DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO_L
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS BEGIN ................................ 1
DISTRICT OFFICER URGES ELECTORS TO VOTE ................................. 1
UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN PROHIBITED .........................
MORE SEMINARS ON STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME ...............................
KOWLOON CITY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CLOSES
3
4
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1991
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS BEGIN
******
BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO PROMOTE NEIGHBOURHOOD CLEANLINESS TERRITORY-WIDE.
THE TWO-MONTH OPERATION IS ONE OF THE MAJOR OPERATIONAL PHASES OF THE KEEP HONG RONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND IS CO-ORDINATED BY THE URBAN SERVICES, REGIONAL SERVICES, AND HOUSING DEPARTMENTS.
’’WITH THE HELP OF THE CLEANSING STAFF, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO HELP CLEAN UP STREETS, LANES, ALLEYS, CANOPIES AND COMMON PARTS OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
TO FACILITATE CLEANSING WORK, ADDITIONAL REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS ARE SET UP FOR RESIDENTS TO DISPOSE OF REFUSE.
DISTRICT HEALTH INSPECTORS WILL ALSO INSPECT BUILDINGS, PERFORM ANTI-LITTER PATROLS, ENFORCE CLEANSING AND HYGIENE LAWS AND GIVE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE ADVICE TO PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS.
’’THEY WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE IN CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES INITIATED BY LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO MAKE SPECIAL EFFORT TO HELP KEEP A CLEAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
RESIDENTS COULD CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT CLEANSING OFFICES FOR DETAILS OF THE CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
DISTRICT OFFICER URGES ELECTORS TO VOTE
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED VOTERS TO SUPPORT THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY CASTING THEIR BALLOTS ON SEPTEMBER 15.
MR BARCLAY MADE THE APPEAL WHEN HE TOOK PART IN A BUS PARADE FOR THE ISLAND EAST CONSTITUENCY.
"BY ELECTING CAPABLE LEGISLATORS, VOTERS WILL BE ABLE TO SUPERVISE THE ADMINISTRATION WHICH IS CRUCIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM.
"AFTER ALL, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY VOTER TO EXERCISE HIS CIVIC RIGHT ON THE POLLING DAY," HE SAID.
/ACCOMPANYING MR
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1991
- 2 -
ACCOMPANYING MR BARCLAY ON THE PARADE WERE MORE THAN 20 EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF, WHO DISTRIBUTED TO PASSERS-BY SOUVENIRS CARRYING THE "GO TO VOTE" MESSAGE.
THE BUS PARADE STOPPED AT POPULAR LOCATIONS IN CHAI WAN, SHAU KEI WAN, NORTH POINT, HAPPY VALLEY AND CAUSEWAY BAY. THE PARADE WAS PART OF THE EASTERN AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICES’ PUBLICITY EFFORT TO PROMOTE THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS.
THE TWO DISTRICT OFFICES HAVE PUT UP WINDOW DISPLAYS AND COLOURFUL BUNTING IN BUSY STREETS AND IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS INCLUDING TAIKOO SHING , KORNHILL, CHAI WAN ROAD, JAVA ROAD, HENNESSY ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, PATERSON STREET, STUBBS ROAD AND TAI HANG ROAD.
THERE WILL ALSO BE SPECIAL NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENTS, A SEVEN-DAY EXHIBITION, A BROADCASTING VAN TOUR AND ANOTHER BUS PARADE ON THE POLLING DAY.
-----0------
UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN PROHIBITED
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY PROPRIETORS ABOUT ENGAGING WOMEN IN PERMITTED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.
(SUNDAY) REMINDED FACTORY WORK OUTSIDE THEIR NORMAL,
"IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS FOR AN EMPLOYER TO CHANGE THE PRESCRIBED WORKING HOURS OF WOMEN IN INDUSTRY OR TO ENGAGE THEM IN OVERTIME WORK, WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFOREHAND,” THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR TSANG KIN-WOO, SAID.
"THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE FACTORY A PRESCRIBED NOTICE SETTING OUT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT, INTERVALS FOR MEAL OR REST, AND REST DAYS FOR WOMEN WORKERS," HE SAID.
MR TSANG SAID EMPLOYERS SHOULD, THEREFORE,• ADHERE STRICTLY TO THE PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK SET OUT IN THE PRESCRIBED NOTICE.
HE NOTED THAT THE CRESTA INDUSTRIES LTD TN KWUN TONG HAD RECENTLY BEEN GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 FOR ENGAGING 35 WOMEN IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK.
ANOTHER GARMENT FACTORY, THE WELL KNITTERS IN KWAI CHUNG, WAS FINED $6,000 LAST MONTH BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO PUT UP A NOTICE OF PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK FOR ITS WOMEN WORKERS AT A PLACE CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE TO THEM, HE SAID.
- - 0----------
SUNDAY, SPETEMBER 1, 19',
3
MORE SEMINARS ON STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME *****
STAFF OF THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY (SFAA) HAD HELD A SEMINAR ON THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME FOR STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE ON AUGUST 29.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SFAA SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE SEMINAR WAS THE SECOND ONE ARRANGED FOR STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. THE FIRST ONE WAS HELD AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON AUGUST 20.
A SERIES OF SIMILAR SEMINARS WILL BE HELD IN THE COMING WEEKS:
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG SEPTEMBER 13, 16
OCTOBER 3
UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG SEPTEMBER 17
LINGNAN COLLEGE SEPTEMBER 19
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’ SEPTEMBER 29 AND OCTOBER 2
STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES OF THF LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME AND THE WORK OF THE SFAA ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE SEMINARS.
-----0------
KOWLOON CITY SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CLOSES
*****
MORE THAN 1,000 KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS FLOCKED TO AN EXHIBITION AND HANDICRAFT DEMONSTRATION AT THE YWCA ANNE BLACK CENTRE THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE EVENT MARKED THE CLOSING OF THE DISTRICT’S 1991 SUMMER YOU' PROGRAMME (SYP).
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR TANG TA1-CHUEN, SAID ABOUT 330 ACTIVITIES CARRYING THE THEME OF "SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY" HAD BEEN ORGANISED DURING THE SUMMER VACATION.
"APART FROM RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, THERE WERE ALSO OTHER PROJECTS TO ENHANCE YOUNG PEOPLE’S INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY BUILDING," HE ADDED.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DONATED $370,000 WHILE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD ALLOCATED $68,800 TO MEET THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT TODAY’S CEREMONY INCLUDED THE ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DONNA WONG; REGIONAL OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MRS PUN LEE WAI-CHUN; AND A KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR LAM MING.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PM'S VISIT SIGNIFICANT FOR HK: GOVERNOR .................................. 1
STATEMENT ON BCCHK AND BCCFI ............................................. 1
FS WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT ON BCCHK ........................................ 3
GOVT KEEPS AN OPEN MIND ON DEPOSITORS INSURANCE SCHEME ................... 3
WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRY IS TAPPING THE BRAND-NAME MARKET: FS ............ 4
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON SHA TIN REFUSE TRANSFER STATION ..................... 5
BLITZ ON UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS ...................... 6
POLL CARDS ISSUED TO 1.9 MILLION VOTERS .................................. 7
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................................... 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 8
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
PM’S VISIT SIGNIFICANT FOR HK: GOVERNOR *****
THE SIGNING OF THE AIRPORT AGREEMENT DURING THE VISIT TO PEKING BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO GO AHEAD AT FULL STEAM WITH THE NEW AIRPORT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
DESCRIBING THE VISIT AS SIGNIFICANT FOR HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THE SIGNING OF AGREEMENT MEANT THAT INVESTORS LATER ON, WOULD KNOW THAT IN THE LONG TERM THE PROJECT HAD THE FULL BACKING AND THE SUPPORT OF CHINA, AND THAT WAS AN IMPORTANT POINT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS BEFORE LEAVING FOR PEKING TO JOIN THE PRIME MINISTER FOR THE SIGNING CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS ALSO A CHANCE FOR ANOTHER OF HIS MEETINGS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR LU PING.
"I HAD ONE JUST BEFORE I WENT ON LEAVE. THIS WILL BE ANOTHER CHANCE TO MEET HIM AND TO FOLLOW UP I’M SURE, ON SOME OF THE MORE DETAILED MATTERS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT BEFORE ON THE AIRPORT," SIR DAVID SAID.
STATEMENT ON BCCHK AND BCCFI
******
THE FOLLOWING IS THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY MR NOEL GLEESON, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR OF BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG LIMITED ("BCCHK”) AND BCCI FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ("BCCFI")) TODAY (MONDAY):
"IN MY CONTINUING SEARCH FOR AN ARRANGEMENT WHICH WOULD BEST PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF CREDITORS, INCLUDING THE DEPOSITORS LARGE AND SMALL, OF BCCHK AND BCCFI I HAVE TODAY OBTAINED THE APPROVAL OF THE HIGH COURT TO A SCHEME UNDER WHICH, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN PRE-CONDITIONS, THE BANKING BUSINESS OF BCCHK AND BCCFI WOULD BE ACQUIRED BY A NEW BANKING COMPANY OWNED AS TO NOT LESS THAN 51% BY THE HONGKONG CHINESE BANK LIMITED ("HKCB"), A LOCALLY INCORPORATED MEMBER OF THE LIPPO GROUP OF COMPANIES.
"DETAILS OF THE SCHEME ARE CONTAINED IN CONDITIONAL HEADS OF AGREEMENT WHICH I HAVE SIGNED WITH HKCB.
"EXCEPT IN TWO RESPECTS, THE CONDITIONAL HEADS OF AGREEMENT ARE NOT LEGALLY BINDING BUT ARE A SERIOUS EXPRESSION OF INTENT BY BOTH PARTIES.
"THE CONDITIONAL HEADS OF AGREEMENT ARE LEGALLY BINDING TO THE EXTENT ONLY THAT:
/(A) DURING A ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
- 2
(A) DURING A PERIOD OF DUE DILIGENCE, WHICH WILL NOT BE LONGER THAN EIGHT WEEKS, HKCB WILL HAVE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO NEGOTIATE WITH ME FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE BANKING BUSINESS OF BCCHK, AND
(B) PRECISE DETAILS OF THE CONDITIONAL HEADS OF AGREEMENT ARE CONFIDENTIAL TO THE TWO PARTIES CONCERNED.
’’THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PRE-CONDITIONS WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE SATISFIED BEFORE THE SCHEME CAN BE IMPLEMENTED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
(1) THE COMPLETION OF A BANKING, ACCOUNTING AND LEGAL DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW SATISFACTORY TO HKCB.
(2) FINALISATION OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ALL
CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTATION NECESSARY TO GIVE LEGAL EFFECT TO THE SCHEME AND THEREAFTER FINAL APPROVAL OF THE COURT TO THE SCHEME.
(3) HKCB OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY CONSENTS AND APPROVALS FROM
THE RELEVANT REGULATORY AUTHORITIES, INCLUDING THE
COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
(4) HKCB OBTAINING AGREEMENT FROM LARGE DEPOSITORS TO
DEFERRAL AND/OR CONVERSION OF DEPOSITS ON APPROPRIATE
TERMS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT AND FOR A PERIOD SATISFACTORY TO HKCB, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND MYSELF AS PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR.
(5) THE PROVISION TO ME BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ABU DHABI AND/OR A COMMERCIAL BANK OF A GUARANTEE IN RELATION TO ANY UNRECORDED LIABILITIES OF BCCHK AND BCCFI IN A FORM AND IN SUBSTANCE WHICH IS SATISFACTORY TO ME.
(6) THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION TO EFFECT THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FROM BCCHK AND BCCFI TO THE NEW BANKING COMPANY.
(7) NO CIRCUMSTANCES OCCURRING WHICH, IN MY OPINION, WOULD RENDER IT BETTER IN THE INTERESTS OF CREDITORS TO PROCEED WITH THE LIQUIDATION OF BCCHK AND/OR BCCFI AND GENERALLY MY OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY APPROVALS FROM THE COURT IN RELATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME.
”IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THIS SCHEME, IF IT CAN BE PUT INTO EFFECT, WILL BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ALL THE CREDITORS, INCLUDING THE DEPOSITORS. IF FOR ANY REASON THE SCHEME CANNOT PROCEED, THE COMPANIES WILL BE PUT INTO LIQUIDATION, AND IN THAT EVENT IT WOULD BE WRONG AT THIS STAGE TO ATTEMPT ANY FORECAST OF WHEN A DIVIDEND OR DIVIDENDS COULD BE PAID. PAST EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT WITH LITIGATION AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS A WINDING-UP OF A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE SIZE AND COMPLEXITY LIKE BCCHK IS LIKELY TO TAKE A NUMBER OF YEARS.”
/3 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
3 -
FS WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT ON BCCHK * » » » »
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING WELCOMED THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT CONDITIONAL HEADS OF AGREEMENT HAD BEEN SIGNED BY THE HONGKONG CHINESE BANK AS "A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN THE CONTINUING EFFORTS TO FIND A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS OF CREDITORS AND DEPOSITORS OF BCCHK".
-----0-'----
GOVT KEEPS AN OPEN MIND ON DEPOSITORS INSURANCE SCHEME » » * » *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AN OPEN MIND ON THE QUESTION OF A DEPOSITORS INSURANCE SCHEME AND THE QUESTION IS BEING EXAMINED CAREFULLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR 1991, MR MACLEOD SAID THERE WERE MIXED VIEWS ABOUT SUCH A SCHEME IN HONG KONG, ADDING THAT SOME OF THE BANKS HAD EXPRESSED DOUBTS ON THE SCHEME.
"THERE IS SUCH A SCHEME IN SOME DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, IN USA AND IN UK, AND AGAIN THERE ARE MIXED REPORTS ON THE SUCCESS OF SUCH A SCHEME," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PRESENT STATE OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG (BCCHK), MR MACLEOD SAID THE WHOLE ISSUE WAS NOW IN QUITE A DELICATE STATE.
"I DO KNOW THAT THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR AND THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ARE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO HELP THE POTENTIAL BIDDERS FOR THE BUSINESS TO REACH A CONCLUSION AND TO REACH A CONCLUSION QUITE SOON.
"WE ARE AWARE THAT WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS PROCESS TO GO ON FOR TOO LONG BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY IT IS COSTING MONEY TO KEEP THE BANK GOING AND TO KEEP TEAMS OF ACCOUNTANTS AND SO ON EMPLOYED.
"WE ARE WATCHING PROGRESS VERY CLOSELY AND EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO HOPEFULLY BRING MATTERS TO A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION FOR THE DEPOSITORS. 1 DO NOT WANT A CRYSTALBALL GAZE AND GUESS EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.
"I THINK THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR HAS SAID THAT BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS (SEPTEMBER) MONTH, HE WILL TAKE A VIEW WHETHER THERE IS AN AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH ONE OF THE INTERESTED PARTIES," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
TURNING TO THE PRESENT STATE OF THE ECONOMY, MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT THE GROWTH OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WAS PICKING UP AND THE LABOUR SHORTAGE WAS EASING SOMEWHAT IN THE LATEST FIGURES WHICH HAD BEEN PUBLISHED.
REGARDING THE INFLATION RATE, MR MACLEOD SAID: "WE ARE STILL CONCERNED ABOUT INFLATION. THE FIGURES ON INFLATION ARE DISAPPOINTING AND WE ARE WATCHING THOSE RATES VERY CLOSELY AND CONTINUING TO CONSIDER WHETHER MORE CAN BE DONE TO BRING THOSE INFLATION FIGURES DOWN.”
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT PARTICULARLY WANTED TO SEE WHETHER THE GENERAL DOWNWARD TREND OF THE INFLATION, WHICH WAS UNFORTUNATELY SLIGHTLY INTERRUPTED IN THE LAST FIGURES, WOULD CONTINUE.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL ON THE ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR TREASURY BONDS, MR MACLEOD SAID: "I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE MARKET RESPONSE WILL BE GOOD BECAUSE WE HAVE CAREFULLY ASSESSED WHAT THE MARKET IS INTERESTED IN.
"THERE ARE CLEAR SIGNS THAT THERE IS A DEMAND FOR BONDS THAT GO BEYOND THE VERY SHORT TERM EXCHANGE FUND BILLS. THERE IS A DEMAND FOR THEM AND I THINK THEY WILL BE VERY POPULAR," HE SAID.
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WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRY IS TAPPING THE BRAND-NAME MARKET: FS » * » t »
THE ATTEMPT BY HONG KONG’S WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRY TO TAP THE BRAND-NAME MARKET IS A FAR-SIGHTED TREND WHICH IS STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT FOR THE INDUSTRY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR 1991 THIS MORNING, MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE A NUMBER OF LOCAL BRANDS BEGINNING TO MAKE THEIR NAMES OVERSEAS.
"AND THERE ARE ALSO MORE AND MORE JOINT VENTURE ARRANGEMENTS WITH OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS OF BRAND-NAME WATCHES," HE ADDED.
"THE FACT THAT OUR INDUSTRY IS PREPARED TO INVEST IN CREATING THEIR OWN BRAND-NAMES IS INDICATIVE OF THEIR COMMITMENT IN ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST STANDARD FOR THEIR PRODUCTS.
"THIS WILL HELP DEFINITELY TO ENHANCE FURTHER THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG AS A SUPPLIER OF HIGH QUALITY MERCHANDISE," MR MACLEOD SAID.
HE NOTED THAT OVER THE PAST DECADE, HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TIME PIECES HAVE TRIPLED.
/"FOR THIS .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER ?, 1991
- 5 -
"FOR THIS CREDIT GOES TO OUR MANUFACTURERS FOR THEIR CONTINUOUS SEARCH FOR EVER MORE EFFICIENT AND COMPETITIVE PRODUCTION METHODS AS WELL AS AGGRESSIVE MARKETING TECHNIQUES.
"COMBINING THESE EFFORTS WITH THE ADVANCEMENT IN OUR DESIGN CAPABILITY AND SEARCH FOR BETTER QUALITY, HONG KONG HAS MANAGED TO STAY AHEAD OF ITS COMPETITORS IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA," HE SAID.
THE FAIR, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG WATCH TRADES AND INDUSTRIES AND THE HONG KONG WATCH MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, IS THE LARGEST WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR IN ASIA.
THE EVENT HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN CONSOLIDATING HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A WATCH AND CLOCK TRADE CENTRE IN THE REGION.
-----0-----
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON SHA TIN REFUSE TRANSFER STATION
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION IN SHA TIN TO SERVE THE SHA TIN/MA ON SHAN DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BETWEEN THE EPD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR MIKE STOKOE, AND REPRESENTATIVE OF BALFOURS INTERNATIONAL (ASIA) CONSULTING ENGINEERS.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONSULTANT WILL CARRY OUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, INVESTIGATE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE REFUSE TRANSFER STATION. IT WILL ALSO PREPARE TENDER DOCUMENTS AND CARRY OUT TENDER INVITATION AND ASSESSMENT.
STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS TO AVOID ODOUR, DUST, WATER AND NOISE NUISANCE WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN OF THE STATION AND THE ASSOCIATED FACILITIES SO AS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY.
THE CONSULTANCY WILL ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER TO INCORPORATE THE TRANSFER STATION WITHIN A JOINT-PURPOSE DEVELOPMENT HOUSING INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL OR GOVERNMENT USERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROVISION OF THE TRANSFER STATION FORMS PART OF THE OBJECTIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S "WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN", APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN DECEMBER 1989.
THE PLAN STATES THAT THE LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY OF HONG KONG REQUIRES THE PROVISION OF THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS AND A NETWORK OF TRANSFER STATIONS FOR TRANSPORTING WASTE IN BULK TO THESE LANDFILLS.
/MUNICIPAL WASTE .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
- 6 -
MUNICIPAL WASTE COLLECTED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OR REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE TRANSFER STATIONS WHERE IT WILL BE COMPACTED INTO ENCLOSED CONTAINERS.
THE REFUSE WILL THEN BE TRANSPORTED IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNER TO LARGE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY BULK VEHICLES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION IN KOWLOON BAY HAS BECOME OPERATIONAL SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR.
ALSO, THE ISLAND EAST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION IN CHAI WAN IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE CONSULTANCY STUDY ON SHA TIN REFUSE TRANSFER STATION, AT A COST OF $6.44 MILLION, WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE TRANSFER STATION IS EXPECTED TO START UPON COMPLETION OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDY IN MARCH 1993.
WHEN IT BECOMES OPERATIONAL IN 1994, THE TRANSFER STATION WILL ACCEPT ABOUT 1,000 TONNES OF DOMESTIC REFUSE EACH DAY.
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BLITZ ON UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TAKING OUT PROSECUTION UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AGAINST A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR UNDERPAYING AN IMPORTED WORKER WAGES DUE TO HIM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT SUMMONSES HAD ALSO BEEN LAID AGAINST A SHIPYARD FOR FAILURE TO OBSERVE PROVISIONS RELATING TO STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING PROSECUTION AGAINST THREE OTHER EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS FOR SIMILAR OFFENCES.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE ASM ASIA LTD IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE SUM FUNG PLANT HIRE AND TRANSPORTATION CO. LTD IN YAU MA TEI WERE RECENTLY CONVICTED OF OFFENCES RELATING TO STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR IMPORTED WORKERS.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING RE-EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO FOUR IMPORTED WORKERS OF A GARMENT FACTORY WHO HAD RECENTLY BEEN DISMISSED. THEY HAD COMPLAINED TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR ARREARS OF WAGES AND SUB-STANDARD ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED.
PROSECUTION ACTION IS NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION.
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/7........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
7
POLL CARDS ISSUED TO 1.9 MILLION VOTERS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED ITS ROUND OF ISSUING POLL CARDS AND VOTING GUIDE TO THE 1.9 MILLION ELECTORS FOR THE FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A TOTAL OF 1.9 MILLION POLL CARDS FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES ELECTORS HAD BEEN SENT OUT BETWEEN AUGUST 21 TO 31.
SOME 48,700 POLL CARDS HAD ALSO BEEN SENT OUT TO FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ELECTORS ON AUGUST 22.
"EACH POLL CARD INDICATES WHERE AND WHEN A POLL TAKES PLACE AND IS DISPATCHED TO ONLY THOSE ELECTORS IN THE CONTESTED CONSTITUENCIES," HE SAID.
APART FROM THE POLL CARD, A GUIDE ON VOTING AND AN INTRODUCTORY LEAFLET ON THE CANDIDATES HAD BEEN SENT TO ELECTORS IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES BETWEEN AUGUST 23 TO 31 AND THOSE IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ON AUGUST 30.
ELECTORS IN THE UNCONTESTED CONSTITUENCIES RECEIVED ONLY AN INTRODUCTORY LEAFLET ON THE CANDIDATES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALTHOUGH THE PRODUCTION OF THE POLL CARD 18 NOT MANDATORY, ELECTORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING ALONG THEIR POLL CARD WHICH HELPS TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS.
HE ALSO REMINDED ELECTORS JHAT THEY CAN CAST TWO VOTES IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES.
ELECTORS ARE WELCOME TO TELEPHONE THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORIAL OFFICE ON 827 1122 FOR ENQUIRIES.
THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS OF THE LEGCO WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 12 AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY). STOOD AT 43.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 254.992 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 309.522 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
/8 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1991
8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * » * »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 31.8.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 2.9.91 -120
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 120
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.1 »+0.0» 2.9.91
CLOSING YIELDS HONG KONG OF EXCHANGE GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS 30.8.91 FUND 2.9. 91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 5.23 PCT 5.22 PCT
1 MONTH 5.15 PCT 5.18 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.39 PCT 5.42 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.90 PCT 5.88 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.39 PCT 6.40 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 5,^51 MN 6,905 MN
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JUNE RELEASED ............. 1
SECOND STAGE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME LAUNCHED ..................... 4
POST OFFICE GEARS UP FOR HARD WORK FOR ELECTIONS ......................... 5
DISTRICT OFFICE VACANCIES FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ....................... 6
FIGHT CRIME FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IN MONG KOK .............................. 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ....................................... 7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 8
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3,-1991
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES
*****
SURVEY FOR JUNE RELEASED
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1991, ESTIMATED AT $10,767.0 MILLION, INCREASED BY 14.6% WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990, WHILE THEIR VOLUME INCREASED BY 7.5%, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
ANALYSED BY TYPE OP RETAIL OUTLET, SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 30.5% IN VALUE AND 21.4% IN VOLUME IN JUNE 1991 COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990.
SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 21.0% IN VALUE AND 14.1% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS (OTHER THAN SUPERMARKETS) FOR FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 19.9% IN VALUE AND 7.8% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR FUELS WENT UP BY 17.5% IN VALUE AND 2.2% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS ROSE BY 14.9% IN VALUE AND 8.7% IN VOLUME.
WITHIN THIS GROUP, SALES OF DEALERS IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 7.7% IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 1.9% IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR OTHER CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS ROSE BY 20.6% IN VALUE AND 17.1% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 12.0% IN VALUE AND 2.1% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, AND VALUABLE GIFT, HOWEVER, DECREASED BY 10.6% IN VALUE AND 10.4% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR OTHER CONSUMER GOODS NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED WENT UP BY 34.0% IN VALUE AND 26.3% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO JUNE 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 11.6% IN VALUE AND 4.4% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING WITH MAY 1991, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE 1991 INCREASED BY 1.5% IN VALUE AND 1.2% IN VOLUME.
/CHANGES IN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1991
- 2 -
CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES REFER TO CHANGES IN THE VALUES OF RETAIL SALES AFTER DISCOUNTING ESTIMATED CHANGES IN PRICES.
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 MAY 1991 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JUNE 1991.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN MAY AND JUNE 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 JUNE 1991 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR MAY 1991 AND WITH THOSE FOR JUNE 1990, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JUNE 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).
/3 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1991
3
TABLE I : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for June 1991 (Provisional Figure) = RKS10,767.0 li1 lion
for Hay 1991 (Revised Figure) = HKS10.609.8 lillion
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR HAY 1991 AND JUNE 1991
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
1 Index of 1 June 1991 1 June 1991 Jan. Jun. 1991 1
Itei 1 1 Retail 1 Hay June coipared with 1 coipared with coipared with 1
Sales 1 1991 1991 Hay 1991 1 June 1990 Jan.-Jun. 1990 1 1
1 1 (Revised (Provisional Points A 1 Points A Points 1
1 1 figures) figures) 1 1
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS 1 । 1 i 1 1 1 1
1 Value ) 113.0 114.6 ♦1.7 ♦1.5 1 ♦ 14.6 ♦ 14.6 ♦11.5 ♦11.6 1
1 i Volume 1 i 104.0 105.2 ♦ 1.2 ♦ 1.2 1 I ♦7.4 ♦7.5 1 M.4 1 ♦4.4 1 1
l IB) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET! । i 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1
। Foodstuffs, alcoholic I Value 1 112.4 116.4 ♦4.0 ♦3.6 1 ♦ 19.3 ♦ 19.9 1 *15.2 ♦16.2 1
drinks and tobacco 1 (other than 1 Voluie 1 1 102.0 102.4 ♦0.4 ♦0.4 1 1 ♦7.4 ♦7.8 1 ♦S.l 1 ♦6.2 1 1 i
supermarkets) 1 1 I 1 1 I 1
Supermarkets 1 1 l Value 1 111.9 123.8 ♦ 11.9 ♦10.6 1 ♦ 13.2 ♦12.0 1 H2.9 ♦13.0 1
Voluie 1 99.7 i(h.9 ♦ 10.3 ♦10.3 1 i ♦ 2.3 ♦2.1 1 *2.3 I ♦2.3 1 |
1 Fuels 1 1 1 Value 1 124.7 121.1 -3.6 i -2.9 1 ♦ 18.0 ♦ 17.5 1 <26.3 ♦28.3 1
t 1 Voluie 1 105.7 102.3 -3.3 -3.2 1 I ♦2.2 ♦2.2 1 ♦GJ | ♦7.2 1 I
1 Clothing, footwear and 1 1 Value 1 115.6 106.7 -8.9 -7.7 1 ♦ 24.9 ♦30.5 1 *11.3 ♦14.2 1
allied products 1 Voluie 1 102.1 94.6 -7.4 -7.3 1 1 ♦ 16.7 ♦ 21.4 1 ♦6.4 1 ♦6.3 1 1
1 Consuier durable goods* 1 1 l Value S 120.3 121.9 ♦ 1.5 ♦ 1.3 1 ♦ 15.8 ♦ 14.9 1 ♦10.1 ♦10.8 1
Voluie 1 112.2 113.4 ♦ 1.2 ♦ 1.1 1 । ♦9.1 ♦8.7 1 H.5 I ♦4.5 1 I
1 1 Motor vehicles ' 1 Value 1 121.6 120.4 -1.2 -1.0 1 ♦ 8.6 ♦7.7 1 H.2 ♦ 1.2 1
and parts Voluie 1 109.3 107.5 -1.9 -1.7 1 । -2.1 -1.9 1 -7.6 | -7.5 1 I
- Consuier durable 1 Value 1 119.4 123.0 ♦ 3.6 ♦ 3.0 1 ♦21.0 ♦ 20.6 1 >17.7 >ll.« 1
goods other than ■otor vehicles VoIuip 1 1 114.3 117.7 ♦3.4 ♦ 3.0 1 1 ♦ 17.2 ♦ 17.1 1 ♦13.3 1 ♦ 13.5 1 1 i
and parts 1 1 I 1 1 I 1
Departient stores 1 Value 1 104.7 104.2 -0.5 -0.5 1 ♦ 18.1 ♦21.0 1 *7.6 ♦7.1 1
Voluie 1 94.3 94.0 -0.3 -0.3 1 1 ♦ 11.6 ♦ 14.1 1 ♦1.0 | ♦ 1.1 1 1
Jewellery, watches 1 Value 1 113.2 115.7 ♦2.5 ♦2.2 1 -13.7 -10.6 I U.3 ♦7.4 1
and clocks, and valuable gift Voluie 1 1 111.4 115.4 ♦ 4.0 ♦3.5 1 1 I -13.4 -10.4 1 *5.1 1 I ♦5.2 I 1 1
Other consuier goods • Value 1 106.7 110.4 ♦ 3.7 ♦ 3.4 1 ♦ 28.0 ♦ 34.0 1 ♦1.6 1
not elsewhere classified Voluie 1 1 1 101.1 103.5 ♦ 2.4 ♦2.4 1 1 ♦ 21.5 ♦26.3 1 H.7 1 ♦ 4.3 1 1
NOTE ’. 1 This covers both ’Rotor vehicles and parts’ and ’Consuier durable goods other than lotor vehicles and parts’.
--------0-----------
/4 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1991
SECOND STAGE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME LAUNCHED * » « » *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY (GPA) TODAY (TUESDAY) COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY TO CARRY OUT AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT STUDY AT WANCHAI TOWER I, WHICH IS USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS OFFICES AND ALSO ACCOMMODATES THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT.
"THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT STUDY, FOR WHICH WANCHAI TOWER I HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE FIRST BUILDING TO BE EXAMINED, MARKS THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SECOND STAGE OF AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME LAUNCHED BY THE GPA," HEAD OF THE GPA, MR PHILIP MACKLEY, SAID.
THE FIRST STAGE FOCUSED ON GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RULES WHICH HAVE BEEN PROMULGATED THROUGH THE CIVIL SERVICE. ENERGY SAVINGS ARE ALREAD1 BEING MADE THROUGH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MODIFYING THE MANNER IN Will (II THEY USE THE BUILDINGS WHERE THEY WORK.
"THE STUDY WILL GIVE PARTICULAR EMPHASIS TO THE TECHNICAL FEATURES OF A BUILDING WHICH INFLUENCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION BUT WHICH CANNOT BE ADJUSTED BY GOOD HOUSEKEEPING ALONE," MR MACKLEY SAID.
THE CONSULTANTS, PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF ASIA LIMITED (PBA), EXPERIENCED IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING FIELD OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT STUDY, WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPROPRIATE SHORT, MEDIUM, ENERGY SAVINGS AND PAYBACK PERIODS.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY WILL ASSIST THE GPA IN FORMULATING ITS STRATEGY FOR MAKING TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS IN OTHER BUILDINGS TOO, IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR ENERGY EFFICIENCY," MR MACKLEY SAID.
RECENT SIMILAR STUDIES CARRIED OUT BY PBA IN SOME PRIVATE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS SHOWED THAT ENERGY SAVINGS FOR OFFICE BUILDING IN THE ORDER OF 10 TO 20 PER CENT ARE OFTEN FOUND TO BE FEASIBLE, PRIMARILY IN THE AREAS OF LIGHTING CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, IN SOME CASES WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL INVESTMENT.
THE CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT UNDER WHICH PBA WILL CARRY OUT THE STUDY WAS SIGNED BY MR MACKLEY AND THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF PBA AND PR INICPAL-IN-CHARGE FOR THE STUDY, MR VINCENT TSE, THIS AFTERNOON.
/5.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3,
1991
- 5 -
POST OFFICE GEARS UP *
FOR HARD WORK FOR ELECTIONS » » » * *
IMAGINE A SCENE WHERE 3,000 MEN LIFTING 200 ELEPHANTS AND CARRYING THEM DOWN THE STREET.
YOU MAY WONDER IF THESE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO BREAK THE WORLD RECORD.
A NEAR SCENARIO MAY BE WITNESSED IN HONG KONG IN THE COMING DAYS LEADING TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 12 AND 15.
THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE TOUGH GUYS ARE THE POSTMEN AND THE "ELEPHANTS" ARE ELECTION PUBLICITY MATERIALS - IN PIECES.
AS A SOUPED-UP EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS, THE POSTMEN WILL HAVE TO CARRY AN EXTRA LOAD OF 1.05 MILLION KILOGRAMS OF "ELECTION MESSAGES" TO BE DELIVERED TO THE 1.9 MILLION VOTERS IN THE RUN-UP TO THE ELECTIONS.
THIS LOAD IS EQUIVALENT IN WEIGHT TO 200 ELEPHANTS WITH EACH WEIGHING 5,000 KILOGRAMS AND 2.5 METRES IN HEIGHT.
THE EXTRA LOAD IS ON TOP OF THE NORMAL 18-KILOGRAM MAILING STUFF THAT A POSTMAN HAS TO DELIVER EACH DAY.
THE POST OFFICE ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF LETTERS SENT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CANDIDATES WILL TOP 21 MILLION WHEN THE DEADLINE FOR THE SECOND FREE POSTING OF CAMPAIGN MATERIALS CLOSES TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE MATERIALS, WHEN PUT TOGETHER, COULD FILL THREE 10-HECTARE HONG KONG PARK.
IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, THE 21 MILLION LETTERS WILL AMOUNT TO 1.05 MILLION KILOGRAMS IF EACH LETTER DOES REACH THE MAXIMUM LIMIT OF 50 GRAMS.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AN ELECTION, TWO FREE POSTINGS ARE PROVIDED BY THE POST OFFICE TO HELP CANDIDATES SEND THEIR PERSONAL PROFILES AND ELECTION FORUMS TO VOTERS.
THERE WAS ONLY ONE FREE POSTING FOR CANDIDATES OF THE PREVIOUS ELETIONS.
THE POST OFFICE RECEIVED 6.64 MILLION LETTERS FROM THE CANDIDATES IN THE FIRST POSTING WHICH ENDED ON AUGUST 21.
THE FINANCE BRANCH HAD ALSO SET ASIDE $2.17 MILLION TO THE POST OFFICE FOR THE PAYMENT OF OVERTIME TO THE REGULAR STAFF, THE EMPLOYMENT OF 280 CASUAL STAFF FOR SORTING LETTERS AND HIRING OF 25 EXTRA VEHICLES FOR MAIL CONVEYANCE.
/IN THE ........
TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER 3, 1991
IN THE WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 9 WHEN CAMPAIGN DELIVER! IS EXPECTED TO REACH ITS PEAK, ABOUT 260 POST OFFICE STAFF WILL HAVE TO POSTPONE THEIR HOLIDAYS AND ACT AS BACK-UP STAFF. THIS WILL COST AN EXTRA OF ABOUT $500,000.
THE POST OFFICE HAD ALSO SENT OUT ABOUT 8,000 LETTERS ASKING CUSTOMERS WHO FREQUENTLY SEND OUT LETTERS IN BULK NOT TO DELIVER NON-ESSENTIAL MAIL DURING THAT PERIOD.
AS AT THE CLOSE OF SEPTEMBER 1, 77 CANDIDATES HAD MADE USE OF THE FREE POSTINGS AND SENT OUT 11.3 MILLION ITEMS OF "ELECTION MESSAGES" VIA THE POST OFFICE. INCLUDING THE FOUR MILLION ITEMS SENT BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE POST OFFICE HAS HANDLED 15.3 MILLION ELECTORAL LETTERS.
SO FAR, KOWLOON EAST DELIVERY OFFICE HANDLED THE LARGEST VOLUME OF MAIL, 1.7 MILLION ITEMS IN TOTAL.
-------------------------0------- DISTRICT OFFICE VACANCIES FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ♦ ♦ » t ♦
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE IS RECRUITING PART-TIME COMMUNITY ORGANISERS TO ASSIST IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY BUILDING WORK.
"THE DUTY OF COMMUNITY ORGANISERS IS TO ASSIST EXECUTIVE OFFICERS IN THEIR DAILY LIAISON WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS, WHICH INCLUDES THE FORMATION OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND PROMOTION OF THEIR ACTIVITIES," A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO HELP ORGANISE AND MANAGE THE ACTIVITIES AT COMMUNITY CENTRES," HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 45 AND HAVE COMPLETED FORM FIVE. WORKING EXPERIENCE IS PREFERABLE.
A COMMUNITY ORGANISER WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK IRREGULAR HOURS. THE MONTHLY SALARY FOR THE POST IS $2,000.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTER OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AT TUNG YAN STREET, BY SEPTEMBER 25.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 341 6315 EXT 28.
/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1991
7
FIGHT CRIME FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IN MONG KOK »»»»»»
A FIGHT CRIME FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT FOR YOUTH IS NOW OPEN TO RESIDENTS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT.
THE TOURNAMENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THIS YEAR’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
THE MATCHES WILL BE HELD AT THE ANCHOR STREET FOOTBALL PITCH ON OCTOBER 13 AND 20 (SUNDAYS).
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, AND THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SEVENTH FLOOR, FA YUEN STREET URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX, 123A FA YUEN STREET.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 394 7867.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ♦ » » » * HKEG
EXCHANGE FUND BI LLS TENDER RESULTS TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q136 H172
♦
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,985 MN HKD 1,280 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 5.47 PCT 5.89 PCT
HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 5.48 PCT 5.90 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 54 PCT ABOUT 49 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TUESDAY 10 ; SEPTEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q137 Y194
ISSUE DATE 11 SEP 1991 11 SEP 1991
MATURITY DATE 11 DEC 1991 9 SEP 1992
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 500 + 100 MN HKD 200 4- 60 MN
- - 0
/8 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1991
8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 2.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 3.9.91 +20
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -20
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON " NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.0 «-0.1» 3.9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
3.9.91 2.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 5.17 PCT 5.22 PCT
1 MONTH 5.17 PCT 5.18 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.44 PCT 5.42 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.85 PCT 5.88 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.38 PCT 6.40 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 3,152 MN 6,905 MN
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PM ARRIVES FOR TWO-DAY VISIT ............................................ 1
PM TALKS TO NEWSMEN AT AIRPORT .......................................... 1
PM TALKS TO NEWSMEN AT VM CAMP .......................................... 3
HK HAS GOOD RECORD OF CLEAN ELECTIONS ................................... 4
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY PUBLISHED .................................. 5
MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 ...................... 8
REPORT ON 1989 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SURVEY ON SALE ..................... 16
EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER ................................ 17
CONSULTANCY CONTRACT SIGNED ON INFORMATION NEEDS OF SCHOOLS EDUCATION PROGRAMME ............................................................... 17
RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK REGISTRATION REVOKED ............................ 17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 18
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
1
PM ARRIVES FOR TWO-DAY VISIT » ♦ * » »
THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG FROM CHINA THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A TWO-DAY VISIT.
HE IS ACCOMPANIED BY MRS MAJOR AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD.
SOON AFTER ARRIVAL, THE PRIME MINISTER, TOGETHER WITH MRS MAJOR, BEGAN HIS BUSY SCHEDULE WITH A HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE TERRITORY TO SEE THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING THE SITE FOR THE FUTURE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
DURING THE TOUR, THE PRIME MINISTER AND MRS MAJOR STOPPED AT HIGH ISLAND IN SAI KUNG TO VISIT THE DETENTION CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE CAMP COMMANDANT, MR ROY NICHOLLS, ON THE FACILITIES OF THE CENTRE WHICH PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION FOR ABOUT 6,600 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
THE CENTRE WAS SET UP IN OCTOBER 1989 TO HELP COPE WITH THE INFLUX OF OVER 34,000 NEW ARRIVALS THAT YEAR. OF THE POPULATION, NEARLY ONE THIRD ARE CHILDREN UNDER 16. IT IS BASICALLY RUN AS A CAMP FOR NORTHERN VIETNAMESE.
THE PRIME MINISTER VISITED A WORKSHOP, A DORMITORY AND A SCHOOL IN THE CENTRE AND TALKED TO SOME OF THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS THROUGH AN INTERPRETER.
LATER IN THE EVENING, THE PRIME MINISTER AND MRS MAJOR ATTENDED A DINNER HOSTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WITH MORE THAN 40 BUSINESS AND POLITICAL LEADERS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
------0--------
PM TALKS TO NEWSMEN AT AIRPORT » » » * »
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, TO REPORTERS UPON HIS ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:
Q. WHAT SORT OF MESSAGE, MR MAJOR, DO YOU BRING TO HONG KONG FROM PEKING?
/WELL, THE ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 199’
2
WELL, THE FIRST MESSAGE I BRING TO HONG KONG IS THAT I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE BACK IN HONG KONG. IT’S MANY YEARS SINCE I WAS LAST HERE. I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE BACK. I’M MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DISCUSSIONS I SHALL HAVE. TO WHAT I SHALL SEE IN THE NEXT DAY OR SO AND TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I THINK IT IS AN IMPORTANT TIME TO DO THAT. AND I AM VERY PLEASED TO DO IT. I COME HERE DIRECTLY FROM PEKING. THE VISIT TO PEKING WAS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, TO ENSURE THAT WE COULD SIGN THE AIRPORT AGREEMENT AND THAT COULD PROCEED, BOTH IN ITS OWN RIGHT AND BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT THAT WILL HAVE ON THE FUTURE PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG AND I ALSO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY THERE OF ADVANCING WORK IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. PREVIOUSLY IT WAS GETTING STUCK, I THINK IT WILL NOW ADVANCE. AND I THINK THAT’S VERY MUCH IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG TOO.
Q. DO YOU THINK THAT THE DETAINEE IS GOING TO BE RELEASED IN HONG KONG. EVEN IF HE ISN’T, IS THAT A GOOD GESTURE BY THE CHINESE?
A. WELL, I’LL HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY WHEN IT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENED. I DISCUSSED THAT MATTER YESTERDAY. I MADE MY VIEWS ABOUT IT QUITE CLEAR. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE SOME MOVEMENT, WHEN WE HAVE THE MOVEMENT, WHEN THE DETAINEE IS BACK HERE IN HONG KONG, I SHALL FEEL FREE TO COMMENT.
Q. BUT THEY HAVE SAID THAT THEY INTEND TO RELEASE HIM. DO YOU REGARD THAT AS A HELPFUL GESTURE?
A. YES. IT IS A HELPFUL GESTURE, BUT I WOULD LIKE THE DETAINEE BACK HERE IN HONG KONG WITH HIS FAMILY WHERE HE BELONGS. AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, I’LL BE VERY PLEASED. BUT LET’S WAIT AND SEE IT HAPPEN.
Q. AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO DEMONSTRATE BY GOING TO THE VIETNAMESE BOATPEOPLE CAMP?
A. WELL, I WANT TO SEE THE PROBLEM FOR MYSELF. SINCE MY PERIOD AS FOREIGN SECRETARY AND ONWARDS, I’VE BEEN FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM. I’VE LIVED WITH IT, NOT IN THE SAME WAY THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE LIVED WITH THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS ONE THAT HAS BEEN THERE. IT’S A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. IT’S SERIOUS FOR THE PEOPLE, THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE THEMSELVES, WHO HAVE COME HERE IN THE WHOLLY FALSE BELIEF THAT THERE IS A PLACE FOR ALL OF THEM IN THE WEST. THAT ISN’T THE CASE. I WISH TO GO AND LOOK AT THE CAMPS FOR MYSELF, JUDGE THE PROBLEM. I THINK IT’S WISE TO DO SO WHILE I’M HERE.
Q. TELL US A LITTLE BIT HOW YOU HOPE TO RETURN THEM TO VIETNAM?
A. WELL, I THINK I’D BETTER GO TO THE CAMP. I’LL HAVE A FULL PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW AND WE’LL DISCUSS ALL THESE MATTERS ON THAT OCCASION.
Q. THERE ARE A LOT OF FEARS HERE, AS YOU KNOW, THAT CHINA IS PLAYING, AS IT WERE TOO GREAT A ROLE ALREADY. DO YOU COME FROM CHINA REASSURED THAT THAT IS NOT NOW THE CASE.
/A. NO.............
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
3
A. NO. THAT IS NOT THE CASE, AND IT IS NOT GOING TO BE THE CASE. IN THE COMMUNIQUE WE ISSUED YESTERDAY WE REAFFIRMED FULLY THE . >INT DECLARATION. WE REAFFIRMED THE FACT THAT BETWEEN NOW AND 1997, HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE GOING TO RUN HONG KONG. I EXPLICITLY MADE THAT POINT AT, THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. THAT IS THE POSITION. THE ARRANGEMENT IS EXACTLY AS IT WAS NEGOTIATED IN 1984 AND HASN'T CHANGED.
Q. WELL, PEKING WILL HAVE A SAY IN BORROWING REQUIREMENTS....
A. THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT GO ON AND EXTEND WAY BEYOND 1997 IN WHICH IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG TO HAVE A STABLE SITUATION THAT WILL SURVIVE AFTER 1997. WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE THINGS ON A PRACTICAL BASIS. ALL THAT WAS FORSEEN IN THE THEORY AND IN THE CLAUSES OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. WE HAVE REAFFIRMED THAT AGAIN. WE'RE REAFFIRMED EXPLICITLY YET AGAIN THAT AFTER 1997, HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE FOR 50 YEARS AT LEAST IN THE SAME CAPITALIST TRADITION THAT HAS MADE IT SUCH A REMARKABLE SUCCESS IN RECENT YEARS. I WENT THERE TO PEKING TO MAKE SURE ALL THAT WAS RECONFIRMED. IT WAS RECONFIRMED. IT WAS RECONFIRMED IN THE COMMUNIQUE, BOTH CHINA AND BRITAIN HAVE PUT THEIR SIGNATURES TO THAT COMMUNIQUE. SO UPON THAT POINT, I AM HERE TO REASSURE HONG KONG. BUT PREDOMINANTLY, I AM HERE TO LOOK, TO LISTEN, TO LEARN AND TO SEE HOW WE TAKE POLICY FORWARD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
--------0 - -
PM TALKS TO NEWSMEN AT VM CAMP « » t » »
TRANSCRIPT: PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, TO HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE FOR
SPEAKS TO PRESS AFTER VISIT VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS
NO-ONE NEED EXPECT ME TO DEAL WITH MATTERS OF POLICY AT THE MOMENT OR MATTERS OF THAT KIND. NOBODY CAN HAVE A LOOK AT THE CAMPS AND SEE THE CONCERN OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE, AND HEAR THE STORIES OF WHY THEY CAME WITHOUT BEING MOVED.
THERE IS A TWIN TRAGEDY. THE TRAGEDY OF COURSE FOR HONG KONO, THAT ALONE OF ALL THE COUNTRIES IN THE REGION HAS OPERATED A POLICY OF FIRST ASYLUM, AND FACES A PROBLEM THAT IT IS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO DEAL WITH AND THAT THEY HAVE FACED WITH GREAT BRAVERY AND COURAGE FOR A LONG TIME. AND THEN THE TRAGEDY OF THE INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES WHO ARE HERE, WHO FELT COMPELLED TO LEAVE THE HOMES THEY HAD BEFORE TO SEEK SOMETHING BETTER.
TONIGHT IS NOT AN OCCASION FOR STATEMENTS OF POLICY. I WANTED TO COME AND SEE THE CAMPS FOR MYSELF; TO TALK TO THE PEOPLE WHO WERE HERE; TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM WITH THE ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG; TO TALK TO THE PEOPLE, MANY OF THEM VOLUNTEERS WHO WORK IN THE CAMPS; TO LOOK AT THE FACILITIES THAT ARE HERE; TO SEE THE SCHOOL; THE SHOP AT THE MOMENT OF COURSE IS CLOSED; TO LEARN AT FIRST HAND WHAT THE RECREATIONAL AND OTHER FACILITIES ARE LIKE.
/HOWEVER, MUCH ........
I
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
4
HOWEVER, MUCH SOPHISTICATED BRIEFING YOU CAN OBTAIN, IT IS ALWAYS NECESSARY TO SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT IS HAPPENING AND THAT OF COURSE WAS WHY I PRINCIPALLY WANTED TO COME THIS EVENING AND I’M VERY GLAD THAT I DID.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW AND I WILL TAKE QUESTIONS ON THAT OCCASION. THANK YOU.
------0-------
HK HAS GOOD RECORD OF CLEAN ELECTIONS * t * * »
HONG KONG HAS A GOOD RECORD OF CLEAN AND HONEST ELECTIONS WHICH COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH DEVELOPED DEMOCRACIES, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST, MR SUEN SAID UNLIKE SOME OTHER COUNTRIES, THERE WAS A GENERAL ACCEPTANCE IN HONG KONG OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND OF THE PEOPLE WHO ADMINISTERED IT, SUCH AS THE POLLING AND COUNTING STAFF.
"UGLY INCIDENTS SUCH AS ORGANISED AND LARGE-SCALE BRIBERY, INTIMIDATION, VIOLENCE, DISAPPEARANCE OF BALLOT BOXES, AND EVEN KIDNAP OF CANDIDATES HAVE NOT HAPPENED AND ARE NEVER THOUGHT OF IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ELECTORAL PROCESS HAD ALSO COME UNDER CLOSE AND VIGILANT MONITORING BY THE HONG KONG PUBLIC AND THE PRESS.
"THE KEEN COMPETITION OF THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEANS THAT CANDIDATES ARE UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYES OF OTHER CONTESTANTS. THOSE WHO THINK THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH ELECTION FRAUD AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES WILL BE MISTAKEN," HE SAID.
"OUR EFFECTIVE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND OUR COMPETENT AND INDEPENDENT COURTS WILL ENSURE THAT OUR PROUD ELECTORAL RECORDS WILL NOT BE BROKEN."
MR SUEN ALSO SAID GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT WAS INTRODUCING ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE CONDUCTED ON AN ORDERLY BASIS.
HE NOTED THAT ORDER OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS HAD BEEN A CONCERN. THIS WAS NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING MALICIOUS BUT MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE OVER-ENTHUSIASTIC BEHAVIOUR OF SOME CANVASSING AIDES.
TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL DESIGNATE BUFFER ZONES AT POLLING STATIONS, CONFINE THE ACTIVITIES OF CANVASSING AIDES TO THE BUFFER ZONES, LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CANVASSING AIDES IN A BUFFER ZONE AND IMPROVE CROWD CONTROL MEASURES.
/"IN ADDITION.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
"IN ADDITION, MORE INTENSIVE POLICE COVERAGE WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE MORE PROBLEMATIC POLLING STATIONS. PROMPT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN TO DEAL WITH DISORDER OR UNRULY BEHAVIOUR," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE SCHEME FOR REGULATING THE DISPLAY OF CAMPAIGN BANNERS AND PLACARDS WOULD BE EXTENDED TO AREAS IN THE VICINITY OF THE POLLING STATIONS BY DESIGNATING THEM AS KEY SPOTS SO THAT ANY UNALLOCATED SPACE WITHIN THEM WILL BE EQUALLY ALLOTTED TO THE CANDIDATES.
HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES IN PLACE TO DEAL WITH ANY UNAUTHORISED DISPLAY ON THE SPOT ON ELECTION DAY.
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY PUBLISHED
*****
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED DURING JULY, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
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 JULY.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, GREW BY 1.7% IN JULY FOLLOWING A ZERO GROWTH IN MAY AND AN INCREASE OF 2.2% IN JUNE.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS ROSE BY 11.3% AND 6.0% RESPECTIVELY WHILE TIME DEPOSITS FELL BY 2.2% IN JULY.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 9.5%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED BY 0.7% IN JULY, FOLLOWING DECREASES OF 0.6% IN BOTH MAY AND JUNE.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, US DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 1.0% AND 0.4% RESPECTIVELY IN JULY.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 16.8%.
DURING JULY, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY 0.3% AND 2.9% RESPECTIVELY WHILE DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 1.6%.
/COMPARED WITH .......
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
6
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS AND RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY 15.0% AND 5.3% RESPECTIVELY WHILE DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 20.9%.
MONEY SUPPLY
HKSM1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 7.2%, 1.8% AND 1.6%
RESPECTIVELY IN JULY, COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF -0.8%, 2.1% AND 2.1% IN JUNE.
OVER THE YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 17.4%, 11.0%
AND 9.5% RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 INCREASED BY 5.1%, 0.2% AND 0.3%
RESPECTIVELY IN JULY. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JUNE WERE 0.7%, 0.6% AND 0.7%.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 18.5%, 14.5% AND
13.3% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 2.0% IN JULY, AFTER INCREASES OF 1.8% AND 0.8% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS AND THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY GREW BY 1.0% AND 2.5% RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 16.4% AND 39.1% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE EXTERNAL TRADE OF HONG KONG GREW BY 2.0% IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 3.5% AND 3.8% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 22.4%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.5% IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.9% AND 1.3% RESPECTIVELY IN THE PRECEDING TWO MONTHS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 16.9%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ROSE BY 2.9% IN JULY, AFTER INCREASES OF 2.4% AND 0.5% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 59.6%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BOTH DECREASED BY THREE TO 163 WHILE THAT OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 48.
/TABLE 1 : .......
% • TABLE 7 1 : MONETARY STA' nsTics WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER * - JULY 1991 4, 1991
t Money Supply July 1991 Jun 1991 Earlier months (% change to July 1991) Apr 1991 July 1990 (HKSmn)
Ml-HKS 99,773 93,050 ( 7.2 ) 98,123 ( 1.7 ) 84.980 ( 17.4 )
Foreign currency 14,177 15,398 ( -7.9 ) 14,234 ( -0.4 ) 11,220 ( 26.4 )
Total 113,951 108,449 ( 5.1 ) 112,357 ( 1.4 ) 96,200 ( 18.5 )
M2 - HKS* 574,701 564,655 ( 1.8 ) 552,407 ( 4.0 ) 517,889 ( 11.0 )
Foreign currency* 687.406 694.637 ( -1.0 ) 700,313 ( -18 ) 584.552 ( 17.6 )
Total 1,262.107 1,259.292 ( 0.2 ) 1,252,720 ( 0.7 ) 1,102,441 ( 14.5 )
M3 - HKS* 602.407 593.160 ( 1.6 ) 581.035 ( 3.7 ) 550,268 ( 9.5 )
Foreign currency* 729,219 734,988 ( -0.8 ) 743.835 ( -2.0 ) 625,419 ( 16.6 )
Total 1,331,627 1,328,148 ( 0.3 ) 1,324.869 ( 0.5 ) 1,175,687 ( 13.3 )
Notea and coins in circulation 44,564 44,091 ( l.l ) 43,606 ( 2.2 ) 38,925 ( 14.5 )
of which held by public Total Deposits 38,450 37,936 ( 1.4 ) 37,954 ( 1.3 ) 33,732 ( 14.0 )
Total Demand deposits 75,501 70,513 ( 7.1 ) 74,403 ( 1.5 ) 62,468 ( 20.9 )
Total Savings deposits 253.897 244,947 ( 3.7 ) 239,595 ( 6.0 ) 204,470 ( 24.2 ) '
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 877.790 888.269 ( -1.2 ) 883,742 ( -0.7 ) 783,110 ( 12.1 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 38,905 37,793 ( 2.9 ) 40,350 ( -3.6 ) 36,946 ( 5.3 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 27,500 27.938 ( -1.6 ) 28,717 ( 4.2 ) 34,782 ( -20.9 )
HKS deposits* 550,663 541.580 ( 1.7 ) 530,077 ( 3.9 ) 502,780 ( 9.5 )
USS deposits* 288,738 291.761 ( -1.0 ) 297,902 ( -3.1 ) 280,483 ( 2.9 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 434,193 436.118 ( -0.4 ) 438.829 ( -Li ) 338,514 ( 2B.3 )
All deposits 1,273,594 1,269,459 ( 0.3 ) 1,266,807 ( 0.5 ) 1,121,776 ( 13.5 )
Foreign currency swap deposits Total Loans and advances 61,156 61,132 ( 0.0 ) 57.680 ( 6.0 ) 73,188 ( -16.4 )
To finance H.K.'s visible trade 81,903 80,324 ( 2.0 ) 74,764 ( 9.5 ) 66,913 ( 22.4 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 9,828 10,269 ( -4.3 ) 8,264 ( 18.9 ) 8,744 ( 12.4 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 757,808 746.401 ( 1.5 ) 729,807 ( 3.8 ) 648,308 ( 16.9 )
Other loans for use outside H.K 1.059.148 1.029,390 ( 2.9 ) 999.793 ( 5.9 ) 663,790 ( 59.6 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 41.584 46.165 ( -9.9 ) 50.841 ( -18 2 ) 108,635 ( -61.7 )
Loans in HKS 671.257 664.721 ( 1.0 ) 648,518 ( 3.5 ) 576.593 ( 164 )
Loans in foreign currencies 1,279,015 1.247.828 ( 2.5 ) 1,214,950 ( 5.3 ) 919,796 ( 39.1 )
Total loans and advances 1,950,272 1,912,548 ( 2.0 ) 1,863,468 ( 4.7 ) 1,496.389 ( 30.3 )
♦ Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. Starting from April 1991, swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and non-US dollar foreign currency swap deposits.
Note : ’Restricted licence banks' and 'deposit-taking companies' were known as companies' respectively before 1 February 1990. 0 - 'licensed deposit-taking companies' and 'registered deposit-taking 1 /8
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4r 1991
8
MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN
THE FIRST HALF OF 1991
* * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR WAS 1131,890 MILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991, 12% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, ACCORDING TO THE SUMMARY STATISTICS ON AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 RELEASE BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8%, 14% AND 9% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990. THEIR SHARES IN THE TOTAL VALUES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS WERE 30%, 19% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY.
IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, AIRBORNE IMPORTS AMOUNTED TO 181,201 TONNES, WHILE TOTAL AIRBORNE EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) AMOUNTED TO 203,484 TONNES, WHICH WERE 2% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THOSE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990j AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE NETHERLANDS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 53%, 35% AND 22% RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, THE USA AND SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 9%, 5% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $936 MILLION OR 11%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY 1859 MILLION OR 20%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCESj AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY #846 MILLION OR 24%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $132 MILLION OR 2%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $275 MILLION OR 22%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $143 MILLION OR 5%); AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $31 MILLION OR 30%).
/DETAILED FIGURES .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
9
DETAILED FIGURES ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY SHOWED THAT NOTABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $575 MILLION OR 43%) AND TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $210 MILLION OR 42%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO SINGAPORE (BY $351 MILLION OR 36%) AND TO JAPAN (BY $191 MILLION OR 114%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO SINGAPORE (BY $627 MILLION OR 200%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $205 MILLION OR 37%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT TO THE USA (BY $222 MILLION OR 43%) AND TO JAPAN (BY $56 MILLION OR 47%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER PRECIOUS OR SEMIPRECIOUS MATERIALS TO THE USA (BY $228 MILLION OR 23%); AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND MACHINE PARTS TO THE USA (BY $19 MILLION OR 46%).
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 3.
IMPORTS CARRIED BY AIR FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED LN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (+44%), TAIWAN (+43%), JAPAN (+28%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+26%) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+19%).
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, MALAYSIA, THE USA AND ITALY ALSO INCREASED BY 11%, 7%, 6% AND 4% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 4%.
AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 4.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3,102 MILLION OR 20%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,521 MILLION OR 17%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1,111 MILLION OR 28%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $779 MILLION OR 26%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $175 MILLION OR 17%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $100 MILLION OR 1%); AND LEATHER AND LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY $84 MILLION OR 8%).
/ANALYSED BY .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
10
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM JAPAN (BY $1,078 MILLION OR 29%) AND FROM SINGAPORE (BY $689 MILLION OR 76%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS FROM JAPAN (BY $895 MILLION OR 25%) AND FROM THAILAND (BY $161 MILLION OR 45%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT FROM SINGAPORE (BY $327 MILLION OR 49%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT FROM JAPAN (BY $368 MILLION OR 28%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS FROM FRANCE (BY $129 MILLION OR 26%) AND FROM SWITZERLAND (BY $86 MILLION OR 53%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES FROM THE USA (BY $226 MILLION OR’ 18%); AND LEATHER AND LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS FROM ITALY (BY $57 MILLION OR 19%).
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE DEPICTED IN TABLE 5.
HONG KONG’S AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990. THE GROWTH WAS PARTICULARLY STRONG FOR THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+91%).
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THAILAND (+44%), SWITZERLAND (+31%), CHINA (+29%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+24%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE AND TAIWAN DECREASED BY 30% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY.
AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 6.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,143 MILLION OR 54%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,120 MILLION OR 38%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $375 MILLION OR 10%); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $303 MILLION OR 13%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,659 MILLION OR 19%); FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSES, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $238 MILLION OR 46%); AND POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY $150 MILLION OR 46%).
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY BY COUNTRY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $901 MILLION OR 141%) AND TO THE USA (BY $470 MILLION OR 24%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO THE USA (BY $213 MILLION OR 54%) AND TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $143 MILLION OR 94%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES TO THAILAND (BY $494 MILLION OR 72%); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO SINGAPORE (BY $228 MILLION OR 77%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO SINGAPORE {BY $1,103 MILLION OR 73%) AND TO TAIWAN (BY $793 MILLION OR 24%); FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSES, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $191 MILLION OR 51%); AND POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TO THE USA (BY $133 MILLION OR 87%).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, JUNE 1991" NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $33.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4915.
TABLE 1: AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-JUN 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (*)
USA 10,363 10,902 - 539 - 6
FR OF GERMANY 3,690 2,731 ♦ 960 ♦ 35
JAPAN 3,158 3,009 + 149 4 5
SINGAPORE 2,638 1,725 4 913 4 53
UK 1,625 1,405 4- 220 4 16
TAIWAN 1,305 1 , 105 4 200 4 18
NETHERLANDS 849 693 4 156 4 22
FRANCE 827 751 4 75 4 10
SWITZERLAND 723 760 - 36 - 5
CANADA 678 742 — 64 - 9
/TABLE 2: .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
- 12 -
TABLE 2: AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9,743 8,807 + 936 + 11
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 6,236 6,103 + 132 + 2
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 5,097 4,238 + 859 + 20
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF f 4,374 3,528 + 846 + 24
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,971 3,114 — 143 — 5
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 987 1,262 - 275 - 22
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 320 295 + 24 + 8
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 255 223 + 32 4- 14
FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF 202 189 + 14 4- 7
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 193 197 - 4 - 2
/TABLE 3: .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
13
TABLE 3: AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-JUN 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
JAPAN 15,007 11,744 + 3,263 4 28
USA 12,618 11,945 + 673 ♦ 6
SWITZERLAND 3,983 4,135 151 4
SINGAPORE 3,923 2,730 + 1,192 4 44
TAIWAN 3,667 2,567 + 1,100 4 43
ITALY 2,867 2,745 + 122 ♦ 4
MALAYSIA 2,687 2,500 + 187 + 7
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,452 1,953 4- 498 4 26
FR OF GERMANY 2,420 2,041 + 379 4 19
UK 2,263 2,047 + 216 + 11
TABLE 4: AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9 18,260 15,159 + 3,102 4 20
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 10,469 8,948 4 1,521 4 17
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 7,772 7,872 - 100 - 1
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 5,083 3,973 4 1,111 4 28
/TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND........
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
14 -
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,778 2,999 4 779 4 26
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY GOLDSMITHS’AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 9 3,538 3,373 4 165 4 5
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,353 2,207 4 145 4 7
OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 2,095 1,910 4 185 4 10
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,030 1,767 4 263 4 15
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 1,383 1,040 4- 343 4 33
TABLE 5: AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-JUN 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
USA 5,959 5,536 4 424 4 8
TAIWAN 3,855 4,864 - 1,010 - 21
JAPAN 3,617 3,400 + 217 4 6
FR OF GERMANY 2,898 1,513 4 1,385 4 91
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,537 2,407 4 130 4 5
CHINA 2,010 1,553 4 457 4 29
SINGAPORE 1,999 2,851 - 852 - 30
THAILAND 1,546 1,076 4 470 4 44
UK 871 704 + 167 4 24
SWITZERLAND 809 616 4 193 4 31
/TABLE 6: .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
15 -
TABLE 6: AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUN 1990 (HKD MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF f 6,868 8,428 - 1,559 - 19
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,125 3,981 4- 2,143 + 54
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 4,212 3,837 + 375 + 10
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,054 2,935 ♦ 1,120 + 38
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 2,577 2,274 4- 303 + 13
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,079 1,990 ♦ 89 4- 4
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,513 1,261 4- 252 4- 20
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,101 1,115 - 13 - 1
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 858 664 + 195 4- 29
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS 639 566 + 73 4- 13
--------0 - , - -
/16........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991
16
REPORT ON 1989 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SURVEY ON SALE ******
A STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED "1989 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION", RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, IS NOW ON SALE AT $26 PER COPY.
IT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF REPORTS PUBLISHED ANNUALLY ON THS SURVEY.
THE REPORT CONTAINS A WIDE RANGE OF STATISTICS ON THB STRUCTURAL AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF MINING AND QUARRYING, MANUFACTURING, AND ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER IN THE YEAR 1989, BASED ON THE DATA COLLECTED FROM SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THESE ACTIVITIES.
EXAMPLES OF THE STATISTICAL ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE:
* NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES;
* GROSS OUTPUT;
» VALUE ADDED (A MEASURE OF CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT);
» PURCHASES OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL WORK/ SERVICES;
* OTHER EXPENSES; AND
» GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS.
APART FROM STATISTICS RELATING TO THE YEAR 1989, THE REPORT
ALSO CONTAINS SOME SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE YEARS 1987 AND 1988 TO
SHOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE ACTIVITIES IN RECENT YEARS.
THE STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE
GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR POLICY FORMULATION, DECISION
MAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
THE REPORT MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6441.
WEDNESDAY, SEl'TJii»< l‘ 4, 1991
17 -
EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER » ♦ * * »
A SEVENTH ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN EXPERTS OF THE BRiT.l 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 SEPTEMBER 5 TO 6.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE MR DOUG MARTIN.
THE CHINESE TEAM WILL BE LED BY CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE MR ZHENG WE1RONG.
THEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY EXPERTS FROM THE TWO SIDES.
------0--------
CONSULTANCY CONTRACT SIGNED ON INFORMATION NEEDS OF SCHOOLS EDUCATION PROGRAMME » » » t *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, MR STAN MILLER, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SIGNED A $1.8 MILLION CONSULTANCY STUDY CONTRACT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS OF INFORMATION BETWEEN SCHOOLS, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
ON THE THE
BRANCH OF
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE STUDY IS PART OF THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE PROJECT WHICH AIMS TO INTRODUCE FORMAL SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES TO SUPPORT THE DELEGATION OF GREATER AUTHORITY TO SCHOOLS, AND CHANGES TO FUNDING PROCEDURES.
THE STUDY, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR, WILL LOOK INTO THE INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE SCHOOLS EDUCATION PROGRAMME WHICH BROADLY COVERS PRIMARY EDUCATION, SECONDARY EDUCATION, TEACHER EDUCATION, PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, AND ADULT EDUCATION.
- - 0----------
RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK REGISTRATION REVOKED
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF STATE BANK OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA AS A RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK HAS BEEN REVOKED AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON AUGUST 23 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 32 (2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER I, 1991
- 18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * * » »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 3.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 4.9.91 -616
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +616
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.9 4. 9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
3.9.91 4.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 5.17 PCT 5.31 PCT
1 MONTH 5.17 PCT 5.20 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.44 PCT 5.43 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.85 PCT 5.85 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.38 PCT 6.41 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 3,152 : MN 3,892 : MN
0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PM GIVES PRESS CONFERENCE .............................................. 1
PM TALKS TO NEWSMEN AFTER EXCO MEETING ................................. 11
PM TOURS MA ON SHAN ESTATE ............................................. 12
PM VISITS CITY POLYTECHNIC ............................................. 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 13
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
1
PM GIVES PRESS CONFERENCE ♦ ♦ * * ♦
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR:
PRIME MINISTER: THANK YOU VERY MUCH, AND MY APOLOGIES ALSO FOR THE FACT THAT WE HAVE THIS LATE START THIS AFTERNOON. IT’S VERY GOOD TO BE BACK IN HONG KONG. IT'S MANY YEARS SINCE I’VE WORKED HERE AND I HAVE BEEN FASCINATED TO SEE THE VERY REMARKABLE CHANGES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN DURING THAT PERIOD.
LAST EVENING WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO FLY BY HELICOPTER OVER HONG KONG AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG IS PERHAPS THE MOST VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF ITS SUCCESS AS A COMMERCIAL CENTRE, AND ABOVE ALL, AS A PLACE WHERE HUMAN ENTERPRISE AND ALL OTHER FORMS OF ENTERPRISE AND INGENUITY HAVE FLOURISHED IN RECENT YEARS. THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN JUSTLY AND RIGHTLY BE PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS.
HONG KONG’S CONTINUED SUCCESS IS ONE OF MY GOVERNMENT’S FIRST PRIORITIES. WE WANT TO SEE HONG KONG PROSPER AS A CENTRE OF FREEDOM AND ENTERPRISE UP TO AND BEYOND 1997. THAT WAS WHY I WENT TO PEKING AND I SHOULD LIKE TO REPORT ON MY DISCUSSIONS THERE. I WENT TO CHINA ESSENTIALLY FOR THE SAKE OF HONG KONG AND I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU OF WHAT THAT VISIT ACHIEVED.
FIRST, WE HAVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE AIRPORT. WORK CAN NOW GO AHEAD ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS - ALL OF THEM. THE MEMORANDUM OPENS THE WAY TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. SECOND, WE HAVE SECURED CLEAR-CUT PUBLIC CHINESE REAFFIRMATION OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO HONOUR THE JOINT DECLARATION IN LETTER AND IN SPIRIT. THIRDLY, WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A MECHANISM TO END THE BLOCKAGE ON PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. FOURTHLY, WE HAVE OBTAINED AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON HONG KONG’S COURT OF FINAL APPEAL. AND FIFTHLY, WE HAVE CONFIRMATION OF THE RIGHT OF HONG KONG TO MAKE ITS OWN INVESTMENT, PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS. AND SIXTHLY, WE HAVE CLEARED THE WAY FOR A NEW CONSULATE-GENERAL; WE INTEND TO BUILD SUCH A CONSULATE AND NOT JUST TO LEASE PREMISES.
I WAS ACCOMPANIED TO PEKING BY THE GOVERNOR AND OTHER OFFICIALS FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. TODAY, I WAS ABLE TO BRIEF EXCO ON THE OUTCOME AND I RELIEVE IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT ALL THE MEMBERS OF EXCO EXPRESSED GREAT SATISFACTION AT WHAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED. I WAS ABLE TO TELL THEM THAT ALL THE CHINESE LEADERS I HAD MET HAD VOLUNTEERED THEIR GRATITUDE FOR THE TREMENDOUSLY GENEROUS HELP WHICH HONG KONG HAD PROVIDED FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE RECENT FLOODS.
YESTERDAY, I ALSO VISITED HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE. READING ABOUT IT IS NOT THE SAME AS SEEING IT. WHAT YOU REALISE ABOVE ALL WHEN YOU GO TO A CAMP, IS THAT THESE ARE NOT JUST STATISTICS BUT FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS. THIS IS A HUMAN PROBLEM WHICH REQUIRES A HUMANE SOLUTION. THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAS POSED ENORMOUS PROBLEMS FOR HONG KONG. HONG KONG HAS COPED EFFICIENTLY, AND ABOVE ALL, HUMANELY. IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY FOR HONG KONG TO PRESERVE THE POLICY OF FIRST ASYLUM BUT ONE OF THE REASONS WHY SO MANY COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD ARE PREPARED TO SPEAK UP FOR HONG KONG AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR, IS BECAUSE OF HONG KONG'S RECORD ON THIS AND ON OTHER ISSUES.
/IT IS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
IT IS AN INDICTMENT OF THE POLICIES OF THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT THAT THE BOAT PEOPLE LEFT THEIR COUNTRY IN THE FIRST PLACE. IT IS A CREDIT TO HONG KONG THAT YOU HAVE PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION, HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION FOR SO MANY PEOPLE.
A SUBSTANTIAL MINORITY OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ARE REFUGEES. UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION, THOSE WHO ARE REFUGEES HAVE A RIGHT TO BE RESETTLED ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, AND THEY ARE. BUT MOST ARE ECONOMIC MIGRANTS - HONG KONG DOES NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE THEM FOREVER. THEY WILL HAVE TO RETURN HOME, BUT THEY MUST BE ABLE TO RETURN HOME WITHOUT FEAR OF REPRISALS. WE ARE NEGOTIATING WITH THE NEW VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRES THAT WOULD BE INTERNATIONALLY MANAGED AND UNDER THE CONTROL OF UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES. THOSE WHO ARE SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO THOSE CENTRES IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. THAT IS THE BEST WAY FORWARD.
NEXT WEEK, THERE WILL BE ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG. FOR THE FIRST TIME THERE WILL BE DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF LEGCO. ALSO FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE NEW LEGCO WILL HAVE A MAJORITY OF ELECTED MEMBERS. THIS IS THE FIRST POINT IN A RISING CURVE OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS WHICH WILL, WITH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE, CONTINUE UP TO AND BEYOND 1997. OF COURSE WE NEED TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER WITH THE CHINESE IF PROGRESS IS TO BE SUSTAINED. WE SHALL WANT TO DISCUSS WITH THEM, AT THE RIGHT TIME AND IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE GAINED THIS YEAR, THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTIONS IN 1995.
NO VISITOR CAN FULLY SHARE THE CHALLENGE WHICH HONG KONG FACES AS WE APPROACH 1997. THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE TO LIVE WITH THAT REALITY EVERY DAY. SOVEREIGNTY WILL REVERT TO CHINA IN 1997 AND IT IS HONG KONG AND CHINA WHO WILL HAVE TO MAKE A REALITY OF THE CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY AND TWO SYSTEMS’. BUT I BELIEVE THE JOINT DECLARATION, AGREED IN 1984, IS THE BEST BASIS FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE. THERE WILL BE DIFFICULTIES AS THERE ARE IN ANY RELATIONSHIP, LET ALONE ONE THAT REQUIRES TWO DIFFERENT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS TO WORK TOGETHER. BUT WE ARE NOT SAYING TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG: HERE IS THE JOINT DECLARATION, NOW IT IS UP TO YOU TO MAKE IT WORK. MAKING IT WORK IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR ME AND FOR MY GOVERNMENT. THAT WAS WHY WE’VE AGREED TO INTENSIFY OUR CONTACTS WITH PEKING AND RAISE THE LEVEL AT WHICH THEY ARE REGULARLY CONDUCTED. THAT WAS WHY GOING TO PEKING WAS NECESSARY AND WORTHWHILE.
A WEEK AGO I LEFT THE WORLD'S LARGEST FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY. TODAY, I SHALL BE LEAVING A SOMEWHAT SMALLER BUT EQUALLY ENTERPRISING MARKET ECONOMY. IN BETWEEN 1 VISITED MOSCOW AND PEKING. ONE COUNTRY IS EXPLORING THE PATH OF POLITICAL REFORM, THE OTHER IS CONCENTRATING ON ECONOMIC REFORM. THE FACT IS THAT BOTH ARE NECESSARY AND 1 DOUBT THAT ONE CAN DEVELOP FULLY WITHOUT THE OTHER. IT IS FITTING THAT I SHOULD END THIS EVENTFUL WEEK HERE IN HONG KONG WHERE YOUR ECONOMY IS BOOMING AND WHERE YOU ARE ABOUT TO TAKE’ A FIRST MOMENTOUS STEP IN THE PROCESS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT. I HAVE FOUND IT A MOST USEFUL AND WORTHWHILE VISIT AND AM DELIGHTED I WAS ABLE TO COME.
I’M NOW HAPPY TO TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS FOR A PERIOD.
/O: YOU SAID........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
Q: YOU SAID THAT YOU WENT TO CHINA FOR THE SAKE OF HONG KONG AND ON TWO FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG. BEARING IN MIND CHINA’S REPEATED WARNINGS THAT IT MAY REPEAL HONG KONG’S BILL OF RIGHTS AFTER 1997 AND CHINA’S PERSISTENT REFUSAL TO RECOGNISE THE HONG KONG EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HAVE YOU TAKEN UP THESE ISSUES WITH THE CHINESE LEADER, INCLUDING MR LI PENG?
PRIME MINISTER: I SPOKE SPECIFICALLY TO MR LI PENG ABOUT THE DESIRABILITY OF MEETING EXCO AND ABOUT MEETING OMELCO AND THE FACT THAT THERE WOULD NEED TO BE A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEM AND I HOPE THAT WILL COME ABOUT. THIS IS A MATTER WE HAVE RAISED WITH THEM AND A MATTER WE WILL CONTINUE TO RAISE WITH THEM. ON OTHER MATTERS IN SO FAR AS DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG IS CONCERNED WE ARE STARTING OFF WITH THE FIRST DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS IN JUST A WEEK OR SO. THAT IS A TREMENDOUS ADVANCE, IT IS PART OF A RISING CURVE, I THINK WE WILL GET THROUGH THOSE ELECTIONS, WE WILL SEE HOW THEY ARE SUSTAINED, HOW THEY DEVELOP AND I THINK NOBODY SHOULD UNDER-ESTIMATE THE IMPACT THAT THESE ELECTIONS WILL MAKE EVEN THOUGH ON THIS OCCASION IT IS ONLY EIGHTEEN SEATS OUT OF THE FULL TOTAL OF SIXTY.
Q: SO WHAT ABOUT ON HUMAN RIGHTS ? GIVEN THAT IT'S BEEN ABOUT: SEVEN YEARS NOW SINCE WE SIGNED THE JOINT DECLARATION BUT CHINA HAS YET TO BECOME A SIGNATORY TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS. HAVE YOU ACTUALLY ASKED THE CHINESE LEADER TO TAKE ACTION AND IF NOT, WHY NOT?
PRIME MINISTER: WELL, I THINK MOST PEOPLE WILL HAVE KNOWN FROM READING THE PRESS OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS THAT I CERTAINLY DID DISCUSS THE QUESTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS WITH THE CHINESE, THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF MY VIEW, I DOUBT THEY’VE EVER BEEN MADE SO WELL AWARE OF ANYONE’S VIEWS ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PAST BEFORE. SO THEY ARE VERY WELL AWARE OF MY CONCERN IN HUMAN RIGHTS AND THEY ARE EQUALLY WELL AWARE IN TERMS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AT HOME AND ABROAD THAT THIS IS A MATTER OF RISING INTEREST AROUND THE WORLD; NOT JUST IN THE CASE OF CHINA BUT IN THE CASE OF COUNTRIES ALL AROUND THE WORLD WHERE HUMAN RIGHTS ARE NOT AT THE STANDARD THAT WE BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE. THERE IS A SEARCHLIGHT OF PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL OPINION UPON THE QUESTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. THE CHINESE ARE ABSOLUTELY AWARE OF THAT AND YES, I DID DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH THEM.
Q: I WONDER IF I COULD TEMPT YOU TO BREAK ALL THE CONVENTION AND TO DISCUSS BRITISH POLITICS WHILE YOU ARE ON AN OVERSEAS TRIP AND TO SAY WHETHER AFTER A SUCCESSFUL WEEK YOU ARE TEMPTED TO CALL AN EARLY ELECTION WHEN YOU GET BACK HOME?
PRIME MINISTER: WELL, YOU CAN TEMPT BUT I MAY NOT RISE TO THE TEMPTATION. I THINK SPECULATION LIKE THAT AT THIS STAGE OF A PARLIAMENT IS ALWAYS INEVITABLE, I JUST HOPE NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE WILL TAKE THAT ALMOST INEVITABLE DAY-TO-DAY SPECULATION TOO SERIOUSLY. WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO; WHEN I JUDGE IT RIGHT WE WILL HAVE THE GENERAL ELECTION BUT I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE IN ANYONE’S INTEREST FOR ME TO RESPOND TO-DAY-TO DAY SPECULATION.
/Q: CAN I ..........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
Q: CAN 1 JUST ASK DO YOU STILL WANT TO MAKE IT YOUR INTENTION TO SEE THE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCES THROUGH TO THE END OF DECEMBER...
PRIME MINISTER: I HAVE ALWAYS MADE IT CLEAR THAT I THINK THE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH WE SHALL HAVE IN THE TWO INTER-GOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCES ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. I WANT TO BE CERTAIN THAT I AM IN A POSITION TO NEGOTIATE FOR MY COUNTRY IN THOSE CONFERENCES.
Q: MY QUESTION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS. FIRST, GLOBALLY SPEAKING, IT SEEMS THAT YOUR VISIT TO CHINA WAS QUITE SUCCESSFUL THAN IN SOVIET UNION. BUT CAN I SAY THAT YOU ARE FAILING TO DELIVER THE G7 MESSAGE IN WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND SUBTLE MESSAGE TO CHINA, THAT IS, THAT SOCIALISM HAS NO FUTURE?
PRIME MINISTER: I THINK YOU’VE MISSED - SINCE WE’VE JUST BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE BRITISH GENERAL ELECTION I SHALL TAKE YOU OVER TO BRITAIN AND YOU CAN EXPLAIN TO THE BRITISH ELECTORATE THAT SOCIALISM HAS NO FUTURE, A POINT THAT I MOST ASSUREDLY AGREE WITH IN TERMS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. AS 1 INDICATED A MOMENT OR SO AGO, I THINK ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL REFORM ARE INEVITABLE AROUND THE WORLD AND THAT THEY WILL GO HAND IN HAND TOGETHER. IT IS FOR EACH COUNTRY TO WORK OUT ITS OWN SALVATION IN THAT EVENT BUT THAT THERE IS A WORLDWIDE MOVEMENT FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE GREATER POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FREEDOMS I AM IN NO DOUBT. IT IS A MOVEMENT I WELCOME, IT IS A MOVEMENT THAT G7 COLLECTIVELY WELCOME, IT IS A MOVEMENT THAT WE ARE SEEING IN ALL PARTS OF THE GLOBE. I THINK IT IS IRREVERSIBLE.
Q: THE SECOND POINT OF MY QUESTION IS THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE QUITE CONCERNED ABOUT WHO IS THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG. NOW CAN YOU CONFIRM WITH ME THAT THE PRESENT GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON WILL LEAVE NEXT YEAR OR IF THAT BEING THE CASE, WHAT IS THE MOST FEASIBLE QUALIFICATION AND THE CANDIDATE FOR THIS JOB?
PRIME MINISTER: WAS THAT AN APPLICATION ! I CAN CONFIRM TO YOU THERE IS NO VACANCY FOR THE GOVERNORSHIP OF HONG KONG. SIR DAVID WILSON HAS DONE, AND IS DOING, AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO AN EXCELLENT JOB FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. AGAIN, IT IS A MATTER I KNOW SPECULATION THAT ARISES FROM TIME TO TIME AND NO DOUBT WHATEVER IS SAID IT WILL ARISE AGAIN, BUT I BELIEVE HE HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB AND IS DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND ANYTHING BEYOND THAT IS PURE SPECULATION.
PRESS OFFICER: CAN I MAKE A POINT, WE WILL GET THROUGH A LOT MORE QUESTIONS IF EVERY QUESTIONER RESTRICTS HIMSELF TO ONE QUESTION PLEASE.
Q: I WONDER PLEASE IF YOU COULD REAFFIRM YOUR GOVERNMENT’S ASSURANCE THAT YOU WILL GO BACK TO CHINA IF THESE FIRST ... TO TRY AND INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IF THESE ELECTIONS THIS YEAR PROVE TO BE A SUCCESS, AND SECONDLY, CAN YOU DEFINE WHAT YOU MEAN WHEN THE GOVERNMENT SAYS A SUCCESS, OR WHETHER THE ELECTIONS ARE SATISFACTORY. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THIS? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO JUDGE WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN A SUCCESS?
/PRIME MINISTER: ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991 5
PRIME MINISTER: ONE OF THE DIFFICULTIES OF JUDGING THE FUTURE IS YOU HAVE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS AND THEN FORM A JUDGEMENT UPON IT WHEN IT HAS HAPPENED. SO I THINK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVIDE A HYPOTHETICAL ANSWER TO THAT PARTICULAR QUESTION. I THINK ON BOTH PARTS OF YOUR QUESTION WE HAVE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ELECTIONS, WE HAVE TO REVIEW WHAT HAPPENS, WE THEN HAVE TO CONSIDER THE VIEWS OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED - THEIR VIEWS ARE VERY IMPORTANT -AND I DON’T THINK IT IS FOR ME TO MAKE JUDGEMENTS UPON THAT, THAT ARE JUDGEMENTS THAT ARE PROPERLY TO BE MADE AFTER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ELECTED WHEN I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF HEARING THEIR VIEWS AFTER THAT ELECTION. THAT AFTER ALL IS WHAT DEMOCRACY IS ABOUT AND I THINK IF I WERE TO SAY WELL, WHATEVER HAPPENS IN THE ELECTION I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND, I AM GOING TO DO THIS, THAT OR THE OTHER THING AFTER THE ELECTION I MIGHT LEGITIMATELY BE ASKED WHETHER I WAS NOT GOING TO CONSULT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ELECTED, AND I AM, SO I WILL HAVE TO DEFER MY ANSWER UNTIL I HAVE HAD THOSE DISCUSSIONS.
Q: CAN I FOLLOW THAT UP ...
PRIME MINISTER: I THINK THERE IS NOTHING MORE I CAN SAY, I THINK I HAVE COVERED BOTH PARTS OF THOSE QUESTIONS AND I WILL HAVE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ELECTION AND HEAR THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ELECTED.
Q: WHAT’S WRONG WITH HAVING FULL ELECTIONS, FULL DEMOCRACY IN THIS COLONY BEFORE 1997? IS THAT A PATH THAT YOU YOURSELF PERSONALLY WOULD REALLY LIKE TO FOLLOW, WOULDN’T THAT SAFEGUARD HONG KONG BEFORE PEKING’S TAKEOVER?
PRIME MINISTER: WE HAVE HAD THOSE DISCUSSIONS PREVIOUSLY AND WE HAVE REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE ELECTED. NOW, I AM NOT GOING TO GO BACK OVER PAST DISCUSSIONS, I DON'T THINK THAT’S PRODUCTIVE. WHAT WE ACTUALLY NEED TO DO IS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ON A DEMOCRATIC PATH AND IT IS SUSTAINABLE AND WILL BE SUSTAINED AMID GENERAL AGREEMENT UP TO THE PERIOD IN 1997 AND BEYOND THE PERIOD IN 1997. IT IS ALWAYS AN ATTRACTIVE THOUGHT TO SAY WHAT IF AND COULDN’T WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE, BUT WE HAVE HAD AN AGREEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DETERMINED SOME TIME AGO. WE CAN LOOK AT THE MATTER AGAIN AFTER WE HAVE HAD THE ELECTIONS IN THE WAY I DESCRIBED A MOMENT OR SO AGO. THE FOREIGN SECRETARY RECALLS TO MY MIND THAT I DIDN’T RESPOND TO AN EARLIER QUESTION ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS. I APOLOGISE FOR THAT. IT WAS IN A WELTER, IF I MAY SAY SO, OF A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS UNDER THE GUISE OF ONE. HONG KONG HAS PERSISTED WITH ITS BILL OF RIGHTS AND I THINK THAT IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. THAT HASN’T BEEN QUESTIONED OR CRITICISED BY CHINA DURING MY VISIT AT ALL AND THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF WHAT HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED AND THE WHOLE THRUST OF MY DISCUSSIONS IN PEKING IS THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE GREAT CARE OVER HUMAN RIGHTS GENERALLY AND RESPECT THEM, RESPECT THEM EVERYWHERE, BUT OF COURSE THAT MOST CERTAINLY MEANS RESPECT THEM HERE IN HONG KONG IN ALL THEIR ASPECTS. 1 AM SORRY I MISSED THAT POINT EARLIER.
/Q: I BELIEVE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
- 6 -
Q: I BELIEVE YOU HAVE SEEN THE POLITICAL PARTY PROTEST OUTSIDE THE CGO THIS MORNING AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU THINK THOSE RADICAL DEMOCRACY MOVEMENTS WILL AFFECT THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG? AND ALSO, DO YOU THINK THAT THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD?
PRIME MINISTER: I THINK THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG IS VITALLY IMPORTANT. STABILITY IN THE SENSE OF CONTINUED INVESTMENTS; STABILITY IN THE SENSE OF SECURITY OF MIND OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE; STABILITY IN THE SENSE OF A BELIEF BY PEOPLE, BOTH IN HONG KONG AND BEYOND HONG KONG, THAT THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY IS ASSURED. I THINK THAT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL.
AS TO THE DEMONSTRATORS WHO WERE OUTSIDE THE MEETING I HAD WITH EXCO THIS MORNING, WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ELECTION IN HONG KONG -I UNDERSTAND THAT - I HAVE LIVED THROUGH ELECTIONS BEFORE IN MY OWN COUNTRY AND ALL SORTS OF DEMONSTRATIONS ARE HELD DURING ELECTIONS AND PEOPLE EXPRESS ALL SORTS OF VIEWS IN ELECTIONS. IT IS VERY PRUDENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT PART OF THAT PARTICULAR ELECTION AND WHO ARE NOT RESIDENT IN THE TERRITORY IN WHICH THE ELECTION IS TAKING PLACE, NOT TO OFFER COMMENT ON IT AND 1 DON’T PROPOSE TO COMMENT ON THE DEMONSTRATION OR ON THE COMMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE FACING ELECTION NEXT WEEK.
Q: IN VERY BROAD TERMS, DO YOU BELIEVE IN YOUR STOPOVER HERE IN HONG KONG YOU HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN CALMING THE VERY REAL FEARS ABOUT 1997?
PRIME MINISTER: WELL I THINK WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE HOW EVENTS SETTLE DOWN OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS. I CAN ONLY SAY, IN THE DISCUSSIONS THAT I HAVE HAD WITH PEOPLE THERE HAS BEEN A VERY GENUINE WELCOME INDEED FOR THE FACT THAT I WENT TO PEKING AND FOR THE OUTCOME OF THAT MEETING IN PEKING. NOT JUST THE OUTCOME THAT I MENTIONED A FEW MOMENTS AGO, BUT OF COURSE THE POINTS THAT WERE SET OUT IN THE JOINT COMMUNIQUE THAT I SIGNED AND LI PENG SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. FOR THAT REAFFIRMED THE JOINT DECLARATION, IT REAFFIRMED THE POINTS THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE CONCERNED ABOUT AND WE ADVANCED BEYOND THAT, OF COURSE, WITH THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WHICH I KNOW FROM MY CORRESPONDENCE IN ENGLAND AND DISCUSSIONS AND ADVICE I’VE HAD FROM THE GOVERNOR AND OTHERS IN HONG KONG, WAS A MATTER OF HUGE CONCERN TO PEOPLE HERE.
I THINK THERE IS A VERY WARM WELCOME FOR THE FACT THAT WE ARE NOW GOING TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSULATE - AND IT WILL BE BUILT. IT IS AN INDICATION OF THE COMMITMENT THAT WE HAVE TO HONG KONG UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND 1997, AND MORE THAN THAT, IT IS AN INDICATION OF THE CONFIDENCE AS WELL AS THE COMMITMENT THAT WE HAVE IN HONG KONG.
NOW THERE ARE OTHER MATTERS STILL TO BE DETERMINED. THERE WERE DISCUSSIONS, EXPERT DISCUSSIONS, THIS MORNING AS YOU MAY KNOW, ON DEFENCE LANDS AND THEY WILL CONTINUE. THERE ARE OTHER MATTERS LIKE AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS WHICH ARE STILL TO BE DETERMINED. BUT THERE IS NOW A CONTINUING DEBATE UPON THESE ISSUES AND I BELIEVE IT FAIR TO SAY THAT THERE HAS BEEN A VERY WARM WELCOME FOR WHAT WAS ACHIEVED IN THE PERIOD UP TO PEKING AND AT PEKING, AND I THINK THERE IS ENORMOUS RELIEF THAT WE NOW HAVE A CONTINUING MECHANISM THAT WILL DEAL WITH THOSE MATTERS THAT ARE CURRENTLY OUTSTANDING AND THOSE OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE BOUND TO ARISE AND THAT ARE NOT AT THE MOMENT FORESEEN, BETWEEN NOW AND 1997.
/Q: YOU MENTION .......
THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
Q: YOU MENTION INCREASING CONTACT WITH CHINA IS GOOD I OR HONG KONG ON THE ONE HANI), BUT THERE ARE ALSO FEARS IN HONG KONG THAT THIS MIGHT GIVE THE CHINESE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED WITH HONG KONG’S INTERNAL MATTERS BETWEEN NOW AND UNTIL THE HANDOVER, I.E. SOME KIND OF AN UNOFFICIAL JOINT ADMINISTRATION ...
PRIME MINISTER: NO, I DON’T THINK -- I MEAN I MADE THE POINT QUITE SPECIFICALLY TN THE SPEECH THAT I MADE WHEN WE SIGNED THE MEMORANDUM, WHEN THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WERE THERE THAT THERE IS NO QUESTION OF MATTERS LIKE A CONDOMINIUM THIS SIDE OF 1997. THAT POINT WAS CLEARLY MADE IN THE REPORTS. IT WAS OF COURSE ORIGINALLY IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, THAT HAS BEEN REAFFIRMED, AND 1 SAID THAT NOT HIDDEN AWAY IN A CORNER BUT ACTUALLY THERE WITH THE CHINESE LEADERS BESIDE ME. BUT THERE ARE AREAS WHERE DECISIONS TAKEN STRADDLE 1997 AND ARE VERY IMPORTANT AND IT IS WISE - I THINK PEOPLE REGARD IT AS WISE - TO CONSULT ON SOME OF THOSE ISSUES. THAT WAS ALWAYS FORESEEN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE DOING. IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG TO MAKE SURE THERE IS - TO GO BACK TO THE EARLIER QUESTION - THAT STABILITY. AND THAT STABILITY - EVERYTHING; DOESN'T SUDDENLY STOP AND START AGAIN IN 1997, MANY THINGS STRADDLE 1997 AND WE MUST ENSURE THAT STABILITY IS GENUINE AND REAL AND THAT MEANS A DEGREE OF CONSULTATION. IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT THE
RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE MOVED AWAY, IT MEANS ONE CONSULTS IN A PRACTICAL AND PRAGMATIC WAY.
Q: CAN YOU GIVE A GUARANTEE THAT THIS IS ...
PRIME MINISTER: IS THIS YOUR THIRD QUESTION OR YOUR FOURTH? I THINK WE HAD BETTER SEE SOME OTHERS FIRST.
Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY IT IS YOU SEEM PREPARED TO STAND UP TO CHINA ON HUMAN RIGHTS BUT YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO STAND UP TO THEM ON DEMOCRACY FOR HONG KONG? AND CAN YOU, OR CAN YOU NOT, RESTATE THE PREVIOUS UK POLICY, WHICH IS TO GO TO PEKING AFTER THESE ELECTIONS TO NEGOTIATE AN INCREASE FROM 20 SEATS, UPWARDS OF 20 SEATS FOR 1995?
PRIME MINISTER: WELL, THE PREMISE OF YOUR QUESTION IS WRONG -PROVOCATIVE AND WRONG. WHEN THE AGREEMENT WITH CHINA WAS REACHED OVER 18 SEATS, YOU CAN’T SIT THERE IN YOUR SEAT AND SAY CHINA WAS OFFERING 18 SEATS FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS, THAT WAS A MATTER THAT WE NEGOTIATED WITH CHINA AND WE GOT A GOOD DEAL BETTER NEGOTIATION THAN THE CHINESE ORIGINALLY EXPECTED OR THAT MOST PEOPLE EXPECTED HERE. AND SO THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF US NOT - IN THE EMOTIVE TERMS YOU PUT IT - STANDING UP TO CHINA ON THAT ISSUE. THE PEOPLE WE ARE STANDING UP FOR ARE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IN A WAY THAT IS RIGHT FOR HONG KONG AND IS SUSTAINABLE FOR HONG KONG, AND WE ARE PERFECTLY PREPARED, AS I HAVE SAID ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS ALREADY IN THIS PRESS CONFERENCE, AFTER WE HAVE HAD THE ELECTIONS THIS YEAR WE WILL DISCUSS WITH THE PEOPLE WHO WERE ELECTED AND REVIEW THE SITUATION AND SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND MAKE OUR JUDGEMENTS THERE, AND NOTHING IN OUR POLICY UPON THAT HAS CHANGED.
/O: YOU'VE MADE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
8
Q: YOU’VE MADE A LOT OE COMMENTS ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU’VE DOU*7 FOR HONG KONG. WOULD YOU CARE TO COMMENT ON THE COMMENTS OF ONI OF HONG KONG’S LEADING LAWYERS AND THE LEADER OF WHAT IS ALMOST CERTAINLY THE MOST POPULAR POLITICAL PARTY IN THIS TERRITORY, MR MARTIN LEE, THAT YOUR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IS ACTUALLY IN BREACH OF THE JOINT DECLARATION? AND WOULD YOU CARE TO COMMENT ON THE FACT THAT IT IS NOW TWO YEARS SINCE THE AIRPORT PROJECT WAS FIRST ANNOUNCED AND AT THAT TIME THERE WAS NO SUGGESTION, EITHER FROM YOUR GOVERNMENT OR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THAT CHINA WOULD EVEN NEED TO BE CONSULTED, LET ALONE THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO GO TO PEKING YOURSELF AND SIGN A STATEMENT WHICH, AS I SAID, MR MARTIN LEE BELIEVES IS IN BREACH OF THE JOINT DECLARATION?
PRIME MINISTER: I’VE HEARD MANY OF THE THINGS MR LEE HAS SAID OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS AND SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN LESS SUPPORTIVE, BUT AS I SAID TO THE EARLIER QUESTION, WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF AN ELECTION IN HONG KONG AND I AM NOT GOING TO GET DRAWN INTO A DEBATE ON COMMENTS FROM ANYONE RUNNING FOR ELECTION IN HONG KONG, WHETHER MR LEE OR ANYBODY ELSE WHO WOULD HOLD CONTRARY VIEWS. THAT IS NOT FOR ME IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ELECTION PERIOD.
Q: AFTER YOU HAD SIGNED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, THE CHINESE SIDE HAS SAID THAT WHAT IS STIPULATED IN THE MEMORANDUM WOULD SERVE AS A MODEL FOR FUTURE PROBLEMS WHEN WE WANT TO HAVE SOLUTIONS. DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT?
PRIME MINISTER: I’M SORRY, WE DIDN’T QUITE CATCH IT. COULD YOU TRY IT AGAIN?
Q: YES. WHAT IS STIPULATED IN THE MEMORANDUM COULD SERVE AS A MODEL FOR SOLVING FUTURE PROBLEMS. DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT?
PRIME MINISTER: WELL, WHAT THE MEMORANDUM IS THERE FOR IS TO ENABLE THE AIRPORT, WHICH IS A HUGE DEVELOPMENT THAT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, TO GO AHEAD WITH GENERAL AGREEMENT. THE PROBLEM IS, WHATEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD THERE NOT BEEN GENERAL AGREEMENT AND HAD NOT THE MEMORANDUM BEEN SIGNED - WE COULD HAVE EITHER CONTINUED WITH THE AIRPORT UNILATERALLY OR WE COULD HAVE SCRAPPED THE AIRPORT. MANY PEOPLE, IF WE HAD SCRAPPED IT, WOULD HAVE SAID: SPLENDID, WHAT A WONDERFULLY VIRILE THING TO DO, BUT HONG KONG WOULD HAVE SUFFERED IF WE HAD DONE THAT. IF ONE HADN’T REACHED AN AGREEMENT MANY PEOPLE WOULD HAVE SAID: WELL, THERE IS A HUGE DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN (’ll I NA AND HONG KONG AND BRITAIN ON THIS ISSUE -IS IT SAFE FOR US ACTUALLY TO INVEST IN THE AIRPORT? SO ONE HAS TO DEAL WITH THE REALITY AND IT WAS WISE, IN THE INTERESTS OF THE INVESTORS AND IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG, TO MAKE SURE WE HAD AN AGREEMENT. NOW THAT IS ENSHRINED IN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, AND THAT MEANS THE AIRPORT PROJECT CAN GO AHEAD AND IT IS SECURE IN THE EYES OF THE INVESTORS AND IT IS WELCOMED IN HONG KONG AND WELCOMED BEYOND HONG KONG, AND WILL HAVE A VERY PRACTICAL EFFECT OF ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO BE MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT OTHER FUTURE INVESTMENT TN HONG KONG --
/O: BUT WITH........
THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER r>, 1991
- 9
q: but with the ----
PRIME MINISTER: — MAY I FINISH. BUT I SEE NO DIFFICULTI S IN THE WAY IN WHICH THE MEMORANDUM HAS BEEN REACHED OR SIGNED, ANU I THINK IT IS VERY MUCH IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG THAT WE HAVE SIGNED IT.
Q: I’VE GOT A VERY EASY ONE FOR YOU. IT HAS BEEN A VERY HECTIC WEEK AND YOU HAVE BEEN, BY ALL ACCOUNTS, VERY SUCCESSFUL IN SOME AREAS. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE FINALLY SHRUGGED OFF THIS TAG THAT I KEEP READING ABOUT, THAT YOUR NAME IS ERIC RATHER THAN JOHN MAJOR? IT’S BEEN A TAG GIVEN TO YOU BY THE BRITISH PRESS, NOT BY THE AUSTRALIAN PRESS.
PRIME MINISTER: NOT A TAG THAT I’D HEARD - NOT A TAG THAT I WOULD RECOGNISE.
Q: BRITAIN AND CHINA HAVE AGREED TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAM BOAT PEOPLE AND WILL SUPPORT ALL STEPS TAKEN BY HONG KONG TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW: CAN HONG KONG DECIDE ALL BY HER OWN TO TAKE WHATEVER STEPS, AND IF HONG KONG DECIDES ON A WAY TO SOLVE THE VBP PROBLEM, WILL BRITAIN FULLY SUPPORT THE DECISION?
PRIME MINISTER: WELL, IT IS NOT FOR CHINA TO STOP DECISIONS THAT ARE BEING TAKEN ON THE QUESTION OF BOAT PEOPLE AND CHINA ALSO WANT TO STOP, WANT TO HELP AND ASSIST WITH THE PROBLEM THAT HONG KONG FACES WITH BOAT PEOPLE ARRIVING. SOME OF THEM, OF COURSE, ARRIVING ACROSS THE MAINLAND AND GOING STRAIGHT BACK, OTHERS ARRIVING IN THE HARBOURS. WE ARE DISCUSSING REGULARLY WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT -BY ’WE’ I MEAN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT - AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, HOW BEST TO DEAL WITH IT, BOTH IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND TO DEAL WITH THE VERY GREAT HUMAN PROBLEM OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE COMING HERE, AND I SET OUT IN MY OPENING REMARKS THE WAY IN WHICH WE FEEL WE SHOULD PROCEED FROM NOW ON AND WE ARE IN DISCUSSION AT THE MOMENT WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT, UNDER THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES, OF AN INTERNATIONALLY MANAGED CENTRE IN VIETNAM TO WHICH THOSE BOAT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES WOULD BE ABLE TO RETURN. AND THAT IS THE RIGHT WAY - IT IS THE ONLY WAY - FOR US TO PROCEED AND THE ONLY WAY, I THINK, FOR HONG KONG TO PROCEED, THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE FOR HONG KONG OR FOR OTHERS.
Q: COULD 1 PICK UP ON A QUESTION WHICH WAS ASKED BUT NOT I THINK ANSWERED, AND THAT WAS TO DO WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BEING IN BREACH OF THE DECLARATION. THE FACT THAT CHINA HAS TO BE CONSULTED NOW ON THE AIRPORT PROJECT WHEN IT WAS NOT TWO YEARS AGO, THESE ARE SUBSTANTIVE POINTS. I WONDER HOW YOU CAN PERSUADE PEOPLE YOU ARE NOT PRESENTING AN OVER-OPTIMISTIC PICTURE OF CHINA’S INTENTIONS, GIVEN YOUR OWN VERY STRONG REMARKS AND WORRIES ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS THERE AND THAT TO HAVE THE JOINT DECLARATION REAFFIRMED IS NO GREAT DEAL WHEN WE WERE TOLD IN 1984 THIS WAS GOING TO BE THE DEAL. SO, ARE YOU PERHAPS NOT BEING OVER-OPTIMISTIC AND HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THOSE SUBSTANTIVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AIRPORT AGREEMENT GIVING TOO MUCH INFLUENCE TO CHINA?
/PRIME MINISTER:
Thursday. seppember 5, 1991
10
PRIME MINISTER: NO, 1 DON’T THINK IT IS A MATTER OF ROUTINE TO HAVE IT REAFFIRMED AND FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS AND I WILL SET OUT THOSE REASONS FOR YOU. THE PRINCIPAL REASON IS THAT 1 HAVE NOW HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF GOING TO CHINA, SITTING DOWN FACE TO FACE WITH THE CHINESE LEADERS AND HAVING THEM REAFFIRM THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION TO ME. IF THERE’S ANY DISPUTE OR ANY DIFFICULTIES AT ANY STAGE I AM NOW IN A POSITION TO SAY TO THE CHINESE LEADERS, ’I SAT DOWN OPPOSITE YOU, AND YOU REAFFIRMED THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. NO QUESTION OF MISUNDERSTANDING, NO QUESTIONS OF CIRCUMSTANCES HAVING CHANGED, NO QUESTION OF CHANGING TIMES AND THE INFLUX OF TIME, WE SAT DOWN TOGETHER IN 1991 AND WE REAFFIRMED ALL THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.’ I DON’T THINK THAT IS AN INSIGNIFICANT THING, AND, IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUING CONTACTS WE HAVE ESTABLISHED I THINK IT WAS VERY WORTHWHILE, AND ONE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT POINT OF THOSE FRESH CONTACTS IS THE REGULAR CONTACT THERE WILL BE BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND THE CHINESE FOREIGN. MINISTER ON MATTERS OF DISPUTE AND, OF COURSE, ON WIDER MATTERS, TOO. BUT IF MATTERS GET BLOCKED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, IF THERE ARE MATTERS THAT OFFICIALS FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO SOLVE BECAUSE THERE IS A POLITICAL CONNOTATION, THERE IS NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT DIRECT LINK, THAT DIRECT CHANNEL BETWEEN THE TWO FOREIGN SECRETARIES TO SORT OUT THAT MATTER. AND IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, I AM IN A POSITION TO SEEK TO SORT IT OUT MYSELF WITH THE CHINESE LEADERS, AND IN A BETTER POSITION TO DO SO BECAUSE 1 HAVE SAT DOWN OPPOSITE THEM AND REAFFIRMED MYSELF THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. NOW, THE POINT ABOUT THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WHICH I THINK IS WRONG BEING IN BREACH OF THE JOINT DECLARATION; I DON’T BELIEVE THAT IS THE CASE, BUT HIE FACT IS IN THE AIRPORT PROJECT THERE IS 40 PER CENT OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT. IT IS A MULTI BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT. 40 PER CENT OF IT IS PRIVATE INVESTMENT. THOSE PRIVATE INVESTORS WANT TO BE REASSURED BEYOND 1997. THAT REASSURANCE IS THERE IN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. WITHOUT THAT REASSURANCE THE PRACTICAL POSITION IS THAT THEY MAY NOT HAVE COME FORWARD WITH THAT 40 PER CENT OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND THEN THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO AIRPORT AND THEN THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO BOOST TO THE CONFIDENCE OF INVESTORS IN HONG KONG AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN HONG KONG. SO IT WAS NOT, IN ANY WAY, A CHANGE FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IT IS, IN MY VIEW, UNWISE TO SAY SO. IT WAS A PRACTICAL REAFFIRMATION THAT IT WAS SECURE AND SAFE FOR PEOPLE TO INVEST IN THE AIRPORT PROJECT AND IT HAS BEEN ABLE TO GO AHEAD.
Q: A LOT OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HOLD THE VIEW THAT FOR THE SAKE OF SMOOTH TRANSITION IT IS NO GOOD TO CHANGE THE GOVERNOR IN THE REMAINING SIX YEARS. DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT?
PRIME MINISTER: WELL, I ANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GOVERNOR EARLIER AND 1 AM NOT GOING TO ENTER INTO SPECULATION EITHER WAY ABOUT THE GOVERNOR. I DON’T THINK THAT WILL BE AT ALL WISE OR FAIR ON THE GOVERNOR. I SAID I WILL TAKE NO MORE, BUT THAT WAS A MERCIFULLY BRIEF ONE. SO WE WILL TAKE THE LADY IN THE FRONT.
Q: A FORMER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICAL HERE HAS PROPOSED THAT THE NEWLY ELECTED LEGISLATURE BE GIVEN THE POWER TO RATIFY DECISIONS REACHED BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. DO YOU SUPPORT THAT IDEA?
PRIME MINISTER: I WOULD WANT TO CONSIDER THAT IDEA AND I WOULD WANT TO DISCUSS IT WITH TllE PEOPLE WHO ARE ELECTED. I AM NOT GOING TO RESPOND TO THAT WITHOUT SOME CAREFUL THOUGHT.
/O: COULD I ......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
11
Q: COULD I ASK SOMETHING THAT YOU MIGHT RESPOND TO THEN? THE UNITED DEMOCRATS OF HONG KONG ARE APPARENTLY ----
PRIME MINISTER: (LAUGHING) WHICH ORGANISATION ARE YOU FROM?
Q: ATV NEWS HONG KONG. THE UNITED DEMOCRATS OF HONG KONG ARE APPARENTLY HEADED FOR VICTORY IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS. IF THEY GAIN A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF THE SEATS, WOULD YOU AGREE THAT THE GOVERNOR SHOULD PUT EITHER ONE OF THEIR DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS OR A LIBERAL VOICE INTO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HERE?
PRIME MINISTER: TWO POINTS -- FIRSTLY, ANYONE WHO THINKS I AM GOING TO ANTICIPATE THE RESULT OF AN ELECTION IN HONG KONG IS WHOLLY WRONG. AND SECONDLY, I AM NOT GOING TO ANTICIPATE WHAT THE GOVERNOR MIGHT DO ON HIS OWN AUTHORITY. THAT IS A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNOR AND NOT ME, THAT IS WHY HE IS THERE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0-------
PM TALKS TO NEWSMEN AFTER EXCO MEETING *****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS MEETING THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING:
I’D LIKE, I SUSPECT YOU MAY BE TOUCHING ON NON-HONG KONG MATTERS. I WANT TO TALK ABOUT HONG KONG MATTERS FIRST. I’VE HAD A VERY USEFUL DISCUSSION UPSTAIRS WITH EXCO. WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO DISCUSS IN SOME DETAIL ALL THE MATTERS I’D DISCUSSED IN PEKING. THOSE MATTERS THAT ARE STILL UNDER DISCUSSION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. I WAS ABLE TO DEAL WITH THOSE DISCUSSIONS, RESPOND TO QUESTIONS AND WE THEN HAD A VERY LENGTHY AND I BELIEVE A VERY PRODUCTIVE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS. I’D ALSO SUGGESTED THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO KEEP IN TOUCH IN THIS FASHION AND WE WILL. I WILL BE HAVING A FULL PRESS CONFERENCE LATER ON TODAY. AND I WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE QUESTIONS THEN. BUT I HAVE A VERY HECTIC SCHEDULE THIS MORNING AND WE ARE ALREADY RUNNING A LITTLE BEHIND TIME. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH INDEED.
Q.WHAT ...THAT THERE IS NO
FULL DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1997?
A. WELL. WE HAVE A GROWING LEVEL OF DEMOCRACY AND WE’RE MOVING TOWARDS FULL DEMOCRACY. THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS IN THE ELECTIONS THAT WILL SHORTLY TAKE PLACE IS HIGHER THAN MANY PEOPLE EXPECTED. THERE ARE THOSE WHO WOULD PREFER THE FIGURES TO BE HIGHER STILL. FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE LOWER STILL. AND WE HAVE TO STRIKE A BALANCE. I BELIEVE IN ALL THESE CIRCUMSTANCES WE HAVE PROVIDED THE RIGHT BALANCE AND THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT WE HAVE PROVIDED A BASIS FROM WHICH HONG KONG COULD INCREASINGLY MOVE INTO A DEMOCRATIC SITUATION. THAT SHOULD NEVER BE UNDERESTIMATED. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. IT IS HAPPENING. THE ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE VERY SOON. IT WILL BE THE START. AND THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO BUILD ON THAT IN THE FUTURE. AND THAT IS A PRIZE NO ONE SHOULD UNDERESTIMATE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
- - 0--------
/12 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
12
PM TOURS MA ON SHAN ESTATE »»»*»»
THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TOURED ONE OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN HONG KONG - HENG ON ESTATE IN MA ON SHAN.
THE PRIME MINISTER AND MRS MAJOR, FIRST TOURED THE CHINESE GARDEN WHICH IS A VERY POPULAR RECREATION GROUND FOR THE 24,000 RESIDENTS AS WELL AS PEOPLE LIVING IN THE SURROUNDING AREA.
AT THE SHOPPING CENTRE, THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG, BRIEFED THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY DEVELOPMENTS IN SHA TIN.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE SOME THREE MILLION PEOPLE - OVER HALF OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION, LIVING IN SOME 143 PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING ESTATES AND 85 HOME OWNERSHIP COURTS.
MR MAJOR THEN WALKED THROUGH THE SHOPPING CENTRE TO THE SPORTS HALL TO SEE SOME OF THE FACILITIES THERE.
HE ALSO VISITED A FAMILY IN HENG YAT HOUSE AND MET FAMILY MEMBERS MR YAU KWONG-MING, A GARMENT WORKER, HIS WIFE AND THEIR THREE CHILDREN. MR MAJOR WAS TOLD OF THEIR LIVING CONDITION THERE.
FROM THE ROOF OF THE BLOCK, THE PRIME MINISTER HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF MA ON SHAN AND THE NEIGHBOURING AREA.
THE 12-HECTARE HENG ON ESTATE HAS SEVEN RENTAL BLOCKS WITH MORE THAN 6,000 HOUSING UNITS. THE FIRST BATCH OF RESIDENTS MOVED INTO THE ESTATE IN EARLY 1987.
------0-------
PM VISITS CITY POLYTECHNIC ♦ t * ♦ *
THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, TOOK A RIDE ON THE MTR THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO KOWLOON TONG WHERE HE VISITED THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG TO SEE THE VARIOUS FACILITIES AND MEET SOME OF THE STUDENTS THERE.
MR MAJOR AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD, WERE MET BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC COUNCIL, MR CHENG HON-KWAN.
THE PRIME MINISTER FIRST VISITED THE EXPRESS TERMINAL WHERE THE FACILITIES OF THE CAMPUS NETWORK WAS DEMONSTRATED AND MR MAJOR SENT AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE TO ALL STAFF AND STUDENTS IN THE POLYTECHNIC.
MR MAJOR THEN TOURED THE LIBRARY AND THE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION LABORATORY WHERE HE WATCHED A CLASS IN SESSION.
AT THE COMPUTER CENTRE, THE PRIME MINISTER OBSERVED STUDENTS WORKING AT COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS, AND WAS SHOWN A DEMONSTRATION OF THE COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN FACILITIES.
/IN THE ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991
- 13 -
IN THE MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, STAFF AND STUDENTS CONDUCTED A DEMONSTRATION OF COMPUTER CONTROLLED MACHINES AT WORK.
THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE WERE INVITED TO SIGN THE VISITOR’S BOOK. MR CHENG ALSO PRESENTED BOTH VISITORS WITH CARVED CHOPS BEARING THEIR CHINESE NAMES, AS A MEMENTO OF THE OCCASION.
THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OFFERS A RANGE OF COURSES AT POSTGRADUATE, FIRST DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE LEVELS.
THE STUDENT POPULATION IS PLANNED TO RISE TO SOME 10,000 FULLTIME AND 10,000 PART-TIME STUDENTS BY THE MID-1990’S. THERE ARE 6,400 FULL-TIME AND 4,800 PART-TIME STUDENTS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1990-91.
THE RATE OF EXPANSION IS OF THE ORDER OF 25 PER CENT PER ANNUM, WHICH -PROBABLY MAKES THE POLYTECHNIC THE FASTEST GROWING TERTIARY LEVEL INSTITUTION IN THE ENGLISH SPEAKING WORLD.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 4.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 5.9.91 -10
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +10
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.9 *-0.0* 5.9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
5.9.91 4.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 5.40 PCT 5.31 PCT
1 MONTH 5.17 PCT 5.20 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.43 PCT 5.43 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.85 PCT 5.85 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.37 PCT 6.41 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 5.100MN 3.892MN
O
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1991
contents pAge Ho.
CHIEF SECRETARY TO VISIT JAPAN FOR AIRPORT TALKS ..................... 1
CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIAL ON COMPUTERS ........................ 2
BUILDING SAFETY, FIRST PRIORITY ...................................... 1
HONG KONG SIGNS AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BRAZIL ................. 4
EXPLOITED IMPORTED WORKERS WILL GET HELP ............................. 5
COMPANIES (FORMS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1991 GAZETTED .............. 6
AMENDMENTS TO ROADWORKS IN TUEN MUN PROPOSED ......................... 7
OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE UP SECONDARY 6 STUDIES ........................... 7
RETITLING OF INDUSTRY DEPT'S DIRECTORATE OFFICERS .................... 8
RECLAMATION AT SIU CHIK SHA APPROVED ................................. 8
"GREEN WAN CHAI" PROJECT A GREAT SUCCESS ............................. 9
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ............................ 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 11
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 199-1
1
CHIEF SECRETARY TO
VISIT JAPAN FOR AIRPORT TALKS * i * i i
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, WILL FLY TO TOKYO ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 9) AS THE HEAD OF A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO BRIEF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, FINANCIERS AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LEADERS ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THfe PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, MR RICHARD ALLEN, ANb PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR STEPHEN SELBY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THfe VISIT WAS TO FAMILIARISE JAPANESE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE BANKING COMMUNITY IN TOKYO WITH THE BACKGROUND TO THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE NEW AIRPORT.
"WE ARE Keen to ensure there IS AN UNDERSTANDING IN JAPAN THAt THE MEMORANDUM, SIGNED IN PEKING THIS WEEK, PROVIDES AN EXcBLLBNT ASSURANCE TO POTENTIAL INVESTORS IN THE PROJECT.
"WE WILL ALSO BE ENCOURAGING THEM TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUbPOkf TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS."
THE MAIN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT IS A LUNCHEON HOSTED By TUB JAPAN/HONG KONG SOCIETY AT WHICH SIR DAVID WILL DELIVER A SPEECH TO AN AUDIENCE OF 100 JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN.
DURING THE VISIT, SIR bAVtb WILL MOLD A SERIES oF MfefetlkdS WITH HIGH-RANKING EXECUTIVES OF MORE THAN 50 JAPANESE BANkS ANb FINANCIAL AGENCIES. HE WILL ALSO MEET EXECUTIVES OF CONSTRUCTION FIRMS WHICH HAVE AN INTEREST tN THE AIRPORT AND ITS iO CORE PROJECTS.
SIR DAVID WILL CALL ON tMe MINISTER ok FokfeiGN AFFAiks, TARO NAGAYAMA, AND WILL BE THE GUEST AT A btNNER HOSTEb BY tllE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE ASIAN AFFAIRS BUREAU IN THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR SAKUTARO TANINO.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING ARRANGING SIMILAR BRIEFINGS IN OTHER WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRES DURING ThE COMING YEAR.
SIR DAVID WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 14) AFTERNOON.
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/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1§91
2
CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIAL ON COMPUTERS * » i I * i
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH CONFIRMED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT COMPUTER HARD DISKETTES AND FLOPPY DISKETTES ARE BOTH "ARTICLES" AS DEFINED UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE AND THAT THE PUBLICATION OF SUCH DISKETTES IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THAT ORDINANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THIS MEANS THAT ANY PERSON WHO t>bfaL±§MfeS AN OBSCENE DISKETTE, OR AN INDECENT DISKETTE WITHOUT COMPLYING WITH THE CONDITIONS REQUIRED BY LAW, COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLfe TO PROSECUTION.
"UNbfcR THE OkDINANCfe, AN ’ARTtcLB' Is DEFtNkb AS AHWill CONSISTING OF OR CONTAINING MATERIAL TO BE READ OR LOOKED AT, ANY SOUND RECORDING, AND ANY FILM, VIDEO TAPE, DISC Oft OTHER RECOfcb t)F A PICTURE OR PICTURES.
"WE HAVE SOUGHT LEGAL ADVICE WHICH HAS CONFIRMED THAt BotH HARD DISKETTES AND FLOPPY DISKETTES FALL WITHIN THIS DEFINITION."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ENFORCEMENT ACTION IS ALREADY BEING tAkfeW fo ENSURE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE ARE COMPLIED WITH.
"THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SEARCHED 15 SHOPS tH tHE GOLDEN SHOPPING ARCADES IN SHAM SHUI PO ON AUGUST 29 tHlS YEAR AND SEIZED 98 SUSPECTED PORNOGRAPHIC FLOPPY DISKETTES FROM THREE OF THE SHOPS.
"FIVE PERSONS WERE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEIZURE AND, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE WHO WAS RELEASED UNCONDITIONALLY AFTER ENQUIRIES, THE REMAINING FOUR PERSONS ARE LIKELY TO BE CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF OBSCENE ARTICLES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUBLICATION," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TELEVISION ANb ENTERTAINMENT LlCfeHstHd AUTHORITY (TELA) HAS SUBMITTED FIVE PORNOGRAHIC FLOPPY DISKETTES SEIZED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL (OAT) FOR INTERIM CLASSIFICATION.
"THE TRIBUNAL HAS CLASSIFIED ALL OF THEM AS CLASS III ARTICLES AND THE NOTICE OF INTERIM CLASSIFICATION WAS ANNOUNCED ON SEPTEMBER 5.
"ONCE THE INTERIM CLASSIFICATION IS CONFIRMED, TELA WILL ISSUE ADVISORY LETTERS TO ALL SHOP OPERATORS WHO SELL, RENT OUT OR PUBLISH INDECENT OR OBSCENE COMPUTER DISKETTES INFORMING THEM OF THE STANDARDS APPLIED BY THE OAT AND REMINDING THEM OF THE NERD TO OBSERVE THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
"MOREOVER, THEY WILL BE SUBJECT TO REGULAR SURVEILLANCE §Y TELA STAFF AND ANY CONTRAVENTION OF THE ORDINANCE WILL BE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT FOR PROSECUTIONS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ACCORDING TO THE ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO PUBLISHES AN INDECENT ARTICLE OTHER THAN IN THE MANNER PRESCRIBED BY THE ORDINANCE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS.
/"ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1991
3
"ANY PERSON WHO PUBLISHES, POSSESSES OR IMPORTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUBLISHING AN OBSCENE ARTICLE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $1,000,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS," HE SAID.
"AS REGARDS BULLETIN BOARD SERVICES (BBS’S), THE HARD DISKETTE AND THE OTHER PARTS OF THE HARDWARE WHICH GENERATE BBS’S ARE 'ARTICLES’ AS DEFINED UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE AND, HENCE, THEY ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THAT ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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BUILDING SAFETY, FIRST PRIORITY *****
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR ANTHoHY SAMSON, OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, TODAY (FRIDAY) APPEALED TO ALL BUILDING OWNERS TO MAINTAIN THEIR BUILDINGS IN GOOD CONDITION AND REMOVE ALL UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS FROM THfetft BUILDINGS.
MR SAMSON REMINDED BUILDING OWNERS THAT IT WAS THEIR DUtY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR BUILDINGS WERE FREE FROM STRUCTURAL DEFECTS WHtcH MIGHT ENDANGER THE OCCUPANTS, THEIR NEIGHBOURS OR OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
"BUILDING OWNERS SHOULD NOT WAIT UNTIL THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SERVES AN ORDER," HE SAID, "BUT TO VOLUNTARILY REPAIR DEFECTIVE ELEMENTS IN THEIR BUILDINGS AND KEEP THEM PROPERLY MAINTAINED."
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, HE CAUTIONED THAT ALL WORkS MUST BE CARRIED OUT SAFELY AND UNDER PROPER SUPERVISION.
IN ORDER TO FACILITATE BUILDING OWNERS TO FIND A QUALIktfeD PERSON AND A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT WORKS IN RESPECT OF BUILDING SAFETY, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) HAS COMPlLEb A LIST OF AUTHORISED PERSONS/REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, AND A LIST OF REGISTERED CONTRACTORS, WHO HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY ARE PREPARED TO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES.
THESE LISTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE BOO AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
IN ADDITION, THE BOO HAS PRODUCED A NEW PAMPHLET ON BUttblkG SAFETY. ENTITLED "BUILDING SAFETY, FIRST PRIORITY", COPIES OF THE NEW PAMPHLET ARE OBTAINABLE ALSO FROM THE BOO AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
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/4.........
I
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 199i
4
HONG KONG SIGNS AlR SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BRAZIL i i i t i
THE HONG KONG/BRAZIL AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT, WHICH PROVIDES THE OPERATION IN HONG KONG THE FIRST-EVER DIRECT AIR SERVICES TO A SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRY, IS SIGNED IN HONG KONG THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE SECRETARY FOR;. ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SlGNEb ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT ,OF HONG KONG UNDER THE AUTHORISATIONS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF BRAZIL, MINISTER ARNALDO CARRILHO, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL.
SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MRS CHAN SAID WHEN THE DIRECT SERVICES START, THE FLIGHT TIME BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BRAZIL WILL BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS ONE-THIRD.
WITHOUT THE DIRECT AIR SERVICES, HONG KONG TRAVELLERS WHO WISH TO GO TO BRAZIL OR HONG KONG-BOUND VISITORS FROM BRAZIL HAVE TO TAKE A CIRCUITOUS ROUTE INVOLVING AN ARDUOUS JOURNEY OF SOME 30 HOURS.
"THIS IS A TIMELY DEVELOPMENT," MRS CHAN SAID, ADDING TMAT OVfeR THE PAST DECADE, THE NUMBER OF BRAZILIAN VISITORS COMING TO RONG KONG HAD ALMOST DOUBLED.
"WE HAVE ALSO SEEN A HEALTHY GROWTH IN OUR BILATERAL TRADE. 1990, IT WAS VALUED AT SOME HK$3,000 MILLION," SHE SAID.
"I UNDERSTAND ALSO tMAT THERE IS A SIZEABLE CHINESE FoFULAtIoW IN BRAZIL. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIRECT AIR SERVICES WILL BRtMC US EVEN CLOSER AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING VARIG TO kAI TAK," MRS CHAN SAID.
"HONG KONG IS ALREADY AN AVIATION CENTRE OF WORLD StANDlkti Ik TERMS OF THE TRAFFIC THAT KAI TAK HANDLES," SHE NOTED.
"OUR NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN ITS LEAD WELL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.
"THE PROGRAMME OF ESTABLISHING HONG KONG’S OWN AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO OUR SUCCESS AND WE WELCOME THE SUPPORT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL HAS SHOWN FOR BOTH HONG KONG AND FOR THE S1NO-BRIT1SH JOINT DECLARATION," SHE SAID.
SPEAKING ALSO AT THE CEREMONY, MR CARRILHO APPEALED TO THfe MONO KONG GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO STRENGTHEN THE MUTUAL ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL, TECHNOLOGICAL AND COMMERCIAL CO-OPERATION.
"WHEN TAKING OFF FIRSTLY IN KAI TAK, LATER ON IN CHEK LAF Kokt PASSENGERS FROM HONG KONG WHO HAVE ALWAYS DREAMT OF THE BEAUTIES OF A YOUNG AND HOSPITABLE COUNTRY WHICH BECOMES ONE OF THE WORLD’S 10 LEADING ECONOMIES, WILL ALSO DISCOVER THE JOYFUL AND DEDICATE!) CHARACTER OF 150 MILLION BRAZILIANS, WITH THEIR CULTURE AND ARTS UNDER THE BRIGHT TROPICAL LIGHT OF A CAPTIVATING AND UNFORGETTABLE SMILE.
/"BESIDES, THEY .........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1991
- 5 • -
"BESIDES, THEY WILL EQUALLY BE CLOSER TO OUR bEAREST BRfeTlihkfo OF SOUTH AMERICA. IN THE SAME WAY, THE PLANES THAT TOOK OFF 1N THE GALEAO, AT THE INCOMPARABLE BAY OF GUANABARA, WILL BE BRINGING MORE RAPIDLY OUR EXPORTS TO THE TERRITORY AND ITS NEAREST COUNTRIES," MR CARRILHO SAID.
THE HONG KONG/BRAZIL AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT IS THE EIGHTH IN A SERIES OF AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS WHICH HONG KONG, ACTING UNDER SPECIFIC AUTHORISATIONS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, AIMS to CONCLUDE 1N THE COMING YEARS. OTHERS HAVE BEEN SIGNED WITH THE NETHERLAHbS, SWITZERLAND, CANADA, BRUNEI, FRANCE, NEW ZEALAND AND MALAYSIA.
THESE AGREEMENTS ARE DESIGNED WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION IN MIND AND ARE CAPABLE OF REMAINING IN FORCE AFTER 1997.
UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION tTSELF, THE HoRG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL BE ABLE, AFTER 1997, TO CONCLUDE, UNDER SPECIFIC AUTHORISATIONS FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMfeRt, ITS OWN AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS SEPARATE FROM THOSE OF CHlllA.
- 0---------
EXPLOITED IMPORTED WORKERS WlbL GET HELP
******
THE SIX IMPORTED WORKERS WHO WERE FOUND UNDERPAlb Hy A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY DURING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S OPERATION LAST (THURSDAY) NIGHT, RECEIVED WAGES WELL BELOW THE AMOUNT STATED 1N THEIR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS.
THEY RECEIVED ONLY $4,000 TO $8,000 A MONTH WHICH REPRESENTED ONLY A PORTION OF THE CONTRACTUAL WAGES OF $10,500 TO $13,000. ONE WORKER WAS NOT PAID ANY WAGES AT ALL IN HONG KONG.
"THIS IS A SERIOUS BREACH OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WHICH REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO PAY HIS EMPLOYEE THE FULL AMOUNT OF WAGES STATED IN THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT," AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"ANY ILLEGAL DEDUCTION OF WAGES OR UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES TO AN IMPORTED WORKER CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FIRE OF $20,000," MR MAK SAID.
"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATE INTO tHESE CASES AND, WHERE THERE IS EVIDENCE, WILL TAKE OUT PROSECUTION AGAINST THE EMPLOYER," HE ADDED.
MR MAK REASSURED THAT IMPORTED WORKERS EXPLOITED BY EMPLOYERS WOULD BE OFFERED ASSISTANCE.
/"SHOULD THEY .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1?91
"SHOULD THEY BE DISMISSED BY EMPLOYERS THROUGH NO^ FAULT OF THEIR OWN, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ASSIST THEM IN RE-EMPLOYMENT AND IN, THEIR APPLICATION TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR AN EXTENSION OF STAY IN THE TERRITORY FOR THE BALANCE OF THEIR CONTRACT PERIOD, HE SAID.
"ALSO WE MAY ARRANGE FOR TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION FOR THEsE WORKERS," MR MAK SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL STEP UP EkkoktS to ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH LABOUR LEGISLATION BY EMPLOYERS OF IMRoRTEb WORKERS TO STOP EXPLOITATION OF SUCH WORKERS BY UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS.
LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL PAY MORE FREQUENT VISITS TO WoRkRLAcfeS AND ACCOMMODATIONS OF IMPORTED WORKERS AND WILL INTERVIEW INDIVIDUAL WORKERS ON THEIR WORKING CONDITIONS.
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COMPANIES (FORMS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 19$i cAzfetTfeb i * i i i i
THE COMPANIES (FORMS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1901, V/HfbU PRESCRIBE FOUR NEW FORMS TO BE COMPLETED AND SENT TO THE REGISTRAR OR COMPANIES IN CONNECTION WITH PURCHASES BY COMPANIES OF THEIR OWN SHARES, ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTED TODAY (kRlDAY).
"PURCHASE BY LOCAL COMPANIES OF THEIR OWN SHARES ARE EERMITTED, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS, UNDER THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991 WHICH TOOK EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN CObRbtL UNDER THE NEW SECTIONS 47E, 47G AND 49K OF THE ORDINANCE.
"THESE FORMS ALSO RELATE TO THE GIVING OF FINANCIAL ASSiSTAhCE BY AN UNLISTED COMPANY FOR THE PURCHASE OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY bR SHARES OF ITS HOLDING COMPANY, AND TO THE REDEMPTION OR PURCHASE By A PRIVATE COMPANY OF ITS OWN SHARES OUT OF CAPITAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAtb.
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/7........
FRIDAY, SEPTfeMBtR fc, 1§§1 7
AMENDMENTS TO ROADWORKS IN TUEN MUN PROPOSED * i * * i i
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE CONSTRUCTION Nofeks ofr ROAD L52A AND ROAD D9 IN TUEN MUN.
THE WORKS WERE ORIGINALLY DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON APRIL 12 AND 19 THIS YEAR.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INCLUDE:
* REVISION OF THE ALIGNMENT OF THE PROPOSED RoAD L52A to AVOID RESUMPTION OF TWO PRIVATE LOTS; AND
i REVISION OF THE EMBANKMENT FOR ROAD D9 NEAR HING PING koAD TO MINIMISE THE DISRUPTION THAT WOULD BE CAUSED TO THE ACCESS OF A STORAGE YARD ON AN ADJACENT PRIVATE LAND.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WAS PUBLIsSeD tN tkfe GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND AMENDED SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CFNTRFj GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, AND AT Tlife tURN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFtcfc, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORkS OR THfe Usfe sMoDLb WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICESi EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATfeR THAN OCTOBER 29 THIS YEAR.
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OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE UP SECONDARY 6 STUDIES
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE DISPLAYING LISTS OF SCHOOLS WITH VACANT SECONDARY 6 PLACES AT ALL DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AS FROM MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 9).
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES WISHING TO TAKE UP SECONDARY 6 StUDlfeS SHOULD APPLY TO THESE SCHOOLS DIRECT. ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SCHOOLS.
THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ARE GRADE E tN SIX SUBJECTS (INCLUDING CHINESE LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE) OR GRAbfe fe IN FIVE SUBJECTS (INCLUDING CHINESE LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE) WITH A TOTAL OF NO LESS THAN EIGHT POINTS IN ONE SITTING OF THE tiONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
"THE VACANCIES AROSE AS A RESULT OF STUDENTS TAKING Ut> STUDIES OVERSEAS OR IN OTHER INSTITUTIONS AFTER HAVING ENROLLED IN SECONDARY 6 CLASSES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
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Z8 ........
ERtbAY, SEPTEMBER <o,
8
RETITLING OF INDUSTRY DEPT’S DIRECTORATE OFFICERS
******
THE DIRECTORATE POSTS IN THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAvE RfeEN RETITLED TO MORE ACCURATELY REFLECT THE STATUS OF THEIR HOLDERS WHEN DEALING WITH OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS.
FROM TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY HAS fefefeN RETITLED DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY. THE NEW TITLES FOR HIS bEPUTY AND ASSISTANTS ARE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE CORRESPONDING CHINESE TITLES AND THE TttLfeS OF ALL OTHER POSTS IN THE DEPARTMENT REMAIN UNCHANGED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHANGES, WHicN WERE ANNObNCEb IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, FOLLOWED A SIMILAR CHANGE IN DIRECTORATE TITLES OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IN AUGUST 1989.
"LIKE THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, DIRECTORATE OFFICERS OF ttife INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ALSO HAVE EXTENSIVE DEALINGS IN INTERNAttbNAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS INCLUDING INVESTMENT PROMOTION, QUALITY SERVICESj TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE AND INDUSTRIAL POLICIES.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEIR TITLES AND IMPLIED STAtbS ARE READILY RECOGNISED BY THEIR CONTACTS TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE MISUNDERSTANDING OR CONFUSION," HE SAID.
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RECLAMATION AT SIU CHIK SHA APPROVED * * I * *
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO bREbGEj CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCT AN 80-METRE VERTICAL SEAWALL WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,975 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE ANb SEA-BED AT SIU CHIK SHA IN TSEUNG KWAN O.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE A BARGING POINT FOR LOADING AND bNLoAbtMO EXPLOSIVES AND REFUSE.
THE WORK WILL START THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED BY ABobT FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EAsEMENt IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE INJbRIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THESE UNDERTAKINGS MAY DELIVER TO THE blRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 5 NEXT YEAR.
/HE SHOULD
FRIDAY, f^FTEMBER 6, 1991
- 9
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CL’TM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLtsH AND cHlMEsfe) TOGETHfeR Wttti ttH 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 TSEUNG KWAN 0 DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE, UNIT 121-122, GROUND FLOOR, PO NING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TSUENG KWAN O, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
------0--------
"GREEN WAN CHAI" i
PkOJfiCT A GREAt SUCCESS t i i i i
THE "GREEN WAN CHAt" PROJECT HAS BEEH A GREAT SUCCESS StNcfc: ITS INTRODUCTION TWO YEARS AGO, THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFtCERj MR PETER MANN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR MANN SAID THE PROJECT’S 500-TREE TARGET IS EXDECTED TO BE MET TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR.
"BY DECEMBER, THE DISTRICT IS SET TO LOOK MUCH GREENER WHEM MORE TREES ARE PUT UP ON PAVEMENTS OF BUSY STREETS IN WAN CHAI, HAPPY VALLEY AND CAUSEWAY BAY," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE PROJECT, EVER SINCE ITS LAUNCHING, HAS THE BLESSING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL PRIVATE FIRMS.
"IT ALL STARTED IN 1989 WITH THE INSTALLATION OF POTTED PLANTS ALONG THE CENTRAL DIVIDERS AND LAMP POSTS IN LOCKHART ROAD.
"IN 1990, THE DB INITIATED A PILOT PLANTING SCHEME IN WHICH 35 TREES WERE PLANTED ON THE PAVEMENTS OF HENNESSY ROAD AND JOHNSTON ROAD AND 20 PALM TREES ALONG THE CENTRAL DIVIDER OF HENNESSY ROAD. ANOTHER 50 TREES ARE EXPECTED TO BE PLANTED LATER THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR TREE-PLANTING SCHEME WHICH WAS ALSO INTRODUCED LAST YEAR, MR MANN SAID THE DISTRICT'S MAJOR FIRMS, INCLUDING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES AND HOTELS, HAD BEEN ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THE PROJECT.
THE SPONSORING OF TREES BY THESE FIRMS AND HAD THEM PUT bP AROUND THEIR BUILDINGS HAS BEAUTIFIED THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENHANCE THEIR PROPERTY VALUE, HE SAID, ADDING THAT PUBLICITY WAS ALSO ACHIEVED AS COMPANY LOGOS WERE DISPLAYED ON TREE GUARDS.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR TREE-PLANTING SCHEME HAS ALSO BEEN A GREAT SUCCESS. THERE ARE SOME $3.6 MILLION IN DONATIONS, INCLUDING $1.5 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
/THE BEAUTIFICATION .......
FRIDAY, S.Ji <‘EMBER 6, 1991
- 10 -
THE BEAUTIFICATION WORKS OUTSIDE THE DOMINION CEN RE IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND ASIAN HOUSE IN HENNESSY ROAD ARE TWO EXAMPLES, HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE TREES PLANTED ARE SPECIAL "HEAVY STANDARD” SPECIES IMPORTED FROM CHINA WHICH WERE SUITABLE FOR URBAN PLANTING. BUT HE ADDED THAT IT IS SOMETIMES NECESSARY TO REPLACE THOSE TREES WHICH HAVE DIFFICULTY TO GROW IN THE NEW ENVIRONMENT.
THE TREE PLANTING HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN BY A LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT ON A NON-PROFIT-MAKING BASIS AND IS MONITORED BY THE DB’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.
EACH TREE COSTS AROUND $10,000, INCLUDING CIVIL WORKS, TREE GRILLE AND GUARD AND TWO YEARS’ MAINTENANCE. THE COST CAN BE REDUCED UPON BULK ORDERS, HE SAID.
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UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON A BUILDING IN SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON , SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED ON THE Root’ OVER FLAT A, FIFTH FLOOR OF 199 YU CHAU STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THfe BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON NOVEMBER 6 WAS- POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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Zll .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1991
11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 5.9.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 6.9.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 113.0 4+0.1* 6.9.91
600
-49
+ 49
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
5.9.91 6.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 5.40 PCT 5.17 PCT
1 MONTH 5.17 PCT 5.11 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.43 PCT 5.32 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.85 PCT 5.78 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.37 PCT 6.35 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 5,100 MN 5,785 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW MEASURES TO REGULATE ORDER OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS ................. 1
SING FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS ................................................ 2
HK'S RECREATION AND CULTURE IN GOOD PROGRESS ............................ 3
MORE GOVT SPENDING ON SERVICES FOR ELDERLY .............................. 4
NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE DRAWS CROWDS .................................... 5
HONG KONG AWARDED IN MAP DESIGN COMPETITION ............................. 6
1,211 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN AUGUST............................... 7
FINALE TO SHAM SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ........................... 7
ANTI-SMOKING CARNIVAL ................................................... 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 8
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1991
NEW MEASURES TO REGULATE ORDER OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS *****
A NUMBER OF NEW MEASURES WILL BE ADOPTED ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION DAY ON SEPTEMBER 15 TO REGULATE ORDER OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SATURDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THEY INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF A BUFFER ZONE SCHEME OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS WHERE HIGH VOTfcfe TURNOUT AND INTENSIVE CANVASSING ACTIVITIES WERE EXPECTED.
"THE SCHEME AIMS TO GIVE EACH CANDIDATE A FAIR CHANCE TO PROMOTE HIMSELF WITHOUT AFFECTING THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE POLLING STATIONS AND WITHOUT OBSTRUCTING THE FREE FLOW OF VOTERS TO AND FROM THE POLLING STATIONS," HE SAID.
THE BUFFER ZONES WILL BE CLEARLY MARKED ON THE GROUND WHILE PLANS SHOWING THE BOUNDARY OF THE ZONES WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY AT THE RESPECTIVE POLLING STATIONS.
"A MAXIMUM OF TWO PEOPLE PER CANDIDATE WILL BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN THESE ZONES AT ANY ONE TIME AND THEY WILL BE IDENTIFIED BY ARM-BANDS ISSUED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER.
"AT SOME POLLING STATIONS WHERE THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE \1C1N1TY OF THE STATIONS DICTATES, ONLY ONE PERSON PER CANDIDATE WILL BE PERMITTED," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"PERSONS OPERATING IN THE BUFFER ZONES WILL BE ADVISED TO CONDUCT THEIR CANVASSING ACTIVITIES ORDERLY AND RESPONSIBLY.
"THE USE OF AMPLIFYING DEVICES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AND POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE ON DUTY TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT NO DISPLAY OF POSTERS, FLAGS, BANNERS, PLACARDS OR OTHER PUBLICITY MATERIAL WOULD BE ALLOWED IN THE BUFFER ZONES EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE RETURNING OFFICER.
ALL AUTHORISED DISPLAYS WILL HAVE TO MEET CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND MUST BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE POLLS AT 10.30 PM ON SEPTEMBER 15.
CANDIDATES ARE BEING INVITED TO ATTEND MEETINGS CHAIRED BY THfe RETURNING OFFICERS WHERE THE SCHEME WILL BE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL.
THEY WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO SIGN AN UNDERTAKING TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR PLEDGE OF SUPPORT FOR THE SCHEME.
ANOTHER NEW MEASURE FOR THE ELECTIONS INVOLVES THE DESIGNATION OF AREAS IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF SELECTED POLLING STATIONS AS KEY SPOTS FOR THE DISPLAY OF PUBLICITY MATERIAL ON ELECTION DAY AND THE DAY BEFORE.
/THESE DISPLAY .......
' )URDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1931
2
THESE DISPLAY SPOTS ARE ALLOCATED TO CANDIDATES BY BALLOT CONDUCTED BY RETURNING OFFICERS IN THE FIRST OR SECOND WEEK Of' SEPTEMBER.
"CANDIDATES HOWEVER ARE REQUIRED TO REMOVE ALL ELECTION PUBLICITY MATERIAL ON DISPLAY AT THESE NEW SPOTS WITHIN 24 ItOUfcS FOLLOWING THE ELECTIONS, INSTEAD OF THE NORMAL PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS," THE SPOKESMAN SAJI).
THE SPOKESMAN AGAIN EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF CANblbATES SEEKING APPROVAL BEFORE PUTTING UP ANY ELECTION MATERIAL, EVEN ON THE DAY OF ELECTIONS.
ANY UNAUTHORISED DISPLAYS MAY BE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL AT VpRY SHORT NOTICE ON ELECTION DAY.
"AT PRESENT, THE USUAL PRACTICE OF MOST DISTRICTS IS TO GlVfe CANDIDATES 24-HOUR NOTICE BEFORE REMOVAL ACTION IS TAKEN.
"HOWEVER, ON ELECTION DAY AND THE DAY BEFORE, CANDIDATES WILL BE GIVEN ONLY VERY SHORT NOTICE, SUCH AS AN HOUR OR TWO, AFTER WHICH UNAUTHORISED DISPLAYS WILL BE LIABLE REMOVAL FORTHWITH,” HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THERE WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY, ELECTIONS, TO RECEIVE ENQUIRIES
STAFF ON DUTY IN THE DISTRICT OFFICES SEPTEMBER 14, THE DAY BEFORE THE OR COMPLAINTS FROM CANDIDATES.
- - 0 - -
SING FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS ♦ i ♦ i i
"YOU AND I, FOR THE COMMUNITY WE POUR OUR EeART ANb EeAT, SHOULDER THE IRREFUTABLE RESPONSIBILITY, VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE IN OUR HEART. IT’S OUR PLEASURE TO VOTE ......"
THE ABOVE MESSAGE IS NOW TRANSCRIBED IN MELODY AND DELIVERED IN LILTING TONE BY POP SINGERS LEON LAI, HACKEN LEE AND JACKY CHEUNG, AS A CATALYST TO WHOMP UP PUBLIC INTEREST FOR THE FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DIRECT ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 15.
■ THE MUSIC VIDEO OF THIS SONG WILL BE FLASHED ONTO TV SCREENS NEXT WEEK ON TVB-JADE.
AS THE THEME SONG OF THE "VOTE ’91 TELEGAME" SHOW, It WAS SPECIALLY COMPOSED TO HELP ENCOURAGE VOTERS, PARTICULARLY YOUNG VOTERS, TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS.
THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE SHOW, MR JtlLtAN LEE, SAlB THE THREE SINGERS ARE INVITED TO SING THE SONG BECAUSE EACH OF THEM HAS AN EBULLIENT AND HEALTHY IMAGE.
MR LEON LAI SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO PLAY A PART AS He FotlND it VERY MEANINGFUL.
/"AS A .......
‘■ '’T'EMBER 7. 1991
"AS A REGISTERED VOTER MYSELF, I AM HAPPY THAT I HAVE Tttfe OPPORTUNITY TO HELP PROMOTE THE ELECTIONS," HE SAID.
"THE LEGCO CANDIDATES WILL HELP SERVE THE PUBLIC ANb RfeoMoifi THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG WHEN THEY ARE ELECTED. SO VOTERS SHOULD SUPPORT THEM BY CASTING THEIR VOTES."
THE "VOTE ’91 TELEGAME" PROGRAMME WILL BE SCREENED fM tllfe EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 14.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ELECTIONS PUBLICITY STEERING GROUb t)E THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TVB, THE SHOW IS A PUBLICITY MEDLEY TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S FIRST-EVER DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGCO.
OTHER TV ARTISTES AND MOVIE STARS JOINING THE SHOW tHctObfe STEPHEN CHIAU SING-CHI, NG MAN-TAT, SHEILA CHAN, LAW WAl-KUEN AlJD WU FUNG.
- - 0 - -
UK’S RECREATION AND CULTURE IN GOOD PROGRESS
THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND VARlobS ORGANISATIONS, SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATION AND CULTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CARNIVAL ORGANISED bY THE PENINSULA JAYCEES’ AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI, MR SO SAID HONG KONG HAD DONE WELL IN MANY INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS IN RECENT YEARS, SUCH AS BADMINTON, TABLE-TENNIS, BOWLING, FENCING', WINDSURFING, SQUASH, SWIMMING, JUDO, CYCLING AND MARTIAL ARTS.
HE SAID FOLLOWING THE RECENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RonG kONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (SDB) AND THE RE-NAMING OF THE JUblLEE SPORTS CENTRE AS THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG’S SCENE HAS ENTERED A NEW ERA.
"SDB HAS JUST MAPPED OUT ITS FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN EARLY THIS YEAR AND WILL CO-ORDINATE THE WORK OF THOSE MAJOR SPORTS ORGANISATION. IT WILL BE TASKED TO STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNICATIONS AMONG ALL NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
"THE BOARD WILL ALSO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL STATUS BY FOCUSING ON THE TRAINING OF COACHES AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNELS, SPORTS SCIENCE, SPORTS MEDICINE AND RESEARCH WORK," MR SO SAID.
MR SO SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) WAS A SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTS IN HONG KONG.
"THE COUNCIL WAS GIVEN THE TASK OF ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON HOW BEST ARTS DEVELOPMENT COULD BE PROMOTED AND ENSURING OPTIMUM t)SE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS IN HONG KONG.
/"OVER THE
SATURDAY, SEPTFMPFR 7, 1991
"OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS OR SO, CFPA’S BUDGET INCREASED FROM $16.3 MILLION TO $ 35.14 MILLION. THE NUMBER GROUPS BENEFIT!'ING FROM THE COUNCIL’S GRANTS BENEFITTED DOUBLED FROM 30 TO 60," HE SAID.
MR SO SAID THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING RAISED THE STANDARD OF PERFORMING ARTS AND HAD TRAINED UP TALENTS SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1984.
"PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC AND ARTS IS BEING PROVIDED BY THE ACADEMY. IN ADDITION TO THREE-YEAR DIPLOMA COURSES, THE ACADEMY ALSO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE AND PART-TIME EVENING COURSES.
HAS BEEN
OF ARTS
HAS ALSO
ARTS HAb
SOME 500
TECHNICAL FULL-TIME TWO-YEAR
"FROM NEXT SEPTEMBER, THE ACADEMY WILL BEGIN TO HAVE bEGhEE COURSES IN MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA," HE ADDED.
IN THE PAST, THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTS IN HONG KONG HAS EEEN FUNDED ESSENTIALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT. HOWEVER, THE CFPA LAST YEAR LAUNCHED A MATCHING GRANT SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP TOWARDS ARTS.
"IN JUNE 1990, A GROUP OF ENTHUSIASTIC BUSINESSMEN ESTAsLlsMEb A FOUNDATION OF BUSINESS IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS (FBSA). ITS MAIN OBJECTIVE ARE TO PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTS IN HONG KONG, TO ASSIST THE ARTS IN OBTAINING SPONSORS AND TO HELP FUND CULTURAL EVENTS FEATURING HONG KONG ARTISTS," MR SO SAID.
HE SAID THERE WERE ALTOGETHER EIGHT MUSIC CENTRES UNDER THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH PROVIDING AN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
"AT PRESENT, THE MUSIC OFFICE RUNS MORE THAN 700 TRAINING CLASSES IN BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN INSTRUMENTS FOR OVER 3,500 STUDENTS; AS WELL AS ORCHESTRAL TRAINING FOR OVER 4,800 YOUNGSTERS.
"THE MUSIC OFFICE ORGANISES MORE THAN 300 CONCERTS ANNUALLY FOR SOME 170,000 AUDIENCES," MR SO SAID.
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MORE GOVT SPENDING ON SERVICES FOR ELDERLY ******
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY MAS INCREASED FROM $500 MILLION IN 1982 TO $2,260 MILLION THIS YEAR, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SIK SIK YUEN HO SHING HOME FOR THE ELDERLY AT KWONG YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN, MRS GOODSTADT NOTED THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE PAST 10 YEARS.
/"TO ENABLE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1991
- 5 -
"TO ENABLE THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN PART OF THE COMMUNITY, A RANGE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES HAS BEEN PROVIDED ON A DISTRICT BASIS,” SHE SAID.
"IT IS ESTIMATED THAT TODAY WE NEED 256 SOCIAL CENTRES FOR thfe ELDERLY, 30 MUTI-SERVICES CENTRES AND 30 DAY CARE CENTRES, IN ADDITION TO 7,693 PLACES IN HOMES FOR THE AGED AND 8,462 CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS," SHE ADDED.
MRS GOODSTADT SAID NEW SERVICES, SUCH AS RESPITE SERVICE AND OUT-REACHING SERVICE, WERE BEING EXPERIMENTED AND DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE BETTER SUPPORT FOR THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY.
SHE ALSO COMMENDED SIR SIR YUEN FOR THEIR CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH GOVERNMENT AND ENTHUSIASM IN EXPANDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
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NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE DRAWS CROWDS i i i ♦ i i
MORE THAN 36,000 VISITORS HAVE TOURED THE LIONS MAtUkfe EDUCATION CENTRE IN TSIU HANG, SAI KUNG, SINCE IT WAS OPENED THREE MONTHS AGO.
THE SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), MR C.C. LAY, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE CENTRE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT SO FAR ABOUT 2,800 PEOPLE MAD MADE USE OF THE CENTRE’S GROUP BOOKING AND GUIDED TOUR FACILITY.
"OTHER VISITORS CAME IN SELF-ORGANISED GROUPS BUT THE MAJORITY ARE FAMILIES SPENDING A DAY OUT AT THE CENTRE ON WEEKENDS," HE SA1D.
A SMALL-SCALE OPINION SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENTRE LAST MONTH SHOWED THAT THE THREE EXHIBITION HALLS ON HONG KONG’S AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES, THE SPECIMEN ORCHARD, AND THE CHINESE HERBAL GARDEN WERE MOST FAVOURED BY VISITORS.
"WE ARE GLAD TO LEARN THAT MOST VISITORS POLLED FELT THAI THEIR TRIP HAD BEEN MEANINGFUL AND EDUCATIONAL, PARTICULARLY FOR THE YOUNG.
"THE RESPONDENTS HAD ALSO MADE SOME POSITIVE SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVING FACILITIES AND ADDING NEW ITEMS OF INTEREST, WHICH WE WtLL TRY TO ADOPT AS FAR AS RESOURCES PERMIT," MR LAY SAID.
NOTING THAT MANY VISITORS HAD POINTED OUT THE NEED TO SET UP A CAFETERIA AT THE CENTRE, MR LAY SAID PLANS FOR THIS FACILITY WERE NOW IN HAND AND IT WAS HOPED THAT WORK ON THE CAFETERIA COULD START IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
"WE ARE ALSO ACTIVELY WORKING ON NEW ATTRACTIONS AT THE CENTRE, WHICH INCLUDE A TURF CORNER DISPLAYING DIFFERENT GRASS SPECIES, A BAMBOO COLLECTION, AND THE SKELETON AND WET MOUNT OF A PYGMY SPERM WHALE.
/''MOREOVER, WE .........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1.991
6
"MOREOVER, WE HAVE A PLANTATION PROGRAMME TO STAGGER THfc GROWTH OF SEASONAL VEGETABLES AND BEAN AND FRUIT CROPS TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING ON DISPLAY IN THE ECONOMIC CROPS SECTION," MR LAY SAID.
MR LAY ADMITTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN CASES OF VANDALISM BY VISITORS EVEN THOUGH THE SITUATION WAS NOT SERIOUS ON THE WHOLE.
"IN ORDER THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM THE CENTRE( 1 APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND NOT TO DAMAGE THE ITEMS ON DISPLAY, WHETHER THEY ARE INDOORS OR OUTDOORS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT VANDALISING FACILITIES AT THE CENTRE IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO DISPLAY THE RICHNESS OF HONG KONG’S RURAL HERITAGE, FEATURES THREE EXHIBITION HALLS, AN ARBORETUM, ORCHARDS, FIELD CROPS, A CHINESE HERBAL GARDEN, A ROCK AND MINERAL CORNER AND A POULTRY CORNfeR.
IT IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY KMB ROUTE 92 AND GREfeN MlHlBbs ROUTE 1, BOTH OF WHICH RUN FROM CHOI HUNG TO SAI KUNG.
THE CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM EXCEPT OH TUESDAY. ADMISSION IS FREE. FOR GROUP BOOKINGS, PLEASE CALL 733 2121.
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HONG KONG AWARDED IN MAP DESIGN COMPETITION i * i i i
A MAP PRODUCED BY THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE Ok tilfe BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS WON TOP HONOUR IN AN INTERNATIONAL MAP DESIGN COMPETITION.
THE SMALL SCALE MAP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN MONG KONG HAS WON THIS YEAR’S JOHN BARTHOLOMEW AWARD IN THE THEMATIC MAt> CATEGORY COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE BRITISH CARTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.
THE MAP WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND DATA GIVES tNPoRMA'tlVfe REFERENCE MATERIAL ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORK IN THE TERRITORY.
THIS MAP HAS SINCE BEEN REPRODUCED AND USED AS THE END PAPfik MAP ON THE BACK COVER OF THE HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT 1991 PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
MEANWHILE, ANOTHER MAP SUBMITTED BY THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE HAS ALSO BEEN HIGHLY COMMENDED IN THE SAME MAP CATEGORY OF ' THE COMPETITION.
THE SECOND MAP IS THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES MAP FROM THfe COUNTRYSIDE SERIES.
/THE DIRECTOR .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1991
7 -
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, HAS RECEIVED, ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT, THE AWARDS IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BRITISH CARTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON IN BRITAIN YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID MAPS PRODUCED BY THE OFFICE HAD WON AWARDS IN PREVIOUS COMPETITIONS. IN 1987, THE NORTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES MAP IN THE COUNTRYSIDE SERIES WON THE JOHN BARTHOLOMEW AWARD FOR THAT YEAR.
COPIES OF THE WINNING MAPS IN THE COMPETITION ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE MAP SALES OFFICES OF THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
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1,211 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN AUGUST ♦ ♦ ♦ i i
A TOTAL OF 1,656 CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED IN 1,211 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
—
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAIR TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT 319 OF THESfe ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 229 IN KOWLOON EAST, 373 IN KOWLOON WEST AND 290 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR AUGUST SHOWED THAT 17 PEOPLE WERE KILLED, 338 PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 1,301 SLIGHTLY INJURED IN THESE ACCIDENTS.
THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 4.7 PER CENT WHILE THOSE OF CASUALTIES SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 2.9 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
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FINALE TO SHAN SHUI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME « » » » »
A CARNIVAL TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THIS YEAR’S SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) WILL BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY), BEGINNING AT 4 PM.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S SYP CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CARNIVAL. WILL INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION AND A VARIETY SHOW WITH PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED ABOUT 400 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS IN THE DISTRICT DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAY.
/THESE INCLUDED .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1991
- 8 -
THESE INCLUDED SEMINARS, TRAINING COURSES, EXHIBITIONS, PICNICS, COMPETITIONS AND VARIETY SHOWS.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS WINNIE HO; AN URBAN ^^CILLOR, MR CHEUNG WING-SUM; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOA! I COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR CHAU MUN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SYP CARNIVAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD. IT WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
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ANTI-SMOKING CARNIVAL
AN ANTI-SMOKING CARNIVAL WILL BE OPENED BY MR EDWARD Ho SING-TIN AT THE SPACE MUSEUM PIAZZA TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (COSH) AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC).
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SINGING, GAMES STALLS AND EXHIBITIONS ON THE HAZARDS OF SMOKING.
ALSO ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIALS FROM COSH, CYC, AND SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANT I-SMOKING CARNIVAL AT THE SPACE MUSEUM PIAZZA, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, STARTING AT 10.45 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * ♦ ♦ DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 6.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 7.9.91 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE Mo.
APPOINTMENT OF CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE STILL UNDER DISCUSSION: CS ....... 1
ROLLS-ROYCE SHOWS HK PEOPLE'S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT: CS ............... 2
COURT OF FINAL APPEAL: EXPERT TALK ..................................... 2
RAINFALL LESS THAN NORMAL IN AUGUST .................................... 3
NEW YOUTH COMMISSION CHAIRMAN APPOINTED ................................ 5
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR ............................... 6
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME EXTENDED .............................. . 6
NEW I.D. CARDS FOR JUVENILES BORN IN 1975 OR 1976 ...................... 7
TENDERS INVITED FOR TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT ............................ 9
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1§31
APPOINTMENT OF CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE STILL UNDER DISCUSSION: CS
THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE TO Tbfe PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY IS STILL UNDER DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE GOVERNOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFtCE, MR LU PING, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE 1907 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST CHARITY PARADE IN SHA TIN, SIR DAVID SAID: "I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT SHORTLY. THAT’S UNDER CONSIDERATION AT THE MOMENT."
TURNING TO HIS WEEK-LONG VISIT TO JAPAN, WHICH BEGINS TOMORRoUj THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF JAPANESE COMPANIES WERE INTERESTED IN THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WOULD BE TALKING TO JAPANESE COMPANIES ANU ALSO PARTICULARLY, TO JAPANESE BANKS.
"IT’s going to BE A very iMpoRtAnt EActoE IN THE HUiLbiHd UE THE AIRPORT TO HAVE JAPANESE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF tT. AND WITH THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IT’S A VERY GOOD TIME FOR ME TO GO, I THINK, AND TO TALK TO THEM ABOUT THE AIRPORT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED THAT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE TO THE AiRPOfei PROJECT WAS GOOD: "I THINK WITH THE CHINESE SUPPORT SO CLEARLY STATED IN THE AGREEMENT, I’M SURE THAT THIS WILL PRODUCE A VERY GOOD RESPONSE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT."
WHEN ASKED TO RESPOND TO PRESS REPORTS THAT DR bAvtD OWfikS MIGHT BE THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAlb: ”1 DON’T THINK WE SHOULD TAKE THAT SPECULATION AT ALL SERIOUSLY.
"WHEN THERE ARE SENIOR POSITIONS, THEY’RE ALWAYS SUHJEcT TO SPECULATIONS. NINE TIMES OUT OF 10 THE SPECULATION IS WRONG," He SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE PRIME MINISTER, Mb joHW MAJOR, HAD SAID THAT THERE WASN’T A VACANCY FOR THE GOVERNOR OF HONd KONG.
"AND IF I MIGHT SAY SO, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE I THINK Uobtb Aohfefe WITH ME, SIR DAVID WILSON IS A FINE GOVERNOR. HE IS DOING A GREAT JOB FOR US ALL AND THE LONGER HE STAYS THE BETTER," HE ADDED.
ON THE PROGRESS OF THE BCCHK ISSUE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY sAtb THE INVESTIGATION WAS STILL GOING ON: "WE ARE ANXIOUS NOT TO RAISE HOPES TOO HIGH BUT WE ARE STILL PUTTING THE ESTIMATE AT AROUND 50-50 AND WE WILL HOPE THAT, CLEARLY WE WOULD LIKE THAT SALE TO GO THROUGH. IT WOULD BE A VERY GOOD SOLUTION FOR ALL CONCERNED.
"WE’RE DOING ALL WE CAN TO FACILITATE IT, BUT IN THE feNb IT’S A MATTER FOR THE BUYER TO MAKE SURE THAT HE IS SATISFIED WITH EVERYTHING THAT HE SEES IN THE BOOKS OF THE BANK AND SO ON," SIR DAVID SAID.
------0--------
SUNDAY, HePtEMBER 8, 1§51
2
ROLLS-ROYCE SHOWS HK PEOPLE’S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT:CS
* * I I *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (SUNDAY) SAtb HONG kONG, BEING THE TERRITORY WITH THE HIGHEST DENSITY OF ROLLS-ROYCE CARS IN THE WORLb, REFLECTS THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT OF ITS PEOPLE.
OFFICIATING AT THE STARTING CEREMONY OF THE 1S07 RolL§-RoYCR SILVER GHOST CHARITY PARADE, SIR DAVID SAID: "TO MOST PEOPLE, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ARE A SYMBOL OF PRESTIGE AND SUCCESS.
"AND I THINK IT SAYS MUCH ABOUT THE ENTREPRENEURIAL sRlRlT OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG THAT HONG KONG MAS THE HIGHEST DENSITY OR HoLLS-ROYCE CARS IN THE WORLD."
SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE MORE THAN 1,000 ROLLS-ROYCES IN HONG KONG’S 1,067 SQUARE KILOMETRES, MOST OF THEM OF COURSE CONCENTRATED IN A MUCH SMALLER AREA THAN THAT.
HE ALSO SAID A NEW WORLD RECORD FOR THE GbikNEsS book Ok RECORDS WAS GOING TO BE ACHIEVED.
THE PARADE LED BY THE MAGNlElCENT 1^07 EoLLE-RoYCE SILVER GHOST, WHICH HAD &EEN BROUGHT TO HONG kONG SPECIALLY EoR THE EVENT। FEATURED MORE THAN 120 ROLLS-ROYCE CARS.
IT WAS THE LONGEST PROCESSION OF ROLLS-ROYCES TO HE DRIVER bli A PUBLIC HIGHWAY.
"I Am sure that Even in HoNg kong, no oNE HAs evER §EEn Ro MAMy ROLLS-ROYCES AT ONE TIME," SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID PRAISED INCHCAPE PACIFIC AND ROLLS-ROYCE IM STAgIRG SUCH A LARGE FUND-RAISING EVENT FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
HE ALSO THANKED ALL THE ROLLS-ROYCE OWNERS RHo WfeRE PARTICIPATING IN THE PARADE.
"NOT ONLY WILL THEY SET A NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Fok RoNg KONG, BUT THEY WILL ALSO HELP RAISE IN EXCESS OF HK$1 MILLION FOR THE PO LEUNG KUK CHARITY," SIR DAVID ADDED.
- - 0 - -
COURT OF FINAL APPEAL: EXPERT TALK
*****
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL HOLD ANOTHER ROUND OF EXPERT TALKS TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND ON TUESDAY IN HONG KONG TO DlSCtJSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COURT OF FINAL ARpEAL.
THE TEAMS WILL BE LED BY THEIR RERRESENTATIVES TO RHE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, MR A.R. PAUL ON THE BRlttsH SIDE AND MR ZHENG WEIRONG ON THE CHINESE SIDE.
THEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY OTHER EXPERTS.
---0 _ ”
/I ......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
- 3 -
RAINFALL LESS THAN NORMAL IN AUGUST t » ♦ * *
ALTHOUGH AUGUST 1991 WAS NOT AS SUNNY AS THE AVERAGE AUGUST, RAINFALL ALSO WAS LESS THAN NORMAL, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT ISSUED THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE MONTH’S WEATHER WAS CHARACTERISED BY THE PASSAGE OF TYPHOON FRED IN MID AUGUST AND A SPELL OF LIGHT WIND AND HAZY CONDITIONS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE MONTH.
FRED BROUGHT ABOUT 140 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL. THAT BEING THE ONLY PROLONGED RAIN PERIOD, THE MONTHLY RAINFALL WAS ONLY 302.3 MILLIMETRES, 23 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 391.4 MILLIMETRES.
TOTAL RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO 1,151.6 MILLIMETRES, 33 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 1,707.4 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
APART FROM SOME ISOLATED SHOWERS, THE FIRST NINE DAYS IN AUGUST WERE GENERALLY FINE AND HOT. THE HOTTEST DAY IN THE MONTH OCCURRED ON AUGUST 8 WHEN THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A HIGH OF 33.0 DEGREES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
AS A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE APPROACHED FROM GUANGDONG, THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY WITH INCREASING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ON AUGUST 9 AND 10.
THE LINGERING TROUGH MAINTAINED MAINLY OVERCAST WEATHER ALONG THE COAST OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, WITH LIGHT RAIN BECOMING LESS CONTINUOUS AS THE TROUGH GRADUALLY DISSIPATED.
MEANWHILE, A TROPICAL DEPRESSION MOVED ACROSS NORTHERN LUZON AND EVENTUALLY INTENSIFIED TO A TYPHOON NAMED FRED OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
SQUALLY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS SET IN DURING THE DAY ON AUGUST 14, AND THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 24.7 DEGREES IN THE MONTH WAS RECORDED THAT EVENING IN RAIN.
DETERIORATION IN WEATHER CONTINUED ON AUGUST 15 AND 16 WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AND SQUALLS.
WITH FRED PASSING TO THE SOUTH OF THE TERRITORY, NORTHEASTERLY WINDS STRENGTHENED CONSIDERABLY AND THE STRONG WIND SIGNAL NO. 3 REMAINED HOISTED FOR NEARLY 34 HOURS BETWEEN THE EVENING OF AUGUST 14 AND THE MORNING OF AUGUST 16.
AREAS WITHIN THE HARBOUR WERE BUFFETED BY GENERALLY STRONG WINDS AND OCCASIONAL SEVERE SQUALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPIRAL RAINBANDS OF FRED. GALE FORCE WINDS AFFECTED HIGH GROUNDS AND OFFSHORE AREAS.
WHIPPED UP BY THE FURY OF FRED, SEA CONDITIONS OFFSHORE WERE PARTICULARLY ROUGH. A FULLY ARISEN SEA WITH HUGE 10-METRE WAVES WAS REPORTED.
/LOCALLY, THERE ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
4
LOCALLY, THERE WERE SOME ISOLATED INCIDENTS OE LANDSLIP, MINOR FLOODING, COLLAPSED SCAFFOLDING, AND TOPPLED TREES. NO SERIOUS CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED.
AS FRED MOVED AWAY AND THE WINDS SUBSIDED, RAIN GRADUALLY EASED OFF ON AUGUST 17. WEATHER TURNED FINE BUT MISTY THE NEXT DAY. IN THE WEEK TO FOLLOW, THE WEATHER WAS A MIXTURE OF SUNNY PERIODS, HAZE, AND THUNDERY SHOWERS.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DOWNPOUR OCCURRED IN THE MORNING OF AUGUST 21 AS CLOUDS ASSOCIATED WITH A DISSIPATED TROPICAL CYCLONE NAMED ELLIE DRIFTED ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS. MINOR FLOODING OCCURRED IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. FIVE VEHICLES WERE SWEPT DOWN A MAIN NULLAH IN TSUEN WAN BY RUSHING FLOOD WATER. A BUILDING IN A KWAI CHUNG HOUSING ESTATE WAS STRUCK BY A THUNDERBOLT AND THE CEILING OF THE TOP FLOOR WAS DAMAGED.
SHOWERS GRADUALLY DIED OUT ON AUGUST 21, BUT LIGHT WINDS AND HAZE LED TO POOR VISIBILITY OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. AT ONE STAGE, THE VISIBILITY WAS DOWN TO TWO TO THREE KILOMETRES INSIDE THE HARBOUR.
AN EASTERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT CLEARER WEATHER ON AUGUST 26 AND 27. WINDS BECAME LIGHT AGAIN ON AUGUST 28, AND TWO HEAVY, LOCALLY DEVELOPED SHOWERS OCCURRED IN THE EARLY HOURS AND AROUND NOON.
CLOUDY WEATHER THEN PREVAILED BEFORE TURNING GENERALLY FINE TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
THERE WERE 17 AIRCRAFT DIVERSIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER IN AUGUST. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON AUGUST 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, AND 26. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE IN EFFECT ON AUGUST 11, 12, 15, 21, AND 25.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE & TIME OF HOISTING DATE & TIME OF LOWERING
TYPHOON FRED 1 s AUGUST 13 11.15 PM AUGUST 14 7.10 PM
3 AUGUST 14 7.10 PM AUGUST 16 5 AM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 163.2 HOURS ; 43.8 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION TOTAL RAINFALL 14.28 MJ/SQ.M. ; 302.3 MM ; 3.33 MJ/SQ.M. BELOW NORMAL 89.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD G5 PER CENT ; 1 PER CENT NORMAL LESS THAN
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 82 PER CENT ; w 1 PER CENT NORMAL HIGHER THAN
/Mean daily .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
- 5 -
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
30.9 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
28.6 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
26.6 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
25.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
107.9 MM ;
0.4 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
0.2 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
0.4 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
49.0 MM BELOW NORMAL
-------------------0------- NEW YOUTH COMMISSION CHAIRMAN APPOINTED ♦ * * * *
MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHAIRMAN 0? Tltfe COMMISSION ON YOUTH, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
AN ACCOUNTANT BY PROFESSION, MR LI, 38, HAS WIDE EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY WORK. HE IS CURRENTLY CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG Fil AB ASSOCIATION, A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
HE IS MARRIED WITH A DAUGHTER.
MEANWHILE, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG WONG WAN-YIU, WHO tS THE EDUCATION SERVICES SECRETARY OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, IS ALSO APPOINTED TO THE COMMISSION.
OTHER NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ARE: MRS MlRtAM LAU KIN-YEE, DR NELSON CHOW WING-SUN, MR MAK HOI-WAH, MRS JOYCE TAt POON CHING-SHEUNG, MR CHEUNG YIN-TUNG, DR LO CHI-KIN, MR CHAN MO-POWj MR HOWARD YOUNG HOW-WAH, MR CHAN KA-KUI, MRS TERESA LAM YU LAI-L1NG AND MISS JUNIA HO SUK-YIN.
THE COMMISSION’S EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS INCLUDE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MISS JACKIE WILLIS, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR RICKY FUNG, AND A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY EACH FROM THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, AND SECURITY BRANCH.
THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION IS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (YOUTH), MISS SUSIE HO.
- - 0----------
/6 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
- 6 -
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR
*****
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES TO MARK THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 15 WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED EDUCATION SUNDAY.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SERVICES AT THE FOLLOWING CHURCHES:
* CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL CHINESE SERVICE 11 AM
(16 CAINE ROAD, CENTRAL DISTRICT)
* HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CHINESE SERVICE 11 AM
(135 MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY)
i ST TERESA’S CHURCH ENGLISH SERVICE 11 AM
(258 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON TONG)
* ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL ENGLISH SERVICE 11.30 AM
(GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL DISTRICT)
ATTENDING THE SERVICES WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR LUCAS CHAN (CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL); THE ACttNG ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND RESEARCH), MR MAN TSZ-FONG (HOLY TRINITY CHURCH); THE PRINCIPAL OF HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, MR DAVID PUN (ST TERESA’S CHURCH); AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION), DR VERNER BICKLEY (ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL).
-----0------
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME EXTENDED
*****
THE EXPERIMENTAL AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME WHICh PROVIDES HALF-DAY CARE TO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR ONE YEAR .
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS INTRODUCED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR FOR 18 MONTHS TO PROVIDE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE AT CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES TO FAMILIES WITH SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL NEEDS.
HE SAID AN EVALUATION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME HAD BEEN CONDUCTED.
BOTH THE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (NGO’S) WHICH OPERATED THE PROGRAMME FOUND THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO EXTEND THE PROGRAMME TO TRY OUT A MODIFIED MODE OF OPERATION, HE NOTED.
/"THE MODIFICATION .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
’’THE MODIFICATION WILL INCLUDE ALLOWING CHILDREN UNDER THE PROGRAMME TO SUIT CENTRE PROGRAMMES AND MIX WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CENTRE.
"IN ADDITION, THEY CAN TAKE PART IN SPECIAL PROGRAMMES ORGANISED SPECIFICALLY TO MEET THFIR NEEDS," HE ADDED.
THE PROGRAMME WOULD CONTINUE TO BE OPERATED BY THE NGO’S At FIVE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES IN EASTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO, SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING, HE CONTINUED.
CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGE OF SIX AND 12 FROM FAMILIES WItM tMfe FOLLOWING BACKGROUND COULD APPLY TO JOIN THE PROGRAMME:
* PARENTS WHO ARE BOTH WORKING, WITH ILL HEALTH, OR toR VARIOUS REASONS THAT COULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PARENTAL SUPERVISION;
* SINGLE PARENT;
* NEW IMMIGRANT WITH ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM;
* CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEM OR POOR PAfefeNT-cHlLb RELATIONSHIPS; AND
♦ OTHER REASONS SUBSTANTIATED BY THE SOCIAL WORKERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROGRAMME WOULD ALSO ADOPT A DIFFERENT MODE OF FEE-CHARGING.
"WHILE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FAMILIES WILL NEED TO PAY THE ROLL COST OF $770, WHICH WILL BE BORNE BY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, THE FEE CHARGES FOR OTHER PARTI CIPANTS WILL BE LEFT ENTIRELY TO INDIVIDUAL OPERATING AGENCIES WITH REFERENCE TO THE FINANCIAL CAPABILITY OF THE PARTICIPANT’S FAMILY," HE ADDED.
-----0------
NEW l.D. CARDS FOR JUVENILES BORN IN 1975 OR 1976
*****
JUVENILES BORN IN 1975 AND 1976 ARE REQUIRED TO RENEW THfelR IDENTITY CARDS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO OCTOBER 19.
"PARENTS WITH CHILDREN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP SHOULD ACCOMPANY THEM TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW l.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO APPLY FOR NEW JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS DURING THIS PERIOD," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS.
/ALL OFFICES .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
- 8 -
ALL OFFICES CLOSE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICANTS MAY MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICES OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE: -
HONG kONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN ChAI
TEL. NO. 574 7070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK
TEL. NO. 755 3669
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI
TEL. NO. 723 2424
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 498 0117
SHA TIN : SHOP 8A, SECOND FLOOR, CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE*
11-17, SHATIN CENTRE STREET TEL. NO. 605 9108
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 koi’ Yick l?OAb TEL. NO. 477 1543
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN TEL. NO. 458 0646
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUl TEL. NO. 672 7191
AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, PARENTS SHOULD BRING ALONG TtlfelR OWN IDENTITY CARDS AS WELL AS THE CHILD’S IDENTITY CARD. THE CHILD’S HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE, TRAVEL DOCUMENT AND PROOF OF LEGAL RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG, IF ANY, SHOULD ALSO BE PRODUCED.
APPLICANTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 824 0303 TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, "ALL NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES WILL CEASE TO PROVIDE SERVICES STARTING FROM DECEMBER 2, THIS YEAR EXCEPT TSUEN WAN ISSUE OFFICE WHICH WILL BE CLOSED AS FROM OCTOBER 21, THIS YEAR. APPLICATIONS FOR ALL TYPES OF IDENTITY CARDS THEREAFTER WILL BE PROCESSED AT REGULAR REGISTRATION OFFICES."
HE REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
------0----------
/9 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1991
9
TENDERS 1 NV TI ED FOR TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR I HE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR THE STAGE II OF SHEUNG SHUI TREATMENT WORKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE CONTRACT IS ONE OE THE SEVERAL CONTRACTS TO BE AWARDED UNDER A PROJECT WHICH IS REQUIRED TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR POTABLE WATER ARISING FROM THE CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO( FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWNS.
ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING SHEUNG SHUI TREATMENT WORKS WILL BE INCREASED FROM 100,000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY TO 200,000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY, WITH PROVISION FOR FURTHER EXPANSION TO AN ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF 250,000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION oE CLARIFIERS, RAPID GRAVITY FILTERS, CHEMICAL DOSING PLANT, WASHWATER RECOVERY PLANT AND ASSOCIATED SLUDGE THICKENING AND DEWATERING PLANT.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START THIS DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 31 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
FORMS OF TENDERS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 22.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE Mo.
GOVT ENCOURAGES MAXIMUM PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN AIRPORT PROJECTS! CS . 1
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE RELEASED ......... 2
TAC DISCUSSES KWAI CHUNG CONGESTION PROBLEM ........................... 6
REVISED TERMS FOR DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME ............................... 8
'SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN PERSPECTIVE' CONTEST ............................ 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................................................. 9
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG .......................................... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 10
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
1
GOVT ENCOURAGES MAXIMUM PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN AIRPORT PROJECTS: CS * i i * i
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) TtiAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS AIMING FOR THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE DEPARtikG Eofe A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO JAPAN, SIR DAVID SAID THE AIRPORT PROJECT WAS okE OF THE BIGGEST CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT BEING UNDERTAKEN ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS INCUMBENT UPON THE GOVERNMENT TO MAkE SURE THAT EVERYBODY WHO COULD TAKE AN INTEREST IN THE PROJECT KNEW ALL ABOUT IT.
HE SAID THERE WERE MANY WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE COULD PARTICiRATfe IN THE PROJECT.
"THEY CAN HELP WITH THE CONTRACTS BY BUILDING SOME OF THE CtVtL ENGINEERING PROJECTS: THE BRIDGE, THE ROAD, THE AIRPORT AND SO ON. AND ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE PROJECTS ARE NOT JUST THE BUILDING OF THEM, BUT ALSO THE SERVICES WHICH ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THEM; COMMUNICATIONS , COMPUTERS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS AND SO ON.
"PEOPLE CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE BY UNDERTAKING ONE Ok THE feOttb-OPERATE-AND-TRANSFER PROJECTS SUCH AS THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING," HE SAID.
"THEY CAN PARTICIPATE BY PROVIDING DEBT, LOANS TO EtTHEfc THE GOVERNMENT OR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, OR TO THE RAILWAY. AND SO THERE ARE A VAST NUMBER OF WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE, THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN PARTICIPATE," SIR DAVID ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THIS WAS A VERY EXCITING TIME FOft TEE PROJECT: "BECAUSE HAVING PLANNED IT FOR SO LONG, WE’RE NOW TESTING THE REAL PRIVATE SECTOR INTEREST IN THIS PROJECT."
SIR DAVID SAID HIS TRIP TO JAPAN WAS ONE OF THE FIRST THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MAKING AND MR RICHARD ALLEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, WOULD GO TO LONDON NEXT WEEK.
"I’M GOING TO LONDON IN OCTOBER, AND I’M SURE THERE WtLt BE OTHERS, WE ARE NOT SIMPLY SINGLING OUT JAPAN," SIR DAVtb SAlb.
"BUT JAPAN IS A VERY IMPORTANT PLACE FOR US, IN PAETICUlAE IN FINANCIAL TERMS. WE BELIEVE THAT THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN JAPAN WILL HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY, AND THAT’S WHY WE’RE GOtNG THERE FIRSTLY," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD A VERY INTERESTING PROGRAMME: "t‘M EOT ONLY SEEING BANKERS AND CONSTRUCTORS AND THE CONSORTIUM, I’M ALSO SEEING THREE MINISTRIES: THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AND THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE. AND CLEARLY ALL THOSE WE NEED THEIR FIRM SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT."
"IN ADDITION, I’M SEEING PARLIAMENTARIANS WHO HAVE An tbTEREST IN HONG KONG. SO IT SHOULD BE A BUSY WEEK; WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IT," HE ADDED.
------0-------
/2 ......
Monday, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
- 2
price And volume Movements of external trade in JUNE RELfeASfeD * * * * *
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2%, WHtLfe THA+ OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 25% IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TObAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 1611 IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 20% tN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH 111 TRADE VALUES, HAVING DISCOUNTED THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERtOb OF boMFARtfeoN* THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH ROSE SY 2%* WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 3%. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRAbE INbEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DECREASED BY 0.3%.
prices Are based on UNIT values WHICH bo Mot TAES fill'd AcbbtlNi1 CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE AVAILABLE.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF JUNE 1991 WITH JUNE 1990, THE VOLUME bF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 2%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21%. TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 12%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 20%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRtcES OF DOMESTtb EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH ROSE BY 2%. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED fiY 2%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME Op boMESl'fC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VOLUME OF bOMESTIC EXPORTS OF SOME COMMODITY gRoUFS INCREASED IN JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990* INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+17%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+13%); TRAVEL GOODS* HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+13%); AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+5%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN FOOTWEAR (-31%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-26%); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-26%); WATCHES ANb CLOCKS (-23%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-4%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAb (-3%); TEXTILE FABRICS (-1%); AND CLOTHING (-1%).
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990. THESE INCLUDED TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+7*); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+5%); TEXTILE FABRICS (+4%); CLOTHING (+4%); METAL MANUFACTURES (+3%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+3%); FOOTWEAR (+3%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+3%); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+1%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
MONT’Y, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE i ORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-2%); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-2%); ITCHES AND CLOCKS (-1%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF l.iPOLTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 10% IN JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990. IN PARTICULAR, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AND COFFEE; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; RICE; SWINE; AND CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; AND LIVE POULTRY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUMfi OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 14%. COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED FOOTWEAR; HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; AND MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS. ON THE OTHER HAND, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TOBACCO MANUFACTURES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES kosfe BY 23% IN JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR MAN-MADE FIBRES; YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALUES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; AND PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OP StLk FABRICS; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; AND CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, AND SO ON, EXCEPT GLASS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 58% IN VOLUME IN JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 26< fN JUNE 1991 OVER JUNE 1990. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE MACHINERY; TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT! AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY. HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN IMPORT VOLUME OF OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY).
COMPARING JUNE 1991 WITH JUNE 1990, THE IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: FUELS (+8%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); CAPITAL GOODS (+2%); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2%); AND FOODSTUFFS (+2%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JUNE 1991 WITH JUNE 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED 1M THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES: FUELS (+26%); CONSUMER GOODS (+23%); CAPITAL GOODS (+21%); FOODSTUFFS (+21%)*, AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+18%).
/THE PRICES .......
MONDAV, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
4
THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JUNE 1991 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1990: FUELS (+8%); FOODSTUFFS (+4%); CAPITAL GOODS (+3%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ( +1 %) .
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 1991 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND SEPTEMBER 13 AT $4 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 823 4918) .
TABLE 1: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUt’
COMPARING JUN 1991 COMPARING JAN-JUk 19^1
WITH JUN 1990 WITH JAN-JUN 1990
COMMODITY GROUP UNIT UNIT
VALUE VALUE VOLUME VALUE VALUE VOLUME
%%%%%%
CLOTHING 3 4 -1 5 3 1
TEXTILE FABRICS 3 4-13 3 *
TEXTILE YARN AND . THREAD ♦ 3-3 3 3 *
TEXTILE MADE-UPS
AND RELATED
ARTICLES -26 1 -26 -22 1 -23
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 8 3 5 -7 4 -11
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 15 -2 17 26 -1 28
FOOTWEAR -28 3 -31 -27 5 -3i
METAL MANUFACTURES 17 3 13 9 4 5
METAL ORES AND , SCRAP -27 -2 -26 7 * 7
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -24 -1 -23 1 4 1
TRAVEL GOODS,
HANDBAGS AND . . SIMILAR ARTICLES 21 7 13 -7 3 -10
/DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ALL COMMODITIES - 5 - 2 2 1 2
2 * 5 2 -4 -2 3 4
» LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH JUN JUN 1991 1990 COMPARING JAN-JUN WITH JAN-JUN 1991 1990
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME % %
FOODSTUFFS 12 2 10 14 3 11
CONSUMER GOODS 17 3 14 24 3
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 25 2 23 23 2 21
FUELS 70 8 58 34 21 10
CAPITAL GOODS 28 2 26 24 4 2d
ALL COMMODITIES 22 2 20 23 3 20
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH JUN JUN 1991 1990 COMPARING JAN-JUN 1991 WITH JAN-JUN 1990
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % UNIT VALUE VALUE % % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 26 4 21 23 3 19
CONSUMER GOODS 26 3 23 32 2 29
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 20 1 18 21 1 20
FUELS 36 8 26 8 23 -12
CAPITAL GOODS 24 3 21 28 2 26
ALL COMMODITIES 24 2 21 27 2 25
- 0-----------
/6 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
6
TAC DISCUSSES KWAI CHUNG CONGESTION PROBLEM *******
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (MONDAY) REVIEWED THE SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN KWAI CHUNG EXPERIENCED ON AUGUST 16 AND WAS BRIEFED ON A FURTHER REPORT ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY NATHAN ROAD PEAK HOUR CONGESTION PROBLEM.
MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN KWAI CHUNG ON AUGUST 16 WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A LANDSLIDE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, A BACKLOG OF CONTAINER TRUCKS AT THE CONTAINER TERMINALS AS A RESULT OF TYPHOON FRED, AND THE HEAVY RAIN COUPLED WITH 27 ROAD ACCIDENTS IN THE AREA WHICH SLOWED DOWN TRAFFIC.
WHILE IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATING ITS EMERGENCY TRANSPORT CONTROL UNIT TO MONITOR TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE KWAI CHUNG AREA* THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LIAISED WITH THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TO OpEM UP THE CLOSED SECTIONS OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AS WELL AS ORGANISED SPECIAL MTR, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY FEEDER BUS AND FERRY SERVICES TO PROVIDE RELIEF TRANSPORT SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
TO AVOID RECURRENCE OF THE AUGUST 16 INCIDENT, TAC NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD HAVE ALREADY BEEN IN PROGRESS SINCE 1989 AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1992.
THE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF AN feXTRA LAUfe IM EACH DIRECTION ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD, A DUAL TWO-LANE SLIP ROAD LINKING CHING CHEUNG ROAD DIRECTLY WITH CONTAINER PORT ROAD, AND SEPARATE FLYOVERS TO ELIMINATE WEAVING MOVEMENTS ALONG KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
MEANWHILE, SINGLE SOLID WHITE LINES WILL BE MARKED ON SOME SECTIONS OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD TO AVOID CONTAINER TRUCKS JUMPING QUEUES AND THUS BLOCKING THE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THE OPENING OF ROUTE 3 WHICH LINKS THE WEST kOWLOON EXPRESSWAY TO THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING BY 1997 IS ALSO LIKELY TO RELIEVE CONGESTION ALONG THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD CORRIbOR.
TAC CONSIDERED IT IMPORTANT THAT TERMINAL OPERATORS BE ASKED TO REVIEW THEIR OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS TO AVOID PRECIPITATING A MAJOR TRAFFIC CONGESTION INCIDENT.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT A MEETING HAD RECENTLY BEEN HELD AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH THE OPERATORS TO DISCUSS MEASURES THAT COULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID RECURRENCE OF THE AUGUST 16 INCIDENT.
MEASURES AGREED AT THE MEETING INCLUDE:
* AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM TO ALERT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND
THE POLICE OF ANY ANTICIPATED UPSURGE IN CONTAINER TRAFFIC»
♦ A PIECE OF TWO-HECTRE LAND TO BE PROVIDED FOR PARKING LopRlES
DURING AN EMERGENCY,
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WILL ENSURE THAT THE DESIGNATED
PARKING SPACES OF THE CONTAINER PORTS ARE PROPERLY UTILISED,
/* A GOVERNMENT/ ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
» A GOVERNMENT/CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATORS COMMITTEE TO BE SET UP TO DISCUSS AND CO-ORDINATE ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF CONTAINER TERMINALS ON A REGULAR BASIS, AND
* THE OPERATORS TO BE ENCOURAGED TO DESIGN AN APPROPRIATE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM FOR HANDLING CONTAINER ACTIVITIES.
THE ABOVE MEASURES WILL BE PURSUED AT A FURTHER INTER-DEPARTMENTAL MEETING INVOLVING ALL THE TERMINAL OPERATORS LATER IN THE MONTH.
TAC ALSO CONSIDERED THAT CLOSE LlAtSON BfeTwfeEN TERMINAL OPERATORS AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WOULD HELP TO FRoVIDE THE OPERATORS WITH UP-TO-DATE WEATHER INFORMATION FOR PLANNING THEIR OPERATIONS AHEAD AND FORMULATING CONTINGENCY MEASURES.
ON THE CONGESTION PROBLEM OF THE MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDORj TAC WAS TOLD THAT ALTOGETHER NINE NEW BUS ROUTES HAD BEEN INTRODUCED SINCE MAY THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE COMMUTERS WHO MAY USE THE MtR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR WITH ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES DURING THE PEAK HOURS.
ACCORDING TO SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES IN JUNE AND JULY, ROUTES 300 AND 301 HAVE EXTRACTEB ABOUT 2,400 PASSENGERS FROM THE MTR BETWEEN 7.45 AM AND 9 AM ON AN AVERAGE WORKING DAY.
TAC ALSO NOTED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WAS PLANNING FOR A NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT STUDY (NACOPTS) TO EXAMINE THE NEED FOR AND PROVISION OF ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ALONG THE MTR NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR UP TO THE COMPLETION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
NACOPTS WILL LOOK AT THE PLANNING OF ROAD-BASED BuBLtC TRANSPORT AND FERRY SERVICES TO HELP RELIEVE DEMAND ON THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE POTENTIAL GROWTH IN TRAVEL DEMAND, AND THE RELIEF MEASURES LIKELY TO BE TAKEN BY THE MTRC.
THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE LATER THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION COMPLETION IN ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS’ TIME.
AT THE MEETING, TAC WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE AWARD OF FRANCHISE TO CITYBUS LIMITED FOR A BUS SERVICE BETWEEN MACDONNELL ROAD ANt> CENTRAL.
TAC ALSO NOTED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S RECENT SUGGESTION OF CLOSER MONITORING AND CONSULTATION OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, INCLUDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHEME OF CONTROL. THE VIEWS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN GREATER DETAIL BY THE TAC PROBABLY AT ITS NEXT MEETING.
--------0 - -
/8 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 19§1
8
REVISED TERMS FOR DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME i i t * i
TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY IM PARTICULAR THOSE EXPRESSED BY THE AIDED SCHOOLS, THE GOVERNMENT RILL REVISE THE TERMS FOR THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME (DSS) FOR SCHOOLS FROM SEPTEMBER 1992, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"WHILE AIDED SCHOOLS WELCOMED THE FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY tHAt THE DSS OFFERS, THEY ARE RELUCTANT TO FORGO THE SECURITY OF THEIR AIDED STATUS TO MAKE THE UNCERTAIN LEAP INTO THE PRIVATE SCHOOL SECTOR," HE SAID.
UNDER THE REVISED TERMS, An AIDED SCHOOL JOINING THE DSS IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE, FOR A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS, THE feAME SUBSIDY AS IT DOES NOW UNDER THE CODE OF AID.
IT WILL, FOR THE SAME PERIOD, REMAIN UNDER THE CODE OF Aib FoR THE PURPOSES OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF ITS SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
HOWEVER, THE SCHOOL CAN OTHERWISE OPERATE AS A DSS SCHOOL. it CAN CHOOSE ITS OWN DSS STUDENTS, CHARGE FEES UP TO CERTAIN LEVEL tN ADDITION TO STANDARD FEES WITHOUT THE DSS SUBSIDY BEING REDUCED, AND DEVISE ITS OWN CURRICULA.
THE FEES IT COLLECTED CAN BE USED TO FUND IMPROVEMENTS OR to ACCUMULATE CAPITAL. THIS WILL PROVIDE SECURITY.
AT THE END OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, THE SCHOOL WILL REvERt TO THE TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL DSS SCHOOLS AND WILL RECEIVE SUBSIDY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BANDING SYSTEM.
AIDED SCHOOLS OPERATING BELOW THE AVERAGE UNIT COST OF AN AtbED PLACE WILL BE OFFERED THE OPTION OF RECEIVING SUBSIDY AT AN AVERAGE COST ON JOINING THE DSS.
"AS THE REVISED TERMS LARGELY ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF AIDED SCHOOLS, OTHER DSS SCHOOLS WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO THE SAME TERMS AS THEY ARE NOT ORIGINALLY UNDER THE CODE OF AID," THE SPOKESMAN SAIb.
THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE DSS IS TO PROVIDE GREATER FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR HONG KONG FAMILIES IN THE TYPE OF SCHOOLING AVAILABLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
"THIS GREATER FREEDOM OF CHOICE IS UNLIKELY TO BE AcfliEVED IF AIDED SCHOOLS DO NOT FORM A PART OF THE DSS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT MAY TAKE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME SCHOOL FIVE TO 10 YEARS TO IMPROVE BEFORE THEY CAN JOIN THE DSS AND THOSE WHICH HAVE ALREAbY JOINED THE SCHEME DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE ALTERNATIVES TO THE PUBLIC," HE ADDED.
NINE SCHOOLS, INCLUDING FOUR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS, ARE NoW OPERATING UNDER THE DSS.
/9 ........
MONDAY, ‘ IMr R 9, 1991
9 ’SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN PERSPECTIVE’ CONTEST *****
YOUTH CENTRES, SCHOOLS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN lii SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ENTER TEAMS IN A DISTRICT AFFAIRS STUDY CONTEST ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE ’’SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN PERSPECTIVE" CASE STUDY CONTEST IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST AND KNOWLEDGE IN DISTRICT MATTERS.
PEOPLE AGED 15 OR ABOVE WHO LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN THE DISTRICT ARE ALSO WELCOME TO FORM TEAMS, EACH COMPRISING AT LEAST FOUR MEMBERS, FOR THE COMPETITION.
CONTESTANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT A RESEARCH PROJfeCT ON A SPECIFIC ISSUE RELATED TO THE DISTRICT, SUCH AS HOUSING, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL AMENITIES, ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMMES.
BASED ON THEIR STUDY OUTLINES AND PERFORMANCE IN AN INTERVIEW, A TOTAL OF 10 TEAMS WILL BE SELECTED BY AN ADJUDICATING PANEL FOR THE FINALS.
THE FINALISTS WILL EACH BE GIVEN A GRANT OF $500 FOR T«E PRESENTATION OF THEIR FINDINGS AT AN OPEN SYMPOSIUM TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 23.
THE PRESENTATION CAN BE IN THE FORM OF A SLIDE SHOW OR AN EXHIBITION, CARTOON STRIPS, AUDIO RECORDING AND OTHER FORMATS.
THE TOP THREE WINNING TEAMS AND THE OTHER FINALISTS WILL BE AWARDED ATTRACTIVE PRIZES.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE CONTEST ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS SUB-OFFICE ON THE 23RD FLOOR, ABBA COMMERCIAL BUILDING, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS SEPTEMBER 18. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADfe ON TEL. 552 1006.
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 44.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 259.648 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 306.773 MlLLtON CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
/10 .......
MONDAVr SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
- 10 -
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG » ♦ ♦ ♦ *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWUN TONG, KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 11) TO 3 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ELEGANCE ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD, TING FU STREET, TING ON STREET, TING YIP STREET AND TING YU SQUARE.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 7.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 9.9.91 + 167
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -167
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.6 t-0.1* 9.9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
9.9.91 6.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 5.01 PCT 5.17 PCT
1 MONTH 5.00 PCT 5.11 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.22 PCT 5.32 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.67 PCT 5.78 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.24 PCT 6.35 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 7,590 MN 5,785 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG^ TEL.: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER io, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE k).
GOVERNOR PLEASED ON LUO'S RELEASE ................................ 1
HK'S AIRPORT/PORT PROJECTS OFFER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES .......... 2
CHIEF SECRETARY IN JAPAN ......................................... 4
SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES CONTINUE EXPANDING ....................... 5
STREET PUBLICITY TO PROMOTE LEGCO ELECTIONS ...................... 6
NEW DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES NAMED .......................... 1
SPECULATIVE REPORTS ON KMB INTERIM RESULTS UNFOUNDED ............. 7
FREE ISSUE OF CIGARETTES TO PRISONERS WILL STOP SOON ............. 8
PRISONERS RETURNED TO WORK ....................................... 8
TWO MATERNITY HOMES TO CLOSE ..................................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ............................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...... 10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
- 1 GOVERNOR PLEASED ON LUO’S RELEASE *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESbAY) Hfe WAS PLEASED THAT MR LUO HAIXING, ONE OF FOUR HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO HAb BEEN DETAINED IN CHINA, HAD BEEN RELEASED ON BAIL FOR MEDIcAL TREATMENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING OF THE ExEcUTlvE CObNCtLj SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT MR LUO HAD COME BACK TO HONG KONG TODAY SO THAT WE COULb BE WITH HIS FAMILY AMD WHAtEvSE TREATMENT HE DID NEED COULD BE CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG.
"THAT’S VERY WELCOME NEWS TO ALL Ot US," SlR DAvtb SAfb.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE QUESTION OF tHE FOufe Hoftd KONG DETAINEES WHO WERE IN CHINA WAS RAISED BY THE PRIME MINISTER MR JOHN MAJOR, DURING HIS RECENT VISIT TO PEKING.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE THREE HONG KONG PEOPLE STILL IN CHINA, Sift DAVID SAID: "WE’VE BEEN KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ALL ALONG ON PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG WHO ARE IN JAIL IN CHINA, ANb WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT.”
TURNING TO THE ELECTIONS, THE GOVERNOR TO GO OUT AND VOTE.
FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (LEGCO)
SAID: "I’D VERY MUCH LIKE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE
"THE MAIN POINT AT THE MOMENT IS to CARRY Ot'T THESE ELEcttoNS WHICH ARE COMING UP OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THAT’S THE IMPORTANT thing; take that stage by stage, we want as many people As possible To GO OUT AND VOTE IN THOSE ELECTIONS. IT’S GOOD TO SfE THAT THE ESTIMATES ARE THAT THE TURNOUT IS GOING TO BE HIGH,” HE SAIb.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THE LEGCO, SIR DAVID SAID: "WHAT THE PRIME MINISTER SAID At MIS PRESS CONFERENCE IS QUITE CLEAR AND WHAT THE FOREIGN SECRETARY HAb SAID LAST YEAR WHEN WE MADE THE DECISION TO GO FOR 18 DIRfectLY ELECTED SEATS THIS YEAR, AND THEN 20 IN 1995, WAS ALSO QUITE CLEAR.
"BUT LET'S TAKE IT ONE STAGE AT A TIME AND THE FIRST THING IS TO GET THESE ELECTIONS, OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, GET THOSE AS A REAL SUCCESS WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TAKING PART," HE SAID.
"WE’RE MAKING A VERY MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN THE PROCESS bt REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT; IT REALLY IS A MAJOR STEP FOR Us TO GO tNtd THESE DIRECT ELECTIONS.
"WE WILL NOW HAVE A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH A MAJORITY OF ELECTED MEMBERS; THAT’S GOING TO BE A VERY SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD AND IT’S GOING TO IMPROVE THAT SYSTEM OF CONSULTATION WHICH WE’VE BERN RUNNING FOR A LONG TIME," SIR DAVID SAID.
/WHEN ASKED .......
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
- 2 -
WHEN ASKED ABOUT COMMENTS THAT HONG KONG SHOULD RAvfe PULL DEMOCRACY NOW, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "IT’S BEEN MUCH ARGUED HERE, THAT/ FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT VIEWS ON IT. THE CONCLUSIONS THAT WE CAME TO WERE THAT WE WOULD MAKE THIS MAJOR STEP THIS YEAR TO DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS TO A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE iN TRE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHO ARE ELECTED.
"THERE ARE SOME WHO WOULD WANT TO GO FASTER THAN THAT AND tHEPfc ARE SOME WHO SAY THAT’S GOING TOO FAST. WE’RE GOING TO PROGRESSIVELY EXPAND THE NUMBER WHO ARE ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND WE INTEND TO TRY TO MAKE A REAL SUCCESS OF IT," SIR DAVID SAID.
---------0-----------
HK’S AIRPORT/PORT PROJECTS OFFER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES * * * * i
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN JAPAN TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HONG KONO’S NEW INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS OFFER EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF jAPAN/HONG KONG SOCtfeTY ±k TOKYO DURING HIS SECOND-DAY VISIT TO JAPAN, SIR DAVID SAID HONG kONU IS SET ON MAXIMISING THE PRIVATE SECTOR INPUT INTO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
APART FROM THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT, SIR bAvib sAtfe THERE WAS TREMENDOUS SCOPE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ALL THE EXCITING PROJECTS, AND THERE WOULD BE ENORMOUS OPPORTUNITIES IN RELATION TO THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT.
"LET ME MAKE IT CLEAR THAT HONG KONG OPERATES THE PRoVfeREiAL ’LEVEL PLAYING FIELD’.
"NO COUNTRY, WHETHER IT BE HONG KONG OR ELSEWMERfe IS UtVfiM PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN THE CONSIDERATION AND AWARD OF CONTRActS.
"FREE, OPEN AND FAIR COMPETITION HAS BEEN, AND WILL CONftNUfe TO BE, A FUNDAMENTAL POLICY, AND IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR CONTINUING SUCCESS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO OUTLINED SOME OF THE KEY AIRPORT AND PoRT PROJECTS TO HIS AUDIENCE.
HE STRESSED THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURAL PLANS WERE EASfeb UN A CLEAR AND PRAGMATIC VISION OF WHAT WAS NEEDED FOR HONG KONG TO FLOURISH AS A MANUFACTURER, AS AN ENTREPOT AND AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL AND SERVICES CENTRE IN THE DYNAMIC ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
"ALL THESE PLANS ARE NOT JUST PIPE-DREAMS - THEY ARE REALISTIC AND ACHIEVABLE," HE SAID.
/he Also .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
- 3 - -
HE ALSO DESCRIBED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING oN tHe MeW AIRPORT PROJECTS WHICH WAS RECENTLY SIGNED IN PEKING AS "An EXCELLENT AGREEMENT."
HE SAID THE AGREEMENT RECOGNISED THE NfeED FOR EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION TO CONTINUE IN HONG KONG, WITH THE HONG kONG GOVERNMENT BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AIRPORT PROJECtS IN THE PERIOD UP TO 1997.
EQUALLY IMPORTANT, SIR DAVID SAID, WAS THAT IT PROVIDED A PRACTICAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH COMMITMENTS TO BE ENTERED INTO BY IHE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT RELATED TO THE AIRPORT, AND WHtcM IMPOSED FINANCIAL OR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS ON THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF THE special Administrative region of hong kong, could be discussed HitH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IN A POSITIVE WAY, AND WITHIN AN AGREED TIMESCALE.
"WE HAVE ALWAYS RECOGNISED THAT IE WE WERE TO MAXIMISE FrIVAtE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE AIRPORT PROJECT, FoTENTlAL INVESTORS WOULD WISH TO BE ASSURED OF CHINESE SUPPORT FOR THE SCHEME."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS SUPPORT WAS CLEAkLY STATED IM tHfe MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
"IN PARTICULAR, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAEEN to INDICATE CLEARLY TO INTERESTED POTENTIAL INVESTORS THAT OBLIGATIONS RELATED TO THE AIRPORT PROJECTS ENTERED INTO OR GUARANTEED BY THE HoNG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE VALID, AND RECOGNISED AND PROTECTED BY THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT FROM THE FIRST JULY 1997i” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO ACCENTED tHAI THE BANK OF CHINA WOULD PLAY AN APPROPRIATE PART, FOR EXAMPLE, IN tHE SYNDICATION OF LOANS FOR THE AIRPORT PROJECTS, AND THAT CHINESE CONSTRUCTION FIRMS MAY COMPETE IN THE NORMAL WAY FOR PROJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE AIRPORT.
"I HAVE SAID THAT I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A GOOD AGREEMENt. HE ARE CERTAINLY VERY COMFORTABLE WITH IT AND ARE CLEAR THAT IT ENABLES US TO MOVE AHEAD RAPIDLY WITH THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THESE PROJECTS WHICH ARE OF SUCH IMPORTANCE TO THE FUTURE OF HONG koNG," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG, LIKE JAPAN, HAD BEEN BOLD AMD AGGRESSIVE IN MEETING CHALLENGES AND HAD LONG EXPERIENCE OF CHANGING THEM INTO SUCCESSFUL OPPORTUNITIES.
HE ADDED THAT JAPANESE COMPANIES HAD ALREADY DEMONSTRATED THEIH CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE WITH MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN HONG kONG TOTALLING NEARLY US$ 10 BILLION.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THEY WILL WISH TO BE PART OF THE ’AcTtoN* I HAVE DESCRIBED, AND WISH THEM ALL GOOD FORTUNE IN THAT," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
- 4 -
CHIEF SECRETARY IN JAPAN * * * i *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) HE IS VERY ENCOURAGED BY THE AMOUNT OF INTEREST SHOWN BY THE JAPANESE IN HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT AND THE OTHER CORE PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OVERALL PLAN.
SIR DAVID IS IN JAPAN AS HEAD OF A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO BRIEF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, FINANCIERS AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LEADERS ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
"Everywhere we’ve been toDAy, we’ve seen tReMendouH ikTfefefeST IN THE PROJECT FROM BANKERS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, FROM CONTRACTORS, FROM COMPANIES INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE FRANCHISE. ALL HAVE BEEN VERY POSITIVE AND VERY ENCOURAGING.
■ ”1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE PROJECT IS SEEN HERE As ONE OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE IN THE REGION, NOT JUST AS AN AIRPORT AND PORT FOR HONG KONG, BUT AS AN AIRPORT AND PORT FOR SOUTHERN CHINA ANb AS A GATEWAY INTO CHINA FOR THE WHOLE OF THE REGION. I THINk THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH INTEREST," SIR DAVID SAlb.
HE SAID THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON tHE NEW AIRPORT HAD PROVIDED A GREAT DEAL OF CONFIDENCE TO INVESTORS IN JAPAN AND THE UNEQUIVOCAL SUPPORT FROM CHINA, WHICH APPEARED IN THE MEMORANDUM, HAD ALSO BEEN A BIG FACTOR IN THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
SIR DAVID WHO LAST VISITED JAPAN 18 MONTHS AGO sAtD THE INTEREST IN HONG KONG HAD CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY.
"IN ALL THE MEETINGS WE HAVE HAD TODAY AND THE PEOPLE WEjvE MET, THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE FROM GENERALLY bOLITE QUESTIONS OF IS MONTHS AGO, TO SEARCHING QUESTIONS ABOUT DETAILS OF THE PROJfcct, COSTi AND FINANCIAL STRATEGY. THAT IS A RECOGNITION OF THE VERY EeAl INTEREST WE ARE NOW ENGENDERING IN THE PROJECT."
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS HOT SINGLING OUT JAPAN FOR SPECIAL BRIEFING TREATMENT.
"OBVIOUSLY IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO MAKE SlMlLAR VISITS TO EUROPE, THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. IN FACT, MR ALtEN (MR RICHARD ALLEN, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY) IS GOING TO THE UK NEXT WEEK AND WILL BE SEEING SIMILAR GROUPS OF PEOPLE.
"THIS IS A VERY NECESSARY ELEMENT IN GAINING WIDESPREAD UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT," SIR DAVID ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THE HONG KONG DELEGATION SPENT THE DAY IN MEETINGS WITH TOP JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN INCLUDING BANKERS, CONTRACTORS, STEEL MANUFACTURERS AND SHIPPING OPERATORS.
THERE WAS ALSO A MEETING WITH THE PARLIAMENTARY VlCE-MlNlSTfett OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR SHOUZABURO JIMI.
/DURING THEIR .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
- 5 -
DURING THEIR DISCUSSIONS, MR JIMI SAID THERE WAS GREAT INTEREST IN THE PROJECT AND HE SOUGHT MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE TENDERING SCHEDULE.
£
MORE THAN 100 BUSINESSMEN ALSO ATTENDED A LUNCHEON LECTURE ORGANISED BY THE JAPAN/HONG KONG SOCIETY AT WHICH THE CHIEF SECRETARY SPOKE ABOUT THE PROJECT AND THE ABILITY OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY TO COPE WITH THE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT.
TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) THERE WILL BE ANOTHER BUSY ROUND OF MEETINGS, INCLUDING A BREAKFAST MEETING WITH JAPANESE PARLIAMENTARIANS WHO HAVE A SPECIFIC INTEREST IN HONG KONG.
------0-----------
SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES CONTINUE EXPANDING
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, TODAY (TUESDAY) GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD TRY ITS BEST TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE VARIOUS SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES TO COPE WITH THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
MRS GOODSTADT WAS SPEAKING ON THE PROVISIONS OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF LIONS CLUB OF SOUTH KOWLOON AT A TSIM SHA TSUI HOTEL.
"THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990’S AND BEYOND BY THE GOVERNMENT INDICATES ITS COMMITMENT TO LOCAL SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES," SHE NOTED.
ON THE EXPANSION OF SERVICES, SHE SAID A GIRLS’ HOSTEL WOULD COME INTO OPERATION IN TUEN MUN IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL TRAININGS FOR GIRLS IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION.
"SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, WE SHALL EXTEND OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER (CSO) SCHEME FROM THREE TO SIX MAGISTRACIES BEFORE THE CLOSURE OF THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR," SHE SAID.
ON CHILDREN’S WELFARE, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD INTRODUCE A CI1ILD SUPPLEMENT OF $185 PER MONTH UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO PROVIDE GREATER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO HOUSEHOLDS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, STARTING FROM NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
"THIS WILL BENEFIT ABOUT 20,500 CHILDREN," MRS GOODSTADT NOTED.
"NEXT MONTH, WE ARE GOING TO LAUNCH A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME," SHE ADDED.
MRS GOODSTADT POINTED OUT THAT AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE COVERAGE OF SOCIAL WELFARE WAS DIVERSIFIED.
"SOCIAL WELFARE COVERS A WIDE ASPECT OF SERVICES, WHICH AIM AT RESOLVING SOCIAL PROBLEMS," SHE ADDED.
/BASICALLY, THE ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
6
BASICALLY, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED AS MANY AS 63 VARIOUS SERVICES, TARGETTING AT FAMILIES, YOUNG CHILDREN, YOUNGSTERS, SENIOR CITIZENS AND DISABLED PEOPLE, SHE CONTINUED.
"THE PROVISION OF A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES IS TO COPE WITH THE VARIED NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF THE PUBLIC," SHE EXPLAINED, ADDING THAT DEMANDS TO SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WERE MORE AND MORE SIGNIFICANT.
MRS GOODSTADT SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CARING, STABLE AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY COULD AUGUR WELL IN MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF PROVISIONS OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
STREET PUBLICITY TO PROMOTE LEGCO ELECTIONS
* i i i i i i
BROADCASTING VANS AND PUBLICITY BUSES WILL BE TOURING VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, AS WELL AS ON POLLING DAY ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 15), TO PROMOTE THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE LATEST ROUND OF PUBLICITY WAS TO CONVEY THE ELECTION MESSAGE IN THE MOST DIRECT AND EFFECTIVE MANNER TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF TAKING PART IN THESE PARADES WOULD STOP AT DIFFERENT PLACES TO REMIND PEOPLE TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON SUNDAY. THEY WOULD ALSO DISTRIBUTE ELECTION SOUVENIRS TO PASSERS-BY.
A THEME SONG ESPECIALLY COMPOSED FOR THE LEGCO POLLS AND TAPED MESSAGES HIGHLIGHTING MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE WILL BE BROADCAST DURING THE PUBLICITY FANFARES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SOUTHERN, CENTRAL AND WESTERN EASTERN, WAN CHAI, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, YAU TSIM, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUT PO, TAI PO, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICTS WOULD ALL BE MOUNTING SUCH PUBLICITY DRIVES IN THE COMING DAYS.
SEVERAL DISTRICTS HAD HELD THEIR PARADES EARLIER, HE ADDED.
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/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
7 -
NEW DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES NAMED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR K.T. KUO, DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, WILL RETIRE ON SEPTEMBER 16 THIS YEAR, AND MR SIU CHUEN WILL SUCCEED HIM AS DIRECTOR.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MR KUO KETSING, TATY
AGED 59, MR KUO JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN 1958. HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN 1985 AND TO DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES IN APRIL 1991.
ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR KUO WILL HAVE COMPLETED 33 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR SIU CHUEN
AGED 57, MR SIU JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN 1959. HE WAS PROMOTED TO GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN 1982 AND TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN 1987. MR SIU HAS BEEN THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES SINCE SEPTEMBER 1990.
------0--------
SPECULATIVE REPORTS ON KMB INTERIM RESULTS UNFOUNDED * * * * *
COMMENTING ON CERTAIN MEDIA REPORTS SPECULATING ON THE INTERIM RESULTS OF KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) DID NOT HAVE ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION REFERRED TO IN THESE MEDIA REPORTS.
"WHILST THE TAC CAN ASK FOR WHATEVER INFORMATION THAT IS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR GAUGING THE FINANCIAL HEALTH OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANY OR FOR DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATENESS OF FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE TAC BEING GIVEN COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE RELEVANT COMPANY, LET ALONE INFORMATION WHICH IS YET TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE MANAGING BOARD OF THE COMPANY AS IN THIS CASE.
"ANY SUGGESTION THAT THE TAC MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE SPECULATION ABOUT THE INTERIM RESULTS OF THE KMB IS TOTALLY UNFOUNDED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, SEPT IBER 10, 1991
FREE ISSUE OF CIGARETTES TO PRISONERS WILL STOP SOON ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO STC > THE FREE ISSUE OF CIGARETTES TO PRISONERS AS FROM MID OCTOBER.
THIS FOLLOWS A LONG PERIOD OF CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND IS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING POLICY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE MAJOR CONSIDERATION BEHIND THE DECISION WAS THE HEALTH OF THE PRISONERS AND THAT IT WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL EFFORT TO DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM SMOKING.
HOWEVER, THIS DID NOT MEAN A TOTAL BAN OF SMOKING IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS. PRISONERS COULD STILL BUY CIGARETTES FROM THEIR EARNINGS.
REFERRING TO YESTERDAY’S INCIDENT IN WHICH SOME PRISONERS IN STANLEY PRISON REFUSED TO WORK IN PROTEST AGAINST THE NEW MEASURE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS WELL PREPARED FOR ANY INCIDENTS.
HE SAID IT WOULD ALSO STEP UP COUNSELLING TO EDUCATE PRISONERS ON THE HEALTH HAZARDS CAUSED BY CIGARETTE SMOKING.
IN THIS REGARD, AN ANTI-SMOKING BOOKLET HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PRISONERS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PRISONERS WHO REFUSED TO WORK MIGHT FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND LOSS OF EARNINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRISON RULES.
- - 0 - -
PRISONERS RETURNED TO WORK
*****
PRISONERS AT STANLEY PRISON HAVE ABANDONED THEIR PROTEST ACTION AND REQUESTED TO RETURN TO WORK, A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) SPOKESMAN SAID THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
BY 4 PM, ALL OF THE 900 PRISONERS WHO HAD REFUSED TO WORK EARLIER TODAY RETURNED TO WORKSHOPS AND RESUMED WORK.
THE PRISONERS STARTED THEIR PROTEST ACTION YESTERDAY MORNING AFTER THE PRISON MANAGEMENT INFORMED THEM OF THE DECISION TO STOP THE FREE ISSUE OF CIGARETTES TO ALL PRISONERS AS FROM MID OCTOBER.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE CSD’S DECISION WAS MADE AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND WAS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING POLICY.
THE MAJOR CONSIDERATION BEHIND THE DECISION WAS THE HEALTH OF THE PRISONERS AND IT WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL EFFORT TO DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM SMOKING, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
9
TWO MATERNITY HOMES TO CLOSE
*****
THE LIONS CLUB MATERNITY HOME IN KOWLOON CITY AND THE KWUN TONG MATERNITY HOME WILL BE CLOSED FROM SEPTEMBER 24.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ALL ANTENATAL CLIENTS PREVIOUSLY REFERRED TO THESE MATERNITY HOMES WILL BE DIRECTED TO QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL STARTING FROM NEXT TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 17).
THE CLOSURES WILL NOT AFFECT THE NORMAL OPERATION OF BOTH THE LIONS CLUB AND THE KWUN TONG MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE VARIOUS MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
HkEG
EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TENDER RESULTS --- TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q137 Y194
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,665 MN HKD 758 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 5.16 PCT 6.25 PCT
HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 5.18 PCT 6.28 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 8 PCT ABOUT 48 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q138 H173
ISSUE DATE 18 SEP 1991 18 SEP 1991
MATURITY DATE 18 DEC 1991 18 MAR 1992
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 500 + 100 MN HKD 200 + 60 MN
/10 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1991
- 10 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 9.9.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 10.9.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.4 *-0.2* 10.9.91
MILLION
600
-96
+96
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
9.9.91 10.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 5.01 PCT 4.82 PCT
1 MONTH 5.00 PCT 4.81 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.22 PCT 5.12 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.67 PCT 5.49 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.24 PCT 6.24 PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 7,590 MN 7,660 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK IS VERY WORTHWHILE PLACE TO SERVE: GOVERNOR .......................... 1
GOVERNOR IMPRESSED WITH BLEND OF OLD AND NEW ............................ 2
CHIEF SECRETARY IN TOKYO ................................................ 3
ELECTORS URGED TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN LEGCO ELECTIONS ................... 4
GOVT ACCEPTS REFORMS FOR LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION .......................... 6
TIME FOR NEW APPROACH TO PUBLIC HEALTH .................................. 8
FURTHER ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES TO BE PURSUED ............................. 9
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS TO RESOLVE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT DISPUTES ........... 11
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER .............................................. 13
BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR OC AND MAC MEMBERS ....................... 14
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN NORTH POINT TO BE CLOSED ..................... 15
VIOLIN SOLI CONTEST TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER .............................. 15
265 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM .............................................. 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 16
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
1
Hk IS VERY WORTHWHILE PLACE TO SERVE: GOVERNOR * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT Pfe WILL GO ON SERVING HONG KONG AS LONG AS HE IS ASKED TO, AND AS LONG AS HE FEELS HE CAN DO A GOOD JOB, BECAUSE THIS JOB MATTERS TO HlM ENORMOUSLY.
"I THINK HONG KONG IS A VERY WORTHWHILE PLACE," Sift bAVtb SAID.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A VISIT TO THE NORTH DISTRICT, Mfe SAID HE WAS AMUSED BY RECENT SPECULATION ABOUT HIS FUTURE: "1 THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD A LOT OF FUN WRITING A LOT OF ARTICLES ABOUT IT. "
THE GOVERNOR SAID HIS OWN FUTURE WAS NOT IN HIS OWN HANDS, AND THE APPOINTMENT WAS BY THE QUEEN’S PLEASURE WHICH MEANT ON THE ADVlcE OF THE PRIME MINISTER. "SO I DON’T KNOW EXACTLY HOW LONG I SHALL SERVE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ASKED IF HE WISHED TO SERVE UNTIL 1997, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "t’M NOT SURE. I’VE SAID IN THE PAST THAT I THINK FOR SOMEONE TO STAY HERE FOR AS LONG AS 10 YEARS IS A VERY LONG TIME."
"IN HISTORY THERE HAS ONLY BEEN ONE GOVERNOR, POSSIBLY TWO} ONE, SIR ALEXANDER GRANTHAM WAS HERE FOR JUST ABOUT 10 YEARS> AND IT’S A VERY, VERY LONG TIME. SO 1 DON'T MYSELF EXPECT TO BE HERE ALL THAT LONG, BUT THAT IS NOT IN MY OWN HANDS.
TURNING TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS, SIR bAVlb sAlb IT WAS THE CHANCE FOR PEOPLE TO SHOW WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE INTERESTED IN ELECTIONS.
"AND IF THEY ARE INTERESTED AS 1 BELIEVE AND HOPE THEY APR , THEN I HOPE THEY WILL TURN OUT IN LARGE NUMBERS TOMORROW AND ON SUNDAY.
"I HOPE THEY WILL TURN OUT EARLY BECAUSE IF THE NUMBERS ARE OR A SORT OF LEVELS PREDICTED, THERE COULD BE QUITE A SQUASH ABOUT THE EVENING TIME," HE SAID.
ASKED IF HE WOULD CONSIDER APPOINTING DIRECTLY ELECTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVlb SAlb HE WOULD NOT MAKE THESE DECISIONS UNTIL A LITTLE BIT OF TIME AFTER THE ELECTIONS.
"BUT WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH EXCO IS MAKE SURE WE HAVE tHE RIGHT SORT OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXCO AND LEGCO. SO YOU NEED AN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHICH FOLLOWS THE RULES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNClLj WHICH IS THAT THEY OPERATE AS A COLLECTIVE BODY TAklNG DECISIONS, THAT EVERYTHING THAT GOES ON THERE IS CONFIDENTIAL.
/"AND YOU .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 19^1
"AND YOU WANT GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN EXCO AND LECCO ^tCH MEANS TRYING TO HAVE ON THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PEOPLE FROM THE LEGISLATIVE EL SO I WILL TRY TO SELECT PEOPLE FROM THE LEGISLATiVE COUNCIL; FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL; AND 1 ^^L LOOR FOR GOOD CANDIDATES WHO WILL SERVE HONG KONG WELL. THAT S THE CRITERIA,
SIR DAVID SAID.
WHERE THEY’VE COME
INCLUDING ADDED.
WILL LOOK AT THE QUALITY OF THE PEOPLE, AS WELL AS EXACTLY FROM. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A RANGE OF PEOPLE ELECTED, FUNCTIONAL AND OTHER PEOPLE AS WELL, HE
DIRECTLY
I
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GOVERNOR IMPRESSED WITH BLEND OF OLD AND NEW
*******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAW FOR HIMSELF THE HARMoNtobS BLEND OF THE OLD AND THE NEW IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HIS VISIT THERE TOOK HIM TO THE TANG CHUNG L1NG ANCESTRAL MALL WHICH WAS BUILT IN 1525 AND THE NEWLY-COMPLETED WAH MlNG ESTATE IN FANLING.
SIR DAVID DISCUSSED WITH VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES PROGRESS OF THE $2.65 MILLION RENOVATION WORK OF THE HALL WriltH HAS BEEN CONFERRED DEEMED MONUMENT STATUS.
IN CONTRAST TO THIS TRADITIONAL VILLAGE SETTING, HE SAW MoDfeRN LIVING IN THE DISTRICT AS HE WALKED THROUGH WAH MlNG ESTAtE AND VISITED A FAMILY THERE.
THE ESTATE, WITH A PLANNED POPULATION OF 19,000, OCCbEtfeS SEVEN TRIDENT BLOCKS, A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND COMPREHENSIVE RECREATION,EDUCATIONAL AND WELFARE FACILITIES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR tHE NEW tERkt+ofetES, MR ALBERT LAM, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI, THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAW HOW RESIDENTS ENJOYED THEMSELVES AT THE LUNG SUM AVENUE INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WHERE JUDO, BALLET AND TABLE TENNIS CLASSES WERE BEING CONDUCTED.
HIS PROGRAMME TODAY ALSO INCLUDED A BRIEFING ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FANLING NEW TOWN, VISIT TO A CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE, AND A TEA RECEPTION WHERE HE MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER LOCAL PERSONALITIES.
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/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1331
3
CHIEF SECRETARY IN TOKYO * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE JAPAN/HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY LEAGUE WERE GIVEN A BRIEFING IN TOKYO TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG AND THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT, BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.
SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE ALREADY EXTENSIVE AND STRONG COMMERCIAL, BANKING, TRADING AND INVESTMENT LINKS BETWEEN HONG kONG AND JAPAN.
• "HOWEVER, IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT AS THE POLITICAL SYSTEM DEVELOPS IN HONG KONG AND THE LEGISLATORS HAVE AN INCREASING IMPACT ON POLICIES, THAT LINKS ARE DEVELOPED BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE DIET AND THE HONG KONG LEGISLATURE."
SIR DAVID SAID THIS HAD BEEN RECOGNISED WITH THE RECENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LEAGUE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MR TSUTOMU MATA, A MEMBER OF JAPAN’S RULING LIBERAL-DEMOCRATIC PARTY (LDP).
THE CHIEF SECRETARY REPEATED THE INVITATION TO LEAGUE MEMBERS TO VISIT HONG KONG EITHER TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR OR NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID MR HATA WAS ANXIOUS TO WIDEN THE GROUP TO INCLUDE SOME OPPOSITION MEMBERS. AS SOON AS THE PRESENT MEETING OF THE DIET WAS OVER, HE WOULD BE TURNING HIS ATTENTION TO THE LEAGUE WITH A VIEW TO VISITING HONG KONG IN THE NEW YEAR.
DURING TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS OF THE GROUP EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS, INCLUDING THE AIRPORT AND SUNDAY’S DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID IN THE MEETING THAT PLANS WERE IN HAND TO UPGRADE THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TOKYO WITH THE POSTING OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICER, MR DAVID LAN, BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
HE SAID THE MOVE WAS A REFLECTION OF HONG kONG’S GkoUiNC INTEREST IN JAPAN.
SIR DAVID IS IN TOKYO WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF tME PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, MR RICHARD ALLEN, TO BRIEF JAPANESE BANKERS, CONTRACTORS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
THEY HAD A FURTHER SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH TOP BANktNG OFFICIALS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE BUREAU OF THE FINANCE MINISTRY.
SIR DAVID ALSO HAD A 30-MINUTE MEETING WITH THE JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER, DR TARO NAKAYAMA.
TOMORROW, MR ALLEN AND THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR STEPHEN SELBY, WILL BRIEF SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES OF MORE THAN 30 JAPANESE BANKS ABOUT THE AIRPORT PROJECT. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY BEFORE A WORKING LUNCHEON WITH SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S TOP BANKERS.
------0-------
/4 .....
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
4
ELECTORS URGED TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN LEGCO ELECTIONS ♦ * ♦ i i
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPEALS TO ELECTORS OF ALL CONTESTED FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES TO FIND TIME TO VOTE FOR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.
MR SUEN ALSO CALLS ON ALL INDIVIDUAL ELECTORS OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, TOGETHER WITH THE 1.9 MILLION ELECTORS ON THE GENERAL ROLL, TO KEEP UP THEIR EFFORTS AND TURN OUT TO VOTE IN THE DIRECT ELECTIONS ON SUNDAY.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE LEGCO ELECTIONS, MR SUEH SAID THROUGH VOTE CASTING, ELECTORS COULD DEMONSTRATE THEIR FIRM SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL SYSTEM.
TOMORROW, 28 CANDIDATES WOULD VIE FOR THE NINE SEATS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES. ANOTHER 12 CANDIDATES HAD ALREADY hETUfeNED UNCONTESTED TO THE REMAINING 12 SEATS.
AS FOR THE DIRECT ELECTIONS ON SUNDAY, 54 CANDIDATES WOULD RUN FOR 18 SEATS IN NINE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES.
THERE WOULD BE 35 POLLING STATIONS FOR TOMORROW’S FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS WHICH WOULD BE OPENED TO 48,000 VOTERS.
SINCE THE ELECTORATE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WAS RELATIVELY SMALL, VOTING WOULD TAKE PLACE FROM 2.30 PM TO 3.30 PM.
POLLING FOR THE OTHER FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WOULD LAST FoF 15 HOURS FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM.
THE VOTE COUNTING WOULD BE CARRIED OUT CENTRALLY IN THfi QUEfeM ELIZABETH STADIUM WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY FOR WHICH COUNTING WOULD’TAKE PLACE AT THE POLLING STATION AFTER THE POLLING.
"IT IS THEREFORE LIKELY THAT THE ELECTION RESULTS OF THfc REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY CAN BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE 5 PM TOMORROW," MR SUEN SAID.
AS FOR THE OTHER CONSTITUENCIES, HE SAID THE RESULTS WOULD BE ANNOUNCED FROM BEFORE THE MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY TO AROUND 4 AM ON FRIDAY.
PREFERENTIAL ELIMINATION VOTING SYSTEM, WHICH WAS DlFFERfeNT FROM THE "FIRST-PAST-THE-POST" SYSTEM USED FOR THE DIRECT ELECTIONS; HAD BEEN ADOPTED FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS.
VOTERS WERE REQUIRED TO INDICATE THEIR ORDER OF PREFERENCE FOR THE CANDIDATES BY WRITING DOWN ARABIC NUMERALS ON THE BALLOT PAPERS.
THEY HAD TO FILL IN THEIR FIRST CHOICE, AND THEN THEY MIGHT AS THEY WISH CHOOSE OTHER CANDIDATES IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE.
/THERE WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
5
THERE WAS NO RESTRICTION ON THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES CHOSEN.
FOR THE DIRECT ELECTIONS, MR SUEN SAID, ALL 354 POLLING STATIONS WOULD BE OPENED FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM ON POLLING DAY.
"AS SUNDAY IS A HOLIDAY, VOTERS WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE," MR SUEN SAID.
MR SUEN SAID HE HOPED THAT VOTERS WOULD BRING ALONG THEIR t’OLt CARDS TO THE POLLING STATIONS BECAUSE THIS WOULD SPEED UP THE VOTING PROCEDURES.
BUT IF THE VOTERS HAD LOST THEIR CARDS OR THEIR CARDS WERE NOT WITH THEM, THIS SHOULD NOT PREVENT THEM FROM VOTING.
"ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS TO SHOW THEIR IDENTITY CARDS," HE SAID.
POLL CARDS HAD BEEN ISSUED TO ALL VOTERS TWO WEEKS AGO. DETAILS SUCH AS THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE DESIGNATED POLLING STATION, PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF VOTERS AND SO ON WERE PRINTED ON THE CARD.
DUE TO GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS AND OTHER CONSTRAINTS, NOT ALL POLLING STATIONS WERE EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.
HENCE, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR THOSE VOTERS WHO HAD DIFFICULTY GETTING ABOUT OR WERE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, AND WHOSE DESIGNATED POLLING STATIONS WERE NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE, MIGHT CONTACT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE.
"THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS ALREADY IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF POLLING STATIONS IN EACH CONSTITUENCY WHICH ARE SUITABLE FOR THESE VOTERS. THE CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 827 1122," THE SECRETARY SAID.
WHEN A VOTER ARRIVED AT HIS DESIGNATED POLLING STATION, HiS IDENTITY AS A REGISTERED VOTER WOULD FIRST BE VERIFIED. HE WOULD THEN RECEIVED A BALLOT PAPER.
"ALL HE NEEDS TO DO IS TO MARK AN ’X’ IN THE BOX(ES) ADJACENT TO THE NAME(S) OF HIS SELECTED CANDI DATE(S), FOLD UP THE PAPER, AND PUT IT IN THE BALLOT BOX," THE SECRETARY SAID.
ALL GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES WERE DOUBLE-SEATED AND EACH VOTER COULD VOTE FOR UP TO TWO CANDIDATES.
DUE TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL RESTRICTIONS OF SOME POLLING STATIONS WHICH MIGHT NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY SPACIOUS FOR CANVASSING ACTIVITIES, Mil SUEN SAID A BUFFER ZONE WOULD BE SET UP OUTSIDE THOSE POLLING STATIONS WHICH MIGHT HAVE PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORDER.
IN THE BUFFER ZONE, EACH CANDIDATE WOULD BE ALLOWED TO STATIoM ONE TO TWO PEOPLE TO CANVASS VOTES FOR HIM.
"THE RETURNING OFFICER OF EACH CONSTITUENCY HAS ALREADY BRIEFED THE CANDIDATES ON THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT AND HAS SECURED THEIR SUPPORT," HE SAID.
/"I BELIEVE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
- 6 -
"I BELIEVE IT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF MAINTAINING ORDER OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS," HE ADDED.
MR SUEN SAID VOTE COUNTING WOULD BE CONDUCTED AT THE COUNTING CENTRE IN EACH CONSTITUENCY.
"OWING TO THE DOUBLE-SEAT ARRANGEMENT AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES, TOGETHER WITH AN EXPECTED HIGH VOTER TURNOUT, COUNTING WILL TAKE MORE TIME THAN PREVIOUSLY," HE SAID.
TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESS, MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INSTALLED A VOTE COUNTING MACHINE AT EACH COUNTING CENTRE.
"DESPITE THIS, THE ELECTION RESULTS WILL PROBABLY BE AVAILABLE AT A LATER TIME THAN BEFORE.
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, WE DO NOT EXPECT PRELIMINARY RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE MONDAY MORNING," HE SAID.
IF EVERYTHING WENT WELL, MR SUEN EXPECTED THE RESULTS WOULD BEGIN TO COME IN AROUND 8 AM THAT MORNING.
--------0-----------
GOVT ACCEPTS REFORMS FOR LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION
* * * » ♦
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED A SERIES OF PROPOSALS t>UT FORTH BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ESSENCE OF THE PROPOSALS IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION ON OUR SCHOOL BY MINIMISING MIXED-CODE TEACHING. THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED BY GROUPING STUDENTS IN TERMS OF THEIR ABILITY TO LEARN IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH AS DETERMINED THROUGH OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENTS AT PRIMARY 6.
"SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED TO CHOOSE, IN 1994, WHETHER TO BE CHINESE-MEDIUM, ENGLISH-MEDIUM OR TWO MEDIUM SCHOOLS AND TO CHOOSE THE PROPORTION OF CLASSES IN EACH MEDIUM TO BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR STUDENT INTAKE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO DEVELOP, TEST AND ADMINISTER ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND RELATED ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR CHINESE AND ENGLISH AT PRIMARY 6 AND SECONDARY 3.
"REGULAR REVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED TO MONITOR PROGRESS ANb TO CONSIDER WHETHER STRONGER MEASURES MAY BE NEEDED TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES OF ENCOURAGING CHINESE-MEDIUM INSTRUCTION AND MINIMISING MIXED-CODE TEACHING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT HAS ALSO BEEN ACCEPTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF ENHANCING ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES AT PRIMARY 5 AND 6 TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF PRIMARY STUDENTS’ ENGLISH.
/CONCERNING BRIDGING .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
7
CONCERNING BRIDGING COURSES, THE COUNCIL ENDORSED PROPOSAbS
FOR:
i AN ENGLISH BRIDGING COURSE DURING SECONDARY 1 TO UPGRADE tME LANGUAGE STANDARD OF THESE CROSSING FROM PRIMARY 6 INTO ENGLISH-MEDIUM CLASSES;
* THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH THE MEANS BY WHtcH SOME CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS COULD SUCCESSFULLY TRANSFER TO ENGLISH-MEDIUM CLASSES AT THE END OF SECONDARY 3;
» THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO EXPLORE WAYS IN WHICH A BRIDGING COURSE MIGHT BE PROVIDED AT THE END OF SECONDARY 3 TO ASSIST SOME CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS TRANSFERRING TO ENGLISH-MEDIUM CLASSES;
* ENGLISH-MEDIUM STUDENTS WHO CANNOT BENEFIT FROM STUDYING ill THE MEDIUM BECAUSE OF LOW PROFICIENCY IN THE LANGUAGE TO BE ABbE TO TRANSFER TO CHINESE-MEDIUM CbASSES IN SECONDARY 4 AND, FURTHER, THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHOUbD ESTABblStl THE MEANS FOR THEM TO DO SO, INCbUDING A BRIDGING COURSE tF NECESSARY;
* AN APPROPRIATE GENERAb ENGblSH COURSE TO BE PROVlDEb FoR SECONDARY 5 CHINESE-MEDIUM STUDENTS WHO ARfe JOINING tHE WORKFORCE, POSSIBbY DURING THE SUMMER;
* APPROPRIATE VOCATIONAb ENGblSH COURSES, DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC TYPES OF OCCUPATION, TO BE MADE AVAtLABbE TO Abb STUDENTS FROM CHINESE-MEDIUM AND EhGbisH-MEblUM BACKGROUNDS WHO ARE ABOUT TO TAKE UP OR HAVE ALREADY TAEEN UP EMPbOYMENT, FObbOWING THE COMPbETION OF THEIR EDUCATION AT SECONDARY 5 OR 7;
i A BRIDGING COURSE TO BE PROVIDED TO AbbOW STUbENTS WHO NAVfe STUDIED IN THE MEDIUM OF CHINESE TO IMPROVE THEIR ENGblSH bANGUAGE SKIbbS PRIOR TO THEIR ENTRY INTO TERTIARY EDUCATION;
♦ THE PRODUCTION OF MORE EDUCATIONAL TV PROGRAMMES' Td FF CONSIDERED;
♦ A bANGUAGES IN EDUCATION RESEARCH ANb DEVEbOPMENt UNIT EE FORMED IN THE INSTITUTE OF bANGUAGE IN EDUCATION TO CONDUCT , RESEARCH AND DEVEbOPMENT WORK REbATED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF bANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES; AND
♦ CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO PROVIDING IN-SERVICE, REFRESHER COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOb TEACHERS USING ENGblSH AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, FOR THE TEACHING OF SUBJECTS OTHER THAN ENGblSH.
IN ACCEPTING THESE REFORMS, THE COUNCIL HAS NOTED THAt A GUIDING PRINCIPbE BEHIND THESE REFORMS IS THAT SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOUbD BE ENCOURAGED TO USE CHINESE AS THEIR MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AS TEACHING AND bEARNING IS GENERAbbY MORE EFFECTIVE IF MOTHER TONGUE IS USED.
/IT IS .......
WENDKSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
- 8 -
IT IS ALSO NOTED THAT INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS SHOULD DECIDE FoR THEMSELVES WHETHER THEIR MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION SHOULD BE ENGLISH OR CHINESE AND THE USE OF MIXED-CODE SHOULD BE REDUCED IN FAVOUR OF tHE CLEAR AND CONSISTENT USE OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH tN RESPECT OF TEACHING, TEXTBOOKS AND EXAMINATIONS.
EVIDENCE OF THEIR STUDENTS’ ABILITY TO LEARN IN EITHER LANGUAGE AS PRESENTED BY THE NEW ASSESSMENT TESTS, AS WELL AS FIRM GUIDANCE GIVEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HOWEVER, WILL ENSURE THAT THE APPROPRIATE MEDIUM IS USED BY 1998-99.
THIS REFORM PROPOSAL IS THE THIRD IN A SfeRtfeS oF RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION FOLLOWING A TWOMONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0------
TIME FOR NEW APPROACH TO PUBLIC HEALTH
*****
TIME IS NOW RIGHT FOR HONG KONG TO ADOPT A NEW APPROAcR TO PUBLIC HEALTH.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE, WHEN SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF EOWLOON WEST TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR LEE REVIEWED THE CHANGES WHICH TOOK PLACE THfc PURLfC HEALTH SCENE IN HONG KONG OVER THE PAST SIX DECADES.
HE RECALLED THAT THE PREDOMINANT PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEMS DtlUiMd THE SINO-JAPANESE WAR IN THE 1930’S, WHEN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES FLED FROM CHINA TO HONG KONG, WERE INADEQUATE HOUSING, WAtER SUPPLY, AND POOR SANITATION.
EPIDEMIC DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, TUBERCULOSIS AND SMALL POX WERE RAMPANT.
DR LEE SAID MEASURES TAKEN IN THOSE DAYS TO COPE Wtttl LHE SITUATION WAS MAINLY ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, NAMELY SANITATION* HOUSING, SAFE WATER SUPPLY AND FOOD HYGIENE.
IN THE 1950'S AND 1960’3, HE ADDED, MOVES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION WERE FOCUSED ON PERSONAL PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES SUCH AS MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, IMMUNISATION AND SCHOOL HEALTH.
"FOLLOWING A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF CASES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN THE NEXT TWO DECADES, PUBLIC HEALTH IN HoNG KONG ENTERED A NEW ERA -- A ’THERAPEUTIC’ ERA -- WITH EMPHASIS SHIFTED TO HOSPITAL-BASED SERVICES," DR LEE SAID.
/"THE ADDITIONAL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
9
"THE ADDITIONAL NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS MADE AVAILABLE IN THE 1970’S AND 1980’S TOTALLED 6,300, AS COMPARED WITH 3,760 IN THE PRECEDING TWO DECADES."
THE DIRECTOR SAID TOWARDS THE END OF THE 1970’S, MOST COUNTRIES FACED A PROBLEM OF AN INCREASING COST IN HEALTH CARE AND THEY BEGAN TO CHALLENGE WHETHER THIS WAS A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY OF PROVIDING HEALTH CARE.
DR LEE SAID THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC) SETS OUT THE OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPING PHC IN HONG KONG IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE OF THE WHO.
"THIS REPORT," HE ADDED, "FORMS THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH WE WILL BUILD OUR NEW PUBLIC HEALTH THAT WILL TAKE US INTO THE 21ST CENTURY."
HE SAID THE OVERALL PHILOSOPHY OF THE NEW PUBLIC HEALTH PLACES STRONG EMPHASIS ON THE PREVENTIVE AND PROMOTIVE ASPECTS OF HEALTH CARE, STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE OF GOOD HEALTH, QUALITY AND CONTINUITY OF CARE AND PARTICIPATION OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY.
DR LEE CALLED FOR CO-OPERATION IN THE PROMOTION OF GOOD HEALTH AND THE PREVENTION OF DISEASES, ADDING THAT THE PRESENT REFORMS IN HOSPITAL AND PHC SERVICES PROVIDE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY.
-----0-----
FURTHER ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES TO BE PURSUED
*******
IN PURSUANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING ON HEALTH GROUNDS, LEGISLATIVE MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO IMPLEMENT PROPOSALS ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL LAST YEAR.
THESE WILL FURTHER RESTRICT THE USE, SALE AND PROMOTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) BILL, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON SEPTEMBER 20.
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, SMOKING IS ALREADY PROHIBITED tN PUBLIC LIFTS AND PART OF ENTERTAINMENT HALLS SUCH AS CINEMAS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT VEHICLES.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A TOTAL BAN ON SMOKING IN CINEMAS, THEATRES, CONCERT HALLS, AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT CARRIERS INCLUDING TAXIS WHEN CARRYING PASSENGERS, BUT EXCLUDING PRIVATE AND CONTRACT HIRE VEHICLES.
/AT PRESENT.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
- 10 -
AT PRESENT, THE LAW REQUIRES SIGNS TO BE DISPLAYED IN WO SMOKING AREAS TO INDICATE THAT SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. IT IS PROPOSED IN THE BILL THAT THESE SIGNS SHOULD ALSO CONTAIN A STATEMENT OF THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR SMOKING IN A NO-SMOKING AREA.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED MEASURES AIMED TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC FURTHER ABOUT THE HEALTH RISKS OF SMOKING.
"IT IS PROPOSED, THEREFORE, THAT THE EXISTING SINGLE GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING BE REPLACED BY STRONGER AND MORE PRECISE MESSAGES AND THAT THESE SHOULD BE USED IN ROTATION.
"FURTHERMORE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE HEALTH WARNING AND TAR GROUP DESIGNATION SHOULD APPEAR ON THE TWO LARGEST SURFACES OF CIGARETTE PACKETS AND CARTONS. SIMILARLY, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE HEALTH WARNING PANEL ON CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS SHOULD BE ENLARGED TO 20 PER CENT OF THE SURFACE AND THAT THE WARNING MESSAGE, AND TAR GROUP DESIGNATION WHERE REQUIRED, SHOULD OCCUPY AT LEAST 40 PER CENT OF THE AREA OF THE WARNING PANEL." HE SAID.
THE BILL WOULD ALSO REQUIRE HEALTH WARNINGS ON OUTDOOR CIGARETTE ADVERTISING SIGNS TO BE CLEARLY VISIBLE AND LEGIBLE, WITHOUT OBSTRUCTION AND WITH PROPER LIGHTING WHERE APPROPRIATE.
THERE IS NO LIMIT AT PRESENT ON THE TAR CONTENT OF CIGARETTES IN HONG KONG.
"IN KEEPING WITH THE WORLD TREND TO RESTRICT THE TAR CONTENT» THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPOSE A MAXIMUM TAR CONTENT OF 20 MILLIGRAMS PER CIGARETTE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT THE PROMOTION OF TOBACCO PRObbcTS SHOULD BE RESTRICTED FURTHER BY THE INTRODUCTION OF A TOTAL BAN ON CIGARETTE ADVERTISING IN CINEMAS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID "CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENT" WOULD EE MORE PRECISELY DEFINED TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THOSE WHICH PROMOTED sHoktNG AND THOSE WHICH ADVERTISED SPONSORSHIP BY COMPANIES WHOSE LINE OF BUSINESS INCLUDED TOBACCO PRODUCTS, IN WHICH THE MERE MENTION OF THE NAME OF THE COMPANY HAS NO DIRECT EFFECT OF PROMOTING SMOKING.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE FIRST cATEGOfeY SHOULD CARRY HEALTH WARNINGS WHILE EXEMPTIONS WOULD APPLY TO THOSE IN THE SECOND CATEGORY PROVIDED THAT THE NAME OF THE COMPANY DOES fooT CONTAIN THE WORD "TOBACCO" OR "CIGARETTE" OR "SMOKING”.
EXISTING PENALTIES HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE THE EARLY 1980’S.
/IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991'
IT IS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FoR INDIVIDUAL OFFENDERS SHOULD BE INCREASED BY 100 PER CENT AND THOSE FOR CORPORATE OFFENDERS BY 200 PER CENT.
IN IMPLEMENTING THE NEW MEASURES, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO ALLOW A REASONABLE LEAD TIME. MOST OF THE NEW MEASURES WOULD NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL SIX MONTHS AFTER THE BILL IS PASSED. THOSE FOR PROHIBITION ON THE SALE OF CIGARETTES WITH A TAR CONTENT EXCEEDING 20 MILLIGRAMS, THE REVISED DEFINITION OF CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENT AND THE REVISED LEVELS OF PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENCES WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ONLY 12 MONTHS AFTER THE BILL IS PASSED.
-----0------
ALTERNATIVE PROCESS TO RESOLVE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT DISPUTES
*****
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) WILL BE THE NORMAL METHOD OF RESOLVING DISPUTES IN ALL FUTURE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT CONTRACTS WHICH IS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT POLICY TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS ON CONTRACT PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS. •
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MH PAUL CORSER, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE NOTED THAT AS PUBLIC BUILDING PROJECTS HAD BECOME LARGER AND MORE COMPLEX, THERE WOULD BE A GROWTH OF DISPUTES BETWEEN THE CONTRACTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A DETERIORATION OF WORKING RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTRIBUTE TO COST OVER-RUNS ON GOVERNMENT PROJECTS.
MR CORSER SAID ADR, WHICH WAS WIDELY AND SUCCESSFULLY USED IN THE UNITED STATES, WAS A FAST, INEXPENSIVE WAY OF RESOLVING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT DISPUTES WITHOUT REFERRING TO ARBITRATION OR THE COURTS.
"ONE OF THE CHIEF ADVANTAGES OF ADR IS THAT THE PAkitES MAINTAIN A GOOD NON-CONFRONTATIONAL RELATIONSHIP, WHICH COULD BE JEOPARDISED IN AN ARBITRATION OR COURT HEARING," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MEDIATION HuLES ADMINISTRATED BY THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE, ADR HAS VARIOUS FORMS AND IS "A VOLUNTARY, NON-BINDING DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS IN WHICH A NEUTRAL PERSON HELPS THE PARTIES TRY TO REACH A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT".
MR CORSER SAID THE THREE FORMS OF ADR WHICH HAD BEEN U’t’iLiSED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE "MEDIATION", THE "MINI-TRIAL" AND USE OF A "DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADVISOR".
/THE MEDIATION .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, l^i
THE MEDIATION PROCESS REQUIRES NOTIFICATION RY oMfe Stbfc Ok A DISPUTE OF AN AGREEMENT TO GO TO MEDIATION, THE APPOINTMENT OF A MUTUALLY AGREED NEUTRAL MEDIATOR WHO INVESTIGATES THE DISPUTE AND FINALLY ASSISTS THE TWO PARTIES TO REACH AN AGREEMENT.
THE WHOLE PROCEDURE IS CARRIED OUT TO A TIMETABLE SO THE DISPUTE IS RESOLVED WHILE WORK PROCEEDS REDUCING THE DANGER OF COST OVER-RUNS THROUGH CLAIMS FOR ADDITIONAL PAYMENT AFTER, THE PROJECT COMPLETION, THUS HELPING BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND THE CONTRACTOR TO kEEt5 BETTER FINANCIAL CONTROL OF THE PROJECT.
MR CORSER EXPLAINED THAT "MINI-TRlAL" WAS THE SECOND koRM OF ADR WHEN BOTH SIDES OF DISPUTE PRESENTED THEIR CASE IN A "MOCk" COURTROOM TO A BOARD OF A NEUTRAL MEDIATOR AND A REPRESENTATIVE FfcoM EACH OF THE CONTESTANTS.
AFTER PRESENTING THEIR CASES, THE MEDIATOR, WHO WILL Bfe A PERSON WITH CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY, ASSISTS AND ADVISES THE INDUSTRIES TO FIND A FAIR SOLUTION.
HE SAID IN A "MINI-TRIAL" RECENTLY ARRANGED DY Ttife ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PERHAPS ONE OF THE ONLY TWO IN HONG KONG, A DISAGREEMENT WITH A CONTRACTOR REGARDING WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL EXPENSE INCURRED DURING A PROJECT WAS FAIRLY RESOLVED.
"THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED WITH THE TWO DIRECTORS siiAktild HANDS WHEN THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED," HE ADDED.
REGARDING THE USE OF A "DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADVISOR", MR CORSER SAID THE PROCESS AGAIN INVOLVED A NEUTRAL PARTY WHO WAS AN EXPERT IN CONSTRUCTION APPOINTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CONTRACT AND WAS AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME DURING THE PROJECT TO HELP RESOLVE DISPUTES.
HE ALSO HAS THE JOB OF FORESEEING POTENTIAL DISPUTES BfeFORE THEY ARISE AND ADVISING. HOW TO AVOID THEM. IF DISPUTES ARISE, THE DISCUSSION AND MEDIATION PROCESS PROCEEDS TO A FIXED TIMETABLE ENSURING DISPUTES ARE RESOLVED BEFORE THE END OF THE PROJECT.
MR CORSER SAID A SIMILAR SYSTEM HAD BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IM THE U.S. ON MAJOR ENGINEERING CONTRACTS FOR WHICH A SURVEY SHOWED ALMOST 100 PER CENT OF DISPUTES WERE RESOLVED WITHOUT ARBITRATION OR GOING TO THE COURTS.
MR CORSER NOTED THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS UNDER Tl-ife CONTROL OF HIS DEPARTMENT TO BE TENDERED OVER THE NEXT 18 MONTHS WOULD INCLUDE MAJOR REFURBISHMENT OF THE MAIN BLOCK OF QUERN MARY HOSPITAL, THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE WONG CHUK HANG COMPLEX FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE SAID THE METHOD OF "DISPUTE RESOLUTION ADVISOR" WOULD DE USED ON THE CONTRACT FOR THE REFURBISHMENT AND MODERNISATION OF THE OLD CENTRAL BLOCK OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL INCLUDING PROVISION OF AIR-CONDITIONING TO THE WARDS, WHICH WAS NOW BEING TENDERED.
/AS PARTS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
13 -
AS PARTS OF THE HOSPITAL MUST REMAIN IN SERVICE WHILE THE WORft IS UNDERTAKEN, IT MUST BE DONE IN PHASES MAKING THE PRO. T VERY COMPLICATED.
MR CORSER ADDED THAT THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WOULD USE THE "MEDIATION" FORM FOR THE TS1NG MA BRIDGE PROJECT (LANTAU FIXED CROSSING) AND IT WAS ONE OF THE CONDITIONS OF THIS CONTRACT THAT "MEDIATION” BE ENTERED INTO SHOULD A DISPUTE ARISE.
------0--------
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF FOUR LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED OFF HOI YU STREET, QUARRY BAY ON MONG KONG ISLAND.
IT HAS AN AREA ABOUT 892 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND DANGEROUS GOODS), AND/OR WASTE PAPER COLLECTING AND SORTING, AND/OR OPEN PARKING OF VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS).
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 47, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
MEASURING ABOUT 17,600 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR GENERAL OPEN STORAGE OF GOODS AND CONTAINERS, INCLUDING LOADING, UNLOADING AND REPAIRING OF CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE THIRD LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 35, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 22,460 SQUARE METRES. THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF THE TENANT’S NON-OFFENSIVE AND NON-DANGEROUS GOODS, INCLUDING STORAGE OF UNLICENSED VEHICLES BUT EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS AND LICENSED VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE REMAINING LOT, LOCATED TN AREA 25, TSUEN WAN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 9,650 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (INCLUDING GOODS VEHICLES BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS) CURRENTLY LICENSED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT FOR USE ON PUBLIC STREETS AND ROADS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
/THE TENANCY .......
WEDNESDAY, TI EMBER 11, 1991
- 14
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTE’ BE!' 27.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE RESPECTIVE 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.
------0--------
BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR OC AND MAC MEMBERS *♦♦♦♦♦**
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S HOUSING COMMITTEE WILL MOLD A BUILDING MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSE FOR MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS (OC’S) AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MACS) IN THE DISTRICT NEXT MONTH.
THE THREE-DAY COURSE AIMS TO ENHANCE OC AND MAC MEMBERS’ KNOWLEDGE IN THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM ON OCTOBER 10, 17 AND 24 tN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND. A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE AWARDED TO PARTICIPANTS.
THE TOPICS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE PROCEDURES ON RECOVERY OF OUTSTANDING MANAGEMENT CHARGES, LEGISLATIONS RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF, CRIME PREVENTION AND FIRE PROTECTION IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, AND MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF BUILDINGS.
MEANWHILE, A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 9 IN THE LOK WAH ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE . IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
ATTENDANCE AT THE TRAINING COURSE AND THE SEMINAR IS FREE. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER OF THE KWUNG TONG DISTRICT OFFICE. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER BEFORE SEPTEMBER 24.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 341 6315 EXT 28.
/15........
WEDNESDAY, SE MEFR 11, 1991
15
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN NORTH POINT TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS
STRUCTURES
ON A BUILDING IN
DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE
SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED NORTH POINT SO THAT THEY CAN BE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF F, ON THE 41ST FLOOR OF KO FUNG COURT, HARBOUR HEIGHTS, 5 ROAD.
OVER
FOOK
FLAT
YUM
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE 1 BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURI WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ORDER
UNDER
ON OCTOBER
THE
30
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START ISSUED.
ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER
IS
- - 0 - -
VIOLIN SOLI CONTEST TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
YOUNG VIOLIN PLAYERS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE FIRST HONG KONG VIOLIN SOLI CONTEST TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER.
THE CONTEST IS PART OF THE 1991 HONG KONG YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE BETWEEN NOVEMBER 10 AND 16.
IT AIMS TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN STRING MUSIC AMONG LOCAL YOUNG VIOLIN PLAYERS WHILE PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCES AMONG THE CONTESTANTS.
THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO VIOLIN PLAYERS AGED 14 AND BELOW. EACH TEAM SHOULD CONSIST OF AT LEAST FOUR MEMBERS WITH A MAXIMUM OF NO MORE THAN 12 MEMBERS.
CONTESTANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM TWO PIECES, INCLUDING A SET PIECE -- GEMINIANI'S "ALLEGRO FROM SONATA IN A SELECTED FROM SECOND VIOLIN, BOOK IV".
THEY MUST PLAY FROM MEMORY AND SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN PIANO ACCOMPANIST.
THE PRELIMINARY CONTEST IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE ON OCTOBER 27 WHILE THE FINAL WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL ON NOVEMBER 12.
THE CHAMPION, AND THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND CASH PRIZES OF $2,500, $2,000 AND $lj500 RESPECTIVELY.
/THE CHAMPION .......
WEDNESDAY. EPTEMBER 11, 1991
- 16 -
THE CHAMPION TEAM WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM IN THE CHAMBER CONCERT OF THE 1991 HONG KONG YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15 AT THE DRAMA THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY THE HARMONY PIANO COMPANY. THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL CONSIST OF FAMOUS LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE CONTEST ARE AVAILABLE ON THE NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS SEPTEMBER 30. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 528 3257.
------0--------
265 VM’S RETURN TO VIETNAM
* * * * *
A GROUP OF 265 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 125 MEN, 63 WOMEN, 49 BOYS AND 28 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 66TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,284 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 9,580 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 10.9.91 EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 11.9.91 EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON *O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED ON 12.9.91 TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.5 *+0.1* 11.9.91 $ MILLION 600 -223 + 223 + 80i /HONG KONG
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1991
- 17 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS 11.9.91 10.9.91
MATURING IN 1 1 3 6 12 WEEK MONTH MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS 4.67 4.78 5.07 5.58 6.26 PCT PCT PCT PCT PCT 4.82 4.81 5.12 5.49 6.24 PCT PCT PCT PCT PCT
TOTAL BILLS TRANSFERRED 6,922 MN 7,660 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGCO FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS RESULTS ....................... 1
LEGCO FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS VOTER TURNOUT ................. 3
47 PER CENT TURNOUT RATE SATISFACTORY ................................. 4
TURNOUT RATE CONSIDERED FAVOURABLE .................................... 4
SCA SATISFIED WITH VOTER TURNOUT RATE SO FAR .......................... 5
STRONG JAPANESE INTEREST IN AIRPORT PROJECT ........................... 6
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY RELEASED ........................... 7
SUFFICIENT LAND WILL BE SOLD TO MEET DEMAND ........................... 14
LABOUR DEPARTMENT FINDS JOB FOR EXPLOITED IMPORTED WORKERS ............ 15
MORE DEMAND FOR INT’L SCHOOL PLACES ENVISAGED ......................... 17
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR AUGUST RELEASED ................................ 17
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ........................................ 20
WATER SUSPENSION AT PEAK .............................................. 23
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
23
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 1 -
LEGCO FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS RESULTS i t i i i
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS, 1991:
FIRST COMMERCIAL
NAME VOTES RESULT
Cheng ming-fun, paul 416
MCGREGOR, JAMES DAVID 487 ELECTED
SECOND INDUSTRIAL
NAME VOTES RESULT
NGAI SHIU-KIT 216 ELECTED
SETO FAI 166
FINANCIAL SERVICES -
NAME VOTES RESULT
— — — —
CHIM PUI-CHUNG 281 ELECTED
CHAN PO-FUN, PETER 36
WONG WUN-WING, DAVID 5
CHAM YAU-TONG 59
WONG PO-HANG, ALEX 200
CHUM TING-PONG 9
/TEACHING .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 2 -
TEACHING
NAME VOTES RESULT
HO KING-ON 886
WOU TCHONG-HONG, WALTER 836
CHEUNG MAN-KWONG 15,193 ELECTED
LEGAL
NAME VOTES RESULT
IP SIK-ON, SIMON 542 ELECTED
MILLER, JOHN WILLIAM 158
ENGINEERING
NAME VOTES RESULT
WONG PING-WAI, SAMUEL 1 ,334 ELECTED
TANG KA-FAT, HOGAN 151
ARCHITECTURAL SURVEYING AND PLANNING
NAME VOTES RESULT
HO SING-TIN, BEAUCHAMP EDWARD 552 ELECTED
KAN FOOK-YEE 136
LAU SHIU-KWAN, FRANCIS 246
BROOKE, CHARLES NICHOLAS 94
/TOURISM .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
3 *
TOURISM
NAME VOTES RESULT
WU TAN, HAROLD 318
YOUNG, HOWARD 338 ELECTED
YUEN KA-CHAI, RONNIE 175
REGIONAL COUNCIL
NAME VOTES RESULT
LAM WAI-KEUNG 10
CHAU CHUN-WING, WILLIAM 5
LEUNG KAM-HO, GILBERT 20 ELECTED
CHOW YICK-HAY 15
0
LEGCO FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS VOTER TURNOUT i i i i * * i
CONSTITUENCY ELECTORS VOTES %
COMMERCIAL I 1,609 911 56.62
INDUSTRIAL II 1,366 390 28.55
FINANCIAL SERVICES 694 556 80.12
TEACHING 38,678 17,034 44.04
LEGAL 1,240 714 57.58
ENGINEERING 2,805 1,511 53.87
ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING 1,481 1,039 70.16
TOURISM 847 728 85.95
REGIONAL COUNCIL 36 36 100.00
TOTAL : 48,756 22,919 47.01
---------0--------------
/4 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
4
47 PER CENT TURNOUT RATE SATISFACTORY *******
THE 47 PER CENT OVERALL TURNOUT RATE FOR THE 1991 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS IS A SATISFACTORY RESULT, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID AFTER THE CLOSING OF THE POLL.
THIS WOULD MEAN 22,919 OF THE 48,756 ELIGIBLE VOTERS HAD TURNED OUT TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS, HE SAID.
IN WRAPPING UP THE ELECTIONS, MR SUEN TOLD A PRESS BRIEFING THAT THE FINAL TURNOUT MIGHT BE A BIT LOWER THAN EXPECTED. HE BELIEVED THAT THIS MIGHT BE DUE TO THE HEAVY DOWNPOUR IN THE EVENING WHICH WAS TRADITIONALLY THE PEAK TIME FOR VOTERS TO GO TO POLLING STATIONS.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE REPORTS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN A NUMBER OF AREAS WHICH MIGHT ALSO DETER VOTERS GOING TO THE POLL.
IN GENERAL, HE SAID, THE ELECTION WAS A GOOD ONE AS EVERYONE COULD SEE THAT A VERY GOOD ATMOSPHERE WAS BEING BUILT UP THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
"THE CONDUCT OF BOTH THE CANDIDATES AND VOTERS HAS BEEN GOOD AND ORDERLY, AND WE HAVE RECEIVED NO COMPLAINT AT ANY OF THE POLLING STATIONS.
"ALL THESE SHOW THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE GETTING MORE MATURE IN ELECTIONS," HE SAID.
MR SUEN NOTED THAT SEVEN OUT OF THE NINE CONTESTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES HAD A TURNOUT RATE HIGHER THAN 50 PER CENT, LED BY THE TWO NEWLY FORMED FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES — TOURISM WITH 85.95 PER CENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES WITH 80.12 PER CENT.
HE- SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CARRY OUT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE ELECTION FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE POLLING PROCEDURES AND WAYS TO FACILITATE VOTERS TO TURN UP AT POLLING STATIONS.
------0-------
TURNOUT RATE CONSIDERED FAVOURABLE
THE TURNOUT RATES OF MOST FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES HAVE BEEN VERY FAVOURABLE WHEN COMPARED TO THE FIGURES OF 1988, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS BRIEFING, MR SUEN NOTED THAT ALL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, EXCEPT THE TEACHING PROFESSION, HAD SO FAR RECORDED A HIGHER TURNOUT RATE THAN THE PREVIOUS ELECTIONS.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 5
HE SAID THE MOST ENCOURAGING SIGN WAS THAT THE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES -- TOURISM AND FINANCIAL SERVICES -- WERE BOTH HAVING A VERY HIGH TURNOUT LEADING THE PACK WITH A TURNOUT RATE OF 74.9 PER CENT AND 74 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY UP TO 6.30 PM.
MR SUEN SAID IF THE SLOW TURNOUT OF THE TEACHING CONSTITUENCY WAS DISCARDED FROM THE OVERALL FIGURE, THE TURNOUT RATE IS ON THE HIGH SIDE.
HE NOTED THAT TEACHERS WERE EXPECTED TO COME OUT TO VOTE AtTEH SCHOOL.
AS THIS FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY DID NOT REQUIRE TO VOTE 1N THE LAST ELECTIONS, COMPARISON COULD ONLY BE MADE WITH THE STATISTICS OF THE 1985 ELECTIONS, HE SAID.
"THE VOTER TURNOUT TREND OF THE TEACHING CONSTITUENCY THIS YEAR IS QUITE SIMILAR TO THAT OF 1985 AND THE TURNOUT RATE IS EXPECTED TO PICK UP AFTER SCHOOL.
"WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE TURNOUT OF THIS FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY COULD MATCH THE 1985 PERFORMANCE, THAT IS, OVER 50 PER CENT," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
SCA SATISFIED WITH VOTER TURNOUT RATE SO FAR i t i i i * i
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, EAtb THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING THAT HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE VOTER TURNOUT RATE FOR THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS SO FAR AND WAS OPTIMISTIC THAT THE FINAL RESULT WOULD BE HIGHER THAN LAST TIME’S.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER TOURING SEVERAL POLLING STATIONS AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND LATER AT THE LEGCO ELECTIONS FRESS CENTRE, MR SUEN SAID THE OVERALL AVERAGE HAD BEEN PULLED DOWN BY A RATHER LOW TURNOUT, AT THIS STAGE, IN RESPECT OF THE TEACHING CONSTITUENCY.
"AS WE KNOW MOST OF THE VOTERS IN THAT PARTICULAR CONSTITUENCY ARE NOW ENGAGED IN REAL WORK, THEY ARE TEACHING, AND WE WON’T EXPECT MOST OF THEM TO COME OUT AND VOTE UNTIL AFTER LUNCH, AS MOST OF THEM ARE PRIMARY TEACHERS AND THEY TEACH IN THE MORNING. WE HOPE THE SITUATION WILL IMPROVE IN THE AFTERNOON AND CERTAINLY TOWARDS THE EVENING.
"IF WE DISREGARD THE FAIRLY LOW FIGURE FOR THE TEAcHtNCl CONSTITUENCY, UP TILL NOW, WE'VE GOT THE FAIRLY RESPECTABLE 15 FEE CENT FOR THE REST OF THE CONSTITUENCIES," HE SAID.
MR SUEN SAID HE WAS ALSO VERY SATISFIED WITH THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF VOTING AT THE POLLING STATIONS, NOTING THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY INCIDENT REPORTED.
/"VOTING HAS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
’’VOTING HAS BEEN CONDUCTED VERY SMOOTHLY. I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH THE LAW AND ORDER, THE CROWD CONTROL MEASURES, AND GENERALLY THE BEHAVIOUR OF EVERYONE."
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF UNCONTESTED SEATS FOR 11 CONSTITUENCIES, MR SUEN SAID THE CHOICE WAS THERE FOR ANYONE WHO WAS INTERESTED TO RUN IN THESE ELECTIONS. "THE FACT THAT SOMEONE HAS CHOSEN NOT TO RUN, I THINK, IS A MATTER OF INDIVIDUAL TASTE," HE SAID.
AS FOR THE HIGHER VOTER TURNOUT RATE SO FAR FOR THE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, SUCH AS TOURISM, MR SUEN ATTRIBUTED THIS TO THE KEENNESS OF THE PEOPLE IN THAT NEW CONSTITUENCY IN EXERCISING THEIR VOTE AS WELL AS THE NOVELTY OF THE CONSTITUENCY TO ITS VOTERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL GIVE A MEDIA BRIEFING ON THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT 5.15 PM AT THE LEGCO ELECTIONS PRESS CENTRE AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 18 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI,
LATER TONIGHT, AROUND 11 PM, HE WILL GIVE A ROUND-UP BRIEFING AT THE SAME VENUE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND BOTH BRIEFINGS.
- - 0 - -
STRONG JAPANESE INTEREST IN AIRPORT PROJECT *****
JAPANESE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE SHOWN CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT PROJECT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD> SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
DURING THE PAST FOUR DAYS, SIR DAVID AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, MR RICHARD ALLEN, HAVE HELD MEETINGS WITH SOME OF JAPAN’S TOP BANKERS AND BUSINESS LEADERS TO BRIEF THEM ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.
"AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS IN THE WORLD, IT’S OBVIOUS IT WILL ATTRACT INVESTORS, CONTRACTORS, POTENTIAL FRANCHISE OPERATORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS.
"HOWEVER, THE INTEREST FROM THE JAPANESE EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS," HE SAID.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FINAL DAY IN TOKYO INCLUDED A BRIEFING FOR 60 SENIOR EXECUTIVES OF MORE THAN 30 JAPANESE BANKS, FOLLOWED BY A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE PRESIDENTS AND MANAGING DIRECTORS OF 10 OF THE LEADING JAPANESE BANKS IN HONG KONG.
/IN HIS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
THE SIGNING OF
IN HIS ADDRESS EARLIER TODAY, SIR DAVID SAID
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING LAST WEEK ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT HAD BLOWN AWAY THE POLITICIAL CLOUD WHICH HAD BEEN HANGING O\ R 1HE PROJECT.
"EVERYONE IS NOW CLEAR THAT THE PROJECT WILL GO AHEAD AS SCHEDULED. THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT, MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, HAS CHANGED THE ATTITUDE OF POTENTIAL INVESTORS TOWARDS THE PROJECT.
’’WITH THE POLITICAL RISKS NOW LARGELY REMOVED, FINANCIERS WILL FOCUS ON THE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY.
"BUT FROM ALL WE HAVE HEARD SO FAR, THE PROJECT IS ONE WHICH FITS WELL INTO THE RENEWED INTEREST OF JAPAN’S FINANICAL INSTITUTIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE ASIAN REGION,” HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT WAS CLEAR FROM THE VISIT THAT EVERYONE WAS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE PROJECT.
"JAPAN HAS ALREADY INVESTED HEAVILY IN HONG KONG, SO I WOULD EXPECT JAPANESE FIRMS TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE NEW PROJECT.”
HOWEVER, HE SAID IT WAS AN INTERNATIONAL PROJECT WHICH HAD ALSO GENERATED A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST FROM EUROPE AND THE UN I I ED STATES, AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF ANY COUNTRY IN THE PROJECT WOULD OBVIOUSLY DEPEND ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THEIR BIDS.
- - 0 - -
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY RELEASED ♦ » * ♦ ♦
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JULY 1991, AT $138,768 MILLION, GREW BY 25% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN JULY 1991 RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 4% TO $21,180 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 34% TO $48,505 MILLION. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 23% TO $69,685 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 27% TO $69,082 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO JULY 1991, AT $836,027 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 4% TO $126,103 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 28% TO $281,620 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20% TO $407,723 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 24% TO $428,303 MILLION.
/THE CHANGES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JULY 1991 WITH JULY 1990, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN, SINGAPORE AND CHINA INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, BY 23%, 22% AND 17% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE TO FRANCE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED BY 10%, 9% AND 5% B RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA, CANADA, 'i JAPAN AND THE NETHERLANDS DECREASED BY 7%, 6%, 3% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA, BY 28%, 27%, 17%, 15% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE, TAIWAN AND JAPAN INCREASED BY 10%, 10% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA AND THE USA DECREASED BY 13% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1,757 MILLION OR 21%); CLOTHING (BY $ 1,662 MILLION OR 4%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,342 MILLION OR 14%); AND TEXTILES (BY $321 MILLION OR 3%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,052 MILLION OR 7%), AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $260 MILLION OR 2%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JULY 1991 WITH JULY 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN, SINGAPORE, JAPAN, THE USA, CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, BY 39%, 38%, 30%, 26%, 24% AND 24% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FROM THE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, ITALY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 20%, 17% AND 16% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER,
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY
1 3%.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS.
/THE VALUE
THUR.'-' s::pTFMH-:R 12, 1991
9
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, JAP,,N, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CH L A ' .CREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 38%, 32%, 29%, 27%, 25%, AND 25% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE USA AN, ITALY INCREASED BY 15%, 10% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.1%.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $9,370 MILLION OR 27%); TEXTILES (BY $9,073 MILLION OR 21%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $6,882 MILLION OR 26%); AND CLOTHING (BY $6,423 MILLION OR 23%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $792 MILLION OR 23%), AND CORK AND WOOD MANUFACTURES (BY $73 MILLION OR 3%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JULY 1991 WITH JULY 1990, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO FRANCE, CHINA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CANADA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE USA AND JAPAN, BY 56%, 54%, 38%, 35%, 30%, 25%
AND 17% RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND TAIWAN INCREASED BY 6% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 2%.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 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, CHINA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN AND CANADA, BY 70%, 50%, 38%, 23%, 22% AND 22% RESPECTIVELY. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE USA, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 17%, 15% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 10%.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO JULY 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $8,017 MILLION OR 32%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $6,480 MILLION OR 23%); TEXTILES (BY $6,401 MILLION OR 25%); AND FOOTWEAR (BY $5,108 MILLION OR 72%).
Ay-’.’r* -rr nr''^p\crc:
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
10
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REC' IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF ( ' 1?5 MILLION OR 6%), AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $67 MILLION OR 16%).
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JULY 1991 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY OCTOBER 1991.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE JULY 1991 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TN JULY 1991 WILL BF AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND SEPTEMBER 18, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $33.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE (IRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 823 4915).
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
• JUL JUL 91 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 91
MAJOR MARKET 1991 OVER 1991 OVER
JUL 90 JAN-JUL 90
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
USA 5,736 - 7 31,709 - 12
CHINA 4,982 + 17 29,283 4 14
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,887 + 9 11,560 4 27
UK 1., 307 + 5 7,796 4 15
JAPAN 1 ,007 - 3 6,494 4 4
SINGAPORE 798 + 22 4,985 + 28
TAIWAN 533 + 23 3,526 4 10
NETHERLANDS 485 - 2 3,164 4 17
CANADA 537 - 6 2,682 - 13
FRANCE 333 + 10 2, 195 4 10
/TABLE 2: .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
11
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EzXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JUL 91 OVER JUL 90 JAN-JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 91 OVER JAN-JUL 90
( X ) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,558 3 39,203 + 4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,171 - 3 13,273 - 7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,730 4- 22 10,803 4- 14
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,427 - 24 10,739 - 2
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 1,698 + 38 10,226 + 21
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,576 4- 12 9,834 4- 3
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JUL 91 OVER JUL 90 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 91 OVER JAN-JUL 90 ( % )
CHINA 26,236 + 24 155,466 4- 25
JAPAN 11,429 4- 30 70,726 4- 29
TAIWAN 6,816 + 39 41,088 4- 32
USA 4,893 + 26 33,062 10
REP OF KOREA 3,007 4 16 20,184 4- 27
/SINGAPORE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
12
SINGAPORE 2,759 + 38 18,315 4 38
UK 1 , 394 4 24 9,559 4 25
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,454 4- 20 9,179 4 15
ITALY 1,061 4- 17 6,460 1 6
SWITZERLAND 849 - 13 6,273 *
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
JUL COMMODITY I"1 DIVISION (HKD MN.) JUL 91 OVER JUL 90 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL OVER JAN-JUL ( * 91 90 • )
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,318 4- 25 52,632 + 21
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 7, 14.4 + 29 44,224 4- 27
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,911 4 19 34,542 4 23
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,481 + 24 32,992 I 26
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,099 + 16 28,829 + 19
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,135 + 8 20,981 + 17
/TABLE 5:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
13
TABLE 5: MAJOR MARKET RE-EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JUL 91 OVER JUL 90 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 91 OVER JAk-JUL §0 ( i )
CHINA 14,420 + 54 81,952 4 88
USA 10,494 + 25 54,182 4 17
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,757 4 38 •18,527 4 7b
JAPAN 2,234 + 17 15,210 4 22
TAIWAN 1,909 4 5 13,709 4 16
REP OF KOREA 1,375 4 30 8,438 4 12
UK 1,433 4 6 7,421 4 23
SINGAPORE 1,042 - 2 6,573 - 10
FRANCE 814 4 56 5,021 4 60 '
CANADA 892 4 35 4,428 4 22
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JUL 91 OVER JUL 90 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-JUL 91 OVER JAN-JUL 90 ( % )
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,557 4 17 34,381 4 28
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,855 4 23 33,084 4 32
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,480 4 39 31,765 4 26
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY..........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 14 -
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES,
AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,959 + 33 23,619 1 13
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,023 + 31 23,326 l
FOOTWEAR 2,347 + 82 12,225 I 72
--------0-----------
SUFFICIENT LAND WILL BE SOLD TO MEET DEMAND
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR ROBERT POPE, TObAY (THURSDAY) ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT SUFFICIENT LAND WOULD BE SOLD TO MEET THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN DEMAND AND THIS WOULD HOPEFULLY DEFLATE THE CURRENTLY OVER-HEATED PROPERTY MARKET.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING, HE SAID: "IN ORDER TO MEET THE OBVIOUS INCREASED DEMAND FOR LAND, THE LAND COMMISSION WILL BE APPROACHED AT THEIR NEXT MEETING FOR APPROVAL TO DRAW ON THE FIVE HECTARES OF LAND IN THE RESERVE PROGRAMME."
HE EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE OR INDEED NECESSARY TO APPROACH THE LAND COMMISSION EARLIER.
"WHEN THEY HELD THEIR LAST MEETING IN JUNE, WE WERE ONLY THREE MONTHS INTO THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN RIDICULOUS TO ASK THE LAND COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL TO SELL MORE LAND WHEN WE HAD NOT AT THAT POINT IN TIME SOLD VERY MUCH AT ALL," HE SAID.
"BY THE NEXT MEETING WE WILL BE MORE THAN HALF-WAY THROUGH THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME AND IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO JUDGE HOW MUCH MORE LAND WILL BE REQUIRED."
MR POPE REFUTED SUGGESTION THAT THE 50 HECTARES LIMITATION ON LAND SALES IN THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS CAUSING ANY SHORTAGE OF LAND SUPPLY.
HE SAID: "THE AMOUNT OF LAND DISPOSED OF EACH YEAR SINCE THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION HAS EACH YEAR EXCEEDED THE 50 HECTARES LIMITATION, THE AVERAGE BEING 85 HECTARES WITH 144 HECTARES BEING DISPOSED OF IN 1988/89.
"THE LAND COMMISSION HAS BEEN A VERY SUCCESSFUL JOINT COMMITTEE DRAWN FROM THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDE.
"BASED ON PAST RECORDS, AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 31,000 NEW FLATS ARE PRODUCED EACH YEAR AND ACCORDING TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION’S 1991 PROPERTY REVIEW 30,400 FLATS WILL BE PRODUCED THIS YEAR WITH 34,700 BEING PRODUCED IN 1992.
/•'THEREFORE THERE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1391
15
THEREFORE THERE IS NO UNDER SUPPLY OF NEW FLATS.
MR POPE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT LAND SOLD TODAY WobLb foot PRODUCE FLATS FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS AND THEREFORE ANY SHORTAGE OP LAND SUPPLY IN RECENT YEARS WOULD NOT AFFECT FLAT SUPPLY SITUATION FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD HAD A FEW LEAN YEARS ifo THE PROPERTY SECTOR FOLLOWING ON FROM THE EVENT IN CHINA IN JUNE 1§89, THE BUILD UP TO AND THE EFFECT OF THE GULF WAR AND THE ONGOING UNCERTAINTY OF THE FUTURE OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
"THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TO BE BULLISH. AND PLAN TO SELL MORE LAND WHEN THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME WAS DRAWN UP IN MARCH THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
HE ATTRIBUTED THE INCREASED DEMAND TO THE CHANGING SITUATION WITH THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE GULF WAR AND THE REACHING OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON THE NEW AIRPORT.
"SUDDENLY EVERY ONE WANTS TO BUY PROPERTY IN HONG KONG AND RAs DEVELOPED SHORT MEMORIES OF THE SITUATION EARLIER THIS YEAR," RE RAID.
ON FUTURE SUPPLY OF RESIDENTIAL LAND, HE SAID ANOTHER FIVE HECTARES OF LAND WOULD BE AVAILABLE NEXT YEAR IN TSEUNG KWAN 0, ABOUT FOUR HECTARES IN TUEN MUN AND FANLING THE YEAR AFTER AND SIX HECTARES IN HUNG HOM IN THE FOLLOWING YEARS.
HE SAID: "TO SAY NOTHING OF THE LAND IN OTHER LOCATIONS ALSO SOLD UNDER THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME AND THE LAND THAT WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE URBAN AREA BY THE SALE OF LAND CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS OF DIFFERENT TYPES."
APPEALING TO THE PUBLIC NOT TO PANIC, MR POPE SAID TRE GOVERNMENT WAS DOING ITS BIT, THE BANKS WERE DOING THEIRS BY RoLblNG BACK ON MORTGAGES AND HE WAS SURE THE MARKET WOULD CORRECT ITSELF.
- - 0 - -
LABOUR DEPARTMENT FINDS JOB FOR EXPLOITED IMPORTED WORKERS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND JOBS FOR FOUR IMPORTED WORKERS WHO WERE DISMISSED BY A GARMENT FACTORY LAST MONTH AFTER COMPLAINING ABOUT UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES.
THE EMPLOYER CONCERNED HAS BEEN PROSECUTED.
"THE WORKERS WILL BE EMPLOYED BY ANOTHER GARMENT FACTORY FOR THE BALANCE OF THEIR ORIGINAL TWO-YEAR CONTRACT PERIOD UNDER TRE TERMS OF THE SPECIAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME FOR EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES," THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YtU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
/THE DEPARTMENT
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12,
16
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO HELPING ANOTHER DISMISSED IMPORTED WORKER IN FINDING A NEW JOB IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
"WE WILL ASSIST ANY IMPORTED WORKER IN RE-EMPLOYMENT ANb tN THEIR APPLICATION TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR AN EXTENSION OF STAY IN HONG KONG SHOULD HE LOSE HIS JOB THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN i " MR MAK STRESSED.
HE ASKED IMPORTED WORKERS TO COME FORWARD TO REPORT ANY EXPLOITATION BY UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS WHO WOULD BE PROSECUTED IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF THEM BREACHING THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
"TO ENSURE IMPORTED WORKERS RECEIVE THEIR WAGES IN FULL; WE ADVISE EMPLOYEES TO PAY WAGES DIRECT TO THE WORKERS’ BANK ACCOUNTS," MR MAK SAID.
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE CONTRACTUAL WAGES ARE RECEIVED DIRECTLY BY THE IMPORTED WORKER, WITH AN INDEPENDENT RECORD OF WAGE PAYMENT," HE EXPLAINED.
MR MAK SAID LETTERS HAD BEEN SENT TO ALL THE 2,488 EMPLOYERS APPROVED TO IMPORT WORKERS UNDER THE 1990 IMPORTATION SCHEMES ADVISING THEM TO PAY WAGES THROUGH BANKS AND REMINDING THEM OF THE LAW REGARDING WAGE PAYMENT AND WAGE DEDUCTIONS.
"ALSO, THERE WILL BE A CLAUSE IN THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND ITS RELATED PROJECTS REQUIRING WAGES TO BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE WORKERS’ BANK ACCOUNTS TO AVOID POSSIBLE UNDERPAYMENT," HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A SECOND SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM (SET) OF SIX LABOUR INSPECTORS TO STEP UP THE MONITORING OF THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEMES AGAINST POSSIBLE EXPLOITATION OF IMPORTED WORKERS.
LIKE THE FIRST SET INCEPTED IN JANUARY, THE NEW TEAM WILL VISIT THE WORKPLACES AND ACCOMMODATIONS OF ALL IMPORTED WORKERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY DAY AND NIGHT.
"DURING THE VISITS, THE LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL chECk WHEThER THE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE UP TO THE STANDARD SPECIFIED IN THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND WILL ASK INDIVIDUAL WORKERS THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF WAGES THEY RECEIVE,” MR MAK SAID.
THEY WILL ALSO COLLECT INFORMATION FROM IMPORTED WokKERS ABoUT THEIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE EMPLOYERS COMPLY STRICTLY WITH THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE RULES AND CONDITIONS OF THE IMPORTATION SCHEMES.
"WHEREVER REQUIRED, ADDITIONAL INSPECTORS MAY BE DEPLOYED TO HELP OUT THE SET IN SPECIFIC TASKS, SUCH AS THE SIX INSPECTORS FROM OTHER UNITS ASSISTING IN THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN TO CHECK THE WAGE RECORDS OF IMPORTED WORKERS," HE ADDED.
MR MAK NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY ISSUED SUMMONSES AGAINST TWO EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS FOR FAILURE TO OBSERVE PROVISIONS RELATING TO STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
"IN ADDITION, PROSECUTION HAS BEEN TAKEN AGAINST ANOTHER EMPLOYER FOR UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES TO IMPORTED WORKERS," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/17........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 17 -
MORE DEMAND FOR INT’L SCHOOL PLACES ENVISAGED ♦ i * * *
THERE IS LIKELY A SURGE IN DEMAND FOR SCHOOL PLACES IN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.
’’THIS IS BECAUSE MORE EXPATRIATE PROFESSIONALS AND PERHAPS RETURNED EMIGRANTS WILL BE COMING WITH THEIR FAMILIES TO HONG KONG TO FILL JOBS GENERATED BY MEGA-SIZED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, AND BY EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES,” THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR LI MADE THESE REMARKS AT THE DEDICATION CEREMONY OF THE USE OF THE KENNEDY ROAD JUNIOR SCHOOL BY THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL.
MR LI SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HAD ANOTHER EXPANSION PROJECT AT TAI TAM.
"THESE EXPANSION PROGRAMMES ARE MOST TIMELY AND UNDOUBTEDLY WILL ASSIST HONG KONG TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF A GROWING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, THUS MAKING THE TERRITORY MORE ATTRACTIVE TO FOREIGN INVESTORS," HE SAID.
MR LI SAID APART FROM HONG KONG’S FUTURE, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE TERRITORY ALWAYS ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE EDUCATION OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, NATIONALITY AND CREED.
------0-------
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR AUGUST RELEASED ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR AUGUST AS OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS.
THIS IS THE SECOND MONTHLY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT. SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY.
TOWARDS THE END OF AUGUST, HONG KONG EXPERIENCED AN EPISODE OF HIGH AIR POLLUTION BROUGHT ABOUT BY A PERIOD OF LIGHT WINDS AND STABLE ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS, WHICH TENDED TO INHIBIT DISPERSION.
AS A RESULT, HONG KONG’S HEALTH-RELATED DAILY NITROGEN DIOXIDE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE OF 150 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER WAS EXCEEDED AT THE MONG KOK STATION ON AUGUST 22 AND 23.
ALSO, THE HOURLY AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE OF 300 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER WAS EXCEEDED ONCE ON EACH OF THESE TWO DAYS AT THIS STATION.
SIGNIFICANTLY HIGH LEVELS OF THE GASES NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), AS WELL AS SOLID PARTICLES AS REPRESENTED BY TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP), WERE RECORDED AT ALL THREE MONITORING STATIONS FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 19 TO AUGUST 24.
/AN EPD ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 18 -
AN EPD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE STILL CONDITIONS ENABLED MORE SO2 AND NO2 THAN USUAL TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO PARTICLES OF SULPHATES AND NITRATES AND THESE REMAINED SUSPENDED IN THE AIR AS TSP OR RSP AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE VERY HAZY ATMOSPHERE.
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.
SO2 AND NO2 ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY ROUND THE CLOCK, WHILE TSP AND RSP ARE SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS EVERY THREE TO SIX DAYS.
THESE AIR POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM COMBUSTION OF FUEL tN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINES. TSP AND RSP ARE ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
HONG KONG’S DAILY AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF SO2 AND NO2, TSP AND RSP ARE 350, 150, 260 AND 180 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER 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^ LtlNG 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 BUILT-UP URBAN DISTRICTS; COMBINED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS; AND DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
THE MEASURED CONCENTRATIONS AT THE MONG KOK STATION ARE RELATIVELY HIGHER THAN THOSE RECORDED AT OTHER STATIONS, REFLECTING THE FACT THAT AIR QUALITY AT LOCATIONS CLOSE TO THE TRAFFIC IS GENERALLY POORER.
CURRENTLY THE EPD OPERATES A TOTAL OF 11 FIXED AIR MONITORING STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE.
THE OTHER EIGHT STATIONS ARE AT KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO, TStM SHA TSUI, TSEUNG KWAN 0, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG SOUTH, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE PRINCil’AL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR RAYMOND LEUNG, ON TEL. 835 1048.
/19.........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
19
Hong Kong Air Quality Report for August 1991
August 1991 jt" ? 2- /^
OJ
0) o C o O
August 1991 K' if
o
5 o E o O
o
5 o n □ o u. o> Q. § L_ O) o o S
300
250
200 -
150 -
100
50
0
Kwai Chung pi|]
K$y M Tottf Suspended PwicUtfe | | AespraHe Suspended PflrtkxXe
__ Sulphur Diwide
—• Mropm Doede
13 5 7
August 1991
9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31
o
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/20
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
20
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY i * * i i i
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BAtHtNG SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME. AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID: "BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE."
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLt COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/GRADE "3" .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
GRADE ”3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTAP' ”. THE E. COLi COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF’ MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4” GRADE OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "3” GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY.THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 29.8.91)
(AS AT 12.9.91)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
2
2
2
2
2
2 1
2 2
2 1
2 1
1 1
1 X
2
X
/TUEN MUN DISTRICT
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
22
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 1
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 1
SILVERMINE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1
TUNG O* 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 4
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 3
TING KAU 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
X CO x CO CO N OJ TH CO N -v-< OJ CM *-< «—’ XJ'NCOCOCOCO’J'CM
NOTE: "X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR
SWIMMING PURPOSES.
♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 23 -
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
CHUNG HOM KOK AND STANLEY MAIN, FROM "2" TO "1"; TRIO (HEBE HAVEN), FROM "I” TO "2"; SHEK 0 AND APPROACH, FROM ”3" TO "2".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF Tllfe BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, DR M.J. BROOM, ON TEL. 835 1234.
---------0----------
WATER SUSPENSION AT PEAK *****
SUPPLY OF FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER TO SOME PREMISES AT THfe PEAK WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 14) TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS CONNECTION WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 60-116 PEAK ROAD, 29-37 SEVERN ROAD, 22-24 GOUGH HILL ROAD AND ALL PREMISES IN MOUNT KELLETT ROAD, BLUFF PATH, PLANTATION ROAD AND PLUNKETT’S ROAD.
---------------0------- HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 11.9.91 680
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 12.9.91 -3*
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +3
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
*O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -80MN
OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED +77MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.4 4-0.14 12.9.91
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1991
- 24 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
11.9.91 12.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.67 PCT 4.88 PCT
1 MONTH 4.78 PCT 4.88 PCT
3 MONTHS 5.07 PCT 5.10 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.58 PCT 5.60 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.26 PCT 6.25 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 6,922 MN 6,760 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT COMMITTEE FORMED ................................................ 1
6,000 GOVT STAFF TO BE DEPLOYED FOR ELECTIONS ........................... 1
MAKING THE MESSAGE STICK ................................................ 2
GREATER CO-ORDINATION - AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT TO INTEGRATE MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS ............................................................... 3
GOVERNMENT LAND FOR SALE BY AUCTION ..................................... 4
ADVANCE EARTHWORK FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND ROUTE 3 INTERCHANGE .. 4
RECLAMATION AT CHOK KO WAN APPROVED ..................................... 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR HINTERLAND DRAINAGE ................................. 6
LAND RESUMPTION IN TA KWU LING .......................................... 6
TENDERS FOR RECREATION GROUND INVITED ................................... 7
URBAN CLINIC FOR TIN SHUI WAI ........................................... 7
POSTAL SERVICES TO MADAGASCAR SUSPENDED ................................. 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 8
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1991
1
AIRPORT COMMITTEE FORMED * * *
THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE. THIS FOLLOWS THE SIGNING IN BEIJING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON SEPTEMBER 3.
THE COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE TWO SfeNlOk REPRESENTATIVES TO THE J LG, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY AND AMBASSADOR GUO FENGMIN.
THERE WILL BE 10 OTHER MEMBERS.
ON THE BRITISH SIDE, THE MEMBERS WILL BE MR ALAN PAUL, DEPUTY BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP; MR K.Y. YEUNG, SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY; MRS ANSON CHAN, SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES; MR WILLIAM EHRMAN, POLITICAL ADVISER TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT; AND MR RAPHAEL HUT, DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATING OFFICE.
ON THE CHINESE SIDE, THE MEMBERS WILL BE MR ZHENG WEIRONG, REPRESENTATIVE; MR CHEN RONGCHUN, DIRECTOR OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE NONA; MR HU HOUCHENG OF THE HKMAO OF THE STATE COUNCIL; MR SUN YANHENG, CHINESE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE ON THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION; AND MR CHEN KEQIANG, DIRECTOR OF THE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE NCNA.
THE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING IN OCTOBER.
--------0-----------
6,000 GOVT STAFF TO BE DEPLOYED FOR ELECTIONS ******
THE STAGE IS SET FOR THE FIRST-EVER DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 15).
ALREADY', THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT IN A RECORD NUMBER OF STAFF FOR AN ELECTION, SOME 6,000 IN TOTAL, TO ENSURE THAT THE DIRECT ELECTIONS AS WELL AS THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS FOR TRE LEGCO (WHICH WAS HELD YESTERDAY) WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITH FLYING COLOURS.
THE STAFF ARE POOLED ON A TEMPORARY BASIS. THEY ARE MOSTLY CLERICAL OFFICERS EITHER TRANSFERRED FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR HIRED ON CONTRACT TERMS.
FOR THE SUNDAY ELECTIONS, THEY WILL BE DEPLOYED TO FIX UP AMb MAN THE 354 POLLING STATIONS AND THE NINE VOTE-COUNTING STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, AS WELL AS PROVIDE THE NECESSARY BACK-UP SERVICES SUCH AS THE COMPILATION OF DOCUMENTS, FERRYING OF BALLOT BOXES AND STATIONERY PREPARATION.
/A TOTAL ......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1991
2
A TOTAL OF 715 BALLOT BOXES HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND 461 TELEPHONE LINES INSTALLED IN THE POLLING AND COUNTING STATIONS.
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO), WHICH IS THE COORDINATING CENTRE FOR THE ELECTIONS, HAS TO INCREASE ITS STAFF STRENGTH BY 50 PER CENT, FROM 60 TO 90 TO COPE WITH THE MOUNTING WORKLOAD FOR THE ELECTIONS.
THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT HAVE ALSO COME IN FOR ASSISTANCE BY HELPING IN THE PRINTING OF POLL CARDS AND BALLOT PAPERS.
--------0-----------
MAKING THE MESSAGE STICK t * ♦ t *
VOTE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS, WATER IS PRECIOUS -DON’T WASTE IT, DON’T LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED, FALLING OBJECTS CAN KILL.
FROM BILLBOARDS ALL OVER THE TERRITORY, COLOURFUL GOVERNMENT POSTERS AMPLIFIED THESE MESSAGES, URGING US ALL TO BE RESPONSIBLE CARING CITIZENS. THE POSTERS ARE PART OF THE HONG KONG SCENE. BUT. HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW THEY GET THERE?
PUTTING UP THE POSTERS AND MAINTAINING THE HOARDINGS AND LIGHT BOXES WHERE THEY ARE DISPLAYED IS A FULL-TIME JOB FOR THREE MEN! MR NG YUM-SHING, MR LEE KWAI-CHUNG AND MR LI SHUI-YUK.
EMPLOYED BY THE PUBLICATIONS SUB-DIVISION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, EACH OF THEM TRAVELS MORE THAN 400 KILOMETRES AND VISITS 100 SITES EACH WEEK PUTTING UP NEW POSTERS AT SOME OF THE 1,700 POSTER SITES MAINTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THEIR WORKLOAD HAS TRIPLED IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN FOR THE LEGCO ELECTIONS THAT MADE THEM VISIT MORE SITES THAN EVER.
SALLYING FORTH ON THEIR MOTOR-BIKES FROM THEIR HEADQUARTERS IN THE FRENCH MISSION BUILDING IN CENTRAL, THEY HAVE BEEN TRAVELLING 600 KILOMETRES AND PUTTING UP SOME 450 POSTERS EACH WEEK.
THEIR JOB GOES BEYOND STICKING UP THE LATEST GOVERNMENT MESSAGE. AS MR NG SAYS: "WE HAVE TO KEEP THE POSTER SITES IN GOOD CONDITION AND MEND THE DAMAGE DONE BY VANDALS.
"WE USUALLY WORK INDEPENDENTLY, EACH COVERING OUR OWN BEAT."
MR NG, WHO HAS WORKED AS A POSTERMAN FOR 13 YEARS, COVERS THE BIGGEST AREA, THE NEW TERRITORIES; MR LEE, A FIVE-YEAR VETERAN OF THE PASTE POT, WORKS IN KOWLOON;WHILE FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS MR Li HAS BEEN PUTTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
SO THE NEXT TIME A GOVERNMENT POSTER CATCHES YOUR EYE, SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THE THREE TRUSTY POSTERMEN WHO MAKE SURE THE MESSAGE STICKS.
------0--------
/3 ........
3
GREATER CO-ORDINATION - AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT TO INTEGRATE MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS *****
GREATER CO-ORDINATION AND MORE SYSTEMATIC COMMUNICATION IS THE ONLY EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WAY OF ENSURING THAT MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS ARE INTEGRATED IN THE MAIN STREAM OF SOCIETY, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AT THE HONG KONG CLUB, MRS GOODSTADT NOTED THAT PROBLEMS OF MANY MENTALLY ILL PERSONS REST ON HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT.
"IN ADDITION TO HALF-WAY HOUSES, THERE IS A NEED TO THINK IN TERMS OF SUPERVISED AND SUPPORTED HOUSING, DOMICILIARY SERVICES, RESPITE CARE, AS WELL AS WORK-BASED ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT," SHE ADDED.
IDEALLY, SHE POINTED OUT THAT EACH PATIENT IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS SHOULD HAVE A PLANNED PROGRAMME, WITH PROGRESS REGULARLY AND SYSTEMATICALLY MONITORED BY A TEAM CONSISTING OF PSYCHIATRIST, COMMUNITY NURSES, DOMICILIARY THERAPISTS, PLACEMENT OFFICERS, HALF-WAY HOUSE STAFF, MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS, AND FAMILY CASEWORKERS.
AT PRESENT, BITS OF THIS CHAIN OF SERVICES WERE ALREADY AVAILABLE BUT THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED NOT ONLY FOR SERVICES TO BE EXPANDED BUT FOR GREATER CO-ORDINATION, SHE CONTINUED.
IN THE WHOLE RANGE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES, MRS GOODSTADT NOTED THAT SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL LAG BEHIND IN BOTH SCOPE AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES DESPITE EFFORTS OF PROFESSIONALS.
SHE SAID UP TILL 1982, SERVICES FOR THIS VERY LARGE GROUP OF PERSONS, ESTIMATED AT SEVERAL TENS OF THOUSAND, INVOLVED ONLY THREE HALF-WAY HOUSES AND. TWO SOCIAL CENTRES.
"FORTUNATELY, A LOT MORE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, THANKS TO THE SPECIAL EFFORTS OF THE PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD," SHE ADDED.
MRS GOODSTADT, TN CONCLUSION, EXTENDED HER APPRECIATION TO MEMBERS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR EFFORTS THEY HAD PUT INTO PROMOTING AND PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
---------0-----------
/4 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1991
4 GOVERNMENT LAND FOR SALE BY AUCTION * * ♦ » »
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TO BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON OCTOBER 9.
THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT 137 WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 941 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN. 340 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1993.
THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 30A, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 21,350 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS ALSO INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 38,430 SQUARE METRES 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 DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 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, SAI KUNG, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH AND ISLANDS.
---------0----------
ADVANCE EARTHWORK FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND ROUTE 3 INTERCHANGE ♦ t t * t
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM CONTRACTORS TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR TENDERING FOR THE ADVANCE EARTHWORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INTERCHANGE CONNECTING ROUTE 3 AND THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AT NORTHWEST TSING YI.
NOTICE OF INVITATION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE ADVANCE EARTHWORK ON COMPLETION WOULD PROVIDE A SITE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE INTERCHANGE AND THE ASSOCIATED WORKS CONNECTING ROUTE 3 AND THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AT ITS EASTERN APPROACH.
/HE SAID .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1391
- 5 -
HE SAID THE WORKS WOULD INVOLVE THE EXCAVATION AND REMOVAL BY BARGE OF ABOUT 6.5 MILLION. CUBIC METRES OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION OF A HAUL ROAD AND A 300-METRE-LONG SEAWALL, FORMATION OF 2.5 HECTARES OF RECLAMATION, AND ALL NECESSARY SLOPE DRAINAGE AND PROTECTION WORKS.
CONTRACTORS WITH RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE ARB IkVITEt) TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION.
PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSULTING ENGINEERS:
SPHW
38TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA TOWER 1
223 HING FONG ROAD
KWAI FONG
APPLICATIONS FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS BY NOON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11.
ACTUAL TENDERS FROM THE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS WILL BE CALLED IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
------0--------
RECLAMATION AT CHOK KO WAN APPROVED i ♦ * ♦ t
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RECLAIM LAND AT CHOK KO WAN IN LANTAU TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A WORKS AREA FOR FUTURE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.
THE RECLAMATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA Of ABOUT 33.2 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED.
WORKS WILL BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IM EARLY 1993.
ALSO, AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INSTALL A CURRENT METER WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 76.33 SQUARE METRES OF SEA-BED AT MA WAN.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE A MEANS TO MEASURE AND MONITOR WATER MOVEMENTS IN THE MA WAN CHANNEL.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WERE DESCRIBED IN TWO NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THESE UNDERTAKINGS MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 12 NEXT YEAR.
/HE SHOULD .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1991
- 6 -
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 THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES.
------0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR HINTERLAND DRAINAGE
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS ' FOR THE WORKS ON A HINTERLAND DRAINAGE PACKAGE PROJECT OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW STORM WATER DRAINS AND REPLACEMENT OF FOUL SEWERS IN YEN CHOW STREET, NAM CHEONG STREET, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND MAN CHEONG STREET/SAIGON STREET- IN WEST KOWLOON.
THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1993.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISED BY MOTT MACDONALD HONG KONG LIMITED, THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
FORMS OF THE TENDER AND OTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MOTT MACDONALD HONG KONG LIMITED, 12TH FLOOR, SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE, 30 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 12 NOOR, OCTOBER 11, 1991.
---------0-----------
LAND RESUMPTION IN TA KWU LING
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME TWO PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN TA KWU LING, NEW TERRITORIES TO PROVIDE LAND t'OR PUBLIC WORKS PURPOSES.
THE LAND, WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 956 SQUARE METRES, WltL BE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD, SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, FLOOD PREVENTION WORKS AND AN ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION TO SUPPLEMENT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TA KWU LING RURAL CENTRE.
/THE LAND .......
FRIDAY, D PTEMBER 13, 1991
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 -GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
- - 0 - -
TENDERS FOR RECREATION GROUND INVITED ******
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RECREATION GROUND IN SAM KA TSUEN, CHA KWO LING.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE SOCCER PITCHES, TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, SPECTATOR STAND, SERVICE BUILDING, VIEWING PLATFORMS, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS AND SITTING-OUT AREA WITH SHADE STRUCTURES.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 1993.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE UPGRADING OF THE AP LEI CHAU CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
THE CONTRACT WILL COVER IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE EXISTING PLAYGROUND AND THE REPLACEMENT OF ONE SET OF MULTI-PLAY EQUIPMENT AND SITTING BENCHES.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY JUNE NEXT YEAR.
NOTICES OF THE TWO TENDERS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 12 NOON, OCTOBER 4 THIS YEAR.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
URBAN CLINIC FOR TINSHUI WAI *****
AN URBAN CLINIC WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN TIN SHU1 WAI TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR FUTURE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING WILL CONTAIN A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND A FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC ON THE UPPER FLOOR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS TO UNDERTAKE THE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
/WORK WILL ... i s i.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1991
8
WORK WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND IS SCHEDULED TO EE COMPLETED BY -THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, TENDERS ARE ALSO INVITED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HOSPITAL ENGINEERING SERVICES WORKSHOP AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING INCORPORATING A WORKSHOP WITH ASSOCIATED OFFICE AND STORE.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED EROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDER FOR BOTH PROjfeCTS IS 12 NOON ON OCTOBER 4.
------0-------
POSTAL SERVICES TO MADAGASCAR SUSPENDED
*******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT OWING TO A GENERAL STRIKE IN MADAGASCAR, THE POSTAL SERVICE THERE IS UNABLE TO OPERATE.
. AS A RESULT, ALL POSTAL SERVICES TO MADAGASCAR ARE SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
A FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE AS AND WHEN SERVICE CAN EE RESUMED.
-----0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 12.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 13.9.91 4-70
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -70
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.4 *+0.0* 13.9.91
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1991
9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
13.9.91 12.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.61 PCT 4.88 PCT
1 MONTH 4.62 PCT 4.88 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.96 PCT 5.10 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.43 PCT 5.60 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.22 PCT 6.25 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 7,225 MN 6,760 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
CONTENTS t>AGfe No.
JAPAN TRIP WAS WORTHWHILE: CHIEF SECRETARY ............................... 1
VOTERS REMINDED TO GO TO POLLING BOOTH TOMORROW .......................... j
BUS TOUR TO SPREAD VOTING MESSAGE ........................................ 4
NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO EXTEND OFFICE HOURS ................... 4
ROVING EXHIBITION ON 'TYPHOON' FOR STUDENTS .............................. 5
FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER ................................................ 5
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 6
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
JAPAN TRIP WAS WORTHWHILE: CHIEF SECRETARY tit***
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT HE WAS WELL PLEASED WITH HIS TRIP TO JAPAN WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS VERY WORTHWHILE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE TIMING WAS GOOD IN THAT HAVING JUST HAD THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED, THERE WAS OBVIOUSLY A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN THE AIRPORT AND THE PORT PROJECT."
"WE ALWAYS ASSUME, I THINK, THAT EVERYBODY KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR AIRPORT AND OUR PORT, AND ABOUT THE AGREEMENT; AND OF COURSE, THEY HAVE HEARD OF IT, BUT IT’S VERY USEFUL TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN FIRST-HAND WHAT WE ARE DOING," HE SAID.
"ALL THE MEETINGS I HAD WERE VERY USEFUL WITH A VERY WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE. I MET CONTRACTORS; 1 MET FINANCIAL ADVISERS; I MET BANKERS; PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BIDDING FOR THE FRANCHISES, AND ALL OF THEM EXPRESSED A GREAT DEAL OF CONFIDENCE IN THE PROJECT NOW GOING AHEAD WITH THE POLITICAL CLOUDS BEING CLEARED AWAY," HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID TENDERS FOR THE AIRPORT PLATFORM, WHICH WOULD GO OUT TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR, HAD ALSO LEAD TO INCREASED INTEREST IN THE PROJECT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FUTURE OVERSEAS TRIPS TO EXPLAIN THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT PROJECTS WERE BEING PLANNED: "WE HAVEN’T SINGLED OUT JAPAN, I THINK IT’S GOING TO BE IMPORTANT THAT WE DO SUCH VISITS ELSEWHERE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO EUROPE AND TO THE UNITED STATES."
SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD HEARD CRITICISM AND HAD SEEN IT IN THE NEWSPAPERS THAT SEVERAL OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATIONS WERE NOW CONSIDERING BOYCOTTING THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE THE WAY CONTRACTS WERE LET.
"1 CAN ONLY SAY FROM THE JAPANESE POINT OF VIEW; I MET TWO OF THE LEADING CONSORTIA THERE. 1 ASKED THEM ABOUT THE BRIDGE CONTRACT AND THEY SAID: YES, IT WAS A TOUGH CONTRACT, BUT THEY'VE HAD TOUGH CONTRACTS BEFORE ------ FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS, AND IT CERTAINLY WASN’T GOING TO DETER THEM FROM BIDDING," HF SAID.
"WE ARE TRYING TO PROTECT OUR INTERESTS BY INSURING THAT WITH A FIXED PRICE CONTRACT WE KNOW THE PRICE OF THE BRIDGE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF ITS LIFE.
"WE HAVE SEEN OTHER PROJECTS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD WHICH HAVE HAD VERY HEAVY OVERRUNS IN COST, AND WE’RE TRYING TO ENSURE, AS FAR AS THE HONG KONG TAXPAYER IS CONCERNED, THAT WE KNOW WHAT THE PRICE OF THE BRIDGE IS GOING TO BE. THAT’S WHY WE’VE GONE FOR THIS FIXED PRICE.
"CLEARLY THERE WILL BE A SMALL PREMIUM THAT WE’LL HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT, BUT WE BELIEVE IT’S WORTHWHILE. IT’S NOT ALL THAT UNUSUAL; IT’S DONE QUITE A BIT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
/TURNING TO........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
- 2 -
TURNING TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS, SIR DAVID SAID THE TURNOUT FOR THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION WAS REASONABLE, ADDING: "ALSO I THINK THIS FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION HAS CREATED MORE INTEREST THAN IT DID IN PREVIOUS YEARS, AND 1 THINK THAT'S GOOD."
■"SOME OF THE CONTESTS WERE VERY CLOSE AND VERY EXCITING; AND I’M SURE THE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED WILL MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO LEGCO," HE SAID.
"WHAT I THINK WE NEED TO DO NOW IS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE LEGCO ELECTIONS, THE DIRECT ELECTIONS TOMORROW, AND ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET OUT AND VOTE SO THAT WE GET A REALLY GOOD TURNOUT FOR THOSE," HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON REMARKS BY A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE THAT HE WOULD NOT REPRESENT A CERTAIN SECTOR OF HIS ELECTORATE, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE ARE A FREE TERRITORY AND PEOPLE ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINIONS, AND I WOULDN’T WANT TO COMMENT ON HOW PEOPLE REGARD THEIR OWN CONSTITUENCY. IT’S UP TO THEM TO SORT IT OUT. IT’S NOT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INTERFERE OR TO COMMENT IN ANY WAY. IT’S A MATTER FOR THEM. "
RESPONDING TO A QUESTION ON WHAT PERCENTAGE TURNOUT WOULD MAKE THE ELECTIONS A SUCCESS, SIR DAVID SAID: "CLEARLY, TURNOUT IS ONE OF THE FACTORS, BUT I ALSO THINK PEOPLE WILL WANT TO SEE HOW THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WORKS; WHETHER IT PRODUCES BETTER GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG; WHETHER INDEED IT CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, THERE ARE LOTS OF FACTORS, NOT JUST TURNOUT; THAT’S ONE OF THEM BUT THERE ARE OTHERS I THINK TOO."
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID PERESONALLY HE WAS HOPEFUL THAT THE TURNOUT RATE IN TOMORROW'S ELECTION WOULD EXCEED 50 PER CENT.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT ON THE QUESTION OF MORE DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS TO LEGCO THERE WAS A MIXED VIEW IN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THAT SUBJECT.
"I SAW A SURVEY JUST BEFORE I LEFT CARRIED OUT BY A NEWSPAPER IN HONG KONG, WHICH SUGGESTED THAT 38 PER CENT OF THE COMMUNITY WERE SATISFIED WITH THE PACE OF DEMOCRACY; 34 PER CENT WANTED IT TO BE A BITFASTER; AND THE REST DIDN’T KNOW, SO THERE IS A DIVIDED VIEW," HE SAID.
"I THINK THAT PEOPLE WILL WANT TO LOOK AT HOW LEGCO OPERATES1, WHETHER IT OPERATES IN THE INTERESTS OF EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG; WHETHER IT LEADS TO BETTER GOVERNMENT. OF COURSE, WE'RE ALL HOPEFUL THAT IT WILL AND THAT WE CAN THEN LOOK AT THE QUESTION OF WHETHER WE WANT MORE DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS.
"BUT I THINK THAT IS NOT A DECISION TO BE MADE, FRANKLY, AFTER TOMORROW OR AFTER A WEEK OR SO. THERE’S GOT TO BE A BIT OF TIME TO MAKE A JUDGMENT ABOUT THAT," SIR DAVID SAID.
/3 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
VOTERS REMINDED TO GO TO POLLING BOOTH TOMORROW * * * * *
VOTERS ARE TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED THAT THEY CAN VOTE FOR TWO CANDIDATES IN THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES IN THE FIRST-EVER DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) STRESSED THAT VOTERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR POLL CARDS CAN STILL CAST THEIR VOTES.
"ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS TO SHOW THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, BUT OF COURSE IT IS BETTER TO BRING ALONG THEIR POLL CARDS AS THIS WILL SPEED UP THE VOTING PROCEDURE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID OFFICIALS IN POLLING STATIONS WILL CHECK THE IDENTITY OF EACH VOTER AND THEN HAND HIM A BALLOT PAPER.
"ALL HE NEEDS TO DO IS TO PUT AN ’X’ IN THE BOX(ES) ADJACENT TO THE NAME(S) OF HIS SELECTED CANDIDATE(S), FOLD UP THE PAPER AND PUT IT IN THE BALLOT BOX," HE SAID.
TOMORROW, 354 POLLING STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL BE OPENED FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED VOTERS WHO FIND THEIR DESIGNATED POLLING STATIONS INACCESSIBLE.
THEY CAN TELEPHONE THE REO’S HOTLINE 827 1122.
"REO OFFICERS WILL TAKE NOTE OF THEIR REQUEST AND FIND AN ALTERNATIVE POLLING STATION WITHIN THE SAME CONSTITUENCY WHICH IS PHYSICALLY ACCESSIBLE TO THEM," HE SAID.
FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED OR ILLITERATE VOTERS, OFFICIALS IN POLLING STATIONS WILL HELP THEM MARK THE CROSS(ES) ON THE BALtoT PAPER.
IN THE 1988 LEGCO ELECTIONS, 235 VISUALLY IMPAIRED, 793 PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND 29,538 ILLITERATE VOTERS TURNED UP TO VOTE.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS PROBLEMS tN VOTING OR HAS LOST THIS POLL CARD CAN ALSO TELEPHONE THE HOTLINE.
"AT PRESENT, THE HOTLINE IS MANNED BY FOUR REO OFFICERS DURING OFFICE HOURS. THERE IS TAPE-RECORDING SERVICE TO CATER FOR THOSE WHO CALL AFTER OFFICE HOURS.
"BUT IT WILL BE MANNED BY 12 OFFICERS ON THE ELECTION DAY TOMORROW,” HE SAID.
IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE HoTLtNE RECEIVED ABOUT 1O.OQ0 CALLS DURING THE 15 HOURS OF THE ELECTIONS. IN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN MAY, ABOUT 6,000 CALLS WERE RECEIVED.
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/4 ..
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
- 4 -
BUS TOUR TO SPREAD VOTING MESSAGE i t ♦ ♦ ♦
A DECORATED BUS WILL TOUR THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY), THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL POLLING DAY, TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO CAST THEIR VOTES.
THE TOUR, ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL START AT 11.30 AM AFTER A CEREMONY AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 10 PM.
INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS CARRYING THE ELECTION MESSAGE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS DURING THE TOUR.
OFFICIATING AT THE STARTING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DONNA WONG; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; AND KOWLOON CITY POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR TERRENCE ORSLER.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE STARTING CEREMONY OF THE KOWLOON CITY LEGCO ELECTIONS BUS PARADE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 11.30 AM AT THE 01 MAN CONCOURSE, 01 MAN ESTATE, HO MAN TIN.
------0-------
NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO EXTEND OFFICE HOURS ♦ * ♦ i t
TO FACILITATE THE RENEWAL OF IDENTITY CARDS FOR JUVENILES BORN IN 1975 OR 1976 WHO ARE HOLDING IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1, 1987, THE CLOSING HOURS OF ALL THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES WILL BE EXTENDED FROM 5 PM TO 6 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, FROM SEPTEMBER 16 TO OCTOBER 19, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ON SATURDAY WILL REMAlM UNCHANGED, THAT IS, FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM.
"THE LONGER HOURS WILL MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"PARENTS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM AND BOOK AN APPOINTMENT IN ADVANCE. THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT ALL THE NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES," HE ADDED.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALING THE ENQUIRY HOTLINES 824 0066 (CHINESE) OR 824 0303 (ENGLISH).
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS OCTOBER 19 THIS YEAR.
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/5 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
- 5 -
ROVING EXHIBITION ON ’TYPHOON’ FOR STUDENTS *****
A ROVING EXHIBITION ON "TYPHOON" IS ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HOSTED BY A TOTAL OF 38 SECONDARY SCHOOLS, STARTING FROM MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 16) UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER, DURING WHICH MORE THAN 10,000 STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO SEE THE EXHIBITS.
TYPHOONS ARE THE MOST INTENSE MEMBER IN THE TROPICAL CYCLONE FAMILY AND ARE THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE WEATHER SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.
HIGH WINDS, HEAVY RAIN AND STORM SURGES GENERATED BY TYPHOONS POSE SERIOUS THREATS TO SHIPS AND COASTAL DISTRICTS.
ON THE AVERAGE, THEY PRODUCED FINANCIAL LOSS OF MORE THAN US$1 BILLION EACH YEAR IN THE PAST SIX YEARS JUST IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA REGIONS.
THIS EXHIBITION AIMS TO ENABLE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BETTER APPRECIATE THE ' STRUCTURE, DEVELOPMENT, MOVEMENT AND DEVASTATING FORCE OF TYPHOONS.
IT IS ALSO HOPED TO HELP THEM KNOW MORE ABOUT THE TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS TN HONG KONG AND THE PRECAUTIONS NEEDED.
COPIES OF A LEAFLET, "HONG KONG TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS", WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE STUDENTS DURING THE EXHIBITION.
AS A CO-OPERATIVE PROJECT WITH THE SCHOOLS, SELECTED STUDENTS FROM EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE GIVEN DETAILED BRIEFINGS ON THE EXHIBITION SO THAT THEY CAN EXPLAIN IT TO THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS.
QUIZZES WILL ALSO BE HELD IN SCHOOLS TO AROUSE STUDENTS’ INTEREST.
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FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS 1HAT THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 23, IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR AN EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
/HOLIDAY PAY .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1991
6
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
AT ANY
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS' ******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 13.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 14.9.91 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ELECTIONS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR HONG KONG: GOVERNOR ...................... 1
'HONG KONG CROSSES HISTORICAL BENCHMARK' ................................. 2
CS URGES PEOPLE TO VOTE .................................................. 3
APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE INVITED ........................ 4
HOLIDAY MAIL SERVICE ..................................................... 5
SALT WATER CUT IN EAST KOWLOON ........................................... c
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBL.
I 991
ELECTIONS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR HONG KONG: GOVERNOR
******
TODAY IS A VERY IMPOR^NT STEP FOR HONG KONG IN THE WHOLE PROCESS *OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, HAVING OUR FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONl, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) AFTER VISITINGfTHE ELECTIONS PRESS CENTRE AT THE CITY HALL 45 MINUTES BEFORE POLLING CLOSED.
If
» "I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SEEN, I STILL HOPE TO SEE, MORE PEOPLE TURNING OUT TO VOTF. IT’S BELOW THE ESTIMATE THAT WE HAVE AND IT’S BELOW THE OPINION POLLS.
"I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE MORE PEOPLE GOING OUT TO VOTE, BUT DON’T LET’S RULE IT OUT SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAVEN’T GOT TO SOME MAGIC FIGURE. IT IS STILL A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPING THAT IN HONG KONG.
COMMENTING ON THE TURNOUT RATE UP TO 9.45 PM, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS BETTER THAN THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, ADDING: "I HOPE IN THE LAST 45 MINUTES THAT THOSE WHO HAVEN’T VOTED AND ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE WILL NOW GET DOWN TO THEIR POLLING STATIONS AND VOTE. "
THE GOVERNOR SAID WE SHOULD NOT ANALYSE THE TURNOUT FIGURES UNTIL "WE’VE ACTUALLY FINISHED THE WHOLE PROCESS OF VOTING." "IT’S STILL A VERY IMPORTANT DAY FOR HONG KONG, THE FIRST TIME WE’VE HAD DIRECT ELECTIONS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. LET’S DO THE ANALYSING OF EXACTLY WHO TURNED OUT TO VOTE; WHY THEY TURNED TO VOTE; WHO DIDN’T; WHY THEY DIDN’T, AFTER WE’VE ACTUALLY GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS OF THE ELECTIONS," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED WHETHER HONG KONG PEOPLE WANTED A FASTER PACE OF DEMOCRACY, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY WHAT PEOPLE WANTED UNTIL THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS WERE ANALYSED.
"I MEAN PEOPLE GO OUT AND VOTE FOR DIFFERENT REASONS; THEY DON’T SIMPLY VOTE BECAUSE THEY WANT MORE DEMOCRACY; THEY VOTE FOR THE PARTICULAR CANDIDATES. AND THOSE PARTICULAR CANDIDATES HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS.
"AFTER THIS IS ALL OVER I THINK IT WILL BE VERY USEFUL IF THE PUBLIC OPINION POLLS GO OUT AND ANALYSE THE REASONS WHY PEOPLE VOTE AND INDEED THE REASONS WHY PEOPLE DIDN’T VOTE," HE SAID.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO VOTE, SIR DAVID SAID THERE HAD BEEN A TREMENDOUS EFFORT TO GET PEOPLE TO GO OUT AND VOTE, NOT JUST BY THE GOVERNMENT BUT BY ALL THE CANDIDATES.
"AFTER ALL IN AN ELECTION IT IS MAINLY THE CANDIDATES WHO SAY ’GO OUT. VOTE FOR ME.’
/"THAT'S WHAT .......
SUNDAt ^.I'TEMBER 15, 1991
2
"THAT’S WHAT YOU EXPECT CANDIDATES TO DO AND JANY 01 CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN VERY ENERGETIC. AND ALL OF .'OU HERE HAVE BEEN PRETTY ENERGETIC IN GIVING PUBLICITY TO THE ELECTION AND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO GO OUT TO VOTE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PREDICTED THE TURNOUT RATE AT SOMEWHERE LIKE 50 PER CENT AND "THE OPINION POLLS WHICH WERE QUOTED IN ALL THE PRESS WHICH I SAW WERE FAR, FAR HIGHER THAN THAT; THEY WERE 60 PER CENT, SOME WERE GOING UP TO 70 PER CENT. AND IT WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING; I HOPE THE PEOPLE WHO DID THOSE OPINION POLLS WILL RE-RUN THE WHOLE PROCESS; RE-RUN THEIR FIGURES; FIND OUT WHY THOSE ESTIMATES WERE WRONG."
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'HONG KONG CROSSES HISTORICAL BENCHMARK’
*******
hong Kong has successfully crossed a historical benchmark TONIGHT WITH THE CLOSE OF THE FIRST-EVER DIRECT ELECTIONS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE WINDING-UP PRESS BRIEFING ON THE ELECTIONS, MR SUEN NOTED THAT OVER 750,000 VOTERS TURNED UP AT THE POLLING STATIONS, A RECORD-HIGH NUMBER FOR ANY ELECTIONS IN THE TERRITORY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FINAL TURNOUT RATE OF 39.15 PER CENT WAS ALSO AN ALL-TIME HIGH FIGURE FOR ANY TERRITORY-WIDE ELECTIONS.-
MR SUEN SAID HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE RESULT THOUGH SOME PEOPLE MIGHT THINK THAT THE FINAL FIGURES WERE OFF THE MARK OF EARLIER PREDICTIONS WHICH SUGGESTED THAT THE FINAL TURNOUT WOULD BE OVER 50 PER CENT.
"THE FINAL TURNOUT RATE IS A SATISFACTORY FIGURE ALTHOUGH SOME PEOPLE MAY NOT AGREE. WE SHOULD BEAR IN MIND THAT THE TURNOUT RATE IS NOT THE ONLY CRITERIA TO ASSESS THE SUCCESS OF AN ELECTION.
"IF WE LOOK AT THE ORGANISATION OF THE ELECTIONS, IT IS A SUCCESS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO SINGLE INCIDENT REPORTED THROUGHOUT THE DAY WITH MORE THAN 750,000 VOTERS CASTING THEIR BALLOTS. IT IS A GOOD ELECTION.
"APART FROM THE TURNOUT RATE, WE ALSO NEED TO SEE HOW THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FUNCTIONS, WHICH IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT CRITERIA IN ASSESSING THIS ELECTION," HE SAID.
MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CARRY OUT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW INTO EVERY ASPECTS OF THE ELECTIONS.
THIS WOULD INCLUDE EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY ASPECTS WHICH WOULD HELP TO IMPROVE THE TURNOUT RATE AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ON ELECTIONEERING FOR FUTURE POLLS, HE ADDED.
/ON WHETHER .......
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 1991
- 3 -
ON WHETHER POLLING COULD BE COMPUTERISED TO S: PED VP THE PROCESS, MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE CAREFULLY AND FOUND THAT A SUM OF $280 MILLION WOULD BE NEEDED FOR SUCH A PURPOSE.
THIS WOULD NOT BE TOO COST EFFECTIVE IF WE CONSIDER THAT ELECTIONS WOULD BE HELD EVERY FOUR YEARS, HE SAID.
-----o------
CS URGES PEOPLE TO VOTE
*******
TODAY IS THE DAY AND IT IS NOW UP TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO COME OUT AND VOTE IF THEY WANT A GREATER SAY IN THEIR GOVERNMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER CASTING HIS VOTE IN THE FIRST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DIRECT ELECTIONS, IN THE HONG KONG ISLAND WEST CONSTITUENCY, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE A VERY BIG EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO VOTE.
"WE’VE BEEN RUNNING ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS, AND WE’VE MADE THE POLLING STATIONS AS CONVENIENT AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
"THE CANDIDATES THEMSELVES HAVE DONE A LOT OF WORK TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO COME OUT AND VOTE."
REFERRING TO THE MORNING RAIN, SIR DAVID SAID: "IT’S NOT A VERY GOOD DAY FOR HIKING, NOT A VERY GOOD DAY FOR SHOPPING OR GOING TO THE BEACH, BUT IT IS A GOOD DAY FOR VOTING, WHICH IS FREE AS WELL, SO COMB AND VOTE."
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, CAST HIS VOTE IN THE SAME CONSTITUENCY SHORTLY AFTER.
ASKED WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO BE VOTING IN THE FIRST LEGCO DIRECT ELECTIONS, MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS QUITE EXCITING IN THE SENSE THAT NOONE QUITE KNEW WHAT THE TURNOUT WOULD BE OR WHAT SORT OF CANDIDATES WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL.
"SO IT CERTAINLY AROUSES INTEREST IN ME. I’VE BEEN READING ALL THE LEAFLETS THIS MORNING AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE A VERY GOOD TURNOUT, AND THE WEATHER, WHICH IS NOW IMPROVED, WILL NOT PUT PEOPLE OFF.”
ON WHAT CRITERIA HE CHOSE IN MAKING HIS VOTE, MR MACLEOD SAID HE BASICALLY RELIED ON THE CAMPAIGN LEAFLETS DISTRIBUTED AND ON THE PRINTED MEDIA IN FORMING HIS JUDGEMENT.
ALSO VOTING IN THE SAME CONSTITUENCY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WERE ONLY 18 SEATS AT STAKE, IT WAS STILL AN OCCASION TO GENERATE EXCITEMENT. "AFTER ALL, IT IS THE FIRST DIRECT ELECTIONS WE HAVE EVER HELD, AND THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN VERY ENTHUSIASTIC."
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/4 ........
SINDAt
SEPTEMBER ' r>
1991
4
APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE INVITED *****
PARENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE IN A PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL OCTOBER 4.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE IS OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG BELONGING CHILDREN BORN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1986 WHO ARE NOT STUDYING IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL.
PARENTS CAN OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION SHEETS FROM THE KINDERGARTENS WHERE THEIR CHILDREN ARE STUDYING.
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN NOT ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS, THE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
"COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 30 AND OCTOBER 4 DIRECT TO ONLY ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WHICH THE PARENT WISHES TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS SCHOOL MAY EITHER BE WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT tN WHICH THE FAMILY LIVES. BUT PARENTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO SELECT A NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY TRANSPORT PROBLEMS."
IN SELECTING A SCHOOL, PARENTS SHOULD ALSO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE "POINTS SYSTEM" WHICH IS BASED ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE CHILD’S FAMILY.
HOWEVER, PARENTS SHOULD NOTE THAT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED IN RESPECT OF ANY ONE CHILD.
"IF THEY ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATION WILL BE RENDERED NULL AND VOID AND ANY ALLOCATION OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE MADE ON THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATION WILL BE WITHDRAWN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SCHOOLS RECEIVING TOO FEW APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES MAY.NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE PRIMARY ONE CLASSES AND IN SUCH CASES, CHILDREN ALREADY ACCEPTED BY THESE SCHOOLS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES WILL HAVE TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY RE-ALLOCATED TO SOME OTHER SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE VACANCIES.
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO CANNOT USE CHINESE AS THE LEARNING MEDIUM, THEY MAY SEEK ADVICE FROM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI (TEL. NO. 572 4383) BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION FORM.
IF PARENTS DO NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN ANY PARTICULAR SCHOOL, THEY SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 30 AND OCTOBER 4 TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
/* PRIMARY ONE .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1991
- 5 -
* PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, WAN CHAI;
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 703, 405 NATHAN ROAD, SIXTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI;
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, FIRST FLOOR, SHA TIN;
♦ TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO;
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN;
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTREj TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN;
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG;
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
3 PIK FUNG ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, FANLING.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED PARENTS WHO WISH TO SEND THE1R CHILDREN TO ATTEND PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS OR PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TO APPLY TO THESE SCHOOLS DIRECT As tHEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM.
---------0-----------
HOLIDAY MAIL SERVICE
*****
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOLLOWING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, THAT IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY, HE SAID.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1991
SALT WATER CUT IN EAST KOWLOON *****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO EAST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 17), FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM, TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, JORDAN VALLEY, WANG TAU HOM, FU SHAN, CHUK YUEN, KOWLOON TONG, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON CITYt MA TAU WAI AND MA TAU KOK AND INCLUDING FUNG WONG SAN TSUEN* MONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND KOWLOON HOSPITAL.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH TO VISIT HK............................................. 1
GOVT STATEMENT ON LEGCO ELECTIONS ........................................ 1
RESULTS OF 1991 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DIRECT ELECTIONS ..................... 2
FS VISITS HOUSING DEPT.................................................... 4
DON’T FORGET YOUR NEIGHBOURS, HK REMINDED ................................ 4
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY - JULY 1991 .......... 7
DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES TO ADMINISTER STATUTORY DECLARATIONS .............. 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................................... 8
FRESH WATER CUT IN SHAM SHUI PO........................................... 9
SURVEY OF ’KAITO’ FERRY SERVICE .......................................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 9
[Missing 2 pages in the original document]
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
3
KOWLOON WEST LAW CHEUNG-KWOK FUNG KIN-KEE, FREDERICK 17,145 36,508 (ELECTED)
LEE YU-TAI, DESMOND 21,471
NG KIN-SUN 6,098
SIT HO-YIN, KINGSLEY 18,634
TO KUN-SUN, JAMES 26,352 (ELECTED)
NEW TERRITORIES EAST WONG WANG-FAT, ANDREW 39,806 (ELECTED)
WONG HONG-CHUNG, JOHNSTON 26,156
LEUNG KA-CHING, ERIC 306
KAN CHUNG-NIN, TONY 37,126
CHOI MAN-HING 348
LAU WAI-HING, EMILY 46,515 (ELECTED)
LAU KONG-WAH 26,659
NEW TERRITORIES SOUTH LEUNG YIU-CHUNG 38,568
LEE WING-TAT 52,192 (ELECTED)
YEUNG FUK-KWONG 30,095
CHAN WAI-YIP, ALBERT 42,164 (ELECTED)
NEW TERRITORIES WEST TANG SIU-TONG 23,389
TSO SHIU-WAI . 20,018
TAI CHIN-WAH 30,871 (ELECTED)
• NG MING-YUM 42,319 (ELECTED)
WONG WAI-YIN, ZACHARY 27,243
NEW TERRITORIES NORTH CHOW MEI-TAK, RONALD 7,117
WONG CHI-KEUNG, JOHNNY 15,350
TONG WAI-MAN 1,429
FUNG CHI-WOOD 23,267 (ELECTED)
TIK CHI-YUEN 21,702 (ELECTED)
CHEUNG HON-CHUNG 16,221
--------------(.------------------
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
4
FS VISITS HOUSING DEPT ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, STARTED HIS ROUND OF VISITS TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH A VISIT TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR MACLEOD WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG, ON ARRIVAL AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT. HE TOURED VARIOUS SECTIONS INCLUDING THE APPLICATIONS HALL, THE COMPUTER TRAINING CENTRE AND THE DEVELOPMENT SECTION TO SEE AT FIRST HAND THEIR OPERATION.
DURING HIS TWO-HOUR STAY AT THE DEPARTMENT, MR MACLEOD WAS BRIEFED BY MR FUNG AND HIS DEPUTIES ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.
- - 0 - -
DON'T FORGET YOUR NEIGHBOURS, HK REMINDED *****
HONG KONG SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK ITS ASIAN NEIGHBOURS IN DEVELOPING NEW MARKETS AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIPS> THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY)♦
SPEAKING ON "NEW FRONTIERS OF TRADE FOR HONG KONG" AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS4 ASSOCIATION, MR TSANG SAID HONG KONG BELONGED TO THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION WHICH HAD NOT LOST ITS LUSTRE AFTER A DECADE OF PHENOMENAL ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"OUR EXTERNAL TRADE WITH THIS REGION STANDS AT 61 PER CENT (EVEN EXCLUDING TRADE WITH COUNTRIES IN NORTH AMERCIA) OF OUR GLOBAL TRADE, AND STILL HAS AMPLE ROOM FOR GROWTH WITHOUT FEAR OF RAMPANT SANCTIONS AND BARRIER," HE SAID.
"I ALSO BELIEVE THAT CHINA AS AN EXPORT MARKET IS FAR FROM BEING FULLY EXPLOITED BY HONG KONG'.
"WE HAVE SO FAR REGARDED THIS BOUNTIFUL HINTERLAND LARGELY AS A MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING CENTRE FOR OUR PRODUCTS TO BE EXPORTED OVERSEAS.
"THUS, OUR COMMERCIAL LINKS ARE MOSTLY CONFINED TO GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND SOUTH CHINA, WHERE GOODS MAY BE MORE READILY TRANSPORTED TO HONG KONG FOR RE-EXPORT ELSEWHERE," HE SAID.
CHINA BEING AN ENORMOUS MARKET WAS NO LONGER A HOLLOW DREAM, HE SAID. ITS PURCHASING POWER FOR CONSUMER GOODS HAD TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED AS THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN MANY PROVINCES HAD RISEN RAPIDLY WITH THE OPENING ECONOMY.
"IT WOULD BE IRONIC IF WE COULD NOT TAP THIS MARKET AT OUR DOORSTEP AS THE JAPANESE, TAIWANESE, SINGAPOREANS AND OTHERS ARE MOVING IN DROVES INTO THE NORTHERN PROVINCES," MR TSANG SAID.
/THIS DID
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
- 5
THIS DID NOT MEAN WE SHOULD ABANDON OUR TRADITIONAL MARKETS* HE ADDED.
ON THE CONTRARY, IT WAS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT WE REMAINED VIGILANT IN PRESERVING OUR EXISTING MARKET ACCESS AND IN REMOVING BARRIERS SET UP THERE FROM TIME TO TIME.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WOULD SPARE NO EFFORT IN SECURING HONG KONG’S TRADING RIGHTS IN THE U.S. AND EUROPE, AND IN PROVIDING A VIABLE AND STABLE FRAMEWORK IN WHICH TRADE COULD FLOURISH.
THUS, IN ADDITION TO CONCLUDING A SERIES OF BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENTS WITH THE U.S., THE EEC AND OTHER COUNTRIES DURING THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE DEPARTMENT WAS DEVOTING A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES TO THE FULL RANGE OF NEGOTIATIONS CONDUCTED UNDER THE URUGUAY ROUND.
FURTHERMORE, OUR EFFORTS TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN ASIA-PACIE1C ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION ACTIVITIES WAS SHORTLY TO BEAR FRUIT, MR TSANG SAID.
HE SAID: "I MUST NOT UNDERSTATE THE WORK BEING DOHB BY EXPORTERS COLLECTIVELY IN PROBING NEW MARKETS."
IN RECENT YEARS, WE HAD SEEN A GROWING NUMBER OF OVERSEAS TRADE FAIRS, MISSIONS AND EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY OUR MANUFACTURING AND TRADING COMMUNITY, OFTEN IN COLLABORATION WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, IN THE PROMOTION OF HONG KONG EXPORTS.
MORE AND MORE OF THEM WERE BEING HELD IN MARKETS OTHER THAN NORTH AMERICA, THE EEC AND CHINA.
FOR EXAMPLE, OF THE 47 TRADE FAIRS, MISSIONS AND EXHIBITIONS HELD OVERSEAS IN 1986, ABOUT 16 (OR 34 PER CENT) TOOK PLACE IN OUR NON-TRADITIONAL MARKETS.
THE NUMBER SURGED TO A TOTAL OF 157 TO ALL MARKETS LAST YEAR, OF WHICH 70 (OR 45 PER CENT) WERE HELD IN REGIONS OTHER THAN NORTH AMERICA, THE EEC AND CHINA.
"THE IMPRESSION ONE GETS, HOWEVER, IS THAT SUCH INITIATIVES ARE OFTEN NOT FOLLOWED WITH THE SAME ENTHUSIASM BY INDIVIDUAL FIRMS’ INVESTMENT AND TRADE.
"ONE ALSO HEARS REMARKS ABOUT POOR COMMERCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, DEMORALISED LABOUR FORCE, FOREIGN CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS, IMPOVERISHED CONSUMERS, BUREAUCRATIC RED-TAPE, AND SO ON IN THESE MARKETS.
"DECISIONS NOT TO ENTER THESE MARKETS ARE FREQUENTLY BASED ON THEIR COMPARATIVE DISADVANTAGES, RELATIVE TO OUR DEVELOPED ONES, IN TERMS OF RATE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN THE SHORT TERM.
"THIS IS WHERE WE NEED FORESIGHT AND BOLDNESS TO SEE BEYOND ONE OR TWO BUYING SEASONS, AND WHERE WE CANNOT DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF INVESTMENT ON WHAT HAS BEEN SECURED IN THE ORDER BOOK."
/TN ORDER .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
IN ORDER TO BEAR BETTER FRUIT AND A BUMPER CL’ P IN THE , A NEW MARKET NEEDED PATIENT CULTIVATION AND TIME TO GROW.
OUR EXPORTING COMMUNITY HAD UNDOUBTEDLY RISEN TO THE LI UE WHERE TIME AND CAPITAL WERE READILY AFFORDABLE ON A SENSIBLE E LE IF THEY WERE EVENTUALLY TO YIELD GREATER RETURNS.
"THE TRADE DEPARTMENT STANDS READY TO HELP IN TACKLING ANY UNREASONABLE IMPEDIMENTS TO OUR TRADE IN THESE NEW MARKETS IN BILATERAL OR MULTILATERAL FORUMS WITH THE COUNTRIES CONCERNED.
’’WHILE YOU EXPLORE NEW MARKETS AND DETERMINE EXPORT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY, THE DEPARTMENT CAN CERTAINLY ACT IN TANDEM ON YOUR ADVICE TO UNBLOCK THE GOVERNMENTAL REGULATORY REGIMES AND TRADE BARRIERS AT THE IMPORTING ENDS.
"THIS IS FERTILE GROUND FOR US TO JOIN HANDS," MR TSANG SAID.
HE SAID FOR A SMALL TERRITORY LIKE HONG KONG, SUSTAINED BY AN ENTIRELY EXTERNALLY ORIENTATED ECONOMY AND AGAINST HIGHLY VOLATILE INVESTORS’ SENTIMENT, HE BELIEVED THAT OVER-CONCENTRATION OF OUR EXPORT MARKETS AND A NARROW RANGE OF COMMODITIES TRADE HAD ALREADY BEGUN TO WEAKEN OUR LONG-TERM PROSPECT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"UNLESS THERE IS A DRAMATIC RE-STRUCTURING OF THE ECONOMIC FORMATIONS, OR A CHANGE IN TRADE BEHAVIOUR IN THE U.S. AND EUROPE, I BELIEVE THAT OUR CURRENT TRADE PORTFOLIO IS DEFECTIVE," HE SAID.
"AND HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE WILL BE DETERMINED BY SENTIMENTS AND EVENTS OUT OF OUR CONTROL IN THE U.S. AND EUROPE.
"THIS DEFECT WILL GRADUALLY BUT SURELY FIND ITS WAY TO PLAY FOUL ON INDIVIDUAL EXPORTERS’ ORDER BOOKS.
"IN SHORT, WE NEED BOLD INITIATIVES AND NEW FRONTIERS IN TRADE," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE WORLD WAS CHANGING AROUND US AT BREATHTAKING PACE, MR TSANG SAID.
POWERFUL ECONOMIC ENTITIES WERE ENDEAVOURING TO ASSIMILATE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC, WHILE LONG-STANDING POLITICAL AND MILITARY POWERS WERE TENDING TOWARDS SEPARATION.
BOTH THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC NUCLEI OF THE WORLD WERE CONTINUING TO SHIFT AT A SPEED UNSURPASSED SINCE WORLD WAR II.
"THIS COULD BE A NEW GOLDEN ERA FOR HONG KONG IF OUR CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE ARE ABLE, AS THEY HAVE REPEATEDLY DEMONSTRATED IN THE PAST, TO ACCOMMODATE THESE CHANGES AND TURN THEM TO OUR ADVANTAGE.
"THE INCENTIVE TO BE POSITIVE AND AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS THESE MOMENTOUS CHANGES ALREADY EXISTS," MR TSANG SAID.
/7.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOK MAY - JULY 1991
♦ * * * *
THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED STABLE WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE DECREASED DURING THE PERIOD MAY - JULY 1991, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MAY - JULY 1991 WAS 2.3%, COMPARED WITH 2.1% FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1991 AND 1.7% FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT WHILE THE INCREASE OF 0.6 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN MAY -JULY 1991 WAS ESTIMATED AT 65,900, COMPARED WITH 59,000 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1991 AND 46,700 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MAY - JULY 1991 WAS 1.5%, COMPARED WITH 2.1% FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL. 1991 AND 1.0% FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASE OF 0.6 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD AND THE INCREASE OF 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN MAY - JULY 1991 WAS 41,200, COMPARED WITH 57,700 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING APRIL 1991 AND 26,800 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 INABILITY TO FIND FULL-TIME WORK) WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY 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 PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1991 WAS 2.2% AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5%.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
/THE SURVEY .......
t
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
8
THE SURVEY FOR MAY - JULY 1991 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,300 HOUSEHOLDS OR 40,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1991 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND SEPTEMBER 20 AT $13.50 PER COPY.
------0-------
DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES TO ADMINISTER STATUTORY DECLARATIONS *******
COMMISSIONERS FOR OATHS HAVE NOW BEEN APPOINTED IN ALL DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES (INCLUDING THE NEW AIRPORT SECTION) OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE STATUTORY DECLARATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH LAND RESUMPTION MATTERS MAY APPROACH THE NEAREST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE DURING OFFICE HOURS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY),.
IN THIS CONNECTION, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PROVISION OF DECLARATION SERVICE IN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IS CONFINED TO LAND RESUMPTION MATTERS ONLY.
-----0-----
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
A_ ac oS™«AGE IN H0NG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (ovr.ua Al 45.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 265.649 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
(MONDAY)
STOOD
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 56 PER
CONTAINED 327.990 CENT OF CAPACITY.
MILLION
------0 ---------
/9 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1991
9
FRESH WATER CUT IN SHAM SHUI PO
******
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 18) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT 152-358 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 290-420 UN CHAU STREET, 226-244 FUK WING STREET, 149-167 PRATAS STREET, 24-38 TONKIN STREET, 1B-1H WING LUNG STREET AND 9-21 FAT TSEUNG STREET.
-----0------
SURVEY OF ’KAITO’ FERRY SERVICE
*****
A SURVEY OF "KAITO” FERRY SERVICE IS BEING CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FROM TODAY (MONDAY) TO OCTOBER 20.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO PLAN FOR FUTURE REQUIREMENTS TO SATISFY TRANSPORT DEMAND IN REMOTE AREAS.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE 4 MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 14.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 16.9.91 +167
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING _|67
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.3 *+0.0* 16.9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
13.9. 91 16.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.61 PCT 4.58 PCT
1 MONTH 4.62 PCT 4.60 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.96 PCT 5.00 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.43 PCT 5.54 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.22 PCT 6.25 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 7,225 MN 6,380 MN
0 - -
r
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGCO APPOINTMENTS BEING CONSIDERED: GOVERNOR ............................. 1
HANOI TALKS ON VM PROBLEM.................................................. 2
HONG KONG/VIETNAM AIR SERVICES............................................ 2
ENHANCED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME NEEDED................................3
YOUTH URGED TO GEAR UP FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES .............................. 4
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED ................;............... §
GOVERNMENT PURCHASES AIMING AT 'BEST VALUE FOR MONEY' .................... 15
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ..................................... 17
IMPORTED WORKERS TOLD OF THEIR RIGHTS .................................... 1g
DONATION FROM LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL .................................. 1$
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ........................................... 20
MOVEMENT OF MOON IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL .................................. 21
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS TRAINEES ........................................... 21
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ................................. 22
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ....................................... 23
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 23
TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
LEGCO APPOINTMENTS BEING CONSIDERED: GOVERNOR
*»♦*»»
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HE WILL, OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, BE CONSIDERING HIS OWN LIST OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENTS AS SOON AS HE COULD.
"I CAN’T GIVE YOU A PRECISE DATE FOR THAT BUT OVER THE NEXT WEEK OR SO I WILL BE WORKING ON THAT AND HOPE TO MAKE THOSE ANNOUNCEMENTS,” HE SAID.
ON THE ELECTIONS, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HAD PERSONALLY WRITTEN TO EACH OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES. ’’BUT I’D LIKE TO REPEAT PUBLICLY MY CONGRATULATIONS ON THOSE WHO WERE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ELECTIONS.”
HE ALSO THANKED THOSE WHO HAD TRIED IN THE ELECTIONS AND WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL ’’BECAUSE YOU CAN’T HAVE A DECENT ELECTION UNLESS YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE PREPARED TO STAND AND WHO ARE PREPARED TO LOSE.”
SIR DAVID ALSO EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION TO THOSE WHO ORGANISED THE ELECTIONS, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS VERY WELL DONE, ADDING "THE ELECTION PROCESS ITSELF WAS VERY SMOOTH AND WELL CONDUCTED.”
ASKED ABOUT PRESS REPORTS THAT HE HAD BEEN WARNED AGAINST APPOINTING CERTAIN PEOPLE TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID: "I WOULDN’T COMMENT AT ALL ON WHAT PEOPLE ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE SAID TO ME IN A PRIVATE MEETING.
’’APPOINTMENTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ARE MINE TO MAKE AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG AND I DECIDE WHO ARE THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN MY VIEWS TO BE APPOINTED ONTO THAT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. IT’S MY DECISION TO TAKE," HE SAID.
"I’LL BE LOOKING AT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SEATS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. I’M NOT GOING TO BE MAKING QUICK DECISIONS ON THAT. APPOINTMENTS DON’T COME UP FOR SOME TIME AND I’LL BE THINKING THAT OVER.THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, NOT STRAIGHT AWAY," HE ADDED.
"I’LL BE LOOKING BROAD REPRESENTATION IF I CAN. I ALSO NEED PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO BE PART OF AN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHICH COOPERATES TOGETHER AND FOLLOWS THE RULES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL; AND BY THAT I MEAN EVERYTHING THAT GOES ON IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS CONFIDENTIAL AND THE PEOPLE WHO TAKE THE DECISIONS IN THE COUNCIL, TAKE THOSE COLLECTIVELY AND THEN DEFEND THEM.
"THAT’S THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN RUN THAT SORT OF A SYSTEM -------------- A CABINET TYPE OF SYSTEM, IF YOU HAVE THOSE CONVENTIONS. SO THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. AND WITHIN THAT FRAMEWORK, I’LL OBVIOUSLY BE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO I THINK CAN BEST CONTRIBUTE TO THE RUNNING OF AFFAIRS IN HONG KONG," SIR DAVID SAID.
/Asked to .......
TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 2 -
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE POSITION OF THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS A CONVENTION AND THERE WAS NO FORMAL CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION TO THE POST.
"I WOULD HOPE THAT THAT AS SOON AS THEY MEET WAY TO RUN THAT SYSTEM.
"THAT MUST BE FOR OF SENIOR MEMBER IS ONE KONG AND INDEED FOR LEGCO
MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL DISCUSS AND WORK OUT FOR THEMSELVES WHAT IS THE BEST
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS. BUT THE SYSTEM WHICH HAS WORKED VERY WELL INDEED FOR HONG OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.
"THE MOST SENIOR PERSON ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS BECOME WHAT’S CALLED ’SENIOR MEMBER’, AND WORKS TO CO-ORDINATE THE VIEWS OF ALL THE NON-CIVIL SERVICE MEMBERS OF LEGCO," SIR DAVID SAID.
---------0-----------
HANOI TALKS ON VM PROBLEM *****
TALKS WILL TAKE PLACE IN HANOI ON SEPTEMBER 23-24 ON THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE TALKS WILL BE PART OF THE CONSULTATIONS ENVISAGED AT THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE IN GENEVA ON APRIL 30 MAY 1 REGARDING MEANS OF ACCELERATING THE RETURN OF THE SCREENED-OUT TO VIETNAM,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
"REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT, THE UK GOVERNMENT, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, UNHCR AND THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION WILL ATTEND THE TALKS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0--------
HONG KONG/VIETNAM AIR SERVICES
* * * * *
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF INTER-GOVERNMENTAL DISCUSSIONS WITH VIETNAM WHICH WILL LEAD TO A RESUMPTION OF DIRECT SCHEDULED AIR SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONO AND VIETNAM.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND AIR HONG KONG ARE EACH ENTITLED TO OPERATE PASSENGER AND ALL-CARGO SERVICES RESPECTIVELY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND HANOI AND HO CHI MINH CITY.
VIETNAM AIRLINES WILL OPERATE SIMILAR SERVICES BETWEEN THOSE TWO CITIES AND HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, VIETNAM AIRLINES WILL INITIALLY OPERATE BOTH PASSENGER AND ALL-CARGO SERVICES JOINTLY UNDER COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS WITH CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND AIR HONG KONG RESPECTIVELY.
------0-------
/3 .....
TUESDAY, SEPTEMT'7R 17, 1991
3
ENHANCED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME NEEDED
*******
AN ENHANCED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME IN HONG KONG WILL ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST EFFICIENCY AND GROWTH IN THE TERRITORY'S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, MISS ALICE TAI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN HONG KONG", MISS TAI SAID THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED BY ENCOURAGING INVENTIVENESS, CREATIVE DESIGN AND BY PROMOTING EFFECTIVE INWARD TRANSFER AND DISSEMINATION OF CREATIVE AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION.
MISS TAI SAID THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT, WHICH WAS SET UP IN JULY LAST YEAR, SIGNIFIED THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION IN HONG KONG.
"PRACTICALLY, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS AN EXECUTIVE ARM WHICH IS TASKED SPECIFICALLY WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW OR REVISED SYSTEMS FOR THE PROTECTION OF FORMS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SUCH AS COPYRIGHT, INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, AND PETTY PATENTS," SHE SAID.
ON THE FUTURE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT, MISS TAI SAID APART FROM TRADE MARKS, WHERE THERE WAS ALREADY A LOCALISED ORDINANCE AND AN ORIGINAL SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION, HONG KONG WAS HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION AND, IN SOME CASES, REGISTRATION SYSTEMS.
"WITH THE IMPENDING CHANGEOVER IN SOVEREIGNTY, IT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR THIS STATE OF AFFAIRS TO CONTINUE.
"HONG KONG NEEDS ITS OWN LOCALISED LEGISLATION AND, WHfeRE APPROPRIATE, REGISTRATION SYSTEMS," SHE SAID.
MISS TAI ADDED THAT, IN MANY AREAS, HONG KONG’S LAW REQUIRED UPDATING.
"TO REMEDY THIS, VARIOUS STUDIES HAVE BEEN INITIATED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION AND THE PATENT STEERING COMMITTEE.
"WHEN THESE STUDIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, IT WOULD THEN FALL TO IPD TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION," SHE SAID.
AS FAR AS "USERS" WERE CONCERNED, MISS TAI SAID THE FIRST SIGN OF PROGRESS WAS THE EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING REGISTRATION SYSTEM TO COVER TRADE MARKS USED IN CONNECTION WITH SERVICES.
THIS WAS DONE THROUGH THE TRADE MARKS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE ENACTED ON MAY 24, THIS YEAR.
"OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, LOCALISED LEGISLATION WILL HAVE TO BE PUT IN PLACE COVERING THE AREAS OF COPYRIGHT, PATENTS, DESIGNS AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS," SHE SAID.
/ON INTERNATIONAL .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
ON INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, MISS TAI SAID, TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG KEPT ABREAST WITH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS, THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATED IN EFFORTS BY THE WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANISATION (WIPO) TO RAISE AND HARMONISE IP PROTECTION STANDARDS.
"ADDITIONALLY, HONG KONG IS ALSO A SUPPORTER AND ACTIVE PLAYER IN THE GATT UNDERTAKING ON TRADE RELATED ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (TRIPS) NEGOTIATIONS," SHE SAID.
AS A CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT, MISS TAI SAID, HONG KONG SUPPORTED EFFORTS TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT UNDER THE GATT TO PROVIDE DISCIPLINES WHICH WOULD ENCOURAGE INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND PREVENT DISPUTES.
"THE ULTIMATE AGREEMENT WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE IS ONE WHICH WILL ENSHRINE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE GATT, SUCH AS MFN, NON-DISCRIMINATION, NATIONAL TREATMENT AND TRANSPARENCY, AND WHICH WILL NOT CONFLICT WITH THE WIPO CONVENTIONS.
"TO SERVE ITS PURPOSE, THE AGREEMENT WILL NEED TO CONTAIN COMMITMENTS AS TO THE SCOPE AND STANDARDS OF PROTECTION FOR A FULL RANGE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, SUCH AS COPYRIGHT, TRADE MARKS, PATENTS, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS," SHE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, MISS AVERIL WATERS, SAID THE TRADE MARKS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WOULD EXPAND THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS FOR GOODS TO PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS FOR SERVICES.
"CURRENT PLANNING WILL LEAD TO INTRODUCTION IN MARCH 1992," SHE SAID.
--------0-----------
YOUTH URGED TO GEAR UP FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD GEAR UP FOR FUTURE CHANGES AND CHALLENGES AND CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S DON BOSCO LEARNING CENTRE IN SHEK TONG TSUI THIS MORNING, MR LAN SAID YOUNG PEOPLE COULD ENHANCE THEIR AWARENESS OF LOCAL AFFAIRS THROUGH ACTIVE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.
THE LDC CENTRE WILL OFFER TO LOCAL YOUTH A QUIET AND COMFORTABLE READING FACILITY AND VARIOUS SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES TO LOCAL SCHOOLS.
/THESE SERVICES .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
5
THESE SERVICES INCLUDE TUTORIAL CLASSES, FURTHER STUDIES AND EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLING, CIVIC EDUCATION AS WELL AS VOLUNTEER AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMMES ETC. HE ADDED.
MR LAN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMEND THE LDC FOR ITS EFFORTS IN URBAN RENEWAL.
THE SETTING UP OF THE CENTRE IN CHEUNG KAN LANE IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE CORPORATION’S LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO UPGRADE SOCIAL FACILITIES, HE SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE LDC’S CHAIRMAN, MR IJU FA-KUANG AND LDC’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR ABRAHAM RAZACK.
------0-------
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED » * » * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS, DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST, OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY 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 FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST THIS YEAR:
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE FINES($) RECORD OF OFFENCE COURT
l.THE PRUDENTIAL HOTEL LTD CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL 15.3.90- 30.4.90 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 4,000 2ND SOUTH KOWLOON
2.UNITEX LTD WANG WO TSAI ST, TSUEN WAN 23.5.90- 3.5.91 APCO : 2,400 1ST TSUEN WAN
3.CHINA CEMENT CO (HK) LTD TUEN MUN TOWN LOT 201, TUEN MUN • 20.7.90 apco : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 4,000 1ST TUEN MUN
/4. OH-HI PLEATS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMPER 17, 1991
6 -
4.OH-HI PLEATS (HK) CO LTD CHONG YIP ST, KWUN TONG 1.10.90- APCO : 1,000 2ND KWUN TONG
12.3.91 UNAUTHORISED
INSTALLATION
OR ALTERATION
OF FURNACES
5.WONDERFUL PLUS DEVELOPMENT LTD TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN 23.10.90- APCO : 1.11.90 3,400 1ST TSUEN WAN
6.SUNAM LTD TUEN MUN TOWN LOT 274, TUEN MUN 8.11.90- APCO : 28.11.90 1,000 2ND SOUTH KOWLOON
7.KILOHAR- TEXACO VEST COMPANY ROAD, LTD TSUEN WAN 16.11.90 APCO : 2,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
8.TELLY WEAVING & DYEING FACTORY LTD KIU TAU WAI, PING SHAN 16.11.90 APCO : 1,000 1ST FANLING
9.EAST COUNTRY CO LTD TAI HO RD, TSUEN WAN 20.11.90- APCO : 19.5.91 4,600 1ST TSUEN WAN
10.RUSH WORKER LTD MA KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 22.11.90 APCO : 1,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
11.HONGENT DEVELOPMENT LTD ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN 18.12.90 APCO : it 3,000 1ST EASTERN
12.LUNG WAH HOTEL HA WO CHE, SHA TIN 20.12.90 APCO : USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 6,000 2ND SHA TIN
13.SUN PING WEAVING A DYEING FTY LTD CHAI WAN KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 8.1.91 APCO : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 15,000 3RD TSUEN WAN
14.WAI KEE MINO LEE DYEING FTY KIN KWAN ST, TUEN MUN 22.1.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 2ND TSUEN HAN
15.KAI SHING FAST FOOD CHINESE 29.1.91 APCO : UNIVERSITY USING PROHI- OF HONG KONG, BITED FUEL IN SHA TIN THE TERRITORY 3,500 1ST SHA TIN
/16. NEW ASIA ..........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
7
16.NEW ASIA CHINESE 29.1.91 APCO : 3,000 2ND SHA tin
COLLEGE UNIVERSITY CANTEEN OF HONG KONG, SHA TIN •• •
17.THREE CHINESE 29.1.91 SIX NINE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, SHA TIN apco : h 5,000 2ND SHA TIN
18.REASON WANG LUNG 6.2.91 WASHING FTY ST, LTD TSUEN WAN APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 4TH TSUEN WAN
19.CHEUNG CHAI WAN 7.2.91 FAT KOK ST, CORDUROY TSUEN WAN FINISHING FTY APCO : ti 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
20.KIM FUNG CHAI WAN 7.2.91 SHING KOK ST, TEXTILES TSUEN WAN MFY LTD apco : it 10,500 5TH TSUEN WAN
21.FULL KIMBERLEY 8.2.91 PAGE LTD ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI nco : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 15,000 2ND SOUTH KOWLOON
22.POLLUX LOT 1962, 11.2.91 BLEACHING DD 244, AND DYEING HO CHUNG, WORKS LTD SAI KUNG WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO WATERS OF PORT SHELTER WATER CONTROL ZONE 5,000 2ND EWUN TONO
23.HIP FUNG SHING MUN 27.2.91 BEANS ROAD, TSUEN PRODUCT WAN MANUFACTORY APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
24.BETA KWAI HEI 27.2.91 FINE ST, KWAI COMPANY LTD CHUNG APCO : »t 5,000' 2ND TSUEN WAN
25.LOK TIN KWAI SHING 28.2.91 RESTAURANT WEST LTD ESTATE, apco : ti 2,000 3RD TSUEN WAN
KWAI CHUNG
/26. THEN MUN ......*.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 8
26.TUEN MUN TUEN MUN 1.3.91 APCO : H 2,000 1ST TUEN MUN
PALACE RESTAURANT CO LTD HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, TUEN MUN
27.HUNG KEE PIGLET WO YI HOP ROAD, TSUEN WAN 5.3.91 1 APCO : 1,000 FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 1ST TSUEN WAN
28.WING HOP FUNG WEAVING & DYEING LTD WING KEI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG 5.3.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 6 TH TSUEN WAN
29.VANTAGE ENTERPRISES LTD TSUEN KING CIRCUIT, TSUEN WAN 7.3.91 APCO : FAILURE TO FURNISH THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO THE AUTHORITY 1,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
30.HANG HEUNG CAKE SHOP CO LTD TAI TONG ROAD, YUEN LONG 7.3.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 6,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
31.FULL WING PIECES DYED LTD WING KEI RD, KWAI CHUNG 8.3.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,500 2ND TSUEN WAN
32.GOLDENWAY DYEING FTY LTD LOK SHUN FTY BLDG, TSUEN WAN 11.3.91 APCO : it 3,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
33.MEI PAN DYEING FACTORY LTD TAI YUEN STREET, KWAI CHUNG 12.3.91 APCO : it 3,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
34.TINS' CHEMICAL INDUSTRIAL CO LTD KIU TAU WAI, PING SHAN 12.3.91 apco : it 5,000 2ND FANLING
35.VENTURE KWOK SHUI BRILLIANT ROAD, KWAI DYEING & CHUNG PRINTING LTD 14.3.91 apco : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 10,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
/36. SHUT ON .........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
9
36.SHUI ON TAI KOK 19.3.91 DASO : 3,000 1ST EASTERN
CIVIL TSUI ROAD, PERMIT DUMPING
CONTRACTORS TAI KOK OF ABOUT 750
LTD TSUI CUBIC METRES
(LICENSEE) OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA ABOUT 500 METRES FROM THE PFA LAGOON AT TSANG TSUI OTHERWISE THAN UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE LICENCE CONDITIONS
AND
GITANES ENGINEERING CO, LTD (SHIPPING SUBCONTRACTOR) It w DASO : it 1ST ti
AND
NG KAM-YAU (BARGE OPERATOR) TAI WO HAU 19.3.91 ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG DASO : 3,000 DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA ABOUT 500 METRES FROM THE PFA LAGOON AT TSANG TSUI OTHERWISE THAN UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITIONS 1ST EASTERN :
37.SIN KAM-FUK (BARGE OPERATOR) LEI TUNG 19.3.91 ESTATE, AP LEI CHAU DASO : 5,000 DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA BETWEEN LAMMA ISLAND AND CHEUNG CHAU OTHERWISE THAN UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITIONS 1ST EASTERN
AND
CHAN SUP-YAT (TUG BOAT MASTER) DD 215, • LOT 987, TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG DASO : II 1ST II
/38. SUNRISE FINISHING........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 10 -
38.SUNRISE FINISHING FTY LTD FU UK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG 21.3.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 4TH tsuen WAN
39.HEBE HAVEN MARINA CO LTD MAN YUE STREET, HUNG HQM 21.3.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE WASTE MATTER INTO WATERS OF PORT SHELTER WATER CONTROL ZONE 8,000 1ST KWUN TONG
40.KAM PO DYEING FTY LTD YEUNG UK ROAD, TSUEN WAN 25.3.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
41.MEI PAN DYEING FACTORY LTD TAI YUEN STREET, KWAI CHUNG 27.3.91 APCO : II 4,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
42.ONELAND INVESTMENT LTD TAK MAN STREET, HUNG HOM 27.3.91 nco : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 25,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
43.WONG CAPE YIN-LUNG OF D’ AGUILAR LUEN HING RD, SHEK 0 BEAN PRODUCT FACTORY 3.4.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO WATERS OF SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE 10,000 2nd EASTERN
44.SEVEN SEAS DYEING WORKS LTD WO TONG TSUI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG 3.4.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
45.KIN SUN QUEEN’S MARBLE ROAD WEST, ENGINEERING SAI YING CO PUN 5.4.91 APCO : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 5,000 1ST EASTERN
46. LO KWONG (BARGE OPERATOR) ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, ABERDEEN 9.4.91 DASO : 2,000 DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA NEAR THE EAST COAST OF CHEUNG CHAU OTHERWISE THAN UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITIONS 1ST EASTERN
/AND........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 11 -
AND
HO TAI-SHING (TUG BOAT MASTER) it tt DASO : it it 1ST II
47.SHINE HARBOUR CO LTD CHAI WAN 10.4.91 RD, CHAI WAN APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 7,500 4TH EASTERN
48.CHUNG SHING FINISHING WORKS LTD TSING YI IND TSING YI 11.4.91 APCO : it 2,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
49.SHUN CHEONG RAISING ft FINISHING FTY LTD TSING YI IND CTR, TSING YI 11.4.91 apco : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION • 1,500 2ND TSUEN WAN
50.CHI WO PROPERTIES LTD, MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF FA PENG KNOLL FA PENG RD, CHEUNG CHAU 14.4.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO WATERS OF SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE 4,000 1ST WESTERN
51.WAH LEE DYEING FTY WING YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 18.4.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 6,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
52.ASIA POLYFOAM CORPORATION LTD WANG LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 18.4.91 APCO : it 3,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
53.BROADWAY FINITEX FTY LTD WANG LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 23.4.91 apco : it 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
54.MAXMILLION IND LTD SHING FONG ST, KWAI CHUNG 23.4.91 APCO : tt 2,000 4TH TSUEN WAN
55.WIDE-GUIDE DYEING CO LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 23.4.91 apco : tt 6,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
56.SUNS-FIELD TRADING LTD TSING YI IND CTR, TSING YI 25.4.91 APCO : tt 6,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
/57. AMERICAN DRY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 12 -
57.AMERICAN DRY CLEANER 4 LAUNDRY CO LTD CASTLE PEAK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG 29.4.91 APCO : 2,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
58.LUEN TAK WEAVING & DYEING FTY LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, TSUEN WAN 2.5.91 APCO : 6,000 3RD TSUEN WAN
59.WING KWONG SANG SANG fu Yung SHAN, TSUEN WAN 3.5.91 apco : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 1,000 7 TH TSUEN WAN
60.YUE YI STEAM LAUNDRY FTY SAN SHAN RD, TO KWA WAN 6.5.91 APCO : FAILURE TO FURNISH THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO THE AUTHORITY 2,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
61.LONG SPRING DEVELOPMENT LTD SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI 7.5.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 1ST FANLING
62.GOLDEN POND LAUNDERING AND DYEING FTY LTD MA TAU KOK RD, TO KWA WAN 8.5.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 10,000 4TH SAN PO KONG
63.KAWA STEAM LAUNDRY CO TAM KUNG RD, TO KWA WAN 8.5.91 APCO : n 4,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
64.TREATY DEVELOPMENT LTD DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, SHEK TONG TSUI 9.5.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 4,000 1ST WESTERN
65.BETA FINE COMPANY LTD KWAI HEI ST, KWAI CHUNG 10.5.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 3RD TSUEN WAN
/66. SEA-LAND ORIENT .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
66.SEA-LAND KWAI CHUNG 11.5.91 OLPO : IMPORTING SCHEDULED SUBSTANCES WITHOUT A LICENCE 30,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
ORIENT LTD CONTAINER TERMINAL, KWAI CHUNG
67.YUE FUNG DYEING & FINISHING FTY CHAI WAN KOK •ST, TSUEN WAN 14.5.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 6TH TSUEN WAN
68.CONVENIENCE FOODS INTERNATIONAL LTD TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TAI PO 14.5.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT INTO A FOUL SEWER IN TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE IN BREACH OF LICENCE CONDITIONS 8,000 1ST SHA TIN
69.THE QUICKEN TEXTILES LTD HOI BUN RD, KWUN TONG 15.5.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,500 1ST KWUN TONG
70.SUN MEI UNIVERSAL LAUNDRY LTD TSING YI IND CTR, TSING YI 20.5.91 APCO : »» 20,000 7TH TSUEN WAN
71.FULL CAN FINISHING FTY LTD WANG LUNG ST, TSUEN WAN 21.5.91 APCO : 8,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
72.KEEP MUCH LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 21.5.91 APCO : tl 1,500 '1ST KWUN TONG
73.KEN FORTUNA CO LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 21.5.91 APCO : 3,500 3RD KWUN TONG
74.CHIM YIU-TUNG KAM WING STREET, SAN PO KONG 23.5.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 12,500 2ND SAN PO KONG
75,ARGES LTD KORNHILL PLAZA, KORNHILL 25.5.91 NCO : it 10,000 1ST EASTERN
/76. INDIGO TRIO .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
14
76.INDIGO TRIO CO LTD WANG WO TSAI ST, TSUEN WAN 27.5.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
77.CHIAPHUA INDUSTRIES LTD TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TAI PO 31.5.91 WPCO : DISCHARGE INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT INTO A STORM DRAIN IN TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE 12,000 3RD SHA TIN
78.SHINE HARBOUR CO LTD CHAI WAN RD, CHAI WAN 4.6.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 3RD EASTERN
79.TAT KWONG DYEING FTY CO LTD TSING YI IND CENTRE, TSING YI 7.6.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 7,500 6TH TSUEN WAN
80.SHUN CHEONG RAISHING & FINISHING FTY LTD TSING YI IND CTR, TSING YI 19.6.91 APCO : 1, 5,500 3RD TSUEN WAN
81.BEST MADE DYEING FTY LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 20.6.91 APCO : ti 3,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
NOTE !
APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE *
DASO : DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975
WPCO : WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
OLPO : OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE
ON THE PROVISION OF NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO CARRYING OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A PERMIT, FOUR PERSONS AND TWO COMPANIES WERE PROSECUTED BY POLICE WITH FINES RANGING FROM $750 TO $3,000.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID CASE 70 WAS THE FIRST CASE CONVICTED WITH THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 FOR EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION SINCE THE PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE WAS REVISED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
/THE REVISION .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
' - 15 -
THE REVISION INCREASED THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 TO $20,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT ON SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASE CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS:
APCO, OLPO MR. FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL. NO. 835 1046
NCO MR. STEVEN HO TEL. NO. 835 1123
DASO MR. PATRICK LEI TEL. NO. 782 7280
WPCO CASE 22, 39 DR. DANIEL LAU TEL. NO. 782 7282
WPCO CASE 68, 77 DR. MICHAEL CHIU TEL. NO. 417 4101
WPCO CASE 43, 50 MR. MURRAY LUO TEL. NO. 835 1184
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUE SHOULD CONTINUE BE DIRECTED TO THE EPD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION.
-----0---------
GOVERNMENT PURCHASES AIMING AT ’BEST
VALUE FOR MONEY’
ALL PURCHASES
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
OF ARE OF
COMMODITIES AND
EQUIPMENT FOR
ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF SOURCES OF SUPPLIES,
’BEST
USE
VALUE
MONEY’, IRRESPECTIVE _ ---
GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR BILLY LAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE DIRECTOR
BY FOR
OF
MR LAM TOLD BUSINESSMEN AT AN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON TODAY THAT AS A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT OF THE GATT, HIS DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD’ FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS TN ITS $2.4 BILLION A YEAR PURCHASES.
WELCOMING MORE AMERICAN FIRMS TO TAKE PART
’NON-DISCRIMINATIVE’ AND ’COMPLETELY TRANSPARENT’ SYSTEM, HE SAID KEY TENDER EVALUATION CRITERIA INCLUDED COMPLIANCE WITH SPEGIEIGdv10Awn COMPETITIVENESS IN PRICES, RELIABILITY OF SUPPLIERS, DELIVERY AN PAYMENT TERMS AND MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
"IT WAS NOT PRICE ALONE, BUT THE OVERALL EFFECT FACTORS WHICH CULMINATE IN BEST VALUE FOR MONEY THAT AWARD OF CONTRACTS," HE SAID.
OF ALL THESE DETERMINES THE
/"WE WANT .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 16 -
WE WANT A WIN-WIN SITUATION
OURSELVES SO THAT THE SUPPLIERS CAN WIN THE OFFER OF QUALITY GOODS AND SERVICES CAN ACHIEVE SAVINGS FOR TAXPAYERS THROUGH
FOR BOTH OUR SUPPLIERS AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS THROUGH AT REASONABLE PRICES AND WE
BUYING THE BEST VALUE ' FOR
MONEY," MR LAM STRESSED.
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS AND SUPPLIES AGENCY FOR ALL GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE CENTRAL PURCHASING DEPARTMENTS AND VARIOUS
ITS PURCHASES RANGE FROM STATIONERY AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT TO MAINFRAME COMPUTERS, COMPLEX EQUIPMENT, AMMUNITION AND HELICOPTERS.
TENDER NOTIFICATIONS APPEAR EVERY FRIDAY GAZETTE AND AS ADVERTISEMENT IN MAJOR NEWSPAPERS.
IN THE GOVERNMENT
OF SUPPLY TO OTHER COUNTRIES TO 36% OF THE
ALTHOUGH U.K. WAS PREVIOUSLY THE LARGEST SOURCE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE U.S. HAS OVERTAKEN ALL AS THE KEY SUPPLIER SINCE 1986, OCCUPYING SOME 20%
MARKET SHARE.
A SUMMARY OF THE KEY SUPPLIERS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS IS AS
FOLLOWS : -
YEAR TOTAL PURCHASE (HK) COUNTRIES VALUE (HK$) PERCENTAGE
1989 2.381.23M (100%) UNITED STATES 860.42M (36.134%)
UNITED KINGDOM 387.21M (16.261%)
CHINA 162.73M ( 6.834%)
HONG KONG 148.59M ( 6.240%)
JAPAN 114 .17M ( 4.795%)
W. GERMANY 89.98M ( 3.779%)
1990 2,420.89M (100%) UNITED STATES 617.86M (25.522%)
UNITED KINGDOM 431.62M (17.829%)
W. GERMANY 145.74M ( 6.020%)
JAPAN 132.55M ( 5.475%)
HONG KONG 124.68M ( 5.150%)
CHINA 117.45M ( 4.852%)
/17........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 5.52 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF SIX PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.46 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 SEPTEMBER 18, 1991.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18, 1991 WILL
CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:
7.80 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 8, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 22, 1989;
8.28 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 22, 1989 AND BEFORE JUNE 22, 1989;
7.80 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 22, 1989 AND BEFORE JULY 12, 1989;
7.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 12, 1989 AND BEFORE AUGUST 9, 1989;
6.84 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 9, 1989 AND BEFORE MARCH 7, 1990;
7.08 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 7, 1990 AND BEFORE APRIL 4, 1990;
8.04 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 4, 1990 AND BEFORE AUGUST 15, 1990;
7.56 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 15, 1990 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 24, 1990;
7.08 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 24, 1990 AND BEFORE JANUARY 30, 1991 J
/6.60 PER CENT.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
18
6.60 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
JANUARY 30, 1991 AND BEFORE MAY 29, 1991;
7.56 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
MAY 29, 1991 AND BEFORE JULY 3, 1991;
6.60 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
july 3, 1991 and before august 14, 1991; And
6.00 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
AUGUST 14, 1991 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18, 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 SEPTEMBER 18, 1691; OCTOBER 18, 1991 AND NOVEMBER 18, 1991 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON DECEMBER 17, 1991 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
ON $1,000, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991 TO DECEMBER 17, 1991 THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.60 PER MONTH = 913.80
ON $1,000, OCTOBER 18, 1991 TO DECEMBER 17, 1991
TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.60 PER MONTH = $9.20
ON $1,000, NOVEMBER 18, 1991 TO DECEMBER 17, 1991
ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $4.60 PER MONTH = $4.60
$27.60
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IMPORTED WORKERS TOLD OF THEIR RIGHTS * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE MORE BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR IMPORTED WORKERS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR STATUTORY AND CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS.
"SOME 2,300 IMPORTED WORKERS HAVE SO FAR ATTENDED BRIEFINGS AT OUR LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (LRS) BRANCH OFFICES OR AT THEIR WORKPLACES," A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS JENNY CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WORKERS WHO CANNOT BE RELEASED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS IN THE DAY TIME, WE WILL RUN THREE SPECIAL EVENING SESSIONS NEXT MONTH.
"ALL IMPORTED WORKERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE SESSIONS FREE OF CHARGE AT THE CITY HALL TN CENTRAL AND THE LRS OFFICES IN KWAI CHUNG AND SAN PO KONG," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT NO ARRANGEMENTS ARE NECESSARY FOR ENROLMENT.
/DETAILS OF .......
19
TUESDA TH J .ir.R 17, 1991
FAILS OF THE EVENING BRIEFING SESSIONS ARE AS F'’l‘'"'
DATE TIME VENUE
OCTOBER 1 (TUESDAY) 6.30 PM - 8 PM SAN PO KONG (324 1680
FOR TELEPHONE ENQUIRY)
OCTOBER 2 (WEDNESDAY) 6 PM - 7.30 PM CENTRAL (886 6613 FOR
TELEPHONE ENQUIRY)
OCTOBER 11 (FRIDAY) 6.30 PM - 8 PM KWAI CHUNG (487 3897 FOR TELEPHONE ENQUIRY)
"DURING THESE SESSIONS, LABOUR OFFICERS WILL EXPLAIN TO THE WORKERS THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THEIR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS," MRS CHAN SAID.
"THEY WILL ALSO BE TOLD OF THE CHANNELS FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES ,\!.D COMPLAINTS IN CASE OF EXPLOITATION BY EMPLOYERS.”
FOR WORKERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE BRIEFINGS, MRS CHAN ■ ■ THEM TO CALL THE LRS ON TEL. 852 3517 FOR AN INFORMATION
- :r on "what an imported worker should know about the laws '•OVERNING HIS CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG”. THE LEAFLET IS ALSO OBTAINABLE FREE FROM ALL LRS OFFICES.
"MEANWHILE, WE ARE DESIGNING A HANDY NOTE CARD FOR THE IMPORTED WORKERS’ EASY REFERENCE," MRS CHAN SAID.
"THE CARD WILL CONTAIN INFORMATION ON STATUTORY PROTECTION FOR WORKERS AND A LIST OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THEM TO LODGE COMPLAINTS.
MOREOVER, WE ARE OPERATING A 24-HOUR HOTLINE (815 2200) WITH I-PE-RECORDING SERVICE OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS FOR IMPORTED WORKERS TO MAKE ENQUIRIES OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS," SHE SAID.
----' _ o-----
DONATION FROM LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN ON "FIGHTING DIABETES", THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS DISTRICT 303 - HONG KONG AND MACAU HAS DONATED OVER 50 SETS OF DISPLAY BOARDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO HELP EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES.
THE MINI-EXHIBITIONS, WITH PROFESSIONAL INPUT BY STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, ARE BEING MOUNTED IN VARIOUS GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.
THE FIRST OF THESE EXHIBITIONS WAS OPENED TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE LAM TIN POLYCLINIC.
/OFFICIATING AT .......
TUESDAY, .SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 20 -
( ! > ICIATJNG AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR, LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303 - HONG KONG AND MACAU, MR ALBERT WONG; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PERSONAL HEALTH SERV CES), DR W.I. HO; AND THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, DIABETES EDUCATION COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION, REV. STEPHEN NG.
AT THE OPENING OF TODAY’S EXHIBITION, DR HO SAID THE DONATION IS A GOOD SAMPLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE HEALTH.
HE LOOKED FORWARD TO MORE CO-OPERATION FROM THE COMMUNITY WHEN THE DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM IN KWUN TONG IS INTRODUCED LATER THIS YEAR.
IN MAY, THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS DISTRICT 303 - HONG KONG AND MACAU STAGED AN EXHIBITION AND ORGANISED A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON DIABETES.
THE EXHIBITION WILL MOVE TO CHATER GARDEN ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8.
------0--------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL
VEHICLE REGISTRATION THE CITY HALL RECITAL NUMBERS ON HALL. SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 21) AT 10 AM AT
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
BIDDING. THEY ARE:
ES680 BT2128 CY1 18 ES228
ER9668 ♦ AY87 ♦ EU35 ET1948
BR541 ES1008 ES9883 CS960
*DD76 CK4498 ET3 21 *DD4
ES3100 ♦DD3388 ♦ AT18 CH325
AG338 ES782 ES668 ES830
ET9 28 AA605 ET489 CB109
*1612 ♦ ER88 ♦ ET3 *DN808
ES19O5 ESI 20 XX1737 ES836
BB8398 ET1222 ESI 38 DM2842
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
BIDDING.
/A TRANSPORT ......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
21
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEF’' LE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIA1ELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF A BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 168TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
--------0-----------
MOVEMENT OF MOON IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (TUESDAY) ADVISED THE PUBLIC ON THE TIMES OF MOONRISE, TRANSIT AND MOONSET DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL PERIOD.
ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 21), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 4.34 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 60 DEGREES) AT 10.29 PM, AND MOONSET AT 4.28 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ON THE DAY OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL (SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 5.08 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 65 DEGREES) AT 11.12 PM, AND MOONSET AT 5.20 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ON SEPTEMBER 23 (MONDAY), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 5.43 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 71 DEGREES) AT 11.56 PM, AND MOONSET AT 6.14 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
------0--------
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS TRAINEES
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS INVITING PRIMARY AND. SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO JOIN ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME.
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY ONE TO FORM THREE WHO WISH TO LEARN TO PLAY WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING ON PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS VIOLIN, ER-HU, PIPA, TRUMPET AND FLUTE.
/WEEKLY ONE-HOUR .......
TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 22 -
WEEKLY ONE-HOUR TRAINING SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, WITH ABOUT FOUR TO NINE TRAINEES PER CLASS.
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING OVER 500 TRAINING CLASSES IN BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR OVER 3,100 STUDENTS.
AN IMPORTANT PART OF INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING IS PLAYING IN ORCHESTRAS OR BANDS. TRAINEES WHO HAVE ATTAINED A GOOD MUSICAL STANDARD ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN AT LEAST ONE MUSIC OFFICE ORCHESTRA OR BAND.
THE MUSIC OFFICE ALSO ORGANISES A SERIES OF MUSICAL ACTIVITIES EVERY YEAR TO BROADEN TRAINEES’ EXPERIENCE. THESE INCLUDE THE MUSIC CAMP, A YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, A BAND FESTIVAL, AND AN ANNUAL GALA.
MONTHLY FEES FOR TRAINEES AT THE ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE, AND HIGHER LEVELS ARE $60, $90, AND $120 RESPECTIVELY.
APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO THE MUSIC CENTRES FOR HANDS AND MOUTH INSPECTION AND A SIMPLE VOICE TEST NEXT MONTH. THE FIRST TRAINING SESSION WILL START IN NOVEMBER.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS SEPTEMBER 30.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 823 5337.
--------0-----------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED
**♦*♦»*
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT A BUILDING IN TS1M SHA TSUI SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED AT THE REAR STAIRCASE LOBBY ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF WINDSOR MANSION, 29-31 CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 30, WAS POSTED ON THE BUILDING TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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/23 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 23 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦ HKEG
EXCANGE FUND BILLS TENDER RESULTS — - TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q138 H173
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD l,780MN HKD 845MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500MN HKD 200MN
AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 5.03 PCT 5.50 PCT
HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 5.08 PCT 5.50 PCT
PRO RATA RATTO ABOUT 2 PCT ABOUT 94 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS - -- TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q139
ISSUE DATE 25 SEPT 1991
MATURITY DATE 27 DEC 1991
TENOR 93 DAYS
AMOUNT OF OFFER HKD 500 + 100MN
------0---------. x
•
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 16.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 17.9.91 +89
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -89
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.0 »-0.3» 17.9.91
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
- 24 . -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
17.9.91 16.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.53 PCT 4.58 PCT
1 MONTH 4.61 PCT 4.60 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.91 PCT 5.00 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.43 PCT 5;54 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.23 PCT 6.25 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 3,460MN 6,380MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITS INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ................................... 1
DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS/POSTINGS ANNOUNCED ........................... 2
ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR JULY RELEASED ................................................................ 4
GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $135 MILLION ....................................... 8
BID TO ENSURE WAGE PAYMENT TO IMPORTED WORKERS ........................ 9
BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS ............................... 10
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ............................................... 11
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ...................................... 12
275 VMS RETURNED TODAY ................................................ 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 13
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
1
GOVERNOR VISITS INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
"INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE MAINSTAYS OF OUR ECONOMY. WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING COMPANIES IN THEIR EFFORTS TO BECOME MORE PRODUCTIVE, MORE INNOVATIVE AND MORE QUALITY-CONSCIOUS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID TOOK A PARTICULAR INTEREST IN WORK TO PROMOTE IMPROVED QUALITY IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY.
HE MET A GROUP BEING TRAINED AS ASSESSORS FOR THE LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME, WHICH AIMS TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF TESTING AND MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG LABORATORIES.
HE LATER VISITED THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, WHICH HOLDS THE REFERENCE STANDARDS OF MEASUREMENT FOR HONG KONG AND PROVIDES CALIBRATION SERVICES FOR INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"THE STANDARDS DEMANDED BY OUR OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS ARE RISING ALL THE TIME," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE DEPARTMENT IS HELPING HONG KONG COMPANIES MEET THAT CHALLENGE BY MAKING SURE THAT THE INFORMATION AND THE TECHNICAL CAPABILITY THEY NEED TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND DESIGN ARE AVAILABLE LOCALLY."
SIR DAVID ALSO VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S ONE STOP UNIT, WHICH OFFERS ADVICE AND INFORMATION TO OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING COMPANIES INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN HONG KONG.
AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, THE UNIT AIMS TO DEAL, IN ONE OFFICE, WITH ALL THE LIKELY PROBLEMS AN INVESTOR MIGHT ENCOUNTER.
"OVERSEAS COMPANIES CAN BRING USEFUL NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND MANAGEMENT METHODS TO THE TERRITORY, AS WELL AS VALUABLE INVESTMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK IN SMOOTHING THE PATH FOR OVERSEAS INVESTORS IS EXTREMELY WORTHWHILE."
SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED DURING THE VISIT BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, AND THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA.
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/2 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEI I'EMBER 13, 1991
- 2
DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS/POSTINGS ANNOUNCED ******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE FOLLOWING SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS AND POSTINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 1991:
MR MICHAEL SUEN MING-YEUNG, PRESENTLY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, WILL SUCCEED MR PETER TSAO KWANG-YUNG AS.SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. MR TSAO WILL BE RETIRING AFTER 36 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT;
MR MICHAEL SZE CHO-CHEUNG, PRESENTLY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, WILL BECOME SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS;
MR ANTHONY MILLER, PRESENTLY INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR AT THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICE, WILL BECOME DIRECTOR OF MARINE;
MR MICHAEL HANSON, PRESENTLY DEPUTY HEAD OF THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT, WILL BECOME INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR, CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICE.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MR PETER TSAO KWANG-YUNG AND THE OTHER OFFICERS NAMED ABOVE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MR PETER TSAO KWANG-YUNG, CBE, CPM, JP
AGED 57, MR TSAO FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1955. HE WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER IN 1966 AND THROUGH A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS, HE BECAME COMMISSIONER IN THE FORMER TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT IN 1979. HE TRANSFERRED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN JULY 1982 AND ROSE TO THE RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN 1986. SINCE JOINING THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE, MR TSAO HAS SERVED AS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES FROM 1983 TO 1984, SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES & INFORMATION FROM 1985 TO 1986, MINISTER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THE MEMBER STATES FROM 1986 TO 1987, AND THEN AS SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES & INFORMATION AGAIN UNTIL 1989, WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS.
MR MICHAEL SUEN MING-YEUNG, JP
AGED 47, MR SUEN JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1966. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN 1991. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR SUEN SERVED IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION , RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE FORMER ENVIRONMENT BRANCH. MORE RECENTLY HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT FROM 1981 TO 1983, DIRECTOR, CITY SERVICES IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FROM 1983 TO 1985, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FROM 1985 TO 1986 AND DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES FROM 1986 TO 1987. HE WAS REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE CITY & NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FROM 1987 TO 1989 WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS.
/MR MICHAEL SZE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
- 3 -
MR MICHAEL SZE CHO-CHEUNG, JP
AGED 46, MR SZE FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1969 AND HE WAS APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN THE SAME YEAR. THROUGH A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS, HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1989. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR SZE SERVED IN THE FORMER RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT. MORE RECENTLY HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH FROM 1981 TO 1984, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, TRADE DEPARTMENT FROM 1984 TO 1987, AND DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE FROM 1987 TO 1990 WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF MARINE.
MR ANTHONY MILLER, JP
AGED 41, MR MILLER JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1972. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1991. DURING THE EARLY PART OF HIS CAREER, MR MILLER SERVED IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND HOUSING BRANCH. MORE RECENTLY, HE HAS SERVED AS PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE FROM 1979 TO 1982, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, HOUSING DEPARTMENT FROM 1982 TO 1983, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH IN 1984, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES A INFORMATION BRANCH FROM 1985 TO 1986, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL, TRADE DEPARTMENT FROM 1986 TO 1989 WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR, CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICE.
MR MICHAEL J.J. HANSON
AGED 41, MR HANSON WAS SECONDED FROM THE UK HOME CIVIL SERVICE TO THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN 1985. HE WAS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES A INFORMATION BRANCH FROM 1985 TO 1987, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, SECURITY BRANCH FROM 1987 TO 1988 AND REFUGEES CO-ORDINATOR, SECURITY BRANCH FROM 1988 TO 1990 WHEN ME BECAME DEPUTY HEAD, CENTRAL POLICY UNIT.
- 0
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR JULY RELEASED ♦ * * i i i
IN JULY 1991, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991, BUT INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JULY 1991 INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY BUT DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, ORDERS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN ALL OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, THE ORDERS POSITION IN JULY 1991 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, MODERATELY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE 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 JULY 1991 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991, BUT DECREASED BY 9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990.
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991, EMPLOYMENT IN JULY 1991 INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, DUE TO THE EMPLOYMENT OF SUMMER WORKERS.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, EMPLOYMENT INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE TN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, WEARING APPAREL AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1990, EMPLOYMENT IN JULY 1991 DECREASED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IM JULY 1991, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991.
PER CAPITA. EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES AND SLIGHTLY IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY, DUE PARTLY TO THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONDSES AND PAYMENTS.
/ON THE.........
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
- 5 -
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, BUT SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH JULY 19.90, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS IN JULY 1991.
INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT IN JULY 1991 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991 AND DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JULY 1991 INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER JUNE 1991 AND SUBSTANTIALLY OVER JULY 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 JULY 1991 AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1990.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN JULY 1991 FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER JUNE 1991 AND SIGNIFICANTLY OVER JULY 1990.
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 REPORT FOR JULY 1991 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6441.
/TABLE 1 : .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
- 6 -
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-O.N-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIE"
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY AS AT THE END OF JULY 1991 CHANGE WHEN JUNE 91 COMPARED WITH JULY 90
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.40 * + 2
WEARING APPAREL 4.75 ♦ + 3
TEXTILES 2.39 + 5 + 8 + 12
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.08 -15
FABRICATED METAL 4.16 * -1
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 5.37 ¥ -1
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 4.11 * -1
» CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5% TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF JULY 1991
INDUSTRY/SERVICES
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
JUNE 91 JULY 90
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES
PLASTIC PRODUCTS
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS
CONSTRUCTION #
♦
♦
♦
+ 1 + 7 -1
*
-9
-1
-4
-16
-16
-2
-16
-2
♦ -10
♦
/SERVICES .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
SERVICES
BANKS
HOTELS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
OTHERS
+ 1
+ 1
*
+ 1
*
-1 + i
-7
-3 + 2
♦ CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
EMPLOYED
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
NOTE : DUE TO THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (E.G.
BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), "PER CAPITA EARNINGS” FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RATHER VOLATILE FLUCTUATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME. THEREFORE, IT IS PARTICULARLY ADVISABLE, IN STUDYING PER CAPITA EARNINGS STATISTICS, NOT TO TAKE A GIVEN MONTH’S DATA IN ISOLATION, BUT TO MAKE REFERENCE TO DATA OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
CHANGE WHEN
AVERAGE COMPARED WITH
AS IN
INDUSTRY/SERVICES JULY 1991 JUNE 91 JULY 90
— — — — —• — — — ••
(HK$ ) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 6,795 + 1 116
FOOD AND DRINKS — — — — —
7,782 + 2 + 14
WEARING APPAREL 5,297 * + 11
TEXTILES 6,149 -1 + 12
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 6,543 + 6 + 22
FABRICATED METAL 6,681 + 6 + 16
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 6,840 -2 + 20
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 8,763 + 2 + 16
CONSTRUCTION # 9,665 + 1 + 18
/SERVICES .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
- 8 -
SERVICES • 11,267 + 1 + 11
BANKS ’ 10,347 -6 + 10
HOTELS 7,799 -1 . +4
PUBLIC UTILITIES 11,532 + 11 + 11
OTHERS 12,524 -2 + 12
* 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----------
GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $135 MILLION * * * * »
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND FETCHED A TOTAL OF $135 MILLION IN A PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT AREA 11, ON LAI STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,839 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN).
IT WAS SOLD TO THE KAI CAROUSE COMPANY LTD FOR $117 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $75 MILLION.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,182 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1995.
THE OTHER SITE IS A LOT ADJOINING 31C WYNDHAM STREET ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
IT MEASURES ABOUT 78.5 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE SITE WAS BOUGHT BY THE YEUTI INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD FOR $18 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $8 MILLION.
/ACCORDING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
- 9 -
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 470 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 25, 1994.
THE AUCTION WAS HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
IT WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR ROGER HARDING.
HE SAID HE WAS VERY SATISFIED WITH THE SELLING PRICES.
-----------------------0------- BID TO ENSURE WAGE PAYMENT TO IMPORTED WORKERS ******
LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL BE VISITING WORKPLACES TO WITNESS PAYMENT OF WAGES TO IMPORTED WORKERS IN A STEPPED-UP EFFORT TO WEED OUT MALPRACTICES OF UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS.
THE NEW MEASURE, TO BEGIN WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, WAS PUT FORWARD BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD FULLY SUPPORTED THE MEASURE.
LAST WEEK, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SENT OUT A LETTER TO ALL THE 2,488 EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS ADVISING THEM TO PAY WAGES THROUGH BANKS DIRECT INTO THE WORKERS' ACCOUNTS AND REMINDING THEM OF THE LAW REGARDING WAGE PAYMENT AND WAGE DEDUCTION.
"OUR LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL BE CALLING ON THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO DO NOT TAKE OUR ADVICE AND WILL WITNESS PAYMENT OF WAGES TO ENSURE THAT THE IMPORTED WORKERS RECEIVE THEIR WAGES IN FULL," ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU, SAID.
"THE INSPECTORS WILL ALSO VISIT. THE WORKPLACES AND ACCOMMODATIONS OF IMPORTED WORKERS TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THEIR STATUTORY AND CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS AND' WILL DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE CHARACTERS CONTAINING SUCH INFORMATION AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THEM TO LODGE COMPLAINTS," MR MAK ADDED.
DURING THESE VISITS, LABOUR INSPECTORS WILL ALSO CHECK WHETHER THERE IS ANY BREACH OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE RULES AND CONDITIONS OF THE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEMES.
"WHERE THERE IS EVIDENCE OF MALPRACTICE, PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST THE EMPLOYERS CONCERNED," MR MAK SAID.
HE SAID IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF A SERIOUS OFFENCE, SUCH AS FALSE REPRESENTATION AND FORGING DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH VISA APPLICATION OF IMPORTED WORKERS, THE DEPARTMENT WILL REFER THE CASE TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION FOR FURTHER ACTION.
/"THE MAXIMUM .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
"THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR THESE OFFENCES ARE TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $20,000 ON SUMMARY CONVICTION AND 14 YEARS AND $50,000 ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT," HE ADDED.
IN TODAY’S LAB MEETING, MEMBERS HAD ALSO DISCUSSED SEVERAL OTHER PROPOSALS TO PREVENT EXPLOITATION OF IMPORTED WORKERS. THESE PROPOSALS WILL BE FURTHER CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
- - 0 - -
BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS *****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE BUILDINGS AT NOS. 12 AND 28 WING ON STREET AND NO. 11 GILMAN STREET IN CENTRAL TO BE DANGEROUS, WHILE NOS. 22, 24 AND 26 WING ON STREET AND NOS. 21 AND '23 GILMAN STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR (PGBS) SAID THE STRUCTURES WERE TWO AND THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED OF LOADBEARING BRICK WALLS WITH STRUCTURAL TIMBER FLOORS AND TIMBER ROOF JOISTS.
NUMBER 28 WING ON STREET IS VERY DILAPIDATED WITH STRUCTURAL TIMBER MEMBERS BADLY DECAYED AND WITH EVIDENCE OF DETERIORATING LOADBEARING BRICKWORK.
PORTIONS OF THE BUILDING WERE PREVIOUSLY TIED TOGETHER WITH METAL TIE RODS BUT RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT FURTHER MOVEMENT OF THE FRONT AND REAR WALLS AND UPPER PORTION OF THE PARTY WALL WITH NO. 30 HAS TAKEN PLACE.
NUMBER 30 WING ON STREET WAS CLOSED IN JUNE THIS YEAR FOLLOWING A FIRE.
FURTHER, THERE IS ALSO EVIDENCE THAT THE PARTY WALL BETWEEN NOS. 28 AND 30 HAS MOVED AWAY FROM NO. 28 WHICH COULD CAUSE A COLLAPSE OF THE ROOF AND FLOOR WITHIN NO. 28.
ADDITIONALLY, HE SAID THE TIMBER STAIRCASE WAS IN SUSPECT CONDITION.
IT IS NOTED THAT THE BUILDING WAS LAST REPAIRED IN 1972 AND HAS BEEN UNDER PERIODIC SURVEILLANCE SINCE.
THE BUILDING WAS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED AND THERE WAS A RISK OF COLLAPSE, THE PGBS SAID.
MEANWHILE, NO. 12 WING ON STREET AND NO. 11 GILMAN STREET ARE ALSO IN VERY DILAPIDATED CONDITION WITH DEFECTIVE STRUCTURAL TIMBERS AND BADLY DETERIORATED LOADBEARING BRICKWORK.
/THE FRONT
WEDNESDAY, rF'TEMBER 18, 1991
- 11 -
THE FRONT WALL FACING GILMAN STREET IS MOVING OUTWARDS AND THERE IS EVIDENCE OF OTHER MOVEMENT HAVING TAKEN PLACF WITHIN THE BUILDING.
THE PGBS SAID THE BUILDING WAS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.
NUMBERS 22, 24 AND 26 WING ON STREET AND NOS. 21 AND 23 GILMAN STREET ARE ALL VERY DILAPIDATED WITH DEFECTIVE STRUCTURAL TIMBER JOISTS AND DETERIORATED LOADBEARING BRICKWORK.
THERE IS EVIDENCE OF MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTY WALLS AND FRONT AND REAR WALLS HAVING TAKEN PLACE, PARTICULARLY IN NOS. 24 AND 23.
HOWEVER, IT IS ALSO NOTED THAT NOS. 22 AND 24, AND NOS. 21 AND 23 ARE BY REASON OF THEIR DESIGN STRUCTURALLY DEPENDENT UPON EACH OTHER.
NUMBERS 24, 26 AND 23 WERE LAST REPAIRED IN 1971 WHILE NOS. 22 AND 21 NEEDED EMERGENCY SHORING PRIOR TO REPAIR IN 1975 AND WERE ALSO SUBJECT TO MINOR REPAIR IN 1987.
HE SAID IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT NO. 26 WING ON STREET COULD NOT WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF NO. 28 AND THAT NOS. 22 AND 24 WING ON STREET AND NOS. 21 AND 23 GILMAN STREET, WHICH ARE INTERDEPENDENT, COULD NOT WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF NOS. 26 AND 28 WING ON STREET.
THEREFORE, NOS. 22, 24 AND 26 WING ON STREET AND NOS. 21 AND 23 GILMAN STREET SHOULD ALL BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED AS BEING CONSIDERED LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 21 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
- - 0----------
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ♦ * ♦ *
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 23), THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM. ALL OTHER GENERAL OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
/12 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
- 12 -
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
TWO OF THE LOTS ARE LOCATED AT THE WESTERN RECLAMATION, HONG KONG ISLAND, AND HAVE AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,100 SQUARE METRES' AND ABOUT 5,700 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
BOTH SITES ARE EARMARKED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS (EXCLUDING VEHICLE PARKING).
THE TENANCY FOR BOTH LOTS IS UP TO DECEMBER 31, 1992 AND
MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
THE REMAINING LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 18, TSING YI, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE WITH AN AREA ABOUT 2,800 SQUARE METRES IS INTENDED FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TJVO YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON OCTOBER 4.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, HONG KONG WEST, AND KWAI TSING; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
-----0-----------
275 VMS RETURNED TODAY ******
A GROUP OF 275 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 111 MEN, 71 WOMEN, 40 BOYS AND 53 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 67TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,559 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 9,855 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
--------0-----------
/13 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1991
13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * ♦ » DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 17.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 18.9.91 -64
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 64
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.0 *+0.0* 18.9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND RILLS
17.9.91 18.9 .91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.53 PCT 4.22 PCT
1 MONTH 4.61 PCT 4.40 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.91 PCT 4.65 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.43 PCT 5.24 PCT
12 MONTHS 6.23 PCT 5.86 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 3,460 MN 5,742 : MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW TDC CHAIRMAN APPOINTED ............................................... 1
GOVT AIMS TO MAKE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME A SUCCESS ................. 1
COMMUNITY SUPPORT KEY TO HERITAGE PRESERVATION ........................... 2
THREE FILIPINAS FOUND ILLEGALLY DEPLOYED ................................. 3
REGISTRATION AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY REVOKED ........................... 4
NONSCHEDULED WORK FOR WOMEN PROHIBITED ................................... 4
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE ................................... 5
AIDS EDUCATION CAMP INVITES APPLICATIONS ................................. 5
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 6
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991
- 1 -NEW TDC CHAIRMAN APPOINTED *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT BARONESS DUNN WOULD BE SUCCEEDED BY DR VICTOR FUNG KWOK-KING AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, PRAISED BARONESS DUNN FOR HER STEWARDSHIP OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
"BARONESS DUNN HAS SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WITH GREAT DISTINCTION FOR SOME EIGHT AND A HALF YEARS. I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO HER FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OVER SUCH A LONG PERIOD.
"SHE HAS BROUGHT BOTH STYLE AND ENORMOUS ENERGY TO THE JOB) AND HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS AMBASSADOR FOR HONG KONG ALL AROUND THE WORLD.
"THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND HONG KONG AS A WHOLE, OWE HER A GREAT DEAL," SIR DAVID SAID.
DR VICTOR FUNG, AGED 45, IS THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF PRUDENTIAL ASIA.
HE HAS SERVED AS AN ADVISER TO THE GOVERNMENT IN MANY CAPACITIES. HE IS AT PRESENT A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION AND THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND WAS PREVIOUSLY A MEMBER OF BOTH THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD AND THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
------0--------
•GOVT AIMS TO MAKE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME A SUCCESS ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE NEW MEASURES TO PREVENT THE EXPLOITATION OF WORKERS ADMITTED UNDER THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME, AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT THE SCHEME WILL BECOME A SUCCESS.
"THE TERMS AS STIPULATED IN THE STANDARD TWO-YEAR CONTRACT, THE REQUIREMENT OF MEDIAN WAGES AND OTHER MEASURES ARE ALL AIMED AT PROTECTING THE INTEREST OF BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL INVESTIGATE INTO BREACHES OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 115 WITH A VIEW TO PROSECUTION. CASES OF ABUSE WILL BE LOOKED INTO BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/MAKING FALSE .
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991
- 2 -
MAKING FALSE REPRESENTATION TO AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER IS AN OFFENCE UNDER SECTION 42 OF THE SAME ENACTMENT AND CONVICTED OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $20,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR IWO YEARS ON SUMMARY CONVICTION AND TO A FINE OF $50,000 AND 14 YEARS IMPRISONMENT ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT.
APPLICANTS FOR IMMIGRATION FACILITIES ARE REMINDED TO FURNISH CORRECT INFORMATION.
---------0-----------
COMMUNITY SUPPORT KEY TO HERITAGE
*****
PRESERVATION
THE CONSERVATION OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE REQUIRES A SENSIBLE BALANCE OF THE INTERESTS OF ALL PARTIES INVOLVED AND MUST THEREFORE BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE UNDERSTANDING AND ACTIVE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID THE GOVERNMENT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS, WILL BE ORGANISING A SERIES OF PROJECTS TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS AND INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY IN THEIR PAST.
"THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENT’S OFFICE (AMO) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH IS KEEN TO ENCOURAGE AN INTEREST AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR HERITAGE,” MR SO SAID.
"STAFF OF THE OFFICE HAVE HELPED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PREPARE A NEW HISTORY SYLLABUS FOR A THREE-YEAR PILOT PROJECT, STARTING WITH FORM 1 STUDENTS AND PROGRESSING TO FORM 3. THE RESULTS SO FAR HAVE BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING," HE ADDED.
TO STIMULATE THE VOLUNTEER SPIRIT OF YOUNG PEOPLE, THE OFFICE HAD ALSO CO-ORGANISED SEVERAL WORKSHOPS WITH YOUTH GROUPS TO TRAIN THEIR MEMBERS IN BASIC ARCHAEOLOGY.
"MANY OF THESE YOUNGSTERS HAVE HELPED US SUBSEQUENTLY WITH EXCAVATIONS AND FOLLOW-UP WORK," MR SO SAID.
HE SAID A THREE-MONTH PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION, CENTRED ON THE THEME OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE, WOULD BE LAUNCHED LATER THIS MONTH.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AMO WITH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETIES AS PART OF AN OVERALL EFFORT TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG'S HERITAGE.
"THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH ‘IS JOINING WITH THE INSTITUTES OF ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS TO MOUNT A CONFERENCE ON ’THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S PAST’ NEXT MONTH.
"SPEAKERS FROM BRITAIN, CHINA AND MACAU WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO TALK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION," MR SO SAID.
/OTHER PROJECTS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991
- 3 •-
OTHER PROJECTS TO PUBLICISE HONG KONG’S PAST INCLUDE A JOINT PUBLICATION WITH THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD ON THE HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT, AND THE PUTTING UP OF DIRECTIONAL SIGNS TO PROTECTED MONUMENTS EARLY NEXT YEAR.
DURING THE CONFERENCE, MR SO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF MERITS TO SIX INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT TO THE CAUSE OF HERITAGE PRESERVATION.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES COMMITTEE OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD (AAB), MR DAVID LUNG, SAID UNTIL RECENTLY> MOST RESTORATION PROJECTS WERE FUNDED BY THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS OR THE JOCKEY CLUB.
"I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW FUNDING THE RESTORATION OF FOUR HISTORIC BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THE HAU KUI SHEK ANCESTRAL HALL IN SHEUNG SHUI, THE YEUNG HAU TEMPLE IN HA TSUEN, YUEN LONG, THE KANG YUNG SHU UK IN SHA TAU KOK AND THE FORMER KOWLOON BRITISH SCHOOL IN TSIM SHA TSUI,” MR LUNG SAID.
ANOTHER SPEAKER AT THE CONFERENCE WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALAEONTOLOGICAL COMMITTEE OF THE AAB, DR SOLOMON BARD, WHO INTRODUCED THE FINDINGS OF A RECENTLY COMPLETED EXCAVATION PROJECT ON CHEK LAP KOK.
EXAMPLES OF THE DISCOVERIES, SUCH AS TOOLS USED BY THE . NEOLITHIC RESIDENTS SOME 3000 - 4000 YEARS AGO AND MATERIAL FROM THE BRONZE AGE, INCLUDING JEWELLERY, DOMESTIC UTENSILS, AND THREE SETS OF BIVALVE MOULDS FOR THE CASTING OF BRONZE AXES, WERE ON DISPLAY.
--------0-----------
THREE FILIPINAS FOUND ILLEGALLY DEPLOYED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
ACTING ON INFORMATION, IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) LOCATED THREE FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS SUSPECTED TO BE DEPLOYED ILLEGALLY TO TAKING UP UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENT IN A GARMENT FACTORY IN WONG TAI SIN.
. THE THREE FILIPINO DOMESTIC-HELPERS, ALL FEMALES, CLAIMED TO BE DEPLOYED BY THEIR CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYERS TO WORK AS GARMENT WORKERS TN THE FACTORY.
FOUR HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE ASSISTING WITH THE INVESTIGATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED THAT UNDER THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER IS ONLY ALLOWED TO PERFORM DOMESTIC DUTIES FOR A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER UNDER A SPECIFIC EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
HE ALSO SAID THOSE WHO HAVE BREACHED THEIR CONDITION OF STAY HERE ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND UPON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT. THOSE WHO AID AND ABET THESE PEOPLE TO COMMIT THE OFFENCES AKE ALSO LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND PENALTY.
------0--------
/4 .....
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991
4
REGISTRATION AS DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF DG CAPITAL COMPANY LTD. AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON SEPTEMBER 19 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
0----------
NONSCHEDULED WORK FOR WOMEN PROHIBITED ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT ENGAGE WOMEN TO WORK ON THEIR SCHEDULED REST DAYS.
THIS FOLLOWS RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH FOUR MANUFACTURERS WERE HEAVILY FINED FOR BREAKING THE REGULATIONS.
"IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS TO EMPLOY WOMEN TO WORK ON THEIR REST DAYS, OR TO CHANGE THEIR REST DAYS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TWO DAYS BEFORE THE CHANGE TAKES EFFECT," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR TSANG KIN-WOO, SAID.
THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE FACTORY A PRESCRIBED NOTICE SETTING OUT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT, INTERVALS FOR MEAL OR REST, AND REST DAYS FOR WOMEN WORKERS," MR TSANG SAID.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD ADHERE STRICTLY TO THE REST DAY ARRANGEMENTS SET OUT IN THE PRESCRIBED NOTICE," HE SAID.
MR TSANG NOTED THAT THREE GARMENT FACTORIES, THE GOLDEN FOUNTAIN INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED, KENNING KNITTERS LIMITED AND KINDON GARMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED HAD RECENTLY BEEN FINED $7,000, $6,300 AND $7,500 RESPECTIVELY FOR EMPLOYING WOMEN TO WORK ON THEIR REST DAYS.
HE ADDED THAT A WATCH MANUFACTURING FACTORY, SUNCITI MANUFACTURERS LIMITED, WHICH EMPLOYED 60 WOMEN ON THEIR REST DAY, WAS GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE.
---------0-----------
/5 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991
5
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE COMING MID-AUTUMN
TODAY ( J HUR. LAY) FIRES WHIN iiiEY FESTIVAL HO’ I DAY
PERIOD.
’’VISITORS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM RELEASING ANY HUNG MING LANTERN AND BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH BARBECUE FIRES AND HAND-HELD CANDLE-LIT LANTERNS,” THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR C.C. LAY, SAID.
ACCORDING TO MR LAY, THE ANNUAL MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THE HIGH FIRE-RISK PERIODS. A TOTAL OF SIX HILL FIRES BROKE OUT IN COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE LAST FESTIVAL.
MR LAY SAID IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE AND THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE TO LIGHT FIRE ILLEGALLY OR TO RELEASE A HUNG MING LANTERN IN A COUNTRY PARK OR ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
"ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT WHILE, A SIMILAR OFFENCE COMMITTED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE FIVE PROSECUTIONS AGAINST THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRE IN COUNTRY PARKS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND OFFENDERS WERE FINED AN AVERAGE OF $500.
-----0------
AIDS EDUCATION CAMP INVITES APPLICATIONS
*****
INVITATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 30 TO TAKE PART IN A TWO-DAY AIDS EDUCATION CAMP FOR YOUTH TO BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE BETWEEN OCTOBER 19 AND 20 (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY).
BEARING THE THEME "SHARING THE CHALLENGE”, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE CAMP IS AIMED AT AROUSING AWARENESS AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION ABOUT THE RISK OF HIV INFECTION AND ITS RELATION TO SEXUAL PRACTICES.
IT ALSO HELPS THEM FOSTER A SYMPATHETIC AND SUPPORTIVE ATTITUDE AMONG THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS AIDS PATIENTS AND CARRIERS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/ORGANISED BY .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991
6
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY op AIDS, THE CAMP IS SUPPORTED BY THE CARITAS GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK 'ER' ICE; THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS; THE HONG KONG CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES; THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S AIDS COUNSELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICE.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW ORTA I NABI.E AT THE OFFICES AND SUB-OFFICES OF THESE ORGANISATIONS.
AS THERE WILL ONLY BE ABOUT 200 PLACES, APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. EACH SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY A FEE OF $50.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL.: 710 2429, 553 8850,
366 7271, 562 3964 AND 552 4211 EXT. 44.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
» * ♦ ♦ ♦ MILLION
DATE $
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 18.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 19.9.91 -67
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 67
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112. 1 * + 0. I * 19 .9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
■ CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
19.9. 91 18.9. 91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.06 PCT 4.22 PCT
1 MONTH 4.24 PCT 4.40 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.58 PCT 4.65 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.15 PCT 5.24 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.85 PCT 5.86 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 10,390 MN 5,742 MN
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER HK/SINGAPORE ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION ..... 1
APPLICATION INVITED FOR HALON QUOTA ALLOCATION ................... 2
RADIO FREQUENCY CHARTS FOR LISTENERS ............................. 3
NOISE CONTROL RELAXED FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING CONSTRUCTION WORKS ... 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER SUPPLY PROJECT TO NORTH LANTAU ......... 5
NEW KCRC BOARD DIRECTOR APPOINTED ................................ 6
APPOINTMENT TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE ......................... 7
PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR DEMOLITION OF DESALTER CHIMNEYS .... 7
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN SCHOOL ABOLISHED .......................... 8
CSD TAKES OVER MANAGEMENT OF VIETNAMESE CENTRE ................... 9
DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN KOWLOON CITY TO BE IMPROVED ................... 9
APRIL-JUNE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS ................................................. 10
COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES FOR DISABLED NEEDED .................... 10
IMPORT OF DANGEROUS DOGS DISALLOWED ............................. 11
TENDERS FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES AND MARKET CONVERSION ............. 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR SUPPLY OF GAS MONITORING SYSTEM ............. 12
REVOCATION OF BANKING LICENCE ................................... 13
NEW SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED ......................... 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR POLICE QUARTERS AND CAS TRAINING POOL........ 13
LANTERN CARNIVAL IN YAU TSIM ..................................... 14
CARNIVAL FOR TSEUNG KWAN O RESIDENTS ............................. 14
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ......................... 15
NEW KWAI CHUNG FIRE STATION OFFICIALLY OPENED .................... 15
I.D. CARD REMINDER FOR JUVENILES BORN IN 1975 OR 1976 ............ 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....... 17
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
I
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER HK/SINGAPORE ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION
*****
THERE ARE CLEARLY OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE,THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR ON "HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE: GLOBALISATION THROUGH TWINNING", MR CHAU SAID SUCH LINKS WERE ALREADY WELL DEVELOPED AND GROWING FAST IN THE AREA OF TRADE.
"IN 1990, HONG KONG WAS SINGAPORE’S FIFTH LARGEST MARKET, WHILE SINGAPORE WAS HONG KONG’S SIXTH LARGEST MARKET.
"TOTAL TWO WAY TRADE IN 1990 WAS ALMOST TRIPLE THE 1986 LEVEL," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS TWO WAY INVESTMENT, IN THE PERIOD 1987-1990, 72
HONG KONG COMPANIES REGISTERED IN SINGAPORE.
"THE PROPERTY SECTOR IS A MAJOR INVESTMENT FOCUS: PERHAPS THE BEST KNOWN HONG KONG INVESTMENT IN SINGAPORE IS THE BILLION-DOLLAR INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE.
"CONVERSELY, BY THE END OF 1989, SINGAPORE HAD INVESTED IN 19 PROJECTS IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WORTH IN EXCESS OF US$60 MILLION, AND HAD ALSO BUILT A PRESENCE IN HONG KONG’S PROPERTY, FINANCE, HOTEL AND RETAILING SECTORS," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THERE WAS ALSO TREMENDOUS INVESTMENT POTENTIAL OVER THE BORDER, IN CHINA - AND SCOPE FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE IN TAPPING THAT POTENTIAL. *
THE PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE LOOKED PROMISING GIVEN CHINA’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC REFORM.
IN HIS VIEW SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG COULD BECOME STRONG PARTNERS IN THIS GROWTH AREA.
HE SAW MANY POSSIBILITIES FOR FRUITFUL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE AS WE MOVED TOWARDS WHAT SOME HAD DUBBED THE "ASIA PACIFIC CENTURY".
"I AM SURE THAT IN THE ASIA PACIFIC CENTURY THE TWIN CITIES OF HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE WILL CONTINUE TO BE SHINING EXAMPLES OF THE TRIUMPH OF FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE," MR CHAU SAID.
EARLIER, HE SAID HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE HAD MANY SIMILARITIES, BUT THEY ALSO HAD FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES.
THESE HAD ENABLED EACH TO CARVE OUT ITS OWN ECONOMIC NICHE.
"AND, WITH THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, THERE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH ROOM FOR US BOTH," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE HAD EACH PLAYED A VITAL PART IN A WIDER SUCCESS STORY: THAT OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
/THE ECONOMIES .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
2 -
THE ECONOMIES OF ASIA PACIFIC (EXCLUDING AMERICA AND CANADA FOR THESE PURPOSES) ACCOUNTED FOR JUST EIGHT PER CENT OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY IN 1960. BY 1987, THEIR SHARE WAS 18 PER CENT.
OVER A SIMILAR PERIOD, ASIA PACIFIC’S SHARE OF WORLD EXPORTS JUMPED FROM 13 PER CENT TO 24 PER CENT, HE SAID.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR CHAU SAID, SOME PREDICTED THAT ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIES WOULD OUTPERFORM MOST OTHER REGIONS OF THE WORLD IN THE 1990’S AND BEYOND.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT BOTH HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE CAN, AND WILL, CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING THAT PREDICTION ECONOMIC REALITY," HE SAID.
------0 - -
APPLICATION INVITED FOR HALON QUOTA ALLOCATION * » » » »
HALON, AN OZONE LAYER DEPLETING CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE, WHICH HAS BEEN USED WIDELY IN FIRE FIGHTING, WILL BE CONTROLLED UNDER AN IMPORT QUOTA ALLOCATION SYSTEM FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED A NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR QUOTA ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF HALONS FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 NEXT YEAR.
THE SUBSTANCES UNDER CONTROL INCLUDE HALONS 1211, 1301 AND 2402.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE QUOTA SYSTEM IS TO FREEZE THE RETAINED IMPORTS OF HALONS AT THE 1986 LEVEL.
IN 1986, ABOUT 700 TONNES OF HALON SUBSTANCES WERE IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG. LAST YEAR, THE FIGURE HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT 37 PER CENT.
THE RETAINED IMPORTS OF HALON WILL BE FURTHER REDUCED BY 50 PER CENT BY THE YEAR 1995 AND THEN FINALLY BE BANNED ALTOGETHER BY THE YEAR 2000.
TH£ GOVERNMENT IS TAKING THIS ACTION TO FULFIL ITS OBLIGATION IN COMPLYING WITH THE CONTROL SCHEDULE OF OZONE LAYER DEPLETING SUBSTANCES STIPULATED IN AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT - THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER SIGNED IN 1987.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HALON QUOTA ALLOCATION SYSTEM IS PART AND PARCEL OF A SERIES OF PROGRESSIVE MEASURES CONTROLLING THE RETAINED IMPORTS AND OZONE LAYER DEPLETING SUBSTANCES.
/CURRENTLY, THE ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
3 -
CURRENTLY, THE DEPARTMENT IS IMPLEMENTING A QUOTA SYSTEM ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF CHLOROFLUROCARBONS (CFCS) UNDER THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE ENACTED SINCE JULY 1, 1989.
ALSO, CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONTROLLING OTHER OZONE LAYER DEPLETING SUBSTANCES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE HALON QUOTA ALLOCATION SYSTEM, QUOTA WILL BE ALLOCATED TO PERSONS WITH PROVEN PAST PERFORMANCE IN THE IMPORT OF THE SUBSTANCES.
APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE EPD’S AIR CONTROL GROUP ON 26TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
APPLICATIONS NOT USING THE OFFICIAL FORM SPECIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON ON OR BEFORE 5 PM ON OCTOBER 18 TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE EPD’S AIR CONTROL GROUP ON TEL. 835 1071 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
------0-------
RADIO FREQUENCY CHARTS FOR LISTENERS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RADIO BROADCASTERS ARE MAKING A JOINT EFFORT TO PUBLICISE THE RADIO CHANNELS IN HONG KONG AND TO INFORM LISTENERS OF THE FREQUENCIES TO TUNE IN FOR THE BEST RECEPTION OF THEIR FAVOURITE PROGRAMMES.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, SAID COLOURED FREQUENCY CHARTS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE HAD BEEN ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE EASY REFERENCE OF RADIO LISTENERS.
MRS CARTLAND SAID WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE RADIO ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, COPIES OF THE FREQUENCY CHARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT RADIO SHOPS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
SHE SAID SOUND BROADCASTERS HAD RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE OF MEETING THE INCREASING DEMAND OF THE PUBLIC FOR INFORMATION, KNOWLEDGE, ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION.
"TODAY WE HAVE WELL OVER THREE MILLION RADIO SETS, WITH PEOPLE LISTENING TO 14 RADIO CHANNELS IN HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
"LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE, WE EXPECT DEVELOPMENTS IN RADIO TECHNOLOGY TO BRING US NEW SERVICES AND FACILITIES SOME OF WHICH ARE ON DISPLAY TODAY.
/"ONE EXAMPLE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
4
"ONE EXAMPLE IS THE RADIO DATE SYSTEM - RDS. THIS PROVIDES FEATURES SUCH AS AUTOMATIC TUNING, AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF CHOSEN PROGRAMME TYPES AND ACCESS TO TRAFFIC INFORMATION FLASHES.
"A DISPLAY ON THE RECEIVER CAN PROVIDE PROGRAMME CHANNEL IDENTIFICATION, DATE, TIME AND EVEN DETAILS OF MATERIAL BEING BROADCAST.
"IN THE FUTURE, MORE ADVANCED FEATURES MAY BE ADDED TO PROVIDE SIMPLE GRAPHICS SUCH AS WEATHER MAPS. THERE MAY ALSO BE THE FACILITY TO CONNECT TO A PRINTER OR HOST COMPUTER," SHE ADDED.
MRS CARTLAND SAID THE PUBLIC AT PRESENT HAD NO DIFFICULTY IN RECEIVING HIGH QUALITY STEREO PROGRAMMES ON FM CHANNELS, AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO STEREO RADIO PROGRAMMES ON AM CHANNELS IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL (TELECOMMUNICATIONS), MR AU MAN-HO, SAID THE RADIO STATIONS IN HONG KONG WERE BROADCASTING IN THE VERY-HIGH-FREQUENCY VHF/FM BAND AND THE MEDIUM-WAVE AM BAND.
"THERE ARE SEVEN TERRITORY-WIDE PROGRAMMES IN THE VHF/FM BAND AND SIX PROGRAMMES IN THE MEDIUM-WAVE AM BAND,” HE SAID.
"THERE ARE SEVEN SITES USED FOR VHF/FM BROADCASTING. AS SUCH SIGNALS CAN BE OBSTRUCTED BY HILLS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COVER THE ENTIRE TERRITORY FROM ONE SITE.
"THE MAP ON THE FREQUENCY CHARTS SHOWS THE AREA COVERED BY EACH OF THE SEVEN SITES. THE SEVEN SITES HAVE TO TRANSMIT ON DIFFERENT SETS OF FREQUENCIES IN ORDER TO AVOID MUTUAL INTERFERENCE.
"THEREFORE SEVEN FREQUENCIES HAVE TO BE USED FOR EACH OF THE SEVEN PROGRAMMES WITH A TOTAL OF 49 FREQUENCIES," MR AU EXPLAINED.
"WITHIN THE AREA SERVED BY EACH SITE, TO GET THE BEST QUALITY OF RECEPTION, ONE HAS TO TUNE THE RADIO TO THE FREQUENCIES OF THAT SITE," HE POINTED OUT.
TURNING TO MEDIUM-WAVE AM BAND BROADCASTING, MR AU SAID THE MAIN TRANSMITTER STATIONS WERE LOCATED AT GOLDEN HILL AND PENG CHAU.
"BECAUSE RADIO WAVES IN THE MEDIUM-WAVE BAND CAN TRAVEL AROUND OBSTRUCTIONS, ONE STATION CAN COVER MOST OF THE TERRITORY.
"HOWEVER, TO IMPROVE THE RECEPTION QUALITY OF THE SIGNALS TRANSMITTED FROM GOLDEN HILL, THERE IS ONE LOW-POWER STATION AT CHUNG HOM KOK TO COVER THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND," HE SAID.
OTHER SPEAKERS AT THE CONFERENCE WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR SIMON LUN; THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF METRO BROADCAST CORPORATION LTD, MR CRAIG QUICK; AND THE PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OF HONG KONG COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING CO. LTD, MR ERIC YEUNG.
/REPRESENTATIVES OF .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
5
PROaRA„«™EpLAjsT»NDSSERVFIcKEOFS?HB?R ™B
equipments rvNmpRdu?^tINCLUDED a demonstration of
EQUIPMENTS BY MR PHILIP MANNS OF RADIO TELEVISION
RDS AND AM STEREO HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
NOISE CONTROL RELAXED FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING CONSTRUCTION WORKS * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS GRANTED AN EXEMPTION FROM THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE ALLOWING FOR 24-HOUR, SEVEN-DAY WORKING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF A TIGHT WORKS PROGRAMME AND FORM OF CONSTRUCTION DICTATED BY CABLE SUPPORTED BRIDGES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WHICH COMPRISES TSING MA BRIDGE, KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND THE MA WAN VIADUCT, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID 1997 ACCORDING TO ITS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT 24-HOUR WORKING IS PERMITTED EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK INCLUDING GENERAL HOLIDAYS, HE ADDED.
UNDER THIS ORDER, MITIGATION MEASURES, FORMULATED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF NOISE IN THE VICINITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL MONITOR THE SITUATION TO ENSURE THAT THE MITIGATION MEASURES ARE CARRIED OUT TO CONTAIN THE WORKS WITHIN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NOISE LEVELS.
--------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER SUPPLY PROJECT TO NORTH LANTAU
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE MAINLAYING WORKS ALONG TUNG CHUNG ROAD AND FOOTPATH BETWEEN SHEK MUN KAP AND TAI PO ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THIS CONTRACT IS PART OF THE NORTH LANTAU TEMPORARY WATER SUPPLY PROJECT AIMED AT PROVIDING CHLORINATED RAW WATER TO NORTH LANTAU IN LATE NEXT YEAR TO MEET THE DEMAND FROM THE NEW AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE LAYING OF ABOUT 3,000 METRES OF WATERMAINS, THE DIAMETERS OF WHICH RANGE FROM 200 TO 400 MILLIMETRES.
/WORKS ARE .......
FPTDAY SF.PTEMrFR 20. 1901
6
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL LAST FOR SEVEN MONTHS.
ALSO, TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE FROM THE SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE LAYING OF A 600-MILLIMETRE DIAMETER DUCTILE IRON PIPE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO MANHOLES AND ONE FLOWMETER CHAMBER INSIDE THE TREATMENT WORKS.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL LAST FOR FOUR MONTHS.
DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS WERE PUBLISHED IN SEPARATE NOTICES IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR BOTH PROJECTS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 11.
MEANWHILE, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO CONSTRUCT A NEW INTAKE TOWER AT TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.
IT WILL BE BUILT IN UP TO 30 METRES OF WATER IN THE RESERVOIR WITH ITS FOUNDATION SOCKETED INTO GRANITE.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES OTHER ASSOCIATED OUTLET WORKS AT TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.
A PRE-QUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR THE PROJECT IS NOW BEING CONDUCTED. PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM BINNIE CONSULTANTS LIMITED AT 11TH FLOOR, NEW TOWN TOWER, PAK HOK TING STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
COMPLETED PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED
BEFORE NOON ON OCTOBER 11.
---------0-----------
NEW KCRC BOARD DIRECTOR APPOINTED *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MRS ELEANOR LING TO THE BOARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR TO REPLACE MR LAU WONG-FAT WHO WILL RETIRE FROM THE BOARD ON THE SAME DATE.
/MRS LING ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
MRS LING IS A DIRECTOR OF THE JARDINE PACIFIC LTD. SHE CURRENTLY SERVES ON THE URBAN COUNCIL AND A NUMBER OF PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD, OCEAN PARK CORPORATION BOARD, AND DEPORTATION TRIBUNAL.
THE KCRC BOARD IS CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION, MR KEVIN O HYDE. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ARE MR LI KWOK-PO, MR WONG PU1-TONG, MR HO SING-TIN, MR DENYS E CONNOLLY, MR WONG MAN-KONG, MR EOGHAN M MCMILLAN AND PROFESSOR YEUNG YUE-MAN.
------0--------
APPOINTMENT TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY YUK TAK-FUN.HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO I HE MARCH 31, 1993.
(FRIDAY) THAT
FIGHT CRIME
MRS ALICE CHONG COMMITTEE UP TO
MRS CHONG IS THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF A WELFARE AGENCY. HAS SERVED ON A NUMBER OF COMMITTEES AND TRIBUNALS SET UP GOVERNMENT.
SHE THE
_ r o---------
PREQUALIFICATTON EXERCISE FOR DEMOLITION OF DESALTER CHIMNEYS ttttttti
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF TENDERS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF TWO CHIMNEYS AND A SINGLE STOREY WORKSHOP WITHIN THE SITE OF THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER PLANT WHICH HAS NOW BEEN DECOMMISSIONED.
THE CHIMNEYS ARE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE, ABOUT 126 METRES HIGH AND LOCATED SOME 97 METRES APART.
THE WORKSHOP IS A STEELWORK STRUCTURE OF ABOUT 13 METRES HIGH AND HAS A PLAN AREA OF ABOUT 1,044 SQUARE METRES.
DEMOLITION IS SCHEDULED TO START BY MID NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY THE YEAR END WITH THE CLEARED SITE TO BE USED AS A STAGING AREA FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED CONTRACTS.
THE DEMOLITION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
CONTRACTORS ON THE LIST OF APPROVED SUPPLIERS OF MATERIALS AND SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS FOR DEMOLITION OF VARIOUS STRUCTURES, AND LARGE LOCAL OR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES WITH PROVEN EXPERIENCE IN SIMILAR DEMOLITION PROJECTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM:
/CHIEF ENGINEER .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. I’’91
- 8
CHIEF ENGINEER/DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SEVENTH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, 68 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS SHALL BE SUBMITTED HOT LATER THAN NOON ON NOVEMBER 1.
--------0-----------
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN SCHOOL ABOLISHED » * * » »
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE. EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION TO ABOLISH CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN SCHOOLS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE COMMISSION HAS PROPOSED IN ITS REPORT NO. 4 THAT CORPORAL PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED ON THE BASIS THAT IT COULD HAVE A HARMFUL EFFECT ON CHILDREN.
"DURING IIS DELIBERATIONS ON THE ISSUE, THE COMMISSION TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST CORPORAL PUNISHMENT AS WELL AS OVERSEAS AND LOCAL VIEWS ON THE ISSUE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AS THE MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION BELIEVED THAT CORPORAL PUNISHMENT COULD HAVE A HARMFUL EFFECT ON CHILDREN AND SINCE IT HAS BEEN ABOLISHED AS A SENTENCING OPTION IN THE COURTS, THE COMMISSION PROPOSED THAT CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OF PUPILS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE RECENT ENACTMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS MAY HAVE THE EFFECT OF REPEALING THOSE PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING EDUCATION REGULATIONS WHICH PERMIT CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.
FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT AND ON EDUCATION GROUNDS, THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS RELATING TO CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OF PUPILS HAVE BEEN REPEALED.
THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1991 WHICH GIVE EFFECT TO THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE ABOLITION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN SCHOOLS WERE GAZETTED TODAY.
THIS PROPOSAL IS THE FOURTH IN A SERIES OF RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION FOLLOWING A TWO-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE.
------0-------
/9 .....
FRIDAY, Si• I EMB’ 20, 1991
9 -
CSD TAKES OVER MANAGEMENT OF VIETNAMESE CENTRE ♦ * ♦ * »
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) TAKES OVER FROM HIB POLICE THE MANAGEMENT OF HIGH ISLAND VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRE AG FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DETENTION CENTRE, WHICH NOW ACCOMMODATES SOME 6,600 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, WILL BE MANAGED BY 228 CSD STAFF.
THE CSD’S SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT (VIETNAMESE UNIT), MR JOHN WONG, OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON TO MARK THE TAKEOVER OF THE CAMP.
APART FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE, THE CSD CURRENTLY RUNS FIVE OTHER CAMPS FOR THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, INCLUDING WHITEHEAD, HEI LING CHAU, NEI KWU CHAU, CHI MA WAN AND THE GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE.
------0-------
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
IN KOWLOON CITY TO BE IMPROVED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE NETWORK IN KOWLOON CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BY RE-ROUTING A SECTION 1,650-MTLLIMETRE DIAMETER SEWER IN OLYMPIC AVENUE.
OUTSIDE
OF
IMPROVE THE HONG KONG
AN EXISTING
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND FOUR SPECIAL MANHOLES.
DIVERSION SEWER
A
DI AME’ METRE ALONG SEWER
THE DIVERSION SEWER COMPRISES A 40-METRE LONG FER SEWER TO BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS PRINCE EDWARD LONG TWIN 1,200-MILLTMETRE DIAMETER SEWER TO OLYMPIC AVENUE AND A 35-METRE LONG 1,650-MILLIMETRE
ALSO TO BE LAID IN OLYMPIC AVENUE.
1,650-MILLIMETRE ROAD EAST, A 20-BE CONSTRUCTED
DIAMETER
TENDERS FOR THIS WORK ARE NOW INVITED BY DEPARTMENT. THE CONTRACT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AND BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR
DETAILS OF THE PROJECT WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRI DAY).
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW WORKS DIVISION, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 14IH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDER IS NOON ON OCTOBER 18.
/10........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
APRIL JUNE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS
* » » t t
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR APRIL JUNE 1 ■’> 1 , CONTAINING STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER, IS NOW AVAILABLE.
THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASON FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED.
THE REPORT, AT $13.50 PER COPY, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES FOR DISABLED NEEDED ♦ ♦ t ♦ ♦
HONG KONG SHOULD BE HEADING IN THE DIRECTION OF COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES, INTER-DISCIPLINARY CO-OPERATION AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS.
SPEAKING AT THF. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, SAID:
"AN INCREASE IN VOLUNTEERISM IS ALSO AMONG ALL THESE CONCEPTS AIMED AT BRINGING THE DISABLED PEOPLE INTO THE COMMUNITY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE."
TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES, HE STRESSED THAT IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRONG LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND TO AVOID LONG-TERM INSTITUTIONALISATION.
"PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN ANY REHABILITATION SERVICE IS ESSENTIAL," MR CARTLAND SAID, ADDING THAT PARENTS WERE LIFE-LONG TRAINERS IN SUPPORTING THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR DISABLED CHILDREN.
VOLUNTEERS COULD ALSO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE PROCESS OF REHABILITATION, HE SAID.
"EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR IN GROUPS THEY CAN PIONEER NEW SERVICES, PERFORM TASKS NOT REQUIRING PROFESSIONAL INPUT, SUCH AS ESCORT SERVICES OR SIMPLE COMPANIONSHIP, AND EDUCATE THE PUBLIC BY SHOWING THEIR POSITIVE ACCEPTANCE OF DISABLED PERSONS," HE ADDED.
MR CARTLAND ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN HONG KONG.
/Il
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
11 -
IMPORT OF DANGEROUS DOGS DISALLOWED ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) HAS, SINCE EARLY SEPTEMBER, DISALLOWED THE IMPORT OF TWO BREEDS OF DANGEROUS DOGS SPECIALLY BRED FOR FIGHTING - THE PIT BULL TERRIER AND THE JAPANESE TOSA - IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR BARRY BOUSEFIELD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT AFD HAD ISSUED A LETTER TO VARIOUS KENNEL ASSOCIATIONS IN HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 12 INFORMING THEM OF THE IMPORT BAN.
AN APPLICATION TO IMPORT A JAPANESE TOSA AND HIS PUPPIES INTO THE TERRITORY FROM THE UK WAS TURNED DOWN BY THE DEPARTMENT EARLY THIS MONTH.
"WE SEE A NEED TO TIGHTEN UP CONTROL ON THE IMPORT AND KEEPING OF DANGEROUS DOGS IN HONG KONG BECAUSE A NUMBER OF RELIABLE REPORTS FROM OVERSEAS HAVE INDICATED THAT THESE DOGS ARE DANGEROUS AND THAT THEY HAVE ATTACKED HUMANS, CAUSING SEVERE OR EVEN FATAL INJURIES,” DR BOUSEFIELD EXPLAINED.
THE UK AND SINGAPORE HAVE RECENTLY BANNED THE IMPORT OF PIT BULL TERRIERS AND JAPANESE TOSAS FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT IN YORKSHIRE IN WHICH A SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL WAS ATTACKED AND SEVERELY INJURED BY A PIT BULL TERRIER LET OFF ITS LEASH BY ITS OWNER.
"HONG KONG’S IMPORT CURB IS IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE DOGS AND CATS REGULATIONS 12 AND 20 OF THE DOGS AND CATS ORDINANCE. THESE REGULATIONS PROVIDE AFD WITH THE DISCRETION NOT TO GRANT IMPORT PERMITS COVERING ANY DOGS WHICH MAY POSE A SIGNIFICANT DANGER TO PUBLIC SAFETY," HE WENT ON.
ACCORDING TO DR BOUSEFIELD, 10 PIT BULL TERRIERS WERE IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG IN THE LAST THREE YEARS AND THERE IS NO JAPANESE TOSA IN THE TERRITORY.
"WE HAVE ALSO ASKED THE KENNEL ASSOCIATIONS TO EMPHASISE TO THEIR MEMBERS WHO OWN DANGEROUS DOGS THE NEED TO KEEP THEIR DOGS ON A LEAD, MUZZLED AND UNDER PROPER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES WHENEVER IN A PUBLIC PLACE," DR BOUSEFIELD SAID.
HE SAID ANYONE WHO FAILS TO KEEP THEIR DOGS UNDER PROPER CONTROL IN A PUBLIC PLACE IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS.
"MEANWHILE, WE ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING IMPROVED CONTROLS ON THE KEEPING OF DANGEROUS DOGS THROUGH AMENDMENTS TO THE DOGS AND CATS ORDINANCE," HE ADDED.
- - 0
/12 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
12
TENDERS FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES AND MARKET CONVERSION
******
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUMBER OF PUBLIC FACILITIES FOR NIM WAN VILLAGE IN TUEN MUN, AND THE CONVERSION WORKS OF THE CENTRE STREET MARKET IN SAI YING POON.
SEPARATE TENDER NOTICES FOR THE TWO CONTRACTS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES FOR NIM WAN VILLAGE IN KA WO LEI, TUEN MUN, WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, A STANDARD DESIGN TWO-STOREY VILLAGE HALL, A STANDARD DESIGN ’PAI LAU’, LANDSCAPING AND EXTERNAL PAVING BETWEEN VILLAGE HOUSES.
WORKS FOR THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID NOVEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY MID MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE CENTRE STREET MARKET IN SAI YING POON WILL INCLUDE ALTERNATION AND BUILDING WORKS IN CONVERTING THE EXISTING MARKET TO SUIT NEW LAYOUT AND NEW BUILDING VENTILATION SYSTEMS.
WORKS FOR THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER THIS. YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER NEXT YEAR. •
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR BOTH PROJECTS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 11.
TENDERS INVITED FOR SUPPLY OF GAS MONITORING SYSTEM
*****
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A CONTINUOUS GAS AND PARTICULATE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR THE KWAI CHUNG INCINERATION PLANT.
THE SYSTEM SHALL COMPRISE MEASURING EQUIPMENT FOR MONITORING PARAMETERS OF PARTICULATE EMISSION, CARBON DIOXIDE, CARBON MONOXIDE, MOISTURE CONTENT, INDUCED DRAFT FAN AND TEMPERATURE AS WELL AS DATA RECORDING, TRANSMISSION, RETRIEVAL AND ANALYSING EQUIPMENT.
THE GENERAL ELECTRONICS DIVISION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN OF THE SYSTEM AND THE SUPERVISION OF THE INSTALLATION WORKS.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONTRACTS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 811, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 25.
------0--------
/13 .....
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
13
REVOCATION OF BANKING LICENCE
*******
THE BANKING LICENCE OF PITTSBURGH NATIONAL BANK HAS BEEN REVOKED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF THE BANK, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
PITTSBURGH NATIONAL BANK WAS GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE IN 1989. AS PART OF THE RATIONALISATION OF ITS GLOBAL OPERATIONS, THE BANK HAS CEASED OPERATING IN HONG KONG SINCE JULY THIS YEAR.
AFTER THE REVOCATION, THERE ARE 165 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 135 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
-----0-------
NEW SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER APPOINTED
********
MRS ROSANNA URE LUI HANG-SAI HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER TO TAKE OVER FROM MRS MAUREEN CHAN WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).
MRS URE, 38, JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN AUGUST 1983. SHE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF POSTS WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
SHE WAS LAST POSTED TO OMELCO AS CHIEF ASSISTANT SECRETARY (MEMBERS) IN MARCH LAST YEAR AND WAS LATER PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER.
MRS URE WAS ALSO A FORMER ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWUN TONG.
-----0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR POLICE QUARTERS AND CAS TRAINING POOL
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A POLICE RANK AND FILE MARRIED QUARTERS IN FANLING, AND A SWIMMING TRAINING POOL FOR THE CIVIL AID SERVICES TRAINING CAMP IN SAI KUNG NORTH.
NOTICES OF TENDERS FOR THE TWO CONTRACTS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CONTRACT FOR THE POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS IN AREA 28, FANLING WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE 18-STOREY BLOCKS CONTAINING 408 UNITS, AND ANCILLARY AMENITY FACILITIES.
WORKS FOR THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 1994.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SWIMMING TRAINING POOL IN THE CIVIL AID SERVICES TAI TAN TRAINING CAMP IN SAI KUNG NORTH WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 25M X 12.5M SWIMMING POOL, THE NECESSARY PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE WORKS, EXTERNAL PAVING WORKS TOGETHER WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FILTRATION PLANT ROOM AND PIPE TRENCH AROUND THE POOL.
/WORKS FOR .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
- 14 -
WORKS FOR THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF JUNE NEXT YEAR.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION ARE NOON ON OCTOBER 18 FOR THE POLICE QUARTERS PROJECT AND OCTOBER 11 FOR THE SWIMMING POOL PROJECT.
------0-------
LANTERN CARNIVAL IN YAU TSIM ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A COLOURFUL LANTERN CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TOMORROW (SATURDAY), BEGINNING AT 8 PM.
THERE WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW, A LANTERN DISPLAY, LANTERN RIDDLES, CHINESE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES AND GAMES STALLS.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG; YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PETER FERRY AND AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR IP KWOK-CHUNG.
MEANWHILE, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ALSO ORGANISE A MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND ON SATURDAY EVENING, STARTING AT 8 PM.
---------0 - -
CARNIVAL FOR TSEUNG KWAN O RESIDENTS
******
A LARGE SCALE CARNIVAL HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR TSEUNG KWAN 0 RESIDENTS IN PO LAM ESTATE TOMORROW (SATURDAY), BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE DEMONSTRATION, SINGING AND AN EXHIBITION SAI KUNG.
SPORTS ASSOCIATION, SAI KUNG
DEPARTMENT AND HOUSING GAME STALLS, AEROBIC DANCE ON RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN
CHILDREN CAN TAKE PART IN A "MINI-OLYMPICS" AND PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS.
THE PO LAM INDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRE WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO RESIDENTS FOR PLAYING BADMINTON AND SQUASH FREE OF CHARGE.
/OFFICIATING AT .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
15
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL'S OPENING WILE BE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG; SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN; AND A REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR GILBERT LEUNG.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSEUNG KWAN O CARNIVAL WHICH WILL.BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE SUNKEN PLAZA OF PO LAM ESTATE.
------0-------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ♦ ♦ » ♦ »
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN A WAN CHAI BUILDING SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 12 CANAL ROAD WEST.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON NOVEMBER 7 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
- - - 0-------
NEW KWAI CHUNG FIRE STATION OFFICIALLY OPENED
RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) ASSURED OF EVEN BETTER PROTECTION AND SERVICES DURING FIRES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES WiTH THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW KWAI CHUNG FIRE STATION.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS FIRE STATION TO LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN BE REFLECTED FROM ITS HIGH TURNOUT RATE TO FIRE AND SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS.
SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE STATION AT 77 HING SHING ROAD TODAY, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR HO KWOK-CIIUEN, SAID THE STATION TURNED OUT TO 1,531 FIRE AND SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS IN 1990.
’’COMPARING WITH ITS RELATIVELY SMALL STATION AREA, THIS TURNOUT RATE SEEMS OUT OF PROPORTION,” HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THIS WOULD NOT COME AS A SURPRISE IF YOU CONSIDER THE AREA, THE POPULATION AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL ENVIRONMENT .OF THIS FIRST GENERATION NEW TOWN, HE ADDED.
/"KWAI CHUNG ........
FRIDAY, SEP '’.MPER 20, 199.1
16 -
”KWAT CHUNG OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 4.6 SQUARE KILOMETRES ’L AS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 294,000 WITH A MIXTURE OF RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL FIRE RISKS.
’’THERE ARE OVER 200 HIGH-RISE DOMESTIC BLOCKS, 120 MULTI-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS, FIVE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AND THREE CONTAINER TERMINALS,” MR HO SAID.
THE CONTAINER TERMINALS ARE THE BUSIEST- IN THE WORLD, HANDLING THOUSANDS OF CONTAINERS EVERYDAY.
THE $11 MILLION NEW KWAI CHUNG FIRE STATION WAS PLANNED IN 1982 TO REPLACE THE OLD STATION IN TAI LIN PAI ROAD AND WAS COMMISSIONED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE NEW STANDARD SUB-DIVISIONAL STATION DESIGN IS THE 18TH OF THIS TYPE IN THE FIRE SERVICE. IT HAS A FLEET OF THREE MODERN AND WELL-EQUIPPED FIRE APPLIANCES AND A STAFF OF 66 OFFICERS.
THE STATION, WITH A FIREMEN’S MESS, RECREATION ROOM, BARRACKS AND AN EXERCISE ROOM, PROVIDES A MORE COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FIREMEN.
I.D. CARD REMINDER FOR JUVENILES BORN IN 1975 OR 1976
*♦*»»»
CHILDREN
PARENTS ARE TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED TO ACCOMPANY THEIR WHO WFRE BORN IN 1975 OR 1976 AND ARE HOLDING OLD-1YPE IDENTITY ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1, 1987 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS
CARDS BEFORE
OCTOBER 19.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE RUSH, PARENTS WITH CHILDREN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD SHOULD BRING THEM
THE HAVE
FORWARD
WITHOUT DELAY.
"IT IS QUITE EASY TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN AN OLD-TYPE CARD AND A NEW ONE AS THE NUMBER ON THE OLD CARD IS PRINTED TOP RIGHT CORNER, WHILE ON THE NEW CARD, THE NUMBER IS THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IDENTITY
ON
PRINTED
THE ON
"PARENTS CAN GO TO ANY OF THE EIGHT NEW ^ENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN’S IDENTITY CARDS REPLACED, HE ADDED.
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY.
’’PARENTS MAY BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE.
’ "THEY MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 824 0303 TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENTS TO BRING ALONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1991
-17 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * ♦
DATE t MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 19.9.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 20.9.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.3 *+0.2* 20.9.91
600
+ 22
-22
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS 19.9.91 20.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.06 PCT 4.09 PCT
1 MONTH 4.24 PCT 4.29 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.58 PCT 4.60 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.15 PCT 6.13 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.85 PCT 5.84 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 10,390 MN 9,490 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPOINTMENT ..................................... 1
GOVERNOR VISITS MARINE POLICE ....................................... 3
MORE FACILITIES FOR TSEUNG KWAN O RESIDENTS ......................... 4
MAINTENANCE OF HMS TAMAR SIGNAL MAST................................. 4
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ................................. 5
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 5
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1991
1
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPOINTMENT » * * * »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAI) RE-APPOINTED THE FOLLOWING PERSONS AS MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE 1991-95 TERM:
THE HON ALLEN LEE CBE JP
MRS SELINA CHOW OBE JP
THE HON MRS RITA FAN OBE JP
MR MARTIN BARROW OBE
MRS MIRIAM LAU
MR LAU WAH-SUM OBE JP
MRS PEGGY LAM MBE JP
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO MADE THE FOLLOWING NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE 1991-95 TERMS:
PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN KWAN-YIU
MR MOSES CHENG MO-CHI
MR VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN
MR MARVIN CHEUNG KIN-TUNG
MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO MBE JP
DR LAM KUI-CHUN
MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG
PROFESSOR FELICE LIEH-MAK OBE JP
MR STEVEN POON KWOK-LIM
MR HENRY TANG YING-YEN
IN ADDITION, AS HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, MR JOHN SWAINE CBE QC JP HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL AND WILL FILL THE POST OF DEPUTY PRESIDENT.
HIE APPOINTMENTS WILL RUN FROM THE DAY APPOINTED FOR THE FIRST SITTING OF THE NEW SESSION (OCTOBER 9, 1991) UNTIL THE NEXT
■ DISSOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WERE CHOSEN FROM A WIDE RANGE OF DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS.
ALL HAD A GOOD RECORD OF PREVIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE. THEY ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE THEIR MARK IN THEIR FIELDS AND HAVE DEMONSTRATED INDEPENDENCE OF MIND.
HE WAS SURE THAT THEY WOULD ALL MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
HE ALSO PAID A WARM TRIBUTE TO THE CONTRIBUTION THAT THOSE RETIRING AS APPOINTED MEMBERS HAD MADE TO THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG DURING THEIR MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL.
HE NOTED WITH PLIASURE THAT SOME OF THEM HAD BEEN ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR TH W SESSION, AND WAS SURE THAT THE OTHERS WOULD CONTINUE TO SERVE HONG KONG IN OTHER WAYS IN THE YEARS TO COME.
/BRIEF DETAILS .......
SA 11 I i AY, SITTEMBF.R 21 , 1991
BRIEF DETAILS OF EACH OF THE NEW APPOINTEES APE AS FOLLOWS:-
PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN KWAN-YJU
AGED 46. DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE OF ASIAN STUDIES AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY. VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND A MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
MR MOSES CHENG MO-CHI
AGED 41. A SOLICITOR. HE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE JUVENILE CARE CENTRE, THE FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS AND ST JAMES SETTLEMENT, AND HAS BEEN PROMINENT IN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
MR VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN
AGED 43. SENIOR MANAGER (GROUP RESEARCH) WITH THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION. PREVIOUSLY A FULL-TIME MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT.
MR MARVIN CHEUNG KIN-TUNG
AGFD-44. AN ACCOUNTANT. AN APPOINTED URBAN COUNCILLOR SINCE 1985 AND A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM AND THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
MR TIMOTHY HA W1NG-HO
AGED 54. PRINCIPAL OF ST PAUL’S COLLEGE. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND A MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC
GRANTS COMMITTEE.
DR LAM KUI-CHUN
AGED 49. A PHYSICIAN IN PRIVATE PRACTICE. A MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, DEPUTY CHIEF ADJUDICATOR OF THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL AND A FORMER DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER.
MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG
AGED 38. AN ACCOUNTANT. CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH AND A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTtBttlBS FUND ADVISORY COMMUTE AND THE OPERATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE OF THE ICAC. CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION AND AN APPOINTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER.
/PROFESSOR FELICE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1991
3
PROFESSOR FELICE LIEH-MAK
AGED 50. PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY. CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING AND MANPOWER PLANNING, AND A MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL.
MR STEVEN POON KWOK-LIM
AGED 48. DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY. A MEMBER OF THE COUNCILS OF THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AND A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
MR HENRY TANG YING-YEN
AGED 39. MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PENINSULA KNITTERS LIMITED. A MEMBER OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, THE INLAND REVENUE BOARD OF REVIEW AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION.
------0-------
GOVERNOR VISITS MARINE POLICE
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, VISITED THE MARINE POLICE LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT IN ORDER TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE WORK OF THE ANTI-SMUGGLING TASK FORCE AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON THE SUCCESS OF THEIR OPERATION.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR JOHN THORPE, AND THE MARINE REGIONAL POLICE COMMANDER, MR BARRIE DEEGAN.
SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE TASK FORCE AT THEIR BASE AT MEI SHA, SHA TIN.
HE THEN MET WITH POLICE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE AND ROYAL NAVY PERSONNEL IN THE UNIT AND INSPECTED SOME OF THE SPEEDBOATS CONFISCATED FROM SMUGGLERS.
SIR DAVID ALSO WENT ON BOARD A NUMBER OF POLICE LAUNCHES AND MET THE CREWS, INCLUDING SOME OFFICERS WHO HAD BEEN INJURED DURING ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS.
- - 0---------
/4 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1991
4
MORE FACILITIES FOR TSEUNG KWAN O RESIDENTS
TSEUNG KWAN O NEW SAI KUNG DISTRICT
MANY COMMUNITY FACILITIES HAVE BEEN BUILT IN TOWN TO COPE WITH THE GROWING POPULATION, THE OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O CARNIVAL ------------------------------------ TW0 INDOOR RECREATIONAL
IN PO LAM ESTATE, MR NG SAID THESE INCLUDED CENTRES, A GOVERNMENT CLINIC, AND MANY
OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE
FACILITIES.
’’WITH THE COMPLETION OF OTHER PLANNED FACILITIES, SUCH AS A SWIMMING POOL, PLAYGROUND, AND A LARGE PARK, THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN TSEUNG KWAN O WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED," HE SAID.
MR NG ALSO COMMENDED THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS FOR ITS EFFORTS IN ORGANISING SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESIDEN18.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, TODAY’S CARNIVAL FEATURED GAMES STALLS, AEROBIC DANCE DEMONSTRATIONS, SINGING AND AN EXHIBITION ON RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES IN SAI KUNG.
A "MINI-OLYMPICS" WAS ORGANISED FOR CHILDREN AND ALL THE PARTICIPANTS WERE AWARDED PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS.
THE PO LAM INDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRE WAS ALSO OPEN TO RESIDENTS FOR PLAYING BADMINTON AND SQUASH FREE OF CHARGE.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR MAK HIN-KWAN; THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN; AND A REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR GILBERT LEUNG. .
------o--------
MAINTENANCE OF HMS TAMAR SIGNAL MAST
* ♦ » * ♦
DUE TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE SIGNAL MAST AT HMS TAMAR, THE DISPLAY OF TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING AND STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS THERE WILL BE SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THOSE LIVING IN CENTRAL AND NEARBY AREAS, ARE ADVISED TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO OR WATCH TELEVISION FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON TROPICAL CYCLONES AND STRONG MONSOON.
INFORMATION ON TROPICAL CYCLONES AND SIGNAL STATUS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTRE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS ON TEL. 835 1473.
- 0
/5 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1991
5
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION
*******
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $2,193,500 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 ET3 FETCH THE HIGHTEST PRICE OF $300,000.
ANOTHER TWO NUMBERS ATI8 AND ER88 WERE SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $200,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $2,500 FOR ES1905
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:
$ $ $
ES680 6,000 ET2128 18,000 CY118 80,000 ES228 120,000
ER9668 4,000 ♦ AY87 93,000 ♦ EU35 58,000 ET1948 3,000
BR541 3,500 ESI 008 18,000 ES9883 13,000 CS960 12,000
♦ DD76 25,000 CK4498 6,000 ET321 26,000 ♦ DD4 160,000
ES3100 5,500 ♦DD3388 95,000 ♦ AT18 200,000 CH325 30,000
AG338 148,000 ES782 20,000 ES668 80,000 ES830 20,000
ET928 50,000 AA605 22,000 ET489 15,000 CB109 26,000
♦ 1612 66,000 ♦ ER88 200,000 ♦ ET3 300,000 ♦DN808 55,000
ES1905 2,500 ES I 20 20,000 XX1737 20,000 ES836 20,000
BB8398 30,000 ET1222 20,000 ES138 100,000 DM2842 3,000
*NON-TRANSFERABLE
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 168TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO 8123,269,105.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS t t * ♦ ♦
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
DATE $ MILLION
20.9.91 600
21.9.91 NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
45 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY ............................... 1
BOOK ON TREE PLANTING AVAILABLE FOR SALE ............................. 1
APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHERS' CERTIFICATE COURSE INVITED ................ 2
15 COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS IN AUGUST ....................... 3
SEMINAR ON WORKBASED CHILD CARE CENTRE ............................... 3
SWIMMING GALA FOR ISLANDERS .......................................... 4
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1991
45 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY »»»*«*
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 45 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JULY.
OF THESE, NINE WERE FOR KOWLOON AND IB EACH FOR HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 22 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, FOUR FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SEVEN FOR FACTORY, INDUSTRIAL AND WORKSHOP/ GODOWN PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 64 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 239,642.7 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 96,301.5 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $2,971 MILLION. USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 87,897.7 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 363,447.2 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 33 OCCUPATION PERMITS: FIVE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 11 FOR KOWLOON AND 17 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 32 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 71 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 700 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,222 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 972 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 602 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED FOUR EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
-----0-------
BOOK ON TREE PLANTING AVAILABLE FOR SALE
*****
HORTICULTURISTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS AND DEVELOPERS WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TREE PLANTING IN GENERAL OR ACQUIRE MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT CAN FIND THEM IN A NEW BOOK PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
ENTITLED "TREE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE IN HONG KONO", THE BOOK PROVIDES UP-TO-DATE ADVICE ON THE STANDARDS OF PRACTICE TO BE ADOPTED FOR THE SELECTION, PLANTING AND CARE OF TREES IN HONG KONO.
/IN EIGHT .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 19nl
2
IN EIGHT CHAPTERS, THE BOOK COVERS COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON SELECTING THE RIGHT TREE FOR THE SITE, PLANTING TECHNIQUES AND AFTERCARE, TREE SURGERY METHODS BASED ON THE LATEST RESEARCH, DEALING WITH TYPHOON-DAMAGED TREES AND SPECIFIC TREE PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG SUCH AS PLANTING IN STREETS.
ALSO COVERED IN DETAIL ARE THE CARE OF TREES ON DEVELOPMENT SITES AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN TREES HAVE TO BE FELLED.
THE EDITOR OF THE BOOK, MR RICHARD WEBB, IS A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. HE SAID: "THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOOK IS VERY TIMELY, GIVEN THE GREAT INTEREST IN TREE PLANTING IN HONG KONG.
"THE BOOK UNDERLINES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING STANDARDS OF TREE CARE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT."
HE BELIEVES THE BOOK WOULD BE OF GREAT VALUE TO TREE LOVERS, ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, PLANNERS, DEVELOPERS, HORTICULTURISTS, LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, STUDENTS AND ALL THOSE WHO MAY BE CONCERNED WITH TREES.
PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH, THE 53-PAGE BOOK CONTAINS NUMEROUS SKETCHES AND PHOTOGRAPHS, AS WELL AS REFERENCES FOR THOSE SEEKING FURTHER INFORMATION, AND ADDRESSES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS WHICH MAY PROVIDE EXPERT ADVICE IN SPECIFIC SITUATIONS.
THE BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE AT $46 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
---------0-----------
APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHERS’ CERTIFICATE COURSE INVITED
*****
A CERTIFICATE COURSE FOR TEACHERS OR INSTRUCTORS OF ADULT LEARNERS IN FURTHER OR ADULT EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS WILL BE OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE FROM NOVEMBER 15.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO HELP TEACHERS UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF LEARNING AND TEACHING, AND IMPROVE AND DEVELOP THEMSELVES AS EFFECTIVE PRACTITIONERS.
THE 22-WEEK COURSE IS HELD EVERY FRIDAY ON A PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE MODE. IT FOLLOWS THE SCHEME OF STUDY DESIGNED BY THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE IN BRITAIN.
/ON COMPLETION .......
4
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1991
ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE AWARDED THE FURTHER AND ADULT EDUCATION TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE (STAGE II), AND ON PAYMENT OF THE REQUIRED FEE, THEY WILL ALSO BE ISSUED THE CERTIFICATE BY THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE IN PERSON OR BY REGISTERED POST BY OCTOBER 4.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 574 5311.
------0-------
15 COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS IN AUGUST ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH CONDUCTED 15 COURSES, SEMINARS, TALKS BY SPECIALISTS AND WORKSHOPS FOR KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINARS INCLUDED TEACHING CHINESE-MEDIUM ADVANCED-LEVEL APPLIED MATHEMATICS, COMPUTER AWARENESS, PRE-SERVICE INDUCTION FOR NEW GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THE■ SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT.
COURSES INCLUDED CLASS LIBRARIES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, ADULT FIRST AID COURSES FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS, PROGRAMMING COURSES FOR COMPUTER STUDIES TEACHERS, REMEDIAL TEACHING IN MATHEMATICS, COMPUTER LITERACY, SUMMER COURSES FOR PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHERS AND GENERAL COURSES ON COMPUTER AWARENESS FOR STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS.
WORKSHOPS ON CHINESE RECIPES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR HOME ECONOMICS TEACHERS AND AN EXHIBITION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS’ CREATIVE WORK WERE ALSO ORGANISED.
-----0------
SEMINAR ON WORKBASED CHILD CARE CENTRE
*****
EMPLOYERS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THE CONCEPT AND SERVICES OF SETTING UP EMPLOYER-SPONSORED CHILD CARE CENTRE.
ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE TALKS BY RELEVANT EXPERTS AND OPEN FORUM.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAI# WORKBASED CHILD CARE CENTRE PROVIDED A NEW DIRECTION TO HELP TACKLE STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROBLEM.
/"OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1991
"OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE FOUND THAT EMPLOYER-SPONSORED CHILD CARE CENTRE HAS MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN IMPROVING STAFF MORALE AND BOOSTING THE IMAGE OF THE COMPANY. IT ALSO HELPS IN REDUCING STAFF TURNOVER AND ATTRACTING MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN THE ORGANISATIONS," HE ADDED.
SPEAKERS OF THE SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL CHILD RESOURCE INSTITUTE IN BERKELEY, USA, MR KENNETH J. JAFFE, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE WHICH SPONSORED AND OPERATED THE FIRST WORKBASED CHILD CARE CENTRE IN HONG KONG.
THE SEMINAR, WHICH IS FREE-OF-CHARGE, WILL BE HELD IN THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 3 IN MARINA ROOM OF THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL.
FOR RESERVATION AND ENQUIRY, PLEASE CONTACT MISS LAU ON TEL. 895 6084 OR MR NG ON 890 2127.
--------0-----------
SWIMMING GALA FOR ISLANDERS
* * * * ♦
ABOUT 250 ISLANDS DISTRICT RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN THE DISTRICT’S 16TH SWIMMING GALA AT THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THERE WAS KEEN COMPETITION IN THE 58 EVENTS, 'WHICH ALSO ATTRACTED HUNDREDS OF SPECTATORS.
AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE RESIDENTS FROM DIFFERENT ISLANDS TAKING PART IN THE GALA.
HE STRESSED THAT THIS TYPE OF ACTIVITIES WOULD STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION AMONG THE ISLANDERS.
"THE GALA SHOULD ALSO HELP ENHANCE THE ISLANDERS’ SENSE OF BELONGING AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL IN SPORTS," HE SAID.
THE SWIMMING GALA IS AN ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT'S EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES.
- 0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR Y.K. PAO.................................. 1
STATEMENT ON VM TALKS ................................................. 1
SIX-WEEK TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS ........................... 1
SEVEN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS TO GET COMPUTERS ............................. 2
SHOPS FINED FOR INACCURATE INSTRUMENTS OR SHORT WEIGHTS ............... 3
REMINDER ON PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD ..................... 3
WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON ................................................. 4
MONDAY, SEPTI-1BER 23, 1991
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR Y.K. PAO ♦ t ♦ ♦ t
THE GOVERNOR TODAY (MONDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO SIR Y.K. PA'», WHO DIED EARLIER IN THE DAY.
"SIR Y.K. PAO WAS ONE OF HONG KONG'S LEADING BUSINESSMEN, AND PERHAPS THE FIRST TO ACHIEVE A TRULY INTERNATIONAL STATURE.
"HIS CONTRIBUTION TO BUILDING UP HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY WAS MATCHED BY GREAT GENEROSITY IN THE FIELD OF BOTH EDUCATION AND THE ARTS. HONG KONG OWES HIM MUCH.
"I FEEL SURE THAT MANY WILL JOIN WITH ME IN OFFERING SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY."
______0--------
STATEMENT ON VM TALKS * » t ♦ *
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS ISSUED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, WHO IS IN HANOI FOR DISCUSSIONS REGARDING THE ACCELERATED RETURN OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM HONG KONG:
"A GOOD MEETING WAS HELD ON THE FIRST DAY OF TALKS WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT INVOLVING REPRESEN.TATIVES OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, UNHCR AND IOM.
"DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD REGARDING THE PROBLEM OF THE HIGH NUMBER OF ARRIVALS OF VIETNAMESE IN HONG KONG. THERE WAS A FRIENDLY AND CO-OPERATIVE EXCHANGE ON THE QUESTION OF THE ORDERLY RETURN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO VIETNAM. FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW ON A NUMBER OF DETAILED ISSUES IN THIS AREA.
’"HOWEVER, THE UNHCR HAS ALREADY AGREED THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, NEW ARRIVALS IN COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM WILL RECEIVE A GREATLY REDUCED LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE FOR RETURNING TO VIETNAM."
------0--------
SIX-WEEK TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS t * * » »
THE SERVING IN
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) IS INVITING HEALTH WORKERS PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED MEDICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT ON A
SIX-WEEK TRAINING COURSE.
SCHEDULED • TO START IN LATE NOVEMBER, THE COURSE AIMS IO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE OF PERSONNEL IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
/THIS IS .
MONDAY, FF • MBER 23, 1^91
- 2 -
THIS IS THE FOURTH SUCH COURSE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG NURSES ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF NURSING AND I HF SWD, AN SWD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
’’OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, MORE THAN 105 HEALTH WORKERS HAD ATTENDED SIMILAR COURSES,” HE SAID.
THE COURSE COVERS BASIC SKILLS IN LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHANGES OF OLD PEOPLE, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS, AND THE BASIC PRINCIPLES IN RUNNING A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THEIR QUALIFICATION. THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ELDERLY HOMES IN WHICH THEY ARE SERVING WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE AND ON PASSING AN EXAMINATION.
LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO PRIVATE HOME OPERATORS INVITING THEM TO RECOMMEND SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR THE COURSE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO TAKE UP A JOB IN THESE HOMES MAY ALSO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SWD’S REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY AT ROOM 1105, 11TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 577 4185.
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SEVEN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS TO GET COMPUTERS »■»»»»»
SEVEN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS WILL EACH BE PROVIDED WITH EIGHT SETS OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS AND 42 ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT S/IID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE PROCUREMENT, WHICH WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY A GENEROUS DONATION OF $2.2 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WILL FACILITATE THE TEACHING OF WORD-PROCESS 1 NG AND FURTHER ENHANCE THE "HANDS ON" EXPERIENCE OF STUDENTS TAKING COMMERCIAL COURSES AT THESE SEVEN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
THE SCHOOLS BENEFITING FROM THE CLUB’S CONTRIBUTION ARE ALL TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
THEY ARE HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL, JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL, KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL, LUNG CHEUNG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL, HA KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
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/3 ......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER ,23, 1991
3
SHOPS FINED FOR INACCURATE INSTRUMENTS OR SHORT WEIGHTS ' ♦ ♦»*♦*♦*
TEN FOOD RETAILERS, AN ELECTRONIC SHOP AND A RESTAURANT WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $32,000 IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS OR GIVING SHORT WEIGHTS OF GOODS TO CUSTOMERS.
THEY WERE PROSECUTED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE WHICH HAS COME INTO EFFECT FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS.
IN THE CASES INVOLVING INACCURATE INSTRUMENTS, TESTS BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY SHOWED THAT THE READINGS WERE FROM 3.55 TO 21.88 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHTS.
AS FOR THE CASES ON SHORT WEIGHTS, THE PERCENTAGE OF SHORTAGE WAS FROM 14.85 TO ABOUT 20 PER CENT.
THE PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR ANDREW WONG, SAID A TOTAL OF 150 COMPLAINTS ABOUT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MALPRACTICES HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC SO FAR THIS YEAR.
"IN ADDITION TO ACTING ON COMPLAINTS, CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE ALSO CONDUCTED 323 SPOT CHECKS ON RETAILERS SO FAR THIS YEAR TO ENSURE THAT ACCURATE WEIGHING OR MEASURING INSTRUMENTS ARE BEING USED,” HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID A TOTAL FINE OF $210,350 HAD BEEN IMPOSED ON OFFENDERS SINCE THE ORDINANCE CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1989.
HE REMINDED TRADERS THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE WAS $20,000 IN FINE AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO MAKE COMPLAINTS ABOUT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES MAY CONTACT THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU ON TEL. 714 6146.
COMPLAINTS MAY ALSO BE REPORTED TO DUTY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 852 3185 AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS, OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
------------------------0------- REMINDER ON PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD ♦ * t t ♦
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS THAT FOOD ITEMS IN PREPACKAGED FORM, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, MUST BE PROPERLY MARKED AS REQUIRED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $25,000 IN FINE AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1991
THE REMINDER FOLLOWED RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH THREE RETAIL SHOPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE EACH FINED $1,000 FOR CONTRAVENING THE OFFENCES.
THE THREE SHOPS, TWO IN TSUEN WAN AND ANOTHER IN TURN MUN, WERE CONVICTED OF SELLING PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS INCLUDING CHICKEN LEG, PEANUTS AND DRIED SQUIDS WITHOUT PROPER MARKING OR LABELLING.
THE FOOD ITEMS DID NOT HAVE THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MANUFACTURER OR PACKER, THE INDICATION OF MINIMUM DURABILITY, THE NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OR THE NET VOLUME OF THE FOOD AS STIPULATED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
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WATER CUTS IN KOWLOON ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI,, KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE AREA BOUNDED BY KANSU STREET, NATHAN ROAD, WING SING LANE, RECLAMATION STREET, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND FERRY STREET.
ALSO ON WEDNESDAY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9.30 AM TO 5.30 PM TO FACILITATE MAINS INSTALLATION WORKS.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE SAN PO KONG, NGAU CHI WAN, CHOI HUNG ESTATE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, PING SHEK ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN CHI COURT, SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, KOWLOON BAY, KWUN TONG, LAM TIN, SAU MAU PING AND CHA KWO LING.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO OTHER AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY UNTIL 5 PM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 27).
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, JORDAN VALLEY, WANG TAU HOM, FU SHAN, CHUK YUEN, KOWLOON TONG, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON CITY, MA TAU WAI AND MA TAU KOK, AND INCLUDING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FUNG WONG SAN TSUEN AND KOWLOON HOSPITAL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO._
MIXTURE OF FORCES POWER HONG KONG'S ECONOMIC GROWTH ...................
o
LADY WILSON OPENS SHATIN CHESHIRE HOME ................................
GOVERNOR TO OPEN REGIONAL COUNCIL BUILDING ............................
TWO MORE AIDS CASES CONFIRMED .........................................
MILITARY BAND PERFORMS AT BORDER ......................................
SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE FOR 'THE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES INDEXES' .......... 6
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............
g
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ....................................
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1991
MIXTURE OF FORCES POWER HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH » * * * *
HONG KONG IS AN INTEGRATED COMMUNITY OF INCREASINGLY WELL-EDUCATED, HARD-WORKING AND SOCIALLY SOPHISTICATED PEOPLE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG-AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON, MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG’S STABILITY IS DUE TO A MIXTURE OF FACTORS: THE BEDROCK STRENGTH OF THE CHINESE FAMILY; JUDICIOUS AND FORWARD-LOOKING GOVERNMENT AND, OF COURSE, ECONOMIC GROWTH.
HONG KONG’S EMERGING STATUS AS A LEADING CENTRE OF TRADE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, ITS RAPIDLY GROWING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH SOUTH CHINA, AND ITS INCREASING PROMINENCE AS A CENTRE FOR CIVIL AVIATION, SHIPPING, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TOURISM ARE ALL FORCES WHICH HAVE HELPED TO POWER ITS PHENOMENAL ECONOMIC GROWTH OF RECENT YEARS.
"A PROSPERING ECONOMY BRINGS WITH IT AN ENHANCED STANDARD OF LIVING. OUR PER CAPITA GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN 1990 IS ABOUT US$12,200, WHICH IS THE THIRD HIGHEST IN EAST ASIA BEHIND JAPAN AND BRUNEI," SHE SAID.
"THE LOCAL WORKFORCE CONTINUES TO ENJOY VIRTUALLY FULL EMPLOYMENT WITH RISING WAGES," MRS CHAN ADDED.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS DONE MUCH TO CEMENT STABILITY BY MASSIVE INVESTMENT OVER THE YEARS IN SUBSIDISED HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL CARE AND SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
"AT THE SAME TIME, IT HAS MAINTAINED A POLICY OF LOW TAXATION AND MINIMUM INTERFERENCE IN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT - ALTHOUGH MAKE NO MISTAKE, WE HAVE NOT HESITATED TO STEP IN TO REGULATE WHEREVER THIS HAS BEEN NECESSARY.
"AS A RESULT WE HAVE CREATED IN HONG KONG A SOCIETY AND AN ETHOS WHICH ENCOURAGES ENTERPRISE AND REWARDS HARD WORK, WHILE STILL ENSURING THAT THOSE WHO CANNOT COPE BY THEMSELVES RECEIVE THE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE THEY NEED," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT, MRS CHAN SAID FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, HONG KONG COULD PROCEED AT FULL SPEED TOWARDS THE TARGET OF OPENING THE FIRST RUNWAY IN 1997.
"PENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE (AIRPORT) AUTHORITY PROPER, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, A PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF OUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY IS TAKING FORWARD EARLY PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION WORK.
"A GREAT DEAL OF PROGRESS HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE. THE AIRPORT MASTERPLAN STUDY WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. ADVANCE WORKS TO PREPARE A 30 HECTARE WORK SITE ON CHEK LAP KOK COMMENCED IN FEBRUARY AND TENDERS FOR THE FORMATION OF THE MAIN 1,270 HECTARE SITE WILL BE CALLED IN NOVEMBER.
/"IN SEPTEMBER .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1991
- 2 -
"IN SEPTEMBER, THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY ALSO CALLED FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN PREQUALIFYING FOR THE CONTRACT FOR DETAILED DESIGN OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL WITH A VIEW TO LETTING A CONTRACT BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
"UNDERSTANDABLY, A VERY HIGH LEVEL OF INTEREST HAS BEEN EXPRESSED IN THESE MAJOR CONTRACTS - THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT ALONE IS VALUED AT OVER A$l.5 BILLION.
"THERE WILL BE MUCH MORE TO COME, AND THE AUTHORITY, LIKE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, HAS A TOTALLY OPEN AND FAIR TENDERING SYSTEM; BIDS ARE CONSIDERED ON THEIR MERITS ALONE - IT IS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD.
"WE WOULD WELCOME PARTICIPATION FROM AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS AND INVESTORS IN THIS EXCITING PROJECT," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE SIGNING OF' THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WAS NOT JUST A MAJOR BREAK-THROUGH IN TAKING FORWARD THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, IT WAS ALSO AN IMPORTANT SYMBOL OF THE COMMITMENT OF HONG KONG’S PRESENT AND FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWERS TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
"IN OVERCOMING WHAT WERE MAJOR DIFFERENCES OF VIEW ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ISSUES STRADDLING THE TRANSITION IN 1997, I BELIEVE ALL THREE GOVERNMENTS: BRITISH, CHINESE AND HONG KONG HAVE EMERGED WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHALLENGES AHEAD AND THE NEED FOR PATIENCE AND CO-OPERATION IN MEETING THEM," SHE SAID.
LOOKING INTO THE YEARS AHEAD, MRS CHAN SAID THERE REMAINED A GOOD DEAL OF HARD WORK TO BE DONE IN PAVING THE WAY FOR THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997.
"THE NEXT SIX YEARS WILL BE INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING TIMES FOR US IN HONG KONG. THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY IS TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE TO GROW AND PROSPER AND THAT WE MANAGE EFFECTIVELY THE POLITICS OF THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD BETWEEN NOW AND 1997," SHE SAID.
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LADY WILSON OPENS SHAT IN CHESHIRE HOME
*****
THE CHESHIRE HOME’S NEW BUILDING IN SHA TIN IS AN FXCFIlpnt EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED BY COMBINING PRIVATE INITIATIVE (>TUEsSaYENER0SITY AND 0OVERNMRNT SUPPORT, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LADY WILSON SAID THE BUILDING WAS THE RESULT BETWEEN THE HOME AND THE GOVERNMENT.
SHAT IN CHESHIRE HOME, OF CLOSE CO-OPERATJON
/THE CHESHIRE ......
Tuesday, September 24, 1991
- 3 -
THE CHESHIRE HOME, SHE SAID, HAD COME A LONG WAY SINCE IT BEGAN IN A DESERTED CAMP ON THE CONCRETE TERRACES OF CHUNG HOM Roll 30 YEARS AGO.
LADY WILSON NOTED THAT SINCE THE OPENING OF THE REBbtLT HOME IN MARCH 1977 BY LADY MACLEHOSE, IT HAD DONE AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF GOOD AND HAD HELPED MANY, MANY PEOPLE.
ITS ROLE HAD DEVELOPED IN RESPONSE TO THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS, AND IT NOW CONCENTRATED ITS EFFORTS ON THE SEVERELY HANDICAPPED, SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON SAID THIS NEW BUILDING, WITH ITS MODERN FACILITIES AND COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION, WOULD BE A TREMENDOUS HELP IN THIS IMPORTANT WORK, ADDING THAT ITS SETTING IN THE BEAUTIFUL SITE OVERLOOKING THE SHING MUN RIVER HELPED CREATE A RELAXING, COMFORTING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL AND DISABLED.
LADY WILSON CONGRATULATED ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN MAKING THE AMBITIOUS PROJECT A SUCCESS, AND PAID TRIBUTE TO GROUP CAPTAIN LEONARD CHESHIRE.
"I AM SORRY THAT HE CANNOT BE WITH US TODAY,” SHE SAID. "BUT I FEEL SURE THAT THE ETHICS AND IDEALS THAT HE HAS MANAGED TO INSTILL IN HIS HOMES ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL CONTINUE TO BE UPHELD HERE."
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GOVERNOR TO OPEN REGIONAL COUNCIL BUILDING
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BUILDING ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 26) AT 11 AM.
THE NEW HOME IN SHA TIN FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF PAI TAU STREET AND SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, NEAR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SHA TIN STATION.
BUILT AT A COST OF $200.6 MILLION, THE COMPOSITE STRUCTURE COMPRISES THE FIVE-LEVEL, PILLAR-MOUNTED COUNCIL CHAMBERS BLOCK AND A 20-STOREY OFFICE TOWER. IT CAN BE EASILY REACHED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY AND IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE TOWN CENTRE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 26). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING BY 10.45 AM. PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
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Z4 .....
4
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1991 - 4 -
TWO MORE AIDS CASES CONFIRMED
******
TWO MORE CASES OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) HAD BEEN CONFIRMED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES IN HONG KONG TO 56, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 38 AIDS PATIENTS HAVE PASSED AWAY WHILE 18 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT HONG KONG.
RELEASING THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID SIX MORE MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV CARRIERS WHO HAVE NOT YET DEVELOPED AIDS TO 190.
OF THESE, 52 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 116 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, FOUR WERE DRUG ABUSERS, THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND THE INFORMATION FOR THE OTHER 15 WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 204,101 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE AIDS VIRUS.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.
UP TO LAST MONTH, 942,947 UNITS OF BLOOD WERE TESTED AND 17 WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, lcnl
5
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Virus Unit, Department of
Testing
Health
Apr 85-tested* Jul 91 Aug 91 No. No. No. +ve tested* +ve Total No. No. tested* +ve
Referrals from Govt, hospitals and clinics , 47 k i 2. & Wft Referrals from private 17526 91 358 3 17884 94
practitioners and subvented hospitals Attendances at social hygiene clinics 2257 174036 46 39 15 2256 1 2 2272 176292 47 41
& 597 60 0 533 60
Haemophiliacs a * Referrals from Family 5777 1 142 0 A 5919 o *5 1 1
Planning Association Health care personnel 228 0 3 0 ju 31 V
953 0 17 0 970 0
H /9°& a 4 , 1 , 201304 237 ij.2797. . 6 204101 243 as tests
* This indicates the number of specimens and not persons
are repeated for certain individuals. •
Aug 85- ■Jul 9] L Aug 91 Tothl
No. tested No. +ve No. tested No. + ve No. tested No. 4v6
Hong Kong Red Cross Blood transfusion Service 927182 16 15765 1 942947 17
Department of Health September 1991
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/6 ........
6
MILITARY BAND PERFORMS AT BORDER
*****
THE BAND OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF WALES WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) DEPLOYED TO TA KU LING TO GIVE A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE TO ABOUT 200 VILLAGE STUDENTS IN THE BORDER DISTRICT.
THE PERFORMANCE FORMED PART OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE UNDER THE "MUSIC FOR'THE MILLIONS" (MFM) PROGRAMME TO INTRODUCE MUSIC TO NEW AUDIENCE.
UNDER THE BATON OF WARRANT OFFICER PHILIP SHANNON, THE MUSICAL TASKFORCE PERFORMED A NUMBER OF FAMOUS PIECES INCLUDING THEME SONGS FROM RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK AND STAR WARS, WHICH WERE FAMILIAR TO THE CHILDREN.
THE STUDENTS WERE ALSO INTRODUCED TO THE DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS AND HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE INSTRUMENTS.
"IN ADDITION TO PERFORMING TO A NUMBER OF PUBLIC FUNCTIONS, WE WANT TO DO SOMETHING ESPECIALLY FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG," MR PHILIP SHANNON SAID.
MR SHANNON SAID PERFORMING IN SCHOOLS IS A MEANS OF GETTING MUSIC ACROSS TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT USUALLY HAVE A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE A BAND PERFORMANCE.
"WE TRY TO MAKE OUR CONCERT AS ENTERTAINING AND FUN-FILLED AS POSSIBLE, AND IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING TO SEE THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE OF THE YOUNG AUDIENCE," THE OFFICER SAID.
THE BAND IS STATIONED AT STANLEY FORT UNTIL 1993, AND IT WILL BE GIVING THREE MORE SCHOOL CONCERTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
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SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE FOR ’THE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES INDEXES' * » » » »
THE JULY 1991 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED "THE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES INDEXES".
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES IS CONDUCTED TO PROVIDE DATA FOR THE COMPILATION OF THE RETAIL SALES INDEXES.
IT EMPLOYS A SAMPLE SELECTED FROM ALL RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS CONTAINED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTER MAINTAINED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
FOLLOWING THE COMPILATION OF THE 1989/90 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SERIES HAS BEEN REBASED AS FROM APRIL 1991 .
/THE NEW .......
TUESDAY, SEfTEM-
I on |
7
THE NEW BASE PERIOD IS OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 MONTHLY AVERAGE IN THE PERIOD TAKEN AS 100).
CONCURRENT WITH THIS, THE RETAIL SALES INDEXES ARE ALSO SIMILARLY REBASED.
THE COVERAGE, SAMPLING METHOD AND ESTIMATION METHOD OF THE SURVEY ARE DESCRIBED IN THE SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE, ALONG WITH THE METHOD OF COMPUTATION OF THE INDEX.
IN ADDITION, FEATURES OF THE REBASING, THE REFINEMENT IN DATA PRESENTATION AND THE EFFECT OF CHANGES ON INDEX COMPARISON, ARE ALSO DESCRIBED IN THE ARTICLE.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $48 PER COPY.
CENTRE,
PURCHASES MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT 19TH FLOOR WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE ON
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 45.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 267.630 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 57.1 PER CENT OF
334.512 MILLION CAPACITY.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
t t ♦ ♦ ♦ • DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 21.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 24.9.91 + 207
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -207
/EFFECT OF .......
TUESDAY, SEPi’EHIVb 24, 1991
8
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
NEUTR \L
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.9 *-0.2* 24.9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS 24.9.91 20.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.26 PCT 4.09 PCT
1 MONTH 4.29 PCT 4.29 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.58 PCT 4.60 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.07 PCT 5.13 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.80 PCT 5.84 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 7,200 MN 9,490 MN
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND H
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
EXCHANGE FUND RILLS TENDER RESULTS — TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER Q139
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,202 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN
AVERAGE ACCEPTED YIELD 4.60 PCT
III GUEST ACCEPTED YIELD 4.63 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 54 PCI
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
HKEH
NEXT TENDER OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS ---- TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER 1991
ISSUE NUMBER QI 40 H174
ISSUE DATE 2 OCT 91 2 OCT 91
MATURITY DATE 2 JAN 92 1 APR 92
TENOR 92 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 500 + 100 MN HKD 200 + 60 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOOD SELECTION OF PEOPLE APPOINTED TO LEGCO: GOVERNOR ................ 1
GOVERNOR VISITS YAU TSIM DISTRICT ....................................
FS VISITS IRD ........................................................
GOVT ACTIVELY PREPARING HK FOR THE FUTURE: STI .......................
HEALTHY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR JAPANESE INVESTORS IN HK ..........
STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICES TO BE STRENGTHENED .........................
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED ..
WATCH OUT FOR BOGUS FSD OFFICER ...................................... 10
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ........................................... 10
POSTCARD TO MARK UNIVERSITY'S OPENING ................................ 11
CFPA GRANTS TO ARTS GROUP AND INDIVIDUALS ............................
22 HK STUDENTS EXCEL TN COMMONWEALTH ESSAY CONTEST.................... 12
SWD SOUTHERN DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICE ON MOVE ........................... 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 15
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
1
GOOD SELECTION OF PEOPLE APPOINTED TO LEGCO: GOVERNOR ******
MOST PEOPLE RECKON THAT THOSE APPOINTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE A GOOD SELECTION OF PEOPLE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THAT MEANS THAT THEY HAVE GOOD QUALIFICATIONS IN THEIR OWN PROFESSIONS; THAT THEY ARE PEOPLE OF INDEPENDENT MIND; AND THAT THEY WILL MAKE A VERY REAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE EFFICIENT AND SENSIBLE WORKING OF LEGCO.
"I THINK THAT’S BEEN THE GENERAL REACTION. THAT CERTAINLY WAS OF COURSE MY INTENTION IN APPOINTING THOSE PARTICULAR PEOPLE," SIR DAVID SAID WHEN SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING YAU TSIM DISTRICT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG WANTED A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH WAS GOING TO DEBATE IN AN OPEN MANNER; WHICH WOULD PRODUCE A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT VIEWS AND WHICH WOULD COME TO CONCLUSIONS WHICH WERE THE RIGHT ONES FOR HONG KONG.
"I’VE MET NOW, A NUMBER OF THE NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND I THOUGHT THEY WERE AN IMPRESSIVE BUNCH OF PEOPLE. I LOOK FORWARD TO A COUNCIL THAT IS GOING TO WORK WELL," HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WAS SOMETHING WHICH THE LEGCO MEMBERS WOULD BE DISCUSSING AT THEIR FIRST IN-HOUSE MEETING AND IT MUST BE FOR THEM TO WORK OUT WHAT WAS THE BEST WAY OF RUNNING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID SAID WE WANTED TO TRY TO MAKE THINGS AS EFFICIENT AS POSSIBLE AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WORKED CLOSELY TOGETHER.
"BECAUSE WE WON’T HAVE AS MANY OFFICIALS SITTING ON THE COUNCIL, WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT THERE ISN’T A GULF BETWEEN THE TWO. THAT THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE COUNCIL GOES ON, INDEED IF ANYTHING, WE SHOULD TRY TO STRENGTHEN IT," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT APPOINTMENTS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID REITERATED THAT HE WOULD BE THINKING THIS OVER DURING THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
HE SAID: "I DO WANT TO TRY TO GET A RANGE OF DIFFERENT SORT OF PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT SORT OF BACKGROUNDS ONTO EXCO. I ALSO WANT THOUGH, TO HAVE AN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THAT WORKS WELL TOGETHER, AND THAT MEANS THAT IT HAS TO OPERATE UNDER CERTAIN RULES WHICH HAVE LONG OPERATED IN HONG KONG AND INDEED, FOR ANY DECISION TAKING BODY OF THAT SORT."
/SIR DAVID .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
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SIR DAVID SAID EACH TIME HE APPOINTED PEOPLE TO EXCO HE WAS GOING THROUGH A NEW THINKING PROCESS BECAUSE HE WAS LOOKING AT A NEW RANGE OF PEOPLE.
’’WHAT, IN THE PARTICULAR CONDITIONS OF HONG KONG IS THE RIGHT MIX FOR EXCO AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME. SO, I’M ALWAYS LOOKING AT IT WITH A VERY FRESH MIND AND I’LL CERTAINLY BE DOING THAT THIS TIME,” HE SAID.
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GOVERNOR VISITS YAU TSIM DISTRICT
****** *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, VISITED YAU TSIM DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR DAVID BEGAN BY VISITING THE CARITAS BIANCHI COLLEGE OF CAREERS WHICH OFFERS A FULL-TIME CERTIFICATE COURSE IN HOTEL BUSINESS, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY.
"TRAINING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR HONG KONG’S RAPIDLY GROWING SERVICE SECTOR IS TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT SO THAT WE CAN MAINTAIN OUR POSITION AS A BUSINESS CENTRE FOR THE REGION," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WITH 400 HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES IN THIS DISTRICT ALONE, TRAINING FACILITIES OF THIS TYPE ARE CLEARLY OF GREAT IMPORTANCE.”
SIR DAVID ALSO VISITED THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION WHERE HE LISTENED TO A CHILDREN’S CHOIR. HE THEN WENT UP TO A ROOFTOP FOR A VIEW OF AN URBAN RENEWAL SCHEME AND THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT.
THE GOVERNOR THEN WALKED TO THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE TO MEET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN; DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG; AND YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
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FS VISITS IRD
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THE CONCEPT OF A "PAPERLESS" OFFICE WAS ONE OF THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, VISITED THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
DURING THE VISIT, MR MACLEOD WAS BRIEFED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, ON THE GENERAL OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING THE STAFFING POSITION AND STREAMLINING OF OFFICE PROCEDURES.
HE TOURED A NUMBER OF SECTIONS TO GET FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE LABOUR-SAVING DEVICES BEING USED.
THESE DEVICES INCLUDE COMPUTER ON-LINE ENQUIRY AND UPDATING FACILITIES, INSTANT PRINTING OF SALARIES TAX DEMAND NOTES AND DUPLICATE BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES AND OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION TECHNIQUE.
MR MACLEOD IS CONTINUING HIS ROUND OF VISITS TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AFTER VISITING THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT LAST WEEK.
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GOVT ACTIVELY PREPARING HK FOR THE FUTURE: STI ********
THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY PREPARING HONG KONG TO ENTER THE 21ST CENTURY AS A SEPARATE PART OF CHINA AND A KEY CENTRE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN ASIA-PACIFIC, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A TOKYO SEMINAR ENTITLED "HONG KONG: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE", MR CHAU SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD IMPORTANT PLANS FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN THE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID THERE WERE PLANS TO DOUBLE THE SIZE OF PORT FACILITIES AROUND THE HARBOUR.
"WE ARE BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT - A FIRST CLASS AND EFFICIENT ONE WHICH WILL HELP ENSURE OUR FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.
"ADVANCE WORKS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT HAVE ALREADY COMMENCED EARLIER THIS YEAR. ONE RUNWAY WILL BE OPERATIONAL BY 1997. A SECOND WILL BE PHASED IN ACCORDING TO AIR TRAFFIC DEMAND.
"THE AIRPORT PROJECT, WITH ITS RELATED ROAD, BRIDGE, TUNNEL, RAIL AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION WORKS, IS ESTIMATED TO COST SOME US413 BILLION.
"AND IT IS BEING CARRIED OUT WITH THE SPEED, ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY FOR WHICH HONG KONG IS JUSTLY FAMOUS," HE SAID.
/MR CHAU .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
MR CHAU ADDED THAT OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE INCLUDED A US$2.5 BILLION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME; US$360 MILLION FOR EXPANDING THE SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING WATER FROM CHINA; US$128 MILLION FOR BUILDING OUR THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE; AND US$590 MILLION FOR PROVIDING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO INVESTING HEAVILY IN EDUCATION AND IN TECHNOLOGY, TO MAKE SURE THE TERRITORY CONTINUED TO HAVE A BETTER-EDUCATED AND MORE SKILLED LABOUR FORCE.
"A THIRD MAJOR UNIVERSITY, THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WILL OPEN IN TWO WEEKS’ TIME.
"TERTIARY PLACES WILL BE DOUBLED BY 1995. THIS WILL MEAN THAT 18 PER CENT OF SCHOOL LEAVERS WILL HAVE A PLACE ON A DEGREE COURSE COMPARED TO SEVEN PER CENT NOW," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG WAS AN ECONOMIC MIRACLE.
"WITH A POPULATION OF ONLY 5.8 MILLION PEOPLE, AND WITH NO NATURAL RESOURCES, HONG KONG IS THE 11TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY IN THE WORLD, AND THE SECOND LARGEST IN ASIA.
"THE WORLD’S LARGEST TRADING NATION, THE UNITED STATES, HAS A POPULATION WHICH IS ABOUT 40 TIMES THAT OF HONG KONG. AND, YET, THE VALUE OF UNITED STATES’ TOTAL TRADE IS ONLY ABOUT SIX TIMES THAT OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MANY FACTORS HAD CONTRIBUTED TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS - ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION IN EAST ASIA, ITS NATURAL DEEP-WATER HARBOUR AND THE INDUSTRY, INGENUITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT OF ITS PEOPLE.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC POLICY HAS ALSO PLAYED A PART," HE SAID.
ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MR CHAU SAID SINCE THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS SIGNED THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS HAD BEEN WORKING WITH THE CHINESE ON THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WOULD BE INVOLVED IN A CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY - THE WHOLE RAFT OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS WHICH TIED HONG KONG TO THE WORLD COMMUNITY, AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS, MEMBERSHIP OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, AND SO ON.
"MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE, BUT WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL BE READY FOR 1997 WHEN IT FINALLY ARRIVES," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG’S HISTORY HAD BEEN FULL OF CHANGE AND UNCERTAINTY.
"WE HAVE BECOME USED TO COPING WITH CHANGE AND CRISES. THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR ECONOMY IN THE 1980’S WAS ONE OF THE MOST STRIKING SEA-CHANGES THE TERRITORY HAS EVER UNDERGONE. AND WE TOOK IT IN OUR STRIDE.
/"I AM ........
WEDNESDAY.
IBLR 25, loc»l
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"I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL COPE IN THE SAME WAY WITH WHATEVER CHALLENGES THE FUTURE HAS IN STORE FOR US.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL BE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH LONG AFTER 1997 HAS PASSED INTO HISTORY. THE 21ST CENTURY WILL BE THE ASIA-PACIFIC CENTURY.
"AND HONG KONG WILL BE THERE, PLAYING ITS PART WITH ITS USUAL VIGOUR, AND CONTINUING AS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF THE TRIUMPH OF FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE," HE SAID.
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HEALTHY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR JAPANESE INVESTORS IN HK
♦ »♦***♦
THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE OPERATIONS OF JAPANESE FIRMS ALREADY IN HONG KONG IS FORCEFUL TESTIMONY TO JAPANESE INVESTORS’ POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TERRITORY, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ENTITLED "HONG KONG: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE" IN TOKYO, MR BARMA SAID UNLESS JAPANESE INVESTORS PERCEIVED HEALTHY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES THEY WOULD NOT HAVE EXPANDED THEIR OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG AT SUCH A FAST PACE.
HE SAID A NOTABLE EXAMPLE WAS DAIDO CONCRETE CO. LTD WHICH STARTED TO MANUFACTURE CONCRETE PILES PRIMARILY FOR THE LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
"THE COMPANY SOON EXPANDED ITS PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN PHASES, AND EVENTUALLY DECIDED TO MANUFACTURE NEW PRODUCTS, NAMELY STEEL-CONCRETE COMPOSITE PILES AND PRE-FABRICATED CONCRETE PANELS RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID ANOTHER EXAMPLE WAS MITA INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD, WHICH CURRENTLY MANUFACTURED PHOTOCOPIERS, AND INCREASINGLY USED PARTS OBTAINED FROM LOCAL SUPPLIERS.
"IT HAS EXPANDED ITS PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN PHASES, AND ALSO INVITED A NUMBER OF ITS PARTS AND COMPONENTS SUPPLIERS TO SET UP MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID JAPAN HAD ALL ALONG BEEN A SIGNIFICANT SOURCfc OF INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG, AS BORNE OUT BY THE FINDINGS OF ANNUAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONU KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
"ACCORDING TO THE 1990 SURVEY, THE CUMULATIVE VALUE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING AT THE END OF 1989 STOOD AT US$1,108 MILLION, REPRESENTING 29.1 PER CENT OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
/"IN THIS .......
WED."
, I- ”BER 25, 1991
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"IN THIS CONNECTION, JAPAN IS A CLOSE SECOND TO THE USA, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 31 PER CENT OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID JAPANESE INVESTMENT HAD BEEN GROWING MUCH FASTER THAN THE U.S.IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS;
"THE GROWTH OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS MANIFESTATION OF JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN’S STRONG CONFIDENCE IN THE ECONOMIC DYNAMISM OF HONG KONG AND ITS CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY,” HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN VARIOUS MEASURES IN TANDEM TO UPGRADE THE TECHNOLOGY LEVEL OF ITS INDUSTRY.
"WE RECOGNISE THE NEED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF UNIVERSITY GRADUATES, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TERTIARY EDUCATION AND PROVIDE MORE TRAINING IN THOSE MUCH-NEEDED ENGINEERING SKILLS APPLICABLE TO MANUFACTURING. .
"MASSIVE INVESTMENTS ARE MADE TO THAT END," HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, THERE WERE OTHER GOVERNMENT-FUNDED ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, AND CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE AT VARIOUS TERTIARY ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS TO FACILITATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES.
"THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IS TARGETTED TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL IN 1993, WITH THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FACILITY EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE EVEN EARLIER IN 1991.
"THE CENTRE WILL ACT AS AN INCUBATOR TO STIMULATE GROWTH OF INNOVATIVE NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS AND ASSIST THEM WITH PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT; TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES RELEVANT TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY; AND TO HELP WITH THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN LOCALLY," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ALSO SAW THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITY' AS CRUCIAL FOR TECHNOLOGIES TO BE USEFULLY APPLIED IN THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS THUS SEEKING TO IMPROVE THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITIES OF TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.
"THE FUNDING FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR THE 1992-95 TRTENNIUM HAS BEEN PLANNED FOR US$53 MILLION," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DEDICATED TO MAINTAINING AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH BUSINESS WOULD BE ABLE TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY AND PROSPER.
/HE SAID .......
। • । I ' P 2r', 1991
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HE SAID THE INCREASING PRESENCE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG WAS PROOF THAT THEY HAD BEEN ABLE To FIND NII HE AREAS AND CONDUCT PROFITABLE BUSINESS.
"THEIR PRESENCE ALSO SIGNIFIES CONFIDENCE IN THE FUIURE OF HONG KONG. IN THE YEARS AHEAD, 1 LOOK FORWARD TO A CLOSER SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN.
"I WOULD THEREFORE WELCOME PLANS OF OTHER JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS TO FOLLOW THEIR COUNTERPARTS WHO HAVE MADE SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICES TO BE STRENGTHENED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE EDUCATION COMMISSION PROPOSAL THAT ALL TEACHERS IN A SCHOOL SHOULD ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ASSISTING STUDENTS TO RESOLVE THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT PRESENT, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS THROUGH STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS (SGOS) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANI) GUIDANCE TEACHERS RESPECTIVELY.
"IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THE CURRENT SGO/STUDENT RATIO IS 1:3,000 IN URBAN AREAS AND 1:2,000 IN RURAL AREAS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, GUIDANCE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY GUIDANCE TEACHERS, WITH PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FROM- SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IS MINDFUL OF THE FACT THAT ALL TEACHERS PLAY A VITAL PART IN HELPING STUDENTS TO RECOGNISE AND OVERCOME THEIR PROBLEMS.
IT CONSIDERS THAT TEACHERS, BEING IN THE FRONT LINE, ARE OFTEN IN A BETTER POSITION TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS IN NEED OF HELP AND TO OFFER INITIAL ASSISTANCE.
"TEACHERS, HOWEVER, REQUIRE THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SCHOOL HEADS AND THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE MANAGEMENT, TO CREATE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT IN THE SCHOOLS IN WHICH STUDENTS’ PROBLEMS ARE RESPONDED TO IN A POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE MANNER," HE ADDED.
"THIS CONCEPT, KNOWN AS ’WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH’, HAS ALREADY BEEN ADOPTED IN SOME SCHOOLS AND IS PROVING TO BE SUCCESSFUL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COMMISSION WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE MORE SCHOOLS TO FOLLOW SUIT ANI) THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THIS APPROACH TO BE ADOPTED IN HONG KONG.
/TO IMPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
TO IMPLEMENT THIS APPROACH, MOST OF THE SCO POSTS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE TRANSFERRED GRADUALLY TO SCHOOLS AS ADDITIONAL POSTS TO ENABLE SCHOOL HEADS TO CHOOSE ONE OF THEIR TEACHERS TO SERVE AS THE STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHER (SGT).
IN, LINE WITH THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ALSO ACCEPTED THAT:
* CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS TO EXTEND VARIOUS PROGRAMMES TO ENCOURAGE POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND GOOD BEHAVIOUR AMONG THEIR STUDENTS; •
* THE POSTS TO BE PROVIDED TO SCHOOLS FOR SGTS BE RANKED AT ASSISTANT MASTER/MI STRESS (AM) LEVEL;
* EXISTING CERTIFICATED MASTER/MISTRESS (SGO) POSTS BE UPGRADED TO THE AM RANK OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS;
» ONE SGT BE SHARED BY TWO OR MORE SCHOOLS UNDER THE SAME SPONSORING BODY. THE SGT/STUDENT RATIO OF 1:2,500 SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS AN INITIAL STEP IN 1992;
* THE RATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATION BE DEPENDENT INITIALLY ON THE VACANT POSTS IN THE STUDENT GUIDANCE SECTION AND SUBSEQUENTLY ON THE NATURAL WASTAGE OF SERVING SGOS;
* WHEN WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS IS IMPLEMENTED AND SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES, EVERY SCHOOL WITH 24 CLASSROOMS OR MORE SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH ONE SGT. SCHOOLS OF LESS THAN 24 CLASSROOMS SHOULD SHARE SGTS;
* SGTS SHOULD BF. DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO THE SCHOOLS THEY SERVE AND/OR TO THE SPONSORING BODIES CONCERNED;
* THE SUPPORT AND TRAINING ELEMENTS OF THE STUDENT GUIDANCE SECTION IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BE STRENGTHENED;
* THE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING ELEMENT IN COURSES AT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION BE STRENGTHENED;
* MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LECTURERS IN GUIDANCE AT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION BE PROVIDED;
* CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO COMMISSION THE LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO OFFER MORE COURSES AND PLACES IN GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING; AND
* THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXPLORE WITH THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG MEANS TO EXPAND LOCAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
/THE ADDITIONAL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
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THE ADDITIONAL RECURRENT COST OF IMPLEMENTING THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $11 MILLION PER YEAR DURING THE INITIAL PHASE WHEN THE SGT/STUDENT RATIO IS SET AT 1:2,500.
"THE COST WILL EVENTUALLY INCREASE TO ABOUT $54 MILLION PER
YEAR WHEN EVERY SCHOOL WITH 24 OR MORE CLASSROOMS IS PROVIDED WITH ONE
SGT. "
THIS REFORM PROPOSAL
RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE
IS THE FIFTH OF A SERIES 0? EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 FOR CONSIDERATION FOLLOWING A TWO-THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED ♦ ♦ * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO LAUNCH A THREE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN ALONE AT HOME STARTING.
FROM NEXT MONTH.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT COPIES OF A CONSULTATION PAPER ON MEASURES TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM ALL SWD OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CNTA FROM OCTOBER 1.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN SEND THEIR VIEWS OR SUGGESTIONS ON MEASURES TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF CHILDREN LEFT UNATTENDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 27), BEGINNING AT NOON IN THE' SWD HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM, 22ND FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
PRESENT WILL BE THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
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WATCH OUT FOR BOGUS FSD OFFICER * * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST A BOGUS FIRE SERVICES OFFICER SOLICITING MONEY FOR ADVERTISEMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT SENT ANY OFFICER TO ASK THE PUBLIC TO SUBSIDISE OR SPONSOR IN PRODUCING ITS ANNUAL REPORT OR ANY OTHER PUBLICATIONS.
"THE PUBLIC SHOULD REPORT TO THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY WHEN APPROACHED BY THE BOGUS OFFICER," HE SAID.
THE APPEAL IS MADE AFTER THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC THAT A MAN CLAIMING TO BE AN OFFICER FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD ASKED THEM TO PLACE ADVERTISEMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT.
"THE ESTABLISHMENTS APPROACHED ARE MAINLY FACTORIES, RESTAURANTS AND COMPANIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT TAI LAM CHUNG, TUEN MUN.
THE SITE MEASURES ABOUT 4,800 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR STORAGE OF GOODS (EXCLUDING STORAGE OF VEHICLES, CONTAINERS AND TRACTORS) ONLY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 11.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN; 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.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
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POSTCARD TO MARK UNIVERSITY’S OPENING ******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W, WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A POSTAGE-PREPAID POSTCARD TO MARK THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WILL BE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 10.
"THIS POSTCARD SHOULD BE POPULAR EVEN FOR TOURISTS AS IT CAN BE SENT TO ALL DESTINATION BY AIR MAIL WITHOUT THE NEED TO AFFIX POSTAGE STAMPS," MR WONG SAID.
THE POSTCARD WILL BE ON SALE AT $3.30 AT THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES:
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE .
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN FOR THESE POSTCARDS AND ANY OTHER PRIVATELY-MADE MAIL ITEMS BEARING THE "FIRST DAY" INDICATION FOR THE OCCASION AT THE SEVEN PHILATELIC OFFICES.
CFPA GRANTS TO ARTS GROUP AND INDIVIDUALS ******
SEVEN PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS WHICH HAVE SUCCESSFULLY SOUGHT BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS HAVE BEEN AWARDED A TOTAL OF $474,300 BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) UNDER THE MATCHING GRANT SCHEME SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR.
THEY ARE THE HONG KONG ORATORIO SOCIETY IN THE MUSIC FIELD, SPONSORED BY HO & WONG.
IN THE DRAMA FIELD, ACTORS FAMILY AND BESTREBEN DRAMA ASSOCIATION ARE BOTH SPONSORED BY ESSO (HK) LTD. EXPLORATION THEATRE, CARLSBERG WANCHAI THEATRE AND SHA TIN THEATRE COMPANY ARE ALL SPONSORED BY CARLSBERG BREWERY (HK) LTD.
AMERICAN COMMUNITY THEATRE IS SPONSORED BY DHL INTERNATIONAL, CROWN PACIFIC LTD, SECURITY PACIFIC ASIAN BANK, OLIVER’S AND UNITED AIRLINES.
/OVER THE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
- 12 -
OVER THE PAST THREE MONTHS, THE CFPA HAS ALSO APPROVED 30 PROJECT GRANTS, TOTALLING $0.93 MILLION, TO 26 PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS.
THEY ARE HONG KONG SYMPHONIA, THE BUDS ART CENTRE, HONG KONG FESTIVAL FRINGE LTD, HONG KONG ORATORIO SOCIETY AND HONG KONG SINFONIETTA IN THE MUSIC FIELD.
IN THE DANCE FIELD, THEY ARE CHAPIO YOUTH AND CHILDREN BALLET COMPANY, HONG KONG DANCE FEDERATION AND ZUNI ICOSAHEDRON.
IN THE DRAMA FIELD, GRANTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG STUDENTS’ UNION, INDUSTRIAL EVENGEL1STIC FELLOWSHIP LTD, PAROUSIA, NOVICE, JOINT SCHOOL DRAMA PROJECI, ANONYMITY DRAMATIC CLUB, HONG KONG ARTS RESOURCE AND INFORMATION CENTRE, THE RED CALF DRAMA CLUB, ARTISTE CLUB, ZUNI ICOSAHEDRON, CHOI HUNG DRAMA ASSOCIATION, THE PERFORMERS, KWUN TONG THEATRE, SEALS PLAYERS FOUNDATION LTD, CARLSBERG WANCHAI THEATRE AND MR LEE YIN-KWAI.
GRANTS HAVE ALSO BEEN AWARDED TO HONG KONG PEKING OPERA CLUB, THE ARTLAND AND CHING YING DRAMA SOCIETY IN THE CHINESE OPERA HELD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PROJECT AND MATCHING GRANTS CAN BE MADE ANY TIME IN THE YEAR.
THE APPLICANT ORGANISATION MUST BE AN APPROVED CHARITABLE INSTITUTION OR A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT-MAKING BODY.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE PLANNED PERFORMANCE DATES TO ALLOW TIME FOR ASSESSMENT BY THE RELEVANT CFPA COMMITTEES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CFPA SECRETARIAT ON 25TH FLOOR, SHUI ON CENTRE, 6-8 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 866 0869.
22 HK STUDENTS EXCEL IN COMMONWEALTH ESSAY CONTEST * t ♦ ♦ t
TWENTY-TWO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS, WHO WON THIS YEAR’S LOCAL ROUND OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESf?AY COMPETITION, RECEIVED THEIR PRIZES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, COMMENDED THE STUDENTS WHO HAD AGAIN EXCELLED THEMSELVES IN THE LONDON-BASED INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AMONG THE 4,000 PARTICIPANTS FROM 40 COMMONWEALTH TERRITORIES, MANY OF WHICH WERE PREDOMINANTLY ENGLISH-SPEAKING.
/"THEIR NAMES .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
’’THEIR NAMES HAVE APPEARED ON THE LISTS OF MERITORIOUS AWARDS,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT HE WAS SURE THEY WOULD MAINTAIN THIS GOOD RECORD IN THE COMING YEARS.
THE CONTEST WAS ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG.
WINNERS WERE AWARDED BOOK PRIZES RANGING FROM $375 TO $1,225.
THE AWARD HAS BEEN ENLARGED TO INCLUDE 10 MORE CONSOLATION PRIZES FOR ENTRIES OF ANY CLASS HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THE JUDGES.
THE HIGHEST AWARD - THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG AWARD - WENT TO WINNIE HO SZE-WAN OF ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE. IN ADDITION TO THE $1,225 BOOK PRIZE, SHE ALSO EARNED A ROUND TRIP TO KUALA LUMPUR.
ALSO PRESENTING PRIZES TO THE WINNERS WERE THE MANAGER OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MRS CONNIE KWOK, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG, DR HALI SHROFF.
THE LIST OF WINNERS OF THE LOCAL COMPETITION ARE:
CLASS A PRIZE NAME SCHOOL
FIRST WINNIE HO SZE-WAN ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
SECOND LEUNG CHUN-MAN ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE
THIRD LING CHUN-WAT ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE
COMMENDED JESSICA SZETO WING-KWAN ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
COMMENDED HOLLY APRILIS HOLY FAMILY CANOSSIAN
CLASS B HO WING-YIN COLLEGE
PRIZE NAME SCHOOL
FIRST KAN CHUN-DEI ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
SECOND ROSY AMARPRF.ET BATRA SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
/THIRD
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991
- 14 -
THIRD VALERIE SUNG DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
COMMENDED CLARRY CHAN KA-YEE ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
COMMENDED JOANNA KWONG DING-YAN SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
CLASS C
PRIZE NAME SCHOOL
FIRST SARA TONG DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
SECOND STEFANIE TANYA WILLIS ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
THIRD PAUL MAK TAK-CHUEN ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
COMMENDED ELAINE LEE ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
COMMENDED LILLIAN NG LAT-YAN ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
COMMENDED FUNG YAT-MAN WAH YAN COLLEGE, HONG KONG
CLASS D
PRIZE NAME SCHOOL
FIRST LEUNG KWOK-CHEUNG IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL
SECOND CHANTAL YUNN LIU DIOCESAN GIRLS’ JUNIOR SCHOOL
THIRD SIMON SUNG DIOCESAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
COMMENDED NIKKI NG MIEN-HUA DIOCESAN GIRLS’ JUNIOR SCHOOL
COMMENDED YVONNE PANG ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN SCHOOL (AM)
COMMENDED JAMES WATSON BOUNDARY JUNIOR SCHOOL
ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG AWARD
NAME SCHOOL
WINNIE HO SZE-WAN ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
/15 ........
15 -
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1991 <
SWD SOUTHERN DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICE ON MOVE ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS OPERATING FROM ITS NEW PREMISES AT 18TH FLOOR, WING FAT COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 218 ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, FROM TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR ENQUIRIES ARE 555 2284 AND 555 2215.
--------0----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * * » *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 24.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 25.9.91 +47
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -47
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.0 t+0.1* 25.9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
24.9 .91 25.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 4.26 PCT 3.99 PCT
1 MONTH 4.29 PCT 4.14 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.58 PCT 4.47 PCT
6 MONTHS 5.07 PCT 4.96 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.80 PCT 5.73 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 7,200 MN 5,287 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TWENTIETH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP: PRESS COMMUNIQUE ............................................................ 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST RELEASED ........................
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR AUGUST RELEASED ............................ 4
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF RENT REVIEW REPORT ENDORSED .................. 9
EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE SYSTEM TO BE OVERHAULED ........................ 10
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER STARTED .... 12
REGIONAL COUNCIL COMES OF AGE WITH NEW HOME .......................... 13
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ....................................... 15
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROVISION FOR GIFTED STUDENTS ...................... 19
CHINESE INT'L SCHOOL UNIQUE IN HK: LADY WILSON ....................... 20
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY ............................ 21
264 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM ........................................... 22
SPECIAL STAMPS ON HK LANDMARKS ....................................... 22
INT'L BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT MONTH ............. 24
SEMINAR ON SURVEY ON YOUTH ATTITUDES TOWARDS FUTURE .................. 25
NEW CLINIC FOR MA ON SHAN OPENS NEXT MONTH ........................... 26
33 INMATES PASS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS .................................. 26
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA ........................... 27
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 27
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991 1 . -
TWENTIETH MEETING OF LIAISON GROUP: *
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT PRESS COMMUNIQUE * * * *
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS TWENTIETH MEETING IN LONDON FROM 24 TO 26 SEPTEMBER 1991.
THE GROUP CONFIRMED THE AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE REACHED BY THEIR EXPERTS ON THE EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE AGREEMENT ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE COURT. THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE DRAFTING AND AMENDMENT OF LEGISLATION AND OTHER PREPARATORY WORK COULD NOW PROCEED.
THE GROUP CONFIRMED ON THE AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE REACHED AT THEIR LAST MEETING ON A DRAFT MODEL INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES.
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF LANDS WHICH ARE NOW IN USE FOR MILITARY PURPOSES IN HONG KONG AND MADE PROGRESS IN NARROWING THEIR DIFFERENCES. THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT EXPERTS WOULD MEET AGAIN SOON TO CONTINUE THIS WORK.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND OTHER COUNTRIES AND AGREED THAT EXPERTS SHOULD FIRST DISCUSS A DRAFT MODEL TEXT AND RELATED QUESTIONS.
THE GROUP REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE LOCALISATION OF THE SHIPOWNERS LIABILITY ACT.
THE GROUP DISCUSSED MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG'S INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AND REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE CONTINUED APPLICATION TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997 OF 10 CUSTOMS TREATIES. THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE NEXT MEETING OF THE IRO SUBGROUP WOULD DISCUSS MULTILATERAL TREATIES RELEVANT TO HONG KONG RELATING TO CONSERVATION, HEALTH AND TRADE (GENERAL).
THE TWO SIDES REACHED AGREEMENT ON A NUMBER OF MODIFICATIONS TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE PENSION ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING DEPENDANTS PENSION SCHEMES.
THE TWO SIDES CONTINUED THEIR DISCUSSION OF MAJOR FRANCHISES WHICH WILL EXTEND BEYOND 1997.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
THE GROUP REACHED AGREEMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AFFECTING INTERNATIONAL RADIO CALL SIGNS USED BY HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONO IN THE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER 1991.
/2 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
2
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST RELEASED
******
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED A MODERATE DECLINE IN AUGUST, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MEANWHILE, IMPORTS RECORDED A MARKED GROWTH, PARTLY DUE TO A RISE IN RE-EXPORTS AND PARTLY DUE TO AN INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN AUGUST ROSE BY $8,901 MILLION OR 23.2% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $47,205 MILLION.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN AUGUST, AT $20,364 MILLION, WAS $764 MILLION OR 3.6% LOWER.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $8,137 MILLION OR 13.7% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $67,569 MILLION IN AUGUST.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY $11,051 MILLION OR 19.8% TO $66,755 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $814 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN AUGUST 1991.
THE SURPLUS RECORDED IN AUGUST 1990 WAS $3,728 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.7% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1991, AT $328,825 MILLION, ROSE BY $71,231 MILLION OR 27.7% OVER THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1990.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY $4,392 MILLION OR 3.1% TO $146,467 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT $475,292 MILLION, WAS THUS $75,623 MILLION OR 18.9% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.
MEANWHILE, IMPORTS GREW BY $93,041 MILLION OR 23.1% TO $496,058 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $19,766 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1991.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $2,348 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1990.
/A GOVERNMENT ......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 3 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT THE SUSTAINED ROBUST PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS SUPPORTED BY THE STRONG GROWTH IN REEXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
THE MILD DECLINE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN AUGUST WAS UNLIKELY TO INDICATE A REVERSAL OF THE TREND OF MODERATE RECOVERY EXPERIENCED IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES SO FAR THIS YEAR, THOUGH THE RECOVERY APPEARS TO BE SOMEWHAT LESS STEADY THAN EXPECTED.
FURTHER RECOVERY IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES AND DOMESTIC DEMAND IS TO SOME EXTENT EVIDENCED BY THE CONTINUED RAPID GROWTH IN RETAINED IMPORTS, BY 17.3% IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1991 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
FOLLOWING IS A TABLE PRESENTING THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST 1991:
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $20,364 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : $47,205 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS : $67,569 MILLION
IMPORTS : $66,755 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE : $814 MILLION
(IN SURPLUS]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS JUN 91 TO AUG 91 HK$ MN. JUN 90 TO AUG 90 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 60,354 60,383 -29 -0.0
RE-EXPORTS 138,027 108,693 29,334 27.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 198,381 169,076 29,305 17.3
IMPORTS 199,429 162,204 37,225 22.9
TRADE BALANCE -1,048 6,872 -7,920
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR AUGUST 1991 HK$ MN. AUGUST 1990 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,364 21,128 -764 -3.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (30.1%) (35.5%)
RE-EXPORTS 47,205 38,304 8,901 23.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 67,569 59,432 8,137 13.7
IMPORTS 66,755 55,704 11,051 19.8
TRADE BALANCE 814 3,728 -2,914
AUGUST JULY INCREASE
LAST MONTH 1991 1991
• HKS MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
4
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,364 21,178 -814 -3.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (30.1%) (30.4%)
RE-EXPORTS 47,205 48,507 -1,302 -2.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 67,569 69,685 -2,116 -3.0
IMPORTS 66,755 69,082 -2,327 -3.4
TRADE BALANCE 814 603 211
JAN-AUG JAN-AUG INCREASE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1991 1990
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 146,467 142,075 4,392 3.1
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (30.8%) (35.5%)
RE-EXPORTS 328,825 257,594 71,231 27.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 475,292 399,669 75,623 18.9
IMPORTS 495,058 402,017 93,041 23.1
TRADE BALANCE -19,766 -2,348 -17,418
SEP 90 TO SEP 89 TO INCREASE
LAST 12 MONTHS AUG 91 AUG 90
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 230,267 221,793 8,474 3.8
RE-EXPORTS 485,230 379,647 105,583 27.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 715,497 601,440 114,057 19.0
IMPORTS 735,572 591,475 144,097 24.4
TRADE BALANCE -20,075 9,965 -30,040
0 - _ _
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR AUGUST RELEASED * * * * ♦
1984/85-BASED CPI’S (SEE TABLE 1)
ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY), THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) FOR AUGUST 1991 WAS 12.7% HIGHER THAN IN AUGUST 1990.
THIS RATE OF INCREASE WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF 12.6% RECORDED IN JULY 1991. HOWEVER, BOTH FIGURES WERE STILL LOWER THAN THE PEAK FIGURE OF 13.9% RECORDED IN APRIL 1991.
THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(B) FOR AUGUST 1991 WAS 12.0% HIGHER THAN IN AUGUST 1990. THIS RATE OF INCREASE WAS ALSO SIMILAR TO THAT OF 11.9% RECORDED IN JULY 1991 BUT LOWER THAN THE PEAK FIGURE OF 13.0% RECORDED IN APRIL 1991.
THE FOODSTUFFS, HOUSING AND SERVICES COMPONENTS CONTRIBUTED MOST TO THE RATE OF INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES IN AUGUST 1991.
/THE PRICES .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
THE PRICES OF FRESH FOODSTUFFS WERE PARTICULARLY VOLATILE IN RECENT MONTHS. THE INCREASE IN THE PRICES OF PORK AND BEEF REFLECTED THE EFFECT OF THE FLOODING IN CHINA.
THE PRICE OF VEGETABLES SHOWED CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN AUGUST 1991 ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, PARTLY BECAUSE VEGETABLES WERE RELATIVELY CHEAP IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND PARTLY BECAUSE THE TYPHOON LED TO HIGHER VEGETABLE PRICES IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
LOCALLY, CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE.
ON THE HOUSING COMPONENT, HIGHER RENT WAS RECORDED FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS.
ON THE SERVICES COMPONENT, HIGHER CHARGES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN SCHOOL FEES, MEDICAL SERVICES AND PACKAGE TOURS.
MOREOVER, THE RELATIVELY FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN CPI(A) AND CPT(B) IN AUGUST 1991 WERE DUE IN PART TO THE LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN AUGUST 1990 IN WHICH THE LOWEST MONTH-TO-MONTH INCREASE IN 1990 WAS RECORDED.
AS THE COMPILATION OF THE 1989/90-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) SERIES ONLY BEGAN FROM OCTOBER 1990, REFERENCE HAS TO BE MADE TO THE 1984/85-BASED CPI’S FOR YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON OF PRICE MOVEMENTS.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, FASTER RATES OF INCREASE IN CPI(A) IN AUGUST 1991 WERE RECORDED FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO FOR HOME CONSUMPTION (42.1%), SERVICES (14.9%), HOUSING (13.4%), FOODSTUFFS (12.8%) AND TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES (12.7%).
THE CORRESPONDING RATES OF INCREASE FOR THE SAME COMPONENTS IN CPI(B) WERE 39.9%, 13.8%, 12.7%, 12.8% AND 12.0% RESPECTIVELY.
THESE FIVE COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 91% OF THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AND 89% OF THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(B).
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO AUGUST 1991, THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) INCREASED BY 12.6% AND 12.0% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1990.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1991, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE 11.9% AND 11.6% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1990.
FOR AUGUST 1991, THE 1984/85-BASED HANG SENG CPI WAS 10.9% HIGHER THAN IN AUGUST 1990.
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO AUGUST 1991, THE AVERAGE HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY 11.6% OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1990.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1991, THE HANG SENG CPI WAS UP BY 11.6% COMPARED WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1990.
/1989/90 .......
Tit; R.~DAY, SEPTEMBER 26. 1991
1989/90-BASED CPI’S (SEE TABLE 2)
THE 1989/90-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) FOR AUGUST 1991 INCREASED BY 0.6% AND 0.5% RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH JULY 1991.
HAVING THE LARGEST WEIGHTING IN BOTH CPI’S, THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGEST PROPORTION OF THE INCREASE IN CPI(A) AND THE SECOND LARGEST IN CPI(B).
WITHIN THIS COMPONENT, THE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, PORK, BEEF, EDIBLE OILS, AND CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS INCREASED. THE INCREASE IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF PORK AND BEEF PARTLY REFLECTED THE IMPACT OF THE FLOODING IN CHINA. THESE PRICE INCREASES MORE THAN OFFSET THE PRICE DECREASES OF LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH FRUIT.
THF INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR HOUSING WAS DUE TO HIGHER RENT FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS. THIS ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGEST PROPORTION OF THE INCREASE IN CPI(B) AND THE SECOND LARGEST IN CPI(A).
AS FOR THE SERVICES COMPONENT, HIGHER CHARGES WERE RECORDED FOR MEDICAL SERVICES, PACKAGE TOURS AND TUITION FEES FOR SOME COMMERCIAL TRAINING COURSES.
HIGHER PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES WERE RECORDED IN THE TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES COMPONENT.
HOWEVER, PRICES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR CONTINUED TO DECREASE IN AUGUST 1991 AS SUMMER SALES WERE STILL HELD IN MOST DEPARTMENT STORES. THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS DECLINED MAINLY AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES OF FURNITURE, VIDEO AND SOUND EQUIPMENT.
THE 1989/90-BASED HANG SENG CPI FOR AUGUST 1991 INCREASED BY 0.6% COMPARED WITH JULY 1991.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO RELEASE • THF 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) IN PARALLEL WITH THE NEW SERIES OF 1989/90-BASED CPI(A) AND CP1(B) UNTIL MARCH 1992, AFTER WHICH THE FORMER SERIES WILL BE DISCONTINUED.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR AUGUST 1991, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $7 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 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 .......
THRUSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
TABLE 1 CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) (OCT 84 - SEPT 85 = 100) FOR AUGUST 1991 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1990
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 = 100) CPI(A) CPI(B)
SECTION INDEX FOR AUG. 91 % CHANGE OVER AUG. 90 INDEX FOR AUG. 91 % CHANGE OVER AUG. 90
FOODSTUFFS 163.8 + 12.8 166.0 + 12.8
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY 182.9 + 13.4 183.5 + 13.3
FROM HOME
FOODSTUFFS, EXCLUDI NG 147.5 + 12.1 148.6 + 12.2
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME
HOUSING 151.2 + 13.4 144.9 + 12.7
FUEL AND LIGHT 111.4 + 6.7 110.8 + 6.3
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND 223.9 + 42.1 221.8 + 39.9
TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION)
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 154.4 + 6.1 + O . (
DURABLE GOODS 130.9 + 3.9 129.5 + 3.9
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 149.3 + 8.0 149.2 + 7 . R
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 176.2 + 12.7 174.7 + 12.0
SERVICES 182.9 + 14.9 181 .6 + 13.8
ALL ITEMS 161.1 + 12.7 159.9 + 12.0
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 TN 1984/85.
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-$9,999 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
THUPSDA' ~EPTF!MREP ?6, 199]
P
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) (OCT 89 - SEPT 90 = 100) FOR AUGUST 1991 COMPARED WITH JULY 1991
TABLE 2
SECTION (OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 = 100)
CPI(A) CPI(B)
INDEX FOR AUG. 91 % CHANGE OVER JULY 91 INDEX FOR AUG. 91 % CHANGE OVER JULY 91
FOODSTUFFS 116.8 + 0.9 117.1 + 0.8
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME 118.8 + 0.5 118.8 + 0.6
FOODSTUFFS, EXCLUDING 114.9 + 1.3 114.6 + 1.0
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME
HOUSING 118.3 + 0.9 117.9 + 1.3
FUEL AND LIGHT 108.5 -0.2 108.1 -0.2
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND 145.5 + 0.1 138.9 + 0.2
TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION)
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 107.2 -2.1 108.1 -2.1
DURABLE GOODS 104.3 -0.4 103.3 -0.5
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 107.9 -0.1 107.3 -0.0*
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 118.6 + 0.5 118.0 +0.4
SERVICES 115.6 + 0.5 115.1 + 0.6
ALL ITEMS 116.0 ♦ + 0.6 LESS THAN 0.05% 115.3 +0.5
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 $ 17,500-$37,499 IN 1989/90.)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
9
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF RENT REVIEW REPORT ENDORSED
* * * * A
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AT ITS FIRST OPEN MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) ENDORSED THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW DOMESTIC RENT POLICY AND ALLOCATION STANDARDS.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE SUBMITTED FOR THE AUTHORITY’S CONSIDERATION FOLLOWING A THREE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE AD HOC COMMITTEE’S REPORT, WHICH ENDED ON 31 JULY.
THE THREE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS ENDORSED BY THE AUTHORITY ARE:
. THE PRESENT BIENNIAL RENT REVIEW SHOULD BE MAINTAINED;
. PUBLIC HOUSING RENTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO INCLUDE RATES, AND
. ALLOWING FUTURE TENANTS TO OPT FOR A LARGER OR SMALLER
ALLOCATION STANDARD.
A HOUSING SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED THAT THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF REVIEWING RENTS EVERY TWO YEARS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED BECAUSE "A CLEAR MAJORITY OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WHICH HAVE COMMENTED ON THE ISSUE SUPPORTED CONTINUING WITH THE BIENNIAL REVIEWS."
"DURING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE, SOME RESPONDENTS SUGGESTED THAT THE PERIOD BETWEEN REVIEWS SHOULD BE LENGTHENED TO FOUR YEARS ONCE THE AUTHORITY HAS ACHIEVED A BALANCED BUDGET," THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
"THE AD HOC COMMITTEE DOES NOT RECOMMEND THIS CHANGE, SINCE IT COULD NECESSITATE HEFTY RENT INCREASES TO COVER THE RISE IN COSTS,
ETC. "
ON THE POLICY OF CHARGING RENTS INCLUSIVE OF RATES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AUTHORITY NOTED THAT DURING THE CONSULTATION, CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT HAD BEEN EXPRESSED FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THIS PRACTICE.
"RATES INCREASES TAKE EFFECT IN APRIL WHILST BIENNIAL RENT REVIEWS TAKE EFFECT IN EITHER APRIL, SEPTEMBER OR DECEMBER. THEREFORE SEPARATE INCREASES BETWEEN RENT REVIEWS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF INCREASES IN RATES WOULD BE RESENTED BY TENANTS."
WITH REGARD TO THE PROPOSAL OF ALLOWING TENANTS A CHOICE BETWEEN THE CURRENT MINIMUM ALLOCATION STANDARD OF 5.5 SQUARE METRES INTERNAL FLOOR AREA (IFA) PER PERSON WITH RENT NOT EXCEEDING A MEDIAN RENT INCOME RATIO (MRIR) OF 15 PER CENT AND A NEW MINIMUM ALLOCATION STANDARD OF SEVEN SQUARE METRES WITH MRIR NOT EXCEEDING 18.5 PER CENT, THE COMMITTEE FOUND THAT THERE WERE DIVERSE VIEWS ON THE PROPOSAL. THERE WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE SOME MISUNDERSTANDING ON THE PROPOSAL AND SOME PEOPLE FEARED IT WAS A PRETEXT FOR RENT INCREASES.
THERE WAS HOWEVER CLEAR SUPPORT FOR HIGHER ALLOCATION STANDARDS.
"MANY RESPONDENTS HAVE ADVOCATED THAT THE MRIR SHOULD NOT BE RAISED DESPITE AN INCREASE IN ALLOCATION STANDARD," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT ACTUAL SPACE ALLOCATION HAD SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEEDED THE MINIMUM STANDARD OF 5.5 SQUARE METRES.
/"IF THE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 10 -
"IF THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION RANGE UNDER THE NEW STANDARD OF SEVEN SQUARE METRES IFA PER PERSON IS TO BE IMPLEMENTED, IN FUTURE RENT SETTING THE AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE TO LOWER THE LEVEL OF UNIT RENT SO AS TO OBSERVE THE MRIR LIMIT OF 15 PER CENT.
SINCE THE AD HOC COMMITTEE FELT THAT THIS WOULD BE UNDESIRABLEj IT HAS PROPOSED TO REVISE THE MRIR LIMIT TO 18.5 PER CENT.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO NOTED THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT SURVEY OF HOUSEHOLDS REHOUSED INTO A SAMPLE OF RENTAL ESTATES DURING THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS.
"THIS SURVEY HAS SHOWN THAT OVER A PERIOD OF THREE TO 22 MONTHS THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME HAD RISEN BY 28 PER CENT, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE MRIR HAD BEEN REDUCED FROM 13.1 PER CENT AT THE TIME OF INTAKE TO 10.2 PER CENT," HE SAID.
AS TO CLAIMS THAT THE TWO ALLOCATION STANDARDS WERE SOCIALLY DIVISIVE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE AD HOC COMMITTEE IS OF THE VIEW THAT THERE IS NO REASON TO DEPRIVE TENANTS, WHO ARE WILLING TO SPEND HIGHER PORTION OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR MORE SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATION, THE CHANCE TO SATISFY THEIR ASPIRATION."
"ON THE OTHERHAND, THOSE TENANTS WHO WISH TO PAY LOWER RENTS FOR SMALLER FLATS SHOULD NOT BE COMPELLED TO PAY MORE FOR LARGER FLATS. THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT SMALLER FLATS TO MEET THEIR NEEDS."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE PROPOSAL TO IMPLEMENT TWO MINIMUM ALLOCATION STANDARDS WHICH REPRESENTED AN ADJUSTMENT IN THE RENT SETTING POLICY WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.
---------0-----------
EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE SYSTEM TO BE OVERHAULED » * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SPEND ABOUT $480 MILLION ON ENGINEERING WORKS IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME TO OVERHAUL THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM OF EAST KOWLOON, ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY POLLUTED DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG ROTARY CLUB TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN, SAID SUCH WORKS, WHICH WERE SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR, WERE THE FIRST STAGE ENGINEERING WORKS OF THE WHOLE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WHICH WAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN FOR THE REGION.
MR SLU NOTED THAT THE SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY FOR EAST KOWLOON COMPLETED IN 1989 HAD INDICATED THAT EXPEDIENT CONNECTION BETWEEN FOUL SEWERS AND STORMWATER DRAINS WAS COMMON IN THE AREA.
/SUCH CONNECTIONS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 11 -
SUCH CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN MADE ACCIDENTALLY OR DELIBERATELY BECAUSE OF EASE OF CONNECTIONS OR INSUFFICIENT CAPACITY OF FOUL SEWERS.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 1,350 TO 2,000 EXPEDIENT CONDITIONS, MOSTLY IN KWUN TONG AND YAU TONG. OWING TO RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN EAST KOWLOON, THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING SEWERS IS ALSO LIMITED AND OVERFLOW OF SEWAGE INTO STORMWATER DRAINS SOMETIMES OCCURS.
ON THE WHOLE IT WAS FOUND THAT ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE WASTEWATER GENERATED ENTERS THE STORMWATER SYSTEM AND IS DISCHARGED WITHOUT ANY TREATMENT, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT POLLUTION TO VICTORIA HARBOUR.
TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, MR SIU SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD MAINTAINED A SEWER GANG FOR THE REGULAR INSPECTION AND DESILTING OF SEWERS AND MANHOLES IN EAST KOWLOON.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS IN 1990 TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT ENGINEERING WORKS TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING SEWERAGE SYSTEM AND CONTROL POLLUTION IN THE AREA.
THE MEASURES ARE TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO STAGES. THE STAGE 1 WORKS TO BE EMBARKED ON NEXT YEAR ARE IMMEDIATE MEASURES WHICH INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SEWERS AND THE REHABILITATION OF OLD ONES TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN EAST KOWLOON.
POLLUTION FLOWS IN STORMWATER DRAINS ARE ALSO INTERCEPTED AND DIVERTED BACK INTO THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF WORK ARE:
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SEWERS ALONG HOI BUN ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD, EAST AIRPORT ROAD AND WANG KWONG ROAD (ABOUT FIVE KILOMETRES IN LENGTH);
» REHABILITATION OF THE EXISTING TRUNK SEWER ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD (ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES IN LENGTH);
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SEWAGE PUMPINGS AT YAU TONG AND KWUN TONG AND THE RELATED RISING MAINS TO TRANSFER SEWAGE TO THE EXISTING KWUN TONG SCREENING PLANT; AND
* CONSTRUCTION OF DRY-WEATHER-FLOW INTERCEPTION CHAMBERS AT SEVEN LOCATIONS TO DIRECT THE POLLUTED FLOW FROM STORMWATER DRAINS INTO THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
MR SIU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANS FOR TRAFFIC DIVERSION DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE WORKS, WHICH WERE EXPECTED TO LAST UNTIL 1993.
THE CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE WILL ALSO BE PLANNED TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WITH ROAD OPENINGS FOR SEWER CONSTRUCTION AND SO ON TO BE LIMITED TO ABOUT 50 METRES AT A TIME.
/EAST KOWLOON .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
EAST KOWLOON, AS IN OTHER DEVELOPED PARTS OF HONG KONG, IS AT PRESENT PROVIDED WITH SEPARATE NETWORKS OF FOUL SEWER AND STORMWATER DRAINS.
THE FOUL SEWERS COLLECT ALL WASTEWATER GENERATED FROM DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES AND CONVEY IT TO THE KWUN TONG SCREENING PLANT FOR SCREENING PRIOR TO DISPOSAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HARBOUR.
THE REGION COMPRISES RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS WITH KWUN TONG BEING ONE OF THE OLDEST DEVELOPED INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN HONG KONG. THE POPULATION IS ABOUT ONE MILLION AND THERE ARE SOME 10,000 INDUSTRIAL PREMISES.
RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA HAS RESULTED IN POLLUTION PROBLEMS WHICH IN GENERAL ARE DUE TO NEGLECT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.
MR SIU SAID STAGE 2 OF THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WAS A LONGER TERM MEASURE TO BE IMPLEMENTED AFTER COMPLETION OF STAGE 1 WORKS AND WOULD COMPRISE RECTIFICATION OF EXPEDIENT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN FOUL SEWERS AND STORMWATER DRAINS AND REHABILITATION OF THE BRANCH SEWERS.
WHEN THE WHOLE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IS IMPLEMENTED WITH THE TOTAL COST OF ABOUT $1 BILLION, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF EAST KOWLOON WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED.
TN PARTICULAR, THE WATER POLLUTION OF THE HARBOUR AT EAST KOWLOON WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED AND THE PRESENT SEVERE WATER POLLUTION CAUSED BY EFFLUENT FROM INDUSTRY WILL BE LARGELY ELIMINATED.
’’THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN IMPLEMENTING THESE WORKS IS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY POLLUTED DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG AND TO PROVIDE THE PEOPLE IN EAST KOWLOON WITH A BETTER ENVIRONMENT, BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS AND A BEAUTIFUL HARBOUR,” MR SIU SAID.
------0--------
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER STARTED ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE SEPTEMBER 1991 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN RESPECT OF THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
/THIS ROUND ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
13
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 86,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS.
THESE SECTORS INCLUDE THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON SEPTEMBER 30 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 9,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JULY-SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 823 5076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT DURING JULY - SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 823 4782.
--------0
REGIONAL COUNCIL COMES OF AGE WITH NEW HOME
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE COMPLETION OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BUILDING, LIKE THE LOGO ON ITS FACADE WHICH SYMBOLISES GROWTH, MARKS THE COUNCIL’S COMING OF AGE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED ONLY FIVE-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO, THE COUNCIL TOGETHER WITH THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD WORKED WITH ENTHUSIASM AND IMAGINATION TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROVIDE NEW AMENITIES, SIR DAVID SAID.
/SPEAKING AT .......
THURSDAY, SFrTEMBER 26, 1991
14
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE $200.6 MILLION NEW HOME IN SHA TIN FOR THE COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT, SIR DAVID SAID THE COUNCIL HAD ALSO BEEN A GOOD FORUM FOR PROVIDING THE PUBLIC A GREATER SAY IN HOW THINGS WERE DONE.
"THE RESULTS OF THOSE EFFORTS ARE FOR ALL TO SEE AND ENJOY.
"ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO MANY PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LOOKED LIKE A HUGE BUILDING SITE. TODAY YOU CAN SEE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SOME OF HONG KONG’S MOST IMPRESSIVE URBAN ENVIRONMENTS LIKE DISTRICT PARKS, INDOOR RECREATION CENTRES, LIBRARIES, SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES AND TOWN HALLS."
SIR DAVID SAID WHILE THESE LARGE PROJECTS WERE THE ONES WHICH WERE MOST NOTICEABLE, EQUALLY IMPORTANT WERE THE ONES WHICH MIGHT NOT BE SO OBVIOUS - THE MANY SMALLER, CUMULATIVE IMPROVEMENTS LIKE SHADED SITTING-OUT AREAS, GAMES COURTS AND PLAYGROUNDS, FOUNTAINS AND GARDENS.
"THE NEW TOWNS ARE STILL GROWING. BOTH STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS ARE RISING.
"THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE MUCH WORK TO DO OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS IN BUILDING UP AND IMPROVING FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE NEW BUILDING WOULD HELP THESE EFFORTS.
"FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE COUNCIL AND THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN ONE BUILDING."
CALLING THE COMPOSITE STRUCTURE A VERY MODERN BUILDING, HE SAID IT WAS WELL-EQUIPPED WITH ALL THE FACILITIES THAT ARE NEEDED FOR A LARGE ORGANISATION WITH AN IMPORTANT JOB TO DO.
IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID IN THE FIVE YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE, THE COUNCIL HAD FIRMLY ROOTED ITS SERVICES IN THE NINE DISTRICTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
WHILE THE NEW BUILDING MARKED THE COUNCIL’S ENTRY INTO A NEW ERA OF DEVELOPMENT, MR CHEUNG SAID STRIKING DEVELOPMENTS HAD ALSO TAKEN PLACE IN THE NINE DISTRICTS AND THE PUBLIC’S ASPIRATIONS FOR A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS LIFE HAD CONTINUED TO BE KEEN.
"IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, AS A RESULT OF WORK ON THE NEW CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS SUCH AS TIN SHUI WAI AND TSEUNG KWAN O, THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE BETTER ESTABLISHED AND THE QUALITY OF LIVING OF RESIDENTS WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID BEFORE THE END OF THE 1990’S, THE POPULATION OF THE AREA UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE COUNCIL WOULD APPROACH THREE MILLION.
/"IN ANTICIPATION .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 15 -
"IN an'ticipation of these exciting changes, the council is FULLY CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL PROVIDE AN EVEN MORE MULTIFARIOUS MUNICIPAL SERVICE AND BUILD MORE PLEASANT FACILITIES TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC," HE ADDED.
OPERATING FROM THE NEW BUILDING, HE SAID, THE COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT WOULD, LIKE THE COUNCIL’S LOGO, SPREAD THEIR SERVICES TO EVERY CORNER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TO GIVE EVEN MORE DIRECT AND ADEQUATE CARE TO RESIDENTS.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING BEGAN IN APRIL 1989 FOLLOWING AN AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN THE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT TO SECURE A $100 MILLION LOAN FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT, THE REPAYMENT PERIOD WAS 20 YEARS FOR THE $40 MILLION LOAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND 40 YEARS FOR THE $60 MILLION LOAN FOR BUILDING THE HEADQUARTERS BLOCK.
SITUATED AT THE JUNCTION OF PAI TAU STREET AND SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, IT IS EASILY REACHED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY AND WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION.
THE LOCATION ALSO REFLECTS THE TRUE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION THE COUNCIL SERVES - ON ONE SIDE THE BUSTLING NEW TOWN AND ON THE OTHER A TRANQUIL OLD VILLAGE NESTLING AGAINST ROLLING HILLS.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON TOURED THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND A NUMBER OF FLOORS IN THE LOW AND HIGH BLOCKS.
----0------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
THE GRADING WILL BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON, TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS ARE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E. COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME. AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
/THE ESTIMATE .......
THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 16 -
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS,
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID: "BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE."
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE ”3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "4" GRADE OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A ”3" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
/AT PRESENT .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 17 -
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN THE WATER AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN ”X” IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 12.9.91) (AS AT 26.9.91)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
2 1
2 2
2 1
2 1
1 1
1 X
1
2 1
1 1
2 1
2 1
1 1
1 X
1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW- CAFETERIA CASTLE PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
X 3 X 3 3
X 3 X 2 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH HAP MUN BAY
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
/KIU TSUI .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 18
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 3
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
1
1
3
2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 1 1
HUNG SHING YEH 1 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1 1
TONG FUK 1 1
LO SO SHING 1 1
PUI 0 1 1
SILVERMINE BAY 2 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1 1
TUNG 0* . 1 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS' 4 4
APPROACH 2 2
CASAM 3 3
GEMINI 3 2
HOI MEI WAN 3 2
LIDO 3 3
TING KAU 4 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2 2
NOTE: "X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
DEEP WATER BAY AND HAIRPIN, FROM ”2” TO ”1”; GEMINI, HOI MEI WAN, AND KADOORIE, FROM ”3” TO ”2”; TING KAU, FROM ”4” TO ”3”.
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THJESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, MR P.R. HOLMES, ON TEL. 835 1234.
--------0----------
/19 ........
THURSDAY . SE PTFMBER 2f>, 1991
n SPECIAL EDUCATION PROVISION FOR GIFTED STUDENTS t ♦ ♦ * * t
THE GOVERNMENT Wll.l, INTRODUCE A SERIES OF EDUCATION ENII WIG IFNT MEASURES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE ACADEMICALLY GIFTED, THOSE FRO HAVE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, AND THOSE WHO ARE UNMOTIVATED OR HAVE SEVERE LEARNING PROBLEMS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE MEASURES ARE BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORTH BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 4.
THE COMMISSION BELIEVED THAT THE BEST WAY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ACADEMICALLY GIFTED STUDENTS IS TO PROVIDE SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMMES FOR THEM IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS, RATHER THAN ESTABLISHING SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
"TO DEVELOP SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMMES, A PILOT PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN WHICH THE PROGRAMMES WOULD BE DESIGNED AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN SCHOOLS TESTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROJECT WILL TAKE FOUR YEARS INCLUDING ONE YEAR FOR PLANNING. PROGRAMMES WILL BE ORGANISED IN THE SECOND YEAR FOR SIX STUDENTS IN EACH OF 20 PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN THE PROJECT AND A FURTHER 120 STUDENTS IN THE THIRD YEAR.
THE PROJECT WILL BE EXTENDED TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE FOURTH YEAR WHEN AROUND 40 OF THE ORIGINAL 120 STUDENTS WILL HAVE COMPLETED PRIMARY 6.
"IN THIS WAY, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO SEE WHETHER THE STUDENTS HAVE BENEFITTED FROM SCHOOL-BASED PROGAMMES IN THEIR PRIMARY EDUCATION AND HOW THESE PROGRAMMES CAN BE DEVELOPED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO DEVISE AND RUN THE PILOT PROJECT, A PROFESSIONAL TEAM WILL BE SET UP WITH THE SUPPORT OF A RESOURCE CENTRE," HE ADDED.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT FUNDS BE PROVIDED TO SCHOOLS WHICH DO NOT HAVE REMEDIAL TEACHING ROOMS TO CREATE SUCH ROOMS BY CONVERSION.
"IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS OF THE BUILDING, THE SCHOOL WILL BE ASKED TO CONSIDER OPERATING FEWER CLASSES IF IT IS LOCATED IN DISTRICTS WITH AN OVER PROVISION OF PLACES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ALTERNATIVELY ADVICE CAN BE SOUGHT FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH A VIEW TO REARRANGING THE TIMETABLE TO MAKE OPTIMUM USE OF THE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE," HE SAID.
ANOTHER MEASURE IS THE INTRODUCTION OF A SCHOOL-BASED REMEDIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME TO REPLACE GRADUALLY THE EXISTING INTENSIVE REMEDIAL SERVICES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.
THE SUPPORT PROGRAMME, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 1995 AT llll' EARLIEST, WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE BOTTOM 10 PER CENT OF JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS.
/MEASURES TO .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 199]
20
MEASURES TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE UNMOTIVATED AND HAVE SEVERE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OF THREE MORE PRACTICAL SCHOOLS WHICH PLACE LESS EMPHASIS ON ACADEMIC SUBJECTS AND MORE ON THE NEEDS AND INTEREST OF THE STUDENTS TO PROVIDE DIVERSIFIED AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS.
OTHER MEASURES ARE THE SETTING UP OF SEVEN SKILLS OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS WITH SEVERE LEARNING PROBLEMS PROVIDED THAT THE PILOT SCHEME AT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA NIM TSI SCHOOL PROVES TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO CONDUCT A PILOT SCHEME IN THE SUMMER OF 1992 TO TEST WHETHER A BRIDGING COURSE FOR FORM 2 STUDENTS WISHING TO TRANSFER FROM A GRAMMAR TO A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IS FEASIBLE.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE EXPENDITURE INVOLVED IN CONDUCTING THE PILOT PROJECT AND RESEARCH FOR GIFTED STUDENTS IS $21 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL-BASED REMEDIAL SUPPPORT PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES WILL GIVE RISE TO ADDITIONAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF $42 MILLION PER YEAR AND ANOTHER $37 MILLION IN NON-RECURRENT COST OF TRAINING THE ADDITIONAL TEACHERS.
THE CAPITAL COST FOR THE BUILDING OF THE PRACTICAL SCHOOLS AND SKILLS OPPORTUNITY SCHOOLS WILL BE $157 MILLION AND THE RECURRENT COSTS FOR THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE $55 MILLION PER YEAR.
THE ABOVE REFORMS ARE THE SIXTH IN A SERIES OF RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNOR TN COUNCIL.
------0--------
CHINESE INT’L SCHOOL UNIQUE IN HK: LADY WILSON
THE CHINESE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS UNIQUE IN HONG KONG DRAWING ON BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN CULTURAL TRADITIONS, AND AMALGAMATING THEM INTO ONE CURRICULUM, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SCHOOL’S NEW CAMPUS AT BRAEMAR HILL, LADY WILSON NOTED THAT THE SCHOOL OFFERED AN INTEGRATED, BI-CULTURAL, BILINGUAL PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH AND PUTONGHUA TO CHILDREN OF ALL NATIONALITIES, MAKING IT UNDERSTANDABLY POPULAR WITH HONG KONG PARENTS.
LADY WILSON SAID THE SCHOOL’S FOUNDERS WERE TO BE CONGRATULATED ON THEIR PERSEVERENCE IN BRINGING THIS ADMIRABLE CONCEPT TO THE STAGE IT IS AT TODAY - A SPLENDID CAMPUS FILLED WITH HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS AND OVER 800 CHILDREN AT BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS.
/"EVER SINCE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 19°1
"EVER SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1983, THE SCHOOL HAS GROWN FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH. IT IS REMARKABLE THAT THIS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED WHILE THE SCHOOL WAS ACCOMMODATED IN THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, ALL IN TEMPORARY BORROWED PREMISES," SHE SAID.
NOW AT LAST THE SCHOOL COULD OPERATE AS A SINGLE COHESIVE INSTITUTION WITH ALL THE BENEFITS THAT THAT WOULD BRING, SHE ADDED.
LADY WILSON SAID SHE WAS IMPRESSED ALSO BY THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHINESE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOUNDATION AND ITS APPEALS COMMITTEE, MEMBERS OF WHICH HAD WORKED SO HARD TO RAISE FUNDS TO HELP REALISE THE VISION OF THE SCHOOL ON ITS NEW CAMPUS.
SHE NOTED THAT THE BENEFACTORS INCLUDED A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY, INCLUDING MANY BUSINESSES AND PROMINENT PEOPLE, WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AS THE PRINCIPAL DONOR.
"THE ENTHUSIASM WITH WHICH PEOPLE HAVE BEEN WILLING TO SUPPORT THE BUILDING OF THE SCHOOL COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO ME," LADY WILSON SAID. "ITS UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL GOALS CLEARLY ANSWER A NEED IN THE COMMUNITY.
"FOR ITS PART, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO SUPPORTED THE SCHOOL BY PROVIDING THIS EXCELLENT SITE FREE OF CHARGE AND MAKING AVAILABLE A LARGE INTEREST-FREE LOAN TO TOP UP THE BUILDING FUND."
LADY WILSON PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDERS OF THE SCHOOL AND COMMENDED THE SCHOOL'S BOARD OF GOVERNORS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOR THE SCHOOL’S EXCELLENT RECORD.
- 0 - -
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY ♦ * t ♦ ♦ t
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) ENCOURAGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO CULTIVATE A BROAD MIND AND THE SPIRIT OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
"IF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE A BROAD MIND, THEY WILL BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS," HE SAID.
MR LAN MADE THE REMARKS WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF HO LAP COLLEGE’S EXTENSION IN WONG TAI SIN.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG WOULD BE FACING MANY CHALLENGES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, MR LAN SAID YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS WAS CRUCIAL TO THE TERRITORY’S DEVELOPMENT.
"ONLY THROUGH TAKING PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS WILL YOUNG PEOPLE BE ABLE TO ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.
/MR LAN.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
22 -
MR LAN PRAISED THE HO LAP COLLEGE FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN NURTURING STUDENTS TO BECOME USEFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.
HE SAID THE COLLEGE EXTENSION SIGNIFIED THE SPIRIT OF ADVANCEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY.
MR LAN NOTED THAT WITH THE EXTENSION, THE COLLEGE HAD INSTALLED MANY FACILITIES TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO HAVE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND BALANCED DEVELOPMENT.
"THESE FACILITIES WILL HELP STUDENTS TO PREPARE AND DEVELOP THEMSELVES FOR SOCIETY," HE SAID.
------0 -------
264 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM t ♦ * » * *
A GROUP OF 264 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 128 MEN, 65 WOMEN, 38 BOYS AND 33 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 68TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,823 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 10,119 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED TN MARCH 1989.
0
SPECIAL STAMPS ON HK LANDMARKS ♦ ♦ * ♦
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ON HONG KONG LANDMARKS WILL BE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 24, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THERE WILL BE FIVE DENOMINATIONS: 80-CENT, $1.70, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5.
THE STAMPS DEPICT SOME OF THE WELL-KNOWN LANDMARKS IN HONG KONG, NAMELY, THE BRONZE BUDDHA ON LANTAU ISLAND (80-CENT), THE PEAK PAVILION ($1.70), THE CLOCK TOWER IN TS I M SHA TSUI ($1.80), THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL ($2.30) AND THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE ($5).
THEY WERE DESIGNED BY MR YEUNG WAI-FUNG AND PRINTED BY THE HOUSE OF QUESTA OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
/THE STAMPS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 23 -
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED FOR ADVANCE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE AS FROM OCTOBER 9.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES AS FROM OCTOBER 9 AT 70 CENTS EACH.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER 9 TO 17. THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU "JUNK" PICTORIAL DATESTAMP, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $13.80 EACH AT THE FOLLOWING 29 POST OFFICES:
HONG KONG
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE HENNESSY ROAD POST OFFICE KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE QUEEN’S ROAD POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE
KWONG WAH STREET POST OFFICE LOK FU POST OFFICE MONG KOK POST OFFICE NGAU TAU KOK POST OFFICE 01 MAN POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE TAI PO POST OFFICE
/TUEN MUN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
- 24 -
TUEN MUN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE
TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE
TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE
YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL COVERS BEARING THE "FIRST DAY" INDICATION FOR THE OCCASION.
-------0-------
INT’L BUSINESS REPLY
SERVICE TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT MONTH * » » » *
A NEW TYPE OF POSTAL SERVICE CALLED THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE WILL BE INTRODUCED AS FROM OCTOBER 1, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
INITIALLY, THE SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO SEVEN COUNTRIES: THE UNITED KINGDOM, SINGAPORE, FRANCE, THE NETHERLANDS, SWEDEN,. NORWAY AND ISRAEL.
"THE SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO BE POPULAR PARTICULARLY FOR COMPANIES WHICH SEND LARGE QUANTITIES OF PROMOTIONAL MAIL TO POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE HONG KONG," MR WONG SAID.
THIS SERVICE IS SIMILAR TO THE LOCAL BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE. UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE, A SENDER IN HONG KONO MAY ENCLOSE WITH HIS COMMUNICATION A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE OR CARD OF A PRESCRIBED DESIGN.
THE RECIPIENT OVERSEAS CAN DESPATCH BY AIR MAIL, BUT WITHOUT POSTAGE, HIS RESPONSE TO THE HONG KONG SENDER USING THE ENVELOPE OR CARD PROVIDED.
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE WILL CHARGE THE HONG KONG SENDER $5.80 FOR EACH ITEM RETURNED TO HIM.
THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ALSO OPERATES IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION. ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE MAY APPLY TO THE POSTMASTER GENERAL FOR A LICENCE. THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEE IS $75.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ON TEL. 868 1868.
/25........
THURSDAY PTFMPrn 26, 1991
25
SEMINAR ON SURVEY ON YOUTH ATTITUDES TOWARDS FUTURE
*****
ABOUT 100 YOUTH WORKERS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM YOUTH AND YOUTH-RELATED ORGANISATIONS, ACADEMICS AS WELL AS SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH’S SURVEY ON THE "ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS OF YOUTH TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE" AT A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 28),
THE SEMINAR IS INTENDED TO SOLICIT MORE OPINIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY ON THE SURVEY’S FINDINGS, RELEASED IN LATE JULY THIS YEAR, WITH A VIEW TO FORMULATING THE BASIS OF THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE COMMISSION’S CHAIRMAN, MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FORUM’S OPENING AROUND 9.30 AM. IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY BRIEFINGS BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (YOUTH), MISS SUSIE HO, AND THE SEMINAR’S CONVENOR, COMMISSION MEMBER MRS TERESA LAM.
BETWEEN 10 AM AND 11 AM, COMMISSION MEMBERS MR HOWARD YOUNG, DR LO CHI-KIN, MR MAK HOI-WAH AND MISS JUNIA HO WILL ACT AS PANELISTS AND GIVE COMMENTARIES ON FOUR MAJOR AREAS OF THE SURVEY RESPECTIVELY.
THE FOUR AREAS ARE: LIFE-STYLE AND UNDERSTANDING OF CHINESE CULTURE; ATTITUDES TOWARDS HONG KONG’S FUTURE; PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS; AND EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER PLANS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS. EACH GROUP IS EXPECTED TO HOLD DISCUSSIONS ON AN IDENTIFIED AREA IN SEPARATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON SESSIONS.
THERE WILL BE A REPORT-BACK SESSION BY GROUP MEMBERS BETWEEN 3.30 PM AND 4.30 PM, DURING WHICH MR LI, THE PANELISTS AND AUDIENCE FROM THE FLOOR ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE THEIR INPUTS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 28) AT THE YWCA HEADQUARTERS AT MACDONNELL ROAD, MID-LEVELS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONCLUDING STAGE OF THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AROUND 3.15 PM.
0 - -
/26 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
26
NEW CLINIC FOR MA ON SHAN OPENS NEXT MONTH
******
THE NEW MA ON SHAN (TEMPORARY) CLINIC, LOCATED AT THE GROUND FLOOR OF HENG SHING HOUSE, IN HENG ON ESTATE, WILL BEGIN OPERATION FROM OCTOBER 7.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE CLINIC WILL PROVIDE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
IT WILL OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM DURING WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY.
- - 0 - -
33 INMATES PASS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THIRTY-THREE TRAINING CENTRE INMATES RECEIVED CERTIFICATES THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON FOR PASSING THE PITMAN EXAMINATIONS.
THE INMATES COME FROM THE CAPE COLLINSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.
THEY OBTAINED A TOTAL OF ONE DISTINCTION AND 44 PASSES ON THREE SUBJECTS - ARITHMETIC, ENGLISH AND TYPEWRITING.
SPEAKING AT A CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES, PRAISED THE DEPARTMENT’S TEACHING STAFF FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE REHABILITATION OF THESE YOUNG OFFENDERS.
"THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG OFFENDERS. HOWEVER IT WAS NOT UNTIL 1974 WITH THE OPENING OF PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION THAT MUCH MORE EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON THIS IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR TRAINING PROGRAMME,” HE SAID.
SINCE 1979, OVER 1,500 YOUNG INMATES HAD SAT FOR OVER 2,060 PAPERS IN VARIOUS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. TOTALLY, THEY ACHIEVED 402 DISTINCTIONS, 212 CREDITS AND 1,116 PASSES. THE AVERAGE PASS RATE IS 83 PER CENT.
- - 0 - -
/27
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991
27
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA * * * * *
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 6 (SUNDAY) IN THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 59 WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE VARIOUS EVENTS.
"THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL SWIMMING EVENTS IN ADDITION TO FREE-STYLE RELAYS IN EACH OF THE FOUR SECTIONS FOR BOTH THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISIONS," HE SAID.
THE FOUR SECTIONS ARE ADULT, YOUTH, CHILDREN AND OPEN.
THE SWIMMING GALA HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, PIER ROAD AND THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE UC SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 853 2566.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 25.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 26.9.91 + 30
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -30
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.2 *+0.2» 26.9.91
/28 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1991 9 * 9
- 28 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
26.9.91 25.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.86 PCT 3.99 PCT
1 MONTH 4.15 PCT 4.14 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.46 PCT 4.47 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.99 PCT 4.96 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.72 PCT 5.73 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 4,960 MN 5,287 MN
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT STATEMENT ON VM'S ................................................ 1
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONCERNS OF HK/GERMAN BUSINESS ....................... 2
PUBLIC WISDOM SOUGHT ON UNATTENDED CHILDREN PROBLEM .................... 3
ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991 TAKES EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1 ...... 4
LEASE TO BE GRANTED FOR PIER EXTENSION ................................ 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR PING SHAN DEVELOPMENT WORKS ..................... 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR SURFACING OF ATHLETIC TRACK ...................... 6
EMPLOYERS FINED FOR DELAYING WAGES TO IMPORTED WORKERS ............... 7
SEVEN FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS ARRESTED ............................... 7
WORK ACCIDENTS ON THE DECLINE .......................................... 8
KEEP ESTATE CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED .............................. 9
AMS RECRUITMENT DAYS IN SOUTHERN ....................................... 10
YAN 01 FAMILY PLANNING CENTRE ON MOVE .................................. 11
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER ............................................. 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 12
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
JOINT STATEMENT ON VM’S » * » * »
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE END OF THE TALKS IN HANOI ON VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS:
"OFFICIALS FROM THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) AND THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM) MET OFFICIALS FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM IN HANOI FROM 23 - 27 SEPTEMBER 1991 TO DISCUSS ADDITIONAL MEANS OF ACCELERATING THE RATE OF RETURN TO VIETNAM OF THOSE WHO DO NOT QUALIFY AS REFUGEES, FOLLOWING UP THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION (CPA) STEERING COMMITTEE IN GENEVA ON 30 APRIL/1 MAY 1991.
"THIS MEETING FOLLOWS EARLIER DISCUSSION AND EXCHANGES THIS YEAR WITH VIETNAM ABOUT THE PROBLEMS POSED IN HONG KONG BY THE ARRIVAL OF LARGE NUMBERS OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS. IT WAS AGREED THAT THIS INFLOW HAD TO BE STEMMED TO AVOID UNDERMINING THE CPA.
"THERE WAS A PRODUCTIVE AND DETAILED DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF ACCELERATING THE RATE OF RETURN OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WITH A VIEW TO REINFORCING THE CPA PROVISION THAT SUCH PERSONS SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES.
"THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES WELCOMED THE GREATER EFFORTS BEING MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM TO DISCOURAGE CLANDESTINE DEPARTURES AND UNHCR’S COMPLEMENTARY INFORMATION PROGRAMME.
"IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CASH PAYMENT PROVIDED TO THOSE RETURNING TO VIETNAM HAS BECOME AN INCENTIVE FOR DEPARTURE RATHER THAN RETURN. CONSEQUENTLY, UNHCR ANNOUNCED THAT THE LEVEL OF CASH ASSISTANCE WOULD BE REDUCED DRASTICALLY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FOR ALL ASYLUM SEEKERS ARRIVING FROM VIETNAM IN PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM AFTER 27 SEPTEMBER 1991.
"THERE WAS AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON THE NEED TO IMPLEMENT MEASURES TO ACHIEVE AN ACCELERATED RATE OF RETURN. FURTHER DISCUSSIONS, INCLUDING CONSULTATION IN CAPITALS, ARE ENVISAGED IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO TAKE THE WORK FORWARD."
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/2
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONCERNS OF IIK/GJ n . NESS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED GERMAN BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VOICE OF FREE TRADE IS HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR BY POLICY MAKERS IN GERMANY.
IN A SPEECH ENTITLED "HONG KONG/GERMAN BUSINESS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONCERNS" TO THE GERMAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, MR CHAU SAID THERE HAD BEEN CONCERNS THAT THE SINGLE MARKET PROGRAMME MIGHT LEAD TO A "FORTRESS EUROPE".
HE SAID THE FEAR WAS THAT AS THE EEC BECAME MORE COMPETITIVE WITHIN ITSELF, IT WOULD BECOME MORE PROTECTIONIST AND INWARD LOOKING.
"ALTHOUGH EEC OFFICIALS HAVE REPEATEDLY DENIED ANY SUCH INTENTIONS, SOME FEARS REMAIN.
"ALL OF YOU HERE HAVE A STAKE IN ENSURING THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN. I URGE YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR VOICE IS HEARD IN BONN -BERLIN LATER - AND BRUSSELS.
"THE FIGHT AGAINST PROTECTIONISM IS NEVER ENDING," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE OPENING UP OF ECONOMIES IN EUROPE SHOULD PROVIDE EXPORT POSSIBILITIES TO MANY SUPPLIERS INCLUDING HONG KONG.
’ "ON THE OTHER HAND," HE SAID, "WE DO SEE A DANGER THAT THE EEC AND ITS MEMBER STATES, INCLUDING GERMANY, MAY CONCENTRATE ON TRADE RELATIONS WITH ITS EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURS AT THE EXPENSE OF ITS OTHER TRADING PARTNERS.
"WE ARE WATCHING THE NEGOTIATION OF ASSOCIATION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE EEC AND HUNGARY, POLAND AND CZECHOSLOVAKIA CAREFULLY FOR SIGNS THAT THE NATURAL SYMPATHY FELT FOR THESE NATIONS WILL TRANSLATE INTO IMPROVED MARKET ACCESS FOR THEM AT HONG KONG’S AND OTHER SUPPLIERS’ EXPENSE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID APART FROM THE POSSIBLE DIRECT IMPACT ON TRADE, THERE MIGHT ALSO BE AN INDIRECT NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HONG KONG IN THE FORM OF INVESTMENT DIVERSION TO THESE COUNTRIES FROM THE EEC.
HE SAID THE IMPACT OF THIS ON EEC INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG WOULD BE HARD TO QUANTIFY.
"NEVERTHELESS I WOULD URGE YOU TO GET THE MESSAGE OVER IN GERMANY THAT IT IS NOT IN YOUR LONG TERM INTERESTS TO NEGLECT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG, OR INDEED IN THIS REGION GENERALLY.
"WE WANT AND NEED A SUBSTANTIAL AND GROWING GERMAN BUSINESS PRESENCE HERE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG'S TRADE WITH GERMANY, MR CHAU SAID GERMANY WAS OUR LARGEST SUPPLIER AMONGST THE EEC MEMBER STATES.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
IN 1990, HONG KONG IMPORTED NEARLY HK$15 BILLION WORTH OF GOODS FROM GERMANY, REPRESENTING 23.6 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL IMPORTS FROM THE EEC.
IMPORTS FROM GERMANY INTO HONG KONG HAVE INCREASED AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE RATE OF ABOUT 18 PER CENT SINCE 1981.
’’ALTHOUGH WE MAY BE REGARDED BY SOME AS A RELATIVELY SMALL MARKET, OUR IMPORTS PER CAPITA FROM GERMANY ARE SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER THAN OUR PER CAPITA IMPORTS FROM OTHER MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS SUCH AS AUSTRALIA, THE USA, CANADA, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA.
’’SO, DESPITE OUR SIZE, WE ARE NOT A MARKET TO BE NEGLECTED.
’’FULL MARKS TO GERMAN BUSINESSMEN FOR SPOTTING THAT THE QUALITY OF A MARKET CAN BE AS IMPORTANT AS THE MERE NUMBER OF CONSUMERS,” HE SAID.
AS FOR RE-EXPORTS, MR CHAU SAID THEY NOW ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 65 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS.
’’GERMANY IS OUR FOURTH LARGEST RE-EXPORT MARKET, FOLLOWING CHINA, THE USA, AND JAPAN," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG WAS ALSO A CENTRE FOR RE-EXPORT OF GERMAN’GOODS TO COUNTRIES IN THE REGION.
"IN 1990, 37 PER CENT OF GERMAN IMPORTS INTO HONG KONG WERE REEXPORTED, MAINLY TO CHINA, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN.
"I BELIEVE THERE IS THEREFORE FURTHER POTENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RE-EXPORT TRADE FOR GERMAN GOODS FROM HONG KONO AND I HOPE YOU WILL TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES," HR SAID.
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PUBLIC WISDOM SOUGHT ON UNATTENDED CHILDREN PROBLEM ♦ ♦ ♦ » t
EMPLOYERS ARE TODAY (FRIDAY) ENCOURAGED TO SET UP WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRES TO BOOST STAFF MORALE AND, AT THE SAME TIME, TO PREVENT YOUNG CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT ALONE AT HOME.
THE PLEA WAS MADE BY THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A THREE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.
"PARENTS SHOULD MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE EXISTING CHILD CARE SERVICES, INCLUDING OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE SERVICES, INSTEAD OF LEAVING THEIR YOUNG CH ILDREN ALONE AT HOME," MR CHAN SAID.
/4
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
HE ADDED THAT PARENTS CONCERNED COULD ALSO APPROACH VARIOUS FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES FOR ASSISTANCE.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE WORK-BASED CHILD CARE CENTRES UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF EMPLOYERS COULD AUGUR WELL IN IMPROVING STAFF EFFICIENCY BECAUSE THEY WILL HAVE GREATER EASE OF MIND IN CARING FOR THEIR CHILDREN,” MR CHAN CONTINUED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF UNATTENDED CHILDREN, COPIES OF A CONSULTATION DOCUMENT WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COLLECTION FROM NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 1).
"THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT IS TO INVITE VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE AT HOME," HE ADDED.
THE DOCUMENT OUTLINES THE BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUE, THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM-SOLVING MEASURES. THESE MEASURES INCLUDE PROVISION OF CHILD CARE AND OTHER SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, MUTUAL HELP, PUBLIC EDUCATION AND LEGISLATION.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW, URGED TO THE PUBLIC TO ACTIVELY SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS.
SUBMISSION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
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ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991 TAKES EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1
*********
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991 WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A NOTICE GIVING EFFECT TO THE AMENDED ORDINANCE WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE .
THE ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROLS OVER SMOKE EMISSIONS FROM VEHICLES IN USE.
UNDER THE AMENDED ORDINANCE, THE AUTHORITIES CAN DESIGNATE VEHICLE EMISSIONS TESTING CENTRES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO CARRY OUT EMISSION TESTS FOR SMOKY VEHICLES.
THESE CENTRES WILL IMPOSE A FEE OF 1140 FOR EACH TEST CONDUCTED.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
- D -
LEASE TO BE GRANTED FOR PIER EXTENSION t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO GRANT A LEASE TO CALTEX OH. H G ? '. 'NG LIMITED WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,040 SQUARE METRES OF SEABED OFF THE WEST COAST OF TSING Yl ISLAND.-
THIS IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FURTHER EXTENSION TO THE TSUEN WAN PERMANENT PIER NO. 29.
THE WORKS WILL START SOON AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT MARCH NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDS TO DREDGE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,956 HECTARES OF SEABED EAST OF SHA CHAU, AN ISLAND OFF TURN MUN, TO OBTAIN MATERIALS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION AND FUTURE RECLAMATIONS INCLUDING THE NEW AIRPORT.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED IN THE IWO PROJECTS WERE DESCRIBED IN SEPARATE NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT LN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IN THE TSUEN WAN PIER NO. 29 EXTENSION PROJECT WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 26 NEXT YEAR.
WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DREDGING WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT OFF SHA CHAU SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 26 THIS YEAR.
THE TWO NOTICES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITES.
THE PLANS 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), AND AT THE RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR PING SHAN DEVELOPMENT WORKS » t * * »
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO UNDERTAKE A PACKAGE OE ^^RASTRUCTURAL WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH HIE STAGE 1 DEVELOPMENT OF PING SHAN, A RURAL ARFA ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE IO THE WEST OF YUEN LONG TOWN.
THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD TN THE SOUTH AND PING HA ROAD IN THE FAST AND THE NORTH.
/WORKS UNDER .......
FRIDAY, Sl-’.r'l • :*n::R 27, 1991
6
WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MID-DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. THEY INCLUDE:
♦ FORMATION OF ABOUT 5.2 HECTARES OF LAND PLATFORMS FOR VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT HOUSES, TWO COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SITES AND A SPORTS PITCH;
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD D3, ROAD L2, ROAD L3 AND ROAD L6;
* CONSTRUCTION OF OPEN CARPARKS;
* RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D3;
* CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPING WORKS, SLOPES, BICYCLE PARK, RETAINING WALLS, A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, TOILET AND FOUL AND STORMWATER DRAINAGE WORKS; AND
* ROAD AND DRAINAGE CONSTRUCTION AND SITE FORMATION WORK IN TAI TONG EAST BORROW AREA.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY HO TIN AND ASSOCIATES CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED FOR NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONSULTING COMPANY AT ROOM 1704, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
TENDERS HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON OCTOBER 18.
0
TENDERS INVITED FOR SURFACING OF ATHLETIC TRACK
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND LAYING OF ATHLETIC TRACK SURFACING FOR THE SPORTSGROUND AT WO Y1 HOP ROAD, IN KWAI CHUNG NORTH.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 18.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
7
EMPLOYERS FINED FOR DELAY(NG WAGES TO IMPORTED WORKERS
TWO EMPLOYERS OF IMPORTED WORKERS WERE YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) FINED BY THE COURT FOR DELAY IN WAGE PAYMENT AND FAILURE TO GRANT A STATUTORY HOLIDAY TO THE WORKERS.
THE HANG LEE GARMENT FACTORY IN KWUN TONG WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $2,000 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO PAY WAGES AMOUNTING TO $1,631 AND $1,721 RESPECTIVELY TO TWO IMPORTED WORKERS WITHIN THE PERIOD REQUIRED BY LAW.
ACCORDING TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER MUST PAY WAGES DUE TO HIS WORKERS AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, AND IN ANY CASE NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE WAGES BECOME DUE.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT PROSECUTION AGAINST THE FACTORY PROPRIETOR FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS BY IMPORTED WORKERS FROM THE FACTORY EARLIER LAST MONTH ABOUT ARREARS OF WAGES.
IN ANOTHER (ASF, THE PROPRIETOR OF THE LEE TAT SHIPYARD IN SAI KUNG WAS FINED $500 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE FOR PAYING $170 TO AN IMPORTED WORKER IN LIEU OF THE GRANTING OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
THE OFFENCE WAS DETECTED BY LABOUR INSPECTORS DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION TO THE SHIPYARD IN MAY.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER MAY BE $20,000 FOR FAILING TO PAY WAGES IN DUE TIME AND UP TO MAKING PAYMENT TO WORKERS IN LIEU OF THE GRANTING OF
FINED UP TO $10,000 FOR A STATUTORY
HOLIDAY.
SEVEN FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS ARRESTED ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
ACTING ON INFORMATION, IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) ARRESTED SEVEN FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS FOR SUSPECTED BREACH OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE DURING AN OPERATION AT THE STANLEY MARKET.
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS HAD CONDUCTED IDENTITY CHECKS ON 40 PEOPLE AT 15 SHOPS.
THE ARRESTED PERSONS, FOUR WOMEN AND THREE MEN AGED 26 TO 38, WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE TAKEN UP UNAPPROVED EMPLOYMENT AS SALES ASSISTANTS IN VARIOUS SHOPS AT STANLEY MARKET. ONE OF THEM WAS ALSO FOUND TO HAVE OVERSTAYED IN HONG KONG.
FOUR IJONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE ASSISTING WITH THE INVESTIGAT1ON.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID UNDER THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER IS ONLY PERMITTED TO WORK FOR A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER UNDER A SPECIFIC EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
/8 ........
FRIDAY. SEPTF.MBKK 27. 1991
8
’’THE HELPER SHOULD NOT CARRY OUT NON-HOUSEHOLD CHORES.
"THOSE WHO BREACH THEJR CONDITION OF STAY ARE 1.1 ABLE TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE AIDED AND ABETTED FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TO COMMIT THESE OFFENCES ARE ALSO LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND PENALTY.
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WORK ACCIDENTS ON THE DECLINE ******
THE INCIDENCE OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS SHOWED SIGNS OF DECLINE TN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY), 18,881 INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WITH 34 FATALITIES WERE RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 2.3 PER CENT FROM THE 19,318 ACCIDENTS WITH 32 FATALITIES IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
"THE DOWNWARD TREND OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IS INDEED ENCOURAGING," SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, NOTING THAT THE GREATEST DECREASE WAS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, DOWN BY 8.3 PER CENT TO 7,531 ACCIDENTS.
"THE NUMBERS OF ACCIDENTS IN THE ELECTRONICS, TEXTILE AND PLASTICS INDUSTRIES HAVE ALL GONE DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY FROM 409 TO 259, FROM 1,619 TO 1,116 AND FROM 484 TO 359 RESPECTIVELY DURING THE PERIOD," MR YIP SAID.
WARNING AGAINST COMPLACENCE, MR YIP SAID THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY REMAINED THE "MOST DANGEROUS" TRADE IN HONG KONG, REGISTERING A 1.7 PER CENT INCREASE TN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS.
"WITH.9,385 ACCIDENTS AND 25 FATALITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ALONE ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN ALL INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.
"THERE WERE ALSO MORE ACCIDENTS IN THE MINING AND QUARRYING, UTILITIES, TRANSPORT AND SERVICING INDUSTRIES, UP BY 4.3 PER CENT TO 1,965 ACCIDENTS, WHILE THE FIGURE FOR THE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING INDUSTRY ROSE FROM 369 TO 404 OVER THE PERIOD," HE ADDED.
THE MAJOR CAUSES OF THE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE GENERALLY SIMILAR TO THOSE IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
/9 ........
FRIDAY, SEI
'1
9
THEY INCLUDED STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS (6,927 CASES), MANUAL LIFTING OF WEIGHTS (3,261 CASES), USE OF MACHINERY (2,604 CASES), FALL OF PERSONS (2,189 CASES), FALLING OBJECTS (1,135 CASES), USE OF HAND TOOLS (1,064 CASES), HANDLING HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES (533 CASES) AND TRANSPORT (406 CASES).
THE REST RELATED TO EXPLOSION OR FIRE, ELECTRICITY, GASSING, POISONING AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND COLLAPSE OF SOIL.
OF THE 34 WORKERS KILLED, 25 WERE EMPLOYED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. THEY INCLUDED 12 KILLED IN FALL FROM A HEIGHT, THREE IN THE USE OF MACHINERY, FOUR HIT BY FALLING OBJECTS, ONE ELECTROCUTED, TWO BY TRANSPORT, ONE IN EXPLOSION OR FIRE, ONE BY COLLAPSED SOIL AND ONE AS A RESULT OF STEPPING ON OR STRUCK BY OBJECTS.
DEATHS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES WERE CAUSED BY MACHINERY (THREE CASES), EXPLOSION OR FIRE (ONE CASE), ELECTRICITY (TWO CASES), STEPPING ON OR STRUCK BY OBJECTS (TWO CASES), AND l.tLLING OBJECTS (ONE CASE).
MR YIP URGED PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS TO KEEP UP THEIR EFFORTS IN 'NSURING SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE AS MOST OF THE ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD BOTH PARTIES BEEN MORE SAFETY-CONSCIOUS.
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KEEP ESTATE CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED ♦ * ♦ ♦ »
THE KEEP ESTATE CLEAN CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, PHASE I IN WONG TAI SIN.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDE VARIETY SHOWS AND A ROVING EXHIBITION IN SIX PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AS WELL AS TERRITORY-WIDE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS.
THE VARIETY SHOWS AND ROVING EXHIBITION WILL FIRST BE STAGED IN LOK FU ESTATE OF WONG TAI SIN TOMORROW, AND END IN 01 MAN ESTATE OF HO MAN TIN ON NOVEMBER 9.
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE KEEP HONG KONO CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND ITS MAJOR ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 1991/92 WILL BE SHOWN IN THE EXHIBITION.
ILLUSTRATED INFORMATION ABOUT THE CREATION OF THE FAMILY OF DRAGONS, WHICH EXPANDS ON THE SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN CHARACTER, THE DRAGON OF CLEANLINESS WILL ALSO BE FEATURED.
/10........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
- 10 -
OTHER SUBJECTS OF PANE), DISPLAY ARE THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS AND THE LOTUS POND DESIGN COMPETITION BOTH ORGANISED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW'S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE, MR PAO PING-WING: WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN; AS WELL AS CHAIRMAN AND MEMBER OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR GILBERT LEUNG AND MS YEUNG KAM-CHUN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KEEP ESTATE CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) STARTING AT 2 PM AT THE AMPHITHEATRE OF LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, PHASE I IN WONG TAI SIN.
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AMS RECRUITMENT DAYS IN SOUTHERN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS) WILL HOLD THREE RECRUITMENT DAYS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ON THREE SUNDAYS OVER THE COMING MONTH, WITH THE FIRST TO BE HELD THIS SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 29), AT THE OPEN SPACE NEAR WAH FU RESTAURANT IN WAH FU ESTATE.
THE OTHER TWO RECRUITMENT DAYS WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 13 AND 20 AT THE ABERDEEN CENTRE SHOPPING ARCADE NEAR MEI FUNG COURT AND KWUN HOI COURT, AND AT THE AMS SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT LEE MUN HOUSE ON AP LEI CHAU RESPECTIVELY.
EACH RECRUITMENT DAY WILL LAST FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM AND RESIDENTS AGED 16 TO 35 WHO ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE AMS CAN PICK UP APPLICATION FORMS OR APPLY FOR ENROLMENT ON THE SPOT.
APART FROM THE RECRUITMENT STALL, THERE WILL BE AN EXHIBITION INTRODUCING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE AMS.
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/Il ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
YAN 01 FAMILY PLANNING CENTRE ON MOVE ******
THE YAN 01 FAMILY PLANNING CENTRE, WHICH IS NOW LOCATED AT YAN 01 MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, WILL .OPEATE FROM ITS NEW ADDRESS AT FIRST FLOOR, TUEN MUN CLINIC, SAN TSING STREET, TUEN MUN SAN HUI FROM OCTOBER 7, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE CENTRE WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY.
THE RELOCATION OF THE YAN 01 FAMILY PLANNING CENTRE WILL NOT AFFECT THE NORMAL OPERATION OF THE YAN 01 MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE.
THE LATTER WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING INFANT AND CHILD HEALTH CARE, IMMUNISATION, COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SERVICE AND ANTENATAL CARE.
- - 0----------
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER *****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL
RANGE ON 19 DAYS NEXT
MONTH
TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN
CASTLE
PEAK
THE PUBLIC IS HOISTED.
WARNED
NOT
TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN
RED FLAGS
ARE
FOLLOWING ARE TAKE PLACE:
THE DATES
AND TIMES THAT FIRING
PRACTICE
WILL
DATE TIME
OCTOBER 1 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
OCTOBER 2 (WEDNESDAY) 12.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 3 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 7.30 PM
OCTOBER 4 (FRIDAY) 7 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 7 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 8 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 9 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 10 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 11 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 18 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 21 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 22 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 23 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 PM
OCTOBER 24 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 25 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 28 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 29 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 30 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 31 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
/12 ........
12
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1991
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ * » ♦
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 26.9.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 27.9.91 -489
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 489
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 112.2 *+0.0* 27. 9.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
26.9.91 27.9.91
MATURING IN 1 WEEK 3.86 PCT 4.10 PCT
1 MONTH 4.15 PCT 4.17 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.46 PCT 4.39 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.99 PCT 4.89 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.72 PCT 5.54 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER 4,960 MN 7,315 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
COOTE NTS PAGE fao.
HK: A STRATEGIC BASE FOR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ....................... 1
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS INCREASED BY 45 PER CENT ........................ 2
ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS OF YOUTH EXAMINED ......................... 4
PUBLICATIONS AND FREE SEMINARS FOR THE HKHS 1992 EDITION ............. 5
WHSDC DISQUALIFIED FOR TSING MA BRIDGE CONTRACT TENDERING ............ 7
CHINESE LABOUR OFFICERS IN TOWN ON WEEK-LONG VISIT ................... 7
TRANSLATION CONTEST ENTRIES TO CLOSE NEXT FRIDAY ..................... 8
NEW BUS SERVICE TO ALLEVIATE MTR CONGESTION .......................... 9
KEEP ESTATE CLEAN ROVING EXHIBITION .................................. 9
400 TREES PLANTED TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT ............................. 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 11
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
- 1 -
HK: A STRATEGIC BASE FOR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE
******
THE RECENTLY SIGNED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT FOR HONG KONG HAS SPURRED RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID YESTERDAY (FRIDAY, U.S. TIME).
IN A SPEECH IN CHICAGO ENTITLED "HONG KONG - A STRATEGIC BASE FOR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE" TO THE HONG KONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF THE MID-WEST, MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG WOULD SOON EMBARK ON THE LARGEST INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY’S HISTORY.
"BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT WILL tNVITE TENDERS FOR DESIGN CONSULTANCIES, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND HIGHWAYS PROJECTS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE AIRPORT SITE; ROADS AND BRIDGES TO LINK THE NEW FACILITY WITH THE METROPOLITAN AREA; AND PORT UoRKS.
"THERE HAS BEEN GREAT OVERSEAS INTEREST IN THIS VAST PROGRAMME, AND WE EXPECT THE PROJECT TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT," HE SAID.
ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MR BARMA SAID WITH ITS STRATEGIC REGIONAL LOCATION, FREE MOVEMENT OF CAPITAL, LOW AND STABLE TAX REGIME, EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE FINANCIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, HONG KONG HAD FOR MANY YEARS ATTRACTED THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO PLAYED ITS PART: A POLICY OF MiNiMUM RED TAPE, NO DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN OVERSEAS AND LOCAL INVESTORS, AND A CONSISTENT PRO-BUSINESS APPROACH," HE SAID.
HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT NEW PROJECTS IN HONG KONG, AND A NUMBER OF EXISTING FACILITIES HAD BEEN EXPANDED.
QUOTING SOME EXAMPLES, MR BARMA SAID: "MOTOROLA, WHICH OF COURSE IS A MAJOR MID-WEST CORPORATION, HAS SET UP A MULTi-MILLlON DOLLAR FACILITY IN HONG KONG TO SERVE AS ITS ASIA-PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS, AND ALSO TO ACCOMMODATE ITS DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING CENTRE FOR SEMI-CONDUCTORS AND APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS.
"DOW CHEMICAL OF MICHIGAN RECENTLY INCREASED THE CAPACITY OF ITS POLYSTYRENE POLYMERISATION PLANT WHICH IS NOW THE LARGEST OF ttS KIND IN ASIA.
"THE PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY, ARCO, WHICH ' PRODUCES fiNERGY, OIL AND PETROCHEMICAL INTERMEDIARIES, RECENTLY SET UP ITS REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG.
"CABOT PLASTICS OF MASSACHUSETTS HAS ALSO RECENTLY SET UP A RESIN COMPOUNDING FACILITY IN HONG KONG AND IS NOW EMBARKED ON AN EXPANSION PROGRAMME.
/"PAN-PACIFIC TRADING
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
2
"PAN-PACIFIC TRADING OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, AND ITS PARTNERS HAVE ESTABLISHED A JOINT VENTURE COMPANY, FUTURE’S SAFE, WHICH IS OPERATING AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND PAPER PRODUCING PLANT IN HONG KONG. THE PLANT IS CAPABLE OF DAILY PRODUCTION OF 200 TONS, USING RECYCLED PAPER."
MR BARMA SAID THESE COMPANIES WERE ALL PART OF THE ESTABLISHED U.S. PRESENCE IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING SOME WELL-KNOWN NAMES SUCH AS 3M, DATACARD, EMERSON, AND HIMONT.
"IN FACT, AMERICAN COMPANIES ARE A MAJOR PART OF OUR CORPORATE SCENE. FORTY PER CENT OF THE 600 FOREIGN FIRMS WHICH HAVE SET UP THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG HAVE COME FROM THE U.S.," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG BEYOND 1997, MR BARMA SAID HONG KONG WAS TO BECOME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY OVER ITS AFFAIRS.
"HONG KONG WILL MAINTAIN ITS OWN SEPARATE POSITION IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMMUNITY, AND CONTINUE TO BE A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT; IT WILL BE A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY FROM CHINA AND WILL CONTINUE ITS MEMBERSHIP OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL; AND THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WILL REMAIN A FREELY CONVERTIBLE CURRENCY.
"WE ARE BEGINNING TO TAKE ACTION TO CONCLUDE INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS WITH OUl? MAJOR PARTNERS TO PROTECT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.
"I CANNOT SEE THE POST-1997 GOVERNMENT CHANGING OUR CtlRREHt PRO-BUSINESS STANCE.
"WHY SHOULD IT? CHINA UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE oE hONG KONG AND THE CONTRIBUTION IT MAKES TO THE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA," HE SAID.
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TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS INCREASED BY 45 PER CENT ♦ i i i i
DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991, THE TRANSPORT COMFLAtlJ'l’S UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEtVEb A TOTAL oE 2,316 COMPLAINTS, A RISE OF 45 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE bREVtoUS QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TCU TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THE COMPLAtkTS WERE MAINLY RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND TRAFFIC REGULATION ENFORCEMENT.
HE SAID A TOTAL OF 241 COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT THE INADEQUACY oE FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES, COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/COMPARED WITH .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THERE WAS A RISE OF 114 CASES OR 90 PER CENT.
ON THE STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 414 COMPLAINTS, AN INCREASE OF 74 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 238 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICE ROSE BY i5 PER CENT FROM 316 CASES TO 364 CASES.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO RAIL TRANSPORT SERVlcfes ROSE FROM 28 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 29 CASES THIS QUARTER, WHILE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE FERRY SERVICES INCREASED FROM 11 TO 27.
THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT INCLUDED REGULARITY OF SERVICE, CONDITIONS OF VEHICLES/VESSELS, AND PASSENGER SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION INCREASED FROM 171 CASES TO 208 CASES, 63 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 93 IN KOWLOON AND 52 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION AND ROAD WORKS.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES ROSE FROM 141 CASES TO 194 OR BY 38 PER CENT.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT, AND ADDITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS ANb AIDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ROAD MAINTENANCE INCREASED BY 74 PER CENT FROM 78 CASES TO 136 CASES.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURbAcfeS, FAULTY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STOOD AT 443, A RISE OF 177 CASES OR 67 PER CENT COMPARED WITH FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE WERE RELATED MAINLY TO ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOTORISTS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS OF YOUTH E AMFNED
******
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH HAD A LIVELY DISCUSSION WITH ABOUT 100 YOUTH WORKERS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM YOUTH AND YOUTH RELATED ORGANISATIONS ON THE ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS OF YOUTH TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE AT A SEMINAR TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH COMMISSION, EXAMINEb THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED EARLIER THIS YEAR ON THE ATTITUDES AND EXPECTATIONS OF YOUTH TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE.
"THE SURVEY ENCOMPASSES A WIDE AREA OF INTERESTS ON THE OUTLOOK OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, THEIR HOPES, ASPIRATIONS, AND FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THEIR THINKING AND BEHAVIOUR," THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MR ERIC LI, SAID.
"THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH ALL RELEVANT PARTIES AND IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE FINDINGS BY THE COMMISSION, THE COMMISSION INTENDS TO FORMULATE EFFECTIVE ADVICE TO THE GOVERNOR ON HOW OUR YOUTH COULD BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO FACE THE CHALLENGES AHEAD," HE SAID.
ON THE COMMISSION’S OTHER ONGOING PROJECTS, MR LI NOTED THAT IT WAS PLACING GREAT EFFORTS ON DEVELOPING WHAT WOULD AMOUNT TO A "CHARTER FOR YOUTH".
"THE CHARTER AIMS TO AFFIRM THE COMMITMENTS OF OUR GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, PROMOTE PHYSICAL AS WELL AS MENTAL FITNESS, IMPROVE THEIR CIVIC AWARENESS AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
"DURING THE PAST 18 MONTHS, THE COMMISSION HAS ALSO MAINTAINED CONTACTS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BODIES AND YOUTH RELATED ORGANISATIONS WITH A VIEW TO ENSURING THAT THE INTERESTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE FORMULATION OF PoLlCtES AFFECTING YOUTH," HE SAID.
ANOTHER MAJOR SURVEY BEING CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION WAS Ok THE INFLUENCE OF THE MASS MEDIA ON YOUNG PEOPLE, HE ADDED.
DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS, PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY’S SEMINAR EXAMINED AND ANALYSED THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AFTER BEING BRIEFED BY COMMISSION MEMBERS MR HOWARD YOUNG, DR LO CHI-KIN, MR MAK HOl-WAli AND MISS JUNIA HO.
THE FOUR TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION WERE: EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER PLANS, LIFESTYLE AND UNDERSTANDING OF CHINESE CULTURE, ATTITUDES TOWARDS HONG KONG’S FUTURE, AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS. MR YOUNG, DR LO, DR NELSON CHOW AND MR CHEUNG YIN-TUNG LED THE DISCUSSIONS.
ALSO ATTENDING THE SEMINAR WERE COMMISSION MEMBERS MRS MlRiAM LAU AND MRS TERESA LAM, WHO WAS CONVENOR OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE STUDY; AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MISS JACQUELINE WILLIS.
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/5 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1831
5
PUBLICATIONS AND FREE SEMINARS FOR THE HKHS 1992 EDITION
*****
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS WILL HAVE TO PAY SPECIAL ATTRNTIdM TO THE CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS WHEN THEY COMPLETE IMPORT AND fexbofeT DECLARATIONS NEXT YEAR, AS HONG KONG WILL SWITCH To A NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM -- THE 1992 EDITION OF THfe HONG KONG HARMoNlSfeb SYSTEM (HKHS).
THE NEW EDITION OF HK HS, THAT IS THE 1992 EblTtoNj WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT EDITION OF HK HS AS FROM JANUARY 1 NfcXT YEAR. TMfc latter Has been In use for import And RxpoRt bEcLARATioN siNck JANUARY 1, 1988.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEbARThifeNT sAtb tkfe NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WILL BE A FULL IMbLEMENTATtoN ofr THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM, OR THfe HARMONISED SYSTEM (HS) FOR SHORT, DESIGNED BY THE buHtOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL (CCC).
"THIS MEANS THAT THE NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTRM WILL HjLLY FOLLOW THE CCC HS INSTEAD OF PARTIALLY AS IN THE EXISTING EDITION OF THE HK HS.
"BY IMPLEMENTING THE NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM) RONG koNtPs COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION AND CODES FOR IMPORT ANb fcXPORT DECLARATION WILL BE TOTALLY COMPATIBLE WITH THOSE USED BY MOST COUNTRIES IN Tlife WORLD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT WHILE THE ENFORCEMENT Ob REgULAtIoN^ CONCERNING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION RESTS WITH Tbfc CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DfepARTMfeNT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVISING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS RELATING TO tMboRT AND EXPORT DECLARATION AND FOR COMPILING EXTERNAL TRAbE STATISTIcH BASED ON DECLARATIONS.
"TO LET TRADERS PREPARE FOR THE CHANGEOVER TO tRfe Nfetf CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS bfebARTMENT N1LL RELEASE FIVE PUBLICATIONS AROUND NEXT MONTH AND WILL ALSO CONDbcT A SERIES OF FREE SEMINARS FOR TRADERS IN NOVEMBER AND bfeCEMBfeR."
HE SAID ONE OF THE PUBLICATIONS, "HONG KoklG tMboRTS ANb EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM), 1992 EDltloN: MODIFIED FROM THE PREVIOUS EDITION (1988) UPON FULL ADOPTION Ofr TRfi HARMONISED SYSTEM", CONTAINS THE FULL COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION LtRT TO BE USED FOR IMPORT/EXPORT DECLARATION FROM 1992 ONWARDS.
"IT IS THE ESSENTIAL PUBLICATION FOR LOOklNG bP THE NfeW Ukii§ CODE FOR EACH TYPE OF GOODS.
"APART FROM THE FULL CLASSIFICATION LlSTj THE bUfiLtcAtioN INCLUDES AN ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ARTICLES TO HELP TRAbERS SfcARcM froR THE CORRECT HK HS CODES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, A CHINESfe REFERENCE GUIDE WILL BE bURLfbkfeb, CONTAINING THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST.
/HE SAID .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
6
HE SAID THIS PUBLICATION WILL ALSO INCLUDE EXPLANATIONS ON THE LEGAL REQUIREMENT AND PROCEDURES FOR LODGING IMPORT/EXPORT DECLARATIONS, CHARGING SCHEME FOR AD VALOREM LEVY, AND IMPORTANT POINTS THAT SHOULD BE NOTED IN COMPLETING IMPORT/EXPORT DECLARATIONS.
"ALSO, AN HS HANDBOOK AND ITS CHINESE VERSION WILL BE kfeLfeAbfeb TO HELP IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS IN USING THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST)" THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY DESCRIBE IN DETAIL VARIOUS METHODS OP FINDING illfe CORRECT HK HS CODE FOfc A COMMODITY AND ALSO CONTAIN A Lot OF PRACTICAL EXAMPLES AND EXERCISE."
FOR TRADERS WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE EXISTING CLAsSifricAitott SYSTEM, THE BILINGUAL PUBLICATION, "SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN THE MoNG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTeH) — FROM THE 1988 EDITION TO THE 1992 EDITION", WILL ALSO faE A UsIMJL REFERENCE, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED.
"THIS PUBLICATION HIGHLIGHTS THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES EEtwEEN tHE 1988 AND 1992 EDITIONS OF HK HS.
"THE CORRELATION TABLE BETWEEN COMMODITY CODES IN THE 1988 AHB 1992 EDITIONS OF THE HK HS IN THIS PUBLICATION WILL PROVIDE ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR LOCATING THE CORRECT COMMODITY CODES IN THE 1992 EDITION BASED ON THEIR CODES IN THE 1988 EDITION," HE ADbEb.
APART FROM RELEASING THE ABOVE PUBLICATIONS, A sErIEs OP FHEt SEMINARS ON HOW TO USE THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST WILL BE ORGANISED FOR IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.
PAMPHLETS GIVING FULL DETAILS OF THE SEMINARS HAVE ALfeEAbY BEEN DESPATCHED TO ABOUT 90,000 IMPORTERS/EXPORTERS.
FREE COPIES ARE ALSO OBTAINABLE AT THE COLLECTION OFFICES bE THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED IMPORTERS ANb EXPORTERS TO OBtAtN TickbTE FOR ATTENDING THE FREE SEMINARS BY COMPLETING THE SIMPLE ORbfeft FORMS INCLUDED IN THE PAMPHLETS.
THESE SEMINARS WILL BE USEFUL TO TRADERS PoR MAklMd AM NECESSARY PREPARATION FOR THE CHANGEOVER AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE) HE SAID.
DETAILS OF THE SEMINARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENStlS AM STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 17TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I) 12 HARBOUR EoAb) WAN CHAI (OR BY PHONING 823 4919 BEFORE OCTOBER 20 ANb 582 4819 FROM OCTOBER 20 ONWARDS).
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO NOTE THAT tOOMMfe WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 1992 EDITION OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM), REVISED IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION FORMS WILL COME INTO USE AS FROM JANUARY 1 ANb THE EXISTING DECLARATION FORMS WILL BECOME INVALID.
THE REVISED FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AfcoUNb bEcfeMbPk. IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS SHOULD TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN THEY PURCHASE THE EXISTING DECLARATION FORMS SO AS TO AVOID HAVING EXCESSIVE STOCK OF SUCH FORMS.
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/7........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
7
WHSDC DISQUALIFIED FOR TSING MA BRIDGE CONTRACT TENDERING ♦ * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE DISQUALIFICATION OF WESTERN HARBOUR STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD (WHSDC) TENDERING FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE CONTRACT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) CONFIRMED THAT THE DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD.
WHSDC WAS ONE OF THE FIVE PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR Tllfe TStNG MA BRIDGE CONTRACT, WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
AT THE TIME WHEN WHSDC SUBMITTED ITS ORIGINAL APPLICATION TO PREQUALIFY AS A TENDERER, IT MET GOVERNMENT’S pREQUALlFICAttON REQUIREMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUBSEQUENTLY, THE CONSORTIUM INFORMED THE GOVERNMENT THAT A LEADING MEMBER HAD WITHDRAWN FROM THE GROUP.
AN OPPORTUNITY WAS THEN GIVEN FOR THE CONSORTIUM TO RECONSTITUTE ITSELF, BUT IT FAILED TO SATISFY THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT STILL MEETS THE PREQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
IF WHSDC AS NOW RESTRUCTURED WERE TO BE ALLOWED TO TENDER FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE CONTRACT, IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO OTHER COMPANIES WHOSE APPLICATIONS WERE REJECTED AT THE PREQUALIFICATION STAGE, HE ADDED.
”AS A RESULT OF THIS DECISION, THE NUMBER OF REQUAL1FIED TENDERERS WILL BE REDUCED FROM FIVE TO FOUR FOR THE TSIN MA BRIDGE CONTRACT.
"THIS IS WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE FOR INTERNATIONAL TENDERS AND COMPETITIVE BIDS ARE EXPECTED NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXCLUSION OF WHSDC,” THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
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CHINESE LABOUR OFFICERS IN TOWN ON WEEK-LONG VISIT
*****
A DELEGATION OF OFFICERS FROM CHINA’S MINISTRY OF LABOUR WtLL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTER A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO THE TERRITORY AT THE INVITATION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN.
DURING THEIR STAY IN HONG KONG, THE VISITORS MET SfcNlok OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND WERE BRIEFED ON ITS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, THE LOCAL LABOUR RELATIONS SCENE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF LABOUR LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG, AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SITUATION.
/THE DELEGATION .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
- 8 -
THE DELEGATION ALSO CALLED ON THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL) THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.
THEY ALSO VISITED THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CORPORATION AND THE MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HK LIMITED.
THE DELEGATION IS LED BY MR ZHANG WEt, DiRfecTOR Op flit DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OF LABOUR.
OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDE MR KONG L1NGYUEN, DIRECTOR * LAPoUE BUREAU, GUANGDONG PROVINCE; MS ZHU QINGLAN, DIRECTOR) QINGDAO LABOUR BUREAU; MS LIU GUIFANG, DEPUTY HEAD, GENERAL OFFICE, BUREAU OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH INSPECTION; MS LIAN Ll OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION OF LABOUR FORCE AND EMPLOYMENT*, AND MR YIN HUI OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR.
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TRANSLATION CONTEST ENTRIES TO CLOSE NEXT FRIDAY ♦ t i t t i
STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DlSTElCt WISHING TO ENTER INTO THE DISTRICT’S TRANSLATION COMPETITION APE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE OCTOBER 4.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE CONTEST, NOW IN ITS SECOND YEAR, IS DIVIDED INTO STUDENTS AND OPEN SECTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STUDENTS SECTION IS OPEN TO FORM THtlEE TO FORM SEVEN STUDENTS WHILE THE OPEN SECTION IS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, WORKERS AND TERTIARY STUDENTS.
CONTESTANTS IN BOTH SECTIONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIT FOR A TRANSLATION TEST AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S LOK YEW HALL ON OCTOBER 19.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS IN BOTH SECTIONS WILL EACH BE AWARDED A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS, THE MID-LEVELS WEST AREA COMMITTEE AND THE CHINESE DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, PIER’S ROAD.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 3499 OR 852 3486.
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/9 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1331
9
NEW BUS SERVICE TO ALLEVIATE MTR CONGESTION
* i i ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A NEW AtR-CONDtttoMfeb CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICE FROM MEI LAM ESTATE IN SHA TtN tO CENTRAL WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 30) DURING THE MOEnInG EEAk HOURS.
ROUTE 305, JOINTLY OPERATED BY KMB AND cMB, UiLL DEEAkt EfloM MEI Lam ESTATE AT 7.40 AM AND 7.50 AM, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN sAtb. THE FARE IS $12 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
MEANWHILE, SEVERAL OTHER AlR-CONDITIONED CROSS MAkboUE SERVICES AIMED AT ALLEVIATING MTR CONGESTION WILL BE ADJUSTED ERoM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 1) TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE MORNING PEAk HOURS FROM 7.00 AM TO 9 AMj iME FREQUENCY FOR ROUTE 300 SERVING PRINCE EDWARD ROAD IN MONG KOk AND CENTRAL WILL BE ADJUSTED TO BETWEEN FOUR AND FIVE MINUTES bEPfcNDtHQ ON PASSENGER LOAD FROM THREE MINUTES.
SERVICES FOR ROUTE 301 LEAVING DIRECT FROM THE CROSS kAhkoUli TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA TO CENTRAL WILL BE OPERATED FROM 7.55 AM TO 0.10 AM, INSTEAD OF FROM 7.45 AM TO 9 AM.
THE LAST BUS FOR ROUTE 302 SERVING TSZ WAN SHAN AND cEWthAL WILL DEPART AT 8.20 AM INSTEAD OF 8.25 AM.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE ADJUSTMENTS WERE bEStGNfeb IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PREVAILING DEMAND PATTERN.
THE FARES FOR KMB’S ROUTE 104 AND 105 WILL BE RESTORfeb TO $4.50, HE ADDED.
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KEEP ESTATE CLEAN ROVING EXHIBITION i i i i * *
THE KEEP ESTATE CLEAN CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (sAtUEdAy) WITH A VARIETY SHOW AND ROVING EXHIBITION AT THE AMPHITHEATRE OF LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, PHASE I IN WONG TAI SIN.
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCtL/kEGtOkAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
THE EXHIBITION FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE 1991/92 kEhF UoWU KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, AND THE NEWLY CREATBb CAMPAIGN MASCOTS, THE DRAGON OF CLEANLINESS FAMILY.
/IT ALSO........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2&, 1391
- 10 -
IT ALSO INCLUDES INFORMATION ON THE CLEANSING sERvtfcEE PROVIDED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE WINNING ENTRIES IN THE LOTUS POND DESIGN COMPETITION HELD AMONG 21 PUBLIC RobStNG ESTATES/HOME OWNERSHIP COURTS.
VARIETY SHOWS AND THE ROVING EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLAcE tW FIVE OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES - HENG ON AT MA ON SHAN ON OCTOBER 5, BUTTERFLY IN TUEN MUN ON OCTOBER 12, TSUI LAM IN TSEUNG KwA14 0 Ohl OCTOBER 19, SIU SAI WAN IN CHAI WAN ON OCTOBER 26, AND Ot MAN tk Mo MAN TIN ON NOVEMBER 9.
officiating At today’s opening ceremoNy were tRE GilAlkMAk ok THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE, MR t>AO PING-WING; WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN; AS WELL AS THE CHAIRMAN AND A MEMBER OF THE JOINT UC/RC KEEP SONG kONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR GILBERT LEUNG AND MS YEUNG KAM-CHUk.
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40G TREES PLANTED TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT
i i i I i i
ABOUT 400 TREES WERE PLANTED This (SATURDAY) MORNING TO "GhEEk UP" THE FUNG TAK ROAD EXTENSION IN DIAMOND HILL, WONG TAI SiN.
THESE TREES WERE PLANTED BY MORE THAN 80 YOUNGSTERS EroM LocAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.
THE ACTIVITY IS PART OF A SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE.
THE SAPLINGS WERE PROVIDED BY THE AGRICULTURE ANb EfsEEhiES DEPARTMENT WHILE THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL EE RESPONStELE FOR THE HORTICULTURAL CARE AT THE INITIAL STAGE OF THE FLANTiNG.
THE TREE PLANTING PROJECT WHICR AIMS AT BEAuTikYiNG WONG TAt SIN WILL BE EXTENDED TO OTHER AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.
A SOUVENIR PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS RELb FOLLOWING TRE IrEE PLANTING EXERCISE TODAY.
GUESTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY INCLUDkb THE WONG tAt StH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN; CHAIRMAN ok THfe RoArD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHAN CHUN-FAT; AND ASSISTANT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES CHAN.
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/ii ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1991
- 11 -
HONG KONO GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 27.9.91 800
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 28.9.31 NfeUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPRESSWAY LEGISLATION TAKES EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1 ..................... 1
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN APPLICATIONS FOR Pl PLACES .................. 2
CENTRALISATION PROGRAMME OF SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL ...................... 3
LABOUR RELATIONS CONFERENCE ON CHANGING ECONOMY ........................ 4
TAI PO COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD.......................................... 5
DB FUNDS ALLOCATED TO EXTEND NORTH TRAIL ............................... 5
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1991
1
EXPRESSWAY LEGISLATION TAKES EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1
******
THE EXPRESSWAY LEGISLATION WILL COME INTO FORCE ON OCTOBER 1 (TUESDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE LEGISLATION INCLUDES NEW DRIVING RULES, AND CONTROL OVER VEHICLES AS WELL AS PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS AND ROAD WORKS ON ROADS DESIGNATED AS EXPRESSWAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE START AND END POINTS OF AN EXPRESSWAY WILL BE INDICATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNS WHILE WARNING SIGNS WILL ALSO BE PUT UP IN ADVANCE OF THE STARTING POINTS OF AN EXPRESSWAY.
THE ROADS DESIGNATED AS EXPRESSWAYS INCLUDE:
♦ NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR TRUNK ROAD FROM SHA TIN, THROUGH TAI PO AND FANLING TO FAIRVIEW PARK IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT, INCLUDING SHA TIN ROAD AND TOLO HIGHWAY;
♦ TUEN MUN ROAD AND TSUEN WAN ROAD;
♦ ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR;
♦ KWUN TONG BYPASS; AND
* ROADS T5 AND T6 IN SHA TIN.
UNDER THE LEGISLATION, LEARNERS, PEDESTRIANS, ANIMALS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES AND ANY VEHICLE WITH AN ENGINE CAPACITY UNDER 125 CC ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE AN EXPRESSWAY.
HOWEVER, THE PROHIBITION WILL NOT APPLY TO TAI PO ROAb (SHA TIN) BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE SLIP-ROADS LEADING TO/FROM FO TAN ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH TOLO HIGHWAY; ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH THE EASTERN EXIT/APPROACH LEADING FROM/TO THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE SAI WAN HO INTERCHANGE; AND THE SLIP-ROADS LINKING ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WITH TAI HONG STREET.
MOREOVER, EXEMPTIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED TO THE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NOW USING TOLO HIGHWAY, NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR TRUNK ROAD BETWEEN ITS PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE AND ITS JUNCTION WITH FAN kAM ROAD, AND TUEN MUN ROAD TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE VIA THESE EXPRESSWAYS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
EXEMPTIONS ARE ALSO GRANTED TO ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, INCLUDING BOTH RED AND GREEN MINIBUSES, TO USE TSUEN WAN ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI CHUNG ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI CHUNG ROAD, AND SHA TIN ROAD BETWEEN.ITS JUNCTION WITH LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI PO ROAD.
/MOTORISTS ARE .......
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 1991
2
MOTORISTS ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT UNDER THE EXPRESSWAY LEGISLATION, VEHICLES MUST KEEP TO THE EXTREME LEFT-HAND LANE OF AN EXPRESSWAY UNLESS OVERTAKING ANOTHER VEHICLE. OVERTAKING MUST BE DONE ON THE RIGHT-SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AHEAD. IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE TO DO SO FROM THE LEFT.
THE LEGISLATION ALSO PROHIBITS BUSES, AND MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES FROM USING THE EXTREME RIGHT-HAND LANE OF AN EXPRESSWAY WHERE THERE ARE THREE OR MORE TRAFFIC LANES.
ON THE EXPRESSWAYS, VEHICLES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THE VERGE ON THE CENTRAL RESERVATION AREA AND DRIVERS CANNOT MAKE U-TURN OR REVERSE THEIR VEHICLES.
DRIVERS ARE ALSO NOT ALLOWED TO STOP OR PARK THEIR VEHICLES ON ANY PART OF THE EXPRESSWAY EXCEPT FOR BREAKDOWNS OR EMERGENCIES.
THE LEGISLATION ALSO INCLUDES CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRING ANY ONE WHO WANTS TO CARRY OUT WORK OF ANY NATURE ON AN EXPRESSWAY TO OBTAIN AN EXPRESSWAY WORKS PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS WELL IN ADVANCE WHILE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES AND PERSONNEL WORKING ON EXPRESSWAYS ARE SPECIFIED.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR FIRST CONVICTION OF VIOLATING THE NEW REGULATIONS IS $5,000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, BUT FIXED PENALTY TICKETS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED TO FACILITATE ENFORCEMENT.
INFORMATION PAMPHLETS CONTAINING DETAILS OF THE EXPRESSWAY LEGISLATION IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OFFICES AND GAS STATIONS. THEY ARE ALSO DIRECTLY MAILED TO ALL VEHICLE OWNERS.
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PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN APPLICATIONS FOR Pl PLACES i i i i i
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED PARENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1992 TO RETURN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND FRIDAY (OCTOBER 4).
A SPOKESMAN SAID THOSE WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN A PARTICULAR GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM TO THAT SCHOOL DIRECT DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
FOR PARENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN ANY PARTICULAR SCHOOL, THEY SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM DURING OFFICE HOURS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
/* PRIMARY ONE ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, .1991
3
* PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE,
269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, WAN CHAI
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 703, 405 NATHAN ROAD, SEVENTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, FIRST FLOOR, SHA TIN
* TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN
t TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
1 TUEN HI ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN
» YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING,
269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG
♦ NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, FANLING
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT PARENTS SHOULD SUBMIT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM IN RESPECT OF ANY ONE CHILD.
"IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATION WILL BE RENDERED NULL AND VOID AND ANY ALLOCATION OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE MADE ON THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATION WILL BE WITHDRAWN," HE SAID.
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CENTRALISATION PROGRAMME OF SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE JUDICIARY HAS DECIDED ON A CENTRALISATION PROGRAMME FOLLOWING A RECENT REVIEW ON THE OPERATION OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL.
AS FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 1), THE TSUEN WAN SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL WILL CEASE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS OF LEGAL CLAIMS.
APPLICATIONS OF LEGAL CLAIMS FOR AMOUNTS NOT EXCEEDING $15,000 CAN BE FILED AT THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL AT WAN CHAI LAW COURTS, WAN CHAI TOWER I, FOURTH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD (TEL. NO. 823 4085).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JUDICIARY SAID THE CENTRALISATION OF COURT SERVICES COULD ACHIEVE MAXIMUM UTILISATION OF STAFF RESOURCES.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, l§9i
- 4 -
LABOUR RELATIONS CONFERENCE ON CHANGING ECONOMY
i i i * *
A LARGE-SCALE CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE FACE OF HONG KONG'S FAST cHANGthG ENVIRONMENT WILL BE HELD IN EARLY NOVEMBER.
THE HONG KONG LABOUR RELATIONS '91 CONFERENCE, WHICH CARRIES THE THEME "LABOUR RELATIONS IN HONG KONG’S CHANGING ECONOMIC SCENE"J IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT ABOUT 600 EMPLOYERS, SENIOR MANAGERS, TRADE UNION LEADERS, SCHOLARS AND PROFESSIONALS.
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LAEobft DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION SUB-COMMtttEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
"IT AIMS TO DRIVE HOME THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE THAT IN tiMfes bF RAPID CHANGES, GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS CAN BE A LASTING ASSET TO A COMPANY," THE CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER, MR JAMES YEUNG, OF THE LAEobR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"IN ADDITION, THE CONFERENCE PROVIDES A FORUM Foi? Tfife PARTICIPANTS TO SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF AND EXPERIENCES IN LABOUR RELATIONS AND MANAGEMENT.
"EXPERTS IN THE FIELD FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL BE tNVltEb TO TALK ON SUCH TOPICS AS CORPORATE STRATEGIES IN THE PURSUIT OF TOTAL QUALITY IN TIMES OF RAPID CHANGES, LABOUR SHORTAGE AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE UNION MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG IN THE 90’S."
MR YEUNG SAID TALKS WOULD ALSO COVER CONSULTATION AND DECtSION-MAKING PROCESS FOR FORMULATING LEGISLATION IN THE NEW POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT, WHILE THE STATE OF LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE RAPIDLY CHANGING ECONOMIES OF SINGAPORE, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN WOULD BE PUT UNDER THE MICROSCOPE.
"THERE WILL BE WORKSHOPS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS INCLUDING CASE STUDIES OF EMPLOYERS’ MEASURES TO TACKLE LABOUR SHORTAGE, IMPROVED QUALITY OF WORKING LIFE, BENEFITS PACKAGE TO ENHANCE EMPLOYEES’ PRODUCTIVITY AND COMMITMENT, LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND SOCiO-ECONOMiC REALITIES IN THE 90’S, AND REGIONAL EXPERIENCE IN LABOUR RELATIONS," HE ADDED.
THE CONFERENCE, TO BE CONDUCTED MAINLY IN CANTONESE AND WtTH SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE IN MOST PARTS, WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 4 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
THE ENROLMENT FEE IS $850 PER HEAD. THERE WILL BE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR EARLY ENROLMENTS, GROUP APPLICANTS AND OFFICIALS OF TRADE UNIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM ALL LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 834 9311, 834 9307 OR 834 9335.
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/5 .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1991
5
TAI PO COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
PEOPLE WHO STUDY, WORK OR LIVE IN TAI PO ARE INVITED TO MAkfe NOMINATIONS FOR AN OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVIck AWARD IM THE DISTRICT,
THE SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE BOARD, AIMS AT ENCOURAGING LOCAL RESIDENTS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ENHANCING CIVIC AWARENESS.
CIVIC EDUCATION TAI EO DISTRICT participate In
IT IS DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL ANb okfell SECTIONS. NOMINATIONS FOR THE STUDENT SECTIONS SHOULD BE MADE BY THEIR HEADMASTERS OR TEACHERS WHILE THOSE FOR THE OPEN SECTION SHOULD BE MADE BY AN ORGANISATION OR AN INDIVIDUAL.
ASSESSMENT WILL BE BASED ON THE CANDIDATES’ CONTRIBUTION Akb PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD IN
NOVEMBER AFfER A t’RELiMiNAltY
ASSESSMENT.
THE WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY
LETTER BEFORE NOVEMBER 30. tHEY
STUDY TOUR TO COMMEMORATIVE
WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND BE INVITED TO JOIN A SHENZHEN. THE WINNERS’ NOMINATORS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN
TROPHIES.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DlSTRIct
OFFICE, SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TAI PO DlstfttCt
CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AT ROOM 232, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO BY OCTOBER 15,
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 657 7111 EXT 255.
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DB FUNDS ALLOCATED TO EXTEND NORTH TRAIL
*******
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAS RECENTLY ALLOCATED $260,000 frok EXTENDING THE NORTH TRAIL TO THE LAM TSUEN COUNTRY PARK IN TAI PO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD SAID TODAY (StlkbAY) THAT THE 1,000-METRE EXTENSION BETWEEN KEI LAK TSAI, FANLING, ANb THE COUNTRY PARK WILL PROVIDE NEW RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT AND THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN EARLY DECEMBER AND Is EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MARCH NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE Mo.
GOVERNOR ATTENDS PRC NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION ............................ 1
LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM PROVIDES ESSENTIAL CERTAINTY TO HK'S FREEDOM 2
HONG KONG DETERMINES TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS: SES .............. 3
GOVT CAMPAIGN SHIFTS QUALITY PERCEPTION ................................ 5
CHIEF MAGISTRATE APPOINTED ............................................. 6
PARCEL SERVICES TO KAMPUCHEA RESUMED ................................... 6
YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL STARTS NEXT MONTH ......................... 6
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR OCT - DEC ................................. 8
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD ....... 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................... 9
METERED PARKING SPACES IN YUEN LONG TOWN .............................. 10
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ............................. 10
FLUSHING WATER SUSPENSION ............................................. 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 11
MONDAY. SEPTTMRFR 30, 1991
1
GOVERNOR ATTENDS PRC NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION ♦ * ♦ t *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE THIS (MONDAY) EVENING:
"DIRECTOR ZHOU NAN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
"I AM PLEASED TO BE WITH YOU THIS EVENING TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION OF THE 42ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
"THIS TIME LAST YEAR I SAID THAT I LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE MAINLAND. I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT WE NOW DO INDEED ENJOY A MORE FAVOURABLE CLIMATE -FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONS.
"THE VISIT OF THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN MAJOR, TO CHINA AND HONG KONG AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH WAS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE. OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE TO HONG KONG WAS THE SIGNATURE OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE NEW AIRPORT. ACHIEVED AFTER LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS, THAT AGREEMENT WILL ENABLE US TO GO AHEAD CONFIDENTLY WITH THIS AMBITIOUS PROJECT, WHICH IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. ALSO IMPORTANT, AND VERY WELCOME, WAS THE AGREEMENT TO SPEED UP THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. I AM GLAD THAT THE MEETING JUST CONCLUDED IN LONDON WAS A SUCCESSFUL ONE.
"OUR BILATERAL ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONSHIP HAS CONTINUED TO PROSPER OVER THE PAST YEAR. TWO WAY TRADE IN 1990 INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT OVER 1989. AND UP TO JULY THIS YEAR, IT FURTHER INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THIS IS VERY ENCOURAGING. it UNDERLINES HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A MAJOR HUB OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY FOR THE REGION AND THE BENEFIT TO THIS TERRITORY OF CLOSE ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH OUR NEIGHBOURING PROVINCES.
"I ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO BUILDING UP CONTACTS WITH THE MAINLAND. THROUGH CONTACT COMES UNDERSTANDING. ABOUT 100 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS HAVE VISITED CHINA SO FAR THIS YEAR. I SHOULD LIKE TO SEE SUCH CONTACTS, IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, DEVELOP FURTHER.
"MAY 1 NOW PROPOSE A TOAST TO THE HEALTH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA."
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1991
2
LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM PROVIDES ESSENTIAL CERTAINTY TO UK’S FREEDOM
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID IT IS HONG KONG’S LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM, WHICH IS FIRMLY WEDDED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF THE RULE OF LAW, THAT PROVIDES THE ESSENTIAL CERTAINTY ON WHICH THE TERRITORY’S FREEDOM TO BE SUCCESSFUL DEPENDS.
"THE CHALLENGE FOR HONG KONG IS TO ENSURE THAT THE SYSTEM IS SUFFICIENTLY ROBUST TO WITHSTAND THE PRESSURES WHICH THIS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING SOCIETY, AND HONG KONG’S CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997, WILL PLACE UPON IT," THE GOVERNOR SAID WHEN ADDRESSING THE INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION’S SECTION ON BUSINESS LAW 1OTH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE.
OUTLINING THE ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, SIR DAVID SAID THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD JUST AGREED ON THE EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE COURT.
"WE HOPE THAT WE WILL HAVE THIS IN PLACE BY 1993. IT WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT IN ESTABLISHING FOR THE FUTURE HONG KONG’S OWN LEGAL SYSTEM," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW WOULD WORK.
"BUT TO DO SO THEY MUST BE FIRMLY ROOTED HERE," HE SAID ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS TRANSLATING THE LAWS INTO CHINESE.
"BUT IT WILL TAKE MORE THAN THAT.
"WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE IN OUR COMMUNITY A BROADER, DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE VALUE OF IMPARTIAL JUSTICE; AND WE NEED GREATER LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN THE JUDICIAL PROCESS," HE SAID.
AT THE MOMENT THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG’S JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES WERE EXPATRIATES, DESPITE CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE LOCALISATION.
ONE REASON FOR THIS WAS ALMOST CERTAINLY THAT, BECAUSE OF THE FEES EARNED BY SUCCESSFUL SOLICITORS AND BARRISTERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN HONG KONG, APPOINTMENT TO THE BENCH MEANT A DROP IN INCOME THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COULD NOT HOPE TO COMPENSATE FINANCIALLY, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT.
"WE NEED TO DEVELOP FURTHER THE TRADITION OF HIGH PUBLIC StATUS WHICH ATTACHES TO THE BENCH IN SOME WESTERN COUNTRIES AS A MEANS TO PROMOTE LOCALISATION," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S STRONG TRADITION OF RUBLlfc SERVICE, WHICH HAD IN THE PAST TENDED TO BE CHANNELLED INTO CHARITABLE WORKS, WAS TAKING ON NEW FORMS.
/"MOVES TOWARDS .......
MONDAY. SEPTEMBER 30, 1991
"MOVES TOWARDS MORE REPRESENTATIVE FORflJ OF GOVERNMENT SHOULD HELP TO DEVELOP A GREATER SENSE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
"AND RISING STANDARDS OF EDUCATION MEAN A WIDER APPRECIATION IN THE COMMUNITY OF THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPARTIAL JUSTICE AND THE STATUS OF THOSE CHOSEN TO JUDGE THEIR FELLOW MEN," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
ANOTHER ELEMENT IN STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL TRADITIONS, SAID SIR DAVID, WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT CHINA UNDERSTOOD HOW IMPORTANT THEY WERE TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND WAY OF LIFE.
"WE ARE DOING THIS THROUGH OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED CHANNELS LIKE THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. BUT EQUALLY IMPORTANT ARE THE INFORMAL BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CONTACTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WHICH HAVE DEVELOPED SO CONSIDERABLY OVER THE PAST DECADE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT RELATIONS ACROSS THE NORTHERN BORDER WERE NOW MORE LIKE THOSE ACROSS ONE OF THE BORDERS OF EUROPE THAN THROUGH A BAMBOO CURTAIN.
"THE RESULT IS A GROWING UNDERSTANDING OF OUR SIMILARITIES -AND OUR DIFFERENCES. AND OF COURSE THERE ARE DIFFERENCES.
"BUT THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION ARE THERE. WE MUST USE THEM CONTINUALLY TO PROMOTE AN UNDERSTANDING IN CHINA OF WHAT MAKES HONG KONO WORK THE WAY IT DOES, INCLUDING ITS RELIANCE ON THE RULE OF LAW AND THE EXERCISE OF IMPARTIAL JUSTICE.
"JUST HOW SUCCESSFUL WE ARE IN THIS PROCESS ONLY TIME WILL TELL. BUT I BELIEVE WE ARE MAKING SOME GOOD PROGRESS,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
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HONG KONG DETERMINES TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS: SES * * * * *
HONG KONG’S AMBITIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROGRAMME IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT IT CAN CONTINUE TO PLAY A LEADING ROLE AS A CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE, COMMERCE, FINANCE AND TOURISM IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING ASIA PACIFIC REGION WELL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ASSEMBLY OF PRESIDENTS OF THE ORIENT AIRLINES ASSOCIATION, MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG WAS WELL AWARE OF THE KEEN COMPETITION WITHIN THE REGION AND WAS DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE.
"WE INTEND TO BUILD ON THE ADVANTAGES WHICH HISTORY AND NATURE HAVE GIVEN US.
/"THE CHALLENGES .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1991
4
"THE CHALLENGES AHEAD OE US ARE BOTH POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC BUT WE ARE WELL USED TO COPING WITH CHANGES," SHE SAID.
"WE HAVE THE SKILLS, THE RESILIENCE AND THE WILL TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER AND WE AIM TO PLAY OUR PART IN THE ECONOMIC DYNAMISM OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION," SHE ADDED.
AFFIRMING THE CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE OF THE AIRPORT TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, MRS CHAN SAID A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE TERRITORY’S HIGHER VALUE TRADE IS HANDLED BY AIR.
"FOR EXAMPLE IN 1990, 30 PER CENT OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 16 PER CENT OF OUR RE-EXPORTS AND 20 PER CENT OF OUR IMPORTS BY VALUE WERE CARRIED BY AIR.
"OVER 80 PER CENT OF OUR TOURISTS ARRIVE BY AIR. THEY MAKE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ECONOMY BY THE PURCHASE OF HIGH VALUE-ADDED GOODS AND SERVICES AND DIRECTLY LEAD TO THE CREATION OF MANY JOBS IN HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND THE RETAIL TRADE.
"IN 1990, WE BENEFITTED FROM TOURISM RECEIPTS TO THE TUNE OF NEARLY HK$39 BILLION, A 6.7 PER CENT INCREASE ON 1989. THE HOTEL SECTOR HAS ALSO INVESTED STRONGLY IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY," SHE SAID.
"OVER 1,000 HOTEL ROOMS WERE ADDED IN 1990 AND A FURTHER 7,000 ARE EXPECTED BY THE END OF 1992 WHEN HONG KONG COULD HAVE AS MANY AS 35,000 HOTEL ROOMS AVAILABLE," MRS CHAN SAID.
IF THE AIRPORT AT KAI TAK IS PERMITTED TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE AT, OR BEYOND, ITS DESIGN CAPACITY FOR A PROTRACTED PERIOD, HONG KONG WILL START TO TURN BUSINESS AWAY, SHE SAID.
"SO IT IS VITAL FOR HONG KONG TO HAVE A NEW AIRPORT TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN THE REGION AND IN THE WORLD," SHE SAID.
"THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH. tT WILL OPERATE ROUND-THE-CLOCK WITH TWO RUNWAYS AND AN ULTIMATE DESIGN CAPACITY FOR 87 MILLION PASSENGERS, 4 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO AND 320,000 AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS EACH YEAR," SHE NOTED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) PROVIDED THE CERTAINTY NEEDED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCEED CONFIDENTLY WITH THE CORE AIRPORT PROJECTS AS WELL AS PRACTICAL AND SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEALING WITH ANY AIRPORT-RELATED MATTERS WHICH STRADDLED 1997.
"IT IS ALSO A CLEAR STATEMENT OF CHINESE SUPPORT AND AN UNEQUIVOCAL REASSURANCE TO POTENTIAL INVESTORS THAT OBLIGATIONS ENTERED INTO BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WHICH STRADDLE 1997 WILL BE HONOURED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT WHICH WILL COME INTO BEING ON JULY 1, 1997.
"THE MOU REPRESENTS NOT ONLY A MAJOR BREAK-THROUGH TN TAKING FORWARD OUR PLANS FOR 1NFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT BUT IT IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT SYMBOL OF THE COMMITMENT OF HONG KONG’S PRESENT AND FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWERS TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY," MRS CHAN SAID.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER $0, 4991
5
GOVT CAMPAIGN SHIFTS QUALITY PERCEPTION i i i i i i i
THE GOVERNMENT’S QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ±N MARCH LAST YEAR HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A NOTICEABLE SHIFT IN THE PERCEPTION OF QUALITY AMONG LOCAL MANUFACTURERS, ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A QUALITY MANAGEMENT SEMINAR) MR WONG SAID THE CAMPAIGN EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND QUALITY MANAGEMENT AS A VITAL INGREDIENT FOR CONTINUING BUSINESS SUCCESS.
HE SAID THE VITAL ISSUES OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND QUALttY IMPROVEMENT IN MANUFACTURING MUST BE ADDRESSED.
"OUR TRADITIONAL OVERSEAS MARKETS HAVE BECOME MORE AFELLeNT. OUR CUSTOMERS MORE DISCERNING REGARDING THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTS THEY ARE PREPARED TO BUY. MANDATORY HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS HAVE BECOME MORE STRINGENT," HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, LAND AND LABOUR COSTS CONttNOEb TO RISE LEADING TO AN INCREASE IN THE COST OF PRODUCING GOODS IN HONO KONG.
"AS A CONSEQUENCE, MANY MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS MAvE MovEb . INTO AREAS OF LOWER LAND AND LABOUR COSTS, PARTICULARLY SOUTH CHtNA.
"HOWEVER THE MAJORITY OF MANUFACTURERS REMAIN tN HONG koNti AND WILL CONTINUE TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE HERE.
"THE KEY TO THEIR CONTINUED SUCCESS WILL BE THE iNchEASEb ATTENTION PAID TO IMPROVING THE TECHNOLOGY APPLIED iN THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS," HE sAtb.
MR WONG SAID DURING THE LAST 20 YEARS, QUALITY HAD EVoLVEb FROM A NARROW TECHNICAL DISCIPLINE WHOSE MANDATE WAS TO bETECt MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS, TO A BROADER FIELD ENCOMPASSING ALL THE STAFF FROM TOP MANAGEMENT TO THE FACTORY FLOOR AND ALL STAGES OF THE MANUFACTURING OPERATION FROM DESIGN TO MARKETING.
"AS WE MOVE INTO THE QUALITY CONSCIOUS 1990’S, QUALITY nEEdB TO BE RE-DEFINED AND LINKED DIRECTLY TO PROFITABILITY.
"IT MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS tF HE WERE TO MAINTAIN OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE WORLD MARKET.
"COMPANIES NEED TO DEVELOP MODERN QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS -BASED HEAVILY ON THE COMMITMENT OF THEIR TOP MANAGEMENT AND FULLY MOTIVATED EMPLOYEES.
"THE PRODUCTION OF WELL-DESIGNED PRODUCTS, BUtLt FROM QUALITY MATERIALS, ARE LIKELY TO BE PRE-REQUISITES FOR FUTURE MANUFACTURING SUCCESS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
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/6 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1^91
6
CHIEF MAGISTRATE APPOINTED
*****
THE JUDICIARY TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT MR GERARD PAUL MUTTRIE HAS BEEN APPOINTED A CHIEF MAGISTRATE.
MR MUTTRIE, WHOSE APPOINTMENT TOOK EFFECT ON SEPTfeMBER 25 J 1991, WAS BORN IN ENGLAND IN 1943.
HE WAS EDUCATED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW AND WAS ADMlTtfeD AS A SOLICITOR IN SCOTLAND IN 1966.
HE PRACTISED IN GLASGOW AS A SOLICITOR BEFORE TAKING tit’ EMPLOYMENT IN MALAWI, AS A STATE ADVOCATE, IN 1970. IN 1972, WE WAS APPOINTED A RESIDENT MAGISTRATE IN MALAWI BEFORE RETURNING TO PRIVATE PRACTICE IN LEEDS IN 1979.
MR MUTTRIE WAS APPOINTED A MAGISTRATE IN HONG KONG IR 19^3 AMb A PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATE IN OCTOBER 1989.
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PARCEL SERVICES TO KAMPUCHEA RESUMED i * * * *
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TObA? (MONDAY) THAT AIR AND SURFACE PARCEL SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KAMPUCHEA HAVE NOW RESUMED.
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YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL STARTS NEXT MONTh
i * * i * *
CHINESE MUSIC LOVERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY TRE PERFORMANCES OF SOME ONE THOUSAND LOCAL AND CHINESE MUSICIANS DURING THE 1991 HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, TO BE tlELb FROM OCTOBER 18 TO 26.
FEATURING A SERIES OF CONCERTS, MASTER CLASSES, LECTURES ANb DEMONSTRATIONS, THE EIGHT-DAY FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY TUB MUSIC OFFICE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE AND STIMULATING GREATER PUBLIC INTEREST IN CHINESE MUSlC.
THE FESTIVAL WILL START WITH A STUDENT CONCERT BY tME ilONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 3 PM ON OCTOBER 18. MORE THAN 2,000 STUDENTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND.
THE LARGEST PERFORMANCE WILL BE AN INTERFLOW CONCERT PERFoRMfeb BY ABOUT 700 YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM 21 SCHOOL AND AMATEUR CHINESE ORCHESTRAS AT THE ACADEMIC HALL ON OCTOBER 20.
/TWO GUEST........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 19*11
TWO GUEST MUSICIANS FROM CHINA, MR CHEN TIANSHOU (SUONA) AND MS QU BINGXIN (YANGQIN) WILL BE INVITED TO GIVE DEMONSTRATION PERFORMANCES AND TO CONDUCT MASTER CLASSES AT THE MtJSlC OFFICE’S MUSIC CENTRES DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
MEANWHILE, TWO LECTURES WITH THE THEMES OF "CHINESE MUSIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG", AND "THE WRITING OF VERNACULAR SONGS" WILL BE CONDUCTED BY RENOWNED MUSIC EDUCATORS MR YUAN DONGCHU AND MR Ytl LIN.
THE TWO LECTURES WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE ON OCTOBER 21 AND 22 RESPECTIVELY. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE CLIMAX OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE JING YING CONCERT AND THE FINALE CONCERT TO BE HELD AT SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE AND APA LYRIC THEATRE ON OCTOBER 24 AND 26 RESPECTIVELY. THE TWO CONCERTS WILL START AT 8 PM.
THE JING YING CONCERT WILL BE PERFORMED BY THE CHINESE gLEST MUSICIANS AND WINNERS OF THE SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL AS WELL AS THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE PLUCKED STRING ORCHESTRA.
REPERTOIRE WILL INCLUDE TRADITIONAL PIECES ANb A HEW COMPOSITION "SOUTHERN TERRITORY ON MARCH 3" WRITTEN BY LOCAL MUSICIAN MR LAU TSIM-LAM.
AS THE EPILOGUE OF THE FESTIVAL, THE FINALE CONCERT WILL FEATURE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND THE TWO GUEST MUSICIANS.
PIECES TO BE PRESENTED WILL INCLUDE "TORCH FESTIVAL", AND "FIFTEEN NIGHTS IN BANQIAO". THE LATTER IS A NEW COMPOSITION SPECIALLY WRITTEN BY A LOCAL YOUNG MUSICAIN - MR CHAN KAM-BILL - FOR THE CONCERT.
THE FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY YUET WAH COMPANY LTD.
TICKETS FOR THE JING YING CONCERT AT $30 EACH AND FOk THE FINALE CONCERT AT $20 AND $40 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 795 5761.
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/8 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1 §
8
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR OCT - DEC
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO CONDUCt THfc GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DURING THE QUARTER FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1991 .
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED ON A MONTHLY BASIS SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDittHlE ABROAD, TAXI WAITING TIME, DOMESTIC HELPERS, HIGHER EDUCATION ATTAINED OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON llENT WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER.
ABOUT 4,500 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED AT RANDOM EACH MONTH FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.
ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS INTERVIEWED THREE MONTHS AGO WILL BE SURVEYED AGAIN TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION IN PARTICIPATING.
CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH CARRYING A GOVfctikMHNt IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEYi WILL VtStT THESE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART IHA OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND A NOTICE WAS GAZETTED ON JANUARY 19 LAST YEAR.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCfe) DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATfc ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR
EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD * i i * * i
NOMINATION IS NOW OPEN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING, STUDYING ok WORKING IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD SCHEME.
THE CONVENOR OF THE SCHEME’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, Mil cHAo SHING-KIE, ANNOUNCED THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY).
/"IT IS .......
MONDAY. SEPTEMBER 30, 1931
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE SCHEME WILL HELP MOTIVATE YOUNG PfeOPLfe TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR SOCIETY.
"THOSE AGED FROM 16 TO 28 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR NOMINATION, THE DEADLINE FOR WHICH IS OCTOBER 31," HE SAID.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FUBLtC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, SAI WAN HO.
"FORMS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS,” MR CHAO ADDED.
THE NOMINEES WILL BE SHORTLISTED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS; COMPRISING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE; CHAIRMAN OF THE DB’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MISS JENNIFER CHOW; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S C1VIC EDUCATION PROMOTION WORKING GROUP, MR WONG PO-LAM; AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DANIEL CHENG.
THE SHORTLISTED CONTESTANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW BEFORE THE END OF NOVEMBER. THEY WILL BE ASSESSED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE, GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIETY AND ANALYTICAL ABILITY.
FOUR FINALISTS WILL BE SELECTED TO BECOME THE "EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTH", WHO WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN A STUDY TOUR TO SINGAPORE IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
"THE SCHEME IS ONE OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT THIS FINANCIAL YEAR," THE CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN, MR WONG PO-LAM, SAID.
"OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A CIVIC EDUCATION DAY AND SEMINARS FOR HAWKERS AND WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT TO BE HELD FROM OCTOBER TO JANUARY," HE ADDED.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 45.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 268.166 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 334.467 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 57.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/10
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER $0, 1^01
10
METERED PARKING SPACES IN YUEN LONG TOWN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TWO-HOUR PARKtNtt METERS WILL BE IN OPERATION AT THE PARKING SPACES ON MA TtN ROAD IN YUEN LONG TOWN ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 2).
THESE METERS WILL BE INSTALLED AT A TOTAL OF 22 PARKING SPACES. THE OPERATION DURATION OF THE METERS WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM bAltY* EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
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UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ i
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING . TO CLOSE THE UNAtlTMoRlSEb BUILDING WORKS AT A BUILDING IN MARCONI ROAD, KOWLOON SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TRE PUbLIC,
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER FLAT B2 AND IN FLAT B2 ITSELF ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF TWILIGHT COURTf 4 MARCONI ROAD.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM tHfc HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON DECEMBER 2 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
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FLUSHING WATER SUSPENSION
******
SUPPLY OF FLUSHING WATER TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM, ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 2) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.
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/Il ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30,
11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS i * i i *
DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 28.9.91
feFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 30.9.91 EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 111.9 ±-0.1* 30.9.91
$ MILLION
fcbb
+ 450
-450
NEUTRAL
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
CLOSING YIELDS OF EXCHANGE FUND BILLS
30.9.91 27.9.91
MATURING IN 1 1 3 6 12 WEEK MONTH MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS 4.16 PCT 4.14 PCT 4.35 PCT 4.78 PCT 5.51 PCT 4.10 PCT 4.17 t>cT 4.39 PCT 4.89 PCT 5.54 t>CT
TOTAL TURNOVER 8,056 MN 7,315 MN
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