DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR EX-POW'S NOW EFFECTIVE ........................... 1
BEWARE OF BOGUS FIRE SERVICES OFFICER ................................... 1
COMMENDATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS IN ADOPTION SERVICE ........................ 2
ENGINE CYLINDER CAPACITY FOR VILLAGE VEHICLES ........................... 3
NEW SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER ............................................ 3
YOUTH AWARDED IN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ........................... 3
OUTSTANDING YOUTHS HONOURED ............................................
YAU TSIM FIGHT CRIME SINGING CONTEST .................................... 6
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PICNIC ACTIVITIES ................................ 7
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1991
NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR EX-POW’S NOW EFFECTIVE ******
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, ON THE ADVICE OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, HAS APPROVED THE PAYMENT OF PENSIONS AND ALLOWANCES TO 203 LOCAL AND 312 OVERSEAS BENEFICIARIES, WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (SUNDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE NEW HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS ORDINANCE, THE PENSIONS WERE PAID AS OF RIGHT TO ELIGIBLE WAR VETERANS AND EX-PRISONERS OF WAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BENEFICIARIES WILL CONTINUE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR OTHER BENEFITS, THAT IS SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE.
"CONTRARY TO RECENT PRESS REPORTS, NONE OF THE PRESENT BENEFICIARIES WILL BE WORSE OFF UNDER THE NEW PENSION SCHEME," HE EMPHASISED.
THE PAYMENT OF PENSIONS WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE GOVERNMENT TREASURY. THE AMOUNT OF PENSIONS WILL BE ADJUSTED IN FUTURE IN LINE WITH ADJUSTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS.
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BEWARE OF BOGUS FIRE SERVICES OFFICER *»*«»»
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY FACTORY AND RESTAURANT OPERATORS, TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST A MAN CLAIMING TO BE A FIRE SERVICES OFFICER SOLICITING MONEY FOR ADVERTISEMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT’S FIRE PREVENTION BOOKLET.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT SENT ITS OFFICER, OR AUTHORISED ANYONE, TO ASK THE PUBLIC TO SUBSCRIBE ADVERTISEMENT IN ITS PUBLICATIONS."
THE APPEAL IS MADE FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES FROM THE FACTORY AND RESTAURANT OPERATORS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY THAT A MAN, CLAIMING TO BE AN OFFICER FROM THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU, HAD APPROACHED THEM FOR ADVERTISEMENT IN PRODUCING A FIRE PREVENTION BOOKLET.
"THE FIRE SERVICES WILL IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES SEEK THE PUBLIC TO SUBSIDISE OR SPONSOR IN PRODUCING ANY KIND OF PUBLICATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN SOME OTHER CASES, A BOGUS FIRE SERVICES OFFICER, IN PLAINCLOTHES, ENTERED COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, AND LATER TOOK AWAY PORTABLE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT ON THE PRETENCE OF EXAMINING THESE EQUIPMENT.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1991
2
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL INSPECTIONS BY FIRE SERVICES WERE CARRIED OUT BY UNIFORMED OFFICERS BEARING WARRANT CARDS, AND THAT, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, WOULD THEY REMOVE ANY FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT FROM THE PREMISES.
"IF ANYONE APPROACHED BY ANY PERSON CLAIMING TO BE A MEMBER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ASKING FOR MONEY OR IN SUSPICIOUS MANNER, PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE HOTLINE 527 7177 OR THE FIRE SERVICES HOTLINE 723 8787," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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COMMENDATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS IN ADOPTION SERVICE * * * ♦ ♦
THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL FOR LADY FORD TO OFFICIATE AT PUBLIC FUNCTIONS, EXCEPT FOR THIS TIME SHE WILL HAVE HER ROLE REVERSED WHEN SHE RECEIVES AN AWARD FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, AT A PRESENTATION FOR VOLUNTEERS IN ADOPTION SERVICE TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 7).
LADY FORD, TOGETHER WITH 30 COUPLES -- INCLUDING AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER MR JEREMY CROFT AND MRS CROFT, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS PERSONALITY MR TONY TURNER AND MRS TURNER, WILL BE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION.
"THE CHILDREN, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, WILL BE ABLE TO INTEGRATE INTO THEIR ADOPTIVE FAMILIES MORE EASILY WITH THE HELP OF PRE-ADOPTION FOSTER CARE GIVEN BY THE VOLUNTEERS," A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT WAS, THEREFORE, TO HOST AN AWARD PRESENTATION FOR THE VOLUNTEERS IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR DEVOTION AND SUPPORT OF ADOPTION SERVICE, HE ADDED.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
AN AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR VOLUNTEERS IN ADOPTION SERVICE, ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 7) AT HENNESSY ROOM, SEVENTH FLOOR, CONRAD HOTEL, PACIFIC PLACE, QUEENSWAY.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1991
ENGINE CYLINDER CAPACITY FOR VILLAGE VEHICLES ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED VILLAGE VEHICLE PERMIT HOLDERS THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER CAPACITY OF VILLAGE VEHICLES OPERATING IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT MUST NOT EXCEED 300 C.C.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A ONE-YEAR GRACE PERIOD WAS INTRODUCED LAST YEAR FOR HOLDERS TO CHANGE THEIR ENGINE 'CYLINDER CAPACITY. THE GRACE PERIOD WILL END ON DECEMBER 31.
WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, THE ENGINE CYLINDER CAPACITY OF VILLAGE VEHICLES MUST NOT EXCEED 300 C.C. UNLESS WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT HAS BEEN OBTAINED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PERMIT CONDITIONS FOR VILLAGE VEHICLES OPERATING IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT HAS BEEN REVISED SINCE JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR TO ENSURE BETTES CONTROL AND SAFETY OF BOTH VEHICLE OPERATORS AND PEDESTRIANS.
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NEW SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER ******
MR DAVID BROWNING WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHA TIN TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MR BROWNING JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1981. HE HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS POLICY BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE TRANSPORT BRANCH, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
BEFORE JOINING THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR BROWNING WAS A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE SECURITY BRANCH, DEALING WITH THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT ISSUE.
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YOUTH AWARDED IN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ******
TEN RECIPIENTS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD WERE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AND TROPHIES AT THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION DAY AT VICTORIA PARK TODAY (SUNDAY).
FOUR OF THEM, TWO BOYS AND TWO GIRLS AGED 17 TO 19, WHO EMERGED TOP WINNERS IN THIS YEAR'S SCHEME WHICH WAS HELD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, WILL BE ADDITIONALLY AWARDED A FREE STUDY TOUR TO SINGAPORE BETWEEN JANUARY 8 AND 15 NEXT YEAR.
/AFTER PRESENTING
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1991
4
AFTER PRESENTING THE AWARDS WITH A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE), MR MAK HOI-WAH, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID THE AWARDEES HAD LIVED UP TO THEIR EXPECTATIONS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
"THEY HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THEIR ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT, PLANNING AND PROMOTION OF SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS THEIR VOLUNTARY WORK.
"MEMBERS OF THE ADJUDICATING PANEL, INCLUDING CPCE’S CHAIRMAN, DR DANIEL TSE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MR ERIC LI, HAD A HARD TIME IN MAKING THE CHOICES FROM A TOTAL OF 39 NOMINEES," HE SAID.
MR BARCLAY THANKED THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR ORGANISING, AND THE SINGAPORE NATIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE AND THREE COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS FOR SPONSORING, THE ANNUAL EVENT.
THE THREE ORGANISATIONS ARE: HONG KONG STUDENT TRAVEL LTD, APAC INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD AND HUA CHIAO COMMERCIAL BANK.
APART FROM THE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ALSO FEATURED A HOST OF INTERESTING AND ENTERTAINING ITEMS WHICH ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS AND SUNDAY PARK VISITORS.
THE ITEMS INCLUDED: CHINESE ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES, STALL GAMES, CHILDREN’S COLOURING CONTEST AND CROSSWARD PUZZLES, AS WELL AS A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION ON THE DISTRICT.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE- CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ACTIVITIES, THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD BEEN ORGANISING ANNUAL FUNCTIONS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.
ANOTHER MAJOR ACTIVITY, A CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINAR FOR WOMEN, HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR JANUARY NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.
MR SHUM URGED HONG KONG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY YOUTHS, TO TAKE A MORE ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND TO MEET CHALLENGES SO AS TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS MAKING HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WERE DB MEMBERS MISS JENNIFER CHOW, MISS CHRISTINA TING, MR LEUNG SAU-CHI AND MR WONG PO-LAM.
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SUNDa i , i.Liu'IBEI
I 99 I
OUTSTANDING YOUTHS HONOURED
*****
TWELVE. YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WERE PRESENTED WITH OUTSTANDING YOUTHS AWARDS AT A CEREMONY HELD AT A LOCAL HOTEL TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE YOUTHS, AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 25, HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THEIR GOOD CONDUCT, PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGE AND INSPIRING VIEWS ON COMMUNITY BUILDING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS LINA LO, SAID SHE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THE RECIPIENTS COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF THE DISTRICT.
"I HOPE YOU WOULD HELP PUT THE MESSAGE OF ’CARE FOR HONG KONG, CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY’ ACROSS TO YOUR PEERS," SHE SAID.,
"CIVIC EDUCATION HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT NOWADAYS FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE THREE-TIER SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
"ITS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IS ’ PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT AS THE TERRITORY FACES POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGES," SHE ADDED.
MRS LO SAID YOUNG PEOPLE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, MR KWONG KWOK-KAM, TOLD THE RECIPIENTS TO KEEP UP THEIR GOOD WORK AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER YOUNGSTERS.
THE RECIPIENTS, COMPRISING A TEACHER, A SOCIAL WORKER, TWO CLERKS AND EIGHT STUDENTS, WILL BE JOINING AN OUTWARD BOUND COURSE, AND WERE EACH AWARDED A SOUVENIR AND A $500 GIFT COUPON OR BOOK COUPON.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OUTSTANDING YOUTHS AWARD SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHANNEL ISLANDS.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY INCLUDED THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, AND PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHANNEL ISLANDS, MR HERBERT IE.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER , 1991
6
YAU TSIM FIGHT CRIME SINGING CONTEST
*****
RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ENTER A SINGING CONTEST IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT TO SPREAD THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE.
THE "GLORY OF LIFE" CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION DURING WHICH 10 FINALISTS WILL BE SELECTED.
THE FINAL CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE ON MARCH 16 NEXT YEAR.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL BE GIVEN AUDITIONS WHICH MAY LEAD TO SINGING CONTRACTS WITH A RECORD COMPANY. EACH OF THEM WILL ALSO RECEIVE A TROPHY AND A CASSETTE RECORDER.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS DECEMBER 31.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI;
* YAU TSIM JUNIOR POLICE CALL CLUBHOUSE, POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS, 182 CANTON ROAD; AND
» YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION, 33 SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 301 2160 AND 722 1020.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1991
7
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PICNIC ACTIVITIES »»*«»«
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD IS INVITING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE PICNICS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THERE ARE STILL OVER $60,000 AVAILABLE FOR ORGANISING SUCH ACTIVITIES AND THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT ALLOCATED FOR EACH APPLICATION WOULD BE $1,500.
"ONLY THOSE ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE PICNICS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR ARE ELIGIBLE AND THEY SHOULD APPLY EIGHT WEEKS IN ADVANCE OF THE PICNIC DAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN ORDER TO LEAVE AMPLE TIME FOR REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO HOLD THE PICNIC BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR,” HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S KWAI CHUNG CENTRAL SUB-OFFICE ON 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEAR THE KWAI HING MTR STATION), AND OTHER SUB-OFFICES IN THE DISTRICT.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SUB-OFFICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON TEL. 423 4002.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 RELEASED 1
GREAT IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT 4
NOVEMBER RECORDS LOW VIETNAMESE ARRIVALS .............................. 5
FIRST COMPREHENSIVE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY BEGINS TODAY ............ 6
CLOSE CO-OPERATION NEEDED FOR PEARL RIVER DELTA INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT ............................................................. 7
NO QUESTION OF SPENDING CUTS ON SEWAGE PROJECTS ....................... 8
USE OF RECYCLED PAPER ENCOURAGED ...................................... 9
LEGCO TO DISCUSS MOTION ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL ...................... 10
MERCHANTS GIVEN SUSPENDED SENTENCE AND FINED FOR TAX EVASION .......... 10
LOCKHART ROAD FESTIVAL FUN FOR ALL .................................... 11
DTC REGISTRATION OF ARAB ASIAN INT'L LTD REVOKED ...................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................................................. 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 13
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 RELEASED ******
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1991, ESTIMATED AT $11,839.3 MILLION, INCREASED BY 26.0% WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, WHILE THEIR VOLUME INCREASED BY 20.3%, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS ANNOUNCED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
THE MARKED INCREASES WERE PARTLY DUE TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF CONSUMPTION SPENDING BY BOTH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.
A LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, WHEN CONSUMER SENTIMENT WAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE GULF CRISIS, ALSO CONTRIBUTED.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, AND VALUABLE GIFT INCREASED BY 41.9% IN VALUE AND 49.4% IN VOLUME IN SEPTEMBER 1991 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS INCREASED BY 38.7% IN VALUE AND 31.7% IN VOLUME.
WITHIN THIS GROUP, SALES OF DEALERS IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 52.7% IN VALUE AND 39.6% IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR OTHER CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS ROSE BY 28.8% IN VALUE AND 26.2% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 20.2% IN VALUE AND 13.5% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 19.7% IN VALUE AND 13.3% IN VOLUME. SALES OF SUPERMARKETS ROSE BY 10.7% IN VALUE BUT WERE VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED IN TERMS OF VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS (OTHER THAN SUPERMARKETS) FOR FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 6.4% IN VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 4.3% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR FUELS WENT UP BY 0.3% IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 5.2% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF RETAIL OUTLETS FOR OTHER CONSUMER GOODS NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED WENT UP BY 50.0% IN VALUE AND 40.4% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 16.1% IN VALUE AND 8.9% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING WITH AUGUST 1991, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1991 DECREASED BY 3.1% IN VALUE AND 3.3% IN VOLUME.
/CHANGES IN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
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CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES ARE DERIVED FROM FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES AFTER HAVING ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES.
THE INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES USED FOR THE PURPOSE ARE THE RESPECTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WHICH CORRESPOND TO THE BROAD CATEGORY OF GOODS IN QUESTION.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE SEPTEMBER 1991 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 802 1258.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1991 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER 1991.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 1991 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF SEPTEMBER 1991 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1991 AND WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1990, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD’JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER OF 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 : .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
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TABLE 1 : TOTAL 18TAIL 3ALES
Total letail Sales for Septenber 1991 (Provisional Figure) • BK$llrl39.3 lillioo for August 1991 devised Figure) ■ Hl$12,212.0 lillion
TABLE 2 : VALUE AID VOLUME IIDEX8S OF 1ETAIL SALES FOI AUGUST 1991 AID SEPTEMBER 1991
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 ■ 100)
• Index of Septeiber 1991 Septeiber 1991 Jan.-Sep. 1991 1
Itei letail August Septeiber coipared with coipared with coipared with !
Sales 1991 1991 August 1991 Septeiber 1990 Jan.-Sep. 1990 5
devised (Provisional Points A Points A Points A !
figures) figures)
(A) FOI ALL IBTAIL OUTLETS
Value 130.0 126.1 -4.0 -3.1 ♦26.0 ♦26.0 ♦16.1 ♦16.1 :
Voluie 120.3 116.4 •3.9 -3.3 ♦19.6 *20.3 ♦8.9 *8.9 !
! (B) BY TYPE OP BBTAIL OUTLET
! Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 114.1 117.6 ♦3.5 *3.1 ♦7.1 H.4 ♦13.1 H3.3 5
! drinks and tobacco Voluie 98.5 101.8 ♦3.3 H.3 -4.5 -4.3 ♦2.5 *2.6 1
; (other than
J supernarkets)
! Supernarkets Value 122.0 123.8 ♦1.8 H.5 ♦12.0 HO.7 ♦13.0 H2.7 !
Voluie 106.4 107.9 ♦1.4 H.3 1 1 ♦2.0 H.9 :
! Fuels Value 126.2 127.3 ♦1.1 *0.9 ♦0.3 *0.3 ♦20.6 HO.4 !
Voluie 103.6 104.3 ♦0.7 *0.7 -5.7 -5.2 ♦2.7 H.8 5
! Clothing, footwear and Value 137.3 111.5 -25.9 -18.8 ♦18.7 >20.2 ♦20.5 HO.8 1
} allied products Voluie 128.0 102.7 -25.3 -19.8 ♦12.2 H3.5 ♦ 12.7 H2.9 1
! Consuier durable goods* Value 148.9 144.1 -4.8 -3.2 ♦40.2 HI.7 ♦19.3 H8.8 5
Voluie 138.8 133.5 -5.3 -3.8 ♦32.2 +31.7 ♦ 12.6 H2.3 J
! - Notor vehicles Value 152.0 156.4 ♦4.5 *2.9 ♦54.0 ♦52.7 ♦14.7 ♦14.1 1
I and parts Voluie 134.7 138.3 ♦3.6 H.7 ♦39.3 *39.6 ♦4.1 H.O :
I - Consuier durable Value 146.7 135.2 -11.5 -7.8 ♦30.3 H8.8 ♦22.7 ♦22.3 1
! goods other than Voluie 141.7 130.0 -11.7 -8.3 ♦27.0 *26.2 ♦18.7 H8.4 1
! lotor vehicles
1 and parts
J Departient stores Value 124.7 110.1 -14.6 -11.7 ♦18.2 H9.7 ♦11.0 Hl.2 5
Voluie 117.1 101.4 -15.7 -13.4 ♦11.9 +13.3 ♦4.5 ♦4.6 !
Jewellery, watches Value 131.3 136.3 ♦5.1 H.9 ♦40.3 Hl.9 ♦14.5 H4.5 !
! and clocks, and Voluie 132.2 140.7 ♦8.5 *6.4 ♦46.5 *49.4 ♦13.8 H3.9 J
J valuable gift
S Other consuier goods Value 125.0 128.5 ♦3.5 *2.8 ♦42.8 +50.0 ♦19.3 H9.1 !
! not elsevhere Voluie 115.9 117.9 ♦2.0 H.7 ♦33.9 HO.4 ♦13.3 H3.2 1
( classified
MOTE : 1 This covers both 'Kotor vehicles and parts' and 'Consuier durable goods other than notor vehicles and parts'. I Denotes a figure within *0.05
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
4
GREAT IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT *****
HONG KONG ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT, NOT ONLY IN KEEPING ABREAST OF LATEST PROGRESS BUT ALSO IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
LADY WILSON WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEVENTH ASIA-OCEANIA CONGRESS OF OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL SOCIETIES AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
SHE SAID SHE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT DOCTORS IN HONG KONG HAD EARNED THEIR PLACE IN THE INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE.
LADY WILSON TOLD THE DELEGATES TO THE CONGRESS THAT HONG KONG HAD JUST LAUNCHED MAJOR REFORMS IN ITS MEDICAL AND HEALTH SYSTEMS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE INDEPENDENT HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAD TAKEN OVER MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF 36 PUBLIC HOSPITALS FROM YESTERDAY.
"ITS MISSION IS TO ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR HOSPITALS, TO INCREASE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN MANAGEMENT AND, ABOVE ALL, TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF PATIENT SERVICE.
"EARLIER THIS YEAR, WE COMPLETED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF OUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. WE ARE NOW POISED TO INJECT NEW IMPETUS INTO OUR PREVENTIVE AND PROMOTIVE HEALTH PROGRAMMES," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON SAID THE CONFERENCE WOULD ENABLE THE PARTICIPANTS TO SHARE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES IN THE PREVENTION AND CURE OF EAR, NOSE AND THROAT DISEASES.
"SUCH EXCHANGE WILL, IN TURN, FOSTER CLOSE COLLABORATION AMONG CLINICIANS INTERNATIONALLY.
"THIS, WILL HELP PROVIDE EVEN THE WORLD OVER," SHE ADDED.
BETTER TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
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NOVEMBER RECORDS LOW VIETNAMESE ARRIVALS
****** >
IN THE PAST MONTH HONG KONG RECORDED THE LOWEST FIGURE OF VIETNAMESE ARRIVALS FOR OVER SIX YEARS AND THE HIGHEST RATE OF REPATRIATION EVER, REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, SAID TODAY.
HE NOTED THAT IN NOVEMBER ONLY SEVEN VIETMANESE ARRIVED, THE LOWEST MONTHLY ARRIVAL FIGURE SINCE MARCH 1985. THIS COMPARES WITH ALMOST 300 ARRIVALS IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND OVER 300 IN NOVEMBER 1989.
SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT WITH VIETNAM ON OCTOBER 29 ON THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME, THERE HAVE BEEN ONLY 20 ARRIVALS SO FAR.
"THIS CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THE MESSAGE IN THE OCTOBER AGREEMENT IS NOW GETTING THROUGH LOUD AND CLEAR: THERE IS NO POINT LEAVING VIETNAM TO HEAD FOR HONG KONG," HE SAID.
IN THE SAME MONTH, 1,414 VIETNAMESE RETURNED HOME UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION SCHEME RUN BY THE UNITED NATIONS OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES 'AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME. THIS IS BY FAR THE HIGHEST NUMBER WHO HAVE EVER RETURNED TO VIETNAM IN A SINGLE MONTH.
"THE UNHCR NOW HAS MORE THAN 2,600 VIETNAMESE WAITING TO GO HOME. THE NUMBER IS INCREASING STEADILY WEEK BY WEEK AND THE UNHCR IS WORKING HARD ARRANGING AIRCRAFT TO GET THEM HOME BEFORE THE VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY IN EARLY FEBRUARY," MR LEEKS SAID.
WITH THE ORDERLY AND VOLUNTARY RETURN SCHEMES COMPLEMENTING EACH OTHER IN GETTING MORE PEOPLE HOME, AND WITH THE CONTINUED RESETTLEMENT OF GENUINE REFUGEES OVERSEAS, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION IS NOW OPERATING AS ORIGINALLY INTENDED WHEN IT WAS AGREED TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO, HE ADDED.
THE STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY RETURNEES, THE DROP IN NEW ARRIVALS AND THE CONTINUING RESETTLEMENT OF GENUINE REFUGEES OVERSEAS HAVE RESULTED IN A NET REDUCTION OF ABOUT 2,600 IN THE OVERALL VIETNAMESE POPULATION IN HONG KONG OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS.
"WE HOPE THIS SIGNALS THE START OF A CONTINUOUS AND STEADY DECREASE IN THE VIETNAMESE CAMP POPULATION IN HONG KONG, AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MORE PEOPLE RETURNING HOME TO RESUME A NORMAL LIFE IN VIETNAM IN THE MONTHS AHEAD," MR LEEKS SAID.
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/6.........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
- 6 -
FIRST COMPREHENSIVE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY BEGINS TODAY ******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH A JOINT VENTURE CONSULTANT TO CARRY OUT THE FIRST PHASE OF THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY (RDS).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY TO BE CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG WITH THE AIM OF RECOMMENDING A RAILWAY STRATEGY COMPATIBLE WITH THE OVERALL TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE TERRITORY UP TO 2011.
"FINDINGS OF THE STUDY WILL ENABLE GOVERNMENT TO CO-ORDINATE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S RAILWAY NETWORK WITH FUTURE LAND USE DEVELOPMENT AND ACHIEVE THEIR PROPER INTERFACING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE STUDY WILL REVIEW THE TIMING AND PRIORITY OF THE RAILWAY PROJECTS WHICH WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY IN 1989 ALONG WITH OTHER RAILWAY PROPOSALS SUGGESTED BY VARIOUS TRANSPORT STUDIES OR PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE RDS WILL ESTABLISH A RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR PASSENGER AND FREIGHT TRANSPORT IN THE FORM OF AN OPTIMAL RAILWAY NETWORK AT VARIOUS TIME HORIZONS.
"A PRIORITY LIST OF THE SELECTED RAILWAY ROUTES WILL BE DRAWN UP IN THE ORDER OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION, CONSISTENT WITH TRANSPORT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES AND AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES.
"IT WILL ALSO ESTABLISH THE PREFERRED ALIGNMENTS OF THE SELECTED RAILWAY ROUTES FOR DEFINING THE EXTENT OF ROUTE PROTECTION," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SEPARATE SECOND PHASE OF THE STUDY WOULD ESTABLISH A RECOMMENDED IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME AND PACKAGE FOR THE RAILWAY PROJECTS SELECTED FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
"BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE STUDY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL DECIDE ON THE SCOPE, SCALE AND ORGANISATION OF THE SECOND PHASE,” HE SAID.
THE STUDY, COSTING ABOUT $11 MILLION, WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE RAILWAY DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT. IT WILL TAKE 13 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
SOME OF THE MAJOR PROPOSALS TO BE INVESTIGATED UNDER THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY INCLUDE THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES URBAN LINK, THE MTR TSEUNG KWAN O EXTENSION, THE MRT EAST KOWLOON LINE, POSSIBLE EXTENSION TO TAI WAI AND MA ON SHAN, THE KOWLOON SKY RAIL, ISLAND SOUTH RAPID TRANSIT AND A POSSIBLE DEDICATED FREIGHT LINE TO THE BORDER.
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/7........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
7
CLOSE CO-OPERATION NEEDED FOR PEARL RIVER DELTA INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT ******
HONG KONG WILL NEED TO DISCUSS ITS STRATEGY ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS TO ENSURE THAT IT REALLY DOES FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING ORGANISED BY THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR BARNES SAID SUBSTANTIAL FACILITIES WERE BEING DEVELOPED IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION, AND THE FUNCTIONS OF WHICH WOULD TO A CERTAIN EXTENT OVERLAP HONG KONG’S OWN.
MR BARNES SAID THE RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG AND THE PEARL RIVER CITIES WERE VERY GOOD, BUT WITH THE HUGE EXPENSE OF INFRASTRUCTURE MUCH MORE DISCUSSION BETWEEN ALL THE PARTIES IN THIS REGION WERE GOING TO BE NEEDED.
"WE ARE ALL IN FACT SERVING AN INCREASINGLY COMMON ECONOMIC AREA, AND THERE IS UNDOUBTEDLY A MORE RATIONAL WAY OF GOING ABOUT THINGS THAN A DETERMINATION THAT EACH SHOULD DO EVERYTHING," HE SAID.
IN RECOGNISING THAT THE PORT AND THE AIRPORT SHOULD BE AT THE HEART OF ITS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONFIRMING THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC FUTURE LAY NOT ONLY IN SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN GENERAL BUT IN ITS INTERMEDIATE FUNCTION BETWEEN THE WORLD AND CHINA, MR BARNES SAID.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE LACK OF MUTUAL CONSULTATION ABOUT THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DIFFERENT AIRPORTS ROUND THE DELTA WAS TYPICAL AND PROBABLY INEVITABLE OF THIS PERIOD OF THE DELTA’S DEVELOPMENT HISTORY, AND WAS MIRRORED IN A SMALLER WAY BY MUTUALLY COMPETITIVE. POSTURES THROUGHOUT THE DELTA CITIES.
MR BARNES SAID IT WAS THE PORT WHICH LINKED HONG KONG MUCH MORE CLOSELY WITH THE PEARL RIVER THAN THE AIRPORT.
"HOWEVER, AS MOST OF THE PEARL RIVER CITIES AND COUNTIES HAVE HAD TO RELY ON MARINE TRANSPORT FOR SHIPPING TO HONG KONG, WE c<MH,D GET INTO A PROBLEM OF SERIOUS CONGESTION IN MA WAN CHANNEL OR KAP SHUT MUN WHEN THE VOLUME HAS BUILT UP TO THE LEVELS WHICH WILL SUPPORT TERMINALS ON THE NEW LANTAU PORT PENINSULA DEVELOPMENT.
"SO SOME FURTHER RATIONALISATION OF ITS USE AND COOPERATION BETWEEN ALL PARTIES IS GOING TO BE NECESSARY," HE SAID.
FACED WITH THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION AROUND MA INCREASING DEMAND FROM THE PEARL RIVER, THE PORT AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY PROPOSED A RIVER TRADE CENTRE AT THEN
WAN AMD
A IRPORT
MUN, MR
BARNES SAID.
/"TO A .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
8
"TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, THIS WAS A REACTION TO ALREADY EXPRESSED DEMAND, AS THERE HAVE BEEN PERSISTENT REQUEST FROM COMPANIES CONNECTED WITH TRADE WITH THE PEARL RIVER PORTS FOR AN OFF-LOADING AND CONSOLIDATION PORT IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
"THE PRECISE NATURE OF THE FACILITIES REQUIRED IS NOT COMPLETELY CLEAR, BUT TO NARROW THE OPTIONS THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE CIRCULATING A PROSPECTUS FOR SALE OF SEABED FOR A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL IN TUEN MUN AREA EARLY NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
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NO QUESTION OF SPENDING CUTS ON SEWAGE PROJECTS ******
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITY TASKS AND WILL REMAIN A MAJOR AREA OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING WITH SOME $4 BILLION BEING SPENT ON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL PROJECTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN, TODAY (MONDAY) DURING A PRESS VISIT TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND THE WEST KOWLOON WATERFRONT WHERE WORKS ON THE $1.35 BILLION NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME ARE BEING CARRIED OUT IN FULL SWING.
MR SIU TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REITERATE THAT DESPITE THE RELATIVELY SLOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE TERRITORY AND THE LIMITED GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE GOVERNMENT CUTTING DOWN ON THE EXPENDITURE IN INVESTMENTS IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
TO REFLECT THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION IN THIS PURSUIT, MR SIU SAID THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN INCREASED FROM $719 MILLION IN 1990/91 TO AN ESTIMATED $1,500 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR.
"THIS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN THE YEARS TO COME WHEN MORE ’SEWERAGE MASTERPLAN SCHEMES’ ARE IMPLEMENTED, WITH THE PROJECTION FOR THE ANNUAL CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE TO REACH $2.9 BILLION IN 1993/94, ALMOST FOUR TIMES OF THAT FOR 1990/91.
"SOME 90 PER CENT OF THIS EXPENDITURE WILL. BE ON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL, AND THE REMAINDER ON STORMWATER DRAINS AND FLOOD CONTROL MEASURES," HE SAID.
CITING THE NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME AS EXAMPLE, MR SIU SAID THE SCHEME TOGETHER WITH OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY BEEN REAFFIRMED IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT IT SHOULD REMAIN INTACT AND SHOULD GO AHEAD AS SCHEDULED.
/THE OTHER .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
9
THE OTHER SEWAGE-RELATED PROJECTS RECEIVING SUCH POLICY BLESSING INCLUDED THE $926 MILLION TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME.
THE NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME, WHICH IS DUE TO BE COMMISSIONED IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR, IS THE LARGEST PROJECT BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO TREAT THE SEWAGE OF ABOUT ONE MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN TAI KOK TSUI, SHAM SHUI PO AND LAI CHI KOK SO AS TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF THE COASTAL WATERS.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERIES OF INTERCEPTOR SEWERS, A PUMPING STATION AND SCREENING PLANTS ALONG THE WEST KOWLOON FORESHORE AS WELL AS SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
A FEATURE OF THE SCHEME IS THE INSTALLATION OF TWO LARGE SUBMARINE PIPELINES - THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND EVER INSTALLED IN HONG KONG - FROM THE MAINLAND TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND USING THE "BOTTOM TOW" TECHNIQUE BY WHICH THEY WILL BE ASSEMBLED ON THE ISLAND AND PULLED BY HEAVY MACHINERY, ACROSS THE SEABED OF ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE, TO CHEUNG SHA WAN.
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USE OF RECYCLED PAPER ENCOURAGED » * * » *
THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ARE TAKING THE LEAD IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN USING RECYCLED LETTERHEAD STATIONERY TO REINFORCE THE MESSAGE OF RECOVERING WASTEPAPER FOR RECYCLING.
THE STATIONERY, WHICH COMPRISES LETTERHEAD PAPER AND COMPLIMENTARY SLIPS, WILL BE USED ON TRIAL FOR ONE YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BRANCH TODAY (MONDAY) SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE EXERCISE WOULD ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO RE-USE AND RECYCLE PAPER.
"THE LESS REFUSE DUMPED AT OUR VALUABLE LANDFILLS WILL RESULT IN PROLONGING THEIR LIFE.
"IN ADDITION, THE GREATER USE OF RECYCLED PAPER MEANS A LOWER CONSUMPTION OF VIRGIN PAPER. THIS CAN SAVE TREES WHICH WILL OTHERWISE HAVE TO BE FELLED TO PRODUCE PAPER TO SATISFY THE SAME DEMAND," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.,
HE STRESSED THAT IT WAS HIGH TIME FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE TO HELP PRESERVE LIMITED RESOURCES.
EARLIER, COMPREHENSIVE GUIDES ON HOW TO START A WASTEPAPER RECYCLING SCHEME IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND OFFICES WERE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC.
SUCH SCHEMES HAVE ALREADY' BEEN LAUNCHED IN HOUSING ESTATES AND VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS SCHOOLS, OFFICES AND INTEREST GROUPS, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
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/10........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
- 10 -
LEGCO TO DISCUSS MOTION ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL
******
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WILL DISCUSS A MOTION ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL TO BE MOVED BY THE HON SIMON IP AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 4).
THE MOTION READS: ’’THAT WHEN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG IS SET UP, IT SHOULD HAVE MORE FLEXIBILITY TO INVITE OVERSEAS JUDGES TO SIT ON IT THAN HAS BEEN AGREED BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, AND SUCH FLEXIBILITY SHOULD BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW."
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK A TOTAL OF 14 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SIX BILLS.
THE BILLS ARE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (HOSPITAL AUTHORITY) BILL, STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1991 AND CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
THEY WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL’S MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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MERCHANTS GIVEN SUSPENDED SENTENCE AND FINED FOR TAX EVASION * * * * *
TWO MERCHANTS WERE EACH SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, SUSPENDED FOR TWO YEARS AND WERE EACH FINED A PENAL TAX OF $808,968 IN THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT COURT TODAY (MONDAY) AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO CHARGES OF ASSISTING A COMPANY TO EVADE TAX.
THE FIRST DEFENDANT, MR LAW KWOK-CHOI, AGED 56, AND THE SECOND DEFENDANT, MR YIU KA-TAK, AGED 48, WERE SHAREHOLDERS AND DIRECTORS OF ARTLIGHT ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED WHICH WAS A MANUFACTURER OF ELECTRONIC TOYS.
THE FIRST DEFENDANT WAS CHARGED ON FOUR COUNTS OF OFFENCES RELATING TO SIGNING FALSE TAX RETURNS FOR ARTLIGHT ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED (THE COMPANY), CONTRARY TO SECTION 82(1)(D) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
/THE FIRST
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
11
THE FIRST AND SECOND DEFENDANTS WERE JOINTLY CHARGED WITH FOUR COUNTS OF OFFENCES RELATING TO FILLING IN FALSE INFORMATION IN THE TAX RETURNS FOR THE COMPANY, CONTRARY TO SECTION 82(1)(G) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
THE COURT WAS TOLD THAT THE TWO DEFENDANTS HAD OVERSTATED THE SUB-CONTRACTING CHARGES AND PURCHASES AMOUNTING TO $2,610,262 IN THE COMPANY’S TAX RETURNS FOR THE YEARS 1985/86 TO 1988/89. TO CREATE THE FALSE TRANSACTIONS, THE TWO DEFENDANTS HAD SOLICITED BLANK DELIVERY NOTES, INVOICES AND RECEIPTS FROM A NUMBER OF COMPANIES.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE DEFENDANTS HAD UNDERSTATED THE COMPANY’S FULL PROFITS BY 48 PER CENT AND EVADED TAX AMOUNTING TO $462,268.
THE TWO DEFENDANTS WERE ARRESTED ON NOVEMBER 4 THIS YEAR. THE CASE WAS FIRST HEARD IN THE SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY ON NOVEMBER•5 AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT COURT.
THE PENAL TAX OF $808,968 IMPOSED ON EACH DEFENDANT REPRESENTED 175 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TAX EVADED. THE IMPRISONMENT SENTENCES WERE SUSPENDED FOR TWO YEARS ON THE CONDITION THAT PENAL TAX IS PAID ON OR BEFORE JUNE 2 NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT TAX EVASION IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE. THE MAXIMUM CUSTODIAL SENTENCE IS THREE YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $20,000 ON EACH CHARGE, PLUS ’A FURTHER FINE OF THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
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LOCKHART ROAD FESTIVAL FUN FOR ALL »»»»»*
LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) FOR HOLDING A FUN-FOR-ALL CARNIVAL, THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR MANN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI WEST AREA COMMITTEE, MR DOMINIC CHAN, ANNOUNCED THE PROGRAMME OF THE FIRST LOCKHART ROAD FESTIVAL AND THE BACKGROUND OF THE EVENT.
THE FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD IN A SECTION OF LOCKHART ROAD BETWEEN LUARD ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD FROM NOON TO 6 PM, WILL BE A MAJOR RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY EVENT FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS.
MR MANN SAID IT AIMED TO ENHANCE THE REPUTATION OF THE AREA WHICH HAD CHANGED DRAMATICALLY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND TO CELEBRATE THE "GREENING" OF WAN CHAI WHERE 500 TREES (MANY ON LOCKHART ROAD) HAD BEEN PLANTED THIS YEAR.
"THE FESTIVAL WILL PROVIDE LIVE MUSIC, FOOD AND DRINKS, STREET ENTERTAINMENT AND AN ASSORTMENT OF OTHER ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
/A STAGE .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
- 12 -
A STAGE WILL BE SET UP FOR PERFORMANCES SUCH . AS BRAZILIAN DANCE, ROCK’N’ROLL AND JAZZ MUSIC, AS WELL AS A SEGMENT BY THE NEPTUNE FILIPINO BAND.
ON-STREET PERFORMANCES ARRANGED BY THE FRINGE CLUB WILL INCLUDE JUGGLING, MIME, MASK THEATRE, AND CLOWN MAGIC AND ACROBATICS. THERE WILL ALSO BE LION DANCES, MARCHING BANDS, CHINESE ACROBATICS, STREET THEATRE, AND COUNTRY AND WESTERN MUSIC.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE 10 HANDICRAFT STALLS COVERING ROCK GRAPHICS AND DOLL-MAKING IN WHICH VISITORS CAN TRY THEIR HAND.
EXPERTS IN SUCH ARTS AS FACE-PAINTING, SKETCHING, CARICATURE, GLASS-PAINTING, BALLOON-TWISTING AND PAPER-CUTTING WILL ALSO SHOW OFF THEIR SKILLS WHILE FORTUNE-TELLERS WILL OFFER FREE ADVICE TO THE VISITORS.
OVER 15 FOOD AND DRINK STALLS PROVIDED BY RETAILERS ALONG LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE STACKED WITH A VARIETY OF SNACKS AND CUISINES FOR SAMPLING.
"THE FESTIVAL WILL PROVIDE FUN FOR THE FAMILY AND IS THE PLACE TO BE ON SUNDAY," MR MANN SAID.
OVER 10,000 RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE EVENT. ‘ •
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DTC REGISTRATION OF ARAB ASIAN INT’L LTD REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THE REGISTRATION OF ARAB ASIAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON DECEMBER 2 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 40.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 237.401 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 251.607 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 42.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/13 .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1991
- 13 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * ’ * * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 30.11.91 950
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 2.12.91 -530*
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 80
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
* O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -450 MN
OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED - 80 MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.9 *-0.1» 2.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.11 PCT 24 MONTHS 1 MONTH 4.29 PCT 3 MONTHS 4.02 PCT 6 MONTHS 4.19 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.85 PCT TURNOVER - BILLS 5,845 MN, BONDS 2311 45 MN 6.25 101.38 5.57
CLOSED 2 DECEMBER 1991
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
CONTENTS • PAGE NO.
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER 1991 RELEASED ......................... 1
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR BETTER HOSPITAL CARE: GOVERNOR 4
NEW ERA IN PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES BEGINS ............................ 5
GOVT RESPONSE TO ASIA WATCH REPORT..................................... 7
266 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM ............................................ 8
HONG KONG WORKING TOWARDS A SUCCESSFUL URUGUAY ROUND .................. 8
JAPANESE INVESTORS CONFIDENT IN HK'S FUTURE ........................... 9
USA 'HIT LIST' SCRUTINISED ............................................ 11
APPLICATION APPROVED TO ACQUIRE LAND IN WALLED CITY ................... 12
NEW LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME TAKES EFFECT .......................... 13
42,000 PRIMARY 1 DISCRETIONARY PLACES ALLOCATED ....................... 14
SURVEY COMPLETED IN PHASE II STAGE 2 LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREA ..... 15
SECOND NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE EXERCISE COMPLETED .................. 16
SUSPECTED SYNDICATE SMASHED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS .............. 17
38 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER ........................... 18
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING RESIDENTS' QUALITY OF LIFE ................ 19
HONG KONG SOCIAL DANCE OPEN COMPETITION ............................... 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ..................... 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 21
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER 1991 RELEASED *****
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS AND THE BROADER DEFINITIONS OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY INCREASED DURING OCTOBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH. HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE IN OCTOBER.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, GREW BY 0.5% IN OCTOBER FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.4% AND 2.9% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND TIME DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.3% AND 1.4% RESPECTIVELY WHILE SAVINGS DEPOSITS ROSE BY 3.5% IN OCTOBER.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 13.3%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 1.8% IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.6% AND 0.4% RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 1.4% AND 2.0% RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 7.9%.
DURING OCTOBER, DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS ROSE BY 1.4% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 1.7% AND 3.3% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY 11.8% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 3.1% AND 25.7% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1 DECREASED BY 0.4% WHILE HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 0.6% AND 0.4% RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER, COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 5.4%, 2.8% AND 2.7% IN SEPTEMBER.
OVER THE YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES ROSE BY 20.5%, 15.3% AND 13.2% RESPECTIVELY.
/TOTAL Ml .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 2 -
TOTAL Ml DECREASED BY 1.3% WHILE M2 AND M3 INCREASED BY 1.3% AND 1.1% RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN SEPTEMBER WERE 7.1%, 1.3% AND 1.4%.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 19.4%, 11.5% AND
10.2% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 3.6% IN OCTOBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 2.4% AND 1.9% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY GREW BY 0.9% AND 4.9% RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.0% AND 23.6% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE EXTERNAL TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.6% IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.3% IN AUGUST AND A DECREASE OF 0.8% IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.5%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 0.7% IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 1.3% AND 1.9% RESPECTIVELY IN THE PREVIOUS TWO MONTHS. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 17.1%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ROSE BY 5.9% IN OCTOBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.4% AND 2.2% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 39.0%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY ONE AND TWO TO 161 AND 160 RESPECTIVELY. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 50.
/TABLE 1 :
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
3
TABLE I : MONETARY STATISTICS - OCTOBER 1991
Oct 1991
Earlier months (% change to Oct 1991)
(HKSran)
Sep 1991
Jul 1991
Oct 1990
Money Supply
Ml -HKS Foreign currency Total M2 - HKS* Foreign currency* Total M3 - HKS* Foreign currency* Total 108.142 15,964 124,106 611,155 706,650 1,317,804 636,798 748,809 1,385,607 108,539 ( -0.4 ) 17,221 ( -7.3 ) 125,761 ( -1.3 ) 607,616 ( 0.6 ) 693,450 ( 1.9 ) 1,301.066 ( 1.3 ) 634,385 ( 0.4 ) 99,773 14.177 113,951 574.701 687,406 1,262,107 602,407 729,219 1,331,627 ( 8.4 ) ( 12.6 ) ( 8.9 ) ( 6.3 ) ( 2.8 ) ( 4.4 ) 89,728 14,177 103,905 530,131 651,404 1,181,535 562,607 694.874 1,257,480 ( 20.5 ( 12.6 ( 19.4 ( 15.3 ( 8.5 ( 11.5 ( 13.2 ( 7.8 ( 10.2 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
( 5.7 ( 2.7 ( 4.1 ) ) )
736,043 1,370,428 ( 1.7 ) ( 11 )
Notes and coins in circulation 46.097 46,638 ( -12 ) 44.564 ( 3.4 ) 40.457 ( 13.9 )
of which held by public 40,082 40,257 ( -0.4 ) 38,450 ( 4.2 ) 35.211 ( 13.8 )
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 84,024 85,504 ( -1-7 ) 75,501 ( 11.3 ) 68,694 ( 22.3 )
Total Savings deposits 291,009 281,731 ( 3-3 ) 253.897 ( 14.6 ) 225,163 ( 29.2 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 886,557 877,155 ( 1.1 ) 877.790 ( io ) 834.990 ( 6.2 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 39,693 40,395 ( -1-7 ) 38,905 ( 2.0 ) 40,976 ( -3.1 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 24,816 25,668 ( -33 ) 27,500 ( -9.8 ) 33.421 ( -25.7 )
HKS deposits* 583,035 580,212 ( 0.5 ) 550,663 ( 5.9 ) 514,606 ( 13.3 )
USS deposits* 301,948 297,719 ( 14 ) 288,738 ( 4.6 ) 296,219 ( 19 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 441,115 432.522 ( 2.0 ) 434,193 ( 1-6 ) 392.419 ( 12.4 )
All deposits 1,326,099 1,310.453 ( 12 ) 1,273,594 ( 4.1 ) 1,203,244 ( 10.2 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 41,893 45,008 ( -6.9 ) 61,156 ( -31.5 ) 68,416 ( -38.3 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 82,806 82,297 ( 0.6 ) 81,903 ( M ) 69,872 ( 18.5 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,569 11,866 ( -2 5 ) 9,828 ( 17.7 ) 10,112 ( 14.4 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 787,995 782,172 ( 0.7 ) 757,808 ( 4.0 ) 672,947 ( 171 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,185,737 1,119,381 ( 5.9 ) 1,059,148 ( 12.0 ) 852,910 ( 39.0 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 39,046 39,016 ( 0.1 ) 41,584 ( -6.1 ) 125,893 ( -69.0 )
Loans in HKS 697.195 690,896 ( 0.9 ) 671,257 ( 3.9 ) 590.715 ( 180 )
Loans in foreign currencies 1,409,958 1,343,836 ( 4.9 ) 1,279,015 ( 10.2 ) 1,141.020 ( 23.6 )
Total loans and advances 2,107,153 2,034,732 ( 3.6 ) 1,950,272 ( 8.0 ) 1,731,734 ( 21.7 )
♦ 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 'licensed deposit-taking companies' and 'registered deposit-taking companies' respectively before I February 1990.
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
4
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR BETTER HOSPITAL CARE: GOVERNOR *****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE STANDARDS OF CARE IN HOSPITALS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE COMMUNITY LOOKED TO THE AUTHORITY TO BRING ABOUT MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HOSPITAL SERVICES.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN WHOSE VOCATION IT IS TO PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES WILL RESPOND TO THIS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM MUST BE TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY A CARING, RESPONSIVE AND EFFICIENT HOSPITAL SERVICE IT NEEDED.
"BUT THE COST OF HEALTH CARE IS RISING ALL THE TIME. THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A MATTER OF INFLATION. IT REFLECTS THE FACT THAT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES ARE IMPROVING RAPIDLY," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MEDICAL OPTIONS WHICH WERE IMPOSSIBLE A DECADE AGO WERE NOW ALMOST MATTERS OF ROUTINE.
HE CITED THE EXAMPLES THAT ULTRASOUND (ULTRASONOGRAPHY) EXAMINATIONS WERE NOW THE STANDARD TECHNIQUE FOR MONITORING FOETAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENDOSCOPY HAD BECOME AN IMPORTANT DIAGNOSTIC AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE.
"THESE ARE MAJOR ADVANCES. THEY ARE MUCH TO BE WELCOMED. BUT THEY ARE ALSO EXPENSIVE.
"SO WE NEED TO MAKE THE BEST POSSIBLE USE OF RESOURCES. OTHERWISE WE CANNOT AFFORD THE MODERN MEDICAL TECHNIQUES WE WOULD LIKE TO USE," HE SAID.
AMONGST OTHER THINGS, THAT MEANT MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY IN THE HOSPITALS AND EFFICIENCY IN HOSPITALS TRANSLATED INTO BETTER CARE FOR PATIENTS, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE SAID THE TASK OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WHICH HAD ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL HONG KONG’S PUBLIC AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS TWO DAYS AGO, WAS OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE.
"IT COVERS 36 HOSPITALS; ABOUT 37,000 MEMBERS OF STAFF; AN ANNUAL BUDGET OF ABOUT $10 BILLION; AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARING FOR 64,000 PATIENTS EVERY YEAR," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD BEEN PREPARING FOR THESE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR A YEAR AND THE TAKE-OVER HAD BEEN CAREFULLY PLANNED AND SKILFULLY IMPLEMENTED.
/"BUT THE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 5 -
’’BUT THE CHALLENGES WHICH LIE AHEAD ARE, IF ANYTHING, MORE DAUNTING THAN THOSE WHICH HAVE FACED THE AUTHORITY DURING THE PLANNING STAGE,” HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR PAID A WARM TRIBUTE TO ALL WHO HAD WORKED HARD TO MAKE THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY A REALITY.
"A SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS IS DUE TO SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG WHO HAS NOW ADDED LAUNCHING THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO HIS MANY OTHER NOTABLE SERVICES TO THIS COMMUNITY.
"DECEMBER 1, 1991 WAS A MAJOR LANDMARK IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S HOSPITAL SERVICES. THE COMMUNITY’S HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS ARE A CHALLENGE WHICH I KNOW THE AUTHORITY WILL MEET,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
------0--------
NEW ERA IN PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES BEGINS *******
THE TASK OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS TO INTRODUCE UP-TO-DATE MANAGEMENT METHODS AND A NEW CORPORATE CULTURE TO TRANSFORM THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS INTO MORE CARING AND MORE EFFECTIVE INSTITUTIONS.
THESE REMARKS WERE MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, AT A CEREMONY THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON TO MARK THE AUTHORITY'S FORMAL ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA IN HONG KONG’S HOSPITAL SERVICES.
THE CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, OFFICIATING.
GUESTS WHO ATTENDED THE CEREMONY INCLUDED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNING BODIES AND HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEES OF THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY. STAFF REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS WERE ALSO PRESENT.
ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY, SIR S.Y. SAID TO ACHIEVE THE ABOVE OBJECTIVE, THE AUTHORITY INTENDED TO CREATE A PARTNERSHIP OF ALL THOSE INVOLVED - THE PATIENTS, THE STAFF, THE AUTHORITY BOARD AND ITS SENIOR MANAGEMENT, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
"RESULTS WILL NOT BE EASY TO ACHIEVE. AND WILL CERTAINLY NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, BUT WITH THE GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION OF ALL CONCERNED, I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE SHALL SUCCEED IN OUR AIM TO PROVIDE QUALITY HOSPITAL CARE FOR ALL OUR PATIENTS," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT A FIRM FOUNDATION HAD BEEN LAID FOR THE WORK OF TRANSFORMING OUR ALREADY GOOD HOSPITALS INTO AN EVEN BETTER SYSTEM.
/SIR S.Y. .
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
6 -
SIR S.Y. NOTED THAT MANY OF THE FORMER SUBVERTED HOSPITALS HAVE A LONG TRADITION OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, AND HAVE EVOLVED THEIR OWN PHILOSOPHIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OVER THE YEARS.
"IT IS OUR STATED INTENTION TO ENABLE THESE HOSPITALS TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP THESE CHARACTERISTICS WITHIN THE OVERALL POLICIES OF THE AUTHORITY.
"TO ENABLE THIS TO BE DONE, WE WILL ESTABLISH A GOVERNING COMMITTEE FOR EACH HOSPITAL.
"THE GOVERNING COMMITTEES FOR THE FORMER SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPOINTED AND WILL ENABLE THE SUBVENTED BOARDS TO CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE OPERATION OF THE HOSPITALS, TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE COMMUNITY."
IN CONCLUSION, SIR S.Y. THANKED ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED SO HARD DURING -THE PAST 12 MONTHS TO ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO TAKE UP ITS RESPONSIBILITIES.
THEY INCLUDE THE AUTHORITY MEMBERS AND ITS STAFF, THE GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, AND THE STAFF IN BOTH GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, AND MANY OTHERS.
AT THE CEREMONY TODAY, THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY, DR E.K. YEOH, ALSO DELIVERED A KEYNOTE SPEECH ON THE WORK OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS FORMALLY ESTABLISHED ON DECEMBER 1, 1990. SINCE THEN, A GREAT DEAL OF HARD WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO BUILD UP THE HEAD OFFICE ORGANISATION AND THE BASIC CORPORATE INFRASTRUCTURE AS WELL AS TO DEVELOP THE POLICIES AND SYSTEMS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGING THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE AUTHORITY FORMALLY BECAME RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF 38 HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS.
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG, AFTER THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF, WITH ABOUT 37,000 STAFF AND AN ANNUAL BUDGET APPROACHING $10 BILLION.
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Z7........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 7 -
GOVT RESPONSE TO ASIA1 WATCH REPORT *****
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, IN RESPONSE TO A REPORT RELEASED BY THE ASIA WATCH ON THE TREATMENT OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS:
"THE ASIA WATCH REPORT RECOGNISES THAT THE COST TO HONG KONG OF THE BURDEN WE HAVE CARRIED FOR OVER 16 YEARS IS HIGH (OVER US$100 MILLION A YEAR). IT RECOGNISES ALSO THAT WE HAVE BEEN OPEN AND POSITIVE IN RESPONSE TO ASIA WATCH’S OWN REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION AND ACCESS TO THE CAMPS. BOTH ARE TRUE.
"HOWEVER, THE ASIA WATCH REPORT ALSO CRITICISES HONG KONG’S POLICY OF DETENTION AND SCREENING, WITHOUT RECOMMENDING ANY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WE HAVE FACED FOR 16 YEARS AND WHICH HAS BEEN COMPOUNDED BY OVER 20,000 NEW ARRIVALS THIS YEAR.
"IN RECOMMENDING THAT THE POLICY OF DETENTION TO CEASE, ASIA WATCH FAILS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS OF OUR OWN COMMUNITY, MANY OF WHOM REGARD OUR POLICY OF ASYLUM FOR VIETNAMESE AS INCONSISTENT WITH OUR POLICY OF RETURNING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO CHINA. THEY SEE A DOUBLE STANDARD IN FAVOUR OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
"IN CALLING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SCREENING, ASIA WATCH FAILS TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT THIS IS A PROCESS WHICH DURING THREE AND A HALF YEARS OF OPERATION WE HAVE TRIED TO MAKE AS THOROUGH AS WE CAN.
"WE, AND UNHCR, BELIEVE THAT OUR SCREENING PROCESS COMPARES WELL WITH THOSE OF MANY OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD.
"IN CALLING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO CONDITIONS IN THE EXISTING CAMPS, ASIA WATCH FAILS TO TAKE ANY ACCOUNT OF THE LIMITS IN POLITICAL AND RESOURCE TERMS TO WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR PEOPLE WHOSE FUTURE LIES IN VIETNAM BUT WHO REFUSE TO GO HOME.
"ASIA WATCH CALLS FOR VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION TO BE GIVEN 'A CHANCE TO REDUCE THE POPULATION OF DETENTION CENTRES’. IT IGNORES THE FACT THAT DURING THE SCHEME’S THREE YEARS’ OPERATION IN HONG KONG IT HAS RETURNED SOME 13,000 PEOPLE, WHILE OVER THE SAME PERIOD WE HAVE HAD OVER 60,000 NEW ARRIVALS AND 6,000 BIRTHS IN THE CAMPS HERE. TO ALLOW THIS SITUATION TO CONTINUE WOULD BE TO INVITE CONDITIONS IN THE CAMPS TO DETERIORATE RATHER THAN IMPROVE.
"IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT, AS THE UNHCR-BACKED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION ENVISAGES, A VOLUNTARY SCHEME AND AN ORDERLY SCHEME TO RETURN THOSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO DO NOT VOLUNTEER ARE COMPLEMENTARY, AND INDEED MUTUALLY REINFORCE EACH OTHER.
"ASIA WATCH MAKES SEVERAL CLAIMS ABOUT THE CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT THAT AWAIT RETURNEES. THE FACT IS THAT 13,000 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY RETURNED HOME FROM HONG KONG. THESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERABLE PRESS INTEREST AND CLOSE MONITORING BY INDEPENDENT AGENCIES. THERE HAS BEEN NOT A SINGLE SUBSTANTIATED CASE OF PERSECUTION OF ANY OF THOSE WHO HAVE RETURNED."
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 8 -
266 VM’S RETURN TO VIETNAM ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A GROUP OF 266 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 88 MEN, 60 WOMEN, 62 BOYS AND 56 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 79TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,617 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 12,913 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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HONG KONG WORKING TOWARDS A SUCCESSFUL URUGUAY ROUND » * * » *
HONG KONG NEGOTIATORS ARE PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS TO DO THEIR BIT TOWARDS A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE ZONTA CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (TUESDAY) MR CHAU SAID IN THIS ROUND, HONG KONG IS AIMING NOT ONLY TO ACHIEVE FURTHER TRADE LIBERALISATION BUT ALSO TO OVERHAUL GATT RULES, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHERE THEY HAVE BECOME INADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE TRADING REALITIES OF THE L990’S.
ALSO UNDER DISCUSSION IS THE EXTENSION OF STANDARD NEW INTERNATIONAL RULES TO THE INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT AREA OF TRADE IN SERVICES, TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION, AND TO TRADE-RELATED INVESTMENT MEASURES, HE ADDED.
MR CHAU SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE IS NOW NO FORMAL DEADLINE FOR CONCLUDING THE URUGUAY ROUND TALKS, MOST PARTICIPANTS ARE WORKING ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO WIND UP BY EARLY L992.
"A SUCCESSFUL ROUND WOULD REAFFIRM INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS TO ABIDE BY GATT OBLIGATIONS, IMPROVE THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM, AND LEAD TO AN EXPANSION OF WORLD TRADE,” HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT CONFIDENCE IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING SYSTEM IS LIKELY TO BE UNDERMINED IF THE ROUND FAILED.
"THE ABILITY OF THE GATT TO RESOLVE BILATERAL TRADE FRICTIONS MIGHT BE CALLED INTO QUESTION.
"ENTHUSIASM FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND POSSIBLY EVEN FOR TRADING BLOCS IS LIKELY TO GATHER GREATER MOMENTUM,"HE SAID.
TRADING BLOCS ARE LIKELY TO STIFFLE THE GROWTH OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE, MR CHAU ADDED.
/"WE HAVE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
"WE HAVE THEREFORE MADE IT OUR TOP PRIORITY TO WORK TOWARDS SUCCESSFUL URUGUAY ROUND WHICH WOULD STRENGTHEN BOTH THE GATT AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THAT FOR A SMALL PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHICH HAS LITTLE OR NO POLITICAL CLOUT, THE PROTECTION AFFORDED BY INTERNATIONAL RULES SUCH AS THOSE UNDER THE GATT IS VERY IMPORTANT.
HE NOTED THAT ONE OF THE FIRST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WAS THE AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S SEPARATE STATUS IN THE GATT.
THIS STATUS WAS FIRMLY SECURED IN L986 WHEN, THROUGH THE UK’S SPONSORSHIP, HONG KONG WAS TURNED INTO A FULL SEPARATE MEMBER OF THE GATT.
A CHINESE COMMUNICATION TO THE GATT AT THE SAME TIME GUARANTEED THAT, AFTER L997, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A MEMBER USING THE NAME OF "HONG KONG, CHINA".
SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HONG KONG OFFICE IN GENEVA BECAME A FREESTANDING HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE, WHILE THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE BECAME HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GATT.
THESE CHANGES, MR CHAU NOTED, HAVE BEEN VERY BENEFICIAL.
"THEY MEAN THAT HONG KONG’S IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD TRADE CAN NO LONGER BE IGNORED.
"OUR PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENEVA HAS ACCESS TO THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMAL GROUPS IN THE GATT. OUR REPRESENTATIVES CHAIR IMPORTANT GATT COMMITTEES.
"IN THE CURRENT ROUND OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS SO VITAL TO THE FUTURE OF THE GATT, OUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE ABLE TO PLAY A FULL AND OFTEN LEADING ROLE," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
JAPANESE INVESTORS CONFIDENT IN HK'S FUTURE
******
THE INCREASING PRESENCE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG SIGNIFIES THE CONFIDENCE OF JAPANESE INVESTORS IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SEMINAR IN OSAKA, JAPAN, MR BARMA SAID THEIR PRESENCE WAS ALSO PROOF THAT THEY HAD BEEN ABLE TO FIND NICHE AREAS AND CONDUCT PROFITABLE BUSINESS IN ' HONG KONG.
/MP BARMA
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 10 -
MR BARMA SAID ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, JAPAN CONTINUED TO~ BE HONG KONG’S SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, AND HAD INDEED FOR THE FIRST TIME OVERTAKEN THE UNITED STATES TO BE THE LEADING SOURCE COUNTRY OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.
"IN 1990, THE CUMULATIVE VALUE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG TOTALLED US$1.25 BILLION, REPRESENTING 31.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
"JAPAN’S CUMULATIVE INVESTMENT IN 1990 WAS MORE THAN TWO TIMES THE AMOUNT RECORDED IN 1986 (US$514 MILLION).
"THE GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS BY JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS IN 1990 WAS US$131 MILLION, WHICH COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THE RECORD HIGH OF US$132 MILLION IN 1988," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THERE WERE 173 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG WITH JAPANESE INVESTMENT.
OF THESE, 99 (OR 57.2 PER CENT) ARE WHOLLY-OWNED BY JAPANESE INTERESTS, 67 (38.8 PER CENT) ARE JOINT VENTURES WITH LOCAL INTERESTS, AND SEVEN (FOUR PER CENT) ARE JOINT VENTURES WITH OTHER OVERSEAS PARTNERS.
TOGETHER THEY EMPLOY MORE THAN 25,000 STAFF, REPRESENTING SOME 3.7 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE.
THE INDUSTRIES WHICH ATTRACT THE MOST JAPANESE INVESTMENT INCLUDE ELECTRONICS, ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS.
JAPAN LEADS OTHER OVERSEAS INVESTORS IN ALL THESE FIELDS EXCEPT FOR THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, IN WHICH JAPAN IS RANKED SECOND AFTER THE UNITED STATES.
MR BARMA SAID THE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE JAPANESE MINISTRY OF FINANCE ALSO BORE OUT THE GROWTH OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
"THEY SHOW THAT HONG KONG HAS, IN RECENT YEARS, RANKED FIRST AMONGST ASIAN COUNTRIES IN TERMS OF THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT INVESTMENT FROM JAPAN.
"SO WE HAVE SEEN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF QUITE A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT INDUSTRIAL.PROJECTS INVOLVING JAPANESE INVESTMENT.
"MORE RECENTLY, MANY OF THEM HAVE BEEN OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF UNDERTAKING EXPANSION PROGRAMMES FOLLOWING YEARS OF PROFITABLE OPERATION," HE SAID.
MR BARMA TOLD THE JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN THAT HONG KONG WELCOMED THE INTEREST THEY HAD IN HONG KONG AND THE CONFIDENCE THEY HAD SHOWN BY INVESTING IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE SECTORS.
"IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE FOR AN EVEN CLOSER RELATIONSHIP IN BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT," HE SAID.
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/Il ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3,
1991
- 11
USA ’HIT LIST’ SCRUTINISED
******
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE, YESTERDAY (DECEMBER 2) OFFICIALLY RELEASED THE PROPOSED LIST OF CHINESE EXPORTED PRODUCTS WHICH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RETALIATORY TARIFFS UNDER THE SPECIAL 301 PROVISION.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS SENT THE FULL LIST TO LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS TODAY (TUESDAY) INVITING INDUSTRY LEADERS AND TRADERS TO GIVE VIEWS ON THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE COVERAGE OF THE LIST AND ITS LIKELY IMPACT TO HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS.
IN THE COVERING LETTER, TRADE DEPARTMENT ASSURED TRADERS THAT OFFICIALS WERE MAKING AN EFFORT TO SCRUTINISE THE LIST.
"WE ARE WORKING ON THE LIST TO ASSESS THE INTENDED COVERAGE AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS MAY BE AFFECTED.
"HOWEVER, THERE ARE DIFFERENCES IN THE US AND HONG KONG HARMONIZED SYSTEM (HS) OF TRADE CLASSIFICATION WHICH CAUSE DIFFICULTIES IN CORRELATING CERTAIN US HARMONIZED SYSTEM PRODUCT CODES TO HONG KONG HARMONIZED SYSTEM PRODUCT CODES.
"THE HONG KONG HARMONIZED SYSTEM PRODUCT CODES ARE REQUIRED TO RETRIEVE HONG KONG RE-EXPORT DATA," THE LETTER SAID.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT PROMISED TRADERS THAT IT WOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM AGAIN ONCE THERE WERE PROGRESS.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT BRIEFED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RELEVANT TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE LAST THURSDAY. TRADERS WERE TOLD THAT THE EXAMINATION PROCESS MIGHT TAKE SOMETIME BECAUSE OF UNCERTAINTIES OVER THE PRECISE AMOUNT OF TRADE COVERED BY THE LIST.
THE USA ’HIT LIST’ WILL BE REPRODUCED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT COMMERCIAL INFORMATION CIRCULAR (CIC) TO BE PUBLISHED BY THE END OF THIS WEEK.
- - 0----------
/12 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
APPLICATION APPROVED
- 12 " 1
TO ACQUIRE LAND IN WALLED CITY * * * * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED AN APPLICATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS TO ACQUIRE THE LAND IN THE WALLED CITY OVER WHICH 33 PLAINTIFFS HAD CLAIMED THAT THEY HAD ACQUIRED POSSESSORY TITLE.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR PHILIP CHOK, EXPLAINED THAT THE APPLICATION WAS MADE UNDER THE LAND ACQUISITION (POSSESSORY TITLE) ORDINANCE.
"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAVING DECIDED THAT THE ACQUISITION OF AN AREA OF LAND WITHIN WALLED CITY IS REQUIRED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS CAN MAKE AN ACQUISITION ORDER FOR THE ACQUISITION OF SUCH AREA OF LAND.
"UPON EXPIRY OF ONE MONTH FROM THE DATE OF AFFIXING THE NOTICE OF THE ACQUISITION ORDER UPON THE LAND, THE AREA OF LAND CONCERNED WILL VEST IN GOVERNMENT FREE OF ALL INTERESTS, RIGHTS OR EASEMENTS OF ANY KIND AND GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER UPON AND TAKE POSSESSION OF IT," MR CHOK SAID.
"THE CLAIMS OF ANY PERSON CLAIMING POSSESSORY TITLE WILL BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE SAID ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
ON NOVEMBER 27, THE DAY BEFORE CLEARANCE ACTION OF PHASE I OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY WAS DUE TO COMMENCE UNDER THE CROWN LAND ORDINANCE, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WAS SERVED WITH A WRIT OF SUMMONS BY 35 OCCUPANTS OF PREMISES WITHIN THE WALLED CITY WHICH ARE NAMED AS THE 33 PLAINTIFFS IN THE WRIT CLAIMING THAT THEY HAD ACQUIRED POSSESSORY TITLE OVER THE PREMISES THEY OCCUPY.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT WAS NECESSARY TO TAKE STEPS TO MINIMISE THE DELAY THIS MIGHT CAUSE TO THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE PROJECT, MR CHOK SAID.
IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED TO INVOKE THE LAND ACQUISITION (POSSESSORY TITLE) ORDINANCE AND TO SEEK EXECUTIVE COUNCIL'S DECISION TO ACQUIRE THE AREA OF LAND CONCERNED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE.
ALL OTHER STRUCTURES UNDER PHASE I OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE PROJECT HAD ALREADY BEEN SUCCESSFULLY TAKEN BACK IN A TWO-DAY OPERATION ON NOVEMBER 28 AND 29.
- - 0 - -
/13........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
13
NEW LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME TAKES EFFECT
**«**»
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (LONG SERVICE PAYMENT) ORDINANCE HAD COME INTO EFFECT LAST FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 29).
UNDER THE NEW ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYEE BELOW 45 YEARS OF AGE WHO HAS COMPLETED FIVE YEARS’ CONTINUOUS SERVICE WITH AN EMPLOYER IS ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE PAYMENT ON DISMISSAL.
HIS ENTITLEMENT WILL INCREASE IN PROPORTION TO HIS LENGTH OF SERVICE, UNTIL HE GETS THE FULL RATE OF PAYMENT.
DETAILS OF THE PAYMENT SCHEME ARE SET OUT AS FOLLOWS:
AGE OF EMPLOYEE YEARS OF SERVICE AND % OF ENTITLEMENT
5 6 7 8 9 10 OR ABOVE
BELOW 41 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
41 50% 60% 70% 80% 100% 100%
42 50% 60% 70% 100% 100% 100%
43 50% 60% 100% 100% 100% 100%
44 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
45 OR OVER 100% 100% 100% •100% 100% 100%
FOR INSTANCE, AN EMPLOYEE AGED 35 AND WITH FIVE YEARS’ SERVICE SHOULD BE GIVEN 50 PER CENT OF HIS FULL ENTITLEMENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, AN EMPLOYEE AGED 42 AND WITH EIGHT YEARS’ SERVICE WILL RECEIVE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IN FULL.
THE SCHEME PROVIDES THAT AN EMPLOYEE WITH THE REQUIRED LENGTH OF SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN LONG SERVICE PAYMENT BY HIS EMPLOYER UPON DISMISSAL FOR REASONS OTHER THAN SUMMARY DISMISSAL OR REDUNDANCY.
THE AMOUNT OF LUMP SUM PAYMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE CALCULATED AT TWO-THIRDS OF THE EMPLOYEE’S LAST FULL MONTH’S WAGE FOR EVERY COMPLETE YEAR OF SERVICE, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES.
FOR EMPLOYEES EARNING MORE THAN $15,000 A MONTH, THEIR ENTITLEMENT WILL REMAIN TO BE CALCULATED AS IF THEY WERE EARNING $15,000.
ENQUIRIES ON THE REVISED LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME CAN BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
- - 0---------
/14 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
14
42,000 PRIMARY 1 DISCRETIONARY PLACES ALLOCATED ft ft ft ft ft ft
RESULTS OF ALLOCATION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM FOR THE 1992 SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 6) BY ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ABOUT 42,000 OUT OF SOME 68,000 APPLICANTS WILL BE OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE.
PARENTS ARE ADVISED, WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED BY THE SCHOOL OR NOT, TO GO BACK TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEY HAVE APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY 1 PLACE ON THAT DAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM, OR ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 7) BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON TO FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATION.
REGISTRATION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 9 AND 10 (MONDAY AND TUESDAY) DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
FOR PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A PRIMARY 1 PLACE, THEY ARE ADVISED TO NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND ANY REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, SUCH AS PARENT’S COPY OF THE APPLICATION FORM FOR PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION, THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND SO ON, TO BE BROUGHT ALONG TO THE SCHOOL FOR REGISTRATION.
REGISTRATION OF THE CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENT.
PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH THE SCHOOL WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OR THROUGH THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 572 4383) TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS - THEY WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE DISCRETIONARY PLACE OFFERED IF THEY FAILED TO DO SO.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL CAN ACCEPT CHILDREN TO FILL UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 65 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL PRIMARY 1 'PLACES AS DISCRETIONARY PLACES.
THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT OF PRIMARY 1 PLACES WILL BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT A LATER STAGE.
AS SOME SCHOOLS ARE OVERSUBSCRIBED FOR THEIR DISCRETIONARY PLACES, IT IS NATURAL THAT SOME CHILDREN MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SECURE A PRIMARY 1 PLACE AT THIS STAGE.
PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN, TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO ONLY INTENDED TO TAKE PART IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION, WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER SOME TIME IN MARCH NEXT YEAR TO GO TO A DISTRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT FOR THEIR CHOICE OF SCHOOLS.
/’’THE EDUCATION.......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 15 -
"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL THEN ALLOCATE A PRIMARY 1 PLACE TO THEIR CHILDREN WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARENTAL CHOICES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DETAILED PROCEDURE OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
---------0-----------
SURVEY COMPLETED IN PHASE II STAGE 2 LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREA * * * t *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED THE PRE-OPERATIONAL SURVEY FOR LIVESTOCK FARMS IN PHASE II STAGE 2 CONTROL AREA UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
THE PHASE II STAGE 2 CONTROL AREA COVERS THE KAM TIN RIVER AREA.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE SURVEY SERVED TO FIND OUT THE NUMBER OF FARMS IN THE AREA AND ASSESS THE ELIGIBILITY OF FARMS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
OPERATORS OF ANY LIVESTOCK FARMS IN THE AREA THAT HAVE NOT BEEN SURVEYED SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 685 1111.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE STATUTORY DATE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME IN PHASE II STAGE 2 CONTROL AREA WAS DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED AFFECTED FARMERS IN PHASE II STAGE 2 CONTROL AREA WHO WISH TO CEASE BUSINESS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
APPLICATION LETTERS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO AFFECTED FARMERS.
THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME IS CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED PREVIOUSLY THAT NO ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IN THE KAM TIN RIVER AREA UNTIL THE REVIEW IS COMPLETED.
HOWEVER, ANY FARM OPERATORS WHO HAVE COLLECTED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND RESTART BUSINESS AFTERWARDS WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AND WILL BE PROSECUTED FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH THE CONTROL REGULATIONS.
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/16 .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 16 -
SECOND NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE EXERCISE COMPLETED ***** -
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE SECOND NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE EXERCISE, WHICH STARTED IN MID-1987, COMPLETED LAST SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
"AS A RESULT, ALL THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY CEASED TO PROVIDE SERVICES FROM YESTERDAY (MONDAY)," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"APPLICANTS FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS AT THESE OFFICES HAVE ALREADY BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DATE OF CARD COLLECTION AT SIX DESIGNATED REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES," HE ADDED.
THEY ARE:
* REGISTRATION OF PERSONS - HONG KONG OFFICE
EIGHTH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI
(FOR APPLICATIONS MADE AT THE HONG KONG NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE)
* IMMIGRATION KWUN TONG OFFICE
ROOM 54-60, SECOND FLOOR,
AMOY PLAZA, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD,
NGAU TAU KOK
(FOR APPLICATIONS MADE AT THE EAST KOWLOON NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE)
* REGISTRATION OF PERSONS - KOWLOON OFFICE
SECOND FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE
68 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI
(FOR APPLICATIONS MADE AT THE WEST KOWLOON NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE)
♦ REGISTRATION OF PERSONS - TSUEN WAN OFFICE
LEVEL 4, TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER, TSUEN WAN WATERFRONT, TSUEN WAN
(FOR APPLICATIONS MADE AT THE TSUEN WAN NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE)
* IMMIGRATION TAI PO OFFICE
THIRD FLOOR,
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO
(FOR APPLICATIONS MADE AT THE, SHA TIN NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE AND THE SHEUNG SHUI NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE)
/* IMMIGRATION YUEN ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
17
* IMMIGRATION YUEN LONG OFFICE
THIRD FLOOR,
YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
2 KIU LOK SQUARE,
YUEN LONG
(FOR APPLICATIONS MADE AT THE TUEN MUN NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICE)
THE OFFICE HOURS OF THESE OFFICES ARE FROM 9 AM TO 4.30 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 824 6111.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ISSUE OF NEW IDENTITY CARDS WAS TO TIE IN WITH THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
"THE RE-ISSUE SCHEME, WHICH COMMENCED ON JULY 1, 1987, WAS
TARGETTED AT THE WHOLE -ADULT POPULATION OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS JUVENILES BORN IN 1975 AND 1976.
"THESE PEOPLE WERE REQUIRED TO RENEW THEIR IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BETWEEN MARCH 28, 1983 AND JUNE 30, 1987, AND WERE CALLED
FORWARD DURING THE PAST FOUR AND A HALF YEARS IN 32 PHASES BY REFERENCE TO THEIR AGE AND SEX," HE ADDED.
A TOTAL OF 4.6 MILLION IDENTITY CARDS WAS REPLACED DURING THE EXERCISE.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
--------0 - -
SUSPECTED SYNDICATE SMASHED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS *****
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATORS HAVE SMASHED A SYNDICATE SUSPECTED TO BE ENGAGED IN PROVIDING FALSE CONTRACTS AND SPONSORS TO FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT VISAS IN HONG KONG.
THE INVESTIGATORS, AFTER TWO MONTHS’ SURVEILLANCE AND INVESTIGATIONS, SEARCHED TWO RESIDENTIAL FLATS IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT LAST WEEK AND ARRESTED THREE WOMEN AND A MAN.
TWO OF THE ARRESTED WOMEN WERE BELIEVED TO BE MEMBERS OF THE SUSPECTED SYNDICATE WHICH PROVIDED FALSE CONTRACTS AND SPONSORS TO FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING EMPLOYERS.
INSIDE THE PREMISES, INVESTIGATORS FOUND LARGE QUANTITIES OF FORGED COMPANY CHOPS (TOTAL 103), EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND VISA APPLICATIONS (ABOUT 1,000).
/TWO TYPEWRITERS .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 18 -
TWO TYPEWRITERS AND A PRINTING SET FOR FORGING EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND RELATED DOCUMENTS' WERE SEIZED.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE SYNDICATE HAD OPERATED FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, AND IT CHARGED $5,000 TO $10,000 FOR EACH APPLICATION. IT IS ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE SYNDICATE HAD PROCESSED AT LEAST 1,000 APPLICATIONS SINCE JULY LAST YEAR.
ANOTHER 13 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO ASSIST WITH THE INVESTIGATIONS WHICH ARE STILL CONTINUING.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY TO RELEASE DETAILS OF THE INVESTIGATIONS, MR TANG CHIU-SHING, HEAD OF THE INVESTIGATION DIVISION OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER WAS ONLY PERMITTED TO WORK FOR A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER UNDER A SPECIFIC EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.
"DOMESTIC HEI,PERS SHOULD NOT CARRY OUT NON-HOUSEHOLD WORK," HE STRESSED.
MR TANG REITERATED THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO FURNISH FALSE INFORMATION TO IMMIGRATION OFFICERS IN VISA APPLICATIONS.
"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND THE MAXIMUM FINE IS $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT UP TO 14 YEARS.
"ANY AIDER AND ABETTOR IS ALSO LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND PENALTY," MR TANG ADDED.
------0--------
38 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER ♦ * ♦ t *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 38 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN SEPTEMBER.
OF THESE, 17 WERE FOR HONG KONG, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 12 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 24 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/ COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, FOUR FOR COMMERCIAL AND SHOP/ OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS AND TWO FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 49 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 58,100.5 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 211,571.3 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $2,499 MILLION. USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 206,978.4 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 133,395 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
/ALSO DURING .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
- 19 -
ALSO DURING SEPTEMBER, THE OFFICE ISSUED 38 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 16 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 FOR KOWLOON AND 12 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 28 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 44 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 603 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,004 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 366 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 628 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED SEVEN EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
--------0----------
GOVT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE *******
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL SO AS TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR SUEN MADE THE REMARK DURING A VISIT TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT — THE SECOND STOP OF HIS FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME TO ALL 19 DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY HALLS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS WERE GOOD EXAMPLES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION.
AT WAH KWAI ESTATE, MR SUEN NOTED THAT THE FACILITIES THERE HAVE PROVIDED RESIDENTS WITH A FOCAL POINT FOR LOCAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.
THE SIX-STOREY HIGH WAH KWAI COMMUNITY CENTRE HAS A CENTRE THAT OFFERS YOUTH SERVICES AND STUDY ROOM FACILITIES, AND ANOTHER ONE WHICH PROVIDES LEISURE AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL- BE A NURSERY EARLY NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO MORE THAN 100 CHILDREN AGED FROM TWO TO SIX.
AT PRESENT, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OPERATES 35 COMMUNITY CENTRES AND 34 COMMUNITY HALLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
ON WAH KWAI ESTATE, MR SUEN LEARNT THAT THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT IS BEING BUILT IN THREE PHASES AND WILL EVENTUALLY HOUSE SOME 20,000 PEOPLE UPON FULL COMPLETION NEXT YEAR.
HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE NEW ESTATE WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NEARBY TIN WAN ESTATE BY TAKING IN MOST OF ITS TENANTS.
/DURING TODAY'S .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
20
DURING TODAY’S VISIT, WHICH ALSO COVERED ABERDEEN CENTRE, LEI TUNG ESTATE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S HEADQUARTERS, MR SUEN WAS ALSO UPDATED ON THE DISTRICT’S LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND PROBLEMS.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG SOCIAL DANCE OPEN COMPETITION
******
AMATEUR DANCERS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE FOURTH HONG KONG SOCIAL DANCE OPEN COMPETITION AT THE MIRAMAR HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8).
THE CONTEST IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO ARTS ASSOCIATION AS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ENTRIES CAN NOW BE
ROOM S14-15A, LAI FU HOUSE,
MADE AT THE ASSOCIATION’S LAI KOK ESTATE.
CLUBHOUSE AT
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 361 6282.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 3 DEC 91 3 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q149 Y197
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,40-2 MN HKD 800 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.11 PCT 5.01 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.15 PCT 5.05 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 40 PCT ABOUT 59 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.18 PCT 5.10 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1991
21
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 9 DECEMBER 1991 -
TENDER DATE 10 DEC 91 10 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q150 H179
ISSUE DATE 11 DEC 91 11 DEC 91
MATURITY DATE 11 MAR 92 10 JUN 92
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER 500 + 100 MN 200 + 60 MN
COUPON N.A. N.A.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 2.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 3.12.91 + 70
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -70
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.8 *-0.1* 3.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.08 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.36 5.58
1 MONTH 4.22 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.05 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.16 PCT
12 MONTHS 5.00 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 4,220 MN, BONDS 0 MN
CLOSED 3 DECEMBER 1991
_ _ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
CS ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL ..................................... 1
AG ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL...................................... 2
SCA ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL..................................... 5
THREE BILLS TO FACILITATE AUDITORS TO REPORT FRAUD INTRODUCED ... 8
PENSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TRANSFERRED TO HOSPITAL AUTHORITY .......................................•............. 10
STAMP DUTY BILL INTRODUCED ...................................... 10
BILL TO BRING PORNO VIDEOTAPES AND PUBLICATIONS UNDER SAME LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS .......................................... 12
FUNDING OF NEW AIRPORT EXPLAINED ................................ 14
VARIOUS MEASURES TO CONTROL MEDICAL GAS SUPPLY .................. 15
MARINE POLICE TRAINED ON PERSONAL SAFETY ........................ 16
10 MORE SECONDARY AND PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG ... 18
SCHOOLS ADVISED ON TEXTBOOKS SELECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS .. 18
WALLED CITY RESIDENTS MAY APPEAL AGAINST COMPENSATION OFFERS .... 19
LAW REFORM COMMISSION REVIEWING EIGHT TOPICS .................... 20
SHW ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES .................................. 21
FINAL CONSULTANCY REPORT ON KCRC TRAIN NOISE READY BY YEAR END .. 37
APPROVAL FOR POWER STATION'S CONSTRUCTION EXPLAINED ............. 37
MTR EXTENSION TO TSEUNG KWAN 0 TO BE CONSIDERED ................. 38
KWAI CHUNG POLLUTION NO CRISIS .................................. 39
"IWO-WEEK RULE' NOT CHALLENGED FOR CONTRAVENING BILL OF RIGHTS .. 41
ADEQUATE RESOURCES WILL BE PROVIDED TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER ... 42
MOTION ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL PASSED .......................... 49
COURT OF FINAL APPEAL SHOULD BE SET UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: CS .... 50
DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS CHESHIRE HOME .............................. 50
HONG KONG RELIES ON GATT DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM ............. 51
ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE STARTS .......................... 53
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ........................................ 54
FESTIVE LIGHTING IN MONG KOK ...................................... 55
TSUEN WAN ARTS FORTNIGHT .......................................... 56
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........ 57
4
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
1 -
CS ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL ♦ t t * *
FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, ON THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
IN A FEW MOMENTS MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE ON THIS MOTION. MANY COGENT AND DIFFERING ARGUMENTS HAVE BEEN PUT BY MEMBERS IN THE COURSE OF THIS DEBATE. IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THERE ARE STRONGLY HELD VIEWS ON BOTH SIDES. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT MEMBERS, HAVING LISTENED TO WHAT HAS BEEN SAID, WILL BE PREPARED TO CONSIDER THEIR POSITIONS IN THE LIGHT OF THOSE COMMENTS. THIS HAS BEEN A REAL DEBATE; IT WOULD BE VERY SAD IF ALL MEMBERS HAD COME INTO THIS CHAMBER AT 2.30 THIS AFTERNOON WITH CLOSED MINDS AND A FIRM DECISION AS TO HOW THEY WERE GOING TO VOTE.
I KNOW THAT SOME MEMBERS ARE CONCERNED THAT THEIR CREDIBILITY WOULD BE DAMAGED IN THE EYES OF THE PUBLIC, AND THE MEDIA, IF THEY WERE TO VOTE DIFFERENTLY TODAY FROM THE WAY THEY VOTED DURING THE INHOUSE MEETING SOME FIVE WEEKS AGO. BUT TIME AND EVENTS HAVE MOVED ON; A WEEK IS A LONG TIME IN POLITICS; THE FIVE WEEKS SINCE THE IN-HOUSE DISCUSSION IS A LIFETIME, AND I ASK MEMBERS TO CONSIDER TWO IMPORTANT POINTS.
FIRSTLY, THE SITUATION HAS BECOME MUCH CLEARER SINCE THAT FIRST IN-HOUSE VOTE WAS TAKEN. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS FORMALLY STATED THAT A RE-NEGOTIATION OF THE AGREEMENT IN THE JLG IS NOT POSSIBLE. CLEARLY, ANY THINKING PERSON WOULD ACCEPT THAT IT IS ENTIRELY REASONABLE FOR ANY MEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL TO TAKE THAT FACTOR INTO ACCOUNT IN CONSIDERING THE ISSUES TODAY. GOOD POLITICIANS KNOW THAT POLITICS IS THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE, AND I BELIEVE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD EXPECT US TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF WHAT IS ACHIEVABLE AND WHAT IS PRACTICABLE IN TRYING TO TAKE THIS MATTER FORWARD.
SECONDLY, I THINK THAT MANY MEMBERS ARE INCLINED TO VOTE FOR THE MOTION SINCE IT IS VERY SIMILAR TO THAT AGREED BY THE IN-HOUSE MEETING. "HOW CAN WE NOT VOTE FOR IT?", SOME PEOPLE SAY, "IT’S AS WHOLESOME AS MOTHERHOOD OR SLICED-BREAD." BUT TODAY, MR IP HAS SPELT OUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF VOTING FOR HIS MOTION. HE CERTAINLY DOES NOT INTEND TO OFFER MEMBERS A SOFT OPTION, WHAT HE IS SAYING IS THAT THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP MUST BE REOPENED TO ACHIEVE MORE FLEXIBILITY, AND IF THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE, HE BELIEVES MOST STRONGLY THAT IT IS BETTER NOT TO HAVE A COURT ESTABLISHED AHEAD OF 1997 THAN TO ACCEPT THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN AGREED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. SO MR IP IS COMMITTED TO AN ALL OR NOTHING APPROACH; MORE FLEXIBILITY OR NO COURT BEFORE 1997. AND THAT IS WHY HE HAS AMENDED HIS MOTION TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO THE SETTING UP OF A COURT BY 1993.
/LET ME .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
2
LET ME FINALLY TRY AND SUM-UP THE POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT VERY BRIEFLY. I BELIEVE THAT MEMBERS MUST ASK THEMSELVES WHETHER THEY WISH TO HAVE A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, ALBEIT NOT THE MOST IDEAL IN THEIR MINDS, WELL BEFORE 1997, WHICH IS GUARANTEED TO CARRY ON UNALTERED ACROSS 1997? OR ARE THEY PREPARED TO FACE THE PROSPECT OF UNCERTAINTY, OF DRIFTING TOWARDS 1997 WITH NO CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT WOULD BE PUT IN PLACE EVENTUALLY? ON AN ISSUE AS IMPORTANT AS THIS, SURELY WE SHOULD NOT LET THE BEST BECOME THE ENEMY OF THE GOOD. IN MAKING UP OUR MINDS WE SHOULD NOT LOSE SITE OF OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IN ESTABLISHING A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG AHEAD OF 1997. THIS IS TO INSTIL CERTAINTY, TO ALLOW TIME TO BUILD UP THE MEMBERSHIP AND THE REPUTATION OF THE COURT, AND TO REINFORCE THE MESSAGE TO THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY AND INVESTORS THAT HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE UNCHANGED AFTER 1997.
I HOPE MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY THE REAL ISSUES INVOLVED AND THE REAL OPTIONS WHEN THEY COME TO CAST THEIR VOTE. TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN WHAT IS DESIRABLE AND WHAT IS ACHIEVABLE IS NOT TO TAKE A SOFT OPTION; IT IS TO TAKE A HARD-HEADED AND MATURE JUDGMENT AS TO WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, I OPPOSE THE MOTION.
- - 0 - -
AG ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL *****
FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, ON THE MOTION DEBATE ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
THE MANY SPEECHES TODAY AND THIS EVENING ON THIS MOTION HAVE UNDERSCORED THE IMPORTANCE WHICH ALL OF US ATTACH TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL. MY COLLEAGUE, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HAS EXPLAINED IN CLEAR AND UNAMBIGUOUS TERMS THE CHOICES THAT LIE BEFORE US, AND I WOULD URGE MEMBERS MOST SERIOUSLY TO REFLECT CAREFULLY ON HIS WORDS BEFORE THEY CAST THEIR VOTES LATER THIS EVENING.
I WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND, MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, TO A NUMBER OF
THE LEGAL ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED IN THIS DEBATE.
FIRSTLY, LET ME EXPLAIN WHY I BELIEVE IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL SET UP NOW IN A DURABLE WAY TO ENSURE CONTINUITY PAST 1997. A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, AS HAS BEEN SAID REPEATEDLY THIS EVENING, DEALS WITH CASES OF THE GREATEST IMPORTANCE. THE COURT’S JUDGMENTS, BINDING ON ALL LOWER COURTS, ARE NOT SIMPLY LEGAL OPINIONS ON LEGAL ISSUES - THEY ARE THE LAW ITSELF. THOSE JUDGMENTS REPRESENT A BODY OF LAW - A JURISPRUDENCE - TO WHICH WE CAN TURN WITH CONFIDENCE AND CERTAINTY. IT IS, I BELIEVE, OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE THAT THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BE ESTABLISHED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF BUILDING UP A HONG KONG JURISPRUDENCE WITHIN THE COMMON LAW TRADITION. WERE THE COURT NOT TO BE SET UP UNTIL AFTER 1997, THEN WE WOULD HAVE LOST A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COURT TO ESTABLISH ITSELF, AND TO HAVE BEGUN ITS VITAL WORK.
/MUCH OF
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
3
MUCH OF THIS DEBATE HAS FOCUSED ON WHETHER OR NOT THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ACCORDS WITH OR IS IN BREACH OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE AGREEMENT IS ATTACKED AS BEING A SERIOUS EROSION OF JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE. MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, I WILL NOT WEARY THIS COUNCIL THIS EVENING BY REHEARSING THE CLASH OF LEGAL OPINIONS. ANNEX I, PARA III, SUB PARA 4 TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, A PROVISION MIRRORED EXACTLY BY ARTICLE 82 OF THE BASIC LAW, PROVIDES THAT THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION MAY, AND I QUOTE, "AS REQUIRED INVITE JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS TO SIT ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL". BUT THAT PROVISION DOES NOT SAY, - DOES NOT SAY - THAT THE COURT "MAY AS IT REQUIRES" INVITE OVERSEAS JUDGES; IT SAYS THE COURT "MAY AS REQUIRED" INVITE SUCH JUDGES. THIS IS CLEARLY AN OBJECTIVE TEST AND DOES NOT GIVE AN UNFETTERED DISCRETION TO THE COURT TO INVITE AS MANY VISITING JUDGES TO SIT ON IT AS IT WISHES.
IF THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL TO INVITE OTHER COMMON LAW JUDGES WERE UNLIMITED, IT WOULD MEAN THAT AFTER 1997 ALL THE JUDGES IN THAT COURT OF FINAL APPEAL COULD CONSIST OF JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS. IT SHOULD BE CLEAR TO MEMBERS THAT SUCH A SITUATION WOULD NOT BE TENABLE. THE DISCRETION OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WAS NEVER INTENDED TO BE AN UNLIMITED ONE. IT IS AN OBJECTIVE TEST AND IT IS ONE WHICH IT IS PROPER FOR THIS LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE FOR IN THE LEGISLATION CONSTITUTING THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL.
THERE IS ONE MORE IMPORTANT FACT THAT MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED. NOWHERE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, OR IN THE BASIC LAW, IS A MINIMUM NUMBER OF JUDGES, OR INDEED ANY NUMBER OF JUDGES, SPECIFIED. IT IS THEREFORE ENTIRELY PROPER AND INDEED NECESSARY FOR THESE DETAILS TO BE FILLED IN BY THIS COUNCIL BY MEANS OF AN ORDINANCE.
THE JOINT DECLARATION IS, AS WE ALL KNOW, AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY REGISTERED AT THE UNITED NATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 102 OF THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTER. INTERNATIONAL TREATIES ARE INTERPRETED NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESTRICTIVE PROVISIONS OF NATIONAL LAW BUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW AS CODIFIED IN THE VIENNA CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF TREATIES. MR MAN SAI CHEONG HAS VERY HELPFULLY ALREADi SPOKEN ABOUT ARTICLE 31 BUT FOR CONVENIENCE I WILL REMIND MEMBERS AGAIN WHAT THAT SAYS; ARTICLE 31 OF THE CONVENTION SETS OUT THE RULE THAT A TREATY SHALL BE INTERPRETED IN GOOD FAITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINARY MEANING TO BE GIVEN TO ITS TERMS IN THEIR CONTEXT AND IN THE LIGHT OF ITS OBJECT AND PURPOSE. THE SAME ARTICLE ALSO PROVIDES THAT THERE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, TOGETHER WITH THE CONTEXT, ANY SUBSEQUENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES REGARDING THE INTERPRETATION OF THE TREATY OR THE APPLICATION OF ITS PROVISIONS.
APPLYING THESE RULES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AGREEMENT ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IS, BELIEVE, CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.
IN SUMMARY, MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, ON THIS ISSUE, I TAKE ISSUE WITH THE VIEW THAT THE AGREEMENT CONTRAVENES THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE ORIGINAL INTERNATIONAL TREATY AND IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS PROVISIONS, WHEN THESE ARE PROPERLY INTERPRETED.
/SOME HERE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
4
SOME HERE TODAY, HAVE CAST DOUBT ON THE QUALITY OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BY NOTING THE NUMBER OF DECISIONS OF THE COURT OF APPEAL THAT HAVE BEEN REVERSED BY THE PRIVY COUNCIL. THERE IS THE IMPLICATION THAT THE JUDGES OF OUR COURT OF APPEAL WOULD NOT BE OF SUFFICIENT CALIBRE TO SIT IN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, I HAVE CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING THAT POINT. FIRSTLY, COURTS OF FINAL ADJUDICATION IN MANY PLACES ARE, ON THE WHOLE, MANNED BY JUDGES WHO HAVE REACHED THEIR POSITIONS BY WAY OF PROMOTION, USUALLY FROM A COURT OF APPEAL. MOST MEMBERS OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN LOWER COURTS, IN THE ENGLISH COURT OF APPEAL. SO THERE IS NOTHING NOVEL IN PROVIDING THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WITH A CORE OF JUDGES DRAWN FROM OUR OWN EXCELLENT COURT OF APPEAL. SECONDLY, IF THE DOUBTS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED THIS EVENING ARE INTENDED TO REFLECT ON THE QUALITY OF THE HONG KONG COURT OF APPEAL, THEN I MUST STATE, QUITE EMPHATICALLY, THAT I DON’T SHARE THEM.
THE FACT THAT SOME OF A COURT OF APPEAL’S JUDGMENTS ARE REVERSED AT A HIGHER LEVEL IS AN INESCAPABLE FEATURE OF A JUDICIAL SYSTEM WHERE THERE IS A HIERARCHY OF COURTS. IT IS INEVITABLE THAT SOME DECISIONS WILL BE REVERSED OR VARIED AT A HIGHER LEVEL. THE FACT THAT THIS OCCURS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO CRITICISE THE SYSTEM, OR THE COURTS, OR THE JUDGES, RATHER IT SHOULD BE USED AS AN INDICATOR THAT THE SYSTEM TO WHICH WE ALL ATTACH SO MUCH IMPORTANCE, AND RIGHTLY SO, IS WORKING PROPERLY. JUDICIAL REVERSAL AT A HIGHER LEVEL OCCURS IN ALL REPUTABLE JURISDICTIONS.
THE STATISTICS QUOTED TO THIS COUNCIL TODAY DO NO MORE THAN ILLUSTRATE WHAT I HAVE SAID.
WHILST I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD BE LED TOO FAR BY STATISTICS, THEY CERTAINLY CANNOT BE USED TO THE DETRIMENT OF HONG KONG’S COURT OF APPEAL.
MEMBERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN FIGURES FOR APPEALS FROM THE HONG KONG COURT OF APPEAL TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL, AND BY WAY OF COMPARISON, APPEALS FROM THE ENGLISH COURT OF APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS FOR THE FIVE YEARS BETWEEN 1986 AND 1990. AS MEMBERS WILL DOUBTLESS BE AWARE, APPEALS FROM THE ENGLISH COURT OF APPEAL LIE TO THE APPELLATE COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS, WHICH CONSISTS LARGELY OF THE SAME JUDGES WHO SIT IN THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL. WHEN THE PRIVY COUNCIL HEARS AN APPEAL FROM HONG KONG, WE ARE IN EFFECT HAVING OUR CASE DECIDED BY THE JUDGES OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
THE FIGURES SHOW THAT FOR BOTH COURTS OF APPEAL, HONG KONG AND ENGLAND, ABOUT 60% OF THEIR JUDGMENTS WERE UPHELD ON APPEAL. IN THE YEAR 1990, THE LAST COMPLETE YEAR FOR WHICH FIGURES ARE AVAILABLE, 45% OF THE JUDGMENTS OF THE COURT OF APPEAL IN ENGLAND AND WALES WERE REVERSED BY THE HOUSE OF LORDS, WHILE THE FIGURE FOR HONG KONG’S COURT OF APPEAL WAS ONLY 20%. AND PUT THE OTHER WAY AROUND, IN OTHER WORDS 78% OF THE JUDGMENTS OF OUR COURT OF APPEAL LAST YEAR WERE UPHELD BY THE PRIVY COUNCIL. SOMEHOW THAT TRACK RECORD IN RELATION TO HONG KONG IS USED TO SUGGEST SOME INFERIOR QUALITY. YET NO ONE CAN SERIOUSLY LEVEL THAT ACCUSATION AGAINST THE ENGLISH COURT OF APPEAL; AND REMEMBER THAT APPEALS FROM BOTH COURTS GO, ESSENTIALLY, TO THE SAME JUDGES.
/I BELIEVE......'. .
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
5
I BELIEVE THAT OUR COURT OF APPEAL HAS ESTABLISHED A FINE REPUTATION FOR QUALITY. IF SOME OF ITS JUDGES SIT ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, THEY WILL UNDOUBTEDLY ENHANCE ITS AUTHORITY AND REPUTATION.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS HAS SPOKEN OF A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF MEASURES INTENDED TO ESTABLISH THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL. THERE IS MUCH WORK TO DO AND MANY LEGAL ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED. SOME OF THOSE HAVE ALREADY BEEN MENTIONED BY THE SECRETARY. I EARNESTLY HOPE THAT WE CAN HAVE THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN WORKING TOGETHER IN THIS HISTORIC TASK.
IN CONCLUSION, MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, LET ME RE-STATE THAT THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IS NOT IN BREACH OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. I BELIEVE THAT THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES US WITH A WORKABLE AND DURABLE FRAMEWORK - A VIEW SHARED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, THE HEAD OF THE JUDICIARY - AND THAT IT GIVES US A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WELL BEFORE 1997, WITH ALL THE BENEFITS I HAVE DESCRIBED, WITH IN PARTICULAR THE GUARANTEE OF CONTINUITY IN OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, I OPPOSE THE MOTION.
--------0-----------
SCA ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL *****
FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS. MR MICHAEL SZE ON THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 1991:
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
I SHOULD FIRST LIKE TO SET OUT THE GOVERNMENT’S CASE FOR THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1997. I SHOULD THEN EXPLAIN THE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION TAKES INTO ACCOUNT IN OPPOSING THE MOTION MOVED BY MR SIMON IP.
LET ME BEGIN BY MAKING ONE THING CLEAR, THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY CONSULTED ON THE AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL. IT HAS SOMETIMES BEEN ALLEGED THAT SOMEHOW THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE REACHED THIS AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BEHIND OUR BACKS, THAT WE HAVE BEEN SOLD DOWN THE RIVER. THIS CANNOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. SPECIFICALLY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE JUDICIARY, WERE FULLY CONSULTED ON THE SO-CALLED ’’FOUR-ONE” COMPOSITION OF THE COURT. WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT SUCH A COMPOSITION, THOUGH NOT IDEAL, WAS WORKABLE AND CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. IT WAS CERTAINLY NOT SOMETHING IMPOSED ON US BY THE UK GOVERNMENT, LEAST OF ALL WITHOUT OUR CONSENT.
/I BELIEVE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
I BELIEVE IT IS NO SECRET THAT OUR STARTING POINT IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS WAS SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT FROM THE EVENTUALLY AGREED FORMULA. SO WHY DID WE THINK IT RIGHT TO SETTLE FOR THE TERMS WE DID?
IT IS BECAUSE WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE OVERALL INTEREST OF HONG KONG IS BEST SERVED BY ESTABLISHING, WELL BEFORE 1997, A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL CAPABLE OF CONTINUING UNALTERED BEYOND 1997. THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE JLG SECURED FOR US THE KEY OBJECTIVE OF PRESERVING THE CONTINUITY OF OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT THE VESTING OF THE POWER OF FINAL JUDGMENT IN THE COURTS OF A NON-SOVEREIGN TERRITORY IS TO SAY THE LEAST UNTRIED. THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW PROMISE THE VESTING OF THAT POWER IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER 1997, NOT BEFORE. BUT WE BELIEVE THAT IT WILL DO AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF GOOD TO THE CONFIDENCE OF THE COMMUNITY, AND IN PARTICULAR TO THE CONFIDENCE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, FOR SUCH A POWER TO BE EXERCISED SUCCESSFULLY, AND SEEN TO BE SO, BY A COURT IN HONG KONG BEFORE THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY TAKES PLACE. ESTABLISHING A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN GOOD TIME BEFORE 1997 WOULD ENABLE THAT COURT TO GAIN THE EXPERIENCE, AND BUILD UP ITS REPUTATION OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS. IT WILL ABOVE ALL BE HIGHLY IMPORTANT THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE A BREAK IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN 1997, EITHER BECAUSE THE POWER OF FINAL JUDGMENT IS THEN AND ONLY THEN EXERCISED BY A COURT IN HONG KONG, OR BECAUSE SUCH A COURT ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1 JULY 1997 HAS TO BE RECONSTITUTED ON THAT DATE. IN EITHER CASE, THERE WOULD BE NO CERTAINTY AS REGARDS ITS STRUCTURE, ITS PERSONNEL, ITS MODE OF OPERATION, AND NO MEANS OF SATISFYING ANYONE BEFOREHAND THAT SUCH A COURT WOULD OPERATE SUCCESSFULLY AND INDEPENDENTLY. THIS CANNOT BE IN THE INTEREST OF A SMOOTH TRANSITION.
THUS, IT IS FOR THE SAKE OF CERTAINTY AND CONTINUITY THAT SOME MODERATION OF OUR ASPIRATIONS FOR QUOTE GREATER FLEXIBILITY UNQUOTE BECOMES NECESSARY. TO THOSE WHO ACCUSE US OF KNUCKLING UNDER CHINESE PRESSURE, LET THEM REFLECT CAREFULLY ON THE PROSPECT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL OF UNKNOWN QUALITY, ESTABLISHED ONLY ON 1 JULY 1997. WILL THAT BE BETTER FOR HONG KONG? IT IS IN THE NATURE OF NEGOTIATIONS, AND I HAVE BEEN A NEGOTIATOR FOR SOME YEARS, THAT MORE OFTEN THAN NOT YOU WILL NOT ACHIEVE EVERYTHING THAT YOU DESIRE. WE MUST BE CLEAR IN OUR OWN MINDS WHAT IS OUR OVER-RIDING OBJECTIVE, AND ON WHAT ISSUE IT MAKES SENSE TO COMPROMISE. I BELIEVE THE AGREEMENT ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL STRUCK THE RIGHT BALANCE.
/THE SO .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
THE SO-CALLED ’’FOUR-ONE” COMPOSITION OF THE/CFA IS AN ENTIRELY WORKABLE FORMULA. IT WOULD IN NO WAY'PREJUDICE THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE COURT IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS "JUDICIAL POWERS. INDEED ANY SUGGESTION THAT JUDGES IN HONG KONG, SOME OF WHOM HAVE AND WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO COME FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS, ARE ANY LESS INDEPENDENT IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS THAN JUDGES ANYWHERE ELSE IS A TOTALLY UNSUPPORTABLE AND INVIDIOUS ASSERTION. FURTHERMORE, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE COMPROMISED ON ANY MATTER OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE. \lT IS VERY CLEAR TO US, EVEN AT THE START, THAT A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG COMPOSED OF A MAJORITY OF VISITING JUDGES WOULD NOT Bfe A VIABLE PROPOSITION. THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, WHICH IS A BINDING INTERNATIONAL TREATY, CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS GIVING THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL AN UNLIMITED POWER TO INVITE AS MANY VISITING JUDGES TO SIT ON IT AS IT WISHES. TO ARGUE OTHERWISE IS TO PUT A GLOSS ON THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH CANNOT BE SUPPORTED BY A PROPER INTERPRETATION OF THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CANONS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW. MY COLLEAGUE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL ELABORATE ON THIS POINT LATER. SO WE ARE REALLY DOWN TO A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TWO VISITING JUDGES AND ONE VISITING JUDGE. THAT CANNOT BE A MATTER OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE.
I NOW TURN TO THE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WE HAVE REGARD TO, AND WHICH I URGE MEMBERS TO BEAR IN MIND ALSO IN THIS DEBATE. THE WORDING OF MR. IP’S MOTION IS DECEPTIVELY MILD: IT EXPRESSES A DESIRE FOR THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL TO HAVE MORE FLEXIBILITY, AND SUCH FLEXIBILITY SHOULD BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
BUT LET US NOT FOOL OURSELVES. THE MOTION CALLS FOR A GREATER DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY WHEN IT IS EMINENTLY CLEAR THAT SUCH AN OBJECTIVE IS UNACHIEVABLE WITHOUT SACRIFICING THE EVEN GREATER, AND INDEED IN MY VIEW PARAMOUNT OBJECTIVE OF CONTINUITY AND CERTAINTY. WE HAVE NOT COME LIGHTLY TO THAT CONCLUSION. WE REACHED THAT VIEW AFTER THREE YEARS OF HARD-SLOGGING NEGOTIATION. THE MOTION IN EFFECT AMOUNTS TO A CALL FOR RE-NEGOTIATION OF THE AGREEMENT WHEN IT HAS BEEN MADE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR TO US BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, BOTH PRIVATELY AND PUBLICLY, FORMALLY AS WELL AS INFORMALLY, THAT SUCH A COURSE OF ACTION WILL NOT BE CONTEMPLATED. INDEED I HAVE JUST COME FROM A MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AT WHICH THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE MADE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT THERE WOULD BE NO QUESTION OF RENEGOTIATION. SO WE MUST FACE THE QUESTION SQUARELY : DO WE WISH TO HAVE AN AGREEMENT WHICH ENABLES US TO HAVE A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL CAPABLE OF CONTINUING UNALTERED BEYOND 1997? OR NO AGREEMENT, IN WHICH CASE MAXIMUM CONTINUITY OF AN JUDICIAL SYSTEM ACROSS 1997 CANNOT BE ACHIEVED?
I BELIEVE THAT IT IS RIGHT FOR US TO STAND FIRM ON MATTERS OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE. BUT THE ISSUE OF ’’MORE FLEXIBILITY" IS NOT AN ISSUE OF FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE. WOULD IT REALLY BE RIGHT TO SACRIFICE THE KEY OBJECTIVE OF MAXIMUM CONTINUITY OF OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM FOR SOMETHING WHICH IS MERELY DESIRABLE, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL? WOULD IT REALLY BE IN THE OVERALL INTEREST OF HONG KONG TO PUT AT RISK OUR EFFORTS IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO SEEK AGREEMENTS WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IN MANY OTHER AREAS WHICH ARE VITAL TO THE CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AND A SMOOTH TRANSITION? I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD LET THE BEST BE THE ENEMY OF THE GOOD.
/THE MOTION .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
8
THE MOTION ALSO FOCUSSES NARROWLY, AND TO MY MIND REGRETTABLY, ON THE NUMBER OF JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS WHO MAY BE INVITED TO SIT ON THE CFA. BUT THAT IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF MEASURES WHICH WE INTEND TO PROPOSE TO THIS COUNCIL. THESE MEASURES WILL INCLUDE PROVISIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE INDEPENDENCE AND INTEGRITY OF THE COURT, SO THAT JUDGES OF FINAL APPEAL WILL BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THEIR JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS FREE FROM EXECUTIVE INTERFERENCE. THEY WILL BE SET OUT VERY CLEARLY IN THE BILL PROVIDING FOR THE COURT WHICH WE ARE NOW DRAFTING. AS I HAVE MENTIONED IN AN EARLIER DEBATE IN THIS COUNCIL, WE WILL BE SHARING OUR IDEAS WITH MEMBERS, AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION. WHEN WE INTRODUCE THE BILL INTO THIS COUNCIL, THAT WOULD BE THE RIGHT MOMENT TO PASS YOUR JUDGMENT ON WHETHER OR NOT THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WE PROPOSE ARE SATISFACTORY.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, MANY MEMBERS WILL NO DOUBT SPEAK IN THIS DEBATE AND EXPRESS THEIR PREFERENCE FOR MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL. BUT I HOPE MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY WHAT THEY THINK IS RIGHT IN THE LIGHT OF THE REAL SITUATION. IT IS NOT JUST A QUESTION OF MORE, OR LESS FLEXIBILITY. MEMBERS SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHETHER IT IS RIGHT TO PUT AT RISK THE KEY OBJECTIVE, SECURED BY THE JLG AGREEMENT, OF SETTING UP A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WELL BEFORE 1997 WHICH IS GUARANTEED TO CONTINUE UNALTERED BEYOND THAT DATE. OR WHETHER MEMBERS ARE WILLING TO SUSPEND THEIR JUDGMENT FOR THE TIME BEING UNTIL THEY HAVE A CHANCE TO EXAMINE THOROUGHLY THE WHOLE PACKAGE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THAT COURT. I BELIEVE THE LATTER COURSE IS THE PRUDENT COURSE TO TAKE.
THANK YOU, MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT.
--------0-----------
THREE BILLS TO FACILITATE AUDITORS TO REPORT FRAUD INTRODUCED ******
THREE BILLS WHICH SEEK TO FACILITATE THE REPORTING OF FRAUD DETECTED BY AUDITORS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, THE COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 AND THE SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID AT PRESENT, UNDER THE SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCES, THE SCOPE OF THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR AUDITORS WAS VERY LIMITED AND DID NOT COVER, FOR INSTANCE, CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE FRAUD OR ILLEGAL DEALINGS HAD BEEN DETECTED.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVED THAT AUDITORS SHOULD BE ABLE TO REPORT TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) MATTERS OF MATERIAL CONCERN SO AS TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF INVESTORS AND PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE MARKETS.
/"IN RETURN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
9
"IN RETURN, AUDITORS SHOULD BE 1 AFFORDED STATUTORY PROTECTION AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE LIABILITY THEY MAY INCUR IN RESPECT OF BREACH OF DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY TO CLIENTS WHEN COMMUNICATING IN GOOD FAITH TO THE SFC," THE SECRETARY SAID.
"SIMILAR PROTECTION IS ALREADY AVAILABLE UNDER THE BANKING ORDINACE," HE ADDED.
GIVEN THAT A CHANGE OR PROSPECTIVE CHANGE OF AN AUDITOR MAY SIGNIFY POSSIBLE IRREGULARITIES IN THE OPERATION OF A DEALER’S AFFAIRS WHICH COULD GIVE RISE TO PRUDENTIAL CONCERNS, MR NENDICK ALSO PROPOSED THAT DEALERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE SFC OF ANY SUCH CHANGE.
FOR SIMILAR REASONS, THE SFC OUGHT ALSO BE INFORMED BY AUDITORS OF THEIR INTENTION TO RESIGN OR TO QUALIFY ACCOUNTS, HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES. COMMISSION ORDINANCE WOULD ALSO ENABLE SFC TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION RELATING TO AN AUDITOR TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READINGS OF THE OTHER TWO BILLS, MR NENDICK SAID THE PURPOSE OF THESE BILLS WAS ALSO TO REVOKE THE LICENCES OF DEALERS WHO HAD NEVER TRADED.
AS REGARDS THE QUESTION OF REVOKING THE LICENCES OF DEALERS WHO HAD NEVER TRADED, HE SAID UNDER EXISTING PROVISIONS, THE SFC COULD ROUTINELY SUSPEND OR REVOKE REGISTRATION ON GROUNDS OF CESSATION OF BUSINESS.
BUT BECAUSE OF THE WORDING OF THE EXISTING PROVISIONS, WHILE THE COMMISSION COULD REVOKE LICENCES OF DEALERS WHO HAD CEASED BUSINESS, IT WAS UNABLE TO REVOKE LICENCES OF DEALERS WHO HAD NEVER COMMENCED BUSINESS.
THE BILLS SOUGHT TO REDRESS THIS SHORTCOMING BY EXTENDING THE GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION TO COVER ANY INDIVIDUAL OR CORPORATION WHICH DID NOT CARRY ON THE BUSINESS FOR WHICH THEY WERE REGISTERED.
"THIS WILL MAKE IT IMMATERIAL WHETHER THE PERSON CONCERNED HAS CEASED TO CARRY ON BUSINESS OR HAS NEVER STARTED," MR NENDICK SAID.
DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
- - 0----------
/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 10 -
PENSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TRANSFERRED TO HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ******
A BILL WHICH PROVIDES FOR TWO PENSION ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL AND DEPARTMENTAL STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TRANSFERRED TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (HOSPITAL AUTHORITY) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID THE STAFF COULD HAVE THE CHOICE OF PRESERVING THEIR PENSION RIGHTS UNDER THE ’’MIXED SERVICE PENSION” ARRANGEMENT AFTER TRANSFERRING TO THE AUTHORITY.
’’THEIR TOTAL LENGTH OF SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PENSION CALCULATION WOULD BE THE SUM OF THEIR SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE AUTHORITY,” HE SAID.
ALTERNATIVELY, THEY CAN CHOOSE THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME OFFERED BY THE AUTHORITY AND HAVE THEIR PENSION EARNED DURING THEIR SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT FROZEN. THE PENSION WOULD BE PAYABLE WHEN? THEY RETIRE FROM THE AUTHORITY.
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TOOK OVER THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
TO COVER THOSE OFFICERS WHO TRANSFERRED TO THE AUTHORITY BEFORE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL ARE DEEMED TO HAVE COMB INTO OPERATION ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITS UNDER THE FROZEN PENSION ARRANGEMENT TO BB BASED ON THE LAST SUBSTANTIVE SALARY POINT, EXCEPT IN CIRCUMSTANCES OF RESIGNATION AND DEATH, AND FOR THE COUNTING OF SERVICE WITH THE AUTHORITY AS QUALIFYING SERVICE FOR PENSION PURPOSES.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0-------
STAMP DUTY BILL INTRODUCED
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO CURB SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET BY MAKING STAMP DUTY PAYABLE ON SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR YEUNG KAI-YIN, SAID WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS, VENDORS AND PURCHASERS WOULD BB REQUIRED TO PAY STAMP DUTY, ON AN AD VALOREM SLIDING SCALE, ON ALL SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS IN RESPECT OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
[This page is blank in the original document]
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
12
SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY AND PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE EFFECT OF SPECULATION ON INFLATION HAVE BEEN LARGELY CONFINED TO THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET. NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IS THEREFORE EXEMPTED FROM THE NEW PROVISIONS.
"BUT TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE ARE INDICATIONS OF SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY IN THE COMMERCIAL OFFICE SECTOR, WE WILL NEED TO KEEP THIS SITUATION UNDER REVIEW," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO CLOSE AN EXISTING TAX AVOIDANCE LOOPHOLE.
THE LOOPHOLE IS EXPLOITED WHERE A PERSON SETS UP A COMPANY, THE MAIN OR ONLY ASSET OF WHICH IS IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, AND THEN TRANSFERS PART OR ALL OF HIS INTEREST IN THAT PROPERTY BY SELLING HIS COMPANY’S SHARES.
THESE TRANSACTIONS NOW ATTRACT STAMP DUTY AT THE CONTRACT NOTE RATE, WHICH IS MUCH LOWER THAN THAT PAYABLE ON PROPERTY CONVEYANCE.
MR YEUNG SAID THE IMPOSITION OF STAMP DUTY ON AGREEMENTS FOR SALE AND PURCHASE MAY ENCOURAGE EVEN GREATER EXPLOITATION OF THIS LOOPHOLE.
TO DISCOURAGE THIS FORM OF TAX AVOIDANCE, HE SAID THE BILL WOULD FIX THE STAMP DUTY TO BE PAID ON THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF SUCH SHARES AT THE HIGHER CONVEYANCING RATE.
THIS MEANS THAT PARTIES USING THIS "LAND-HOLDING COMPANY" DEVICE WOULD BE LIABLE TO PAY $27.50 FOR EVERY $1,000 OF THE CONSIDERATION INVOLVED IN THE TRANSACTION, AS OPPOSED TO THE PRESENT CONTRACT NOTE LEVEL OF $5 PER THOUSAND.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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BILL TO BRING PORNO VIDEOTAPES AND PUBLICATIONS UNDER SAME LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS ******
A BILL TO PUT FILMS WHICH ARE INTENDED FOR SALE AND RENTING RATHER THAN SIMPLY FOR EXHIBITION UNDER THE SAME CONTROLS UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO PLUG AN EXISTING LOOPHOLE IN THE LAW WHERE FILMS WHICH HAD BEEN DEALT WITH UNDER THE FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 392, WERE NOT SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE, WHEN THEY WERE BEING DISTRIBUTED IN THE FORM OF VIDEOTAPES OR LASER DISCS.
/"AS A .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
13
"AS A RESULT OF THE LOOPHOLE, SOME FILMS WHICH HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE FILM CENSORSHIP AUTHORITY FOR EXHIBITION ONLY TO PERSONS OVER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS BECOME EASILY AVAILABLE TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE FORM OF VIDEOTAPES OR LASER DISCS," HE SAID.
"THIS DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION WHICH AIMS TO PROTECT YOUNG PEOPLE AGAINST THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF INDECENT ARTICLES WHILST STILL ALLOWING ADULTS THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN THEM."
MR SO SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT MEANT THAT IN FUTURE, A FILM BEING PUBLISHED IN THE FORM OF A VIDEOTAPE OR A LASER DISC, ONCE CLASSIFIED BY THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL AS INDECENT, COULD ONLY BE SOLD OR HIRED TO A PERSON OVER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS AND A WARNING NOTICE TO THAT EFFECT MUST BE DISPLAYED ON THE ARTICLE IN QUESTION.
"THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL MAY ALSO IMPOSE ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS REMOVING CERTAIN SCENES FROM THE FILM.
"A FILM CLASSIFIED AS OBSCENE WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PUBLICATION," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY ADDED THAT THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO AMEND THE WORDING OF THE WARNING NOTICE ON AN INDECENT ARTICLE TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE ARTICLE MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED, CIRCULATED, SOLD, HIRED, GIVEN, LENT, SHOWN, PLAYED OR PROJECTED TO A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE 400 CATEGORY III FILMS IN CIRCULATION IN THE FORM OF VIDEOTAPES OR LASER DISCS ON THE MARKET.
PUBLISHERS AND DISTRIBUTORS ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THESE TAPES OR DISCS TO THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL FOR CLASSIFICATION.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE AMENDMENT LEGISLATION WOULD COME INTO EFFECT THREE MONTHS AFTER ITS ENACTMENT TO GIVE THE TRIBUNAL SUFFICIENT TIME TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE WARNING NOTICE WILL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY UPON ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURED.
/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 14 -
i
FUNDING OF NEW AIRPORT EXPLAINED
*****
THE PART OF THE COST OF THE AIRPORT PROJECTS WHICH WILL BE FUNDED AS GOVERNMENT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WILL TAKE UP ONLY ABOUT ONE QUARTER OF THE TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN THE SIX YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FELICE LIEH-MAK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR MACLEOD SAID OVER HALF OF THIS AMOUNT WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO PROJECTS SUCH AS WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND ROUTE 3 WHICH WOULD HAVE TO BE IMPLEMENTED EVEN WITHOUT THE NEW AIRPORT.
REGARDING THE PERCEPTION THAT THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROPOSED CUTS IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE WHICH MIGHT DEPRIVE THE COMMUNITY OF ADEQUATE ESSENTIAL SERVICES, MR MACLEOD SAID THE REALITY WAS QUITE DIFFERENT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING OVERALL FOR REAL GROWTH IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, NOT ’’CUTS”.
’’THE PRIME CONSTRAINT ON HOW MUCH MORE CAN BE SPENT ON NEW SERVICES IS IN FACT THE RELATIVELY LOW ECONOMIC GROWTH WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING.
’’WHERE THE CONFUSION ARISES IS THAT, GIVEN BIDS FOR NEW SERVICES ALWAYS EXCEED AVAILABLE NEW MONEY, WE ARE REQUIRING DEPARTMENTS TO FIND MODEST SAVINGS IN WHAT THEY SPEND ON EXISTING SERVICES, SO THAT MORE CAN BE SPENT ON NEW SERVICES,” HE SAID.
’’WHILST THE COST OF THE AIRPORT PROJECTS IS SUBSTANTIAL, IT NEEDS TO BE KEPT IN PERSPECTIVE,” THE SECRETARY SAID.
’’MOREOVER, THE AIRPORT PROJECTS ARE A VITAL ENGINE OF FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH,” HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE ESTIMATED COSTS AND THE FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WERE GIVEN TO MEMBERS OF FINANCE COMMITTEE IN JULY THIS YEAR.
’’THESE PROJECT ESTIMATES TOTALLING $98.6 BILLION AT MARCH 1991 PRICES REMAIN OUR BEST ESTIMATES AT THIS STAGE,” HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT THE FUNDING SPLIT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS THE BEST ESTIMATE OF THE ATTAINABLE LEVEL OF PRIVATE SECTOR FUNDING.
"OUR GENERAL AIM HAS BEEN TO ATTRACT PRIVATE INVESTMENT WHEREVER THIS MAKES SENSE. USUALLY THIS MEANS THAT A PROJECT WOULD GENERATE A SUFFICIENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT,” HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THIS MEANT IN ESSENCE THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WOULD BE A BUILD, OPERATE AND TRANSFER FRANCHISE ARRANGEMENT.
/THE AIRPORT........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
15
THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY STATUTORY CORPORATIONS, WILL BE FUNDED PARTLY WITH GOVERNMENT EQUITY AND PARTLY WITH FUNDS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID.
"THE AMOUNTS OF GOVERNMENT EQUITY REQUIRED FOR THE AIRPORT WILL BE REFINED ONCE THE AIRPORT FINANCIAL ADVISOR’S RECOMMENDATION AND THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY’S BUSINESS PLAN ARE FINALISED.
"THE FUNDING ARRANGEMENT FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IS STILL UNDER DISCUSSION WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION,” HE SAID.
THE REMAINING ACP PROJECTS WILL BE TREATED IN THE SAME WAY AS OTHER PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS. THEY WILL BE FUNDED BY WAY OF GOVERNMENT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
HOWEVER, IT IS INTENDED AT SOME LATER STAGE TO WHOLLY OR PARTLY PRIVATISE THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING THROUGH THE AWARD OF AN OPERATING FRANCHISE, HE SAID.
MUCH WILL HAVE HAPPENED BY AROUND MARCH NEXT YEAR - A VIEW TAKEN ON THE AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECT; THE PAA’S AIRPORT MASTER PLAN, THe" AIRPORT FINANCIAL ADVISOR’S RECOMMENDED FUNDING STRATEGY AND THE PAA’S OWN BUSINESS PLAN WILL HAVE BEEN STUDIED; TENDERS FOR SOME MAJOR ACP CONTRACTS WILL HAVE BEEN RECEIVED; AND DESIGN FOR OTHER PROJECTS WILL HAVE FURTHER PROGRESSED, HE SAID.
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VARIOUS MEASURES TO CONTROL MEDICAL GAS SUPPLY * * » » »
VARIOUS MEASURES HAVE BEEN IN PLACE TO CONTROL THE MANUFACTURE, STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF GAS INTENDED FOR MEDICAL USE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AS A RESULT OF THE INCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN 1989 AND 1990 AT THE CANOSSA HOSPITAL AND CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE RESPECTIVELY, MR ASPREY SAID WORKING PARTIES WERE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENTS AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON IMPROVEMENTS AIMED AT PREVENTING SIMILAR INCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING IN FUTURE.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG, MR ASPREY SAID THE REPORT OF THE FIRST WORKING PARTY HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE PUBLIC.
"THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL TOMORROW MAKE PUBLIC THE REPORT OF THE SECOND WORKING PARTY.
"THE FIRST REPORT CONTAINED 12 RECOMMENDATIONS, AND THE
SECOND A FURTHER 15," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT NEARLY ALL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS, RELATING TO IMPROVED WORKING PRACTICES, SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES AND TRAINING, HAD ALREADY BEEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE HONG KONG OXYGEN AND ACETYLENE COMPANY.
/"THE REMAINDER .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 16 -
"THE REMAINDER ARE IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION, AND SHOULD BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR," HE ADDED.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS DECIDED TO COMMISSION A CONSULTANT WHO WILL START IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS A TWO-MONTH STUDY ON OTHER SAFETY AND QUALITY MEASURES, REQUIRING EXPERTISE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY SAID.
IN ORDER TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE VARIOUS MEASURES RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORTS, HE SAID THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD SINCE LAST YEAR HAD AN INSPECTION TEAM BASED AT THE HONG KONG OXYGEN PRODUCTION PLANT.
HE ADDED THAT SPOT CHECKS WERE MADE ON THE DISTRIBUTION, DELIVERY AND STORAGE OF MEDICAL GASES.
IN ADDITION, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS IMPOSED ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS IN THE LICENCE GRANTED TO HONG KONG OXYGEN UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE.
AS REGARDS WHETHER SUCH MEASURES WERE BASED UPON INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS, MR ASPREY EXPLAINED THAT THE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES SO FAR INTRODUCED HAD BEEN BASED ON ACCEPTED INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SUCH AS THE BRITISH STANDARDS AND GUIDE TO GOOD PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING PRACTICE FOR MEDICAL GASES.
"ONE OF THE TASKS OF OUR CONSULTANTS WILL BE TO ADVISE ON WHETHER AND IF SO HOW OUR STANDARDS CAN AND SHOULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED," THE SECRETARY SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE HONG KONG OXYGEN IS THE ONLY COMPANY LICENSED TO SUPPLY MEDICAL GAS TO HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, OTHER GAS SUPPLIERS MAY ALSO APPLY FOR LICENCES TO MANUFACTURE, STORE AND TRANSPORT MEDICAL GASES UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE AND TO SUPPLY SUCH GASES TO HOSPITALS, SUBJECT TO THEIR COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIRED STANDARDS, MR ASPREY SAID.
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MARINE POLICE TRAINED ON PERSONAL SAFETY * « * * »
THE MARINE POLICE HAVE COMPREHENSIVE ORDERS ON HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS WHEN THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY IS THREATENED THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG YING-YEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID ALL POLICE OFFICERS WERE TRAINED IN THE USE OF FORCE WHERE PERSONAL SAFETY WAS THREATENED.
"OPERATIONAL COMMANDERS ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL DANGERS POSED AND TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE RISKS ARE MINIMISED," HE SAID.
/AS REGARDS .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
17
AS REGARDS A RECENT INCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 19, MR ASPREY SAID THREE POLICE VESSELS AND A NUMBER OF POLICE ON LAND WERE INVOLVED IN AN ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATION AT THE ASH LAGOON AT NIM WAN IN DEEP BAY.
AT ABOUT 10.30 PM A WOODEN VESSEL WAS SEEN TO LEAVE THE ASH LAGOON. WHEN THE POLICE WENT TO INTERCEPT IT, A SAMPAN INTERPOSED ITSELF BETWEEN THE POLICE VESSELS AND THE WOODEN VESSEL.
ALL THREE CREW ON THE SAMPAN WERE WEARING GREEN UNIFORM, TWO WITH GOLD STRIPES ON THE SLEEVES. ONE POINTED A TYPE 56 RIFLE AT THE POLICE. ANOTHER POINTED A PISTOL.
THE POLICE OBSERVED THAT ONE OF THE TWO CREW ON THE WOODEN VESSEL WAS ALSO A MAN IN UNIFORM CARRYING A TYPE 56 RIFLE.
THE SAMPAN AND THE WOODEN VESSEL HEADED IN THE DIRECTION OF SHEKOU. THE POLICE FOLLOWED. AT THIS POINT A WHITE SPEEDBOAT WITH A RED STRIPE APPEARED. IT HAD FOUR CREW, ALL IN UNIFORM, THREE CARRYING TYPE 56 RIFLES WHICH THEY POINTED AT THE POLICE.
THE THREE BOATS THEN PASSED INTO CHINESE WATERS AND WERE SEEN TO DOCK AT THE SHEKOU HYDROFOIL PIER AT ABOUT 10.40 PM.
MR ASPREY SAID THIS INCIDENT HAD BEEN RAISED WITH BOTH THE NCNA AND THE GUANGDONG FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU, AND ALSO WITH THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS THROUGH THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING.
"WE HAVE EXPRESSED OUR CONCERN THAT PEOPLE WHO APPEARED TO BE CHINESE SECURITY PERSONNEL HAD BEEN OPERATING WELL INSIDE HONG KONG WATERS.
"THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE NOT YET REPLIED, AND WE AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF THEIR INVESTIGATIONS," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE PROBLEM OF INCURSIONS BY ARMED INTRUDERS WAS NOT NEW TO THE MARINE POLICE, MR ASPREY SAID THEY WERE EXPERIENCED IN HANDLING SUCH INCIDENTS.
THE ROYAL NAVY CONDUCTS REGULAR PATROLS OF THE 50 MILE SQUARE BOUNDARY TO DEMONSTRATE SOVEREIGNTY AND TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES.
MR ASPREY SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT INCURSIONS WOULD NOT TAKE PLACE IN FUTURE.
"BUT WE HAVE MADE CONCERNS KNOWN VERY CLEARLY TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
"THE CHINESE HAVE ASSURED US THAT THEY DO NOT SEEK TO EXERCISE JURISDICTION IN HONG KONG WATERS AND THAT THEY ARE FIRMLY OPPOSED TO ALL SMUGGLING ACTIVITY," HE SAID.
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/IB .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 18
10 MORE SECONDARY AND PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG ♦ * * * * »
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD NINE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ONE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN YUEN LONG IN THE NEXT DECADE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE SCHOOLS, ALMOST ALL IN TIN SHUI WAI, ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE 11,600 SCHOOL PLACES.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEPHEN NG MING-YUM, MR CHAN SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE THE ESTIMATED DEMAND FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT DECADE ’’SINCE DEMAND FIGURES ARE CALCULATED FOR THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE AND NOT FOR INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS".
HE SAID THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME WAS CLOSELY MONITORED TO ENSURE THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOOL PLACES IN THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE WAS ADEQUATE TO MEET THE DEMAND OF ALL DISTRICTS AT ALL TIMES.
"EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO MINIMISE DISTRICT IMBALANCES BY SITING NEW SCHOOLS IN AREAS WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED OR BY ADJUSTING THE SCHOOL NETS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.
"HOWEVER, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE A COMPLETE BALANCE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN EACH INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT DUE TO FREQUENT DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES," MR CHAN SAID.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE FOUR GOVERNMENT AND 13 AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN YUEN LONG.
IN SPITE OF THE APPARENT OVER-SUPPLY OF PLACES AT SECONDARY 1 LEVEL, ALL OF THESE SCHOOLS HAVE OR WILL HAVE FLOATING CLASSES WHICH HELP TO MAKE UP FOR THE SHORTFALL OF PLACES IN TUEN MUN.
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SCHOOLS ADVISED ON TEXTBOOKS SELECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS *****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAS ACCEPTED A PACKAGE OF RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) ON HOW SCHOOLS SELECT TEXTBOOKS AND ACCEPT DONATIONS FROM PUBLISHERS.
SCHOOLS WILL BE ADVISED OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN A CIRCULAR TO BE ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
19
HE SAID THAT ON THE ADVICE OF THE ICAC, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ISSUE GUIDELINES TO SCHOOLS, WHICH SHOULD BE PROMULGATED TO ALL TEACHERS AS WELL, TO FORMALISE THE TEXTBOOKS SELECTION PROCEDURES THAT INVOLVE SUBJECT TEACHERS.
’’SPONSORING BODIES WOULD BE ADVISED TO DISCONTINUE THE PRACTICE OF USING THE SAME SET OF TEXTBOOKS FOR ALL THEIR SCHOOLS.
’’INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS SHOULD ADOPT FORMAL PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING TEXTBOOKS WHICH BEST SUIT THEIR PUPILS* INTERESTS, WITH THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES ASSUMING A MONITORING ROLE,” MR CHAN SAID.
ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS, SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES SHOULD DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT SUCH DONATIONS RATHER THAN DELEGATE THAT AUTHORITY TO THE SCHOOL HEAD.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE STEPS TO ENFORCE THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE CODES OF AID FOR SCHOOLS TO REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT DONATIONS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO LAY DOWN IN WRITING THEIR ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY, SETTING OUT THE TYPES OF ADVANTAGES AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH STAFF MAY OR MAY NOT ACCEPT THEM.
- - 0 - -
WALLED CITY RESIDENTS MAY APPEAL AGAINST COMPENSATION OFFERS ******
RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE PHASE I BUT HAVE NOT ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OR REHOUSING OFFERS, HAVE BEEN URGED TO SUBMIT APPEALS TO THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD BY JANUARY 28 NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ERIC LI, MR SUEN STRESSED THAT ALL WALLED CITY RESIDENTS HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE BOARD AND THEY WERE AWARE THAT THEY COULD MAKE AN APPLICATION TO THE BOARD IF THEY WISHED.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY IN FUTURE, THROUGH DIRECT CONTACT AND THE MEDIA, TO REMIND WALLED CITY RESIDENTS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF. THE APPEAL AVENUE.
THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD, HE SAID, WAS SET UP BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CLEARANCE OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY IN 1987 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE BODY TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO COMPENSATION OFFERS.
THE BOARD MAY BE CONVENED AT THE REQUEST OF EITHER THE GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT/SPECIAL DUTIES OR A KOWLOON WALLED CITY RESIDENT, HAVING REGARD TO THE RULES OF ASSESSMENT.
/MR SUEN .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
20
MR SUEN SAID THE BOARD HAD THE RIGHT TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE OFFER MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT LAND; AGENT/SPECIAL DUTIES TO THE RESIDENT WAS FAIR.
"SHOULD THE BOARD CONSIDER THE OFFER NOT FAIR, IT WILL DETERMINE THE AMOUNT THAT IT REGARDS AS FAIR AND GIVE REASONS FOR THAT DECISION," HE SAID.
ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE REVIEW BOARD, MR SUEN SAID IT COMPRISED A NON-OFFICIAL CHAIRMAN WHO WAS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND AT LEAST TWO MEMBERS DRAWN FROM A LIST OF 33 PEOPLE NOMINATED BY PROFESSIONAL BODIES - THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS (HONG KONG BRANCH) AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS.
ON OTHER POINTS RAISED BY MR LI, MR SUEN SAID THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD WAS WIDELY PUBLICISED THROUGH THE MEDIA SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1987.
ADDITIONALLY, ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE WERE SET OUT IN A SPECIAL PAMPHLET ON COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS DISTRIBUTED TO WALLED CITY RESIDENTS.
SINCE IT CAME INTO OPERATION, THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD DEALT WITH ONE CASE OF APPEAL AGAINST THE ADEQUACY OF GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION OFFER AT THE REQUEST OF A WALLED CITY RESIDENT, MR SUEN SAID, ADDING THAT THE BOARD HAD DECIDED THAT THE COMPENSATION OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT WAS REASONABLE.
MR SUEN ADDED THAT TWO APPEAL CASES HAD RECENTLY BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD BY RESIDENTS AND THAT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE BOARD TO MEET TO CONSIDER THESE APPEALS WERE BEING FINALISED.
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LAW REFORM COMMISSION REVIEWING EIGHT TOPICS
*****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS COMPLETED THE REVIEW OF 11 TOPICS SINCE 1986 AND IS CURRENTLY REVIEWING EIGHT TOPICS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU, MR MATHEWS SAID THE REVIEW OF TWO FURTHER TOPICS WHICH HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE COMMISSION WOULD RECEIVE ATTENTION AS SOON AS MANPOWER RESOURCES PERMITTED.
HE SAID THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME OF THREE YEARS EIGHT MONTHS TAKEN TO COMPLETE THE REVIEW OF A TOPIC. WAS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE.
/THE ATTORNEY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 21 -
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THE COMMISSION, WITH THE AIM OF PRODUCING REPORTS IN A SHORTER TIME, HAD RECENTLY INITIATED A "FAST TRACK" PROCEDURE FOR SHORTER AND LESS COMPLEX TOPICS WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE THE ASSISTANCE OF AN EXPERT SUB-COMMITTEE.
"IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THIS NEW PROCEDURE WILL FURTHER ENHANCE THE COMMISSION’S AVERAGE REVIEW TIME," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
SHW ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES *****
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LI WAH-MING ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THE PAST TEN YEARS WAS GUIDED BY THE 1979 WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1980S WHICH SET OUT BROAD PRINCIPLES AND PRIORITIES.
2. ANNUAL PROVISION TARGETS DURING THE PAST TEN YEARS WERE SET OUT IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLANS WHICH DEALT WITH SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES OF DEVELOPMENT.
3. THE 1979 WHITE PAPER MADE CERTAIN FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1981/82 TO 1986/87. HOWEVER, MEANINGFUL COMPARISON OF ACTUAL DEVELOPMENTS AGAINST THESE FIGURES IS NOT POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE CONSIDERABLE CHANGES IN THE NATURE, SCOPE AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES DURING THESE YEARS. CONSEQUENTLY, ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE LAST DECADE COULD ONLY BE MEASURED BY A COMPARISON OF ACTUAL EXPENDITURE FOR 1981/82 WITH THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR 1991/92.
4. THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES FOR EACH BROAD SERVICE AREA, THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED DURING THE PERIOD FROM 1981/82 TO 1991/92 IN TERMS OF PLACES/CLIENTS/CENTRES AND THE RELEVANT FINANCIAL COMPARISONS ARE SET OUT IN THE PARAGRAPHS BELOW. THE MAIN SERVICE AREAS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE :
(A) FAMILY AND CHILD CARE SERVICES;
(B) PROBATION AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES;
(C) SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH;
(D) SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY;
(E) SOCIAL SECURITY; AND
(F) SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED.
/FAMILY AND .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
22
FAMILY AND CHILD CARE SERVICES
5. THE POLICY COMMITMENTS FOR FAMILY AND CHILD CARE SERVICES AS
SET OUT IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER WERE
(A) TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME;
(B) TO FORMULATE POLICY GUIDELINES ON HOME HELP;
(C) TO REVIEW THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE (CAP 243) AND REGULATIONS;
(D) TO REVIEW THE OVERALL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS;
(E) TO REVIEW THE ADEQUACY OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN; AND
(F) TO REVIEW THE PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTION CASES.
6. THE PROGRESS MADE DURING THE PERIOD IS SUMMARIZED BELOW:
(A) FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION
THE NUMBER OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION OFFICERS HAVE INCREASED FROM 17 IN 1981 TO 59 IN 1991.
(B) HOME HELP SERVICE
IN 1982, A UNIFIED HOME HELP POLICY WAS INTRODUCED, WHICH INCLUDED SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE DISABLED, AND SOCIAL NEED CASES. IN ORDER TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION OF SERVICE, HOME HELPERS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED TO DISTRICTS AND OPERATED ON A TEAM BASIS SINCE 1983. THE NUMBER OF HOME HELP TEAMS HAVE INCREASED FROM 23 IN 1983 TO 60 IN 1991. FOLLOWING A REVIEW IN 1988, A FLEXIBLE CASELOAD OF 60-70 CASES FOR EACH HOME HELP TEAM WAS INTRODUCED IN 1990. HOME HELP SERVICE DURING HOLIDAYS AND A FAMILY AIDE SERVICE WERE IMPLEMENTED IN 1991. A DEMAND STUDY WAS COMPLETED IN 1989.
(C) CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS
A NUMBER OF REVIEWS OF THE LEGISLATION WERE MADE. THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS WERE AMENDED IN 1980, 1982, 1983 AND 1986 RESPECTIVELY TO ESTABLISH IMPROVED STANDARDS IN RESPECT OF STAFF TO CHILDREN RATIOS, SPACE REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF CHILD CARE STAFF. ANOTHER MAJOR REVIEW OF THE ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS. AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED TO CONTROL CHILD- MINDERS, AND TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF PENALTIES AS A DETERRENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
/(D) CHILD ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
23
(D) CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS
A WORKING PARTY WAS FORMED TO STUDY PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES. A WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES WAS PUBLISHED IN JULY 1981. FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WHITE PAPER, A FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1982 FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WHO HAVE A SOCIAL NEED TO PLACE THEIR CHILDREN IN DAY NURSERIES FOR WHOLE-DAY CARE. AN ASSESSMENT OF THE DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE AND KINDERGARTEN SERVICES WAS MADE. A WORKING PARTY ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION HAS BEEN FORMED AND WILL ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON THE PRACTICABILITY OF UNIFYING ALL PREPRIMARY SERVICES.
(E) RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN
REVIEWS ON THE ADEQUACY OF RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WERE CARRIED IN THE PAST TEN YEARS BY THREE WORKING GROUPS. THE PRINCIPLES OF RESIDENTIAL CARE, STAFFING STANDARDS FOR VARIOUS RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES AND THE EXPANSION OF NON-INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES IN THE FORM OF SMALL GROUP HOMES AND FOSTER CARE WERE CONFIRMED. THE RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE SERVICES DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, WHICH WAS RECONVENED IN JULY 1991, WILL REVIEW SERVICE PROVISION AND RECOMMEND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE.
(F) ADOPTION
A REVIEW OF THE ADOPTION SERVICE WAS CARRIED OUT, AND SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE. IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED AMENDMENTS TO THE ADOPTION ORDINANCE (CAP 290), THE STREAMLINING OF ADOPTION PROCEDURES, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MONITORING SYSTEM, THE CENTRALIZATION OF PREADOPTION SERVICES, INCREASED PUBLICITY AND THE ARRANGEMENT OF FOSTER CARE PLACEMENTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN AWAITING OVERSEAS ADOPTION. THESE MEASURES HAVE ENHANCED THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED AND REDUCED PROCESSING TIME SIGNIFICANTLY.
7. A COMPARISON OF THE PROVISIONS IN THIS SERVICE AREA BETWEEN 1981/82 AND 1991/92 IS AS FOLLOWS :
1981/82 1991/92
PROGRAMME UNIT PROVISION PROVISION INCREASE
FAMILY AND CHILD CARE
I. FAMILY SERVICES
1. CASEWORKERS SOCIAL 251 428
WORKER
/2. FAMILY
24
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
2. FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS SOCIAL WORKER 19 59 42
3. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS CLINICAL 7 PSYCHOLOGIST (1984/85 FIGURE) 13 6
4. HOME HELP TEAMS WORKER 30 512 482
5. FAMILY AIDE SERVICES WORKER 0 4 4
6. TEMPORARY SHELTER/URBAN HOSTELS/DAY RELIEF FACILITIES FOR STREET SLEEPERS CENTRE 0 2 2
7. MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK UNITS UNIT *86 105 * THIS IS THE FIGURE FOR 1983/84, THE YEAR IN WHICH UNITS WERE TAKEN OVER BY SWD. 19
XI. DAY CARE SERVICES
1. AIDED DAY NURSERY PLACES PLACE 10093 21249 11156
2. DAY CRECHE PLACES PLACE 913 1000 83
III. RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES
1. FOSTER CARE PLACE 70 240 170
2. SMALL GROUP HOMES HOME 3 17 14
3. CHILDREN HOMES, PLACE HOMES/HOSTELS FOR BOYS/GIRLS AND HALF-WAY HOUSES 1516 1608 92
FINANCIAL PROVISION $123M $571M $448M
(+364%)
/PROBATION AND .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
25
PROBATION AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
8. THE POLICY COMMITMENTS FOR PROBATION AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AS SET OUT IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER WERE :
(A) TO STRENGTHEN THE PROBATION SERVICE;
(B) TO ESTABLISH MORE INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES; AND
(C) TO EXPAND AFTERCARE SERVICE, THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS, AND PROBATION REPORTING CENTRES.
9. THE FOLLOWING MEASURES HAVE BEEN MADE TO IMPROVE PROBATION AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES :
(A) PROBATION SERVICE
(I) A NEW COMMUNITY-BASED PROBATION SERVICE, THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER SCHEME, WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1987. THE SCHEME HAS PROVED TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE.
(II) THE PROBATION SERVICE WAS STRENGTHENED WITH 20 ADDITIONAL PROBATION OFFICERS.
(Ill) SERVICES FOR THE COURTS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HIGH COURT PROBATION OFFICE, WITH AN IMPROVED MANNING SCALE.
(IV) TWO NEW PROBATION OFFICES WERE ESTABLISHED AT SHATIN AND TUEN MUN. EIGHT OF THE 11 PROBATION OFFICES ARE NOW LOCATED AT DISTRICT/REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES OR MULTI-SERVICE PREMISES, WHICH PROVIDE A STIGMA-FREE ENVIRONMENT. ONE REPORTING CENTRE AND 11 SUB-OFFICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR EASY ACCESS BY CLIENTS.
(V) THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS WAS EXTENDED TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS.
(B) INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES
(I) THREE NEW HOMES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AFTER A STUDY OF THE USE OF THE INSTITUTIONS BY AN OVERSEAS CONSULTANT IN 1981 .
(II) THE RESIDENTIAL TRAINING PROGRAMME WAS IMPROVED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF QUALIFIED TEACHERS INTO THE HOMES TO STRENGTHEN THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
(Ill) AFTERCARE SERVICE HAS BEEN STREAMLINED FOR DISCHARGEES OF REFORMATORY SCHOOLS. FOR EX- PRISONERS, TWO HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS (ONE NEWLY ESTABLISHED AND ONE CONVERTED FROM AN EXISTING HOSTEL) WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE 1980S. THE MANNING SCALE FOR COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR EX-PRISONERS WAS IMPROVED IN THE 1980S BRINGING THE CASELOAD PER WORKER TO 1:90.
/(IV) TO ENSURE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
26
(IV) TO ENSURE THAT THE MOST APPROPRIATE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME COULD BE PROVIDED TO YOUNG OFFENDERS, A YOUNG OFFENDER ASSESSMENT PANEL-WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1987 JOINTLY
BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SENTENCING. 10. A COMPARISON OF THE PROVISIO 1981/82 AND 1991/92 IS AS FOLLOWS : DEPARTMENT TO ADVISE NS IN THIS 1981/82 PROVISION AND THE CORRECTIONAL MAGISTRATES BEFORE SERVICE AREA BETWEEN
PROGRAMME UNIT 1991/92 PROVISION INCREASE
OFFENDERS
1. PROBATION OFFICERS SOCIAL WORKERS 80 100 20
2. RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR JUVENILE DELINQUENTS HOMES 5 8 3
3. AFTERCARE SERVICES FOR EX-PRISONERS SOCIAL WORKERS 19 23 4
4. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OFFENDERS HOSTELS/ HALF-WAY HOUSES 12 15 3
FINANCIAL PROVISION $26M $108M $82M + 315%
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
11. THE POLICY COMMITMENTS FOR SERVICES FOR SET OUT IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER WERE : CHILDREN AND YOUTH AS
(A) TO PROVIDE CENTRES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE RATE OF 11 CHILDREN CENTRES AND 11 YOUTH CENTRES EACH YEAR;
(B) TO EXPAND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK TO COVER ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS; AND
(C) TO EXPAND OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TO HELP YOUTHS AT RISK.
12. THESE COMMITMENTS HAVE ON THE WHOLE BEEN ACHIEVED. A COMPARISON OF THE PROVISIONS IN THIS SERVICE AREA BETWEEN 1981/82 TO 1991/92 IS AS FOLLOWS :
/PROGRAMME .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
27
PROGRAMME UNIT 1981/82 PROVISION 1991/92 PROVISION INCREASE
SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
SINGLE AND COMBINED CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES CENTRE 247 416 169
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SOCIAL WORKER 120 150 30
OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAM 20 24 4
FINANCIAL PROVISION $26M $422M $396M (+1523%)
SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
13. THE POLICY COMMITMENTS FOR ELDERLY SERVICES AS SET OUT IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER WERE :
(A) TO PROVIDE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PERSONS TO ENABLE THEM TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE; AND
(B) TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY, TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE SUITED TO THEIR VARYING NEEDS.
14. THE SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPANSION IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES WERE :
(A) TO PROVIDE 1,600 ADDITIONAL HOME FOR THE AGED PLACES BY 1982/83;
(B) TO PROVIDE 4 CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME PLACES FOR EVERY 1,000 POPULATION AGED 60 AND OVER;
(C) TO PROVIDE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES ON A DISTRICT BASIS WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING A MINIMUM OF 17 SUCH CENTRES OVER THE WHOLE TERRITORY;
(D) TO PROVIDE DAY CARE CENTRES ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS WITH A VIEW TO FURTHER DEVELOPING SUCH FACILITIES; AND
(E) TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 117 SOCIAL CENTRES AND TO ACHIEVE A TARGET OF ONE CENTRE FOR EVERY 20,000 OF THE POPULATION.
15. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE PAST TEN YEARS IN ACHIEVING THESE TARGETS.
/16. A COMPARISON .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
28
16. A COMPARISON OF THE PROVISIONS IN THIS SERVICE AREA BETWEEN 1981/82 AND 1991/92 IS AS FOLLOWS :
PROGRAMME UNIT 1981/82 PROVISION 1991/92 PROVISION INCREASE
ELDERLY SERVICES
HOMES FOR THE AGED PLACE 3760 7490 3730
CARE AND ATTENTION PLACE 375 3702 3327
HOMES
BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME PLACE - 500 500
INFIRMARY UNITS IN PLACE - 360 360
CARE AND ATTENTION
HOMES
MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE 7 17 10
CENTRES
DAY CARE CENTRES CENTRE 2 11 9
SOCIAL CENTRES CENTRE 68 165 97
K
FINANCIAL PROVISION $20M $353M $333M
(+1665%)
»E
SOCIAL SECURITY __1L
17. IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER, IT WAS STATED THAT HELP SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED ON THOSE LEAST ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES. WHILE THE OVERALL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FRAMEWORK REMAINED APPROPRIATE, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE. SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE PAST TEN YEARS TO IMPROVE THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM. IN ADDITION TO THE OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT, A DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT WAS INTRODUCED IN APRIL 1980 UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
H
18. THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME (INCLUDING OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCE) HAS CONTINUED TO BE BASED ON NEED ESTABLISHED BY REFERENCE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND NOT BY REFERENCE TO LOW INCOME. r
19. ACCIDENT COMPENSATION (EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND AND CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME) HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO HELP THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM NATURAL DISASTERS OR ACCIDENTS. IT IS DESIGNED TO TIDE A FAMILY OVER A SERIOUS AND UNFORESEEN SETBACK, AND IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM SUPPORT. IN MAY 1979, A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS ADDED TO THE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION SCHEMES.
IE
/20. TO IMPROVE......
11
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
29
20. TO IMPROVE THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, THE FOLLOWING MAJOR ITEMS WERE INTRODUCED DURING THIS PERIOD :
ITEM IMPLEMENTATION DATE
(A) PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME
(I) REVISION OF PAYMENT RATES 7 TIMES SINCE 1981
(II) MEAL ALLOWANCE FOR FULL-DAY STUDENTS 1 JANUARY 1988
(III) SPECIAL ONE-OFF GRANT FOR NEW BORN BABIES AUGUST 1988
(IV) SPECIAL ONE-OFF GRANT FOR YOUNG PERSONS TAKING UP A FIRST JOB AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL 1 AUGUST 1989
(B) SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME
7 TIMES SINCE 1981
(I) REVISION OF PAYMENT RATES
(II) A HIGHER RATE OF DA
(III) A HIGHER RATE OF OAA
(IV) EXTENSION OF OAA TO THE 65-69 AGE GROUPS
1 APRIL 1988 FOR THOSE AGED 60+
1 APRIL 1989 FOR THOSE AGED 16+
1 APRIL 1990 FOR ALL AGES
1 APRIL 1988 FOR THOSE AGED 70+
1 SEPTEMBER 1988 FOR THOSE AGED 68-69
1 APRIL 1989 FOR THOSE AGED 67+
1 APRIL 1990 FOR THOSE AGED 66+
1 APRIL 1991 FOR THOSE AGED 65+
21. A COMPARISON OF THE PROVISIONS IN THIS SERVICE AREA BETWEEN 1981/82 AND 1991/92 IS AS FOLLOWS :
PROGRAMME UNIT 1981/82 PROVISION 1991/92 PROVISION INCREASE
SOCIAL SECURITY
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASE 46600 70400 23800
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PERSON - 22700 22700
(CHILD SUPPLEMENT INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER 1991)
/Oi.,1) AGE.................
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
30
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASE 159300 416100 256800
DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASE 28900 69100 40200
CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCMENT INJURY COMPENSATION CASE 450 830 380
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM ASSISTANCE CASE 4720 5900 1180
FINANCIAL PROVISION $798M $3554M $2756M (+345%)
SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED
22. IN RESPECT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS GUIDED BY THE 1977 WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION, "INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY ! A UNITED EFFORT".
23. THE WHITE PAPER ENCOURAGES THE INTEGRATION OF CHILDREN WITH MINOR DISABILITIES IN ORDINARY NURSERIES AND THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL PRE-SCHOOL TRAINING FACILITIES TO DISABLED CHILDREN. AT THE SAME TIME, BOTH DAY AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED ARE TO BE EXPANDED.
24. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE REHABILITATION WHITE PAPER INCLUDE :
(A) TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES TO 2,600;
(B) TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF HALF-WAY HOUSE PLACES TO 386 BY 1984; AND
(C) TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR DISABLED PERSONS FROM 1,260 TO 3,400 BY 1985/86 .
25. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE PAST TEN YEARS IN ACHIEVING THESE TARGETS.
26. A COMPARISON OF THE PROVISIONS IN THIS SERVICE AREA BETWEEN
1981/82 AND 1991/92 IS AS FOLLOWS : 1991/92 PROVISION INCREASE
PROGRAMME 1981/82 PROVISION
(PLACES) (PLACES) (PLACES)
(A) INTEGRATED PROGRAMME IN CHILD CARE CENTRES 180 676 496
(B) SPECIAL CHILD CARE 291 987 696
CENTRES
/(C) EARLY EDUCATidW
- 31 JU ■' —— WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
(C) EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES 60 845 785
(D) DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES 248 1,773 1,525
(E) SHELTERED WORKSHOPS 995 4,095 3,100
(F) HOSTELS FOR THE MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED 208 896 688
(G) HOSTELS FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED 120 796 676
(H) HOSTELS FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED 84 257 173
(I) HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR DISCHARGED MENTALLY ILL PERSONS 80 809 729
(J) LONG STAY CARE HOME - 200 200
FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES $43M $398M $355M (+826%)
27. APPENDIX F IN THE 1991 WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990S AND BEYOND SETS OUT THE TARGET PROVISION BY 1995/96 OF THE VARIOUS MAJOR COMMITMENTS. GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY INTRODUCED THE CHILD SUPPLEMENT UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME IN 1991/92. IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER ITEMS WILL BE CARRIED OUT AS AND WHEN MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES PERMIT. THE INFORMATION IS SHOWN BELOW :
FAMILY AND CHILD CARE SERVICES
ITEM PROVISION IN 1991/92 ADDITIONAL PROVISION BY 1995/96
I. FAMILY SERVICES
1 . ADDITIONAL CASEWORKERS MEET INCREASE IN DEMAND (1:70 CASES) TO (428) SOCIAL WORKERS + 160 (588)
2. CREATING THE POSTS OF SENIOR PRACTITIONERS (0) SOCIAL WORKERS + 31 (31)
/3. ADDITIONAL FAMILY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
32
3. ADDITIONAL FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS TO MEET AN IMPROVED PLANNING RATIO OF 1:50 000 TARGET POPULATION ’ (59) SOCIAL WORKERS + 15 (74)
4. ADDITIONAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS TO MEET INCREASE IN DEMAND (13) CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS + 16 (29)
5. ADDITIONAL HOME HELP TEAMS (64) TEAMS + 44 (108)
6. EXPANSION OF FAMILY AIDE SERVICES (4) WORKERS + 31 (35)
7. EXTENDING TEMPORARY SHELTER/URBAN HOSTELS/DAY RELIEF FACILITIES FOR STREET SLEEPERS (2) CENTRES + 4 (6)
8. ADDITIONAL MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS TO MEET INCREASE IN DEMAND (235) SOCIAL WORKERS + 201 ( 436 )
NOTE : FIGURES IN BRACKETS DENOTE THE TOTAL PROVISION IN THAT YEAR.
ITEM PROVISION IN 1991/92 ADDITIONAL PROVISION BY 1995/96
II. DAY CARE SERVICES
1. EXPANSION OF AIDED DAY NURSERY PLACES (21,249) AIDED PLACES +5,600 (26,849)
2. EXPANSION OF DAY CRECHE PLACES (1,000) SUBVENTED PLACES +1,000 (2,000)
III. RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES
1. EXPANSION OF FOSTER CARE + 280
PLACES (220) PLACES (500)
/2. ADDITIONAL SMALL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
33
2. ADDITIONAL HOMES SMALL GROUP ’ (17) HOMES + 42 (59)
3. ADDITIONAL PLACES IN CHILDREN’S HOMES, HOMES/ HOSTELS FOR BOYS/GIRLS AND HALF-WAY HOUSES (1,608) PLACES + 170 (1,778)
PROBATION AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
ITEM PROVISION IN 1991/92 ADDITIONAL PROVISION BY 1995/96
1 . ADDITIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS FOR AFTERCARE SERVICES FOR EX-PRISONERS TO MEET INCREASE IN DEMAND (23) SOCIAL WORKERS + 16 (39)
2. ADDITIONAL PROBATION OFFICERS TO MEET INCREASE IN DEMAND (100) SOCIAL WORKERS + 36 (136)
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
I. SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK
IMPROVEMENT OF MANNING RATIO (1 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER TO 2,000 STUDENT POPULATION) (150) SOCIAL WORKERS + 78 (228)
II. CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES
ADDITIONAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES (NOTE 1)
(1) CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES (154) CENTRES + 36 ( 190)
(2) CHILDREN CENTRES (NOTE 2) (52) CENTRES -12 (40)
(3) YOUTH CENTRES (NOTE 2) (56) CENTRES -9 (47)
/III. OUTREACHING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
34
III. OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK
ADDITIONAL OUTREACHING TEAMS
(24)
TEAMS
+ 4
(30)
NOTE 1 : A COMBINED CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IS COUNTED AS TWO CENTRE ------ UNITS. THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE UNITS IN 1991/92 WILL BE 416 (154 X 2 + 52 + 56).
NOTE 2 : THE NUMBER OF SINGLE CHILDREN CENTRES AND YOUTH CENTRES SHOW ------ A DECREASE AS SOME OF THESE CENTRES HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE REPROVISIONED AND TURNED INTO COMBINED CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES WHICH ARE A PREFERRED MODE OF SERVICE DELIVERY.
SERVICES' FOR THE ELDERLY
PROVISION ADDITIONAL
IN PROVISION
ITEM 1991/92 BY 1995/96
I. RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
1 . ADDITIONAL PLACES IN HOMES FOR THE AGED (10 PLACES PER 1,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE) (7,490) PLACES + 968 (8,458)
2. ADDITIONAL PLACES IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES (REVISED PLANNING RATIO OF 11 PLACES PER 1,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE) (3,702) PLACES +4,095 (7,797)
3. BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME (500) PLACES (500)
4 . ADDITIONAL INFIRMARY UNITS IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES (1 UNIT =20 PLACES) (18) UNITS + 12 (30)
II. COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
1. ADDITIONAL MULTI-SERVICE + 12
CENTRES (REVISED PLANNING RATIO OF 1 CENTRE PER 25,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE) (17) CENTRES (29)
/2. ADDITIONAL DAY .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 35 -
2. ADDITIONAL DAY CARE CENTRES (REVISED PLANNING RATIO OF 1 CENTRE PER 25,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE) (11) CENTRES + 19 (30)
3. ADDITIONAL SOCIAL CENTRES (REVISED PLANNING RATIO OF 1 CENTRE PER 3,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE) (165) +91 (256)
REMARKS 1. THE NUMBER OF PLACES REQUIRED UNDER ITEMS II AND 12 MAY BE ------- REDUCED FOLLOWING THE LIKELY EXPANSION OF LICENSED PRIVATE HOMES AND SELF- FINANCING HOMES.
2. THERE IS CORRELATION BETWEEN ITEMS 12 D 13 - AN INCREASE IN PLACES UNDER THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME WOULD MEAN A REDUCTION IN THE DEMAND FOR CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES.
SOCIAL SECURITY
ITEM PROVISION IN 1991/92 ADDITIONAL PROVISION BY 1995/96
I. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
1 . PROJECTED INCREASE CASELOAD IN (70,400) CASES +7,800 (78,200)
2. INTRODUCTION OF A SUPPLEMENT CHILD (22,700) PERSONS +2,300 (25,000)
II. OLD AGE ALLOWANCES
1. PROJECTED INCREASE IN +85,100
CASELOAD (416,100) (501,200)
PERSONS
III. DISABILITY ALLOWANCES
1. PROJECTED INCREASE IN +16,500
CASELOAD (69,100) PERSONS (85,600)
/IV. ACCIDENT .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
36
IV. ACCIDENT COMPENSATION SCHEMES
MEETING DEMAND OF NEW PAID
CASES
1. CLEIC (NOTE 1) (830) (830)
CASES
2. TAVA (NOTE 2) (5,900) (5,900)
CASES
3. ERF (NOTE 3)
NOTE 1 : CLEIC ------ SCHEME)
(CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION - THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF NEW PAID CASES PER YEAR WAS IS ASSUMED IT WILL REMAIN
830 FROM 1986/87 TO 1989/90. IT CONSTANT.
NOTE 2 : TAVA (TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ______ NUMBER OF NEW PAID CASES PER YEAR AT THE 1989/90 LEVEL.
ASSISTANCE SCHEME) - THE IS ESTIMATED TO BE CONSTANT
NOTE 3 : ERF (EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND) - IT IS DIFFICULT TO MAKE AN ______ ACCURATE ESTIMATE OF THE NUMBER OF CASES FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF
PAYMENTS, AS THE FREQUENCY OF DISASTERS AND THE NUMBR OF VARY FROM YEAR
VICTIMS INVOLVED WILL
TO
YEAR.
SUPPORT SERVICES
ITEM
PROVISION IN 1991/92
ADDITIONAL PROVISION BY 1995/96
EXTENSION OF STANDARD COST SUBVENTION TO SERVICES (EXCLUDING SERVICES UNDER THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES)
(22) SERVICES
+ 6 (28)
SERVICES FOR THE DF SABI.ED
A WORKING PARTY IS REVIEWING REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES AND WILL PRODUCE A GREEN PAPER SHORTLY FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION. PLANS FOR SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ARE THEREFORE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
------0--------
/37........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
37
FINAL CONSULTANCY REPORT ON KCRC TRAIN NOISE READY BY YEAR END ******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ASK THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) TO RELEASE THE FINAL CONSULTANCY REPORT OF TRAIN NOISE ASSESSMENT WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD, MR LEUNG SAID THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE CONSULTANCY REPORT WAS AVAILABLE IN JULY THIS YEAR BUT FURTHER STUDIES OF NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES WERE REQUIRED.
ON PUBLIC CONSULTATION, MR LEUNG SAID AFTER THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND KCRC HAD WORKED OUT A PROGRAMME TO IMPLEMENT THE NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES, DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE CONSULTED ON THEIR IMPLEMENTATION.
--------0-----------
APPROVAL FOR POWER STATION’S CONSTRUCTION EXPLAINED *****
IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN TWO STUDIES, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE RESERVATION OF A SITE OF APPROXIMATELY 120 HECTARES AT BLACK POINT, TUEN MUN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW LARGE THERMAL POWER STATION.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD.
EIGHTY-SIX HECTARES OF THE SITE WOULD BE RECLAIMED FROM THE SEA, SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE FIRST STUDY WAS A TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN CHINA LIGHT AND POWER’S GENERATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 1990-1999.
THE ASSESSMENT, WHICH WAS UNDERTAKEN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF OVERSEAS EXPERT CONSULTANTS, EXAMINED THE COMPANY’S FORECAST OF GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY DURING THAT PERIOD AND THE BEST DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR MEETING THAT DEMAND.
"ON THE BASIS OF THIS STUDY THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD A RELIABLE SUPPLY, IT IS NECESSARY FOR CLP TO CONSTRUCT A NEW LARGE THERMAL POWER STATION SOME TIME IN THE LATTER HALF OF THIS DECADE,” THE SECRETARY SAID.
A SECOND STUDY WAS CARRIED OUT TO IDENTIFY THE MOST SUITABLE SITE FOR THE NEW POWER STATION.
/AN INITIAL .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
38
AN INITIAL LIST OF 12 POTENTIAL LOCATIONS WAS SHORTLISTED BASED ON THE CONSIDERATIONS OF-ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY; SECURITY OF MARINE FUEL SUPPLY; SECURITY OF THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM; OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT; COMPATIBILITY WITH GOVERNMENT PLANNING; AND COSTS.
MRS CHAN SAID BLACK POINT WAS EVENTUALLY CHOSEN AS THE PREFERRED SITE BECAUSE IT OFFERED THE LOWEST LEVEL OF OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, TAKING ACCOUNT OF BOTH THE POWER STATION ITSELF AND THE ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION LINKS.
"THE CONSULTANTS RECOMMENDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CUMULATIVE AIR QUALITY IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED STATION AND THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO FURTHER DETAILED ASSESSMENT IN A FULL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT," SHE SAID.
AS REGARDS PUBLIC CONSULTATION, THE SECRETARY SAID IT WAS NOT INTENDED TO PUBLISH THE FIRST STUDY REPORT AS IT CONTAINED COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION SUPPLIED TO GOVERNMENT BY THE COMPANY ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS.
AS FOR THE SITE SEARCH REPORT, MRS CHAN SAID THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT BRIEFING DOCUMENTS ON THE PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE SITE SEARCH STUDY WERE ALSO CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS AND HEUNG YEE KUK FOR REFERENCE.
"THESE ORGANISATIONS WILL BE CONSULTED FURTHER IN THE COURSE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY WHICH IS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS.
"A FINAL DECISION ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE/POWER STATION WILL BE TAKEN WHEN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT HAS fcEEN FUJ.LY ASSESSED," SHE SAID.
_ _ 0 - -
»
MTR EXTENSION TO TSEUNG KWAN O TO BE CONSIDERED
******
THE TIMING AND PRIORITY FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO TSEUNG KWAN O WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY, ALONG WITH OTHER PROPOSALS FOR EXPANDING THE RAIL NETWORK.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
NOTING THAT THE EXTENSION PLAN WAS NOT SHELVED, MR BARNES SAID THE STUDY HAD JUST STARTED AND THE RESULTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
/"CONSTRUCTION OF .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
39
"CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTENSION IS LIKELY TO BE JUSTIFIED ON TRANSPORT GROUNDS WHEN THE POPULATION OF THE AREA REACHES ABOUT 270,000, WHICH WILL OCCUR IN 1999 ACCORDING TO THE LATEST POPULATION PROJECTIONS," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE PROVISION OF A REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN THE AREA, MR BARNES SAID A SITE HAD BEEN RESERVED FOR A 600-BED DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN AREA 32, TSEUNG KWAN 0.
"ACTUAL PROVISION WILL, HOWEVER, DEPEND ON THE POPULATION GROWTH IN THE DISTRICT AND THEIR CHANGING NEEDS," HE EXPLAINED.
MEANWHILE, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO REDEVELOP THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL INTO A 316-BED HOSPITAL PROVIDING SERVICES IN ACUTE, REHABILITATION, TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST, HOSPICE AND CONVALESCENT CARE. THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START IN 1992/93.
- - 0 - -
KWAI CHUNG POLLUTION NO CRISIS *****
THE LEVEL OF AIR POLLUTION IN KWAI CHUNG WILL CONTINUE TO BE A MATTER OF CONCERN TO THE ADMINISTRATION, BUT IT IS NOT, AND SHOULD NOT BE, REGARDED AS A PROBLEM OF CRISIS PROPORTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR BARNES SAID THE INCREASE IN AIR POLLUTANTS NOTED IN KWAI CHUNG IN OCTOBER WAS IN LINE WITH PAST EXPERIENCE, AND NOT A MATTER FOR GRAVE CONCERN.
MR BARNES SAID BOTH TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), AS MEASURED AT THE KWAI CHUNG AIR POLLUTION MONITORING STATION IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, HAD SHOWN HIGHER LEVELS IN THE COOLER WINTER MONTHS THAN IN THE HOTTER SUMMER MONTHS.
THIS WAS BECAUSE OF THE HIGHER CAPACITY OF THE ATMOSPHERE IN SUMMER TO DISPERSE AIR POLLUTANTS.
"THIS IS A TERRITORY-WIDE PHENOMENON, AND THE PATTERN FOUND AT KWAI CHUNG IS ENTIRELY IN LINE WITH WHAT IS SEEN ELSEWHERE," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THAT BASED ON THE RESULTS OF MONITORING SO FAR THIS YEAR, THERE WAS NO DANGER THAT THE ANNUAL AVERAGE FOR NO2 WOULD EXCEED THE RELEVANT AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE (AQO).
"WHILE WE CANNOT BE COMPLACENT ABOUT THIS POLLUTANT IN KWAI CHUNG, THE LEVELS OF NO2 IN KWAI CHUNG ARE NOT A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID IT WAS LIKELY THAT THE AQO FOR TSP WOULD BE EXCEEDED THIS YEAR IN KWAI CHUNG, BY PERHAPS AS MUCH AS 10 PER CENT.
/HOWEVER HE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 40 -
HOWEVER HE ADDED THAT THIS WOULD REFLECT A PATTERN WHICH HAD BEEN COMMON OVER THE LAST FOUR OR FIVE'YEARS, WHERE THE TSP RATE HAD BEEN STEADILY CLOSE TO, OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE, THE AQO.
MR BARNES SAID THIS WAS A PROBLEM WHICH WAS COMMON THROUGHOUT THE DEVELOPED AREAS OF HONG KONG.
"KWAI CHUNG IS NOT DISSIMILAR IN ITS POLLUTION CHARACTERISTICS FROM OTHER DEVELOPED AREAS SUCH AS KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO OR CHEUNG SHA WAN.
"THE POSITION WITH REGARD TO NO2 AND TSP IN KWAI CHUNG IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE ANY MORE - OR ANY LESS - A MATTER FOR CONCERN THAN THE CLOSELY SIMILAR POSITION IN OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRIALISED AREAS OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE PREDOMINANT SOURCE OF NO2 WAS THE COMBUSTION OF FUEL-OILS IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS, AND ALL TYPES OF MOTOR VEHICLES WHILE TSP WERE PREDOMINANTLY EMITTED FROM DIESEL VEHICLES, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES ESPECIALLY THOSE INVOLVING TEXTILES.
"KWAI CHUNG IS A DISTRICT WHICH HAS A VERY HIGH CONCENTRATION OF TSP-PRODUCING POLLUTERS - A HEAVY CONCENTRATION OF TEXTILE FACTORIES, THE HEAVIEST CONCENTRATION OF CONTAINER TRUCKS WITHIN HONG KONG, AND A GREAT DEAL OF CONSTRUCTION, PARTICULARLY, IN RECENT YEARS, EARTHWORKS, CUTTING, AND RECLAMATION.
"AS A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREA, IT ALSO HAS A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL FUEL-OIL PLANT," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THE BASIC POLICY ON CONTROL OF THESE AND OTHER AIR POLLUTANTS WAS SET OUT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION IN HONG KONG, ISSUED IN JUNE 1989 AND REVIEWED IN MAY THIS YEAR.
"THIS LISTS OUT THE AQO’S WHICH REPRESENT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS TO BE THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF ACCEPTABLE AIR QUALITY.
"BASIC POLICY ON AIR POLLUTION IS TO BRING THE QUALITY OF THE AIR WITHIN THESE PARAMETERS: WHERE THE AIR IS WITHIN THEM, IT IS, BY DEFINITION, ACCEPTABLE," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO LOWER THE DENSITY OF THESE POLLUTANTS INCLUDED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (FUEL RESTRICTIONS) REGULATIONS, THE SMOKY VEHICLE CONTROL PROGRAMME, AND THE NEW AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (VEHICLE DESIGN STANDARDS) (EMISSION) REGULATIONS TO BE EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
41
HE SAID CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO FURTHER STATUTORY CONTROLS ON THE MAINTENANCE AND USE OF MOTOR VEHICLES AS WELL AS MEASURES TO CONTROL DUST FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES.
MR BARNES SAID STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN THROUGH TOWN PLANNING TO ENSURE THAT IN THE FUTURE SIGNIFICANT POLLUTERS SUCH AS FACTORY
BUILDINGS, BUS DEPOTS OR CONTAINER PARKS WERE NOT PERMITTED TO
BUILT CLOSE TO SENSITIVE RECEIVERS SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS, AND
THAT SENSITIVE USES WERE NOT PERMITTED TO BE BUILT CLOSE TO EXISTING
POLLUTERS.
---------0-----------
’TWO-WEEK RULE’ NOT CHALLENGED FOR CONTRAVENING BILL OF RIGHTS *****
THE PRESENT "TWO-WEEK RULE" WHICH LIMITS A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER’S STAY IN HONG KONG AFTER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT HAS NOT BEEN CHALLENGED IN COURT FOR CONTRAVENING THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ELSIE TU, MR ASPREY SAID THE RULE WAS CHALLENGED IN COURT IN 1987 ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT WAS ULTRA VIRES THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE; BUT THE CHALLENGE WAS DISMISSED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE RULE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1987 TO CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS.
"IN PRACTICE, IF A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER HAS A GENUINE REASON FOR NEEDING TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG BEYOND THE TWO WEEKS PERMITTED, FOR EXAMPLE, IF SHE IS UNFAIRLY TREATED AND HER CONTRACT TERMINATED PREMATURELY, SHE MAY APPLY FOR AN EXTENSION OF STAY IN ORDER TO PURSUE A CLAIM AGAINST HER FORMER EMPLOYER.
"IN SUCH CASES EXTENSIONS OF STAY WILL NORMALLY BE GRANTED,” MR ASPREY SAID.
A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER WAS ALLOWED TO WORK IN HONG KONG FOR A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER UNDER AN APPROVED CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT, THE SECRETARY SAID.
"ON ARRIVAL, SHE IS PERMITTED TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR 12 MONTHS OR FOR TWO WEEKS AFTER HER CONTRACT IS TERMINATED, WHICHEVER IS THE EARLIER.
"AT THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR, SHE MAY APPLY FOR AND BE GRANTED AN EXTENSION OF STAY FOR ANOTHER 12 MONTHS ON THE SAME CONDITIONS,’ HE SAID.
- - 0--------
/42 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
42
ADEQUATE RESOURCES WILL BE PROVIDED. TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER * ♦ *
* *
THE POLICE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE RESOURCES ARE PROVIDED IN ALL DISTRICTS, INCLUDING ™EN MUN AND YUEN LONG, TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON STEPHEN NG MING-YUM, MR ASPREY STATED THAT THE POLICE WERE DEPLOYING AS MANY POLICE OFFICERS AS POSSIBLE IN ALL DISTRICTS TO COMBAT CRIME AND MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER.
"SINCE SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AN ADDITIONAL POLICE TACTICAL UNIT COMPANY OF 160 MEN HAS BEEN DEPLOYED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES TO INCREASE POLICE PRESENCE ON THE STREETS," HE SAID.
ON MR NG’S REQUEST FOR VARIOUS STATISTICS, THE SECRETARY SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE DETAILED COSTINGS OF RESOURCES COMMITTED TO COMBATING CRIME IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICTS TN THE PAST NINE YEARS.
HOWEVER, HE SUPPLIED STATISTICS ON THE NUMBERS OF POLICE DEPLOYED IN THOSE TWO DISTRICTS EACH YEAR SINCE 1983, THE POPULATIONS OF THE TWO DISTRICTS IN 1981, 1986 AND 1991, BASED ON THE CENSUS CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN EACH OF THOSE YEARS; AND CRIME STATISTICS FOR THE TWO DISTRICTS, AND FOR THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE, FROM 1982 TO 1990.
/43........
_ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
43
Annex I
Population in Tuen Mun
Age 1981 1986 1991
0-4 16,732 33,642 29,749
5-9 15,958 43,519 40,635
10-14 9,501 27,146 44,540
15-19 10,285 15,624 28,903
20-24 10,279 18,452 20,194
25-29 12,641 30,534 34,253
30-34 12,275 36,519 45,205
35-39 6,034 26,782 41,912
40-44 5,105 11,774 29,390
45-49 4,339 9,100 13,340
50-54 4,041 7,217 10,518
55-59 3,350 6,454 8,955
60-64 2,928 5,768 8,078
65-69 2,303 4,480 6,607
70-74 1,592 3,710 4,974
75+ 1,765 3,808 6,113
Total 119,128 284,529 373,366
Population in Yuen Long
Acre 1981
1986 1991
0-4 5-9 18,290 17,365 20,013 17,437 18,736 21,607
10-14 19,561 17,577 17,290
15-19 24,360 18,949 16,574
20-24 21,614 23,464 17,596
25-29 15,990 23,296 24,937
30-34 11,603 16,800 25,201
35-39 6,901 11,627 17,892
40-44 7,470 7,539 12,260
45-49 8,279 8,484 7,681
50-54 8,996 9,534 3,101
55-59 7,683 9,569 8,811
60-64 6,166 8,232 8,713
65-69 4,968 6,069 7,261
70-74 3,463 4,543 5,114
75+ 3,902 6,253 7,504
225,278
209,391
Total 186,611
/CRIMES FOR
• /• ?c,i . Jor - - 44 - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991 Annex II
Crines for Tuen Hu.i Di str', cl for 1932 - 1990
• Selected Crimea 196? 1251 12* 1251 19.% 1152 1988 22*2 3222
Wounding and Serious Ao&ouit ■ • 129 175 iy* 220 279 297 51* 53* X-2
Bobbery 160 250 166 155 115 129 256 >65 *8*
Burglary 302 *72 5*'j *65 539 505 55* 633 655
£ netchi ng 28 *8 >3 *8 29 52 *1 KXi 182
J'ickpjcke t ing 5 8 16 17 6 16 1* 7 21
Shop T».eft 75 115 117 2>O 232 596 >99 *10 *56
Theft fro* Vehicle 552 350 30* 2X> 2*2 507 >19 5*8 3*3
Taking Conveyance without Authority 296 - 275 17* 15* 185 221 2>8 ??3
Miecellanioui Theft Wo 525 *o> *55 *12 *1* *18 551 655
Drug Trafficking Offence 11 11 2'« ** 57 55 66 75 K6
• - - • ■ “ • ... • •• ■ • — —• « —— • . ■ .
Unlawful Society Offence *3 56 *» 87 26 55 27 *1 96
— - - . • — M ... ..... _ ...
Foseeseion of Offensive Voapon and Arae 5 1* 17 15 9 20 •22 2* 91
Othera Total Crimea 55* 2126 622 6*3 29*0 2786 5 Bo 2698. 68* 2€>* 82* 5209 812 3**5 1069 *197 1*50 5159
/CRIMES FOR .......
C~~Aled Crises 1?9? Crimes 1251 45 - for Yuen l>onr Dietriot for 1982 - 1990 2254 WEDNESDAY, 225Z DECEMBER 4, 1388 1991
IjM 1985
1252 1502
Wounding and Serious Assault 257 270 336 253 202 276 3*2 371
Robbery 238 W 212 109 153 255 337 273
nurgisry 50> 538 627 <•<15 615 686 681 769
Snatchi ng 106 67 68 ’•5 28 62 58 65
Pickpocketing ’ 9 22 20 9 10 12 21 6 10
Shop Tneft 56 150 151 2>«9 1PR 316 215 159 203
Theft fro- Vehicle *«oo 616 387 285 289 335 602 • <fOO 323
Taking Conveyenco without Authority 5oi 351 • 260 11.1 1<}? 225 305 533 393
Miscellaneous Theft 637 661 505 533 505 512 560 618 601
l>rug Trafficking Offence 126 108 112 201 168 236 206 293 161
Unlawful Society Offence 68 26 50 123 32 50 60 218 129
PoBsaaaioa of Offensive Weapon and Ar 05 29 31 39 36 26 28 36 » 67 60
Others B18 W 869 1161 7’2 876 1180 1??7 <235
Total Cri-es >276 3603 e-»* «■» 3635 . 3675 • 2916 3660 6528: 6R?8 6598
/CRIME FOR .......
* 46 - • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
• Crimes for Whole Hong Kong for 193?-1990
• • ^3? 1985 19^ 1935 1986 i?37 1988 1989 1970
Wounding »nd Serious Anevult 5762 >910 6112 5759 %78 6502 6206 6986 6695
Bobbery '8«A8 8308 72*5 67<«5 ’ 5572 5r»6i 5705 6S52 8029
Burg)ary 11526 11308 12665 15922 119^2 10601 107S9 10915 12701
Snstchlng 2177 Z8J*<e 2*i M7 2557 IBS? 16'A 13CS 1’«?8 2O?«»
l’lckj>ockct Ing 2692 2TJ2 2830 5075 33?9 1595 972 952
Chop Theft 2fcX) 5985 5997 6S3? 6170 7077 5611 5V»0 58S7
Theft from Vehicle 6^26 $339 a 5Or<8 W8 5023 5392 5216 5151 ’•607
Inking Conveyance without Authority 601? 55^2 «|121 J1S9 2967 2980 3605 SS76 6».y«
• • • - ....... . ....... . .... . _ .
Blseellftneouo Theft 1’095 138M 15%O 13612 131S0 12526 12255 12397 1216S
Drug Trafficking Offence ?2>3 2790 2531 35S9 S11B SH5 552? 50*0 36oh
Unlawful Society Offence 9’»0 605 1058 1J92 1055 965 908 ipSi 1081.
i'oeseaeion of Offensive Weapon and Arma 706 596 569 580 588 638 857 11S6
a ..a. ............. . , . a . a a . • • M •• • • • • • • • - a •• a a a* • • • a^aaa aa . - a . v a V" — — —a * a aa - a ■ * a an aa. — ^a a a a - - . . _ . — a .... - .... . -
2158«< 2O»»S5
Other* • •• • • a •. . . a e. a 2027. 20350 2157s 21122 19805 20905 23055
8S2J7 —— — a -a ■ . *■a ■“ * — «*aa • .«*• «. a *■ . — • a a
TY>la) Crimes • • • • *>. • ••••aaaBa..... . * . •*•«*. • •• a. . . .. • W a « • ...... — — 86000 85552 86^«S 81Q11 81928 7918’1 8i3o8 885OO i ,
•a •* • • • • • .... _ ..a..a— ..
• • B .a. • a. • a . ■ . . . a M ■ • 1 . i
— . -
a- - a - - a - •
•• • • • • • « •• —- • * a ■ ■ aaa .a a ■■ aa. .-..a. » . a a a a -a a -a - ..... •
a
• • • ■»• - • - - — f — ..a -
■ • ... ... -... — — —• — — • - — — ..._ ..... ~ • -
—a.... - •■--■ - - • ——.... .. a . •- - . .
• . ; • • ■ . . .. •». . — — .. —
........... — . - ...... - .. .. *••>*.• • —- m«bb« « — a
♦ — ••• - •>» a — •• •••* - ••• - — -• ...a. — . _a_. a ....
. • — • — .... ■-••• — t«— •• • • — -
... ..._. ...... .. ■ -....a. — .& — • • a. a • . . -a . . ... . . . .a _ . . _
/ESTABLISHMENT- ■ AND-
47
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
t
Establishment and Strength of Disciplined Staff in the Yuen Long Police District since 1983
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1983 1989 1990 1991
Rank ESESESESESESES ESES
Chief 101111111111111111
Superintendent
of Police
Senior 121011111110111111
Superintendent
of Police
Superintendent 31333333.3333333333
of Police
Chief Inspector 737 677777777999 11 99
of Police 7
Senior Inspector/ 18 20 17 18 20 19 26 24 26 26 26 30 25 26 25 26 25 27
Inspector of
Police
Station Sergeant 15 13 16 14 17 16 22 17 22 15 21 17 21 17 21 22 21 21
Sergeant 87 71 37 75 83 73 34 78 34 33 82 81 82 81 83 79 83 69
Police Constable 407 419 408 395 404 420 404 423 404 429 402 416 406 421 396 383 396 357
Total 539 532 540 512 536 545 543 554 548 565 543 555 548 559 539 526 539 498
£
Legend t E : Establishment
S : Strength c n c
I o /ESTABLISHMENT AND .............................................................
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
48
Annex III
Establishment and Strength of Disciplined Staff in the Tnen Mun Police District since 1983
Rank
Chief
Superintendent of Police
Senior Superintendent of Police
Superintendent of Police
Chief Inspector of Police
Senior Inspector/ Inspector of
Police
1983 1984
E S _E_ _S_
1111
1111
3 2 3 3
6 3 6 6
15 15 14 15
1985 1986
E_S__E_S
1111
1111
3 3 3 .3
6 6 6 6
16 20 20 20
1987 1988
E S E S
1111
1111
3 4 4 4
7 7 7 7
20 26 23 25
1989 1990 1991
E S E_S___E S
111111
111111
4 5 4 5 5 5
8 8 9 10 11 11
24 24 25 27 30 37
Station Sergeant
Sergeant
Police Constable
Total
14 12 15 12 16 14 23 13 28
G3 51 63 53 61 53 64 67 75
297 282 314 329 316 337 316 322 385
400 367 417 420 420 435 434 438 520
19 25 21 28 22 27 25 38 28
71 70 66 77 80 81 77 84 84
3S0 363 335 382 403 388 362 381 394
509 494 510 525 544 536 508 551 561
Legend
E : Establishment
S : Strength
--------0-----------
/49 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
49
MOTION ON COURT OF FINAL APPEAL PASSED ***** A MOTION ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL MOVED BY THE HON SIMON IP WAS PASSED AFTER A FIVE-HOUR DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION READ: ’’THAT WHEN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG IS SET UP, IT SHOULD HAVE MORE FLEXIBILITY TO INVITE OVERSEAS JUDGES TO SIT ON IT THAN HAS BEEN AGREED BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, AND SUCH FLEXIBILITY SHOULD BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.”
A TOTAL OF 32 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE MOTION DEBATE. THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD; THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS! AND THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
MEANWHILE, SIX BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
THE BILLS ARE THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, COMMODITIES TRADING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1991, PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (HOSPITAL AUTHORITY) BILL, STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1991 AND CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991.
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/50 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
50
COURT OF FINAL APPEAL SHOULD BE SET UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: CS ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES THAT CERTAINTY IS VERY IMPORTANT AND THAT WE SHOULD GO AHEAD AND TRY TO SET UP THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL AS SOON AS WE POSSIBLY CAN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON A MOTION ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, SIR DAVID SAID: "IT’S VERY CLEAR THAT THE LARGE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THE NUMBER OF JUDGES TO FORM THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL.
"BUT WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THAT IS A REAL OPTION TO RENEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN MADE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THAT IS NOT AN OPTION AND CANNOT BE RE-NEGOTIATED," HE SAID.
"SO THE REAL OPTIONS WHICH FACE US NOW ARE TO GO AHEAD AND IMPLEMENT THE AGREEMENT WHICH HAD BEEN MADE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND TO ESTABLISH THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL AHEAD OF 1997, OR TO FACE THE PROSPECT OF UNCERTAINTY WITH NO COURT SET UP AHEAD OF 1997," HE ADDED.
"WE WILL BE WORKING ON THE LEGISLATION IN THE MONTHS AHEAD; THERE ARE STILL MANY DETAILS TO BE WORKED OUT AND WE HOPE THAT WE WILL GIVE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ANOTHER CHANCE TO CONSIDER ALL THE ARGUMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT. IN THE MEANTIME, WE HOPE THAT MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY THE POINTS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE TODAY," SIR DAVID SAID.
---------0-----------
DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS CHESHIRE HOME
THE DUCHESS OF KENT STARTED HER SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG THIS AFTERNOON (WEDNESDAY) WITH A VISIT TO THE CHESHIRE HOME IN SHA TIN.
ACCOMPANIED BY DR PETER LEE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEE OF THE CHESHIRE HOME (SHA TIN), THE DUCHESS TOURED VARIOUS FACILITIES OF THE HOME INCLUDING THE CONVALESCENT WARDS, THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT, THE PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT, THE SEVERELY DISABLED WARD, AND THE CHALETS.
THE DUCHESS VIEWED A MINI-EXHIBITION DEPICTING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HOME AND A DISPLAY OF HANDICRAFT MADE BY THE RESIDENTS.
/ONE OF .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
51
ONE OF THE RESIDENTS, MR CHENG SHING-YIP, PRESENTED TO THE DUCHESS A SELF-MADE CUSHION.
THE NEW SHA TIN CHESHIRE HOME OPENED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO CREATE A PERSONAL AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY FOR THE DISABLED.
AT PRESENT, IT HAS ADMITTED 100 CONVALESCENT PATIENTS REFERRED BY THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AND THERE ARE SOME 46 RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE CHALETS.
THE DUKE OF KENT PAID AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO MACAU EARLY THIS MORNING.
THE DUKE AND THE DUCHESS WILL ATTEND A DINNER HOSTED BY THE ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF CHARTERED ENGINEERS, HONG KONG AT THE HONG KONG CLUB IN THE EVENING.
--------0----------
HONG KONG RELIES ON GATT DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM ******
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR PATRICK LAU, ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT), SAYING THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE AND AN OPEN MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.
SPEAKING AT A ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR LAU REFUTED THE SAYING THAT GATT WAS "JUST A TALK SHOP" .
"THE GATT DISPUTE SETTLEMENT MECHANISM PROVIDES US WITH OUR LAST RESORT IF WE GET NO SATISFACTION FROM COUNTRIES WHICH TAKE DISCRIMINATORY RESTRICTIVE MEASURES AGAINST US.
"AS A MATTER OF FACT, IN 1978 AND 1982 WE SOUGHT ASSISTANCE FROM THE GATT TO RESOLVE TWO DISPUTES WITH NORWAY AND FRANCE INVOLVING DISCRIMINATORY TRADE MEASURES AGAINST OUR EXPORTS.
"ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE PANELS ESTABLISHED TO EXAMINE THE DISPUTES UPHELD OUR COMPLAINT," HE SAID.
"THE GATT-INCONSISTENT MEASURES EVENTUALLY WERE EITHER ABOLISHED OR MADE CONSISTENT WITH THE GATT," HE ADDED.
THEREFORE, MR LAU FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE GATT COUL19 PRODUCE PRACTICAL RESULTS FOR HONG KONG, WHICH BECAME A SEPARATE MEMBER OF THE GATT IN APRIL 1986.
"WE SHALL SHORTLY BE REQUESTING SIMILAR ASSISTANCE FROM THE GATT TO HELP US DETERMINE THE GATT-CONSISTENCY OF THE U.S. ANTI-DUMPING ACTION TAKEN AGAINST OUR EXPOKTS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE KNITTED SWEATERS TO THE USA," HE SAID.
/TALKING ABOUT........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
52
TALKING ABOUT THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE TALKS, MR LAU SAID HONG KONG HAD MADE FULL USE OF ITS SEPARATE MEMBER STATUS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY.
’ 1
"OUR INTERESTS COVER TEXTILES, IMPROVEMENT IN GATT RULES GOVERNING ANTI-DUMPING AND SAFEGUARD MEASURES THAT RESTRICT IMPORTS TO PROTECT THE DOMESTIC INDUSTRY, TARIFFS, TRADE IN SERVICES AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS," HE SAID.
"IN THE CASE OF TEXTILES, WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE GRADUAL PHASING OUT OF THE EXISTING DISCRIMINATORY RESTRICTIONS. WE WOULD LIKE TO BRING THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING SECTOR BACK TO THE RULE OF THE GATT," HE SAID.
ON ANTI-DUMPING, MR LAU SAID HONG KONG CONCERNED THAT ANTI-DUMPING ACTIONS MIGHT PROLIFERATE AS TOOLS OF TRADE PROTECTION.
"WE SEEK BETTER GATT DISCIPLINES WHICH WILL MINIMISE THE ARBITRARY AND OBSCURE WAY IN WHICH IMPORTING COUNTRIES DETERMINE THE EXISTENCE OF DUMPING TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF EXPORTING COUNTRIES," HE SAID.
IN THE AREA OF SAFEGUARDS, HONG KONG SOUGHT TO UPHOLD THE NON-DISCRIMINATORY PRINCIPLE OF THE GATT IN THE APPLICATION OF IMPORT RESTRICTIONS TAKEN ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS TO RELIEF DOMESTIC INDUSTRY.
AS REGARDS TARIFFS, HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES WERE NEGOTIATING WITH MOST OF ITS MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE TARIFFS ON ITEMS OF INTEREST TO HONG KONG.
"IN RESPECT OF TRADE IN SERVICES, WE SUPPORT AN AGREEMENT WHICH WOULD LAY DOWN DISCIPLINES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN SERVICES MUCH AS THE GATT HAS DONE FOR TRADE IN GOODS," MR LAU SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST GIVEN THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR ECONOMIC STRUCTURE AND THE GROWING SIGNIFICANCE OF ITS SERVICE SECTORS.
IN THE AREA OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT PROTECTION, MR LAU SAID HONG KONG SUPPORTED AN AGREEMENT WHICH WOULD ENSURE PROTECTION OF SUCH RIGHTS AND YET AT THE SAME TIME PREVENT THE RISK OF SUCH PROTECTION MEASURES FROM BEING ABUSED TO RESTRICT LEGITIMATE TRADE.
MR LAU SAID HE DID NOT SEE, AT PRESENT, THE URUGUAY ROUND TALKS WOULD FAIL.
SUCCESS OF THE ROUND WOULD REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO ABIDE BY GATT OBLIGATIONS, IMPROVE THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM, LEAD TO EXPANSION OF WORLD TRADE.
"WE HAVE THEREFORE MADE IT OUT TOP PRIORITY TO WORK TOWARDS A SUCCESSFUL URUGUAY ROUND WHICH WOULD STRENGTHEN THE GATT," HE SAID.
/53........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 53 -
ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE STARTS *****
THE ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE CO-ORDINATED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (CAD) IS BEING HELD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AND TOMORROW.
PARTICIPATING IN THE EXERCISE ARE A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY UNITS FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
A CAD SPOKESMAN SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE EXERCISE WAS TO PROVIDE TRAINING AND FAMILIARISATION FOR STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER SUPPORTING UNITS IN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES.
"PERSONNEL FROM OTHER EMERGENCY UNITS FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN SUCH OPERATIONS WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE EXERCISE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT WILL ALSO TEST ALERTING, CO-ORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE EXERCISE WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR PROCEDURES.
THE EXERCISE COMPRISES A SHORT-RANGE AND A LONG-RANGE SEARCH OPERATION INVOLVING FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT, HELICOPTERS AND VESSELS.
THE SHORT-RANGE EXERCISE WAS HELD THIS AFTERNOON NEAR THE NINEPIN GROUP OF ISLANDS WITH A DEMONSTRATION OF WINCHING "SURVIVORS" FROM THE SEA ONTO HELICOPTERS.
THE LONG-RANGE EXERCISE WILL BE ACTIVATED THIS EVENING, SIMULATING AN AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS ABOUT 70 MILES SOUTH OF HONG KONG. AIRCRAFT, HELICOPTERS AND SHIPS WILL BE DESPATCHED TO SEARCH AND LOCATE THE TARGETS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S EXERCISE ARE THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, MARINE DEPARTMENT, ROYAL AIR FORCE, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, ROYAL NAVY, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE U.S. AIR FORCE, U.S. NAVY, U.S. COAST GUARD, AND THE JAPANESE MARITIME SAFETY AGENCY.
OBSERVERS FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM CHINA, SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, THAILAND AND BRUNEI ARE ALSO PRESENT.
- - 0-----------
/54 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 54 -
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF FOUR PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT TIN WAN PRAYA ROAD, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,700 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR A FEE-PAYING CARPARK FOR LICENSED GOODS VEHICLES EXCLUDING ARTICULATED VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT FUNG TAK ROAD, DIAMOND HILL, KOWLOON.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,700 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS DESIGNATED FOR A PLANT NURSERY AND/OR A PROCESSING YARD FOR LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE THIRD SITE IS LOCATED AT LOK WAH STREET, TSZ WAN SHAN, KOWLOON.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,300 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR A FEEPAYING PARKING AREA FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED) CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE LAST SITE IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF MA LOK PATH AND KAU TO SHAN ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,550 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR A PLANT NURSERY AND/OR COMMERCIAL GARDEN INCLUDING GROWING, STORAGE AND SALE OF PLANTS, FLOWERS AND OTHER ANCILLARY GARDEN PRODUCTS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 20.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET; AND THE SHA TIN AND HONG KONG SOUTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES.
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/55 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
- 55 -
FESTIVE LIGHTING IN MONG KOK
******
MONG KOK WILL BE LIT UP WITH FESTIVE LIGHTINGS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SEASONS.
A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR THE ILLUMINATIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 6).
AN EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTINGS PROJECT ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR JUSTIN CHIU KWOK-HUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE ILLUMINATIONS WOULD BE ON FROM FRIDAY UNTIL JANUARY 5, AND AGAIN FROM JANUARY 25 TO FEBRUARY 18 FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
”A FOCAL POINT OF THE DISPLAYS WILL BE AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD.
’’OTHER THOROUGHFARES WITH ILLUMINATIONS WILL INCLUDE A SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND SOY STREET, A SECTION OF ARGYLE STREET BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND SAI YEE STREET AND A SECTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD," HE SAID.
THE ILLUMINATIONS WHICH COST MORE THAN $800,000 ARE JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ILLUMINATIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 6) AT 6.30 PM.
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A COCKTAIL PARTY ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE GRAND TOWER HOTEL, 627-641 NATHAN ROAD, AT 6.45 PM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AND ATTEND THE COCKTAIL PARTY.
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/56 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
56
TSUEN WAN ARTS FORTNIGHT
***** -
A PROGRAMME OF 15 EVENTS HAS BEEN DRAWN UP FOR THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FORTNIGHT TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 7 TO 20.
IT WILL FEATURE CANTONESE OPERA SINGING, DRAMAS, MODERN AND CLASSICAL DANCING, PIANO RECITAL, A CONCERT BY THE CHINESE ORCHESTRA, AND A PAPER ART EXHIBITION. THESE CULTURAL EVENTS ARE ANNUALLY ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE ARTS FORTNIGHT AIMED AT PROMOTING VARIOUS FORMS OF PERFORMING ARTS AND ENCOURAGING ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THE FORTNIGHT WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH AN ARTS SPECTACULAR AT 7.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 7) AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. THERE WILL BE JOINT PERFORMANCES BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR, FOLK SONG SINGING GROUPS AND DANCING TROUPES.
ADMISSION TO THE SPECTACULAR IS FREE AND TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, AND THE OFFICE OF THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AT 8, BLOCK 1, SHEK WAI KOK CARPARK BUILDING.
TICKETS FOR OTHER EVENTS ARE ON SALE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, THE URBTIX OUTLETS, AND THE CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.
THE FUNCTION IS ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION. THE ESTIMATED COST OF $350,000 WILL BE FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 413 8138.
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/57
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1991
57
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* » » » *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 3.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 4.12.91 -381
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 381
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.8 *+0.0» 4.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.65 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.58 5.46
1 MONTH 3.98 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.95 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.07 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.86 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 5,841 MN, BONDS 71 MN
CLOSED 4 DECEMBER 1991
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
21ST MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ....................... 1
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON MEDICAL GAS SUPPLY ................................ 1
CRIMES (TORTURE) BILL 1991 TO BE GAZETTED............................... 3
LORD CAITHNESS ARRIVES TOMORROW ........................................ 4
LAND ACQUISITION NOTICES PUT UP IN WALLED CITY ......................... 5
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION ON JANUARY 19 ....................... 6
BUSY DAY FOR DUKE OF KENT............................................... 6
DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS HOME FOR THE ELDERLY ............................
TSEUNG KWAN O DEVELOPMENT ENTERS NEW PHASE ............................. 8
TENDERS INVITED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES ................................ 9
FURTHER REFINEMENT TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT BILL UNDERWAY: SHA ........... 9
LADY WILSON OPENS JADE EXHIBITION ...................................... 12
HK READY TO GRASP OPPORTUNITIES IN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES ................ 13
MARINE DEPT APPEALS FOR WITNESSES ...................................... 14
RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ...................... 15
MEETINGS ON POLICING OF HK/CHINA BORDER ................................ 16
HONG KONG STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL EXPLAINED ..................... 16
LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE ON MOVE ........................................ 18
TEACHERS' INNOVATIVE PROJECTS ON DISPLAY ............................... 18
HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL 1991 ..................................... 19
DANCING PARTY IN MONG KOK TO GREET NEW YEAR ............................ 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 20
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
1
COMMUNIQUE
21ST MEETING OF SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP
* * * * »
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS TWENTY-FIRST MEETING IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 3 TO 5, 1991.
THE GROUP CONTINUED ITS DISCUSSION OF THE FUTURE OF LANDS WHICH ARE NOW IN USE FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES IN HONG KONG.
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 SEVEN INTERNATIONAL TREATIES IN THE FIELDS OF CONSERVATION AND HEALTH. THE IRO SUB-GROUP WILL MEET AGAIN SOON TO CONTINUE THIS WORK.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997.
THE GROUP HAD A PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF THE DRAFT MODEL AGREEMENT ON MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CERTAIN COUNTRIES AND RELATED QUESTIONS, AND AGREED THAT EXPERTS WOULD MEET AGAIN SOON TO CONTINUE THIS WORK.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT MAJOR FRANCHISES WHICH WILL EXTEND BEYOND 1997 AND MADE PROGRESS.
THE TWO SIDES HAD A GENERAL DISCUSSION IN WHICH THEY EXCHANGED VIEWS ABOUT MATTERS OF CURRENT CONCERN.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE IN MARCH 1992.
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON MEDICAL GAS SUPPLY ******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL COMMISSION A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO ENSURE THAT THE LOCAL PRACTICE IN THE SUPPLY AND HANDLING OF MEDICAL GASES IS FULLY UP TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
THE CONSULTANT, TASKED WITH COMPLETING THE WORK AND PRODUCING A REPORT IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS, WILL BE COMMISSIONED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, SAID THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (PROTECTION), MR CHOW WING-CHEONG AT A PRESS BRIEFING TODAY (THURSDAY).
/THE OBJECTIVES .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 2 -
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY WILL BE:
* TO REVIEW:
- THE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES PRESENTLY PRACTISED IN THE MEDICAL GAS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL EXISTING CONTROLLING LEGISLATION AND THE RESULTANT EFFECTIVENESS;
- THE SAFETY MEASURES AT THE END-USERS' PREMISES;
- THE CONTROL OF SAFETY AND QUALITY ASPECTS IN THE MANUFACTURE, FILLING, DELIVERY AND HANDLING OF SUCH GASES IN BULK OR PORTABLE CONTAINERS FROM THE POINT OF PRODUCTION RIGHT UP UNTIL THEIR ADMINISTRATION TO PATIENTS;
- THE MEDICAL GAS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND TO RECOMMEND MEASURES TO ENSURE A CONTINUOUS AND SAFE SUPPLY TO THE LOCAL MARKET; AND
* TO RECOMMEND PRACTICABLE MEASURES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING LEGISLATION, ENACTMENT OF NEW
LEGISLATION AND ADOPTION OF RELEVANT INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS TO ENHANCE, WHERE NECESSARY, THE
CURRENT STANDARD OF SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES ON THE CONTROL OF SAFETY AND QUALITY ASPECTS IN THE MANUFACTURE, FILLING, DELIVERY AND HANDLING OF SUCH GASES.
MR CHOW SAID AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY WAS FORMED TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT INVOLVING A NITROUS OXIDE CYLINDER AT THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE IN JULY LAST YEAR.
THE WORKING PARTY COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND GOVERNMENT LABORATORY.
MR CHOW SAID NEITHER THE WORKING PARTY NOR A SEPARATE POLICE INVESTIGATION WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT.
"HOWEVER, ITS FINDINGS SUGGESTED THE POSSIBILITY OF NEGLIGENCE WHILE THERE STILL REMAINED THE POSSIBILITY OF A MALICIOUS ACT.
"AS A RESULT OF THE FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATION, THE WORKING PARTY PROPOSED MORE STRINGENT PROCEDURES TO CONTROL THE HANDLING OF MEDICAL GASES TN ADDITION TO THOSE ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED AT THE CANOSSA HOSPITAL IN 1989.
"THESE INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTION AND HANDLING, MORE SUPERVISION AND TRAINING OF STAFF, SEPARATION OF PRODUCTION AND STORAGE ARFAS, LABELLING AND SEALING OF GAS CONTAINERS OR CYLINDERS," HE SAID.
MR CHOW SAID THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG OXYGEN AND ACETYLENE COMPANY LTD (HKO) AGREED TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM THE WORKING PARTY REPORTS ON BOTH INCIDENTS.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
HE SAID MOST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAD ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY HKO, THOUGH SOME REQUIRED CONSIDERABLE TIME TO COMPLETE, SUCH AS CONVERSION OF LIQUID GAS CONTAINER VALVES TO PIN-INDEX OUTLETS, ORDERING OF SUITABLE EQUIPMENT FOR HOSPITALS TO FIT PIN-INDEX VALVES ON MEDICAL GAS CONTAINERS.
MR CHOW SAID ALL IMPROVEMENTS WERE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY SUMMER NEXT YEAR AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR CLOSELY THE PROGRESS THROUGH REGULAR LIAISON WITH HKO’S MANAGEMENT, INSPECTIONS BY FSD STAFF TEMPORARILY BASED AT HKO’S PRODUCTION PLANT AND SPOT CHECKS ON DISTRIBUTION, DELIVERY AND STORAGE OF MEDICAL GASES.
"THE FIRE SERVIES DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO IMPOSED ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS IN THE LICENCE GRANTED TO HKO UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, AS WELL AS REVIEWING THEIR LICENCE ON A SIX-MONTHLY BASIS.
"FURTHERMORE, THE HKO HAS ALSO VOLUNTARILY TAKEN ACTION TO ENHANCE ITS MANAGEMENT CONTROL BY EMPLOYING SUITABLE PERSONNEL TO SUPERVISE THE PRODUCTION AND HANDLING OF MEDICAL GASES AND TO INTRODUCE ADDITIONAL SECURITY IN DELIVERY BY ADOPTING A BAR CODE SYSTEM.
"ALSO, A NEW TYPE OF ’TAMPER-PROOF’ VALVE SEAL FOR PIN-INDEX MEDICAL GAS CYLINDERS WOULD BE INTRODUCED BY SUMMER NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
- - 0 -
CRIMES (TORTURE) BILL 1991 TO BE GAZETTED
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO GIVE EFFECT TO PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE, INHUMAN AND DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT ALL PHYSICAL ACTS WHICH WOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS TORTURE UNDER THE CONVENTION WERE ALREADY OFFENCES UNDER EXISTING HONG KONG LAW. INCIDENTS OF SUSPECTED TORTURE WERE RARE.
"MENTAL TORTURE" SUCH AS SUBJECTING THE VICTIMS TO EXTREME HORROR IS, HOWEVER, NOT ADEQUATELY COVERED BY EXISTING LEGISLATION.
"IN VIEW OF THE NATURE OF TORTURE AS A PARTICULARLY SERIOUS VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS STRICTLY CONDEMNED BY INTERNATIONAL LAW, WE INTEND TO CREATE THE OFFENCE OF TORTURE TO COVER ALL ACTS OF TORTURE AS DEFINED IN THE CONVENTION," HE SAID.
THE BILL WILL ALSO PROVIDE LEGAL CHANNELS FOR THE EXTRADITION OF TORTURERS AND SUSPECTED TORTURERS.
/"IN DRAFTING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
"IN DRAFTING THE BILL, WE HAVE BROADLY FOLLOWED THE APPROACH TAKEN IN SECTIONS 134 TO 138 OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT 1988 WHICH WAS ENACTED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM TO MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE CONVENTION," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"UNDER THE BILL, IF ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR PERSON ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY INTENTIONALLY INFLICTS SEVERE PAIN OR SUFFERING ON ANOTHER, WHETHER PHYSICAL OR MENTAL, IN THE PERFORMANCE OR PURPORTED PERFORMANCE OF HIS OFFICIAL DUTIES, HE COMMITS THE OFFENCE OF TORTURE.
"OTHER PERSON WHO COMMITS ACTS OF TORTURE AT THE INSTIGATION OF OR WITH THE CONSENT OR ACQUIESCENCE OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR PERSON ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY WILL ALSO BE CAUGHT UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION," HE SAID.
TO ENABLE COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONVENTION AND FOLLOWING THE APPROACH OF THE 1988 ACT, ALL ACTS OF TORTURE COMMITTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG WILL ALSO BE MADE AN OFFENCE UNDER THE BILL.
THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT FOR THE OFFENCE OF TORTURE IS IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE.
"TO ENSURE THAT PAIN AND SUFFERING INFLICTED BY THE USE OF REASONABLE FORCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN THE COURSE OF MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER WOULD NOT BE CLASSIFIED AS TORTURE, THE BILL ALLOWS ’LAWFUL AUTHORITY, JUSTIFICATION, OR EXCUSE’ TO BE CITED AS A DEFENCE AGAINST THE CHARGE OF TORTURE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PERMITS EXTRADITION TO BE GRANTED TO STATES PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION, WHETHER HAVING AN EXTRADITION RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG OR NOT, FOR OFFENCES CREATED BY THE BILL. THIS IS INTENDED TO FULFIL THE OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE CONVENTION.
THE CRIMES (TORTURE) BILL 1991, TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 18.
THE CONVENTION WILL BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG ONCE THE BILL HAS BEEN ENACTED.
LORD CAITHNESS ARRIVES TOMORROW
t t * * * *
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD CAITHNESS, WILL ARRIVE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR A TWO-DAY VISIT.
HE WILL ARRIVE AT MAN KAM TO FROM SHENZHEN AND WILL TAKE A HELICOPTER FOR FENWICK PIER STREET HELIPAD.
/DURING HIS .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 5 -
DURING HIS STAY IN HONG KONG, HE WILL MEET WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
THE MINISTER WILL ALSO VISIT LO WU DETENTION CENTRE AND STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
A FIXED PRESS POSITION WILL BE SET UP AT FENWICK PIER STREET HELIPAD FOR COVERING HIS ARRIVAL. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE HELIPAD BEFORE 11.50 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
IN THE AFTERNOON, LORD CAITHNESS WILL VISIT THE LO WU DETENTION CENTRE. YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT.
TWO PRESS COACHES WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (CGO) CARPARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, AT 12.30 PM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAKING THEIR OWN WAY TO LO WU DETENTION CENTRE SHOULD ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 2.15 PM.
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LAND ACQUISITION NOTICES PUT UP IN WALLED CITY
******
NOTICES WERE AFFIXED THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TO THE REMAINING OCCUPIED PREMISES IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY UNDER THE LAND ACQUISITION (POSSESSORY TITLE) ORDINANCE NOTIFYING RELEVANT PARTIES OF THE MAKING OF AN ACQUISITION ORDER BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS YESTERDAY (DECEMBER 4).
THEY WERE ISSUED FOLLOWING THE DECISION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON TUESDAY THAT THE AREA OF LAND CONCERNED WAS REQUIRED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WALLED CITY CLEARANCE SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE SAID.
THE NOTICES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DECLARE THAT WITHIN ONE MONTH FROM THE DATE OF THE AFFIXING (THAT IS DECEMBER 5, 1991), THE LAND DESCRIBED IN THE NOTICES SHALL VEST IN THE CROWN AND THAT EVERY INTEREST, RIGHT OR ANY EASEMENT OF ANY PERSON IN OR OVER THE LAND SHALL BE EXTINGUISHED.
THEY FURTHER STATE THAT ANY PERSON MAKING A CLAIM OF OWNERSHIP TO THE LAND DESCRIBED IN THE NOTICE, OR ANY PART THEREOF SHALL SUBMIT TO THE DIRECTOR A WRITTEN NOTICE OF HIS CLAIM TOGETHER WITH SUCH EVIDENCE HE MAY HAVE TO SUBSTANTIATE IT BEFORE THE DATE OF VESTING.
NOTICES TO THE SAME EFFECT WILL BE PUBLISHED IN AN ENGLISH AND A CHINESE NEWSPAPER AND IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL DUTIES OFFICE, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, UTH FLOOR, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
/6 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
6
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION ON JANUARY 19 ******
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 TO FILL A SEAT IN THE YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID A DECLARATION OF VACATION OF OFFICE BY MR CHEUNG CHI-YUEN HAD BEEN MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
HE SAID NOMINATIONS WOULD BE CALLED BETWEEN DECEMBER 16 AND 30 AND NOMINATION FORMS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM TUESDAY (DECEMBER 10) AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, HARBOUR CENTRE, 1OTH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
CANDIDATES MUST BE REGISTERED ELECTORS AND HAVE BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING NOMINATION.
A CANDIDATE CAN BE A RESIDENT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG, BUT HIS NOMINATION PAPER MAY ONLY BE SUBSCRIBED BY REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY.
EACH NOMINATION REQUIRES 10 SUBSCRIBERS AND EACH SUBSCRIBER MAY GIVE SUPPORT TO ONLY ONE CANDIDATE.
THE YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY, COMPRISING MAINLY THE LEK YUEN AND WO CHE ESTATES, HAS A REGISTERED ELECTORATE OF 13,045.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BY-ELECTION WOULD BE HELD UNLESS THE SEAT WAS UNCONTESTED.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE ON TEL. 827 1122.
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BUSY DAY FOR DUKE OF KENT *****
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT HAD A BUSY SCHEDULE TODAY (THURSDAY) WHICH INCLUDED A VISIT TO CHUK YUEN ESTATE, A TOUR OF THE HARBOUR AND VISITS TO THE CONTAINER TERMINAL, MTR CORPORATION, CATRAY PACIFIC, HAECO AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS BEGAN THE DAY’S PROGRAMME WITH A TOUR OF THE HARBOUR ABOARD THE LADY MAURINE WHERE HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER.
AT KWAI CHUNG, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS BOARDED A STRADDLE CARRIER TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED CONTAINER YARD. HE ALSO VISITED A QUAY CRANE AND WAS BRIEFED ON ACTIVITIES AT THE TERMINAL.
/AT CHUK ......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
7
AT CHUK YUEN ESTATE IN WONG TAI SIN, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS TOURED THE LANDSCAPED GARDEN AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AREA. AT THE ROOF OF ONE OF THE HOUSING BLOCKS, HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG, ON PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMMES IN KOWLOON CENTRAL.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS ALSO VISITED A FAMILY IN WAI YUEN HOUSE OF THE ESTATE.
IN THE AFTERNOON, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS VISITED THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY MTRC CHAIRMAN, MR HAMISH MATHERS, ON THE CORPORATION’S HISTORY AND ITS FUTURE INVOLVEMENT IN PROVIDING SERVICE LINKS TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE DUKE ALSO VISITED CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS’ FLIGHT SIMULATOR AT KAI TAK WHERE HE WAS GIVEN A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SIMULATOR. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS LATER VISITED THE ENGINE SERVICING AND TESTING FACILITY OF THE HONG KONG AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING COMPANY (HAECO).
AT THE OFFICES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS BRIEFED BY EPD DIRECTOR, DR STUART REED, ON THE BACKGROUND TO POLMET ’91 AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG AND THE RESPONSE BY THE GOVERNMENT.
IN THE EVENING, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES, ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON, WILL ATTEND A PERFORMANCE OF THE OPERA "COSI FAN TUTTE" AT THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
----0------
DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS HOME FOR THE ELDERLY
******
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT CONTINUED HER BUSY SCHEDULE TODAY (THURSDAY) WITH A VISIT TO A HOME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN ABERDEEN IN THE MORNING.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED (SAGE), SIR TT LIANG YANG, THE CHAIRMAN, DR EDWARD CHEN, AND THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M. D. CARTLAND, THE DUCHESS VISITED THE QUAN CHUEN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
SHE TOURED VARIOUS FACILITIES INCLUDING THE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ROOMS AND THE ACTIVITIES AREAS. THE DUCHESS MET AND TALKED TO A NUMBER OF THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS.
IN THE HANDICRAFT SECTION, THE DUCHESS SAW WITH INTEREST HOW THE ELDERLY PRODUCED VARIOUS HANDICRAFT ITEMS.
THE QUAN CHUEN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY WAS SET UP BY SAGE IN 1983. IT PROVIDES 196 BEDS FOR THE PHYSICALLY WEAK ELDERLY WHO ARE OVER 60 YEARS OLD AND IN NEED OF SOME NURSING CARE AND ASSISTANCE IN THEIR DAILY LIVING.
THE DUCHESS THEN VISITED THE ROSARYHILL SCHOOL IN STUBBS ROAD WHERE SHE JOINED STUDENTS IN WATCHING A PERFORMANCE OF A COMIC DRAMA BY THE CHUNG YING THEATRE GROUP.
/THE PERFORMANCE.........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
8
THE PERFORMANCE, ’’FOOLS, FOOLSr FOOLS”, IS PART OF AN ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME BY THE PERFORMING ARTS GROUP FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
THE DUCHESS WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE DUCHESS ATTENDED A TEA PARTY ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND OFFICERS’ MESS WITH SOME 65 MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN’S ROYAL ARMY CORPS AND THE ARMY CATERING CORPS AND THEIR SPOUSES.
------0--------
TSEUNG KWAN O DEVELOPMENT ENTERS NEW PHASE
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $167 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SITE FORMATION AND ANCILLARY WORKS IN SIU CHIK SHA, TSEUNG KWAN O, HERALDING A NEW PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SOUTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, DR Y.L. CHOI, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINA FUJIAN CORPORATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TECHNO-ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CONTRACT.
WORKS ON THE CONTRACT COMPRISE RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALLS, ROADS, BOX CULVERTS AND THE PRELIMINARY WORK FOR A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION. THESE ARE ESSENTIAL TO TIE IN WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O LANDFILL AS WELL AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THESE WORKS WILL ALSO MARK A NEW PHASE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN 0 IN THAT WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE MAJORITY OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN HANG HAU AREA, THE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES START MOVING TO THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
ON COMPLETION OF THE CONTRACT BY 1994, ABOUT 13 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE PROVISION OF SECONDARY SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES AND FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED FOR THE DESIGN OF THE SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR TSEUNG KWAN O. AND TOGETHER WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT SIU CHIK SHA THAT WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES IN FUTURE TO COPE WITH THE POPULATION BUILD-UP AND THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
- 0----------
/9 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
9 TENDERS INVITED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES *******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR 200 URBAN TAXI LICENCES.
AT PRESENT A TOTAL OF 14,700 LICENCES FOR URBAN TAXIS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED.
TENDER FORMS FOR THE NEW LICENCES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, ROOM 27, MEZZANINE FLOOR, MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 2 MURRAY ROAD, CENTRAL.
TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT $50,000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH TAXI LICENCE THEY SEEK. ONE TENDER FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED FOR ANY NUMBER OF URBAN TAXI LICENCES NOT EXCEEDING 200.
A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS WHICH OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT. RECEIPTS, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES, ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20.
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FURTHER REFINEMENT TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT BILL UNDERWAY: SHA ******
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) IS PROPOSING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 HAVING REGARD TO PUBLIC COMMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE AMENDED LEGISLATION WOULD BE FINALISED EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND THAT THE NEW LAW CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IN 1992," HE ADDED.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR SUEN WHEN HE ADDRESSED A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK BOARD OF DIRECTORS FELLOWSHIP ASSOCIATION.
OUTLINING THE PUBLIC’S REACTION TO THE BILL, HE NOTED THAT IT WAS GAZETTED IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON MAY 31.
/"THE BILL .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 10 -
"THE BILL HAS PROPOSED MANDATORY CLAUSES IN RESPECT OF UNFAIR CLAUSES IN DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT TO' SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF FLAT OWNERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS AND TO BALANCE THE INTERESTS AMONG THEM AND PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES," MR SUEN SAID.
DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD FROM JUNE TO AUGUST, CNTA STAFF ATTENDED DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS, DISCUSSED WITH VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL BODIES AS WELL AS PARTICIPATED IN SEMINARS TO EXPLAIN THE OBJECTIVE AND DETAILS OF THE BILL TO HELP THE PUBLIC HAVE A FULLER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTENT BEFORE GIVING THEIR VIEWS, HE SAID.
"THE CONSULTATION WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH A TOTAL OF 340 REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED.
"THEY CAME FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, DISTRICT BOARDS, AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS.
"PROFESSIONAL BODIES, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF HOUSING, THE INSTITUTE OF HOUSING (HONG KONG BRANCH), THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES LIMITED AND THE SOCIETY OF HONG KONG REAL ESTATES ADMINISTRATORS, HAD ALSO SUBMITTED THEIR OPINIONS ON THE BILL," HE SAID.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE THREE MAJOR ISSUES WHICH ATTRACTED PUBLIC CONCERN WAS WHETHER SECTION 2A IN THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE SHOULD BE RETAINED OR AMENDED.
THIS SECTION OF THE ORDINANCE STATES THAT IF A PERSON HAS GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING IN WRITING TO, OR HAS ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH, THE GOVERNMENT TO MANAGE OR BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF A BUILDING, THE ORDINANCE SHALL NOT APPLY.
"THIS IN EFFECT PREVENTS THE FLAT OWNERS OF THAT BUILDING FROM FORMING AN OWNERS CORPORATION," MR SUEN NOTED.
AFTER STUDYING THE VARIOUS COMMENTS, CNTA FELT THAT ALLOWING FLAT OWNERS TO FORM OWNERS CORPORATIONS WAS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE IN IMPROVING THE DAILY MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS.
"CNTA WOULD RECOMMEND THAT SECTION 2A OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE BE REPEALED TO COINCIDE WITH SECTION 34(1) OF THE BILL WHICH STATES THAT FLAT OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE PREVENTED BY THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT FROM FORMING OWNERS CORPORATIONS," HE SAID.
ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE WAS A MANDATORY TERM IN THE FOURTH SCHEDULE OF THE BILL WHICH SEEKS TO ENABLE FLAT OWNERS TO TERMINATE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MANAGER OF THEIR BUILDING BY A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE, MR SUEN SAID.
/HE NOTED .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
11
HE NOTED THAT VIEWS WERE FAIRLY DIVERGENT ON THIS ISSUE BUT ON THE WHOLE MOST PEOPLE HOPED THAT THE 1 APPOINTMENT OF THE MANAGERS COULD BE TERMINATED WITH A SIMPLE MAJORITY RESOLUTION.
"AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE VOTES OF THE OWNERS OF OVER 51 PER CENT SHARES OF THE BUILDING BE REQUIRED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PERFORMANCE OF A MANAGER WAS SATISFACTORY SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE.
"HOWEVER, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THAT CERTAIN LARGE-SCALE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WOULD NEED TO BE BUILT IN PHASES AND WOULD TAKE A LONGER TIME TO FORM OWNERS CORPORATIONS, AND THAT THE CONSTRUCTION AND FACILITIES OF CERTAIN HOUSING ESTATES ARE RELATIVELY COMPLEX, WE WOULD THEREFORE PROPOSE TO ADD AN EXEMPTION CLAUSE IN THE BILL.
"THIS CLAUSE WILL ENABLE DEVELOPERS OR MANAGERS OF LARGE ESTATES TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTION FROM THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS FROM THE DISMISSAL PROVISIONS SO THAT THE ESTATE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MANAGED BY THEM," MR SUEN SAID.
"NATURALLY, IN GRANTING THE SAID EXEMPTION, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS MAY STIPULATE THE DURATION OF THE EXEMPTION PERIOD AND INTRODUCE APPROPRIATE CONDITIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE BUILDING WILL BE : MANAGED IN AN EFFICIENT AND FAIR MANNER," HE ADDED.
THE THIRD ISSUE ABOUT WHICH THE PUBLIC WAS MOST CONCERNED WAS WHETHER A BUILDING MANAGEMENT TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE SET UP.
"ALTHOUGH THEIR STANCE MIGHT BE QUITE DIFFERENT, FLAT OWNERS, MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AND PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ALL SHARED THE VIEW THAT A BUILDING MANAGEMENT TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO HANDLE DISPUTES ARISING FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LAW OR THE DAILY MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS.
"THEY ALL HOPED THAT A TRIBUNAL WITH SIMPLE, INFORMAL AND INEXPENSIVE PROCEDURES, AND REQUIRING NO LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE SET UP TO HANDLE MATTERS RELATING TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT OR DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT," HE ADDED.
MR SUEN SAID CNTA WAS NOW CONSULTING THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AS TO WHETHER SUCH A TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED.
"INITIALLY, WE FELT THAT A TRIBUNAL SHOULD PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT AND CENTRALISED MEANS OF HANDLING DISPUTES ARISING FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS," MR SUEN SAID.
HOWEVER, HE CAUTIONED THAT IT WOULD TAKE QUITE SOME TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS THE IMPLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE JURISDICTION OF THE TRIBUNAL, THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND WHETHER THERE WOULD BE DUPLICATIONS WITH OTHER TRIBUNALS NOW IN OPERATION.
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/12 .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 12 -
LADY WILSON OPENS JADE" EXHIBITION *****
LADY WILSON TODAY (THURSDAY) OPENED AN EXHIBITION OF JADE CARVINGS EXCAVATED FROM THE TOMB OF THE KING OF NANYUE IN THE WESTERN HAN MAUSOLEUM.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY, LADY WILSON SAID ALTHOUGH THE CARVINGS WERE EXCAVATED IN CANTON IN 1983, THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD BEEN SHOWN OUTSIDE MAINLAND CHINA.
"IT IS ESPECIALLY SIGNIFICANT THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN GIVEN THIS HONOUR; GUANGDONG HAS CLOSE TIES WITH HONG KONG PEOPLE NOW, AND SO IT WAS IN THE DISTANT PAST," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF THE SUCCESSION OF KINGS, THE FORMS OF MILITARY POWER, AND OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY OF THE WESTERN HAN DYNASTY.
"WE ALSO KNOW SOMETHING OF THEIR FORMAL CULTURE, AND THEIR GOVERNMENTS’ BELIEF THAT THEY HAD HEAVENLY INSTRUCTIONS TO SPREAD THE BENEFITS OF A CULTURED LIFE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE.
"WE KNOW THAT THE HAN DYNASTY DEPENDED UPON, AND INDEED ENCOURAGED, THE DEVELOPMENT OF LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT, SCHOLASTIC COMPETENCE, RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY, SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, AND TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENT.
"THESE ARE CULTURAL ASPECTS WHICH HAVE PROVEN TO BE AS DURABLE AS THE CHINESE JADE ON WHICH THE CARVINGS WERE MADE," SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, SHE SAID THE WAY PEOPLE ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED AND PERCEIVED THAT CULTURE WAS LESS KNOWN.
"IT IS TO WHAT REMAINS OF THEIR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION AND PERSONAL EFFECTS, THAT WE TURN, FOR OTHER CLUES ABOUT THE WAY PEOPLE WERE DURING THE NANYUE PERIOD," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON FOUND IT OF GREAT INTEREST TO SEE THE CARVINGS FASHIONED IN JADE WELL OVER TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
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/13 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5r
1991
- 13 -
HK READY TO GRASP OPPORTUNITIES JN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES *******
HONG KONG IS WELL PLACED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED INDUSTRIES, THE ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A FORUM ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, MR WONG SAID HONG KONG HAD A FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION TOGETHER WITH A WELL EDUCATED AND SKILLED WORKFORCE AND AN EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS FAMILIAR WITH AND HAD READY ACCESS TO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FROM OVERSEAS.
”1 WOULD ADD THAT THE RECENT DECISION BY THE US GOVERNMENT TO AWARD INTRA-COCOM TRADE LICENSING BENEFITS TO HONG KONG IS A VERY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT.
"THE U.S. IS THE LARGEST SUPPLIER OF HIGH-TECH GOODS TO HONG KONG. THE LIBERALISATION OF LICENSING PROCEDURES WILL ALLOW A FASTER AND EASIER FLOW OF THESE GOODS FROM THE U.S. TO HONG KONG," HE SAID.
ON GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY, MR WONG SAID AS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, A NEW INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WOULD BE SET UP TO REPLACE THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
"WITH ITS EXPANDED TERMS OF REFERENCE AND A MORE FOCUSSED APPROACH, THIS NEW COUNCIL WILL BE BETTER PLACED TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON HOW HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY SHOULD RESPOND TO TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE WORLD SO AS TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE NEW COUNCIL WOULD ALSO HELP GOVERNMENT ADMINISTER AN APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) SCHEME.
"UNDER THE SCHEME, FINANCIAL SUPPORT WILL BE PROVIDED TO COMPANIES ON A MATCHING BASIS FOR APPLIED R&D WORK," HE SAID.
MR WONG ADDED THAT IN RESPONSE TO THE GROWING DEMAND FOR TRAINED MANPOWER AND RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES, GOVERNMENT WAS ESTABLISHING A NEW TECHNOLOGY TRAINING SCHEME.
"UNDER THIS SCHEME, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED TO EMPLOYERS TO ENABLE THEIR MID-CAREER MANAGERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS TO UNDERTAKE TRAINING IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES CONSIDERED OF IMPORTANCE TO * HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SEEKING TO IMPROVE THE R&D CAPABILITIES OF TERTIARY ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS, NOT ONLY AS A WAY OF ATTRACTING AND RETAINING HIGH CALIBRE STAFF, BUT ALSO FOR DEVELOPING A STRONG CADRE OF RESEARCHERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS WHO COULD EVENTUALLY UNDERTAKE APPLIED R&D COMMISSIONED BY COMPANIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
/"ACCORDINGLY, GOVERNMENT ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 14 -
"ACCORDINGLY, GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AT THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAS INCREASED FROM $120 MILLION IN THE 1988/91 TRIENNIUM TO $400 MILLION FOR 1991/94. THIS IS ON TOP OF FUNDING WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE APPLIED R&D SCHEME," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID HONG KONG HAD BENEFITTED CONSIDERABLY FROM THE IMPORT OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE PAST, AND WAS BOUND TO CONTINUE RELYING ON THE ADAPTATION OF OVERSEAS TECHNOLOGY IN THE FUTURE.
"GIVEN THE DIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND ITS LIMITED RESOURCES, PROMOTION OF INWARD INVESTMENT IS CRUCIAL TO ENRICH HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE WITH NEW OR IMPROVED PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES.
"GOVERNMENT IMPOSES NO RESTRICTION ON THE IMPORT OF TECHNOLOGY, OR DISINCENTIVES SUCH AS MINIMUM LOCAL EQUITY PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS.
"THUS, BUSINESSMEN CAN SOURCE THEIR TECHNOLOGY FROM WHEREVER THEY CHOOSE," HE SAID.
MR WONG ADDED THAT WHILE THIS PROCESS WAS LARGELY DEPENDENT ON PRIVATE SECTOR REQUIREMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT PLAYED ITS PART BY FUNDING SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, TO ACQUIRE AND DISSEMINATE NEW TECHNOLOGIES, BY SEEKING TO ATTRACT INWARD INVESTORS WHO COULD BRING IN USEFUL TECHNOLOGIES, AND BY PUBLICISING TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITIES.
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MARINE DEPT APPEALS FOR WITNESSES
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS APPEALING FOR WITNESSES TO ASSIST WITH THE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY INTO A FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING THE HONG KONG-REGISTERED CATAMARAN "VASCO DA GAMA" AND A WOODEN WORKBOAT IN THE MACAU OUTER HARBOUR APPROACH CHANNEL ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): "WE WISH TO APPEAL FOR PASSENGERS ON BOARD ’VASCO DA GAMA’ SAILING TO HONG KONG FROM MACAU AT ABOUT 3.15 PM WHO SAW THE ACCIDENT TO COME FORWARD.
"PERSONS WHO WITNESSED THE ACCIDENT, OR HAVE ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE INQUIRING OFFICER, CAPTAIN KENNETH YEOMANS, ON TEL. 852 4513."
THE CREW OF THE CATAMARAN AND THREE OF THE MEN ON THE WORKBOAT HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED.
OFFICERS OF THE MACAU MARINE DEPARTMENT TOGETHER WITH CAPTAIN YEOMANS HAVE VISITED THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT SO THAT THE CAPTAIN COULD FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE NEW MACAU-TAIPA BRIDGE IN THE VICINITY OF THE ACCIDENT.
/THE PRELIMINARY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 15 -
THE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY WAS ORDERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, ON NOVEMBER 13.
THE BODY OF A FOURTH MAN ON THE WORKBOAT WAS RECOVERED FROM THE SEA THAT DAY.
THE PURPOSE OF THE INQUIRY IS TO FIND OUT THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT AND RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN SO AS TO AVOID SIMILAR INCIDENTS IN FUTURE.
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RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ♦ * * t ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALL ALONG ENCOURAGED LOCAL RESIDENTS TO CARE FOR THEIR COMMUNITY AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ITS AFFAIRS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
r
MR SUEN WAS ADDRESSING THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE "INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY" AND THE OPENING OF THE AGENCY FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE’S "VOLUNTEER PLACE" AT 179 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI.
CITING DISTRICT MATTERS AS EXAMPLES, MR SUEN SAID THEIR SUCCESS OWED MUCH TO THE INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL RESIDENTS THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS COPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
"THESE DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS CANNOT FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT THE PARTICIPATION OF VOLUNTARY WORKERS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED THEIR VALUABLE TIME AND EFFORT IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
ON THE "INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY", THE SECRETARY SAID IT HAD A DOUBLE SIGNIFICANCE.
"FIRST, IT ENABLES US TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF TODAY’S CELEBRATIONS TO EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO THE VOLUNTEERS.
"SECONDLY, IT WILL BE USED TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN THE VOLUNTEER RANKS," MR SUEN SAID.
HE ALSO CALLED ON HONG KONG PEOPLE TO RESPOND TO THE "INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY" APPEAL BY MAKING EFFORTS TO TAKE PART IN VOLUNTARY WORK.
HE PRAISED THE AGENCY FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE FOR THEIR GOOD WORK IN BRINGING ABOUT THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OP’ VOLUNTARY SERVICE IN THE TERRITORY.
. /16........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 16 -
MEETINGS ON POLICING OF HK/CHINA BORDER ****».
THE COMMISSION OF POLICE MR. LI KWAN-HA SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THERE HAD RECENTLY BEEN A NUMBER OF HIGH LEVEL MEETINGS BETWEEN OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND GUANGDONG PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU OFFICIALS.
A DELEGATION OF SENIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS FROM GUANGDONG VISITED HONG KONG BETWEEN 28 NOVEMBER AND 5 DECEMBER FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND ALSO VISITED A NUMBER OF POLICE FORMATIONS.
THE GUANGDONG OFFICIALS WERE LED BY CHEN SHAO-JI, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES INCLUDING SMUGGLING, NARCOTICS, FIREARMS AND COMMERCIAL CRIME.
MR. LI KWAN-HA ALSO NOTED THAT THE FIRST OF A NEW SERIES OF MEETINGS HAD TAKEN PLACE BETWEEN ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE OFFICERS AND CHINESE BORDER CONTROL OFFICIALS.
THE MEETINGS WAS HELD IN SHENZHEN ON SATURDAY (30 NOVEMBER)AND THE HONG KONG SIDE WAS LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR.EDDIE HUI AND CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT, MR. VINCE CHAPMAN.
THE CHINESE SIDE WAS HEADED BY YE NAI-QIANG, DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, BORDER DEFENCE BUREAU, GUANGDONG PROVINCE, AND SU SHAO-JUN,COMMANDER OF 6TH PEOPLES ARMED POLICE BRIGADE.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE MEETINGS IS TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR MORE DIRECT CONTACT ON OPERATIONAL MATTERS AFFECTING THE POLICING OF THE LAND BORDER BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
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HONG KONG STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL EXPLAINED ******
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, BRIEFED AN OMELCO PANEL THIS AFTERNOON (THURSDAY) ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT REGARDING THE PROPOSAL FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB TO REDEVELOP THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
MR SO POINTED OUT THAT THE JOCKEY CLUB HAD OFFERED TO FUND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING HONG KONG STADIUM TO TURN IT INTO A MODERN STADIUM OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD TO CATER FOR MASS SPECTATORS SPORTS AND LARGE SCALE PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT.
IN THE COURSE OF DISCUSSION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES, TWO ISSUES WERE RAISED. THE FIRST ISSUE WAS THE INABILITY TO PROVIDE AN ATHLETIC TRACK IN THE NEW STADIUM. THE SECOND INVOLVED THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW STADIUM.
/MR SO.........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 17 -
MR SO INFORMED THE OMELCO PANEL THAT DUE TO VARIOUS REASONS, INCLUDING SITE CONSTRAINT AND CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING PROBLEMS, IT WOULD NOT BE VIABLE TO PROVIDE A RUNNING TRACK AT THE NEW STADIUM AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE FOR AN AUDIENCE CAPACITY OF 40,000.
HE FULLY SYMPATHISED WITH THE CONCERN OF SCHOOLS BUT POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHOOLS’ REQUIREMENTS COULD BE MET BY USING OTHER EXISTING VENUES AND BY THE JOCKEY CLUB’S OFFER TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING URBAN COUNCIL SPORTSGROUND, SUCH AS THE ABERDEEN SPORTSGROUND TO PROVIDE FOR MORE SEATING CAPACITY.
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT, BASED ON EXISTING USAGE FIGURES, OUT OF THE 80 BOOKINGS AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM MADE BY SCHOOLS AT PRESENT, ONLY 10 REQUIRED A SEATING CAPACITY IN EXCESS OF 1,000.
"THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO HAVE A STADIUM OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD TO CATER TO THE NEEDS OF SPORTS WHICH HAVE A MASS SPECTATOR APPEAL AS WELL AS AN UPGRADED VENUE FOR SCHOOL USE. THIS SHOULD BE IN THE INTEREST OF THE SPORTING FRATERNITY AND THE SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG," MR SO SAID.
"I PERSONALLY WELCOME THIS MOVE AS IT IS CERTAINLY IN THE BEST INTEREST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
ON THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW STADIUM, MR SO INFORMED THE OMELCO PANEL THAT NO FIRM DECISION HAD BEEN MADE AND THAT HE WAS PREPARED TO DISCUSS OPTIONS WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE NEW STADIUM BEING MANAGED ON A SELF-FINANCING BASIS, SO THAT THE COST OF MANAGING THIS NEW FACILITY WOULD NOT HAVE TO FALL ON THE TAXPAYER.
"IT IS HOPED THAT A FORMULA FOR THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW STADIUM CAN BE WORKED OUT WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL THAT WILL ENABLE THE STADIUM TO BE MANAGED ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS,' HE SAID.
HE AGREED TO KEEP THE OMELCO PANEL INFORMED OF PROGRESS OF HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE.JOCKEY CLUB.
IN ADDITION, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A DIALOGUE WITH THE SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND TO WORK OUT AN ARRANGEMENT WHICH WOULD NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SPORTING AND ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES OF SCHOOLS.
- - 0 - -
/18 .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 18 -
LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE ON MOVE ♦ ♦ ♦ » * I
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE ON TEXACO ROAD WILL MOVE TO ROOMS 502-504, FIFTH FLOOR, CHAU’S COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 284 SHA TSUI ROAD, TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE NEW OFFICE ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5.30 PM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 498 0100.
THE OFFICE WILL PROVIDE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT.
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE CONCILIATION IN LABOUR DISPUTES, CONSULTATION ON LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS AND ADVICE ON DRAFTING AND REVISION OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, AND PERSONNEL MATTERS.
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TEACHERS’ INNOVATIVE PROJECTS ON DISPLAY
*****
AN EXHIBITION ON SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS DESIGNED BY TEACHERS TO SUIT THE ABILITY AND SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THEIR PUPILS WILL BE STAGED IN THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 7)
THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY AND FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM BETWEEN MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 9 TO 11).
MORE THAN 50 PROJECTS COVERING THE KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS WILL BE ON DISPLAY.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING; THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S CHAIRMAN, MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT SCHEME, MR TAM MAN-KWAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 7).
---------o-----------
/isi..........•
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 19 -
HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL 1991 ******
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE BRINGING A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS TO THE PUBLIC WITH PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS DURING THE 1991 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 21 TO 29.
THE YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE MUSIC OFFICE SINCE 1979 TO PROMOTE BAND MUSIC AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
OVER 1,500 PARTICIPANTS FROM 25 SCHOOL BANDS TOGETHER WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT AN ARRAY OF BAND MUSIC THIS YEAR IN A SERIES OF CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR THE MUSIC OFFICE HAS INVITED A BRASS QUARTET AND A WIND QUINTET FROM THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND THE PHILHARMONIA WINDS OF HONG KONG TO PERFORM IN THE FESTIVAL.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDES A FESTIVAL CONCERT AND A GALA FINALE TO BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL AND THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN THE EVENINGS OF DECEMBER 26 AND 29 RESPECTIVELY.
VARIOUS KINDS OF BAND MUSIC INCLUDING JAZZ, CLASSICAL AND THEME SONGS FROM MOVIES WILL BE PERFORMED.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE THREE OTHER CONCERTS STAGED AT THE KOWLOON PARK PIAZZA, SHA TIN TOWN HALL PLAZA AND HENG FA CHUEN SHOPPING CENTRE DURING THE FESTIVAL, AS WELL AS SYMPHONIC BAND AND MARCHING BAND CONTESTS FOR THE 25 PARTICIPATING SCHOOL BANDS.
TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL CONCERT AND THE GALA FINALE AT $20 AND $40 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 582 5314 OR 698 2843.
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DANCING PARTY IN MONG KOK TO GREET NEW YEAR
*****
A ’’DISCO NIGHT” FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL ON NEW YEAR’S EVE (DECEMBER 31), FROM 7 PM TO 10.30 PM.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT’S POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
/* MONG KOK ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1991
- 20 -
* MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET;
♦ THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTION, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SEVENTH FLOOR, FA YUEN STREET URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX, 123A FA YUEN STREET; AND
» QUEEN ELIZABETH II STADIUM,
HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION, 10 YIM PO FONG STREET.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 399 2146.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 4.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 5.12.91 -65
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 65
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.6 *-0.2* 5.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.44 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.71 5.39
1 MONTH 3.93 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.91 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.06 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.75 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 6,897 MN, BONDS 245 MN
CLOSED 5 DECEMBER 1991
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO IMMIGRATION SERVICE ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY .. 1
DUKE OF KENT SEES PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS ........................... 2
DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS APA AND CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL .................... 2
HK AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR TO VISIT HK ............... 3
LAW CHANGE TO RECOGNISE CITY POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES' LAW QUALIFICATIONS 4
SWAC APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ........................................... 5
NEW MTRC BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED ....................................... 5
264 VM'S RETURN TO VIETNAM ............................................ 6
IMPORTANCE OF ERADICATING ROOT CAUSES OF STUDENTS' BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS STRESSED ............................................................... 6
FOSTER AND SMALL GROUP HOMES — A FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILD CARE .... 7
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ISLAND WEST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION .............. 8
TRAVEL CHARACTERISTICS SURVEY COMMISSIONED ............................ 9
TRANSPORT DEPT CALLS FOR MORE CAR TESTING CENTRES ..................... 10
TENDERS INVITED FOR TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT PHASE I SITE FORMATION ..... 11
LDC DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN APPROVED .................................. 12
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN .................... 13
TENDERS FOR EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE PLAN ................................ 14
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING ................................ 15
SHIPPING PROTECTION TO TSING YI TOWER ................................. 16
REALIGNMENT OF SOUTHERN APPROACH RAMP OF KAI CHEUNG ROAD FLYOVER ...... 16
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING IN SHAM SHUT PO TO BE CLOSED .................... 17
REMINDER ON PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS .................................... 18
CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL IN SAI KUNG .................................. 20
CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO .............................. 20
TELEMATCHES FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN ELDERLY ........................... 21
CARNIVAL FOR SYCAMORE RESIDENTS ....................................... 22
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 22
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
1
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO IMMIGRATION SERVICE ON ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY *****
THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE GOVERNOR WAS ADDRESSING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE OF THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION SERVICE.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG WOULD FACE NEW CHALLENGES AS WE APPROACHED 1997, SIR DAVID SAID THE TERRITORY COULD COUNT ON MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE TO CONTINUE TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES TO THE SAME HIGH STANDARDS PEOPLE HAD COME TO EXPECT.
HE SAID THE 6,000-MEMBER IMMIGRATION SERVICE, BEING THE YOUNGEST DISCIPLINED SERVICE IN HONG KONG, HAD ACHIEVED A GREAT DEAJ, IN THE PAST 30 YEARS.
"THE SCALE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK TODAY IS IMPRESSIVE. IH 1990, .SOME 63 MILLION TRAVELLERS CAME THROUGH OUR IMMIGRATION CHECK POINTS.
"OVER TWO MILLION APPLICATIONS FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WERE PROCESSED AND OVER A MILLION IDENTITY CARDS WERE ISSUED.
"THE FIGURES HAVE CONTINUED TO RISE IN 1991,” THE GOVERNOR SAID, ADDING THAT THE SERVICE HAD UNDERTAKEN THIS TREMENDOUS WORKLOAD WITH ENTHUSIASM AND CARE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY FOR THE SERVICE, BUT FOR THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE BECAUSE THE SERVICE WAS THE FIRST FACE OF HONG KONG THAT THE VISITOR SAW AND MOST OF THE PEOPLE HERE CALLED ON THE SERVICE AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER.
"A GREAT DEAL DEPENDS ON YOUR EFFICIENCY AND COURTESY IN CARRYING OUT YOUR JOB. THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICE HAS RECENTLY BEEN INCREASED BY TECHNOLOGY.
"BUT WHAT WILL ALWAYS BE THE KEY FACTOR - WHAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY THOSE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE - IS THE PERSONAL TOUCH," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY HAD ASKED THE SERVICE TO UNDERTAKE MANY ADDITIONAL TASKS.
"THE DEPORTATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THE SCREENING OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ARE OBVIOUS EXAMPLES. THESE ARE DIFFICULT BUT ESSENTIAL DUTIES. j,
"THE SERVICE CAN TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED WITH PROFESSIONALISM AND SENSITIVITY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
2 --
DUKE OF KENT SEES PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS ******
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT TODAY (FRIDAY) TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AT HONG KONG’S MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS AND WAS BRIEFED ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS THAT INCLUDE THE NEW PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON POLICE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OPERATIONS DURING A VISIT TO THE BORDER.
THE DUKE BEGAN THE DAY WITH A CAR RIDE ALONG THE TERRITORY’S MASSIVE ROAD NETWORKS WHICH INCLUDED THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE KWUN TONG BY-PASS, THE PRINCE EDWARD ROAD INTERCHANGE, AND TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
AT THE SHA TIN END OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS TOURED THE CONTROL ROOM AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL IN THE TUNNEL, WHICH IS THE LONGEST IN THE TERRITORY.
THE DUKE THEN BOARDED A ROYAL AIR FORCE HELICOPTER FOR A TOUR OF THE BORDER AREA AND WAS LATER BRIEFED ON POLICE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OPERATIONS WHICH INCLUDE THE USE OF THERMAL IMAGER AND THE MINIATURE INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE DUKE VISITED THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS. HE WAS LATER FLOWN BY HELICOPTER TO SEE THE LATEST PROGRESS IN CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON CHEK LAP KOK AND RELATED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
LATER ON THE DUKE VISITED THE CHINA LIGHT POWER STATION IN CASTLE PEAK WHERE HE WAS MET BY LORD KADOORIE, CHAIRMAN OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS TOURED FACILITIES AT THE POWER STATION INCLUDING THE TURBINE HALL AND BOILER HOUSE, THE CENTRAL CONTROL ROOM AND THE TRAINING AND INFORMATION CENTRE.
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DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS APA AND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
*****
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS (APA) AND THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL.
IN THE MORNING, THE DUCHESS, WHO IS A SPECIAL PATRON OF THE APA, VISITED THE ACADEMY WHERE SHE WAS MET BY THE APA COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, DR HELMUT SOHMEN, APA DIRECTOR, DR JOHN HOSIER, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR GEORGE DERBYSHIRE.
THE DUCHESS TOURED THE ACADEMY TO SEE STUDENTS ATTEND A VARIETY OF CLASSES ON DANCE, DRAMA, PIANO AND STAGE TECHNOLOGY.
/IN THE ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 3 -
IN THE AFTERNOON, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS VISITED THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN SANDY BAY.
THE 150-BED HOSPITAL, CAME UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ON DECEMBER 1, PROVIDES FREE TREATMENT, REHABILITATION AND SCHOOLING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN.
SHE FIRST TOURED THE PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT TO SEE
FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED. THEN SHE VISITED THE CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE AND SAW A PERFORMANCE BY THE CHILDREN.
THE DUCHESS WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN (SRDC), MR BRIAN HOLROYD; A SRDC’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER, LADY FORD; HEAD OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S ORTHOPAEDICS DEPARTMENT, PROFESSOR JOHN LEONG; AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE HOSPITAL, DR ERIC HO.
-----0-----
HK AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR TO VISIT HK
******
MR CHEN ZIYING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO DECEMBER 13, AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNOR.
THIS WILL BE MR CHEN’S FIRST VISIT TO HONG KONG SINCE TAKING UP HIS PRESENT POSITION. THE MAIN PURPOSE WILL BE TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
DURING HIS VISIT HE WILL BE MEETING THE GOVERNOR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
MR CHEN WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FIRST DEPARTMENT, MR DENG QIANG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE SECOND DEPARTMENT, MR XU ZE, AND MR ZHOU JUN AND MR WONG HAIBO ALL OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE.
FROM DECEMBER 14 TO 17, MR CHEN WILL STAY ON IN HONG KONG AS THE GUEST OF MR ZHOU NAN, DIRECTOR OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY.
--------0-----------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
LAW CHANGE TO RECOGNISE CITY POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES’ LAW QUALIFICATIONS t * * ♦ * *
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS IN LAW AWARDED BY THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG WILL BE FORMALLY RECOGNISED UNDER PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AIMED AT ENABLING THE POLYTECHNIC’S LAW GRADUATES TO BECOME BARRISTERS OR SOLICITORS.
THE CITY POLYTECHNIC STARTED ITS THREE-YEAR BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE PROGRAMME IN 1988. IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR A POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS (PCLL) COURSE WAS INTRODUCED FOR GRADUATES HOLDING A BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE.
. THE PCLL IS A NECESSARY QUALIFICATION FOR ENTERING INTO A TRAINEE SOLICITOR CONTRACT, WHICH WILL LEAD TO SOLICITOR QUALIFICATION, OR PUPILLAGE, WHICH IS FOR BECOMING A BARRISTER.
THE FIRST STUDENTS OF THE PCLL COURSE, WHICH GIVES STUDENTS PRACTICAL SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY WILL REQUIRE AS SOLICITORS OR BARRISTERS, WILL COMPLETE THEIR STUDIES IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
IN ORDER FOR THE HIGH COURT TO ADMIT A PERSON AS A BARRISTER, THE PERSON MUST SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 27 OF THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE, WHICH NOW ONLY REFERS TO THE BACHELOR OF LAWS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE PCLL AWARDED BY THAT UNIVERSITY.
THAT SECTION OF THE ORDINANCE WILL INCLUDE THE BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE AND THE PCLL OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC UNDER THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
\
THE BILL IS DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 18.
THE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR ADMISSION AS A SOLICITOR ARE GOVERNED BY THE TRAINEE SOLICITORS RULES.
THESE RULES, WHICH ARE MADE BY THE LAW SOCIETY, WILL BE AMENDED TO RECOGNISE CITY POLYTECHNIC’S BACHELOR OF LAWS DEGREE AND PCLL IN ORDER FOR GRADUATES TO BECOME TRAINEE SOLICITORS.
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/5 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 5 -
SWAC APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED * * * * »
THE GOVERNOR HAS REAPPOINTED EIGHT PEOPLE TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) FOR ANOTHER YEAR FROM DECEMBER 1, 1991 TO NOVEMBER 30, 1992, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THEY ARE MR HUI YIN-FAT, PROFESSOR FELICE LIEH-MAK, MR HERMAN HU, DR LAM KUI-CHUN, MR LI WAH-MING, DR AGNES NG, MR PAUL T.K. YOUNG AND MR LINCOLN SOO HUNG-LEUNG.
THE APPOINTMENTS WERE GAZETTED TODAY.
FOUR NEW FACES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO FILL THE VACANT SEATS ON THE COMMITTEE LEFT BY OUTGOING MEMBERS.
THE FOUR ARE MISS ELSIE LEUNG OI-SIE, MRS CHONG WONG CHOR-SAR, PROFESSOR RANCE LEE PUI-LEUNG AND DR WONG HOI-KWOK.
PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW WAS APPOINTED SWAC CHAIRMAN LAST JULY.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE SWAC ARE TO KEEP SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES UNDER CONTINUOUS REVIEW, AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, ON ALL MATTERS OF SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY.
------0--------
NEW MTRC BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR EDWARD HO SING-TIN TO THE BOARD OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM DECEMBER 1, 1991 TO FILL A VACANCY LEFT BY MR CHENG HON-KWAN.
MR HO IS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS. HE IS ALSO A BOARD MEMBER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, FROM WHICH HE WILL RETIRE ON DECEMBER 24, 1991 AFTER THREE YEARS OF SERVICE.
IN ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THE MTRC BOARD IS CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION, MR HAMISH MATHERS.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ARE MR GORDON MACWHINNIE, MR HO SAI-CHU, MR JOHN STRICKLAND, MR DAVID GLEDHILL, MR DAVID GAIRNS, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS MR DAVID NENDICK, AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT MR MICHAEL LEUNG.
/6.........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 6 -
264 VM’S RETURN TO VIETNAM * * * *
A GROUP OF 264 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 107 MEN, 60 WOMEN, 44 BOYS AND 53 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 80TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 6,881 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 13,200 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
---------0----------
IMPORTANCE OF ERADICATING ROOT CAUSES OF STUDENTS’ BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS STRESSED ******
A SYSTEM OF MASS EDUCATION CARRIES AN OBLIGATION TQ MEET THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF ALL CHILDREN, WHATEVER THEIR ABILITY, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR JOHN WINFIELD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF COGNITO COLLEGE IN KOWLOON, HE SAID THE SYSTEM WAS BOUND TO INCLUDE SOME WHO WERE NOT BY NATURE WELL MOTIVATED TO SCHOOL LIFE AND WHO WOULD THEREFORE LIKELY TO LACK SELF-DISCIPLINE.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT EVERY EFFORT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO ERADICATE THE ROOT CAUSES OF BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
"BEARING IN MIND THAT LOW MOTIVATION AND POOR SELF-DISCIPLINE ARE OFTEN ASSOCIATED, AND FOLLOWING THE SIMPLE PRECEPT THAT PREVENTION IS MUCH BETTER THAN CURE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY SET UP AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO REPLACE THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR WHICH, AS ITS NAME IMPLIES, HAD A RATHER NARROW AND RESTRICTED FOCUS,” HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT THE NEW COMMITTEE WOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE INTERACTIVE ROLES OF STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN MAKING THE SUPPORT SERVICES FULLY EFFECTIVE.
THE COMMITTEE, HE ADDED, HAS BEEN SET UP TO COINCIDE WITH THE RECENT POLICY DECISION ON A PACKAGE OF ENHANCEMENT MEASURES AND SUPPORT SERVICES , BASED ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 4.
THESE COVERED PUPILS WITH MODERATE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, PUPILS WHO WERE UNMOTIVATED AND SUFFERED FROM SEVERE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND, AT THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM, PUPILS WHO WERE GIFTED.
/THE APPROVED .......
tt
FIRDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
THE APPROVED POLICY BY THE
GOVERNOR
1NDLUDED THE IMPORTANT DECISION THAT SHOULD BE ADOPTED LN HONG KONG WITH ALL PARTICIPATING IN ASSISTING PUPILS TO PROBLEMS WHICH WOULD ENCOURAGE POSITIVE
THE
IN COUNCIL, ’’WHOLE SCHOOL
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HE SAID, APPROACH” ACTIVELY
RESOLVE THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL ATTITUDES AND GOOD BEHAVIOUR.
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THE
HE SAID THESE WERE IMPORTANT IMMENSE DIVERSITY OF ABILITY AMONG STUDENTS, AND INDIVIDUAL NEED THAT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM MUST PROVIDE FOR.
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’’THEY ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR CONDITIONS IN WHICH ALL STUDENTS CAN FLOURISH HAPPILY TO' THEIR ABILITY, THUS HELPING TO PREVENT THE BOREDOM AND WHICH IS SO OFTEN AT THE ROOT OF BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS,
BY
THE
CREATING
BEST OF
FRUSTRATION
HE SAID.
FOSTER AND SMALL GROUP HOMES -- A FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILD CARE *****
HONG KONG’S OWN CHILD CARE POLICY AS SET OUT IN THE 1991 SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER EMPHASISES THAT NON-INSTITUTIONAL CARE IN THE FORM OF FOSTER HOMES AND SMALL GROUP HOMES WILL TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER INSTITUTIONAL CARE IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M. D. CARTLAND, AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHENG KUNG HUI DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL 90/91 AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH.
"AT ANY ONE TIME ABOUT 2,500 CHILDREN, WHO ARE DEPRIVED OF A NORMAL FAMILY LIFE WITH THEIR NATURAL PARENTS, ARE IN NEED OF CARE," HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT THE APPROACH TO LOOKING AFTER THEM HAD IN THE PAST BEEN MAINLY TO PLACE THEM IN CHILDREN’S HOMES WITH CAPACITIES RANGING FROM 50 TO 200 PLACES.
HE ADDED THAT SUCH INSTITUTIONS CERTAINLY ADDRESSED THE PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD, SHELTER, CLOTHING, HEALTH AND EDUCATION.
"BUT, ALTHOUGH RUN WITH GREAT SKILL AND DEDICATION, THEY CANNOT HOPE TO DELIVER THE WARMTH, INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND STIMULATION WHICH ARE SO IMPORTANT TO A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT AND WHICH CAN ONLY REALLY BE PROVIDED SATISFACTORILY IN A FAMILY SETTING," HE STRESSED.
IN MANY DEVELOPED SOCIETIES THE APPROACH TO RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE HAD THUS MOVED AWAY FROM- INSTITUTIONAL CARE AND WAS HEAVILY BASED ON FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION, MR CARTLAND SAID.
/THE THINKING
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 8 -
THAT THINKING WAS ALSO REFLECTED IN OUR OWN CHILD CARE POLICV AS SET OUT IN THE 1991 SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER, HE NOTED.
"IN THIS CONTEXT, I WELCOME THE INITIATIVE OF THE DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL AND THE MANAGEMENT OF?ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME WHO HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD BY DECIDING THAT THE HOME CAN BE CONVERTED INTO A SERIES OF SMALL GROUP HOMES, EACH PROVIDING FOR EIGHT CHILDREN UNDER THE CARE OF HOUSE-PARENTS," HE ADDED.
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CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ISLAND WEST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION
******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SECOND REFUSE TRANSFER STATION ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THIS ISLAND WEST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION WILL BE LOCATED INSIDE A MAN-MADE ROCK CAVERN UNDERNEATH MOUNT DAVIS.
THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BETWEEN AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EPD, MR MIKE STOKOE, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK & COMPANY LTD.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE SITE WAS SELECTED BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF SUITABLE LAND IN THE URBAN AREA FOR THE REFUSE TRANSFER STATION DEVELOPMENT.
IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY PREVIOUS CONSULTANCY STUDIES THAT THE SITING OF REFUSE TRANSFER STATION INSIDE UNDERGROUND CAVERN WILL RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS AS WELL AS ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE THROUGH RELEASING OTHER PIECES OF VALUABLE LAND IN THE URBAN AREA FOR ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONSULTANT WILL CARRY OUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, INVESTIGATE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE REFUSE TRANSFER STATION, AND ADDRESS THE PARTICULAR CAVERN ENGINEERING ASPECTS.
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 SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROVISION OF THE TRANSFER STATION FORMS PART OF THE OBJECTIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S "WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN0, 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 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
9
MUNICIPAL WASTE COLLECTED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND 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 OR BARGES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST REFUSE TRANSFER STATION IN KOWLOON BAY HAS BECOME OPERATIONAL SINCE APRIL 1990 AND THE ISLAND EAST TRANSFER STATION IN CHAI WAN IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANOTHER REFUSE TRANSFER STATION IN SHA TIN IS BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER ANOTHER CONSULTANCY STUDY.
)
THE CONSULTANCY STUDY ON ISLAND WEST TRANSFER STATION, AT A COST OF HKS8.9 MILLION, WILL TAKE 23 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE TRANSFER STATION IS EXPECTED TO START UPON COMPLETION OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDY BY THE END OF 1993. WHEN BECOMES OPERATIONAL IN LATE 1995, THE TRANSFER STATION WILL ACCEPT ABOUT 1,000 TONNES OF DOMESTIC REFUSE EACH DAY.
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TRAVEL CHARACTERISTICS SURVEY COMMISSIONED ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A TRAVEL CHARACTERISTICS SURVEY TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE TRAVEL DATA AND INFORMATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WILL BE USED FOR RE-CALIBRATING AND ENHANCING, OR RE-STRUCTURING IF NECESSARY, THE DATABASE AND TRANSPORT MODELS FOR THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAMME AND POLICY PLANS FOR THE TERRITORY UP TO THE YEAR 2011.
A CONTRACT FOR THE $8.56 MILLION CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, WITH MVA ASIA LTD TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STUDY WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT DATA BANK FOR ALL FUTURE TERRITORIAL AND SUB-REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING AND STUDIES, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
USING THE PRELIMINARY DATA OF THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS AS BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE INTERVIEWING ABOUT 30,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE TERRITORY, REPRESENTING A SAMPLE SIZE OF TWO PER CENT OF THE POPULATION.
HOME INTERVIEWS FOR THE 12-MONTH STUDY WILL BE CONDUCTED AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS AND BEFORE EASTER NEXT YEAR.
/SURVEYORS CARRYING .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 10 -
SURVEYORS CARRYING IDENTITY CARDS WILL VISIT THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED TO INTERVIEW EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER ON INFORMATION RELATING TO TRIP-MAKING.
THIS WILL INCLUDE THE DETAILS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRIPS MADE BY THE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS DAILY. THE DURATION OF THE TRIPS AND THEIR PURPOSES WILL ALSO FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE DATA TO BE COLLECTED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL DATA THUS COLLECTED WOULD BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WOULD ONLY BE USED FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSES.
HE SAID THE LAST SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN 1981 COVERING TWO PER CENT OF THE THEN LAND-BASED POPULATION OR 28,000 HOUSEHOLDS.
FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY HAD BEEN THE PRIME DATA BASE FOR FORMULATING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAMME AND POLICY PLANS FOR THE TERRITORY UP TO THE YEAR 2001.
"OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE TRAVEL PATTERNS OF PEOPLE HAVE UNDERGONE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES AS A RESULT OF THE RAPID GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY, EXTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, AS WELL AS MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE.
"THERE IS AN OBVIOUS NEED TO UPDATE THE TRANSPORT INFORMATION FOR BETTER TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS BASED ON THE LATEST AND MORE RELIABLE TRAVEL INFORMATION," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IN JANUARY, A PILOT SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED TO INTERVIEW A SMALL SAMPLE OF HOUSEHOLDS. HE CALLED ON ALL THOSE TO BE INTERVIEWED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE SURVEYORS.
------0-------
TRANSPORT DEPT CALLS FOR MORE CAR TESTING CENTRES
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL SUITABLE PREMISES AS CAR TESTING CENTRES (CTC’S) FOR EXAMINING PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IT WAS HOPED THAT THE DESIGNATION OF MORE CTC’S WOULD PROVIDE A BETTER GEOGRAPHIC SPREAD OF SUCH CAR TESTING FACILITIES.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 17 CTC’S, MOST OF WHICH ARE SITUATED TN THE URBAN AREAS.
TO QUALIFY FOR INCLUSION IN THE LIST OF DESIGNATED CTC’S, AN APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE PROVEN EXPERIENCE IN THE MAINTENANCE OF AND REPAIRS TO MOTOR VEHICLES.
WHEN APPLYING, GARAGE OPERATORS SHOULD MAKE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE OF THEIR FINANCIAL STATUS, PERMANENT ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE, WORKSHOP AND LABOUR RESOURCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/A DESIGNATION .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 11* -
A DESIGNATION SHALL BE VALID FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE THE CTC IS DESIGNATED.
THE FEE PAYABLE FOR DESIGNATION OR RENEWAL OF DESIGNATION OF ANY PREMISES AS A CTC IS $10,000.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE IN THE SPECIFIED FORM WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION MONITORING UNIT AT ROOM 3402, WAN CHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20.
---------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT PHASE I SITE FORMATION * * * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED SEVEN PRE-SELECTED CONSORTIA TO TENDER FOR THE TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT PHASE I SITE FORMATION WORKS.
TUNG CHUNG IS TO BE DEVELOPED AS A NEW TOWN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE FIRST PHASE DEVELOPMENT IS FOR A TOWNSHIP OF 20,000 PEOPLE WITH THE PROVISION OF THE ASSOCIATED GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
UPON FULL DEVELOPMENT, THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN WILL HOUSE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 200,000 PEOPLE.
SITE FORMATION WORKS MAINLY COMPRISE ABOUT 49 HECTARES OF RECLAMATION AND 16 HECTARES OF LAND SITE FORMATION, DREDGING OF MARINE MUD FOR THE RECLAMATION AND A FAIRWAY, AND PLACEMENT OF MARINE FILL IN THE RECLAIMED AREAS, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED SEAWALLS AND BOX CULVERT CONSTRUCTION.
THE VARIOUS WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE SEVEN CONSORTIA ARE A.F.D.D.T. JOINT VENTURE, CHINA HARBOURS ENGINEERING COMPANY, DRAGAGES-BOSKALIS-PENTA-SHUI ON JOINT VENTURE, KUMAGAI-HAM-MAEDA-UDL JOINT VENTURE, LEIGHTON-HYUNDAI JOINT VENTURE, TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE, AND CHINA STATE/VAN OORD/GREAT LAKES JOINT VENTURE.
/12
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 12 -
LDC DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN APPROVED ******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS RECENTLY APPROVED THE WING LOK STREET/QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN, WHICH IS PREPARED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) FOR THE PURPOSE OF URBAN RENEWAL.
THE PLAN IS THE SECOND OF ITS KIND PREPARED BY THE LDC UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ORDINANCE FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL OF A SIMILAR PLAN EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL/JUBILEE STREET AREA IN CENTRAL.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLANS IS TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREAS CONCERNED BY RESTRUCTURING THE EXISTING LAND USE PATTERNS AND PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.
THE WING LOK STREET/QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 0.72 HECTARE LOCATED AT THE FRINGE OF CENTRAL DISTRICT.
TO THE SOUTH IT IS BOUNDED BY QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND BONHAM STRAND; TO THE WEST BY A GROUP OF BUILDINGS MOSTLY BUILT IN THE LATE SEVENTIES; TO THE NORTH BY WING LOK STREET; AND TO THE EAST BY WING WO STREET.
THE AREA HAS A DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER DRAWN FROM ITS NARROW LANEWAYS AND THE WHOLESALE AREA WHICH IS INVOLVED IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE TRADES SUCH AS THE EGG AND PRESERVED EGG TRADING MARKET.
ALMOST HALF OF THE EXISTING BUILDINGS WITHIN THE AREA IS MADE UP OF PRE-WAR BUILDINGS.
PART OF THE AREA IS GOVERNMENT LAND, MUCH OF WHICH IS OCCUPIED BY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES; THE REMAINDER IS USED AS A SITTING-OUT AREA AND A PUBLIC TOILET. THEY ARE GENERALLY IN DILAPIDATED CONDITION.
ALTHOUGH LYING AT THE FRINGE OF THE CENTRAL DISTRICT AND RIPE FOR REDEVELOPMENT, SATISFACTORY REDEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA HAS BEEN INHIBITED BY A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE SMALL SIZE OF EXISTING LOTS AND FRAGMENTED OWNERSHIP.
THE PRESENCE OF A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY RESERVE ALSO COMPLICATES THE REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
ACCORDING TO THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN, THE AREA WILL BE REDEVELOPED IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER.
APART FROM ALLOWING LAND FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PURPOSE, THE DESIGN WILL MAKE PROVISION FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH A RANGE OF GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, A PUBLIC TOILET AND A MARKET.
/THE DEVELOPMENT .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME PLAN WAS EXHIBITED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
PRIOR TO ITS EXHIBITION, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WAS CONSULTED ON THE PLAN.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAD NO OBJECTION TO THE PLAN, RECOGNISING THAT COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT WOULD PROVIDE THE MUCH-NEEDED GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND IMPROVE THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT.
BEFORE SUBMITTING THE PLAN TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAD FULLY CONSIDERED THE OBJECTIONS LODGED, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERESTS OF THOSE AFFECTED AND THE PUBLIC GAINS WHICH WOULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AND REPLANNING OF THE AREA.
AT PRESENT, THE LDC IS ACQUIRING AFFECTED PROPERTIES THROUGH NEGOTIATION WITH THE PROPERTY OWNERS.
SHOULD IT BE UNABLE TO ACQUIRE ALL THE AFFECTED PROPERTIES, THE CORPORATION MAY REQUEST THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS TO RECOMMEND RESUMPTION UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE.
THE PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND
» DISTRICT PLANNING BRANCH, PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN, AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $50 EACH COLOURED PRINTED VERSION, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTIONS OF THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TAT PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
******
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF THE DRAFT PLAN COVERAGE TO INCLUDE HONG LOK YUEN AND THE ADJOINING RAILWAY LAND, AND THE REZONING OF AN AREA ADJOINING THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FROM "OPEN SPACE" TO "OTHER SPECIFIED USES (INDUSTRIAL ESTATE)".
/OTHER AMENDMENTS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
14
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE REZONING OF LAND NEAR HA HANG VILLAGE AND AN AREA SOUTH OF SAN UK KA VILLAGE FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT", AND ADDITIONALLY TO "OPEN SPACE" FOR HA HANG VILLAGE; AND THE REZONING OF LAND IN FUNG YUEN FROM "OTHER SPECIFIED USES (COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA)" TO "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT".
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT PLAN CAN NOW BE INSPECTED AT:
* THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
* THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 6 NEXT YEAR.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR AT THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.
--------0----------
TENDERS FOR EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE PLAN
*****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SEWERAGE WORKS IN SAN PO KONG AND KOWLOON BAY UNDER THE EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND POLLUTION CONTROL, STAGE I.
A NOTICE OF TENDER WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKS UNDER THIS CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,200-METRE LONG BOX CULVERT, 2,000 METRES OF PIPE SEWERS OF 1.05 METRES TO 1.8 METRES IN DIAMETER, AND THREE SMALL PUMPING STATIONS.
THESE TRUNK SEWERS AND BOX CULVERTS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED FROM CHOI HUNG ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST THROUGH THE EASTERN ROAD AND RUN ALONG WANG KWONG ROAD.
THIS SEWERAGE NETWORK WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING TRUNK SEWER SYSTEM AND WILL EVENTUALLY DISCHARGE THE SEWAGE TO THE KWUN TONG SEWERAGE SCREENING PLANT.
THE THREE PUMPING STATIONS WILL BE IN SAN PO KONG AND KOWLOON BAY AND WILL INTERCEPT THE BASE FLOWS FROM THE STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
/THE EAST....... .
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 15 -
THE EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND POLLUTION CONTROL STAGE I WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING FOUL TRUNK SEWERAGE SYSTEM AND INTERCEPT THE FOUL FLOWS WHICH AT. PRESENT POLLUTE THE EXISTING STORMWATER SYSTEM.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR AND LAST FOR 18 MONTHS.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY CONSULTING ENGINEER DONOHUE/JRP ASIA PACIFIC LTD IN ASSOCIATION WITH CHARLES HASWELL AND PARTNERS (FAR EAST) LTD FOR THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM CHARLES HASWELL AND PARTNERS (FAR EAST) LIMITED, THIRD FLOOR, BAY TOWER, 2-4 SUNNING ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 3.
----0------
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING
******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF SALT WATER MAINS IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE LAYING OF SOME 5,200 METRES OF SALT WATER MAINS FOR PROVIDING SALT WATER FLUSHING TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE AREA.
IT WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY FRESH WATER FLUSHING SYSTEM IN THE AREA.
THE WORKS FOR THE LAYING OF MAINS ALONG PUBLIC CARRIAGEWAYS AND FOOTPATHS IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE SOME 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 27.
FORMS OF TENDER AND PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WANCHAT TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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/16 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
16
SHIPPING PROTECTION TO TSING YI TOWER *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO . EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AUTHORISED WORKS OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
THE AMENDMENT COMPRISES AN ADDITIONAL RECLAMATION OF FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR SHIPPING PROTECTION TO THE TSING YI TOWER OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAEETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
PLANS SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, KWAI CHUNG & TSING YI PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/KWAI TSING, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 4, NEXT YEAR DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED WORKS.
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REALIGNMENT OF SOUTHERN APPROACH RAMP OF KAI CHEUNG ROAD FLYOVER ********
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO REALIGN ONE OF THE TWO EXISTING RAMPS SOUTH OF KAI CHEUNG ROAD FLYOVER NEAR THE EASTERN PORTAL OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORKS AIMED AT FACILITATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A VEHICULAR ACCESS ROUND THE NORTHERN PERIPHERY OF THE FUTURE SOUTH APRON OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THIS VEHICULAR ACCESS WILL FORM PART OF THE FUTURE SOUTH APRON DEVELOPMENT.
THE PROPOSAL INCLUDES REALIGNMENT OF THE WEST RAMP SOUTH OF KAI CHEUNG ROAD FLYOVER TO ONE WAY NORTH-BOUND; CONSTRUCTION OF A RETAINING WALL AND MODIFICATION TO THE EXISTING BUS STOP AT THE JUNCTION OF KAI FUK ROAD.
/THE PROJECT........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 17 -
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. THE EXTENT OF THE WORKS WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE WORKS MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE,
PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR,
HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST,
YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR,
250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE,
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING,
6 TUNG YAN STREET, 1ST, 3RD AND 4TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2ND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 4, 1992
DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED WORKS.
---------0----------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING IN SHAM SHUI PO TO BE CLOSED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING STRUCTURE ON A BUILDING IN SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IS LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER THE SECOND FLOOR OF 189 NAM CHEONG STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 4 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORKS WILL START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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/18 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 18 -
REMINDER ON PAYMENT OF CROWN RENTS * * * * * *
DEMAND NOTES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR CROWN RENTS FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 25 IN RESPECT OF CROWN RENTS EXCEEDING $100 PER ANNUM, A TREASURY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
PAYMENT OF THESE DEMAND NOTES MAY BE MADE BY POST ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, P.O. BOX 8000, GPO, HONG KONG, OR, IN PERSON, AT
* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, WANCHAI TOWER II, FIRST FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI;
♦ THE CENTRAL SUB-TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 11 ICE HOUSE STREET;
* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, ODEON BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 28 SHU KUK STREET;
♦ THE SAI WAN HO SUB-TREASURY, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO;
* THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE);
* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD); AND
♦ THE DISTRICT OFFICES AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN OR KWAI TSING.
CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR DEMAND NOTES MAY BRING A CROWN RENT DEMAND NOTE OF ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD AND MAKE PAYMENT AT THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE OR AT ANY SUB-TREASURY.
IF THE PAYERS CANNOT PRODUCE A CROWN RENT DEMAND NOTE FOR ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE CROWN RENT UNIT OF THE TREASURY AT WANCHAI TOWER II, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD.
NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE ABOVE CROWN RENTS MUST BE PAID BY DECEMBER 25.
CROWN RENT PAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHOISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT IF THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES, PAYMENT OF CROWN RENT WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON DECEMBER 25. THEY SHOULD THEN ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
/IF SUCH .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
19
IF SUCH WORDING IS NOT SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTES, CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD MAKE PAYMENTS ACCORDING TO THE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTES.
TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUEING, CROWN RENT PAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
CROWN RENT PAYERS SHOULD NOTE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
* TO AVOID LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF A PROPERTY THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING OF THAT PROPERTY IS OBLIGED TO PAY CROWN RENT INCLUDING ANY ARREARS AS DEMANDED.
* THE CROWN RENT PAYABLE UNDER A LEASE OF A PROPERTY WHICH HAS BEEN RENEWED UNDER THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND REDEVELOPED, WILL BE THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THAT PROPERTY AS ASSESSED FOLLOWING THE REDEVELOPMENT. •
PENDING COMPLETION OF THE ASSESSMENT AND OTHER RELATED PROCEDURES, CROWN RENT DEMANDS WILL BE BASED UPON THE PREREDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUE.
IN DUE COURSE, CROWN RENT FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RENT BASED UPON PRE AND POST REDEVELOPMENT RATEABLE VALUES WILL BE DEMANDED AND THE OWNER FOR THE TIME BEING IS OBLIGED TO PAY THE RENT AS DEMANDED. IF HE DOES NOT, LEGAL ACTION FOR RE-ENTRY OF THE PROPERTY MAY BE INSTITUTED.
PURCHASERS OF PROPERTY ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO INSTRUCT THEIR SOLICITORS TO ENSURE THAT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CROWN RENT IS PAID UP TO DATE.
IF A PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO THE CROWN LEASES ORDINANCE AND HAS BEEN REDEVELOPED BUT THE RENTAL PAID UP TO THE DATE OF THE PURCHASE IS NOT BASED UPON AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY SINCE ITS REDEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATE STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE PURCHASER OR HIS SOLICITORS TO PROTECT THE PURCHASER.
ENQUIRIES ON OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS IN RESPECT OF CROWN RENT MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES. THE FEE IS $45 FOR EACH ENQUIRY PER PROPERTY.
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/20........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 20 -
CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL IN SAI KUNG
*******
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE "CONCERN FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT" CARNIVAL IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8).
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, THE CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT THE TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL IN TSUI LAM ESTATE.
ITS AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SO AS TO ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
APART FROM GAME STALLS, MORE THAN 30 CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO PAINT A 2.5 SQUARE METRE CARTOON DEPICTING THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF THROWING OBJECTS OUT OF WINDOWS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE "PREVENTION OF THROWING OBJECTS FROM HEIGHT" SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION.
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MR LOUR TSANG-TSAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "CONCERN FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT" CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL IN TSUI LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN 0. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
------0-------
CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO
******
A CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAM SHUI PO BEGINNING AT 3 PM.
THE CARNIVAL, ADMISSION TO WHICH IS FREE, IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE EVENTS OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL NOW IN FULL SWING.
THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE GAME STALLS AND PERFORMANCES BY A SILVER BAND AND POPULAR SINGERS.
/AN EXHIBITION .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
- 21 -
AN EXHIBITION ON ENTRIES FOR A CREATIVE COMPETITION ON THE RECYCLING OF WASTE MATERIALS HELD EARLIER WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE VENUE.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; AND A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR CHAN CHUN-FAT.
-----0------
TELEMATCHES FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN ELDERLY
*****
MORE THAN 160 ELDERLY PEOPLE, WHOSE AGES ADD UP TO MORE THAN 10,000 YEARS, WILL TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF TELEMATCHES ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR VIGOUR AND SPORTING SKILLS.
. THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN "TELEMATCH GAMES FOR THE ELDERLY" IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION (DRSA) AS AN EVENT OF THE DISTRICT’S FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY.
IT WILL BE HELD FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM IN THE INDOOR GAMES HALL OF THE SHEUNG WAN UC COMPLEX.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) THE PARTICIPANTS ARE AS OLD AS 85 YEARS WHILE THE
SAID THAT SOME OF AVERAGE AGE IS 66.
"DESPITE THIS, THEY WILL BE DEMONSTRATING THEIR SKILLS IN GOLF, SOCCER, BASKETBALL AND ATHLETICS DURING THE TELEMATCHES," HE ADDED.
THE CONTESTANTS HAVE BEEN ENTERED INTO THE GAMES BY EIGHT ELDERLY CENTRES AND HOSTELS IN THE DISTRICT.
OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PAUL LEUNG; CENTRAL AND WESTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARY TSANG; A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR SAMMY POONE; DRSA’S PRESIDENT, MR LEUNG SIK-WAH; AND THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, MR WOO MAN-LAI.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT TELEMATCH GAMES FOR THE ELDERLY" TO BE HELD FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) IN THE SHEUNG WAN UC COMPLEX’S INDOOR GAMES HALL.
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/22 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
22 -
CARNIVAL FOR SYCAMORE RESIDENTS *****
RESIDENTS IN MONG KOK ARE INVITED TO SHARE THE JOY AND FUN OF A CARNIVAL AT THE SYCAMORE PLAYGROUND IN TAI KOK TSUI TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ORGANISED BY THE SYCAMORE AREA COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE CARNIVAL AIMS AT PROMOTING RESIDENTS’ COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
THE EVENT ALSO MARKS THE RENAMING OF THE PLAYGROUND, FORMERLY CALLED WILLOW STREET PLAYGROUND.
IN ADDITION TO TELEMATCHES, AND CHESS AND TABLE TENNIS COMPETITIONS, THERE WILL BE DANCING AND SINGING PERFORMANCES AND A LUCKY DRAW.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG; YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TANG; AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL AT THE SYCAMORE PLAYGROUND IN TAI KOK TSUI TOMORROW (SATURDAY), BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 5.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 6.12.91 +211
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -211
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.4 *-0.2* 6.12.91
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1991
23
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.29 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.71 5.38
1 MONTH 3.84 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.88 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.00 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.75 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 7,872 MN, BONDS 137 MN
CLOSED 6 DECEMBER 199 I
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR URGES A CLEANER AND GREENER ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE ............. 1
GOVERNOR PLANTS TREE IN SUPPORT OF ENVIRONMENT FESTIVAL ................. 2
LEGAL STUDY VISIT TO CHINA .............................................. 4
VOLUNTEER SERVICE ESSENTIAL TO CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION ............... 4
AMENDMENTS TO RESUMPTION AND REPAIR WORKS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN ........ 5
RECONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGE AT NAM WAH PO .................................. 6
REMINDER ON PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD ....................... 6
CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME LAUNCHED ......................................... 7
DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL ........................... 9
PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION AT FINGER TIPS ............................ 10
NEW GMB SERVICE IN SHA TIN ............................................. 11
EXHIBITION ON SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS ......................... 11
SOCIAL DANCE OPEN COMPETITION .......................................... 12
CARNIVAL FOR SOUTHERN RESIDENTS ........................................ 12
VARIETY SHOW TO LAUNCH KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN ............................. 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 14
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 1
GOVERNOR URGES A CLEANER AND GREENER ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE * i ♦ t ♦
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PASS ON TO FUTURE GENERATIONS AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH IS CLEANER AND GREENER THAN THE ONE WE INHERITED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE’S 500TH TREE PLANTING CEREMONY IN WAN CHAI, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE LAST TWO DECADES HAD SEEN MAJOR CHANGES IN PUBLIC ATTITUDES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
"MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG NOW SEE THAT THE ENVIRONMENT IS A VITAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY’S HERITAGE," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT TWO YEARS AGO THERE WERE NO TREES ON THE STREETS OF WAN CHAI AND IT WAS THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD AND PRIVATE COMPANIES IN THE DISTRICT THAT RESIDENTS NOW HAD A MUCH GREENER AND MORE PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED THE "GREEN WAN CHAI" CAMPAIGN WOULD SPREAD TO OTHER URBAN AREAS AND TREES SHOULD BECOME AS FAMILIAR IN THE STREETS AS LAMPPOSTS.
"BY PLANTING TREES IN OUR STREETS, I HOPE WE ARE ALSO PLANTING IDEAS IN THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THE IDEA THAT OUR ENVIRONMENT MATTERS," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE ALSO HOPED THAT TREE PLANTING WOULD SPREAD THE IDEA THAT EVERYBODY COULD PLAY A ROLE IN PRESERVING OR IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND THAT A GREENER HONG KONG WOULD BE A BETTER HONG KONG FOR EVERYBODY WHO LIVED HERE.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SET ASIDE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO TACKLE THE ENVIRONMENT PROBLEMS.
HE SAID IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SPEND ALMOST $3 BILLION ON CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO EARMARKING A FURTHER $3.7 BILLION TO FUND NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SAID THE GOVERNOR CITING THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES OF THE MASSIVE PROJECTS WHICH WERE UNDERWAY:
- THE $1.4 BILLION SIX-YEAR PROGRAMME TO CLEAN UP TOLO HARBOUR WAS NOW APPROACHING THE HALF-WAY STAGE.
- A $1.3 BILLION NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME WOULD BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.
- THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES SEWAGE TREATMENT SCHEME, COSTING $1.2 BILLION, WAS ON SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION IN 1995.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
2 -
THE GOVERNOR SAID IMPORTANT PROGRESS WERE ALSO MADE ON OTHER FRONTS AND AIR QUALITY HAD BEEN IMPROVED BY CONTROLS ON FUEL AND SMOKE EMISSIONS.
HE GAVE THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES :
- LEVELS OF SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN THE AIR WHICH WAS ONE OF THE WORST POLLUTANTS HAD DROPPED BY 40 PER CENT (80 PER CENT IN THE WORST AFFECTED AREAS) SINCE CONTROLS WERE INTRODUCED IN JULY LAST YEAR.
- MORE CARS NOW USED UNLEADED PETROL THAN THOSE WHICH StlLL USED LEADED PETROL.
- CONTROLS ON PERCUSSIVE PILING HAD REDUCED NOISE POLLUTION FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES AND JACK HAMMERS AND AIR COMPRESSORS WOULD ALSO BE MUCH QUIETER BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.
- MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS WERE BEING MADE TO THE WAY WASTE WAS DISPOSED OF AND WORK HAD BEGUN ON THREE MAJOR LANDFILLS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL WHICH WOULD CREATE LAND FOR FUTURE USE; AND
- THE NEW TSING YI CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE SHOULD COME INTO FULL OPERATION THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.
SIR DAVID SAID THE FACT THAT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES NOW HAD A HIGH PRIORITY WAS IN LARGE PART DUE TO THE WORK OF PEOPLE COMMITTED TO RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT THE ISSUES INVOLVED.
"THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS WORK," HE SAID.
- - 0----------
GOVERNOR PLANTS TREE IN SUPPORT OF ENVIRONMENT FESTIVAL
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (SATURDAY) PLANTED THE 500TH TREE FOR THE "GREEN WAN CHAI PROGRAMME" IN A CEREMONY ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL (EPF).
THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY AT THE WESTERN GARDEN OF CONVENTION PLAZA IN WAN CHAI WAS PART OF THE "EPF SPECIAL" PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (ECC) AND SUPPORTED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD.
ANOTHER SUPPORTING BODY, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK), ASSISTED IN THE PRODUCTION OF A CONCERT ENTITLED "EARTH IS OUR HOME" FOR THE EPF SPECIAL.
INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR JOHN LONE ATTENDED TODAY’S SHOW AS AN "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PIONEER". SINGERS JENNY YEN, HACKEN LEE, TIMOTHY WONG, EDDIE NG THE BAND TAI CHI, AND RTHK’S DISC-JOCKEYS ALSO TOOK PART AND DELIVERED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MESSAGES.
/THE CONCERT ......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 3 -
THE CONCERT WILL BE BROADCAST ON TVB-JADE CHANNEL AT 1.15 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
IN SUPPORT OF THE EPF, RTHK HAS DESIGNATED THE FIRST IWO WEEKS IN DECEMBER AS THE "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FORTNIGHT" AND A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED TO DISSEMINATE THE MESSAGE.
MEANWHILE, THE ECC CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, ALSO PRESENTED PRIZES TO 10 SCHOOLS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION BEFORE THE CONCERT STARTED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE "AWARDS FOR 10 OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION" SCHEME WAS AIMED TO AROUSE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, TO PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR AMONG SECONDARY STUDENTS, AND TO ENCOURAGE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THIRTY-SIX REPORTS WHICH CARRIED DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIENCES IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR THE LAST AND CURRENT ACADEMIC YEARS AS WELL AS PLANS FOR THE FORTHCOMING ACADEMIC YEAR WERE SUBMITTED FOR SELECTION.
MRS LAM SAID: "FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOLS IS EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING. THE REPORTS SUBMITTED HAVE NOT ONLY REFLECTED THE ACTUAL SCENE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN SCHOOLS, BUT ALSO INDICATED THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENTS’ DETERMINATION TO INTRODUCE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.
"ACCORDING TO THE PANEL OF JUDGES, MOST OF THE REPORTS SUBMITTED ARE OF HIGH STANDARD, INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICABLE," SHE SAID.
PRIZES VALUED AT $40,000 WERE PRESENTED TO THE 10 OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS. EACH OF THESE SCHOOLS WAS AWARDED A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON VALUED AT $3,000.
THE 10 SCHOOLS WERE BUDDHIST LEUNG CHIK WAI COLLEGE, COGNITIO COLLEGE (HONG KONG), HO FUNG COLLEGE, JU CHING CHU ENGLISH COLLEGE (YUEN LONG), LOK SIN TONG KU CHIU MAN SECONDARY SCHOOL, PO LEUNG KUK (PLK) CENTENARY COLLEGE, PLK TUNG YUK TIEN COLLEGE, TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS (TWGH) KAP YAN DIRECTORS’ COLLEGE, TWGH LO KON TING MEMORIAL COLLEGE, AND TWGH WONG FUT NAM COLLEGE.
THE AWARDS SCHEME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ECC AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IS ONE IN A SERIES OF EPF ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION TO TODAY’S EVENTS, OTHER EVENTS INCLUDE SEMINARS, TALKS, EXHIBITIONS, A CUT WASTE SLOGAN COMPETITION, AN ELECTION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FAMILIES, A PUBLIC HOUSING WASTE PAPER RECYCLING PROJECT, PAINTING OF BUILDING SITE HOARDINGS, AND VARIETY SHOWS.
THE ECC HAS ADOPTED "CUT WASTE" AS THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL.
- - 0----------
/4 ........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 4 -
LEGAL STUDY VISIT TO CHINA *****
OF HONG
OF PUBLIC
AT THE INVITATION OF THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE, A GROUP KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, LED BY MR JOHN WOOD, THE DIRECTOR PROSECUTIONS, WILL BE PAYING A LEGAL STUDY VISIT TO PEKING SHANGHAI FROM DECEMBER 9 TO 18.
AND
THE DELEGATION COMPRISES SEVEN OFFICIALS FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH.
THE VISIT IS ONE OF A SERIES OF RECIPROCAL LEGAL STUDY VISITS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THESE ARE INTENDED TO GIVE OFFICIALS AND LEGAL EXPERTS OF THE TWO SIDES A FIRST-HAND UNDERSTANDING OF THE OTHER’S LEGAL SYSTEM AND LAWS.
---------0----------
VOLUNTEER SERVICE ESSENTIAL TO CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION
******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M.D. CARTLAND, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO JOIN THE VOLUNTEERS TEAM tN ADOPTION SERVICE IN A BID TO ACTIVELY PROVIDE CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION WITH PRE-ADOPTION FOSTER CARE.
SPEAKING AT AN AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR VOLUNTEERS IN ADOPTION SERVICE ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR CARTLAND PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE SERVICE.
"INDEED, YOU HAVE BRIGHTENED UP THEIR LIVES AND HAVE HELPED PREPARE THEM FOR FAMILY LIFE SO THAT WHEN THEY ARE EVENTUALLY ADOPTED, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO INTEGRATE INTO THEIR NEW FAMILIES MORE EASILY," HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT A MINORITY OF THE CHILDREN, THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, COULD NOT EXPECT TO BE ADOPTED SO QUICKLY.
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE THOSE WITH MENTAL OR PHYSICAL HANDICAPS, HEALTH PROBLEMS AND CHRONIC ILLNESSES, LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS, AND THOSE WHOSE BACKGROUND IS SO COMPLICATED OR ADVERSE THAT MOST PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WOULD NOT NORMALLY ACCEPT THEM.
"FORTUNATELY, HOWEVER, THINGS CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THEIR SITUATION CONSIDERABLY IN THE MEANTIME," HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT VOLUNTEERS’ INVOLVEMENT BY VISITING THEM FOR OUTINGS, SPENDING WEEKENDS WITH THEM OR PROVIDING THEM WITH PRE-ADOPTION FOSTER CARE HAD HELPED PREPARE THEM FOR FAMILY LIFE.
/NOTING THAT........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 5 -
NOTING THAT THERE WERE STILL -SOME SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN REQUIRING PRE-ADOPTION FOSTER CARE IN CHILDREN’S HOMES, MR CARTLAND CALLED ON MORE VOLUNTEERS TO COME FORWARD TO TAKE CARE OF THEM.
AT TODAY’S AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, LADY FORD AND 30 COUPLES WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION.
- - 0----------
AMENDMENTS TO RESUMPTION AND REPAIR WORKS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN ******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE RESUMPTION AND REPAIR OF SAM TO LANE, CHUNG WO LANE, WA IN FONG EAST AND WEST IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WAS TO INCLUDE THE PUBLIC FOOTWAYS OF THESE STREETS INTO THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
"ALL THESE STREETS ARE UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIPS AND ARE NOT PROPERLY MANAGED OR MAINTAINED.
"THE STREETS ARE IN POOR REPAIR AND ARE PARTLY OCCUPIED BY STALLS THAT OBSTRUCT PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE RESUMPTION WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CLEAR THE OBSTRUCTING STALLS AND TO REPAIR THE LANE AND STREETS TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC. WORKS ON THE PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO START BY MARCH 1993.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WORKS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS AND LAND RESUMPTION CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 19TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSALS MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN FEFRUARY 4 NEXT YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSALS.
/6 ........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 6 -
RECONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGE AT NAM WAH PO ♦ **♦*.*
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RECONSTRUCT A BRIDGE ACROSS A STREAM EAST OF NAM WAH PO IN TAI PO.
THE PROJECT ALSO COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED ROAD WORKS IN THE APPROACH AREAS AND THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE.
VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO AND FROM NAM WAH PO WILL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS TOGETHER WITH A SCHEME DESCRIPTION CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND
♦ TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, BOTH AT TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 4 NEXT YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED WORKS.
------0-------
REMINDER ON PROPER LABELLING FOR PREPACKAGED FOOD
******
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED FOOD MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS THAT FOOD ITEMS IN PREPACKAGED FORM, WHETHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY PACKED, MUST BE PROPERLY MARKED AS REQUIRED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $25,000 IN FINE AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT,
THE REMINDER FOLLOWED A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A RETAIL SHOP IN YUEN LONG WAS FINED $2,000 FOR SELLING IMPROPERLY-MARKED PREPACKAGED "STRAWBERRY STRING SUGAR".
THE FOOD ITEM DID NOT HAVE THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE PACKER, THE INDICATION OF MINIMUM DURABILITY, THE NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OF THE FOOD AS STIPULATED IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE SAID REGULATIONS.
------0--------
/7 .....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
7 -
CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME LAUNCHED *****
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY DARKS) OF THE Agriculture and fisheries department (afd), mr frank lau, today (SATURDAY) CALLED ON THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND COUNTRYSIDE LOVERS, TO JOIN IN TO MAKE COUNTRY PARKS CLEANER AND GREENER.
OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME 1991 AT THE TWISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK, MR LAU SAID THE SCHEME, WHICH WAS STARTED IN 1982, WAS AN ANNUAL EVENT TO GET THE PUBLIC INVOLVED IN KEEPING THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.
HE SAID LAST YEAR, THE SCHEME ATTRACTED 10,000 PARTICIPANTS.
ANNOUNCING THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES, MR/LAU SAID THE MAIN EVENTS OF THE SCHEME WOULD LAST FROM DECEMBER TO END OF FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR DURING WHICH SEPARATE COMPETITIONS CATERING FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN, PARK VISITORS AND HIKERS WOULD BE ORGANISED.
THE "KNOW YOUR COUNTRYSIDE TREES QUIZ" CONSISTS OF TWO PHASES. PHASE I INVOLVES LITTER COLLECTION IN COUNTRY PARKS WHILE IN PHASE II, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ASKED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATING TO COUNTRYSIDE TREES.
HE SAID: "FROM MONDAY TILL THE END OF JANUARY NEXT YEAR, SCHOOLS AND ORGANISED GROUPS CAN TAKE PART IN LITTER COLLECTION OR TREE TENDING IN COUNTRY PARKS ON WEEKDAYS OR SATURDAYS WITH PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH AFD.
"ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, COUNTRY PARK VISITORS CAN PARTICIPATE IN LITTER COLLECTION AT 10 DESIGNATED SITES IN COUNTRY PARKS.
"AFTER COMPLETING PHASE I, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN AN ENTRY FORM FOR THE ’KNOW YOUR COUNTRYSIDE TREES QUIZ’. THE QUIZ REQUIRIES THEM TO IDENTIFY SIX COMMON COUNTRYSIDE TREE SPECIES AND ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS ON COUNTRYSIDE TREES."
IF MORE THAN ONE PARTICIPANT GET THE BEST RESULT, WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED BY A LUCKY DRAW. THERE WILL BE 10 ATTRACTIVE PRIZES.
MR LAU SAID FOR HIKERS AND THOSE INTERESTED IN DESIGNING HIKING ROUTES, THEY MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" SCENIC ROUTE COMPETITION.
"THE ROUTE MUST COVER AT LEAST A SHORT SECTION OF THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL AND BE CONSIDERED SCENIC, CLEAN AND GREEN. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD HAVE ACTUALLY TRIED THE ROUTE THEMSELVES, AND THEN COMPLETE A REPORT ON THE ENTRY FORM."
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES TO AFD OR ANY COUNTRY PARKS VISITOR CENTRES NOT LATER THAN THE END OF FEBRUARY.
/ENTRY FORMS .......
J
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991 8
ENTRY FORMS WITH RULES FOR THE COMPETITION ARE AVAILABLE FROM AFD, COUNTRY PARKS VISITOR CENTRES AND TIMBERLAND SHOPS AS FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 9).
ADJUDICATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING HIKERS, COUNTRY PARKS BOARD MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORGANISERS. TEN ATTRACTIVE PRIZES ARE OFFERED IN THIS COMPETITION.
THE FINALE OF THE SCHEME IS A "CLEAN AND GREEN COUNTRYSIDE FUN DAY" TO BE HELD IN APRIL NEXT YEAR IN A SCENIC COUNTRY PARK.
WINNERS AND OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS OF THE TWO COMPETITIONS WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE FUN DAY TO ENJOY THE CLEAN AND GREEN COUNTRYSIDE AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
MR LAU THANKED THE SPONSOR OF THIS YEAR’S SCHEME -- TIMBERLAND AND ITS SOLE AGENT, WILTONA ENTERPRISES — FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND CIVIC-MINDEDNESS IN SUPPORTING THE PROGRAMME.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE TAN, AND MRS CECILIA LI OF WILTONA ENTERPRISES.
MR TAN SAID: "LITTERING IN OUR SCENIC COUNTRY PARKS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH, IF NOT SOLVED, CAN DEGRADE THE QUALITY OF SCENERY OF OUR COUNTRY PARKS AND REDUCE OUR ENJOYMENT IN THE BEAUTIFUL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
"THIS BIG PROBLEM CANNOT BE SOLVED WITHOUT PUBLIC’S SUPPORT AND INVOLVEMENT. IT IS SIMPLE — JUST PUT THE LITTER IN THE LITTER BINS."
ON EFFORTS TO MAKE THE COUNTRY PARKS GREENER, MR TAN SAID TREES WERE AN IMPORTANT NATURAL ASSET OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.
HE SAID: "THE TWO TREE NURSERIES OF AFD PRODUCE ABOUT 800,000 SEEDLINGS ANNUALLY. ABOUT HALF OF THESE SEEDLINGS ARE USED FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ LANDSCAPING PROJECTS. THE REST ARE USED FOR AFD’S OWN PLANTING PROGRAMME AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
"IT IS WORTH MENTIONING THAT SOME 10 PER CENT OF ALL THESE TREES ARE PLANTED BY THE PUBLIC THROUGH INVOLVEMENT IN THE COUNTRY PARKS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.
/9 ........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1991
9 -
DUCHESS OF KENT VISITS HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL
*****
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT, ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON, VISITED THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
ON ARRIVAL, THE DUCHESS WAS GREETED BY THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, DR E.K. YEOH; CHAIRMAN OF HAVEN OF HOPE CHRISTIAN SERVICE, DR DING LIK-KIU; CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL’S GOVERNING COMMITTEE, DR ALFRED Y.C. TAM; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF HAVEN OF HOPE CHRISTIAN SERVICE, DR ANTONY C.T. LEUNG; AND THE HOSPITAL’S MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT, DR BENJAMIN K.M. CHAN.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS THEN INVITED TO A RECEPTION HELD IN THE HOSPITAL LECTURE HALL WHERE DR ALFRED Y.C. TAM DELIVERED A WELCOMING SPEECH IN WHICH HE OUTLINED THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE HOSPITAL.
'THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL HAS EVOLVED FROM A TUBERCULOSIS SANATORIUM TO A SPECIALTY HOSPITAL OVER THE PAST 36 YEARS PROVIDING MEDICAL SERVICES IN THREE SPECIALTIES. THEY ARE:
1) PULMONARY MEDICINE INCLUDING PULMONARY REHABILITATION;
II) GERIATRIC REHABILITATION FOR PATIENTS WITH ORTHOPAEDIC AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS AND CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENTS;
III) HOSPICE PALLIATION FOR THE TERMINAL CANCER PATIENTS.
After the reception, the duchess toured the hospital and VISITED THE HOSPICE CARE WARD, THE PULMONARY REHABILITATION WARD AND THE TRAINING CENTRE FOR PULMONARY REHABILITATION OF THE HOSPITAL.
THE DUCHESS CHATTED WITH THE PATIENTS AND CONVEYED HER WARMTH AND CONSOLATION TO THEM.
SHE THEN VISITED THE BEFRIENDERS INTERNATIONAL AT THE WAN CHAI MTR STATION WHERE SHE WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE ORGANISATION’S HONG KONG AND ASIA EAST REPRESENTATIVE, MRS JESSAMINE DOE.
THE DUCHESS WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE SAMARITANS IM WAN CHAI.
THE MAIN TASK OF THE WAN CHAI BRANCH OF THE BEFRIENDERS INTERNATIONAL, THE SAMARITANS, IS TO PREVENT SUICIDE BY BEFRIENDING DEPRESSED AND LONELY PEOPLE AND TO HELP THEM REGAIN A BALANCED PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE.
IN THE EVENING, THE DUCHESS WILL ATTEND THE AIDS FOUNDATION WHITE CHRISTMAS BALL AT THE REGENT HOTEL.
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/10........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 10 "I
PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION AT FINGER TIPS ******
INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IS NOW AVAILABLE IN A GUIDEBOOK COMPILED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE PUBLICATION, ENTITLED "PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG - A GUIDE TO SERVICES 1991”, IS ON SALE AT $34 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL. IT IS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS.
THE FIRST PART OF THE GUIDE GIVES THE ROUTES, FARES, FIRST AND LAST DEPARTURE TIMES, FREQUENCY RANGE AND JOURNEY TIME OF ALL SCHEDULED PUBLIC TRANSPORT, INCLUDING TRAM, RAIL, FRANCHISED BUS, GREEN MINIBUS, FERRY AND KAITO SERVICES.
FOR FERRY OR BUS SERVICES WITH A FREQUENCY OF OVER 60 MINUTES, THE FULL TIMETABLE IS GIVEN.
THE SECOND PART OF THE GUIDE CONTAINS AN INDEX OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUPED ON AREA BASIS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT BY CROSS-REFERENCING, READERS WOULD BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE MOST CONVENIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES FOR ANY PARTICULAR JOURNEY.
THE SERVICES OF TAXIS AND RED PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WERE NOT COVERED BY THE GUIDE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT OPERATE ON FIXED ROUTES AND SCHEDULES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, A TABLE ON URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXI FARES WAS INCLUDED, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GUIDE GENERALLY INDICATED THE POSITION OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
AS THE NETWORK MAY CHANGE TO MEET PASSENGER DEMAND, IT ALSO PROVIDES THE ENQUIRIES HOTLINES OF MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS FOR COMMUTERS TO OBTAIN THE LATEST INFORMATION.
- - 0----------
/Il ........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 11 -1
NEW GMB SERVICE IN SHA TIN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE PLYING BETWEEN YIU ON ESTATE AND FO TAN (SHAN MEI STREET) WILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 9).
THIS IS A CIRCULAR SERVICE RUNNING VIA YIU ON ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, HANG HONG STREET, MA ON SHAN ROAD, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, FO TAN ROAD, KWEI TEI STREET, WONG CHUK YEUNG STREET, SUI WO ROAD, SHAN MEI STREET, FO TAN ROAD, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, MA ON SHAN ROAD, HANG HONG STREET AND YIU ON ESTATE ACCESS ROAD.
IT WILL BE OPERATED FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF 12 TO 20 MINUTES. THE FARE IS $5 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
-----0------
EXHIBITION ON SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS
*****
SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS GIVE A CHANCE FOR TEACHERS TO ADAPT THE CENTRALLY DESIGNED CURRICULUM INTO FORMS OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES APPROPRIATE TO THE ABILITY AND SPECIFIC NEEDS OF PUPILS IN THEIR SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE.
PROJECTS ON DISPLAY COMPRISED THREE AT KINDERGARTEN LEVEL, 25 AT PRIMARY LEVEL AND 26 AT SECONDARY LEVEL.
THE TEACHERS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECTS WERE PRESENTED WITH LETTERS OF APPRECIATION BY MR LI.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM UNTIL WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 11), EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.
/12 .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 12 -
SOCIAL DANCE OPEN COMPETITION
♦ ♦ i i
FIFTY PAIRS OF AMATEUR DANCERS WILL COMPETE FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE TERRITORY-WIDE FOURTH SOCIAL DANCE OPEN COMPETITION TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE MIRAMAR HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE CONTEST IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO ARTS ASSOCIATION AS ONE OF THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE CONTESTANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE MODERN OR LATIN STEPS SUCH AS WALTZ, TANGO, RUMBA, JIVE AND CHA CHA.
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS AFTER THE COMPETITION.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR GERALD FRITH; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR CHEUNG WING-SUM; AND THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN MOW-FAT.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER DANCE OPEN COMPETITION TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FROM 3 PM CONVENTION CENTRE, 15TH FLOOR, MIRAMAR HOTEL, 118 PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 7.45 PM.
THE FOURTH SOCIAL
TO 7.30 PM AT THE
NATHAN ROAD. THE
--------0-----------
CARNIVAL FOR SOUTHERN RESIDENTS *****
A CARNIVAL WITH A HOST OF ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) BETWEEN 2 PM AND 9.30 PM IN THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE ON THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT.
THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR AREA COMMITTEE (AHAC) AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
FOR YOUNGSTERS, THERE WILL BE A KINDERGARTEN PUPILS STORYTELLING COMPETITION, A PRIMARY STUDENTS DRAWING CONTEST AND A VARIETY OF STALL GAMES.
CHILDREN INTENDING TO JOIN THE DRAWING COMPETITION ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG THEIR DRAWING KITS AND SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS AT THE VENUE EARLY AS THEY WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
/FOR ELDERLY .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 13 -
FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE, THERE WILL BE AN EXHIBITION ON THE PREVENTION OF COMMON ILLNESSES OF THE ELDERLY TO BE STAGED BY THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG STUDENT UNION.
A COUNTER WILL BE SET UP WHERE SENIOR RESIDENTS CAN GET HEALTH ADVICE AND HAVE THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE TAKEN.
IN ADDITION, A TWO-HOUR CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE WILL BE STAGED, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHARLES CHAN; DB CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; DB MEMBERS MR LAI CHI-TONG AND MR WONG MAN-KIT; AND AHAC ’ S CHAIRMAN MR CHEN KWONG, AND VICE-CHAIRMAN, MISS TSANG TAK-LAN.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CARNIVAL. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 2 PM TO 9.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE, ABERDEEN WATERFRONT.
----0------
VARIETY SHOW TO LAUNCH KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN
******
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE CHEUNG FAT ESTATE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX ON TSING YI ISLAND TO LAUNCH THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE SHOW WILL START AT 2.30 PM. RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. ADMISSION IS FREE.
WINNERS OF A SLOGAN COMPETITION HELD EARLIER WILL BE PRESENTED PRIZES DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG; AND REGIONAL COUNCILLORS MR CHOW YICK-HAY, MR SIN CHUNG-KAI AND MR TING HIN-WAH.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN VARIETY SHOW TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT CHEUNG FAT ESTATE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX ON TSING YI ISLAND. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
/14........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1991
- 14 -L
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * ♦ * *
DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 6.12.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 7.12.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
$ MILLION
500
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LIVE MARINE PRODUCE TRADE AT WHOLESALE MARKET SUCCESSFUL ................ 1
UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN PROHIBITED ........................... 2
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES HELP NURTURE GOOD CITIZENS ............................ 2
ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE SCHEME TO CONTINUE NEXT YEAR ...................... 3
ELDERLY FESTIVAL VOTED MOST POPULAR ..................................... 4
SAI KUNG CARNIVAL HELPS TO FOSTER SENSE OF BELONGING .................... 5
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1991
- 1 -
LIVE MARINE PRODUCE TRADE AT WHOLESALE MARKET SUCCESSFUL ******
THE LIVE MARINE PRODUCE TRADING RECENTLY INTRODUCED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) IN THE KWUN TONG WHOLESALE FISH MARKET PROVES TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND POPULAR AMONG FISH TRADERS.
AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR THOMAS YIP, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THIS PILOT PROGRAMME WAS DESIGNED TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF RESOURCES IN THE WHOLESALE MARKET BY MAKING USE OF THE SPARE MARKET FACILITIES AFTER 9 AM EVERY DAY WHEN ALL FRESH FISH TRADING HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, SOME AREAS IN THE WHOLESALE MARKET ARE RENTED TO WHOLESALE TRADERS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 3 PM FOR THE TRADING OF LIVE MARINE PRODUCE.
SOME 1.5 TONNES OF LIVE MARINE PRODUCE WAS TRADED EACH DAY IN THE KWUN TONG WHOLESALE FISH MARKET AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHEME AND THE BUSINESS WAS INCREASING STEADILY.
"THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT PROVIDES LIVE MARINE PRODUCE TRADERS WITH AN IDEAL TRADING PLACE AT VERY REASONABLE RENT AND COMMISSION," DR YIP SAID.
"IT ALSO REDUCES THIS KIND OF TRADING ACTIVITY NEAR SAM KA TSUEN PIER IN KWUN TONG WHICH HAS BEEN TAKING UP PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND CREATING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE AREA," HE ADDED.
THE KWUN TONG WHOLESALE FISH MARKET PROVIDES AN IDEAL PLACE FOR THE TRADING OF LIVE MARINE PRODUCE BECAUSE OF ITS ADEQUATE CAR PARKING SPACE, EXCELLENT BERTHING FACILITY AND CLEAN SEA WATER SUPPLY.
SUPPLY OF LIVE MARINE PRODUCE ARRIVING EITHER BY CARRIER BOATS OR LORRIES WITH AERATED SEA WATER TANKS CAN IMMEDIATELY BE UNLOADED AT THE MARKET.
THE LIVE FISH OPERATORS KEEP THEIR PRODUCE FOR DISPLAY IN LARGE TANKS INSTALLED AT THE DESIGNATED MARKET AREA FOR TRADING PURPOSE. BUYERS ATTENDING THE MARKET CAN INSPECT THE FISH AND DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE OPERATORS.
IN ADDITION, THE FMO ALSO PROVIDES SERVICES FOR THE ACCURATE WEIGHING, RECORDING, AND ACCOUNTING PROCESSES OF THE TRANSACTIONS. ALL THESE HELP TO PROVIDE A FAIR TRADING ENVIRONMENT AND MAKE IT VERY ATTRACTIVE AND CONVENIENT FOR LIVE FISH DEALERS TO TRADE IN THE MARKET.
DR YIP SAID WITH THE SUCCESS OF THIS SCHEME IN THE KWUN TONG WHOLESALE FISH MARKET, SIMILAR SERVICE HAD ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED FOR THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET SINCE NOVEMBER 30 AND THE INITIAL RESPONSE HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING.
HE SAID OTHER PLANS AIMED AT MAXIMISING THE USE OF FMO RESOURCES INCLUDING COLD STORAGE, SECONDARY FISH PROCESSING, AND FRESH FISH PACKAGING WERE ALSO BEING PURSUED.
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/2 ........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1991
- 2 -
UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN PROHIBITED **»**.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT ENGAGE WOMEN IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK.
"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 (LABOUR INSPECTION), MR CHAN KWOK-KUEN, 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 MEALS OR REST, AND REST DAYS FOR WOMEN WORKERS," HE SAID.
"ALSO, YOUNG PERSONS SHOULD NOT BE EMPLOYED TO WORK OVERTIME IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN SAID EMPLOYERS SHOULD STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK SET OUT IN THE PRESCRIBED NOTICE.
HE NOTED THAT THE LAI’S KNITWEAR MANUFACTURING LIMITED IN NG FONG STREET HAD RECENTLY BEEN FINED $8,000 FOR ENGAGING 31 WOMEN IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK.
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SOCIAL ACTIVITIES HELP NURTURE GOOD CITIZENS ******
LARGE-SCALE SOCIAL ACTIVITIES HAVE PROVIDED AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR FUNG KWOK-KEUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"AND THROUGH INVOLVEMENT IN THESE ACTIVITIES, THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMMIT THEMSELVES IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND BECOME GOOD CITIZENS," HE SAID.
MR FUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE FOURTH HONG KONG SOCIAL DANCE OPEN COMPETITION AT A KOWLOON HOTEL.
HE URGED RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY BY TAKING PART IN THE VARIOUS COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MR FUNG ALSO PRAISED THE SHAM SHUT PO ARTS ASSOCIATION FOR ORGANISING THE DANCE COMPETITION AS ONE OF THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
/"THE CONTEST.......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1991
3 -
"THE CONTEST HAS ENHANCED PARTICIPANTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS STRENGTHENED THEIR INTEREST IN ARTS," HE SAID.
FIFTY PAIRS OF AMATEUR DANCERS COMPETED FOR IN THE MODERN ANO LATIN DANCE SECTIONS OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE DANCING CONTEST.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR GERALD FRITH; AND THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN MOW-FAT.
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ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE SCHEME TO CONTINUE NEXT YEAR
THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION (SDTFR) WILL ALLOCATE $500,000 NEXT YEAR TO CONTINUE ITS "ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE" SCHEME, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SDTFR COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KA-KUI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
MR CHAN WAS ATTENDING THE FIRST EVENT OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE’S AWARD MARATHON HIKE SERIES IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
HE SAID THE CONTINUATION OF THE SCHEME WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE ORGANISATIONS TO HOLD ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
"PROJECT PLANS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE SDTFR COMMITTEE BETWEEN JANUARY 2 AND MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
"APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE SECRETARIAT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 827 5409 EXT 15," MR CHAN ADDED.
TODAY’S HIKING EVENT ATTRACTED ABOUT 200 PARTICIPANTS. THE SECOND AND THIRD LEG OF THE SERIES WOULD BE HELD IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR IN TAI PO AND LANTAU ISLAND RESPECTIVELY.
/4 ........
SUNDAYj DECEMBER 8, 1991
TED MOST POPULAR * ♦
ELDERLY FESTIVAL VO » ♦ *
THE "CENTRAL AND WESTERN FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY" HAS TOPPED THE LIST OF THE 10 MOST OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT, ACCORDING TO A POLL INVOLVING MORE THAN 3,000 RESIDENTS.
THE POLL WAS CONDUCTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE YWcA tN LINE WITH THIS YEAR’S THEME ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PRoMOtloN OF CIVIC EDUCATION — "CARE FOR HONG KONG, CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY",
SPEAKING AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY (SUNDAY), THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU, SAID THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY, WHICH WAS HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15 AND 24 IN THE DISTRICT, REFLECTED RESIDENTS’ CONCERN FOR TI1EIR COMMUNITY.
"THIS ALSO SHOWS THAT THE DB’S EFFORTS IN IMPROVING RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH VARIOUS COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS HAVE BEEN WELL-RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS," HE ADDED. :
MR LAU NOTED THAT ABOUT 3,200 RESIDENTS HAD CAST THEIR VOTfeS IN NAMING THE 10 MOST OUTSTANDING DB PROJECTS.
THE "FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY" WON WITH 2,488 VOTES, WHILE THE CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND THE PROVISION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA IN A LANE LEADING TO KWUN LUNG LAU CAME A CLOSE SECOND WITH 2*338 VOTES.
IN THIRD PLACE, WITH MORE THAN 2,200 VOTES, WAS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PAVILLION IN MT DAVIS AREA FOR USE BY MORNING-WALKERS AND OTHER VISITORS.
OTHER DB PROJECTS REGARDED AS POPULAR INCLUDED THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL, THE ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL, CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AMENITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
TWENTY RESIDENTS WHO HAD SUCCESSFULLY PICKED OUT THE 10 MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECTS FROM A LIST OF 15 WERE AWARDED GIFTS IN TODAY’S PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARY TSANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE DB’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICE COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE; CHAIRMAN OF THE DB’S WORKING GROUP ON CIVIC EDUCATION, MR IP KWOK-HIM; AND YWCA’S REPRESENTATIVE, MR MA YAT-CHEUNG.
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1991
5
SAI KUNG CARNIVAL HELPS TO FOSTER SENSE OF BELONGING * ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG, TODAY (SUNDAY) ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS OF TSEUNG KWAN 0 TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SO AS TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A "CONCERN FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT" CARNIVAL IN TSUI LAM ESTATE, MR NG SAID TSEUNG KWAN O WAS A DEVELOPING NEW TOWN AND MOST OF ITS RESIDENTS WERE NEWCOMERS.
"THE RESIDENTS SHOULD, THEREFORE, TRY TO SHOW MORE CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY SO THAT THEY CAN ADAPT THEMSELVES TO THE NEW ENVIRONMENT MORE EASILY.
"I HOPE THEY WILL NOT ONLY APPRECIATE ALL THE NEW FACILITIES IN TSEUNG KWAN O, BUT WILL ALSO ENJOY THE SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE IN OTHER PARTS OF SAI KUNG," HE ADDED.
MR NG COMMENDED THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE FOR ITS EFFORTS IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
DURING THE CEREMONY, PRIZES WERE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF A "PREVENTION OF THROWING OBJECTS FROM HEIGHT" SLOGAN COMPETITION. THEY RECEIVED TROPHIES AND CASH COUPONS.
THE COMPETITION HAD ATTRACTED MORE THAN 550 ENTRIES. THE WINNING SLOGAN WILL BE PRINTED ON BOOKMARKS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SAI KUNG RESIDENTS.
DURING TODAY’S CARNIVAL MORE THAN 30 CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PEOPLE HELPED TO PAINT A 2.5 SQUARE METRE CARTOON DEPICTING THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF THROWING OBJECTS OUT OF THE WINDOW.
THE CARNIVAL WAS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE. OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A BLOOD DONATION EXERCISE AND A KEEP CLEAN PROMOTION CAMPAIGN.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING WERE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MR LOUR TSANG-TSAY.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN SEPTEMBER RELEASED .... 1
HIGH COURT ADJOURNS BCCHK CASE ........................................... 5
HONG KONG FULLY SUPPORTS UN ANTI-DRUG CALL ............................. 6
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD STUDIES WAGE PLAN TO PROTECT WORKERS ............
CHINESE OFFICIAL BRIEFED ON AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS ..................... 8
VALUE ADDED DATA AND FACSIMILE SERVICES EXTEND TO JAPAN .................. 8
NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR RATING AND VALUATION ............................. 9
CONTRACT FOR TSUEN/KWAI SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT AWARDED .................. 10
SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND'S EFFORTS PRAISED ................................ 11
FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN ............................................. 11
TERRITORY-WIDE SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ........................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................................................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 13
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
1
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN SEPTEMBER RELEASED * * * * 4
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 27% IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1991 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 17% IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 20% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES, HAVING DISCOUNTED THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ALL ROSE BY 2%. THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE AVAILABLE.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 40%. TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 26%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 23%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH ROSE BY 2%. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF SOME COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, INCLUDING METAL MANUFACTURES (+37%); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+18%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+12%); CLOTHING (+11%); TEXTILE FABRICS (+11%); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+3%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-42%); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-30%); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-26%); FOOTWEAR (-12%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-7%); AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-5%).
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990. THESE INCLUDED TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+6%); TEXTILE FABRICS (+4%); FOOTWEAR (+4%); CLOTHING (+4%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+3%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+2%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+2%); AND METAL MANUFACTURES (+1%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
2
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRIClfS WERE RECORDED IN METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-11%); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-3%); AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-1%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 11% IN SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990. IN PARTICULAR, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; AND VEGETABLES.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE; LIVE POULTRY; AND ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 24%. COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED FOOTWEAR; PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS; HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; AND CLOTHING.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WATCHES AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 22% IN SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR MAN-MADE FIBRES J WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; AND FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON AND CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS ETC, EXCEPT GLASS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 63% IN VOLUME IN SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 20% IN SEPTEMBER 1991 OVER SEPTEMBER 1990. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE MACHINERY; OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY); AND SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: FOODSTUFFS (+3%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+1%). THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS DECREASED BY 16%. THOSE OF CAPITAL GOODS WERE VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
/COMPARING SEPTEMBER .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
3 -
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1991 WITH SEPTEMBER 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES: FUELS (+101%); CAPITAL GOODS (+45%); CONSUMER GOODS (+41%); RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+36%); AND FOODSTUFFS (+13%).
THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1991 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1990; FOODSTUFFS (+6%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); CAPITAL GOODS (+2%); FUELS (+2%); AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+1%).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE SEPTEMBER 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 DECEMBER 14 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.: 582 4918).
TABLE 1: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % COMPARING SEP 1991 WITH SEP 1990 COMP/ VALUE % kRING JAN-SEP 1991 WITH JAN-SEP 1990 UNIT VALUE VOLUME
UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
% %
CLOTHING 16 4 11 5 4 1
TEXTILE FABRICS 15 4 11 5 3 2
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 12 -1 12 4 2 2
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 7 3 3 -15 2 -16
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -41 2 -42 -11 3 -14
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 18 ♦ 18 27 -1 28
FOOTWEAR -9 4 -12 -30 5 -33
METAL MANUFACTURES 39 1 37 12 4 8
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -37 -11 -30 -7 -2 -5
/WATCHES AND .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
4
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -28 -3 -26 -8 -1 -7
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 1 6 -5 -5 4 -9
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -5 2 -7 -1 3 -3
ALL COMMODITIES 5 2 3 3 2 1
♦ LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END -USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH SEP SEP 1991 1990 COMPARING JAN-SEP WITH JAN-SEP 1991 1990
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME % %
FOODSTUFFS 14 3 11 15 3 12
CONSUMER GOODS 28 3 24 23 3 20
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 23 1 22 23 2 21
FUELS 37 -16 63 33 12 19
CAPITAL GOODS 20 * 20 26 3 23
ALL COMMODITIES 24 1 23 23 2 20
* LESS THAN 0.5%
/TABLE 3: .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
- 5 -
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING WITH SEP 1991 SEP 1990 COMPARING JAN-SEP WITH JAN-SEP 1991 1990
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME % %
FOODSTUFFS 20 6 13 22 4 It
CONSUMER GOODS 45 3 41 32 3 29
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 37 1 36 25 1 24
FUELS , 104 2 101 27 17 9
CAPITAL GOODS 47 2 45 31 2 29
ALL COMMODITIES 43 2 40 29 2 27
- - 0 - -
HIGH COURT ADJOURNS BCCHK CASE
*»**«»
AT THE CALL-OVER OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG WINDING-UP PETITION IN THE HIGH COURT TODAY, MR JUSTICE JONES, ON THE APPLICATION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, ADJOURNED THE CASE UNTIL FEBRUARY 10, 1992.
THE PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID HIS TEAM AND THE HONG KONG CHINESE BANK WERE PRESSING ON WITH THE STEPS REQUIRED TO PLACE THE PROPOSED SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT BEFORE THE LARGE DEPOSITORS UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, HOPEFULLY BY ABOUT MID-JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
IF THE NECESSARY MAJORITIES WERE FORTHCOMING AT THE MEETING OF DEPOSITORS, AND OTHER MATTERS WERE SATISFACTORILY DISPOSED OF, FURTHER STEPS WOULD INCLUDE APPROVAL OF THE COURT AND ALSO LEGISLATION TO TRANSFER THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES TO THE NEW BANK.
---------0-----------
/6.........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
6
HONG KONG FULLY SUPPORTS UN ANTI-DRUG CALL
»****.
HONG KONG FULLY SUPPORTS THE "UNITED NATIONS" CALL FOR INTENSIFIED ACTION AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN WHILE ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S WORKSHOP ON DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU.
HONG KONG IS ALSO ACTIVE IN THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM AND IS CO-OPERATING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS, HE SAID.
SOME 40 SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM THE THREE AREAS TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS TOOK PART IN THE WORKSHOP IN HONG KONG.
THE FIVE-DAY WORKSHOP WILL FORMULATE COMMON STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMME PLANNING IN THE TREATMENT, REHABILITATION, PREVENTION, EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND MANPOWER TRAINING.
MR STRACHAN SAID: "AS ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE DECADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE TWIN AIMS OF REDUCING THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE AND STOPPING THE ILLICIT TRAFFICKING INTO, AND THROUGH, HONG KONG.
"WITH ADVICE FROM THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WE SHALL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-DRUGS STRATEGY, ENCOMPASSING FOUR MAIN ELEMENTS - LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD ESTABLISHED CLOSE LIAISON WITH THEIR OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS AND TOOK VIGOROUS ACTION TO SUPPRESS THE ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF DANGEROUS DRUGS.
"RECENT SUCCESSES ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE SIMPLY REFLECT IMPROVED INTELLIGENCE, STRATEGY AND DILIGENCE," MR STRACHAN SAID.
FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE IN 1989, HONG KONG HAD IN THE PAST TWO YEARS SEIZED ASSETS WORTH OVER 4310 MILLION UNDER THIS LEGISLATION, WITH ABOUT $280 MILLION, OR 90 PER CENT, ARISING FROM ORDERS MADE IN JURISDICTIONS WITH WHICH WE HAVE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WHICH PROVIDE MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN RESPECT OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
TALKING ABOUT THE TREATMENT PROGRAMME FOR DRUG ADDICTION, MR STRACHAN SAID HONG KONG HAD, FOR MANY YEARS, FOLLOWED A MILTI-APPROACH AND ENCOURAGED A RANGE OF PROGRAMMES THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO DRUG ABUSERS FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS.
/"WE HAVE .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
"WE HAVE ALSO DEVOTED A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT TO PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES, TARGETTING THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR PARENTS IN PARTICULAR," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES TO PREVENT THE ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF DRUGS AND MONEY LAUNDERING, AS WELL AS PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES.
"WE SHALL ALSO MAINTAIN OUR EFFORTS IN TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT," HE SAID.
--------0 - -
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD STUDIES WAGE PLAN TO PROTECT WORKERS
*****
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) CONSIDERED A PROPOSAL WHICH WOULD EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO WITNESS PAYMENT OF WAGES TO WORKERS IF THERE ARE REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE LIKELY TO BE EXPLOITED.
THE PROPOSAL IS AIMED AT PROTECTING IMPORTED WORKERS FROM UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION FROM WAGES OR UNDER-PAYMENT OF WAGES.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD STUDIED THE PROPOSAL FROM DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS AND FURTHER LEGAL ADVICE WOULD BE SOUGHT.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG (AIA) WOULD RECOMMEND AN ACROSS-THE-BOARD INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT IN EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIUMS TO COVER THE ADDITIONAL COSTS ARISING FROM VARIOUS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE ENDORSED BY THE BOARD IN JULY LAST YEAR.
THE AIA ARGUED THAT INSURERS WOULD INCUR INCREASED COSTS TN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS TO INJURED EMPLOYEES, HIGH ADMINISTRATION AND LEGAL EXPENSES, AND LOST INCOME DUE TO REDUCED CASH-FLOW.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD EXPRESSED RESERVATION ON THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN PREMIUM RATES, AND THEIR RESERVATION WOULD BE CONVEYED TO THE AIA.
THE MEETING ALSO AGREED TO SEND A TRIPARTITE MISSION TO JAPAN IN MAY NEXT YEAR TO STUDY ITS RETIREMENT SECURITY SCHEMES, POLICY AND PRACTICE RELATING TO IMPORTATION OF LABOUR, AND INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO JOIN THE WORKFORCE.
THE MISSION WILL BE LED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, AND WILL INCLUDE EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BOARD.
/TODAY'S MEETING .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
8
TODAY’S MEETING ACCEPTED A REPORT ON HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE 78TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO) CONFERENCE IN GENEVA LAST JUNE. 1
THE BOARD ACCEPTED A RECOMMENDATION FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ILO CONFERENCE BY WAY OF A TRIPARTITE TEAM TO BROADEN CONTACT AND EXCHANGE IN THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR SCENE.
- - 0 - -
CHINESE OFFICIAL BRIEFED ON AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS
******
MR CHEN ZIYING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WAS TODAY (MONDAY) GIVEN A WIDE-RANGING BRIEFING ON HONG KONG'S AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS.
MR CHEN FIRST VISITED THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE IN WAN CHAI AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR, MR RAFAEL HUI, ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THE 10 CORE PROJECTS.
IT WAS FOLLOWED BY A BRIEFING SPECIFICALLY ON THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, MR RICHARD ALLEN.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR HUI AND MR ALLEN, MR CHEN THEN TOOK A HELICOPTER TOUR OF THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK AND OTHER SITES INVOLVED IN THE CORE PROGRAMME, INCLUDING TUNG CHUNG, NORTH LANTAU, TSING YI ISLAND AND WEST KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
VALUE ADDED DATA AND FACSIMILE SERVICES EXTEND TO JAPAN
*******
VALUE ADDED DATA AND FACSIMILE SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN MAY NOW BE PROVIDED USING INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LEASED CIRCUITS (IPLCs), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THIS FOLLOWS DISCUSSIONS WITH TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICIALS OF THE MINISTRY OF POSTS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, HE SAID.
"THE SERVICES INVOLVED WILL BE PROVIDED ON IPLCs LEASED AT THE NORMAL FLAT RATES FROM HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL LTD AT THE HONG KONG END AND FROM JAPANESE INTERNATIONAL CARRIERS AT THE JAPANESE END," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE HAVE MADE SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM IN JANUARY AND JUNE THIS YEAR RESPECTIVELY, AND THE SCOPE OF SERVICES PERMITTED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN WILL BE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THOSE COVERED IN THE U.S. AND UK ARRANGEMENTS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/"THE EXTENSION
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
"THE EXTENSION OF SUCH SERVICES TO JAPAN WILL FURTHER OPEN UP THE COMPETITIVE PROVISION OF A WIDE RANGE OF INTERNATIONAL VALUE ADDED SERVICES FOR BUSINESS USERS AT REASONABLE PRICES.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED TO DISCUSS WITH THE AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS WITH A VIEW TO CONCLUDING A SIMILAR ARRANGEMENT, AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SAME SCOPE OF SERVICES WILL SOON BE PERMITTED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND AUSTRALIA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INDUSTRY ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SCOPE OF SERVICES COVERED BY THE ARRANGEMENT AND THE LICENSING PROCEDURES APPLICABLE IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BRANCH, HONG KONG POST OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
_ _ 0 - -
NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR RATING AND VALUATION *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A CONTRACT TO INTERNATIONAL COMPUTERS HONG KONG (ICL) FOR THE PROVISION OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROPERTY VALUATION SYSTEM FOR BOTH STAMP DUTY AND RATING PURPOSES FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION (R&V) DEPARTMENT.
THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW SYSTEM WHICH WOULD AUTOMATE THE PROCESSING OF PROPERTY SALES FOR STAMP DUTY PURPOSES WOULD SPEED UP THE SCRUTINY OF THE PRICE PAID IN PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS.
THIS WILL ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE STAMP DUTY IS PAID BASED ON THE MARKET VALUE OF THE PROPERTY, HE EXPLAINED.
THE SYSTEM WILL ALSO COMPUTERISE THE CURRENT PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING PROPERTY INFORMATION, ASSESSING NEW PROPERTIES TO RATES, AND ADDING THESE TO THE TREASURY’S COMPUTER SO THAT RATES DEMANDS CAN BE ISSUED TO THE RATEPAYERS.
THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IS A UNIX-BASED OPEN SYSTEM WHICH CONFORMS TO THE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MID-RANGE COMPUTERS.
THE HARDWARE MAINLY CONSISTS OF A DRS6000 LEVEL 65 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT AND A SUN SPARC TWO WORKSTATION. SOFTWARE INCLUDES ORACLE RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RDBMS) WITH TRANSACTION PROCESSING OPTION AND SAS STATISTICAL PACKAGE. THE CAPITAL COST OF THE SYSTEM IS $4.63 MILLION.
/AFTER THE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
10
AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM, THE DEPARTMENT EXPECTS STAFF SAVINGS TO BE ACHIEVED.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SYSTEM CAN BE EXPANDED TO ACCOMMODATE OTHER FUNCTIONS IN THE FUTURE.
AN INFORMATION SYSTEMS STRATEGY STUDY IS SCHEDULED TO BE CONDUCTED FOR THE R&V DEPARTMENT IN THE COMING MONTHS TO PLAN FURTHER COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, HE ADDED.
------0--------
CONTRACT FOR TSUEN/KWAI *
SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT AWARDED ♦ * * * *
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) AWARDED A $68 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT ADJACENT TO TS1NG YI BRIDGE WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE CENTRALISED PRELIMINARY SEWAGE TREATMANT FACILITIES FOR TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICTS.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR TSE HON-SUM, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE ENGINEERING CO WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CONTRACT.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERIES OF SCREEN CHAMBERS FOR VARIOUS STAGES OF SCREENING, A SOLID HANDLING ROOM AND A PUMP CHAMBER.
TO MINIMISE THE ODOUR PROBLEMS, MOST OF THE TREATMENT UNITS WILL BE HOUSED IN A SINGLE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING TO BE CONSTRUCTED ALSO UNDER THE CONTRACT WITH ALL TREATMENT UNITS WHICH WILL BE EITHER ROOFED OR COVERED.
MR TSE SAID THE FULLY COMMISSIONED PLANT CAN PROVIDE PRELIMINARY TREATMENT TO A MAXIMUM OF OVER 865,000 CUBIC METRES SEWAGE DAILY, EQUIVALENT TO THE SEWAGE GENERATED BY A POPULATION OF ABOUT 1.2 MILLION.
AT PRESENT, THE SEWAGE PROM TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG IS ONLY SERVED BY A TEMPORARY COARSE SCREENING DEVICE BEFORE IT IS DISCHARGED INTO THE RAMBLER CHANNEL THROUGH A TWIN SUBMARINE OUTFALL, HE NOTED.
"AFTER COMPLETION OF THE CONTRACT, THE SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT WILL PROVIDE REMOVAL OF ALL GROSS SOLIDS ABOVE 6 MM FROM THE SEWAGE BEFORE THE SEWAGE IS DISCHARGED INTO THE SEA WHICH WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WATER ALONG THE TSUEN WAN SHORELINE.
"IN ADDITION, THE PUMPING FACILITIES INCORPORATED INTO THIS PLANT WILL SOLVE THE CURRENT SEWER OVERLOAD PROBLEM IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG," HE SAID.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN EARLY APRIL 1994.
- - 0----------
/Il ........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
- 11 -
SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND’S EFFORTS PRAISED
*****.
LADY WILSON TODAY (MONDAY) PRAISED THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND FOR THEIR POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE EFFORTS IN HELPING CHILDREN IN HONG KONG AND AROUND THE WORLD.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "FESTIVAL OF THE TREES" TO BENEFIT SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND, LADY WILSON SAID THE WORK THEY HAD DONE IN MAJOR RELIEF PROJECTS THIS YEAR WAS ENORMOUSLY APPRECIATED AND DESERVED CONTINUED SUPPORT.
LADY WILSON SAID THE GREAT MAJORITY OF CHILDREN IN HONG KONG WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE LOVING PARENTS WHO TOOK GOOD CARE OF THEM. HOWEVER THERE WERE STILL MILLIONS OF CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD WHO NEEDED HELP.
"THEIR PROBLEMS MAY BE HOMELESSNESS, MALNUTRITION, LACK OF BASIC HEALTH CARE OR ILLITERACY.
"DURING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON, WE SHOULD NOT FORGET THESE NEEDY CHILDREN BECAUSE EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE IN LIFE," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON SAID SHE WAS HAPPY TO SHARE THOUGHTS OF PEOPLE, AND CHILDREN IN PARTICULAR, WHO WERE LESS FORTUNATE.
"THIS, I THINK, IS WHAT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IS ALL ABOUT," SHE SAID.
-----0------
FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN
*****
SHA TIN DISTRICT WILL BE ILLUMINATED WITH FESTIVE LIGHTING DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SEASON.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LI PO-MING, SAID THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S LIGHTING WOULD BE LIGHTING UP SHA TIN WITH JOY.
HE SAID THE ILLUMINATIONS WOULD BE MADE UP OF MORE THAN 20,000 LIGHT BULBS PUT UP ALONG SHING MUN RIVER, ON THE THREE BRIDGES ACROSS THE RIVER, IN SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, ALONG TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ON HENG HONG STREET IN MA ON SHAN.
LARGE GRAPHIC DECORATIONS CONVEYING GREETING MESSAGES WILL BE PUT UP ON THE SAND MARTIN AND BANYAN BRIDGES.
ANOTHER ATTRACTION WILL BE THE ERECTION OF MOVABLE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, FEATURING ANIMALS AND SANTA CLAUS.
/THE LIGHTS .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
12
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON DAILY FROM 6.30 PM TO MIDNIGHT BETWEEN DECEMBER 20 AND FEBRUARY 20, AND FROM 6.30 PM TO 6.30 AM THE NEXT DAY DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIODS.
A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY, TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, WILL BE HELD IN THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 20.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY ENTERTAINMENTS, INCLUDING A "SAMBA" DANCING PERFORMANCE.
TO ADD COLOUR TO THE FESTIVALS, A FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTOGRAPHY AND A PAINTING COMPETITION ARE HELD.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ENTRIES IS FEBRUARY 18 AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ALL THE COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE BUDGET OF THE LIGHTING IS $800,000, AND IT IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND SOME LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
--------0-----------
TERRITORY-WIDE SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ***** c
A TERRITORY-WIDE SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE HELD AT THE LECTURE HALL OF THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ON JANUARY 19, FROM 1.30 PM TO 5 PM.
THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR - PERSPECTIVE AND PARTICIPATION II, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) AND THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORTS TO PROMOTE GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT, A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE URGED MEMBERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS COMMITTEES, AS WELL AS OWNERS OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS, TO JOIN THE SEMINAR WHICH IS FREE.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON THE SUBJECT," HE SAID.
RENOWNED PROFESSIONALS IN TRADES RELATING TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL GIVE TALKS DURING THE SEMINAR.
THEY INCLUDE AN ENGINEERING CONSULTANT, DR RAYMOND HO CHUNG-TAI; A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, DR CHIU WING-YEE; A VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, MR STEPHEN YUEN; A MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AN INSURANCE COMPANY, MR ANTHONY YUEN; AND AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR MOK YIU-KWONG.
/THE TOPICS .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
- 13 -
THE TOPICS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE BUILDING SAFETY, PARTICIPATION OF OWNERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS, PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS, COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN OWNERS AND TENANTS COMMITTEES AND BUILDING MANAGERS, AND INSURANCE IN RELATION TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF JONES LANG WOOT ON LIMITED, MR LEUNG CHUN-YING, WILL CHAIR THE DISCUSSION SESSION.
AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE VENUE.
ENROLMENT FORMS FOR THE SEMINAR ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS DECEMBER 30. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 835 1496 AND 835 1497.
- - 0---------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 37.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 220.352 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 234.075 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 39.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY,
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * » » »
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 7.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 9.12.91 +1
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -1
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.3 *+0.1* 9.12.91
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1991
- 14 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.16 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.82 5.32
1 MONTH 3.73 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.82 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.96 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.64 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 5,377 MN, BONDS 62 MN
CLOSED 9 DECEMBER 1991
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NON REFUGEES MUST GO BACK: GOVERNOR ................................ 1
PROPOSED REGULATORY REFORMS FOR OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY ........... 1
LEGCO TO DEBATE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME ....................... 3
TAC RECOMMENDS URBAN AND NT TAXI FARE INCREASES .................... 4
MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE RECONSTITUTED ......... 5
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR RAIL CORPORATIONS WORKS WELL .............. 6
STUDY ON OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS .............. 9
RESTRUCTURING OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCH CREW ............................ 9
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ..................................... 10
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT .............................................. 11
SIK SIK YUEN PRAISED FOR ITS SOCIAL SERVICES ....................... 11
CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS ASSURED OF BETTER FIRE PROTECTION ............ 12
EARLY CHRISTMAS TREATS FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS ........... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................. 15
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
- 1 -
NON REFUGEES MUST GO BACK: GOVERNOR
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS IN VIETNAM THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT GENUINE REFUGEES HAVE TO GO BACK TO VIETNAM EVEN IF THAT DOES COST A CERTAIN AMOUNT SENDING PEOPLE BACK BY AIR.
HE SAID IF THE RESULT OF REPATRIATION DETERRED PEOPLE COMING HERE IN A VAIN HOPE OF GETTING SOMEWHERE ELSE, THEN THAT WAS MONEY VERY WELL SPENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER AN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT THIS MORNING’S REPATRIATION EXERCISE WENT SMOOTHLY.
HE SAID AFTER THE FIRST REPATRIATION OPERATION WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT RECENTLY, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING FROM VIETNAM DROPPED OFF VERY SHARPLY, AND IT WAS THEREFORE IMPORTANT TO KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MESSAGE WENT ACROSS TO VIETNAM THAT IT DID NOT MAKE SENSE TO COME HERE IN THE HOPES OF GETTING RESETTLED IN THE UNITED STATES OR SOMEWHERE.
--------0-----------
PROPOSED REGULATORY REFORMS FOR OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY
******
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRAVEL AGENTS (ACTA) HAS RECOMMENDED A PACKAGE OF REGULATORY REFORMS FOR THE OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF A REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ADVICE BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID.
THE REVIEW CONCLUDED THAT THE SELF-REGULATORY SCHEME WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN 1988 HAS SO FAR WORKED WELL, AND SHOULD THEREFORE CONTINUE.
"HOWEVER, THE REVIEW ALSO IDENTIFIED A FEW AREAS WHERE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS ARE DESIRABLE TO PROMOTE EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE SELF-REGULATION BY THE INDUSTRY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF CONCERNED PARTIES, ACTA HAS MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE CONSTITUTION OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND (TICRF) AND ITS FUTURE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TIC), THE ONE PER CENT LEVY, COMPENSATION FOR TRAVELLERS AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIC.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS SEEK TO RECOGNISE THE STATUS OF TIC AS A TRADE ASSOCIATION PERFORMING SELF-REGULATORY FUNCTIONS.
/RE-CONSTITUTION .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
1
- 2 -
RE-CONSTITUTION OF TICRF
A MAJOR ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE RECOMMENDED IS TO GIVE TICRF, PRESENTLY A SUBSIDIARY COMPANY OF TIC, A SEPARATE IDENTITY.
"THE PROPOSAL IS TO RE-CONSTITUTE TICRF INTO A STATUTORY FUND TO BE MANAGED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FINANCIAL AUTONOMY FOR TIC
IN PARALLEL WITH THE SEGREGATION OF TICRF FROM TIC, ACTA RECOMMENDED THAT TIC SHOULD NO LONGER RELY UPON DISBURSEMENT FROM TICRF FOR ITS DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.
INSTEAD, TIC SHOULD BE GIVEN A FIXED PERCENTAGE OF THE LEVY INCOME AND MANAGE ITS OWN FINANCES. THE PERCENTAGE WOULD BE SPECIFIED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FROM TIME TO TIME.
"THE POLICY INTENTION IS FOR TIC TO BE LARGELY FUNDED BY THE LEVY IN RECOGNITION OF ITS SELF-REGULATORY EFFORTS, BUT ALSO PARTLY BY MEMBERSHIP FEES AND OTHER SOURCES OF REVENUE FROM WITHIN TIC AS ONE OF TIC’S OTHER OBJECTIVES IS TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF ITS OWN MEMBERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN PROPOSING FINANCIAL AUTONOMY FOR THE TIC, WE ARE ALSO MINDFUL OF THE NEED FOR APPROPRIATE CHECKS AND BALANCES IN THE INTERESTS OF SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT," HE ADDED.
REDUCTION OF LEVY AND INCREASE IN COMPENSATION
ACTA HAS NOT RECOMMENDED AN IMMEDIATE REDUCTION OF THE ONE PER CENT LEVY. HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE CURRENT SIZE OF THE RESERVE FUND ($75 MILLION) AND THE INFREQUENCY OF THE NEED TO RESORT TO IT IN RECENT TIMES, ACTA CONSIDERS THAT ONCE THE RESERVE FUND REACHES A TARGET AMOUNT, THE LEVY SHOULD BE REDUCED.
THERE SHOULD THEN BE A SIMULTANEOUS INCREASE IN THE RATE OF COMPENSATION AVAILABLE TO TRAVELLERS.
IN SUGGESTING A TARGET AMOUNT FOR THE RESERVE FUND, ACTA GAVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE NEED FOR ADEQUATE RESERVES TO COPE WITH MAJOR DEFAULTS IN THE PEAK SEASON OF OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY.
"WE CONSIDER ACTA’S RECOMMENDATIONS AS BALANCED AND CAPABLE OF ADDRESSING THE CONCERNS OF BOTH THE INDUSTRY AND THE TRAVELLERS. WE SHALL SHORTLY DISCUSS THE RECOMMENDATIONS WITH TIC AND TICRF," THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/3.........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
3
LEGCO TO DEBATE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME
******
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FOUR BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OF THE FOUR BILLS, THREE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, THE NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991.
DEBATE ON THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1991 WILL BE RESUMED AND IT IS DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME.
THE MOTION READS: "THAT THIS COUNCIL WELCOMES THE DECISION BY GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPULSORY RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME AND URGES GOVERNMENT TO DRAW UP EXPEDITIOUSLY, AFTER WIDELY SEEKING AND FULLY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC, A PLAN FOR SOLVING EFFECTIVELY THE LIVELIHOOD PROBLEM OF RETIRED AND ELDERLY PEOPLE".
THE HON EMILY LAU WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
ALSO, REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD WILL RAISE UNDER STANDING ORDER 9(5) THE MATTER OF "STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME" FOR ADJOURNMENT DEBATE.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL PRESENT THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1991.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WILL PRESENT THE REPORT BY THE TRUSTEE OF THE POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST AND THE POLICE EDUCATION AND WELFARE TRUST FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1, 1990 TO MARCH 31, 1991 .
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG WILL PRESENT AND ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 1990/91.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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/4 ........
4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
TAC RECOMMENDS URBAN AND NT TAXI FARE INCREASES ******
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) DISCUSSED FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS FROM THE URBAN, NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXI OPERATORS, THE OPERATING BOUNDARIES OF NT TAXIS AND MEASURES AGAINST TAXI MALPRACTICES.
THE COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED A FARE INCREASE FOR URBAN AND NT TAXIS AT A LOWER PERCENTAGE THAN THOSE REQUESTED BY THE TRADE, BUT NO ADJUSTMENT TO LANTAU TAXI METER FARES.
IN ARRIVING AT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, THE TAC TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE POLICY OF ESTABLISHING A SUBSTANTIAL FARE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN TAXIS AND OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES, THE EFFECT OF INCREASED OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS, AND THE NEED TO MAINTAIN AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF TAXI SERVICE IN THE TERRITORY.
IN VIEW OF CONTINUING PUBLIC CONCERN WITH INFLATION, THE TAC HAD ALSO TAKEN INTO FULL ACCOUNT PUBLIC ACCEPTABILITY IN DETERMINING THE MAGNITUDE OF TAXI FARE INCREASES.
APART FROM INCREASES IN MAIN TAXIMETER FARES FOR URBAN ANb NT TAXIS, THE TAC ALSO RECOMMENDED A MODERATE INCREASE IN RADIO-CALL SERVICE AND BAGGAGE SURCHARGE FOR URBAN AND LANTAU TAXIS. AN INCREASE IN THE BAGGAGE SURCHARGE FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS WAS ALSO RECOMMENDED.
IN ASSESSING THE APPLICATIONS, THE TAC NOTED THAT THE REAL INCOME OF URBAN AND NT TAXIS OPERATORS HAD DROPPED SUBSTANTIALLY AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASED OPERATING COSTS AND INFLATION SINCE THE LAST FARE REVISIONS IN MAY/JUNE 1990.
HOWEVER, THE RECOMMENDED INCREASES ARE STILL LOWER THAN THE CUMULATIVE RATE OF INFLATION DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
THE TAC’S RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
MEANWHILE, MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE PROPOSED MEASURES TO REDUCE TAXIMETER TAMPERING.
THESE INCLUDED REPLACING THE LEAD SEALS CURRENTLY IN USE BY A NEW TYPE OF SERIALISED SEALS, THE SHEATHING OF THE TRANSDUCER CABLES WITH BRAIDED WIRE AND THE SEALING OF THE CABLE SOCKETS WITH EPOXY, MAKING INTERFERENCE MORE DIFFICULT; AND REQUIRING ALL TAXI METERS TO SEPARATE THE "DOLLAR" & "CENT" DISPLAYS MORE PROMINENTLY.
THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE EXISTING LEGISLATION WAS ADEQUATE IN PENALISING TAXIMETER TAMPERING. IN 1990, 139 CASES WERE CONVICTED OF TAXIMETER TAMPERING OFFENCES.
/IN ADDITION .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
5
IN ADDITION, THE TAC MEMBERS SUPPORTED THE USE OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS BY NT TAXIS,
IN ARRIVING AT THE RECOMMENDATION, THE TAC NOTED THAT THE CURRENT PROPOSAL WOULD ONLY SERVE TO LINK UP THE PERMITTED POINTS OF NT TAXIS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN WITHOUT ENLARGING THEIR OPERATING BOUNDARIES.
THE TAC ALSO NOTED THAT THE OPENING OF THE SHING MUN TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS IS INTENDED PRIMARILY TO FACILITATE TAXI PASSENGERS IN THE NORTHERN PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPECIAL ROUTING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO MINIMISE THE LIKELIHOOD OF NT TAXIS COMPETING DIRECTLY WITH THEIR URBAN COUNTERPARTS BETWEEN THEIR PERMITTED POINTS IN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN.
ACCORDING TO SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THE OPENING OF THE TUNNELS TO NT TAXIS IS UNLIKELY TO AFFECT THEIR AVAILABILITY IN THE REMOTE PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AT THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE ALSO DECIDED TO FORM A SUB-COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT A REVIEW ON ALL ASPECTS OF TAXI POLICY, INCLUDING THE LICENSING SYSTEM.
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MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE RECONSTITUTED
******
THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MDAC) WHICH HELPS SHAPE THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG IS TO BE RESTRUCTURED, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID.
SHE SAID IN DECIDING HOW THIS SHOULD BE DONE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT A WIDE RANGE OF INTERESTS.
"IN MY VIEW, THE FUTURE COMMITTEE WILL HAVE TO BE WELL BALANCED BETWEEN HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES.
"IT WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONALS BUT IT MUST ALSO BE, AND BE SEEN TO BE, A FORUM FOR GREATER COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, INVOLVING A SPECTRUM OF VIEWS," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG WAS SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON WHICH SHE HOSTED FOR MDAC MEMBERS IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR VALUABLE GUIDANCE AND ADVICE IN THE PAST YEARS.
SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS FOR HAVING CONSIDERED MANY DIFFICULT AND IMPORTANT MATTERS RELATING TO MEDICAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
/FOR EXAMPLE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
- 6 -
FOR EXAMPLE, THE MDAC HAS GIVEN CONSIDERED AND USEFUL THOUGHTS TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND THE MDAC’S DENTAL SUB-COMMITTEE. THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TWO REPORTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN PHASES.
THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO INITIATED A SPECIAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPICE CARE IN HONG KONG AND ADVISED ON THE INITIAL STRATEGIES AND TARGETS FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT.
IN ADDITION, THE MDAC HAS ADVISED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITAL STANDARDS TO ENSURE IN THE LONG TERM THE PROVISION OF QUALITY HOSPITAL SERVICES IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS.
ON INFIRMARY BEDS, THE COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED A NEW POLICY DIRECTION WHICH ENSURES THAT INFIRMARIES WILL NOT BE TURNED INTO DUMPING GROUNDS FOR FRAIL ELDERLY BUT WILL BE CENTRES FOR REHABILITATION.
MRS WONG ALSO NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN ESTABLISHING THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AIDS.
"IN BRIEF, THE MDAC HAS BEEN CLOSELY INVOLVED IN MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE SO VITAL FOR THE TIMES WE NOW LIVE IN.
”1 LOOK TO THE RECONSTITUTED BODY FOR ADVICE, GUIDANCE AND INSPIRATION IN FUTURE IN THE SAME WAY THAT WE HAVE RELIED ON YOU IN THE PAST," MRS WONG ADDED.
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REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR RAIL CORPORATIONS WORKS WELL
******
THE BROAD REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS, WHICH OBVIATES UNDUE GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT AND PROMOTES EFFICIENT RESPONSE TO MARKET CONDITIONS AND CUSTOMER DEMANDS, HAS WORKED WELL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB, MR LEUNG SAID THE 1990 WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY LAID DOWN GOVERNMENT’S BASIC PHILOSOPHY THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES SHOULD BE OPERATED ON PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES.
HE SAID THERE WAS MINIMUM DIRECT GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT AND CERTAINLY NO GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY, ADDING THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE WAS TO FACILITATE SPEEDY RESPONSE TO MARKET CHANGES.
/MR LEUNG .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
7
MR LEUNG SAID THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS IN HONG KONG WERE REQUIRED UNDER THEIR RESPECTIVE ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE SAFE, RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT RAILWAY SERVICES, AND WERE EMPOWERED BY LAW TO SET THEIR OWN FARES.
IN VIEW OF THIS, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WAS AN IMPRESSION THAT CONSUMER INTERESTS MIGHT BE SACRIFICED TO PROFIT MAXIMISATION.
EXPLAINING THE EXTENT OF GOVERNMENT MONITORING, MR LEUNG SAID THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE TWO CORPORATIONS WERE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY WITH THE CHAIRMEN ALSO APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
"THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IS NOT ONLY COMMERCIAL PRUDENCE, BUT ALSO CONSUMER INTERESTS AND EXPECTATIONS," HE SAID.
ON SAFETY, MR LEUNG SAID BY ANY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, BOTH RAIL CORPORATIONS HAD AN ENVIABLE RECORD FOR SAFETY.
"THE LAW ALSO PROVIDES FOR THEIR SAFE OPERATIONS TO BE CHECKED AND FOR ANY ACCIDENTS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT APPOINTED INSPECTORS," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO FINANCIAL CONTROL, MR LEUNG SAID APART FROM REQUIRING THE TWO CORPORATIONS TO SUBMIT THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS AND AUDITED ACCOUNTS TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR TABLING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ANY INVESTMENT BY THE CORPORATIONS MIGHT ONLY BE DONE IN SUCH MANNER AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY APPROVED.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THEIR BOARDS OF DIRECTORS, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) ARE ABLE TO RAISE FUNDS AND SECURE LOANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR SERVICES.
"THIS HIGH DEGREE OF FINANCIAL AUTONOMY HAS ENABLED BOTH CORPORATIONS TO ACHIEVE HIGH INTERNATIONAL CREDIT RATINGS. THIS MEANS BETTER BORROWING TERMS AND LOWER COSTS OF FUNDS AND HELP CONTAIN OPERATING COSTS AND FARE LEVELS," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID ALTHOUGH THE TWO CORPORATIONS WERE EMPOWERED TO DETERMINE THEIR OWN FARES, IT HAD BEEN THE ESTABLISHED PRACTICE FOR THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO BE INFORMED BEFORE ANY FARE REVISIONS WERE IMPLEMENTED.
ON THE ROLE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC), MR LEUNG SAID IT WAS CONSULTED ON THE BROAD OPERATIONAL RESPECTS OF RAIL SERVICES, INCLUDING INTEGRATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES.
"THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT OF THE TAC ALSO RECEIVES AND ACTS UPON PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS REGARDING RAIL SERVICES.
"TO STRENGTHEN THEIR MUTUAL LINKS, THERE IS CROSS MEMBERSHIP BETWEEN THE TAC AND THE BOARDS OF THE TWO CORPORATIONS," HE SAID.
/MR LEUNG .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
8
MR LEUNG SAID PUBLIC MONITORING WAS ALSO ACHIEVED THROUGH THE OMELCO TRANSPORT PANEL, THE RAISING OF QUESTIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DISTRICT BOARDS AS WELL AS THE VIGILANT WATCH OF THE MASS MEDIA.
HE SAID UNDER THE EXISTING MONITORING FRAMEWORK, THE MTRC HAD BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST HEAVILY UTILISED URBAN RAILWAYS WITH MORE THAN 1.9 MILLION PASSENGERS PER DAY, ACCOUNTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 PER CENT OF ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT JOURNEYS IN HONG KONG.
"IT HAS BENEFITED THE COMMUNITY WITH A FAST, RELIABLE MODE OF TRANSPORT AT REASONABLE FARES OF AN AVERAGE OF $0.57 PER PASSENGER KILOMETER," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE MTRC HAD MAJOR ASSET IMPROVEMENT PLANS. THESE INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, REFURBISHMENT OF STATIONS, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ENTRANCE FACILITIES AT CONGESTED STATIONS, THE FITTING OF RAIL CARS WITH MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT AND THE UPGRADING OF SIGNALLING AND RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
TURNING TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE KCRC, MR LEUNG SAID THE WEEKDAY RIDERSHIP OF 500,000 PASSENGERS ON THE KCR AND 270,000 PASSENGERS ON THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) ACCOUNTED FOR SEVEN PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PASSENGER TRIPS OF ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
"LIKE THE MTRC, IT PROVIDES THE COMMUNITY WITH FAST, RELIABLE RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES AT REASONABLE FARES," HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WOULD BE CONTINUED AND EXCITING GROWTH AND EXPANSION PARTICULARLY IN THE LRT OPERATION WITH $700 MILLION ALREADY BUDGETED TO UPGRADE RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES.
"BY THE END OF 1992 THE PASSENGER-CARRYING CAPACITY WOULD HAVE INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT RELATIVE TO 1989," HE SAID.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDED TWO MORE REGIONAL LINKS IN TUEN MUN TO BE COMMISSIONED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, COMMISSIONING OF THE $500 MILLION TIN SHUT WAI PROJECT INCLUSIVE OF 30 NEW LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES IN EARLY 1993; AND THE COMPLETION OF AIR-CONDITIONING OF EXISTING VEHICLES AT A COST OF $50 MILLION BY SUMMER 1993.
MR LEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT IN RESPONSE TO CALLS FOR MOfcE INTERACTION WITH CONSUMERS, THE KCRC HAD ESTABLISHED PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS WHILE THE MTRC HAD RECENTLY LAUNCHED COFFEE EVENINGS FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH PASSENGERS.
MR LEUNG SAID THE RAIL CORPORATIONS HAD TO COMPETE INCREASINGLY WITH OTHER TRANSPORT MODES, INCLUDING FRANCHISED BUSES.
"AS THEY ARE SET TO MAINTAIN AND EXPAND THEIR MARKET SHARE, I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP A EVEN CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR EXISTING AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS," HE SAID.
/9 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
9
STUDY ON OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PAUL LEUNG, CONFIRMED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS CONDUCTING A MANAGEMENT STUDY TO LOOK AT THE OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG.
"IT WILL BE A HIGH-LEVEL ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT STUDY, AIMED AT STREAMLINING THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG AT THE POLICY AND TRAINING FOR EXCELLENCE LEVEL,” MR LEUNG SAID.
"THE DECISION TO COMMISSION THE STUDY IS TO ENSURE THAT AVAILABLE RESOURCES ARE APPLIED IN AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANNER FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS.
"THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE REPORTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE TWO BODIES CONCERNED,” HE ADDED.
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RESTRUCTURING OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCH CREW
******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT MET STAFF REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING TO FURTHER DISCUSS DETAILS OF A SCHEME WHICH WOULD MODERNISE THE MANNING OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES.
THESE PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN UNDER ACTIVE DISCUSSION WITH THE STAFF AFFECTED SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR.
THE PRESENT CREW STRUCTURE WAS INTRODUCED MANY YEARS AGO WHEN THE DESIGN OF LAUNCHES WAS SUCH THAT SEPARATE ENGINE AND DECK STAFF WAS NECESSARY, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
MODERN WELL-EQUIPPED LAUNCHES CAN BE OPERATED BY A SMALLER NUMBER OF STAFF TRAINED IN BOTH NAVIGATION AND ENGINEERING DUTIES AS EXPERIENCE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS WELL SHOWN.
THE DEPARTMENT IS THEREFORE PROPOSING TO INTRODUCE A NEW GRADING STRUCTURE WHICH WILL PROVIDE A SMALLER NUMBER OF BETTER PAID STAFF TO OPERATE NEW AND MODERNISED GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES.
SERVING CREW STAFF WILL BE GIVEN APPROPRIATE TRAINING TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL DECK OR ENGINE QUALIFICATION FOR TRANSFER TO THE NEW GRADE. ON REGRADING, THEY WOULD ALL ENJOY THE ENHANCED PAY SCALES OF THE NEW RANKS.
/AT THIS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
- 10 -
AT THIS MORNING’S MEETING, THE STAFF REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS, IN PARTICULAR, DETERIORATION IN THEIR PROMOTION PROSPECTS.
WHILE ACKNOWLEDGING THAT PROMOTION FOR SOME STAFF WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WILL BE COMPENSATED BY PAY INCREASE ON REGRADING TO THE NEW STRUCTURE WHICH IS ALMOST TANTAMENT TO PROMOTION IN THE EXISTING STRUCTURE FOR CERTAIN RANKS.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW MANNING STRUCTURE WOULD MEAN THAT THE PRESENT 450-STRONG LAUNCH CREW WILL BE REDUCED BY SOME 80 STAFF OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, BUT THE DEPARTMENT ENVISAGES THAT THIS REDUCTION COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH NORMAL WASTAGE.
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF STAFF BEING MADE REDUNDANT, OR SAFETY STANDARDS OF GOVERNMENT VESSELS BEING COMPROMISED, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
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AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER AUCTION OF SPECIAL
14) • AT THE CITY
HALL RECITAL HALL. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM
A TOTAL OF BIDDING. THEY ARE: 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
ET968 BB3550 EU163 CN87 EU836 • BS143 EU2972 AB121 EU4606 BU3999 EU823 AT89 EU928 XX731 AK400 EU1668 CS2948 EU666 EU7113 ET8017 AH8881 EU6789 HK226 EU1348 BC9 EU190 CC1118 EW1199 EU428 AP3228 EU228 AA3219 EU601 CT10 EU120 ET8038 EU1128 ER999 ET3168 EU348 1 1
SUCCESSFUL BIDDING. BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
/THE CERTIFICATE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
11
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO HE 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 171ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT * ♦ * * * ♦
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOK COUPONS MAY RECEIVE THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE COMING HOLIDAYS.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THEY MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS ON DECEMBER 23 AND 24 OR AFTER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
SIK SIK YUEN PRAISED FOR ITS SOCIAL SERVICES ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦ *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRAISED SIK SIK YUEN FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICES FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF SIK SIK YUEN’S GOOD WISH GARDEN IN THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE, MR SUEN SAID THE CHARITABLE INSTITUTION HAD IN THE PAST 70 YEARS PROVIDED FREE MEDICAL SERVICE FOR THE POOR.
"IT BEGAN TO BUILD SCHOOLS IN 1974 TO HELP NURTURE QUALIFIED PERSONNEL FOR SOCIETY.
"IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE INSTITUTION ALSO RENDERED ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS," HE SAID.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT THE VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED BY SIK SIK YUEN HAD MADE WONG TAI SIN HIGHLY RESPECTED BY ITS FOLLOWERS.
/ON THE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
- 12 -
ON THE NEWLY OPENED GOOD WISH GARDEN, MR SUEN SAID ITS ANCIENT CHINESE STYLE DESIGN WOULD MAKE PEOPLE FEEL LIKE SPENDING THEIR HOLIDAY THERE AS WELL AS ATTRACTING TOURISTS FROM OVERSEAS.
HE ALSO ENCOURAGED MEMBERS OF SIK SIK YUEN TO CONTINUE WITH THE GOOD TRADITION OF THEIR INSTITUTION BY ACTIVELY STRIVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY.
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CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS ASSURED OF BETTER FIRE PROTECTION ♦ * * ♦
CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) ASSURED OF BETTER PROTECTION AND SERVICES DURING FIRE AND EMERGENCIES FOLLOWING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CHEUNG CHAU FIRE STATION.
THE $5.4 MILLION NEW FIRE STATION WAS PLANNED IN 1977 TO REPLACE THE OLD STATION ON PRAYA STREET AND WAS PUT INTO OPERATION IN MAY 1989.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 775 SQUARE METRES, THE STATION HAS A FLEET OF THREE MODERN AND WELL-EQUIPPED FIRE APPLIANCES, INCLUDING TWO MINI-APPLIANCES, AND A STAFF OF 27 FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CHEUNG CHAU FIRE STATION, THE CHAIRMAN OF ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAM WAI-KEUNG, SAID: ’’THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS WORKED HARD TO PROMOTE FIRE PROTECTION AND PROVIDES EXCELLENT SERVICES, RESULTING, IN A GREAT DECREASE IN SERIOUS FIRES.”
’’EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES IS RENOWNED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE,” HE SAID.
MR LAM SAID HONG KONG WAS A DENSELY-POPULATED CITY WITH CROWDED LIVING ENVIRONMENT, ADDING THAT FIRES FREQUENTLY OCCURRED.
• "IN THIS REGARD, THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS REMARKABLE.” HE SAID.
MR LAM SAID IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE OUTLYING AREAS IN RECENT YEARS, THE DEPARTMENT HAD ENHANCED THE SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT.
’’NOWADAYS, FIRE STATIONS, EQUIPPED WITH SOPHISTICATED FIRE APPLIANCES, ARE SET UP ON ALL THE FOUR OUTLYING AREAS.
"AS FAR AS I KNOW, FIRE SERVICES ON THE OUTLYING AREAS HAS A LONG HISTORY," HE SAID.
/TAKING CHEUNG .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
13
TAKING CHEUNG CHAU AS AN EXAMPLE, MR LAM SAID THERE WAS A FIRE STATION IN PRE-WAR DAYS ON HING LUNG BACK STREET AND WAS MANNED BY ONLY TWO FIREMEN.
IT WAS THEN MOVED TO THE SITE NEAR THE PIER IN 1958.
"I AM AWARE THAT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ITS WORK ON THE ISLANDS OVER THE YEARS.
"I HOPE THAT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL KEEP UP ITS GOOD TRADITION, CONTRIBUTING TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF OUR DISTRICT AS WELL AS HONG KONG SO THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY A HAPPY AND CONTENT LIFE," MR LAM SAID.
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EARLY CHRISTMAS TREATS FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS
******
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE OFFERED EARLY CHRISTMAS TREATS ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 15).
THE "KENNEDY TOWN AND MT DAVIS CHRISTMAS CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL" WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM IN THE SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK, KENNEDY TOWN. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THERE WILL BE SINGING, DANCING AND PIPE-BAND PERFORMANCES, KUNG-FU DEMONSTRATION, MAGIC SHOWS AND GAMES.
MEANWHILE, THERE WILL BE A VISIT TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ESPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR THE DISTRICT’S DISABLED PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILY ON THAT DAY.
THE ITINERARY WILL INCLUDE A TOUR OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK, A VEGETARIAN MEAL AND A SEMINAR AT THE TSUEN WAN COMMUNITY HALL.
HOSTED BY EXPERIENCED SOCIAL WORKERS, THE SEMINAR IS DESIGNED TO HELP FAMILIES BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF THEIR DISABLED MEMBERS AND LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM IN A PROPER WAY.
A FEE OF $20 PER HEAD WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE OUTING. EACH DISABLED PERSON CAN BE ACCOMPANIED ON THE TRIP BY TWO FAMILY MEMBERS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S SUB-OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, 36A WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN.
ON DECEMBER 21 (SATURDAY), A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE DISTRICT’S RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE RESTAURANT, MAN YEE BUILDING, CENTRAL.
TICKETS FOR THE PARTY, AT $100 PER PERSON, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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/14 .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON 9.12.91 10.12.91 500 -20 + 20 NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.2 *-0.1* 10 .12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON 1 WEEK 3.16 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 1 MONTH 3.78 PCT 3 MONTHS 3.90 PCT 6 MONTHS 4.03 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.57 PCT TURNOVER - BILLS 4,483 MN, BONDS 55 MN BONDS PRICE YIELD 101.89 5.29
CLOSED 10 DECEMBER 1991
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/15 .......
♦
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1991
15
Hong kong
GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS t i i i i
TENbER DATE
10
DEC 91
10 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER
EF
BILLS
EF BILLS
Issue number
Q150
H179
AMOUNT APPLIED
HKD 1,792 MN
HKD 1,032 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
HKD 600 MN
HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE yield Accepted 3.92 pct
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.96 PCT
4.04 PCT
4.07 PCT
PHO HATA RATIO
ABOUT 46 PCT
ABOUT 67 PCT
average-Lender yield 3.97 pct
4.12 PCT
MONO KONG
GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD
TENDER DATE
IN THE
WEEK BEGINNING 16 DECEMBER 1991 -
17
DEC 91
PAPER
ON OFFER
EF
BILLS
tSSUE
number
0161
ISSUE
DATE
18
DEC 91
MATURITY DATE
18
MAR 92
TENOR
91
DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER
HKD500 + 100 MN
COUPON
N.A.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
GOVT NOT IN FAVOUR OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND..................... 1
GOVT'S COMMITMENT IN SEWAGE STRATEGY REAFFIRMED ................... 3
NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED..................... 4
USE OF BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS IN EXEMPTED CLINICS ................... 4
INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED ....... 5
EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION LEVELS TO BE INCREASED .................... 7
CS OUTLINES LEGISLATION DRAFTING PROGRAMME ........................ 8
TELEPHONE TARIFFS ARE SUBJECT TO CONTROL .......................... 9
KAI TAK IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME UNDER REGULAR REVIEW ................ 10
SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS TO BE INTRODUCED.......... 11
SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE CONSULTED ON POLICY CHANGES 11
BUS PRIORITY MEASURES FOR TSING YI ................................ 13
PERSONAL INFORMATION OF BNS APPLICANTS PROTECTED .................. 14
ALL GOVT SERVANTS REQUIRED TO PROTECT OFFICIAL INFORMATION......... 14
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS FOR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION NOT LOWERED......... 15
GOVT'S 'LENDER OF LAST RESORT' POLICY UNDER REVIEW ................ 16
CRITERIA FOR DEPLOYMENT OF SOCIAL WORK TEAMS EXPLAINED ............ 17
CONCLUSIONS EXPECTED EARLY NEXT YEAR ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY ‘ REVIEW ......................................'................... 18
PLANS AFOOT TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL BEDS PROVISION IN NT EAST.......... 18
PAYMENT OF WAGES BY AUTOPAY PROPOSED............................... 20
TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT................... 21
GOVT'S SALE OF CHTC SHARES EXPLAINED............................... 22
GOVT ENDEAVOURS .......
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVT ENDEAVOURS TO ENSURE CONFORMITY OF BILLS TO ICCPR ................ 24
MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES REMAINS CNTA'S RESPONSIBILITY ... 24
TYPE OF CONTRACTS DETERMINED TO ACHIEVE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY .......... 26
REFURBISHMENT OF A TUNG TAU ESTATE BLOCK BEING CONSIDERED ............. 27
FOUR-HOUR DEBATE ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME ...................... 28
GOVT TO TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER COMPULSORY RETIREMENT SCHEMES ............. 29
ONGOING DISCUSSION WITH UC ON HK STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT................... 30
REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFERS WIDE CHOICE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES....... 31
1992 SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED ............................ 32
CONTRACT FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION WORKS AWARDED ................ 33
250 VOLUNTARY RETURNEES BACK TO VIETNAM ................................. 34
$30,000 FINE FOR UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ............................ 34
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ........................................ 35
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY .................................................... 35
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 36
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
1
GOVT NOT IN FAVOUR OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND
***** -
THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE THE SUBJECT WAS LAST DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 10 THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
SPEAKING AT A MOTION DEBATE TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN REITERATED: "WE CONTINUE TO HAVE MAJOR RESERVATIONS ABOUT A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, IN PARTICULAR ABOUT ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ECONOMY AND THE FINANCIAL MARKET.
"WE WOULD VERY MUCH PREFER TO ADOPT OTHER SOLUTIONS, THAT IS TO SAY SOLUTIONS OTHER THAN A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, TO PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION WE NEED," HE SAID.
MR CHAN OPINED THAT TODAY’S DEBATE SHOULD HAVE MADE IT ABUNDANTLY CLEAR TO THE COMMUNITY THAT RETIREMENT PROTECTION IS A COMPLEX MATTER REQUIRING CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF MANY ISSUES, SOME OF WHICH ARE HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL IN NATURE, AND THAT THERE ARE NO QUICK AND EASY ANSWERS.
HE THANKED MEMBERS WHO HAD SPOKEN ON THE ISSUE FOR PROVIDING USEFUL REFERENCE AND GUIDANCE TO THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION WHICH WAS SET UP LAST MONTH TO EXAMINE WAYS OF MEETING THE GREATER NEED FOR COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT SCHEMES, INCLUDING VARIOUS FORMS OF COMPULSORY RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
THE WORKING GROUP HAS SO FAR SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED THE FIRST TWO PHASES OF THE FOUR-PHASED WORK PROGRAMME IT HAS SET ITSELF.
THESE TWO PHASES CONSISTED OF THE COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF FACTUAL INFORMATION REGARDING EXISTING RETIREMENT SCHEMES, BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS, AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES REQUIRING DETAILED CONSIDERATION.
MR CHAN SAID: "WE ARE NOW ABOUT TO ENTER THE THIRD PHASE, WHICH IS TO EXAMINE THE VARIOUS ISSUES W’E HAVE IDENTIFIED AND TO STUDY POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND EXPERTS AS REQUIRED. EVENTUALLY, THE WORKING GROUP AIMS TO FORMULATE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS AS A BASIS FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON A WIDE SCALE.
"AS OF NOW, IT IS NOT YET POSSIBLE TO SET A PRECISE AND DEFINITIVE TIMETABLE FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE WORKING GROUP’S TASK.
"BUT 1 HOPF AND BELIEVE THAT, BY NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR, WE SHALL HAVE DEVELOPED A SUITABLE FRAMEWORK FOR COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT SCHEMES, HAVE SOUGHT PUBLIC VIEWS ON OUR PROPOSALS AND BE IN A POSITION TO START DRAFTING THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION."
HE UNDERTOOK THAT ONCE THE WORKING GROUP HAD DEVELOPED CONCRETE PROPOSALS, THE PUBLIC WOULD BE WIDELY CONSULTED BEFORE ANY FIRN DECISIONS WERE MADE.
/TURNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
2
TURNING TO PUBLIC CONCERNS ABOUT THE SECURITY OF EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS IN THE EVENT THAT A PRIVATE SECTOR OPERATED RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME WENT BANKRUPT OR WAS GROSSLY MISMANAGED, MR CHAN SAID LEGISLATION WAS BEING DRAFTED TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF PRIVATE SECTOR RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT, WHILE HONG KONG HAD SET ITS FACE AGAINST A MASSIVE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, IT SHOULD NOT ENVISAGE GOING TO THE OTHER EXTREME OF HAVING AN ENDLESS MULTITUDE OF VERY SMALL INDIVIDUAL SCHEMES EACH CATERING FOR A SMALL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, WHERE THE VAST MAJORITY OF EMPLOYERS ARE SMALL BUSINESSES IN TERMS OF THE NUMBERS EMPLOYED, WE BELIEVE THAT THE SENSIBLE THING TO DO WOULD BE TO PROMOTE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NUMBER OF PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED POOLED SCHEMES AMONG WHICH INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYERS COULD CHOOSE TO JOIN," MR CHAN SAID.
"THERE HAVE BEEN SUGGESTIONS THAT SOME FORM OF GUARANTEE AGAINST FAILURES OF INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES SHOULD BE PROVIDED, PREFERABLY BY THE GOVERNMENT. THIS IS A DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX ISSUE WHICH WILL REQUIRE THE MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION.
"ONE IMPORTANT FACTOR TO BEAR IN MIND IS THAT ITS VERY EXISTENCE MIGHT LEAD TO OR EVEN ENCOURAGE THE KIND OF IRRESPONSIBLE FUND MANAGEMENT THAT IT IS DESIGNED TO GUARD AGAINST."
THE SECRETARY ALSO SPOKE OF THE NECESSITY TO DRAW A CONCEPTUAL DISTINCTION BETWEEN RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEMES AND SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES.
BY ITS VERY NATURE, A RETIREMENT SCHEME IS RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO RETIREMENT WHILE SOCIAL SECURITY IS ESSENTIALLY A SAFETY NET PROVIDED BY THE COMMUNITY AGAINST UNDUE HARDSHIP OR POVERTY AMONGST ITS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS.
"RETIREMENT SCHEMES ANP SOCIAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS USUALLY EXIST SIDE BY SIDE, AND MAY EVEN BE COMBINED IN SOME COUNTRIES, BUT IN ESSENCE THEY ARE DIFFERENT THINGS SERVING DIFFERENT PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVES," MR CHAN SAID.
HE SAID THE WORKING GROUP WAS KEEPING AN OPEN MIND ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THOSE OUTSIDE THE LABOUR FORCE BEING ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A RETIREMENT SCHEME, PERHAPS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
"IT IS ALSO EXAMINING SCHEMES WHICH PROPOSE A WIDER COVERAGE TO SEE IF THEY MIGHT MEET OUR OBJECTIVES OR AT LEAST CONTAIN ELEMENTS WHICH COULD BE ADAPTED TO MEET OUR NEEDS," MR CHAN ADDED.
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/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
3
GOVT’S COMMITMENT IN SEWAGE STRATEGY REAFFIRMED * * * » »
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT AND DETERMINATION IN TACKLING SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME, MR BARNES HIGHLIGHTED THE ENORMOUS PUBLIC EXPENDITURE EARMARKED FOR SEWAGE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE AMOUNT AND VALUE OF SEWERAGE CONSTRUCTION WORK NOW BEING CARRIED OUT TERRITORY-WIDE WAS ENORMOUS AND WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN THE HARBOUR AND ELSEWHERE.
SOME OF THE MAJOR SCHEMES OUTLINED ARE:
* THE $1.3 BILLION NORTH WEST KOWLOON SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR;
* THE $0.5 BILLION STAGE I EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME FROM SHA TIN AND TAI PO TO VICTORIA HARBOUR, EXPECTED TOBE COMPLETED IN 1993;
* THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS TOTALLING $0.8 BILLION FOR IMPROVING SEWAGE DISPOSAL ON HONG KONG ISLAND;
* THE EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME TO COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR; AND
* THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES SEWERAGE SCHEME, SERVING THE TIN SHU1 WAI AREA, COSTING $2.2 BILLION.
ON THE REMAINING MASTERPLANS, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT FULLY ACCEPTED THE NEEDS TO PROCEED WITH THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL STRATEGY AS SOON AS RESOURCES PERMIT.
"BUT THE STRATEGY IS AN INTEGRATED ONE AND, ALTHOUGH THE STAGING IS FLEXIBLE UP TO A POINT, IT IS ALL DIRECTED TOWARDS LEADING OUR TREATED SEWAGE INTO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
"SO WE MUST COMPLETE THE STUDIES TO ENSURE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE WHOLE SCHEME AND TO REASSURE THE APPROPRIATE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUITABILITY OF THE SCHEME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
ON FINANCING, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ANALYSING THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS AND THE GENERAL ACCEPTABILITY OF CHARGING FOR DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE OF DIFFERENT KINDS.
"WHEN WE HAVE TAKEN THIS STUDY A LITTLE FURTHER, IT WILL THEN BE FOR DECISION WHETHER IT IS BETTER FOR THE COMMUNITY TO ACCEPT THE ADDITIONAL BURDEN OF CHARGES IN ORDER TO START THE PROJECT EARLIER, OR TO ACCEPT WHAT MAY BE SEVERAL YEARS OF DELAY AND CONSEQUENTLY WORSE POLLUTION OF OUR SEAS," HE ADDED.
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/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) * * * *
BILL 1991 INTRODUCED
* *
A BILL TO TIGHTEN THE CONTROLS ON NOISE FROM INDIVIDUAL NOISY PRODUCTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THE BILL PROPOSED THAT HAND-HELD PERCUSSIVE BREAKERS AND AIR COMPRESSORS USED FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WORKS WERE THE FIRST GROUP OF EQUIPMENT TO BE BROUGHT UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE.
"THE NEW REGULATIONS STIPULATE ACCEPTABLE NOISE EMISSION STANDARDS AND SET OUT METHODS OF TESTING AND LABELLING, AND CONTROL THE SALES AND IMPORT OF UNACCEPTABLE PRODUCTS," HE SAID.
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSAL HAD BEEN DISCUSSED WITH AND WAS SUPPORTED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
"THE MAJORITY OF THE BREAKERS AND COMPRESSORS AVAILABLE NOW IN THE NEW EQUIPMENT MARKET ARE IN FACT SILENCED TYPES AND THERE SHOULD BE NO DIFFICULTIES FOR THE INDUSTRY TO COMPLY WITH THE CONTROL SCHEME,” HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO CLARIFIES THAT GENERAL TRAFFIC NOISE GENERATED BY A VEHICLE IS NOT SUBJECT TO CONTROL BY WAY OF POLICE SUMMONS ACTION UPON COMPLAINTS.
"SIMILARLY, IT HAS NEVER BEEN THE POLICY INTENT TO CONTROL OPERATIONAL NOISE FROM ONE INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL PREMISES AFFECTING OTHER INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL PREMISES AS IT DOES NOT AFFECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC," MR BARNES SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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USE OF BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS IN EXEMPTED CLINICS *****
A BILL WHICH PROVIDES THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH WITH THE DISCRETION TO PERMIT UNREGISTRABLE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS PRACTISING IN EXEMPTED CLINICS TO SUPPLY, POSSESS AND PROCURE CERTAIN BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS FOR THE TREATMENT OF THEIR PATIENTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE WAS RECENTLY AMENDED TO INCLUDE ALL BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS AS DANGEROUS DRUGS.
/UNDER THE .......
5
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
UNDER THE PRESENT PROVISION OF THE ORDINANCE, SUCH PRACTITIONERS WERE NOT PERMITTED TO USE DANGEROUS DRUGS IN THE COURSE OF THEIR PRACTICE, SHE SAID.
"THESE PRACTITIONERS WILL THEREBY NO LONGER HAVE ACCESS TO SUCH DRUGS AND WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE STANDARD OF THEIR SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC," THE SECRETARY SAID.
"THIS BILL THEREFORE SEEKS TO ENABLE THEM TO CONTINUE TO HAVE THE USE OF CERTAIN BENZODIAZEPINE DRUGS AS SPECIFIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF TREATING THEIR PATIENTS."
MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ALL UNREGISTRABLE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS WERE ASSESSED IN 1963 BY THE THEN MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THOSE WHO PASSED THE ASSESSMENT WERE ALLOWED TO PRACTISE IN EXEMPTED CLINICS.
THE NUMBER OF SUCH PRACTITIONERS HAD BEEN DECREASED STEADILY FROM OVER 400 IN 1963 TO 165 NOW THROUGH RETIREMENT OR DEATH, SHE SAID.
FOR THE PAST THREE DECADES, MRS WONG SAID, THESE PRACTITIONERS HAD BEEN PROVIDING A VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED * * » * *
A BILL WHICH EMPOWERS THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT A PERSON TO ADVISE AN INSURER ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS AFFAIRS, BUSINESS AND PROPERTY AND, IF SO REQUIRED, APPOINT A MANAGER TO ASSUME SUCH MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, EXPLAINED THAT THE PRESENT ORDINANCE GAVE THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY CERTAIN POWERS TO INTERVENE IN THE OPERATIONS OF AN INSURER.
"HOWEVER, PAST EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THESE POWERS ARE INADEQUATE IF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY IS TO BE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE BUSINESS OF AN INSURER WHICH IS IN SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES WILL BE PRUDENTLY MANAGED," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK POINTED OUT THAT AN INSURER IN SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES MIGHT EXPOSE THE INSURING PUBLIC TO SERIOUS RISK OF LOSS AND THE ABSENCE OF PRUDENT MANAGEMENT COULD RESULT IN EVEN GREATER DAMAGE TO POLICY HOLDERS.
/"IT COULD .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 6
"IT COULD ALSO DAMAGE THE GENERAL REPUTATION OF THE INSURANCE MARKET IN HONG KONG,’’ HE ADDED.
TO OVERCOME THE PRESENT INADEQUACY OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY’S POWERS OF INTERVENTION AND IN THE INTEREST OF THE INSURING PUBLIC, MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED THAT THE AUTHORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE ADDITIONAL INTERVENTIONARY POWER OF BEING ABLE TO APPOINT AN ADVISOR OR A MANAGER IN RESPECT OF AN INSURER WHERE THE EXERCISE OF HIS OTHER INTERVENTIONARY POWERS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS.
HOWEVER, MR NENDICK STRESSED THAT THE POWER WOULD ONLY BE EXERCISED AS A LAST RESORT, IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE ALL THE OTHER INTERVENTIONARY POWERS OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS.
"A RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST THE EXERCISE OF THESE POWERS LIES TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. MOREOVER, EXERCISE OF THE POWER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO REVIEW BY THE COURTS,” HE SAID.
HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE POWER WOULD BE EXERCISED WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF LEGAL REASONABLENESS WHICH, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE RELEVANCE OF THE ACTION.
WHERE AN INSURER WHICH WAS IN SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES WAS INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THE REMIT OF THE ADVISOR OR MANAGER WILL ONLY EXTEND TO THAT PART OF THE INSURER’S BUSINESS WHICH IS CARRIED ON, OR MANAGED, IN OR FROM HONG KONG AS WELL AS THE PROPERTY OF SUCH AN INSURER WHICH IS LOCATED IN, OR MANAGED FROM, HONG KONG.
MR NENDICK SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROPOSED THAT A FURTHER GROUND SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE ORDINANCE FOR THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE ITS INTERVENTIONARY POWERS.
’’SIMILAR TO THE PROVISION IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE, THE FURTHER GROUND WOULD ALLOW THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO INTERVENE WHERE FT APPEARED TO HIM THAT AN INSURER IS CARRYING ON ITS BUSINESS IN A MANNER DETRIMENTAL TO THE INTERESTS OF ITS POLICY HOLDERS,” HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE BILL SEEKS TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE SO THAT THE EXISTING PROVISION WHICH PROHIBITS INSURERS CARRYING ON LONG TERM BUSINESS FROM BEING WOUND UP WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE COURTS IS EXTENDED TO INSURERS CARRYING ON GENERAL BUSINESS.
’’THIS WILL ENSURE THAT THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS PRIOR NOTICE OF A PROPOSAL FOR THE VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF A GENERAL BUSINESS INSURER, AS IS PRESENTLY THE CASE FOR AN INSURER WRITING LONG TERM BUSINESS," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
n....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11,
1991
EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION LEVELS TO BE INCREASED *****
THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION AND CERTAIN COMPENSATION-RELATED ITEMS UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WILL BE REVISED AS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
MOVING A RESOLUTION TO EFFECT THE CHANGES AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID IT HAD BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY SINCE 1978 TO REVIEW THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION EVERY TWO YEARS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF WAGE MOVEMENTS, INFLATION AND OTHER CHANGES.
’’TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE PROJECTED RATE OF WAGE INCREASE FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1990 TO DECEMBER 1991 AND THE SLIGHT UNDER-ESTIMATION OF THE INCREASE IN NOMINAL WAGES IN THE LAST REVIEW, WE PROPOSE TO INCREASE THE EXISTING LEVELS OF COMPENSATION ARISING FROM DEATH, PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY AND THE REQUIREMENT FOR CONSTANT ATTENTION BY 27.8 PER CENT,” MR CHAN SAID.
DETAILS OF THE REVISION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
OLD RATE NEW RATE
MINIMUM MAXIMUM MINIMUM MAXIMUM
- FOR DEATH $143,000 $424,000 $183,000 $542,000
- FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY $162,000 $485,000 $207,000 $620,000
- FOR CONSTANT ATTENTION - $194,000 - $248,000
— FOR BURIAL AND MEDICAL EXPENSES WHERE THE DECEASED EMPLOYEE LEAVES NO DEPENDANTS — $8,000 — $10,000
- FOR DAILY REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES
- PAYMENT BY AN EMPLOYER TOWARDS THE COSTS OF SUPPLYING AND FITTING A PROSTHESIS OR A SURGICAL APPLIANCE
- FOR REPAIR OR RENEWAL OF A PROSTHESIS OR A SURGICAL APPLIANCE
$70 - $90
$16,000 - $20,000
$50,000
$62,000
/"FOR THE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
8
"FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING COMPENSATION, THE AMOUNT THAT IS DEEMED TO BE MINIMUM EARNINGS PER MONTH WILL ALSO BE RAISED FROM $1,040 TO $1,450,” THE SECRETARY SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE CEILING FOR ADVANCE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION WILL BE REVISED FROM $20,000 TO $28,000, THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF SURCHARGE IMPOSED UPON EXPIRY OF THE PAYMENT PERIOD BE INCREASED FROM $200 TO $300, AND THE MINIMUM ADDITIONAL SURCHARGE IMPOSED THREE MONTHS LATER BE INCREASED FROM $400 TO $600.
MR CHAN ALSO MOVED A RESOLUTION UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN AWARDS TO PERSONS WHO ARE INCAPACITATED BY, OR DIE AS A RESULT OF, PNEUMOCONIOSIS.
THESE AWARDS ARE IN RESPECT OF DEATH, PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY, CONSTANT ATTENTION AND BURIAL AND MEDICAL EXPENSES.
"THE LEVELS OF THESE AWARDS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IDENTICAL TO THOSE SPECIFIED IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE," MR CHAN EXPLAINED.
"AS THE LATTER HAVE JUST BEEN RAISED BY A RESOLUTION OF THIS COUNCIL, I PROPOSE THAT THE FORMER BE SIMILARLY RAISED."
THE PROPOSED INCREASES HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
---------0-----------
CS OUTLINES LEGISLATION DRAFTING PROGRAMME
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES COMMITTEE WILL MONITOR THE DRAFTING PROGRAMME AND WILL ADJUST IT WHERE NECESSARY TO ENSURE AN EVEN FLOW OF LEGISLATION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION RY THE HON MARTIN BARROW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT 31 NEW LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS (THAT IS NEW ORDINANCES) WERE AT VARIOUS STAGES OF DRAFTING WITH THE MAJORITY OF THEM INTENDED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGCO DURING THE 1991-92 SESSION.
SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE A PRECISE NUMBER OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCES UNDER REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE AMENDMENT BECAUSE THE PROPOSALS WERE AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF PROCESSING AND SOME OF THEM HAD YET TO BE GIVEN POLICY CLEARANCE.
"HOWEVER, A USEFUL INDICATIVE FIGURE WOULD BE THE NUMBER OF AMENDMENT BILLS BEING DRAFTED AND THE FIGURE IS 142," HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
9
SIR DAVID SAID A TOTAL OF 89 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS (THAT IS NEW BILLS AND AMENDMENT BILLS), HAD SO FAR BEEN GIVEN PRIORITY BY THE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES COMMITTEE FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE 1991-92 SESSION.
COUNCII TWENTY-0NE BILLS HAVE ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE
"THE ACTUAL TOTAL NUMBER OF BILLS THAT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL BY JULY 1992 WILL DEPEND ON THE DRAFTING PROGRESS OF THE BILLS AND WHETHER THERE ARE ANY URGENT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS OUTSIDE THE APPROVED PROGRAMME THAT MAY NEED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL WITHIN THIS SESSION," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID SO FAR ABOUT 50 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS HAD NOT YET OBTAINED PRIORITY FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE 1991-92 SESSION, HAVING REGARD TO THEIR URGENCY AND STAGE OF PROCESSING.
"THEY WILL BE RECONSIDERED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE NEXT (1992-93) SESSION, OR WREN THERE IS A VACANT SLOT IN THE CURRENT SESSION’S PROGRAMME," SIR DAVID SAID.
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TELEPHONE TARIFFS ARE SUBJECT TO CONTROL
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE ABSENCE OF A SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT DID NOT MEAN THAT HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TARIFFS WERE NO LONGER SUBJECT TO CONTROL.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON STEPHEN POON, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER SECTION 26 OF THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, THE MAXIMUM CHARGE FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY COULD ONLY BE INCREASED BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL NOT SUPPORT AMENDMENTS TO THE SCHEDULE UNLESS IT IS SATISFIED THAT THESE ARE FULLY JUSTIFIED,” MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE SAID THE INTERESTS OF TELEPHONE USERS WERE ALSO PROTECTED IN OTHER WAYS.
FOR EXAMPLE, UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE, THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (THE POSTMASTER GENERAL) WAS EMPOWERED TO ENSURE THAT THE COMPANY MAINTAINED A GOOD AND EFFICIENT SERVICE.
SECTION 4A OF THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO GOVERNMENT DIRECTORS TO THE BOARD OF THE COMPANY WHO HAVE A STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO REPRESENT GOVERNMENT, AND HENCE THE PUBLIC INTEREST, MRS CHAN EXPLAINED.
/SHE POINTED .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 10 -
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY DECLINED TO RENEW THE PREVIOUS SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT WHEN IT EXPIRED IN MARCH THIS YEAR, AND MADE CLEAR THAT IT WOULD FAVOUR PRICE-CAPPING RATHER THAN PROFIT CONTROL AS A REPLACEMENT.
"THIS OPTION IS ONE OF A NUMBER OF REGULATORY ISSUES BEING CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT REVIEW OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY, I EXPECT TO REACH CONCLUSIONS EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR," MRS CHAN SAID.
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KAI TAK IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME UNDER REGULAR REVIEW
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS TO FACILITIES AT KAI TAK IN 1988, THE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN REVIEWED REGULARLY IN THE COURSE OF THE ANNUAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION EXERCISE.
"AS A RESULT, SOME LESS ESSENTIAL PROJECTS HAVE BEEN DELETED OR THEIR SCOPE REDUCED," MRS CHAN SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LAU WONG-FAT.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT PACKAGE OF MEASURES INCLUDED ONLY THOSE PROJECTS CONSIDERED ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE CONTINUING EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT BEARING IN MIND ITS LIMITED LIFE.
"THESE INCLUDE : THE EXTENSION OF THE AIRPORT APRON AREA TO PROVIDE MORE AIRCRAFT PARKING BAYS, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TERMINAL BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION OF A TAXIWAY BRIDGE TO FACILITATE AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT ON THE APRON AREA AND IMPROVEMENTSiTO ROAD ACCESS LEADING TO THE AIRPORT," SHE EXPLAINED.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS HAD ALSO BEEN EXAMINED CRITICALLY TO ENSURE THAT THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE DESIGNS AND MATERIALS WERE UTILISED WITHOUT COMPROMISING STANDARDS OF OPERATIONAL SAFETY.
"THIS APPROACH HAS ALREADY LED TO SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTIONS IN THE ESTIMATED COST OF SOME ITEMS," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME WAS TO ENSURE THAT KAI TAK AIRPORT COULD COPE WITH THE EXPECTED CONTINUING GROWTH IN PASSENGER AND CARGO TRAFFIC UP TO THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
"ON PRESENT ESTIMATES, PASSENGER THROUGHPUT IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 10 PER CENT PER ANNUM AND CARGO BY EIGHT PER CENT PER ANNUM," SHE SAID.
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/II ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
11
SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS TO BE INTRODUCED ******.
THE GOVERNMENT IS DRAFTING A BILL WHICH SETS SAFETY STANDARDS FOR TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS OFFERED FOR SALE IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE LEVEL OF LEAD PERMISSIBLE IN PAINTS USED BY CHILDREN.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR CHAU TAK-HAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG, MR CHAU SAID THE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL WAS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DRAFTING.
SUBJECT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S ADVICE, THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS SESSION, HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, THERE IS NO STATUTORY SAFETY STANDARD REGARDING LEAD CONTENT IN DRAWING PAINT USED BY SCHOOL CHILDREN.
NOTING THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SCHOOLS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN SCHOOLS, HE SAID: "MEASURES TAKEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE PROMOTION OF SAFETY IN ART ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE ISSUE OF GUIDELINES TO ALL SCHOOLS IN WHICH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING TOXIC MATERIALS, INCLUDING PAINTS, ARE EMPHASISED."
FOLLOWING A WARNING RECENTLY ISSUED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ON THE HIGH LEAD CONTENT FOUND IN A CERTAIN BRAND OF POWDER PAINT, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS REVISING THE SAFETY GUIDELINES TO STRENGTHEN THE PART ON THE PROPER HANDLING OF TOXIC ART MATERIAL.
"IT IS ALSO PLANNING TO ORGANISE A SEMINAR FOR ART TEACHERS ON THE SUBJECT," HE SAID.
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SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE CONSULTED ON POLICY CHANGES *»*♦**
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN REAL TERMS BY ABOUT 16 PER CENT OVER THE NEXT FOUR FINANCIAL YEARS.
IN FACT, FOR THE GOVERNMENT AS A WHOLE THERE WILL BE REAL INCREASES IN EXPENDITURE OVER THE SAME PERIOD, SHE ADDED.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LI WAH-MING, MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT BRANCH SECRETARIES HAD BEEN ASKED TO IDENTIFY MODEST SAVINGS ON EXISTING SERVICES SO THAT MORE FUNDS COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR NEW SERVICES.
/THE SAVINGS .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
12
THE SAVINGS TARGETS ARE ONE PER CENT, 2.2 PER CENT AND 2.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BASELINE EXPENDITURE OF THE INDIVIDUAL POLICY SECRETARIES’ PROGRAMME AREAS FOR 1992/93, 1993/94, 1994/95 AND 1995/96 RESPECTIVELY.
"THE MAIN CRITERION USED IN IDENTIFYING SAVINGS IN MY PROGRAMME AREA IS TO EFFECT ECONOMIES IN THE WAY SERVICES ARE DELIVERED, BUT NOT TO WITHDRAW SERVICES WHICH ARE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING POLICIES," SHE ADDED.
TO ACHIEVE SAVINGS IN THE WELFARE FIELD, THE GOVERNMENT WILL NO LONGER RECOGNISE, FOR SUBVENTION PURPOSES, ONE POST IN EACH CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE OR COMMUNITY CENTRE WITH A STUDY/READING ROOM NEXT YEAR.
"ADDITIONALLY, CORRESPONDING MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO DELETE ONE POST FROM EACH OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP WORK UNITS.
"THERE ARE OTHER INCIDENTAL SAVINGS ARISING FROM MINOR MANAGERIAL ADJUSTMENTS."
MRS WONG SAID THERE APPEARED TO BE CONSIDERABLE CONFUSION ABOUT CONSULTATION.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FIRST INITIATED CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ABOUT THE REDUCTION IN SUBVENTION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES WITH A STUDY/READING ROOM LAST MONTH.
"EARLIER CONSULTATION WAS NEITHER PRACTICABLE NOR OPPORTUNE. HAD THERE BEEN POLICY CHANGES INVOLVED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY TO CONSULT THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND INDEED THIS WILL BE DONE FOR SOME OF THE ITEMS BEING CONSIDERED FOR SUBSEQUENT YEARS," MRS WONG SAID.
"THE ADMINISTRATION IS FIRMLY OF THE VIEW THAT WHETHER A CENTRE-CUM-STUDY/READING ROOM IS RUN BY 11 OR NINE OR 13 STAFF IS BASICALLY A MANAGEMENT/UTILISATION OF RESOURCES ISSUE AND DOES NOT ALTER THE POLICY THAT SUCH A CENTRE SHOULD PROVIDE COUNSELLING AND OUTREACHING SERVICES.
"THE DECISION ON HOW TO ADJUST TO THE REDUCTION IN SUBVENTION FOR THESE CENTRES IS BASICALLY ONE FOR THE OPERATING AGENCIES.
"BY WAY OF FURTHER CLARIFICATION, I WISH TO STRESS THAT THERE IS NO QUESTION OF EXEMPTING ANY AREA OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE FROM SAVINGS MEASURES TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, VALUE FOR MONEY OR FOR MANAGEMENT/RESOURCES CONTROL REASONS.
"AS REGARDS 1992/93, THE TARGET OF $61 MILLION IS STILL VERY FAR FROM BEING MET AND ANY SUGGESTIONS AS TO FURTHER MEASURES THAT MIGHT BE ADOPTED WILL MOST CERTAINLY BE CONSIDERED."
SHE UNDERTOOK TO CONSULT THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ANY REVISIONS TO THE POLICIES IMPLICIT IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990S AND BEYOND.
/EARLIER, MRS ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
13
EARLIER, MRS WONG HAD EXPLAINED THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE GOVERNING THE PLANNING AND CONTROL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
SHE SAID THE GROWTH RATE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME SHOULD BE NO GREATER THAN THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY, AS MEASURED BY THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP).
THE FORECAST TREND GROWTH RATE OF GDP HAS BEEN REVISED FROM 5.5 PER CENT TO FIVE PER CENT.
ACCORDINGLY, THE GUIDELINE GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS FOR RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED FROM 4.5 PER CENT AND 7.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM TO FOUR PER CENT AND SEVEN PER CENT PER ANNUM RESPECTIVELY FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THIS, QUITE CLEARLY DOES NOT MEAN THAT OVERALL THERE ARE "CUTS", MRS WONG SAID.
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BUS PRIORITY MEASURES FOR TSING YI
TWO BUS PRIORITY MEASURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED AT TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR LEUNG SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO CONSIDERING OTHER TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES AIMED AT IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR ALL VEHICLES, INCLUDING BUSES, IN THE VICINITY OF TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE.
THE BUS PRIORITY MEASURES INTRODUCED ARE THE BUS-ONLY RIGHT-HAND TURN FROM THE BRIDGE INTO TSING YI HEUNG SZE WU1 ROAD NORTHBOUND, AND THE BUS-ONLY RIGHT-HAND TURN FROM TSING YI ROAD NORTHBOUND ONTO THE BRIDGE.
’ THESE ARRANGEMENTS OPERATE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT IN DECIDING WHETHER TO INTRODUCE BUS PRIORITY SCHEME, CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO THE EXTENT TO WHICH BUS SERVICES WERE BEING DELAYED AS A RESULT OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND TO ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS THAT SUCH SCHEMES MIGHT HAVE ON OTHER ROAD USERS.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 98 BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES TERRITORY-WIDE, COMPRISING 77 BUS ONLY LANES, 11 BUS GATES, AND 10 BUS ONLY TURNING.
"THESE MEASURES HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN SAVING TRAVELLING TIME FOR BUS PASSENGERS AND REDUCING THE OPERATING COSTS OF BUS SERVICES."
/ON THE ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
14
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON VEHICLES OTHER THAN PUBLIC BUSES FROM USING CONGESTED ROADS AT PEAK HOURS, MR LEUNG SAID THIS WOULD BE AN EXTREME MEASURE TO BE CONSIDERED ONLY WHERE NO BETTER ALTERNATIVES WERE AVAILABLE.
"SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT COULD OBVIOUSLY INTERFERE WITH THE ACTIVITIES OF OTHER ESSENTIAL ROAD USERS.
"SO FAR, A BUS ONLY SYSTEM HAS BEEN INTRODUCED IN PARTS OF MIDLEVELS AT CERTAIN TIMES OF THE DAY AND WITH SOME SUCCESS," HE ADDED.
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PERSONAL INFORMATION OF BNS APPLICANTS PROTECTED
******
THE IDENTITY AND PERSONAL DATA OF APPLICANTS UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME (BNS) ARE PROTECTED WITH STRICT CONFIDENCE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EDWARD HO, MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT GIVEN, NOR ENVISAGED GIVING, AUTHORISATION FOR THE DISCLOSURE OF SUCH INFORMATION.
’’RECORDS ON UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE DESTROYED, AND THOSE ON SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE KEPT BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.
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ALL GOVT SERVANTS REQUIRED TO PROTECT OFFICIAL INFORMATION »*»*»»
ALL GOVERNMENT SERVANTS ARE REQUIRED BY HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SECURITY REGULATIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS TO PROTECT OFFICIAL INFORMATION, WHICH INCLUDES PERSONAL DATA HELD IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, STATED THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EDWARD HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WERE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED FROM PASSING TO PERSONS ANY SUCH INFORMATION UNLESS THOSE PERSONS ARE AUTHORISED TO HAVE ACCESS TO IT.
"THESE REGULATIONS ARE COMPREHENSIVE AND PRECISE," HE SAID.
/"THEY COVER .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
"THEY COVER THE HANDLING, PROTECTION AND STORAGE OF ALL CLASSIFIED DATA, NO MATTER IN WHAT FORM SUCH DATA IS STORED, THAT IS, WHETHER THE DATA BE STORED IN CONVENTIONAL FILES OR ON COMPUTER SYSTEMS MEDIA."
RECOGNISING THE SPECIAL NEEDS FOR PROTECTING PERSONAL DATA STORED IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID A WORKING GROUP ON DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION, REPORTING TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND DRAWING ON ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING EXPERTISE BOTH IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND WITHIN GOVERNMENT, ESTABLISHED DATA PROTECTION PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES WHICH WERE ISSUED TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN MARCH 1988.
"THESE PRINCIPLES WERE BASED ON THOSE WHICH HAD BEEN ADOPTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM UNDER THE DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984," HE ADDED.
THE DATA PROTECTION GUIDELINES ISSUED TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SET OUT DATA MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES, SPECIFY THE PARAMETERS FOR THE COLLECTION OF PERSONAL DATA AND LAY DOWN REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTION OF THESE DATA AGAINST UNAUTHORISED ACCESS.
A RECENT SURVEY OF DATA PROTECTION PRACTICES IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CARRIED OUT BY THE WORKING GROUP SHOWED THAT, WITHIN THE PARAMETERS SET, THE GOVERNMENT’S RECORD ON PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION IS SATISFACTORY.
THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED THAT MOST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE SPECIFIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES DRAWN UP FOR THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA STORED IN THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEMS.
MANY HAVE A SENIOR MEMBER SECURITY OF PERSONAL DATA STORED
OF STAFF OR COMMITTEE TO OVERSEE IN THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEMS.
THE
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ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS FOR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION NOT LOWERED *****
THERE ARE NO PLANS AT PRESENT TO LOWER THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, ALTHOUGH CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO APPLYING THE MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS MORE FLEXIBLY IN INDIVIDUAL CASES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON NG MING-YUM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE NOTED THAT THE EXISTING TWO-YEAR AND THREE-YEAR TEACHER TRAINING COURSES IN THE COLLEGES WERE INTRODUCED IN 1980 IN LINE WITH THE POLICY LAID DOWN IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
/THE MINIMUM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
16
THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS SET FOR THESE COURSES ARE TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS ADMITTED HAVE THE* CAPABILITY TO COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING AND BECOME QUALIFIED TEACHERS.
"NO UNDER-QUALIFIED CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TN THE PAST 10 YEARS,” HE SAID, "ALL CANDIDATES ADMITTED HAVE MET OR HAVE EXCEEDED THE MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS."
MR CHAN STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING ADEQUATELY TRAINED TEACHERS.
BUT THfi QUESTION OF ATTRACTING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO THE TEACHING PROFESSION IS A COMPLEX ONE.
"THIS IS BEING EXAMINED IN DETAIL BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN THE CONTEXT OF ITS FIFTH REPORT," HE SAID.
"THE COMMISSION WILL INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF THE STATUS OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND IS EXPECTED TO PROPOSE MEASURES TO ENHANCE BOTH.
"THE AIM WILL BE TO MAKE TEACHING AS A CAREER A MORE ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS."
MR CHAN CITED STATISTICS TO SHOW THE TARGET INTAKES OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS IN THE COLLEGES AND THE VERY LOW ENROLMENT WHICH RANGED FROM 0.7 PER CENT TO 6.3 PER CENT IN SIX OF THE LAST 10 YEARS.
AS REGARDS THE DROP-OUT RATE IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR, THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS WHO HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM BOTH THE TWO-YEAR AND THREE-YEAR COURSES AS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER WAS 134, OR 15.8 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL INTAKE IN SEPTEMBER.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE REASONS GIVEN FOR WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSES SHOWS THAT 48 WERE TO PURSUE DEGREE COURSES, J 9 TO PURSUE SUBDEGREE COURSES, SIX TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT, ONE TO EMIGRATE AND THE REST EITHER FOR VARIOUS REASONS OR GAVE NO REASONS.
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GOVT’S ’LENDER OF LAST RESORT’ POLICY UNDER REVIEW
THERE WILL BE FULL CONSULTATION WITH THOSE CONCERNED SHOULD CHANGES IN THE GOVERNMENT’S LENDER OF LAST RESORT POLICY BE CONSIDERED NECESSARY AND DESIRABLE, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON DAVID K.P. LI, MR NENDICK EXPLAINED THAT THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND KEPT THE LIQUIDITY OF THE INTER-BANK MARKET AS A WHOLE AND THE LIQUIDITY NEEDS OF SOLVENT INDIVIDUAL BANKS UNDER REGULAR REVIEW.
/•'THERE IS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
17
"THERE IS CURRENTLY AN ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND IN EFFECT ACTS AS THE LENDER OF LAST RESORT, PROVIDING LATE OVERNIGHT LIQUIDITY ASSISTANCE AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE LOCAL INTERBANK MARKET.
"OVER THE PAST 11 MONTHS, THE OFFICE HAS PROVIDED SUCH ASSISTANCE ON 11 OCCASIONS. THE TOTAL SUMS PROVIDED AMOUNT TO $2.4 BILLION," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THIS ARRANGEMENT SERVED THE FUNCTION WHICH IN OTHER MONETARY SYSTEMS WAS PROVIDED BY WHAT WAS CALLED A DISCOUNT WINDOW.
HE NOTED THAT SOME HAD RECENTLY EXPRESSED A WISH FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S LENDER OF LAST RESORT POLICY TO BE CLARIFIED, WHILE OTHERS HAD CALLED FOR THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT TO PROVIDE LATE OVERNIGHT LIQUIDITY ASSISTANCE TO BE FORMALISED, SO THAT LICENSED BANKS WOULD HAVE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY TO MANAGE THEIR LIQUIDITY POSITIONS EFFECTIVELY.
"THIS MATTER IS NOW UNDER REVIEW BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND," HE SAID.
"THERE WILL BE FULL CONSULTATION WITH THOSE CONCERNED, IN PARTICULAR WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, SHOULD CHANGES BE CONSIDERED NECESSARY AND DESIRABLE," HE ADDED.
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CRITERIA FOR DEPLOYMENT OF SOCIAL WORK TEAMS EXPLAINED » * * * *
THERE IS NO PLAN TO PROVIDE AN OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAM TO THE TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV THE HON FUNG CHIWOOD, THE SECRETARY SAID THE PROVISION OF OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS WAS DETERMINED BY THE STEERING GROUP ON OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK, WHICH CONSISTED OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
SHE NOTED THAT THE PRIORITIES WERE SET BY THE STEERING GROUP AND BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
* HIGH JUVENILE CRIME RATE, AS INDICATED BY THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF CASES PROSECUTED AND THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE
SUPERVISED UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENT DISCRETIONARY SCHEME OF THE POLICE;
* RELATIVE PERCENTAGE OF YOUTH POPULATION; AND
/* HIGH POPULATION ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
18
* HIGH POPULATION DENSITY, HAVING REGARD TO THE AVAILABILITY OF OTHER FORMS OF RELEVANT SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THAT DISTRICT.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 24 OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS IN THE TERRITORY.
OF THESE, FOUR ARE DEPLOYED IN KWUN TONG; THREE IN TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING; TWO EACH IN WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON CITY, SHAM SHUI PO, TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN; AND ONE EACH IN YAU MA TEI/TSIM SHA TSUI, MONG KOK, YUEN LONG, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, WAN CHAI, EASTERN AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS.
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CONCLUSIONS EXPECTED EARLY NEXT YEAR ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY REVIEW *****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE CURRENT REVIEW OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY IS EXPECTED TO REACH CONCLUSIONS IN THE EARLY PART OF NEXT YEAR.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SAMUEL WONG, MRS CHAN SAID GOVERNMENT’S AIM WAS TO ESTABLISH A SOUND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN WHICH A DIVERSE RANGE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES COULD DEVELOP AT COMPETITIVE PRICES - BOTH IN THE INTERESTS OF DOMESTIC AND BUSINESS CONSUMERS AND IN ORDER TO SUPPORT HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A MAJOR REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF TRADE AND FINANCE.
”IT IS THE INTENTION TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS BEFORE FINAL DECISIONS ARE TAKEN ON THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW," MRS CHAN SAID.
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PLANS AFOOT TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL BEDS PROVISION IN NT EAST
******
A CONTINGENCY PLAN DOES EXIST IN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL (PWH) FOR THE TRANSFER OF EMERGENCY CASES TO QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND FOR RESCHEDULING EXAMINATION OF NON-EMERGENCY CASES, IN CASE OF FAILURE OF THE CT SCANNER THERE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WITH EFFICIENT PATIENT MANAGEMENT, THE IMPACT ON SERVICE IS MINIMISED," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO THE PROVISION OF NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO MEET PATIENT NEEDS.
/IN A .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
19
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU WAI -HING, MRS WONG SAID THE CT SCANNER IN PWH WAS OUT OF SERVICE FOR 214.1 HOURS OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, REPRESENTING A DOWNTIME RATE OF 2.4 PER CENT.
THE MAIN REASON FOR THAT WAS THE NEED FOR MAJOR REPAIRS IN JULY AND SEPTEMBER WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 150.5 HOURS, OR 70 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL DOWNTIME.
SINCE THEN, THE MACHINE-TIME HAD BEEN RESTORED TO OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE OPERATING CAPACITY, SHE SAID.
MRS WONG ALSO NOTED THAT PWH IS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR NEW TERRITORIES EAST WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF 1.03 MILLION.
APART FROM PWH WHICH HAS 1,380 BEDS, THE NEW TERRITORIES EAST REGION IS ALSO SERVED BY FANLING HOSPITAL (98 BEDS), SHAT1N CHESHIRE HOME (246 BEDS), HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL (271 BEDS), ST JOHN’S HOSPITAL (97 BEDS), 16 OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND A RANGE OF OTHER MEDICAL AND HEALTH FACILITIES, SHE SAID.
THE REGION NOW HAS 2.07 BEDS PER 1,000 POPULATION, WHICH COMPARES WITH 4.28 BEDS PER 1,000 POPULATION FOR THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE.
THE ACTUAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES IN 1990/91 (INCLUDING SUBVENTIONS) WAS $6.56 BILLION, OF WHICH $687.8 MILLION, OR 10.5 PER CENT, WAS SPENT ON PWH.
’’TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE VARIOUS FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE UTILISATION OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES EAST REGION, SUCH AS THE RELATIVELY YOUNG POPULATION, THE HOSPITAL UTILISATION RATE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF PHYSICAL FACILITIES, THE ALLOCATION TO PWH IS CONSIDERED FAIR,” THE SECRETARY SAID.
’’THE SHATIN CHESHIRE HOME AND SHATIN INFIRMARY AND CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL ARE TWO NEW HOSPITALS OPENED THIS YEAR TO SERVE THE NEW TERRITORIES EAST REGION POPULATION.
’’PLANS ARE ALSO IN THE PIPELINE TO IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF-HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE REGION.
’’THESE INCLUDE THE EXPANSION WORKS AT THE FANLING HOSPITAL, EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT THE PWH, RELOCATION OF THE NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL AT TAI PO, REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL AND BUILDING OF THE NEW TAI PO INFIRMARY AND CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL.”
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
20
PAYMENT OF WAGES BY AUTOPAY PROPOSED
♦ * * * *
ACTION IS IN HAND TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL DEDUCTION OR UNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
CONSIDERATION WOULD ALSO BE GIVEN TO DEBARRING THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO HAD BEEN FOUND TO HAVE DEDUCTED WAGES UNLAWFULLY FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEMES.
"AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION FOR VISA EXTENSION FOR IMPORTED WORKERS (UPON COMPLETION OF ONE YEAR’S SERVICE), THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WILL REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO CERTIFY THAT WAGES AS STIPULATED IN THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS ARE BEING PAID," MR CHAN SAID.
"PROVISION OF FALSE INFORMATION IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 OR 14 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE."
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK, MR CHAN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION’S RECENT PROPOSAL WAS TO MAKE THE PAYMENT OF WAGES BY AUTOPAY A CONDITION FOR. IMPORTING WORKERS UNDER ANY NEW SCHEME WHICH MIGHT BE INTRODUCED.
SUCH A CONDITION DID NOT APPLY UNDER THE 1989 AND 1990 IMPORTATION SCHEMES, BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN TAKING STEPS TO PERSUADE AND ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS WHO HAD IMPORTED WORKERS UNDER THE TWO SCHEMES TO EFFECT PAYMENTS OF WAGES BY AUTOPAY ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
AS AT DECEMBER 9 THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 2,084 EMPLOYERS WERE EMPLOYING IMPORTED WORKERS UNDER THE 1989 AND 1990 SCHEMES.
"DURING THE THREE MONTHS SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER 1991, 1,664 OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE INSPECTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND 338 (THAT IS 20.3 PER CENT) WERE MAKING PAYMENT OF WAGES THROUGH BANKS.
. "THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED THE OTHER EMPLOYERS ORALLY AND IN WRITING TO PAY WAGES BY AUTOPAY.
"WHERE THERE ARE REASONS TO SUSPECT THAT AN EMPLOYER MAY HAVE DEDUCTED WORKERS’ WAGES UNLAWFULLY, ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN UNDER EXISTING LAW."
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO STEP UP INSPECTIONS MADE TO PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT AND LIVING QUARTERS OF THE IMPORTED WORKERS.
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21
TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT » * * * *
TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS WILL BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IN ALL NECESSARY FACILITIES AND SERVICES UPON THE COMPLETION OF THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD, MR BARNES SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WOULD PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 24,301 FLATS IN TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS BETWEEN 1991/92 AND 1996/97.
"OF THESE, 8,514 ARE FOR RENTAL AND 15,787 FOR HOME OWNERSHIP, PROVIDING HOUSING FOR ABOUT 74,600 PEOPLE," HE SAID.
ON THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES, MR BARNES SAID THIS WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED ACCORDING TO A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THAT WAS COMPATIBLE WITH THE OVERALL GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY.
HE SAID THE MAJOR HIGHWAYS PROJECTS IN TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS WERE BASICALLY COMPLETE.
"WITH THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE ENTIRE ROUTE 6 (BETWEEN THE TOLO HIGHWAY AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING) EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE ROAD LINKS NOW IN PLACE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE TO MEET DEMAND FOR TRAFFIC BETWEEN NORTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE METROPOLITAN AREAS UP TO THE LAST QUARTER OF THE 1990’S."
MR BARNES SAID THE SECTION OF THE NT CIRCULAR ROAD LINKING SHEUNG SHUI WITH YUEN LONG WAS NEARING COMPLETION. ITS PLANNED OPENING IN MID 1992 WOULD IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN NORTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES AND NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES.
"INTERNAL ROADS WITHIN THESE TWO DISTRICTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE BUILT TO COPE WITH DEVELOPMENT NEEDS," HE SAID.
ON KCRC SERVICES, MR BARNES SAID SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR, ALL KCR TRAINS CARRIED 12 CARRIAGES. BY SEPTEMBER 1993, THE KCR FLEET WOULD HAVE EXPANDED ITS CARRYING CAPACITY BY 53 PER CENT RELATIVE TO 1989.
"FOR THE LONGER TERM, A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM IS BEING CONDUCTED TO EXPLORE WAYS FOR IMPROVING OPERATING EFFICIENCY AND TO FURTHER EXHANCE CAPACITY," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID UNDER THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S LATEST FIVE-YEAR PLAN, THE NUMBER OF BUSES SERVING TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICTS WOULD INCREASE FROM SOME 280 VEHICLES TO ABOUT 300 VEHICLES BETWEEN 1991 AND 1996, AND THERE WOULD BE THE WIDER USE OF HIGH-CAPACITY THREE-AXLE DOUBLE-DECKERS. ‘
ON THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION FACILITIES, MR BARNES SAID TWO PRIMARY AND FOUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD BEEN COMPLETED IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS WHILE THREE PRIMARY AND SIX SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD BE BUILT IN THE COMING SIX YEARS.
/WELFARE AND .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 22 -
WELFARE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLANNED FOR THE PERIOD INCLUDED ONE EACH FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, RURAL CENTRE, SMALL GROUP HOME, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE, EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE, SPECIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, HOME CUM CARE AND ATTENTION UNIT FOR THE ELDERLY, AND DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE THREE DAY NURSERIES, TWO FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, TWO DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND TWO HOSTELS FOR THE DISABLED.
PROJECTS FOR OTHER NECESSARY SERVICES SUCH AS POLICE STATION, FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE SERVICES HAD BASICALLY BEEN COMPLETED.
REGARDING RECREATION AND CULTURAL FACILITIES FOR THE COMING SIX YEARS, MR BARNES SAID A CULTURAL COMPLEX HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR IN TAI PO. THERE WOULD ALSO BE SEVEN DISTRICT OPEN SPACE PROJECTS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT, AND FIVE IN TAI PO.
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GOVT’S SALE OF CHTC SHARES EXPLAINED * * * ♦ ♦
THE SALE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S 24.3 PER CENT OF THE SHARES OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL CO., LTD ("CHTC") TO WHARF (HOLDINGS) LIMITED WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG DECLARED INTENTION THAT THE EXCHANGE FUND SHOULD DISPOSE OF THE WHOLE OF ITS EQUITY STAKE IN THE CHTC, ON THE GROUNDS THAT THIS WAS NOT AN APPROPRIATE ASSET FOR THE FUND.
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, STATED THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LI WAH-MING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR NENDICK EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS NOT A LIQUID INVESTMENT AND ALSO THERE WAS A POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICTS OF INTEREST TO ARISE WHERE THE GOVERNMENT WAS BOTH REGULATOR AND A SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDER.
THUS IN 1986, THE THEN FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, ANNOUNCED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO DISPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S EQUITY HOLDINGS IN HONG KONG AS AND WHEN APPROPRIATE AND THAT THE DEALS SHOULD BE "AT ARM’S LENGTH ON THE STRENGTH OF IMPARTIAL OUTSIDE ADVICE", HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE PRICE AT WHICH THE CHTC SHARES WERE SOLD, MR NENDICK SAID THE PRICE ($12,035 PER SHARE) WAS DETERMINED ON THE BASIS OF SEVERAL FACTORS.
/THESE INCLUDED .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
23
THESE INCLUDED A "NET ASSET" VALUATION OF CHTC AND A "NET PRESENT VALUE" VALUATION OF EXPECTED FUTURE DIVIDENDS (HAVING REGARD TO THE FRANCHISE PERIOD OF CHTC’S TUNNEL), THE ABSENCE OF A MORE COMPETITIVE OFFER FROM AN INTERESTED PARTY IN HONG KONG, AND THE CONDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF OTHER BIDDERS OF THE SHARES FOR TRANSPORT BRANCH ASSURANCES ON VARIOUS RELEVANT ASPECTS OF TRANSPORT POLICY WHICH THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO PROVIDE.
THE DISCOUNT OF 15.2 PER CENT TO THE MARKET PRICE OF $14.20 AT THE TIME OF THE SALE WAS CONSIDERED BY THE FUND’S FINANCIAL ADVISERS HAMBRO PACIFIC LIMITED TO BE ACCEPTABLE FOR A LARGE PRIVATE PLACEMENT AND FOR A SALE OF THIS TYPE, HE SAID.
THE OFFER WAS RECOMMENDED BY THEM TO THE EXCHANGE FUND AND THE DECISION TO SELL WAS TAKEN ON THE BASIS OF THAT RECOMMENDATION, THE SECRETARY SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID THE EXCHANGE FUND ACQUIRED THE CHTC SHARES FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND IN SEPTEMBER 1983 AND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF APPROXIMATELY $318 MILLION (OR $10.34 PER SHARE) WAS BASED ON THE VALUATION PREPARED BY INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS.
SINCE THAT TIME, THE FOLLOWING DIVIDENDS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED:
PER SHARE
1983 (SIX MONTHS) $0,580
1984 $1,140
1985 $1,140
1986 $1,250
1987 $1,310
1988 $1,435
1989 $1.465
1990 $1.465
1991 (SIX MONTHS) $0,670
THE SECRETARY SAID THE SALE TO THE WHARF GROUP REALISED TOTAL PROCEEDS OF $370 MILLION, RESULTING IN A CAPITAL GAIN OF $52 MILLION.
THE OVERALL RETURN OF BOTH DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL VALUE TO THE EXCHANGE FUND SINCE THE ACQUISITION OF THE SHARES IN 1983 REPRESENTED AN INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN OF 14.39 PER CENT PER ANNUM, HE ADDED.
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GOVT ENDEAVOURS TO ENSURE CONFORMITY OF BILLS TO ICCPR
*»****-
THE GOVERNMENT ALREADY ENDEAVOURS TO ENSURE THAT ALL BILLS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND ALL DRAFT BILLS PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION, HAVE BEEN PREPARED TO CONFORM FULLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR) AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
THIS WAS A PROVISION OF GENERAL APPLICATION IN HONG KONG AS SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED BY THE AMENDED LETTERS PATENT TN ARTICLE VII(3), THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, STATED IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR MATHEWS SAID WHEN A BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IT NECESSARILY FOLLOWED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS SATISFIED THAT IT COMPLIED WITH THE COVENANT.
HE SAID IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE TO ATTACH A STATEMENT TO EACH BILL STATING THAT IT HAD BEEN PREPARED TO CONFROM FULLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COVENANT.
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MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES REMAINS * * * * * t
CNTA’S RESPONSIBILITY
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) WILL CONTINUE TO BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF ALL ITS 69 COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON NG M1NG-YUM, MR SUEN SAID THAT IN THIS REGARD, APPROVAL HAD RECENTLY BEEN GIVEN FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF PART-TIME STAFF TO ASSIST IN THE OPERATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
HE STRESSED THAT IT WAS NOT THE INTENTION FOR CNTA TO GIVE UP MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY AT THIS STAGE.
"HOWEVER, CNTA IS CARRYING OUT A LIMITED THREE-YEAR TRIAL IN FOUR COMMUNITY HALLS TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT COMMUNITY FACILITIES CAN BE OPERATED TN A MANNER. WHICH IS MORE RESPONSIVE TO COMMUNITY NEEDS.
"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE UTILISATION OF COMMUNITY HALLS AND AT THE SAME TIME ACHIEVE THE MOST EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES," MR SUEN SAID.
/HE POINTED .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 25 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE TRIAL, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD CAREFULLY SELECTED FOUR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION OF THE HALL AND TO PROMOTE THE USE OF THE HALL AMONG THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
"THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE REQUIRED TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HALL, SET UP, DISMANTLE AND STORE ANY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED, AS WELL AS TO MONITOR THE GENERAL CLEANLINESS AND SECURITY OF THE PREMISES DURING OPENING HOURS.
"THE RELEVANT CNTA DISTRICT OFFICE WILL STILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE CENTRE, INCLUDING THE BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS AND THE SUPERVISION OF MAINTENANCE AND CLEANSING CONTRACTORS," MR SUEN SAID.
THE FOUR COMMUNITY HALLS AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE SCHEME ARE: THE TSING YI COMMUNITY HALL MANAGED BY THE CHILDREN’S CLUB SINCE MAY THIS YEAR; THE CHEUNG HANG COMMUNITY HALL MANAGED BY THE POK 01 HOSPITAL SINCE OCTOBER THIS YEAR; THE KIN SANG COMMUNITY HALL TO BE MANAGED BY THE YAN 01 TONG; AND THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL TO BE MANAGED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION LIMITED.
THE TENANCY AGREEMENT FOR THE LAST TWO COMMUNITY HALLS ARE BEING PROCESSED.
NOTING THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PILOT SCHEME WOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, MR SUEN SAID THAT SO FAR INITIAL REPORTS WERE POSITIVE.
HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT NOT ONLY WOULD CNTA WORK TO ENSURE THAT THE LEVEL OF SERVICE PROVIDED AT COMMUNITY FACILITIES WAS MAINTAINED UNDER THE TRIAL, BUT ALSO STRIVE TO ENSURE THAT SERVICES GENERALLY WERE IMPROVED.
"THIS, AFTERALL, IS THE REASON WE HAVE EMBARKED UPON THIS TRIAL," MR SUEN SAID.
THE SECRETARY STRESSED THAT CNTA STAFF WERE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS, TO WORK OUT REALISTIC SOLUTIONS AND TO CONSIDER WAYS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNTIY FACILITIES.
"MEASURES BEING CONSIDERED IN ADDITION TO THOSE WHICH FORM PART OF THE TRIAL SCHEME INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PHYSICAL SECURITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES; INTRODUCTION OF MORE FREQUENT CLEANSING TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THESE FACILITIES; AND THE ADOPTION OF MORE FLEXIBLE BLOCK BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS WHICH SHOULD BENEFIT THE REGULAR USERS," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
TYPE OF CONTRACTS DETERMINED TO ACHIEVE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY ******
DEPENDING ON THE NATURE, SIZE AND TIMING OF THE CAPITAL WORKS PROJECT, THE GOVERNMENT DETERMINES THE TYPE OF CONTRACT THAT WILL ACHIEVE THE BEST VALUE FOR THE PUBLIC MONEY SPENT, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON DAVID LI, MR BLAKE SAID THE ADOPTION OF CONTRACTS INCORPORATING PROVISION FOR FIXED-PRICE, LUMP-SUM OR DESIGN AND BUILD, WAS GIVEN CONSIDERATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS WITH NO HARD AND FAST RULES.
MR BLAKE SAID A FIXED PRICE CONTRACT, WITH NO PROVISION FOR PRICE FLUCTUATIONS, ALLOWED THE GOVERNMENT TO FIX THE COST ON THE PROJECT AT THE TIME WHEN WORK BEGAN.
A LUMP-SUM CONTRACT, SIMILAILY ALLOWS THE FIXING OF COST AT THE TIME OF AWARD AGAINST A CLEARLY DEFINED SCOPE OF WORKS.
’’FIXED PRICE LUMP-SUM CONTRACTS THEREFORE ALLOW A GREATER DEGREE OF CERTAINTY IN BUDGETING, AND FOR THIS REASON WE ARE USING THIS TYPE OF CONTRACT FOR THE MAJOR COMPONENT PROJECTS OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME,” HE SAID.
MR BLAKE ADDED THAT AS THESE PROJECTS INVOLVED LARGE CONTRACT VALUES AND DEMANDING WORK SCHEDULES, BY AWARDING SUCH CONTRACTS WILL IMPROVE FINANCIAL CERTAINTY AND ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE AVAILABLE THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE MEANS TO ENSURE THAT CONTRACTORS ACHIEVE COMPLETION BY THE CONTRACTUAL DATES.
MR BLAKE SAID GOVERNMENT’S CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS INVOLVING CONTRACTS OF 12 MONTHS OR LESS WERE ALSO FIXED PRICE.
’’THOSE WHICH ARE OF A CIVIL ENGINEERING NATURE ARE USUALLY RE-MEASURED, AND NOT LUMP-SUM, BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE WORKS.
’’ARCHITECTURAL CONTRACTS HAVE LESS UNKNOWNS, ARE OFTEN MORE STANDARDISED, AND ARE USUALLY LET ON A LUMP-SUM BASIS. PROVISION CAN BE MADE FOR VARYING THE SCOPE OF LUMP-SUM OR RE-MEASUREMENT CONTRACTS,” HE SAID.
FOR CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS INVOLVING CONTRACTS LONGER THAN 12 MONTHS, MR BLAKE SAID THESE WERE USUALLY INFLATION LINKED WITH THE PAYMENT OF INDEX-RELATED PRICE FLUCTUATIONS.
’’THEY MAY BE RE-MEASURED OR LUMP-SUM, AS THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN EACH CASE BEST DEMAND. INFLATION CONSIDERATION IS BALANCED AGAINST THE LESSER CONTRACT VALUES INVOLVED,” HE SAID.
MR BLAKE SAID TURN-KEY CONTRACTS OR DESIGN AND BUILD CONTRACTS WERE USED WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES CLEARLY SHOWED THAT CONTRACTORS’ METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT DURING DESIGN OF THE PERMANENT WORKS, WOULD BE COST ADVANTAGEOUS TO GOVERNMENT.
THEY ARE AWARDED ON A LUMP-SUM BASIS, AND MAY ALSO BE FIXED PRICE, HE SAID.
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REFURBISHMENT OF A TUNG TAU ESTATE BLOCK BEING CONSIDERED
******
REFURBISHMENT OF BLOCK 22 AT TUNG TAU ESTATE IS ONE OF SEVERAL OPTIONS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR ACCOMMODATION FOR SMALL HOUSEHOLDS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE' LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK, MR BARNES SAID THIS FOLLOWED AN IN-DEPTH ASSESSMENT OF THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR SUCH ACCOMMODATION IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.
HE SAID THIS PROPOSAL WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE THIS MONTH.
"THE VARIOUS WAYS OF INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF SMALL HOUSEHOLD ACCOMMODATION, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE RETENTION OF THIS BLOCK, ARE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION," HE SAID.
MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT ALL THE FLATS IN THE BLOCK HAD SELF-CONTAINED FACILITIES AND WOULD BE SUITABLY UPGRADED TO PROVIDE SATISFACTORY ACCOMMODATION SUBJECT TO A DECISION TO PROCEED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD NOT MOVE ELDERLY, ONE OR TWO-PERSON FAMILIES INTO BUILDINGS WITH INADEQUATE FACILITIES.
"THE AUTHORITY IS ALSO STUDYING WAYS TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF SELF-CONTAINED, ONE-PERSON FLATS IN ITS NEW PRODUCTION," HE SAID.
"THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE MEASURES TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
."THE AUTHORITY HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO<USE ALL ITS STOCK IN AN EFFECTIVE MANNER, BOTH NEW AND OLD," THE SECRETARY ADDED.
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^WEDNESDAY,. DECEMBER 11, 1991
28
FOUR-HOUR DEBATE ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME
*****
A MOTION ON THE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME MOVED BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG WAS PASSED AFTER A FOUR-HOUR DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
MR TAM’S MOTION READ: "THAT THIS COUNCIL WELCOMES THE DECISION BY GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPULSORY RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME AND URGES GOVERNMENT TO DRAW UP EXPEDITIOUSLY, AFTER WIDELY SEEKING AND FULLY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC, A PLAN FOR SOLVING EFFECTIVELY THE LIVELIHOOD PROBLEM OF RETIRED AND ELDERLY PEOPLE."
A TOTAL OF 27 MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SPOKE IN THE MOTION DEBATE. THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
AN AMENDED MOTION MOVED BY THE HON HENRY TANG WAS DEFEATED.
MEANWHILE, NINE MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME RAISED BY REV THE HON FUNG CH I-WOOD.’ THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES REPLIED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
IN ADDITION, THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 WAS PASSED.
THREE BILLS - THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 - WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
TWO MOTIONS MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE, WERE PASSED.
/29 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
29
GOVT TO TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER COMPULSORY RETIREMENT SCHEMES *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO TAKE TIME ABOUT LOOKING AT WAYS OF INTRODUCING COMPULSORY RETIREMENT SCHEMES BECAUSE IT IS A VERY COMPLEX MATTER.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S FACILITIES IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE DON’T WANT TO SUDDENLY RUSH INTO SOMETHING WHICH IS DAMAGING TO THE ECONOMY AND NOT VERY EFFECTIVE FOR THE WORKING FORCE.
"UP TO NOW WE HAVE TAKEN THE VIEW THAT CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUNDS HAVE NOT BEEN PARTICULARLY EFFECTIVE IN THOSE TERRITORIES WHICH HAVE TRIED TO USE THEM, AND WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING WHICH WOULD BE MORE FLEXIBLE," HE SAID.
"BUT ABOVE ALL
VARIOUS OPTIONS AND NOT
I THINK WE NEED TO TAKE TIME TO LOOK AT THE RUSH INTO ONE SCHEME OR ANOTHER," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID IF THE GOVERNMENT FUNDED THE SCHEME IT WOULD MEAN TAXPAYERS PAYING FOR IT: "WHAT ONE WAhfTS TO DO IS HAVE SCHEMES FOR RETIREMENT WHICH ARE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BENEFIT, THAT’S THE WORKERS; AND ALSO FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS, NOT NECESSARILY FROM THE OVERALL TAX BASKET; FROM THE TAXPAYERS."
ON A QUESTION ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE CHANGES TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE WAY IN WHICH WE RUN THINGS IN HONG KONG.
"BY THAT I MEAN THAT POLICY DECISIONS ARE TAKEN AND LAID DOWN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AND THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS TO PASS LEGISLATION AND TO VOTE MONEY FOR THE PROJECTS WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION PUTS FORWARD.
"SO, POLICY TAKING, POLICY DECISIONS, RESTS WITH THE EXECUTIVE AND THAT’S THE WAY IT’S ALWAYS BEEN DONE AND THAT’S THE WAY I THINK IT SHOULD GO ON," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD PROBABLY WANT TO GRADUALLY EVOLVE NEW WAYS OF DOING THINGS IN THE EXPECTATION OF DOING IT MORE EFFICIENTLY.
"NOW, THAT’S A DECISION THAT THEY’VE GOT TO TAKE THEMSELVES AND I HOPE WHAT THEY HAVE IN MIND IS WHAT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE TERRITORY’S BUSINESS," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT INFLATION, SIR DAVID SAID: INFLATION IS UNCOMFORTABLY HIGH AND WE’RE MEASURES WE CAN TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL.
"I THINK AT THE MOMENT TRYING TO ADOPT WHAT
/"I WOULD .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 30 -
”1 WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE RATE OF INFLATION COME DOWN, BUT I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ABOUT WHAT IS PRACTICALLY POSSIBLE,” HE SAID.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO TAKE MEASURES TO KEEP INFLATION UNDER CONTROL, BUT AT THE SAME TIME ALL OF US REALISE THAT YOU CAN’T SUDDENLY BRING DOWN INFLATION FROM THE RATES WE’VE GOT AT THE MOMENT TO VERY, VERY LOW RATES WITHOUT HAVING A DAMAGING EFFECT ON THE WHOLE ECONOMY," SIR DAVID ADDED.
---------0-----------
ONGOING DISCUSSION WITH UC ON HK STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT *****
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, HAD A FRANK AND USEFUL DISCUSSION THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL’S WORKING GROUP ON THE JOCKEY CLUB’S PROPOSAL TO FUND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
MR SO APPRECIATED THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CONCERNS ABOUT THE LACK OF AN ATHLETIC TRACK IN THE PROPOSED NEW STADIUM, THE QUESTION OF WHETHER ADEQUATE INFORMATION HAD BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE COUNCIL AS WELL AS THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW STADIUM.
DURING THE MEETING, MR SO CLARIFIED THAT IT REMAINED THE JOCKEY CLUB’S FIRM PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IN ORDER TO PROVIDE, INTER ALIA, A SEATING CAPACITY OF BETWEEN 10,000 AND 12,500.
THIS WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF SCHOOLS, BUT HE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE WOULD STILL BE A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF JOINT SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEETS EVERY YEAR FOR WHICH THE UPGRADED ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATE.
AS REGARDS THE COUNCIL’S CONCERN ABOUT THE LACK OF FACILITIES FOR USE BY SCHOOLS DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD OF THE HONG KONG STADIUM, MR SO SAID CONSTRUCTION COULD BE PHASED IN SUCH A WAY ,AS TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO USERS.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, IT WAS ACCEPTED THAT CAREFUL SCHEDULING HAD TO BE WORKED OUT BETWEEN THE COUNCIL, THE JOCKEY CLUB AND THE USERS CONCERNED, INCLUDING SCHOOLS.
MR SO SAID ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOW BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE COUNCIL. HIS BRANCH WOULD BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS ANY ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT WITH THE COUNCIL TO ASSIST IT IN REACHING AN EARLY DECISION.
MR SO CONFIRMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION TO TAKE THE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE NEW STADIUM AWAY FROM THE COUNCIL’S HANDS.
/HOWEVER, HE ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 31 -
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S AIM THAT THE NEW STADIUM SHOULD BE MANAGED ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS TO ENSURE THAT IT COULD AT LEAST BE SELF-FINANCING, AND WHERE POSSIBLE, GENERATE REVENUE FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF SPORTS TN HONG KONG.
HE ADDED THAT HE LOOKED FORWARD TO EXPLORING VARIOUS MANAGEMENT OPTIONS WITH THE COUNCIL AS TO HOW BEST TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM.
FINALLY, MR SO SAID THE COUNCIL HAD AGREED TO COME TO A DECISION ON THE PROPOSED PROJECT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, PROBABLY WITHIN THREE MONTHS.
--------0-----------
REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFERS WIDE *
CHOICE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE PROVISION OF PARKS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD MADE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS.
’’THE NEW TOWNS NOW HAVE SOME REALLY EXCELLENT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, THANKS TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID VISITED TWO OF THE LATEST FACILITIES BUILT BY THE COUNCIL - BUTTERFLY BEACH PARK IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG TOWN PARK.
BUTTERFLY BEACH PARK WAS COMPLETED IN MAY THIS YEAR AT A COST OF $40 MILLION. IT HAS A VARIETY OF FACILITIES INCLUDING PAVILIONS LINKED BY BOARD WALKS, A BUTTERFLY-SHAPED GARDEN, GAMES PITCHES AND A BARBECUE AND PICNIC AREA.
FOLLOWING HIS TOUR OF THE PARK, SIR DAVID TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOME OF THE LIFEGUARDS WORKING AT BUTTERFLY BEACH.
YUEN LONG TOWN PARK WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN MARCH THIS YEAR. SIR DAVID VISITED ONE OF ITS MAIN ATTRACTIONS, A SEVEN-STOREY PAGODA WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE TOWN.
THE PARK ALSO INCLUDES SOCCER PITCHES, A RAVINE GARDEN, A LAKE AND A CASCADING WATERFALL.
SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG ON THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S PLANS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, INCLUDING MAJOR EXPENDITURE ON RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED DURING THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; VICE-CHAIRMAN, DR PANG HOK-TUEN; AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MISS DENISE YUE.
/32 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 32 -
1992 SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME FOR NEXT YEAR.
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME ARE AS FOLLOWS:
JANUARY 22 - YEAR OF THE MONKEY
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE FOUR DENOMINATIONS - $0.8, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5. A SOUVENIR SHEET AND A STAMP BOOKLET WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.
A RELATED PRODUCT, THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABELS, WILL BE ISSUED ON MARCH 12. THE LABEL PAPER BEARS A PEACH PATTERN DESIGN IN THE BACKGROUND.
FEBRUARY 11 - 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ACCESSION TO THE
THRONE OF HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE FIVE DENOMINATIONS - $0.8, $1.70, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5. IT IS ISSUED JOINTLY WITH 18 OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS.
APRIL 2 - 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL COMPRISE FOUR DENOMINATIONS - $0.8, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5. THE DESIGNS ARE IN SE-TENANT FORMAT. A SOUVENIR SHEET INCORPORATING THE FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.
JULY 23 - STAMP COLLECTING
THIS SET OF FOUR STAMPS, IN FOUR DENOMINATIONS OF $0.8, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5, WILL SHOW VARIOUS ACCESSORIES USED IN STAMP COLLECTING, TOGETHER WITH REPLICAS OF SOME OLD HONG KONG STAMPS.
SEPTEMBER 24 - CHINESE OPERA
THIS SET OF STAMPS, IN FOUR DENOMINATIONS OF $0.8, AND $5, WILL SHOW DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF CHINESE OPERA.
$1.80, $2.30
NOVEMBER 19 - GREETINGS STAMPS
THIS SET OF STAMPS WILL BE SUITABLE FOR CONVEYING GREETINGS AND MESSAGES ON A VARIETY OF OCCASIONS. ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED LABELS INCORPORATING VARIOUS MESSAGES WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED. THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS - $0.8, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5.
/MR WONG .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 33 -
MR WONG ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT APART FROM THE SIX SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES, A NEW SET OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS COMPRISING 16 DENOMINATIONS WILL BE ISSUED ON JUNE 16 TO REPLACE THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE STAMPS ISSUED SINCE 1987.
FURTHER DETAILS OF EACH STAMP ISSUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF RELEASE.
------0--------
CONTRACT FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION WORKS AWARDED
******
A $296 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE STAGE III EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL WILL BE SIGNED TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE CONTRACT WILL BE SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DICKSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CONTRACT.
THE WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE ALTERATIONS AND RENOVATIONS TO THE EXISTING BLOCK B OF THE HOSPITAL WHICH IS MADE UP OF THREE LINKED BUILDINGS - A MAIN H-SHAPED BUILDING COMPRISING FIVE WINGS, A SEVEN-STOREY OPERATING THEATRE BUILDING AT THE REAR AND A THREE-STOREY RADIOLOGY BUILDING AT THE FRONT.
THE CONVERSION INVOLVES THE DEMOLITION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE MAJORITY OF INTERNAL PARTITIONS, SANITARY FITTINGS AND BUILDING SERVICES TO BRING THE BUILDING UP TO MODERN STANDARDS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE ADDITIONS OF NEW OPERATING THEATRE FLOORS AND A NEW FLOOR AT THE RADIOLOGY BLOCK.
THE PROJECT ALSO PROVIDES FOR ENHANCEMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF AN ADDITIONAL COMPUTER ASSISTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER, A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING MACHINE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEDICAL FACILITIES SUCH AS A NEUROSURGERY UNIT AND IMPROVED OPERATING THEATRES.
WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN FOUR STAGES, AND WILL TAKE 29 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE
CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HIGH BLOCK AT 11.30
INVITED TO COVER THE
HELD IN ROOM 3524, QUEENSWAY AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
/34 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
- 34 -
250 VOLUNTARY RETURNEES BACK TO VIETNAM * * * *
A GROUP OF 250 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 85 MEN, 64 WOMEN, 44 BOYS AND 57 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 81ST BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 7,131 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 13,450 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0----------
$30,000 FINE FOR UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ♦ * * * *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED BUILDING OWNERS THAT THEY WOULD FACE HEFTY FINES FOR CARRYING OUT UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON THEIR PREMISES.
THE REMINDER CAME IN THE WAKE OF A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A TRADING COMPANY AND ITS DIRECTOR WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $30,000 FOR BUILDING A TWO-STOREY STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING IN HAPPY VALLEY AND REMOVING THE BUILDING ROOF TO FORM AN OPENING WITHOUT AUTHORITY.
THE COURT WAS TOLD THAT THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WERE FOUND ON THE ROOF OF YUK SING BUILDING AT NOS. 1-9 YUK SAU STREET AND NOS. 12, 12A-12C SING WOO ROAD WHICH WAS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN SEPTEMBER 1976.
SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR, MILLION GLAD LIMITED HAD BEEN THE OWNER OF FLAT D, 26TH FLOOR AND PORTION D OF THE MAIN ROOF OF THE SAID BUILDING. GINA LEE SO-MAN WAS THE DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY AT THE MATERIAL TIME.
STAFF OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE INSPECTED THE PREMISES ON MAY 22 THIS YEAR AND FOUND THAT CERTAIN UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WERE BEING CARRIED OUT AT PORTION D OF THE MAIN ROOF.
THE COURT HEARD THAT THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS COMPRISED A TWO-STOREY STRUCTURE OF ABOUT 50 SQUARE METRES IN AREA AND FIVE METRES IN HEIGHT, CONSTRUCTED OF CORRUGATED METAL SHEET ROOFING ON METAL FRAMES WITH BRICKWORKS/ALUMINIUM WINDOW ENCLOSURE, AND THE REMOVAL OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE ROOF SLAB TO FORM AN OPENING WITH AN AREA ABOUT 1.6 SQUARE METRES.
/THE DEFENDANTS .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
35
THE DEFENDANTS PLEADED GUILTY TO THE OFFENCES AND WERE EACH FINED $15,000. 1
IN PASSING SENTENCE, A MAGISTRATE OF THE EASTERN MAGISTRACY, MR A. AU, COMMENTED THAT UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS OF SUCH SIZE MIGHT CREATE STRUCTURAL HAZARD TO THE WHOLE BUILDING AND WAS UNFAIR TO THE OTHER OCCUPIERS.
-----0-----
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
******
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED AT THE SIU SAI WAN RECLAMATION, CHAI WAN..
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.5 HECTARES, IT IS FOR STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS (INCLUDING CONTAINER, CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS BUT EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS) OR CARGO HANDLING, PUBLIC FEE PAYING VEHICLE PARK OR STUFFING AND DESTUFFING OF CONTAINERS.
THE OTHER SITE IS LOCATED AT ON KUI STREET, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,535 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EARMARKED FOR OPEN STORAGE AND LOADING AND UNLOADING OF TENANT’S GOODS INCLUDING VEHICLES NOT LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, CONTAINERS ON TRAILERS, CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT.
BOTH TENANCIES ARE FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 27.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE NORTH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES; 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-----------
FC MEETING ON FRIDAY * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE COMMITTEE’S PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES AND THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 869 9492.
------0--------
/36 .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1991
36
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 10.12.91 EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 11.12.91 EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING 500 -17 + 17
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.6 *+0.4* 11.12.91 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT NEUTRAL BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.25 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 1 MONTH 3.85 PCT 3 MONTHS 3.93 PCT 6 MONTHS 4.05 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.62 PCT TURNOVER - BILLS 3,937 MN, BONDS 155 MN CLOSED 11 DECEMBER 1991 101.76 5.35
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BEST INSURANCE FOR GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS .............................. 1
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER RELEASED ............. 2
NOVEMBER DRIER AND COOLER THAN NORMAL .................................. 9
$2 MILLION AID FOR PHILIPPINES TYPHOON VICTIMS ........................ 12
$33M CONTRACT SIGNED FOR 15 POLICE LAUNCHES ........................... 12
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST FOOD-BORNE DISEASES .................... 13
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO MOVE TO WAN CHAI ......................... 14
NOVEMBER AIR QUALITY REPORT RELEASED ................................ 15
SHA SEES DEVELOPMENTS ON OUTLYING ISLANDS ............................. 16
FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS ALSO ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE PAYMENT ........ 17
GUANGDONG OFFICIALS VISIT TUEN MUN .................................... 18
20 RECEIVE DIRECTOR OF MARINE'S COMMENDATION .......................... 19
$296 MILLION CONTRACT FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION AWARDED .... 21
CUSTOMS SEIZE DUTIABLE CIGARETTES ..................................... 22
FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN WAN CHAI ...................................... 22
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 23
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
1
BEST INSURANCE FOR GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS
*****
THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS (ILC’S) IN HONG KONG IS THE BEST INSURANCE FOR GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS AND AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN MAINTAINING LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AFTER 1997.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID THIS WHEN ADDRESSING THE HONG KONG SECTION OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
HE SAID THE FRAMEWORK PROVIDED BY ILC’S HAD ENABLED HONG KONG TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE BODY OF LABOUR LEGISLATION.
’’THIS BODY OF LEGISLATION IS CONTINUING TO EVOLVE AND WILL STEADILY IMPROVE THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG’S WORKFORCE UP TO THE STANDARDS LAID DOWN BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO),” MR CHEN NOTED.
”AT PRESENT, 47 ILC’S ARE APPLIED TO HONG KONG, WITH 29 APPLIED IN FULL AND 18 WITH SOME MODIFICATIONS,” HE SAID.
MOST OF THESE CONVENTIONS ARE GIVEN EFFECT IN HONG KONG BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ’’WHICH INCLUDES PROVISIONS ON THE RIGHTS AND BENEFITS FOR WORKERS RELATING TO REST DAYS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS, ANNUAL LEAVE WITH PAY, SICK LEAVE AND SICKNESS ALLOWANCE, MATERNITY LEAVE WITH PAY, SEVERANCE PAYMENT ON REDUNDANCY, LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, AND PROTECTION AGAINST ANTI-UNION DISCRIMINATION”.
MR CHEN NOTED THAT THE MIGRATION FOR EMPLOYMENT CONVENTION (REVISED) 1949, WHICH LAYS DOWN THE PRINCIPLE OF TREATING FOREIGN WORKERS NO LESS FAVOURABLE THAN THEIR LOCAL COUNTERPARTS, WAS APPLIED WITHOUT MODIFICATION TO HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY UNDER THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEMES WAS BASED ON THE SPIRIT OF THIS CONVENTION.
”BY ADHERING TO THE PRINCIPLE OF THIS CONVENTION, NOT ONLY ARE WE ABLE TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S GOOD REPUTATION ON THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR FRONT, BUT ALSO ENSURE AMICABLE LABOUR RELATIONS AT HOME WITH BOTH FOREIGN AND LOCAL WORKERS, SINCE THIS PRINCIPLE ENSURES THAT LOCAL WORKERS’ INTERESTS ARE ALSO PROTECTED,” MR CHEN SAID.
’’THIS IS INDEED AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN MAINTAINING SOCIAL HARMONY AND STABILITY AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT FOREIGN WORKERS IMPORTED UNDER THE 1989 AND 1990 SCHEMES ARE PAID THE PRESCRIBED WAGES WITHOUT UNLAWFUL DEDUCTIONS,” HE STRESSED.
MR CHEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO CONSIDERED TRIPARTITE CONSULTATION, THAT IS DIALOGUES AMONG EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT, TO BE OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE IN ENHANCING GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS.
/"THE PROVISIONS........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
2
"THE PROVISIONS OF THE TRIPARTITE CONSULTATION (INTERNATIONAL LABOUR STANDARDS) CONVENTION ARE IMPLEMENTED IN HONG KONG THROUGH THE REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT AND ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON MATTERS RELATING TO LABOUR,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE APPLICATION OF ILC’S AND HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE, MR CHEN SAID HONG KONG’S VERY STRONG POSITION IN TERMS OF LABOUR STANDARDS AND GOOD TRACK RECORD IN THE AREAS OF BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS PROVIDED A FIRM BASIS ON WHICH IT COULD EFFECTIVELY DEFEND ITSELF AGAINST CRITICISMS OF UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES.
"THE FACT THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN APPLYING A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT ILC’S IS A STRONG REBUTTAL AGAINST OFTEN-REPEATED ALLEGATIONS BY SOME OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS THAT HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS DERIVES FROM EXPLOITATION OF ITS WORKERS," MR CHEN ADDED.
"THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, THROUGH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, REACHED AN AGREEMENT , IN 1987 FOR THE CONTINUED APPLICATION, AFTER 1997, OF ALL ILC’S NOW IN FORCE IN HONG KONG, AND THIS HAS BEEN AFFIRMED IN THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION PROMULGATED BY THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN APRIL 1990.
"THIS AFFIRMATION WILL ENHANCE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE INTERNATIONAL STATUS WITH REGARD TO THE LABOUR STANDARDS AND WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A STRONG POSITION FOR HONG KONG IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS,” HE SAID.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER RELEASED *****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN OCTOBER 1991, AT $141,676 MILLION, GREW BY 11% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1990, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE IN OCTOBER 1991 RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 4% TO $21,296 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 22% TO $51,098 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 13% TO $72,394 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 10% TO $69,282 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991, AT $1,249,637 MILLION, INCREASED BY 20% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990.
/OVER THE .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
3
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2% TO $188,289 MILLION, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 29% TO $430,054 MILLION. ~
THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 19% TO $618,344 MILLION. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 22% TO $631,293 MILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1991 WITH OCTOBER 1990, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC ■ EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, JAPAN AND THE NETHERLANDS DECREASED BY 22%, 19%, 18%, 17% AND 16% RESPECTIVELY. THAT TO THE USA DECREASED BY 2%.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA AND CANADA INCREASED BY 12% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND CHINA, BY 18%, 15% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE NETHERLANDS, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND TAIWAN INCREASED BY 9%, 7%, 6% AND 4% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, THE USA AND JAPAN DECREASED BY 9%, 8% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,443 MILLION OR 4%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $2,107 MILLION OR 16%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,853 MILLION OR 13%); AND TEXTILES (BY $437 MILLION OR 3%). '
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,636 MILLION OR 8%), AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,643 MILLION OR 10%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1991 WITH OCTOBER 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, TAIWAN AND JAPAN, BY 17%, 12%, 12% AND 11% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FROM THE USA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED BY 6%, 3% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND AND SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 17% AND 16% RESPECTIVELY.
/COMPARING JANUARY .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
4
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, SINGAPORE, JAPAN, CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 29%, 26%, 26%, 25%, 24% AND 19% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE USA AND ITALY INCREASED BY 12%, 11% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SWITZERLAND DECREASED BY 5%.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 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 $13,216 MILLION OR 25%); TEXTILES (BY $12,544 MILLION OR 20%); CLOTHING (BY $9,573 MILLION OR 22%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $9,451 MILLION OR 24%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $747 MILLION OR 16%), AND CORK AND WOOD MANUFACTURES (BY $264 MILLION OR 8%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1991 WITH OCTOBER 1990, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CANADA, THE USA, FRANCE AND CHINA, BY 42%, 38%, 28% AND 25% RESPECTIVELY. THOSE TO TAIWAN, JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 11%, 11%, 10%, 4% AND 4% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 2%.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991 WITH 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, CANADA, THE USA, JAPAN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, BY 50%, 43%, 37%, 25%, 22%, 21%. AND 20% RESPECTIVELY. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 15% AND 13% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE DECREASED BY 6%.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
/COMPARING JANUARY .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 5
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1990, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF’.RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $12,060 MILLION OR 26%); CLOTHING (BY $12,001 MILLION OR 31%); TEXTILES (BY $9,167 MILLION OR 24%); AND FOOTWEAR (BY $8,078 MILLION OR 75%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $298 MILLION OR 9%), AND METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $76 MILLION OR 12%).
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON.
A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN OCTOBER 1991 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JANUARY 1992.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE OCTOBER 1991 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN OCTOBER 1991 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND DECEMBER 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 DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 582 4915).
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) OCT 91 OVER OCT 90 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 91 OVER JAN-OCT 90
( ! * )
USA 6,734 - 2 50,364 - 8
CHINA 5,114 + 12 44,041 + 14
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,293 - 22 15,961 + 15
UK 1,111 - 19 11,277 + 6
JAPAN 1,075 - 17 9,686 - 2
SINGAPORE 822 ♦ 7,345 + 18
TAIWAN 514 * 4,889 + 4
/NTHERLANDS .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 6 -
NETHERLANDS 351 " 16 4,352 + 9
CANADA 481 + 8 4,077 - 9
FRANCE 274 - 18 3,054 + 7
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
OCT OCT 91 JAN-OCT JAN-OCT 91
COMMODITY 1991 OVER 1991 OVER
DIVISION OCT 90 JAN-OCT 90
(HKD MN.) ( % ) (HKD MN.) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 7,043 2 60,707 + 4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,443 3 19,933 — 8
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF . 1,716 + 9 15,934 + 13
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,720 30 15,641 10
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 1,739 + 10 15,116 + 16
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,533 5 14,324 + 3
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) OCT 91 OVER OCT 90 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 91 OVER JAN-OCT 90 ( % )
CHINA 27,584 + 17 236,492 + 24
/JAPAN .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
7
JAPAN 11,590 + 11 103,309 + 25
TAIWAN 6,471 + 12 60,325 + 29
USA 4,615 + 6 48,037 + 11
REP OF KOREA 2,735 + 12 28,655 + 26
SINGAPORE 2,710 - 16 26,025 + 26
UK 1,354 + 3 13,574 + 19
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,487 + 1 13,443 + 12
ITALY 1,056 * 9,438 + 5
SWITZERLAND 890 - 17 8,698 - 5
» DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION ( OCT 1991 HKD MN.) OCT 91 OVER OCT 90 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 91 OVER JAN-OCT 90 ( % )
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,976 + 5 76,473 + 20
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 7,207 + 19 65,178 + 25
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,295 + 12 53,354 + 22
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,779 + 20 49,071 + 24
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 5,717 + 25 44,864 + 19
/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
8
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,577 - 5 31,000 + 12
TABLE 5: RE -EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) OCT 91 OVER OCT 90 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT OVER JAN-OCT ( % 91 90 . )
CHINA 13,733 + 25 122,434 + 37
USA 12,206 + 38 88,736 + 22
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,647 + 4 26,311 + 50
JAPAN 3,015 + 11 23,419 + 21
TAIWAN 2,232 + 11 19,923 + 15
REP OF KOREA 1,210 + 4 12,222 + 13
UK 1,506 + 10 11,801 + 20
SINGAPORE 1,113 - 2 9,791 - 6
FRANCE 822 + 28 7,413 + 43
CANADA 831 + 42 6,910 + 25
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) OCT 91 OVER OCT 90 ( % ) JAN-OCT 1991 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT OVER JAN-OCT ( % 91 90 . )
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS,GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 8,466 + 46 57,847 + 26
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,789 + 17 50,960 + 31
TEXTILE YARN,FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,089 + 8 47,059 + 24
/TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
• SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS
AND EQUIPMENT 4,678 - +17 36,273 + 25
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY,
APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS
THEREOF 4,054 + 18 35,247 + 15
FOOTWEAR 2,157 +69 18,918 +75
- - 0 - -
NOVEMBER DRIER AND COOLER THAN NORMAL *****
UNDER THE DOMINANCE OF A SERIES OF CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONES, LAST MONTH’S MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,019.5 HECTOPASCAL WAS THE EIGHTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (THURSDAY).
AS A RESULT, THE NORTHEAST MONSOON WAS RATHER ACTIVE AND NOVEMBER 1991 WAS ON THE WHOLE COOLER AND DRIER THAN NORMAL.
THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 2.7 MILLIMETRES WAS ONLY ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT OF THE NOVEMBER NORMAL OF 35.1 MILLIMETRES.
THE RAINFALL TOTAL SINCE JANUARY 1 AMOUNTED TO 1,627.3 MILLIMETRES, 26 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 2,187.0 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
THE WEATHER ON NOVEMBER 1 WAS FINE WITH MODERATE EASTERLY WINDS. WINDS TURNED LIGHT FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AND THERE WERE CLOUDY PERIODS IN THE DAYTIME.
THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED ON NOVEMBER 4 AND BECAME STRONG OFFSHORE DURING THE NIGHT. THE WINDY CONDITIONS CONTINUED INTO THE NEXT DAY AS FINE WEATHER PERSISTED.
THE EASTERLIES SUBSIDED ON NOVEMBER 6 AND TURNED LIGHT TO MODERATE FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.
LONG PERIODS OF SUNSHINE LED TO INCREASINGLY WARM WEATHER. THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27 DEGREES ON NOVEMBER 8 WAS THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.
HOWEVER, THIS WAS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY AN APPRECIABLY COOLER SPELL AS AN ACTIVE NORTHEAST MONSOON SET IN THAT EVENING.
THE FRESHENING WINDS BROUGHT SOME LIGHT RAIN DURING THE NIGHT AND CLOUDIER WEATHER THE NEXT DAY.
/A NORTHERLY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 10 -
A NORTHERLY REPLENISHMENT OF THE WINTER MONSOON, WHICH ARRIVED EARLY ON NOVEMBER 10, RETREATED MOMENTARILY DURING THE DAY BEFORE FINALLY BECOMING ESTABLISHED THAT NIGHT.
THE DRY CONTINENTAL AIR MASS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NORTHERLIES ENSURED FINE AND VERY DRY CONDITIONS FOR THE NEXT FIVE DAYS.
THE DAILY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY STAYED BELOW 50 PER CENT DURING THE PERIOD AS A FURTHER REPLENISHMENT OF THE NORTHERLIES ARRIVED ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 13. THE EXTREMELY DRY CONDITIONS AND THE BLUSTERY WINDS ABETTED THE SPREADING OF HILL FIRES.
MOISTER CONDITIONS RETURNED ON NOVEMBER 16 AFTER WINDS HAD TURNED EASTERLY THE PREVIOUS DAY. WINDS WERE FRESH AT FIRST BEFORE GRADUALLY MODERATING OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.
THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDIER ON NOVEMBER 19 AS THE EASTERLIES FRESHENED AGAIN.
AFTER SOME SUNNY INTERVALS ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 20, LIGHT RAIN BECAME MORE FREQUENT LATER IN THE DAY AND PERSISTED INTO THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
EVEN THOUGH THE RAIN THEN EASED OFF, THE CLOUDS REMAINED AND DID NOT BREAK UNTIL THE EASTERLIES MODERATED ON NOVEMBER 22.
A LULL IN THE NORTHEAST MONSOON LED TO A MUCH WARMER DAY ON NOVEMBER 23. THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY AND COOLER AS A STRONG EASTERLY SURGE ARRIVED EARLY NEXT DAY.
LIGHT RAIN STARTED ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 24 AND LASTED TILL THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 26, DURING WHICH TIME THE EASTERLIES WERE GRADUALLY REPLACED BY A FRESH NORTHERLY AIRSTREAM.
EVEN COOLER AIR ARRIVED FROM THE INLAND REGION OF GUANGDONG AND THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED PROGRESSIVELY TO THE MONTH’S LOWEST OF 15.8 DEGREES IN THE EARLY HOURS OF NOVEMBER 26.
THE SAME MINIMUM WAS ATTAINED EARLY ON NOVEMBER 28 AS THE CLEARING SKY ALLOWED MORE EFFECTIVE NIGHT-TIME COOLING.
HOWEVER, THE FINE WEATHER TURNED OUT TO BE RATHER SHORT-LIVED AS CLOUDS RETURNED ON NOVEMBER 29.
A WEAK NORTHEAST MONSOON MAINTAINED THE CLOUDY WEATHER WHICH PERSISTED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH.
THERE WERE SIX TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, BUT NONE HAD ANY DIRECT IMPACT ON THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG.
OF THE THREE TROPICAL CYCLONES THAT ENTERED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, THE PRESENCE OF SETH AND WILDA ENHANCED THE NORTHEAST MONSOON OVER THE COASTAL WATERS OF SOUTHERN CHINA.
/DURING THE .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
11
DURING THE MONTH, NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 2-4, 10, 11, AND 16-18, WHEREAS THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN FORCE ON NOVEMBER 1 AND 11-16.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER STRONG NOVEMBER 4 NOVEMBER 5
MONSOON MONSOON 5 PM 9.45 AM
WINTER STRONG NOVEMBER 5 NOVEMBER 6
MONSOON MONSOON 10.30 PM 1.15 PM
WINTER STRONG NOVEMBER 24 NOVEMBER 25
MONSOON MONSOON 7.55 AM 7.30 AM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 177.4 HOURS ; 4.1 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION TOTAL RAINFALL 12.59 MJ/SQ. M ; 2.7 MM ; 0.80 MJ/SQ. M BELOW NORMAL 32.4 MM BELOW NORMAL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD 51 PER CENT ; 2 PER CENT LESS THAN NORMAL
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 68 PER CENT ; 1 PER CENT LOWER THAN NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE 23.3 DEGREES ; CELSIUS 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN- AIR TEMPERATURE 21.0 DEGREES ; CELSIUS 0.4 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
18.9 DEGREES ; 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS
CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
14.4 DEGREES ; 0.8 DEGREE CELSIUS
CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
98.9 MM ; 30.2 MM BELOW NORMAL
- - 0----------
12 -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
$2 MILLION AID FOR PHILIPPINES TYPHOON VICTIMS
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALLOCATED $2" MILLION TO WORLD VISION TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO VICTIMS OF A TYPHOON WHICH HIT THE PHILIPPINES LAST MONTH, LEAVING 7,000 PEOPLE DEAD OR MISSING, 120,000 HOMELESS, AND THOUSANDS IN DANGER OF FAMINE AND EPIDEMIC.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) WORLD VISION WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE OF ITS TRACK RECORD IN PROVIDING DISASTER RELIEF ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE. THE AGENCY IS ALREADY OPERATING A SPECIAL RELIEF PROGRAMME IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE TYPHOON VICTIMS.
?”HONG KONG’S CONTRIBUTION IS EXPECTED TO BENEFIT 22,000 PEOPLE FROM 3,700 FAMILIES IN THE AFFECTED AREA,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CONTRIBUTION WILL BE USED ENTIRELY ON RELIEF AND REHABILITATION FOR VICTIMS OF THE TYPHOON, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF SHELTERS, EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANTS, AS WELL AS SOIL AND RIVER BANK PROTECTION WORKS TO HELP PREVENT FUTURE FLOODING IN THE DISASTER AREA.
"THE MONEY WILL NOT BE USED TO MEET THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OR STAFF EXPENDITURE OF THE RELIEF AGENCY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE RELIEF PROJECT WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY PROVIDE THE MUCH NEEDED HELP TO THE TYPHOON VICTIMS AND IS WORTHY OF SUPPORT BY HONG KONG.
---------0
$33M CONTRACT SIGNED FOR 15 POLICE LAUNCHES
******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $33 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE BUILDING OF 15 MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES BY THE ETOSHA HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (GOVERNMENT FLEET), MR PETER CRISP, SIGNED THE CONTRACT WITH THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ETOSHA HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED, MR TONY MITCHELL, AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN HARBOUR BUILDING, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ALSO PRESENT WERE THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUL-GENERAL IN HONG KONG, MR GEOFF BENTLEY; THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR ALFRED CROUCHER; THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, MR MICHAEL PAGLIART; AND THE DIRECTOR OF ETOSHA HOLDINGS PTY LIMITED, MR ROB BOWRA.
MR CRISP SAID: "THE 15 POLICE LAUNCHES COMPRISE 11 TEN-METRE FAST INSHORE PATROL AND FOUR 12-METRE LOGISTIC LAUNCHES CAPABLE OF SPEED UP TO 35 KNOTS.
"THEY WILL BE BUILT TO SPECIFICATIONS PRODUCED BY THE MARINE POLICE AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP SO THAT THEY WILL MEET THEIR USER’S REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS BEING EASY TO MAINTAIN.
/"WHEN THEY .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
13
"WHEN THEY ARE DELIVERED STARTING IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR, THEY WILL ENHANCE MARINE POLICE CAPABILITY IN SUCH AREAS AS ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS AND ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS, CASUALTY EVACUATION AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT."
THE LAST THREE LAUNCHES UNDER THE CONTRACT WILL BE DELIVERED IN APRIL 1993.
--------0-----------
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST FOOD-BORNE DISEASES
******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED TO ADOPT PROPER FOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES WHEN HAVING HOTPOT IN WINTER.
MAKING THE APPEAL, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (HYGIENE), DR MAHOMMED BIN ALI, REMINDED RESIDENTS ABOUT FOOD-BORNE DISEASES SUCH AS FOOD POISONING AND HEPATITIS A.
"FOOD ESTABLISHMENT STAFF SHOULD ALWAYS OBSERVE HYGIENE PRACTICES IN PREPARING FOOD FOR HOTPOTS," DR ALI SAID.
"CUSTOMERS, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE FOOD IS ADEQUATELY COOKED BEFORE CONSUMPTION."
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD ALSO OBSERVE GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES WHEN PREPARING HOTPOTS AT HOME.
DR ALI REMINDED THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
FOR SHELLFISH
* USE ONLY WHOLESOME AND PREFERABLY LIVE ONES;
* REMOVE THE GRIT AND DIRT WITH A BRUSH AND WASH THOROUGHLY;
* DISCARD THE INTESTINES AND OTHER DUBIOUS OR INEDIBLE PARTS SUCH AS SHELLS;
* COOK THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION; AND
* KEEP UNDER REFRIGERATION IF NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION.
FOR VEGETABLES
* DO NOT BUY THOSE WITH AN OBVIOUS STRANGE SMELL;
* TEAR OFF AND DISCARD THE LEAVES AT THE PERIPHERY;
* WASH WELL AND DIP IN CLEAN WATER FOR SOME TIME; AND
/* COOK THOROUGHLY........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 14 -
* COOK THOROUGHLY.
"WHOLESOME RAW MATERIALS, PROPER WASHING AND HANDLING, AND THOROUGH COOKING ARE THE BEST MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES AND THESE HYGIENE PRACTICES SHOULD BE ADOPTED AT ALL TIMES, DR ALl SAID.
--------0-----------
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO MOVE TO WAN CHAI *****
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL BE MOVING IN PHASES FROM ITS PRESENT LOCATION AT WINDSOR HOUSE TO PURPOSE-BUILT GOVERNMENT-OWNED OFFICES AT WANCHAT TOWER 3 DURING THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 14 (SATURDAY) TO DECEMBER 29 (SUNDAY).
WANCHAI TOWER 3 IS LOCATED AT 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI (NEXT TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT). THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL OCCUPY SOME 33 FLOORS OF THIS BUILDING FROM FIRST FLOOR UPWARDS.
THE MOVE WILL ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO OPERATE MORE EFFICIENTLY AND PROVIDE TAXPAYERS WITH BETTER SERVICES.
DURING THE PERIOD, CALLERS ARE ADVISED TO TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE THEY WILL BE CALLING AT THE CORRECT SECTION.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF OFFICES AT WINDSOR HOUSE ARE 894 5098 AND 894 5099, WHILE THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF NEW OFFICES AT WANCHAI TOWER 3 IS 594 0888.
ALL SERVICES WILL OPERATE FROM WANCHAI TOWER DECEMBER 30 (MONDAY). 3 STARTING FROM MAKE ENQUIRIES ON S: NEW LOCATION IN WANCHAI TOWER 3
FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO MAY WISH SALARIES TAX, THE RE-LOCATION DETAILS ARE AS TO FOLLOW
FILE NO. PREFIX WINDSOR HOUSE RE-LOCATION DATE
2A 9/F DECEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY) 27/F
2B 10/F DECEMBER 17 (TUESDAY) 26/F
2C 11/F DECEMBER 20 (FRIDAY) 25/F
2D 1 2/F DECEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY) 24/F
/2E........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1^Q1
- 15 -
2E 13/F DECEMBER 21 (SATURDAY) 23/F
2F 14/F DECEMBER 27 (FRIDAY) 22/F
2G 27/F DECEMBER 19 (THURSDAY) 21/F
2H 7/F DECEMBER 17 (TUESDAY) 20/F
---------0-----------
NOVEMBER AIR QUALITY REPORT RELEASED
*******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR NOVEMBER AS OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS.
THIS IS THE FIFTH MONTHLY ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT. SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE REGULARLY.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2) AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) WHICH ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY ROUND THE CLOCK, AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS EVERY SIX DAYS.
THE GENERAL NO2 LEVEL IN NOVEMBER WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER, ALTHOUGH NO MEASUREMENT EXCEEDED THE DAILY NOR HOURLY AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF NO2 ANYWHERE.
DUST LEVELS (TSP AND RSP) IN THE AIR IN NOVEMBER WERE ALSO HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER.
AS HONG KONG GETS INTO WINTER MONTHS, THERE IS A TREND OF RISING NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND DUST LEVELS.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE DRY ATMOSPHERIC CONDITION AND THE LESS EFFICIENT DISPERSION ABILITY IN WINTER GENERALLY CAUSED ‘POLLUTANT LEVELS TO RISE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE GENERAL AIR QUALITY LEVELS TO WHICH THEY MIGHT BE EXPOSED, AND THE ATMOSPHERIC AND OTHER FACTORS THAI AFFECT AIR QUALITY.
THESE AIR POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM COMBUSTION OF FUEL IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND MOTOR VEHICLES ENGINES. TSP AND RSP ARE ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
/THE DAILY .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
16
THE DAILY HONG KONG AIR QUALITY^OBJECTIVES OF SO2 AND NO2, TSP AND RSP ARE 350, 150, 260 AND 180 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THESE OBJECTIVES ARE COMPARABLE TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AIR QUALITY STANDARDS RECOMMENDED FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE GENERAL HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC.
HIGH LEVELS OF SO2 CAUSE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCE LUNG FUNCTION AND INCREASE MORTALITY RATE.
NO2 CAUSES RESPIRATORY IRRITATION, INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND IMPAIRS LUNG DEVELOPMENT.
TSP ACTS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH OTHER GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND RSP CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION AND SOME FORMS OF RSP MAY CAUSE CANCER.
THE MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG STATIONS BROADLY REPRESENT AIR QUALITY RESPECTIVELY AT LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN DISTRICT; COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND DISTRICT CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
CURRENTLY THE EPD OPERATES A TOTAL OF 11 FIXED AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE.
THE OTHER EIGHT STATIONS ARE AT KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO, TSIM SHA TSUI, TSEUNG KWAN O, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG SOUTH, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.
- - 0 - -
SHA SEES DEVELOPMENTS ON OUTLYING ISLANDS •
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, VISITED CHEUNG CHAU? PENG CHAU, LAMMA AND LANTAU ISLANDS TODAY (THURSDAY) TO SEE THEIR LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, MR SUEN SAILED TO CHEUNG CHAU WHICH, WITH A POPULATION OF 20,000, IS THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED ISLAND IN THE DISTRICT.
MR SUEN TOURED THE SITE OF A LOCAL OPEN SPACE AT TAI SHEK HAU • WHERE A ROLLER-SKATING RINK, A BASKETBALL COURT, FOUR TENNIS .COURTS, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A SITTING-OUT AREA ARE BEING BUILT.
HE ALSO LEARNED THAT A $170 MILLION PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE ROADS AND DRAINS IN THE OLD TOWN AREA IS IN THE PIPELINE.
THE SECREATRY THEN DEPARTED FOR LANTAU ISLAND WHERE HE VISITED TUNG CHUNG AND MUI WO. HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE PLANS FOR FUTURE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS AT LOOKOUT POINTS IN NEARBY TAI PO VILLAGE AND TUNG CHUNG FORT.
/AT MUI
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 17 -
AT MUI WO, MR SUEN TOURED THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL MARKET COMPLEX, AND ITS ADJACENT AREA WHERE A TOWN SQUARE AND A LOCAL OPEN SPACE WILL BE BUILT.
MR SUEN THEN TOURED THE CONSTRUCTION SITE FOR THE RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE ON PENG CHAU. THE $140 MILLION PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1994 AND IT WILL ACCOMMODATE OVER 1,300 PEOPLE.
BEFORE WINDING UP HIS VISIT, MR SUEN ALSO WENT TO YUNG SHUE WAN ON LAMMA ISLAND TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGE HOUSES THERE.
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FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS ALSO ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE PAYMENT
ALL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, WITH FIVE YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE SAME EMPLOYER ARE ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE PAYMENT ON DISMISSAL.
IN RESPONSE TO ENQUIRIES MADE IN THIS CONNECTION, A CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER, MR YEUNG CHI-KIN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (LONG SERVICE PAYMENT) ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 29, APPLIED TO ALL EMPLOYEES ON A CONTINUOUS
”A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT IS ONE UNDER WHICH AN EMPLOYEE HAS WORKED FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR FOUR WEEKS OR MORE, PRIOR TO A GIVEN EXPLAINED AT LEAST 18 H0URS IN EACH OF THE FOUR WEEKS,” MR YEUNG "THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT AN EMPLOYEE WITH THE REQUIRED LENGTH OF SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN LONG SERVICE PAYMENT BY HIS EMPLOYER UPON DISMISSLA FOR REASONS OTHER THAN SUMMARY DISMISSAL OR REDUNDANCY," HE SAID, ADDING THAT EMPLOYEES AGED 65 OR ABOVE AND WITH 10 YEARS’ SERVICE ARE ENTITLED TO THE PAYMENT ON RETIREMENT.
MR YEUNG SAID LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IS CALCULATED AT TWO-THIRDS OF AN EMPLOYEE’S LAST FULL MONTH’S WAGES FOR EVERY COMPLETE YEAR OF SERVICE, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES.
"HOWEVER, AN EMPLOYEE’S ACTUAL BENEFIT DEPENDS ON HIS LENGTH OF SERVICE," HE STRESSED.
AGE AND
"FOR INSTANCE, AN EMPLOYEE AGED BELOW 41 AND WITH FIVE YEARS’ SERVICE SHOULD BE GIVEN 5p PER CENT OF HIS FULL ENTITLEMENT WHILE ANOTHER EMPLOYEE AGED 42 AND WITH EIGHT YEARS’ SERVICE WILL RECEIVE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IN FULL," HE EXPLAINED.
/DETAILS OF .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
18
DETAILS OF THE PAYMENT SCHEME ABE SET OUT IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
YEARS OF SERVICE AND % ENTITLEMENT
AGE OF EMPLOYEE 5 6 7 8 ' 9 10 OR ABOVE
BELOW 41 50% 60% 70% 80% . 90% 100%
41 50% 60% 70% 80% 100% 100%
42 50% 60% 70% 100% 100% 100%
43 50% 60% 100% 100% 100% 100%
44 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
45 OR OVER 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
ENQUIRIES ON THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME CAN BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OR ON TEL. 815 5066.
• ’ .......
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GUANGDONG OFFICIALS VISIT TUEN MUN
******
A DELEGATION OF SIX OFFICIALS FROM
THE GUANGDONG
PROVINCIAL
PLANNING COMMISSION, LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION LUO CHENGFA, VISITED TUEN MUN THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
MR
WELCOMING THE DELEGATION’S VISIT TO THE NEW TERRITORIES THF REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID* SUCH VISITS WOULD HELP TO FOSTER BETTER COMMUNICATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OF GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG.
■
MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT TUEN MUN, BEING ONE OF THE NINE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WAS AN IMPORTANT NPW TOWN IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE REGION.
"THE DISTRICT HAS DEVELOPED FROM A SMALL COMMUNITY WITH 30 000 PEOPLE IN THE EARLY ’70’S, TO THE PRESENT WELL DEVELOPED NEW TOWN WITH 400,000 RESIDENTS. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THERE WILL BE FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ’90’S," HE SAID.
/HE ALSO .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
19
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT DISTRICT OFFICERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN CO-ORDINATING THE WORK OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT.
THE DELEGATION WAS GIVEN A CONDUCTED TOUR OF TUEN MUN BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG.
FROM THE ROOFTOP OF AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, THE VISITORS HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE DISTRICT, AND RECEIVED A BRIEFING ON THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND TOWN PLANNING CONCEPTS OF TUEN MUN FROM THE SENIOR TOWN PLANNER (TUEN MUN), MR CHAK KAI-CHEE.
THEY ALSO VISITED AREA 38, A NARROW STRIP OF LAND ALONG THE WESTERN COAST OF THE NEW TOWN, WHERE A SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL AREA WITH DEEP WATER ANCHORAGE FACILITIES HAS BEEN PLANNED.
THE GUANGDONG VISITING OFFICIALS THEN PROCEEDED TO LEUNG KING ESTATE WHERE THEY WERE SHOWN THE MULTIFARIOUS COMMUNAL FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
THE TOUR CONCLUDED WITH A VISIT TO THE TUEN MUN CULTURAL SQUARE WHERE LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE PROVIDED WITH A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
- - 0 - -
20 RECEIVE DIRECTOR OF MARINE'S COMMENDATION
*******
THE SUCCESSFUL RESCUE OF 180 PEOPLE FROM THE SEA OFF THE SOUTH AFRICAN COAST IN APPALLING CONDITIONS AT NIGHT BY CAPTAIN FOO CHIU-HUNG AND HIS CREW OF M.V. "GREAT NANCY” IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF THE CONDUCT AND SKILL OF HONG KONG SEAFARERS.
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID THIS AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S COMMENDATION TN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS TODAY (THURSDAY).
CAPTAIN FOO AND SIX OF HIS OFFICERS, ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS, WERE AMONG 20 RECIPIENTS WHO RESCUED A TOTAL OF 19 J PEOPLE FROM THE SEA.
MR MILLER SAID: "WE IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT DO RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONDUCT OF OFFICERS AND CREWS ON SHIPS REGISTERED UNDER THE NEW HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER AND OF HONG KONG SEAFARERS IN GENERAL.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG REGISTER HAS LED TO A DECISION TO EXTEND FROM THIS (1991) YEAR ONWARDS THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S AWARDS TO COVER ACTS OF BRAVERY OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS BY HONG KONG SEAFARERS SERVING IN ANY VESSEL AND CREW MEMBERS OF HONG KONG-REGISTERED SHIPS."
/TURNING TO
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 20 -
TURNING TO THE SUCCESSFUL RESCUE OF 11 PEOPLE FROM THE WATERS OF HONG KONG, MR MILLER PRAISED THE 13 RECIPIENTS FOR HAVING ACTED ABOVE THE NORMAL CALL OF DUTY AND CONGRATULATED THEM FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS.
CAPTAIN FOO, WHO IS NOW SAILING THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL AND HEADING FOR HOUSTON IN THE UNITED STATES, SAID OVER THE TELEPHONE : "I WAS MERELY UPHOLDING THE TRADITIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT AT SEA IN ASSISTING ALL THOSE IN PERIL.
"I AM HONOURED TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST RECIPIENTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S COMMENDATION FOR ACTS OF BRAVERY OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS."
THE 61-YEAR-OLD CAPTAIN RECALLED THAT IT WAS SHORTLY BEFORE 10 PM ON AUGUST 3 THIS YEAR WHEN HIS PANAMANIAN-REGISTERED BULK CARRIER 'GREAT NANCY" RECEIVED A DISTRESS SIGNAL FROM THE GREEK PASSENGER LINER M.V. "OCEANOS" OFF THE SOUTH AFRICAN COAST.
"I PROMPTLY RESPONDED TO THE DISTRESS CALL AND MY SHIP WAS THE FIRST TO ARRIVE AT THE SCENE.
"I TOOK COMMAND OF THE RESCUE IN BOISTEROUS WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH STRONG GALE FORCE WINDS AND SIX-METRE HIGH WAVES.
"MY CREW STARTED THE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TASK OF HEAVING ON BOARD BY HAND PASSENGERS FROM THE FIRST LIFEBOAT BECAUSE THE PASSENGERS WERE UNABLE TO CLIMB ONTO LADDERS ON THE SIDE OF THE SHIP. THEY CONTINUED TO PICK UP SURVIVORS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT AND THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
’WHEN WE WERE ORDERED BY THE SEARCH AND RESCUE AUTHORITY TO PROCEED TO DURBAN TO DISEMBARK SURVIVORS, MY CREW HAD PICKED UP 180 PEOPLE COMPRISING THREE BABIES, 11 CHILDREN, 46 WOMEN, 35 MEN AND 85 CREW OF THE PASSENGER LINER,” CAPTAIN FOO SAID.
THE OTHER SIX OFFICERS OF M.V. "GREAT NANCY" ARE CHIEF OFFICER MR WONG HOY-LEUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER MR TSUI YAN-TIN, SECOND OFFICER MR LEE MAN-SAU, SECOND ENGINEER MR KAM W1NG-KEUNG, THIRD ENGINEER MR NGAI -CHING-FUI AND ELECTRICAL OFFICER MR YIP SHUNG-LAM.
RECEIVING THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE'S COMMENDATION FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR WAS MS HO MEI-LING WHO RESCUED A YOUNG MAN ONE MILE EAST OF SIU A CHAU IN THE SOUTHWESTERN WATERS OF HONG KONG ON APRIL 6 THIS YEAR.
A CABIN ATTENDANT OF THE FAR EAST HYDROFOIL COMPANY LIMITED, MS HO SAVED A DROWNING WOMAN NEAR SHEK KWU CHAU IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
OTHER RECIPIENTS ARE TWO CITIZENS, MR STEPHEN CARROLL AND MR HOWARD G. TATE, AND FOUR STAFF MEMBERS OF THE STAR FERRY COMPANY LIMITED, MESSRS KWOK KAN, LEUNG YUN-SING, KWOK WING-CHOI AND TANG CHINA I .
/ALSO RECEIVING ......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 21 -
\|,S0 RECEIVING THE COMMENDATION ARE POLICE CONSTABLES CHAN WAI-HUNG, CHENG CHI-FAI, CHAU SUN, CHENG TAK-MING, YU LAP-MAN AND CHAN SAI-LEUNG.
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S COMMENDATION HAS A HISTORY OF MORE THAN 30 YEARS AND WAS LIMITED TO INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN HONG KONG WAIERS.
HOWEVER, CREW MEMBERS OF OCEAN-GOING SHIPS REGISTERED UNDER Illi OLD HONG KONG REGISTER WERE ELIGIBLE FOR A NUMBER OF OTHER SIMILAR AWARD SCHEMES OPERATED BY VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
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$296 MILLION CONTRACT FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION AWARDED
********
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $296 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE STAGE III EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF DICKSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, WHICH WON THE CONTRACT.
THE WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE ALTERATIONS AND RENOVATIONS TO THE EXISTING BLOCK B OF THE HOSPITAL WHICH IS MADE UP OF THREE LINKED BUILDINGS - A MAIN H-SHAPED BUILDING COMPRISING A, B, C, D AND E WINGS, A SEVEN-STOREY OPERATING THEATRE BUILDING AT THE REAR AND A THREE-STOREY RADIOLOGY BUILDING AT THE FRONT.
THE CONVERSION INVOLVES THE DEMOLITION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE MAJORITY OF INTERNAL PARTITIONS, SANITARY FITTINGS AND BUILDING SERVICES TO BRING THE BUILDING UP TO MODERN STANDARDS.
NEW OPERATING THEATRE FLOORS AND A NEW FLOOR AT THE RADIOLOGY BLOCK WILL ALSO BE ADDED.
THE PROJECT ALSO PROVIDES FOR ENHANCEMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF AN ADDITIONAL COMPUTER ASSISTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER, A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING MACHINE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEDICAL FACILITIES SUCH AS A NEUROSURGERY UNIT AND IMPROVED OPERATING THEATRES.
WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN FOUR STAGES, AND WILL TAKE 29 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/22 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
- 22 -
CUSTOMS SEIZE DUTIABLE CIGARETTES *****
OFFICERS OF CUSTOMS LAND ENFORCEMENT PATROL TEAM ARRESTED NINE PERSONS AND SEIZED 36,980 DUTIABLE CIGARETTES IN YUEN LONG EARLY TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE PEOPLE ARRESTED — FIVE WOMEN AND FOUR MEN — WERE ■ OPERATORS OF MOBILE CIGARETTE STALLS AT TAI TONG ROAD MARKET, YUEN LONG.
THE TOTAL RETAIL VALUE OF THE SEIZED GOODS WAS $30,235, WITH A DUTY POTENTIAL OF ABOUT $17,750.
AGED FROM 55 TO 81, THE ARRESTED PEOPLE WILL BE CHARGED LATER TODAY WITH POSSESSING DUTIABLE GOODS.
THEY WILL BE RELEASED ON BAIL RANGING FROM $100 TO $5,000 AND WILL APPEAR IN TUEN MUN MAGISTRACY ON JANUARY 2 AND 3.
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FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN WAI CHAI
* * * *
A FUN-FILLED CARNIVAL PROVIDING FREE ENTERTAINMENT AND ADVICE ON HOME SECURITY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND IN WAI CHAI.
• I
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
IT WILL FEATURE MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCES, TAEKWONDO DEMONSTRATION, MAGIC SHOWS, CYCLING DISPLAYS, POP SONGS AND A LUCKY DRAW.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION ON HOME SECURITY DEVICES AND STALL GAMES PUBLICISING FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES, FROM 1.30 PM TO 5.30 PM.
COUPONS FOR THE LUCKY DRAW AND STALL GAMES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAI CHAI. THEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
A FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER, MRS MIRIAM LAU; WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN; AND THE DISTRICT’S POLICE COMMANDER, MR LAM KIN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND.
- - 0----------
/23 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1991
23
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 11.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 12.12.91 +29
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -29
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.3 *-0.3* 12.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE
1 WEEK 3.42 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311
1 MONTH 3.96 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.96 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.07 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.60 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 3,934 MN, BONDS 25 MN
CLOSED 12 DECEMBER 1991
COUPON PRICE YIELD
6.25 101.76 5.35
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK TO HOLD ASIA-PACIFIC CHEMICAL CONFERENCE ........................ 1
CONSTRUCTION OF NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY PHASE ONE GETS GO-AHEAD . CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROAD IN TSEUNG KWAN O ....................
GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER ....................................
TENDERS INVITED FOR ROAD WORKS IN TUEN MUN ......................
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE ..........
TENDERS INVITED FOR EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS .....
PROPOSED SEWER LAYING IN TUEN MUN ...............................
LAND RESUMPTION ON LANTAU .......................................
ADMISSION OF SCHOOLS TO DSS FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 ..................
STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR EMPLOYEES REMINDED ........................
INAUGURATION FOR KWAI TSING YOUTH CLUB ..........................
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE ON HONG KONG ISLAND .....................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
- 1 -
HK TO HOLD ASIA-PACIFIC CHEMICAL CONFERENCE *****
AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AIMED AT ADI ESSING BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RELATING TO THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
ORGANISED BY THE NEW YORK BASED MAGAZINE "CHEMICAL WEEK" AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE SECOND ANNUAL ASIA-PACIFIC CHEMICAL CONFERENCE WILL BRING TOGETHER TOP EXECUTIVES FROM MMOR CHEMICAL COMPANIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION IN WHAT IS BILLED AS A "FORUM FOR STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT".
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY): "WE WELCOME CHEMICAL WEEK’S DECISION TO HOLD THEIR CONFERENCE HERE.
"HONG KONG HAS LONG BEEN A DESTINATION FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS AND OVERSEAS BUSINESSMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE ASIAN MARKET, AND IS THE NATURAL AND LOGICAL CHOICE FOR A CONFERENCE ON EVALUATING ASIAN MARKETS AND MAKING STRATEGIC ALLIANCES."
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISER SAID HONG KONG WAS CHOSEN AS THE CONFERENCE LOCATION BECAUSE "HONG KONG IS THE CENTRE OF THE RAPIDLY GROWING SOUTH CHINA ECONOMY AND THE CONFERENCE WILL HELP TO FOCUS ON THE OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL IN THAT AREA".
"THE CONFERENCE IS ALSO THE IDEAL SETTING FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS AND NEWCOMERS ALIKE TO MAKE DEALS AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER’S EXPERIENCE IN AREAS RANGING FROM DISTRIBUTION TO PROCESSING TO PLANT CONSTRUCTION," HE SAID.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG GRAND HYATT HOTEL FROM FEBRUARY 16 TO 19. KEY SPEECHES WILL BE GIVEN BY INDUSTRY LEADERS, FOLLOWED BY PANEL DISCUSSIONS ON ISSUES OF TOPICAL IMPORTANCE TO THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY.
LOCAL COMPANIES WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE CONFERENCE CAN OBTAIN BROCHURES AND REGISTRATION FORMS FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 737 2587).
FOR REGISTRATION, PLEASE CONTACT MR RON BOUCHER, CONFERENCE MANAGER IN NEW YORK (TEL. NO. (212) 621 4900. FAX. (212) 586 3147 OR 586 3218).
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
2
CONSTRUCTION OF NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY PHASE ONE GETS GO-AHEAD
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE ONE OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, A 10 KILOMETRE SECTION OF THE DUAL-THREE-LANE ROADWAY LINKING THE FUTURI- NEW AIRPORT ON CHEK LAP KOK AND THE PROPOSED LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
A NOTICE ANNOUNCING THE AUTHORISATION OF THE WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID THE 13-KILOMETRE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY FORMED AN INTEGRAL PART OF AN EXTENSIVE TRANSPORT NETWORK TO PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE NEW AIRPORT ANO DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU ISLAND.
"THE EXPRESSWAY WILL RUN ALONG THE NORTH LANTAU COASTLINE BETWEEN THE WESTERN END OF LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AT TSING CHAU TSAI AND THE NEW AIRPORT WITH INTERCHANGE FACILITIES LEADING OFF TO VARIOUS CENTRES OF DEVELOPMENTS.
"UPON ITS COMPLETION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER ROAD AND RAIL PROJECTS, THE TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND AND CHEK LAP KOK OR TUNG CHUNG WILL TAKE ABOUT 30 MINUTES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PHASE ONE OF THE EXPRESSWAY WILL BE BUILT MOSTLY ON RECLAMATIONS BETWEEN TSING CHAU TSAI IN THE EAST AND KEI TAU KOK IN THE WEST. CONCURRENTLY LAND FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND A RESERVE FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES WILL BE FORMED.
CONSTRUCTION ON SITE IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MAY NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1996.
"A NOTICE PROPOSING THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE TWO, A 3-KILOMETRE SECTION OF THE EXPRESSWAY BETWEEN KEI TAU KOK AND THE NEW AIRPORT WILL BE GAZETTED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
"COMPLETION OF PHASE TWO WILL COINCIDE WITH THAT OF PHASE ONE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS
* * *
ROAD IN TSEUNG KWAN O * * t
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT AN ACCESS ROAD TO THE PROPOSED TEMPORARY ANCHORING AREA NORTHWEST OF SIU CHIK SHA LANDFILL IN TSEUNG KWAN 0.
A NEW TEMPORARY ANCHORING AREA NEAR THE AT THE NORTHWEST OF SIU CHIK SHA LANDFILL WILL HAU FISHERMEN TO MOOR THEIR BOATS.
FUTURE EASTERN SEAWALL BE PROVIDED FOR HANG
/THE EXISTING .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
THE EXISTING ANCHORING AREA WILL BE RECLAIMED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE LAND AT THE TSEUNG KWAN O TOWN CENTRE AREA.
TO CONNECT THE EXISTING AND THE PROPOSED ANCHORING AREAS, AN ACCESS ROAD WITH FOOTPATH AND LIGHTING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED UNDER THE RECLAMATION CONTRACT.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN FEBRUARY 1993 WITH A CONSTRUCTION PERIOD OF ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
DETAILS OF THE ROADWORKS PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS TOGETHER WITH A SCHEME DESCRIPTION CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, BOTH AT SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN. *
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 11 NEXT YEAR, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
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GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
LOCATED IN CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, SAI KUNG, THE 998 SQUARE METRE SITE IS DESIGNATED FOR PETROL FILLING STATION ONLY.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 10 NEXT YEAR.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER DOCUMENTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
4 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR ROAD WORKS IN TUEN MUN ******
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO UNDERTAKE A SERIES OF ROAD WORKS AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT INVOLVE THE EXTENSION AND WIDENING OF A SECTION OF THE EXISTING ROAD D9 IN AREA 4A, RECONSTRUCTION AND REALIGNMENT OF A SECTION OF THE EXISTING ROAD Pl (CASTLE PEAK ROAD -SAN HUI) AT FU TEI ROUNDABOUT FROM A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY TO A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY IN AREA 52.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRUNK SEWER TO SERVE THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AREA 52 AS WELL AS ROAD L52A AND THE ANCILLARY WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WHOLE PROJECT.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START NEXT FEBRUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
FORMS OF TENDER AND DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, MESSRS. SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, 38TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
TENDERS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 3 NEXT YEAR.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN.
A NOTICE DESCRIBING DETAILS OF THE TENDER WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE RECREATION CENTRE ON WAI TSUEN ROAD WILL HAVE A GAMES HALL (WITH TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS, TWO VOLLEYBALL COURTS), THREE SQUASH COURTS, A FITNESS TRAINING ROOM, AN ACTIVITY DANCE ROOM, A BOOKING OFFICE, A CONTROL OFFICE, A MEETING ROOM TOGETHER WITH THE AUXILIARY STOREROOM, LAVATORIES, CHANGING FACILITIES, AND THE EXTERNAL LANDSCAPE WORK.
WORKS WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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 IS NOON, JANUARY 3 NEXT YEAR.
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/5 .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
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TENDERS INVITED FOR EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS ♦ **♦*<♦
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO UNDERTAKE A SERIES OF BUILDING SERVICES AND CIVIL WORKS AS PART OF THE EAST KOWLOON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SEWAGE PUMPING STATIONS, 1,200 METRES OF TWIN-CELL BOX CULVERT AND 2,700 METRES OF RISING MAIN IN KWUN TONG AND YAU TONG AREAS.
THE KWUN TONG INTERMEDIATE PUMPING STATION, COMPRISING FIVE SCREW PUMPS, WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT THE SITE OF THE DISUSED SALT WATER PUMPING STATION AT THE HOI BUN ROAD/KEI YIP STREET INTERSECTION.
THE TWIN-CELL BOX CULVERT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG HOI BUN ROAD, STARTING FROM LAI YIP STREET THROUGH THE KWUN TONG PUMPING STATION AND THEN CONTINUE TO THE KWUN TONG SEWERAGE SCREENING PLANT.
THE YAU TONG PUMPING STATION, COMPRISING FOUR CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS, WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT THE SEAWARD END OF KO FAI ROAD.
THESE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO REMOVE FOUL FLOWS WHICH CURRENTLY POLLUTE THE STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM BY INTERCEPTING THESE FLOWS AND CONVEYING THEM EITHER THROUGH THE BOX CULVERT OR THE RISING MAIN TO THE KWUN TONG SCREENING PLANT THROUGH THE TWO PUMPING STATIONS.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND LAST 20 MONTHS.
FORMS OF TENDER AND DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM PYPUN -HOWARD HUMPHREYS LTD, THIRD FLOOR, ASIAN HOUSE, 1 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI .
TENDERS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD. BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 24 NEXT YEAR.
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PROPOSED SEWER LAYING IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT BAYNARD LIMITED TO LAY A 250 MILLIMETRE DIAMETER SEWER WITHIN THE AREA OF ABOUT 520 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED BETWEEN BEAULIEU PENINSULA AND PEARL ISLAND.
THIS IS FOR THE DISCHARGE OF TREATED EFFLUENT FROM TUEN MUN TOWN LOT 238 WHICH IS OWNED BY BAYNARD LIMITED.
/THE EXTENT........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
- 6 -
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE TO TWO MONTHS.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 12 NEXT YEAR.
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LAND RESUMPTION ON LANTAU
♦ * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME TWO PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN SIU HO WAN, LANTAU ISLAND, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 6,125 SQUARE METRES, THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
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ADMISSION OF SCHOOLS TO DSS
* ♦ ♦ * ♦
FOR SEPTEMBER 1992 *
THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS REVIEW COMMITTEE (PSRC) HAS RECOMMENDED AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAS APPROVED THE ADMISSION OF ST PAUL'S COLLEGE AND THE HANG SENG SCHOOL OF COMMERCE INTO THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME (DSS) WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1992, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE ADDED THAT ST PAUL'S COLLEGE HAD BEEN ADMITTED UNDER THE REVISED TERMS FOR AIDED SCHOOLS THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF WHICH WERE STILL SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
UNDER THE REVISED TERMS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID AN AIDED SCHOOL JOINING THE DSS WOULD CONTINUE TO RECEIVE FOR SIX YEARS THE SAME SUBSIDY AS IT DOES NOW UNDER THE CODE OF AID.
ALSO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR THE SCHOOL WOULD REMAIN UNDER THE CODE OF AID FOR THE SAME PERIOD WHEREBY SUBSIDY WOULD BE PROVIDED TO COVER ANY BASIC REFURBISHMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE PSRC HAD RECOMMENDED ADMISSION OF THE HANG SENG SCHOOL OF COMMERCE, ON THE BASIS THAT IT NOW OPERATED AS A SIXTH FORM COLLEGE AND RAN A FULL TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
7
STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR EMPLOYEES REMINDED * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDEE EMPLOYERS THAT EITHER THE WINTER SOLSTICE (DECEMBER 22) OR CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) SHOULD BE DESIGNATED AS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR EMPLOYEES.
"SINCE WINTER SOLSTICE FALLS ON A SUNDAY, WHICH IN SOME CASES IS ALREADY A REST DAY FOR AN EMPLOYEE, HE SHOULD BE GRANTED A HOLIDAY THE FOLLOWING DAY, THAT IS DECEMBER 23 (MONDAY)," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE. PERIOD, WHICH CAN BE BETWEEN 28 AND 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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INAUGURATION FOR KWAI TSING YOUTH CLUB
******
THE KWAI TSING ORGANISATION ESTABLISHED WILL HOLD AN INAUGURATION
YOUTH CLUB, THE FIRST YOUNG
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE DISTRICT CEREMONY FOR ITS FIRST EXECUTIVE
PEOPLE’S OFFICE, COMMITTEE
TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID: "THE YOUTH CLUB HAS BEEN SET UP TO MOTIVATE THE DISTRICT’S YOUNGSTERS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AS PART OF THEIR CIVIC EDUCATION."
"THE CLUB HAS ABOUT 30 FOUNDING MEMBERS, WHO WERE EITHER WINNERS OF THE DISTRICT’S COMPOSITION CONTEST, OR YOUTH AMBASSADORS SELECTED FOR OVERSEAS STUDY TOURS, IN THE PAST FEW YEARS," HE SAID.
/"SINCE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
- 8 - '
"SINCE THE CLUB’S ESTABLISHMENT, STUDENTS AGED OVER 13 RECOMMENDED BY LOCAL SCHOOLS AND WORKING YOUTHS UNDER 35 HAVE BEEN INVITED TO JOIN AS MEMBERS. THIS IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICE," HE ADDED.
THE FOUNDING MEMBERS HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THEIR FIRST PROJECT - THE PUBLICATION OF A REPORT ON THE YOUTH AMBASSADORS’ TRIPS TO JAPAN AND SINGAPORE IN 1990 AND 1991 RESPECTIVELY.
A SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THESE MEMBERS ON THE DISTRICT’S CONTAINER BUSINESS WITH A VIEW TO COLLECTING MORE DATA AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TRADE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL BE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG; THE DISTRICT’S SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MRS CHAN CHENG MEI-CHU AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CLUB’S SPONSORS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE fcWAI TSING YOUTH CLUB’S FIRST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NEAR THE KWAI HING MTR STATION.
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NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE ON HONG KONG ISLAND
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A NEW ROUTE NO. 42 RUNNING BETWEEN HARBOUR BUILDING IN MID-LEVELS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL COME INTO SERVICE SUNDAY (DECEMBER 15).
GREEN MINIBUS
CENTRAL AND
FROM 7 AM ON
THE NEW SERVICE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 8 PM DAILY AT A FREQUENCY OF 10 MINUTES. THE FARE IS $4 PER SINGLE JOURNEY
- - 0 - -
/9........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1991
9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦ » » ♦
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 12.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 13.12.91 +30
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -30
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.3 *+0.0* 13.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.60 PCT 24 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.71 5.37
1 MONTH 4.10 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.03 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.11 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.63 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 4,970 MN, BONDS 15 MN
CLOSED 13 DECEMBER 1991 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMPATIBILITY OF ORGANISED CRIME BILL WITH BILL OF RIGHTS EXPLAINED 1
GOVT STATEMENT ON SOCIAL WORKERS' PROTEST .......................... 2
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS TOTALLED 2,394 IN THIRD QUARTER ............... 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY ........................ 4
NOMINATIONS FOR SHA TIN DB BY-ELECTION TO BEGIN ON MONDAY .......... 5
CNTA HANDLES 3.5 MILLION PUBLIC ENQUIRIES .......................... 5
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER URGES YOUTHS TO HELP FIGHT CRIME ......... 6
CONCERT FOR SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS ................................. 7
POLICE PASSING OUT PARADE .......................................... 7
1,285 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN NOVEMBER ....................... 8
SURVEY ON STUDENTS’ SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR ............................... 9
EMPLOYMENT OFFICES TO MERGE ........................................ 10
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ................................ 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 11
fl
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991 4‘
COMPATIBILITY OF ORGANISED CRIME BILL WITH BILL OF RIGHTS EXPLAINED' ******
NJ THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) RESPONDED TO CONCERNS RAISED BY OMELCO MEMBERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CONCERNING THE COMPATIBILITY OF SOME PROVISIONS IN THE ORGANISED CRIME WHITE BILL WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
MR STRACHAN EXPLAINED THAT FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE BT^L OF RIGHTS (BOR) ORDINANCE IN JUNE THIS YEAR, ANY PROPOSED LEGISLATION TENDERED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MUST BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISION OF THAT ORDINANCE. IF IT IS NOT, THEN UPON CHALLENGE IT WILL BE STRUCK DOWN BY THE COURTS.
"IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE BOR ORDINANCE, IT MUST ENSURE COMPLIANCE, IN SO FAR AS IT IS ABLE TO DO SO, BECAUSE THAT IS THE LAW,” HE SAID.
HE SAID AFTER STUDYING THE PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS ON THE WHITE BILL AND FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE OMELCO SECURITY PANEL, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOW FORMED SOME PRELIMINARY VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE WHITE BILL.
"DURING THE COURSE OF OUR REVIEW OF THE BILL WE WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER NOT ONLY HOW TO ENSURE ITS COMPATIBILITY WITH THE BOR ORDINANCE, BUT ALSO TO PRODUCE LEGISLATION WHICH IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME, AGAINST THE NECESSITY OF BEING FAIR TO AN ACCUSED," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO SPECIFIC CONCERNS RAISED BY SOME OMELCO MEMBERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN ARGUED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS, BAD CHARACTER OR CRIMINAL ASSOCIATIONS WOULD HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON AN ACCUSED’S RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING.
R
"WE WILL HAVE TO ADDRESS THESE CRITICISMS BUT WE HAVE NOT YET FORMED A VIEW ON THIS. BUT IN SO FAR AS THE RELEVANT CLAUSES CREATE AGGRAVATED OFFENCES, OR PROVIDE FOR ENHANCED PUNISHMENT OF RECIDIVIST OFFENDERS, WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THEY WILL NOT CONFLICT WITH THE PROHIBITION AGAINST DOUBLE JEOPARDY CONTAINED IN THE BOR ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
n
"WHILST NOT ACCEPTING THAT TAKING ACCOUNT OF CRIMINAL ACfS COMMITTED BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE LEGISLATION IS OFFENSIVE TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST THE CREATING OF RETROSPECTIVE CRIMINAL OFFENCES AS CONTAINED IN THE BOR ORDINANCE, WE DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE WAY IN WHICH THE BILL DEALS WITH THIS MAY BE OBJECTIONABLE.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THEREFORE, I CONFIRM THAT THE CLAUSE MAY WELL BE MODIFIED TO ADDRESS THIS DIFFICULTY."
REFERRING TO THE CLAUSE CONCERNING PRESUMPTION OF TRIAD MEMBERSHIP, MR STRACHAN SAID ON THE BASIS OF A COURT OF APPEAL RULING ON A TEST CASE, THIS CLAUSE COULD NOT SURVIVE THE BOR CHALLENGE IN ITS PRESENT FORM.
/"I CONFIRM........’•
£
4] r SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
it - 2 -
"I CONFIRM THAT IT WILL HAVE TO BE REVIEWED,” HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT WHETHER IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO DELETE THE CLAUSE ALTOGETHER OR WHETHER IT WOULD BE REPLACE nY THE CREATION Of- A PERMISSIVE PRESUMPTION AS ADVOCATED BY SOME COM' NTATORS HAD YET TO BE DECIDED.
MR STRACHAN ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING THE VIEWS LEGCO MEMBERS WERE GOING TO EXPRESS DURING NEXT WEDNESDAY’S DEBATE ON THE BILL.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL DO WHATEVER IT CAN TO WORK WITH MEMBERS OVER THIS VERY IMPORTANT BILL. WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE CONCEPT OF PARTNERSHIP," HE SAID.
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GOVT STATEMENT ON SOCIAL WORKERS’ PROTEST
*****
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR RICKY FUNG, IN RESPONSE TO ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE RALLY HELD BY SOCIAL WORKERS IN PROTEST AGAINST THE "CUTS" IN SOCIAL WELFARE EXPENDITURE:
"AS THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE POINTED OUT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE IS ACTUALLY EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN REAL TERMS BY ABOUT 16 PER CENT OVER THE NEXT FOUR FINANCIAL YEARS.
"I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THAT THE MEASURE IN QUESTION IS NOT TO CUT STAFF WORKING IN STUDY/READING ROOMS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES.
"IT IS ONLY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NO LONGER RECOGNISE, FOR SUBVENTION PURPOSES, ONE POST IN EACH OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CEN,TRES WITH STUDY/READING ROOMS.
"THESE STUDY/READING ROOMS ARE A PART OF THE CENTRES, AND THEREFORE REDEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER WITHIN THE CENTRE SHOULD BE POSSIBLE. CORRESPONDING MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO DELETE ONE POST FROM EACH OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP WORK UNITS."
1
1
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d
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
3
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS TOTALLED 2,394 IN THIRD QUARTER
******
DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1-991, THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 2,394 COMPLAINTS, A RISE OF THREE PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TCU SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT DESPITE THE MINIMAL INCREASE, A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINT CASES WAS RECORDED ON SOME FRONTS.
THESE INCLUDED THE ADEQUACY AND STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES, FERRY SERVICES, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 192 COMPLAINTS ON THE INADEQUACY OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES WERE RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 49 CASES OR 20 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
ON THE STANDARD OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 343 COMPLAINTS WAS RECEIVED, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 17 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 414 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS. COMPANIES CONCERNED.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE FERRY SERVICES ALSO DECREASED FROM 27 TO 17.
"THE MAIN COMPLAINT AREAS INCLUDED REGULARITY OF SERVICE, CONDITIONS OF VEHICLES/VESSELS, AND PASSENGER SERVICES AND FACILITIES," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES DROPPED FROM 194 CASES TO 178 OR BY EIGHT PER CENT.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN INCLUDED PHASING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND TRAFFIC LAND ARRANGEMENT, ADDITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ROAD MAINTENANCE DECREASED BY FIVE PER CEWT FROM 136 CASES TO 129 CASES WITH MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS ON DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, FAULTY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.
"TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STAND AT 399, A DROP OF 34 CASES OR EIGHT PER CENT COMPARED WITH FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER."
"THESE ARE RELATED MAINLY TO ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOTORISTS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC REGULATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE PERIOD, A 53 PER CENT INCREASE IN COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI SERVICES WAS RECORDED, RISING FROM 364 CASES TO 556 CASES.
/"OF THESE .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
"OF THESE, 535 CASES OR 96 PER- CENT ARE ABOUT TAXI DRIVER MALPRACTICES. TWO MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS ARE OVERCHARGING (140 CASES) AND REFUSING HIRE (146 CASES)," HE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO RAIL TRANSPORT SERVICES ALSO ROSE FROM 29 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 34 CASES THIS QUARTER.
IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT .ROAD CONGESTION INCREASED FROM 208 CASES TO 275 CASES, 55 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 79 IN KOWLOON AND 141 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION AND ROAD WORKS, HE SAID.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY ******
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FROM PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR THE CONTRUCTION OF THE TAI HO SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY BETWEEN TA PANG PO IN THE EAST AND KEI TAU KOK IN THE WEST ON LANTAU ISLAND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE TAI HO SECTION WAS THE FIRST SECTION OF A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE NORTH LANTAU COASTLINE.
"IT WILL FORM A PART OF AN EXTENSIVE TRANSPORT NETWORK TO PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE NEW AIRPORT AND DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU ISLAND. THE ROADWAY WILL BE BUILT MOSTLY ON RECLAMATIONS.
"CONCURRENTLY LAND FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND A RESERVE FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES WILL BE FORMED UNDER THE SAME CONTRACT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SEVEN PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS WERE INFORMED OF THE AVAILIBILITY OF TENDER DOCUMENTS. PREQUALIFICATION WAS ASSESSED ON FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS MARCH 1992. THE AWARD OF THE CONTRACT WILL BE MADE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 AND CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS AND FOUR MONTHS.
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/5.........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
5
NOMINATIONS FOR SHA TIN DB BY-ELECTION TO BEGIN ON MONDAY
* * * * * * t
NOMINATIONS FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION FOR THE YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THE NOMINATION PERIOD WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 30 AND NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
HE SAID CANDIDATES MUST BE REGISTERED ELECTORS AND HAVE BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING NOMINATION.
A CANDIDATE CAN BE A RESIDENT ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG, BUT HIS NOMINATION PAPER MAY ONLY BE SUBSCRIBED BY REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY.
EACH NOMINATION REQUIRES 10 SUBSCRIBERS AND EACH SUBSCRIBER MAY GIVE SUPPORT TO ONLY ONE CANDIDATE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE ON TEL. 827 1122.
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CNTA HANDLES 3.5 MILLION PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ******
ABOUT 3.5 MILLION ENQUIRIES WERE HANDLED BY THE 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES (PESC’S) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) DURING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) MOST ENQUIRIES CENTRED ON FREE DECLARATION SERVICE WITH SOME 487,000 OATHS AND DECLARATIONS BEING ADMINISTERED DURING THE PERIOD.
MEANWHILE, MORE THAN 14,600 ENQUIRIES ON RENT AND TENANCY PROBLEMS WERE HANDLED BY RENT OFFICERS AT 15 DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE PESC’S ALSO REFERRED MORE THAN 2,000 CASES FOR FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION TO THE LAW SOCIETY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICES MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE PESC'S LOCATED IN THE 19 DISTRICTS.
THEY MAY ALSO VISIT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION OF THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS ON 29TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, OR CALL THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE ON 835 1501.
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/6.........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14,
1991
6
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER URGES YOUTHS TO HELP FIGHT CRIME
*****
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN, CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE TERRITORY-WIDE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
MR MANN MADE THIS APPEAL WHEN HE ADDRESSED HUNDREDS OF PARTICIPANTS AT THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT'S FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ON SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND TODAY (SATURDAY).
’’YOUNG PEOPLE CAN HELP PREVENT AND' FIGHT CRIME BY BECOMING JUNIOR POLICE CALL (JPC) MEMBERS, TAKING PART IN CRIME PREVENTION ACTIVITIES AND CO-OPERATING WITH THE POLICE IN VARIOUS WAYS.
”1 HOPE THAT THROUGH TODAY’S FUN-FILLED CARNIVAL YOUTHS WILL BE MADE MORE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS AND RESPONSIBILITIES,” HE SAID.
MR MANN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) FOR THEIR UNFAILING EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THE MEANINGFUL CAUSE.
THIS YEAR A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PLANNED BY THE DFCC, ALL WITH THE MAIN AIM OF PUBLICISING THE ANTI-CRIME MESSAGE, HE SAID.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION, A COLOURING COMPETITION, A QUIZ, INSPECTION OF UNDERSIRABLE ESTABLISHMENTS AND TODAY’S CARNIVAL, HE ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CARNIVAL, THE DISTRICT’S POLICE COMMANDER, MR LAM KIN, SAID THE DISTRICT’S OVERALL CRIME FIGURE THIS YEAR HAD DROPPED 18 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
BUT THERE HAVE BEEN AN INCREASE OF SIX AND NINE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY ON ROBBERIES AND BURGLARIES, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS "DOUBLE UPSURGE" WAS A WORRYING TREND.
MR LAM NOTED THAT THE POLICE, APART FROM STEPPING UP PATROLS IN CRIME BLACKSPOTS IN THE DISTRICT, HAD SOLICITED SUPPORT FROM JPC MEMBERS TO DISTRIBUTE ANTI-BURGLARY PAMPHLETS IN LOCAL COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
THE DISTRICT COMMANDER URGED BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF, REPRESENTATIVES OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE TO PREVENT CRIME.
WHILE APPRECIATING THAT THERE WERE NO REPORTS OF "YOUTH GANG" ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT, MR LAM WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE INCREASING INCIDENTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE POSING AS TRIAD MEMBERS TO BLACKMAIL LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.
HE THEREFORE CALLED ON SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION AND KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF THEIR STUDENTS OR CHILDREN SO AS TO PREVENT THEM FROM GOING ASTRAY.
/STARTING NEXT........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
STARTING NEXT YEAR, A POLICE INSPECTOR FROM THE WAN CHAI STATION WILL BE ASSIGNED AS A LIAISON OFFICER WITH SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT TO HELP GUIDE AND COUNSEL STUDENTS, MR LAM ADDED.
TOGETHER WITH A FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER MRS MIRIAM LAU, MR LAM PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION TO GOOD CITIZENS IN WAN CHAI WHO HAD MADE CONTRIBUTION IN HELPING POLICE FIGHT CRIME THIS Y AR.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED CHAIRMAN OF THE DFCC, MR LESTER KWOK; CONVENOR OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP, MR CHAN CHING-CHOW, AND CHAIRMEN OF VARIOUS AREA COMMITTEES.
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CONCERT FOR SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS
MORE THAN 2,000 SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS ATTENDED A CONCERT AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
THE ANNUAL CONCERT, ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO ARTS ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS OF THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE TWO-HOUR CONCERT FEATURED GROUP SINGING, DRAMA AND DANCING PERFORMANCES.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONCERT WERE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR AMBROSE CHEUNG AND THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN MOW-FAT.
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POLICE PASSING OUT PARADE
*****
THE VERY MUCH STRETCHED MANPOWER IN THE POLICE FORCE IS LIKELY TO GET SOME RELIEF, WITH 208 OFFICERS, INCLUDING 28 INSPECTORS AND 180 POLICE CONSTABLES, PASSING OUT TODAY (SATURDAY) FROM THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN THEIR VETERAN COUNTERPARTS IN VARIOUS POLICE POSTS AND FILL SOME OF THE VACANCIES THAT HAVE EXISTED FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
/SPEAKING TO
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
8
SPEAKING TO THE PASSING OUT OFFICERS, THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS OF THE POLICE, MR HUI KI-ON, SAID THE YEARS AHEAD WERE NOT GOING TO BE EASY FOR THE OFFICERS, WITH THE APPROACH OF 1997 AND AN INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME, COUPLED WITH THE CONTINUED MANPOWER SHORTAGES.
HE SAID THE GRADUATING OFFICERS HAD CHOSEN TO JOIN THE Fi’RCE AT A PARTICULARLY CHALLENGING TIME, BUT ADDED THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE DEDICATION AND DETERMINATION OF THE OFFICERS WOULD ENABLE THEM TO MEET THOSE CHALLENGES.
"YOU WILL SOON BE IN THE FRONT LINE, PUTTING INTO PRACTICE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS YOU HAVE ACQUIRED," HE SAID.
HE TOLD THE OFFICERS THAT THEY MIGHT FACE FRUSTRATIONS AND CRITICISMS, COMPLAINTS AND DEMANDS, AND SOMETIMES OUT-RIGHT HOSTILITY FROM THE PUBLIC BUT THAT AS PART OF THEIR JOB, THEY HAD TO ACT IN GOOD FAITH AND IMPARTIALLY.
MR HUI ASSURED THE OFFICERS THAT DESPITE THESE DIFFICULTIES AND FRUSTRATIONS, THE CAREER THEY HAD CHOSEN WAS SECOND TO NONE THAT WOULD BRING MOMENTS OF GREAT PRIDE AND ENJOYMENT AS MUCH AS SATISFACTION IN CARRYING OUT AN IMPORTANT SERVICE WHICH WAS CRUCIAL TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
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1,285 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN NOVEMBER
* * * * *
A TOTAL OF 1,728 CASUALTIES WERE REPORTED IN 1,285 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT 299 OF THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 243 IN KOWLOON EAST, 414 IN KOWLOON WEST AND 329 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER SHOWED THAT 23 PEOPLE WERE KILLED, 412 PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND 1,293 SLIGHTLY INJURED IN THESE ACCIDENTS.
THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 0.47 PER CENT AND 6.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
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/9 ........
SATURDAY, DECEMBE" 14, 1991
9
SURVEY ON STUDENTS’ SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR ******
FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF MORE THAN 5,000 FIRST YEAR TERTIARY STUDENTS WERE RELEASED AT AN "AIDS AWARENb^o SLOGAN AND VIDEO COMPETITION" PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODni (SATURDAY).
THE SURVEY, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS AND THE HONG KONG TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HEALTH CARE WORKING GROUP, WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG.
ALTOGETHER 5,005 SAMPLES WERE COLLECTED FROM SIX TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS NAMELY, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE AND LINGNAN COLLEGE.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP MS LYDIA LING SAID: "WE BELIEVE THAT THE FINDINGS WILL GIVE A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE ACADEMIC YOUTH GROUP AND PROVIDE SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE PLANNINGS OF SEX EDUCATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
THE SURVEY AND THE "AIDS AWARENESS SLOGAN AND VIDEO COMPETITION" WERE ORGANISED AS PART OF THE PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN SUPPORT OF "WORLD AIDS DAY 91" AND AIMED AT PROMOTING TERTIARY SUUDENTS’ GENERAL HEALTH AWARENESS.
A TOTAL OF 23 ENTRIES FROM SIX TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WERE RECEIVED AND 10 CONTESTANTS WERE SELECTED FOR THE FINAL TODAY.
EACH OF THE 10 FINALISTS WERE PROVIDED WITH A SUBVENTED VIDEO PRODUCTION FEE OF $3,000. PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS VALUED AT ABOUT $15,000 WERE PRESENTED TO THE THREE WINNERS BY THE JUDGES COMPRISING DR LEONG CHE-HUNG, MRS LO YAN HAU-YEE AND MS BAU WAI-NGAN.
THE WINNING VIDEOS AND SLOGANS WILL BE USED FOR FUTURE AIDS AWARENESS EDUCATION.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO VIEW THE WINNING VIDEOS AT THE "SHARING THE CHALLENGE” AIDS EXHIBITION AT THE LOW BLOCK OF CITY HALL FROM JANUARY 3 TO 7 NEXT YEAR.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
- 10 -
EMPLOYMENT OFFICES TO MERGE
*****
THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) WILL MERGE ON DECEMBER 21 (SATURDAY).
FOLLOWING THE MERGER, EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICTS CAN SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM THE LES’S TSUEN. WAN OFFICE AT 67 - 69 TAI HO ROAD, GROUND FLOOR. ITS TELEPHONE NO. IS 492 0154-6.
THE LES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS.
EMPLOYERS RECRUITING STAFF CAN TELEPHONE THEIR NEAREST LES OFFICE WHERE PARTICULARS OF JOB VACANCIES ARE TRANSMITTED THROUGH A FACSIMILE SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY AT ALL THE 11 LES OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
JOB-SEEKERS ARE REQUIRED ONLY TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER WITH AN LES OFFICE. ITS STAFF WILL ASSIST THEM IN SELECTING SUITABLE JOBS AND WILL ARRANGE INTERVIEWS WITH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS.
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SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ******
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,487,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER AK400 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $102,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER CT10 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $101,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $2,000 EACH FOR BB3550, EU2972.
• ET968 FOLLOWING $ 12,000 ARE THE EU823 RESULTS $ 45,000 OF THE AUCTION: * EU228 $ 68,000 ( 4 S
AH8881 $ 40,000
BB3550 2,000 AT89 54,000 EU6789 37,000 AA3219 39,000
EU163 33,000 EU928 32,000 HK226 75,000 EU601 8,000
CN87 90,000 XX731 37,000 EU1348 WITHDRAWN CT 10 101,000
EU836 21,000 AK400 102,000 BC9 92,000 EU120 25,000
BS143 23,000 EU1668 51,000 EU190 8,000 ET8038 9,000
EU2972 2,000 CS2948 8,000 CC1118 58,000 EU1128 40,000
ABI 21 62,000 EU666 76,000 EW1199 38,000 ER999 80,000
EU4606 2,000 EU7113 5,000 EU428 6,000 ET3168 7,000
BU3999 16,000 ET8017 4,000 AP3228 57,000 EU348 21,000
?. j «
/THERE WAS .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1991
THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR EU1348 AND THIS NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 171ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $128,022,105.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
******
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
13.12.91 500
14.12.91 NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT .. 1
PUBLIC URGED TO KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN ....................... 2
KWUN TONG BENEFITS FROM DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME........ 3
RESIDENTS URGED TO HELP FIGHT CRIME .......................... 4
GOODWILL AMBASSADORS CALL ON RESIDENTS TO KEEP HK CLEAN ...... 5
PHOTO CONTEST IN TAI PO ...................................... 6
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ISLANDS ACTIVITIES .................... 6
FOUNDATION PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED .. 7
FLAG DAYS IN 1992 ............................................ 8
SAFETY REMINDER ON UNVENTED ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS ........... 11
NEW TRAINING POOL FOR CIVIL AID SERVICES ..................... 12
AREA NORTH OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND TO CLOSE TO MARINE TRAFFIC . 12
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
1
INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ♦ »♦»»»
AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 17 TO 19 TO DISCUSS SIGNIFICANT CHANGES THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, ASSESSMENT AND APPRAISAL.
THE CONFERENCE, WITH THE THEME OF "QUILL AND QUILT” MAINTAINING AND ACHIEVING QUALITY IN LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING, IS ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN.
EIGHTY-SEVEN OF THE NEARLY 400 PARTICIPANTS ARE REPRESENTATIVES FROM 17 COUNTRIES.
AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE:
* THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY IN LANGUAGE LEARNING, LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LANGUAGE USE;
* QUALITY IN SCHOOLS: THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS;
» RELATIONSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS;
» QUALITY IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC IMPERATIVES;
* LANGUAGE STANDARDS;
* KEY AREAS IN THE PURSUIT OF QUALITY, AND
» ASSESSMENT, APPRAISAL AND MONITORING.
"AS IN THE PAST SIX CONFERENCES, THE SPEAKERS INCLUDE SOME OF THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTHORITIES ON LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THEY INCLUDE THE PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, NORTHERN TERRITORY UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA, PROF FRANCES CHRISTIE; THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AT ASTON UNIVERSITY, ENGLAND, PROF NIGEL REEVES; THE DIRECTOR OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AND RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE, DR LOO SHAW CHANG; THE DIRECTOR OF HENAN TV UNIVERSITY, TIANJIN, PROF TIAN BEN-NA, AND DR BONIFACIO SIBAYAN, A NOTED FILIPINO SOCIOLINGUIST.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WILL BE OPENED ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 17), AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ON HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 8.45 AM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING AND THE PLENARY SESSIONS DURING THE THREE-DAY CONFERENCE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE ON LEVEL SIX OF THE 'CENTRE AT 8.30 AM.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
2
PUBLIC URGED TO KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN
THE HON PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG MOUNTAINEERING UNION, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED RESIDENTS TO HELP KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF ’’THE DAY OF CLEAN MOUNTAINS" AT THE LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK, SIR DAVID SAID EVERYONE COULD HELP BY SIMPLY PUTTING ALL LITTER IN THE BINS PROVIDED OR BETTER STILL,. BY TAKING THEM HOME.
’’THE DAY OF CLEAN MOUNTAINS" IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG MOUNTAINEERING UNION (HKMU), AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF COUNTRYSIDE ACTIVITIES (HKFCA) TO ACTIVATE THE LARGEST POSSIBLE AUDIENCE TO THE NEEDS FOR A BETTER PROTECTION OF THE MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG HAD SOME OF THE BEST NATURAL COUNTRYSIDE WITH OVER 40 PER CENT OF ITS LAND DESIGNATED AS COUNTRY PARKS.
"THESE HILLY AREAS FORM A SCENIC BACKDROP TO THE URBAN AREAS AND PROVIDE A MAJOR SOURCE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ENJOYMENT," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT EVERY YEAR OVER NINE MILLION PEOPLE VISITED THE PARKS AND SOME 4,000 TONNES OF LITTER WERE LEFT BEHIND.
"THOUGH THE MAIN BULK OF LITTER IS COLLECTED FROM BINS PROVIDED IN THE PARK, THERE IS STILL LITTER LEFT ON THE GROUND IN BARBECUE, PICNIC OR CAMPING SITES, ALONG FOOTPATHS AND EVEN ON STEEP SLOPES," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID COMMENDED THE HKMU AND THE HKFCA FOR MOBILISING THEIR MEMBERS TO HELP CLEAN UP THE MOUNTAINS ON THIS DAY OF CLEAN MOUNTAINS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT 16 HIKING AND MOUNTAINEERING GROUPS HAD ENROLLED IN THE "HIKING LITTER WARDEN SCHEME" AND HAD ASSISTED ON MANY OCCASIONS TO CLEAN UP THE MOUNTAINS AND TO ADVISE OTHER VISITORS TO KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR FRANK LAU.
AT TODAY’S FUNCTION, MORE THAN 80 MEMBERS OF THE HKMU AND THE HKFCA CONDUCTED CLEAN-UP AT THE LION ROCK AND THE KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARKS.
SIR DAVID AND MR LAU ALSO LED A TEAM OF 15 PROFESSIONAL ROCK CLIMBERS TO CLEAN UP THE SUMMIT AND STEEP SLOPES OF AMAH ROCK WHERE ACCESSIBILITY IS POSSIBLE ONLY FOR THE EXPERIENCED MOUNTAINEERS.
ON THE COMING FOUR SUNDAYS, MEMBERS OF THE TWO BODIES WILL CONTINUE THEIR CLEANING EXPEDITIONS IN COUNTRYSIDE THROUGHOUT HONG KONG /
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/3 .....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
3
KWUN TONG BENEFITS FROM *
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME * * ♦ * *
THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN KWUN TONG HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN 1981, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, SAID TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
"AND IT WAS THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF T.HE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN THE DISTRICT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED," HE ADDED.
MR WONG SAID THIS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A VARIETY SHOW ON THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE CELEBRATION PROGRAMME OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
HE NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH KWUN TONG WAS ALREADY WELL DEVELOPED IN THE EARLY EIGHTIES, THERE WERE STILL PROBLEMS PUZZLING LOCAL RESIDENTS.
"THESE INCLUDED ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON REAR LANES, TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND SHABBY HOUSING ESTATES.
"HOWEVER, WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN RESOLVED," MR WONG SAID.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON REAR LANES IN THE DISTRICT’S INDUSTRIAL AREA WERE CLEARED IN AN OPERATION IN 1983.
"TRAFFIC CONDITION IN THE DISTRICT HAVE ALSO IMPROVED FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IN 1989 AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN THE AREA.
"MOST OF THE OLDER HOUSING ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT HAD BEEN REDEVELOPED WITH IMPROVED LIVING CONDITIONS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY," HE SAID.
MR WONG ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME BY ACTIVELY TAKING PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
MORE THAN 1,000 RESIDENTS ATTENDED THE VARIETY SHOW WHICH WAS PRODUCED BY AND BROADCAST LIVE ON ATV.
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S 15 AREA COMMITTEES. A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN HELD IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S VARIETY SHOW WERE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CELEBRATION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR MAU KEI-ON.
/4 ........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15,
1991
RESIDENTS URGED TO HELP FIGHT CRIME ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN COMBATTING CRIME AND IN MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER IN THE TERRITORY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOURTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (SDFCC), MR CHAN YAU-YUE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR CHAN MADE THE REMARK DURING AN ANTI-CRIME PUBLICITY BUS PARADE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
HE SAID RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF TROUBLE AND SHOULD DISCHARGE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY BY PREVENTING, REPORTING AND PROVING CRIME WITHOUT HESITATION, AS IS CALLED FOR IN THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN.
"BY DOING SO, RESIDENTS CAN HELP THE POLICE CLAMP DOWN ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, AND THEY THEMSELVES ARE SET TO BENEFIT FROM THIS," HE ADDED.
IN THIS REGARD, MR CHAN SAID THE DISTRICT’S MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MAC) WERE TAKING THE LEAD AS INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THEM HAD PROVED A TREMENDOUS HELP TO THE POLICE IN TRACKING DOWN CRIMINALS 1 IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
SDFCC MEMBERS RECENTLY VISITED THESE RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH THEM ON RESIDENTS’ CONCERN OVER LAW AND ORDER AND OBTAINED INFORMATION ON THE LOCAL SITUATION.
ECHOING MR CHAN’S VIEWS, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE, PRAISED THE SDFCC’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN PROMOTING CO-OPERATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE POLICE.
SHE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD ALL ALONG BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO GET ACROSS THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE THROUGH VARIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
SO FAR THIS YEAR THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED A JUVENILE DELIQUENCY SEMINAR IN A FAMILY DAY CAMP, A PRIMARY STUDENTS’ COLOURING CONTEST, VISITS TO MAC’S AND TODAY’S BUS PARADE.
MRS URE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT ALL THESE ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN WELL-RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS.
MORE OF SUCH ACTIVITIES WERE IN THE PIPE-LINE, SHE SAID.
THESE INCLUDE A MAJOR CRIME PREVENTION PUBLICITY DRIVE IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD AND A LARGE-SCALE CARNIVAL IN FEBRUARY.
/MRS URE ........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
- 5 -
MRS URE ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE POLICE, ESPECIALLY THE WESTERN POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE, FOR THEIR UNFAILING SUPPORT IN MAKING THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS.
SDFCC’S MEMBERS, TOGETHER WITH MEMBERS OF THE WESTERN JUNIOR POLICE CALL, TOOK TO THE STREETS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DISTRICT TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF A LEAFLET ESPECIALLY PRODUCED FOR THE OCCASION AND OTHER PUBLICITY ITEMS DURING THE PARADE.
--------0-----------
GOODWILL AMBASSADORS CALL ON RESIDENTS TO KEEP HK CLEAN
******
"KEEP CLEAN AMBASSADORS” FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY (SUNDAY) TOURED THE DISTRICT TO URGE RESIDENTS TO TAKE THE LEAD IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
IN A PUBLICITY BUS TOUR ORGANISED BY THE DB’S WORKING GROUP ON THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE AMBASSADORS, TRAVELLING ON TWO DOUBLE-DECKER OPEN-TOP BUSES, TOOK TURNS TO REMIND RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE DISTRICT CLEAN.
ONE OF THE AMBASSADORS, THE WORKING GROUP’S CHAIRMAN MISS VIVIAN CHIH, SAID AS CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS, RESIDENTS SHOULD MAKE "PITCHING-IN" THEIR HABIT.
HER COLLEAGUE, DB MEMBER MR IP KWOK-HIM REMINDED "LITTER BUGS" THAT THEIR UNCIVILISED ACTS WERE PUNISHABLE BY HEAVY FINES AND IMPRISONMENT.
ANOTHER AMBASSADOR, CENTRAL AND WESTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER MISS MARY TSANG, CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT THE DB’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN SO THAT THEY WOULD HAVE A CLEANER AND BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
NOTING THAT THE DISTRICT HAD BECOME MUCH CLEANER SINCE THE TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN STARTED 19 YEARS AGO, URBAN COUNCILLOR MR CHAN TAK-CHOR ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS TO KEEP UP THEIR GOOD EFFORTS.
APART FROM THE APPEALS, THE AMBASSADORS ALSO DISTRIBUTED ASSORTED PUBLICITY ITEMS DURING THE TOUR.
THE PUBLICITY TEAM, WHICH ALSO INCLUDED THE HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE CENTRAL AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT, MESSRS S.W. SHUM AND K.C. LIU, AND STAFF FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TOURED CENTRAL, MID-LEVELS, SHEUNG WAN AND KENNEDY TOWN.
MEMBERS OF VARIOUS AREA COMMITTEES ALSO JOINED IN THE PUBLICITY DRIVE AT DIFFERENT STAGES.
/6.........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
6 PHOTO CONTEST IN TAT PO * * * * *
PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A CONTEST IN TAI PO WHICH IS AIMED AT PROMOTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT.
ORGANISED BY THE THIRD TAI PO FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE CONTEST FOCUSES ON THE SCENERY AND ANCIENT MONUMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE 3R COLOUR PRINTS, EACH ACCOMPANIED BY AN ENTRY FORM AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION.
THERE WILL BE ONE '’GOLD" PRIZE, THREE "SILVER” PRIZES AND 10 "BRONZE” PRIZES. WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT COUPONS WORTH BETWEEN $200 AND $1,000.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE EXHIBITED OR USED FOR PRODUCING PUBLICITY MATERIALS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, AND AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING IN TING KOK ROAD.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY IS JANUARY 24. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 661 4010.
--------0-----------
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ISLANDS ACTIVITIES *****
ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT CAN NOW APPLY FOR DISTRICT RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY 1992/93.
YOUTH CENTRES IN THE ISLANDS BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE CULTURAL, ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THAT ACTIVITIES FINANCED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD SHOULD MAKING, SHOULD NOT
GIVE UNDUE CREDIT OR PUBLICITY
TODAY (SUNDAY)
BE NON-PROFIT
TO
PARTICULAR
SH0ULD N0T INCUR ANY RECURRENT EXPENSES TO BE BORNE BY THE GO v IsKNMEN 1 •
A
HE REMINDED APPLICANTS TO OBSERVE THE SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS EARLY.
VARIOUS
DEADLINES AND
THE DEADLINE FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF APPLICATIONS ARE:
* SPORTS, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FEBRUARY 1 1992
ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES
HELE BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE NEXT YEAR
/* SPORTS, CULTURAL......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
* SPORTS, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL APRIL 1, 1992
ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ACTIVITIES HELD BETWEEN JULY, 1992 AND MARCH, 1993
* DRAGON BOAT ACTIVITIES IN 1992 FEBRUARY 1, 1992
* LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES IN 1993 APRIL 1, 1992
THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE VETTED BY EITHER THE CULTURAL, RI CREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OR THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 4325.
---------0-----------
FOUNDATION PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED »*»»»*
A TOTAL OF $12.5 MILLION WAS GRANTED BY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED (QEF) FOR THE ORGANISATION OF 46 PROJECTS BENEFITTING THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1988.
THE FOUNDATION WAS ESTABLISHED WITH THE PURPOSE OF FURTHERING THE WELFARE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, AND PROMOTING THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS.
THE SOURCES OF FINANCE OF THE FOUNDATION COME FROM THE NET PROFIT OF $30 MILLION FROM THE SALE OF GOLD COINS TO COMMEMORATE THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO HONG KONG IN 1986 AND OTHER DONATIONS.
"THE COUNCIL MAKES USE OF THE FOUNDATION’S INCOME AND ASSETS TO CARRY OUT THE AIM OF THE FOUNDATION AND TO DETERMINE AND PERFORM ALL MATTERS IN THIS REGARD," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL OF THE QEF SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"IN CONSIDERING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, STRONG EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON PROJECTS PROVIDING JOB TRAINING FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS OR PROMOTING THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
AMONG ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE RECEIVED GRANTS FROM THE COUNCIL ARE THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, YANG MEMORIAL METHODIST SOCIAL SERVICE AND ST JAMES SETTLEMENT.
/THE PROJECTS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
8 -
THE PROJECTS INCLUDE AN INDEPENDENT LIVING
PROGRAMME
DESIGNED
TO PROVIDE A SYSTEMATIC AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME
_ . FILM
FOR
MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS AND THE PRODUCTION OF AIMS AT PROMOTING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR
VIDEO
THE WHICH
MENTALLY
HANDICAPPED
A
PERSONS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE VIDEO BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE QEF FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, MR JOHN BUDGE, TO THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, AND A TOUR OF THE DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE OF THE YANG MEMORIAL METHODIST SOCIAL SERVICE WHERE THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMME IS CARRIED OUT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE YANG MEMORIAL METHODIST SOCIAL SERVICE, 54 WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON AT 2.45 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
--------0-----------
FLAG DAYS IN 1992 *****
A TOTAL OF 44 ORGANISATIONS WILL HOLD FLAG DAYS TO RAISE FUNDS ON SATURDAYS NEXT YEAR, STARTING FROM JANUARY 4, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 576 5922 OR ITS HOTLINE 343 2255 IN CASE OF ANY DOUBTS ABOUT ANY PARTICULAR WELFARE ORGANISATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ALSO CALLED ON FLAG DAY ORGANISERS TO ADOPT PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.
THEY SHOULD ALSO EXERCISE GREATER EFFORT IN MONITORING THEIR FLAG SELLING ACTIVITIES, HE ADDED.
THE ORGANISERS ARE ADVISED TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES WHERE THEY ARE EXPECTED TO SELL THE FLAGS, THE TIME FOR THEIR SELLING AND THE COLLECTION POINTS WHERE THE INDIVIDUALLY-NUMBERED BAGS SHOULD BE RETURNED.
"FLAG DAY ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS OF FLAGS OR COLLECTION BAGS AND SHOULD SEEK THEIR ASSISTANCE WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND," HE SAID.
/THE ORGANISATIONS .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
9
THE ORGANISATIONS HOLDING FLAG DAYS IN 1992 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE AGENCY
JANUARY 4 CHAI WAN BAPTIST CHURCH
11 YAN 01 TONG
18 OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL, LTD (MARYKNOLL MEDICAL AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION)
25 YAN CHAI HOSPITAL
FEBRUARY 1 CHESHIRE HOME, HONG KONG
8 HK WORKERS’ HEALTH CENTRE LTD
15 ASSOCIATION FOR ENGINEERING AND MEDICAL VOLUNTEER SERVICES
22 LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, KOWLOON
29 POK 01 HOSPITAL
MARCH 7 HK ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND
14 JUNK BAY MEDICAL RELIEF COUNCIL (HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL)
21 ALICE HO MIU LING NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL
28 HK COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES
APRIL 11 NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION
• 25 BREAKTHROUGH LTD
MAY 2 TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS
9 HK PHAB ASSOCIATION
16 CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE
23 COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG
30 HK SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
JUNE 6 HK ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
’ 20 ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION LTD
27 CHINESE RHENISH CHURCH - HK SYNOD
/JULY .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
- 10 1 "
JULY 4 HK CHILDHEALTH FOUNDATION
11 METHODIST CHURCH, HK (METHODIST EPWORTH VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE)
18 ARTS WITH DISABLED ASSOCIATION, HK
25 HK TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION (THE RUTTONJEE HOSPITAL)
AUGUST 1 OXFAM
8 HK AIDS FOUNDATION LTD
SEPTEMBER 5 SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND
19 PO LEUNG KUK
26 NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE ACTION COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3 HK SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
10 SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED
17 MONG KOK KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION
24 HK FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH
31 BOYS’ & GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION
NOVEMBER 7 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
14 SALVATION ARMY
21 YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF HK
28 HK OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
DECEMBER 5 STEWARDS’ COMPANY (HK) LTD
12 SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN (DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN HOSPITAL)
19 1 HK PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION 0
/Il
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
- 11 -
SAFETY REMINDER ON UNVENTED ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATERS, IN PARTICULAR, THE UNVENTED ONES, SHOULD BE PROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED BY QUALIFIED PLUMBERS OR ELECTRICAL WORKERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SAID: "ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATERS ARE COMMONLY USED IN HONG KONG. THEY CAN BE BROADLY DIVIDED INTO TWO TYPES -- VENTED AND UNVENTED."
"TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST THE DANGER OF EXCESSIVE STEAM ACCUMULATING IN THE STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATERS, THUS POSING A RISK OF EXPLOSION, IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE WATER HEATERS SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SUITABLE MEANS TO RELEASE THE STEAM WHEN REQUIRED.
"AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO PREVENT STEAM ACCUMULATION IS TO INSTALL AN OPEN VENT," HE EXPLAINED.
PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, ONLY VENTED WATER HEATERS WERE PERMITTED TO BE INSTALLED. FOLLOWING AN AMENDMENT TO THE WATERWORKS REGULATIONS IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, PERMISSION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE INSTALLATION OF UNVENTED WATER HEATERS WITH STORAGE CAPACITY NOT EXCEEDING 200 LITRES, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
"THESE UNVENTED WATER HEATERS SHOULD BE FITTED WITH SPECIFIC SAFETY DEVICES OF APPROVED STANDARDS IN ORDER TO PREVENT STEAM PRESSURE FROM BUILDING UP INSIDE THE WATER HEATERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO ENSURE THAT INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS ARE PROPERLY COMPLIED WITH, INSTALLATION OF UNVENTED ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY LICENSED PLUMBERS OR ELECTRICAL WORKERS WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING," HE ADDED.
A LIST OF LICENSED PLUMBERS AND ELECTRICAL WORKERS WITH SPECIFIC TRAINING ARE AVAILABLE AT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S. SEVEN CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRES FOR INSPECTION.
CONSUMERS CAN ALSO OBTAIN COPIES OF AN INFORMATION LEAFLET ON INSTALLATION OF UNVENTED WATER HEATERS FROM THESE CENTRES.
"FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY INSTALLED UNVENTED ELECTRIC STORAGE TYPE WATER HEATERS, WE ADVISE THEM TO EMPLOY A QUALIFIED PERSON TO CHECK WHETHER THEIR WATER HEATERS COMPLY WITH SAFETY REQUIREMENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO CARRY OUT MAINTENANCE CHECKS ON THEIR WATER HEATERS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR," HE ADDED.
- - 0-------
/12 ........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1991
- 12 -
NEW TRAINING POOL FOR CIVIL AID SERVICES
*****
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL CONSTRUCT A TRAINING SWIMMING POOL IN ITS TAI TAN TRAINING CAMP IN SAI KUNG NORTH, THANKS TO A. DONATION OF $5.66 MILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB,
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AID SERVICES SAID THE SWIMMING POOL WOULD BE AN INVALUABLE TRAINING FACILITY FOR WATER SPORTS AS IT ALLOWED THE INSTRUCTOR TO KEEP A CLASS ORGANISED AND TO FOLLOW INDIVIDUAL LEARNER’S PROGRESS CLOSELY.
THE SWIMMING POOL, MEASURING 25 METRE BY 12.5 METRE AND WITH A DEPTH FROM ONE TO TWO METRE, WILL PROVIDE A SAFE AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT FOR SWIMMING TUITION.
THE POOL WILL ALSO ENABLE THE TEACHING OF BASIC SKILLS OF WATER ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CANOEING, LIFE-SAVING AND SNORKEL-DIVING BEFORE THE LEARNERS PRACTISE IN THE OPEN SEA.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE POOL HAS STARTED SINCE THE END OF LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER) AND WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE JUNE NEXT YEAR.
--------0-----------
AREA NORTH OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND TO CLOSE TO MARINE TRAFFIC
*******
MASTERS AND COXSWAINS ARE REMINDED THAT THE WATER AREA THE NORTH OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND THE BACKUP AREA CONTAINER TERMINAL 7 WILL BE CLOSED TO MARINE TRAFFIC (MONDAY) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
OF KWAI
BETWEEN CHUNG
FROM TOMORROW
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, A TEMPORARY PROHIBITED • BE ESTABLISHED OFF WESTERN KOWLOON TO FACILITATE ACCESSING THE SHAM SHUI PO AREA.
ANCHORAGE WILL
MARINE TRAFFIC
• A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THESE ARRANGEMENTS WERE NECESSARY TO FACILITATE MARINE WORK ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
DETAILS OF THE CLOSURE OF THE AREA AND THE TEMPORARY PROHIBITED ANCHORAGE WERE GIVEN IN MARINE DEPARTMENT NOTICE NO. 200 AND NOTICE TO MARINERS NO. 115(T) ISSUED ON DECEMBER 4 THIS YEAR.*
COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE GENERAL REGISTRY OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ON THE 21ST FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1991 RELEASED ................................................................ 1
AMS PRAISED FOR UPHOLDING TRADITION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE............... 2
TENDER FOR TSING MA BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION CLOSES ........................ 3
SWAC VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON WELFARE POLICIES CHANGES ................. 5
PLANNING OF STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME UNDERWAY ................. 6
TURKISH REPUBLIC COMPLETES COTTON DUMPING INVESTIGATION ............... 7
LEGCO TO DEBATE MOTION ON ORGANISED CRIME WHITE BILL .................. 7
PAC HEARING ON THURSDAY ............................................... 8
TWO NOMINATIONS FOR SHA TIN DB BY-ELECTION ............................ 9
THIRD FARMERS' FESTIVAL AND TAI LUNG FARM OPEN DAY .................... 9
STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS VISIT FSD .................................. 11
INLAND REVENUE DEPT ON MOVE ........................................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................................................. 12
WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION ............................................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 13
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
STATISTICS FOR AUGUST
OCTOBER 1991 RELEASED
» * * * *
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OR AUGUST - OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS 2.0%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.6%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WAS 1.9%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.6%.
THE MARGINAL DECREASE IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN RECENT MONTHS INDICATED THAT CONDITIONS IN THE LABOUR MARKET HAD TIGHTENED UP SLIGHTLY. MEANWHILE, THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS 2.0%, COMPARED WITH 2.3% FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY THIS YEAR AND 1.5% FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASE OF 0.3 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, THAT IS, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO RATES IS NOT ONLY DUE TO SAMPLING FLUCTUATIONS.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN AUGUST - OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS ESTIMATED AT 54,900, COMPARED WITH 65,100 IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY THIS YEAR AND 41,900 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS 1.6%, COMPARED WITH 1.5% FOR MAY - JULY THIS YEAR AND 1.0% FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE OF 0.1 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 ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS IN AUGUST -OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS 44,400, COMPARED WITH 40,800 IN THE THREE MONTHS' ENDING JULY THIS YEAR AND 26,600 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
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
2
AS THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (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 TN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER THIS YEAR COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,700 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AROUND DECEMBER 20 AT $13.50 PER COPY.
--------0-----------
AMS PRAISED FOR UPHOLDING TRADITION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE *******
THE GOVERNMENT’S INVESTMENT OF $50 MILLION IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND FITTING OUT OF THE NEW AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IS A VERY VISIBLE DEMONSTRATION TO BOTH THE VOLUNTEERS AND TO THE PUBLIC OF THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO THE SERVICE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE AMS HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN HO MAN TIN, SIR DAVID SAID THE AMS WERE. A FIRST RATE EXAMPLE OF HONG KONG’S STRONG TRADITION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE.
"THIS IS A TRADITION WHICH IS HIGHLY PRIZED BY THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"FOR OVER 40 YEARS THE AMS HAS PROVIDED HIGHLY VALUABLE SUPPORT TO THE REGULAR HEALTH SERVICES," HE SAID.
THAT THE AMS NOW HAD OVER 4,000 VOLUNTEERS SHOWED THE STRENGTH OF THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY, SIR DAVID ADDED.
/"IT SHOWS .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
”IT SHOWS TOO THE WILLINGNESS OF SO MANY COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS TO HELP THEIR STAFF TAKE PART IN THESE VERY WORTHWHILE ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
TASKS CARRIED OUT BY THE AMS RANGED FROM PROVIDING ROUND-THE-CLOCK MEDICAL CARE AT SEVEN CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TO MANNING 25 METHADONE CLINICS; FROM LIFE GUARD DUTIES TO AMBULANCE SERVICES; AND FROM PROVIDING HELP DURING NATURAL DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES TO GIVING TRAINING IN MEDICAL CARE.
THE GOVERNOR PRAISED AMS VOLUNTEERS AND FULL-TIME STAFF FOR RESPONDING WITH ENTHUSIASM TO THOSE TASKS AND THE MANY OTHER CALLS MADE ON THEM.
"THIS NEW HEADQUARTERS WILL HELP THE AMS TO FULFIL ITS TASKS EVEN MORE EFFICIENTLY AND TO GROW TO MEET NEW DEMANDS.
"IT PROVIDES THE MODERN OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AND TRAINING FACILITIES NEEDED TO RUN AND DEVELOP THE SERVICE," HE SAID.
IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS, THE COMMISSIONER OF AMS, DR S.H. LEE, SAID THE AVAILABILITY OF FACILITIES IN THIS CENTRALLY-LOCATED BUILDING SYMBOLISED A STRONG OPERATIONAL BASE FOR AMS.
"IT ALSO REPRESENTS THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TOWARDS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND PREVENTION IN PRESERVING THE GENERAL WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG CITIZENS," DR LEE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
TENDER FOR TSING MA BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION CLOSES
*****
ALL FOUR CONSORTIA PREQUALIFIED FOR BUILDING THE TSING MA BRIDGE, THE MAIN BRIDGE IN THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT, HAD SUBMITTED TENDERS BY THE TIME TENDERS CLOSED TODAY (MONDAY).
ANNOUNCING THIS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONSORTIA HAD ALSO- INCLUDED IN THEIR SUBMISSIONS PROPOSALS ON FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL EVALUATE THE BIDS, AND A DECISION ON SELECTION IS EXPECTED TO BE MADE IN ABOUT FIVE MONTHS.
"THE CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED AROUND MID-1992. CONSTRUCTION WILL COMMENCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WITH THE AIM OF COMPLETING THE PROJECT BY THE TIME THE NEW AIRPORT OPENS CHEK LAP KOK," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IS A KEY ELEMENT OF THE EXTENSIVE TRANSPORT NETWORK DESIGNED TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT. IT WILL LINK THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY IN THE WEST AND WITH THE TSING YI SECTION OF ROUTE THREE IN THE EAST.
/THE PROJECT
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
THE PROJECT INCLUDES TWO SUSPENSION BRIDGES, THE TSING MA AND KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGES WHICH WILL BE LINKED BY A VIADUCT OVER MA WAN ISLAND.
THE TSING MA BRIDGE, CROSSING THE CHANNEL BETWEEN TSING YI AND MA WAN, WILL HAVE A MAIN SPAN 1,377-METRE LONG, AND IS 2,167-METRE LONG OVERALL. IT WILL BE ONE OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGES.
THE BRIDGE WILL HAVE SIX TRAFFIC LANES ON ITS UPPER DECK. THE LOWER DECK WILL CARRY TWO SHELTERED TRAFFIC LANES FOR EMERGENCY USE AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
TENDERS FOR BUILDING THE OTHER BRIDGE, KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE, AND THE MA WAN VIADUCT, WERE INVITED ON NOVEMBER 5. THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF THESE TENDERS IS JUNE 4, 1992.
THE FOUR CONSORTIA WHICH HAVE BEEN PREQUALIFIED FOR TENDERING THE TSING MA BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION ARE:
(1) ANGLO JAPANESE CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE
- DORMAN LONG OVERSEAS LIMITED (JOINT VENTURE LEADER)
- COSTAIN CIVIL ENGINEERING LIMITED
- MITSUI & CO. LIMITED
(2) HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM
- BOUYGUES SA
- DRAGAGES ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS (JOINT VENTURE LEADER)
- HOCHTIEF AG
- LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LIMITED
- KIER HONG KONG LIMITED
- FRANKI KIER LIMITED
- AMERICAN BRIDGE COMPANY
- IMPREGILO SPA
- SHUI ON CIVIL CONTRACTORS LIMITED
- CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION
(3) HYUNDAI ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO. LIMITED
(4) LFC INTERNATIONAL
- NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION (JOINT VENTURE LEADER)
- KOBE STEEL LIMITED
- MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LIMITED
- NKK CORPORATION
- NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION CO. LIMITED
- KUMAGAI GUMI CO. LIMITED
---------0----------
/5.........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
- 5
SWAC VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON WELFARE POLICIES CHANGES *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) WILL BE CONSULTED ON ANY SPECIFIC SAVINGS MEASURES THAT MIGHT INVOLVE REVISIONS TO THE POLICIES IMPLICIT IN THE "WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990'S AND BEYOND".
BRIEFING THE COMMITTEE AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY), MR M.D. CARTLAND, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, SAID: "FOR THE TIME BEING, HOWEVER, THE POSITION REGARDING 1993/94 AND 1994/95 REMAINS RELATIVELY FLUID AND THE ADVICE OF SWAC WILL BE SOUGHT NEARER THE TIME AS TO THE PRIORITIES IN DETERMINING THE PRECISE AREAS IN WHICH FURTHER SAVINGS MIGHT BE IDENTIFIED FOR THOSE TWO YEARS."
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING, A GROUP OF NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS’ REPRESENTATIVES ADDRESSED MEMBERS ON THEIR CONCERNS ON THE PROPOSED SOCIAL WELFARE EXPENDITURE SAVINGS MEASURES BETWEEN 1992/93 AND 1994/95.
MR CARTLAND EXPLAINED AT THE MEETING THAT HAD THERE BEEN POLICY CHANGES INVOLVED IT WOULD HAD BEEN NECESSARY TO CONSULT SWAC AND INDEED, THIS WOULD BE DONE FOR SOME OF THE ITEMS BEING CONSIDERED FOR SUBSEQUENT YEARS.
CITING AN EXAMPLE, MR CARTLAND SAID A PROPOSAL TO REDUCE THE GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME HAD POLICY IMPLICATIONS AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF SWAC AND THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, BOTH OF WHICH WOULD BE SOUGHT IN DUE COURSE.
AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION, MEMBERS GENERALLY AGREED THAT SWAC WAS NOT ASKING TO EXEMPT FROM THE SAVING EXERCISE BUT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THERE SHOULD NOT BE CUT IN THE SERVICES.
THEY RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS SHOULD GET TOGETHER TO IDENTIFY SAVINGS TAKING INTO WHAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) PROPOSED AS THE BASE.
MEMBERS ALL HELD THE VIEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW OF PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICE AND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE WHO RECEIVE THESE SERVICES.
SWAC MEMBERS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ALERTED TO THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER PROPOSALS, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE SWAC INTO CONFIDENCE FOR ANY POLICIES CHANGES IN FUTURE.
SPEAKING TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AFTER THE MEETING, PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW, SWAC CHAIRMAN, POINTED OUT THAT SWAC WOULD SUPPORT SWD AND GOVERNMENT AS A WHOLE IN FINDING VALUE FOR MONEY AND TRY TO EXPLAIN TO THE PUBLIC ON THIS ISSUE.
/ON THE .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
6
ON THE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON MEASURES TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME, MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD WOULD BE CLOSED AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
REVEALING THE INITIAL FINDINGS OF THIS EXERCISE, MR ANTHONY CHAN WAI-KWAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, SAID SO FAR THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED 15 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS FROM DISTRICT BOARDS, EDUCATION BODIES, WELFARE AND WOMEN ORGANISATIONS.
MR CHAN SAID THAT THE MAJORITY OF SUBMISSIONS HELD THE VIEW THAT EXISTING CHILD CARE FACILITIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES SHOULD BE INCREASED; MUTUAL HELP GROUPS WERE EFFECTIVE MEASURES AND PUBLIC EDUCATION SHOULD BE AN IMPORTANT MEASURE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
"THE INITIAL FINDINGS ALSO INDICATED THAT OUT OF THESE SUBMISSIONS, THREE SUPPORTED THE OPTION OF LEGISLATION. MOST OF THE VIEWS DO NOT CONSIDER SPECIFIC LEGISLATION SHOULD BE INTROUDCED TO PROHIBIT PARENTS FROM LEAVING THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME," MR CHAN NOTED.
---------0-----------
PLANNING OF STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME UNDERWAY
* * * * »
THE PLANNING OF AN AMBITIOUS STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME WHICH WILL COST MORE THAN $16 BILLION AT 1991 PRICES IS UNDERWAY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ENVIRONMENTAL HYDRAULICS, MR BARNES SAID THE SCHEME AIMED TO UPGRADE THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABATING WATER POLLUTION.
"THIS IS A SCHEME WHICH BELIEVES A SAFE ENVIRONMENT CAN BEST BE ACHIEVED BY COMBINING LAND BASED SEWAGE TREATMENT WITH THE NATURAL SELF-PURIFICATION CAPABILITIES OF THE OCEAN," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID GIVEN THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR WATERS AND GETTING THE BEST VALUE FROM SUCH AN ENORMOUS INVESTMENT, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GET THE SCHEME RIGHT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDED TO OVERCOME THE WORST EFFECTS OF FLOODING WITH A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR LAND DRAINAGE AND FLOOD CONTROL.
"AND IN THE VERY CORE OF OUR CITY, WE HAVE MASSIVE PROGRAMMES OF DREDGING AND RECLAMATION SO THAT WE CAN RECLAIM MORE LAND FROM THE SEA,’’ HE SAID.
"ALL THESE PROGRAMMES, UNPARALLELLED FOR A SOCIETY OF THIS SIZE, AIMED AT ENSURING THAT HONG KONG REMAINS A VIBRANT ENTREPOT; CONTINUES TO GROW AS A MAJOR CENTRE FOR FINANCE, COMMUNICATION AND TOURISM; AND EQUALLY IMPORTANT, THAT WE MAKE OUR CITY A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK," HE ADDED.
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/7.........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
7
TURKISH REPUBLIC COMPLETES COTTON DUMPING INVESTIGATION *»*»*-
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE UNDERSECRETARIAT FOR THE TREASURY AND FOREIGN TRADE OF THE TURKISH REPUBLIC HAS COMPLETED ITS INVESTIGATION AND DECIDED THAT NO ANTI-DUMPING DUTY SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON IMPORTS OF WOVEN FABRIC OF COTTON (CONTAINING 85 PER CENT OR MORE BY WEIGHT OF COTTON) ORIGINATING FROM HONG KONG.
"WE WELCOME THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES’ DECISION," MR ALAN LAI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"WE HAVE YET TO RECEIVE THE TURKISH OFFICIAL GAZETTE ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION. WE ARE ALWAYS CONVINCED THAT GIVEN HONG KONG’S OPEN ECONOMY AND THE SMALL SIZE OF HONG KONG COMPANIES, IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW A HONG KONG COMPANY COULD DUMP."
THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES INITIATED THE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDING AGAINST HONG KONG ON DECEMBER 12 LAST YEAR. ABOUT 10 HONG KONG COMPANIES WERE INVOLVED IN THE PROCEEDING.
A TURKISH INVESTIGATION TEAM VISITED HONG KONG IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND CONDUCTED ON-SITE INVESTIGATION IN RESPECT OF TWO LOCAL . DENIM MANUFACTURERS.
THROUGHOUT THE PROCEEDING, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WAS IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS CONCERNED AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INVESTIGATION TO PROVE THEIR INNOCENCE.
STAFF OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN BRUSSELS HAVD TRAVELLED TO ANKARA TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS CASE.
"WE ARE PLEASED THAT THE EFFORTS OF BOTH THE INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT HAVE BORNE FRUIT IN THE PRESENT CASE," MR LAI SAID.
-----0------
LEGCO TO DEBATE MOTION ON ORGANISED CRIME WHITE BILL
*****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 16 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18).
THE THREE BILLS, TO BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, ARE THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND THE CRIMES (TORTURE) BILL.
DEBATES ON THEM WILL BE ADJOURNED.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE.
/THE SECRETARY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
8 -
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE AND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, AND THE SECRETARY .FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE.
THE HON RITA FAN WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE WHITE BILL ON ORGANISED CRIME.
THE MOTION READS: "THAT THIS COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE ADMINISTRATION IN ITS EFFORTS TO COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME AND URGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE INTO CAREFUL CONSIDERATION THE VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC ON THE WHITE BILL ON ORGANISED CRIME PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 9, 1991, AND TO ENSURE THAT ITS FINAL PROPOSALS FOR LEGISLATION TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF BILL OF RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS SO THAT THE LEGISLATION ACHIEVES MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS".
ALSO, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT WILL RAISE UNDER STANDING ORDER 9(5) THE MATTER OF "MEASURES TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME" FOR ADJOURNMENT DEBATE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY TELEPHONING 869 9492.
- - 0----------
PAC HEARING ON THURSDAY *****
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 19) ON THE SECTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT’S PLANNING AND FINANCIAL CONTROL ON BUILDING THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (HKUST).
THE REPORT WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 20. THE RELEVANT PARAGRAPHS ARE 13.1-13.20.
THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, STARTING AT 10 AM.
APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE REPORT WILL BE THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT OF THE HKUST, PROFESSOR CHIA-WEI WOO; PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS OF THE HKUST, MR I.F.C. MACPHERSON; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (RHKJC), MAJOR GENERAL GUY WATKINS; SECRETARY OF THE RHKJC, MR NEIL SUTHERLAND; AND THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE PUBLIC HEARING ARE ADVISED TO BRING WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT.
---------0 - -
/9 ........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
- 9 -
TWO NOMINATIONS FOR SHA TIN DB BY-ELECTION
**#♦**
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS RECEIVED TWO NOMINATIONS FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION TODAY (MONDAY) - THE FIRST DAY OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD.
NOMINATIONS WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 30 (MONDAY).
FOLLOWING ARE PERSONAL DETAILS OF THE TWO CANDIDATES:
NAME SEX AGE OCCUPATION CONTACT TEL. NO
CHAU WAI-CHU F 35 PRIVATE TUTOR 691 2303
CHEUNG WING-FAI M 33 TEACHER 649 6196
THIRD FARMERS’ FESTIVAL AND TAI LUNG FARM OPEN DAY ******
THE THIRD FARMERS’ FESTIVAL, FEATURING AN EXHIBITION OF NEW FARMING TECHNOLOGY AND THE SALE OF HIGH QUALITY LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE, WILL BE HELD FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY (DECEMBER 19 TO 22) AT TAI LUNG FARM IN SHEUNG SHUI.
THIS IS ALSO THE SECOND TIME THAT TAI LUNG FARM, AN EXPERIMENTAL FARM RUN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
THE FARMERS’ FESTIVAL IS AN ANNUAL FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES, LIMITED.
THE SENIOR CROP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF AFD, MS VERA SO, WHO IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CO-ORDINATORS OF THE PROJECT, SAID TODAY (MONDAY): "THE FESTIVAL PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL FARMERS TO GET TOGETHER TO RENEW FRIENDSHIP AND TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE ON FARMING.
"IT ALSO OFFERS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LIVE IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS, A GOOD CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL FARMING AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY."
FOR THE FIRST TIME THE FARMERS’ FESTIVAL WILL BE PARTICIPATED BY THE FARMING COMMUNITY FROM CHINA AND TAIWAN. ON DISPLAY WILL BE SPECIAL BREEDING STOCK FROM TAIWAN, FISH FEED AND MARICULTURE EQUIPMENTS FROM CHINA AND TAIWAN AS WELL AS VETERINARY PRODUCT AND VACCINE FROM THE TWO PLACES AND HONG KONG.
/DURING THE .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
- 10 -
DURING THE FESTIVAL THERE WILL ALSO BE DEMONSTRATIONS OF MODERN LOCAL FARMING TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS THE PIG-ON-LITTER METHOD FOR PIG RAISING; NEW POULTRY HUSBANDRY METHODS; AND MODERN GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION METHODS INCLUDING MASS SEEDLING PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES, SOILESS CULTURE, HYDROPONIC AND DRIP IRRIGATION METHODS.
THIS YEAR’S NEW ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE A LARGE-SCALE FLOWER SHOW, AN EXHIBITION OF PEARL PHEASANT AND ORNAMENTAL FISH, DEMONSTRATION ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT, DETECTION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE ON VEGETABLE PRODUCE AND PREPARATION OF INSECT SPECIMENS.
ON SALE WILL BE A GREAT VARIETY OF HIGH-QUALITY LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES. IN ADDITION TO LAST YEAR'S POPULAR DRESSED CHICKEN, NEW ITEMS SUCH AS ROASTED PIG, PIGEON, POTTED FLOWERS AND SASHIMI WILL ALSO BE ON SALE THIS YEAR.
THE TAI LUNG FARM ITSELF ALSO OFFERS A NUMBER OF INTERESTING ITEMS TO VISITORS. THEY INCLUDE:
A ROSE GARDEN WHERE OVER 40 SPECIES OF ROSES, INCLUDING VERY RARE ONES, ARE CULTIVATED;
AN INSECT MUSEUM WITH A COLLECTION OF OVER 1,100 SPECIES;
AN ORCHARD WITH ITS RICH COLLECTION OF FRUIT TREES PLUS DEMONSTRATIONS ON GRAFTING TECHNIQUES;
A DISPLAY OF FARMING MACHINERY AND IRRIGATION SYSTEMS;
A MUSHROOM LABORATORY; AND
A PLANT PROTECTION LABORATORY.
THE THIRD FARMERS’ FESTIVAL WILL BE OPENED AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY. OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE AN OMELCO MEMBER, MR ANDREW WONG; THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES, LTD, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI.
THE FESTIVAL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 1 PM ON THURSDAY AND WILL CLOSE AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY. IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM DAILY ON THE OTHER DAYS.
MS SO SAID THE FESTIVAL HAD PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AND HAD ATTRACTED A LARGE NUMBER OF VISITORS IN THE PREVIOUS YEARS. SHE URGED VISITORS TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GO TO THE VENUE AS THERE ARE INADEQUATE PARKING FACILITIES AT TAI LUNG FARM.
/MEMBERS OF .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
11 -
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM THE URBAN AREAS CAN TAKE KMB ROUTE 77K OR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 18 FROM THE KCR SHEUNG SHUI STATION. VISITORS FROM WEST NEW TERRITORIES . CAN ALSO TAKE BUSES AND MINIBUSES ON THE SAME ROUTES FROM YUEN LONG TO SHEUNG SHUI.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
TO FACILITATE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE THIRD FARMERS’ FESTIVAL AND TAI LUNG FARM OPEN DAY, A PRESS TOUR OF THE FARM WHICH IS IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE ORGANISED ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18) MORNING.
TRANSPORT TAKING REPORTERS TO THE VENUE WILL LEAVE AFD HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 9.30 AM. YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO JOIN THE TOUR. STAFF OF AFD’S INFORMATION UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
YOU ARE ALSO INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD FARMERS’ FESTIVAL ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 19) AT 11 AM IN THE TAI LUNG FARM.
TRANSPORT PROVIDED FOR REPORTERS WILL LEAVE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 9.45 AM ON THURSDAY.
-----0-----
STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS VISIT FSD
******
THREE NEW MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THEY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S GENERAL DISCIPLINED SERVICES SUB-COMMITTEE, MR RONALD ARCULLI, AND TWO MEMBERS MR YEUNG KA-SING AND MR POON CHIN-HUNG.
THE VISITORS WERE MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN.
AFTER ATTENDING A BRIEFING ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK, THE MEMBERS VISITED VARIOUS DIVISIONS IN THE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING INCLUDING THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE, THE AMBULANCE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU AND THE RECRUITMENT CENTRE.
THEY ALSO TOURED THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION WHERE THEY WATCHED A DEMONSTRATION ON THE OPERATION OF VARIOUS KINDS OF RESCUE EQUIPMENT.
TO CONCLUDE THE TOUR, THE VISITORS BOARDED A FIRE BOAT AND WERE BRIEFED ON ITS SPECIAL FEATURES AND OPERATION.
-----0 - -
/12 ........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
12 INLAND REVENUE DEPT ON MOVE *****
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IS MOVING FROM ITS PRESENT PREMISES AT WINDSOR HOUSE TO WANCHAI TOWER 3 DURING THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 14 (SATURDAY) TO UNTIL DECEMBER 29 (SUNDAY).
WANCHAI TOWER 3 IS LOCATED AT 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, ADJOINING THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ON SALARIES TAX, THE RELOCATION DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FILE NO. PREFIX WINDSOR HOUSE RELOCATION DATE NEW LOCATION IN WANCHAI TOWER 3
2A 9/F DECEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY) 27/F
2C 11/F DECEMBER 20 (FRIDAY) 25/F
2D 12/F DECEMBER 18 (WEDNESDAY) 24/F
2E 13/F DECEMBER 21 (SATURDAY) 23/F
2F 14/F DECEMBER 27 (FRIDAY) 22/F
2G 27/F DECEMBER 19 (THURSDAY) 21/F
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SECTIONS HANDLING SALARIES TAX FILES WITH NUMBER PREFIX 2B AND 2H WILL OPERATE FROM THE NEW OFFICES ON THE 26TH FLOOR AND 20TH FLOOR RESPECTIVELY STARTING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 594 0888.
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 34.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 203.198 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 217.582 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 37.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0 -
/13 .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991 .
13 WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION * * * *
SUPPLY OF FRESH WATER TO SOME PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAINS CONNECTION WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY BAILEY STREET, SUNG CHI STREET, HOK YUEN STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD, INCLUDING MAN YUE STREET, MAN LOK STREET AND NOS. 21-37 TAI WAN ROAD.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THE SAME DAY (WEDNESDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.
IT WILL AFFECT FAT TSEUNG STREET, CHEUNG FAT STREET AND PO ON ROAD, INCLUDING SO UK ESTATE.
ALSO ON WEDNESDAY FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN QUARRY BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE NORTHERN SIDE OF TAIKOO SHING, THE VERTICAL SECTION OF TAIKOO. SHING ROAD, KORNHILL ROAD UP TO ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD, HONG YUE STREET, QUARRY BAY STREET, KING’S ROAD, PAN HOI STREET AND WESTLANDS ROAD, INCLUDING TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD, PAK FUK ROAD, PO LUEN PATH, BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, HAU YUEN PATH, WAI TSUI CRESCENT, CLOUD VIEW ROAD AND YEE KING ROAD IN THE HIGH LEVEL AREA IN NORTH POINT.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 14.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 16.12.91 + 74
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -74
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON + 100*
* LATE O/N ASSISTANCE, TO BE REVERSED ON 17.12.91
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.3 *-0.1* 16.12.91
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1991
14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.82 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.66 5.40
1 MONTH 4.14 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.06 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.14 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.66 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 3,485 MILLION, BONDS 94 MILLION
CLOSED 16 DECEMBER 1991
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ISSUES CRUCIAL TO EDUCATIONAL QUALITY BEING ADDRESSED ................. 1
GOVT ADOPTS NEW APPROACH IN PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ................ 2
THREE LOTS OF LAND FETCH $1,807 MILLION ............................... 4
CONSULTATION ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED DUE TO EXPIRE .................................................................. 5
272 VOLUNTARY RETURNEES BACK TO VIETNAM ............................... 5
GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS PRESENTATION ...................................... 6
USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DURING HOLIDAYS .................................. 7
NOVEMBER ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION FIGURE RELEASED ................. 8
FIREMEN PRAISED FOR FIGHTING TV CITY FIRE ............................. 15
FRESH WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI ........................................ 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ..................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 17
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
ISSUES CRUCIAL TO EDUCATIONAL QUALITY BEING ADDRESSED
*******
HONG KONG IS ADDRESSING A SET OF ISSUES RELATING TO LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION CRUCIAL TO ACHIEVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF EDUCATIONAL QUALITY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, MR CHAN SAID THE POLICY WAS TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO ADOPT CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION BUT TO LEAVE IT TO INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL AUTHORITIES TO DECIDE WHETHER THEIR MEDIUM SHOULD BE ENGLISH OR CHINESE.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE USE OF THE SO-CALLED "MIXED-CODE" IN SCHOOLS SHOULD BE REDUCED IN FAVOUR OF CLEAR AND CONSISTENT USE IN EACH CLASS OF CHINESE OR ENGLISH IN RESPECT OF TEACHING, TEXTBOOKS AND EXAMINATIONS.
"WE ARE TAKING THE VIEW THAT EACH STUDENT SHOULD BE EDUCATED IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE MEDIUM WHICH WILL ENABLE EFFECTIVE COGNITIVE ANO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT TO TAKE PLACE," HE STRESSED.
MR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE TEACHING OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH AS SUBJECTS SHOULD DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE USE OF CHINESE OR ENGLISH AS MEDIUMS OF INSTRUCTION, AND THAT THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ASSISTED TO SWITCH FROM CHINESE TO ENGLISH AS MEDIUMS OF INSTRUCTION, AT VARIOUS STAGES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
THE ASSISTANCE, HE SAID, WOULD INCLUDE VARIOUS KINDS OF "BRIDGING” AND INTENSIVE COURSES, AND OTHER FORMS OF LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENT.
EARLIER, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, SAID ALTHOUGH THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES WERE VERY DIFFERENT, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THEY BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER IN THE PARTICULAR HONG KONG MILIEU, AND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRICULUM AS A WHOLE.
"INDEED, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONVINCED THAT IF HONG KONG IS TO CONTINUE TO RETAIN ITS POSITION AS A LEADING INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF FINANCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY, BILINGUALISM IS ESSENTIAL," HE STRESSED.
MR LI WELCOMED THE MANY DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS AND PARTICIPANTS FROM OVERSEAS, AND GUESTS FROM THE WORLD OF DIPLOMACY AND COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WHO ATTENDED THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THERE ARE NEARLY 400 PARTICIPANTS AT THE THREE-DAY CONFERENCE AND PLENARY SESSIONS, WITH MORE THAN 100 OF THEM HONG KONG TEACHERS.
AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED DURING THE PLENARY SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS WILL BE :
* THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY IN LANGUAGE I,EARNING, LANGUAGE
TEACHING AND LANGUAGE USE;
/* QUALITY IN .........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
2
* QUALITY IN SCHOOLS: THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS;
* RELATIONSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS;
* QUALITY IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC IMPERATIVES;
* LANGUAGE STANDARDS;
* KEY AREAS IN THE PURSUIT OF QUALITY; AND
» ASSESSMENT, APPRAISAL AND MONITORING.
"AS IN THE PAST SIX CONFERENCES, THE SPEAKERS INCLUDE SOME OF THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTHORITIES ON LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THEY INCLUDE THE PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, NORTHERN TERRITORY UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA, PROF FRANCES CHRISTIE; THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AT ASTON UNIVERSITY, ENGLAND, PROF NIGEL REEVES; THE DIRECTOR OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AND RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE, DR LOO SHAW CHANG; THE DIRECTOR OF HENAN TV UNIVERSITY, TIANJIN, PROF TIAN BENNA; AND DR BONIFACIO SIBAYAN, A NOTED FILIPINO SOCIOLINGUIST.
---------0 - -
GOVT ADOPTS NEW
APPROACH IN * * *
PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED A NEW APPROACH IN THE DELIVERY OF PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION SERVICES TO HELP PATIENTS LIVE AND FUNCTION AS A USEFUL MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CONFERENCE ON "PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION: THE ASIAN EXPERIENCE" TODAY (TUESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID-COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND SELF-AWARENESS WERE KEY FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO A SUCCESSFUL PSYCHIATRIC PROGRAMME.
"IN HOHG KONG, SINCE 1985, PUBLIC EDUCATION ON REHABILITATION HAS BEEN GIVEN A MAJOR STATUS IN THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS OF THE GOVERNMENT.
"A KEY AIM OF OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS," MRS WONG SAID.
"THIS TASK, THOUGH DIFFICULT, IS IMPORTANT AND WE CONTINUE TO WORK ON THIS WITH A VIEW TO REMOVING ANY MISCONCEPTION ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS AND TO INCULCATE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR PERSONS SO AFFLICTED," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG SAID THE CLIENT’S OWN AWARENESS OF THE ILLNESS AND READINESS TO SEEK PSYCHIATRIC HELP WAS ANOTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR.
/"EARLY RECOGNITION .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 3 -
"EARLY RECOGNITION OF THE SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS, PARTICULARLY BY FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE PATIENTS, IS IMPORTANT FOR EARLY TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF THE ONSET OF RESIDUAL DISABILITY,” SHE SAID.
ON SERVICE NETWORK, THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE WAS REORGANISED IN 1990.
INSTEAD OF FACILITY-BASED, THE SERVICE IS NOW TEAM-BASED.
"THE EXECUTIVE ARM CONSISTS OF CONSULTANT-LED MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAMS EACH PROVIDING SIMILAR SCOPE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING HOSPITAL BEDS IN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS, PSYCHIATRIC SUPPORT TO GENERAL HOSPITALS, DISTRICT-BASED PSYCHIATRIC OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND DAY HOSPITALS, AS WELL AS A TEAM OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSES.
"PATIENTS ARE MANAGED BY THE SAME TEAM OF STAFF REGARDLESS OF THEIR DESTINATION. THIS HAS ENHANCED BETTER CONTINUITY OF CARE THROUGH BETTER CO-ORDINATED MULTI-DISCIPLINARY EFFORTS," MRS WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO „ THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO SUB-SPECIALTIES, NAMELY, PSYCHOGERIATRICS AND COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRY, BOTH OF WHICH WERE HEAVILY REHABILITATION ORIENTED.
TO IMPROVE THE PATIENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DATA BASE FOR INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS CONTAINING RELEVANT INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR MENTAL ILLNESS.
SUCH INFORMATION SYSTEM WOULD LINK UP THE EXISTING INFORMATION SYSTEM IN SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS, THE SECRETARY SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO WORKING TO PROMOTE MUTUAL COMMUNICATION WITH AND EARLY PARTICIPATION OF THE WELFARE SERVICE PROVIDERS BY INVITING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS OF COMMUNITY WORK AND AFTERCARE UNITS OF THE MAJOR HOSPITALS.
"THE AIM IS TO EFFECT BETTER ASSESSMENT AND DEVISE
WELL-TAILORED AND COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION PLANS FOR THE PATIENTS.
"THE EXACT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE DECIDED ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCE GAINED," MRS WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON "INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY : A UNITED EFFORT" IN 1977, MANY SERVICES HAD BEEN SET UP OR IMPROVED.
"IN RETROSPECT, HOWEVER, WHILE SUCH SERVICES MIGHT CONTRIBUTED TO THE WELL-BEING OF DISABLED PERSONS, FEW OF APPEAR TO HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THE CONCEPT OF INTEGRATION PROMULGATED IN THE WHITE PAPER.
HAVE THEM AS
/"FOR EXAMPLE.........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
"FOR EXAMPLE, MENTALLY ILL PERSONS ARE NEITHER UNDERSTOOD NOR FOR THE MOST PART ACCENTED BY THE MANY IN THE COMMUNITY," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE SAID THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF GOVERNMENT, CONCERNED NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND MEMBERS OF VARIOUS PROFESSIONS IN THIS FIELD WERE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN THE REHABILITATION OF MENTALLY ILL PERSONS.
SHE ADDED THAT A WORKING PARTY SET UP IN JANUARY THIS YEAR TO REVIEW POLICIES AND SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED PERSONS WOULD BE RELEASING EARLY NEXT YEAR A GREEN PAPER SETTING OUT PROPOSALS FOR THE WAY FORWARD.
- - 0 - -
THREE LOTS OF LAND FETCH $1,807 MILLION ******
THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON BY THE BUILDINGS AND >LANDS DEPARTMENT WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $1,807 MILLION.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED OFF TAT CHEE AVENUE, AREA TWO,' YAU TAT TSUEN IN KOWLOON, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,470 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
IT WAS BOUGHT BY WARHOL CO. LTD. AT $705 MILLION AFTER BIDDING OPENED AT $600 MILLION.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,470 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1994.
THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED AT KING’S.PARK RISE, KOWLOON, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,417 SQUARE METRES. IT IS ALSO FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
BIDDING OPENED AT $750 MILLION AND IT WAS BOUGHT BY SUPREME RIGHT LTD., FURTHER GOOD DEVELOPMENT LTD. AND PYTHON CO. LTD. AT $900 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 19,251 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE THIRD LOT IS LOCATED ON YIP KAN STREET, WONG CHUK HANG, HONG KONG.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,172 SQUARE METRES IT IS EARMARKED FOR A MULTI-STOREY LORRY PARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING .PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, PETROL FILLING STATION, GODOWN AND HOTEL) PURPOSES.
/IT WAS
• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 5 -
♦
IT WAS BOUGHT BY LEE MAY INVESTMENTS LTD. AT $202 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $100 MILLION.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 46,000 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE AUCTION WAS HELD IN CITY HALL THEATRE AND WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR LEUNG LOK-YIU.
» .. - . , • - *•
------o--------
CONSULTATION ON MEASURES AGAINST LEAVING
CHILDREN UNATTENDED DUE TO EXPIRE
*****
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS ON MEASURES TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME BEFORE A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE EXPIRES BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
"VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE ISSUE SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT FOLLOWING A SPATE OF FATAL ACCIDENTS ■
INVOLVING CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT THEIR HOMES, THERE HAD BEEN WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE ISSUE.
"THE RECURRENCE OF SUCH MISHAPS HAS PROMPTED CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT UNATTENDED,” THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE WAS, THEREFORE, LAUNCHED FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR TO INVITE VIEWS AND OPINIONS ON HOW TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, HE ADDED.
SO FAR ABOUT 45 SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
---------0---------
272 VOLUNTARY RETURNEES BACK TO VIETNAM *****
A GROUP OF 272 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 97 MEN, 61 WOMEN, 60 BOYS AND 54 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 82ND BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 7,403 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 13,722 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0----------
/6 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
6
GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS PRESENTATION
*****
THE STORY OF THE SUCCESSFUL ARREST BY -TWO CITIZENS OF A BANK ROBBER GIVES FURTHER PROOF THAT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC ISf OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
DESPATCH RIDER MR LEE KAM-WAH AND TAXI DRIVER MR TAM SUI-SUM WERE PRESENTED WITH THE GOOD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY AND RESOURCEFULNESS IN SUBDUING A BANK ROBBER IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
ON OCTOBER 30, 1990, MR LEE, WITNESSING A BANK ROBBERY IN KOWLOON CITY ROAD, TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO FOLLOW THE CULPRIT WHO HAD BOARDED MR TAM’S TAXI.
AT A STOP BEFORE A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT, MR LEE MANAGED TO INFORM
MR TAM OF THE IDENTITY OF HIS PASSENGER. THE TWO OF THEM THEN
JOINTLY GUARDED THE MAN UNTIL THE ARRIVAL OF THE POLICE.
AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION CEREMONY, 46 INDIVIDUALS WERE ALSO
HONOURED WITH THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR
CONTRIBUTION IN THE PREVENTION OR DETECTION OF CRIME.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, COMMENDED THE GOOD CITIZENS FOR HAVING DEMONSTRATED : THE VERY IMPORTANT ROLE A CITIZEN COULD PLAY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
"THE OVERALL CRIME RATE IN HONG KONG IS LOW WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER MAJOR WESTERN CITIES. THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED THAT IT SHOULD REMAIN SO," MR STRACHAN SAID.
NOTING THAT THE OVERALL CRIME FIGURES THIS YEAR WERE LOWER THAN THOSE IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR, MR STRACHAN SAID THE CRIME DETECTION RATE WAS CONSISTENTLY ABOVE 40 PER CENT.
TO TACKLE ARMED ROBBERIES AND CAR THEFT, THE POLICE HAD CARRIED OUT A SERIES OF SUCCESSFUL LARGE-SCALE OPERATIONS WHICH HAD RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF ARRESTS AND SEIZURES, HE SAID.
ON LEGISLATION AGAINST CRIME, MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT THE ORGANISED CRIME BILL WHICH WAS PUBLISHED THIS AUGUST HAD ATTRACTED COMMENTS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
"WE ARE NOW EXAMINING THE COMMENTS RECEIVED WITH A VIEW TO AMENDING THE BILL FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
JOINTLY ADMINISTERED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME AND THE GOOD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD SCHEME WERE INTRODUCED IN 1973 AND 1984 RESPECTIVELY TO GIVE RECOGNITION TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE RENDERED POSITIVE ASSISTANCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
INCLUSIVE OF THE 48 GOOD CITIZENS HONOURED TODAY, A TOTAL OF 2,205 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN PRESENTED THE AWARDS SO FAR.
/OF THE ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 7
OF THE AWARDEES TODAY, THERE ARE FIVE WOMEN AND THREE EXPATRIATES. THE ELDEST IS A 69-YEAR-OLD MAN AND THE YOUNGEST A 16-YEAR-OLD STUDENT. ;
THE AWARDEES ARE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, INCLUDING DRIVER, WORKER, HAWKER, SECURITY GUARD, MANAGER, PILOT, SHOP PROPRIETOR, STUDENT AND HOUSEWIFE.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR 6f THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, BRIGADIER IAN CHRISTIE; AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF POLICE, INSPECTION SERVICES, MR JOHN CLEMENCE.
---------0-----------
USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DURING HOLIDAYS *****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHEN THEY GO TO VIEW FESTIVE LIGHTINGS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
NOTING THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS WOULD BE GATHERING AT THE CENTRES OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTINGS IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR CHRIS WAN, SAID USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT WOULD HELP EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THESE PLACES.
’’PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT MOST PEOPLE GO THERE ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND THAT TSIM SHA TSUI HAS BY FAR THE BIGGEST CROWDS.
"FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY, I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE GOING WITH OLD PEOPLE AND CHILDREN, TO EXERCISE CARE AND RESTRAINT IN CONGESTED AREAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE,” HE SAID.
MR WAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT MOST DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS WOULD BE DISPLAYED FOR A LONG TIME, SO THEY NEED NOT GO TO SEE THE LIGHTINGS ALL ON THE SAME DAY.
"ONE CAN ENJOY THEM MORE LEISURELY ON OTHER DAYS," HE SAID.
MR WAN POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE ATTRACTIONS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL, CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, SUCH AS SHOWS AND CARNIVALS, WOULD ALSO BE ORGANISED IN OTHER DISTRICTS.
"THOSE INTERESTED CAN APPROACH THEIR LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICES FOR DETAILS," HE ADDED.
- - 0-----------
/8.........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 8 -
NOVEMBER 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 NOVEMBER, OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY.
THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY TIME CONSUMING AND AS A RESULT THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS IN NOVEMBER:
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE RECORD OF FINES($) OFFENCE COURT
l.TSUEN FAT ROASTED GREENERY PLAZA, TAI PO 1.6.90 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1,500 1ST SHA TIN
2.SHANGRI-LA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS (PACIFIC PLACE LTD) SUPREME COURT RD, QUEENSWAY 1.6.90 TO 28.2.90 APCO . »• 2,000 1ST EASTERN
3.STONE POLE LTD HENNESSY RD, WAN CHAI 15.6.90 TO 15.1.91 APCO 3,000 1ST EASTERN
4.TSUEN WAN PROPERTIES LTD WING SHUN ST, TSUEN WAN 1.8.90 TO 1.9.90 APCO . »» 1,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
5.BLOOMCHEER LTD LOCKHART RD, WAN CHAI 30.8.90 TO 15. 10.90 APCO . »» 1,000 2ND EASTERN
6.UNIVERSAL OPTICAL IND LTD HOI BUN RD, KWUN TONG 1.9.90 TO 6.9.90 APCO • 1,000 1ST KWUN TONG
7.HONG KONG LIU YUAN LTD ELECTRIC RD, NORTH POINT 11.10.90 TO 15.11.90 APCO • •• 2,000 1ST EASTERN
/8. LUCULLUS .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
9 -
8.LUCULLUS FOOD & WINES CO LTD WANG KWONG DEC 90 RD, KOWLOON BAY APCO 1 ” 800 1ST KWUN TONG
9.BROADWAY FINTTEX FTY LTD CANTON RD, KOWLOON 19.12.90 APCO : 5,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND TSUEN WAN
10.LEE CHUN TRADING CO WING YIP ST KWAI CHUNG 1.2.91 TO 1.3.91 APCO : 2,500 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1ST i*
11.KUT VAN MODY RD, 20.2.91 APCO : 1,000 1ST SOUTH
DEVELOPMENT LTD TSIM SHA TSUI TO 8.3.91 UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES KOWLOON *
12.CONTAI ENGINEERING CO LTD KAI HING RD, KOWLOON BAY 10.4.91 DASO : 5,000 PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL TOGETHER WITH FLOATABLE MATERIAL AT SEA NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITIONS 3RD EASTERN •
13.KROHN INVESTMENT LIMITED NGAU TAU KOK RD, NGAU TAU KOK 25.4.91 NCO : 6,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 2ND KWUN TONG
14.GOLDEN SHELL INVESTMENT LTD SUN ON ST, TUEN MUN 6.5.91 APCO : 1,000 FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 1ST
15.GAMMON CONSTRUCTION LIMITED SHAN KWONG RD, HAPPY VALLEY 12.5.91 NCO : 4,000 CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT 1ST EASTERN
/16. SIN WAI- .........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 10 -
16.SIN WAI-KE UNG , BENSON SHAN KWONG 12.5.91 RD, HAPPY VALLEY NCO :~ " 4,000 . 1ST tt
17.TSANG KAI-SUM WHITTY ST, SHEK TONG TSUI 21.5.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 2,000 1ST A WESTERN
18.SHAW BROTHERS (HK) LTD CLEARWATER BAY SAI KUNG 15.5.91 WPCO : 70,000 DISCHARGING POLLUTING MATTER INTO WATERS OF HONG KONG IN PORT SHELTER WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST KWUN TONG t 4
19.HONG KONG SANATORIUM AND HOSPITAL LTD VILLAGE RD, HAPPY VALLEY 22.5.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 1ST EASTERN
20.SHAW BROTHERS (HK) LTD • CLEARWATER BAY, SAI KUNG 24.5.91 WPCO : 140,000 DISCHARGING POLLUTING MATTER INTO WATERS OF HONG KONG IN PORT SHELTER WATER CONTROL ZONE 2ND KWUN TONG
21.EVERBRILLIANT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (LOADING OPERATION COMPANY) TAK KU LING RD, KOWLOON CITY 26.6.91 DASO : PERMIT LOADING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL FOR DUMPING AT SEA SOUTH OF NINEPIN GROUP WITHOUT LICENCE 3,000 1ST EASTERN
22.FU LUEN NAPPING & ROLLING FTY TIN HAU RD, TSUEN WAN 10.7.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,000 2ND TUEN MUN
23.HERAEUS LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 11.7.91 APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR 1,000 1ST KWUN TONG
POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL)
/24. WINGS .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
11
24.WINGS TEXACO RD, 15.7.91 APCO : 2,000 1ST TSUEN
PRINTING FTY TSUEN WAN TO 29.7.91 FAILURE TO FURNISH THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO THE’ AUTHORITY WAN
25.WANG FUNG WASHING & DYEING FTY FUI YIU KOK ST, TSUEN WAN 17.7.91 APCO : 2,500 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND TSUEN WAN
26.WONG WAN-YU, HOP HING BEAN CURD FACTORY TSAT SING KONG, PAT HEUNG 17.7.91 WPCO : 5,000 DISCHARGING POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE WATERS OF HONG KONG IN DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING
27.METTLESOME COMPANY LIMITED LAI CHI KOK RD, SHAM SHUI PO 18.7.91 NCO : 5,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
28.TRUE SUCCESS INDUSTRIAL LTD NATHAN RD, KOWLOON 19.7.91 APCO : 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST
29.MCDONALD ’ S RESTAURANT (HONG KONG) LIMITED QUEEN'S RD WEST, SHEK TONG TSUI 25.7.91 NCO : 2,000 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 1ST WESTERN
30.GOLDLUX INVESTMENT LIMITED TSUI FUNG ST, SAN PO KONG 25.7.91 NCO : ” 5,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
31.GOOD COMPANION DYEING & WASHING FTY LTD TAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 26.7.91 APCO : 4,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2ND KWUN TONG
32.FANTA CONSTRUCTION CO LTD (DUMPING OPERATION COMPANY) v WAI CHING ST, KOWLOON 31.7.91 DASO : 5,000 PERMIT DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA SOUTHWEST OF NINEPIN GROUP WITHOUT LICENCE 6TH EASTERN
/AND........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
12
AND
TAI DAY TRANSPORTAT- WAI CHING ST, 31.7.91 DASO : PERMIT LOADING 5,000 1ST EASTERN
ION (LOADING OPERATION COMPANY) KOWLOON OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL FOR DUMPING AT SEA SOUTHWEST OF NINEPIN GROUP WITHOUT LICENCE • •
AND
MR TAO HING-KWONG (TUG BOAT MASTER) WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE ABERDEEN 31.7.91 ♦ DASO : ” 5,000 1ST EASTERN ►
AND
MR LEUNG KOON-YAU (BARGE OPERATOR) HING WAH ESTATE, CHAI WAN 31.7.91 DASO : " 5,000 3RD M
AND
MR LAI ON (LOADING JETTY PERSON-IN-CHARGE ) WAI CHING ST, KOWLOON 31.7.91 DASO : " 5,000 1ST H
33.GOLDEN HARVEST DYEING & WEAVING FTY LTD WAI YIP ST KWUN TONG 6.8.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 3RD KWUN TONG
34.CHINA HARBOURS ENGINEERING CO CONNAUGHT RD WEST, SHEUNG WAN 7.8.91 APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 2,000 1ST NORTH KOWLOON
35.HANDY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD CONNAUGHT RD WEST, SHEK TONG TSUI 19.8.91 NCO : PERMIT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 2,000 1ST WESTERN
/36. TSOI .........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 13 -
36.TSOI WAI- CONNAUGHT 19.8.91 NCO : PERMIT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 2,000 1ST WESTERN
MING RD WEST, SHEK TONG TSUI
37.WING SHING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY w 19.8.91 NCO : ” • 2,000 1ST tt
38.WAN KWOK-BUN it 19.8.91 NCO : " 2,000 1ST it
39.FRANKI KIER LIMITED KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA, KENNEDY TOWN 19.8.91 NCO : CARRY OUT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 2,000 1ST it F
40.WONG SUN it 19.8.91 • NCO : PERMIT PERCUSSIVE PILING NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS IN A PERMIT 2,000 1ST It
41.YUE YI STEAM LAUNDRY FTY SAN SHAN RD, TO KWA WAN 20.8.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 8,000 2ND SAN PO KONG
42.FRAGRANT CITY RESTAURANT LTD CHEUNG SHA WAN RD, SHAM SHUI PO 30.8.91 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
43.TUNG FAT SEA FOOD • COMPANY LTD LEI CHI RD, AP LEI CHAU 30.8.91 NCO : " 2,000 1ST WESTERN
44.SUNFOONG DYEING & BLEACHING FTY «-4* * KUNG YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 13.9.91 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 6,500 3RD TSUEN WAN
/451 HERAEUS .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 14 -
45.HERAEUS LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 13.9.91 APCO : ” 12,000 6TH KWUN TONG i
46.GOLDEN SHELL INVESTMENT LTD SUN ON ST, TUEN MUN 4.10.91 • APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 1,000 2ND TUEN MUN
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
ON THE PROVISION OF NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE RELATING TO CARRYING OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A PERMIT, ONE PERSON WAS PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE AND FINED $1,000.
IN CASES RELATING TO DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975, SIX OUT OF THE SEVEN CONVICTED PARTIES WERE SENTENCED WITH THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000.
CASE 12 INVOLVED FLOATING REFUSE GENERATED FROM THE MARINE DUMPING OPERATION AND THE LICENSEE (CONTAI ENGINEERING CO LTD) WAS FINED $5,000.
IN CASE 32, APART FROM THE COMPANY AND THE OPERATORS RESPONSIBLE FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING OPERATION, 'THE LOADING OPERATION COMPANY AND THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE BARGE LOADING WERE ALSO FINED $5,000 EACH FOR LOADING EXCAVATED MATERIALS FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
• ENQUIRIES ON A SPECIFIC CASE CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE RESPECTIVE PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS :
APCO MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL NO. 810 2907
NCO MR STEVEN HO TEL NO. 810 2886
DASO MR EDDIE LUI TEL NO. 782 7280
WPCO CASES 18,20 DR DANIEL LAU TEL NO. 782 7282
WPCO CASE 26 MR MURRY LUO TEL NO. 835 1184
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD CONTINUE BE DIRECTED TO EPD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION.
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/15........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 15 -
FIREMEN PRAISED FOR FIGHTING TV CITY FIRE
*****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RECEIVED PRAISE AND APPRECIATION FROM SHAW BROTHERS AND TELEVISION BROADCAST (TVB) FOR PUTTING OUT A NO. 5 ALARM FIRE IN TELEVISION CITY LAST (NOVEMBER) MONTH.
THE DIRECTOR OF SHAW BROTHERS, MISS MONA FONG, AND THE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OF TVB, MR HO TING-KWAN, VISITED THE TSEUNG KWAN O FIRE STATION TO THANK THE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION, PARTICULARLY THOSE FROM TSEUNG KWAN O FIRE STATION WHO ATTENDED THE FIRE SCENE FIRST.
ON BEHALF OF THE TWO COMPANIES, MR HO PRESENTED A SILVER PLATE TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR CHEUNG SHU-SHING.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR HO SAID WITHOUT THE OFFICERS’ EFFORTS AND EFFECTIVE OPERATION, THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE.
THE FIRE BROKE OUT AT 2.34 AM ON NOVEMBER 16 (SATURDAY).
WAS UPGRADED TO NO. 3 ALARM 15 MINUTES LATER AND WAS FURTHEn UPGRADED TO NO. 4 ALARM AT 3.37 AM AND NO. 5 ALARM AT 5.20 AM.
TWO TIN-SHEETED STRUCTURES USED AS PROP STORES AT THE TV CITY WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED.
DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE FIRE, A TOTAL OF 130 FIREMEN WERE DEPLOYED. SEVENTEEN JETS AND SIX BREATHING APPARATUS TEAMS WERE MOBILISED TO FIGHT THE BLAZE WHICH WAS PUT OUT AT 8.50 AM.
--------0-----------
FRESH WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY. TO SOME PREMISES IN SHEUNG SHUI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 19) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HANG TAU ROAD AND FAN KAM ROAD INCLUDING KWU TUNG TIN SUM, HANG TAU, HANG TAU TAI PO, TSIU KENG, TONG KUNG LENG, CHEUNG LEK AND KWU TUNG MARKET.
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/16 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS
*****"
TENDER DATE 17 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER QI51
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,532 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.21 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.24 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 27 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.28 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 23 DECEMBER 1991 -
TENDER DATE 24 DEC 91 24 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q152 H180
ISSUE DATE 27 DEC 91 27 DEC 91
MATURITY DATE 25 MAR 92 24 JUN 92
TENOR 89 DAYS* 180 DAYS*
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HKS200 + 60 MN
* REPEAT 89 DAYS 180 DAYS
--------0-----------
/17........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1991
- 17 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 16.12.91 600
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 17.12.91 -160
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +60
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON +200*
* LATE O/N ASSISTANCE
TO BE REVERSED ON 18.12.91
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.2 *-0.1* 17.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 1 MONTH 3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS 4.24 PCT 4.39 PCT 4.26 PCT 4.27 PCT 4.72 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.65 5.40
TURNOVER - BILLS 4,735 MN, BONDS 10 MN
CLOSED 17 DECEMBER 1991 ---------------------------------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: WHITE BILL REPRESENTS A CONCERTED APPROACH TO TACKLE ORGANISED CRIME 1 PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT TRIADS 'REAL AND VALID' ........................... 3
COMMUNITY HOLDS DIFFERENT VIEWS AND APPROACHES TO UNATTENDED CHILDREN ............................................................. 5
BILL RECOGNISES CITY POLYTECHNIC LAW QUALIFICATIONS ................ 6
PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED ..... 6
CRIMES (TORTURE) BILL INTRODUCED.................................... 7
MOTION ON NEW TELEPHONE SERVICES PASSED ............................ 9
GIBRALTAR ADDED TO DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDER ... 10
PROVISIONS EXTENDED TO TACKLE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS PROBLEM .......... 11
INFORMATION PROVIDED TO FACILITATE SCRUTINY OF LEGISLATION ......... 12
REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS COVERS ALSO FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION SYSTEM ..................................................... 13
EXTRADITION ARRANGEMENTS WITH CHINA EXPLAINED ...................... 13
NEW LEGISLATION ON LAND DRAINAGE TO TACKLE SILTING PROBLEM ......... 14
SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY TO BE STUDIED ................ 15
NO PLANS FOR LEGISLATION ON EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN .................... 16
PROMPT ACTION AGAINST NON-OCCUPANCY OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS ........ 17
POLICE DEPLOYMENT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW ............................. 17
SERIOUSNESS OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS PUBLICISED .......... 18
CONSUMERS ASSURED OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AT REASONABLE COST ......... 19
TERTIARY PLACES SET TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND OF ECONOMY ............... 20
FLUSHING WATER MAINS BURST EXPLAINED ............................... 21
MEASURES BY UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF TEACHING 22 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ENSURE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 23 NO AGREEMENTS GOVERNING EXTRADITION BETWEEN HK AND CHINA ........... 24
STATISTICS ON DEGREE COURSES ENTRANCE APPLICATIONS ................. 25
/THREE-HOUR .......
THREE-HOUR MOTION DEBATE ON ORGANISED CRIME WHITE BILL ............... 26
GOVERNOR SEES NEW FARMING TECHNOLOGY ................................... 27
LADY WILSON OPENS HK SHOWCASE .......................................... 28
EXCO ENDORSED CONCEPT OF SUBSCRIPTION TV ............................... 28
JOINT HK-GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP MEETING .— 29
GOVT STATEMENT ON NIM WAN INCIDENT ..................................... 30
NEW TSUEN WAN POLICE DISTRICT HQS AND STATION OPENS .................... 30
CAPO INVESTIGATION COMPLETED ........................................... 31
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR MEDICAL GAS STUDY ................................. 32
ONE MORE NOMINATION FOR DB BY-ELECTION ................................. 33
ENJOY CHRISTMAS WITHOUT DRUGS .......................................... 33
SEMINAR ON WONG CHUK HANG ISSUES TOMORROW ............................. 34
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER .................................. 35
11 ARRESTED FOR BREACH OF CONDITION OF STAY ......................... 36
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 37
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 1 -
WHITE BILL REPRESENTS A CONCERTED APPROACH TO TACKLE ORGANISED CRIME
*******
THE WHITE BILL ON ORGANISED CRIME REPRESENTED A CONCERTED APPROACH BY THE GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM BY INCLUDING PENAL PROVISIONS OF GREAT SEVERITY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN A MOTION DEBATE ON THE WHITE BILL, MR MATHEWS SAID IT WAS ONLY RIGHT THAT THOSE WHO SOUGHT TO UNDERMINE THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY, CONSISTENTLY AND IN AN ORGANISED WAY, SHOULD BE PUNISHED HEAVILY.
"THE BILL PROVIDES POWER FOR THE COURTS TO DEPRIVE AN OFFENDER OF HIS PROFITS. THE MESSAGE TO CRIMINALS WILL BE SIMPLE AND UNCOMPROMISING - CRIME DOES NOT PAY," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS NOTED THAT THE ORGANISED CRIME WHITE BILL WAS PUBLISHED AFTER A THOROUGH STUDY OF THE METHODS ADOPTED IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
IN PREPARING THE BILL, THE NEED TO CONFORM WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS, AS MIRRORED IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE, WAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
"THAT SAID," MR MATHEWS SAID, "IT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE CASE LAW ON HUMAN RIGHTS, BOTH AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL AND IN HONG KONG, IS STILL DEVELOPING.
"IN MANY AREAS THE LAW ON HUMAN RIGHTS HAS YET TO BE SETTLED. THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE IN HONG KONG, WHERE THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE HAS ONLY BEEN IN FORCE FOR SIX MONTHS AND THE COURTS HAVE ONLY JUST BEGUN BUILDING A BODY OF JURISPRUDENCE AROUND IT."
HE SAID IT WOULD BE PREMATURE FOR HIM TO GIVE A DEFINITIVE VIEW AS TO WHICH OF THE CLAUSES IN THE WHITE BILL MIGHT NEED TO BE AMENDED OR REPLACED BY REASON OF INCONSISTENCY WITH THE COVENANT AS MIRRORED IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS, AND AS TO THE MANNER OF ANY AMENDMENT PROPOSED.
"THAT IS A MATTER THAT WE ARE EXAMINING AT PRESENT. IN PARTICULAR, WE ARE LOOKING CAREFULLY AND ANXIOUSLY AT THOSE AREAS WHERE THE COURT HAS ALREADY EXPRESSED A VIEW IN RELATION TO SIMILAR LEGISLATION, AND WHERE LEGAL COMMENTATORS HAVE IDENTIFIED POSSIBLE ISSUES OF INCOMPATIBILITY," HE SAID.
HE SAID SOME PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS HAD BEEN FORMED.
MR MATHEWS SAID CONCERNS ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE WHITE BILL AGAINST CONTINUING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES, ITS EFFECT ON AN ACCUSED’S RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING, AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF PREJUDICE AGGRAVATED BY THE LACK OF ANY REQUIREMENT TO PROVE A LINK BETWEEN THE ORGANISED CRIME GROUP AND AN ORGANISED CRIME OFFENCE, WOULD HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
2
HE SAID NO VIEW HAD BEEN FORMED ON THESE CONCERN^, WHICH WERE IN RELATION TO CLAUSES 3, 4, 5 AND 32.
MANY OF THE COMMENTS RECEIVED DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR THE BILL CONCERNED CLAUSE 5 DEALING WITH REPEATED COMMISSION OF ORGANISED CRIME OFFENCES.
THERE WERE CRITICISMS THAT A CHARGE UNDER THIS CLAUSE COULD BE BASED IN PART ON OFFENCES WHICH THE DEFENDANT COMMITTED BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE LEGISLATION.
"FOR THE BILL TO HAVE AN IMMEDIATE DETERRENT EFFECT UPON ENACTMENT," MR MATHEWS SAID, "WE BELIEVE IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT EVIDENCE OF CRIMES COMMITTED BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE ADMISSIBLE AT TRIAL.
ON CONCERNS ABOUT THE RETROSPECTIVE ELEMENT IN SOME PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, MR MATHEWS POINTED OUT THAT A LAW WAS NOT RETROSPECTIVE MERELY BECAUSE IT HAD REGARDS TO EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE MAKING OF THAT LAW.
"RETROSPECTIVITY, IN THE LEGAL SENSE, MEANS IN EFFECT BACKDATING A CHANGE IN THE LAW SO THAT THE LEGAL RULES APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN EVENTS ARE CHANGED AFTER THE EVENTS HAD OCCURRED.
"THIS CONCEPT IS REFLECTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT WHICH PROHIBITS A PERSON BEING CONVICTED OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE ON ACCOUNT OF ANY ACT WHICH DID NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE WHEN IT WAS COMMITTED.
"THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROHIBITS A PERSON, WHEN BEING DEALT WITH FOR AN OFFENCE, FROM RECEIVING A HEAVIER PENALTY THAN THE ONE THAT WAS APPLICABLE WHEN THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE BILL IS GENERALLY CONSISTENT WITH THESE PRINCIPLES. BUT I HAVE HEARD CRITICISMS THAT HAVE BEEN VOICED THIS AFTERNOON BY COMMENTATORS AND I AM LOOKING AT IT AGAIN," MR MATHEWS SAID.
ANOTHER CRITICISM THAT HAD BEEN RAISED WAS THAT CLAUSES 3, 4 AND 5, TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY WOULD RELY ON OFFENCES OF WHICH A DEFENDANT HAD ALREADY BEEN CONVICTED, MIGHT VIOLATE THE COVENANT PROHIBITION AGAINST DOUBLE JEOPARDY AND DOUBLE PUNISHMENT.
"OUR PRESENT VIEW IS THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE BUT ONCE AGAIN WE SHALL GIVE THIS ASPECT CLOSE AND ANXIOUS CONSIDERATION," HE SAID.
"CLAUSE 33, WHICH CONTAINED A PRESUMPTION AS TO MEMBERSHIP OF AN ORGANISED CRIME GROUP, DREW MANY COMMENTS.
"THIS CLAUSE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE IN ORDER WHEN WE PUBLISHED THE WHITE BILL FOR CONSULTATION IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.”
HOWEVER, HE SAID, AS A RESULT OF A RECENT COURT OF APPEAL RULING, IT HAD BECOME CLEAR THAT THIS CLAUSE, IN ITS PRESENT FORM, WOULD NOT SURVIVE A CHALLENGE BASED ON ARTICLE VII OF THE LETTERS PATENT, WHICH REQUIRED CONSISTENCY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.
/"WE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
3 -
"WE ARE CAREFULLY CONSIDERING THIS QUESTION. WHETHER IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO DELETE THIS CLAUSE ALTOGETHER OR WHETHER AN ALTERNATIVE FORMULATION WOULD BE APPROPRIATE HAS YET TO BE DECIDED."
APART FROM THE QUESTIONS CONCERNING CONSISTENCY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT, MANY COMMENTATORS HAD RAISED OTHER ISSUES OF A LEGAL NATURE, SUCH AS THE POWER OF CONFISCATION, INVESTIGATIVE POWERS, THE USE OF ACCOMPLICE EVIDENCE AND THE DEFINITION OF "ORGANISED CRIME GROUP".
THESE ISSUES RAISED COMPLEX LEGAL QUESTIONS WHICH WOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.
MR MATHEWS ADDRESSED A CONCERN RELATING TO THE EXERCISE OF HIS DISCRETION TO PROSECUTE.
SOME MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED THE FEAR THAT YOUNG OFFENDERS WHO WERE LOOSELY ASSOCIATED TOGETHER TO COMMIT PETTY OFFENCES MIGHT BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND HARSH PUNISHMENT UNDER THE BILL.
"LET ME ASSURE MEMBERS THAT THE WHITE BILL IS TARGETTED AT ORGANISED CRIME AND ORGANISED CRIME ONLY. MY CONSENT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY PROSECUTION UNDER THE BILL AND IT WILL ONLY BE GIVEN AFTER ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF A CASE HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY AND MOST CAREFULLY EXAMINED," HE SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN FULLY ALIVE TO THE NEED FOR A BALANCE TO BE STRUCK BETWEEN THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE AND WORKABLE BILL.
"BEFORE THE BLUE BILL IS INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL, WE WILL OF COURSE ENSURE, TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY AND KNOWLEDGE, THAT IT COMPLIES WITH THE LETTERS PATENT AND IS CONSISTENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AS MIRRORED IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"EQUALLY IMPORTANT, WE WILL ENSURE THAT THE BILL IS ONE WHICH IS TRULY EFFECTIVE AND WORKABLE," MR MATHEWS SAID.
---------0-----------
PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT TRIADS 'REAL AND VALID'
*****
ORGANISED CRIME IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, AND PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE THREAT FROM TRIADS IS BOTH REAL AND VALID, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE ORGANISED CRIME WHITE BILL, MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE CONCERNED THAT THE DEFINITION OF "ORGANISED CRIME GROUP" IN THE BILL WAS TOO WIDE AND POTENTIALLY OPEN TO ABUSE.
/THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
THE BILL DEFINED AN "ORGANISED CRIME GROUP" AS A TRIAD SOCIETY OR TWO OR MORE INDIVIDUALS ASSOCIATED TOGETHER TO REPEATEDLY COMMIT THE OFFENCES SET OUT IN SCHEDULE I OF THE BILL, WHICH INCLUDED DRUG TRAFFICKING, OPERATING ILLEGAL GAMBLING, ROBBERY AND BLACKMAIL.
"MY RESPONSE TO THIS IS THAT WE BELIEVE THE DEFINITION REFLECTS THE REALITY OF ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
BUT THERE WAS MERIT IN THE SUGGESTION THAT WHAT "REPEATEDLY COMMIT" MEANS SHOULD BE CLARIFIED. "WE WILL BEAR IT IN MIND," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION SUGGESTIONS THAT SCHEDULE I OF THE BILL BE EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER CRIMES SUCH AS BURGLARY AND ILLEGAL IMPORT AND SALES OF FIREARMS.
HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT INCLUDE IN THE ORGANISED CRIME LEGISLATION ANY PROVISION WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE DEFENDANT BEING PUNISHED TWICE.
THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE WAS TO PRESCRIBE PENALTIES APPROPRIATE TO THE GRAVITY OF THE OFFENCE, HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE MONEY LAUNDERING AND CONFISCATION PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, MR STRACHAN SAID THE MAIN COMMENT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECEIVED WAS THAT IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR EMPLOYEES OF BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO IDENTIFY WHETHER THEIR CLIENTS ARE MEMBERS OF AN ORGANISED CRIME GROUP.
"SOME BELIEVE THAT THE REQUIREMENT TO REPORT WOULD CREATE AN UNNECESSARY BURDEN FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS," HE SAID.
HE CLARIFIED THAT THE BILL CREATED A NEW MONEY LAUNDERING OFFENCE, NOT A NEW REPORTING DUTY.
"IF A PERSON FAILS TO REPORT A SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, HE DOES NOT COMMIT AN OFFENCE. IN FACT, THE REPORTING SYSTEM IN THE BILL SEEKS TO SAFEGUARD FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM INCURRING LEGAL LIABILITIES SHOULD THEY REPORT A SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTION."
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF DRAWING UP GENERAL MONEY LAUNDERING AND CONFISCATION LEGISLATION IN RESPECT OF ALL CRIMES.
REFERRING TO CONCERNS THAT THE BILL WOULD NOT BE EFFECTIVE IN DEALING WITH THE "GODFATHERS" OF CRIMINAL SYNDICATES, MR STRACHAN SAID THE PROPOSAL ON CORROBORATION WOULD HELP TO ENABLE MORE EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION OF "GODFATHERS".
REFERRING TO THE PROPOSAL IN THE BILL TO AMEND THE RULES ON JOINDER OF CHARGES TO ENABLE THE PROSECUTION TO PRESENT A FULL PICTURE OF THE CRIMINALITY CHARGED, HE SAID THERE WERE CONCERNS THAT THE PROPOSAL MIGHT HAVE A PREJUDICIAL EFFECT ON THE DEFENDANT AND COULD LEAD TO LONGER AND MORE COMPLEX TRIALS.
"THESE ARE VALID CONCERNS," HE SAID. C
/ON CONCERNS........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 5 -
ON CONCERNS ABOUT THE BILL’S IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICE MORALE AND RESOURCES, MR STRACHAN SAID THE BILL HAD BEEN MOTIVATED BY THE POLICE THEMSELVES AND COURT PROSECUTORS, WHO SEE THE GAP IN THE CURRENT LEGISLATION AND THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THE ENACTMENT OF THIS LEGISLATION WILL HELP POLICE MORALE,” HE SAID.
REFERRING TO MEMBERS’ CONCERNS ABOUT REPORT PROCEDURES AND TH.. PROTECTION OF WITNESSES, HE SAID THESE WERE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS AND WERE BEING EXAMINED BY THE SECURITY BRANCH, THE PC .ICE AND THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
--------0-----------
COMMUNITY HOLDS DIFFERENT VIEWS AND APPROACHES
******
TO UNATTENDED CHILDREN
COMMUNITY VIEWS ON WHETHER OR NOT THERE SHOULD BE LEGISLATION TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME ARE SHARPLY DIVIDED AND DIFFERENT APPROACHES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE CONSULTATION PROCESS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THIS DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON UNATTENDED CHILDREN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS WONG SAID SOME PEOPLE URGED THAT CHILD CARE PROVISION SHOULD BE STEPPED UP, WHILE OTHERS SUPPORTED MUTUAL HELP SERVICES AND CALLED FOR THE PROMOTION OF BETTER EDUCATION FOR PARENTS.
SINCE THE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD GIVEN 77 BRIEFINGS TO LOCAL GROUPS AND RECEIVED 15 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS, MRS WONG SAID.
"MORE SUBMISSIONS ARE EXPECTED TO COME IN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE WEEKS. AT THE END OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, ALL VIEWS RECEIVED WILL BE ASSESSED AND THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL BE SOUGHT ON THE OPTION IN THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC REACTION,” SHE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID CHILD CARE WAS AND WOULD ALWAYS BE THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF THE GOVERNMENT.
’’THIS YEAR THE RECURRENT MONEY FOR NURSERY AND CRECHE SERVICES IS $119.6 MILLION. NEXT YEAR, THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE BY $10.5 MILLION TO $130.1 MILLION FOR SUCH SERVICES, INCLUDING PROVISION FOR 1,400 ADDITIONAL DAY NURSERY PLACES.
’’ADDITIONAL DAY NURSERY PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED EACH AND EVERY YEAR UNTIL THE DEMAND IS MET IN FULL,” MRS WONG SAID.
0
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
6
BILL RECOGNISES CITY POLYTECHNIC LAW QUALIFICATIONS
THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 WILL ENABLE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF CITY POLYTECHNIC LAW STUDENTS TO BE RECOGNISED FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING ADMITTED AS BARRISTERS.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID AT PRESENT ONLY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S LAW DEGREE AND POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS WERE RECOGNISED AS QUALIFICATIONS FOR A PERSON TO BECOME A LEGAL PRACTITIONER. •
HE TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC STARTED ITS LAW DEGREE COURSES IN SEPTEMBER 1988 AND BEGAN ITS POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS PROGRAMME IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
BOTH THE DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE COURSES HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE LAW SOCIETY AND BAR ASSOCIATION. THE FIRST BATCH OF STUDENTS FROM THE POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS PROGRAMME WOULD GRADUATE IN JUNE NEXT YEAR, MR MATHEWS SAID.
"THIS BILL WILL, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADMISSION AS BARRISTERS, EXTEND SUCH RECOGNITION TO THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG’S LAW DEGREE AND POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS," THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR ADMISSION AS A SOLICITOR WOULD BE SIMILARLY AMENDED AND WOULD BE CONTAINED IN THE TRAINEE SOLICITORS RULES TO BE MADE BY THE LAW SOCIETY.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 INTRODUCED *****
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL TO APPOINT AN ACTING DIRECTOR WHEN THE DIRECTOR IS ABSENT FROM HONG KONG OR IS UNABLE TO PERFORM HIS FUNCTIONS, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT THERE WAS NO PROVISION UNDER THE ORDINANCE FOR SUCH AN ACTING APPOINTMENT TO BE MADE.
THE PRACTICE HITHERTO HAS BEEN FOR THE COMPTROLLER TO ASSUME THE ROLE OF DE FACTO DIRECTOR DURING THE ABSENCE OF THE DIRECTOR. THE •COMPTROLLER, HOWEVER, NEED NOT BE QUALIFIED IN DENTISTRY.
/"THE BOARD .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 7 -
"THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS CONSIDERS THAT THIS MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST ARRANGEMENT ESPECIALLY WHEN 1 URGENT DECISIONS REQUIRING PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT HAVE TO BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR.
"THE BILL THEREFORE SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD TO APPOINT AN ACTING DIRECTOR DURING THE ABSENCE OF THE DIRECTOR," MRS WONG SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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CRIMES (TORTURE) BILL INTRODUCED
i ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A BILL WHICH INTENDS TO GIVE EFFECT TO PROVISIONS IN THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE, INHUMAN AND DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT (IN SHORT, THE TORTURE CONVENTION), WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
Moving the second reading of the crimes (torture) bill, the SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WOULD ENABLE THE CONVENTION TO BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE TORTURE CONVENTION WAS TO ELABORATE AND STRENGTHEN THE GUARANTEE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR), WHICH WAS ALREADY APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
ARTICLE 7 OF THE CONVENTION SPECIFIED: "NO ONE SHALL BE SUBJECTED TO TORTURE OR TO CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT. IN PARTICULAR, NO ONE SHALL BE SUBJECTED WITHOUT HIS FREE CONSENT TO MEDICAL OR SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTATION".
FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT THE CONVENTION, THAT IS, THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT 1988, THE UNITED KINGDOM RATIFIED THE CONVENTION IN DECEMBER 1988.
MR SZE SAID THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HONG KONG’S DETERMINATION TO CONDEMN ACTS OF TORTURE AND OTHER INHUMAN AND DEGRADING TREATMENT, THE TERRITORY SHOULD SEEK TO BE INCLUDED IN THE UK’S RATIFICATION OF THE CONVENTION.
"THIS IS A LOGICAL STEP AFTER THE APPLICATION OF THE ICCPR TO HONG KONG UPON ENACTMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE EARLIER THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE BILL BROADLY FOLLOWED THE APPROACH TAKEN IN SECTIONS 134 TO 138 OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT 1988.
/"THE REASON .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 8 -
’’THE REASON FOR THIS IS SIMPLE: THESE SECTIONS OF THE ACT HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO MEET EFFECTIVELY THE UK’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE CONVENTION AND THEREFORE PROVIDE A GOOD MODEL FOR OUR DRAFTING PURPOSE," HE SAID.
MR SZE EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL PROVIDED THAT, IF ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR PERSON ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY INTENTIONALLY INFLICTED SEVERE PAIN OR SUFFERING ON ANOTHER, WHETHER PHYSICAL OR MENTAL, IN THE PERFORMANCE OR PURPORTED PERFORMANCE OF HIS OFFICIAL DUTIES. HE COMMITTED THE OFFENCE OF TORTURE.
ANY OTHER PERSON WHO INFLICTED SEVERE PAIN OR SUFFERING ON ANOTHER AT THE INSTIGATION OF OR WITH THE CONSENT OR ACQUIESCENE OF A PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR PERSON ACTING IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY, EITHER OF WHOM WAS IN THE PERFORMANCE OR PURPORTED PERFORMANCE OF HIS OFFICIAL DUTIES, WOULD ALSO BE CAUGHT BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL.
MR SZE SAID AS STIPULATED IN THE TORTURE CONVENTION, PAIN AND SUFFERING INFLICTED BY THE USE OF REASONABLE FORCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN THE COURSE OF MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER SHOULD NOT BE CLASSIFIED AS TORTURE.
"HENCE, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A DEFENCE BASED ON ’LAWFUL AUTHORITY, JUSTIFICATION, OR EXCUSE’ AGAINST THE CHARGE OF TORTURE.
"THE SAME DEFENCE IS PROVIDED IN THE 1988 ACT IN THE UK," HE ADDED.
MR SZE SAID TO CONFORM WITH THE CONVENTION AND FOLLOWING THE APPROACH OF THE 1988 ACT, THE BILL MADE AN OFFENCE OF TORTURE COMMITTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG AN OFFENCE UNDER THE BILL.
"THE BILL ALSO PERMITS EXTRADITION TO BE GRANTED TO STATES PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION, WHETHER HAVING AN EXTRADITION RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG OR NOT, FOR OFFENCES CREATED BY THE BILL.
"THIS IS NECESSARY TO FULFIL THE OBLIGATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 8 OF THE TORTURE CONVENTION.
"THE PROPOSED MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT FOR THE OFFENCE OF TORTURE IS IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
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MOTION ON NEW TELEPHONE SERVICES PASSED
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC (WEDNESDAY) MOVED A MOTION UNDER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ALLOW THE CHARGE FOR THREE NEW SERVICES.
SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE IN THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TO
THE SERVICES ARE AN INTEGRATED DIGITAL ACCESS SERVICE, A FREE INFOLINE SERVICE, AND A BARRING SERVICE.
MOVING A MOTION TO AMEND A SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE, MRS CHAN SAID: "THE ADMINISTRATION HAS EXAMINED THE PROPOSED CHARGES, AND CONSIDERS THEM TO BE A REASONABLE REFLECTION OF THE COST OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.”
UNDER SECTION 26 (1) OF THE ORDINANCE, THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY MAY LEVY CHARGES FOR ITS SERVICES ONLY AT LEVELS WHICH DO NOT EXCEED THE LIMITS SHOWN IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT THE MAXIMUM- CHARGES FOR THESE SERVICES NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE TO ALLOW THE COMPANY TO CHARGE FOR THE SERVICES.
SHE SAID THE INTEGRATED DIGITAL ACCESS SERVICE WOULD ENHANCE THE LINK BETWEEN THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE NETWORK AND CELLULAR TELEPHONE AND VALUE ADDED SERVICE NETWORKS.
"IT WOULD PROVIDE A DIGITAL CONNECTION OFFERING BETTER QUALITY LINKS BETWEEN NETWORKS.
"IT WOULD ALSO OFFER GREATER VOICE SECURITY FOR CELLULAR TELEPHONE USERS,” MRS CHAN SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE FREE INFOLINE SERVICE WOULD ALLOW CALLERS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION FREE OF CHARGE FROM INFORMATION SERVICE PROVIDERS.
THE COMPANY WOULD CHARGE THE SERVICE PROVIDERS 30 CENTS PER MINUTE FOR THE CALLS, BUT THE LATTER COULD RECOVER COSTS THROUGH SPONSORSHIP BY SUPPLIERS OF PRODUCTS ABOUT WHICH INFORMATION WOULD BE GIVEN.
THE BARRING SERVICE WOULD ALLOW SUBSCRIBERS TO HAVE THEIR TELEPHONE LINES BARRED TO UNAUTHORISED OUTGOING IDD CALLS, INFOLINE CALLS AND INCOMING COLLECT CALLS, SHE ADDED.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
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GIBRALTAR ADDED TO DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDER *****
THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY ’OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE, ENACTED ON JULY 12, 1989, HAS STRENGTHENED HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO COMBAT
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING BY PROVIDING THE MEANS TO TRACE, RESTRAIN AND CONFISCATE THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) (DESIGNATED COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1991, HE SAID THE AMENDMENT ORDER, MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 3, WOULD ADD GIBRALTAR TO A DESIGNATION ORDER MADE LAST JANUARY.
THE DESIGNATION ORDER APPLIES THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, WITH CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS, TO ORDERS MADE BY COURTS OR OTHER PROCEEDINGS IN THE DESIGNATED JURISDICTIONS, ENABLING COURTS IN HONG KONG TO CONFISCATE THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, HE SAID.
"IN PARTICULAR IT ENABLES THE HIGH COURT TO ORDER THE RESTRAINT IN HONG KONG OF PROPERTY REQUIRED TO ENFORCE A CONFISCATION ORDER MADE IN ONE OF THE DESIGNATED JURISDICTIONS; AND REGISTER AND ENFORCE A CONFISCATION ORDER MADE BY A COURT IN ONE OF THE DESIGNATED JURISDICTIONS," HE ADDED.
MR STRACHAN SAID HONG KONG HAD CONCLUDED ARRANGEMENTS WITH GIBRALTAR BY AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS.
"THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT WHEN BOTH HONG KONG AND GIBRALTAR HAVE NOTIFIED EACH OTHER THAT ALL OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. GIBRALTAR HAS ALREADY DESIGNATED HONG KONG UNDER ITS LEGISLATION," HE SAID.
SECTION 28(1) OF THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TO DESIGNATE COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG TO ENABLE THEIR CONFISCATION AND RELATED ORDERS TO BE ENFORCED HERE, AND ALLOWS ASSISTANCE TO BE PROVIDED IN RELATION TO THEIR DRUG TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATIONS.
MR STRACHAN SAID HONG KONG CONCLUDED NINE ARRANGEMENTS WITH AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM JURISDICTIONS OF ENGLAND AND WALES, SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, JERSEY, GUERNSEY AND THE ISLE OF MAN LATE LAST YEAR.
"THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY RESOLUTION, DESIGNATED THESE NINE JURISDICTIONS BY A DESIGNATION ORDER UNDER THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
"EIGHT OF THESE ARRANGEMENTS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF GUERNSEY WHICH HAS YET TO DESIGNATE HONG KONG UNDER ITS LEGISLATION, HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO OPERATION.
"AS A RESULT, ABOUT $290 MILLION WORTH OF ASSETS HAVE BEEN SEIZED IN HONG KONG, WITH ALMOST $250 MILLION, OR 86 PER CENT, ARISING FROM ORDERS MADE IN THESE JURISDICTIONS," HE ADDED.
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/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 11 -
PROVISIONS EXTENDED TO TACKLE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS PROBLEM
*******
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED A MOTION UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE MOTION SEEKS TO EXTEND SECTION 18(3) AND PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE ORDINANCE, WHICH HAVE BEEN RE-ENACTED ANNUALLY AND WILL EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR, FOR A FURTHER YEAR.
MOVING THE MOTION, MR STRACHAN EXPLAINED THAT SECTION 18(3) OF THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN JANUARY 1979 TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS.
"IT REMOVES THE LIMIT OF TWO MONTHS DURING WHICH AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER MAY REMOVE A PERSON REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND IN HONG KONG, IF IT APPEARS TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION THAT THAT PERSON WAS PREVIOUSLY RESIDENT IN VIETNAM," HE SAID.
REGARDING PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE ORDINANCE, HE SAID THEY WERE ENACTED IN AUGUST 1979 TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE SANCTIONS AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
UNDER THESE PROVISIONS, ANY PERSON WHO AIDS' ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO ENTER HONG KONG COMMITS AN OFFENCE.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE UP TO $5 MILLION AND IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE, WHILE THE SHIPS AND OTHER PROPERTY INVOLVED ARE LIABLE TO FORFEITURE.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE CONCLUSION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH VIETNAM WHICH ALLOWED THE REPATRIATION OF SCREENED-OUT VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS HAD PUT IN PLACE THE FINAL PIECE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION FOR ASYLUM-SEEKERS FROM VIETNAM.
"WE CAN AT LAST SEE A CLEAR WAY AHEAD TO SOLVING THIS LONG-STANDING PROBLEM.
"BY SCREENING NEW ARRIVALS AS SOON AS THEY COME TO HONG KONG AND IMMEDIATELY RETURNING THE SCREENED-OUT TO VIETNAM, WE HOPE TO DISCOURAGE AND STOP THE OUTFLOW OF NON-REFUGEES.
"HOWEVER, THIS PROCESS TAKES TIME. EVEN ASSUMING NO OR VERY FEW NEW ARRIVALS, IT IS LIKELY TO TAKE SOME THREE YEARS TO REPATRIATE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF NON-REFUGEES.
"WE, THEREFORE, NEED TO RETAIN SECTION 18(3) TO GIVE OURSELVES AND THE UNHCR TIME TO MAKE REPATRIATION WORK," MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE CHINESE TO RETURN AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ALL THOSE VIETNAMESE, OF WHOM THERE WERE NOW 145 IN HONG KONG, WHO HAD COME HERE AFTER PREVIOUSLY BEING SETTLED IN CHINA.
/"WE AIM .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 12 -
”WE AIM TO SECURE THEIR REPATRIATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, BUT THIS PROCESS TOO WILL, TAKE TIME,” HE ADDED. .
NOTING THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA REMAINED A PROBLEM, HE SAID THE TOUGH LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR PROVED EFFECTIVE AT FIRST.
UP TO THE END OF JULY THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS FELL BY 22 PER CENT AGAINST THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
"BUT, SINCE AUGUST, THE NUMBERS HAVE BEEN BEGAN TO INCREASE, MATCHING - AND IN SOME MONTHS OVERTAKING - THE 1990 LEVELS.
"THE MAIN CAUSE HAS BEEN THE ILLUSION OF JOBS ON THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AND OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS, ENCOURAGED AS ALWAYS BY DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATION AND THE SPREADING OF FALSE RUMOURS BY THE "SNAKEHEADS" WHO TRAFFICK IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS," HE SAID.
IT IS NECESSARY TO RETAIN STRONG SANCTIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO ENGAGE IN THIS ILLICIT TRADE, MR STRACHAN SAID.
THEREFORE, THESE POSITIONS IN THE ORDINANCE NEED TO BE RETAINED FOR AT LEAST ONE MORE YEAR AND THE SITUATION WILL BE REVIEWED AGAIN IN LATE 1992, HE SAID.
---------o-----------
INFORMATION PROVIDED TO FACILITATE SCRUTINY OF LEGISLATION
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AS MUCH INFORMATION AND EXPLANATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS CAN PROPERLY BE PROVIDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF FACILITATING THE COUNCIL’S SCRUTINY OF LEGISLATION BEFORE IT, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SZE SAID HE TRUSTED MEMBERS WOULD RECOGNISE THAT IN DOING THIS THE PROVISION ON CONFIDENTIALITY OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP LAID DOWN IN ANNEX II TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION WOULD HAVE TO BE OBSERVED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ARTICLE VII(I) OF THE LETTERS PATENT PROVIDED FOR THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE LAWS IN HONG KONG WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"WHENEVER DRAFT LEGISLATION. IS PUT BEFORE IT, THE COUNCIL DECIDES WHETHER TO APPROVE OR OTHERWISE.
"THIS COUNCIL’S SCRUTINY OF LEGISLATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THOROUGH AND CONSCIENTIOUS AND, I HAVE NO DOUBT, WILL REMAIN SO," HE ADDED.
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/13 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 13 -
REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS COVERS ALSO FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION SYSTEM ******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS, CONDUCT A ROOT AND BRANCH REVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT ELECTIONS IN THESE CONSTITUENCIES TAKE PLACE, AS IN THE CASE OF ALL OTHER ELECTIONS, IN A FAIR AND IMPARTIAL MANNER.
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL C.C. SZE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON J.D. MCGREGOR, MR SZE ADDED THAT, IN DOING SO, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ELECTIONS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES EARLIER THIS YEAR.
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EXTRADITION ARRANGEMENTS WITH CHINA EXPLAINED ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS IS UNDER CONSIDERATION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN, MR STRACHAN SAID IF A DECISION WAS TAKEN TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS, THEY WOULD BE CONDUCTED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE NORMAL SAFEGAURDS WOULD BE PRESERVED.
AS REGARDS WHETHER THERE WERE ANY EXISTING PROVISIONS FORBIDDING THE EXTRADITION OF PEOPLE FOR POLITICAL REASONS TO CHINA, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ONLY RELEVANT HONG KONG LEGISLATION WAS THE CHINESE EXTRADITION ORDINANCE.
’’THIS IS NOT IN USE. IT PROVIDES THAT A PERSON SHALL NOT BE SURRENDERED FOR OFFENCES OF A POLITICAL CHARACTER,” HE SAID.
”IF THIS ORDINANCE WAS TO BE EXTENDED BEYOND 1997, THEN WE WOULD WISH TO DISCUSS THIS IN NEGOTIATIONS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP,” MR STRACHAN ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 14
NEW LEGISLATION ON LAND DRAINAGE TO TACKLE SILTING PROBLEM ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PREPARING A NEW LEGISLATION ON LAND DRAINAGE AS PART OF ITS LONG TERM MEASURES TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF SILTING, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR BOWEN LEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEPHEN NG MING-YUM, MR LEUNG SAID AS MOST OF THE WATERCOURSES IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES WERE IN PRIVATE OWNERSHIP, ATTEMPTS BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO GAIN ACCESS TO MAINTAIN THESE WATERCOURSES HAD OFTEN BEEN FRUSTRATED BECAUSE OF THE RELUCTANCE OF THE OWNERS TO PERMIT ACCESS.
"THE NEW BILL WILL SEEK TO EMPOWER THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO GAIN ACCESS TO PRIVATE LAND FOR WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE.
”WE HOPE TO INTRODUCE THE BILL TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD RECKONED THAT THE LONG TERM STRUCTURAL SOLUTION TO THE SILTING PROBLEM WAS TO UNDERTAKE MAJOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT AND FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEMES IN AFFECTED AREAS.
"SOME $580 MILLION HAVE THEREFORE BEEN SPENT IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS IN MAJOR FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS IN TIN SHUI WAI AND YUEN LONG AREAS," HE SAID.
THESE INCLUDED TAI RIVER DIVERSION CULVERT, IMPROVEMENT TO WESTERN DRAINAGE CHANNEL AND EASTERN CULVERT, FLOOD PUMPING SCHEMES FOR KIU TAU WAI, SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI, LO UK TSUEN, HA MEI SAN TSUEN AND- SHEUNG CHEUNG WAI.
MR LEUNG SAID A $125.3 MILLION FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE CHANNELS NEAR HUNG UK TSUEN, FU SHA WAI, TAI TO TSUEN, TIN SAM, SIK KONG WAI, TSEUNG KONG WAI, HUNG SHUI KIU AND TAN KWAI TSUEN WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1992.
"IN ADDITION, THERE ARE LONG TERM PLANS, COSTING SOME $1,233 MILLION, TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING MAJOR RIVERS AND TO CONSTRUCT MORE CHANNELS TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM OF SILTING AND FLOODING IN YUEN LONG, KAM TIN, NGAU TAM MEI AND SAN TIN AREAS.
"WORKS WILL START PROGRESSIVELY FROM AUGUST 1992 FOR COMPLETION BY 1998. DETAILED PLANNING AND DESIGN ARE ALSO IN HAND FOR VILLAGE FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS AT HA MEI SAN TSUEN, SHEUNG CHEUNG WAI AND AT YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN AREAS, COSTING ALTOGETHER SOME $412 MILLION," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG ALSO OUTLINED THE THREE MAIN MEASURES THAT HAD BEEN TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM OF SILTING. THEY ARE:
/* STRICTER CONTROLS.........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
15 -
* STRICTER CONTROLS INTRODUCED BY THE PLANNING
DEPARTMENT ON PRIVATE DEVELOPERS THROUGH RECENT AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE WHEREBY DEVELOPERS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO SUBMIT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR APPROVAL BEFORE CARRYING OUT FILLING WORKS;
* ENVIORNMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IS PROGRESSIVELY
INTRODUCING LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL MEASURES UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE WHEREBY THE YUEN LONG ENVIRONS BECAME PART OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS ON JUNE 1 THIS YEAR; AND
* DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD INTRODUCED DRAINAGE
IMPACT ASSESSMENTS AS FROM DECEMBER LAST YEAR AS A REQUIREMENT FOR ALL NEW DEVELOPMENTS.
OTHER WORKS INCLUDED REGULAR PROGRAMMES OF DESILTING RIVERS AND STREAMS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $8 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, 68 DESILTING/DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS COSTING $134 MILLION CARRIED OUT BY THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES SINCE APRIL 1989, AND $12 MILLION WORKS TO REMOVE THE POLLUTANTS AND CONTAMINATED SILT IN THE TUEN MUN NULLAH.
MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE MANY CAUSES OF SILTING, SOME BEING A NATURAL PROCESS WHILE SOME HAD BEEN CAUSED OR EXACERBATED BY MAN.
’’THE PROBLEM IS NOTABLY SERIOUS IN SAN TIN, YUEN LONG AND IS GENERALLY UNDER CONTROL IN TUEN MUN,” HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID TYPHOONS WARREN AND BRENDA IN 1988 AND 1989 RESPECTIVELY HAD CAUSED SERIOUS FLOODING IN SILT UP AREAS IN HA TSUEN.
’’THE TOTAL DAMAGE IN THE YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS WAS ESTIMATED TO BE IN THE REGION OF $29 MILLION ($16 MILLION TO AGRICULTURE AND $13 MILLION TO PROPERTY) AND ABOUT $2 MILLION WAS PAID OUT TO FARMERS IN THE YUEN LONG AREA,” HE SAID.
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SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY TO BE STUDIED
* * * * *
THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE’S STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS PLANS TO COMMISSION A STUDY ON THE SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM PROFESSOR THE HON FELICE LIEH-MAK, MR STRACHAN SAID THE STUDY WHICH WOULD START EARLY NEXT YEAR WOULD GIVE FURTHER INSIGHT INTO THE PROBLEM SO THAT BETTER PREVENTIVE MEASURES COULD BE TAKEN.
/NOTING THAT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
NOTING THAT SHOP OR MISCELLANEOUS THEFTS ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 43 PER CENT OF JUVENILE CRIME, HE SAID THERE WERE VARIOUS POLICE Advisory programmes in major shopping outlets to warn youngsters of THE RISKS OF BEING PROSECUTED SHOULD THEY ENGAGE IN SHOP THEFT.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS CONSIDERING THE PRODUCTION OF CARDBOARD CUT-OUT POLICEMAN FIGURES TO BE DISPLAYED IN MAJOR STORES.
'THIS MEASURE HAS BEEN USED IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES AND HAS RESULTED IN A DRASTIC DECREASE IN SHOP THEFT IN PREMISES WHERE THEY ARE DISPLAYED," HE ADDED.
WHILE THE PREDOMINANT CATEGORY OF JUVENILES INVOLVED IN CRIME ARE STUDENTS, ALL POLICE DISTRICTS HAVE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS WHO REGULARLY VISIT SCHOOLS TO ADVISE ON JUVENILE PROBLEMS.
"A WORKING PARTY ON JUVENILE CRIME WAS SET UP WITHIN THE POLICE IN 1988 TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT MEANS TO COUNTER JUVENILE CRIMES THROUGH IMPROVED PUBLICITY, AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND DETECTION," MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EVERY EFFORT WAS MADE IN SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THAT THE EDUCATION PROVIDED WAS POSITIVE AND REWARDING SO THAT STUDENTS WERE LESS VULNERABLE TO BAD INFLUENCES.
"GUIDANCE IS GIVEN TO STUDENTS AT RISK. SUCH GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING WORK HAS BEEN STRENGTHENED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS," HE ADDED.
EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT PERSONS FROM BROKEN HOMES, FAMILIES OF DRUG ADDICTS OR CONVICTED CRIMINALS, OR PERSONS BROUGHT UP IN AN OVERCROWDED AND SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY' DEPRESSED ENVIRONMENT HAVE A GREATER TENDENCY TO BECOME YOUTHS AT RISK.
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NO PLANS FOR LEGISLATION ON EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION ON EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN FOR EQUAL WORK, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EMILY LAU, MR CHAN SAID THE RELEVANT ARTICLE OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS (ARTICLE 22) WAS CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT LEGISLATION WAS NOT DISCRIMINATORY IN ITS CONTENT OR APPLICATION.
"LEGAL ADVICE IS THAT THERE IS NO NEED TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO COMPLY WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS," MR CHAN SAID.
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I
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
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PROMPT ACTION AGAINST NON-OCCUPANCY OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS ♦ ♦***♦.
MORE THAN 8,100 UNITS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAVE BEEN LEFT VACANT FOR THREE MONTHS OR MORE AS A RESULT OF THEIR HAVING BEEN REJECTED BY PROSPECTIVE TENANTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR BOWEN LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WHERE THERE WAS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVE NON-OCCUPANCY OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS, PROMPT ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN TO TERMINATE THE TENANCY WITH A VIEW TO RECOVERING THE UNIT FOR RE-ALLOCATION, MR LEUNG SAID. (
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT CASES OF NON-OCCUPATION OF PUBLIC RENTAL UNITS WERE DETECTED BY HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ESTATE MANAGEMENT STAFF DURING THEIR REGULAR VISITS AND FLAT INSPECTIONS.
THEY ALSO CAME TO LIGHT WHEN THERE WERE UNREASONABLY LOW UTILITY METER READINGS, DISCONNECTED TELEPHONE LINES, AND REPORTS OR FEEDBACK FROM CLEANSING WORKERS AND NEIGHBOURS.
MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 27,381 VACANT PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS AS AT THE END OF LAST MONTH.
OF THESE, 5,965 WERE NOT IN A SUITABLE STATE FOR LETTING, 10,127 WERE BEING OFFERED OR PROCESSED FOR LETTING, AND THE REMAINING 11,289 RESERVED FOR REDEVELOPMENT, MAJOR REPAIRS AND CLEARANCE USE.
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POLICE DEPLOYMENT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW * * * * * I POLICE COMMANDERS REVIEW REGULARLY THE DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE OFFICERS IN THEIR DISTRICTS IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT SITUATION IN ORDER TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF MANPOWER.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PEGGY LAM, MR STRACHAN SAID POLICE WERE NOT DEPLOYED ROUND THE CLOCK IN SOK KWU WAN AT PRESENT AS IT HAD A LOW CRIME RATE, WITH ONLY NINE CRIMES REPORTED THIS YEAR UP TO NOVEMBER.
I
AS A RESULT, THE PREVIOUS 24-HOUR COVERAGE HAS BEEN REDUCED TO TWO MEN FROM NOON TO 10 PM DAILY WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
/"SOK KWU........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
18
"SOK KWU WAN IS HOWEVER FREQUENTLY VISITED BY POLICE LAUNCHES AND PATROLS ARE PUT ASHORE," MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE SAID THE NEARBY YUNG SHUE WAN- CONTINUED TO BE COVERED 24 HOURS A DAY.
"IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY, POLICE LAUNCHES ON PATROL IN THE VICINITY OR LAUNCHES FROM THE ABERDEEN MARINE POLICE BASE, JUST 15 MINUTES CRUISING TIME AWAY, WILL BE DIRECTED TO SOK KWU WAN.
"POLICE COVERAGE AT SOK KWU WAN WILL BE MAINTAINED AT A LEVEL COMMENSURATE WITH THE LOCAL REQUIREMENTS. IF THE SITUATION THERE V.’ARRANTS GREATER POLICE ATTENTION IN FUTURE, POLICE PRESENCE WILL BE INCREASED," HE SAID.
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SERIOUSNESS OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS PUBLICISED ♦ ♦♦it*
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE WIDE PUBLICITY TO THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR TO DISCOURAGE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION AND USE OF BOTH FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PEGGY LAM, MR STRACHAN SAID THE POLICE MAINTAINED CLOSE LIAISON WITH ALL SCHOOLS THROUGH SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS BASED IN EVERY DISTRICT POLICE STATION.
"DURING THEIR FREQUENT VISITS TO SCHOOLS, THESE OFFICERS EMPHASISE THE DANGERS OF INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME AND ASSOCIATION WITH UNRULY ELEMENTS.
"BY AND LARGE THIS LIAISON IS SUCCESSFUL," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN ADDED THAT WHILST THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IN CRIME OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS HAD BEEN BETWEEN FOUR AND FIVE THOUSAND ANNUALLY, THIS REPRESENTED A VERY SMALL PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL JUVENILE POPULATION.
AS FOR THE PENALTIES FOR POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID THEY WERE FAIRLY WELL KNOWN AND WERE FREQUENTLY REINFORCED BY WELL PUBLICISED SENTENCES HANDED DOWN BY THE COURTS.
POSSESSION WITHOUT A LICENCE CAN RESULT IN IMPRISONMENT FOR UP TO 14 YEARS, WHILST POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE, CARRYING ARMS OR AMMUNITION WITH CRIMINAL INTENT OR RESISTING ARREST OR COMMITTING AN OFFENCE WHILST IN POSSESSION CAN RESULT IN LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
"IT IS CLEAR THEREFORE THAT THE COURTS TAKE A VERY SERIOUS VIEW OF ILLEGAL POSSESSION AND USE OF FIREARMS," MR STRACHAN SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
19
CONSUMERS ASSURED OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AT REASONABLE COST
*****
ALL PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY AND ITS ASSOCIATED GENERATING COMPANIES WILL BE RIGOROUSLY SCRUTINISED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS, TO ENSURE THAT CONSUMERS CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AN EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AT A REASONABLE COST.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE .SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW POWER STATION AT BLACK POINT, MRS CHAN SAID NO FINANCING REVIEW HAD YET BEEN SUBMITTED BY THE COMPANIES FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF BLACK POINT, THEREFORE GOVERNMENT DID NOT HAVE ANY PROJECTIONS OF FUTURE TARIFF LEVELS.
TARIJFF LEVELS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE CAPITAL COSTS OF THE GENERATING PLANTS, THE TYPE AND COST OF FUEL USED, PREVAILING INTEREST RATES, INFLATION AND UNIT SALES.
SHE SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER OR NOT THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK POINT WOULD LEAD TO INCREASED TARIFFS AND IF SO BY HOW MUCH.
’’HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT THE COMPANIES’ AVERAGE BASIC TARIFFS TO REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR A FURTHER EIGHT YEARS AS THEY HAVE DONE SINCE 1983,” SHE SAID.
UNDER THE SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENT (SCA) WITH THE COMPANIES, THE SHAREHOLDERS RECEIVE A NET RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS :
* 13.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF THEIR AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS, AND
* 1.5 PER CENT OF THE SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENTS MADE AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 1978
* LESS INTEREST ON LONG TERM BORROWED CAPITAL OF UP TO 8 PER CENT ON EACH LOAN, AND
• * INTEREST AT 8 PER CENT ON THE AVERAGE DEVELOPMENT FUND BALANCE FOR THAT YEAR.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE ONLY CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE COMPANIES COULD RECEIVE 15 PER CENT NET RETURN WOULD BE IF 100 PER CENT OF THE ASSETS WERE FINANCED FROM SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENTS (THAT IS, THERE WERE NO LOANS) AND THE DEVELOPMENT FUND BALANCE WAS ZERO.
’’OVER THE PERIOD OF THE CURRENT SCA, THE ACTUAL RETURN RECEIVED BY THE COMPANIES HAS AVERAGED ONLY 11 PER CENT," SHE SAID.
SHE • SAID THE TOTAL ESTIMATED GENERATING CAPACITY OF THE PROPOSED BLACK POINT POWER STATION WAS ABOUT 6,000MW, WHICH WAS ALMOST THE SAME AS THE COMPANIES’ EXISTING CAPACITY.
/SHE ADDED .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 20 -
SHE ADDED THAT THE COST OF $60 BILLION QUOTED BY THE COMPANIES REPRESENTED THE ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST BASED ON COAL FIRED GENERATING UNITS, IN MONEY OF THE DAY TERMS, AFTER ALLOWING FOR FUTURE INFLATION.
THE PROJECT WILL BE PHASED OVER A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF YEARS (AT LEAST 10) ACCORDING TO THE GROWTH IN DEMAND.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE SCA ’ S TERMS, WHEN PROPOSALS FOR MAJOR ADDITIONS TO THE COMPANIES SYSTEM HAD BEEN FINALISED THE COMPANIES MUST SUBMIT THEM BY WAY OF A FINANCING REVIEW FOR GOVERNMENT’S APPROVAL.
THIS REVIEW SETS OUT DETAILS OF THE COMPANIES’ DEMAND FORECASTS, PROPOSALS TO MEET THAT DEMAND, SALES FORECASTS, ESTIMATES OF COSTS AND REVENUE, AND THE RESULTING TARIFF IMPLICATIONS.
SHE NOTED THAT IN THE CASE OF A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS BLACK POINT EACH PHASE OF THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD REQUIRE JUSTIFICATION THROUGH A SEPARATE FINANCING REVIEW.
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TERTIARY PLACES SET TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND OF ECONOMY * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SETS THE TARGET OF TERTIARY PLACES MAINLY IN RELATION TO ESTIMATES OF THE ECONOMY’S FUTURE REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATE MANPOWER, THE SECRETARY FOR .EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, MR CHAN SAID ACCOUNT WAS ALSO TAKEN OF A NUMBER OF OTHER FACTORS.
THEY INCLUDED THE COMMUNITY’S ASPIRATIONS, THE LEVEL OF ABILITY OF THE LOCAL STUDENT POPULATION TO BENEFIT FROM TERTIARY EDUCATION AS INDICATED BY THE SUPPLY OF MATRICULANTS, AND THE LEVEL OF TERTIARY PROVISION IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES AT A BROADLY SIMILAR STAGE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO HONG KONG.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE 1990 PROJECTION OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR, AND THE SUPPLY OF, MANPOWER AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EDUCATION IN THE 1990’S HAD JUST BEEN UPDATED.
’’THE REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN PROJECTED IN RESPECT OF DIFFERENT OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS, AND THE PROJECTIONS OF SUPPLY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT EMIGRATION AND NATURAL ATTRITION AS WELL AS THE NEW SUPPLY OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS GRADUATES,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID NO ASSESSMENT HAD BEEN MADE OF THE DEMAND FOR TERTIARY PLACES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, SINCE THE PROVISION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION WAS DETERMINED WITH REFERENCE TO THE FUTURE MANPOWER NEEDS OF THE ECONOMY, AND THE PLANNING TARGET WAS NOT TO MEET THE YEAR TO YEAR DEMAND FOR TERTIARY PLACES.
/"RATHER, OUR ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 21 -
’’RATHER, OUR PLAN IS TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF FIRST YEAR FIRST DEGREE PLACES FROM 10,570 IN 1991/92 TO 15,000 BY THE 1994/95 ACADEMIC YEAR.
’’EVEN WITH THIS EXPANSION PROGRAMME, WE ESTIMATE THAT THE OUTPUT FROM LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL ACCOUNT FOR ONLY 41 PER CENT OF THE NEW SUPPLY OF GRADUATE WORKERS REQUIRED FOR THE PERIOD 1990-1996,” HE ADDED.
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FLUSHING WATER MAINS BURST EXPLAINED
ft ft ft ft ft
THE SUPPLY OF FLUSHING WATER TO THREE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE WESTERN REGION OF HONG KONG ISLAND WAS SUSPENDED SIX TIMES LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HUANG CHEN^YA, MR BLAKE SAID THIS COMPARED WITH 150 CASES IN ALL THE OTHER 168 ESTATES IN THE TERRITORY DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
OF THE SIX SUSPENSIONS RECORDED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, FIVE WERE DUE TO EMERGENCY REPAIRS AS A RESULT OF MAINS BURSTS OR LEAKS AND ONCE FOR SCHEDULED MAINLAYING WORK.
FOR INTERRUPTIONS DUE TO FAULTS IN THE INTERNAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF THE ESTATES, MR BLAKE SAID WORK WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND NO RECORDS WERE KEPT BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
MR BLAKE SAID MEASURES CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE FOR THE PREVENTION OF FRESH WATER MAIN BURSTS OR LEAKS APPLIED EQUALLY TO FLUSHING WATER MAINS SINCE BOTH POTABLE WATER AND FLUSHING WATER MAINS- WERE LAID IN THE SAME CONDITIONS UNDERGROUND.
”AN ACCOUNT OF THE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO MINIMISE MAINS BURSTS AND LEAKS WERE EXPLAINED TO MEMBERS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 13 THIS YEAR,” HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
22
MEASURES BY UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF TEACHING ♦ * * * *
THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS HAVE IMPLEMENTED A NUMBER OF MEASURES AS PART OF THEIR ONGOING EFFORT TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEACHING, DURING THE PAST TWO ACADEMIC YEARS (1989-90 AND 1990-91), THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, MR CHAN SAID THESE MEASURES INCLUDED:
♦ REGULAR EVALUATIONS ON A COURSE/DEPARTMENT/FACULTY BASIS;
♦ INCLUSION OF STUDENT FEEDBACK AS PART OF THE REGULAR EVALUATION PROCESS, IN ADDITION TO THE LONG-STANDING SYSTEM OF EXTERNAL EXAMINERS;
♦ PROVISION OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES AND INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES; AND
* SETTING UP OF STAFF RESOURCE CENTRES AND PROMOTION OF A VARIETY OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE HAD ALWAYS STRESSED TO THE INSTITUTIONS THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING ACADEMIC STANDARDS IN GENERAL, AND TEACHING STANDARDS IN PARTICULAR.
TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY IN TEACHING, THE COMMITTEE EMPHASISED THAT THE INSTITUTIONS SHOULD RECRUIT STAFF OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE, PROVIDE THEM WITH APPROPRIATE INTELLECTUAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND FULLY INVOLVE EXTERNAL ADVISERS, ASSESSORS OR EXAMINERS IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEY COULD HAVE AN EFFECTIVE INFLUENCE ON THE SYSTEM.
MR CHAN ADDED THAT AMONG THE PROMOTION CRITERIA FOR ACADEMIC STAFF IN THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS, SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE IN TEACHING WAS EMPHASISED, AS WELL AS RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP AND ADMINISTRATIVE ABILITY.
’’THE INSTITUTIONS ATTACH WEIGHT TO EACH OF THESE ATTRIBUTES ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS.”
THE SECRETARY SAID THE INSTITUTIONS WERE AWARE OF THE CHALLENGE TO TEACHERS POSED BY THE WIDENING OF THE CATCHMENT AREA OF THEIR STUDENT INTAKE.
’’WHILE THEY WILL CONTINUE WITH A VARIETY OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, GREATER EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON MEETING THE DEMANDS OF NEW STUDENTS.
"THE INSTITUTIONS ARE ACTIVELY CONSIDERING POSSIBLE MEANS TO IMPROVE THE LEARNING ABILITY OF STUDENTS.
’’THE PRIORITY AREAS ARE THE INTRODUCTION OF LEARNING TECHNIQUES, LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENT AND STRENGTHENING OF COUNSELLING RESOURCES,” HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
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MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ENSURE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
* * * * *
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAS SET UP A MANAGEMENT GROUP TO REVIEW THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MRS WONG SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THIS REVIEW COMPRISED AN URGENT EXAMINATION OF THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE PROVISION AND UTILISATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUCH AS CT SCANNERS.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN FOUR WEEKS,” SHE SAID.
"THE GROUP WILL THEN PROCEED TO EXAMINE OTHER KEY ISSUES, FOR EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, AND WILL RECOMMEND AN APPROPRIATE STRATEGY FOR IMPLEMENTATION."
MRS WONG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAD DEVELOPED A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WHICH AIMED AT ENSURING THAT MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN HOSPITALS WERE FUNCTIONING OPTIMALLY AND THAT THERE WAS A PLANNED PROGRAMME FOR EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT.
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT WITHIN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL SHALL COVER THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS STARTING RIGHT FROM THE INITIATION OF EQUIPMENT PURCHASE TO ITS FINAL DISPOSAL:
* IDENTIFICATION OF CLINICAL NEED AND URGENCY;
* EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS PREPARATION AND JUSTIFICATION;
* BUDGETARY ESTIMATE PREPARATION AND JUSTIFICATION;
* "VALUE FOR MONEY" PURCHASE THROUGH APPROPRIATE
PROCUREMENT EXERCISE;
* EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION/COMMISSION ING SUPERVISION AND
CO-ORDINATION;
* EQUIPMENT UTILISATION AND COST OF OPERATION MONITORING;
* QUALITY ASSURANCE AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING;
* EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT SCHEDULING;
* ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS SCREENING AND JUSTIFICATION;
* SAFE-KEEPING OF EQUIPMENT STOCK;
* DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT AT THE END OF THE LIFE CYCLE.
/EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 24 -
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT AT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HEAD OFFICE SHALL ENSURE THAT ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS COMPLY WITH THE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES DETAILED ABOVE, SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES SHALL ALSO BE MET:
* CONSISTENT EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG ALL
PUBLIC HOSPITALS;
* OVERALL COST-EFFECTIVE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR
THE ENTIRE HONG KONG COMMUNITY;
* RATIONAL AND OPTIMAL ALLOCATION AND UTILISATION OF
RESOURCES;
* QUALITY AND SAFE OPERATION THROUGHOUT ALL PUBLIC
HOSPITALS;
* MORE EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT UTILISATION SUCH AS
REDEVELOPMENT OF EQUIPMENT ON AN INTER- AND/OR
INTRA-DEPARTMENTAL/HOSPITAL BASIS; AND
» OVERALL EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE
AND REPLACEMENT COSTS BUDGETING, CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT.
THE SECRETARY ADDED THAT THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ASSISTED THE CLINICAL STAFF TO BE FULLY AWARE OF THE KIND AND QUANTITY OF EQUIPMENT WHICH WAS AVAILABLE FOR USE WITHIN A WARD, A CLINICAL UNIT OR A DEPARTMENT; TO BE FULLY INFORMED OF THE EQUIPMENT CONDITION AS WELL AS EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE WITHIN A WARD, A CLINICAL UNIT OR A DEPARTMENT; AND TO BE PROMPTLY ALERTED OF ANY EQUIPMENT HAZARD OR INCIDENT RELATING TO THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CURRENTLY IN USE.
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•NO AGREEMENTS GOVERNING EXTRADITION BETWEEN HK AND CHINA
******
THERE ARE NO BILATERAL AGREEMENTS OR ANY UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS GOVERNING EXTRADITION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN, MR STRACHAN SAID THE CHINESE EXTRADITION ORDINANCE OF 1889 PROVIDED FOR THE EXTRADITION TO CHINA OF CHINESE CRIMINALS WHO HAD TAKEN REFUGE IN HONG KONG.
/IT REFERRED .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 25 -
IT REFERRED TO THE TREATY OF TIENTSIN OF 1858 AND HAD FALLEN INTO DISUSE SINCE 1949, HE SAID.
HONG KONG ALSO HAD NO ARRANGEMENTS WITH TAIWAN IN RELATION TO EXTRADITION, THE SECRETARY ADDED.
AS REGARDS THE NUMBER OF EXTRADITION CASES, MR STRACHAN SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO REQUESTS FOR EXTRADITION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA OR BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TAIWAN IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
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STATISTICS ON DEGREE COURSES ENTRANCE APPLICATIONS *****
IN 1990-91 THERE WERE 18,629 UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 23,056 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FROM CANDIDATES WHO MET THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THEIR DEGREE COURSES, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS INFORMED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, STATED THAT THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE COURSES AT THE SEVEN UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS WERE SET BY THE GOVERNING COUNCILS OF THE INSTITUTIONS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT IN DOING SO, AN INSTITUTION NORMALLY TOOK INTO ACCOUNT:
* THE MINIMUM STANDARD REQUIRED OF A NEW.ENTRANT TO ENSURE THAT HE WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE COURSE OF STUDY IN QUESTION AND WOULD BE ABLE TO COMPLETE HIS STUDIES SUCCESSFULLY;
* THE CURRICULUM STRUCTURE IN LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THE PUBLIC EXAMINATION SYSTEMS IN HONG KONG;
* THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS OF UNIVERSITIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY THE UK WHERE THE PUBLIC EXAMINATION SYSTEMS ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE IN HONG KONG; AND
* CURRENT EDUCATION POLICIES AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.
THE SECRETARY SAID IN THE LIMITED TIME AVAILABLE, IT HAD . NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF UNSUCCESSFUL AND TOTAL APPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, BOTH OF WHICH WERE ALSO OFFERING FIRST YEAR FIRST DEGREE PLACES IN 1990-91.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
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THREE-HOUR MOTION DEBATE ON ORGANISED CRIME WHITE BILL
*****
A MOTION ON THE WHITE BILL ON ORGANISED CRIME MOVED BY THE HON RITA FAN WAS PASSED AFTER A THREE-HOUR DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION READ: "THAT THIS COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE ADMINISTRATION TN ITS EFFORTS TO COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME AND URGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE INTO CAREFUL CONSIDERATION THE VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC ON THE WHITE BILL ON ORGANISED CRIME PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 9, 1991, AND TO ENSURE THAT ITS FINAL PROPOSALS FOR LEGISLATION TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF BILL OF RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS SO THAT THE LEGISLATION ACHIEVES MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS".
A TOTAL OF 14 MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE MOTION DEBATE. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS AND THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
MEANWHILE, 14 LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS SPOKE DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT ON MEASURES TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
IN ADDITION, THREE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED. (
THEY WERE THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991, PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1991 AND CRIMES (TORTURE) BILL.
A MOTION, MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE WAS PASSED.
TWO OTHER MOTIONS, MOVED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, UNDER THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE AND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, WERE ALSO PASSED.
i
A FOURTH MOTION UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WAS PASSED.
------------0----------------
(
/27........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 27 -
GOVERNOR SEES NEW FARMING TECHNOLOGY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, VISITED TWO EXPERIMENTAL FARMS RUN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SHOWN SOME OF THE NEW TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGY BEING DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR USE IN HONG KONG.
SIR DAVID BEGAN HIS VISIT BY TOURING THE TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE.
HE WAS SHOWN A METHOD OF RAISING PIGS ON DEEP LAYERS OF SAWDUST LITTER IN WHICH THE PIG MANURE DECOMPOSES NATURALLY.
THE METHOD AVOIDS PROBLEMS OF SMELL AND POLLUTING EFFLUENT SO OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH PIG REARING AND HAS ALREADY BEEN ADOPTED BY SOME OF HONG KONG’S PIG FARMERS.
SIR DAVID THEN VISITED THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE TAI LUNG FARM. HE WAS SHOWN SOME OF THE HORTICULTURAL TECHNIQUES BEING DEVELOPED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE CONSTRAINTS ON BOTH LAND AND LABOUR.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN HELPING FARMERS TO GROW HIGH-YIELDING AND SPECIALISED CROPS INCLUDING EXOTIC VEGETABLES.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO SHOWN THE STUDIES BEING CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO IDENTIFY SAFE, LOW TOXICITY OR NON-CHEMICAL WAYS OF PEST CONTROL.
HE VISITED THE PESTICIDE RESIDUE LABORATORY TO SEE A COMPUTERISED METHOD OF QUICKLY DETECTING PESTICIDE RESIDUE ON VEGETABLES.
"IT IS GOOD TO SEE HOW SOPHISTICATED FOOD-PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG IS BECOMING,” SIR DAVID SAID.
’’AGRICULTURE LAND IS LIMITED IN HONG KONG SO GOVERNMENT IS WORKING WITH THE FARMERS TO HELP THEM MAKE THE VERY BEST USE OF IT.”
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE), MR RICHARD YIP.
- - 0 - -
/28 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 28 -
LADY WILSON OPENS HK SHOWCASE
*****
THE HONG KONG SHOWCASE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE TO SEE, ADMIRE AND BUY FROM A WIDE RANGE OF THE EXCELLENT PRODUCTS WHICH THE TERRITORY SUPPLIES TO THE WORLD’S MARKET, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG SHOWCASE AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, LADY WILSON SAID AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, WHEN WE WERE ALL SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS, THAT . OPPORTUNITY WAS PARTICULARLY APPEALING.
SHE NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE FOURTH YEAR THAT THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAD ORGANISED THE SHOWCASE.
"THE PAST THREE EXHIBITIONS ATTRACTED OVER 180,000 VISITORS FROM ALL PARTS OF HONG KONG.
"AND THE SHOWCASE IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR - THERE ARE 500 EXHIBITION AND RETAIL BOOTHS THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 350 LAST YEAR," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON SAID SHE WAS ENCOURAGED TO SEE THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS WERE SHOWING BRAND-NAME PRODUCTS.
"HAVING OUR OWN BRAND NAMES IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF PROMOTING TRADE AND PROMOTING HONG KONG’S IMAGE OVERSEAS," SHE SAID.
------0--------
EXCO ENDORSED CONCEPT OF SUBSCRIPTION TV *******
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS CONSIDERED THE WAY FORWARD ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING AND HAS ENDORSED THE CONCEPT OF INTRODUCING SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION IN HONG KONG.
BEFORE MAKING FIRM DECISIONS ON THE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH SUCH A SERVICE SHOULD OPERATE, THE COUNCIL HAS ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONDUCT A FULL REVIEW OF THE BROAD TELEVISION BROADCASTING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN SIX MONTHS ON A NUMBER OF KEY ISSUES.
THESE INCLUDE:
* THE INTERFACE BETWEEN EXISTING TELEVISION BROADCASTERS AND THE
FUTURE SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SERVICES WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AVAILABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG;
* WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE CHANGES TO THE LICENCES CURRENTLY HELD
BY ATV AND TVB TO REFLECT THE CHANGING BROADCASTING ENVIRONMENT; AND
/* WHETHER SATELLITE ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 29 -
* WHETHER SATELLITE BASED CANTONESE BROADCASTING SHOULD BE
PERMITTED IN HONG KONG AND IF SO, WHEN AND UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS.
THE REVIEW WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE- RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MR JAMES SO. MR SO WILL BE HOLDING MEETINGS WITH ALL INTERESTED PARTIES EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR.
--------0-----------
JOINT HK-GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP MEETING *****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) LED A DELEGATION OF 10 GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO ATTEND A MEETING OF THE JOINT HONG KONG-GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP IN CANTON.
THE DELEGATION COMPRISES THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, MR PETER PUN) THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN; AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THE FOUR-DAY MEETING WHICH STARTS TODAY, IS THE LIAISON GROUP’S SECOND MEETING. ITS FIRST MEETING WAS HELD IN HONG KONG IN JULY LAST YEAR.
THE MEETING WILL CONSIDER A REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE TECHNICAL SUB-GROUP ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND BENEFICIAL USES FOR DEEP BAY AND ITS CATCHMENT.
THE SUB-GROUP IS LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING ON THE HONG KONG SIDE.
• THE LIAISON GROUP WILL ALSO DISCUSS ITS WORK PLAN FOR 1992 AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21).
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/30........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 30 -
GOVT STATEMENT ON NIM WAN INCIDENT
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES WITH REGARD TO AN INCIDENT WHICH TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG WATERS ON NOVEMBER 19, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
"CHINA HAS RESPONDED OFFICIALLY, ON DECEMBER 16 THROUGH THE NCNA, TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE NIM WAN INCIDENT. THERE REMAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES’ UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT HAPPENED. THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM HAD BEEN STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY ON DECEMBER 4. THAT REMAINS OUR POSITION.
"THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT BOTH SIDES SHOULD FURTHER DEVELOP THEIR CO-OPERATION AGAINST SMUGGLING AND TAKE MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT DANGEROUS INCIDENTS DO NOT OCCUR. WE ARE GLAD THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WISH TO STRENGTHEN THEIR CO-OPERATION WITH US."
- - 0 - -
NEW TSUEN WAN POLICE DISTRICT HQS AND STATION OPENS *****
THE OPENING OF THE NEW TSUEN WAN POLICE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL STATION IS PART OF THE EXPANSION OF THE POLICE PLANNED FOR LANTAU.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE POLICE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS), MR JOHN SHEPPARD, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW COMPLEX TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU, AND THE INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SYSTEMS WHICH LINK WITH THE REST OF HONG KONG, AND INDEED CHINA, WILL PLACE TSUEN WAN MORE THAN EVER BEFORE AT THE HUB OF NEW TERRITORIES LIFE.
"THIS IN TURN WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN IMPORTANCE AND IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT FURTHER INDUSTRY, HOUSING AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO YOUR DISTRICT.
"I AM ESPECIALLY PLEASED THEREFORE WITH THE TIMELY OPENING OF THIS NEW STATION, WHICH IS WELL-EQUIPPED TO MEET THESE NEW CHALLENGES," MR SHEPPARD SAID.
MR SHEPPARD ALSO TOLD THE LARGE GATHERING WHO MAINLY CAME FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT THAT THE OLD TSUEN WAN POLICE STATION WOULD NOT BE DEMOLISHED.
"IT HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN INTO SERVICE IN ITS NEW ROLE AS AN OPERATIONAL BASE FOR THE SOUTHERN NEW TERRITORIES; IT HOUSES THE NEW TERRITORIES EMERGENCY UNIT, AND A COMPANY OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT--THE BLUE BERETS.
/"SO YOU .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 31 -
"SO YOU WILL SEE THAT THE AREA OR TSUEN WAN IS BEING POLICED, AND PROTECTED, IN A MORE COMPREHENSIVE MANNER THAN EVER BEFORE,” MR SHEPPARD ADDED.
HE ASSURED THE RESIDENTS THAT THE CUTBACKS IN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE WOULD NOT AFFECT THE SERVICES.
”REST ASSURED THAT THESE CUTBACKS ARE NOT BEING ALLOWED TO COMPRISE THAT MOST IMPORTANT OF SERVICES: THE ON-THE-GROUND POLICING OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES SUCH AS WE HAVE HERE IN TSUEN WAN, AND I COMMEND TODAY’S OPENING TO YOU AS A TANGIBLE DEMONSTRATION OF THE FORCE'S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING SUCH A SERVICE,” HE ADDED.
LATER, MR SHEPPARD UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO DECLARE THE NEW COMPLEX OPENED.
---------0-----------
CAPO INVESTIGATION COMPLETED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE HAS COMPLETED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGATION OF MISTREATMENT BY THE POLICE RAISED BY MR TAI CHIN-WAH THROUGH HIS SOLICITOR ON THE OCTOBER 26, 1991.
THE ENQUIRY HAS TAKEN PLACE DESPITE MR TAI'S PUBLICLY STATING THAT HE DID NOT WISH TO PURSUE A FORMAL COMPLIANT.
IN RESPECT OF THE USE OF HANDCUFFS AND TRANSPORT BELT TO RESTRAIN MR TAI DURING HIS ESCORT TO COURT AND THE SUBSEQUENT HANDLING OF MR TAI AT THE COURT PREMISES, AN ERROR OF JUDGEMENT ON BOTH COUNTS HAS BEEN ADMITTED AND SUITABLE APOLOGIES OFFERED.
THE ALLEGATION THAT MR TAI WAS STRIP SEARCHED AND MADE TO PERFORM A ’’FROG JUMP" CANNOT BE SUBSTANTIATED ON THE BASIS OF THE EVIDENCE OF AVAILABLE WITNESSES.
IN THE ABSENCE OF A STATEMENT FROM MR TAI AND THE PROVISION OF FULL AND PRECISE DETAILS OF THE LATTER INCIDENT, THE MATTER CANNOT BE TAKEN FURTHER.
THE CAPO'S REPORT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE ON NOVEMBER 18. AT ITS NETTING HELD ON DECEMBER 16, THE COMMITTEE ENDORSED THE RESULTS OF CAPO'S INVESTIGATION.
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/32 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 32 -
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR MEDICAL GAS STUDY
*****;
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO ENSURE THAT THE LOCAL PRACTICE IN THE SUPPLY AND HANDLING OF MEDICAL GASES IS FULLY UP TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
THE $200,000-STUDY, AWARDED TO TECHNICA LTD. (CONSULTING SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS), WILL START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR. IT IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE IN TWO MONTHS.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN AND THE SOUTH EAST ASIA MANAGER OF TECHNICA, MR STEPHEN SHAW AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT THE STUDY AFTER AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY AND A SEPARATE POLICE INVESTIGATION COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF AN INCIDENT INVOLVING A NITROUS OXIDE CYLINDER AT THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE IN JULY LAST YEAR.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ARE:
* TO REVIEW:
- THE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES PRESENTLY PRACTISED IN THE MEDICAL GAS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL EXISTING CONTROLLING LEGISLATION AND THE RESULTANT EFFECTIVENESS;
- THE SAFETY MEASURES AT THE END-USERS’ PREMISES;
- THE CONTROL OF SAFETY AND QUALITY ASPECTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE, FILLING, DELIVERY AND HANDLING OF SUCH GASES IN BULK OR PORTABLE CONTAINERS FROM THE POINT OF
PRODUCTION RIGHT UP UNTIL THEIR ADMINISTRATION TO PATIENTS;
- THE MEDICAL GAS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND TO RECOMMEND MEASURES TO ENSURE A CONTINUOUS AND SAFE SUPPLY TO THE LOCAL MARKET; AND
* TO RECOMMEND PRACTICABLE MEASURES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING LEGISLATION, ENACTMENT OF NEW
LEGISLATION OR ADOPTION OF RELEVANT INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS TO ENHANCE, WHERE NECESSARY, THE
CURRENT STANDARD OF SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES ON THE CONTROL OF SAFETY AND QUALITY ASPECTS IN THE MANUFACTURE, FILLING, DELIVERY AND HANDLING OF SUCH GASES.
/33 ........
* I
I WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
f - 33 -
ONE MORE NOMINATION FOR DB BY-ELECTION
******
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS RECEIVED ONE MORE NOMINATION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION.
SO FAR A TOTAL OF THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE BY-ELECTION. THE NOMINATION PERIOD WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 30.
(
FOLLOWING ARE THE DETAILS OF THE CANDIDATE WHOSE NOMINATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY:
INAME ( SEX AGE OCCUPATION CONTACT TEL. NO.
LEE YORK-FAI MALE 24 DOCTOR 553 8776
I ! (
------0--------
ENJOY CHRISTMAS WITHOUT DRUGS ♦ * * * •
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ADVISED NOT TO EXPERIMENT WITH OR ABUSE DRUGS WHILE CELEBRATING THE FESTIVE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS, OTHERWISE THE CONSEQUENCE MAY BE DISASTROUS.
A MEMBER OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), MR PAO PING-WING, GAVE THIS ADVICE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE ’SAY YES TO LIFE’ VARIETY SHOW TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’DRUG ABUSE CAN EASILY LEAD TO ADDICTION AND DAMAGES TO THE ORGANIC AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS. THIS WILL RUIN MANY YOUNGSTERS’ FUTURE AND EVEN THEIR LIVES.
"YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD KEEP ON ALERT WHEN ATTENDING CHRISTMAS PARTIES OR OTHER GATHERINGS AND DON’T TRY TO TAKE ANY DRUGS BECAUSE OF CURIOSITY OR PEER GROUP PRESSURE," MR PAO SAID.
AIMED AT ENCOURAGING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE, TO ’SAY YES TO LIFE AND SAY NO TO DRUGS’, THE SHOW WILL BE HELD FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 24) AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE II, KOWLOON.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK) AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN CONJUNCTION WITH ACAN, AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK RADIO 1.
ADMISSION TO THE SHOW IS FREE.
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/34 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
34
SEMINAR ON WONG CHUK HANG ISSUES TOMORROW
*****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO DISCUSS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON ISSUES CONCERNING THE WONG CHUK HANG AREA AT A SEMINAR TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE SEMINAR IS PART OF A CONSULTATION EXERCISE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES TO COLLECT VIEWS ON ISSUES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO RESIDENTS.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 8.15 PM IN THE TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR, STRESSING THAT THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE GIVEN DUE CONSIDENTION BY THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND THAT THE RESULTS OF FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS WOULD BE MAKE KNOWN AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
THE ASSISTANT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHARLES CHAN, WILL SPEAK ON HOW RESIDENTS, AS INDIVIDUALS OR AS OFFICE-BEARERS OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
HE WILL ALSO EXPLAIN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, WHICH ARE THE "THREE PILLARS” OF THE SCHEME.
ANOTHER PANELIST, CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG CHUK HANG AREA COMMITTEE MR KO KAM-CHEUNG, WILL UPDATE PARTICIPANTS ON THE AREA COMMITTEE’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE PROBLEMS IT HAS ENCOUNTERED IN THE PAST YEAR.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A 15-MINUTE SLIDE PRESENTATION COVERING THE MAJOR ISSUES IN WONG CHUK HANG, TO BE FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSIONS DURING WHICH RESIDENTS, AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT AS WELL AS COMMUNITY BUILDING MATTER.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT WONG CHUK HANG IS A MAJOR RESIDENTIAL AREA IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WITH A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 23,000 PEOPLE.
IT IS ALSO AN INDUSTRIAL HUB WITH VARIOUS MANUFACTURING AND SHIP REPAIRING INDUSTRIES EMPLOYING OVER 27,000 WORKERS, HE ADDED.
/35........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 35 -
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT TERM TENANCIES ON THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST SITE, LOCATED ON FUNG SHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 16,500 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND/OR FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED) CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
THE, TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND SITE ON KWAI FUK ROAD, AREA 38, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,750 SQUARE METRES.
THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR A FEE - PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK (INCLUDING TRACTOR UNITS BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS WHETHER WITH OR WITHOUT CONTAINERS).
THE REMAINING SITE IS ALSO LOCATED ON KWAI FUK ROAD, AREA 38, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,700 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR A GODOWN (EXCLUDING THE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS AND SCRAP METAL).
THE TENANCY FOR BOTH KWAI CHUNG SITES IS FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 3, NEXT YEAR.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KWAI TSING, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TII 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.
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/36 ..........
I
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
- 36 - "
11 ARRESTED FOR BREACH OF CONDITION OF STAY
*****
IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ARRESTED EIGHT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ONE PRC PASSPORT HOLDER AND TWO TWO-WAY PERMIT VISITORS FOR BREACH OF CONDITION OF STAY DURING A SERIES OF OPERATIONS YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
THIRTEEN BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS WERE VISITED. IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ALSO CONDUCTED IDENTITY CHECKS ON 193 PERSONS.
THE EIGHT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - FIVE MEN AND THREE WOMEN - AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 47, CLAIMED TO HAVE SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG FOR ONE WEEK TO 10 MONTHS. SOME OF THEM WERE LOCATED AT THEIR PLACES OF WORK.
/
THE TWO TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS, BOTH MEN AND AGED 24 AND 30, WERE FOUND WORKING IN A RESTAURANT AND A RIBBON COMPANY RESPECTIVELY. ONE OF THEM HAS OVERSTAYED HERE SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR.
THE MALE PRC PASSPORT HOLDER, AGED 32, WAS FOUND WORKING IN A RESTAURANT. HE HAS OVERSTAYED IN HONG KONG SINCE AUGUST THIS YEAR.
FOUR HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE ASSISTING WITH THE INVESTIGATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REITERATED TrtAT THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT VISITORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE UP ANY EMPLOYMENT, WHETHER PAID OR UNPAID, WITHOUT THE PERMISSION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION.
’’THOSE WHO BREACH THEIR CONDITION OF STAY HERE ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
’’PEOPLE WHO AID AND ABET OTHERS TO COMMIT THESE OFFENCES ARE ALSO LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND PENALTY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/37........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1991
37 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 17.12.91 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 18.12.91 -20
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -180
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON +200*
* LATE O/N ASSISTANCE
TO BE REVERSED ON 19.12.91
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.2 *+0.0* 18.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERMS YIELD TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.41 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.59 5.44
1 MONTH 4.54 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.40 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.39 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.72 PCT
TURNOVER - BILLS 6,469 MN, BONDS 35 MN
CLOSED 18 DECEMBER 1991
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVER 130 AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACTS TO BE AWARDED ................ 1
/
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO FOCUS ON ROAD SAFETY IN 1992 ................... 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF LANDFILL ............. 4
OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES
RELEASED.............................................................. 6
NEW AMBULANCE-AID MOTORCYCLES TO COME INTO SERVICE ..................... 11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ..................... 12
PARTIAL MOON ECLIPSE ON SATURDAY ....................................... 13
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES PRAISED .................... 14
j
WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS VISIT EX-POW'S ................. 16
TEACHERS REQUIRE UNSTINTING PUBLIC SUPPORT ............................. 16
POLICE INSPECTOR ATTENDS FIREARMS TRAINING CONFERENCE .................. 17
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ON MOVE ...................................... 18
EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY ....................................... I9
FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI ...................................... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 20
j
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 1 -
OVER 130 AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACTS TO BE AWARDED ******
MORE THAN 130 MAJOR AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WORKS CONTRACTS WILL BE AWARDED DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID.
SPEAKING AT A YEAR-END MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TODAY (THURSDAY), MR HUI SAID 65 PER CENT OF THOSE CONTRACTS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT WERE ESTIMATED TO COST OVER $100 MILLION EACH.
"THE SUCCESS OF THE WHOLE ACP HINGES UPON THE INSTITUTION OF A STRONG PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WHICH IS CAPABLE OF ORGANISING AND SCHEDULING ALL OF THE INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS INTO A WORKABLE WHOLE THAT TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES; SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAMME CAN BE COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET," HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 1992, MR HUI SAID A MORE OUTREACHING AND AGGRESSIVE APPROACH WOULD BE ADOPTED IN INVOLVING THE PUBLIC IN THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS.
"WE WILL ENDEAVOUR TO KEEP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED PARTIES ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS THROUGH REGULAR PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION MATERIAL, ORGANISATION OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS AND PARTICIPATION IN BRIEFINGS AND SEMINARS.
"CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMME AT THE GRASS-ROOTS LEVEL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
"SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, A NEW COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIVISION WILL BE SET UP TO PROMOTE GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS ON A WIDE-RANGING FRONT, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
"THE DIVISION WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LIAISING WITH KEY COMMUNITY LEADERS AND GROUPS HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS AND ENHANCING THE FLOW OF INFORMATION WITH A VIEW TO KEEPING THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE UP TO DATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECTS," MR HUI SAID.
MR HUI SAID A GREAT DEAL OF PHYSICAL PROGRESS ON THE PROJECTS HAD BEEN MADE DURING THE PAST YEAR.
"THE SIGNING OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING HAS GIVEN US THE CERTAINTY WE NEED TO GET ON WITH THE PROJECTS. IT ALSO PROVIDES A PRACTICAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH VARIOUS ISSUES RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT CAN BE DISCUSSED BY PARTIES CONCERNED," HE SAID.'
WORK ON THE NEW AIRPORT ITSELF WAS PROCEEDING WELL UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, SAID MR HUI.
"THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN IS NOW NEAR COMPLETION. THE PREPARATION OF AN ADVANCE WORKS AREA ON CHEK LAP KOK COMMENCED IN FEBRUARY 1991 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1992.
/•'TENDERS FOR ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
2
’’TENDERS FOR THE MAIN SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT WERE INVITED IN EARLY NOVEMBER WITH A VIEW TO AWARDING THE CONTRACT IN MAY 1992. DETAILED DESIGN OF THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL COMPLEX SHOULD START AROUND MARCH 1992.”
MR HUI SAID DEVELOPMENT STUDIES FOR TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN WOULD BE COMPLETED BY EARLY NEXT YEAR AND SITE FORMATION WORK WOULD START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
"RECLAMATION WORKS IN WEST KOWLOON ARE WELL UNDERWAY AND THE FIRST PACKAGE OF DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS HAS COMMENCED ON DECEMBER 12, 1991," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS VARIOUS AIRPORT-RELATED TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, MR HUI SAID THEY WERE ALSO PROGRESSING WELL.
"INVITATIONS FOR TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTING THE TSING MA BRIDGE WERE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 16. ALL FOUR PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS HAVE SUBMITTED BIDS AND THE TENDER WILL BE AWARDED BY MID-1992.
"TENDERS FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND THE MA WAN VIADUCT WERE ALSO INVITED IN EARLY NOVEMBER AND WORKS WILL COMMENCE IN LATE 1992.
"TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TAI HO SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY WERE INVITED ON DECEMBER 14 AND TENDERS FOR THE YAM O SECTION WILL BE INVITED IN EARLY 1992. BOTH THE ROUTE 3 (KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI SECTIONS) AND THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY ARE .IN THE DETAILED DESIGN STAGE," HE SAID.
ON THE PRIVATISATION OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, MR HUI SAID SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT TENDERS WOULD BE CALLED IN EARLY NEXT YEAR.
"MEANWHILE, GOVERNMENT’S DISCUSSION WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) ON THE OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IS ALSO NEARING COMPLETION AND IF EVERYTHING GOES SMOOTHLY, I EXPECT THAT THE PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT WITH THE MTRC WILL BE SIGNED BY MID-1992."
MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS KEEN TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE ACP PROJECTS.
A RESOURCE CENTRE, WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP AT THE FRENCH MISSION BUILDING SINCE AUGUST 27 THIS YEAR, NOW HAS A COLLECTION OF MORE THAN 600 TECHNICAL REPORTS AND PAPERS ON THE AIRPORT AND PORT PROJECTS.
"THESE REPORTS AND PAPERS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO READ THEM. THIS FACILITY HAS PROVED TO BE POPULAR. MORE THAN 1,300 PEOPLE HAVE VISITED THE CENTRE SINCE ITS OPENING," HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION, A CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE COMPRISING 50 MEMBERS FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY WAS SET UP IN NOVEMBER, MR HUI SAID.
/"THIS IS .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 3 -
"THIS IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMME, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
"THIS COMMITTEE PROVIDES A VALUABLE FORUM FOR COLLECTING PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN THE PROJECTS TO THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO FOCUS ON ROAD SAFETY IN 1992
*****
A SERIES OF ROAD SAFETY ACTIVITIES WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT YEAR TO BRING HOME THE MESSAGE THAT BOTH MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS MUST DO MORE TO MAKE THE ROADS SAFER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GORDON SIU KWING-CHUE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AT THE COMPUTERISED NEW KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, MR SIU SAID A NUMBER OF "DOS AND DON’TS" FOR MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS WOULD BE PUBLICISED AT EVERY LEVEL, THROUGH PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL IN SCHOOLS, AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION AS WELL AS THROUGH INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO TRAINEE DRIVERS.
"TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROADMARKINGS HELP REGULATE THE EFFICIENT AND SAFE USE OF OUR ROADS," MR SIU SAID, "WE REGULARLY REVIEW THEIR DESIGN AND INTEND TO USE A HIGHER QUALITY REFLECTIVE MATERIAL ON SIGNS TO IMPROVE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT.
"WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING INTRODUCING A NEW COLOUR COMBINATION, WHITE ON GREEN, FOR SIGNS TO BE ERECTED ON EXPRESSWAYS. THE EXISTING DESIGN - WHITE ON BLUE - WILL BE RETAINED FOR MINOR ROADS AND LOCAL DESTINATIONS," HE ADDED.
"WE INTEND TO ERECT MORE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS SO THAT MOTORISTS HAVE EARLY NOTICE FOR LANE SELECTION; AND WE INTEND TO PUT UP VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS ALONG SOME EXPRESSWAYS TO INFORM MOTORISTS OF ROAD CONDITIONS AHEAD," HE SAID.
ON THE SAFETY OF VEHICLES, MR SIU SAID THE POLICY WAS TO LOWER THE AGE LIMIT FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION OF ALL GOODS VEHICLES AND TRAILERS.
"THIS IS NECESSARY BECAUSE A WELL-MAINTAINED GOODS VEHICLES FLEET CAN HELP MINIMISE TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE VEHICLES, AND REDUCE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS DUE TO MECHANICAL FAULTS. BY 1993, ALL GOODS VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO BE INSPECTED ANNUALLY BEFORE RELICENSING," HE SAID.
MR SIU SAID SOUND KNOWLEDGE OF TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS; PROPER HANDLING OF A VEHICLE; CLEAR PERCEPTION OF AND GOOD RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN ROAD CONDITIONS WERE VITAL ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD AND SAFE DRIVER.
/"THESE ATTRIBUTES .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
"THESE ATTRIBUTES HAVE TO BE INCULCATED BEFORE A LEARNER DRIVER HANDLES THE FIRST CAR, AND REINFORCED REPEATEDLY THROUGH PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES AND REFRESHER TRAINING," HE SAID.
TURNING TO TRANSPORTATION, MR SIU SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE MADE AN AVERAGE OF 11.1 MILLION PASSENGER-TRIPS EVERY DAY. OF THESE, 9.7 MILLION TRIPS OR 87 PER CENT WERE MADE ON THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK OF BUSES, TRAINS, TRAMS, FERRIES, MINIBUSES AND TAXIS.
"OUR TARGETS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT MUST BE TO BRING RELIABILITY, COMFORT AND SPEED TO THE BUS NETWORK WHICH WILL REMAIN THE LARGEST PASSENGER CARRIER," HE SAID.
GOOD CUSTOMER RELATIONS IS VITAL TO THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANY. LAST YEAR, MANY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED TO SET UP AS MANY CHANNELS AS POSSIBLE TO ENHANCE DIRECT COMMUNICATIONS WITH CUSTOMERS.
"WE SHALL GO FURTHER NEXT YEAR. FIRST, WE SHALL WORK ON GETTING THE IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS ACCEPTED NOT ONLY BY MANAGERS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, BUT BY ALL WITHIN THE ORGANISATION, AT EVERY LEVEL, BY STATION MASTERS, INSPECTORS, BUS CAPTAINS AND SO ON.
"SECOND, WE SHALL GO FORWARD, FROM CUSTOMER DIALOGUE, SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS TO ACTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT. AT THE SAME TIME, A PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANY MUST ESTABLISH A SYSTEM WHICH REWARDS AN EMPLOYEE WHO PROVIDES GOOD SERVICE TO HIS CUSTOMERS." HE SAID.
MR SIU SAID AN EXPERIMENTAL CORPS OF "KMB SERVICE AMBASSADORS" WILL BE FORMED BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY. ON A DISTRICT NETWORK BASIS, THE AMBASSADORS WILL ASSESS THE PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUAL BUS CAPTAINS AND STATION MASTERS FOR SELECTING A NUMBER WHO WILL BE REWARDED BY THE BUS COMPANY AND THE DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT INTENDED TO INCULCATE AND REINFORCE THE CONCEPT OF "CUSTOMERS ALWAYS COME FIRST” WHICH IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE SUCCESS OF ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATOR.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF LANDFILL
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE WEST NEW TERRITORIES (WENT) LANDFILL, WHICH WILL BE THE FIRST OF THE THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS TO BE COMMISSIONED IN HONG KONG.
TENDER DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE PRE-QUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR THE PROJECT. THESE .COMPANIES ARE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTORS, CONSORTIA OR JOINT VENTURES WHICH WERE PRE-QUALIFIED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR TO TENDER FOR ALL THE THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS.
/WENT LANDFILL .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
5 -
WENT LANDFILL IS LOCATED AT NIM WAN IN WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES. IT WILL HAVE A CAPACITY OF ABOUT 58 MILLION CUBIC METRES AND WITH A LIFE-SPAN OF ABOUT 25 YEARS.
THIS LANDFILL WILL BE COMMISSIONED IN EARLY 1993 AND WILL RECEIVE WASTE FROM WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, AND CONTAINERISED WASTE FROM REFUSE TRANFER STATIONS BY BOTH LAND AND MARINE TRANSPORT. A FIVE-KILOMETRE ROAD LINKING LUNG KWU TAN AND NIM WAN BEING CONSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE LANDFILL.
THE FUTURE CONTRACTOR WILL HAVE TO CARRY OUT THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS WHICH INCLUDE RECLAMATION AND EARTHWORKS, PROVISION OF AN IMPERMEABLE LINER AND INSTALLATION OF LEACHATE, GROUNDWATER AND LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
THE CONTRACTOR IS ALSO REQUIRED TO OPERATE THE LANDFILL THROUGHOUT ITS LIFE AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RESTORATION AND AFTERCARE OF THE SITE.
UPON THE CLOSURE OF THE LANDFILL, THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO RECTIFY ANY SETTLEMENT AND LEAKAGE OF LEACHATE AND LANDFILL GAS.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THE WHITE PAPER ON "POLLUTION IN HONG KONG - A TIME TO ACT" AND THE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN FOR HONG KONG PUBLISHED IN 1989 HAS DETERMINED THE WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY.
THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS WILL BE DEVELOPED IN REMOTE PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WILL BE SERVED BY A NETWORK OF REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS DEVELOPED IN THE URBAN AREAS.
WASTE WILL BE DELIVERED TO THESE STATIONS BY REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES WHERE IT WILL BE COMPACTED AND CONTAINERISED BEFORE TRANSFERRING TO THE LANDFILLS.
THE WENT LANDFILL IS PLANNED TO RECEIVE WASTE FROM REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS AT KOWLOON BAY, YUEN LONG, ISLAND WEST, ISLAND EAST, WEST KOWLOON, THE OUTLYING ISLANDS AND NORTH LANTAU.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE LANDFILL WILL BE DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND OPERATED TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD AND STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN SPECIFIED IN THE TENDER DOCUMENT TO CONTROL LEACHATE, LANDFILL GAS, GROUNDWATER, SURFACE WATER, DUST, ODOUR AND NOISE NUISANCE TO THE SURROUNDING AREA.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WOULD BE MONITORED TO ASSESS THE EXTENT OF THE IMPACT.
TENDERS WILL CLOSE ON MAY 1 NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS FOR THE OTHER TWO STRATEGIC LANDFILLS, NAMELY NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES (NENT) LANDFILL IN TA KWU LING AND SOUTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES (SENT) LANDFILL IN TSEUNG KWAN 0, WILL BE INVITED NEXT YEAR.
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/6 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19,
1991
- 6 -
OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES RELEASED *******
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, BUT INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE TEXTILES AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, ORDERS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR, THE ORDERS POSITION IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR IMPROVED IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, FOLLOWED BY THE WEARING APPAREL, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THEIR TOTAL WORKFORCE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, BUT DECREASED BY 10 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR, EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR DECREASED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY ONE PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE TEXTILES AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES AND TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY. THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL PAYMENTS IN SEPTEMBER BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
/ON THE ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, A SLIGHT DECREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS RECORDED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY, WHILE LITTLE CHANGE WAS REPORTED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR. INCREASES IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH SUBSTANTIAL PERCENTAGE INCREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR BUT DECREASED MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, DUE TO THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONUSES BY SOME COMPANIES SURVEYED.
THESE SPECIAL BONUSES ALSO AFFECT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON OF OCTOBER THIS YEAR WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR, WHICH SHOWS A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE.
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 OCTOBER THIS YEAR AS REPORTED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, BUT DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHER DECREASED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF SPECIAL BONUSES IN SEPTEMBER BY SOME UTILITY COMPANIES.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY FOR THE SELECTED SERVICE SECTORS TAKEN TOGETHERw
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 POINTED OUT THAT AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERED 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 .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 8 -
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR OCTOBER THIS YEAR IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS CAN BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 805 6441.
FOLLOWING ARE THREE TABLES SETTING OUT PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY AS AT THE END OF OCTOBER 1991 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
SEP. 91 OCT. 90
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.37 * + 4
—_ _ _ — — — —
WEARING APPAREL 4.84 ♦ + 6
TEXTILES 2.34 + 2 + 15
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.58 -3 + 12
FABRICATED METAL 4.21 * + 4
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 5.34 + 1 + 1
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 4.01 -1 -1
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
/TABLE 2 : .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
9 -
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF OCTOBER 1991
INDUSTRY/SERVICES CHANGE WHEN SEP. 91 COMPARED WITH OCT. 90
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -10
_ _
FOOD AND DRINKS +1 -2
WEARING APPAREL * -5
TEXTILES ♦ -13
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -1 -20
FABRICATED METAL -1 -7
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND t -17
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS ♦ -2
CONSTRUCTION # ♦ -7
SERVICES t -1
BANKS * +1
HOTELS * -5
PUBLIC UTILITIES ♦ -3
OTHERS * «
» CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
/TABLE 3 : .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
10 -
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
NOTE: DUE TO THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (E.G. BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), "PER CAPITA EARNINGS" FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RATHER VOLATILE FLUCTUATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME. THEREFORE, IT IS PARTICULARLY ADVISABLE, IN STUDYING PER CAPITA EARNINGS STATISTICS, NOT TO TAKE A GIVEN MONTH’S DATA IN ISOLATION, BUT TO MAKE REFERENCE TO DATA OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE I AS IN OCTOBER 1991 SEP (HK$) CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH . 91 OCT. 90 (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 7,003 +1 + 13
FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES PLASTIC PRODUCTS FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OTHERS 7,628 5,388 6,572 7,145 6,905 7,157 8,760 -2 + 3 + 4 -11 * +4 -1 + 11 + 11 + 19 + 21 + 15 + 12 + 11
CONSTRUCTION # 10,445 + 10 + 25
SERVICES BANKS HOTELS PUBLIC UTILITIES OTHERS 11,405 10,374 7,228 11,958 12,559 -3 ♦ + 1 -6 -1 + 13 + 9 +9 + 17 + 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 AMONG 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.
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/Il ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 11 -
NEW AMBULANCE-AID MOTORCYCLES TO COME INTO SERVICE
****** j»
EIGHT NEW AMBULANCE-AID MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFIBRILLATORS AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT WILL BE PUT INTO OPERATION NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 24).
THIS WILL BRING TO 15 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH VEHICLES SERVING THE PUBLIC IN THE FIRE SERVICES AMBULANCE COMMAND.
THE NEW MOTORCYCLES, AT $190,000, ARE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC DEFIBRILATORS, ENTONOX ANALESTIC APPARATUS AND OXYGEN RESUSCIATORS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS PREVIEW TO INTRODUCE THE NEW VEHICLES, CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR CHEUNG CHAN-CHUNG, SAID: "THE MOTORCYCLES WERE FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1982 UNDER A TRIAL SCHEME AIMED AT PROVIDING SPEEDY TRANSPORT FOR AMBULANCEMEN AND EQUIPMENT TO GIVE STABILISING TREATMENT TO PATIENTS AND CASUALTIES BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF STANDARD AMBULANCES WHICH MAY BE DELAYED BY TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
"EARLY THIS YEAR, WHEN DEFIBRILLATION SERVICE WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE AMBULANCE SERVICE, SEVEN MOTORCYCLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH THE MACHINE.
"THE NEW MOTORCYCLES ARE HAVING SIMILAR DESIGN AND MODIFICATIONS BUT OF GREATER HORSE-POWER OF 650 CUBIC-CENTIMETRE TYPE. THE CURRENT MOTORCYCLES ARE OF 400 CUBIC-CENTIMETRE TYPE," MR CHEUNG SAID.
DEFIBRILLATION IS A PROCESS OF ABOLISHING FIBRILLATION RHYTHM TO RE-ESTABLISH NORMAL RHYTHM AND CONTRACTION OF THE HEART, ACHIEVED BY PASSING A CONTROLLED ELETRIC CURRENT THROUGH THE HEART.
THE AMBULANCE-AID MOTORCYCLES ARE TO BE STATIONED IN 13 AMBULANCE DEPOTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE NEW MOTORCYCLES HAD BEEN PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL, ADDING THAT IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE EXISTING MACHINES HAD ATTENDED OVER 6,000 EMERGENCY CALLS AND 5,164 PATIENTS.
"SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF DEFIBRILLATION ON JANUARY 28 THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 1,190 PATIENTS HAD BEEN TREATED BY THE DEFIBRILLATORS BY THE END OF NOVEMBER. OF THEM, 114 RECEIVED ELECTRIC SHOCK AFTER ANALYSIS, AND 45 PATIENTS WERE ABLE TO REGAIN THEIR PULSE WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT HOSPITALS.
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/12........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 12 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE LIGHTINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF ROADS IN TSIM SHA TSUI WOULD BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT CERTAIN HOURS FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF PEDESTRIANS.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE RESTRAINTS, AND TO BE CONSIDERATE TO CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO MAKE FULL USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT. THEY ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO USE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS AS MEETING PLACES FOR FRIENDS, SO THAT SMOOTH PASSENGER TRAFFIC CAN BE MAINTAINED.
MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. ILLEGAL PARKING OR WAITING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
TOWING. ACTION WILL BE TAKEN WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE SHOULD PARKED VEHICLES CAUSED OBSTRUCTION.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO PHASES ON DECEMBER 24; AND DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONDITIONS, MAY ALSO BE ENFORCED ON DECEMBER 22, 23, 26, 30 AND 31.
IN PHASE ONE, WHICH IS FOR BUS DIVERSION, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 8 PM ON DECEMBER 24 UNTIL 2 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING:
(A) KOWLOON PARK DRIVE (SOUTHBOUND) JUNCTION WITH CANTON ROAD WILL BE RESERVED FOR FRANCHISED BUSES AND MAXICABS ONLY;
(B) MIDDLE ROAD JUNCTION WITH KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED;
(C) GRANVILLE ROAD EAST OF CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY FOR FRANCHISED BUSES AND MAXICABS;
(D) VEHICULAR ACCESS TO GRANVILLE ROAD JUNCTION WITH SCIENCE MESEUM ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED; AND
(E) RIGHT TURN FROM PEKING ROAD INTO KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WILL BE BANNED.
IN PHASE TWO, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE PEDESTRIANISED AND BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AS FROM 8 PM ON CHRITMAS EVE UNTIL SUCH TIME WHEN REOPENING OF THESE ROADS ARE DEEMED APPROPRIATE:
(A) PEKING ROAD BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE;
(B) ASHLEY ROAD SOUTH OF PEKING ROAD;
(C) SALISBURY ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH;
(D) HAIPHONG ROAD EAST OF LOCK ROAD;
/(E) NATHAN .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 13 -
(E) NATHAN ROAD SOUTH OF MODY ROAD;
(F) MODY ROAD BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD;
(G) MODY LANE JUNCTION WITH SALISBURY ROAD; AND
(H) SALISBURY ROAD WESTBOUND JUNCTION WITH THE U-TURN SLIP ROAD NEAR THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE.
AS A RESULT OF ROAD CLOSURE, TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THESE AREAS AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
MOST PARKING SPACES IN TSIM SHA TSUI AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 2 PM ON DECEMBER 24 UNTIL 2 AM THE NEXT DAY.
DUE TO THE PHASED CLOSURE OF ROADS, VEHICULAR ACCESS TO ALL HOTELS AND CARPARKS IN THE AFFECTED AREAS WILL BE RESTRICTED FROM 8 PM UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 2 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. MOTORISTS WISHING TO GO TO THE HOTELS AND CARPARKS ARE ADVISED TO PARK THEIR CARS BEFORE 8 PM.
-------0--------
PARTIAL MOON ECLIPSE ON SATURDAY
* t * ♦ »
A PARTIAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON WILL BE OBSERVABLE IN HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21) IF THE WEATHER PERMITS, A ROYAL OBSERVATORY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
DETAILS OF THE ECLIPSE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
HONG KONG TIME AZIMUTH DIRECTION ELEVATION (DEGREES)
MOON ENTERS PENUMBRA 4.25 PM (SATURDAY) NORTHEAST -14
MOONRISE 5.37 PM EAST-NORTHEAST 0
MOON ENTERS UMBRA 6 PM EAST-NORTHEAST 5
MIDDLE OF ECLIPSE 6.33 PM EAST-NORTHEAST 11
MOON LEAVES UMBRA 7.06 PM EAST-NORTHEAST 18
MOON LEAVES PENUMBRA 8.41 PM EAST-NORTHEAST 38
MOONSET 7.35 AM (SUNDAY) WEST-NORTHWEST 0
THE ECLIPSE WOULD BEST BE OBSERVED IN PLACES WITH NO
OBSTRUCTION OF SIGHT TO THE EAST-NORTHEAST.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS TIME 9.3 PER CENT OF THE MOON’S DIAMETER WOULD BE OBSCURED BY THE SHADOW OF THE EARTH AT THE MIDDLE OF THE ECLIPSE.
THE NEXT LUNAR ECLIPSE OBSERVABLE IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT OCCUR UNTIL DECEMBER 10 NEXT YEAR, HE ADDED.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 14 -
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES PRAISED ♦ » * * ♦
A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, MR ANDREW WONG, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THAT LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCE HAD PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN REGULATING THE SUPPLY AND PRICES OF THE TERRITORY’S FRESH FOODSTUFF.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD FARMERS' FESTIVAL AND THE TAI LUNG FARM OPEN DAY, MR WONG COMMENDED FARMERS FOR TH IR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND DESCRIBED THEM AS HARD-WORKING PEOPLE WHO TOILED AWAY AND NEVER GRUMBLE.
"DESPITE PROBLEMS SUCH AS MARKET COMPETITIONS, SHORTAGE OF LAND AND MANPOWER, PRESSURES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND SO ON, THEY HAVE MADE CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCE BY CONDUCTING TRIALS ON VARIOUS NEW TECHNIQUES AND INTRODUCING NEW VARIETIES AND MODERN MANAGEMENT METHODS," HE SAID.
"IN THIS REGARD, THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES HAS PLAYED A LEADING ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES."
MR WONG, WHO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SINCE 1988, SAID HE WAS GLAD TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH SO MANY FRIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES.
"APART FROM HAVING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ONE ANOTHER, WE ARE ABLE TO HAVE A DIRECT UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INDUSTRIES AND THEIR FUTURE TRENDS OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS.
"I AM ALSO PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE JOINT FEDERATION HAS SPARED NO EFFORT IN ORGANISING THIS FARMERS’'FESTIVAL, ENABLING IT TO EXPAND CONTINUOUSLY IN SCALE AND ATTRACT THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM NEIGHBOURING PLACES TO PARTICIPATE.
"THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE JOINT FEDERATION AND OTHER BODIES OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES TRADE, TOGETHER WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT, I DEEPLY BELIEVE THAT THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP," HE ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI.
/SPEAKING EARLIER .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 15 -
SPEAKING EARLIER IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, MR CHAN SAID THE FARMERS’ FESTIVAL WAS NOT ONLY AN OCCASION FOR FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE TRADE TO GET TOGETHER TO PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP, BUT ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES IN PRODUCTION AND MARKETING TECHNIQUES, THUS ENHANCING PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
"IN TERMS OF SCALE, BOTH THE PROGRAMMES AND EXHIBITS FOR THIS YEAR ARE BETTER THAN THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS," MR CHAN SAID.
THE FARMERS’ FESTIVAL IS AN ANNUAL FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE JOINT FEDERATION. THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE FESTIVAL HAS THE FARMING COMMUNITY FROM CHINA AND TAIWAN TAKING PART.
ON DISPLAY ARE SPECIAL BREEDING STOCK FROM TAIWAN, FISH FEED AND MARICULTURE EQUIPMENTS FROM CHINA AND TAIWAN AS WELL AS VETERINARY PRODUCT AND VACCINE FROM THE TWO PLACES AND HONG KONG.
THIS IS ALSO THE FIRST TIME THAT THE FISHERIES INDUSTRY IS TAKING PART. APART FROM DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE DIFFERENT FISHERIES TECHNIQUES, THERE IS ALSO THE SALE OF A LOCALLY PRODUCED PURPLE AMBERJACK IN SUSHI STYLE.
DURING THE FESTIVAL, THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS ON MODERN LOCAL FARMING TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS THE PIG-ON-LITTER METHOD FOR PIG RAISING, NEW POULTRY HUSBANDRY METHODS, AND MODERN GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION METHODS INCLUDING MASS SEEDLING PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES, SOILESS CULTURE, HYDROPONIC AND DRIP IRRIGATION METHODS.
NEW ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE A LARGE-SCALE FLOWER SHOW, THE EXHIBITION OF PEARL PHEASANT AND ORNAMENTAL FISH AS WELL AS DEMONSTRATION ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT, DETECTION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE ON VEGETABLE PRODUCE AND PREPARATION OF INSECT SPECIMENS.
ON SALE DURING THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A GREAT VARIETY OF HIGH-QUALITY LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES. ALSO, IN ADDITION TO LAST YEAR’S POPULAR DRESSED CHICKEN, NEW ITEMS FOR SALE INCLUDED ROASTED PIG, PIGEON, POTTED FLOWERS AS WELL AS SASHIMI AND SUSHI.
THE TAI LUNG FARM WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 1 PM TODAY TO 3 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22). THE DAILY OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.
VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GO TO THE FARM BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF PARKING FACILITIES THERE. THOSE FROM THE URBAN AREAS CAN TAKE KMB ROUTE 77K OR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 18 FROM THE KCR SHEUNG SHUI STATION. VISITORS FROM WEST NEW TERRITORIES CAN TAKE BUSES OR MINIBUSES ON THE SAME ROUTES FROM YUEN LONG TO SHEUNG SHUI .
- - 0----------
/16 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 16 -
WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS VISIT EX-POW’S
*****
MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND STAFF OF THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED BENEFICIARIES OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS SCHEME TO GATHER FEEDBACK ON THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME WHICH WAS IMPLEMENTED ON DECEMBER 1.
ENJOYING HIS DAYS AS A RETIREE, 70-YEAR-OLD MR AU SZE-HO TOLD THE MEMBERS THAT HE AND HIS WIFE WERE GLAD THAT THE MAINTENANCE GRANT HE USED TO RECEIVE HAD BEEN CONVERTED TO A PENSION AS OF RIGHT AND THAT MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD TAKEN AN INTEREST IN THE SITUATION OF EX-PRISONERS OF WARS (POW’S).
ANOTHER BENEFICIARY, MR ANTONIO REIS SAID: "THIS DECEMBER IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME AS IT IS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PACIFIC WAR.
"AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE, I HAVE MET MANY OLD FRIENDS WHOM I HAVE NOT SEEN FOR YEARS.
"FURTHERMORE, THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PAYING PENSION TO EX-POW’S AND WAR VETERANS HAVE BEEN SATISFACTORILY IMPLEMENTED," HE SAID.
CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL PENSIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR ANDREW SO, SAID: "THERE ARE AT PRESENT 515 BENEFICIARIES AND WE ARE PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME HAS BEEN VERY SMOOTH SO FAR."
MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR CHRISTOPHER D’ALMADA AND DR WONG HONG-HIN, AND SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE, MR DENNIS LAI ALSO JOINED THE VISIT.
---------0-----------
TEACHERS REQUIRE UNSTINTING PUBLIC SUPPORT
*****
TEACHERS HAVE OFTEN BEEN ASKED TO TAKE ON CURRICULUM PLANNING ROLES WITHOUT BEING GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE THE REQUISITE COMPETENCE, THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, DR VERNER BICKLEY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"THE NEED TO MATCH CHANGES IN THE TEACHING PROCESS WITH ADEQUATE PLANNING OF IN-SERVICE EDUCATION EMERGES, THEREFORE, AS A NECESSARY PRINCIPLE," HE SAID.
HE WAS ADDRESSING THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF A THREE-DAY INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CONFERENCE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 400 OVERSEAS AND LOCAL SCHOLARS AND TEACHERS.
DR BICKLEY SAID TEACHERS REQUIRED UNSTINTING PUBLIC SUPPORT IF THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION WAS TO BE IMPROVED AND IF QUALITY IN LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGE TEACHING WAS TO BE ACHIEVED AND MAINTAINED.
/IN RETURN, ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
17
IN RETURN, HE SAID TEACHERS MUST CONTINUE TO FULLY RECOGNISE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES AND,. IN HONG KONG AND IN MOST COUNTRIES, THIS WAS WHAT THEY WOULD SURELY DO.
TOPICS DISCUSSED DURING THE CONFERENCE INCLUDED THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY IN LANGUAGE LEARNING, LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LANGUAGE USE; QUALITY IN SCHOOLS: THE TRAINING OF TEACHERS, AND QUALITY IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC IMPERATIVES.
--------0-----------
POLICE INSPECTOR ATTENDS FIREARMS TRAINING CONFERENCE
* ♦ ♦ » ♦
ALBERT LEE, CHIEF STAFF INSPECTOR, WEAPONS TRAINING, AT POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, JOINED 200 FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS FROM COUNTRIES WORLD WIDE WHEN HE ATTENDED A FIREARMS TRAINING CONFERENCE AT MESA, ARIZONA, IN THE UNITED STATES.
THE CONFERENCE IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS WHICH HAS AN INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP OF 2,000.
THE FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS CAME FROM THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND THE WEST INDIES.
’’BESIDES THE FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS, SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD AND FIREARMS MANUFACTURERS WERE ALSO INVITED,” MR LEE SAID. "I FOUND THE CONFERENCE VALUABLE AND USEFUL TO MY JOB.
"THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE CONFERENCE IS TO GATHER FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS TOGETHER TO EXCHANGE IDEAS ON TRAINING.
"DURING THE CONFERENCE, VARIOUS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SEMINARS AND NEW PRODUCTS DISPLAYS WERE ARRANGED FOR PARTICIPANTS. NEW FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND BULLET-PROOF VESTS WERE AMONG EXHIBITS SHOWN IN THE EVENT."
MR LEE ALSO VISITED THE FIREARMS TRAINING ACADEMY OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AT QUANTICO, VIRGINIA.
"THE WAYS THEY USE IN FIREARMS TRAINING ARE MORE ADVANCED THAN OURS," HE ADMITTED.
"NEVERTHELESS, WE HAVE DEVOTED GREAT EFFORTS TO DEVELOPING FIREARMS TRAINING AT POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
"OUR TRAINING PROGRAMME COMPRISES FOUR PARTS, THE FIRST OF WHICH IS WEAPON HANDLING WHICH ALLOWS TRAINEES TO BE FAMILIAR WITH FIREARMS.
"THE SECOND PART IS BASIC MARKSMANSHIP WHICH DEMANDS TRAINEES TO SHOOT AT THE TARGET ACCURATELY.
/"THAT IS .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 18 -
"THAT IS FOLLOWED BY REFLEXIVE RESPONSE TRAINING WHICH REQUIRES THE TRAINEES TO SHOOT UNDER SOME CONSTRAINTS, SUCH AS SETTING A TIME LIMIT TO SHOOT.
"THE FOURTH PART IS DECISION MAKING IN WHICH A REAL-LIFE SIMULATED SCENARIO IS PUT UP AND THE TRAINEES HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO DECIDE WHETHER TO SHOOT OR NOT.
"SUCH A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME AIMS TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF SHOOTING AMONG OUR POLICE OFFICERS."
HAVING JOINED THE FORCE IN 1978, MR LEE WAS POSTED TO THE WEAPONS TRAINING SECTION OF PTS IN 1986.
HE HAS AN UNFLAGGING INTEREST IN FIREARMS. "I DECIDED TO EMBARK ON A CAREER AS A POLICE OFFICER BECAUSE I WANTED TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT FIREARMS," HE TOLD OFFBEAT.
------0--------
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ON MOVE » ♦ * » ♦
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IS MOVING FROM ITS PRESENT PREMISES AT WINDSOR HOUSE TO WANCHAI TOWER 3, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, DURING THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 14 TO 29.
DUE TO THIS MOVE, PAYMENT FACILITIES AT WINDSOR HOUSE WILL BE SUSPENDED ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21). FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 23), WANCHAI TOWER 3 OFFICES WILL BE OPEN TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS FOR ALL TAXES, STAMP DUTIES AND BUSINESS REGISTRATION SERVICES.
THE EXISTING PAYMENT FACILITIES PROVIDED AT THE TWO SUB-OFFICES IN KOWLOON AND THE TSUEN WAN SUB-OFFICES WILL BE UNAFFECTED.
REGARDING THE RELOCATION OF THE SALARIES TAX UNIT, DETAILS REGARDING SECTIONS WHICH ARE YET TO MOVE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FILE NO. FREFIX WINDSOR HOUSE RELOCATION DATE WANCHAI TOWER 3
2C 11/F DECEMBER 20 (FRIDAY) 25/F
2E 13/F DECEMBER 21 (SATURDAY) 23/F
2F 14/F DECEMBER 27 (FRIDAY) 22/F
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 594 0888.
n
--------o-----------
/19 .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 19 -
EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY ***»*.
RESIDENTS OF EASTERN DISTRICT AND PARK VISITORS WILL BE MADE MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVING TRAFFIC RULES AT THE DISTRICT’S ANNUAL ROAD SAFETY DAY IN VICTORIA PARK ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21).
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ROAD SAFETY THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS STALL GAMES, TOURING OF THE MINI ROAD SAFETY TOWN AND DRIVING MINI-CARS AT THE VENUE.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AND THE POLICE, THE ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL FEATURE ACROBATIC DISPLAYS BY PROFESSIONAL MOTORCYCLISTS AND BICYCLE PERFORMANCES BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
A WRECKED CAR CORNER, A ROAD SAFETY BUS AND AN OLD-STYLE TRAFFIC PAGODA ARE OTHER HIGHLIGHTS.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FIVE AREA COMMITTEES OF THE DISTRICT WILL COMPETE IN A SEDAN CHAIR RACE.
A PARADE OF ROAD SAFETY PATROL TEAMS FROM NINE SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT WILL LAUNCH THE DAY’S ACTIVITIES.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEVE BARCLAY, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG AND THE DISTRICT’S POLICE COMMANDER, MR DONALD GRIFFITH, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21) AT VICTORIA PARK’S FOOTBALL PITCHES NOS. 4 TO 6.
--------0----------
FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO ♦ * * ♦ ♦
A CARNIVAL TO DRIVE HOME THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE WILL BE HELD AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAM SHUI PO ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22), BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CARNIVAL WILL MARK THE CLOSING OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
/THE CARNIVAL........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 20 -
THE CARNIVAL, ADMISSION TO WHICH IS FREE, WILL FEATURE SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, A MAGIC SHOW, STALL GAMES AND AN EXHIBITION ON CRIME PREVENTION.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR AN ANTI-BURGLARY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND AN AWARD SCHEME FOR GOOD CARETAKERS WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE CARNIVAL.
OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR NG MAN-KIM; AND THE DFCC CHAIRMAN, MR FAN KAM-PING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22).
-----------------0------- HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 18.12.91 700
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 19.12.91 -161*
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -39
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
» O/N ASSISTANCE TO BE REVERSED -200MN
OTHER FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED +39MN
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.2 *+0.0* 19.12.91
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1991
- 21 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.32 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.64 5.41
1 MONTH 4.37 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.22 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.30 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.62 PCT
TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS -3.906MN
CLOSED 19 DECEMBER 1991
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HEUNG YEE KUK PLAYS IMPORTANT ADVISORY ROLE ON NT ISSUES: GOVERNOR .... 1
GOVERNOR TO MEET LU PING IN JANUARY .................................... 2
LU PING TO VISIT HK .................................................... 2
FS BRIEFS OMELCO MEMBERS ON BUDGET ..................................... 3
GOVERNMENT AIMS TO PROVIDE STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS ............. 4
FS ON PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE ......................................... 6
HK TO HOST ADB ANNUAL MEETING .......................................... 7
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TRADE ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG ...................... 8
GOVT CONCERNED OVER EC ANNOUNCEMENT .................................... 9
NEW MEMBER APPOINTED TO SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ......................... 9
NEW MEMBERS OF KCRC BOARD APPOINTED .................................... 10
20 MEMBERS APPOINTED TO CONSUMER COUNCIL ............................... 10
APPOINTMENTS TO METRICATION COMMITTEE .................................. H
HK TO HOST WHO REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING .............................. 12
MANAGEMENT OF VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES TO BE PRIVATISED ............. 13
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES COMMENDED FOR REHABILITATIVE WORK ................ 14
257 VOLUNTARY RETURNEES BACK TO VIETNAM ................................ 14
SALE OF GOVERNMENT LAND BY AUCTION ..................................... 15
LAND RESUMPTION IN NORTH DISTRICT AND YUEN LONG ........................ 15
PART OF LI CHIT STREET TO CLOSE FOR DEVELOPMENT ........................ 16
NEW POOL AND RECREATION CENTRE FOR TIN SHUI WAI ........................ 17
INSHORE WORKS OFF KENNEDY TOWN ......................................... 17
WATER SUPPLIES TO TSEUNG KWAN O TO BE IMPROVED ......................... 18
FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN ............................................ 19
DB MEMBERS BRING CHRISTMAS JOY TO THE ELDERLY .......................... 19
BANKING LICENCE GRANTED TO BANK OF KINKI ............................... 20
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY REGISTRATION REVOKED ............................ 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 21
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
HEUNG YEE KUK PLAYS IMPORTANT ADVISORY ROLE ON NT ISSUES: GOVERNOR
* * * * *
THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAS A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES WHICH AFFECT THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADVISING THE TERRITORIES,
OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 28TH TERM OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, SIR DAVID SAID IN A SOCIETY AS DYNAMIC AS HONG KONG, THIS WAS NO EASY MATTER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAD TO BALANCE TWO SETS OF CONFLICTING PRESSURES WHICH MIGHT ON THE SURFACE APPEAR IRRECONCILABLE - A RESPECT FOR CUSTOM AND TRADITION ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE RELENTLESS PRESSURE FOR CHANGE AND IMPROVEMENT ON THE OTHER.
"YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW THE WEIGHT OF CUSTOM TO OVERWHELM COMMONSENSE, SO THAT THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CAN BENEFIT FROM HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT TO THE SAME EXTENT AS RESIDENTS OF THE URBAN AREAS,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT HAD MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE KUK’S 28TH TERM WAS A CHALLENGING ONE.
THE GOVERNOR SAID WORK ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND OTHER MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS WOULD HAVE A CONSIDERABLE IMPACT ON PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"IN THE LONG-TERM, THESE DEVELOPMENTS WILL BENEFIT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. IN THE SHORT-TERM THERE WILL BE INCONVENIENCE FOR SOME.
"WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO MINIMISE IT. IN THIS, WE WILL BE AIDED BY THE FACT THAT THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE INCLUDES MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY.
"OVER $300 MILLION HAS ALREADY BEEN SPENT. THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE DONE. IT WILL TAKE TIME TO ACHIEVE ALL OUR OBJECTIVES.
"BUT I BELIEVE THAT IF WE WORK TOGETHER, WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S PRIORITIES AND DIFFICULTIES, WE CAN ACHIEVE THEM MORE EFFECTIVELY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WAYS TO IMPROVE PLANNING PROCEDURES WERE BEING DISCUSSED.
"A SPECIAL COMMITTEE IS CONSULTING THE PUBLIC. THE HEUNG YEE KUK’S ADVICE ON THIS IMPORTANT AND COMPLICATED ISSUE WILL BE CONSIDERED WITH CARE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 2 -
IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WOULD BE MANY OTHER TASKS AND MANY OTHER SUBJECTS THAT REQUIRE THE HEUNG YEE KUK’S ATTENTION.
HE SAID THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE KUK WAS WELL INFORMED AND CONSULTED ON ALL MAJOR ISSUES OF CONCERN TO THE RURAL COMMUNITY AND THAT THE KUK S ADVICE WAS A CRUCIAL INGREDIENT IN THE PROCESS OF THE GOVERNMENT.
"I LOOK FORWARD TO A CLOSE AND HARMONIOUS WORKING RELATIONSHIP AS YOU EMBARK ON THE KUK’S 28TH TERM OF OFFICE," SIR DAVID ADDED.
- - 0---------
GOVERNOR TO MEET LU PING IN JANUARY *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HE WOULD BE MEETING MR LU PING NEXT MONTH AND DISCUSS ANY MATTERS WHICH ARE OF INTEREST TO BOTH SIDES.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF HEUNG YEE KUK, SIR DAVID SAID: "THAT IS ONE OF OUR REGULAR MEETINGS THAT WE’LL BE HAVING.”
NOTING THAT THE MEETING WOULD HAVE NO FORMAL AGENDA, SIR DAVID SAID: "I DON’T EXACTLY KNOW WHAT WE WILL BE DISCUSSING, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CHANCE TO DISCUSS WITH HIM DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG OF ALL SORTS AND TO RAISE WITH HIM MATTERS WHICH ARE OF INTEREST TO US HERE AND TO LISTEN TO ANY IDEAS HE HAS WHICH IS OF INTEREST TO HIM. "
------0--------
LU PING TO VISIT HK * * » *
AT THE INVITATION OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR- DAVID WILSON, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE CHINESE STATE COUNCIL, MR LU PING, WILL VISIT HONG KONG ON JANUARY 6 AND 7.
------0-----------
S
C u H
/3 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 3 -
FS BRIEFS OMELCO MEMBERS ON BUDGET » » * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (FRIDAY) BRIEFED OMELCO MEMBERS ON THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL BACKGROUND TO THE NEXT BUDGET.
IN PARTICULAR, HE EXPLAINED TO MEMBERS THE LATEST MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ANO REVENUE FOR THE PERIOD TO MARCH 31, 1997.
THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST SHOWS THE LEVELS OF FUTURE EXPENDITURE WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE, HAVING REGARD TO THE FUNDAMENTAL POLICY THAT SPENDING SHOULD GROW BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE ECONOMY.
WITHIN THE EXPENDITURE LEVELS FORECAST, GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE WOULD INCREASE IN REAL TERMS BY ABOUT FIVE PER CENT EACH YEAR (OR ABOUT $4 BILLION IN TODAY’S MONEY).
THIS ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE WILL ALLOW MORE TO BE SPENT ON KEY AREAS, INCLUDING TERTIARY EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE, HEALTH SERVICES AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
MR MACLEOD COMMENTED THAT THERE WOULD NEVER BE ENOUGH AVAILABLE TO SPEND IN THESE AREAS TO PLEASE EVERYONE, BUT MORE RESOURCES COULD ONLY BE MADE AVAILABLE BY REVIEWING EXISTING SPENDING PROGRAMMES.
HE EMPHASISED THAT REPORTS OF "CUTS" IN VARIOUS SERVICES WERE THUS DANGEROUSLY MISLEADING - SAVINGS WERE BEING MADE IN SOME AREAS TO REDEPLOY RESOURCES TO HIGHER PRIORITY OR NEW AREAS. BUT OVERALL THERE WOULD BE REAL INCREASES IN AREAS LIKE THE SOCIAL SERVICES, NOT CUTS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH PROJECTS RELATED TO THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT WOULD. HAVE PRIORITY IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, MORE THAN $18 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON OTHER NEW PROJECTS IN THE FORECAST PERIOD, IN ADDITION TO THE ONGOING PROGRAMME.
HE ALSO CORRECTED RECENT REPORTS THROWING DOUBT ON THE PROPORTION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME TO BE SPENT ON AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS.
THIS WAS, IN FACT, EXPECTED TO ABSORB ABOUT ONE-QUARTER OF TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE DURING THE SIX YEARS NEEDED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT PROJECTS.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF REVENUE TO FUND THESE LEVELS OF EXPENDITURE, MR MACLEOD REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE NEED TO SET ASIDE $25 BILLION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RESERVES FOR THE POST-1997 HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION ADMINISTRATION.
/HE ALSO .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
4
HE ALSO SAID AN ADEQUATE LEVEL OF RESERVES WOULD BE NECESSARY IN THE PERIOD UP TO 1997 AS COVER AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF TEMPORARY ADVERSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS.
MR MACLEOD DECLINED TO COMMENT ON WHAT REVENUE MEASURES MIGHT BE ADDED IN THE NEXT BUDGET, BUT ASSURED MEMBERS THAT IN CONSIDERING ANY CHAMNGES TO EXISTING TAX RATES, HE WOULD SEEK AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO MINIMISE THE EFFECTS SUCH CHANGES WOULD HAVE ON INFLATION.
- - 0---------
GOVERNMENT AIMS TO PROVIDE STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS * t * » *
THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A STABLE AND PREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESS AND IS CONFIDENT THAT IT CAN AND WILL DELIVER ON THIS AIM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE FRENCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, MR MACLEOD STRESSED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES AS FIRMLY AS EVER IN THE MERITS OF A MARKET ECONOMY AND OF COMPETITION; IN LOW TAX AND MINIMUM RED TAPE; IN COMBINING EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC WITH MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITY FOR ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS GROWTH.
"WE VALUE THE BUSINESSMAN AND THE CONTRIBUTION HE AND HIS INVESTMENTS MAKE TO THE COMMUNITY.
"THIS MARKET ECONOMY APPROACH IS AMONG THE KEY INGREDIENTS THAT MADE HONG KONG WHAT IT IS TODAY.
"THIS APPROACH HAS BROUGHT US RISING STANDARDS OF LIVING AND FULL EMPLOYMENT OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME - ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH WE SHOULD NOT TAKE FOR GRANTED, OR PUT AT RISK," HE SAID.
. MR MACLEOD NOTED THAT SOME HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE DIVERSITY OF VIEWS IN THE NEW-STYLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND AT THE PROSPECT THAT THIS MAY LEAD TO MUSHROOMING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, AND HENCE TAXES.
"IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, A RANGE OF VIEWS ON THE COUNCIL IS ONLY TO BE EXPECTED," HE SAID.
"DEBATE AND HONEST DISAGREEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE HEALTHY AND WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO EXAGGERATE SUCH DIFFERENCES OF OPINION AS EXIST.
"THE FACT IS THAT THERE IS STILL A BROAD CONSENSUS WITHIN THE COUNCIL ON WHAT HAS MADE HONG KONG SUCCESSFUL, AND A DETERMINATION ON THE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO KEEP BOTH EXPENDITURE AND TAXES UNDER CONTROLS," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 5 -
TURNING TO THE PROBLEM OF INFLATION, MR MACLEOD SAID THREE MAIN ELEMENTS MAKE UP THE ESSENCE OF THIS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
"THE FIRST IS HONG KONG HAS SUCCEEDED IN ACHIEVING A MAJOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE.
"THERE HAS BEEN A SHIFT FROM MANUFACTURING TO THE SERVICE SECTOR, COUPLED WITH A TRANSFER OF THE MORE LABOUR INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING TO SOUTHERN CHINA, TOGETHER WITH NEW INVESTMENTS FROM HONG KONG," MR MACLEOD SAID.
"SECONDLY, THIS STRUCTURAL CHANGE HAS HAD A VARYING EFFECT ON OUR PRICE STRUCTURE," HE SAID.
"ON THE ONE HAND, THE EXPANSION OF OUR INDUSTRY INTO SOUTHERN CHINA IN TURN STIMULATES THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES IN HONG KONG. UNFORTUNATELY, IT ALSO PUSHES UP PRICES.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, OUR RESTRUCTURED INDUSTRY HAS BEEN ABLE TO KEEP ITS PRICES DOWN, THROUGH A COMBINATION OF INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND HAVING SOME PROCESSING DONE IN CHINA.
"THE THIRD IS THE SEVERE SHORTAGE OF LAND AND LABOUR WHICH AGGRAVATES THE PRESSURE ON CONSUMER PRICES AND RESTRAINS GROWTH.
"THIS ADDITIONAL DEMAND CREATED FOR OUR GOODS AND SERVICES BY THE GROWTH IN OVERSEAS ORDERS AND OUR EXPANDED ROLE IN SOUTHERN CHINA WOULD HAVE BEEN FAR LESS INFLATIONARY HAD OUR LAND AND LABOUR NOT BEEN IN SHORT SUPPLY," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROACH TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN TO LOOK CALMLY AND CAREFULLY AT WHAT ECONOMIC, FISCAL OR MONETARY MEASURES ARE AT ITS DISPOSAL TO EASE THE SITUATION, AND TO BE AWARE OF THE DANGER OF CAUSING ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS.
IN SHORT, THESE MEASURES ARE :
* SINCE 1989, THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED A NUMBER OF SCHEMES FOR THE SELECTIVE IMPORTATION OF WORKERS FROM OUTSIDE HONG KONG. TO DATE, SOME 14 000 WORKERS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IN UNDER THESE EXPERIMENTAL SCHEMES.
» THE DECISION TO RELEASE MORE LAND FOR SALE FOR BUILDING RESIDENTIAL UNITS;
* THE INTRODUCTION OF DRAFT LEGISLATION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CHARGE STAMP DUTY ON ALL SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY BEFORE THE PROPERTY IS . ASSIGNED;
* THE BANKING INDUSTRY’S ACTION TO TIGHTEN MORTGAGE LENDING AND IMPOSE A 70 PER CENT MORTGAGE LIMIT.
MR MACLEOD NOTED THAT IN MANY OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, PUBLIC EXPENDITURE HAS BEEN A MAJOR SOURCE OF INFLATION, ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT THE CASE HERE IN HONG KONG.
/"WE MUST.........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
6 -
"WE MUST NEVERTHELESS ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT SPENDING DOES NOT AGGRAVATE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES,” HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO CONTROL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE HAVE UNFORTUNATELY BEEN WIDELY MISREPORTED AS RESULTING IN "CUTS” IN SOCIAL SERVICES.
”WE ARE AT THE SAME TIME REDEPLOYING RESOURCES TO HIGHER PRIORITY AREAS, AND THIS HAS LED TO THE REPORTS OF ALLEGED CUTS.
”IT IS WORTH REPEATING AGAIN THAT SPENDING ON SOCIAL SERVICES -AND MANY OTHER AREAS - WILL GO UP IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS," HE SAID.
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FS ON PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE PROPORTION OF PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE ON THE AIRPORT PROJECTS IS ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING OVER THE PERIOD OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT PROJECTS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ADDRESSING THE FRENCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON, HE SAID: "COMMENTS TO THE CONTRARY ARE BASED ON MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE FIGURES AND ON CONFUSION BETWEEN MONEY FOR NEW PROJECTS AND THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON PROJECTS.”
COMMENTING ON MISLEADING REFERENCE TO CUTS IN SOCIAL WELFARE SPENDING, MR MACLEOD SAID: "THE FACT IS THAT WE WILL BE SPENDING MORE ON VIRTUALLY ALL PROGRAMME AREAS OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING - SOCIAL SERVICES, EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE, ENVIRONMENT, PRETTY WELL EVERY AREA.
"WE ARE REDEPLOYING FUNDS FROM LOWER PRIORITY TO HIGHER PRIORITY AREAS. BUT ON TOP OF THAT WE ARE ALSO OF COURSE ALLOCATING EXTRA MONEY TO THOSE AREAS.
‘ "IF YOU ADD UP THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE, SAY ON SOCIAL WELFARE, IT IS GOING UP, THAT IS FOR SURE IN REAL TERMS."
ON PROBLEMS OF COSTS CONCERNING THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (HKUST), MR MACLEOD SAID: "WHAT I AM OBJECTING TO OR CONCERNS ME IS THE ATTEMPT TO GENERALISE FROM THAT CASE WHICH IS A VERY PECULIAR CASE.
"IT IS UNUSUAL IN THE SENSE THAT IT IS A PROJECT OF COURSE WHICH WAS PRIMARILY TO BE FUNDED AND MANAGED BY THE JOCKEY CLUB. NOW 99.9 PER CENT OF OUR PROJECTS BEAR NO RESEMBLANCE TO THAT PROJECT. 99.9 PER CENT OF OUR PROJECTS BEAR NO RESEMBLANCE TO THAT PROJECT.
"PARTICULARLY THERE IS NO PARALLEL BETWEEN THE HKUST AND AIRPORT PROJECTS.”
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/7........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
7
HK TO HOST ADB ANNUAL MEETING
»»****.
ABOUT 1,400 OF THE WORLD’S FINANCE MINISTRY AND CENTRAL BANK OFFICIALS AND TOP BANKERS, WILL GATHER IN HONG KONG IN EARLY MAY NEXT YEAR FOR THE 25TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
"THEY INCLUDE ABOUT 400 OFFICIAL DELEGATES FROM 52 MEMBER DELEGATIONS, USUALLY HEADED BY THE FINANCE MINISTER OR THE GOVERNOR OF THE CENTRAL BANK, AND ABOUT 1,000 OBSERVERS AND GUESTS COMPRISING SENIOR FIGURES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BANKING COMMUNITY.
"IN ADDITION, SOME 300 OVERSEAS EXPECTED TO COVER THE MEETING," HE SAID.
FINANCIAL JOURNALISTS ARE
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE HOSTING OF THIS IMPORTANT MEETING BY HONG KONG PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE ITS IMAGE AS A THRIVING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE.
"IT WILL BE A GOOD OCCASION TO CONVEY TO A GROUP OF HIGH-POWERED VISITORS FACE TO FACE THE MESSAGE THAT HONG KONG, AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA AND A KEY REGIONAL CENTRE IN ASIA, PRESENTS MANY LONG-TERM BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES," HE SAID.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM MAY 4 TO 6 NEXT YEAR. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AS GOVERNOR FOR HONG KONG AT THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, HAS BEEN ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR 1991/92 AND WILL BE CHAIRING THE ANNUAL MEETING IN HONG KONG.
THE MEETING WILL BE OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON ON MAY 4 AND WILL INCLUDE THREE BUSINESS SESSIONS ON MAY 5 AND 6.
IN ADDITION TO THE BUSINESS SESSIONS, A "GOVERNMENT BORROWER’S FORUM" FOR DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES WILL BE ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE ADB AND THE GOVERNMENT IN THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 4.
SOCIAL PROGRAMMES INCLUDING A CULTURAL PRESENTATION, HARBOUR CRUISES AND VARIOUS SIGHTSEEING TOURS WILL BE ORGANISED FOR THE PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR ACCOMPANYING GUESTS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A HONG KONG INFORMATION CENTRE WILL BE SET UP AT THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS THE LATEST INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A LEADING FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE, AS WELL AS ITS INFRASTRUTURAL DEVELOPMENTS.
A STEERING COMMITTEE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, GUIDES THE PLANNING WORK. A SMALL TEAM WITHIN THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH HAS BEEN SET UP TO CO-ORDINATE THE DETAILED PREPARATORY WORK.
THE COST OF THE MEETING WILL BE SHARED BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE ADB. THE TOTAL COST TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT IS PRESENTLY ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $9.8 MILLION.
/THE ADB ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 8 -
THE ADB WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1966 TO FOSTER ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CO-OPERATION IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AND TO ASSIST IN THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ITS DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES.
IT CURRENTLY HAS 52 MEMBERS, OF WHICH 33 ARE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES. HONG KONG JOINED THE ADB AS A FULL MEMBER IN 1969. AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH THE CHINESE SIDE THROUGH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE ADB AFTER 1997.
THE LAST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ADB WAS HELD IN VANCOUVER, WHILE THE 1989 AND 1990 MEETING TOOK PLACE IN BEIJING AND NEW DELHI RESPECTIVELY. f --------------------------------o--------
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY TRADE ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG
*****
THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY’S INTENTION OF NOT TO TREAT HONG KONG AS A LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRY (LDC) UNDER CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE GATT WILL HAVE NO PRACTICAL EFFECTS ON HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"WE DO NOT INVOKE PROVISIONS ON SPECIAL AND DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT GIVEN TO LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES UNDER THE GATT. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE SUBSIDIES OR TAKE SAFEGUARD ACTION AGAINST IMPORTS," SAID MR DONALD TSANG.
"HOWEVER IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS TAKEN THIS EXTRAORDINARY ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG, SINGAPORE AND KOREA AT THE FINAL PHASE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND. THIS HAS NEVER BEEN RAISED AS AN ISSUE IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS OF THE NEGOTIATIONS. NOR HAD WE BEEN CONSULTED BEFORE THE NOTIFICATION.
"WE SHALL SEEK AN EXPLANATION FROM THE COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR FORMAL CHANNELS," MR TSANG ADDED.
ON DECEMBER 18, THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY NOTIFIED THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE GATT THAT THEY INTENDED NOT TO TREAT HONG KONG AS A LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRY UNDER CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE GATT. THESE PROVISIONS DEAL WITH THE GRANTING OF SPECIAL CONCESSIONS TO THE LESS DEVELOPING GATT CONTRACTING PARTIES LARGELY IN THE AREAS OF SUBSIDIES AND SAFEGUARDS.
/9 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
GOVT CONCERNED OVER EC ANNOUNCEMENT ******
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG TO GATT, MR JOSEPH W.P. WONG, HAD SENT A LETTER TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF GATT, MR A. DUNKEL, IN GENEVA EXPRESSING THE SERIOUS CONCERN OF THE LING KONG GOVERNMENT OVER THE SUDDEN ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INTENTION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY (EC) NOT TO TREAT HONG KONG AS A LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRY IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE GATT.
MR WONG SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE COMMUNICATION FROM THE EC WAS INCONSISTENT WITH THE SPIRIT OE THE PUNTA DEL ESTE DECLARATION THAT A CONTRACTING PARTY SHOULD NOT TAKE ANY MEASURE IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO IMPROVE ITS NEGOTIATING POSITION.
HE ALSO STATED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD BE TAKING UP THIS MATTER WITH THE EC THROUGH OFFICIAL CHANNELS AND REQUESTED THAT THE LETTER BE CIRCULATED TO OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND.
_ - 0 - -
NEW MEMBER APPOINTED TO SFC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR ZHOU ZHEN-XING TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) FROM TODAY (FRIDAY) TO MAY 31 NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPRISES 15 MEMBERS, NAMELY 12 GOVERNOR-APPOINTED MARKET MEMBERS, TWO SFC EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS APPOINTED BY SFC AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SFC WHO WILL PRESIDE AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETINGS.
THE MARKET MEMBERS ARE DRAWN FROM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY AND PROFESSIONS AND ADVISE THE SFC ON MATTERS OF POLICY AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT, MR NENDICK SAID.
MR ZHOU, THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE BANK OF CHINA (HONG KONG BRANCH) REPLACES MR ZHANG XUE-YAO WHO HAS RESIGNED FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
- - 0 - -
/10
7 4
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 10 -
NEW MEMBERS OF KCRC BOARD APPOINTED » ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR MOSES CHENG MO-CHI AND MR ANTHONY YUEN TAK-TIM TO THE BOARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM DECEMBER 24 THIS YEAR.
MEANWHILE, MR DAVID LI KWOK-PO AND MR EDWARD HO SING-TIN WILL RETIRE FROM THE BOARD ON THE SAME DAY.
MR MOSES CHENG IS A SOLICITOR WHO HAS WIDE EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE, INCLUDING THE ROTARY CLUB AND CENTRAL & WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES.
MR YUEN IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI INSURANCE CONSULTANTS LTD. HE IS CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND OF THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND AN ADJUDICATOR OF THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL.
ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENTS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THE KCRC BOARD WAS CHAIRED BY MR KEVIN O. HYDE, CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ARE MR BENJAMIN WONG PUI-TONG, MR DENYS E. CONNOLLY, MR EOGHAN M. MCMILLAN, MR PETER WONG MAN-KONG, PROFESSOR YEUNG YUE-MAN, AND MRS ELEANOR LING.
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20 MEMBERS APPOINTED TO CONSUMER COUNCIL ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED AND RE-APPOINTED 20 MEMBERS TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL FOR A PERIOD FROM ONE TO TWO YEARS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ELEVEN OF THE EXISTING- MEMBERS HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1992.
THEY ARE MISS AUDREY EU YUET-MEE, MS HO SUK-CHING, MR LEE KAM-HUNG, DR SARAH MARY LIAO SAU-TUNG, MR MAN MO-LEUNG, MR NG TAT-LUN, MRS SO CHEUNG YEE-HING, MR CLEMENT TAO KWOK-LAU, MR ANTHONY YUEN TAK-TIM, MRS YUEN CHAN PO-HING AND MS ANNA WU HUNG-YUK.
FOUR OF THE EXISTING MEMBERS, MISS ESTHER CHAN WAI-FONG, MR RAYMOND KWOK PING-LUEN, MR JOHNNY MOK SHIU-LUEN AND DR ANTHONY NG SUNG-MAN HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DAY.
’’THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO APPOINTED FIVE NEW MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1992," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THEY ARE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
THEY ARE PROFESSOR PETER W. CHEUNG, DR WILSON FUNG YEE-LEUNG, MR DENNIS LAM HAW-SHUN, DR LAW CHEUNG-KWOK AND REV JOSEPH LEUNG KWOK-TUNG.
PROFESSOR CHEUNG IS THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
DR WILSON FUNG IS A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
MR LAM HAW-SHUN IS THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE COMMERCIAL BANK OF HONG KONG.
DR LAW CHEUNG-KWOK IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
OF THE SOUTH CHINA SECURITIES LIMITED.
REV JOSEPH LEUNG IS A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AND THE PRINCIPAL OF THE MUI WO CHURCH KINDERGARTEN.
- - 0 - -
APPOINTMENTS TO METRICATION COMMITTEE ♦ * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT DR JAMES M.H. WU HAS BEEN RE-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE FOR ONE YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
FIVE OF THE EXISTING MEMBERS HAVE ALSO BEEN RE-APPOINTED FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DAY. THEY ARE MR K.Y. TONGSON, MR MAN HON-KEE, MR PETER WONG MAN-KONG, MR SAMMY TIN MAU-SUM AND MRS BETTY LAM.
MR CHAN WING-KAI, CHIEF COMPLAINTS AND ADVICE OFFICER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE SAME PERIOD AS OTHER MEMBERS.
THE APPOINTMENTS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE
TODAY.
"THE COMMITTEE ALSO HAS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID. .
"THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS ITS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN 1992," HE SAID.
"WE LOOK FORWARD TO GREATER PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN THESE ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED,
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/12
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 12 -
HK TO HOST WHO REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING *****
HONG KONG IS TO HOST, FOR THE FIRST TIME AND UNDER ITS OWN NAME, THE 4 3RD SESSION OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
AT A CEREMONY HELD THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING, AN AGREEMENT FOR HONG KONG TO PLAY HOST TO THE SESSION WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEE AND THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE WHO REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC, DR S.T. HAN ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE WHO RESPECTIVELY.
IN HIS OPENING REMARKS, DR LEE SAID THE WHO WAS A UNITED NATIONS AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL HEALTH MATTERS AFFECTING THE WORLD’S POPULATION.
"WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SIX REGIONAL OFFICES, EACH REGIONAL COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SESSION, TO BE ATTENDED BY MINISTERS OF HEALTH AND DIGNITARIES IN THE HEALTH FIELD FROM THE MEMBER STATES, TO DISCUSS HEALTH ISSUES IN THAT REGION AND REVIEW REGIONAL POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND BUDGET ALLOCATIONS," DR LEE SAID.
"HONG KONG HAS BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE WHO ACTIVITIES AND WE HAVE AS MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AS WE ARE BENEFITTED FROM IT."
NOTING THAT HONG KONG IS NOW IN THE ERA OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH REFORMS, DR LEE SAID THERE WOULD BE PLENTY CHANCES TO SHARE THE TERRITORY’S EXPERIENCE IN TACKLING VARIOUS HEALTH ISSUES WHICH ARE ALSO COMMON TO OTHER COUNTRIES OR AREAS.
"WE ARE ALSO READY TO SHOW THE PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME TO ACHIEVE THE WHO’S OBJECTIVE OF HEALTH FOR ALL IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING ON THE SAME OCCASION, DR HAN NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION OF WHO AND TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS A FITTING EXPRESSION OF WELL OVER 40 YEARS OF CLOSE COLLABORATION IN HEALTH DEVELOPMENT.
"OUR MEMBER STATES WARMLY WELCOME THIS INVITATION FROM A GOVERNMENT THAT HAS GIVEN SUCH CONSTANT SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO OUR HEALTH-FOR-ALL AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE INITIATIVE THROUGHOUT THE REGION," HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION, DR HAN THANKED DR LEE FOR HIS LONG-STANDING PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND CONTRIBUTION TO HEALTH PROGRAMMES IN THE REGION.
THE FIVE-DAY SESSION (FROM SEPTEMBER 7 TO 11 NEXT YEAR) WILL DISCUSS HEALTH ISSUES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION.
/IT WILL .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 13 -
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY 26 MEMBER STATES INCLUDING CHINA, JAPAN, J.OREA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, VIETNAM, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES.
OTHER GUESTS PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE DIRECTOR (PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT) OF THE WHO REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WES’ ERN PACIFIC, DR LIU GUO-BIN; AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN.
---------0-----------
MANAGEMENT OF VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES TO BE PRIVATISED »»*»»*
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL PROVIDE FOR CONTRACTING OUT THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IT WAS THE INTENTION TO CONTRACT OUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW COMPUTERISED KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE BY JUNE NEXT YEAR.
THE ENACTMENT OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD PAVE THE WAY FOR THE PRIVATISATION EXERCISE.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, CONTROL OVER SERVICE QUALITY AND THE LEVEL OF EXAMINATION FEES WILL BE RETAINED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE PRIVATISATION OF THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE NEW KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE WILL BRING ABOUT GREATER EFFICIENCY AND FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF THE FACILITY, AS WELL AS SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL BENEFITS TO THE GOVERNMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
IN ADDITION TO DEALING WITH THE PRIVATISATION OF VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES, THE AMENDING LEGISLATION ALSO PROVIDES FOR A NUMBER OF PROCEDURAL CHANGES IN THE WAY IN WHICH THE CENTRES ARE OPERATED.
------0 - -
/14 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 14 -
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES COMMENDED FOR REHABILITATIVE WORK * * * * t * t
THE COMMISSIONER OF CIVIL AID SERVICES, SIR ROBER LOBO, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRAISED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) FOR MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS IN REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMMES FOR PENAL INSTITUTION INMATES DESPITE THE ADDED BURDEN ON ITS SERVICES CREATED BY THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT CSD'S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, SIR ROGER NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD A DIFFICULT TASK OF SUPERVISING SOME 11,000 INMATES IN OVERCROWDED PENAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE ADDED RESPONSIBILITY OF LOOKING AFTER 35,000 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS HELD IN DETENTION CENTRES.
"THE ADDED BURDEN OF CENTRES HOUSING THE VIETNAMESE PLACES GREAT DEMANDS ON RESOURCES AND CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS FOR THE ENTIRE SERVICE," HE SAID.
"THAT YOU HAVE COPED SO WELL IS TESTIMONY TO YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION," SIR ROGER ADDED.
IN PARTICULAR, HE NOTED THAT HIGH STANDARDS WERE MAINTAINED IN THE VARIETY OF REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMMES OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
"THIS IS EVIDENCED BY THE SUCCESS RATES 'IN THE TRAINING CENTRES (68 PER CENT), DETENTION CENTRE (94 PER CENT), DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES (69 PER CENT), AND YOUNG PRISONERS (83 PER CENT) PROGRAMMES," HE SAID.
SIR ROGER SAID THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CSD COULD ALSO BE SEEN FROM THE SUCCESS OF ITS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG INMATES AND THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES (CSI).
ABOUT 3,400 YOUNG INMATES ARE AT PRESENT ENGAGED IN SOME FORM OF ACADEMIC PURSUIT. THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF GOODS AND SERVICES PRODUCED BY CSI FOR 1991 IS EXPECTED TO GO UP TO $290 MILLION.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 11 OFFICERS AND 64 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
------0--------
257 VOLUNTARY RETURNEES BACK TO VIETNAM * * * *
A GROUP OF 257 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 82 MEN, 66 WOMEN, 53 BOYS AND 56 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 83RD BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 7,660 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 13,979 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0--------
/15 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
15
SALE OF GOVERNMENT LAND BY AUCTION
*****
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE JADE BALLROOM OF HOTEL FURAMA KEMPINSKI, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED ON ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 346 SQUARE METRES AND IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING SERVICE APARTMENTS, PETROL FILLING STATION, GODOWN AND HOTEL) PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 1,950 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1995.
THE OTHER SITE, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEONG WAN ROAD AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, KOWLOON, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,535 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS EARMARKED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL, RESIDENTIAL AND PETROL FILLING STATION) AND INCLUDING A PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS, A LIBRARY, A PUBLIC TOILET AND A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 39,850 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 1996.
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, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET.
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-----------
LAND RESUMPTION IN NORTH DISTRICT AND YUEN LONG ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME CERTAIN PRIVATE LOTS IN TWO AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO PROVIDE LAND FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEVELOPMENT.
IN TA KWU LING, NORTH DISTRICT, 107 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS HAVING A TOTAL AREA OF 40,900.9 SQUARE METRES WILL BE RESUMED.
THE LAND WILL CATER FOR THE STAGE 1 MUK WU ’C’ PUMPING STATION WORKS TO FACILITATE WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA BEYOND 1994.
/MEANWHILE, IN ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
16
MEANWHILE, IN POK WAI, YUEN LONG, FOUR PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A.TOTAL AREA OF 3,284.2 SQUARE METRES WILL BE RESUMED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN DRAINAGE CHANNEL TO ALLEVIATE THE FLOODING PROBLEM.
WORKS OF THE TWO PROJECTS ARE SCHEDULED TO START RESPECTIVELY IN MAY AND APRIL NEXT YEAR.
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
--------0------------
PART OF LI CHIT STREET TO CLOSE FOR DEVELOPMENT ******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE A PORTION OF LI CHIT STREET IN WAN CHAI TO FACILITATE AN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROJECT INVOLVED THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING INCORPORATING GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FROM ITS GROUND TO THIRD FLOORS.
A LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE TOGETHER WITH A LOADING AND UNLOADING BAY, INCLUDING THE ASSOCIATED MANOEUVRING AREA AND TURNING HEAD, WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
THE PROPOSED PARTIAL CLOSURE OF LI CHIT STREET IS SCHEDULED TO BE IMPLEMENTED UPON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LDC DEVELOPMENT.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY
SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, SOUTHORN CENTRE,
19TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
» WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE
CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 18 NEXT YEAR DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
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/17........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 17 -
NEW POOL AND RECREATION CENTRE FOR TIN SHUI WAI
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE IN TIN SHUI WAI, YUEN LONG.
THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WILL INCLUDE A LEISURE POOL WITH WATER SLIDES AND WATER PLAY EQUIPMENT, A TRAINING/SECONDARY POOL, A TEACHING POOL, A CRUSH HALL, SUNBATH AREAS, OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS.
THE INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WILL HAVE A MAIN ARENA FOR TWO BASKETBALL COURTS AND TWO VOLLEYBALL COURTS OR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS.
THE INDOOR CENTRE WILL ALSO HAVE THREE SQUASH COURTS, AN ACTIVITY/DANCE ROOM, A FITNESS TRAINING ROOM AND A MULTI-PURPOSE FUNCTION ROOM.
WORKS WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
NOTICE OF THE TENDER WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
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 IS 12 NOON, ON JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR.
- - 0 - -
INSHORE WORKS OFF KENNEDY TOWN ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CONSTRUCT ABOUT 936 METRES OF SEAWALL AND RECLAIM AN AREA OF ABOUT 10.3 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT BELCHER BAY, OFF KENNEDY TOWN.
THIS IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DUAL CARRIAGEWAY LINK CONNECTING THE EXISTING UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WITH SMITHFIELD IN KENNEDY TOWN, A PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA ALONG THE NEW SEAFRONT FOR REPROVISIONING OF THE AFFECTED CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES, AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1995.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/ANY PERSON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 18 - '
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BEDS INVOLVED TO BE AFFECTED BY THIS UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER), AND AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
--------0 - -
WATER SUPPLIES TO TSEUNG KWAN O TO BE IMPROVED
******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IN TAI PO TSAI AND THE LAYING OF 2,500 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 HINTERLAND SOUTH AREA.
THE SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE WATER MAINS ARE NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE IN DEMAND FROM TSEUNG KWAN O HINTERLAND SOUTH AREA AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE AREA.
WORKS WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK FORMS PART OF THE PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE TSEUNG KWAN O HINTERLAND (SOUTH) WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.
NOTICE OF THE TENDER WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FORMS OF TENDER AND PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER 2, 7 GLOUCESTER
ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 10 NEXT YEAR.
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/19 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 19 -
FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN
*****
SHA TIN DISTRICT WAS WELL ILLUMINATED BY COLOURFUL AND ATTRACTIVE FESTIVE LIGHTING FOLLOWING A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY HELD AT THE MAIN PLAZA OF SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE THEME OF THE LIGHTING IS "LIGHTING UP SHA TIN WITH JOY".
MAKING UP OF MORE THAN 20,000 LIGHT BULBS, THE ILLUMINATIONS WERE PUT UP ALONG SHING MUN RIVER, ON THE THREE BRIDGES ACROSS THE RIVER, IN SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, ALONG TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ON HENG HONG STREET IN MA ON SHAN.
LARGE GRAPHIC DECORATIONS CONVEYING GREETING MESSAGES WERE ALSO PUT UP ON THE SAND MARTIN AND BANYAN BRIDGES.
ANOTHER ATTRACTION WAS THE ERECTION OF MOVABLE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, FEATURING ANIMALS RECEIVING PRESENTS FROM SANTA CLAUS.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON DAILY FROM 6.30 PM TO MIDNIGHT BETWEEN TODAY AND FEBRUARY 20, AND FROM 6.30 PM TO 6.30 AM THE NEXT DAY DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIODS.
THE CEREMONY WAS OFFICIATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHOY KAN-PUI; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR WONG PO-M1NG.
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, THERE WERE PERFORMANCES BY STUDENTS, THE SHA TIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, AND BRAZILIAN DANCERS.
THE FESTIVE LIGHTING, COSTING $800,000, WAS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS.
--------0-----------
DB MEMBERS BRING CHRISTMAS JOY TO THE ELDERLY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON BROUGHT CHRISTMAS JOY TO ELDERLY PEOPLE AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT.
LED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN, THE MEMBERS PAID GOODWILL VISITS TO THREE WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.
/THEY DISTRIBUTED........
F I
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
THEY DISTRIBUTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO THE RESIDENTS AND SHARED
THE JOY OF THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH THEM.
THE THREE ORGANISATIONS WERE SIR SIR YUEN HO HING SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, FUNG TAR LUTHERAN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHAN TSENG HEI EARLY EDUCATION TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG RONG.
- - 0 - -
BANKING LICENCE GRANTED TO BANR OF KINRI ♦ * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPORESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT BANR OF KINKI, LTD. HAS BEEN GRANTED A BANRING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
BANK OF KINKI IS THE 49TH LARGEST BANK IN JAPAN, AND RANKS 261ST IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.
"PRIOR TO THE GRANTING OF THE BANKING LICENCE, THE BANK OPERATED A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN HONG KONG. THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE WILL BE UPGRADED TO A BRANCH," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE," HE SAID.
THE LICENCE FOR BANK OF KINKI IS THE FOURTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.
THERE ARE NOW 165 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 135 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE*THE TERRITORY.
- - 0 - -
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY REGISTRATION REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF ICB FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
- - 0 - -
/21
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1991
- 21 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 19.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 20.12.91 -39
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 39
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 110.1 *-0.1* 20. HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 12.91 EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.34 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.75 5.34
1 MONTH 4.24 PCT
3 MONTHS 4.18 PCT
6 MONTHS 4.21 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.63 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 1,72OMN
CLOSED 20 DECEMBER 1991
- - 0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REFURNISHED NURSERY FOR CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ....................... 1
TENDERS INVITED FOR COMPUTERISED VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE .............. 1
LADY WILSON OPENS FLOWER SHOW ............................................ 2
VIETNAMESE CHILDREN RECEIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS .............................. 3
FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN WONG TAI SIN ..................................... 3
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 4
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21,
1991
- 1 -
REFURNISHED NURSERY FOR CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
******
THE NURSERY AT VICTORIA PRISON, WHICH HOUSES FEMALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THEIR NEW-BORN BABIES, HAS RECENTLY BEEN REFURNISHED TO PROVIDE A BETTER NURSERY ENVIRONMENT.
NEW COTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WHILE COLOURFUL DECORATIONS, INCLUDING CARTOON FIGURES, HAVE BEEN PUT UP ON THE WALLS.
THE CARTOON FIGURES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND PAINTED BY GIRL GUIDES OF THE 141ST ISLAND RANGER GUIDES SERVICE UNIT WHO ARE INMATES OF THE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.
THE NURSERY HAS ALSO RECEIVED A NUMBER OF TOYS AND BABY CARE ITEMS FROM THE HONG KONG CARITAS AND THE SALVATION ARMY.
A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE VICTORIA PRISON CURRENTLY ACCOMMODATES ABOUT 80 CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS MOTHERS AND MOST OF THEM ARE UNDER POST-NATAL CARE IN THE NURSERY WITH THEIR BABIES.
THE MOTHERS WOULD STAY WITH THEIR BABIES FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH BEFORE BEING REPATRIATED TO MAINLAND CHINA, HE NOTED.
THE SPONSOR OF THE 141ST ISLAND RANGER GUIDES SERVICE UNIT, MRS DONNA HUI, THIS MORNING OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF REFURNISHING WORKS FOR THE NURSERY.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR COMPUTERISED VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FROM PREQUALIFIED TENDERERS FOR THE MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ITS COMPUTERISED NEW KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE.
IN ANNOUNCING THE TENDER INVITATION, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THEY WILL BE GIVEN UNTIL JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR TO SUMBIT BIDS TO RUN THE $54.5* MILLION CENTRE WHICH WAS COMMISSIONED IN MAY THIS YEAR.
AS A RESULT OF THE INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION CALLED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF NINE INTERESTED PARTIES HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS TENDERERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THEY ARE NOW REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THEIR TENDER DOCUMENTS TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON THE CLOSING DATE.
/"THE SUCCESSFUL .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1991
- 2 -
"THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CERTIFYING, AT THE CENTRE, THE ROADWORTHINESS OF: TWO AXLED GOODS VEHICLES WITH PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHTS EXCEEDING 1.9 TONNES BUT NOT EXCEEDING 16 TONNES," HE ADDED.
THE THREE-YEAR CONTRACT ALSO REQUIRES THE TENDERER TO MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR AMD ALL EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AT THE CENTRE.
--------0 - - •
LADY WILSON OPENS FLOWER SHOW
******
LADY WILSON THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING OFFICIALLY OPENED THE FIFTH NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW IN FANLING.
THE SHOW WILL BE HELD UNTIL DECEMBER 26 (THURSDAY) AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND AND AT THE ADJACENT ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE.
LADY WILSON ALSO PRESENTED A TROPHY TO THE WINNER OF THE BEST EXHIBIT IN THE FLOWER SECTION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE SHOW FEATURES A WIDE VARIETY OF FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS COMPETITIONS FOR POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, BONSAI-TYPE PLANTS AND ORCHIDS.
AMONG THE FLORAL EXHIBITS ARE A SPECTACULAR ROSE GARDEN FORMED BY 2,000 POTS OF ROSE OF BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN SPECIES, AND A "MISTIFIED BONSAI" FEATURING TRADITIONAL CHINESE PAINTING.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE RARE SPECIES OF FISH, BIRDS, INSECTS AND DEMONSTRATION ON THE PRODUCTION OF ffONEY.
DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD, THERE WILL ALSO BE TALKS AND SINGING PERFORMANCES.
THE SHOW IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5.30 PM DAILY FROM SUNDAY TO WEDNESDAY, AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM ON THURSDAY.
/3 ........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 19ft
VIETNAMESE CHILDREN RECEIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS
VIETNAMESE CHILDREN AT THE CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE AND NEJ KWU CHAU DETENTION CENTRE TODAY (SATURDAY) RECEIVED CHRISTMAS GIFTS WITH JOY.
AT TWO SEPARATE GATHERINGS HELD AT THE DETENTION CENTRES, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES (VIETNAMESE UNIT), MR RAYMOND LAI, PRESENTED THE GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN.
THE GIFTS WERE DONATED BY A GROUP OF TELEVISION AND MOVIE ACTRESSES, INCLUDING SIAO FONG-FONG, SIT KA-YIN, WONG WAN-SEE AND NG YUEN-YEE. THEY HAD COLLECTED ABOUT 1,000 TOYS THEMSELVES AND FROM THEIR FRIENDS.
MR LAI NOTED THAT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD ALL ALONG BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS DURING CHRISTMAS.
"ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE, THE LARGEST CENTRE IN HONG KONG, ARE BEING ORGANISED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, IN THE MORE REMOTE CENTRES ON OUTLYING ISLANDS, THE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING THE LEAD,” HE SAID.
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FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN WONG TAI SIN * * * * ♦
A CARNIVAL TO DRIVE HOME THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE WILL BE HELD ON THE HAMMER HILL SPORTS GROUND IN WONG TAI SIN AT 1 PM ON JANUARY 5 (SUNDAY).
THE "FIGHT CRIME PIONEER TELEGAMES CARNIVAL" IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
TWELVE TEAMS, EACH REPRESENTING AN AREA COMMITTEE IN THE DISTRICT, WILL COMPETE IN THREE TELEGAMES WITH THE THEMES OF CRIME PREVENTION, REPORT CRIME AND IDENTIFY CRIMINALS.
THE CARNIVAL WILL ALSO FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, A POLICE BAND, THE POLICE DOG UNIT AND A LION DANCE.
FREE TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE RESIDENTS TO THE VENUE FROM THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD, CHOI WAN ESTATE AND CHUK YUEN ESTATE BUS TERMINI BETWEEN 12 PM AND 2 PM.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE CARNIVAL ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SAN PO KONG SUB-OFFICE OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1991
4
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
1 DATE
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 20.12.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 21.12.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
$ MILLION
500
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DECEMBER 1991 SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTS ............ 1
4
POLICE TO SET UP PATROL DURING FESTIVE SEASON ............................... 2
BOOKLET ON BUILDING CONTROL FOR SALE ........................................ 3
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ............................................ 4
NO MAIL DELIVERY ON NEW YEAR'S DAY .......................................... 5
EMPLOYER FINED FOR UNDERPAYING IMPORTED WORKERS ............................. 5
NEW MINIBUS ROUTE IN TSUEN WAN .............................................. 5
RESIDENTS URGED TO HELP FIGHT CRIME ......................................... 6
I
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1991
- 1 -
DECEMBER 1991 SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STARTS *******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE DECEMBER 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 FOURTH QUARTER OF 1991.
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 40,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON DECEMBER 31, 1991 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1991.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 582 -5076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THIS DEPARTMENT DURING OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1991, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL. 582 4782.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1991
- 2 -
POLICE TO STEP UP PATROL DURING FESTIVE SEASON
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, - MR LI KWAN-HA STRESSED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE POLICE WILL MAINTAIN A STRONG PRESENCE ON THE STREETS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAY SEASON WHICH IS USUALLY THE PEAK PERIOD FOR CRIME.
MR LI SAID THAT A DETERRENT POLICE PRESENCE WOULD REMAIN SIGNIFICANT THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY DURING THE COMING WEEKS.
BUT ALTHOUGH ADDITIONAL MANPOWER ARE DEPLOYED ON THE STREETS THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, THE PUBLIC CAN HELP KEEP CRIMINALS AWAY BY BEING SELF-VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES, A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON PERSONAL SECURITY, HE WARNED CITIZENS AGAINST PICKPOCKETS AND SNATCHERS WHO ARE RAMPANT AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
"WHEN YOU GO YEAR-END SHOPPING, DON’T CARRY WITH YOU MORE CASH THAN REQUIRED, AND DON’T EXPOSE YOUR MONEY OR VALUABLES IN PUBLIC PLACES SINCE A SNATCHER MAY BE JUST BESIDE YOU.
’’USE CHEQUES, CHAGRE ACCOUNTS AND CREDIT CARDS TO MAKE PAYMENTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE,” HE STRESSED.
’’PEOPLE SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE SURE THEIR WALLETS AND PURSES ARE CARRIED SECURELY, ESPECIALLY IN CROWDED AREAS SUCH AS BUS, MTR AND KCR STATIONS.
"WHEN YOU NEED TO DRAW LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY FROM BANKS, PLEASE ARRANGE TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A FRIEND," HE ADDED.
TO MINIMISE LOSS, THE SPOKESMAN SUGGESTED THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KEEP CREDIT CARDS SEPARATE FROM CASH.
"FOR WOMEN, HANDBAGS WITH ZIPS ARE MORE ADVISABLE, AND VALUABLES SHOULD BE KEPT IN SEPARATE COMPARTMENTS IN YOU BAG.
"IF YOU ARE CARRYING HOUSE AND CAR KEYS, DON’T CARRY OTHER ITEMS WHICH MAY LINK YOUR KEYS TO YOUR ADDRESS OR CAR," HE NOTED.
ON HOME SECURITY, HE ADVISED PEOPLE TO LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS BEFORE GOING OUT.
"LEAVE CURTAINS OPEN. DRAWN CURTAINS DURING DAYTIME SIGNAL THE OBVIOUS TO CRIMINALS.
"IF THERE IS SCAFFOLDING ERECTED AROUND YOUR PREMISES, THE CHANCE OF CRIMINALS BREAKING IN IS INCREASED AND DOUBLE PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN, BY, FOR INSTANCE, ASKING NEIGHOURS TO KEEP AN EYE ON EACH OTHER’S FLATS.
"ALWAYS CHECK THE IDENTITY OF VISITORS BEFORE ADMITTING THEM INTO YOUR HOUSE. IN CASE OF SUSPICION, NOTIFY THE MANAGMENT OF YOUR BUILDING OR CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY.’’
/REGARDING COMMERCIAL .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1991
- 3 -
REGARDING COMMERCIAL PREMISES, HE URGED PROPRIETORS AND MANAGEMENTS OF SHOPS AND FACTORIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE RUNNING HIGH RISK BUSINESSES, TO FORTIFY THEIR PRECAUTIONS.
’’DON’T KEEP LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY IN YOUR PREMISES WHEN DEPOSIT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT BANKS.
’’YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE LOCKS AND BOLTS AND OTHER SECURITY INSTALLATIONS IN YOUR PREMISES TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. FAULTY ITEMS SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY REPLACED.
"IF YOU NOTICE SUSPICIOUS PERSONS LOITERING, CALL THE POLICE AT ONCE/' HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THEFT FROM VEHICLE WAS A COMMON CRIME, THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON MOTORISTS NOT TO PARK THEIR VEHICLES UNATTENDED FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME BECAUSE THE THIEVES WERE OFTEN PATIENT ENOUGH TO NOTICE THIS.
’’MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS KEPT CLEAN* AND IS MOVED FROM TIME TO TIME." HE SAID.
"PLEASE HAVE ALL WINDOWS WOUND UP AND DOORS SHUT BEFORE YOU ALIGHT FROM YOUR VEHICLE. DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES INSIDE THE CAR, IF YOU MUST LEAVE THEM INSIDE, LOCK THEM IN THE BOOT AS CRIMINALS MIGHT EVEN DAMAGE THE DOORS TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOAL.
"WHEREVER POSSIBLE, USE A STREERING-WHEEL LOCK, IMMOBLISER SWITCH OR AN ADDITIONAL SECURITY LOCK TO PREVENT YOUR VEHICLE FROM BEING STOLEN."
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BOOKLET ON BUILDING CONTROL FOR SALE ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
A FULL COLOUR PUBLICATION PRESENTING AN OVERVIEW OF THE BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE.
"BUILDING CONTROL IN HONG KONG", PREPARED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, EXPLAINS IN SIMPLE TERMS THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE GOVERNMENT, WITH STATUTORY, CONTRACTUAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMPONENTS, OVER THE CONTROL OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ON PRIVATE LAND.
IT GIVES A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE EVOLUTION OF THE EXISTING BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM, ENABLING THE READERS TO SEE, THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT PROCESS, ITS ROLE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE.
JUXTAPOSED PICTURES SHOWING THE NOW-AND-THEN LOOKS OF URBAN HONG KONG IN THE 1950’s AND 1990’s EXPLAIN THE INCREASE IN ACTIVITIES OF THE BOO.
I *
» /THE MOMENTUM ...............................................
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1991
4
THE MOMENTUM OF CHANGES WILL ALSO REMIND THE READERS OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S DYNAMIC BUILDING DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO BE PROPERLY CONTROLLED.
THE THEME, WHICH IS ALSO THE GOAL OF THE BOO, IS ECHOED IN THE LAST PARAGRAPH OF THE PUBLICATION - "IN ORDER THAT BUILDING CONTROL CAN BECOME EFFECTIVE IN SERVING THE PUBLIC, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ENDEAVOURS TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO SOCIAL NEEDS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO BUILDING SAFETY.
"TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING ITS EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS. OLD GROUNDS WILL BE RE-VISITED AND UNCHARTED WATERS CHARTED."
THE PUBLICATION ALSO OUTLINES THE ORGANISATION AND DUTIES OF DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE BOO AND ITS STAFF ESTABLISHMENT.
ON THE SERVICES ASPECT, THE BOOKLET COVERS REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, SPECIALISED USES OF EXISTING BUILDINGS, THE PROBLEM OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND THE EMERGENCY ORGANISATION.
OTHER ASPECTS RELATED TO THE BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM, INCLUIDNG THE APPOINTMENT OF STATUTORY AGENTS, THE PROSECUTIONS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, THE APPEALS AND LITIGATION AND LEGISLATIVE REVIEW, ARE ALSO THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED.
I
SUPPLEMENTED WITH 34 PICTURES - 26 COLOUR AND EIGHT BLACK AND WHITE ONES - AND THREE CHARTS, THE BOOK IS AIMED AT PROVIDING THE PROFESSIONALS AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC AN OVERALL PICTURE OF THE BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG AND THE ROLE OF THE BOO AS THE EXECUTOR OF THE SYSTEM.
WRITTEN IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IT CAN SERVE AS AN INFORMATIVE GUIDEBOOK A$D EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS.
THE PUBLICATIONS, AT $40 PER COPY, CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE *****
EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM TO 1 PM ON DECEMBER 25 AND 26, WHICH ARE THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THEY ARE : THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, 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.
ALL OTHER GENERAL OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
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/5.........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1991
NO MAIL DELIVERY ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1).
ALL POST OFFICES WOULD BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY, HE SAID.
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EMPLOYER FINED FOR UNDERPAYING IMPORTED WORKERS
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO PAY FULL WAGES TO IMPORTED WORKERS ON THE DUE DATE.
THE HANG LEE GARMENT FACTORY IN KWUN TONG WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $4,000 EARLIER THIS MONTH FOR FAILING TO PAY FOUR IMPORTED SEWING WORKERS THE BALANCE OF WAGES TOTALLING $7,429.70 WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD.
ACCORDING TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO PAY HIS WORKERS THEIR FULL WAGES NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE WAGES HAVE BECOME DUE.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO UNDERPAYS HIS WORKERS MAY BE FINED UP TO $20,000.
IN ANOTHER COURT CASE, THE LORD GRACE SERVICE SOCIETY LTD TRADING AS LORD GRACE SHUNG TAK HOME FOR THE AGED WAS FINED $1,500 BY A EASTERN MAGISTRATE FOR PAYING MONEY TO TWO IMPORTED WORKERS INSTEAD OF GRANTING A STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
THE OFFENCE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
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NEW MINIBUS ROUTE IN TSUEN WAN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 302 OPERATING BETWEEN HONG KONG GARDENS IN TSING LUNG TAU AND LAI KING NORTH WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM TUESDAY (DECEMBER 24).
ITS OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY. THE FARE WILL BE $5.50 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1991
- 6 -
RESIDENTS URGED TO HELP FIGHT CRIME *****
RESIDENTS IN THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT WERE URGED TO ASSIST THE POLICE IN COMBATING CRIME.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LEW KAM-KI, AT THE EVENT’S OPENING CEREMONY ON MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR LEW CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE BY TAKING EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT CRIME.
HE SAID THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) WOULD CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO PUBLICISE THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE AMONG RESIDENTS.
MR LEW NOTED THAT THE DFCC HAD IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS ORGANISED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES FOR THIS PURPOSE.
"THESE INCLUDED AN ANTI-BURGLARY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND
AN AWARD SCHEME FOR BUILDING CARETAKERS," HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR NG MAN-KIM, APPEALED TO RESIDENTS TO REPORT CRIME AND TO HELP IDENTIFY SUSPECTS.
"REPORTING CRIME AND GIVING MUTUAL HELP TO FELLOW RESIDENTS WILL DETER BURGLARS AND OTHER CRIMINALS.
"RESIDENTS MAY REPORT CRIME IN PERSON, BY TELEPHONE OR BY USING THE CRIME INFORMATION FORMS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, CONVENIENCE STORES AND BANKS," MR NG ADDED.
MORE THAN 1,000 RESIDENTS ATTENDED THE CARNIVAL WHICH FEATURED STALL GAMES, AN EXHIBITION ON CRIME PREVENTION, A MAGIC SHOW AND PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND THE POLICE DOG UNIT.
THE CARNIVAL WAS ORGANISED BY THE DFCC WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD. IT ALSO MARKED THE CLOSING OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CARNIVAL INCLUDED THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; AND THE DFCC CHAIRMAN, MR FAN KAM-PING.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
1991 YEAR OF STEADY PROGRESS: SPEL ........................................ 1
✓
EXCO APPROVES AMENDMENTS TO TELEVISION ORDINANCE .......................... 3
NEW DYNAMIC AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN ................ 4
ONE MORE NOMINATION FOR DB BY-ELECTION .................................... 5
TRAVELLERS REMINDED NOT TO ACT AS DRUG COURIERS ..........*..............
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ..............................................
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN SHAU KEI WAN TO BE CLOSED ................
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ...................................................... 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ................ 8
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
1991 YEAR OF STEADY PROGRESS: SPEL *****
1991 WAS A YEAR OF STEADY PROGRESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, TOWN PLANNING AND LANDS POLICY AND THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO HAVE THEM CONSOLIDATED IN 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A YEAR-END MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD A CLEAR VISION OF THE WAY FORWARD AND THE POLICY PROGRAMMES WERE PROCEEDING ON WELL-ESTABLISHED LINES.
MR BARNES SAID A TOTAL OF $3.7 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROJECTS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, TAKING UP A SIZABLE PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ALL NON-AIRPORT PROJECTS.
MOST OF THE FUNDS WOULD BE SPENT ON THE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN, ESPECIALLY THE THREE LARGE LANDFILLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"ABOUT $1 BILLION IS FOR SEWAGE IMPROVEMENT AND THIS IS ON TOP OF THE $4 BILLION OR SO WE ARE ALREADY SPENDING, OR HAVE COMMITTED TO OTHER SEWAGE PROGRAMMES," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT PLANS AGAINST AlP POLLUTION WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED GRADUALLY TO FURTHER REDUCE POLLUTION TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS.
"ON WASTE MANAGEMENT, PROVIDED WE CONTINUE TO SECURE FUNDING, I AM REASONABLY CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT OUR PLANS SUCCESSFULLY, AND BUILD ON THE STRATEGY LAID DOWN IN OUR WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN, WHICH IS BOTH .ECONOMIC AND LONG-TERM," HE SAID.
WHILE STRESSING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO REDUCE NOISE POLLUTION FURTHER THROUGH LEGISLATIVE MEANS, MR BARNES SAID IT WOULD TAKE LONGER TIME IN THE FIGHT AGAINST WATER POLLUTION.
"BUT I AM HOPEFUL THAT WE CAN OVERCOME OUR DIFFICULTIES IN THE LONG-TERM, AND TAKE WHATEVER MEASURES WE CAN IN THE SHORT-TERM TO PROTECT OUR SCARCE RECREATIONAL ASSETS, PARTICULARLY OUR BEACHES," HE SAID.
MR BARNES NOTED THAT THERE WAS A GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LARGER PROJECTS.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ALLOW PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORTS IS DEMONSTRATED BY THE NEW POLICY THAT ALL FINAL OR INTERIM EIA REPORTS OWNED BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WAS DONE EITHER THROUGH CONSULTATIONS IN THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE EPCOM OR OTHER RELEVANT STATUTORY ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
MR BARNES SAID INTEREST IN OUR ENVIRONMENT HAD EXTENDED ACROSS THE BORDER.
/IN THE .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
2 -
IN THE JOINT HONG KONG-GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP MEETING WHICH HE HAD JUST ATTENDED, THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION AND PROPOSALS FOR DEEP BAY WERE DISCUSSED IN ORDER TO DRAW UP ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE AREA.
TURNING TO TOWN PLANNING, MR BARNES SAID GREAT STRIDE HAD BEEN MADE IN 1991 IN PLANNING LEGISLATION AND THE FORMULATION OF DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
"WE HAVE COMPLETED A FULL REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE AND ISSUED A PUBLIC CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT IN JULY.
"WE AIM TO SUBMIT FINAL PROPOSALS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN MID 1992 AND INTRODUCE A NEW PLANNING LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993."
REGARDING THE METROPLAN STUDY WHICH HAD BEEN ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER, MR BARNES SAID IT WOULD SERVE AS A POLICY STATEMENT TO ESTABLISH A LAND USE-TRANSPORT-ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR RESTRUCTURING THE METRO AREA.
"WE SHALL TRANSLATE THE METROPLAN STRATEGY CONCEPTS INTO DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR EACH OF THE SEVEN BROAD DISTRICTS IN THE METROPLAN.
"DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT FOR WEST KOWLOON WILL BE READY IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1992.
"WE HOPE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR TSUEN WAN-KWAI TSING AND SOUTH EAST KOWLOON WILL BE AVAILABLE AROUND END 1992 AND EARLY 1993 RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
ONPORT DEVELOPMENT,MR BARNES SAIDTHEGOVERNMENT HAD THIS YEAR COMMISSIONED A NUMBEROF IMPORTANT PORT DEVELOPMENTSTUDIES RECOMMENDED UNDER PADS TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT PORT FACILITIES WERE PROVIDED TO MEET BOTH SHORT - AND LONG-TERM REQUIREMENTS.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ONES INCLUDED THE LANTAU PORT PENINSULA DEVELOPMENT STUDY AND WESTERN HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT STUDY, BOTH OF WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
IN ADDITION, A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL WAS COMPLETED.
"A PROSPECTUS WILL BE ISSUED IN EARLY 1992, SEEKING VIEWS OF PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPERS ON HOW THE RIVER TRADE TERMINAL IS TO BE OPERATED AND DEVELOPED. A DECISION WILL BE MADE BEFORE THE END OF 1992.!' HE SAID.
ON BUILDING SAFETY, MR BARNES SAID NEW LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED THIS SPRING TO EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE OWNERS OF BUILDINGS WHICH WERE IN A POSSIBLY DANGEROUS CONDITION TO HAVE THEM PROPERLY INSPECTED AND CARRY OUT REMEDIAL WORKS.
A COMPREHENSIVE BUILDINGS INSPECTION PROGRAMME HAD BEEN LAUNCHED WITH ALL PRE-WAR BUILDINGS ALREADY BEING SURVEYED.
/FROM JULY .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
3
FROM JULY 1991 ONWARDS, POST-WAR BUILDINGS WERE BEING SURVEYED WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON OLDER BUILDINGS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS STRUCTURES PROJECTING OVER STREETS.
’’AROUND 4,000 SUCH BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN INSPECTED SO FAR AND NEARLY 6,000 UNAUTHORISED BUILDING PROJECTIONS HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING REMOVED,” HE SAID.
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EXCO APPROVES AMENDMENTS TO TELEVISION ORDINANCE ******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE TELEVISION ORDINANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE AMENDMENTS ARE TO GIVE THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) THE DISCRETION TO WAIVE THE RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS ON PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF OFF-AIR TELEVISION STATIONS ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS, AND TO ALLOW SUCH STATIONS TO SUPERIMPOSE ADVERTISING MATERIALS ON THE SCREEN IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
"THE TELEVISION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1991 WILL EMPOWER THE BA TO WAIVE THE STATUTORY RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS ON PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF OFF-AIR TELEVISION STATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE BA CONSIDERED THAT THE EXISTING LEGISLATION WAS UNDULY RIGID AND BELIEVED THAT IF OVERSEAS STAFF WERE EXCLUDED FROM KEY POSTS OF A TELEVISION COMPANY, THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES MIGHT BE HINDERED.
"TELEVISION COMPANIES IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECRUIT STAFF OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE WHEREVER THEY ARE TO BE FOUND.
"SIMILAR STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS DO NOT APPLY TO SATELLITE TELEVISION OR RADIO COMPANIES," HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR TELEVISION STATIONS TO ADVERTISE BY MEANS OF "TELOPING" - THE SUPER-IMPOSITION ON THE SCREEN OF ADVERTISING MATERIAL DURING A PROGRAMME, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE BA.
"TELOPING CAN ALLOW ADVERTISEMENTS TO BE SHOWN WITHOUT CAUSING INTERRUPTION TO THE PROGRAMME FLOW AND THIS WILL, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF LIVE PROGRAMMES SUCH AS SPORTS EVENTS, BE IN THE INTEREST OF VIEWERS.
"ANY ADVERTISEMENTS THUS TELOPED WILL COUNT TOWARDS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF ADVERTISING ’ THAT THE TELEVISION STATIONS ARE PERMITTED TO CARRY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27) AND IS DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 15.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
NEW DYNAMIC AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL * * * *
FOR KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN *
A NEW AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC) SYSTEM FULLY RESPONSIVE TO THE ACTUAL TRAFFIC FLOW LEVELS ON THE ROAD NETWORK WILL SHORTLY BE IMPLEMENTED FOR KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN.
THE NEW SYSTEM WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING KOWLOON ATC SYSTEM AND WILL ALSO EXTEND ATC TO THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN AREA AS THE FIRST STEP IN A PLANNED EXTENSION OF ATC TO THE NEW TOWNS.
THE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE INCREASED CAPACITY AND FACILITIES FOR CONTROLLING, MONITORING AND EFFICIENTLY OPERATING THE SIGNALS AT ALL THE JUNCTIONS IN KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI OVER THE NEXT 12 TO 15 YEARS.
UNLIKE THE EXISTING SYSTEM, WHICH PROVIDES GREEN TIMES FOR THE VARIOUS APPROACHES OF JUNCTIONS BASED ON OBSERVED HISTORIC TRAFFIC FLOW DATA, THE NEW SYSTEM WILL BE FULLY RESPONSIVE TO THE ACTUAL TRAFFIC FLOW LEVELS ON THE ROAD NETWORK.
THE TRAFFIC FLOW LEVELS AT CRITICAL JUNCTIONS IN THE ROAD NETWORKS OF KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN WILL BE MEASURED BY DETECTOR LOOPS BURIED IN THE ROAD SURFACE AND THIS INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO THE CENTRAL COMPUTERS, WHICH IN TURN WILL DETERMINE AND IMPLEMENT THE APPROPRIATE GREEN TIMES FOR EVERY SIGNAL CYCLE OF THE JUNCTIONS CONTROL.LED SO AS TO MINIMISE DELAY TO THE ROAD USERS.
THE $143 MILLION CONTRACT FOR INSTALLING THE SYSTEM WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF AWA LTD OF AUSTRALIA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID STUDIES HAD SHOWN THAT COMPARED TO A CASE WITHOUT AN ATC SYSTEM, THE EXISTING KOWLOON ATC SYSTEM PROVIDED ABOUT 30 PER CENT REDUCTION IN JOURNEY TIME FOR THE ROAD USERS IN KOWLOON.
WITH THE UP-TO-DATE DYNAMIC RESPONSIVE FEATURES, THE NEW SYSTEM WAS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE EVEN GREATER BENEFITS IN AN AREA-WIDE BASIS FOR ALL THE ROAD USERS IN KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI, HE SAID.
THE SYSTEMS WILL HAVE TWO CENTRAL TRAFFIC MONITORING AND CONTROL CENTRES, A MASTER ONE IN KOWLOON AND A REGIONAL ONE IN TSUEN WAN .
"UNDER THE CONTRACT, IMPLEMENTATION OF ATC TO TSUEN WAN WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID 1993.
"BY THAT TIME, ALL THE SIGNALS, NUMBERING ABOUT 100 IN THE TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING DISTRICTS, WILL BE BROUGHT UNDER A REGIONAL ATC SYSTEM LOCATED IN THE TSUEN WAN CONTROL CENTRE.
/"BY LATE .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
”BY LATE 1994, THE KOWLOON PART WILL BE COMPLETED CONTROLLING ABOUT 450 SIGNALISED JUNCTIONS IN THE PENINSULA, AND WILL BE INTEGRATED WITH THE TSUEN WAN REGIONAL SYSTEM,’’ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
AS WITH THE EXISTING SYSTEM, THE NEW SYSTEM WILL ALSO HAVE FACILITIES TO PROVIDE SPECIAL ’’GREEN SIGNAL’’ ROUTES FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO GET TO THE LOCATION OF INCIDENTS QUICKLY.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR THE COLLECTION AND RETENTION OF VARIOUS TRAFFIC FLOW INFORMATION IN A CENTRAL DATA BASE FOR USE BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND OTHERS.
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ONE MORE NOMINATION FOR DB BY-ELECTION ♦ » ♦ » »
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS RECEIVED ONE MORE NOMINATION TODAY (MONDAY) FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION.
SO FAR FOUR NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE BY-ELECTION. THE NOMINATION PERIOD WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 30.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DETAILS OF THE CANDIDATE WHOSE NOMINATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY:
NAME SEX AGE OCCUPATION CONTACT TEL. NO.
KAN CHUNG-NIN, M 41 SOLICITOR 692 2200
TONY
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TRAVELLERS REMINDED NOT TO ACT AS DRUG COURIERS
******
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST BEING USED BY DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO ACT AS DRUG COURIERS WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION TODAY (MONDAY) AS MANY PEOPLE WILL BE GOING OVERSEAS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DIVISION SAID COPIES OF A LEAFLET "HAVE A NICE TRIP, DON’T CARRY DRUGS" HAD BEEN SENT TO MAJOR TRAVEL AGENCIES IN THE TERRITORY TO ADVISE TRAVELLERS ON HOW TO AVOID BECOMING INVOLVED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING WHEN THEY TRAVEL ABROAD.
/HE SUGGESTED
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
- 6 -
HE SUGGESTED TRAVELLERS GET A COPY AND READ IT CAREFULLY WHEN THEY APPROACHED TRAVEL AGENCIES FOR ARRANGING TRIPS.
THE LEAFLET IS ALSO OBTAINABLE AT A NUMBER OF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "NAIVE TRAVELLERS ARE ALWAYS LIKELY TO BE THE TARGETS OF DRUG SYNDICATES.
"NO MATTER WHAT THE REWARD IS, MAY BE ONLY A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS AND A FREE AIR TICKET, THE PRICE CAN BE LOSS OF FREEDOM OR LIFE WHEN CAUGHT.
"THE DEATH PENALTY IS MANDATORY FOR TRAFFICKING IN SOME COUNTRIES, AND LONG PRISON SENTENCES OF UP TO 25 YEARS ARE ALSO COMMON," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT WITH INCREASING WORLDWIDE CONCERN OVER DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING AND BETTER INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IN RECENT YEARS, MOST COUNTRIES WERE TAKING MORE STRINGENT LAW ENFORCEMENT MEASURES AND IMPOSING TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR DRUG OFFENCES.
THE SPOKESMAN GAVE THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:
- DON’T .CARRY PACKAGES OR BAGGAGE FOR ANYONE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THEY CONTAIN NO ILLICIT DRUGS OR OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS;
NEVER AGREE TO CHECK IN BAGGAGE ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE WHO CLAIMS TO HAVE EXCESS BAGGAGE;
- DON’T BELIEVE PEOPLE WHO SAY "IT IS ALRIGHT OR LEGAL TO USE DOPE OVER THERE". ALL COUNTRIES PROHIBIT ILLICIT DRUG USE;
- DON'T BELIEVE PEOPLE WHO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE NOT THE TYPE THE CUSTOMS GO FOR; AND
- DO REPORT TO THE POLICE OR THE CUSTOMS IF A POSSIBLE DRUG CARRYING DEAL IS PUT TO YOU. THE SYNDICATE WILL GET THE PROFIT; YOU WILL TAKE THE RISK.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO STRESSED THAT THE PENALTIES FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCES IN HONG KONG WERE VERY SEVERE, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY BEING LIFE IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $5 MILLION, AND THE CONFISCATION OF ASSETS OF CONVICTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS.
EVEN PEOPLE FOUND IN ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF SMALL QUANTITIES OF DRUGS ARE LIABLE TO THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND SOME $10,000 IN FINE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD CALL THE POLICE NARCOTICS BUREAU ON TEL. 527 1234, OR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 545 6182, IF THEY SUSPECTED THAT ANY PERSON WAS A DRUG TRAFFICKER OR PUSHER.
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/7........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TWO OF THE SITES ARE LOCATED AT KIU TAU WAI, YUEN LONG AND HAVE AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,150 SQUARE METRES EACH.
THE SITES ARE FOR CONCRETE BATCHING AND/OR ASPHALT BATCHING INCLUDING THE STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF SAND, AGGREGATE, CEMENT AND STEEL REINFORCEMENT BARS BUT EXCLUDING ROCK-CRUSHING.
THE THIRD SITE IS LOCATED AT KWAN TEI, FANLING.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,525 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR OPEN STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINER, CEMENT/SAND, DANGEROUS GOODS AS DEFINED UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, VEHICLES FOR SALE OR DISPOSAL, VEHICLES FOR STRIPPING AND BREAKING; AND SCRAP METAL.
THE TENANCY FOR EACH OF THE SITES IS THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 10 NEXT YEAR.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES.
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UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN SHAU KEI WAN TO BE CLOSED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON A BUILDING IN SHAU KEI WAN, ON HONG KONG ISLAND SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OVER FLAT C OF 12TH FLOOR, ALDRICH HOUSE, NOS. 1 AND 3 ALDRICH STREET AND NOS. 369-373 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 25 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
8 WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 31.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 185.995 MILLION CUBIC METRES. •
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 200.418 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 34.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
DATE
$ MILLION
500
+ 30
-30
NEUTRAL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 21.12.91
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 23.12.91
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 109.6 *-0.2* 23.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD * TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.93 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.08 5.16
1 MONTH 3.81 PCT • •
3 MONTHS 3.78 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.85 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.26 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,929 MN
CLOSED 23 DECEMBER 1991
------0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... ' 1
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................... 2
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STUDENTS’ $2 DONATIONS GO INTO CHILDREN'S WARD KITTY ................. 3
SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO AND DRAWING COMPETITIONS .............. 4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1991
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 23.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 24.12.91 + 20
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING -20
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 109.5 *-0.1* 24.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.20 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.10 5.13
1 MONTH 3.90 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.90 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.95 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.25 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 1.165MN
CLOSED 24 DECEMBER 1991
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/2 ........
- 2 -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1991
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE TENDER RESULTS FUND
TENDER DATE 24 DEC 91 24 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q152 H180
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,327MN HKD 810MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500MN HKD 200MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.89 PCT 3.96 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.92 PCT 3.98 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO 50 PCT ABOUT 18 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.94 PCT 4.02 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 30 DECEMBER 1991 -
TENDER DATE 31 DEC 91 31 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q201 Y285
ISSUE DATE 2 JAN 92 2 JAN 92
MATURITY DATE 1 APR 92 30 DEC 92
TENOR 90 DAYS 363 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100MN HK$200 + 60MN
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/3........
4
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1991
- 3 . -
STUDENTS’ $2 DONATIONS GO INTO CHILDREN’S WARD KITTY ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
ANNUAL $2 DONATIONS FROM STUDENTS HAVE ENABLED CHILDREN IN THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WARD OF THE RUTTONJEE HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE AND ATTENTION WHICH OTHERWISE MIGHT NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THEM.
”IT HAS BEEN A PRACTICE FOR MANY YEARS FOR STUDENTS TO SUPPORT BY ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WARD, THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SCHOOLS LAST YEAR CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN $984,000, AN ACHIEVEMENT WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, HAS DESCRIBED AS ’’SPLENDID" AND A CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED, IN A CIRCULAR TO SCHOOLS.
IN ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THIS WORTHWHILE CAUSE, MR LI SAID INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE LIMITED TO $2 AND MUST BE ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY, AND THAT SCHOOLS COULD ALSO CONSIDER VARIOUS WAYS AND MEANS OF RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT THE PROJECT.
THE DIRECTOR ALSO HOPED THAT SCHOOLS WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WARD BY INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE EFFORT.
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/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1991
4 -
SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO AND DRAWING COMPETITIONS ***»*»»
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR A PHOTOGRAPHY AND A DRAWING COMPETITION AIMED TO CAPTURE THE BEAUTY OF THE FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN.
ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE COMPETITIONS HOPE TO FURTHER SPREAD THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO STUDENT AND OPEN DIVISIONS, AND EACH PARTICIPANT CAN SUBMIT A MAXIMUM OF TWO PHOTOGRAPHS.
THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE 5R OR 8R COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, MOUNTED ON A CARDBOARD MEASURING ABOUT 33 CENTIMETRES BY 40 CENTIMETRES.
FOR THE DRAWING COMPETITION, THERE ARE FOUR DIVISIONS - LOWER PRIMARY (PRIMARY ONE TO THREE), UPPER PRIMARY (PRIMARY FOUR TO SIX), LOWER SECONDARY (SECONDARY ONE TO THREE), AND OPEN.
THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE COLOURING MATERIALS, BUT THE ENTRY SHOULD BE ON A 37 CENTIMETRES BY 49 CENTIMETRES DRAWING PAPER. EACH PARTICIPANT CAN ALSO SUBMIT A MAXIMUM OF TWO PAINTINGS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN, AND ALL THE COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY FEBRUARY 18. TROPHIES AND VALUABLE PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS.
THE DISTRICT'S FESTIVE LIGHTING, MADE UP OF MORE THAN 20,000 LIGHT BULBS, HAS BEEN PUT UP ALONG SHING MUN RIVER, THE THREE BRIDGES OVER THE RIVER, SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, AND HENG HONG STREET IN MA ON SHAN.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON FROM 6.30 PM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY UNTIL FEBRUARY 18, EXCEPT DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, WHEN THEY WILL BE ON FROM 6.30 PM TO 6.30 AM THE NEXT DAY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 604 8078 EXT. 33.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH ....................... 1
MORE THAN $2.8M PAID FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF .......................... 2
TOWN PLANNING MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE ............................ 3
LEGAL DEPT BOOKLET FOR STUDENTS AS REFERENCE MATERIAL .............. 4
SAWDUST FURNITURE FOR GOVT OFFICES ................................. 4
DANGEROUS OPENINGS ON SITES MUST BE GUARDED ........................ 6
CENTRAL AND WESTERN WASTE RECYCLING COMPETITION .................... 6
TRADE DEPT TO CLOSE LICENSING SUB-OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND ....... 7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
- 1 -
EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH i
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL START A TERRITORY-WIDE EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN FROM NEXT MONTH TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING A CLEAN HOME AND PREVENTING SANITARY NUISANCES.
ENTITLED ’’ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH DRIVE”, THE CAMPAIGN IS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS. IT WILL LAST UNTIL MARCH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT AN UNCLEAN ENVIRONMENT MIGHT LEAD TO PEST INFESTATION WHICH COULD JEOPARDISE HEALTH.
’’THESE PESTS MAY HELP SPREAD GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, DYSENTRY, TYPHOID FEVER AND FOOD POISONING,” HE SAID.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS SUCH AS POSTERS, ADVISORY LETTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT OFFICES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, HOUSING ESTATES AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE HOTLINE - 723 0013 - WILL PROVIDE ADVICE IN CANTONESE ON HOW TO KEEP THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
AN API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST) ON THE SUBJECT WILL ALSO BE SCREENED ON TELEVISION.
MEANWHILE, ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES (ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE) OF THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
TO MAINTAIN A CLEAN AND DECENT LIVING ENVIRONMENT, THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:
♦ KEEP THE HOME ENVIRONMENT CLEAN TO KEEP PEST AWAY;
* DO NOT LITTER. REFUSE SHOULD BE PUT INTO A DUSTBIN
WITH A PROPER COVER AND SHOULD BE DISPOSED OF AT LEAST ONCE A DAY;
* KEEP THE COMMON PARTS OF THE BUILDING FREE FROM REFUSE
AND DISUSED ARTICLES. DISUSED BULKY ARTICLES AND JUNK SHOULD BE REMOVED TO NEARBY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS FOR DISPOSAL; AND
♦ KEEP DRAINAGE PIPES IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.
DEFECTIVE OR CHOKED DRAINAGE PIPES HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY.
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/2 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
- 2
MORE THAN $2.8M PAID FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF *****
THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND PAID OUT MORE THAN $2.8 MILLION TO VICTIMS OF NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS IN 1990/91, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
RECIPIENTS OF GRANTS FROM THE FUND WERE MOSTLY VICTIMS OF FIRES AND LANDSLIDES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
’’THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR APPROVING GRANTS AND MAKING PAYMENTS IS IN MOST CASES UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HOUSING, THE MARINE AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENTS,” HE SAID.
GRANTS MADE FROM THE FUND FELL INTO THE FOLLOWING FIVE MAIN CATEGORIES:
» DEATH AND PERSONAL INJURY GRANTS;
* DOMESTIC RE-ACCOMMODATION, RE-EQUIPMENT, SITE
FORMATION AND REPAIR GRANTS;
♦ GRANTS FOR THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF VESSELS;
* PRIMARY PRODUCE GRANTS; AND
* SPECIAL GRANTS.
THE FUND CONSISTS OF PUBLIC DONATIONS MADE FROM TIME TO TIME AND AN ANNUAL ALLOCATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND IS VESTED IN THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE INCORPORATED AS TRUSTEE.
’’GRANTS MAY BE MADE TO A PERSON WHO IS LEGALLY IN HONG KONG AND WHO APPEARS TO NEED ASSISTANCE AS A RESULT OF A NATURAL DISASTER, INCLUDING TYPHOON, RAINSTORM, LANDSLIDE AND FLOODING, WHICH HAS CAUSED SUFFERING OR LOSS TO AN EXTENT THAT MERITS ASSISTANCE,” THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
IN ADDITION, VICTIMS OF FIRE, HOUSE COLLAPSE, BOAT CAPSIZE, SHIPWRECK, EXPLOSION, OR EVICTION FROM A DANGEROUS BUILDING ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE.
”NO PAYMENT WILL BE MADE TO ANY APPLICANT WHO IS PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACT LEADING TO THE DISASTER, SUCH AS ARSON, BREACH OF MARINE REGULATIONS AND DELIBERATE NEGLIGENCE,” HE ADDED.
/3 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
- 3 -
TOWN PLANNING MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE *****
A COMPREHENSIVE TOWN PLANNING MANUAL, THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES (HKPSG), WILL BE, FOR THE FIRST TIME, AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE PUBLICATION, IN A SERIES OF 11 CHAPTERS EACH DEVOTED TO A PARTICULAR GROUP OR ASPECT OF LAND USES OR FACILITIES, WILL BE SOLD ON AN INDIVIDUAL CHAPTER BASIS, WITH THE FIRST THREE NOW READY FOR PURCHASE.
THE HKPSG IS A GOVERNMENT MANUAL OF CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE SCALE, LOCATION AND SITE REQUIREMENTS OF VARIOUS LAND USES AND FACILITIES. IT CAN BE APPLIED IN PLANNING STUDIES, PREPARATION OR REVISION OF TOWN PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL.
THE MANUAL PROVIDES AN EQUITABLE BASIS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF THE SCARCE LAND RESOURCE AS WELL AS LOCATIONAL GUIDELINES THAT CAN BE USED AS THE CRITERIA FOR DISTRIBUTING VARIOUS TYPES OF LAND USES AND FACILITIES.
IT WAS ORIGINALLY PREPARED FOR INTERNAL USE. EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE AGREED TO HAVE IT PUBLISHED FOR SALE SO AS TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
THE PUBLICATION'S GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF TOPICS STARTS WITH HOME, CONTINUES WITH RELATED COMMUNITY AND LEISURE FACILITIES, WORKPLACES, TRANSPORT AND SERVICES AND CONCLUDES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND CONSERVATION.
THE CHAPTERS COVER COMPREHENSIVELY ALL GENERAL LAND USES AND FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE FULL RANGE OF LOCAL, DISTRICT AND TERRITORIAL FACILITIES ESSENTIAL TO THE COMMUNITY’S WELL-BEING.
CHAPTER ONE, WHICH IS AN INTRODUCTION, IS PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO PURCHASERS OF OTHER CHAPTERS. IT SERVES TO FACILITATE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PURPOSE AND APPLICATION OF THE HKPSG.
SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS DEAL WITH SPECIFIC STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
CHAPTER TWO, "RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES", CONTAINING GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES LIKELY TO BE ACHIEVED IN VARIOUS RESIDENTIAL ZONES, IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE FOR ASSESSING THE DESIGN POPULATION OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND DISTRICTS.
CHAPTER THREE, "COMMUNITY FACILITIES", COVERS'THE STANDARD AND REQUIREMENT OF A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES WHICH PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL, MEDICAL, CULTURAL, JUDICIAL, SOCIAL AND PUBLIC SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE TWO CHAPTERS, AT $24 AND $20 A COPY RESPECTIVELY, CAN NOW *BE PURCHASED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
THE OTHER CHAPTERS WILL BE READY FOR SALE WITHIN NEXT YEAR.
/4 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
LEGAL DEPT BOOKLET FOR STUDENTS AS REFERENCE MATERIAL
******
THE LEGAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, A LEGAL DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY SECONDARY 1-7 STUDENTS AS REFERENCE MATERIAL IN STUDYING ECONOMIC-GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, AND THEIR ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LIBERAL STUDIES SUBJECT.
"THE FULL-COLOUR BOOKLET IS BILINGUAL AND PROVIDES USEFUL INFORMATION ON THE RULE OF LAW, THE JUDICIARY, THE JURY SYSTEM, THE ROLE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, THE ADMINISTRATION OF LEGAL AID AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR USE AS REFERENCE MATERIAL IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND FOR TEACHING TOPICS SUCH AS LAW AND ORDER (FOR SECONDARY 1-3), THE JUDICIARY, LAW AND JUSTICE AND PUBLIC ORDER (SECONDARY 4-5) , THE JUDICIARY AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW (ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY AND ADVANCED LEVEL).
A FREE COPY OF THE BOOKLET HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO EACH SECONDARY SCHOOL, HE ADDED.
SCHOOLS WISHING TO BUY ADDITIONAL COPIES CAN DO SO AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A RELATED PHOTOGRAPH CAN BE COLLECTED FROM THE GIS NEWSROOM.
- - 0 - -
SAWDUST FURNITURE FOR GOVT OFFICES *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES (CSI) HAS RECENTLY STARTED PRODUCING A NEW TYPE OF GOVERNMENT FURNITURE USING SAWDUST WASTES IN ORDER TO HELP CONSERVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND SAVE PRODUCTION COST.
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF CSI, MR HERBERT NG, SAID THE PRODUCTION OF SAWDUST FURNITURE WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WASTE RECYCLING AND WAS IN KEEPING WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL.PROTECTION POLICY.
AT PRESENT, CSI OPERATES A NUMBER OF CARPENTRY WORKSHOPS IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS WHICH GENERATE A LARGE AMOUNT OF SAWDUST.
/FOLLOWING THE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
5
FOLLOWING THE RECENT INSTALLATION OF NEW MACHINERY, INCLUDING A SHREDDER, A MIXER AND A COMPRESSOR IN PIK UK PRISON, THE SAWDUST CAN NOW BE CONVERTED INTO RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING FURNITURE.
MR NG NOTED THAT THE APPEARANCE OF THE NEW FURNITURE WAS NO DIFFERENT FROM THAT MADE FROM PLYWOOD.
"IN FACT, THE NEW FURNITURE IS COMPARATIVELY SMOOTHER AND MORE STURDY," HE SAID.
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SAWDUST .FURNITURE, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT CSI COULD SAVE AS MUCH AS ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL COSTS IN FURNITURE PRODUCTION, HE ADDED.
MR NG SAID CSI ALSO PLANNED TO USE SAWDUST TO PRODUCE DESKS FOR THE DIRECTORATE GOVERNMENT OFFICERS.
RECENTLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN CSI APPROVAL TO SUPPLY AND PRODUCE DESKS FOR DIRECTORATE OFFICERS.
CSI IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING FURNITURE FOR ALL NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
MR NG SAID CSI HAD RECENTLY COMPLETED THE LARGEST SINGLE ORDER FOR OFFICE FURNITURE FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ORDERED 4,000 SETS OF DESKS AND PEDESTALS FOR ITS NEW OFFICES AT WANCHAI TOWER III.
THE PRODUCTION OF THESE DESKS AND PEDESTALS HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY INMATES AT STANLEY PRISON AND PIK UK PRISON, HE NOTED.
ASSEMBLING OF THE FURNITURE AT THE SITE HAD RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED BY ABOUT 20 YOUNG INMATES OF LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE.
REVIEWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF CSI’S CARPENTRY TRADE, MR NG SAID CHANGES HAD BEEN MADE TO THE WORK PROCESS TO ENABLE MORE INMATES TO PARTICIPATE IN FURNITURE PRODUCTION WORK.
HE SAID THE CARPENTRY TRADE HAD NOW BECOME A MAJOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRY, EMPLOYING ABOUT 500 INMATES.
THE BOOST IN THE CARPENTRY TRADE HAS ALSO RESULTED IN A DRAMATIC RISE IN THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF ITS OUTPUT.
HE NOTED THAT THE TOTAL OUTPUT IN CARPENTRY WORK THIS YEAR WAS EXPECTED TO AMOUNT TO ABOUT $25 MILLION, A 50 PER CENT INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWO PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE SAWDUST FURNITURE AND INMATES ASSEMBLING DESKS AT WANCHAI TOWER III CAN BE COLLECTED FROM THE GIS DUTY OFFICERS.
--------0-----------
/6 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
- 6 -
DANGEROUS OPENINGS ON SITES MUST BE GUARDED *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED BUILDING CONTRACTORS THAT THEY MUST ENSURE THAT SUITABLE GUARDRAILS OR COVERINGS ARE PROVIDED AT ALL DANGEROUS FLOOR EDGES OR OPENINGS IN CONSTRUCTION SITES TO PREVENT THE FALL OF PERSONS.
A BUILDING CONTRACTOR, SUNG FOO KEE LTD, WAS RECENTLY FINED $50,000 BY A WESTERN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE PROPER GUARDRAILS AT THE FLOOR EDGE OF A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN GARDEN ROAD.
"UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, EVERY OPENING, EDGE OR OTHER DANGEROUS PLACES FROM WHICH A PERSON MAY FALL MUST BE PROVIDED WITH SUITABLE GUARDRAILS OR FIXED COVERINGS,” THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MR JOHN SUNG, SAID.
’’ANY CONTRACTOR BREACHING THE PROVISIONS WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT,” HE ADDED.
THERE WERE 25 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS KILLED AND 2,048 INJURED IN FALLS FROM HEIGHTS IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR.
---------0----------
CENTRAL AND WESTERN WASTE RECYCLING COMPETITION ♦ **♦**♦
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH A $1,000 CHALLENGE: TO TRANSFORM WASTE MATERIALS INTO THINGS USEFUL.
THE "WASTE RECYCLING - HANDICRAFTS” COMPETITION IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND COUNCIL OF SCHOOL HEADS.
IT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WASTE RECYCLING.
THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO THE PRIMARY STUDENTS, SECONDARY STUDENTS AND OPEN DIVISIONS.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS IN EACH DIVISION WILL EACH BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS WORTH $1,000, $500 AND $300 RESPECTIVELY AND TROPHIES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE 10 CONSOLATION PRIZES FOR OTHER OUTSTANDING ENTRIES IN EACH DIVISION.
IN ADDITION, ALL THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE IN MARCH.
/PEOPLE WHO .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1991
7
PEOPLE WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT ARE ELIGIBLE TO ENTER THE CONTEST AS INDIVIDUALS OR IN A GROUP. THEY MAY ALSO SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE ENTRY.
ALL THE ENTRIES, MUST BE MADE FROM WASTE ARTICLES.
THOSE WISHING TO TAKE PART MAY ENROL FIRST ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 15 AND THEN SUBMIT THEIR HANDICRAFT BY FEBRUARY 19.
ENROLMENT FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 852 3485 AND 852 3499.
--------0-----------
TRADE DEPT TO CLOSE LICENSING SUB-OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND
******
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG SUB-OFFICE AT HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM NEXT THURSDAY (JANUARY 2).
ALL SERVICES WILL CONTINUE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, 700 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, WHICH IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT ABOVE THE MTR MONG KOK STATION.
THE HONG KONG SUB-OFFICE IS BASICALLY A RECEIPT AND ISSUE COUNTER FOR ALL TYPES OF LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES. BECAUSE OF ITS LOCALITY, IT IS HANDICAPPED IN PROVIDING INSTANT LICENSING SERVICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): ’’THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE SUB-OFFICE IS MADE HAVING REGARD TO THE CONTINUOUS DROP IN ITS PATRONAGE ESPECIALLY AFTER THE REMOVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS TO MONG KOK IN AUGUST LAST YEAR."
"AT PRESENT THE SUB-OFFICE ON AVERAGE HANDLES FEWER THAN 70 LICENCES PER DAY.
"ITS CLOSURE WILL ENABLE RESOURCES TO BE CENTRALISED IN THE HEADQUARTERS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO LOCAL TRADERS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING AND CONTROL OFFICE ISSUED OVER FIVE MILLION IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD INVESTED OVER $29 MILLION IN COMPUTERISING ITS OPERATIONS AND HAD BEEN WORKING TOWARDS INSTANTIATION IN THE ISSUE OF ALL LICENCES.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE CLOSURE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG SUB-OFFICE CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 398 5602.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED ........................ 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED ..................... 5
AN EVENTFUL YEAR FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH .................. 7
PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS ............. 9
PROCESSING OF SUMMONSES TO BE COMPUTERISED .......................... 9
NEW MEASURES TO RECOVER FIXED PENALTY PARKING FINES ................. 10
ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED........................................ 11
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT CHEUNG SHA WAN OZP .............................. 13
AMENDMENTS TO APPROVED CHAI WAN OZP ................................. 13
TRUSTEE ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) ORDER 1991 ......... 14
REVOCATION OF BANKING LICENCES ...................................... 15
NEW TAC MEMBER APPOINTED ............................................ 15
APPOINTMENTS TO AAB ANNOUNCED ....................................... 15
WATER CUT IN WEST KOWLOON ........................................... 16
SHAM SHUI PO TO LAUNCH KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN .......................... 16
VOLUNTEERS RECRUITS JUNIOR LEADERS .................................. 17
FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY .......................................... 18
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 19
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED
******
1984/85-BASED CPI’S (SEE TABLE 1)
THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) FOR NOVEMBER 1991 WAS 11.0% HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1990, ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS WAS LOWER THAN THE RATE OF INCREASE OF 11.5% IN SEPTEMBER AND 11.3% IN OCTOBER.
THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(B) FOR NOVEMBER 1991 WAS 10.9% HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1990. THIS WAS ALSO LOWER THAN THE RATE OF INCREASE OF 11.2% IN SEPTEMBER AND 11.1% IN OCTOBER.
THE MODERATION IN THE RATES OF INCREASE IN CPI(A) AND CPI(B) IN NOVEMBER WAS MAINLY DUE TO A MORE MODERATE INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF FOOD COMPONENT.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON BASIS, A DECREASE IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND A RELATIVELY MORE MODERATE INCREASE IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES WERE RECORDED IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
IN ADDITION, PRICE INCREASES IN SOME OIL RELATED PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, TOWNGAS AND KEROSENE, AND SOME TRANSPORT SERVICES WHICH TOOK PLACE IN. NOVEMBER LAST YEAR DID NOT OCCUR THIS YEAR.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE FUEL AND LIGHT COMPONENT IN THE CPI(A) RECORDED A DECREASE OF 2.3%.
MORE MODERATE INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE DURABLE GOODS COMPONENT (3.6%); FOLLOWED BY MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (7.3%); CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (7.7%) AND FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES) (10.3%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO FOR HOME CONSUMPTION (40.9%); SERVICES (13.3%); MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES (11.7%); HOUSING (11.3%) AND TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES (11.2%).
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1991, THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) INCREASED BY 12.2% AND 11.8% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1990.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1991, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE 12.1% AND 11.7% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1990.
FOR NOVEMBER 1991, THE 1984/85-BASED HANG SENG CPI WAS 10.5% HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1990.
/FOR THE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
2
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1991, THE AVERAGE HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY 11.3% OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1990. FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1991, THE HANG SENG CPI WAS UP BY 11.3% COMPARED WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1990.
1989/90-BASED CPI’S (SEE TABLE 2)
THE 1989/90-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) FOR NOVEMBER 1991 INCREASED BY 0.4% AND 0.7% RESPECTIVELY WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1991. THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO SEASONALLY HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING AND HIGHER PRIVATE HOUSING RENTALS.
THESE RATES OF INCREASE WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE RECORDED IN OCTOBER 1991, BEING 0.4% FOR CPI(A) AND 0.6% FOR CPI(B) OVER SEPTEMBER 1991 .
FOR THE FOOD COMPONENT, THE INDEX WAS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED IN CPI(A) BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN CPI(B) IN NOVEMBER 1991 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
WITHIN THIS COMPONENT, THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND LIVE POULTRY SHOWED FURTHER DECLINE IN NOVEMBER BUT THIS WAS OFFSET BY THE INCREASE IN CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES.
WITHIN THE HOUSING COMPONENT, PRIVATE HOUSING RENTALS INCREASED FURTHER, BUT PUBLIC HOUSING RENTALS SHOWED NO CHANGE IN NOVEMBER COMPARED WITH OCTOBER.
AS FOR THE PRICES OF DURABLE GOODS AND TRANSPORT SERVICES, THEY WERE RELATIVELY STABLE IN NOVEMBER 1991.
THE 1989/90-BASED HANG SENG CPI FOR NOVEMBER 1991 INCREASED BY 1.1% COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1991.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO RELEASE THE 1984/85-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) IN PARALLEL WITH THE NEW SERIES OF 1989/90-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) UNTIL MARCH 1992, AFTER WHICH THE FORMER SERIES WILL BE DISCONTINUED.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR NOVEMBER 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.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES, CAN BE MADE TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 805 6403.
DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/TABLE 1 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
3
TABLE 1 CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) (OCT. 84 - SEP. 85 = 100) FOR NOVEMBER 1991 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1990
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 = 100)
CPI (A) CPI(B)
INDEX % CHANGE INDEX % CHANGE
FOR OVER FOR OVER
SECTION NOV. 91 NOV. 90 NOV. 91 NOV. 90
FOOD 163.7 + 11.0 166.3 + 11.2
MEALS BOUGHT
AWAY FROM HOME FOOD, EXCLUDING 185.9 • + 11.7 186.5 + 11.7
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME J44.8 + 10.3 146.5 + 10.6
HOUSING 153.9 + 11.3 148.1 + 11.7
FUEL AND LIGHT ALCOHOLIC DRINKS 113.0 -2.3 112.2 -1.9
AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 224.3 + 40.9 222.5 + 38.6
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 162.6 + 7.7 167.2 + 8.3
DURABLE GOODS 132.5 + 3.6 131.6 + 3.8
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 156.2 + 7.3 155.2 + 7.2
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 177.4 + 11.2 175.9 + 10.4
SERVICES 192.9 + 13.3 190.5 + 12.9
ALL ITEMS 163.5 + 11.0 162.9 + 10.9
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 $2,000-56,499 A MONTH IN 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 $6,500-59,999 IN THE SAME PERIOD.
(THE 1984/85-BASED HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF ABOUT 10% OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS WHICH HAD AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF $10,000-524,999 IN 1984/85.)
/TABLE 2 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
4
TABLE 2 CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) (OCT. 89 - SEP. 90 = 100) FOR NOVEMBER 1991 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1991
SECTION (OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 = 100)
CPI(A) CPI(B)
INDEX FOR NOV. 91 % CHANGE OVER OCT. 91 INDEX FOR NOV. 91 % CHANGE OVER OCT. 91
FOOD MEALS BOUGHT 116.6 -0.0* 117.5 + 0.2
AWAY FROM HOME FOOD, EXCLUDING 120.7 + 0.5 120.7 + 0.6
MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME 112.5 -0.6 113.1 -0.4
HOUSING 121.0 + 0.8 121.0 + 1.0
FUEL AND LIGHT ALCOHOLIC DRINKS 109.8 + 0.4 109.3 + 0.4
AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 145.9 +0.4 139.7 + 0.6
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 113.6 + 4.8 114.7 + 5.0
DURABLE GOODS 105.4 + 0.0* 105.2 -0.0*
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 112.6 + 0.2 110.8 + 0.3
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 119.3 -0.0* 118.8 + 0.0*
SERVICES 121.4 + 0.1 119.6 + 0.2
ALL ITEMS 117.7 + 0.4 117.6 + 0.7
* LESS THAN 0.05%
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 $2,500-89,999 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 $10,000-817,499 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 $ 1 7,500-$37,499 IN 1989/90.)
/5.........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
- 5 -
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED * * » * »
RE-EXPORTS RECORDED FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN NOVEMBER. DOMESTIC EXPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, REGISTERED A DECLINE. IMPORTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE, THOUGH AT A LESS RAPID RATE THAN IN THE EARLIER PART OF THE YEAR.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER ROSE BY $9,595 MILLION OR 22.5% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $52,300 MILLION. HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER, AT $20,456 MILLION, WAS $1,422 MILLION OR 6.5% LOWER.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $8,173 MILLION OR 12.7% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $72,756 MILLION IN NOVEMBER. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY $6,619 MILLION OR 10.3% TO $70,715 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $2,041 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.9% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1991.
THE SURPLUS RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1990 WAS $487 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
PUTTING THESE FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1991, AT $482,354 MILLION, ROSE BY $105,116 MILLION OR 27.9% OVER THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1990.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY $3,083 MILLION OR 1.5% TO $208,746 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT $691,100 MILLION, WAS THUS $108,199 MILLION OR 18.6% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.
MEANWHILE, IMPORTS GREW BY $118,836 MILLION OR 20.4% TO $702,008 MILLION. A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $10,908 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1991. THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $271 MILLION RECORDED IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1990.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT THE DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER WAS PARTLY DUE TO A HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR. BUT THE TREND OF MODEST PERFORMANCE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS MAINLY RELATED TO THE RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES ACROSS THE BORDER.
THE MARKED INCREASE IN RE-EXPORTS WAS SUPPORTED BY THE CONTINUED RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. MANY OF THESE RE-EXPORTS WERE ALSO RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
6
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT, AFTER MANY MONTHS OF RAPID GROWTH IN THE EARLY PART OF THIS YEAR, IMPORTS- RETAINED FOR DOMESTIC USE DECLINED BY 6.9% IN VALUE TERMS IN NOVEMBER.
NEVERTHELESS, FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1991 TAKEN TOGETHER, THERE WAS STILL A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 10.5% IN THE VALUE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1991:
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $20,456 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : TOTAL EXPORTS : IMPORTS : TRADE BALANCE : $52,300 $72,756 $70,715 $2,041 MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION [IN SURPLUS]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS SEP 91 TO NOV 91 HK$ MN. SEP 90 TO NOV 90 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 62,279 63,588 -1,309 -2.1
RE-EXPORTS 153,529 119,644 33,885 28.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 215,808 183,232 32,576 17.8
IMPORTS 206,950 181,156 25,794 14.2
TRADE BALANCE 8,858 2,076 6,782
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR NOVEMBER 1991 HK$ MN. NOVEMBER 1990 . HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,456 21,878 -1,422 -6.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (28.1%) (33.9%)
RE-EXPORTS 52,300 42,705 9,595 22.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 72,756 64,583 8, 173 12.7
IMPORTS 70,715 64,096 6,619 10.3
TRADE BALANCE 2,041 487 1 ,554
LAST MONTH NOVEMBER 1991 HK$ MN. OCTOBER 1991 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,456 21,296 -840 3.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (28.1%) (29.4%)
RE-EXPORTS 52,300 51,098 1,202 2.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 72,756 72,394 362 0.5
IMPORTS 70,715 . 69,282 1 ,433 2. 1
TRADE BALANCE 2,041 3,112 -1,071
/CALENDAR YEAR .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
JAN-NOV - JAN-NOV INCREASE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1991 1990
HKS MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 208,746 205,663 3,083 1.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (30.2%) (35.3%)
RE-EXPORTS 482,354 377,238 105,116 27.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 691,100 582,901 108,199 18.6
IMPORTS 702,008 583,172 118,836 20.4
TRADE BALANCE -10,908 -271 -10,637
LAST 12 MONTHS DEC 90 TO NOV 91 HK$ MN. DEC 89 TO NOV 90 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 228,958 225,579 3,379 1.5
RE-EXPORTS • 519,115 406,824 112,291 27.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 748,073 632,403 115,670 18.3
IMPORTS 761,366 630,617 130,749 20.7
TRADE BALANCE -13,293 1/786 -15,079
AN EVENTFUL YEAR
FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH ♦ ♦ ♦ * t *
THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH HAS AN EVENTFUL YEAR IN 1991 WHICH WITNESSES IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN VARIOUS AREAS OF WORK THAT COMES UNDER THE BRANCH, INCLUDING CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND COORDINATION OF MEASURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
REVIEWING THE YEAR 1991 AND LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEW YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT AMONG THE MAJOR TASKS TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR WAS THE REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.
HE NOTED THAT THE REVIEW WILL LOOK INTO THE NEED FOR AN INDEPENDENT BODY TO ORGANISE AND OVERSEE ELECTIONS AND TO DEMARCATE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES.
IT WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE QUESTION OF MINIMUM VOTING AGE, THE REGULATION OF CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, THE SYSTEM OF VOTING IN GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES, AND THE QUALIFICATION FOR VOTERS IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
"WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE REVIEW IS COMPLETED BY MID-1992, SO THAT ANY CHANGES ARISING FROM IT WILL BE PUT IN PLACE BY 1993, IN TIME FOR THE NEXT CYCLE OF ELECTIONS STARTING IN LATE 1994, HE SAID.
/ON THE ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
8
ON THE CO-ORDINATION OF MEASURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, MR SZE SAID THE PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO PEKING EARLIER THIS YEAR HAD BEEN CONDUCIVE TO IMPROVING CO-OPERATION IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"WE HAVE HAD FOUR MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP (JLG) THIS YEAR.
"IN THE PAST THE GROUP MET THREE TIMES A YEAR. BESIDES, AS AGREED UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE AIRPORT, THE JLG HAS SET UP ONE MORE SUB-GROUP - THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE - TO DEAL WITH MATTERS RELATING TO THE NEW AIRPORT," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THE IMMENSE VOLUME OF WORK REMAINING TO BE DONE DURING THE RUN-UP TO 1997 AND SAID THAT FURTHER EFFORTS WOULD NEED TO BE MADE BY BOTH SIDES TO SPEED UP PROGRESS OF WORK IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
TURNING TO HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AFTER 1997, MR SZE NOTED THAT THE JLG HAD SO FAR REACHED AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN 26 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS.
THIS YEAR, THE JLG SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS HAD MOVED ON TO DISCUSS THE CONTINUED APPLICATIONS AFTER 1997 OF MULTILATERAL TREATIES CURRENTLY APPLIED TO HONG KONG. IT HAD SO FAR REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF 10 CUSTOMS TREATIES, FIVE CONSERVATION TREATIES AND TWO HEALTH TREATIES.
MR SZE ALSO NOTED THAT BASED ON THE AGREEMENT REACHED AT THE JLG, HONG KONG WAS NOW CONDUCTING NEGOTIATIONS WITH A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS.
HE SAID GOOD PROGRESS HAD ALSO BEEN MADE IN THE WORK OF THE LAND COMMISSION THIS YEAR.
”TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AND OTHER MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS, WE NEED TO DISCUSS AND REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE LAND COMMISSION ON THE PROVISION OF LAND FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS," HE SAID.
THE NEW AIRPORT ALONE WOULD REQUIRE ABOUT 1,240 HECTARES OF LAND, HE SAID.
ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL (CFA), MR SZE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW PREPARING DRAFT LEGISLATION AND CONSIDERING A PACKAGE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR SETTING UP THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL.
"WE WILL DISCUSS THESE WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN DUE COURSE," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM WAS TO ESTABLISH THE CFA BY 1993.
ON THE CONTACTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, MR SZE SAID THE NUMBER OF OFFICIAL VISITS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WAS ON THE INCREASE.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, 144 HONG KONG DELEGATIONS HAD VISITED CHINA, AND 87 CHINESE GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS HAD VISITED HONG KONG. THESE INCLUDED VARIOUS GENERAL FAMILIARISATION VISITS AND LEGAL STUDY VISITS.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
- 9 -
PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS
******
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT. DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSION FROM SUITABLE CONTRACTORS FOR THE •1 CONSTRUCTION OF ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION, PHASE I.
THE SCOPE OF WORKS COMPRISES THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 20 HECTARES OF LAND BETWEEN RUMSEY STREET AND BLAKE PIER AND A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF REPROVISIONING WORKS SUCH AS COOLING WATER INTAKES, FERRY PIERS, DRAINAGE OUTFALLS AND WATERFRONT GOVERNMENT FACILITIES.
SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE TO SERVE THESE FACILITIES IS ALSO AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT.
THE PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE IS BEING CONDUCTED WITH A VIEW THAT TENDERS FOR THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH WORKS CAN BE INVITED FROM THE PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
CONTRACTORS ON THE RELEVANT LISTS OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENT TO MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LTD WHO IS UNDERTAKING THE DESIGN OF THE PROJECT FOR THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE ADDRESS OF THE CONSULTING COMPANY IS 14TH FLOOR, 1 KOWLOON PARK DRIVE, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS DIRECTED NOT LATER THAN NOON ON JANUARY 24.
--------0-----------
PROCESSING OF SUMMONSES TO BE COMPUTERISED
******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO IMPLEMENT A NEW COMPUTERISED SYSTEM OF PROCESSING SUMMONSES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID AT PRESENT THE PROCESSING OF SUMMONSES IN THE MAGISTRACIES IS DONE MANUALLY.
TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF CASES, THIS MANUAL SYSTEM WILL BE REPLACED BY A MUCH MORE EFFICIENT-COMPUTERISED SYSTEM.
"TO IMPLEMENT THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM, SOME TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE ARE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE AUTHORISED STAFF IN MAGISTRACIES TO OPERATE THE NEW SYSTEM.
/"THIS IS .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
10
"THIS IS WHAT THE MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 SEEKS TO ACHIEVE," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
ANOTHER OBJECTIVE OF THE BILL'' IS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM WHEREBY THE GOVERNOR MAY, WHERE HE HAS MISGIVINGS ABOUT THE VALIDITY OF A MAGISTRATE’S DECISION IN A CRIMINAL MATTER, REFER IT TO THE HIGH COURT FOR RECONSIDERATION.
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, THE GOVERNOR CAN REFER DECISIONS OF THE DISTRICT COURT AND THE HIGH COURT IN CRIMINAL CASES TO THE COURT OF APPEAL FOR RECONSIDERATION. SUCH REFERENCES ARE USUALLY MADE ON THE ADVICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
A COMMON SITUATION GIVING RISE TO SUCH A REFERENCE IS FRESH EVIDENCE COMING TO LIGHT AFTER CONVICTION WHICH SUGGESTS THAT THE CONVICTION MIGHT, ON RECONSIDERATION BY THE COURTS, BE QUASHED.
"HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR HAS NO SIMILAR POWER IN RESPECT OF DECISIONS OF MAGISTRATES IN CRIMINAL CASES. HE CAN ONLY PARDON THE OFFENDER. THE BILL SEEKS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO REFER SUCH DECISIONS TO THE HIGH COURT FOR RECONSIDERATION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL, WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH.
------0-------
NEW MEASURES TO RECOVER FIXED PENALTY PARKING FINES *****
ANY PERSON WHO FAILED TO CLEAR HIS FIXED PENALTY PARKING FINES MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET ANY OF HIS MOTOR VEHICLES LICENSED OR TRANSFERRED TO A DIFFERENT OWNERSHIP STARTING JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE NEW PROVISIONS UNDER THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2 ) ORDINANCE 1991 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) ORDINANCE 1991 WHICH WERE PASSED ON JULY 3 THIS YEAR, IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW LAWS WOULD ENCOURAGE DRIVERS TO PAY THEIR PARKING FINES ON TIME.
"WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1992, A MAGISTRATE MAY DIRECT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO REFUSE LICENSING OR TRANSFERRING THE OWNERSHIP OF ALL MOTOR VEHICLES REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF THE OWNER WHO HAS OUTSTANDING FIXED PENALTY PARKING FINES OR RELATED COURT COSTS.
"BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1992, ONLY THE PARTICULAR VEHICLE FOR WHICH PAYMENT IS DUE WOULD BE AFFECTED," HE ADDED.
UNDER THE NEW PROVISIONS, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAS THE POWER TO REFUSE TO ISSUE A RECORD OF CONVICTIONS OR NO CONVICTION UNTIL ALL OUTSTANDING FINES AND RELATED COURT COSTS HAVE BEEN FULLY PAID.
------0--------
/Il .....
- 11 -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED
*******
ONE MORE CASE OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) HAS BEEN CONFIRMED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES IN HONG KONG TO 59, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 39 AIDS PATIENTS HAVE DIED AND 20 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.
RELEASING THE STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME FOR NOVEMBER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID 11 MORE PERSONS, ALL MEN, WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST, BRINGING TO 203 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HIV CARRIERS WHO HAD NOT YET.DEVELOPED AIDS.
OF THESE, 51 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 129 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, FOUR WERE DRUG ABUSERS, AND THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION, HE SAID.
FOR THE REMAINING 16, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 218,196 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, 992,410 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 17 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
FRIDAY. DECEMBER 27, 1991
12
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing Virv^O^it, Depar^iwnt of Health
Referrals from Govt* -hospitals and clinics Referrals from private practitioners and subvented hospitals . Attendances at social .hygiene clinics IV»t 'i W #*> Referrals from Family Planning Association Health care personnel Apr 85- No. tested* 19304 2333 181025 545 6154 236 1001 Oct 91 . Nov No- • No. +ve tested* 97 5233 49 48 42 2183 60 8 1 107 0 0 0 19 91 No. +ve 6 2 3 0 0 0 0 Total No. No. tested* +ve 24537 103 2381 51 183208 45 553 60 6261 1 236 0 1020 0
TOTAL « > . . 210598 249 * This indicates the number of specimens and are repeated for certain individuals* 7598 11 218196 260 not persons as tests
Aug 85-Oct 91 Nov 91 Total
fa No. No. tested +ve No. tested No. +ve No. tested No. 4ve
Hong Kong Red Cross Blood transfusion 19557 992410
Service 972853 17 .0 17
Department of Health December 1991
--------0-----------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
- 13 -
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT CHEUNG SHA WAN OZP
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT CHEUNG SHA WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE MAJOR AMENDMENT INVOLVED THE REZONING OF FOUR RESIDENTIAL SITES ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" WITH THE INCORPORATION OF BUILDING HEIGHT, PLOT RATIO AND SITE COVERAGE CONTROLS.
THE DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS ON THE SITES INCLUDE A MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF 10.67 METRES, A MAXIMUM OF THREE STOREYS OVER ONE STOREY OF CARPORT, A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.75 AND A MAXIMUM SITE COVERAGE OF 25 PER CENT.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN FLEXIBILITY IN UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES, MINOR RELAXATION OF THE STATED RESTRICTION, BASED ON INDIVIDUAL MERITS OF EACH CASE, MAY BE CONSIDERED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ON APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 16 OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN TOGETHER WITH THE SCHEDULE OF AMENDMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, AND THE KOWLOON DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR.
--------0----------
AMENDMENTS TO APPROVED CHAI WAN OZP
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE APPROVED CHAI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE MAJOR AMENDMENT INVOLVED PRIMARILY THE REZONING OF LAND AT THE SOUTHERN PART OF SIU SAI WAN RECLAMATION AREA TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)” TO ACCOMMODATE A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ON A 1.25 HECTARE SITE AND THE REPOSITIONING OF THE ADJACENT SITES FOR OPEN SPACE, SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT WAS TO SWAP THE LAND USES AMONG THE SITES ZONED "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" (GIC), "OPEN SPACE" AND "INDUSTRIAL" LOCATED TO THE NORTH OF THE CHAI WAN CARGO HANDLING BASIN TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AMBULANCE DEPOT.
/IN ADDITION
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
- 14 -
IN ADDITION, THE BOUNDARIES OF THE "OPEN SPACE” AND GIC . ZONES AT THE SOUTHERN WATERFRONT WOULD BE ADJUSTED TO BETTER REFLECT THE SITE REQUIREMENT OF THE SALT WATER PUMPING STATION DEVELOPMENT.
MEANWHILE, PART OF THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK AND SHEK O COUNTRY PARK WOULD BE REZONED FROM ’’GREEN BELT” TO NEW ’’COUNTRY PARK” ZONE.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN TOGETHER WITH THE SCHEDULE OF AMENDMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE UNTIL FEBRUARY 27 NEXT YEAR.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BY THE ABOVE DATE.
---------0------------
TRUSTEE ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) ORDER 1991 ******
THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) ORDER 1991, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), REMOVES SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG BUILDING AND LOAN AGENCY LIMITED FROM THE LIST OF AUTHORISED INVESTMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
SECTION 4(1)(A) OF THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT A TRUSTEE MAY INVEST ANY TRUST FUNDS IN HIS HANDS IN ANY INVESTMENT SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE.
’’PRIOR TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE ORDER, SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG BUILDING AND LOAN AGENCY LIMITED, THE PAYMENT OF WHICH IS GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT IS SPECIFIED AS AN AUTHORISED INVESTMENT, UNDER PART II OF THE SECOND SCHEDULE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SHARES OF THE AGENCY WERE PREVIOUSLY HELD BY FOUR LICENSED BANKS•SUPERVISED UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INCORPORATED AND THE COMMONWEALTH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
’’THESE SHARES WERE SOLD TO LIPPO CAPITAL CORPORATION LIMITED IN FEBRUARY 1991. ALL OUTSTANDING GOVERNMENT-GUARANTEED SECURITIES ISSUED BY THE AGENCY WERE REDEEMED BEFORE THE SALE, HE SAID.
AS LIPPO IS NEITHER A GOVERNMENT BODY NOR A SUPERVISED INSTITUTION, THE AGENCY’S SECURITIES ARE NO LONGER GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND DO NOT THEREFORE QUALIFY AS AN AUTHORISED INVESTMENT UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
’’THIS ITEM HAS NOW BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SAID PART OF THE ORDINANCE BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
---------0-----------
/15 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
- 15 -
REVOCATION OF BANKING LICENCES
*****.
THE BANKING LICENCES OF DEN NORSKE BANK S.A. AND LLOYDS BANK PLC. HAVE BEEN REVOKED AT THE REQUEST OF THE BANKS, A SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEN NORSKE BANK WAS GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE IN 1987. ITS BANKING BUSINESS IN HONG KONG ACQUIRED BY UNIBANK A/S, A DANISH BANK LICENSED IN HONG KONG, IN JUNE 1991.
"THE HONG KONG BRANCH HAS SINCE CEASED CARRYING ON BANKING BUSINESS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
LLOYDS BANK WAS GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE IN 1978. AS PART OF ITS CHANGE IN OVERALL STRATEGY IN THE REGION, THE BANK HAS DECIDED TO CLOSE DOWN IT COMMERCIAL BANKING OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG.
"THE HONG KONG BRANCH HAS CEASED CARRYING ON BANKING BUSINESS SINCE NOVEMBER 1991," HE SAID.
AFTER THE REVOCATIONS, THERE ARE 163 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 133 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
--------0-----------
NEW TAC MEMBER APPOINTED
* * K *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR ANTHONY YUEN TAK-TIM AS A MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1992 TO DECEMBER 23, 1993 TO FILL A VACANCY ARISING FROM THE RESIGNATION OF MR PETER WONG MAN-KONG.
MR YUEN, AGED 38, IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI INSURANCE CONSULTANTS LTD. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
-----0------
APPOINTMENTS TO AAB ANNOUNCED
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR DAVID LUNG PING-YEE AS CHAIRMAN AND MR PAUL YU SHIU-TIN AS MEMBER OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD BOTH FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
MR LUNG WILL TAKE OVER FROM THE PRESENT CHAIRMAN, MR EDWARD HO. THE APPOINTMENTS WERE ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/MR LUNG .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
MR LUNG, A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD SINCE JANUARY 1989.
MR YU, A DIRECTOR OF A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAR GROUP OF HOSPITALS IN 1988-89, HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT IN WEST KOWLOON *****
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN WEST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE LAI CHI KOK, CHEUNG SHA WAN, SO UK, TAI WO PING, SHEK KIP MEI, YAU YAT TSUEN, SHAM SHUI PO, TAI KOK TSUI AND MONG KOK, AND INCLUDING BROADCAST DRIVE, MARCONI ROAD, FESSENDEN ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD (THE SECTION BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD) AND BEACON HEIGHTS.
- - 0 - -
SHAM SHUI PO TO LAUNCH KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN *****
A CARNIVAL TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SATURDAY), BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
’ THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP AND THE 11 AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT. ADMISSION TO THE CARNIVAL IS FREE.
IT WILL FEATURE STALL GAMES AND STAGE PERFORMANCES.
THE FOUR-WEEK KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN AIMS AT PROMOTING THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A CLEAN LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
IN THE MEANTIME, VARIOUS AREA COMMITTEES WILL HOST ACTIVITIES TO SPREAD THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE.
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE BUS PARADES, SLOGAN AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITIONS, AND VARIETY SHOWS.
/OFFICIATING AT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOY WAI-SHEK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR KOWLOON (ENVIRONMENT HYGIENE) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHUNG YIU-FAN AND URBAN COUNCILLOR MR CHEUNG WING-SUM.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA RREPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT KEEP CLEAN CARNIVAL.
- - 0 - -
VOLUNTEERS RECRUITS JUNIOR LEADERS * * * * *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS TO ITS JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS. THE TARGET THIS YEAR IS 140 NEW MEMBERS.
THE APPLICANTS MUST BE MALE, BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 16, PHYSICALLY FIT AND OF GOOD CONDUCT.
THEY MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK AND WRITE CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILLING TO OBEY DISCIPLINE AND TRAINING, AND HAVE WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO JOIN THE CORPS.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL UNDERGO A FOUR-YEAR PROGRESSIVE TRAINING COURSE AIMED AT DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND SELF RELIANCE AND PROMOTING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY.
THE TRAINING INCLUDES FOOT DRILLS, CAMPCRAFT, MAP READING, EXPEDITION, ORIENTEERING, FIRST AID, RADIO COMMUNICATION, SHOOTING, SWIMMING, FENCING, BAND, LION DANCE, CANOEING AND LIFE SAVING.
SOME OF THE CORPS’ TRAINING WILL BE LINKED UP WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME.
.MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS ARE PROVIDED WITH UNIFORM AND RATIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, 1 SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, OR BY TELEPHONING 576 1371.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS JANUARY 31, NEXT YEAR.
- - 0 - -
/18
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
18
FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 22 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE:
DATE TIME
JANUARY 6 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 7 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 8 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 9 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 10 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 11 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 13 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 14 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 15 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 16 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 17 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 20 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 21 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 22 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM -5 PM
JANUARY 23 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 24 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 25 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 27 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 28 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 30 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 31 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
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/19 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1991
19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 24.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 27.12.91 -311
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING +311
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 109.2 *-0.3* 27.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERMS YIELD TERM HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.25 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.01 5.18
1 MONTH 3.89 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.89 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.93 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.27 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 2,205 MN
CLOSED 27 DECEMBER 1991
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RE-APPOINTMENT OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ............. 1
FLYOVER OPENS IN TSUEN WAN .............................................. 1
BLANKETS FOR STREET SLEEPERS ............................................ 2
UPGRADING OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY IMPORTANT TO HK AND THE REGION: GOVERNOR ................................................................ 3
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 4
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1991
CONTENTS . PAGE NO.
STREET CARNIVAL IN CAUSEWAY BAY ..............................I!......... 5
NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ......................................... 6
FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN ........................................... 6
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1991
1
RE-APPOINTMENT OF EDUCATION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND FIVE MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION FOR ANOTHER ONE-YEAR TERM COMMENCING JANUARY 1, NEXT YEAR.
THEY ARE MRS RITA FAN HSU LAI-TAI, WHO HAS BEEN RE-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN, AND MR AU YEUNG YING-CHEONG, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG WONG WAN-YIU, MRS SELINA CHOW LIANG SUK-YEE, DR PAUL J.T. MORRIS AND MR TSJM TAK-LUNG, WHO HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED AS MEMBERS.
TWO NEWLY APPOINTED MEMBERS ARE MR JAMES TIEN PEI-CHUN AND SISTER DOROTHY CHENG MAN-LING.
MR JAMES TIEN IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MANHATTAN GARNI NT (INTERNATIONAL) LTD.
I y'. '1 a
HE IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND A MEMBER OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
. u
‘‘•SISTER DOROTHY CHENG IS A WELL-KNOWN EDUCATIONIST WITH SOME 30 YEARS,OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE. SHE IS THE SUPERVISOR OF SACRED HEART CANOSSlAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COMMERICAL SCHOOL AND SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN KINDERGARTEN (POKFULAM).
h OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THEIR EX-OFFICIAL CAPACITY. THEY ARE THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO; CHAIRMAN OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN; CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, MR ANDREW LI KWOK-NANG; AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING.
'."«*• ---------------------0-------
FLYOVER OPENS IN TSUEN WAN
*****
THE OPENING OF A FLYOVER AT TEXACO ROAD TODAY (SATURDAY) MARKS A STEP FORWARD IN THE CURRENT EFFORTS OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN CATERING FOR THE EVER-INCREASING TRAFFIC NEEDS OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
•THE FLYOVER IS A MAIN FEATURE OF THE PHASE I WORKS OF A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AT TEXACO ROAD AS WELL AS THE TSING TSUEN INTERCHANGE.
. AS IDENTIFIED BY THE TSUEN WAN TRAFFIC STUDY, THE SCHEME IS IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES TO MEET THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN TRAFFIC AND CHANGE'IN MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF THE NEW TOWN, PARTICULARLY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE AND ROUTE 5, THE TWO TRUNK ROADS LINKING TSUEN WAN WITH TSING YI ISLAND AND SHA TIN RESPECTIVELY.
/SPEAKING AT .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1991
2
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FLYOVER, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR C.K. CHOW, SAID THE PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED MAINLY A FLYOVER ALONG TEXACO ROAD BETWEEN THE TWO SIGNAL-CONTROLLED JUNCTIONS AT TAI WO HAU ROAD AND KWAI FUK ROAD, AS WELL AS THE CORRESPONDING GROUND LEVEL ROAD WIDENING.
PART OF KWAI FUK ROAD IS ALSO WIDENED AND REALIGNED TO FORM A NEW CROSS JUNCTION AT TEXACO ROAD WITH YEUNG UK ROAD.
"TOGETHER WITH A NEW FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM ACROSS TEXACO ROAD AND YEUNG UK ROAD, THE CAPACITY AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY OF THIS BUSY JUNCTION WILL BE GREATLY ENHANCED," MR CHOW SAID.
WORKS ON PHASE I PROJECT STARTED IN APRIL 1989 AND WAS UNDERTAKEN BY LEIGHTON CONTRACTOR PTY LTD. AT A COST OF $127 MILLION. THE CONSULTING FIRM FOR THE PROJECT IS ACER CONSULTANTS (FAR EAST) LTD.
THE PROJECT IS REGARDED AS A CHALLENGING ONE AS IT WAS LOCATED IN AN EXTREMELY BUSY TRANSPORT CORRIDOR AND MANAGEMENT OF TRAFFIC REQUIRED CONSTANT ATTENTION. MANY DESIGN MODIFICATIONS WERE NECESSARY DURING CONSTRUCTION TO FACILITATE RELOCATION OF UNCHARTERED SERVICES.
ACCORDING TO MR CHOW, PHASE II WORKS OF THE WHOLE SCHEME, WHICH ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING ESSENTIAL IMPROVEMENT TO THE TSING TSUEN INTERCHANGE, HAD ALSO BEEN SCHEDULED TO START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
"THEREFORE IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE, IT CAN BE EXPECTED THE LINK BETWEEN NORTH TSING YI AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED," HE SAID.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-LANR BI-DIRECTIONAL VIADUCT OVER TSING TSUEN INTERCHANGE TO CONNECT TEXACO ROAD DIRECT WITH TSING TSUEN BRIDGE AS WELL AS AN ELEVATED SINGLE-LANE CONNECTION BETWEEN TSUEN WAN BYPASS WESTBOUND AND THE VIADUCT NORTHBOUND.
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BLANKETS FOR STREET SLEEPERS
* * * * *
A TOTAL OF 582 BLANKETS AND SLEEPING BAGS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO 535 STREET SLEEPERS BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) IN VARIOUS PLACES LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT.
THE STUFF WERE SENT OUT BY 112 SWD FIELD STAFF TO 175 STREET SLEEPERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 22 IN EAST KOWLOON, 307 IN WEST KOWLOON, 19 IN NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND 12 IN NEW TERRITORIES WEST.
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/3........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1991
3
UPGRADING OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY IMPORTANT TO HK AND THE REGION: GOVERNOR * * * *
HONG KONG'S CONTINUED UPGRADING OF ITS SKILLS IN MANUFACTURING SUCCESS ELSEWHERE ILSON SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SUCCESS WILL DEPEND ON CONTINUING THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND ON IN THE REGION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID
THE GOVERNOR WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE FIRST N'TERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND PRESENTATION OF THE CHIANGS' TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE "FOUR DRAGONS" IN THE REGION HAD PROSPERED TOGETHER AND A "FIFTH DRAGON" WAS ALREADY AWAKENING IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA.
HE SAID THAT REGION OF CHINA WAS DESTINED TO BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST PRODUCTIVE MANUFACTURING CENTRES AND HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN COULD HAVE A CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE TO PLAY IN THAT DEVELOPMENT.
"THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PEARL RIVER DELTA WILL HAVE A PROFOUND AND BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON HONG KONG. AND THE SENSIBLE, CREATIVE USE OF INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY WILL BE A VITAL ELEMENT IN BOTH THOSE PROCESSES," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"SO WE HAVE A COMMON, REGIONAL INTEREST IN PROMOTING MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY," SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT IT WAS A MARK OF DR CHIANG'S FORESIGHT, AS WELL AS HIS GENEROSITY, THAT HE HAD RECENTLY ESTABLISHED THE CHIANG INDUSTRIAL CHARITY FOUNDATION PRECISELY FOR THIS PURPOSE.
"THE FOUNDATION WILL PROVIDE A HEALTHY FINANCIAL BASIS FOR THE FUNDING OF VARIOUS INITIATIVES TO PURSUE DR CHIANG’S OBJECTIVE - TO RAISE THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE THROUGH THE ADVANCEMENT AND APPLICATION OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, WHICH WAS TO BE PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY, WOULD SERVE NOT ONLY AS WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION TO THE WINNER, BUT AS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS.
"IT WILL HELP TO FOCUS EFFORTS AMONG MANUFACTURERS, ENGINEERS AND ACADEMICS TO EXPLORE AND IMPLEMENT PRACTICAL, PROFITABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CONFERENCE ON MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY, THE FIRST TO BE ORGANISED BY DR CHIANG'S FOUNDATION, WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LEADING MANUFACTURERS, ENGINEERS AND ACADEMICS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS ABOUT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY WHICH WAS VITAL TO THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING BOTH OF HONG KONG AND OF THE REGION.
/HE SAID .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1991
HE SAID THE CONFERENCE WOULD HELP FORGE CONTACTS AND STIMULATE AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS WHICH WOULD LAST LONG AFTER THE CONFERENCE.
THE GOVERNOR PAID TRIBUTE TO DR CHIANG FOR THE IMPORTANT NEW VENTURE AND THE GENEROSITY HE HAD SHOWN IN UNDERTAKING IT.
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * t ♦ *
DATE
$ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON
27.12.91
500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON
28.12.91
NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING
NEUTRAL
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1991
- . 5
STREET CARNIVAL IN CAUSEWAY BAY * * ♦ » »
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE LOCKHART ROAD FESTIVAL, A CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN CLEVELAND STREET FROM NOON TO 5 PM NEXT SUNDAY (JANUARY 5).
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
SOME 22 STALLS WILL BE PUT UP ALONG THE STREET TO PROVIDE A HOST OF PROGRAMMES FOR RESIDENTS AND SHOPPERS.
THE CENTRE STAGE WILL FEATURE CANTONESE AND WESTERN POP SONGS BY POPULAR SINGERS AND ROCK’N’ROLL BAND PERFORMANCES. THERE WILL ALSO BE CHINESE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC AND ORIENTAL DANCES.
CHILDREN CAN POSE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS WITH THEIR FAVOURITE CARTOON CHARACTERS AND BRING HOME PRESENTS FROM THE GAMES STALLS.
INTERESTING DEMONSTRATIONS OF LEISURE HOBBIES SUCH AS FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS, THE ART OF TEA-DRINKING, SKETCH DRAWING AND CARICATURES, GRASSHOPPER WEAVING AND THE MAKING OF TRANSPARENT FLOWERS WILL BE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STALLS.
OTHER STALL OPERATORS WILL DISPLAY TRADITIONAL CHINESE PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY, PALM-READING AND HAND OUT NEW YEAR SCROLLS BEARING LUCKY MESSAGES TO THE FUN-SEEKERS.
FREE GAMES STALL COUPONS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, DISTRICT OFFICE, 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 835 2003.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 5) AT CLEVELAND STREET. IT WILL START AT 12.30 PM.
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/6 ........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1991
t
- 6 -
NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE
♦ * ♦ » ♦
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT EIGHT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1.
THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE : THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, 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.
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FRESH WATER CUT IN TO KWA WAN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 31), FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM, TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORKS.
IT WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY MA TAU KOK ROAD, HUNG WAN STREET, MOK CHEONG STREET, KOWLOON CITY ROAD AND AT NOS. 3-17 MOK CHEONG STREET, THE PUBLIC TOILET IN MA TAU KOK ROAD AND THE TO KWA WAN ANIMAL QUARANTINE DEPOT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR SETS TARGETS FOR 1992 ............................. 1
GOVT WORKING GROUP SET UP TO HANDLE NUCLEAR INCIDENTS .................. 2
FOUR NOMINATIONS RECIEVED FOR DB BY-ELECTION ........................... 4
S FOR T TO TALK ON TRANSPORT-RELATED PROJECTS OF NEW AIRPORT ........... 5
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS .......................... 6
REVISED DECLARATION FORMS AND NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION ............................................ 6
NEW CHE KUNG TEMPLE TO ATTRACT MORE WORSHIPPERS ........................ 8
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ............................................. 9
NEW YEAR CARNIVAL IN CENTRAL ........................................... 10
CUSTOMS COMMENDED FOR SUCCESSFUL ACTION ................................ 10
TRADE DEPT TO CLOSE LICENSING SUB-OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND ........... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................... H
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 12
J
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 1 -
REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR SETS-TARGETS FOR 1992
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR CLINTON LEEKS, TODAY (MONDAY) SET THE TARGETS FOR NEXT YEAR WHICH, IF ACHIEVED, SHOULD REMOVE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS THE HUGE BURDEN OF VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION THAT HONG KONG HAS BORNE FOR MORE THAN 16 YEARS.
REVIEWING 1991 AND LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEW YEAR, HE SAID THE FIRST TARGET IS THAT THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME SHOULD CONTINUE, IN ORDER TO UNDERLINE THE MESSAGE THAT THE FUTURE FOR NON-REFUGEES LIES IN VIETNAM.
HE SAID THE VOLUNTARY RETURN PROGRAMME SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXPAND. THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE WAITING TO RETURN HOME, 3,000 AT PRESENT, SHOULD INCREASE STEADILY.
HE SAID THE SIGNS WERE THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BE ABLE TO AVOID THE HUGE INFLUXES OF PREVIOUS YEARS.
"IF HOWEVER PEOPLE DO PERSIST IN COMING, THEY WILL HAVE THEIR STATUS DETERMINED FAIRLY AND QUICKLY. THEY WILL THEN EITHER BE RESETTLED AS REFUGEES OR REPATRIATED AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS," HE SAID.
LASTLY, THE PROCESS OF RESETTLEMENT SHOULD CONTINUE SO THAT GENUINE REFUGEES CAN FIND PERMANENT HOMES IN THE WEST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
"THESE ARE OUR TARGETS FOR 1992. IF WE ARB SUCCESSFUL, WE SHALL SEE THE VIETNAMESE CAMP POPULATION GRADUALLY AND STEADILY REDUCE HERE, CAMPS CLOSE, AND THE BURDEN HONG KONG HAS BORNE FOR SO LONG REMOVED," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT 1991 HAD SEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FINALLY ABLE, LARGELY AS A RESULT OF CHANGING INTERNATIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, TO IMPLEMENT IN FULL THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION TO WHICH HONG KONG BECAME A PARTY IN JUNE 1989.
"AS A RESULT, THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETERMINING WHO IS AND IS NOT A GENUINE REFUGEE FROM VIETNAM, AND FOR FINDING PROPER HOMES FOR BOTH GROUPS OF PEOPLE, ARE NOW WORKING WELL."
"THE EFFECT OF THIS IS CLEAR: ONLY 45 VIETNAMESE ARRIVALS OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WHICH IS THE LOWEST TWO-MONTH FIGURE SINCE EARLY 1985.
"THE TWO REPATRIATION SCHEMES ARE NOW ALSO WORKING WELL. SIX THOUSAND AND FOUR HUNDRED HAVE GONE HOME UNDER THE VOLUNTARY SCHEME IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS, COMPARED WITH 5,400 FOR THE WHOLE OF 1990.
"IN ADDITION, 87 HAD RETURNED UNDER THE ORDERLY RETURN PROGRAMME, AND FURTHER FLIGHTS UNDER THIS PROGRAMME ARE UNDER PREPARATION," MR LEEKS SAID.
/TURNING TO .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
2 -
TURNING TO THE RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES, HE SAID IN 1991, OVER 4,400 HAVE LEFT HONG KONG FOR NEW HOMES IN WESTERN COUNTRIES AND A FURTHER 2,000 HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO BATAAN TO AWAIT RESETTLEMENT THERE.
THIS HAD RESULTED IN A GRADUAL REDUCTION IN THE OVERALL SIZE OF THE CAMP POPULATION, FROM 64,300 IN OCTOBER TO JUST UNDER 60,000 TODAY, REPRESENTING A DROP OF OVER 4,000 IN THREE MONTHS.
’’THIS IS A TREND WHICH WE EXPECT TO SEE ACCELERATE DURING THE COURSE OF 1992,” HE SAID.
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GOVT WORKING GROUP SET UP TO HANDLE NUCLEAR INCIDENTS * * * * * t
A MULTI-DISCIPLINE DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN SET UP UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT": (EMSD) AS PART OF THE CONTINGENCY PLAN ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE EVENT OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT INCIDENTS.
ADDRESSING A FORUM ON ’’SAFETY ISSUES OF NEW PRESSURIZED WATER REACTOR (PWR) NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS" TODAY (MONDAY), THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, SAID THE CONTINGENCY PLAN WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT WHICH MIGHT BE ACTIVATED IN THE EVENT OF ANY INCIDENTS OCCURRING AT THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN DAYA BAY WHICH MAY AFFECT HONG KONG.
THE FORUM WAS ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
MR KWOK SAID THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE PLAN IS TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG FROM THE EFFECTS OF SUCH INCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE PROXIMITY OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TO THE TERRITORY.
MR KWOK NOTED THAT AS ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE CONTINGENCY PLAN, THE ROLE OF THE EMSD WAS TO MONITOR THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SITUATION IN HONG KONG AND TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ENGINEERING ASPECTS OF THE NUCLEAR PLANT AT THE OCCURRENCE OF SUCH INCIDENTS.
HE SAID THE MULTI-DISCIPLINE DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED BY HIS DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO DISCHARGE THESE DUTIES.
CONSISTING OF 15 ENGINEERS WHO ARE OF ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC, BUILDING SERVICES AND MECHANICAL DISCIPLINES, MR KWOK SAID THE CURRENT ACTIVITIES OF THE WORKING GROUP INCLUDED:
♦ COLLECTING AND STUDYING INFORMATION ABOUT PWR IN GENERAL AND ABOUT THE DAYA BAY PLANT IN PARTICULAR;
/* ARRANGING TRAINING ........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 3 -
» ARRANGING TRAINING FOR MEMBERS TO LEARN ABOUT NUCLEAR ENGINEERING, PLANT SAFETY FEATURES AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS; AND «
» STUDYING THE OFF-SITE EMERGENCY PLANS PROPOSED FOR THE DAYA BAY PLANT AND COMPARING THEM WITH INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE.
ON THE TRAINING SIDE, MR KWOK SAID ONE OF THE ENGINEERS FROM HIS DEPARTMENT HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A TRAINING ATTACHMENT AT THE SALEM AND HOPE CREEK NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN NEW JERSEY IN THE UNITED STATES WHERE HE WAS GIVEN BASIC TRAINING ON PLANT OPERATION, PROTECTION AND SAFETY FEATURES, AND ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES BETWEEN UTILITIES AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
THE ENGINEER ALSO PARTICIPATED IN THE TRAINING DRILLS AND DRESS REHEARSALS THAT WERE CONDUCTED REGULARLY BY PLANT OPERATING STAFF TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
WHILE IN THE U.S., HE ALSO SPENT SOME TIME AT THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NUCLEAR SAFETY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TYPE OF INFORMATION AND PLANT DATA WHICH THE PLANT OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE TO THE AUTHORITY.
THESE INCLUDED HOW SUCH DATA ARE PROCESSED FOR THE PREDICTION OF PLANT SAFETY CONDITIONS IN AN ACCIDENT SCENARIO, AND THE FUNCTIONS OF AN INTEGRATED COMPUTER-BASED REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM IN DEALING WITH NUCLEAR SAFETY.
WHILE NOTING THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE STAFF WITH SUCH TRAINING, MR KWOK CONCEDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS UNLIKELY TO BE ABLE TO BUILD UP SUFFICIENT ENGINEERING CAPABILITY AND EXPERTISE TO CARRY OUT IN-DEPTH AND DETAIL ANALYSIS OF AN NUCLEAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN THE DAYA BAY PLANT.
IN THIS RESPECT, HE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD REQUIRE A BACKUP SUPPORT FOR AN AUTHORITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PLANT INCIDENTS AND CURRENTLY, WAS DISCUSSING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) AND AN OVERSEAS CONSULTANT FOR PROVIDING SUCH BACKUP SUPPORT.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT IN ORDER FOR HIS DEPARTMENT TO BE ABLE TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE "DAYA BAY PLANT DURING AN INCIDENT, IT WAS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLANT STATUS FROM THE PLANT OPERATOR OR THE CHINESE EMERGENCY UNIT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT SUCH INFORMATION, IF MADE AVAILABLE TO THE EMSD, COULD THEN BE USED TO VERIFY THE PLANT OPERATOR’S OWN ASSESSMENT OF THE INCIDENT, SO THAT THE HONG KONG PUBLIC COULD BE ASSURED OF THE SITUATION.
"BY SO DOING, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO DISPEL ANY UNFOUNDED RUMOURS ABOUT THE PLANT.
/"HAVING ACCESS .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
4
"HAVING ACCESS AS WELL AS IN-HOUSE CAPABILITY TO INTERPRET THE INFORMATION, AND WITH BACKUP SUPPORT FROM IAEA OR OTHER OVERSEAS EXPERTS TO CARRY OUT IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS IF AND WHEN NECESSARY, WILL BE VERY USEFUL IN PROVIDING PSYCHOLOGICAL COMFORT AND ASSURANCE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IN ALLAYING THEIR FEARS AND ALSO AVOIDING UNNECESSARY PANIC DURING OCCURRENCE OF ANY INCIDENT AT THE PLANT," HE POINTED OUT.
MR KWOK ALSO SAID THE U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC) HAD BEGUN IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE DATA SYSTEM (ERDS) TO ACQUIRE DATA FROM NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AT THE PLANT.
UNDER THE ERDS, THE NRC REQUIRES THE PLANTS TO PROVIDE A DIRECT REAL-TIME TRANSFER OF DATA FROM THE PLANT COMPUTERS TO THE NRC OPERATIONS CENTRE ON FOUR TYPES OF PARAMETERS:
* CORE AND COOLANT SYSTEM CONDITIONS;
* CONDITIONS INSIDE THE CONTAINMENT BUILDING;
* RADIOACTIVITY RELEASE RATES; AND
* DATA FROM THE PLANT’S METEOROLOGICAL TOWER.
MR KWOK SAID SUCH PRACTICE IN THE U.S. HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS A GOOD ONE AND WOULD ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT VERY DETAILED AND INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
HE SAID THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WAS CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO ACQUIRE THOSE KEY INFORMATION THAT WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG TO VERIFY THE DATA AND ASSUMPTIONS USED IN THE ASSESSMENTS MADE BY THE PLANT OPERATOR FOR RUMOUR CONTROL PURPOSES.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY SEEKING THE ASSISTANCE OF THE IAEA FOR THIS PURPOSE, HE ADDED.
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FOUR NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR DB BY-ELECTION
******
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF FOUR NOMINATIONS FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S YUEN WO CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION.
NO NOMINATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY (MONDAY), THE LAST DAY OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD.
/DETAILS OF .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 5 - -
DETAILS OF THE FOUR CANDIDATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NAME SEX AGE OCCUPATION TELEPHONE NO
CHAU WAI-CHU F 35 PRIVATE TUTOR 691 2303
CHEUNG WING-FAI M 33 TEACHER 649 6196
LEE YORK-FAI M 24 DOCTOR 553 8776
KAN CHUNG-NIN, TONY M 41 SOLICITOR 692 2200
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S FOR T TO TALK ON TRANSPORT-RELATED PROJECTS OF NEW AIRPORT ******
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WILL GIVE A PRESENTATION ON TRANSPORT-RELATED PROJECTS OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME AT THE SECOND MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS ON JANUARY 6 (MONDAY).
ACCOMPANYING HIM WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWEI SEE-KAN; THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR GORDON SIU AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR CANICE MAK.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEXE) AND WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY CALLING MS LEUNG WING-CHONG ON TEL. 802 3511 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
AS THE SEATING CAPACITY IN THE CONFERENCE HALL IS LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
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/6 ........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 6 -
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $299 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR S.K. KWEI AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF CHINA FUJIAN CORPORATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TECHNO-ECONOMIC COOPERATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS COMPRISED A 1.8 KILOMETRE-LONG DUAL TWO-LANE EXPRESSWAY WITH TWO 1.2 KILOMETRE-LONG DISTRIBUTOR ROADS RUNNING ALONG THE SOUTHERN PART OF YUEN LONG TOWN CENTRE.
• "THE BYPASS WILL CONNECT THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR TO THE WEST AND THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR POK 01 HOSPITAL TO THE EAST," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERVICE ROAD TO CONNECT TAI TONG ROAD WITH THE BYPASS AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF A VILLAGE ROAD FROM TAI SHU HA ROAD EAST TO CHEUNG NGAU SHAN.
HE SAID ASSOCIATED VEHICULAR BRIDGES, VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASSES WILL ALSO BE BUILT TO BRING THE BYPASS OVER THE EXISTING NULLAHS AND ROADS.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS WILL START NEXT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN AUTUMN 1994.
ON COMPLETION, THROUGH TRAFFIC ON THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WILL BYPASS YUEN LONG TOWN RESULTING IN A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY A TEAM OF CONSULTANT ENGINEERS COMPRISING BINNIE CONSULTANT LIMITED, WILBUR SMITH &.ASSOCIATES AND HARRIS & SUTHERLAND (FAR EAST) FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
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REVISED DECLARATION FORMS AND NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION ******
REVISED DECLARATION FORMS AND A NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, THE HONG KONG HARMONISED SYSTEM 1992 EDITION, WILL COME INTO USE FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION AS FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"ALL IMPORT AND EXPORT SHIPMENTS ON OR AFTER THAT DATE MUST BE DECLARED ACCORDING TO THE NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ON REVISED DECLARATION FORMS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/AS FOR.........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
AS FOR ARTICLES IMPORTED OR EXPORTED BEFORE JANUARY 1, AND WHICH ARE DECLARED ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, THE EXISTING DECLARATION FORMS AND COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM SHOULD STILL BE USED.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IF THEY ARE DECLARED AFTER JANUARY 14, THE REVISED FORMS AND NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MUST BE USED, HE EXPLAINED.
THE REVISED DECLARATION FORMS WERE SPECIFIED IN THE GAZETTE PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 20.
THEY ARE BASICALLY SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING FORMS, WITH ALTERATIONS IN SEVERAL AREAS.
FpR INSTANCE, DATA BOXES ARE ADDED FOR REPORTING THE MODE OF TRANSPORT, WHILE THE DATA BOXES FOR REPORTING TRADE VALUES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED IN RESPECT OF DESIGN AND THEIR POSITION ON THE FORMS.
WHILE PRIMARILY AIMED AT FACILITATING THE GOVERNMENT IN PROCESSING DECLARATIONS, THE REVISED FORM DESIGN WILL ALSO BENEFIT TRADERS AS IT WILL MINIMISE THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED TO THEM IN CLARIFYING UNCLEAR INFORMATION OR SUPPLYING MISSING INFORMATION DUE TO DEFICIENCY IN THE EXISTING FORM DESIGN.
ALONG WITH THE REVISION OF THE DECLARATION FORMS IN ENGLISH, CHINESE DECLARATION FORMS ARE INTRODUCED.
STARTING FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE FOR THE REVISED DECLARATION FORMS, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS MAY CHOOSE EITHER THE ENGLISH OR CHINESE FORMS FOR SUBMITTING DECLARATIONS.
THE COMMODITY DESCRIPTIONS AND CODES UNDER THE HONG KONG HARMONISED SYSTEM, 1992 EDITION, ARE SPECIFIED IN THE PUBLICATION 'HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM), 1992 EDITION’. A CHINESE VERSION OF THE PUBLICATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR TRADERS’ REFERENCE.
SINCE EARLY NOVEMBER, FREE SEMINARS ARE OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS TO ASSIST THEM IN FAMILIARISING WITH THE NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND THE REVISED DECLARATION FORMS.
FURTHER SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 7 IN THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
ORDER FORMS FOR OBTAINING FREE ADMISSION TICKETS TO THESE SEMINARS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT KOWLOON COLLECTION OFFICE AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HARMONISED SYSTEM SECTION.
ENQUIRIES FOR DETAILS ABOUT THESE SEMINARS MAY BE MADE ON TEL. 582 4919.
/THE REVISED .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
8
THE REVISED DECLARATION FORMS AND THE PUBLICATIONS CONTAINING THE NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION LIST ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT COLLECTION OFFICES.
ALSO ON SALE ARE TWO OTHER USEFUL PUBLICATIONS CONCERNING THE NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.
ONE IS THE HARMONISED SYSTEM HANDBOOK, WITH ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS, WHICH CONTAINS EXPLANATIONS ON HOW TO USE THE COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION LIST, EXAMPLES FOR ILLUSTRATION AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES.
ANOTHER IS A BILINGUAL PUBLICATION 'SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM)’ WHICH CONTAINS CORRELATION TABLES ON THE COMMODITY CODES IN THE NEW AND EXISTING CLASSIFICATION LIST," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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NEW CHE KUNG TEMPLE TO ATTRACT MORE WORSHIPPERS ♦ ♦ t * * ♦
THE MAGNIFICENT ARCHITECTURE OF THE NEW SHA TIN CHE KUNG TEMPLE, TOGETHER WITH ITS SPACIOUS AND TRANQUIL TEMPLE HALLS, WILL CERTAINLY ATTRACT MORE WORSHIPPERS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE REBUILDING OF THE SHA TIN CHE KUNG TEMPLE, MR SUEN SAID THE TEMPLE WAS ONE OF 24 DIRECTLY MANAGED BY THE CHINESE TEMPLE COMMITTEE.
IT WAS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR IN HONG KONG, ATTRACTING MORE THAN 100,000 WORSHIPPERS EACH YEAR.
THE TEMPLE WAS BUILT ABOUT THREE HUNDRED YEARS AGO IN THE LATE MING DYNASTY. FOLLOWING THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN, THE TEMPLE HAS BEEN ATTRACTING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE.
"DURING THE CHE KUNG FESTIVAL, THE TEMPLE IS JAM-PACKED WITH PEOPLE AND THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THE TEMPLE.
"IN VIEW OF THIS, THE CHINESE TEMPLE COMMITTEE DECIDED SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE MORE WORSHIPPERS," MR SUEN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES. FIRSTLY, A TEMPORARY TEMPLE WILL BE BUILT AT THE OPEN AREA IN FRONT OF THE OLD TEMPLE TO ACCOMMODATE THE STATUE OF "CHE KUNG" TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO CONTINUE THEIR WORSHIP DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
/THE SECOND .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 9 -
THE SECOND PHASE WILL INCLUDE THE RENOVATION OF THE MAIN HALL OF THE OLD TEMPLE. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW TEMPLE WILL BE THE LAST PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME. ;
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST WOULD NOT BE LESS THAN $40 MILLION, MR SUEN ADDED.
UPON ITS COMPLETION, THE TEMPORARY TEMPLE WILL BE IMMEDIATELY PULLED DOWN AND THE SITE WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR BUILDING A SOCCER PITCH.
NOTING THAT THE REVENUE OF THE CHE KUNG TEMPLE WAS MAINLY FROM THE PUBLIC, MR SUEN STRESSED THAT THE MONEY WOULD IN TURN BE USED IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC.
"ACCORDING TO THE CHINESE TEMPLE ORDINANCE, REVENUES OF ALL TEMPLES SHOULD FIRSTLY BE USED FOR RELIGIOUS RITES AND MAINTENANCE. THE SURPLUS, IF ANY, WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE GENERAL CHINESE CHARITIES FUND FOR HELPING THE POOR," MR SUEN SAID.
OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY ALSO INCLUDED THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID BROWNING; MEMBER OF THE CHINESE TEMPLE COMMITTEE, MR WONG WAN-TIN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU HON-KIT.
- - 0----------
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT JANUARY 1 (WEDNESDAY) IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR EMPLOYEES.
ALL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF WAGE LEVELS, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID OR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIS 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 MAY BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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/10 .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
NEW YEAR CARNIVAL IN CENTRAL *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL HERALD IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A CARNIVAL THAT PROMISES TO BRING JOY TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL, BEGINNING AT 12.30 PM.
THE ’’CHUNG WAN AND SHEUNG WAN NEW YEAR FAMILY CARNIVAL” WILL FEATURE A HOST OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND CHILDREN’S ARTS AND CRAFTS STALLS AS WELL AS ON-STAGE AND OTHER PERFORMANCES.
THE CHINESE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES STALLS COVER PAPER SILHOUETTES, CALLIGRAPHY, BRASS WIRE TOYS, ’’DRAGON HAIR” CANDY AND PALMISTRY.
A VARIETY SHOW WILL START AT 2.30 PM AND WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS AND A PIPE BAND, AS WELL AS ACROBATIC, CLOWN AND MAGIC SHOWS.
THE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE CHUNG WAN AND THE SHEUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO; DB MEMBER, MR SAMMY POONE; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR CHAN TAK-CHOR; AND TWO AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN, MR CHAN HAY AND MR OR SHING-MOK.
- - 0 - -
CUSTOMS COMMENDED FOR SUCCESSFUL ACTION *****
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IS TODAY (MONDAY) COMMENDED FOR ITS SUCCESSFUL ACTION IN SMASHING A SYNDICATE SUSPECTED OF BEING INVOLVED IN THE MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF A POPULAR MEDICINAL OIL.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR TONG KANG-SING, RECEIVED A PLAQUE FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HOE HIN PAK FAH YEOW MANUFACTORY LIMITED, MR GAN WEE SEAN, AS A TOKEN OF RECOGNITION OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S EFFORT IN THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE COMPANY’S TRADE MARK AND CONSUMERS OF THE POPULAR MEDICINAL OIL.
THE CUSTOMS OPERATION TOOK PLACE ON NOVEMBER 24 THIS YEAR WHEN OVER 30 OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE MOBILISED TO SEARCH THE SUSPECTED MANUFACTURING AND BOTTLING WORKSHOP, THREE PACKING CENTRES, A GODOWN AND TWO RETAIL OUTLETS OF THE SYNDICATE IN TAI KOK TSUI, SHAM SHUI PO AND SHA TIN.
/THE OPERATION
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
THE OPERATION RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE OF 20,566 BOTTLES OF THE SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT MEDICINAL OIL, AND A QUANTITY OF BOTTLING AND PACKING MATERIALS WORTH ABOUT $800,000.
FIVE MEN AND FOUR WOMEN AGED FROM 27 TO 55 WERE ARRESTED.
THE ARRESTED PERSONS HAD BEEN RELEASED ON BAIL RANGING FROM
$5C TO $70,000 PENDING FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
- - 0 - -
TRADE DEPT TO CLOSE LICENSING SUB-OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND
******
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG SUB-OFFICE AT HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM THURSDAY (JANUARY 2).
ALL SERVICES WILL CONTINUE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, 700 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, WHICH IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT ABOVE THE MTR MONG KOK STATION.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE CLOSURE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONO SUB-OFFICE CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 398 5602.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 30.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 176.891 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 183.834 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 31.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/12
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 12 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » ♦ * * *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 28.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 30.12.91 -10
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING + 10
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 109.4 *+0.0» 30. HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 12.91 EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.33 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 101.98 5.20
1 MONTH 3.96 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.91 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.94 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.33 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,106 MN
CLOSED 30 DECEMBER 1991
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN — SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:
ATTENTION EDITORS OF THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE
NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST WILL
AND BROADCASTING STATIONS: BE MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOURS GMT
ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31.
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG
i
NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION.
THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS. OR FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THEIR CAREERS. OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
MONDAY, DECEMBfelA 30, 1991
- 1 -
NEW YEAR HONOURS 1992 * * * * *
KNIGHT BACHELOR
ME GORDON MACWHINNIE, CBE, JP
CBE THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE ERIC CHARLES BARNES
(4) MRS ANSON MARIA ELIZABETH CHAN FANG, JP
MR MICHAEL LEUNG MAN-KIN, JP
THE HONOURABLE NATHANIEL WILLIAM HAMISH MACLEOD, JP
OBE MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG WAI-CHEE, JP
(4) THE HONOURABLE EDWARD HO SING-TIN, JP
PROFESSOR POON CHUNG-KWONG, JP DR STUART BENNETT REED
ISO DR TERENCE CHAU TUEN-YIN, JP
(4) MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE, JP
MR PAUL JEREMY CORSER, JP MR KETSING TATY KUO, JP
MBE MR WILLIAM CHAM WAI-LIM
(10) MR VICWOOD CHONG KEE-TING
MR DAVID C DASILVA
MR DAVID ARTHUR HUNT
MR LAW TING-PONG
MR LI SHIU-TONG
MR NG HIM-WO, JP
MR FAROUK ABDUL RAMJAHN
MR YIP HING-CHUNG, JP
MR YOUNG CHOY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
MBE(MIL)
(1)
BEM
(16)
QPM
(2)
QFSM
(2)
- 2 -
MAJOR ERIC LEE HEUNG-CHEUK
MRS MARY BAGRIE
MR CHAN YUE-HING
MR CHENG KAM-PO
MRS MAUREEN MARGARET DICKINSON
MR FOK SIU-PONG
MR LAI MAN-KIT
MR NICHOLAS LAU CHUN-KONG
MR LO SHU-KAY
MRS LUK LEUNG MO-CHING
MR MAK KWOK-HUNG
MISS GLADYS MARCH
MR POON KWOK-CHU
MR SIN YUK-KEE
MR TANG KAY
MR WONG YAU-CHUEN
MR YEUNG PAK-KWAI
MR DENNIS JOHN COLLINS. CPM
MR JAMES KENNETH EWAN. CPM
MR PETER CHEUNG, CPM
MR R B JOHNSTON, CPM
/3...........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
3
CPM MR ERNEST BAILEY
(16) MR CHAN CHI-HING
MR CHAN FU
MR CHOI KING-SANG
MR PETER HEYWOOD CUMMINGS
MR SPENCER FOO TSUN-KONG
MR MICHAEL WILLIAM HORNER
MR LAU MAN-KWONG
MR JOSEPH LAW
MR LOO WING-LAM
MR DAVID GORDON RONALD
MR PAUL EUSTACE SMITH
MR TSUNG PUI-YU
MR WONG FUK-KUEN
MR WONG YING-CHUNG
MR WILLIAM RICHARD WORRALL
BADGE OF HONOUR : MR CHAN KAM-MAN
MR CHANG FOON-LAM
MR CHAU MUN
MR CHENG FAI-NAM
MR CHEUNG NIM-PING
MR RAYMOND CHOW WAI-KAM
MR CHUNG YIN
MR HO KWOK-WING
MR LAI YU-WING
MR MAK HON-KAI
MR NG WAI-KWONG
MR TAM WING-KUN
MADAM TSANG WEI-FONG
MR WONG PO-LAM
MR YEUNG TAK-WAH
/4 .........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST * * * * *
OBE MR CHOW YEI-CHING, OBE
(1)
MBF MRS LILIAN NG KWAN MAN-CHUN, MBE
(J )
MILITARY DIVISION *****
OBE LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN DAVID VYVYAN WOOLLEY
(1)
MBE MAJOR ALLAN MILES PHILLIPS
(1)
BEM STAFF SERGEANT SYLVIA GRAY
(5) SERGEANT MARK JAMES
CORPORAL LALPRASAD GURUNG SERGEANT SIMON EDWIN THOMASSEN-KINSEY SERGEANT TONG SHU-WAH
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON RECIPIENTS
*****
MR GORDON MACWHINNIE. CBE, JP
MR GORDON MACWHINNIE IS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT BY PROFESSION AND CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1950. HE IS THE CHAIRMAN OR A BOARD MEMBER OF SEVERAL MAJOR COMPANIES AND HE HAS, IN ADDITION, A LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. HE IS A PAST MEMBER OF THE COUNCILS OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND CITY POLYTECHNIC. HE IS NOW DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC. HE BECAME A STEWARD OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IN 1974 AND CHAIRMAN OF THE STEWARDS IN 1989. THIS PERIOD HAS SEEN THE COMPLETION OF A LARGE NUMBER OF PHILANTHROPIC PROJECTS.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 5 -
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE ERIC CHARLES BARNES
MR JUSTICE BARNES SERVED IN THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY FOR 25 YEARS. BEGINNING HIS CAREER AS A MAGISTRATE IN 1966. HE BECAME A HIGH COURT JUDGE IN 1980 AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICES COMMISSION IN 1982 AND 1983. MR JUSTICE BARNES RETIRED IN SEPTEMBER 1991.
MRS ANSON MARIA ELIZABETH CHAN FANG, JP
MRS CHAN JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1962. SHE HAS HELD A VARIETY OF SENIOR APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. SHE TOOK UP HER PRESENT APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES IN 1987 AND IS THE FIRST WOMAN TO BE APPOINTED HEAD OF A MAJOR DEPARTMENT AND TO REACH THE RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
MR MICHAEL LEUNG MAN-KIN, JP
MR MICHAEL LEUNG BECAME A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1965. HIS PREVIOUS SENIOR APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. HE WAS APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT IN 1987 AND HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH A NUMBER OF MAJOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.
THE HONOURABLE NATHANIEL WILLIAM HAMISH MACLEOD. JP
THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1966. HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN AUGUST 1991 AND HIS EARLIER SENIOR APPOINTMENTS HAVE INCLUDED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, DIRECTOR OF TRADE, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY.
MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG WAI-CHEE, JP
MR CHENG IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WING TAI EXPORTERS LTD. APART FROM ONE SHORT BREAK, HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE TEXTILE ADVISORY BOARD FROM 1978 AND HAS ADVISED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ON A WIDE RANGE OF TEXTILE RELATED ISSUES.
THE HONOURABLE EDWARD HO SING-TIN, JP
• MR HO IS AN ARCHITECT WITH A LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND CONVENOR OF THE STANDING PANEL ON LANDS AND WORKS. OUTSIDE THE LEGCO HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY'S BUILDING COMMITTEE AND A MEMBER OF SEVERAL OTHER IMPORTANT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
/6 ............
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 6 -
PROFESSOR POON CHUNG-KWONG, JP
PROFESSOR POON IS DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND A FORMER MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. HE HAS BEEN A STRONG ADVOCATE OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY IN HONG-KONG AND CHAIRED THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. HE HAS ALSO PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN HONG KONG.
DR STUART BENNETT REED
DR REED JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1977 AS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISER. FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN 1986, DR REED WAS APPOINTED THE FIRST DIRECTOR. AS HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND POLLUTION CONTROL POLICIES IN THE TERRITORY.
DR TERENCE CHAU TUEN-YIN, JP
DR CHAU ’JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1966. HE HAS BEEN AT THE CENTRE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG SINCE THE EARLY 1980S AND HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IN 1989. HE HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE, JP
MISS CHEUNG WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING IN 1986.
IN 1988 SHE WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH BROADCASTING ASSOCIATION, THE FIRST WOMAN AND THE FIRST ASIAN TO HOLD THIS PRESTIGIOUS OFFICE. SHE HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY HIGH QUALITY DRAMA AND DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTIONS.
MR PAUL JEREMY CORSER, JP
MR CORSER WAS LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE COMPUTER PROCESSING OF CONTRACTORS’ ACCOUNTS IN THE MAINTENANCE BRANCH AND HE HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANT’S CAMPS. HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AT THE BEGINNING OF 1991.
MR KETSING TATY KUO, JP
MR KUO JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN 1958 AND WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES EARLY IN 1990. BEFORE THAT HE PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN SETTING UP THE NEW DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1989. HE RETIRED IN SEPTEMBER 1991.
/7.............
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
MR WILLIAM CHAM WAI-LIM
MR CHAM WAS ORIGINALLY A SCHOOL TEACHER AND JOINED THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN 1967. HIS DUTIES HAVE INVOLVED HIM IN FREQUENT CONTACTS WITH BOTH THE HONG KONG PUBLIC AND THE PRC AUTHORITIES.
MR VICWOOD CHONG KEE-TING
MR CHONG HAS BEEN A DIRECTOR OF THE PO LEUNG KUK SINCE 1984. HE WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE KUK BOARD IN 1990/91 AND OVERSAW A NUMBER OF MAJOR PROJECTS DURING THIS PERIOD. HE HAS ALSO BEEN CLOSELY CONCERNED WITH THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION FACILITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY.
MR DAVID C DASILVA (HONORARY)
MR DASILVA HAS SERVED ON THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD SINCE 1984 AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF A NUMBER OF ITS COMMITTEES. HE HAS ALSO PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN HONG KONG'S PLASTICS INDUSTRIES AND WAS THE FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LTD.
MR DAVID ARTHUR HUNT
MR HUNT SERVED IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG WATERS AND WAS INVOLVED WITH THE PROJECT FROM ITS INCEPTION. HE IS NOW RETIRED.
MR LAW TING-PONG (HONORARY)
MR LAW IS A WELL-KNOWN INDUSTRIALIST WHO HAS ALSO TAKEN A CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN EDUCATION AND YOUTH. HE HAS BEEN A STRONG SUPPORTER OF A NUMBER OF SCHOOL AND COLLEGE BUILDING PROJECTS AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SCHEME.
MR LI SHIU-TONG
MR LI JOINED THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AS A VOLUNTEER IN 1954 AND IS NOW THE ASSISTANT REGIONAL COMMANDER, KOWLOON (OPERATIONS AND TRAINING). HE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE CIVIL AID SERVICES PROGRAMMES TO ASSIST WITH THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT'S PROBLEM AND HAS ALSO BEEN PROMINENT IN CAS SOCIAL AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES.
/8 ...........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 8 -
MR NG HIM WO, JP
MR NG HAS OVER 37 YEARS SERVICE IN THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, WHICH HE JOINED ORIGINALLY AS A TEMPORARY CLERK. HE WAS PROMOTED ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1982 AND IS A PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT. HE WILL RETIRE DURING 1992.
MR FAROUK ABDUL RAMJAHN
MR RAMJAHN JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN 1965. HE IS A VERY EXPERIENCED OFFICER HAVING WORKED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND A NUMBER OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS. HE IS CURRENTLY THE DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
MR YIP HING-CHUNG, JP (HONORARY)
MR YIP IS A WELL-KNOWN INDUSTRIALIST AND COMMUNITY LEADER IN THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT. HE HAS BEEN A LINK BETWEEN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR AND HE HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE POK 01 HOSPITAL AND THE YAN OI TONG (OF WHICH HE IS A FOUNDER MEMBER).
MR YOUNG CHOY
MR YOUNG JOINED THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS A CLERK IN 1953 AND IN 1984 HE WAS APPOINTED AS ONE OF THE TWO PRINCIPAL JUDICIAL CLERKS, SERVING THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT AS A ’ CHIEF OF STAFF. HE RETIRED DURING 1991.
MAJOR ERIC LEE HEUNG-CHEUK
MAJOR LEE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) SINCE 1965, TRANSFERRING TO THE RESERVE OF OFFICERS IN 1983. IN 1990 HE RETURNED FROM THE RESERVE TO COMMAND THE JUNIOR LEADERS CORPS.
MRS MARY BAGRIE
MRS BAGRIE HAS WORKED IN THE REGISTRIES OF A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. SHE WILL RETIRE FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN APRIL 1992.
MR CHAN YUE-HING
MR CHAN HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF SINCE 1964 AND HAS DEVOTED MUCH OF HIS SPARE TIME TO EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR INMATES.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 9 -
MR CHENG KAM-PO
MR CHENG JOINED THE THEN MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN 1957. HE ASSISTS THE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WITH TREATMENT AND EXERCISES FOR PATIENTS.
MRS MAUREEN MARGARET DICKINSON
MRS DICKINSON HAS WORKED FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS A SECRETARY FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS. SHE IS CURRENTLY PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
MR FOK SIU-PONG
MR FOK HAS WORKED FOR THE POST OFFICE SINCE 1957. HE WAS LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR INTRODUCING THE POST OFFICE ACCOUNTS COMPUTERISATION SYSTEM.
MR LAI MAN-KIT
MR LAI HAS SPENT MUCH OF HIS 32 YEAR CAREER IN THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH. HE HAS PLAYED A LARGE PART IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BRANCH’S COMPUTER SYSTEM.
MR NICHOLAS LAU CHUN-KONG
MR LAU BECAME A REGISTERED NURSE IN 1968 AND IS CURRENTLY A NURSING OFFICER. HE HAS BEEN CLOSELY INVOLVED WITH RENAL NURSING AND HAS CONTRIBUTED REGULARLY TO TRAINING COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS.
MR LO SHU-KAY
MR LO HAS OVER 35 YEARS VOLUNTEER DUTY WITH THE CIVIL AID SERVICES. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY MAJOR OPERATIONS AND IS AT PRESENT A DIVISIONAL COMMANDER - GRADE IV.
MRS LUK LEUNG MO-CHING
MRS LUK IS A REGISTERED NURSE WITH 40 YEARS SERVICE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. SHE RETIRED IN DECEMBER 1991 AND HER LAST APPOINTMENT WAS WITH THE FAMILY PLANNING TEAM, HONG KONG REGION.
V
MR MAK KWOK-HUNG
MR MAK WORKED FOR THE BRITISH ARMY IN HONG KONG FOR OVER 40 YEARS. HE RETIRED IN AUGUST 1991 FROM HIS POST OF WORKSHOP TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR AT 70 SUPPORT SQUADRON, THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS.
/10 ...........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 10 -
MISS GLADYS MARCH
MISS MARCH HAS BEEN A SENIOR PERSONAL SECRETARY SINCE 1972. SHE HAS SPENT HER ENTIRE 30-YEAR SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FINANCE BRANCH.
MR POON KWOK-CHU
MR POON IS A SENIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER (CIVIL) IN THE GOVERNMENT WITH WHICH HE HAS OVER 32 YEARS OF SERVICE. HE HAS ALSO BEEN A VOLUNTEER DRIVING TEST EXAMINER AND A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).
MR SIN YUK-KEE
MR SIN HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE DRIVER GRADE FOR 28 YEARS AND WAS PROMOTED TO SPECIAL DRIVER IN 1984. HE HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNMENT DRIVER'S UNION SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 1983.
MR TANG KAY
MR TANG IS A VERY EXPERIENCED TRACTOR DRIVER AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM OPERATOR WHO HAS WORKED FOR THE GOVERNMENT FOR OVER 31 YEARS. HE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED PRINCIPALLY ON TURF MAINTENANCE WORK AT URBAN COUNCIL SPORTS GROUNDS.
MR WONG YAU-CHUEN
MR WONG HAS PROVIDED NEARLY 30 YEARS OF CLERICAL SUPPORT TO TWO CIVIL DEFENCE ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES. HE IS AT PRESENT A SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICER.
MR YEUNG PAK-KWAI
AS AN ASSISTANT INSPECTOR OF WORKS, MR YEUNG IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 40 MANUAL WORKERS WHO RESPOND TO EMERGENCY DRAINAGE PROBLEMS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. MR YEUNG. HAS OVER 41 YEARS OF SERVICE AND IS DUE TO RETIRE IN MAY 1992.
MR DENNIS JOHN COLLINS, CPM
MR COLLINS JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN 1959 AND HAS SERVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING CHIEF STAFF OFFICER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS. OUTSIDE THE FORCE HE HAS BEEN OFFICER COMMANDING THE HONG KONG AIR CADET CORPS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HE IS DUE TO RETIRE IN APRIL 1992.
/Il ...........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
MR JAMES KENNETH EWAN, CPM
THE GREAT MAJORITY OF MR EWAN’S 26 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE HAVE BEEN SPENT WITH THE SPECIAL BRANCH. HE IS NOW ONE OF THE LONGEST SERVING OFFICERS IN THE BRANCH AND HAS WORKED IN VIRTUALLY EVERY DEPARTMENT. HE WAS PROMOTED CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT IN 1986.
MR PETER CHEUNG, CPM
MR CHEUNG JOINED THE FIRES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1962 AND WAS PROMOTED CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1989. HE HAS SERVED IN UNITS OF THE OPERATIONAL, HEADQUARTERS AND FIRE PROTECTION COMMANDS AND HAS BEEN IN COMMAND OF MANY MAJOR OPERATIONS. CURRENTLY HE HEADS THE HEADQUARTERS COMMAND. /
MR RAYMOND JOHNSTON, CPM
MR JOHNSTON JOINED THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES IN 1963 AFTER EIGHT YEARS WITH THE BELFAST FIRE BRIGADE IN NORTHERN IRELAND. HE HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF UNITS IN THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICE COMMANDS, INCLUDING BEING COMMANDANT OF THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL. HE RETIRED IN DECEMBER 1991.
MR ERNEST BAILEY
MR BAILEY JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1965 AND HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSTS INCLUDING UNIFORM AND SPECIAL BRANCH. HE WAS PROMOTED SUPERINTENDENT IN 1978.
MR CHAN CHI-HING
MR CHAN HAS 23 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. HE WAS PROMOTED STATION SERGEANT IN 1980 AND IS CURRENTLY OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE FRONTIER DISTRICT TRAFFIC TEAM. HE HAS FOUR BROTHERS, A SISTER AND TWO BROTHERS-IN-LAW, ALL SERVING IN THE POLICE FORCE.'
MR CHAN FU
MR CHAN’S FIRST FOUR YEARS WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE WERE SPENT IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH. IN 1969 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO CRIME INVESTIGATION DUTIES WHERE HE HAS REMAINED SINCE. HE WAS POSTED TO THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME GROUP IN 1987 AND PROMOTED SENIOR INSPECTOR IN 1989.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 12 -
MR CHOI KING-SANG
MR CHOI JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1966 AND WAS PROMOTED SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1989. HE HAS SPENT MOST OF HIS CAREER ON OPERATIONAL DUTIES AND IS SCHEDULED TO RETIRE IN JULY 1992.
MR PETER HEYWOOD CUMMINGS
MR CUMMINGS HAS SERVED IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FOR 23 YEARS. HE HAS WORKED IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BRANCHES AND IN 1989 HE JOINED THE OPERATIONS WING, POLICE HEADQUARTERS AS AN ACTING SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT. HE TAKES A KEEN INTEREST IN SPORT AND ORGANISES SWIMMING EVENTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
MR SPENCER FOO TSUN-KONG
MR FOO HAS 23 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND WAS PROMOTED SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1986. HE HAS SERVED WITH MARINE REGION, AS BODYGUARD AND HONORARY AIDE-DE-CAMP TO THE GOVERNOR, AND AT THE UK POLICE STAFF COLLEGE, BRAMSHILL.
MR MICHAEL WILLIAM HORNER
MR HORNER HAS SPENT MOST OF HIS 21 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT. HE WAS PROMOTED SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1986 AND IS CURRENTLY SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, CRIME, FOR. THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGION.
MR LAU MAN-KWONG
MR LAU JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1957 AND WAS PROMOTED STATION SERGEANT IN 1978. HIS ENTIRE SERVICE HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH, PRINCIPALLY ON TRAFFIC-RELATED DUTIES. HE RETIRED IN NOVEMBER 1991.
MR JOSEPH LAW
MR LAW JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1962. HE HAS SERVED IN THE OPERATIONAL, FIRE PROTECTION AND HEADQUARTERS COMMANDS AND ATTENDED MANY MAJOR INCIDENTS. HE WAS PROMOTED SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1988.
MR LOO WING-LAM
MR LOO HAS SERVED IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR 26 YEARS AND WAS PROMOTED SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1987. HE HAS WORKED ; IN THE OPERATIONAL AND FIRE TRAINING COMMANDS AND WAS DEPUTY COMMANDANT OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
- 13 -
MR DAVID GORDON RONALD
MR RONALD HAS SERVED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF POSTS SINCE JOINING THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1969. THESE HAVE INCLUDED THE UNIFORM AND SPECIAL BRANCHES, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT, INSTRUCTIONAL AND STAFF DUTIES AND AIDE-DE-CAMP TO THE GOVERNOR. HE WAS PROMOTED SUPERINTENDENT IN 1982.
MR PAUL EUSTACE SMITH
MR SMITH JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1960 AND RETIRES IN FEBRUARY 1992. HE HAS SERVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF APPOINTMENTS, CONCENTRATING ON THE CRIME STREAM SINCE 1982. HE WAS PROMOTED SUPERINTENDENT IN 1977.
MR TSUNG PUI-YU
MR TSUNG HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH THROUGHOUT HIS 27 YEARS WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. HE HAS BEEN IN TRAFFIC FORMATIONS SINCE 1978 AND IN 1988 WAS MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING KOWLOON, THE BUSIEST TRAFFIC REGION. HE WAS PROMOTED CHIEF INSPECTOR IN 1983.
MR WONG FUK-KUEN
MR WONG JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN 1961 AND WAS PROMOTED STATION SERGEANT IN 1988. AFTER SEVEN YEARS IN THE UNIFORM BRANCH, HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DUTIES WHERE HE REMAINED UNTIL 1988 WHEN HE WAS POSTED TO THE NARCOTICS BUREAU.
MR WONG YING-CHUNG
MR WONG JOINED THE FORMER POLICE RESERVE IN 1958 AND WAS PROMOTED SUPERINTENDENT (AUXILIARY) IN 1986. HIS FULL TIME OCCUPATION IS AS AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, BUT AS AN AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY OPERATIONAL SITUATIONS. HE RETIRES FROM THE POLICE FORCE AT THE END OF JANUARY 1992.
MR WILLIAM RICHARD WORRALL
MR WORRALL HAS BEEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FOR 24 YEARS AND HAS SERVED IN THE UNIFORM, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND SPECIAL BRANCHES. HE WAS PROMOTED SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1987 AND HAS BEEN DISTRICT COMMANDER, ISLANDS, SINCE 1989.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
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BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHAN KAM-MAN
MR CHAN BECAME A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER AND AN AREA COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR WONG TAI SIN IN 1985. HE BECAME AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN IN 1989 AND WAS ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN IN 1991.
MR CHANG FOON-LAM
MR CHANG IS A MEMBER OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD. HE ftAS SERVED THE MA WAN COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS AS A VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE AND HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE MA WAN RURAL COMMITTEE SINCE 1985.
MR CHAU MUN
MR CHAU IS A SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER AND A MEMBER OF THE NAM CHEONG EAST AREA COMMITTEE. HE HAS BEEN VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND WAS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN IN 1990. HE IS ALSO ACTIVE IN INDUSTRIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING AFFAIRS.
MR CHENG FAI-NAM
MR CHENG BECAME VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE FUNG KING HOUSE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE IN 1978 AND CHAIRMAN IN 1986. HE WAS APPOINTED TO THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD IN 1988 AND IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG AREA COMMITTEE.
MR CHEUNG NIM-PING
MR CHEUNG HAS SERVED THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY SINCE 1981 AND WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN IN 1990. HE HAS ALSO TAKEN A KEEN INTEREST IN YOUTH ACTIVITIES, BECOMING PATRON OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS IN 1990.
MR RAYMOND CHOW WAI-KAM
MR CHOW BECAME A MEMBER OF THE TAI HANG/SO KON PO AREA COMMITTEE IN 1985. HE WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL AREA COMMITTEE FOR 1986 TO 1988 AND APPOINTED TO THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD IN 1988.
MR CHUNG YIN
MR CHUNG IS A MEMBER OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE. HE HAS ALSO BEEN DEEPLY INVOLVED WITH WELFARE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITES FOR YOUTH.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
MR HO KWOK-WING
MR HO IS SUPERINTENDENT AND HEADMASTER OF THE SHING TAK CENTRE OF THE SOCIETY OF BOYS' CENTRES, A POST HE ASSUMED IN 1964. HE HAS WORKED FOR 39 YEARS WITH BOYS WITH BEHAVIOUR AND FAMILY PROBLEMS.
MR LAI YU-WING
MR LAI HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH SPORT IN HONG KONG FOR OVER 30 YEARS. FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS HE HAS BEEN DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG AND HE HAS ALSO ACTED AS SECRETARY GENERAL.
MR MAK HON-KAI
MR MAK IS ONE OF THE FOUNDER MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES TEAM IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT. HE IS A SECONDARY SCHOOL VICE-PRINCIPAL AND HAS ENCOURAGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE AMS.
MR NG WAI-KWONG
A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN, MR NG BECAME A DIRECTOR OF THE YAN OI TONG IN 1987 AND IS NOW THE CHAIRMAN. HE HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN MANY OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES, INCLUDING CHAIRING THE TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
MR TAM WING-KUN
MR TAM HAD BEEN THE DIRECTOR OF THE LIONS CLUB OF MOUNT CAMERON AND IS ACTIVE IN MANY OTHER AREAS OF COMMUNITY WORK HE WAS APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD IN 1991.
MADAM TSANG WEI-FONG
MADAM TSANG WAS A MEMBER OF THE FORMER YAU MA TEI SOUTH AREA COMMITTEE FROM ITS INCEPTION IN 1972 AND HAS CONTINUED TO SERVE IN THE PRESENT FERRY POINT AREA COMMITTEE. SHE HAS ALSO BEEN ACTIVE IN THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY, AS CHAIRLADY OF THE YAU MA TEI (NORTH AND SOUTH AREAS) AND LATTERLY AS CHAIRLADY OF THE CENTRAL COUNCIL.
MR WONG PO-LAM
MR WONG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE CHAI WAN SOUTH AREA COMMITTEE SINCE 1983 AND ITS CHAIRMAN FROM 1985. HE WAS APPOINTED TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD IN 1991, AND IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS BOARD UNDER THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AND THE PANEL OF FILM CENSORSHIP ADVISORS.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30,1991
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MR YEUNG TAK-WAH
MR YEUNG IS THE SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR OF THE KOWLOON UNION CHURCH WAI JI TRAINING CENTRE, A RELATIVELY YOUNG VOLUNTARY AGENCY WHICH HAS DEVELOPED INTO ONE OF THE MAJOR SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.
OTHER AWARDS TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS DIPLOMATIC AND OVERSEAS LIST
MR CHOW YEI-CHING
MR CHOW IS THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CHEVALIER GROUP OF COMPANIES. HE IS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER BY PROFESSION AND FOUNDED CHEVALIER (HK) LIMITED IN 1970. HE IS ALSO A DIRECTOR OF YAN CHAI AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF CHARITY HOSPITALS. THE CHEVALIER GROUP HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR RAPIDLY INCREASING SALES OF BRITISH PRODUCTS.
MRS LILIAN NG KWAN MAN-CHUN
MRS NG IS A STAFF MEMBER OF THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION IN HONG KONG. SHE FIRST JOINED THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION AS A TYPIST. IN 1975 SHE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PROMOTED TO THE POSITION OF COMMERCIAL ASSISTANT. SHE IS THE LONGEST SERVING STAFF MEMBER AT THE COMMISSION.
MILITARY DIVISION
OBE
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN DAVID VYVYAN WOOLLEY OF HEADQUARTERS BRITISH HONG KONG
MBE
MAJOR ALLAN MILES PHILLIPS OF HEADQUARTERS 48 GURKHA INFANTRY BRIGADE, SEK KONG
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991
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BEM
STAFF SERGEANT SYLVIA GRAY, FORMERLY WORKING IN HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG, NOW IN UK.
SERGEANT MARK JAMES OF HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG
CORPORAL LALPRASAD GURUNG OF SECOND KING EDWARD VII'S OWN GURKHA
RIFLES (THE SIRMOOR RIFLES)
SERGEANT SIMON EDWIN THOMASSEN-KINSEY, FORMERLY WORKING IN 660 SQUADRON ARMY AIR CORPS IN SEK KONG, NOW IN UK.
SERGEANT TONG SHU-WAH OF HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS, NOW DISCHARGED.
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:
ATTENTION EDITORS OF NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES AND BROADCASTING STATIONS:
THE ABOVE ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE QUEEN'S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST WILL BE MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOURS GMT ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31.
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION.
THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS, OR FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THEIR CAREERS, OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991 i
, CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR ELEVATED TO PEERAGE ........................................... 1
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR ........................................ i
STATEMENT BY CHIEF SECRETARY SIR DAVID FORD ............................ 2
FULL TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW OF GOVERNOR ............................... 2
GOVERNOR PLEDGES TO BUILD FOR LONGER TERM FUTURE ....................... 9
HIGHER COMPENSATION FOR INJURED WORKERS ............................... 10
REMOVAL OF UNFAIR TREATMENT OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN PROPOSED ......... 11
SHOPS REMINDED TO DISPLAY GOLD AND PLATINUM MARKING ORDER NOTICES ... 13
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JANUARY TO MARCH ......................... 13
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ............................................ 14
CENTRAL AND WESTERN BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR ....................... 15
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO BE CLOSED .............................. 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND .................................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 17
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
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GOVERNOR ELEVATED TO PEERAGE *»***"
THE NEW YEAR’S HONOURS LIST PUBLISHED IN LONDON TODAY INCLUDES THE ELEVATION TO THE PEERAGE OF THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, SIR DAVID WILSON GCMG. NO 10 DOWNING STREET ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT IT WAS EXPECTED THAT SIR DAVID WILSON WOULD RETIRE FROM THE GOVERNORSHIP BEFORE THE END OF 1992. THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SIR DAVID WOULD HAVE SERVED AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG FOR FIVE YEARS NEXT APRIL, THAT HE HAD THE FULL CONFIDENCE OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT, THAT IT WAS NEVER THE INTENTION THAT HE SHOULD SERVE UNTIL 1997 AND THAT THE EXPECTATION WAS THAT HE WOULD RETIRE BEFORE THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
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PRESS STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR *****
BEING GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY AT THIS IMPORTANT TIME, HAS BEEN A RARE PRIVILEGE. I SHALL OF COURSE BE SORRY TO LEAVE.
THESE HAVE NOT BEEN EASY YEARS. BUT WE CAN ALL TAKE PRIDE IN THE FACT THAT DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES A GREAT DEAL HAS BEEN ACHIEVED. THE ECONOMY REMAINS BUOYANT. WE HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE. THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THEIR OWN HARD WORK AND SUCCESS.
J '
I HAVE PREVIOUSLY MADE IT . CLEAR THAT I DID NOT EXPECT TO REMAIN AS GOVERNOR RIGHT THROUGH TO 1997. WITH A CHANGE BEING INEVITABLE BEFORE THEN, IT MAKES A GREAT DEAL OF SENSE TO ALLOW THE NEW GOVERNOR ENOUGH TIME TO BECOME WELL ESTABLISHED.
THE TIMING OF MY DEPARTURE IS NOT YET FIXED, BUT I WILL BE HERE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS TO COME. DURING THAT TIME, I WILL BE WORKING WITH ALL MY ENERGY TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS AND WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THIS HAS BEEN MY CONSTANT CONCERN OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
I
THE GRANT OF A LIFE PEERAGE IS NOT ONLY A GREAT HONOUR, BUT WILL ALSO GIVE ME THE CHANCE TO TAKE A CLOSE INTEREST IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
~ 2 “
STATEMENT BY CHIEF SECRETARY SIR DAVID FORD *****
SIR DAVID WILSON IS A VERY FINE GOVERNOR AND ALL OF US IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL BE VERY SORRY TO SEE HIM LEAVE NEXT YEAR.
SIR DAVID IS A MAN OF UTMOST INTEGRITY WHO HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY FOR HONG KONG AND WE ARE FULL OF ADMIRATION FOR HIS STEADFAST LEADERSHIP DURING DIFFICULT TIMES.
HONG KONG’S MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS MUCH TO HIS EFFORTS. OF COURSE THERE IS MUCH STILL TO BE DONE, BUT DAVID CAN BE ASSURED OF THE LOYAL AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.
OWE
SIR
THE
_ _ J _ 0----------
FULL TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW OF GOVERNOR
******
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, COULD YOU TELL US WHAT HAS MADE YOU DECIDE TO RETIRE AT THIS POINT?
SIR DAVID: WELL THE DECISION IS A DECISION BY THE PRIME MINISTER RATHER THAN A DECISION BY ME. I THINK I HAVE ALWAYS MADE IT CLEAR THAT I WOULD GO ON SERVING IN HONG KONG, WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS, AS LONG AS I WAS ASKED TO DO SO. THE PRIME MINISTER HAS MADE A DECISION THAT IT WOULD BE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE GOVERNOR IN 1992, AND I CAN SEE THE POINT BECAUSE IF THERE IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER GOVERNOR BEFORE 1997, THEN IT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE TO BRING IN SOMEBODY EARLY ENOUGH SO THAT THEY CAN GET THEMSELVES WELL ESTABLISHED AND HAVE A GOOD PERIOD IN OFFICE AND THAT WILL GIVE THE NEW GOVERNOR FOUR-AND-A-HALF - FIVE YEARS IN OFFICE, AND THAT IS A GOOD PERIOD OF TIME TO GET WELL ESTABLISHED. •
QUESTION: ARE YOU SAYING THAT YOU WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SERVE LONGER IN HONG KONG?
SIR DAVID: NO, THE POINT I AM MAKING IS THAT THE DECISION IS ONE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER, NOT A DECISION FOR ME. I HAVE ALWAYS MADE IT VERY CLEAR IN PUBLIC THAT IF I WAS ASKED TO SERVE, I WOULD SERVE. BUT THE DECISION IS ONE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER TO TAKE AND IT IS VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE PRIME MINISTER HAS DECIDED THAT IF ONE PERSON - IF I AM NOT TO GO ON UNTIL 1997 - AND IT NEVER SEEMED LIKELY THAT I WOULD GO ON UNTIL 1997, I THINK I HAVE ALWAYS MADE THAT CLEAR IN PUBLIC TOO - THEN FOR THE PRIME MINISTER TO DECIDE THAT IN THAT CIRCUMSTANCES TO HAVE SOMEBODY WHO CAN COME IN EARLY ENOUGH TO GET WELL ESTABLISHED, THAT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE AND I CAN FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT.
/QUESTION: .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
- 3 -
QUESTION: WHAT SORT OF CANDIDXTE DO YOU THINK HONG KONG NEEDS AT THIS POINT?
SIR DAVID: THAT’S ALWAYS A TERRIBLY DIFFICULT QUESTION, ISN’T IT? YOU’RE SORT OF TRYING TO DRAW UP A CHECK LIST OF QUALITIES FOR A GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG - IT IS NOT EASY. YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE SOMEBODY WHO CAN LOOK AFTER THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG. IT IS A HIGHLY COMPLEX SOCIETY NOW, IT IS THE ELEVENTH LARGEST TRADING TERRITORY IN THE WORLD, IT IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT GLOBAL TRADING TERRITORY - SO THAT IS ONE SIDE, THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG, SOMEBODY WHO CAN DO THE ADMINISTRATION WELL. THEN PERHAPS MORE THAN MOST OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD, WE HAVE A SERIES OF QUITE DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS TO MANAGE. WE’VE GOT A CRUCIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AND THAT NEEDS GREAT CARE, CAREFUL MANAGEMENT - SOMEBODY WHO CAN DO THAT. WE HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE METROPOLITAN COUNTRY; AND WE HAVE THE HANDLING OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG, SO YOU NEED SOMEBODY WHO CAN MANAGE ALL OF THOSE THINGS. SO IT IS SOMEBODY WITH ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE AND WHO HAS GOT SOME SORT OF VISION AND ABILITY TO DEAL WITH LEADERS IN COUNTRIES LIKE CHINA, LEADERS OF COUNTRIES IN THE UK, AND OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. NOW THAT IS A CATALOGUE OF QUITE A LOT OF ATTRIBUTES AND ABILITIES AND YOU NEED SOMEBODY WHO CAN FULFIL AS MANY AS POSSIBLE OF THOSE.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, THERE ARE SO MANY SUGGESTIONS IN THE UK THAT YOUR SUCCESSOR IS MAY BE A HIGH PRESTIGE POLITICIAN, DO YOU THINK THIS IS A GOOD IDEA?
SIR DAVID: I THINK WHAT MATTERS - WHAT REALLY MATTERS - IS THE QUALITY OF THE PERSON, THE QUALITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL, NOT WHERE THEY COME FROM. I DON’T THINK THE SPECIFIC BACKGROUND OF A PERSON IS THE CRUCIAL THING, IT IS THE OVERALL QUALITIES OF THAT INDIVIDUAL AND THE SORT OF THINGS WE WERE TALKING ABOUT JUST NOW, HAVING THOSE SORT OF ABILITIES. NOW YOU CAN GET THAT SORT OF PERSON FROM A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND I DON’T, MYSELF, BELIEVE IT IS THE BACKGROUND THAT MATTERS, I BELIEVE IT IS THE QUALITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL THAT MATTERS.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, I THINK YOU WOULD AGREE THAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT SOUNDS VERY SUDDEN TO MOST OF US, CONSIDERING THAT YOU WERE SAYING IT IS SO REASONABLE TO CHANGE AT AN EARLIER TIME, WHY THE SUDDENNESS? WHY DID THERE SEEM TO BE A CHANGE OF MIND? ONLY VERY RECENTLY THE PRIME MINISTER WAS SAYING THAT THERE’S NO VACANCY FOR THE GOVERNORSHIP OF HONG KONG. THE SUDDENNESS MAKES US FEEL THAT THERE MIGHT BE SOME URGENCY; IS THERE ANY URGENT REASON WHY YOU MUST GO NOW?
SIR DAVID: I’M INTERESTED THAT YOU SAY IT ALL APPEARS SO SUDDEN BECAUSE AS I SIT IN MY CHAIR, AND AS I SIT AT MY DESK, I READ ENDLESS BITS OF NEWSPAPER SPECULATION AND INDEED TELEVISION SPECULATION, ABOUT ’IS THERE GOING TO BE A CHANGE OF THE GOVERNOR IN 1992?’ SO FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, IN THE SORT OF THINGS THAT I READ, I DON'T FIND THAT SUDDEN AT ALL. EVENTUALLY A DECISION HAS TO BE MADE: SHOULD THERE BE A CHANGE IN 1992 - SOMETIME SOON AFTER I HAVE DONE MY FIRST FIVE YEARS IN OFFICE. NOW WHEN THAT DECISION IS TAKEN, IT MAKES A GREAT DEAL OF SENSE, I BELIEVE, TO SAY SO, SO IT IS CLEAR. SO WE DON’T SIMPLY HAVE THE SPECULATION: 'WILL THE GOVERNOR BE CHANGING IN 1992’ OR 'WON’T THE GOVERNOR BE CHANGING IN 1992’? THAT IS CLEAR, A DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN, THE GOVERNORSHIP WILL CHANGE IN 1992 AND WE CAN ALL WORK WITH THAT BACKGROUND IN MIND.
/QUESTION: .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
QUESTION: WAS IT A SUDDEN DECISION - WERE YOU CONSULTED? WHEN DID YOU KNOW?
SIR DAVID: I HAVE BEEN AWARE THAT THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE A CHANGE IN 1992 AFTER MY FIRST FIVE YEARS IN OFFICE, I HAVE BREN AWARE THAT THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR SOME TIME. THE ACTUAL DECISION TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT NOW, THAT IS MUCH MORE RECENT BUT OF COURSE I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF IT.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, NOW THAT THE DECISION IS MADE WE HAVE A PERIOD WHEREBY WE DON’T KNOW WHO THE NEXT GOVERNOR IS. IS THAT ANNOUNCEMENT GOING TO BE MADE SOON - WITHIN A MATTER OF WEEKS, SAY?
SIR DAVID: THAT HAS GOT TO BE A MATTER FOR THE PRIME MINISTER RATHER THAN FOR ME. THE PRIME MINISTER, IN FACING THAT, HAS GOT TO LOOK AT THE BACKGROUND THAT HE HAS GOT, WHICH IS A GENERAL ELECTION COMING UP, AND I DON’T KNOW WHAT DECISION HE WILL TAKE ABOUT WHETHER TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE GENERAL ELECTION OR AFTERWARDS, BUT THAT IS THE BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH HE HAS TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM.
QUESTION: WILL IT CREATE DIFFICULTIES FOR YOU, BEING OUR GOVERNOR, IN CARRYING OUT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK?
SIR DAVID: WELL FROM MY POINT OF VIEW I WOULD PREFER, I THINK, IT TO BE CLEAR THAT THERE IS GOING TO BE A CHANGE IN 1992 AND KNOW THAT. WE ARE THEN LEFT WITH ONE HALF OF A TWO PART SPECULATION, IF YOU LIKE. WE’VE HAD TWO PARTS OF THE SPECULATION RECENTLY: SPECULATION THAT THE GOVERNOR MIGHT CHANGE IN 1992; SPECULATION ABOUT WHO MIGHT BE THE NEXT GOVERNOR. ALRIGHT, WE HAVE NOW GOT ONE HALF OF THE SPECULATION LEFT - THERE WILL BE A CHANGE IN 1992 - THERE IS STILL THE SPECULATION ABOUT WHO IT IS GOING TO BE. BUT THE OTHER POINT FOR ME IS - TO MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR - THAT ALTHOUGH I SHALL BE LEAVING HONG KONG IN 1992, AND OF COURSE I SHALL BE SAD TO LEAVE HONG KONG IN 1992 AND THAT GOES WITHOUT SAYING - I WON’T BE LEAVING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS YET, SO DON’T WRITE THE OBITUARIES YET. I WILL BE HERE FOR QUITE A FEW MONTHS AND I SHALL BE WORKING FLAT OUT DURING THOSE FEW MONTHS.
QUESTION: FORGIVE ME FOR BEING TACTLESS BUT HAVE YOU BEEN ASKED TO GO BECAUSE THE FOREIGN OFFICE IS UNHAPPY WITH THE WAY YOU HANDLED THE NEW AIRPORT?
SIR DAVID: I CERTAINLY WOULDN’T SEE IT LIKE THAT MYSELF, NO. I MEAN I FEEL NO REASON - YOU MIGHT LIKE ME TO SOUND SORT OF DEFENSIVE OR APOLOGETIC - I DON’T FEEL THAT IN THE SLIGHTEST ABOUT ANYTHING AT ALL THAT I HAVE BEEN DOING DURING MY PERIOD AS GOVERNOR; NO, I THINK THE CRUCIAL THING IS THAT IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A CHANGE BEFORE 1997 YOU HAVE GOT TO MAKE A DECISION - THE PRIME MINISTER HAS GOT TO MAKE A DECISION - OF WHEN SHOULD IT BE. SHOULD IT BE LATER ON OR SHOULD THERE BE A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME - SOMETHING CLOSE TO FIVE YEARS -FOR THE NEW GOVERNOR? AND THAT’S THE DECISION THAT HE HAS TAKEN.
QUESTION: IS THERE A CHANGE ALSO BECAUSE OF A NEED TO CHANGE THE RELATION WITH THE CHINESE LEADERS? THAT IS, AGAIN, HAVE YOU BEEN ASKED TO GO BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO SYMPATHETIC WITH CHINA?
/SIR DAVID: ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
5 1-
SIR DAVID: I DON’T BELIEVE SO MYSELF. OF COURSE I CAN’T LOOK INTO THE MINDS OF OTHER PEOPLE BUT I WOULD BE EXTREMELY SURPRISED IF THAT WAS THE SORT OF REASONING. I DO BELIEVE, MYSELF, THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG THAT WE SHOULD ESTABLISH A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA - WE’VE GOT TO. THERE IS GOING TO BE A CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997; CHINA MATTERS IMMENSELY TO EVERY ASPECT OF HONG KONG’S LIFE AND HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND I DO BELIEVE WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE A GOOD SENSIBLE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA, AND I AM SURE THAT ANYBODY WHO COMES HERE AS GOVERNOR WOULD HAVE THE SAME VIEW.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT THE EVENTS OF JUNE 4TH HAVE AT ALL CHANGED THE KIND OF JOB THAT THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG HAS TO DO?
SIR DAVID: I DON’T THINK 1 WOULD PICK ON ONE SINGLE EVENT AS CHANGING THE JOB. I DO BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG HAS CHANGED ENORMOUSLY OVER, LET’S SAY THE LAST 10 YEARS, AND JUNE THE 4TH WAS A VERY TRAUMATIC EVENT FOR ALL OF US BUT IT IS NOT JUST ONE SINGLE EVENT THAT CHANGES HONG KONG. WHAT HAS CHANGED IS THAT IT HAS BECOME MUCH MORE PROSPEROUS - WE ARE MORE PROSPEROUS PER HEAD OF POPULATION THAN MANY PLACES IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND THAT IS A HUGE CHANGE. A DYNAMIC ECONOMY - JUST LOOK ROUND FROM MY STUDY AT ALL THE BUILDINGS THAT ARE GOING UP - THAT HAS CHANGED. THE FUTURE, THE FACT THAT THERE IS GOING TO BE A CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY, THAT HAS CHANGED OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS, THE CHINA DIMENSION HAS CHANGED - SO I WOULDN’T PICK ON JUNE THE 4TH EVEN THOUGH THAT WAS A VERY DIFFICULT PERIOD TO HANDLE IN HONG KONG FOR EVERYBODY. I WOULDN’T PICK ON THAT SINGLE EVENT BUT I WOULD SAY THAT HONG KONG IS CHANGING THE WHOLE TIME AND THEREFORE THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG, THE SORT OF ROLE FOR A GOVERNOR, THAT IS ALWAYS CHANGING.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, IT HAS BEEN AN EVENTFUL FIVE YEARS, IS
THERE ONE PARTICULAR ISSUE THAT YOU WOULD HAVE HANDLED DIFFERENTLY,
WITH HINDSIGHT?
SIR DAVID: IT IS ALWAYS A VERY DIFFICULT QUESTION TO ANSWER
THAT BECAUSE I WOULD NEVER WANT TO SUGGEST THAT EVERYTHING THAT I DO
IS PERFECT - IT WOULD BE EXTRAORDINARY IF THAT WAS THE CASE - BUT LOOKING BACK ON WHAT HAS HAPPENED, WHAT REALLY STRIKES ME IS THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN FACED WITH TREMENDOUS PROBLEMS OVER THOSE FIVE YEARS, QUITE EXTRAORDINARY ONES, AND YET NOT ONLY HAVE WE SURVIVED THEM, WE HAVE COME THROUGH THEM EXTRAORDINARILY WELL; AND THIS PLACE IS STILL GROWING FAST, THE ECONOMY IS DOING WELL, PEOPLE’S LIVING IS BETTER, WE
ARE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE - LIKE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, THE AIRPORT
. AND SO ON. I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF, IT IS
NOT ME ALONE, BUT I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH WHAT HONG KONG HAS
ACHIEVED DURING THAT PERIOD.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, TO GO BACK TO THE QUESTION OF YOUR SUCCESSOR, AS YOU HAVE MENTIONED, THERE WILL BE A GENERAL ELECTION -AND THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE LABOUR PARTY WILL GET POWER; WE HAVE JUST INTERVIEWED THE LABOUR PARTY SPOKESMAN GEORGE FOULKES AND HE SAID IF LABOUR GET INTO POWER THEY WILL APPOINT A LABOUR GUY TO BE THE NEW GOVERNOR AND THEY WILL MAYBE SPEED UP THE PHASING OF DEMOCRATISATION IN HONG KONG. DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE A GOOD IDEA FOR HONG KONG TO HAVE SUCH CHANGE?
/SIR DAVID: ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
- 6 -
SIR DAVID: I DIDN’T HEAR THE PARTICULAR INTERVIEW MYSELF, SO I WON’T COMMENT ON WHAT WAS ACTUALLY SAID. THE TYPE OF GOVERNOR WHO COMES TO HONG KONG - IN A WAY THAT IS LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE SORT OF ISSUES THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL FACE - AND ANY GOVERNOR, WHOEVER IT IS, WILL FACE THE SAME SORT OF ISSUES AND I THINK WILL FACE THE SAME NEED TO HAVE STABLE POLICIES IN HONG KONG, STEADY EVOLUTION IN HONG KONG, THOSE ARE THE THINGS WHICH I BELIEVE ARE CRUCIAL FOR HONG KONG.
QUESTION: DO YOU AGREE THAT A TOUGH GUY CAN GET MORE FROM CHINA?
SIR DAVID: DEALING WITH CHINA IS ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG AND THAT RELATIONSHIP, AS I WAS SAYING JUST NOW, IS ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT. I DON’T, MYSELF, BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN PRODUCE SIMPLE ANSWERS AND SAY ONE PARTICULAR WAY OF APPROACHING IT IS GOING TO PRODUCE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT RESULTS FROM ANOTHER WAY. THAT JUST ISN’T THE CASE, THERE ARE CERTAIN BASIC FACTS THERE WHICH HAVE TO BE HANDLED. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE TO BE HANDLED WITH GREAT CARE, TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BASIC PROBLEMS ARE, TRYING TO PUT ACROSS TO CHINA WHAT HONG KONG’S NEEDS ARE, TRYING TO UNDERSTAND, TOO, WHERE CHINA HAS ITS OWN ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IT HAS TO FACE; BUILDING UP THAT SORT OF AN UNDERSTANDING RELATIONSHIP, I THINK THAT’S THE CRUCIAL THING.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, DURING THE EVENTS OF JUNE THE 4TH YOU TOOK A VERY BOLD STAND. DO YOU, WITH HINDSIGHT, REGRET THAT STAND?
SIR DAVID: NO, I DON’T AT ALL. NO, I DON’T IN THE SLIGHTEST. JUNE THE 4TH, OR THE WHOLE PERIOD OF MAY-JUNE, WAS A VERY DIFFICULT PERIOD HERE IN HONG KONG. I DON’T REGRET THE SORT OF THINGS THAT I SAID THEN, I BELIEVED THEM, I STILL DO BELIEVE THEM. THE SORT OF MEASURES THAT WE TOOK TO TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINED STABLE, THAT IT LOOKED TO THE LONG-TERM FUTURE, THOSE I THINK WERE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT AND I CERTAINLY WOULDN’T REGRET THEM. WE WERE TRYING, IF YOU REMEMBER RIGHTLY, IN 1989, TO LOOK FORWARD, TO SHOW THAT ALTHOUGH DRAMATIC AND TERRIBLE EVENTS WERE HAPPENING IN PEKING AT THAT TIME, WE WERE NOT SIMPLY GOING TO GIVE UP IN HONG KONG, WE WERE GOING TO LOOK TO THE LONGER TERM FUTURE. THAT, I BELIEVE WAS RIGHT AND I DON’T REGRET THAT AT ALL.
QUESTION: A LOT OF PROBLEMS CAME OUT OF JUNE 4TH INCLUDING THE ACCUSATION THAT HONG KONG IS SUBVERSIVE, INCLUDING THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE, INCLUDING YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT TO LEGCO OF THE NEW AIRPORT - A LOT OF PROBLEMS STEM FROM THAT DATE - DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD HAVE HANDLED IT DIFFERENTLY?
SIR DAVID: WHAT, IF I COULD LOOK BACK THROUGH THE YEARS AHEAD?
QUESTION: YES, INDEED.
/SIR DAVID: .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
SIR DAVID: I DOUBT IT VERY MUCH. I DO BELIEVE IT WAS RIGHT AT THAT TIME TO BE LOOKING FOR THE FUTURE, NOT TO LIMIT OUR OWN HORIZONS EITHER TO 1989 OR TO 1997, TO SAY, DESPITE ' EVERYTHING THAT WAS HAPPENING, HONG KONG WAS GOING TO GO ON AND HONG KONG WAS GOING TO PROSPER. SO, ANNOUNCE A POLICY ON EXPANDING EDUCATION - I BELIEVE THAT WAS RIGHT; ANNOUNCE LONG-TERM INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS LIKE THE AIRPORT - I BELIEVE THAT WAS RIGHT. I DON’T THINK, EVEN LOOKING BACK NOW, THAT THOSE WERE THE WRONG DECISIONS. I BELIEVE, NOW, THAT THEY ARE LAYING THE RIGHT SORT OF FOUNDATIONS FOR A PROSPEROUS HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE, WAY AFTER 1997.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, THERE ARE SO MANY RUMOURS, SAY IN THE UK, SAYING THAT YOU DON’T HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE BUSINESS CIRCLES IN UK, LIKE JARDINES, SO THEY ALWAYS PROPOSED TO REPLACE YOU. DO YOU THINK THAT THE NEW GOVERNOR NEEDS TO BUILD UP A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE BUSINESSMEN IN UK?
, SIR DAVID: WELL. AS I WOULD SEE IT - AND I WOULD DISREGARD ALL THESE SORT OF RUMOURS INCIDENTALLY - AS I WOULD SEE IT, WHAT MATTERS IN HONG KONG IS THAT WE ARE AN OPEN ECONOMY, A COMPETITIVE ECONOMY -SOMETIMES THE WORD USED IS A LEVEL ’PLAYING-FIELD’ AND IT’S NOT A BAD WORD - ’PLAYING-FIELD’ MAY BE WRONG, IT IS QUITE A SERIOUS BUSINESS; BUT IT SHOULD BE LEVEL, IT SHOULD BE A PLACE IN WHICH EVERYBODY COMPETES FREELY, THAT IS WHAT HAS MADE HONG KONG SO SUCCESSFUL. AND INCIDENTALLY, BRITAIN’S WILLINGNESS TO ALLOW HONG KONG, A DEPENDENT TERRITORY, TO LOOK AFTER ITS OWN ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, ENTIRELY LOOK AFTER ITS OWN AFFAIRS AUTONOMOUSLY, THAT I THINK IS A GREAT CREDIT TO BRITAIN OVER THE YEARS AND THAT IS WHAT HAS HELPED TO MAKE HONG KONG SO SUCCESSFUL - COMPETITION.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, CHINA HAS BEEN CONSULTED ON A LOT OF THINGS IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS, WOULD CHINA BE SOUNDED OUT ON THESE CANDIDATES FOR THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE?
SIR DAVID: I THINK THE DECISION HAS TO BE SEEN AS ONE WHICH IS - IT IS FOR THE QUEEN IN FORMAL TERMS - BUT IT IS FOR THE PRIME MINISTER TO ADVISE THE QUEEN AND I THINK HE HAS TO TAKE THAT DECISION, AND I DON’T SEE THAT FORMAL CONSULTATION OF OTHER PEOPLE - FORMAL CONSULTATION OF ANYBODY LIKE CHINA, OR FORMAL CONSULTATION IN HONG KONG FOR THAT MATTER - I DON’T THINK THAT IS APPROPRIATE. NOW IF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG OR ANYWHERE ELSE WISH TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON WHO WOULD BE THE RIGHT SORT OF GOVERNOR, I’M SURE THEY WILL DO SO -PEOPLE ARE NEVER SLOW TO PUT FORWARD THEIR OWN VIEWS - BUT THE ACTUAL DECISION, I THINK, HAS TO BE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER TO ADVISE THE QUEEN AND WITHOUT FORMAL CONSULTATION OF OTHER PEOPLE.
QUESTION: THERE’S SOME LE'GCO GUYS THAT WANT TO DISCUSS IN THE IN-HOUSE MAYBE THIS FRIDAY ABOUT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW GOVERNOR - THAT MEANS YOU WILL THINK SUCH TYPE OF DISCUSSION IS JUST A FRUITLESS DISCUSSION?
SIR DAVID: I DIDN’T QUITE SAY THAT, DID I? I SAID THAT FORMAL CONSULTATION IN HONG KONG OR ELSEWHERE DOESN’T SEEM TO ME TO BE APPROPRIATE, IT HAS TO BE THE PRIME MINISTER ADVISING THE QUEEN.
IF PEOPLE WANT TO DISCUSS THE SUBJECT, OF COURSE THEY CAN DISCUSS THE SUBJECT AND OF COURSE THEY WILL; NO ONE WOULD WISH TO STOP PEOPLE DISCUSSING THE SUBJECT, NO ONE WOULD WISH TO STOP. PEOPLE PUTTING FORWARD THEIR OWN VIEWS. I’M SURE THEY WILL DO THAT AND IT IS QUITE RIGHT THAT THEY SHOULD DO SO.
/QUESTION: .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
- 8 -
QUESTION: HOWEVER, SIR DAVID, IT IS FELT BY A LOT' OF PEOPLE THAT THIS CHANGE OF GOVERNORSHIP, ESPECIALLY AT THIS POINT IN TIME, IS MUCH MORE TO THE CONVENIENCE OF UK POLITICIANS THAN FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG. DO YOU THINK THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD BE JUSTIFIED TO A CERTAIN EXTENT IN THINKING SO?
SIR DAVID: TO ME, THE KEY THING IS, IF YOU ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE GOVERNOR BEFORE 1997 WHEN SHOULD IT BE DONE, AND OBVIOUSLY THAT IS ARGUABLE - WHAT IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO IT? BUT THERE IS A GOOD CASE, AS I WAS SAYING EARLIER, FOR CHANGING EARLY ENOUGH FOR A NEW GOVERNOR TO GET WELL ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG AND THAT IS SOMETHING FOR THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG,- IT IS NOT NECESSARILY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF BRITISH POLITICIANS.
QUESTION: THEN WHY DID JOHN MAJOR NOT TELL HONG KONG PEOPLE THIS WHEN HE WAS ASKED THE QUESTION NOT SO LONG AGO?
SIR DAVID: HE SAID, IF I REMEMBER RIGHTLY, AND YOU QUOTED IT EARLIER, THAT THERE WAS NO VACANCY TO THE GOVERNORSHIP WHEN HE WAS ASKED THE QUESTION AND THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY TRUE, AND I THINK THAT WAS BACK IN SEPTEMBER. WHEN HE FINALLY MADE UP HIS MIND THAT HE WOU^D LIKE TO SEE A CHANGE, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT HE CAN ANSWER RATHER THAN ME, BUT AT SOME STAGE THE ANNOUNCEMENT HAS GOT TO BE MADE. FOR A LONG PERIOD BEFORE THAT, CLEARLY YOU CAN’T MAKE THAT SORT OF ANNOUNCEMENT, THERE HAS TO BE A POINT WHEN THERE IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT. AS I WAS SAYING, THERE IS A LOT OF ADVANTAGE IN MAKING IT CLEAR WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE. WE ALL KNOW THE SITUATION - AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED I AM HERE FOR MANY MONTHS TO COME AND I SHALL NOT BE SLACKING OFF IN WHAT I AM DOING SIMPLY BECAUSE I SHALL BE LEAVING IN 1992, I SHALL BE CONTINUING WORKING VERY HARD IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: CAN YOU TELL US, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR REMAINING MONTHS IN HONG KONG?
SIR DAVID: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THESE ENORMOUS PROGRAMMES THAT WE’VE GOT FOR THE LONG-TERM FUTURE GO AHEAD AS PLANNED ON SCHEDULE. BY THAT I MEAN THE EXPANSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION, THE AIRPORT OF COURSE, AND THAT IS GOING TO BE ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG; OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS, ALL OUR OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT TOO. TRYING TO IMPROVE IN A VERY BROAD SENSE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THAT MEANS NOT JUST SIMPLE THINGS LIKE ’ARE THE STREETS’ CLEAN?’ - ALTHOUGH THOSE ARE IMPORTANT - IT MEANS BUILDING FOR THE LONG-TERM FUTURE, BUILDING FOR THE EDUCATION OF PEOPLE, BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT A REALLY SUCCESSFUL HONG KONG POST-1997 IS GOING TO NEED. I WANT TO BE HERE PUSHING THOSE THINGS, MAKING SURE THEY KEEP ON SCHEDULE, MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS NO SLACKENING OFF OF EFFORT IN THE ADMINISTRATION.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, WHICH PROBLEM DO YOU THINK YOUR SUCCESSOR, THE NEW GOVERNOR, WILL FACE IN THE COMING FUTURE APPROACHING 1997?
SIR DAVID: WHICH SINGLE PROBLEM?
/QUESTION: .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
QUESTION: YES. -
SIR DAVID: I THINK IF HE FEELS THAT THERE IS ONE SINGLE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, HE’D MAKE A MISTAKE BECAUSE THERE ARE A MASS —
QUESTION: YES, SO WHAT’S THE MAJOR PROBLEM?
SIR DAVID: -- WELL I THINK YOU HAVE GOT TO REMEMBER THE WHOLE TIME THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT THINGS THAT HAVE GOT TO BE DEALT WITH AND TO CONCENTRATE ON ONE SINGLE THING WOULD BE A MISTAKE. THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA IS VERY IMPORTANT; MANAGING THE ADMINISTRATION, KEEPING UP MORALE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AS WE MOVE TOWARDS 1997 IS VERY IMPORTANT; HANDLING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AND THE LEGISLATURE, LEGCO, THAT IS GOING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT; BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION, ALL OF THAT IS GOING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT. AND, THE LAST POINT, GOING AROUND THE WORLD AND EXPLAINING TO PEOPLE THAT THIS PLACE IS NOT ON ITS LAST LEGS, THAT IT IS A VERY DYNAMIC PLACE, THAT IT IS A PLACE WELL WORTHWHILE INVESTING IN AND TRADING WITH, THAT IS IMPORTANT TOO. NOW ANYBODY WHO PICKS ONE OF THOSE AND ONLY DOES ONE, WOULD BE WRONG, WOULDN’T THEY? IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP ALL OF THESE THINGS IN VIEW.
QUESTION: SIR DAVID, ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE, HAVE YOU HAD TIME TO THINK WHAT HIGHER AND BETTER THINGS YOU WOULD BE GOING TO AFTER HONG KONG?
SIR DAVID: I HAVEN’T HAD MUCH TIME TO THINK. THE ONE POINT I WOULD MAKE ON THAT IS ONE WHICH I’VE ALWAYS MADE, AND I MADE BEFORE I CAME HERE, WHICH IS I WOULD NOT WISH TO GO ON TO DO SOME OTHER DIPLOMATIC JOB. I DON’T WISH TO, I DON’T EXPECT TO - GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, FOR ME IS THE HEIGHT OF MY OFFICIAL CAREER - SO I SHALL HAVE TO FIND SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DO BUT WHAT IT WILL BE I HAVE NOT THOUGHT ABOUT, AND I DOUBT VERY MUCH WHETHER I SHALL BE THINKING MUCH ABOUT IT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS - I SHALL BE FAR TOO BUSY HERE.
QUESTION: WILL YOU GO TO OXFORD?
SIR DAVID: THAT I SIMPLY DON’T KNOW. I DON’T KNOW WHAT I SHALL DO. I AM GOING TO CONCENTRATE ON WORKING IN HONG KONG FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
_ _ 0 - -
GOVERNOR PLEDGES TO BUILD FOR LONGER TERM FUTURE
******
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON:
"AS WE LOOK BACK AT THIS PAST YEAR WE CAN SEE THAT HONG KONG MADE SOLID PROGRESS DURING 1991. AS A COMMUNITY, WE CAN LOOK FORWARD IN 1992 TO MAINTAINING OUR RECORD OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENT.
/OUR ECONOMIC
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
- 10 -
OUR ECONOMIC PROSPECTS HAVE IMPROVED, AND THE OVERALL RATE OF GROWTH HAS PICKED UP. THIS IS ENCOURAGING. THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAINTAIN ITS TRIED-AND-TESTED FORMULA FOR PROSPERITY: A COMPETITIVE MARKET ECONOMY, WITH LOW TAXES AND MINIMAL RED TAPE, IN WHICH PROTECTION OF THE COMMUNITY’S INTERESTS DOES NOT HINDER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFITABLE BUSINESS GROWTH.
THE GOVERNMENT ENTERS THE NEW YEAR DETERMINED TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF PLANNING FOR THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE WELL-BEING AND FIRMLY COMMITTED TO ITS SOCIAL AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES. IN THE COMING YEAR, WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING FURTHER ADVANCES IN THE WELFARE FIELD, PARTICULARLY IN PROGRAMMES FOR THE DISABLED. WE MUST ALSO STRENGTHEN OUR EFFORTS TO FIGHT CRIME AND KEEP OUR CITY SAFE. AND WE MUST BUILD FOR THE LONGER TERM FUTURE BY MOVING AHEAD .STEADILY WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF OUR NEW AIRPORT AND WITH OUR INVESTMENT IN A BETTER TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE.
1991 SAW SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EVOLUTION OF OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE HAVE A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS AND AN ELECTED MAJORITY. ALL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THE EFFORTS THAT WE AS A COMMUNITY MAKE TO MAINTAIN THE PROSPERITY AND WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE.
AS WE STAND ON THE THRESHOLD OF 1992, MY FAMILY AND I WISH ALL OF YOU A PEACEFUL, HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR."
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HIGHER COMPENSATION FOR INJURED WORKERS ******
COMPENSATION WILL GO UP BY ABOUT 28 PER CENT FOR EMPLOYEES INJURED OR KILLED AT WORK OR INCAPACITATED BY PNEUMOCONIOSIS ON OR AFTER TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR ALFRED CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE NEW LEVELS OF COMPENSATION ARE STIPULATED IN THE LATEST AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCES.
"THE INCREASES HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT
INFLATION AND OTHER CHANGES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS
WAGE MOVEMENTS, " MR CHAN ADDED.
COMPENSATION TO DEPENDANTS OF EMPLOYEES KILLED IN WORK ACCIDENTS WILL INCREASE TO $542,000 AS A MAXIMUM, AND $183,000 AS A MINIMUM.
FOR WORKERS SUFFERING PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY, THEIR MAXIMUM COMPENSATION WILL BE RAISED TO $620,000 WHILE THE MINIMUM WILL GO UP TO $207,000. THE ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE REQUIRING CONSTANT ATTENTION WILL RISE TO $248,000.
/ALSO BURIAL .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
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ALSO BURIAL EXPENSES FOR EMPLOYEES KILLED AT WORK AND THE MAXIMUM DAILY RATE FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES WILL BE $10,000 AND $90 RESPECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, THE CEILING OF ADVANCE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO INJURED WORKERS OR TO DEPENDANTS OF DECEASED WORKERS WILL GO UP TO $28,000.
MEANWHILE, THE. MINIMUM SURCHARGE FOR LATE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION BY EMPLOYERS HAS BEEN REVISED TO MAINTAIN ITS DETERRENT EFFECT.
THE SURCHARGE WILL BE INCREASED TO $300 UPON EXPIRY OF THE PAYMENT PERIOD, AND TO $600 WHERE COMPENSATION REMAINS UNPAID THREE MONTHS AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE.
AS REGARDS THE ALLOWANCES TO HELP VICTIMS OF WORK ACCIDENTS TO ACQUIRE PROSTHESES OR SURGICAL APPLIANCES, THE MAXIMUM COSTS OF SUPPLYING AND FITTING SUCH ITEMS WILL BE RAISED TO $20,000, AND THOSE OF REPAIRING AND RENEWING TO $62,000.
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REMOVAL OF UNFAIR TREATMENT OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN PROPOSED ******
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THE ELIMINATION OF THE DISTINCTIONS DRAWN BY THE LAW BETWEEN LEGITIMATE AND ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, POINTED OUT THAT THE LAW AT PRESENT TREATED ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN DIFFERENTLY IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT AREAS.
"THE COMMISSION TAKES THE VIEW THAT THIS IS UNFAIR BECAUSE THE TARGET OF THE DISCRIMINATIONS IS NOT HIMSELF RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MISCONDUCT.
"IN BROAD TERMS, THE COMMISSON’S PROPOSALS SEEK TO REMOVE AS FAR AS IS PRACTICABLE THE LEGAL DISADVANTAGES WHICH AT PRESENT ATTACH TO ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN," MR MATHEWS SAID.
THE COMMISSION’S REPORT ON ILLEGITIMACY, WHICH IS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY), IS THE RESULT OF SOME TWO YEARS’ WORK. A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION IN AUGUST 1990 REVEALED OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR A CHANGE IN THE LAW ALONG THE LINES PROPOSED.
THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD SHOULD HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS TO SUCCEED TO HIS PARENTS’ PROPERTY ON DEATH AS LEGITIMATE CHILDREN.
/THE COMMISSION ......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
- 12 -
THE COMMISSION HAS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE SAME RANGE OF COURT ORDERS RELATING TO MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS FOR THE CHILD BY THE PARENTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALL CHILDREN, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE LEGITIMATE OR ILLEGITIMATE.
IT HAS PROPOSED THAT AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD SHOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY TO COURT FOR A DECLARATION OF HIS PATERNITY, A COURSE NOT OPEN TO HIM AS THE LAW STANDS NOW.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT ARGUE FOR THE ADOPTION IN HONG KONG OF LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS CLARIFYING THE COURT’S POWERS TO ORDER THE TAKING OF BLOOD SAMPLES IN CASES WHERE PATERNITY IS IN DISPUTE.
THE COMMISSION ALSO DISCUSSES CHILDREN BORN BY ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION.
UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, A CHILD BORN BY ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY A DONOR OTHER THAN THE HUSBAND IS ILLEGITIMATE.
THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT SUCH A CHILD SHOULD BE TREATED AS THE CHILD OF THE WOMAN AND HER HUSBAND, UNLESS IT IS SHOWN THAT THE HUSBAND HAS NOT CONSENTED TO THE INSEMINATION.
WHILE THE COMMISSION PROPOSES IN GENERAL THAT THE LAW SHOULD TREAT CHILDREN ALIKE, IT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED THAT IN THE INTERESTS OF THE CHILD THERE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE SOME DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PARENTS IN RESPECT OF THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES THEY POSSESS.
THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CHILD’S MOTHER SHOULD ENJOY PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AUTOMATICALLY, BUT THAT THE FATHER SHOULD HAVE THOSE RIGHTS BY VIRTUE OF MARRIAGE TO THE CHILD’S MOTHER OR BY A COURT ORDER.
THE COMMISSION HAS ENVISAGED THAT A COURT ORDER WOULD BE READILY GRANTED WHERE, FOR INSTANCE, THE UNMARRIED FATHER WAS COHABITING WITH THE MOTHER.
THE COMMISSION FELT THAT SUCH AN APPROACH COULD BEST ENSURE THE CHILD’S WELFARE WHILE KEEPING TO A MINIMUM THE DIFFERENCES IN TREATMENT OF THE PARENTS.
IT IS HOPED THAT A BILL EMBODYING THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
13 -
SHOPS REMINDED TO DISPLAY GOLD AND PLATINUM MARKING ORDER NOTICES ******
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED JEWELLERY SHOP OPERATORS TO ENSURE THAT THE GOLD AND PLATINUM MARKING ORDER NOTICES ARE DISPLAYED IN THEIR SHOPS AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
THE REMINDER CAME AFTER AN OPERATION BY THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU (TSIB) YESTERDAY ON 50 JEWELLERY SHOPS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY. THIRTEEN OF THE SHOPS WERE FOUND TO HAVE FAILED TO DISPLAY THE REQUIRED NOTICES.
DEPUTY HEAD OF TSIB, MR C.K. WONG, SAID THE OWNERS OF THESE SHOPS WILL BE PROSECUTED.
HE SAID THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE IS $100,000 FINE PLUS TWO YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT.
"THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CONDUCT SIMILAR CHECKS FROM TIME TO TIME AND THERE WILL BE NO LET UP IN THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORT AGAINST VIOLATION OF THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT," MR WONG STRESSED.
UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (.MARKING) (GOLD AND GOLD ALLOY) ORDER 1984 AND THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (MARKING) (PLATINUM) ORDER 1988 OF THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, A SHOP IS REQUIRED" TO DISPLAY THE MARKING ORDER NOTICES IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE OF ITS SHOP PREMISES WHERE GOLD OR PLATINUM ARTICLES ARE ON SALE, HE EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THE GOLD MARKING ORDER NOTICE OR THE PLATINUM MARKING ORDER NOTICE SHOULD INDICATE THAT EVERY ARTICLE OF GOLD, GOLD ALLOY OR PLATINUM DISPLAYED FOR SALE SHOULD BEAR A MARK INDICATING THE FINENESS OF THE GOLD OR PLATINUM CONTENT.
"UNDER THE LAW, CONSUMERS ARE ENTITLED TO THE SUPPLY OF DETAILED INVOICES OF THEIR PURCHASE AS REFERENCE IN CASE OF DISPUTE OR LITIGATION," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JANUARY TO MARCH ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY DURING THE QUARTER FROM JANUARY TO MARCH 1992 TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
THE SURVEY HAS BEEN CONDUCTED ON A MONTHLY BASIS SINCE AUGUST 1981.
/THIS TIME.........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
14
THIS TIME, THE SURVEY ALSO INCLUDES QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, USE OF. TELEVISION AND VIDEO-CASSETTE RECORDERS, OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY, RIGHT OF RESIDENCE ABROAD AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT.
SOME 4,500 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED AT RANDOM EACH MONTH FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.
ABOUT 50 PER CENT 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, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, 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 GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY, WILL VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART IIIA OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AS GAZETTED ON JANUARY 19, 1990.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED AT HOI YU STREET, QUARRY BAY.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,825 SQUARE METRES AND IS DESIGNATED FOR STORAGE (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS, DANGEROUS GOODS AND DUSTY MATERIAL) AND/OR WASTE PAPER COLLECTING AND SORTING AND/OR OPEN PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS) AND/OR CARGO HANDLING (EXCLUDING THE USE OF CONTAINERS).
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE OTHER SITE IS LOCATED AT SHAM TSENG, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES. .
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,179 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EARMARKED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS) CURRENTLY LICENSED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT FOR USE ON PUBLIC STREETS AND ROADS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
/THE TENANCY .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
- 15 -
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 17, NEXT YEAR.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
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CENTRAL AND WESTERN BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
RESIDENTS IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, PARTICULARLY THOSE LIVING IN SAI YING PUN, ARE URGED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 2) EVENING IF THEY WISH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT RESIDENTS OF OTHER. DISTRICTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND.
THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM AT THE CARITAS CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE, THIRD STREET, SHEK TONG TSUI.
’’PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS THE COMMON PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTIES IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND TO SEEK ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONALS IN RELATED FIELDS.
’’THOSE WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH THE UPKEEPING OF THEIR PROPERTIES INCLUDING THEIR VALUES SHOULD ATTEND,” HE SAID.
AMONG THE PANELISTS WILL BE THE HEAD OF THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, HOUSING MANAGER MR LEE CHI-SHING AND A DEPARTMENTAL MANAGER OF FUJITEC (HONG KONG) LTD, MR EDMUND LAU.
THEY WILL SPEAK ON BUILDING MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS THE OPERATION AND SAFETY OF LIFTS IN MULTI-STOREY BLOCKS RESPECTIVELY.
THE SEMINAR IS ONE OF THE TWO SIMILARS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SAI YING PUN AREA COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
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/16 ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31,
1991
- 16 -
UNAUTHORISED BUILDIHG 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 FIFTH FLOOR AND THE ROOF ABOVE THE FIFTH FLOOR OF 93 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 5 NEXT YEAR HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE PREMISES.
THE DEMOLITION WORKS WILL START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND HKEG
* * * * »
TENDER DATE 31 DEC 91 31 DEC 91
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q201 Y285
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,232 MN HKD 570 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.89 PCT 4.37 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.98 PCT 4.39 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 27 PCT 100 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.96 PCT 4.44 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
HKEH
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE
WEEK BEGINNING 6 JANUARY
1992 -
TENDER DATE 7 JAN 92 7 JAN 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q202 H255
ISSUE DATE 8 JAN 92 8 JAN 92
MATURITY DATE 8 APR 92 8 JUL 92
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKS500 + 100 MN HK$200 + 60 MN
’ 0
/17........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1991
- 17 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT* EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * * ♦ *
DATE $ MILLION
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ON 30.12.91 500
EFFECT OF FORWARDS TO BE SETTLED ON 31.12.91 NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS MORNING NEUTRAL
EFFECT OF OPERATIONS THIS AFTERNOON NEUTRAL
TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX 109.2 »-0.2* 31.12.91
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.10 PCT 23 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.00 5.18
1 MONTH 3.80 PCT
3 MONTHS 3.80 PCT
6 MONTHS 3.95 PCT
12 MONTHS 4.30 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,203 MN
CLOSED 31 DECEMBER 1991
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