOR EASY READING, FIGURES FOR THE 4 SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUPS, WHICH CARRY LARGER WEIGHTS AND ARE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE RESPECTIVE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS, ARE SHOWN IN BRACKETS.
---------------------0-------- GOVERNOR VISITS DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, VISITED THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SIR DAVID WAS MET AT QUEEN’S PIER BY THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN, AND TRAVELLED BY BOAT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S LARGEST CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, THE NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME.
DURING THE VOYAGE, HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORKS AND FLOOD CONTROL WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT WHICH, THIS YEAR ALONE, WILL COST J 1,500 MILLION.
SIR DAVID THEN TOURED THE CONSTRUCTION SITE WHICH EXTENDS FROM LAI CHI KOK TO TAI KOK TSUI.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE SITE SUPERVISORY TEAM ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT.
"SETTING UP A NEW SPECIALIST DEPARTMENT SHOWS HOW MUCH IMPORTANCE WE ATTACH TO SEWAGE IMPROVEMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THIS MAJOR PROJECT IN NORTHWEST KOWLOON IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE WORK THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE UNDERTAKING."
THE PROJECT, WHICH IS DUE TO BE COMMISSIONED IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR AT A COST OF $1,350 MILLION, WILL TREAT THE SEWAGE OF ONE MILLION PEOPLE AND WILL SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN THE COASTAL WATERS.
SIR DAVID SAID THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT LAY AHEAD.
IMPLEMENTING THE GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR SEWAGE STRATEGY WAS A VERY IMPORTANT TASK. IT MIGHT TAKE LONGER THAN ORIGINALLY HOPED FOR BUT THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO IT.
/"THERE IS .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
4
"THERE IS NO QUESTION OF SHELVING THE SEWAGE STRATEGY," THE GOVERNOR SAID. /
"IT CAN AND MUST BE PURSUED. BUT PROJECTS OF SUCH MAGNITUDE NEED TO BE PLANNED CAREFULLY, AND THEIR FUNDING PROPERLY PHASED WITH OTHER PUBLIC SPENDING."
------------------------0------- GOVT ENCOURAGES NEW TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT: STI ♦ * » » *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS SETTING UP AN APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS.
MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO PROMOTE THE WIDER APPLICATION OF R&D IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR ON TECHNOLOGY ROAD MAPS FOR HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY), MR CHAU SAID THIS IS NEW GROUND FOR HONG KONG.
"UNDER THE SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT WILL JOIN WITH COMPANIES TO FUND THEIR R&D PROJECTS.
"OUR INPUT WILL TAKE THE FORM OF AN INVESTMENT, SO THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHARE IN THE BENEFITS OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS," HE SAID.
"WE WILL BE SEEKING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL FOR FUNDING FOR THE SCHEME SHORTLY, WITH THE AIM OF PROCESSING THE FIRST APPLICATIONS BY MID-1992," HE SAID.
ON OTHER MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN HONG KONG, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR RESEARCH IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION SECTOR IS BEING BOOSTED FROM $120 MILLION IN THE 1988/91 TRIENNIUM TO ABOUT $400 MILLION FOR 1991/94.
"AS THE R&D CAPABILITY OF THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS GROWS, THEY WILL BE INCREASINGLY WELL PLACED TO SUPPORT THE WORK WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON APPLIED R&D PROJECTS.
"IN HIGHER EDUCATION, A MAJOR EXPANSION OF THE GRADUATE PROGRAMME IS UNDER WAY, WITH THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN FULLTIME STUDY IN ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY SUBJECTS EXPECTED TO RISE FROM JUST OVER 10,000 IN 1990 TO ABOUT 30,000 BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY," MR CHAU SAID.
ALSO IN THE AREA OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO ESTABLISH A NEW TECHNOLOGY TRAINING SCHEME.
"UNDER THIS SCHEME, COMPANIES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRAINING IN IMPORTANT NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR THEIR MIDCAREER MANAGERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS," HE SAID.
/MR CHAU .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
MR CHAU SAID A NEW INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WILL BE ESTABLISHED ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUE TO RESPOND TO THE RAPIDLY CHANGING TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT.
THE COUNCIL, WHICH WILL TAKE OVER FROM THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY, WILL ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON STRATEGIES FOR FACILITATING INDUSTRIAL UPGRADING, ESPECIALLY IN THE AREAS OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND APPLIED R&D.
"THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE CONCERNED WITH HOW BEST TO FOCUS AND CO-ORDINATE OUR EXISTING INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES," HE ADDED.
ON A FINAL NOTE, MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG IS WELL PLACED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED INDUSTRIES.
"WE HAVE A FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION. WE HAVE A WELL EDUCATED AND SKILLED WORKFORCE AND AN EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE. AND WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH AND HAVE READY ACCESS TO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FROM OVERSEAS," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RECENT DECISION BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO AWARD INTRA-COCOM TRADE LICENSING BENEFITS TO HONG KONG IS A VERY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT.
"THE U.S. IS THE LARGEST SUPPLIER OF HIGH-TECH GOODS TO HONG KONG. THE LIBERALISATION OF LICENSING PROCEDURES WILL ALLOW A FASTER AND EASIER FLOW OF THESE GOODS FROM THE U.S. TO HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
------0-------
INFORMATION MEMORANDUM OF GOVERNMENT BOND PROGRAMME PUBLISHED ******
THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, THE ISSUING AGENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT BONDS, PUBLISHES TODAY (THURSDAY) AN INFORMATION MEMORANDUM OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BOND PROGRAMME.
"THE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM SETS OUT THE RELEVANT DETAILS OF THE BONDS PROGRAMME, INCLUDING THE TENDER ARRANGEMENTS AND THE PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION, PAYMENT, AND SETTLEMENT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE OF EXCHANGE FUND SAID.
VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS AUTHORISING THE GOVERNMENT TO BORROW THROUGH THE ISSUE OF BONDS UNDER THE LOANS ORDINANCE SUM NOT EXCEEDING FIVE BILLION HONG KONG DOLLARS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND WERE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY)
"ALL THE NECESSARY APPROVALS HAVE NOW BEEN OBTAINED FOR THE LAUNCHING OF THE GOVERNMENT BOND PROGRAMME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE FIRST TENDER OF THE BONDS WILL BE HELD LATER THIS MONTH. DETAILS OF THE BONDS TO BE ISSUED, INCLUDING THE AMOUNT ON OFFER, INTEREST RATE, THE TENDER DATE, ISSUE DATE AND MATURITY DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT LEAST FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE TENDER DATE," HE SAID.
COPIES OF THE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ON 24TH FLOOR, ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER II, 18 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.
------0--------
/6 .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
6
EXTENSION OF CROWN RENT & PREMIUM (APPORTIONMENT) ORDINANCE ******
THE CROWN RENT AND PREMIUM (APPORTIONMENT) ORDINANCE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER ALL REMAINING UNAFFECTED LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE EXTENSION WAS MADE ACCORDING TO THE POWERS EXERCISED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXTENSION WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF THE EXISTING CROWN RENT COLLECTION SYSTEM.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS ORDINANCE WAS TO ACHIEVE A FAIR AND REASONABLE APPORTIONMENT OF CROWN RENT AND PREMIUM ON SECTIONS OF LOTS AS WELL AS ON INDIVIDUAL FLATS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
THE EXISTING PRACTICE IN RESPECT OF LOTS INVOLVING MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP WAS TO MAKE ONE OF THE CO-OWNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF CROWN RENT FOR THE WHOLE LOT.
"THIS IS UNSATISFACTORY BECAUSE THE CO-OWNER RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH PAYMENT HAS NO STATUTORY RIGHT TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CROWN RENT HE HAS PAID FROM THE OTHER CO-OWNERS.
"FURTHERMORE, HE HAS NO MEANS TO DETERMINE HOW THE CROWN RENT SHOULD BE APPORTIONED AS ONLY THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CROWN RENT IS SHOWN IN THE DEMAND NOTE," HE SAID.
EXTENSION WAS NOT MADE TO COVER THE WHOLE NEW TERRITORIES AT THE OUTSET WHEN THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1970 BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF LOTS IN MULTI-OWNERSHIP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES UP TO THEN WAS SMALL, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS SEEN A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE SINCE 1976, AND PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERED IN THE COLLECTION OF CROWN RENT IN CASES WHERE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP IS INVOLVED," HE SAID.
UPON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXTENSION, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT HAS ESTABLISHED AN APPORTIONMENT UNIT FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SERVICES.
FROM NOW ON PROPERTY OWNERS CAN APPLY FOR APPORTIONMENT OF CROWN RENT IN RESPECT OF THEIR RELEVANT INTEREST IN LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY MAY APPROACH THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES FOR PROCEDURE DETAILS AND FURTHER INFORMATION.
/7........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
7 -
DENTIST BILL TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW
, ******
A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO EXPAND THE RANGE OF DISCIPLINARY ORDERS AVAILABLE TO THE DENTAL COUNCIL IN THE EVENT OF A FINDING BY THE COUNCIL AGAINST A DENTIST.
"THE NEW ORDERS WILL INCLUDE A POWER TO MAKE NO ORDER AND TO SUSPEND THE APPLICATION OF ANY ORDER MADE. THE EXISTING POWER TO POSTPONE JUDGEMENT FOR TWO YEARS WILL BE DELETED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL DISCIPLINARY ORDERS OF THE COUNCIL HAVE TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE AMENDMENT WILL MAKE THE GAZETTING OF A DISCIPLINARY ORDER OPTIONAL IN THE CASE OF A REPRIMAND.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE CHANGES WOULD BRING THE RANGE OF DISCIPLINARY ORDERS FOR THE DENTAL COUNCIL IN LINE WITH THOSE FOR THE MEDICAL COUNCIL IN DEALING WITH DISCIPLINARY CASES INVOLVING MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
THE DRAFT LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20.
------0-------
PUBLIC URGED TO SPEAK UP ON CRIME BILL ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ORGANISED CRIME BILL BEFORE THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE ENDS IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MRS MARION LAI, CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO ACTIVELY EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS SO THAT THE BILL COULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED AND BECOME AN EFFECTIVE TOOL TO COMBAT TRIADS AND TO FIGHT ORGANISED CRIME.
MRS LAI NOTED THAT THE BILL, PUBLISHED IN AUGUST, HAD IN GENERAL BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC, WHO WELCOMED IT AS A DETERMINED EFFORT TO COMBAT TRIADS AND ORGANISED CRIME.
THERE WERE, HOWEVER, WORRIES AS TO WHETHER THE BILL WOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE, SHE SAID.
/DURING THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
8
DURING THE DRAFTING OF THE BILL, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY ENDEAVOURED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE LIKELY IMPACT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE, SHE SAID.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT COURT RULINGS, PARTICULARLY THE COURT OF APPEAL CASE CONCERNING THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE GUARANTEE OF PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE CAN BE MODIFIED, WE WILL OBVIOUSLY NEED TO LOOK AT THE BILL AGAIN TO SEE IF WE NEED TO CHANGE ANY PART OF IT," SHE SAID.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE ON THE DRAFT LEGISLATION, TOGETHER WITH VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE BILL, WILL BE EXAMINED BEFORE THE BILL IS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR.
TURNING TO THE AIMS OF THE BILL, MRS LAI SAID WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO ACHIEVE WAS TO IMPROVE THE ABILITY TO PROSECUTE AND PUNISH THOSE INVOLVED IN ORGANISED CRIME; TO DETER ORGANISED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY THROUGH HEAVIER PENALTIES; AND TO DESTROY THE FINANCIAL POWER OF CRIMINAL SYNDICATES BY PROVIDING FOR THE CONFISCATION OF THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME.
---------0-----------
NO NOMINATION FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION TODAY
*****
NO NOMINATION IS RECEIVED TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18,
THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE NOMINATION STARTED ON MONDAY.
---------0-----------
GOOD MEMORY FIELD RECOVER LOST VEHICLES *****
THE POLICE FORCE’S TOP TEAM OF SPOTTERS OF MISSING AND WANTED VEHICLES - KOWLOON WEST EMERGENCY UNIT - PLAY THEIR OWN NUMBERS GAME TO REMEMBER THE REGISTRATION NUMBERS OF VEHICLES AS THEY PATROL THE STREETS.
SO ACCURATE IS THEIR MEMORY FOR REGISTRATION NUMBERS THAT OF THE 147 VEHICLES LOCATED BY THE UNIT DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR A TOTAL OF 83 WERE FOUND BY OFFICERS OF NO. 4 PLATOON.
A RECORD NUMBER OF 24 VEHICLES WERE LOCATED BY THE PLATOON DURING SEPTEMBER.
/'WITH APPROXIMATELY.......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
9 -
WITH APPROXIMATELY 16 VEHICLES REPORTED MISSING IN HONG KONG EVERY DAY, THE TOTAL LIST OF WANTED AND MISSING VEHICLES CARRIED BY THE EU OFFICERS HOVERS AROUND THE 150 MARK.
AND PLATOON COMMANDER INSPECTOR CHEUNG KIN-KWONG RECKONS THAT EACH MAN IN HIS PLATOON CAN CARRY ABOUT 10 REGISTRATION NUMBERS IN HIS OWN PERSONAL MEMORY BANK.
"THAT MEANS THAT OFFICERS IN ONE CAR CAN REMEMBER 30 OR 40 VEHICLE NUMBERS," MR CHEUNG SAID.
THE ACCURACY OF THE OFFICERS’ MEMORY FOR NUMBERS IS BASED ON LINKING THEM WITH NUMBERS THAT ARE ALREADY FAMILIAR TO THEM - THE UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS OF THEIR OWN COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS.
BY DISREGARDING THE LETTERED PREFIX OF THE NUMBERS THE OFFICERS RELATE THE NUMERALS TO THOSE GROUPINGS THEY ALREADY KNOW, SO THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUMBERS OF VEHICLES AND UI NUMBERS CAN BE QUICKLY RECALLED.
THE OFFICERS ALSO SEPARATE A GROUP OF FOUR DIGITS INTO TWO PAIRS TO FURTHER RELATE NUMBERS WHICH ARE FAMILIAR TO THEM.
"AS THE OFFICERS PATROL THEY MIGHT SUDDENLY CRY: "THERE’S AH YING" OR "THERE’S AH HO," MR CHEUNG SAID. -"EACH OFFICER CAN RECALL ABOUT 10 NUMBERS FROM FELLOW OFFICERS HE KNOWS NOW OR IN THE PAST."
BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS OF THE OFFICERS IN THE UNIT THE PERMUTATIONS OF FAMILIAR NUMBER GROUPINGS INCREASES BY THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS SHARING THE PATROL.
THE OFFICERS KEEP A GRID LIKE LIST OF AROUND 150 VEHICLES TABULATED ACCORDING TO THEIR NUMBERS AND WHICH HAVE BEEN MISSING OR WANTED FOR THE PREVIOUS FEW WEEKS. THE LIST IS UPDATED DAILY FROM FIGURES PROVIDED BY THE CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU.
THE MEMORY SYSTEM HAS BEEN IN OPERATION IN KOWLOON WEST FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS AND WAS INTRODUCED BY A FORMER SERGEANT WITH THE EMERGENCY UNIT.
"IT HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL WITH OFFICERS IN' PATROL CARS, RATHER THAN OFFICERS ON THE BEAT," MR CHEUNG SAID.
"I KNOW THAT OTHER UNITS HAVE THEIR OWN SYSTEMS FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF MISSING AND WANTED VEHICLES BUT WE THINK THAT THIS METHOD IS THE MOST PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE.
"I WOULD LIKE TO SEE OUR SYSTEM ADOPTED BY OTHER EMERGENCY UNITS AND TASK FORCES."
FORTY-ONE OF THE S3 VEHICLES LOCATED BY NO. 4 PLATOON WERE IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORE WAS BY POLICE CONSTABLE NG KA-KEUNG WHOSE MEMORY RECALLED 11 VEHICLES IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
/SUPERINTENDENT OF .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
- 10 -
SUPERINTENDENT OF KOWLOON WEST EMERGENCY UNIT, MR SEAN HEALY, SAID: "THE OFFICERS OF COURSE ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR DEALING WITH A VARIETY OF OTHER MATTERS IN ADDITION TO RECOVERING VEHICLES. BUT I THINK THEIR SUCCESS IN LOCATING MISSING AND WANTED VEHICLES IS PROBABLY UNIQUE FORCE-WIDE.
"OUR AREA IS A HOTBED FOR ALL KINDS OF CRIME AND IT IS TO BE EXPECTED THAT A LOT OF THESE CARS SHOULD END UP HERE. I AM DELIGHTED TO SEE THE EFFORTS PUT INTO THIS PROBLEM ARE PRODUCING £UCH RESULTS.
"WE ARE ALSO MAKING SOME GOOD CRIME ARRESTS.
---------0 - -
TENDERS TO BE INVITED * * *
FOR PURCHASE OF GOVT LIGHTERS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO PURPOSE-BUILT FERRY LIGHTERS.
THE STEEL DOUBLE-DECK LANDING PONTOONS - LIGHTER 9 AND 11 MEASURE 36.6 BY 12.2 METRE AND 39.6 BY 12.2 METRE RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF THE TENDERS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID AS THE LIGHTERS HAD NOT BEEN PUT TO ACTIVE USE RECENTLY, IT WOULD BE COST-EFFECTIVE TO SELL THEM TO SAVE THE HIGH MAINTENANCE COSTS AND MANPOWER DEPLOYED TO LOOK AFTER THEM DURING TYPHOON.
"THE VESSELS ALSO OCCUPY VALUABLE WATER SPACE IN THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD," HE SAID.
LIGHTER 9 AND 11 WERE BOUGHT IN 1980 AND 1984 AT A COST OF $940,000 AND $1.39 MILLION RESPECTIVELY. THEY WERE RENTED TO THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY FOR USE UNTIL 1986 AND THIS YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
FORMS OF TENDER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROCUREMENT DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, 30 LUEN WAN STREET.
INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD PLACE TENDERS IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE MAIN GATE OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT, BEFORE 9 AM ON DECEMBER 6.
- - 0---------
/Il .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
- 11 -
TWO EMPLOYMENT EXHIBITIONS TO BE STAGED *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE TWO EXHIBITIONS AT POPULAR SHOPPING MALLS FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO SUNDAY TO PROMOTE ITS FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE FIRST EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON THE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE OF THE NEW WORLD CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
"THIS EXHIBITION WILL INTRODUCE TO -EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS THE FREE ASSISTANCE OFFERED BY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES)," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR JOHN SUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
EMPLOYERS RECRUITING STAFF CAN TELEPHONE THEIR NEAREST LES OFFICE FROM WHERE PARTICULARS OF JOB VACANCIES WILL BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE FACSIMILE SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY AT ALL THE 12 LES OFFICES, MR SUNG SAID.
"JOB-SEEKERS ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER WITH THE LES OFFICES AND OUR STAFF WILL ASSIST THEM IN SELECTING SUITABLE JOBS AND WILL ARRANGE INTERVIEWS WITH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS," HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO INTRODUCE FREE ASSISTANCE BY THE DEPARTMENT’S HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (HEES) TO JOB-SEEKERS WITH TERTIARY EDUCATION OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION.
"THESE JOB-SEEKERS MAY REGISTER WITH THE HEES ON SIXTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL AND THEY WILL BE MATCHED WITH RELEVANT JOB VACANCIES," MR SUNG SAID.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 11.30 AM TO 6.30 PM TOMORROW AND FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
IT WILL BE MOUNTED AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF CITY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, TAIKOO SHING FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 17, AND AT LEVEL 4 ROTUNDA OF NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN FROM NOVEMBER 22 TO 24.
THE EXHIBITION ON THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH FEDERATION OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LABOUR UNIONS AND WILL BE HELD ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF CITY PLAZA 2, TAIKOO SHING.
OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 10.30 AM TO 6.30 PM.
FEATURING GRAPHIC DISPLAYS AND PRESENTING IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE, THE EXHIBITION IS AIMED AT INCREASING PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE STATUTORY BENEFITS FOR WORKERS UNDER THE ORDINANCE, INCLUDING PAID HOLIDAYS, MATERNITY LEAVE, LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE PAYMENTS, AND ARRANGEMENT FOR TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.
IN ADDITION, A QUIZ WILL BE HELD ON THE SPOT TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND LABOUR RELATIONS.
LABOUR OFFICERS AT THE EXHIBITION WILL ANSWER ENQUIRIES AND DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION LEAFLETS.
------ o------
/12 .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
- 12 -
HONG KONG TO HOST TALKS ON ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION
******
HONG KONG IS TO HOST A PREPARATORY MEETING ON THE SETTING UP OF AN ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, HAS WRITTEN TO 11 ASIAN CITIES/COUNTRIES IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL INVITING THEM TO SEND DELEGATES TO THE PREPARATORY MEETING, TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMBER 1.
THE PLACES INVITED ARE CHINA, MACAU, SOUTH KOREA, INDIA, THAILAND, BRUNEI, SRI LANKA, SIGNAPORE, MALAYSIA, INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES.
THE DEADLINE FOR PARTICIPATION IS NOVEMBER 12 AND EACH PLACE MAY SEND TWO DELEGATES. THE EXPENSES FOR THEIR FOUR-DAY STAY IN HONG KONG WILL BE FOOT BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL.
THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR LAU CHAK-BUN, SAID IT WAS AT THE RECENT 20TH ASIAN SCHOOLS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IN MALAYSIA THAT PARTICIPANTS, AT AN INITIATIVE FROM THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, AGREED TO THE. FORMATION OF AN ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS NOMINATED TO HOST A PREPARATORY MEETING TO FULLY DISCUSS THE ISSUE.
--------0---------
VISITS TO SHOW CONCERN FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED
*****
A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN WONG TAI SIN ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO MARK THE START OF A SERIES OF TERRITORY-WIDE VISITS TO SHOW CONCERN FOR THS ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) AND THE ORIENTAL PRESS CHARITABLE FUND ASSOCIATION.
THE EVENT, ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CARE AND SHARE OPERATION BEING HELD BY THE SWD THIS YEAR, IS AIMED AT ENHANCING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CARING FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG; THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORIENTAL PRESS CHARITABLE FUND ASSOCIATION, MR MA CHING-KWAN.
THEY WILL JOIN VOLUNTEERS ON VISITS TO THE NEEDY, INCLUDING ELDERLY SINGLETONS, AFTER THE CEREMONY.
/OVER 1,000 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
OVER 1,000 VOLUNTEERS WILL BE MOBILISED TO VISIT ABOUT 7,000 ELDERLY AND DISABLED IN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS. ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WILL BE ORGANISED AND GIFT PACKS DISTRIBUTED DURING THE VISITS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS'
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 10) AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE I OPEN DECK, WONG TAI SIN.
- - 0 - -
EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING CARETAKER AWARD SCHEME
*****
EASTERN RESIDENTS HAVE ONE MORE WEEK TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT’S OUTSTANDING CARETAKER AWARD SCHEME FOR 1991-92.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE (EDO) SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE SCHEME WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING THE MORALE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF AND GIVING THEM DUE RECOGNITION FOR THEIR JOB.
"ANY ORGANISATION REPRESENTING A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING, SUCH AS AN OWNERS CORPORATION, A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE, A BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMPANY OR AN OWNERS’ COMMITTEE CAN NOMINATE MORE THAN ONE CARETAKER OR WATCHMAN FOR THE SCHEME.
"EACH NOMINATION MUST BE SUPPORTED BY AT LEAST 30 PER CENT OF THE HOUSEHOLDS," HE SAID.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON ELEVENTH FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE MAIN OFFICE BY NOVEMBER 15.
UPON RECEIPTS OF THE FORMS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, EDO STAFF WILL VISIT THE BUILDINGS CONCERNED AND HAND OUT BALLOTS TO RESIDENTS FOR SELECTION.
’ NOMINATIONS WILL BE SCREENED BY A PANEL COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE EDO, EASTERN DISTRICT POLICE STATION AND TJ1E DISTRICT’S FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATION, WHICH ARE CO-ORGANISERS OF THE SCHEME.
RESULTS OF THIS YEAR’S AWARD SCHEME, WHICH FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN FOR 1991-92, WILL BE ANNOUNCED EARLY NEXT MONTH.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 886 6530.
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/14
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
FESTIVAL FOR ELDERLY IN SHAM SHUI PO
******
THE SHAM SHUI PO FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY WILL START WITH A VARIETY SHOW AT TRE NAM CHEONG ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE TOMORROW (FRIDAY). THE SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
THE THREE-WEEK FESTIVAL IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE CARE AND WELFARE FOR THE AGED.
A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE FESTIVAL, INCLUDING A CANTONESE OPERA SHOW, AN EXHIBITION ON HEALTH CARE AND FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS FOR THE ELDERLY.
TOMORROW’S VARIETY SHOW, ADMISSION TO WHICH IS FREE, WILL FEATURE GROUP SINGING, FOLK DANCE AS WELL AS A DRAMA BY SENIOR CITIZENS FROM SIX CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
OFFICIATING AT THE FESTIVAL’S LAUNCHING WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR FUNG KIN-KEE; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; URBAN COUNCILLOR MR MA LEE-WO; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MISS TSE MAY-LING; AND THE DB’S COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR TAM KWOK-KIU.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW OF THE SHAM SHUI PO FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE NAM CHEONG ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHEONG SAN LANE, NAM CHEONG ESTATE.
- - 0 - -
NINE NEW GMB ROUTES FOR TENDER *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATING NINE NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE NEW ROUTES ARE* IN CHAI WAN, SAI YING PUN, CAUSEWAY BAY AND WAN CHAI ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG AND HO MAN TIN IN KOWLOON; AND SHEK LEI AND TSEUNG KWAN 0 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TWO WILL BE OPERATING VIA THE SHING MUN TUNNELS AND TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL, AND TWO ARE ALL-NIGHT CROSS HARBOUR SERVICES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/DETAILS OF
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
- 15 -
DETAILS OF THESE ROUTES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY). THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE NEW ROUTES ARE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED IN FOUR TO FIVE MONTHS’ TIME.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 41ST FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICES AT SEVENTH FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, KOWLOON; AND LICENSING OFFICES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 6 THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL SELECT THE APPLICANTS ON THE BASIS OF THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA LAID DOWN BY THE BOARD.
"THESE CRITERIA INCLUDE EXPERIENCE OF THE APPLICANT IN TRANSPORT SERVICE, HIS FINANCIAL RESOURCES, HIS MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES, THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF HIS VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING," HE ADDED.
------0-------
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES INTRODUCED
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCES THAT A NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 483 BETWEEN RIVIERA GARDEN IN TSUEN WAN AND CHEVALIER GARDEN IN MA ON SHAN WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 9) TO CATER FOR THE EXPECTED TRAVEL DEMAND.
THE FARE PER SINGLE JOURNEY WILL RANGE FROM $2 TO $8.
MEANWHILE, ANOTHER NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 56 SERVING BETWEEN RICHLAND GARDENS AND SHUNG YAN STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL COMMENCE OPERATION ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 9). THE FARE IS $2.5 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
--------0-----------
/16 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1991
- 16 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE
$ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 6.11.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 7.11.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
500
+ 711
-711
NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.2 *+0.0* 7.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS 7.11.91 6.11.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.20 PCT 3.20 PCT
1 MONTH 3.47 PCT 3.57 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.97 PCT 4.09 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.15 PCT 4.23 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.06 PCT 5.20 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 5,080 MN 2,817 MN
------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR ON RETURN OF VIETNAMESE Il'S ................................ 1
VIETNAMESE Il'S RETURNED SENSITIVELY ................................. 1
TROUBLE-FREE FLIGHT TO HANOI ........................................... 3
WORKING GROUP ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SET UP ........................ 4
TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE REVIEW TO COPE WITH RAPID CHANGES ............ 4
REFORMS IN HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES .............................. 7
SOUTHERN DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS FORTNIGHT OPENS ................... 8
FIVE NEW GMB ROUTES FOR YUEN LONG .................................... 9
IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD PROPOSED .................... 9
AWARD FOR CASTLE PEAK BOYS' HOME VOLUNTEERS .......................... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 11
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
- 1 -
GOVERNOR ON RETURN OF VIETNAMESE Il’S
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE RETURN OF 59 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO THEIR HOMES IN VIETNAM WAS "AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP IN THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME".
HE SAID:
"TODAY’S RETURN WAS PLANNED AND CARRIED OUT WITH AS MUCH SENSITIVITY AS POSSIBLE. IT WAS NEVER GOING TO BE EASY, PARTICULARLY WHEN SOME PEOPLE HAD MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY WERE RELUCTANT TO LEAVE. IT IS A PITY THAT SOME PEOPLE HAD TO BE LED OR CARRIED ONTO THE AIRCRAFT.
"THE 59 PEOPLE RETURNED TODAY WERE PART OF A LARGER GROUP OF 320 WHO HAD ORIGINALLY VOLUNTEERED TO RETURN TO VIETNAM AND THEN, SOME WITH THEIR FAMILIES, CAME BACK TO HONG KONG. MOST, WHEN TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO RETURN AGAIN TO VIETNAM, VOLUNTEERED TO DO SO. THIS LEFT A SMALL GROUP WHO WERE NOT PREPARED TO GO VOLUNTARILY.
"WE CARRIED OUT THIS OPERATION IN THE FULL GLARE OF THE WORLD’S MEDIA. ALL OVER THE WORLD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE COMPELLED TO RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRIES, USUALLY WITHOUT ANY PUBLICITY. IN MANY CASES THEY TOO ARE RELUCTANT TO GO BACK. WHAT WAS DONE IN HONG KONG TODAY WAS ABSOLUTELY IN LINE WITH WHAT HAPPENS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD WHEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE DEPORTED.
"WE HOPE THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL OPT FOR VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION.^ BUT THE SIMPLE REALITY IS THAT NOT ALL WILL DO SO. FROM TIME TO TIME THERE WILL HAVE TO BE FURTHER SUCH RETURNS OF THOSE WHO WILL NOT VOLUNTEER*. OUR AIM MUST BE TO RETURN NON-REFUGEES WHO COME TO HONG KONG QUICKLY AND SAFELY SO THAT THEY CAN RE-START THEIR LIVES IN THEIR HOMELAND.
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VIETNAMESE Il’S RETURNED SENSITIVELY
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS HANDLING THE RETURN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO VIETNAM AS SENSITIVELY AND CAREFULLY AS POSSIBLE, THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IT IN FRONT OF THE WORLD’S PRESS TO SHOW THAT IT HAS NOTHING TO HIDE, HE TOLD REPORTERS AFTER THE FLIGHT TAKING 59 "DOUBLE BACKERS" AND THEIR FAMILIES TOOK OFF FOR VIETNAM THIS MORNING.
THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE TO DEPORTATION IS FOR THESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO WASTE THEIR LIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN’S LIVES IN CAMPS IN HONG KONG, HE STRESSED.
/"WE HAVE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
2
"WE HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY DO GO BACK, SAFELY, SMOOTHLY, SOUNDLY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE WITH DIGNITY," HE SAID.
"WHAT WE WILL NOW BE DOING IS BEGINNING TO PLAN THE SECOND FLIGHT. WE ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO VERY EARLY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT ON PLANNING THE DETAILS OF AN ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME FOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE ALREADY IN OUR CAMPS HERE."
ASKED IF HE WAS SURPRISED BY THE RESISTANCE PUT UP BY SOME OF THE RETURNEES, MR LEEKS SAID : "I THINK YOU WILL HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT VOLUNTEERS. SOME OF THEM HAVE GONE BACK, AS YOU COULD SEE, QUITE WILLINGLY, OTHERS HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT THEY ARE GOING BACK RELUCTANTLY. WHERE THAT HAPPENED, YOU COULD SEE THAT THEY WERE HELPED ONTO THE AIRCRAFT.
"I THINK IT WAS DONE WITH THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM OF COMPULSION BY THE POLICE. I THINK THEY HANDLED IT WITH TREMENDOUS SENSITIVITY AND OF COURSE THIS IS THE WAY SADLY DEPORTATIONS ARE DONE ALL OVER THE WORLD."
MR LEEKS WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THAT SOME OF THE SINGLE MEN IN THE AIRPORT TRANSIT CENTRE HAD BEEN TRYING TO PERSUADE OTHERS TO PUT UP A SHOW.
"WE HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO COUNSEL THE PEOPLE TO EXPLAIN THAT THEY ALL HAVE TO GO BACK. I THINK WITH MANY OF THEM WE SUCCEEDED, AS YOU COULD SEE. THERE WERE A FEW PEOPLE WHO WERE CLEARLY UNHAPPY .ABOUT GOING BACK," HE SAID.
"WE DEALT WITH THAT AS SENSITIVELY AS WE POSSIBLY COULD. YOU CAN SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND YOU MUST JUDGE IT FOR YOURSELF."
MR LEEKS EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED BACK IN HANOI THEY WOULD REALISE THE FACT THAT "THEY ARE BACK HOME RATHER THAN WASTING THE REST OF THEIR LIVES IN HONG KONG".
"THE ALTERNATIVE FOR THESE PEOPLE IS TO WASTE THE WHOLE OF THEIR LIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN’S LIVES, STUCK IN CAMPS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ASKED IF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MORNING WOULD LEAD TO TRADE SANCTION BY THE UNITED STATES, MR LEEKS SAID : "I THINK THE REFERENCE TO TRADE SANCTION SOUNDS EXTRAORDINARILY EXTREME. THE FACT IS THAT AS YOU HAVE SEEN WE HAVE BEEN AS SENSITIVELY AND CAREFULLY AS WE CAN, RETURNING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO VIETNAM. THE AMERICANS OF COURSE ALSO RETURN MEXICANS TO MEXICO, HAITIANS TO HAITI. I HAVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY DO NOT TRY TO DO IT IN FRONT OF THE WORLD’S PRESS.
"WE HAVE TRIED TO DO THAT AND TO SHOW YOU THAT WE HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE AND THAT WE ARE HANDLING THIS VERY, VERY SENSITIVELY INDEED."
ASKED TO CONFIRM REPORTS THAT SOME OF THE RETURNEES HAVE BEEN SEDATED, MR LEEKS SAID THAT NO ONE HAD BEEN SEDATED FOR SECURITY REASONS.
/"THE SITUATION .......
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 9, 1991
"THE SITUATION IS THAT A COUPLE OF THE WOMEN WERE DISTRESSED AT THE TIME THEY WERE GETTING ON THE FERRY. WHAT I HAVE EXPLAINED IS THAT THERE WAS A DOCTOR AT HEI LING CHAU. IF ANYONE WAS GIVEN ANY SEDATION, THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY, EMPHATICALLY, CLEARLY FOR MEDICAL REASONS," HE SAID.
"THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO QUESTION OF SEDATING ANYONE FOR SECURITY REASONS. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE JUDGEMENT PURELY OF THE DOCTOR ON THE SPOT. AND THAT I THINK IS CLEARLY CORRECT."
AS TO THE SITUATION AT THE AIRPORT TRANSIT CENTRE DURING THE NIGHT, MR LEEKS SAID THAT THE NIGHT PASSED VERY PEACEFULLY.
"SOME PEOPLE SLEPT. SOME PEOPLE CHATTED. THERE WAS NO CHAOS," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
TROUBLE-FREE FLIGHT TO HANOI
**»»♦♦*
THE FIRST FLIGHT OF VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS REPATRIATED UNDER THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME WAS COMPLETED UNEVENTFULLY TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN THE PLANE LANDED IN HANOI AT 12.50 PM (HONG KONG TIME), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ALL 59 PEOPLE DISEMBARKED WITHOUT TROUBLE," HE SAID.
THEY WERE MET BY VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES. FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF FORMALITIES AT THE AIRPORT, THE PEOPLE WERE DUE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO CO NHUE TRANSIT CENTRE IN THE SAME WAY AS RETURNEES UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
THE SPOKESMAN WELCOMED THE FACT THAT THE GROUP WERE NOW BACK IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY AND WOULD SOON BE RETURNING TO THEIR OWN HOMES.
"THEY WILL BE DOING THIS WITH ALL THE SAME GUARANTEES OF SAFETY AND MONITORING EXTENDED TO OTHER RETURNEES, AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR UNHCR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO HELP THEM RE-ESTABLISH THEMSELVES BACK IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES."
THE GROUP WERE ESCORTED BY 30 MALE AND 10 FEMALE POLICE OFFICERS WHO WERE UNARMED AND DRESSED IN CIVILIAN CLOTHES. ALSO ON BOARD WERE NURSES, IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, INTERPRETERS AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR JOHN SHANNON.
THE PLANE LEFT HANOI AT 2 PM (HONG KONG TIME) FOR THE RETURN FLIGHT TO HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
4
WORKING GROUP ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SET UP *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) CONFIRMED THAT AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION HAS BEEN SET UP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN.
THE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND FINANCE BRANCH.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE RETIREMENT PROTECTION WORKING GROUP ARE:
* TO REVIEW THE EXISTING PROVISIONS OR SCHEMES RELATING TO
RETIREMENT PROTECTION;
* TO ASSESS THE PRACTICABILITY OF POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR
COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION;
« TO ASSESS THE IMPLICATIONS (FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC, LEGAL AND
SOCIAL) OF POSSIBLE OPTIONS; AND
* TO LIAISE WITH AND CONSULT RELEVANT BODIES.
IN RESPONSE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTION ON THE STAND OF GOVERNMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS CONCLUDED THAT, WHILE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAINTAIN ITS POSITION IN NOT SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, THERE IS A GREATER NEED FOR COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND THAT, IN PRINCIPLE, THESE SHOULD INCLUDE VARIOUS FORMS OF COMPULSORY RETIREMENT SCHEMES, WHICH SHOULD NOW BE EXAMINED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
--------0-----------
TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE REVIEW TO COPE WITH RAPID CHANGES ******
THE TASK OF REVAMPING THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE IS NOT AN EASY ONE, BUT IT HAS TO BE DONE SO THAT HONG KONG CAN HAVE PLANNING LEGISLATION THAT CAN COPE WITH THE RAPID POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGES THAT ARE TAKING PLACE.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WHEN ADDRESSING A CONFERENCE ON THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTRAMURAL STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
/OUTLINING THE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
5
OUTLINING THE MAIN POINTS OF THE COMMENTS RECEIVED SO FAR ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, MR BARNES SAID THE VIEWS REFLECTED MANY OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S DILEMMAS BUT WITH DIFFERENT WEIGHTING GIVEN BY DIFFERENT PARTIES.
ON THE ISSUE OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND CONSULTATION, HE SAID MOST PEOPLE SEEMED TO BE IN FAVOUR OF A MORE OPEN AND FAIRER PLANNING SYSTEM.
”AS A FIRST STEP IN THE MOVE TOWARDS A FAIRER STATUTORY SYSTEM, AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL BOARD WILL SOON BE SET UP UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1991," MR BARNES SAID.
THE BOARD, WITH ITS OWN APPEALS REGULATIONS, WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON NOVEMBER 18 TO CONSIDER APPEALS AGAINST THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD’S DECISIONS ON SECTION 16 APPLICATIONS.
IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, IT WAS PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE APPEAL BOARD TO DEAL WITH APPEALS AGAINST THE PROPOSED PLANNING AUTHORITY’S DECISIONS AND TO CONSIDER OBJECTIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS ON STATUTORY PLANS REFERRED TO IT BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
"WHILE THERE IS GENERAL PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR A MORE OPEN AND FAIRER STATUTORY PLANNING SYSTEM, LANDOWNERS AND DEVELOPERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE DELAY AND UNCERTAINTY THAT MAY BE CAUSED TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
’’ONE OF THEIR WORRIES RELATES TO THE PROPOSED INTERIM DEVELOPMENT CONTROL DURING THE PLAN EXHIBITION AND OBJECTION CONSIDERATION PERIOD - A PROPOSAL INTENDED TO MAKE THE EXISTING PROCEDURES FAIRER TO THE OBJECTORS," HE SAID.
TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE DIFFERENCE IN VIEWS, MR BARNES SAID IT WAS PROPOSED TO SPEED UP THE OBJECTION PROCESS BY SIMPLIFYING THE OBJECTION HEARING PROCEDURES AND IMPOSING STATUTORY TIME LIMITS ON VARIOUS STAGES OF THE PLAN-MAKING AND PLANNING APPLICATION PROCESSES.
HE ADDED THAT THE PROPOSED PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF OBJECTIONS RECEIVED WOULD ALSO SERVE AS A DISINCENTIVE TO VEXATIOUS OBJECTIONS.
AS REGARDS THE PROPOSED PLANNING CERTIFICATE SYSTEM, MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN ADDITIONAL HURDLE IN THE APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CERTIFICATE WERE NOT NEW REQUIREMENTS AND HAD HITHERTO BEEN ENFORCED THROUGH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN AN INDIRECT WAY.
’’THE NEW PROPOSAL ONLY INVOLVES A REDISTRIBUTION OF FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND THE PLANNING ORDINANCE, RESULTING IN CLEARER LEGISLATIVE PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY.
/’’BY GIVING.......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
- 6 -
"BY GIVING APPROVAL TO A DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT AND INDICATING PLANNING REQUIREMENTS FOR A PARTICULAR DEVELOPMENT, THE PROPOSED PLANNING CERTIFICATE CAN ACTUALLY PROVIDE A HIGH DEGREE OF CERTAINTY TO DEVELOPERS PRIOR TO THE PREPARATION OF DETAILED BUILDING PLANS FOR THE .PURPOSE OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
"THIS CAN AVOID ABORTIVE WORK WHERE DETAILED BUILDING PLANS PREPARED FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ARE SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND TO BE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE CONCEPT OF AMORTISATION IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED IN ALL CASES OF NON-CONFORMING USES ON OPEN LAND OR IN PARTS OF EXISTING BUILDINGS.
HE STRESSED THAT ITS APPLICATION WOULD FORM PART OF THE PLAN-MAKING PROCESS AND BE SUBJECT TO FULL PUBLIC REPRESENTATION AND HEARING PROCEDURES.
"THE AMORTISATION PERIOD WILL BE SITE-SPECIFIC AND USE-SPECIFIC AND AS A RULE, WILL BE LONG ENOUGH FOR THE OWNER OR OCCUPIER CONCERNED TO RECOUP HIS INVESTMENT AND PREPARE FOR THE CHANGE.
"FOR THE MAJORITY OF NON-CONFORMING USES WHICH DO NOT CAUSE-SERIOUS PROBLEMS, THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE.
"AMORTISATION WILL NOT BE APPLIED TO SUBSTANTIAL NON-CONFORMING BUILDINGS WHICH INVOLVE HEAVY INVESTMENTS, NOT BECAUSE WE DO NOT RECOGNISE THE ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL PROBLEMS THEY MAY CAUSE, BUT BECAUSE THE LONG AMORTISATION PERIOD REQUIRED WOULD MAKE IT AN IMPRACTICAL SOLUTION TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS.
"INSTEAD, OTHER MEASURES SUCH AS UPZONING, DESIGNATION FOR COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND LAND EXCHANGE, TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHT AND POSSIBLY RESUMPTION WILL HAVE TO BE RELIED UPON TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED RESULTS MORE QUICKLY," MR BARNES SAID.
ADDRESSING THE CONCERN ON STAFF AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSALS UNDER THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, MR BARNES SAID PROPOSALS HAD BEEN MADE TO STREAMLINE PROCEDURES WHERE POSSIBLE, TO RECOVER COSTS WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS, AND TO IMPLEMENT PROPOSALS IN PHASES WHERE PRACTICABLE.
"IT IS UNAVOIDABLE THAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE A MORE OPEN, FAIRER AND MORE EFFECTIVE PLANNING SYSTEM.
"THE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC FUNDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL COMMIT IS OBVIOUSLY A POLICY DECISION WHICH REFLECTS PUBLIC CHOICE AND COMMUNITY NEEDS," HE NOTED.
ON THE QUESTION OF COMPENSATION AND BETTERMENT, MR BARNES SAID A SPECIAL COMMITTEE HAD BEEN SET UP TO HANDLE THE ISSUES AND WAS NOW CONSIDERING THE COMMENTS AND SUBMISSIONS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
- 0 - -
/7........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 19$ 1
- 7 -
REFORMS IN HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES *****
ONE OF THE MAJOR REFORMS BEING MADE IN HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IS TO REVIEW THE OPERATION OF VARIOUS SERVICES AND TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE THEM MORE PRODUCTIVE, EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE.
THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE SAID, THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.
DR LEE SAID THE ESCALATING COST IN HEALTH CARE, TOGETHER WITH THE INCREASING DEMANDS FROM THE PUBLIC. FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE EXISTING SERVICES IN TERMS OF BOTH QUANTITY AND QUALITY, MADE IT INDISPENSABLE TO OVERHAUL THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SERVICES.
"WE HAVE TO BE BETTER MANAGERS IN ADMINISTERING AND SUPERVISING THE SERVICES AND IN SEEING HOW BEST WE COULD DEPLOY OUR MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES," HE SAID.
"THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN TODAY’S ECONOMIC SITUATION WHEN WE ARE FACING THE PROBLEM OF FINANCIAL STRINGENCY AND ACUTE MANPOWER SHORTAGE."
DR LEE STRESSED THAT TRAINING TO PREPARE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO IMPLEMENT THE REFORMS WAS IMPORTANT TO MAKE THE CHANGES SUCCESSFUL.
HE SAID SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1989, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAD EMBARKED ON MANY PROGRAMMES OF TRAINING FOR THE PROFESSIONALS AND THAT THE SPONSORED COURSES WITH THE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WERE SOME OF THE GOOD EXAMPLES.
DR LEE CONGRATULATED THE GRADUATES AND HOPED THAT THEY WOULD PUT THEIR NEWLY-ACQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO GOOD USE.
GRADUATES AT TODAY’S CEREMONY HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED EITHER ONE OF THE THREE TRAINING PROGRAMMES -- CERTIFICATE IN FIRST LINE MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND DIPLOMA COURSE IN HOSPITAL AND NURSING ADMINISTRATION.
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/8 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
8
SOUTHERN DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS FORTNIGHT OPENS
******
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS FORTNIGHT, WHICH WILL OFFER LOCAL RESIDENTS A HOST OF HIGH-QUALITY EVENTS, IS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY) WITH A VARIETY SHOW AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE.
THE FORTNIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION (SDACA) AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE SDACA CHAIRMAN, MRS SO CHAU YIM-PING, SAID THE FESTIVAL, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT, WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING CULTURE AND ARTS AMONG RESIDENTS.
MRS SO SAID THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED A CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION, A CONCERT, AND ORCHESTRAL AND DANCE PERFORMANCES.
ADMISSION TO THESE IS FREE. COPIES OF A PROGRAMME PAMPHLET ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; AND THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR JOSEPH CHAN.
STARTING WITH A CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION ON NOVEMBER 3, THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL WILL RUN UNTIL NOVEMBER 17 FEATURING THE FOLLOWING
FUNCTIONS:
DATE TIME FUNCTIONS ADDRESS
NOV 10 (SUNDAY) 8 PM LIM KEK HAN ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE
NOV 10-14 9 AM- CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL,
(SUNDAY-THURSDAY) 5 PM DAILY EXHIBITION LEI TUNG ESTATE
NOV 16 (SATURDAY) 2.30 PM CONCERT BY SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL, LEI TUNG ESTATE
NOV 17 (SUNDAY) 8 PM DANCE PERFORMANCE BY ORIENTAL DANCE GROUP WAH KWAI COMMUNITY HALL, WAH KWAI ESTATE
PLEASE CALL 552 0208 FOR ENQUIRIES.
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/9 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
9 -
FIVE NEW GMB ROUTES FOR YUEN LONG ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FIVE NEW GREEN MINIBUS (GMB) ROUTES 601, 602, 603, 604, AND 606S WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 11) TO CATER FOR THE TRAVELLING NEED IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT.
GMB ROUTES 601, 602 AND 603 WILL OPERATE BETWEEN YUEN LONG (FUNG CHEUNG ROAD) AND PAR WAI TSUEN, TAI KONG PO, AND FUNG KAT HEUNG RESPECTIVELY. THEIR FARES WILL RANGE FROM $2.50 TO $3. PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
GMB ROUTE 604 WILL OPERATE BETWEEN YUEN LONG (FUNG CHEUNG ROAD) AND SHAN HA TSUEN. ITS FARE WILL RANGE FROM $1.50 TO $2 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
GMB ROUTE 606S, WHICH IS AN ALL-NIGHT SERVICE, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN YUEN LONG (FUNG CHEUNG ROAD) AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST (MODY ROAD). ITS FARE WILL RANGE FROM $5 TO $12 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
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IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD PROPOSED
******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS ALONG A SECTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH BLUE POOL ROAD, IN HAPPY VALLEY.
THE PROPOSED WORKS SERVE TO IMPROVE THE SIGHT LINES AND SAFETY OF THIS PART OF WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND TO ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY BY CHANGING THE LOCATIONS AND LAYOUTS OF THE EXISTING BUS AND TRAM TERMINI.
THESE WORKS INCLUDE:
* WIDENING AND REALIGNMENT OF A SECTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH BLUE POOL ROAD;
* RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD JUNCTIONS BETWEEN WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD, AND BETWEEN WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND SING WOO ROAD;
* RELOCATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING TRAM AND BUS TERMINI AT THIS SECTION OF WONG NAT CHUNG ROAD;
* RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS; AND
* CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTWAY, DRAINAGE, TRAFFIC ISLANDS AND UTILITY WORKS.
./DETAILS OF .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE PLANS AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 33 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* HONG KONG WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 19TH . FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND
♦ WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE,
GROUND FLOOR, 2 O’ BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO TRE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 7 NEXT YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS.
- - 0 - -
AWARD FOR CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME VOLUNTEERS
******
VOLUNTEERS FROM THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE, FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS, WON AN AWARD IN THE SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECT FOR THE ELDERLY COMPETITION.
THEIR PROJECT TO SHOW CARE AND CONCERN FOR 60 AGED PEOPLE WHO ARE RECEIVING HOME HELP SERVICE AT TUEN MUN, WON AN EXCELLENT AWARD IN THE COMPETITION WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO CELEBRATE THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE TEAM LEADER OF THE PROJECT, A 16-YEAR-OLD YOUTH, SAID HAPPILY THAT THE AWARD WAS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO EVERY TEAM MEMBER.
"SOME OF US STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE ELDERLY PEOPLE THERE AND WE CALL THEM UP OR VISIT THEM WHEN WE HAVE HOLIDAYS,” HE SAID.
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE BOYS’ HOME, MR KWONG KIT-YING, SAID THE AWARD-WINNING PROJECT WAS ONE OF THE MANY COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS CONDUCTED BY RESIDENTS OF THE HOME.
A TEAM OF 12 BOYS WERE TRAINED ON SKILLS TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH LONELY OLD PEOPLE AND ON HUMAN RELATIONS WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR TEACHERS. A WORKSHOP AND DAY CAMP WERE ORGANISED LAST JUNE FOR THIS PURPOSE.
/THE BOYS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1991
- 1.1
THE BOYS LIAISED WITH YAN 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE TO IDENTIFY A GROUP OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO WERE RECEIVING HOME HELP SERVICE FROM THE CENTRE, AND THEN DESIGNED AND ORGANISED ACTIVITIES IN THEIR SPARE TIME.
MR KWONG SAID: "FROM MID-JULY TO AUGUST, THE VOLUNTEERS VISITED THE ELDERLY AND ORGANISED FUNCTIONS SUCH AS OUTINGS TO A COUNTRY PARK AND TO THE OCEAN PARK.
"A SOUVENIR BOOK, WITH CONTRIBUTION FROM THE RECIPIENTS OF THE SERVICE, WAS PUBLISHED AT THE END OF THE PROJECT.
"COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY. IT ALSO HELPS THEM REGAIN THEIR CONFIDENCE THROUGH SERVING THE NEEDY," MR KWONG SAID.
"THIS TYPE OF SOCIAL WORK IN ADDITION TO EDUCATIONAL AND PREVOCATIONAL TRAINING ARE INTENDED TO HELP THE YOUNG PEOPLE ACQUIRE THE ABILITY, SKILL, MOTIVATION AND MATURITY TO LEAD A LAW-ABIDING LIFE WHEN THEY LEAVE THE HOME,” HE ADDED.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON
• EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
8.11.91 500
9.11.91 NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND............................. 1
GOVERNOR LAYS WREATH AT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY ....................... 1
YOUNGSTERS URGED TO TAKE UP VOLUNTARY SERVICES ......................... 2
PAPER RECYCLING SCHEME IN SHAM SHUI PO ...............................
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS .........................
THIRD ISSUE OF ECC’S MONTHLY BULLETIN AVAILABLE ................. •••
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1991,
1 -
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND FROM NOVEMBER 18 TO 23 AS A GUEST OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE TWO COUNTRIES.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON, HIS DEPUTY PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, AND THE DEPUTY INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR, MS ANISSA WONG.
THE GOVERNOR WILL BEGIN HIS TRIP IN SINGAPORE WHERE HE WILL MEET THE PRIME MINISTER, MR GOH CHOK-TONG, THE SENIOR MINISTER, MR LEE KUAN YEW, AND OTHER MINISTERS, AS WELL AS LEADING MEMBERS OF THE SINGAPOREAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
HE WILL ATTEND A DINNER HOSTED BY THE PRIME MINISTER AND GIVE A SPEECH TO THE SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES.
SIR DAVID WILL THEN FLY FROM SINGAPORE TO NEW ZEALAND, WHERE HE WILL ARRIVE IN WELLINGTON ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20.
HE WILL CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER, THE RT HON JAMES BOLGER MP, AND ATTEND A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, MISS RUTH RICHARDSON MP.
HE WILL MEET OTHER SENIOR POLITICAL AND BUSINESS FIGURES AND CALL ON THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND, DAME CATHERINE TIZARD.
HE WILL ALSO SPEAK AT A FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.
SIR DAVID WILL THEN TRAVEL TO AUCKLAND, WHERE HE WILL MEET BUSINESS LEADERS AND GIVE A SPEECH AT A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG/ ZEALAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23.
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GOVERNOR LAYS WREATH AT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, LAID A WREATH AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING TO HONOUR THOSE WHO HAD GIVEN THEIR LIVES ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
THE SOLEMN CEREMONY MARKING REMEMBRANCE DAY BEGAN AT 11 AM WITH THE FIRING OF A GUN AT HMS TAMAR WHICH SIGNALLED THE OBSERVANCE OF TWO MINUTES’ SILENCE.
/AT THE .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1991
2
AT THE FIRING OF A SECOND GUN, BUGLERS OF THE FIRST BATTALION, THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF WALES SOUNDED THE "LAST POST".
WREATHS WERE ALSO LAID BY THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DEREK CONS; THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL PETER DUFFELL; REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS; COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVES; THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA; THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR LO KING-MAN; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY LAYING OF WREATHS BY SERVICE COMMANDERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, SERVICE UNITS, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS, SOCIETIES AND OTHER BODIES.
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YOUNGSTERS URGED TO TAKE UP VOLUNTARY SERVICES
******
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY TAKING PART ACTIVELY IN VOLUNTARY SERVICES.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF A SERIES OF VISITS TO SHOW CONCERN FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, MRS WONG SAID WORKING AS VOLUNTEERS WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-REALISATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
"AT THE SAME TIME, IT FOSTERS IN THEM A SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
THE VISITS PROGRAMME, ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CARE AND SHARE OPERATION BEING HELD BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR, IS AIMED AT ENHANCING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CARING FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED.
OVER 1,200 VOLUNTEERS WILL BE MOBILISED TO VISIT ABOUT 7,000 ELDERLY AND DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS. ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS WILL BE ORGANISED AND GIFT PACKS DISTRIBUTED DURING THE VISITS.
"YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMME INDICATES YOUR CONCERN AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE WELL-BEING OF SOCIETY," MRS WONG TOLD THE VOLUNTEERS.
SHE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO SOME OF THE VOLUNTEERS, WHO ARE DISABLED AND ELDERLY PEOPLE, FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THIS MEANINGFUL PROJECT.
/"YOU HAVE .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1991
3
"YOU HAVE SET A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW," SHE NOTED.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, MRS WONG, TOGETHER WITH OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AND CELEBRITIES, JOINED VOLUNTEERS ON VISITS TO THE NEEDY, INCLUDING SOME ELDERLY SINGLETONS. THE PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI.
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PAPER RECYCLING SCHEME IN SHAM SHUI PO
*****
A PAPER RECYCLING SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE SHAM SHUI
PO DISTRICT ON NOVEMBER 24 TO REMIND RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF
SAVING PAPER.
THE SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE
ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, IS PART OF ITS ACTIVITIES TO
PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT NOVEMBER 24 HAD BEEN DESIGNATED THE "PAPER RECYCLING DAY".
"ON THAT DAY, CASES WILL BE PLACED AT 10 LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM FOR RESIDENTS TO DISPOSE OF WASTEPAPER,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND SCHOOLS TO TAKE PART IN THE PROJECT.
"ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH A PAPER COLLECTOR' TO COLLECT WASTEPAPER FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO DECEMBER 25," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF WASTEPAPER WOULD BE DONATED TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
THE 10 LOCATIONS WHERE CASES WILL BE PLACED ON NOVEMBER 24 ARE:
- PAVEMENT OUTSIDE SHAM SHUI PO POST OFFICE BUILDING, 55 UN CHAU STREET.
- SHAM SHUI PO KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, 88 UN CHAU STREET
- NAM CHEONG ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHEONG SAN LANE, NAM CHEONG ESTATE
- PAVEMENT OUTSIDE THE PO ON ROAD ENTRANCE OF THE PO ON ROAD UC COMPLEX
/- AREA ADJACENT
*
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1991
4
- AREA ADJACENT TO LAI LAN HOUSE, LAI KOK ESTATE
- TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY HALL
- PAVEMENT OUTSIDE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL
- PAVEMENT OUTSIDE BROADWAY ENTRANCE TO STAGE IV SHOPPING CENTRE, MEI FOO SUN CHUEN
- PAK TIN COMMUNITY HALL
- OPEN AREA OUTSIDE THE ESTATE OFFICE AT BLOCK 3, UN CHAU ESTATE
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 720 4251.
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS * * * * *
LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS CAN NOW APPLY FOR OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR THE YEAR 1992-93.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS IS TO ENABLE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN POST DIPLOMA STUDIES AT INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS.
THE SCOPE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS IS NOT CONFINED TO INTRUMENTAL MUSIC STUDIES OR BALLET. RELATED STUDIES IN MUSIC OR DANCE, PRACTICAL OR ACADEMIC, SUCH AS MUSICOLOGY, CHOREOGRAPHY, AND DANCE NOTATION ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS.
SELECTION OF SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY AN AUDITION TO BE HELD IN NEXT JANUARY OR FEBRUARY.
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE AUDITION IN PERSON. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO APPLICANTS CURRENTLY STUDYING ABROAD.
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE AUDITION MAY ASK FOR EXEMPTION. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT CERTIFIED UNEDITED VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES OR CASSETTE TAPES OF THEIR PERFORMANCES TOGETHER WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THEIR SCHOOL HEADS TO THE MUSIC FUND FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL COVER TUITION FEE, A TECHNICAL ALLOWANCE AND A RETURN PASSAGE TO THE INTENDED COUNTRY OF STUDY. A SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE MAY BE GRANTED ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP FOR TWO SUCCESSIVE YEARS UNLESS UNDER VERY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
APPLICANTS PLANNING TO PURSUE A COURSE OF MORE THAN ONE YEAR SHOULD BE PREPARED TO LOOK FOR OTHER SOURCES OF FINANCE AFTER THE FIRST YEAR.
/CANDIDATES APPLYING .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1991
- 5 -
CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR MUSIC OR MUSIC RELATED STUDIES SHOULD PREFERABLY BE UNDER THE AGE OF 23 ON SEPTEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR, AND HAVE STUDIED MUSIC UP TO OF DIPLOMA LEVEL OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR ITS EQUIVALENT.
AS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DANCE OR DANCE RELATED STUDIES, CANDIDATES SHOULD PREFERABLY BE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 23 ON SEPTEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR AND HAVE STUDIED BALLET/DANCE UP TO DIPLOMA LEVEL OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR ITS EQUIVALENT.
IN ADDITION, ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, MUSIC OFFICE, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE MUSIC FUND’S SECRETARIAT NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 3 THIS YEAR.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 582 5343.
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THIRD ISSUE OF ECC’S MONTHLY BULLETIN AVAILABLE
COPIES OF THE THIRD ISSUE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE’S (ECC) BULLETIN - ’’ECCO” - ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THIS ISSUE EXAMINES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT ON CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONTROVERSIAL PLANS TO DREDGE SAND IN MIRS BAY AND TO DEVELOP A PRIVATE GOLF COURSE AT PAK SIN RANGE.
THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS HAS CONTRIBUTED AN ARTICLE ON THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY THEY CONDUCTED ON YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
BESIDES A COLUMN FOR ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED BY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS, THERE ARE ALSO A READERS’ COLUMN AND A SUGGESTION BOX FOR INDIVIDUALS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS.
COPIES OF THE BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES; RECEPTION COUNTER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ON 28TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI; AND THE PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL.
COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS INCLUDING THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION AT ROOM 709, STAG BUILDING, 148-150 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL; HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT CENTRE AT SHOP 301, LAI CHI KOK ESTATE; FRIENDS OF THE EARTH ON SECOND FLOOR, 53-55 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI; WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE HONG KONG AT 1 TRAMWAY PATH, CENTRAL; AND GREEN POWER AT ROOM 705 NATHAN CENTRE, 508 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK.
THE BULLETIN IS PUBLISHED BY THE ECC AND SPONSORED BY THE CALTEX GREEN FUND. IT IS ALSO DISTRIBUTEDE WITH THE YOUNG POST OF THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST.
------ 0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
' MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FS WELCOMES BANKS' MOVE ON MORTGAGE LENDING ......................... 1
GOVERNOR'S COMMENDATIONS FOR MARINE DEPT OFFICERS ..................... 1
ILL-TREATMENT CLAIMS REFUTED .......................................... 3
OMELCO BRIEFED ON SCA RE-NEGOTIATIONS ................................. 4
LAUNCHING OF GOVT BOND PROGRAMME ...................................... 5
APPOINTMENT OF CROWN SOLICITOR ........................................ 5
HONG KONG TO ATTEND APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING .......................... 6
MEASURES TO TACKLE SHORTAGE OF LANDFILL CAPACITY ...................... 6
VOLUNTEERISM IN HONG KONG TO BE STRENGTHENED .......................... 8
REPORT ON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY PUBLISHED .............................. 9
OPTICAL INDUSTRY PRAISED FOR EFFORTS IN MEETING CHALLENGES ............ 10
ABUNDANT RAIN IN OCTOBER .............................................. 11
APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS EARLY TO AVOID HOLIDAY RUSH ................ 14
LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE A POPULAR PLACE FOR YOUTHS .............. 15
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN EASTERN DISTRICT ....................... 16
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION .................... 16
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................................................. 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 17
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
J 1
FS WELCOMES BANKS’ MOVE ON MORTGAGE LENDING
* ♦ t * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TONIGHT (MONDAY) DESCRIBED THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND HANG SENG BANK ON MORTGAGE LENDING AS ’’ENCOURAGING”.
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE MOVE WAS VERY MUCH IN LINE WITH THE THINKING IN THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING’S EARLIER CIRCULAR LETTER TO BANKS ASKING THEM TO EXERCISE PRUDENCE IN MORTGAGE LENDING.
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GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS FOR MARINE DEPT OFFICERS » * ♦ ♦ »
THREE OFFICERS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION FOLLOWING THE SINKING OF OIL BARGE "DB.29", THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
IN A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD TODAY IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, MR MILLER PRESENTED LETTERS OF CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO MARINE OFFICERS (SEARCH AND RESCUE), MR TREVOR BERRY AND MR NG KWOK-CHU, AND THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MISS BRENDA LEE.
"THIS IS HONG KONG AT ITS BEST," MR MILLER SAID. "THE SUCCESSFUL SEARCH FOR THE SINKING OIL BARGE ’DB 29’ AND THE RESCUE OF 173 PEOPLE FROM THE SEA IN APPALLING CONDITIONS IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF WHAT A PROPERLY CO-ORDINATED JOINT EFFORT CAN ACHIEVE."
MR MILLER RECALLED THAT THE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION WAS CONDUCTED IN THE TEETH OF AN APPROACHING TYPHOON ABOUT 60 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF HONG KONG ON AUGUST 15 THIS YEAR.
IN THE CITATIONS, MR BERRY, THEN ACTING SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (SEARCH AND RESCUE) AND SEARCH AND RESCUE CO-ORDINATOR, AND MR NG ARE COMMENDED FOR "OUTSTANDING DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM DISPLAYED IN THE CO-ORDINATION OF A SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION FOLLOWING THE SINKING OF AN OIL BARGE ON AUGUST 15, 1991, RESULTING IN THE SAVING OF 173 LIVES".
MISS LEE, THEN ACTING PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER, IS COMMENDED FOR "INITIATIVE, PROFESSIONAL ABILITY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY DISPLAYED IN THE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION".
COMMENDING THE THREE ON THE PART THEY PLAYED, MR MILLER QUOTED MR BERRY’S TRIBUTE, IN HIS REPORT OF THE INDICENT, TO THE MANY OTHERS INVOLVED - "IT IS NOT THE SUCCESS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT; NOR EVEN INDEED THAT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
/•'IT IS...........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
2
"IT IS THE SUCCESS OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF HONG KONG. THE AIRMEN; THE SEAMEN; THE NURSES; THE AMBULANCE DRIVERS; THE POLICEMEN ON CROWD CONTROL DUTIES; THE FOKIS AT THE MARINERS’ CLUB AND THE MANY OTHERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN SOME WAY LARGE OR SMALL - IT IS TO THEM THAT BELONGS THE TRUE GLORY OF ACHIEVEMENT".
THE THREE OFFICERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS AT THE CEREMONY OF PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
MR MILLER ELABORATED ON THE DEPARTMENT’S ROLE: "MARINE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATING ALL MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS WITHIN 400,000 SQUARE MILES OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY WHICH WE HAVE’ ACCEPTED WILLINGLY.
"STAFF OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE MAN THE CENTRE 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND ARE FULLY TRAINED, AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE VARIOUS OTHER DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT WHICH ALSO TAKE PART IN SUCH RESCUES.
"WE WORK CONSISTENTLY TO IMPROVE OUR ABILITIES BY LIAISON WITH OTHER SEARCH AND RESCUE AGENCIES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD AND BY KEEPING ABREAST OF THE LATEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY."
MR MILLER NOTED THAT, IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) WHICH WILL COME INTO FORCE IN FEBRUARY NEXT (1992) YEAR, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A NAVIGATION BROADCAST INFORMATION SERVICE CALLED "NAVTEX” AND THE FIRST LOCAL USER TERMINAL OF A SATELLITE RECEIVING SYSTEM FOR LOCATING EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACONS CARRIED BY SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT.
"THE FINAL STAGE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SPECIALISED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM WAS THE PLACING OF A $20 MILLION ORDER FOR THE NECESSARY RADIO EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WITH A TARGET DATE OF OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
MR MILLER ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE CAPTAIN AND SIX OFFICERS OF A PANAMANIAN-REGISTERED BULK CARRIER — ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS WOULD BE THE FIRST SUCH SEAFARERS TO BE AWARDED THE EXTENDED DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S AWARDS FOR ACTS OF BRAVERY OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS LATER THIS (1991) YEAR.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE APPALLING WEATHER CONDITIONS PREVALENT AT THE TIME, THE CAPTAIN AND CREW OF THE SHIP "GREAT NANCY" PARTICIPATED IN THE RESCUE OPERATION OF THE GREEK LINER "OCEANOS" OFF THE SOUTH AFRICAN COAST ON AUGUST 3 AND 4 THIS YEAR AND SUCCESSFULLY SAVED 188 PASSENGERS AND CREW FROM "OCEANOS".
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE HAS PRESENTED AWARDS FOR BRAVERY AT SEA FOR A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME AND THIS ANNUAL AWARD SCHEME HAS BEEN LIMITED TO INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN HONG KONG WATERS.
/HOWEVER THE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
3 -
HOWEVER THE NEW SCHEME RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE PLACED BY THE DIRECTOR ON THE CONDUCT OF OFFICERS AND CREWS OF THE NEW HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPS AND OF HONG KONG SEAFARERS IN GENERAL.
MR MILLER SAID: "THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER HAS LED TO A DECISION TO EXTEND THE EXISTING SCHEME OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S AWARDS TO COVER ACTS OF BRAVERY OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS BY HONG KONG SEAMEN SERVING IN ANY VESSEL AND CREW MEMBERS OF HONG KONG-REGISTERED SHIPS."
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ILL-TREATMENT CLAIMS REFUTED
******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, TODAY (MONDAY) REFUTED CLAIMS OF ILL-TREATMENT MADE BY SOME OF THE 59 VIETNAMESE DEPORTED FROM HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 9.
HE SAID THAT VALIUM WAS 'ADMINISTERED TO TWO DISTRESSED WOMEN AT HEI LING CHAU ON NOVEMBER 8 (FRIDAY) BUT NOME OF THE RETURNEES RECEIVED INJECTIONS AT THE AIRPORT THAT NIGHT OR ON NOVEMBER 9 (SATURDAY) BEFORE DEPARTURE FOR HANOI.
"MEDICAL STAFF WERE IN ATTENDANCE THROUGHOUT THE OPERATION. THE WOMEN WERE VERY DISTRESSED WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT HEI LING CHAU DETENTION CENTRE, AND WERE SEEN BY A DOCTOR THERE. HE ADMINISTERED THE INJECTIONS FOR MEDICAL AND NOT SECURITY REASONS," HE STRESSED.
MR LEEKS ALSO REFUTED ALLEGATIONS THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS USED.
"THERE IS NO SUBSTANCE TO THESE CLAIMS,” HE SAID. "SOME PEOPLE DID RESIST AND THEY HAD to BE LED OR CARRIED ONTO THE AIRCRAFT. HOWEVER, THE POLICE ACTED WITH GREAT RESTRAINT IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES."
MR LEEKS SAID THE UNHCR IN HANOI HAD CHECKED THE DETAILS OF THE CASE INVOLVING A MAN WHO WAS DETAINED AFTER RETURNING TO HANOI. THEY HAVE NOW REPORTED THAT HE WAS ARRESTED ON A CHARGE OF THEFT WHICH HAD ALLEGEDLY OCCURRED BEFORE HE LEFT VIETNAM FOR HONG KONG ON THE FIRST OCCASION.
- - 0 - -
/4 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
OMELCO BRIEFED ON SCA RE-NEGOTIATIONS
* » * » t
AT A MEETING WITH THE OMELCO ECONOMIC SERVICES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL THIS (MONDAY) MORNING, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND HER STAFF BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE OBJECTIVES AND OPERATION OF THE EXISTING SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (SCA) AND ON THE OUTCOME OF RECENT NEGOTIATIONS ON.THE RENEWAL OF THE SCA WITH CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD AND EXXON ENERGY LTD (THE COMPANIES).
THE SCA, WHICH EXPIRES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1993, HAS WORKED WELL IN ENSURING THAT CONSUMERS RECEIVE A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT POWER SUPPLY AT REASONABLE COST. FOR THIS REASON, THE ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDED AND THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE AN EXTENSION OF THE SCA FOR THE COMPANIES FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF 15 YEARS.
DURING THE BRIEFING, MRS CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPANIES HAVE INVESTED OVER $38 BILLION IN ASSETS DURING THE COURSE OF THE CURRENT AND PREVIOUS SCA'S AND THAT THEY WILL SPEND A FURTHER $17 BILLION IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
TARIFF LEVELS, WHICH COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE CHARGED IN BOTH EUROPE AND THE REGION, HAVE ONLY INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT ON AVERAGE OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS COMPARED TO A 91 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.
IN REAL TERMS, THE COST OF ELECTRICITY HAS FALLEN OVER 40 PER CENT IN 10 YEARS, MEMBERS WERE TOLD. «
ON THE ISSUE OF PERMITTED RETURN (THE MAXIMUM PROFIT ALLOWED TO SHAREHOLDERS), MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT AFTER TOUGH ^NEGOTIATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANIES HAD AGREED THAT THE LEVELS OF PERMITTED RETURN UNDER THE NEW SCA SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THE EXISTING ONES, THAT IS BETWEEN 13.5 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS*
•
IN AGREEING TO THIS, THE GOVERNMENT TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF ENCOURAGING CONTINUING INVESTMENT TO MEET GROWING DEMAND.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE COMPANIES WOULD NEED' TO INVEST OVER $50 BILLION IN THE NEXT DECADE, MUCH OF IT ON THE PROPOSED NEW STATION AT BLACK POINT.
OFFICIALS ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT IN PRACTICE, BECAUSE OF THE COMPULSORY DEDUCTION OF INTEREST REQUIRED UNDER THE SCA, SHAREHOLDERS HAVE ACTUALLY RECEIVED AN AVERAGED RETURN OF LESS THAN 11 PER CENT ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS.
WHILE THE BASIC TERMS WILL REMAIN THE SAME UNDER THE NEW SCA, MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE CHANGES THAT WOULD BE MADE UNDER THE NEW AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO MONITOR THE COMPANIES’ OPERATION.
THESE INCLUDE REQUIREMENTS TO DEVELOP PROGRAMMES AIMED AT ENERGY CONSERVATION AND MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL MONITORING.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 199'1 - 5 -
LAUNCHING OF GOVT BOND PROGRAMME ♦ * * *
THE GOVERNMENT BOND PROGRAMME WILL BE LAUNCHED ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1891.
THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE FIRST TENDER OF GOVERNMENT BONDS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991 FOR SETTLEMENT ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991.
. A TOTAL OF $500 MILLION TWO-YEAR BONDS WILL BE ON OFFER. IN ADDITION TO THIS AMOUNT, ANOTHER $100 MILLION WILL BE HELD AS RESERVE BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES OF LAST RESORT SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS OF GOVERNMENT BONDS.,
THE BONDS WILL MATURE ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1993 AND WILL CARRY INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6.25 PER CENT PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE BONDS MAY DO SO THROUGH ANY OF THE MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST.
EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF $50,000 OR INTEGRAL. MULTIPLES THEREOF.
A LIST OF MARKET MAKERS AND RECOGNISED DEALERS OF GOVERNMENT BONDS IS ALSO PUBLISHED BY THE OFFICE TODAY.
A TOTAL OF 21 INSTITUTIONS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS MARKET MAKERS OF GOVERNMENT BONDS, OF WHICH 17 ARE EXISTING MARKET MAKERS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS AND FOUR ARE NEWLY APPOINTED.
------0--------
APPOINTMENT OF CROWN SOLICITOR
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT MR IAN GEORGE MCCURDY WINGFIELD WILL SUCCEED MR PETER JAMES ALLAN AS CROWN SOLICITOR.
MR ALLAN WILL TAKE UP THE APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER, INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, ON DECEMBER 1.
MR WINGFIELD, AGED 43, WORKED WITH THE OFFICIAL SOLICITOR TO THE SUPREME COURT IN LONDON FOR SIX YEARS AND REPRESENTED THE OFFICIAL SOLICITOR ON BEHALF OF PERSONS UNDER LEGAL DISABILITY IN ALL FORMS OF PROCEEDINGS.
/HF JOINED
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
6
HE JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN JANUARY 1982 AS A CROWN COUNSEL AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL IN OCTOBER THE SAME YEAR.
HE WAS MADE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN MARCH 1985 AND PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN MARCH 1988.
MR WINGFIELD HAS ACTED AS CROWN SOLICITOR ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
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HONG KONG TO ATTEND APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING * * * * * *
A HONG KONG DELEGATION LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL ATTEND THE THIRD ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) MINISTERIAL MEETING IN SEOUL.
IT IS THE FIRST TIME FOR HONG KONG TO PARTICIPATE IN AN APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING.
"THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION IS THE FASTEST GROWING AND THE MOST DYNAMIC AREA IN THE WORLD TODAY. WITH ITS STRONG AND INCREASING ECONOMIC AND TRADE TIES IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, HONG KONG IS WELL PLACED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DELIBERATIONS OF APEC,” MR CHAU SAID, BEFORE LEAVING FOR SEOUL THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
OTHER MEMBERS IN THE DELEGATION ARE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW; THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG; THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR K.Y. TANG; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR P.T. CHEUNG; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN TSANG; AND PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, MR ARTHUR HO.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 12 AND CONCLUDE ON NOVEMBER 14.
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MEASURES TO TACKLE SHORTAGE OF LANDFILL CAPACITY
******
THF GOVERNMENT IS DEVELOPING A SERIES OF MEASURES TO- OVERCOME AN ACUTE SHORTAGE OF LANDFILL CAPACITY BEFORE THE FULL COMMISSIONING OF THE THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY 1994/95.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT IF NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, EXISTING LANDFILLS IN SHUEN WAN, TSEUNG KWAN O VALLEY WOULD BE USED UP IN 1993.
DEPARTMENT (EPD)
THE CAPACITY OF
AND PILLAR POINT
/THE SHORTAGE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
7 -
THE SHORTAGE OF LANDFILL CAPACITY IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT 13 TO 14 MILLION TONNES BY 1994/95.
AT PRESENT, AN AVERAGE OF 23,500 TONNES OF DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND CONSTRUCTION WASTE ARE DISPOSED OF AT THE THREE LANDFILLS EACH DAY.
MUCH OF THE PROBLEM ARISES FROM THE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION WASTE THAT HAS OCCURRED RECENTLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY.
IN 1990', AN AVERAGE OF 8,450 TONNES OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE WERE DISPOSED OF AT THE LANDFILLS PER DAY. IN 1991 SO FAR, THE FIGURE HAS RISEN TO AN AVERAGE OF 16,000 TONNES PER DAY.
■ THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SERIES OF MEASURES PROPOSED INCLUDED THE OPENING OF NEW PUBLIC DUMPS, THE EXTENSION OF OPERATING LANDFILLS AND THE INTRODUCTION OF RECYCLING TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE THAT HAD TO BE DISPOSED OF AT LANDFILLS.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF WASTE DISPOSAL CAPACITY ON A REGIONAL BASIS AT ALL TIMES BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE THREE NEW STRATEGIC LANDFILLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. PRIORITY WOULD ALSO BE GIVEN TO DISPOSAL CAPACITY FOR DOMESTIC REFUSE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SUITABLE CONSTRUCTION WASTE WOULD BE USED FOR RECLAMATION PURPOSES. A PUBLIC DUMP THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE THIS TYPE OF WASTE WILL SHORTLY BE OPENED AT HUNG HOM BAY IN KOWLOON. A SIMILAR FACILITY WILL BE DEVELOPED AT ALDRICH BAY AT A LATER STAGE.
THE THREE EXISTING LANDFILLS IN SHUEN WAN, TSEUNG KWAN O AND PILLAR POINT VALLEY WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCREASE THEIR CAPACITY WITH A VIEW TO MAINTAINING THEIR SERVICE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF NEW STRATEGIC LANDFILLS SERVING THE SAME REGIONS.
A PILOT SCHEME FOR RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE WILL BE UNDERTAKEN NEAR THE TSEUNG KWAN O LANDFILL. THE PILOT SCHEME WILL INVOLVE SEPARATING TIMBER FROM THE IN-COMING CONSTRUCTION WASTE AND BREAKING UP OF LARGE PIECES OF CONCRETE TO GENERATE ONE STREAM OF MATERIALS THAT IS SUITABLE FOR RECLAMATION AND ANOTHER THAT IS MORE APPROPRIATELY DISPOSED OF AT A LANDFILL SITE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE PROPOSALS WERE STILL AT THE PLANNING STAGE AND IMPLEMENTATION WOULD DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS AND NECESSARY CONSULTATION OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT.
IN ORDER TO ENSURE DISPOSAL CAPACITY FOR DOMESTIC REFUSE IN THE NORTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES REGION, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO DIVERT MOST CONSTRUCTION WASTE CURRENTLY BEING DISPOSED OF AT SHUEN WAN LANDFILL, NEAR TAI PO, TO OTHER LANDFILLS AND TO PUBLIC DUMPS.
THE EPD HAS HELD DISCUSSION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO ADVISE IT OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT CONSTRUCTION WASTE WOULD BE DIVERTED AWAY FROM SHUEN WAN LANDFILL.
FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ARE PLANNED WITH A VIEW TO ENCOURAGING THE INDUSTRY TO MAXIMISE THE AMOUNT OF WASTE THAT CAN BE USED AS PUBLIC DUMPING MATERIAL IN RECLAMATIONS BY SORTING THE WASTE BEFORE DISPOSAL.
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/8 .....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
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VOLUNTEERISM IN HONG KONG TO BE STRENGTHENED
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING WAYS TO INCREASE THE PARTICIPATION OF VOLUNTEER WELFARE WORKERS AND HOPES TO COME UP WITH SOME NEW MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE ENHANCED VOLUNTEERISM IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WHEN ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY ADVICE BUREAU.
MRS WONG SAID THE MAIN FEATURE OF VOLUNTEERISM TODAY IS THE PARTICIPATION OF VOLUNTEERS IN BOARDS AND COMMITTEES OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
BUT SHE BELIEVED THAT VOLUNTEERISM IN HONG KONG COULD BE STRENGTHENED BY GIVING MORE PROMINENCE TO ANOTHER TYPE OF PLAYERS, NAMELY, THE PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDE SERVICE TO THOSE WHO NEED HELP.
’’THE UTILISATION OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES IS NOW RELATIVELY LOW,” SHE SAID.
’’THIS SHOULD BE CHANGED. VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP IN APPROPRIATE AREAS OF SERVICE DELIVERY, SUCH AS INFORMAL CARING SYSTEMS IN THE COMMUNITY AND SELF-HELP GROUPS.”
.OUTLINING THE DEVELOPMENT OF VOLUNTEERISM IN HONG KONG, MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE PERIOD FROM THE 19TH CENTURY TO THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR COULD BE DESCRIBED AS THE CHARITABLE PERIOD.
THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES THEN WAS RATHER MARGINAL.
THE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING TUNG WAH, PO LEUNG KUK, AND MISSIONARY AND RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES, WERE LARGELY INDEPENDENT AND SELF-SUFFICIENT.
VOLUNTEERISM WAS SIMPLE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD DURING THIS PERIOD, WHEN PUBLIC-SPIRITED PERSONS ORGANISED THEMSELVES TO HELP LESS FORTUNATE MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY.
THEN CAME THE EMERGENCY PERIOD WHICH STRADDLED FROM THE SECOND WORLD WAR TO THE END OF THE 1960’S DURING WHICH MANY INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS RESPONDED TO MEET THE FOOD, SHELTER, CLOTHING AND OTHER BASIC NEEDS OF A POPULATION SUDDENLY SWOLLEN BY MASS INFLUXES FROM CHINA.
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1947 TO CO-ORDINATE AND REPRESENT THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR WHILE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WAS SET UP IN 1958 TO PROVIDE NOT ONLY DIRECT SERVICES, BUT ALSO TO SUBSIDISE THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE YEARS FROM AROUND 1970 TO THE PRESENT HAVE BEEN CALLED THE SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PERIOD.
/IT IS .......
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 11, 1991
9
IT IS CHARACTERISED BY STEADY DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS AN INCREASINGLY COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AND A LARGE AND SOPHISTICATED SUBVERTED SECTOR.
IT HAS ALSO BEEN A PERIOD WHEN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY CLOSE AND COMPLEX.
"IF SOCIAL SECURITY IS DISCOUNTED, SUBVERTED NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS CURRENTLY RECEIVE BY WAY OF GRANTS SOME TWO-THIRDS OF THE TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES," MRS WONG SAID.
"THEY EMPLOY SOME 80 PER CENT OF ALL SOCIAL WELFARE PERSONNEL, INCLUDING TRAINED PROFESSIONALS, WELFARE WORKERS AND CHILD CARE WORKERS.
"THE SUBVERTED SECTOR IS IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
"THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE SUBVENTED SECTOR IS NOW INSEPARABLE," SHE ADDED.
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REPORT ON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY PUBLISHED *****
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED A REPORT WHICH IDENTIFIES THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AND OBSTACLES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
THE TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKET RESEARCH STUDY OF HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND UNDERTAKEN BY THE DATAQUEST INCORPORATED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR MAXIMUS LI, SAID THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WAS THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORT EARNER IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AMOUNTING TO $58.6 BILLION LAST YEAR, IT HAS ACHIEVED A COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 17 PER CENT FROM 1985 TO 1990.
MR LI SAID TO FACILITATE THE FUTURE GROWTH OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY AND IMPROVE ITS VALUE-ADDED CONTENT, THE CONSULTANTS HAD RECOMMENDED A VARIETY OF MEASURES IN A NUMBER OF AREAS.
THESE ARE: THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT; THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MARKETING ORGANISATION; THE ENHANCEMENT OF VALUE-ADDED CONTENT; THE IMPORTANCE OF A DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT; THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COMPONENT MANUFACTURING; THE EXPLOITATION OF THE CHINA CONNECTION; A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME; AND MANPOWER TRAINING IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
/MR LI .........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 199.1
- 10 -
MR LI ADDED THAT THE ELECTRONICS COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAD EXAMINED THESE RECOMMENDATIONS IN DETAIL AND SUBMITTED ITS ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW CONSIDERING APPROPRIATE FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS IN THE LIGHT OF THE ELECTRONICS COMMITTEE’S ADVICE," HE SAID.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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OPTICAL INDUSTRY PRAISED FOR EFFORTS IN MEETING CHALLENGES
******
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, TODAY (MONDAY) PRAISED THE OPTICAL INDUSTRY FOR ITS EFFORTS IN MEETING CHALLENGES IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF HONG KONG OPTICAL ’91 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR BARMA SAID THE TWO MAJOR CHALLENGES WERE INCREASING COMPETITION FROM OTHER ASIAN ECONOMIES AND THE DEMAND FROM ITS CUSTOMERS FOR EVER-HIGHER STANDARDS OF QUALITY.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRY WAS TO BE CONGRATULATED ON THE WAY IT HAD RESPONDED INTELLIGENTLY TO THESE CHALLENGES.
H
"MANUFACTURERS HAVE INVESTED IN SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND HAVE PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO PRODUCT DESIGN IN WHAT IS A HIGHLY FASHION-DRIVEN INDUSTRY.
"IN SHORT, THEY HAVE TAKEN THE STRATEGIC DECISION TO MAKE THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS THEIR MAIN SELLING POINT. THIS HAS BEEN A WISE MOVE.
"IT IS ALSO THE ROAD WHICH I SEE OUR OTHER INDUSTRIES TAKING IN THE COMING YEARS; AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO PUT IN PLACE AN INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH PROVIDES THEM WITH THE INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT THEY NEED TO MEET THE HIGHEST QUALITY STANDARDS," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE LOCAL OPTICAL INDUSTRY HAD SHOWN CONSISTENT GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS AND WAS TODAY AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTOR TO HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE.
"WITH OVER 120 ESTABLISHMENTS EMPLOYING ABOUT 2,000 WORKERS, IT HAS SUCCESSFULLY UPGRADED PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES, IMPROVED DESIGN STANDARDS AND EXPANDED ITS PRODUCT RANGE IN ORDER TO WIN MORE' OVERSEAS ORDERS.
"DESPITE A SHORTAGE OF LABOUR, THE INDUSTRY HAS MAINTAINED ITS PRICES AT COMPETITIVE LEVELS, THROUGH PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AND OUTWARD PROCESSING IN SOUTHERN CHINA," HE SAID.
/LAST YEAR .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
11
LAST YEAR THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF OPTICAL GOODS ROSE BY SEVEN PER CENT TO $2.2 BILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR $995 MILLION, OR JUST UNDER HALF OF THIS FIGURE.
IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE INDUSTRY’S TOTAL EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $1.6 BILLION. SIXTY-THREE PER CENT OF THIS WAS MADE UP OF RE-EXPORTS, WITH MOST ORIGINATING IN CHINA FROM ENTERPRISES WORKING FOR HONG KONG COMPANIES.
MR BARMA SAID WHILE THE U.S. WAS STILL HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET FOR OPTICAL GOODS, HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE INDUSTRY WAS VIGOROUSLY MOVING INTO NEW MARKETS.
’’DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY AND IRELAND, FOR EXAMPLE,. AND TAIWAN AND MALAYSIA, ARE GROWING FAST,” HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG OPTICAL MANUFACTURERS WERE ALSO EXPANDING THEIR PRODUCT LINES.
"THE TERRITORY’S MAIN STRENGTH IS STILL IN THE PRODUCTION OF MIDDLE RANGE PLASTIC FRAMES, EITHER HAND-MADE OR INJECTION MOULDED.
"HOWEVER, LENSES, BINOCULARS, OPTICAL APPLIANCES AND INSTRUMENTS, REQUIRING GREATER INPUT OF DESIGN AND PRECISION, ARE NOW BEING MADE IN FAR GREATER QUANTITIES THAN BEFORE," HE SAID.
TRADITIONALLY, MR BARMA ADDED, MOST OF HONG KONG’S OPTICAL EXPORTS WERE SOLD UNDER OVERSEAS BUYERS’ LABELS OR LOGOS.
"THIS PRACTICE IS CHANGING, AND MANY HONG KONG PRODUCERS ARE NOW DEVELOPING AND MARKETING THEIR OWN BRAND NAMES, AND THEIR PRODUCTS ARE ALREADY SELLING WELL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
"OTHERS, IN CONTRAST, HAVE TAKEN ON EXCLUSIVE LICENSING CONTRACTS FOR THE WORLD’S LEADING DESIGNER LABELS.
"BOTH STRATEGIES TESTIFY TO THE HIGH STANDARDS OF DESIGN AND WORKMANSHIP OF WHICH OUR COMPANIES ARE CAPABLE," HE SAID.
------0------------
ABUNDANT RAIN IN OCTOBER
******
LONG HOURS OF SUNSHINE AND BELOW-NORMAL . HUMIDITY BELIED THE FACT THAT OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS ACTUALLY A MONTH OF ABUNDANT RAIN.
THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (MONDAY).
IT WAS ALSO THE FIRST TIME SINCE JANUARY THIS • YEAR THAT THE MONTHLY RAINFALL EXCEEDED THE CLIMATOLOGICAL NORMAL.
NEARLY ALL OF OCTOBER’S 294.3 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN FELL WITHIN A FOUR-DAY PERIOD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH.
/THE MONTHLY .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
- 12 -
THE MONTHLY TOTAL WAS THE 10TH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR OCTOBER AND WAS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF 144.8 MILLIMETRES.
HOWEVER, COMPARED WITH THE NORMAL OF 2,151.9 MILLIMETRES FOR THE JANUARY - OCTOBER PERIOD, THE RAINFALL TOTAL OF 1,624.6 MILLIMETRES SINCE JANUARY 1 STAYED ON THE DEFICIT BY 25 PER CENT.
THE UNUSUALLY WET RAINFALL STATISTICS IN OCTOBER WAS IN STARK CONTRAST TO THE EXTREMELY LOW HUMIDITY IN THE LATTER PART OF THE MONTH.
THE LOWEST RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 21 PER CENT ON OCTOBER 27 AND 28 EQUALLED THE RECORD PREVIOUSLY SET FOR OCTOBER IN 1968 AND 1973.
A TROPICAL CYCLONE NAMED NAT LANDED EAST OF SHANTOU EARLY IN THE MONTH BUT FAILED TO BRING ANY SIGNIFICANT WEATHER TO HONG KONG.
THE WINDS WERE LIGHT FOR THE FIRST FOUR DAYS IN OCTOBER AND THE SUNNY WEATHER ALLOWED THE TEMPERATURE ON OCTOBER 4 TO CLIMB TO A HOT 30.8 DEGREES, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.
AFTER A FRESHENING OF THE EASTERLIES DURING THE DAY ON OCTOBER 5, A WEAK NORTHEAST MONSOON BLEW FOR THE NEXT FOUR DAYS AND LED TO A GRADUAL FALL IN NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURES.
WINDS TURNED LIGHT ON OCTOBER 10 WITH MOISTURE BUILDING UP OVER THE COASTAL AREAS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS. .
THE ARRIVAL OF AN EASTERLY AIRSTREAM ON OCTOBER 14 WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THICKENING CLOUDS AND INCREASING RAIN.
RAIN WAS NEARLY CONTINUOUS FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND WAS PARTICULARLY HEAVY IN THE NIGHT HOURS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF FRESH EASTERLY WINDS.
ABOUT 290 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED OVER THE THREE-DAY PERIOD OF OCTOBER 14 TO 16.
SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF FLOODING WERE REPORTED OVER THE TERRITORY BUT NO SERIOUS DAMAGE WAS INCURRED.
CLOUDY WEATHER PERSISTED INTO OCTOBER 17 AS A REPLENISHMENT OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON ARRIVED EARLY IN THE DAY.
THE RAIN, HOWEVER, TURNED LIGHT AND INTERMITTENT.
ONLY TRACES OF RAIN REMAINED THE NEXT DAY AS THE CLOUDS THINNED OUT AND SUNNY PERIODS EMERGED.
DESPITE THE RECURRENCE OF LIGHT RAIN ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 19 IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE ONSET OF A FRESH TO STRONG EASTERLY AIRSTREAM, THE WEATHER SOON TURNED FINE AS THE DAY BROKE ON OCTOBER 20.
WINDY CONDITIONS PERSISTED AND STRONG WINDS AFFECTED OFFSHORE AREAS ON THE NIGHTS OF OCTOBER 20 AND 22. WINDS MODERATED ON OCTOBER 23 AND A WEAK NORTHEAST MONSOON PREVAILED FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
/MEANWHILE, THE ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
- 13 -
MEANWHILE, THE WEATHER REMAINED GENERALLY FINE APART FROM SOME NOCTURNAL DRIZZLE AND LIGHT RAIN.
AFTER A WARM AND CALM DAY ON OCTOBER 26, THE NORTHERLIES FRESHENED DURING THE NIGHT UNDER THE COMBINED INFLUENCE OF TYPHOON RUTH NEAR LUZON AND A SIGNIFICANT SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ACROSS SOUTHERN CHINA.
A DRYING-OUT EFFECT WAS FELT FIRST PRIOR TO A MARKED DROP IN TEMPERATURE ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 27.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY AS LOW AS 21 PER CENT WAS RECORDED ON THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 27 AND IN THE EARLY HOURS OF OCTOBER 28. THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH, 16.8 DEGREES, OCCURRED IN THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 28.
UNDER THE EXTREMELY DRY CONDITIONS AND AIDED BY THE STRONG WINDS WITH GUSTS REACHING GALE FORCE, HILL FIRES PROLIFERATED AND DESTROYED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF TREES IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
ALTOGETHER, OVER 60 CASES OF HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED. OVER THE COASTAL WATERS ABOUT 190 KILOMETRES SOUTHWEST OF HONG KONG, 12 FISHERMEN WERE AIRLIFTED TO SAFETY FROM THEIR SINKING VESSEL IN THE MIDST OF MONSOON GALES AND ROUGH SEAS ON OCTOBER 28.
THE WINDY CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG PERSISTED FOR ANOTHER DAY BEFORE THE NORTHERLIES GRADUALLY SUBSIDED ON OCTOBER 30 AND 31.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE PREDOMINANCE OF- VERY DRY AIR ENSURED BRILLIANTLY CLEAR SKIES WHICH LASTED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH.
INCLUDING THE MEANDERING NAT WHICH FINALLY MADE LANDFALL EARLY IN THE MONTH, THERE WERE FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN OCTOBER.
THERE WAS ONLY ONE AIRCRAFT DIVERSION DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER ON OCTOBER 14.
FLOOD AND LANDSLIP WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 15 AND 16. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS ISSUED ON OCTOBER 5, 6, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, AND 27 AND THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON OCTOBER 27 TO 31.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE AND TIME DATE AND TIME
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL OF HOISTING OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON OCT 20 2. 15 AM OCT 20 7.45 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON OCT 20 11.15 PM OCT 21 9.45 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON OCT 23 1.45 AM OCT 23 8.00 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON OCT 26 9.45 PM OCT 29 8.45 AM
/THE MONTH'S .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
- 14 -
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
200.3 HOURS ; 5.3 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
14.03 MJ/SQUARE ; 1.43 MJ/SQUARE METRE
METRE BELOW NORMAL
294.3 MM ; 149.5 MM ABOVE NORMAL
49 PER CENT ; 7 PER CENT LESS THAN NORMAL
69 PER CENT ; 4 PER CENT LOWER THAN NORMAL
27.2 DEGREES C ; 0.7 DEGREES C BELOW NORMAL
24.8 DEGRESS C ; 0.4 DEGREES C BELOW NORMAL
22.8 DEGREES C ; 0.3 DEGREES C BELOW NORMAL
18.3 DEGREES C ; 1.5 DEGREES C BELOW
NORMAL
124.5 MM ; 27.7 MM BELOW NORMAL
---------0-----------
APPLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS EARLY TO AVOID HOLIDAY RUSH ******
RESIDENTS INTENDING TO TRAVEL ABROAD DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS SHOULD APPLY EARLY FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING OUTSIDE HONG KONG USUALLY GREATLY INCREASES DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
"IN ORDER TO AVOID LAST MINUTE RUSH, PEOPLE ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR PASSPORT AND CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY WEI,I, IN ADVANCE OF Till: DATE ON WHICH THEY INTEND TO TRAVEL," HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT NOW TAKES 20 WORKING DAYS (ABOUT FOUR WEEKS) TO ISSUE A BRITISH HONG KONG PASSPORT AND 15 WORKING DAYS (ABOUT 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, AS HE WILL HAVE TO OBTAIN ONE AT THE SAME TIME.
/RE-ENTRY PERMITS .......
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 11, 1991
RE-ENTRY PERMITS ARE NORMALLY ISSUED ON THE SAME DAY BUT DELAY IS LIKELY IF THERE ARE MANY APPLICANTS COMING AT THE SAME TIME, FOR EXAMPLE, ON SATURDAY WHEN THE DEPARTMENT CAN PROVIDE ONLY A LIMITED SERVICE WITH HALF STRENGTH.
AS FOR THE DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY FOR VISA PURPOSES, THE RECENT UPSURGE IN APPLICATIONS HAS RESULTED IN THE PROGRAMMING OF APPLICANTS TO PROCESS THEIR APPLICATIONS ON LATER DAYS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PERIOD BEFORE THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS WAS ONE OF THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THE DEPARTMENT.
"BY APPLYING EARLY, IT WILL .NOT ONLY HELP SPREAD THE DEPARTMENT’S WORKLOAD BUT WILL ALSO GIVE APPLICANTS EXTRA TIME TO MEET ANY FURTHER VISA PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS WHERE NECESSARY," HE ADDED.
_ _ 0 - -
LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE A POPULAR PLACE FOR YOUTHS t t i t *
THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN TSIU HANG HAS BECOME A POPULAR PLACE FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE DRAWING MORE THAN 4,000 VISITORS A WEEK, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
DURING A TOUR TO THE CENTRE WITH THE VISITING PRESIDENT OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, MR DONALD BANKER, DR LEE SAID THE VISITORS WERE MOSTLY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO CAME IN GROUPS WITH THEIR FRIENDS OR THEIR FAMILIES.
THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE, SET UP WITH FUNDS FROM THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION FOUNDATION AND OPENED TO THE PUBLIC THIS JUNE, IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO DISPLAY TO THE PUBLIC THE RICHNESS OF HONG KONG’S RURAL HERITAGE.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE THREE EXHIBITION HALLS ON HONG KONG’S AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES AS WELL AS AN ARBORETUM, ORCHARDS, FIELD CROPS, A CHINESE HERBAL GARDEN, A ROCK AND MINERAL CORNER, AND A POULTRY CORNER.
DR LEE TOLD MR BANKER THAT' PLANS WERE IN HAND TO SET UP A GRASS CORNER AND TO CONSTRUCT AN INSECTARIUM IN THE CENTRE AS ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS.
MR BANKER ALSO LEARNT THAT THE CAFETERIA IN THE CENTRE WILL BE REBUILT TO OFFER A BETTER REST PLACE FOR VISITORS.
TO SHOW HIS PERSONAL SUPPORT, MR BANKER PLANTED A TREE NEAR THE CAFETERIA TO COMMEMORATE HIS VISIT.
- - 0
/16
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
- 16 -
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN EASTERN DISTRICT
******
EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY FLAT OWNERS OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, HAVE ONE MORE WEEK TO MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 30.
AN EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) URGED THOSE INTERESTED TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM ON TEL. 570 4125 EXT 20 ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 18.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT RESIDENTS FROM OTHER DISTRICTS ARE ALSO WELCOME.
DURING THE SEMINAR, PROFESSIONALS FROM RELATED FIELDS WILL GIVE TALKS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT TOPICS WHICH ARE OF CONCERN TO RESIDENTS AND FLAT OWNERS.
THE SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE PROPERTY MANAGER OF KUMAGAI GUMI (HONG KONG) LTD, MR JOHNNIE CHAN; A SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHEUNG PING-KUEN; AND A MANAGER OF FOREX INSURANCE COMPANY, MR DENNIS CHAN.
THEY WILL SPEAK ON WAYS TO SELECT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTS, AND BUILDING INSURANCE RESPECTIVELY.
THE TALKS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION SESSION AND A TEA RECEPTION.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD FROM 2.30 PM TO 5.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 30 AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE, 7 FOOK YAM ROAD.
---------0-----------
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION
*****
NO NOMINATION IS RECEIVED TODAY (MONDAY) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE NOMINATION STARTED ON NOVEMBER 4.
--------0-----------
/17 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1991
- 17 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 47.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 279.326 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 303.088 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 51.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 9.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 11.11.91 -50
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 50
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.3 *+0.0*
11.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS 11.11.91
8.11 .91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.22 PCT 3.23 PCT
1 MONTH 3.44 PCT 3.40 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.94 PCT 3.86 PCT
6 MONTHS 4 . 13 PCT 4 . 10 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.01 PCT 4.91 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 4,420 MN 3,020 MN
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED ........... 1
NEW COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPOINTED ................... 7
HK POST OFFICE TO CO-SPONSOR 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES ........................ 8
APPOINTMENTS TO DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY COMMITTEE ..................... 9
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING .................... 10
OCTOBER AIR QUALITY REPORT RELEASED ................................... 11
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED .............................................. 14
INTERNATIONAL LIONS TO ADOPT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ........................ 14
TENDERS INVITED FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES .............................. 15
INFORMATION CARD TO HELP IMPORTED WORKERS ............................. 15
FMO SCHOOLS PRAISED .................................................. 16
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN WAN CHAI TO BE CLOSED .................. 17
10 QUESTIONS, THREE BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA ............................. 18
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ........................................ 18
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION .................... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ..................... 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 21
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
1
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED
*****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AT $137,610 MILLION, GREW BY 27% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE SEPTEMBER FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5% TO $20,526 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 43% TO $50,131 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 29% TO $70,657 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 24% TO $66,953 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991, AT $1,107,961 MILLION, INCREASED BY 22% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3% TO $166,993 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 29% TO $378,956 MILLION.
THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20% TO $545,949 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23% TO $562,011 MILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/
COMPARING SEPTEMBER1991 WITH SEPTEMBERl990, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 20%.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE, THE U.S.A., CANADA, THE NETHERLANDS AND TAIWAN INCREASED BY 8%, 6%, 5%, 5% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 12%, 6%, 3% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991-WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, BY 21% AND 20% RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE AND TAIWAN INCREASED BY 14%, 12%, 10%, 10% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA AND THE USA DECREASED BY 10% AND 9% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
/COMPARING JANUARY .......
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 1991
2
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,565 MILLION OR 5%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1,942 MILLION OR 17%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,715 MILLION OR 14%); AND TEXTILES (BY $510 MILLION OR 4%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,558 MILLION OR 8%), AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $900 MILLION OR 6%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE, CHINA AND JAPAN, BY 39%, 39%, 37%, 34% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC . OF GERMANY AND THE USA INCREASED BY 11%, 9%, 6% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 15%.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, JAPAN, CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 34%, 32%, 28%, 27%, 25% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE USA AND ITALY INCREASED BY 14%, 12% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 3%.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $12,184 MILLION OR 22%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $12,054 MILLION OR 26%); CLOTHING (BY $8,893 MILLION OR 23%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $8,486 MILLION OR 24%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $687 MILLION OR 15%), AND CORK AND WOOD MANUFACTURES (BY $130 MILLION OR 4%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
/COMPARING SEPTEMBER .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
- 3 -
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE USA, FRANCE, CANADA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, BY 54%, 45%, 40%, 37%, 33% AND 30% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE TO JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 28%, 28%, 20% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, FRANCE AND CHINA, BY 58%, 45% AND 39% RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CANADA, JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE USA, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 23%, 22%, 22%.
20%, 15% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 7%.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $11,153 MILLION OR 33%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $9,405 MILLION OR 24%); TEXTILES (BY $8^772 MILLION OR 26%); AND FOOTWEAR (BY $7,200 MILLION OR 75%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $104MILLION OR 4%), AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $102 MILLION OR 18%).
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON.
A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN SEPTEMBER 1991 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY DECEMBER 1991.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE” WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1991 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND NOVEMBER 20, 1991, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $33.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 582 4915).
/TABLE 1........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
Zl
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) SEP 91 OVER SEP 90 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP 91 OVER JAN-SEP 90 ( % )
U.S.A. 6,364 + 6 43,630 - 9
CHINA 4,845 + 20 38,927 + 14
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,375 - 6 14,668 + 20
U.K. 1,141 - 3 10,166 + 10
JAPAN 1,024 - 12 8,611 ♦
SINGAPORE 739 - 2 6,523 + 21
TAIWAN 477 + 1 4,375 + 5
NETHERLANDS 417 + 5 4,001 + 12
CANADA 436 + 5 3,596 - 10
FRANCE 279 + 8 2,781 + 10
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION (Hl SEP 1991 KD MN.) SEP 91 OVER SEP 90 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP 91 OVER JAN-SEP 90
( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,363 4- 16 53,664 + 5
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 9 2,102 - 4 17,490 - 8
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,747 + 19 14,217 + 14
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,515 - 23 13,920 — 6
/OFFICE MACHINES .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT - 5 1,479 13,377 + 17
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,551 + 15 12,791 + 4
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER SEP 1991 . (HKD MN.) • SEP 91 OVER SEP 90 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP OVER JAN-SEP ( * 91 90 ► )
CHINA 27,144 + 34 208,908 + 25
JAPAN 10,529 + 21 91,719 + 27
TAIWAN 6,582 + 39 53,854 + 32
U.S.A. 4,692 + 1 43,421 + 12
REP. OF KOREA 2,992 + 39 25,920 + 28
SINGAPORE 2,593 + 37 23,315 + 34
U.K. 1,233 + 11 12,220 + 21
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,318 + 6 11,956 + 14
ITALY 912 + 9 8,382 + 6
SWITZERLAND 790 - 15 7,808 - 3
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) SEP 91 OVER SEP 90 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP 91 OVER JAN-SEP 90 ( % )
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,099 + 30 68,497 + 22
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, . APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,805 + 25 57,971 + 26
/ARTICLES OF .......
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 1991
6
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,582 + 36 47,059 + 23
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,121 . + 19 43,292 + 24
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,046 26 39,147 18
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,150 + 6 27,423 + 14
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) SEP 91 OVER SEP 90 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP OVER JAN-SEP ( * 91 90 > )
CHINA 13,872 + 54 108,701 + 39
U.S.A. 11,731 + 45 76,530 + 20
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,500 + 28 23,664 + 58
JAPAN 2,774 + 28 20,403 + 22
TAIWAN 2,061 + 20 17,691 + 15
REP. OF KOREA 1,336 + 30 11,012 + 14
U.K.’ • 1,470 + 33 10,295 + 22
SINGAPORE 1,013 + 3 8,678 - 7
FRANCE 750 40 6,591 + 45
CANADA 794 + 37 6,079 + 23
/TABLE 6 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION (H SEP 1991 iKD MN.) SEP 91 OVER SEP 90 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP 91 OVER JAN-SEP 90 ( % )
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 7,425 + 37 49,381 + 24
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,361 + 52 45,172 + 33
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,372 + 41 41,969 + 26
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,272 + 32 31,595 + 26
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,860 .+ 20 31,193 + 15
FOOTWEAR 2,411 + 116 16,762 + 75
NEW COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPOINTED
******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR BENJAMIN MOK NI-HUNG, COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, WILL RETIRE ON JANUARY 2 NEXT YEAR.
HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR FREDERICK HO WING-HUEN.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MESSRS MOK AND HO ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MR BENJAMIN MOK NI-HUNG, ISO, JP
AGED 57, MR MOK JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT STATISTICIAN IN 1959.
/HE WAS ........
»
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
KE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS IN 1988 AND TO COMMISSIONER THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR MOK WILL HAVE COMPLETED 32 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR FREDERICK HO WING-HUEN, JP
MR HO, AGED 46, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT EDUCATION OFFICER IN 1966 AND WAS APPOINTED ON TRANSFER AS A STATISTICIAN IN 1972.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS IN 1981 AND TO DEPUTY COMMISSIONER IN 1989.
MR HO HAS ACTED AS COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
- - 0 - -
HK POST OFFICE TO CO-SPONSOR 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES *****
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE KAS JOINED WITH THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE AND 30 OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN THE WORLD TO CO-SPONSOR THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES TO BE HELD IN ALBERTVILLE, FRANCE IN FEBRUARY AND BARCELONA, SPAIN IN JULY AND AUGUST NEXT YEAR, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR WONG SAID UNDER THE CO-SPONSORSHIP ARRANGEMENT, EACH POSTAL ADMINISTRATION WOULD SERVE AS THE OFFICIAL EXPRESS COURIER FOR THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES WITHIN THEIR OWN COUNTRY OR TERRITORY.
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE WILL THUS BE THE OFFICIAL EXPRESS COURIER OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION WHICH IS THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF KONG KONG.
MR WONG SAID THE POST OFFICE WOULD PROVIDE THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE WITH THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WHICH WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED IN 1973’AND WAS NOW AVAILABLE TO 61 COUNTRIES.
THE POST OFFICE HAD ALSO BEEN PERMITTED TO USE THE FIVE-LACE OLYMPIC RINGS IN CONJUNCTION WITH ITS OWN LOGO TO ADVERTISE ITS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, HE SAID.
THE OTHER 30 POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS CO-SPONSORING THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES £RE: AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BRAZIL, CANADA, CHINA, CYPRUS, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GHANA, GREECE, HONDURAS, ISRAEL, ITALY, JAPAN, KENYA, KOREA, MEXICO, NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, NIGERIA, NORWAY, PARAGUAY, PORTUGAL, SINGAPORE, SWEDEN, SPAIN, SWITZERLAND AND UNIPOST.
/MP WONG
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
9
MR WONG SAID THE CO-SPONSORSHIP REPRESENTED AN UNPRECEDENTED DEGREE OF GLOBAL CO-OPERATION AMONG POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS.
"THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO STRENGTHEN THE ROLE OF POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN THE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO FURTHER THE IDEALS OF THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT," HE SAID.
TO MARK ITS CO-SPONSORSHIP OF THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES, THE POST OFFICE WILL ISSUE A $10 DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET ON DECEMBER 4 THIS YEAR, WITH MATCHING SOUVENIR COVERS WHICH ALSO SERVE TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOGNITION OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AS THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG.
THESE TWO PHILATELIC PRODUCTS WILL BE ON SALE AT THE POST OFFICE’S SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES.
MR WONG SAID A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ENTITLED "1992 OLYMPIC GAMES", A FIRST DAY COVER AND A SOUVENIR SHEET WOULD BE ISSUED ON APRIL 2 NEXT YEAR, AND A SPECIAL DATESTAMP WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO CANCEL THE STAMPS.
"THESE WILL BE THE FIRST OLYMPIC STAMPS EVER ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE INITIAL DESIGNS OF THESE PRODUCTS WOULD BE ON DISPLAY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE FROM TOMORROW AFTERNOON.
APART FROM THESE, THE POST OFFICE HAD MADE ARRANGEMENTS WITH SEVERAL POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS TO EXCHANGE SPECIAL OLYMPIC STAMPS. WITH THE STAMPS EXCHANGED, THE POST OFFICE WOULD ISSUE HIGH-QUALITY PRESENTATION PACKS FOR SALE ON JULY 25 NEXT YEAR, THE FIRST DAY OF THE SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES, MR WONG SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, MR A. DE 0. SALES, THANKED THE GENERAL POST OFFICE FOR THE ISSUE OF SOUVENIR COVERS TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOGNITION OF THE FEDERATION AS THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE FOR HONG KONG.
HE DREW PUBLIC ATTENTION TO THIS SIGNIFICANT PROJECT WHICH WAS INTENDED ALSO TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SPORTS EDUCATION FOR LOCAL PEOPLE.
--------0----------
APPOINTMENTS TO DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY COMMITTEE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW CHAIRMAN AND THREE NEW MEMBERS TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES’ AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MRS MIRIAM LAU AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE, IN PLACE OF MR JOHN SWAINE WHO STEPPED DOWN FOLLOWING HIS APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/MRS LAU ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
- 10 -
MRS LAU HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN FEBRUARY 1989.
MR RONALD ARCULLI HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS A MEMBER OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE AND CHAIRMAN OF ITS GENERAL DISCIPLINED SERVICES SUB-COMMITTEE.
MR MARTIN BARROW HAS BEEN RE-APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE POLICE SUB-COMMITTEE.
THE OTHER NEW MEMBERS ARE MR POON CHIN-HUNG AND MR YEUNG KA-SING.
MR POON IS A LAWYER BY PROFESSION AND A MEMBER OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
MR YEUNG IS A PERSONNEL MANAGER AND A MEMBER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
MR WILFRED CHAN, MR ANTHONY CHEUNG, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, MR ANTHONY NEOH, MR BRIAN RENWICK AND MR TANG KWAI-NANG HAVE ALL BEEN REAPPOINTED AS MEMBERS.
MR ANTHONY NEOH HAS ALSO BEEN APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ICAC SUB-COMMITTEE.
ALL THE APPOINTMENTS AND RE-APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR . A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING
*»»»*»
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS TO BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE DECISION TO OPEN THE COMMITTEE’S MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC IS TO INCREASE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
THIS, IN TURN, WILL GIVE THE COMMUNITY A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT AND THE ESSENTIAL RELATED PROJECTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAIN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA OF THE FIRST MEETING WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
* OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.
* AN INTRODUCTION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE.
/THE MEETING.......
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 1991
- 11
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEXE), STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY CALLING MS LEUNG WING-CHONG ON TEL. 802 3511 DURING OFFICE HOURS. '
AS SEATS IN THE CONFERENCE HALL ARE LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVE BASIS.
OCTOBER AIR QUALITY
* » * *
REPORT RELEASED » *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR OCTOBER AS OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WEJ5TERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS.
THIS IS THE FOURTH MONTHLY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT. SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2) AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) WHICH ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY ROUND THE CLOCK, AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS EVERY SIX DAYS.
THE GENERAL NO2 LEVEL IN OCTOBER WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN FOR SEPTEMBER. THE DAILY AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE OF NO2 WAS NOT EXCEEDED ANYWHERE ALTHOUGH THE HOURLY OBJECTIVE FOR NO2 WAS EXCEEDED TWICE ON OCTOBER 1 IN KWAI CHUNG.
DUST LEVELS (TSP AND RSP) IN AIR IN OCTOBER WERE ALSO HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER.
AS HONG KONG GETS INTO THE WINTER MONTHS, THERE WILL BE A TREND OF RISING NO2 AND DUST LEVELS.
• AN EPD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE DRY ATMOSPHERIC CONDITION AND THE LESS EFFICIENT DISPERSION ABILITY IN WINTER GENERALLY CAUSED POLLUTANT LEVELS TO RISE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE GENERAL AIR QUALITY LEVELS TO WHICH THEY MIGHT BE EXPOSED, AND THE ATMOSPHERIC AND OTHER FACTORS. THAT AFFECT AIR QUALITY.
THESE AIR POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM COMBUSTION OF FUEL IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND MOTOR VEHICLES ENGINES. TSP AND RSP ARE ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
/THE DAILY .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
- 12 -
t
THE DAILY HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF SO2 AND NO2, TSP AND RSP ARE 350, 150, 260 AND 180 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METRE
RESPECTIVELY.
THESE OBJECTIVES ARE COMPARABLE TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AIR QUALITY STANDARDS RECOMMENDED FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC.
HIGH LEVELS OF SO2 CAUSE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCE LUNG FUNCTION AND INCREASE MORTALITY RATE.
NO2 CAUSES RESPIRATORY IRRITATION, INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND IMPAIRS LUNG DEVELOPMENT.
TSP ACTS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH OTHER GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND RSP CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION AND SOME FORMS OF RSP MAY CAUSE CANCER.
THE MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG STATIONS BROADLY REPRESENT AIR QUALITY RESPECTIVELY AT: LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILD-UP URBAN DISTRICT; COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
CURRENTLY THE EPD OPERATES A TOTAL OF 11 FIXED AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE.
THE OTHER EIGHT STATIONS ARE AT KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUT PO, TSIM SHA TSUI, TSEUNG KWAN O, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG SOUTH, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE ACTING PRINCIPAL
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR TSUI WING-SING, ON TEL. 810 3049.
/HONG KONG
$ IL
Concentration Microgram per Cubic Meter
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8 8 S § 8
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October 1991
Concentration
Microgram per Cubic Meter
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 1991
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED *****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF METROPOLITAN FINANCE CORPORATION LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
- - 0 - -
INTERNATIONAL LIONS TO ADOPT SECONDARY SCHOOLS
*****
STUDENTS OF TODAY WILL GROW UP TO BE CITIZENS OF TOMORROW AND THEY SHOULD APPRECIATE THAT HONG KONG AS A PROSPEROUS BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IS DEPENDENT ON LINKS WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR LI WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL HONG KONG SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADOPTION SCHEME, TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT JUNE.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME IS TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN LINKS BETWEEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG AND LIONS CLUBS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
"THE SCHEME IS TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE AND CULTURAL CROSS-FERTILISATION, WITH A VIEW TO BROADEN AND ENRICH THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS," MR LI SAID.
THIS WILL BE BENEFICIAL NOT ONLY TO THE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES, WHO WILL HAVE MUCH TO LEARN FROM THE LIONS CLUBS DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE, BUT ALSO TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
EARLIER, MR LI PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOR ITS SPONSORSHIP AND THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 IN HONG KONG FOR MAKING THE SCHEME POSSIBLE.
- - 0 - -
/15
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12,
1991
- 15 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES *****
MORE AMENITY FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN TO TIE IN WITH ITS DEVELOPMENT.
A 30,000-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN AREA 12 HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR ITS FIRST MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS GROUND.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE A SPORTS FIELD, AN ALL-WEATHER RUNNING TRACK, A SOCCER PITCH, COVERED SPECTATOR STANDS, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MEANWHILE, CONTRACTORS ARE ALSO INVITED TO SUBMIT TENDERS FOR TWO OTHER PROJECTS.
THE FIRST ONE IS THE CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR A TEMPORARY MARKET AT KWAI FONG STREET, WONG NAI CHUNG, HAPPY VALLEY.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 1,140 SQUARE METRES, THE MARKET IS PROGRAMMED TO TIE IN WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING WONG NAI CHUNG MARKET AND BAZAAR SITE IN LATE NEXT YEAR.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
THE OTHER PROJECT IS THE UPGRADING WORK FOR WONG MA KOK ROAD CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IN STANLEY.
NEW FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE A LOCAL SITTING-OUT AREA WITH BENCHES AND PLAYING EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----0-----------
INFORMATION CARD TO HELP IMPORTED WORKERS
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PRODUCED A TAILOR-MADE INFORMATION CARD FOR IMPORTED WORKERS ON THEIR BASIC EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS IN HONG KONG.
MOST OF THE IMPORTED WORKERS ARE COMING FROM CHINA.
/HANDY TO .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
- 16 -
HANDY TO CARRY AND PRINTED IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE CHARACTERS, THE CARD LISTS OUT THE STATUTORY AND CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS OF IMPORTED WORKERS REGARDING PAYMENT AND DEDUCTION OF WAGES, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, SAFE KEEPING OF TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND CONDITION OF STAY IN THE TERRITORY.
THE CARD ALSO TELLS IMPORTED WORKERS THE EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO THEM SHOULD THEY BE DISMISSED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, AND AS A RESULT OF LODGING COMPLAINTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
THE CARD PROVIDES THEM WITH ENQUIRY AND COMPLAINT TELEPHONE NUMBERS ON EMPLOYMENT AND IMMIGRATION MATTERS.
LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THE CARD TO INDIVIDUAL IMPORTED WORKERS AT THEIR WORK PLACES AND DORMITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED AN INFORMATION LEAFLET IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE CHARACTERS ON LEGAL PROTECTION FOR IMPORTED WORKERS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE LEAFLET, WHICH CONTAINS ENQUIRY HOTLINE NUMBERS OF THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO IMPORTED WORKERS WHEN THEY ENTER HONG KONG OR ATTEND BRIEFING SESSIONS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE LEAFLET IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT ALL LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE BRANCH OFFICES.
---------0-----------
FMO SCHOOLS PRAISED
* * * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR LAU WAH-SUM TODAY (TUESDAY) PRAISED THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) SCHOOLS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN CIVIC EDUCATION, IN ADDITION TO ENHANCING STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC STANDARDS.
SPEAKING TO MORE THAN 300 STUDENTS ATTENDING THE 22ND FMO SCHOOLS JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, MR LAU SAID GOOD EDUCATION WAS THE BASIS OF THE PROSPECT OF A COMMUNITY.
"IN ALL FMO SCHOOLS," HE SAID, "THROUGH COUNSELLING, VISITS, SEMINARS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, THE CORRECT ATTITUDES IN CHARACTER FORMATION, SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP, COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ARE INCULCATED AMONG STUDENTS TO ENSURE THEIR BALANCED DEVELOPMENT AND TO GET THEM PREPARED FOR MAKING POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY IN FUTURE."
MR LAU ALSO COMMENDED TEACHERS WORKING IN THE FMO SCHOOLS, SOME OF WHICH WERE NOT BIG IN SIZE AND SOME EVEN LOCATED IN REMOTE AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
17
HE SAID: "MINDING LITTLE FOR THEIR OWN PROMOTIONAL PROSPECTS, THE TEACHING STAFF OF THESE SCHOOLS SELFLESSLY UNDERTAKE TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCE DAILY OR RESIDE AT QUARTERS THAT ARE DISTANT FROM TOWN AND EQUIPPED WITH ONLY THE BASIC AMENITIES.
"THEIR SEEKING NEITHER FAME NOR WEALTH, DEVOTING THEMSELVES QUIETLY BUT WHOLEHEARTEDLY TO THE EDUCATION OF THE NEXT GENERATION AND THUS EXHIBITING A HIGH LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM WARRANT THE RESPECT OF ALL."
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, SEVEN MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL STAFF WERE PRESENTED LONG SERVICE AWARDS FOR HAVING SERVED IN THE FMO FOR 25 YEARS.
"THE FACT THAT NUMEROUS STAFF MEMBERS OF THE FMO SCHOOLS HAVE RECEIVED SUCH AWARDS THROUGHOUT THESE YEARS IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING THAT DESERVES CONGRATULATIONS," MR LAU SAID.
TO THE GRADUATES THIS YEAR, MR LAU HOPED THEY WOULD FOLLOW THE GOOD EXAMPLES OF THEIR TEACHERS BY FACING CHALLENGES IN THEIR WORK AND STUDIES WITH WHOLE-HEARTED DEVOTION.
EARLIER IN HIS INTRODUCTORY SPEECH, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, DESCRIBED MR LAU AS AN ENTHUSIAST FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE SOCIETY AND SAID HE HAD PARTICIPATED IN MANY ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD.
DR LEE SAID: "OTHER THAN HOLDING IMPORTANT POSITIONS IN TWO OF HONG KONG’S UNIVERSITIES, MR LAU HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION. SO, HE IS CLOSELY RELATED AND HAS MADE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EDUCATION IN HONG KONG."
THE FMO SCHOOLS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN’S SCHOOLS, NOW RUN THE ABERDEEN SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL WITH 470 STUDENTS AND SEVEN OTHER PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH A STUDENT POPULATION OF ABOUT 810.
------0--------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN WAN CHAI TO BE CLOSED * * * »
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE A NUMBER OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN WAN CHAI SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THESE WORKS ARE LOCATED AT THE REAR LANE OF NOS. 116, 120 AND
124-128 JOHNSTON ROAD.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 14 NEXT YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
--------0-----------
/IS........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
18
10 QUESTIONS, THREE BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OF THE THREE BILLS, TWO WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
DEBATE ON THE HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 WILL BE RESUMED AND IT IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE CONTROL SCHEMES AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH PUBLIC UTILITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES.
THE MOTION READS: "THAT THIS COUNCIL URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSULT THIS COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC ON PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH PUBLIC UTILITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES BEFORE ENTERING INTO SUCH SCHEMES AND RENEWING SUCH FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH THE COMPANIES."
ALSO, THE HON K.K. FUNG WILL RAISE UNDER STANDING ORDERS 9(5) THE MATTER OF "CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS" FOR ADJOURNMENT DEBATE.
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG WILL TABLE AND ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1990-91.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
--------0---------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 16) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING.
/THEY ARE ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
- 19 -
THEY ARE:
ET1798 ET1020 AC1118 ET622
BK557 DN8080 ER555 AB8881
ET6888 ET866 HK5020 ET807
AC252 DS213 ET113 CK10
ET1929 ET666 AT68 ET926
BB3599 ES3888 ET788 BJ2113
ET635 CL861 EU618 ET3661
121 EW1919 BR87 819
BW2080 EU389 ET790 BS7757
ET1228 ET1928 EU6200 ET1398
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 FORTHCOMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 170TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
- - 0----------
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED *
TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION * ♦ * ♦
NO NOMINATION IS RECEIVED TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE NOMINATION STARTED ON NOVEMBER 4.
---------0-----------
/20........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
- 20 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 12 NOV 91 12 NOV 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q146 H177
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,410 MN, HKD 788 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.88 PCT 4.16 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.90 PCT 4.18 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 98 PCT ABOUT 89 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.98 PCT • 4.25 PCT
HONG KONG TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND WEEK BEGINNING NOVEMBER 18, 1991
TENDER DATE 19 NOV 91 18 NOV 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS GOVT BONDS
ISSUE NUMBER Q147 2311
ISSUE DATE 20 NOV 91 19 NOV 91
MATURITY DATE 19 FEB 92 19 NOV 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 2 YEARS
AMOUNT ON OFFER 500 + 100 MN 500 + 100 MN
COUPON N.A. 6.25 PCT
--------0-----------
/21 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1991
21
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 11.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 12.11.91 -9
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +9
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.2 *-0.1* 12.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
12.11.91 11.11.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.34 PCT 3.23 PCT
1 MONTH 3.46 PCT 3.40 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.85 PCT 3.86 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.16 PCT 4.10 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.89 PCT 4.91 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 6,230 MN 3,020 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SPEECH OF FS ON SCHEME OF CONTROL DEBATE ............................. 1
SPEECH OF SES ON SCHEME OF CONTROL DEBATE ............................ 2
ACTIVE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN MONITORING FRANCHISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT
SERVICES .......................................................... 7
MOTION ON PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES PASSED .............................. 9
IMMIGRATION RULE CONSISTENT WITH BILL OF RIGHTS ...................... 10
NORTH LANTAU SHORELINE NOT FEASIBLE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ...... 11
PUBLIC HOUSING STANDARDS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW ....................... 11
AMENDMENT TO GIVE RIGHT OF ABODE CONSIDERED .......................... 12
MEASURES TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY OF YUEN LONG RIVERS OUTLINED ....... 13
PUBLIC TO BE CONSULTED ON GOLF COURSE ................................ 14
REVIEW ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMPLETED .............................. 16
COSTS TO BE RECOVERED AFTER CHOI HUNG WATER MAIN BURST ............... 17
NO STUDENTS SHOULD BE EXPELLED WITHOUT PROPER WARNING ................ 18
MEASURES IN HAND TO HELP TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT CONTAINER TERMINALS .... 19
INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED ................. 20
MOTION TO DELEGATE DUTIES AND POWERS TO DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPT ....... 22
BILL TO MODIFY PROXY VOTING IN STOCK EXCHANGE INTRODUCED ............. 23
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 91 ..................... 24
ECONOMIC TIES WITH ASIA PACIFIC REGION STRENGTHENING: STI .............. 28
Housing authority's budgets for the 1992/93 financial year ............. 30
MEDICAL REFORMS ATTUNED TO NEEDS OF 21ST CENTURY ....................... 31
APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SFC ........................... 32
SURVEYOR APPOINTED TO CONDUCT ACCIDENT INQUIRY ......................... 33
GOVT STATEMENT ON PAY COMMITTEE'S COMPOSITION .......................... 34
THREE GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER ....................................... 34
MODEPN JAPANESE CRUISE SHIP ON MAIDEN VOYAGE TO HK ..................... 35
DISABLED PERSONS TO SHOW WORKING ABILITIES ............................. 36
272 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM ............................................. 37
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION ..................... 37
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 38
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
1
SPEECH OF FS ON SCHEME OF CONTROL DEBATE * * * * *
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
I AM IN SYMPATHY WITH THE AIMS BEHIND BOTH OF THESE MOTIONS. I BELIEVE IT IS COMMON GROUND THAT WHEREVER POSSIBLE COMPETITION SHOULD PREVAIL AND THAT THROUGH COMPETITION FAIR PRICES WOULD BE OBTAINED. I THINK IT IS ALSO COMMON GROUND THAT FOR SOME SERVICES OR FACILITIES, HONG KONG HAS FOUND FRANCHISES A MOST SUCCESSFUL SOLUTION.
FRANCHISES ARE APPROPRIATE WHERE THE LEVEL OF INVESTMENT REQUIRED OR OTHER FACTORS INDICATED THAT FREE COMPETITION MAY NOT BE OBTAINABLE OR MAY NOT BE THE BEST SOLUTION.
IN MANY OTHER PLACES OUTSIDE HONG KONG, GOVERNMENT ITSELF PROVIDES SUCH SERVICES. IN HONG KONG BY CONTRAST WE HAVE MANAGED THROUGH FRANCHISES TO OBTAIN A REASONABLE COMPROMISE BETWEEN, ON THE ONE HAND, A MONOPOLY OR A SEMI-MONOPOLY SITUATION AND ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF COMPETITION AND THE COMMERCIAL APPROACH.
IT IS ENTIRELY REASONABLE TO ASK AS BOTH MOTIONS EFFECTIVELY DO BUT STEPS BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT WHERE FRANCHISES EXIST AND THAT COMPETITION IS LESS THAN FREE, PRICES ARE REASONABLE. THAT’S TO SAY, THAT UNDUE ADVANTAGES NOT TAKEN OF ANY QUASI-MONOPOLY SITUATION AND TO ENSURE THAT THE SERVICE IS SATISFACTORY.
AS IT HAS BEEN POINTED OUT, A CONSIDERABLE DIVERSITY OF ARRANGEMENTS EXIST, FRANCHISES DO NOT NECESSARILY INVOLVE SCHEMES OF CONTROL. NOR DID SCHEMES OF CONTROL NECESSARILY THE COMPANY FRANCHISES AND SO ON.
THE QUESTION THEN IS HOW MUCH FURTHER INTERVENTION SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO BEAR BY EITHER LEGCO OR THE PUBLIC OR BOTH. THIS IS WHERE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN TAKING ACCOUNT OF PUBLIC OPINION, THE AMENDMENT AND CONSULTATION, THE ORIGINAL MOTION ON FRANCHISES AND SCHEMES OF CONTROL REALLY COMES IN.
I AGREE WITH MR SZETO WAH THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO. GIVEN THE COMPLEXITY OF THESE FRANCHISE ARRANGEMENTS AND GIVEN THE COMMERCIAL SECRECY OF MANY OF THE FACTS INVOLVED, A FORMAL REQUIREMENT TO DETAIL CONSULTATION DOES NOT SEEM TO ME A PRACTICAL OR SENSIBLE PROPOSITION. BUT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC, IT IS ENTIRELY REASONABLE AND INDEED DESIRABLE.
I WOULD NOT REPEAT THE MANY COGENT ARGUMENTS PUT BY SOME MEMBERS EARLIER IN THIS DEBATE AS TO WHY THE "TAKING INTO ACCOUNT" FORMULA IS MORE PRACTICAL. AS IN CONCLUSION I WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT WHAT IS AT STAKE HERE.
PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN THE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TRANSPORT COMPANIES IS MASSIVE. THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES IN HER SPEECH MENTIONED THAT ACTUAL AND PLANNED INVESTMENT BY CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY ALONE IS IN THE REGION OF $55 BILLION OR CONSIDERABLY MORE THAN THE NEW CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT.
/INVESTORS ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
- 2 -
INVESTORS ARE SENSITIVE TO ANY INCREASE IN RISK INCLUDING RISK OF PUBLIC CONTROVERSY OR CHANGES IN AGREED TERMS OR TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF COMMERCIAL SECRETS. IT IS VITAL THAT WE DO NOTHING THAT MIGHT COST A DETERIORATION IN THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE AND AS A RESULT SHIFT THIS MASSIVE REQUIREMENT FOR FUNDS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO THE TAXPAYER.
WE HAVE TO FACE THE HARD COMMERCIAL FACT THAT INVESTORS WILL NOT INVEST IF THE TERMS ARE NOT REASONABLE OR IF THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE IS PERCEIVED TO BE ANTAGONISTIC. DO YOU WANT OUR TELEPHONES, OUR ELECTRICITY, OUR BUS SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, CLEARLY NOT. THAT IS WHAT WE RISK IF WE GO TOO FAR IN INJECTING POLITICAL PRESSURES INTO THESE ARRANGEMENTS. IT DID NOT MEAN THAT WE DO NOT HAVE THE INTEREST OF THE CONSUMER AT HEART. WE DO. BUT THE CONSUMER’S LONG-TERM INTERESTS REQUIRE A CAREFUL, BALANCED ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF FARES OR CHARGES WHICH IS ADEQUATE TO COVER COST PLUS PROFIT AND RE-INVESTMENT. ARTIFICIALLY LOW PRICES EQUAL TO DETERIORATING SERVICE.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT
I SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT MOVED BY MR CHEONG.
- - 0 - ------
SPEECH OF SES ON SCHEME OF CONTROL DEBATE *****
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
I HAVE LISTENED VERY CAREFULLY TO THE VIEWS WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS. I SHOULD LIKE TO RESPOND TO SOME OF THESE IN GREATER DETAIL. BUT BEFORE I DO SO, I SHOULD LIKE TO SAY AT THE OUTSET THAT THE ADMINISTRATION FULLY ACCEPTS THE NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS OF THIS COUNCIL AND OF THE PUBLIC AND INDEED DOES SO.
ALL SCHEMES OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE SINCE 1982. THE PUBLIC AND MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL ARE FREE TO COMMENT ON THEM AT ANY TIME. DURING THE LIFETIME OF AN AGREEMENT THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO OBTAIN AND CONSIDER PUBLIC FEEDBACK THROUGH OMELCO MEMBERS, DISTRICT BOARDS, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE MEDIA AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE BODIES. MY COLLEAGUE THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WILL ELABORATE MORE FULLY ON THE WAYS IN WHICH THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC HELP TO GUIDE THE PLANNING AND PROVISION OF TRANSPORT SERVICES.
IN SEEKING TO MONITOR THE OPERATIONS OF UTILITY COMPANIES, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMPANIES REMAIN DIRECTLY ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR OWN CONSUMERS, FOR WE BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE BEST WAY OF ENSURING THAT THEY KEEP UP TO SCRATCH. MOST UTILITY COMPANIES ALREADY HAVE WELL-ESTABLISHED AND EFFICIENT PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS. AT THE REQUEST OF THE GOVERNMENT THE TWO POWER COMPANIES, THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AND THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS HAVE AGREED TO STRENGTHEN THEIR CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WITH CONSUMERS BY ESTABLISHING CONSUMER LIAISON COMMITTEES. THE FEEDBACK FROM THESE COMMITTEES WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PROVIDE A FURTHER VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF THE SERVICES IN QUESTION.
/A NUMBER .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
3
A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE TO SET UP AN ADVISORY BODY TO OVERSEE THE MONITORING OF FRANCHISE AND SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS WITH THE PUBLIC UTILITIES. MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS READY TO LOOK INTO WAYS OF STRENGTHEN OUR MONITORING PROCEDURES. BUT THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT ABDICATE- ITS RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE AGREEMENTS TO ENSURE CONTINUING RELIABLE SERVICE TO CONSUMERS. FURTHER, I PERSONALLY FORESEE ON A PRACTICAL BASIS CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES IN ESTABLISHING A COST-EFFECTIVE BODY CAPABLE OF EFFECTIVELY MONITORING ALL OF THE VERY WIDE RANGE AND COMPLEXITIES OF SERVICES NOW COVERED BY FRANCHISES AND SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS. WE WILL NEVERTHELESS CONSIDER MEMBERS’ SUGGESTIONS CAREFULLY TO SEE WHETHER OUR CURRENT NETWORK OF ADVISORY BODIES NEEDS TO BE STRENGTHENED IN THIS ASPECT.
I MAY BE HELPFUL IF I NOW SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT OUR GENERAL PHILOSOPHY WITH REGARD TO THE ROLE OF FRANCHISES AND SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
IN PRINCIPLE THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT WHERE THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN PROVIDE SERVICES IT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO WITH THE MINIMUM OF INTERFERENCE. AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID LAST WEEK WE ALSO BELIEVE STRONGLY IN ENCOURAGING COMPETITION IN THE DELIVERY OF PUBLIC SERVICES. EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT WHERE MARKET FORCES ARE PERMITTED TO DETERMINE THE SCALE AND QUALITY OF SERVICES AND THE PRICE. AT WHICH THEY ARE MADE AVAILABLE, THE PUBLIC ALMOST ALWAYS BENEFIT BY BEING OFFERED A WIDER RANGE OF SERVICES AT LOWEST PRICES.
BUT THERE ARE SITUATIONS IN WHICH MARKET FORCES ALONE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT AN ADEQUATE LEVEL OF SERVICE AT A REASONABLE COST IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE WHO NEEDS IT. THIS IS WHERE THE GRANTING OF MONOPOLY RIGHTS OR FRANCHISES CAN BE AN IMPORTANT TOOL IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF POLICY OBJECTIVES BY IMPOSING UPON THE FRANCHISEE OBLIGATIONS WHICH HE MUST FULFIL IN EXCHANGE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE IN QUESTION. TYPICALLY SUCH OBLIGATIONS WILL INCLUDE :
- A REQUIREMENT TO MEET THE FULL DEMAND FOR THE SERVICE EVEN THOSE SECTORS WHICH MAY NOT BE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE;
- THE NEED TO MEET CERTAIN MINIMUM STANDARDS OF OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY; AND
- THE REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN GOVERNMENT APPROVAL FOR THE PRICE CHARGED TO CONSUMERS.
EACH SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT AND /OR FRANCHISE ARRANGEMENT IS TAILORED TO SUIT THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE COMPANY CONCERNED AND ARE SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW.
TODAY’S MOTION REFERS TO BOTH "FRANCHISES" AND "PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES” BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE TWO IS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD. WHEN THE GOVERNMENT AWARDS A FRANCHISE TO A PARTICULAR COMPANY IT GRANTS TO IT AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO PROVIDE A PARTICULAR SERVICE FOR A FIXED NUMBER OF YEARS SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY FULFILLING THE SORT OF OBLIGATIONS I HAVE JUST DESCRIBED.
/IN THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
4
IN THIS WAY, THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS. SOMETIMES THE TERMS OF THAT FRANCHISE WILL EMBODY A SCHEME OF CONTROL (OR PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME) BUT THIS IS BY NO MEANS ALWAYS THE CASE. FOR EXAMPLE THE FERRY COMPANIES HAVE FRANCHISES BUT NO SCHEME OF CONTROL, WHEREAS THE TWO BUS COMPANIES ARE SUBJECT TO SCHEMES OF CONTROL AS PART OF THEIR FRANCHISES.
THE POWER COMPANIES, ON THE OTHER HAND, DO NOT ENJOY AN EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE - THERE IS NOTHING TO PREVENT A COMPETITOR SETTING UP A BUSINESS TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG. IN PRACTICE HOWEVER, ECONOMIES OF SCALE, LAND CONSTRAINTS AND THE SUBSTANTIAL UP FRONT INVESTMENTS INVOLVED ARE LIKELY TO MILITATE AGAINST A PROLIFERATION OF POWER COMPANIES. AS THE TWO EXISTING POWER COMPANIES ENJOY DE FACTO MONOPOLIES IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS WHICH THEY SERVE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ENTERED INTO SCHEMES OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS WITH THEM IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT A PROPER BALANCE IS STRUCK BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS AND SHAREHOLDERS AND THAT THERE IS AN AGREED BASIS FOR DETERMINING MAXIMUM PROFIT LEVELS.
THE GOVERNMENT TAKES SERIOUSLY ITS RESPONSIBILITIES TO MONITOR THE ACTIVITIES OF PUBLIC UTILITIES. IT DOES SO THROUGH CAREFUL SCRUTINY OF FINANCING PLANS WHICH MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE COMPANY THROUGH REGULATION OF PROFITS ON APPROVAL OF TARIFFS. BUT IN ADMINISTERING SUCH AGREEMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT MUST HAVE REGARD TO CONSUMERS’ INTERESTS IN THE WIDEST SENSE. TOO OFTEN, THERE IS A MISCONCEPTION THAT THE INTEREST OF THE CONSUMERS LIES SOLELY IN THE MAINTENANCE OF LOW FARES AND TARIFFS. BUT THIS CANNOT BE ONLY CRITERION BY WHICH TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH AGREEMENTS. IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL TO FORCE THE PROVIDERS OF PUBLIC SERVICES TO KEEP PRICES BELOW WHAT IS NECESSARY TO COVER THEIR COSTS AND PAY A REASONABLE RETURN TO THEIR SHAREHOLDERS. AS EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS HAS SHOWN, OVER ZEALOUS REGULATION AND INTERVENTION IN THE SETTING OF PRICES CAN HAVE DISASTROUS RESULTS. IN THE FACE OF DECLINING RETURNS SHAREHOLDERS BECOME INCREASINGLY UNWILLING TO INVEST IN NECESSARY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, SERVICE STANDARDS DROP AND THE CONSUMER LOSES OUT.
AS A GOVERNMENT WE MUST TAKE A LONG TERM VIEW OF COMMUNITY INTERESTS. IF WE WANT TO SEE THE PRIVATE SECTOR CONTINUING TO PLAY ITS CURRENT MAJOR ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC SERVICES THEN WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT SUCH COMPANIES MUST BE ALLOWED TO EARN REASONABLE PROFITS IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO ATTRACT THE CONTINUING INVESTMENT FROM SHAREHOLDERS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT HIGH STANDARDS OF SERVICE ARE MAINTAINED. DECLINING PRIVATE INVESTMENTS INEVITABLY MEANS THAT THE BURDEN OF KEEPING ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICES OPERATING FALLS INCREASINGLY ON THE TAXPAYER TO THE DETRIMENT OF SOCIAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMMES.
ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF FRANCHISES AND SOC AGREEMENTS IS THAT THEY ARE GRANTED FOR A FIXED TERM AT THE END OF WHICH THE GOVERNMENT REVIEWS VERY CAREFULLY WHETHER CIRCUMSTANCES STILL WARRANT THE CONTINUATION OF SUCH RIGHTS AND IF SO ON WHAT TERMS. IN CARRYING OUT THIS REVIEW, WE TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY THE VIEWS OF THIS COUNNCIL AND THE PUBLIC.
/I SHOULD .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
5
I SHOULD NOW LIKE TO DEAL MORE SPECIFICALLY WITH THE POWER COMPANIES. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS JUST COMPLETED A ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY ON THE TERMS UNDER WHICH ITS SOC AGREEMENT SHOULD BE RENEWED. THESE NEGOTIATIONS WERE PROTRACTED AND TOUGH: BOTH SIDES HAD THEIR CONCERNS AND PERSPECTIVES AND A BALANCE HAD TO BE STRUCK. I REFUTED CATEGORICALLY THE ALLEGATION BY ONE MEMBER THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SOUGHT TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF A BRITISH COMPANY AT THE EXPENSE OF CONSUMER INTERESTS. NEITHER I NOR MY STAFF WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE LONG AND HARD NEGOTIATION DESERVE THIS EXPRESSION ON OUR INTEGRITY. FURTHERMORE, AS MR ALLEN LEE HAS POINTED OUT, IT IS FACTUALLY INCORRECT TO DESCRIBE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER AS A COLONIAL BRITISH COMPANY. CLP’S POWERS GENERATING PLANT IN FACT IS SIXTY PERCENT OWNED BY EXXON, AN AMERCIAN COMPANY WHILST CHINA LIGHT AND POWER IS OF COURSE A PUBLICLY LISTED LOCAL COMPANY.
I WOULD STRESS THAT THE SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS WITH THE POWER COMPANIES ARE ENTERED INTO BY THEM ON A PURELY VOLUNTARY BASIS. WITHOUT THEM THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE NO DIRECT RIGHT TO INVOLVE ITSELF IN THE BUSINESS PLANS OF THE COMPANIES OR TO APPROVE THEIR TARIFF LEVEL.
LAST MONDAY MORNING I AND MY COLLEAGUES IN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH BRIEFED MEMBERS OF THE OMELCO ECONOMIC SERVICES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL IN DETAIL ON HOW THE EXISTING SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WAS ADMINISTERED AND ON THE BACKGROUND TO AND OUTCOME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS. I EXPLAINED SPECIFICALLY WHY WE FELT THAT THE CURRENT SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT HAS WORKED WELL. THESE ARE:
- DURING THE COURSE OF THE CURRENT AND PREVIOUS SCAS, THE COMPANIES HAVE INVESTED OVER $38 BILLION IN ASSET AND WILL SPEND A FURTHER $17 BILLION IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
- TARIFF LEVELS, WHICH COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE CHARGED IN BOTH EUROPE AND THE REGION, HAVE ONLY INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT ON AVERAGE OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS COMPARED TO A 91 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.
- IN REAL TERMS, THE COST OF ELECTRICITY HAS FALLEN OVER 40 PER CENT IN 10 YEARS.
- HONG KONG’S ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IS ONE OF THE MOST RELIABLE IN THE REGION WITH VERY HIGH LEVELS OF TECHNICAL AND THERMAL EFFICIENCY.
I ALSO EMPHASIZED TO MEMBERS THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN THE POWER SUPPLY INDUSTRY GIVEN THAT DEMAND CONTINUES TO INCREASE AND THAT THE CURRENT INVESTMENT CLIMATE IS NOT ALTOGETHER FAVOURABLE. HK’S INTERNATIONAL CREDIT RATING WAS DOWNGRADED FROM A2 IN 1989 AND IS NOW A3, THE SAME AS MALAYSIA, BUT BELOW THAT OF MANY OF OUR COMPETITORS SUCH AS THAILAND, SINGAPORE AND KOREA.
MR. DEPUTY PRESIDENT, LET ME STRESS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD CONDUCTED THESE NEGOTIATIONS CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND WITH THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS VERY MUCH IN THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MIND. WE WERE CERTAINLY AWARE OF THE PUBLIC CONCERNS RELATING TO THIS PARTICULAR SCA, MANY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN REPEATED DURING THIS DEBATE. I WOULD LIKE TO DEAL WITH THESE VERY BRIEFLY.
/FIRST, THERE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
6 -
FIRST, THERE IS THE CONCERN THAT THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT PERMITTED UNDER THE SCHEME IS TOO HIGH AND THAT IT IS "GUARANTEED" IRRESPECTIVE OF THE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE OF CLP. AS I POINTED OUT TO PANEL MEMBERS ON MONDAY ALTHOUGH THE CURRENT SCA PROVIDES FOR MAXIMUM LEVELS OF RETURN OF 13+ PER CENT ON ASSETS FUNDED BY BORROWINGS AND 15 PER CENT ON ASSETS FUNDED OUT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY, IN PRACTICE DUE TO VARIOUS COMPULSORY DEDUCTIONS FOR INTEREST ON LOANS ETC. THE ACTUAL RETURN RECEIVED BY EXXON/CLP SHAREHOLDERS HAS AVERAGED ONLY 11% OVER THE PERIOD OF THE CURRENT SCA. THIS LEVEL IS SOMEWHAT BELOW THAT OF OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REGULATORY CONTROL AND WE DO NOT BELIEVE IT TO BE EXCESSIVE, PARTICULARLY HAVING REGARD TO THE FACT THAT ELECTRICITY RELATED ASSETS HAVE LIFE SPANS OF 20 TO 30 YEARS, MUCH LONGER THAN IN MOST INDUSTRIES.
ANOTHER CONCERN OF WHICH WE WERE AWARE WAS THAT BY LINKING THE RATE OF PERMITTED RETURN TO THE AVERAGE VALUE OF NET FIXED ASSETS THE SCA APPEARS TO REWARD OVER-INVESTMENT. I BELIEVE THIS CONCERN IS MISPLACED FOR, UNDER THE TERMS OF THE SCA THE COMPANIES ARE REQUIRED TO JUSTIFY TO GOVERNMENT IN GREAT DETAIL THE ASSUMPTIONS BEHIND THEIR DEMAND FORECASTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS THEY CONSIDER NECESSARY TO MEET THAT DEMAND. THESE PLANS ARE VERY CAREFULLY SCRUTINIZED NOT ONLY BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, BUT ALSO BY INDEPENDENT OVERSEAS CONSULTANTS TO ENSURE THAT THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMICAL GENERATING PLAN IS SELECTED. NEVERTHELESS, AS A FURTHER SAFEGUARD THE NEW SCA WILL INCORPORATE AMENDMENTS WHICH HELP TO ENSURE THAT ASSETS ARE NOT REPLACED PREMATURELY AND THAT ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS REFURBISHMENT TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF ASSETS ARE FULLY CONSIDERED.
WE ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER THE BASIS OF ASSESSING PROFIT SHOULD BE CHANGED. BUT CONCLUDED THAT IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE AND ACTUAL PERFORMANCE, THE PRESENT BASIS REMAINED APPROPRIATE. AN ALTERNATIVE SUCH AS PRICE-CAPING BY REFERENCE TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX AS SUGGESTED BY ONE MEMBER WILL CERTAINLY NOT HAVE RESULTED IN A 40 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE REAL COST OF ELECTRICITY.
ANOTHER AREA OF PUBLIC CONCERN WHICH WE REFLECTED TO THE COMPANIES WAS THE ENVIRONMENT, GIVEN THAT EMISSIONS FROM POWER GENERATION ARE THOUGHT TO BE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE SO-CALLED GREENHOUSE GASES WHICH ARE LINKED TO GLOBAL WARMING. THE POWER COMPANIES ARE SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL
CONTROLS SUCH AS THE AIR POLLUTION ORDINANCE. AS WELL AS BEING SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE THE POWER COMPANIES MUST OBTAIN A LICENCE TO OPERATE. THIS LICENCE GENERALLY IMPOSES MORE STRINGENT CONDITIONS ON THE COMPANIES THAN ARE IMPOSED BY THE ORDINANCE, SUCH AS THE NEED TO ADOPT THE BEST PRACTICAL MEANS TO MINIMISE EMISSIONS.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE NEW SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT, THEY WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PROPOSE STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING THE PEAK LEVELS OF DEMAND FOR POWER AND RESTRAINING GROWTH IN DEMAND BY ENERGY SAVING THEREBY PUTTING OFF THE NEED TO BRING NEW GENERATING PLANT INTO OPERATION.
/MR. DEPUTY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
MR. DEPUTY PRESIDENT, I HAVE TOUCHED ON ONLY SOME OF THE ISSUES COVERED DURING THE NEGOTIATION WITH THE COMPANIES. BUT I HOPE THE EXAMPLES I HAVE GIVEN SERVE TO ILLUSTRATE THAT FAR FROM BEING INERT AS SUGGESTED BY ONE MEMBER, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS GONE TO CONSIDERABLE LENGTH TO ENSURE THAT THE CONCERNS OF THE PUBLIC AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT.
AND SO FAR AS THE SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS COVERING THE POWER COMPANIES ARE CONCERNED, I BELIEVE THAT THE RECORDS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. I SEEK NEITHER TO DEFEND THE COMPANIES NOR TO DENIGRATE THEM. OF COURSE, ANY SYSTEM CAN ALWAYS BE CAPABLE OF IMPROVEMENTS. BUT WE MUST BE WARY OF INTRODUCING CHANGES SIMPLY FOR CHANGES SAKE. AS I HAVE POINTED OUT EARLIER, THERE IS PROVISION FOR REGULAR REVIEWS DURING THE TENURE OF THE AGREEMENT AND THE ADMINISTRATION WILL OF COURSE CONTINUE TO GIVE FULL WEIGHT TO PUBLIC COMMENTS AND ANY CHANGE SOCIAL, FINANCIAL OR ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES. WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO MAKE CHANGES WHERE THESE ARE CLEARLY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
THANK YOU MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT.
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ACTIVE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN MONITORING FRANCHISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ******
THE CURRENT MONITORING MACHINERY ALREADY ALLOWS A HIGH DEGREE OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FRANCHISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON CONTROL SCHEMES AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH PUBLIC UTILITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, MR LEUNG SAID ONLY TWO OF THE SIX FRANCHISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, THAT IS CHINA MOTOR BUS AND KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, WERE GOVERNED BY A SCHEME OF CONTROL WITH A PERMITTED RATE OF RETURN.
HE SAID THE CURRENT MONITORING SYSTEM WHICH WAS FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE TO CHANGING NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVED THE PUBLIC IN MANY WAYS.
"ALL MAJOR TRANSPORT PROPOSALS ARE PUT TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR SCRUTINY AND ADVICE. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT ANALYSES AND ACTS ON PUBLIC SUGGESTIONS AND FEEDBACK IN HELPING THE TAC TO GIVE MORE EFFECTIVE ADVICE.
"TRANSPORT OFFICIALS ATTEND DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS REGULARLY AND CONSULT THEM ON A WIDE RANGE OF TRANSPORT ISSUES INCLUDING FARE STRUCTURE, SERVICE DEVELOPMENT, AND CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT MODES.
"AS THE REGULATOR OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS STUDIES ON SERVICE ADEQUACY AND CO-ORDINATION, INCLUDING SURVEYS ON CUSTOMERS’ SATISFACTION AND PREFERENCE,” HE SAID.
/AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
8
AT THE CENTRAL LEVEL, MR LEUNG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION MET WITH THE OMELCO TRANSPORT PANEL REGULARLY AND KEPT MEMBERS CLOSELY INFORMED OF ALL MAJOR ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
"QUESTIONS AND DEBATES RAISED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROVIDE FURTHER AVENUES FOR PUBLIC VIEWS TO BE VOICED AND REFLECTED," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT EACH OF THE FRANCHISED COMPANIES MV‘ T PRODUCE A FIVE-YEAR PLAN WHICH WAS ROLLED FORWARD ANNUALLY FOR DE 1 AILED DISCUSSION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS.
"THESE PLANS ARE NOT FINALISED UNTIL THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE BEEN CONSULTED AND THEIR VIEWS TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT."
HE NOTED THAT A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT MONTHS WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT BY SOME PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS OF CUSTOMER LIAISON MACHINERY.
"PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS WERE SET UP BY THE KMB AND THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY IN 1990 AND THESE HAVE ATTRACTED ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
"ALL OTHER TRANSPORT OPERATORS WILL INTRODUCE SIMILAR GROUPS WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE SCHEME OF CONTROL ENSURED THAT PASSENGERS RECEIVE EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE SERVICES AT REASONABLE FARES, WITHOUT PUBLIC SUBSIDY.
"ON THE’OTHER HAND, IT GIVES THE BUS COMPANIES A REASONABLE INCENTIVE FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENT, WITHOUT WHICH SERVICE STANDARDS WOULD SUFFER AND NEW DEMANDS COULD NOT BE MET IN TIME," HE SAID.
ON FARE INCREASES, HE SAID WHILE ALL FACTORS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT INCLUDING PUBLIC ACCEPTABILITY, EXAMINATION OF THE COMPANIES’ APPLICATIONS OF FARE RISES MUST NECESSARILY BE A MATTER OF CONFIDENTIALITY.
"THIS IS BECAUSE MUCH OF THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE COMPANIES IS COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE.
"HOWEVER, THE TAC IS GIVEN ALL INFORMATION NECESSARY TO ENABLE IT TO SCRUTINISE THE APPLICATION BEFORE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR A DECISION.
"SIMILARLY, FRANCHISE RENEWAL AND THE AWARD OF NEW FRANCHISES ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSIDERATION OF COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION WHICH CANNOT BE THE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
"THE VERY NATURE OF NEGOTIATIONS OF THIS KIND REQUIRES THEM TO BE CONDUCTED IN CONFIDENCE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, MR LEUNG SAID IN ALL CASES, PUBLIC VIEWS WERE TAKEN FULLY AND SERIOUSLY INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE SUCH NEGOTIATIONS WERE FINALISED AND AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO.
/NOTING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
NOTING THAT THE SIX FRANCHISED OPERATORS CARRIED ONLY 38 PER CENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASSENGERS, MR LEUNG SAID WHILE FRANCHISED SERVICES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM, THEY DID NOT HAVE A MONOPOLY.
"WE HAVE INTRODUCED MORE INNOVATION AND BETTER INCENTIVES THROUGH HEALTHY COMPETITION TO ALLOW MARKET FORCES TO PLAY A MORE SIGNIFICANT PART,” HE SAID.
THESE INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL COACH SERVICES, MORE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO SUPPLEMENT THE MAIN BUS SERVICES, AND THE RECENT TENDERING OF A NEW BUS ROUTE ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS.
"THE FIRST BUS ROUTE TO BE TENDERED, FROM CENTRAL TO MACDONNELL ROAD, WAS LAUNCHED IN AUGUST. WE HOPE TO INTRODUCE MORE SUCH SERVICES TO MEET DEMAND," MR LEUNG SAID.
"MOREOVER, RAIL TRANSPORT WITH ITS MARKET SHARE INCREASING FROM 0.7 PER CENT IN 1978 TO 28 PER CENT THIS YEAR, PROVIDES POWERFUL COMPETITION FOR THE FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS."
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT AT THE LAST TWO MEETINGS THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL THE CURRENT MACHINERY FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND ENDORSED THE ADMINISTRATION’S APPROACH.
"IN FORMULATING FUTURE TRANSPORT POLICIES,.WE WILL CONTINUE TO REMAIN ALIVE AND ALERT TO PUBLIC VIEWS AND ASPIRATIONS," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
MOTION ON PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES PASSED *****
THIRTY-FIVE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS DEBATED ON THE MOTION ON PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES AND FRANCHISES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD; THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN; AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE ORIGINAL MOTION, MOVED BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK, WAS NOT CARRIED WHILE AN AMENDED MOTION BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG WAS PASSED.
MR CHEONG’S MOTION READS: "THAT THIS COUNCIL URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO SERIOUSLY TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC ON PROFIT CONTROL SCHEMES AND FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH PUBLIC UTILITY AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES BEFORE ENTERING INTO SUCH SCHEMES AND RENEWING SUCH FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH THE COMPANIES."
/IN ADDITION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
- 10 -
IN ADDITION, THE MOTION MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED.
THE HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 WAS PASSED.
TWO OTHER BILLS - INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 - WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1990-1991 WAS TABLED BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG.
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IMMIGRATION RULE CONSISTENT WITH BILL OF RIGHTS
******
THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHICH SETS OUT THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
IT IS ALSO CONSISTENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, STATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY REVIEWED THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHICH SET OUT THE CRITERIA.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE REFERENCE TO "CHINESE RACE” WAS INTRODUCED IN 1971 IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS OF A MAJOR SECTION OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION, WHO HAD COME FROM CHINA AND HAD MADE HONG KONG THEIR HOME.
"THIS COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED AT THE TIME BY USING THE RACIAL CRITERION TO IDENTIFY THIS CLASS OF PERSONS," HE SAID.
"SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION, THIS SPECIAL MEASURE HAS ACHIEVED ITS OBJECTIVES," THE SECRETARY NOTED.
"HOWEVER, THE EXISTING PROVISIONS WILL LAPSE IN 1997, AND WE WILL TAKE STEPS BEFORE THEN TO ALIGN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WITH THE BASIC LAW, WHICH CONFERS RIGHT OF ABODE ON THE BASIS OF NATIONALITY AND CITIZENSHIP RATHER THAN ON THE BASIS OF RACE," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1921
- 11
NORTH LANTAU SHORELINE NOT FEASIBLE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ******
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH LANTAU WILL BE CENTRED TN THE TWO VALLEYS OF TUNG CHUNG AND TAI HO WHILE NO SITING OF SUCH DEVELOPMENT IS INTENDED FOR THE AREAS ALONG THE PROPOSED NEW ROAD TO THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG.
MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD FOUND THAT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE ACTUAL SHORELINE TO BE NOT FEASIBLE BECAUSE THESE AREAS WERE AFFECTED BY NOISE EXPOSURE FORECAST RELATING TO THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT AND THE TRAFFIC NOISE FROM THE HIGHWAY.
HE SAID TUNG CHUNG WAS PLANNED FOR AN EVENTUAL POPULATION OF . ABOUT 160,000 OF WHICH ABOUT 20,000 SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR BY 1997.
THE HOUSING TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FIRST STAGE WAS BEING PLANNED TO BE OF MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE IN THE COMMISSIONING OF THE AIRPORT, WHICH WOULD NEED SOME OF ITS WORKFORCE TO BE HOUSED LOCALLY EVEN BEFORE IT OPENED, HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT TAI HO DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT BE STARTED • SUBSTANTIALLY UNTIL ABOUT 2004, WITH ABOUT 50,000 PEOPLE PLANNED TO BE PROVIDED FOR BEFORE 2011 AND 100,000 THEREAFTER.
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PUBLIC HOUSING STANDARDS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW * * « » »
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS, ON AN ON-GOING BASIS, REVIEWED AND SOUGHT TO IMPROVE THE BUILDING STANDARDS AND RELATED PROCEDURES ON THE QUALITY OF ITS BUILDING PROJECTS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BARNES SAID A NUMBER OF MEASURES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE LEVEL OF CONSTRUCTION WORKMANSHIP HAD BEEN ADOPTED IN RECENT YEARS.
THESE INCLUDED:
* ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE LIST OF APPROVED BUILDING CONTRACTORS TO PROVIDE FOR MORE DIRECT CONTROL IN APRIL LAST YEAR;
/* REQUIREMENT FOR
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
12
* REQUIREMENT FOR LISTED CONTRACTORS TO OBTAIN REGISTRATION UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANISATION QUALITY CODE 9000 BY APRIL 1993 IF THEY WISH TO CONTINUE TO WORK FT. THE AUTHORITY AFTER THAT DATE;
* ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND OBJECTIVE SYSTEM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CONTRACTORS’ PERFORMANCE WHICH DIRECTLY RELATES TO THE CONTRACTORS’ ELIGIBILITY TO TENDER IN FUTURE; AND
* MAINTENANCE OF A CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP WAYS TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS AND PRACTICES WITHIN THE INDUSTRY.
"THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ALSO FURTHER TIGHTENED UP SITE SUPERVISION.
"BUILDINGS WILL NOT BE CERTIFIED COMPLETE NOR TAKEN OVER UNLESS THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS FULLY SATISFIED THAT THE STANDARDS ARE COMPLIED WITH.
"ALL DEFECTS IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE 12-MONTH MAINTENANCE PERIOD WILL BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACTS," MR BARNES SAID.
AS FOR STRUCTURAL AND QUALITY STANDARDS, MR BARNES SAID THESE WERE INCLUDED IN THE CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES.
HE SAID: "THE STRUCTURAL STANDARDS ARE VERY SIMILAR TO, IF NOT MORE STRINGENT THAN, THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS REGULATIONS."
THEY INCLUDED SPECIFICATIONS ON ITEMS RANGING FROM THE MATERIALS TO BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDINGS, THE WIND EFFECTS WHICH MUST BE DESIGNED FOR AND FIRE RESISTING MATERIALS.
QUALITY STANDARDS APPLIED TO ALL MATERIALS INCLUDING FINISHINGS AND FITTINGS.
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AMENDMENT TO GIVE RIGHT OF ABODE CONSIDERED «*»***
THE GOVERNMENT WISHES TO INTRODUCE AN AMENDMENT AS SOON AS IT CAN TO GIVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG TO PERSONS NOT OF CHINESE NATIONALITY WHO HAVE ENTERED HONG KONG WITH VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AND HAVE TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE BEFORE OR AFTEfy THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION HKSAR) .
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU.
/MR ASPREY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
13
MR ASPREY SAID FOR THIS PURPOSE, THERE WAS A NEED TO CLARIFY CERTAIN MATTERS WITH THE CHINESE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE MECHANISM AND REQUIREMENTS INVOLVED IN TAKING HONG KONG AS ONE’S PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE.
"WE ARE DISCUSSING THESE MATTERS WITH THE CHINESE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AND WILL PREPARE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION AFTER THESE DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED," HE SAID.
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT ARTICLE 24 OF THE BASIC LAW SETS OUT THE CLASSES OF PERSONS WHO WILL BE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF THE HKSAR AND WHO WILL ACCORDINGLY BE ENTITLED TO RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HKSAR.
"UNDER THIS ARTICLE OF THE BASIC LAW, PERSONS NOT OF CHINESE NATIONALITY SHALL BE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF THE HKSAR IF THEY HAVE ENTERED HONG KONG WITH VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SEVEN YEARS AND HAVE TAKEN HONG KONG AS THEIR PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE BEFORE OR AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HKSAR," HE SAID.
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MEASURES TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY OF YUEN LONG RIVERS OUTLINED ♦ * * ♦ * * *
THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY OF THE RIVERS AND STREAMS IN YUEN LONG ARE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME IN THE ENVIRONS AND FULL ENFORCEMENT UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NG MING-YUM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARNES SAID SINCE THE YUEN LONG ENVIRONS BECAME PART OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS ON JUNE 1 THIS YEAR, SOME 70 PER CENT OF THE ACTIVE LIVESTOCK FARMS IN THESE AREAS HAD INDICATED THAT THEY WISHED TO CEASE BUSINESS AND APPLY FOR AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
AS FOR THE CONTROL UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, HE SAID FULL ENFORCEMENT ACTION BEGAN ON JUNE 1 THIS YEAR WHEN ALL DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES INTO THE RIVERS WERE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL. r
OUTLINING THE PRACTICABLE MEASURES FOR IMPROVING THE WATER QUALITY, MR BARNES SAID THESE INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INFLATABLE DAM WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED IN MAY NEXT YEAR, DREDGING OF CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE RIVERS AND THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRRITORIES SEWERAGE SCHEME WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN OPERATION BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
/"IN ADDITION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
14
’’IN ADDITION, TWO MAJOR FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECTS FOR IMPROVING THE MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNELS IN KAM TIN AND SAN TIN CATCHMENTS UNDER THE RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WILL START IN THE COMING FIVE YEARS.
’’THESE PROJECTS, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1.3 BILLION, WILL HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON WATER QUALITY BY IMPROVING THE ALIGNMENTS OF THE EXISTING STREAM COURSES,’’ HE SAID.
AS A FURTHER STEP TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY OF THE RIVERS, MR BARNES SAID A SEWERAGE MASTERPLAN STUDY, WHICH COVERED THE AREA IN QUESTION, WAS NOW IN ITS FINAL STAGE.
“THIS STUDY WILL REVIEW THE ADEQUACY OF EXISTING SEWERAGE AND ADVISE ON THE CAPACITY AND ENGINEERING ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW SEWERS.
’’THESE MEASURES, TOGETHER WITH THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE AND THE MAJOR FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECTS, WILL IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF THE RIVERS,” HE ADDED.
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PUBLIC TO BE CONSULTED ON GOLF COURSE ******
THE PROPOSAL TO BUILD A GOLF COURSE IN SHA LO TUNG WILL BE CONSIDERED ON THE BASIS OF ITS RECREATIONAL*VALUE, PUBLIC BENEFITS, LANDSCAPING, CONSERVATION OF TRADITIONAL VILLAGES AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL IMPACT, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR. GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN, MR BARNES SAID THE PUBLIC WOULD BE CONSULTED AGAIN BEFORE THE PROPOSAL WAS SUBMITTED TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR FINAL APPROVAL.
’’THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE WILL BE INVITED TO GIVE FINAL ENDORSEMENT OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF THE CHEUNG UK AND LI UK VILLAGES.
’’THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSAL,’’ HE SAID.
IN VIEW OF THE AREA OF LAND INVOLVED, MR. BARNES SAID THE AGREEMENT OF THE LAND COMMISSION TO THE INCLUSION OF THE GRANT IN THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME WOULD BE REQUIRED.
HE SAID WHEN THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD AND THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY CONSIDERED THE PROPOSAL, THE FOLLOWING FACTORS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT
* THE EXISTING LEVEL OF RECREATIONAL USE OF THE AREA;
» THE COMPATIBILITY OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WITH THE PARK PLANS;
/*TF1E POSSIBLE.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
15
» THE POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT;
» THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY;
» THE PUBLIC USE OF THE GOLF COURSE; AND
» THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC ENJOYMENT AND THE
POSSIBLE BENEFITS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
AS THE PROPOSAL WOULD INVOLVE LAND EXCHANGE, MR. BAP.NE8 BAID APPROVAL FROM THE LANDS AUTHORITY WOULD BE REQUIRED.
"A RECOMMENDATION IN PRINCIPLE WAS GIVEN BY THE DISTRICT LAND CONFERENCE IN JULY 1990 SUBJECT TO FURTHER COMMENTS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"THE CASE WILL BE RESUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT LAND CONFERENCE FOR APPROVAL OF FINAL LAND GRANT AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS BEFORE SUBMISSION FOR FINAL APPROVAL TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
MR BARNES SAID THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD AND THE AUTHORITY CONSIDERED THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD BENEFIT IN THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS FROM THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
» THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY WOULD BE MAINTAINED SO THAT THE PUBLIC COULD GAIN ACCESS TO THE COUNTRY PARKS AREA NEARBY;
* THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD IMPROVE THE CURRENT SUBSTANDARD PUBLIC ACCESS AND PARKING FACILITIES AND WOULD ENHANCE USAGE OF THE AREA (THE EXISTING LEVEL OF RECREATIONAL USE OF THE AREA IS LOW AND THERE ARB NO FACILITIES);
» THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD PROVIDE MORE PUBLIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA SUCH AS PICNIC SITES, SHELTERS, A VISITOR CENTRE AND TOILETS;
* THE PROPOSED GOLF COURSE WOULD NOT BECOME AN EXCLUSIVE FACILITY FOR PRIVATE ENJOYMENT AND THERE WOULD BE REASONABLE PROVISIONS FOR PUBLIC USE;
» THE PROPOSED GOLF COURSE WOULD REMAIN OPEN AND GREEN WITH GOOD LANDSCAPING PLANTING;
* THE EXISTING VILLAGE WOODLAND AND FUNG SHUI WOODS WOULD BE PRESERVED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE; A GROUP OF EXISTING VILLAGE BUILDINGS WITH SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL VALUE WOULD.BE PRESERVED BY THE DEVELOPER; AND
» THE VILLAGERS OF CHEUNG UK AND LI UK WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH NEW VILLAGE HOUSING PROPERLY SERVED WITH SEWAGE FACILITIES;
» THE RISK OF HILL FIRE IN THE AREA WOULD BE REDUCED.
/MR BARNES .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
16
MR BARNES SAID ALTHOUGH THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD INEVITABLY AFFECT THE EXISTING LANDFORM AND THE VEGETATION COVER, THE SITUATION WOULD BE MONITORED.
"THIS WILL BE CAREFULLY MONITORED TO ENSURE THAT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE EXISTING WOODLAND AND THE VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS WILL BE PRESERVED AND THE FINAL LANDSCAPE WILL REMAIN OPEN, GREEN AND COMPATIBLE WITH THE SURROUNDING AREA.
"IN FACT, THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT BEFORE THE DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE AND TO IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE LANDSCAPING SCHEME, BOTH TO THE SATISFACTION OF GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
REVIEW ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMPLETED * I t t
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT HAS, OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, COMPLETED THE EXAMINATION OF THE MAJOR POLICY AREAS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING, MR SUEN SAID THIS INCLUDED THE WHITE BILL ON UNFAIR DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT.
"AT THE SAME TIME, MEASURES ON PUBLICITY AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN DRAWN UP, WITH A PROGRAMME OF EVENTS EXTENDING WELL INTO NEXT YEAR.
"IN VIEW OF THIS, NO FURTHER APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPON THE EXPIRY OF ITS SECOND TERM IN OCTOBER 1991," MR SUEN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE TASKS AHEAD WERE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS TO IMPROVE THE LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORKS FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
MR SUEN SAID THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT WAS FIRST APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN NOVEMBER 1988, WITH ITS MEMBERS MOSTLY DRAWN FROM THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS.
ITS MAIN FUNCTIONS WERE TO REVIEW THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXISTING POLICIES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO IMPROVE THEIR MANAGEMENT.
ON DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS, MR SUEN SAID THERE WERE NO PLANS TO DISSOLVE THEM OR TO REDUCE THEIR NUMBER.
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/17 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13,
1991
17
COSTS TO BE RECOVERED AFTER CHOI HUNG WATER MAIN BURST
ACTION IS NOW UNDERWAY TO RECOVER FROM THE CONTRACTOR THE COSTS OF REPAIR WORKS, WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STAFF COSTS AND THE COST OF THE WATER FOLLOWING THE RECENT BURSTING OF A WATER PIPE IN CHOI HUNG AREA, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN, MR BLAKE SAID THE BURST WAS DUE TO A CONTRACTOR WORKING ON A HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ROAD INTERSECTION CONTRACT.
THE WATER MAIN WAS DAMAGED WITH A BACKHOE DIGGER WHILE EXCAVATING FOR AN OVERHEAD SIGN FOUNDATION, HE SAID.
AN ESTIMATED 18,000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER, OR ABOUT 0.72 PER
CENT OF THE DAILY CONSUMPTION, WERE LOST DURING THE INCIDENT. '
MR BLAKE SAID REPORTS OF WATER MAIN BURSTS WERE TELEPHONED, USUALLY BY THE POLICE BUT SOMETIMES BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC, TO THE TECHNICAL COMPLAINTS CENTRE OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
"THEY ARE REFERRED TO THE DUTY OFFICER AT THE NEAREST DEPOT, AND FOR THE CHOI HUNG INCIDENT THIS WAS THE KOWLOON ARGYLE STREET ■ DEPOT," HE SAID.
"THE DUTY OFFICER SENDS ONE OF THE 24 HOUR EMERGENCY TURNCOCK GANGS TO THE BURST LOCATION TO TURN OFF THE NECESSARY VALVES. THIS STOPS THE WATER FLOW AND ENABLES THE BURST TO BE REPAIRED."
MR BLAKE SAID THE TIME TO REACH THE SITE DEPENDED UPON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, BUT WAS TYPICALLY HALF AN HOUR IN URBAN AREAS.
"BECAUSE THE WATER MAINS ARE NORMALLY IN A NETWORK SYSTEM, SEVERAL VALVES HAVE TO BE TURNED OFF, SOME OF WHICH MAY BE SOME DISTANCE FROM THE ACTUAL BURST LOCATION.
"FOR LARGE DIAMETER MAINS, AND WHERE THERE ARE PROBLEMS OF FLOODING, EXCEPTIONALLY LONGER TIME MAY BE NECESSARY TO LOCATE AND CLOSE ALL OF THE VALVES TO STOP THE FLOW," HE SAID.
FOR THE CHOI HUNG INCIDENT THE REPORT WAS RECEIVED AT THE TECHNICAL COMPLAINTS CENTRE, THE FIRST GANG ARRIVED AT THE BURST LOCATION SOME 50 MINUTES LATER.
IT THEN TOOK TWO HOURS IN DIFFICULT FLOODED CONDITIONS TO LOCATE AND TURN OFF SEVEN VALVES IN THE NETWORK.
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/18........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 r 1991
18
NO STUDENTS SHOULD BE EXPELLED WITHOUT PROPER WARNING
* t * * ft
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP AN AD HOC GROUP TO INVESTIGATE THE RECENTLY REPORTED CASES OF SCHOOLS ADVISING PUPILS TO LEAVE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DIRECT EXPULSION AMD TO FORMULATE PROPOSALS TO PREVENT THE RECURRENCE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE OUTCOME IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE SOON, HE ADDED,
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN, MR CHAN SAID: "THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALREADY ASSISTS IN PLACING DROP-OUT PUPILS WHO ARE WITHIN THE AGE OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION EITHER IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL OR IN ANOTHER APPROPRIATE SCHOOL.
"FOR PUPILS BEYOND THE AGE OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION, THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THEM ON SCHOOLS WITH VACANT PLACES TO WHICH THEY MAY APPLY FOR ADMISSION."
BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY SCHOOL AUTHORITIES, THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS DROPPING OUT FROM SCHOOLS WAS 601 IN 1986/87, 794 IN 1987/88, 1,351 IN 1988/89, 1,212 IN 1989/90 AND 1,058 IN 1990/91.
THERE ARE NO SEPARATE STATISTICS .SHOWING HOW MANY STUDENTS WITH POOR CONDUCT OR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE WHO HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THEIR SCHOOLS TO LEAVE VOLUNTARILY. NO SUCH CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY THE SCHOOLS TO THE DEPARTMENT.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE APPROACH ADOPTED BY SCHOOLS IN ADVISING STUDENTS TO DROP OUT OF SCHOOL DID NOT ITSELF CONSTITUTE FORMAL EXPULSION AND THEREFORE DID NOT CONTRAVENE THE CODE OF AID THOUGH THE PRACTICE WAS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE CODE.
"ACCORDING TO THE CODE, PUPILS SHOULD NOT BE EXPELLED SOLELY ON THE GROUND THAT THEY ARE ACADEMICALLY WEAK," MR CHAN SAID.
"THEY MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR EXPULSION ONLY ON GROUNDS OF NON-PAYMENT OF GAZETTED FEES OR A GRAVE BREACH OF SCHOOL DISCIPLINE, AFTER REASONABLE MEASURES TO ENLIST THE CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS HAVE PROVED UNSUCCESSFUL.
"NO SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPIL SHOULD BE EXPELLED WITHOUT PROPER WARNING TO PARENTS AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SHOULD BE KEPT INFORMED OF ALL SUCH CASES AT THE WARNING STAGE.
"MOREOVER, THE EXPULSION OF ANY PUPIL AGED UNDER 15 YEARS REQUIRES THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR," HE ADDED.
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/19 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
19
MEASURES IN HAND TO HELP TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT CONTAINER TERMINALS
******
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ARISING FROM QUEUING AND PARKING AT CONTAINER TERMINALS WOULD BE HELPED BY THE INCREASED PROVISION OF TOTAL TERMINAL AREA FOR THE NEWER TERMINALS.
IN ADDITION, STEPS ARE IN HAND TO FIND ADDITIONAL OFF-TERMINAL LAND TO MAKE UP FOR THE SHORTFALL OF QUEUING AND PARKING AREAS AT THE EARLIER TERMINALS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ON THE QUESTION REGARDING THE LAND USE OF CONTAINER TERMINALS, MR BARNES SAID THERE WAS NO SPECIFIED RATIO BETWEEN A CONTAINER TERMINAL AND ITS CONTAINER HANDLING AREA.
’’HOWEVER, MORE VEHICLE. PARKING AND QUEUING AREAS WITHIN THE TERMINALS THAN WERE PROVIDED IN EARLIER TERMINALS IS REQUIRED IN THE LEASE TERMS OF TERMINAL 8 AND WOULD BE REQUIRED IN FUTURE SALES,” HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN TERMINAL 8 WHICH WAS SOLD IN MARCH THIS YEAR AND THE PLANNED TERMINAL 9, THE RATIO OF THE TOTAL TERMINAL AREA TO THE NUMBER OF BERTHS HAD BEEN INCREASED FROM 11 HECTARES TO ABOUT 15 HECTARES PER BERTH.
MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT A CONTAINER TERMINAL, WHICH NORMALLY COMPRISES MORE THAN ONE BERTH, WAS CONTROLLED BY A SET OF LEASE CONDITIONS.
THESE CONDITIONS, HE SAID, SPECIFIED THE PREPARATION OF A CONCEPT OR MASTER PLAN TO THE GOVERNMENT’S SATISFACTION COVERING THE LAYOUT OF THE WHOLE TERMINAL INCLUDING THE VEHICLE PARKING AND WAITING AREAS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE DEVELOPER AS WELL AS ALL BUILDINGS ON THE SITE.
HE FURTHER NOTED THAT MONITORING ON THE SPECIFIED USE OF THE LAND WAS DONE THROUGH LEASE ENFORCEMENT.
’’ALL THE TERMINALS AT KWAI CHUNG ARE OPERATING WITHIN THE TERMS OF THEIR LEASE CONDITIONS AND HENCE NO LEASE ENFORCEMENT MEASURES HAVE PROVED NECESSARY," HE SAID.
/20 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
20
INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED
******
A COMPOSITE BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REFINE EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN FOUR AREAS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID THE FOUR AREAS WERE: TO ALLOW AUTHORISATION AND ANNUAL FEES TO BE PRESCRIBED IN SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION; TO RELIEVE GENERAL INSURERS FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO DEPOSIT TRADE SENSITIVE" DOCUMENTS WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES; TO EXTEND THE GROUNDS UPON WHICH THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY MAY TAKE INTERVENTIONARY ACTION; AND TO REMOVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT FOR UNITED KINGDOM INSURERS.
ON AUTHORISATION AND ANNUAL FEE, THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT: "SECTION 13(1) OF THE ORDINANCE SETS OUT THE FEE TO BE PAID BY AN INSURER UPON AUTHORISATION AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER" AND "SECTION 59(B) PROVIDES THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL MAY MAKE REGULATIONS TO AMEND SECTION 13(1)".
"THIS IS AN INDIRECT AND CUMBERSOME WAY OF AMENDING THE LEVEL OF FEES," MR NENDICK SAID.
"WE PROPOSE, THEREFORE, THAT THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED SO THAT REFERENCES TO THE LEVEL OF FEE ARE REMOVED TO SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION WHILE THE PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION STIPULATES ONLY THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE PAYMENT OF FEES."
REGARDING THE DEPOSIT OF DOCUMENTS WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, THE SECRETARY SAID AN INSURER WAS REQUIRED UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO SUBMIT TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY ACCOUNTS, STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION PRESCRIBED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE.
HE WAS ALSO REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT A COPY OF SUCH DOCUMENTS WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT THE THIRD SCHEDULE WAS AMENDED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO REQUIRE GENERAL INSURERS TO SUBMIT TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY AN ADDITIONAL ANNUAL RETURN ON THEIR HONG KONG BUSINESS.
THE GENERAL INSURERS HAD SUBSEQUENTLY REQUESTED THAT THE NEW RETURN, CONTAINING TRADE-SENSITIVE DATA, SHOULD NOT BE DEPOSITED WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, ALTHOUGH THEY HAD NO OBJECTION TO SUCH INFORMATION BEING RELEASED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY ON AN AGGREGATE BASIS.
"WE SEE NO OBJECTION TO THIS REQUEST AND PROPOSE THAT THE ORDINANCE BE SO AMENDED," HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE INTERVENTIONARY ACTIONS OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY, MR NENDICK SAID THE ORDINANCE SET OUT THE INTERVENTIONARY POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE VARIOUS GROUNDS ON WHICH DIFFERENT POWERS WERE EXERCISABLE.
/"UNDER SECTION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
21
"UNDER SECTION 34, AS READ WITH SECTION 26(3), THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY MAY EXERCISE HIS POWER TO OBTAIN INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS ON THE GROUND THAT HE CONSIDERS IT TO BE IN THE GENERAL INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS TO DO SO," THE SECRETARY SAID.
HOWEVER, HE SAID OTHER POWERS OF INTERVENTION UNDER SECTIONS 27 TO 33 AND 35 COULD ONLY BE EXERCISED ON MORE RESTRICTIVE GROUNDS.
FOR EXAMPLE, ON GROUNDS THAT THE INSURER HAD FURNISHED MISLEADING INFORMATION TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY; OR THAT) IT WAS DESIRABLE FOR THE PROTECTION OF POLICY HOLDERS AGAINST THE RISK THAT AN INSURER MIGHT BE UNABLE TO MEET ITS LIABILITIES*.
MR NENDICK SAID THESE MORE RESTRICTIVE GROUNDS MEANT THAT THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY COULD ONLY EXERCISE HIS INTERVENTIONARY POWERS REACTIVELY.
"WE CONSIDER THIS TO BE UNSATISFACTORY," HE SAID. "EXPERIENCE HAS PROVED THAT THE LONGER IT TAKES THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO BE ABLE TO REACT TO A SITUATION, THE LESS EFFECTIVE HIS SUPERVISION BECOMES.
"TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION TO POLICY HOLDERS, WE PROPOSE THAT THE GROUNDS FOR INTERVENTION IN THE GENERAL INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS SHOULD ALSO BE REGARDED AS A GROUND ON WHICH POWERS IN SECTION 28 TO 30, 32 TO 33 AND 35 ARE EXERCISABLE.
"THESE RELATE TO REQUIREMENTS ABOUT INVESTMENTS, MAINTENANCE OF ASSETS IN HONG KONG, CUSTODY OF ASSETS, ACTUARIAL INVESTIGATIONS, EARLY SUBMISSION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND POWER TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTING THE POLICY HOLDERS."
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION, HOWEVER, PROPOSED THAT THE POWERS SET OUT IN SECTIONS 27 AND 31 RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS IN WRITING NEW BUSINESS AND LIMITING PREMIUM INCOME SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW PROVISION.
"WE CONSIDER THAT THEY SHOULD REMAIN TO BE EXERCISED ONLY IN VERY LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES," MR NENDICK SAID.
THE BILL ALSO AIMED TO REMOVE REDUNDANT EXEMPTION PROVISIONS FOR UNITED KINGDOM INSURERS.
AT PRESENT, MR NENDICK SAID, UK INSURERS WERE EXEMPTED FROM COMPLYING WITH THE AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 8 AND THE REQUIREMENT.TO SUBMIT FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRESCRIBED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE.
"THE ORDINANCE ONLY REQUIRES THEM TO SUBMIT TO THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY THE RETURNS WHICH THEY SUBMIT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT FOLLOWING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 8 OF THE ORDINANCE IN 1987, THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAD BEEN GIVEN DISCRETIONARY POWER TO REFUSE TO AUTHORISE AN INSURER, INCLUDING AN UK INSURER, EVEN THOUGH THE APPLICANT HAD COMPLIED WITH THE GENERAL AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 8.
/"SINCE THEN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
- 22 -
’’SINCE THEN, THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS IN FACT BEEN APPLYING THE SAME AUTHORISATION CRITERIA TO ALL APPLICANTS, INCLUDING UK INSURERS.
’’THUS THE EXEMPTION FOR UNITED KINGDOM INSURERS HAS BECOME REDUNDANT,” HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID: "THE EXEMPTION FROM SUBMITTING FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THE FORMAT REQUIRED UNDER THE THIRD SCHEDULE IS ALSO REDUNDANT AS ANY INSURERS WHICH HAVE DIFFICULTY IN MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY FOR MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
"IN PRACTICE, THIS ENABLES THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO PERMIT, WHERE APPROPRIATE, MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS TO ANY OVERSEAS INSURER ON THE LINES OF THAT AVAILABLE TO UK INSURERS UNDER SECTION 52. IT IS THEREFORE NO LONGER NECESSARY TO RETAIN SECTION 52," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----------0--------------
I i
MOTION TO DELEGATE DUTIES AND POWERS TO DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPT ******
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, MOVED A MOTION UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO FORMALLY CONFIRM THE DELEGATION OF DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THIS MOTION WAS NECESSITATED BY THE FORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1989, HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID UPON THE SETTING UP OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BUIDLING AUTHORITY PREVIOUSLY DELEGATED TO OFFICERS OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT WERE NOW EXERCISED BY OFFICERS OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO FORMALLY DELEGATE SUCH DUTIES AND POWERS TO THE OFFICERS OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE MOTION WAS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENTS.
/23 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
- 23 -
BILL TO MODIFY PROXY VOTING IN STOCK EXCHANGE INTRODUCED
******
A BILL SEEKING TO MODIFY PROXY VOTING AT THE ELECTION OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE COUNCIL MEETING IS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID A MEMBER OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG MAY ONLY APPOINT A PROXY WHILE HE IS UNABLE TO ATTEND AND VOTE IN PERSON FOR GOOD CAUSE, AND THAT A PERSON MAY NOT BE APPOINTED BY MORE THAN ONE MEMBER TO VOTE AT SUCH ELECTION.
THE AMENDMENT ALSO PROPOSED THAT A PROXY WOULD HAVE TO BE AN EMPLOYEE OR PARTNER REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE.
"THE PURPOSE OF THESE AMENDMENTS IS TO PREVENT ABUSE OF PROXY VOTING AND TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE WILL BE ELECTED IN A FAIR MANNER," MR NENDICK SAID.
UNDER THE BILL, A PRIMARY DUTY ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE TO ACT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE INTERESTS OF THE INVESTING PUBLIC WOULD BE IMPARTED.
"THE PURPOSE IS TO ENSURE THAT THE EXCHANGE, AS A QUASI PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTION WITH AN EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO RAISE A STATUTORY TRANSACTION LEVY TO FINANCE ITS OPERATIONS, WILL HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ACT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST EVEN THOUGH IT OWES A FIDUCIARY DUTY TO ITS SHAREHOLDERS," THE SECRETARY SAID.
•
MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED IMMUNITY AGAINST CIVIL LIABILITY TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE WHEN EXERCISING ITS PUBLIC INTEREST DUTY IN GOOD FAITH.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0 - -
/?d ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
24
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 91
*****
INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS FOR 91 PEOPLE WERE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
SEVENTY-EIGHT RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED OR COMMENDED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE ELEVEN WERE AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION.
IN ADDITION, TWO 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 RECIPIENTS:
CBE
MR LI YUET-TING
PROFESSOR THE HONOURABLE WANG GUNGWU
MR WONG CHUNG-HIN
OBE r--
MR CHUNG PUI-LAM
DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG
PROFESSOR THE HONOURABLE FELICE LIEH-MAK
MR JOHN ALBERT THORPE
HONORARY OBE
THE HONOURABLE ANDREW WONG WANG-FAT
ISO
MR HORACE RAYMOND KNIGHT
MR PETER LOK KUNG-NAM
MR MIAO CHI
/MBE
25
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
MBE
MR CHEUNG KUEN
MR LAI KWOK-HUNG
MRS ROSE LAM CHEN JING-HAN
MR LI KWING-YEE
MRS ANNE MARDEN
MR TANG KAM-YAN MR WONG WAH-SANG
MBE (MIL)
MAJOR ROBERT KAM YIU-LEUNG WING COMMANDER PETER DICKY YIP
BEM
MR CHAN KWOK-CHAN
MR CHAN YUK-YUE
MR CHEUNG JAI
MR MICHAEL HO KAM-TAT
MR KO KWAI-SHUN
MR LAM HUNG-KUI
MR LAU PUI
MR PHILIP ARCHIBALD LEUNG
MR EDMOND LOK KA-YIU
MR MAK KAI-KI
MS BARBARA SIT WOON-LING
MR SO KAM-MING
MS TO YEE-HAR
MR WONG LAM-SANG
MR YUE YUN-HING
/BEM (MIL)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBERj13, 1991
26
BEM (MIL)
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS 2 HUGH COLLETT
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS 2 KULBAHADUR LIMBU
STAFF SERGEANT THOMAS MITCHELL
STAFF SERGEANT KENNETH TINDALE
QPM
MR ROBERT ANTHONY STEELE
MR PETER WONG TSAN-KWONG
MR BARRIE JOSEPH DEEGAN
CPM
MR RONALD JAMES CLIBBORN-DYER
MR MICHAEL LIU CHI-YUEN
MR RICHARD JAMES BEST
MR JOHN RICHARD FINCH MASON
MR DADAN KHAN
MR GEORGE FREDERICK NOEL ACHESON
MR WONG YAT-LAM
MR FRANCIS MURPHY
MR ALAN DOUGLAS NEWTON
MR DONALD KEE YAU-YIN
MR SIU KIT-HUNG
MR MIAO HSIUNG-HSUN
MR CHIANG CHI-MING
MR WONG SIK-CHUNG
MR CHAN YUK-SANG
MR CHAN CHUN-KEI
/MR CHAN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
27 -
MR CHAN KWONG-FUK MR LAM CHUN-MAN MR HO KWOK-HONG MR LAM WAH-HING MR CHAN TAK-WANG MR CHOW MAN-HING MR CHAN YIU-TIN
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHING CHEUNG-YING MR PAUL FAN CHOR-HO MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG MR LAM KAM MR LEE SHUNG-SHIN MR NG CHI-WING MRS DELIA PEI CHEN CHI-KUEN MR TANG CHE-CHEUNG MR TANG YING-YIP MR CHARLES TIN MAN-SIN MR TONG YOK-KEE MR WONG WAI-MAN MR ZAI CHUNG-LING
GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION
MR CHUNG SHU-KIN MR KWOK HAK-MAN MR LAU KWOK-HUNG MR LEUNG KWOK-HO MR CHUNG CHI-MING
•
• /MR CHAN ....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
- 28 -
MR CHAN TAT-WAH
MR SIN WAI-LEUNG
MR LI TANG-LUN
MR TREVOR CHARLES BERRY
MR NG KWOK-CHU
MISS BRENDA LEE SIU-LING
ST JOHN
KNIGHT OF ST JOHN
MR LEONARD CHIU KUNG PHOO
OFFICER BROTHER
DR PETER CHAN PO-FAN ---------------------------- 0------
ECONOMIC TIES WITH ASIA PACIFIC REGION STRENGTHENING: STI *****
HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC TIES TO THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION HAVE BEEN STEADILY STRENGTHENING, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC TRENDS AND ISSUES AT THE THIRD MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) IN SEOUL, MR CHAU SAID SOME 80 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE, AMOUNTING TO ABOUT US$ 130 BILLION, IS WITH OTHER ECONOMIES IN THE REGION.
"AROUND 80 PER CENT OF OUR INWARD INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT COMES FROM WITHIN THE REGION. THE MAJOR RECIPIENTS OF OUR OUTWARD INVESTMENT ARE ALSO WITHIN THIS REGION," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG APPRECIATES JAPAN’S PROPOSAL TO UNDERTAKE A SURVEY OF ECONOMIC LINKAGES AMONG APEC ECONOMIES, AND LOOKS FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING IN THE SURVEY.
HE NOTED THAT THE ASIA PACIFIC IS THE FASTEST GROWING AND THE MOST DYNAMIC REGION IN THE WORLD.
/"HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
29
"HONG KONG’S STRATEGIC LOCATION AND EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, THE INDUSTRY, INGENUITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE AND OUR ECONOMIC SYSTEM BASED ON FREE AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE DIRECTED BY MARKET FORCES HAVE ENABLED US TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THIS GROWTH," MR CHAU SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG IS WELL PLACED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE APEC PROCESS AS IT IS A MAJOR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION HUB IN ASIA PACIFIC.
MR CHAU STRESSED THAT HONG KONG IS AT PRESENT VESTED WITH FULL AUTONOMY IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS.
"THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG GUARANTEES THE MAINTENANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXISTING CAPITALIST SYSTEM FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.
"IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE HONG HONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT SHALL DECIDE ITS ECONOMIC AND TRADE POLICIES ON ITS OWN.
"HONG KONG WILL RETAIN THE STATUS OF A FREE PORT AND WILL MAINTAIN A FREE TRADE POLICY, INCLUDING THE FREE MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND CAPITAL," MR CHAU SAID.
"WE SHALL CONTINUE TO BE A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY AND A MEMBERS OF THE GATT. AFTER 1997, THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL, ON ITS OWN AND USING THE NAME ’HONG KONG, CHINA’, CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN APEC MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES AS A SEPARATE ECONOMY ENTITY," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE WORK OF APEC’S AD HOC ECONOMIC GROUP, HE SAID THE GROUP HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF ISSUES OF COMMON AND ONGOING CONCERN.
"HONG KONG SHARES MANY OF THESE CONCERNS, INCLUDING THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINING NON-INFLATIONARY GROWTH, TACKLING THE LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM, STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT, ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN THAT WHILE RAPID STRUCTURAL CHANGE AND DIVERSIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES PROVIDE A POWERFUL IMPETUS TO OVERALL ECONOMIC GROWTH, THIS COULD OFTEN BE ACCOMPANIED BY INFLATION.
"UNDERLYING THE INFLATION PRESSURE IS THE PROBLEM OF THE SHORTAGE AND MISMATCH OF RESOURCES.
"LABOUR SHORTAGE IS OF PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO HONG KONG AT THIS TIME. WE ARE PURSUING MEASURES TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM," HE SAID.
"WE HOPE THAT THOSE MEASURES WILL HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT IN ALLEVIATING INFLATION AND REDUCING CONSTRAINTS ON GROWTH," HE SAID.
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Z30........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1’991
- 30 -
HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUDGETS FOR THE 1992/93 FINANCIAL YEAR
*****
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S INCOME AND EXPENDITURE BUDGET FOR 1992/93 TABLED AT TODAY’S (WEDNESDAY) ESTABLISHMENT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING HAS FORECAST AN OPERATIONAL DEFICIT ON ITS ESTATE WORKING ACCOUNT OF $231 MILLION, AFTER PAYMENT OF INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
HOWEVER, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PROCEEDS FROM THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME/PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME, A NET SURPLUS OF $1.92 BILLION IS FORECAST.
A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF ABOUT $1.9 BILLION IN INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS WOULD BE PAID TO THE GOVERNMENT — $1.3 BILLION BY WAY OF INTEREST ON GOVERNMENT’S PERMANENT CAPITAL, AT THE RATE OF FIVE PER CENT ON AMOUNT OF CAPITAL INJECTED INTO THE AUTHORITY, AND THE REMAINING BALANCE BEING DIVIDENDS PAYABLE AT 50 PER CENT OF THE AUTHORITY'S NON-DOMESTIC SURPLUS.
’’THE AUTHORITY’S TOTAL RECURRENT INCOME IS ESTIMATED AT $8.85 BILLION, ESSENTIALLY RENTAL INCOME FROM DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC PROPERTIES,” HE SAID.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS BUDGETED AT $9.08 BILLION, MOSTLY FOR PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS, RATES AND MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT EXPENDITURE.
"IN PERCENTAGE TERMS THE BUDGETED EXPENDITURE ON PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS AND RATES ARE MORE OR LESS IDENTICAL WITH LAST YEAR’S FIGURES, BUT THE EXPENDITURE BUDGET FOR 1992/93 ON MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT HAS BEEN INCREASED BY $326 MILLION TO ABOUT $1.4 BILLION.
"THE BUDGET ALSO INCLUDES AN ELEMENT OF REINSTATEMENT PROGRAMMES CURTAILED IN RECENT YEARS INCLUDING PLANNED BUILDING MAINTENANCE OF LONGER LIFE BUILDINGS, REDECORATION AND ELECTRICAL REINFORCEMENT.
"IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE EXPANDED PROGRAMMES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES AND LIFT MODERNIZATION PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TOTAL SALES PROCEEDS FOR THE YEAR WERE BUDGETED TO AMOUNT TO $6.1 BILLION.
ON THE CAPITAL BUDGET FOR 1992/93, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT A TOTAL OF $9.5 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT -- $5.79 BILLION OF WHICH WOULD BE EXPENDITURE ON RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING.
THE PRODUCTION OF FLATS IN 1992/93 IS EXPECTED TO TOTAL 38 705, OF WHICH 23 163 ARE RENTAL UNITS, 3 312 SALE FLATS WITH RENTAL BLOCK DESIGN, 8 390 HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS AND 3 840 PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME UNITS.
/THE SPOKESMAN. .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
31
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALLOWANCE FOR TENDER PRICE INFLATION AT 7.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR PROJECTS TO BE LET OUT IN 1992/93 HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AS WELL AS THE INCLUSION OF CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF $56.5 MILLION FOR THE NEW ONE-PERSON ANNEX BLOCKS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE AUTHORITY WILL INCUR A SMALL DEFICIT ON ITS ESTATE WORKING ACCOUNT IN 1992/93, A WORKING CASH BALANCE OF SOME $1.4 BILLION BY MARCH 1993 WAS FORECAST.
THIS BALANCE IS DETERMINED AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT AN OPENING CASH BALANCE OF $4.5 BILLION, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SURPLUS AND DEPRECIATION.
"IN THIS REGARD THE AUTHORITY WILL NOT NEED TO SEEK FUNDING FROM OUTSIDE LOANS IN 1992/93," HE ADDED.
THE TWO BUDGETS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS FORMAL APPROVAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HOUSING ORDINANCE AFTER ENDORSEMENT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY LATER THIS MONTH.
--------0 -
MEDICAL REFORMS
ATTUNED TO NEEDS OF 21ST CENTURY
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO THREE MAJOR REFORMS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH FIELD SO THAT THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A HEALTH SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE WELL ATTUNED TO THE NEEDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND REGIONAL CONGRESS (WESTERN-PACIFIC REGION) OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
MRS WONG SAID THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF ALL THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS’ TIME.
"IT IS A GRAND TASK AFFECTING SOME 35 HOSPITALS AND 35,000 STAFF WHICH WILL PERMIT THE BETTER DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES AND THE ELIMINATION OF OVERCROWDING IN OUR HOSPITALS," SHE NOTED.
THE SECOND AREA OF REFORM IS DIRECTED TOWARDS PRIMARY HEALTH CARE.
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT GIVEN A GOOD INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND AN EMPHASIS IN PARTICIPATORY AND SELF-CARE, THE PUBLIC WILL BECOME HEALTHIER AND THE HOSPITALS LESS CROWDED; AND THAT PUBLIC SPENDING ON TOTAL HEALTH CARE CAN ACHIEVE A BETTER BALANCE BETWEEN PREVENTION AND CURE.
/MRS WONG ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
MRS WONG ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY PREPARING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF MEDICINE WHICH WILL FOCUS ON UPGRADING POST-GRADUATE TRAINING FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE IN HONG KONG, MRS WONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG BLOOD TRANSFUSION CENTRE FOR ITS EFFORTS OVER THE LAST DECADE.
"LOOKING AHEAD, THE HONG KONG BLOOD TRANSFUSION CENTRE WILL BE OFFICIALLY JOINING THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
"WE CAN EXPECT FURTHER SPECIALISATION AND ADVANCEMENT IN THE SCIENCE OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION WHICH WILL ENABLE OUR PATIENTS TO ENJOY AN EVEN HIGHER STANDARD OF CARE," SHE ADDED.
THE BASIC FUNCTION OF THE SERVICE IS THE RECRUITMENT OF VOLUNTARY NON-REMUNERATED DONORS, THE COLLECTION OF THEIR BLOOD, THE GROUPING, TESTING, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS FREE OF CHARGE TO THE 35 HOSPITALS IN THE TERRITORY.
IN ADDITION TO A FULL RANGE OF LABORATORY SERVICE, IT ALSO OPERATES SEVEN FIXED BLOOD COLLECTION CENTRES IN DENSELY-POPULATED AREAS, THREE AIR-CONDITIONED COACHES ACCOMMODATING 16 BEDS, AND FOUR MOBILE COLLECTION TEAMS MAKING DAILY VISITS TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY TO PROMOTE BLOOD DONATION.
"IN 1990, WE COLLECTED SOME 168,000 BLOOD UNITS AND RECORDED 2.8 PER CENT OF THE HONG KONG POPULATION AS VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS.
"THE SERVICE IS NOW ABLE TO MEET THE DEMAND OF MODERN THERAPY THROUGH A RANGE OF BLOOD COMPONENTS PREPARED IN THE CENTRE.
"CONTINUOUS EFFORTS WILL BE TARGETTED AT THE PREVENTION OF TRANSFUSION TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND IMPROVED TRAINING IN TRANSFUSION MEDICINE.
"MEANWHILE, THE SERVICE HAS EMBARKED ON A NUMBER OF NEW INITIATIVES•AND RESEARCH INTO DEVELOPING THE BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT PROGRAMME AND THE HEPATITIS C SCREENING PROGRAMME," MRS WONG SAID.
- - 0 -
APPOINTMENT- OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO SFC
******
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR EDWARD CHEN KWAN-YIU TO SUCCEED MR PETER WONG HONG-YUEN AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC).
IN ADDITION .TO THAT, MR CHEN IS ALSO APPOINTED AS MEMBER OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES APPEALS PANEL, FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.
/UNDER SECTION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
33 -
UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE SFC ORDINANCE, APPOINT NOT LESS THEN EIGHT DIRECTORS TO I HE SFC, BE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS.
THE GOVERNOR SHALL HALF OF WHOM SHOULD
AT PRESENT THE COMMISSION IS SERVED BY 10 DIRECTORS.
THE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS BRING INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION OF THE SFC. THEY ARE FULLY
VIEWS TO
INVOLVED
THE IN
ITS POLICY DEVELOPMENT.
"I AM MOST GRATEFUL TO MR WONG FOR HIS VALUABLE SERVICE £S A mfmrfr OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION SINCE ITS INCEPTION. his VISE u™dance™H Sen particularly helpful in establishing the COMMISSION ON A SOUND BASIS," MR NENDICK SAID.
MR CHEN IS THE CHAIRMAN DIRECTOR OF ASIAN STUDIES IN THE
OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
AND
THE
--------0----------
SURVEYOR APPOINTED TO CONDUCT ACCIDENT INQUIRY
******
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPOINTED A NAUTICAL SURVEYOR TO CARRY OUT A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY INTO THE HONG KONG-REGISTERED CATAMARAN "VASCO DA GAMA" WHICH WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN MACAU ON MONDAY.
THE SURVEYOR IS CAPTAIN KENNETH YEOMANS.
CAPTAIN YEOMANS WENT TO MACAU TODAY TO INSPECT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT AND CONSULT THE MACAU MARINE AUTHORITY.
THE PURPOSE OF THE INQUIRY IS TQ FIND OUT THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT AND RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE ACTIONS SO AS TO AVOID SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN FUTURE.
THE FINDINGS OF THE INQUIRY WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
ABOUT 3.18 PM ON MONDAY, THE CATAMARAN COLLIDED WITH A SMALL WOODEN BOAT IN THE MACAU OUTER HARBOUR TEMPORARY CHANNEL. THREE MEN ON THE SMALL BOAT WERE INJURED AND A FOURTH MAN WAS UNACCOUNTED FOR.
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/34 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
34
GOVT STATEMENT ON PAY COMMITTEE’S COMPOSITION *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE DISAPPOINTMENT EXPRESSED BY THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL (STAFF SIDE) OVER THE COMPOSITION OF THE NEWLY-APPOINTED STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH GAVE THE FOLLOWING REPLY:
"MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ARE APPOINTED IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITY AND ARE NOT APPOINTED TO REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR INTERESTS OF ANY PARTICULAR GROUP WITHIN SOCIETY.
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE IMPARTIAL ADVICE ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
THEIR SUITABILITY IS CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND OBJECTIVITY IN THE TREATMENT OF PROBLEMS.
THE MEMBERS COME FROM A WIDE RANGE OF BACKGROUNDS INCLUDING PROFESSIONALS, AN ACADEMIC, PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT EXPERTS, A DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND A REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBER.
THEY CONSIDER ISSUES FAIRLY AND OBJECTIVELY AND REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AND MANAGEMENT ARE ALWAYS INVITED TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF SUB-COMMITTEES SO THAT THEIR VIEWS CAN BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE' STANDING COMMITTEE BEFORE IT SUBMITS ITS ADVICE TO THE GOVERNOR."
------0--------
THREE GOVT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER » * * ♦ ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF THREE LAND LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED AT ’HEUNG FAN LIU STREET, AREA 4C, SHA TIN, MEASURES ABOUT 2,750 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR THE OPERATION OF A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR PRIVATE CARS, LIGHT VANS, LORRIES, BUSES, TRACTORS AND TRAILERS BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND CONTAINERS ON TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,510 SQUARE METRES, THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 56D OFF LAI PING ROAD, SHA TIN.
IT IS FOR A PLANT NURSERY AND/OR COMMERCIAL GARDEN INCLUDING GROWING, STORAGE AND SALE OF PLANTS, FLOWERS AND OTHER ANCILLARY GARDEN PRODUCTS.
/THE TENANCY ......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 13, 1991
35
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE THIRD LOT, A 2,550-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN AREA 4, TSINQ YI, IS DESIGNATED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF THE TENANT’S GOODS BUT EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS, CONTAINER VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS AND SCRAP METAL.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 29.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OR THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL.
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MODERN JAPANESE CRUISE SHIP ON MAIDEN VOYAGE TO HK ******
WHEN IT COMES TO PASSENGER SHIPS, MARITIME SAFETY IS OF' PARAMOUNT CONCERN TO ALL, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT A CEREMONY ON BOARD THE US$120 MILLION JAPANESE CRUISE SHIP M.S. "ASUKA” TO MARK HER MAIDEN VOYAGE TO HONG KONG.
MR MILLER SAID: "JAPAN IS ONE OF THE LEADING SHIPBUILDING AND SHIPOWNING NATIONS AND HAS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAFETY OF PASSENGERS AND CREW ON BOARD SHIPS.
"THIS MODERN CRUISE LINER ’ASUKA' IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF JAPANESE SKILL AND EXPERTISE."
TODAY’S HOST WAS THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NIPPON-YUSEN KAISHA (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MR KOZO ABE. THE JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL, MR MINORU KUBOTA, WAS PRESENT.
DURING THE CEREMONY, MR MILLER PRESENTED A MEMENTO TO THE MASTER OF THE. SHIP, CAPTAIN TAKESHI INAGAKI, TO COMMEMORATE THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE SHIP TO THE PORT OF HONG KONG.
MR MILLER SAID HONG KONG FULLY SUPPORTED THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ON MARITIME SAFETY PROMULGATED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO) AND HAD BEEN AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE IMO FOR ALMOST 25 YEARS.
"HONG KONG IS MAKING ACTIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE REVISION OF THE IMO'S CODE OF SAFETY FOR HIGH SPEED PASSENGER CRAFT," HE SAID.
/"WE HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1.3. 1991
"WE HAVE ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST FLEET OF HIGH .’RED PASSENGER CRAFT AND THEY CARRY SOME 16 MILLION INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS ANNUALLY."
M.S. "ASUKA" HAS A GROSS TONNAGE OF 27,000, IS J 92 METRES LONG, AND HAS A CAPACITY' OF 584 PASSENGERS. SHE ARRIVED IN -HONG KONG FROM YOKOHAMA TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AND WILL SAIL FOR SHANGHAI TOMORROW.
- - 0 - -
DISABLED PERSONS TO SHOW WORKING ABILITIES * * * * #
A NUMBER OF DISABLED PERSONS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR WORKING ABILITIES IN A WEEK-LONG EXHIBITION STARTING ON FRIDAY' (NOVEMBER 15) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE "EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED PERSONS" EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR THE SIXTH YEAR RUNNING.
"THE ANNUAL EVENT AIMS TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED IN VARIOUS TRADES," A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR TANG KONG-KIN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED, AS WELL AS TO INTRODUCE THE TRAINING FACILITIES AND THE LATEST TECHNICAL AIDS AVAILABLE TO THEM " MR TANG SAID.
"THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS AND AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATIONS, VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW DISABLED PERSONS ARE PLACED IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SPD, AND TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR POTENTIAL WORKING ABILITIES," HE ADDED.
THROUGHOUT THE EXHIBITION, DISABLED WORKERS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS IN SUCH TRADES AS JEWELLERY, MASSAGE, WORK PROCESSING AND.CLEANING.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO FEATURE DISPLAYS OF EMPLOYMENT AIDS AND MACHINES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE DISABLED, JOB-MATCHING AND A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER GAME BY COMPUTER.
THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY' ORGANISATIONS IN REHABILITATION WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR NG MING-YUM, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MR DARWIN CHEN, AND SHOPPING MALL MANAGER OF NEW WORLD CENTRE MR FELIX CHAN AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY.
/IT WILL
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 13, 1991
- 37 -
IT WILL THEN BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6.30 PM UNTIL NOVEMBER 21.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED" EXHIBITION AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 15) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
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272 VM’S RETURN TO VIETNAM * * * t
A GROUP OF 272 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 102 MEN, 55 WOMEN, 64 BOYS AND 51 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 75TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,531 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 11,827 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
---------0-----------
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION * * * * *
NO NOMINATION IS RECEIVED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE NOMINATION STARTED ON NOVEMBER 4.
------0--------
/38 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1991
- 38 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
♦ ♦ » * ♦
DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 12.11.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 13.11.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.2 »+0.0* 13.11.91
MILLION
500
-341
+ 341
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
12.11.91 13.11.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.34 PCT 3.40 PCT
1 MONTH 3.46 PCT 3.49 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.85 PCT 5.90 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.16 PCT 4.16 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.89 PCT 4.87 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 6,230 MN 3,813 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITS PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT FACTORY ...................... 1
FS BRIEFED ON LATEST WELFARE SERVICES ............................... 1
HK'S PARTICIPATION IN APEC WELCOMED ................................. 2
GOVT TO STEP UP CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEOTAPES AND PUBLICATIONS ... 3
THIRD QUARTER BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ...................... 4
CHANGING ATTITUDES TOWARDS MENTAL CARE .............................. 6
COPYRIGHT PROTECTION TO EXTEND TO HUTCHVISION'S SATELLITE BROADCAST ... 7
BA TO REGULATE NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF HUTCHVISION'S LICENCE ....... 8
BILLS RELATED TO SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING TO BE INTRODUCED . . 8
NEW DIRECTIVE ON PROPER REPORTING OF INSURANCE PREMIUM ..............10
DROP IN AVERAGE TAR, NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES ................. 11
PENSION BENEFITS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TRANSFERRING TO HA ............. 11
TAXPAYERS CO-OPERATE WITH IRD ON FIELD AUDIT ....................... 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR SUPPLY OF POLICE TRAINING FACILITY ............. 15
SAI KUNG TO STAGE FIGHT CRIME SPECTACULAR .......................... 16
FIGHT CRIME FILM SHOW FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS ....................... 16
SOUTHERN DISTRICT SEMINAR ON WORK OF THREE-TIER COUNCILS ........... 17
THREE COMPENSATION OFFICES ON MOVE ................................. I7
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION ................. 18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
18
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 1 -
GOVENOR VISITS PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT FACTORY
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED W. HAKING ENTERPRISES LIMITED, A LEADING LOCAL MANUFACTURER OF PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT.
SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY (ACTING), MR WILFRED WONG AND THE COMPANY’S SENIOR MANAGMENT INCLUDING THE GROUP CHAIRMAN, DR HAKING WONG.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE FACTORY WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1956 TO PRODUCE PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT.
THE COMPANY HAS SEVEN FACTORIES IN HONG KONG AND IS A LEADING MANUFACTURER AND EXPORTER OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT AND BINOCULARS.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS MOST ENCOURAGED BY THE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS WHICH THE COMPANY HAD MADE IN SOPHISTICATED MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT.
"THIS IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE WAY THE PHOTOGRAPHIC INDUSTRY IS MOVING UP-MARKET," SIR DAVID SAID.
"ITS INVESTMENT IN SO MUCH OF THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IS A TREMENDOUS DEMONSTRATION OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS A SOPHISTICATED MANUFACTURING CENTRE," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
FS BRIEFED ON LATEST WELFARE SERVICES *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, VISITED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
A
MR MACLEOD FIRST MET THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M. D. CARTLAND AND DIRECTORATE OFFICERS AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
DURING THE DISCUSSION, MR MACLEOD WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1991 WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE, WELFARE PROJECT FINANCING AND COMPUTERISATION OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THEN VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICE AT SOUTHORN CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.
ACCOMPANIED BY REGIONAL OFFICER (HONG KONG) MRS PATRICIA CHU, HE TOURED A NUMBER OF SERVICE UNITS, WHICH INCLUDED THE WAN CHAI FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE, THE WAN CHAI SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT AND THE PAYMENT CONTROL SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
/2 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 2 - ‘
HE’S PARTICIPATION IN APEC WELCOMED
******
HONG KONG IS NOW A MEMBER OF APEC, AND THE SEOUL MINISTERIAL MEETING HAS GIVEN US A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH OTHER MEMBERS ON A WIDE RANGE OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC ISSUES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
AT THE CLOSE OF THE THIRD MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) TODAY IN SEOUL, MR CHAU SAID: "THESE EXCHANGES TOOK PLACE ON BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL OCCASIONS AT VERY HIGH LEVELS."
HONG KONG WAS WARMLY WELCOMED BY MINISTERS PRESENT AT THE MEETING. IN THEIR JOINT STATEMENT, THEY REAFFIRMED THAT HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO GREATER ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION IN THE REGION.
"APEC III HAS BEEN A PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT EVENT," MR CHAU SAID. "NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT SAW THE PARTICIPATION OF THREE NEW MEMBERS OF HONG KONG, CHINA AND TAIWAN, BUT ALSO BECAUSE TWO IMPORTANT DECLARATIONS WERE MADE.
"THE FIRST DECLARATION SETS OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME THE PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES OF APEC. IT OUTLINES ITS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. IT ALSO REAFFIRMS APEC’S COMMITMENT TO AN OPEN MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.
"THE SECOND DECLARATION ADDRESSES THE URUGUAY ROUND. IT RECOGNISES THE URUGUAY ROUND AS THE MOST CRITICAL ECONOMIC ISSUE THE WORLD IS FACING RIGHT NOW.
"IN THE DECLARATION, MINISTERS PLEDGED TO INSTRUCT THEIR NEGOTIATORS TO RETURN TO GENEVA, AND FINALISE A BALANCED, COMPREHENSIVE AND SUBSTANTIAL PACKAGE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR."
MR CHAU ADDED THAT HONG KONG WOULD PLAY AN ACTIVE PART INAPEC’S WORK PROGRAMME.
THE CURRENT APEC WORK PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF 10 PROJECTS COVERING EXCHANGE OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT DATA, TRADE PROMOTION, REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY, MARINE RESOURCE CONSERVATION, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, FISHERIES, TRANSPORTATION AND TOURISM.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
3
GOVT TO STEP UP CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEOTAPES AND PUBLICATIONS ******
FILMS WHICH ARE INTENDED FOR SALE AND RENTING RATHER THAN SIMPLY FOR EXHIBITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME CONTROLS UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR ALAN WONG CHI-KONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR WONG SAID AT PRESENT, FILMS, INCLUDING VIDEOTAPES AND LASER DISCS, THAT HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED UNDER THE FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE CONTROLS UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 390.
"AS A RESULT, THE SALE OR RENTING OF CATEGORY III FILMS, WHICH UNDER THE FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE MAY ONLY BE EXHIBITED TO PERSONS AGED 18 AND ABOVE, CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE EASILY TO MINORS," HE SAID.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AGREED ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO INTRODUCE THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE BILL, WHICH IS DUE TO BE GAZETTED ON NOVEMBER 22 AND INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 4 THIS YEAR, WILL PLUG THIS LOOPHOLE AFTER ITS ENACTMENT.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 400 CATEGORY III VIDEO FILMS IN CIRCULATION ON THE MARKET AT PRESENT.
MR WONG SAID OWNERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF THESE VIDEO FILMS WOULD BE GIVEN A GRACE PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FOR THEM TO MAKE VOLUNTARY SUBMISSIONS TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL FOR CLASSIFICATION.
"THE AMENDMENT LEGISLATION WILL COME INTO FORCE AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE GRACE PERIOD ON A DATE TO BE DECIDED BY THE GOVERNOR WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL SEEK THE CO-OPERATION OF THE INDUSTRY FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE VIDEO FILMS IN QUESTION TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL IN BATCHES," HE SAID.
THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL ALSO AMEND THE WORDING OF THE WARNING NOTICE STIPULATED UNDER SECTION 24(1) OF THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE, WHICH PUBLISHERS HAVE TO DISPLAY ON AN INDECENT ARTICLE OR ON A WRAPPER ENCLOSING THAT ARTICLE.
"THE PRESENT WORDING OF THE WARNING NOTICE GIVES THE WRONG IMPRESSION THAT ONLY THE SALE OF INDECENT ARTICLES TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IS PROHIBITED, BUT NOT THE DISTRIBUTION, CIRCULATION, RENTING, HIRING, GIVING, LENDING, SHOWING, PLAYING OR PROJECTING OF THAT ARTICLE,” MR WONG SAID.
/"THE AMENDED
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 14, 1991
"THE AMENDED WARNING NOTICE WILL MAKE IT CLEAR THAT INDECENT ARTICLES MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED, CIRCULATED, SOLD, HIRED, GIVEN, LENT, SHOWN, PLAYED OR PROJECTED TO A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS."
WHEN THIS AMENDMENT COMES INTO FORCE, A WARNING, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL HAVE TO BE DISPLAYED ON ALL ARTICLES CLASSIFIED BY THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL AS CLASS II ARTICLES.
THE ENGLISH VERSION OF THE WARNING READS:
"WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MATERIAL WHICH MAY OFFEND AND MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED, CIRCULATED, SOLD, HIRED, GIVEN, LENT, SHOWN, PLAYED OR PROJECTED TO A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS".
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE VIGILANT AND TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO THE BEST OF ITS ABILITY WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES," MR WONG ADDED.
------0----------
THIRD QUARTER BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ******
FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991.
LOOKING AHEAD, FIRMS IN THIS SECTOR GENERALLY EXPECT BUSINESS TO SHOW A FURTHER MILD IMPROVEMENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THESE COMPARISONS ARE, HOWEVER, LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS. AS FAR AS MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IS CONCERNED, THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTERS OF THE YEAR ARE NORMALLY MORE ACTIVE PERIODS THAN THE SECOND QUARTER.
FIRMS IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE PLASTICS, FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES INDUSTRIES, EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER.
AS REGARDS THE BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, FIRMS IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRIES, ANTICIPATE AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS AS COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER.
ON THE OTHER HAND, FIRMS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY EXPECT A LOWER LEVEL OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 5 -
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE FIRMS SURVEYED EXPERIENCED A MILD IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER AND EXPECT THE SITUATION TO CONTINUE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE DISTRIBUTIVE AND CATERING TRADES SECTOR GENERALLY EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER. REGARDING THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, FIRMS IN THIS SECTOR, PARTICULARLY HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS, EXPECT A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS.
IN THE OTHER SERVICES SECTOR, THE FIRMS SURVEYED GENERALLY EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
REGARDING BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, FIRMS IN THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES ANTICIPATE A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT, WHILE BANKS EXPECT BUSINESS TO REMAIN STABLE.
ABOUT 1,000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND TRADES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY. THEY WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS AS WELL AS THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS THEY FACED.
IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991, FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEMS OF PRICE COMPETITION, SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR, INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS OR CONTRACTS, AND HIGH WAGE RATES. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, PRICE COMPETITION, SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR, INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS OR CONTRACTS, AND HIGH WAGE RATES WERE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO SUSTAIN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
IN THE DISTRIBUTIVE AND CATERING TRADES SECTOR AND THE OTHER SERVICES SECTOR, A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF FIRMS CITED PRICE COMPETITION, SHORTAGE OF EXPERIENCED STAFF, HIGH STAFF COSTS, AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER AS THEIR MAJOR BUSINESS PROBLEMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991.
IN ADDITION, FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES ALSO ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEM OF HIGH RENTALS FOR PREMISES. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG FROM A SHORT-TERM PERSPECTIVE.
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND THE LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD "IMPROVED", "REMAINED THE SAME" OR "DETERIORATED" IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
/THEY WERE .......
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 14. 1991
6
THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO •’IMPROVE”, ’’REMAIN THE SAME" OR "DETERIORATE" IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991.
THE OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE THEN ANALYSED AND THE SUMMARY FINDINGS PUBLISHED IN THE "REPORT ON QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY, THIRD QUARTER 1991". MOREOVER, THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS, AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE VIEWS OF FIRMS BY EMPLOYMENT SIZE GROUP.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT, IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ RECOLLECTION OF THE PAST AND PERCEPTION OF THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PURCHASE COPIES OF THE SURVEY REPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $8 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 839 3250.
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CHANGING ATTITUDES TOWARDS MENTAL CARE
*****
ATTITUDES TOWARDS PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS HAVE CHANGED A GREAT DEAL DUE TO THE DEDICATION AND HARD WORK OF THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG PSYCHIATRIC UNIT, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE UNIT AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, LADY WILSON SAID PSYCHIATRY HAD NOT BEEN A PARTICULARLY POPULAR SPECIALITY AMONG MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATES, BUT ATTITUDES IN THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS MENTAL CARE WERE CHANGING.
"THIS NEWLY EXPANDED UNIT CAN HELP CHANGE THOSE ATTITUDES FURTHER, THROUGH ITS TEACHING, THROUGH ITS REPUTATION FOR WORTHWHILE RESEARCH, AND THROUGH THE EXAMPLE IT SETS IN OFFERING CARE AND UNDERSTANDING TO THOSE WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS," SHE SAID.
THIS YEAR MARKED THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY MEDICAL FACULTY’S DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AND THE SAME ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY PSYCHIATRIC UNIT IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, LADY WILSON SAID THAT SHE KNEW HOW MUCH HAD BEEN DONE TO ENCOURAGE THE WORK OF PSYCHIATRY IN HONG KONG.
/SHE NOTED .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
SHE NOTED THAT THIS WAS TUB FIRST PLACE TO OFFER COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT TO AUTISTIC ANO HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN) IT SET UP THE FIRST CLINIC OFFERING TREATMENT TO L00AL PEOPLE WITH SEXUAL PROBLEMS) AND IT HAD BEEN APPOINTED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AS A RESEARCH CENTRE IN THE STUDY OF SCHIZOPHRENIA.
THE EXTENSION WOULD ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE UNIT TO HELP MANY MORE IN NEED) AND IT WOULD HELP THEM TO DEVELOP EVEN MORE THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHIATRY IN HONO KONO. SHE SAID.
COPYRIGHT PROTECTION To EXTEND TO HUTOHVlSION'B SATELLITE BROADCAST »»**♦*
THE EXECUTIVE -COUNCIL AGREED ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO INTRODUCE THE COPYRIGHT (AMENDMENT) DILL 1991 INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND IS DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 2?.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALL LICENSED BROADCASTERS IN HONC KONO WERE AT PRESENT LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE EXCEPT HUTOHVI8ION HONG KONG LIMITED, WHICH WAS GRANTED A SATELLITE TELEVISION UPLINK AND DOWNLINK LICENCE IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
"A LISTING IN THE SCHEDULE AFFORDS COPYRIGHT PROTECTION IN HONG KONO TO BROADCASTS MADE FROM A PLACE IN HONG KONO BY LISTED BROADCASTERS," HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO SECURE COPYRIGHT PROTECTION FOR HUTCHVISION WHICH HAS COMMENCED BROADCASTING, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH WILL RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNOR THAT HUTCHVISION BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF BROADCASTERS IN THE SCHEDULE BY MEANS OF A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO AMEND THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE THAT THE PLACE FROM WHICH A SATELLITE BROADCAST IS MADE IS THE PLACE FROM WHICH THE SIGNALS CARRYING THE BROADCAST ARE TRANSMITTED TO THE SATELLITE.
"THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL HAVE A PROVISION WHICH STATES THAT THE PLACE FROM WHICH A SATELLITE BROADCAST IS MADE IS, IN THE CASE OF SATELLITE TRANSMISSION, THE PLACE FROM WHICH THE SIGNALS CARRYING THE BROADCAST ARE TRANSMITTED TO THE SATELLITE."
/8 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, ,1991
- 8 -
BA TO REGULATE NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF HUTCHVISION’S LICENCE * * * * *
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL, WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE THE STATUTORY POWER FOR THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) TO REGULATE THE NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF HUTCHVISION’S LICENCE, WAS APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
’’UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, THE BA DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER TO REGULATE DIRECTLY SATELLITE TELEVISION AND SATELLITE RADIO SERVICES,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THE SOLE AUTHORITY FOR THE HUTCHVISION’S LICENCE HAS BEEN THE TELECOMMUNICATION AUTHORITY (TA), WHO IN RESPECT OF THE NON-TECHNICAL ASPECT, IS OBLIGED TO CONSULT THE BA.
’’THIS IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT FOR THE REGULATION OF SOUND BROADCASTING AND OFF-AIR TELEVISION BROADCASTING, UNDER WHICH THE BA AND THE TA ARE THE AUTHORITY FOR NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS RESPECTIVELY UNDER THE BROADCASTING LICENCES,” HE SAID.
SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, HUTCHVISION’S LICENCEWILL BE AMENDED ACCORDINGLY TO REFLECT THE NEW REGULATORY POWER OF THE BA IN THE TERMS OF THE LICENCES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND IS DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 27.
0
BILLS RELATED TO SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING TO BE INTRODUCED
******
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILLS TO FACILITATE THE REPORTING OF FRAUD DETECTED BY AUDITORS AND TO REVOKE THE LICENCES OF DEALERS WHO HAVE NEVER TRADED.
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL <991, THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, AND THE SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991 WILL BE GAZETTED ON NOVEMBER 22.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE BILLS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCOPE FOR REPORTING BY AUDITORS WAS AT PRESENT VERY LIMITED AND DID NOT COVER, FOR INSTANCE, CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THEY DETECTED FRAUD OR ILLEGAL DEALINGS.
/•’WE BELIEVE........
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER Id, 1991
"WE BELIEVE THAT AUDITORS SHOULD BE ABLE TO REPORT TO THE 3FC MATTERS OF MATERIAL CONCERN IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF INVESTORS AND PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE MARKETS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT IS ALSO CONSIDERED DESIRABLE THAT AUDITORS SHOULD BE PROTECTED AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE LIABILITY THEY MIGHT INCUR IN RESPECT OF BREACH OF DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY TO CLIENTS WHEN COMMUNICATING IN GOOD FAITH TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC).
SUCH PROTECTION IS ALREADY AVAILABLE IN RESPECT OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
"A CHANGE OR PROSPECTIVE CHANGE OF AN AUDITOR MAY SIGNIFY POSSIBLE IRREGULARITIES IN THE OPERATION OF A DEALER’S AFFAIRS WHICH COULD GIVE RISE TO PRUDENTIAL CONCERNS.
"IT IS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE SFC SHOULD BE NOTIFIED OF ANY SUCH CHANGE BY THE DEALER CONCERNED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ADDING THAT FOR SIMILAR REASONS, AUDITORS SHOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO INFORM THE SFC OF THEIR INTENTION TO RESIGN OR TO QUALIFY ACCOUNTS.
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1991 ALSO SEEKS TO ALLOW MORE SPECIFICALLY FOR THE DISCLOSURE BY THE SFC OF INFORMATION RELATING TO AN AUDITOR TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS.
THE BILLS ALSO SEEK TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSION TO REVOKE THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS WHO HAVE NEVER TRADED BEFORE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISIONS THE COMMISSION CAN ROUTINELY SUSPEND OR REVOKE REGISTRATION ON GROUNDS OF CESSATION OF BUSINESS SO THAT THE COMMISSION MAY LIMIT REGISTRATION TO PERSONS ACTUALLY CONDUCTING A BUSINESS OR.DEALING IN SECURITIES.
HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE WORDING OF THE EXISTING PROVISION, WHILE THE COMMISSION CAN REVOKE THE LICENCE OF PERSONS WHO HAVE CEASED BUSINESS, IT IS UNABLE TO REVOKE THE LICENCES OF PERSONS WHO HAVE NEVER COMMENCED BUSINESS.
IT WOULD NOT BE CONSISTENT WITH THE EXISTING POLICY OF REVOCATION OF LICENCES OF INACTIVE DEALERS IF THE LICENCE OF DEALERS WHO HAVE CEASED BUSINESS CAN BE REVOKED WHILE THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER CONDUCTED BUSINESS CANNOT BF. REVOKED.
THE BILLS SEEK TO REDRESS THIS SHORTCOMING.
/10 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
NEW DIRECTIVE ON PROPER REPORTING OF INSURANCE PREMIUM
******
THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE HAS TODAY (THURSDAY) ISSUED AN INSURANCE DIRECTIVE RELATING TO PROPER REPORTING OF INSURANCE PREMIUM.
THE DIRECTIVE, WHICH WILL BE ENFORCED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, REQUIRES ALL GENERAL BUSINESS INSURERS TO SET OUT IN THE POLICY DOCUMENT THE AMOUNT OF THE PREMIUM BEING CHARGED TO THE POLICY HOLDER.
IT APPLIES TO ALL INSURERS TRANSACTING GENERAL BUSINESS --FIRE, MOTOR, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, HOUSEHOLD AND OTHER PERSONAL AND COMMERCIAL LINE CLASSES OF GENERAL BUSINESS, DIRECT TO THE PUBLIC.
"IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL POLICY HOLDERS THAT THE TRUE PREMIUM BEING CHARGED BY THE INSURER IS READILY ASCERTAINABLE," THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, MR DEREK SULLIVAN, SAID.
"THE PREMIUM, WHICH IS THE CONTRACT CONSIDERATION TO THE INSURANCE POLICY, SHOULD BE CLEARLY SET OUT IN THE POLICY DOCUMENT."
THE PRACTICE OF NOT SPECIFYING PREMIUMS IN THE POLICY DOCUMENT, BUT INSTEAD USING TERMS SUCH AS "AS AGREED" OR "AS ADVISED", GIVES RISE TO POSSIBLE ABUSE BY INSURANCE INTERMEDIARIES CHARGING THE POLICY HOLDER A SUM GREATER THAN THE TRUE PREMIUM.
"THE PRACTICE IS EXTREMELY UNHEALTHY AND OBVIOUSLY UNDESIRABLE FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF BOTH THE POLICY HOLDER AND THE INSURER," MR SULLIVAN SAID.
"INSURERS ARE UNDER CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE FROM CERTAIN INSURANCE AGENTS TO ADOPT THE PRACTICE, WHICH REGRETTABLY IS BECOMING MORE COMMON."
THE DIRECTIVE IS REGARDED BY THE COMMISSIONER AS "TIMELY".
COMPLIANCE WITH THE DIRECTIVE WILL BE A PART OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE’S ROUTINE MONITORING EXERCISE.
THE DIRECTIVE WILL ALSO ASSIST INSURERS IN THE PROPER ANNUAL REPORTING OF PREMIUM INCOME AS REQUIRED FOR THE MONITORING OF THEIR SOLVENCY POSITION UNDER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
THE GENERAL INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG, REPRESENTING INSURERS WRITING GENERAL BUSINESS, HAS BEEN CONSULTED ON THE ISSUE OF THE DIRECTIVE.
IN VIEW OF THE SPECIAL NATURE AND PRACTICE OF REINSURANCE AND MARINE INSURANCE, THE DIRECTIVE DOES NOT APPLY TO THESE AREAS OF INSURANCE BUSINESS.
- - 0
/Il
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 11 -
DROP IN AVERAGE TAR, NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES ******
THE AVERAGE TAR YIELD AMONG THE 108 TOP BEST-SELLING CIGARETTES IN HONG KONG HAS DECREASED BY 0.6 MILLIGRAM PER CIGARETTE TO 14.3 MILLIGRAMS PER CIGARETTE COMPARED WITH 14.9 MG/CIGARETTE IN THE PREVIOUS ANALYSIS, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST (THE 17TH) SIX-MONTH REVIEW OF TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE AVERAGE NICOTINE YIELD OF CIGARETTES HAS ALSO GONE DOWN BY 0.1 MG/CIGARETTE TO 1.18 MG/CIGARETTE.
"THE FIGURES FROM THE LATEST ANALYSIS SHOW THAT THE AVERAGE TAR YIELD HAS FALLEN TO A RECORD LOW SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF PERIODICAL SURVEYS OF TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF CIGARETTES SOME EIGHT YEARS AGO," A GOVERNMENT SPOKEMAN SAID.
"APART FROM THE REDUCTION IN THE AVERAGE TAR YIELD, THE PRESENT SURVEY HAS NOT REVEALED ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE FROM THE POSITION SIX MONTH AGO."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DURING THE LATEST SURVEY, NO "HIGH TAR" CIGARETTES WERE FOUND AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF BRANDS OF VARIOUS TAR GROUPS BETWEEN THE CURRENT AND PREVIOUS SURVEYS HAD REMAINED VERY MUCH THE SAME.
A FULL REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINDINGS ON TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST EDITION OF "CHOICE" MAGAZINE.
--------0-----------
PENSION BENEFITS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TRANSFERRING TO HA
******
APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL- FOR THE PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (HOSPITAL AUTHORITY) BILL 1991 TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL WAS REQUIRED TO ENABLE CIVIL SERVANTS TO PRESERVE THEIR PENSION RIGHTS AFTER TRANSFERRING TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA).
IN JULY LAST YEAR, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED A PACKAGE OF BRIDGING-OVER ARRANGEMENTS TO ENABLE PROFESSIONAL AND £E^™ENTAL STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO
TRANSFER TO THE HA.
"THEY CAN HAVE THE CHOICE OF A MIXED SERVICE PENSION WHEREBY THEY CAN CONTINUE TO EARN PENSION ENTITLEMENTS AS IF THEY WERE .CIVIL SERVANTS DURING THE PERIOD OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT WITH THE HA, THE
SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"ALTERNATIVELY, THEY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
12
’’ALTERNATIVELY, THEY CAN CHOOSE THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME OFFERED BY THE HA AND HAVE THEIR EARNED PENSION FROZEN.
’’THE PENSION THEY WOULD GET ON RETIREMENT FROM THE HA WILL BE CALCULATED WITH REFERENCE TO THE LAST SUBSTANTIVE SALARY POINT THEY HAVE REACHED AT THE TIME OF THEIR TRANSFER.”
UNDER THE AGREEMENT REACHED WITH THE HA, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BEAR THE LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT OF PENSIONS TO THE TRANSFERRED OFFICERS, BUT THE PENSION ON-COSTS FOR OFFICERS WHO CHOOSE THE MIXED SERVICE PENSION ARRANGEMENT WILL BE REIMBURSED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE HA.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ORDINANCE IS INCLUDED IN THE BILL TO EMPOWER THE HA TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE BILL IS DUE TO BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ON DECEMBER 4.
_ _ _ 0-----------
TAXPAYERS CO-OPERATE WITH IRD ON FIELD AUDIT *****
THERE HAS BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION FROM BOTH TAXPAYERS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES SINCE THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT (IRD) STARTED THE FIELD AUDIT PROGRAMME IN JUNE THIS YEAR, THS COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING THE HONG KONG MANGEMENT ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON MEETING ON THE PROGRESS OF THE AUDIT PROGRAMME, MR AU-YEUNG SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD COMPLETED A NUMBER OF CASES AND CURRENTLY SOME 40 CASES WERE IN PROGRESS.
HE SAID CO-OPERATION FROM TAXPAYERS WAS IMPORTANT IF THE IRD WAS TO ACHIEVE THE TARGET OF COMPLETING EACH AUDIT WITHIN A PERIOD OF 14 WORKING DAYS.
"IN MOST CASES WE HAVE ACHIEVED THE TARGET. I SHOULD ALSO STRESS THAT THE DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN TO THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY,” HE SAID.
MR AU-YEUNG SAID TAXPAYERS AUDITED TO DATE HAD BEEN DRAWN FROM A DIVERSE SPREAD OF SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES.
HE SAID NOT ALL CASES HAD RESULTED IN ADJUSTMENTS AND IN A FEW CASES THE TAXPAYERS CONCERNED HAD GOT IT RIGHT.
"THIS IS ENCOURAGING IN ITSELF AND WE HOPE, AS THE MESSAGE SPREADS, THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS WILL FALL WITHIN THIS CATEGORY,” HE ADDED.
/THE COMMISSIONER .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 13 -
THE COMMISSIONER SAID FIELD AUDIT WAS PART OF IRD’S ON-GOING EFFORTS TO COMBAT TAX EVASION AND PROMOTE A GREATER DEGREE OF VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE.
’’PRIMARILY AUDIT INVOLVES THE REDEPLOYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF FROM THE "OFFICE" TO THE "FIELD" TO VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF TAX RETURNS FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT," HE EXPLAINED.
HE SAID IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S "BELT-TIGHTENING" POLICY AND THE DEPARTMENT’S INCREASING WORKLOADS, THE TRADITIONAL ASSESSING APPROACH OF CHECKING IN DETAIL THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION DISCLOSED IN TAX RETURNS AND USING THIS TO DETERMINE REVENUE COLLECTIONS WAS NO LONGER WHOLLY APPROPRIATE.
"WE HAVE HAD TO RE-THINK THE WAY WE DO OUR JOB," THE COMMISSIONER REMARKED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MORE THAN HALF OF THE RETURNS IRD RECEIVED, AND VIRTUALLY ALL CORPORATION RETURNS, WERE LODGED BY PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS.
"DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THESE RETURNS CAN RESULT IN ONE ACCOUNTANT DOUBLE CHECKING THE WORK OF ANOTHER - IN MANY CASES THIS IS NOT A PRODUCTIVE EXERCISE," HE SAID.
MR AU-YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT EXPERIENCES BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS HAD CONFIRMED THAT WHERE PROBLEMS EXISTED IT WAS USUALLY BECAUSE OF A FAILURE TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION.
IT MEANT THAT PROBLEMS WERE CENTRED NOT AROUND WHAT WAS REPORTED IN RETURNS, BUT IN WHAT IS OMITTED, INCORRECTLY CLASSIFIED OR OVERCLAIMED, HE NOTED, ADDING THAT FIELD AUDIT WAS AIMED AT ADDRESSING THIS SITUATION BY GOING TO THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM.
TO ACHIEVE THIS NEW DIRECTION, MR AU-YEUNG SAID THE IRD’S PROFITS TAX UNIT WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY MORE AUDIT-ORIENTATED TN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND WOULD COMPLEMENT THE COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INVESTIGATIONS UNIT.
"THIS, WE EXPECT, WILL RESULT IN A MORE PRODUCTIVE USE OF OUR LIMITED STAFF RESOURCES. EVEN NOW, WITH AUDIT STILL IN ITS INFANT STAGE, WE ARE BEGINNING TO SEE RETURNS FOR OUR EFFORTS," HE SAID.
CONCURRENTLY WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF FIELD AUDIT, THE COMMISSIONER SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WAS TAKING STEPS TO STREAMLINE ITS ASSESSING PROCEDURES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ALL RETURNS WERE NOW SUBJECT TO A SELECTION PROCESS WHICH DETERMINED WHETHER THEY WERE ALLOCATED TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE CATEGORIES :
♦ THE NORMAL LANE FOR RETURNS INDICATING THE NEED FOR IN-DEPTH EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT;
» THE FAST LANE FOR RETURNS REQUIRING RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS; AND
/* THE THIRD ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
14
* THE THIRD CATEGORY FOR VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD CASES WHICH WERE INPUT DIRECTLY TO THE COMPUTER WITHOUT ADDITIONAL SCRUTINY.
"FIELD AUDIT AND IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATIONS WILL TOGETHER SERVE A QUALITY CONTROL ROLE IN RELATION TO THIS SELECTION PROCESS," HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, THERE WERE 24 PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS IN THE AUDIT GROUP OF IRD’S PROFITS TAX UNIT. MR AU-YEUNG SAID HE HOPED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER TO AT LEAST 36 NEXT YEAR AS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ONGOING REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF INTO AUDIT.
ON CASE SELECTION CRITERIA, MR AU-YEUNG SAID SO FAR CASES HAD BEEN ONLY CHOSEN FOR AUDIT WHERE THEY HAD EXHIBITED CHARACTERISTICS OF POSSIBLE NON-COMPLIANCE.
OUTLINING HOW THE AUDIT WAS CONDUCTED, THE COMMISSIONER SAID AT THE CONCLUSION OF A CASE CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES.
"WHERE THERE IS REASONABLE EXCUSE FOR ANY OMISSION OF INCOME OR OVERSTATEMENT OF A DEDUCTION, THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION OF PENALTIES.
"SIMILARLY, FOR A TRIVIAL DISCREPANCY, WE WILL ISSUE A WARNING LETTER TO THE TAXPAYER.
"HOWEVER, WHERE SUBSTANTIAL DISCREPANCY CANNOT BE REASONABLY EXPLAINED, AN ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY AND, IN APPROPRIATE CASES, PROSECUTION WILL BE CONSIDERED," HE ADDED.
MR AU-YEUNG STRESSED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HOPED TO OPERATE THE AUDIT PROGRAMME ON THE BASIS OF MUTUAL CO-OPERATION.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE IRD WOULD NOT BE FRUSTRATED IN ITS EFFORTS BY DELIBERATELY UNCOOPERATIVE TAXPAYERS.
"IF IT DOES BECOME NECESSARY, WE WILL USE THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW TO ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVES.
"I AM CONFIDENT, HOWEVER, THAT THIS SITUATION WILL NOT OFTEN ARISE," HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD, THE COMMISSIONER SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD IN MIND TO SELECT SOME CASES FOR AUDIT ON AN INDUSTRY BASIS.
"BY USING THIS APPROACH WE HOPE TO SYSTEMATICALLY DEVELOP OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE BY VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
"THIS, IN TURN, SHOULD ENABLE US TO IDENTIFY COMMON PROBLEM AREAS AND INCREASE OUR COVERAGE.
IN THE LONGER TERM, HE SAID THE IRD EXPECTED TO BE BETTER PLACED TO SELECT SUITABLE AUDIT TARGETS AND THE REFINEMENT OF SELECTION CRITERIA SHOULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE.
HE SAID AS THE IRD’S EXPERTISE DEVELOPED, IT WOULD MOVE ON TO LARGER BUSINESSES AND HE INTENDED TO EXTEND THE FIELD AUDIT PROGRAMME INTO OTHER AREAS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS SALARIES TAX AND PROPERTY TAX.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 15 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR SUPPLY OF POLICE TRAINING FACILITY
******
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF AN EXTENSIVE AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEM TO ENHANCE THE TRAINING FACILITIES OF THE POLICE FORCE.
THE SYSTEM, TO BE USED SPECIFICALLY FOR TRAINING POLICE OFFICERS USING LIVE AMMUNITION, WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE HOUSE (CQBH) WHICH IS BEING BUILT IN THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT (PTU) COMPOUND IN FANLING.
THE COMPLICATED AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEM, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE PURCHASED BY THE FORCE, IS TO BE DELIVERED AND INSTALLED IN PHASES BETWEEN APRIL AND DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
IT SHOULD COMPRISE NUMEROUS SOPHISTICATED SUB-SYSTEMS WHICH WILL FACILITATE THE TRAINING OF LIVE SHOOTING TECHNIQUE IN VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.
THROUGH THE PRESENTATION OF SLIDE OR VIDEO SCENARIOS AS TARGETS, THE SYSTEM CAN CONTROL AND MONITOR THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES IN RESPECT OF MOVING TARGET PROJECTION, AIRCRAFT MOCK UP, ATTACK AND INCIDENT, AND INTERACTIVE VIDEO SHOOTING.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PADDED ENVELOPES AND CARTONS TO THE POST OFFICE AND THE SUPPLY OF PLYWOOD LAUAN AND PEAK PLYWOOD TO THE GOVERNMENT.
TENDER NOTICES FOR THE INTENDED PURCHASE OF THESE MATERIALS AS WELL AS THE AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEM WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE.
TENDER FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROCUREMENT DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, SIXTH FLOOR, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, 30 LUEN WAN STREET.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PLYWOOD IS NOON ON DECEMBER 20, WHILE THE CLOSING DATES AND TIMES FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PADDED ENVELOPES AND CARTONS AND THE SUPPLY OF THE AUDIO AND VISUAL SYSTEM ARE 9 AM AND NOON ON DECEMBER 27 RESPECTIVELY.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
SAI KUNG TO STAGE FIGHT CRIME SPECTACULAR * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT "FIGHT CRIME STAR", MISS CHAN SAU-MAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN ANTI-CRIME SPECTACULAR ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 16) NIGHT.
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 7.45 PM AT THE SAT KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL IN SAI KUNG TOWN.
IT WILL INCLUDE A LION DANCE, KARATE DEMONSTRATIONS, DANCING, DRAMA, PIANO PERFORMANCE AND POP SONGS.
AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG CHUN-HOI; SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG; AND THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PAANG KUI-SAN.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF PO LING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN 0.
- - 0 - -
FIGHT CRIME FILM SHOW FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS »♦♦**♦*
A FILM SHOW TO CONVEY THE ANTI-SHOPLIFTING MESSAGE TO RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD IN MONG KOK ON DECEMBER 7 (SATURDAY) AT THE EMPIRE THEATRE.
THE FILM IS "ROAD WARRIOR", STARRING FAMOUS KUNG FU ACTOR DANNY LEE CHAU-YIN. THE SHOW IS ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS, AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET.
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/17
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
SOUTHERN DISTRICT SEMINAR ON WORK OF THREE-TIER COUNCILS
******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO GAIN INSIGHTS INTO THE WORK AND ROLE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS AT A SOUTHERN DISTRICT SEMINAR ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
THEY CAN ALSO DISCUSS WAYS TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCES OF MEMBERS OF THESE ASSEMBLIES.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.
DISCUSSIONS WILL FOCUS ON ’’THE OPERATIONS OF THE VARIOUS COUNCILS UNDER THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM” AND "DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS’ EXPECTATIONS OF THESE BODIES”.
THE PANELISTS WILL INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR DR YEUNG SUM; URBAN COUNCILLOR MR JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT; SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE AP LEI CHAU KAIFONG ASSOCIATION, MR HO CHUN-TUNG; AND A CITY POLYTECHNIC LECTURER, MR KAM PING-KWONG.
THE THREE-HOUR SEMINAR WILL ALSO INCLUDE A DISCUSSION SESSION FOR PARTICIPANTS TO RAISE QUESTIONS AND EXPRESS OPINIONS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SEMINAR ON THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 16). IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.
- - 0 - -
THREE COMPENSATION OFFICES ON MOVE *****
THREE LABOUR DEPARTMENT COMPENSATION OFFICES WILL MOVE TO NEW
PREMISES TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION OFFICE WILL BE RELOCATED FROM THE 15TH FLOOR TO THE FIRST FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ITS NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 852 4822.
/THE OFFICE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 18 -
THE OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSISTING PNEUMOCONIOSIS PATIENTS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS IN OBTAINING COMPENSATION FROM THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS FUND BOARD.
THE FATAL CASES OFFICE, KILLED IN WORK ACCIDENTS TO CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES
WHICH HELPS DEPENDANTS OF EMPLOYEES OBTAIN COMPENSATION, WILL MOVE FROM TO THE 15TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 4030.
ALSO MOVING WILL BE THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE OFFICE WHICH WILL BE REPROVISIONED ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE OFFICE REFERS EMPLOYEES IN DEFAULT COMPENSATION CASES TO THE EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE FUND BOARD FOR PAYMENT. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 368 8353.
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION ♦ * ♦ » *
NO NOMINATION IS RECEIVED TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE NOMINATION STARTED ON NOVEMBER 4.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 13.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 14.11.91 + 327
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -327
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.1 »-0.1» 14.11.91 NEUTRAL
/HONG KONG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1991
- 19 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS 13.11.91
14.11 .91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.57 PCT 3.40 PCT
1 MONTH 3.53 PCT 3.49 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.90 PCT 3.90 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.15 PCT 4.16 PCT
12 TOTAL TURNOVER MONTHS 4.93 PCT 5,210 MN 4.87 PCT 3,813 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVE KAI TAK EFFICIENCY: GOVERNOR ................ 1
DUTCH COMMUNITY PRAISED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN HK: CS ..................... 2
PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO KEEP PAY LEVEL UNDER RESTRAINT ................ 3
ADDITIONAL WORK AREAS FOR NEW AIRPORT APPROVED......................... 4
GOVT INTRODUCES MEASURES TO TACKLE TAX AVOIDANCE ...................... 5
CULTURAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA TO BE REINFORCED .......... 6
MEMBERSHIP OF TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE APPEAL BOARD PANEL ANNOUNCED .... 7
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER ...... 8
DIRECTOR OF MARINE VISITS SHIPYARDS ................................... 10
REGISTRATION OF A DEPOSIT-TAKING CO REVOKED ........................... 11
CONSTRUCTION OF BUS TERMINUS AND COACH PARK AT NGONG PING.............. 11
READY ACCEPTANCE OF THE DISABLED URGED ................................ 12
MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS WITH TWO SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLES ON SALE . 13
RECLAMATION PROPOSED IN FOUR AREAS .................................... 14
RECLAMATION ON LANTAU AND CHA KWO LING ................................ 15
LAND RESUMPTION IN NORTH DISTRICT...................................... 16
TENDERS INVITED FOR SHA TIN WORKS ..................................... 16
ARTS FESTIVAL IN YUEN LONG ............................................ 16
KEEP HK CLEAN CARNIVAL IN NORTH DISTRICT .............................. 17
KWAI TSING FESTIVAL SPORTS SECTION TO CLOSE ........................... 18
CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION IN YAU TSIM .............................. 18
FISHERMEN ON STUDY TOUR TO JAPAN ...................................... 19
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TIN WAN NEW STREET PROPOSED ...................... 20
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED .................. 21
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION .................... 21
AMENDED TIME FOR FIRING PRACTICE ...................................... 21
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 22
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVE KAI TAK EFFICIENCY: GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNMENT, TOGETHER WITH COMPANIES COMMITTED TO GROWTH, WILL WORK TO MAKE SURE THAT KAI TAK AIRPORT CAN MEET THE DEMANDS MADE ON IT UNTIL THE NEW AIRPORT OPENS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF TERMINAL 2 OF THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS (HACTL), SIR DAVID SAID HACTL OBVIOUSLY HAD GOOD REASON TO FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE AS IT HAD INCREASED ITS VOLUME OF BUSINESS BY FIVE TIMES IN THE 15 YEARS SINCE IT BEGAN OPERATIONS.
HE SAID HACTL ALREADY HAD THE LARGEST SINGLE AIR CARGO HANDLING FACILITY IN THE WORLD.
"AND NOW IT HAS INVESTED IN THIS IMPRESSIVE NEW SECOND TERMINAL. THE COMPANY IS CLEARLY COMMITTED TO GROWTH,” HE SAID.
"SO IS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS WORKING TO IMPROVE KAI TAK’S EFFICIENCY.
PASSENGER HANDLING CAPACITY WOULD INCREASE BY 20 PER CENT OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
SIR DAVID SAID THE KAI TAK AIRPORT IS NOW THE FOURTH BUSIEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD FOR FREIGHT.
"IT IS A MARK OF HONG KONG’S RESOURCEFULNESS THAT A CITY NOTABLE HISTORICALLY FOR ITS SUPERB DEEP NATURAL HARBOUR HAS MADE SUCH EXCELLENT USE OF AIR FREIGHT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT AIR FREIGHT WAS A RELATIVELY EXPENSIVE WAY TO MOVE GOODS.
"IT ONLY MAKES SENSE IF THE GOODS ARE TOP QUALITY, HIGH VALUE AND NEEDED URGENTLY SOMEWHERE ELSE," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WORKED IF DESPATCH AND DELIVERY WERE WELL ORGANISED AND THOROUGHLY RELIABLE.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE FACT THAT NEARLY ONE THIRD OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, IN TERMS OF VALUE, LEFT BY AIR SAID A GREAT DEAL FOR THE VIGOUR OF HONG KONG BUSINESS AND FOR THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY HACTL.
SIR DAVID ALSO FORESAW TREMENDOUS PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER GROWTH OF AIR CARGO ONCE THE NEW AIRPORT OPENS AT CHEK LAP KOK.
"THE PLANS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT ENVISAGE A 10-FOLD INCREASE IN THE ALREADY IMPRESSIVE QUANTITIES OF AIR FREIGHT THAT HONG KONG HANDLES," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
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/2 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991 2 -
DUTCH COMMUNITY PRAISED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN HK: CS
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY(FRIDAY) THAT HOLLAND IS NOW ONE OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "HOLLAND IN HONG KONG PROMOTION" EVENT, SIR DAVID SAID HOLLAND WAS NOW THE 13TH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER OF HONG KONG AND THE NINTH LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS.
NOTING THAT MANY DUTCH COMPANIES HAD SET UP BRANCHES, SUBSIDIARY OPERATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS HERE, SIR DAVID SAID AS A RESULT, HOLLAND HAD BECOME THE FIFTH LARGEST SOURCE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG.
"THE INAUGURATION OF THE DUTCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LAST MONTH IS FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE SIGNIFICANCE WHICH THE DUTCH BUSINESS COMMUNITY ATTACHES TO HONG KONG," HE SAID.
BESIDES, DUTCH COMPANIES WERE ALSO VERY ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS, SIR DAVID SAID.
"FOR EXAMPLE, AMONGST THE SIX PRE-QUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT SITE FORMATION CONTRACT, FOUR CONSORTIA HAVE DUTCH COMPANIES IN THEIR TEAMS.
"SEVERAL DUTCH CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS FOR OTHER AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS," HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT MORE CONTACTS BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND HOLLAND WERE BEING BUILT UP THROUGH TOURISM.
LAST YEAR, THERE WERE ABOUT 40,000 DUTCH PEOPLE COMING TO HONG KONG FOR HOLIDAY WHILE AMONGST HONG KONG’S 170,000 HOLIDAY-MAKERS TO EUROPE LAST YEAR, MANY OF THEM VISITED HOLLAND.
”1 AM SURE SUCH VISITS AND CONTACTS WILL CONTINUE TO GROW IN THE YEARS TO COME," HE SAID.
ON THE SIZE OF THE DUTCH COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS RELATIVELY SMALL, ABOUT 1,700 PEOPLE WORKING AND RESIDING HERE.
HOWEVER, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THEIR ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE WHICH WAS BEING DONE BY DUTCH PEOPLE HERE.
NOTING THAT APART FROM TRADE AND TOURISM, HOLLAND HAD MUCH TO OFFER, SIR DAVID SAID THE EVENT PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOLLAND.
CONGRATULATING THE ORGANISERS FOR BUILDING SUCH A WONDERFUL AND ATTRACTIVE DUTCH VILLAGE IN VICTORIA PARK, SIR DAVID SAID:" THIS IS A MOST INNOVATIVE AND INTERESTING WAY TO PROMOTE DUTCH PRODUCTS AND CULTURE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY."
/5.........
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 15, 1991
PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO KEEP PAY LEVEL UNDER RESTRAINT *****
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD KEEP THE LEVEL OF ITS PAY AWARDS WITHIN INFLATION AND CONTROL PRICE INCREASES IN ORDER TO COMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN CURBING INFLATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
"ANY RESTRAINT ON THE PART OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE PAY TREND SURVEY AND WILL BE MATCHED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE,” MR MACLEOD SAID.
"IT IS IMPORTANT ALSO THAT THE BENEFITS OF PAY RESTRAINT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE USED TO KEEP PRICE INCREASES TOO UNDER RESTRAINT, SO BENEFITTING EVERYONE BY BREAKING THE PRESENT COST-PRICE SPIRAL."
"FOR OUR PART, IN KEEPING WITH OUR OBJECTIVE THAT THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE MUST NOT AGGRAVATE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES, WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADOPT AN AUSTERE APPROACH IN CONSIDERING THE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES NEXT YEAR," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL BALL OF THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR MACLEOD NOTED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS CONTRIBUTED TO THE EFFORT TO CURB INFLATION THIS YEAR BY ACCEPTING A NON-INFLATIONARY PAY INCREASE.
THE SALARY INCREASE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FOR 1991-92, ANNOUNCED IN MAY, WAS 10.43 PER CENT. THIS WAS BASED ON THE INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) OVER THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS.
"AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF HIGH INFLATION AND SLOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH, IT WAS GENERALLY CONSIDERED A FAIR AWARD," HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO DO WHAT IT COULD TO TACKLE THE INFLATION PROBLEM.- "BUT THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT GO IT ALONE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION. WE LOOK TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO JOIN FORCES WITH US.
"THE DECISION OF LEADING BANKS THIS WEEK TO TIGHTEN THEIR MORTGAGE LENDING POLICIES IN A BID TO DAMPEN PROPERTY SPECULATION IS A WELCOME EXAMPLE.
"THE MOVE PROVIDES A TIMELY BOOST TO THE OTHER MEASURES WE HAVE TAKEN WITH THE AIM OF TAKING THE STEAM OUT OF INFLATIONARY PRESSURES," HE SAID.
ON THE RETAIL INDUSTRY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST REACHED OVER $12 BILLION, UP 27 PER CENT IN VALUE ON A YEAR PREVIOUSLY.
"AND SOME OF THE RESULTANT PROFIT IS BEING PLOUGHED BACK IN THE FORM OF LABOUR SAVING TECHNOLOGY.
/"I AM ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
”1 AM SURE YOUR ASSOCIATION’S EFFORTS SINCE ITS INCEPTION EIGHT YEARS AGO HAVE PLAYED A ROLE IN THESE ADVANCES,” HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
NOTE THAT THE SPEECH IS ALS0 EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL 8 PM TODAY 1r KIDA Y) •
- - 0 - -
ADDITIONAL WORK AREAS FOR NEW AIRPORT APPROVED
******
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED WITHOUT MODIFICATION THE PROPOSAL OF RECLAMATION AND ASSOCIATED WORKS OF ABOUT 497 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED IN THE VICINITY OF CHEK LAP KOK FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTS.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THESE AREAS ARE ADDITIONAL TO THE AREA OF ABOUT 1,900 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED PREVIOUSLY AUTHORISED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL IN JULY THIS YEAR FOR AIRPORT WORKS TO TAKE PLACE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKS BRANCH EXPLAINED THAT THE ADDITIONAL AREAS INVOLVED COVERED 112 HECTARES ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND A TRIANGULAR AREA OF ABOUT 385 HECTARES TO THE EAST OF IT.
THE 112 HECTARES ARE REQUIRED FOR RECLAMATION TO ACCOMODATE THE WIDER RUNWAY SEPARATION OF THE NEW AIRPORT. THE SEABED OF THE TRIANGULAR AREA OF 385 HECTARES WILL BE LOWERED BY DREDGING WORKS TO ALLOW FOR DEEPER MARINE ACCESS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSAL ON SUCH WORKS HAD BEEN MET WITH A SINGLE OBJECTION FROM THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE (WWF) ON THE GROUNDS OF POSSIBLE ADVERSE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. THE OBJECTION HAS NOT BEEN WITHDRAWN.
SINCE THE OBJECTION ARISES FROM THE AIRPORT PROJECT AS A WHOLE AND THE RECLAMATION AND DREDGING UNDER THE PROPOSAL CANNOT BE MODIFIED OR CONDITIONED TO MEET THE OBJECTION, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH SUCH WORKS WITHOUT MODIFICATION.
THIS HAS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION OF THE SIGNIFICANCE AND URGENCY OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS FOR WHICH IF APPROVAL WERE NOT GIVEN OR NOT APPROVED IN FULL, IT WOULD INEVITABLY LEAD TO EITHER THE AIRPORT BEING UNABLE TO BE COMPLETED TO ITS MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE OR A DELAY OF ITS OPENING.
/REGARDING EFFORTS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
5
REGARDING EFFORTS MADE TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE ENVIRONMENTALISTS, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED THAT, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, AN INTEGRATED APPROACH SHOULD BE ADOPTED FOR CO-ORDINATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ECOLOGICAL MITIGATION MEASURES RECOMMENDED UNDER VARIOUS PORT AND AIRPORT STRATEGY STUDIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AFFECTED MAY SUBMIT A CLAIM BEFORE NOVEMBER 14 NEXT YEAR TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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GOVT INTRODUCES MEASURES TO TACKLE TAX AVOIDANCE *****
A BILL, WHICH SEEKS TO STOP TAX AVOIDANCE INVOLVING THE PURCHASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND THE LEASING OF ITEMS SUCH AS SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT, IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FIRST PART OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL, 1991 SEEKS TO AMEND SECTION 16E OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS SECTION WAS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE THE UPGRADING OF TECHNOLOGY TN HONG KONG BY ALLOWING DEDUCTION FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON THE PURCHASE OF PATENT RIGHTS, OR RIGHTS TO ANY TRADE MARK OR DESIGN.
"BUT IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT THE MEASURE HAS BEEN EXPLOITED AS A TAX AVOIDANCE SCHEME," HE SAID.
THE AMENDMENTS DEFINE MORE STRICTLY THE TYPES OF EXPENDITURE WHICH QUALIFY FOR DEDUCTION.
IN ESSENCE, DEDUCTIONS WOULD IN FUTURE BE RESTRICTED TO EXPENDITURE ON PATENT RIGHTS, OR EXPENDITURE ON INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION AND TECHNIQUES LIKELY TO ASSIST IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PROCESSING OF GOODS AND MATERIALS.
DEDUCTIONS WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN RESPECT OF TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN ASSOCIATED PARTIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY GAVE CLEAR NOTICE OF THESE MEASURES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 17 THIS YEAR WHEN CONCLUDING THE 1991-92 BUDGET DEBATE.
"HE INDICATED THAT THE AMENDMENTS WOULD APPLY TO TRANSACTIONS ENTERED INTO AFTER THAT DATE,” HE SAID.
THE SECOND PART OF THE BILL DEALS WITH LEVERAGED LEASING. IN 1986, LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED TO RESTRICT DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES FOR TAX PURPOSES WHERE SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN ACQUIRED THROUGH LEVERAGED LEASE TRANSACTIONS AND THE USER OF THE SHIP OR AIRCRAFT WAS NOT A HONG KONG OPERATOR.
/"SINCE 1986 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
6
’’SINCE 1986, MANY INSTANCES HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERED WHERE THE USER IS A FOREIGN OPERATOR BUT WHERE, UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES CANNOT BE DENIED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ’’THE AMOUNT OF TAX LEAKAGE WHICH HAS OCCURRED THROUGH THESE TRANSACTIONS HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIAL.”
ON NOVEMBER 14, 1990, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT STEPS WOULD BE TAKEN TO DENY DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCES TO ALL FOREIGN OPERATORS OF SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT.
THE PROVISIONS OF THE NEW BILL WOULD THEREFORE GENERALLY APPLY TO TRANSACTIONS ENTERED INTO AFTER THAT DATE.
’’THIS TYPE OF LEVERAGED LEASING TRANSACTION HAS GENERALLY BEEN CARRIED OUT THROUGH A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP WITH LIMITED LIABILITY.
"OUR PROPOSAL IS THAT THE SHARE OF ANY PARTNER’S LOSS FROM SUCH A PARTNERSHIP BE SET OFF AGAINST HIS OTHER INCOME WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO THE AMOUNT HE ACTUALLY HAD AT RISK IN THE PARTNERSHIP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 27.
--------0-’---------
CULTURAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA TO BE REINFORCED-
*****
BOTH THE HONG KONG AND THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENTS HAD AGREED TO REINFORCE CULTURAL’ I.INKS AND STAGE RECIPROCAL FESTIVALS TO STRENGTHEN THE GROWING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"IN MAY AND JUNE THIS YEAR, CANADA MOUNTED FESTIVAL CANADA ’91 HERE, AND PLANNING IS UNDERWAY FOR FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 TO BE HELD IN CANADA NEXT YEAR," MR SO SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AT CAUSEWAY BAY, MR SO SAID LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA WERE GROWING AT A VERY FAST PACE DURING THE LAST DECADE.
"INCREASING NUMBERS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE SETTLING IN CANADA AND MANY CANADIANS ARE COMING HERE TO WORK OR DO BUSINESS," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING DEPENDED ON ITS BE TNG AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS KEEN TO MAKE HONG KONG AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE IN, INCLUDING FOR THOSE FOREIGN NATIONALS AND RETURNED EMIGRANTS WHO WERE WORKING OR DOING BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
"PROVIDING SUITABLE EDUCATION TO THEIR CHILDREN IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN HELPING THEM DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO COME TO HONG KONG TO WORK OR DO BUSINESS.
/•'THE IMPORTANCE.......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
7
"THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NEW CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL THEREFORE LIES NOT ONLY IN PROVIDING A CANADIAN CURRICULUM EDUCATION FOR THE CANADIAN EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY, IT ALSO SERVES THE WIDER ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INTERESTS OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR SO, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING GROUP OVERSEEING THE ORGANISATION OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92, WELCOMED THE FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF THE GROWING BOND BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA BY THE OPENING OF THE NEW SCHOOL, AND INVITED IT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 IN CANADA NEXT SEPTEMBER.
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MEMBERSHIP OF TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE APPEAL BOARD PANEL ANNOUNCED ******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT- OF MR-HENRY LITTON, QC, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE APPEAL BOARD PANEL UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
THE PANEL IS SET UP UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1991.
ALSO ANNOUNCED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S GAZETTE ARE THE APPOINTMENTS OF THE OTHER MEMBERS TO THE PANEL.
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM NOVEMBER 18, THE DATE ON WHICH THE ORDINANCE COMMENCES.
MR LITTON IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF A NUMBER OF STATUTORY APPEAL BODIES ON POLLUTION CONTROL MATTERS AND A MEMBER OF THE PANEL OF ARBITRATION.
THE MEMBERS ARE FROM A VARIETY OF PROFESSIONS, INCLUDING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, ADMINISTRATION, ARCHITECTURE, ACADEMIC AND OTHERS. THEY ARE:
MR ROBERT TANG CHING (DEPUTY CHAIRMAN)
MR CHAN PAK-KEUNG
MRS PAMELA CHAN WONG SHU I
MR STEPHEN CHENG WUI-YAU
THE HON MARVIN CHEUNG KIN-TUNG
DR NELSON CHOW WING-SUN
MR DAVID C. DA SILVA
/MR FAN ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
8
MR FAN SAI-YEE
MR H.M.G. FORSGATE
DR PETER RONALD HILLS
DR LAM KIN-CHE
MRS ALICE PIERA LAM LEE KIU-YUE
DR JOHN 1.0 STEW-KI ONG
THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG
DR MARGARET NG NGOI-YEE
THE HON HOWARD YOUNG HOW-WAH
MR JASON YUEN KI NG-YUK
ACCORDING TO THE ORDINANCE, APPEAL BOARD MEMBERS ARE NOT CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
IT-ALSO STIPULATES THAT THE .CHAIRMAN OR THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND FOUR OTHER MEMBERS OF THE APPEAL BOARD PANEL WOULD CONSTITUTE AN APPEAL BOARD TO HEAR AN APPEAL.
THE DECISION OF THE APPEAL BOARD AGAINST THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD’S DECISION ON A PLANNING APPLICATION IS FINAL.
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UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WAS 2.1%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1991 WAS 1.9%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.6%.
THE RECENT MODERATE DECLINE IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE INDICATED THAT CONDITION IN THE LABOUR MARKET HAD TIGHTENED UP SLIGHTLY. MEANWHILE, THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1991 WAS 2.1%, COMPARED WITH 2.4% FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1991 AND 1.7% FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
/THE DECREASE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
9 -
THE DECREASE OF 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE INCREASE OF 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 WAS ESTIMATED AT 57,700, COMPARED WITH 66,900 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1991 AND 46,600 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE1 UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1991 WAS 1.5%, COMPARED WITH 1.7% FOR APRIL TO JUNE 1991 AND 1.0% 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 WHILE THE INCREASE OF 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 WAS 43,200, COMPARED WITH 46,700 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1991 AND 28,500 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
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 ft NABI LITY TO FIND FULL-TIME WORK) WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONtY IF THEY WERE EITHER SEEKING OR AVAILABLE FOR MORE WORK.
AS THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (E.G. 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 UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1991 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,700 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
/DETAILED ANALYSIS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
_ 10 _
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1991 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND DECEMBER 20 AT $13.50 PER COPY.
0
DIRECTOR OF MARINE VISITS SHIPYARDS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (FRIDAY) HAD A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE PLANS AND ACTIVITIES OF TWO OF HONG KONG’S LEADING SHIPYARDS AS PART OF HIS SERIES OF FAMILIARISATION VISITS TO THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY.
THE TWO ARE THE .HONG KONG SHIPYARD LIMITED AND CHEOY LEE. SHIPYARDS, LTD.
MR MILLER STARTED HIS HALF-DAY PROGRAMME WITH A VISIT TO HONG KONG SHIPYARD IN TAI KOK TSUI, KOWLOON WHERE HE WAS WELCOMED BY MR BRIAN KA-CHUN LO, THE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER.
MR LO TOLD MR MILLER THAT HONG KONG SHIPYARD IS A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG FERRY GROUP AND ITS MAIN ROLE IS TO PROVIDE THE NORMAL AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY REPAIR SERVICES TO THE HONG KONG FERRY’S FLEET OF 84 CONVENTIONAL AND HOVERCRAFT FERRIES.
IN ADDITION, HONG KONG SHIPYARD ALSO PROVIDES MAINTENANCE AND DOCKING FACILITIES TO DRYDOCK VESSELS UP TO 1,500 TONS INCLUDING CATAMARANS, OIL BARGES AND PATROL CRAFT.
SOME 700 VESSELS ARE DRYDOCKED AT HONG KONG SHIPYARD ANNUALLY, MR LO SAID.
MR MILLER LATER SAILED TO THE 19.5-HECTARE CHEOY LEE SHIPYARD IN PENNY’S BAY, LANTAU ISLAND WHERE HE WAS MET BY THE COMPANY’S DIRECTOR MR KEN LO.
MR KEN LO SAID CHEOY LEE SHIPYARD IS MAINLY INVOLVED IN SHIP AND BOAT BUILDING AND (’ATERS TO BOTH HONG KONG AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS INCLUDING NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, THE MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIA.
THE SHIPYARD BUILDS PLEASURE CRAFT UP TO 40 METRES IN LENGTH, GLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC WORK BOATS UP TO 30 METRES AND STEEL SHIPS UP TO 60 METRES. CHEOY LEE IS NOW WORKING ON ORDERS FOR A TOTAL OF 48 NEW BOATS INCLUDING THREE FOR THE GOVERNMENT FLEET.
THE SHIPYARD ALSO HAS A TERM MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF 20 GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES, MR LO SAID.
DURING THE VISITS, MR MILLER ALSO MET OTHER SENIOR EXECUTIVES FROM BOTH SHIPYARDS. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (GOVERNMENT FLEET), MR PETER CRISP.
------0-------
/fl ....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
11
REGISTRATION OF A DEPOSIT-TAKING CO REVOKED
******
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF DBS ASIA LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON NOVEMBER 15, 1991 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
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CONSTRUCTION OF BUS TERMINUS AND COACH PARK AT NGONG PING
******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A BUS TERMINUS AND COACH PARK AT NGONG PING ON LANTAU ISLAND TO FACILITATE THE PICKING-UP AND SETTING-DOWN ACTIVITIES FOR BUS AND COACH PASSENGERS.
"AT PRESENT, SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED AT THE TURN-ROUND AREA NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF PO LIN MONASTERY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THIS ARRANGEMENT IS UNSATISFACTORY AS IT REDUCES EFFECTIVE ROAD SPACE AND LEADS TO POSSIBLE CONFLICT BETWEEN PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES AT THE TURN-ROUND AREA.
"THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO DETERIORATE AS THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO NGONG PING WILL INCREASE ON COMPLETION OF THE STATUE OF BUDDHA AT PO LIN MONASTERY," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO BUS BAYS AND SIX COACH PARKING SPACES AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED CARRIAGEWAYS, FOOTPATHS, EARTHWORKS, STAIRCASE, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS TOGETHER WITH A SCHEME DESCRIPTION CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 19TH AND 20TH FLOOR RESPECTIVELY OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; -AND
/* THE ISLANDS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
12
* THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE’S MUI WO SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MUI WO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 NGAN KWONG WAN ROAD, MUI WO , LANTAU.
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 JANUARY 14 NEXT YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS.
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READY ACCEPTANCE OF THE DISABLED URGED *****
THE SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS IN OPEN. EMPLOYMENT DEPENDS ON THEIR ACCEPTANCE BY THE COMMUNITY, IN PARTICULAR BY EMPLOYERS.
THIS WAS STATED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR NG MING-YUM TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN OPENING THE "EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED" EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, THE SPD, APART FROM KEEPING UP PLACEMENT EFFORTS, ALSO ORGANISES MANY PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES TO HELP THE PUBLIC BETTER UNDERSTAND THE DISABLED, ESPECIALLY THEIR WORKING ABILITIES," MR NG SAID.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED 415 VISITS TO EMPLOYERS IN DIFFERENT TRADES IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS THIS YEAR TO SECURE SUITABLE JOBS FOR DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS.
THE SPD HAS ALSO INCREASED THE CIRCULATION OF ITS QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER TO 8,000 COPIES TO KEEP EMPLOYERS AND REHABILITATION ORGANISATIONS POSTED ON THE SPD’S LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND TO GIVE PROFILES OF SOME DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS.
"TODAY’S EXHIBITION DOES NOT ONLY BROADEN OUR HORIZON IN RESPECT OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED, IT ALSO TELLS US THAT SUCCESSFUL VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES DEPEND ON THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION OF ALL THE RELATED ORGANISATIONS," HE' NOTED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID: "LIKE MOST OF THEIR ABLE-BODIED COUNTERPARTS, DISABLED PERSONS WANT TO EARN A LIVING BY THEMSELVES AND BE A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER OF SOCIETY."
MR CHEN APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS TO GIVE THE DISABLED A CHANCE TO PROVE THEIR ABILITIES, AND URGED EVERY ABLE-BODIED PERSON TO ACCEPT THEM WITH AN OPEN MIND.
/"THE SPD,.......
1?
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
"THE SPD, IN THEIR FULL CONVICTION OF 'TOGETHER WE CONTRIBUTE’, WILL ENDEAVOUR TO ASSIST THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED, THE HEARING IMPAIRED, THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, THE MENTALLY-RETARDED AND THE EX-MENTALLY ILL IN SECURING OPEN EMPLOYMENT," MR CHEN SAID.
IN EACH OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE SPD ON AVERAGE MADE MORE THAN 1,000 PLACEMENTS FOR THE DISABLED.
MORE EMPLOYERS ARE USING THE FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE SPD, SOME 530 SO FAR THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH 500 LAST YEAR.
THE "EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED" EXHIBITION, STAGED AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI, IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY, FROM 10 AM TO 6.30 PM, UNTIL NOVEMBER 21.
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MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS WITH TWO SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLES ON SALE ******
THE SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS, WHICH CONTAINS TWO SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLES ENTITLED "THE NEW HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION" (HSIC) AND "HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE IN 1989 AND 1990”, IS NOW ON SALE.
THE HSIC AIMS AT STANDARDISING THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE EXISTING CLASSIFICATIONS OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES BEING USED IN THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, HAVING REGARD TO INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY, CONTINUITY OF STATISTICS AND THE PREVAILING LOCAL INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURE.
THE HSIC IS DEVISED BY USING THE UNITED NATIONS’ INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION AS A FRAMEWORK AND ADAPTING IT TO REFLECT THE CURRENT STRUCTURE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY. THE HSIC HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY THE DEPARTMENT AS FROM THIS YEAR.
THE FIRST SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HSIC AND THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATIONS PREVIOUSLY USED BY THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE HSIC.
EXAMPLES ON USING THE HSIC IN THE QUARTERLY SURVEYS OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL, AND THE ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS ARE ALSO GIVEN IN THIS ARTICLE.
THE SECOND SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE PRESENTS STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE IN 1989 AND LAST YEAR, BASED ON RESULTS OF THE SURVEY ON EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THE SURVEY ON IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
COMPARISONS ARE FOCUSED ON TWO AREAS, NAMELY THE TREND OF OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE WITH CHINA AND BREAKDOWN STATISTICS BY NINE BROAD COMMODITY GROUPS AND BY AREA IN CHINA WHERE PROCESSING WORK WAS DONE.
/BESIDES, TO ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
14
BESIDES, TO ENABLE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG - CHINA TRADE, SOME BROAD ANALYSES ON HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA AFTER EXCLUDING OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE ARE ALSO PRESENTED IN THIS ARTICLE.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST- OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $48 PER COPY.
PURCHASES MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG, AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
RECLAMATION PROPOSED IN FOUR AREAS
******
THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO GRANT PERMISSION FOR RECLAMATION IN FOUR AREAS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN TUEN MUN, THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED INTENDS TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AND DREDGING WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 923 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT BLACK POINT.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE ABOUT 86 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THERMAL POWER STATION.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN LATE NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1995.
ON NORTH TSING YI, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT A LEASE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.47 .HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CEMENT PLANT.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN LATE NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1993.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING TENANCY TO ABERDEEN BOAT CLUB WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,300 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE NORTHERN COAST OF TONG PO CHAU (MIDDLE ISLAND).
THIS IS TO PROVIDE ABOUT 760 SQUARE METRES OF LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CLUBHOUSE, BOATSHED AND ADDITIONAL HARDSTAND1NG FOR THE CLUB.
WORKS. ARE EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR..
ALSO, IT IS INTENDED TO PERMIT HO TIN AND ASSOCIATES TO CONSTRUCT TWO REINFORCED CONCRETE PLATFORMS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 128 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT SHAM WAN/ABERDEEN CHANNEL.
/THE PLATFORMS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
- 15 -
THE PLATFORMS WILL BE USED FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICITY TO TAI PAR AND SEA PALACE FLOATING RESTAURANTS.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START ONCE AUTHORISATION IS GRANTED AND TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
OR
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED JN THE PROJECTS MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS
ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14 NEXT YEAR.
---------0-----------
RECLAMATION ON LANTAU AND CHA KWO LING ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION IN TWO AREAS.
THE FIRST PROJECT IS TO BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT' 19.65 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TA PANG PO, NORTH LANTAU.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE LANDFALLS TO RECEIVE SUBMARINE GAS AND WATER PIPELINES FROM TAI LAM KOK.
WORK WILL START IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1995.
THE OTHER PROJECT IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 720-METRE VERTICAL SEAWALL AND THE RECLAMATION OF FOUR HECTARES OF LAND WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 8.4 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT CHA KWO LING, KOWLOON.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA, A MARINE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND A SEWAGE TREATMENT LANDING AREA.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER 1993.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORES AND SEABEDS INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE PROJECTS MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 14 NEXT YEAR.
DETAILS OF THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
------0-----------
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
16
LAND RESUMPTION IN NORTH DISTRICT
***** *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME LAND IN THE NORTH DISTRICT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LANDFILL SITE WITH WORKS PROGRAMMED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
LOCATED IN TA KWU LING, THE LAND TO BE. RESUMED COMPRISES 15 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 17,781 SQUARE METRES.
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
--------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR SHA TIN WORKS *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SHEUNG/HA KENG HAU AND HIN TIN IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A VEHICULAR ACCESS ROAD, ELECTRIC SUBSTATIONS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AS WELL AS DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE WORKS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 6.
FORMS OF TENDER AND PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANT ASIA LTD AT 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN.
------0-------
ARTS FESTIVAL IN YUEN LONG
*****
THE ELEVENTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL KICK OFF ON NOVEMBER 30 (SATURDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW KEE-WING SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON THAT THE FESTIVAL WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING ARTISTIC ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
IT WILL FEATURE 14 EVENTS, INCLUDING EXHIBITIONS, DANCES, DRAMAS. MGS IC AND FILM SHOWS.
/COSTING OVER .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
_ 17
COSTING OVER $1 MILLION, MR CHOW SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS SPONSORED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE OPENING CEREMONY CUM VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 30 AT 7.30 PM IN LUT SAU HALL, YUEN LONG.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE CEREMONY ARE AVAILABLE AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, FUNG KAM STREET INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, NANYANG COMMERCIAL BANK, LONG PING YOUTH CENTRE, DAH SING BANK, AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES COUNTER.
----0------
KEEP HK CLEAN CARNIVAL IN NORTH DISTRICT
******
A CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE IN THE-NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 17) AT FANLING PLAYGROUND, BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
ADMISSION TO THE CARNIVAL IS FREE. ONE OF THE ATTRACTIONS IS A 10-METRE BY 2.5-METRE DRAWING WALL FOR CHILDREN TO PAINT ON.
OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE AN INFLATABLE CASTLE, STALL GAMES, SINGING AND ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES AND A LUCKY DRAW.
THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN, IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR GILBERT LEUNG; THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI'; THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR PANG HANG-YIN; AND A REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR CHEUNG KUEN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 17) AT 2 PM AT FANLING PLAYGROUND.
/I9
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
’ 18
KWAI TSING FESTIVAL SPORTS SECTION TO CLOSE
******
THE SHENZHEN MARTIAL ARTS TEAM AND GYMNASTIC TEAM WILL PERFORM AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE SPORTS SECTION OF THE KWAI TSING FESTIVAL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 17) AFTERNOON.
OVER 30 ATHLETES WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS AT THE CHEUNG FAT ESTATE INDOOR GAMES HALL ON TSING YI ISLAND. THE SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG, THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG, AND A REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR CHOW YICK-HAY WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY.
THE KWAI TSING FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY A CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE $1.6 MILLION EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE ARTS ACTIVITIES OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH AND WILL LAST FOR THREE WEEKS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SHENZHEN MARTIAL ARTS TEAM AND GYMNASTIC TEAM TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 17) AT THE CHEUNG FAT ESTATE INDOOR GAMES HALL, TSING YI ISLAND.
--------0-----------
CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION IN YAU TSIM
*♦»*♦♦
CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND 13 ARE INVITED TO JOIN A DRAWING AND PAINTING COMPETITION ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 17) AT THE PIAZZA OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD.
CONTESTANTS WILL DRAW ON THE THEME "LOVELY YAM TSIM" WHILE THOSE UNDER NINE YEARS OLD CAJ ALSO TAKE PART IN THE PAINTING SECTION.
GIFT AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF EACH SECTION.
THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART SHOULD ENROL AT THE RECEPTION AREA AT THE PIAZZA BEFORE 1.30 PM.
/CRAYONS, DRAWING ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
19
CRAYONS, DRAWING BOARDS AND PAPERS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD AT 5 PM. ASSISTANT YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CLARA TANG; URBAN COUNCILLOR MR IP KWOK-CHUNG; POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, MR GILBERT JORGE AND THE DB’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR NG KIN-SUN, WILL BE PRESENT.
A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING SINGING AND DANCING WILL START AT 3.30 PM, AFTER THE COMPETITION.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMPETITION WHICH WILL START AT 1.30 PM, SUNDAY. THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL START AT 5 PM.
-----0-----
FISHERMEN ON STUDY TOUR TO JAPAN
******
A GROUP OF 20 LOCAL FISHERMEN WILL SET OFF FOR JAPAN ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 18) FOR AN EIGHT-DAY TOUR TO STUDY MODERN FISHING TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETING SYSTEMS THERE.
THE STUDY TOUR, THE 10TH SINCE 1981, IS THE BIGGEST IN SIZE. IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO).
SPEAKING AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY) TO MARK THE DEPARTURE OF THE GROUP, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID APART FROM SIX OUTSTANDING FISHERMEN BEING SPONSORED BY THE FMO, 14 FISHERMEN WOULD TAKE PART IN THE TRIP AT THEIR OWN COST.
’’THIS REFLECTS THAT LOCAL FISHERMEN ARE PLACING MORE AND MORE EMPHASIS ON MODERN FISHING TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR OPERATIONS.
"IT ALSO DEMONSTRATES THEIR POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL FISHING INDUSTRY.”
DR LEE HOPED THAT THE FISHERMEN WOULD MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN UP-TO-DATE KNOWLEDGE AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER FISHERMEN TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE LOCAL FISHING INDUSTRY ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.
THE GROUP, LED BY SENIOR FISHERIES OFFICER, MR RAYMOND CHUNG, WILL VISIT FISHING PORTS IN SAPPORO, SENDAI, HAKODATE AND SHIOGAMA.
/THEY WILL .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 199]
20 -
THEY WILL ALSO TOUR A NUMBER OF FISHING GEAR FACTORIES, FISHERIES PRODUCT PROCESSING PLANTS, FISH MARKETS, FISHING BOATS AND SHIPYARDS.
DURING THE TOUR, THEY WILL MEET FISHERMEN AND PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR NEW FISHING TECHNOLOGY,
COUNTRIES VISITED BY PREVIOUS STUDY GROUPS INCLUDED SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN, CHINA, SINGAPORE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, NORWAY, AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED STATES, HOLLAND, GERMANY AND DENMARK.
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, DR LEE PRESENTED A BANNER TO A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DELEGATION, MR EWOK SO, TO WISH THEM A SUCCESSFUL TRIP.
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TIN WAN NEW STREET PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CLOSE TIN WAN NEW TEMPORARILY FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF TIN WAN ESTATE IN ABERDEEN
STREET
THE REDEVELOPMENT, 2,724 RENTAL AND 700 HOME PEOPLE.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1995/96*, WILL PROVIDE
OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS FOR ABOUT 12,750
TIN WAN NEW STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM YEAR TO APRIL 1996 TO FACILITATE THE NECESSARY WORKS.
MARCH
NEXT
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE PUBLISHED GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN A NOTICE IN THE
THE PLANS AND SCHEME OF THE .PROPOSAL CAN BE INSPECTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
BY
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
HONG KONG SOUTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SOUTHORN CENTRE. 20TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND AND SECOND FLOORS MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN. ’
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN NEXT YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS OR THE USE.
TO
THE
WRITE
SECOND
EAST WING, JANUARY 14 HE ALLEGES
Z2 I .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1991
21
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT TWO BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER THE THIRD FLOOR OF NO. 27 HAK PO STREET AND THE ROOF OVER THE THIRD FLOOR OF NO. 78 SHAN TUNG STREET.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
_ _ 0----------
NO NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION
*****
NO NOMINATION IS RECEIVED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE BY-ELECTION, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 18.
THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE NOMINATION STARTED ON NOVEMBER 4.
------0--------
AMENDED TIME FOR FIRING PRACTICE
*****
THE AMENDED TIME FOR FIRING PRACTICE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON NOVEMBER 20 (WEDNESDAY) WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PRACTICE WILL LAST FROM 8.30 AM TO 11 PM.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
- - 0 - -
/22.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15,
1991
22
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 14,11.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 15.11.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.1 *+0.0* 15.11.91
MILLION
500
+ 574
-574
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
'14.11.91 15.11.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.57 PCT 3.51 PCT
1 MONTH 3.53 PCT 3.60 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.90 PCT 3.89 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.15 PCT 4.15 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.93 PCT 4.85 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 5,210 MN 7,012 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR CONFIDENT NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE COMPLETED ON TIME ............. 1
FS TO VISIT CHINA ..................................................... 2
EFFORTS OF AL.L PARTIES NEEDED TO CHECK INFLATION ..................... 3
WELFARE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY WELL-ESTABLISHED ......................... 4
ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO UPDATE CAREERS GUIDANCE SERVICE IN SCHOOLS ....... 5
REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS BEGINS ......................... 5
ROYAL HK AUXILIARY POLICE PRAISED ..................................... 6
1,320 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN OCTOBER ........................... 7
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME AT AUSTIN ROAD PROPOSED ............................ 7
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ................................... 8
VESSELS ALERTED TO ROUND HONG KONG ISLAND YACHT RACE .................. 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 9
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
1
GOVERNOR CONFIDENT NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE COMPLETED ON TIME
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID Wil,SON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE FIRST RUNWAY OF THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD BE COMPLETED ON TIME.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING CHEK LAP KOK THIS MORNING, SIR DAVID SAID: "IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD GET AHEAD AND WE SHOULD TRY TO COMPLETE THE FIRST RUNWAY ON TIME, THAT IS DURING 1997."
COMMENTING ON THE PRICING OF THE AIRPORT PROJECT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE ESTIMATE OF THE PRICES.
"WHAT THERE HAS BEEN IS A BRIEFING PREPARED FOR THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WHICH EXPLAINS WHAT PRICING IN REAL TERMS, REAL TERM PRICES HAVE NOT CHANGED.
"BUT IF YOU’RE LOOKING ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF ACTUAL MONEY TO BE SPENT IN THE YEAR THAT IT WILL BE SPENT, WHICH IS WHAT’S CALLED PRICES OF THE DAY; MONEY OF THE DAY, THEN YOU HAVE TO ALLOW FOR INFLATION.
"SO AN ESTIMATE WAS GIVEN TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF WHAT THE PRICE WOULD BE ALLOWING FOR INFLATION. BUT THE REAL PRICE, THE PRICE. IN REAL TERMS HAVE NOT ALTERED AT ALL," SIR DAVID SAID.
DURING THE VISIT, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, MR RICHARD ALLEN, BRIEFED THE GOVERNOR ON THE PROGRESS OF WORK BEING CARRIED OUT AT CHEK LAP KOK»
"I’VE JUST BEEN TOLD THE ADVANCE WORKS WILL BE COMPLETED DURING NEXT YEAR, THAT IS ’92, AND WILL BE STARTING WORK ON THE MAIN PLATFORM DURING 1992 BECAUSE THERE’S AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF WORK TO BE DONE AND THEY HAVE TO GET ON WITH IT VERY FAST," SIR DAVID SAID.
ASKED ABOUT MR ALLEN LEE’S DECISION TO STEP DOWN AS SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD COME AS A SURPRISE TO HIM, BUT HE ADDED: "IT’S SOMETHING THAT HE MUST DECIDE ON FOR HIMSELF.
"IT'S VERY MUCH A PERSONAL DECISION. AND NOW IT MUST BE UP TO LEGCO, FOR THE MEMBERS OF LEGCO, TO DECIDE WHAT STEPS TO TAKE NEXT," HE SAID.
"THE ONE POINT I WOULD MAKE WOUT MR ALLEN LEE IS THAT I THINK HE HAS DONE A VERY GOOD JOB AS SENIOR MEMBER, NOT JUST IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS SINCE THE NEW LEGCO, BUT IN THE LONG PERIOD HE SERVED AS SENIOR MEMBER BEFORE THAT. AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK HIM FOR THE WORK THAT HE’S DONE," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WHAT WE’VE GOT IS, I THINK, AN EVOLVING SITUATION. AS LEGCO CHANGES, SO SOME OF’ THE WAY IN WHICH LEGCO WANTS TO CONDUCT IT'S BUSINESS IS BOUND TO CHANGE.
/"AS YOU ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1B91
- 2 -
"AS YOU KNOW THE POSITION OF SENIOR MEMBER IS NOT SOMETHING LAID DOWN IN THE CONSTITUTION; IT’S AN INFORMAL WAY OF DOING THINGS, AND AS LEGCO CHANGES IT WANTS TO LOOK AT THE WAY IT DOES THINGS AND IT’S NOT AT ALL SURPRISING TO MY MIND THAT THEY WILL LOOK AT DIFFERENT WAYS OF RUNNING THEIR OWN BUSINESS.
"THEY’LL WANT TO LOOK AT THE QUESTION OF SENIOR MEMBER; AND YOU KNOW THIS TIME INSTEAD OF A SENIOR MEMBER AS IT WERE, BEING APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR I TOOK THE VIEW THAT THAT SHOULD BE FOR MEMBERS THEMSELVES TO DECIDE ON; THAT IS WHAT WAS DONE AND NOW WITH ALLEN LEE HAVING STEPPED DOWN IT WILL BE FOR THE MEMBERS THEMSELVES TO DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT TO DO NEXT," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
ASKED IF MR LEE’S RESIGNATION REFLECTED THAT FACTIONAL POLITICS IN LEGCO WOULD INTENSIFY, SIR DAVID SAID: "WHEN YOU’VE GOT A NEW SORT OF LEGCO WITH PEOPLE BEING ELECTED IN DIFFERENT WAYS I THINK YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE MORE DISCUSSION; YOU CAN SAY THAT PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT GROUPS PUTTING FORWARD DIFFERENT SORTS OF VIEWS, BUT I DON’T THINK THIS IS JUST STRAIGHTFORWARD FACTIONAL POLITICS.
"IT’S PART OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE HONG KONG SYSTEM IN WHICH YOU HAVE DIFFERENT GROUPS PUTTING FORWARD DIFFERENT VIEWS. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, AS LONG AS EVERYBODY HAS THE COMMON INTENTION OF TRYING TO REACH CONCLUSIONS WHICH ARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG AND I THINK THAT IS WHAT MOST PEOPLE; I THINK IT’S ACTUALLY WHAT EVERY PERSON IN LEGCO REALLY WANTS TO DO, TO WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG. THAT’S CERTAINLY WHAT I WILL WANT TO ENCOURAGE AND TO DO," HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT THE ISSUE OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, THE GOVERNOR SAID HF HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE PROGRAMME OF RETURNING THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TO THEIR HOMES SHOULD GO ON.
"AFTER ALL THE SITUATION IS STILL THERE THAT WE HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HERE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES; THEY’VE BEEN FOUND BY A VERY THOROUGH SCREENING PROCESS, NOT TO BE REFUGEES. IT IS TOTALLY WRONG IN MY VIEW AND VERY SERIOUSLY INHUMANE THAT THEY SHOULD REMAIN IN CAMPS FOR YEAR AFTER YEAR, PARTICULARLY YOUNG CHILDREN," SIR DAVID SAID.
--------0-----------
FS TO VISIT CHINA * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, . MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL PAY A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO CHINA FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 18) TO SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
MR MACLEOD WILL MEET CHINESE OFFICIALS AND LEADERS IN THE BANKING AND BUSINESS SECTOR IN PEKING, SHANGHAI, CANTON AND SHENZHEN.
/THE FINANCIAL ......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
3 -
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL FIRST ARRIVE IN PEKING WHERE HE WILL MEET OFFICIALS AT THE STATE PLANNING COMMISSION, MINISTRY OF FINANCE, MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE, BANK OF CHINA AND PEOPLE'S BANK OF CHINA.
HE WILL ALSO CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR LU PING.
WHILST IN PEKING, MR MACLEOD WILL ALSO VISIT THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OFFICE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL THEN FLY TO SHANGHAI ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 21) WHERE HE WILL VISIT THE DEVELOPMENT AREA OF PUDONG AND MEET OFFICIALS AT THE SHANGHAI BRANCH OF THE PEOPLE’S BANK.
HE WILL ALSO CALL ON THE MAYOR OF SHANGHAI, MR HUANG JU.
MR MACLEOD WILL TRAVEL TO CANTON THE NEXT DAY TO CALL ON THE ACTING GOVERNOR OF GUANGDONG, MR ZHU SENLIN, AND MEET OTHER GUANGDONG OFFICIALS.
BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 23), HE WILL VISIT THE SHENZHEN STOCK EXCHANGE, AND A HONG KONG-GUANGDONG JOINT VENTURE IN SHENZHEN. HE WILL ALSO CALL ON THE MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHENG LIANGYU, AND MEET OTHER SHENZHEN OFFICIALS.
ACCOMPANYING MR MACLEOD ON THE VISIT WILL BE HIS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, AND THE DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER, MR STEPHEN BRADLEY.
-----0------
EFFORTS OF ALL PARTIES NEEDED TO CHECK INFLATION
*****
IN RESPONSE TO ENQUIRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT NO DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN ON THE LEVEL OF CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT NEXT YEAR.
"UNDER OUR ESTABLISHED POLICY, FINAL DECISIONS ARE NOT TAKEN UNTIL JUNE NEXT YEAR," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
"BUT AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF HIGH INFLATION AND SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH, IT IS CLEARLY NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER ALL POSSIBLE MEASURES TO CHECK INFLATION. WAGE RESTRAINT IS ONE OF SUCH MEASURES.
"HOWEVER, GOVERNMENT CANNOT ACT ALONE ON THIS," THE SECRETARY SAID.
/HE POINTED.......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
HE POINTED OUT THAT CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES ACCOUNTED FOR LESS THAN 10 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL REMUNERATION OF ALL EMPLOYEES IN HONG KONG.
"THEREFORE TO HAVE ANY IMPACT ON INFLATION WAGE RESTRAINT MUST BE EXERCISED BY ALL EMPLOYERS, BOTH IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
"WE ALL HAVE
WE MUST ALL EQUALLY
A DUTY NOT TO AGGRAVATE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES; JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST INFLATION," HE SAID.
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WELFARE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY WELL-ESTABLISHED
******
THE POLICY ON WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IS WELL-ESTABLISHED AND WAS CONFIRMED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE ISSUED IN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR CARTLAND WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING GF THE YOUNG WOMEN'S7 CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (YWCA) CHENG PON HING HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AT LEE TUNG ESTATE IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
"THE MAIN THRUST OF THE POLICY IS TO ENCOURAGE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES TO ENABLE THEM TO DO SO," HE ADDED.
MR CARTLAND, HOWEVER, NOTED THAT THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE A SMALL PROPORTION, ABOUT FOUR PER CENT OF ALL THOSE OVER THE AGE OF 60, FOR WHOM THERE WAS REALLY NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GO INTO RESIDENTIAL CARE.
HE SAID: "IT IS ESSENTIAL THEREFORE TO ENSURE THAT ENOUGH PLACES ARE AVAILABLE TO ACCOMMODATE ALL THOSE IN NEED OF RESIDENTIAL CARE."
THE 1991 WHITE PAPER ESTABLISHED PLANNING TARGETS AND IDENTIFIED CARE OF THE ELDERLY AS A PRIORITY AREA IN THE WELFARE FIELD, MR CARTLAND NOTED.
ON THE OPENING OF YWCA’S HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY TODAY, MR CARTLAND SAID: "I AM ALWAYS HAPPY TO SEE THE OPENING OF A NEW RESIDENTIAL HOME OR HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, BECAUSE EACH ONE THAT OPENS MARKS ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP ALONG THE ROAD TO OUR GOAL OF PROVIDING SUFFICIENT PLACES TO MEET THE NEED FOR RESIDENTS CARE IN FULL BEFORE THE END OF THIS DECADE."
HE ALSO COMMENDED THE YWCA FOR MAKING A DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
•-----0--------
/5.........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
5 -
ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO UPDATE CAREERS GUIDANCE SERVICE IN SCHOOLS *****
SENIOR FELLOW OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CAREERS EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING IN THE UK, DR BILL LAW, AND THE HEAD OF CAREERS SERVICES, EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL, MR DAVID CLEATON, WILL BE THE MAIN GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE DECEMBER 6 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON CAREERS GUIDANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
DR LAW WILL SPEAK ON ’’CAREERS WORK - WHAT ARE THE POSSIBILITIES?” AND LATER LEAD THE WORKSHOPS WHILE MR CLEATON WILL TALK ON "ACTION PLANNING AS A FOCUS FOR CAREERS GUIDANCE".
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MRS GRACE YUNG; THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION, MR LAI SZE-NUEN, AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF SIK SIK YUEN, MR LEE YUEN-PING, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP IS A MAJOR ANNUAL FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS TO PROMOTE CAREERS GUIDANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
AIMED AT PROMOTING SELF-IMPROVEMENT OF CAREERS AND GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND TO UPDATE APPLICATION OF COUNSELLING THEORIES, EACH OF THE PREVIOUS SIX EVENTS HAD ATTRACTED 150 TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS.
ENQUIRIES ON THE EVENT CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION ON TEL. 399 2173 OR 399 2178.
0---------
REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS BEGINS
******
THE COMPULSORY REGISTRATION OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AS REQUIRED UNDER THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE COMMENCES TODAY (SATURDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE REGISTRATION IS TO ENSURE ELECTRICAL WORK ON FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY QUALIFIED ELECTRICAL WORKERS THROUGH QUALIFIED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS TO IMPROVE ELECTRICAL SAFETY.
HE SAID THE REGISTRATION OF CONTRACTORS WOULD LAST FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS.
"BY ABOUT MID-1992, IT WILL BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO EMPLOY REGISTERED ELECTRICAL WORKERS THROUGH REGISTERED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS FOR CARRYING OUT ELECTRICAL WORK," HE SAID.
/COPIES OF .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
6
COPIES OF A LEAFLET OUTLINING THE PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT DISTRICT OFFICES, OR AT THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) REGISTRATION AND COLLECTION OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE EMSD REGISTRATION AND COLLECTION OFFICE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 895 8863.
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ROYAL HK AUXILIARY POLICE PRAISED
*****
MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN ASSISTING THEIR REGULAR COUNTERPARTS IN THE UPKEEP OF LAW AND ORDER OF THE COMMUNITY AND IN MANY OTHER ASPECTS OF POLICE DUTIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, BARONESS DUNN, WHEN SHE TOOK THE SALUTE AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT AUXILIARY POLICE AT THE AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) EVENING.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT, IN YOUR CASE, THESE RANGE FROM BEAT AND HIGH RISK PATROL TO DUTIES IN CAMPS FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE," BARONESS DUNN TOLD THE OFFICERS ON PARADE.
NOTING THAT THE POLICE FORCE HAD A REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE FINEST IN THE WORLD, BARONESS DUNN PRAISED THE OFFICERS FOR CONTRIBUTING IN NO SMALL PART TO THIS THROUGH THEIR HIGH STANDARD OF PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT RECENT CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG HAD OFFERED MORE CHALLENGES TO ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS.
SHE SAID: "HONG KONG HAS ENTERED A NEW ERA. WE HAVE FOR THE FIRST TIME A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT HAS A MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS RETURNED THROUGH ELECTION.
"JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO, WE HAVE PASSED INTO LAW A BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE THAT ENSURES THAT OUR CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT "HONG KONG HAD ALSO A POPULATION OF INCREASED EDUCATION AND HIGHER EXPECTATIONS.
"I TRUST THE REGULAR TRAINING YOU RECEIVE FROM THE FORCE, LIKE THE RESIDENTIAL CAMP WHICH YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETED, WILL HELP EQUIP YOU ON THE CHANGES AND NEW DEMANDS YOU FACE IN YOUR DUTIES, AND BY BUILDING ON YOUR EXPERIENCE AND CONFIDENCE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGES WELL," BARONESS DUNN ADDED.
ON PARADE YESTERDAY WERE SOME 200 AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED THEIR ONE-WEEK ANNUAL TRAINING.
- - 0 - -
/7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
- 7 -
1,320 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN OCTOBER ♦ ♦ * * t
A TOTAL OF 1,745 CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED IN 1,320 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY LAST MONTH.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT 353 OF THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 244 IN KOWLOON EAST, 418 IN KOWLOON WEST AND 305 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR OCTOBER SHOWED THAT 31 PEOPLE WERE KILLED, 356 PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 1,358 SLIGHTLY INJURED IN THESE ACCIDENTS.
THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS REPRESENTED A SLIGHT DECREASE OF 0.15 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF CASUALTIES SHOWED A DECREASE OF 1.6 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
---------0-----------
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ♦
AT AUSTIN ROAD PROPOSED * * * »
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROAD IMPROVEMENT AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES AT AUSTIN ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE PROPOSAL AIMS TO IMPROVE THE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS AT AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND AUSTIN AVENUE.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE:
* RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND AUSTIN AVENUE, AND A SECTION OF COX’S ROAD BETWEEN AUSTIN ROAD AND TAK SHING STREET;
* WIDENING OF THE SECTION OF COX’S ROAD TO THREE LANES AT ITS JUNCTION WITH AUSTIN ROAD;
* REALIGNMENT OF KERBLINES AND RECONSTRUCTION OF ROAD PAVEMENTS TO IMPROVE THE ROAD JUNCTION OF AUSTIN ROAD AND AUSTIN AVENUE;
♦ RECONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS AND AMENITY AREAS; AND
♦ REPROVISIONING OF FENCES, GATES AND ACCESS ROAD FOR THE KOWLOON BOWLING GREEN CLUB AND COX’S ROAD CHILDREN PLAYGROUND.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN MID NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1993.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED WORKS ARE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
/THE PLAN ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1991
8
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, 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 JANUARY 14 NEXT YEAR DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS.
--------0-----------
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION * * » ♦ ♦
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF 2,023,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 121 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $490,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER 819 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $420,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $3,000 FOR ET3661.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY ’S AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
ET1798 6,000 ET1020 4,000 AC1118 40,000 ET622 20,000
BK557 9,000 DN8080 25,000 ER5 55 60,000 AB8881 26,000
ET6888 50,000 ET866 28,000 HK5020 22,000 ET8O7 15,000
AC252 19,000 DS213 44,000 ET1 1 3 35,000 CK1 0 120,000
ET1929 9,000 ET666 65,000 AT68 140,000 ET926 17,000
BB3599 9,000 ES3888 30,000 ET78G 21,000 BJ2113 10,000
ET6 3 5 7,000 CL861 13,000 EU618 31,000 ET3661 3,000
121 490,000 EW1919 23,000 BR87 87,000 819 420,000
BW2080 6,000 EU389 35,000 ET790 7,000 BS7757 10,000
ET1228 25,000 ETI928 14,000 EU6200 17,000 ET1398 11,000
SUCCESSFUL , BIDDERS : WERE REQUIRED T O PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE BIDDING.
/THE NUMBERS .......
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 16. 1991
9 -
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 170TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY • 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $126,535,105.
------0-----------
VESSELS ALERTED TO ROUND HONG KONG ISLAND YACHT RACE ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT REMINDED MASTERS AND COXSWAINS THAT A YACHT RACE WILL TAKE PLACE ROUND HONG KONG ISLAND DURING DAYLIGHT: HOURS TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (EAST REGION) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR KHIN HLA TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID: ’’THE RACE WILL START AND FINISH OFF ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB, CAUSEWAY BAY AND WILL BE TAKEN PLACE IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION.”
ABOUT 200 YACHTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE.
MR HLA SAID: ’’MASTERS, COXSWAINS AND PERSONS-IN-CHARGE OF VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE VICINITY ARE REQUESTED TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION, GIVING PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION TO THE CONTESTANTS.
’’COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972 IS MANDATORY.”
HE SAID MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL BE ON SPECIAL PATROL TO ASSIST CONTESTANTS AND OTHER BOAT USERS.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
• DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 15.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 16.11.91 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
NEUTRAL
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
, SCOUT MOVEMENT UPHOLDS OLD IDEALS AND ADAPTS TO CHANGE .................. 1
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING ...................... 1
QUALIFIED PERSON SOUGHT TO HEAD NEW CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE .. 2
SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS ......................... 3
EMPLOYERS FINED FOR CHANGING WORKERS' REST DAYS ......................... 3
GARDEN BUILT IN ONE DAY ON SHOW ......................................... 4
DISTRICT OFFICE OFFERS REWARDING PART-TIME JOB .......................... 5
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1991
1
SCOUT MOVEMENT UPHOLDS OLD IDEALS AND ADAPTS TO CHANGE
*****
THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG HAS SUCCEEDED IN KEEPING ITS EARLY IDEALS ALIVE WHILE ADAPTING TO CHANGE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
ADDRESSING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY RALLY OF THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION, SIR DAVID, WHO IS THE CHIEF SCOUT, SAID SCOUTING HAD COME A LONG WAY SINCE IT FIRST STARTED IN HONG KONG.
NEVERTHELESS, THE MOVEMENT HAD REMAINED TRUE TO ITS FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF SERVICE, PARTICIPATION AND LEADERSHIP, WHICH WERE AS VALUABLE TODAY AS THEY WERE THEN, HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THIS WAS REFLECTED IN SCOUTING ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING WHICH RANGED FROM THE TRADITIONAL TO THE CONTEMPORARY - FROM PATHFINDING TO COMPUTING, FROM KNOT-TYING TO AMATEUR RADIO AND CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
"ABOVE ALL, THE TRAINING ENCOURAGES INITIATIVE AND LEADERSHIP; IT OFFERS FUN AND FRIENDSHIP," HE SAID, ADDING THAT ITS SUCCESS WAS REFLECTED IN THE ASSOCIATION’S STRENGTH OF OVER 56,000 SCOUTS AND CUB SCOUTS.
THE GOVERNOR SAID "PARTICIPATION", THE THEME OF THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR,SUMMED UP A VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF SCOUTING.
"BY ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE COMMUNITY, AND TO CARE ABOUT OTHERS, SCOUTING TEACHES A VALUABLE LESSON AND SETS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION HAD A BUSY YEAR AHEAD, WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, A CONTINUING FUND RAISING PROGRAMME AND A THOROUGH REVIEW OF ITS TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
"I WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS IN THOSE TASKS. I CONGRATULATE THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION ON 80 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT. AND I WISH YOU ALL GOOD SCOUTING IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE SAID.
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AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING t ♦ » ♦ t
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REMINDED TO RESERVE A SEAT BEFORE NOON TOMORROW BY TELEPHONING MS LEUNG WING-CHONG ON 802 3511 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
/A SPOKESMAN........
SUNDAY. NOVEMBER 17, 1991
- 2 -
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DECISION TO OPEN THE COMMITTEE’S MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC IS AIMED AT INCREASING THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME IN ORDER TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT AND THE ESSENTIAL RELATED PROJECTS.
THE MAIN ITEMS ON THE AGENDA OF THE FIRST MEETING WILL INCLUDE:
* OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.
* AN INTRODUCTION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEXE) AND WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
AS SEATS IN THE CONFERENCE HALL ARE LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.
--------0-----------
QUALIFIED PERSON SOUGHT TO HEAD NEW CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO HEAD THE NEWLY CREATED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (CDI).
APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR THE POST OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE), WITH A SALARY RANGING FROM $65,100 TO $69,050 A MONTH, MUST HAVE AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF POST-FIRST DEGREE EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING AND ONE OR MORE IN TEACHER EDUCATION, RESEARCH IN EDUCATION, INSPECTION OF SCHOOLS AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
APPLICANTS SHOULD ALSO HAVE AN AWARENESS OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY ON CURRENT TRENDS IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
AS HEAD OF THE CDI, THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WOULD HAVE TO INITIATE, DIRECT AND EVALUATE RESEARCH PROJECTS RELATED TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDE EXPERT ADVICE TO THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
APPLICATION ARE ALSO BEING INVITED TO FILL THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY), PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (RESEARCH AND EVALUATION), AND SENIOR INSPECTOR (SUBJECT SPECIALIST) POSTS IN THE CDI .
/A SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1991
3
l
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THESE WERE NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSTS AND THAT PREFERENCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO LOCAL CANDIDATES WHO WILL BE APPOINTED ON AGREEMENT FOR 30 MONTHS WITH GRATUITY AT 25 PER CENT OF GROSS BASIC SALARY.
APPLICANTS WITH DETAILED RESUME SHOULD REACH THE APPOINTMENTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY NOVEMBER 25.
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SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A HALF-DAY SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON DECEMBER 14 (SATURDAY) AS ONE OF THE EVENTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL 1991.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR, WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, IS TO HELP TEACHERS FAMILIARIES WITH THE NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES.
TEACHERS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE NOT MORE THAN TWO TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR BEFORE NOVEMBER 27. ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST COMB, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
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EMPLOYERS FINED FOR CHANGING WORKERS’ REST DAYS
*****
AN EMPLOYER WAS RECENTLY FINED BY THE COURT FOR FAILING TO INFORM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OF CHANGES OF REST DAYS FOR WOMEN AND A YOUTH HE EMPLOYED.
THE KIAN DIA WOOLS COMPANY LIMITED IN KWUN TONG WAS GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE FOR EMPLOYING 80 WOMEN, AND A FINE OF $500 FOR EMPLOYING A YOUNG PERSON TO WORK ON A REST DAY.
"ACCORDING TO THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR AN EMPLOYER TO CHANGE THE PRESCRIBED REST DAY ARRANGEMENT FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS AGED BELOW 18 IN INDUSTRY, WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFOREHAND," A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR CHAN KWOK-KUEN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
/"EMPLOYERS ARE .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1991
4
’’EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO SERVE A NOTICE TO THE DEPARTMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE A CHANGE OF REST DAYS COMES INTO EFFECT,” MR CHAN ADDED.
IN ANOTHER CASE, THE TELE-ART LIMITED IN TSUEN WAN WAS ALSO GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR EMPLOYING 65 WOMEN AND $1,000 FOR EMPLOYING TWO YOUNG PERSONS OUTSIDE THEIR PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.
"THE REGULATIONS STIPULATE THAT YOUNG PERSONS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK OVERTIME IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING," MR CHAN EXPLAINED.
"ALTHOUGH WOMEN WORKERS MAY BE EMPLOYED TO WORK OVERTIME, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THEIR WORKING HOURS, THE EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE START OF OVERTIME WORK," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
GARDEN BUILT IN ONE DAY ON SHOW ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO VISIT ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24) A LIVING GREEN GARDEN BUILT OVERNIGHT ON A CONCRETE BUSY ROAD IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL.
THE GARDEN, TO BE COMPLETED WITH FLOWERS, TREES, PATHWAYS AND ATTRACTIVE LANDSCAPE, WILL STAND VIVIDLY AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT TO PROMOTE "THANKS TO YOU, HONG KONG IS A BETTER PLACE".
THE UNPRECEDENTED MAKE "THE GARDEN CELEBRATION", IS ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE. IT IS THE LARGEST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT OF THE 1991/92 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE IS CONFIDENT THAT "THE GARDEN CELEBRATION" WILL BE A VISUAL AND SYMBOLIC ATTENTION-GRABBER.
"THE PURPOSE IS TO PULL RESIDENTS WITH A MESSAGE THAT HONG KONG CAN BECOME A NEAT, TIDY AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE IF EVERY ONE PITCHES IN TO KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN, AS TO BE DEMONSTRATED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CITY GARDEN IN JUST ONE NIGHT THROUGH TEAM WORK, DEVOTION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LIVING GREEN PARK WILL INCLUDE A VICTORIAN-STYLE FOUNTAIN, A CHINESE GARDEN, A JAPANESE GARDEN, A LILY GARDEN, A CHRYSANTHEMUM GARDEN, A CARNATION GARDEN, A TROPICAL PLANTS GARDEN, A TOPIARY GARDEN, A CLIMBING PLANTS AND FERNS GARDEN, AND A MINI-GREEN HOUSE, ADORNED WITH ROMAN COLUMNS AND ARCHWAYS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 17, 1991
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GARDEN IS DESIGNED BY LANDSCAPING EXPERTS FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORSED BY THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION GALLERY FEATURING THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS’ YEAR-ROUND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES.
THE GARDEN AND EXHIBITION GALLERY WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11.45 AM TO 6.30 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24). ADMISSION IS FREE.
- - 0 - -
DISTRICT OFFICE OFFERS REWARDING PART-TIME JOB
*****
WORKING PEOPLE AND POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS LOOKING FOR A REWARDING PART-TIME JOB ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE TEAM OF COMMUNITY ORGANISER (CO) IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE POSITION WILL PROVIDE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN ORGANISING A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND TO MEET PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE.
"SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL, THEREFORE, BE ABLE TO WIDEN THEIR SOCIAL CIRCLE AND, AT THE SAME TIME, TO DEVELOP ORGANISATION ABILITY AND LEADERSHIP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE, COMPLETED FORM FIVE EDUCATION AND PREFERABLY WITH SOME WORKING EXPERIENCE. THEY SHOULD SPEAK CANTONESE AND WRITE GOOD CHINESE OR ENGLISH.
THE MAIN DUTIES INCLUDE HELPING LOCAL RESIDENTS TO SET UP MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESSES.
THEY WILL ALSO BE INVOLVED IN MANAGING COMMUNITY HALLS OR CENTRES AND ORGANISING ACTIVITIES THERE.
THE PAY OF A CO IS $2,000 FOR AROUND 100 HOURS OF WORK A MONTH. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO WORK IRREGULAR HOURS, MAINLY IN THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING AND ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S ABERDEEN SUB-OFFICE ON THE 23RD FLOOR, ABBA COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 223 ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD BEFORE NOVEMBER 22.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 552 1006.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SEPT ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES ...... 1
HK'S TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE ................... 5
GOVERNOR MEETS SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER .............................. 8
GOVERNOR VISITS SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND ............................ 9
NEW AIRPORT A KEY TO FUTURE PROSPERITY ............................... 10
CALL TO UPGRADE TECHNOLOGICAL KNOW-HOW OF WORKFORCE .................. 12
COMPLAINT PROBE OF WAGE UNDERPAYMENT UNDERWAY ........................ 13
FIVE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION ...................... 14
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY .............................. 15
BOE ENDORSES AMENDMENTS TO EDUCATION ORDINANCE ....................... 15
COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TO HOLD ANNUAL PARADE ........................... 16
DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR SHAM SHUT PO RESIDENTS ......................... 17
BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION FOR SAI KUNG STUDENTS .................... 17
OCTOBER ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED ................... 18
15 FIREMEN COMMENDED FOR BRAVE OPERATION ............................. 24
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................. 25
WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI .............................................. 25
HONG KONC GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................... 26
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 26
MONDAY, NOVEHBIR IB, 1991
1
SEPT ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES
******
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN SEPTEMBER 1991 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991, BUT INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN SEPTEMBER 1991 INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, ORDERS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, THE ORDERS POSITION IN SEPTEMBER 1991 IMPROVED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THF LARGEST INCREASE RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, FOLLOWED BY THE WEARING APPAREL, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
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 SEPTEMBER 1991 DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH. AUGUST 1991, AND BY 10 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990.
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991, EMPLOYMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1991 DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, DUE TO THE DEPARTURE OF SUMMER WORKERS. EMPLOYMENT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN ALL THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1991 DECREASED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
IN SEPTEMBER 1991, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991. PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, DUE MAINLY TO THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL PAYMENTS BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, SLIGHT INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, WHILE SOME DECREASES WERE REPORTED IN THE WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1991.
/INCREASES IN .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH SUBSTANTIAL PERCENTAGE INCREASE RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHOWED A MODERATE DECREASE MAINLY DUE TO A HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN SEPTEMBER 1990 WHEN SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED ISSUED SPECIAL PAYMENTS.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1991 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991 BUT DECREASED FAIRLY SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN SEPTEMBER 1991 DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991, BUT INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER SEPTEMBER 1990.
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 LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1991 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990. PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN SEPTEMBER 1991 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER AUGUST 1991.
THE INCREASE IN PUBLIC UTILITIES WAS PARTICULARLY' SIGNIFICANT MAINLY DUE TO THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL PAYMENTS BY SOME UTILITY COMPANIES SURVEYED.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN SEPTEMBER 1991 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN ALL THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERS ONLY THE LARGE COMPANIES, THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING, CONSTRUCTION AND THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS.
NEVERTHELESS, THE SURVEY RESULTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THESE SECTORS IN THE SHORT TERM.
/THE SURVEY .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
3
f
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6441.
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
AS INDUSTRY ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AT THE END OF SEPT 91 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
AUG 91 (%) ♦ SEPT 90
(MONTHS) 4.36 (%) + 3
WEARING APPAREL 4.84 + 1 + 4
TEXTILES 2.30 -2 + 9
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.65 -2 + 9
FABRICATED METAL 4.20 ♦ + 3
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 5.31 * + 1
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 4.05 * -1
♦ CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE
END OF SEPTEMBER 1991
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AUG 91 SEPT 90
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -3 -10
— —
FOOD AND DRINKS -1 -3
WEARING APPAREL -3 -6
TEXTILES -1 -14
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -11 -23
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -2 -7
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -3 -17
OTHERS * -2
/CONSTRUCTION........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
4
*
CONSTRUCTION #
-8
SERVICES
-1
BANKS
HOTELS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
OTHERS
*
+ 2 ♦ *
+ 1
-5
-3
*
*
* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
WORKERS EMPLOYED
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
NOTE: DUE TO THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (FOR EXAMPLE BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), "PER CAPITA EARNINGS” FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RATHER VOLATILE FLUCTUATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME. THEREFORE, IT IS PARTICULARLY ADVISABLE, IN STUDYING PER CAPITA EARNINGS STATISTICS, NOT TO TAKE A GIVEN MONTH’S DATA IN ISOLATION, BUT TO MAKE REFERENCE TO DATA OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN SEPT 91 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
AUG 91 SEPT 90
(HK$) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 6,928 + 1 + 12
FOOD AND DRINKS 7,786 + 2 + 11
WEARING APPAREL 5,207 -4 + 11
TEXTILES 6,293 -1 -4
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 8,045 + 24 + 17
FABRICATED METAL 6,910 + 2 + 14
• PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 6,911 -3 + 18
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 8,835 + 3 + 13
CONSTRUCTION # 9,456 -1 + 13
— — — —
SERVICES 11,708 + 1 + 11
BANKS 10,348 * + 10
HOTELS 7,123 -1 + 12
PUBLIC UTILITIES 12,735 + 12 + 12
OTHERS 12,658 -9 + 11
/★ CHANGES WITHIN .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
- 5 -
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
NOTE TO TABLES 1 - 3 :
UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE COMPANIES SURVEYED, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
--------0-----------
HK’S TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE *****
SOME 63% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WAS RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME 57% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WAS FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING -- 76% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 51% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1990 WERE 64% FOR IMPORTS, 58% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, 80% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND 49% FOR RE-EXPORTS.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991, SOME 65% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WAS'RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME 57% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WAS FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 77% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 49% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 WERE 61% FOR IMPORTS, 57% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, 79% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND 48% FOR RE-EXPORTS.
TO PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA BY HONG KONG FIRMS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY AS FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 TO DISTINGUISH HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA - BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS -- INTO THOSE WHICH ARE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS ALSO BEEN EXTENDED AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
/THE RESULTS .......
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 18, 1991
6
THE RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
IN VALUE TERMS, SOME $45,060 MILLION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 22% OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 31% TO $29,967 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 10% TO $10,380 MILLION AND 45% TO $19,587 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991, SOME $83,131 MILLION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 32% OVER 1990.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 27% TO $51,472 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 12% TO $18,261 MILLION AND 38% TO $33,211 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
THE ESTIMATES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 AND THE CORRESPONDING CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990 ARE SUMMARISED IN THE TABLE BELOW.
TOTAL VALUE OF TRADE WITH CHINA AND ESTIMATED VALUE AND PROPORTION OF TRADE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING NATURE, 2ND QUARTER AND THE FIRST HALF OF 1991
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER 1ST HALF 1990
2ND QTR. 1991 CHANGE OVER 2ND QTR. 1990 1ST HALF 1991
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
TOTAL TRADE VALUE * :
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 71,670 + 25.6 128,517 + 25.1
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 52,158 + 32.8 90,775 + 28.5
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 13,653 + 16.7 23,584 + 14.0
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 38,506 + 39.6 67,191 + 34.5
ESTIMATED VALUE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE :
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 45,060 + 22.5 83,131 + 32.0
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 29,967 + 30.7 51,472 + 27.1
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 10,380 + 10.5 18,261 + 11.7
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 19,587 + 44.8 33,211 + 37.5
/ESTIMATED PROPORTION .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
ESTIMATED PROPORTION OF OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE IN TRADE WITH CHINA :
2ND 2ND
QTR. QTR. 1ST HALF 1ST HALF
1991 1990 1991 1990
(%) (%) (%) (%)
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 62.9 64.5 64.7 61.3
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 57.5 58.3 56.7 57.3
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 76.0 80.3 77.4 79.0
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 50.9 49.0 49.4 48.4
* THE VALUE EXCLUDES COMMODITIES AND TRANSACTIONS NOT CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO KIND.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTING OF RAW MATERIALS OR SEMIMANUFACTURES FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING, WITH THE RESULTING PROCESSED GOODS BEING SUBSEQUENTLY RE-IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG.
IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE IMPORTING OF PROCESSED GOODS FROM CHINA OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES ARE UNDER CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING.
A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA (IMPORTS FROM CHINA, DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA) ARE SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM ESTABLISHMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FLOWS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, ARE RECORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE.
THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, HOWEVER, FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE. IN THIS RESPECT, THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT TO THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ABOVE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN PART I OF THE SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AROUND NOVEMBER 20 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $33.50 PER COPY.
- - 0 - -
/8 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
8
GOVERNOR MEETS SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HELD A HALF HOUR MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF SINGAPORE, MR GOH CHOK TONG, TONIGHT (MONDAY) AT THE START OF AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO SINGAPORE.
SIR DAVID ARRIVED LATE THIS AFTERNOON, AND CALLED ON MR GOH ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AT THE ISTANA (THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE) BEFORE ATTENDING AN INFORMAL DINNER HOSTED BY THE PRIME MINISTER.
ON HIS ARRIVAL AT CHANGI AIRPORT, THE GOVERNOR TOLD REPORTERS THAT HE HAD ALWAYS FELT THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT IN COMMON BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE.
"WE ARE THE SAME SORT OF ECONOMIES AND THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF ROOM AND OPPORTUNITY FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN US. WE ALSO HAVE SIMILAR INTEREST IN WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD AND I’M LOOKING FORWARD GREATLY TO MEETING PRIME MINISTER GOH THIS EVENING AND TALKING TO HIM ABOUT OUR COMMON INTERESTS, AND ALSO TO MEETING SENIOR MINISTER LEE KUAN YEW.”
SIR DAVID SAID HE BELIEVED TRADE AND INVESTMENT WERE THE MAJOR AREAS OF FUTURE CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG.
HE SAID THERE WAS AN INCREASED SINGAPOREAN OFFICIAL INTEREST IN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, AND HE HAD RECENTLY HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH MR FOCK SIEW WAH (SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE), WHO IS SPECIFICALLY TARGETED TO LOOK AT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TERRITORY.
SIR DAVID SAID ANOTHER ASPECT OF CO-OPERATION WAS THE ROLE HONG KONG PLAYED IN SINGAPOREAN TRADE WITH CHINA. ABOUT 34 PER CENT OF SINGAPORE’S EXPORTS TO CHINA PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG AND A GREAT DEAL OF CHINA’S EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE WERE ALSO HANDLED THROUGH THE TERRITORY.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS ROOM FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THIS ROLE OF HONG KONG "AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND CHINA, PARTICULARLY SOUTHERN CHINA".
THE GOVERNOR HAS AN EXTREMELY TIGHT SCHEDULE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WHEN HE WILL BE HOLDING FURTHER MEETINGS WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE DEPUTY PRIME MINSTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, BRIGADIER GENERAL LEE HSIEN LOONG, THE MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND THE ARTS, BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE YEO, AND MR LEE KUAN YEW. HE WILL ALSO HAVE LUNCH WITH SINGAPOREAN BUSINESS LEADERS.
THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO DELIVER A MAJOR SPEECH AT A FUNCTION ARRANGED BY THE SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES.
SIR DAVID AND LADY. WILSON WILL LEAVE SINGAPORE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) NIGHT FOR NEW ZEALAND.
------0-------
/9 .....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
9
GOVERNOR VISITS SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (MONDAY) STARTED A SIX-DAY VISIT TO SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUING TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, AND EXCHANGES OF TRADE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE AT THE AIRPORT, THE GOVERNOR SAID:
"THE PURPOSE OF BOTH VISITS IS TO TRY TO SPREAD MORE WIDELY THE MESSAGE OF WHAT’S GOING ON IN HONG KONG; HOW THE ECONOMY IS DOING DEVELOPMENTS IN RELATION TO SOUTHERN CHINA, AND HOW THAT AFFECTS THE THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG.”
SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD BE MEETING PRIME MINISTER GOH CHOK TONG THIS AFTERNOON AND THEN HAVING DINNER WITH HIM.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT WHETHER HE WOULD BE TALKING ON THE AIRPORT PROJECT AND TRY TO APPROACH FOR INVESTMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID:
"I’LL BE TALKING ABOUT THE AIRPORT PROJECT. I SEE THAT AS A CRUCIAL PART OF US BUILDING UP HONG KONG FOR THE LONG-TERM FUTURE. I’LL CERTAINLY BE TALKING TO ANY BUSINESSMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN IT. "
HE SAID HE DID NOT HAVE A PARTICULAR MISSION TO GO AND ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT FROM EITHER SINGAPORE OR NEW ZEALAND IN THAT PARTICULAR PROJECT, BUT HE ADDED THAT HE DID HAVE A MISSION TO ENCOURAGING GENERAL INVESTMENT.
"AS YOU KNOW SINGAPORE IS AT THE MOMENT VERY INTERESTED IN BUILDING UP IT AND THAT SOMETHING I WELCOME," HE CONTINUED.
TALKING ABOUT HIS TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WAS GOING TO BE GENERAL ABOUT HOW THINGS WERE GOING IN HONG KONG.
"TRADE IS NOT AS SIGNIFICANT AS SOME OF OUR OTHER TRADING PARTNERS, BUT IT PLAYS A ROLE IN OUR TRADE AND THERE IS ALSO A LOT OF EXCHANGES, TOURISM, AND PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG GOING TO LIVE NOW IN NEW ZEALAND. I SEE THAT AS BEING A GENERAL DISCUSSION ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG AND THE FUTURE,” HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION THAT THE NEW IMMIGRATION SCHEME HAD BEEN CRITICISED AS A SEVERE BRAIN DRAIN IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE GOING TO NEW ZEALAND WERE NOT VERY HIGH.
"THE POINT I ALWAYS MAKE IN DEALING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THEIR IMMIGRATION SCHEME IS, WE HAVE NO WISH TO INTERFERE IN OTHER COUNTRIES SCHEME BUT WE WOULD ENCOURAGE ANY COUNTRY TO HAVE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT TO FLEXIBILITY. WE IN HONG KONG WANT PEOPLE TO STAY AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
"WE DON’T MIND AT ALL IF THEY HAVE THE ASSURANCE OF KNOWING THAT THEY CAN GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.IF THEY WANT TO, BUT OF COURSE WE WANT TO BENEFIT FROM THEIR TALENTS HERE IN HONG KONG AS WELL." HE SAID.
------0--------
/.IO ..........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
- 10 -
NEW AIRPORT A KEY TO FUTURE PROSPERITY * * * *
THE TIMELY PROVISION OF SOPHISTICATED, EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE IS THE KEY MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A PRE-EMINENT BUSINESS CENTRE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING’AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, SIR DAVID SAID AS KAI TAK AIRPORT WAS RAPIDLY APPROACHING CAPACITY LIMITS HONG KONG COULD NOT AFFORD NOT TO HAVE A NEW AIRPORT TO ENSURE ITS FUTURE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.
HE SAID THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED THE CERTAINTY NEEDED TO GET ON WITH CONSTRUCTING THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND RELATED PROJECTS.
IT ALSO PROVIDED A PRACTICAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH VARIOUS ISSUES RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT COULD BE DISCUSSED BY PARTIES CONCERNED.
THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR WONG PO-YAN, HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 49 COMING FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY.
SIR DAVID SAID ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MARKED AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY IN THE AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.
"GIVEN THE DIVERSIFIED BACKGROUND OF MEMBERS AND THEIR EXPERT KNOWLEDGE IN VARIOUS FIELDS RELATED TO THE PROJECTS, 1 KNOW THAT WE WILL RECEIVE VALUABLE ADVICE FROM THE COMMITTEE IN DUE COURSE.
"I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT YOUR VIEWS WILL BE VERY
SERIOUSLY AND CAREFULLY CONSIDERED," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WOULD PROVIDE A VALUABLE FORUM FOR COLLECTING VIEWS FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE PROJECTS AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN THE PROJECTS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
"BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT, AND THE ROAD AND RAIL LINKS ASSOCIATED WITH IT, IS THE LARGEST PROJECT EVER UNDERTAKEN IN HONG KONG AND IT WILL REQUIRE AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF EFFORT FROM BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO SEE IT THROUGH.
"WE CERTAINLY NEED THE SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC IN ORDER TO GET THIS AMBITIOUS PROJECT DONE.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO FULLY KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF' THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECTS," SIR DAVID SAID.
/AS THE ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
11
AS THE PROJECTS PROCEEDED, RELEVANT ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE CONSULTED ON MATTERS WHICH FELL UNDER THEIR PURVIEW IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LONG-STANDING PRACTICE OF CONSULTATION WITH REGARD TO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, HE ADDED.
ECHOING SIR DAVID’S VIEWS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, MR WONG PO-YAN, ALSO EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD PROVIDE VERY USEFUL ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECTS,
"I TRUST THAT THIS ADVICE WILL BE GIVEN VERY SERIOUS CONSIDERATION BY THE ADMINISTRATION," HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WERE THEN BRIEFED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, ON THE PROGRESS OF THE 10 AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS.
"SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WE HAVE MOVED FORWARD WITH FULL SPEED AND A GOOD DEAL OF PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE," HE SAID.
ON THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, MR BLAKE TOLD THE MEMBERS THAT CRUCIAL DECISIONS ON SITE FORMATION, RUNWAY AND TERMINAL DESIGN CONCEPTS HAD BEEN MADE.
"THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN IS WELL ADVANCED AND IT WILL BE FINALISED BY THE END OF'THE YEAR.
"MEANWHILE, TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR THE DETAILED DESIGN OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL COMPLEX HAVE JUST BEEN ISSUED TO SHORTLISTED TENDERERS ON NOVEMBER 7. WORK IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN AROUND MARCH 1992," HE SAID.
"ON THE WORKS SIDE, THE PREPARATION OF AN ADVANCE WORKS AREA ON CHEK LAP KOK, TO BE USED AS A BRIDGEHEAD BY THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACTOR, IS IN GOOD PROGRESS AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1992.
"THE MAIN SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT ITSELF WAS TENDERED ON NOVEMBER 8 AND IT WILL BE AWARDED IN MAY 1992."
MR BLAKE ALSO SAID THE TSING MA BRIDGE AND THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE, WHICH FORM THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING LINKING LANTAU ISLAND TO TSING YI, ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AT MORE OR LESS THE SAME TIME, IN TIME FOR THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
"THE TSING MA BRIDGE CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED BEFORE MID-1992 WHEREAS THE AWARD FOR THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE CONTRACT WILL BE MADE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992," HE SAID.
TALKING ABOUT RECLAMATION AT WEST KOWLOON, MR BLAKE SAID THREE MAIN RECLAMATION CONTRACTS WERE UNDERWAY AND THE REMAINING PARTS OF THIS PROJECT WERE IN DETAILED DESIGN STAGE.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF VARIOUS SEAFRONT USERS AFFECTED BY THE RECLAMATION.
/"IN THIS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
- 12 -
IN THIS CONNECTION, TENDERS WILL BE INVITED NOVEMBER/EARLY DECEMBER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE PERMANENT WHOLESALE MARKET IN WEST KOWLOON WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE RECLAMATION WORKS," HE SAID.
IN LATE I OF A ADVERSELY
MR BLAKE ALSO EXPLAINED IN DETAIL THE CURRENT WORKS OF OTHER AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT - PHASE I, NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, ROUTE 3, EXPRESSWAY, WEST HARBOUR CROSSING, AIRPORT RAILWAY AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.
PROGRESS OF
TUNG CHUNG
WEST KOWLOON
CENTRAL AND
THE NEXT MEETING CF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WOULD BE HELD ON JANUARY 13, NEXT YEAR.
--------0----------
CALL TO UPGRADE TECHNOLOGICAL KNOW-HOW OF WORKFORCE
HONG KONG NEEDS SKILLED AND WELL-TRAINED PEOPLE WITH AN INNOVATIVE FRAME OF MIND TO EXCEL IN THEIR WORK IN ORDER TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE IN THE WORLD OF TOP FASHION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER PARTY OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY THIS EVENING, MR CHAN SAID HONG KONG SHOULD NOT BE CONTENT WITH CHURNING OUT FIGURES ALONE, BUT WITH PROVIDING THE RIGHT SKILLS AND FRAME OF MIND TO THE PERSONS REPRESENTED BY THOSE FIGURES.
"THAT MUST REMAIN THE PURPOSE OF OUR MANPOWER TRAINING PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
"THE FACT THAT THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN KEEPING UP WITH THE RAPID PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY AND ITS INCESSANT DEMAND FOR SKILLED AND INNOVATIVE MANPOWER IS TESTIMONY TO THE AUTHORITY’S IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY."
MR CHAN NOTED THAT UNDER THE MASSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES INITIATED BY THE AUTHORITY, SOME 80,000 YOUNG PEOPLE HAD PASSED THROUGH VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES DURING THE PAST 15 YEARS AND HAD SINCE TAKEN UP POSITIONS IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY.
"THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT
ACHIEVEMENT BY ANY STANDARDS," HE ADDED.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR CHAN POINTED OUT TWO ISSUES THAT DESERVE SPECIAL ATTENTION.
"FIRST, AS A RESULT OF CHANGES IN THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT DUE TO THE RELOCATION OF LABOUR INTENSIVE PROCESSES TO SOUTH CHINA, THERE IS A GROWING AWARENESS THAT HONG KONG MUST UPGRADE THE TECHNOLOGICAL KNOW-HOW OF ITS PRODUCTION WORKFORCE SO AS TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE," HE SAID.
/HE WAS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
13
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY WAS WELL ATTUNED TO THIS PROBLEM AND WAS TAKING STEPS TO UPGRADE AND EXPAND ITS TRAINING COURSES AT HIGHER LEVELS.
"THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID, "WILL SHORTLY BE LAUNCHING A NEW TECHNOLOGY TRAINING SCHEME TO PROVIDE MATCHING GRANTS TO MANUFACTURING COMPANIES WHICH WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO THEIR EMPLOYEES TO EQUIP THEMSELVES WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES EITHER IN HONG KONG OR OVERSEAS."
THE SECOND ISSUE RELATES TO "RE-TRAINING".
THE PRESENT PROCESS OF ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING HAS INEVITABLY BROUGHT ABOUT JOB DISLOCATION FOR SOME WORKERS WHICH MR CHAN DESCRIBED AS "PAINFUL AND UNWELCOME".
"BUT THE REMEDY MUST LIE IN RETRAINING TO HELP THEM ADAPT TO OTHER SECTORS WITH A STRONGER DEMAND FOR LABOUR.
"THAT MAY NOT BE EASY BUT IT IS AN AREA WHICH WE INTEND TO EXPLORE WITH THOSE CONCERNED, PARTICULARLY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE CONSTRUCTION AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITIES.
"I SHALL THEREFORE BE COMING UP TO YOU FOR SUGGESTIONS ON THE WAY FORWARD AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT I WILL BE GETTING YOUR CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT IN THESE ENDEAVOURS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE LOT OF OUR MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE,” MR CHAN SAID.
------0-----------
COMPLAINT PROBE OF WAGE UNDERPAYMENT UNDERWAY
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING A COMPLAINT OF
UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES OF 18 IMPORTED WORKERS IN A CLOTHING FACTORY.
THE WORKERS WERE DISMISSED WHILE THE CASE WAS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
THEY APPROACHED THE KWAI CHUNG OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (LRS) ON NOVEMBER 9.
LRS OFFICERS HELD MEETINGS WITH THE WORKERS AND CONTACTED THEIR EMPLOYER. PART OF THEIR WAGE CLAIMS WERE CLEARED BY THE EMPLOYER WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LRS.
THE LRS MET THE WORKERS AGAIN ON NOVEMBER 16 AND TODAY (MONDAY) AND IS STILL TRYING TO ARRANGE FOR A CONCILIATION MEETING BETWEEN THE IMPORTED WORKERS AND THEIR EMPLOYER.
/"IF THE ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
14
"IF THE DISPUTES ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF WAGES PAID BY THE EMPLOYER ARE NOT RESOLVED, THE LRS WILL HELP THE WORKERS TO LODGE THEIR CASES WITH THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID.
’ "IF NECESSARY, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ASSIST THE WORKERS TO APPLY TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR EXTENSION OF THEIR STAY IN HONG KONG TO ENABLE THEM TO ATTEND THE HEARING AT THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CONSIDERING OFFERING EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO THESE WORKERS.
"THE CASE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN OUT IF THERE IS EVIDENCE ABOUT UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0------------
FIVE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR LEGCO BY-ELECTION
*****
A TOTAL OF FIVE NOMINATIONS ARE RECEIVED FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY WHEN THE NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSES TODAY (MONDAY).
TO BEAT THE DEADLINE, TWO CANDIDATES SUBMITTED THEIR FORMS THIS MORNING.
THE BY-ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8. THE NOMINATION STARTED ON NOVEMBER 4.
THE PARTICULARS OF THE CANDIDATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NAME SEX AGE OCCUPATION CONTACT TEL. NO.
WONG WAI-YIN, ZACHARY M 33 SOCIAL WORKER 474 4562
YIM TIN-SANG M 38 FULL-TIME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER 452 3605 459 6108
TANG SIU-TONG • M 48 MEDICAL PRACTITIONER 443 2202
CHOW WAI-HUNG* M 66 SOLICITOR 521 4488 90306994 571 2331
SIT HO-YIN, KINGSLEY* M 42 LOSS ADJUSTER/ SURVEYOR 523 2117 457 3939
1128052-1359
* NOMINATION RECEIVED TODAY ---------------------------------0-------- /15 ................................................................
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18. 1991
15
LEGCO TO DEBATE ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF EIGHT QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 20).
THE THREE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
IN ADDITION, DR THE HON C.H. LEONG WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE MOTION READS: "IN THE LIGHT OF THE RAPID EXPANSION OF OUR AGING POPULATION, THIS COUNCIL URGES GOVERNMENT TO GIVE IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION TO THE FORMULATION OF AN OVERALL AND COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY HAVING SPECIAL REGARD TO THEIR HEALTH AND SOCIAL NEEDS."
MEANWHILE, THE HON EMILY LAU WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
ALSO, THERE WILL BE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN ON THE MATTER OF "CONSTRUCTION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9".
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
--------0-----------
BOE ENDORSES AMENDMENTS
* * *
TO EDUCATION ORDINANCE ♦ * »
PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE TO BRING IT IN LINE WITH RECENT DEVELOPMENTS WERE DISCUSSED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AT ITS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
THE REVIEW OF THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AN ONGOING PROCESS FOR SOME TIME AND THE BOARD HAD BEEN CONSULTED PREVIOUSLY ON THEIR VIEWS CONCERNING THE SECTIONS DEALING WITH POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF TEACHERS.
IN THE LATEST REVIEW BROUGHT BEFORE THE BOARD FOR THEIR ENDORSEMENT WERE DEFINITIONS OF THE LEVELS OF EDUCATION, AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT MORE APPROPRIATELY THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF SCHOOLS, AMALGAMATION OF THE APPEALS BOARD AND THE BOARD OF REVIEW, AND CERTAIN OUTDATED SECTIONS WHICH WERE NO LONGER APPLICABLE.
/THE RATIONALE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
16
THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE PROPOSALS WAS EXPLAINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, AND SENIOR MEMBERS OF HIS DIRECTORATE.
THE BOARD, CHAIRED BY MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, SPENT OVER TWO HOURS DISCUSSING THE VARIOUS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WHICH WERE ENDORSED WITH MINOR CHANGES TO REFLECT MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
THE PROPOSALS WILL NOW BE SUBMITTED TO THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH FOR THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES.
--------0-----------
COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TO HOLD ANNUAL PARADE
******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE 11TH ANNUAL PARADE OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI. THE PARADE WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MR LI WILL ALSO PRESENT AWARDS TO CYC MEMBERS FOR THEIR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS FOR THEIR DEDICATED CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MOVEMENT.
MORE THAN 3,000 CYC MEMBERS, SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION WHICH WILL INCLUDE A MARCHING BAND, DANCES, A DRAMA, AND MARTIAL ART PERFORMANCES.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CYC ANNUAL PARADE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE STADIUM’S MAIN ENTRANCE AT 2.15 PM.
--------0-----------
/17........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
17
DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS
******
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL '91 WILL START ON NOVEMBER 30 (SATURDAY)’ AND LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 22.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN MOW-FAT, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE $1.5 MILLION FESTIVAL AIMED AT FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS ENHANCING PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT 48 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN ARRANGED TO CATER FOR THE DIFFERENT INTERESTS OF THE RESIDENTS.
"THESE INCLUDE VARIETY SHOWS, CANTONESE OPERA SHOWS, CARNIVALS, PICNICS, A TERRITORY-WIDE SOCIAL DANCE COMPETITION, A FEAST FOR THE ELDERLY AND A SPORTS FESTIVAL," HE SAID.
MR CHAN URGED RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES MOST OF WHICH ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL, A VARIETY SHOW WITH A CONCERT BY POPULAR SINGERS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 30 AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM. THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS OF THE VARIETY SHOW AND FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 37-39 TONKIN STREET. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 720 4251.
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL '91 IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIPS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN CONCIL.
- - 0 - -
BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION FOR SAT KUNG STUDENTS
******
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS IN SAI KUNG ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN WORKING GROUP.
THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT DISSEMINATING THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE TO YOUNG PEOPLE AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN RELATED ACTIVITIES.
THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION IS "KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STARTS WITH ME", AND THE SIZE OF THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE 7.5 BY 21 CENTIMETRES.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL DIVISIONS. WINNERS IN EACH DIVISION WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES, AND THE CHAMPION DESIGN WILL BE USED FOR PRINTING BOOKMARKS FOR DISTRIBUTION.
/THE ENTRIES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
- 18
THE ENTRIES CAN BE SUBMITTED INDIVIDUALLY OR THROUGH SCHOOLS TO THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, ON THE SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING; OR TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S SUB-OFFICE, ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF PO NING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS NOVEMBER 30. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 792 4455 EXT. 55.
- - 0---------
OCTOBER ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS, DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE ON A MONTHLY BASIS.
THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY TIME CONSUMING AND AS A RESULT THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
THE ASSOCIATED THIS YEAR: FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT
l.REED CO LTD WHAMPOA GARDEN, HUNG HOM 7.8.90-lT.8.90 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 13,700 1ST SAN PO KONG
2.REED CO LTD WHAMPOA GARDEN, HUNG HOM 19.9.90- 1.10.90 APCO : ” 24,000 2ND SAN PO KONG
3.OLD TIMER PROCESS LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 24.9.90- 27.3.90 APCO : ” 800 1ST KWUN TONG
4.REGENT STATE INT’L LTD OBSERVATORY ROAD , TSIM SHA TSUI 1.10.90- 1.1.91 APCO : ’’ 5,500 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
/5.CHUNG NAM .......
1 - 19 - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
t 5.CHUNG NAM TRAVELLING SERVICE LTD MAN WUI 18.10.90- ST, 22.11.90 FERRY POINT APCO : " 1,000 1ST SOUTH ' KOWLOON
6.WELL SURPLUS INVESTMENTS LTD MODY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST 29.10.90- 15.12.90 APCO : ” 1,500 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
7.JOIN SWEET LTD RIVIERA GARDEN, TSUEN WAN 2.12.90- 3.12.90 APCO : ” 400 1ST TSUEN WAN
8.KAM FUNG BLEACHING AND DYEING FTY LTD KIN KWAN ST, TUEN MUN 22.1.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST TUEN I MUN
9. THE DIRECTORS OF CHINESE YMCA WU KAI SHA, SHA TIN 31.1.91 APCO : 0 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 1ST SHA TIN
I 10.WHOLEWELL DEVELOPMENT LTD MODY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST 11.2.91- 13.3.91 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1,530 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
.11.BLOOMING RICH DEVELOPMENT LTD SHIP ST, WAN CHAI 8.3.91 APCO : 1,500 1ST EASTERN
12.KAM FUNG BLEACHING DYEING FTY LTD KIN KWAN ST, TUEN MUN 20.3.91 apco : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 2ND TUEN MUN
13.KONG FUNG IRON & STEEL FTY LTD NATHAN RD, KOWLOON 20.3.91 APCO : 3,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 1ST FANLING
14.HORSE SHOE INN TSOI TAK ST, HAPPY VALLEY 11.4.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST EASTERN
15.KAU KEE (BEVERLEY) RESTAURANT LTD CHATHAM RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 11.4.91 NCO : ” 10,000 2ND SOUTH KOWLOON
/16. .CARADO
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
20
16.CARADO GARDEN MANAGEMENT CARADO 22.4.91 GARDEN, TAI WAI NCO : " 4,500 1ST SHA TIN
LTD 17.CARADO GARDEN MANAGEMENT LTD CARADO : GARDEN, TAI WAI J$CKHART WAN CHAI 22.4.91 25.4.91 NCO : ” NCO : ’’ 8,500 7,500 2ND 1ST SHA TIN EASTERN
19.SHAMROCK RESTAURANT LTD NATHAN RD, YAU MA TEI 25.4.91 NCO : ’ ” 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
20.AMIGO MIO LTD TAI HO RD, TSUEN WAN 30.4.91 NCO : 7,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
21.HO HO-MAN WOOSUNG ST YAU MA TEI 9.5.91 NCO : ” 8,500 2ND SOUTH KOWLOON
22.BIGACHOICE WASHING & DYEING LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 21.5.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST KWUN TONG
23.GOOD YEAR RESTAURANT LTD NGA TSIN WAI RD, KOWLOON 23.5.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 70,000 3RD SAN PO KONG
24.POFUNG FINISHING WORKS LTD HUNG TO RD, KWUN TONG 28.5.91 APCO : USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 3,000 1ST KWUN TONG
25.WING HING HUNG TO LILYWHITE RD, FOAM FTY KWUN TONG 30.5.91 APCO : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 8,000 1ST KWUN TONG
26.HIGH PROSPEROUS DEVELOPMENT LTD TAI LOONG 14.6.91 ST KWAI CHUNG NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 7,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
/27.SEAVIEW
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
- 21 -
27.SEAVIEW NEEDLE WEAVING FTY MA TAU WEI RD, HUNG HOM 27.6.91 APCO : 3,900 BREACH OF COURT PROHIBITION ORDER ON USE OF FURNACES 1ST SAN PO KONG
28.KUMAGAI-GUMI (H.K.) LTD (MAIN CONTRACTOR) GRANVILLE RD, KOWLOON 1.7.91 DASO : 1,000 PERMIT DUMPING OF 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU WITHOUT A LICENCE 1ST EASTERN
WAI KEE (ZENS) CONST. & TRANSP. CO LTD (SUBCONTRACTOR) CHATHAM RD, KOWLOON 1.7.91 DASO : 1,000 PERMIT LOADING OF 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL ONTO A BARGE FOR DUMPING AT SEA SOUTH OF CHEUNG CHAU WITHOUT A LICENCE 1ST EASTERN
29.TRI-STAR FABRIC PRINTING WORKS LTD SHA TSUI RD, TSUEN WAN 2.7.91 APCO : 2,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN
30.CHUN NAM LAU RESTAURANT LTD OLD MAIN ST, ABERDEEN 5.7.91 APCO : ” 3,000 1ST WESTERN
31.AOKI CORPORATION KING’S RD, QUARRY BAY 10.7.91 APCO : 5,000 CONTRAVENING TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF A SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENCE. 2ND EASTERN
32.TOBISHIMA CORPORATION (LICENSEE) NATHAN RD, KOWLOON 11.7.91 DASO : 2,500 PERMIT DUMPING OF 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA BETWEEN NINEPIN GROUP AND WAGLAN ISLAND NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITIONS 1ST EASTERN
/33.CHUN FAT .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
- 22 -
33.CHUN FAT CORDUROY FINISHING FTY YUENG UK RD, TSUEN WAN 11.7.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 6,500 6TH TSUEN WAN
34.KIM FUNG SHING TEXTILES MFG LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 17.7 .91 APCO : ” 12,000 6TH TSUEN WAN
35.CHEUNG FAT CORDUROY FINISHING FTY 17 .7 .91 APCO : ” 4,000 2ND
36.K. WAH QUARRY CO LTD CANTON RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 23 .7 .91 APCO : USING AN UNSUITABLE FUEL IN A RELEVANT PLANT 8,000 1ST KWUN TONG
37.CHEUNG LAI-CHING CHOI HUNG ESTATE, CHOI HUNG 25 .7 .91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
38.CANADA SPRINGFIELD (HK) LTD CHIK CHUEN ST, TAI WAI 6. 8. 91 APCO : 8,500 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 3RD SHA TIN
39.VICFAST CO LTD TAI WAI, SHAT1N 6. 8. 91 APCO : ” 8,500 2ND SHA TIN
40.SAMPAN THAI SEAFOOD MARKET CO PAK SHA 6. WAN CENTRE, SAI KUNG 8. 91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST KWUN TONG
41.KONG SUN DYEING WORKS LTD KO FAI RD, YAU TONG 6.8. BAY 91 APCO : ” 2,500 2ND KWUN TONG
42.KING CONNIE TEXTILE CO WAI YIP 6. ST, KWUN TONG 8. 91 APCO : ” 3,500 3RD KWUN TONG
43.MA KING KEE DIAZO PRINTING & CO LTD LANDALE ST, WAN CHAI 7. 8. 91 APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT 5,000 2ND EASTERN
NUISANCE (GENERAL)
/44.VENTURE ..
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
23
44.VENTURE KWOK 16.8.91 APCO : 12,000 2ND TSUEN
BRILLIANT SHUI RD, FAILURE TO WAN
DYEING & KWAI CHUNG TAKE MEASURES
PRINTING LTD TO ELIMINATE
UNNECESSARY
AIR POLLUTANT
NOTE :
APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE
DASO : DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID IN CASE 1, REED CO. LTD WAS CONVICTED TO A FINE OF $3,000 PLUS $10,700 FOR 214 DAYS OF CONTINUING OFFENCE, TOTALLING TO $13,700, FOR BREACHING AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.
IN CASE 2, REED CO LTD WAS CONVICTED TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 PLUS $19,000 FOR 380 DAYS OF CONTINUING OFFENCE, TOTALLING TO $24,000.
IN CASE 9, THE DIRECTORS OF CHINESE YMCA WAS CONVICTED WITH NO FINE. THE DEFENDANT, SUBSEQUENT TO RECEIVING THE SUMMONS, WROTE TO THE EPD SETTING OUT A LIST OF MITIGATIONS INCLUDING A DEFINITE PLAN FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE FUEL RESTRICTION REGULATIONS.
THE MITIGATION MEASURES WERE ACCEPTED BY THE COURT TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND REASONABLE.
IN CASE 23, GOOD YEAR RESTAURANT LTD WAS FIND $70,000 FOR ITS THIRD OFFENCE IN FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE. THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR BREACHING THIS SECTION OF NCO FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE IS $100,000.
ON THE PROVISION OF NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO CARRYING OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A PERMIT, ONE PERSON AND FOUR COMPANIES WERE PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE AND FINED A TOTAL SUM OF $5,000.
ANOTHER PERSON WAS PROSECUTED FOR CARRYING OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT AND FINED $2,000.
COMMENTING ON THE RELATIVELY LOW FINES FOR THESE BREACHES OF THE NCO, THE SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT NOISE FROM CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES REMAINED A PROBLEM.
THE EPD HOPED SOON TO INTRODUCE NEW REGULATIONS TO CONTROL NOISE EMISSIONS FROM PORTABLE COMPRESSORS AND HAND-HELD BREAKERS (JACK-HAMMERS).
IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE NEW CONTROLS WOULD HELP REDUCE DAY TIME CONSTRUCTION NOISE WHICH, APART FROM PERCUSSIVE PILING, IS AT PRESENT NOT UNDER CONTROL.
/NOTE TO........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 199]
- 24 -
NOTE TO EDITORS :
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASE CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS :
APCO MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL NO. 810 2907
NCO MR STEVEN HO TEL NO. 810 2886
DASO MR PATRICK LEI TEL NO. 782 7280 .
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD CONTINUE BE DIRECTED TO THE EPD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION.
--------0-----------
15 FIREMEN COMMENDED FOR BRAVE OPERATION
* * * *
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR JAMES HO KWOK-CHUEN, TODAY (MONDAY) PRESENTED COMMENDATIONS TO 15 FIRE SERVICE OFFICERS FOR THEIR COURAGE, INITIATIVENESS AND PROFESSIONALISM IN A FIRE-FIGHTING OPERATION ON BOARD AN OIL TANKER LAST MONTH.
THEY WERE A SENIOR STATION OFFICER, A STATION OFFICER, A PROBATIONARY STATION OFFICER, TWO SENIOR FIREMEN AND 10 FIREMEN.
SIX OF THEM WERE AWARDED THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S (CFO) COMMENDATIONS WHILE THE OTHER NINE WERE GIVEN FAVOURABLE ENTRIES IN THEIR PERSONAL RECORDS.
AMONG THE SIX OFFICERS WHO WERE AWARDED CFO’S COMMENDATIONS, SENIOR STATION OFFICER TSAI PUI-WING WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS LEADERSHIP, RESOURCEFULNESS AND DEVOTION TO DUTY.
THE OTHER FIRE OFFICERS - SENIOR FIREMAN WONG SIU-FAI AND FOUR FIREMEN TSANG CHI-MAN, LI KWONG-LUNG, CHUI CHI-SHUN AND SHAO CHI-CHONG - WERE COMMENDED CFO’S COMMENDATION FOR THEIR INITIATIVE, PROFESSIONAL SKILL AND DEVOTION TO DUTY.
STATION OFFICER YUNG CHUN-HING, PROBATIONARY STATION OFFICER LAI KWOK-HUNG, SENIOR FIREMAN CHAN TAT-SING AND OTHER SIX FIREMEN WERE ALSO COMMENDED AND EACH GOT A FAVOURABLE ENTRY IN THEIR PERSONAL RECORDS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR GOOD WORK IN THE INCIDENT.
THE FIRE BROKE OUT ON BOARD OIL TANKER "EURO LEADER" MOORED AT THE NORTH BERTH OF YIU LIAN DOCKYARDS FOR REPAIRING AT 2 PM ON OCTOBER 10 PM.
ON RECEIPT OF THE REPORT, THE OFFICERS RACED TO THE SCENE AND LOCATED THE FIRE AT A BALLAST TANK ABOUT 22 METRES BELOW THE MAIN DECK AND THE AREA OF THE TANK WAS ABOUT 20-METRE BY 30-METRE. IT WAS REPORTED THAT SIX WORKERS WERE TRAPPED INSIDE.
/IN ORDER .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
- 25 -
IN ORDER TO REACH THE LOCATION WHERE THE WORKERS WERE REPORTED MISSING SIX OFFICERS WITH BREATHING APPARATUS HAD TO TRAVEL ABOUT 30-METRE THROUGH FLIGHTS OF SLIPPERY, UPRIGHT AND NARROW LADDERS.
MR HO SAID DESPITE THE CONDITIONS INSIDE THE TANK WAS DARK, HOT, UNFAMILIAR TO THE OFFICERS AND THEIR BREATHING APPARATUS SETS COULD ONLY LAST FOR ABOUT 35 MINUTES, THE OFFICERS WERE STILL ABLE TO EFFECT THE FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE OPERATIONS BEFORE THEIR AIR SUPPLY WAS EXHAUSTED.
ALL THE SIX WORKERS TRAPPED WERE RESCUED AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT AROUND 5.43 PM.
AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION, MR HO PRAISED ALL THE COMMENDED OFFICERS FOR THEIR EFFICIENT OPERATION WITHIN A CONSTRAINED TIME BECAUSE IT TOOK AN INVESTIGATION OFFICER (WITHOUT CARRYING BREATHING APPARATUS EQUIPMENT) 30 MINUTES TO TRAVEL FROM THE HATCH OPENING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE BALLAST.
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM YIU LIAN DOCKYARD ALSO ATTENDED THE CEREMONY AND PRESENTED A SOUVENIOR TO OFFICERS OF THE TSING YI FIRE STATION IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR SUCCESSFUL FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN THE INCIDENT.
- - 0 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 46.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 271.635 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 286.458 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 48.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI ******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YAU MA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 20) FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
TEI ,
TO 6
KOWLOON
AM THE
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NATHAN WOOSUNG STREET AND JORDAN ROAD AND INCLUDING STREET, PARKES STREET AND BOWRING STREET.
ROAD, AUSTIN ROAD, PREMISES AT PILKEM
- - 0---------
/26 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1991
26
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS » » « » »
TENDER DATE 18 NOV 1991
PAPER ON OFFER GOVT BONDS
ISSUE NUMBER 2311
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$ 2, ,717 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$ 500 MN
AVERAGE PRICE(YIELD) ACCEPTED 101.22 PCT (5.68) PCT
LOWEST PRICE(YIELD) ACCEPTED 101.18 PCT (5.70) PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 31 : PCT
AVERAGE TENDER PRICE(YIELD) 100.96 PCT (5.82) PCT
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 16.11.91 500 MN
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 18.11.91 + 20 MN
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -20 MN
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.8 ♦-0.1* 18.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
18.11.91 15.11.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.47 PCT 3.51 PCT
1 MONTH 3.54 PCT 3.60 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.80 PCT 3.89 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.08 PCT 4.15 PCT
12 MONTHS 4,82 PCT 4.85 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 3,930 MN 7,012 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK AND SINGAPORE - EXAMPLES OF FREE MARKET ECONOMY WORKING: GOVERNOR .. 1 HK PEOPLE AND GOVT DETERMINE TO MAKE THE FUTURE WORK: GOVERNOR ......... 2 HONG KONG TO SET UP MONEY MARKET PRACTICES COMMITTEE ................... 4 GOVT TO FUND APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME ................... 6 REDEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG STADIUM ..................................... 8 JLG EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER STARTS TOMORROW ........... 9 PAC HEARING NEXT WEEK .................................................. 40 ATLA PUBLIC INQUIRY TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK ................................. 10 BCCHK TAKE-OVER TALKS AT ADVANCED STAGE ................................ 11 TWO GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $824.5 MILLION .................................. 11 TUEN MUN SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY COMMISSIONED ....................... 12 108 NURSES COMPLETED TRAINING COURSE ON AIDS ........................... 13
ONE CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM LEGCO RACE ............................... 13 269 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM ............................................. 14 FIRE SERVICES RECRUITING STATION OFFICERS .............................. 14 CYC TO BROADEN ITS COMMUNITY SERVICES .................................. 15 PHOTO COMPETITION TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HK'S HERITAGE ......... 16 SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO KUWAIT RESUMES .................................... 17 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ...................... 17 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 18
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
1
HK AND SINGAPORE - EXAMPLES OF FREE MARKET ECONOMY WORKING: GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) DESCRIBED SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG AS THE "TWO GREATEST EXAMPLES IN THE WORLD OF A FREE MARKET ECONOMY ACTUALLY WORKING”.
SPEAKING TO SENIOR SINGAPORE JOURNALISTS, HE SAID IT WAS ALSO THE GREATEST EXAMPLE OF THE BEST WAY TO RUN AN ECONOMY.
"WHAT IS INTERESTING IS TO SEE HOW OTHER PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO LEARN THE LESSONS AND, I HOPE, GRADUALLY WILL LEARN PART OF THAT LESSON WHICH IS THAT TRADE BARRIERS DON’T ACTUALLY HELP ANYBODY."
SIR DAVID SAID THAT HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE HAD VERY CLOSE RELATIONS - SIMILAR ECONOMIES, CIVIL SERVICE AND JUDICIAL PRACTICES, AND IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WERE ALWAYS ON THE SAME SIDE.
HE DESCRIBED THE RELATIONS AS FRIENDLY AND NEIGHBOURLY, BUT ALSO AS "FRIENDLY RIVALS" BECAUSE IN SO MANY THINGS THE TWO PLACES WERE RIVALS.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, HE HAD BEEN STRUCK BY THE WAY THE SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT HAD PAID INCREASINGLY CLOSE ATTENTION TO HONG KONG FOR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
"WE APPRECIATE THAT SORT OF INTEREST AND WELCOME OUTSIDE INVESTMENT. WE SEE HONG KONG AS A GREAT PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY AND WE WELCOME OTHER PEOPLE TAKING PART IN THOSE OPPORTUNITIES."
THE GOVERNMENT SPENT A HECTIC DAY IN SINGAPORE TODAY WITH MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE SENIOR MINISTER AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER, MR LEE KUEN-YEW, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, BRIGADIER GENERAL, LEE HSIEN LOONG AND THE MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND THE ARTS, BRIGADIER ’ GENERAL GEORGE YEO.
FROM BRIGADIER GENERAL LEE’S OFFICE ON THE 50TH FLOOR OF THE TREASURY BUILDING, THE GOVERNOR WAS SHOWN SWEEPING VIEWS OF SINGAPORE AND THE SO CALLED GROWTH TRIANGLE INVOLVING SINGAPORE, INDONESIA (IN PARTICULAR THE ISLAND OF BATAM) AND MALAYSIA, PARTICULARLY JOHORE.
A NUMBER OF TOPICS WERE RAISED INCLUDING SINGAPORE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, TRADE MATTERS INCLUDING THE LATEST GATT TALKS AND THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED APEC FORUM IN SOEUL, AND HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT.
LATE THIS AFTERNOON, THE GOVERNOR GAVE A KEYNOTE SPEECH TO A FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES. DURING A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION AFTERWARDS, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO BUILD UP CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE. ONE OF THE WAYS THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED WAS THROUGH EXPANDED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BUSINESSMEN FROM THE TWO PLACES AND WITH CIVIL SERVANTS.
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON ARE NOW ON THEIR WAY TO NEW ZEALAND WHERE HE WILL MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INCLUDING THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JAMES BOLGER.
- - 0 - -
/? ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19,
1991
2
HK PEOPLE AND GOVT DETERMINE TO MAKE THE FUTURE WORK: GOVERNOR
* * * * ♦
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE DETERMINED TO MAKE THE FUTURE WORK, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON SAID IN SINGAPORE TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING TO THE SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES. HE OUTLINED TO THE AUDIENCE WHAT THE FUTURE HELD FOR HONG KONG, HOW HONG KONG WAS SHAPING ITS FUTURE, AND HOW HONG KONG WAS PREPARING FOR THE CHALLENGES.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT SOME PEOPLE SAID THE FACT THAT CHINA WOULD RESUME SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG IN FIVE-AND-A-HALF YEARS’ TIME, HAD CLOUDED HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND PARALYSED ITS GOVERNMENT.
’’THE REALITY IS VERY DIFFERENT,” THE GOVERNOR STRESSED, ADDING THAT HONG KONG WAS DETERMINED TO EQUIP ITSELF FOR A PROSPEROUS FUTURE AT THE HEART OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROWING REGION.
"OUR PLANS ARE BEING CAREFULLY LAID AND OUR HORIZON EXTENDS WELL BEYOND 1997," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID ECONOMY WAS THE FOUNDATION FOR EVERYTHING ELSE HONG KONG WAS TRYING TO ACHIEVE.
HE SAID HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE HAD A COMMON COMMITMENT TO FREE MARKETS AT HOME AND TO FREE TRADE ABROAD.
"WE HAVE A GREAT DEAL TO GAIN FROM THE GLOBALISATION OF WORLD MARKETS AND FROM A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME TO THE GATT URUGUAY ROUND.
"WE HAVE MUCH TO LOSE FROM THE SPREAD OF PROTECTIONISM AND FROM ANY GENERAL RETREAT INTO MUTUALLY ANTAGONISTIC TRADING BLOCKS," HE SAID.
LIKE SINGAPORE, HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS HAD BEEN BASED ON THE RAPID EXPANSION OF TRADE WITH EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS INCREASINGLY TRADE WITH HONG KONG’S NEIGHBOURS IN ASIA, INCLUDING CHINA, WHICH GAVE THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIES THEIR DYNAMISM.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, HONG KONG’S REGIONAL TRADE HAD EXPANDED BY 25 PER CENT. IT NOW EXCEEDED TRADE WITH THE TERRITORY’S TRADITIONAL EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN TRADING PARTNERS, SIR DAVID SAID.
THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE CHINESE ECONOMY OVER THE LAST DECADE, SIR DAVID SAID, HAD BEEN A KEY FACTOR IN THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC VALUE TO CHINA WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"1997 WILL NOT WEAKEN HONG KONG’S TRADF POSITION. IT WILL ENHANCE IT. THERE SEEMS NO GOOD REASON TO DOUBT THIS," HE ADDED.
/SIR DAVID .......
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 19, 1991
3
SIR DAVID SAID THE INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION OF CHINA’S COASTAL PROVINCES WOULD INCREASE THE DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S CAPITAL, SERVICES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS.
"THE ECONOMIC MOMENTUM WHICH IS BUILDING UP NOW WILL GO A LONG WAY TO CARRYING US THROUGH THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997," HE SAID.
ON THE RETURN TO CHINA OF SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID IN MANAGING THE TRANSITION, WHICH WAS A CAREFULLY PLANNED ONE, A GREAT DEAL HAD BEEN ACHIEVED, BUT MUCH REMAINED TO BE DONE.
"THERE ARE, FOR EXAMPLE, MANY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS WHICH AFFECT HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
"EACH ONE MUST BE LOOKED AT TO SEE HOW IT CONTINUES TO BE EFFECTIVE AFTER 1997 WHEN THE HONG KONG SAR (SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION) IS A PART OF CHINA.
"FOR EXAMPLE, HONG KONG’S CONTINUING SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE GATT IS NOW ACCEPTED BY ALL PARTIES. BUT OTHER ISSUES REMAIN, SUCH AS OUR AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS," HE SAID.
EACH AGREEMENT, SIR DAVID SAID, HAD TO BE SEPARATED FROM THE ARRANGEMENT ORIGINALLY MADE UNDER THE U.K. UMBRELLA.
EACH ONE, SO THAT IT COULD CONTINUE THROUGH 1997, HAD TO HAVE THE BLESSING OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD NOT PRETEND THAT .THE PROCESS OF DISCUSSION WITH CHINA WAS ALWAYS EASY.
"THERE HAVE BEEN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN US. IT WOULD BE ODD IF THIS WAS NOT SO.
"WE HAVE COMMON INTERESTS BUT COME TO THEM FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS OVER HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT WERE A MAJOR TEST OF HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA, AND OF HONG KONG’S PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE.
"THE AGREEMENT THAT WE FINALLY REACHED - FORMALISED BY THE SIGNING OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BY THE CHINESE AND BRITISH PRIME MINISTERS IN PEKING IN SEPTEMBER - IS A CLEAR DEMONSTRATION THAT EVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT PROBLEMS CAN BE RESOLVED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"IT IS ALSO AN EXAMPLE OF HOW MUCH EFFORT WE ARE PUTTING INTO LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID OVER THE NEXT FIVE AND A HALF YEARS, PEOPLE WOULD HEAR MORE FROM THE PESSIMISTS.
/HOWEVER, HE ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
HOWEVER, HE HOPED THAT PEOPLE WOULD ALSO SEE THE REALITY.
"THE REALITY IS A HONG KONG WHICH IS ACCUSTOMED TO FACING PROBLEMS AND OVERCOMING THEM - A HONG KONG WHICH FACES THE FUTURE NOT WITH TREPIDATION BUT DETERMINATION," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG TO SET UP MONEY MARKET PRACTICES COMMITTEE
******
IT IS PROBABLY TIME THAT HONG KONG FOLLOWS THE EXAMPLE OF OTHER MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES SUCH AS LONDON, NEW YORK AND TOKYO AND SET UP A MARKET PRACTICES COMMITTEE WITH A SMALL DEGREE OF OFFICIAL PARTICIPATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, MR JOSEPH YAM SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG FOREX ASSOCIATION, MR YAM SAID THE COMMITTEE, THE FULL NAME OF WHICH WILL BE THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKET PRACTICES COMMITTEE, WILL ONLY BE AN ADVISORY BODY WITHOUT ANY EXECUTIVE POWERS OR STATUTORY AUTHORITY.
"BUT I HOPE IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE OF ITS GUIDELINES THROUGH THE ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTED ON IT," MR YAM SAID.
THE PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE IS TO REVIEW AND OFFER ADVICE TO THE ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTED ON IT ON MATTERS RELATION TO THE ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH OF THE HONG KONG FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKET.
THIS LATTER EXPRESSION SHALL BE TAKEN TO INCLUDE BUSINESS IN, AND THE ACTIVITIES OF THOSE OFFERING SERVICES IN DEPOSITS, SPOT AND FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGES, OPTIONS, SWAPS, FORWARD RATE AGREEMENTS AND KINDRED PRODUCTS.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL RECOMMEND GUIDELINES AND COMMON PRACTICES FOR THE MARKETS, INCLUDING MATTERS SUCH AS A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BROKERS AND DEALERS.
IT IS PROPOSED ALSO THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE ALLEGATIONS OF MALPRACTICE OR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF CONDUCT WHICH ARE REFERRED TO IT.
ALSO UNDER ITS PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE COMMITTEE IS TO CONSIDER MATTERS WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO THE WELL-BEING, EFFICIENCY AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKETS, INCLUDING THE TRAINING NEED OF STAFF OF DEALING ROOMS AND BROKING FIRMS.
REGARDING ITS PROPOSED STRUCTURE, THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF BANKING WILL BE AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS.
/OTHER MEMBERS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
5
OTHER MEMBERS WILL BE SIX REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB); TWO REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION, THREE REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND DEPOSIT BROKERS’ ASSOCIATION, ONE REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED BY THE FOREX ASSOCIATION AND ONE REPRESENTATIVE NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.
"I AM SURE THE ASSOCIATIONS CONCERNED WILL LEND THEIR SUPPORT TO THE COMMITTEE IN THE OVERALL INTEREST OF UPHOLDING THE INTEGRITY OF THE MARKET," HE SAID.
"THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING WILL OF COURSE BE PREPARED TO BACK UP THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS BY TAKING WHATEVER ACTION HE CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE IN RESPECT OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE," MR YAM SAID.
MR YAM WILL SHORTLY BE WRITING FORMALLY TO THE ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTED ABOUT THE PROPOSAL AND INVITE THEM TO NOMINATE REPRESENTATIVES TO SIT ON THE COMMITTEE.
HE NOTED THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING MARKET INTEGRITY IS WELL UNDERSTOOD.
MOST PARTICIPANTS IN THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET ACTING AS PRINCIPALS HAVE WELL ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS FOR INTERNAL CONTROL AND ASSESSMENT OF COUNTERPART RISKS, HE SAID.
"THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, AS SUPERVISOR FOR AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE, ALSO HAS AN INTEREST IN SUPERVISING THE EXCHANGE RISKS OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS AND HAS, IN THIS CONNECTION, AGREED WITH THE INSTITUTIONS INDIVIDUALLY PRUDENTIAL LIMITS FOR THEIR OPEN POSITIONS.
"HE HAS ALSO LAID DOWN CODES OF CONDUCT TO BE OBSERVED BY EMPLOYEES OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING THEIR DEALERS.
"THESE SEEMS TO BE QUITE ADEQUATE, AS FAR AS AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ARE CONCERNED," MR YAM SAID.
IN THE CASE OF THE INTERMEDIARIES, THAT IS THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE BROKERS, THEY ARE CURRENTLY NOT SUBJECT TO ANY FORM OF SUPERVISION BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"BUT THERE IS AN INTERESTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEM AND THE HKAB, WHICH PUT A MORAL OBLIGATION ON HKAB TO PLAY THE ROLE AS SUPERVISOR.
"THERE ARE TWO INTERLOCKING ELEMENTS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO BUILDING THAT RELATIONSHIP. ON THE ONE HAND, UNDER THE GENERAL RULE OF HKAB, MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DEAL WITH ANY BROKING ENTITIES OTHER THAN MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND DEPOSIT BROKERS ASSOCIATION.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE BROKERS ASSOCIATION, ALL CHANGES IN ITS MEMBERSHIPS OR IN THE SHAREHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS OF ANY OF ITS MEMBERS ARE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE HKAB.
/"THERE IS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
"THERE IS NO STATUTORY BACKING TO HKAB’S SUPERVISORY POWERS OVER THE BROKERS, AND THERE ARE NO POWERS OF SANCTION," MR YAM SAID.
HE NOTED THAT HKAB HAS FOR THESE REASONS RECENTLY EXPRESSED CONCERN TO THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, WITH A REQUEST THAT THE SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY FOR BROKERS BE TAKEN OVER THE GOVERNMENT.
"WE HAVE CONSIDERED THIS REQUEST CAREFULLY. THERE ARE ONLY 10 ACTIVE BROKERS IN HONG KONG. THEIR MAIN JOB IS TO OFFER BROKING SERVICES TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE INTERBANK MARKET AND ARE INVOLVED MAINLY IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND INTERBANK DEPOSIT TRANSACTIONS. THEY SOLICIT BID AND OFFER PRICES FROM PRINCIPALS AND TRY TO PULL TOGETHER THE DEALS.
"AS SETTLEMENTS ARE MADE BETWEEN THE PRINCIPALS DIRECT, THERE ARE NO CREDIT OR SETTLEMENT RISKS INVOLVING THE BROKERS," MR YAM SAID.
FURTHERMORE, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BROKER ASSOCIATION HAS THE POWERS TO MAKE RULES REGULATING THE CONDUCT OF ITS MEMBERS AND TO ENFORCE THESE RULES. IT MAY CALL ON ANY MEMBER TO PROVIDE ANY RELEVANT INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTS AND, IF NECESSARY, TO IMPOSE PENALTIES IN THE FORM OF A REPRIMAND OR SUSPENSION FROM MEMBERSHIP OR EVEN EXPULSION FROM THE ASSOCIATION.
"WITH THE CO-OPERATIONS OF THE BROKERS ASSOCIATION, I THINK THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS CAN CONTINUE ADEQUATELY TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE MARKET.
"I HOPE THE CO-OPERATION WILL CONTINUE TO BE FORTHCOMING. THE GOVERNMENT PREFERS A SELF-REGULATORY SYSTEM.
"THE ALTERNATIVE IS A FORMAL LICENSING AND SUPERVISORY SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE EXPENSIVE, AND SOMEBODY WILL HAVE TO BEAR THE COSTS. IN THIS CONNECTION, I AM ENCOURAGED TO SEE THAT THE BROKERS ASSOCIATION IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF DRAFTING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BROKERS," MR YAM SAID.
- - 0 -
GOVT TO FUND APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
******
AN APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR UNDER WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS HOPING TO PROVIDE $200 MILLION TO COMPANIES IN THE FORM OF AN INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R AND D) PROJECTS, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
IN A SPEECH ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG” TO THE HONG KONG-ITALIAN SOCIETY IN MILAN, MR BARMA SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SAW THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL R AND D CAPABILITY AS CRUCIAL IF TECHNOLOGIES WERE GOING TO BE USEFULLY APPLIED IN HONG KONG’S OWN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
/HE SAID
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
7
HE SAID THE OBJECT OF THE SCHEME WAS TO ENCOURAGE HIGHER LEVEL OF PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"IN RETURN, THE GOVERNMENT COULD SHARE IN THE BENEFITS FROM COMMERCIALLY VIABLE PROJECTS IT HAS SUPPORTED.
"WE ALSO HOPE TO IMPROVE THE R AND D CAPABILITIES OF OUR UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES AND INCREASE THE FUNDING FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO OVER US$50 MILLION," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID IT WAS ONE OF HONG KONG’S GREATEST STRENGTHS THAT ITS BUSINESSMEN - NOT ITS BUREAUCRATS - DISCOVERED NEW DIRECTIONS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT CERTAINLY DID REACT TO THE NEEDS OF BUSINESS AND IT HAD A GOOD TRACK RECORD FOR MAKING SURE THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE DID NOT LAG BEHIND OPPORTUNITIES.
"IN MANY CASES SUCH AS THE CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONTAINER PORT - WHICH HANDLES MORE CONTAINERS THAN ANY PORT IN EUROPE OR THE USA - DEVELOPMENT IS PRIVATE-SECTOR LED AND IT RUNS AHEAD OF DEMAND SO THAT THE CAPACITY IS, ALWAYS THERE.
"AS A MATTER OF FACT, CURRENT PLANS ARE TO EXPAND ITS CAPACITY FIVEFOLD OVER THE NEXT 15 YEARS," HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT, MR BARMA SAID WORK HAD STARTED AND CONTRACTS WERE BEING LET FOR THIS PROJECT WHICH WOULD TRIPLE THE EXISTING AIRPORT CAPACITY IN SIX YEARS’ TIME.
"THE NEW AIRPORT WILL HANDLE SOME 80 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR. TAKING THE INTEGRATED PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TOGETHER WITH THEIR ASSOCIATED ROAD, RAIL AND BRIDGE CONNECTIONS, WE HAVE THE LARGEST CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT IN THE WORLD CURRENTLY UNDER WAY IN HONG KONG.
"IF THIS IMPRESSES YOU - AS I HOPE IT DOES - I REMIND YOU THAT I AM MAKING THE POINT THAT WE DELIBERATELY SET OUT TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE MEETS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID CHANGE AND THE INCREASING SOPHISTICATION OF MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG HAD ALSO LED THE GOVERNMENT TO RECOGNISE THE NEED FOR MORE SKILLED MANAGERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS.
"TO PROVIDE THEM, WE INTEND TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATES, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE EDUCATION AND PROVIDE MORE TRAINING IN THOSE ENGINEERING SKILLS WHICH ARE MUCH NEEDED IN MANUFACTURING.
"WE SHALL FURTHER INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FIRST YEAR FIRST DEGREE PLACES IN OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FROM THE CURRENT 10,000 TO 15,000 BY 1995.
"A NEW UNIVERSITY - OUR THIRD - HAS JUST OPENED WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
/"WE HAVE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
8
"WE HAVE A SOLID NETWORK OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTES AND COLLEGES. EVERY YEAR, SOME 90,000 TRAINEES LEARN EITHER BASIC SKILLS OR UPGRADE THEIR SKILLS AT LEVELS RANGING FROM THE OPERATIVE TO THE TECHNOLOGIST," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, MR BARMA SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY SET UP THE INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WHICH WOULD COST SOME US$55 MILLION AND WOULD BE OPERATIONAL IN 1993.
HE SAID ITS DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE AND ITS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FACILITY WERE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE EVEN EARLIER -PERHAPS IN EARLY 1992.
"IT WILL PROVIDE SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION TO STIMULATE THE GROWTH OF INNOVATIVE NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS.
"IT WILL ASSIST THESE ’STARTUP* COMPANIES WITH PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT AND IT WILL FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES RELEVANT TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL GROWTH,” HE SAID.
MR BARMA IS CURRENTLY TOURING EUROPE AS PART OF AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG. HE WILL LATER FLY TO SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY WHERE HE WILL ADDRESS THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITIES ON INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
0
REDEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG STADIUM ******
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TODAY (TUESDAY) GAVE*A JOINT PRESENTATION TO NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND SPORTING ORGANISATIONS ON THE HONG KONG STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAD MOST GENEROUSLY OFFERED TO FUND AND BUILD THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
A SIMILAR PRESENTATION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD SAID THAT IT WELCOMED THE JOCKEY CLUB’S PROPOSAL TO REDEVELOP THE EXISTING HONG KONG STADIUM AT SO KUN PO INTO A MODERN STADIUM PROVIDING FACILITIES OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR VARIOUS MAJOR SPECTATOR SPORTS AS WELL AS ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS.
"IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SPECTATOR SPORTS WITHOUT RELYING HEAVILY ON FINANCIAL SUBSIDY FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE, THE GOVERNMENT HOPES THE NEW STADIUM WILL GENERATE SUFFICIENT INCOME TO BECOME SELF-FINANCING, AND IF POSSIBLE TO GENERATE SURPLUS INCOME WHICH MAY RE CHANNELLED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG IN FUTURE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID.
/A NUMBER .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
9
A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS, NOTABLY THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND SCHOOLS, HAD VOICED THEIR CONCERN OVER THE EXCLUSION OF A RUNNING TRACK IN THE PROPOSED DESIGN OF THE NEW STADIUM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT THE EXISTING HONG KONG STADIUM WAS USED ABOUT 80 DAYS A YEAR BY SCHOOLS FOR ATHLETIC MEETS, ABOUT 70 OF WHICH HAD AN ATTENDANCE OF 1,000 OR BELOW ON EACH OCCASION, AND ONLY ABOUT 10 HAD AN ATTENDANCE OF OVER 5,000.
’’ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE A STANDARD RUNNING TRACK IN THE NEW HONG KONG STADIUM DUE TO SITE CONSTRAINTS AND OTHER REASONS, THERE ARE ALTERNATIVE VENUES, SUCH AS THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND AND WANCHAI SPORTS GROUND WHICH AT PRESENT HAVE CONSIDERABLE SPARE CAPACITY TO MEET THE DEMAND OF MOST SCHOOLS ON THE ISLAND,” HE SAID.
MOREOVER, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE STEWARDS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB HAD SAID THEY WOULD CONSIDER FUNDING A REQUEST FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL IF THE COUNCIL FELT THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, MORE SEATING CAPACITY WAS NEEDED AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND.
IN ADDITION, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S STANLEY HO SPORTS GROUND IS OPEN TO ALL SCHOOLS FOR ATHLETIC MEETS.
’’OTHER URBAN COUNCIL SPORTS GROUNDS IN KOWLOON, SUCH AS THE KOWLOON BAY SPORTS GROUND, THE KOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND, THE SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS GROUND AND THE HAMMER HILL ROAD SPORTS GROUND ARE ALSO OPEN TO SCHOOL USE AND THEY HAVE ADEQUATE SPARE CAPACITY TO MEET SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS,” HE SAID.
"WITH THE CO-OPERATION AND GOODWILL OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WE TRUST THAT SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE WORKED OUT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE SUITABLE VENUES FOR THEIR STUDENTS TO HAVE FUN AND GAMES AT REGULAR SPORTS DAYS AND TO PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0-----------
JLG EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER STARTS TOMORROW
AN EIGHTH ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN EXPERTS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO 21.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE MR ALAN PAUL. THE CHINESE TEAM WILL BE LED BY CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE MR ZHENG WEIRONG.
THEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY EXPERTS FROM THE TWO SIDES.
- - 0 -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
" 10
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 TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE REPORT IS ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1991 AND THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS.
THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, STARTING AT 8.30 AM.
CONTROLLING OFFICERS WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE IN RELATION TO POINTS MADE IN THE REPORT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT WILL BE BOXED TOMORROW. PLEASE NOTE THAT REPORTERS ATTENDING THE OPEN HEARING NEXT WEEK SHOULD TAKE A COPY OF THE REPORT WITH THEM.
---------0-----------
ATLA PUBLIC INQUIRY TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK ******
THE AIR TRANSPORT LICENSING AUTHORITY (ATLA) WILL HOLD THE SECOND PHASE OF THE INQUIRY NEXT WEEK TO CONSIDER ON A POINT-BY-POINT BASIS AIR HONG KONG LIMITED’S (AHK) APPLICATIONS TO OPERATE SCHEDULED ALL-CARGO AIR SERVICES TO 80 DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE.
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE TWO-PHASE PUBLIC INQUIRY WAS HELD BETWEEN MARCH 11 AND 14 THIS YEAR. THREE APPLICATIONS BY AHK WERE CONSIDERED (INCLUDING 17 POINTS WHICH AHK HAS ALREADY BEEN LICENSED TO SERVE).
AHK’S APPLICATION, WHILE SUPPORTED BY 17 REPRESENTORS, WAS OPPOSED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LIMITED (CPA) AND HONG KONG DRAGON AIRLINES LIMITED (HDA).
A TWO-PHASE APPROACH WAS ADOPTED BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS AND PARTIES INVOLVED.
PHASE I OF THE INQUIRY WAS CONDUCTED TO CONSIDER THE GENERAL ABILITY OF AHK TO MOUNT THE EXTENSIVE SERVICES APPLIED FOR AND THE NEED FOR AN ALL-CARGO AIR SERVICE BASED IN HONG KONG.
DURING THE PHASE I INQUIRY ATLA DECIDED THAT IT COULD NOT CONSIDER LICENSING AIR CARGO SERVICES TO 25 DESTINATIONS WHICH AHK ONLY PROPOSED TO SERVE BY TRUCKS RATHER THAN CARGO AIRCRAFT.
/AS FOR ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
11
AS FOR THE REMAINING 55 DESTINATIONS, ATLA DECIDED THAT MORE DETAILED EVIDENCE SHOULD BE PRODUCED BY THE APPLICANT (AHK) AND THE OBJECTORS (CPA AND HDA) AT PHASE II OF THE INQUIRY, SO THAT THE PROPOSED DESTINATIONS CAN BE CONSIDERED ON A POINT-BY-POINT BASIS.
JOINING THE CHAIRMAN OF ATLA, MR JUSTICE R.G. PENLINGTON, FOR THIS INQUIRY WILL BE THE SAME PANEL MEMBERS WHO SAT IN PHASE I OF THE INQUIRY.
THEY ARE MR RONALD J. ARCULLI, MR NIGEL A. RIGG, MR STEPHEN LAU MAN-LUNG, AND MR DENNIS LAM HAW-SHUN.
THE INQUIRY IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND WILL TAKE PLACE AT COURT NO. 12, SIXTH FLOOR, SUPREME COURT, QUEENSWAY.
THE HOURS OF SITTING WILL BE FROM 9.30 AM TO 1 PM AND 2.15 PM TO 5 PM EACH DAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
A FIVE-MINUTE PHOTO SESSION BY MEDIA MEMBERS WILL BE ALLOWED AT 9.30 AM NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25) IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE INQUIRY.
- - 0 - -
BCCHK TAKE-OVER TALKS AT ADVANCED STAGE
*****
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HE AND HIS ADVISERS HAD NOW REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE LIPPO GROUP FOR THE TAKE-OVER OF BCCHK.
IF THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE SUCCESSFUL HE WOULD PLACE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL BEFORE THE HIGH COURT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
AS SOME OBSTACLES STILL REMAIN, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR MR GLEESON TO ISSUE ANY FURTHER STATEMENT FOR THE TIME BEING.
- - 0 - -
TWO GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $824.5 MILLION
*****
TWO GOVERNMENT LOTS OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IN A PUBLIC AUCTION THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON FETCHED A TOTAL OF $824.5 MILLION.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT 19 HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD, KOWLOON.
/WITH AN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
12
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,893 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
IT WAS BOUGHT BY PIZZICATO LTD FOR $539 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $380 MILLION.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 10,510 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE OTHER LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 11, ON SUM STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE 8,220-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR GODOWN (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN) AND PUBLIC LORRY PARK PURPOSES.
IT WAS SOLD TO ROVILLE COMPANY LTD FOR $285.5 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENING AT $200 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 46,854 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR JOHN CORRIGALL.
-----0------
TUEN MUN SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY COMMISSIONED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY TO ASSESS THE EXTENT OF THE POLLUTION PROBLEM RESULTING FROM THE IMPROPER DISCHARGE OF DOMESTIC SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS TO STORMWATER DRAINS AND WATER COURSES WITHIN THE TUEN MUN REGION.
THE STUDY WILL ASSESS THE INADEQUACY OF THE EXISTING SEWERAGE SYSTEM. SCHEMES FOR REMEDIAL WORKS WILL ALSO BE FORMULATED TO ENSURE THAT ALL SEWAGE WILL BE PROPERLY COLLECTED AND DISPOSED OF IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER.
A SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN WILL BE ESTABLISHED AND A PRIORITISED PROGRAMME FOR PROGRESSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF NECESSARY ENGINEERING WORKS WILL BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE FOR SHORT- AND LONG-TERM MEASURES TO REDUCE THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN STAGES.
EMPHASIS WILL BE GIVEN TO ACHIEVING EARLY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS. THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) BETWEEN THE EPD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (WASTE AND WATER POLICY), MR MIKE J. STOKOE, AND MR M.A. OSWELL, DIRECTOR OF WATSON HAWKSLEY (HONG KONG) LTD.
THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $9.65 MILLION, WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES AND BE COMPLETED IN 18 MONTHS.
------0-------- /I 3......................................
13
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
108 NURSES COMPLETED TRAINING COURSE ON AIDS
*****
A TOTAL OF 108 NURSES WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE ON AIDS RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE ARGYLE STREET JOCKEY CLUB SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MRS PEGGY LAM AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON TRAINING OF INTERMEDIARIES, DR RICHARD YU, OFFICIATED AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
THE COURSE, THE FIRST FORMAL ONE ON AIDS, WAS ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP UNDER THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS TO ENABLE NURSES TO PROVIDE NURSING CARE WITH PROFESSIONALISM, EMPATHY AND COMPASSION TO ALL AIDS PATIENTS.
IT COMPRISED A TOTAL OF 28 LECTURES BY DOCTORS, NURSES, A PSYCHOLOGIST, SOCIAL WORKER, DIETICIAN AND A HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN.
THE PARTICIPATING NURSES CAME FROM GOVERNMENT, SUBVENTED AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, SAID NURSES HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE BATTLE AGAINST AIDS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT ALONE WAS NOT ENOUGH FOR THE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF THE DISEASE.
"OUR SUCCESS IN COMBATTING AIDS REQUIRES THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE HEALTH WORKERS TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAMME," DR LEE SAID.
"WITHOUT THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND COMMITMENT, WE WILL SURELY FAIL IN THIS FIGHT."
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THROUGH THE HELP OF THE NURSES IN DISSEMINATING CORRECT AND PROPER INFORMATION ON AIDS TO THE PUBLIC, PATIENTS, THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS, MUCH CAN BE ACHIEVED IN THE AIDS PREVENTION PROGRAMME AND IN DEVELOPING A COMPASSIONATE, TOLERANT AND CARING ATTITUDE IN THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS AIDS PATIENTS.
- - - - 0-----------
ONE CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM LEGCO RACE
*♦»*♦♦
MR CHOW WAI-HUNG TODAY (TUESDAY) WITHDREW HIS NOMINATION FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST CONSTITUENCY, TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8.
WITH HIS WITHDRAWAL, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE LEGCO SEAT IS NOW FOUR.
/I 4.........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
- 14
269 VM’S RETURN TO VIETNAM ******
A GROUP OF 269 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 82 MEN, 68 WOMEN, 61 BOYS AND 58 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 76TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 5,800 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 12,096 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0 - -
FIRE SERVICES RECRUITING STATION OFFICERS
*****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN A TEMPORARY MEASURE TO RELAX ONE OF ITS PHYSICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR STATION OFFICER IN ORDER TO ATTRACT MORE SUITABLE YOUNG MEN TO JOIN THE SERVICE.
THE RELAXATION IS THAT APPLICANTS DO NOT HAVE TO EXPAND FIVE CENTIMETRES DURING CHEST INFLATION AT PHYSICAL TEST.
THE ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HEADQUARTERS), MR LAM CHUN-MAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IN THE LAST 15 MONTHS, OF THE 39 APPLICANTS WHO FAILED THE CHEST MEASUREMENT, 16 FAILED THE FIVE-CENTIMETRE CHEST EXPANSION.
"THE MAIN REASON FOR THEIR FAILURE IS THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO EXPAND FIVE CENTIMETRES DURING CHEST INFLATION," HE SAID.
"THOSE WHO HAD FAILED IN THE CHEST INFLATION REQUIREMENT ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY AGAIN.
"THE APPOINTED CANDIDATES WILL BE GIVEN PROPER PHYSICAL TRAINING AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AND THEY WILL BE SUBJECT TO PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENTS BEFORE THE END OF THEIR TRAINING," HE ADDED.
MR LAM SAID YOUNG MEN WISHING TO JOIN THE SERVICE AS A STATION OFFICER COULD VISIT THE DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITMENT CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, 1 HONG CHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE CENTRE IS OPEN FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON MONDAY TO. FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON SATURDAY.
STAFF THERE WILL GIVE ON-THE-SPOT EXAMINATION ON APPLICANTS’ PHYSICAL FITNESS AND EYESIGHT AND ASSIST THEM TO FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORMS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 733 7519.
/THE WEIGHT .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
THE WEIGHT RANGE FOR STATION OFFICER IS NOW 53 KILOGRAMS TO 88.75 KILOGRAMS CORRESPONDING TO A HEIGHT-TO-WEIGHT SCALE OF 168 CENTIMETRES TO 191 CENTIMETRES WHILE THE CHEST MEASUREMENT IS 84 CENTIMETRES.
THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION IS FIVE SUBJECTS, INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B), AT GRADE E IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, OR EQUIVALENT.
THE STARTING SALARY VARIES FROM $13,530 TO $16,815 PER MONTH DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE. THE MAXIMUM IS $31,740 PER MONTH.
AFTER SERVING FOR FIVE YEARS, A SUITABLE RECRUIT MAY BE PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SENIOR STATION OFFICER WITH A SALARY OF $27,480 PER MONTH.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL NEED ANOTHER 70 STATION OFFICERS TO MEET ITS RECRUITMENT TARGET.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HEADQUARTERS), MR LAM CHUN-MAN, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRESS INTERVIEWS AT 3 PM TODAY (TUESDAY), AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, I HONG CHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
- - 0 - -
CYC TO BROADEN ITS COMMUNITY SERVICES »*»*»»
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND RESPECT TO TEACHERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS THE THEME IN NEXT YEAR’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) ACTIVITIES, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE CLUB'S 11TH ANNUAL PARADE AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, MR LI SAID A NEW AWARD SCHEME WOULD ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED TO BROADEN THE COMMUNITY SERVICES OF THE NEARLY 300,000 MEMBERS.
IN OUTLINING THE CLUB’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR, MR LI SAID A RECORD AMOUNT OF FUNDS WAS RAISED FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST THROUGH AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROJECT.
THE COUNTRY PARK ADOPTION SCHEME, WHICH INVOLVED SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE PHYSICAL CARE OF COUNTRY PARKS, HAD BEEN EXTENDED, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, A RE-STRUCTURING SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TO MOTIVATE MEMBERS TO ORGANISE THEIR OWN ACTIVITIES SO AS TO ENJOY AN INTERESTING SCHOOL LIFE.
/MORE THAN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
16 -
MORE THAN 3,000 CYC MEMBERS, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS ATTENDED THE PARADE WHICH INCLUDED A MARCHING BAND, DANCES, A DRAMA AND A MARTIAL ART DEMONSTRATION.
AT THE CEREMONY, MR LI PRESENTED AWARDS TO MEMBERS, PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATION TO THE CYC MOVEMENT.
THE AWARDEES INCLUDED THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR JOHN WINFIELD.
--------0-----------
PHOTO COMPETITION TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HK’S HERITAGE ******
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
THE COMPETITION, ’’MONUMENTS ON CAMERA”, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH (RCB) AND THREE LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATIONS -- THE CHINESE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG CAMERA CLUB AND THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG.
IT IS SPONSORED BY KODAK (FAR EAST) LIMITED AND SHRIRO (HK) LIMITED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RCB SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, THERE WERE NUMEROUS RELICS OF HUMAN ACTIVITY SPANNING SOME 6,000 YEARS RANGING FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF PREHISTORIC ERA TO THE SPLENDID TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS OF CHINESE AND WESTERN STYLES OF MORE RECENT TIME.
’’SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 45 LOCAL MONUMENTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN STATUTORY PROTECTION AS DEEMED MONUMENTS,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT TWO GUIDED TOURS WILL BE ARRANGED NEXT MONTH IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF MONUMENTS IN REMOTE AREAS.
THE FIRST PRIZE OF THE COMPETITION IS $3,000 IN CASH AND A CAMERA, AND THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES ARE $2,000 AND $1,000 IN CASH WITH CAMERAS RESPECTIVELY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE 100 MERIT PRIZES EACH WITH A SOUVENIR AND 10 ROLLS OF FILMS.
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG. ENTRIES SHOULD BE 3R COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS PRODUCED IN KODAK COLOUR PRINTS. PARTICIPANTS MAY SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES.
/THE ENTRIES .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETED ENTRY FORM TO THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE (AMO) ON THE 25TH FLOOR OF SHUI ON CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR,
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED BY A PANEL COMPRISING RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORGANISERS, SPONSORS AND THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD.
RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN FEBRUARY AND THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE EXHIBITED SOMETIME IN MARCH.
COPIES OF A LEAFLET TOGETHER WITH THE ENTRY FORM ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, DISTRICT OFFICES, THE CENTRES OF THE THREE LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATIONS, AND THE SHOWROOMS OF THE SPONSORS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 802 0869 EXT. 40.
--------0-----------
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO KUWAIT RESUMES
******
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG,
KUWAIT HAS RESUMED, THE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
POSTMASTER
TO FACILITATE PROMPT DELIVERY, SENDERS ARE INDICATE ON THE ITEMS THE RECIPIENTS9 TELEPHONE NUMBERS
REQUESTED
TO
ORDINARY AND REGISTERED AIR LETTER MAIL SERVICES TO KUWAIT BEEN RESUMED A FEW MONTHS ---------- —
AGO. OTHER SERVICES REMAIN SUSPENDED.
HAD
------0----------
HONG KONG
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED
GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
19 NOV 91
EF BILLS
Q147
HKD 1,565 MN
HKD 500 MN
3.88 PCT
/HIGHEST YIELD .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
- 18
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3,90 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 73 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.95 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING --- 25 NOVEMBER 1991 -
TENDER DATE 26 NOV 91 26 NOV 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q148 H178
ISSUE DATE 27 NOV 91 27 NOV 91
MATURITY DATE 26 FEB 92 27 MAY 92
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER 500 + 100 MN 200 + 60 MN
COUPON N.A. N.A.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
• DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 18.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 19.11.91 -506
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 506
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.9 *+0.1* 19.11.91 NEUTRAL
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1991
19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.48 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.33 5.61
1 MONTH 3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS TURNOVER • 3.57 PCT 3.87 PCT 4.14 PCT 4.83 PCT - BILLS 1,830 MN, BONDS 120 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SHW ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY ..................................... 1
SEM ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY ..................................... 6
SES ON CONSTRUCTION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ..................... 7
SITING OF CONTAINER TERMINAL EXPLAINED .......................... 10
INCREASE IN ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIMS .......... 12
MORE POWER FOR. THE DENTAL COUNCIL .............................. 12
CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED ............... 13
MEASURES TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES INTO HARBOUR .......... 14
UNTIMELY TO INTRODUCE SALES TAX NOW ............................. 16
DETAILED POLICE ORDERS GOVERN USE OF HANDCUFFS .................. 17
REVIEW OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE IN PROGRESS .................... 18
VISA-FREE VISITS BY HKBDTC/BNO PASSPORT HOLDERS TO 72 COUNTRIES/ TERRITORIES ...................................................... 19
LEGCO UPDATED ON PROGRESS OF BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME ......... 20
LICENSING SYSTEM FOR WCZ GENERALLY SATISFACTORY ................. 21
WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF COMMUNITY SERVES AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE 24
FIVE-HOUR DEBATE ON ELDERLY CARE ................................ 25
FIRST VISIT BY HK GOVERNOR TO NEW ZEALAND ......................... 26
LEGISLATION ON HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE PIPELINE .............. 27
NURSES' ROLE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ............................... 27
NO EFFORT SPARED IN PROMOTING USE OF COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION ....... 28
CERTIFYING BODY SET UP TO PROCESS FILM/TV CO-PRODICTION APPLICATIONS .. 29
REHABILITATION CEREMONY OF TANG ANCESTRAL HALL .................... 30
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY .............................................. 31
RELIEF FUNDS FOR SHA TIN FIRE VICTIMS ............................. 31
MOVIE STARS TO ADD SPARKLES TO SPORTS FESTIVAL .................... 32
CARNIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS ................................... 32
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ........................................ 33
FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN ..................................... 34
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 34
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20,
1991
- 1
SHW ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH OF THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
INTRODUCTION
IN PREPARING TO ATTEND THIS DEBATE I’VE CALLED UPON MY COLLEAGUES TO COME TO THIS CHAMBER TO LEND THEIR EARS, TO KEEP ME COMPANY AND GIVE ME COURAGE AND JOINTLY WE THANK ALL THE MEMBERS FOR THEIR VIEWS, THEIR ADVICE AND THEIR MANY VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS THAT WE WILL TAKE ON BOARD. HONOURABLE MEMBERS MAY ALSO BE AWARE, OR MAY BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT IN LOOKING BACK TO THE HANSARD REPORT OF A SIMILAR DEBATE IN THIS COUNCIL IN 1971, ALMOST TWENTY YEARS AGO, AND NOT SO LONG AGO EITHER, THE CONCERNS OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS THEN WERE THE PROBLEMS POSED BY HONG KONG’S YOUNG POPULATION.
JUST AS’ 20 YEARS AGO THE GOVERNMENT ANTICIPATED AND MET THE CHALLENGE OF A YOUNG POPULATION THEN, SO TODAY IT IS RIGHT THAT WE ARE ANTICIPATING AND FORMULATING RESPONSES TO THE CHALLENGE POSED BY AN AGING POPULATION. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO ANTICIPATE FUTURE PROBLEMS NOW, THAN TO EVADE THE INEVITABLE ISSUE LATER.
I’D LIKE TO START BY REINFORCING SOME STATISTICS REFERRED TO BY MEMBERS. I’D LIKE TO MENTION THESE STATISTICS FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE A COIN MUST ALWAYS BE LOOKED AT FROM TWO ANGLES.
LET ME START BY REFERRING TO SOME FACTS AND FIGURES FROM THE SUMMARY REPORT OF THE RECENTLY COMPLETED 1991 HONG KONG POPULATION CENSUS. THE MEDIAN AGE ROSE FROM 22 IN 1971 TO 26 IN 1981 TO 32 TODAY. THIS IS IN PART BECAUSE ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER. AND DO YOU KNOW, TEN YEARS AGO, THEORETICALLY AT LEAST, EACH SENIOR MEMBER OF OUR SOCIETY COULD RELY ON ELEVEN PEOPLE FOR SUPPORT. CURRENTLY, THIS ELEVEN HAS BEEN REDUCED TO ONLY EIGHT. IT WILL BE FURTHER REDUCED TO SIX IN TWENTY YEARS’ TIME. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? IT MEANS THAT FROM THE FROM THE WORKING PERSON’S POINT OF VIEW, ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, HE WILL BE SHOULDERING 66% MORE RESPONSIBILITY THAN TEN YEARS AGO AND TO PUT IT, IN ANOTHER WAY, THE SAME PERSON WILL HAVE TO WORK THAT MUCH HARDER AND BE THAT MUCH MORE PRODUCTIVE JUST TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARD OF TODAY.
SOME OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE ALREADY REMINDED US I THINK THAT SOME OF US HERE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE STATISTICS AND BE PART OF THIS "RESPONSIBILITY", ALTHOUGH WE MIGHT STILL THINK OURSELVES TO BE YOUNG AT HEART. SO, THERE WILL BE MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE SUPPORTED BY FEWER WORKING PEOPLE. THIS IS A SOBERING THOUGHT! THIS IS THE REALITY WE HAVE TO FACE! AND I AM SO GLAD THAT THE HONOURABLE MR HOWARD YOUNG IS HERE.
/AT PRESENT.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 2 -
AT PRESENT, THE THRUST OF OUR GENERAL POLICY TOWARDS ELDERLY PEOPLE IS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE IN THE CARE OF THE FAMILY AND AS SUGGESTED BY MANY MEMBERS HERE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICE TO ENABLE THEM TO DO SO. TO THIS END, THESE SERVICES INCLUDE HOME HELP, DAY CARE CENTRE, SOCIAL CENTRE, SHELTERED HOUSING AND MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES. HOWEVER, WHAT IS SMALL PROPORTION OF ABOUT FOUR PER CENT OF THOSE OVER THE AGE OF 60. THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE. THIS WE DO TOO. IN VARIOUS FORMS FROM HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION, OLD-AGE HOMES TO MEAL PLACES, CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, INFIRMARIES AND HOSPITAL CARE AND SO ON.
I ENTIRELY AGREE WITH HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT OUR POLICIES NEED TO BE LOOKED AT AGAIN TO SEE IF THEY ARE INDEED APPROPRIATE TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE CHANGING DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERN. TO REVIEW THE OLD IS TO DISCOVER THE NEW. I SHALL INDEED CONVENE A REVAMPED CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING MULTI-DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND I AM OF COURSE TEMPTED TO PUT MYSELF AS THE CHAIRPERSON PURELY BECAUSE I AM OLD ENOUGH I THINK TO CHAIR THIS VERY IMPORTANT COMMITTEE.
NOW CONTRARY TO SOME OF MEMBERS’ MISCONCEPTION THE FORMER COMMITTEE DID NOT MEET FOR SOMETIME BECAUSE IT DID NOT WANT TO CONFLICT WITH THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY ON SOCIAL WELFARE WHICH WAS CONSTITUTED TWO YEARS AGO TO LOOK AT THE OVERALL POLICY. BUT THE COMMITTEE AS I SAID WILL BE RECONVENED AND MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL BE TAKEN ON BOARD. I WILL ALSO FURTHER WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE RESPECTED OMELCO PANELS ON THIS BECAUSE MEMBERS HAVE QUITE RIGHTLY SAID, WE’VE GOT TO GET IT RIGHT.
I WOULD LIKE TO TURN TO A NUMBER OF SPECIFIC POINTS MENTIONED. LET ME START BY DISPELLING THE IMPRESSION CREATED BY A REFERENCE TO THE NEW HOSTEL IN THE URBAN AREA FOR CAGED MEN. URBAN HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY SINGLE PEOPLE WERE NOT STARTED YESTERDAY. NOR WERE THEY STARTED WITH THE SO-CALLED GAMBLING MONEY. CONTRARY TO THE IMPRESSION, THE PATCHES OF URBAN HOSTELS FOR THE AGED PEOPLE, SINGLE FAMILY, SINGLE PERSON, STARTED A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO. THEY INCLUDED SHELTERED HOUSING FOR ABLE-BODIED ELDERLY PERSONS, NOT TO MENTION SHELTERED HOUSING BUILT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
FURTHERMORE, BACK IN 1988, A WORKING GROUP MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS SPECIFICALLY TARGETED AT THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE. THIS IS A REPORT OF THE CRYSTALLISATION OF THE VIEWS OF EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD CONCERNED WITH THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY PEOPLE. THE SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THEREIN BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS EAGERLY AWAITED.
THE HONOURABLE MR NG MING-YUM HAS STRONG ATTENTION TO THE LACK OF RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY IN YUEN LONG. HE WILL BE PLEASE TO KNOW, MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, THAT A HOME PROVIDING FOR A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO ELDERLY PEOPLE WAS OPENED ONLY THIS MORNING IN LONG PING ESTATE, YUEN LONG BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SITTING NEXT TO ME.
IT IS THE THIRD SUCH HOME THAT HE HAS OPENED THIS MONTH ALONE IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG. ALTHOUGH WE STILL HAVE I THINK A LOT TO ACHIEVE ALTHOUGH WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY WE ARE NOWHERE NEAR OUR GOAL BUT WE ARE MAKING STEADY PROGRESS.
/AS REGARDS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 3992
- 3 -
AS REGARDS PROVISIONS OF RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES STARTED MANY YEARS AGO, I CAN JUST RACK ALONG. FOR EXAMPLE, THERE ARE 919 INFIRMARY BEDS. THERE ARE 3,657 PLACES IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, THERE ARE 7,489 PLACES IN THE HOME FOR THE AGED, THERE ARE 2,026 PLACES IN HOSTEL PLACES, THERE ARE 3,131 PLACES IN SHELTERED HOUSING ESTABLISHED AS I'VE SAID MANY YEARS AGO AND WE ARE BUILDING ON EVERY YEAR. THERE ARE 17 MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES, TEN DAY CARE CENTRES, 161 SOCIAL CENTRES DOTTED ALL OVER HONG KONG AND KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. I CAN ADD AND COUNT AD NAUSEAM. BUT, IT STILL NOT ENOUGH. THERE WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH. THERE WILL STILL SHORTAGE. SO WE ARE BUILDING MORE. AND WE WILL BE BUILDING MORE.
FOR EXAMPLE, ON THE HOSPITAL SIDE, INFIRMARY SIDE BECAUSE IT TAKES A LONG LEAD TIME. WE'VE GOT THE ’ RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM REDEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL INCLUDE 152 ADDITIONAL INFIRMARY PLACES, THE WONG CHUK HANG COMPLEX FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE COMPLETED TWO YEARS FROM NOW TO PROVIDE A CONTINUUM OF CARE, SPARING ELDERLY PEOPLE THE TRAUMA OF BEING MOVED FROM PLACE TO PLACE BECAUSE OF FACILITY WILL INCLUDE AN INFIRMARY, A CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME, LONG-STAY CARE HOME, EACH WITH THE CAPACITY OF SOME 200 PLACES. THERE WILL BE THE SHA TIN INFIRMARY AND CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL WITH 700 BEDS AIMED TO PROVIDE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE INFIRMED AS WELL AS REHABILITATION, REHABILITATING THEM BACK INTO SOCIETY.
THE FIRST PHASE CONSISTING OF 50 BEDS IS DUE TO COME INTO OPERATION NEXT MONTH ACTUALLY. OTHER NEW MODES OF SERVICE LIKE HOSPICE CARE WILL BE LAUNCHED. AND THESE ARE DEVISED, I MUST ADMIT, BY VARIOUS PEOPLE NOT THE GOVERNMENT, BY THE SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, NON-GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS. NOW, THIS IS VERY ENCOURAGING AND DESERVE COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
I'D LIKE TO MENTION ALSO, THAT CARE-AND-ATTENTION AND INFIRMARY WAITING LIST HAS BEEN CO-ORDINATED AND REDUCED. PRIORITY ON ONE CARRIES THE SAME PRIORITY ON THE OTHER AND THE FINAL DECISION AS TO WHICH TYPE OF INSTITUTION AN ELDERLY PERSON GOES TO IS MAKE BY THE DOCTOR AFTER MEDICAL ASSESSMENT. THIS RECENT IMPROVEMENT HAS GONE A LONG WAY TO REMOVING THE POSSIBILITY OF ELDERLY PEOPLE FALLING BETWEEN TWO STOOLS. ASSESSMENT TEAMS INVOLVING BOTH MEDICAL AND WELFARE STAFF ARE BEING ESTABLISHED ON A DISTRICT BASIS. THE FIRST BEING IN SHA TIN. AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR CARE-AND-ATTENTION ADMISSION IS TWENTY MONTHS. IT'S MUCH BETTER THAN BEFORE. BUT IT’S STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
NOW TURNING TO MEMBERS’ CONCERN OVER THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE. IT IS TRUE THAT THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE INDIVIDUALLY IS VERY SMALL. BUT COLLECTIVELY IT MEANS GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE OF SOME $2,000 MILLION A YEAR BASED ON THE CURRENT TAKE-UP RATE OF ELIGIBLE ELDERLY PEOPLE WHICH MEANS 89 PER CENT OF THOSE OVER THE AGE OF 70 THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE WHICH IS NOT MEANS-TESTED. AS AGAIN 55 PER CENT OF THOSE ARE MEANS-TESTED, LOWER OLD AGE ALLOWANCE.
IT HAS ALSO BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE EXISTING RESIDENCE CRITERION GOVERNING PAYMENT OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE RELAXED TO ALLOW OUR SENIOR CITIZENS TO GET IT WHILE LIVING ABROAD. THERE MAY BE SOME MERITS IN CONSIDERING THAT BUT GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE CURRENT ALLOWANCE WHICH IS NOT A PENSION, WHICH IS NON-CONTRIBUTORY AND NON-MEANSTESTED, I DON’T KNOW IF WE CAN REALLY JUSTIFY PAYMENT OF THESE ALLOWANCES OUTSIDE HONG KONG ON THIS PRESENT FORMAT.
/HOWEVER, I ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991 '
4
HOWEVER, I AM SURE THE REVIEW COMMITTEE, TO WHICH I HAVE JUST DEFERRED, WILL BE LOOKING AT THE OVERALL SCHEME OF THINGS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT HONOURABLE MEMBERS’ SENTIMENTS AND THE MANY VALUABLE IOGGESTIONS MADE ON THIS. INDEED, AS SOME OF YOU HAVE ALREADY MENTIONED THERE MAY BE BETTER ALTERNATIVES AND VIABLE OPTIONS. WE MUST LOOK AT THE PROBLEM FROM THE LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE POINT OF VIEW.
ON HEALTH CARE, AT PRESENT, SOME 9% OF THE TOTAL POPULATION OF PEOPLE AGED 65 AND ABOVE ACCOUNT FOR 21.5% OF ALL GENERAL OUT-PATIENT ATTENDANCES AND 40% OF ALL IN-PATIENTS IN THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS. WE ESTIMATE THAT ON A PER CAPITA BASIS, THE ELDERLY CONSUMES THREE TIMES 'ORE RESOURCES FOR HEALTH CARE.
TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY AND REDUCE THEIR EPENDENCE ON HOSPITAL SERVICES, WE BELIEVE THE ELDERLY PEOPLE SHOULD BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TARGET GROUPS FOR RECEIVING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE. WE AIM TO INTRODUCE, ON A PILOT BASIS, SCREENING SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO ATTENDED GOP CLINICS. A HEALTH CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD ALSO BE ESTABLISHED IN KWUN TONG. OUR HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES WOULD ALSO EMPHASIZE MORE ON COMMON ELDERLY HEALTH PROBLEMS INCLUDING DIABETES AND CARDIAC PROBLEMS AND SO ON. IF THE ELDERLY KNOW MORE ABOUT SELF CARE AND DIET CONTROL, THEY CAN CERTAINLY
PARTICIPATE IN MAINTAINING THEIR OWN HEALTH.
AS REGARDS THE NEED OF REFORM, I AM GUIDED BY THE ASPIRATIONS
OF THE COMMUNITY. REFORM WE MUST. IN FACT WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A
MAJOR REFORM AND BIG DEBATE AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR MANY OF THE
HONOURABLE MEMBERS’ SUPPORT ON THIS WHICH STARTED WITH HOSPITAL AUTHORITY. WE ARE REVAMPING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, WE ARE LOOKING AT THE MEDICAL INSURANCE OPTIONS. CHANGE MUST BE PROPERLY AND CAREFULLY MANAGED. I THINK MEMBERS WILL BE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT I’M VERY GRATEFUL FOR MANY OF YOUR PRE-MEDICAL ADVICE WHICH WILL BE ENABLING ME TO DEVISE A BETTER SYSTEM TO BETTER THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. TODAY I THINK I’D CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT BLOOD VESSELS AND . BLOOD PRESSURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
SOME MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE LACK OF NURSING MANPOWER, ESPECIALLY FOR ELDERLY SERVICES IN INFIRMARIES OR CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES AND COMMUNITY NURSING. SHORTAGE OF NURSES IS NO SIMPLE PROBLEM. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, A WHOLE RANGE OF MEASURES HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM. WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUR BEST IN THIS IN SEARCH OF FURTHER MEASURES TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM. AGAIN I MUST SAY .1 AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR SOME OF THE VERY IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. IN RECENT MONTHS INDEED I HAVE RECEIVED PERSONAL LETTERS, A SPATE OF INTERESTING SUGGESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE TODAY’S- OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THEM ONE AND ALL FOR THEIR MEANINGFUL AND WISE COUNSEL. IT SHOWS SOCIETY AS A WHOLE WANTS TO RESOLVE A PROBLEM WHICH CONCERNS US.
I ECHO HONOURABLE MEMBERS’ CALL TO RESPECT OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS. AS MENTIONED BY MANY MEMBERS, I THINK IT IS A REGRETTABLE REFLECTION OF OUR COMMUNITY THAT MORE AND MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE APPEAR TO BE REJECTED BY THEIR FAMILY AND DUMPED ONTO THE LAP OF PUBLIC CARE OR NO CARE AT ALL. A SOCIETY IS LOOKED AT FROM THE WAY WE TREAT OUR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, OUR ELDERLY AND THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN WE ARE. LET US RESPECT THEM NOT ONLY WITH WORDS BUT WITH INDIVIDUAL ACTION.
/NEXT MONTH .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
5
NEXT MONTH MARKS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEFENSE OF HONG KONG DURING THE PACIFIC WAR. I’D LIKE TO ILLUSTRATE BY ACTION WHAT WE CAN DO. THE GALLANT MEN AND WOMEN, WHO FOUGHT FOR US WHILE THEY WERE YOUNG, ARE NOW OLD. I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT IN THEIR OLD AGE, GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO HONOUR THEM BY GRANTING THEM, AS FROM NEXT MONTH, A PENSION AS OF RIGHT. LEST WE FORGET, THE TOIL, BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS OF THE YOUNG OF YESTERYEAR MAKE HONG KONG WHAT IT IS TODAY.
MANY OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS MENTIONED THE QUESTION OF CONCESSIONARY FARES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. I THINK SOME HONOURABLE MEMBERS WILL RECALL THAT THIS WAS DEBATED AS ONE OF THE ITEMS IN MAY IN THIS COUNCIL THIS YEAR. MY COLLEAGUES AND I HAVE SINCE THEN PURSUED THE PROPOSAL WITH GREAT ENERGY I MIGHT TO ADD WITH MAJOR PUBLIC PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES. I AM SAD TO SAY THAT THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN DISMAL. SOME WELCOME CONCESSIONARY FARES ONLY IF GOVERNMENT PAYS FOR IT. OTHERS DON’T WANT TO KNOW. STILL OTHERS WOULD PREFER TO KEEP ELDERLY PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR SYSTEM BECAUSE, THEY SAY, ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE PRONE TO ACCIDENTS. SUCH IS THE VARIETY OF VIEWS.
WHILST I REGRETTABLY DO NOT HAVE A POT OF GOLD FROM WHICH TO PAY CONCESSIONARY FARES, IT IS APPROPRIATE, TO ECHO MEMBERS’ VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS COUNCIL THAT ALL OF US IN SOCIETY MUST EXERCISE OF OUR COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY CONSCIENCE. WE MUST PUT OUR THINKING CAPS ON, THINK OF WAYS AND MEANS, DEVISE IMAGINATIVE WAYS OF GRANTING CONCESSIONS TO SENIOR CITIZENS OF OUR SOCIETY NOT IN TERM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUT THINK OF OTHER THINGS ALSO IN RECREATION, IN CULTURE, BANKING FACILITIES ETC AND ETC. WE CAN GO ON ALSO ON DIFFERENT ITEMS BUT SOCIETY MUST WORK TOGETHER AS A WHOLE. IT’S NOT SOMETHING MONEY ALONE CAN PAY FOR. THE SPIRIT MUST COME FROM WITHIN.
IN THIS CONTEMPORARY DEBATE ABOUT HONG HONG’S CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE ELDERLY POPULATION, I AM REMINDED OF THE 18TH CENTURY MALTHUSIAN THEORY THAT POPULATION WOULD ONE DAY EXHAUST THE MEANS OF SUPPORT. THIS PREDICTION IS PESSIMISTIC BUT FORTUNATELY HAS NOT COME TRUE HERE. AND FORTUNATELY, ALSO, THERE ARE MANY OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS HERE WHO BELIEVE OPTIMISTICALLY THAT NEW CHALLENGE STIMULATES INNOVATION AND NEW ENERGY WILL BE FOUND IN A NEW ORDER. I SHARE THEIR OPTIMISM.
AS AN ARDENT OPTIMIST MYSELF, I HAVE FAITH IN HUMAN ENDEAVOUR AND INGENUITY. I BELIEVE, LIKE MANY OF YOU, IN THE ELDERLY PEOPLE AND THEIR LATENT POTENTIAL. I BELIEVE IN THE GREAT POWER WE HAVE TO LEARN FROM THEM. TOGETHER WE WILL FIND AN ANSWER TO MEET THIS DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE.
HONG KONG IS REMARKABLE FOR ITS CAPACITY TO PROGRESS. THE "LIVE FOR TODAY" SYNDROME SHOULD NOT BLIND US FINE WORDS SHOULD NOT LULL US INTO A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT MUST NOT ONLY PROVIDE FOR SOCIETY’S CURRENT NEEDS. IT MUST ALSO BE FAR-SIGHTED ENOUGH TO PLAN AHEAD TO MEET FUTURE CHALLENGES.
IT IS SAID THE MOOD OF THE TIME IS REFLECTED IN SOME OF THE LYRICS OF THE POP SONGS. THE TOP OF THE POPS. I SHALL CLOSE WITH THE WORDS OF A FAMOUS SONG FROM THE BEATLES WHICH SAID:
/"WILL YOU .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
’’WILL YOU STILL NEED ME?
WILL YOU STILL FEED ME
WHEN I AM 64?”
HONG KONG’S SENIOR CITIZENS MAY WELL ASK A SIMILAR QUESTION. JUDGING FROM THE TENURE OF TODAY’S DEBATE, I THINK THE ANSWER MUST BE A RESOUNDING "YES", WE WILL LOOK AFTER OUR ELDERLY PEOPLE. WE WILL PLAN AHEAD.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, I AM GRATEFUL FOR HONOURABLE MEMBERS’ CONCERN OVER THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE. I THINK THE MOTION OUGHT TO BE SUPPORTED: AND SUPPORTED NOT ONLY WITH FINE WORDS BUT PRACTICAL ACTION.
I LOOK FORWARD TO JOINT CO-OPERATION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
- - 0 - -
SEM ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY » * » ♦ $
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
THE MOTION BEFORE US TODAY URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION TO THE FORMULATION OF AN OVERALL AND COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY. AS HAS BEEN OBSERVED BY SEVERAL SPEAKERS, AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF SUCH A POLICY IS TO ENCOURAGE AND FOSTER SELF-RELIANCE AMONG THE SENIOR MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY. IN THE LIGHT OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROJECTIONS AND OF THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES AND ACCEPTS THAT THERE IS NOW A GREATER NEED FOR COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT SCHEMES. AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP UNDER MY CHAIRMANSHIP HAS ALREADY STARTED TO EXAMINE HOW THIS NEED SHOULD BEST BE MET. AS I HAVE SAID PREVIOUSLY IN THIS CHAMBER, WE WOULD WELCOME ADVICE AND PROPOSALS FROM ALL SOURCES. WE ALSO INTEND TO CONSULT WIDELY ONCE WE HAVE IDENTIFIED SOME FEASIBLE OPTIONS.
/RETIREMENT PROTECTION
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 20, 1991
RETIREMENT PROTECTION IS, OF COURSE, ONLY ONE ASPECT OF THE WIDER ISSUE OF CARE AND ATTENTION FOR THE ELDERLY. BY ITS VERY NATURE, RETIREMENT PROTECTION WOULD, CONCEPTUALLY AT LEAST, PROVIDE ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IN PAID EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO RETIREMENT. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOME SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO WILL NOT BE COVERED BY ANY RETIREMENT SCHEMES. AND THERE MAY WELL BE OTHERS WHO, NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROTECTION AFFORDED BY RETIREMENT SCHEMES, FIND THEMSELVES IN NEED OF CARE AND OTHER SERVICES BEYOND WHAT THEIR RETIREMENT SCHEMES COULD PROVIDE. I SHALL DEFER TO MY COLLEAGUE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE TO COMMENT ON THE WIDER ISSUE. MEANWHILE, SHE AND I WILL ENSURE THAT THE WORK WHICH WE ARE DOING IN OUR RESPECTIVE POLICY AREAS, AND WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROVISION OF IMPROVED CARE AND OTHER SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY, IS PROPERLY CO-ORDINATED.
FINALLY, MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, SINCE MISS EMILY LAU HAS ADDRESSED THIS QUESTION SPECIFICALLY TO ME, I WOULD WISH TO ATTEMPT TO RESPOND.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO SPECIFIC POLICY REGARDING THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION OR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, ALTHOUGH EQUALLY THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC POLICIES DEBARRING THEM FROM SUCH OPPORTUNITIES AS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, EXCEPT DISREGARD EMPLOYMENT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE BEYOND THE STIPULATED AGE OF RETIREMENT.
I SHOULD WISH TO REFLECT ON WHAT MORE COULD OR SHOULD BE DONE IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE ELDERLY. FOR I FULLY SUBSCRIBED TO THE UNDERLINING PHILOSOPHY THAT WE SHOULD TREAT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS AS AN ASSET AND A RESOURCE, RATHER THAN A LIABILITY TO THE COMMUNITY. BUT I WOULD FEEL MORE ENCOURAGED IF THE FACT OF SENIOR CITIZENS REMAINING IN EMPLOYMENT IS NOT SO FREQUENTLY HELD UP AS AN EXAMPLE OF GOVERNMENT’S FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.
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SES ON CONSTRUCTION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9
*»«»***
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
ALLOW ME TO RESPOND TO SOME OF THE POINTS MADE BY HONOURABLE MEMBERS. I WILL COVER GENERAL ECONOMIC AND PORT-RELATED MATTERS. MY COLLEAGUE, MR GRAHAM BARNES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, WILL COVER PLANNING, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC CONSIDERATIONS.
LET ME FIRST SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE GENERAL BACKGROUND OF THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL PORT FACILITIES. I HOPE I WILL BE ABLE TO COVER MOST OF MEMBERS’ CONCERNS IN THIS AREA.
/AN EFFECTIVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
8
AN EFFECTIVE PORT IS THE KEY TO OUR CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH OF OUR NATURAL HINTERLAND WITHIN CHINA. BOTH HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF WE FAIL TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF OUR COMBINED TRADE.
OUR POLICY IS TO ATTEMPT TO MATCH SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR PORT FACILITIES. IN THIS WAY, THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN BE ENCOURAGED TO PAY FOR, CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE COSTLY NEW INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH OTHERWISE WOULD NEED TO BE FUNDED FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE. THIS POLICY HAS SUCCEEDED VERY WELL AND HAS ESTABLISHED HONG KONG AS A WORLD LEADER IN PORT SERVICES AND AS A PRINCIPAL HUB PORT FOR WORLD TRADE AND CARGO SERVICES.
DEMANDS FROM TRADE WILL CONTINUE TO GROW. OUR CONTAINER GROWTH THIS YEAR IS EXTREMELY HIGH. IT IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN STRONG WELL INTO NEXT YEAR. IN PLANNING TERMS THIS MEANS WE NEED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CONTAINER HANDLING CAPACITY IN THE PORT. AT PRESENT TREND LEVELS OF GROWTH WE WILL NEED THE NEXT CONTAINER TERMINAL - NUMBER 8 -IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS, AND THE NEXT FOLLOWING - NUMBER 9 - TWO YEARS LATER, DURING 1995. FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON LANTAU.
THE RIGHT TO DEVELOP TERMINAL 8 HAS BEEN GRANTED AND WE SHALL NEED TO GRANT THE RIGHTS FOR TERMINAL 9 IN EARLY 1993. IN ORDER TO RETAIN OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE AND INDEED, TO MEET THE LEGITIMATE EXPECTATIONS OF OUR INDUSTRIES, OUR OBJECTIVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO BRING ON NEW PORT FACILITIES AS DEMAND REQUIRES. THIS POLICY HAS WITHSTOOD THE TEST OF TIME AND HAS ENABLED THE PORT TO MEET HONG KONG’S NEEDS. IF WE WERE TO TAKE A CONSCIOUS DECISION NOT TO MEET DEMAND, WE WOULD DRIVE BUSINESS AWAY FROM HONG KONG.
THE QUESTION REALLY IS TWO-FOLD - HAVE WE GOT OUR TIMINGS RIGHT AND WHAT ALTERNATIVE SITES ARE AVAILABLE? I SHALL SPEAK LATER ON OUR GROWTH FORECASTS AND ASSOCIATED TIMINGS. HOWEVER, I AM SATISFIED THAT THE FIRST BERTH OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 WILL BE REQUIRED BY MID 1995 -SOME TWO YEARS BEFORE THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IS EXPECTED TO OPEN. PUT ANOTHER WAY, IF. WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO MEET DEMAND, THEN ALTERNATIVE DEEP WATER SITES MUST BE PUT TO USE BEFORE THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING OPENS. PADS CONDUCTED A TERRITORY-WIDE SITE SEARCH AND CONFIRMED THAT THE ONLY TWO VIABLE SITES LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING OPENED IN 1997 WERE STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND SOUTH-EAST TSING YI. THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS ADVISED THIS COUNCIL ON 11 OCTOBER 1989 OF THE INTENTION TO LOCATE CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ON RECLAIMED LAND OFF SOUTH-EAST TSING YI.
ACCORDING TO OUR BEST ESTIMATES, WE ANTICIPATE A DEMAND OF SOME 2.8 MILLION TEU’S OVER AND ABOVE THE CAPACITY OF KWAI CHUNG, EVEN WITH CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 FULLY OPERATIONAL, BUT BEFORE THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING CAN BE COMMISSIONED. THE QUESTION NOW IS : CAN ANY SIGNIFICANT NUMBER BE HANDLED AT SITES OTHER THAN AT TSING YI. LET ME NOW SPEAK IN MORE DETAIL ON OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS AND SITING ISSUES.
CONTAINER TERMINALS ARE CONSTRAINED BY A NUMBER OF KEY FACTORS. THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THESE IS WATER DEPTH TO ACCOMMODATE PRESENT DAY CONTAINER VESSELS. WE NEED A MINIMUM WATER DEPTH OF 15 METERS IN THE APPROACHES TO A TERMINAL AND ALONGSIDE ITS BERTHS.
/SUCH DEPTHS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 9 -
SUCH DEPTHS CAN ONLY BE REALISTICALLY PROVIDED IN THE KWAI CHI’G/TSI NG YI AREA, IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS AROUND LANTAU, AND IN TOLO I'PBOUR. TSEUNG KWAN O IS NOT SUITABLE FOR LARGE CONTAINER VESSELS AND IN ANY EVENT HAS TOTALLY INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT.
TOLO HARBOUR IS NOT A PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE - AGAIN, IT DOES NOT HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT AND COULD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE WHEN REQUIRED.
FOR ALL PRACTICAL PURPOSES THIS LEAVES US, UNTIL 1997, WITH ONLY THE KWAI CHUNG/TSING YI AREA. GIVEN ITS DEEP WATER, THIS AREA HAS SIGNIFICANT STRATEGIC POTENTIAL FOR PORT DEVELOPMENT.
THE PADS STUDY TN 1988 FIRST IDENTIFIED SOUTH-EAST TSING YI AS A SUITABLE AND VIABLE SITE FOR CONTAINER PORT DEVELOPMENT. THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDY RECENTLY CONCLUDED.
THE QUESTION AS TO WHETHER EXISTING FACILITIES AT KWAI CHUNG COULD BE EXPANDED WILL BE COVERED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS.
IN DETERMINING THE SITING FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9, MUCH DEPENDS ON THE ACCURACY OF OUR FORECASTS OF DEMAND. FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, WE HAVE ASSUMED A 14% ANNUAL GROWTH RATE IN CONTAINER THROUGHPUT AT THE TERMINALS. THIS ESTIMATE IS BASED ON WELL TESTED AND PROVEN METHODOLOGY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT HONG KONG'S ANNUAL PERFORMANCE OVER THE PRECEDING SIXTY MONTHS AND FROM THIS PROJECTING FUTURE GROWTH AND HENCE, TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS. THIS SYSTEM HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE 1982 AND HAS HAD A GOOD, IF SOMEWHAT CONSERVATIVE TRACK RECORD. LET ME STRESS THE WORD "CONSERVATIVE" - FOR WHILST WE ARE PLANNING FOR 14% GROWTH, TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT THIS YEAR, AT OVER 20%, IS SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER.
IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT RATHER THAN PROVIDE NEW FACILITIES IN HONG KONG BEFORE LANTAU BECOMES AVAILABLE, CARGOES OVER AND ABOVE OUR PORT CAPACITY MIGHT BE BETTER HANDLED AT NEARBY ALTERNATIVE PORTS. THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS WITH THIS - FIRST WE HAVE THE LINER SERVICES IN HONG KONG WHICH GUARANTEE AN EXPORTER RAPID, REGULAR AND EFFICIENT TRANSIT TO HIS MARKETS. IF WE FORCE HIM TO USE NEARBY PORTS HIS GOODS MAY LOOSE THEIR COMPETITIVE EDGE. BUT THAT EDGE WILL NOT BE SLOW TO BE SHARPENED. THOSE TWO MILLION TEU’S THAT I REFERRED TO EARLIER WILL BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO STIMULATE THE DIVERSION OF SHIPPING AND SUPPORT SERVICES FROM HONG KONG. ONCE GONE, THAT TRADE AND THOSE SERVICES ARE HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO RETURN. THIS BRINGS ME TO THE SECOND PROBLEM. HANDLING THAT CARGO BRINGS VERY CONSIDERABLE ECONOMIC BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY. LOSING. IT WILL GIVE US LONG TERM AND VERY PAINFUL LOSSES. WE HAVE ESTIMATED THAT LOSS OF TRANSSHIPMENT TRAFFIC ALONE WOULD COST US SOME $30 BILLION BETWEEN 1997 AND 2006.
ANOTHER SUGGESTION HAS BEEN THAT WE SHOULD IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR TERMINALS THEREBY DELAYING THE NEED FOR MORE FACILITIES UNTIL IT IS POSSIBLE TO DEVELOP ON LANTAU. IT IS IN ALL OF OUR INTERESTS THAT PRODUCTIVITY IS AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE. UNFORTUNATELY ONE CANNOT DIRECTLY COMPARE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF ONE PORT - OR ONE TERMINAL WITHIN A PORT - WITH ANOTHER. EACH HAS ITS DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS. BUT, GIVEN THE COST OF DEVELOPING TERMINALS IN HONG KONG AND THE FACT THAT THEY ARE OPERATED BY COMMERCIAL INTERESTS, I WOULD BE EXTREMELY SURPRISED IF MARKET FORCES DO NOT ENSURE THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF PRODUCTIVITY.
/MR DEPUTY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 10 -
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, OUR INTENTION TO CONSTRUCT CONTAINER TERMINAL FACILITIES AT TSING YI HAS BEEN PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. SINCE IT IS OBVIOUSLY RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD BE ENTIRELY SURE THAT NO POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE EXISTS BEFORE COMMITTING OURSELVES, WE ARE REVIEWING YET AGAIN BOTH THE TIMING AND SITING FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9. WE EXPECT TO MAKE A DECISION VERY SHORTLY.
THANK YOU MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT.
-----0------
SITING OF CONTAINER TERMINAL EXPLAINED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT SOUTH EAST TSING YI WAS ALWAYS THE ONLY PLACE THAT WAS FEASIBLE FOR THE SITING OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 (CT9) TO MEET THE TIMING AND LOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED UNDER THE CURRENT PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
IN WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE SUBJECT, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION OF CHOOSING THAT PART OF THE ISLAND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CT9 WAS MADE AS THERE WERE EXTREMELY FEW SITES IN HONG KONG WHICH COULD HAVE THE DEPTH, THE ACCESS TO SEA SHIPPING ROUTES, AND BY ROAD TO THE ORIGINS AND DESTINATIONS OF THE CONTAINERS.
MOREOVER, HE ALSO NOTED THAT IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO BRING THE TERMINAL INTO OPERATION BEFORE THE FIXED CROSSING TO LANTAU WAS COMPLETE.
COMMENTING ON THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE ISLAND, MR BARNES SAID THE STRETCH OF THE EASTERN COASTLINE SOUTHWARDS FROM THE SOUTHERN TSING YI BRIDGE DOWN TO THE SOUTH EAST CORNER IS OCCUPIED MORE OR LESS UP TO THE FOOTHILLS BY OIL TERMINALS AND INDUSTRY BUILT ON RECLAMATIONS SERVED BY A SINGLE ROAD BEHIND THE LOTS.
THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SOME CONFLICTING FEATURES' IN THE PLANNING BETWEEN THE SOUTHERNMOST SECTOR OF CHEUNG CHING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND MAYFAIR GARDENS AND SOME OF THESE USES, AND, INDEPENDENTLY OF THE PLANS FOR CONTAINER USE AT SOUTH EAST TSING YI.
HOWEVER, TO ALLAY FEARS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS SEEKING TO EFFECT THE REMOVAL OF ALL THE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS IN THIS AREA. THE RECLAMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEABED FOR CONTAINER USES WOULD INVOLVE A COMPLETE CHANGE IN THE ROAD PATTERN OF SOUTH TSING YI TO TAKE CONTAINER AND EXISTING INDUSTRIAL TRAFFIC AWAY FROM THE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE CONTAINER TERMINAL WOULD NECESSITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR EXTRA LANES OF TRAFFIC ON A NEW BRIDGE TO KWAI CHUNG WHICH WOULD LEAD DIRECTLY INTO A NEW ROAD BETWEEN THE NEW CONTAINER TERMINALS AND THE LAND PRESENTLY OCCUPIED BY THE OIL TERMINALS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 12 -
"THE ALIGNMENT OF THE CONTAINER PORT ROAD WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE MODIFIED, RESULTING IN BOTH CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATIONS AND THE CONTAINER PORT ROAD HAVING TO BE MOVED CLOSER TO MEI FOO SUN CHUEN," MR BARNES SAID.
HOWEVER, MR BARNES DISCLOSED THAT THE TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF A SCHEME ON THESE LINES WERE BEING LOOKED AT AND WOULD BE ADDRESSED VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE, AND TO WHAT EXTENT, THE EXISTING KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT COULD BE EXPANDED.
HE HOPED THE ASSESSMENT ON THE SCHEME WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH BUT HE WAS OF THE VIEW THAT IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT THE FINDINGS OF THE ASSESSMENT WOULD WARRANT A MAJOR DEVIATION FROM THE CURRENT PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
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INCREASE IN ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIMS
*****
THE CEILING FOR ADVANCE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION BY THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD TO PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIMS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS WILL SHORTLY BE RAISED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT OF INFLATION.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THE EXISTING CEILING OF $20,000 HAD BEEN IN FORCE SINCE MID-1988.
"IT SHOULD BE ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION AND BE REVISED TO $28,000 WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1992,” HE SAID.
THE BILL HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, MR CHAN ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
MORE POWER FOR THE DENTAL COUNCIL *****
A BILL WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE DENTAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG WITH MORE FLEXIBILITY IN HANDLING DISCIPLINARY CASES IN FUTURE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
KNOWN AS THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, IT SEEKS TO EXPAND THE RANGE OF DISCIPLINARY ORDERS AVAILABLE TO THE COUNCIL IN THE EVENT OF A FINDING AGAINST A REGISTERED DENTIST.
/MOVING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 13 -
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID SECTION 18(1) OF THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE STIPULATED FOUR DISCIPLINARY ORDERS AVAILABLE TO THE DENTAL COUNCIL.
THESE INCLUDE REMOVING A DENTIST’S NAME FROM THE REGISTER PERMANENTLY OR TEMPORARILY, REPRIMANDING THE DENTIST OR 'POSTPONING JUDGEMENT ON THE CASE FOR TWO YEARS.
IT IS ALSO STIPULATED IN THE ORDINANCE THAT ALL ORDERS MADE HAVE TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE..
"HOWEVER, IN THE CASE OF MINOR OFFENCES, SUCH AS TRAFFIC OFFENCES, WHICH BEAR NO RELEVANCE TO THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY, THE PRESENT DISCIPLINARY MEASURES MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE," MRS WONG SAID.
"THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSES THAT THE RANGE OF DISCIPLINARY ORDERS BE EXPANDED SO THAT THE DENTAL COUNCIL MAY ALSO CONSIDER EITHER MAKING NO ORDER AT ALL, REPRIMANDING THE DENTIST BUT NOT PUBLISHING THE REPRIMAND IN THE GAZETTE, OR SUSPENDING THE APPLICATION OF ANY ORDER MADE."
SUBSEQUENT TO THE PROPOSED POWER TO SUSPEND THE APPLICATION OF ANY ORDER MADE, THE ORIGINAL POWER TO POSTPONE JUDGEMENT FOR TWO YEARS. WOULD HAVE TO BE DELETED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0----------
CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED *****
A BILL SEEKING TO CLARIFY THAT IMMOVABLE PROPERTIES ARE WITHIN THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PURVIEW WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS WOULD REMOVE ANY UNCERTAINTY IN RESPECT OF THE COUNCIL’S ABILITY TO ASSIST AND ADVISE CONSUMERS REGARDING PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS AND TENANCY MATTERS.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED TO REDUCE THE QUORUM REQUIREMENT FOR CONSUMER COUNCIL MEETINGS FROM A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS, WHICH MEANS AT LEAST 12, TO 11 MEMBERS SO AS TO GIVE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL SOME FLEXIBILITY IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS.
IT ALSO STRENGTHENED SECTION 20 OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITED THE EXPLOITATION OF THE COUNCIL’S NAME AND RESEARCH FINDINGS FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES, BY TIGHTENING THE LEGAL LANGUAGE AND INCREASING THE LEVEL OF FINES, FROM THE PRESENT MAXIMUM OF $5,000 TO THE PROPOSED $100,000, MR CHAU SAID.
/"WE ARE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 14
"WE ARE ALSO TAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO UPDATE THE SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE, WHICH CONTAINS A LIST OF BODIES OUTSIDE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PURVIEW," THE SECRETARY SAID.
"WE PROPOSE TO REMOVE FROM THE SCHEDULE COMPANIES WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY SPECIAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT CONTROL OR PUBLIC MONITORING, SUCH AS THE PEAK TRAMWAYS COMPANY LTD AND THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LTD, SO THAT THEY WILL BE BROUGHT WITHIN THE COUNCIL’S PURVIEW.
"SEVERAL BODIES WHICH MEET THE CRITERIA FOR EXEMPTION FROM THE COUNCIL’S PURVIEW, SUCH AS THE HOSPITAL.AUTHORITY, ARE BEING ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU ADDED THAT OTHER AMENDMENTS INVOLVED THE REMOVAL OF DEFUNCT COMPANIES AND CHANGES WHERE COMPANIES HAD ADOPTED NEW NAMES.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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MEASURES TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES INTO HARBOUR ♦ * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS A VARIETY OF MEASURES IN HAND TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES INTO THE HARBOUR AND ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS OF WASTE WATER OUTLETS TO STORMWATER DRAINS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN, MR BARNES SAID THESE MEASURES WERE CENTRED IN THE TERRITORY-WIDE PROGRAMME OF SEWERAGE MASTERPLANS ON THREE FRONTS, NAMELY PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND CONTROL.
ON THE PLANNING FRONT, HE SAID PRIORITY HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE SEWERAGE MASTERPLANS PROGRAMME TO THOSE AREAS WHERE INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES WERE BEING MADE DIRECTLY INTO THE HARBOUR.
"MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS TO STORMWATER DRAINS ARE INCLUDED IN THESE MASTERPLANS, WHICH INVESTIGATE THE EXTENT, CAPACITY AND PHYSICAL STATE OF THE EXISTING SEWERAGE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE NUMBERS OF UNAUTHORISED CONNECTIONS, AND PROPOSE MEASURES TO MEET THE EXISTING AND FUTURE DEMANDS FOR NEW SEWERAGE.
"THE HARBOUR AREA IS COVERED BY SEVEN SEWERAGE MASTERPLANS AND STUDIES FOR FOUR OF THESE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED OR ARE UNDERWAY. THE MASTERPLANS ALSO IDENTIFY ’FIRST AID MEASURES’ THAT CAN PROVIDE SHORT-TERM IMPROVEMENTS TO SOME POLLUTION BLACKSPOTS," HE SAID.
ON THE CONSTRUCTION FRONT, MR BARNES SAID THERE WERE ALREADY SEVERAL ONGOING OR PROPOSED REGIONAL SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES AROUND THE HARBOUR; MOST OF WHICH AROSE FROM THE MASTERPLANNING STRATEGY.
/THESE SCHEMES .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 15 -
THESE SCHEMES INCLUDED THE NORTH-WEST KOWLOON SEWERAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME, THE EAST KOWLOON SCHEME, THE TSUEN WAN/ KWAI TSING SEWERAGE SCHEME AND THE SHAM TSENG SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES.
MR BARNES SAID THE NORTH-WEST KOWLOON SEWERAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME WOULD BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR AT A COST OF $1.3 BILLION.
"THIS SYSTEM WILL REMOVE THE THREE EXISTING OUTFALLS WHICH PRESENTLY DISCHARGE SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS INTO THE HARBOUR, AND DIVERT TO A TREATMENT FACILITY ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
"IN ADDITION TO THIS MAJOR SCHEME, A MASTERPLAN HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO COMPREHENSIVELY UPGRADE LOCAL SEWERAGE, THE FIRST PHASE OF WHICH WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN PARALLEL WITH WORKS UNDER THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION," HE SAID.
STAGE I OF THE EAST KOWLOON SCHEME, WHICH COMMENCED THIS MONTH, WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1994 AT A COST OF $550 MILLION, MR BARNES SAID.
"THIS SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE TRUNK SEWERS TO INTERCEPT INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT PRESENTLY DISCHARGING INTO KOWLOON BAY TYPHOON SHELTER AND PROVIDE SEWERAGE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE ALL PRESENT AND FUTURE FLOWS IN THE EAST KOWLOON AREA.
"THE SECOND PHASE, WHICH IS PLANNED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1996 AT A COST OF $460 MILLION, WILL PROVIDE FOR LOCAL RESEWERAGE AND REMOVAL OF EXPEDIENT CONNECTIONS," HE SAID.
THE TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING SEWERAGE SCHEME, A TWO-YEAR PROJECT WHICH WILL COMMENCE NEXT YEAR AT A COST OF $182 MILLION, IS FOR THE PROVISION OF NEW AND UPGRADED SECTIONS OF TRUNK SEWERS AT KWAI CHUNG AND ASSOCIATED LOCAL SEWERAGE, ACCORDING TO MR BARNES.
"THIS PROJECT WILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE THE DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL FLOWS GENERATED IN THE AREA, MUCH OF WHICH .PRESENTLY DISCHARGES TO THE STORMWATER DRAINS.
"THE SECOND PHASE, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $200 MILLION, IS PLANNED TO START IN 1993 A.ND WILL PROVIDE IMPROVED TRUNK SEWERAGE TO TSUEN WAN," HE SAID.
THE SHAM TSENG SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES, WOULD START IN EARLY 1993 AT A COST OF $140 MILLION, MR BARNES SAID.
IT WILL PROVIDE AN INTERCEPTOR SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT SHAM TSENG TO COLLECT, TREAT AND DISPOSE OF SEWAGE GENERATED ALONG THE COASTAL STRIP STRETCHING FROM SHAM TSENG TO TSING LUNG TAU.
"THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM WILL REMOVE POLLUTION IN THE STORMWATER DRAINS AND COASTAL WATERS," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS CONTROLS, MR BARNES SAID ENFORCEMENT ACTION UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL AND POLLUTING DRAINS WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE SPECIALISED TASK FORCE SET UP IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN 1986.
/"IT MAINTAINS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
"IT MAINTAINS CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND TACKLES SERIOUS CASES REFERRED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
"SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN PARTICULAR AT SHA TIN, TUEN MUN AND KWAI TSING. THESE EXERCISES ARE SOMETIMES ASSISTED BY THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEES SET UP BY DISTRICT BOARDS," HE SAID.
NEXT, MR BARNES SAID, AN EFFECTIVE CRADLE-TO-GRAVE SCHEME FOR THE CONTROL OF CHEMICAL WASTES WAS BEING FORMULATED.
"IT IS HOPED TO INTRODUCE THIS SCHEME IN 1992 SO THAT THE SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE THE NEW CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY IS COMMISSIONED AT THE END OF 1992," HE SAID. •
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS FROM NOVEMBER LAST YEAR TO THE END OF OCTOBER THIS YEAR, MR BARNES SAID THERE WERE 73 PROSECUTIONS UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING ACTIVITIES, AND 80 PROSECUTIONS UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE FOR MINOR LITTERING OFFENCES.
HE SAID THE WATER QUALITY HAD BEEN CONSISTENTLY BAD IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, ALTHOUGH THERE HAD NOT BEEN SIGNIFICANT DETERIORATION.
"DISSOLVED OXYGEN HAS BEEN ABOVE 50 PER CENT WHICH IS ABOUT THE LOWEST TOLERABLE LEVEL FOR MARINE LIFE. THE DISTRIBUTION OF BACTERIA E. COLI VARIES WIDELY, BUT IN SOME PLACES READINGS HAVE BEEN AS HIGH AS 10,000 PER 100 ML," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
UNTIMELY TO INTRODUCE SALES TAX NOW *****
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT NOW - A TIME OF HIGH INFLATION - IS THE TIME TO INTRODUCE A SALES TAX, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HOWARD YOUNG, MR YEUNG ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT FULLY ACCEPTED THAT BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON THE ISSUE AT SOME FUTURE DATE, IT WOULD NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC, AND THE NEED TO GAIN THE SUPPORT OF MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
MR YEUNG SAID THE PROBLEM THAT THE SALES TAX IDEA WAS INTENDED TO TACKLE WAS THAT THE PRESENT TAX BASE WAS TOO NARROWLY BASED.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT OF SALARIES TAXPAYERS NOW CONTRIBUTE 56 PER CENT OF ALL SALARIES TAX REVENUE,” HE SAID.
”AS REGARDS PROFITS TAX, ABOUT ONE-THIRD IS CONTRIBUTED BY LESS THAN 0.1 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S BUSINESSES.”
/THE SECRETARY
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 20, 3991
THE SECRETARY SAID THIS SITUATION LEFT US UNCOMFORTABLY VULNERABLE TO THE EFFECT OF ANY DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY, AND ALSO LEFT US WITH INSUFFICIENTLY SECURE SOURCES OF REVENUE, AT A TIME WHEN THERE WERE IMPORTANT AND COMPETING CALLS ON THE PUBLIC PURSE.
NEVERTHELESS, HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE COMMUNITY’S SENSITIVITY TO THE POSSIBLE INTRODUCTION OF A SALES TAX AT A TIME OF HIGH INFLATION AND HAD CAREFULLY MONITORED BOTH PUBLIC OPINION AND THE VIEWS OF FINANCIAL EXPERTS ON THE SUBJECT.
- - 0 - -
DETAILED POLICE ORDERS GOVERN USE OF HANDCUFFS
******
THE POLICE HAVE DETAILED INTERNAL ORDERS GOVERNING THE USE OF HANDCUFFS AND HANDCUFF TRANSPORT BELTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR ASPREY SAID POLICE OFFICERS WERE INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE HANDCUFFS UNLESS NECESSARY, FOR EXAMPLE, WHERE AN • ARRESTED PERSON WAS VIOLENT, OR LIKELY TO BECOME VIOLENT, OR LIKELY TO ATTEMPT ESCAPE.
"A POLICE OFFICER HAS TO MAKE A JUDGEMENT HIMSELF WHETHER HANDCUFFS ARE TO BE USED," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE USE OF HANDCUFF TRANSPORT BELTS HAD TO BE AUTHORISED BY THE DUTY OFFICER AT A POLICE STATION OR AN OFFICER OF THE RANK OF SERGEANT OR ABOVE.
"THEY ARE USED FOR PRISONERS OR ARRESTED PERSONS WHO ARE LIKELY TO BECOME VIOLENT OR TO ATTEMPT ESCAPE, OR ARE BEING MOVED THROUGH TO UNSECURED AREAS OF A COURT."
THE SECRETARY SAID ANY COMPLAINT AGAINST THE POLICE ABOUT THE MISUSE OF HANDCUFFS OR HANDCUFF TRANSPORT BELTS COULD BE MADE TO THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE WHICH WOULD THEN INVESTIGATE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WOULD BE REVIEWED BY THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE.
"IF IT CAN BE ESTABLISHED THAT POLICE OFFICERS USED EXCESSIVE OR UNNECESSARY FORCE WHILST ARRESTING HIM, AN ARRESTED PERSON MAY BE ABLE TO CLAIM DAMAGES AGAINST THE POLICE," HE SAID.
/18
- 18 -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20,
1991
REVIEW OF S6 ADMISSION PROCEDURE IN PROGRESS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A REVIEW OF THE NEW SIXTH FORM ADMISSION PROCEDURE AND IF ANY SHORTCOMINGS ARE IDENTIFIED, IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR INTRODUCTION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON STEPHEN NG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THE NEW ADMISSION PROCEDURE AIMED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM UNDER-ENROLMENT AT SECONDARY 6 (S6) LEVEL, WITH THE ULTIMATE POLICY OBJECTIVE OF MAXIMISING UTILISATION OF S6 PLACES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND PRODUCING AS MANY MATRICULANTS AS POSSIBLE.
'"IT DOES SO BY ENSURING THAT ELIGIBLE STUDENTS HAVE FIRST PRIORITY FOR THE S6 PLACES IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL," HE EXPLAINED.
"IT PUTS AN END TO THE PRACTICE OF INDIVIDUAL BETTER QUALIFIED STUDENTS SECURING S6 PLACES IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT SCHOOLS.
"IT ALSO MINIMISES THE NEED FOR S5 LEAVERS TO SHOP AROUND FOR A PLACE."
AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SCHEME IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, MR CHAN NOTED, S6 PLACES WERE FULLY TAKEN UP.
CITING STATISTICS, HE SAID THERE WERE 17,720 PLACES IN THE ADVANCED LEVEL (A-LEVEL) AND 1,680 IN THE HIGHER LEVEL (H-LEVEL) CLASSES.
THE ACTUAL NUMBERS OF S6 STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE A-LEVEL AND H-LEVEL CLASSES AS AT EARLY SEPTEMBER WERE 17,891 AND 1,680 RESPECTIVELY.
THE OVER-ENROLMENT IN A-LEVEL CLASSES AS AT EARLY SEPTEMBER INDICATED THAT SOME SCHOOLS HAD RECRUITED MORE THAN 30 PUPILS PER CLASS.
AS AT OCTOBER, 682 A-LEVEL AND 117 H-LEVEL STUDENTS DROPPED OUT WHILE 128 NEW RECRUITS WERE ENROLLED IN A-LEVEL AND 16 IN H-LEVEL CLASSES.
THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF A-LEVEL AND H-LEVEL STUDENTS TO 17,337 AND 1,579 RESPECTIVELY AS AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
"ALTHOUGH THE ENROLMENT RATIO SUBSEQUENTLY DROPPED FROM 100
PER CENT TO 97.5 PER CENT BY THE END OF OCTOBER, IT REMAINED THE
HIGHEST FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS,” MR CHAN SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE DROPOUTS, MR CHAN SAID STUDENTS WERE NOT
OBLIGED TO GIVE REASONS FOR THEIR DEPARTURE FROM S6.
"NO COMPREHENSIVE RECORD OF THE CAUSES AND WHEREABOUTS OF THE 'DROPOUTS’ FROM S6 HAS THEREFORE BEEN KEPT AND THE NUMBER OF S6 'DROPOUTS’ WHO EVENTUALLY ENROLLED IN A POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION IS NOT AVAILABLE," HE ADDED.
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/19......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
19
VISA-FREE VISITS BY HKBDTC/BNO PASSPORT HOLDERS TO 72 COUNTRIES/TERRITORIES ♦ * * ♦ ♦
A TOTAL OF 72 COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES ALLOW VISA-FREE VISITS TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS HOLDING EITHER HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORTS OR BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN, MR ASPREY LISTED OUT THOSE COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES AS FOLLOWS:
ANGUILLA ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA BAHAMAS BARBADOS BELGIUM BELIZE BERMUDA BOLIVIA LUXEMBOURG MALAWI MALAYSIA MALDIVES ’ MALTA MONTSERRAT MOROCCO NETHERLANDS
BOTSWANA NEW CALEDONIA
BRAZIL PAKISTAN
BR. VIRGIN ISLANDS PHILIPPINES
CANADA POLAND
CAYMAN ISLANDS SAN MARINO
CHILE ST HELENA
COLOMBIA ST KITTS-NEVIS
COOK ISLANDS ST LUCIA
CYPRUS ST VINCENT AND
DOMINICA THE GRENADINES
EL SALVADOR SINGAPORE
FALKLAND ISLANDS SOLOMON ISLANDS
FIJI SOUTH AFRICA
GAMBIA SPAIN
GIBRALTAR SRI LANKA
GREECE SWAZILAND
GRENADA SWEDEN
ICELAND SWITZERLAND
INDONESIA THAILAND
IRELAND TOGO
ISRAEL TONGA
ITALY TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
JAMAICA TURKS AND
CAICOS ISLANDS
KENYA TUVALU
KIRIBATI VANUATU
SOUTH KOREA WEST SAMOA
LESOTHO YUGOSLAVIA
LIECHTENSTEIN ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE
HE POINTED OUT THAT A FURTHER TWO COUNTRIES, AUSTRIA AND MAURITIUS, ALLOWED VISA-FREE ACCESS TO BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS, BUT REQUIRED VISAS FOR BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS.
/"SINCE THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 20 -
"SINCE THE TIME WHEN AUSTRIA AND MAURITIUS IMPOSED A VISA REQUIREMENT ON BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS, HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AT OUR REQUEST HAS BEEN TRYING TO PERSUADE AUSTRIA AND MAURITIUS TO WAIVE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS IN THE SAME WAY AS FOR BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS. EFFORTS ARE CONTINUING.
"THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AT OUR REQUEST IS ALSO MAKING EFFORTS TO PERSUADE OTHER COUNTRIES TO WAIVE THEIR VISA REQUIREMENTS," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT A VISA WAIVER AGREEMENT WITH POLAND, WHICH WOULD ALLOW BOTH BDTC AND BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS TO ENTER POLAND IOR SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT VISAS, HAD RECENTLY BEEN SIGNED.
"WE HOPE TO CONCLUDE MORE SUCH AGREEMENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE SAID.
Explaining the difficulties encountered, mr asprey said the GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO CONVINCE OTHER COUNTRIES THAT - WHATEVER PASSPORTS THEY HELD - HONG KONG RESIDENTS WERE READILY RETURNABLE TO HONG KONG AND WOULD NOT BE A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
"HOWEVER, SOME COUNTRIES REQUIRE ALL VISITORS TO HAVE VISAS NO MATTER WHERE THEY COME FROM.
"THERE IS NO REALISTIC PROSPECT OF PERSUADING THEM TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
LEGCO UPDATED ON PROGRESS OF BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME < « * * * *
A TOTAL OF 3,606 PERSONS, INCLUDING 1,251 APPLICANTS AND THEIR 2,355 DEPENDANTS, HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME AS AT NOVEMBER 16.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU.
A BREAKDOWN OF THESE APPLICANTS, BY CLASS AND BY OCCUPATIONAL GROUP, IS AS FOLLOWS:
GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS 204 (391)
MANAGERS AND ADMINISTRATORS 38 (83)
NEWS EDITORS AND JOURNALISTS 26 (35)
/MEDICAL DOCTORS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
MEDICAL DOCTORS
LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
STATISTICAL ASSISTANTS
DISCIPLINED SERVICES CLASS
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT, ICAC ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY FORCE
ENTREPRENEURS CLASS
SENSITIVE SERVICE CLASS
21 -
55 (126)
51 (82)
34 (65)
83 (199)
35 (90)
45 (102)
3 (7)
31 (24)
933 (1,741)
NOTE I FIGURES IN BRACKETS DENOTE NUMBER OF DEPENDANTS.
MR ASPREY SAID 758 PASSPORTS HAD BEEN ISSUED UP TO NOVEMBER 16 THIS YEAR AND A FURTHER 435 APPLICATIONS FOR PASSPORT WERE BEING PROCESSED.
HE ADDED THAT SO FAR, NO APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN REJECTED. "WE SHALL PROBABLY START TO’ ISSUE LETTERS OF REJECTION NEXT MONTH," MR ASPREY SAID.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS WAS 37,761 AND THE TIME REQUIRED TO PROCESS ALL THESE CASES WAS ABOUT TWO YEARS.
"WE SHALL, HOWEVER, TRY TO GIVE APPLICANTS AN EARLY INDICATION OF THEIR CHANCE OF SUCCESS," MR ASPREY SAID.
’’THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL START LATER THIS MONTH TO NOTIFY ALL OUTSTANDING APPLICANTS OF THE POSITION OF THEIR APPLICATIONS," HE ADDED.
LICENSING SYSTEM FOR WCZ GENERALLY SATISFACTORY
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS GENERALLY SATISFIED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LICENSING SYSTEM IN RESPECT OF WATER CONTROL ZONES (WCZ’S) DECLARED UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE DESPITE THE PARTICULAR DIFFICULTY ASSOCIATED WITH LICENSING THE LARGE NUMBER OF DOMESTIC DISCHARGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR BARNES .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991 -
- 22 -
MR BARNES SAID OF THE SIX WCZ’S DECLARED SO FAR IN THE TERRITORY, FOUR OF THEM WERE DECLARED BEFORE THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990 CAME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, LAST YEAR, AND THE OTHER TWO WERE DECLARED SINCE THAT DATE.
HE NOTED THAT UNDER THE AMENDMENT BILL, THE "EXEMPTION ARRANGEMENTS" WHICH PREVIOUSLY EXISTED UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE HAD BEEN REPEALED AND THAT IT ALSO PROVIDED THAT DISCHARGES OR DEPOSITS WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY EXEMPT WOULD BE "DEEMED" TO BE LICENSED FOR A FURTHER TWO YEARS OR UNTIL A NEW LICENCE WAS GRANTED.
THEREFORE, NO PHYSICAL APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE BY DEEMED LICENSEES WAS NECESSARY IN MOST CASES, HE ADDED.
MR BARNES SAID THE FOUR WCZ’S DECLARED BEFORE DECEMBER 1, LAST YEAR WERE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL, SOUTHERN, TSEUNG KWAN O AND PORT SHELTER WCZ’S.
HE DISCLOSED THAT IN THESE ZONES, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAD RECEIVED 15,800 NOTICES (OR APPLICATIONS) OF EXEMPTION, SOME 8,000 EXEMPTIONS HAD BEEN APPROVED, 1,900 REJECTED AND THE REMAINDER WERE BEING PROCESSED.
ON NEW DISCHARGES, THAT IS, THOSE DISCHARGES OR DEPOSITS WHICH CAME INTO EXISTENCE AFTER THE ZONES WERE DECLARED AND WHICH MUST THEREFORE BE THE SUBJECT OF A LICENCE APPLICATION, 922 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED, 558 GRANTED, AND THE REST WERE BEING PROCESSED, HE ADDED.
AS FOR PROJECTIONS ON THE NUMBER OF LICENSEES IN THE FOUR WCZ’S DECLARED BEFORE THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT, MR BARNES SAID THE EPD EXPECTED 19,000 APPLICATIONS FOR "EXEMPTIONS" AND RECEIVED 15,800 WITH THE REMAINING 3,200 DISCHARGES TO BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE.
FOR THE TWO WCZ’S DECLARED SINCE THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT - DEEP BAY AND MIRS BAY - IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SOME 45,000 DISCHARGES, INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC DISCHARGES, WILL NEED TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE. ABOUT 3,000 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SO FAR AND ARE BEING PROCESSED BY THE EPD.
TO ASSESS THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE LICENSING SYSTEM HAS BEEN ACCEPTED, BY LOOKING AT THE SITUATION "BEFORE AND AFTER" THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990, MR BARNES QUOTED THE STATISTICS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPTION FOR THE FIRST FOUR WCZ’S AS FOLLOWS:
ESTIMATED NO. NO. OF APPLICATIONS FOR
WCZ OF DISCHARGES EXEMPTION FOR A LICENCE
TOLO ' 7,000
SOUTHERN
7,200
5,169 (73.8 PER CENT)
6,496 (90.2 PER CENT)
/TSEUNG KWAN O .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 20, 1991
23 -
TSEUNG KWAN 0 1,855 1,855 (100 PER CENT)
PORT SHELTER 3,170 3,076 (97 PER CENT)
FROM SUCH FIGURES, MR BARNES CONCLUDED THAT THE LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS WHICH EXISTED WHEN THESE FOUR ZONES WERE DECLARED WERE WELL ACCEPTED BY THOSE AFFECTED BY THE ZONES.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE TWO ZONES DECLARED SINCE THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT, THAT IS, DEEP BAY AND MIRS BAY WCZ’S, THE EXEMPTION ARRANGEMENTS NO LONGER APPLIED AND ALL DISCHARGES AND DEPOSITS, EXCEPT A DISCHARGE OF DOMESTIC SEWAGE INTO A COMMUNAL SEWER OR UNPOLLUTED WATER INTO A PUBLIC DRAIN, MUST BE THE SUBJECT OF A LICENCE APPLICATION.
HE SAID THAT AS FEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF DOMESTIC DISCHARGES IN THESE TWO ZONES HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A LICENCE APPLICATION, APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AGAINST THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF DISCHARGES IN THE TWO WCZ’S WERE ONLY 5.5 PER CENT (DEEP BAY) AND 6.7 PER CENT (MIRS BAY).
"THE REASON FOR THIS LOW LEVEL OF APPLICATION SEEMS TO BE BECAUSE NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE HOUSEHOLDERS DO NOT PRESENTLY ACCEPT THE NEED FOR THE LICENSING OF THEIR DOMESTIC DISCHARGES UNDER THE WPCO.
"DISCUSSIONS ARE NOW BEING HELD WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK TO FIND A WAY FORWARD ON THIS ISSUE," HE ADDED.
COMMMENTING ON ACHIEVEMENT OF THE LICENSING SYSTEM, MR BARNES NOTED THAT IT HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN THE WCZ’S, PARTICULARLY WHERE BEACH WATER QUALITY WAS CONCERNED, SUCH AS REPULSE BAY, MIDDLE BAY, SOUTH BAY, SILVERMINE BAY AND TUNG WAN (CHEUNG CHAU) BEACHES.
"HOWEVER, IT WOULD NOT BE FAIR TO SAY THAT THE LICENSING SYSTEM HAS ACHIEVED THESE IMPROVEMENTS ON ITS OWN; IN MOST CASES SHORT-TERM IMPROVEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN ACHIEVED MAINLY BY DIVERTING DRY WEATHER FLOWS AWAY FROM BEACHES.
"IN SOME AREAS IMPROVEMENTS TO WATER QUALITY HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED BY CONTROLS VIA THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE.
HE CONCEDED THAT APART FROM THESE MEASURES, THERE WERE NO CONTINGENT MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION; LONG-TERM BENEFITS WOULD NOT BE REALISED UNTIL THE FULL BENEFITS OF THE SEWAGE STRATEGY CAME INTO EFFECT.
"THE FULL DEGREE OF BENEFIT, AND THE OVERALL AIM OF ACHIEVING WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES, WILL ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL THE MEASURES IN THE SEWAGE STRATEGY," HE STRESSED.
/THESE MEASURES .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991 •
- 24 -
THESE MEASURES ARE:
* LEGISLATION TO CONTROL THE QUALITY OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES AND CONNECT ALL SEWAGE TO THE PROPER COLLECTION SYSTEM;
* ENFORCEMENT OF CONTROLS OVER WHAT ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY FROM INDUSTRY, RESTAURANTS, LANDFILL SITES AND LIVESTOCK FARMS;
* AN INCREASE IN PUBLIC AWARENESS OF WAYS TO REDUCE POLLUTION;
* CONSTRUCTION OF MORE SEWERS TO COLLECT THE SEWAGE, FOLLOWED BY FULL CONNECTION OF SEWAGE DISCHARGES TO THEM;
* CONSTRUCTION OF NEW DEEP TUNNELS TO TRANSFER SEWAGE ACROSS THE CITY;
* CONSTRUCTION OF MORE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO REMOVE UNDESIRABLE MATERIAL BEFORE DISCHARGE' TO THE SEA; AND DISPOSAL OF THIS MATERIAL SAFELY;
* CONSTRUCTION OF SOME VERY LONG SEA OUTFALLS TO DISPOSE OF THE TREATED WATER;
* TRAINING OF MORE PERSONNEL IN OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE FACILITIES;
* PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE SO THAT INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS ARE SEPARATED. NEW DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS, PARTICULARLY LAND RECLAMATIONS WHICH AFFECT THE NATURAL TREATMENT
CAPACITY OF THE SEA, WILL HAVE TO TAKE PROPER ACCOUNT OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS.
--------0-----------
WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF COMMUNITY SERVES AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE * * * * t
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED PEOPLE FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY TO SERVE ON THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARTIN BARROW, MR BLAKE SAID ALTHOUGH MEMBERS WERE NOT APPOINTED ON THE BASIS OF SPECIFIC REPRESENTATION OF ANY PARTICULAR TRADE OR ORGANISATION, THERE WAS ALREADY A FAIR NUMBER OF MEMBERS ASSOCIATED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY WITH THE TRAVEL, TOURISM OR HOTEL INDUSTRIES SERVING ON THE COMMITTEE.
/HE NOTED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 25 -
HE NOTED THAT AS THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WAS ONLY SET UP VERY RECENTLY AND IT HAD JUST HAD ITS FIRST MEETING A FEW DAYS AGO, CONSIDERATION OF CHANGING ITS MEMBERSHIP APPEARED PREMATURE AT THIS STAGE.
MR BLAKE REITERATED THAT THE PURPOSE OF SETTING UP THE COMMITTEE WAS TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR COLLECTING PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN THE PROJECTS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
------0-----------
FIVE-HOUR DEBATE ON ELDERLY CARE
******
TWENTY-FOUR LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS SPOKE FOR FIVE HOURS ON THE MOTION DEBATE ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN OF THE GOVERNMENT.
ELIZABETH WONG, AND CHAN, SPOKE ON BEHALF
THE MOTION, MOVED BY DR THE HON C.H. LEONG, WAS PASSED.
IT READ : "IN THE LIGHT OF THE RAPID EXPANSION OF OUR AGING POPULATION, THIS COUNCIL URGES GOVERNMENT TO GIVE IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION TO THE FORMULATION OF AN OVERALL AND COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY HAVING SPECIAL REGARD TO THEIR HEALTH AND SOCIAL NEEDS."
THE MOTION MOVED BY THE HON EMILY LAU UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE WAS ALSO PASSED.
MEANWHILE, NINE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS SPOKE DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN ON THE MATTER OF "CONSTRUCTION.OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9".
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT. ’
IN ADDITION, THREE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
THEY WERE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
(NO. 2)
1991 AND
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/26 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 26 -
FIRST VISIT BY HK GOVERNOR TO NEW ZEALAND * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY TO CHINA IN 1997 WAS NOT LIMITING THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS IN WELLINGTON, SIR DAVID SAID: "IN THE LAST FEW YEARS OF THE TIME OF BRITISH ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG, WE WILL DEVOTE ALL OUR EFFORTS TO SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHING THE NEW HONG KONG, THE POST 1997 HONG KONG.
"IT REQUIRES AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF EFFORT. I THINK MANY PEOPLE OF ADMINISTRATIONS FACED WITH A DEFINITE END TO THEIR PERIOD OF EXISTENCE MIGHT SIT BACK AND SAY ’LET THINGS TICK OVER’.
"WE HAVE CONSCIOUSLY TAKEN THE OPPOSITE DECISION, WE WILL WORK FLAT OUT TO MAKE SURE THE NEW HONG KONG HAS THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE TO SUCCEED," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAD ITS SHARE OF PROBLEMS, SUCH AS HIGH INFLATION, EMIGRATION WHICH WAS RUNNING AT ABOUT 60,000 A YEAR, IT WAS A PLACE OF ENORMOUS ENERGY, VITALITY AND DETERMINATION.
"IT IS NOT SOMEWHERE WHICH IS SIMPLY BOWLED OVER BY PROBLEMS, IT IS A PLACE WHICH IS DETERMINED TO TACKLE THOSE PROBLEMS. A PLACE OF TERRIFIC OPPORTUNITY IN AN AREA, THE ASIA PACIFIC, WHICH IS THE FASTEST GROWING IN THE WORLD."
HE SAID HE HOPED MORE NEW ZEALAND FIRMS WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, NOT ONLY AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, BUT AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE WORLD.
SIR DAVID, WHO IS THE FIRST GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG TO MAKE AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND, MENTIONED SOME OF THE CONTRASTS BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES - NEW ZEALAND WITH A POPULATION DENSITY OF JUST 12 PER SQUARE KILOMETRE AND HONG KONG’S 5,400 PER SQUARE KILOMETRE OR SIX MILLION PEOPLE IN AN AREA NO BIGGER THAN NEW ZEALAND’S STEWART ISLAND.
ON RELATIONS WITH CHINA, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, PARTICULARLY SINCE 1989, THERE HAD BEEN A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS.
"BUT WE HAVE STEADILY WORKED THROUGH THOSE DIFFICULTIES AND WE ARE NOW BACK ON COURSE DEALING WITH MATTERS IN A FAR MORE PRACTICAL AND PRAGMATIC WAY THAN BEFORE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID ONE OF THE KEYS TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WAS THE WAY IN WHICH ITS ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA WERE CONSTANTLY GROWING AND THE FACT THAT THE CHINESE ECONOMY WAS CONSTANTLY EXPANDING.
TOMORROW (THURSDAY), SIR DAVID HAS A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH SENIOR NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INCLUDING THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JIM BOLGER, THE FINANCE MINISTER, MRS RUTH RICHARDSON, AND THE MINISTER FOR TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, MR PHILIP BURDON.
------0--------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
27
LEGISLATION ON HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE PIPELINE *****
LEGISLATION IS IN THE PIPELINE TO SET STANDARDS FOR HOSTELS FOR TH- ELDERLY, BE THEY PRIVATELY RUN, NON-PROFIT-MAKING OR SUBVERTED, IN A BID TO SAFEGUARD THE WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE IN RESIDENTIAL CARE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CARTLAND WAS ADDRESSING IN CANTONESE THE OPENING OF THE YAN 01 TONG TIN KA PING HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AT LONG PING ESTATE IN YUEN LONG.
"IN VIEW OF THE AGEING POPULATION, THERE IS A NEED TO EXTENSIVELY EXPAND RESIDENTIAL CARE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THEM," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WOULD BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT 750,000 TO MORE THAN 974,000 BY 2,000, AN ESTIMATE IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND.
"TO HELP TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR SERVICES THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS SHOULD FOR THE ELDERLY, POOL THEIR RESOURCES IN AN ATTEMPT TO ACHIEVE A GREATER SUCCESS," MR CARTLAND ADDED.
ON THE WORK OF YAN OI TONG, WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN TUEN MUN IN 1977, HE SAID OVER THE PAST 14 YEARS IT HAD BECOME A WELL-ESTABLISHED CHARITABLE ORGANISATION PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE YOUNG AND THE OLD.
"IT IS ALSO ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT THE ORGANISATION HAS BEEN TRYING TO EXTEND ITS SERVICES TO OTHER DISTRICTS, INCLUDING TIN SHUI WAI, KAM TIN, TAI PO AND TSEUNG KWAN O," MR CARTLAND ADDED.
- - 0----------
NURSES’ ROLE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
*****
NURSES HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE DELIVERY OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) SERVICES IN HONG KONG WHICH WILL SOON ENTER A NEW ERA, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THE NURSES OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, DR LEE SAID NURSES COULD HELP PROMOTE HEALTH EDUCATION AMONG MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS OUT-PATIENT CLINIC ATTENDANTS BY PROVIDING COUSELLING AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
"NURSES CAN ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND THEIR OWN HEALTH PROBLEMS, TO PRACTISE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, TO BETTER UTILISE HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES, AND TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH," HE SAID.
/"THIS CAN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 28
"THIS CAN BE WELL REFLECTED BY THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR THE HEALTH TALKS ORGANISED BY NURSES FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES SINCE THESE TALKS BEGAN IN 14 OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CLINICS LAST JULY.”
ON THE REFORMS OF HEALTH SERVICES, DR LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PUBLIC OPINIONS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES, HAD DRAWN UP A PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE PHC SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
HE THEN OUTLINED THE PROGRAMMES AND IMPROVEMENT MEASURES THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CARRYING OUT WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
THESE INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, THE INTRODUCTION OF A PILOT DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH PROGRAMMES, TRAINING OF HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL, A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WELL-WOMEN CLINIC AND CLINICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM.
IN ADDITION. OPPORTUNISTIC SCREENING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE ATTENDING OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE INTRODUCED AND ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES BE STRENGTHENED.
PREPARATORY WORK
GEAR AND THE SERVICE IS
FOR THE STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE IS IN FULL EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE YEAR 1993/94.
- 0-----------
NO EFFORT SPARED IN PROMOTING USE OF COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS HAS SPARED NO EFFORT IN PROMOTING THE USE OF MICROCOMPUTERS IN EDUCATION AND IN ENCOURAGING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LATEST METHODOLOGIES IN COMPUTERS AMONG YOUTHS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO ON A MORE EXTENSIVE SCALE AND WITH GREATER INVESTMENT SINCE WE KNOW TOO WELL THAT IN ORDER TO KEEP HONG KONG ABREAST OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE, THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO BEGIN THE TASK THAN JN SCHOOLS," HE SAID.
MR LI MADE THESE REMARKS AT THE PRIZE AND FLAG PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER COMPETITIONS SELECTION CONTEST WHICH WAS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG COMPUTER SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTER EDUCATION.
THE WINNERS - MR SZE TUNG-LEI OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE, MR CHEUNG YAT-TUNG OF MARYKNOLL FATHERS’ SCHOOL, AND MR LAW HOI-KEE OF MUNSANG COLLEGE - WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG AT THE DJAKARTA AND SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS.
/MR LI ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
29
MR LI SAID THE INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER COMPETITION WAS NOW AN ANNUAL EVENT SPONSORED BY MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE SOUTH EAST REGIONAL COMPUTER CONFEDERATION OF WHICH HONG KONG IS A MEMBER.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT HE TOLD THE GATHERING AT
CERTIFYING BODY SET UP TO
HONG KONG MAY HOST THE COMPETITION IN 1993 THE FUNCTION HELD AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC.
- - 0---------
PROCESS FILM/TV CO-PRODUCTION APPLICATIONS ******
A CERTIFYING BODY, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY, THE FILM INDUSTRY AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN FORMALLY ESTABLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR FILM AND TELEVISION CO-PRODUCTIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA.
THE CERTIFYING BODY IS TO IMPLEMENT THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON HONG KONG - CANADA FILM AND TELEVISION CO-PRODUCTION, WHICH WAS SIGNED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR CANADA IN HONG KONG, MR JOHN HIGGINBOTHAM, ON JUNE 19 THIS YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID THE EXISTENCE OF THE MOU WOULD ENCOURAGE THE HONG KONG AND CANADIAN FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRIES TO POOL RESOURCES TO CO-PRODUCE GOOD QUALITY FILMS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.
"THE CERTIFYING BODY WILL EVALUATE APPLICATIONS FOR CO-PRODUCTIONS AND WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, WHO IS THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY AS STIPULATED IN THE MOU TO APPROVE SUCH APPLICATIONS.
"THE APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE DECISIONS IN WRITING WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS," HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO ENSURE A BALANCE OF OPINIONS, THE CERTIFYING BODY IS MADE UP OF TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (MPIA), TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TELEVISION COMPANIES, AND FOUR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE.
"IT IS CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE (BROADCASTING, ENTERTAINMENT AND ADMINISTRATION), MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, AND THE MPIA WILL PROVIDE SECRETARIAT SUPPORT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE FOUR APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE DR PAT ELLIOT OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS; MS POH-LEE TAN, A SOLICITOR; MR WINSTON LEONG, A BUSINESSMAN; AND MR PAUL FONOROFF, A FILM CRITIC. THEIR APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR TWO YEARS," HE SAID.
/AN INFORMATION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 30 -
AN INFORMATION PAMPHLET WHICH EXPLAINS THE MAIN FEATURES OF CO-PRODUCTIONS AND THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE, AND ALSO THE NECESSARY APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE OFFICE OF THE MPIA AT ROOM 319, BEVERLEY COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 87-105 CHATHAM ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE MPIA. AN APPLICATION FEE OF $250 WHICH IS NON-REFUNDABLE WILL BE CHARGED UPON THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION.
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY CONTACT THE MPIA ON TEL. 311 9791 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
REHABILITATION CEREMONY OF TANG ANCESTRAL HALL
******
THE TANG ANCESTRAL HALL ITS FORMER SPLENDOUR WITH THE PROGRAMME.
AT PING SHAN, YUEN LONG, RECENT COMPLETION OF
HAS REGAINED A RESTORATION
THE $4 MILLION PROJECT IS SOLELY RESIDING IN PING SHAN, AND IS THE MOST RENOVATION WORK IN RECENT YEARS.
FUNDED
COSTLY
BY THE TANG CLAN
OF THIS TYPE OF
THE RESTORATION WORK WAS ASSISTED AND ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND THE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL
SUPERVISED BY THE AND CULTURE BRANCH
SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
A REHABILITATION CEREMONY WILL (THURSDAY) TO MARK THE OCCASION.
BE HELD
AT
11 AM TOMORROW
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO' ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR P.J. CORSER.
BE THE SECRETARY FOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
coacm to cover the Rehabilitation CEREMONY. A
COACH (EB 6437) WILL LEAVE THE CARPARK OF THE HARBOUR ROAD AT 9S30AAM SHARP0^ T° HARB°UR CENTRE’ 25 ,,ARB0UR ROAD), WAI
PRESS INDOOR
CHAI,
AN INFORMATION OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- - 0---------
/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 31 -
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY t * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 22) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMMITTEE’S PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 869 9492.
---------0-----------
RELIEF FUNDS FOR SHA TIN FIRE VICTIMS *****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DISTRIBUTED EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS TO PEOPLE MADE HOMELESS BY A NO. 3 ALARM FIRE AT THE YUEN CHAU KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA (THA) YESTERDAY.
EACH VICTIM WAS GIVEN $50 AND A TOTAL OF $6,950 WERE DISTRIBUTED TO 139 PERSONS FROM 50 FAMILIES.
THE VICTIMS HAVE BEEN REHOUSED TO OTHER VACANT UNITS IN THE THA. RELIEF ARTICLES AND HOT MEALS HAVE BEEN SUPPLIED TO THEM BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THE CASH ASSISTANCE CAN CONTACT THE SHROFF OFFICE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 29.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND THE FIRE REGISTRATION CARDS ISSUED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE SHROFF OFFICE IS OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON TEL. 604 8078 EXT. 54.
MEANWHILE, THE SHA TIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JOANNA YUEN, VISITED THE VICTIMS THIS AFTERNOON AND SUPERVISED THE ISSUE OF THE FUNDS.
_ _ 0 - -
/32 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 32 -
MOVIE STARS TO ADD SPARKLES TO SPORTS FESTIVAL
******
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH MOVIE STARS AND CANTONESE OPERA ARTISTES TAKING PART IN TENNIS AND A FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER GAMES DURING THE DISTRICT’S SPORTS FESTIVAL OVER THE WEEKEND.
THE TENNIS INVITATION MATCHES WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 23) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
THE MOVIE STAR TEAM, COMPRISING ALAN TAM, CHAN PAK-CHEONG, WONG KAM-SUN AND LAU NAM-KWONG, WILL PLAY AGAINST THE PUMA TENNIS TEAM.
MEANWHILE, THE FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER INVITATION MATCH WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE PLAYGROUND BETWEEN THE HONG KONG SOCCER TEAM AND THE FOREIGN RESCUE TEAM.
ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24), THE MOVIE STARS SOCCER TEAM WILL PLAY AGAINST THE PUMA TEAM IN A FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER MATCH AT 4 PM AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND. THE FRIENDS OF TSUEN WAN TEAM WILL ALSO COMPETE AGAINST THE SEIKO TEAM.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE MATCHES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING NEAR THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION.
THE MONTH-LONG SPORTS FESTIVAL FEATURES SOME 40 RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS EVENTS. IT WILL END WITH A SPECTACULAR SPORTS CARNIVAL ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30) NIGHT AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
ENQUIRIES ON THE FESTIVAL EVENTS CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 499 8624 OR 492 6193.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL TENNIS INVITATION MATCHES AND FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER INVITATION MATCHES TO BE HELD AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
- - - - 0-----
CARNIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS * * * *
MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A CARNIVAL ON DECEMBER 7 (SATURDAY) AT THE SYCAMORE PLAYGROUND, TAI KOK TSUI. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SYCAMORE AREA COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ENHANCE THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.
/THE EVENT........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
- 33 -
THE EVENT ALSO COINCIDES WITH THE RENAMING OF THE PLAYGROUND FORMERLY CALLED WILLOW STREET PLAYGROUND. EbAYUKUUND,
THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE TELEMATCHES, CHESS AND TABLE TENNIS COMPETITIONS, DANCING AND SINGING PERFORMANCES, AND A LUCKY DRAW.
THOSE INTERESTED IN THE TELEMATCHES, TABLE TENNIS AND COMPETITIONS CAN NOW ENROL AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN ’
RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTION OF THE URBAN
CHESS GROUND
SEVENTH FLOOR, FA YUEN STREET UC COMPLEX, WHERE LUCKY DRAW TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
WAN STREET AND AT THE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 123A FA YUEN STREET
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 787 0775.
---------0-----------
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY ON THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED AT LIU TO ROAD, AREA 10, TSING YI. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,450 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR TYRE STORAGE AND TYRE REPAIRING PURPOSES ONLY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND SITE IS LOCATED AT LAI CHO ROAD, KWAI CHUNG. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,780 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF NON-OFFENSIVE AND NON-DANGEROUS GOODS, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE REMAINING LOT IS LOCATED AT TAI LAM KOK, TUEN MUN. THE 3,050-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS DESIGNATED FOR STORAGE OF GOODS, VEHICLES, CHATTELS, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS (INCLUDING SAND AND AGGREGATES), BUT EXCLUDING CONCRETE BATCHING, STORAGE OF CONTAINERS, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS ALSO FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 6.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE KWAI TSING AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
/34 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1991
34
FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 22), FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM, TO FACILITATE MAINS CONNECTION WORKS.
THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY MOK CHEONG STREET, HUNG WAN STREET, MA TAU KOK ROAD, AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD, AND INCLUDING 3-17 MOK CHEONG STREET, THE MA TAU KOK ANIMAL QUARANTINE DEPOT AND THE PUBLIC TOILET AT MA TAU KOK ROAD.
- - 0----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 19.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 20.11.91 + 368
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -368
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.8 *-0.1* 20.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.60 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.21 5.68
1 MONTH 3.63 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.87 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.20 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.89 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 3,910 MN, BONDS 95 MN
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR COMPLETES FIRST LEG OF NZ VISIT ................................. 1
SALARY INDEXES FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES FOR JUNE 1991 2
HERITAGE TRAIL BEING PLANNED FOR PING SHAN ............................... 4
EARLY EDUCATION FOR DISABLED CHILDREN IMPORTANT .......................... 6
SPEL VISITS DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ................................. 6
ELECTORS TO RECEIVE POLL CARDS FOR BY-ELECTION ........................... 7
EXISTING CONDITIONED HOURS OF WORK FOR FIREMEN MAINTAINED ................ 8
CATERING INDUSTRY COMES UNDER SAFETY LAW ................................. 8
'GARDEN CELEBRATION' TO PROMOTE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT ........................ 9
OPEN NIGHTCLUB TO MAKE WAY FOR CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION ......... 10
FESTIVE LIGHTING IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST .................................. 11
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN SHAM SHUI PO ............................. 11
SLOGAN AND BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST FOR EASTERN STUDENTS ................. 12
CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT BIENNIAL INSPECTION ............................ 13
POLICE TRAINING IN FLUSHING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS ......................... 14
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN SHEK O TO BE CLOSED ...................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
1
GOVERNOR COMPLETES FIRST LEG OF NZ VISIT
* * * * «
HONG KONG AS A CENTRE OF THE DYNAMIC ASIA PACIFIC REGION - THE FASTEST GROWING IN THE WORLD - WAS EMPHASISED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, DURING A MAJOR NATIONAL RADIO BROADCAST IN NEW ZEALAND.
IN A LIVE INTERVIEW ON RADIO NEW ZEALAND’S HIGHLY RESPECTED ’’MORNING REPORT”, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS IN NEW ZEALAND TO TELL BUSINESSMEN AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS THAT HONG KONG WAS DOING VERY WELL AND WAS A GOOD PLACE TO ’’GET INVOLVED IN”.
”IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO ONE OF THE LARGEST AREAS OF GROWTH IN THE WORLD, SOUTHERN CHINA, THEN HONG KONG IS A VERY GOOD PLACE AS A BASE TO OPERATE FROM.”
SIR DAVID DESCRIBED HONG KONG AS A DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE ON THE COAST OF CHINA, AND SAID THAT WHILE THERE WOULD BE SOME CHANGES, HONG KONG’S FRAMEWORK WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED, AND THAT INCLUDED ITS VERY HARD-WORKING PEOPLE.
. THE WIDE-RANGING INTERVIEW HEARD THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS, TOUCHED ON SOME OF THE ISSUES FACING HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM OF THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, THE FUTURE, AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY.
THE THEME OF HONG KONG AS AN IDEAL BASE FOR ESTABLISHING A BRIDGE INTO CHINA WAS ALSO DISCUSSED AT MEETINGS THE GOVERNOR HELD WITH OFFICIALS OF THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND TRADE, THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, MRS RUTH RICHARDSON, AND THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JIM BOLGER.
SIR DAVID SAID LATER THAT NEW ZEALAND OFFICIALS HAD IDENTIFIED NORTH ASIA AS THE AREA WHERE NEW ZEALAND SHOULD EXPAND ITS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES.
”1 HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGING THEM TO LOOK AT HONG KONG AS A BASE FOR THOSE OPERATIONS AS WE ARE THE BEST SPRINGBOARD FOR THE REGION.”
THE CHANGING NATURE OF NEW ZEALAND’S TRADING PATTERNS WAS ALSO OUTLINED AT A MEETING WITH THE MINISTER FOR TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, MR PHILIP BURDON.
HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN A DRAMATIC SHIFT IN TRADE FROM THE TRADITIONAL MARKETS OF NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE TO THE ASIAN REGION, LAST YEAR TWO OUT OF NEW ZEALAND’S TOP 10 TRADING PARTNERS WERE FROM ASIA - THIS YEAR IT HAD JUMPED TO SIX OUT OF 10 AND WAS CONTINUING TO GROW.
TONIGHT THE GOVERNOR WOUND UP THE FIRST LEG OF HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND AT A RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL, DAME CATHERINE TIZARD, AND AN OFFICIAL DINNER HOSTED BY THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER, MR DAVID MOSS.
TOMORROW SIR DAVID FLIES TO AUCKLAND WHERE HE WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER AT A BUSINESS LUNCHEON ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG-NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION. LATER IN THE AFTERNOON HE WILL BE INVOLVED IN ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS WITH SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S TOP BUSINESSMEN.
0 - < - -
/2 .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
SALARY INDEXES FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES FOR JUNE 1991 ******
THE AVERAGE SALARY LEVEL FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, AS INDICATED BY THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A), WAS 10.6% HIGHER IN JUNE 1991 THAN IN JUNE 1990.
THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), WHICH MEASURES CHANGES IN THE AVERAGE SALARY LEVEL ONLY FOR THOSE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN BOTH 1990 AND 1991, ROSE BY 15.1% OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THE ABOVE RESULTS ARE SOME OF THE FINDINGS OF THE 1991 SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
BOTH SALARY INDEXES (A) AND (B) ARE DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEASURING CHANGES IN SALARY LEVELS.
HOWEVER, BY CONFINING TO THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN 1990 AND 1991, THE SALARY INDEX (B) ONLY ACCOUNTS FOR SALARY CHANGES DUE TO GENERAL INCREMENT, MERITORIOUS INCREASE AND GAIN IN SENIORITY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SALARY INDEX (A) TAKES INTO ACCOUNT EFFECTS OF LABOUR MOBILITY AS WELL.
THE RATE OF INCREASE OF THE SALARY INDEX (B) IS USUALLY HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE SALARY INDEX (A) BECAUSE THE SALARY INDEX (A) INCLUDES THE SALARIES OF NEWLY RECRUITED AND NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEES, WHO TEND TO BE PAID COMPARATIVELY LOWER SALARIES THAN THOSE ALREADY IN THE SAME RANK.
BETWEEN JUNE 1990 AND JUNE 1991, THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) FOR LARGE COMPANIES INCREASED BY 10.2% AND THAT FOR MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES BY 10.7%.
AS REGARDS THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 15.9% AND 14.9% RESPECTIVELY.
THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) AND NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR JUNE 1991 ANALYSED BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR ARE SHOWN IN THE TABLE ATTACHED.
BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEXES BY THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, THE REAL SALARY INDEXES ARE OBTAINED TO MEASURE CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE REAL SALARY INDEX (A) REGISTERED A DECREASE OF 0.3% IN JUNE 1991, WHILE THE REAL SALARY INDEX (B) SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 3.8%.
/AMONG THE .......
THURSDAY, NOX/LN. .,i< 21, 1991
3
AMONG THE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES COVERED IN THE SURVEY, 69% OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO PROFIT-SHARING BONUS, 38% TO HOUSING BENEFITS OF SOME KIND AND 77% TO PROVIDENT/RETIREMENT FUND OR PENSION. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT 84% OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO GUARANTEED YEAR-END BONUS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) SINCE 1984 TO MEASURE CHANGES IN SALARY RATES FOR THE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES.
A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 200 LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES IS COVERED IN THE SURVEY. BOTH LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEES WORKING IN COMMON OCCUPATIONS OF MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS ARE ENUMERATED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE SALARY RATE IS DEFINED TO INCLUDE, IN ADDITION TO BASIC SALARIES, COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, GUARANTEED YEAREND BONUS, COMMISSION AND TIPS, AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
OTHER ITEMS WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE TOTAL PAY PACKAGE OF EMPLOYEES AT MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS, SUCH AS PROFIT-SHARING BONUS AND HOUSING ALLOWANCE, ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF THE SALARY RATE.
HOWEVER, STATISTICS ON FRINGE BENEFITS ARE SEPARATELY COMPILED. THEY ARE EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGES OF EMPLOYEES INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY ENTITLED TO THEM.
DETAILS OF THE SALARY MOVEMENT, AVERAGE SALARY RATE FOR MAJOR OCCUPATIONS AND STATISTICS ON EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENT TO VARIOUS FRINGE BENEFITS, TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE SURVEY METHODOLOGY, ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "1991 REPORT OF SALARY AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS -MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT)".
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT $25 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, . CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SALARY INDEXES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 582 4746 OR 582 4747.
/NOMINAL SALARY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 3991
4
NOMINAL SALARY INDEXES (A) AND (B) ANALYSED BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR FOR JUNE 1991
(JUNE 1983 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B)
MANUFACTURING, ELECTRICITY, GAS AND STEAM 227.2 (+10.9) 283.7 (+13.9)
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES 236.8 (+11.4) 318.2 (+15.9)
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES 238.0 (+9.4) 314.0 (+14.7)
TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION 209.9 (+13.4) 283.9 (+15.5)
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE 268.3 (+9.4) 334.5 (+15.3)
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 239.1 (+10.6) 310.5 (+15.1)
NOTE : ALL INDEXES ARE ROUNDED TO ONE DECIMAL PLACE
FIGURES IN BRACKETS ARE PERCENTAGE CHANGES FOR JUNE 1991 OVER JUNE 1990 AND ARE CALCULATED FROM INDEXES ROUNDED TO ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
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HERITAGE TRAIL BEING PLANNED FOR PING SHAN
******
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH IS PLANNING TO LINK UP VARIOUS HISTORIC STRUCTURES IN PING SHAN TO FORM A HERITAGE TRAIL FOR PUBLIC APPRECIATION AND EDUCATION, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"I AM GLAD TO LEARN THAT THE CONCEPT HAS GAINED THE SUPPORT OF THE ELDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE TANG CLAN," HE SAID.
/OFFICIATING AT .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
5 -
OFFICIATING AT THE REHABILITATION CEREMONY OF THE TANG ANCESTRAL HALL AT PING SHAN, YUEN LONG, MR SO SAID HE HOPED THE HERITAGE TRAIL COULD COME INTO BEING VERY SOON',
MR SO SAID PING SHAN WAS RICH IN BUILDING HERITAGE AND VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR THE STUDY OF LOCAL HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT.
"HISTORIC/-’. BUILDINGS IN PING SHAN ARE NUMEROUS. IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN ANCESTRAL HALL, THERE ARE THE YU KIU YI KUNG ANCESTRAL HALL, SHING HIN KUNG STUDY HALL, KUN TING STUDY HALL, SHUT HING STUDY HALL, YEUK HUI STUDY HALL, TSUI SHING LAU, HAU WONG TEMPLE, HUNG SHING TEMPLE AND MANY OTHERS," HE SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR P.J. CORSER; AND THE HEAD OF THE PING SHAN TANG CLAN, MR TANG YUN-FOOK.
DURING THE CEREMONY, MR SO RECEIVED A CERAMIC POT UNEARTHED DURING THE RESTORATION WORK ON PERMANENT LOAN TO THE GOVERNMENT BY MR TANG.
THE CEREMONY MARKS THE COMPLETION OF A MAJOR RESTORATION TO THE TANG ANCESTRAL HALL, WHICH IS SOLELY FUNDED BY THE TANGS OF PING SHAN.
SITUATED BETWEEN HANG TAU TSUEN AND HANG MEI TSUEN OF PING SHAN, THE TANG ANCESTRAL HALL IS ONE OF THE LARGEST ANCESTRAL HALLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HAS A HISTORY OF NEARLY 700 YEARS. .
THE HALL IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE TYPE OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS. IT IS A MAGNIFICENT THREE-HALL STRUCTURE WITH TWO INTERNAL COURTYARDS.
THE BUILDING IS FRONTED BY TWO DRUM TERRACES, EACH WITH TWO COLUMNS SUPPORTING THE ROOF. THE INNER COLUMN IS MADE OF GRANITE AND THE OUTER ONE OF RED SANDSTONE.
ONE OF THE DISTINGUISHED FEATURES OF THE ANCESTRAL HALL IS THAT IT HAS NO THRESHOLD AT THE ENTRANCE.
THE ELEVATED RED PATHWAY IN THE FRONT COURTYARD INDICATES THAT A TANG CLANSMAN MIGHT ONCE HOLD HIGH RANKING POSITION IN THE QING IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT.
THE RECENT RESTORATION WORK INCLUDED RE-ROOFING, RE-POSITIONING OF THE STONE COLUMNS, STONE-PAVING, WALL PAINTING AND CLEANING OF THE CARVED WOODEN BRACKETS.
ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ARE USED AND TRADITIONAL SKILLS EMPLOYED WITH A VIEW . TO BRINGING BACK THE GLAMOUR OF THE HISTORIC ANCESTRAL HALL.
THE $4 MILLION RESTORATION WORK WAS EXECUTED UNDER THE ASSISTANCE AND SUPERVISION OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND THE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
-0------
/6 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21,
1991
6 -
EARLY 3DUCATI0N FOR DISABLED CHILDREN IMPORTANT
EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES (EETC’S) HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG’S CHAN TSENG HSI EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE, MR CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT PARENTS OF CHILDREN SHOWING EARLY SIGNS OF HANDICAP SHOULD SEEK TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE OF AN EETC AT THE EARLIEST STAGE.
"THOSE WHO ARE OBSERVED TO HAVE SIGNS OF HANDICAP IN THEIR EARLY YEARS HAVE A MUCH BETTER CHANCE OF NORMAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IF THEY START TO BE TRAINED EARLY UNDER PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE," HE SAID.
EETC’S HAD BEEN SET UP TO SERVE THIS PURPOSE, HE SAID, ADDING THAT A MUTLI-DISCIPLINARY PROGRAMME, WITH PARAMEDICAL SUPPORT, WAS TAILOR-MADE TO MEET THE CHILDREN’S SPECIFIC NEEDS.
"APART FROM THIS INTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING INPUT, PARENTS OF INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN ARE ALSO INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME AT HOME," HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT WITH PARENTS’ PARTICIPATION, THE TRAINING PROGRAMME WAS MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE.
THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG HAS BEEN RUNNING FIVE SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES, AMONG OTHER SERVICES.
MR CARTLAND SAID THE COMING INTO OPERATION OF THE CHAN TSENG HSI EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE, THE FIRST EETC RUN BY THE ASSOCIATION, COMPLEMENTED ITS EXISTING CHILD CARE SERVICES.
"THROUGH A MORE COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK OF SERVICES, MORE OPPORTUNITIES CAN BE PROVIDED FOR DISABLED CHILDREN WITH BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION," HE ADDED.
-------- 0--------
SPEL VISITS DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
******
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORTS IN TACKLING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION.
HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES BY ITS DIRECTORATE HEADED BY THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN.
/MR BARNES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
MR BARNES LATER WENT TO THE EFFLUENT TUNNEL BORING PROJECT UNDERNEATH TATE’S CAIRN WHICH FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME UNDER THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN.
THE SCHEME HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO INTERCEPT THE EFFLUENTS AT THE TREATMENT WORKS AT SHA TIN AND TAI PO AND TO DIVERSE THE FLOW TO VICTORIA HARBOUR WHICH IS MORE CAPABLE IN RECEIVING THE NUTRIENT LOAD OF THE EFFLUENTS THAN TOLO HARBOUR AS IS CURRENTLY THE SITUATION.
MR BARNES NOTED THAT A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE SCHEME IS THE USE OF A TUNNEL BORING MACHINE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUNNEL, WHICH ALSO PLACES A PRECAST TUNNEL LINING.
IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT SUCH A MECHANISED METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN USED ON A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT.
ELECTORS TO RECEIVE POLL CARDS FOR BY-ELECTION
*****
ELECTORS IN THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICTS WILL BE RECEIVING THEIR POLL CARDS THIS WEEK FOR THE COMING NEW TERRITORIES WEST BY-ELECTION TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8.
"A TOTAL OF 198,817 POLL CARDS WILL BE SENT OUT BY THE END OF THIS WEEK," THE REGISTRATION OFFICER, MR LAI KWAN-TAT, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"POLLING HOURS WILL REMAIN TO RUN FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM," HE
SAID.
"APART FROM ONE CHANGE IN VENUE, ELECTORS SHOULD ATTEND THE SAME POLLING STATION AS IN THE LAST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ORDINARY ELECTION HELD IN SEPTEMBER."
MR LAI SAID ELECTORS RESIDING IN THE ON TING ESTATE AND THE SIU ON COURT, TUEN MUN SHALL NOW VOTE AT THE ON TING/YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE IN PLACE OF THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION LEUNG KAU KUI COLLEGE.
ELECTORS WILL ALSO BE RECEIVING A GUIDE ON VOTING TOGETHER WITH AN INTRODUCTORY LEAFLET ON CANDIDATES BY EARLY NEXT MONTH.
ELECTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING ALONG THEIR POLL CARD TO THE POLL. THEY MAY STILL BE ABLE TO VOTE WITHOUT PRODUCING THEIR POLL CARD SO LONG AS THEY . MANAGE TO ARRIVE AT THE DESIGNATED POLLING STATION.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE ON TEL. 827 1122.
- 0 - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
8
EXISTING CONDITIONED HOURS OF WORK FOK FIREMEN MAINTAINED
*******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) INFORMED ITS STAFF OF THE ADMINISTRATION’S DECISION ON THE ISSUE OF FURTHER REDUCTION IN CONDITIONED HOURS FOR FIREMEN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE DECISION WAS THAT THE EXISTING CONDITIONED HOURS OF WORK (54 A WEEK) SHOULD NOT BE FURTHER REDUCED AT TRIS TIME, AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHOULD EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF ADOPTING A 24-HOUR SHIFT SYSTEM THAT WOULD PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AND BE COST-EFFECTIVE.
"THE DEPARTMENT IS WORKING WITH ITS DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TO COLLECT STAFF’S VIEWS ON A NEW 24-HOUR SHIFT SYSTEM, BEFORE MAKING A FORMAL SUBMISSION," HE SAID.
0 - -
CATERING INDUSTRY COMES UNDER SAFETY LAW
******
BUSINESSES PREPARING FOOD FOR CONSUMPTION AND SALE WILL COME UNDER THE CONTROL OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAWS NEXT MONTH.
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1990, WHICH BRINGS CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND COOKED FOOD SHOPS UNDER THE DEFINITION OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, WILL TAKE EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1.
THE AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL ENSURE BETTER PROTECTION OF WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE CATERING TRADE.
FACTORY INSPECTORS FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT EATING ESTABLISHMENTS TO SEE THAT EMPLOYERS COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.
ANY PROPRIETOR IN THE CATERING TRADE WHO BREACHES THE SAFETY LEGISLATION WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, WHILE AN EMPLOYEE MAY BE FINED UP TO $30,000 AND IMPRISONED FOR SIX MONTHS.
ARISING FROM THIS NEW LAW, THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1990 WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE SAME DATE TO EXCLUDE CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS FROM THE PROHIBITION ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN WHICH APPLIES TO OTHER INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
THIS WILL ENABLE CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 15 TO CONTINUE TO BE EMPLOYED IN A CATERING ESTABLISHMENT ON A PART-TIME BASIS, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS.
HOWEVER, CHILDREN WILL STILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO WORK IN THE KITCHEN AREAS OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS.
/9 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21,
1991
9
’GARDEN CELEBRATION’ TO PROMOTE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
******
VISITORS TO CENTRAL WILL HAVE A NICE SURPRISE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24) MORNING WHEN THEY SEE PART OF THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT TRANSFORMED OVERNIGHT INTO A GARDEN, THANKS TO EIGHT HOURS OF HARD WORK OF SOME 200 PEOPLE.
THE GARDEN, COMPRISING DIFFERENT PLOTS OF ATTRACTIVE LANDSCAPE, WILL BE THE PLATFORM FOR THE HIGHLIGHT FUNCTION OF THE 1991/92 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE EVENT, "THE GARDEN CELEBRATION", IS ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE "TAKE THE LEAD TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN".
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): "GREENERY AND FLOWERS WILL BE ASSEMBLED DURING SATURDAY NIGHT, AND THE JOB IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE AT 8 AM ON SUNDAY.
"THE WHOLE CONCRETE AREA WILL BE OVERLAID WITH ARTIFICIAL GRASS. SOME OF THE DECORATIONS SUCH AS THE VICTORIAN-STYLE FOUNTAIN, ROMAN COLUMNS, ARCHWAYS AND A MINI-GREEN HOUSE WILL BE PREFABRICATED," HE SAID.
FLOWERS INCLUDING LILY, CARNATION AND CHRYSANTHEMUM WILL BE SPECIALLY FLOWN IN, WHILE PLANTS WILL BE SUPPLIED BY LOCAL GARDENS ON LOAN.
FEATURES OF THE GREEN PARK WILL INCLUDE A CHINESE GARDEN, A JAPANESE GARDEN, A LILY GARDEN, A CHRYSANTHEMUM GARDEN, A CARNATION GARDEN, A TROPICAL PLANTS GARDEN, A TOPIARY GARDEN, A CLIMBING PLANTS AND FERNS GARDEN, AND A MINI-GREEN HOUSE.
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF "THE GARDEN CELEBRATION" WILL BE AN OPEN-AIR EXHIBITION GALLERY DISPLAYING THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE PROJECT WILL COST $1 MILLION, OF WHICH 70 PER CENT IS CONTRIBUTED BY COMMERCIAL SPONSORS.
"THOUGH THE CITY GARDEN IS IN PLACE FOR JUST A DAY, THE PROJECT COST WILL BE WELL-SPENT IF IT COULD STRENGTHEN RESIDENTS’ DETERMINATION TO MAKE HONG KONG A CLEANER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND RAISE THEIR CHILDREN," MR LEUNG SAID.
"WE WILL TRY TO REDUCE WASTE AND RE-USE THE MATERIALS. PLANTS ON LOAN WILL BE RETURNED TO LOCAL GARDENS," HE ADDED.
THE GARDEN WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY OMELCO MEMBER, MR ALLEN LEE, AT 11 AM.
/MEMBERS OF .......
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 21, 1991
10
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE GARDEN CELEBRATION TO BE HELD BETWEEN 11.45 AM AND 6.30 PM ON SUNDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF ’’THE GARDEN CELEBRATION" TO BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, CENTRAL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24) AT 11 AM.
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OPEN NIGHTCLUB TO MAKE WAY FOR CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION
* * ♦ * * *
THE "POOR MEN’S NIGHTCLUB AND DAY-TIME PARKING LOT" BORDERING THE WATERFRONT POLICE STATION IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED DOWN IN MARCH NEXT YEAR TO FACILITATE THE PROPOSED CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION PROJECT.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE SITE WAS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A WORKS AREA FOR THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID-1992.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE MAMMOTH RECLAMATION WILL EXTEND FROM RUMSEY STREET TO BLAKE PIER IN CENTRAL.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE "NIGHTCLUB" HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE OVER THE YEARS AS A PLACE OF INEXPENSIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
HOWEVER, WITH THE RISING AFFLUENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, ITS POPULARITY HAD GRADUALLY DIMINISHED, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD FOUND THAT HALF OF THE SITE WAS OCCUPIED BY THREE LARGE UNLICENSED COOKED FOOD STALLS OPERATING A TOTAL OF 150 TABLES.
"THE REMAINING AREA IS OCCUPIED BY ABOUT 50 TO 60 DRY GOODS STALLS AND ACCORDING TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, QUITE A NUMBER OF THEM ARE HOLDERS OF ITINERARY HAWKING LICENCES.
"ADDITIONALLY, THE ’NIGHTCLUB’ WITH ITS DIESEL-POWERED GENERATORS ARE SOURCES OF NOISE AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES AND THE UNLICENSED COOKED FOOD STALLS ALSO PRESENT POTENTIAL FOOD HYGIENE PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
OPERATORS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS AFTER THE CLOSING DOWN OF THE SITE COULD BID FOR THE VACANT STALLS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL MARKETS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0---------
/ll ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
- 11 -FESTIVE LIGHTING IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST *****
TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE ILLUMINATED WITH FESTIVE LIGHTINGS TO CELEBRATE THE FORTHCOMING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR.
A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR THE THOUSANDS OF LIGHT BULBS ADORNING THE BUILDINGS AND THOROUGHFARES WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
A CONCERT FEATURING POP SINGERS SALLY YEH, ANDY LAU AND LEON LAI WILL BE STAGED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO 2, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK).
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG; RTHK’S HEAD OF CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICE, MR RAYMOND NG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION, MR LUI CHE-WOO.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION AND (RTHK), WITH YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AS CO-HOST.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS AT 6 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN.
- - 0 - -
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN SHAM SHUI PO
*****
A SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED RESIDENTS, BUILDING CARETAKERS AND MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT TO ATTEND A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
THE THREE-HOUR SEMINAR, ADMISSION TO WHICH IS FREE, WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET.
"IT IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AMONG RESIDENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE TOPICS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
12
THE TOPICS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATIONS) ORDINANCE, FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS AND LEGISLATION, AND THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON UNAUTHORISED BUILDING STRUCTURES.
THE SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR TO KUN-SUN; AN OFFICER FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, MR LO KWOK-ON; AND A BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR KOO YAU-SAM.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A GROUP DISCUSSION SESSION.
AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE VENUE.
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD QHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SEMINAR’S OPENING CEREMONY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 23) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET.
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SLOGAN AND BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST FOR EASTERN STUDENTS *****
AN ANTI-NARCOTICS SLOGAN AND BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION IS BEING HELD IN EASTERN DISTRICT TO AROUSE YOUNGSTERS’ AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENT SECTIONS.
EACH PARTICIPANT IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A DRAWING, TOGETHER WITH AN ORIGINAL SLOGAN OF NO MORE THAN 16 CHINESE CHARACTERS, ON A BOOKMARK MEASURING 6.5 CENTIMETRES BY 18 CENTIMETRES.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS IN EACH SECTION WILL RECEIVE BOOK COUPONS WORTH $500, $300 AND $200 RESPECTIVELY. TEN CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $100 COUPONS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN OUT TO OTHER OUTSTANDING ENTRIES.
THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED ON BOOKMARKS AND DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS DURING THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME ACTIVITIES.
/ENTRIES SHOULD .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
- 13
ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1.
RESULTS OF THE CONTEST WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 886 6530.
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CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT BIENNIAL INSPECTION ♦ * * * *
THE BIENNIAL INSPECTION OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT (MRU) WILL BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DECEMBER 5, A CAS SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE INSPECTOR OF LAND RESCUE OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (RAF), SQUADRON LEADER BRIAN CANFER, WILL BE IN HONG KONG TO CARRY OUT THE INSPECTION AND TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS OF THE UNIT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INSPECTION WAS HELD TO OBTAIN A PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL OF THE PERFORMANCE OF MRU MEMBERS, THE EFFICIENCY OF THE UNIT, AS WELL AS THE SELECTION AND USE OF EQUIPMENT.
"APART FROM THE BIENNIAL INSPECTION, THE RAF ALSO ARRANGES A PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR, SERGEANT PETER BODEN, TO GIVE ADVICE AND ASSIST REGULARLY IN THE TRAINING OF MRU MEMBERS, WITH A VIEW TO ENSURING THAT PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF MOUNTAIN RESCUE TECHNIQUE ARE REACHED," HE SAID.
AS PART OF THE INSPECTION, SQN LDR CANFER WILL VISIT SHEK O HEADLAND ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 26) TO WATCH MORE THAN 40 MRU MEMBERS IN ACTION IN A MOUNTAIN RESCUE DEMONSTRATION.
THEY WILL BE PRACTISING MOUNTAIN RESCUE TECHNIQUE ON OVERHANGING ROCK FACES AND RIDGES, WHILE HELICOPTERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WILL BE DEPLOYED TO HELP IN THE EVACUATION OF "CASUALTIES".
EARLIER THAT MORNING, SQN LDR CANFER WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A NEWLY COMPLETED CLIMBING WALL AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE TRAINING OF BOTH MRU AND OTHER CAS MEMBERS.
THE RESIN WALL, CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH WAS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IS 13 METRES HIGH AND 4.7 METRES WIDE AND IS THE HIGHEST ARTIFICIAL CLIMBING WALL IN HONG KONG.
/JOINING SON
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 199.1
14
JOINING SQN LDR CANFER AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CAS ACTING CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR LAM SUI-FAN; TACTICAL FORCE COMMANDER, MR WU MAN-KONG; TACTICAL FORCE DEPUTY COMMANDER, MR CHIU HIN-CHE; AND MRU COMMANDER, MR FONG CHEUNG-KEE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAS CLIMBING WALL AT THE SERVICES’ KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AND THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE DEMONSTRATION AT SHEK O HEADLAND ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 26) .
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM AT THE TRAINING CENTRE AT 204 ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THIS EVENT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE CENTRE BEFORE 9.15 AM. THERE ARE AMPLE PARKING SPACES AT THE CENTRE.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, TWO CAS VANS WILL TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO SHEK O TO COVER THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE DEMONSTRATION. THE ESTIMATED TIME OF RETURN FROM SHEK O IS 12 NOON.
CAS PRESS LIAISON OFFICER, SENIOR TRAINING OFFICER (TACTICAL FORCE) MR AU YIN-SHAN WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST. HE CAN BE CONTACTED ON TEL. 805 6051 FOR ENQUIRIES.
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POLICE TRAINING IN FLUSHING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS ******
A FUGITIVE FROM A ROBBERY IN THE CROWDED STREETS OF HONG KONG WHO SEEKS REFUGE IN THE ANONYMITY OF A HIGH RISE BUILDING MAY THINK HE IS SAFE FROM DETECTION - UNTIL HE FINDS HIS ONLY WAY OUT IS BLOCKED BY POLICE WHO ARE GRADUALLY AND CERTAINLY CLOSING IN ON HIM.
SURROUNDING AND FLUSHING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF TRAINING AT THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT (PTU) WHERE TRAINEES USE REAL LIFE SCENARIOS AND ACTUAL LOCATIONS TO COUNTER CRIME IN A DENSELY POPULATED ENVIRONMENT.
"WE HAVE TO PRACTISE SOMEWHERE AND THE ONLY PLACE TO DO IT IS IN THE STREETS," THE STAFF OFFICER (TRAINING) AT PTU IN FANLING, MATT CORKER, SAID.
"UNFORTUNATELY SOMETIMES RESIDENTS OF HIGH RISE BUILDINGS MISUNDERSTAND OUR WORK AND COMPLAIN WHEN WE USE THEIR APARTMENT BLOCKS FOR TRAINING."
AN OFFICER WHO HAS JUST SPENT A MORNING RUNNING UP 33 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS IN HIS TRAINING TO PROTECT ’ THE PUBLIC FROM CRIME FINDS COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS A DISPIRITING REACTION TO A PUBLIC SERVICE.
/"WE GET ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
15 -
"WE GET ANONYMOUS CALLS AND LETTERS FROM HOUSING ESTATE MANAGERS IN OUR VICINITY," SENIOR STAFF INSPECTOR (TRAINING TEAM ONE) AT PTU, PATRICK SIN, SAID. "IT’S NOT VERY NICE TO BE COMPLAINED ABOUT WHEN WE ARE WORKING FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC."
TRAINING AT THE UNIT INVOLVES EIGHT WEEKS OF INTERNAL SECURITY EXPERIENCE OF WHICH FOUR WEEKS ARE IN TACTICAL TRAINING, WHICH INCLUDES ANTI-RIOT DRILLS, WEAPONS TRAINING AND SUPPORT DUTIES. ONE PART OF THE 10 PHASE TACTICAL TRAINING INVOLVES HIGH RISE BUILDING SWEEPING.
"WE CARRY OUT A LOT OF OUR TRAINING IN THE QUIET CORNERS OF HONG KONG," MR SIN SAID, "BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO PRACTISE HIGH RISE EXERCISES WITHOUT USING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS."
THE HIGH RISE SWEEP INVOLVES THE CORDONING OF A BUILDING WHILE OFFICERS RUSH UPSTAIRS TO THE TOP TO FLUSH A WANTED SUSPECT DOWN TO GROUND.
WHEN A PRACTICE SWEEP TAKES PLACE IN A RESIDENTIAL ESTATE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, VERBAL AND WRITTEN WARNINGS ARE GIVEN IN THE ESTATE THAT THE PTU IS CARRYING OUT AN EXERCISE.
THE TRAINING PERIODS LAST LESS THAN A MORNING, WHEN CHILDREN ARE AT SCHOOL AND MANY RESIDENTS ARE AT WORK.
"IN A REAL SITUATION WE WOULD DISCONNECT THE LIFTS AND WE MIGHT WORK AT NIGHT," MR SIN SAID. "BUT ON AN EXERCISE WE NEVER INTERFERE WITH THE NORMAL LIFE OF RESIDENTS. WE DON’T TOUCH THE LIFTS AND WE DON’T EXERCISE AT NIGHT."
IF THE PTU MEN FIND THEMSELVES ENCOUNTERING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THEY IMMEDIATELY LOWER THEIR WEAPONS, WHICH ARE NOT LOADED DURING EXERCISES. NEITHER DO THEY CAUSE DAMAGE.
"YET WE STILL FIND THAT MANAGEMENT OFFICES ARE REPORTING COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS," MR SIN SAID. "IF I WERE A RESIDENT MYSELF I WOULD NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THESE EXERCISES.
"AS A CITIZEN I AM OBLIGED TO PLAY MY PART IN HELPING THE POLICE TO DO A BETTER JOB WHEN THE DAY COMES THAT THEY ENCOUNTER A REAL LIFE SITUATION."
OFFICERS AT PTU CALCULATE THAT A RESIDENT IN THE FIVE HIGH RISE BLOCKS BEING USED FOR EXERCISES MIGHT EXPERIENCE AN EXERCISE ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH FOR ABOUT HALF A DAY.
"RESIDENTS IN THE LOCALITY MIGHT WELL REMEMBER THAT WITH US AROUND THEY ARE QUITE UNLIKELY TO COME UNDER THE ATTENTION OF ANY NORMAL ROBBERS,” MR SIN SAID.
MR CORKER SAID: "IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE DOING IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS. WE KEEP NOISE AND DISRUPTION TO AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM, ALTHOUGH SOME NUISANCE IS OBVIOUSLY INEVITABLE."
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/16 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
16
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN SHEK O TO BE CLOSED ******
IS SEEKING TO CLOSE
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY
THE UNAUTHORISED
BUILDING WORKS AT HOUSE NO. 26, SHEK O VILLAGE SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 5 YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE
NEXT
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
o
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 20.11.91 500 MN
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 21.11.91 +79 MN
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING "79 MN
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.9 *+0.1* 21.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1WEEK 3.57 PCT 24M 2311 6.25 101.26 5.65
1MONTH 3.65 PCT
3MONTH 3.88 PCT
6MONTH 4.19 PCT
12MONTH 4.82 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 1,840 MN, BONDS 15 MN
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR'S TRIP HELPS RAISE IMAGE OF HK ............................... 1
RG ON BCCHK AND BCCFI .................................................
FS WELCOMES PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT ON BCCHK ............................ 5
THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT RELEASED................................. 5
HK'S EXPORTS STATISTICS NOT UNDERVALUED................................ 12
BLUEPRINT FOR FAR-REACHING CITY GROWTH COMPLETED....................... 13
EARLY CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND URGENT: STI ..................... 16
SALE OF EXCHANGE FUND'S SHARES IN CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL LTD............. 18
HK IS BASE FOR GERMAN BUSINESS INTERESTS IN THE REGION ................ 18
PROGRESS OF BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME ...................... 20
WALLED CITY CLEAREES URGED TO OBSERVE CLEARANCE DEADLINE .............. 21
ALL OBJECTIONS TO NEW RATEABLE VALUES DEALT WITH ...................... 22
SALE OF GOVT LAND BY AUCTION ..........................................
GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER .......................................... 23
APPOINTMENTS TO FILM CENSORSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW ....................... 24
EXEMPTIONS FOR HA MIDWIVES AND TECHNOLOGISTS PROPOSED ................. 24
FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON CHEUNG CHAU ................................... 25
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR KOWLOON CITY .......................... 26
NAVY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN .............................................. 26
FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IN TAI PO..................................... 27
CONSTRUCTION OF A SLIPWAY IN SAI KUNG NORTH ........................... 28
THURSDAY DEADLINE FOR ENTERING DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST ............... 28
FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER ........................................... 29
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 30
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
GOVERNOR’S TRIP HELPS RAISE IMAGE OF HK
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, BELIEVES HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO RAISE THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG AS THE BEST LONG-TERM PLACE IN WHICH TO SET UP OPERATIONS FOR EXPANDING TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN EAST ASIA,
SPEAKING AT THE END OF A THREE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND - THE FIRST BY A HONG KONG GOVERNOR - SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD COME TO "OPEN A DOOR" TO ENCOURAGE NEW ZEALAND TO LOOK FAVOURABLY AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY AT THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN THE REGION,
HE SAID THE VISIT HAD COME AT A TIME WHEN THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING AT HOW IT COULD RE-DIRECT ITS EFFORTS INTO PROMOTING AN EXPANSION OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC INVOLVEMENT IN WHAT IT CALLS "NORTH ASIA".
"I THINK THE TIMING OF THE VISIT HAS BEEN JUST RIGHT AND I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PUT ACROSS THE IDEA THAT HONG KONG IS A KEY PLAYER IN THE REGION AND A VERY GOOD BASE FOR OPERATIONS.
"BUSINESS HAS ALSO SHOWN CONSIDERABLE INTEREST, BUT THERE IS SOME UNCERTAINTY AS TO HOW TO GET INVOLVED. MY ADVICE HAS BEEN THAT IF YOU WANT TO TRADE INTO CHINA, THEN THE BEST WAY TO DO IT IS TO FIND A HONG KONG PARTNER WHO REALLY’ KNOWS THE SCENE.
"THIS WILL BE FAR MORE EFFECTIVE THAN TRYING TO GO INTO CHINA DIRECT," HE ADDED.
A HIGHLIGHT OF TODAY’S PROGRAMME WAS AN ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR TO 170 BUSINESS PEOPLE AT A LUNCH ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG-NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
SIR DAVID DESCRIBED HONG KONG AS A PLACE OF FRENETIC ENERGY THAT WORKED ENORMOUSLY HARD AND WAS AT THE CENTRE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING REGION IN THE WORLD.
"YOU CAN HARDLY GO THERE WITHOUT FEELING THE ZING IN THE AIR. IT HAS A VIGOUR WHICH I THINK NO OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD HAS."
HE SAID THE FACT THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF SIMILARITIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NEW ZEALAND, SUCH AS THE LEGAL SYSTEM, THE LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS AND THE PRESENCE OF A VERY ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG, MEANT THAT IT WAS NOT UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY AND A VERY GOOD PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY.
THIS AFTERNOON SIR DAVID HAD ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS WITH SOME OF NEW ZEALAND’S TOP BUSINESSMEN. THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR HUGH FLETCHER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE COUNTRY'S BIGGEST COMPANY, FLETCHER CHALLENGE.
THE COMPANY, WHICH HAS AN ESTABLISHED PRESENCE IN HONG KONG, IS THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR FOR THE NEARLY COMPLETED PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL IN CHAI WAN. THE 1,700-BED PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR WITHIN TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET,
/IN AN ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
2
IN AN INTERVIEW ON AUCKLAND’S ’’RADIO CHINESE”, SIR DAVID URGED NEW ZEALAND’S CHINESE COMMUNITY TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THOSE WHO HAD COME FROM HONG KONG AND SINCE BECOME NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS, SHOULD RETAIN THE OLD LINKS TO BUILD UP ECONOMIC AND TRADE CONNECTIONS.
”IN THAT WAY THE OVERSEAS CHINESE COMMUNITY HERE (AUCKLAND) WILL* PLAY A ROLE WHICH WILL BE BENEFICIAL NOT ONLY TO THEIR NEW COUNTRY BUT TO HONG KONG AS WELL. IN OTHER WORDS A BRIDGE BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND HONG KONG.”
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
- - 0---------
RG ON BCCHK AND BCCFI *****
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, AS PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR OF BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG LIMITED (’’BCCHK”) AND BCCI FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ("BCCFI”), ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE HIGH COURT HE HAD ENTERED INTO A PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE ASSETS AND RECORDED LIABILITIES OF THE TWO COMPANIES TO A NEW BANK TO BE FORMED AND OWNED AS TO NOT LESS THAN 51% BY THE HONG KONG CHINESE BANK LIMITED ("HKCB”).
THIS DOCUMENT SETS OUT THE MAIN TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT REACHED PROVISIONALLY BETWEEN THE PARTIES AFTER EXTENSIVE NEGOTIATIONS AND THE RESOLUTION OF A NUMBER OF DIFFICULT PROBLEMS.
HE STRESSED THAT THE AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, TO -
(1) APPROPRIATE SCHEMES OF ARRANGEMENT BEING APPROVED BY THE DEPOSITORS AND THE HIGH COURT,
(2) THE GRANT OF A BANKING LICENCE TO THE NEW BANK UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE,
(3) THE ENACTMENT OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO TRANSFER THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES TO THE NEW BANK, AND
(4) AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR AND HKCB ON THE TERMS OF THE EXCLUSION OF UNRECORDED LIABILITIES AND THE SCOPE OF THE GUARANTEE TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ABU DHABI GOVERNMENT TO COVER THEM.
THE MAIN TERMS OF THE DEPOSITORS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT AS RESPECTS
/A. DEPOSITORS ........
•DAV, I
] Q<> »
A. DEPOSITORS (PRIMARILY DEPOSITORS AND OTHER ACCOUNT HOLDERS, BUT NOT GENERAL CREDITORS SUCH AS TRADE CREDITORS) ARE TO BE TREATED IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER -
(1) DEPOSITORS WITH AGGREGATE NET CREDIT BALANCES ON THEIR ACCOUNT AS AT 17TH JULY 1991 (THE DATE OF MR GLEESON’S APPOINTMENT AS PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR) WILL BE TREATED AS FOLLOWS -
(A) THOSE DEPOSITORS WITH AN AGGREGATE UNENCUMBERED BALANCE NOT EXCEEDING $100,000 AS AT 17TH JULY 1991 WOULD BE ENTITLED TO PAYMENT IN FULL ON THE DATE*3 MONTHS AFTER THE BANK COMMENCES BUSINESS LESS THE 25% INTERIM RELIEF ALREADY PAID BY THE SPECIAL MANAGERS;
(B) THOSE DEPOSITORS WITH AN AGGREGATE UNENCUMBERED DEPOSIT BALANCE EXCEEDING $100,000 AS AT 17TH JULY 1991 WOULD BE ENTITLED TO PAYMENT OF 85% OF SUCH AMOUNT SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM PAYMENT OF $100,000 (LESS THE 25% INTERIM RELIEF ALREADY PAID) ON THE FOLLOWING BASIS -
(I) $100,000 OR 30% OF THE ORIGINAL AGGREGATE
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE (WHICHEVER IS THE GREATER) LESS ANY INTERIM RELIEF ALREADY PAID ON THE DATE 3 MONTHS AFTER THE NEW BANK COMMENCES BUSINESS;
(II) 15% OF THE ORIGINAL AGGREGATE UNENCUMBERED BALANCE ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE NEW BANK COMMENCES BUSINESS;
(III) EFFECTIVELY, THEREFORE, THESE TWO PAYMENTS WOULD GIVE THESE DEPOSITORS 45% 12 MONTHS AFTER THE NEW BANK COMMENCES BUSINESS;
(IV) 4 INSTALMENTS EACH OF 10% OF THE ORIGINAL AGGREGATE UNENCUMBERED BALANCE AT 6-MONTHLY INTERVALS AFTER THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE DATE ON WHICH THE NEW BANK COMMENCES BUSINESS;
(V) THE LAST FOUR OF THE DEFERRED PAYMENTS WOULD BE TREATED AS NEW DEPOSITS WITH THE NEW BANK WHICH WOULD BE EVIDENCED BY NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT TO BE ISSUED BY THE NEW BANK AS SOON AS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE AFTER THE NEW BANK
COMMENCES BUSINESS BUT IN ANY EVENT NOT LATER THAN 31ST DECEMBER 1992.
(2) DEPOSITORS WITH A NET DEBIT BALANCE AS AT 17TH JULY 1991 WOULD BE TREATED AS FOLLOWS:
(A) SUCH DEPOSITOR WOULD BE ENTITLED TO REPAYMENT IN FULL ON DEMAND OF HIS AGGREGATE GROSS CREDIT BALANCE PROVIDED THAT HE DISCHARGES HIS OUTSTANDING DEBIT BALANCE IN FULL (AND IN SO DOING HE MAY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CREDIT BALANCE IN SETTLING THE DEBIT BALANCE);
/(P) THE ..........
I DAY, N'" I ‘91
4
(B) THE DEBIT BALANCE WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW BANK AND WOULD CONTINUE TO ATTRACT INTEREST AT A REDUCED RATE.
B. THE VALID RIGHTS AND CLAIMS OF ALL OTHER RECORDED CREDITORS OF BCCHK AND BCCFI (SUCH AS TRADE CREDITORS) WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW BANK AND WILL BE PAID IN FULL.
C. NO INTEREST WOULD BE PAID ON ANY DEPOSITS AFTER 17TH JULY 1991.'
D. OTHER CONDITIONS AS DETAILED IN THE PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT.
TO PUT THIS ARRANGEMENT INTO LEGAL EFFECT A DETAILED SCHEME DOCUMENT WOULD BE PREPARED BY MR GLEESON’S FINANCIAL ADVISERS, JARDINi FLEMING SECURITIES LIMITED. HIS INTENTION WAS THAT, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF THE HIGH COURT, THE SCHEME WOULD THEN BE PUT TO TH'. DEPOSITORS FOR THEIR APPROVAL AS A SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT AT A MEETING TO BE CONVENED UNDER SECTION 166 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE.
APPROVAL OF THE DEPOSITORS, IN ORDER TO BE LEGALLY BINDING, REQUIRED A MAJORITY IN NUMBER REPRESENTING 3/4THS IN VALUE OF THE DEPOSITORS PRESENT AND VOTING, EITHER IN PERSON OR BY PROXY, AT THE MEETING.
BECAUSE OF THE SIZE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE BANK AND THE LOGISTICAL AND OTHER PROBLEMS INVOLVED, LEGISLATION WOULD BE REQUIRED TO TRANSFER THE AGREED ASSETS AND RECORDED LIABILITIES TO THE NEW BANK. MR GLEESON BELIEVED THAT IN THIS AREA THE GOVERNMENT WAS ANXIOUS TO HELP IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE BUT SAID THAT IN THE END THIS MUST BE A MATTER FOR THE LEGISLATURE.
HE SAID IT WAS INEVITABLE THAT SOME TIME WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PUT IN PLACE ALL THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME BUT THE SPECIAL MANAGERS AND HE WERE WORKING HARD TOWARDS ACHIEVING AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE WHATEVER RESULT THE DEPOSITORS BELIEVED WAS IN THEIR OWN BEST INTERESTS.
AS A FIRST STEP MR GLEESON SAID THAT, PARTICULARLY SINCE, UNAVOIDABLY, THE PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT WAS A RATHER TECHNICAL DOCUMENT AND MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR SOME OF THE DEPOSITORS TO UNDERSTAND FULLY AT FIRST, HE INTENDED TO EXPLAIN IT IN LAYMAN’S TERMS TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES WITH WHOM HE HAD BEEN IN REGULAR COMMUNICATION AND ANY OTHER CREDITORS WHO WISHED TO CONSULT HIM OR THE SPECIAL MANAGERS.
0
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
5
FS WELCOMES PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT ON BCCHK *****
THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. DAVID NENDICK, TODAY (FRIDAY) WELCOMED THE NEWS THAT THE HIGH COURT HAD GIVEN APPROVAL TO A PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT FOR THE HONG KONG CHINESE BANK TO TAKE OVER THE BUSINESS OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE IN HONG KONG.
"I AM GLAD THAT WE ARE IN SIGHT OF A SOLUTION," HE SAID.
"THERE ARE A NUMBER OF TECHNICAL AND OTHER ISSUES STILL TO BE RESOLVED BUT TODAY’S DEVELOPMENTS ARE A MAJOR STEP FORWARD."
"WE APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED LONG AND HARD TO TRY TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. THE
ADMINISTRATION WILL ALSO DO ITS BEST TO ASSIST, BUT IN THE END THIS IS A MATTER FOR THE DEPOSITORS, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATURE," MR. NENDICK SAID.
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THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT RELEASED *****
THE ECONOMY CONTINUED TO GROW STEADILY IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991, WITH THE MAIN IMPETUS COMING FROM RE-EXPORTS. LOCAL INVESTMENT SPENDING ALSO SHOWED A MARKED INCREASE, WHILE CONSUMER SPENDING PICKED UP FURTHER.
THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW BY AN ESTIMATED 3.6% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 4.3% IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE GROWTH RATE IN THE THIRD QUARTER WAS PROBABLY IN THE REGION OF 3.5-4%.
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION REMAINED HIGH, NOTWITHSTANDING SOME MODERATION SINCE APRIL. THE GDP DEFLATOR, AS AN OVERALL MEASURE OF INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, CONTINUED TO RISE LESS RAPIDLY THAN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES.
THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE DESCRIBED IN THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1991 RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST SAID THAT, ON THE BASIS OF THIS REPORT AND OTHER LATEST AVAILABLE INFORMATION, A REVIEW OF THE ECONOMIC FORECASTS FOR 1991 HAD BEEN MADE.
AS A RESULT OF THIS REVIEW, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 4%. THE FORECAST RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND IN THE GDP DEFLATOR ARE ALSO KEPT UNCHANGED AT 12% AND 9% RESPECTIVELY.
/IN THE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
6
IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991, DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR. THIS FOLLOWED AN INCREASE OF 2% IN BOTH THE FIRST AND THE SECOND QUARTERS.
THE MODEST PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOULD, HOWEVER, BE VIEWED AGAINST THE CONCURRENT SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN RE-EXPORTS, ALONG WITH THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER.
ALSO, THE SLOW-DOWN WAS PARTLY DUE TO A REDUCTION IN EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS AS THE HONG KONG DOLLAR APPRECIATED ALONG WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR EARLIER IN THE YEAR, AND PARTLY DUE TO THE SLACK DEMAND IN THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY.
THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE VARIOUS MAJOR MARKETS WAS MIXED. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA CONTINUED TO SHOW A MARKED INCREASE. ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE.
DECREASES TO VARYING DEGREES WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY.
ALTHOUGH THE UNITED STATES WAS STILL HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, ITS SHARE IN THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL TO 26% IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS' IN 1991, FROM 30% IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
THE GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS REMAINED STRONG, AT ABOUT 30% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
AS RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE AT A MUCH FASTER RATE THAN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THEIR SHARE IN THE TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE FURTHER, TO 69% IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1991 FROM 64% IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA CONTINUED TO SURGE IN THE THIRD QUARTER, SUPPORTED BY THE EXPANSION OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER AND BY AN IMPROVED DEMAND FOR IMPORTS IN CHINA. RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN ALSO GREW MARKEDLY.
IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, CHINA REMAINED THE LARGEST MARKET FOR, AS WELL AS THE LARGEST SOURCE OF, HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS, ACCOUNTING FOR 29% AND 59% RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL REEXPORT VALUE.
IMPORTS ROSE BY ABOUT 22% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER. ALTHOUGH THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE RAPID INCREASE IN RE-EXPORTS, RETAINED IMPORTS ALSO CONTINUED TO GROW, BY ABOUT 10% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
AMONG THE VARIOUS END-USE CATEGORIES, RETAINED IMPORTS OF FUELS RECORDED THE FASTEST INCREASE, BY ABOUT 35% IN REAL TERMS, FOLLOWED BY RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS, BY ABOUT 24% IN REAL TERMS.
A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $5,121 MILLION WAS RECORDED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991, EQUIVALENT TO 2.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
/THE CORRESPONDING .......
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 22, 1991
7
THE CORRESPONDING SURPLUS IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR WAS $6,624 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1991, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $16,062 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.9% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY QUARTERLY GDP ESTIMATE, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, AS THE LARGEST COMPONENT OF DOMESTIC DEMAND, GREW BY 6% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 5% IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
EXPENDITURE ON CONSUMER DURABLES SHOWED PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT GROWTH.
AS REGARDS GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, THE GROWTH RATE IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS WAS 11% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 7% IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
LOCAL INVESTMENT, MEASURED IN TERMS OF GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION, ROSE BY 11% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 7% IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
OF THE MAIN COMPONENTS, EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION DECLINED BY 2% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER, HAVING INCREASED BY 6% IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
THE DECLINE WAS MAINLY DUE TO A MARKED REDUCTION IN PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT FOLLOWING THE WINDING DOWN OF SEVERAL MAJOR PROJECTS.
IN CONTRAST, EXPENDITURE ON PLANT, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT REGISTERED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 21% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER, AFTER A 7% GROWTH IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
DOMESTIC DEMAND STRENGTHENED FURTHER IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
ON CONSUMER SPENDING, THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES SHOWED ROBUST GROWTH, BY 14% IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, EVEN THOUGH RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS FELL BY ABOUT 20% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
ON INVESTMENT SPENDING, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS ROSE BY ABOUT 24% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER. WITHIN THIS CATEGORY, RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING USE ROSE EVEN MORE RAPIDLY, BY ABOUT 36% IN REAL TERMS.
INFLATION AT THE CONSUMER LEVEL WAS STILL HIGH IN THE THIRD QUARTER, NOTWITHSTANDING A MODERATION FROM THE SECOND QUARTER.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 12.3% IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 11.9% IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 13.1% IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
/HIGHER RETAIL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
8
HIGHER RETAIL PRICES FOR CERTAIN ESSENTIAL FOODSTUFFS TEMPORARILY LIFTED THE INFLATION RATE IN THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST.
THERE WERE ALSO INCREASES IN HOUSING RENTALS AND IN THE PRICES OF CERTAIN LOCAL SERVICES.
HOWEVER, SIGNS OF MODERATION RE-EMERGED IN SEPTEMBER. COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, THE CPI(A) WAS HIGHER BY 12.6% IN JULY, 12.7% IN AUGUST, AND 11.5% IN SEPTEMBER.
THE GDP DEFLATOR, AS AN OVERALL INDICATOR OF INFLATION FOR THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ROSE BY ABOUT 9% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
IT ROSE AT A LESS RAPID RATE THAN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES, MAINLY DUE TO MORE MODERATE INCREASES IN THE PRICES OF EXPORTS AND OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT, IN THE PRICES OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT.
THE LABOUR MARKET APPEARED TO HAVE TIGHTENED IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE THIRD QUARTER, AT 2.1%, WAS 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT LOWER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THOUGH 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE, AT 1.5%, WAS 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT LOWER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THOUGH 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
IN THE SECOND QUARTER, THE PROPORTION OF THE EMPLOYED POPULATION WORKING LONG HOURS INCREASED SLIGHTLY COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER.
ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES FELL ACROSS THE BOARD, TOTAL EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED TO RISE.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET VARIED AMONG SUBSECTORS. THE MARKET FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED FLATS GATHERED MORE STRENGTH IN JULY AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE SINO-BRITISH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS. THE DEMAND FOR LARGE FLATS ALSO IMPROVED FURTHER.
SPECULATIVE ACTIVITIES IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET, WHICH HAD SUBSIDED SOMEWHAT IN JUNE, INTENSIFIED AGAIN DURING THE THIRD QUARTER. THIS PROMPTED THE GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT A NUMBER OF MEASURES WITH A VIEW TO CURBING PROPERTY SPECULATION.
THE MARKET FOR SHOPPING SPACE REMAINED STEADY. THE MARKET FOR OFFICE SPACE CONTINUED TO ADJUST TO THE OVER-SUPPLY SITUATION, WHILE THE MARKET FOR FACTORY PREMISES WAS STILL RELATIVELY QUIET.
IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS WERE OBSERVED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER.
/FIRST, AFFECTED .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
9
FIRST, AFFECTED BY PROBLEMS IN THE REST OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE GROUP, THE OPERATION OF BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG (BCCHK) WAS SUSPENDED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ON JULY 8.
IN THE WAKE OF THE BCCHK INCIDENT, UNFOUNDED RUMOURS TRIGGERED SHORT-LIVED RUNS ON A HANDFUL OF BANKS WITH FOREIGN INTERESTS. BUT THE SITUATION QUICKLY STABILISED.
FOR THE BANKING SYSTEM AS A WHOLE, CUSTOMER DEPOSITS, IN RESPECT OF BOTH TOTAL DEPOSITS AND HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, CONTINUED TO GROW DURING THE THIRD QUARTER.
SECONDLY, THE MARKET EXCHANGE RATE OF THE KONG KONG DOLLAR REMAINED STABLE AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR DURING THE THIRD QUARTER.
REFLECTING THE MOVEMENT OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, THE OVERALL EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, AS MEASURED BY THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX, DECLINED FROM 114.1 AT THE END OF JUNE TO 111.9 AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1991.
THIRDLY, DOMESTIC LOANS AND ADVANCES INCREASED STRONGLY DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1991.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, HKSM3, AS THE BROADEST DEFINITION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, ROSE BY 12.2%. THIS WAS BROADLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF NOMINAL GDP.
FOURTHLY, STIMULATED BY THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SINO-BRITISH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS IN EARLY JULY, THE HANG SENG INDEX ROSE TO A RECORD HIGH OF 4,079 ON AUGUST 14, BEFORE CONSOLIDATING TO AROUND 4,000 FOR THE REST OF THE THIRD QUARTER. THERE WAS ALSO A MARKED INCREASE IN NEW SHARE ISSUES.
ON FUTURES TRADING, FOLLOWING THE LAUNCHING OF THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SUB-INDEX FUTURES IN THE SECOND QUARTER, THE PROPERTIES SUB-INDEX FUTURES WAS INTRODUCED IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST SAID IN REVIEWING THE GDP AND PRICE FORECASTS FOR 1991 IN THE LIGHT OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS, ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE TO THE COMPONENT FORECASTS AS APPROPRIATE. THE UPDATED FORECASTS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
/FORECAST FOR .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
- 10 -
FORECAST FOR 1991 AS RELEASED ON 23.8.1991 CURRENT UPDATE RELEASED ON 22.11.1991
GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF : (%) • (%)
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 5 6
GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 6 6
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION 7.4 8.5
TRANSFER COSTS OF LAND AND BUILDINGS 14 30
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 5.3 2.8
PRIVATE 5.5 3.5
PUBLIC 5 1.5
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN 6 4.5
PLANT, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 9.3 12.9
PRIVATE 9 12.5
PUBLIC 20 30
TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS 12.4 15.8
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 1.5 0.5
RE-EXPORTS 19 25
IMPORTS OF GOODS 14.6 18.5
EXPORTS OF SERVICES 6 7
IMPORTS OF SERVICES 8 8
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) 4 4
PER CAPITA GDP GROWTH RATE IN MONEY TERMS OF : 2.9 3.1
GDP 13.4 13.4
PER CAPITA GDP # RATE OF INCREASE IN : 12.1 12.4
GDP DEFLATOR 9 9
DOMESTIC DEMAND DEFLATOR 9.3 8.8
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) 12 12
# THE POPULATION FIGURE USED FOR COMPUTING PER CAPITA GDP HAS BEEN REVISED ON THE BASIS OF THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS RESULTS.
IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE STRENGTHENING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR ALONG WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR EARLIER IN THE YEAR IS STILL AFFECTING THE PRICE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN SOME OF THE MAJOR MARKETS, NOTABLY EUROPE AND JAPAN.
MOREOVER, THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES IS STILL WEAK. THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION WILL PROBABLY PROVIDE ONLY A PARTIAL OFFSET TO THE SETBACK ELSEWHERE.
/THE DOMESTIC .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
THUS DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE EXPECTED TO SHOW ONLY A MARGINAL INCREASE, BY 0.5% IN REAL TERMS FOR 1991 AS A WHOLE, AS COMPARED TO THE EARLIER FORECAST OF 1.5%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HAVING REGARD TO THE SHARP INCREASES IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF REEXPORTS FOP 1991 AS A WHOLE IS LIFTED FURTHER FROM 19% TO 25%.
WITH THE RENEWA’ OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES, THE FURTHER EXPANSION IN OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
RE-EXPORTS TO GERMANY ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO REMAIN ROBUST IN THE COMING MONTHS.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE UPWARD REVISION IN THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS AND THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS FOR MEETING DOMESTIC DEMAND, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF IMPORTS OF GOODS IS RAISED FROM 14.6% TO 18.5%.
IN THE LIGHT OF A GREATER DEMAND FOR TRADE-RELATED SERVICES AND A BETTER PERFORMANCE OF THE TOURIST INDUSTRY, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF EXPORTS OF SERVICES IS RAISED FROM 6% TO 7%.
ON IMPORTS OF SERVICES, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IS KEPT UNCHANGED AT 8% IN REAL TERMS.
LOCALLY, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IS FORECAST TO INCREASE BY 6% IN REAL TERMS, REPRESENTING A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT FROM THE EARLIER FORECAST OF 5%. THIS REVISION HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE BETTER-THAN-EXPECTED OUTTURN SO FAR.
THE TAKE-UP OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS REINFORCES THE DEMAND FOR DURABLE GOODS. THE RECENT TREND IN RETAIL SALES IS ALSO ENCOURAGING.
MEANWHILE, EXPENDITURE OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING ABROAD SHOULD CONTINUE TO SHOW A STEADY INCREASE.
THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 6% IN REAL TERMS.
THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION IS RAISED FROM 7.4% TO 8.5%, MAINLY REFLECTING THE SHARP INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON PLANT, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT BY BOTH THE PRIVATE AND THE PUBLIC SECTORS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS LIKELY TO SHOW A MORE MODERATE INCREASE THAN WAS FORECAST EARLIER, GIVEN THE CURRENT SLACK IN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY.
AS REGARDS CHANGES IN STOCKS, THE CURRENT FORECAST IS FOR A RELATIVELY SMALLER AMOUNT OF STOCK ACCUMULATION THAN WAS ENVISAGED EARLIER.
TAKING ALL THESE COMPONENTS TOGETHER, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP IS KEPT UNCHANGED AT 4%.
/THE EFFECT ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
12
THE EFFECT ON GDP GROWTH OF THE FASTER INCREASES IN CONSUMPTION
AND INVESTMENT IS LARGELY OFFSET BY MORE RAPID GROWTH IN RETAINED IMPORTS AND A SMALLER STOCK ACCUMULATION.
ON CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION, THE RECENT TREND SUGGESTS THAT A FURTHER MODERATION OF INFLATION CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE COMING MONTHS.
HOWEVER: THE PACE OF ADJUSTMENT IS LIKELY TO BE GRADUAL. ALLEVIATING FACTORS INCLUDE THE LESS RAPID INCREASE IN LOCAL WAGES AND SALARIES AND THE STABLE WORLD COMMODITY PRICES.
AGAINST THESE, THE RECENT SOFTENING OF THE U.S. DOLLAR AND THE FASTER INCREASE IN DOMESTIC DEMAND COULD RENEW PRESSURE ON PRICES IN DUE COURSE.
MOREOVER, HOUSING RENTALS ARE LIKELY TO RISE FURTHER FOLLOWING THE SURGE IN THE PRICE OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS OVER THE COURSE OF THIS YEAR.
OVERALL, THE EARLIER FORECASTS OF INFLATION ARE STILL APPLICABLE: THAT IS, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE GDP DEFLATOR ARE FORECAST TO INCREASE AT 12% AND 9% RESPECTIVELY FOR 1991 AS A WHOLE.
THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1991 WILL BE ON SALE ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $27 A COPY.
------0--------
HK’S EXPORTS STATISTICS NOT UNDERVALUED
REFERRING TO SOME REPORTS IN THE PRESS RECENTLY CLAIMING THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS STATISTICS WERE UNDERVALUED BY 35 PER CENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID SUCH A STATEMENT WAS SIMPLY INCORRECT.
ACCORDING TO THOSE REPORTS, THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS ARE UNDERVALUED FOR FAILING TO CAPTURE THE SO-CALLED ’’TRIANGULAR TRADE” WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES ACTING AS ’’MIDDLEMEN”.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: “TRADE STATISTICS RELATE TO GOODS WHICH MOVE PHYSICALLY INTO OR OUT OF A COUNTRY OR TERRITORY. THEY SHOULD NOT COVER GOODS WHICH DO NOT PASS THROUGH IT.
’’THE TRADE STATISTICS OF. HONG KONG ARE COMPILED BASED ON INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED PRACTICE,” HE SAID. “SUCH STATISTICAL STANDARDS ARE ADOPTED BY COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, INCLUDING HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.”
QUOTING AN EXAMPLE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID GOODS EXPORTED FROM MEXICO TO CANADA DIRECTLY, WITH A FIRM IN THE UNITED STATES ACTING AS MIDDLEMAN, WOULD NOT BE RECORDED IN THE TRADE STATISTICS OF THE UNITED STATES.
/COVERING "MIDDLEMAN”
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
- 13 -
COVERING MIDDLEMAN" BUSINESS UNDER TRADE STATISTICS . WOULD REPRESENT ADOPTION OF A SYSTEM TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM WORLD STATISTICAL STANDARDS, THEREBY CAUSING SERIOUS CONFUSION.
"GIVEN THAT HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT TRADING CENTRE, ANY MOVE TO MAKE ITS TRADE STATISTICS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THOSE OF OTHER COUNTRIES WOULD BE OUT OF THE QUESTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"DATA ON ’MIDDLEMAN’ BUSINESS ARE CERTAINLY USEFUL IN UNDERSTANDING THE HONG KONG ECONOMY. HOWEVER THEY SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH TRADE STATISTICS.
"THE CONTRIBUTION OF SUCH BUSINESS TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY HAS IN FACT BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR IN COMPUTING THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT TRADE STATISTICS WERE NOT RECORDED ACCORDING TO THE COUNTRY OF INVESTMENT.
FOR INSTANCE, EXPORTS BY A JAPANESE-OWNED FIRM IN THE UNITED STATES SHOULD NOT BE RECORDED AS THE EXPORTS OF JAPAN.
SIMILARLY, TRADE BETWEEN FIRMS IN TWO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES SHOULD NOT BE RECORDED IN THE TRADE STATISTICS OF HONG KONG EVEN THOUGH ONE OR BOTH OF THOSE FIRMS WERE OWNED BY HONG KONG.
------0-------
BLUEPRINT FOR FAR-REACHING CITY GROWTH COMPLETED
»»««»»
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WILL HAVE MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE CITY WITHIN THE METROPLAN FRAMEWORK.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE COMPLETION OF THE METROPLAN AFTER MORE THAN FOUR YEARS OF PREPARATION AND REPEATED PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
HIGHLIGHTING THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE DOCUMENT, MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S PORT FACILITIES WOULD STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH THAT SHOULD BE REFLECTED BY THE EXPANSION WITHIN THE CITY OF NEW TOURIST AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES.
"MORE DIRECTLY, THE. COMPLETION OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, WHICH IS A CORE AIRPORT PROJECT, AND THE RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT FROM THE EXISTING 230 HECTARE SITE AT KAI TAK IN 1997 WILL RELEASE SUBSTANTIAL AREAS OF LAND FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE AREAS, TOGETHER WITH OTHER MAJOR RECLAMATIONS FALLING UNDER THE METROPLAN STRATEGY, WOULD ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP RESTRUCTURE OBSOLETE AREAS, SUCH AS MONG KOK AND TO KWA WAN, USING THE RESOURCES OF SUCH BODIES AS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE HOUSING SOCIETY AND PRIVATE DEVELOPERS.
/HE CITED ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER ?2, 1991
- 14 -
HE CITED THAT ALREADY, INITIATIVES HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR RELATING TO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SHIPYARDS IN YAU TONG, THE REHABILITATION OF THE ANDERSON ROAD AND SHEK O QUARRIES, THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE OBSOLETE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY STATION IN HUNG HOM AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAJOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL PROJECT IN KOWLOON POINT
THE FINAL REPORT ON METROPLAN WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 17 AS A BLUEPRINT TO PROVIDE A LAND USE/TRANSPORT/ENVIRONMENT PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE METRO AREA OF HONG KONG ISLAND. KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON, INCLUDING TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING.
BEFORE THE PLAN WAS FINALISED, THE GOVERNMENT HAD RESPECTIVELY PUBLISHED IN 1988 AND LAST YEAR TWO BOOKLETS IN THE COURSE OF FORMULATING THE STRATEGY, THAT IS, "METROPLAN - THE AIMS" AND "METROPLAN - INITIAL OPTIONS" IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE WIDEST POSSIBLE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE SUBJECT IN VIEW OF ITS IMPACTS AND MAGNITUDE.
HOWEVER, MR BARNES EMPHASISED THAT THE METROPLAN WAS NOT, LIKE THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, A CAPITAL PROJECT OR A PROGRAMME OF WORKS BY ITSELF.
"IT IS A CONCEPTUAL STRATEGY WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR AGENCIES MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE COHERENT AND TIMELY DEVELOPMENT AND UPGRADING OF THE METRO AREA.
"THE RATE AT WHICH CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE WILL DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY AND ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES WITHIN GOVERNMENT, ON PREVAILING MARKET FORCES AND ON THE DEGREE OF INVOLVEMENT WHICH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND OTHER QUASI-PUBLIC BODIES TAKE IN THE PROCESS," HE EXPLAINED.
THE SELECTED STRATEGY PROVIDED BY THE METROPLAN WAS PREPARED UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE CITY SHOULD GROW IN SIZE BY ABOUT 30 PER CENT FROM 6,500 HECTARES WITH THE OVERALL DENSITY OF POPULATION OF THE METRO AREA WOULD FALL FROM ABOUT 650 PERSONS PER HECTARE TO ABOUT 500 PERSONS PER HECTARE AT A DESIGNED POPULATION OF 4.2 MILLION PEOPLE.
WITH THE TIME HORIZON ASSUMED FOR METROPLAN IN 2011, MR BARNES SAID THE SELECTED STRATEGY OF THE METROPLAN SET OUT BROAD PATTERNS OF LAND USE AND PROPOSED VARIOUS GUIDELINES WITH REGARD TO THE TYPE, FORM AND DENSITY OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF DEVELOPMENT.
THE OVERALL PATTERN OF LAND USE HAS BEEN FORMULATED WITHIN A NETWORK OF PRINCIPAL HIGHWAYS AND RAILWAYS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SAFE AND CONVENIENT MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND PASSENGERS ABOUT THE CITY.
THE RESTRUCTURING OF OUR CITY TAKES PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE EVENTUAL RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT FROM KAI TAK.
/THE OTHER ..
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
- 15 -
THE OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE SELECTED STRATEGY INCLUDED:
» PROVISION IS MADE FOR THE GROWTH OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT THROUGH EXTENSIONS ONTO THE CENTRAL-WAN CHAI RECLAMATION BUT A MAJOR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE IS TO ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW OFFICE AND HOTEL NODES AROUND KEY TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE POINTS, FOR EXAMPLE, WEST KOWLOON, DIAMOND HILL AND QUARRY BAY;
» PARTS OF CERTAIN OBSOLETE INDUSTRIAL AREAS SUCH AS AT KWUN TONG SOUTH, SAN PO KONG AND CENTRAL KWAI CHUNG WILL HAVE TO BE REPLANNED AND REDEVELOPED FOR OTHER USES BUT PROVISION IS ALSO MADE FOR NEW, CLEAN, HIGH VALUE-ADDED INDUSTRY NEAR THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT AND AT KAI TAK, CLOSE TO PORT FACILITIES;
» AREAS WHERE THERE ARE CONCENTRATIONS OF OBSOLETE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES - ESPECIALLY IN EAST KOWLOON AND KWAI CHUNG - WILL BE REDEVELOPED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO IMPROVED STANDARDS, LINKED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HOUSING ESTATES ON NEARBY RECLAMATIONS AND THROUGH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT SITE;
* AREAS OF OBSOLETE PRIVATE HOUSING, SUCH AS TO KWA WAN, MONG KOK AND CENTRAL TSUEN WAN, WILL BE THINNED OUT THROUGH REDEVELOPMENT TO NEW TOWN STANDARDS WITHIN THE PLANNING FRAMEWORK OF COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLANS. THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, THE HOUSING SOCIETY AND PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WILL ALL PLAY A ROLE;
* ON NEW AREAS OF RECLAMATION AND IN AREAS WHERE COMPRESSIVE REDEVELOPMENT CAN BE ACHIEVED, PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR AN INTERLINKED SYSTEM OF OPEN SPACES. THERE WILL ALSO BE A TOTAL OF 33 KILOMETRE OF WATERFRONT PROMENADES;
* SITES FOR A TOTAL OF 15 URBAN FRINGE PARKS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BUT THEIR DETAILED FEASIBILITY NEEDS TO BE ESTABLISHED.
TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES, THERE IS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF POLICIES, PROGRAMMES, AGENTS AND MECHANISMS AVAILABLE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR THAT CAN BE DEPLOYED.
AT THE POLICY LEVEL, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE BODY TO ENDORSE STRATEGIC PLANNING GOALS FOR THE METRO AREA AND ALSO TO MONITOR AND REVIEW THE ACHIEVEMENT OF METROPLAN OBJECTIVES.
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD WILL BE HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE SETTING OF OBJECTIVES FOR METROPLAN AT A DISTRICT PLANNING LEVEL SINCE THE REVIEW OF STATUTORY PLANS WILL BE A MAJOR PART OF THE PROCESS.
HE DISCLOSED THAT A SPECIAL SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE, TO BE CHAIRED BY A DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH HAD BEEN SET UP AND WOULD CONCENTRATE INITIALLY ON THE STEPS REQUIRED TO START TRANSLATING METROPLAN’S BROAD CONCEPTS INTO MORE DETAILED PROPOSALS.
/HE SAID .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
- 16- -
HE SAID WORK HAD ALREADY COMMENCED ON THE PREPARATION OF A DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT FOR WEST KOWLOON AND THAT THE NEW PRIORITIES WOULD COVER TSUEN WAN-KWAI TSING AND SOUTH-EAST KOWLOON (INCLUDING THE KAI TAK AIRPORT SITE).
MR BARNES ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRATING THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AREAS WITH THE REPLANNING AND REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD AREAS.
’’THAT, IN TURN, MAY REQUIRE THE SELECTIVE INTRODUCTION OF TAILOR-MADE INCENTIVES AND CONTROLS SUCH AS BONUS PLOT RATIOS, LAND EXCHANGES AND JOINT VENTURES. EACH CASE WOULD NEED TO BE CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS,” HE ADDED.
THE METROPLAN WAS RELEASED IN THE FORM OF THREE DOCUMENTS, NAMELY:
* A TECHNICAL REPORT, IN THREE VOLUMES, SETTING OUT IN SOME DETAIL THE PROCESSES INVOLVED AND THE RESULTS ACHIEVED. THIS REPORT IS IN ENGLISH AND IS INTENDED PRIMARILY FOR USE WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT;
♦ AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (IN ENGLISH) OF THE TECHNICAL REPORT WHICH IS OBTAINABLE BY PURCHASE THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE; AND
» AN OVERVIEW (IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WHICH IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE THROUGH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT OUTLETS.
THESE DOCUMENTS ARE INTENDED TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE AND BRIEFINGS WILL BE GIVEN TO VARIOUS COMMUNITY BODIES WHICH INCLUDED A BRIEFING FOR MEMBERS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION EARLIER THIS MONTH BEFORE ITS RELEASE.
MOREOVER, A MOBILE PUBLIC EXHIBITION IS ALSO BEING PLANNED FOR EARLY NEXT YEAR.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER (TERRITORIAL), DR TED PRYOR, WHO HAS LED A SPECIAL TEAM SINCE MID-1987 TO PROCEED IN PREPARATION FOR THE METROPLAN STUDY IN PARALLEL WITH THE PADS STUDY.
------o'------
EARLY CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND URGENT: STI
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THE SENSE OF URGENCY HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER FOR THE EARLY CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TODAY (FRIDAY), MR CHAU SAID TWO RECENT DEVELOPMENTS HAVE GIVEN HIM CAUSE FOR GREATER OPTIMISM IN THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE ROUND.
/'•FIRSTLY, I .........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
17 -
’’FIRSTLY, I AM ENCOURAGED BY THE OUTCOME OF THE MEETING A FORTNIGHT AGO BETWEEN PRESIDENT BUSH AND PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, MR DELORS,” MR CHAU SAID.
THEY HAVE AGREED THAT THE ROUND SHOULD BE CONCLUDED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
"SECONDLY, I RETURNED FROM A VERY POSITIVE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) MINISTERIAL MEETING HELD IN SEOUL LAST WEEK.
"I JOINED MINISTERS FROM OTHER ECONOMIES IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, STRETCHING FROM THAILAND TO THE US AND FROM NEW ZEALAND TO KOREA,IN PLEDGING OUR SUPPORT FOR THE EARLY AND SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE ROUND," HE SAID,
"WE HAVE ALSO STRESSED THE CO-OPERATION AND THE MULTILATERAL
COMPLEMENTARITY OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC TRADING SYSTEM," HE ADDED.
MR CHAU SAID ONE OF THE MAIN TASKS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND IS TO DEVISE AN AGREEMENT WHICH WILL REINTEGRATE THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR INTO THE GATT.
”AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST CLOTHING EXPORTERS, WE SUPPORT A CREDIBLE PROGRAMME OF PHASING OUT THE MULTIFIBRE AGREEMENT (MFA) RESTRICTIONS OVER A REASONABLE PERIOD, SAY LO YEARS.
"THIS WOULD ALLOW THE TRADE AND INDUSTRIES IN BOTH THE IMPORTING AND EXPORTING COUNTRIES TO ADJUST GRADUALLY TO THE FREE PLAY OF MARKET FORCES.
"TO DO OTHERWISE WOULD CREATE CHAOS IN WORLD TEXTILE TRADE AND PRODUCTION, ON WHICH MILLIONS OF PEOPLE DEPEND FOR A LIVING," HE SAID.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE URUGUAY ROUND WILL LEAD TO A GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES, OR GATS, MODELLED ON THE GATT, THE FORMULATION OF WHICH HONG KONG HAS A CLOSE INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING, MR CHAU SAID.
"WE EXPECT OUR MEMBERSHIP OF THE GATS WILL ENABLE OUR SERVICES PROVIDERS TO ENJOY MFN TREATMENT IN THE EXPORT OF THEIR SERVICES.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE GATS MAY NECESSITATE SOME CHANGES TO OUR OWN REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS IN CERTAIN SERVICE SECTORS, TO MAKE THEM CONSISTENT WITH THE GATS.
"ANY SUCH CHANGES WOULD NATURALLY ONLY BE INTRODUCED IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRIES CONCERNED," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THERE IS AN INCREASING INCIDENCE OF ALLEGATIONS OF UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES WHICH HAS SHAPED THE URUGUAY ROUND AGENDA, MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG SEES A DANGER OF ANTI-DUMPING ACTION BEING TURNED INTO A PROTECTIONIST TOOL TO RESTRICT IMPORTS FROM SELECTED COMPETITORS.
/"AS A .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
- 18 -
"AS A VICTIM OF WHAT WE REGARD AS UNFAIR ALLEGATIONS OF DUMPING IN RECENT YEARS, WE ARE STRIVING FOR A REVISED GATT ANTI-DUMPING AGREEMENT WHICH WOULD BE FAIRER, MORE TRANSPARENT AND MORE PRECISE IN ITS APPLICATION," HE SAID.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER ASPECT OF GATT RULES WHICH COMMANDS A VERY HIGH PRIORITY FOR HONG KONG IS THE SO CALLED "SAFEGUARD" PROVISION ON THE USE OF EMERGENCY MEASURES TO RESTRICT IMPORT INJURING THE DOMESTIC INDUSTRY.
THIS ISSUE IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG BECAUSE THE SAFEGUARD PROVISION WILL APPLY TO TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING WHEN IT IS BROUGHT BACK UNDER THE GATT RULES," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG IS SEEKING AN AFFIRMATION pF THE PRINCIPLE THAT SAFEGUARD ACTION CAN ONLY BE APPLIED ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS, MR CHAU SAID. » •
------o--------
SALE OF EXCHANGE FUND’S SHARES IN CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL LTD
******
THE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ANNOUNCES THAT, ON THE ADVICE OF HAMBRO PACIFIC LIMITED, THE FINANCIAL ADVISER TO THE EXCHANGE FUND IN THIS TRANSACTION, HE HAS TODAY (FRIDAY) SOLD THE EXCHANGE FUND’S ENTIRE SHAREHOLDING OF 30,774,255 SHARES IN CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY (CHTC), REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 24.33 PER CENT OF CHTC’S ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL, TO THE WHARF (HOLDINGS) LIMITED GROUP FOR A TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF APPROXIMATELY HKS370 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT $12 PER SHARE.
THE SALE IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LONG DECLARED INTENTION FOR THE EXCHANGE FUND TO DISPOSE OF ITS HOLDINGS IN CHTC, ON THE GROUND THAT THIS IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE ASSET TO BE HELD BY THE EXCHANGE FUND.
THE TWO GOVERNMENT APPOINTED DIRECTORS, MR R.W. CANDLER AND MR G.K.C. SIU WILL TENDER THEIR RESIGNATIONS TO THE BOARD OF CHTC.
--------0-----------
HK IS BASE FOR GERMAN BUSINESS INTERESTS IN THE REGION
*****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED GERMAN BUSINESSMEN TO USE HONG KONG AS A BASE TO PROMOTE THEIR BUSINESS INTERESTS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
MR BARMA WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE FRANKFURT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DURING AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION VISIT IN EUROPE.
/HE SAID .......
rpz\v l< "FR 22, 1 I
- 19 -
HE SAID OTHER THAN MAJOR GERMAN NAMES SUCH AS SIEMENS AND BAYER WHICH HAD AN IMPORTANT PRESENCE IN HONG KONG, OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS "STILL MAKE OUR NEWS ON A REGULAR BASIS”.
"A RECENT EXAMPLE IS THIS : A HONG KONG COMPANY ACQUIRED CONTROL OF GIMELLI PRODUKTIONS - A SWISS MANUFACTURER OF DENTAL, HEALTH AND HAIR CARE PRODUCTS: THEY PLAN TO KEEP THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN SWITZERLAND, MAKE THEIR PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG AND WAREHOUSE IN SHENZHEN IN CHINA.
"THAT’S INTERNATIONAL DIVISION OF LABOUR!
"A DIRECTOR OF GIMELLI SAID THAT THE OPERATION WOULD CUT LABOUR COSTS BY 50 PER CENT THROUGH THIS ARRANGEMENT.
"HE ALSO SAID THAT THE OPTION TO MANUFACTURE THEIR PRODUCTS IN CHINA HAD BEEN REJECTED BECAUSE MARKET STUDIES HAD SHOWN THAT CONSUMERS FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH A HYGIENE PRODUCT MADE IN -HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THIS ACQUISITION WAS ALSO NOTABLE BECAUSE IT REPRESENTED ONE OF THE FEW CASES WHERE HONG KONG FIRMS HAD ACQUIRED ESTABLISHED EUROPEAN BRAND NAMES.
MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG HAD BEEN AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT.
"AMONG THE SIGNIFICANT RECENT PROJECTS, I WOULD SINGLE OUT MOTOROLA WITH ITS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR ASIA-PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS AND ITS DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING CENTRE FOR SEMI-CONDUCTORS AND HOECHST WITH A PLANT ON ONE OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ESTATES TO PRODUCE TEXTILE ANCILLARIES.
"OTHERS INCLUDE BERTELSMANN WITH A RECENTLY CONCLUDED JOINT VENTURE TO PRODUCE COMPACT DISCS AND ENICHEM OF ITALY WITH A PLANT UNDER CONSTRUCTION TO PRODUCE POLYSTYRENE," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID GERMANY HAD ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST VALUED TRADING PARTNERS.
"YOU ARE OUR THIRD LARGEST MARKET FOR EXPORTS. AND WE BUY ALMOST AS. MUCH FROM YOU IN MONEY TERMS," HE SAID.
HE SAID GERMANY WAS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR WITH AROUND US$100 MILLION INVESTED BY GERMAN MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG.
"THERE ARE OVER 400 GERMAN FIRMS HAVING A PRESENCE IN THE TERRITORY, SECOND ONLY IN NUMBER TO JAPAN,” HE SAID.
/20........
- 20 -
FRIDAY, N1 • INDER <.i i. I
PROGRESS OF BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL SOON START SENDING OUT LETTERS TO ALL APPLICANTS UNDER THE GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME TO INFORM THEM OF THE STATUS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT SO FAR, 3,606 CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION HAD BEEN ISSUED TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS.
THE DEPARTMENT IS AIMING TO COMPLETE THE RANKING OF ALL APPLICANTS IN THE GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS ACCORDING TO THEIR PROVISIONAL SCORES BY DECEMBER.
"WE WILL BY THEN BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY MOST APPLICANTS WHO MAY BE WITH.IN THE QUOTA OF THEIR SELECTED OCCUPATIONAL GROUP OR APPROVED OCCUPATION," HE SAID.
THE NEXT STAGE IN THE PROCESS WOULD BE TO VERIFY THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE APPLICANTS IN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS.
THIS IS DONE THROUGH INTERVIEWS WITH INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS. THE INTERVIEWS WILL SERVE TO CONFIRM THE PROVISIONAL SCORES AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IF NECESSARY, TO CHECK DOCUMENTS TO ESTABLISH THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRINCIPAL APPLICANTS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS, AND TO CLARIFY ANY OTHER DOUBTFUL POINTS.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE VERIFICATION INTERVIEW WAS THE MOST TIME-CONSUMING PART OF THE WHOLE APPLICATION PROCESS SINCE NEARLY 38,000 APPLICANTS WOULD NEED TO BE INTERVIEWED INDIVIDUALLY.
"WE EXPECT THAT THE MAJORITY OF INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED NEXT YEAR, AND THE REMAINDER IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1993," HE SAID.
FROM NOW TO FEBRUARY 1992, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL SEND OUT LETTERS TO APPLICANTS UNDER THE GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASS WHOSE PROVISIONAL SCORES MAY BRING THEM WITHIN THE QUOTA OF THEIR SELECTED OCCUPATIONAL GROUP OR APPROVED OCCUPATION.
"THE LETTER WILL GIVE THE APPLICANT A ROUGH INDICATION OF THE TIME IN WHICH HE WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND A VERIFICATION INTERVIEW," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SECOND SERIES OF LETTERS WOULD GO OUT DURING THE SAME PERIOD TO APPLICANTS WHOSE ‘PROVISIONAL SCORES ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE QUOTA LINE TO INFORM THEM THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS WERE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION.
"THIS IS BECAUSE THESE APPLICANTS MIGHT EVENTUALLY MOVE ABOVE OR BELOW THE QUOTA LINE, DEPENDING ON WHETHER THEY OR OTHER APPLICANTS CAN VERIFY CERTAIN INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS AT THE INTERVIEW STAGE," HE SAID.
/"STARTING FROM .......
'TDAY, ' ’ 22, |W
21
"STARTING FROM NEXT MONTH, UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE LETTERS INFORMING THEM THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL,” HE SAID.
APPLICANTS ARE REMINDED TO KEEP THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT POSTED OF CHANGES IN THEIR ADDRESSES.
--------0-----------
WALLED CITY CLEAREES URGED TO OBSERVE CLEARANCE DEADLINE ******
CLEAREES UNDER THE FIRST PHASE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE ARE REMINDED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THEY MUST MOVE OUT BY NOVEMBER 27 AND THOSE WHO FAIL TO DO SO WILL BE EVICTED.
APPEALING TO THE CLEAREES TO COMPLY WITH THE CLEARANCE DEADLINE, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR PHILIP CHOK, NOTED THAT THE CLEARANCE WAS BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE OVERALL INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"IT WILL SOLVE THE LONG-STANDING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE WALLED CITY, SUCH AS UNSAFE STRUCTURES, POOR HYGIENE AND FIRE HAZARDS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE CLEARANCE HAD PROGRESSED OVER FOUR YEARS AND HE WAS HEARTENED TO SEE THAT THE MAJORITY OF CLEAREES TO DATE HAD ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING OFFERS AND HAD EITHER LEFT OR WOULD LEAVE THE WALLED CITY IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
ON THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CLEARANCE, THE LATEST STATISTICS SHOWED THAT ONLY 75 HOUSEHOLDS, OR 2.65 PER CENT OF A TOTAL 2,834 HOUSEHOLDS, HAD YET TO ACCEPT GOVERNMENT’S OFFERS, MR CHOK SAID.
STAFF OF THE SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE HAD BEEN MEETING THESE CLEAREES OVER THE PAST WEEKS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REACH A TIMELY SETTLEMENT, HE ADDED.
"THE CLEAREES SHOULD APPRECIATE THAT THE COMPENSATION TERMS ARE VERY REASONABLE.
"MOREOVER, THOSE WHO ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE COMPENSATION OFFERS WILL STILL BE ABLE TO EITHER SUBMIT DOCUMENTS TO SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM FOR HIGHER COMPENSATION OR APPEAL TO THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD WITHIN TWO MONTHS AFTER EVICTION," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT FIRM ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST THOSE CLEAREES WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE CLEARANCE DEADLINE.
THE CLEARANCE WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN FOUR PHASES, INVOLVING SOME 10,780 HOUSEHOLDS. NOVEMBER 27 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE FIRST PHASE WHILE THE REMAINING PHASES WILL BE CLEARED BY MARCH, APRIL AND JUNE 1992 RESPECTIVELY. A PARK WILL BE BUILT ON THE CLEARED SITE.
THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST OVER $3.1 BILLION. SO FAR THE GOVERNMENT HAS PAID OUT $2.27 BILLION.
122 ........
1‘ivlD , NOVK.-J.. 22, 1991
- 2.2
ALL OBJECTIONS TO NEW RATEABLE VALUES DEALT WITH
*****
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS NOW DEALT WITH ALL PROPOSALS RECEIVED IN APRIL AND MAY OBJECTING TO THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT YET RECEIVED A NOTICE OF DECISION IN RESPONSE TO HIS PROPOSAL TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT MR LEE WAI-LIM OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 7822.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IF THE RATEABLE VALUE HAS BEEN ALTERED AS A RESULT OF THE PROPOSAL, THE AMENDMENT TO THE RATEABLE VALUE AND ANY ADJUSTMENT TO THE RATES PAYABLE WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
RATEPAYERS SHOULD NOTE THAT IF RATES ARE ALREADY REDUCED BY RATES RELIEF PROVISIONS, THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAYABLE IN THE 1991/92 YEAR MAY NOT CHANGE, OR MAY NOT BE REDUCED BY THE SAME PERCENTAGE AS THE REDUCTION IN RATEABLE VALUE.
ANY ADJUSTMENT IN RATES PAYABLE WILL BE MADE IN THE RATES DEMANDS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
------0-------
SALE OF GOVT LAND BY AUCTION * * * *
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 17 IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED OFF TAT CHEE AVENUE, AREA TWO, YAU YAT TSUEN, KOWLOON.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,470 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,470 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1994.
THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT KING’S PARK RISE, KOWLOON.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,417 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS ALSO FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 19,251 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
/THE REMAINING .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
23 -
THE REMAINING LOT IS LOCATED AT YIP KAN STREET, WONG CHUK HANG, HONG KONG.
THE SITE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,172 SQUARE METRES, IS EARMARKED FOR A MULTI-STOREY LORRY PARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, PETROL FILLING STATION, GODOWN AND HOTEL) PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 46,000 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND SALES PLANS INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
------0--------
GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER » * * » »
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT SHUM WAN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 7,640 SQUARE METRES, IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING HOTEL, CINEMA AND GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 1OTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER DOCUMENTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, ’TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
0
/24 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
24
APPOINTMENTS TO FILM CENSORSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR DANIEL CHAM KA-HUNG AND MRS LIZA CHEE LEUNG SIU-LING AS NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE FILM CENSORSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW, A SPOKESMAN OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR DANIEL CHAM KA-HUNG, A BUSINESSMAN, IS AN APPOINTED YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER.
MRS LIZA CHEE LEUNG SIU-LING, A BUSINESS WOMAN, IS THE FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE PO LEUNG KUK BOARD OF DIRECTORS. SHE HAS ALSO SERVED AS AN ADJUDICATOR OF THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL IN THE PAST.
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED THREE NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE BOARD. THEY ARE MR TERENCE TAI CHUN-TO, MR CHUNG KING-FAI AND MR NORMAN SIN SIU-WAH.
OTHER OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD INCLUDE THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS OR PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (HEADQUARTERS), THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES) AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION OR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS).
ALL THESE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR THREE YEARS, WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 10, THIS YEAR TO NOVEMBER 9, 1994.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD IS MR NORMAN LEUNG NAI-PANG, WHO IS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 1, THIS YEAR TO FEBRUARY 28, 1994.
------0----------
EXEMPTIONS FOR HA MIDWIVES AND TECHNOLOGISTS PROPOSED
******
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AMENDMENTS TO THE MIDWIVES (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS AND THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT UNDER THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS, MIDWIVES EMPLOYED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FULL-TIME WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR EXEMPTIONS FROM PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION AND ANNUAL PRACTISING FEES.
THESE EXEMPTIONS ARE CURRENTLY ENJOYED BY GOVERNMENT-EMPLOYED MIDWIVES.
/THE PROPOSED .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
- 25 -
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS SEEK TO EXEMPT CHEMISTS AND SCIENTIFIC OFFICERS (MEDICAL) UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FROM REGISTERING WITH THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST BOARD IN LINE WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE TWO SETS OF AMENDMENT REGULATIONS WILL BE GAZETTED ON NOVEMBER 29.
-----------------0------- FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON CHEUNG CHAU * * * * *
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE PAK TAI PLAYGROUND ON CHEUNG CHAU ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24) AFTERNOON.
THERE WILL BE SINGING PERFORMANCE, GAME STALLS, FOOT DRILLS AND A NARCOTICS EXHIBITION. THE CARNIVAL WILL START AT 2 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (IDFCC), THE CARNIVAL WILL SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES AND HIGHLIGHT THE DISASTROUS EFFECTS OF TAKING DRUGS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR A DRAWING AND A COMPOSITION CONTEST HELD EARLIER IN THE DISTRICT.
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR LAM WAI-KEUNG; ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MISS MAUREEN TO; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR WILLIAM WORRAL; AND IDFCC CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW YUK-TING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24). IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT THE PAK TAI PLAYGROUND ON CHEUNG CHAU.
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/26 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR KOWLOON CITY
******
ABOUT 100 MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL ATTEND A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE "PROTECTION OF PROPERTY VALUE THROUGH GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT" SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.
IT AIMS TO ENHANCE THE MEMBERS’ KNOWLEDGE IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE EFFECT OF GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT ON THE VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTIES.
THE SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INSTITUTE OF HOUSING, MR IP KAM-SHING; A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, MR SIMON TSUI YIG-PUI; AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY, MR FOO TAK-CHING.
THEY WILL TALK ON THE BUYING AND SELLING OF FLATS, VALUATION OF PROPERTIES AS WELL AS BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF PROPERTY VALUE.
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, AND AN ENGINEERING CONSULTANT, DR RAYMOND HO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SEMINAR’S OPENING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON PROTECTION OF PROPERTY VALUE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE METROPOLE HOTEL, WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON. IT WILL BEGIN AT 3.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
NAVY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN ******
ON NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 1, HMS TAMAR WILL THROW OPEN ITS GATE TO THE PUBLIC FOR NAVY DAYS 1991, WHICH PROMISES TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER-EVER BEING HELD.
APART FROM HMS SHEFFIELD, NO FEWER THAN SIX VISITING WARSHIPS WILL BE ON SHOW - FOUR AUSTRALIAN AND TWO AMERICAN.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE PATROL VESSELS OF THE HONG KONG SQUADRON, MARINE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES AND A COUPLE OF TUGS .
/ON LAND,
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
- 27 -
ON LAND, THERE WILL BE A WIDE RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS INCLUDING AMUSEMENT, REFRESHMENT AND GAMES STALLS. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN ARENA DISPLAY FEATURING BANDS, PIPES AND DRUMS, ROYAL MARINE DRUMMERS FROM THE UK, GYMNASTICS, AND AEROBICS.
NAVY DAYS IS A WELL ESTABLISHED POPULAR EVENT WHICH HAD SUCCESSFULLY ATTRACTED 57,000 PEOPLE AND RAISED $400,000 FOR CHARITY LAST YEAR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NAVY DAYS IS THE BASIN DISPLAY WITH ROYAL MARINES ABSEILING FROM HELICOPTERS, NAVAL DIVERS LEAPING INTO THE WATER AND THE NAVY’S HIGH SPEED FAST PURSUIT CRAFT TEARING ALL OVER THE PLACE.
A REHEARSAL FOR THE BASIN DISPLAY WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25) WHICH MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE MAIN GATE OF HMS TAMAR BY 1.45 PM.
• •
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FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IN TAI PO ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IN TAI PO OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY WORKING GROUP OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE.
ELDERLY VILLAGERS WILL BE TAKEN ON GUIDED TOURS OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN TAI PO NEW TOWN FROM NOVEMBER 27 TO 29. THEY WILL ALSO BE TREATED TO VEGETARIAN MEALS,.
OPEN DAYS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 25 AND 29 TO ENABLE THE.PUBLIC TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK OF CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE AREA.
ON DECEMBER 8 THERE WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE, FEATURING CHINESE AND WESTERN ORCHESTRAL PREFORMANCES, A DRAMA, MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATION, CANTONESE OPERA AND DANCE PERFORMANCES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 657 7111 EXT 256.
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/28 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
28
CONSTRUCTION OF A SLIPWAY IN SAI KUNG NORTH * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A SLIPWAY WHICH WILL INVOLVE AN AREA OF ABOUT 407 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT WONG SHEK, SAI KUNG.
WORKS WILL START IN JANUARY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN FOUR WEEKS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT WAS ’DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 21 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER), AND AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
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THURSDAY DEADLINE FOR ENTERING DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST
******
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S ANNUAL SINGING CONTEST ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BY THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 28).
ENTRY FORMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL AND THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF ARTS CENTRE, 2 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE CONTEST STARTED IN 1983 WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN SINGING AND PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ACTIVITIES.
THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION COVERS CLASSIC SOLOS, POP/FOLK SONG SOLOS AND CHORUS.
"PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 30 WHO LIVE, WORK AND STUDY IN THE DISTRICT OR WHO ARE MEMBERS OF ANY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE TOP ........
I TRAY, Nz" '“nn? 22, JMI
- 29 -
THE TOP THREE WINNERS IN EACH OF THE THREE CATEGORIES WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND GIFT COUPONS WORTH $1,000, $700 AND $500 RESPECTIVELY.
THE AUDITION AND PRELIMINARIES ARE SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 7 AND 17 WHILE THE FINALS ARE PLANNED TO TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 12 AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE IN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT’S ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS, THE MUSIC OFFICE, AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BORAD.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 852 3485 AND 528 3257.
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FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER ♦ * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 15 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
DECEMBER 2 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 3 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 4 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 5 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 6 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 9 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 10 (TUESDAY) 12.01 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 11 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 12 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 13 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 16 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 17 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 PM
DECEMBER 19 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 20 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1991
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
★ * * * *
DATE $MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 21.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 22.11.91 -26
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 26
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.8 *-0.1* 22.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.70 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.24 5.66
1 MONTH 3.73 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.92 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.19 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.87 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 3,453 MN, BONDS 74 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
THOUGHT SHOULD BE GIVEN ON FINAL COURT OF APPEAL: GOVERNOR ............. 1
MANY DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS SPOTTED ..................................... 2
LUSH GARDEN BUILT OVERNIGHT OPENS TOMORROW ............................. 4
RESIDENTS LEARN ABOUT BUILDING MANAGEMENT AT SEMINAR ................... 5
SEMINAR ON CARE FOR STREET-SLEEPERS TOMORROW ........................... 5
WORK SAFETY CONFERENCE ................................................. 6
CYC MEMBERS HELP CONSERVE COUNTRY PARKS ................................ 7
OUTSTANDING CENTRAL AND WESTERN STUDENTS RECEIVE MERIT AWARDS .......... 8
SECOND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD FOR SWD BOYS' HOME ...................... 9
282 VM'S RETURN TODAY .................................................. 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 10
SATURDAY, :<'VEMBER .3. 1991
THOUGHT SHOULD BE GIVEN ON FINAL
COURT OF APPEAL: GOVERNOR
******
THE KEY ISSUE OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL THAT WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WAS WHETHER WE WANT IT SET UP IN THE FAIRLY NEAR FUTURE, IN A FORM WHICH WOULD GO STRAIGHT THROUGH 1997, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TONIGHT (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM VISITS TO SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE’VE GOT THE FRAMEWORK OF AN AGREEMENT THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP."
"IT’S CLEARLY LAID DOWN, BUT SOME OF THE DETAILS OF THAT, HOW IT ACTUALLY WORKS OUT IN THE DRAFT LEGISLATION, THAT IS STILL GOT TO BE WORKED OUT AND THEN THE DRAFT OF THE LEGISLATION WILL BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR IT TO CONSIDER. THAT MUST BE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER,” HE SAID.
SPEAKING ABOUT HIS TWO VISITS, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THE IMPRESSION I CAME BACK WITH WAS THAT WE HAVE A GREAT MANY INTERESTS IN COMMON WITH SINGAPORE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US BUILDING UP OUR CONTACTS WITH SINGAPORE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS."
"WE HAVE A LOT OF COMMON POSITIONS ON THINGS LIKE INTERNATIONAL TRADE; THERE IS AN INCREASING INTEREST IN SINGAPORE IN INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG AND LOT OF COMMON INTERESTS FOR US TO SHARE, SO I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US BUILDING UP THOSE CONNECTIONS," HE SAID.
"NEW ZEALAND WAS A VERY OPPORTUNE VISIT IN A WAY. I WENT WITH THE MESSAGE THAT A GREAT DEAL IS HAPPENING UP HERE, IN WHAT THEY SEE AS THE NORTHERN BIT OF THE PACIFIC RIM AND TO TELL THEM THAT THIS WAS AN AREA OF GREAT ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR THE FUTURE AND HONG KONG WAS AT THE HEART OF IT.
"I FOUND, TO MY PLEASANT SURPRISE, THAT THEY WERE ALREADY THINKING ALONG THOSE LINES; THAT THEY WERE THINKING OF INCREASING THEIR TRADING ACTIVITIES IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD, SO IT WAS VERY GOOD TIMING FOR THE VISIT," SIR DAVID ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THERE WAS MUCH TO BE DONE BETWEEN NOW AND 1997, ADDING: "ALL THE PREPARATIONS THAT WE CAN MAKE TO ENSURE, AND. THIS WAS THE MESSAGE I WAS PUTTING ACROSS WHILE I WAS AWAY, TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG SAR WHEN IT’S SET UP IN 1997 HAS THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE OF SUCCEEDING."
"ONE OF THOSE THINGS IS TO CARRY ON WITH OUR LONG-TERM PROJECTS; BUILDING UP EDUCATION; BUILDING UP OUR INFRASTRUCTURE; BUILDING AN AIRPORT; EXPANDING THE PORT AND SO ON," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT OUR CONTACTS WITH THE MAINLAND OF CHINA WERE INCREASED AT ALL LEVELS WHICH WAS BEING DONE AT A GOVERNMENT LEVEL.
/"I WOULD .......
SATURDAY, NOV I 'IRER 23, .1991
2
"I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF OUR CIVIL SERVANTS GOING ON VISITS TO CHINA; GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE IN CHINA; UNDERSTAND HOW CHINA OPERATES," HE SAID.
"I’D LIKE TO SEE MORE PEOPLE COMING HERE FROM CHINA; WE’RE HAVING SEVERAL VISITS, WE’VE HAD SEVERAL OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, I HOPE WE’LL HAVE MORE IN FUTURE; TO BUILD UP A HIGHER DEGREE OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES. I THINK THAT’S THE SORT OF BASIC POINT ON BUILDING UP CONNECTIONS BETWEEN HERE AND CHINA," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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MANY DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS SPOTTED
*****
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED AN EXERCISE IN IDENTIFYING AND INSPECTING THE CONDITION OF ALL PRE-WAR PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDINGS IN THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON INCLUDING THE BUILT-UP AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE EXERCISE HAS RESULTED IN ABOUT 1,700 PRE-WAR BUILDINGS BEING IDENTIFIED OF WHICH 34 HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION ORDERS, AND OWNERS OF SOME 472 BUILDINGS SERVED WITH REPAIR ORDER SO FAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THESE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD BEEN CLASSIFIED AS PRIORITY FOR INSPECTION LATE LAST YEAR, AND ARE MAINLY SITUATED IN THE OLD DISTRICTS SUCH AS CENTRAL AND WESTERN, WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI AND SHAM SHUI PO WITH SOME OF THEM HAVING BEEN BUILT BEFORE THE FIRST WORLD WAR.
IN ADDITION, A SURVEY OF THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON INCLUDING THE BUILT-UP AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1989 AND JUNE LAST YEAR AND INVOLVED THE EXTERNAL INSPECTION OF SOME 55,500 PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDINGS.
THE EIGHT MONTH EXERCISE REVEALED THAT SOME 17,000 BUILDINGS, OR 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL INSPECTED, WERE FOUND TO BE IN A SUSPECT CONDITION REQUIRING A MORE DETAILED INSPECTION TO ASCERTAIN THE EXTENT OF DETERIORATION.
OF THIS NUMBER OF BUILDINGS IT WAS FOUND THAT 210 BUILDINGS (INCLUDING 76 PRE-WAR BUILDINGS) NEEDED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE SERVING OF APPROPRIATE REPAIR ORDERS UPON THE OWNERS OF 193 BUILDINGS AND THE REMAINING 17 BUILDINGS (OF WHICH 11 WERE PRE-WAR) WERE DEALT WITH BY CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION ORDERS.
/OF THE ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
3 -
OF THE REMAINING 16,700 BUILDINGS, A TOTAL OF 3,953 INSPECTIONS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED, RESULTING IN THE SERVING OF 2,701 REPAIR ORDERS AND 66 CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION ORDERS AS AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
THE SPOKESMAN DID NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF MORE BUILDINGS IN THE GROUP BEING SUBJECT TO CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION ORDERS, AS WELL AS OTHERS BEING SERVED WITH REPAIR ORDERS, ONCE INSPECTIONS HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT.
HE SAID IT HAD LONG BEEN KNOWN THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM REGARDING THE DETERIORATION OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES, ESPECIALLY THOSE PUT UP IN THE EARLY POST-WAR YEARS.
"THE REASONS FOR THE RAPID DETERIORATION OF THESE CONCRETE BUILDINGS, IN SUCH A SHORT-TIME SPAN OF LESS THAN 40 YEARS, MAY BE DUE TO INFERIOR QUALITY MATERIALS, IMPURITIES IN WATER CONTENT AND POOR WORKMANSHIP IN THE ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION," HE ADDED.
"THE CONDITION MAY ALSO BE AGGRAVATED BY OVERLOADING, WEATHERING IN A POLLUTED ATMOSPHERE AND AN ALMOST TOTAL NEGLECT OF MAINTENANCE AFTER CONSTRUCTION," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE PROGRESS OF THE OVERALL EXERCISE ON BUILDING INSPECTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE STILL SOME 12,750 BUILDINGS. FROM THE ORIGINAL 16,700 TO BE INSPECTED WHICH WAS A LONG WAY TO GO DESPITE THE BOO’S EFFORTS IN STEPPING UP THE ACTION.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT FROM EVIDENCE OBTAINED SO FAR, IT APPEARED THAT GENERALLY OWNERS OF PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDINGS WERE STILL NOT PREPARED TO CARRY OUT BASIC MAINTENANCE TO THEIR PREMISES ALTHOUGH IT WAS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE BUILDING SAFETY.
HE QUOTED THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS AS SAYING EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT ON THE PRESSURE SIDE, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE EXAMINING NEW POWERS WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE OWNERS TO HAVE INSPECTIONS AND SURVEYS OF THEIR BUILDINGS CARRIED OUT, TO PRODUCE CERTIFICATES OF STRUCTURAL SAFETY AND TO ENSURE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
BUT IN THE MEANTIME, HE WAS OF THE VIEW THAT BUILDING OWNERS SHOULD DO MORE TO COMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE BUILDING SAFETY FOR WHICH HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD PROVIDE ADVICE TO OWNERS AND TO BRING HOME THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES CLEARLY.
TO THIS END, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY PRODUCED A PUBLICITY LEAFLET, HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING SAFETY WITH USEFUL INFORMATION CONCERNING BUILDING CHECK-UP AND REPAIR.
HE ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES HAVE A COPY OF TWO BOOKLETS THAT CONTAIN THE NAMES OF THE AUTHORISED PERSONS/ REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS AND REGISTERED CONTRACTORS WHO WOULD ASSIST OWNERS TO MAINTAIN THEIR BUILDINGS.
/4 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
4
LUSH GARDEN BUILT OVERNIGHT OPENS TOMORROW
******
A LUSH GARDEN BUILT OVERNIGHT ON A CONCRETE THOROUGHFARE IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL WILL BE OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AS PART OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
"THE ONE-DAY ’GARDEN CELEBRATION* AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT AIMS AT CREATING A VISUAL SYMBOLIC EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE DONE IF EVERY ONE PITCHES IN TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SOME 200 WORKERS WILL BE HOT THE HEELS TO TURN THE AREA INTO AN ATTRACTIVE PARK FEATURING A CENTRE-PIECE, WHICH IS THE VICTORIAN-STYLE "FOUNTAIN OF LIFE" ADORNED WITH ROSES; CHINESE AND JAPANESE GARDENS; LILY, CARNATION AND CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOSSOMS; TROPICAL AND GREEN HOUSE PLANTS, CLIMBING AND HANGING PLANTS, AS WELL AS TOPIARY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION GALLERY FEATURING THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS’ YEAR-ROUND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES, HE ADDED.
OMELCO MEMBER, MR ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
WITH HIM WILL BE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG; CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO AND MISS CHRISTINA TING YUK-CHEE; THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA; AND THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR ADOLF HSU.
THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL ALSO PERFORM A FLOWER-PLANTING CEREMONY IN THE FLOWER BEDS SURROUNDING THE CENTRE-PIECE WITH CELEBRITIES INCLUDING 1991 MISS HONG KONG AND MISS ASIA; MS JOSEPHINE SIAO, MS MO SHUN-KWAN, MR SIMON YAM, MR DERIC WAN, MR TANG HO-KONG AND MR LAM CHO-FAI.
THE CAMPAIGN MASCOTS, THE "DRAGON OF CLEANLINESS" FAMILY, WILL BE AROUND TO GREET VISITORS. SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE ON THE SPOT.
"THE GARDEN CELEBRATION", ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/ REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, WILL BE HELD FROM 11.45 AM TO 6.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY). ADMISSION IS FREE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF "THE GARDEN CELEBRATION" TO BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, CENTRAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY), BEGINNING 11 AM.
/5 .........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
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RESIDENTS LEARN ABOUT BUILDING MANAGEMENT AT SEMINAR
*****
ABOUT 200 RESIDENTS, BUILDING CARETAKERS AND MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ATTENDED A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
TOPICS DISCUSSED AT .THE THREE-HOUR SEMINAR WERE THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATIONS) ORDINANCE, FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS AND LEGISLATION, AND THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON UNAUTHORISED BUILDING STRUCTURES.
AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS WAS ALSO STAGED.
THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AMONG RESIDENTS.
OFFICIATING AT TODAY SEMINAR’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK.
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SEMINAR ON CARE FOR STREET-SLEEPERS TOMORROW
******
SOME 120 VOLUNTEERS WILL PUT THEIR HEADS TOGETHER IN A SEMINAR TOMORROW (SUNDAY) ON SERVICES TO STREET-SLEEPERS IN WEST KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING AREA.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM/MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE 1991-92 PROGRAMME FOR STREET-SLEEPERS.
THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER TO PROMOTE VOLUNTARISM TO HELP AND TO CARE FOR THE DEPRIVED HAVENED AT STREET CORNERS AND TO AROUSE COMMUNITY ATTENTION ON THEM.
THE VOLUNTEERS VISITED A TOTAL OF 350 STREET-SLEEPERS IN THE DISTRICTS. APART FROM EXPRESSING CARE AND CONCERN, THE VOLUNTEERS ALSO SENT OUT GIFTS AND LUNCH BOXES TO THE STREET-SLEEPERS.
SOME VOLUNTEERS ALSO RECORDED THEIR LIVING PATTERN TO BE POST-MORTEMED IN THE SEMINAR.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE OFFICIATED BY REGIONAL OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON) MRS PUN LEE WAI-CHUN.
/IT WILL .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
6
IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A TALK BY SENIOR LECTURER OF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR CHENG CHI-HO, AN INTERVIEW OF A FORMER STREET-SLEEPER, AND AN OPEN FORUM.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW AT THE HALL OF H.G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHANGHAI STREET, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
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WORK SAFETY CONFERENCE t * *
SOME 500 SUPERVISORS, MANAGERS AND SAFETY OFFICERS WILL GET TOGETHER AT A CONFERENCE NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25) TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN WORK SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION TRADE.
THE ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY CONFERENCE IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ASSOCIATION AND THE SOCIETY OF REGISTERED SAFETY OFFICERS AND SPONSORED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
"THE CONFERENCE AIMS TO ENHANCE SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS IN THE TRADE AND PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCUSS THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM," DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR CHAN KING-CHUEN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
IN ADDITION, MR CHAN SAID THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF INSPECTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH UNDER CHINA’S MINISTRY OF LABOUR, MS SU YI-YONG WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN CHINA AND SAFE OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AT AN OPEN FORUM.
"WE HOPE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THIS WILL HELP BRING DOWN THE APPALLING ACCIDENT FIGURES IN THE CONSTRUCTION TRADE," HE ADDED.
GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE WELCOMING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE WILL INCLUDE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE; THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG; ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, MR K.Y. TONGSON.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WELCOMING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE AT 6.30 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25) AT THEATRE I OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, 1 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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/7........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
7 -
CYC MEMBERS HELP CONSERVE COUNTRY PARKS *****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT'S EFFORT IN MANAGING COUNTRY PARKS COULD ONLY BE SUCCESSFUL WITH THE BACKING OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
SPEAKING TO SOME 500 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) MEMBERS AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1991/92 COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME AT THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE, DR LEE SAID BY HELPING TO LOOK AFTER THE COUNTRY PARKS, THE CYC MEMBERS ATTEMPT TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY PARKS CLEANER AND GREENER.
HE SAID: "THEIR ENTHUSIASM AND CONCERN OVER THE COUNTRY PARKS WILL ALSO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL PLACES AND TO HELP CONSERVE THE COUNTRY PARKS."
THE SCHEME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES • DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (ED), AIMS AT PROMOTING THE SENSE OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AMONG PARTICIPATING STUDENTS THROUGH VOLUNTARY WORK IN COUNTRY PARKS.
DR LEE SAID: "BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE, STUDENTS FROM PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL BE PHYSICALLY INVOLVED IN VOLUNTARY COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT WORK SUCH AS TREE PLANTING AND TENDING, APPLYING FERTILISER, WEEDING, PATH MAINTENANCE AND LITTER COLLECTION IN 10 COUNTRY PARKS AND ONE SPECIAL AREA IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
"TO ENABLE THE STUDENTS TO CARRY OUT THEIR WORK PROPERLY AND SMOOTHLY, WE HAVE PROVIDED BASIC TRAINING ON PRACTICAL COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION TO SOME OF THEM AND APPOINTED THEM AS JUNIOR PARK WARDENS. ON-SITE GUIDANCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN BY OUR PARK WARDENS."
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1989 AND IT HAD SINCE THEN PROVEN TO BE VERY POPULAR WITH THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS INCREASED FROM 10 IN 1989 TO 50 THIS YEAR,
HE COMMENDED PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS FOR THEIR FULL SUPPORT IN MOBILISING STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THIS SCHEME.
"I TRUST THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL BOTH LEARN AND ENJOY THROUGH THEIR VOLUNTARY SERVICE," HE SAID.
DR LEE ALSO EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION TO THE LIONS CLUBS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS YEAR’S SCHEME.
HE SAID: "THE LIONS CLUBS HAVE BEEN GREAT SUPPORTERS OF MANY WORTHY PROJECTS. THEY HAVE SPONSORED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE WHICH WAS OPENED IN JUNE THIS YEAR AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB WHEN IT WAS FIRST SET UP 14 YEARS AGO."
/ALSQ OFFICIATING ......
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 23, 1991
- 8 -
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY TODAY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, MR CARLOS CHEUNG; AND THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, MR ALBERT WONG.
MR LI SAID: "IN RECENT YEARS, GREAT IMPORTANCE HAS BEEN PLACED IN ENCOURAGING OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO DEVELOP A GREATER SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND IN THIS CONNECTION THE CYC HAS MADE CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION THROUGH PROVIDING NUMEROUS COMMUNITY SERVICES.
"THE CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME IS JUST A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR CYC MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT," HE ADDED.
MR LI EXPRESSED SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE AFD, WHICH HAD WORKED IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION FOR MANY YEARS WITH HIS DEPARTMENT, FOR PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN FORESTRY WORK TO CYC MEMBERS AND FOR OPENING THE COUNTRY PARKS FOR THEM TO WORK IN.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, FOR THEIR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR THE GROWTH OF THE CYC AS WELL AS MAKING A GENEROUS DONATION OF $69,000 TO FINANCE THIS YEAR’S SCHEME.
MR LI FINALLY THANKED THE HEADMASTERS AND TEACHERS OF VARIOUS PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THIS SCHEME WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM AS WELL AS THE STUDENTS FOR ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME.
--------0-----------
OUTSTANDING CENTRAL AND WESTERN STUDENTS RECEIVE MERIT AWARDS
******
MORE THAN 100 CENTRAL AND WESTERN PRIMARY STUDENTS WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF MERIT UNDER THE DISTRICT’S OUTSTANDING PUPILS AWARD SCHEME.
THEY WERE ALSO TAKEN ON A HALF-DAY TOUR OF THE OCEAN PARK.
IN THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD EARLIER IN THE MORNING, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC), MR WU CHOR-NAM, TOLD THE STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS THAT THE SCHEME HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR IN THE DISTRICT.
"THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 110 PRIMARY STUDENTS FROM 22 SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN'NOMINATED BY THEIR HEADMASTERS FOR THEIR ACADEMIC WORK, CONDUCT AND PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
MR WU REMINDED THE RECIPIENTS NOT TO BE COMPLACENT BUT TO KEEP UP WITH THEIR GOOD WORK TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER STUDENTS.
/FOLLOWING THE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
9
FOLLOWING THE PRESENTATION, A POLICE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER GAVE A TALK ON "ANTI-TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS".
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MISS CHIH WAN-WAN; CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHEME’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW YIN-SUM; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CHUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE, MR CHAN HAY.
THE ANNUAL EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DFCC, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.
------0--------
SECOND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD FOR SWD BOYS’ HOME ******
VOLUNTEERS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME (BRBH) RECEIVED AN AWARD TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE.
THIS IS THE SECOND CORRECTIONAL HOME OF THE DEPARTMENT TO WIN SIMILAR AWARD WITHIN ONE MONTH.
THE AWARD-WINNING PROJECT "GREEN SUMMER, GREEN LIFE" WON THE BEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AWARD.
THE COMPETITION ENTITLED "1991 SHELL BETTER ENVIRONMENT AWARD" ATTRACTED A BIG NUMBER OF ENTRIES.
EARLIER THIS MONTH, ANOTHER SWD CORRECTIONAL HOME, THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME WON AN OUTSTANDING PROJECT FOR THE ELDERLY, WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO MARKED THE ANNUAL ELDERLY FESTIVAL.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ACTIVITIES OF THE BRBH PROJECT INCLUDED ENVIRONMENT TALKS, EXHIBITIONS, TALENT QUIZ, HORTICULTURE, RECYCLE OF USED MATERIALS, ORGANIC FARMING, ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT SERVICES AND CONCERNED VISITS.
"THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE DEPARTMENT’S CORRECTIONAL HOMES TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH A LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
"THE AIM OF THIS PROJECT IS TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION THROUGH GROUP ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
"RESIDENTS OF SWD’S CORRECTIONAL HOMES HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY TAKING PART IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES APART FROM THEIR REGULAR PREVOCATIONAL AND ACADEMIC TRAINING.
"THROUGH THE COMMUNITY SERVICES, WE INTENDED TO HELP THE YOUNGSTERS ACQUIRE THE ABILITY, SKILL, MOTIVATION AND MATURITY TO LEAD TO A LAW-ABIDING LIFE WHEN THEY LEAVE THE HOME," HE REMARKED.
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/10 .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1991
- 10 -
282 VM’S RETURN TODAY ******
A GROUP OF 282 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (SATURDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 84 MEN, 75 WOMEN, 56 BOYS AND 67 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 77TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,082 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 12,378 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
--------0 - -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
22.11.91 500
23.11.91 NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
-------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL APPOINTED.................................... 1
SURVEY ON PORT-RELATED INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES .............. 1
•GARDEN CELEBRATION' STRESSES COMBINED PITCHING-IN EFFORTS ................ 2
FACTORY FINED FOR NOT KEEPING EMPLOYEES' RECORD ........................... 3
ENTRIES TO 'HEALTHY TEETH, HAPPY LIFE' CONTESTS INVITED ................... 4
ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES ............ 5
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME FOR ISLANDERS EXTENDED ........................... 6
FRESH WATER SUSPENSION .................................................... 6
SUNDAY', NOVEMBER 24, 1991
1
NEW DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL APPOINTED
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT MRS DORIS HO KO SUET-YIU HAS TAKEN OVER THE POST OF DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL FROM MISS ELLE SHUM MUN-LING.
MRS HO HAS LONG ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE AND HAS HELD A VARIETY OF POSTS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE JOINING THE POST OFFICE.
------0-----------
SURVEY ON PORT-RELATED INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES *****
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON EXISTING PORT-RELATED INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS AS PART OF ITS STUDY ON SUCH PORT-RELATED ENTERPRISES.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND COLLECTS INFORMATION REGARDING THE TYPE OF ACTIVITIES, SIZE, LOCATION AND MODUS OPERANDI OF THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES WHICH ARE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE FUNCTIONING, EITHER OF THE PORT ITSELF OR HAVING OPERATIONAL NEEDS TO BE NEAR- TO PORT FACILITIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE SURVEY ALSO ASSESSED THE POTENTIAL DEMAND FOR LAND AND FACILITIES FOR ESTABLISHMENTS ON LANTAU AND TUEN MUN.
THE SURVEY IS ALSO AIMED AT LOOKING AT THE IMPACT OF THE EXPANSION OF MAJOR PORT FACILITIES AT THE WESTERN HARBOUR AND TUEN MUN ON EXISTING PORT-RELATED ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE CURRENTLY LOCATED AT SUCH URBAN AREAS AS CHEUNG SHA WAN, SHAM SHUI PO AND TAI KOK TSUI.
THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WOULD BE USED IN FORECASTING TOTAL LAND AND FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS OF PORT-RELATED INDUSTRIES IN LANTAU AND TUEN MUN AREAS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE INPUTS FOR THE GOVERNMENT IN FORMULATING THE TERRITORIAL INDUSTRIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY UNDER THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW, HE SAID.
SENIOR DIRECTORATE OR MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL FROM ESTABLISHMENTS DRAWN BY RANDOM SAMPLING HAVE BEEN INVITED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION IN THE SURVEY.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE RESPONDENTS WILL BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
THE SURVEY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH.
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/2 ........
L *
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1991
I - 2 -
’GARDEN CELEBRATION’ STRESSES COMBINED PITCHING-IN EFFORTS
******
TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TODAY (SUNDAY) VISITED A LIVING GREEN GARDEN WHICH WAS BUILT OVERNIGHT TO EXEMPLIFY THAT COMBINED PITCHING-IN EFFORTS COULD TURN HONG KONG INTO A CLEANER, BEAUTIFUL PLACE.
CALLED "THE GARDEN CELEBRATION", THE ONE-DAY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT EVENT AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL WAS ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.
OMELCO MEMBER, MR ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI, SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THAT HONG KONG IS A PLACE FULL OF MIRACLES, ORIGINAL IDEAS AND REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS.
"IF I WERE NOT TOLD BEFOREHAND, I COULD HARDLY IMAGINE THIS UNIQUE, LIVING GREEN GARDEN FEATURING DIFFERENT PLOTS OF LANDSCAPE WOULD SUDDENLY APPEAR HERE IN THE CORE OF CENTRAL AFTER JUST ONE NIGHT’S CONSTRUCTION," HE SAID.
THE PURPOSE, HE NOTED, WAS TO DISSEMINATE THROUGH THIS INNOVATIVE IDEA AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG: "WE NEED A NEAT, TIDY AND ATTRACTIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH WE CAN LIVE AT EASE AND DEVOTE OURSELVES TO WORK AND THE UPBRINGING OF OUR CHILDREN."
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO, SAID:
"WHAT WE WANT TO GET ACROSS TO EVERYBODY IS THAT IF WE ARE DETERMINED TO MAKE HONG KONG A CLEANER. PLACE OR EVEN TURN HONG KONG INTO A GARDEN, IT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE EVEN WITHIN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME."
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WERE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MISS CHRISTINA TING YUK-CHEE; THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA; AND THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR ADOLF HSU.
AMONG THE GUESTS WERE LEGISLATORS, URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILLORS; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS; SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS; CELEBRITIES AND THE CAMPAIGN MASCOTS, THE DRAGON OF CLEANLINESS FAMILY.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GARDEN INCLUDED THE CENTRE-PIECE, A VICTORIAN-STYLED FOUNTAIN; LANDSCAPE FEATURING CHINESE AND JAPANESE DESIGNS; DIFFERENT SPECIES OF BLOOMING LILIES, CARNATION AND CHRYSANTHEMUM; TROPICAL PLANTS; AND TWO ARCHWAYS ADORNED WITH FLOWERS.
THERE WAS ALSO A SPECIAL EXHIBITION OF THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS’ YEAR-ROUND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES IN AN OPEN-AIR GALLERY.
/DESIGNED BY .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1991
- 3
DESIGNED BY LANDSCAPING EXPERTS FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE GARDEN WAS BUILT DURING LAST (SATURDAY) NIGHT THROUGH TEAMWORK AND SUPPORT FROM BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
MR LEUNG THANKED THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, DISTRICT BOARDS, RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND VARIOUS COMMERCIAL SPONSORS FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION.
THE GOLD SPONSOR, GARDEN CO LTD, FUNDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTRE-PIECE, A VICTORIAN-STYLED FOUNTAIN.
MAJOR SILVER SPONSORS INCLUDED HONGKONG LAND PROPERTY CO LTD (CHINESE GARDEN); WAH HA REALTY CO LTD (CARNATION GARDEN); FU HOP INVESTMENT CO LTD (LILY GARDEN); SHUN TAK HOLDINGS LTD (CHRYSANTHEMUM GARDEN); AND UNIVERSAL CARS LTD (JAPANESE GARDEN).
THE BRONZE SPONSORS FOR THE GARDEN WERE NANYANG COMMERCIAL BANK LTD AND GUARDIAN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD.
------------------------0------- FACTORY FINED FOR NOT KEEPING EMPLOYEES’ RECORD ♦ * * * ♦ ♦
EMPLOYERS MAY FACE HEAVY FINES FOR NOT KEEPING RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AT THEIR PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE REMINDER WAS MADE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING THE RECENT CONVICTION OF AN EMPLOYER BY THE COURT OF FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
THE MAYSAH GARMENT MANUFACTURERS LIMITED, WHICH FAILED TO PRODUCE FOR INSPECTION RECORDS OF TWO EMPLOYEES, WAS FINED $2,000 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE EARLIER THIS MONTH.
’’THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO KEEP AT THE PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT A RECORD OF THE FULL NAME AND THE IDENTITY CARD NUMBER OF EACH OF HIS EMPLOYEES FOR INSPECTION BY LABOUR INSPECTORS,” A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR INSPECTION), MR CHAN KWOK-KUEN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
”IF AN EMPLOYER HAS MORE THAN 10 EMPLOYEES AT A WORKPLACEr THE RECORD SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE FORM OF A LIST,” MR CHAN ADDED.
ANY EMPLOYER FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1991
4
ENTRIES TO ’HEALTHY TEETH, HAPPY LIFE’ CONTESTS INVITED »»»***
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FROM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL • STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THREE COMPETITIONS AIMED AT RAISING THE AWARENESS OF ORAL HEALTH AND PROMOTING GOOD HABITS IN DENTAL CARE AMONG STUDENTS.
TITLED "HEALTHY TEETH, HAPPY LIFE", THE COMPETITIONS ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE THREE ARE THE COLOURING-IN, BOOKMARK DESIGN AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITIONS.
THE POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION, WHICH IS OPEN TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, IS DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR (SI - S3) AND SENIOR (S4 - S7) SECTIONS.
THE COLOURING-IN CONTEST IS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AT PRIMARY ONE AND TWO WHILE THE BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION IS OPEN TO PUPILS AT PRIMARY THREE TO SIX.
IN ADDITION TO TROPHIES, THE TOP WINNERS OF THE THREE CONTESTS WILL EACH RECEIVE BOOK COUPONS WORTH BETWEEN $400 AND $1,600.
THERE WILL ALSO BE CONSOLATION PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING ENTRANTS IN EACH CONTEST.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT AN EXHIBITION ON ORAL HEALTH IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
ENTRY FORMS AND DETAILS OF THE COMPETITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM SCHOOLS.
COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 501, FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS JANUARY 15. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 839 2549 OR 839 2496.
---------0-----------
9
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1991
- 5 -
ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
******
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG KAM-CHIU, TODAY (SUNDAY) PRAISED THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT THE ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL GATHERING OF CHINESE PAINTERS AND CALLIGRAPHISTS CUM 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT KOWLOON HOTEL, MR WONG SAID THE ASSOCIATION HAD IN THE PAST 10 YEARS ARRANGED A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
HE NOTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION WAS PARTICULARLY KEEN IN NURTURING YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST AND SKILL IN ARTS AND LITERATURE.
"IT HAD ACTIVELY ORGANISED TRAINING COURSES AND INTEREST GROUPS OF DIFFERENT ASPECTS, SUCH AS CHILDREN CHOIR, DANCE TROUPE, AS WELL AS PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY COURSES.
"APART FROM ARRANGING VARIOUS ARTS ACTIVITIES TO CATER FOR THE DIFFERENT INTEREST OF RESIDENTS, SUCH AS LITERATURE AND ART GATHERINGS, CANTONESE OPERA SHOWS, PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTESTS AND CONCERTS," MR WONG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THESE ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS AND HAD ACHIEVED THE ASSOCIATION’S GOAL OF PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURE.
MR WONG BELIEVED THAT UNDER THE PROMOTION EFFORTS OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE STANDARD OF ARTS AND LITERATURE OF RESIDENTS WOULD BE RAISED TO A HIGHER LEVEL AND THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE WOULD EVENTUALLY BE FURTHER IMPROVED.
MORE THAN 200 ARTISTS JOINED THE GATHERING TO SHARE THEIR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES IN PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY.
OTHER GUESTS INCLUDED THE YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG AND YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH.
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/6 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1991
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME FOR ISLANDERS EXTENDED *****
THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE'S SUB-OFFICES AT MUI WO AND CHEUNG CHAU HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO ITS HEAD OFFICE IN CENTRAL, A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
’’THIS MEANS THAT ISLANDERS CAN NOW APPROACH ANY OF THE THREE OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS WITH LAWYERS AT THESE ADVICE CENTRES,” HE SAID.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE IS LOCATED ON THE 20TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING AT 38 PIER ROAD IN CENTRAL (NEXT TO THE OUTLYING ISLANDS FERRY PIER), TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF LAMMA, PENG CHAU AND DISCOVERY BAY.
THE SCHEME IS PROVIDED BY THE LAW SOCIETY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES TO PEOPLE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO CONSULT PRIVATE LAWYERS.
ENQUIRIES ON THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE ON TEL. 852 4307.
- - 0 - -
FRESH WATER SUSPENSION ♦ *»♦»♦
SUPPLY OF FRESH WATER TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM (NOVEMBER 26) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT KWAN TEI, FU TEI PAI AND MA LIU SHUI SAN TSUEN ALONG SHA TAU KOK ROAD.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONCERTED EFFORTS FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY UNDERSCORED .................. 1
HK TEAM TO ATTEND REGIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE ......................... 2
NOMINATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE AWARDS TO CLOSE ON SATURDAY ........... 3
TWO DEBATES IN LEGCO ON WEDNESDAY .................................... 4
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION .............................................. 5
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................. 5
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 5
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991
1
CONCERTED EFFORTS FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY UNDERSCORED * * * * »
REAL IMPROVEMENT IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED IF ALL PARTIES INVOLVED TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TOWARDS THE FULLEST POSSIBLE INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN RAISING SAFETY AWARENESS AND STANDARDS.
TO THIS END, THE GOVERNMENT IS EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY TO ATTACH GREATER EMPHASIS ON SAFETY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE LISTS OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING WHEN ADDRESSING THE FIRST ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY CONFERENCE.
THE CONFERENCE WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION. THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ASSOCIATION AND THE SOCIETY OF REGISTERED SAFETY OFFICERS AND SPONSORED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
"I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS CAN BE EFFECTIVE, WITHOUT THE BACKING OF PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AS A MEASURE, IN PART, FOR THE CONTINUING STATUS OF CONTRACTORS ON APPROVED LISTS.
"IF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS SEE THAT GREATER IMPORTANCE IS ATTACHED TO SAFETY, AS A LIST REQUIREMENT, I BELIEVE THAT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE WILL BENEFIT FROM AN IMPROVED IMAGE," HE SAID.
CITING AN EXAMPLE, MR BLAKE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE IN REQUIRING THEIR CONTRACTORS TO EMPLOY STATED NUMBERS OF SAFETY OFFICERS, TO DESIGN SPECIAL TEMPORARY PROTECTION; TO MAKE SAFETY MANAGEMENT A CRITERION FOR BEING A LISTED CONTRACTOR AND TO REMOVE CONTRACTORS FROM THEIR LISTS WHO HAD BAD SAFETY RECORDS.
ON THE LEGISLATION ASPECT, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTRODUCED IMPORTANT SAFETY LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE THE EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS, SETTING DOWN THE OBLIGATION OF EMPLOYERS TO ENSURE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK.
"I KNOW THAT LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS MONITORING AND ENFORCING THESE REQUIREMENTS, BUT THE NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTION SITES IS VERY LARGE AND THE BURDEN OF ENFORCEMENT CANNOT BE LEFT SOLELY WITH INSPECTORATE STAFF.
"LEGISLATION IS VITAL, BUT ON ITS OWN IS NOT ENOUGH," HE SAID.
MR BLAKE WAS GREATLY CONCERNED THAT THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, WHICH STOOD AT AN AVERAGE OF 70 PER DAY, HAD IMPROVED A LITTLE DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SOME OF THESE WERE INNOCENT VICTIMS OF OTHERS’ CARELESSNESS WHILE SOME WERE DUE TO THEIR OWN CARELESSNESS.
/"OFTEN THE........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991
- 2 -
"OFTEN THE DISREGARD FOR SAFETY MATTERS REVEALS A LACK OF AWARENESS OR UNDERSTANDING OF THE REAL DANGERS OF THEIR WORK.
"AN UNSAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IS CLEARLY ANOTHER MAJOR FACTOR," HE NOTED.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF CONCERTED EFFORT, MR BLAKE SAID SAFETY AND THE WELFARE OF WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES MUST BE A MATTER OF CONCERN TO ALL PARTIES INVOLVED.
"UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS ACTING IN CONSORT MUST BE A DESIRED MARRIAGE, FOR BETTER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY PROCEDURES UPON WORKERS, MAKING THEM AWARE OF THE RISKS, AND OF THE NEED TO USE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SAFE WORKING METHODS.
"CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY HAS CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO TRAINING, AS HAVE INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES, BUT THERE IS A CONTINUING NEED FOR WORKERS TO ATTEND AVAILABLE COURSES," HE SAID.
UNION SUPPORT FOR SUCH TRAINING AND POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT TO THEIR MEMBERS, WITH THE BACKING OF EMPLOYERS, WOULD BE INVALUABLE.
"I LOOK FORWARD TO A FUTURE THAT HAS LESS CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS, SIGNALLING THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS OF OUR BEING HERE TODAY," MR BLAKE ADDED.
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HK TEAM TO ATTEND REGIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE
******
HONG KONG WILL SEND A DELEGATION TO ATTEND THE 11TH ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO) TO BE HELD IN BANGKOK FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DECEMBER 2 (MONDAY).
LED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MR DARWIN CHEN, THE TEAM WILL COMPRISE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS MR HO SAI-CHU AND MR LEUNG FU-WAH, REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES RESPECTIVELY, AND SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MRS TERESA LO.
THE CONFERENCE WILL FOCUS ON THE GROWTH AND STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT IN THE ASIAN REGION AND IMPROVEMENT IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
HONG KONG HAS BEEN INVITED BY THE ILO TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE TOGETHER WITH ABOUT 38 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES IN THE ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION.
M... , NOVI .11 i.R Z5, 1991
3
NOMINATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE AWARDS TO CLOSE ON SATURDAY
*******
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, COMMUNITY BODIES AND RESIDENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED THAT THEY WILL HAVE A FEW MORE DAYS TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICE AWARD SCHEME, BEFORE THE SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30) DEADLINE.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID NOMINATION FORMS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE ACCORDINGLY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AWARD SCHEME, HELD FOR THE EIGHTH YEAR, WAS AIMED AT GIVING DUE RECOGNITION TO VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD MADE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY.
"IT ALSO OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE NOMINEES TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE AT A DAY CAMP TO BE HELD IN JANUARY,” HE ADDED.
THE SCHEME IS DIVIDED INTO SIX SECTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS. THE INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS COVER CHILDREN, YOUTH, WORKING PEOPLE, NON-WORKING RESIDENTS AND ELDERLY CITIZENS. THE GROUP SECTION IS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE JOINED TOGETHER TO OFFER GROUP VOLUNTARY SERVICE.
THE NOMINEES, WHO MUST LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT, MUST HAVE PROVIDED SERVICES TO LOCAL PEOPLE LIKE THE ELDERLY, THE DISABLED, THE HANDICAPPED, YOUTH AND CHILDREN.
THOSE WHO HAVE OFFERED ASSISTANCE TO ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES', KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
THREE NOMINEES WILL BE CHOSEN FROM EACH OF THE SIX SECTIONS BY AN ADJUDICATING PANEL AND EACH WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AND A BOOK COUPON. OTHER NOMINEES WILL ALSO RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE AWARD SCHEME CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 554 0271.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991
4
TWO DEBATES IN LEGCO ON WEDNESDAY *****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 12 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FIVE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 27).
OF THE FIVE BILLS, THREE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1991, BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND COPYRIGHT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
DEBATES ON THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (LONG SERVICE PAYMENT) BILL 1991 WILL BE RESUMED AND DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, THE HON LEE WING-TAT WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE SALE OF PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS TO SITTING TENANTS.
THE MOTION WILL READ: "THAT THIS COUNCIL URGES THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO WIDELY CONSULT THE PUBLIC IN REVIEWING THE OBJECTIVE, PRICING, MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND OTHER ASPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS TO SITTING TENANTS."
ALSO, THE HON K.K. FUNG WILL RAISE THE MATTER OF "CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS" FOR ADJOURNMENT DEBATE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY WILL TABLE AND ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON THE REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991-92 WHILE THE HON RONALD ARCULLI WILL TABLE AND ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON THE OCEAN PARK CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1990/91.
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE WILL ALSO TABLE THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE (JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE) ANNUAL REPORT 1990/91.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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/5 ........
4#
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991
5
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION » * ♦ »
SUPPLY OF SALT WATER TO SOME PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM TOMORROW (NOVEMBER 26) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.
IT WILL AFFECT CHO YIU CHUEN, LAI CHI LING ROAD, LIM CHO STREET, LAI YIU ESTATE AND WAH KING HILL ROAD.
MEANWHILE, SUPPLY OF FRESH WATER TO SOME PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 27) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LAI CHI KOK ROAD, KWEILIN STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND NAM CHEONG STREET, AND INCLUDING THE PREMISES AT APLIU STREET, KI LUNG STREET AND PEI HO STREET.
--------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ » ♦ »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 43.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 254.594 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 269.268 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 45.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
<« DATE SMILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 23.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 25.11.91 -179
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +179
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.6 »-0.1» 25.11.91
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1991
6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.77 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.23 5.66
1 MONTH 3.80 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.88 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.13 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.81 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 3,010 MN, BONDS 37 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER
CONTENTS
PORT DEVELOPMENT CRUCIAL: FS ...........................................
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER RELEASED ............................
LICENCE GRANTED FOR INT'L RADIO PAGING SERVICE .........................
ACCIDENTS AT WORK DROPPED...............................................
ONE MORE CASE OF AIDS CONFIRMED ........................................
NEED TO UPGRADE TEACHER TRAINING STRESSED...............................
SHA VISITS EASTERN DISTRICT.............................................
MEETING ON FORMATION OF ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION ................
PAC PUBLIC HEARING ON THURSDAY .........................................
•HUMAN RIGHTS' FORUM ON CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ..........................
GOLDEN AGE AWARD SCHEME STARTS .........................................
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION BRINGS UP TALENTS ..............................
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION ..............................................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ....................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...........
26, 1991
PAGE NO.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
PORT DEVELOPMENT CRUCIAL: FS *****
THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORT WILL BE A CRUCIAL FACTOR IN MAINTAINING THE PROSPERITY OF OUR ECONOMY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR MACLEOD SAID THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY SELECTED FOR THE PORT INVOLVES, FIRST, THE EXTENSION OF CONTAINER PORT FACILITIES IN THE KWAI CHUNG/STONECUTTER/TSING TI AREA.
"AT TSING YI, THE TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY STUDIES HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED.
"HOWEVER, BEFORE WE EMBARK ON ANY INDIVIDUAL PROJECT, EACH OF WHICH IS ENORMOUS IN TERMS OF CARGO THROUGHPUT AND COST - WE ARE TALKING IN TERMS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS - WE MAKE A FINAL ASSESSMENT OF NEED, LOCATION AND ALTERNATIVES.
"IN THE CASE OF TSING YI, WHERE THERE ARE GENUINE LOCAL-CONCERNS ON GROUNDS OF TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENT, SUCH AN ASSESSMENT IS NOW UNDERWAY," HE SAID.
THE STRATEGY ALSO INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING NEW DEEP WATER PORT FACILITIES ONCE THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IS AVAILABLE, ACCORDING TO MR MACLEOD.
"WHATEVER THE DECISION ON TSING YI, WE WILL QUITE SOON NEED THE LANTAU FACILITIES.
"DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW LANTAU PORT WILL PRESENT A CONSIDERABLE CHALLENGE - IT IS A GREENFIELD SITE WHICH PRESENTLY HAS NO SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE.
"BUT WE HAVE TACKLED SUCH PROBLEMS SUCCESSFULLY BEFORE AND HAVE THAT EXPERIENCE TO FALL BACK ON," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY (PADS), MR MACLEOD SAID WHEREAS THE NEW AIRPORT AND ITS ACCESS L-INKS HAVE FINITE TARGET DATES, THE NEW PORT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON AN INCREMENTAL BASIS AS ADDITIONAL DEMAND BUILDS UP.
"IF GROWTH IS SLOW, THEN THE BUILD-UP OF THE PORT FACILITIES WILL BE PHASED OVER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME - BUT USING THE MASTER PLAN AS THE BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S PORT DEVELOPMENT, MR MACLEOD SAID THE MAINTENANCE OF HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A LEADING MARITIME CENTRE IS ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC I,AW.
/"THESE GUARANTEE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
"THESE GUARANTEE THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE A FREE PORT, THAT PRIVATE SHIPPING AND RELATED BUSINESSES WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE FREELY, AND THAT HONG KONG WILL MAINTAIN ITS OWN SYSTEMS OF SHIPPING MANAGEMENT AND REGULATION AND ITS OWN SHIPPING REGISTER.
"WITH THIS SOLID CONSTITUTIONAL BACKING, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET OUT TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS A LEADING MARITIME CENTRE IN PRACTICE.
"A SIGNIFICANT RECENT STEP WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OUR OWN SHIPPING REGISTER," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD NOTED THAT THE NEW REGISTER IS PROVING ITS WORTH BY ATTRACTING 71 NEW REGISTRATIONS AMOUNTING TO 1.27 MILLION GROSS REGISTERED TONNES IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION.
"SHIP REGISTRATION IS, HOWEVER, A VERY COMPETITIVE BUSINESS AND WE INTEND TO ENHANCE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF OUR REGISTER BY EXEMPTING UPLIFTS BY HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS FROM PROFITS TAX AND CAPPING OUR SLIDING SCALE OF CHARGES AT A LEVEL WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL ATTRACT MORE OWNERS OF VERY LARGE SHIPS.
"ALL THIS EFFORT TO PLAN PORT DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDE A SOLID
FOUNDATION FOR SHIP REGISTRATION IS A MAJOR ATTEMPT TO IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVELY THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-STANDING POLICY OF PROVIDING A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE SHIPPING AND SHIPPING-RELATED INDUSTRIES TO FLOURISH," MR MACLEOD SAID.
- - 0 - -
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER RELEASED
******
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN OCTOBER WAS 11.3%, SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE 11.5% RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MEANWHILE, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN CPI(B) IN OCTOBER WAS 11.1%, SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE 11.2% RECORDE15 IN
THE SLOWDOWN IN THE RATES OF INCREASE IN CPI(A) AND CPI(B) IN OCTOBER WAS PARTLY DUE TO A MORE MODERATE INCREASE IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
MOREOVER, PRICE INCREASES IN OIL PRODUCTS AND SOME TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES WHICH TOOK PLACE IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR DID NOT OCCUR THIS YEAR.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE FUEL AND LIGHT COMPONENT THE CPI(A) RECORDED A MARGINAL DECREASE OF 0.4%.
/MORE MODERATE
3
MORE MODERATE INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE DURABLE GOODS COMPONENT (4.3%); FOLLOWED BY CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (6.5%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (7.4%); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME)(10.1%) AND HOUSING (11.3%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO FOR HOME CONSUMPTION (41.3%); SERVICES (13.7%); MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME (12.3%) AND TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES (11.9%).
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991, THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) INCREASED BY 12.3% AND 11.8% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1990.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1991, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE 12.1% AND 11.7% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1990.
FOR OCTOBER 1991, THE 1984/85-BASED HANG SENG CPI WAS 10.4% HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER 1990. FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991, THE AVERAGE HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY 11.3% OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1990.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1991, THE HANG SENG CPI WAS UP BY 11.4% COMPARED WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1990.
THE 1989/90-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) FOR OCTOBER 1991 INCREASED BY 0.4% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991.
THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF CHINESE NEWSPAPERS AND HIGHER PRIVATE HOUSING RENTALS.
AS FOR THE FOOD COMPONENT, PRICES OF FOOD EXCLUDING MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME DECLINED FURTHER IN OCTOBER 1991 WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991, LARGELY DUE TO LOWER PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND LIVE POULTRY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES SHOWED SOME INCREASES. OVERALL, THE FOOD COMPONENT REGISTERED A SMALL DECLINE IN OCTOBER 1991 OVER SEPTEMBER 1991.
AS FOR THE HOUSING COMPONENT, PUBLIC HOUSING RENTALS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN OCTOBER 1991 COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, WHILE PRIVATE HOUSING RENTALS RECORDED SOME INCREASES.
THE 1989/90-BASED HANG SENG CPI FOR OCTOBER 1991 INCREASED BY 1.4% COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO RELEASE THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) IN PARALLEL WITH THE NEW SERIES OF 1989/90-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) UNTIL MARCH 1992, AFTER WHICH THE FORMER SERIES WILL BE DISCONTINUED.
/MORE DETAILS .......
TUESDAY, i.u ..iBr- . O, 1991
4
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR OCTOBER 1991, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $7.0 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; 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 TEL. 805 6403.
DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
TABLE 1: CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) (OCT. 84 - SEP. 85 = 100) FOR OCTOBER 1991 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1990
SECTION (OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 = 100)
CPI(A) CPI(B)
INDEX FOR OCT. 91 % CHANGE OVER OCT. 90 INDEX FOR OCT. 91 % CHANGE OVER OCT. 90
FOOD 163.8 + 11.2 166.3 + 11.4
MEALS BOUGHT 184.9 + 12.3 185.5 + 12.2
AWAY FROM HOME FOOD, EXCLUDING 145.8 + 10.1 147.4 + 10.4
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME HOUSING 152.8 + 11.3 146.7 + 11.8
FUEL AND LIGHT 112.4 -0.4 111.7 + 0.0*
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS 223.6 + 41.3 221.5 + 38.8
AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 155.4 + 6.5 159.7 + 7.0
DURABLE GOODS 132.4 + 4.3 131.5 + 4.4
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 155.9 + 7.4 154.9 + 7.2
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 177.5 + 11.9 176.0 + 11.0
SERVICES 192.5 + 13.7 189.9 + 13.4
ALL ITEMS 162.9 + 11.3 161.9 + 11.1
* LESS THAN 0.05%
THE 1984/85-BASED CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS DERIVED FROM THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE CPI(A) IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF ABOUT 50% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $2,000-$6,499 A MONTH IN 1984/85.
/THE CPI(B) ........
5
THE CPI(B) IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE NEXT 30% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS, WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $6,500-59,999 IN THE SAME PERIOD.
(THE 1984/85-BASED HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF ABOUT 10% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $ 10,000-$24,999 IN 1984/85.)
TABLE 2: CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) (OCT. 89 - SEP. FOR OCTOBER 1991 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1991 (OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 = 1 90 = 100) 00)
SECTION CPI(A) CPI(B)
INDEX FOR OCT. 91 % CHANGE OVER SEP. 91 INDEX FOR OCT. 91 % CHANGE OVER SEP. 91
FOOD 116.6 -0.3 117.3 -0.0*
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME 120.0 + 0.5 120.1 + 0.6
FOOD, EXCLUDING MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME 113.2 -1.2 113.5 -0.9
HOUSING 120.0 + 0.8 119.8 + 1.0
FUEL AND LIGHT 109.3 + 0.4 108.9 + 0.5
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 145.4 + 0.2 138.8 + 0.4
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 108.4 + 1.0 109.2 + 0.9
DURABLE GOODS 105.3 + 0.6 105.2 + 1.0
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 112.4 + 3.9 110.5 + 2.7
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 119.4 + 0.6 118.8 + 0.6
SERVICES 121.2 + 0.2 119.4 + 0.1
ALL ITEMS ♦ LESS THAN 0.05% 117.2 + 0.4 116.8 + 0.6
THE 1989/90-BASED CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE BASED <• ON THE
EXPENDITURE PATTERNS DERIVED FROM THE 1989/90 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE CPI(A) IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF ABOUT 50% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $2,500-$9,999 A MONTH IN 1989/90.
THE CPI(B) IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE NEXT 30% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS, WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $ 10,000-$ 17,499 IN THE SAME PERIOD.
(THE 1989/90-BASED HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF ABOUT 10% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $ I 7,5OO-$37,499 IN 1989/90.)
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/6 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
- 6 -
LICENCE GRANTED FOR INT’L RADIO PAGING SERVICE *****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, GRANTED A PUBLIC RADIO-COMMUNICATION SERVICE LICENCE TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SKY TELECOM SERVICES LIMITED TO OPERATE AN INTERNATIONAL RADIO PAGING SERVICE ON FREQUENCY 931.9375 MHZ.
INITIALLY, THE SERVICE WILL COVER THREE COUNTRIES, NAMELY, THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND SINGAPORE.
THE COMPANY PLANS TO EXTEND THE SERVICE TO COVER OTHER COUNTRIES IN FUTURE.
THE INTERNATIONAL RADIO PAGING SERVICE ENABLES A LOCAL SUBSCRIBER TO RECEIVE PAGING MESSAGES FROM THE COUNTRIES LISTED.
WHILE TRAVELLING ABROAD, HE MAY CARRY THE SAME PAGER AND CAN BE CONTACTED BY ANYONE IN HONG KONG SIMPLY BY DIALLING A LOCAL TELEPHONE NUMBER.
”1 BELIEVE THAT THIS NEW SERVICE WILL BE ATTRACTIVE TO PEOPLE WHO TRAVEL FREQUENTLY AND WHO WISH TO BE CONTACTED AT ANY TIME,” MR WONG SAID.
IN APRIL THIS YEAR, THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ISSUED A PUBLIC NOTICE INVITING INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO OPERATE AN INTERNATIONAL RADIO PAGING SERVICE.
BY THE CLOSING DATE OF JUNE 7, THREE PROPOSALS WERE RECEIVED.
WHEN EVALUATED AGAINST A NUMBER OF CRITERIA INCLUDING TECHNICAL COMPETENCE, QUALITY OF SERVICE, INVESTMENT, FINANCIAL CAPABILITY, CORPORATE STRUCTURE, IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMMES AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT, SKY TELECOM SERVICES LIMITED HAS EMERGED AS THE PREFERRED CANDIDATE.
"BECAUSE OTHER CITIES ARE ONLY USING ONE FREQUENCY FOR THIS INTERNATIONAL SERVICE, WE CAN ISSUE ONE LICENCE AT THIS STAGE, ", MR WONG ADDED.
"HOWEVER, THIS NEW COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO PERMIT OTHER PAGING OPERATORS TO INTERCONNECT WITH ITS NETWORK SO THAT CUSTOMERS OF ALL PAGING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG CAN HAVE ACCESS TO THIS NEW SERVICE."
MR WONG EXPECTED THE SERVICE TO COMMENCE WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
---------0-----------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
7. -
ACCIDENTS AT WORK DROPPED ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THERE WERE FEWER INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY), 30,323 INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WITH 60 FATALITIES WERE RECORDED FROM JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 2.9 PER CENT FROM THE 31,244 ACCIDENTS WITH 55 FATALITIES IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
"THE DECREASE IS INDEED ENCOURAGING," THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN SAID, NOTING THAT THE NUMBERS OF ACCIDENTS IN BOTH THE MANUF\CTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES WERE DOWN BY 6.3 PER CENT AND 2.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WHICH TOGETHER RECORDED 12,206 AC( I DENTS, THE GREATEST DECREASE WERE IN THE PLASTICS, ELECTRONICS, TEXTILE AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES.
THEIR FIGURES HAVE DROPPED RESPECTIVELY FROM 873 TO 607, 592
TO 441, 2,522 TO 2,061 AND 1,872 TO 1,530 DURING THE PERIOD.
ALTHOUGH THE SITUATION HAS SLIGHTLY IMPROVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR YIP SAID IT REMAINED "THE MOST DANGEROUS" TRADE IN HONG KONG.
"WITH 14,722 ACCIDENTS AND 44 FATALITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY STILL A(COUNTED FOR ABOUT HALF OF ALL Till- WORK ACCIDENTS," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS. IN THE MINING AND QUARRYING, UTILITIES, TRANSPORT AND SERVICING INDUSTRIES, UP BY 8.7 PER CENT TO 3,395 ACCIDENTS, WHILE THE FIGURE FOR THE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING INDUSTRY ALSO ROSE FROM 573 TO 597.
THE MAJOR CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENTS WERE GENERALLY SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE PREVIOUS YEARS. «•
THEY INCLUDED STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS (11,636 CASES), MANUAL LIFTING OF WEIGHTS (5,085 CASES), USE OF MACHINERY (3,861 CASES), FALL OF PERSONS (3,498 CASES), FALLING OBJECTS (1,684 CASES), USE OF HAND TOOLS (1,640 CASES), HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES (899 CASES), AND TRANSPORT (644 CASES).
THE OTHERS WERE RELATED TO EXPLOSION OR FIRE, ELECTRICITY, GASSING, POISONING AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND COLLAPSE OF SOIL.
OF THE 60 WORKERS KILLED, 44 WERE EMPLOYED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
THEY INCLUDED 25 KILLED IN FALL FROM HEIGHT, SIX BY MACHINERY, FIVE BY FALLING OBJECTS, TWO BY TRANSPORT, TWO ELECTROCUTED, TWO AS A RESULT OF STEPPING ON OR BEING STRUCK BY OBJECTS, ONE IN EXPLOSION, AND ONE BY COLLAPSED SOIL.
/DEATHS IN .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
- 8 -
DEATHS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES WERE CAUSED BY MACHINERY (FIVE CASES), STEPPING ON OR STRUCK BY OBJECTS (FOUR CASES), ELECTRICITY (THREE CASES), TRANSPORT (ONE CASE), EXPLOSION OR FIRE (ONE CASE), FALL FROM A HEIGHT (ONE CASE) AND FALLING OBJECTS (ONE CASE).
MR YIP URGED PROPRIETORS \ND WORKERS TO KEEP UP THEIR EFFORTS IN ENSURING SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE AS MOST OF Till- ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD BOTH PARTIES BEEN MORE SAFETY-CONSC IOl’S.
---------0
ONE MORE CASE OF AIDS CONFIRMED
*****
ONE MORE CASE OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) HAS BEEN CONFIRMED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES IN HONG KONG TO 58, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 39 AIDS PATIENTS HAVE- DIED AND 19 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.
RELEASING THE STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR OCTOBER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID TWO MORE PERSONS, INCLUDING A WOMAN, WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST, BRINGING TO 193 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV CARRIERS WHO HAD NOT YET DEVELOPED AIDS.
OF THESE, 51 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 120 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, FOUR WERE DRUG ABUSERS, THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION; FOR THE REMAINING 15, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, \
TOTAL OF 210,598 BLOOD SPECIMEN 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, 972,853 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 17 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
/AIDS VIRUS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
9
th
AIDS yirus (HIV) Antibody Testing n &
Virus Unit, Department of Health
Apr 85- Sep 91 Oct 91 Total
No. tested1* No. +ve No. tested* No. +ve No. tested* No. +ve
Referrals from Govt, hospitals and clinics .. 18165 96 1139 1 19304 97
Referrals from private practitioners and
subvented hospitals Attendances at social 2302 49 31 0 2333 49
hygiene clinics 178618 41 2407 1 '181025 42
fy. fa ?. Ir
Haemophiliacs 538 60 7 0 545 60
IV druo abusers 6052 1 102 0 6154 1
Referrals from Family Planning Association 232 0 4 0 236 o
Health care personnel 984 0 17 0 1001 0
------------?—---------------
TOTAL . , 206891 247 3707 2 210598
<> iX 7,, r£) £ $ < <, x, ,
* This indicates the number of specimens and not persons'as tests are repeated for certain individuals.
Hong Kong Red Cross Blood transfusion Service
Aug 85-Sep 91 Oct 91 Total
No. No. No. No. No. No.
tested +ve tested +ve tested +ve
956194 17 16659 0 «• 972853 17
Department of Health November 1991
--------0-----------
/10........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
- 10 -
NEED TO UPGRADE TEACHER TRAINING STRESSED *****
THE MOVE FROM A HIGHLY SELECTIVE EDUCATION SYSTEM TO ONE THAT PROVIDES AN EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE IN HONG KONG OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS HAS NO DOUBT HAD A DILUTING EFFECT ON THE PERCEIVED STATUS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS HAS BEEN EXACERBATED BY THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE IN THE SAME PERIOD, WHEN PAYROLL AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS HAVE BECOME MORE ATTRACTIVE IN OTHER OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS, MR CHAN ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS JOINT SECONDARY SCHOOLS SPEECH DAY AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM PECULIAR TO HONG KONG BUT WAS PART OF A TREND PREVALENT IN A NUMBER OF OTHER DEVELOPED ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD.
HE SAID TEACHING IN HONG KONG IS MADE MORE DIFFICULT BY AN INCREASINGLY COMPLEX SOCIETY AND HIGHER EXPECTATIONS BY PARENTS, COUPLED WITH CONTINUAL PRESSURE TO DELIVER BETTER QUALITY EDUCATION IN AN ENVIRONMENT OF RAPID CHANGE.
"THIS IS HAPPENING AT A TIME WHEN OUR CURRICULUM AND' TEACHING METHODS AND THE OVERLY UNIFORM STRUCTURE OF OUR PUBLIC PROVISION, DEVISED TO COPE WITH THE RAPID EXPANSION TOWARDS MASS EDUCATION, ARE INADEQUATE TO MEET THESE EXPECTATIONS," MR CHAN SAID.
IT IS CLEAR THAT THESE FACTORS HAVE ADDED TO THE DIFFICULTIES AND FRUSTRATIONS EXPERIENCED BY TEACHERS AND DETRACTED FROM THEIR JOB SATISFACTION, HE ADMITTED.
"FACED WITH CLASSES OF 40 AND THE CHALLENGES OF SOME UNRULY AND UNINTERESTED STUDENTS, SOME TEACHERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITHOUT ADEQUATE TRAINING, MUST CONSIDER BETTER PAID JOBS IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY TO BE A SOFTER OPTION," THE SECRETARY SAID.
IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT MR CHAN SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IS NOW WORKING TOWARDS THE FOLLOWING GOALS WITH A VIEW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS:
ATTRACT YOUNG PEOPLE OF GOOD CALIBRE WITH A REAL COMMITMENT TO TEACHING INTO THE PROFESSION;
UPGRADE AND IMPROVE TEACHER EDUCATION, INCLUDING PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING;
- ENSURE A MORE CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO TEACHER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH COVERS THE BEST INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, THEIR I NTF.R-RELATIONSH IP, THEIR
CURRICULA, AND CO-ORDINATION IN THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF TEACHERS; AND
/- IMPROVE THE ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
11
IMPROVE THE MORALE AND STATUS OF TEACHERS THROUGH TEACHER PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL MANAGEMENT, IMPROVED COMMUNICATION AND CONTACTS WITH PARENTS, PROMOTION OF PROFESSIONALISM INCLUDING ETHICS AND A CODE OF PRACTICE, AND RECOGNITION OF TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS.
MR CHAN SAID THESE SUBJECT AREAS ARE NOT ONLY INTER-RELATED BUT ARE ALSO TO A LARGE EXTENT INTER-DEPENDENT.
’’DEVELOPMENT IN RESPONSE TO ONE AREA MUST BE COMPLEMENTED BY DEVELOPMENT IN ANOTHER IN ORDER FOR THE REFORMS TO BE EFFECTIVE,” HE EXPLAINED.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, WE ARE MORE LIKELY TO ATTRACT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE OF GOOD CALIBRE, WITH REAL INTEREST IN TEACHING, IF THE STATUS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION IS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THE STATUS OF THE PROFESSION DEPENDS TO A LARGE EXTENT ON HOW WELL EDUCATED AND TRAINED THE TEACHERS ARE FOR THEIR WORK, SO THIS IS RELATED TO THE NEED TO UPGRADE AND IMPROVE TEACHER TRAINING.
"THIS IN TURN RELIES ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TE^CHEg TRAINING AS WELL AS THE EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES AND THEIR EFFECTIVE UTILISATION, THUS REQUIRING A MORE CO-ORDINATED APPROACH TO TEACHER TRAINING.”
MR CHAN ALSO REVEALED THAT TWO FUNDAMENTAL REFORMS ARE ALREADY BEING INTRODUCED TO ENHANCE THE PROFESSIONALISM AND JOB SATISFACTI ON OF TEACHERS.
THE FIRST IS THE INTRODUCTION OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS OF ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND RELATED ASSESSMENT. IT WILL INITIALLY BE IN CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS ^UT ARE LIKELY TO BE EXTENDED TO MORE SUBJECTS IN TIME.
THE SECOND IS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME WHICH IS AIMED, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, TO DEMOCRATISE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND TO ENSURE THAT ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEMS PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SUPPORT TO THE CLASSROOM TEACHER.
UNDER THE SCHEME, TEACHERS WILL BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN SCHOOL DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES.
THIS SHOULD HELP TO FOSTER A GREATER SENSE OF PROFESSIONALISM AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG THEM, AND ENABLE SCHOOLS TO DRAW MORE FULLY ON THE SKILLS, ENERGY AND COMMITMENT OF THEIR STAFF.
MR CHAN REITERATED THAT HOW WELL STUDENTS WERE TAUGHT AND EDUCATED WAS DEPENDENT TO A LARGE EXTENT ON THE QUALITY OF TEACHERS.
AS SUCH, THE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONTAINED IN REPORT NO. 5 OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WILL BE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE.
HE CALLED ON ALL TEACHERS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS TO CAREFULLY STUDY THE REPORT WHICH IS DUE FOR RELEASE NEXT YEAR, AND COMMENT ON ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
"THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MEANINGFUL REFORMS TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION MUST NOT BE MISSED," HE URGED.
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/12 .....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
• 12 -
SHA VISITS EASTERN DISTRICT *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE EASTERN DISTRICT TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON THE DEVELOPMENTS AND PROBLEMS THERE.
THE VISIT WAS THE FIRST LEG OF MR SUEN’S FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME TO ALL 19 DISTRICTS SINCE HE TAKES UP HIS OFFICE EARLY THIS MONTH.
ACCOPANIED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, MR SUEN VISITED A NUMBER OF PLACES IN THE 550,OOO-PEOPLE DISTRICT.
MR SUEN WAS FIRSTLY BRIEFED BY MR BARCLAY ON THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR THE DISTRICT AND THE OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD BEFORE TOURING THE ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER.
RECLAMATION WORK FOR THE SHELTER WILL START NEXT YEARx TO FORM 17 HECTARES OF LAND FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, ACCOMMODATING AN ESTIMATED 22,000 PEOPLE.
AT SIU SAI WAN, CHAI WAN, MR SUEN WAS TOLD THAT THE HOUSING PROGRAMME THERE, UPON COMPLETION IN 1993-94, WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR ANOTHER 29,000 PEOPLE.
THE SECRETARY THEN VISITED THE SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANOTHER PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME WHICH WILL HOUSE ABOUT 40,000 PEOPLE IN 1996.
MR SUEN WAS ALSO UPDATED ON PRIVATE STREET RESUMPTION SCHEME AND OTHER DISTRICT-RELATED ISSUES.
AT PRESENT, SEVEN OF THE 43 PRIVATE STREETS HAD BEEN RESUMED AND ANOTHER 10 WERE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF RESUMPTION.
MR SUEN WAS ALSO IMPRESSED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION WORK OF KING’S ROAD WHICH AIMS AT IMPROVING THE ROAD TO MEET FUTURE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC VOLUME.
HE WAS ALSO IMPRESSED BY THE DISTRICT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE TERRITORY-WIDE "OPERATION APPENDAGES" LAUNCHED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE TO REMOVE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON THE EXTERNAL WALLS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
--------0 -
/13........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
- 13 -
MEETING ON FORMATION OF ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION ♦ » ♦ * *
SPORTS OFFICIALS FROM 12 ASIAN CITIES AND COUNTRIES, INCLUDING HONG KONG, WILL GATHER AT THE SHA TIN ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CONFERENCE ROOM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 29) AFTERNOON TO. DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM CHINA, INDIA, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, SOUTH KOREA, BRUNEI, SRI LANKA, SINGAPORE, INDONESIA, THE PHILIPPINES AND MACAU WILL BE PRESENT, WITH HONG KONG PLAYING HOST.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTITUTION, THE DATE OF ESTABLISHMENT AND FUTURE COMPETITIONS.
PRECEDING THE PREPARATORY MEETING, THE DELEGATES WILL ATTEND AN OPENING CEREMONY IN THE MORNING AT THE TI-I COLLEGE AT FQ TAN.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, WHO IS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, WILL OFFICIATE TOGETHER WITH PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, MR A DE O SALES.
THE MEETING WILL END ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1).
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION PREPARATORY COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE TI-I COLLEGE, FO TAN, SHA TIN, AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 29).
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED, A COACH (EM 2182) WILL TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO AND FROM SHA TIN, LEAVING LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 9.15 AM.
---------0-----------
PAC PUBLIC HEARING ON THURSDAY ♦ ♦ * * *
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 28) ON THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT WHICH WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEDNESDAY.
THE REPORT IS ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1991 AND THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS.
THE ONE-DAY HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, STARTING AT 8.30 AM.
/APPEARING BEFORE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
14
APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE IN THE MORNING SESSION TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE REPORT WILL BE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR AND REGISTRAR GENERAL.
CONTROLLING OFFICERS ATTENDING THE AFTERNOON SESSION WILL BE CONTROLLER OF GOVERNMENT LAND TRANSPORT, SECRETARY FOR WORKS, DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES AND DIRECTOR OF HOUSING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATION BY CALLING 869 9492.
THE TIMETABLE FOR THE HEARING IS AS FOLLOWS:
8.30 AM DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS (PARAGRAPHS 7.1 - 7.23)
9 AM SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER x (PARAGRAPHS 13.1 - 13.20)
9.30 AM DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS (PARAGRAPHS 6.1 - 6.7)
10.15 AM ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE
• (PARAGRAPHS 4.1 - 4.12)
10.35 AM DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES (PARAGRAPHS 16.1 - 16.14)
11.05 AM GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR
(PARAGRAPHS 17.1 - 17.8)
11.35 AM REGISTRAR GENERAL (PARAGRAPHS 10.1 - 10.18) LUNCH (12.05 PM - 2 PM)
2 PM CONTROLLER, GOVERNMENT LAND TRANSPORT (PARAGRAPHS 8.1 - 8.5)
2.30 PM SECRETARY FOR WORKS AND DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS
(PARAGRAPHS 5.1 - 5.21)
2.50 PM SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT (PARAGRAPHS 14.1 - 14.13)
3.35 PM DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES (PARAGRAPHS 12.1 - 12.10)
3.55 PM DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (PARAGRAPHS 18.1 - 18.12)
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE PUBLIC HEARING ARE ADVISED TO BRING WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT.
------0--------
/15 .....
’ I ;vn •
I9M |
’HUMAN RIGHTS’ FORUM ON CIVIC EDUCATJ ON DAY ******
AN OPEN FORUM ON "HUMAN RIGHTS FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES" WILL BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE ON DECEMBER 1 (SUNDAY).
THE FORUM FALLS ON WITH THE HONG KONG CIVIC EDUCATION DAY EARMARKED FOR THAT DAY.
PANELISTS OF THE FORUM, A HIGHLIGHT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL, WILL INCLUDE A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE HONG 'ONG UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF LAW, MR JOHANNES CHAN, AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION OFFICE, FATHER LOUIS HA.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE DISCUSSIONS AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS.
BEGINNING AT 2 PM, THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION COVERING FAMILY EDUCATION AND THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT’S COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (DCPCE).
THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY OF STALL GAMES DESIGNED TO PUT ACROSS CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGES AS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, RULE OF LAW, CIVIC AWARENESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING WILL INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, DR HUANG CHEN-YA AND DR YEUNG SUM; MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MISS JUNIA HO; SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, DR JIMMY CHAN.
THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DCPCE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
FREE TICKETS FOR STALL GAMES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS COMMUNITY CENTRES IN LEI TUNG, AP LEI CHAU AND WAH KWAI ESTATES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 552 1006.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL TO BE HELD FROM 2 TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE.
- - 0 - -
/16
1 9(> I
GOLDEN AGE AWARD SCHEME STARTS ******
ABOUT 300 SENIOR CITIZENS IN WONG TAI SIN AND SAI KUNG WILL JOIN A 10-MONTH VOLUNTEER SERVICE FOR THE DEPRIVED IN THE DISTRICTS.
THE GOLDEN-AGE AWARD SCHEME WHICH STARTED IN AUGUST IS ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN/SAI KUNG ELDERLY CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME WAS TO ENCOURAGE RETIRED SENIOR CITIZEN TO GET INVOLVE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL IN HELPING THE UNDER-PRIVILEDGED.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THEIR VOLUNTEER WORK, THEY CAN PROVE THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE NOT NECESSARILY RELY ON SOCIETY," HE ADDED.
THE VOLUNTEERS ARE EITHER MEMBERS OF ELDERLY CENTRES OR LIVING IN ELDERLY HOSTELS.
THEY WERE RECRUITED IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL BE DIVIDED INTO. 23 TEAMS FOR TRAINING BEFORE DECIDING ON HOW THEY ARE TO GO ABOUT WITH THEIR SERVICE. THE SCHEME IS SCHEDULED TO END NEXT JULY.'
A KICK-OFF CEREMONY FOR THE GOLDEN-AGE AWARD SCHEME WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY). IT WILL BE OFFICIATED BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE GOLDEN-AGE AWARD SCHEME KICK-OFF CEREMONY WILL Bfi HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE NGAU CHI WAN CULTURAL CENTRE, KOWLOON.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
------0--------
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION BRINGS UP TALENTS
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN UPBRINGING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL TALENTS.
MR LAM WAS SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION-STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF SIK SIK YUEN’S HO NGAI PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN.
"PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION IS AN INTEGRAL PART IN HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM, AND IS FULLY SUBSIDISED BY GOVERNMENT," MR LAM SAID.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
- 17 -
HE SAID IT PROVIDES A CHOICE OTHER THAN GRAMMAR SCHOOLS OR TECHNICAL COLLEGES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS. IT SUITS THEIR DIFFERENT ABILITIES AND ASPIRATIONS AND ALSO MEET THE DIFFERENT DEMAND OF OUR SOCIETY.
HE SAID PREVOCATIONAL TRAINING WILL NOT ONLY SEEK TO BUILD UP A FIRM FOUNDATION OF GENERAL EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS, BUT WILL ALSO PREPARE THEM FOR A CAREER OR FURTHER PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.
IN VIEW OF THE BIG NUMBER OF YOUTH IN TUEN MUN, IT IS DEEMED ESSENTIAL TO INCREASE SUCH EDUCATION FACILITIES THERE, HE ADDED.
------0--------
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION *****
SUPPLY OF FRESH AND SALT WATER TO CERTAIN AREAS IN YUEN LONG, INCLUDING KAM TIN, PAT HEUNG AND SEK KONG, WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 28) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT AU TAU GOVERNMENT QUARTERS AND PREMISES ALONG THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM AU TAU ROUNDABOUT TO HUNG MO KIU, KAM TIN ROAD, KAM SHEUNG ROAD, FAN KAM ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION), LAM KAM ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) AND ROUTE TWISK (YUEN LONG SECTION).
------0------------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 26 NOV 91 26 NOV 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q148 H178
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,560 MN HKD 1,043 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.96 PCT 4.18 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.00 PCT 4.20 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 15 PCT 50 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.01 PCT 4.27 PCT
/HONG KONG........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1991
- 18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 2 DECEMBER 1991 -
TENDER DATE 3 DEC 91 3 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q149 Y197
ISSUE DATE 4 DEC 91 4 DEC 91
MATURITY DATE 4 MAR 92 2 DEC 92
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER 500 + 100 MN 200 + 60 MN
COUPON N.A. N.A.
--------0-----------
HON IG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * DATE ^MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 25.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.6 *+0.0* HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EF BILLS 26.11.91 -263 + 263 NEUTRAL 26.11.91 EXCHANGE FUND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.89 PCT 1 MONTH 3.86 PCT 3 MONTHS 3.93 PCT 6 MONTHS 4.12 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.76 PCT TURNOVER - BILLS 5, 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 930 MN, BONDS 90 MN 101.32 5.61
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
A BALANCED POLICY IN PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS CONTROL............ 1
OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC FLAT SALE SCHEME ELABORATED.................. 3
MOTION TO ADD CHARGES TO NEW TELEPHONE SERVICES PASSED ........... 5
SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR FIRST QUARTER TABLED ........................................................... 6
LDC OFFERS GENERALLY FAIR ........................................ 6
GOVT CONSCIOUS OF NEED TO CONTROL MEDICAL SERVICES COST........... 8
INSOLVENCY FUND COVERAGE UNDER PERIODICAL REVIEW ................. 9
SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES PROVIDED ON TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS ......... 9
GOVT INTENDS TO BETTER WAGE PROTECTION TO IMPORTED WORKERS ....... 10
ALL EFFORTS DONE TO PREVENT WEAPON-MAKING IN VM’S CAMPS .......... 12
NO PLANS FOR MINIMUM SENTENCE FOR CRIMES INVOLVING FIREARMS ...... 13
VARIOUS POLICE MEASURES TO CURB CRIMES IN TSUEN/KWAI ............. 14
GOVT RECOGNISES DEATH CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHINA ............... 35
TIME LIMIT FOR COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ................ 15
GOVT'S WATCHDOG ROLE OVER CLP WILL BE STRONGER WITH NEW SCA ...... 16
CRITERIA OF AWARDING CONSULTANCY CONTRACTS EXPLAINED ............. 17
FOUR-HOUR DEBATE ON PUBLIC HOUSING FLAT SALE IN LEGCO............. 18
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER .............................. 19
GOVERNOR STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE ........... 21
JLG XXI ............................................................ 22
STI'S STATEMENT ON MFN ............................................. 22
STI'S STATEMENT ON THE SPECIAL 301 NEGOTIATIONS .................... 23
SURVEY ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RELEASED . 24
269 VM'S RETURNED TODAY ............................................
LATEST DATE FOR LOCAL X'MAS CARD POSTING REMINDED ..................
RELAXING VISA REQUIREMENTS BETWEEN HK AND POLAND....................
TEN ARRESTED FOR BREACH OF CONDITION OF STAY .......................
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER .........................................
FRESH WATER SUSPENSION .............................................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 29
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
A BALANCED POLICY IN PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS CONTROL *****
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AND LEGISLATION IN THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES AIM TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND INFORMATION AND THE NEED TO PROTECT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ANY POSSIBLE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF SUCH ARTICLES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMBS SO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS, MR SO SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO SOUGHT TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE CHANGING STANDARDS OF PROPRIETY IN THE COMMUNITY BY MEANS OF A CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.
HE ALSO EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND EDUCATORS IN PROVIDING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND GUIDING THEM TOWARDS WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES.
"THE EXISTING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A CLEAR YARDSTICK FOR THE EXERCISE OF THE NECESSARY CONTROL AND GUIDANCE," HE SAID.
MR SO SAID THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE (CAP. 390), ENACTED IN 1987, HAD TWO DISTINCT ELEMENTS.
"FIRSTLY, INSTEAD OF IMPOSING A STRICT CENSORSHIP, IT PROVIDES FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF ALL OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES BY AN OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL INTO THREE CLASSES.
"CLASS I ARTICLES ARE THOSE FOR GENERAL CONSUMPTION AND MAY BE PUBLISHED WITHOUT RESTRICTION.
"CLASS II ARE THOSE WHICH ARE INDECENT BUT, SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON THEIR DISPLAY, SALE AND ACCESS, MAY BE SOLD TO PERSONS OVER 18 YEARS OLD. THESE RESTRICTIONS INCLUDE PUTTING THE ARTICLE IN A WRAPPER AND CARRYING A WARNING AGAINST ITS SALE TO PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS.
"CLASS III ARTICLES ARE THOSE WHICH ARE OBSCENE AND ARE BANNED ALTOGETHER.
"IN THIS WAY, THE ORDINANCE SEVERELY RESTRICTS THE ACCESS TO INDECENT MATERIALS BY YOUNG PEOPLE, WHILE STILL ALLOWING ADULTS THE FREEDOM TO OBTAIN THEM. IT ALSO PROVIDES A CLEAR YARDSTICK FOR PARENTAL CONTROL AND GUIDANCE TO BE EXERCISED," HE SAID.
SECONDLY, MR SO POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL, NOT THE ORDINANCE, WHICH DEFINED "OBSCENITY" AND "INDECENCY".
"THE TRIBUNAL IS MADE UP OF A PRESIDING MAGISTRATE WITH TWO OR MORE MEMBERS DRAWN FROM A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE FROM PEOPLE OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
/"AS SUCH ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
2
"AS SUCH, OUR PEERS WILL DETERMINE WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTED STANDARDS OF PROPRIETY IN OUR COMMUNITY AT ANY GIVEN TIME.
"BY REQUIRING THE TRIBUNAL TO MAINTAIN A REPOSITORY OF ALL CLASSIFIED MATERIALS FOR GENERAL REFERENCE, AND BY ALLOWING PARTIES CONCERNED TO SEEK A FULL HEARING OF THE TRIBUNAL IN CASE OF SUSPECTED INCONSISTENCY, A LARGE MEASURE OF CONSISTENCY IS ASSURED," HE SAID.
A TOTAL OF 3,605 ARTICLES HAD BEEN EXAMINED AND CLASSIFIED BY THE TRIBUNAL IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS FROM SEPTEMBER 1987 TO SEPTEMBER 1991 .
OF THESE, 582 WERE CLASSIFIED AS OBSCENE, 2,796 WERE FOUND TO BE INDECENT AND THE REMAINING 227 WERE FOUND TO BE NEITHER.
THE SECRETARY SAID ENFORCEMENT WAS DONE BY THE POLICE, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA).
"INSPECTORS FROM TELA KEEP CONSTANT VIGILANCE BY MAKING REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF BOOKSTORES, NEWSPAPER STANDS, VIDEO SHOPS AND OTHER OUTLETS.
"IF ARTICLES LIKELY TO INFRINGE THE LAW ARE FOUND, THEY WILL BE REFERRED TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR CLASSIFICATION AND FOLLOW UP ACTION," MR SO SAID.
HE SAID THE TELA WOULD NORMALLY IN THE FIRST INSTANCE ISSUE A WARNING LETTER TO THE PUBLISHER, DISTRIBUTOR, AUTHOR OR SHOP OWNER TO DRAW THEIR ATTENTION TO THE PROVISION OF THE LAW AND REMIND THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS LAID DOWN BY THE TRIBUNAL FOR THE PUBLICATION, DISPLAY AND SALE OF THE ARTICLE.
THE MATTER WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR PROSECUTION IF THE ADVICE WAS NOT NEEDED, HE ADDED.
MR SO SAID IN THE FOUR YEARS FROM SEPTEMBER 1987 TO AUGUST 1991, POLICE AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE OFFICERS HAD SEIZED A TOTAL OF 135,609 OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES, RESULTING IN 1,073 PROSECUTIONS, 938 CONVICTIONS WITH FINES RANGING FROM $300 TO $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FROM ONE TO 18MONTHS.
MR SO SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS TAKING STEPS TO PLUG AN EXISTING LOOPHOLE IN THE LAW BY INTRODUCING AN AMENDMENT LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO BRING FILMS WHICH WERE INTENDED FOR SALE AND RENTING RATHER THAN FOR EXHIBITION TO BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME CONTROLS UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE.
AT PRESENT, FILMS AND VIDEO TAPES ALREADY CLASSIFIED UNDER THE FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE (CAP. 392) DO NOT FALL UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE (CAP. 390).
"BECAUSE THE STANDARDS OF CLASSIFICATION UNDER THE FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE IS GENERALLY MORE RELAXED IN VIEW OF THE HIGHLY RESTRICTIVE ACCESS OF CATEGORY III FILMS TO YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18, THIS PARTICULAR LOOPHOLE IN THE LAW HAS RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF CATEGORY III FILMS BECOMING READILY AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR HIRE AT VIDEO SHOPS,” MR SO SAID.
/THE AMENDMENT ....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
3 -
THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL ALSO AMEND THE WORDING OF THE WARNING NOTICE REQUIRED TO BE CARRIED ON THE COVER OF ARTICLES CLASSIFIED AS INDECENT BY THE TRIBUNAL TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT INDECENT ARTICLES MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED, CIRCULATED, SOLD OR HIRED TO YOUNG PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.
MR SO APPEALED TO THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING PARENTS, SCHOOL TEACHERS, PUBLISHERS, AUTHORS, DISTRIBUTORS AND SHOP OWNERS, TO DO THEIR PART IN ORDER TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
"ONLY WITH THE COMBINED EFFORT OF THE COMMUNITY AT ALL LEVELS, AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION THROUGH VIGILANT ENFORCEMENT ACTION COULD WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO PUT A CHECK ON THE PROLIFERATION OF PORNOGRAPHIC ARTICLES IN OUR COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
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OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC FLAT SALE SCHEME ELABORATED
*****
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME OF SELLING PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS TO SITTING TENANTS FROM THE OUTSET IS TO PROVIDE MORE FAMILIES WITH AN ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THEIR HOME.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WHEN WINDING UP A MOTION DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WHILE CONCEDING THAT THERE WERE MANY LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THE DISAPPOINTING RESPONSE TO THE SCHEME, MR BARNES SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD REACH A VIEW AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW ON WHETHER TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ALL HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES, INCLUDING THE SCHEME BEING DEBATED.
"THE DISAPPOINTING RESPONSE TO THE OFFER HAS LED MANY INTO THINKING THAT THERE HAD BEEN INSUFFICIENT PUBLIC CONSULTATION, OR THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD ‘COMPLETELY IGNORED THE VIEWS EXPRESSED DURING CONSULTATION.
"NEITHER OF THESE ALLEGATIONS IS TRUE. THE PROPOSAL TO SELL FLATS TO SITTING TENANTS HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF WIDE CONSULTATION FOR A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FROM MID-OCTOBER, 1990 TO MID-JANUARY, 1991.
"THE AUTHORITY HAD, IN ITS DELIBERATIONS, TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT COMMENTS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC BEFORE LAUNCHING THE SCHEME," HE SAID.
IN RESPONSE TO AN ALLEGATION THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS TRYING TO REAP A PROFIT OUT OF THE SCHEME OR THAT IT WAS MOVING AWAY FROM ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR THE NEEDY, MR BARNES DEFENDED THAT ANY NET REVENUE GENERATED UNDER THE SCHEME WOULD BE PLOUGHED BACK INTO THE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES.
/WITHOUT A .......
4 - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, .1991
"WITHOUT A STRONG FINANCIAL BASE, THE AUTHORITY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAN ITS HOUSING PROGRAMME YEARS AHEAD AND TO MEET ITS COMMITMENTS," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE OF PRICING, MR BARNES SAID THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE SCHEME HAD RECOMMENDED THAT PRICING SHOULD FOLLOW THE USUAL HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) METHOD, WITH DUE ALLOWANCE BEING GIVEN TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE RENTAL BLOCKS COMPARED TO THE PURPOSE-BUILT HOS BLOCKS.
"THIS RECOMMENDATION WAS THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERABLE DEBATE DURING PUBLIC CONSULTATION, PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE PERCEPTION THAT HOS PRICES WERE ALREADY ON THE HIGH SIDE, AND PARTLY BECAUSE MANY BELIEVED THAT PRICES SHOULD ONLY REFLECT THE HISTORICAL CONSTRUCTION COST, WITH SOME ADJUSTMENT, IN ORDER TO MAKE THEM SUFFICIENTLY ATTRACTIVE TO THE SITTING TENANTS," HE NOTED.
BECAUSE OF THESE CONCERNS, HE SAID THE LEVEL OF DISCOUNT WAS INCREASED BEYOND THAT INDICATED IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT.
THE FINAL PRICING HAD INCLUDED A FURTHER 10 PER CENT DISCOUNT OF THE ASSESSED MARKET VALUE.
MOREOVER, GENEROUS ALLOWANCE WAS ALSO MADE FOR THE DESIGN, CONDITION AND THE AGE dF THE BLOCKS, WITH THE RESULT THAT PRICES WERE AROUND HALF THE LEVEL OF CURRENT HOS PRICES AND AROUND A THIRD OF PRICES OF NEWLY-COMPLETED PRIVATE SECTOR PROPERTIES IN THE SAME DISTRICT, MR BARNES ADDED.
"IN ARRIVING AT THIS DECISION, THE AUTHORITY WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO PRODUCE PRICES WHICH SHOULD BE FAIR AND REASONABLE.
"THERE IS ALSO NEED TO ACHIEVE A BALANCE WITH THE PRICES UNDER THE HOS BECAUSE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE TWO SCHEMES HAVE MANY COMMON FEATURES, AND PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS MAY CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM," HE EXPLAINED.
FACTORS AFFECTING PRICING WERE LIKELY TO BE EXAMINED AGAIN IF THE AUTHORITY DECIDED TO PROCEED WITH A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, MR BARNES ADDED.
ADDRESSING THE CONCERN OVER THE QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE CONDITION OF THE SALE BLOCKS, MR BARNES SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD ALREADY TAKEN ADEQUATE STEPS TO ALLAY TENANTS’ CONCERNS THROUGH THE UNDERTAKINGS GIVEN IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT.
"PRIOR TO SALE* A CONDITION SURVEY OF THE COMMON AREAS IN THE BLOCK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY AN INDEPENDENT SURVEYOR AND THAT ANY DEFECTS IDENTIFIED BY THIS SURVEY, AND OTHER DEFECTS INSIDE THE FLATS WHICH THE TENANTS HAD REPORTED, WOUbD BE REPAIRED’ AND THE WORK GUARANTEED FOR A FURTHER YEAR," MR BARNES SAID.
ON THE GENERAL QUESTION OF CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS SUCH AS WATER SEEPAGE, PLUMBING AND OTHER MINOR PROBLEMS, HE SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD ALREADY AGREED TO MAKE GOOD THE DEFECTS IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THESE FLATS WOULD BE SOLD.
THE AUTHORITY WILL ALSO CONSIDER EXPANDING ITS COMPREHENSIVE REPAIR PROGRAMME TO COVER HOUSING ESTATES BUILT IN THE MID 1980S, HE ADDED. -----------------------------------0-------
/5 .....
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MOTION TO ADD CHARGES TO NEW TELEPHONE SERVICES PASSED
♦ »»»♦♦
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A RESOLUTION THAT IT APPROVED TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE BY ADDING TO IT CHARGES THAT THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED PROPOSES TO LEVY ON TWO NEW SERVICES.
THE SERVICES WERE THE DUPLEX RINGING FEATURE AND DAYTIME MANAGER ALTERATION.
MOVING A MOTION TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN SAID: "I HAVE EXAMINED THE PROPOSED CHARGES, AND CONSIDER THEM TO BE A REASONABLE REFLECTION OF THE COST OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.”
SHE SAID THE DUPLEX RINGING FEATURE WOULD PROVIDE TWO DIRECTORY NUMBERS WITH DIFFERENT RINGING TONES ON ONE TELEPHONE LINE.
THAT WOULD ALLOW SUBSCRIBERS TO USE A SINGLE LINE FOR A TELEPHONE AND A FACSIMILE MACHINE WITH SEPARATE NUMBERS, MRS CHAN NOTED.
ALTERNATIVELY, THE DIFFERENT RINGING TONES FOR THE DIFFERENT NUMBERS COULD BE USED TO DISTINGUISH DOMESTIC FROM BUSINESS CALLS, OR CALLS TO DIFFERENT USERS OF THE SAME TELEPHONE, SHE ADDED.
THE TELEPHONE COMPANY PROPOSED TO CHARGE AN EXTRA $216 ANNUALLY PER LINE FOR THIS OPTIONAL FEATURE AND IT WORKED OUT AT AN EXTRA $18 PER MONTH.
MEANWHILE, MRS CHAN SAID THE TELEPHONE COMPANY CURRENTLY RUNS A SERVICE CALLED INTERNATIONAL TOLL-FREE SERVICE.
THIS SERVICE ALLOWED PEOPLE OUTSIDE HONG KONG TO CALL LOCAL SUBSCRIBERS FREE OF CHARGE ON INTERNATIONAL TOLL-FREE NUMBERS IN RESPONSE, FOR EXAMPLE, TO A BUSINESS PROMOTION.
THE CALL CHARGES WERE PAID FOR BY THE LOCAL SUBSCRIBERS.
AS PART OF THE SERVICE, MRS CHAN NOTED, THE COMPANY PROVIDED, FREE OF CHARGE, A ’’DAYTIME MANAGER” SERVICE.
THIS ENABLED LOCAL SUBSCRIBERS TO ROUTE INCOMING TOLL-FREE CALLS TO DIFFERENT TELEPHONES AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE COMPANY NOW WISHED TO PROVIDE FOR ALTERATIONS TO THE ORIGINAL CALL ROUTEING AT A COST OF $90 PER ALTERATION.
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SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR FIRST QUARTER TABLED *****
A SUMMARY OF ALL CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1991-92 IS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL ON THE SUMMARY REPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR YEUNG KAI-YIN, SAID SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $154.4 MILLION WAS APPROVED.
SUCH PROVISION WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY THE DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS SUBHEADS.
DURING THE PERIOD, NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $555.1 MILLION, NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $142 MILLION WERE APPROVED AND APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $68.2 MILLION WERE REVOTED.
IN THE SAME PERIOD, A NET DECREASE OF 812 POSTS WAS APPROVED, MR YEUNG SAID.
ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY. THE LATTER HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
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LDC OFFERS GENERALLY FAIR *****
THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT COMPENSATION OFFERS MADE BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION DURING ITS URBAN RENEWAL SCHEMES ARE GENERALLY FAIR, BUT REVIEW SHOULD BE CONDUCTED IN DUE COURSE TO ENSURE THAT THEY CONTINUE TO BE SO.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MR FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION THINK THAT AFTER SEVERAL ADJUSTMENTS OF THE OFFERS MADE THEY ARE GENERALLY FAIR AND ABOUT RIGHT.
"I AGREE HOWEVER THAT THE CORPORATION AND GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE STOCK OF THE SITUATION AFTER SOME OF THE LARGER CLEARANCES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED TO ENSURE THAT THEY CONTINUE TO BE SO," HE SAID.
/IN PASSING .......
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
IN PASSING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ORDINANCE IN 1989, MR BARNES SAID, IT WAS ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERNS OF THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE ORDINANCE GAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO OWNERS AND TENANTS AFFECTED AS WELL AS PROVIDING A REASONABLE FRAMEWORK FOR THE CORPORATION TO ATTRACT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE TO JOIN IN ITS SCHEMES.
FOR THIS REASON, THERE WERE A NUMBER OF REQUIREMENTS FOR REFERENCE TO THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDED IN THE PROCEDURE, WHICH WERE AIMED AT ENSURING THAT THE RIGHTS OF OWNERS AND TENANTS HAD ADEQUATE PROTECTION, HE SAID.
THE STIPULATIONS ON COMPENSATION WERE QUITE CLEAR, HE SAID.
"IF THE CORPORATION HAS NOT, IN THE VIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATION, OFFERED REASONABLE TERMS, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL NOT PUT AN APPLICATION FOR RESUMPTION TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
"REASONABLE TERMS" ESSENTIALLY MEANS SIMILAR OFFERS TO THOSE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF WOULD MAKE IN THE CONTEXT OF A RESUMPTION, WHICH, BROADLY SPEAKING, ARE REQUIRED BY THE ORDINANCE TO REFLECT THE MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY.
"AGAIN AS A PRE-REQUISITE TO AGREEING A RESUMPTION THE SECRETARY (FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS) MUST BE SATISFIED THAT THE CORPORATION HAS PROVIDED APPROPRIATE REHOUSING TO THOSE LIVING IN THE AREA.
"THIS CAN TAKE DIFFERENT FORMS, VARYING FROM SIMPLE CASH PAYMENTS TO THE PROVISION OF FLATS ON A RENTAL BASIS TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A FLAT OF THEIR OWN," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THE CORPORATION DID NOT HAVE THE ADVANTAGE ENJOYED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF A SUBSTANTIAL POOL OF LOW-PRICED OR LOW-RENTAL OR TEMPORARY HOUSING TO ASSIST IN ITS CLEARANCE, BUT IT HAD MADE CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS TO BUY AND ADAPT PRIVATE FLATS TO ASSIST THOSE MOST IN NEED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE IT LAUNCHED ITS OVERALL PLAN FOR URBAN RENEWAL, THE CORPORATION COMMISSIONED A SERIES OF STUDIES ON URBAN DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO LOOK INTO THE ADEQUACY OF COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES, THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS, THE BUILDING CONDITIONS, AND THE LAND OWNERSHIP PATTERN WITHIN VARIOUS STUDY AREAS IN HONG KONG.
"THE STUDIES ENABLED THE CORPORATION TO PREPARE ITS PLANS FOR URBAN RENEWAL SCHEMES,".HE SAID.
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THE CORPORATION WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SPECIFIED COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE IN ITS SUBSEQUENT SUBMISSIONS TO THE BOARD, MR BARNES SAID.
. "WITHIN THESE REQUIREMENTS THE CORPORATION PLANS ITS OWN SCHEMES, TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE NATURE AND POTENTIAL OF THE AREA, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE DIFFERENT USES, AND TAKING ADVICE FROM THE LOCAL PLANNING OFFICE.
"ITS DETAILED PROPOSALS MUST GO THROUGH TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE PROCEDURES, INCLUDING CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS AND PUBLIC OBJECTION PROCEDURES," HE SAID.
1 ----------------------0-------
/8......
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1991
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GOVT CONSCIOUS OF NEED TO CONTROL MEDICAL SERVICES COST *****
THE RISE IN THE COST OF MEDICAL SERVICES IS NOT SIMPLY A MATTER OF INFLATION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT WITH ADVANCES IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND RISING PUBLIC ASPIRATIONS FOR MORE AND BETTER SERVICES, THE COST WAS ESCALATING THE WORLD OVER AND HONG KONG WAS NO EXCEPTION.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO MUN-KA AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID: "WE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO CONTAIN COST AND TO MAXIMISE DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES.
"THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT BEARING IN MIND THAT GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON MEDICAL SERVICES IS PAID FOR FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE: THAT IS TO SAY SHOULDERED BY THE PUBLIC EITHER THROUGH FEES AND CHARGES OR THROUGH GENERAL TAXATION THAT IS, FROM DIFFERENT POCKETS OF THE SAME PURSE."
A MAJOR STEP IN THIS DIRECTION IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE OBJECTIVE BEHIND WHICH IS TO IMPROVE COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN THE BETTER UTILISATION OF RESOURCES AND TO ENHANCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY THROUGH HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT REFORMS.
FROM THE COMMUNITY HEALTH POINT OF VIEW, MRS WONG SAID, IT IS MORE COST-EFFECTIVE TO KEEP PEOPLE HEALTHY AND WELL.
AND IN THIS LIGHT, THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND AMBULATORY CARE SERVICES.
THE EMPHASIS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES IS ON PREVENTION, HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION OF SELF-CARE.
"THE AIM IS TO MAKE FOR A HEALTHY LIFE STYLE AND A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE," SHE SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, IT HAS BEEN OUR PRACTICE TO CONDUCT VALUE-FOR-MONEY STUDIES AND TO REVIEW, ON AN ON-GOING BASIS, THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF SERVICES DELIVERED.
"THROUGH THESE, WE HAVE STREAMLINED PROCEDURES, ELIMINATED OUTDATED PRACTICES AND INTRODUCED NEW WAYS OF DELIVERING SERVICES."
AS REGARDS HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY WHICH IS LABOUR-INTENSIVE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED TO INTRODUCE AUTOMATION AND PROVIDE LAY SUPPORT TO ASSIST PROFESSIONAL STAFF.
THE SECRETARY STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLORE OTHER POSSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENT FURTHER MEASURES AS PRACTICABLE SO AS TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY PATIENT CARE IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY.
TURNING TO FEES AND CHARGES AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, MRS WONG SAID THEY ARE REVIEWED ANNUALLY.
/"IN THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
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"IN THE LIGHT OF ESCALATING COST AND VARI' US CALLS FOR REVIEW OF THE EXISTING POLICY, WE WILL BE RE-EXAMINING OUR FEES AND WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS.
"OUR AIM WOULD BE TO ACHIEVE A MORE EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN USERS AND THE GENERAL TAXPAYERS, TO ALLOW GREATER CHOICE FOR PATIENTS AND TO FACILITATE MORE COST-EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES.
"NOBODY SHOULD BE PREVENTED, THROUGH LACK OF MEANS, FROM OBTAINING ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT," SHE STATED.
INSOLVENCY FUND COVERAGE UNDER PERIODICAL REVIEW * * * * *
THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND IS DUE FOR ANOTHER REVIEW IN JULY NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID SINCE THE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED IN APRIL 1985, THREE REVIEWS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED IN 1986, 1988 AND LAST YEAR.
THE FUND WHICH ORIGINALLY COVERED ARREARS OF WAGES ONLY, WAS EXTENDED TO COVER SEVEN DAYS’ WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE UP TO $2,000 IN 1987, TO COVER SEVERANCE PAYMENT UP TO $4,000 IN 1989 AND TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM COVERAGE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT TO $8,000 PLUS 50 PER CENT OF ANY ENTITLEMENT IN EXCESS OF $8,000 THIS YEAR.
"THE MAXIMUM LEVELS OF PAYMENT FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND WILL CONTINUE TO BE REVIEWED PERIODICALLY," MR CHAN SAID.
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SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES PROVIDED ON TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS
*****
THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME IS CLOSELY MONITORED TO ENSURE THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOL PLACES IN THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE IS ADEQUATE TO MEET THE DEMAND OF ALL DISTRICTS AT ALL TIMES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEPHEN NG MING-YUM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID EVERY EFFORT WAS MADE TO MINIMISE DISTRICT IMBALANCES BY SITING NEW SCHOOLS IN AREAS WHERE THEY WERE NEEDED OR BY ADJUSTING THE SCHOOL NETS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.
/"HOWEVER, IT ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
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"HOWEVER, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE A COMPLETE BALANCE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN EACH INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT DUE TO FREQUENT DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS TO PROVIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES UP TO THE APPROVED TARGETS ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.
TO COPE WITH HIGH DEMAND FOR SCHOOL PLACES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ADVISES SCHOOLS TO OPERATE MORE LOWER FORM CLASSES BY ADOPTING THE 8-8-8-4-4 CLASS STRUCTURE AT THE INITIAL STAGE.
OTHER MEASURES MAY INCLUDE ADVANCED OPENING OF NEW SCHOOLS IN BORROWED OR SHARED PREMISES.
TURNING TO SCHOOL PLACES IN TUEN MUN, MR CHAN SAID THE DISTRICT IS AT PRESENT PROVIDED WITH TWO GOVERNMENT AND 30 AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ALL OF WHICH HAVE OR WILL HAVE FLOATING CLASSES.
AN OLD STANDARD-DESIGN SECONDARY SCHOOL WITH 24 CLASSROOMS AND 12 SPECIAL ROOMS CAN OPERATE A MAXIMUM OF 30 CLASSES (INCLUDING UP TO SIX FLOATING CLASSES) WHILE A NEW STANDARD-DESIGN SECONDARY SCHOOL WITH 26 CLASSROOMS AND 14 SPECIAL ROOMS CAN OPERATE A MAXIMUM OF 30 CLASSES (INCLUDING UP TO FOUR FLOATING CLASSES) IF NECESSARY.
IN THE CASE OF SURPLUS SCHOOL PLACES BEING FOUND, THE NUMBER OF FLOATING CLASSES WILL BE REDUCED.
MR CHAN SAID IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE THE ESTIMATED DEMAND FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN TUEN MUN IN THE NEXT DECADE, SINCE DEMAND FIGURES ARE CALCULATED FOR THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE AND NOT FOR INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS.
AS AT THIS YEAR, THE DEMAND FIGURE FOR SECONDARY 1 PLACES (WHICH REPRESENTED THE ACTUAL SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION FIGURE) IN TUEN MUN WAS 9,224 WHILE THE PROVISION FIGURE STOOD AT 8,239. AT THE SAME TIME, 36,700 SECONDARY 1-7 SCHOOL PLACES WERE AVAILABLE.
"AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD SIX MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TUEN MUN IN THE NEXT DECADE PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 6,960 PLACES," HE ADDED.
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GOVT INTENDS TO BETTER WAGE PROTECTION TO IMPORTED WORKERS *****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PROPOSE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES RELATING TO UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION AND UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES PAYABLE TO IMPORTED WORKERS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN’CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/OUTLINING MEASURES .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 27, 1991
11
OUTLINING MEASURES TO PROTECT FOREIGN WORKERS UNDER LOCAL LABOUR LEGISLATION, MR CHAN SAID IN FUTURE, THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WOULD CONTAIN A SPECIFIC CLAUSE REQUIRING PAYMENT OF WAGES TO THE WORKER’S BANK ACCOUNT.
"IN ADDITION, AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION FOR VISA EXTENSION FOR IMPORTED WORKERS (UPON COMPLETION OF ONE YEAR’S SERVICE), THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WILL REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO CERTIFY THAT WAGES AS STIPULATED IN THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS ARE BEING PAID.
"PROVISION OF FALSE INFORMATION IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 OR 14 YEARS IMPRISONMENT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY STEPPED UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION, WITH 1,540 INSPECTIONS MADE TO PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT AND LIVING QUARTERS OF 60 PER CENT OF THE IMPORTED WORKERS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THE LABOUR INSPECTORS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTING TO INDIVIDUAL WORKERS INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS WHILE EMPLOYERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT WAGES SHOULD BE PAID DIRECTLY INTO THE WORKERS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
ON MEASURES TO ASSIST FOREIGN WORKERS WHOSE WAGES HAD BEEN DEDUCTED, MR CHAN SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT INTERVENED BY ASKING THE EMPLOYER CONCERNED TO PAY BACK ANY OUTSTANDING WAGES.
"SHOULD THERE BE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THE EMPLOYER AND THE WORKER ABOUT ANY DEDUCTION OR UNDERPAYMENT, THE CASE WILL BE REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION," HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT ASSISTS THE WORKERS CONCERNED IN APPLYING FOR EXTENSIONS OF STAY IN ORDER TO PURSUE THEIR CLAIMS, AND ASSISTS WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN DISMISSED AS A RESULT OF THEIR COMPLAINTS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT.
REGARDING COMPLAINT CASES OF WAGE DEDUCTIONS, MR CHAN SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD DETECTED 334 SUSPECTED ITEMS OF WAGE UNDERPAYMENT AND DEDUCTION UP TO END-OCTOBER THIS YEAR DURING INSPECTIONS INCLUDING COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM FOREIGN WORKERS.
HE NOTED THAT 53 ITEMS HAD BEEN SUBSTANTIATED AND THE REST WERE EITHER UNSUBSTANTIATED OR STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
UP TO NOVEMBER 22 THIS YEAR, ONE EMPLOYER HAS BEEN CONVICTED FOR UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES AND WAS FINED $1,000 FOR EACH OF THE TWO SUMMONSES.
PROSECUTION ACTION HAD BEEN INITIATED AGAINST FOUR OTHER EMPLOYERS AND IS BEING CONSIDERED AGAINST NINE OTHER EMPLOYERS.
IN ADDITION, TWO OTHER CASES HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL WHICH WERE STILL PENDING.
/AS REGARDS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
12
AS REGARDS THE SPECIFIC CASE INVOLVING 18 IMPORTED WORKERS WHO ALLEGED THAT THEIR WAGES HAD BEEN UNDERPAID AND THAT THEY HAD BEEN UNREASONABLY DISMISSED, MR CHAN SAID FOUR OF THE WORKERS HAD DECIDED TO TAKE THEIR CASE TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION WHILE THE REMAINDER HAD DECIDED NOT TO PURSUE THEIR CLAIMS.
WHILE THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 11, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TAKING SEPARATE ACTION TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER THE EMPLOYER CONCERNED HAS CONTRAVENED THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO PREDICT HOW LONG THESE INVESTIGATIONS WILL TAKE. THEY ARE, HOWEVER, BEING UNDERTAKEN AS A MATTER OF URGENCY," HE SAID.
ALL EFFORTS DONE TO PREVENT WEAPON-MAKING IN VM’S CAMPS * * * * *
GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE CAMPS FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AND THE OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS THERE, CAMP MANAGEMENTS ARE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO PREVENT THE MAKING OF WEAPONS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU WONG-FAT, MR ASPREY SAID PAST EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT WEAPONS WERE MADE WITHIN THE CENTRES AND NOT OBTAINED FROM OUTSIDE.
HE SAID THEY WERE MANUFACTURED FROM METAL OR OTHER HARD FIXTURES AND FITTINGS IN THE CENTRES, SUCH AS RAILINGS FROM THE BUNK BEDS, ELECTRICAL WIRE TUBING, WATER PIPES, WINDOW FRAMES AND WINDOW BARS. THE WORK WAS CARRIED OUT MOSTLY AT NIGHT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AS DORMITORIES IN THE CENTRES WERE CONGESTED WITH BUNKS AND THE PERSONAL BELONGINGS OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, IT WAS SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY THE OWNERS OF ANY WEAPONS DISCOVERED.
"NEVERTHELESS, WHENEVER SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE IS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT A PROSECUTION, CHARGES ARE BROUGHT AGAINST THE OFFENDERS," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID WEAPONS WERE PRODUCED PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF THE FACTIONAL RIVALRIES IN THE DETENTION CENTRES.
"WE TRY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT PLACES OF ORIGIN AND TO KEEP DIFFERENT REGIONAL GROUPS APART IN AN ATTEMPT TO MINIMISE THESE FACTIONAL RIVALRIES," THE SECRETARY SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT DISPUTES ALSO OFTEN AROUSE BETWEEN DIFFERENT LOCAL GROUPS OR SIMPLY BETWEEN GANGS FROM WITHIN THE SAME AREA.
MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO TRYING TO REDUCE THE RAW MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR PRODUCTION OF WEAPONS.
/WHENEVER MAJOR .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
13
WHENEVER MAJOR FITTINGS OR INSTALLATIONS WERE REPLACED IN THB CENTRES, NON-METAL COMPONENTS, SUCH AS FIBRE GLASS OR PLASTIC, WERE USED AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, HE SAID.
"IT IS, HOWEVER, IMPOSSIBLE TO ELIMINATE ALL METAL OR OTHER HARD MATERIALS FROM THE CENTRES," HE EXPLAINED.
MR ASPREY ALSO NOTED THAT REGULAR WEAPONS SEARCHES WERE CONDUCTED IN EACH CENTRE, AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS WITH POLICE REINFORCEMENTS WERE CARRIED OUT FROM TIME TO TIME.
PRODUCTION AND POSSESSION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS IN DETENTION CENTRES, HE SAID, WAS PUNISHABLE UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, AND UNDER THE IMMIGRATION (VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE) (DETENTION CENTRE) RULES 1989 MADE UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
COURT AND POLICE RECORDS INDICATED THAT BETWEEN JANUARY 1989 AND JUNE LAST YEAR, 233 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WERE CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, 143 WERE CONVICTED. SENTENCES IMPOSED RANGED FROM 14 DAYS TO 18 MONTHS.
--------0-----------
NO PLANS FOR MINIMUM SENTENCE FOR CRIMES INVOLVING FIREARMS
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO PROPOSE A MINIMUM SENTENCE FOR OFFENCES RELATED TO ILLEGAL POSSESSION OR USE OF FIREARMS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON J.D. MCGREGOR AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT MAXIMUM PENALTIES ARE, BY ANY STANDARDS, SEVERE AND BELIEVED TO BE ADEQUATE.
"THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS EMPOWERED TO SEEK A REVIEW OF THE SENTENCE IN A PARTICULAR CASE IF HE CONSIDERS THAT IT IS MANIFESTLY INADEQUATE OR WRONG IN PRINCIPLE," HE SAID.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR POSSESSION OF FIREARMS WITHOUT A LICENCE IS A FINE OF $100,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 14 YEARS; FOR ROBBERY IT IS LIFE IMPRISONMENT; AND FOR CARRYING FIREARMS OR IMITATION FIREARMS WITH INTENT TO COMMIT AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE, IF IS ALSO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
- - 0----------
/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
- 14 -
VARIOUS POLICE MEASURES TO CURB CRIMES IN TSUEN/KWAI
*****
THE POLICE ARE TAKING VARIOUS MEASURES TO COMBAT INCREASING CRIME IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR ASPREY SAID THEY HAD STRENGTHENED POLICING AT STREET LEVEL AND STEPPED UP INVESTIGATION WORK.
HE SAID POLICING IN THE STREETS BY OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICTS WAS AUGMENTED BY PATROLS BY THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND EMERGENCY UNIT.
"IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AN EXTRA POLICE TACTICAL UNIT COMPANY OF 160 MEN WAS DEPLOYED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COVERAGE," HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE DISTRICT COMMANDERS WERE MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT MAXIMUM MANPOWER WAS DEPLOYED TO OPERATIONAL DUTIES AND TO MAINTAIN POLICE PRESENCE ON THE GROUND.
THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND EMERGENCY UNITS ARE KEPT AT FULL STRENGTH, HE ADDED.
A COMPARISON OF TOTAL CRIME STATISTICS IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, SHOWED A RISE OF 18.6 PER CENT IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT AND 12.4 PER CENT IN KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT.
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND STRENGTH OF DISCIPLINED STAFF IN THE TSUEN WAN POLICE DISTRICT ARE 590 AND 515, AND IN THE KWAI CHUNG POLICE DISTRICT 522 AND 425 RESPECTIVELY.
VACANCIES ARE MOSTLY IN THE UNIFORMED BRANCH, CID UNITS ARE GENERALLY AT FULL STRENGTH.
OVERALL, THE POLICE AT PRESENT HAVE AN ESTABLISHMENT OF 24,288 JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS WITH 23,329 OFFICERS IN POST.
REGARDING HOW LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN BE INFORMED OF THE CRIME SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT, MR ASPREY SAID THERE ARE ESTABLISHED CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION.
THESE INCLUDED THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, AND AREA COMMITTEES," ALL OF WHICH ARE ATTENDED BY POLICE OFFICERS.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER IN EACH DISTRICT, HE SAID.
/15........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
15
GOVT RECOGNISES DEATH CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHINA
******
THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES DEATH CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE RELEVANT CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO DIE IN CHINA, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR ASPREY SAID REGISTRATION OF DEATHS WHICH OCCURRED IN CHINA WAS A MATTER FOR THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
HE ADVISED THOSE PEOPLE WHO ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING SUCH CERTIFICATES FOR THEIR FRIENDS OR RELATIVES TO APPROACH THE LOCAL BRANCH OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY.
MR ASPREY ADDED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION HAD NOT COME ACROSS ANY CASES WHERE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED IN OBTAINING DEATH CERTIFICATES IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO DIED IN CHINA.
"FOR THAT REASON, WE HAVE NOT ESTABLISHED ANY SPECIAL CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION ON THIS MATTER WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
"HOWEVER, IF WE DO RECEIVE ANY REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE, WE WOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE UP THE MATTER WITH THE NCNA." MR ASPREY SAID.
- - - - 0---------
TIME LIMIT FOR COMPLETION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
******
A TIME LIMIT IS IMPOSED ON COMPLETION UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT CONTAINED IN THE CONDITIONS OF LAND GRANT BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FEDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE.
MR BARNES SAID A TYPICAL COVENANT FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE 36 MONTHS.
FOR PARTICULARLY LARGE AND MORE COMPLICATED DEVELOPMENTS, THE TIME LIMIT MIGHT BE LONGER AND MIGHT BE PHASED, HE ADDED.
-----0 - -
/16 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
16 -
GOVT’S WATCHDOG ROLE OVER CLP WILL BE STRONGER WITH NEW SCA ******
A NUMBER OF CHANGES TO THE TERMS OF THE NEW SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (SCA) HAVE BEEN AGREED TO STRENGTHEN THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CHINA LIGHT & POWER COMPANY LIMITED (CLP), EXXON AND THEIR ASSOCIATED GENERATED COMPANIES (THE COMPANIES).
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REGARDING THE NEGOTIATION WITH THE COMPANIES ON THE SCA RENEWAL, THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED WITH THE TERMS OF THE NEW SCA WHICH PROVIDED FOR AN APPROPRIATE BALANCE BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS AND SHAREHOLDERS.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THERE WAS SOME URGENCY IN COMPLETING THE NEGOTIATIONS BECAUSE THE COMPANIES WOULD SHORTLY NEED TO BEGIN RAISING FINANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED NEW POWER STATION AT BLACK POINT, THE FIRST UNITS OF WHICH WOULD BE NEEDED SOMETIME BETWEEN 1996 AND 1998.
’’SOME POTENTIAL INVESTORS HAVE MADE CLEAR THAT THEY CONSIDER AGREEMENT ON THE TERMS OF THE NEW SCA TO BE A PREREQUISITE TO MAJOR LOAN FINANCE FOR THE PROJECT,” SHE SAID.
SHE SAID NEGOTIATIONS WERE CONCLUDED IN SEPTEMBER FOLLOWING WHICH THE REVISED TERMS OF THE NEW SCA WERE APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER.
"ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR A FULL BRIEFING OF OMELCO MEMBERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL. THIS BRIEFING TOOK PLACE ON 11 NOVEMBER," THE SECRETARY SAID.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT CLP DID NOT HAVE A FRANCHISE OR ANY EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO SUPPLY ELECTRICITY.
THE PRESENT SCA BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANIES, WHICH EXPIRED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1993, IS A VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT ON MUTUALLY AGREED TERMS.
"WITHOUT THIS VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE NO RIGHT TO EXAMINE THE EXPANSION PLANS OF THE COMPANIES OR TO APPROVE THEIR TARIFFS," MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE SAID THE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH STARTED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR LEADING UP TO THE AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH THE COMPANIES ON THE EXTENSION OF THE SCA FOR A FURTHER 15 YEARS FROM 1993 WERE CONDUCTED IN CONFIDENCE AND NO SPECIFIC CONSULTATION WAS HELD WITH GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS.
/"HOWEVER." SHE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
17
’’HOWEVER,” SHE SAID, ’’THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE SINCE 1982 AND, OVER THE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN CAREFUL NOTE OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON ITS TERMS BY THE PUBLIC, IN THE MEDIA AND FOLLOWING FROM PRESENTATIONS GIVEN TO INTERESTED PARTIES, SUCH AS OMELCO AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL."
"WHILE THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE, IF ANY, ADVERSE COMMENT ON ELECTRICITY TARIFF LEVELS OR THE RELIABILITY OF SUPPLY, CONCERNS HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED ON THE RATE OF PERMITTED RETURN, ON THE POTENTIAL SCOPE FOR THE COMPANIES TO OVER-BUILD CAPACITY IN ORDER TO EARN MORE PROFIT AND ON THE EFFECT OF ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION ON THE ENVIRONMENT. ’’
"THE SECRETARY SAID ALL THESE CONCERNS WERE TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT BY THE ADMINISTRATION DURING THE COURSE OF THE EXTENSIVE AND PROTRACTED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE COMPANIES.
MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SERIOUSLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC BEFORE REACHING AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH THE COMPANIES.
"IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN AGREED IN THE JLG, TO KEEP THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT INFORMED OF MAJOR FRANCHISES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND 1997, THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE-NEW AGREEMENT BEFORE IT IS FINALISED," SHE ADDED.
--------0-----------
CRITERIA OF AWARDING CONSULTANCY CONTRACTS EXPLAINED * * * *
A QUALITATIVE APPRAISAL AND ASSESSMENT IS MADE AS TO THE BIDDING FIRMS-’ CAPABILITIES AND SUITABILITY TO CARRY OUT THE SPECIFIC PROJECT WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS EMPLOYING A FIRM OF ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, LOCAL OR OVERSEAS, TO CARRY OUT PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NOTING THAT SUCH PROCEDURES ALSO APPLIED TO PROJECTS UNDER THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, MR BLAKE SAID THE ASSESSMENT BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE BIDDER, TOOK INTO ACCOUNT ITS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE TYPE OF PROJECT ENVISAGED, BOTH IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE; ITS GENERAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, AND ITS CAPABILITIES FOR THE SIZE OF PROJECT ENVISAGED.
OTHER FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION INCLUDED THE STRENGTH OF THE BIDDER’S LOCAL PERSONNEL, AND TN PARTICULAR LOCAL PARTNERS, AS WELL AS ITS EXPERIENCE WITH THE GOVERNMENT AS THE CLIENT, HE ADDED.
MR BLAKE EXPLAINED THAT OVERSEAS FIRMS WHICH WERE EMPLOYED TO CARRY OUT WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT WERE REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN, FOR THE DURATION OF THEIR ENGAGEMENT, AN OFFICE IN HONG KONG UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A PROJECT DIRECTOR WHO HAD TO HAVE SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY AND ADEQUATE QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OF SUFFICIENT SIZE TO ENSURE PROGRESS TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE GOVERNMENT.
/HOWEVER, HE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
18
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT WHICH COMPELLED FIRMS, WITHOUT LOCAL WORKING EXPERIENCE TO ASSOCIATE WITH LOCAL FIRMS, IF THEY ARE TO WORK ON GOVERNMENT PROJECTS.
HE SAID SUCH ASSOCIATIONS DID OCCUR NATURALLY HOWEVER, TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY BRIEFS.
"WHEN FOREIGN CONSULTANTS WORK IN HONG KONG, THEY NORMALLY EMPLOY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS. ALSO, THE GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN THEIR CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT CAPACITY HAVE CLOSE INVOLVEMENT WITH THESE FIRMS.
"THESE TOGETHER WITH THE FREQUENT PRACTICE OF LOCAL AND FOREIGN FIRMS COMING TOGETHER IN CONSORTIA, OR LOCAL FIRMS ENGAGING FOREIGN SPECIALIST FIRMS AS SUB-CONSULTANTS, PROVIDE THE CLOSE ASSOCIATIONS WHICH RESULT IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FROM FOREIGN FIRMS TO LOCAL PROFESSIONALS," HE SAID.
- - 0---------
FOUR-HOUR DEBATE ON PUBLIC HOUSING FLAT SALE IN LEGCO
A MOTION ON THE SALE OF PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS TO TENANTS BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT WAS PASSED AFTER A FOUR-HOUR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
SITTING
DEBATE
MR LEE’S MOTION READS: ’’THAT THIS AUTHORITY TO WIDELY CONSULT THE PUBLIC IN PRICING, MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND OTHER THE SALE OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS TO SITTING
COUNCIL URGES THE HOUSING REVIEWING THE OBJECTIVE, ASPECTS IN CONNECTION WITH TENANTS."
A TOTAL OF 18 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE MOTION DEBATE. WITH THF SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
AN AMENDED MOTION MOVED BY THE HON DEFEATED.
MEANWHILE, SIX MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE ON THE CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS FREDERICK FUNG. THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND REPLIED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
FREDERICK FUNG WAS
ADJOURNMENT DEBATE
RAISED BY THE HON
CULTURE, MR JAMES SO
TWO BILLS - STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION (AMENDMENT) 1991 AND EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (LONG SERVICE PAYMENT) BILL - WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.
BILL
1991
THREE OTHER BILLS WERE INTRODUCED READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
FOR FIRST
AND SECOND
THEY WERE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1991 BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND COPYRIGHT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
A MOTION, MOVED BY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES MRS ANSON CHAN UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, WAS ALSO PASSED.
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/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
19
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER
*****
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS REGISTERED A MODERATE DECLINE IN OCTOBER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IMPORTS ALSO INCREASED, THOUGH AT A LESS RAPID RATE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN OCTOBER ROSE BY $9,259 MILLION OR 22.1% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $51,098 MILLION.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN OCTOBER, AT $21,296 MILLION, WAS $889 MILLION OR 4.0% LOWER.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $8,370 MILLION OR 13.1% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $72,394 MILLION IN OCTOBER.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY $6,074 MILLION OR 9.6% TO $69,282 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $3,112 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN OCTOBER 1991.
THE SURPLUS RECORDED IN OCTOBER 1990 WAS $816 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.3% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1991, AT $430,055 MILLION, ROSE BY $95,522 MILLION OR 28.6% OVER THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1990.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY $4,504 MILLION OR 2.5% TO $188,289 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT $618,344 MILLION, WAS THUS $100,026 MILLION OR 19.3% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.
MEANWHILE, IMPORTS GREW BY $112,217 MILLION OR 21.6% TO $631,293 MILLION. A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $12,949 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1991.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $758 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO
0.1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF
1990.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT THE MODERATE DECLINE IN
DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN OCTOBER WAS PARTLY DUE TO A HIGH BASE OF
COMPARISON IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
/PUT MORE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
20
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT REFLECTED AN UNDERLYING TREND OF CONTINUOUS RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES ACROSS THE BORDER.
THE EXPANSION OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTED TO THE RAPID INCREASE IN RE-EXPORTS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT, AFTER A FAST GROWTH IN THE EARLY PART OF THIS YEAR, IMPORTS RETAINED FOR DOMESTIC USE SLOWED DOWN MARKEDLY, RECORDING A YEAR-ON-YEAR DECLINE OF 7.9% IN VALUE TERMS IN OCTOBER.
NEVERTHELESS, FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1991 TAKEN TOGETHER, THERE WAS STILL A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 12.5% IN THE VALUE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 1991:
MERCHANDISE:
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE
$21,296 MILLION
$51,098 MILLION
$72,394 MILLION
$69,282 MILLION
$3,112 MILLION [IN SURPLUS]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
AUG 91 TO
LATEST 3 MONTHS OCT 91
HK$ MN.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 62,186
RE-EXPORTS 148,434
TOTAL EXPORTS 210,620
IMPORTS 202,990
TRADE BALANCE 7,630
AUG 90 TO OCT 90 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
62,838 -652 -1.0
115,242 33,192 28.8
178,080 32,540 18.3
172,764 30,226 17.5
5,316 2,314
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR OCTOBER 1991 HK$ MN. OCTOBER 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21,296 22,185 -889 -4.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (29.4%) (34.7%)
RE-EXPORTS 51,098 41,839 9,259 22.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 72,394 64,024 8,370 13.1
IMPORTS 69,282 63,208 6,074 9.6
TRADE BALANCE 3,112 816 2,296
/L^ST MONTH .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
- 21 -
LAST MONTH OCTOBER 1991 HK$ MN. SEPTEMBER 1991 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 21,296 20,526 770 3.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (29.4%) (29.1%)
RE-EXPORTS 51,098 50,131 967 1.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 72,394 70,657 1,737 2.5
IMPORTS 69,282 66,953 2,329 3.5
TRADE BALANCE 3,112 3,704 -592
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-OCT 1991 HK$ MN. JAN-OCT 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK* MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 188,289 183,785 4,504 2.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (30.5%) (35.5%)
RE-EXPORTS 430,055 334,533 95,522- 28.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 618,344 518,318 100,026 19.3
IMPORTS 631,293 519,076 112,217 21.6
TRADE BALANCE -12,949 -758 -12,191
LAST 12 MONTHS NOV 90 TO OCT 91 HK$ MN. NOV 89 TO OCT 90 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 230,379 223,113 7,266 3.3
RE-EXPORTS 509,521 394,165 115,356 29.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 739,900 617,278 122,622 19.9
IMPORTS 754,747 612,864 141,883 23.2
TRADE BALANCE -14,847 4,414 -19,261
---------0 - -
GOVERNOR STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE ♦ » ♦ » *
AS HONG KONG PEOPLE SEEK TO IMPROVE THE CITY, THEY MUST LOOK FOR WAYS TO MAINTAIN ITS CHARACTER, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING AT THE REOPENING OF THE WESTERN MARKET.AFTER IT HAS BEEN RENOVATED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC).
THE GOVERNOR SAID WHERE OTHERS SAW WESTERN MARKET AS NO MORE THAT AN OLD BUILDING TO BE PULLED DOWN AND REDEVELOPED, THE LDC SAW SOMETHING OF ARCHITECTURAL VALUE WHICH COULD BE TRANSFORMED TO FILL A VERY MODERN NEED.
/SIR DAVID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
SIR DAVID PRAISED THE LDC ’ S SUCCESS IN TRANSFORMING THE WESTERN MARKET INTO A UNIQUE NEW MARKET PLACE IN WHICH HERITAGE, ART AND UTILITY HAD BEEN BLENDED TOGETHER WITH SENSITIVITY AND IMAGINATION.
’’THE CONCEPT HAS DRAWN SOMETHING FROM LONDON’S COVENT GARDEN AND WASHINGTON’S UNION STATION.
’’BUT IT ALSO CAPTURES MUCH THAT IS UNIQUE TO HONG KONG.
”IT WILL SERVE THE HOUSEWIFE FROM HONG KONG JUST AS MUCH AS
THE TOURIST FROM HOUSTON," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE REFURBISHED WESTERN MARKET HAD SET AN EXAMPLE OF SENSIBLE PRESERVATION AND ADAPTATION.
"I HOPE OTHERS WILL FOLLOW IT," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
JLG XXI ♦ * ♦
THE FCO ANNOUNCED THIS MORNING THAT THE 21ST MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 3-5.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY. THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MICHAEL SZE (SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HONG KONG), MR ALAN PAUL (COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HONG KONG),MR PETER RICKETTS (HEAD, HONG KONG DEPARTMENT, FCO), AND MR WILLIAM EHRMAN (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG).
_ - 0 - -
STI’S STATEMENT ON MFN *****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS ON THE PASSAGE BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS ON THE RENEWAL OF MFN TRADING STATUS FOR CHINA, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
"ALTHOUGH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LAST 24 HOURS HAVE BEEN VERY RAPID, THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL BY THE HOUSE IS NOT UNEXPECTED.
"OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE SENATE HAS NOT YET VOTED ON THE BILL. WE ARE MONITORING DEVELOPMENTS CLOSELY.
/"I BELIEVE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
23
"I BELIEVE THE BASIC SITUATION REMAINS UNCHANGED. THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE CLEAR THAT THE PRESIDENT WOULD VETO ANY BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PUT CONDITIONS ON CHINA’S MFN TRADING STATUS.
"WHEN THE SENATE VOTED IN JULY ON THE EARLIER VERSION OF THIS BILL, THERE WERE 44 VOTES AGAINST THE BILL, WHICH WAS MORE THAN THE 34 VOTES NEEDED BY PRESIDENT BUSH TO SUSTAIN A VETO."
STI’S STATEMENT ON THE SPECIAL 301 NEGOTIATIONS **»»*»
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA REQUESTS TO COMMENT ON A PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED YESTERDAY BY THE US TRADE REPRESENTATIVE ON THE SPECIAL 301 NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE US AND CHINA, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) :
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ON MANY OCCASIONS EXPRESSED TO THE US AUTHORITIES ITS CONCERN OVER THE ADVERSE EFFECTS WHICH SPECIAL 301 ACTION AGAINST CHINESE PRODUCTS MIGHT HAVE ON HONG KONG'S ECONOMY.
"WE HAVE BEEN ASSURED BY THE US AUTHORITIES THAT OUR CONCERN HAS BEEN NOTED.
"THIS IS PRIMARILY A BILATERAL ISSUE BETWEEN THE US AND CHINA. HONG KONG HAS NO DIRECT ROLE TO PLAY IN IT," MR CHAU SAID.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS NEVERTHELESS CONCERNED THAT THE US AND CHINA HAVE APPARENTLY NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THEIR DIFFERENCES AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE AND THAT THE US WILL PUBLISH TOMORROW A LIST OF CHINESE PRODUCTS THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO RETALIATORY TARIFFS.
"WE HOPE THAT, IN SPITE OF THIS, THE TWO SIDES WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE A BILATERAL SOLUTION," HE ADDED.
ACCORDING TO THE US STATEMENT, THE LIST WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF INVITING COMMENTS FROM THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WITHIN A 30 DAY PERIOD, BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE BY THE US TO IMPLEMENT ANY RETALIATORY TARIFFS.
THE US STATEMENT ALSO INDICATES THAT NEGOTIATIONS MAY CONTINUE DURING THIS 30 DAY PERIOD.
/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
24
SURVEY ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RELEASED
JAPAN HAS NOW BECOME THE LEADING SOURCE COUNTRY OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, ACCOUNTING FOR 32 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.
THIS IS REVEALED IN THE LATEST SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
PRESENTING RESULTS OF THE SURVEY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID THIS WAS A CONTINUATION OF THE TREND IN THE LAST FEW YEARS WHICH SAW SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN JAPANESE INVESTMENT.
"IN FACT, OVER 40 PER CENT OF THE GROSS ADDITION TO FIXED ASSETS IN 1990 WAS MADE BY JAPAN," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE UNITED STATES (WITH 31 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL) WAS THE SECOND LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR AFTER JAPAN.
CHINA (WITH 11 PER CENT) AND THE UK (WITH 7 PER CENT) STAYED IN THE THIRD AND FOURTH PLACES RESPECTIVELY.
"I SHOULD ADD THAT INVESTMENTS FROM THESE ’BIG FOUR’ HAVE ALL INCREASED IN 1990 COMPARED WITH 1989 THOUGH THE RATE OF INCREASE VARIES FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID A TOTAL OF 545 COMPANIES WITH OVERSEAS INVESTMENT RESPONDED TO THE SURVEY WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
"THE TOTAL VALUE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AT THE END OF 1990 WAS $30.9 BILLION, $1.2 BILLION (OR 4 PER CENT) HIGHER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, AND NEARLY THREE TIMES THE 1984 FIGURE OF $11.4 BILLION," HE SAID.
MR BARMA ADDED THAT THE STOCK OF FIXED ASSETS, AT $20.2 BILLION, WAS 15 PER CENT HIGHER THAN 1989.
"THIS SIGNIFIES THAT THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUING INCREASE IN NEW INVESTMENT AND REINVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES DESPITE SOME OVERSEAS COMPANIES RELOCATING PARTS OF THEIR OPERATIONS TO LOWER COST PRODUCTION CENTRES SUCH AS CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING SECTORS, MR BARMA SAID OVER 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT LAST YEAR WAS MADE IN THE ELECTRONICS, ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
MR BARMA SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO INTERESTED IN THE QUALITY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT.
/"WE BELIEVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
25
"WE BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS MUST UPGRADE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY AND THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.
"AND THE AIM OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME IS TO ENCOURAGE OVERSEAS INVESTORS TO INTRODUCE TO HONG KONG, THROUGH THEIR INVESTMENTS, NEW OR IMPROVED PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY, DESIGNS AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES," HE SAID.
IN THIS RESPECT, HE SAID, ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE COMPANIES WITH AN OVERSEAS INTEREST WERE JOINT VENTURES WITH LOCAL PARTNERS, A FORM OF CO-OPERATION WHICH PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
"IN ABOUT THE SAME PROPORTION OF COMPANIES, STAFF HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED FROM THE OVERSEAS PARENT COMPANIES TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE OR ASSISTANCE IN AREAS SUCH AS COMPANY MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS, AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID 328 COMPANIES (60 PER CENT) REPORTED THAT THEY EITHER HAD LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE OVERSEAS PARENT COMPANY, OR HAD RECEIVED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR HELP IN ACQUIRING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FROM THEM.
MOREOVER, 87 (16 PER CENT) COMPANIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, REPORTED THAT OVERSEAS INVESTORS HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TRANSFER OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY.
"OBVIOUSLY, OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ASSISTING THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY IN THE SURVEY TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF OVERSEAS INVESTORS ON THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE.
HE SAID EACH COMPANY WAS GIVEN A LIST OF 12 FACTORS WHICH, BY AND LARGE, MADE UP THE OVERALL INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE.
THESE FACTORS INCLUDED A RANGE OF NORMAL BUSINESS FACTORS, SUCH AS INFRASTRUCTURE, BANKING AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES, THE AVAILABILITY OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILL, AND ALSO SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS SUCH AS HONG KONG’S POLITICAL CLIMATE AND ITS FUTURE.
SEVEN OUT OF THE 12 FACTORS USED IN THE SURVEY WERE CONSIDERED BY MORE THAN HALF OF THE RESPONDENTS TO BE FAVOURABLE.
BANKING AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, KONG KONG’S REGIONAL LOCATION AND LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY WERE THE KEY FACTORS SEEN AS MOST FAVOURABLE.
"THE SURVEY ALSO CONFIRMED SEVERAL COMMONLY RECOGNISED FACTORS CAUSING CONCERN, SUCH AS LABOUR COST, COST OF FACTORY AND OFFICE SPACE, AND HONG KONG’S POLITICAL FUTURE," HE SAID.
/MR BARMA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
26
MR BARMA SAID IT WAS WORTH NOTING THAT 292 COMPANIES - 56 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS - CONSIDERED THAT THE OVERALL MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG WAS FAVOURABLE.
"A TOTAL OF 187 COMPANIES (36 PER CENT) ALSO HAD PLANS FOR EXPANSION IN HONG KONG,'* HE SAID.
ON BUSINESS PROSPECTS, MR BARMA SAID THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPANIES (72 PER CENT) EXPECTED BUSINESS THIS YEAR TO BE GOOD TO SATISFACTORY, WHILE 315 COMPANIES (61 PER CENT) FELT THE SAME ABOUT BUSINESS PROSPECTS NEXT YEAR.
MR BARMA SAID THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WERE RATHER POSITIVE.
"NOT ONLY DO THEY INDICATE THAT THE PROCESS OF ENRICHING OUR LOCAL MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IS CONTINUING, BUT THEY ALSO DEMONSTRATE THAT IN 1990 HONG KONG REMAINED AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION FOR INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING AND THAT BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS IN THE COMING YEAR ARE FAVOURABLE,” HE SAID.
------0--------
269 VM’S RETURNED TODAY ♦ * * * »
A GROUP OF 269 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 94 MEN, 73 WOMEN, 49 BOYS AND 53 GIRLS, THEY WFRF THE 78TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,351 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 12,647 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
--------0-----------
LATEST DATE FOR LOCAL X’MAS CARD POSTING REMINDED
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE LATEST DATE FOR POSTING CHRISTMAS CARDS LOCAL DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS IS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20.
TODAY
FOR
POSTING AFTER THIS DATE MIGHT. RUN THE RISK OF NOT BEING DELIVERED IN TIME BECAUSE OF ANTICIPATED PRESSURES.
HE ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO POST AS EARLY AS TO AVOID A LAST-MINUTE RUSH.
HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERIES PROVIDED ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 AND ON BOXING DAY, DECEMBER DELIVERIES WOULD BE MADE ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
POSSIBLE
WOULD
26 .
BE
NO
ALL POST OFFICES WOULD BE CLOSED DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
/27........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27,
1991
- 27 -
RELAXING VISA REQUIREMENTS * * * *
BETWEEN HK AND POLAND *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT, WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW:
* HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORT HOLDERS AND BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT HOLDERS MAY BE PERMITTED TO VISIT POLAND WITHOUT VISAS FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING SEVEN DAYS; AND
» SIMILAR ARRANGEMENT WILL BE MADE FOR POLISH PASSPORT HOLDERS VISITING HONG KONG ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO FACILITATE TRAVEL BETWEEN THE TWO TERRITORIES, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
-----0------
TEN ARRESTED FOR BREACH OF CONDITION OF STAY
*****
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED TWO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, FOUR TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS AND FOUR FOREIGN VISITORS FOR BREACH OF CONDITION OF STAY DURING A SERIES OF OPERATIONS YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
TEN RESIDENTIAL FLATS AND 11 BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS WERE VISITED. IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ALSO CONDUCTED IDENTITY CHECKS ON 375 PERSONS.
THE TWO FEMALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, AGED 21 AND 38, WERE ARRESTED AT A CHIU CHOW FOOD STALL IN SAI YING PUN. THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG EARLIER THIS MONTH AND LATER MANAGED TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT AT THE FOOD STALL.
AMONG THE GROUP OF TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS INTERCEPTED, THREE OF THEM, TWO WOMEN AND A MAN, WERE FOUND TO HAVE OVERSTAYED IN HONG KONG.
THE FOURTH ONE, AN EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD MAN, WAS FOUND WORKING IN THE KITCHEN OF A KWUN TONG RESTAURANT.
THE OTHER FOUR VISITORS, THREE PAKISTANIS AND AN INDIAN OVERSTAYER, AGED FROM 18 TO 26, WERE ARRESTED AT A FACTORY IN SAN PO KONG. THEY ADMITTED TO HAVE TAKEN UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENT AS CASUAL WORKERS.
FOUR HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE ASSISTING WITH THE INVESTIGATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY GRANTED TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
/HE ALSO .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 27, 1991
28
HE ALSO REMINDED THAT VISITORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE UP ANY EMPLOYMENT, WHETHER PAID OR UNPAID, WITHOUT THE PERMISSION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION.
HE REMINDED THAT THOSE WHO BREACH THEIR CONDITION OF STAY HERE ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND UPON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
PEOPLE WHO AID AND ABET OTHERS TO COMMIT THESE OFFENCES ARE ALSO LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND PENALTY.
-----0-----
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT FUNG SHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,000 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS) AND/OR FEE PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED).
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT ON LAI STREET, AREA 11, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,400 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EITHER FOR:
* A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR THE PARKING OF PRIVATE CARS, LIGHT VANS, LORRIES, BUSES, TRACTORS AND TRAILERS (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND CONTAINERS ON TRAILERS) WHICH ARE CURRENTLY LICENSED FOR USE ON PUBLIC STREETS AND ROADS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, OR
* STORAGE OF GOODS INCLUDING MOTOR VEHICLES BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINERS, CONTAINERS ON TRAILERS AND DANGEROUS GOODS AS DEFINED IN THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE THIRD AND THE FOURTH LOTS ARE LOCATED IN AREA 16B, WONG CHUK YEUNG STREET, FO TAN, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TWO SITES WITH AREAS OF ABOUT 1,500 AND 1,150 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY ARE FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND/OR MOTOR VEHICLES SCRAP YARD.
EACH TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
/THE DEADLINE .......
29
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1991
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 13.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
------0--------
FRESH WATER SUSPENSION
» * » t »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9.30 AM TO 4.30 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 29) TO FACILITATE MAINS CONNECTION WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT SEUNG SZE WAN ROAD, SEUNG SZE WAN VILLAGE AND SIU HANG HAU VILLAGE.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * ♦ *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 26.11.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 27.11.91 + 88
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -88
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.8 *+0.2» 27.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1WEEK 3.81 PCT 24MONTH 2311 6.25 101.33 5.58
1MONTH 3.85 PCT
3MONTH 3.91 PCT
6MONTH 4.10 PCT
12MONTH 4.77 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 4,213 MN, BONDS 77 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STI ON SPECIAL 301 NEGOTIATIONS ....................................... 1
GOVT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO CURB PROPERTY SPECULATION .............. 2
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT TO VISIT HONG KONG........................ 4
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY ............................. 4
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ORDINANCE ORDER TO BE GAZETTED ................................................................ 6
CONTRACT FOR FIRST UNDERGROUND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AWARDED ......... 6
GOVT CONSIDERS TRAINING FOR WORKERS OF TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES ......... 7
BOE MEMBERS VISIT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ............... 9
A KOWLOON BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ................................. 9
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN EASTERN DISTRICT ....................... 10
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE IN SHUN TIN ESTATE .......................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 11
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
- 1 -
STI ON SPECIAL 301 NEGOTIATIONS *****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS ON DEVELOPMENTS CONCERNING THE SPECIAL 301 NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CHINA, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY):
’’I UNDERSTAND THAT THE U.S. AND CHINA HAVE BOTH MADE CLEAR THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS CAN CONTINUE IN THE COMING WEEKS, DESPITE THE U.S. DECISION TO PUBLISH A LIST OF PRODUCTS ON WHICH THEY MAY TAKE RETALIATORY ACTION IF THE NEGOTIATIONS DO NOT END IN AGREEMENT.
"I WELCOME THIS POSITIVE APPROACH, AND REMAIN HOPEFUL THAT THE TWO SIDES WILL BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THEIR DIFFERENCES AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE.”
COMMENTING ON THE LIST OF PRODUCTS WHICH MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO RETALIATION THROUGH THE IMPOSITION OF TARIFFS AS HIGH AS 100 PER CENT, MR CHAU SAID:
"THE U.S. HAS DEVELOPED A LIST OF PRODUCTS ACCOUNTING FOR APPROXIMATELY US$1.5 BILLION OF CHINESE IMPORTS INTO THE U.S.
"WE MUST KEEP THIS IN PERSPECTIVE. WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT, IF THE U.S. DOES TAKE ACTION, ON PAST PRACTICE ONLY A PORTION OF ITEMS ON THE LIST WILL BE AFFECTED. THE U.S. WILL CONSIDER COMMENTS ON THE LIST BEFORE COMING TO ANY FINAL DECISION.
’’THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IS STILL EXAMINING THE POTENTIAL EFFECT ON HONG KONG. THIS MAY TAKE SOME TIME BECAUSE OF UNCERTAINTIES OVER THE PRECISE AMOUNT OF TRADE COVERED BY THE LIST.
’’THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION IS ALREADY AWARE OF OUR CONCERN THAT HONG KONG’S INTERESTS OUGHT TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN ANY DECISION WHICH THE U.S. MAY TAKE. WE WILL, IF NECESSARY, SEEK CLARIFICATION FROM THE U.S. ON THE COVERAGE OF THEIR LIST, AND GIVE THEM SUCH INFORMATION AS WE CAN CONCERNING OUR RE-EXPORT DATA."
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL MEET THE RELEVANT TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE LATER TODAY TO BRIEF THEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID: "WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE U.S. LIST INCLUDES BEER, ORE, SILK TEXTILES, PHARMACEUTICALS, FOOTWEAR, IMITATION JEWELLERY, HARDWARE, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS, AND WATCHES. RESTRAINED TEXTILES AND TOYS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
"DETAILS OF THE LIST WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE U.S. FEDERAL REGISTER IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.”
/2.........
THURSDAY, NOVEMU'R 28, 1991
2
GOVT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO CURB PROPERTY SPECULATION *****
A BILL DESIGNED TO CURB SPECULATION IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE MOVE FOLLOWS THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON NOVEMBER 6 THAT LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO IMPOSE STAMP DUTY ON $ALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS.
EXPLAINING THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1991, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID STAMP DUTY WAS NOW ONLY PAYABLE ON THE ASSIGNMENT OF A PROPERTY, IN OTHER WORDS, ON THE DOCUMENT BY WHICH LEGAL TITLE TO THE PROPERTY WAS TRANSFERRED.
IT WAS NOT PAYABLE ON SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS ENTERED INTO BEFORE THE ASSIGNMENT.
"SO THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL COST INVOLVED FOR SPECULATORS BUYING AND SELLING A PROPERTY SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ASSIGNMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THIS TYPE OF SPECULATION HAD BEEN THE TARGET OF MUCH PUBLIC fcRITICISM AND HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE SHARP INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
THE BILL PROPOSED THAT SELLERS AND PURCHASERS GENERALLY BE REQUIRED TO PAY STAMP DUTY, ON AN AD VALOREM SLIDING SCALE, ON ALL SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
"WHERE THERE IS A SERIES OF AGREEMENTS FOR THE SAME PROPERTY, THE AMOUNT OF DUTY PAYABLE WILL MULTIPLY. THIS WILL ADD A LOT TO SPECULATORS’ OVERHEADS, AND SHOULD DAMP DOWN THEIR ACTIVITIES SUBSTANTIALLY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT WISH TO INTERFERE IN THE NORMAL OPERATION OF THE PROPERTY MARKET.
"BUT WHEN THE MARKET IS ARTIFICIALLY HEATED BY SPECULATIVE PRESSURE, WE MUST TAKE ACTION TO RESTORE THE NORMAL MARKET MECHANISM," HE ADDED.
"WE ARE DETERMINED TO CURB SPECULATION SO AS TO HELP GENUINE HOME-BUYERS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING THE REQUIREMENT TO PAY DUTY TO NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
"THE PUBLIC IS MAINLY WORRIED ABOUT SPECULATORS IN DOMESTIC FLATS AND THE EFFECTS THEIR ACTIVITIES HAVE ON THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET.
"IT IS TRUE THAT THERE HAS BEEN SOME MINOR SPECULATION IN THE COMMERCIAL OFFICE SECTOR.
/"IF THIS .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1991
3 -
"IF THIS TREND WERE TO CONTINUE, WE WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER APPROPRIATE ACTION. BUT FOR THE TIME BEING, WE PROPOSE THAT THE NEW" STAMP DUTY REQUIREMENT SHOULD ONLY APPLY TO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY,” HE SAID.
’’CERTAIN TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECT TO SPECULATION, WILL ALSO BE EXEMPTED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THESE INCLUDE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS, CONSULAR PREMISES AND PROPERTY BOUGHT BY THE GOVERNMENT.
UNDER THE BILL, BOTH THE BUYER AND THE SELLER OF ANY LAND OR BUILDINGS WILL HAVE TO EXECUTE A WRITTEN SALE AGREEMENT. THE AGREEMENT MUST CONTAIN A DECLARATION AS TO WHETHER THE PROPERTY IS RESIDENTIAL OR NON-RESIDENTIAL.
"NO DUTY WILL BE PAYABLE IF THE PROPERTY IS DECLARED TO BE ENTIRELY FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, PROVIDED THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE HAS NO DOUBTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE INTENTION OF THE BILL IS TO PROMOTE GENUINE HOME PURCHASES AND TO DISCOURAGE SPECULATIVE TRANSACTIONS. FOR THIS REASON, THE STAMP DUTY PAYABLE ON THE ACTUAL CONVEYANCE OF A PROPERTY WILL BE LIMITED TO A NOMINAL $100."
MOST OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS WILL BE CONTAINED IN A NEW PART (PART III A) OF THE STAMP DUTY ORDINANCE.
"THIS WILL MAKE THEIR INTENTION CLEARER, AND ALSO MAKE IT EASIER TO INTRODUCE ANY AMENDMENTS WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED BY CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE NEW MEASURES WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1993. THEY CAN THEN BE ONLY EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"WE WILL REVIEW THE CONTINUED NEED FOR THE MEASURES ABOUT SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY AND ESPECIALLY IN THE PROPERTY MARKET," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE MEASURES DESIGNED TO COMBAT RECENT LEVELS OF SPECULATION IN DOMESTIC PROPERTY, THE BILL ALSO CLOSED AN EXISTING TAX AVOIDANCE LOOPHOLE.
"AS THE LAW STANDS, A SHAREHOLDER IN A COMPANY WHICH OWNS PROPERTY CAN TRANSFER HIS INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY BY SELLING HIS SHARES TO ANOTHER PARTY. HE IS THEN ONLY LIABLE TO PAY DUTY AT THE CONTRACT NOTE RATE, THAT IS $5 PER $1,000," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"IN SOME CASES, A COMPANY IS DELIBERATELY SET UP TO AVOID THE NEED TO PAY DUTY AT THE HIGHER, CONVEYANCING RATE, THAT IS $27.50 PER $1,000. THE BILL CONTAINS PROVISIONS TO MINIMISE THIS FORM OF TAX AVOIDANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THESE PROVISIONS SHOULD FORM A PERMANENT FEATURE OF THE ORDINANCE.
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/4 .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT TO VISIT HONG KONG *****
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 2) FOR AN EIGHT-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT.
WHILE IN HONG KONG, THEY WILL HAVE EXTENSIVE AND SEPARATE PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING VISITS TO VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND SOCIAL SERVICE INSTITUTIONS, OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF CONFERENCES ON ENVIRONMENT AND SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE DUKE WILL VISIT THE CONTAINER PORT IN KWAI CHUNG ON DECEMBER 5 FOLLOWED BY VISITS TO A HOUSING ESTATE IN WONG TAI SIN, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND VARIOUS FACILITIES AT THE AIRPORT.
ON DECEMBER 6, THE DUKE, WILL TAKE A DRIVE THROUGH THE EASTERN HARBOUR AND TATE’S CAIRN TUNNELS AND WILL TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE BORDER, THE SITE OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION.
ON DECEMBER 7, THE DUKE ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, WILL ATTEND A CEREMONY AT SAI WAN MILITARY CEMETERY TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION AND FALL OF HONG KONG. HE WILL THEN VISIT THE STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY.
THE ITINERARY OF THE DUCHESS INCLUDES A VISIT TO THE CHESHIRE HOME IN SHA TIN ON DECEMBER 4; AND A VISIT TO QUAN CHUEN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN ABERDEEN AND A MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S ROYAL ARMY CORPS AND THE ARMY CATERING CORPS AND THEIR SPOUSES IN STONECUTTERS ISLAND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE DUCHESS WILL VISIT THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL AND BEFRIENDERS INTERNATIONAL ON DECEMBER 7. SHE WILL ALSO ATTEND THE HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION INAUGURAL FUND RAISING EVENT IN THE EVENING.
ON DECEMBER 9, THE DUKE WILL OPEN THE POLMET ’91 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION WHILE THE DUCHESS WILL ADDRESS THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY BEFORE LEAVING FOR LONDON IN THE EVENING.
- - 0----------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
*****
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY AND ONLY IN THIS CO-OPERATIVE WAY CAN MAXIMUM SAFETY BE ASSURED, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
”1 DO NOT BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENTS SHOULD TRY TO TAKE ON SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
/"IF THEY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
5
"IF THEY DO, THEY RUN THE RISK OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS BECOMING COMPLACENT, LAZY OR NEGLIGENT.
"RESPONSIBILITY MUST BE SHARED. IT MUST BE SHARED BETWEEN THOSE WHO OWN MACHINES, THOSE WHO OPERATE THEM, THOSE WHO INSPECT THEM AND THOSE IN GOVERNMENT WHO SET THE STANDARDS," HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEVENTH RESIDENTIAL SEMINAR OF THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
MR MILLER SAID: "THE EXPERTISE OF MARINE ENGINEERS HAS ALWAYS BEEN SOUGHT AFTER WORLDWIDE BY REGULATORY AUTHORITIES FOR ATTENDING TO THE TASK OF ENSURING SAFETY IN THE USE OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS ASHORE AS WELL ON SHIPS.
"THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS INDEED PLEASED AT THE CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT THAT HAS EXISTED OVER MANY DECADES IN DISCHARGING THE IMPORTANT DUTIES OF OVERSEEING THE SAFETY OF BOILERS AND PRESSURISED EQUIPMENT ON LAND.
"I AM GLAD THAT THE SYSTEM OF SECONDING TECHNICAL OFFICERS TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PERFORMING REASONABLY SATISFACTORILY.
"THE BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSELS ORDINANCE HAS RECENTLY BEEN UPDATED AND THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION HAS THE ONEROUS RESPONSIBILITY OF MONITORING THE OPERATION OF 59,341 PIECES OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT."
MR MILLER SAID A CREDITABLE SAFETY RECORD HAD BEEN MAINTAINED THROUGH THE CONSCIENTIOUS MONITORING BY THE STAFF OF THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION AND WITH THE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED APPOINTED EXAMINERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE SAID THE RECORD OF SAFETY IN THIS FIELD WAS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD.
FOR ALMOST THREE DECADES, THE SYSTEM OF APPOINTING EXPERIENCED ENGINEERS AS APPOINTED EXAMINERS TO CARRY OUT REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS HAD BEEN WORKING OUT SATISFACTORILY.
MR MILLER SAID: "IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE TAKING STEPS TO INCREASE THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO ENHANCE THE STATUS OF LOCAL RECOGNISED INSPECTION BODIES, BOTH IN THE AREA OF INSPECTION AND MONITORING DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS, AND ALSO IN THEIR SUBSEQUENT MAINTENANCE.
"TO BE RECOGNISED AS AN INSPECTION BODY, I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THAT THE CORPORATION AND ITS STAFF MUST CARRY OUT THE VERIFICATION TESTS WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE.
"THE IMPARTIALITY OF INSPECTION STAFF IS PARAMOUNT IF THE INSPECTION BODIES ARE TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN ENSURING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY."
THE TWO-DAY RESIDENTIAL SEMINAR WAS ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, APPOINTED EXAMINERS AND OFFICERS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
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/6......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ORDINANCE ORDER TO BE GAZETTED ******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN ORDER WHICH ENABLES THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT MALADMINISTRATION RELATING TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
THESE INCLUDE ALL GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, WHICH HAVE HITHERTO BEEN MANAGED BY THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
"THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 1) NO. 2 ORDER SEEKS TO ENABLE THE COMAC TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS RELATING TO THESE HOSPITALS AND TO THE HA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE ORDER, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S GAZETTE, THE HA WILL BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS TO WHICH THE COMAC ORDINANCE APPLIES.
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CONTRACT FOR FIRST UNDERGROUND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AWARDED
******
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $147 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN UNDERGROUND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND ANCILLARY WORKS IN STANLEY, ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE SECONDARY TREATMENT PLANT, THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE PROJECT OF ITS KIND TO BE BUILT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, WILL BE LOCATED TO THE SOUTH OF STANLEY PRISON WITHIN A CAVERN TO BE EXCAVATED MAINLY IN ROCK.
IT WILL RUN BENEATH THE ROCKY STANLEY PENINSULA TO THE SOUTH OF THE TOWNSHIP.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE PLANT WILL SERVE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 27,000 PEOPLE IN THE AREAS OF STANLEY, CHUNG HOM KOK AND TAI TAM.
THE CONTRACT, WHICH WAS SIGNED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR NG YEE-YUM, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAIN PUMPING STATION AT THE LOCATION OF THE EXISTING IMHOFF TANK AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE STANLEY MARKET AREA, AND THE INSTALLATION OF 840 METRES OF A TWIN PUMPING MAIN TO CONNECT THE TREATMENT PLANT WITH THE PUMPING STATION.
/MR NG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
MR NG NOTED THAT THE DESIGN OF THE SYSTEM WAS TO ENABLE ALL SEWERS WITHIN THE CATCHMENT OF STANLEY, CHUNG HOM KOK AND TAI TAM TO BE COLLECTED INTO THE MAIN PUMPING STATION AND PUMPED TO THE SECONDARY TREATMENT PLANT FOR FULL BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT PRIOR TO DISINFECTION.
THE TREATED EFFLUENT FROM THE TREATMENT PLANT WOULD THEN BE DISCHARGED VIA A 600-MILLIMETRE DIAMETER SUBMARINE OUTFALL ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES LONG OFF TWEED BAY CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN A SEPARATE CONTRACT.
ACCORDING TO MR NG, THE MAIN BENEFIT OF SITING THE TREATMENT PLANT UNDERGROUND WAS THE MUCH REDUCED IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
"LOW LAND TAKE WAS ALSO A VITAL FACTOR IN THE CHOICE OF SITE.
"THERE ARE ALSO SOME BENEFITS TO THE PLANT IN THAT THE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE CAVERN IS READILY CONTROLLED AND OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO WEATHER RESTRICTIONS," HE EXPLAINED.
MR NG POINTED OUT THAT THE PLANT WOULD BE HOUSED IN FOUR PRINCIPAL CAVERNS, IN LENGTHS UP TO ABOUT 12& METRES LONG WITH THE LARGEST ONE COMPARABLE IN SIZE TO, SAY THE CENTRAL MTR STATION.
ACCESS WILL BE GAINED FROM WONG MA KOK ROAD ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE PENINSULA AND THE PLANT WILL REACH ALMOST TO THE OTHER SIDE ABOVE TWEED BAY.
WORKS ON THE CONTRACT, WHICH WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE PAUL Y-SPIE BATIGNOLLE JOINT VENTURE, ARE EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND THE PLANT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMMISSIONING IN TWO YEARS.
SUPERVISION OF THE CONTRACT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY WATSON HAWKSLEY (HK) LTD ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT. THE CONSULTING FIRM HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN THE DESIGN AND SITE INVESTIGATION FOR THE PROJECT SINCE 1989.
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GOVT CONSIDERS TRAINING FOR WORKERS OF TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES
*»»*«»
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING WAYS OF AUGMENTING ITS TRAINING EFFORTS AND OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY FOR EMPLOYEES DISPLACED FROM THE TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES THAT ARE NO LONGER GROWING, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID IN BANGKOK YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEN WAS SPEAKING AS HEAD OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE 11TH INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
8
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS RESPONDING TO THE MAJOR SHIFTS IN HONG KONG’S LABOUR MARKET AS A RESULT OF ITS ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING AND TO THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE OPTIMAL UTILISATION OF ITS LIMITED HUMAN RESOURCES. \
"THE STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE ECONOMY HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A CORRESPONDING SHIFT IN THE EMPLOYMENT PATTERN, FROM MANUFACTURING TO SERVICES,” HE SAID.
MR CHEN POINTED OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR’S SHARE OF THE EMPLOYED WORKFORCE DROPPED FROM 47 PER CENT IN 1971 TO 28 "PER CENT LAST YEAR WHILE THE SERVICES SECTOR'S SHARE OF THE WORKFORCE INCREASED FROM 41 PER CENT TO 62 PER CENT DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
’’APART FROM THIS MAJOR SHIFT IN EMPLOYMENT PATTERN, HONG KONG HAS FACED THE FURTHER PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE IN RECENT YEARS,” MR CHEN NOTED.
HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG HAD EXPERIENCED VIRTUALLY FULL EMPLOYMENT THROUGHOUT THE LAST THREE YEARS AS A RESULT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF FACILITATING INVESTMENT AND FOSTERING THE . GROWTH OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
’’THIS HAS CREATED SERIOUS BOTTLENECKS IN SOME OF OUR KEY INDUSTRIES AND HAD ALSO HAD AN INHIBITING EFFECT ON FURTHER ECONOMIC GROWTH,” MR CHEN SAID.
"TO ALLEVIATE THESE PROBLEMS WE HAVE INTRODUCED SCHEMES TO ALLOW THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT ABOUT l?,700 FOREIGN WORKERS HAD BEEN IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG SINCE 1989, WHICH REPRESENTED ABOUT 0.48 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE.
"IN SETTING DOWN THE RULES FOR LABOUR IMPORTATION, AN UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE IS THE ADEQUATE PROTECTION OF LOCAL WORKERS’ INTERESTS, INCLUDING THEIR WAGE LEVELS AS WELL AS THEIR JOB OPPORTUNITIES,” HE SAID.
’’THE LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.
MR CHEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO FREE ENTERPRISE AND MARKET ECONOMY HAD PROVIDED A BASIS FOR OUR ENTREPRENEURS TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN OUR ECONOMY.
’’THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTS A MANPOWER STRATEGY AIMED AT EQUIPPING THE WORKFORCE WITH THE SKILLS WHICH OUR COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY REQUIRE, AND PROVIDING WORKERS WITH ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITIES TO UTILISE THEIR SKILLS AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL," HE SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT THROUGH THE WORK OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, AS WELL AS THE EFFORTS OF SPECIFIC TRAINING AUTHORITIES FOR THE CLOTHING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES, OPPORTUNITIES HAD BEEN EXPANDED FOR MANY MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACQUIRE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN A WIDE RANGE AND DIFFERENT LEVELS OF JOBS.
/"IN TANDEM .......
itiiiRSDAY, November 28, 1991
9
"IN TANDEM WITH THE EFFORTS TO BOOST TRAINING FOR THE WORKFORCE, WE ALSO PROVIDE SUPPORTING SERVICES THROUGH ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL TO MAKE OUR INDUSTRIES MORE EFFICIENT THROUGH PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND PRODUCT INNOVATION," HE SAID.
"WE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER THROUGH AN INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME," MR CHEN SAID. "SUCH MEASURES ARE INTENDED TO HELP HONG KONG TO MOVE UP FURTHER ON THE TECHNOLOGICAL LADDER."
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BOE MEMBERS VISIT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
******
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS TODAY (THURSDAY) CONTINUED THEIR TOURS OF SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES BY VISITING THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
THE COLLEGE, ONE OF THE FOUR FULL-TIME GOVERNMENT TEACHER INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG, WAS FOUNDED IN 1960.
BOARD MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT APART FROM FULL-TIME TRAINING FOR STUDENT-TEACHERS, IT ALSO RUNS A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME IN-SERVICE COURSE OF TRAINING FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, INCLUDING CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES; CHILDREN WITH SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PROBLEMS; THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED; THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED; THE VISUALLY HANDICAPPED; THE HEARING IMPAIRED, THE MALADJUSTED AND SOCIALLY DEPRIVED.
JOINING TODAY’S TOUR WERE BOARD CHAIRMAN MR TIMOTHY HA, AND MEMBERS MR CHAN KIN-HUNG, MS AUDREY EU, MR PETER LEE, DR LESLIE LO, MISS SO YAN-LAP AND DR ANDREW WONG KAM-CHEUNG.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), MR Y.P. CHAN, AND THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL, DR KONG YUN-FUN.
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A KOWLOON BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS *****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED A BUILDING IN YAU MA TEI TO BE DANGEROUS.
THE BUILDING, KUNG SHEUNG MANSIONS, IS LOCATED AT 113-119 SHANGHAI STREET.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE BUILDING, BUILT IN 1958, WAS AN EIGHT-STOREY REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMED STRUCTURE SERVED BY TWO STAIRCASES WHICH WERE INTERCONNECTED BY AN EXTERNAL CORRIDOR ON EACH OF THE UPPER FLOORS FOR PROVIDING THE MEANS OF ESCAPE IN THE EVENT OF FIRE.
/THE BUILDING .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
- 10
THE BUILDING IS COMMERCIALLY OCCUPIED ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND DOMESTICALLY ON THE UPPER FLOORS.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN ITS RECENT INSPECTION FOUND THAT ON EACH OF THE UPPER FLOORS CERTAIN UNAPPROVED ALTERATIONS HAD TAKEN PLACE TO THE STAIRCASES AND THE INTERCONNECTING BALCONIES, THUS SERIOUSLY JEOPARDISING THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF FIRE AND OTHER EMERGENCY.
HE SAID THE BUILDING HAS BEEN RENDERED DANGEROUS BY THE LACK OF ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESCAPE AND SHOULD THEREFORE BE CLOSED UNTIL THE ORIGINALLY APPROVED MEANS OF ESCAPE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN REINSTATED.
IN THIS REGARD, THE OWNERS HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY REINSTATEMENT WORKS BEFORE JANUARY 8 NEXT YEAR, FAILING WHICH AN APPLICATION FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN RESPECT OF THE UPPER FLOORS WILL BE MADE BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER IN THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 10 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
ADDITIONALLY A FURTHER ORDER HAS BEEN SERVED UPON THE OWNERS TO CARRY OUT GENERAL REPAIRS TO COMMON AREAS, AND INDIVIDUAL UNITS OF ACCOMMODATION, THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING.
---------0 ----------
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN EASTERN DISTRICT »♦»»»♦
MORE THAN 100 PRIVATE FLAT-OWNERS IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE GIVEN PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON HOW TO SELECT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AT A SEMINAR AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
THE PROPERTY MANAGER OF KUMAGAI GUMI (HONG KONG) LTD, MR JOHNNIE CHAN, WILL GIVE HIS EXPERT OPINIONS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS.
A SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHEUNG PING-KUEN, AND FOREX INSURANCE COMPANY'S MANAGER, MR DENNIS CHAN, WILL TALK ON THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTS AND BUILDING INSURANCE RESPECTIVELY.
THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30) IN THE HALL OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE, 7 FOOK YUM ROAD.
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/1J .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1991
11 -
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE IN SHUN TIN ESTATE t » » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE, ROUTE 54, SERVING BETWEEN SHUN TIN AND LOK FU WILL START OPERATION ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
FROM SHUN TIN TO/ LOK FU, THE SERVICE WILL RUN VIA SHUN ON ROAD, LEE ON ROAD, NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, HAMMER HILL ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD, SHATIN PASS ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, FUNG MO STREET, FU MEI STREET, FU KEUNG STREET AND WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD.
FROM LOK FU TO SHUN TIN, THE SERVICE WILL RUN VIA WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD, WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU MEI STREET, FUNG MO STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, SHATIN PASS ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD, HAMMER HILL ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, SAN LEE STREET, LEE ON ROAD, SHUN ON ROAD, SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD, SAU MAU PING ROAD AND SHUN ON ROAD.
THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF 10 TO 15 MINUTES. SINGLE JOURNEY FARE IS $4.50.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS t t t t t
date $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 27.11.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 28.11.91 + 30 -30
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.1 «+0.3* 28.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM ISSUE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.84 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.38 5.58
1 MONTH 3.92 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.95 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.J 3 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.77 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 5,755 MN, BONDS 18 MN
CLOSED 28 NOVEMBER 1991
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
THIRD QUARTER DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED ............................................................... 1
GOVT IS AWARE OF STOCKBROKERS' CONCERNS ............................... 4
RG ON BCCHK ...........................................................
WALLED CITY PHASE I CLEARANCE COMPLETED ............................... 5
NEW TELA COMMISSIONER APPOINTED........................................ 6
CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES (AMENDMENT)BILL EXPLAINED..... 6
INSURANCE CO(AMENDMENT)BILL GAZETTED ..................................
USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES IN EXEMPTED CLINICS ............................
NEW RULES TO CONTROL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ...........................
FIRST ISSUE OF LOOSE-LEAF LAW PUBLISHED................................ 10
HONG KONG NEEDS LOCAL MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS .......................... 12
SIXTH FORM COURSES AVAILABLE IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS SOON ............ 13
EDUCATION SYSTEM WILL MEET CHALLENGES OF FUTURE ....................... 14
ASIAN SCHOOL SPORTS EXCHANGE AND CONTESTS ENCOURAGE FRIENDSHIP ........ 16
DREDGING FOR APPROACH CHANNEL OFF TSING YI PROPOSED ................... 16
TENDERS FOR LANDFILL SITE FORMATION ................................... 17
KWUN TONG TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION .... 18
ISLANDS OUTSTANDING YOUTHS AWARD PRESENTATION ......................... 19
VARIETY SHOW TO START SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL ..................
CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ON SUNDAY .........................................
FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY .............................
SHAM SHUT PO SPORTS CARNIVAL ..........................................
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR NEW MINIBUS ROUTES ...........................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 25
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
THIRD QUARTER DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED » » * » »
THE SIX MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS WITH THE LARGEST VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 80.7% OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THAT QUARTER, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SIX GROUPS WERE: TEXTILES, INCLUDING KNITTING; WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR; CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS; MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS; PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT; AND BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1990 WERE : TEXTILES, INCLUDING KNITTING (+$1,590 Mil,LION); MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+$968 MILLION); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+$218 MILLION); PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+$134 MILLION); AND BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+$69 MILLION).
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1990 WERE : PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL (+205.0%); MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+19.1%); CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+13.7%); AND TEXTILES, INCLUDING KNITTING (+12.2%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RECORDED DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1990.
AMONG THEM WERE: PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$1,199 MILLION OR -19.8%); CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-$382 MILLION OR -3.6%); PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$201 MILLION OR -8.7%); AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (-$166 MILLION OR -23.9%).
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATEON USED IS THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC). THE HSIC IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) USED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS IN THAT THE FORMER IS MORE RELATED TO PRODUCTION PROCESSES WHEREAS THE LATTER IS MORE GEARED TO END USES OF PRODUCTS.
/CAUTION SHOULD .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 2 -
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN. CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THEIR PRODUCTION.
HOWEVER, IN COMPILING THE ABOVE STATISTICS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE ITEM HAS BEEN WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH THE ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED.
BESIDES, DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY MAY INCLUDE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE PRODUCED AS SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.
’FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE FOUND IN A TABLE WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 839 3250).
A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, SEPTEMBER 1991".
/VALUE OF .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 3 -
Value of merchandise domestic exports classified by industrial origin for the third quarter of 1991
(Value in HKS’OOO)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1991 3rd qtr. 1990 3rd qtr. Value change % change
Agriculture and Fishing
Agricultural, livestocks and poultry 3,263 2,730 ♦533 ♦ 19.5
production Fishing 104,601 93,143 ♦ 11.458 ♦ 12.3
Mining and Quarrying 1,154 1,009 ♦ 146 ♦ 14.5
Manufacturing
Food 512,889 496,823 ♦ 16,066 ♦3.2
Beverages 115,608 108,295 ♦7,314 ♦6.8
Tobacco manufactures 526.208 691,730 -165,521 -23.9
Textiles (including knitting} 14,618.772 13,028,414 ♦ 1,590,358 ♦ 12.2
Wearing apparel, except footwear 11,922,439 12,017.824 -95,385 -0.8
Leather and leather products, except 420,526 445,502 -24.977 -5.6
footwear and wearing apparel Footwear, except rubber, plastic and 155.236 226,020 -70.784 -31.3
wooden footwear Wood and cork products, furniture and 121,701 159,931 -38,230 -23.9
fixtures Paper and paper products, printing and 1.834.012 1,700,120 ♦133,892 ♦7.9
publishing - . ♦218.062 ♦ 13.7
Chemicals and chemical products. 1,805,800 1.587,738
Products of petroleum and coal 5.432 ' 1,781 ♦3,651 ♦205.0
Rubber products 25,393 27.240 -1.847 -6.8
Plastic products 2,119.417 2,320,857 -201.440 -8.7
Non-metallic mineral products, except 147.831 134,463 ♦13,368 ♦9.9
products of petroleum and coal Basic metals and fabricated metal 2.369,462 22500,867 ♦68,595 ♦3.0
products Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts 6,028,422 5,060,085 ♦968,337 ♦ 19.1
and-components Consumer electrical and electronic products 10,333.837 10,715,558 -381,721 -3.6
Transport equipment 50,947 67,934 -16,986 -25.0
Professional and optical equipment 4,840.823 6,039,349 -1,198,526 -19.8
Other manufacturing industries - . 3,560,566 3,551,596 ♦8,970 ♦0.3
Electricity 408.853 255,055 ♦ 153.798 ♦60.3
Miscellaneous items 34,819 27,653 ♦7,166 ♦25.9
(e’.g. developed photographic plates and film, antiques, and works of art) •
'Total 62.068.011 61,061,716 *1,006,295 ♦ 1.6
Notes :L Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated from unrounded figures.
2. As from 1991, the above statistics are published by major industry groups based on the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC). In order to compare the 1991 figures with the 1990 ones, the value changes and percentage changes between the third quarter of 1991 and the third quarter of 1990 for the respective major industry groups are derived after re-grouping the values of export items in the third quarter of 1990 according to the HSIC. The HSIC-based statistics may not be strictly comparable with the domestic export statistics classified by industrial origin for earlier years due to the change in industrial classification.
Industrial Research Section, Census & Statistics Department, Hong Kong.
Tel. : 839 3250
November 1991
------0 - -
/4 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
GOVT IS AWARE OF STOCKBROKERS’ CONCERNS ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TONIGHT (FRIDAY) THAT THE DRAFTING OF THE BILL RELATED TO THE SETTING UP OF A CENTRAL CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE STOCK MARKET IS IN A VERY ADVANCED STAGE.
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG STOCKBROKERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER, MR MACLEOD SAID THE LEGISLATION IS COMPLICATED, EMBRACING PROVISIONS IN THE AREAS OF SECURITIES, COMPANIES AND INSOLVENCY..
"WE ARE PURSUING THIS AS A SUBJECT OF HIGH PRIORITY," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE LEGISLATION IS AWAITED TO ENABLE THE SYSTEM TO GO INTO OPERATION WITH ALL THE NECESSARY SUPPORT AND PROTECTION TO ENSURE ITS INTEGRITY AND SMOOTH RUNNING.
"THE TECHNICAL ASPECT OF THE SYSTEM IS IN A VERY ADVANCED STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT," HE ADDED.
ON STAMP DUTY ON SHARE TRANSACTIONS, MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS AWARE OF THE CONCERN OF THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY OVER THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THIS DUTY.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP THE NEED FOR FURTHER REDUCTION OF STAMP DUTY ON STOCK MARKET DEALS UNDER REVIEW.
THE STAMP DUTY WAS REDUCED IN THE LAST BUDGET, FOLLOWING THE INTERNATIONAL TREND TOWARDS THE REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF TRANSFER TAXES ON SHARE TRANSACTIONS.
TURNING TO THE REFORM PACKAGE FOR THE STOCK EXCHANGE, MR MACLEOD SAID IT IS THE RESULT OF COMPROMISES MADE BY THE EXCHANGE AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AFTER LENGTHY AND, AT TIMES, DIFFICULT DISCUSSIONS.
"NOW THAT THE PROBLEM IS BEHIND US, WE SHOULD ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE.
"EFFORTS CAN NOW BE FOCUSSED ON FURTHER DEVELOPING THE MARKET, AND IN CONSOLIDATING WHAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR IN ORDER TO POSITION HONG KONG AMONGST THE PRIME SECURITIES MARKETS IN THE WORLD.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IS TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY CAN OPERATE AND PROSPER.
/"THIS WILL .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
5
"THIS WILL MEAN THE REGULATOR MAKING SURE THAT,THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IS FAIRLY SET AND CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD BY ALL CONCERNED, AND THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDING THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT,
"THE SIGNING OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE THIS WEEK TO PROVIDE FOR THE DEVOLUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION OF ALL LISTING MATTERS TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR, SUBJECT TO SYSTEMATIC CHECKS AND BALANCES WITHIN THE EXCHANGE, IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THAT DIRECTION," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
RG ON BCCHK * * *
ON THE QUESTION OF RECOVERING AMOUNTS STILL DUE TO BCCHK FROM A SMALL NUMBER OF^OVERSEAS BANKS, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HE HAD BEEN IN TOUCH WITH ALL OF THEM AND THAT THE INITIAL RESPONSE HAD BEEN VERY POSITIVE.
MANY OF THE AMOUNTS DUE HAD ALREADY BEEN PAID OR WERE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING PAID.
IN THE LIGHT OF THIS, MR GLEESON DID NOT PROPOSE TO ISSUE ANY LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AT THIS STAGE.
------0-----------
WALLED CITY PHASE I CLEARANCE COMPLETED « » * * *
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE OPERATION HAD- BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR PHILIP CHOK, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
OF THE TOTAL OF 161 PHASE I HOUSEHOLDS TO BE RECOVERED AT THE START OF THE OPERATION YESTERDAY, THE CLEARANCE TEAMS HAD BEEN ABLE TO CLEAR OVER 103 HOUSEHOLDS, HE SAID.
THE REMAINING 58 HOUSEHOLDS ARE REGISTERED IN STRUCTURES UNDER THE NAMES OF THE 33 CLAIMANTS WHO HAVE INDICATED THEIR INTENTION TO APPLY FOR LEAVE TO BRING JUDICIAL REVIEW PROCEEDINGS.
OF THESE, 21 ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE MOVED OUT.
--------0----------
/6.........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 6 -
NEW TELA COMMISSIONER APPOINTED *****
MISS ELLE SHUM MUN-LING, FORMERLY DEPUTY POSTMASTER GENERAL, HAS TAKEN UP THE POST OF COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY.
MISS SHUM HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES BEFORE JOINING TELA.
--------0-----------
CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES(AMENDMENT(BILL EXPLAINED * * * *
THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 IS NOT INTENDED TO BAN AUTOMATICALLY ALL CATEGORY III FILMS FROM BEING SOLD OR HIRED IN THE FORM OF VIDEOTAPES OR LASER DISCS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVES COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 4) FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE PRINCIPAL TARGET OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT IS PORNOGRAPHIC FILMS WHICH AT PRESENT MAY BE SOLD OR HIRED FREELY TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
"A CATEGORY III FILM MAY STILL BE SOLD OR HIRED IF IT IS CLASSIFIED AS INDECENT BY THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL (OAT), BUT A WARNING NOTICE MUST BE DISPLAYED ON THE VIDEOTAPE OR LASER DISC OR THE WRAPPER ENCLOSING IT TO THE EFFECT THAT IT MAY NOT BE SOLD TO A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID ONLY WHEN A VIDEOTAPE OR LASER DISC IS CLASSIFIED AS OBSSCENE BY THE TRIBUNAL WILL IT BE BANNED FROM SALE OR HIRE, ’OBSCENITY’ AND ’INDECENCY’ MAY INCLUDE VIOLENCE, DEPRAVITY AND REPULSIVENESS.
HE ADDED THAT THE OAT, IN DETERMINING WHETHER A VIDEOFILM IS OBSCENE OR INDECENT, IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO HAVE REGARD TO THE STANDARDS OF MORALITY, DECENCY AND PROPRIETY THAT ARE GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY REASONABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE DOMINANT EFFECT OF THE FILM, THE PEOPLE TO WHOM THE FILM IS TO BE SHOWN, AND WHETHER THE FILM HAS AN HONEST PURPOSE.
BESIDES, HE SAID, IT IS ALSO REQUIRED TO HAVE REGARD TO THE DECISION OF THE CENSOR IF THE FILM HAS BEEN DEALT WITH BY THE FILM CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY.
THEREFORE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE ARTISTIC AND LITERARY MERIT OF THE FILM AND ITS IMPORTANCE OR VALUE FOR CULTURAL OR SOCIAL REASONS ARE ALSO FACTORS THAT MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
/"THE AIM .......
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 29, 199J
"THE AIM OF THE EXISTING POLICY AND LEGISLATION IS TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND INFORMATION ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE NEED TO PROTECT YOUNG PEOPLE AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF SUCH ARTICLES ON THE OTHER," HE ADDED.
THE AMENDMENT BILL, UPON ENACTMENT, WILL ONLY BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE AFTER THE EXPIRY OF A THREE-MONTH GRACE PERIOD.
INSURANCE CO (AMENDMENT)BILL GAZETTED
*****
THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY (IA) TO APPOINT A PERSON TO ADVISE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF AN INSURER THAT IS IN SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES OR TO ASSUME SUCH MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS.
WHILE THE PRESENT POWERS CONTAINED IN THE ORDINANCE WILL ENABLE THE IA TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF ADVERSE FEATURES ON AN INSURER’S OPERATIONS, THESE ARE INADEQUATE' TO ENSURE THAT AN INSURER, WHOSE STATE OF AFFAIRS ARE SUCH THAT THE INSURING PUBLIC IS BEING EXPOSED TO SERIOUS RISK OF LOSS, WILL BE PRUDENTLY MANAGED.
"THE IA IS AT PRESENT RESTRICTED IN ITS ABILITY TO PREVENT THE BUSINESS OF AN INSURER FROM DEVELOPING INTO A SITUATION WHERE THE ONLY OPTION IS WINDING UP, WHICH CAN BE DAMAGING TO THE INTERESTS OF THE POLICY HOLDERS AS WELL AS THE GENERAL REPUTATION OF THE INSURANCE MARKET IN HONG KONG," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HIGHLIGHTING THE PURPOSE OF THE . AMENDMENT, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN ORDER TO OVERCOME THE ABOVE INADEQUACY AND IN THE INTEREST OF THE INSURING PUBLIC, THE IA SHOULD BE GIVEN THE ADDITIONAL INTERVENTIONARY POWER OF BEING ABLE TO APPOINT A PERSON TO ADVISE AN INSURER ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS AFFAIRS, BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OR ASSUME SUCH MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THIS POWER COULD ONLY BE EXERCISED WHERE THE IA CONSIDERED THAT ITS OTHER INTERVENTIONARY POWERS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS.
"WHERE THE INSURER IN SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES IS INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG, THE REMIT OF THE ADVISOR OR MANAGER WILL ONLY EXTEND TO THAT PART OF THE INSURER’S BUSINESS AS WELL AS PROPERTY WHICH IS CARRIED ON, LOCATED IN, OR MANAGED, IN OR FROM HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"WHERE IT APPEARS TO THE IA THAT THE APPOINTMENT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY, WHICH NORMALLY MEANS THAT THE PROBLEMS LEADING TO THE APPOINTMENT HAVE BEEN RECTIFIED OR WHERE AN APPEAL TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AGAINST THE APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL, THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADVISOR OR MANAGER SHALL CEASE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/THE BILL .......
8
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES A FURTHER GROUND POR THE EXERCISE OF IHE TA’S EXISTING INTERVENTIONARY POWERS : WHERE IT APPEARS TO THE IA THAI THE INSURER IS CARRYING ON HIS BUSINESS IN A MANNER DETRIMENTAL TO HE INTERESTS OF ITS POLICY HOLDERS, THE AUTHORITY MAY EXERCISE US INTERVENTIONARY POWERS.
THIS IS BROADLY SIMILAR TO A PROVISION IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
IN THE WINDING
FURTHERMORE, THE BILL EXTENDS THE EXISTING PROVISION INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITS THE VOLUNTARY Ip wtoou? toe approval, of the court, of insurers carrying long-term business to insurers carrying on general business.
ON
THIS SEEKS TO GIVE A SIMILAR LEVEL OF PROTECTION TO THE POLICY HOLDERS OF GENERAL INSURANCE AS FOR THOSE OF LONG-TERM INSURANCE.
- - 0 - -
USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES IN EXEMPTED CLINICS *****
A BILL TO AMEND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL, ENTITLED DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, AIMS TO ALLOW PRACTITIONERS IN EXEMPTED CLINICS TO CONTINUE TO USE CERTAIN DRUGS OF THE BENZODIAZEPINE GROUP, IF THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH CONSIDERS THAT TO BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
THIS BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE PRACTITIONERS ARE ALREADY USING SOME OF THE BENZODIAZEPINES IN THE COURSE OF THEIR PRACTICE IN EXEMPTED CLINICS.
HOWEVER, TO CONTROL THE INCREASING PROBLEM OF ABUSE OF BENZODIAZEPINES, ALL BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS WILL BE SCHEDULED AS DANGEROUS DRUGS FROM JANUARY 18 NEXT YEAR.
”AS PRACTITIONERS IN EXEMPTED CLINICS RUN BY UNIONS AND NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HANDLE DANGEROUS DRUGS, THEY WILL BE DEPRIVED OF ACCESS TO BENZODIAZEPINES FROM THAT DAY AND WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE STANDARD OF THEIR SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT TO CONTROL THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, THREE DRUGS IN THE BENZODIAZEPINE GROUP (BROTIZOLAM, FLUNITRAZEPAM AND TRIAZOLAM) WERE ADDED TO PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
SINCE THEN, THE ABUSE HAS SWITCHED TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BENZODIAZEPINE GROUP.
/TO PREVENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
9
TO PREVENT FURTHER ABUSE, THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD RECOMMENDED THE INCLUSION OF ALL BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS IN PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE.
THE RECOMMENDATION, SUPPORTED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN SEPTEMBER, WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 18 NEXT YEAR.
--------0-----------
NEW RULES TO CONTROL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT *****
NEW REGULATIONS ON NOISE CONTROL OF HAND-HELD PERCUSSIVE BREAKERS AND PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSORS COMMONLY USED ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW CONTROLS WILL ENSURE THAT HONG KONG DOES NOT BECOME A DUMPING GROUND FOR NOISY EQUIPMENT WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID THE CONTROLS WILL ALSO HELP TO REDUCE THE ANNOYANCE CAUSED BY THE USE OF BREAKERS AND COMPRESSORS IN EXCAVATION AND DEMOLITION WORKS.
THE NEW REGULATIONS UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE ONLY ALLOWS EQUIPMENT COMPLYING WITH PRESCRIBED NOISE EMISSION STANDARDS TO BE IMPORTED FOR USE IN HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESCRIBED STANDARDS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE PROCLAIMED IN RELEVANT EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY DIRECTIVES.
THE NEW REGULATIONS ALSO STIPULATE THAT AS FROM SEPTEMBER .1, NEXT YEAR ALL HAND-HELD PERCUSSIVE BREAKERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE FITTED WITH A NOISE EMISSION LABEL ISSUED BY THE NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY TO ENSURE THAT NOISE EMISSION STANDARDS ARE MET.
FOR AIR COMPRESSORS, LABELS WILL BE REQUIRED FROM DECEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY WILL ALSO REQUIRE THE EQUIPMENT TO BE TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRESCRIBED TEST CONDITIONS, IF THE EQUIPMENT IS SUSPECTED TO BE EXCESSIVELY NOISY.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION, AND $100,000 ON SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION, AND ALSO A DAILY FINE OF $10,000.
THE NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY WILL BE SENDING DETAILED INFORMATION TO THE INDUSTRIES TO EXPLAIN THE REQULATIONS.
/APPLICATION FOR
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
APPLICATION FOR THE LABELS CAN BE MADE FROM MARCH 1, NEXT YEAR, TO THE NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY, FIFTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG. THE APPLICATION FEE IS $100 FOR EACH LABEL.
ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY WAS A NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 WHICH SEEKS TO CLARIFY CURRENT POLICY ON INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL NOISE AS WELL AS NOISE FROM TRAFFIC ON PUBLIC ROADS.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 13(1)(A) OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE MAKES IT CLEARER THAT ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST NOISY INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS ONLY WHEN THEY AFFECT NOISE SENSITIVE RECEIVERS SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL PREMISES, HOTELS, HOSTELS, SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS, AND NOT WHEN THEY AFFECT OTHER INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS.
• THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PROCEDURES ALREADY ADOPTED UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY’S TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT TWO YEARS AGO, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 4 AND 5 SEEK TO EXPLICITLY SPELL OUT THAT NOISE FROM VEHICLES TRAVELLING IN A NORMAL MANNER ON PUBLIC ROADS WILL NOT BE CONTROLLED UNDER THESE SECTIONS WHICH ARE ENFORCED BY WAY OF POLICE SUMMONS ACTION UPON COMPLAINTS.
HE SAID THE REDUCTION OF TRAFFIC NOISE IS BEST ACHIEVED THROUGH CAREFUL TOWN PLANNING WHICH IS THE EXISTING STANDARD PRACTICE.
"HOWEVER, THE POLICE ARE STILL ABLE TO TAKE ACTION UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE AGAINST DRIVERS BLASTING MUSIC FROM THEIR CARS OR CAUSING ANNOYANCE BY THEIR ROWDY BEHAVIOUR.
"PEOPLE TAMPERING WITH THEIR SILENCERS ALSO RUN THE RISK OF BEING PROSECUTED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
FIRST ISSUE OF LOOSE-LEAF LAW PUBLISHED *****
THE FIRST VOLUMES OF A NEW AEDITION HONG KONG LAWS, IN A NEW FORMAT WHICH CARRY BOTH THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEXTS SIDE BY SIDE ON LOOSE-LEAF PAGES, HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE NEW EDITION CONSISTS OF FOUR VOLUMES OF MORE THAN 1,800 PAGES OF LAWS.
THE FIRST THREE VOLUMES CONTAIN CHAPTERS 2 TO 13 OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG IN ENGLISH ONLY AS THEY DO NOT HAVE AN AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXT YET.
/THE FOURTH
THE FOURTH CONTAINS 25 MISCELLANEOUS BILINGUAL ORDINAN<’FS ENACTED SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN A FOREWORD TO THE FIRST LOOSE-LEAF EDITION OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG THAT THE EDITION WAS DESIGNED TO BE CONSTANTLY AND EASILY UPDATED.
"THE FORMAT IS SUITED TO THE PRESENTATION OF CORRESPONDING CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEXTS ON THE SAME PAGE. ULTIMATELY, THE ENTIRE EDITION WILL BE IN BILINGUAL FORM," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT USERS WOULD FIND THE LOOSE-LEAF EDITION ECONOMICAL, EFFICIENT AND EASY TO USE.
TO ASSIST THE PHASING-IN OF THE LOOSE-LEAF SYSTEM, THE LAWS ARE BEING PUBLISHED IN TWO STREAMS.
FIRSTLY, LEGISLATION IS BEING PRINTED IN LOOSE-LEA! SEQUENTIALLY BY CHAPTER NUMBER AND ISSUED IN GROUPS AT REGULAR INTERVALS.
LAWS THAT ARE ENACTED IN BILINGUAL FORM SINCE LAST YEAR, OR BECOME AVAILABLE IN BOTH OFFICIAL LANGUAGES FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL OF AN AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXT, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN LOOSE-LEAF FORM REGARDLESS OF CHAPTER NUMBER, AS WILL SOME ORDINANCES THAT HAVE A LARGE READERSHIP.
THE NEW FORMAT LAWS ARE PUBLISHED TO REPLACE THE OLD FORMAT, WHICH IS GENERALLY KNOWN AS THE REVISED EDITION OF THE LAWS.
THE PUBLICATION OF THE ENTIRE SET OF LOOSE-LEAF EDITION SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT THREE YEARS.
WITH A STEADY GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF NEW ORDINANCES EVERY YEAR AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BILINGUAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME, A WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED IN 1989 THE ADOPTION OF THE LOOSE-LEAF FORMAT IN ORDER TO BRING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE REVISED EDITION, WHICH HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE 1965.
THE NOTER-UP SERVICE, WHICH INVOLVED A CUT AND PASTE SYSTEM, FOR MAINTAINING AND UPDATING THE TEXT OF THE LAWS WAS ALSO CONSIDERED UNSATISFACTORY DUE TO THE VAST MANUAL EFFORT INVOLVED AND HAD CEASED WITH EFFECT FROM THE END OF LAST YEAR.
THE NEW LOOSE-LEAF EDITION CAN BE KEPT UP TO DATE BY INSERTING NEW PAGES AS THEY ARE ISSUED AND DISCARDING OLD ONES.
TO ENSURE THAT USERS CAN CHECK THAT THEY HAVE THE MOST RECENTLY PUBLISHED PAGES OF TEXT, EACH ORDINANCE HAS A CHECK LIST AND INSTRUCTIONS, AND EACH NEW ISSUE OF THE LOOSE-LEAF EDITION WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A MASTER CHECKLIST.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF USERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC, SOME ORDINANCES AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ARE PUBLISHED AS SEPARATE BOOKLETS AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR ,\ GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
/12........
12
Fh I I>a ; , NOVk. H ZM , I 9 J I
HONG KONG NEEDS LOCAL MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS
******
HONG KONG NEEDS A STEADY SUPPLY OF LOCAL MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS AND SEAMEN TO ENHANCE ITS POSITION AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING MARITIME CENTRES, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE MADE THIS REMARK WHEN VISITING THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IN TAI LAM CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR HORACE KNIGHT AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD, MR DAVID C.C. KOO WERE ALSO PRESENT.
MR MILLER SAID: ’’FIRSTLY, WE NEED HONG KONG CAPTAINS AND OFFICERS TO MAN HONG KONG-REGISTERED SHIPS TO ADD CREDIBILITY TO THE HIGH QUALITY AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
’’SECONDLY, EXPERIENCED MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO SERVE OUR SHIPPING INDUSTRY INCLUDING CONTAINER TERMINALS AND OTHER PORT FACILITIES.
’’THIRDLY, WE IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT NEED TO BE STAFFED BY LOCAL MARINE OFFICERS AND SURVEYORS WITH RELEVANT SEA-GOING EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS TO ADMINISTER THE PORT OF HONG KONG.”
CONCERTED EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MOUNTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, SHIPPING INDUSTRY AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS TO PROMOTE THE RECRUITMENT OF TRAINEE OFFICERS AND TO STREAMLINE THEIR TRAINING.
INDEED, MR MILLER SAID, WE COULD NOT DEPEND ON OTHER COUNTRIES FOR HELP BECAUSE THERE IS A WORLD-WIDE SHORTAGE OF SEAFARERS.
HONG KONG HAS 5,700 ACTIVE SEAFARERS INCLUDING 1,500 OFFICERS AND THEY SERVE ON BOARD MORE THAN 700 SHIPS OF MANY FLAGS.
MR MILLER SAID THERE WAS WIDE-SPREAD MISCONCEPTION THAT MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS CAN ONLY GO TO SEA.
’’THIS IS TOTALLY UNFOUNDED. TRAINING FOR MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS IS A STEPPING STONE FOR CAREER NOT ONLY AT SEA BUT ALSO ON LAND IN THE MANY SHIPPING AND MARINE RELATED FIELDS.” HE SAID.
MR MILLER URGED YOUNG PEOPLE AND SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATES TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGES OF A SEA-GOING CAREER.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR KNIGHT AND MR KOO, MR MILLER HAD A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE PLANS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE.
/MR MILLER .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
13
MR MILLER ATTENDED A TRAINING SESSION OF THE FIRST DECK OFFICER CADET COURSE RUN BY THE CENTRE. THE 46-WEEK TRAINING COURSE HAS FULL SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT FROM HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS AND WILL LAST UNTIL AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
THE CENTRE HAS STARTED RECRUITMENT FOR ITS SECOND DECK OFFICER CADET COURSE, TRAINING WILL START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
THE CENTRE ORGANISES 18 SEAMEN’S TRAINING COURSES ANNUALLY. EACH COURSE LASTS 23 WEEKS.
IN ADDITION, THE CENTRE OFFERS TAILOR-MADE REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES FOR IN-SERVICE SEAMEN. MORE THAN 20 OF THESE COURSES ARE ORGANISED EACH YEAR.
MR MILLER WAS TOLD THAT THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S TECHNICAL COLLEGE ON TSING YI WILL START A NEW COURSE FOR MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICERS IN 1993.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN HUNG HOM HAS BEEN PROVIDING TRAINING FOR MARINE ENGINEERING OFFICERS.
-----0-----
SIXTH FORM COURSES AVAILABLE IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS SOON
*******
TWO-YEAR SIXTH FORM COURSES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL EXAMINATIONS IN 1994.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, WHEN ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE JOINT EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THE COURSES WILL BE OFFERED IN 14 OF THE 23 EXISTING PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
THEY INCLUDE ENGINEERING SCIENCE, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, COMPUTER STUDIES, BUSINESS STUDIES, PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS, PURE MATHEMATICS, APPLIED MATHEMATICS, LIBERAL STUDIES AND MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
COUPLED WITH THIS REFORM, ANOTHER FIVE NEW PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL BE BUILT BY 1993.
TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER NINE EXISTING ONES, THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDE SUCH COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING YEARS.
"STUDENTS WILL HAVE NO SHORTAGE OF OPTIONS FROM WHICH TO SELECT ACCORDING TO THEIR INTEREST AND ABILITY," HE SAID.
/MR CHAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 14 -
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF PROVIDING THESE COURSES, AS SPECIFIED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2, ARE TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF BALANCED, WELL-INFORMED INDIVIDUALS; PREPARE STUDENTS FOR POST-SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION; DEVELOP IN ALL STUDENTS THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY IN BOTH LANGUAGES; AND PREPARE STUDENTS FOR ADULT LIFE.
"IT IS AGAINST THESE OBJECTIVES THAT THE CURRICULUM OF SIXTH FORM COURSES IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR FULL-TIME TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES TO DEGREE OR SUB-DEGREE LEVELS IN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, OR THE ACQUISITION OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS BY WAY OF ON-THE-JOB STUDIES, OR FOR EMPLOYMENT," HE NOTED.
THE SECRETARY ALSO SPOKE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S HEAVY INVESTMENT IN PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION WHICH HAS UNDERGONE A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT CHANGES SINCE IT WAS INTRODUCED IN 1970.
FROM ITS ORIGINAL PHILOSOPHY OF PROVIDING THREE-YEAR VOCATIONALLY ORIENTATED JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION TO PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVERS, PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION WAS EXTENDED IN 1981 TO SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL LEADING TO THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION AND THE PRODUCTION OF A NEW PREVOCATIONAL CURRICULUM TO SUIT.
THIS ENABLED FORM 5 LEAVERS TO ENTER TECHNICIAN LEVEL COURSES
AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
MR CHAN BELIEVED THAT THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HAVE A MISSION TO GIVE CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT SO ACADEMICALLY INCLINED A DIRECTION IN LIFE AND TO HELP THEM TO BE USEFUL CONTRIBUTORS TO SOCIETY.
"WE MUST KEEP PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO PERFORM THE ROLE FOR WHICH THEY ARE INTENDED.
"THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT NOW THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ARE EXPANDING TO INCLUDE SIXTH FORMS,". HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
EDUCATION SYSTEM WILL MEET CHALLENGES OF FUTURE *******
POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGES ARE PROCEEDING AT A RAPID PACE IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
AS HONG KONG MOVED TOWARDS FULLER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, AS THE ECONOMY CONTINUED TO TRANSFORM, AS THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON WORK AND LIFE STYLE CONTINUED TO GROW AND AS SOCIAL AND MORAL VALUES ALSO CONTINUED TO EVOLVE, MR LI SAID:
/"WE MUST ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
15
"WE MUST ASK OURSELVES WHAT IT IS THAT WE MUST DO IN ORDER TO PREPARE THF VOUNGER GENERATION FOR THE WORLD OF TOMORROW."
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH COLLEGE, HE SAID SCHOOLS SHOULD FIRST CONSIDER WHAT IT WAS THAT THEY COULD DO AND WHAT IT WAS THAT THEY COULD NOT DO.
HE BELIEVED SCHOOLS, AND ANYBODY ELSE, WOULD FIND IT DIFFICULT TO PREDICT EXACTLY WHAT THE CHANGES IN HONG KONG WOULD LEAD TO.
MR LI STRESSED THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD NOT FEEL HELPLESS.
"THERE IS IN FACT A VERY POSITIVE APPROACH WHICH THEY CAN ADOPT.
"TO BE ABLE TO COPE WITH CHANGE SUCCESSFULLY CALLS FOR KNOWLEDGE, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, SOME VERY NECESSARY ATTITUDES AND SKILLS AND IT IS MY VIEW THAT SCHOOLS CAN, AND SHOULD, STRENGTHEN THEIR EFFORTS TO HELP STUDENTS ACQUIRE AND DEVELOP THESE AS PART OF THEIR EDUCATION."
TO ILLUSTRATE, HE SAID AS THE TERRITORY MOVED INTO AN AGE OF KNOWLEDGE EXPLOSION AND RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, SCHOOLS COULD NEVER EXPECT TO TEACH THEIR STUDENTS ALL THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO KNOW LATER IN LIFE.
"BUT THEY CAN PROVIDE. THEIR STUDENTS WITH SOUND BASIC KNOWLEDGE, ENCOURAGE THEM TO LEARN BY THEMSELVES AND HELP THEM DEVELOP SELF-STUDY SKILLS SO THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE WITH THEIR OWN LIFE-LONG EDUCATION PROCESS AFTER THEY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR FORMAL EDUCATION.
SIMILARLY, HE SAID IN A CHANGING POLITICAL SCENE AND WITH CHANGING SOCIAL AND MORAL VALUES, SCHOOLS CAN HELP THEIR STUDENTS A GREAT DEAL BY PROVIDING THEM WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO:
* DEVELOP THEIR ABILITY TO THINK INDEPENDENTLY;
* FORM THEIR OWN JUDGEMENTS;
» EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE; AND
* RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE’S VIEWS.
SCHOOLS, MR LI FURTHER EXPLAINED, COULD ALSO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEIR STUDENTS TO LEARN TO BE ADAPTABLE BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND VERSATILITY AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE.
HE ADDED THAT ABOVE ALL, SCHOOLS COULD HELP STUDENTS TO COPE WITH CHANGE BY DEVELOPING THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF CHANGE.
/MR LI ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 16 -
MR LI SAID HE MENTIONED THESE ISSUES BECAUSE
ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS REGARDED HUMAN RESOURCES THE CASE AS THE
HE
AS
FELT ITS
ASSET, THIS WOULD BE EVEN MORE FORWARD DURING THE REST OF THIS
TERRITORY
DECADE
ENSURE THAT OUR FUTURE CITIZENS WILL BE AND STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S LEADING BENEFIT FROM ITS CONTINUED PROSPERITY.”
AND BEYOND, FULLY EQUIPPED
POSITION AND
IN
AND TO
THE
WE
THAT CHIEF MOVED
MUST
MAINTAIN
PROCESS
I AM THEREFORE CONFIDENT THAT OUR EDUCATION
ABLE TO MEET FULLY
THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE,” MR
SYSTEM
LI ADDED.
WILL BE
---------0-----------
ASIAN SCHOOL SPORTS EXCHANGE AND CONTESTS ENCOURAGE FRIENDSHIP ♦ * * *
THE SETTING UP OF THE ASIAN SCHOOL SPORTS FEDERATION WILL ENCOURAGE MORE SPORTS EXCHANGES AMONG NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES IN ASIA AND THROUGH PARTICIPATION AND COMPETITIONS, FRIENDSHIP AND CO-OPERATION WILL BE DEVELOPED AMONG STUDENTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PREPARATORY MEETING OF ASIAN SCHOOLS SPORTS FEDERATION.
THE PREPARATORY MEETING IS HELD AT THE TI-I COLLEGE AT FO TAN TO DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF THIS ASIAN' FEDERATION AND WILL END ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1).
MR LI, WHO IS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, SAID THE NEED FOR AN OFFICIAL GOVERNING BODY FOR SCHOOL SPORTS IN ASIA HAD LONG BEEN DISCUSSED AND WHEN IT FINALLY BECAME A REALITY, THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL WAS HONOURED TO HOST THE MEETING.
ASIAN COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING THE MEETING INCLUDE CHINA, INDIA THAILAND, MALAYSIA, SOUTH KOREA, BRUNEI, SRI LANKA, SINGAPORE, INDONESIA, THE PHILIPPINES AND MACAU.
--------0-----------
DREDGING FOR APPROACH CHANNEL OFF TSING YI PROPOSED * * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS
TO DREDGE THE SEA-BED OFF THE
TO PERMIT CALTEX OIL HONG KONG WEST COAST OF TSING YI ISLAND.
LIMITED
THE WORKS WILL INVOLVE AN AREA OF ABOUT 3.52 HECTARES OF SEA-BED.
/IT WILL .......
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 29, 1991
17
IT WILL PROVIDE AN APPROACH CHANNEL TO KWAI TSING PERMANENT PIER NO. 34.
THE WORKS WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER IN THE SAME YEAR.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 28 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO' BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER).
THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
- - 0 -
TENDERS FOR LANDFILL SITE FORMATION
******
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION WORKS FOR THE NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL PHASE 1.
WORKS WILL INCLUDE 1.3 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF EARTHWORKS, ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND DRAINAGE WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH 2 KILOMETRES OF HAUL ROADS, 1.6 KILOMETRES OF TRACK IMPROVEMENT, IMPROVEMENT OF 2.2 KILOMETRES OF STREAM COURSES AND PREPARATION OF THE SITE l-OR I HE LANDFILL PHASE 1 .
THE LOCATION OF THE WORKS IS IN THE AREA OF WO KENG SHAN AND HA HEUNG YUEN IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, AND WILL TAKE 47 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MOUCHEL ASIA LIMITED, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
NOTICE OF THE TENDER WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/FORMS OF
18
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MOUCHEL ASIA LIMITED, CONSULTING ENGINEERS, 24TH FLOOR CITICORP CENTRE, 18 WHITFIELD ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS NOON, JANUARY 3, NEXT YEAR.
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KWUN TONG TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ********
KWUN TONG RESIDENTS ARE TODAY CALLED TO THROW THEMSELVES VIGOROUSLY IN THE CELEBRATION DELIGHTS OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME THERE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS.
ANNOUNCING THE DETAILS OF THE CELEBRATION PROGRAMME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO SAID THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1981, WAS THE FIRST URBAN DISTRICT BOARD ESTABLISHED UNDER THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
"IT HAS IN THE PAST DECADE WORKED CLOSELY WITH AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO REFLECT THE VIEWS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND TO MOTIVATE THE INHABITANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
"DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHILE RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN IT ARE ALSO ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME,” HE SAID.
MR WONG ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS TO INVOLVE IN THE SCHEME.
"ONLY WITH THE RESIDENTS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION CAN FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES BE FULLY DEVELOPED," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD EACH YEAR ALLOCATED A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO ORGANISE A MAJOR LOCAL EVENT WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
"THIS YEAR, TO MARK ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS JOINED HANDS WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE 15 AREA COMMITTEES TO ORGANISE A LARGE-SCALE CELEBRATION PROGRAMME FOR RESIDENTS.
"THE CELEBRATION ALSO AIMS TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN KWUN TONG OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS," HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CELEBRATION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR MAU KEI-ON SAID THE CELEBRATION PROGRAMME, TO BE HELD BETWEEN SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) AND DECEMBER 15 WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES TO LOCAL RESIDENTS REGARDLESS OF AGE.
/THESE ACTIVITIES .......
l RIDAY. NOVEMBER 29, I TH
19
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, CARNIVALS, FUND DAYS, A PICNIC, A HARBOUR TOUR, A QUIZ CONTEST AND COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY VARIOUS AREA COMMITTEES TO SPREAD THE FESTIVE MOOD ALL OVER THE DISTRICT.
MR MAU SAID THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW AT THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND ON DECEMBER 15.
"THE SHOW WILL BE PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE BY THE ASIA TELEVISION LIMITED (ATV).
THE TOTAL COST IS AROUND $800,000, OF WHICH $390,000 IS FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE BALANCE SPONSORED BY LOCAL PERSONALITIES," MR MAU SAID.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WAS THE ATV’S ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MR LEE PU1-KUEN.
-----0-----------
ISLANDS OUTSTANDING YOUTHS AWARD PRESENTATION ******
TWELVE YOUNGSTERS FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL BE PRESENTED WITH OUTSTANDING YOUTHS AWARDS ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THEY HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THEIR GOOD CONDUCT, PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGE OF AND INSPIRING VIEWS ON COMMUNITY BUILDING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT.
THE YOUNGSTERS, AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 25, COMPRISED ONE TEACHER, ONE SOCIAL WORKER, TWO CLERKS, AND EIGHT STUDENTS.
THEY WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN A FREE OUTWARD BOUND COURSE, AND AWARDED WITH A SOUVENIR AND $500 GIFT COUPON OR BOOK COUPON EACH.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS LINA LO; ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM WAI-KEUNG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, AND PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHANNEL ISLANDS, MR HERBERT IE.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTHS AWARD SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHANNEL ISLANDS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTHS AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) AT VICTORIA BALLROOM III, THIRD FLOOR, HOTEL VICTORIA, 200 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, SHEUNG WAN.
------0--------
/20 .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 20 -
VARIETY SHOW TO START SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL
THE $1.5 MILLION SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL ’91 WILL START WITH A STAR-STUDDED VARIETY SHOW AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM IN HUNG HOM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG KAM-CHIU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MORE THAN 8,000 RESIDENTS WILL ATTEND THE SHOW WHICH WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ARTS ASSOCIATION.
THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MR TO KUN-SUN AND MR FUNG KIN-KEE; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN MOW-FAT.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL ’91 WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM IN HUNG HOM.
THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE COLISEUM AT 7.30 PM.
------0-------
CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ON SUNDAY * * » t »
A DEBATE BETWEEN TWO TEAMS OF POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS ON THE SUBJECT OF VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TO MARK THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.
IN THE MEANTIME, A HOST OF COLOURFUL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT OFFICES TO HELP SPREAD CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGES.
THE DEBATE IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE) AND AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN AT 10 AM.
OFFICIATING WILL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 21 -
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, CPCE MEMBERS AND CHAIRMEN OF THE 19 DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION WORKING GROUPS.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE DEBATE BETWEEN TEAMS FROM THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND HK POLYTECHNIC ON: "VOTING SHOULD BE MADE MANDATORY BY LAW IN HONG KONG".
A CHINESE UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER, DOCTOR LOUIE KIN-SHEUN; CPCE MEMBER, MR LO CHI-KIN; AND A HONG KONG UNIVERSITY LECTURER, MR ERNEST CHUI WILL BE THE ADJUDICATORS.
A RADIO PROGRAMME HOST, MR LEE LUEN-FAI, WILL PRESIDE AT THE DEBATE.
MEANWHILE, VARIOUS DISTRICT ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE THEME OF "CARE FOR HONG KONG; CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY" WILL BE HELD. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO JOIN. ADMISSION IS FREE.
DETAILS OF THE FUNCTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FORMAT OF
DISTRICT EVENT ACTIVITIES TIMES VENUE
EASTERN CIVIC EDUCATION DAY CARNIVAL & PRIZE PRESENTATION TO OUTSTANDING YOUTH 2.30 PM VICTORIA PARK FOOTBALL PITCHES NO. 1-3
SOUTHERN CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL CARNIVAL & SEMINAR 2-5 PM ABERDEEN PROMENADE
WAN CHAI CIVIC EDUCATION DAY CARNIVAL STALL GAMES, DEBATE & STAGE PERFORMANCES 2-5 PM SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND
KWUN TONG CIVIC EDUCATION DAY TALKS, EXHIBITION & CARNIVAL 1 1 AM - 3 PM PLATFORM OF TELFORD GARDENS
WONG TAI SIN CIVIC EDUCATION DAY DRAMA & VARIETY SHOW 2 PM LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE
YAU TSIM CIVIC BARBECUE DAY FOR YOUTHS DAY CAMP WHOLE DAY WU KAI SHA YOUTH. VILLAGE
MONG KOK INTERFLOW ON CIVIC EDUCATION COMPETITION &. EXHIBITION 2-6 PM CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE
/ISLANDS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 22 -
ISLANDS PRIZE PRESENTATION PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF 1991 (BY INVITATION) ISLANDS DISTRICTS OUTSTANDING YOUTH SELECTION 2 PM • VICTORIA BALLROOM 3, HOTEL VICTORIA SHEUNG WAN.
TUEN MUN CIVIC EDUCATION DAY BUS PARADE & EXHIBITION 11 AM -2 PM TUEN MUN TOWN HALL
NORTH BAZAAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMPETITION & PARTICIPATION PROGRAMMES 2 PM NORTH DISTRICT CENTRAL PARK
TAI PO CIVIC EDUCATION DAY % EXHIBITION, VIDEO SHOWS & PRIZE PRESENTATION 2.30 PM TAI PO CENTRAL TOWN SQUARE
ENQUIRIES ON THE DISTRICT ACTIVITIES CAN BE MADE TO THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1991 CIVIC EDUCATION BAY CUM DEBATE.
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FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY
*****
A GROUP OF HONG KONG’S TOP SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS WILL JOIN HANDS TO HELP THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) PUT ACROSS ANTI-CRIME MESSAGES AT A CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THE "OPERATION LAVINGTON" CARNIVAL, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM IN THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, WILL BE PRODUCED BY THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK) AND BROADCAST LIVE ON ITS RADIO 2 AT 3 PM.
THE THREE-HOUR FUNCTION WILL FEATURE POPULAR SONGS,’ DRAMAS, TALK SHOWS, POLICE PIPE BAND PERFORMANCE, AN ANTI-CRIME EXHIBITION AND A VARIETY OF STALL GAMES.
PERFORMING ARTISTES WILL INCLUDE MR LEON LAI, MISS SANDY LAM, MR EDDIE NG, MR CAUTIE LAU AND THE GRASSHOPPERS. THE MASTERS OF CEREMONIES WILL BE RADIO PERSONALITIES MR LUKE TSANG AND MISS CANDY CHEA.
THE ROBO COP, A "MYSTERIOUS ANTI-CRIME STAR" AND THE "ANTI-CRIME PIONEERS” WILL BE SPECIAL GUESTS IN THE CARNIVAL.
/MEANWHILE, A .......
23 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
MEANWHILE, A TOTAL OF SEVEN RESIDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE DISTRICT’S GOOD' CITIZEN AWARDS FOR HELPING POLICE FIGHT CRIME AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING AFTER DELIVERING A SPEECH.
MR ASPREY WILL BE JOINED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; CENTRAL POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR CHRIS GLOVER AND WESTERN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR ROBERT TOAL.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE HEAD OF RTHK’S RADIO 2, MR CHEUNG MAN-SUN; ZONE THREE CHAIRMAN OF THE LION’S CLUB, MR ERIC LAI; THE DFCC’S CHAIRMAN, MR WU CHOR-NAM AND THE CARNIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR NGAI WAI-MING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2.45 PM. GOVERMENT INFORMATION OFFICER, MR ALEX LI, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
0
SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS CARNIVAL ♦ * * ♦ *
SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SPORTS CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) AT THE SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS GROUND IN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
THE SPORTS CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE EASTERN WINTER SWIMMING ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD. IT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 1.30 PM AND ADMISSION IS FREE.
IN ADDITION TO BAND PERFORMANCE, POP SINGING, LION DANCE, A TEAM OF MARTIAL ARTS EXPERTS FROM SHENZHEN WILL DEMONSTRATE AT THE FESTIVAL.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A RANGE OF INTERESTING GAMES FOR THE ELDERLY AS WELL AS CHILDREN AND A LUCKY DRAW.
SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SPORTS CARNIVAL.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FESTIVAL.
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/24 .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1991
- 24 -
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR NEW MINIBUS ROUTES
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED OPERATORS INTERESTED IN OPERATING THE NINE NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE TERRITORY TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE NEXT FRIDAY (DECEMBER 6).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID MORE THAN 230 APPLICATION FORMS HAD BEEN SENT OUT SINCE APPLICATION WERE INVITED FROM NOVEMBER 8.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING A NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL MEET AND SELECT THE APPLICANTS.
THE BOARD’S CRITERIA INCLUDE EXPERIENCE OF THE APPLICANT IN TRANSPORT SERVICE, FINANCIAL RESOURCES, MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES, THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF HIS VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING.
IF THE APPLICANT IS IN PARTNERSHIP OR INTENDS TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPERATING THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPANY BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE APPLICATION BE MADE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY, HE ADDED.
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/25 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 199 1
25
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 28.11.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 29.11.91 + 45 -45 + 450*
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING AFTERNOON
« LATE O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 2 DEC 91
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.1 »+0.0» 29.11.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERMS YIELD TERM HONG KONG ISSUE GOVERNMENT BONDS
COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.91 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.38 5.57
1 MONTH 4.18 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.96 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.13 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.82 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 5,292 MN, BONDS 10 MN
CLOSED 29 NOVEMBER 1991
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK MUST FACE AND MEET THE CHALLENGE OF AIDS: GOVERNOR .................. 1
ST JAMES' SETTLEMENT PRAISED FOR ITS COMMUNITY SERVICE ................. 2
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF TOWN PLANNING BOARD PUBLISHED ................... 3
CLOSED CIRCUIT TV SYSTEM FOR AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL ...................... 4
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES' ROLE IN HEALTH SERVICES STRESSED ................... 4
RS CALLS FOR SUPPORT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS .............................. 5
ARTS FESTIVAL IN YUEN LONG ............................................. 6
CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT URGED ....................... 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1991
- 1 -
HK MUST FACE AND MEET THE CHALLENGE OF AIDS: GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNMENT TOGETHER WITH THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION MUST AND WILL FACE AND MEET THE CHALLENGE OF AIDS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION, THE GOVERNOR WHO IS THE PATRON SAID THE FOUNDATION HAD A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF AIDS.
"THE AIM IS, QUITE SIMPLY, TO LIMIT TO THE MINIMUM THE SPREAD OF AIDS IN HONG KONG - AND TO DO THIS BY EDUCATION FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND COUNSELLING FOR.HIGH RISK GROUPS.
"IN THIS WAY THE FOUNDATION WILL COMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S AIDS PREVENTION PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT SO FAR IN HONG KONG THERE HAD BEEN 58 CONFIRMED CASES OF AIDS, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WE HAVE NO REASON TO BE COMPLACENT..
"BUT IT IS RIGHT TO RECOGNISE THAT THIS RELATIVELY LOW RATE PARTLY REFLECTS THE FACT THAT OUR STRATEGY OF SURVEILLANCE, SCREENING, COUNSELLING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION WAS IN PLACE EARLY," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT MEDICAL SCIENCE HAD DEVELOPED CURES FOR MOST DISEASES, BUT AIDS REMINDED US THAT WE CERTAINLY DID NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS.
"THE HARROWING REALITY IS THAT WE HAVE YET TO FIND AN EFFECTIVE CURE FOR AIDS.
"IN THIS CASE, IT IS NOT A MATTER OF PREFERRING PREVENTION TO CURE: IT IS QUITE SIMPLY THAT PREVENTION AND CONTROL ARE THE ONLY EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES AVAILABLE TO US,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE MASSIVE WORLDWIDE RESEARCH EFFORT CURRENTLY UNDERWAY WOULD IN TIME UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY OF AIDS AND PROVIDE MANKIND WITH A CURE.
"BUT NOBODY KNOWS HOW LONG THAT WILL TAKE. IN THE MEANTIME WE MUST - AS THE MOTTO OF THE HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION DECLARES - SHARE THE CHALLENGE," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAD ESTIMATED THAT EIGHT TO 10 MILLION PEOPLE HAD THE HIV VIRUS AND AT LEAST HALF OF THESE PEOPLE WERE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP CLINICAL AIDS IN THE NEXT DECADE.
'"ASIA HAS SO FAR BEEN SPARED THE EXTENT OF THE EPIDEMIC WHICH HAS STRUCK NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE AND AFRICA.
"TWENTY-SEVEN COUNTRIES IN ASIA HAVE REPORTED A TOTAL OF ABOUT 1,000 CASES OF AIDS. BUT THIS IS LIKELY TO BE A SERIOUS UNDERESTIMATE. WE MUST EXPECT THAT IN ASIA TOO THE EPIDEMIC WILL GATHER MOMENTUM," HE SAID.
/EARLIER, THE ........
1
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 199.1
- 2 -
EARLIER, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FOUNDATION, MRS PEGGY LAM, IN HER WELCOMING SPEECH SAID THE FOUNDATION HAD TASKED ITSELF WITH THE MISSION TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE AIDS PROBLEM, TO FOSTER A CARING AND SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM AIDS, AND TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE ADOPT SUITABLE MEASURES TO AVOID THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE.
"THERE ARE STILL MANY WHO HOLD THE BELIEF THAT AIDS IS ONLY A PROBLEM OF THE MINORITY AND THOSE WHO AVERT THE NAME OF AIDS AS A STIGMA," SHE SAID.
"THE MAJORITY OF OUR COMMUNITY EITHER ARE UNCONCERNED WITH OR REJECT THOSE SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE."
MRS LAM SAID ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAD GRANTED $15 MILLION TO THE FOUNDATION AS SEEDING FUND, IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO MEET THE OPERATING EXPENSES, PARTICULARLY AT A TIME WHEN INTEREST RATES WERE SO LOW.
WHILE SHE WAS PLEASED WITH A GENEROUS DONATION OF $250,000 FROM WEI LUN FOUNDATION JUST TWO DAYS BEFORE THE AIDS FOUNDATION’S INAUGURATION, SHE FELT THE RESPONSE TO A RECENT APPEAL FOR DONATIONS HAD NOT BEEN AS GREAT AS SHE WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE.
MRS LAM ADDED: "THE INAUGURATION OF THE FOUNDATION ON THE EVE OF THE WORLD AIDS DAY DOES HAVE AN ADDITIONAL MEANING : IT SHOWS THAT THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY IS PREPARED TO SHARE THE CHALLENGE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS".
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ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT PRAISED FOR ITS COMMUNITY SERVICE
******
LADY WILSON TODAY (SATURDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT FOR ITS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY AND THE YOUNG OVER THE YEARS.
"SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY DESERVE A PARTICULAR MENTION BECAUSE THE ELDERLY POPULATION IN HONG KONG IS GROWING RAPIDLY AND WE NEED TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND OUR SERVICES FOR THEM,” SAID LADY WILSON WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE RENOVATED HEADQUARTERS OF ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT.
"I AM SURE THAT ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO MEET THIS WORTHWHILE CHALLENGE,” SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON SAID THE RENOVATION OF THE ORGANISATION’S HEADQUARTERS MARKED A NEW MILESTONE IN ITS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
"FROM A RATHER HUMBLE BEGINNING TN WAN CHAI 41 YEARS AGO, ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT HAS DEVELOPED INTO A MULTI-SERVICE WELFARE ORGANISATION PROVIDING SERVICES TO CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, FAMILIES AND OLDER PEOPLE," SHE SAID.
"IT'IS .......
S^T'^DAY . m* EP ■>0 lnnl
"IT IS NOW WIDELY SUPPORTED AND RESPECTED BY THE COMMUNITY. ITS ACHIEVEMENTS ARE THE RESULTS OF THE VISION, HARD WORK AND ENORMOUS DEDICATION OF THE SUCCESSIVE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS, AND PAST AND EXISTING STAFF OF THE ORGANISATION.
"THEIR COMMITTMENT IMPRESSES ALL THOSE WHO VISIT ST JAMES’," LADY WILSON SAID.
SHE THANKED ALL BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG, ADDING THAT SHE FELT PRIVILEGED TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT SHE HAD ONCE WORKED THERE.
-----0------
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF TOWN PLANNING BOARD PUBLISHED
*****
THE FIRST-EVER ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE ANNUAL REPORT TAKES AN ACTIVE AND SYSTEMATIC APPROACH IN INFORMING THE PUBLIC ON THE BOARD’S WORK FOR THE YEAR OF 1990 AND INFORMATION ON STATUTORY PLANNING AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.
APART FROM A DESCRIPTION AND STATISTICS OF THE WORK DONE LAST YEAR, THE STATUTORY PLANNING PROCESS IN TERMS OF PLAN MAKING AND IMPLEMENTATION AND THE PLANNING PERMISSION SYSTEM ARE ALSO OUTLINED IN THE REPORT.
IN THE FOREWORD IN THE REPORT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID FOLLOWING THE AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE INTERIM DEVELOPMENT CONTROL THROUGH THE DESIGNATION OF DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS AS WELL AS FOR ITS ENFORCEMENT, THE WORK OF THE BOARD WOULD EXPAND CONSIDERABLY AND ITS ROLE IN PLANNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY WOULD BECOME MORE APPARENT.
THE REPORT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS. THE FIRST ONE COVERS THE ESTABLISHMENT AND PROCEDURES OF THE BOARD AND THE SECOND PART GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD LAST YEAR.
THE REMAINING PART OF THE PUBLICATION CENTRED ON SELECTED CASE REPORTS ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND OBJECTIONS TO PLANS PREPARED BY THE BOARD.
THERE ARE SELECTED CASE REPORTS ON 12 PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND FOUR OBJECTIONS TO PLANS PREPARED BY THE BOARD.
THE ANNUAL REPORT WITH TEXT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $60 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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/4 .....
SATil’DAY, NO' MBER 30, 1991
4
CLOSED CIRCUIT TV SYSTEM FOR AREA TRAFFIC CONi . ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS TO SUBMIT TENDERS FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR THE HONG KONG AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THE TELEVISION SYSTEM WILL FACILITATE AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL BY PROVIDING VISUAL SURVEILLANCE OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
PROMPT RESPONSE TO CONGESTION SITUATIONS COULD BE MADE, THUS IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW AND OPTIMISING UTILISATION OF LIMITED ROAD CAPACITY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE DIVISION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
COMPLETED DOCUMENTS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX LOCATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING AT LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL ON OR BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13.
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VOLUNTARY AGENCIES’ ROLE
* *
IN HEALTH SERVICES STRESSED * * * *
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE AN PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE IN HONG S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) AT PROJECT CONCERN HONG KONG.
IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
THE DR OF
"THEIR ROLE IN COMPLEMENTING AND SUPPLEMENTING FACILITIES IS PARTICULARLY VALUABLE," HE SAID.
GOVERNMENT’S
DR LEE PRAISED PROJECT CONCERN HONG KONG FOR ITS LOW-COST MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES TO THE GENERAI PAST 30 YEARS.
PROVISION
PUBLIC IN
OF THE
HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO
INTENTION TO EXTEND ITS DENTAL’sERVICES TO^PECIaE NEE^^JroSkS^SUCH *- T”2 ELDERLY, CHILDREN AND THE MENTALLY RETARDED.
AS THE
Jr.DRECT0R OUTLINED THE EMPHASIS ON AND DEVELOPMENT uvaJmu CARE IN THE PAST THREE DECADES DURING WHICH THE DEVELOPMENT HEALTH CARE HAS SHIFTED FROM THE PRE-OCCUPATION WITH PUBLIC HEALTH PROVISION OF HOSPITAL FACILITIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE : IN J URED.
THE
AND
' OF ' OF TO SICK
auta mur. SJu OVERALL MEDICAL CARE HAS BECOME HIGHLY HOSPITAL-ORIENTED AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) SERVICES HAS LAGGFD BEHIND HOSPITAL SERVICES," DR LEE SAID. LAGGED
/HOWEVER, HE ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1991
5
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS ENTERING A NEW ERA OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH REFORMS FOLLOWING THE TAKING OVER OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN DECEMBER AND THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON ITS STRATEGY TO DEVELOP PHC.
’’THESE CHANGES WILL REDRESS THE IMBALANCE BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND PHC AND ENSURE GOOD INTERFACE BETWEEN THEM,” DR LEE SAID.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BRADBURY SPECIALIST CLINIC IN TSEUNG KWAN 0, THE DIRECTOR SAID PHC WAS PARTICIPATORY CARE WHICH NEEDED SHARED COMMITMENTS AMONG THE GOVERNMENT, INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
TO THIS END, HE NOTED THAT SUPPORT, CO-OPERATION AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF ALL SECTORS CONCERNED WERE ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG’S HEALTH SERVICES.
’’COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN PHC REQUIRES A GOOD COMMUNICATION CHANNEL AMONG THE PARTIES CONCERNED SUCH AS HEALTH TEAMS, COMMUNITY GROUPS, HOSPITALS AND CLINICS,” DR LEE SAID.
"IT IS THROUGH SUCH COMMUNICATION CHANNELS THAT THE LOCAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND NEEDS CAN BE IDENTIFIED AND THE GOVERNMENT BE ASSISTED TO SET THE RIGHT TARGETS AND PRIORITIES TO IMPROVE HEALTH AT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY LEVEL,” HE ADDED.
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RS CALLS FOR SUPPORT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ******
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG KAM-CHIU, THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING URGED SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS TO ACTIVELY SUPPORT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
MR WONG MADE THE APPEAL AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL ’91 AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM.
HE NOTED THAT THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR HERALDED A MORE OPEN POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE TERRITORY AND HAD PROVIDED MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
’’RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS AND IN DIFFERENT WAYS,” HE SAID.
MR WONG ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH AIMED AT FOSTERING A BETTER SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS ENHANCING PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
/'•THESE FESTIVAL...........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1991
6
"THESE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT.
"WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF RESIDENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, WE CAN BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY AND STRIVE FOR THE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," MR WONG SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN MOW-FAT, SAID THE $1.5 MILLION DISTRICT FESTIVAL WOULD LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 22.
"IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT SOME 50,000 RESIDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL'S 48 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
MORE THAN 8,000 RESIDENTS ATTENDED A VARIETY SHOW WHICH FOLLOWED THE OPENING CEREMONY TONIGHT.
THE TWO AND A HALF-HOUR SHOW FEATURED A CONCERT BY A POPULAR BAND AND SINGERS, PERFORMANCES BY THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ARTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION, AND A DRAMA BY DISC JOCKEYS.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MR TO KUN-SUN AND MR FUNG KIN-KEE.
--------0 - -
ARTS FESTIVAL IN YUEN LONG ******
THE 11TH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WAS OPENED THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING WITH A SPECTACULAR VARIETY SHOW AT THE LUT SAU HALL.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL WAS A MAJOR ARTISTIC EVENT IN THE DISTRICT.
’’THE EIGHT-DAY FESTIVAL WILL PRESENT A VARIETY OF ITEMS TO SATISFY THE DIFFERENT INTERESTS OF SPECTATORS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND SOCIAL BACKGROUNDS,” HE SAID.
FOURTEEN EVENTS INCLUDING CONCERTS, DRAMAS, CANTONESE OPERAS, DANCES, VARIETY SHOWS, FILMS AND EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD.
OF THESE, A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING A POTTERY DEMONSTRATION, AN EXHIBITION OF CHILDREN’S PAINTINGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, AND A VARIETY SHOW PRESENTED BY THE FRINGE CLUB, WILL BE OFFERED FREE.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, THE FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND VARIOUS COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS.
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/7......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1991
7
CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT URGED
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON FLAT OWNERS AND RESIDENTS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
ADDRESSING A DISTRICT SEMINAR HELD AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE, MR BARCLAY SAID BY SHARING THEIR MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES, OWNERS COULD GET A BETTER RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT WHILE RESIDENTS COULD ENJOY A MORE PLEASANT AND COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION.
"TO HELP ACHIEVE THIS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ASSIST IN PROVIDING A BETTER LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK.
"FURTHERMORE, THE DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS WILL OFFER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO OWNERS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT," HE SAID.
THE PROPERTY MANAGER OF KUMAGAI (HONG KONG) LTD, MR JOHNNIE CHAN, GAVE EXPERT ADVICE AT THE SEMINAR ON HOW TO SELECT AND MONITOR MANAGEMENT COMPANIES.
AMONG THE POINTS WHICH MR CHAN SAID SHOULD BE BORNE IN MIND WHEN SELECTING SUCH COMPANIES INCLUDED: THEIR BACKGROUND AND ORGANISATION, NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORTING STAFF, PAST RECORDS, MANAGER FEES AND CONTRACT TERMS.
ON THE MONITORING OF THESE COMPANIES, MR CHAN SHARED MR BARCLAY’S VIEW THAT FLAT OWNERS AND RESIDENTS SHOULD CO-OPERATE BY FORMING RELATED COMMITTEES.
REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE COMPANIES WERE CRUCIAL IN MAINTAINING CONTACTS AND ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, HE SAID.
THE PROPERTY MANAGER ALSO ADVISED THE PARTICIPANTS ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY MEASURES.
A ENGINEER OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN TAK-KA, AND FOREX INSURANCE COMPANY’S MANAGER, MR DENIS CHAN, ALSO SPOKE ON THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTS AND BUILDING INSURANCE RESPECTIVELY.
THE TALKS WERE FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSIONS AMONG MORE THAN 100 RESIDENTS, BUILDING CARETAKERS AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS (EDFMBO), MRS JENNY CHOW, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG.
THE SEMINAR WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND EDFMBO WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
/8 ........
f
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1991
8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
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DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 29.11.91 950
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 30.11.91 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
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